Re: LF: LF Activity - G3XIZ

["mal hamilton" <g3kevmal@talktalk.net>]

Stefan es co

Ever since the introduction of data modes 137 has gradually gone down hill. In the days of CW and QRSS QSO mode there were over 30 countries active, also BEACON mode does not help.

The band was at its best when QSO mode was the preferred choice, DATA MODES and NON STOP BEACONS chased all of the CW operators away to other bands like 160 metres.

I have a shack full of LF equipment  and Antennas to match but never hear any CW acty so have gone else where like 630 and 160 metres plus all the other HF bands

 

73 de mal/g3kev

 

----- Original Message -----

From: schaefer

To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org

Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2014 4:12 PM

Subject: Re: LF: LF Activity - G3XIZ

Hello Chris,

Unfortunately i do not have much time this evening. However i will be in the shack again sunday evening, if you like to try then. I can set up a CW beacon on LF if you like but that does not help much in terms of QSO activity.

Who is ready and interested and audible in CW on LF these days?

What would you think is the reason for the non-activity?

One reason must be the higher noisefloor, several dB higher than 2001 i assume, at least in urban locations. But that can't be the only reason. Is it the 1000 different modes or the new 630m band? Is it the availability of the internet? Or did "we" just became tired? Or combinations of that? :-)

73, Stefan/DK7FC

Am 15.02.2014 14:25, schrieb Chris Osborn:

LF,

I am at present puttng out test signals on 137.7 kHz should anyone wish to check their RX.

I shall be QRV on 137.7 kHz this evening from about 18.00Z again putting out test signals and also some CQ calls using QRSS / DFCW

I  can try CW if conditions seem favourable.

It would be a shame if after Dave's excellent LF / MF artical in RadCom would-be ops took a listen on those bands and heard no amateur activity.

A quick look in my LF receive logbook for 2001 for this weekend (actually 17/18 Feb) recorded the following stations - all on 136.5 kHz CW:

DJ9IE  (3 times)

F6CNI

G3BDQ

GW4ALG (2 times)

EI0CF (2 times)

GW4HXO

G3XDV (2 times)

G8RW

G6NB

GM3YXM/P

SM6PXJ

G6RO

ON7ZO

PA0BWL

Happy days!

73

Chris G3XIZ