Topband: Modeling the proverbial "vertical on a beach"

[Michael Tope]

On 8/13/2014 6:28 PM, Tom W8JI wrote:
>>
>
> 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).
>
>
> 73 Tom

Tom,

How much skimmer data did you mine before establishing a firm conclusion 
that the advantages of saltwater proximity are exaggerated?

Myself, I think of how well AA7JV and HA7RY have done at various 
locations using antennas that were very close to or in some cases 
literally in the saltwater. The consistency of their topband signals 
compared to Dxpeditions who were confined to inland locations seems to 
point to a big advantage. I'll admit, however, that this hypotheses 
comes about from anecdotal observations filtered through a mental lens 
that is biased towards believing saltwater is a huge advantage.

I think using skimmer is an excellent approach to this question provided 
of course that you have mined enough data to filter out the statistical 
noise.

73, Mike W4EF...................