[Elecraft] OT: possible ham operation in the region of 415-526.5 Khz

[Johnny Siu]

Hello Group,
 
This is off topic but I know there are experts in this group.
 
I am the amateur radio sector representative of Radio Spectrum Advisory 
Committee (RSAC) of Telecommunication Authority of Hong Kong.  RSAC is an 
official advisory committee under the Hong Kong Government.
 
http://www.ofta.gov.hk/en/ad-comm/rsac/main.html
 
The Asia Pacific Telecommunity is now having its meetings in Hong Kong. 
 
http://www.aptsec.org/
 
One of the discussion is related to WRC 2012 Agenda item 1.23 about the 
allocation of a 15Khz segment within 415-526.5Khz for amateur services.
 
As a representative of RSAC, I am now attending the discussion group for the 
Agenda item 1.23.
 
Propagation in this band is primarily by means of ground wave,so availability of 
this band for the amateur service may provide a useful extension of the 
capability of the amateur service to provide disaster notification and relief 
communications on a wider area basis than is normally provided by the VHF or UHF 
bands that form the main-stay of amateur disaster relief communications. 

 
My questions are :
1.  practically speaking, apart from huge traditional wire antenna, are there 
any other antennas of managable size (also reasonable efficiency) which can be 
easily set up under distress situation?
2.    to make communciations of say within 200-300km, what ERP is required?
3.    for a segment of 15Khz, voice communciation seems quite restrictive.  How 
efficent will it be under digital mode (not CW) such as Pactor?
 
I must admit that I am not a radio man by profession and have limited knowledge 
on MF radio operation.  I am looking forward to your advice and apologise for 
the band width in this mail reflector.
 73


Johnny VR2XMC