helmsman wrote:
On 2 May 2006 00:16:43 -0700, wrote:

Rufus T. Firefly wrote:
Well, we are at solar minimun right now. That could be part of it...


Thanks for the reply, but what is meant by solar minimum?

Shan

Read this http://www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm

Thanks everybody for the answers. I read about the Solar minimum
yesterday and found it very interesting.

As for Doug's question, i am able to receive the broadcast stations
very strongly, but all through the band there is QRN which sounds likes
continuous shot noise. If i disconnect my antenna, then there is
absolutely no noise except the slight hiss from the preamp. I am not
able to come to any conclusion about what is the reason for the noise
which is very high, even broadcast stations are difficult to receive
sometimes.

To answer Peter's question: I am using a long wire antenna probably
some 20m in length.

As Doug told HAMS from nearby Chennai which is 350KM from Bangalore are
not able to communicate with Bangalore as well as to cities whih are
approximately in 250 KM radius.

Regards
Shan