Seems I'm not getting all of the reflector emails of late. Thanks to K3OO for
tipping me off to the conversation.
I never worked JA from the 160 mobile but did QSO VK3ZL a couple of times,
FO/A, KH6 and a bunch of Europeans. In fact Bob VK3ZL (SK) was my first DX QSO
after installing the KJ7U screwdriver that covered the band on my 2000 VW
Jetta. I also worked FO/A and a bunch of Europeans. Had 54 countries on 160,
all during my normal 58-mile commute mostly along the Delaware Route 1
expressway, or occasionally on other road trips. Having no power lines along
the highway was a big help, and the diesel engine of course had no ignition
noise so my noise floor was super low. I could often hear DX responding to base
stations who couldn't hear them. The rig was an IC706Mk2G at 100 watts. The
150-foot tall bridge over the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal also gave a nice
boost if I could get the timing right. The best night was working three
Europeans during a snowstorm. Salting of the roads seemed to have helped my
signal.
JA probably could have happened in a low sunspot year, but my commuting times
didn't coincide with the sunrise peak.
That commute ended in 2014 and I haven't been doing as much mobile since. The
current vehicle (2021 Toyota Highlander, gas engine) like many has a high noise
floor.
Some pix and more info in my 2023 talk to the Topband dinner at Dayton:
https://www.topbanddinner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AA1K-Topband-Dinner-2023.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=3vC9nAhzbVk&embeds_referring_euri=http%3A%2F%2F3dprinterpartsandaccessories.com%2F&feature=emb_imp_woyt
73/Jon
Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
Tower climber for hire
Felton, Delaware
http://www.aa1k.us/
Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922
Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.
------------------------------------------------
Mike Smith VE9AA ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca
Sat Jan 6 13:16:16 EST 2024
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Years ago now, but I worked Jon a few times when he was mobile on his way to
work and I seem to recall him being a pretty darn good signal at 1000kms away
from here. I think he may have even worked Japan from his Jetta and KJ7U
antenna.
Maybe he'll see these messages and comment.
Mike - Keswick Ridge, NB, Canada
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank W3LPL [mailto:donovanf at starpower.net]
Sent: January 6, 2024 2:02 PM
To: topband
Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of DX CW Activity
AA1K has worked 51 countries on 160 meters and 275 countries on all bands
from his car using 100 watts and KJ7U screwdriver for 160-6 meters
73
Frank
W3LPL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard" <richard at karlquist.com>
To: "Mike" <ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca>, "topband" <topband at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 6, 2024 9:46:23 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Lack of DX CW Activity
On 1/6/2024 6:49 AM, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote:
>
> Bill KU8H
>
>
>
> OK, I'll be very honest and say that I don't really understand posts like
> this.
>
> For nearly 30 yrs I've run 160m mobile on again/off again (more off than on)
> and have I think 67 countries on Top Band.
>
KH6DX/W6 famously worked 100 countries for his DXCC ... from his pickup
truck in SoCal. He had a big fat screwdriver antenna, and an 800 watt
amplifier. He was at liberty to get away from noise sources, and get up
on hills, drive on beaches, drive on dry salt lakes, etc and not have to
run QRP to keep the neighbors happy. One winter he drove to the N.
Dakota/S. Dakota border and worked the ARRL 160 and had a blast. He was
plenty readable on this coast from 2,000 miles away. He even had
special QSLs printed.
You mentioned the helically loaded PVC pipe that was published in QST.
That may have worked after a fashion, but an old fashioned loading
coil always works better than helically wound. Your suggestion about
top loading wires is right on, though.
73
Rick N6RK
_________________
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
73/Jon
Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
Tower climber for hire
Felton, Delaware
http://www.aa1k.us/
Cell: 302-632-2353
Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922
Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.
_________________
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
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