TopBand: K7K

[Chris R. Burger]

> N4KG wrote:
> >Wouldn't it be nice if DXpeditioners learned something about 
> >Low Band Propagation BEFORE going to their destinations?

To which KF7E replied:
>         I can only say that I have often wondered if the emphasis placed on
> ever-increasing dxpedition QSO totals has shifted the emphasis from quality
> to quantity. DXing the low bands is by it's nature a slower and more
> thoughtful art...

Hmmmm.  I have to add a few comments, as an erstwhile DXpeditioner 
of some notoriety.  I think we are forgetting a few things:

*  It is very difficult to get masses of people to stand by for a 
   marginal opening to another area, if they haven't had a fair crack
   at you.  I would think it makes sense to work the close-in masses 
   for a day or two until that demand has been met to some extent, and
   then tell them to shut up for the long-haul stuff.
   
*  Low band operating wasn't so great in the past.  How many 
   DXpeditions from the Seventies and Eighties produced the kind of 
   160 fireworks that S21XX, V5/W8UVZ, V5/ZS6YG, VK0IR etc did?

Try to remember:  Low banders are a very small proportion of the DX 
world.  Someone who runs an expedition to satisfy general demand, 
cannot spend time trying to pacify a small minority at the expense of 
the rest of the world. 

Of course, there are those who set out to do just that:  The 'XX 
team, DK7PE and a few other examples spring to mind.  But it should 
come as now surprise that low bander DXpeditioners are a small 
fraction of DXpeditioners, just like low banders are a small fraction 
of DXers.

Lighten up, guys!

Chris R. Burger
ZS6EZ
Ex V51Z ZS0Z ZS3Z ZS6BCR ZS9Z ZS9Z/ZS1 3DA0/ZS6BCR ZS6BCR/A22 etc.
Op at 7P8EN
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