On Christmas Day I spotted a few New Zealand stations on 50.313 FT8 beginning at about 5 or 6 PM Central Time. Shortly thereafter I once again popped my TE Systems 0552G 375 watt amplifier. I’m reasonably confident that the autopsy will show that I overdrove it.
The next day, December 26, I set about testing and verifying that indeed the amp is not working. I also managed to find some issues with my 5-element Yagi that a few tweaks with a screwdriver fixed. I then rewired everything with the TE Systems 0501G amplifier putting out a safe 100 watts with 12 watts drive. Not sure why I need the amp — either amp for that matter.
New Zealand Once More
At about 5 PM Central, I spotted the first New Zealand station, ZL3NW, followed shortly by ZL3OZ and ZL3RC, all worked and in the log within a few minutes. Then I worked ZL7DX. I didn’t realize at the time that it was a new DXCC from Chatham Islands.
Later I copied a few other signals, some that were very strong, but I couldn’t get them in the log as the overall traffic across the band was pretty heavy by that time. I also didn’t see any stations lighting up 50.323, which could have been handy during the opening.
I have previously worked ZL1RS on six meter CW. That was 2014 in mid-December. So it’s been a long time since I’ve seen ZL on six meters. I also watched a few people working VK stations, but I didn’t decode any.
MAGIC Band
Once again I’ve seen the MAGIC band in action. Perhaps there will be more openings this week. I encourage you to get on the air. If you need further insight, check out my Guide to 6 Meter DXing. You can download my eBook on that page as well.
I’ll note that I’ll be speaking on the MAGIC Band at the March 2022 QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. Hope to see you there.
