Paul PA3DSBDec 8, 2023
Had a nice eyeball chat with colleague Ronald PA3EWP who had just returned from his W8S expedition. Incredible effort considering the nerve wrecking logistics. All equipment arriving just 1 week ahead, smashed crates, rats on the island, 40°C at 95% humidity. But incredible fun and a lifetime experience not to be repeated ever again.
I don't think many of us DX chasers realise what it takes to activate these remote countries...
Show threadG6PHF
@PA3DSB nice. Sadly I didn’t manage to work them. Do you know how the SPE amplifiers stood up to heavy usage?
Dec 16, 2023 at 12:36pmWeb
Show threadPaul PA3DSBDec 16, 2023
@G6PHF Neither did I, even could have whatsapped them to have a sked. But I never heard them well enough for a qso. I will ask Ronald about the amplifiers, he did not mention them specifically...
Show threadG6PHFDec 16, 2023
@PA3DSB thanks for that. I’m a fan of the SPE amps. I have the 1.3k version.
Show threadPaul PA3DSBDec 22, 2023
@G6PHF Talked to Ronald at the company Christmas drink. They used 8 SPE amps and only one of them failed during the expedition. Another one (IIRC) failed during the trip home due to big temperature changes which crippled the flatband cable to the display.
Show threadG6PHFDec 22, 2023
@PA3DSB awesome. Thanks for letting me know 👌