Hi all, I think Markus idea is a good start but we have always made it the case 
that we do not have hard and fast rules on LF because the frequency of 
operation epends so much on local conditions and it is no good anyone laying 
down a marker that suits his location but doesnt fit with others.

As I said Markus comment is a good guide. However.........   Gerhard raises the 
point of using grabbers in your own continent for tests. This is good and 
usefull to do....I have done it myself. All that you require is to think about 
the long distance propagation and time your tests appropriately. For instance 
US and Canadian stations will not really start to appear until about their 
ground sunset (well ok, on very good days maybe a little before that) So you 
could safely do "local" (same continent) tests between your sunset and the East 
Coast US sunset time. They probably wont take too long and then it is unlikely 
you will interfere with anyone trying. For a TA contact. Of course you "could" 
do the test in daytime!! This would actually be more reliable, particularly at 
present, when the daytime paths are very consistant. You obviously need a 
grabber in daytime range. The old geoclock is an invaluable guide though I am 
sure there are other now.

Just remember you are very strong at night in your own continent, and try to 
stay out of the immediate areas where DX signal may be coming in.

We are hardly wall to wall QRM on LF and MF yet so enjoy it.

Alan G3NYK