[CW] Absorption?

[Ron Zond]

Ken

I think it is the opposite. Solar flux is low, so absorption is low. In
fact, the flux is so low that the E layer
is almost non existent. I call it "holes in the blanket".  You can observe
this if
you listen to the EAN traffic net on 7243. Stations will have a pipeline for
passing
traffic one minute, and nothing the next. Based on observation, if the flux
goes above
80, the band will OK (E layer propagates to normal distances).  When the A
index goes above
7, absorption becomes a factor. I do a flux dance when the flux hangs around
70.
It doesn't do much good, but I lose a few pounds.

Ron
K3MIY

-----Original Message-----
From: cw-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:cw-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On
Behalf Of Ken, KA0W
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 7:20 PM
To: CW at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [CW] Absorption?


Anyone else experiencing the overall lousy 40m conditions the past few days
(weeks)?

There are very few signals moving the s-meter over S9 during the day and
afternoons. A few weeks aqo 40m was filled with S9 and plus signals at my
QTH, not just from QRO monster stations.

I know I need to place my order for a couple of new Super Berthas and get at
least a 3x 40m Yagi stack on each, but I never struggled with conditions
like this in the past couple of weeks.

Maybe ops are saving energy and running more QRP to keep gas prices from
going higher? Perhaps Al Gore suggested that at the last ARRL conference?

Hope to hear signals on the bands!

Ken, KA0W



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