TXØDX

Bulletin 07

18 March, 2000

The weather forecast for the TXØDX operation continues to look promising. Seas are currently about 8 feet for 1500 km in all directions. The entire region is experiencing relatively calm conditions with no storms brewing nearby.

Radio propagation also looks like it will be cooperating. Quoting from the latest ARRL propagation forecast:

"Solar flux has been declining this week and is expected to reach a short-term minimum near 170 from March 19 to 21. Flux values should quickly rise to another short-term peak that is expected to be very broad. Solar flux should be around 220 from March 25 through April 4."

The NOAA Space Environment Center is forecasting that the planetary K index (a measure of signal absorption) should remain low--not exceeding 3--throughout the TXØDX operating period. DXers are encouraged to use the propagation tool on the TXØDX web site (http://www.n4gn.com/tx0dx/) to obtain specific propagation forecasts for their particular region.

The team is expected to arrive at the Chesterfield Islands mid-day Tuesday and begin the process of determining the best operating sites. They plan to have the equipment set up on Wednesday, and to be fully operational well before the magic hour of 0000 UTC, 23 March.

There will be a 6-meter beacon on 50.115 MHz. If there should be no one at the rig when you hear the beacon, the operators ask that you get through on HF to let them know.

Trey, N5KO has fully checked out the RTTY gear. Trey will be the primary RTTY operator. Teletype enthusiasts are cautioned that RTTY operations are not expected to start until after the first day or two.


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Last modified 18 March 2000 by Tim Totten, n4gn@n4gn.com.
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