[Elecraft] Best band for low cost DXing?

[David Wilburn]

I guess it depends on when 20m closes too.  During FD, the local club 
was already down on 80m, it was 9 or 10PM local here on the east coast. 
  I came back home and worked 20m up till midnight.  Nothing fancy, at 
the time it was an 80m wire loop, fed with ladder line.

David Wilburn
dave.wilburn at verizon.net
K4DGW
K2 #5982
FP#-1751


Joe Hetrick wrote:
> 
> On Sep 28, 2007, at 9:38 AM, JT Croteau wrote:
> 
>> I too would like to know why 20M wasn't considered by the OP.  20M is
>> a great, easy, and cheap band to get on and make lots of DX contacts
>> especially during a contest weekend. A simple halfwave dipole can be
>> constructed for a very low cost, sometimes free if you scrounge, and
>> work well at 30 to 35'. Most people frown upon contests every weekend
>> but get on the air during a contest and you'll have DXCC in no time
>> flat.
> 
> The only reason I can think of why 20 would be difficult would be 
> operating times.  Eg; my personal schedule is such that I'm frequently 
> operating well after folks have moved off 20 or 20 has closed.
> 
> I agree with N1ESE, though, if I could have one antenna, it'd be on 20, 
> assuming I had lost my job or retired ;).  The only beam I've got is a 
> moxon rectangle for 20m, because it's active; the rectangle was easy to 
> construct, and I can get it in the air myself for contest weekends.
> 
> Because of my own operating schedule, I find myself on 30 or 40M most 
> evenings; thats just the way it works out.
> 
> My 20m work is mostly via a half-square.  Easily constructed, and 
> effective DX antenna for 20.  40 I operate with a fiberglass 
> pole-supported 1/4wl vertical.  The pattern gets a bit useless for 15m, 
> but, tuned I operate most bands with this antenna.  A plan is to shorten 
> it and build a base mounted matching system.  Being shorter should help 
> with the 15m pattern.
> 
> One could argue bang for your buck being a tuner and an effective 
> low-angle radiating antenna.
> 
> Joe, KC0VKN
> 
>>
>> -- 
>> JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH (FN42gx)
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