9A - Croatia on 60 meters by Zeljko, 9A2EY

Hello,

On the Friday, 24 th November 2017 the Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM) published  in a Official gazette (Narodne Novine) No 116/2017  changes to the rules on amateur radio communications in the Republic of Croatia.
According to this changes  Croatian radio amateurs now have access to the  WRC-15 60m amateur secondary allocation of 5351.5 – 5366.5 kHz under ITU Footnote 5.133B - i.e. with 15W EIRP.

According to the Official gazette notice, these changes come into force 8 days following its publication, so we should expect more Croatian stations after 02.12.2017.

The changes in the rules for amateur radio in the Republic of Croatia can be found on the following web address: https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2017_11_116_2690.html

I would like to express my great gratitude to HAKOM, because in the last few years they has issued a temporary one-year licenses for 60 meters to Croatian radio amateurs.

(Many thanks to Zeljko, 9A2EY for info!)

As one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations and blessed with year-round sun, Croatia’s historic towns and idyllic islands have a wealth of natural attractions to offer. From rolling vineyards to sweeping coastal cliffs, here are 10 of the most beautiful places in Croatia to add to your itinerary.

1. Dubrovnik

With its imposing sea walls overlooked by the imposing Lovrijenac fortress, mass of terracotta-colored rooftops and dramatic cliff top location, the self-proclaimed ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ is one of Croatia’s most visited destinations. For the best views, catch the cable car to the peak of nearby Mount Srd or take a scenic walk along the City Walls, then take in the highlights of Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, known for its shimmering marble streets, grand baroque churches and magnificent 16th century Sponza Palace.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

A natural wilderness of azure lakes, tumbling waterfalls and forested mountains, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most celebrated National Parks and UNESCO Natural Heritage sites. Take a hike around the 16 interconnected lakes, learn about the naturally formed travertine dams and keep your eyes peeled for brown bear and lynx prowling through the woodlands.

3. Zagorje Region

Stretching north of Zagreb to the Slovenian border, the picturesque Zagorje region is dotted with medieval castles, hilltop vineyards and thermal springs. Explore the historic town of Krapina, tour the traditional wine taverns, visit the fairy-tale Trakošćan Castle or take a hike through the scenic highlands.

4.Makarska

Half way between Dubrovnik and Split, Makarska makes a popular stop on cruises around Croatia, with its lively beaches and colorful harbor set against the craggy peak of Mount Biokovo. It might be a quieter choice than its neighbors, but there’s still plenty to do in Makarska — make the most of the family-friendly beaches, celebrate Croatia’s swashbuckling past at the Pirate Festival in nearby Omis or hop on the ferry to Brač Island.

5. Mljet National Park

One of Croatia’s southernmost islands, Mljet Island and its eponymous National Park are well worth the journey. An expanse of greenery, punctuated by glittering saltwater lakes, dense pine forests and shaded lagoons, Mljet is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. Once you’ve tackled the many hiking and biking trails, enjoy kayaking on the lake, discover the eerie Odysseus’s cave or go wreck diving off the coast.

6. Split

Another top attraction of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia’s second-largest city is a major port and an important starting point for island-hopping cruises and day trips. The magnificent UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace is the city’s top attraction, but there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in Split with white water rafting, rock climbing and sailing tours all available.

7. Peljesac Peninsula

A slim headland stretching from the mainland to Korcula Island, the Pelješac peninsula is renowned as one of Croatia’s top wine tasting regions, producing acclaimed varieties like Dingac and Postup. Once you’ve explored the region’s traditional wineries, tuck into local oysters and mussels in Mali Ston, catch some waves in the windsurfing hotspot of Viganj or scale the summit of the looming Sveti Ilija Mountain.

8. Rovinj

The star attraction of the northern Istrian peninsula, the traditional fishing village of Rovinj entices a steady stream of travelers up the coast. Laid-back and effortlessly charming, Rovinj is a world away from the bustling resorts of the south, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get bored - discover the verdant islands of the Rovinj archipelago, hike through the woodlands of the Golden Cape or seek out a little known sunbathing spot along the coast.

9. Zagreb

The elegant Croatian capital often loses out to the coastal resorts, but the medieval alleyways and sprawling parklands of Zagreb are worth a detour inland. Check out the city’s top museums, take a stroll around the scenic Lenuci’s Horseshoe, ride the funicular up to the Old Town of Gornji Grad, or escape the capital for the lush highlands of the Zagorje region.

10. Kornati islands

The Adriatic coast is littered with islands, but for the best scuba diving in Croatia head to the Kornati Islands National Park, a rocky archipelago of over 140 islands, where you’ll find acres of uninhabited land, colorful reefs and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Miss Croatia, Barbara Filipovic

Dubrovnik’s most popular beach—which draws in so many tourists due to its proximity to the Old Town—made it onto our list thanks to its scenic views of the city’s walls, variety of water sports and beach activities, as well as the abundance of dining and drinking options. At some point, most visitors are likely to wind up at Banje Beach Restaurant, Lounge, and Club—which can get quite touristy (it even turns into a night club after dark)—but remains a consistent option for good food, tasty cocktails, and a killer view. If you’re looking for something a little more formal—or a little less crowded. head to nearby Restaurant Horizont, which turns out fresh, first-rate Croatian fare in a quaint, medieval setting.

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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60m DX update 11-28-17 by Joe, W8GEX

Upcoming DXpeditions:

Namibia V51W for three weeks until about Dec. 15

3D2AG will sign 3D2AG/p Feb. 16 to Mar. 23

3D2EU - Rotuma: 3D2EU Feb. 23 to Mar. 16
                                
3Y0 - BOUVET ISLAND: From their website:

The January-February, 2018 3Y0Z Bouvet Island DXpedition team has posted a propagation page on their website
(http://www.bouvetdx.org). 

It has videos showing propagation predictions for that early 2018 timeframe. The tab for the propagation is in the header menu. You can choose time, frequency and signal strength for your QTH. This is based on the average sunspot numbers forecast for January, 2018.

(Thanks to Joe, W8GEX)


73 - Petr, OK1RP

Argentine radio hams get 5 MHz band - by LU4AA

Hi all,

The Radio Club Argentino, IARU Member Society has succeeded with its petition to their local communications authorities gaining 60m band.

The new allocations are the final result of efforts made by the RCA during its participation in the preparatory meetings of WRC ’07, ’12 and ’15; and will be effective in 90 days.

New 60m WRC-15 allocation:
5351.5 – 5366.5 kHz

73 de LU4AA
Radio Club Argentino
http://www.lu4aa.org


Argentina is a vast country located in the southern part of South America. The eighth largest country in the world, it is the second largest country in South America after Brazil, and it's about one-third the size of the United States. Argentina is bordered by the Andes Mountains and Chile to the west.

To the east of the Andes, the interior of the country is flat, fertile grassland called the Pampas. The eastern border of the country is the Atlantic Ocean. Bolivia is to the northwest and Paraguay is to the north. The high mountain spine of the Andes, called the Andes Cordillera, creates a natural 3,195-mile (5,141.9-kilometer) border with Chile.
 
The country is divided into four regions: The Andes, the North, the Pampas, and Patagonia. The Pampas is the agricultural heartland.

Argentina is rich in animal species. The coast of Patagonia is home to elephant seals, fur seals, penguins, and sea lions. The waters off the Atlantic are home to sharks, orcas, dolphins, and salmon.
 
In the north, there are many large cat species such as the cougar, jaguar, and the ocelot. There are also crocodiles and caiman. Flamingos, toucans, turtles, and tortoises also live in the subtropical north.
 

Patagonia is a sparsely populated area rich in natural resources and wildlife, including herons, condors, pumas, tortoises, and guanacos.
 
The highest mountain in the Andes range is the Cerro Aconcagua, which peaks at 22,384 feet (6,960 meters). Northeast Argentina features rain forests and Iguazù Falls. These spectacular falls, on Argentina's border with Brazil, descend along a 1.6-mile (2.7-kilometer) front in a horseshoe shape.

Unlike Mexico and South American countries such as Peru and Ecuador, Argentina has fewer native people and a large population, which came from Europe. The population is comprised as much as 95% of people of European descent, mostly from Italy, Spain, and Germany. Much of the native population died from diseases brought in by Europeans.

Nearly half of the population lives in the area around Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has been called the "Paris of South America," because of the European influences.


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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ARLB019 Communication Interoperability Training w/Amateur Radio Communicty Set

Reported by Murray K3BEQ:

"SB QST @ ARL $ARLB019
ARLB019 Communications Interoperability Training with Amateur Radio Community Set

ZCZC AG19
QST de W1AW 
ARRL Bulletin 19 ARLB019
From ARRL Headquarters 
Newington CT October 24, 2017
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB019
ARLB019 Communications Interoperability Training with Amateur Radio Community Set

Elements of the US Department of Defense (DOD) will conduct a "communications interoperability" training exercise November 4-6, once again simulating a "very bad day" scenario. Amateur Radio and MARS organizations will take part.

"This exercise will begin with a national massive coronal mass ejection event which will impact the national power grid as well as all forms of traditional communication, including landline telephone, cellphone, satellite, and Internet connectivity," Army MARS Program Manager Paul English, WD8DBY, explained in an announcement.

During the exercise, a designated DOD Headquarters entity will request county-by-county status reports for the 3,143 US counties and county equivalents, in order to gain situational awareness and to determine the extent of impact of the scenario. Army and Air Force MARS organizations will work in conjunction with the Amateur Radio community, primarily on the 60-meter interoperability channels as well as on HF NVIS frequencies and local VHF and UHF, non-Internet linked Amateur Radio repeaters.

Again this year, a military station on the east coast and the Fort Huachuca, Arizona, HF station will conduct a high-power broadcast on 60-meter channel 1 (5330.5 kHz) on Saturday from 0300 to 0315 UTC.

New this year will be an informational broadcast on Sunday, on 13483.5 kHz USB from 1600 to 1615 UTC. Amateur Radio operators should monitor these broadcasts for more information about the exercise and how they can participate in this communications exercise, English said.

"We want to continue building on the outstanding cooperative working relationship with the ARRL and the Amateur Radio community," English said. "We want to expand the use of the 60-meter interop channels between the military and amateur community for emergency communications, and we hope the Amateur Radio community will give us some good feedback on the use of both the 5-MHz interop and the new 13-MHz broadcast channels as a means of information dissemination during a very bad day scenario."

Contact Paul English for more information or questions about this exercise via email at, mars.exercises@gmail.com . NNNN /EX"

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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Latest 60m band Newsletter by Joe, W8GEX - update 10-18-2017

Hi all,

latest 60m band Newsletter, update 10-18-2017 by Joe, W8GEX is available here:


http://60metersonline.com/newsletter.html


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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Upcoming DXpeditions...

Hi all,

there are the upcoming DXpeditions possible to find them also on 60m...

CT9 - Madeira island Sept 17 -27

Burkina Faso - XT2AW BY DF2WO, Sept. 29, to Oct. 30. QSL to M0OXO

H40 - TEMOTU PROVINCE H40GC Sept 30, to Oct. 30

KG4 - Guantanamo Bay Oct 6 for 2 weeks

3Y0 - BOUVET ISLAND: From their website

The January-February, 2018 3Y0Z Bouvet Island DXpedition team has posted a propagation page on their website (http://www.bouvetdx.org). It has videos showing propagation predictions for that early 2018 timeframe. The tab for the propagation is in the header menu. You can choose time, frequency and signal strength for your QTH. This is based on the average sunspot numbers forecast for January, 2018.

More information can be found here by Joe, W8GEX.


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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ARES Teams in Three West Central Florida Section Counties Ready to Support Shelters

ARES Teams in Three West Central Florida Section Counties Ready to Support Shelters

As Hurricane Irma moves closer to the Florida Peninsula, ARRL West Central Florida Section Manager Darrell Davis, KT4WX, reports that Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams have been requested to provide communication support at evacuation shelters in Highlands, Hillsborough, and Polk counties.

“Other counties in the West Central Florida Section are considering shelter operations,” Davis said. “Therefore, in support of these activations or planned activations, West Central Florida Section ARES is going to a Level 2 activation to provide any needed support for these activations, either current or planned.”

As of 1500 UTC, Hurricane Irma was about 75 miles east-northeast of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and about 120 miles southeast of Grand Turk Island. Maximum sustained winds have abated somewhat to 175 MPH. The storms present movement is west-northwest at 16 MPH.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC), has issued a hurricane watch for the Florida peninsula from Jupiter Inlet southward and around the peninsula to Bonita Beach, including the Florida Keys, Lake Okeechobee, and Florida Bay. A storm surge watch has been issued for the Florida peninsula from Jupiter Inlet southward and around the peninsula to Bonita Beach, including the Florida Keys.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds — conditions that make outdoor preparations difficult or dangerous.
Davis called on all ARES, ACS, and CERT personnel to continue closely monitoring National Hurricane Center advisories on Hurricane Irma and to be in communication with their respective leadership, in case their assistance with communication support is needed.

Davis said a special session of the ARRL West Central Florida Section ARES Net was being planned.
Source:ARRL

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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Carribean Emergency Response – Update [ IARU ]

Carribean Emergency Response – Update [ IARU ]

Hurricane Irma is currently progressing through the USA state of Florida and Hurricane Jose is still threatening the Carribean. At the same time Mexico is still dealing with the after effects of the Earthquake which affected that country earlier this week and the remains of Hurricane Katia. To add to the problems, an X8.2 solar flare is causing a major HF blackout in the Americas which will potentially affect communications until Monday (UTC).
As Hurricane Irma progresses through Florida there will be more HF frequencies in use by local ARES groups but these will lie mostly outside the IARU Region 1 band allocations ( West Central Florida planning to use 3940, 3950 and 7247 kHz for example ). More information on this should come from the ARRL .
Updates to frequencies in use are;


Mexico
7060 and 7080 kHz to deal with the Earthquake and Hurricane Katia


St. Maarten
14290 and 7190 kHz ( Voice or PACTOR )


US Wide Area traffic handling
14115, 7115 and if necessary 10115 kHz ( all CW )


Carribean Emergency and Weather Net ( CEWN )
3815, 7188 and possibly 7162 kHz


FNRASEC in France are reaching out to French speaking areas in the Carribean on 14132kHz.


As Irma moves away from the Carribean islands, Radio Amateurs are entering the area to help. The Red Cross asked for assistance on Sint Maarten where communications had been badly affected. Tom Braam PJ2DD volunteered for this task and left September 8th on one of the first relief flights to Sint Maarten with a Pactor HF station and 9 VHF/UHF handheld radios to start providing communications. Frequencies in use are as above.
Enquiries about persons in the affected areas should be referred to the various Red Cross websites set up for this purpose. ‘Welfare’ messages from outside the area are not expected to be handled for at least three days, with thousands of displaced people, locating them for message delivery is difficult.
As always, please listen carefully and avoid causing QRM to frequencies in use for distress and emergency traffic. The operators in the affected areas already have a difficult job, please give them as much room as possible to work.
Source:IARU

http://www.tcpalm.com/story/weather/hurricanes/2017/09/10/responsibility-large-but-rewarding-indian-river-county-ham-radio-operators/651819001/

http://qrznow.com/ae4fh-checking-into-the-hurricane-watch-net-and-giving-a-report/

As we are worrying about all of our mates from Caribbean isles and close to FLA, GA... please let us know how you survived Irma hurricanes and if you and relates are ok!

Please let me/us know if we can help somehow! Do not hesitate to ask for help or support by email or ham radio...!


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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FEMA Announces Regions that Could Activate on 60-Meters for Hurricane Irma !

FEMA Announces Regions that Could Activate on 60-Meters for Hurricane Irma

The below listed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regions, including call signs, could be activating the 5 MHz/60-meter band frequencies in support of a possible response to Hurricane Irma on September 5.

• Region 1 — KF1EMA
• Region 2 — KF2EMA (includes Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands)
• Region 3 — KF3EMA
• Region 4 — KF4EMA
• Region 6 — KF6EMA
• Maynard MERS — NF1EMA
• Thomasville MERS — NF4EMA
• Denton MERS — NF6EMA
  

The following suppressed-carrier reference frequencies, also known as dial frequencies or window frequencies, 5330.5 kHz, 5346.5 kHz, 5357.0 kHz, 5371.5 kHz, and 5403.5 kHz, may be used as part of the event. FEMA POC:

KG4BIR, FEMA Spectrum Manager, (540) 272-4605.


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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5Z - Kenya gets 5275 – 5450 kHz allocation at 400W PEP!

Hi all,

following a request from the Radio Society of Kenya (RSK), Kenya state radio regulator, CAK (Communications Authority Kenya) advised the RSK that a new 60m allocation has been granted between 5275 kHz and 5450 kHz on a secondary basis. All modes are permitted with a maximum power of 400W PEP.

Tnx: Paul, G4MWO, 5Z4XB, 5Z4NU, VK3XXX, CAK

Kenya National Frequency Allocation Table (p.52)http://www.ca.go.ke/images/downloads/FrequencySpectrum/NationalFrequencyAllocation/The_National_Table_of_Frequency_Allocation_2017.pdf

Kenya is considered by many to be the safari epicentre of the world as the country contains some of the greatest varieties and concentrations of wildlife on Earth. Kenya hosts the “Big Five” which consists of the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard. The “Big Five” was a term coined by hunters to encompass the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt as well as the most desired trophies.

Nature

UNESCO has listed three Natural World Heritage Sites in Kenya, they are Mount Kenya National Park, Mijikenda Kaya Forests and Lake Turkana National Park. Along with these World Heritage Sites are over fifty national parks and reserves that account for more than 17,000 square miles or 8% of Kenya’s total landmass. These areas include many different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, savannahs, marine and arid and semi-arid regions. There are 23 terrestrial national parks, 28 terrestrial national reserves, 4 marine national parks, 6 marine national reserves and 4 national sanctuaries. Parks offer complete protection of natural resources and the only activities within them are for tourism and research while reserves allow certain human activities under specific conditions (ie. fishing in a marine reserve).

Along with the designated parks and reserves, Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) also maintain a further 100+ field stations and outposts outside of the protected areas. These are incredibly important because much of Kenya’s wildlife lives outside of protected areas as they are not fully fenced. Wildlife therefore moves in and out looking for new pastures and water throughout the year. This can cause problems as the wildlife sometimes has interactions with people on private and community lands. To aid this, Kenya Wildlife Services works with communities to educate them on the effects of human/wildlife conflicts and to prevent such conflicts in the future. The main goals of the KWS are to enhance wildlife and visitor security, to minimise human/wildlife conflicts, to support community conservation initiatives and to complete research.

Wildlife

Kenya is famous for the Great Migration which witnesses millions of animals travelling through the Maasai Mara Reserve to the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. It is estimated that around 1.3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 18,000 eland antelope make the journey annually. Over 250,000 wildebeest die each year as a result of drowning, from general weakness, attacks by predators or from injury due to the stampede. Despite this massive loss, there are still nearly 400,000 calves born each year. The Mara River is considered to be one of the best places to truly experience the Great Migration in action.

Apart from the “Big Five”, Kenya is also home to gazelles, impalas, antelope, zebras, wildebeest, waterbucks and Maasai giraffes. Cat families include cheetahs, the smaller serval, civets and the caracal. Primates in Kenya include olive and yellow baboons as well as colobus, vervet and golden monkeys.

More than 1,135 bird species inhabit the country including the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and one of the smallest, the sun bird. Interestingly, Kenya also hosts the “Little Five” which is made up of the ant lion, the elephant shrew, the rhinoceros beetle, the buffalo weaver and the leopard tortoise.

The entire World has the impession that Kenya is dominated by violence. The truth is different. Lets show the world their Beauties of Kenya … and they have many of them...


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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ES - Estonia on 60m band By Arvo, ES1CW

Hello,

The 60m will became available in regular basis to Estonian (ES) class A and B amateurs on September 1st 2017 by local time (= 21 UTC Aug 31’ 2017). Band segment and max allowed power according by the last ITU rules: 5351,5 to 5366,5 kHz, max 15W EIRP. We have possibilities to use also freq segment 5370-5450kHz with max power 20dBW (100W) TX output but unfortunately so far only on special permission base and only for local rescue communication.

De Arvo/ES1CW, c/o ES9HQ

(Tnx info Joe, W8GEX)

Estonia is a dreamland for nature lovers. This is the place where the land meets the sea, bogs are interspersed with virgin forest, fields  and rivers and lakes. Estonia might easily be called the kingdom of bogs  since approximately one quarter of the country is covered in marshes. From any point on Estonia’s mainland, the nearest marsh is al-ways less than 10 km away.

Altogether, five national parks and hundreds of other preserves have been established to maintain nature’s unique value. Estonia is considered one of the world’s best bird-watching destinations due to its prime fly-way location. We have low human population, empty roads and good infrastructure. It should be also noted that Estonia’s low population density offers nature-loving adventurers plenty of space to themselves. The mobile telephone and internet reception found all over the country enables communication with the rest of the world in the most remote locations: isolated beaches or deep in the forest.

Our nature offers yearlong opportunity for nature watching. Temperate climate rules here between the continental and maritime climate, a diagonal line between the limestone-base and the slightly poorer sandstone, in addition we also lie on the Southern border of the coniferous forest zone.

 Kristina Karjalainen "Miss Estonia Universe 2013

Estonia has untouched beaches, more than 1,000 small islands, heritage landscapes, primeval forests, swamps, bogs, winding rivers with natural riverbeds which are all habitats for many rare species of animals and birds.

Estonia is situated on the East-Atlantic migratory path of Arctic waterfowls, every year millions of waterfowls travel through our coastal waters. What is more, our western taiga forests are especially rich in species. Estonia is, for example, one of the few countries in Europe where it is possible to observe eight different species of woodpeckers. In addition to that, you can meet a lot of galliformes here e.g. the Hazel Grouse, the Capercaillie, and the Grouse.

A lot of such species that cannot be found anywhere else still inhabit our forests. For example, the flying squirrel who can only be seen in Estonia and Sweden. Our forests are made even more fascinating by the mammals living here e.g. lynx, wolf and bear. The lynx and the wolf can be seen during any season but the best period for bear, beaver and elk-watching is from April to September.
Our coastal and wooded meadows are no less important than the forests. It is common to see such plants in these places that have become extinct or rare in the rest of Europe. For example, 76 species of vascular plants were counted in the summer of 2000 on the wooded meadow of Laelatu. This makes Laelatu special in the whole world and it is also a record in North-Europe.


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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Canada proposes to add 5 MHz and to keep five existing domestic channels !

Canada proposes to add 5 MHz and to keep five existing domestic channels

The Government of Canada has just released a consultation document to implement the changes from World Radio Conference 2015 (WRC-15) including 60 metres. Note that these are in addition to continuing the domestic allocation of five channels congruent with the United States.

The announcement was made in Gazette Notice SMSE-005-17 which can be found at:http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf11254.html

The consultation document “Proposed Revisions to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations (2017 edition)” is available at: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf11306.html

The consultation is the first step in the process for regulatory changes. After the 60-day period, responses are tabulated, made public and the regulator Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) then determines how to proceed – with no fixed schedule it can be months or much longer.

Please note that even when these are added to the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations, until RBR-4 – Standards for the Operation of Radio Stations in the Amateur Radio Service RBR-4 (regulations for Amateur Radio) is updated to include them, they would not available for Amateur use.

I hope this may be helpful to us to use as an example to other International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 countries to convince them to both keep any existing 60m domestic allocation and add the ITU allocation as well.

73, George Gorsline, VE3YV
RAC International Affairs Officer
International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 Director Area A

http://wp.rac.ca/proposed-revisions-to-the-canadian-table-of-frequency-allocations/


73 - Petr, OK1RP
.../-.-

DU - DXCC #74 on 60m band CW only...

Hello,

I am so happy to report over here that #74 DXCC on 60m band CW only I worked few days ago on 22/7/2017. How it was achieved? ...hard but finally done.

I tried to hear George, DU1GM for several days on 60m band and sometime I was able to copy his sigs on JT65 around 5357kHz. As I am operating CW only I asked for QSY to CW and our trials has been started.

Unfortunately propagations was against from the beginning...

When I tried to call George on desired frequency at around 19Z I was a bit surprised that he was able to hear me but it was very hard to copy my sigs and mainly I did not hear from George more that just few beeps in high noise at around S5.

Simply I had still lot of light outside so in my opinion it was too early for my QTH unfortunately.

After that I realized that I am using the short vertical towards the dipole at 20ft on the George's side. George is having also the choice of the vertical and dipole antennas but it looked like there is no gain from the vertical usage so we decided to use dipoles on both sides mainly cause of lower noise level on these antennas.

Also we had to postpone our trials a bit in order to gain more from my Sunset in QTH so we started at around 19:30Z next days.

Unfortunately the noise level on my side even using the Inverted V dipole at the center of post stamp lot garden about 10m high was still around S3... so it was nightmare to copy sigs from DU.

I decided to prepare for another day special configuration of my QTH. I switched all equipment at home OFF by main breaker and tried to listened just using the battery powered K3 and external RX loop antenna Mini-Diamond, W2PM.

Bingo, I was able to read sigs from George, DU1GM at my QTH and copy him enough for trial QSO. The problem was that propagations has changed a bit down and my sigs were copied by George really hard.

Even although George suggested to postpone all tests again for next day (he had 4:30 local time...) I tried to call him again and again.

I was really surprised when I got the call back and copied his report. I copied his 419 for me for the first time but I was not sure with that so I gave him my report and asked to repeat my RST again.

For second time I copied his 419 for me quite clear and at the peak I copied his regards as same as 73 and both call-signs at the end of our QSO. So I repeated the same from my side and his third part for me was again readable perfectly. I heard even the well known and commonly used friendly "dit dit" at the final.

My god, I worked Philippines on 60m band using my very moderate setup even although George is using just low profile dipole and WRC-15 horrible power limit...!

When we postponed the time of trials to 19:30-20:00Z we reached the SS/SR gray line phenomenon on both sides so it helped a lot I guess.

Many thanks to George, DU1GM for his effort and excellent operating skills. My DXCC #74 only CW on 60m worked...

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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