Radio Amateurs break 241 GHz distance record

According to a report posted to the UK Microwave reflector, the world DX record for 241 GHz has been broken by WA1ZMS/4 and W4WWQ/4 with a distance of 114.4 km.

The report says:

Brian, WA1ZMS has claimed what should be a new world DX record of 114.4km for the 241GHz band. (The former DX record was 79km)

The QSO was between WA1ZMS/4 and W4WWQ/4 using CW.

This QSO was over 2 years in the making with several failed attempts at even shorter distances during that time period. The key to success was the very driest of winter air that may only take place one day per year in that part of the country. Oh and a wind chill factor of -26C at the WA1ZMS point!

The wind chill is said to have made for an interesting experience and as W4WWQ said, it's amazing how a piece of RG-58 can become like a baton in such conditions.

Two hours into the efforts Brian lost feeling in his right toe from just standing around and had to resort to putting a chemical hand warmer in his shoe!

QSO Details are:
Date: Jan 21st, 2008
Time: 01:24z
WA1ZMS/4 37-31-00N 79-30-35W FM07fm
W4WWQ/4 36-43-03N 80-19-23W EM96ur
Distance: 114.4km

WA1ZMS/4 WX:
Temp: -15C Dew Point: -26C
RH: 38% Wind: 32km/h
Wind chill: -26C
Time spent out in the wind: 5 hours
Pressure: 876mb
Atmos Loss: 0.29dB/km

W4WWQ/4 WX:
Temp: -11C Dew Point: -22C
RH: 40% Baro: 890mb
Atmos Loss: 0.41dB/km

(story with thanks to vk4oe Doug Friend)

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