[K3CAL] Two new Ham Bands in the making

[Rich Weaver]

RESTRUCTURING: AMATEUR SERVICE USE OF LF AND MF BANDS

Amateur Radio is poised to gain access to two new bands. This as the FCC prepares to implement the treaty obligations reached at the World Radiocommunications Conferences held in 2007 and 2012. Stephan Kinford, N8WB, has the details:

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[N8WB] In a combined 257 page Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released on April 27, the FCC has allocated a new Low Frequency band from 135.7 to 137.8 kilohertz to the Amateur Service on a secondary basis. Allocation of this sliver of spectrum at 2200 meters was in line with the Final Acts of the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference.

The FCC has also proposed a new secondary 630 meter Medium Frequency allocation at 472 to 479 kHz to Amateur Radio, implementing decisions made at WRC-12. However no amateur radio operation will be permitted in either band until the FCC determines the specific Part 97 rules it must create to permit operation. This could take some time.

It should be noted that hams would share both allocations with unlicensed Part 15 Powerline Carrier Systems, These systems are operated by electric companies to monitor and control power distribution systems.

Last, the Commission FCC has raised the secondary Amateur Service allocation at 1900 to 2000 kHz of 160 meters to primary status. At the same time it took the necessary steps to provide for continued use by currently unlicensed commercial fishing vessels of radio buoys on what it termed the open sea.

The allocation changes, associated proposed rules are contained in three rule making documents titled ET-12-338, ET-15-99, and IB-06-123. The FCC will accept comments for 60 days following publication of the Report and Order, Order, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register. That publication date is not yet known. Reply comments would be due 30 days after the commentary cutoff deadline.

Hmmm 
Lets see,  a 1/2 half wave dipole would be 3,448.78 feet for 135 KHz and 991.52 feet for 472 KHz.
3,448.78 feet is more than a 1/2 mile but less than 3/4 mile.
#12 copper wire goes for about 29 cents a foot.  For a half wave dipole at 135 Khz that will cost about $1000.21 plus tax.
However, the good side for 472KHz it will only cost $287.68 plus tax.
My only suggestion is to load up a dummy load with a piece of wire hanging out of it.


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