I'm gladdened to find that indeed science is not dead on Amateur Radio! I never really thought it was but, I have heard so little of it spoken of in recent experience that I'm sure I have been becoming rather cynical.

I recently came across a group of Hams on the 17 Meter band who engage in a regular schedule of signal reporting and tests. They are from all over our country, and might be described as being from many different "skip zone" regions. They hale from Nevada, California, North Carolina, Colorado and several other states. They keep records as to the signal strength each has as compared to the others, and they have calibrated their "S Meters" in terms of micro-volts or dBm. They also keep track of the Solar Indices, and correlate their data against what Mother Nature is doing with the Solar Cycle. They take this data every day on 17 Meters, and then QSY up to 12 Meters and repeat their findings.

I was very pleased to run across these gentlemen. If you have read my recent article on "What is Happening To Amateur Radio", you will I'm sure detect the cynicism I spoke of before, and that I try to hold in obeyence. These men, all W4's, W5's, W7's etc. by the way, meet daily to compare notes on these daily scientifically recorded changes, and otherwise chat together on the other things happening in their lives. I have found speaking with them to be very rewarding, and I have once again experienced an almost lost sense of what Ham Radio was, and can be!

I and the rest of the Tech Bench Elmers appreciate and warmly acknowledge this sort of activity. We hope that not only will their datum lead to a better understanding of the way that nature and physics work but, will encourage others to follow this sort of activity! Good job fellas, keep up the good work!

PS
On the date I am writing this (9/25/98) the Solar Indices is now 135 with an "A" index of 18, and a "K" index of 5. There was a Solar Flare and subsequent Proton Event earlier today that has most of the High Frequency (HF) Spectrum pretty much messed up and in the dumps. Last evening on the VHF spectrum of 6 Meters, Hams in Southern and Northern California worked Argentina. The Solar Indices yesterday was 143, 12, and 2!