We could be entering a very long period of very low solar activity, quite unlike anything in modern times. With noise levels much higher on the lower HF bands we may be forced to VHF and UHF satellites to work DX we have become used to. Summertime Es may soon be the only practical propagation mode for DX on 10m.
Don't forget we are dealing with averages and some days will allow N-S F2 DX still on 10m.
I am a great supporter of WSPR and very much hope WSPR users will continue on 10m even when the prospects are not good. I suspect 10m is "open" far more often than people think. A casual tune over the band may result in nobody being heard, so people move down the bands. With regular WSPR use, short openings on 10m would be "smoked out". Since only low power is needed for WSPR, this is an ideal mode for the "quiet sun" years.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/.
WSPR is fine, but listening for beacons on 10 (and 6 and 4) has done a lot for me the past year.
ReplyDelete... and calling CQ more often than most, as well.
Vy 73 de Jan OZ9QV