HF Adventure in Sweden: Strömsund Edition

As part of my Scandinavian journey, I’ve made a stop in Strömsund, located in Jämtland County, Sweden. This region, known for its dense forests, sprawling lakes, and tranquil atmosphere, has provided the perfect backdrop for another round of HF radio experiments with my trusty TX-500. After the incredible experience in Norway, I’m eager to see how the different landscape and weather here in Sweden will affect propagation.

Setting Up in Strömsund

Today, July 13th, 2024, I set up camp near a picturesque lake just outside the town of Strömsund. This area, surrounded by forests and rolling hills, offers a serene environment, making it an ideal location for some uninterrupted HF activity. My grid locator for this session is JP63jo, and I’ve chosen a secluded spot far away from any local interference.

For the antenna, I’m once again using my HF-P1 ground stand, with the same Amazon-purchased whip that has served me well so far. The setup process was straightforward, and with the help of a few ground radials, the antenna is well-grounded and stable. I focused my efforts primarily on the 20-meter band, but also managed a brief contact on 10 meters.

Swedish Weather and its Impact on Propagation

The weather here in Strömsund is vastly different from my time in the Arctic Circle. Today, the skies are clear, and there’s a gentle breeze blowing off the lake. The temperature is a pleasant 22°C (71°F), perfect for an outdoor radio session without the harsh extreme of cold.

In terms of propagation, the conditions today have been relatively stable. The Solar Flux Index (SFI) is moderate, but there has been some increased geomagnetic activity over the last few days, making the bands slightly noisier than usual. However, the clear skies and low humidity have kept local noise to a minimum, allowing me to operate effectively on both the 20-meter and 10-meter bands.

For the 20-meter band, propagation has been favorable for mid-range contacts across Europe. The mild weather and good ground conditions have helped in maintaining solid contacts, with the D-layer absorption not being as much of an issue during the day. The 10-meter band, though a bit more challenging, opened briefly, allowing me to log a single contact.

Working the Band

I spent the majority of the session operating on the 20-meter band using FT4 and FT8, logging 14 contacts. Most of these were with stations across Europe, particularly in Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands. The propagation conditions were ideal for these mid-range QSOs, with strong signal reports on both digital modes.

Here’s a breakdown of the contacts made:

#	Callsign	Mode	Country
1	LY1CX	FT8	Lithuania
2	OZ1FHU	FT8	Denmark
3	RX3ASQ	FT8	Russia
4	RV3F	FT8	Russia
5	DG5IBS	FT8	Germany
6	ON5RZ	FT8	Belgium
7	DHØGB	FT8	Germany
8	PD1PSR	FT8	Netherlands
9	PA3AIM	FT8	Netherlands
10	DL2AO	FT8	Germany
11	DH2NJS	FT8	Germany
12	R3KJF	FT4	Russia
13	DL9UXF	FT4	Germany
14	LX1RFJ	FT4	Luxembourg
15	SQ5TDW	FT4	Poland
16	IK3ZYM	FT4	Italy
17	OZ5AGJ	FT8	Denmark
18	DK7UY	FT8	Germany
19	PD2MV	FT8	Netherlands
20	DL7RAY	FT8	Germany
21	OE5PEN	FT8	Austria
22	RA3RGQ	FT8	Russia
23	G8GHD	FT8	England
24	SM7WNM	FT8	Sweden
25	PD1DBL	FT8	Netherlands
26	2EØROJ	FT8	England
27	PDØMNO	FT8	Netherlands
28	IU2SJZ	FT8	Italy
29	DG2MFB	FT8	Germany
30	PDØZAP	FT8	Netherlands
31	HG8LXL	FT8	Hungary
32	DHØGB	FT8	Germany

Late in the afternoon, I decided to switch to the 10-meter band, where I managed to make a single contact with ON5RZ in Belgium on FT8. Although the 10-meter band has been more sporadic in its activity, this brief opening was a pleasant surprise and a great addition to my log.

Reflections on Strömsund

Strömsund has proven to be a peaceful and rewarding spot for portable HF operations. The surrounding nature, combined with the favorable weather, has made this radio experience particularly enjoyable. Although I didn’t experience the Midnight Sun here as I did in Norway, the long summer days in northern Sweden have provided plenty of time for uninterrupted operating.

Focusing on the 20-meter band was a good decision given the conditions, and I’m particularly pleased with the mix of contacts I made across Europe. The unexpected opening on the 10-meter band was a nice bonus, especially for a brief contact.

As I continue my travels through Scandinavia, each location offers new challenges and opportunities, and Strömsund has certainly left me with a memorable experience. I look forward to what the next destination will bring.