FM radio station in Iceland on 88 MHz is heard in the USA (3900kms) - 8th July 2021

Thurs 8th July 2021: Over the last few weeks, there have been some remarkable openings on the FM band in the North Atlantic. Links to post HERE

On the 8th of July, there was yet another opening in the North Atlantic when a FM radio station on 88 MHz in Iceland was heard by four individuals in the USA. Three in the state of Massachusetts and one in New Jersey.

21:53 UTC 88.00 MHz RÚV Rás 1, Stykkishólmsbær/Stykkishólmur-símstöð (3,945 kms) 18kW (Bryce Foster (K4NBF), Mashpee, MA, USA)

22:06 UTC  88.00 MHz RÚV Rás 1, Stykkishólmsbær/Stykkishólmur-símstöð (3,921 kms) 18 kW (Jeff Lehmann, Rockland, MA, USA)

The individuals concerned were... Bryce Foster, K4NBF (MA), Jeff ?? (MA), Keith McGinnis (MA) and Nick Langan (NJ).

As can be seen above, the distance was just over 3,900 kms. The likely propagation mode was double hop Sporadic-E (1950 kms x 2). 

However, that part of the Mesosphere where Noctilucent Clouds are found has been shown to reflect radio signals and that can't be ruled out.

One hop Sporadic-E reception on Band 2 over southern latitudes for example in Europe or the USA is really nothing special. When we start getting up into the Arctic regions, it's less obvious what the cause is for long distance VHF signals and that's why these reports are of interest.

70 MHz permits in Iceland allowed for 2021 & 2022

 

The Icelandic Radio Amateur federation (ÍRA) has been notified by the countries Post and Telecom Administration (PSF) that permits to operate on the 70 MHz / 4-metre band will be allowed from another two years. 

The frequency range is 70.000-70.250 MHz and is valid for two years from the 1st of Jan 2021 to the 31st of Dec 2022.

As before, the following conditions apply:

(1) Maximum bandwidth is 16 kHz. No molding conditions; 

(2) the maximum radiated power is 100W; 

(3) the authorization is subject to the interruption of other electronic communications activities, transmissions must be stopped immediately and 

(4) call signs must be used at the beginning and end of the electronic communications connection and at appropriate regular intervals during the electronic communications connection.

Licensees must apply for authorization to the PTA before transmissions begins in the frequency range. 

The map above shows the distances in kms from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. 

Analysis... It's very likely that stations on 70 MHz from Iceland will be heard elsewhere in Europe from May to July during the Sporadic-E season. These will likely be in the range of 1000 to 2300 kms with most in the range of about 1300 to 2100 kms.

As the map shows above, the countries within one-hop range are likely to be the UK & Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Germany, Denmark, Norway & Sweden.

Distances greater than 2300kms may be possible be some form of multi-hop propagation but this is rarer at 70 MHz as compared to 50 MHz where it is a lot more common.