[SFDXA] Fw: Update from Malawi

[Randy Shirley]

-----Original Message----- 
From: rene hasper 
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2015 8:51 AM 
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Update from Malawi 

Hello moonbouncers, greetings from the Warm Heart of Africa.

Monday, may 11th, Atleticoteam 7Q7EME did EME again on 144 MHz. We
stayed on our beautiful location on the beach of lake Malawi and we
saw the sun rising in a majestic way. Many people stroll over the
beach walking with a fish in their hand or just walking around. We
often have a short conversation with these friendly people. We are
invited to go to the bar / local club in the small village, the place
to be they all assure while they wink with their eyes. Atleticoteam
boldly goes where no (white) man has gone before, so we sure will walk
there to have a beer and some fun as we were promised.
In the morning breakfast was brought to us again by lovely Maria.
Coffee, toast and (peanut)butter; how nice life can be! We gave our
sausages to the guard, he definitely could need some extra food.

We found out that our voltage is much too high, 290V-300V. However it
did not effect the 144 MHz station in a negative way. Just before
moonset the voltage went down to 240...

The results for day two:
144 MHz: We had a lot of fun with radio, the groundgain boosted the
signals! It resulted in 65 new inits, so total 186 inits.
1296 MHz: The PA was repaired, but the high voltage damaged a relay
and it was not possible to get on the air for Hermann. The high
voltage probably also caused the damage on the power transistor
yesterday is his conclusion. When the voltage had gone back to normal
again the repairments were not finised so unfortunately no contacts on
1296.

Next operation will be Tuesday May 12th at 04:00 UTC on 144 MHz.
Hermann told us he will give 23cm another try: 1296.100 from 0700 UTC

7Q7EME: 144.134 MHz, always first.
QSL via PA3CEE

The log has been updated, see our website www.emelogger.com/malawi

Being in Africa is not easy. Please take in consideration that power
failures, instable power, poor internet, extreme weather conditions
etc. do have a negative impact on the performance. And being in
southeast Africa means a shorter window with the USA.
73
Eltje, Hermann and Rene