Hey Jim,
I can't begin to imagine how much computer software has impacted the predictability of possible openings.
Hawaii from here at EM84ha is possible, and I have heard myself on the Mode B downlink (in CW) at times during which KH6 was in the footprint.
It appears, however, that there is only one operator on any of the islands who is capable of working AO-7, and he is topographically challenged at azimuth positions that would work for a low-angle contact between our stations. To get below 4 degrees elevation, he tells me he need an azimuth position fomr his location of about 10 degrees - and that won't work for me here.
An all-mode radio like an IC-7000 or FT-857D with an Elk, hand-held would make the trip, although an operator over there would need a second radio for receive. Maybe some day, someone will make a trip to the big island of Hawaii and operate portable from a good elevation. That's my best hope for Hawaii.
73 to all,
Tim - N3TL -------------- Original message from Jim Reisert AD1C jjreisert@alum.mit.edu: --------------
"Back in the day" (late 70's / early 80's) W1JR and I were both active on AO-7 Mode B from FN42hn. I believe he had two one-way QSOs with KH6 but never completed a QSO. Once he was heard, once he heard the other station. In those days, you had plastic cut-outs which you overlapped on a piece of paper to see when the windows would intersect. I think the two were tangential, so there was only a very tiny window during which a QSO was possible.
73 - Jim AD1C
On Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 6:38 AM, Mark Lunday wrote:
Brazil to Belgium. Hey Tim, N3TL, you have been doing some of this type of planning with great success. What is the longest QSO you have achieved? What tools are you using for planning on the low passes? Your efforts are fascinating and we would like to know more.
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2009/ao7_brazil_belgium_contact.htm
-- Jim Reisert AD1C/Ø, , http://www.ad1c.us
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