I’m currently doing some research on NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) and its interesting how much practical information I’m finding. Not all of it is consistent, but there is a wealth of material to work from. However, as hard as I’m looking, what I’m not finding is any sort of theoretical consideration of NVIS propagation.

There have been lots of practical experiments carried out on NVIS which have developed a large collection of useful insights into how to do it. What I’m not finding so far is good references that really make understanding more than a matter of a discussion on a paper or presentation about it.

I don’t want to sound negative, but all of the explanations I’ve found run out the same information about how it works, as if they come from the same source, but I can’t find that source. That seems strange. Where is that source and why can’t I find it?

I will certainly keep looking and add my findings here as I can get my thoughts together.

Categories: Antenna Modeling, Propagation
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Interesting! Need I say more?

I hadn’t tried Echolink before, but decided last night I’d do what I needed to do to get it running. After editing three firewalls, adjusting a bunch of parameters, and more, I finally got it running … at least one one platform.

I downloaded Echolink for Windows and EchoMac for my Macintosh. I got both to work, but the only contacts I was able to make were on Windows. I still can’t figure out why EchoMac isn’t making contacts, if for no other reason than the fact that the Windows version is running in a Virtual Windows environment on my Mac laptop!

No matter though, I spoke to New Zealand (ZL1SLO), Croatia, Netherlands, and Portland Oregon (KB7WUK). This is great. It looks like I’ve got something more to try out and find new ways to use it. I wonder if this might be a good way to talk to students when I teach the HF Digital Course? Interesting idea!

Categories: Internet Modes
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