Re: [IRCA] Sunset Skip (SSS) Top Ten Targets-Good Western Conditions

[Earl Higgins <earlthenut@xxxxxxxxx>]

In my experience, good Western conditions happen when auroral activity is particularly low for an extended period of time. Generally, conditions which favor high latitude reception (TA and TP) are also good for Westerns. 

You certainly won't hear most of the beacons most evenings, however remember that in the fall the end of the month, and in the spring the beginning of the month favors them (at least at sunset and sunrise). This is why Kaz mentioned to look for some of these "the first week in February". This is because the FCC sunrise and sunset times are calculated for the month, based on the location of the sun on the 15th of the month. Therefore, most stations between February 1 and February 15 are actually doing their switch to night facilities (or signing off) AFTER genuine true local sunset. This works to your advantage.

Beacons for good late night reception here would be KFI-640 and KNX-1070 from LA, and KNBR-680 from SF. Occasionally things like KGA-1510 Spokane and KFBK-1530 Sacramento are audible under their respective Eastern dominants, and certainly these would be indicators of very good Western, and indeed high latitude conditions in general.
 
Earl Higgins 
----------------- 
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”  Nelson Mandela



On Tuesday, January 14, 2014 2:29 PM, Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
 
Continuing on this discussion regarding Sunset Skip (SSS) and logging 
stations in the Western States. I'm curious about propagation that 
favors reception of stations to the West. What types of solar and/or 
geomagnetic conditions seem to accompany these types of receptions? I'm 
much clearer on Auroral conditions, for instance, which tend to weaken 
signals from the North and make it possible to log Southern stations but 
have no real idea what conditions enhance Western reception.

Last night produced poor reception of the Top Ten Targets during Sunset 
Skip periods, with only KOA 850 Denver, CO and KSL, 1160 Salt Lake City, 
UT being logged here at all. Later on in the evening, I noticed that KSL 
1160 in Salt Lake City peaked nicely around 1 AM, with several long 
periods of good audio from the station here. Didn't have an opportunity 
to tune for other Western stations at that time (working on a proposal 
for the office)

A bit later, KSL had faded out completely to be replaced by the usual 
mix of nearer stations.

I'd like to better understand the mechanisms associated with Western 
propagation. Anyone care to share their experiences?





-- 
--
73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf

6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484

Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx