Propagation Test for HF Ham Radio Technical Net - Update

 Called CQ from 6.30 am IST (UTC+5.30) to 6.45 am on 7065 kHz. No reply, as expected, with my '100W and Wire' setup! There was continuous activity on 7050 kHz, as usual, the pre-Belgaum round table, with many stations having strong displays on the water. There was also VU2GSM on CW on 7005 kHz. So it is not a question of band being closed, but my signals not reaching the intended audience! May be if we publicize more on other social media, those interested will come up. As VU2TUM mentioned on X yesterday, 7065 kHz is the frequency of a Ragchew Net being conducted by VU2OO from 8.00 am IST. Being from Madhya Pradesh, quite North of my region, I have never heard it here. By 8.00 am I hear only South Indian stations, though I can hear up to New Delhi on 40m earlier.

As VU3CDK had suggested a trial on 20m in the morning, I am planning to give a few CQ calls on 14150 kHz at 8.00 am. 14150 kHz was the AIRNET India frequency a few decades back. Now AIRNET India is on 7150 kHz. Timing remains same at 7.30 pm IST and is quite active, with even 8Q7PR as alternate net control, with good signals both ways for me. In earlier days, AIRNET India used to have calls based on PIN Code Zones. Net controls also used to change for different zones. I still remember hearing VU2NKB in those days, all the way from Guwahati. As I did not have 20m setup in those days, when ever I was free I used to go to friends' QTH to participate in AIRNET India and used to work VU2NKB and VU2SDN (SK) and VU2CCC from New Delhi. Even while in another city, I used to visit ham shacks in that city for checking in to AIRNET India!

73 de Jon, VU2JO

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