[Elecraft] Best band for low cost DXing?

[Lee Buller]

This is a hard question to answer because it takes in so many variables.  I have not read much of the discussion here because I want to give readers an untainted view of my answer.

You have to take in account....

Sunspots
Time of Day
Seasons of the Year (Earth's Tilt)
MUF or Maximum Usable Frequency
Knowing the Amateur Radio Band characteristics depending on the above
Is any one transmitting or is there assumption that the band is dead?

This is Ham Radio 102.  It is all in the Handbook and on the web.  So, the answer to this question is....get on the air and find out.  Read a book.  Read an article.  Read the Handbook.  Experience it.  Call CQ DX on some band.

Of course in 5 to 7 years, this will be a moot point since the Sunspots will be back (I Hope) and 10 meters will be open as well as 15 and 20 - 24 hours a day.

For now....30/40 is the best bands now....but then you got them blasted Broadcast Stations on 40 SSB.  Very little interference on 40 CW..  80 meters has good propagation, but there could be thunderstorms and such and then that band is not very good.  But on a clear night....late in the evening and early in the Morning....DX can be worked on 80 SSB and CW  So, right now.....I would give this piece of advice....

Wait till the bands are better....learn CW and join the FUN!....go to two meters and rag chew locally...try RTTY or PSK31.

CW os a great DX mode.  Long live CW and the guys who love it.

Lee - K0WA



In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common Sense divine?