On Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:20:45 EDT, Michael Coslo wrote:

My sole interest in 80 meters is for EmComm data modes, where NVIS is
the desired mode. I hope that my (inefficient) dipole will do what I
want.....

Only it really isn't inefficient - at least not because of it's
radiation pattern.

The antenna that I am using is a B&W HF Wideband Folded Dipole, best
described as a resistor with wires and a balun. It was originally
developed for quick-and-dirty erection and has become "the standard"
for those Federal agencies that can't afford to install monster HF
log-periodic beams. It does cover all frequencies between 160m and
10m equally poorly without the need for an antenna tuner. Mine is
mounted with the center about 35 feet AGL and the ends about 25 feet
AGL.

I'm curious though, what data modes do you use on 80? I do PSK there,
but are you doing handshaking and error correction? This time of year
could be taxing on that.

PSK and Pactor I. I have been fairly successful with PSK but I
haven't heard any P-I signals where they're 'sposed to be. Some of us
locals are planning to have a P-I QSO to make sure that we can connect
to something. There's 'sposed to be a local CMS (HF relay) station
not far from here but we haven't heard it on. So much for 24/7
availability.
--

73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest
Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon

e-mail: k2asp [at] arrl [dot] net