[TransAtlantic] New participant - I think!

[Bob Cooper]

As an introduction to members of this group, I am licensed presently as ZL4AAA and K6EDX, hold 6 meter WAS #21 (K6EDX) and #278 (W5KHT). Operated as VP5D (49 states less Alaska but WAC several times); 26 states on 2 meters from VP5 and hold one end of 'East Coast' 432 distance record. From ZL4AAA 40 6M states and WAC including VU2 long path across Africa, Atlantic, SA, Pacific (SSB and CW several times). Wrote QST Microwave Column in 80-81, Radio Electronics TV and FM DX column 1956-1961; publisher DXing Horizons and many more thereafter. Moved from VP5 to ZL1 (despite the ZL4 call) 1990, operate only cable TV system in NZ and a regional FM radio network of 3 stations. Founded American Ionospheric Propagation Association - AIPA (try saying that without taking a breath!) 1954 and created world's first TV-FM DX monthly printed bulletin. Have authored 44 books, several thousand magazine articles, well past 30 million words in print (i.e. VHF Horizons, Television Horizons, Communications Horizons, CATJ - Community Antenna Television Journal, CSD - Coop's Satellite Digest, SF - SatFACTS Monthly and this barely scratches the surface); enough, even for me! At almost 72 years of age pride is no longer an issue. Went to school with Mike (K6MYC) who remains a close friend, was doing 10 GHz in 1974 when it was still a Gunnplexer issue.

VHF-UHF wave propagation? Covering the world of TV (and FM) DX as I have from 1956 onward, have been exposed to untold thousands of reports including lengthy exchanges with those enthusiasts. And have several strong opinions based upon this data base concerning what it will take to claim the Irish trophy. Two quick examples: KH6 to XE/W6/W7 is illustrative. As was seminal work done by a TV DXer in the mountains above Monterey (Mexico) a decade ago; leading to a brash statement: Large/huge high pressure areas bearing the potential for exceptional distance ducting are more easily understood if you closely study the physical location of each end - whether it is transmitter west end - receiver east end or vice versa (the two are not always reversible). In well over 50% of all KH6-mainland contacts or reports, the west end is elevation-high and the east end is elevation-low (even down to sea level). A reminder: W6NLZ and KH6UK were sent on their quest because Honolulu-SFO planes during the summer months frequently found the KH6 end 121 MHz signals overpowering the California signals as they dropped for the SFO runway and were between 800 and 1,200 feet. Fernando in Monterey had almost identical experiences logging several hundred UHF TV stations from essentially the entire east coast but only as far north as North Carolina - distances pushing 1,700 miles. Then there is the legendary observation by a W6 ham stationed on Terceira (Azores; Lajes Field) in the late 50s (or so the story goes); two solid days of high quality FM band reception from approximately Maryland to Maine using a very basic table-top FM radio connected to dipole in his near-sea- level quarters. And these are the tip of this particular berg. Repeating the to-me most obvious similarity in the reports: Within a large high pressure dome capable of layered ducting, the west end duct elevation tends to be 'high' while the east end gets right down to the deck a high percentage of the time. No, not 100 but easily 50% and possibly as high as 70%. 

What this suggests, at least to me, is we begin our quest by searching out a suitable elevated western end launch site as well as a near-deck east end receptor QTH. If that suggests being at or near the water at essentially sea-level along the US east coast might not be where you should be - well, that's what I am saying. Also recall W6NLZ may have been properly located in the Palos Verdes Hills (~600') but Tommy (UK) was elevation-restricted (I believe) based upon how long it took for them to make it work (both ends were superbly equipped, capable of horizon-set EME by today's standards - whereas subsequently a 5-watt handheld to a 5 element yagi at sea level has worked to KH6); had he been a couple of K feet higher - well, another story. Alternatives? Another day. 73, Bob Cooper K6EDX et al

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