[TowerTalk] 80 meter buzz QSY's - From the ARRL Letter

Guy Olinger, K2AV k2av@contesting.com
Fri, 15 Oct 1999 21:18:08 -0400


>From the ARRL Letter, Vol 18, No 41

------------------------------------------------------------

HF "INTRUDER" APPARENTLY BUZZES OFF

The loud 125-Hz buzz that plagued 80 and 75-meter operators for several
weeks reportedly has moved outside the amateur bands. The ARRL Monitoring
System had requested FCC assistance in tracking down the harmful
interference, which has been audible primarily in the US Northeast.

According to a reliable source who did not wish to be identified, the
transmissions heard on 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7 MHz emanated from high-power HF
radar transmitters being operated by the Canadian military from
Newfoundland. The operation reportedly had the blessing of Industry
Canada--the Canadian equivalent of the FCC--and hams in Newfoundland also
were said to have been informed.

The "buzz" is said to have come from two HF over-the-surface radar test
stations in Newfoundland that have been conducting tests with the Canadian
military. Those tests reportedly continue, but on other frequencies. The
radars--with a bandwidth of approximately 20 kHz--are said to be used to
detect vessels and icebergs. The tests reportedly are being done to
determine the optimum frequency for coverage.

Amateur Radio concerns about the signal were relayed to those in charge of
the military HF radar operation.

IARU Region 2 Monitoring System Coordinator Martin Potter, VE3OAT, has been
unable so far to officially confirm the accounts but said it does appear
that the signal is gone from 80 meters. Potter said that "while there are
many buzzes and burps on our bands," the buzz on 80 has not been spotted in
recent days. Potter says that since October 7, the distinctive signal has
been on the air mostly on 3.3 MHz, twice on 3.2 MHz, and once on 4.1
MHz--simultaneous with 3.3 MHz "indicating more than one transmitter," he
said.

Potter credited amateur complaints with prompting the move. "It seems likely
that the volume of complaints and the high technical quality of many of the
reports had a positive impact on the government and corporate officers who
received them," he speculated.

Recent news reports concerning the 80-meter buzz generated a flurry of
informal reports from hams in various parts of the US and at least one in
Europe to ARRL Intruder Watch Coordinator Tom Hogerty, KC1J. Some said
they'd heard the "buzz saw" on bands other than 80 meters, although the
Newfoundland transmitters reportedly are not licensed to operate on
frequencies higher than the vicinity of 80 meters.

The individual familiar with the Newfoundland experiments reported being
told that there are a "significant" number of HF radars under development
around the world and conceded that it's possible that hams are hearing
similar signals from more than one of these other sources.

Additional reports and observations are welcome to ARRL Monitoring System
Administrator Tom Hogerty, KC1J, thogerty@arrl.org.


------------- End Quote from ARRL Letter --------------

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73, Guy
k2av@contesting.com
Apex, NC, USA



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