I don’t see many spots on this band recently. It used to be the best place for me to catch EU activations from W7 Idaho. How about giving the 18mhz band a second look. Tnx & 73
Jack W7CNL
In reply to W7CNL:
Blame me Jack. I suggested a 24MHz challenge and many of the activators who would have been QRV on 18MHz are now QRV on 24MHz. Dave N5XL suggests QRP contacts on 24MHz to Europe are possible from W5/W7 from 1500Z onwards. Unfortunately by 1500Z it’s getting a bit cold on the summits and at my latitude for example, sunset is 1610Z. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for activating and getting off the hill back to the car before it’s dark.
Once 24MHz stops being so bountiful you should see many activators returning to 18/14MHz.
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to W7CNL:
I don’t get out as much as I did Jack, but rest assured I’ll be there for you next time I do. I don’t play 12m as I have no rig for it right now. 17m remains a band I enjoy. I still have the photo of your antenna system from the QSL you returned.
I need to get back to my own challenge of “was” from sota. I got stuck on 11, lots of work to do still.
73, cu soon
Ian mm0gyx
In reply to MM0FMF:
5BSS? 5BMG?
just a thought…
Andrew VK1DA
In reply to VK1DA:
Nice idea 
73 klaus
In reply to MM0FMF:
Blame me Jack. I suggested a 24MHz challenge and many of the
activators who would have been QRV on 18MHz are now QRV on 24MHz.
It’s very noticeable this autumn that many of the activators have become drawn into the 24 Mhz challenge.
Mid week, I’ve more or less given up with chasing as invariably the majority of the near European stations are putting their efforts into 24Mhz and those signals are just going straight over our heads. It shows, on the 24Mhz Chaser table for G, that most of us are hearing very little on the band. We’re just in the wrong place!
Looking forward to hearing all those 7,10 and 14 Mhz signals appearing when the challenge comes to an end and normality resumes!
Pete
In reply to G4ISJ:
Mea culpa!
I read that the observations are now showing the solar magnetic field has reversed which means we are now on the downside of the solar maximum if I understand things right. Enjoy 24/28 whilst you can.
Andy
MM0FMF
In reply to G4ISJ:
It’s very noticeable this autumn that many of the activators have
become drawn into the 24 Mhz challenge.
Mid week, I’ve more or less given up with chasing as invariably the
majority of the near European stations are putting their efforts into
24Mhz and those signals are just going straight over our heads. It
shows, on the 24Mhz Chaser table for G, that most of us are hearing
very little on the band. We’re just in the wrong place!
I’ve actually worked quite a few chasers in the UK from summits on 12m. It has been WIDE open lately!
Nick K1MAZ