This is John Cockrill’s (G4CZB) personal interpretation of the rule and not official clarification from the HFCC.
Hi Brian (VE7JKZ)
The purpose of rule 3 regarding operation below 3510kHz is to comply with the Region 1 Band Plan which states that 3510 to 3560kHz is the ‘contest preferred’ section and there is ‘priority for inter-continental operation’ between 3500 and 3510kHz. The rules don’t outright ban contacts in that part of the band so that if you hear a Commonwealth DX station calling CQ but not in the contest you can work them for points and bonus. However it would make sense if calling CQ BERU TEST to stay above 3510kHz to avoid any doubt of validity with the contest rules should a local station call you. I agree that the wording of rule 3 could be taken to mean that DX contacts can only be made below 3510kHz but that is not the intention.
Will certainly hope to work you in the contest but unlikely for me at this point in the solar cycle as I’m in the Restricted section!
73
John G4CZB