Why I like VKV? Because it provides types of propagation, which can surprise. In this round of VKV PA I made three connections using airplane scatter. Imagine, that you agree on a sked, rotate the antenna, you tune the frequency… and nothing. The signal does not pass. However, it will appear in a few seconds. The connection succeeds and then the signal disappears. Yes, that's VKV.
A view from a distance shows the village of Brestovec in the fog. However, it is only cloudy and pleasant weather on the hill. Rarely is the weather so pleasant in front of VKV PA. So thumbs up to such weather! Since summer time gives more time for preparation, this time I am building two antenna systems: 4x 5-element DK7ZB yagi and one fixed 8-element DK7ZB yagi fixed to the azimuth approx. 330 degrees.
I find out before the contest, that HA8ET preamplifier does not work. Damage. It is a valuable helper. I need to look at the cause of the malfunction and eliminate it.
At the very beginning of VKV PA, Peťo writes OM8WG from OM3KSI. Even though I'm calling him, that's what other stations call too. I'm giving them a notice if they won't hear OM3KSI. After a few minutes, the signal actually goes off OM3KSI appears and the connection is a matter of time. However, the other stations did not hear OM3KSI.
The conditions for propagation appear to be poor. Several stations on the band mention it. I'm struggling a bit to connect with YT1WP, but thanks to his patience we will also complete this connection using the bounce from the plane. The first hour I log excellent 40 contacts.
Unfortunately, I didn't hear this time DB7MM, OK1DSZ whose OK1TDO. That would confirm, that the propagation conditions are not very good. I have reached out to SP8K several times asking for a connection, but unsuccessfully. Connections are added more slowly.
While tuning by band, I hear the Moravian station completing the connection with the KN09 locator. It will definitely be Janko OM8OM. I try to call a challenge and the OM8OM signal in excellent strength appears after a while.
He will also call OK2KYK. According to the voice, it is a young operator. My appreciation to the Kyiv radio club, which VKV PA uses to bring contesting closer to the youth.
It is not always possible to agree on a sked. The other day I complained about the Romanian stations. So this time they did much better, but they are in the log YP2DX, YO2IW, YO2BBT (all KN05) aj YO5OHB (KN17).
A few minutes before the end of VKV PA, Rino writes I4GHG request for sked. I try to tune in and I can actually hear him, but unreadable. Now the HA8ET preamp is missing! But I can see in AirScout, that there is a chance to connect by bouncing off the plane. The signal strengthens significantly and the 679-kilometer connection to JN63 is in the log. The last and at the same time the longest QSO.
Summary of VKV PA - April 2023
The logo is 79 QSO (one duplicate connection) of 23 locator squares which means 6302 points. The kilometer average is lower, which does not surprise me. A better result could certainly have been achieved, OM3CQF whose OM6ABF they are proof of that. There is still room for improvement. And that's the fun at VKV. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you next time!
