QSK…Hello…QSK?

Hello everyone and hope your all well,Putting up the tree,stocking the cupboards with far too much chocolate and wondering why the lights are not working this year.
To say the conditions this week have been trying would be an understatement,As I’ve only had 3 QSO’s since last Saturday.A 1AT activation Saturday,13 division Monday and a 21 division yesterday.Apart from that nothing else whatsoever and not for trying either.
So how has everyone else faired on the DX front? and hopefully an improvement is on its way soon.Just in time as I stand slightly crossed eyed with glass of brandy in hand trying to explain what Single Side Band is to nearest and dearest.Take care everyone and let’s have a good Christmas this year before Ebeneezer changes his tune,So raise a glass and light a candle to those loved and lost and let’s make this one the best yet.
Oh yeah and the 25th is also my birthday so I have an excuse to sing on the T5…lol
Cheers Tom.
26CT4029

I guess a lot of people are prepping for Christmas or other celebrations they partake in this time of year, which will be part of the reason the airwaves are a bit quieter. But, into my location anyways, the general propagation has not seemed so strong just lately. Even Mr "calling D *pause* X" from Barcelona who frequents 20m has been lower in signal level this past week.

Hope you enjoy your special day Tom. You actually share the same name and b'day as my eldest son. How strange a coincidence is that  Do you get double sized presents... dropped any hints to those closest to you that a brand new unlocked IC-7300 would fill your stocking just nicely?

Hi Tom,

Well done with your continued DX activities even whilst conditions are a little lacklustre. We should hopefully get a nice bit of midwinter Sporadic E anytime soon during the Christmas period so that'll be a Birthday treat for you!!

I have a granddaughter celebrating her first Birthday during Christmas also and that little tyke has pulled through an emergency caesarian, a Covid infection and a pretty rough first year of her life. Even more reasons to be extra cheerful during the Christmas celebrations no matter what it brings us.


I'll raise a glass of brandy to you and your family also Tom. Here's to all, to friends, loved ones and those we've sorely lost.


Plus a prayer to the Radio Gods - "Please let me break through the extra S6 of noise my neighbours Christmas lights have brought me. My sacred offering to you of a Common Mode Choke has rewarded me a little respite but I just ask for a little more."  


All the best,
Victor

Hi Tom, first off season's greetings to you and yours, hoping to speak to you before your birthday mate.
I know how active you are on the bands as I hear you everyday , stick with I fella cycle 25 should start kicking in soon.
73 mate

StevieG wrote:

Hi Tom, first off season's greetings to you and yours, hoping to speak to you before your birthday mate.
I know how active you are on the bands as I hear you everyday , stick with I fella cycle 25 should start kicking in soon.
73 mate

Cheers Steve and there was me thinking I was talking to myself all the time.
Speak to you fella and the snow will only be falling on S.E London…
73

Thank you Victor, It’s always a pleasure mate and thanks again for the advice that you offer everyone on the Charlie Tango forum as it’s worth it’s wait in gold.
I hope you and your family have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and a special Granddaughter’s first birthday as that’s a celebration on it’s own .
I’m looking forward to the Christmas festivities QRM and touch wood I haven’t suffered much more so far,I’m used to the S7 noise on channels 12,13 and 14 on the mid block frequencies so no change really.lol
Thank again Victor and cheers.
Tom 26CT4029

SangueG wrote:

I guess a lot of people are prepping for Christmas or other celebrations they partake in this time of year, which will be part of the reason the airwaves are a bit quieter. But, into my location anyways, the general propagation has not seemed so strong just lately. Even Mr "calling D *pause* X" from Barcelona who frequents 20m has been lower in signal level this past week.

Hope you enjoy your special day Tom. You actually share the same name and b'day as my eldest son. How strange a coincidence is that  Do you get double sized presents... dropped any hints to those closest to you that a brand new unlocked IC-7300 would fill your stocking just nicely?

Thanks SangueG,wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy new year as well,Hasn’t the year flown by so fast.Propagation seems short and sweet and not a hint of inter G to be heard either,But as long as I speak to one other station almost daily I’m a happy bunny.
I’ve definitely dropped a few hints this year from about April onwards and that IC-7300 would be fantastic but I’m not holding my breath.But if not I’ll spoil myself,Between you and me SangueG I’m actually studying for my foundation..Sssshhhhh
All the best and don’t eat too many mince pies.
Tom 26CT4029

Very quiet for me but that is due to the fact I haven't been out into the shack for a couple of weeks....I often fall out of radio love at this time of year and as my HF radios are tucked indoors for the winter (I do still have a couple of export rigs to use) i can't be bothered to open up and heat the shack unless I am doing some work in there.
It usually passes in the new year and I will again be about shouting Cq Cq........Merry Xmas all 73....