Yesterday, November 15, 2014, at approximately 16:15 hours the first known 33cm band QSO took place in Taos between Lew Baker, K5LEW and Brian Williams, NB5R on 913.000MHz simplex using Alinco DJ-G29 handheld radios at 1.5W. Lew and Brian were each operating from their home QTH, in Llano Quemado and Lower Las Colonias, respectively. Both stations reported 599 signals while standing outside. As expected on that frequency, signals degraded when operating from indoors.
This is the latest band to be activated in the Taos area, following TARC’s objective of utilizing as many of the available amateur bands as possible. We have to “use them or lose them” as has been proven in the recent past when the FCC took away half the 1.25m (222MHz band) amateur allocation a few years ago. The ARRL is engaged in a never-ending battle to keep and protect our valuable radio spectrum which is under constant attack from commercial interests. You can help by using as many bands as you can, and by supporting the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund.
So far, TARC members are using the following bands:
80m-10m (HF), 6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, and now 33cm. The new microwave backbone passing through Taos will use the 5.6GHz amateur band.
For a complete, detailed listing of all US amateur bands, see the ARRL Band Plan.
73,
Brian Williams, NB5R