Visualising the pre-loss radio signals

[Martin X. Moleski, SJ]

Thanks, Marty.  I thought I had individual PDF's of the Itasca logs somewhere, but apparently not.

These are listed as logs:

• July 1
• July 2
• July 3
• Other

[Martin X. Moleski, SJ]

Bob Brandenburg also examined all of the post loss messages and signals and tried to determine the validity of them based upon radio propagation algorithms.

https://tighar.org/wiki/index.php?title=Robert_R._Brandenburg,_LCDR_USN_(ret)

• Harmony and Power: Could Betty Have Heard Earhart on a Harmonic?
• Radio Direction Finder Analysis.
• The Radio Riddle.
• Post-Loss Signal Statistics with Tide Information.
• Post Loss Radio Signals Technical Analysis.
• WE-13C Transmitter Harmonic Power Output.

[Colin Taylor]

Hi Martin and Randy

 Thanks for the links and endulging the whims of this newby. If a database could ever be described as epic this would be it!

 Itasca maintained the radio watch until long after fuel exhaution and I am satisfied that there were no unreadable signals between 10:39 and 11:55Local.

 I note the weather report sent by Itasca at 16:25L on the 2nd (Record 921) Surface wind: ESE 11, 1000ft: ESE 15 and 1900ft: ESE 16. This verifies my theory that the forecast wind (ENE) was wrong and the Electra was North of track.

 It is interesting that Itasca was able to monitor the PBY transmissions between Hawaii and about 350nm North of Howland, I think I will finish by quoting a signal from the PBY:
20:03 APPROXIMATE POSITION LAT 0635 LONG 17200. LAST TWO HOURS IN EXTREMELY BAD WEATHER BETWEEN ALTITUDE 2000 AND 12000 FEET. SNOW, SLEET, RAIN, ELECTRICAL STORMS. IN DAYLIGHT CONDITIONS LOOK EQUALLY BAD. CLOUD TOPS APPEAR TO BE 18000 FEET OR MORE. AM RETURNING TO PEARLHARBOR NOW. HAVE 900 GALLONS FUEL ON BOARD. 07:10.

True heroes

Cheers
Colin

[Randy Jacobson]

The PBY encountered the intertropical convergence zone, where high rainfall, winds, and thunderstorms reign.  At that time of the year, it is typically 3-6 degrees above the equator.  Trade winds north of the ITCZ are ENE; winds sound of the ITCZ are ESE.  Nothing unusual in what was reported.

[Colin Taylor]

The PBY encountered the intertropical convergence zone, where high rainfall, winds, and thunderstorms reign.  At that time of the year, it is typically 3-6 degrees above the equator.  Trade winds north of the ITCZ are ENE; winds sound of the ITCZ are ESE.  Nothing unusual in what was reported.

That is the point I made in my post

https://tighar.org/smf/index.php?topic=2238.0

All the more surprising that the forecast winds were wrong and that Noonan did not spot the mistake.