[Lowfer] Lowfer Beacons

[John Reed]

Mark wrote:
> 
> Good evening LW Gurus,
> 
> I could use a little help.

This season seems to be poor here in Oklahoma.  Last winter I was able
to receive XMGR, NC and JDH.  This winter nothing at all so far.  The
ionosphere doesn't seem to be cooperating.  You might try to receive an
NDB close to the Lowfer beacon you're after.  This will tell you if you
have a chance.  I use some Canadian NDBs to see if I will have any luck
with the Minnisota bunch, and there's a strong beacon on the east coast,
DIW, that will tell you how your reception there will be.  However, this
year DIW has been coming in fair, but nothing from NC.  Last year the
Canadian NDBs were good, but I never received LEK or BRO.

It may take a couple of seasons for you to have any luck, but don't give
up.  If the band sounds quiet, your antenna/receiver may lack
sensitivity.  I can normally hear some 60 Hz buzz and thunderstorm
static from far away.  Does the audio get quieter when you unhook the
antenna?  If not then your antenna/receiver does lack sensitivity.

John Reed