It’s been well over a year since my last post of All Things HF mostly due to the diminishing sunspot cycle 24 and the arrival of the new sunspot cycle 25. During this time period we were in what is referred to as a ‘minimum’ as related to HF radio signals.
The high bands, with the exception of 20-meters, were almost unusable for the purpose of DX operations. Within the past several weeks there has been increased activity allowing for some interesting DX into Europe, Central and South America and Mexico on 15, 17 and 20-meters.
Sunspot numbers continue to be low as is the solar flux index (low 70’s) but promising for near future good DX conditions.
During this past year I’ve spent most of my operating DX on the 40-meter band. Several weeks ago, in the wee hours after calling CQ for several minutes, I was rewarded with a weak but workable signal from the Island of Guadalupe (FG). Once again, calling CQ has proven that you cannot be heard while listening.
In the meantime, I’ve been honing my CW skills in preparation for the good times ahead on the HF bands. Whatever the
mode you use on the bands, call CQ because someone somewhere is listening for your call…don’t disappoint them.
So long for now from my station in Huntersville to yours,
Best 73 es gud DX
Bob WØZPE