Memorial Frequency Proposal - 500 kHz

The Maritime Radio Historical Society is seeking to have the 500kHz band designated as an international memorial frequency. The idea is that museums and historical initiatives would be issued with coast station licenses on the band.

The Maritime Radio Historical Society has recently been carrying out experimental transmissions to test the viability of the proposal. The transmissions were made between the historic Morse code radio station KPH based at Point Reyes in California and KLB Marine radio in Seattle , Washington .

The test started with KPH transmitting a series of test messages. Not long after, KPH heard KLB calling. According to Richard Dillman, W6AWO, of the Maritime Radio Historical Society, the KLB signal was weak “but it was a thrill to hear him”.

What made this contact so important was that KLB was using A2 (modulated CW). This mode had until that moment not been heard on 500kHz for decades. During the following hour, both stations sent test messages. The KPH test message asked listeners to phone in with signal reports – nine people responded.

According to Richard, the test proved a great success. He said: “All in all, it was a wonderful evening. We are hoping to organise another event this winter in which several stations, ship stations and coast stations will be on air. Let QRM return to 500kHz.”

Source: GB2RS NEWS BROADCAST