PRESIDENT’S SOAPBOX
As my new vertical antenna approaches completion, the summer atmospheric
noise level is approaching its peak. I’m hearing the loud signals but
none of the weaker ones as I’m sure most of them are below the noise
floor. So what are my options? The obvious one is to go to low noise
receiving antennas. Can’t use beverages, however, since I can only put
them in the farmer’s fields during the winter. Another alternative,
unrelated to the low band vertical, is to get on 6 meters. From what I
understand there have been some fantastic openings on that band lately.
Of course, it’s all on FT-8, but hey, computers want to have fun, too.
_…_ Several weeks ago during a PARS meeting we discussed using the
club call during Field Day, and have it move around to various members’
stations. We rejected the idea because of the rule that all club
transmitters must be located within 1000 feet. Well, K8ZT had the same
idea, and solved the problem by proposing that all club transmitters be
within 50 miles. He has submitted his proposal to ARRL as a rules
change. It may be too late for 2020, and 50 miles may be a bit much,
but it just might work. His full proposal appears on eham.net, if you
would like to check it out. …_._ de WM3X, Bill Michne, 252-249-1175,
drmichne73@gmail.com.
SOLAR NUMBERS TODAY
NOAA reported that solar activity was very low during the 24 hours
ending yesterday at 5 pm local. There is one sunspot region on the Sun
facing Earth this morning. Growing sunspot AR2765 is a member of Solar
Cycle 25. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, even with
this new sunspot, activity will continue to be very low through
Wednesday. On Sunday, the reported Solar Flux Index (SFI) at Penticton
was 73. The index is predicted to register 72 today through Wednesday.
The SFI 90 day trailing average is 70.
The Earth’s geomagnetic field was quiet yesterday. It is expected to be
quiet to active today, then quiet tomorrow and Wednesday. The estimated
Kp-index of 1 reported at 5 a.m. local this morning indicates we are
currently experiencing quiet conditions.
We can expect fair daytime and good nighttime operating conditions on 80
and 40 meters, fair both day and night on 30 and 20. Expect poor
conditions on the higher bands. The Magic Band is again doing its thing,
one surprise after another. On Thursday night just before time to check
in to the Pamlico/Downeast 6 Meter Net the band seemed dead. But then
there was a whisper of a CQ on 50.125 MHz, the sideband calling
frequency. It was KD7WYA out in Las Vegas and after some effort, the
contact was made. By the time our net was closed twenty minutes later,
the West Coast opening was over… You gotta work em’ when you hear em’.
For an explanation of numbers used in our PARSgram, see the excellent
article written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA at
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.
HAM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, TRADE, OR WANTED
Send me your amateur radio related items for sale, trade, or wanted for
listing in the PARSgram. PLEASE let me know if your listing is no longer
needed. Listings will EXPIRE AFTER 90 DAYS unless I hear otherwise.–Jim.
** FOR SALE**
HyGain 18 AVQ 10 thru 80 ground mounted vertical. Base section ruined by
Florence, replaced with new section from HyGain, antenna not
reinstalled. Antenna in 3 sections for transport – base, middle and top
with counterpoises, longest about 8 feet. $100 and you transport. Call
Art KB1TX at 252-571-1752. (20200511)
PARS CALENDAR:
* Jun 27-28, ARRL Field Day, TBD, Bill Michne, WM3X, 252-249-1175 or
drmichne73@gmail.com
LOCAL NETS OF INTEREST TO PARS MEMBERS:
* Tuesdays, Newport Weather Service SKYWARN Practice Net, 9:00 pm
local, Oriental (147.210+ (PL151.4)) and all other local repeaters. This
net for severe weather warning and reporting is continously monitored
upon activation.
* Wednesdays, Pamlico Emergency Net Practice and Rag Chew/ARES, 7:30
pm, Oriental Repeater, 147.210 + (PL151.4).
* Thursdays, “DownEast/Pamlico Six Meter Net”, 8 pm local, 50.200 MHz,
USB. A non-directed open net to promote operation on the ‘Magic Band’.
(For more nets see www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search )
PARS WEB SITE: https://www.n4prs.org/
Our web Master is Paul Jodoin, K4MMB, 561-308-3456, PARSwebman@gmail.com
PARSgram ITEMS
We are always looking for items of interest to PARS members to put in
the PARSgram. If you run across a timely item or think of something you
believe would interest our folks, please send it to me. Thanks.
Stay safe.
73, Jim AI4WL
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