A92GE

If you want to work me using these modes on HF bands, please note as detailed on my QSL page that I only confirm these contacts through Logbook of the World or eQSL. If you want a QSL card then you need to use CQ/SSB or the old RTTY/PSK modes.

A few pointers on using FT8; look on your proposed transmit frequency on odd and even before transmitting to make sure it is clear, always work SPLIT as 99% of the time my frequency will be a cacophony of undecipherable signals and finish the QSO! If I do not get RR73 or 73 from you it will not go in the log.

Over the horizon radar from Cyprus as received in Bahrain.

Couldn't beat my 298 of 2014 although a couple of silly errors in the submission again (aaaagh). Not going too well this year either with 257 in the log so far (218 countries 39 zones). Even resorted ito JT65 for a few "new ones", but is it really a "mode"? I cannot honestly say I have worked anyone using JT65 that I could not have worked on CW, and I have the option of a proper conversation with CW if wish! And the big beef - when I call a station why do people insist on calling me? They won't get a reply! (Ever).

As to be expected in this part of the world, this years licence renewal, paid for in January and issued in April, has now been tinkered with and what was a perfectly good document has been butchered. Of most significance is a reduction in maximum power levels and the deletion of 60m from the schedule. As there is nolonger a legally recognised Amateur Association in Bahrain we have no way to try and overturn these decisions.

Like buses; no sooner had the dust settled on VP8 but along come two expeditions at the same time. These a very much easier path from Bahrain.

As a keen follower of the DX code of conduct, I patiently waited for FT4JA to switch from CQ NA to CQ AS... They were 40dB over S9 with me so I knew I would have no problem. Found the station they were working and called. Nothing! followed them around for a while and then sent A9 is AS twice. I knew I was pounding in at their end. Immediately I got NO A9 is EU. Mmmm a geography lesson required! Not to worry worked them later on the same band for another ATNO.

It was interesting to hear the contrasting styles of the two operations. Whilst I very much appreciate the time, effort and expense people dedicate in undertaking these expeditions, it was clear that VK0EK were far better informed as to which bands were open where and this was reflected in the frustrations in the pile ups. Often FT4JA were struggling to work an almost dead short path when conditions were wide open elsewhere and similarly when the same part of the world was wide open long path they were working Europe which was open all the time.

This was a very difficult path from Bahrain but I was encouraged a few days before by working Bob VP8LP from the Falkland Islands so I had a good idea what might be possible.

I think this was one of the most professional expeditions I have heard. Very perceptive of conditions. They were never very strong with me so very pleased when they came back almost first time every time. One more ATNO!

Assisted with the installation of a Weatherbug station at Bahrain school.

The station is only 500 metres from my house:

It is about the same height as my antenna. Here is a view of my antenna from the weatherstation with Manama in the background.

You can link to the live and historical data by clicking HERE

Very pleased with a fairly casual effort (my first ever entries in a contest):

Congratulations to Mohamed A92GR who pipped me on SSB :

So I was off to a flying start - day 1 of their operation and on 40m I found K1N, found the station he was working and first call in the log! :

It was never going to be easy with USA on the doorstep, and Europe on exactly the same beam heading as me but finally closed with :

Overall the guys had a tough job to do and gave it a fair crack. I thought their ATNO sessions were a great idea although I was pleased I did not need to use them. I'm not sure they completely read the band conditions as very often when the band was wide open they persisted to work USA or Europe and I think this was reflected in their final statistics. Nevertheless hats off to them for even getting permission to get to Navassa Island in the first place. Thanks to everyone involved.

So I recently received an email requesting a sked on 80m. The conversation went as follows:

Hello David.

To perform a diploma 5BDXCC in LOTW lacks�one�territory.

I ask you to assist me spending qso �3,5 MHz �SSB.

Time, date and frequency of your choice.

I hope for your understanding and your help.

One hope for you.

Best wishes UR5..

I have no antenna for 80m sorry.�

Regards,

David

A92GE

Hi.

Can hold virtual qso.

Do you mind?

I am still trying to find the "virtual" mode button on my radio......

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Prescott in Arizona. Almost as soon as I arrived I spotted this fine antenna installation:

A view from a different angle:

I believe it belongs to K6QK with whom I have had several QSO's. Almost accross the road was this installation belongong to W7EBJ:

The cost of postage in Bahrain has more than doubled since the beginning of the year. The cost of posting a QSL card to Europe/India/Pakistan/Iran/Afghan/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka & Maldives is now 600 fils and the cost to USA/Canada/Japan/South East Asia/Australia/New Zealand/Africa is 750 fils. 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 380 fils.

Please read my QSL page if you wish to get a QSL card. I no longer accept cards sent by the bureau and will only respond to card which include a self addressed envelop and $2. Note that IRC's are not accepted by the Post Office in Bahrain. My QSO's are uploaded daily to LotW and eQSL.

Top image is OH6MIK as received by me. Lower image is the QSO as seen by Tuomas. QSO was completed when the moon was between 28 and 24 deg elevation with me. Both stations using single element beams. (Click an image for a larger screen shot)

This is my first ever 6m EME contact. I believe it is probably the first ever EME contact with Bahrain. Thanks to Lance W7GJ to inspire me to give it a try. (Click an image for a larger screen shot)

I have just upgraded my 6m antenna to the Innov 6 element 50MHz LFA2 Yagi (6.8m). My background noise level has been significantly improved.

I have just had new QSL cards printed. The main photograph is "After the sandstorm" by Jack Higbee, the lower photos from left to right are The Arad Fort, A Dhow at Sunset, Sunset over the Royal Golf Club and the Bahrain World Trade Centre.

I am using a 40m loop fed with open wire feeder rather thanthe SteppIR 40m dipole. Through a tuner I can also load this on 30m, and by strapping the feeders together as a vertical on 160m and 80m. Results on 40m and 30m are very satisfactory and there is no interaction with the SteppIR on 20-10m. 160m and 80m load well but my background noise level on these bands exceed S9 rendering them almost unusable. Next step is a coax receiving loop to see if I can improve reception.

For anyone interested in the Second World War, and the technologies of the time used to crack the "Enigma Code". Bletchley Park is well worth a visit. Below is the "bombe".

They also have a nice array of AR88 receivers which brings back memories of my shortwave listening days and my first foray into amateur radio as G8ERM.

Hopefully the UK National Amateur Radio Centre which is under construction will soon be open.

Spotted from the lower castle in Marostica the antenna system of Roberto I3BUI. Roberto and I have had QSO's on 40m, 30m and 15m on CW and PSK. Roberto always has a fine signal here in Bahrain.

I now have a Wimo ZX 6-5 5 element beam for 6m. This is fitted with an SSB Electronics SB-6 Masthead preamplifier.

We now have the spot frequencies of 5.373 MHz and 5.405 MHz in the 60m band and an allocation of 69.900 - 70.400 MHz in the 4m band. I can operate on the 60m band with a wire antenna but at present have no equipment in Bahrain for 4m.

There is plenty of HF SSB activity in Bahrain. However if you need a cw or digital mode contact then it can be a bit tougher. I operate all modes from 30m - 6m inclusive. I am planning to have some sort of wire antenna (sloper?) installed for 160/80m in the autumn.

We now have a a 6m allocation: 50.000 - 50.500 on an exclusive basis and 50.500 - 52.000 on a secondary basis. I hope to meet you there.

Earlier this year we were given a new licence and extended operating priveleges. If you would like to see the bands we are now allowed to use, you can find them here (pdf format).