Randy:
RE: 160M last night
I wish I had backyard space for a receive pennant. All I have room for is a loaded 70' shorty sloper as sold at Mena. It is fed at 34' using the tower as a counterpoise, goes to the SE at 18' and due South down to 8' over the neighbors' backyard fence (with
their permission). It favors the NE and EU. I run "barefoot" but that's 150 watts on FT8 with my -MP.
I was calling CQ EU because PSKReporter had me blanketing western EU. I could not hear those EU stations calling me. I missed the KP5, too. Jay congratulated me on the KP5 at 1:08 local. John Evans and Roger said they called me twice, but I could not
hear! I did get Montana (W7EY who is headed to Bouvet on 2/14). I emailed him and he threw 1500 watts my way! Obviously AK and HI aren't likely to happen for 160M WAS.
73, Lanny K1LEC
I just read all these emails and they explain so much. Last night, I suddenly was able to work into Europe again. I picked up two new countries in the hour that the band was open for me. K1LEC was on and I could
see stations in Europe calling him. All this time I just thought it was the band conditions but I realize now it was the "Big Dogs" eating up the propagation from us Little Puppies. With some of the Big Dogs occupied working through storm damage, the little
puppies got to sneak up to the bowl and get a little bite.
I certainly can relate to on your own in the county. It is a good thing we are in the flat lands or we would not be able to go, thanks to the 4wd.
I hope all stayed safe and warm.
Randy/W5ZJ