[NLRS] open bands

[Ken Boston]

Hi all;

I can safely vouch for the tropo conditions over the last couple days, although I have to admit that due to some projects I have not made any noise on the bands.  I have been leaving the 144 and 432 radios on when in the shack and have been hearing good signals out of K.C and the w5 guys just to the south of there. (like K5SW and others)  I did check into Phil N0PB net last night, and was hearing him all around his compass.  Did not check into the N4PZ net, but could hear several W0's check in from far away.

Unfortunately, I had some important documents to finish for L S Research, my employer, so I was mostly listening.  I also was out of the shack most of the weekend on various other activities.  I guess if the tropo had moved into a different direction I may have paid more attention, but seemed to be hearing stations that I have already worked in the past.

When not in the shack, I have been leaving the 144 radio on and tuned to W9HQ's beacon in LaCrosse, which is mostly a weak but 100 % copy here.  As I was departing home for church on Sunday, the CW was loud and clearly heard all over the house!!

Ken W9GA