[MRCA] Moose and Squirrel Net

[mstangelo at comcast.net]

Since the ERP power on 5357 will decrease once the new FCC rules take effect we have been discussing our options during for noontime Moose and Squirrel Net.

I have been reviewing my logs, both with field and home operation, and during the noontime net and I have a range of approximately 300 miles. I am normally the southernmost station and have difficulties hearing stations in Maine. Statins south of me have difficulty hearing the net controllers.

This limitation is not caused by QRM because I have a low noise level when operating portable and have eliminated most noise at home with a different receive antenna.

I believe this is because of the increased D Layer absorption during the day. I also participate in a net at 5:30 PM Eastern time on 5346.5 and we have participants from Canada to Georgia. We also have a station form Denmark.

Our latest discussion is leaning towards moving to 5403.5 MHz. Maybe we should also consider moving the net to the 40 meter band. We ran tests after the net a couple of times around 7260-62 LSB and the consensus was reception was better than 60 meters.

The MMRCG net uses 7296 USB because they accommodate USB only rigs. They have to contend with the AM'ers on the Saturday net but maybe AM activity is not that active during the weekdays.

If propagation is better I can also use a lower power radio "on-patrol" which requires lugging around a lighter battery.

In any case we should discuss this on Tuesday's net. I will try to monitor 7296 for any activity this week around noontime.

Mike N2MS