According to G3YXM web page the qso OM2TW and G3KEV was a first
between these two countries. To get things into perspective, its a
question of being in the right place at the right time. Most stations
active on 136 khz have the capability of working each other around
europe, and if a new one shows up it depends who is on the band at the
time to declare a FIRST. Everybody catches up eventually maybe a few
hours later or next day etc.
What does suprise me is the assymetrical EAR syndrome. Both OE5ODL and
OM2TW were calling cq for ages on and off and NO ONE was replying,
especially since Rich announced via the reflector that he would be
active. Is it assymetrical EAR or are some receiving systems just so bad
that the signals are not audible,or maybe living in a hostile qrn
environment where the signals are drowned in noise most of the time. Any
of the above are not a good sign for LF operating.
I use the same antenna system for TX/RX and cannot see any disadvantages
with verticals.
Today there was a long rag chew qso on 136.5 ropex frequency between two
UK stations on top of two German stations, then a PA0 started up calling
CQ then LX1PD started up calling cq EI.
I am sure no one would do this deliberately, so what is the problem with
RECEIVING.
Put a proper antenna up for LF and avoid joysticks and the pocket
ferrite varities then check for ASSYMETRICAL EAR SYNDROME. Good luck
with the dx
de G3KEV