Hello LF friends,
Mention of the BC221 brings back some memories.
Here in ZL land we still enjoy very privileged access to the LF
region, beginning in the early 1990's. In fact, things got even
better as time went on - the original 165-190 kHz expanded to 130-190
kHz. Currently, we can run 5 watts EIRP, any mode, all the way. I
have had some great CW contacts on 181.4 kHz and SSB QSO's on 182.7
kHz. My semi-retired very modified ex-NDB transmitter can poke most
of a kW down the feedline. However, my best estimate of EIRP scores
about 3 watts !
Sadly, the grim reaper has taken his toll on our ZL enthusiasts.
Several of our early friends have became silent keys. However, one or
two of us are gearing up for 136 kHz operation where our VK brothers
should be active soon.
Back to the BC221 - my first LF transmitter used a BC221 as a VFO,
buffered on into a pair of 6146's. In fact, I still own two or three
BC221's and an allied LM11. For their era, they were a wonderfully
stable signal source.
One gripe is the reluctance of our licencing authorities to allow
even conditional access into the 500kHz area. I gather that there are
still some emergency services using this frequency in the Pacific region.
Kevin, ZL4MD
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