[160m] Spot Light Effects...

[Tom Rauch]

I agree with you Ford. It would be very interesting to log
signal level changes over certain paths, even if local.
That would be information that has value to the entire
community, even if we don't know or can't prove why it
happens.

It seems to me the duct theory falls totally apart when
applied to a signal from NY to my QTH in GA. The extremely
low power beacon signal on 80 had exactly the
characteristics DX signals from 10,000 miles often do.

We don't need to have accurate absolute levels, but we need
to have accurate level change data. The major problem is
accurately recording relative level changes over a long
period of time.

There also might be use for modest to high power beacons
tucked out of the way of high traffic volume areas on 160.
Perhaps that would eliminate the need for so many CQ's that
largely go unanswered. Either that or we should consider
calling frequencies. The spotty nature of propagation on 160
often means stations in one area that on any particular day
are unreadable waste a good bit of time and energy trying to
stir up activity. A series of modest power beacons with
reasonable antennas scattered around the world, especially
in combination with a calling frequency, would (at least in
my mind) be a real asset.

Boy, do I ever miss DHJ!     It sounds like the ~1816.5 ZL
digital has gone away now, and maybe the ~1818.5 will be
next.

73 Tom