Category Archives: DX

1500 Medallion on my DXCC Challenge Plaque

The ARRL delivered my 1500 band-point medallion yesterday, and it is now mounted on my DXCC Challenge Plaque.  I had acquired the 1000 band-point plaque after about 3 years of DXing.  It took almost 7 years to work the next … Continue reading

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Nice Morning on 160 meters

Greyline propagation is always a plus.  A couple of weeks ago, I thought I worked my 1st Australian station on 160m.  Unfortunately the contact wasn’t complete.  Since then I was mostly trying to work the higher frequency bands to complete … Continue reading

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Finally, after almost 7 years, 1500 DXCC Challenge Band Points

Prior to 2012, I had only 7 QSLs from DXCC countries (USA, AK, HI, Canada, France, Germany, and Spain).  I wasn’t a DXer, but I had volunteered for years at the W4 QSL Bureau.  I got to see QSL cards … Continue reading

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Increasing Solar Activity in Cycle 25 == DX fun!

Solar Cycle 25 is well underway with Sunspot Numbers at values not seen in six years! (Above the prediction for this early in the cycle 25).  I’ve been having fun on all the higher frequency bands recently, with 10/12/15 open … Continue reading

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Worked VK5PW on 160m this morning

I’ve only heard Australian stations a couple of times on 160m, but they have never heard me before.  This morning broke the curse, and I was able to work VK5PW on 160m via grey-line.  Now I’m hoping that he uploads … Continue reading

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2021 Goal Progress to date

I’ve made some progress on my goal list for 2021. 2021 Goals Completed: Teach a Tech Class – finished the first week of June with 6 licenses granted in RI As of June 16, I have 1,772 Qs in the … Continue reading

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The Magic Band comes alive!

When I was a newly upgraded ham in 1971, the only radio I had that would operate voice mode was a Heathkit “Sixer” — a small, 2 watt AM rig.  I had a 6-m dipole antenna taped to the inside … Continue reading

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Goal Review 2020

Despite the lingering smell of a burning garbage, 2020 is finally behind us.  Like most of the planet, I found myself wishing the year would just end.  In my case, I’m quite blessed, as my immediate family is healthy and … Continue reading

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The year that won’t end

Pandemic, social unrest, political unrest, unbelievable fires, running out of names for Tropical Storms, even a plague of locusts, and there is still another quarter of 2020 to go!  Nevertheless, I’m very grateful to have Amateur Radio as a hobby … Continue reading

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DXCC 275 Reached with 160-meter Guyana QSO

A pleasant surprise awaited me today, a LotW confirmation from 8R1/AG6UT in Guyana.  This was confirming a QSO from last November on the 160-meter band, so it was a double bonus, leaving me with 12 more countries to complete my … Continue reading

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