One common misunderstanding is that propagation on low bands is bad when
high bands are good. When solar activity is high, the solar flux increase
and allows F2 reflection on the high bands , 15.12 and 10m. The MUF is way
up. However for 1.8 or 3.5 MHz the MUF is always good, and the reflection is
on lower layers F / E, at night F1 and E become almost one layer.
So.. 160m is open every night, it does not depend on the MUF. What change is
the large number of Es clouds the create duct, most common on solar maximum.
Also long path is more friendly when the path cross the magnetic equator.
Spot light is very defined during solar maximum.
That makes propagation on 160m, very interesting with long ducts and spot
light. If both station does not call CQ they never going to figure it out.
Signals can be very strong on both side of the path.
Larry web page K9LA has a fantastic book from NM7M's book titled "The Big
Gun's Guide to Low-Band Propagation" is in the 160m link.
The propagation on solar maximum is just different from solar minimum.
73's
JC
N4IS
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