The Rig is a FT-1000MP Mark V Field with the Key Click and NB mod done.

The amp is an old Alpha 77SX, 8877 two holer, usually running about 200 Watts.

The antenna is a 160m horizontal loop antenna fed with 450 ohm ladder line from the tuner. The loop is low to the ground about 40-45 ft above the ground supported by trees. I use it on all bands 160m-10m.

I used a 80m and 40m horizontal loops with good success in the past.

The 160m loop works really great during the gray line time of day, both in the morning and evening. For some reason this loop works fabulous on 40m. I can usually work QRP & mobile stations in the EU during the gray line (when the sun is still over me) and some long haul stations in VK/Pacific during the same opening.

I have a very high angle radiator and many of the stations that I work in EU are all using dipoles; only some verticals. I am usually 5 & 9 in EU, and can cause a pile up from time to time.

This appears to be classic ionospheric ducting between the D and E ionoshere layers.

I have no other explanation for the signal level in EU.

I have used the antenna little on 80m and 160m, 40 seems to be great fun.

This summer I will put up some verticals so that I can work the night time conditions.

I get my best kicks by operating HF mobile. I just love cracking a DX pile up in the car. Its not often, but sure feels great when it happens. My best mobile DX contacts are:

Kuwait every Friday at 5:00 PM on 20m from New Brunswick during desert storm

Tahiti on 20m from Montreal at 2:00 AM

Try operating HF mobile, I think it is really challenging and fun. You will be amazed as to what you can do; if you can hear them, you can usually work them.

You can find some good mobile links at the ARRL website.