Topband: Testing RX Antennas "Out of Season"

[W8AV at aol.com]

Eric:
 
  I test receiving antennas out of season most of the time, since it  is 
easier to work on them when it is warm outside.  I use expanded AM band  
(1600-1700 kHz) stations to check the front to back on my two wire bidirectional  
beverages since these stations operate very close to the 160 meter band.   There 
are not a whole lot of them in the US so it easier to isolate one in  a 
particular direction to test the front to back on the antenna.  The only  problem I 
see with your living in the DC area is that there will be no  domestic expanded 
band stations to your east.  But at least you can check  the "receivability" 
of your antennas and get an idea of the front to  back of your antenna by using 
stations to the south, west, and  north from your QTH.
 
You can probably find a list of expanded band stations by  browsing around 
the FCC's web site.  I have a printed list that we download  at work each month 
from the FCC. I keep it on hand here at home, for just  this purpose.
 
73..................de Goose, W8AV