DX WinLink Sessions using QRP & Compromise Antennas

We used WINLINK in a recent ARES exercise here for the first time, and it worked very well. Direct comms between us and the state capitol 80 miles away were kaput on 80 and 40 meters. But we could easily exchange email via WINLINK - they used a VHF gateway on their end, we used HF to a station in Missouri - beyond the skip zone on 40. Later, we were able to do voice on 60 meters - amazing difference between 4 and 5 MHz.. At 4 MHz, the D layer absorption prevented comms, but at 5 MHz, it was easy.

 

Thanks for sharing that bit. I love hearing from HF communicators dealing with situations like that. NVIS is only reliable if one has the frequency agility to exploit the Critical Frequency. Linking to a distant station outside the skip zone should be Plan A, should it not?

73,
Al