Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today with Eric Manning, VA7DZ. Eric and Eric discuss the Reverse Beacon Network and the use of the CW Skimmer software as tools for contesting and understanding of real time low band openings. VA7DZ has a lifetime of amateur radio beginning in 1948, in his 5th grade classroom. His ham radio journey led him to a career in computers and computer science, culminating as a professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering, and to his current ham radio operation at the University of Victoria. Even in retirement, Eric’s ham radio life is rich with experiences and new projects.