[SEDXC] Funny conditions on 40

[David L. Thompson]

I wonder if anyone else has noticed the funny conditions on 40 lately.
First, some W5's are working VU2, XW1, and 9V1RH on long path at 2230 to
2300Z on 40 SSB beaming SE and I can't hear them
except for a few words no matter which way I point my beam.   Later VU2
comes thru at 4/4 (one night 5/5) at 0100 to 0130.  It seems Eastern Canada
and W1-3 hear them long path which for VU is SSW
but finally I hear them short path skewed to the NE. In past years some of
the VU's were 5/9 here on SP at 0100Z.

I also note CX, LU, and CE are louder pointing the beam North than right at
them.  Finally after 0200Z the signals swing back to the SE (its almost like
switching the beam direction).   I notice that long path has been missing to
JA and BV at 2300 whereas VE2 is working JA's and giving 59 to most.  I
noticed that Long path to JA was missing last Spring and even at 0900 to
1100 Z they have been very weak on short path compared to past years.   I
did hear JT1CO on CW and at first he was weak and coming in dual path (7003)
and finally he was 579 on short path (skewed NNE).  There was a UW0 coming
in 599 on short path. (no skew).

Since the 17, 15, 12, and 10 are closing well before 0100Z 20 and low bands
are the only operating options.  Even on 20 SSB a VU2 (at 0145) was
unreadable while a W5 and W6 gave him 5/9.  Funny but a UZ0 was 59+ at the
same time up band.

Guess you work what you can hear.   I have a Cushcraft 2 el 40 at 86 feet
and I usually am the first or one of the first thru.  LU2NI said I was the
loudest on the band (40 over) et 0200Z (7051 TX Rx 7198).
You tell me........

73 Dave K4JRB