Topband: 160m conditions - before and after solar peak

[k6se@juno.com]

Having been through several sunspot cycle peaks and valleys, the best
ever 160m condx from here to Europe was the northern hemisphere winter of
1997-98.  The worst ever condx to Europe have been every year since then.

The above assessment is based on the southern California short path to
Europe, which is through the northern auroral zone.  To other areas of
the world, propagation on 160m seems to be no different during sunspot
peak years than sunspot valley years.

Other than the auroral zone problem on the path to Europe, I have always
felt that 160m condx only *seem* to be poorer during sunspot peaks
because of the migration of DXers to the higher frequencies during the
sunspot peak years.

73, de Earl, K6SE