Topband: Seasonal Propagation

[K1ZM@aol.com]

Hi Gang

Listening to how the band is developing so far this season, it seems from 
here in NY that there remains a **very** high level of absorption on 160m - 
especially on high latitude signals out of Europe.  On most nights, EA3VY and 
IV3PRK have been quite weak at their sunrise with signal levels of not much 
more than 559/569.

>From Cape Cod up in Mass, the absorption levels are far lower but even there 
signal levels are down when compared with mid-winter levels.

Listening to the band these days reminds me of conversations with K1PBW from 
many years back.  Ernie used to say the band (in high sunspot years) wouldn't 
really start to pick up until late November - and, at the moment anyway, that 
seems about right.

Still there can be the good night here and there which makes 160M interesting 
- along with occasional Low latitude goodies like ZD9ZM to reward the 
deserving!

Personally, I can't wait until 2005/2006 - but there are still enough good 
things going on now and then to keep one's interest up.

Have a good season!

73 JEFF

K1ZM@aol.com

  



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