Hello guys. I think all of the LWBC stations have been down at least 10-15 dB in general and it is due to propagation. From my location 153 ALWAYS has the strongest carrier followed by 171, then 252, then 198, and finally 225.I have finally figured out what the deal with the low modulation on 153 is all about, or at least related to. It is a shame because their carrier is always pretty strong but the modulation is usually underdriven.
About a month ago I was listening to a strong signal with music on 153 for over 30 minutes when the TOH came up. As soon as they switched feeds the modulation dropped way down to the point where you could just make out faint voices. That was an "Ah Ha" moment. So over the next several evenings I began paying close attention to this and sure enough at either 30 minutes after the hour or at the TOH their modulation goes from very nice right down to just detectable. I have made plenty of recordings right when the switch occurs and now that I have heard it happen at least 5-6 times I think that is the reason. Shame they are not aware of what is happening.
Last night 171 was the winner and I was able to make some recordings but nothing to write home about. What is a bummer to me is the absence of BBC on 198 thus far. This time last year I was blessed with some, for me, really solid recordings almost as good as some local AM stations. BTW, Poland on 225 last night had the strongest carrier I have seen from them this season but still down about 15 dB what is needed to detect modulation.
Hope these observations and report were useful. Please let me know if you would like me to post some recordings.....I am reluctant to do so as I do not want to over-do or over-stay my welcome to this awesome group. 73 Gedas W8BYA