I listened to the ARRL 160m contest in VK2 in 2006 and in 2011. In 2005 I heard many NA stations clearly. In 2011 I could hear many NA stations but strong static prevented copying complete callsigns except for VE3EJ. The antenna in 2011 was invL 20m high and 40m long, with a few radials.
Both times the location was a picnic area outside the city, as in http://www.eham.net/articles/17751. No city noise. So perhaps the conditions were not that bad but the stateside QRM was too high. Ignacy, NO9E, VK2ISF in 2006. On 2011-12-03, at 11:03 AM, Gary Smith wrote: >* Sure was little DX on this end in CT, only 8 mults & 3,118 points. * >* Much less than last year. Interesting that overall the bands have * >* been doing nicely for DX, I'm looking forward to CQWW160 for DX. Do * >* love the 160 contests.* Hi Gary, The conditions just do NOT seem to be there---at least not that I can detect... Only DX stations heard & worked here were "VP2M" & PJ5". Nothing from overseas at all. And the furthest west that I could get was Colorado! Not a single California, Oregon, or Washington State station to be had anywhere. I wonder if the west coast has conversely noticed a shortage of 1's, 2's, & 3's...? Still, I've made 283 QSOs so far, basically just holding down a frequency, & doing a wee bit of S & P'ing. We'll see what to-night brings... Good luck, & my vy ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK