From: "Mike Dennison" <mike.dennison@rsgb.org.uk>
To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 13:22:51 +0100
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
Subject: LF: LF Round Table Report
Message-ID: <3B0A682B.18219.DCF570@localhost>
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org
Sender: <majordom@post.thorcom.com>

Notes on LF Round Table at Wimborne, Dorset, 20 May 2001

The meeting was attended by:
G3XDV, M0BMU, G4JNT, G3YGF, G3AQC, G3LDO, G3YSX, G3GRO, G3HEJ 
and G3OLB. In addition, G0API represented our hosts the Flight Refuelling 
Amateur Radio Society, and GW3JBH called in as he happened to be holidaying in 
his caravan next door. Several attendees were unable to stay until the end at 1700. 

The morning saw a demonstration of a Tesla coil. The coil was about 1.5m high and 
it generated very spectacular sparks half a metre long. Other morning activities 
included a car boot sale of Litz wire, variometers etc.

After a splendid pub lunch, the formal session started with M0BMU describing the 
latest data mode, WOLF, and how to keep its transmit bandwidth down. This was 
followed by G4JNT showing off his innovative 600W transmitter, and describing 
the various stages in its development.

The final half hour was given over to a discussion. Two topics were raised: how to 
make the most of the 73kHz band before it is taken away, and how to encourage 
others onto 136kHz.

It was felt that there should be a concerted effort to cross the Atlantic on 73kHz, 
although there may be up to 10dB more losses to overcome. To this end, stations in 
the US and Canada would be asked to monitor the HBG time signal on 75.0kHz to 
get experience with this part of the spectrum, and to report on propagation 
variations. Perhaps there should be a 73kHz activity period (month?) next winter to 
concentrate effort in the UK, mainland Europe and America.

Several suggestions were made as to how to encourage newcomers onto 136kHz. It 
was felt that once active, stations were reasonably well looked after by other band 
users. 

The problem was identified as many people trying to listen on the band with poor 
receive systems, then hearing nothing and giving up. Some way was needed to 
ensure that casual listeners would have a fair chance of hearing one of the stronger 
stations. Suggestions were:
*	Run a contest, or series of cumulative contests, perhaps as part of the RSGB's 
"LF Cumulatives" which run on 160, 80 and 40m. Scoring could be similar to a VHF 
event. Include a receiving category.
*	Encourage crossband activity between 136kHz and 3.5 or 7MHz. This could be 
helped by a RadCom article on LF receiving techniques, followed by a crossband 
contest which could be entered either as an LF or MF station. Crossband preferred 
frequencies should be published.
*	Informal CW beacons, perhaps using the transatlantic slot below 136kHz, 
during daylight.

G3XDV said he would raise these issues with the RSGB HF Contests Committee 
and the RadCom Editor.

Our thanks to Flight Refuelling for the use of their club house.

===============


Mike, G3XDV (IO91VT)
http://www.lf.thersgb.net