09/24/2005 | W6QI The goofy smile was captured in August on Mt. Frazier (DM04MS) after extending the 47 GHz world record from 290 km to 313 km. Gary AD6FP was on the other end at Devil Peak (DM07DM) in the Sierras. Propagation was outstanding on 10/24/47 this weekend. 700+ km QSOs were made with S9 signal levels on 10 GHz.

In September, we tried unsuccessfully to extend the 47 GHz record further. Lars AA6IW and I operated from Mt. Oso, Mt. Bullion, Pilot Peak, and Duckwall Mountain. In contrast to the August weekend, conditions were very poor on 10/24/47. Nonetheless, I heard Gary from Frazier to Pilot Peak at a distance of 344 km.

There was a good bit of activity on the higher bands this year, as I logged 16 24 GHz QSOs and 6 47 GHz QSOs. My overall score suffered because of the poor conditions and the driving to various mountains in September. But it was fun to 4x4 and explore new mountaintops. -- W6QI