[Lowfer] 160 - 175 KHz USE

[David L. Wilson]

I do recall hearing WGU20, the DID prototype into the later 1970's (but the
GWEN webpage stuff having it going to about 1990 is wrong).  However, I do
know the WGU20 site was mothballed into the later 1980's as I visited the
location about then - so I am not sure when the idea for DIDS, with NOAA
radio assuming the role, happened.  Additionally, I remember that the early
tests of prototype GWEN on commercial towers well proceeded the actual GWEN
system.  But I cannot find exact dates.  I do remember back then that some
of us had an understanding that that was the reason for the frequency move
(otherwise why?).   The initial GWEN prototype system used 9 stations with 3
on commercial towers (Manhattan, KS; Colby, KS; and Canton, OK) but I think
I recall there was a test site before any of that in the extreme SW.

 

--

David L. Wilson

dwilson314 at verizon.net

 

From: JD [mailto:listread at lwca.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 7:06 PM
To: dwilson314 at verizon.net; Discussion of the Lowfer (US, European,& UK)
and MedFer bands
Subject: Re: [Lowfer] 160 - 175 KHz USE

 

There were indeed prototype GWEN stations on higher frequencies for a time,
and for all I know some of those Out West could have been at commercial
sites briefly; but I don't think the DIDS timeline provides a plausible
reason for the eventual grouping of GWEN on the lower frequencies.  That
program was abandoned well before GWEN left the experimental stage.

 

John