MF/LF OPERATING: Life Below the AM Broadcast Band
Plus … W5EST 2020/2021 Compilation Released, a K6STI Software Update, and 2200 Meters Sees a Spike in Late Season Activity
Surprise! I’m still here. In spite of announcing my retirement from the column in my April article, I am still searching for that certain someone to take the helm. If this MF and LF stuff interests you and you are an unconventional, creative thinker who enjoys writing and can keep deadlines, let’s chat a bit. I’ll be here until we fill the position or until my information resources dry up. Now, on with the show!
Annual KL7L Portable Operation in KH6 was a Resounding Success
Laurence Howell, KL7L, returned to Hawaii for his annual work trip, operating 630 meters from a hotel balcony on Maui, grid square BL10ss. Any trip that allows him to set up a 630-meter antenna from the balcony of his accommodations and not get caught by staff is a successful trip but Laurence reported a few first-time accomplishments during this operation that really made his efforts even more worthwhile. Following the 2020 trip, Laurence determined that the antenna coupler he had built for portable use lacked the range and power-handling capabilities necessary for consistent success using the very short antenna that he was able to install. For the 2021 trip, he knew that he would be limited to a similar antenna consisting of a 10-meter-long fiberglass pole with an attached wire and possibly a short section of top-loading wire which he would be unable to guarantee until he arrived on site. Coupling the 50 watts from his Monitor Sensors 630-meter transverter would be challenging for such an antenna with
