Archived Tropo Ducting Reports

This page contains older archived tropo ducting reports.
Please go to the main page to view the most recent reports.

KH6HME beacon frequencies: 50.060.5 MHz, 144.277 Mhz, 432.310 MHz, and 1296.250 MHz

When there is a opening, please spot on DX SUMMIT and if Hawaiian operators are present
they will be QRV on 50.110.0 MHz CW and SSB

144.277 MHz 569 RST
432.310 MHZ 459 RST

Can't believe I'm still hearing them!

144.277 MHz 579 RST
432.310 MHz 569 RST

432.310 459 in DM03ts

144.277 579 in DM03ts

144& 432 beacons still in
1296 BEACON NOT QRV at N6CA for repair.

Just to let you guys on the west coast know, I got the message of the opening and I'm calling out on 144.200. In about 20 minutes I will shift to the satellite frequency for a scheduled contact then be back here for more DX attempts.

Bob

What a difference an hour makes ! The 2 meter beacon is in , about S-7 , well out of the noise , from Hawaii . The 432 beacon still not heard yet , with lots of radar on the band .

gordon west , dm13
stack long boomers cranked down
1330 hours local 2131 utc

Listening West , with no beacons yet . Warm here , for good tropo conditions . K7JA also monitoring for any sign of beacons . NOON , Tuesday dm13 Costa Mesa

KH6HME/B in 144 & 432 @1930Z
57F @ 95%RH @ 2000ft ASL

432 beacon S1 in DM13ji. If it wasn't for the unique sound I would not be able to tell. 144 beacon not audible.

Now also hearing 2m beacon, 539 in DM13bp. 79F, clear

Hearing 432 KH6HME/B S2 in DM13bp. Not hearing the 2m beacon.

I will keep my beam headed that way from DM22.

I'm looking at the Hepburn forecast western America for Sunday 11/1. Possible Cal/Hawaii duct opening?

I've been troubled for several days by the previous posting about a possible 442 MHz opening to Germany. It was reported at a time when the Hepburn forecast for propagation across the Atlantic was truly grim. Also, 442 MHz is not part of the amateur band in Europe. If any European station was heard on that frequency, it would not be a law-abiding radio amateur. The amateur band in most of IARU Region I is 430-440 MHz.

Heard amateurs speaking German on my repeater's output today analog 442.300 FM...did not catch call signs.

Heard amateurs speaking German on my repeater's output today analog 442.300 FM...did not catch call signs.

I will be on the big island for most of August. Will be at the site and see what gives with the 1296 beacon and will check the rest while I am there.

Aloha, Fred ex KH7Y

Greg indicates that his beacons are still in the same place in CM88ws so I guess I was getting a bounce or obstacle in the direct path. Also his 432 beacon is on, altho at lower power than before.

The KJ6KO beacons have been on for many years, although some or all of them may have been undergoing maintenance this year. I have counted on those beacons to reassure me that my equipment and antennas are working on many occasions. At my Tehachapi beacon site (DM05sb) I've always heard
KJ6KO/b well on 144, 222, 432, 903 and 1296. I don't think Greg has moved his beacons to a different site.

06/30/2015 0520Z While listening for the 2m KH6HME beacon on my handheld IC202 I was surprised to hear KJ6KO/b near that frequency (it's hard to determine frequency with an IC202, but I gather it's ~3-6 KHz higher than KH6HME/b.) The stated frequency on KJ6KO's web site is 144.2824. This is the first time this year I've heard the 2m KJ6KO/b. The stated grid square is CM88ws and the elevation 1750'. I (in CM87tl) obtained a null from NW, like over SF, not a bit E of N for CM88ws. I get the correct bearing null on KH6HME/B. KJ6KO's web site lists beacon frequencies on all amateur bands 144 through 1296. Has he moved?

Forecast shows a perfect day for ducting. Working the bands now and throughout the day.

Looks like Hawaii has good opening today into S. California and Baja.

Bcon. 144 is 529 with QSB. No listen 432.

Beacon 144 is 519. No heard 432.

I'm calling now on 144.200 and 432.100

At my QTH both beacons faded out late last night. Nothing heard today until now. The 432 beacon is in and out with peaks to 519 in DM13bp.

Beacon 144.277 is 539 with QSB.

Hi Kevin, You got plenty of good equipment. Look for smog layer or fog layer and target that elevation. Study the clouds and look for cloud layers. Afternoons Hawaii time is good right now. So far I haven't heard any changes in the bands. Right now it's 78 degrees and forecast to go down to 69 tonight. Sunset time will tell if conditions are possible.

Nothing heard from the 2M beacon at 2145-2215 UTC.
I put out a few SSB and CW calls on 144.200, but got no responses.

I'm still hoping to hear my first tropo ducted sigs from Hawaii. This time I set up a lot lower: about 1900' on the shoulder of Loma Prieta mountain (CM97ad, Santa Cruz county) 9 miles from my home QTH. Haven't seen any reports today, so don't know if the duct is not working, or my setup is lacking (7 element yagi and an Icom 706mkIIG).

Outstanding effort Wayne. Yes we are also noticing the different elevations of the duct and how it changes fast with the weather. Could there also be more then one duct that forms. Congratulations on the records set, what an exciting few days. Forecast show even better days to come.

I'm on the air at sea level searching for the duct.

I'd like to post something about my trip to Hawaii for the current tropo duct. This trip has really turned out well so far.

Last week the Hepburn forecast suggested that a duct might form in a few days. So I bought an airline ticket and packed a station for
all bands from 144 MHz through 10 GHz in two large suitcases plus a roll-aboard and a backpack (total weight: 150 pounds). When I got here, I rented a small SUV and built a station in/on it. I made several trips to Home Depot for parts to build a rotating roof platform.

When the duct began on Tuesday, I drove all over Mauna Loa while listening to my own 222.030 MHz beacon in Orange County, Calif. It was a thrill just to hear it 2,500 miles away. By Thursday, the duct seemed to be at its best. Greg, W6IT, activated my hilltop station near Orange, CA and we worked Thursday night on six bands, including 2304 and 3456 MHz, both for new world DX records. I heard Greg well on two more bands, 902 and 5.7 GHz, but so far local QRN in Orange County has prevented him from hearing me on those
two additional bands. Let's hope the duct continues for a little longer so we can try again and also work more stations on the west coast.

I intend to write at least a conference paper and create a PowerPoint show about what I've seen and heard in Hawaii. I've noticed that the KH6HME beacon site, as good as it is, sometimes seems to be above the cloud layer that forms the top of the duct. Thursday night it was about 2,000 feet above the cloud tops. Seeing that, I drove down to 5,200' elevation to work Greg on all those bands. (The beacon site is about 8,200 feet above sea level.) My 222 beacon was definitely louder at lower elevations than at the beacon
site at that time. Friday night I operated at 7,300', which was near the cloud tops and where my beacon seemed loudest then. The size and elevation of the duct seems to vary a lot, perhaps explaining the way the KH6HME beacons vary in relative signal strength, with 432 being a louder at certain times while the 144 beacon is louder at other times. There are some very interesting natural phenomena at work here.

If anyone would like to watch a video of the record-setting 2304 QSO with W6IT, it's online on my website:
www.n6nb.com/2304rcrd.mp4 Thanks to Greg, W6IT, for his able operating on the other end of these QSOs.

73, Wayne, N6NB/KH6

Beacon 144.277 is 579

Beacon 144.277 is 529 with QSB

On 144.200 working So Cal stations.

California signal too weak for sea level. Switching back to 144.210.

Currently on 432.100 SSB has peaked up to S6 in DM13 with QSB

I have the 2m beacon in solid into dm03 with my 24 elements and 200w. Listening/cqing 144.200

I'm hearing station on Mauna Loa on the back side of my beam. I barely hear the DX station. Unable to make out any call. Unknown if there will be further traffic on this frequency. I will move to 144.210 can call out.

144.277 459 RST
432.310 569 RST

No 1296.250

6/20/2015 0000Z KH6HME/B 144.277 449 on handheld IC202 at 1740' in CM97tl.
0030Z NIL T=69.3, RH=37%, Wind 6-7 knots
0130Z NIL T=66.4, RH=40%, Wind 5 knots SW
Although the OAK 00Z radiosonde indicates I am in the inversion (~955 mb), I see ocean with no fog.
TV wx says to expect fog later, so I'll check back in later. TV wx also said Saturday would be hotter than today and Sunday cooler.
The Hilo 00Z sounding shows a very sharp humidity drop (cloud tops)@ 795 mb.

6/19/2015 2200Z, 144.277 449. On 432, no KH6HME/b, but local beacon K6ER/B and (probable shipboard radar S8 peak, I'd guess 500-600 pps, 10 sec antenna rotation.) T=70F, RH=40%, 4-6 knot wind from SW to W.

Being higher is not always the best. Consider setting up at lower levels as you come back down the mountain. My QTH is at 1200 feet ASL. There have been times when 800 feet signals were much stronger than 1200 feet.

Nothing heard here on 144.277 this morning 1700-1730 UTC.

I'm new to the mode, and monitoring the reports here. I drove up to Loma Prieta mountain here in Santa Cruz County where I set up at 3000' with a 7-element yagi. Too high? Or maybe the duct had already closed?

These are the repeaters that can be accessed during ducting.
146.820, open no tones, linked to other states, in the same building as beacons. 442.150, open, no tones, about same elevation as beacons. 146.760, open, no tones, island wide link.

Thanks for the reports. My radios are warmed up and ready to go. I will be calling out on 144.200, 432.100 and 50.125.

144.277 459 RST
432.310 569 RST

6/19 1525Z and 1625Z No sign of 144.277 beacon in CM87tl @ 1740'. T=64F, RH 39% @1525, 47% @1625
Wind S to SW 1-3 knots.

144.277 running ten over at 11:45 tonight but nothing heard on 144.200.

AT 22:47 LOCAL HEARING THE 2M BEACON
INTO DM14CP HIGH DESERT

AT 22:47 LOCAL HEARING THE 3M BEACON
INTO DM14CP HIGH DESET

Beacons heard on 70cm and 2m at 06/19/15 0500 UTC. 70cm faded out but 2m still going at 0522 UTC. CQing 144.200CW

06/19/2015 0430Z Thought the 144.277 beacon was out, but only a fade, came up to 559 only with IC202 at the edge,looking down @ Half Moon Bay.
NIL with the R7100 on either 144, 432, or 1296.
T=59.5F, RH=34%, Wind W at 5-7 knots. Good view tonight, Moon, Venus, & Jupiter, in the twilight.

Beacon 144 is very weack, now is listen in 144.2787.
No listen Beacon 432.

Thanks Tom, good point I will try that repeater and monitor too.

432.310 beacon 579 in Arcadia CA, signal strength was never enough to get it before this far inland. Tried 2 meter repeater 146.76 and 147.040 which are co-located with beacon but nothing coming back. Hawaii stations might try Catalina Island repeater on 147.09. Tom

Thank you for the reports Victor. My location at sea level not very good. I heard the atmosphere open up to DX on 2 meters several times today but it did not hold. 70cm I had no results. 6 meters had a brief opening at mid day. Because conditions are fluid, I will continue to call out on 144.200, 432.100 and 50.125 throughout the early evening. I will continue to be on the three bands everyday.

599 inland over 1000' hills in the Los Angeles area DM04 - Arcadia

06/18/2015 0220Z KH6HME/B 144.277 589 into CM87tl @ 1740'. T=61.7F, RH=42%, Wind SW 4-6 knots. NIL 432. Took the IC202 over to the 10' dish, same 589 though lower while transporting it. Using a R7100 connected to the dish feed ~569 (the LPA feed is for 220-1296 & not very good at 2 mtrs)

6/18/2015 1710Z KH6HME/B 432.310 569 on a R7100 with a 10' dish (fixed pointed at KH6) in CM87tl @ 1740'. T=60.3 RH=56%. NIL on 1296, but I've only heard it a couple times in past years.

6/18/2015 1645Z KH6HME/B 144.277 (mistyped last report) now 599 in CM87tl (also mistyped) at 1740' (530mtrs). T=59.9, RH=57%, Wind var < 2 knots SW.
Received on handheld IC202 on brow of hill (all downhill to ocean). One estimate of strength is that the 144.277 beacon is still readable cross-polarized and also is with builtin antenna nulled in azimuth, and also inside house about 50' back from brow, where it isn't usually readable.
Now going to connect 432.

BOTH 144 & 432 beacons in now solid ~ 559
MARINE layer down to ~ 500ft. now.
NO 1296 beacon ( broke) ???? I normaly hear it just fine when 432 is this strong. 4X 22el LOOP yagis & preamp

at 8AM 432.310 beacon in under very heavy RADAR NO 2M beacon at present
68F @ 40% RH Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1500FT.

06/18/2015 1450Z KH6HME/B 144.177 is 579 in CM87rl @ 1740'. T=59.4F, RH=37%, Winds calm, reads 1.4 knots SE (but direction not reliable at such slow wind speeds).
Oakland CA 12Z sounding indicates sharp temperature inversion.
Pressure(mb) Ht (m) T(C) DP(C) RH(%)
960 458 11.6 7.9 79
956 493 13.2 7.2 67
951 537 20.0 5.0 37
948 564 22.2 3.2 29
943 610 22.6 1.7 25
925 778 24.0 -4.0 15

The frequencies we are working here in Hawaii are at or near 144.200, 432.100 and 50.125. I'll be working at sea level and others at different elevations.

6/18 0410Z KH6HME/B 144.277 579, T=64.1, RH=25%, Wind 3 knots from SW.
0708Z KH6HME/B 144.277 now 589 in CM87tl at 1740'. T=65.5F, RH 24%. Wind 3 knots & less from SE

KH6HME 144.277 beacon is 4x3 in to DM12jt

Beacon 144.277 is signal 559 into DL44uc, 432.310 is very weak

The header say to use 423.1 that is a typo right?

Took a break from WSPR 432 is S9 ATM 144 S2. Put out calls on 432.1 and 144.1 all I got was other locals looking for HI. Hopefully this holds up for the weekend.

Light rain broken overcast at sea level. Still calling 2 meters, 70cm and 6 meters SSB from QTH. Hearing N6NB on the island calling on 2 meters. No indication at sea level that the ducting has formed. Will continue calling on all frequencies.

6/18/2015 0115Z 144.277 in 579, CM87tl @ 1740'. T=72.3F, RH=26%, wind 5 knots SW. I e-mailed N6RT re the time stamp being 1 hr off GMT & he said he'd fix it. Time now around 0144Z.

I am portable at 7,135' on Mauna Loa. My own beacon on 222.030 in Orange County is pounding in, as it has since yesterday. But I can't raise anybody on 144.200. ANYONE WANT TO WORK HAWAII???

KH6IMB decoding me almost every sequence in BK29 on 144 WSPR from DM13

Current cloud forecast, 2,400 scattered, ceiling 4,900.

We have heavy overcast skies at sea level. Looks like a break in the clouds coming. Forecast is for rain satellite photo shows broken clouds upstream. I will be on the air all day today and into the night. I'm operating SSB on 2 meters, 70cm and 6 meters.

Beacon is S-2 into DM12.

THE 432.310 beacon is in weakly nothing on 144.277
81F @ 39% RH at 2000ft.
HEPBURN TROPO maps look GOOD for FRI, SAT & SUN.

6/17/1548Z Well, this is a surprise! Despite drop in winds to (0-1.4 knots from SE) and flat fog bank visible below us (at 1740') and rise in temperature over night to 72 deg F and drop in rel humidity to 25%, NIL heard on 144.277. Is anybody at lower elevation (or better equipment) hearing the KH6HME 144 beacon this morning?

Was decoded by Wil KH6IMB on 2 meter WSPR. According to the forecast Friday and Saturday will be stronger. Pretty sure all the 144 WSPRers are pointed that way right now. 144 Beacon is louder than 432 ATM.
Timestamp Call MHz SNR Drift Grid Pwr Reporter RGrid km az
2015-06-17 09:48 N3IZN 144.490551 -20 0 DM13ji 50 KH6IMB BK29jk 4061 257

Can hear the 144 and 432 beacons in DM13. Nothing heard on 1296. 6 meter in use so I can't listen.

Yes the 220 radio and antenna is ready to go. Need someone with access to the site to turn it on. I don't know anyone else other then Jim that has access.

Weather here shows promise of ducting improving. I will continue to be on 144.200, 432.100 and 50.125.

VICTOR 222 has to be turned on at the beacon site
ONLY 144,432 & 1296 QRV,

6/17/2015 0335Z KH6HME/B 144.277 is still in 579 on a handheld IC202 at my QTH in CM87tl @ 1740'. A little marine air is blowing 5 knots from SW to W. T=56.7F. RH=59%.
I don't have antenna up for 144, just 223.5. I wonder if 220 gear is still up there at the beacon site.

1.2 GHz beacon sounds weaker then usual. Beacon signals pass right over my QTH heading for California.

Unable to say if it is propagation or hardware problems.

Can anyone in KH6 confirm if 1296/B is on the air??
432.310 is 559 no 1295??

Copy your report. I just received info from a local ham that our Police Dept. repeater is being heard in California. I will continue to call out from my QTH at sea level. 144.200, 432.100 and 50.125.

6/17/2015 0145Z KH6HME/B 144.277 579 on a handheld IC202, in CM87tl at 1740' T=67.5F, RH=37%. Wind 6 knots from the West.

I'm hearing the atmosphere noise open up to DX. Looks like in the next few hours will be good. I will continue to call from my QTH at sea level. I don't hear any hams at higher elevations on the air.

432.310/b in now checking for 1296.

I'll be calling on these or nearby frequencies....50.125, 144.200, 432.100.

Got your report. I'm starting to call out on 144.200.

KH6HME/B in 144.277
76F @ 46% RH at 2000ft. ASL

Hi Kevin, there are no email alerts that I know of. We here in Hawaii depend on a few California hams to alert us on this reflector as the beacons are located here. I have noticed short 10 to 20 mile ducting by monitoring certain local transmissions. If you want more info you can email me a ([email protected]).

73's Bob

I'm new to the mode, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Is there a way to get an email alert when ducting opens?

Thanks,
Kevin,

Frequency for my 6 meter beacon is 50.070.

I'm not sure what he plans to do. I have not met with him.

I will be on 2 meters and 70cm as soon as we get alerted by this site. Periodically I will also turn on a 6 meter beacon from my QTH.

Thanks Robert, does Jim plan to travel up the hill to operate?

Hi Craig. K6MIO/KH6 is now in charge of the beacons. Fred moved to California. 2 meter, 70cm, 1.2 GHz beacons are active. 6 meter beacon is not on.

The 2 meter beacon site is active on 144.277. I don't know about the other beacons or the control ops. I'm too new to the mode.

As we approach the season, wondering if HME is remoted by Fred or if there is a new trustee planning to activate it, or? Curious Californians want to know ;-)

I will be calling out during the early part of tonight as it seems the duct will hold.

19 APR 2015 2340Z 144.27 or thereabouts in peaking 579 on my IC202 as I walked my property.
However, 20 APR 0020Z was out. Now T=49F, RH=94%. Wind 5 knots blowing the fog. 0230Z pine trees are dripping, KH6HME/B still undetectable.

I'm trying to get other stations at higher elevation to get on the air.
My location is at sea level and is usually the last to open up. Still calling on 144.200......

2M beacon into So Calif. 579 in DM13bp 64F @ 0130 GMT

Okay Victor. Good news on 2 meter beacon. I'm also interested in 6 meters and will listen for your beacon. I will also report hearing it on this site.

2105Z 19 APR 2015. Went out to listen (for the first time this year) with my hand-held IC202 and the 2m KH6HME/B was 579 here in CM87tl at 1740'. We had the top of the fog at 48F this AM, it's now 57F and 66% RH. I don't have anything working (except my 6m K6FV/B) to work anybody.

Looks like this weekend might have a potential of some ducting. I'll be listening on 144.200 USB and 432.100 USB. for any California stations.

Monday March 30 , no beacons in until mid afternoon . First , 2m , and then the 432 MHz signal , both not as strong as the day before . Also , band noise to Hawaii not near as strong as the day before . Thanks to all for these valuable reports ! gordo

I will be leaving my radios on all night, 144.200 and 432.100.

The 70 cm beacon is in to So Cal , too ! Called CQ on .200 , for an hour , but no one on , yet 2m beacon S-8 !

CQ Hawaii in the am !

From what I understand, Jim K6MIO will be in charge of the beacons. I have not made personal contact with Jim yet.

The 2m KH6HME beacon in S-5 to Orange County , Ca. Both Chip , K7JA , and I hear it well . No reception yet on 70cm . But , who will go up to the beacon site when it opens again in July ? Who is our new contact to take the 3 hour trip to the beacon ? I can supply gas money !!!

Thanks Robert for your report. I'm also listening for N7SCQ 2 meter and KJ6KO 432 beacons. I have not heard anything yet.

KH6HME/B 432.310 is in but weak @ 9:25 AM
71F @ 35%RH

AS of 3:19PM KH6HME/B in 144.278 & 432.310 both ~ 529
78F @ 29& RH at 2000ft.

Forecast map shows good conditions on west coast. Oregon station reports on 6 meters of fog in his area. Hawaii area not the best for ducting but I am calling out on 144.200.

KH6HI/B has faded back into OR @ 2050z

Possible ducting opening into Oregon and Northern California.

Looks like ducting will be open from Hawaii to the west coast from now through wednesday. All day I've been monitoring 144.200 and noticed the atmosphere noise indicating open to DX. 10 PM Hawaii time and noise still going strong. I will try calling out tomorrow on 2 meters.

Hearing atmosphere noise open up to ducting on 2 meters. Not holding open steady. Nothing heard on 6 meters.

Beacon still in solidly on 144277...432 beacon in noise right now. Um, it's coming back.

Hilo weather broken overcast, sun rising Looks like the two tropical storms will cut off the small area of ducting in the next few hours. I will continue to monitor 2 meters to see if the sun's heating will help the ducting.

I'm hearing the KH6HME beacons on both 144 and 432 MHz right now in DM13cs. They aren't as loud as they were last month, but they're both 2-3 S-units out of my noise level on their peaks. They fade into the noise level every 5-10 minutes, then come back.

Looks like a possibility of an opening into southern California. I don't hear any changes in atmospheric noise on 2 meters at this time.

Forecast map show after the second hurricane passes Hawaii, ducting into California and Mexico will be very good. I will be on 2 meters calling out.

The KH6HME 2M beacon just in nothing any higher yet.
K6QXY CM88QL

I'm preparing for the approaching hurricane. Note ducting forecast map and weather satellite photos to see the influence of the storm on ducting. Two approaching storms show very poor conditions for ducting.

144.277 MHz 559 RST
432.310 MHz 459 RST

I'm starting to get light indication of the band opening up. Not strong or steady. Calling on 144.200.

144.277 359 RST

The 2M beacon is ~ 559 the 432 beacon ~ 519 nothing on 1296 yet
K6QXY CM88QL

Got your report. Conditions here improved when tropical storm to the south moved further west. I will be calling out on 144.200 periodically.

The KH6HME/B 144.277 just in now Q5 ~ s5
86F @ 33% RH at 2000ft ASL heavy marine layer up to ~ 1000ft.

I can't tell you if the beacons are making it to the west coast because I'm in Austin, TX for the Central States VHF Conference. What I can say is that interest in the KH6 duct is very high here. I gave a talk called "Working Hawaii on VHF, 1957-2014: An Eyewitness Account." That prompted a weekend of nonstop questions. KH6/K6MIO is also here and gave two excellent presentations, one on solar cycle 24 and another on the equatorial effect on propagation.

73, Wayne, N6NB

Anyone in southern California or San Francisco area can report if they are hearing KH6HME beacons.

10:30 PM Hawaii time....Having sporadic indications of 2 meter band opening up to DX. Unknown exact type of propagation.

10:30 PM Hawaii time......Having

I'm getting cold temperature moving in at sea level with light rain.

I haven't heard anything from the KH6HME beacons in 24 hours, not even a chirp. I guess this particular duct has moved on from Orange County.

No improvement at my elevation. I will continue to monitor and soon as I hear an opening I will start calling out.

Beacons still loud at 0500z on 10 July. Calling on 144200.

About half an hour more before dark. Started hearing atmospheric noise related to DX opening. Not strong yet but it is there.

Ralph K6TSK announced on my 2 meter Bozo net tonight the 144.277 beacon is comming in here in Southern Calif.
He's rightr.....loud and clear.
Pat

TNX for rpt Wayne. I ckd 144.277 earlier and just now (0130Z). NIL. T=55F RH=85% Fog blowing over the hill, (1740') 8 knots from the SW. Will ck later when wind has died down.

I'm only 2 meter capable at this time. Will continue to monitor.

0056 UTC....Briefly heard voice calling CQ CQ, the nothing. Noise on band. Overcast skies with light rain.

KH6HME/B is 589 now on 432. Louder on 2.

Condx not as good as last weekend, but band is open to KH6 again. Anybody hear me on 144200?

I am hearing KH6HME/B on 144 (579) and 432 (569) at 0005z 10 July. QSB on 432. This is the first time I've checked today at the hilltop QTH (DM13cs). This seems to go on and on.

Propagation map indicates intense conditions forming just east of Hawaii. A duct may also be forming towards San Francisco area and up along the northwest coast. I will be monitoring for Half Moon Bay repeater and 144.200 for openings.

It's 1005z on 8 July, after 3 a.m. PDST, and the beacons are gone--from here at least. The 144 and 432 beacons were loud and clear for five days (last Wednesday evening until sometime Monday night). Let's hope they come back soon.

This is not a reception report, however the Pacific Northwest VHF Society (PNVHFS)is aware of what's going on with the beacon's. Pete, N6ZE forwarded to the PNVHFS list serve the KH6HME beacon as heard at N6NB video clip dated July 5 of the 144 and 432 beacons. That post included an email from Wayne dated July 7. Subject was VHF opening to Hawaii. I'm not aware of anyone hearing the beacons in either Oregon or Washington State, but if they were a member of the PNWVHFS group I think they would have posted it to the list. I was fortunate to be one of few from CN87 in Washington State that worked Paul back on 7-1-1995 on SSB on 144.170. I also have his QSL card confirming the QSO. Here's to the duct moving it's way north. John N7MWV

144.277 MHz 559 RST
432.310 MHz 369 RST

I hear the 432 beacon good, but not the 2 meter one now.

The beacons are still loud and clear on 144 and 432 at Panorama Heights, DM13cs at 0235z 8 July. Slow QSB.

I tuned 147.285 FM on a 6m antenna & hrd one auto-ID sounded like WR6 something, maybe WR6HMB?
BTW one of the local stns I hrd on 223.5 yesterday was in HMB. I didn't expect that!
KH6HME/B 144.277 not audible @ 0130Z (and for past few hours) and NIL 432 & 1296. T=75F, RH=44% Breeze up to 5 knots. 00Z OAK RAOB indicates inversion starting @ 531'. On the other hand, from here it looks like Half Moon Bay is enveloped in fog.

A note to Jon, N0JK... Welcome to California!

I'm wondering if the cw you were hearing on 144280 on an FM HT could have been the KJ6KO beacon on 144282. Even during a KH6 tropo opening, the KJ6KO beacon (which is on a mountaintop and line of sight to many places in the Bay Area) would probably be louder on 144280 than KH6HME/B on 144277.

73, Wayne, N6NB

I was at the port of Oakland ~ 1500z today. The squelch was breaking on 144.280 sounded like cw on a kenwood HT & whip. I had a clear view across the bay. No 2 m ssb rig. Fog temp 60 f.

I will be roving on the big island with 6 and 144 digital modes this Sunday 7/13. During the week I'll be on the wrong side of the island for stateside, but ZL VK JA? It depends on how work goes. Email for details. Sorry if this violates posting policy.

My deaf 432 is getting the 432 beacon at S7 on peaks. A lot stronger than the 144.

Victor (K6FV), is the repeater 147.285 at Half Moon Bay still active? I'd like to try and listen for it's signal. Thanks, Bob.

I'm also still hearing both the 144 and 432 beacons, only now the 432 beacon is the loudest. That's a new thing. But there's also more QSB than there was yesterday or the day before. This duct has persisted for four full days now.

I wonder how long this will last and if it will move north, giving stations in Oregon and Washington an opening. For that matter, do we know for sure that Oregon and Washington stations aren't already hearing the beacons? Could anyone in the Pacific Northwest comment on that?

73, Wayne, N6NB

I'm hearing the 2 meter beacon good in DM13 now. Heard the 432 beacon up until a bit ago.

73 de WB6BFG

Many thanks for you help and support Gordo.

Have a great time at the ARRL 100th


Fred

The 2 meter and 432 beacons have returned again at noon today , Monday .

We will present , at the ARRL 100th convention , the West Coast to Hawaii report , at a seminar , on Saturday . ALL of your observations will be mentioned , plus those great observations based on humidity and temp inversions , seeing the tropo , so keep 'em coming ! By the way , the Beacons have been heard during the first week of July for almost 2 decades , like clock work !

This is one of longest sessions we have had , ever !

gordop

1840Z 7 July 2014 Correct grid
After being out sometime between my last report and this: 144.277 459 on hand-held IC202 in CM87tl @ 1740' overlooking Half Moon Bay and the ocean. T=67F (down), RH=60% (up), 4 knot breeze from W. Partly cloudy.

1840Z 7 July 2014
After being out sometime between my last report and this: 144.277 459 on hand-held IC202 in CN87tl @ 1740' overlooking Half Moon Bay and the ocean. T=67F (down), RH=60% (up), 4 knot breeze from W. Partly cloudy.

1610Z KH6HME/B 144.277 569 in CM87tl at 1740' where T=71F, RH=37%, 3 knot breeze from SW
12Z RAOBs
OAKland Inversion (16 deg C) starting 975 mb 1060'
HILO Humidity drop starting 770 mb higher than yesterday 7776'
LIHUE Humidity drop starting 810 mb 6424'
San Diego starting 975 mb 1079'
Vandenberg Inversion (18 deg C) starting 962mb 1463'

From sea level, Hilo, I'm on 144.200 calling out.

AT 7:00AM PDST both the 144 & 432 beacons are in ~ 519
83F @ 26% RH at 2000ft. ASL
CM88QL

The 144 and 432 beacons were both still readable in Panorama Heights (DM13cs) just before midnight Pacific Time, but weaker that they were most of the afternoon. This duct has been there for 3 1/2 days now.

Heard you 55 @ 0354.

Couldn't raise you back,

Jim

599 tonight....very solid

0240Z 7 July 14
After being out for a while, the 144.277 KH6HME/B was 599 here. NIL 432 & 1296. T=75F RH has dropped to 14%. Sea breeze < 4 knots fm SW. I note KJ6KO/B in CM88 is ~5-6 kHz higher.

KH6SX is calling CQ on 144200. SOMEBODY ELSE WORK HIM!

KH6HME/B back to S9 on 144. I think every ham around Hilo should put up a 5,000' tower! These ducts always seem to be best at 5,000' to 8,000' on the Hawaiian end but best at low elevations on the mainland end.

2330Z 6 July
KH6HME/B 144.277 back in 599 in CM87tl @1740' with a handheld IC202, even audible in the yard, away from the best spot, just where the property slopes down sharply and continues all the way to Half Moon Bay and the ocean. The coastal stratus layer is very flat, sea breeze is under 4 knots (from SW). NIL on 432 or 1296.
Sorry you guys in KH6, I'm not set up on 144. Antenna is on the ground. QRO < 10W.

Jim

The KH6HME beacons have been readable here for three full days now. Nice, long tropo duct.

Thanks, Jim. QRZ? Listening 144200.

Not as loud as yesterday, but we did it. Thanks to KH6/K6MIO. Beacons S8 (144) and S7 (432).

Wayne:

Glad we made it again.

It appears to be building up over the last thirty minutes.

I'll be listening until about 0000, then have to QRT.

Jim

Jim, I didn't hear you. Still listening. Beacons now S6 (144) and S3 (432).

Was hearing you 53 moments ago. Called you, no response.

Jim

Victor, where I'm hearing loud signals from KH6HME/b is at my house in Panorama Heights (DM13cs), 632' asl. At my permanent home three miles away (elevation 165' asl), the beacon signals are much, much weaker even with long Yagis pointed at KH6 on a 75' tower.

I've been going up to Panorama Heights to work Hawaii on VHF ever since 1973. KH6 signals have always been far louder there than in the flatlands of Orange County. But one by one the vacant lots where you could park on the hilltop have vanished. Last year a house on top came up for sale and in a moment of radio-induced insanity I bought it.

Today, the sharply defined line on the horizon that marks a tropo duct is clearly visible as you look out to sea. You can almost tell that the KH6 beacon will be in before you turn on a radio. This entire phenomenon is fascinating to watch.

I'll go back up the hill by 2230 and look for the
Hawaiian stations on 144200.

2053Z 6 July 14
KH6HME/B 144.277 in the noise now, ID only by its characteristic chirp on a handheld IC202 in CM87tc @ 1740'. NIL on 432. T=78F RH=44% Winds were calm this AM from SW, now 3 knots. Fog is visible below us, from the coast out to the horizon. I wonder, how far north (of LA area) are the beacons being heard this afternoon?
Wayne, your reports are amazing. What elevation is your station?

I will be on 144.200 from QTH (elevation 750 ft) starting about 2130Z.

Atmospheric noise starting to show signs of an opening. Weak and sporadic at my location. Looks like about the same time as yesterday. On 144.200 and calling.

KH6HME/b on 2m is so loud right now that I'm hearing key clicks up and down the band. It's receiver overload caused by a 2m signal 2,500 miles away.

The KH6HME 432 beacon is back up to S9 here. It's S9 on 2m also. I just made another video to show what it sounds like three days into this tropo opening.

I've been calling on 144200 but hearing nothing there. This is just amazing to see, but frustrating. I'm going to work some of this into my talk at the Central States VHF conference in a couple of weeks. I wish I had a video of K6MIO/KH6. He's also speaking there and he was as loud as S9 at times yesterday across the Pacific pond.

Oooops. KH6HME is fading on 432 as I write this. Down to S5 now and headed toward the noise level... Oh, wait, it's building up again. Now
S7. Oh, S9 again. That chirp, although quaint, is getting to be annoying when the beacon is loud.

Nobody should try to do a play-by-play account of a beacon's comings and goings in real time.

73, Wayne, N6NB

This is amazing. Three days after Gordo's first posting about the KH6HME beacon being loud in Orange County, it's still S9 on 2 meters at my house on a hill in DM13cs. It's only about S5 on 432, but it may get louder. It's been fading up and down the whole time on 432.

I'll call a few times on 144.200 before I have to leave.

73, Wayne, N6NB

I have been monitoring 144.200 for the last hour. I have some interference that seems to be tapering off. No atmospheric noise indicating ducting yet. But I'm the last guy to hear it at sea level. I will notify everyone when conditions improve at my location.

144.277 MHz 579 RST

no 432 or 1296

Morning report Sunday, July 6, 2014
1735Z KH6HME/B 144.177 599 on handheld IC202 (on its side for horizontal pol. NIL 432 or 1296. T=76 F, RH=20% @ 1740' in CM87tl
RAOB@ 12Z
OAKland both Temp inversion (14 deg C) and humidity drop starting 980 mb
Hilo Humidity drop @ 820 mb, Temp Inversion (4 deg C) starting 770 mb
Lihue Humidity drop @ 795 mb, Gradual Temp Inversion only 2 deg C.
San Diego Humidity drop starting 985 mb, Gradual Temp inversion only 4 deg C.
In most cases, it is the humidity drop at the top of the marine layer that is responsible for the sudden drop in refractive index with height that is responsible for the ducting.

Here's the link to a video of part of a QSO between KH6HME (KH7Y) and N6NB on 223.5 MHz FM:

http://youtu.be/XOyaUNMYIGg

It's really late here now. If the tropo is still good Sunday, let's try for more trans-Pacific QSOs then.

73, Wayne, N6NB

I want to say THANKS as emphatically as I can to everyone who has made this California-to-Hawaii tropo opening such fun.

THANKS to Fred for making the five-hour round trip to Mauna Loa to send such a loud signal to the mainland on 144, 222 and 432 MHz. I'm going to post a video on YouTube of KH6HME on 223.5 MHz FM. It's pretty impressive. I'll post the link here once that video is online.

THANKS to KH6SX, K6MIO/KH6 and WH6XM for working us mainlanders. It was a thrill to hear you all so well. The path to Mauna Loa is far more consistent that the path to places closer to sea level, but all of you had excellent signals in California when the propagation gods were smiling.

THANKS also to everyone who got on to work Hawaii from the California end of the duct. You all made this more fun by being there. I heard some outstanding operating, like the QSO between KH6HME and W8GZA. With signals barely above the vapor level, those two guys persisted and persisted on cw until the final R R R.

The 144 and 432 beacons were still hitting S9 an hour ago at my house in the hills east of Tustin, 2,505 miles away. I may go back up there later tonight, like after 0700Z. If the beacons are still loud, I'll post here, then call on 144200.

73, Wayne, N6NB

0515Z (10:15 PM PDT) Saturday night the 144.277 beacon is still coming in very well at 559-579 into DM03.

Thanks for nice cw/ssb contacts Fred, AD6IW

I'm not sure if Fred is still at the beacon site. 2 meter and 70cm beacons are on. I will continue to call out on 144.200. I have 3 hours of daylight more which might still be good for contacts. I will also monitor same frequency after sundown.

579 @ 0130Z 144.277 still in, NIL but locals hd on 223.5 Gave half a dozen calls on that frequency. NIL on 432. How long will Fred be at the beacon site?

Thanks for all the contacts today, Fred!

432.310 569 RST

no 1296.250

good sigs!

About a 52-53 here in SF with my simple setup. I started to make a SSB contact but signal faded and wife called so I'll call it a no-go. My amp seems to not be keying anymore either so I'm stuck with barefoot operation. Ah, something else to fix, ha, ha! I"ll keep listening on/off when ever I happen to stroll into the shack on this nice day!

144.285.....CQ CQ CQ
Loud here

Thanks for our first QSO on 2!

easy and quick Fred!!

wb6noa into bk29 5x2

copy 5x2 .200

Fred 559-579 on 144277.6 CW and SSB.

I am also on 144.200. Fred (KH7Y) should be on site soon. I'm also hearing DX atmospheric noise. Not as strong as yesterday. Still early.

144.7 Mhz kh6hme is 59 into cm96 at 11:00 am this morning......calling cq on 144.200 from time to time............regards Dave

QRV about 2130 UTC.

look forward to working everyone we can hear.

Aloha, Fred

KH6HME 144.277 at 1530Z 459 on handheld IC202 in CM87tl at 1740',where T=72F, RH=12%
At 1200Z RAOB soundings indicate very dry air above marine layer for Oakland, Hilo, and Lihue. Not dry at Vandenberg and San Diego (possibly influenced by tropical storm).
Heights in feet:
Oakland 1411, Vandenberg 1030, San Diego 1581, Hilo 6079, Lihue 5118.

Here's a link to a short video of the KH6HME beacons as heard at N6NB near Tustin, CA (DM13cs) just after midnight on July 5, 2014.

http://youtu.be/Uucyw8YO9s0

(Don't delete the period in youtu.be)

There may well be propagation to Hawaii on 1296 as well, but I'm hearing only very loud radar, not KH6HME. I believe the radar is coming from Hawaii because: 1) it peaks up in that direction; 2) it fades up and down in signal strength at the same rate as the 432 beacon;
and 3) there's not normally any radar signal coming from that direction.

Fred, I'm hoping to work you on 2, 222, 432 and maybe higher bands if the tropo path is still good on Saturday.

73, Wayne, N6NB

I am looking at the weather maps and the Hepburn site. It looks like the duct could move up to Washington State wed. If so I may make a run to my site at CN87am with 144 223 432 and 1296 portable. If I do I will log on here with an ETA. Dave

0120Z 144.277 just discernible in noise in CM87tl. Re:223.5 have both horizontal & vertical yagis. TNX for alert you'll be using horiz. 50 MHz&Up club picnic 18Z-21Z so hope the opening holds up til afternoon.
We're above the fog now at 1740', 65 deg, 42%RH

For K6FV, I Victor, yes I have a 223.5 radio at the site. Will have on and the antenna is HZ. So will look forward to working U Saturday.

Aloha, Fred

Will be QRV at the beacon site Saturday, will start out on 144.277 and work up the bands on SSB and CW. When the 2 mtr beacon is turned off we will be QRV.

Aloha, Fred

Copying 432 and 144 beacons very strong in to Fallbrook. DM13ji

Okay Dave. I'm working 144.200. Noticing some atmospheric noise indicating the band opening to DX. Still at sea level waiting for the ducting to reach my elevation. I don't hear any ducting effects on the local repeaters.

2m beacon 59 into cm96 today at 1pm pst. calling cq on .200 from time to time......Dave

2M BEACON GOOD COPY IN GILROY

KH6HME/B 144.277 in 589 or so on a handheld IC202 in CM87tl, 1740' T=57F RH 59-84% (2 colocated wx stns).
432.311 only about 569 peak amongst loud, frequent radar clicks. Antenna is a 10' TVRO dish fixed pointed at KH6.
The only band I'm really set up on is 223.5 FM, so if you go up to the hill Fred, I'd like to work you there.

144 is 599, 432is 539 NO 1296 yet but I think it,s on a timer to conserve power??

144.277 MHz 589
432.310 MHz 569

still no 1296.250 MHz

2M beacon is 559 432 is 539 1296 beacon is 519
83F @ 40% RH CM88QL

144.277 MHz 479 RST
432.310 MHz 359 RST

no 1296.250 MHZ

2m & 432 beacons just in 144.277 432.310 Q5 but weak at present.
72F @ 53% RH at 2000ft ASL CM88QL

Looks like tropical storm "E" is starting to enhance ducting in the southern Baja area as it moves north. Still listening and calling out on 2 and 6 meters.

I begin to hear very weak beacon 144.
432 beacon still nothing

I'm monitoring for XE2HWB and K6FRC 6 meter beacons and have not heard them yet.

Forecast map looks good for ducting into Baja California. I will be on or near the frequency of 144.200 USB calling out. I still don't hear California or Mexican repeaters and beacons. Might be good for field day.

into DM03

1296 beacon in but very weak
76F @ 36% RH CM88QL

144.277 & 432.310 in fair.
76F @ 32%RH at 2000ft. ASL CM88QL

Beacon is about 559 on 144.277.8 CW.

The beacon 144 in and out with very weak signal, the beacon 432 can be heard.

Low pressure system just to the northeast of Hawaii seems to be weakening the ducting system.

Currently returns 144 MHz beacon very weak.

at 9AM local time the 432 beacon just showed up but fairly weak No 2M beacon yet

As of 7AM this morning all kh6 beacons are gone !!!!!! heavy marine layer up to 2000ft ASL 50F @ 94%RH Will see if they re apear when fog burns off.

This morning the Beacon 144 is 529, Bcon 432 no signal

KH6HME beacons continue to pound in all beacons 519 to 599 heavy marine layer up here foged in solid 52F @ 92% RH at 2000ft ASL

Bcon 144 is 519, no Bcon 432

Copy message from Gilroy, CA.. Besides calling out on 144.200, I am also trying 50.110. Because I'm at sea level might not be as good as the beacon site.

5-1-7 IN CM97

Copy both messages Robert. I'm am now calling out on 144.200 USB from my house in Hilo, near sea level.

1296.250 beacon is now Q5 ~ 519 solid
74F @ 53% RH

The KH6HME/B are just into N, CALIF 144.277 , 432.310 & traces of 1296.250 in
80deg F and 45% RH at 2000ft. ASL

Beacon 144 return with very weak signals from about half an hour ago, the 432 beacon still not heard

Not hear beacon beacon 144 and 432 not hear

Beacon 144 is signal 528 with QSB and QRM local.

Hi Bernardo, when the 432 beacon gets to be solid copy call me. I will run up to the site.

Aloha, Fred

Beacon 432 is signal 428, with QSB

Beacon 144,The signal comes and goes is not constant, and so far only gained to 539.

Bescon 144 is very weak in this moment

looking at HEPBURN TROPO MAPS looks like possible JUNE 12th

Hi Bernardo, we are watching here also. Check you email. Also a better repeater which is co-located with the beacons is on 146.820 with 100hz pl and is very busy as it is linked to the WIN system. 146.760 is miles away and much lower in elevation. Also not very active.

This weekend is looking up, we will be watching.

Aloha, Fred

Thanks for the message. I was expecting conditions to improve in the next week. I heard no signal from the Ensenada repeater. I will continue to monitor that repeater and call out on 144.200 USB.

Beacon 144 is 559 into DL44uc

146.760 MHz is an open repeater at about the same elevation as the beacons. This is also the location of the police repeater that had ducting transmissions on saturday. This repeater has also opened up to California in the past ducting history. Also located close to the beacons is open repeater 147.040, which links the state of Hawaii. I will be monitoring these repeaters.

This morning I receive only 144,277 with very weak beacon signal

Beacon 144.277 is 539 no beacon 70 cms.

Beacon 144.277 is Signal 528 into DL44uc

0558 UTC....Transmissions continue on 154.695 MHz. Street names given are not streets in the state of Hawaii. Ducting signals are still clear but broken.

0526 UTC..Ducting continues on Police frequency 154.695 MHz. Ducting signals and local police calls being heard at the same time. Ducting signals are very clear. No location given in transmissions yet.

Almost dark in Hilo at sea level. Temperature 77 degrees. No ducting heard now. Local police traffic active. I believe police repeater is at the 4,000 foot elevation. Will continue to monitor.

Hearing possible ducting on local police frequency in the 154 MHz area. It isn't local communications. Possible source another island or state side. Still trying to identify source of communications.

I've started to monitor all the beacon frequenices during the evenings and weekends from DN03ts, Palos Verdes. Let's hope we have a good "beacon season"!

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I will be listening for the 144.296 California beacon from now on.

K6WKX/B has a beacon on 144.296 in Santa Cruz, California that is running 25 watts into a 7 dB horizontal polarized yagi and directed toward Hawaii. Operating 27/7. More information on K6WKX beacons can be found at WWW.K6WKX.COM .

The High Pressure system in in the right location between Hawaii and California. Overcast in Hilo town at sea level. Hilo tower reports clouds a 5,000 feet and scattered. Beacons at about 8,000 feet. Even though I'm below cloud level, I will try calling on 144.200.

Bob

09/24/13 UTC Time 04:13:28
Hear KH6HME... Hear very faint from Sacramento CM98. M2 5WL 60 feet. Had a friend check with 4 antennas. He confirmed

Fred tells me they had a successful work party up at the Beacon site a weekend ago . Bent masts repaired , positive checks on all antenna operations , and a NEW beam looking WEST for DX reports from ? ? ? who knows !

( Paul once told me he got a report and a QSL from RUSSIA , that heard the beacon for a day ! )

More good news - Fred indicates they may soon be able to REMOTE the operation up on the hill , for near instant-on , during an opening !

Fred , where can we all offer support to this operation ? Any other news for the troops out here ? gordo

The maps are just a guesstimate, it depends on where you are along the coast, inland stations have made it but the path must be very good for that to happen.
The 144 beacon is usually the strongest, I give it a listen every day no matter what the map shows.
When there is a tropical storm coming up along Baja, it is time to start listening also.
This is the prime part of the year for this to happen, very rare in winter.

I am new to this. Is the Tropo map for Sunday looking good? -Tim

74 degrees at Hilo. Clouds 3,000 feet scattered and ceiling 4,000 feet and broken. Weather still changing due to sun rise. No noticeable temperature change indicating ducting.

73's
Bob

144 faded out last night here, DM-12, nothing today, Sunday.
Setup here is a Yahoo 736 Rx and M squared 18XXX 36 foot boom at 40 feet.
Location is on top of Point Loma, 300 feet above sea level, clear shot in all directions.

Temperature at Hilo, 71 degrees. Clouds 2,500 scattered and 4,000 overcast. Sunrise occurring now with changes in cloud cover dissipating as sun rises. Listening 144.200 USB. Unable to monitor any California beacons as KH6 beacon is pointing at me and covering most of the beacon part of the 2 meter band.

73's
Bob

SUNDAY MORNING ~ 9AM
FOG has just lifted "NO" beacons to report.
Think this event is over with
64F 85% RH at 2000ft.
BOB K6QXY CM88QL

Sunday am , clearing fog , so maybe we will hear the beacon today . So far , nothing yet . gordo

Just to reinforce Gordo's comments, the reports are essential, and we are watching them out here. Unfortunately, today the timing has been such that by the time we might have gotten to the site, things were fading away.

Jerry , great tropo reports today , Saturday . The beacon never made it up to the LA area - at least , not along the coast .

Jerry , can you tell this group what you have for antennas please ? Keep those reports coming , as San Diego traditionally hears the beacon first along the West Coast .

With the storm down South coming in tomorrow PM , Sunday will be interesting in the early morning atmosphere stratification .

el gordo DM13BP Pair long boomers , up 60' , just inland from the Coast line at 64 measily feet of elevation . Clear shot to the sea .

In and out weak all day, S-1 at present just before six PM.

144 getting stronger now, up to S-3 at three thirty in the afternoon, still no 432.

All signals gone at one thirty this afternoon.

OK, all is not lost as yet. 144 signal back to S-3 in DM-12 at 11:45, no 432 as yet.
Will keep checking and reporting.

Signal was S-3 at eight AM this morning but now gone at ten thirty, will keep listening today.

San Diego KH6 beacon reports are needed this weekend . From what Bob reports , the tropo path has gone from North to South , and perhaps SanDeigo will be first to hear it this Saturday am . Please advise , so we can advise the KH6 team to prepare for a trip up the hill . El Gordo

All beacons gone from up here ~ 12noon yesterday nothing this morning
BOB K6QXY CM88QL

Fred and his team will be prepared to go up the volcano IF we begin to get steady reception this am . Yes , the beacon stayed steady last night , well into the evening , with a big peak at 10 pm local , and then gradually going into the noise as coasal FOG came ahore here in So . Cal . So , feed those reports this am . gordo

579 inland to Arcadia CA DM04 and getting stronger at 10:30pm local

144.277 479 RST
432.310 359 RST

144.277 359 RST

Fred hopes to be at the site about 0100.
Ken

KH6HME/B is S1 here in northern California cm96
73 Dave

The KH6HME 2m beacon is 5/4 is Southern California , nice and steady . As predicted , wx here is hot , with marine layer lying just off the coast , with tropical disturbance to the South . We should have good conditions UNTIL the tropical storm moves more North , and shuts down the path . But for now , 2m and a TRACE of 432 coming in 1000 local , Friday morning . gordo

144 in DM-12 weak last night and this morning, will see what the weekend brings with tropical storm off Cabo coming up.

as of 8:00 am the 2M beacon is 539 the 432 beacon is 519 Will check 1296 later
Heavy MARINE layer up to 2000ft.
BOB K6QXY CM88QL

It,s ~ 4:16 local time KH6HME/B 432.310 is Q5 ~ S1 just detect the 2M beacon Very heavy MARINE layer earlier up to 2000ft. Burned off now 73F @ 51%RH
BOB K6QXY CM88QL

No KH6 beacons yet.....but the path looks good next week if Southern California / West Coast continues to stay warm , with the low clouds blanket just hanging at our shoreline - like it is today , Saturday , 10 GHz weekend .

Hi All !

We put a "Nuclear Telemetry Beacon" ( First in World ? ), in AFSK9600 ( and in "CW Modulated in FM" - sometimes), in: 222.050 MHZ (w/ 10W), 432.050 MHZ (w/ 10W) and 50.085 MHZ (w/ 40W) with 3 different heighted antennas, at the **same time**. This is a very big project that begins abt 2012, Aug - and only now was more stable, but take note that all info (PDF) in qrz.com, are in Brazilian Portuguese (pt_BR) for now, but soon we put the same text in English (en_US). For now if some of you hear our signal in these 3 bands, please let we know - because it's the **only permanent** Tropo signal at these bands, in South America (located in South Brazil, of course...) !

73 and I are truly QRV, for all of you !

PP5VX (Bone)
More Info at: www.qrz.com/db/pp5vx
The **only** Owner of: www.qrz.com/db/pp5tlm

Two meter beacon back in service as of 2300 utc on Wed.

Aloha Fred

No RX of beacons heard from KH6 today , Friday , Southern California .

On YOUR becon reports , please add RX after the word " no " , as those of us on the West Coast refer to Bay Area beacons as NO CAL , and if we see a post of " No Cal beacons heard .... " we think Northern Calif may be in to Hawaii ! Hi Hi . So just add No RX , and we fully understand ! THANKS ALL !

gordo

Feeling cool air at my station in Hilo near sea level. Cloud ceiling at 5, 500 feet. No California beacons heard.

Bob

Listening to 50.110 & 50.125
Pointed from Southern California to Hawaii

Forecast map looks good for tonight. I'll be on 2 and 6 meters.

Bob

Well, the problem disappeared after a while say 30 minutes or so and then cropped up again once in a while. It would get as strong as S9+10db and modulated by the cw id. So after a little quick research here possibly the conditions were right between here and there in the early afternoon and I could hear all the junk along with possibly a less than super clean signal, or, maybe some intermod mix with repeaters or other RF that may be at or very near the same sight.

I remember tracking down intermod problems when I lived back in ILL and worked for Motorola years ago and with lots of RF in one place, anything is possible, especially with wet conditions and less than perfect metal to metal connections!

Yes, as I posted on July 27, K6ER is on 432.305, about 6 kHz below KH6HME/B. And, of course, the radar in NE CA puts out pulses, burps, etc. over the whole band.

WX, 60F, RH 85%. 6 knot wind out of the SW today. Better condx later in week.

K6FV

All the sudden I've been getting these weird swift moving buzzing noises on 432.310 and turns out is a cw sig at 432.305 that seems to have an am/fm component to the sig that is drifting-splattering up to 432.310 and beyond. CW Sig says K6ER CM87SV I've never heard this before.

Core of Storm moved towards Maui island but the southern part has the most storm cells. These cells are just about to make land fall on Hawaii island. Local propagation on 2 meters showing fast changes as storm nears. No ducting at all but wednesday looks really good from here to southern California.

Bob

The 2 meter beacon isn't on at this time. Fred didn't have the chance to turn it on. The tropical storm will hit us today so I would think when Fred has time after the storm he will make the trip up the mountain. The 1.2, 440 and 6 meter beacons are working. I will monitor conditions on 2 meters and if it seems like the band is opening up, I will call out on the beacon frequency and post something on this reflector.

73's
Bob

Should I monitor on 432.310 or is the 2mtr beacon back on and I should monitor that this week?

I'm located in old Hilo town, a half mile from the shoreline. My location is the worst for ham radio. Station can be seen on QRZ satellite photo. I'm retired and spend a lot of time looking for that magic antenna that will get my signal out. Once worked with great radios from satellite, 6 meters and all of HF. Now working with old recycled radios and exploring all types of propagation and radical new antenna designs. Ducting from my location is rare, but by listening I can tell what is happening in the atmosphere with radio waves. I change antenna designs at least twice a month. On a fixed budget so exploration takes time. Worked ducting in the 80's via mobile and even listened to emergency service calls from California as it came over our work frequencies when I worked as a police officer. Still having fun and hope to find that magic antenna design soon.

Any contacts via email welcomed: wh6xm@mac,com

73's
Bob

Aloha Bob , and for us out here on the West Coast , where are you located on the Island ?
Elevation , antennas , do you hear West Coast beacons in the past , and which ones do you hear ? Do you tropo duct West Coast FM broadcast stations ?

Where is " Dr. Quack " on the Island - in years past , he would occasioanlly come up on the West Coast 147.090 ( + , no tone ) Catalina Island repeater , FM .

We want to know more about YOU , and your monitoring schedule ! gordo and the West Coast gang

2:40 PM HST.....No enhanced propagation noise on the band. Hearing slight increase in background noise from storm, no lightning crashes yet. Nice clear blue sky today and wind increasing. Satellite photo shows storm close. Trying to get my 30 year old radio to work right. No California beacons heard today. Will put out an alert as soon as I hear something.
73's
Bob

Bob and Fred , thanks for listening to the East ! No KH6 beacons heard over here along the West Coast , looking West , and it looks like rain time for KH6 team tomorrow . Glad the .277 freq is also the comm frequency , and Bob ,if you hear West Coast beacons , make noise yourself on 144.277 ,'cuase that is where we are parked ! gordo Costa Mesa , DM 13 bp

10:15 PM HST...2 meter band showing strong atmospheric enhancement. No California beacons heard. Still listening.

Bob

Weather in Hilo is clear blue skies and hot. No indication of 2 meter band opening. No California 2 meter beacons heard. Tropical storm to arrive monday. Appears tropical storm will disrupt ducting near that time. Today looks good for ducting so I will be on 2 meters and will report any changes.

Bob

1640Z NIL so far on 432 and 1296. T=55F, RH=99%
Wisps of fog floating by @ 2 knots from SW. The sun is shining at 1740'. I think the atmosphere (over the ocean) is more mixed in the vicinity of the passages through which the fog enters the bay and delta; i.e., elevated sites further NW and SE have an advantage.

KEN the 1296 beacon moves around +- 1KHZ depending on the TEMP in the building up there I just have to go looking for it. It,s complicated by my DEM being off greq also

Bob - is it exactly 1296.250?

Ken

I've been a ham for year on hilltops and in valleys and once again hills win out! Being up in Santa Rosa at 1500 ft is a lot better than being in SF at around 200ft with a clear shot to the Pacific. We are still socked in with fog and cool this morning. Won't be around this afternoon but I'll monitor freq's and chat as I can today when I am around.

1296.250 just came up out of the noise Q4 to Q5
~ 9AM FOG layer still ~ 1500ft.
BOB CM88QL

It,s just 8AM local here 432.310 is Q5 ~ 519 VERY HEAVY marine layer up to ~ 1500ft.
I am out ove the fog it,s 70F @ 50% RH.
The beacons were in till bed time last night ~ 11PM 1296 up to 529
BOB CM88QL

Local hams reporting hearing enhanced propagation from police frequencies on the Big Island. I'll be working 144.200 USB to see what I can get. Band propagation noticeable at 8 PM in Hilo.

Bob

432.310 & 1296.250 in all day today .
FRED forgott to turn the 2M beacon back on
It,s 1030PM 432 beacon is 559

0515Z (27 July) KH6HME 432.310+ beacon 349 CM87tl
T=68F, RH=51% Breeze is (and has been) from SW, 1 to 2 knots.
NO 144.277, Fred, did you guys not reconnect something (antenna, key line?)
K6FV

ALOHA! KH6HME/B 432 579 IN CM87tl AT 1740'
NO 144.177 OR 1296
T=65F, RH=59, SEA BREEZE 2 KNOTS FROM NW.
K6FV

No beacon reception today , in Costa Mesa , DM13 . This saturday is the local SBMS 10 GHz and above TUNE OUT , in Fairview Park , Costa Mesa , 0800 . All locals invited . We'll discuss 10 GHz DX options , but Chip , N6CA , will likely be the first to make it across the Pacific . 73 to all ! gordo

Well finally 1296.250 in weak S0 to 519 432.310 continues. "NO" 2 M beacon
Getting warm up here FOG has burned off 80F @ 50% RH at 2000ft. ASL. I am ~ 25miles from PACIFIC negative horizon . in CM88QL above SANTA ROSA CAL.

Fred - Thanks for the contact yesterday - was not sure my 100w and small antenna would be enough.
73,
Ken

Hi Dale, There is a number of repeater on Mauna Loa one is next to our beacons on 146.82 and is linked to the "win system" non stop chit chat... Also 147.040 is up the hill about 200 feet The 76 repeater that Bob is talking about is much lower and not close to the beacon site.

So you best shot is 146.82 (if) you do not have a local machine on that freq.

The two meter beacon is running about 60 watts to a pair of 7 elements at 100 feet above the shack. The Eirp of the two meter beacon is much more than any other signal on Mauna Loa . You would do better by watching 144.277.3

Aloha, Fred

Good luck

Bob,

Interesting. I don't have beam on 2mtr fm but a super gain omni so I guess I should program that repeater into my FM rig. Any pl codes?

Thanks,

Dale

No beacon at sea level in Hilo. I just do a lot of SSB monitoring for openings. Historically the repeater 146.760 is near the same elevation as KH6HME's Beacons and it has become useable to California when ducting is very good. This repeater covers the east side of the island of Hawaii.

73's
Bob

Cold, overcast and foggy in SF again today. No baacon signals heard and a very high noise level on 2mtrs toward Hawaii for whatever reason. I hope it's not someones new wireless router, TV, or whatever in the neighborhood.

Did I read there is now also a ground level beacon in Hilo? That would be interesting to monitor for as well when the KH6HME beacon comes in.

Atmospheric noise shows band is slowly opening. NOAA satellite water vapor image matches ducting forecast map. Chance of ducting good today. Tropical storm might cut off ducting later in the week. No California beacons heard. Even though I'm at sea level in Hilo, I will continue to monitor and call out on 2 and 6 meters today.

73's
Bob

Friday , overcast in Orange County Coast , and no beacon . Perhaps later , but the weather is not very hot - not hot , no beacon .

Let's keep reports coming in , and if possible , indicate your geographic area with each post .

Gordo DM 13
Costa Mesa , 1 mile from the water

432.310 is 519 at 9:30AM Nothing on 2M ?????
Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1000ft.
75F @ 47%RH
Also heavy RADAR sweeps

24 hrs later at 9:30pm PST and no sigs in SF. Judging from the sigs I heard today compared to yesterday, Wed was the SF day, ha, ha! It's been pretty overcast-foggy all day here and we are buried in fog right now and it's cold!

Thanks for taking time to drive up that mountain. I've done so about 3/4 the way up and it's a long drive!

Thanks to all that were up on the hill today.I was able to work KH7Y,KH6P,and KH6RZ with 40w and 4dBd
ant on 2m from a hill west of Temecula. Thanks to WB6NOA for posting info.For me it only stayed open about 40 mins around 12:30PM.Good to hear Paul's call used.
73 Dick

Great work , all who worked KH6HME on 2 meters . Here in Orange County , signals were fair , but nothing like past openings years ago . I understand Fred and his team may go up this Saturday , if we post here that we are hearing the beacon .

Be sure and include your location , so we can see where the duct is going ! It was like a wild garden hose , with lots of ups and downs , and a fade out around 1:00 PM local .

Good first time under new management ! Fred's team seems super pro ! gordo

Worked FRED on both CW & SSB ~ 2014Z
432.310 beacon in now but massive QSB can just detect 1296.250
84F @ 39%RH @ 2000ft. ASL

Worked him on phone then on cw around 20:26, from CN73 Central Oregon Coast, currently he's calling CQ 144.277 about 5x2

Just starting to get bits and pieces of CW here in CN75xa, Lincoln City, OR. Dial freq of 144277.360 (CW) results in 800 Hz trace on spectran.
Using a 7x7 crossed yagi, SSB preamp. Sigs same on LH or RH polarization. Elevation 90 feet MSL.

Just worked Fred on SSB on 144.277, good sigs both ways.

Just starting to hear some sigs here in SF on 144.27675. I find my amp isn't working (I haven't been on the air in so long it's sad) so I'll be limited to 100 watts if conditions improve this afternoon.

130 7/25/13 144.277 CW contact with KH6HME 44n
Cm95 to BK29

Still quiet here in SF. I guess yesterday was the SF tropo day! Still a bit overcast here. But, I'll be listening about 3 more hours.

Finally up to Q5 FRED worked @ 2014Z 559

First I've heard this morning, 1945Z, Fred clg CQ on 144.277 CW 459 on my IC202 in CM87tl at 1740' T=69, RH=65%, 3 knot sea breeze from NW.
Stations in Hawaii might consider listening for the following northern CA beacons,
KJ6KO CM88ws 144.2835
K6ER CM87su 432.305
Hilo sounding for 12Z suggested a duct height around 6140'
KH6HME site is around 8400'

swapping between CW and SSB 144.276.5 or so.
now going to 223.5 and then onto 432...

599 here on CW and 59 on SSB 2m.

73 de Craig N6ED

Copy FRED on CW but very weak I seem to have lost the PATH up here

Fred , KH7Y , ON THE AIR , 5/5 . San Deigo hearing him best , but others in LA Basin working him on 2m . He will stay on the hill for about 2 hours - 3 hours . 144.276 QSO frequency . on now . gordo

Rain cloud moved in and I lost opening at sea level. Listening to KH6HME now on 2 meters making contacts.

Bob

Gone from CN73 unless he took it off in preparation for SSB QSOs

I guess the duct has moved northward as it's pretty much been quiet in SF since about 9:00am PST. Time to p/u my car from the shop and grab a quick bite!

Hearing 5 by 7 in CN73wx in Florence on the Central Oregon Coast 144.277

I'm working 144.200 and 50.110 SSB from my location in Hilo town near sea level. Atmospheric noise sounds good at my location. I will be working the two bands all day.

73's
Bob

All hands , Fred , KH7Y , is leaving out for the beacon site this morning , 1600 Z. He plans to drop the beacon about 1800 zulu , 11 am local West Coast , and will STAY on 144.276 , the beacon frequency .

He has no cell coverege up at the site , but may have spotty E mail .

This will be his first time on 2 ssb mainland DX from the this Volcano site , so spread out our calls ,and let him come up to speed . Judging by all your signal reports , the opening should stay in for most of the day , afternoon , and evening ! Have fun , help the weak stations near you make contacts , and a prayer for Paul Lieb , KH6HME .

Well at 7:00a PST I could still hear the 2mtr beacon albeit weak at about 529. The 432 beacon was about 519 but with a lower noise floor noise level.

Now it's 9:00am and nothing on either band. Still foggy here this morning.

Dale

Good Morning, K6WKX/B has been operating a beacon on 144.2980 since last fall. I recently received a complaint from local amateurs that my beacon was covering a KH6 beacon on 144.2780. I promptly took my transmitter off the air to evaluate the situation. When I do return it to the air this fall, it will be QRP with the signal directed to the KH6 area. I would like to coordinate with the KH6 group to avoid any interference and I can change my beacon frequency if that is advised. Please advise. Thank you, Gary Bramer, K6WKX.COM

at 8:45AM the 2M beacon is ~ 539 Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1000ft.

The 2 meter beacon is building nicely , here in Costa Mesa , a mile inland from the ocean .

We still have overcast June Gloom , yet the beacon is 5/5 on 2 meters , so things are looking swell along the 2500 miles path !

gordo

144 is 549 this morning, no 432 at present.

0700 local , 2m beacon IN . Low clouds along coast ( June gloom ) usually kills reception , but this am , WITH low clouds , we still hear it 5/2 in Costa Mesa , 1 mile inland from the Coast . When clouds burn off by 1100 local , we should hear it strong !

gordo

0615Z 144.277 down a bit, maybe 569. NIL on 432 except for local beacon in CM87. NIL on 1296
T=65F, RH up to 45%, and 1 knot breeze from W.

OK almost 9:30PM 144=599 432=559 1296 = 519 with QSB peaks up to 539
Will recheck early tomorrow
76F @ 46% RH @ 2000ft ASL

OK Dale, sure hope we can wk you Thursday morning. Look for the Hilo guys on 144.200 tonight.

73, Fred

This must be quite a tropo duct as here it is 9:30pm at night and both the 2mtr and 432 beacons remain steady good copy since my last posting about 5:00pm. Signals range between 529 - 559 at this time of night with 2mtrs and 432 appearing to be hitting peaks and valleys opposite each other. However, still no signals heard on 1296 at this shack yet.

I will be on this page once we are QRV at the beacon site.

OK Dave, we will be on 2, 223.5, 432 and 1296. plus we will fire up the 10Ghz. keep your fingers crossed the maps look good for Thursday, I am packed and ready to make the trip.

Aloha, Fred

0340Z 579-589 on IC202
T=69 RH=20% at 1740' in CM87tl NO WIND, fog is way down.
NIL on 432.310 w/10' dish
Just put up a vertically polarized beam for 223.5 pointed your way and am awaiting the morrow.
Victor Frank

I Will Be At CN87am Portable Thurs Dusk 24hrs Till Friday Dusk. Looking For Qs On 223mhz 432mhz And 1296mhz.Distance Will Be New Records On All Three Bands 4,203km,if Completed. Weather Looks Good From Washington State For Ducting.73 Dave.

144=599 432= 559 1296= 539

5:00p PST - 2mtr beacon solid 559 (was about 589 earlier) and the 432 beacon is a solid 539. Nothing heard on 1296

First heard 2147Z peaking 459 in and out
At 2340Z 144.277 was 569 on a handheld IC202 with its whip antenna almost as good as with a beam (that I'd better check out)
Location CM87tl @ 1740 ft, T=80F, RH 39%.

The maps look even better for Thursday. I am packed up and will make a few calls and ck my email first thing in the morning. If there are good conditions I will be QRV about 1800UTC. We will start on 144.277 and work our way up the bands. I understand there are many that need 220 and I will have abt 300 watts on 223.5.

Aloha, Fred

The beacon has been in from S3 to S6 over the past four hours on 144277.6.

73 de Chip K7JA
DM03xs

Still hearing the opened DX atmosphere noise. Saw report of two other California stations hearing KH6HME beacon. KB6EGA and myself are working 144.200 and 144.250.

Got your report. Both myself and KB6EGA on the east side of the Big Island will be trying on 144.200.

144 continues ~ 559 432 is now 539 1296 is 519 at 11:15AM

Make that 1040 hours WEDNESDAY . gordo

1040 am Tuesday , KH6HME beacon on 2 meters building well out of the noise 5/7 . Low clouds/fog hugging the coast , characteristic of
good conditions . Nothing yet on 432 .

as of 10:30AM KH6HME 2M beacon is 559 432.310 is ~ Q5 S0 very weak so far will check 1296 in a few

KH6HME beacon , on 2m , weak in to Southern California .

Same here, at midnight it was 529, this morning 319. Will keep an ear on it today.

KH6HME/B 144.277 is in this morning but very weak . At about 11PM last night it was 559 but almost "NO" 432 very weak
The weather is changing it,s 74F @ 54% RH at 8AM local

Kh6HME 144.277 in very weakly
72F @ 53% RH

Monday and Tues , Jul5 15 and 16 ,the 2m beacon from KH6HME was in , for most of the day , but not as strong as last week . Today , Wednesday , 17th , not a peep . gordo Costa Mesa

Yes Art, KH6HME is now at 8400 feet on Mauna Loa and NH6P/B will be at sea level. This is an experment to see if KH6HME/B is received on the west coast via tropo along with the other beacons at the site. That being said NH6P is on 60.5 not 61. your cw filter will sort the signals out. I doubt that both will be received at the same time by DX. Time will tell, it is a nice experment.

Aloha, Fred

At the moment KH6HME/B and NH6P/B are on the same freq, on top of each other. Would be hard for dx to copy.

Hearing atmospheric noise as band opens and closes. Band not stable and noise up a little due to storm. Still calling on 144.200.

Bob

144.277 459 RST QSB

Sorry, make that :

14.277 MHz 339 RST

144.170 MHz 339 RST

144.277 MHz 459 RST

144.277 MHz 339 RST

144 beacon 5 X 1 into San Diego, no 432.

I will be looking for emails from K6QXY and Gordo in the morning. If there is prop, I will leave and be operational by 2100 UTC on Wed.

73, Fred

Hi, Yes 6,2, meter beacons on 24/7 432 and 1296 are on a timer on at 7AM HST and off at 7PM HST to keep the power bill down.

I was at the site on Saturday and every beacon was running as they should.

Aloha, Fred

144.277 MHz 569 RST



Are the 432 and 1296 MHz beacons operating?

Sorry for not being there. Burned out from two days on the radio. Forecast map shows good chance of ducting on wednesday. I'll be on 2 and 6 meters.

Bob

Beacon solid 559 in DM03. Anybody in KH6 QRV?

144.277 MHz 569 RST

144.277 MHz 339 RST

Thanks for the reports. Please post as early Tuesday morning as you can as I will be on the road to the site at 5AM HST or 1500 UTC and will ve QRV all day Tuesday (if) there are posts. I will have 2, 223.5, 432 and 1296 with me. I will turn off the 2 meter beacon and will call CQ on the beacon frequency. When two is worked out we will go to 223.5 FM then the other bands.

Aloha, Fred

2m signal 559 into cm96 at 3P pst. 73 Dave

Atmospheric noise heard at the time the 2 meter beacon was first heard is gone now. Still calling out on 2 and 6 meters.

Bob

Cold cloud layer from the northeast arriving at my location in Hilo. Even though I am below the cloud layer, I will still be calling on 2 and 6 meters. Fred (KH7Y), should be at the beacon site within one hour.

Bob

Trying 144.200. So far no signals heard at sea level in Hilo town.

Bob, WH6XM

Will be QRV at 2130 UTC on 2, 223.5 and 432. Sri we smoked the 1296 at fieldday.

Aloha, Fred

144 beacon is 5X7 into San Diego, no 432 as yet.

We will have the new beacon QRV on Saturday it's new frequency is 144.277. Please spot here or on DX Summit. Also a small crew will be at the site on Saturday for FieldDay and will be QRV on all bands through 1296. We also will be on 20 and 15 CW and SSB using the KH6HME call.

Aloha, Fred and Crew

Thank you for you hard work on the 2 meter beacon.

73's
Bob

Shipped this morning,new KH6HME/b 2m beacon. Made from converting my original transverter.Unit runs 1.2 dB more output power so we don't over drive the Power amp.Frequency = 144.277.3 MHz. I suspect it will drift over time as the xtal ages.Picturs and in for will be up on http://n6ca.com shortly

TROPO KH6HME/B 432.310 in but weak 519

Fred:

Chip and I are both measuring 144.2773 MHz for CW zero beat. That appears to be where the xtal wants to naturally operate. It's likely to shift a bit with aging and as time progresses but it should settle around that frequency.

73,
Gary - WA6MEM

Sorry Gary... getting late out here

Doug I hope the freq is 144.276.......

Good news we will be watching our mail box...

Aloha, Fred KH7T

N6CA has the KH6HME 144.277 MHz beacon operating into a vertical from DM03ut. It still has that great sounding chirp!

KH7Y still at the beacon site working the frequencies. Worked him on 1.2 GHz, 70cm, 2 meters and 6 meters.

Still no signals heard from west coast.

Bob

We will be QRV all bands starting around 1800 UTC Saturday and will stay through the weekend (if) the bands open. If not we will leave 0300 UTC Sunday.

Aloha, Fred

432 & 1296 beacons back in nothing on 50.061

50.110 MHz Beaming Hawaii from DM03

1296.250 beacon in now ~ s1

432.310 back in at 1540Z weak so far
61F @ 71% RH at 2000ft.

Please listen 144.200, 223.5 432 and 1296 we will be at the site about 1930 hours and will stay for 4 or 5 hours.

For the VHF contest I will be operating Saturday and will be calling CQ on 144.170 and 144.200 if there is propagation I will move up the bands 223.5 etc.

Aloha Fred KH7Y

TROPO KH6HME/B still in 432.310 & 1296.250

Got your posted reports. Calling and listening on 2 and 6 meters. No signals yet in Hawaii. My station is at sea level in Hilo town.

WH6XM

1296 beacon is Q5 S5 1296.250 good signal

KH6HME/B in on TROPO 432.310 ~ S5 55degF @ 95% HUMiDITY fogged in solid at 2000FT.

Hi Gary, thanks for the report you are number one this year and the first to spot the new beacon frequency .310 Is it close to frequency? I let it run a week and rejusted as needed. Should be close.

As for 2 meters we should have it on in the next few weeks. Chip is close to shipping it after he lets it run a bit before shipping.

6 meters beacon will be QRV this week, looks like I will make a trip up on Thursday. It is about a 5 hour drive round trip for me.

I will post progress here. Also KH7Y will be on for the June contest at the site, will be calling cq on 50.110 and 144.200 if there is tropo will stay till it dies or if no tropo will QRT Saturday night. KH6HME will be active for fieldday from the site and will also be on CW on the HF bands. That is the news for now. keep the posting comming, we feel like the Maytag repairman at this point..

Aloha, Fred

432.310 MHZ 229 RST

First time this season. No 1296.250 MHz yet.

Is the 50.061 MHZ beacon on too, Fred?

Ops, been sitting to long in the chair (WPX contest) That is 432.310 the correct frequency.

Fred

431.310 beacon installed yesterday Sunday May 26. So the 1296 and 423 beacons are QRV now. We will keep U posted about 2 meters once it is received from Chip, N6CA.

Aloha, Fred

In order to make checking this page faster, I have archived all 2011 and earlier tropo reports. They can be accessed via the archive link at the top of the page.

73 de Doug, N6RT

Ok, Fred.

I'm monitoring the 1296.250 frequency and will let you know if anything starts coming in.

73,
Gary - WA6MEM - DM03ts

Hi Gary and thanks Bob for answering the question. We are waiting for a crystal for the 432 beacon and Chip N6CA is rebuilding the 2 meter beacon. It should be shipped before the end of May. The only active beacon at this point is 1296.

Once there is a opening and we man the site, we will be QRV on 144.170, 222.100, 432.078 and 1296.25. We will not be transmitting on the new 2 meter or 432 beacon frequencies.

We are also going to move the KH6HME 6 meter beacon on 50.061 to the site and move NH6P 6meter beacon to the sea level site in Pahoa.

I was informed that the proposed frequencies would be 144.276 and 432.310. Fred estimates the beacons will be on sometime the middle of this month. Fred will inform all when beacons are active.

Historically, a 2 meter repeater (146.760) on the same mountain slope has opened to California during ducting. I would encourage all to try this repeater. It is linked to the whole island and parts of Oahu and Maui. This repeater is open, no tones needed.

I also try to monitor the call frequencies of 144.200 and 432.100 from my house in Hilo town at sea level.

73's to all,
Bob, WH6XM

The HamRadioNow video "podcast" got the VIP tour of the beacon from Fred KH7Y. See it at www.HamRadioNow.tv. Thanks, Fred! 73, Gary KN4AQ

Any information about the new frequencies, Fred? When do you expect to have the beacons operational?

73,
Gary - WA6MEM, DM03ts

MESSAGE from Fred, KH7Y. The 2 meter and 70cm beacons are off for maintenance and frequency change. Estimated to be turned on sometime the middle of next month.

The 1.2 GHz beacon is still on.

73's
Bob

Forecast maps show improvement for ducting from Baja California to Southern California on Sunday. I will be monitoring 144.200 and calling out on that frequency.

Bob

Hi Victor, Not much going on out here including 6 meters. Next few months may be interesting, I hope.

The KH6HME call is just about to be assigned to the "california-Pacific ARC. The beacons live on.

email is [email protected]

Aloha, Fred

Sorry I wasn't monitoring this reflector much. Nothing heard of KH6HME/B on 144.17 in Kihei or Kahului--didn't have the opportunity to go up to Haleakala. Am back home. Winter isn't very productive for KH6 to North America tropo, but Bernardo, XE2HWB managed some 2m contacts then in past years. Please send me your e-mail address.

Victor Frank
[email protected]

Hi Victor, how long are you in Maui for? Do you plan on a visit to the big island. If so I will be glad to pick you up and show you around.

Aloha, Fred

WH6XM, what is your e-mail address?
Also, what is the 2m SSB activity frequency in the islands?
Only signals heard on my IC-202 are carriers, probably from computers.
Victor Frank, [email protected]

All beacons are using yagis pointing northeast. 2 meter, 70cm and 1.2 GHz beacons are working fine. I am also calling out on 2 meters from Hilo in the northeast direction. So far no signals heard. Conditions are still poor. 73's

in Kihei with an IC202 but haven't heard the 144.17 beacon yet. Lots of noise.

Starting to feel like the Maytag repairman. Getting tired of playing cards ready to Wk U guys.

Aloha, Fred

Visit to the site on Wed. this week and all is working the 223 beacon is out of service. Still waiting for a opening...

Aloha, Fred

I have been looking at the weather maps here this week from Oregon. It looks like the duct could form in the next few days. If so i am thinking about driving up to my portable site in Washington State At CN87AM. The same location i was at last sept 2011 (see my post). If i hear anything i will log on. 73 Dave

Many thanks Bob, thanks for the help!! We need to get back up soon and make more repairs. I have some new antennas to install as (back-ups) for 6,2,222 and 432. So a work party soon.

Aloha, Fred

Thanks to Fred (KH7Y), for making the long trip to the beacon site and changing the power supply. The beacon is back to it's normal power level and loud and clear from my QTH. West coast stations and beyond should be able to hear it now.

Two meter antennas are fine, 432 and 222 2 inch mast bent by heavy winds antennas looking up 30 degs. Will be at the site Tuesday at 2200 or so to make repairs.

Aloha, Fred

We have keys for the site and can make the trip to the site now and work U guys. I check here every few days but can be reached at my email address listed on QRZ.COM.

Aloha, Fred KH7Y

432.078 MHz 357 RST


no 144.170 MHz beacon being heard.

2 meter beacon keying is fine. I received a report from KH6LC that it is up and running. We will look into the antenna issue once the family makes the decision around Sept first. I will keep everyone posted.

Aloha, Fred

When we were at the site June 30th, the 2 meter beams were pointed up at about a 10-20 degree angle. That could explain the weaker than normal signal. The mast and guy wires had been blown around and needed some mechanical work.

Made several signal checks of the beacon from my location and it appears the beacon is not putting out its full power. Will wait till KH7Y has time to locate the problem.

I am hearing the 70 CM beacon in Los Osos, CM95
about S1 good copy some QSB.

432.078 & 1296.250 continue Q5 up to S1----S5 at times
"NO" 144.170 beacon not even a carrier.
84F @ 2000ft. 29%RH

I am still hearing KH6HME's 2 meter beacon from downtown Hilo. Sounds like the beacon is operating okay. Signal level is lower then normal which may be due to propagation. Will continue monitoring.

Sorry, two meter tx keyer bad, txing carrier now without keying.

Sounds like the keyer has quit working. Two meter tx running 100 percent of the time without a carrier.

I have no access but will know more on Thursday.

Aloha, Fred KH7Y

1296 .250 is now 519 to CM88QL
STILL no 144MHZ beacon

KH6HME beacon 432.078 in Q5 S5 this morning ( only 432)
81F @ 29% RH at 2000ft. DUCT appears very unstable so far

All responsible site parties are in contact and plans are formulating for the future of the site. KH7Y Fred is heading that up. Info will be out in the next few weeks.

73 Chip

All of Paul's beacons on Mauna Loa Mountain are still on. He also has a 6 meter beacon near the shoreline on the big island of Hawaii that is still on. We are waiting for the family and or attorney to inform us of Paul's wishes concerning all the beacons.

Bob

Sorry to hear about Paul. Are the KH6HME beacons still on the air? Plans for future?

Victor Frank

It was a real shock hearing of Paul's passing. We would meet for lunch when ever we were on the Big Island and had just visited with him June 30th. My wife, Mary Ann, Wb6YSS and I were privileged to scribe our calls on the beacon site door with the sacred nail - the last ones to do so I was told by his good buddy in Hilo, Corky, W6ORS. Paul said that he had been looking for someone to take over the beacon/tropo DX operation but no one has come forth yet. I shot some video of Paul and the site and Gordon West might use some of it to put on Leo LaPorte's twit.tv webcast. We shall miss this great guy.

KH6HME was an outstanding vhf dxer. I had hoped to visit him in Hawaii. I plan the next wa50 lead to honor him. Watching for the duct in Maui.

I too will miss Paul, I was one of the hams who was
lucky to have had lunch with Paul in the 80s.
He has always been a inspiration for me in VHF/UHF.
73 Paul, We will all miss you.

Dick

Loosing a friend is always difficult but loosing Paul Lieb, KH6HME, will have a profound affect on the hobby we all enjoy so much. His enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment will be difficult to replicate. Each year I would look forward to hearing those unique sounding beacons announcing �Aloha�. It was always a special day when those signals would find the way to the mainland coast.

Many of us enjoyed the thrill of working KH6 land on VHF and UHF because Paul would take the long, slow, trip up the volcano. I will miss Paul�s excited voice call CQ from the Big Island of Hawaii. Thank you, Paul. You will be missed.

Paul is with the Lord now. He lived his life by His word as we all saw many times. Hopefully we will all see Paul again.

73 my friend

Chip N6CA

Talked to Paul many times over the years, he was always ready to "head up the hill" when the band was open.
This is a big loss to the VHF community.
RIP, Paul, we will miss you.

I was very fortunate to have known Paul. I am very sad to hear of his passing. He was the best human being the ham world could every have.

Paul and i had a nice phone conversation a couple of days before he left for the mainland. We all have lost a dear friend. We will miss you Paul. Dave NY7C

Sad news, we will miss you Paul.
73's wherever you are.

Everytime I would go over to the Big Island, Paul, my Wife and myself would go the in my
4x4 Jeep, go all over the Big Island and a lot
of times go up to the Beacon Site.

My wish One Day was to move to the Big Island
help Paul when the Bands would open.

Will miss him greatly, a great friend indeed

73's my friend but never forgotten.

Mike Aust - WB6DJI
WB6DJI

sad news from WB6NOA via SBMS email list states that Paul became sk yesterday.....we have lost a legend.

I will be in Maui July 17 - 21. If the duct opens, I may drive up Haleakala to couple in it. There are road "turn outs" with clear shots to W6/W7 between 5,000 - 8,000 feet. QRV 2M & 70 cm SSB/CW.

144.170 MHz 229 RST

Hi Everyone, Paul is off the island till the end of July.

Aloha, Fred KH7Y

KH6HME/B 432.078 ~ 519
48F @ 91%RH heavy marine layer @ 2000ft.

as of 1400Z this morning KH6HME/B 144.170 in ~ 519 nothing else so far

KH6HME /B just in 144.170 ~ 519

Heavy marine layer in Los Angeles today, keep an ear out here. Would love to add you to the log!

Calling CQ on 144.200 USB, so far no signals heard

At 1600Z KH6HME is 569 on a handheld IC-202 on 144.17. Temp 51.6, RH 100% @1740' in CM87tl, just about the top of the cloud layer here.

As of 1520Z KH6HME/B 432.078 is 519

KH6HME /B 144.170 very strong this morning
Heavy marine layer at 2000ft. 52F @ 94% RH

144.170 Is very weak in this moment into DL44uc, 432 not hear beacon

TROPO to KH6
KH6HME beacon 144.170 in ~ 559

Beacon 144.170 is RST 519 with QSB into DL44uc

E's

Bcon. 144 is RST 549 into Dl44uc. No hear 432

Bcon. 144 is RST 439 into DL44uc

This morning the 144 MHz beacon signal was heard with of 559 with QSB

144.170 MHz 589 RST
432.078 MHz 459 RST
1296.250 MHz 369 RST

144 MHz beacon is heard with very weak signals, all day has been heard with QSB

144.170 MHz 359 RST

In and out 144 MHz beacon

This morning listening to the 144 MHz beacon signal with a 528 with QSB.
Still can not get heard on 432 MHz.

Now 144 Beacon is RST 539

Start listening again 144 MHz beacon, with very weak signals

I begin to hear 144 MHz beacon with QSB, with maximum signal 539.

still hear the 144 MHz beacon with QSB

144.170 Beacon 517 into DL44uc

LATE POST KH6HME/B 144, 432, & 1296 in yesterday ~ 1630z in all day till ~ 0100Z
!296.250 up to 529 at timws

I live a few miles from KH6HME beacon in Hilo town. Calling out on 144.200 USB. So far nothing heard from West Coast.

144.170 MHz RST

Heard the tell tale chirpy CW signal on 144.167 or there abouts. Around 2000z from Pillar Point, CA on a HT.

The KH6HME/B 70 cm beacon is just starting to become audible in CN75xa. Using 432.078.54 (CW) puts the chirpy beacon at 1150 Hz on the waterfall.

The 2m beacon has taken some deep fades, but is now audible again. Interestingly, the two beacons fade and peak at different times.

Again hearing the 2 meter beacon in CN75xa. About S-1 or 2 above the noise. Nil on the 432 and 1296 beacons.

I'm hearing the 144.170 beacon here in CN84px in the foothills of the Cascades. A first for me!

Hearing the beacon in CN75xa at 432.07854 (CW), which puts the trace at 1300 Hz on the waterfall. Sig is about S1 and building. 2m bcn is now about S2 here.

Just arrived back to the portland area after operating portable in cn87 grid 8 miles north of quinalt lake at 2495 ft elevation.Distance from paul KH6HME over 2600 miles.Paul and i were looking to contact on 222mhz for a new record But only heard his 2meter signals in the noise no 222mhz arrived 9-9 600 am local left 1200 noon.same day we will try again soon thanks paul dave NY7C

The 2m beacon just appeared in CN75xa and is now a good S-2. My elevation is 90', lots of fog on the beach, temp 52 deg / RH 87%. Sure nice to hear it in again! Nil on 432 and the 1296 transverter still stabilizing.

1296.250 is 539

432.078 559

PAUL has left and beacon is back on 144.170
559 @ o 0342Z
78F @ 43% RH at 2000ft.

PAUL in on the VOLCANO 144.170 SSB looking for Q,S

432.078 now ~ 519
1296.250 ~ 419 ( with QSB)

432.078 now ~ 519
1296.250 ~ 419 ( with QSB)

144.170 beacon in but weak ~ 519 with QSB.

144 being heard weak in DM12, S1-2, no 432.

KH6HME/B 144.170 still in as of 1600Z ~ 519

144.170 beacon in weakly ~ 519
82F @ 40% RH at 2000ft.

144.170 in but not too strong @ 0300Z

144.170 in @ 1500Z but weak Q5 S1
Very warm 76F @ 38% RH

1296 beacon is Q5 S1 @ 0510Z
71deg F @ 50% Rh @ 2000 ft ASL

@0500Z 144 & 432 beacons are Q5 S1----------S5 Will check 1296 soon

144 Bcon is 518 into DL44uc

144.170 MHz 459 RST
432.078 MHz 339 RST

144.170 MHz 459 RST

144.170 MHz 459 RST

144.170 MHz 589 RST
432.078 MHz 459 RST
1298.250 MHz. 349 RST

144.170 MHz 589 RST
1296.250 MHz 359 RST

No 432. Is it off the air?

144.170 MHz 569 RST

144 is running S2, no 432.

Beacon 144 listening right now with very low signals and QSB

144.170 MHz 339 RST

144.170 589 RST
432.078 469 RST
1296.250 359 RST

144.170 MHz 579 RST

144.70 MHz 599 RST
432.078 MHz 579 RST
1296.250 MHz 459 RST

The 432.078 MHz beacon ID seems to have gone bad. It's only sending gibrish.

144.170 MHz 589 RST
432.078 MHz 459 RST

432.078 MHz 449 RST
1296.250 MHz 359 RST

Hearing beacon strong now in DM03tv. 144.170 539

kh6hme BEACONS IN AT 2000z TODAY
!44= 559
432= 559
1296 = 519 ( NICE SIGNAL)
87f @ 37% rh @ 2000FT asl

144.170 beacon 599 in Arcadia so it is ducting over the low hills in Monterey Park. 2:50PM local.

144.170 MHz 599 RST
432.078 MHz 569 RST
1296.250 MHz 359 RST

144 running 459, 432 359, good amount of QSB.

144.170 MHz 579
432.078 MHz 459
1296.250 MHz 339 QSB

144.170 MHz 599 RST
470.078 MHz 459 RST
1296.250 MHz 349 RST

144.170 MHz 459 RST
432.078 MHz 339 RST

144.170 MHz 599 RST

144.170 MHz 599 RST

144.170 MHz 569 RST

144.170 Mhz 599 RST

144.170 in now ~ 519 nothing else

144.170 NHz 459 RST
432.078 MHz 449 RST

144.170 MHz 599 RST
no 432

144 is 359, no 432.

144.170 MHz 459 RST
432.078 MHz 349 RST

144.170 MHz 359 RST

hrd all afternoon - 589 with QSB.
Ed

Beacon 144.170 is 539 into DL44uc

Beacon 144.170 this afternoon the signal is 549

listen again tonight beacon 144,170, with signal of 529

Now the Bcon 144.170 is very weak into DL44uc

AT 1450Z KH6HME/B all in 144 ~ S5
432 ~ s3
1296 ~ S1
432 beacon has a keyer problem sending jibish
68F @ 66% RH @ 2000ft ASL

144, 432, & 1296 beacons all in

Bcon 144 is now 529

Beacon 144.170 is very weack into DL44uc

144 Beacon is 529 into DL44uc

4/5 KH6HME beacons in @ 0206Z 144, 432, & 1296 all Q5 S1---s9 stayed in till ~ 0300Z

heard beacon for about 10 mins.at 2315 local time
1-24-11

144.170 MHz 459 RST

144.170 MHz 349 RST

144.170 MHz 359 RST

144.170 359 RST

All beacons are gone. Real change in weather heavy marine layer in up to 2000ft.
at 9AM 59F @ 86%RH fog just lifted.

432.078 is now 519 144.170 is 559 I will check 1296 in a bit.

KH6HME B 144.170 is just in to CM88QL 519
Very HOT 98F @ 21% RH @ 2000ft. ASL

144.170 MHz 569 RST

144.170 MHz 569 RST

144.170 MHz 579 RST

144.170 MHz 339 RST Just above the noise.

144.170 MHz 349 RST

144.170 MHz 479 RST

I should have added the word aloft to the sentence about warm dry air. It's that warm dry air on top of the (cold & moist) marine air that makes this ducting possible. The temperature below is largely determined by the sea surface temperature. Relative humidity is close to 100%. I note that as you go south (Vandenberg and San Diego) that the air on top is more moist than at Oakland.
Caveat--conclusions are based on coastal land stations. Conditions may be much more favorable for ducting hundreds of km off the coast.

0230Z KH6HME 144.17 down to 569.
00Z data
OAKland vy strong humidity lapse @945mb = 600m
Vandenberg strong " " 955mb = 418m
NKX (San Diego) unimpressivec ~980mb = 270m
LaPaz unimpressive
Hilo 2 possible @ 1650m and 2794m (first most likely)
Lihue 2 possible around 2134m and 2385m
Salem strong lapse @1030m
Note that the warm dry air pattern that was south of us (SF) has moved north. Also note that the inversion height at the coast drops with decreasing latitude.
Coastal Marine traffic. I noted one ship almost to 130deg W long. While less than 1/4 the way to Hawaii, it would be nice if some of these ships could/would carry radio amateurs interested in VHF. There's a lot of wet grid squares out there that could be worked.

At 0125Z (20 August) KH6HME/B 144.17 was 579.
NIL on 222.1, 432.078, or 1296
At 1740', T=64.5F, RH=71%, P=945.7 mb
Wind less than 2 knots from W and SW.
High temperature today was 69.8F.
Yippee! Maybe my tomato plants will set some fruit, and plums will ripen.

144.170 MHz 359 RST

1296.250 is now 519 but much QSB

144.170 is 579 432.078 is 519 Will check 1296 in a few minutes.
83F @ 37% RH @ 2000ft ASL.
Very pronounsed inversion looking out over PACIFIC

144 is 569, 432 is 539 into DM 12 San Diego, best that I have heard this season.

144.170 MHz 359 RST

144.170 MHz 359 RST

144.170 MHz 579 RST
432.078 MHz 459 RST

144.170 MHz 479 RST

144.170 MHz 569 RST
432.078 MHz 349 RST

144.170 MHz 459 RST

144.170 MHz 359 RST

Beacon 144 is very weak wick QSB

Beacon 144 is 419 with QSB

144.170 MHz 579 RST

Beacon 144 now 569

Beacon 144 now is 519

Beacon 144 is very weak in this moment

144.170 MHz 459 RST

144.170 MHz 359 RSt

Very strong radar on 432.078 MHz tonight. Pave Paws from Beal AFB?

Thanks Paul-KH6HME, for the QSO on 144.171 on Thurs July 29th, 2010 @ 7:30 PM local time (UTC 30-07-10 0230) I used a 3 element Arrow Yagi, hand held, 50 watts, recieved you 58 got 54 from you. DM13JC to BK29KQ.

Have not heard beacon for 36 hrs. Tonite it is 529.
DM04dk.
Marine layer right along coastline.
Santa Barbara, CA

Early this morning no signal
1000 CA time starting squeaking in
now 1130 CA time, building up...Q5 S1+

San Diego 8 el

The 2 meter beacon seems steady this afternoon about S2-S3. Location San Diego altitude 350 ft.

As of this morning "NO" kh6 beacons present up here in CM88QL
Strong on shore wind and very little FOG.
@ 2000z 74deg @ 51% RH

It's 0845 California time.
The 2m beacon is in nice and steady S1 this morning

Jack N6XQ San Diego

539

With QSB

Paul KH6HME just got to the top of the Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii Grid BK29!
Just Worked Paul 10minutes ago, KH6HME on 144.170 USB 5:55 PST 7-31-2010
His signal was 559 to 579.
My station here is
30watts at 300feet ASL. My Antenna is 7 element M2 beam about 20 feet off the ground.
Mike WB6DJI DM03
Worked Paul the last 4 days in a row on 144.170 MHz
Los Angeles Area along the coast

144.170 MHz 589 RST
432.078 MHz 339 RST

As of ~1500Z this morning NO beacons in
71deg F @44%RH Fog is at about 700ft. level
much warmer and less fog than past several days

Bcon. 144 is very weak in this moment

ran with Paul on 10 GHz.. 4 hours of key down 100KW erp carrier alternating 20 min sending... no sigs received.. 1296 beacon, qsb to 10 db S/N entire time. Inversion still not sharply defined and low enough for higher freq microwaves... tomorrow..fingers crossed

Worked him about 04:15 UTC. A first for me!

Had good QSO w/ Paul @0405UTC, sigs 5-1 to 5-5 with QSB.
Antenna M2 2M5WL @100ft and 1KW. QTH approx 1.5 miles from coast in Redondo Beach.

I copy Paul SSB 51 QSO con CA station

By way of reference, 950 mb is about this altitude (1740'), 1013 mb about sea level, and 850 mb about 5000'.
12Z OAK vy good looking, sharp humidity drop @935mb
(30)00Z not so good drops @925 mb @ 870 mb (perhaps due to horizontal movement of balloon; e.g. may not be representative of either condx directly over Oakland or off the coast.
San Diego (NKX) showed dual drops at 900 and 870 mb at 12Z and one at 930 mb at (30)00Z.
Present WX here 64.5F 72%RH 950.1 mb at 1740'

Paul 599 + 10 dB on `44.`70 MHz
432.078 589 RST
1296.250 MHz 479 RST

At 2300Z (29Jul) KH6HME 144.17 57 wkg S.CA
At 2358Z 45
At 0110Z NIL
Also NIL 222.1, 432.078, & 1296.25

PAUL is very strong now 5X9++
432/b is 559 1296/b is 519

Just worked Paul with 59+ signals.
50 watts to 13 elements.
100 ft above sea level in Santa Barbara, CA
DM04dk

2 meter beacon 59+
DM04dk

144.170 599 432.078 519
1296.250 519
All beacons back in strong.
77deg F @ 47%RH @ 2000ft. ASL

144 beacon is 5-5 into DM12, no 432.

THE 2M BEACON ID SOLID S5-S6 NO FADING NO QSB
DM14CP

144 beacon barely discernable

Location in San Diego 350 ft ASL but 800 ft Mt Soledad two miles away in direct path to Hawaii.

previous report is 144 beacon

Bcon. is RST 519 in this moment

144.170 is ~ 519 NO 432 or 1296 beacons.
68degF @ 57%RH FOG is at about 1000ft level
Much warmer this morning.
1296.250 was up to 559 last night and still in at 11PM.

144.170 beacon RST 579 into DM03 @ 300ft ASL
432 beacon 479 RST
Heard beacon loudest in evening and early morning
( from 12:30am to 5am PST 10-29-2010 signals were down but came up significantly this morning )

Beacon 144 is very weak into DL44uc

hearing only the 2m beacon in DM14cp in the high desert peaking s9

144.170 MHz 589 RST
432.078 MHz 479 RST

QTH 1200 ft ASL, Temp 57 deg F, Humidity 78% Sky clear with stratus tops 200 ft below QTH

At 00Z 29 July
OAKland's was not impressive, but Hilo's was, with cloud tops at 1864m (6115 ft) (with a duct extending above and below this height.

Sorry for this being late, had computer troubles. KH6HME 144.17 579 @ 0200Z at CM87tl 1740' where the temperature was 61.1 and RH 76%. NIL on 222, 432, or 1296. During a walk down the hill I carried an IC202 and 144.17 was up to 599 around 0215Z (mostly due to fading rather than height-gain.

144.170 MHz 599 + RST
432.078 MHz 569 RST
1296.250 MHZ 349 RST

currently hearing the 144.170 beacon 559c at the W6YX station in cm87wj.

144 MHz beacon 30 db out of the noise

Signals fading, now RST 229 in San Diego.

144.170 beacon S3-S5 in San Diego. Not as strong as last evening.

all beacons back in strong.
144.170 S9+10db
432.078 559
1296.250 519--559 in solid
70degF @ 49% RM @ 2000ft. ASL No fog finally

144 beacon is S9 432 is 519 ( but seems weaker than yesterday)1296 is gone
Looks like DUCT is starting to break up

Paul was doing better tonight..several hours...s1 to S6... temp dropped to 57 when I left the hill..gezzzzz No 1296 at all.

At 0212Z (July 28th) Paul was 56 on 144.170
Nothing was heard on 222.1, 432.078, or 1296.250
Temperature 50.7, RH 88%
RAOB for 00Z
OAKland top of duct near 775m, not saturated.
Hilo top of duct near 1784m
Moisture is dropping less fast than on previous nite, but these are only two end points of the path and what is happening in the middle is the most important.

PAUL is S9+30db on 144.170
432.078 beacon 559
1296.250 beacon 519-----559
Finally fog broke Very well defined layers looking WEST.

Just worked paul. weak signals but Q5. Getting stronger.
50 watts out to 13 elements about 100 ft above sea level.
DM04dk, Santa Barbara, CA

Work Paul KH6HME in Hawaii BK29 to DM03 Southern California.
1100 watts Power output
Shack has single M2 17 element yagi at 100ft.
Model 2M5WL
RST 559
Great propagation today on 144.170

2m 144.170 1100 watts, 2 Msquared yagis from Redondo Beach. RST 559

See Hepburn Maps
http://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo_wam.html
super conditions from California/Mecico to
Hawaii, should get intense by Friday and Saturday.

Mike WB6DJI hearing 2m beacon well near coast...not strong. Paul leaving for volcano in one hour

2 meter beacon S9++++++++ 432 beacon 559
1296.250 559 solid !!!!!!!!!!!
Tremendous conditions up NORTH.

Finally, after reading reports from XE2 to K6QXY and hearing nothing here.
KH6HME 144.17 569 at 1743Z at 530m altitude where it is 51 deg F at 83% relative humidity (it has warmed and dried a bit).
RAOB reports from 1200Z
Oakland cloud top 808m
Hilo cloud top 1920m
Good drop in humidity with height both locations.
NIL 432 or 1296.

2 meter beacon is S9+++++++++ 432 is 519 Will check 1296 later.
51deg F @ 95% RH HEAVY MARINE layer at 2000ft. ASL

had a nice hour+ long chat with Paul on 144.170.....S2 to S5 but stable

Just worked Paul on 144.170 USB. 57 RST

PAUL is at beacon site 5X9++ on 144.170
432 beacon still 559
1296 beacon 519---559

144.170 559 432.078 559
1296.250 519
PAUL is leaving now for BEACON SITE should be QRV on 2 meters by 2130Z today

All night I hear the beacon 144 MHz, with signs of 519-579. At this time its signal is 419

144.170 is 519 this morning
heavy MARINE LAYER up to 2000ft. ASL
49F @ 94%RH
No other beacons hrd yet

144.17 beacon now 519.

I have two hours listening to the 144 MHz beacon, with signal 419 with QSB.
and first time I hear the beacon 432 very very weak

Beacon is 579 on 144.170 at 0414.
DM03 100 ft abs

144.170 MHz 599 RST
432.078 MHz 459 RST
1296.250 MHz 369 RST

144.170 459 RST
432.078 459 RST

2m Beacon is 519 here in CM96. 73 Dave

KH6HME/B 1296.250 is now 559!!!!!!!!!
2 meter beacon is weak 519 432 beacon is ~ 519

KH6HME/B 144.170 back in 559
76F @ 40%RH @ 2000ft. ASL

144.170 MHz 459 RST

This morning the 144 beacon is 419 with QSB

Bcon 144 is 439 with QSB

144.170 MHz 479 RST

144.170 MHz 359 RST

Bcon 144 is very weak in this moment

144.170 continues but not very strong 519
Nothing above 144 yet

144.170 MHZ 599 RST
432.170 MHz 479 RST

Beacon 144 signal 539 into DL44uc

144.170 MHz 599 RST
432.078 MHz 349 RST

144.170 MHz 579 RST

QTH 1200 ASL. Temp is 75 deg F

1 44 beacon just in 519--559
84deg F @ 42%Rh @ 2000FT.

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 359 RST

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 479 RST

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 349 RST

No 432 or 1296

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 469 RST
KH6HME/B 432.078 MHz 350 RST

No 1296 MHz

Topic says it all, NIL on 222 or 432 (or 1296 for that matter) de K6FV

7/10/2010 0115Z KH6HME/B 144.17 579 on an IC-202 with internal whip antenna (oriented horizontally)
at CM87tl at 1740' elevation.

Hi Jerry. Yes I know about the Hepburn pages, tks.
So far not such strong opening here. Waiting for it.
I know it's a report page, so i don't want to overload it.
But we follow your activity. GL on 10Ghz attempt!
Vy73 - Phil

I am using an M-squared 18XXX at forty feet with a clear shot to the West and ocean. 200 watts on SSB.
My best contact was with my handheld radio running one watt and a whip antenna on FM through a repeater in Hawaii, 2500 miles each way.
When the duct is working, it doesn't take much power.
Paul in Hawaii now has a 10GHz radio and our goal is to work him on that band.
Do you have the website for the Hepburn tropo forcasts?
Jerry, San Diego, CA

Hi, I'm FR5DN Phil. We are working also on tropoducting on our area. I simply would like to know what is your setup on 2m please, just to compare things from here? Here i currently use a single 17el F9FT with 140w max, and usually qso ZS with 70w most of the time. The path is also sea path here. Max distance we worked is some 3205km.
Tropoducting is really exciting... Enjoy.
Vy73 - Phil

Bcon. 144 is 579 in the moment

Bcon. 144 is 539 in this moment

Beacon 144 is very weak into DL44uc

Bcon 144, It has remained with signals of 519 until now.

Bcon. 144 signal now is 559 with QSB

Bcon. 144 is 519 with QSB

KH6HME Paul, thanks for the QSO today, signal 55 with QSB. KH7Y thanks Fred,73�s.

http://weather.unisys.com/satellite/sat_wv_west.html

Cloud Pattern forming between Hawaii to Southern California ( Hear Beacon 579 DM03 )

This morning the 144 beacon is 559

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 579 RST into DM03ts at 0508Z

KH6HME/B 432.078 MHz 459 RST into DM03ts at 0508Z

No 1296 MHz

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 469 RST into DM03ts at 0327Z

No 432 or 1296 MHz

Bcon. 144 MHz, is very weak all day. At this time your signal is 559

Bcon. 144 MHz is very weak in this moment.

Beacon 144, even i was still listening, signal 519

Beacon 144 MHz is 519 with QSB into DL44uc.

Everyone,

This is Paul KH6HME in Hawaii.

Will be on 50.110MHz DX calling frequency
and 144.170MHz beacon frequency this weekend.

Time here in Hawaii is 9:45am June 12th, 2010
Saturday

Driving now up to Beacon Site from Hilo
to top of Mauna Loa.

Will take 1 hour to get there !

Aloha

Paul Lieb KH6HME

Message relayed by Mike - WB6DJI
Just talked to to Paul on his cellphone

Paul is at the top of Mauna Loa (Hawaii) and is now at the beacon site this weekend for the VHF contest.
June 12th - June 13th

Will be around the 144.170 MHz beacon frequency

Mike - WB6DJI

even after 5 hours I still hear the beacon 144, 599-519 signals

Bcon. 144 is 599, now at this time

Beacon 144 is 579 this morning

Beacon 144 is 559 into DL44uc.

Beacon 144 is 559 into DL44uc
NO Beacon 432

144 432 & 1296 beacons ALL Q5 S1----S5 into N. CALIF 78deg @ 32% RH @ 2000ft.

Beacon 144 is very weak into DL44UC

Beacon 144 is signal 529 QSB into DL44uc

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 579 RST into DM03ts at 0504Z

Still no 432 or 1296 MHz

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 479 RST into DM03ts at 0401Z

No 432 or 1296

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 479 RST into DM03ts at 0401Z

No 432 or 1296

KH6HME/B 144.170 599 RST into DM03ts at 0245Z

No 432 or 1296 heard.

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 469 RST into DM03ts at 0148Z

No 432 or 1296 heard.

Beacon 144 you signal is very weak in this moment.
I have never managed to listen to beacon 432

Beacon 144 is 519 into DL44uc

Beacon 144 is very weak into DL44uc

Beacon 144
receipt this morning also signal 519 with QSB

144 Beacon

Signal RST 519 into DL44uc

1296.250 in 559

144 & 432 beacons in @ 0100Z

Hi guys,
it's very quiet here.
No furher reports???

73

Hi guys,
now I'm back again :-D
During the last weeks I modified my HT Kenwood TH-F7. Now it can also TX on shortwave with 10 watts.
A few minutes ago I had a wonderful QSO on 160m with VK6 with a shortened dipole -> length abt 8 m.
Pse try this too dr guys.
Best 73 from Germany. CU

144 Mhz beacon peaks at 529 in cm96 with qsb
..73 Dave

144 beacon back in 519 nothing else
94F @ 23% RH.@ 2000ft.

1296.250 beacon 519 but much QSB at present.

@ 2140Z 144 beacon 519, 432 beacon 519
Very hot & dry 90deg F @ 29% RH @ 2000ft elv.

Was using a dummy load on my HT when there was a glorious and most wonderful worldwide band opening. It must have been an LDE because I am still hearing voices. Unfortunatley then my radio and tower exploded from a rogue CME so I will be off the air for an hour or two.
Wait, there is a white van with antennas out front.
73, Frank

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

Made some DX with my 23 cm handheld-TRX and the original antenna. PWR only 3,4 watts and QTH about 450 m asl.
Fine for today.
73 guys... ;-)

At 0450Z, KH6HME/B 144.17 was peaking 579.
NIL 222 or 432. Temperature 63F & RH 52% in CM87tl at 1740'. OAKland sounding for 00Z shows inversion
starting at 974 mb, 352meters elevation.

@ 1600Z KH6HME 144.170 is 519 432.078 is 519
75deg F @ 38%RH @ 2000 ft.

144.170 559 432.078 519
64F @ 57% RH @ 2oooft. elv.

At 0145Z KH6HME 144.17 was 339
T = 50 deg F, RH reads 90% but water is dripping
from the pine trees; e.g., fog at 1740' at
CM87tl.

At 2000Z on August 24, KH6HME was 449 on 144.17
NIL hrd on 222 or 432. Elevation 1740' CM87tl.
Outside temp 58 deg F, RH = 59%. Wind from ocean.
Fog has burned off to the coast, but was here last night and this morning. de K6FV

KH6HME 144.170 beacon in weakly 519.
71 deg F @ 50% RH heavy marine layer up to about 1000ft.

!$$ beacon just in @0400Z 519 no 432or 1296.
Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1500ft.
60F @ 61% RH

Same here in DM12, 144 Q5,S2, no 432.

144.170 579 RSt into DM03ts
No 432
No 1296

Beacon 144 is very weak in this moment in DL44uc

144.170 459 RST into DM03ts
No 432
No 1296

144.170 359 into DM03ts
no 432
no 1296

Beacon 144 is very weak in DL44uc

144 is 599, 432 is 519, no 1296 yet
Heavy marine layer up to 2000ft.
duct visible obove fog layer
71 deg. @ 60% RH

test of clock

Beacon 144 rst 539 Now in DL44uc

Beacon 144 is very weak into DL44uc in this moment

144 only into DM12, 529 with QSB.

Beacon 144 is very weak again in DL44

Beacon 144 is very weak into DL44uc

Hi folks! I'm on the air again.
TRX: Yaesu FT-2000, Ampl. 2kW selfmade, Ant: 56-ele-cubical-quad for 23cm.
Now I'm ready for any DX ;-)
See you on the band!
Vy73 de DO3KM, Mike

At 2310Z kh6hme 144.17 was 579 here in CM87tl at 1740'.

2M beacon S0 Q5 into CM96 this afternoon...73 Dave

The 2M beacon is S1 Q5 into CM96 this morning
at 1720Z. It reached S9+ yesterday afternoon. cndx are good.. 73 Dave

144 589, 432 559
Looking good.
DM12

144 is 549 into DM12, no 432 as yet, forcast looks good.

Both the 2m and 432 beacons are S0 Q5 into CM96 at 1830Z this morning. 73 Dave

144,170 in 559 432 in 419
87deg F@ 30% hum @ 2000FT.

144 is 529 in DM12

144.170 MHz 469 RST
No 432.078 MHz
No 1296.250 MHz

144.170MHz 359 RST
No 432.078 MHz
No 1296.250 MHz

Location 1740' CM87TL, @0015Z 8 July KH6HME
144.17 599
222, 432, 1296 NIL

144.170 599
Nothing on 432
1296.250 519

KH6HME/B 144.170 in to CM88QL ~ 519

KH6HME/b 144.170 is 309 into cm96. Just on the edge of detection with my setup.... 73 Dave

144.170 459 RST
No 432
No 1296

CONTACTED KH6HME 9:08 PST 07-06-2009 ON 144.170 SSB
Ur Signal 559 from BK29 on 144.170 MHz
Mike WB6DJI
DM03TS
Great Contact

144.170 MHz 599 RST (S9+10db)
432.078 MHz 459 RST
1296.250 MHz 349 RST

144.170 is still coming in. 459 RST
No 432 right now.
No 1296. Radar is very strong today.

144.170 579 RST
432.078 359 RST
No 1296

144.170 is now 579 RST into DM03ts at 1635Z

Still no 432 or 1296.

144.170 459 RST into DM03ts at 1623Z.
No 432 or 1296.

144.170 359 RST into DM03ts @1632Z
No 432 or 1296

144 is in this morning very weak, nothing else.
Forcast looks promising for the weekend.

Paul is on 144.170 now calling CQ.

144 beacon in just detectable Very hot 93 deg @ 23% hum, @ 2000ft.

144.170 MHz 369 into DM03ts at 2305Z
No 432 or 1296 heard yet

Hello @ all agn.
My antenne has burned unfortunately, the power was too high. The SWR was also much too high, so my TRX has also burned....
Now I QRT for a while, remembering some real DX on the high bands.... ;-)
Vy73 de Mike, DO3KM

Hello @ all!
Today once again very goot condx from Germany to ANTARCTICA on 23cm-band!!!!!
New homebrew PA: 2,5 kW & new antenna: 87 ele-yagi!
Works very fine!
I�m ready for any sked worldwide!
Vy73 de DO3KM, Mike

Hello @ all!
Once again great condx on 13 cm into Asia!!!
See you on the air!
TRX TS-2000, Ampl. 2kW, ANT 58 ele yagi!
Vy73 de Mike, DO3KM

Bcon. 144 is very weak at this time

Beacon rst's : 2 meter 569, 70cm 509, into cm96 this afternoon. First time this year I've heard 70cm this year.
73 Dave

KH6HME beacon is into CM88QL hearing 432 beacon now weakly ~ 519

KH6HME/B is 539 this morning into cm96.
73 Dave

Bcon. 144 MHz is very weak tonight

The KH6HME/B signal is 509 into cm96 and building. Very weak so far.
73 Dave

Beacon 144 MHz very weak this morning

Beacon 144 MHz very weak tonight

Beacon 144 MHz tonight 519 with QSB.

Beacon 144 MHz 519 with QSB into DL44Uc

KH6HME/B is 509 into cm96 this morning with qsb.
73 Dave

144 MHz 519 QSB into DL44uc

KH6HME/B is 5,0,9 into cm96 this morning. About the same as yesterday when it was in and out most of the day... max signal level was 5,3,9.
73 Dave

Tbe beacon is 509 into cm96 at 1930Z with qsb

Beacon 144 MHz rst 529 steady this morning

Beacon 144 MHz 539 into DL44uc

RIP Russ!!
A big 73 to you.

Craig N6ED

Hello 2 all,

actually again wonderful propagation on 70 cm into the states. Wow!!!!

Maybe we\'ll expect a grand opening to the pacific area on 2m!

vy73 es gl de DO3KM, Michael

I am saddened to report that Russ Sakai, KH6FOO passed away 20 Nov 2008. Russ was about 58 and had been suffering from throat cancer. Russ gave many VHFers a new country during the tropo openings to the mainland in the 60\'s and 70\'s. He was also very active on 2 meter EME for many years. He will be greatly missed.

We\'ve got an grand opening into the U.S.A.
Vy73 es gd dx de Michael

All beacons are gone as of 1500Z this morning.

0507Z: 144.170 579, 432.078 459, NIL 222 or 1296 hr in
CM87tl at 1740ft where T=47.6F and RH=89% & Fog

1296 beacon is now in ~ 0320Z 419 to 519
63 deg @ 53% RH

at 2330Z 144 beacon is 559 432 beacon is 419
I have been advised that the 222 beacon has been shut off to conserve power.
Will check 1296 later.
73deg F @ 43% hum. 2 2000ft.

~1600Z NIL
1854Z 559 14.17
2018Z nil

Although 144,17 was only 349 at 0120Z,
at 0300Z 144.170+ is 579 & 432.078+ is 459.
NIL on 222.100 (other than a local net) & NIL on 1296.25
Actual frequencies I measure after subtracting 600 Hz for tone
were 144.1709 & 432.0792.
Temperature 50 deg, RH 82%. Fog & Calm.

2235Z 144.170+ in 559 to CM87tl at 1740ft where
T=69degF. RH=61%

All beacons gone as of 1500Z this morning. Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1500ft.
TEMP 76deg RH = 32% @ 2000ft elv.

144.17 0233Z S5, 0515 S3.
NIL 222/432/1296
Presently 54 deg F @ 64% RH at 1740\' CM87tl.

KH6HME/B 144.17 in S1 at 0102Z and 0120Z, strong enough to set frequency into scanner, about 600 Hz high. NIL 222, 432, or 1296.
Most of the time on 144 below noise.
Location CM87tl at 1740\'.

at 2247 UTC:
144.170 MHz 579 RST
432.078 MHZ 459 RST
No 1296.250 MHz

1296 beacon is Q5 S1----S3 Nothing on 222 broke again??

144 & 432 beacons in now nothing on 222

at 2001 UTC:
144.170 MHz 359 RST
No 432.078 MHZ
No 1296.250 MHz

144mhz beacon is in Q5 S1---S5 @ 1800Z Very hot at 2000ft. inversion layer vissible

KH6HME/b is S0 Q4 with fading in CM96 at 20:30Z 73 Dave

Gone @0445Z. Perhaps around sunset is most favorable time.

Whoops! Make that 0257Z. Condx here 1740\' around 950mb are T=60F, RH=60%.
At 00Z Oakland was not showing sufficient gradients of T or DP for ducting. San Diego was WOW, however at 950 mb.
Gradients look sufficient at Hilo 795mb and Lihue 810 mb.
So, will it last? TV WX people said colder condx tomorrow.

KH6HME 144.17 about 339 peak at 0157Z. NIL 222.1 or 432 so far.

Very nice 579 at 0300Z into DM03

144 beacon in weakly just in

at 0238 UTC:
144.170 MHz 469 RST
432.078 MHZ 359 RST
No 1296.250 MHz

Beacon is S-3 into San Diego today, Thursday at 5 PM. No 432.

144 mhz in ~ 519

144 beacon 559 432 beacon 519
no 222 hrd.
59deg F @ 2000ft. fog layer off coast.

144mhz beacon is back in ~ 519

2300Z 144.17 459, has built up to 589 @0100Z
Temp;62.6 F, RH 75% at 1740\' CM87tl
NIL so far on 222 or 432.

At 0127Z the 144.170 MHz beacon was 569 here at 1740\' elevation. Temperature is 73 deg F, RH = 50%.
OAKland 00Z sounding indicates base of 610m,
Hilo 00Z sounding indicates base of 1843m, where base is defined as the lowest height of the greatest gradient of Temperature and Dew Point.
Interestingly, Lihue sounding does not indicate sufficient gradients for ducting. Neither does San Diego. Vandenberg is iffy.

144mhz beacon in ~ 519 90deg F @ 200ft.

I spoke with Paul on the phone tonight and learned he does not have a computer and does not read this website. Paul relies on phone calls to alert him when we hear the beacons. If you want his phone number, email me and I will send it to you. Frank

144.170 beacon into CM87wb 559

at 0416 UTC:
144.170 MHz 469 RST
432.078 MHZ 579 RST
1296.250 MHz 379 RST

Beacon 144 is very weak

at 0416 UTC:

144.170 MHz 469 RST
432.078 MHz 579 RST
1296.250 MHz

at 0200 UTC:

144.170 MHz 569 rst
No 432.078 MHz
N0 1296.250 MHz

Beacon solid 559 at 1945 UTC, 144170.5

Beacon 144 weak signal with QSB

144 beacon is 599 222beacon is 559, 432beacon is 539 1296 beacon 519 @ 0500Z
TEMP is 67deg @ 2000ft.

KH6HME/B
@0140Z 144.17 in 569 on collinear, 16 half-wave elements in front of reflecting screen
@0209Z 222.1 in 569 on 10\' dish
Frequency may be low a few kHz.
NIL 432 or 1296
1740\' in CM87tl

144.170 beacon is S2 Q5 in cm96 today at 21:45Z...73 Dave

Beacon is on on 144.170.55 at about S5, 1920Z.

June 23 (Z date)
0156 144.17 579
0209 222.1 579
No 432
@1740\' CM87tl

144 beacon is very weak signals with QSB this morning

144.170 beacon is 5,7 into cm 96 at 1:50Z...73 Dave

144 beacon is 599 432 beacon is 519 NO 222 beacon and NO 1296 beacon 80DEG F @ 2000ft.

144 beacon is 599

144 beacon S-1, 423 S-3 in DM12, San Diego coast.

I hear Beacon 144 with QSB

The beacon 144 continuing with signals weak

the beacon 144 signal is 539

Top listen to the beacon 144

144 Beacon now is good signal 559

I begin to hear the beacon 144 with weak signals

hear 144 beacon for more than two hours
no more strong S2

At 0609 UTC:

144.170 Mhz 579
432.078 MHz 569
1296.250 Mhz 469

At 0603 UTC:

144.170 579
432.079 469
No 1296.250 signal

144 beacon 529 into DL44uc

!44MHZ beacon in now @ 0400Z weak . very hot up at 2000ft.

432mhz, beacon still in & out. Don\'t hear 144 beacon or PAUL

432 beacon in weakly to N. CALIF

599 into DM03 144.171.15 ZB

Beacon 144 very weak into DL44uc

144.170 beacon is S2 Q5 into cm96 at 21:15Z 73 Dave

144.170 beacon is s0 q5 into cm96 at 03:15z.. 73 Dave

Beacon is now 529

Beacon is very weak in DL44uc

432 beacon in weakly in & out.

more bug fixing coming shortly

KH6HME 2M beacon is S0 Q5 into cm96 at 23:00 Z today
73 Dave

144.170 is very weak in DL44uc

No copy on the beacon in DM03 at 23:35 utc.

Thank's JEFF nothing here in N. CALIF but monitoring.

ATTN WEST COAST OPS: Paul, KH6HME, is heading up Mauna Loa today in hopes of making a QSO with XE2HWB via 2m tropo.
He should be QRV around 0100UTC>> 31 March on 144.170 USB. (I will possibly be in cell-phone contact with Paul if he has cell coverage at his Mauna Loa QTH). Good Luck to all! NH7RO

THIS IS GREAT TO SEE!!

THIS MORNING 144 BEACON IS VERY WEAK

THIS MORNING 144 BEACON IS VERY WEAK

144 MHz

Signal RST 559 into DL44uc

Signal RST 559 into DL44uc

Keep up with the positive thoughts, Russ! We are all thinking of you.

73,
Gary - WA6MEM, DM03ts

Thanks for keeping this board going.

Am in the hospital now, post surgery and doing ok so far. Hopefully it will extend my time. Only time will tell I guess.

Mahalo to all those who used my board for all these years, keep using and support this board for tropo reports.

73's
Russ

I am hearing something on 432 beacon freq.??? like a beacon keyer that is not keeying properly. I hear nothing on 144 ?? strange. Can someone confirm if the 432 beacon is keeying properly.
Thank's BOB K6QXY

144 is S-3, 432 S-1 in to DM-12 at 1:15 PM local time Friday.

144 beacon still in but weak nothing else this morning @ 1500Z . Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1000ft.

1296 beacon S1------S5 @ 0448Z

144 beacon S1--------S5
432 beacon ~S1
"NO" 222 beacon & can't detect 1296 beacon @ 0340Z
Heavy marine layer up to ~ 1000ft.

144 & 432 beacons in strong will check 222 & 1296

The 2 M beacon is weak S0 but Q5 at times into CM96
at 1850 Z.. 73 Dave

Pauls on the hill
now 59 into San Diego on 144.170

Nice QSO on 2m SSB for 10 minutes from hill above my home QTH in Thousand Oaks DM04ne. Elevation about 800' with 1500' ridge of Santa Monica Mts about 5 miles out before clear shot over water. Thanks for going up the hill Paul.
FK

Paul is on 144.170 MHz right now calling CQ. Excellent signals. I can hear the beacon with my handy talky and a rubber antenna in DM03ts.

144.170 599 RST
432.078 469 RST into DM03ts @ 2120Z
I just called Paul and he will be on the hill in two and a half hours from this posting.

Beacon weak all day but now getting loud at 8:53 PM, 432 still weak. DM12

Beacon 144 QSB it is between very weak to S2

Beacon 144 is very very weak at this moment

144.170 599 RST
432.078 489 RST in DM03ts @ 0050 Z

The 2 M beacon is just visible on an FFT.
very weak in CM96 at 16:30 Z ...73 Dave

144.170 569 RST
432.077 359 RST @1755Z

Beacon 144 is very weak at this moment

144 and 432 are very loud tonight in DM12.

Beacon 144170.0 from the 2302 UTC of day 2 to 2:15 UTC of day 3 July,is signal of very weak to S1

144.170 459 RST, 432.078 359 RST into DM03ts @2050 hrs Zulu.

THIS MORNING CONTINUOUS BEACON 144 SIGNAL S 1

Beacon 144 for but of 5 hours with QSB of weak signal to S5

beacon 144170.0 is now RST 559

Beacon 144170.0 is very weak at this moment

BEACON 144170.0 WEAK SINGNAL INTO DL44uc

Beacon 144170.0 is very weak into DL44uc

144.170 459
432.078 349 into DM03ts

BEACON 144170.0 AFTER TWO HOURS CONTINUOUS IS VERY WEAK

BEACON 144170.0 IS VERY WEAK INTO DL44uc

Beacon 144170.0 RST 519 into DL44uc

144.170 running S-6, 432 S2 in DM-12 San Diego, June 20, 11:45 AM local.

beacon 144170.0 for 4 hours with signal of very weak to 519

Beacon 144 MHz very weak into DL44uc
with possibilities of raising but their signal

Peaking 599 into DM03 today on 144. WB6NOA also hearing 432 and 1296.

144 MHz now is QSB

Beacon 144 MHz signal 519 into DL44uc

2M beacon S0 into CM96 1800Z. No copy but
visible on Spectran FFT for past 3-4 hrs.
73 Dave

The 2M beacon is S0,Q5 into CM96
at 2000Z. Nothing heard on 432 yet...
73 Dave

0520 UTC, 144170.0 MHz NOW IS RST529

05:04 UTC 144.170 MHz very weak into DL44uc

2M beacon is weak s,0 q,5 at times into cm96
432 is just above the noise at times no copy @2000Z
73 Dave

The 432 beacon is now up to 5 0 9 in cm96
at 1850Z. 2M still very weak ....73 Dave

The2M beacon is just above the noise in Cm96
RST 3,5,0 clearly visible on FFT at1830Z
..73 Dave

BEACON 144.170 VERY WEAK INTO DL44uc

1296 beacon is Q5 S1----------S5 !!!!!!!
as of 0545Z

TROPO continues 144 & 432 beacons strong at times. 0300Z.

144 & 432 beacons in Q5 S1----S5

144 beacon in weakly as of 0000Z

1296 beacon is Q5 S1------------S3

2 meter & 432 beacons in strong as of 1900Z

2M, 432 BEACON INTO DM14CP SINCE 0400GMT 12/15 N0W 1300GMT AND 2M BEACON STILL 5 X 8 AND 432/B 5 X 1

KH6HME/B 1296.250 MHz 359 RST into DM03ts at 0435Z

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 599+ RST into DM03ts at 0415Z.
KH6HME/B 432.079 MHz 589 into DM03ts at 0415Z.

loud 144 & 432 bcns into smogville....DM03

band open to KH6 with all beacons heard in Santa Barbara quite loud and over mtns into desert on 144. Amazing!

As of 2130Z 144 beacon back in but very weak 419 at best

KH6HME/B 432.077 MHz 459 RSt int DM03ts at 0436Z.

KH6HME/B 144.170 MHz 469 into DM03ts at 0415Z.

144 432 & 1296 beacons back in as of 2200Z. All weak so far.

All beacons are gone as of 1800Z interesting WINTER DUCT.

1296 beacon is Q4-5 S1-------S5 rapid QSB.

!$$ & 432 beacons in ~ Q5 S9 No 222 beacon BROKE??
Will check 1296 soon @ 2100Z

As of 1400Z this morning the 144 beacon is in ~ 519

144MHz beacon 339 RST at 0345Z.

At 2220Z, KH6HME/B 144.17 was 579. An hour earlier I couldn't hear anything. Location CM87ul at 1740' where it is now 77 deg F. No fog here last night.
NIL on 222 or 432 so far.

Sometimes Q5, but mostly imagination. Spectran helps me find it for sure. 1700Z..Santa Cruz Mountains at 1850'
CM87wb
Dave

Finally, at 2150Z, the 144 MHz beacon was in 459 and is still in at 2225Z. NIL on 222 (perhaps I was listening at wrong time) or 432 however. Location CM87ul at 1740' where the fog finally cleared (it was very drizzly last night), and the temperature is 61 deg F.

Beacon now S8 and climbing in CM87wb...Santa Cruz Mountains.