DX 101 - How to spot an E-skip opening on the FM Band

In this video, we explore some techniques for helping you identify when a Sporadic Es opening is occurring. We cover using FMlist.org's Es alerts and donut maps in spotting an opening for your area, as well as how to use SDR technology to visually spot an opening without listening to a second of static!
Software shown in the beginning of the video: SDR Console - www.sdr-radio....
FM DX Resources:
DXMaps: www.dxmaps.com...
VHF Propagation Map (APRS data): aprs.mennolink....
Bill Hepburn's Tropospheric Forecast: www.dxinfocent...
FMList.org (logging an station list): www.fmlist.org...
WTFDA Station Database: db.wtfda.org/
Visit DX Central for more DX tips, airchecks and educational resources for the AM and FM Dxer: www.dxcentralonline.com
"DX Central - because we're all about radio!"
Twitter: @DXCentral
Facebook: @DXCentralonline
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[@RLZerr]

A cool side note - Saved in your demo is the FMlist map showing the first ever USA to Europe FM broadcast reception by Bryce Foster in Massachusetts the morning of July 1, 2021. 87.7 RTP Antena 3 from the Azores Islands at about 2377 miles. Monumental E skip day.

[@DXCentral]

I noticed that! That is so freaking cool!

[@ralphbrandi]

Thanks for this video, Loyd. I have an FDM-S3 hooked up to an Antennacraft FM-6 that I'm hoping to use for FM DX, and this gives me a lot of what I needed to know.

[@DXCentral]

Fantastic, glad we could help!

[@JohnGreen-SWL]

Good info on FM e openings.
Thanks Lloyd . Great to be able to see the whole FM band on your SDR

[@DXCentral]

Thank you, John! Yeah, that is a definite benefit of the Elad and the main reason I picked it up this spring. I wanted it specifically for FM DX and to have full band recording/waterfall!

[@Stephaniefyh]

Thanks, Loyd!!! Wonderful information!!! Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@DXCentral]

Thank you for your great question that sparked the idea for this video! Hope this helps you snag some great DX!

[@jamesniven1078]

Thanks for the very detailed description Loyd, I was able to get some great information. Over the July 4th weekend a new rotator will be going up and spend some serious time on the FM dial.

[@DXCentral]

Glad to hear it is helpful and I hope you have some fantastic DX over the weekend!!

[@maikerumine]

Mega helpful, thank you!

[@DXCentral]

Glad to hear it is helpful! Planning on a follow-up this summer to add some additional techniques, so be sure to subsrcribe!

[@anthonycosta1776]

Problem is other than the stellar labs which are terrible no one makes fm antennas. Good thing is you can use amplified rabbit ears to receive sporadic-E skip.

[@DXCentral]

I use the 4-element Stellar Labs and have tremendous results with it for both tropo and Sporadic Es! It has worked really well for me. Innovantennas also makes an assortment of FM yagis. A little pricey, but people get great results from them!

[@AMVLivesZxc]

One Saturday morning I woke up check the FM band I got 96.5 out of Kansas City down here in Leander Texas and nothing else was coming in

[@DXCentral]

Es openings can sometimes be very spotty, with only one frequency providing enhancement. Happened here back in January a time or two!