[SEDXC] [sedxc] FT4TA SP LP

[David Thompson]

Usually Indian Ocean Stations like FT4TA, 3B9, FR7 etc come in almost direct SP.  This cound be anywhere from 60 to 75 degrees.

Long Path 20 is usually a general path.  Years ago I could work VU, 4S7, Gus at Tromelin, S79 , VQ9 and the signals came in from the SW. Peaking an hour after sunrise.  Stations in ZS, CR7 (now C9) all came in more of a straight reverse of short path.  I have noticed the past few years that signals from the NW do come in a crooked path.  I worked VU4 on 17 SSB with the best signal coming in from the NE.  On 40 SSB I worked a JT at 0100Z with the signal coming in just East of North.  I passed him by several times thinking he was a YV5.  I also remember working Heard Island VK0HI on 20 at about 0230Z just after they first got on beaming SE.  I passed him by at first as I thought he was a VP2.  He was a strong S9 for over an hour.

I am surprised when someone said FT4TA was stronger on a wire antenna over a hex beam.  You do need to get the hex beam clear of nearby objects and 25 to 30 feet up. 

Glad many of you are getting a shot at Tromelin.  It is a military installation so only on once per sun spot cycle if that.  The operators are all French Military.

73 Dave K4JRB