[IRCA] OCSP DX Notes 4-20

[Guy Atkins <dx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nothing noteworthy to report this morning as far as DX signals were concerned. The NHK powerhouses and HLAZ were in well, but condx seemed average overall. 

I spent most of the time checking out the prototype phased vertical array (2 x 20 ft. High x 134 ft. Spacing, E-W). So far it seems to work well, with 30-35 dB F/B across the band. The drop in the noise floor when the switch is flipped to favor reception from the west is impressive-- 10-12 dB, which allowed me to get audio on Tahiti 738 and Tonga 1017 last night. Neither had co-channel QRM or much splatter, but with the noise floor drop, the audio was clearly there. The panadapter of the SDR-1000 and highly accurate signal meters are very useful for comparisons like these.

The PA0RDT mini-whip is on the 30-ft mast again, and is a great all-around MW omni-directional antenna, when DXing away from noise sources. Otherwise, it picks up the slightest RFI noise in the vicinity.

I'm also trying a new Quantum Loop Ver. 2.0+, which is impressive. Now I know why these are so highly regarded. I'm able to put a 50 dB null on the local Aberdeen station. 

Before sundown I'm going to change the active vertical array to two delta loops in the same plane. There's anecdotal evidence that the nulls are better than with the vertical elements. I may put out a E-W beverage too, if I don't run out of time from doing other tests of gear.

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA
DXing from Ocean City State Park, WA  

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