Topband: condx

[W7lr at aol.com]

Perhaps we should listen more evenings.  In the few evenings when I have 
listened I have been surprised at 160m condx.  I think we assume that the 
band will be dead until next winter.  Some examples:

19 April UA6LV 0228z 559/nil

19 April LY3UM 0247z 449/449

21 April LY3UM 0232z 559/339  he was 569 at 0242z

19 May DF2PY 0219z 559/339

21 May SV3RF 0255z 559/nil

I could not hear these stns on my tx vertical or else they were esp in the 
noise.

Rx antennas are a 500' Beverage or a broadside (160' spacing) EWE array.  For 
the 21 April LY3UM qso the EWE was better.

For receiving there is the old TS-850 with two narrow filters; plus a set of 
old ears.

73 Bob W7LR in Montana - maybe winter is here, many snow storms in Apr & May.