Topband: CQ 160 DX and ARRL SSB contests and band plan

[Jon Zaimes AA1K]

With the CQ WW 160 meter contest this weekend, and the ARRL DX SSB contest next weekend, it is worth a reminder that the ARRL band plan for 160 calls for SSB operation only from 1843-2000 kHz.

Most active Topband DXers and contesters have been abiding by the plan, not transmitting below 1843 kHz. 

DX stations should be advised that if they operate transceive below 1843 kHz they will be missing out on many, many good multipliers from the USA (including this one from Delaware). 

Last year I had good runs of Europeans well above 1900 kHz -- even as high as 1995 kHz, far from the madding crowd down the band. So there is plenty of room to spread out up there.

Good luck to all, and thanks for your cooperation.

73/Jon AA1K

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bandplan.html#160m