A non-tactical VHF PA session in which I was unable to make a contact via reflection off an airplane. I’m starting off unconventionally on 144.335 MHz because of a scheduled contact with Piotr SP8WJW. I actually heard Piotr very well, but Mirek OK2VZE beat me to it by a hair. By the time I finished the contact with him, the plane was already almost out of line of sight and the signal had weakened. In the meantime, other stations had also started calling me. So my first attempt at an airplane scatter contact was unsuccessful.
Most of them are nearby stations. But, for example, I don’t recall ever working with OK4NEO or OM1TD. It’s great when new stations show up! Nesha YU7SMN came in with an extremely strong signal. Perfect antennas and power—even at nearly 500 kilometers—really make a difference. I exchange greetings with Draho OM3CQF, who mentions that there’s also an OK1 station on the frequency. That motivates me to tune up to the upper end of the band, as usual.
OE3HPW comes on the air (I don’t recall a previous QSO with him either), and Michael DB7MM/P brings a new multiplier. Shortly after, DK4VW calls from JO40IT, which is 668 kilometers away. So I end the first hour with a very good 46 contacts.
I try the sked with Jožko OM0AB again. I can barely hear him, but the expected signal bounce from the plane doesn’t happen. More stations are coming in. I switch over to make a contact with Libor OK1DOL. This time, the multiplier for JO80 isn’t OL1B, but OK1MJS. I struggle a bit to make contact with Lojz S57LM. The signal fluctuates, but it’s readable. I call Mariusz SP6YG, adding JO90 to my list. I also jump over to a sked with Fedor OK1TRW and then easily make contact with OK1KMP.
I try once more to make contact with SP8WJW. I can hear Piotr, but he can’t hear me. I try to contact Jožka OM0AB again. It didn’t work out this time either. IK4GNG and I4GHG help make up for the perceived lack of multipliers. It’s a shame I couldn’t make another contact to Italy. It seemed like there were quite a few stations there. I manage to make contact with OK3NR (another new call sign) and am pleased to hear from DM1DF. YO5OHB finally brings in another multiplier. And while the antenna is pointed east, I call OL1B. The end of the session is spent making the final contacts. In a series of Croatian stations, 9A2B becomes number 100. A contact with OM3KUK was made. The last contact is with OK1KQH.
Map of VHF PA Locator Squares, March 2025
VHF PA March 2025 DXCC
The average per contact is 3.7 points, which I’m satisfied with. Surprisingly, the longest contact was with DK4VW, since I usually make my longest contacts to Italy. Exactly 400 points with 26 multipliers equals 10,400 points. There was definitely room for improvement in the multipliers, but the equipment worked well this time. While loading my gear into the car, I dislocated my shoulder. I’ve dislocated it several times in the past. Fortunately, I managed to pop it back into place, pack up the remaining odds and ends, and slowly make my way home. Even experiences like this can be part of VHF PA.