QSO - MIR Cosmonaut Alexander Volcov operating HF 17 meter band.

After having the privilege of meeting Alexander U4MIR whilst working at the college STAR Center many years ago I was very happy to catch up with Alex on the HF bands this evening.
Alexander U4MIR was onboard MIR Space station back in the early days before ISS. MIR formed part of the starting block for the ISS which has had lots of additional space craft and modules added from the various international space programs and is now much bigger.
It's almost 20 years later and a very good signal coming in from Moscow to Bradford. Best regards to Alexander paca paca 73.
To each and everyone, thanks for watching. best 73 see you next time.

[@101blog]

Good one Simon, a nice bit of personal history there !! CIAO!

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

Thanks John. Yes it was very nice to hear him after so many years passing by. One of the old school space men
Cool. 73

[@kc8wvg]

Very cool QSO, Simon.

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

Thanks buddy 😊. I have met him once and worked him twice over a 20 year period 👍

[@nickjh1968]

Great story and information Simon, nice one👍. Finally fitted my Mini 70 pre-amp on Monday, RX has been improved massively, catch you soon 73s📡

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

Thanks Nick, good news on your pre amp. I am interested to hear which one you went for. I fancy getting one. At the moment next door have scaffolding up very close to my satellite antenna as they are on with a roof job so I'm currently off the SATs. I can still turn and elevate but it's about 20cms away from touching the scaffolding so I haven't bothered this week. I'll be back on it soon enough. For now it's HF and getting wet outdoors with the family on half term. Catch you later bro 73

[@nickjh1968]

@@M0YKSHamRadioHi Simon, I opted for the Mini 70 from SHF Elektronik, shipped direct from Germany, not cheap but works very well so definitely happy with the purchase. Enjoy your break buddy, kids grow up so fast, make the most of those special times, 73s bud👍

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

Heard him on 20m at the weekend.

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

Nice one 😁 I have not heard him for years and years. It was very nice to hear him after having the privilege of meeting him in person and enjoying an afternoon of Ham Radio together at the College where I still work. 73 good DX

[@derekreid7286]

Nice contact Simon, did you ever have any problems with the swr on the ma5b on 15,20meters.

[@M0YKSHamRadio]

Thanks Derek. No problem on any of the 5 bands. I don't need any ATU it's resonant without. 1:1 - 1:8 at worst on 20m higher up the band. The other bands all below 1:1 -1:3