Look for better 5MHz propagation

As the end of March approaches, there are three factors of interest to HF operators that are not a part of the weekly RSGB Propagation Report.

UK operators holding a 5MHz NoV may like to note that after-dark propagation on the East-West path to the USA peaks when America also falls into darkness.

To check the condition of the path, listen out for AM broadcasting stations WWCR in Nashville on 5070kHz and WWRB on 5050kHz which is also in Tennessee. Both employ 100kW.

American operators can check the path in the opposite direction by listening for the USB AIRMET stations RAF VOLMET on 5450kHz and Shannon VOLMET on 5505kHz.

UK operators should find US amateurs congregating on 5403.5kHz around 0100 to 0200 hours UTC. The path to the Far East can be checked by listening out, after sunset, for the Chinese Standard Frequency station BPM. It identifies at regular intervals in Morse code on 5000kHz.

The chance of a contact on 5MHz in this direction is remote, but one or two American radio amateurs are believed to have authorisation to operate from military bases in the Pacific

Source: GB2RS News