From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of EJ Jones
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2025 10:02 AM
To: [email protected]; 'ADXA Reflector' <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [ADXA] Thoughts on 160 Meters

Don’t forget that that band conditions will always be best when you’re out of town

EJ

Greetings ADXA Folks,

As the 160-meter season in the northern hemisphere comes to a close, I thought I would pass along some general thoughts about the band:

1. Pay no attention to the juicy DX cluster spots from stations like VE1ZZ or VY2ZM. You won’t be able to hear them, much less work them!
2. Staying up until 3 AM is much easier that getting out of bed at 3 AM !
3. Walking a Beverage in your pajamas at 1 AM (or making Holly do it) is a warning sign of mental illness
4. Ferrite is your friend
5. Thunderstorms are still the best indicator of outstanding top band conditions. When a storm puts you off the air, you can be sure the band is in great shape
6. Line noise will always appear in the direction of a most needed DX station and persist until the DXpedition ends
7. Spotlight propagation always shines on the other guy
8. A good sunrise peak is a near religious experience
9. If you can’t deal with disappointment, STAY OFF 160 meters!

And finally, a couple of very appropriate quotes from two experienced top band operators:

SM5EDX – “160 meters is a band for men, NOT for sissies!”

And most important from TF4M – “160 meters is a serious band. It should be treated with respect”

Enjoy the next five months but begin now, RIGHT NOW, planning and preparing for the next low band season. Remember, you may “think” 160 meter DXCC is far away for you but if you work 2 new ones during the season your DX Challenge total will equally increase!

73 Joel W5ZN