[Lowfer] 11/11 - Part 1

[JD]

Went to the field this afternoon, and plan to go back tonight.  Last night 
it dropped down into the 30s just after sunset, but tonight it is 
considerably more moderate so unlike yesterday, there will be a later 
session tonight after supper, in which I hope to see a few more LowFERs.

HiFER reception was good this afternoon, with MP and SIW alternating into 
and out of audibility, but both very strong on Argo.  USC was reliable, too, 
but NC had some very deep fades.

A little after 4:00, I turned my attention to LF.  Didn't see anybody at the 
185.3 watering hole, but got my hopes up when the attached "QRS180 dots" 
signal showed up shortly before dark.  But that's all it did, over and over. 
Eventually the moon came up, and so did the static level.  It had been at 
the lower limit of the S-meter range, but after moonrise, it rose to between 
S7 and S9.  Now we know...the moon causes static! :)

Disappointed at finding nobody at the watering hole, I tuned up in hopes of 
catching EAR, and there it was!

Went down to 137.78, and of course was not surprised to find MP, albeit with 
a bit of fuzz.  Checked for and found DCF77 handily.  Found carrier from one 
or more of the time stations on 66.66...  And, I noticed that the static 
level fluctuated considerably as I tuned around.

That and the fuzzy MP should have been a clue, because when I went to pack 
up and return for food, the shorting strap was across the base of the 
antenna.  Again.  I get in such a hurry to start listening that I omit that 
one crucial step.

John


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