WG2XCT Beacon
I will be testing a new impedance matching transformer this weekend on my antenna. Will be running a QRSS3 beacon at 471.90 kHz. Initially will be running 150 watts and later this weekend higher power. All reports appreciated
Pat Re: WG2XCT Beacon
N4LTA
Posted by Pat Bunn on November 02, 2013 at 18:16:27.
In reply to WG2XCT Beacon posted by Pat Bunn on November 01, 2013
Now running about 800 watts on 471.9 kHz , 8 WPM CW , Plan to run all weekend at these levels.
All reports appreciated
Pat computer power supplies
N4LTA
Posted by Marky on November 02, 2013 at 19:28:22.
I was reading a tutorial describing computer power supplies, their construction and components (Anatomy of Switching Power Supplies).
Follow up investigation on the chips, rectifiers, etc., showed that many of them can be used in the 160-190 kHz range. It looks like you could use them for both a transmitter and receiver. The receive portion would probably need some help from a computer sound card.
Has anyone tried this? Any suggestions on an approach?
Thanks,
Re: computer power supplies
Posted by Pat Bunn on November 02, 2013 at 21:42:01.
In reply to computer power supplies posted by Marky on November 02, 2013
Most Class D and E LF and MF transmitters use switching power FETs as used in a computer type power supply. The FETs are cheap, the ones that I used in my 1 KW transmitter cost a few dollars each. I'd not think it would be worthwhile using an unknown part from a junked power supply. I'd rather just buy a new part that had known specifications.
SJ ,in the hole
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 02, 2013 at 23:08:23.
Well it's that time of year again,LF beacon time and I just turned on SJ QRSS20 on 185.303 KHz in the watering hole. It still is noisy on the band hopefully I can catch a break receiving. SJ will be on except for receiving breaks or if maintenace is needed. As for anyone copying me ,I'm all ears. MLS Beacon
Later.Sal,K1RGO
Posted by Mark on November 03, 2013 at 16:40:48.
Hello everyone! Re: MLS Beacon
Last week's late season storm caused some antenna damage to the MLS beacon but I managed to get it repaired and the system is back on line. You get a sinking feeling when you look up and see cap hat damage. I'm hoping my repair will last the whole season. Anyway, MLS , 186.204, QRSS30 is transmitting. Thanks...... Mark
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 03, 2013 at 18:36:22.
In reply to MLS Beacon posted by Mark on November 03, 2013
Mark, I have a nice daytime copy of your lowfer using a 10' shielded loop. Frequency is drifting downward and around 186201 Hz at the moment.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: MLS Beacon
Posted by Mark on November 04, 2013 at 01:04:22.
In reply to Re: MLS Beacon posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 03, 2013
Thanks for the report! I turned it back on this afternoon and the heater system is still bringing the temp up to spec's. The outside temp is now 39 degrees and the transmitter box with antenna tuner is currently at 59 degrees. I hope to keep the frequency drift from happening with a stable temp. It took awhile for the heater system to get the "chill" off the interior of the box. I also have a more stable master oscillator I can switch out if needed but I want to see if there are any improvements with a heater control. Thanks again ...... Mark
ors off air
Posted by keith on November 04, 2013 at 04:01:05.
Hey fellas, ORS is off the air.
Re: MLS Beacon
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 04, 2013 at 15:10:43.
In reply to Re: MLS Beacon posted by Mark on November 04, 2013
Mark, your signal is still wobbling around about 0.2 Hz during each call sequence, and more than that between sequences. If you have a better frequency source that would certainly improve the chances of copy by DX stations.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: MLS Beacon
Posted by Douglas Williams KB4OER on November 04, 2013 at 21:26:00.
In reply to MLS Beacon posted by Mark on November 03, 2013
Mark,
Listening for you this evening.
-Doug KB4OER
WD2XSH/20
Posted by Brian on November 05, 2013 at 02:44:36.
WD2XSH/20 on 477 khz 630 meters is very strong S7 on the FRG-100 here again tonight in DN20fr.
Re: MLS Beacon
Posted by Mark on November 05, 2013 at 03:04:47.
In reply to Re: MLS Beacon posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 04, 2013
Thanks for the update. I do have a better frequency reference unit I can install in a week or so. I first suspected that the frequency drift was caused by the temperature swings. That problem has been solved so I'll plan on switching out the reference oscillator. Thanks.... Mark AC8CL
4000M
Posted by Dale Parfitt on November 05, 2013 at 03:18:11.
Copying XRS4 and XRS5 tonight on 4000M- 1 Hz apart. QRSS60
HP3856B Logging for 473 kHz.
7' active shielded loop.
ARGO
Dale W4OP
Posted by Larry Lanberg on November 05, 2013 at 03:34:42.
Tonight I received (aurally) on 473 kHz a digital-type signal, exactly like what's so prevalent up on 20-meters these days, and which ended with very brief morse code, right at at 0143z. The code ending caught me by surprise, and was fast, so I didn't get to write it down. -- So whoever you are I picked you up real good in Richmond, VA.
IC-R75 receiver using my 'special' homemade loopstick. Which is a 20" x 1" MnZn rod (type 77), with nothing more than 20 *widely-spaced* turns of insulated wire. The wide-spacing & small amount of turns prevents capacitance, allowing (a.) wideband reception without a tuner and (b.) direct connection into the radio without a secondary loop on the rod. Covers low frequency all the way into shortwave (it does VHF-low FM when I flip it up vertically).
I'm glad it's longwave season again.
Re: Logging for 473 kHz.
Posted by Dale W4OP on November 05, 2013 at 04:51:52.
In reply to Logging for 473 kHz. posted by Larry Lanberg on November 05, 2013
Likely it's WG2XJM. It looks as though he is centered on
474.00 running what sounds like JT65.
Dale W4OP
Re: Logging for 473 kHz.
Posted by Eric on November 05, 2013 at 05:53:40.
In reply to Re: Logging for 473 kHz. posted by Dale W4OP on November 05, 2013
The digital mode is DominoEX 4 (no FEC). Available in Fldigi or MultiPSK. Current message is the latest WWV solar information from NOAA site. Approx 15-20W ERP.
QRV 473.0 USB dial, +1000Hz audio.
73 Eric NO3M / WG2XJM (EN91)
Morning Hifers
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 05, 2013 at 15:35:07.
The watering hole around 13555.4 kHz is nicely filled here with (top to bottom) NC, EH, and USC. Can tell it's cold because NC has moved up quite a bit in frequency. Also notice some frequency "hiccups" on it this morning. Elsewhere, MTI and PBJ and doing well around 13557.56 kHz and FRC is evident but weak around 13565.04 kHz.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: MLS Beacon
Posted by Douglas Williams KB4OER on November 05, 2013 at 20:46:56.
In reply to Re: MLS Beacon posted by Douglas Williams KB4OER on November 04, 2013
Mark,
And success!
73 de KB4OER
Afternoon Hifers
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 05, 2013 at 22:56:08.
This afternoon at 2 PM I found strong decodes of "EH" 5x5 "MP" 5x9 "SIW" 5x8 "SIW slant" 5x7 and "USC" 3x3 and numerous "CWID" beacons. My QTH is the UP of Mich. Signals had rapid shallow fading.
Best DX
Bill KB9IV
SJ on 185KHz
Posted by Dale W4OP on November 06, 2013 at 06:55:12.
I am seeing good copy of SJ tonight- first I have copied him on my HP3586B.
Dale W4OP
Opportunity for WG2XNI on 1750 Meters
Posted by John Davis on November 07, 2013 at 02:27:37.
Mark Dittmar is operating his Part 5 station WG2XNI on 186.008 kHz a couple more times this week, tonight (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday the 7th) from near Denver. Mode is plain 10 wpm CW. He says operation will start about
0430 UTC and run until 1300 UTC both nights. Or, as Mark phrases it, "Basically 10:30 p local time to 7 am the following morning."
John HiFers
Posted by Dale W4OP on November 08, 2013 at 01:43:24.
Is there a beacon signing 7P on 13.555482?
Weak here in western NC, butI am seeing 7P over and over in noise.
Dale W4OP
Re: HiFers
Posted by Ward K7PO on November 08, 2013 at 03:53:58.
In reply to HiFers posted by Dale W4OP on November 08, 2013
Dale,
You made my day! 7P is co-located with AJO in southwest Arizona. Thanks for the report.
Ward K7PO
Catching Up...HiFERs from 1 November
Posted by John Davis on November 08, 2013 at 07:33:02.
The first captures from my "radio room" on the farm, at long last. (I put that in quotes because there aren't actually any radios there in my absence, due to theft risk.) I did HF first for the sake of my visitors, who were pressed for time. There are also captures of LowFER SIW, which will be in a later post.
From top to bottom are NC, EDJ, 7P, EH surrounding MP, SIW slant, SIW QRSS6, and USC. This is a composite of three simultaneous Argo screens (Build 134) in order to cover the entire watering hole frequency range. Scroll left and right with the bar below the image to see the full time span.
John
Re: HiFers
Posted by Dale W4OP on November 08, 2013 at 14:50:26.
In reply to Re: HiFers posted by Ward K7PO on November 08, 2013
Hi Ward,
I could see it lurking in the noise for hours- then after my sundown- and likely your gray line it came up dramatically- beautiful copy.
I have an ARGO capture (not the best it was but 100% readable) if you would like to have it.
Dale W4OP
Re: HiFers
Posted by Ward K7PO on November 08, 2013 at 21:22:07.
In reply to Re: HiFers posted by Dale W4OP on November 08, 2013
Dale,
Please send it, It's always interesting to see the captures. Looks like QRSS3 is the way to go, and I'm curious if you checked for AJO at 13.5585~ when 7P peaked, as they are at the same location.
Ward K7PO
Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November
Posted by John Davis on November 09, 2013 at 00:53:50.
In reply to Catching Up...HiFERs from 1 November posted by John Davis on November 08, 2013
And now, the capture of SIW's changeover between QRSS60/30 on 185.2993 and its modified DFCW version on 185.185 last week:
John
Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 09, 2013 at 01:09:21.
In reply to Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November posted by John Davis on November 09, 2013
John, impressive that you see anything of my lowfer at 1900Z when the changeover occurs, given the path length. Better yet, your capture of the hifer watering hole really shows a crowd. I usually only see NC, EH, and USC here. Glad my hifers are finally showing up. At the lowfer watering hole SJ and TAG are providing company. Hopefully some others will join in soon.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
WG2XNI 186.008 Khz QRS3 Now
Posted by Mark AB0CW on November 09, 2013 at 01:47:53.
Trying QRS3 tonight. WG2XNI 186.008 khz 3-sec dots, near Denver, CO DM79. Transmitting now and throughout the evening. Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November
Posted by John Davis on November 09, 2013 at 10:10:54.
In reply to Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 09, 2013
>>> "At the lowfer watering hole SJ and TAG are providing company."
I've been eager to get out and listen for them as well. They'll be nighttime catches here, though, and right now the listening post arrangement is temporarily too awkward to set up in the dark. It's been too soggy out in the field to make the necessary upgrades to be able to use the building full-time, but I'm hoping the next couple of days will be dry and sufficiently non-windy to make some progress.
John
Re: DGPS Software
Posted by Lee Reynolds on November 11, 2013 at 20:54:12.
In reply to Re: DGPS Software posted by Mark Dittmar on October 31, 2013
DSC Decoder is good, RadioRaft (if you're running old school hardware) can do it, also the Hoka and Wavecom decoders.
The DGPS guide, as suggested, is a good source of info, too.
Lee
Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November
Posted by Dale W4OP on November 14, 2013 at 01:57:10.
In reply to Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 09, 2013
Hi Garry,
I have a few captures of your 185.29915KHz beacon from last night. Another cool calm night tonight so should see you again should you be on.
Dale W4O
Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 14, 2013 at 16:38:28.
In reply to Re: Catching Up...LowFER from 1 November posted by Dale W4OP on November 14, 2013
Hi Dale,
Thanks for the report. My lowfer is at the watering hole Tu, Th, Sa, and Sun beginning 1800Z, but down at 185.185 kHz the other days; again switching at 1800Z.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
TPN 189.6
Posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013 at 06:01:11.
Is someone operating a lowfer iding as TPN on 189.6 kHz with a 5.0" cycle? It was heard in west TX, Southern CA near LA (me), in the Central Valley of CA and northern UT.
Don
Re: TPN 189.6
Posted by John Davis on November 16, 2013 at 06:53:16.
In reply to TPN 189.6 posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013
First I've heard of such, Don.
When you say 'a 5.0" cycle,' do you mean 5 seconds? If so, that'd be regular CW, and no Part 15 LowFER is likely to cover that much territory at normal speeds. A Part 5 licensee would have a call including an X in it, so that doesn't seem a plausible alternative.
Maybe a little more reception info would suggest some other possibilities to look for. How recently and how often has it been heard, and what time(s) of day or night?
John
Re: TPN 189.6
Posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013 at 07:38:33.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 posted by John Davis on November 16, 2013
Hi John, we all started copying TPN about 0430Z which is 2030L Friday night 15 Nov out here in California. The 5 seconds is the time from the start of the ident to the start of the next one like a regular 200 - 530 kHz NDB. Copied it for about an hour in CA TX UT. Quite strong in the beginning. I guess it could be an oddball frequency Gulf of Mexico oil rig NDB running +/-400Hz sidebands - never thought to look for an upper side. Thought we would ask around here for info. Re: TPN 189.6
Don
Posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013 at 15:24:37.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013
Hi All, as it turns out TPN actually has a carrier on 190.0 and +/-400Hz sidebands. I DFed it to be E/W of me in SoCal. A Dxer in TX found it on his Perseus recordings with his K9AY pointing south. Maybe an oil rig in the Gulf? Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
Don
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 16, 2013 at 16:36:53.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013
Hi all. I listened when I first saw the initial post this morning(~1500UT/0900CDT), and there was nothing there around 190 KHz. However, about 15 mins. ago(~1615UT), the 'TPN' beacon suddenly appeared. Its signal is fairly strong, reaching about S7 here in SE Louisiana, with some QSB to S5 at the most. Seems that Don's surmise about the Gulf of Mexico area could be correct. Perhaps the TX station he mentions DF'ing it to the south was in Eastern TX, and not the one in W TX. The frequency is unusually low, and the rigs have a practical size limit on the antennas they use. I don't remember any below the 300KHz range, perhaps because of this. Ed WSlidell, LA EM50cg
Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
Posted by John Davis on November 16, 2013 at 19:33:08.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 16, 2013
Remarkable. If it's in the Gulf, as appears to be the case, I wonder how it got authorized for such an unusual carrier frequency and sideband combination? --assuming it actually is authorized by anyone, of course.
If the weather cooperates this afternoon, perhaps I'll finally have my improved listening post operational and ready to try for it tonight.
John
Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
Posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013 at 22:45:46.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex posted by John Davis on November 16, 2013
Yes, the DXer in west TX was the one who originally found it. The Dxer with the K9AY who DF'd to the south is in east TX. There are other NDB's in the GoM but are in the normal NDB nav band like XXB 320.5kHz +/-400Hz. +/-400Hz is a normal offset for nav NDBs just not real regular for the USA where most but not all are +/-1020Hz. Canada is +400Hz with some having leakage on -400Hz. There is a 3FPA on 320 +/-400Hz that we think is a mexican oil rig as well as A8XM4 312 +/-400Hz prob mex as well. Anyway guys thanks for your help! Don
Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 16, 2013 at 23:03:36.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013
Don, thanks for the alert on the unusual NDB. Began copying it here near Chicago at local sunset today. The offsets seem to be very accurately +/- 400 Hz as you mentioned. I time the interval as 5.08 seconds at the moment. Can't DF very well but it's crudely somewhere to my South/Southwest.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
Posted by EdWSlidell, LA on November 17, 2013 at 00:41:15.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013
Hi Don and all. The 'TPN' beacon signal continues to be a good S6 at the present time., 0020UT/17 Nov., 2013.
Wherever it is, it sure seems to be strong here in SE LA.
No variation in the signal strength at all during the day.
Since it is being heard over a wide part of the country, it must have some good amount of power/a very good antenna system. I wonder whatever happened to the antenna and transmitter equipment for the 'GLS'/206KHz beacon at Galveston? I see it is deleted/x-ed over, on the aircraft section charts on-line for that area, but the symbols are still visible. Darwin Long had mentioned that he could copy both 'GLS' and 'GNI'/236KHz(LA) from way out in California. This 'TPN' beacon has about the same strength as the old 'GLS' beacon did from Galveston. And...there's a Texas Point Nwr not far away, near the mouth of the Sabine River. Nah... Ed WSlidell, LA EM50cg
Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
3FPA5 "Bicentenario" -- Dredger in Panamanian registry.
A8XM4 "Noble Bully 1" -- Dredger in Liberian registry.
Posted by Don Tomkinson on November 17, 2013 at 01:27:28.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex posted by EdWSlidell, LA on November 17, 2013
Yes, GLS 206 (2kW) + ~300ft ant was a strong nightly regular all over the country like DIW 198 and CLB 216 are. I'm in SoCal. Copied Darwin's SMV when he was out here in Simi Valley/Thousand Oaks. Looking like TPN 190 may be at the Southern Avionics Co. in Beaumont, TX. May be "burning it in" prior to shipping. Occasionally "SAC" is heard on 320kHz from there (also confirmed once by telephone). Some ships have been logged mostly in EU waters sending SAC on 320. LoL
Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex
Posted by EdWSlidell, LA on November 17, 2013 at 02:09:54.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 in GoMex posted by Don Tomkinson on November 17, 2013
Hello Don. I did go by the 'GNI' tower at Caminada Pass/Grand Isle, once when it was still on the air. It's tower must have been at least 600 ft.(if I remember the charted height), likely with a ground radial system to match, right on the salty GoMex. More recently, I've flown over the site numerous times, and there is little or no evidence that it was ever there. Not sure if it was removed prior to Katrina(likely), or if it was a victim of the storm. That was the last of the beacons still operating that could be used for calibrating a DF. The USCG has discontinued the regular marine radiobeacons some time earlier. I noticed that one of the beacons you listed earlier had the 320KHz freq. That is the normal set up for SAC beacons, along with 'SAC', and you find a lot of them which are never changed. Makes it more interesting for the helo pilots I guess. The only antenna at SAC in Beaumont, that I saw, was their 'mast' antenna, which is only about 45 ft tall, with top hat. They use a dolly with eighty-one(81) , 100pF, 10KV mica caps, arranged to give 900pF at 30KV, feeding a couple of parallelled, 10ohm, non-inductive, 1 KW resistors. This simulates one of their ~150 ft 'T' antennas. And this is what is used for the DGPS beacon transmitters. Scott in the technl. dept. said you didn't want to touch any metal in the vicinity while it was being used. Still, it's not likly that enough leakage from this, or enough radiation from the 45ft 'mast' antenna would get out to CA or IL as it is doing. Apparently, they have a license which allows them to use any frequency in the 190-530KHz range, with certain specific exclusions. Generally they use 320KHz, and it didn't look like they used the 'mast' antenna too often from the grass growing around it. Is a puzzlement. Ed WSlidell, LA EM50cg
"LC" 167.18 kHz copied in El Dorado Hills, CA
Posted by Ed on November 18, 2013 at 04:17:09.
"LC" 167.18 kHz was copied in El Dorado Hills Ca. It is sending "LC CM98GM" and about a 3-second dash, in slow CW. Gary, WB6LCW has the beacon on-the-air in Sacramento. It is great to hear a new California beacon. Good job Gary!
Re: TPN 189.6
Posted by John Davis on November 18, 2013 at 08:41:24.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 posted by Don Tomkinson on November 16, 2013
Finally got a chance to go to the field and listen tonight. Although I have no DF capability, it's a trivial matter to hear TPN in SE Kansas!!
I thought I had enough trouble with the Iceland LWBC carrier dominating the receiver when listening for LowFER 'EAR' but this one will be double trouble.
John
Re: TPN 189.6
Posted by Don Tomkinson on November 18, 2013 at 09:15:48.
In reply to Re: TPN 189.6 posted by John Davis on November 18, 2013
If it is one of Southern Avionics NDBs it will go off in a few days.
Don
MLS STATUS
Posted by Mark on November 19, 2013 at 01:02:29.
Hi all, Interesting Observation NDB's
I had to shut beacon MLS down for a couple of days because of that massive storm that came through here. No damage to the antenna and I turned the beacon back on this afternoon. It was sure strange to see lightning hits everywhere in the middle of November! MLS, 186.204, QRSS30 ***** Mark AC8CL
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 19, 2013 at 01:25:45.
While getting setup for the new LW Dx season. New rig Yaesu FT 1000D and my Pixel Pro-1B. I found both the FT1000D and the Pixel to be under performing on LW.....mainly NDB's.
I found that if I added a 20 dB post amp to my setup the performance really improved throughout LF frequencies. And by taking advantage of the Pixels low noise design and increasing the low antenna noise floor I made a interesting signal reception observation.
That is.....during the daylight,, semi-Dx NDB's are still receivable but are just whispers and have no pitch. This are raspy very low amplitude signals by ear.....much like HF backscatter.
If I hadn't used a Pixel and the post amp these would be missed no doubt.
Best Dx
Bill KB9IV
Re: MLS STATUS
Posted by John Davis on November 19, 2013 at 15:18:53.
In reply to MLS STATUS posted by Mark on November 19, 2013
Thanks for the update, Mark. I was monitoring for MLS for a while late Sunday night, after the static diminished enough to where I had decent copy of SIW, but MLS eluded me. Now I know why. ;) It'll be a few days before I can try again, but I'll be looking for you.
Joh
600m/2200m ops?
Posted by Robert W9ESX on November 20, 2013 at 17:15:18.
any one playing on these new WARC bands ?
137 KHz Decodes
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 20, 2013 at 19:46:24.
Last Evening (11-19)@0100 I was able to decode (3) 137 KHz beacons @ 5x9. They were "MP","XEB" and between these two was?? "XJ"?? Decode was showing improper sequence, unable to decode although very strong here in Mich.
Best 73
Bill KB9IV
Re: 137 KHz Decodes
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 20, 2013 at 21:49:25.
In reply to 137 KHz Decodes posted by Bill KB9IV on November 20, 2013
Bill,
That would have been Dex, WD2XKO. He realized in mid-stream that he had left his keyer set for 74 kHz operation with WG2XRS/5, so in the switchover, some confusing characters may have been sent.
John, W1TAG
Re: 600m/2200m ops?
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 20, 2013 at 21:58:03.
In reply to 600m/2200m ops? posted by Robert W9ESX on November 20, 2013
Robert,
As of now, there is no U.S. Amateur Radio operation on those bands, as the FCC has not approved anything. Canada does have 2200 meters as a ham band, and Europe and a number of countries have both bands.
However, there continues to be U.S. occupancy of both bands by Experimental licensees. I would suggest subscribing to a couple of mail lists to keep current with who is doing what on a daily basis.
Lowfer list (mostly below 600M):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/lowfer
600M list:
http://w7ekb.com/mailman/listinfo/600mrg_w7ekb.com
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: MLS STATUS
Posted by lloyd chastant on November 21, 2013 at 11:46:46.
In reply to Re: MLS STATUS posted by John Davis on November 19, 2013
Had copy last nite (11/20/13) just before bedtime WI
Lloyd W3NF FM19mh
Posted by John Davis on November 22, 2013 at 01:01:53.
Dexter McIntyre reports LowFER WI on 187.507 tonight with what appears to be QRSS30. Just a heads up! NDB Question
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 22, 2013 at 21:00:16.
Hi Group While DX'ing in LW NDB spectrum I have been receiving a few stations with a odd modulation mode. They have a ringing carrier tone and has what seems to be negative keying...(goes quiet during keying). I am unable to decode these few stations.........any idea's??
Gud Dx
Bill KB9IV
Re: NDB Question
Posted by EdWSllidell,LA on November 25, 2013 at 01:25:42.
In reply to NDB Question posted by Bill KB9IV on November 22, 2013
Hi Bill. What frequencies have you found these particular NDB's(?) operating on? Are there several of them, and what kind of signal strength do they have--in case I might try to catch one down here? And, when you say 'unable to decode' do you mean using a morse code reader to copy the 'inverted/negative keying', or just by ear? I've heard that some faulty NDB keying circuits can produce a continuous tone(400Hz/1020Hz) during key-up, and lose the tone during 'key-down'. Thanks, Ed WSlidell, LA EM50cg
Great copy on WD2XGJ last night 137KHz
Posted by Dale W4OP on November 25, 2013 at 15:41:27.
XGJ was perfect copy last night. MP also seen.
Dale W4OP
Re: NDB Question
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 26, 2013 at 01:39:51.
In reply to Re: NDB Question posted by EdWSllidell,LA on November 25, 2013
Hi Ed Tonight (11/25 @ 0100) It is on 381.57 KHz @600 Hz.
Your correct it probably is a malfunction, I think it's a Canadian NDB?
Best DX
Bill KB9IV (UP of Mich)
Fwd: Beacon JAM 187.015 kHz Holiday Schedule
Posted by Lee on November 26, 2013 at 15:38:32.
Beacon JAM 187.015 kHz will be up Wed 11/27 noon thru Mon 12/02 noon. Good DX to all.
Lee Northwest Passage
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 26, 2013 at 17:42:52.
Propagation last night for NDB's was quite long in the northerly path. My best catch @ 0400 was "UX" Halls Beach Nanavut Canada. Latitude 68.5 North. It was 5x5 with Arctic flutter. British Columbia also had numerous beacons at good levels to the UP of Mich.
I think this season is going to be great, at times. Waiting for the QRN to subside.
Best Holidays
Bill
Re: Northwest Passage
Posted by Bill KB9IV on November 26, 2013 at 17:56:31.
In reply to Northwest Passage posted by Bill KB9IV on November 26, 2013
For got to list the "UX" frequency....it is 378 KHz.
Bill
K5WMS (SK)
Posted by John Davis on November 26, 2013 at 21:39:21.
Dave Bixler, former operator of beacon MO, advised us today that Paul Daulton (K3WMS and LowFER WMS) passed away on November 7. Paul was one of our more active operators, and had been responsible for getting several others interested in the hobby. We will miss him.
John
Shopping Day HiFERs
Posted by John Davis on November 29, 2013 at 23:41:07.
Late this afternoon at the watering hole, I saw both SIW HiFERs, EH, MP (stuck right in the middle of EH), EDJ, and NC. Thought I might be seeing 7P as well, but I'm not positive. I'll have to retrieve the captures and look closer.
Conspicuous by its absence was USC, which I was also unable to see on my last trip to the field two weekends ago.
Up the dial a bit, MTI was audible most of the time and visible all of the time, but with significant fading. Similar situation with PBJ, although it was visible nearly all the time and audible only part of the time.
Even farther up the dial, the only other signal I copied for certain was GNK, and it was only audible for one or two letters at a time between the fading and codar pulses. FRC seemed to be there, but I couldn't be sure.
Will be looking for LowFERs after supper.
John
Re: NDB Question
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 30, 2013 at 03:11:12.
In reply to Re: NDB Question posted by Bill KB9IV on November 26, 2013
Hi Bill. Been trying to listen to the 381KHz region, to see what is audible down here. A couple of days ago the atmospheric noise made it very difficult to ID the staions in that region. Yesteday(29 Nov. UT) was better, and there were a large number coming and going with time. The closest thing I noticed was "YPL" on about 382KHz, which has the DAID dash tone after ID. Another around 380 KHz has intermittent ID characters, with 'GY", "TCY", and "UGY" occurring, varying with loss of the code elements with each ID. All total, YPL, APT, DXB, BBD(with long dash on the "D" character), SP, UMB, and the UGY(?) ID were being heard around 381 KHz. Also some strong atmospheric crashes from time to time. The Vaisala site only shows 61 counts tonight(30 Nov.UT). I did notice something unusual(0200-0300UT) on the WX radar out of Daytona--a "V" shaped 'wake' starting from the C. Canaveral area, and proceeing out into the Atlantic further than radar goes normally. Possibly a missile launch from the space center. Shows up well on the Composite and Long Range radar views. Only lightning down in the Bahamas and well to the south of there. Will be looking further for the station you mentioned, and with the quiet conditions I may hear some of the Canadian ones. Ed WSlidell, LA EM50cg
potrzebie