On Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:54:44 -0300, Mike & Coreen Smith wrote:
>If I have a local signal on 1.26MHz, is there any way I can use that as a
>daytime reference as to which of my 2 antennas is working better? (low
>loaded sloper vs. the SF tower itself?)
MANY variables, including the vertical and horizontal directivity of the
antennas AND the propagation of horizontally and vertically polarized
waves.
Example: I have a 160M dipole at 100 ft that is broadside to the east coast
(and to CO), and an 86 ft top-loaded Tee vertical with 60 radials. The ARRL
160 contest begins at 2PM local time in California. During the daylight
hours, I can work the stronger stations in WA and CO (roughly 800 miles)
using the vertical, but I don't even get a "QRZ" on the dipole. This
general condition persists for at least an hour or so after dark. I believe
this difference (at least 10 dB) is related to propagation of horizontally
and vertically polarized wavefronts.
AFTER that time, it's a toss-up based on propagation and directivity as to
which antenna will work best to any given QTH.
73
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