[Lf] LF Round Table Report]

[Andre' Kesteloot]

Mike Dennison wrote:

> Notes on LF Round Table at Wimborne, Dorset, 20 May 2001
>
> The meeting was attended by:
> G3XDV, M0BMU, G4JNT, G3YGF, G3AQC, G3LDO, G3YSX, G3GRO, G3HEJ
> and G3OLB. In addition, G0API represented our hosts the Flight Refuelling
> Amateur Radio Society, and GW3JBH called in as he happened to be holidaying in
> his caravan next door. Several attendees were unable to stay until the end at 1700.
>
> The morning saw a demonstration of a Tesla coil. The coil was about 1.5m high and
> it generated very spectacular sparks half a metre long. Other morning activities
> included a car boot sale of Litz wire, variometers etc.
>
> After a splendid pub lunch, the formal session started with M0BMU describing the
> latest data mode, WOLF, and how to keep its transmit bandwidth down. This was
> followed by G4JNT showing off his innovative 600W transmitter, and describing
> the various stages in its development.
>
> The final half hour was given over to a discussion. Two topics were raised: how to
> make the most of the 73kHz band before it is taken away, and how to encourage
> others onto 136kHz.
>
> It was felt that there should be a concerted effort to cross the Atlantic on 73kHz,
> although there may be up to 10dB more losses to overcome. To this end, stations in
> the US and Canada would be asked to monitor the HBG time signal on 75.0kHz to
> get experience with this part of the spectrum, and to report on propagation
> variations. Perhaps there should be a 73kHz activity period (month?) next winter to
> concentrate effort in the UK, mainland Europe and America.
>
> Several suggestions were made as to how to encourage newcomers onto 136kHz. It
> was felt that once active, stations were reasonably well looked after by other band
> users.
>
> The problem was identified as many people trying to listen on the band with poor
> receive systems, then hearing nothing and giving up. Some way was needed to
> ensure that casual listeners would have a fair chance of hearing one of the stronger
> stations. Suggestions were:
> *       Run a contest, or series of cumulative contests, perhaps as part of the RSGB's
> "LF Cumulatives" which run on 160, 80 and 40m. Scoring could be similar to a VHF
> event. Include a receiving category.
> *       Encourage crossband activity between 136kHz and 3.5 or 7MHz. This could be
> helped by a RadCom article on LF receiving techniques, followed by a crossband
> contest which could be entered either as an LF or MF station. Crossband preferred
> frequencies should be published.
> *       Informal CW beacons, perhaps using the transatlantic slot below 136kHz,
> during daylight.
>
> G3XDV said he would raise these issues with the RSGB HF Contests Committee
> and the RadCom Editor.
>
> Our thanks to Flight Refuelling for the use of their club house.
>
> ===============
>
> Mike, G3XDV (IO91VT)
> http://www.lf.thersgb.net