Tom Baugh

Top Band


Top Band: 160M Amateur Radio Band which offers the top challenges in the hobby.

I enjoy Challenges. I'm like most Top Banders I guess. Somewhat obsessive, very impulsive, willing to endure severe auditory discomfort for long periods of time. After working many DX stations on HF bands in my first few years of contesting I have become somewhat of a TopBand Junkie. I listen every morning (I get up at 4:30AM local time) for openings while doing my daily routine. A couple of my amateur friends have aided my addiction by showing me how many countries they have confirmed etc. Having only been in Amateur radio since 1997 I have many years of blood letting from the ears before earning what some of these guys have. Thanks to the KCDXC and SMC clubs and K9DX, K0LW, AB0X, NX0I, KD0FW, NW0L (hates 160M), KG0US (loves a challenge too). I continue to read everything I can find relating to TopBand.  I was fortunate to meet one of the Top Band Guru's, W8JI and listened to everything he had to say. As what I consider a Scientist, Tom Rauch is beginning to dispel some of the "mysteries" associated with this band.

I recognize immediately the distinct Disadvantage we have being here in the middle of the country. We have no Saltwater here other than that you make. Although working all the states is relatively easy, making it across either of the Oceans from here is a trip of 7,000 miles. No small feat on top band by my experience. I have yet to experience the low end of a solar cycle and look forward to that as I looked forward to the activity of the peaks on HF.

Worked 160M from PJ2T contest station Feb/Mar 2003 and made contacts with 25 countries in three evenings. I wish I could get those results from Kansas City but I'm not surrounded by saltwater here.  

Equipment at home for topband includes: Quarter Wave Vertical with 60 ground radials underneath. Two Beverage antennas both 580 feet long on at 45/225 Degrees (Europe/ZL) and one at 135/315 Deg (Caribbean, JA) Two FT 1000 MP's an ACOM 2000A a Kenwood TL-922A Amplifier,  Heil headsets, Vibroplex Keyer, Writelog Logging Software I have confirmed 57 TopBand Contacts.
Worked all States with Alaska being the last (Tnx KL7J)

WRK 118, CFM 97 DX (Update 01/30//2004)

3B9, 5T,6W, 6Y, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9M2, 9M6, 9V, 9Y, A3, C6, CE, CE0/E, CY0, CN, CO, CT, CY0, D4, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EU, F, FG, FK/C, FM, FP, FS, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GW, HA, HB, HC8, HH, HI, HK, HO, HR, I, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD1/O K, KG4, KH1, KH3, KH5K, KH6, KL7, KP2, KP4, LX, LY, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ5, PY, PY0/F, PZ, S5, SM, SP, SV, T32, T33, T9, TG, TI, TI9, UA0, UA1, UA2, UA8, UJ, V2 V3, V4, V7, VE, VK, VP2/E, VP2/M, VP5,VP9, VU, XE, XF4, YB, YL, YN, YU, YV, ZD8, ZF, ZK3, ZL, ZP, ZS

Top Band Tools

Resources for top band folks are becoming more and more available. Besides the best antenna systems you can create other information is available throughout the internet. It was certainly more difficult years ago when you had to spin the dial to find a calling station. Now with packet networks we can anticipate hearing someone when the band opens in our area because of a spot on the system. Another tool I have found useful is the chat networks particularly http://www.on4kst.info which has a low band chat area that many top operators hang out and talk during the slow times. Advice, experience sharing and mentoring from some of the best is priceless.

 

Top Band Advice

I guess I have earned the right to talk as somewhat of an authority although I have a lot to learn. Some of the best advice I have received includes: Put up as many listening antennas as you can. You never know which one will be the one you need at any given time. Even if they are "compromise" antennas they're better than nothing and you may get lucky. While being able to transmit on a 1/4 wave vertical is nice, I would invest 3:1 in a receiving system over transmitting system. If you can't hear them you can't work them (even if they can hear you). Don't be afraid to ask! if you have a question, on top band, ask someone. It takes years to develop a system which works. Sharing that knowledge with others is rewarding. There are no secrets on the gentleman's band.

Top Band Equipment

My Transmitting system for top band at home includes:A Quarter Wave Vertical made from Rohn 25 and insulated from the ground with solid fiberglass rod with 60 ground radials underneath. I use an FT 1000MP radio and ACOM 2000A Amplifier with standard RG-8 type 50 Ohm coax direct buried about 400 feet away from my house. My Listening system includes Three twin lead Bi Directional beverage antennas each 580 feet long one at 45/225 Degrees (Europe/ZL), one at 135/315 Deg (Caribbean, JA), one 90/270 (E/W)  antenna. I also use the 1/4 wave vertical for listening and at times I use my 40M 4-square. I use a  Heil headset, Vibroplex Keyer, Writelog Logging Software

Top Band Aura

I'm not exactly sure why, but there's something special about Top Band. Maybe it the respect we have for each other. A person who has confirmed a lot of contacts on 160M has paid their dues. They have spent a lot of time listening to noise and hoping for something to pop out of the noise. They have most likely spent time configuring their station to optimize performance for the band. They've probably read, studied, implemented many of the required resources needed to be successful on the band. Top band is difficult even during good times. So I guess the Aura of top band revolves around respect for the Old Man. When the term OM is used on top band.. it holds some real meaning when you're talking to one of those legends that have spent their lives trying to be the best.

Index of all Tom Baugh (AE9B) pages coming soon
OLD PAGES Temporarily