Topband: Very Little CW Activity

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

This was meant for the RFI list.

On 3/27/2021 4:06 AM, Don Kirk wrote:
> Hi Gary,
>
> Yes, based on how strong the RFI is on 20 meters, your un-tuned shielded
> loop should definitely hear the noise on 20 meters (as an example) based on
> my tests even without using an external preamp with your loop.  Your
> un-tuned shielded loop works just as good as a conventional one of similar
> size and turns on 14 MHz and above, so no need to use anything else for
> this exercise since the signal is so strong.
>
> Remember to use AM mode with wide filter, all noise blankers off, and
> preamp on if your radio has one, and you should hear that RFI unless the
> noise is internally generated in the antenna due to a bad joint, bad coax
> connection, etc.  Start out near your vertical.  Also try the loop (or
> piece of wire) in place of your vertical as we previously mentioned, etc.
>
> Feel free to call me on my cell phone number which I previously provided if
> needed.
>
> We are all anxious to find out the root cause of your RFI.
>
> (Note: you mentioned just barely hearing it in your shack on 6 meters using
> your loop and it might be hearing it direct or from the open ends of your
> feed line from your vertical that’s in your shack, or coupling to other
> metal or wiring nearby etc.  Shorting the open end of your coax is
> something you can try when using your loop in your shack if your open end
> of coax sits nearby.  The real test is what you will hear outdoors and in
> place of your vertical, or using simple piece of wire outdoor in place of
> your vertical, etc).
>
> 73,
> Don
>
> On Fri, Mar 26, 2021 at 11:12 PM VE6WZ Steve <ve6wz at shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>> Roger,
>> Just to add some perspective from Western NA, the 160m conditions have
>> been absolutely horrible for the last month.
>> The goe-magnetic activity and AU levels have been so high that the
>> trans-polar path to Europe has been shut down completely for 5 weeks,
>> except for one evening.
>>
>> Perhaps working into East coast and even mid-west NA from EU has been
>> possible lately, but any path transiting close to the pole has been shut
>> down.
>>
>> This season up until late January I have worked over 1,400 EU on 160m CW
>> since August. Usually working 20-30 each evening. I check the band almost
>> every night and watch the RBN. Since late January, the band has been
>> slammed shut at my northern latitude.
>>
>> 73, de steve ve6wz
>>
>>
>>
>>  From Babcocks iPhone
>>
>>> On Mar 26, 2021, at 3:05 PM, Roger Kennedy <
>> roger at wessexproductions.co.uk> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Quite a lot of us Europeans come on the band each night calling CQ DX .
>> . .
>>> but getting very few replies.
>>>
>>> According to RBN reports, DX Propagation across the pond seems
>> reasonable .
>>> . .
>>>
>>> So is it just that there are very few American stations coming on 160
>> these
>>> days?
>>>
>>> Roger G3YRO
>>>
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