The bands haven’t seemed to me to be in the best shape recently, though I’ve got to tell you that everyday this week when I’ve called CQ my puny signal is being reported by reverse beacon station, ZL4YL, on both 20 and 30 meters. Every time. An impressive 8200+ miles direct. According to details online the receiver used for skimming CW is an SDR, a Red Pitaya, about it all I can say is “bravo!”

Field Day is this weekend and fingers are crossed all over the States for decent weather. I’m not completely certain what I will do in the event just yet, other than operate from the backyard on battery power. I prefer CW though when it comes to Field Day, I really enjoy hearing operators voices as you can often hear the fun — or the mayhem depending on the circumstance so I might just do Phone again this time around.

Frank Donovan, W3LPL says, “there is a chance of brief intervals of minor geomagnetic storm activity during Friday, Saturday and Sunday due to coronal hole high speed stream effects and a chance of CME arrival early Sunday”, so we’ve got that to contend with plus the skeeters! Good luck, have fun, and stay safe!