Topband: QRN at VK9XG and sunrise peak

[Tom Rauch]

Another important thing for everyone (especially DX stations)  to remember
is the band often peaks at times other than the eastern end sunrise, and the
signals often skew a great deal at long distances.

DX stations who install a receiving antenna pointed at the normal direct
path can be hurting themselves, just as they can be if they only try
east-end sunrise times.

Charlie VK9XG was pretty strong on 80 meters at this sunset, as was VK3ZL at
his sunset this morning. By sunrise here, VK3ZL was 20dB weaker than
earlier. Charlie was also weaker on 80 at my SR. There are many mornings I
work VK3ZL with S9 signals at his sunset, and by my sunrise he is in the
noise.

Bob 9V1GO actually has a very consistant signal here in the mornings...some
days SW, some NW, sometimes on both paths at once, and a few times due west.
He is often nearly as loud as the JA's.

It might help if we remind DX stations that the peak very often is NOT at
eastern path sunrise, and the path is often skewed by as much as 90 degrees!

73 Tom