Hi all.. This thread has been very interesting and educational...I guess we all strive to make our installation as efficient as we possibly can...Much of the radial theory has to go out the window for those who don't have the room, (acres) to install a good radial field and have to compromise with whatever can be fitted into a given small space...That being the case probably for the larger majority of Topband operators, doesn't always mean that their station will be insignificant compared to those whom have the room and money to put in a large installation, 4sq and big radial fields..
I hear too many Topband operators complaining that they can't compete with the so called "Big Guns" and many probably don't give it a serious go for that reason... Well, I have news for you...I have been a consistent operator from VK for 35 years being a keen CW dxer...My observations over the years working thousands of dx stations world wide have showed a few definite observations...Given an average evening dxing and the band conducting shall we say signals are generally averaging S5 to S7...Many of these signals are those whom only have a wire antenna and whatever radials they can fit in their qth with no real to the book installations...In amongst these signals there will be a few of the better installations, most whom will be no better than the average 5-7 signal...Occasionally one or two signals will pop up 1-2 S units above the crowd..This may be a bigger antenna installation but more likely hit the propagation on a peak...You have to remember that the band is very dynamic and changing by the minute... We always hear about the so called big contest stations....Let me tell you that on an average their signals are not always any better than the average signals...I have heard of and seen written many tines about these so called super stations and can assure you that most don't rate any better in the long haul to VK than the average Joe....I can name about five dxers from the US who have signals consistently above the average and most of these are fairly ordinary installations.. I think that much of it is the luck of the draw, location, and a bit of thought put into your antenna installation..Operating methods are also a big part of being successful...No point in having the biggest and best installation if your operating habits aren't up to scratch...The best Topband operators spend more time listening than banging away making lots of qrm... So I take my hat off to all those who have to really struggle to get a reasonable antenna system running....Never give up or feel intimidated by the "Big Guns"..I can assure you that if I hear you in the qrm and qrn I will always try to give you VK... 73 all....Bob..VK3ZL.. _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
