If I might inject a suggestion/observation:
If you are looking for 0 to 100km 100% reliable propagation it is to
be found on 600 meters!
I ran tests all summer long in 2012 on 495-KHz CW running 100w into
an inverted-L and was copied at 30-35 dB SNR any time we tried over a
70mi path. That is 6 s-units over noise! Ran weekly sked at local
noon all summer long (when we have 19-hours daylight).
BTW my ERP < 1w due to inefficiency of the small antenna at that
frequency (less than 1/10 wavelength vertical). I am using a
modified NDB 100w transmitter which drives with 0.1mw in place of the xtal LO.
But do not expect that SSB or wide-band digital modes will be
permitted once a ham band is established at 472-479 KHz (630m
band). Only narrow band modes like CW will be permitted in such a
narrow band (7-KHz wide). 1-Hz frequency accuracy/stability will
also be required (easily done with the K3EXREF).
My antenna is a 43-foot high by 122-foot long inverted-L with HB
loading coil at ground end. Receiving station had KAY loop
antennas. My noise floor is S3 to S5 at 600m using the Invert-L.
Now the pertinence to Elecraft: The K3s and K3 with new synth board
can operate at these frequencies (also requires the new general
coverage filter). Output is 1mw but this is quite capable for
driving amps with addition of a couple buffer stages. In general
100w => ERP 5w and 20w => ERP 1w with short verticals.
During the winter longer paths have worked (K6 to VK). Summer
conditions at temperate latitudes are subject to a lot of lightning
noise. Similar to 160m except more reliable for short range.
73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: 60m band - usual communication range
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
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I use 60m occasionally and I don't think it is "reliable" 24/7.
especially for only a 100km radius. 60 tends to go long in the
evenings. It works well as one tool in a toolbox with several tools.
But I think it shines for longer distances than 100km. As others have
said, it's better than 80 during the daytime and better than 40 in the
evenings for short distance. But don't be surprised if 400 miles (600
km) is the closest you can work some evenings.
I would also suggest higher power to help with poor propagation and/or
summer QRN.
Ken WA8JXM
73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[email protected]
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