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Propagation Check

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Activity on the Sun has a major impact on ionospheric radio propagation. It affects a variety of forms of HF radio communications, including two-way radio communications, maritime mobile radio communications, radio broadcasting, and amateur radio communications. Knowing the Solar Flux Index and K Index will help you determine current conditions and know what to expect in the near future. There are dozens of sites on the web that provide this data.

For Best Conditions:

  • Solar Flux should remain above 150 for a few days (scale from 0-300)
  • K Index – should be below 2
  • A Index – 5 or more indicates a geomagnetic storm (scale from 0-9)

Citation: Who Stole My Bands? A Look at Ham Radio and the Capricious Sun – Mark Haverstock K8MSH

Another IslandHF score for the RAC Canada Day Contest

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My score was modest. 2,580 points from 24 phone contacts. It was tough at times to hop the Rocky Mountains with 50 watts. But I did so into New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. I heard a nice signal VO1OP in NL, but was not able to work him. The RAC stations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec were fun logs.

40 meters was difficult on Friday evening with lots of noise and static crashes. 10 meters was gonzo while there was some good opportunities on 20 and 15.

The RAC Canada Day Contest is one of my favorites. I hope other IslandHF members took the opportunity to get on the air.

VA7IHF is on the air!

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This weekend was the RAC Canada Day contest and I used the call VA7IHF,
the first time it has been active. Not the greatest of propagation
particularly on the low bands but I did manage something like 340 QSOs.
The results have been sent to RAC and also posted on 3830.

All Vancouver Island members can use the call by following the link at
the bottom of the page. I’ve started a VA7IHF log so all QSOs can be
listed there and we will have a running total.

Brian VE7JKZ