DX-World

3 Responses to “T6LC – Afghanistan”

1. DX World says:

   December 3, 2009 at 13:20

   From Jack, T6LC

   Here’s a short background on my Afghan call pursuit. I received my Afghanistan Amateur Radio License on 2 December 2009 after a long process. I started my pursuit back in January 2009, months before I deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom; but I seemed to hit multiple road blocks along the way. The Afghan government is in constant change, and Amateur radio is not one of their priorities.

   I was able to link with two Amateurs, Mr. Daniel Wolff (KA7AGN / DL4VCW) and Mr. Jim McLaughlin (WA2EWE / T6AF), both of whom assisted me in the long and arduous process of acquiring my license. Once I was introduced to them via email, I still had 3 and ½ months elapse before the call sign was granted by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The total time was right at 11 months in meeting success.

   I now have about 3 months remaining on my deployment, and desire to make some contacts, particularly back to the U.S. Of course, I know that all depends on the band conditions, especially since I have a moderate, 100 watt station and dipole. My QSL manger is Mr. Dave Suggs (K4MJN) in Blythewood, S.C. A QSL card to my U.S. call will work, but there will be a long delay in receiving a return card.

   I plan to operate as much as I can and in-between working with the Afghan National Army, if and when spare time comes my way with my personal safety as priority. I love CW, so the bottom of 40 and 20 meters is a good place to find me. I do operate phone also, and like the DX window just below 3.800 Mhz. So far, I have heard very few signals on 75/80 meters. Operating times most likely will concentrate around 1200-1600 UTC, when I return to my living quarters. I will occasionally try some crazy hours when I can. I live in a B-Hut with three others, so tapping the key most likely will be the least noisy with headsets so as not to disturb them. Somehow, I plan on finding time to handle MARS traffic for my fellow Soldiers too.

   My station includes the following: Yaesu FT-450 and a Buckmaster Off-Center-Fed Dipole up about 32 feet. Bands will include 80-10 meters, phone and CW. Today, I called CQ DX on the bottom of 20 meters and thought I heard a K5 call, but could not make the station out. So far, the band seems very noisy. I am next to the Network Operations Center, other Military radio comms, and not too far from some generators. I may have to buy a high pass filter to thwart some of the RFI I am receiving. Moving the dipole around is also not an option due to my FOB layout.

   For now, I am going to post the frequencies and mode (phone or CW, no digital capability at this time) on my website. I will try to post it so you know when I sign on, the general frequency area I am listening or txmitting and post a date and time (http://www.w4jj.com ). Setting up individual skeds will be very difficult. So hang in there, and don’t give up on me. I have 3 months to pull off some US contacts. I just hope the bands cooperate.

   Thanks again to all and listen out for me as I am wanting to hear you too.
   73

   W4JJ
   T6LC

   LTC Jack Parker
2. EDDIE BRASWELL says:

   December 4, 2009 at 22:48

   JACK, I WILL MAKE A TRY TO CONTACT YOU IF YOU CAN GIVE ME AN APPROXIMATE TIME YOU MIGHT BE AVAILABLE ON THE AIR. IF PROPEGATION WILL COOPERATE WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT. I HAVE A MOSLEY PRO 57, 7 ELEMENT 5 BAND BEAM AT 90 FEET AND HAVE MADE CONTACTS ALL AROUND AFGANASTAN BUT OF CORSE I HAVE NOT CONTACTED AFGANASTAN BEFORE. I RUN A ICOM IC 7600, SB200 LINEAR ABOUT 1400 WATTS. GIVE ME SOME IDEA OF YOUR SCHEDULE AND WE WILL GIVE IT A TRY.

   73′S AND GOD BLESS YOU!

   EDDIE

   —–

   JACK, I FORGOT TO TELL YOU MY MODE OF OPERATING, IT IS SSB ONLY, MY CW IS TOO RUSTY TO EVEN GIVE IT A TRY. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU I AM RETIRED AND CAN MEET YOU ABOUT ANY TIME OF THE DAY FROM ABOUT 8 AM TILL MIDNIGHT EASTERN TIME.

   73″S
   EDDIE
3. Rick PY2EL says:

   December 28, 2009 at 14:36

   Hello Jack, T6LC
   What a great surprise to hear you last night on 40 CW Dec 28, 2009.
   Your signals were very nice. 599 all the way. Nice conditions on the band. So thank you so much for that contact. I wish my best regards to you and your family, and a very happy new year. You take care and 73
   from Rick PY2EL