[Lowfer] 136Khz Emergency Communications

[Les Rayburn]

Peter wanted to know why I think that most amateurs will leave 1750
meters for 136khz when it becomes available:

1. Many feel that beacons are a waste of time, and that without
two way QSO's the activity isn't worthwhile. (Personally, with
my schedule I love beacons. It gives me the illusion that I
actually have a hobby.)

2. Another group feels that nothing significant is being done with
weak signal work, and that the recent move towards QRSS
represents a step backwards from more cutting edge modes.
(I would have to count myself in this group).

3. Many long to hear good old fashioned CW on the band again,
and that mode becomes more viable with 100 watts to play with.
(Not my cup of tea, but whatever....)

4. Because of the amateur band allocation, it will be "legitimate". Don't
laugh, lots of hams lose interest the minute you say, "Part 15".

5. More than a few on this list are already doing some "testing".

6. The opportunity to attempt trans-atlantic QSO's, first to
work a given country on LF, etc. A whole new frontier. Likewise
with the 60 meter band.(if other countries receive the allocation too.)

The downside is, as Peter pointed out, the dangers of working with
high levels of RF at these frequencies. Some of the pictures on the
web from Europe scare the hell out of me. There has already been
more than one fire linked to LF operation, though none serious yet.

No crystal ball here, just an interested observer of the LF scene
for over 20 years.

And yes, I plan to be ready to transmit the second that we get access
to the band, though no formal construction has started here yet.

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF




Les Rayburn, director
High Noon Films
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Birmingham, AL 35216
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