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Old September 10th 06, 05:55 AM posted to rec.radio.shortwave
John Plimmer John Plimmer is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 87
Default Calling John Plimmer/BCB DX

I think Pete advised you well - certainly a decent receiver helps a lot. You
must also have a decent antenna, something that will overload your portables
as Pete states. You don't mention what type of antenna you are using?

Hobe Sound looks like an ideal site for good Trans Atlantic DX. There is an
effect noted as "sea gain" coastal effect, whereby the MW signals on the
seaside/beach are greatly enhanced compared with a DX site several miles
inland. That is why all your top American DXer's head for the coast to spots
like Newfoundland, MA and Grayland in WA. So, you are one mile from the
ocean and therefore your prospects must be very good.

DXing here in South Africa is much easier than in N. America, as we have
only a few local MW stations therefore our long distance signals are not
blocked. You on the other hand have thousands of local domestic MW stations
to block your TA DX, but your American MW DXer's have shown that with good
directional antenna's that can block the locals, decent reception on a
regular basis of TA signals is possible.

I would suggest a directional antenna in your suburban location like the
Wellbrook ALA1530 might bring in good results, and then you should think of
upgrading your RX as well along the lines that Pete suggested.

Lastly, don't underrate perseverance, patience, skill and experience. The
really exotic DX doesn't come in every night, so you have to be alert to a
good opening and then DX for all you are worth.

You might do a Google and have a look at the sort of stations Mark Connelly
is picking up from his seaside spots in MA.

Good luck and have fun!
--
John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa
South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s
RX Icom IC-756 PRO III with MW mods
Drake SW8 & ERGO software
Sony 7600D, GE SRIII, Redsun RP2100
BW XCR 30, Braun T1000, Sangean 818 & 803A.
GE circa 50's radiogram
Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro, Datong AD-270
Kiwa MW Loop
http://www.dxing.info/about/dxers/plimmer.dx

"Count Floyd" CountFloyd@MonsterChillerHorrorTheater wrote in message
news:g40vCXBzNU8x-pn2-iodFg7rD0QPb@localhost...
John,
I live only one mile from the ocean here in South Florida and am not
able to really get any good BCB DX! I have never been able to receive
any European BCB stations or any stations west of the Mississippi
River. I am in Hobe Sound, FL. I read that you can receive BCB
stations even living under the shadow of mts! Could you please give
me some tips? I have two radios that I use primarily for BCB: DX-440
and RF-2200. I also have two restored old boatanchors a Hallicrafters
S-38 and a Lafayette HE-10. Both give pretty good BCB DX. You may
reply in the newsgroup or at:
sctvguy1-at-adelphia-dot-net( email munged of course)
--
"What do you mean there's no movie?"