20 Meter Net has been rough

Well the 20 meter net tonight was anything but normal… Tonight’s net was a testament to the fact, no one ever knows what will happen on ham radio… We kicked off the night with a little pre-net rag chew… The band seemed promising right up till 10 minutes before net time… As luck would have it the band fell apart quick as lightening… After many calls for check-ins and nothing but noise… W4DMH (Santa) and KI4HEE (Bob) decided to wing it on 80 Meter… The net QSY’d to 3.961 and continued on… The Netlogger program was running over the internet and the new location was listed there…We had a first time check-in to the net on 80 meter asking what it was all about…With the change in the time it gets dark the decision has been made to move the Thursday night net to the 80 Meter band…There have been many request to do 80 meter so everyone here is your chance to come join us next Thursday night on or near 3.961…

W4DMH WV Dave (aka Santa) Net Control
KI4HEE SC Bob (aka Hawk)
AB4JM/M NH Jim (Motor Home Mobile)
W3ERE PA Ed (First time check-in) Welcome Ed with the question whats a prepper???

So there ya have it folks not many, but a very interesting mix, with one new visit and that is what it is all about.
73 All
Santa

It sure beats Thursday Night TV!

Don't forget, Thursday nite is 20 NITE! Come join Dave (aka Santa) on 14.320MHz. 01:00Zulu. (9PM EST)

Conditions have been poor of late, but the check-ins have been QUALTY! Become one of 'em...check-in early, stay late, n' bring a friend! We'll see ya' on the Radio!

Talk to Santa on 20 Meters Thursday Night

All you good little Boys & Girls have a chance to get a jump on the competition by getting your Christmas wishes in early. Just talk to the jolly guy himself, Dave W4DMH(a.k.a. Santa) as he cranks up the 20 meter net Thursday Night, 9PM EST (1:00Zulu) on 14.320 MHz.

We're not saying he'll get ya that big Yeasu Rig you always wanted, but at least you won't have to sit on his lap.

Bad Conditions make for good Radio

Tonight's band conditions on 20 meters left something to be desired.
The band was very unstable, with signal attenuation one moment, booming signals the next. As W4DMH started the net, it was a struggle for everyone, and it was looking like the net would indeed be a short one.

But out of the confusion, a perfect example of ham radio's flexibility and adaptability rose out of the chaos, when Roy N4TUR in Florida appeared, asked if the frequency was in use, and out of sheer necessity, became a relay net control.

Roy was a total stranger, coming out of no-where, and not even knowing what net this was, but he was able to take the reins. With his strong signal, he was able to bring the net together, calling for check-ins and relaying his contacts to Dave up in West Virginia..

And despite the rotten conditions, the American Preppers Radio Net was able to log the largest number of contacts so far to date.

Here's the stations that checked-in tonight:
1 W4DMH WVA DAVE Net Control
2 N4TUR FL ROY
3 KI4HEE SC BOB
4 N8NMJ MD MIKE
5 KB1LUK NH BILL
6 KD8JPQ OH JEFF
7 K4CAV FL JAMES
8 KB3RDR OH KATHY
9 K4TCJ FL RAY
10 K8DRP MI DAN
11 AB8UB OH STEVE
12 KE5VOX TN RENE
13 K6JN CA CLIFF
14 KC0NRO MO JOHN
15 KD8KFQ WVA JOHN
16 KC2TBA NY FUN
17 KC9IWP IL WAYNE
18 K0JZW FL BILL

Our hats off to Roy N4TNR, and all the other hams who worked hard together to make tonights net happen.

We're sure there were several folk who could hear all or some of the action, but couldn't get checked in. All we can say is don't give up and keep trying, the great thing about Ham Radio and conditions on the bands... it's like the weather, stick around, it'll change.

'73 KI4HEE Bob & W4DMH Dave