I have commenced assembling a sequel to “MF Down Under”: An edited VK-compendium of articles and projects for the 630m & 160m bands which sold out within 19 days of being released on 20 June 2016 to the USA Europe, NZ & all VK States.
The book sequel is “Enjoying LF-MF amateur radio away from home: 2200, 630 & 160m” and is aimed at encouraging those already operating outdoors to activate and chase all-mode activity on the low bands Its release timeline is approximately 12-months hence, less if contributions arrive early enough to enable that. I am calling for expressions of interest in being collaborative contributors to this adventure into this exciting, challenging yet under-utilised aspect of Amateur Radio. Quite a few submissions have already been received, but submission does not guarantee inclusion, as an appropriate balance of material is necessary. I am also soliciting input from amateurs around Australia & NZ as to what projects, information, advice and anecdotal feedback they would like to see included in such a compendium. As the compendium Editor, I will determine book content and layout, as well as project-managing the production and promotion for a similar publication format & quality that we have just enjoyed. It is a not-for-profit, cost-recovery undertaking, as was its predecessor. The draft content plan includes: Traditional QRP but on LF-MF bands as an extension to current SOTA, WWFF, VKFF, the VK Parks award activations & general club field day events. Worth noting is that neither 2200 nor 630m bands allow for contesting, which is in itself is not conducive to encouraging wider participation on these bands, in my opinion. Special ANZAC callsign activations on both MF bands (as detailed in “MF Down Under” Chapter 1 Article 3) has paved the way for sustaining this approach & also the inclusion of 2200m this time round. Mobile from the vehicle or boat/houseboat while underway. Portable, including from a stationary small “tinny” boat. Transportable – the option amateurs never seem to mention – where the home base station or a spare 100W rig & amp is taken on a holiday in the caravan, motorhome, campervan or boat. For those times when we are away for perhaps a week to 3 months & it might be worth the effort to plug into 240V AC @ caravan parks etc. Perhaps even a trailer-mounted MLA or other array. Construction projects: 630 & 160m transmitters, dedicated receivers, a transceiver or two, accessories and all-mode operation items. A range of effective aerial and ground system options to enhance the “away from home” activity, including some “outside the square” possibilities. In the toolbox: portable testing equipment & doing modifications on the run. Sharing of contributors’ LF-MF anecdotes. Commercial LF-MF kit and equipment reviews. Miscellaneous LF-MF Matters: maybe even some items that missed out last time round? This is a suggested inclusion list only & will obviously be tempered by the requests from amateurs as above, and material actually forthcoming from contributors. I have invited a couple of eminent overseas LF-MF colleagues to offer submissions for consideration. They have extensive & illuminating pedigrees, including international publication in the field, and have capacity to provide rich enhancement to this forthcoming publication. I may be contacted in the first instance via d.wd@bigpond.com Vy 73 de Doc/VK5BUG
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