3Y0J Is OnThe Air

[Nashua Area Radio Society]

Well, they’re finally on the air!  (IMO) One of the most anticipated DX’peditions in  recent memory.  Naturally, I spent some time listening for the 3Y0J gang this morning hoping to work them… not so much.  Here are some observations…

For some strange reason, they were not using FH on 15M FT8, running straight single stream mode, really slowing things down (although I could not hear them, I could tell they were in single stream mode  by the callers not changing frequency below 1000Hz on their final responses).  I find it odd that they were doing that.

I listened to 15M SSB for about three minutes, and even if their signal was strong enough to make it to my receiver, I’d never have heard them.  They are operating simplex, and for three straight minutes there was non-stop calling and/or tuning-up on the frequency. This is why I hate SSB LOL.  At least (for me) with CW, the signals are easier to discriminate (and you can use a 100 or 200Hz filter…  try that with SSB LOL).  With the experience on that island, I am astounded that they are operating simplex.

There appears to be at least one SLIM on the air right now as well.  I guess it will be the “work em now, worry about it later” QSO strategy.

I am not complaining  mind you, just observing.  I’ve been on the other end of the pile ups from DX locations many times, and there are myriad reasons why an operator would make the choices he/she does.  You don’t know till you talk to em.  While it’s fun, managing huge pileups can actually be stressful, believe it or not.

I hope the team stays safe and has a blast.  It seems like the trip of a lifetime.  Best luck working them… it’ll likely be quite a stretch before the island comes back on the air.

So…  who worked ’em already?

73,

Matt, WE1H

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