[OKDXA] Path from Atlas Cove / Spit Bay to Oklahoma

[Roger Simpson]

I was wrong about Big Ben being "in the way" of the short path from 
Atlas Cove to Oklahoma.

Headings from ATLAS COVE to places in USA short path [in degrees]:

Oklahoma City   203
Los Angeles       152
Phoenix             166
Santa Fe            181
Atlanta              228
Olympia WA      113
Sacramento CA  138
Little Rock         215


Heading of the peak of Big Ben from Atlas Bay   140

The bottom line is: From Atlas Bay there is a clear shot short path [and 
also long path] to anywhere in the USA east of Santa Fe NM.

So a signal going from Atlas Cove [via the short path] to California has 
to contend with Big Ben. My guess is that most of the Calif stations 
that have worked VK0EK -- especially on 30m -- have worked him long 
path.

I still think things will be better for many of us little pistols when 
they setup on Spit Bay. Then there will be a clear shot to Oklahoma 
[just as there is now] from Atlas Cove. The only difference will be that 
EU and Eastern USA will be behind Big Ben. So this should reduce the 
competition.

VOACAP says a decent shot at Heard from Oklahoma should be on 20m from 
about 0300 to 0700UTC. A shot on 30m should be between 1300 and 1400UTC. 
However, for me at least, there have not been any decent openings so far 
on either 20m or 30m given my modest antenna farm.

Whatever my problem is I can't blame Big Ben.  Maybe I need more -- and 
higher -- aluminum!!

73  Roger   K5RKS