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The 136/137 khz band never was a Beacon band, hence
lots of QSO'S. Beacon mania started when 500 khz was allocated. Beacons are
scattered across this band and very little QSO acty, in fact beacons
create QRM for those trying to have a QSO.
If beacons are to continue I would suggest a slot
where they are all grouped together at the band edge, either top or bottom.
As far as I can remember I worked 29 countries on
136/137 khz all on normal CW. This is not likely to happen non 500, in fact this
band has not really taken off, in terms of propagation and general condx it is
similar to 160 metres but with the disadvantage of having restricted permitted
power out.
LF on the other hand even with a 1W erp gives
greater daytime coverage of several hundred miles with enhanced night time
coverage, extending to the USA and beyond.
On 136 I have worked OH1TN to my NE and IK5ZPV to
my SE mid day on CW both summer and winter, in fact there seemed to be
very little seasonal changes, althought there were daily variations, signal
strength variations, but never a fadeout as far as I can remember.
Its a pity LF has been neglected in recent years,
it is a far superior all round band, unfortunately 500 khz has caused
a distraction and diversion.
I doubt if we will ever see LF return to what it
was at its peak a few years ago,
Perhaps we all ought to concentrate on 136/137
this winter with a view to QSO the USA to the west and the
Russians to the east, and others in between and beyond.
73 de mal/g3kev
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