Topband: Zone 23 News

[by way of Bill Tippett <btippett@alum.mit.edu>]

Ken, 

First of all, I wish you best of luck and congratulate to your efforts. I've
operated from Mongolia in 98 and visited the country in length so I'd like
to add my "2 tugrik" maybe you will have something useful...

1, Ulanbaator is in a very deep valley surrounded by hills 1200 m higher
then UB itself. Both USA paths are completely blocked up to 30 - 35 degs
takeoff angle.

2, I had a Titanex V160E there. Getting a vertical working well over that
soil  there (sandy rock) you need LOTS of radials. I bought military wire on
the flea market to get more radials but it was no real help. When I first
tried a ground rod only (I didn't want to mess up the embassy garden with
radials) there was hardly any measurable return current...

3, Their electric system has a lot to improve. Walking outside after
darkness (not for the faint-hearted) you can see hundreds of sparks and
arc's especially when the wind is blowing and it generates terrible noise.
It blows a lot.

4, JT1CO can help you a lot if he wants. If his new location is outside of
UB, you'll be lucky. 

If you think I can help you with any info, I'd be glad to answer.

73 de Zoli HA1AG