[Lowfer] Running ground wave test right now on 74.3213...

[JD]

A capture from early this afternoon, Central Time, with both /4 and /5 
looking good.  Last night, /4 was averaging about 6 dB stronger.  Today Argo 
says the difference is only around 4 dB in /4's favor.

In addition to continuing to watch, I'm also trying to get a sense of the 
computer battery's charge/discharge characteristics now that it has warmed 
back up.  So far, the discharge side looks about right, but it seems to be 
slower about charging.

That's just a first impression, but if all remains satisfactory I might try 
for DK7FC again tonight.  Based on the timing of last night's reports, the 
baterry will need to last longer than it did then!  After it died during my 
relatively brief absence, I checked DCF77 and found it about 6 dB down from 
usual and JJY on 40 kHz already coming in, so I figured I'd missed the 
opportunity...and for all practical purposes, I had, because not only the 
battery but also the blower motor and the LCD display needed some recovery 
time and would not have worked long enough even if I'd stayed longer.

A strong south wind has us above freezing now, though, and we're not 
supposed to get anywhere near zero tonight.  This will be my best chance, as 
tomorrow evening we're supposed to have more snow and ice.

John 
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