[ADXA] Fw: History of 160 Meter DX'ing

[Jay Bromley]

Thanks, Joel, for the video links!

Every year I don't get to go to Dayton, I love watching CTU and other similar videos like the ones you posted below!

Also, you are very correct about how lucky we are to have a low band DXer like K5UR.  Years ago, like a few decades now, I would read about Rick's accomplishments on 160m.  I forget now what book that was from, maybe an old Low Band DXing or similar?  Anyway, it would list the top gun 160m stations and their antennas.  I don't remember the antenna Rick was using at the time or his 160m total, but it was nearly 250-300 if my memory serves me correctly?  I do remember thinking his 160m total would have been a hit to most DXer's for Mix, one of the other bands/modes.  His setup at the time was a Drake Line, so this marks a few decades back.  I use to lust to have a complete Drake Line back in the day!

Like any DX adventure, it takes antennas, maybe receive antennas, and being a great op.  Plus, some seat time in front of the radio and a bit of luck!

BTW, It has been fun to watch Rick attack FT8 digital mode.  I have watched him go from all the usual mistakes to a dam good digital operator.  I would expect nothing else from Rick!  We are very blessed to have such ops in our club!

73 de jay/w5jay..
________________________________
From: adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Joel Harrison, W5ZN via ADXA <adxa at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2026 1:56 PM
To: 'ADXA' <adxa at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [ADXA] History of 160 Meter DX'ing


Each year during the Dayton Hamvention one of the many evening events is the “Top Band Dinner” focused on 160-meter DX. This year’s speaker was Jeff Briggs, K1ZM who has a considerable historical knowledge of 160-meter DX.



We have several aspiring 160 DX’ers among the ADXA folks who may not be aware of the unique history of the 160-meter band and the current allocation in the USA and around the world that only came to be a few years ago. Stew Perry, W1BB, one of the original 160-meter DX’ers who began prior to WWII (that’s 2, not 11), is also featured in Jeff’s presentation. It has now been posted on YouTube in three parts listed below. For those who are unaware of the history of 160 meters I encourage you to take time to view the presentation.



One of the “BIG DOG” 160-meter DX’ers in the world is ADXA’s very own K5UR with a 160-meter DXCC total of 331/321 – VERY impressive! If you want to further your knowledge of 160-meter DX’ing, during the next opportunity listen to some of Rick’s challenges and victories working low band DX from a city lot, or from an apartment in Fayetteville with a wire antenna thrown out the window in the trees and a counterpoise wire thrown in the creek below! (one of my favorites!)



https://youtu.be/3L0cJ2oQ268   Topband Dinner Dayton 2026 History of 160m Dx'ing by K1ZM Part 1



https://youtu.be/IWxF0yuGm1I   Topband Dinner Dayton 2026 History of 160m Dx'ing by K1ZM Part II



https://youtu.be/1N0m3HljwzI   Topband Dinner Dayton 2026 History of 160m Dx'ing by K1ZM Part III



73 Joel W5ZN/ZF2ZN


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