My Most Recent QSO's

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

F8BBL in France


First off; I was shocked when I couldn't connect to my usual DX spotting cluster this morning. DX clusters are always good forecasters to portions of the world where there's new activity. It appears there are  technical problems but I assume it will be back online shortly. I use them mostly to look for new stations which I need for DXCC. It's not devastating to me (only an irritation) when they're down because  I continue to have my best QSO's with stations "not spotted".

This morning was no exception.

A few days ago, I had a nice QSO with Lor (F8BBL) who lives in Ttresses France. He puts a whopping signal into the mountains of West Virginia. When I talked to him a few days ago, his signal was so good that he suggested I drop my power all the way down to the very minimum. I was able to continue the QSO with one half a watt.

This morning I heard the familiar call sign, again, with another NA designation. I felt I had the obligation to say "hello" once more. We easily connected again and started another experiment; but this time, on his behalf.

I gave him the following signal reports: 

500W = 579
200W = 579
5 W = 339 

I'll follow up with an e-mail to him this morning. I was surprised to note he also has a radio blog  which I placed a link on the right side of my page yesterday. He did an excellent write up of my previous contact a few days ago. I hope today continues the reciprocity and a continuing friendship. Lor is also a "geocacher"; a sport I've participated in for many years. You will see a familiar face there when you view his blog.

You can find his blog here:  F8BBL




6 comments:

PE4BAS, Bas said...

Hello John, so unfortunate F8BBL's blog is french. But anyway the photo's are nice Very nice to see that even 5W was very well readable. 73, Bas

Jspiker said...

Hello Bas,

I use a program with "google chrome" that translates French to English for me. It works very well.

BTW/ That is a great video on your blog about Short Wave Stations. I've been playing it on the computer and sending the audio to the stereo in the house. They're nice sounds with good memories.

VE9KK said...

Good evening John, can see that you may be getting the QRPp bug bitting you!!
Great work at 500mW's
Mike

Jspiker said...

Hello Mike,

Yes...but I don't do it enough. hihi
I've worked QRPp into Detroit, and even San Juan; but nothing like you are doing there in Canada. My Icom 703 will drop to 1/2 watt at the very most.

Least I forget, I remember someone working France with 40mw? Hmmmmmm...who might that be?

Have a great day.

F8BBL said...

Thanks John, see you again, it's a pleasure
72 73 Laurent F8BBL

Jspiker said...

Hello Lor,

You've got one of the best signals out of France!