[SADXA] VK0EK on 7.016: QRM Analysis

[Jim W]

I have a pretty good copy on VK0EK with my Yagi, pointed long path on 40 
CW.  The station is not strong but there is little QSB.  There is too 
much QRM, deliberate and otherwise, to get consistent copy and to join 
the pileup.  So instead of fighting the morons, I've been listening to 
them for my amusement.  It seems to me that the frequency cops are even 
dumber than those who don't know how to use the [split] controls in 
their transceivers.  Instead of shutting up the frequency cops are 
responding to everyone, no matter how inadvertent the calling.  
Generally the frequency cops have bad manners and even worse fists.

At the moment the frequency cops are debating on the DXpedition's 
transmit frequency whether the callers should go up or down. (Up! No, 
Down!, No UP!, etc.) Then there are the usual name callers and tuner 
uppers and unidentified CQers.  Of course the sociopaths who are 
deliberately taunting and sending random messages are back.  But there's 
a new QRM tactic developing tonight.

Some of the clueless ones who are calling on VK0EK's transmit frequency 
are being answered by somebody who I'll call a "frequency sweeper".  
He's running lower power and giving the usual DXpedition "call and 
signal report" message: some of the dummies are responding to it, giving 
their exchange, and leaving the frequency.  This sweeps the frequency 
clear of some of the lids, but the Slim is still clogging the frequency 
and I can't reliably hear the Heard Island crew.  This tactic is a 
subtle but passive-aggressive way of causing even more QRM.  Still it's 
an interesting evening's radiosport.

73,  Jim  W9FI