Technical Characteristics
Effective 160 meter operation can be particularly challenging, as full sized antennas (on the order of a quarter-wavelength or more), are difficult to erect for many amateurs with limited space. Nevertheless, many radio amateurs successfully communicate over very long distances with relatively small antennas. 160 meters is populated by many highly dedicated experimenters, as it is a proving ground for ingenuity in antenna design and operating technique.
Much about ionospheric and propagation on 160 meters is still not completely understood. Phenomena such as "chordal hop" propagation are frequently observed, as well as other unexplained long-distance propagation mechanisms. Inexplicable radio blackouts — sometimes encountered on the AM broadcast band — also occur on 160 meters. Many of these phenomena have been investigated in the scientific community, while 160 meter operators continue to be in a unique position to further investigate such fascinating mysteries. The original "magic of radio" is very much alive and well on 160 meters.
Read more about this topic: 160-meter Band
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