[CQ-Contest] ionospheric absorption not heating

[Tom Rauch]

Hi Larry,

 > The real factor in the anomalous change in signal strength between =
 > qrp/qro signals is attributable to a threshold level of absorption in
 > = the ionosphere.  When the level of ionization drops below a certain
 > = level, a signal must exceed the absorption potential before it will
 > be = refracted and intercepted by ground based stations.

Respectfully, the ionosphere is an extremely linear media. If it
wasn't, HF would be useless with a mix of all sorts of signals.

The signal, if it is below the MUF of a path, is ALWAYS refracted
or re-radiated by the ionosphere. The effect of a few strong signals
and no one else being heard when MUF is approaching a band is
caused by the wave angle and exact path, not by anything else.

The signal at the wave angle and path from a certain station just
happens to be correct so the signal is refracted, while some other
poor sap 200 miles away with a similar antenna or another guy with
near the same location with no energy at a low enough angle from
his antenna just can't make the grade.

I hate to see us support the silly rumors and myths that the
ionosphere is somehow non-linear. Even megawatts focused in a
small area barely make a measurable difference on special
instruments to measure the effect.
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI at contesting.com 


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