Mount Evelyn DX Report: THE TOP TEN OF 2019

THE TOP TEN OF 2019

Thank you for your support of the Mount Evelyn DX Report throughout 2019. Without your "views", "likes", "shares" and "retweets", I doubt that I would have continued to write this blog. I appreciate your generous words of encouragement and friendship. It is always much appreciated.

THE TOP 10 MEDXR BLOG POSTS

I find it very interesting to see which of the posts from this blog capture the interest of our readers. In order of popularity, here are the "most-clicked-on" posts from the past twelve months.

15 THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT FT8
The hugely popular FT8 digital mode also caught me in its grasp. I prepared a little video that reflects on a few of the things I've learned from dabbling in this fascinating mode. I recorded it for hams who may just be starting out using FT8.
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/03/15-things-ive-learned-about-ft8.html
HOW NOT TO GET A QSL CARD!
This blog post received many comments and started conversations in various Facebook groups. In it, I pull apart probably the worst reception report I have ever seen! I also offer a few suggestions on how to write better reports to shortwave broadcasters.
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-not-to-get-qsl-card.html
A VISIT TO RADIO COOK ISLANDS MW TRANSMITTER SITE
This was a post by guest contributor, Chris Rogers, and it proved to be popular amongst our readers. There are some photos of the mediumwave antenna and the transmitter. A nice on-location report!
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-visit-to-radio-cook-islands-mw_5.html
THE IONOSPHERE, SHORTWAVE RADIO AND PROPAGATION
Many readers enjoyed the YouTube video in this blog post, delivered by Dr Philip J. Erickson, W1PJE, assistant director and head of the Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences group at Haystack Observatory, operated by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Well worth a view! Unfortunately, the free book recommended in the video, "The Sun, The Earth and Near-Earth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System" by John A Eddy appears to be no longer available (or at least, the link no longer works 😞 ).
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-ionosphere-and-propagation-youtube.html
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE 11-METER BAND
An edited version of an article I wrote for "The World of Shortwave Listening" column of August 2019 issue of The Spectrum Monitor magazine. It brought back wonderful memories for many long-time MEDXR readers!
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/11/whatever-happened-to-11-meter-band.html
WONDERFUL VIDEOS ON HAM RADIO DXPEDITIONS
A collection of some really fabulous documentary videos on some major DXpeditions undertaken during the past 20 years. Survival in some extremely remote and harsh outposts, all in the name of amateur radio, has been a tradition in this great hobby. This collection outlines the massive efforts involved in undertaking these ventures as well as offering an insight into these lonely destinations.
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/04/wonderful-videos-on-ham-radio.html
NEW KIWI SDR IN FINLAND
Posted back in March (so not "new" now), was the launch of one of the better online SDRs that uses a high-performance antenna system at a working contest-level amateur radio station. Operated by my friend Jari OH6BG, the receiver offers great reception into South America on both shortwave and mediumwave.
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/03/new-kiwi-sdr-in-finland.html
REVIEW: THE ZACHTEK WSPR TRANSMITTER
Many were interested in the YouTube review of my new low-powered toy that transmits in the digital Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) mode. Using this has been lots of fun and fascinating to see just how far this little transmitter can be heard around the globe!
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/10/review-zachtek-wspr-transmitter.html
WHY NOT HAVE AN FRG-7....OR TWO!
Although only posted a few weeks ago, this blog post and its YouTube video have been popular amongst those who love old radios with interesting technology! For 2020, I am working on a Retro Receiver Review of this famous old rig.
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/12/why-not-have-frg-7or-two.html
DXING IN THE RAIN AT BLUE ROCK LAKE
Armed with the Tecsun PL-680 and a reel of wire, I discover a new DX location. Although the weather left much to be desired, reception conditions were good, as this YouTube video shows!
https://medxr.blogspot.com/2019/06/dxing-in-rain-at-blue-rock-lake.html

So there are our Top 10 blog posts for 2019. A total of 47 blog posts for the year (not counting this one!), so there is plenty of reading with lots of DX tips and interesting items about shortwave radio. It has been a good year! So take a look back at some of the other posts as well, just in case you missed something!

My very best wishes for the New Year. May you and your family have a safe, healthy and peaceful year ahead. May you continue to enjoy this fabulous radio hobby.

73 and good DX to you all!

Rob Wagner VK3BVW