The 20 meter band has been driving me crazy lately. It's a fading, frustrating, steaming pile of busted contacts and increasingly frantic contesters. Had a good conversation to New Mexico going using PSK-31 on 20 meters today, when the band just went dead. Thirty meters is much more stable under these conditions, and it has comparable reach. Of course, it's a non-voice band – digital and CW only – but for anyone wanting to make contacts in tough conditions data modes are always a better bet. You can't contest there, but then many of us see that more as a feature than a problem. Give 30 a try; these ionospheric conditions are only going to get worse for the next couple of years, and we're going to need all the help we can get. Also, give 30 a try because it's a workable band that needs more traffic and I'm tired of being a lone voice crying out in the WARCderness.
VOACAP simulation from coastal MS to south-central NM. Notice how 30m stands out.
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