Bad Conditions make for good Radio

Tonight's band conditions on 20 meters left something to be desired.
The band was very unstable, with signal attenuation one moment, booming signals the next. As W4DMH started the net, it was a struggle for everyone, and it was looking like the net would indeed be a short one.

But out of the confusion, a perfect example of ham radio's flexibility and adaptability rose out of the chaos, when Roy N4TUR in Florida appeared, asked if the frequency was in use, and out of sheer necessity, became a relay net control.

Roy was a total stranger, coming out of no-where, and not even knowing what net this was, but he was able to take the reins. With his strong signal, he was able to bring the net together, calling for check-ins and relaying his contacts to Dave up in West Virginia..

And despite the rotten conditions, the American Preppers Radio Net was able to log the largest number of contacts so far to date.

Here's the stations that checked-in tonight:
1 W4DMH WVA DAVE Net Control
2 N4TUR FL ROY
3 KI4HEE SC BOB
4 N8NMJ MD MIKE
5 KB1LUK NH BILL
6 KD8JPQ OH JEFF
7 K4CAV FL JAMES
8 KB3RDR OH KATHY
9 K4TCJ FL RAY
10 K8DRP MI DAN
11 AB8UB OH STEVE
12 KE5VOX TN RENE
13 K6JN CA CLIFF
14 KC0NRO MO JOHN
15 KD8KFQ WVA JOHN
16 KC2TBA NY FUN
17 KC9IWP IL WAYNE
18 K0JZW FL BILL

Our hats off to Roy N4TNR, and all the other hams who worked hard together to make tonights net happen.

We're sure there were several folk who could hear all or some of the action, but couldn't get checked in. All we can say is don't give up and keep trying, the great thing about Ham Radio and conditions on the bands... it's like the weather, stick around, it'll change.

'73 KI4HEE Bob & W4DMH Dave