22 April, 2002. 00:01 UTC

Logs Updated, Low-band Info & Amplifier Use

Logs - Log updated and include QSOs up to: 21/04/02 21:30

Low-bands - From Eric, K3NA, low-bands guru;

Very disappointing last night on low-bands.
Many loud US station calls could not be extracted from the continuous static.
Few JA stations could be also worked.  By the normal time of the EU opening, 
static levels had returned to normal, but there was no EU opening.
On 160, worked 4 JA and heard UA0MF, but could not complete a QSO. All low-band ops hoping for better conditions today, and ask that US stations please try again.
Note:
Final night of low-band ops will be 0800 - 1930 UTC Tuesday.

Amplifier - The use of the VL-1000 amplifier has been reviewed.  Although fuel is not such a concern the amplifier was only ever intended for low-band use, and as such, hi-power capable filters are only available for 160, 80 and 40M.  Our other 30 - 10M bandpass filters in the filter farm are only rated at 200W which is what we get out of our FT-1000MP MkIV's.  This is only 3dB down on our 400W limit in VK anyway, and we do not want to risk imminent damage to the filters by running more power than they were designed to handle.  Multi-multi operation without bandpass filters is not an option.