The Kongsfjord QDFA v. 2 Operational, Veries

One cold, windy morning in the end of October, the Kongsfjord QDFA amplifier ceased working. The reason is most likely static discharge, from which the amp was not protected. Blowing snow creates a lot of static if there's enough snow and enough wind, up to the level when most or all signals are covered in noise, and the Perseus goes into clipping.

So I removed the amplifier from the phaser enclosure, and mailed it to Dallas, who replaced the faulty transistors and retro fitted gas discharge surge arrestors to the input and output of the amp. In addition, Dallas increased the amplification from 10.3 dB to 14 dB.

The amp was reconnected yesterday, and the QDFA was put into action again. I am amazed that the cheap angling rods are still up. Anyway, I think the changes made to the amplifier justifies a "Version 2" label. For those who want to build their own QDFA, fitting gas discharge surge arrestors is probably a very good idea.

Two veries lately:

920 KVEL Vernan UT was a 2008 log; they talked about my reception in a recent morning show.

1340 KBNW Bend OR heard on Nov 23 (with the 310 beverage) when Oregon stations in general had good signal levels.

Recent Verifications

Received the past few days:

1460 WBNS Columbus OH. New log.

1450 KHIT Reno NV heard on Oct 25 at a time when conditions in general were rather on the dull side. Nice signal. New log.

540 CBGA New Carlisle QC after a few attempts.

1020 KWIQ Moses Lake WA heard to and from this autumn.

590 KQNT Spokane WA was a 2008 log.

1350 WPDR Portage WI a new log this season, but has become very common this autumn.

930 WKY Oklahoma City OK finally in! A new log although heard several times this autumn but it took a while before I got their TOH ID with good audio quality. Most friendly response - thanks OJ for v/s info.

Recent Verifications

A few nice ones the past few days:

1460 WBRN Big Rapids MI was heard 0100 at Oct 19. Usually, ESPN-announcements on 1460 are KXNO in 99 of 100 instances. This was the one. New log.

1431 Radio Kidnappers, Hastings-Napier NZL was a surprise log on the excellent Kiwi afternoon on October 24. Barely audible but what would you expect from 2.5 kW over 14,000 km.

1370 KGNO Dodge City KS was an October 3 log. A very brief email was the response.

580 KUBC Montrose CO was heard in October 2008.

1210 KOKK Huron SD had an excellent signal on October 24 at 0000Z. Brief email, most welcome. It's been on my wish list for some time.

980 KVLV Fallon NV never made it to my wish list, since I wasn't aware that it existed...I mostly use the KOJE lists for reference and being a true daytimer, never heard before in Europe, it wasn't listed. Lynn Pearce, Chief Operator and co-owner says this is a true family business. They are a 5 kW Country Music station founded in 1957 by Lynn's parents.

KVLV was reportedly heard in Finland at the same time. Maybe elsewhere too. Nevertheless, one of the KONG19 DX-pedition's real highlights. Heard 0000Z on October 25.