C.J. as to the E layer, its effect is probably
next to nil that low in frequency, but, if memory
serves, think that there is a "D" layer, below the
"E" layer, that might have the properties you
speak of? I might have missed some, as I only
download 35 messages at a time, because of all the
junk debates (code-no code, ect). But you raise a
interesting subject as I use on 80, a G5RV, pushed
to its limits (about 15-10 feet off the ground)!
Yet I hear stations that people with higher
antennas cant hear, and it is heard better than
folks with much better antennas than this!
Frankly, this should compare to a wet noodle,
yet consistantly seems to work out to several
hundred miles at night,and on 40 during the day.
The reason it like this is NO TREES in Nevada,
and this property is on bedrock! Not saying this
is an effecient setup , just that it seems to
work! Oh well, sorry for the trouble- thought you
talking about VHF! Jim NN7K



C. J. Clegg wrote:
On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 01:22:44 +0000, Jim - NN7K wrote:

Owen is correct- and anyone operateing 10& 6
meters will tell you the same thing!

Good morning, Jim.

What I'm trying to figure out is the effect of sporadic E on the lower
bands, e.g. 75 meters.

I was on a military net on a frequency somewhat above 4 MHz and was able
to work a station 70 miles away, well after dark when the critical
frequency was below 3 MHz. According to everything I know about critical
frequencies and MUF (which isn't very much), my NVIS signal from my
17-foot-high dipole should have gone right off into space, and the
70-mile-away station shouldn't have heard a peep out of me (and vice versa).

I'm trying to figure out if the solar storms of the last few days might
have something to do with why I was able to contact that station when
every indication was I shouldn't have been able to. Sporadic E? I dunno,
maybe, but it seems like quite a stretch...