[Elecraft] Best band for low cost DXing?

[Jay Schwisow]

Keith,

Right now at sunspot minimum I would say 20or 17meters.  40m at night 
but operating split.  80m and 160m follow if antennas allow.  Once the 
solar flux climbs up around 90 you will see some nice propagation on 15 
meters.

Have a look at the SSB dx contests.  October is one of the busiest 
months of the year.  The  big one is CQWW DX 10/27 (all weekend).  
Contest weekends tend to open up the bands when they seem closed. He 
could probably earn DXCC in one weekend of CQWW.   If his station is 
modest encourage him to wait until Sunday to work the more exotic DX.  
The pileups will be down and it will be easier for him to get through - 
assuming propagation.

One more note...small antennas including a simple dipole at 20feet can 
and will work.  If this is all Bob can put up then fine.  Sure I 
recommend a big yagi but for many this cannot be done.    Note that in 
many cases the guy on the other end will do the heavy lifting..

Here is a complete calendar of contests:

http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/contestcal.html

Jay - KT5E