Yes indeed - I have found that nothing on HF is reliable 24/7. One can not reliably reach another country at will regardless of equipment.
Local NVIS operation also has problems. In my MARS group before DST ended, conditions were pretty bad because we started before sunrise - and then everything was find after sunrise. Sometimes we change frequencies which can help, but few members have antennas for 2 Mhz, so there are limits to that approach. I used to use an inverted dipole 10 to 20 ft above ground. I found one member who always sounded great and could always hear me no matter what. Turns out he uses a one wavelength loop, and that is what I use now. I think just about everyone hears me fine - I get good reports, but I don't hear everyone well under those occassional bad conditions. I am using a 1:1 balun, and I read that a balun is unnecessary with a one wavelength loop antenna, so I'm going to try eliminating the balun next month to see if it makes a difference. MARS uses NVIS SSB HF from 2 Mhz to 30 Mhz as the primary emcomm mode. Voice, digital, and winlink. I do admit it does not work 24/7, but nothing on HF does. Since morse code is eliminated, it is relatively easy for people to upgrade to General licenses - but it does take some effort. If VHF can get the job done for your circumstances - it's cheaper, antennas are smaller, mobile use is easy, etc etc. Howard
