And that period at and after sunrise is MUCH quieter considering that more than
half of the directions for propagated noise sources have been reduced or
eliminated. Depending on where you are that reduction can be quite dramatic,
again indicating the need for experienced topband operators on DXpeditions.- and
operational planning that includes the "extra" time on the lowbands. The time
at sunrise +/- 2 hours is when the maximum possible number of expedition
stations should be fully manned and active. "Home" stations with directional
advantages can benefit similarly if not subjected to "urban" noise floor
limiting.
Robin, WA6CDR
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Brown" <jim@audiosystemsgroup.com>
To: <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2022 10:34
Subject: Re: Topband: Topband - Stew Perry event just 48 hours away
On 10/21/2022 10:18 AM, Mark Connelly via Topband wrote:
DXpedition set-ups are typically at low noise coastal or high-altitude sites
not near urban RF congestion. "Real" antennas, i.e. with decent gain and
directivity, are typically used. For these reasons the short duration
DXpedition receivers usually blow the doors off what "permanent" sites offer.
YES! I often find that I can work the better expeditions QRP after the initial
rush has died down, even on Topband.
Where this breaks down is when expeditions QSY from lower bands at the first
sign of daylight, failing to understand that gray line propagation is usually
strongest on the daylight side of the terminator! On Topband, it's often great
for 30-45 minutes, on 80 it's an hour, on 40 it's two hours.
73, Jim K9YC
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