The recent Trans-Pacific LF Tests with New Zealand were undertaken on the
nights of April 3-5, 2006. Although these dates were selected several months
ago, it seems that we could not have picked a poorer time slot for our
tests. The propagation Murphy was hard at work elevating the A/K index,
producing solar flares and a strong geomagnetic storm resulting in an HF
blackout and auroral displays  visible well into the central states. In
spite of the poor conditions, VA7LF (South Pender Island, B.C.) and ZM2E
(Quartz Hill, New Zealand) managed to exchange signals on the 2200m band.
Using slow speed DFCW90 as well as DFCW60, signals from both ends were
copied on all three nights. The third morning proved to be best, with ZM2E's
signal suddenly elevating to 25 db over the noise and acknowledging our call
to them indicating "O" (perfect) copy of our beacon signal. In our
pre-determined communications protocol, this was an invitation to initiate
the formal QSO sequence but, unfortunately, the sun was just rising at
Pender Island and we quickly ran out of darkness before full calls could be
exchanged.

The new amplifier and antenna system at VA7LF proved to work even better
than anticipated. Evidently Murphy gave us a break with those!

While waiting for sunset on the third night, the VA7LF bunch took advantage
of their strong groundwave signal and worked a number of cw crossband
contacts with amateurs in B.C., Washington and Oregon. Hopefully we can do
more of this on the next outing.

Although far from a valid QSO, the spirits at both ends remain high, as we
look forward to another attempt. As Bob Vernall (ZL2CA) lamented, "The
bottle of bubbly has been put back on the shelf for now".

Further information and photos are available at: "The VE7SL Radio Notebook"
:  http://imagenisp.com/jsm/VA7LF.html

Steve / VE7SL

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