I attribute the decline in participation to the raising noise floor and the
aging population of ham radio operators.
I been operating 160 since I moved to the present location form a city lot in
1998 and have noticed the noise level constantly raising. I've been successful
in noise sources in the household but most of my noise is external.
This is a hobby of mostly old men. The rigors of extensive antenna work and
operating during night periods becomes more challenging as we age. I am 67 and
retired this year and keep very active during the day. Getting up to operate in
the middle of the night or at dawn was easier when I was younger.
In addition, many of us are also downsizing to small lots or restricted
communities. Yes we can operate remotely but I like to operate in front of a
rig.
I don't want to be pessimistic, just realistic. Enjoy it while you can.
Mike N2MS
> On December 15, 2019 at 9:49 AM Carl Luetzelschwab
> <carlluetzelschwab@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> So 160m continues to be a mystery - and I'm glad of it.
>
> Carl K9LA
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