KD5UWL first annual LowFER DXpedition 2004


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My name is Eric Smith, KD5UWL. This webpage details my first LowFER DXpedition that I plan to make an annual event.

A "LowFER" is a Low Frequency Experimental Radio beacon operated under the FCC's very restrictive license-free Part-15 rules. For more information about the world of these low-power beacons see the homepage of the Longwave Club of America.

Very well-written software, like Argo, to assist in copying these beacons is available from the website of Alberto di Bene, I2PHD.

This event is now history. To see what this website looked like before the event click here.

Why?

There are several of these 1-watt low-frequency radio beacons that are (or recently were) operating from "permanent" locations -- generally the QTH of the operator. For the last couple of years I've thought it would be fun to set one of these up temporarily for attended operation in a remote location -- that is, at least somewhere away from home. I knew it wouldn't be easy: historically, some of these beacons have run for weeks, months, to a year or more before being copied at distance. Additionally, the weather might have not cooperated ... it might have rained the entire time I was there, for example. And, it takes significant attention to antenna system construction to have any success at all. So I knew being heard would be a huge challenge but I also knew I'd have fun trying.

Where?

Transmitting location was on the eastern shore of Canton Lake in western Oklahoma -- that's grid EM06 which is 145 miles west of my QTH. Additional location pictures/maps.

Southeastern shore looking west-northwest

When?

Transmission began at 2153 UTC on Sunday, December 12th, and continued until 1440 UTC on Tuesday, December 14th. For more details here is a link to the event log.

Operational Details:

	Mode       : DFCW60 with 0.2 Hz shift + 12wpm CW ID
	Frequency  : 185297.0/.2
	Transmitter: Stand-alone ZL1BPU DDS Exciter
	Power      : 1-watt
	Antenna    : Flattop vertical
	Indicator  : Fairview NDB "FAU"

So, what happened?

Details are in the event log, but essentially I drove to Canton lake, chose a spot with a couple of tall cottonwoods, and immediately began setting up the antenna. I used a wrist rocket to and 2oz leads to launch 25 pound monofilament into the tree. This worked well -- or at least ok. But next time I intend to try the Bill Ashlock method ... I'll use a recurve.

After setting up the antenna, my tent, and after eating my campsite hamburgers, I settled into operation mode. The entire site was deserted and I walked around exploring that section of the lake to keep warm. I did this for two days and two nights, and packed up to go on the third day.

This is a picture of my portable flattop vertical.

Wrapped in a light jacket, this is my version of the ZL1BPU DDS exciter. The sand you see on the BNC and coax is courtesy of my dog.

Results Expedition results were mixed. My biggest mistake was not properly programming my exciter. Instead of running DFCW60 + CW ID, it was running DFCW60 then QRSS60 (I think!) with the message during the QRSS portion uncertain. However, I did get a few reports. This capture is from Laurence KL1X -- this is about 150 air miles with which I'm actually quite pleased.

Also, Charles KC0EH siad he was fairly certain he copied CTN ... frequency and shift were about right, but no positive ID. That would have been about 170 miles.

Lessons Learned or: Improvements for Next Time

These are all things I'd like to do for next year's expedition. I doubt I'll get them all done but I've listed them in descending order of priority:

  * Ensure exciter is properly programmed
  * Get antenna higher -- to full Part-15 limit
  * More extensive ground system
  * Build remote amp so exciter can be protected from temperature changes
  * Lower inductance, lower loss coil (to go with taller antenna)
  * Longer transmission time -- at least one additional night
  * Better weather observation equipment
  * Better logs -- ink pen quit working well when it got cold -- try a pencil?

QSL: Please send reception reports to eric@nutstreet.net

KD5UWL first annual LowFER DXpedition 2004

Why?

Where?

When?

So, what happened?

Results