Strongest Skywave Signal(s)?

[rbrucecarter5]

According to calculations, even for a 540 kHz DA with 400 kW of radiated power and 30 mS/m earth conductivity, the maximum groundwave field 1,000 miles downrange would be about 4 µV/m.

So more likely a useful daytime MW signal received at such distances would be skywave.

Of course I was using large loop antennas and a GE Superadio 3. The reception was characterized by very deep fades that could last an hour or two, leading to a completely different set of stations received. So there was a skywave component - I assume interfering with a groundwave and cancelling. The thing that confuses me, too, is that it really didn't make a difference what time of the year.

 

[Schroedingers Cat]

I've noticed the long fades, but no where near a couple of hours, on WFDF and WWJ in the daytime in December near the Straits of Mackinac. The measured groundwave is about 50 uV/m for both, and it will go from reinforcement to complete cancellation around noon, so I know the skywave is also in the 50 uV/m range. There is another 910, WDOR, 1 kW nondirectional from Sturgeon Bay, WI. WFDF is on the same order of field strength as it was with 5 kW with a 3 tower in line from some 60 odd miles closer, but there was nearly no fading with that array, presumably due to the skywave reduction with endfire arrays with elevation angle. Now it has a broadside pattern component that increases with elevation angle, as does WWJ. There is a 950 in Sheboygan, WI, WCLB, but it is too far away to be heard with 500 watts directional, though you can hear some cochannel interference to WWJ from it. WDOR can be heard by turning the radio or loop, mainly during noncritical hours. There is a 940, WIDG in St. Ignace which interferes with WWJ if you get closer to the Straits. At night, and during critical hours, WIDG 940 with 4 watts and WHAK with 136 watts get blasted with WWJ IBOC. WIDG did have a translator, but it was sold, and I'm not sure it they found another translator.

 

[mimo]

CIWW 1310 Ottawa is the station you are hearing. They may be stuck on day pattern.

Canada has allowed 50000 watts on Regional Channels for probably 40 years or more. First it was 10000 watts, and later, 50000 watts.

They are switching at night. I can hear the difference. I'm usually at work at this time of year when they switch, but there is a noticable signal difference at night...in the downtown it is MUCH stronger at night. From low 70s' dbu to upper 70's low 80's.

 

[boombox4]

I would have to say CKMX Calgary, on 1060. They always pound in at local quality, every night. Local quality. If they aren't in, generally it means the auroras are killing DX in Western Canada and the PNW. Either turn the radio off, or look south....

Sometimes KBOI 670 is very loud, as well as KGA 1510. KXTG 750 in Portland is almost local quality at least half the time. CBR 1010 is usually very local like in quality, but it's right next to local KOMO 1000, which detracts from reception.

Those stations seem to be the most consistent loud signals from over 100 mi. away. KGO used to be louder, as well as KNBR. KEX is sometimes loud here, but I tend to get flutter from the other station on that frequency.

 

[AKDXer]

Here in Port Alexander, AK, in no particular order:
The 730 traffic station from Vancouver, BC
The "Q-country 91" from Alberta
1190 KEX
1300 KKOL
And of course...KVRI Blaine, airing Indian music.

None of these are audible during the day...