As you know, we are entering a period which could last very many years when the higher HF bands will not be good for F layer DX. OK, we will have Es to liven things up, but much of the time bands like 10m will seem "dead".
To the rescue (if successful and this is a big "if") could come amateur geosynchronous satellites using linear transponders at microwaves. One such is a Qatar satellite that may be launched next year. I say "maybe" as the launch has already been delayed. Geosynchronous satellites stay in the same place, so antennas can be fixed.
A 2.4GHz uplink and 10GHz downlink is quite an investment, but could be worth it if the satellite is a success.
See https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/geosynchronous/eshail-2/
Your next million will come from designing a microwave transceiver that works with the geosync satellite.
ReplyDeleteThe investment is big (about $1k), but most HF rigs are that much. And the price will come down.
I think this sat will be very divisive, as it fundamentally changes the hobby. No more concerns about propagation, but no more QRP and inexpensive kits. No more big antennae, no more QRO "big guns" -- a kind of "equality". This would be a very different ham culture, as compared to HF. Many will decry it, and it will take away significant numbers from HF. Get ready for the "It's not REAL ham radio!" shouting.