Don't put a whole lot of effort into playing varying heights with the simulator; when signals are of this distance and strength, you're doing it for entertainment purposes only. Actual signal levels, if measured, might be plus or minus 10 or 20 dB, especially for "2-edge" signals. Localized weather in the signal path will also have effects.
If you have a clear and unobstructed path towards the Abilene transmitters, then trying the DB8e with a PA18 preamp makes sense. Be prepared to vary the height of the antenna, if needed, to accommodate any localized layering of signals. If your signal path is not 100% clear, forget it.
You might also add a rotor and play with reception from other directions, especially during the overnight hours.
Last edited by ADTech; 28-Oct-2014 at 5:40 PM.
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