If you are hearing this before Sunday, November 10th, then listen out on
20 meters for station KP4AO. This as part of the celebration of the
50th anniversary of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
The operation will be on the air from 1300 until 2000 UTC around 14.250
Mhz. A commemorative certificate will be available for those who make
contacts with KP4AO. QSL to Arecibo Observatory Radio Club, HC03, PO
Box 53995, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, 00612. The special event is sponsored
by the Caribbean Amateur Radio Group and the Arecibo Observatory Radio
Club.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
DX News
JF1OCQ will be active as 5W7X from Apia, which is the capital of
Samoa, between November 7th and the 14th. Operations will be on 160
through 6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via JF1OCQ, either direct or by
the bureau. E-mail requests for Bureau QSLs can be sent to jf1ocq (at)
arrl (dot) net
F4FET will be active stroke as 3A from Monaco on November 11th and 12th. His operation will be on 40through 10 meters using SSB. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.
IK7JWX has informed the Ohio Penn DX Newsletter that his DXpedition to the Island of Zanzibar scheduled for April of 2014 is has been cancelled. The reasons given are technical and logistical constraints.
members of the DX Friends will be on the air from an Andres Island as 5J0R until November 10th. Activity was slated for 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via EA5RM direct. More is on the web at dxfriends dot com/SanAndres2013
EA4ATI says that he will be in Kenya for a couple more years and will be active stroke 5Z4. He is using a Cobwebb antenna with a small amplifier and is active on 30/20/17/15/10 meters. His QSL Manager is EA4YK.
JA8BMK will be operational as 9N7BM from Kathmandu and Nagalkot in Nepal between November 8th and the 28th. Activity will be holiday style on all HF bands and he says that he will try to work the United States on 160 and 80 meters if vertical antennas can be put up. QSL via JA8BMK, direct or via the bureau.
8P9IU, 8P9TA and 8P9BJ will be on the air from Barbados between December 9th and the 16th. Their main activity will be the ARRL 10 meter Contest on December 14th and 15th using the call 8P8T. Prior to the contest, operators will be using their own callsigns. QSL via KI1U.
F4FET will be active stroke as 3A from Monaco on November 11th and 12th. His operation will be on 40through 10 meters using SSB. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.
IK7JWX has informed the Ohio Penn DX Newsletter that his DXpedition to the Island of Zanzibar scheduled for April of 2014 is has been cancelled. The reasons given are technical and logistical constraints.
members of the DX Friends will be on the air from an Andres Island as 5J0R until November 10th. Activity was slated for 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via EA5RM direct. More is on the web at dxfriends dot com/SanAndres2013
EA4ATI says that he will be in Kenya for a couple more years and will be active stroke 5Z4. He is using a Cobwebb antenna with a small amplifier and is active on 30/20/17/15/10 meters. His QSL Manager is EA4YK.
JA8BMK will be operational as 9N7BM from Kathmandu and Nagalkot in Nepal between November 8th and the 28th. Activity will be holiday style on all HF bands and he says that he will try to work the United States on 160 and 80 meters if vertical antennas can be put up. QSL via JA8BMK, direct or via the bureau.
8P9IU, 8P9TA and 8P9BJ will be on the air from Barbados between December 9th and the 16th. Their main activity will be the ARRL 10 meter Contest on December 14th and 15th using the call 8P8T. Prior to the contest, operators will be using their own callsigns. QSL via KI1U.
Friday, November 8, 2013
American Legion takes to Airwaves in Salute to Veterans
Indianapolis Legionnaires will honor their fellow veterans in a special
on-the-air tribute on Veterans Day, November 11th. That when members
of The American Legion Amateur Radio Club will operate using the special
event call sign W9L on 20 meters, 2-meter simplex, a Central Indiana
repeater and connect world wide via IRLP beginning at 9:00 a.m. through 5
p.m. Eastern Time.
Frequencies in use will include to 14.275 MHz upper sideband on 20 meters, 146.46 MHz on 2 meter simplex, the 145.17 MHz repeater in Hamilton County and IRLP Node 4816. Those who make contact with W9L will be eligible to receive an attractive full color commemorative certificate. More about this event including QSL routing is on the web at website www.legion.org/hamradio
Frequencies in use will include to 14.275 MHz upper sideband on 20 meters, 146.46 MHz on 2 meter simplex, the 145.17 MHz repeater in Hamilton County and IRLP Node 4816. Those who make contact with W9L will be eligible to receive an attractive full color commemorative certificate. More about this event including QSL routing is on the web at website www.legion.org/hamradio
Super Typhoon Haiyan
The Super Typhoon Haiyan has affected the Philippines, triggering flooding, destroying buildings and causing millions of people to take shelter.
Ramon Anquilan DU1UGZ of the Philippines Amateur Radio Association (PARA) reports that the typhoon made landfall at about 4.40am local time today in Guian Estern Samar, about 600 kilometers southeast of Manila, and neighboring provinces are affected.
Then it made second landfall over Dulag-Tolosa, Leyte with maximum sustained winds of 235 kilometers per hour near the center and gusting up to 275 kph.
Sadly the area of Bohol and Cebu, which suffered from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in October, are also along the typhoon's path. Bohol was the epicenter of the earthquake that killed 222 people, where at least 5,000 survivors still living in tents.
There is no power in many areas including Masbate, Ticao Island, Southern Sorsogon, Romblon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Northern Cebu, Cebu City, Bantayan, Camotes Islands, Northern Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras and Dinagat Province.
Ramon DU1UGZ said, "HERO (Ham Emergency Radio Operator) have reported that those along the typhoon path have shut down their radios as they wait out for it to pass. In a few hours, we feel we should be hearing them again."
Already there have been some 270 postings of emergency traffic. More reports are expected. Earlier PARA called for the frequencies of 7.095 and 144.740 to be kept clear for emergency traffic.
Typhoon Haiyan, the world's strongest this year, and some reports make it potentially one of the most intense recorded.
The Philippines is battered by an average of 20 major storms or typhoons each year. Typhoon Bopha left about 2,000 people dead or missing on Mindanao Island in December 2012.
Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee
Ramon Anquilan DU1UGZ of the Philippines Amateur Radio Association (PARA) reports that the typhoon made landfall at about 4.40am local time today in Guian Estern Samar, about 600 kilometers southeast of Manila, and neighboring provinces are affected.
Then it made second landfall over Dulag-Tolosa, Leyte with maximum sustained winds of 235 kilometers per hour near the center and gusting up to 275 kph.
Sadly the area of Bohol and Cebu, which suffered from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in October, are also along the typhoon's path. Bohol was the epicenter of the earthquake that killed 222 people, where at least 5,000 survivors still living in tents.
There is no power in many areas including Masbate, Ticao Island, Southern Sorsogon, Romblon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Northern Cebu, Cebu City, Bantayan, Camotes Islands, Northern Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras and Dinagat Province.
Ramon DU1UGZ said, "HERO (Ham Emergency Radio Operator) have reported that those along the typhoon path have shut down their radios as they wait out for it to pass. In a few hours, we feel we should be hearing them again."
Already there have been some 270 postings of emergency traffic. More reports are expected. Earlier PARA called for the frequencies of 7.095 and 144.740 to be kept clear for emergency traffic.
Typhoon Haiyan, the world's strongest this year, and some reports make it potentially one of the most intense recorded.
The Philippines is battered by an average of 20 major storms or typhoons each year. Typhoon Bopha left about 2,000 people dead or missing on Mindanao Island in December 2012.
Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee
FCC says Fluorescent Lighting Jamming Cellphone site
It doesn’t happen very often but the FCC has issued an official Citation
and Order for violation of Section 15.5(b) of the Commission’s
regulations governing what are called Incidental Radiators. In this
case the recipient is Ronald Bethany doing business as Perfect Cuts
Salon in San Antonio, Texas, who is being cited for operating incidental
radiators and causing harmful interference to a cellular telephone
system.
This past July 24th the FCC’s Houston Office used direction finding techniques to locate the source of an unknown transmissions on 705 MHz to the Perfect Cuts Salon. The agent confirmed that the interfering signal was coming from the overhead fluorescent lighting in the salon.
The agent then interviewed Bethany who is the owner of the salon. He reportedly stated that representatives of AT&T had conducted on and off testing of the lighting in the salon and confirmed that the interior fluorescent fixtures were the source of interference to a cell site located next door. Bethany further stated that he had unsuccessfully asked General Electric, the manufacturer of the fluorescent lighting, to replace the lighting.
The FCC says that Bethany would not cooperate, so the agent from the Houston Office was unable to conduct his own on/off testing of the lighting in the salon. The agent verbally warned Bethany that he must repair or replace the lighting fixtures to resolve the interference.
On July 31, the agent spoke by telephone with Bethany, who stated that the lighting was not causing him any problems and that he saw no reason to repair or replace them unless he was paid to do so. The agent reiterated to Bethany that he must resolve the interference or be in violation of the FCC’s rules. As of the October 25th release date of the Citation AT&T continues to report receiving interference at its cell site next door to Mr. Bethany’s salon.
Now, based on the evidence it has on hand the FCC has found that Ronald Bethany is in violation Of Section 15.5(b) of its Rules by operating incidental radiators and causing harmful interference. It has directed him to cease operation of the incidental radiators immediately. Or in simpler terms, it basically told him to turn off the lights until the interference can be resolved.
source; Skeeter Nash, N5ASH
This past July 24th the FCC’s Houston Office used direction finding techniques to locate the source of an unknown transmissions on 705 MHz to the Perfect Cuts Salon. The agent confirmed that the interfering signal was coming from the overhead fluorescent lighting in the salon.
The agent then interviewed Bethany who is the owner of the salon. He reportedly stated that representatives of AT&T had conducted on and off testing of the lighting in the salon and confirmed that the interior fluorescent fixtures were the source of interference to a cell site located next door. Bethany further stated that he had unsuccessfully asked General Electric, the manufacturer of the fluorescent lighting, to replace the lighting.
The FCC says that Bethany would not cooperate, so the agent from the Houston Office was unable to conduct his own on/off testing of the lighting in the salon. The agent verbally warned Bethany that he must repair or replace the lighting fixtures to resolve the interference.
On July 31, the agent spoke by telephone with Bethany, who stated that the lighting was not causing him any problems and that he saw no reason to repair or replace them unless he was paid to do so. The agent reiterated to Bethany that he must resolve the interference or be in violation of the FCC’s rules. As of the October 25th release date of the Citation AT&T continues to report receiving interference at its cell site next door to Mr. Bethany’s salon.
Now, based on the evidence it has on hand the FCC has found that Ronald Bethany is in violation Of Section 15.5(b) of its Rules by operating incidental radiators and causing harmful interference. It has directed him to cease operation of the incidental radiators immediately. Or in simpler terms, it basically told him to turn off the lights until the interference can be resolved.
source; Skeeter Nash, N5ASH
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Alaska CB Operator Fined $500 for Using Linear Amp
The FCC has fined Glenn S. Yamada, of Kenai, Alaska, $500 for what the
agency terms as his willful and repeated operation of a non certificated
Class D CB transmitter and a linear amplifier. This in direct
violation of its Part 95 Citizens Radio Service rules.
On July 18, 2012, the Enforcement Bureau’s Anchorage Resident Agent Office issued a Notice of Apparent Liability in the amount of $12,500 to Yamada for operating a non-certificated CB transmitter with a radio frequency linear amplifier which voided his authority to operate his CB station. In response to that notice, Yamada did not deny the violations, but stated that he had not intend to violate the Communications Act or the FCC Rules and that he is unable to pay that high an amount. He also provided the necessary documentation to prove his claim.
In issuing its final ruling on October 30th, the FCC said that based on financial documents Yamada provided that it found there is sufficient basis to reduce the fine to $500. And as is customary, it gave Yamada 30 days to pay the amount in full or to arrange making full payment over time under an installment plan. If he fails to do one or the other the case can be turned over to the Department of Justice for further enforcement action. The complete text of the Forfeiture Order is on the web in P-D-F format at tinyurl.com/alaska-cb-fine
source (FCC)
On July 18, 2012, the Enforcement Bureau’s Anchorage Resident Agent Office issued a Notice of Apparent Liability in the amount of $12,500 to Yamada for operating a non-certificated CB transmitter with a radio frequency linear amplifier which voided his authority to operate his CB station. In response to that notice, Yamada did not deny the violations, but stated that he had not intend to violate the Communications Act or the FCC Rules and that he is unable to pay that high an amount. He also provided the necessary documentation to prove his claim.
In issuing its final ruling on October 30th, the FCC said that based on financial documents Yamada provided that it found there is sufficient basis to reduce the fine to $500. And as is customary, it gave Yamada 30 days to pay the amount in full or to arrange making full payment over time under an installment plan. If he fails to do one or the other the case can be turned over to the Department of Justice for further enforcement action. The complete text of the Forfeiture Order is on the web in P-D-F format at tinyurl.com/alaska-cb-fine
source (FCC)
Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Oregon Office of Emergency Management is seeking more Amateur Radio Operators.
A recent simulated emergency test in Oregon has pointed out a need for more ham radio communications volunteers in that state.
The scenario of the event centered around the simulated hacking on the electric power grid that in turn cut off both telephone and internet access. As such the test planners had identified amateur radio as the fallback method of communication.
While the exercise was considered a success, it also pointed out one of the current vulnerabilities. That being a lack of qualified amateur radio operators east of the Cascade Mountain range.
While the state has about 700 licensed volunteer ham radio operators to help run the emergency communications system, most are in Western Oregon. Morrow, Grant and Jefferson counties have no volunteers. Other counties have as few as 1. So the bottom line is that more emergency communications trained amateur radio volunteers are needed in the eastern part of the state.
for more info. Click Here
http://www.w7oem.org/
A recent simulated emergency test in Oregon has pointed out a need for more ham radio communications volunteers in that state.
The scenario of the event centered around the simulated hacking on the electric power grid that in turn cut off both telephone and internet access. As such the test planners had identified amateur radio as the fallback method of communication.
While the exercise was considered a success, it also pointed out one of the current vulnerabilities. That being a lack of qualified amateur radio operators east of the Cascade Mountain range.
While the state has about 700 licensed volunteer ham radio operators to help run the emergency communications system, most are in Western Oregon. Morrow, Grant and Jefferson counties have no volunteers. Other counties have as few as 1. So the bottom line is that more emergency communications trained amateur radio volunteers are needed in the eastern part of the state.
for more info. Click Here
http://www.w7oem.org/
Saturday, November 2, 2013
DaySaver Power Systems Merging with Elk Antennas
DaySaver Power Systems is merging with Elk Antennas. DaySaver products
will continue to be offered by Elk, which says that that the transition
from DaySaver Power Systems to Elk Antennas should be seamless, with no
interruption in order fulfillment or warranties.
Currently, the DaySaver.com website will continue to operate, but in the future the link will likely take you to the Elk Antennas site at http://www.elkantennas.com/ for an expanded array of products with the DaySaver name.
According to Elk Antenna’s Jim Siemons, AF6PU, the merger helps fulfill Elk’s goal of expanding its product line for portable, remote and emergency communications. Both companies service the Amateur, Commercial, Military and Public Safety Radio Services.
Currently, the DaySaver.com website will continue to operate, but in the future the link will likely take you to the Elk Antennas site at http://www.elkantennas.com/ for an expanded array of products with the DaySaver name.
According to Elk Antenna’s Jim Siemons, AF6PU, the merger helps fulfill Elk’s goal of expanding its product line for portable, remote and emergency communications. Both companies service the Amateur, Commercial, Military and Public Safety Radio Services.
Laser Speed Demo in Space
NASA has used laser technology to transfer data over the 239,000 miles
to and from the moon. This at a speed of 622 megabits per second.
Badri Younes is NASA's deputy associate administrator for space communications and navigation. In a press release he said that his agency is encouraged by the results of the demonstration of the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration to this point. As such NASA is confident that it is on the right path to introduce this new capability into operational service soon.
The space agency’s Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration is the first two-way space communication system to use a laser instead of radio. Younes calls it the first step on NASA’s roadmap toward building the next generation of space communication capability.
The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration is hosted on NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer or LADEE satellite. (NASA)
Badri Younes is NASA's deputy associate administrator for space communications and navigation. In a press release he said that his agency is encouraged by the results of the demonstration of the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration to this point. As such NASA is confident that it is on the right path to introduce this new capability into operational service soon.
The space agency’s Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration is the first two-way space communication system to use a laser instead of radio. Younes calls it the first step on NASA’s roadmap toward building the next generation of space communication capability.
The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration is hosted on NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer or LADEE satellite. (NASA)
Friday, November 1, 2013
DX News
In DX, YL2GM is currently reported on the air from Sao Vicente Island as
D44TYL. Activity has been mainly 20 and 15 meters SSB. The length of
his stay is unknown. QSL via YL2GM.
HB9EYP will be on the air from Zanzibar between November 2nd and the 9th possibly using the call 5H3JJ. Activity will be QRP on 20 through 6 meters with 10 watts into a Windom antenna from a beachfront location. QSL via his home callsign either direct, via the bureau or electronically using Logbook to the World.
Members of the DX Friends group will activate San Andres Island as 5J0R from November 1st to the 10th. Operations will be on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Visit their Web page at
http://www.dxfriends.com/SanAndres2013/
for more information and QSL via EA5RM.
DL7VOA will be active as 6V7D from Senegal between November 29th and December 7th. His operation will be mainly on CW, with some SSB, on 40 through 10 meters. QSL via DL7VOA.
A group of operators from India will be operating from the Lakshadweep Islands from November 20th to the 10th of December as VU7AG and VU7KA. They will be active on 160 through10 meters using CW , SSB and RTTY. QSL via W4VKU
A team of 8 operators will be active from the rare Banda Besar Island between November 10th to the 15th. Callsigns have not been announced yet but operations will be on 40 through 10 meters using CW and SSB. Look for more details to be forthcoming at http://oc157.blogspot.co.uk/
HB9EYP will be on the air from Zanzibar between November 2nd and the 9th possibly using the call 5H3JJ. Activity will be QRP on 20 through 6 meters with 10 watts into a Windom antenna from a beachfront location. QSL via his home callsign either direct, via the bureau or electronically using Logbook to the World.
Members of the DX Friends group will activate San Andres Island as 5J0R from November 1st to the 10th. Operations will be on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Visit their Web page at
http://www.dxfriends.com/SanAndres2013/
for more information and QSL via EA5RM.
DL7VOA will be active as 6V7D from Senegal between November 29th and December 7th. His operation will be mainly on CW, with some SSB, on 40 through 10 meters. QSL via DL7VOA.
A group of operators from India will be operating from the Lakshadweep Islands from November 20th to the 10th of December as VU7AG and VU7KA. They will be active on 160 through10 meters using CW , SSB and RTTY. QSL via W4VKU
A team of 8 operators will be active from the rare Banda Besar Island between November 10th to the 15th. Callsigns have not been announced yet but operations will be on 40 through 10 meters using CW and SSB. Look for more details to be forthcoming at http://oc157.blogspot.co.uk/
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Royal Air Force Permanent Special Event Stations
The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force station G3ELV and the Royal Air
Force Signals Museum station GB4SMH, will be operational under a
permanent Special Event permit effective November 1st. Normal operating
times for both locations will be 10:00 to 16:00 local time on each
Tuesday and on the first Saturday of each month.
If you make contact, please QSL only via the bureau.
If you make contact, please QSL only via the bureau.
Radar Contest on November 2nd
Turning to radiosports, the 2013 RaDAR-America Contest is coming November 2nd starting at 14:00 UTC and ending at 18:00 UTC.
RaDAR stands for Rapidly Deployable Amateur Radio and the event is aimed at promoting this type of operation throughout North and South America.
This competition is open to all licensed radio amateurs. A choice is made prior to the contest to participate in one of the defined categories.
The points system is so structured as to encourage portable operation, especially moveable stations. In fact, the rules are very close to those created by the founder of the contest Eddie Leighton, ZS6BNE and the ZS RaDAR competition will take place at the same time in South Africa as it will here in the Americas.
Marcus Kessler, NX5MK, is the RaDAR-America Contest manager. The complete rules can be found at tinyurl.com/radar-america-contest. You can see a promotional video on the Amateur Radio Today page at www.sarl.org.za.
RaDAR stands for Rapidly Deployable Amateur Radio and the event is aimed at promoting this type of operation throughout North and South America.
This competition is open to all licensed radio amateurs. A choice is made prior to the contest to participate in one of the defined categories.
The points system is so structured as to encourage portable operation, especially moveable stations. In fact, the rules are very close to those created by the founder of the contest Eddie Leighton, ZS6BNE and the ZS RaDAR competition will take place at the same time in South Africa as it will here in the Americas.
Marcus Kessler, NX5MK, is the RaDAR-America Contest manager. The complete rules can be found at tinyurl.com/radar-america-contest. You can see a promotional video on the Amateur Radio Today page at www.sarl.org.za.
Monday, October 28, 2013
ARRL Supports FCC WRC-15
ARRL Supports FCC WRC-15 Advisory Committee Recommendations Affecting Amateur Radio
The ARRL has expressed its support for three recommendations affecting Amateur Radio frequency allocations which the FCC’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 FCC Advisory Committee (WAC) has already approved. ARRL Chief Technology Officer Brennan Price, N4QX, filed comments on behalf of the League October 17 in IB Docket 04-286. The League has concluded that the WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.1 recommendation for 420-450 MHz “maintains a status quo that accommodates many users and works well.” The Amateur Service is secondary on the 70 centimeter band in the United States. At least one administration has proposed to introduce international mobile telecommunications (IMT) — cellular telephone and wireless broadband — to the bottom 10 MHz of the band, but the League said it agrees with the WAC and the NTIA that things are just fine as they stand.
“The status quo is successful and represents a success story for spectrum management,” the League said. “Introduction of IMT in the 420-430 segment of this band, as proposed by one administration, will most assuredly upset this status quo.” The ARRL pointed out that although ham radio is secondary on the band, “radio amateurs have a vested interest in maintaining their ability to use the band,” and Amateur Radio has been “a responsive and responsible sharing partner” to the band’s primary users.
For its part the WAC said, “The results indicate that for most cases, sharing between IMT-2000 base/mobile stations and the various types of radars when placed in adjacent spectrum is not feasible in the absence of mitigation.” Based on information at hand, the committee said, “it is logical to conclude that co-frequency sharing between IMT and the radiolocation service in the 420-450 MHz bands is not feasible.”
The League also said the WAC recommendation for WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.10 regarding 22 to 26 GHz “protects the only worldwide, primary Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service allocation between 146 MHz and 47.2 GHz.”
“Sharing with incumbent services, including the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services at 24.-24.25 GHz will require technical and operation constraints that will result in spectrum being impractical for use by the MSS [Mobile Satellite Service],” the ARRL said. The Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services are primary at 24-24.25 GHz. “Radio amateurs have been responsible stewards of a band that is difficult to use, and the WAC proposal of no change to the entire 22-26 GHz range is particularly applicable to the 24-24.25 GHz segment.”
WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.18 considers a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications in the 77.5-78.0 GHz frequency band in accordance with a resolution adopted at WRC-12. The League suggested that the FCC support the WAC recommendations “as a base for eventual reconciliation with an NTIA position,” or that the FCC not support any position on the agenda item, “as conducted studies to not support a position more expansive than that contained in the recommendation.” The Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services are now primary in the 77.5-78 GHz band, with Radio Astronomy Service users secondary.
The ARRL has expressed its support for three recommendations affecting Amateur Radio frequency allocations which the FCC’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 FCC Advisory Committee (WAC) has already approved. ARRL Chief Technology Officer Brennan Price, N4QX, filed comments on behalf of the League October 17 in IB Docket 04-286. The League has concluded that the WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.1 recommendation for 420-450 MHz “maintains a status quo that accommodates many users and works well.” The Amateur Service is secondary on the 70 centimeter band in the United States. At least one administration has proposed to introduce international mobile telecommunications (IMT) — cellular telephone and wireless broadband — to the bottom 10 MHz of the band, but the League said it agrees with the WAC and the NTIA that things are just fine as they stand.
“The status quo is successful and represents a success story for spectrum management,” the League said. “Introduction of IMT in the 420-430 segment of this band, as proposed by one administration, will most assuredly upset this status quo.” The ARRL pointed out that although ham radio is secondary on the band, “radio amateurs have a vested interest in maintaining their ability to use the band,” and Amateur Radio has been “a responsive and responsible sharing partner” to the band’s primary users.
For its part the WAC said, “The results indicate that for most cases, sharing between IMT-2000 base/mobile stations and the various types of radars when placed in adjacent spectrum is not feasible in the absence of mitigation.” Based on information at hand, the committee said, “it is logical to conclude that co-frequency sharing between IMT and the radiolocation service in the 420-450 MHz bands is not feasible.”
The League also said the WAC recommendation for WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.10 regarding 22 to 26 GHz “protects the only worldwide, primary Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service allocation between 146 MHz and 47.2 GHz.”
“Sharing with incumbent services, including the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services at 24.-24.25 GHz will require technical and operation constraints that will result in spectrum being impractical for use by the MSS [Mobile Satellite Service],” the ARRL said. The Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services are primary at 24-24.25 GHz. “Radio amateurs have been responsible stewards of a band that is difficult to use, and the WAC proposal of no change to the entire 22-26 GHz range is particularly applicable to the 24-24.25 GHz segment.”
WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.18 considers a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications in the 77.5-78.0 GHz frequency band in accordance with a resolution adopted at WRC-12. The League suggested that the FCC support the WAC recommendations “as a base for eventual reconciliation with an NTIA position,” or that the FCC not support any position on the agenda item, “as conducted studies to not support a position more expansive than that contained in the recommendation.” The Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services are now primary in the 77.5-78 GHz band, with Radio Astronomy Service users secondary.
Canadian Amateurs Favor New MW Amateur Band
Radio Amateurs of Canada has commented
in support of a proposal that would create a new secondary Amateur
Radio medium-wave allocation at 472 to 479 kHz. The new 630 meter band
was proposed in a Consultation released in June by Industry Canada,
the nation’s radio communication regulator. It proposed numerous
revisions to Canada’s table of allocations warranted in the wake of
World Radio communication Conference 2012 (WRC-12). Last year the ARRL asked the FCC in 2012 to carve out the same MW band for US hams.
“RAC is pleased to see the department has included this allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis in Canada, consistent with outcome of Agenda Item 1.23 at the World Radio Conference 2012,” said RAC President Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, on behalf of RAC. “It is acknowledged that amateur service use of this new…band will be limited to 5 W effective radiated power relative to an isotropic radiator,” Bawden continued. In line with WRC-12, Industry Canada proposed that stations in the Amateur Service “shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, stations of the Aeronautical Radio navigation Service.”
Bawden said the addition of the MW band to the Amateur Service “will give Amateur Radio operators in Canada an opportunity to participate with other amateur operators in conducting short and long-range propagation studies using very narrowband digital techniques. Such communications will provide another path for emergency and disaster relief communications, when necessary.”
Several Canadian radio amateurs and other organizations also filed comments favoring the new MW allocation.
Bawden also offered the RAC’s support to create a 60 meter band for Canada’s radio amateurs. The allocation 5250 to 5450 kHz is not yet available to hams north of the border, and while Industry Canada did not specifically propose creating an amateur allocation there, the RAC remains optimistic.
“Based on the posted comments, we expect a favourable decision to this consultation very soon and expect an appropriate footnote will be added to this portion of spectrum [in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations] indicating the six spot frequency allocations authorized to the Canadian Amateur Service and any restrictions on use that may apply,” Bawden told IC.
Low-frequency experimenter Joe Craig, VO1NA, writing on behalf of the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland (MRCN), added that group’s voice to those supporting the creation of the 472-479 kHz band in Canada. “From 2009-2012 , we and other Canadian amateurs conducted experiments between 504 and 509 kHz in support of a domestic allocation to the Amateur Service in this portion of the radio spectrum,” Craig noted. “We have used Morse and digital transmissions on 504.1, 507.77 and 508.5 MHz and were authorised to use up to 20 W ERP. There were no reports of interference from these operations.”
Utilities in Canada and the US have opposed the addition of a secondary Amateur Radio allocation at 472-479 kHz as well as at 135.7 to 137.8 kHz. In its comments, the Utilities Telecom Council of Canada (UTCC) urged IC not to establish an Amateur Radio allocation at 472-479 kHz, saying that interference to power line communication (PLC) systems operating in that part of the spectrum is highly likely and would be difficult to mitigate, since the PLC systems would have to avoid interfering with amateur operations.
“If there was an amateur allocation at 472-479 kHz, amateurs could freely operate in close proximity to transmission lines without the utility knowing that they were there,” the UTCC said in its comments. “Utilities would probably only become aware of these operations when it was too late, because they would experience unexplained outages or mis-operation of PLC systems. Interference to PLC systems has to the potential to cause widespread electrical outages.”
Craig asserts that the utilities are using drama, conjecture and “outright inaccuracies” to support their position, even citing what he called “the unfortunate FCC decision to deny 137 kHz” to US hams. “We can hope that reason will prevail, and that the new band will soon become available to Canadian amateurs,” he told ARRL.
source; E-Mail, ARRL
“RAC is pleased to see the department has included this allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis in Canada, consistent with outcome of Agenda Item 1.23 at the World Radio Conference 2012,” said RAC President Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, on behalf of RAC. “It is acknowledged that amateur service use of this new…band will be limited to 5 W effective radiated power relative to an isotropic radiator,” Bawden continued. In line with WRC-12, Industry Canada proposed that stations in the Amateur Service “shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, stations of the Aeronautical Radio navigation Service.”
Bawden said the addition of the MW band to the Amateur Service “will give Amateur Radio operators in Canada an opportunity to participate with other amateur operators in conducting short and long-range propagation studies using very narrowband digital techniques. Such communications will provide another path for emergency and disaster relief communications, when necessary.”
Several Canadian radio amateurs and other organizations also filed comments favoring the new MW allocation.
Bawden also offered the RAC’s support to create a 60 meter band for Canada’s radio amateurs. The allocation 5250 to 5450 kHz is not yet available to hams north of the border, and while Industry Canada did not specifically propose creating an amateur allocation there, the RAC remains optimistic.
“Based on the posted comments, we expect a favourable decision to this consultation very soon and expect an appropriate footnote will be added to this portion of spectrum [in the Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations] indicating the six spot frequency allocations authorized to the Canadian Amateur Service and any restrictions on use that may apply,” Bawden told IC.
Low-frequency experimenter Joe Craig, VO1NA, writing on behalf of the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland (MRCN), added that group’s voice to those supporting the creation of the 472-479 kHz band in Canada. “From 2009-2012 , we and other Canadian amateurs conducted experiments between 504 and 509 kHz in support of a domestic allocation to the Amateur Service in this portion of the radio spectrum,” Craig noted. “We have used Morse and digital transmissions on 504.1, 507.77 and 508.5 MHz and were authorised to use up to 20 W ERP. There were no reports of interference from these operations.”
Utilities in Canada and the US have opposed the addition of a secondary Amateur Radio allocation at 472-479 kHz as well as at 135.7 to 137.8 kHz. In its comments, the Utilities Telecom Council of Canada (UTCC) urged IC not to establish an Amateur Radio allocation at 472-479 kHz, saying that interference to power line communication (PLC) systems operating in that part of the spectrum is highly likely and would be difficult to mitigate, since the PLC systems would have to avoid interfering with amateur operations.
“If there was an amateur allocation at 472-479 kHz, amateurs could freely operate in close proximity to transmission lines without the utility knowing that they were there,” the UTCC said in its comments. “Utilities would probably only become aware of these operations when it was too late, because they would experience unexplained outages or mis-operation of PLC systems. Interference to PLC systems has to the potential to cause widespread electrical outages.”
Craig asserts that the utilities are using drama, conjecture and “outright inaccuracies” to support their position, even citing what he called “the unfortunate FCC decision to deny 137 kHz” to US hams. “We can hope that reason will prevail, and that the new band will soon become available to Canadian amateurs,” he told ARRL.
source; E-Mail, ARRL
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Amateur Radio DX News
In DX, the ARRL DXCC desk has announced that the 2013 T6JR operation
from Afghanistan has been approved for DXCC credit. Cards are now being
accepted for that one.
RK4FF will be on the air as 6V7S from Senegal through November 27th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters excluding the WARC bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. His log is available on ClubLog. QSL via RK4FF.
DF1YP is now active stroke FO from Moorea Island French Polynesia. He reportedly will be there until November 6th. His operation has been mainly on 20 meters using SSB. QSL via his home callsign.
G4IRN will be active as D44TWQ from Cape Verde between November 5th to the 12th. His operation will be holiday style on the 30, 17 and 12 meters and on CW only. QSL via his home callsign either direct or via the bureau.
N7OU will be operational from the South Cook Islands until 9th of November. He has reactivated his E51NOU callsign on all bands from 10 to 160 meters operating CW only. QSLs go via his home call.
DL7AFS and J7ZG will be active as D44TXT from Ilha de Sao Tiago, until November 7th. They will be on the 80 through 10 meters using SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and PSK63. QSL via DL7AFS, either direct or via the bureau.
N0HJZ is active as C6ARW from Grand Bahama, through October 29th using on 30, 17 and 12 meters as well on CW and RTTY on other bands. QSL via N0HJZ, either direct or via bureau.
DH3WO announces that he will be operational from Lesotho as 7P8WO from December 22nd to the 24th. He plans to be active on all of the High Frequency bands though no operating times or frequencies have yet been announced. QSL’s go via home call.
RK4FF will be on the air as 6V7S from Senegal through November 27th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters excluding the WARC bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. His log is available on ClubLog. QSL via RK4FF.
DF1YP is now active stroke FO from Moorea Island French Polynesia. He reportedly will be there until November 6th. His operation has been mainly on 20 meters using SSB. QSL via his home callsign.
G4IRN will be active as D44TWQ from Cape Verde between November 5th to the 12th. His operation will be holiday style on the 30, 17 and 12 meters and on CW only. QSL via his home callsign either direct or via the bureau.
N7OU will be operational from the South Cook Islands until 9th of November. He has reactivated his E51NOU callsign on all bands from 10 to 160 meters operating CW only. QSLs go via his home call.
DL7AFS and J7ZG will be active as D44TXT from Ilha de Sao Tiago, until November 7th. They will be on the 80 through 10 meters using SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and PSK63. QSL via DL7AFS, either direct or via the bureau.
N0HJZ is active as C6ARW from Grand Bahama, through October 29th using on 30, 17 and 12 meters as well on CW and RTTY on other bands. QSL via N0HJZ, either direct or via bureau.
DH3WO announces that he will be operational from Lesotho as 7P8WO from December 22nd to the 24th. He plans to be active on all of the High Frequency bands though no operating times or frequencies have yet been announced. QSL’s go via home call.
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