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.

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.   Historically, some of these beacons have run for weeks, months, to a year or more before being copied at distance.   Additionally, the weather may not cooporate ... it could rain the entire time I'm there, for example.   And, it takes significant attention to antenna system construction to have any success at all.   So I know being heard will be a huge challenge but I'm certain to have fun trying.

Where?

Transmitting location will be 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 will begin during the day on Sunday, December 12th, and continue until about noon on Tuesday, December 14th - essentially UTC midnight Monday through midnight Wednesday.

Please check out this special edition of G3NYK Alan Melia's LF propagation forecast.

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"



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

Status current as of December 11, 2004