[Elecraft] VP6DX Success Due to K3's or Antennas?

[Fred Jensen]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> Being on the edge of a huge salt-water pond gives VP6DX's verticals an
> advantage no "land lubber" can hope for. There's a lot of interaction
> between the electromagnetic wave and the earth from a vertical antenna for
> many wavelengths from the antennas. Real "earth" - dirt - is a terrible
> medium. It's sort of the world's worst dielectric, even when soaking wet.
> But salt water is a different story. It's a very efficient medium for the RF
> to interact with.
> 
> There's a reason why so many DX-peditions like to find themselves on a small
> rock in the middle of the ocean, and it isn't just for the view. 
> 

I'd bet VP6DX success is a combination of factors, salt water and 
outstanding radios being two of them.  That they are operating multiple 
radios on the small island attests to the value of the K3.  I also know 
several of the ops [one has my last name :-) ] and they're all about as 
good as you can get.  That's another major factor.  They sure are loud 
here in N. Cal.  VP6DI was too.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party  4-5 Oct 08
- www.cqp.org