Congratulations on working ZF Jay,
I think that it may have been via Sporadic-E propagation, which often
appears during this time of year, although usually not as strong as in
the Summer time.
The main problem is one of getting people to try 28MHz as seem to get
brainwashed into thinking that F layer propagation is the only mode
available and that they need lots of "sunspots" to do it.
Much of the present research into solar activity is suggesting that
perhaps the number of sunspots is not the driving mechanism for
terrestrial radio activity, just a symptom, but this is still being
debated (before anyone flames me with the opposite opinion!)
There are some interesting graphs of Amateur Es (my abbreviation for
Sporadic-E) activity that are published in the 6 & 10 Report by the
RSGB Propagation Studies Committee, the latest one for January (i.e.,
reports from stations for their January activity is sent out in
February, think about it - it is logical really!) is out now and has a
graph of reported Es activity over 1996. There are some peaks around
the beginning of March 1996, so keep the dial on 28MHz for a little
while longer.
There are also some comparisons of Es from 1994 and 1995 with 1996,
which seems to show that the results in the summer of 1996 were not as
good as 1994 or 1995, with 1995 being the "best". The graph shows
some activity in January, February and March of each of the years
given.
One other section that might be of general interest to Amateurs, and
QRPers of course, is a section which read as follows:-
(Remember that 'optimistic' is relative to your point of view :-) )
"Ten-year sunspot forecast - calm and milder. The National Aeronautics
and Space Administration and other researchers recently gave an
optimistic 10-year weather forecast for the Sun, which could mean
cooler temperatures and less electronic tumult on Earth. Scientists
from NASA and Yale University predicted a decrease in sunspots on the
solar surface, as well as a decrease in magnetic storms, cosmic rays
and ionosphere disturbances. Such a mild forecast could signal cooler
weather on Earth, fewer power blackouts and less interference with
radio waves". (Forwarded via the Internet DX Mailing List by KA3DBN)
Hope this is of interest.
Regards - Dave (G0DJA)
Member RSGB Propagation Studies Committee
Copied to QRP-L
"How far that little candle throws its beams!" Merchant of Venice
Act 5
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