[SFDXA] 3W9C - OC-130 (Update)

Bill bmarx at bellsouth.net
Mon Dec 4 16:55:16 EST 2023


Dear guys,

I came to the island of Con Son 3 days ago. Before my trip I agreed with 
hotel management to install my antennas on the roof. Unfortunately when 
I came here I learnt that this roof is also occupied by 2 GSM antennas. 
I tried to put my 12m long pole as far as possible from those GSM 
stations, however the weather here is very windy and hotel staff worried 
if my long mast would not be broken and fall off the roof. All I could 
do was shorten the pole and bind it to the water tank construction. 
Unfortunately my antenna’s wires are very close to the GSM antennas. The 
level of noise I am experiencing here is terrible. No chance to work 
SSB. In case of FT8 mode I am also receiving only very strong stations, 
mainly from AS. On the first day I received an email that I was heard in 
the EU and about 15 stations were calling me but my waterfall was almost 
empty. Very annoying situation. Next local morning I woke up early to 
listen to NA. And I was surprised. I worked pretty many stations from 
there.

In the meantime I also operate on 6m. This is fairly successful. However 
the 6m antenna has already been broken by wind and had to be repaired. 
At the moment I have 80 callsigns in 6m log. Openings to JA are 
sometimes great.

I am doing what I can to log some EUs but it is very difficult. 
Unfortunately I have no chance to move to another QTH. This is not a 
regular dxpedition. I am alone and it is almost impossible from the 
logistic point of view. I am sorry that some of you will be 
disappointed. Especially those who counted for SSB sked. I am checking 
very often different bands looking for SSB stations but I always hear 
only terrible noise. This noise is stronger in the evenings so maybe its 
source is not only GSM BTS but also LED lighting.

Additionally to my own issues the magnetic storm destroyed propagation 
last day.

I am leaving the island on December 10^th but my antenna must be taken 
down on December 9^th before sunset because it is impossible to dismount 
it in the dark.

The weather here is not nice – strong wind and almost all day raining. 
Yesterday I experienced so much rain I have probably never seen. 
Additionally with this wind rain fell horizontally.  Today was the first 
day with no rain and sometimes the sun appeared.

Please cross your fingers for good propagation which can help to win 
with noise.

I hope to see you on air!

73

Jacek SP5APW / 3W9C

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