501-504 kHz (600m) Band Operation
Amazing what just 100mW ERP can achieve!
Updated 19.11.07
G3XVL recording added and GM4SLV link added

Links

NoV application form

Getting on 501 kHz
RSGB MF webpage
RSGB info on members only website
ERP Calculator
G3YMC's MF pages  
G3YMC's 500 kHz TX
G0MRF's 500 kHz low pass filter
USA 500 kHz group website
Malin Head (EJM) coast radio station on 500 kHz (with last morse message recording)
GM4SLV's excellent 500kHz webpage

Operating

The 500kHz band was historically a maritime and emergency band but it has been little used in recent years, at least in Europe. Several national radio societies have been making overtures to their licencing authorities and now several have allocated special frequencies near 500kHz for experimental use by amateurs.

In the UK the band 501-504 kHz is available by Notice of Variation (NoV) with an ERP limit of 100mW. Despite this, normal speed CW stations have been received at my location at good strength with just a barebones FT817 (no up converters or preamps) and an untuned 15m wire with a very basic earth (central heating radiator). The band is ripe for experimentation by many others.

NB  I have decided NOT to get on TX on 501kHz at this time. The reason is I have too many other unfinished projects! OFCOM told me to keep my NoV even though I was unlikely to use it in the very near future. I may reconsider this later. In the meantime I shall continue to listen and QSL those I hear.

Stations heard so far

This is a list of the stations I have heard on the band so far.

QSL cards received

I am collecting QSL cards from 501kHz stations heard.  Cards received so far (thanks to those who have QSLed direct):

G3XAQ          
G3XIZ             Thanks to both stations.