[Elecraft] Re: Who stole the ionosphere?

[Steve Banks]

Julian, et al-

I'm wondering exactly the same thing from our side of the Atlantic!

I just finished  a barely-copyable CW QSO on 20m with a friend in Oregon,
AA7VW, whose signal is usually quite strong into Colorado.  My K2 and I
managed to dig his signal out of the band noise (aggravated by my
incessantly noisy video monitor), but we gave up after only two exchanges
due to the very poor conditions.  Sure hope conditions improve (and that I
can remedy the monitor noise).

Given the apparent non-existence of the needed reflective layer(s) for HF,
I've found that a few Qs using IRLP via a nearby VHF repeater have helped to
fill the HF gap temporarily.

What's up with the bands at the moment? I can hardly hear a thing here
apart from the usual computer sprogs and TV timebases. The only place there
seems to be any activity is near the PSK portion of 20m. I managed to work
UT4UO near Kiev, who was a good signal, which seems to prove that my K2 is
still working and there is some propagation, but if that's the case, why
can't I hear anyone on CW or SSB?

Good luck!

Steve Banks
K0PQ
K2 S/N 1599