[OKDXA] HB0

[Kim Elmore]

At 09:35 AM 11/12/2007, you wrote:
>Kim Elmore wrote:
>>Well, the K9AY loops do seem to help.

W8JI has a great write-up on these on his web site 
)http://www.w8ji.com/k9ay_flag_pennant_ewe.htm). I don't think your 
mod will change anything for better or worse. Note that these are 
*not* resonant loops: these are terminated loops and act more like 
short, phased verticals.


>Anyway, during the mid day when there's no hint of skywave tune 
>around and let me know how you copy WBAP on 820 kHz

I copy a station on 820 which I assume is WBAP. It disappears when 
the null points roughly SW, so it's from the Dallas direction. I also 
hear KRLD on 1080 kHz (caught a station ID so I know what this one is).


>and KRLD on 1080 kHz (both Dallas). Then slide over to 1070 and 
>listen for KFDI in Wichita, KS.

I didn't hear anything on 1070 kHz.

>I have a hunch you'll hear a weak but usable signal from all three. 
>For me WBAP is a tad stronger than KRLD and I'm curious if you find 
>the opposite to be true since your loop is biased more toward 160 
>Meters than the resonant loops I've worked with.

You're right: 1080 is stronger (by 6 - 10 dB, I'd guess) than 820.

>  Just for grins, see if you have any daytime reception of KWON in 
> Bartlesville on 1400 kHz or (mission impossible) KMOX on 1120 in St. Louis.

Norman has KREF at 1400 kHz in Norman, 1 kW carrier, about 3 miles 
from me. Their transmitter is to my SW, but the loops are ineffective 
for ground wave signals.

Alas, no useable signals from KMOX, 1120.


>At night try KDKA in Pittsburgh on 1020 kHz. That's my bellwether 
>station as (I think) it's the only true clear channel left in the 
>US. Generally comes in best an hour or so after sunset, and if you 
>can score KPHT on 1210 kHz (Philadelphia) you're doing extremely well.

I heard a sports/news station on 1020 during the day, but never got 
an ID. Nil on 1210 kHz during the day.

>Might also try for KSL on 1160 kHz in Salt Lake City

Nil in the day time on 1160 kHz.

>  and... If you're really lucky... KNX in LA on 1070. SLC is tough 
> copy for me thanks to the Tower Of Power on 1170 and I've heard KNX 
> only a handful of times over the years.

I could hear something on 1070 kHz, but nothing I could ID. All 
daytime so far, naturally. I'll give a listen tonight, too.


>Used to do a fair amount of BCB DX'ing but since it all became 
>corporate radio the motivation isn't what it used to be.........

Yeah, me too.

I had not seen any "sappy Christmas stories" in any ham magazines for 
a number of years and, being a sucker for sappy Christmas stories, 
decided that if I wanted to see one so badly maybe I should write it 
myself. Taking my own dare, I dived in. So, if anyone gets CQ 
magazine, you'll see a short story in the December issue by Yours 
Truly. Rich Moseson (the Editor) told me when I submitted it that 
"...we rarely publish fiction, but rarely is not never..."

QST said they had plenty of material and didn't need it. Besides, it 
was too long for them. CQ loved it. So, I'm soon to be a published 
author.  Not that I'll quit my day-job anytime soon, mind you... It's 
set in WWII and is dedicated to my Dad (W5JHJ now a SK) and all of 
the fast-vanishing veterans and other members of the Greatest 
Generation. My Dad was never in the Signal Corps, but was trained as 
a signalman in the Army Air Force. The protagonist in the story is an 
alter-ego of my Dad. It even features the Quest for DX as a theme.

73,

Kim Elmore, N5OP

P.S.: I don't have trouble with PL-259s, either, but I also use a 
good-sized iron that's plenty hot, get it done and get off of it. I 
also use Kester electronic soldering paste.