Aussie 600 metre band experiments

The bottom end of the AM broadcast band is ear-marked to become a new amateur radio allocation that already has been given the moniker of the ‘Historical Band’, with Australian radio amateurs being the latest to gain experimental access to that spectrum.

This initiative is part of a worldwide effort to see that the band is favourably considered at the World Radio Conference in 2012, the Wireless Institute of Australia has taken out Scientific Licences in the 505 – 515 kHz band.

The WIA is the latest International Amateur Radio Union member society acting in support of the case being presented as WRC12 Agenda item 1.23 that asks delegates: To consider an allocation of about 15 kHz in parts of the band 415-526.5 kHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis, taking into account the need to protect existing services.

The first use of the WIA obtained Scientific Licences is a CW beacon callsign AX2VKW that is on air from east suburban Melbourne, Australia on Saturday’s and Sundays (0200-2100 UTC).

Being operated under by Drew Diamond VK3XU it has been heard 599 in the Greater Melbourne area.

Similar tests or experiments using a variety of modes or emissions are occurring in Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and the USA.

The tests are investigating propagation on that band and whether there’s any reason for concern about interference to other radio communications services.

The WIA-obtained licenses will authorised for use by suitably equipped and interested radio amateurs throughout Australia.

It follows an announcement in March that New Zealand radio amateurs can use the band.

Great speculation now exists of the potential for 600m band signals crossing the Tasman Sea which separate these southern hemisphere nations.

The future looks good for the once maritime emergency frequency band that was overtaken by technology, it will be conserved as heritage spectrum by the amateur radio service.

Jim Linton VK3PC