UK repeaters will be switched off over night due to lack of use.

The Leicestershire Repeater Group have taken the decision at their most recent committee meeting, due to falling membership, to limit the hours of operation of the repeaters GB3CF (2m), GB3GV (23cm TV),  GB3LE (70cm) and GB3UM (6m)  to conserve funds. As a result, the repeaters are now switched off overnight between the hours of 22.00 to 05.00. The beacons GB3LEX and GB3LES continue to operate 24 hours a day.
 

$12,000 fine for keying on ch 19 CB Radio

An American CB user faces a large fine for keying over Ch 19 with his CB radio.

 

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Many thanks to ARRL for this news item.

Ham Radio now - Band Planning for Digital Radio

Here is a very interesting discussion about band planning for the future digital modes and further discussion about the possible future of amateur radio.

Well worth watching and spending an hour of you precious time!

Ham Radio Now

UK Amatures may be getting an extension to the 2m band?

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(Thanks to Southgate ARS News for this information)

Current UK band plan overs

144.000 – 146.000MHz

Voice of Russia to stop broadcasting on shortwave

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Radio Amateur makes a voluntary donation to Government and gives up his Ham Licence

 

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(Thanks to ARRL for this news item)

A welcome note from our repeater keeper (Dave gd4hoz)

Last week, the communications division rigger was able to reinstate our antenna at its temporary location on the west leg of the Snaefell tower. Today (17-03-04), the final termination of the cable was completed and the two repeaters – GB3GD and GB3IM-S – were once again back on the air at about 14:30.
Signals appear to be good so far, with a couple of Irish stations heard shortly after we came back on the air. 
DX, in the shape of 2D0FHG operating from his porch, was also heard on ‘GD!
We still have some intermod problems with GB3GD, and we plan to visit the site again once the trams are running in order to attempt an investigation.
It is hoped that the summer will afford an opportunity to have the antenna re-located to a more favourable position.

In the meantime, thanks are due to those who helped to get us going again.

This is very good news for the Isle of Man and amateur radio around our location; we all look towards lots of enjoyable repeater use.

 

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St. Patrick Day special event station (Republic of Ireland)

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Amateur radio plays a part in support communications for the missing Malaysian aircraft emergency.

Following the mysterious disappearance of the Malaysian Airline Boeing 777-200ER jetliner with 239 passengers aboard, the airline’s Emergency Management Centre (EMC) at Kuala Lumpur Airport provided hotel accommodations for next of kin. 
The Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society (MARTS) President, Mohd Aris Bernawi, 9M2IR, said his organization was asked to provide a link between the airport and the hotel.
MARTS quickly set up a station, led by Zanirul Akhmal Zanirun, 9M2PRO, with Azizi Samsuri, 9W2ZZE, as the airline’s team leader. 
The Negeri Sembilan Amateur Radio Club (NESRAC) provided volunteers for the station at the EMC. MARTS set up a cross-band VHF/UHF link to avoid any unnecessary interference to and from public service communications, and an HF link was added later. During the callout 11 Amateur Radio volunteers were at the EMC and 23 volunteers at the hotel.
9M2IR, who oversaw the entire process, said MARTS — an IARU member-society — was pleased to be able provide the communication link as the search for flight MH370 continues. — Thanks to Jim Linton, VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee

Why not try the Irish Amateur Radio Examination Paper

Using the following link will take you to a PDF file giving a sample Irish examination.
Why not give it a go and see how many questions you can answer.

Irish Examination Paper

A new website about the history of a USA amateur.

I wonder if anyone knows this callsign, the QSL card is to be found on a new historical Amateur radio web site in the USA.

W5RG

Use it or loose it!!

I wonder how many local Amateurs would be better loosing their licence and having a listening only licence?

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