[Lowfer] Last Chance on 136 kHz Rulemaking

[Bill Cromwell]

On Sun, 2013-03-24 at 21:28 -0400, John Andrews wrote:
> Bill,
--snip---
> 
> Yes, we are. I have had any number of CW QSO's with the few other Part 5 
> stations that are within earshot (say, a few hundred miles). Within that 
> answer lies the problem, though. This is not (currently) a ham band. 
> There is a very small pool of those licensed and able to transmit. Even 
> the receiving operators are pretty spread out. Add to this the lousy 
> transmitting antenna efficiencies typical from one's back yard at 
> wavelengths over a mile, and there are some real limitations.
> 
> This has led to a domination of weak-signal modes designed to allow copy 
> over greater distances. The hope is that with a greater number of 
> operators the "more conventional modes" will be possible. Your RAK and a 
> decent receiving antenna should be more than capable of copying CW at 
> 137 kHz when it is used. I really hope you get the chance!
> 
> John, W1TAG

Thanks John,

Thanks for your helpful reply.

I'll get my logging scale set up for better accuracy down there and see
what I do about joining. I understand the range is limited. I am not
interested in those very low frequencies fot cornering DXCC. We have
plenty of spectrum for longer range communications. I have the same
attitude about the 600 meter band where I have copied some CW (and
NDBs). When I want to work ZLs - well there is 20 and 15 meters. We
don't always have to expect rare DX when we get on the air. I'm trying
to get ready for 600 meters when it opens here. I'll start exploring
those lower frequency bands right away.

73,

Bill  KU8H