Topband: The use of digital modes on 160 metres

[Eddy Swynar]

On 2012-09-16, at 3:25 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:

> 
> Our region sets digital modes as 1800-1810.
> 


Good Day All,

This is related to the ongoing discussion in a very limited way, but it still warrants the attention of regular users of Topband, IMHO---in fact, it may actually even be of interest to a few of you reading this...

Specifically, every year The Antique Wireless Association (NY, USA) sponsors the "Bruce Kelley 1929 QSO Party" for two weekends in late autumn: this year marks the first time that 160-meters will be added to the existing 80- and 40-meter bands of activity. Details may be seen at http://www.antiquewireless.org/pdf/AWA_2012-2013_Event_Schedule.pdf 

The gist of the event is simply this: members dust off any available 1929 (and earlier) active devices---also known as "tubes"(!)---and incorporate them into homebrewed, self-excited transmitters, with a maximum limit of 10-watts input (double that, optional, after midnight). 

The conflict with the ARRL 160-Meter Contest on 30th November - 2nd December (the first weekend of the AWA Party) doubtlessly means that the bulk of the AWA doings will take place during the second scheduled weekend, i.e. 8th December (2300Z) - 9th December (2300Z). I have strongly recommended to the powers-that-be at AWA that any & all AWA participants  at that time limit themselves just to the 1800- to 1810-KHz "window", so as not to tread upon the toes of those who participate in what I consider to be THE major activity on the band from 1810- to 1840-KHz, i.e. CW DX'ing. Hopefully this will, indeed, be the case, and all will be well both for the DX crowd, as well as those aficiandos of QRP chirping / yooping / buzzing CW emanations...!

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ