2012 Russian DX Contest | DR1A

Good evening from the shackadelic as a winter rain storm rolls across the central coast of California. The work week has officially concluded and I'm changing my attention channel to RadioSport. A snippet of CQ Contest digest news flashed across my Acer Iconia a few days ago.

There is a unique RadioSport team effort underway at DR1A because I believe DL1QQ, DL2YL, DL3ABL, and DL8DYL are breaking new ground for the sport. Is this a first ever multi single entry whose team composition is female who are operating from a major club station? If so, this is a milestone for the game and an achievement for the team, who are probably beginning to gather at the club station.

I like their motto as mentioned in CQ Contest digest, Vol 111, Issue 16, "No risk, no fun."

The 40m opening into Asiatic Russia is a few hours away and I'm operating from my mentor's QTH this weekend. Likewise, I look forward to improving my WRTC2014 standings, adding a few countries for the DXCC Diamond Challenge, and having a lot of RadioSport fun while a winter storm rolls across the central coast of California.

In the meantime, I'd like to wish DL1QQ, DL2YL, DL3ABL, and DL8DYL best results and thank them for taking RadioSport to the next level! The team deserves the front cover of CQ Magazine.

Contest on.

P.S. Follow the scores at Live Contest Score Server this weekend.

2012 Russian DX Contest | WRTC2014 Qualifier Event

The next WRTC2014 qualifier is the Russian DX Contest and it is preparation time for this 24 hour event. It is world wide where one scores points for each contact going into the log that is --

1. Russian station counts 10 points.
2. In country station counts 2 points.
3. Different country same continent counts 3 points.
4. Different continent counts 5 points. 

Multipliers are --

1. Multiplier of 1 for each different oblast successfully logged.
2. Multiplier of 1 for each different country (DXCC entity plus WAE multiplier list).

The exchange is signal report and serial number for participants outside of Russia. Additionally, one will receive a signal report and an oblast code from Russia, the oblast code counts as a multiplier as well. The Russian DX Contest is mixed mode thus one's operating strategy must flex according to rates, availability of multipliers, and band conditions across 24 hours.

Let's keep in mind, WRTC2014 will be held in New England and each qualifier beings to carry significant weight as the championship draws closer. My goal is to improve my standing within 6-land to the point of making the Top 100 list in California. Likewise, each participant has point value, the event opens up opportunities at advancing one's oblast count to include DXCC Diamond Challenge as well.

Take a look at North American results because activity in the Russian DX Contest is extremely popular. Likewise, be familiar with the rules, there are multiple categories to choose from to include the use of spotting networks for single operator all band (SOAB) entrants as well.

The WRTC2014 qualifying season with international scope is underway and don't miss this opportunity at improving one's WRTC ranking as well. I hope to see you in the RadioSport log until then...

Contest on! 

Cycle 24 Screenshot Project | 11 March 2012

The sky rocketing A-index has gradually descended (18) and the K-index leveled off as well. In the meantime, the sunspot count ticked upwards from 86 to 89 while 9 November 2011 record count (208) remains. Ten meter propagation shaping up as north-to-south, over the equator, while North America wakes up to a morning minus one hour of rack time. Data collected at DX Sherlock suggests minor 10m activity at east coast sunrise.

Meanwhile, 15m propagation from Europe to the North American east coast is active and gaining signal traction according to DX Sherlock's visual mapping. Twenty meter signal traffic is minor with heavy traffic over the European continent.

Lastly, I'm introducing definitions to further my education as learning about propagation is ham radio fun.

Definition
F region, according to glossary of solar terrestrial terms, "Is the upper region of the ionosphere, above approximately 160 km altitude. F region electron densities are highly variable, depending on local time, solar activity, season, and geomagnetic activity. The F region contains the F1 and F2 layers."

73s from the shackadelic near the beach.