Interested in Amateur Television - here is the latest free publication from CQ-DATV

CQ-DATV

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas to all my Blog readers; may you also have a great 2017 with lots of good DX.

If you think you have an email from OFCOM it could be Russian spam!!

Spam email

Don't be critical online about HRD Amateur Radio software!

HRD software users have their accounts disabled for posting critical comments about the companies support service (or lack of it!).

HRD Software

Germany can now use 60M band (15 watts EIRP)

The amateur radio service in Germany can now use the frequency range from 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz, as the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) announced today in its communication no. 1699/2016 (https://is.gd/Gunhb3 - 20.12.2016). 

This regulation is done in agreement with the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) and the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg). However, this provision applies only to holders of Class A.

During operation, no interferences at radio stations of another radio service may be caused and there is no protection from interference by radio stations of other radio services. The maximum effective radiation power must not exceed 15 watts EIRP. The maximum allowed bandwidth of a transmission must not exceed 2.7 kHz.

When using the frequency range 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz, all other provisions of the AFuG and AFuV must be complied with. It is important to use this regulation sensitively, to avoid disturbances and to use the maximum power only when it is considered essential to maintain a radio connection or for experimental purposes.

With the entry into force of the early adaptation of the frequency regulation and Annex 1 of the amateurs regulation (AFuV), which permit the use of the abovementioned frequency range within the meaning of section 5 (3) of the amateur radio law (AFuG) and section 9 para 2 of the AFuV in the medium term and to the decision of the 2015 World Radio Conference, this regulation becomes devoid of purpose.

Tom DF5JL, Department Digimodes / DARC HF-Unit

Norway makes radio history

China, Russia and other countries continue to be major blockers on Amateur Radio frequencies.

The latest report from the IARU monitoring system shows continued abuse of the Amateur Radio Frequencies.


IARU report

OFCOM make error in RSGB year book

(Click on the above for a clear image)

The latest (Nov 2016) Amateur radio licence numbers from the UK

Not a great change from a year ago but still enough licences to maintain a viable hobby.

Internet Archive with lots of historic information.

If you are interested in the early days of Ham/Amateur radio the following Internet Archive has lots to offer. 
It also contains a large amount of other historic data well worth looking at.

Internet Archive

Online Foundation Amateur Radio Training

Interested in training for your Amateur Radio licence; EssexHam have a first class training resource
on line with good video's to help.
Take a look at their web page.

Essexham Foundation Training

Radio Amateur Emergency Network Earthquake Tsunami New Zealand

Tsunami arrives after 7,8 Earthquake South Island, New Zealand.

Radio Amateur Emergency Network start operation on 14.300 MHz
Please keep this freq clear.

Propagation explained in great detail.

This Amateur Radio video has a very interesting and well presented section on propagation. Well known Amateurs and professional weather men give a clear explanation about some of the propagation phenomena we regularly experience.

There is also an interesting section about Radio Caroline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfaNtwsEk1A

Free VOIP telephone links to other Amateurs any where in the World

If you ever chat to other Amateurs on your telephone - stop now and sign up for a free VOIP service available only to Amateurs anywhere in the World with an internet link. You can also arrange group calls (Club meetings) which may help maintain contacts when on the air chats are difficult.

Have a look at the Facebook page of Hamshack Hotline for more information.

Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew

STRONG WINDS, HEAVY RAINS, AND A DANGEROUS STORM SURGE BEGINNING TO SPREAD OVER THE BAHAMAS.

The Hurricane Watch Net is now active please keep

7.268 MHz and 14.325 MHz free until this disaster is over.

www.hwn.org

https://www.facebook.com/HurricaneWatchNet

The Brandmeister digital network live.

It is fascinating to watch the live Brandmeister digital radio network in action.

https://brandmeister.network/?page=networkstructure

This screen capture shows the structure - the stars are the users (click to see the callsigns) the yellow circles are the repeaters and the petals represent the countries all connected to a very busy hub.

(click on the above for a clear image)

Ofcom issue recommendations for a UK HAREC certificate

Following discussions with Ofcom, the RSGB has agreed to issue a UK HAREC alongside every new UK advanced examination pass certificate from 5 Sept 2016. This simplifies the existing process where a separate application to Ofcom was required. The process for existing licence holders remains unchanged at this time.

A Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate (HAREC) is required for UK radio amateurs who would like to apply for an amateur radio licence in another country that participates in CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-02.

http://www.erodocdb.dk/Docs/doc98/official/pdf/TR6102.PDF

Amateur Radio sales in India causes concern.

India is recognising that Amateur Radio equipment is being used by terrorist groups and is expressing concern about the ease of purchasing such equipment.

Sale of Amateur Radio Equipment in India

Earthquake in Italy - Emergency communications.

(Click on the above for a clear image)

PLEASE KEEP 7.060 MHz (LSB) CLEAR FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.

German Amateurs to visit the Isle of Man

(click on the above for a clear image)

(Thanks to Southgate ARS for this news)

New Propagation site by RSGB

The RSGB have just issued a new propagation web site for the UK which is said to be more accurate than previous systems.

UK Propagation

Domestic Earthing Systems and Amateur Radio Installations

An interesting leaflet has been produced by the RSGB detailing Domestic Earthing systems used in the UK and how this relates to Earthing equipment in the shack - well worth reading.

Earth Systems

UK time signal off the air for maintenance during July

(Click on the above for a clear image)

Information from npl.co.uk many thanks.

Practice Morse Code on line with the South India ARS

A simple but effective web site has been made available by a South Indian Amateur which allows you to chat (in English) using your keyboard ; it's a nice way to practice your CW skills before you go on air.
Give it a try:

MORSE CODE

1-6th July 13 Colonies Special Event Station

(Click on the above for  clear image)

Look out for this special event station on the air between 1-6th July - special award certificates available and a UK station to contact GB13COL.

WEB PAGE

Future north Korea activation

Radio's at the ready, North Korea activation is going to happen very soon  you will only get very short notice so radio's at the ready to get a P5 contact.

(Many thanks to ARRL for this information)

(Click on the above for a clear image)

Using a DV4mini dongle.

This is a great way to get onto the BrandMeister DMR network, which seems to have a lot more activity than the DMR-Marc network at the moment. I am now for the first time also able to access the D-Star network with my IC 7100 radio which has previously not been able to log into a repeater from my location.
No Fusion radio to try that mode.
I have found setting up the software a little challenge but well worth the effort.
Having fun on Digital radio.

Monitoring the DMR Brandmeister Network

DMR radio is very popular in many parts of the World; one of the Internet linking networks called the Brandmeister Network now has a first class web site which allows you not only to view the activity but also to hear the voices of the stations and sometimes even to see their photo's.

A site well worth monitoring and bookmarking if you have an interest in Digital Amateur Radio.
Start with the UK English main talk group.

Brandmeister Network

The Official Journal of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (Inc.)

Get to know what is going on in New Zealand with Amateur Radio; a nice downloadable magazine is available at:

BREAK-IN Magazine

RSGB now allow the Advanced radio examinatin on demand.

(Click on the above for a clear image)

(Many thanks to the RSGB for this information)

Are we going to loose some bands because of low activity levels?

An Amateur from Essex England recently made some observations about this potential issue.

Will we loose some bands?

New Video from The RSGB

RSGB Video

RSGB appoint a new General Manager

(Click on the above for a clear image)

How best to work DX

Interesting videos from Jim W6LG. Hear from a very experienced DX operator how to get the best from your station and work plenty of  distant stations.

Working DX

Carrying portable radio equipment by air in your luggage may become a problem.

(Please click on the above for a clear image)

Any electronic equipment containing Lithium-Ion batteries, may not be allowed in the cargo hold.

Check with your airline before you fly with any portable radio equipment.

Radical changes to the UK DMR system.

From midnight on Monday 8th february all UK slot1 talkgroups will become User Activated.
You will hear nothing on a user activated talkgroup unless someone has already activated that talkgroup on your local repeater; therefore scanning on those talkgroups to listen for people calling CQ will be none productive.

 

(Click on the above for a clear image)

The changes have been put on hold as scanning the TGs is working this morning. (08/02/16)

 

First ever Iranian Amateur Radio Contest.

To celebrate 37th anniversary of Iranian Islamic revolution, the first Iranian ham contest is going to be held on February 1st, 2016 and will last for 10 days.
Objective: To encourage and increase contacts (especially DX ones) with Iranian radio amateurs.
Dates: Contest Period: 10 days (Feb 01, 00:00 UTC – Feb 11, 23:59 UTC)
All modes (CW, SSB, RTTY) can be used on this period.
Bands: 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters
Note: On 20m, the upper limit is 14.250 MHZ
Contact information:
For contest information and any sort of inquiries contact epcontest.2016@gmail.com
Certificates will be awarded to:
1- Top single operator (at least 30 contacts on all modes)
2- Top CW operator
3- Top SSB operator
4- Top RTTY operator
5- Any operator who contacts at least 3 Iranian hams

Getting QSL card:
If you need the printed certificate, you should send 5USD (or equivalent in your currency) to this address: “14185-736 , Tehran, Iran”
Please use registered mail to make sure it delivers without problems.
WebMoney and Bitcoin are also accepted. (Contact us for more information)

Iranian amateurs will use “/contest” at the end of their call sign for this contest.

The deadline for contacting us for certificate is 3 months after the contest.

List of Iranian participants:
    EP2FM  : Abdollah Sajjadian
    EP3RB : Reza Batebi
    EP3AG  : Ali Ghanbari
    EP2FA   : Farman Aghdasi
    EP2CM : Jamshid Mansoori
    EP4HR  : Hamid-Reza Rahimi
    EP3MIR : Mohammad Mobini
    EP3CQ : Ali Solh-Joo
    EP2LMA : Mohammad Azimi
    EP2LSH: Saeed Shokrollahi
    EP2HZM : Hassan Zohoorian
    EP2HEK : Hekmatollah Rahimi
    EP5MKN : Majid Kiani Nejad
    EP5ABD : Bagher Mir-Abdolhagh
    EP7AHN : Hamed Nahrir
    EP4KHA : Amin Kharadmehr
    EP4MMM : Mohammad Mirab
    EP2MA : Mohammad Ameli
    EP2LSD : Sepehr Dalir
    EP3EEE: Ehsan Esteki

Contest Group

Ramsey Kits Calls it Quits

ARRL report after more than 40 years as a purveyor of inexpensive electronics kits for hobbyists, the Ramsey Hobby Kits group has thrown in the towel, effective on January 1.

 

(Click on the above for a clear image)

Many thanks to ARRL for this information.

How To Fit Connector Plugs To Coax.

A nice little video about fitting connectors to your coaxial cable.

Fitting connectors

Many thanks to ML&S for this training video.

TEN-TEC amateur radio products has been sold! (+more information)

(Click on the above for a clear image)

Thanks to Sparky's Blog for this information.

                    Ten Tec announcement (05/01/16)

As some of you may be aware, Dishtronix has purchased the assets (but not the liabilities) of Ten Tec from RKR Designs. . I had desired to keep this under wraps until Ten Tec is reorganized, but there is too much speculation concerning the service department to continue without an announcement of some sort.....KI4JPL
See: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ten_tec_radio_net/conversations/messages/7742
 

The RSGB needs a new General Manager.

Graham Coomber, G0NBI, has announced his retirement and the RSGB is seeking some one to take over the mantle of providing leadership for the HQ staff and support for the Board and the Membership.
If you are interested in this role, you should be able to demonstrate past success in a management role, be an excellent communicator, possess good presentation and interpersonal skills as well as sensitivity to the political aspects of the RSGB’s work and a sound financial and business management capability. Most important of all is a passion to help the RSGB and amateur radio develop successfully.
Ideally, you should be a practising licensed amateur and have had experience working in an organisation that relies heavily on a committed group of volunteers to deliver services.
For further information about the role and how to apply, please email Graham Murchie, G4FSG, Chairman of the Board: g4fsg@rsgb.org.uk
If you would like an informal discussion about the job, Graham Coomber will be pleased to hear from you on 01234 832 701 during office hours.
The deadline for submitting formal applications is Friday, 26 February 2016.

(Many thanks to the RSGB for this information)