Topband: 160 to NA

[Kenneth D. Grimm, K4XL]

Doug Renwick wrote:
> The answer in my mind is simple ... it includes one-way-propagation and
> it has existed for as long as I have operated on 160m and that is a long
> time.  I can call stations that I can barely copy on peaks and they
> sometimes answer very quickly.  Of course QRN, QRM, receive capability
> and transmitter power are other factors.
>
> Doug/VA5DX
Yes, I agree.  I hear Jon, AA1K, calling CQ DX in the late afternoons 
and you can't argue with his stats.  However, I've just about given up 
calling even the rather strong Europeans in the early part of our sunset 
gray line.  It's either something to do with propagation, or my vertical 
just plain sucks.  Possibly both.  It's also possibly a result of the 
fact that I've put quite a bit of effort into my receiving antannas and 
the fellows on the other end of the circuit are just using their 
transmit antennas for receiving.  All of these possibilities and others 
help make 160 one of the most interesting and challenging bands we have.

73,
Ken - K4XL

p.s. The best thing about this weekend contest is that it will soon be over.

p.p.s.  It's too bad that Yaesu didn't treat the clicky 1000 series with 
the same level of "recall" responsibility as they have with the 9000 series.