[PaQSO] Observations on HF Conditions

[The Trench Family]

I operated the California QSO Party this weekend and wanted to share my
observations regarding the bands.

20M seemed to be in good shape both Saturday and Sunday.  The west coast was
loud both days and I heard good signals from the mid-west and south-west.
I'm not sure how early 20 opened, but it was open at 1445Z when I got on.

15M also opened both days, but was not as productive as 20M.  I would look
for 15M activity between 1900 and 2000Z.  Expect things to be sporadic -
there maybe short but intense openings.

There was no 10M activity.

40M was very good to the west coast when I got on after dinner around 0100Z.
I suspect that it would be worthwhile to try both 40CW and 40SSB during the
evening hours.  I also tried 40M CW at around 1300Z and signals from the
west coast were very loud.  So, look for west coast and mid west QSOs when
we start up again on Sunday morning.

My 80M observations are probably not relevant to the PA QSO Party, but the
west coast did start to come through around 0330Z.

Overall, activity was quite good.  I would expect the same next weekend.

Best of luck to all!

73 Bud AA3B