WIA stakes a claim for 500 kHz

The WIA will shortly be writing to the Australian Communications Authority to request the establishment of an experimental amateur allocation at 500 kHz (600m).

WIA Director Glenn Dunstan VK4DU said "500 kHz was the international maritime Morse code distress frequency for most of the 20th century."

"It was the frequency used by the RMS Titanic to send her plaintive cries for help that April night in 1912. It was the frequency used by thousands of merchant ships to signal their plight in times of peace and war."

"More often than not, 500 kHz was witness to a ship's Radio Officer's last moments. Many Radio Officers literally died at the key as their ship fell victim to enemy action or was overwhelmed by the forces of nature". Glenn, himself an ex ship's Radio Officer, said.

500 kHz was replaced in 1999 by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which uses a combination of automated terrestrial and satellite communications.

"Since the introduction of the GMDSS in 1999, 500 kHz use has declined rapidly. The last official users of the frequency, China, plan to discontinue operation in 2005. The frequency is no longer used in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific or the US."

500 kHz has been instrumental in saving tens of thousands of lives in the last 100-odd years. It is thus fitting that the frequency be preserved as a 'spectrum national park' to commemorate those who paid the supreme sacrifice in its use.

"The best way to do this is to establish a small slice of spectrum around 500 kHz - probably 495 to 510 kHz - as an amateur radio band. The band would also provide a unique opportunity for experimentation with antennas, propagation, advanced narrow band modulation techniques and receiver digital signal processing." Glenn said.

"Given that 500 kHz is still allocated to the maritime service, our goal of permanent amateur access is some way off, however the WIA intends to apply to the ACA for access on an experimental basis in the interim."

It is worthy of note that the IARU Region 1 and various US amateur long wave groups are actively pursuing an experimental allocation at 500 kHz.

Other recent stories..