Troposcatter Experiment

Chatsworth House with Beeley Moor in the background
The location: 
Beeley Moor in Derbyshire. This wild moorland rises just over 1200 feet above sea level to the west of Chesterfield. A prehistoric burial ground lies a mile north-east of Beeley village whilst two hundred yards south the remains of a neolithic stone circle stand close by a derelict tumulus on the barren hillside. Beeley Brook collects drainage water from the moors above and, fortified by a stream which drains Fallinge Edge, cascades over several small waterfalls on its way down the hillside, adding charm and character as it runs through the village into the nearby River Derwent. 

The experiment: 
After noting the excellent band 2 troposcatter conditions at the Axe Edge on 10th May, I decided to try a high spot much closer to home to see if reception would be similar. 

For ease of erection/dismantiling, I took only the home made FM loop with me. I parked on the east side of the moor around 1100 feet above sea level which is probably the best location on the moor for easterly DX. The loop was raised to approximately 20 feet above the ground and positioned east/west. 

Troposcatter reception was apparent but only just. The vaguest of 'noises' could be heard on spot frequencies like 87.6, 87.8 and 88.0. Signals were so poor it was impossible to determine the language but frequencies like 87.6 alone would suggest Germany or Belgium. Rather disappointed, I decided to drive across Derbyshire to the Axe Edge to compare reception.



Panoramic view of the Chatsworth Estate and beyond from Beeley Moor
About half an hour later I arrived at the Axe Edge and quickly erected the loop to the same height above the ground and checked the band. What a difference! Troposcatter signals were much improved and I could clearly hear Leglise on 87.6 and Gottelborner Hohe on 88.0. 87.8 had Germany too but was quite low in the noise level. 

The Conclusion: 
The extra 600 feet above sea level gained on the Axe Edge clearly made a difference to reception, despite the Axe Edge being an additional 20 miles further to the west and therefore further away from the continent. I have to admit I am surprised, considering both locations had superb take-offs to the continent.