Folks
Just returned from 78 degrees north tonight. I managed to work many folks on AO-51, FO-29 and a few on GO-32. I attempted AO-7 a couple of times, but had no luck.
I apologise to the Japanese amateurs listening for me. The schedule I had was not great for working FO-29 into JA, with mutual visibilities beingabout 3am. Locating a viable location for 1 to 2 degrees elevation to the east was not at all good – the area I was in was pretty mountainous, and
access to good locations is difficult and dangerous without being trained in such household items as a high calibre rifle to fend off the polar bears.
It can also be a bit chilly!
As I was there primarily to configure a remote groundstation, this work took priority.
In the end I did have a quick go on HF but it was totally dead.
As for Svalbard itself, I can recommend it – 13 or so passes per polar orbiting LEO each day, an astonishing number of them almost overhead , some outstanding places to eat, and it s duty free.
Operating conditions were not ideal although at night you don t need a torch to see where you re going.
Please, all QSLs direct (I am QTHR).
73, Howard G6LVB
Klla: amsat