How is the perceived temperature calculated? For a ham radio operator, probably in binary terms: I can handle it / I can’t handle it. That’s exactly what the January VHF PA near the village of Brestovec looked like.
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TIP: Airplane scatter to gain multipliers
In December, Peťo OM8WG, operating the OM3KSI station, and I successfully made a contact using signal reflection off an airplane. This time, too, the contact was successful, and we also made contact with Slavo OM0AS. Airplane scatter is therefore a way to earn multipliers that would otherwise be unattainable.
Level 1 Weather Alert
When is the best time to head out to the hills to transmit? Amateur radio operators are famous for the fact that antennas are best set up in the rain, wind (and in the dark). Meteorologists describe it as follows: “The expected intensity and occurrence of the hazardous phenomenon are typical for this time of year and region, but may cause minor damage. This phenomenon poses a potential danger to human activities.”
DK7ZB Yagi antennas in strong winds
So let’s get to it!
January VHF PA
From a distance, it doesn’t look like the propeller on the wind turbine at Ostrý vrch, located nearby, is spinning. But the wind is blowing—and hard! The temperature dropped from +5°C to +2°C on the way there. What a joy to set up antennas! I’ve only assembled half of it, and I can’t feel my fingers anymore. The thought of turning on at least a small heater in the car and getting away from this wind drives me to finish it.
I’m starting on time. It’s far from comfortable, but what else could I have expected? After a test contact with 9A2AE, I’m making most of my contacts on call.
My first attempt at an airplane scatter with OM3KSI doesn’t work out. Other stations are calling as well. Among them is Janko OM8OM from KN09. I know how challenging it is for Peťa OM8WG to fight for every QSO, so we persevere, and shortly after ten o’clock, the connection is successful!
VHF PA Antennas
After an hour, a soft jingling sound joins the sounds from the transceiver. Apparently to celebrate those KN squares. Ice crystals are falling on the car. Raindrops are starting to fall, too. I don’t really want to get out of the car, but I can see that the mast has started to lean. As I’m getting out, I pull on the cable and the connector from the foot switch breaks off.
After tightening the guy lines, I notice that the station is running at low power. I climb out one more time because the PSV meter is in the trunk. I measure the PSV—it’s excellent. Two test QSOs confirm that something isn’t right. What now? I try scanning, and by some miracle, it fixes itself and the power is back. However, the log shows nearly 20 minutes without a contact. Only 19 contacts were added during this hour.
nd DXCC in the January VHF PA
Since I had to switch to a handheld microphone, my hands aren’t free. They’re busy operating the station, logging contacts, or turning the rotator. There isn’t much room for negotiating QSO times. Shortly before the end, Slavo OM0AS writes—shall we try? We’d tried about three times before with no success. Slavo had only reported a weak reflection. But this time it worked!
We also managed the longest contact: YT5W and OK1KMP from JO70. The log shows 89 contacts from 22 locator squares. Given the conditions, the result surprises me.
Directional map of VHF PA point scores
It’s pouring. The nastiest cold rain, and wind to boot. But there’s no getting around it. I kind of expected this—I have a spare windbreaker, a hat, gloves, socks, and boots. Plus thermal underwear and sturdy ski pants.
I lower the mast fairly easily. I just wrap the guy wires loosely, just for the sake of it. Not the cable to the rotator, though. That goes into the trunk untangled. Finally packed up! My gloves are completely soaked. Surprisingly, my socks are dry. So let’s head home. Into the warmth. Brr!
Once again, I wasn’t able to document the airplane scatter contacts. It’s challenging in conditions like these. Hopefully, I’ll manage it during one of my next QSOs.