The 60 meter band (5MHz) is still the magic band and one of my favourite spots. Below follows the unabridged report from Joe Pater W8GEX as taken from his site at >> https://mailchi.mp/cd456ac05eea/60m-newsletter-6-20-15372152?e=bed6b299c9
June 20, 2023
Joe Pater W8GEX
VP6A update
VP6A update: I was lucky to work VP6A on June 17, but after my qso the island went silent. Later I found out the antenna connected to the RIB “radio in a box” on island had a problem. The boat was anchored out in deep water as they were in a storm with high seas and unable to approach the island to make repairs. Yesterday they were able to return and repairs made and back on the air this morning on 60m with a big pileup.
While operating today’s pileup, Don, N1DG, attempted to switch to F/H. The Flex radio immediately sensed the TX below 5357, decided they were out of band and faulted requiring a reboot of the radio. F/H doesn’t allow TX above 1000. He also fought the Chinese woodpecker covering 1/2 the callers and lost the Starlink link more than once.
As Don said, “I’m really a better operator than this!”
He expects to be back tomorrow and CT1EEB will try to be on during Ducie’s evening for EU.
New country VP6 Ducie island:
Gregg W6IZT reported that he and two others will place the RIB (radio in box) on the island. Their boat will be staged not far away. I believe this will be the first time the RIB has been used on a remote island for a DXpedition. All the other times that it has been on the air, was for testing to see how it performed. Gregg reported that they do have 60m permission.
KOSOVO, Z66X, ON 5MHz and 50MHz
The following news was announced by the SHARK President Vjollca, Z61VB with an immediate effect. Tapani, OH5BM and Naim, Z62NS will activate 5 MHz and also 50 MHz (6M) starting this week Wednesday (June.14) until late Sunday (June,18). QSL via OH2BH
Dear all: This is to inform you that the Kosovo parliament has recently approved the 5 Mhz frequency band for amateur radio services in Kosovo, as confirmed by ARKEP (The Kosovo Regulatory Authority for Telecommunication services).
Best wishes and greetings from Kosovo
Vjollca, Z61VB
President of SHRAK, Kosovo
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