Subj : Newsline Part 1
To : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Feb 10 2017 07:57 am
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2050 for Friday, February 10, 2017
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2050 with a release date of Friday,
February 10, 2017 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Hams test drive an experimental band in the U.S.
Young amateurs prepare for School Club Roundup -- and we hear from the
winner of the Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure's essay competition. All
this and more, as Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2050, comes your way
right now.
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BILLBOARD CART
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TAKING 630 METERS FOR A TEST DRIVE
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We open this week's report with an update on a ham band
that is still experimental -- at least in the U.S. Until 630 meters
becomes mainstream in the States as it is so many places elsewhere in
the world, there are always events like the Mid-Winter 630-meter
Operating Activity. Here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Skeeter Nash, N5ASH,
with the details of the second such event, held earlier this month.
SKEETER: Conditions on 630 meters were average, according to Fritz Raab
W1FR, coordinator of the ARRL'S 630 Meter Experimental group, but he
told Amateur Radio Newsline that participants enjoyed the second annual
mid-winter activity on the band.
According to a summary from John Langridge, KB5NJD, WSPR activity was at
an all-time high, and there were abundant trans-Pacific openings.
Canadian stations were eager participants as well on their newest band
although hams in British Columbia had complications from snow and ice
conditions. A number of stations were also active using CW and JT9.
Raab had said previously that as the solar cycle has gone into decline,
MF propagation has improved, especially in the paths to VK and JA.
Now it is a matter of waiting. Countries permitting 630-meter band
operation include Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand, Finland, Canada,
Poland, and Bulgaria. Raab said hams in the U.S. have been hoping for
the FCC to permit normal operation on 472 kHz to 479 kHz since 2004,
and so they are accustomed to sitting things out. We hope their patience
pays off.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Skeeter Nash, N5ASH.
