Question on Long-Path Propagation

[n3drk]

Are there any guidelines on when long-path propagation will likely occur? At 0000Z here in North Carolina on twenty meters the VK and ZL beacons were coming in at S7 but swinging the beam short path, and it is daylight there, I did not hear the beacons. Anyone can explain why this would occur?
Thank You

[kf4hou]

hmmm well i was looking at one propagation program to see if it would show a long path to VK on 20m it did with high power and a fairly good flux. it is almost gray line dx to western VK on 24 may 2005 i guess it is fesible you could here long path around 0000z but also should be easier to work eastern VK short path . propagation isn't it amazing

[kf4hou]

hmmm well i was looking at one propagation program to see if it would show a long path to VK on 20m it did with high power and a fairly good flux. it is almost gray line dx to western VK on 24 may 2005 i guess it is fesible you could here long path around 0000z but also should be easier to work eastern VK short path . propagation isn't it amazing

[WX9T]

Over the years, I've sometimes noticed that VK/ZL and some other Pacific areas will open up in higher bands at night in the Eastern US, which is a little 'counterintuitive'...however, it does happen, and not always during sunspot peaks. Back in the mid-80s in Tennessee, Radio Australia, RNZ and Radio Tahiti were always rather reliable in 19m at late-night times, for example. And during the time around the last cycle peak, it was often possible to work VKs and ZLs out of Illinois on 20m in local late evenings.

Best test, of course, is to fire up the transmitter and see who 'bites'. I'd suggest trying bearings for shortpaths and seeing what you get. Worst thing that can happen is just wasting a little time calling CQ, natch...