Topband: Modeling the proverbial "vertical on a beach"

[Tom W8JI]

>> One would think if there was a 10-20 db penalty, it would show on 
>> skimmers
>> and that W2GD would be unbeatable being on the water. I'm sure I'm 
>> missing
>> something. What is it I am missing?
>
> A contest certainly is not only about transmit signal strength, nor is
> the lowest angle propagation always the most productive. There is
> always the 27 dB gain between the operator's ears (or lack of it) to
> be reckoned with.

But skimmer, which displays a relative level, does not show the level 
difference.

Skimmer shows about the same peak levels, but the stations closer or over 
salt water paths (not localized salt water) have longer openings but no more 
level for peak level. Anyone can look at that.

K3LR is about as strong into Europe, when I look at skimmer levels, as 
someone on the coast.

The exceptions are people right next door to Europe (like VY1).

VOA relocated in NC to improve signals from the old New Jersey/New York 
stations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Broadcasting_Bureau_Greenville_Transmitting_Station


35.697429, -77.150056 is about 30 miles from Swan Bay, and maybe 60 from the 
ocean.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.1126131,-76.4678737,10z

Now understand I'm not saying salt water does not help groundwave 
tremendously, but people inland needn't fear being competitive. I can't find 
any supporting data for 10-20 dB, or longer propagation time, other than 
being significantly closer to the target area or perhaps having saltwater 
path at the first hop out.

It also can be quieter when directional antennas beam out over water, which 
lacks urban noise.

If we compare K3LR's signal to someone from the black hole, when the path is 
near the north magnetic pole (and distance is similar), there is a world of 
difference. Not so between inland and the east coast at similar path angles 
and distance, other than darkness times.

It would be interesting to see real data of the differences, because it is 
tough to see on skimmer watching signal levels.

This should be an interesting thing to look at objectively and maturely.

73 Tom