Right now we are going into a more active sunspot time-- A combination of that propagation uncertainty and 40M being what it can be at night, might be a good consideration to post an alternative frequency and band at a little bit later time just in case. I know this can add confusion but it can also make a difference if for example, 7200 is occupied at 0130 on the 16th.
An example of what this might look like is this-- if 7200 is occupied then up 10 and call. if 7210 is occupied then up another 10 and call. If 7220 is occupied the up another 10 and call. If 40 meters is dead-unlikely but none never knows- then think about designating a frequency for a little later time on either 75 or 20. Say a 75m freq at 0145 and a 20 m freq at 0200. Same procedure if the designated freq is occupied at the designated time then up 10 and call. I used this years ago when sailing, operating Maritime Mobile and keeping a pre arranged sked with another operator. Just a suggestion. The first time to establish a net might be a little rough and some people wont be able to get in but dont let it discourage anyone. Its well worth doing, alternative comms path when the internet is down plus sharpens operator skills for those new to the hobby. I wish I was going to be where I could participate. I will listen on one of the SDR web available receivers. Mike, your suggestion about putting something together on echolink is a good one. Here in Ecuador I dont think there is any longer any 2 M or 6 M repeater anywhere in the country but I might be wrong...... There are almost no amateurs active here any longer......I occasionally see on dxmaps, a couple of HF ops come up on contest weekends but those are rare as hens teeth. Again I am sorry I cant participate other than listen. I miss the hobby more than I can say.
73
An example of what this might look like is this-- if 7200 is occupied then up 10 and call. if 7210 is occupied then up another 10 and call. If 7220 is occupied the up another 10 and call. If 40 meters is dead-unlikely but none never knows- then think about designating a frequency for a little later time on either 75 or 20. Say a 75m freq at 0145 and a 20 m freq at 0200. Same procedure if the designated freq is occupied at the designated time then up 10 and call. I used this years ago when sailing, operating Maritime Mobile and keeping a pre arranged sked with another operator. Just a suggestion. The first time to establish a net might be a little rough and some people wont be able to get in but dont let it discourage anyone. Its well worth doing, alternative comms path when the internet is down plus sharpens operator skills for those new to the hobby. I wish I was going to be where I could participate. I will listen on one of the SDR web available receivers. Mike, your suggestion about putting something together on echolink is a good one. Here in Ecuador I dont think there is any longer any 2 M or 6 M repeater anywhere in the country but I might be wrong...... There are almost no amateurs active here any longer......I occasionally see on dxmaps, a couple of HF ops come up on contest weekends but those are rare as hens teeth. Again I am sorry I cant participate other than listen. I miss the hobby more than I can say.
73
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