Tests of WSPR2 and Opera on 23cm indicate that excessive Aircraft Scatter and Rain cause decode fails, despite this, long periods of decodes are there to be had under normal Tropo conditions with QRP.
Beams being sharp and QRP has, as expected, meant usable Aircraft Reflections are super rare. Aircraft trails are strong though and it was decided that ISCAT may give some results.
Once again WSJTX-dev brought disappointments and non operative features. First tests brought almost one way results, just one decode of G6AVK at G3ZJO.
Then I found MSHV.
We both knew each other would be about today but my CQ was rather to look for MS signals, not seriously expecting reflections from my 2W, but then we can live in hope.
A 2way QSO resulted from my CQ.
The QSO was more despite Aircraft Scatter than via AS because there is a Tropo path.
Previously we had tested turning the G6AVK beam off the direct path and so display just Scattered signals, WSPR and OPERA can do nothing under these conditions. We had many successful contacts using Aircraft Scatter and ISCAT today including passing beam heading/elevation and comments.
There is no need for Air Scout or other software for this. I have been asking for some 20 years for skeds with those who know that they do not hear me on the VHF / UHF bands. Beam direct Tropo path or toward an Air Corridor between the two stations and wait for an Aircraft.
Once again I must say thank goodness for G6AVK the one station who can and will with enthusiasm try what may not work.
I expressed my attitude to experimentation this afternoon with “I will try reflecting 23cm off next doors plastic dustbin if you like”.
Radio - LF/MF to Microwaves 