Shorter days and a windy weather forecast calling for cooler temperatures weren’t exactly the ideal conditions for portable VHF operation. But despite that, I loaded my entire setup into the car and headed out to Černecký vrch, JN88RS.
Yes, it’s windy. Yes, it’s cold. Of course, the anchor lines are tangling a bit. It’s not like they get tangled in the summer when your fingers aren’t freezing—they have to get tangled when the weather isn’t pleasant. But I’ve tested the whole process so many times now that I know how to handle it.
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TIP: Extending your laptop’s display to your cell phone
I also manage to check the rotator’s azimuth using the OE3XTR beacon. Since I have multiple windows open on my laptop screen, I use a second-screen extension. In the past, I tried using an old LCD monitor, but I didn’t have enough space for it there anymore. So I used the Spacedesk app, which turns a cell phone into a second display. On it, I had the PSTRotor window and the map window showing locator squares from N1MM+.
Start of VHF PA
I4GHG as the longest contact and I3QJZ
So I’m starting the VHF PA in an unusual way: right on time, and everything is working. Compared to September, the propagation conditions seem weaker to me. Fewer callers are responding to my call. However, I4GHG (680 km) and later I3QJZ (578 km) come as a surprise.
OK1DSZ and DP9X
During the second hour, I try contacting German stations. While scanning the band, I pick up several of them already in contact with other stations. Zdeněk OK1DSZ points out that there’s another OK station a few kHz lower, which is likely why my signal isn’t coming through clearly. At least DP9X (502 km) comes through.
DDB7MM/P and OL1B
Later, I also manage to make a connection with DB7MM/P. Although it’s “only” 432 km, Michael adds the locator JN59. Right after him, OL1B calls, and Mirek adds another multiplier, JO80. The second hour wasn’t very successful. I made 25 more contacts.
A contact with OM0AB via an aircraft bounce
At the start of the third hour, SP6KEP adds JO90. I see OM0AB on the KST chat. I immediately message Jozef that I’m calling in his direction. A suitable plane is just flying by. However, I can’t hear OM0AB’s signal. I wrote to Jozef repeatedly. No reply. I try again and see that there will be another chance in a moment. Yes, now I can hear OM0AB’s signal—not very strong, but perfectly clear. Thank you for KN08 and for your patience!
Final result
Hubert OK1MHU adds locator JN69. Several OK stations follow. The last two in the log are 9A6A and 9A4OP. There are 94 contacts, but as many as 30 multipliers. After recalculation, that comes to 10,620 points. More than I had estimated.
2023 VHF PA Contest
In this year’s VHF PA contest, I scored 80,168 points—double last year’s total. This was the result of a lot of work on the antennas, the preamplifier, and numerous other details. A significant change was the move from Brestovec to Černecký vrch. However, I also transmitted on a pop-up basis from KN08bv, Kráľova hoľa. I carried all the equipment up there myself. I missed only one round, in July. During the severe frosts in December, I focused on testing a few things, and the results were more symbolic than anything else. However, each round provided some new insights and inspiration. The joy of being able to communicate with other radio amateurs. It wasn’t easy, but it’s worth it!