LF: 500kHz Distance

["lawrence mayhead" <laurie.mayhead@googlemail.com>]

The problem with an erp limit as low as 0.1W is that there is no incentive to develop better antennas.
We can easily develop enough power to drive even the most inefficient of antennas.
Not like 136 where it needed 1000w to achieve 1W erp even with quite a large ant. so there was 
an incentive and a challenge to develop better antennas.
Attenuation by trees/buildings etc can easily be compensated for by more power so long as we
can measure erp accurately at a suitable distance and direction.
I think this low power limit may lead to the demise of 500kHz at least among those of us whose
interest is in design and development
The only compensation is that this limit has created a level playing field on which everyone can 
play, but where is the challenge?
I think that a far better rule would have been to limit the power to say 10W  (if it needs to be this low,
and I dont think it does , we are all responsible amateurs and should be trusted more ). Then we could 
work on our own designs , so that developments like Finbars spiral would have a purpose.  
It will be interesting to see how many are operating  still in 9 months time, I think there is already
a falling off in interest and activity.
As far as Mals comments are concerned  no doubt QRSS is not necessesary for UK  and near
European contacts, but it is essential if greater distance are to be covered so it should be encouraged
not denigrated.
73 Laurie  G3AQC