[TowerTalk] ground and conductivity

[W4ZW]

I can only offer anecdotal experiences,  since I live on an island with the
ocean on one side (about 330' from the house ( NNW to S) and a saltwater bay
about 350' on the other ( N to SSE).  I often can be working JA's on my
mobile rig in the car with perfect Q5 signals and they will abruptly
disappear as I cross over the bridge and start into the mainland.  I have
intentionally made a U turn, retraced my path and as soon as I'm almost to
the bridge, they pop back up out of the noise.  I use a screwdriver vertical
on the back of the car.

I often hear and work DX, especially on the low bands, that friends just a
few miles inland can't hear.   I installed an Outbacker on my boat which is
docked on the bay side  and I am always amazed at well it works.  Lots of
comments from DX stations like  "you're sure loud to be a mobile."

I do know that my 402CD works better here than I've ever experienced before.
I always feel loud on 40M, even running QRP.  The 402CD and my 80M Bobtail
always seem to get  me through the pile-ups in only 1 or 2 calls, often
running low power on these bands since I have TVI problems with roof mounted
yagis.

I call the ocean "nature's amp".  Works for me.

My purely unscientific experience FWIW.


Jon Hamlet, W4ZW

Casey Key Island, FL
"A little piece of paradise in the Gulf of Mexico"