IOMARS 58th AGM

Tuesday 12th December 2006 @ 19:30hrs.

The Radio Society welcomes all people to the AGM at the Sea Scout HQ Tromode.

If you are a paid up member of the Society you have the right to be nominated or vote for new committee members. As a result of due retirements we will be looking for at least a new Chairman and Secretary.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Not strictly Amateur Radio -but about use of the radio spectrum!

Citizens' Band (CB) Radio Licensing Update
From 8 December 2006, it will no longer be necessary to hold a Wireless Telegraphy (WT) Act licence in order to operate Citizens’ Band Radio equipment, providing that the equipment is operated in accordance with the WT (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006.

CB users share spectrum which is in a frequency band managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). This use is secondary to that of the MOD (the primary spectrum user) and it should be noted that CB users must be prepared to accept incoming interference caused by continuing use of this spectrum by the MOD.

Please note: users must understand that CB radio equipment shall be operated on a 'non-interference, non-protected' basis; that is, it shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not claim protection from, other radio services.

Information provided by www.ofcom.org

Radio Licensing Centre closes

News from www.rsgb.org.uk

The RSGB has belatedly learned that the Radio Licensing Centre closed down on 22 November 2006, and will no longer accept licence applications. Any applications they receive between now and 1 December 2006 will be forwarded directly to Ofcom.

The RSGB advises all amateurs planning to either renew or apply for their licence to wait until 1 December 2006. They should then make an electronic application to Ofcom in order to receive their free licence

Free Technical books to download

Here are some interesting technical books which are free to download.
http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/electricCircuits/
Thanks to Keith 2D0OHM for this information.

Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society

Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society

OFCOM - Amateur Radio Licences for Life

Latest news is that there will be no fee for a life-time
licence for those amateurs who are over 75 whether
the licence is 'paper-based' or 'electronic'...
Good for those who have no internet access!

Alan GD0MWL

IOMARS Emergency Communications Group

The IOMARS Emergency Communications Group has commenced trials using wifi (2.4 GHz) for DX communications. Successful links were established during this week end trials and further work is now to take place constructing wave guides (dog food tins) and parabolic reflectors (sky dishes). Any IOMARS members interested in developing emergency communication systems for the Island may wish to attend the Foxdale shack on a Wednesday evening.
('Near -Vertical Incidence Skywave' propagation using 40 and 80mt is also to be considered).

John GD0NFN (Tutor)

Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society

Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society
Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th November 2006, members of the 'Manx
Southern DX Group' used the Group callsign GD0MAN on 4m, 40m and 80m.
The /P location was at the picnic area above Ballakillowey with a good take-off over the sea to the south-east. Power levels were modest; not exceeding 35W for all bands.
Activity on 4m was patchy, especially on Saturday, but 40m and 80m were fine.
The 'DX' was limited to England and Wales but a good time was enjoyed by all.
Mike(GD0HYM) concentrated on 4m and Steve(GD7DUZ) on 40 and 80m.
Alan(GD0MWL) was active in the catering mode and received 5 and 9 for coffee
and sandwiches on both days from Mike and Steve!
Must do it again sometime....

Do you know how to tie a good Knot?

Here is an interesting web site recomended by the ARRL.
When setting up an antenna you often need to use a rope and knot - this website demonstrates the correct way to do the correct knot.
http://www.animatedknots.com/