Additional 20 M FT8 frequencies for DXpeditions & general DX use
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The question has been posed as to the best frequencies for DXpeditions while
operating the FT8 mode.
Lets focus on 20 Meters, which will probably be the most heavily used DX band
as we approach the bottom of the solar cycle.
>From the IARU Region 1,2 & 3 Bandplan documents:
IARU Region 1:
14 060 – 14 070 (200 Hz BW) CW,
14 060 kHz – QRP Centre of Activity
14 070 – 14 089 (500 Hz BW) - Narrow band modes – digimodes
14 089 – 14 099 (500 Hz BW) -Narrow band modes - digimodes automatically
controlled data stations (unattended)
14 099 – 14 101 - IBP, exclusively for beacons
14 101 – 14 112 (2700 Hz BW) - All modes – digimodes, automatically controlled
data stations (unattended)
14 112 – 14 125 (2700 Hz BW) All modes
* * * * **
IARU Region 2:
14060-14090 (500Hz BW) - ALL MODES, DIGIMODES
14100.5-14125 (2700Hz BW) - ALL MODES, FAST DIGIMODES, AUTOMATIC
IARU Region 3:
Considering the dramatic increase in data mode usage on the 20 meter band, it
is recommended that the sub-band for
these classes of signals be 14.070 MHz to 14.112 MHz (with +/- 500 Hz at 14.100
MHz for beacons), and within that
data sub-band the current practices of traditional data modes may continue up
to 14.095 MHz with 14.095 to 14.112 MHz
being reserved for other data modes including Packet.
- - - - - - -
In IARU Regions 1 & 2, both indicate ALL modes up to 14.125 MHz. Only in Region
3 are the digital modes recommended
between 14.070 and 14.112 MHz.
For major DXpeditions in Regions 1 & 2 is there any reason why frequencies
above 14.112 MHz can't be used for the FT8 mode by
DXpeditions or for FT8 DXing in general? It has been less that 2 months since
WSJT-X software with the FT8 mode has been made available to the general Ham
population. But already the frequency range between 14074.2 and 14076.4 KHz is
very often packed with hundreds of stations simultaniously using that small
segment. And the congestion will only get worse in the months to come,
especially when DXpeditions start using the new digital mode.
I would strongly suggest that serious consideration be given for the use the
FT8 mode on 20 Meter frequencies between
14.112 and 14.125 MHz.
73,
Rich - K1HTV
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