Topband: QRN source and direction

[W2pm at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/26/2007 6:16:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time,  
cyo3fff at yahoo.com writes:

Hello  all,

Because I don't have a "beverage farm", I'm wondering if someone  of you try 
to find the direction and place from where the QRN is coming at a  certain 
time?!
I'm asking this because the QRN is a big issue on 160m and  maybe we can do 
something to limit its action by using certain nulling  antennas. Also I'm 
interested to findout how a thunder will propagate on 160m  band. What is its 
range?
If you have some information in this way I'll  appreciate sharing it with me.
Another question is about the cosmic noise.  I don't know what is its 
amplitude at this wave  length.

Thanks.

73 de  YO3FFF
Cristi



Cristi - a simple antenna to try to work around the QRN would be the 4  
direction K9AY loop.  You can also build a rotatable flag.  But don't  forget to 
practice your brain DSP and often the DX can come from the same  direction as 
the QRN.
 
Re Lightning propagation I think that depends on conditions the same way  any 
signal does.  I can often judge the overall quality of the band on 160  
depending on whether I can hear distant lightning QRN in the winter here in New  
Jersey.  If I can hear it - the band is open AND quiet locally.  If  the QRN is 
S9 plus and constant, as it can be in the summer here, it's time to  forget 
about radio and make sure your lightning protection is implemented!   73 Pete 
W2PM



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