NZ amateur radio operator licence change

The General User Radio Licence for Amateur Radio Operators has been amended to allow operators to use the frequency band 505 kHz to 515 kHz on a temporary basis from 1 March 2010.

Requirements of the licence include a maximum radiated power of 25 watts e.i.r.p., maximum bandwidth of 200 Hz, and the requirement not to interfere with other services licensed to use that band.

Historically, this part of the radio spectrum was used for maritime communications in Morse Code until satellite communications recently made the technology obsolete.  Morse Code was a capability required by radio officers on ships travelling internationally up until the late 20th century.

The licence amendment will make it possible for amateur radio operators involved in restoration of historical radio equipment, for example at the Coast Station at Musick Point in Auckland, to test un-modulated transmission (carrier wave) signals from the equipment and demonstrate their Morse Code skills.