[ADXA] DX is DEAD ?

[Joel Harrison]

So what's been going on the past two months? No real DX info has been
posted here!

It is a normal, annual progression from the winter months when the low
bands are active, it is "summer" time in the southern hemisphere and
DXpeditions make trips to rare DX locations and others make an escape from
the northern hemisphere winter to enjoy a trip to a nice & remote south
Pacific location for DX and the big DX contests occur in the winter
months.

Then spring arrives and attentions turn to other things we all seem to do
in the warm (very warm?) spring/summer months.

I routinely take down all of my 160 meter receive antennas around March 15
to clear the fields before grass starts getting thick and knee high and I
bring in a guy to cut hay throughout the summer. This year the RX antennas
stayed up until the first week of April hoping for a low band Q with that
last, late DXpedition this year. They'll go back out in mid to late
October but for now it is time to focus on antenna projects and DX
operating interests other than 160 meters.

So does that mean DX is DEAD?? NO!!!  Quite the opposite! Right now I'm
listening to a ton of DX from Asia on 20 meters and this is a prime time
to grab an all time new one or a new one on a specific band.

Spring & summer also brings enhancement on 6 meters. DX has been sparse
the past year on 6 although openings as of late can provide a new grid, a
new state and even a new DX country. And 6 doesn't require a very large
antenna high on a tower. A five element 6 meter antenna 30 feet high can
produce amazing results.

So don't think just because there hasn't been a lot of DXpedition or low
band talk on this reflector that DX is dead.....those specific DX
activities will pick up later this year but NOW....yes NOW is the time to
plan your winter DX effort. Need to rework that antenna system?? DO IT
NOW!!! Too hot for you outside?? Then make those inside station
improvements you've been putting off. DO IT NOW!!

AND......Our next meeting is June 18 in Hot Springs so PLAN TO ATTEND NOW!!!

73 Joel W5ZN


www.w5zn.org