There is a fine line between "know" and "believe". Like detuning your tower, directivity increase signal to noise ratio. You need RX antenna on 160m in a quiet place. Antenna over salt water is one of those things people know but don't believe. I am 100% sure and I believe that the signal from KH1 on 160m will be solid copy several hours every day in the US East coast.
I remember George signal from the same region with a simple antenna over salt water and the signal on 160m was 10 t0 20 db better then others expedition on the same region. The DHDL is not necessary, it is indispensable! same way the vertical over salt water. Propagation has being very good on 160m . Just this morning I worked Dave ZL2OK on SSB with 57 report plus QRN on 1845, lots of QRN. LU5OM and LU6YF signal was booming in here, Manuel and Juan signal was s9 on the s-meter. I has heard on VK3 and VK6 as well. Yes, QRN is a problem on the summer time, it is not so bad in the mornings but nobody say 160m is an easy band. This is the case on 160m that we never know! but I am a believer, dedication is the most important aspect on low bands, turn on your radio and call CQ! 73's N4IS _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband