While 10 meters may be in rough shape, the low solar activity has had no effect on my 20 and 40 meter DX capability.
Hell, just recently I made 2 40 meter (7MHz) DX SSB contacts with 5-10 watts and a wire antenna. One was in the UK and the other in Italy. I had my drive turned all the way down and didn't notice until after the Italian QSO.
So while you may not be 5-9+20 all the time, the dismal solar performance will NOT prevent you from enjoying the hobby.
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While 10 meters may be in rough shape, the low solar activity has had no effect on my 20 and 40 meter DX capability. Hell, just recently I made 2 40 meter (7MHz) DX SSB contacts with 5-10 watts and a wire antenna. One was in the UK and the other in Italy. I had my drive turned all the way down and didn't notice until after the Italian QSO. So while you may not be 5-9+20 all the time, the dismal solar performance will NOT prevent you from enjoying the hobby.