For a small multiband HF antenna, how can the MQ2 and the HF5B be compared?  Which is easier to work with?

Can anyone explain the regular seasonal changes in 10 meter propagation?  This seems to occur regardless of the sunspot cycle, but especially in near-highs.  From the northeast USA:
In winter, the band is generally alive during the day, sometimes with great DX- and good east-west propagation.
In spring, the band begins to die down, except for north-south propagation.
In summer, the band is dead as a doornail.
In fall, it begins to wake up again.
WHY??

Has anyone modified the Thunderbolt for 160M?
What have you done, and how has it performed?

Had never been on 220 before, until just acquiring a Kenwood TH-F6 tribander HT.  220 is alive and well, and is great!  
Lets encourage the commercial manufacturers to include 220 on their multiband gear.  (it is not permitted in many countries).

How does the Diamond CR320A compare with the Comet SBB-224 and the Nil-Jon Super M?

Does anyone know the difference between a Viking Ranger 1 and Viking Ranger 2?

What is a good way to run coax out from inside the shack to an outdoor antenna without leaving a window open through the winter or wrecking siding or creating leaks?
Thanks
Steve
victorsj@yahoo.com

What is a good way to run coax out from inside the shack to an outdoor antenna without leaving a window open through the winter or wrecking siding or creating leaks?
Thanks
Steve
victorsj@yahoo.com

Thank you, Pat
My E-mail address is victorsj@yahoo.com

And thanks for the address and for warning me about 6 meters!

73
Steve
F/WA2DTW

Hi, Pat
Many thanks for your reply!
Would be delighted if you would relay my question to a
French forum.
Can operate QRP on HF, 6 and 2 meters and 440 mhz
(under CEPT), but with an indoor antenna in an
apartment in the 6th arrondisement.  Commute to
Puteaux by train, but do not have access to a car at
the moment.
Another question- is there a place in Paris where one
can purchase radio components?
Hope to meet you.
Best 73's
Steve
F/WA2DTW

Anybody know of ham radio clubs in Paris France (near 6th arrondisement or Puteaux area)?
Anybody have information on VHF repeater frequencies in Paris?
Thank you
WA2DTW

Has anyone successfully used the MFJ 1786 high-Q loop antenna with the FT817?
It requires some RF in order to tune properly.  But mine doesn't.  And when I try to listen with another receiver on the transmit frequency, I hear practically nothing.  I'm wondering if a) the 5 watts is too low power to drive the tuning device and b) before the tuning is complete, the FT817 sees a too-high SWR and shuts down the RF output.