In reply to MM0FMF:
Personally, I like 12M but I don’t normally consider it for SOTA as only the Advanced license class can operate on 12M in VK. Precludes a large number of chasers here. I will however join in the fun and try to activate 12m as well when on a summit.
Regards
Mark
In reply to K6ILM:
Flare an hour ago reaching X2.8 with radio blackout and CME directed
sideways.
Three X-rated flares in 24 hours, and the latest SFI on 151 - are things looking up? I hope so!
73
Brian G8ADD
In reply to G8ADD:
I’m not keen on the blackouts, but generally improved propagation is welcome!
I’m planning a trip to a lesser activated summit, said to be rubbish for VHF, so I hope that HF works for me in 2 weeks time!
I think I’ve settled on a 12m rig design but haven’t ordered any rig parts yet.
73, Colin
In reply to M0CGH:
…guessing Kisdon.
For those amongst you who are planing an assault on the 12m challenge this forthcoming Saturday, it would appear you are facing something of a damp squib.
Mondays conditions on the 12m band really were rubbish. Just six contacts logged… nothing outside of G.
Looking at the SFI today, if anything, conditions have taken a turn for the worse.
Any thoughts?
73 Mike
2E0YYY
In reply to 2E0YYY:
Keep the faith, Mike. Remember its the height of the sporadic E season, and although a gust of solar wind is expected on Sunday from a coronal hole, a look at the limb on the solar image for coronal holes on spaceweather.com shows a bright patch of corona heralding another active region that should be boosting the SFI by the weekend. That’s a tip, by the way - look at the left edge of the solar image for coronal holes, bright patches of corona indicate active areas about to rotate into view.
73
Brian G8ADD
In reply to 2E0YYY:
Looking at the SFI today, if anything, conditions have taken a turn
for the worse.Any thoughts?
But you like doing things the hard way Mike so it should be perfect!
73 Richard G3CWI
In reply to 2E0YYY:
Hello Mike,
“…Looking at the SFI today, if anything, conditions have taken a turn for the worse.”
If you have a rubbish day on a summit don’t be ever tempted to do this to get home. 8)
Mike G6TUH
In reply to MM0FMF:
.
Lots of alerts for the first full day of the 12 meter challenge, beginning 10 hours from now, but only NA6MG indicates he will check that band. C’mon guys, just a toe in the water is all we ask. Ta.
.
Elliott, K6ILM
Tepid Toe
In reply to K6ILM:
Dear Tepid Toe
I have sold several of my “special edition” 12m antennas, let’s hope some see action.
73 Richard G3CWI
Good as Gold
In reply to K6ILM:
In reply to MM0FMF:
.
Lots of alerts for the first full day of the 12 meter challenge,
beginning 10 hours from now, but only NA6MG indicates he will check
that band.
I’ll check 12M and activate if open at 1330Z but I’m doubtful; doing an early activation to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms
73, Barry N1EU
In reply to N1EU:
.
Half an hour ago, at 1453z, TM75FOC was 35db over S-9 in California on 12mtrs, my 94th FOC contact in the special event month.
.
Elliott, K6ILM
Baffled Boy
In reply to N1EU:
Hi Barry,
I had a listen to the 12m band while activating G/SP-004 today and it sounded in pretty poor shape.
HF conditions were not that good, I failed to work a single Stateside chaser 
73 Mike
2E0YYY
In reply to 2E0YYY:
I listened to the 12m band about 1600 UT and it was very lively indeed, full of strong Europeans and weaker Americans. Probably the afternoon peak of sporadic E.
I blush to admit it, but I have pinned up a piece of paper with the phone band limits written on it!
73
Brian G8ADD
In reply to G8ADD:
Hi Brian,
To be honest, I though someone had cut the HF coax, today. I’m going to take a look at the feeders and patch leads before going out tomorrow. Spent most of the day working VHF. S’pose I’d better log the activation…
All understood on the 12m band SSB limits Brian. Sadly, there’s precious little of it
73 Mike
2E0YYY
12M is in fine shape right now here. I can here both ends of K7ATN working JA and the band is dead quiet. CW signals are about same strength from summit mates K7ATN (12M) and W7TAO (20M) but QRN from thunderstorms on 20M makes it impossible to copy W7TAO.
W7TAO just got on 12M ssb and he’s booming in here but has no other takers ;-(
73, Barry N1EU
In reply to 2E0YYY:
All understood on the 12m band SSB limits Brian. Sadly, there’s
precious little of it
From what I have heard on it recently, I would say that the little of it there is, is precious! This challenge will be fun!
73
Brian G8ADD
In reply to K6ILM:
Well I went to my local summit today to dip a toe in the water on 12m. Not much was expected due to the slowly subsiding geomagnetic storm.
2 stints on 12m produced 40 contacts. First stint we had sporadic E, so quite a few locals plus europeans were worked. Second stint a couple of hours later, there was no sporadic E present, a few G stations were worked right on the limit of ground wave and CX2CC + ZS2EC were worked presumably via TEP (I stand to be corrected). My first foray on to 12m from a summit, looks like it wont be the last.
In reply to G1INK:
Well done on the ZS, Steve. SOTA hens teeth for me.
73 Mike
2E0YYY
Photo of Tom M1EYP enjoying good band conditions on 12m - and enjoying a gradual return to good health:
73 Richard G3CWI
