In order to better catch 6m DX conditions, I wrote a small program to alert me about the band openings (called ealert). I have WSJT-X Improved running 24/7 with filters set to DX only, so it will broadcast only those decodes (see WSJT-X network settings). The program then catches those UDP multicast messages, parses them, and forwards them either to a given email address or XMPP address (using Gajim). The latter works better for me since it does not litter my email box. It has a simple GUI that allows turning the alerts on/off. I have XMPP client (Conversations app) on my cell phone that catches the alerts.

Even when I am not at the radios, I can use my cell phone to run VNC remote desktop to my station and run FT8 QSOs. This combined with the alert system should improve my presence on 6m whenever the band opens up.

Installed Morgan M-303 lightning protection to all coax cables:

It is not fully weatherproof so decided to install the first one inside the shack:

with grounding outside the shack:

The other two units are outside and just in case I wrapped everything with electrical tape:

I always disconnect all cables during lightning stroms but this is just to protect against those random strikes…

One interesting feature of this unit is that it fully blocks DC. This is important during rain/snow/sleet precipitation when static electricity can develop at the antennas and appear at the coax cable. I experienced this last winter when my K4 suddenly started flashing overload!

Note: This unit can handle full legal power on 6m band unlike most other surge protectors (e.g., polyphaser).

Update: If you have antenna that has elevated SWR (greater than 2), the DC block circuitry in the unit can heat up and cause gradual increase in SWR when using full power (1500W) on digital modes like FT8. There is a beefier unit in preparation, model 305, but that does not support 6m like the 303. It is possible to bypass the DC block in 303 to avoid this issue. Or even better, tune the antenna properly…

My NW/SE BOG suddently went dead. It had 30 dB less signal than on the NE/SW BOG. After inspection, I found the obvious reason:

and then this one was the “final straw”:

Added a fresh piece of cable there and all is well again. However, I definitely need to get better/thicker cable for my BOGs so that mice can’t chew them through.

Update: There are apparently wire coatings that are either rodent proof or have some chemical added that they taste bad. Need to look into this.

Update 2: I installed conduit in the area where the critters were feasting: