Any advantages one over another. The newer radios go to 1710. That's 100KC higher. Any advantages based on your observations. There is a BIG difference between 1845 and 1945 on 160 meters.
Any advantages one over another. The newer radios go to 1710. That's 100KC higher. Any advantages based on your observations. There is a BIG difference between 1845 and 1945 on 160 meters.
73, John
There would be about 13% more antenna efficiency on 1710 kHz compared to 1610 kHz.
Yes, the efficiency will be better... but the main improvement would be probably be due to the reduction in co-channel interference on 1710, since it is not officially part of the AM broadcast band; thus there are no stations on that frequency. Of course you could still get sideband interference from 1700; especially IBOC hash!
That said, Lord Voldemort ( 
) would not be happy if you use 1710 unless you operate under the much more restrictive radiation limits of section 15.209, in which case you probably would be at a big disadvantage as compared to using 1610.
I happened to notice recently (as recently as yesterday, in fact) that Rangemaster calls attention on their web site to the fact that their transmitter is FCC certified for operation on 1710 kHz... which is an actual fact (view the grant document). If you do a search on this web site, you will find a lively conversation that took place awhile back about 1710 kHz operation... Voldemort was adamant that you'd be in trouble with the FCC if you operated on that frequency.
Personally, I think that the inclusion of 1710 kHz on the Rangemaster grant of certification was an oversight, but that if you were caught operating on that frequency the worst they could do is ask you to stop, since they did in fact grant the approval. On the other hand, if you were using anything but a Rangemaster, I don't think you would be able to use that excuse. Of course, if your operation complies with the much more restrictive field strength limits of 15.209, then you'd be OK.
I don't use 1710 because I don't have any radios that tune there... analog or digital.
In the Yahoo Rangemaster Users' Group (linked on the am1000rangemaster.com website), on the topic of 1710 kHz, Hamilton said that 1710 kHz is governed by a different set of rules from 15.219. This would be Section 15.223, which covers 1705 kHz to 10 MHz. The field strength limit is 15 uV/m at 30 m, which really gives a range of less than 30 m (more like 20 feet, actually). In most urban environments, the field strength can't even be measured at the distance specified. The only licensed service that I know of on 1710 kHz is TIS.
If you have a field strength meter, you may be able to operate your Rangemaster legally on 1710 kHz by detuning it to the extent that it meets the 15.223 field strength limit. On 1610 kHz, even an inefficient installation should be able to legally get 1500 uV/m at 30 m; about 100 times the 15.223 limit.
Thanks to all for the comments. they are insightful and I will take them under consideration. I am using the Rangemaster and most of the new radios I've inspected at Wal-Fart to in fact have 1710. It might be kind a fun to play and see what the results are.