On 7/18/2026 6:31 PM, Radio KH6O via Topband wrote:
I just wish I should use one of these AM broadcast towers for about a week
on 160:
https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/facilities/a-historic-tower-falls-a-new-era-begins-for-st-louis-kfuo
Have any of you had the pleasure of using an AM bcst band tower for 160
before it was taken down?
There appears to be a common misconception about AM broadcast towers.
Even with the proverbial 120 half wave radials, how well they get out is
determined by the ground conductivity within a 10 wavelength or so
radius. Unless the AM station just happens to be in an area of high
ground conductivity, its towers won't do anything to write home about on
160 meters.
KSFO radio (previous call: KGO) located in San Francisco bay actually
has towers out over the water. Now those towers might get out really
well on 160!
In recent years, there was a station operating from a very long pier on
the central CA coast during 160 meter contests and amassing large
scores. He was far enough from shore to get significant ground gain on
160 beaming east. Not to mention running JA's.
Some 15 or 20 years ago there was a station operating from some dry lake
in Southern California in 160 meter contests. He too really cleaned up.
My own station gets out really well with just a 90 foot vertical thanks
to high ground conductivity in the land around my QTH.
73
Rick N6RK
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