I can only offer anecdotal experiences, since I live on an island with the
ocean on one side (about 330' from the house ( NNW to S) and a saltwater bay
about 350' on the other ( N to SSE). I often can be working JA's on my
mobile rig in the car with perfect Q5 signals and they will abruptly
disappear as I cross over the bridge and start into the mainland. I have
intentionally made a U turn, retraced my path and as soon as I'm almost to
the bridge, they pop back up out of the noise. I use a screwdriver vertical
on the back of the car.
I often hear and work DX, especially on the low bands, that friends just a
few miles inland can't hear. I installed an Outbacker on my boat which is
docked on the bay side and I am always amazed at well it works. Lots of
comments from DX stations like "you're sure loud to be a mobile."
I do know that my 402CD works better here than I've ever experienced before.
I always feel loud on 40M, even running QRP. The 402CD and my 80M Bobtail
always seem to get me through the pile-ups in only 1 or 2 calls, often
running low power on these bands since I have TVI problems with roof mounted
yagis.
I call the ocean "nature's amp". Works for me.
My purely unscientific experience FWIW.
Jon Hamlet, W4ZW
Casey Key Island, FL
"A little piece of paradise in the Gulf of Mexico"
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See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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