[NLRS] Eclipse-o-Mania

[Richard Clem]

We had a similar experience in Hastings, Nebraska.  There were some thin
clouds all morning, but they did dissipate a few minutes before totality, and
then returned about 10 minutes after totality.  So some of the partial phase
was somewhat obscured, but we did see all of totality.

I did operate the Solar Eclipse QSO party with 5 watts to a 40 meter inverted
vee.  I was hoping to get picked up by the Reverse Beacon Network, but none of
the skimmers heard me.  I did make 3 QSO's on 40 CW, the longest distance
being over 700 miles.  That's much more than I would expect at noon on 40
meter QRP, so the eclipse was obviously doing something to the ionosphere.  I
did make a transmission during totality, and there were wideband recordings
being made, so there's still a possibility that I'll be able to hear myself as
I sent TEST DE W0IS/TOTALITY.  Unfortunately, I don't know the exact
frequency, since I didn't want to waste precious seconds looking at the radio,
so I'll need to hunt around a little bit to find it.

I have a trip report at my blog:

http://onetuberadio.com/2017/08/23/post-eclipse-report/

73,
Rick W0IS

------

I did not do any 10 gig, much other stuff happening:

BUT:

Steffi and I went to Bloomington Ill on sunday the 20th, had a room. Got up
early on monday and drove the rest of the way into southern Ill. Interstte 55
south was crowded but traffic moving along pretty well. Turned south on state
hyw 4 just east of St Louis. Traffic thick and slow. Weather cloudy at first,
but became clear with high wispy clouds. Got to Sparta Ill about 10 am and
had
lunch. Found a park near the munincipal pool and settled in. saw eclipse
beginning, and was excited to see the wispy clouds dissipate!! Got to
experience the total eclipse, with all the neat and weird effects. got dark,
like a deep twilight, like a light switch had been thrown. After totality,
threw chairs into car and started back along hy 4, traffic heavy and storms
appeared ony 30 miles north of our site. Got home about 10 PM. WOW

If yo have never seen this, put it on your bucket list. Definite rush!!

Ken W9GA