[160m] New to 160m

[Tom Rauch]

I agree with comments a vertical is generally much better for transmitting
when installed correctly with a good ground.

> 1)  Are DX contacts mostly done on CW or is there also SSB DX activity.

The vast majority is CW, but there is SSB activity.

> 2)  My understanding was the "DX" window was 1.830 to 1.850 but I only
hear local stations in this space.  Is this normal?

The DX Window was dropped by the ARRL because no one complied with it, even
though the concept is very important to people inland who are struggling to
work DX. The IARU still designates 30-50 as a DX window, so far as I know.

Most DX in the mornings is between 1820 and 1835, with the peak in activity
between 1820 and 1830.
Most DX in evenings is 1820 to 1838, with the peak in activity between 1825
and 1835.

All USA SSB is supposed to be above 1843, all digi modes below 1810.

> 3)  When is the best time to operate 160?  I know the night time is when
the band is active but are there "peak" times when the band is in better
shape?

It can open any time when the path is mostly in darkness, The most frequenct
peaks occur around sunset or sunrise at one or both ends of the path.

> 4)  How does 160 work with the current sun spot cycle?  Is it like other
HF bands whereas the more sun spots, the better?  I have heard that maybe
the opposite it correct?

Fewer sunspots mean better low band DX.

73 Tom