The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association is seeking your help to advertise our radio propagation tests on Saturday May 31, 2025.

In 2023 NARA carried out some practically based NVIS (Near Vertical Incident Skywave) propagation tests. During daylight the D-Layer forms and on the lower frequency bands the D-Layer attenuates signals thus reducing ranges. A stark example of the D-later attenuation is that Medium Wave broadcast signal from a distance can not be heard during daylight. When the D-layer disappears at night longer distance AM broadcast signals can easily be heard.

NARA wants to carry out daylight NVIS tests on the 80m, 60m and 40m bands using a transmitter power of 100 Watts. This simulates an amateur radio station at an emergency center during daylight hours. The purpose of the tests will be to see, in practice, what ranges might be
available.

While the exact frequencies have not yet been established NARA proposes to use the following frequencies: 3.720 MHz (LSB), 5346.5 MHz (USB) and 7.120 MHz (LSB). Note that these frequencies will be ‘dial’ frequencies. The frequency to which you set your dial (display) on your radio. Note that the convention on the 60m band is USB.

The date for these NVIS tests will be Saturday May 31 between the times of 11am to 3pm Pacific time. NARA will be using the callsign VE7NA and will be looking for as many check-ins an possible during this 4 hour test period. NARA would appreciate it if you could inform your members of these tests.

Please make a note of the date in your diary. NARA will supply further information nearer the test date.

73 de Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association

Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC