I certainly have enjoyed reading about Jerry, WB9Z's signal and mine in
Alaska during the contest! I can barely get my head through the shack
doorway!
However, when I compare my score to Jerry's, reality sets in and things
return to normal.
My transmit antenna is a fairly efficient shunt fed vertical...100 feet
of Rohn 45, 15 feet of mast above and a 2 element shorty forty and KT-34A
for a capacity hat. My ground system is only fair at best. About 50
radials, consisting of 10,12 and 14 Ga. insulated copper (THHN) range in
length from 26ft. to 70ft. A further eight are snaked out into a field
behind me about 150ft. I use copious amounts of 2 inch copper strab to
bond everything together. I use silver brazing alloy. I live on a small
lot, 75x150, about 5 miles East of Kankakee, Il. and 30 miles North of
WB9Z.
I have known Jerry, WB9Z for a long time and have had the privilege of
operating his station many times.
I am a broadcast engineer by profession and would like to explain in
detail the cause of the unusual propagation experienced last weekend...I
would like to, but can't! It's just part of the fun, aggravation,
mystery and charm of 160 meters!
See you all in the next contest!
Don, K9NR
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