Tampa Bay area AM

[lokkol]

How far will 5 watts from my Yaesu ft-817 go on AM?  Usually on  3885 mhz.  Using a vertical antenna about 20 ft tall.  Have never had anyone answer my calls.  Maybe no AM'ers around here.  Operating portable in Florida.  Dan

[WA3VJB]

That's pretty awful, Dan, both for power and for antenna.

I doubt you would be heard post-sunset on 75/80m, where most in any group would be running more signal.

What are your calls ?
Try Warren, W1GUD in the early evenings, like around twilight or late afternoon.

He's in that area and on the air.

Wednesday evening on 3880Kc you can try checking in on the First Wednesday AM Night, but the guy who runs the East Coast chapter usually has receive problems. Others who check in may relay for you, that's a shot.

Good luck and welcome

[K3ZS]

Dan, for your power, you would be better off on SSB.   You would be as effective as a 50W AM station with the same antenna.

[Steve - WB3HUZ]

You may want to try 40 meters around 7290/95 during the daylight hours. You will have a far better chance of making a contact their with your power level and antenna than on 75 meters. Let us know how it works out.