Topband: 160 Meter Propagation

[W9UCW at aol.com]

The Reflector postings on this subject have  always been enlightening to me. 
I've never been strong on this subject and  I tend to pay close attention to 
what everyone says. In terms of recent postings  I would add the following 
summary of my observations.
 
For the last nearly 20 years I've been in  one of two locations in the south 
tip of Texas. During this period I have  consistently operated 160 using two 
primary antennas, a vertical and a  horizontal. The verticals have been various 
configurations from 75 to 100 feet  high with good radial systems. The 
horizontals have been a large horizontal  loops. The first was 540' around on four 
wood poles, 50' high. The  other is 1150' around on wood poles, 60' high over 
flat farmland. The loops have  been fed with open wire feedline and a balanced 
tuner in the shack.
 
For most of the 20 year period, but particularly  from about 1998 well into 
2007 the loops dominated the verticals, for both  receive signal strength and 
transmit signal reports for DX contacts in general.  The ratio was about 80/20 
in favor of the loops. Somewhat over a year ago things  began to change and 
the ratio has moved to about 30/70 in favor of the  verticals. We live in an 
extremely quiet location, which facilitates the  comparisons.
 
I'm not sure that adds anything to the academic  discussion, but it is 
somewhat revealing to me, in terms of what several of you  have said. Thanks... 
Happy New Year and Best DX wishes for 2009.
 
Barry, W9UCW
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