[NLRS] The Twin Cities - Milwaukee VHF path

[David Whitham]

Bruce and NLRS Group,
Sitting hear just west of Racine about 7 miles.  I find that the RF trip 
back to the Twin Cities from here very difficult.  I believe in my case the 
southern range of the Kettle Moraine is possibly the main reason from my 
view point.  Unless there is a strong tropo opening, I never hear stations 
from the Twin Cities at this time with the station set up that I have.

During the contest last weekend, I pointed in the direction of the Twin 
Cities and to those located in EN44 at the recommended times with without 
hearing anything nor any answer to my CQ.  It is disappointing to know for 
the same distance away from my station.  I can make it into Iowa, Michigan 
and Ohio without any trouble even in poor conditions.  So, there has got to 
be something said about the terrain in between us.  Now Ken, W9GA I believe 
sits in a spot in between the north and southern range of the Kettle 
Moraine.  If I recall there is a break in the range somewhere in that area.  
This gives him a better chance to make the trip to the Twin Cities than I do 
here in Racine County.

Now, I plan over time to boost power and improve reception on this end.  
However, I am not sure how much that will help without some assistance from 
"Mother Nature".  It seems that the assistance from "Mother Nature" comes in 
the early morning hours when the wind is total dead and we are sitting under 
a  high pressure weather zone, like right now!

Just my 2 cents worth of thought!!

73
Dave - K9DQ