Rik,
As I know you are active and have the possibility of a much stronger signal.
I have not managed to obtain an NoV yet and so all experiments just RX to
date. I have not posted to LF list yet, please don't mention this yet, I
want to gauge some comments before I do.
What do you think?
73
Dom
M1KTA
Hi all,
I have tried a few rough calculations on TX and RX signal strengths and I
have had an exchange with Alan Melia which I copy some of below, I think it
might be worth this experiment so I post here as a note:
The UK allocation being renewed for 500 kHz with an increase in effective TX
power levels and ON 500 kHz stations with a 5W ERP means they may be strong
enough.
I am preparing my kit for a trip in March 2008 to Mauritius 3B8, and
possibly but unlikely 3B9. I know I will not have a licence to TX on 500 KHz
whilst there but I will have for HF. I will take a 500 kHz SDR RX (498kHz to
526kHz possible) and a RX preamp. I can make my nearly full size 1/4
wavelength 80m vertical which I use on 160m a 500 kHz resonant vertical and
if conditions permit and I can see signals I will try a full 1/4 wave kite
vertical.
As Alan rightly points out there are some higher power US stations I should
listen out for as well.
I will setup the SDR RX and monitor the 500 kHz band when operating HF as
planned, if I see anything on 500 kHz I will report it. In UK I have not
usually seen any interference problems when operating the two. I am not
looking for a cross band QSO or any ability of that nature. Just to see if I
can RX the 500 kHz signals.
Please if you think you might be operating during the hours of a dark path
between you and 3B8 (GMT/UTC + 4 hours) between 1st and 17th March 2008 then
please let me know and I will make the effort to see if I can RX your
signals. Normal CW audio RX not likely but QRSS or similar modes may be. I
will have internet access so any reports might be almost instant.
I have a report that 500 kHz in the region is without excessive noise but I
do not know what else might be heard.
I am completely open to comments and advise.
73
Dom
M1KTA
----- Original Message ----
From: Alan Melia <[email protected]>
Hi Dom well not many of us have experience of really long distance 500 kHz
propagation. I would say that it is highly unlikely you will find any
audible (CW) amateur stations (but of course I could just be proved wrong!!)
...we have only just made it across the Atlantic, and then from very
advantageous positions. Bear in mind also that although we expect our "NoVs"
to be extended it might not happen and we wont know for a few weeks yet.
The chances of seeing a signal (QRSS etc) are probably higher but there are
a limited number of stations who could offer a big enough ERP to make that
distance. At present I would not put a great deal of effort into 500 kHz. If
you do want to listen (watch!!) I would consider covering the US band (505
to 515) as well because there are some stations like Warren K2ORS who have a
permit for quite a lot of power and the kit to actually run it into a
reasonable antenna.
Paths will need to be be almost totally in darkness similar to 160/80/40.
You can get away with about and hour after dawn and an hour before sunset at
the best. Long distance LF should be good this year, provided we don't get
an "unseasonal" set of geomagnetic storms at the time of the "expedition".
Being a predominantly N<>S path it may well be different from our
experiences on the N-Atlantic.
LF is not a matter of setting a sked time with someone (yet) it is more a
case of sitting watching conditions and hoping. The important thing on the
receive antenna is to make it resonate. Because you wont be transmitting
there are no voltage worries with the components.
I am sure you will stimulate some activity if folks know you are listening
from an exotic location, particularly if you have the internet available for
"instant reports"
Cheers de Alan G3NYK
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rik Strobbe
Sent: 01 February 2008 10:51
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: LF: Extension to UK 500kHz NoV
Great news!
I was afraid to get lonely on 600m on March 1st ;-)
1 W ERP should give strong signals all over Europe and maybe even further.
73, Rik ON7YD - OR7T
At 11:37 1/02/2008, you wrote:
>UK 500kHz NoV holders, and those interested in gaining an NoV, may care to
>look at Ofcom's announcement at
>
>http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/Notices/20
0
>80201
>
>This came out a little earlier than was suggested last week
>
>73 John, G3WKL
>RSGB HF Manager
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