[UK-CONTEST] WAE CW and Bandplans

[Dennis Andrews, F5VHY]

Some of the implications of the new bandplans, which became active on 29th March 2009, are now coming to light and one has to wonder just how many of the delegates at the Conference where these were agreed were actually active hams and contesters. The complexity of the plans are just mind boggling and the likelihood of them being respected or adhered to must be somewhat remote.

In the rules for WAE CW, DARC have interpreted these 'recommendations' as 'regulations' and banned contest QSOs outside the segment 7000-7025. Cue Chaos! Apart from anything else, this means that the only QSos with USA will be restricted to Extra Class licensees - as it is only they who can operate below '025 - or will crossband CW contacts be permitted?

No doubt, when we get to CQWW CW in November, there will be a chorus of condemnation against those, which will undoubtedly include me, who will be following their normal mode of operation and operating well up towards 7100!

73 de Dennis - F5VHY.


     7 MHz (40m) Necessary UK Usage  
       Bandwidth    
     7,000-7,025 kHz 200 Hz Telegraphy, Contest Preferred Segment  
     7,025-7,040 200 Hz Telegraphy. 7,030 kHz - QRP Centre of Activity   
     7,040-7,047 500 Hz Narrow band modes  
     7,047-7,050 500 Hz Narrow band modes, automatically controlled data stations (unattended)   
     7,050-7,053 2.7 kHz All modes, automatically controlled data stations (unattended), (Note 1)  
     7,053-7,060 2.7 kHz All modes, digimodes  
     7,060-7,100 2.7 kHz All modes, digital voice 7070kHz, SSB QRP Centre of Activity 7090 kHz, SSB Contest Preferred Segment  
     7,100-7,130 2.7 kHz All modes, 7,110kHz - Region 1 Emergency Centre of Activiity.  
     7,130-7,200 2.7 kHz All modes, SSB Contest Preferred Segment, 7,165kHz - Image Centre of Activity  
     7,175-7,200 2.7 kHz All modes, priority for intercontinental operation  
     Note 1. Lowest LSB carrier frequency (dial setting) should be 7,053 kHz.   
           
     LICENCE NOTES: 7,000-7,100 kHz Amateur and Amateur Satellite Service - Primary User.   
                                     7,100-7,200 kHz Amateur Service - Primary User.