News

At the IARU Region 1 Interim Meeting (Vienna, 16-17 April 2016) the Norwegian society NRRL introduced a proposal to introduce a beacon segment from 476 - 477 kHz: It is recommended that beacons will be accepted in the plan of usage of the 472 - 479 kHz band (630 m) in addition to the Recommendation VA14_C4_REC_02: 476 - 477 kHz beacons – maximum bandwidth 200 Hz. Maximum power output 1 W EIRP. Beacon proposals should adhere to beacon recommendations in the IARU Region 1 HF Managers' Handbook, and should be approved by the IARU Region 1 Beacon Coordinator.

This proposal was declined by a vast marjority:

Minutes of Meeting C4
4.1. NRRL 630 m Beacons VIE16_C4_02
The paper was presented by LA4LN, NRRL. The proposal was changed to allow time limited test transmissions, rather than beacons.
VERON stated they were not in favour of beacons in the 472 kHz band as it is too narrow and there exists beacons from other services on adjacent frequencies. G3BJ asked whether it would be more effective to have a network of SDRs linked to RBN rather than more beacons. RSGB stated they are opposed to the introduction of beacons in the band as it is not in line with the IARU recommendation for no beacons below 14 MHz, but that time limited tests would be acceptable. DARC stated that permanent beacons should not be established in the 472 kHz band. UBA is not in favour of the proposal. CRC is not in favour of beacons in the centre of the band and that the term ‘time limited’ also needs to be better defined as it is too vague.

A vote was taken for the proposal with NRRL voting for, and all others against. Not carried.

Last changed: May 04 2016 at 6:07 PM