Mike, all,
Bob ZL2CA and myself are preparing for another (possibly the last) LF
test from Quartz Hill. In the absence of any VE activity we were
wondering whether your licences in the US permit QSO's with DX stations?
Yes, at least several of us have asked for and received that authority.
The open question is whether an amateur in another country would have
any regulatory problems by communicating with a non-amateur station.
Answers seem to vary -- the Canadian hams didn't want to risk an upset
of their arrangement (while it lasted <g>). But I understand that it
<<might>> not be an issue in the U.K. You might want to check that out
(at least informally) for ZL.
At present, Jay Rusgrove (W1VD/WD2XNS) and I are active, and are each
running 1 watt ERP in the 137 kHz band. Warren Ziegler
(K2ORS/WD2XGJ/etc.) is re-working his antenna, and has authority to use
frequencies in the 160-190 kHz range as well as the 137 kHz band. He can
better advise you of his expected status for the equinox period. Dex
McIntyre (W4DEX/WD2XKO) is off the air due to a license renewal snafu.
Various others have been producing lower power signals in the two bands,
but can certainly chime in with their plans.
Receiving is another matter. Jay has a definite edge over me in that
category, being in a more rural area. We both have had no problems with
the (rare) bigger EU signals, but Jay's copy of weaker signals is
usually better than mine. Warren can offer his opinions on his own
setup. Dex is usually limited by thunderstorm static for a month beyond
the September equinox.
So, that's what I know! The others can offer their opinions and news on
their setups.
John Andrews, W1TAG/WD2XES
|
