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Amelia Earhart Search Forum => Radio Reflections => Topic started by: N2APG on January 20, 2015, 10:09:02 PM

Title: Proposed Ham radio propagation testing........................
Post by: N2APG on January 20, 2015, 10:09:02 PM
I just came upon this, and thought it might be of some interest....................

http://www.wc5c.org/WC5CClub/NikumaroroAmeliaEarhartHamRadioTest/tabid/570/Default.aspx

Title: Re: Proposed Ham radio propagation testing........................
Post by: John B. Shattuck on January 21, 2015, 03:19:17 AM
hard to think we can learn anything conclusive from setting up and broadcasting from Niku.  They can't replicate the atmospheric conditions in place at the time of AE's radio broadcasts.  It is already well known that under the right conditions, radio waves can go an amazingly long ways, depending on the atmospheric "bounce" of the frequency and it's harmonics.  So no matter what the outcome, it does not really advance any knowledge of the fate of the crew, nor really prove or disprove anything; contrary to what they seem to indicate on their website.

I will concede that success may help convince some of the general public that does not understand how far radio waves can go.  And it may be a fun adventure to try it...

JB
Title: Re: Proposed Ham radio propagation testing........................
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on January 21, 2015, 05:05:22 AM
Quote from: John B. Shattuck on January 21, 2015, 03:19:17 AM
They can't replicate the atmospheric conditions in place at the time of AE's radio broadcasts.

This, I think, is one example of what I remember from my introduction to physics as "controlling the variables."
I'm sure that's just some of the variables involved.
Title: Re: Proposed Ham radio propagation testing........................
Post by: Bruce Thomas on January 21, 2015, 06:38:55 AM
Quote from: N2APG on January 20, 2015, 10:09:02 PM
I just came upon this, and thought it might be of some interest....................

http://www.wc5c.org/WC5CClub/NikumaroroAmeliaEarhartHamRadioTest/tabid/570/Default.aspx

Richie Conroy posted about this same DXpedition notice three years ago (http://tighar.org/smf/index.php/topic,571.msg8656.html#msg8656).

If their dream comes to fruition, let's hope they follow the protocols required by Kiribati law.
Title: Re: Proposed Ham radio propagation testing........................
Post by: Neff Jacobs on February 17, 2015, 07:49:43 PM
To a degree this was tested on the night of July 2, 3 by the PBY call sign 62C attempting to reach Howland from Honolulu.  62C was on 4235kc and Itasca on 355kc.   I am sure 355 was CW, morse code, I expect 4235 was also cw.  Thompson reported good hourly communication all night with 62C.   So, on different frequencies with different operators at least on 62Cs end, using a different mode and presumably the aircraft using a trailing wire antenna communication worked fine.

This DX padition will likely "prove" the same thing.