Well lets start by looking at the success of stations on 137kHz -
pretty dismal actually.

I know that there was a TA contact on 137 10 or more years ago between
the late Larry Kayser VA1LK and G0MRF but I don't think there's been
anything since.   My experimental station WD2XGJ is copied nearly 100%
of the time in Europe, I run 4W ERP and QRSS 60 though QRSS 3 has made
it across and I believe that F1AFJ has reported that my signal is
audible on quiet winter nights under good conditions.  I have only
copied 1 station from across the pond - the late G3AQC on 137 - I have
a perfect "O" copy of "AQC" in QRSS 60 from Laurie.

Very few stations put out a decent signal and the 1w ERP limit in EU
is just too low for reliable copy, combine that with the fact that
many amateurs in the UK aren't even sure if they should be making
foreign QSOs and the result is nada zilch zero !

For 9kHz you would need both stations using kite or balloon supported
aerials - there the hold up will be with the aviation authorities.

Somebody should definitely go for it, but I wouldn't underestimate the
difficulties!

I suggest we start a pool everybody kicks in a few
dollars/pounds/euros for a prize for the 1st stations to make a
verifiable TA contact (I will personally kick in some money and I'm
not  too concerned about having to pay out!)

-- 
73 Warren K2ORS
                WD2XGJ
                WD2XSH/23
                WE2XEB/2
                WE2XGR/1




On Thu, Jul 8, 2010 at 12:26 PM, Alan Melia <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi Stefan, Mmmm I suppose I put my head right into the noose there :-))
>
> I think this is a difficult one. I am sure the ideal time would be just
> before sunset in Canada or just before dawn in Europe. That is not much of a
> help as flying kites at those times is not really feasible  :-))   Thinking
> more generally I would say the best time in a daylight path might be mid-day
> at mid path.....but that is only a "gut feeling". But in daytime, summer
> might be better for daytime propagation than winter (not allowing for
> seasonal noise variation) ......I'm ducking and diving and hedging by bets
> :-))
>
> It could be Paul's waveguide propagation equations would give helpful
> answers. If only to calculate the approximate signal levels to compare with
> the previous tests. Its 4 times further that suggest 16 times the ERP or
> "capability" of the system. Hopefully if the VLF effect helps it might only
> need be nearer to 6 to 8dB. There may also be a limitation to how narrow a
> bandwidth you can use on reception on a path of this length.
>
> I am watching with interest, this is quite a new area, and you can't beat
> experimentation. If that don't fit the theory..... you have to devise a new
> theory ....not junk the measurements, because you cant argue with
> measurement.
>
> Best Wishes
> Alan G3NYK
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Stefan Schäfer" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2010 1:23 PM
> Subject: VLF: TA DX on the dreamers band?
>
>
>> Alan,
>>
>> Which time (UTC) would be your recommendation for trying a transatlantic
>> DX reception on 9 kHz, say to canada?
>> Any ideas?
>>
>> Other experts are asked as well here!
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>