2005 News Page

News/Blogg Archives 2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 /

24-12-05 Great Conditions.

WOW, the 20 meter band was absolutely fantastic today. On the morning I heard DX from India, Sri-Lanka, Peru, Israel, Egypt and Australia, it's a shame the XYL was in and the main TV was on causing lots of interference to my radio and making QSO's impossible. When she decided to go out in the afternoon most of the propagation had turned to Canada and the USA and they were booming.

I had a contact with KF4UYK, it was a difficult contact as the propagation was still building and he had difficulties hearing me, but I got him at 57. I then had a contact with VE3OGZ who gave me a 53 report. Once again I gave a 57. I was very disappointed with the 53 report from Canada, but my disappointment soon turned to joy as I listened to him give everyone he spoke to a 53 report.

I spent most of my afternoon trying for a few Christmas special events, but I was not successful. You needed to be a big gun to break the pile ups and my meagre 100 watts into my Delta Loop just didn't do it.

Had a great chat on 2 with Phil 2E0BBP between scanning 20 for DX (great to speak again mate, been a while).

So all that remains for me to say is have a Very Merry Christmas.

15-12-05 817 Review.

Well I have now completed the review of the Yaesu FT-817 and have posted it on eHam and on my Notice Board. Click here to view.

Thanks to 2E0OCE for the loan of the 817, you can have it back now.

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13-12-05 290 update.

Well the FT-290R is sounding great now on SSB. Had a report from Keith, 2E0JKD (cheers mate) who advised it was sounding good.

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12-12-05 More 290 alignment.

Tonight I aligned the CW frequency and ALC. Also I adjust the SSB carrier and the FM deviation. Well that will do, the radio is already 100 times better than it was.

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11-12-05 New Radio, QRP contact.

Well today I bought myself a Yaesu FT-290R from Keith M1VHT who made a 100+ mile round trip to bring the radio down here. The radio was going for a bargain price and I jumped at it. It needs a few little jobs doing to it but for the price, I expected it to. The Radio was slightly off frequency but after a couple of hours is now almost spot on. Will spend some time tomorrow fine tuning and getting it bang on. Will post a picture soon.

Had a few checks in the evening from 2E0OCE (thanks) regarding the FT-290R to get an idea of how far off it was and performed more fine tuning and got as close to being spot on as I am going to get it.

Today I had a QRP contact on the FT-817. I spoke to YU1AAV and was given a 57 report. I will be starting the review of this radio shortly so keep a look out for that also.

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03-12-05 First DX contacts on Delta Loop.

Today I had 4 contacts on 20 meters. OL200BA, special event station. SP0TPAX another special event. W2W yet another special event and my first DX contact on the Delta Loop and finally K3ASK thankfully not a special event but another fine DX contact on the Delta Loop.

Unfortunately I didn't record any for my sound bites as I couldn't be bothered setting the cables up.

Today I loaned a Yaesu FT817 from Colm (2E0OCE, formally M3OCE) in order to do a review of this little radio. I also got the Icom IC-746 back off him as the output from the radio will not go above 10 watts. A look around the radio and a test of a few likely components revealed a defective driver transistor. Easily fixed, in fact the hardest part will be getting one.

Look out for the review of the 817 in a few weeks.

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01-12-05 M3OCE and Spam in guest book.

Well M3OCE has got his new call sign, he is now known as 2E0OCE, I worked him last night (30-11-05) on that call. Once again congratulations on passing the intermediate and on the new call. NOW GO FOR THE ADVANCED AND BE QUICK.

Just recently there have been a lot of spam entries appearing in my guest book. Some were just posting links to undesirable websites so I removed the space to enter a URL when signing the guest book. Unfortunately now I keep getting some stupid entries that make no sense at all. These are probably posted by bots who are trying to leave a URL. I will remove any entry that I consider to be an attempt of spam and I will block the IP to prevent future postings. If any one thinks I have incorrectly removed an entry, email me by using the contact me link and plead your case.

Thankfully the weekend is almost upon us.

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28-11-05 Nothing much to report.

Unfortunately I still have not had time to move the antenna away from the house. I have been very busy and the whether has been really wet.

Had a contact to with 9A3YM, see sound bites.

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23-11-05 Congratulations.

Well done M3OCE (Colm) on passing your intermediate exam with flying colours. It was a long time coming but you sure made light work of it.

Looking forward to working you on your new call sign soon.

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19-11-05 Nothing much happening.

Well there isn't much kicking around on the bands this morning apart from a lot of Eastern European stations.

Had a contact with UT5UDX (See Soundbites), this was my 1st contact since re-configuring the Delta Loop. I intended to move the Delta Loop further away from the house this weekend but I doubt I will have time as I have a busy day ahead of me today and an even busier day tomorrow.

Seems as though all I am doing lately is tuning round the bands looking for some DX, but there is none around. Oh well all I can do is keep looking, some will appear sooner or later.

Well Conditions picked up later in the day but had no contacts other than a couple on PSK31, one with UR5WWB and one with IW5ECW.

Below is a copy of the Digital QSO with IE5ECW.

TX> 22:Ø8:53 UTC
CQ CQ CQ de G7VOT G7VOT G7VOT new to psk
CQ CQ CQ de G7VOT G7VOT G7VOT pse k

RX> 22:Ø9:15 UTC
G7VOT Gi VOT G7VOT de IW5ECW IW5ECW IW5ECW pse K K
e s
TX> 22:Ø9:43 UTC
iw5ecw iw5ecw de G7VOT G7VOT
Thanks for the call.
Name is Andy Andy Andy
QTH is Middlesbrough Middlesbrough Middlesbrough
RST is 599
How copy? BTU iw5ecw de G7VOT k

RX> 22:1Ø:24 UTC
G7VOT G7VOT de IW5ECW IW5ECW
fine copy Andy very good job I copy you 1ØØ/1ØØ
I am very glad to meet you Andy
your signal is 599 599 599 my name Paolo Paolo Paolo
my QTH is Ribolla Ribolla Ribolla
it is a small village in the south of the Tuscany
locator JN52MX [140.2° 971.6m] JN52MX [140.2° 971.6m] JN52MX [140.2° 971.6m] how Andy ?
BTU G7VOT de IW5ECW Kn d-tS
 

TX> 22:11:49 UTC
My station is:
Rig .......: Yaesu FT-99Ø
Power .....: 1Ø
Software ..: PSK31 Deluxe v2.3
Antenna ...: Delta Loop
Locator ...: IO94JM
My PC......: AMD 22ØØXP
My OS......: MS XP SP1
So BTU paolo, iw5ecw de G7VOT k

RX> 22:12:44 UTC
G7VOT G7VOT de IW5ECW IW5ECW
all is ok Andy tnx for infos
<<< ABOUT MY SMALL STATION >>>
RTX Icoa 7Ø_ MkII running 3Ø w in digital modes
ANTENNA Windom 8Ø-1Ø mtrs
ATU MFJ - 948 Versa Tuner
PC Note Book Toshiba
cpu INTEL CENTRINO 1,6Ø GHz 512 MB ram
OS Windows XP
S.C. Creative MP3 plus
Homemade interface for digital modes
Software LOGGER 32 v.2.4.Ø
e-mail [email protected]
age 51 ham since 1999
WX sunny and blue sky temp about 8°c degrees
how do you copy Andy?
BTU G7VOT de IW5ECW Kn Br o
 

TX> 22:15:23 UTC
All copied OK paolo
I am now 39 years old, and have been licenced since 1995 as G7VOT.
My website is http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andymuza/ and e-mail is [email protected]
The weather is Very Cold at the moment, temperature about 1 C.
So BTU paolo, iw5ecw de G7VOT k
 

RX> 22:16:23 UTC
G7VOT G7VOT de IW5ECW IW5ECW
rrrrrrrr dear Andy
my QSL only by E-QSL or directed information on me in international
Callbook
or in internet on QRZ. Com
73 TNX for the nice PSK QSO.
Hope to catch you on the 'waterfall' again soon...
best wishes for you and for your family
good luck and good DX
//HOMt NAo 4 de IW5ECW
logged and saved
19/11/Ø5 22.16
SK SK
2e
 

TX> 22:18:ØØ UTC
All copied OK paolo
EQSL is Good
73's and thanks for the great QSO
All the best to you and yours Sk
 

RX> 22:18:24 UTC
G7VOT G7VOT de IW5ECW IW5ECW
ciao ciao Andy greetings from italy

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15-11-05 RFI and Delta Loop.

Well here's what's been happening since my last BLOGG entry.

I received an email from BEKO and it was not very helpful, just told me to take the TV back to where it was purchased. I am not going to bother as I will just purchase some more ferrite clamps for it.

I have had a look inside the main TV downstairs and added clamps here and there, but there was absolutely no difference to the noise.

I have also been suffering from another noise that I never got on my G5, and that was a white noise at S9 in strength on 20 meters. I decided to experiment with the delta loop and cut one side down and ran it into the garden so the feed point of the loop was the only part of the antenna against the house.

Well surprise surprise, the S9 white noise disappeared, but another problem arose. My SWR went sky high. I put this down to the fact that all the measurements where no longer correct and where now odd. I investigated what could have been causing the S9 white noise and all evidence points in the direction of two motors for the heating in the storage cupboard where the water tanks are. My G5 never ran near these motors but the Delta Loop did.

The following day I corrected the measurements and also assembled two poles in the garden to fasten the loop to. Well that worked a treat, SWR back down and noise reduced, although I do still get noise from the TV's and it is still too high at up to S9 on some bands and as low as S3 on other bands, but the majority of bands have an s5 interference level. So I am going to move the Delta Loop again and get the feed point away from the house. I will post more when I get this done.

I have only had a couple of contacts on the Loop, IO1HOC and 3Z5IARU, both special event stations. Unfortunately DX has been rare this past week so have not had chance to put the Delta Loop through it's paces regarding DX.

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07-11-05 RFI from TV.

Today I sent an email to the manufacturer of my sons TV, advising them of the interference caused from the TV when it is powered up. I have placed a copy of the email below.

After sending the email I thought sod it, I am going to open the TV up and see what may be causing the RFI. On opening the TV I found one large ferrite clamp loosely clamped to two thin wires that where connected to the antenna input. This clamp was way to loose to have any affect, also on tracing the two wires I noticed that they where earth wires.

So I removed the clamp and located the PSU for the TV. I then used the clamp on the cables coming from the PSU and the tube, about eight in total. It was a lot tighter fitting on these wires. I reassembled the TV and placed it back in my sons room. The RFI from my sons TV is now a lot less than it was. So come this weekend I will have a look inside the downstairs TV and see what I can find. Hopefully I will cure, or at the very least reduce the interference from the TV also.

Email sent to Beko

In December 2004 my son was bought a Beko TV, Model NR 142746TS, S/N 40600950.

 This TV when powered on, either in standby or actually on radiates some serious noise on to the HF radio Spectrum. I am a keen radio amateur and the noise this TV gives off prevents me from being able to enjoy my hobby.

Can you advise if you are prepared to look at this TV and make necessary modifications to prevent this TV causing interference under warranty?

I believe this TV currently does not meet with EMC regulations, and as the TV is less than a year old those regulations where in place when it was manufactured.

 I have decided to contact you now because my son who is 4 is now starting to watch TV and DVD's more often and so the noise on the HF spectrum has become intolerable.

 I have now purchased a new TV for my son in order to allow me to enjoy what limited time I have for my hobby. I have tried using several ferrite clamps on all the cables to and from the TV but no difference was made. I believe the problem lies with the PSU in the TV due to the fact that the interference is constant even when on stand by.

 Regards and look forward to hearing from you.

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06-11-05 More changes & Delta Loop

Made more changes to the way the site looks, more to come.

This morning I put the Delta Loop up. RX is amazing. The band conditions have been poor but I have had a contact with 9A8A who I was receiving at 9+40dB, he gave me a 59 report. Added sound bite in the Sound Bites page.

Unfortunately, as good as the Delta Loop is, it still suffers from the QRM the TV's in the house give out, in fact it is worse than the G5. I put this down to the fact that more of the loop is closer to the source of the interference.

So I have gone from being very happy to fed up. I will experiment tomorrow to see which TV is causing the worst interference and see what I can do to cure it.

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05-11-05 Changes & Delta Loop

Decided to make some changes to the way the site looked, hopefully it will be a lot less hassle to navigate around, I hope you like the new look. Any bugs or dead links please let me know.

Haven't had time to play radio much although I have built a Delta Loop for 20 metres. Gave the antenna a couple of tests today and receive was better by an S point compared to my G5 and that was whilst the Delta Loop was laid across the bed and onto the landing.

I tried the loop on the ground out side and my first shout was straight into San Marino. Checked SWR and on the bands between 40 and 10 the SWR varied between 1.1 and 2.5. SWR was above 3's on 80 and top band as you would expect. I am hoping to get the loop up and fully operational tomorrow. I will also be taking the G5 down.

The email that I sent to the RSGB on the 24-9-05 was published in the November issue of RadCom, wonder what type of (if any) response I get.

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29-10-05 Made loop and software.

Today I made a Delta Loop Antenna for 20 Meters. I will be putting this up ASAP.

I also created a Watts to dBW conversion program. See Software page for download.

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26-10-05 Shack slimmed down.

Well Most of my once fantastic shack has now gone. All that remains is my Yaesu FT-990, PSU (just in case I decide to purchase another radio), G5RV, 2 ele HB9CV for 6 and a couple of odds and sods.

On the 24-10-05 I moved my shack into the main bedroom to make space for the the baby which is due in January.

On the 23-10-05 I sold my Icom IC-746, Heil PR-20 including boom mount cables and PTT's, Edirol Speakers, Behringer Mic Pre-amp, 7 ele ZL special 2mtr beam, Tri-mag mount, WAB-5 5 band mobile antenna and my Watson W-220 SWR/PWR meter. The kit has gone to a good home and I know it will be looked after

I have on a long term loan an Icom 706MKIIG to keep me active on 6 and 2 but I am not to sure how long I will use the 706 for before I give it back. Thanks to M3OCE for the loan of the rig.

I have updated the My Equipment page, (wow I didn't realise how much kit I have had and sold on).

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22-10-05 End of the line?

This may be the final update on this site. I am ready to call it a day on this hobby as I no longer have the time, hunger or enthusiasm for it and I no longer enjoy it.

I am basically sick of this hobby. I am sick of hearing poor operating and ignorance from operators around the world. I am sick of the attitude of elitist amateur's who are nothing but cretins. I am sick of wasting my time on all aspects of this hobby for nothing. But most off all I am sick of the bleeding interference from the TV's in this house. For the amount of operating I do I cannot justify spending good money just to prevent noise. I have already exhausted most options the only one I have left is to buy a Noise Canceller by MFJ or Timewave, either way, expensive.

I now consider it a chore to even key the radio to call CQ. I rarely bother to TX now so I might as well just have a receiver and let the radio's and other equipment go to where they will be used.

I will probably leave this site on line for a few months and then take it down and use the space for something else. Lets face it, I don't get that many visitors so it wouldn't be missed that much. The notice board never gets used either, well except by me.

I have felt like this for some time now, if I am honest probably for over a year now, but I can no longer justify my time to this hobby. I may keep some minimal equipment in case I start to regret going QRT but at the moment I doubt it. I would rather not have equipment collecting dust and getting in my way.

I just do not have enough spare time to spend on this hobby. I work 4 x 10 hour shifts. When I am not at work my XYL is, so I take care of our 4 year old son on my days off. Time will be even more precious soon as my second son will be with us in January. And if ever I did have any spare time I could guarantee the noise from the TV would be there spoiling it for me.

I would consider buying a noise canceller and staying with the hobby if I could try one 1st to make sure it worked well enough to justify spending that sort of money. If anyone has one and they are willing to loan it to me please let me know, (won't hold my breath). I doubt enough people will read this any way.

Regards one and all, 73's maybe for the final time from, the soon to be silent,

Voice Of Teesside.

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24-09-05 Email sent to the RSGB.

Below is a copy of an email I have sent to the RSGB. I am also going to post this on my notice board if any one wants to make any comments click here.

For some time now radio amateurs around the world have been raising concerns on the future of this great historic hobby. Like it or not, amateur radio is a minority hobby, as such not many youngsters are exposed to the hobby. Amateur radio is becoming more and more affordable. You can buy a radio now for not much more than the cost of the latest all singing and dancing game console and for a lot less than the latest high spec PC. 

How can we guarantee the growth of amateur radio and also guarantee that people will continue to come in to the hobby in the distant future not just the near future? 

Well the answer is easy; we need to capture the imagination of the young. Children have an enthusiasm that we old timers have long lost. Children are also our future. Amateur radio to a child has a long list of competitors. 

For boy’s we have game consoles, football, fishing, train sets, scalextric, action figures and computers. For girls we also have computers, games consoles and more are starting to partake in football. We also have dolls and prams, dancing and horse riding to name but a few. All of which, they can partake in almost whenever they want to and all of which are promoted in many ways by the media. We must also not forget the good old mobile phone, which like it or not is a competitor of amateur radio; it is a way for the young to communicate. 

Eugene Sully taking part in Big Brother has been a massive impact for the good of promoting the hobby to adults and older teenagers. Six months ago if I had mentioned amateur radio to any one who had never heard of it, their immediate and unenthusiastic reaction would, 95% of the time be, What’s that CB? Now, thankfully you get more enthusiasm and people tend to take a greater interest in what is involved. 

So, the question that now needs to be asked and answered. How do we capture a child’s imagination and enthusiasm to get them interested in the hobby?  

Well a start would be for the RSGB to get together with Ofcom and discuss the possibility of a children’s day or better still, days. 1 every 3 months, these could coincide with school holidays. Obviously the children would have to be directly supervised by the licensed radio ham. This would give all children the opportunity to taste amateur radio in a real shack and would also open the world of ham radio to all, not just the scouts, cubs, brownies, girl guides etc etc.  

Rules could be changed slightly on these days so they are allowed to have a real conversation and not just a brief QSO as is the case with JOTA. Let them call CQ and have a real QSO, exchanging reports, location and working conditions etc. May be this idea could be put to the radio administrations throughout the world and we could have a Children’s World Amateur Radio Day, where children of the world call DX to each other. This would give them the opportunity to promote there own country through a child’s eye. 

Other ways to promote the hobby would be for clubs or individuals to arrange visits to schools to talk about and demonstrate the hobby. GB4FUN is a great step in the right direction and must be congratulated, but we need more. 

My son is 4 years old, he loves to sit in the shack, and he is fascinated by the equipment, the noise and the lights etc. He often sits with one of my spare microphones in his hand and calls CQ. He knows how to do his name in CW, I know many licensed radio hams who can’t do that. 

So, may be this idea will come in for a lot of criticism from the people who don’t like change and the sarcastic comments of “I can just hear it now, GOO GOO GA GAH on the air.” Well obviously common sense will prevail and that won’t happen. 

For me, most change is good and it keeps things fresh and invigorating. Move on and up, or move down and away. 

Long live our fantastic hobby.  

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19-09-05 Just an update

Well not been playing radio much although I have had a few contacts on HF.

16-09-05, 2135 UTC, 80 Metres, MS0WRC/P, on the Isle of Mull, 5-7.

17-09-05, 1906 UTC, 20 Metres, YZ1SS, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO 5-9.

18-09-05, 2100 UTC, 20 Metres, WX3B, Taneytown MD USA, 5-7.

19-09-05, 0941 UTC, 20 Metres, EW6GF, Belarus, 5-9.

And that's about it from me this week.

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12-09-05 Big day in the G7VOT household.

Today was the day we found out what sex the new G7VOT jnr is. Well, the new addition is a boy, and no doubt he will be in to radio from an early age, just like his brother and father.

Unfortunately I have had very little time for radio so far this month, not that I am missing any thing, the good old solar flares are seeing to that.

I have decided to place a banner on the front page of my site for charity organisations. This will change every month. This month there is only one charity that I could place on the site. The American Red Cross, helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina, with more hurricanes now threatening  please consider donating.

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04-09-05 Responses to Ofcoms Consultation, RSGB, Hurricane Katrina.

Once again Amateur Radio operators are on the frontline of a major disaster, keeping communications open when every thing else has failed. To all the Radio Hams who have volunteered to help the victims of hurricane Katrina, WELL DONE. For more information on how Radio Hams are helping out, go to eHam and click on the various links.

Well I am extremely pleased to announce that up to now, Ofcom have published 1245 responses to the Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing. This is a HUGE HUGE HUGE, improvement on the responses they received for the Spectrum Framework Review.

To all those that took the time to respond I thank you. To those that didn't..... Well lets just say you will probably owe the future of our great hobby to those that did.

You can view all the responses by clicking here. I am pleased to say my response has also been published.

Long live Amateur Radio and lets hope any changes that are coming from Ofcom are minor and are seen as improvements.

Also this week, September the 1st to be exact, saw the RSGB and RCF Take Over Examination Responsibility from Ofcom. Story below.

For the first time since the RSGB asked the City and Guilds in 1946 to run a formal Radio Amateurs examination, the responsibility for running licensing examinations in the UK has passed to radio amateurs. On the 1 September Ofcom stood down as the examination body and the task of running the Radio Communications examinations has been given to the Radio Communications Foundation and the RSGB.

The RCF will accredit the examinations and, as now, the RSGB will do the day-to-day administration. To ensure that the high standards are maintained, the current examination moderating body will remain in place. Originally set up by City and Guilds and then appointed by Ofcom, this group is independent of both the RCF and the RSGB. It is made up of a mixture of academics, engineers, teachers and experienced radio amateurs, and is responsible for monitoring the question banks and the examinations.

The RSGB is committed to ensuring that all three examinations, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, are available at short notice, and that the high standards of instruction and the availability of test centres are maintained. The RSGB will also be introducing more ‘spot checks' to ensure that the examination procedures are adhered to. This will give radio amateurs full confidence in their examination scheme.

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22-08-05 Guestbook back on-line.

Well the Guestbook is back on-line. No explanation from the hosts as to why it vanished in the 1st place but hey, it's back.

My response to Ofcoms Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing, has yet to be published on the website. I am pleased to announce though, that Ofcom seem to have a lot more responses to this consultation than they did the Spectrum Framework Review.

Today I received a book by G3ROO Titled "Practical and Tested Aerial Systems." form G3ROO himself. I am currently reading the book and will place a review on my notice board. First impressions are good.

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18-08-05 Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing ends

Well If you hadn't responded to this consultation by 5pm today, it's now too late because 5pm today was the deadline for responses to be submitted by.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that actually took the time to respond, well done each and every one of you, you are what the hobby needs and you are the future.

To those who didn't bother to respond..... Hang your head in shame. Take up another hobby because there is nothing worse than people who claim to love a hobby only to sit back and do nothing when it matters. I will go as far as saying give the hobby up, if you can't be bothered spending 15 minutes to respond then I believe you are not worthy to hold an amateur radio licence. When the hobby is no more, give your self a pat on the back for sitting there doing nothing. I would like to use stronger words to describe the people who are just hangers on, but I won't.

Around 68000 radio hams in the UK and what's the betting that only hundreds took the time to respond. To all those who say "I haven't had time." ask your self this. How many minutes have you been on the radio since the consultation started on 26-05-05? That's almost 3 months. I bet the majority have been on the radio a lot longer than the 15 minutes it would have taken to respond.

Once again well done to all the individuals who did take time to defend our hobby. No doubt we are once again a minority.

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16-06-05 Congratulations

Well done to M3PRK (Phil) and M3KWI (Keith) on passing there intermediate exam yesterday.

Look forward to working you when your new calls come through.

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15-08-05 Response to Ofcoms Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing.

Below is my response to Ofcom on the consultation to reform amateur radio licensing

Question 1: Do you agree with the proposal to introduce a lighter, electronic licensing process? If not, please explain why.

No. I would like to agree but not enough details are listed in the document regarding the process to used in order to recognise a valid pass certificate has been issued or a valid licence is held. Also what steps would be taken or in place to prevent any one accessing the online site and generating a licence.

Question 2: Do you agree with the proposal to issue licences which remain valid for the life of the licensee? If not, please explain why.

No. I believe the licence should still be renewed yearly purely to prevent information becoming out of date.

Question 3: Do you agree with the proposal to issue electronic amateur radio licences free of charge? If not, please explain why.

No. See concerns raised in answer to question 1.

Question 4: Do you agree with the proposal to apply an administrative charge when processing postal applications for amateur radio licences? If not, please explain why.

Agree.

 Question 5: Do you agree that WT Act licence exemption for radio amateurs is not currently practical?

Agree.

 Question 6: What are your views regarding the possibility of WT Act licence exemption for radio amateurs in the longer term?

I believe it is not practical but would also probably destroy a very historic hobby. I don’t need to explain what advancements radio amateurs have discovered, invented, designed and built for the world of communications and still do. This would no doubt stop with exemption because the bands would become a free for all and the UK would become the laughing stock of the amateur radio world. I believe the majority of currently licensed radio amateurs would quit the hobby for pastures new, I know I would. The UK has just gone through a dramatic change in the way licenses are gained and another change is not needed nor is it wanted.

 Question 7: Is maintaining the existing licensing regime but with an extended renewal period your preferred option? If so, please state the renewal period that you believe would be appropriate and explain why.

No. See answer to question 2.

 Question 8: Do you agree that the current licensing system is over-burdensome? If not, please explain why.

No. I pay via Direct Debit so therefore I don’t do any thing, so no burden on myself. Also £15 per year is no financial burden.

 Question 9: Do you agree with the proposal to apply an administrative charge when processing applications for a Notice of Variation to an amateur radio licence? If not, please explain why.

Agree.

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14-08-05 Celebrating 10 years of G7VOT.

Well today is the 10th anniversary of gaining my call sign G7VOT. Unfortunately I have been recovering from a rather heavy drinking session yesterday so have not been active on the bands at all today.

I had a scan around the bands this evening but there wasn't much activity. Never mind, may be on the 25th anniversary I will be active and the bands will be active.

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10-08-05 Congratulations.

Well Congratulation to my friend Paul and his XYL Cate, on getting there tickets. Call signs are KI4LHF (Paul) and KI4LHE (Cate). Paul is an Ex Pat who is now living in the states, so if you hear him be sure to give him the latest news and weather from over here in wet n windy blighty.

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07-08-05 Guest Book

For some reason the domain that the guest book was hosted on has expired. So no more guest book.

I am going to create a section on my Notice Board for comments and feedback.

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06-08-05 Ofcom Consultation nears it's end.

The Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing is coming up to it's closing date of 18-08-05. Judging by the few Amateurs that bothered to reply to the Spectrum Framework Review, I can't see a great future for our hobby. I can see less than 47 people replying to this consultation.

Only 47 amateurs replied to the Spectrum Framework Review. The Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing is directly aimed at our hobby. If you don't act then don't be shocked and don't cry foul when you lose the hobby.

When the Spectrum Framework review came about, I stated "If less than 100 amateurs responded I would give up the hobby. As yet I haven't gave up the hobby, but I am getting more and more disheartened over the lack of interest and lack of passion for our hobby that makes it worthwhile fighting for.

Well I don't want to give up amateur radio but what I do promise is this. If less than 100 respond to the Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing when it is aimed directly at us then amateur radio as a hobby will take a big back seat and I will go back to a hobby where people stand up for there rights and when threatened fight back with passion and with a heart. I will reduce the shack by a large amount and just have 1 radio and my trusty G5RV, everything else will go to a new home.

I will go back to Angling and Motorcycling. I have done these hobbies before and there is no Elitist attitudes and no snobbery in these two hobbies, unlike amateur radio which has them both. E.G. "I Passed my CW exam therefore I won't talk to those that haven't". "M3's PAH you entered the hobby via the back door". "I have been licensed for X amount of years more than you so I am obviously better". "My rig is better than yours". I could go on but I won't. Most people who partake in a hobby no matter what it is have a camaraderie and stick together and get on with one and all involved. Not so with this hobby.

This next comment will upset some people and I don't care. CB had it's idiots as all hobbies do but the camaraderie shown on CB was far better than on amateur radio. The Mobile phone and the internet killed CB off, not the lack of interest shown in the way the hobby was going. Go on to 27MHz today and hear how quiet it is. That will soon be how the amateur bands sound.

 I know clubs that have had big talks over this consultation and I have been told that the turn outs have been extremely poor.

The writing is on the wall and don't say you haven't been warned more than once. Get ready to embrace the internet and VOIP as your only means of world wide communication. But at least you can always use your thousands of pounds worth of equipment to listen to other countries enjoying the hobby as we once did.

Another thing I will do is erase the Amateur Radio content from my web space. I will turn in to an Angling web site instead.

So remember. 18th of August 05 is the date your responses must be in by. Mine is getting sent on Monday I will add my responses to the web site tomorrow.

ACT NOW, NOT LATER

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31-07-05 990 group, 746 Pic, M3OCE Birthday.

Congratulations to Colm M3OCE who is celebrating his 90th birthday today (Hi Hi), catch you later Old Man. He isn't really 90 but he's older than me so might as well be.

Well I had a few half hearted offers of 756 Pro's but nothing came of it which I am glad about to be honest because the 990 is amazing and I doubt the 756 Pro I or II would have been a big improvement, I was only fishing really to see if any offers came up. I also had an email from G3ROO (Ian) advising me to keep the 990 and that email sure brought to my senses. Ian as a radio amateur is highly regarded and is the author of a great antenna book called Practical and Tested Aerial Systems. More information regarding the book can be seen by Clicking Here.

Yesterday I created a group for 990 owners. If you wish to join then Click Here to go to the group. I am in the process of adding content to the group so there isn't a lot on there as yet.

Added a photo of the Icom IC-746 to My Equipment page. It took a while to add a photo as I loaned my camera to my nephew who has just gave me it back.

Haven't done a lot radio wise apart from speak with the usual crowd and I have had a contact on 6 today into Italy other than that I have nothing to report.

Oh and before I forget. Congratulations to Phil, M3PRK for coming over to the Dark Side and getting him self a 990, only Colm (M3OCE) to convert now, I am working on it.

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23-07-05 990 & 746 Review. M3OCE Alive and well

I have added a review of the Yaesu FT-990 and the Icom IC-746 to the notice board.

I am also considering giving up Amateur Radio on VHF/UHF and just concentrating on HF and 6. I am thinking of swapping my 990 and 746 for a 756ProII, in fact the more I think about it the more I want to do it. So if you have a 756 Pro or Pro II and would like a 990 and 746, get in touch.

M3OCE is alive and well. He has just been recharging him self.

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21-07-05 RSGB publishes a response guide.

The RSGB has published a response guide to OFCOMS Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing. Click here to view the RSGB document in PDF Format.

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20-07-05 Lack of activity and M3OCE WHERE ARE YOU????

I have not  been active on HF for over 1 week now, there has been very little activity and I have been fairly busy. The 746 is now wired up for PSK31 and as soon as I get a chance will be active on there, maybe this weekend.

I have still spoken to most of the usual guys on 2mtrs and one of the guys has finally come over to the dark side and got himself a 990. Keith (M3KWI) welcome to the world of true radio. Phil (M3PRK) and Colm (M3OCE) Only you two left to be converted to the dark side of the Yaesu FT-990.

Talking of the usual guys.

Has any one seen or heard anything of M3OCE Colm.

He was last seen about 2 weeks ago. Last heard on the Radio 10 days ago, and my last communication with him on Dat Der Er Tinternet was 8 days ago.

Has he been abducted by Aliens??? I doubt this is true, they would soon bring him back.

Has he gone into hiding??? I doubt this is true as he never does or says any thing to hide for.

Has he left the country??? Maybe he has, but doubt he would just go.

Has he finally got round to putting up his Cobweb antenna and got stuck on the roof of his house??? This won't be true, he gets scared climbing the step into his house.

Has he shut himself away to study and revise for his intermediate and advanced exams??? NAH.

Has there been a freak lightening strike that has rendered all forms of communications useless from his QTH???

Maybe he decided to do some home brew radio servicing and has fried every thing. This I wouldn't surprised about!!!

All information on the where a bout's of Colm M3OCE appreciated.

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10-07-05 More IARU.

Today I have had 4 more contacts on the IARU Contest, S580HQ and HG6N on the 990 and S50A and IR2M on the 746.

At the moment (13:51 BST) the bands are pretty dead so going to play with PSK31 till they pick up again.

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09-07-05 IARU Contest.

Well the bands where very busy tonight due to the IARU HF Contest. I don't usually bother with contest but I like the IARU Contest as there is no serial numbers to worry about, all you need to know is your ITU zone number.

I had contacts with the following stations on 20 meters. 9A5D, IZ8FDG, RA4LBS, IO4T, HA80IARU, IU2R, RN3QO, IK2DZN, EW80P, SP9LJD,OE50A, CN2R, IR4T, T90HQ, ER7HQ, EM7HQ, YT0HQ, YR8B.

I then decided to switch radios and put the 746 through its paces and had the following contacts. VE3CKA, YR0HQ, HG0HQ US5D, K2LE, T92D, K3ZO, SN0HQ. No problems at all with the 746. Worked Canada and the USA with a single shout. The receive proved to be very good under heavy QRM and using the Twin Pass Band Tuning reduced the QRM. There is also a feature to adjust the filter properties when switching between wide and narrow and this reduced the QRM even more.

Filter settings are as follows. 9M = 15k and 455k = 2.4k. Under heavy QRM this eliminates a lot when you turn the filter on you can then reduce the QRM even further by using the Twin Pass Band Tuning.

I am really starting to love this 746.

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08-07-05 PSK31

Last night I started messing with PSK31 on receive, and I found the results to be very good. So I decided to TX as well but I had a bit of a problem on TX, and that was, the ALC was being well over driven. So a few experiments and a few test transmissions to Keith M3KWI and I had it working, but it was now 1am and not many signals where coming through, so left it till today.

Well I set up the Macros and then called CQ on 14.070.15, no response. I then received a 4Z17C call CQ and replied to him. Well he got me 599. Next came YO6ADM, once again 599.

Below is a transcript of the two contacts. I can see me having lots of fun with PSK31.

PSK31 QSO’S 

QRZ 4Z17C 4ro17C Pse only RST

QRZ a

TX> 15:55:53 UTC

4z17c de g7vot g7vot

your report 599 599 e

RX> 15:56:Ø5 UTC

G7VOT G7VOT de 4Z17C

Your report is 599 599

QSL? s

TX> 15:56:44 UTC 

4z17c 4z17c de G7VOT G7VOT 73's and thanks for the QSO k

RX> 15:57:ØØ UTC

RGR G7VOT 73 73 QSL via 4z4tl 4z4tl QRt

2^{ND QSO}. 

CQ CQ de YO6ADM YO6ADM YO6ADM

CQ CQ CQ de YO6ADM YO6ADM YO6ADM

Pse K...

d

TX> 16:21:12 UTC

YO6ADM YO6ADM de G7VOT G7VOT

Name is ANDY ANDY

QTH is Middlesbrough Middlesbrough

QRA:IO94JM IO94JM

RST is 599 599

How copy? BTU YO6ADM de G7VOT k

RX> 16:21:53 UTC

G7VOT de YO6ADM YO6ADM ...

Thanks for call my friend.

RST:599 599 599,

Op:Istvan Istvan,

QTH:Reghin, Romania,

QRA:KN26IS KN26IS

How do you copy my friend?

G7VOT de YO6ADM KN ...

c it

TX> 16:23:Ø5 UTC

YO6ADM YO6ADM de G7VOT G7VOT

My station is:

Rig .......: Yaesu FT-99Ø

Power .....: 5Øw

Software ..: PSK31 Deluxe v3.2

Antenna ...: G5RV

Locator ...: IO94JM

YO6ADM YO6ADM de G7VOT G7VOT

RX> 16:23:55 UTC

a t

T de YO6ADM ...

Thanks for all my friend.

My RIG: PC Pentium 8ØØ MHz

Windows 98SE, Soft MixW V2.12

Transceiver: FT-1Ø1ZD FT-1Ø1ZD

Antenna: Quad 2el. 1Ø/15/2Ø m

Inv. V. 4Ø/8Ø m

Age 64 years, Ham since 1964.

My home site: www.qsl.net/yo6adm

OK my friend? G7VOT de YO6ADM KN ...

t (

TX> 16:25:29 UTC

YO6ADM YO6ADM de G7VOT G7VOT

I am now 39 years old, and have been licenced since 1995 as G7VOT.

My website is http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andymuza/ and e-mail is [email protected]

YO6ADM YO6ADM de G7VOT G7VOT 73's and thanks for the QSO k

RX> 16:26:28 UTC

r eertt

G7VOT de YO6ADM YO6ADM ...

Thanks for QSO my friend.

QSL only CB Address or via eQSL.

73, good bye, my friend, SK.

G7VOT de YO6ADM YO6ADM...

QSO Logged: 8 Jul 2ØØ5 at 16:26:34z

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07-07-05 More on 6 and 746.

Today I had more 6 meter contacts and wired my Heil Goldline Pro to the IC-746.

The Magic Band is indeed, Magic, it is currently my favourite band of all time.

One day on and I am even more impressed with the 746. Receive quality isn't far behind the 990 and I would rate it better than the 870 at the moment, but the test will come this weekend when the bands are busier.

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06-07-05 WoW. Great contacts on 6 meters and a new Radio.

6 meters was extremely active today and I had contacts with the following stations, F5DE 5-5, TF8GDX 5-5(This contact was not completed as the station could not get my suffix due to heavy QRM).

I then had a break on 6 as I had to go to Hughie's (M0HMS) as I was doing a deal with him. I swapped my IC-706MKIIG and Accessories with my MFJ-949E for his IC-746.

I came home and had more contacts on 6 using the 746 into S57AC 5-9, OK1CS 5-9, IW3SNU 5-7, S5IZO 5-9.

The 746 is fantastic. The receive is excellent and Colm M3OCE said the TX Audio was very good. Colm was my 1st contact on the 746. The radio is very easy to use and in no time I was making good use of the features on this fantastic radio.

I will write a review and add pictures ASAP. Off to play on HF.

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05-07-05 IC-7000 Information.

Today while at work I spoke to some one who works for Icom UK. While I was talking to him I asked him about the IC-7000. He said "The IC-7000 should be out in Japan in Autum (Fall) and in Europe around Christmas time, it is just waiting to be approved for use in the EU.

He said he it is expected to retail at around £1000 and that Icom are not, I repeat NOT stopping production of the 706MKIIG and will continue to sell the MKIIG.

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02-07-05 TS-870S review added to notice board.

I have now written a review on the TS-870S which I have had on loan from Keith M3KWI. To view the review visit my notice board.

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28-06-05 I GIVE UP.

OK, 68000 radio amateurs in the UK and only 47, yes that's right 47 (people who care about this hobby) out of you so called radio amateurs (people that suppose to like our hobby) bothered to respond to Ofcoms Spectrum Framework Review consultation. Ofcom have published their findings regarding the SFR, to view the document click HERE.

I am appalled by this number. But at least Ofcom seem to have changed tack and for now are not pushing for deregulation of this fantastic hobby of ours (for now), and I use the term ours loosely, only those that responded to the consultation deserve to have this hobby, as for the rest well just fade away and leave the hobby to those that care.

Ofcom will probably end up deregulating our hobby because if only 47 out of 68000 people could be bothered to respond, then obviously the majority don't care. I am ashamed of you all and you know who you are. 30 minutes to write a response to Ofcom to save our hobby and you couldn't be bothered.

Well thanks to the 47 of us that did respond, our hobby is safe for now, but next time 47 may not respond and Ofcom will just do what they want and not one of you outside the 47 can moan about it.

I just hope more respond to the Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing. If not we are well in trouble and you can get ready to kiss your hobby good bye.

I bet if a survey was performed among radio amateurs, I bet more would say they responded than actually did. Plastic Amateurs who are in the hobby for the wrong reasons.

To the 47 that responded (of which I was one) I praise you all and well done. You know who you are.

To the rest...................

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26-06-05 990 for 870

Today I have swapped my FT-990AC for a TS-870S (albeit on a temporary basis) with a friend of mine. M3KWI (Keith) wanted to try the 990 and this gave me the opportunity to put an 870 through it's paces and write a review of it.

First impressions of the 870 are very good, although myself and Keith both agree the 990 on receive is better. This opinion may change once I have had time to play with the settings and filters of the 870. TX audio on both radios is outstanding and on hearing my 990 TX audio for the 1st time I was very impressed and that was just using the stock mic.

The 870 with the stock mic sounds good and due to the TX EQ feature that the 870 has, it can be made to sound better. I connected the Heil Goldline Pro (PR-20) through a Behringer MIC-100 Pre-Amp to the 870 and tinkered with the various audio settings via the monitor feature on the 870 and it sounded excellent, on air reports backed this up. Also connected up a Heil HM-10 direct to the radio, made a few slight adjustments and once again, reports where very good.

I later played around with the RX filters to improve the receive and made a few slight improvements but still not up to the standard of the 990. So more tinkering tomorrow.

I had a couple of contacts on the 870 and reports where an ok 5-5 to a good 5-9 in to EK3GM and YT1BB respectively.

Look out for my full review of this great radio in the near future. I am off to tinker a bit more.

Thanks to Keith, M3KWI for the opportunity to try this great radio.

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18-06-05 Deregulation could still happen.

Just a reminder that deregulation is still hanging over the hobby. I hope that none of you have become complacent, just because Ofcom have recognised the importance of Amateur Radio doesn't mean they won't deregulate our hobby.

I received an email today from Mike M0FCG (thanks Mike) which contained an email from and reproduced on my site thanks to John G4RCG. I was pleased to receive this email because it confirmed that a few people are taking an interest and are willing to fight for our hobby. It's a shame though because the vast majority are going to leave the fight to the minority and the RSGB. This same majority will be the first to shout WHY? when it has been announced by Ofcom that we are to lose our much loved hobby. So I ask you all to act by doing what it says in the email that follows and well before the August 18 deadline.

ACT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the email.

Hi All
I went with a few others tonight to the RSGB Regional meeting at the Holiday Inn Hotel at Ossett to find out the proper story of what has been happening with OFCOM and these "deregulation proposals" that they want to implement on the amateur fraternity.

To say that I was shocked with what I heard tonight from Peter Kirkby the RSGB general Manager about what has been going on since December 2004 with OFCOM is an under statement. If the RSGB had not been totally committed to stopping these proposals then within a matter of months our hobby as we know it would have ended. This is as a direct result of a EUROPEAN !!!!! not UK directive telling the telecommunication authorities to deregulate licensing.

OFCOM went to the RSGB in December 2004 with a draft of 4 proposal to "Deregulate" the amateur licence by:-

1. Complete deregulation of the licence in other words a free for all, goodbye hobby, let everyone fight for themselves over the bands and airspace

2. A life time paperless license, goodbye operating abroad, anyone who wanted to operate could just do it and there would be no way of knowing if you were talking to a licensed amateur or to a pirate.

3. A  5 - 10 year paperless licence, this in principle is what we as amateurs should aim for. (see the OFCOM paper)

4. Do nothing and carry on as is now, this cant happen as OFCOM within the next 5 years will be down to a staff of 80 people (That's from 450 when OFCOM was created 2 years ago combining several government bodies) this is because OFCOM is on a reducing budget from the government so they have to get rid of everything they can to achieve these figures that the government has set them, (OFCOM although supposed to be "Independent" is wholly funded by the government) They have already got rid of Maritime and Aeronautical Licences this year so far.

RSGB started a campaign to stop this in its tracks which included other government offices getting involved (to long a story to go into here)

If we sit back on our laurels and do nothing as I expect 75% of the amateur fraternity will do, then within 5 years we can expect our hobby to be just a worthless pile of junk that will have no standing in the world and we will be probably the laughing stock of all the worlds amateurs.

You can do something about this NOW, I hope that you will do this small thing to help protect your hobby (and passion) if we all ring OFCOM DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT next week and request a copy of this draft document which they are obliged to send to you BY POST (remember you don't have the internet do you!!!!!!) and when you get this draft reply to it as it asks you to giving your opinions of what has been said then they will know that the majority of Amateurs in the UK are concerned about these proposals and have their own voice.

All I can say is that tonight it was the Northern Area Meeting and there were about 50 people who turned up (Out of how many licensed amateurs in Yorkshire??), this was ridicules when it is something that may destroy our hobby forever. So I hope that you will do this and also tell others to do exactly the same, let OFCOM know that we are out there and that we are really knaffed off with what they are trying to do

So ring OFCOM next week on 020 7981 3000 saying that you are wanting a consultation paper posting to you called

"Consultation on a Proposal to Reform Amateur Radio (OF 243)"

You MUST return the paper by 18th August 2005, if you don't then you can only blame yourself for sitting on your butts and thinking that "Someone Else" might do it and ending up with no hobby.

Thanks to the few from NWRC who did turn up to voice their opinions and sorry I had to leave early.

John G4RCG

Ps if you want to download it as well but make sure you still ring for one  http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/aradio/
 

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17-06-05 Expecting a new addition.

I am pleased to announce that around February 2006 they will be another G7VOT jnr around.

Yes that's right, the XYL is expecting our 2nd child and I am looking forward to it.

The only draw back of the whole thing is, I now have to move my shack, god knows where I am going to put it. Oh well small mercy's.

Had a contact with YT1BB tonight. Propagation is very poor tonight.

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13-06-05 706MKIIG review.

I have finally got round to writing a review of the 706MKIIG.

This review has been posted in the reviews section on my Notice Board.

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12-06-05 Another 6 meter contact.

Had my 2nd contact on 6 meters with EH2JE in Northern Spain. I got a report of 5-9 Using 10 watts. This time though the beam was pointing South East. I am going to leave it in that position for a while now.

I have really caught the 6 meter bug and every time I am in my shack I am constantly checking 6 for any sign of activity.

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1-06-05 First none local contact on 6 meters

Tonight I flicked around 6 meters and I could here some very very strong Germans, so I thought I would try my look.

My HB9CV is pointing North West for Stateside but I thought what the hell if they don't hear me then they don't hear me.

To make matter worse, not only would they be on the back of the beam but I would limit my self to 10 watts because if I use any sort of power on 6 meters I get break through on my speakers, so I didn't want to risk causing interference elsewhere.

I found a DK7UY and gave him a call, no reply. I called again, no reply. I called again, and he came back to me. I was going over at 5 & 5, I received him at 5 & 7 to 9. Fantastic. My first contact on to foreign soil.

The only disappointment is that I never recorded the contact for my soundbites.

Tonight I also had a contact with EA6AFE

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10-06-05 DX from Carlton Bank.

Went up to my favourite launch pad of the world tonight Carlton Bank. To the top it is 408 meters ASL but I only drove up as far as the road goes which is to around 290 meters ASL.

Well I had 2 contacts, F6KRK, this was a bit of a special contact for me as it is the 1st time in 10 years as a licensed Radio Amateur that I have had a contact with France.

The second contact was with a W2W in New Jersey USA. This was a difficult contact due to the noise on the band but we both persisted and all the hard work paid off. I received him at 5 & 5 he received me at 5 & 7.

For both contacts I was using my 706MKIIG with 100 watts and WAB-5 Antenna. I could have had many more contacts but spent most of the time looking for DX which unfortunately due to the noise I was getting on the bands I didn't get to hear much.

May be next time.

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04-06-05 Notice Board, Lack of activity.

Well I am considering stopping the notice board. This is because I am the only person posting on it and the fact that I only have 4 members and I am one of them. I know a lot more people look through the board but for some reason they seem hesitant in joining the board, why I don't know.

I have now stopped adding and have removed all the 425 DX News bulletins because they were not being viewed so I am no longer going to waste my time and energy with them. I thought these would be useful but obviously no one is interested in rare activations and future DXpeditions and what propagation to expect to name a few.

I will be giving careful consideration over the next week whether to carry on with the notice board or just put any news and announcements in this section. It would make no difference as no one is giving an opinion on the notice board so putting news etc on here would be exactly the same.

Had a contact with a T91S, added file in to sound bites.

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02-06-05 990 operation two.

Well yesterday an envelope came from Icom, strange because I was expecting one from Yaesu. I opened the envelope and inside was a Surge Protector which I had ordered from Yaesu.

I checked the invoice and I had not been charged for this part. Well I don't know if this has come from Icom direct or through Yaesu but I believe it is from Yaesu as the dates match up with the date I ordered the part from Yaesu. Well who ever it was from I Thank You.

So now it was time for operation number 2, to replace the Surge Protector.

I plugged in the solder iron and let it heat up while I took the bottom off the 990 and then removed the Main Tuning Unit. I soldered the new Surge Protector in and re-assembled the tuner.

Time to test drive the radio. I powered up the radio and decided to test the tuner through a a dummy load first. I pressed the tuner button to turn on the tuner and the wait light came on and it stayed on. OH NO still the same problem. No sound from the tuner at all.

So once again I got the multi-meter out and disassembled the tuner. I tested voltages going to the Main Tuning Unit and Tuner Controller Unit and they where 13.8 volts. I tested the voltage to the Main Tuning Unit Voltage Regulator, In was only 2 volts, out was 2.8. Very strange, I looked at the Circuit Diagram And the voltage in to the Regulator should be 13.8 and out should be 8.2.

So I checked what components came before the regulator. There was an Inductor and 2 capacitors. I checked the Main Tuning Unit itself and found the Capacitors ok but could I hell find an inductor. So once again I dismantled the Tuner and removed the Main Tuning Unit circuit board.

After further investigation I found the Inductor. It was very hard to get to as it was hidden by one of the tuner motors. I re-assembled the tuner again and tested voltages. 13.8 in to the Inductor but only 2 volts out. BINGO the gremlin had been found.

So now the hunt for a replacement 100µh Inductor, which according to the 990 service manual is a Radio Frequency Choke. So I got the junk box out and hunted and hunted, no luck. I scoured the net and found several sources for one, but I had another look through the junk box.

In my junk box I had an old controller from a radio controlled car, so I opened it up and YES it had 3 of them. I de-soldered one from the radio control and de-soldered the one from the Main Tuning Unit.

Now the very hard part, re-soldering the replacement on to the Main Tuning Unit as getting to where it needed to go was very difficult due to the location of one of the tuner motors. So I checked the clearance of the soldered side of the board from the tuner case and there was plenty of room to fit the Inductor, so that is what I did.

I re-assembled the Tuner and once again gave it a test. YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEE all ok again.

So now the 990 is as good as new and I no longer have the hassle of manual tuning, I also have a spare Surge Protector thanks to Yaesu/Icom.

So as is the norm with Amateur Radio I learned not to jump in with both feet. Always test all area's before pointing a finger at the easily viewable components which I did, but in my defence it was reading as dead through my multi-meter.

I am just glad the 990 is an old enough radio to be able to fix my self and new enough to give a fair few of the modern radio's a run for there money.

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27-05-05 Ofcom release a new consultation. 990 update.

Ofcom have finally released there long awaited Consultation on a proposal to reform amateur radio licensing.

I have read this document and it is a very good read. If you are serious about Amateur Radio you will digest this from beginning to end and then respond to Ofcom with your Views. For more information and links to the document please visit my News section on my Notice Board. Please leave your opinions there also.

Another point of note is that some radio amateurs have received or will soon receive a survey by Mori. Mori have been drafted in by Ofcom to gather the general consensus of opinion regarding the above consultation. Well done Ofcom. This is what the RSGB should have done a while ago, they should have polled it's members for a general opinion. This could have been done via the members web site.

If the RSGB are supposed to be protecting this hobby then lets see more action and less talk from them. Don't get me wrong, the talking the RSGB have done with Ofcom has been extremely important and that is probably the main reason Ofcom has recognised the importance of Amateur Radio and drafted in Mori. But I would just like to see more from the RSGB regarding issues such as these.

Thanks to Colm M3OCE for the news regarding the Mori/Ofcom Survey

Well after that waffle above we now get to the most important news.

The 990 will be 100% again next week. I telephoned Yaesu UK today regarding the Surge Protector and YIPEEEEE they had them. So I have ordered two and should have them by Wednesday. Would have been sooner but I missed today's post so they are being posted on Tuesday due to the Bank Holiday Monday.

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26-05-05 990 problem continues.

Well I have not had a reply to the emails I sent to Yaesu UK or Yaesu USA, I also emailed Kenwood and Icom as the TS-850 and one of Icoms radios also use the same part.

Unfortunately due to work I have not had chance to make a phone call to Yaesu UK, but hopefully I will tomorrow.

To be honest I am enjoying using the Manual ATU, feels like I have to operate my radio rather than just tune a frequency on a radio.

Any way had a contact with an IOTA tonight, EU-016 Isle of Barc in Croatia, the station I worked was 9A4W, I have added a sound bite.

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22-05-05 FT-990 ATU problem.

Well last night I was chatting to M3OCE on 2 meters when I decided to see who and what was coming in on HF. Well I powered up the 990 and changed bands and the WAIT light for the ATU stayed on, so I pressed the ATU start button and the radio TX'd to tune but stayed like that, there was also none of the usual sounds when the ATU tunes, in fact there wasn't a single sound.

So I turned the ATU off and back on, still the same. I powered the radio off and back on, but still the same. I performed a reset of the radio, still the same.

So now it was time to get serious. It was Midnight and I knew I wouldn't sleep till I found out what the problem was. So out came the screw drivers, anti slip mat, service manual and radio ready to operate on.

I performed everything I could that was in the service manual but still no life from the motors. So I decided to have a good look at the Main Tuning Board and noticed a component that was about three quarters of an inch long which looked like a fuse but it had a diode inside. So I turned on the multi-meter and tested it, it was DEAD.

The is D6401 on the main tuning board and is a Surge Protector. Manufacturer code is DSA-301LA, Yaesu Part number is Q9000371. So I removed the component and re-assembled the radio and now I am using my MFJ-949E Manual Tuner on it.

Have tried to find a UK supplier for the part needed but the only place I can get them is from the USA. So I have posted a few threads on some of the Yahoo groups I am a member of and on the eHam web site and I have also emailed Yaesu UK.

I have had a few replies about the part and been given an Icom part number of a suitable replacement, I have also been given Yaesu UK's telephone number to call to speak to the spares dept. So I will be on the phone tomorrow.

The strange thing about it all is that I was going to trade my 990 for an FT897 with Auto ATU and Base Mic today, but the 990 is obviously protesting about the move and has done this. So it is now staying here.

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14-05-05 Back with a Bang.

Well after two weeks with out doing any radio I decided to re-configure the G5RV. The G5 has been in a quad loop configuration for a long time now due to the small size of the garden.

Well Now it is in an inverted V configuration and it has made a difference. No noise at all now on 40 meters and below, but still very noisy above 40 meters.

The RX is very good, I was able to hear VK's albeit weak but I could hear them on 40.

The XYL decided to have an early night so the noise completely vanished at around 10pm. So I went flick around the bands and heard CX5BW on 20 meter. I have never had a contact in to Uruguay, so I sat and waited patiently as he was going through call sign number. After around 20 minutes he said those magic words, "QRZ any 7's". I was heard on my third call. He struggled a bit to get my call but he persevered and the contact was made 100%. See sound bites for the audio recording.

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01-05-05 Interference is Killing my Hobby.

Since Christmas I have been suffering with a high level of interference (constant hiss) throughout the bands on all antenna's and both the 990 and 706. The interference varied in strength from S5 to S9. This seriously effected my ability to have QSO's because if I was getting S5 of interference then in order to hear a signal clear enough to have a QSO they would have to be at a strength of +10dB or S9 if there audio was loud enough to cut through the noise. If the interference was at S9 then the band was unusable.

The only thing that had changed was the fact that my self and the XYL had been bought a new TV by the XYL's father, also my Son had been bought a TV and a DVD player by his Granddad (the XYL's Father). So Which one was causing the problem?

Well the answer to that was both TV's caused problems, however my sons only affected 3 bands, S4 on 160 meters, S5 on 80 meters and S6 on 6 meters. The PSU in my sons TV is causing the interference, I know this because the interference is exactly the same whether it is in stand by or actually turned on. Any way for the amount of times my sons TV is on this is not a big problem.

The problem is with the down stairs TV. Try telling your XYL who's a TV addict that by watching her rubbish on day time TV and her Soaps, is killing your radio. You can bet as much as you like that they won't turn it off but if the radio was causing interference on the TV making it un watch able you can bet they would be hell to pay.

So time to experiment. I tried the usual chokes on all the cables (Radio and TV), no luck. I moved the radio and the TV so they where as far away from each other as the house allowed, no luck. I experimented for months with various filters, problem remained. I then constructed a mains filter (even though I already had one in line) this reduced the interference by half. Great I thought I am getting there. Experimented some more but nothing I did improved it beyond what it already is.

So I thought well I can live with it now. The worst band was top band (which I rarely use) S6-7 all the rest where S2 to S5. The majority of bands I used where now very usable again.

Well that was till now. Now all the bands have got worse again. And some times 40 meters is totally unusable. But I know it is nothing in my home QTH. So one of my neighbours must now have a TV that is causing me a lot of problems. This is tube interference. You can tell tube interference because it is a buzz that keeps changing tone when the picture changes. Thank fully it is not on all the time but if the problem does get worse then I will quit my hobby from my home QTH and just concentrate on mobile operation.

If any one has any suggestions as to a cure for this with out opening the TV's then please let me know. Contact me using the CONTACT ME link on the front page.

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• The ‘Do Nothing’ option.

• A de-regulated service would mean there would not be a requirement for callsigns (contrary to the Radio Regulations) and users of equipment would use whatever form of identification they wished. The pirating of existing amateur radio call signs which is already on the increase, will escalate.

30-03-05 News Update on Notice Board.

Seems that there is nothing but good news for us radio Hams. But don't count your chickens just yet. Check out the News section of the Notice Board for latest news from the RSGB.

Also check out the RSGB watch section for my comments on some of the news.

Lets start seeing some comments on the Notice Board, I know I have plenty of regulars.

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27-03-05 RSGB WATCH

I have now put a section on my notice board called RSGB watch. This is due to an increasing amount of comments I am hearing regarding the RSGB.

It is not only to be used as a place to complain, but also to praise. So if you have some thing to say about the RSGB, be it good or bad post it in the RSGB WATCH section on my notice board.

Another reason I decided to start this section is because I am sick and tired of having to gather information from other sources regarding what is truly happening to this great hobby.

The RSGB have issued a briefing regarding the meeting they where due to have with Ofcom but not on there own site. The briefing can be read on eHam, QRZ, ARRL, CARS to name a few but the only mention of the RSGB/Ofcom meeting on the RSGB web site is a small piece stating it will take place on the 24th of march. Not good enough in my honest opinion. For me the RSGB have not been seen to be doing enough. May be they are doing a lot but they are not telling us.

Another cause for concern is in the April 2005 Radcom there was an article on page 43 Titled "The future of amateur radio licensing to be revealed at Kempton?"

Well I for one hope an article is also printed in the May addition of Radcom or at least via the Web site because if not I for one will be cancelling my membership with the RSGB. Why should I as a paying member of the RSGB have to travel hundreds of miles to hear news of our hobby from the RSGB?

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25-03-05 More 425 DX News

I have added more DX news Care Of 425 DX News to the Announcements on my Notice Board.

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24-03-05 Potential Deregulation of Amateur Radio (in the UK)

Well the threats just keep coming. The following is taken from the eHam web site and is in it's entirety. Please visit my Notice Board (News Section) and reply with your views.

I replied with the following:-

Well what’s wrong with this idea, a long long long long time ago our hobby was licence free and did not require a test so what’s the problem?

Well the problem is in those good old days of the hobby every thing had to be built from scratch. The commercial giants had not jumped on the band wagon and only a minority could afford to partake in the hobby.

Now it's a totally different ball game. Radios are freely available and are affordable to all. If this happened I guarantee with in a year most of the previously licensed Amateurs would be gone and the bands in the UK would be in Chaos due to untrained and probably uncaring people operating with out any concern of others. May be this is what Ofcom wants, may be Amateur Radio in the UK is just a thorn in Ofcoms side and they want rid of it. Ofcom do not have any Licensed Radio Amateurs working for them, only people who are looking through commercial business eyes and want to make money.

As it stands Amateur Radio in the UK probably has the easiest access method, the foundation licence is almost a guaranteed pass and this will give you access to all but 10 meters and satellite operation, albeit limited to 10 watts.

There could be another reason Ofcom want to Deregulate. Doing so would clear the way for PLT (BPL) as if we complained about it or interference from it they could just say "tough" as deregulation would take away our rights to complain.

So UK Hams, I warned of this happening on this very site last year when I posted the thread titled "Amateur Radio in the UK under Threat" and I urged Amateurs to act and to Contact the RSGB and Ofcom with your concerns. Well it's time to Rally the troops again.

Regards and if we have to go down, let’s go down fighting.

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23-03-05 Site updates

Check the news section on the Notice Board for 2 snippets of news from the RSGB, one concerning Ofcom.

I have added a DX News Bulletin and Calendar of Contests for April, May and June in the Announcements section of the Notice board. This information was sent to me from 425DX News.

I have also updated my Links page by removing dead links and changing the links to sites that have moved.

Look out for regular DX news bulletins in the Announcements section of my Notice Board. This information will inform of DXpeditions as well as any rare DX that is arranged and also includes other DX news. No DX chasing Radio Ham should go with out checking this source of information out. So keep checking the notice board for updates which will usually be weekly.

Also today I have added 2 new QSL's to my QSL page and I have put the QSL's in to date and time order.

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22-03-05 Notice Board Issues Resolved.

Well I had a look through my notice board yesterday and noticed all the posts where disappearing. I thought here we go again as I had this problem with my first notice board and this turned out to be a server problem.

Well on further investigation the problem was solved. I had an option selected for posts to be deleted after 30 days. I have now turned off that option and all the posts are back and should remain there.

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21-03-05 Contact with Gozo Island.

Today I had a QSO with 9H2NCC, Mike on 17 meters. It is a special event call sign and is active till the 31st of May. I have added a Sound bite.

I have still yet to have a contact on 6 meters that isn't local on the HB9CV but it sure works a treat for local work even though it is a beam. Getting a close friend M3OCE far better on 6 meters than I do on 2meters. On 2 I get him at S9, on 6 meters I get him at +40dB.

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12-03-05 HB9CV has landed.

My new antenna came today. 2 Element HB9CV for 6 meters.

Hell of a lot bigger than I thought. While the boom is a little over 3 feet, the longest element is over 10 feet. Well looking forward to getting that put up out side. At the moment it is in the loft just so I can test it and while I wait to get brackets and poles etc to mount it on.

I am also waiting till I get one more antenna. I want a tri-band co-linear covering 6mts, 2mtrs and 70cms. I will then erect all my antenna's at once. Cobweb, 6 and 2 meter Beams and the co-linear. Oh and not forgetting stretching the full size G5 out better.

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08-03-05 Updated Beginners Guide.

I have added more Power Point Slides to the Advanced section of the Beginners Guide thanks to Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society.

Remember if you don't agree with the terms and conditions then do not use them.

I have also added a link to some software called HFProp. HF Propagation programme

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06-03-05 Contact with a special Event.

Today I made contact with LZ800AB. This is a special event station to commemorate 800 years anniversary of Adrianople Battle (14 April 1205) in which Bulgarian army led by Tzar Kaloyan defeated Latin Knights Army led by Emperor Baldwin of Flanders.

Added sound bite.

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05-03-05 New Tuner in the shack.

Tonight I finally bought a tuner to use with my 706 while operating from my favourite location for Grey Line DX. I bought an MFJ-949E Deluxe Versa Tuner II from a long time friend M3PAC, Thanks Paul she works a treat.

See my equipment for pic or click here.

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04-03-05 Well Nothing to report.

It's been very quiet in my Amateur Radio world. The Spectrum Framework Review consultation period has come to an end and we all await the results.

Making plans to get very active on 6 meters. Just experimenting with antenna's at the moment. Added a Programme into the Software section of my site for measurements of Moxon Antennas

Also Should be back into the Hi-Fi SSB world soon. Watch this space for developments on that and 6 meters.

So that's about it for now.

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13-02-05 New Notice Board.

I have removed MyIkonBoard as posts kept disappearing for no reason.

I now have a new notice board under construction and have updated the link on the front page.

Apologies to all who had posted to the old board and who joined. I hope you will join and post on the new board.

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12-02-05 My self and the RSGB respond to Ofcom.

My response to Ofcoms SFR is as follows.

Q1: Are there any other major medium to long term spectrum management issues that this review should be considering? Are there any other significant technological or market developments that this review should be aware of when developing its thinking?

Answer: Why are you asking this Question? If Ofcom had researched this properly, then Ofcom would already know the answer to this question.

Q2: Do you believe it is useful to publish a compendium of issues? How frequently should it be published? What information should be included?

Answer: Publishing a compendium of issues will do no harm and will give spectrum users a chance to have a say. Publishing such information once or twice a year will keep all spectrum users up to date. As much information as is prudent should be in any such document. The document should also be written in sections relating to various spectrum users so the users can locate and read only the parts that involve them selves.

Q3: Are there any other issues of sufficient significance to merit in this document?

Answer: Once again, this question, suggest a lack of research by Ofcom.

Q4: Are there important lessons to be learnt from experience in other countries that is not addressed here?

Answer: No, every country is different and as such should be treated as individual countries. What may work in one country may not work in another.

Q5: Do you agree with Ofcom’s intent to maximise the use of trading and liberalisation?

Answer: Spectrum trading is a scary prospect for spectrum users. I can imagine big companies trading for space so they can kill off older technology in order to introduce it’s own technology.

Q6: Are there other areas, apart from those identified above, where trading and liberalisation should be restricted? Are there areas identified above where you believe the trading and liberalisation could be fully implemented?

Answer:  The only trading I can see that would be possible would be above UHF. Any thing below UHF is pointless due to the way propagation conditions can effect signals.

Q7: Do you agree with Ofcom’s approach to providing spectrum for licence-exempt use?

Q8: Is Ofcom’s proposed methodology to estimate the amount of spectrum needed likely to deliver the right results?

Q9: What is the appropriate timing and frequency bands for making available any additional spectrum for licence-exempt use that might be needed?

Answer:  Whilst there is a need for licence exempt spectrum there is no need for creating more, especially changing a currently licensed spectrum into an exempt part of the spectrum. EG Amateur Radio

Q10: Do you agree with Ofcom’s longer term proposals for market-based spectrum management methods?

Answer: This would only work on frequencies where extremely low power was used and Radio Propagation had no effect

Q11: Is the approach set out here, and again in Annex H, for developing technologyneutral spectrum usage rights appropriate? Are there alternatives?

Answer: This is a pointless question. Isn’t the spectrum a natural resource?

Q12: Should Ofcom do more to resolve interference?

Answer: I am unaware of what Ofcom do to resolve interference, so yes they should.  

Q13: To what extent should Ofcom intervene in promoting innovation?

Answer: With out innovation where would the world be in terms of technology? I doubt we would be where we are today. So Ofcom should take an active part in promoting innovation when it comes to all areas of the spectrum.

Q14: Do you agree with Ofcom’s proposed approach to harmonisation?

Q15: Can you foresee any problems with the proposed approach to harmonisation other than those listed above?

Answer: Harmonisation is needed but that has got to be an equal harmonisation. EG one spectrum user should not be allowed to cause interference to another spectrum user. Broadband over power lines as an example.

Q16: Do you agree with Ofcom’s proposal to continue with division by frequency as the primary method of dividing the spectrum?

Answer: Yes

Q17: Is Ofcom’s approach of not intervening to mandate entitlements in time appropriate?

Response: For single users this is ok. But some form of intervention is required if multiple users are involved.

Q18: Do you agree with the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)?

Answer: This seems to say how munch money can we make. I have no problem of making revenue as long as it is at no expense to some one else. EG do not deregulate Amateur radio to make money elsewhere.

I am appalled at some of the ideas raised in the Spectrum Framework Review regarding Amateur Radio.

Making Amateur Radio easier to gain access to or fully or partly Licence exempt is an idea that would more than likely kill off the hobby. If I was a cynical person I would think that’s what Ofcom would like to happen.

Regards, from a very concerned Radio Amateur.

***

The RSGB have published a formal response to Ofcoms Spectrum Framework Review. You can read the document by clicking here.

The document is an interesting read and RSGB have come up with some good answers. I am disappointed at the amount of people who contacted the RSGB, I just hope more of you contacted Ofcom.

Remember once it has gone it is too late.

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09-02-05 RSGB have finally done some thing about the Spectrum Framework Review.

The RSGB have issued a document which is a guidance of how to respond to the questions asked in the Spectrum Frame Work Review. Click here to see the document. I believe this is too little too late by the RSGB an I have emailed them my thoughts, a copy of the email is below. I will also soon be sending my opinions and thoughts to Ofcom, I will publish what I say to them on here soon.

The RSGB have also announced that Ofcom are about to publish yet another consultation titled ‘Future of Amateur Radio Licensing’ this document is expected to be published around the end of February. This consultation is solely aimed at Amateur Radio and should give us all a greater understanding of the changes Ofcom wish to bring into the hobby.

***

Expect to hear more South Africans on HF as the South African Radio League have announced that CW is no longer needed to access the HF bands.

I am going to be changing my Notice Board host as the current one is losing posts. They are just disappearing. So watch this space for the announcement of the new one.

***

My Email sent to the RSGB.

I am pleased to see that the RSGB has finally decided to publish some thing regarding the Spectrum Framework Review. Until recently I have been very concerned over the lack of coverage the RSGB has given and indeed passed on to its members regarding the consultation named The Spectrum Framework Review and subsequent Ofcom consultations regarding that consultation, namely the Annual Plan 2005/2006 and also The Spectrum Framework Review Implementation Plan.

I am appalled that the only coverage this Consultation has been given is a few small mentions on the Web site, GB2RS news and a small piece in the January 2005 issue of Radcom.

As far as I am concerned this Consultation should have been given a substantial amount of coverage due to its nature. How can the RSGB call up on its members to contact Ofcom when a fair amount of its members will not even know what the document consists of.

Peter Kirby has been quoted as saying “The document is really just  flying a kite as to what could be considered in the future and is a long  way from being fact or forced upon us, there is a lot of discussion to take place before any decision's are made.”

Well Peter a lot can come from flying kite, after all wasn’t electricity discovered that way by Benjamin Franklin?

These documents make for grim reading for the Amateur Radio enthusiast. Not only could we lose valuable band space but the most alarming is the fact that Ofcom have this pathetic idea to make Amateur Radio licence free and easier to gain access to. How can it be any easier than the Foundation Licence?

I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I would rather kick up a fuss now then later when it may be too late.

I have also heard a rumour that the RSGB has would like to issue licences them selves and at a considerable amount more than what we are paying now. I seriously hope this is just a malicious rumour and that there are no such plans. We are already one of the most expensive countries to gain a full licence in with the fact that all new Radio Amateurs now have three courses to go through and three licences to purchase.

I believe the RSGB should have published the SFR document and sent it to all subscribers along with Radcom. To be honest I am shocked it wasn’t. The RSGB still has many members that do not have access to the internet. At the very least the parts that relate directly to our hobby should have been published and high lighted by the RSGB. I hope the RSGB is doing a lot more behind the scenes than we the subscribers know about, if you are apologise for my rant.

Regards

A very concerned Radio Ham.

Andy (G7VOT)

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28-01-05 Brand New Equipment For Sale Cheap.

I have become a UK agent for a USA retailer/e-tailer.

I am now in the position to get equipment with huge savings. If you are in the market for some new Radio related equipment, let me know what you would like and I will get you a price.

Watch this space for price examples.

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26-01-05 Here is the announcement you have all been waiting for.

On 04-01-05 I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. That offer was, "If I bought two Icom 706MKIIG's would you be interested in buying one for half price?"

Of course I said "YEAH"

When I asked why? He said "Because you have done a lot for me in the past and now I am in a position to do some thing for you.

HUGE THANKS GO TO COLM (M3OCE an almost life long friend)

for this extremely generous offer it is very much Appreciated.

So what is the radio? I hear you all ask. Well click here to find out.

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22-01-05 7 year relationship sadly comes to an end.

Tonight I sold my trusty ICOM IC-706MKII due to making room for a new addition in to the shack. I had owned this radio for over 7 years, the longest I have ever owned a radio for. This fantastic piece of kit never let me down. At least I know it has gone to a good home. Look after my little radio Phil (M3PRK) I know you will love it as much as I did.

Also today I took my good friend M3OCE on a 250 mile round trip to junction 28 on the M1 to buy a Cobweb antenna. Long may he have fun with it.

PLEASE NOTE, HOPEFULLY THERE IS NOT MUCH LONGER TO WAIT FOR MY ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OFFER I COULDN'T REFUSE.

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21-01-05 Have Ofcom  already made there mind up about Amateur Radio.

It looks to me that Ofcom have already sealed the fate of Amateur Radio and it is not good.

Yesterday saw the release of yet another consultation that seems to spell the doom of our hobby.

That consultation is called Annual Plan 2005/06 View part of it here and view the full document here.

Section 5.12 seems to be of most interest and reads as follows.

• In Licensing we are:

o deregulating certain licence classes – and will accelerate the deregulation of further licence classes (including Amateur, CB, Aero and Maritime);

o simplifying processes, for example, automating licensing and frequency assignment so they are available online.

I beg you all to act now or we may loose every thing.

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20-01-05 New EMC laws come in to force in Europe to combat PLT/BPL interference.

The following article is taken off eHam.

On 20 January 2005, Europe has a new law that may become the global turning point against radio frequency pollution from Broadband over Power Lines systems.

Europe enters 2005 with some very positive news indeed that the European Union has amended its 1989 Electromagnetic Compatibility or EMC Directive.

Its new Directive includes protection against electromagnetic disturbance for both radio broadcast reception and the amateur radio service - clearly against the hopes of the BPL lobby. This is an important first step in the battle against BPL emission pollution in the radio spectrum.

The International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 EUROCOM Working Group, in its efforts, also gained a much broader definition of Electromagnetic Disturbance.

It was a long process for the Working Group that included meeting with and working through Members of the European Parliament to have amendments submitted to the European Parliament Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy.

Arguments put by the Working Group stressed the role of amateur radio including its safety and emergency communications and the human right to have access information including that provided through radio broadcasts.

And of course the inherent protection for radio services from harmful or substantial interference provided by the International Telecommunications Union radio regulations.

The BPL lobby has been trying to have European, and other regulators, let them off the hook in relation to radio frequency interference caused by BPL systems.

Its tactic has been to try and categorise amateur radio and other radio services as being "less important" and not that worthy of being protected against harmful interference generated by BPL systems.

There is no cause for satisfaction by BPL lobby in the new European EMC Directive that will be European Law on 20 January 2005 binding on the 25 member states of the European Union.

Congratulations to all involved with the IARU Region 1 EUROCOM Working Group -- a job well done.

Jim Linton VK3PC amateurradio.com.au Amateur Radio Victoria

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11-01-05 More replies on my Notice Board and eHAM

Although I am getting replies they are few and far between. It seems that most Radio Hams are happy to sit back and let others do the shouting and fighting for them. But when it comes to the final transmissions from our great bands then only a few of us can say we tried.

Also one thing I noticed is that the link to the Spectrum Framework Review on the Ofcom site that appears in the January 2005 issue of Radcom doesn't work......  I smell a rat.

But never fear. Here are some important links. Thanks go to the Essex Repeater Group for the following links.

Read the Spectrum Framework Review here and Spectrum Occupancy Plots here

A good powerpoint presentation View Here.

Notice Board replies

Reply 2 : -

Reveiw

Received Here Early November!

” Well I have just what you need! I will bring round my video of Convoy and Smokey and the bandit”

Oh and fancy helping me organise a “Sponsored Modulation” hahahahaha……

I am sure this will cause a healthy debate - for those of you that haven’t read the page here is the link again.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/current/sfr/ It contains a proposal to remove the requirement for Amateur licences! From page 5 of the document:

”We are also considering the possibilities of removing the need to have a licence in areas such as amateur and maritime although technology and usage restrictions will continue to apply.”

The Response to an email sent at that time:-> > Dear X,
> >
> > Please find attached a statement that will be broadcast in this weeks
> > edition of GB2RS and in the January edition of RadCom. I hope it will
> > allay your fears that the Society is sitting on its hands!
> >
> > We like other stakeholders in the radio spectrum, this includes all
> > commercial users were not advised by Ofcom as to the contents of the
> > review document or of it publication date. The document is really just
> > flying a kite as to what could be considered in the future and is a long
> > way from being fact or forced upon us, there is a lot of discussion to
> > take place before any decision’s are made.
> >
> > Thank you for your concerns and input
> >
> > Yours sincerely
> >
> > Peter Kirby, G0TWW
> > General Manager
> >

So are we to be sold out?
Join the que at the local shop to buy a licence perhaps! Nope --> Buy a £100 licence from the RSGB, they’ll volunteer to do this! Think on, it has already become more expensive to become fully licenced here in the UK, with three exams, and three callsigns... they like that too perhaps!

73 De Curtis MW0USK

Reply 3 : -

A copy of my comments made to the Rsgb, use our national society , lobby through them as well as individually. There isnt room for complacency, the inevitable will happen if we let it.BTW kites dont fly themselves somebody has to launch it and then keep it aloft.

Dear Sirs,
Having just read Ofcom’s Spectrum Review document, I am alarmed and deeply concerned. .Currently I am working towards my Intermediate Licence but if the contents of the review hold any substance then perhaps this will be a pointless excercise. I trust that the Society are seeking to gain as much information as possible regarding the possible threats, and are opposing any major changes as vociferously as possible. Amateur Radio is not only an asset to a licenced individual but also to our nation, lets hope it stays that way.

73’s
M3 PRK (Phil)

Reply 4 : -

Thanks for doing stuff on this!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Andy for getting off your backside and doing something like this. We need more amateurs like you rather than the whingers who will moan on 80 metres after the fact.

Buy a £100 licence from the RSGB, they’ll volunteer to do this! Think on, it has already become more expensive to become fully licenced here in the UK, with three exams, and three callsigns... they like that too perhaps!

Yes, Curtis, a nice wee income stream for the RSGB. And given that it’s basically impossible to fail the Foundation exam isn’t that what we have at the minute?

(Apologies to Phil and the other M3s who are real radio amateurs and want to upgrade, but I just had a gullet full of drunken, arrogant, foul mothed CBers who don’t know or want to know the first thing about radio on 2 metres when I was back in Belfast at Christmas.)

73 (or should that be “all the high and low numbers good buddies”)

Gerry G0RTN
http://www.gerrylynch.co.uk Gerry Lynch’s Homepage

Reply 5 : -

To Phil M3PRK

PS - Phil - don’t just send your comments to the RSGB, send them to Ofcom as well. This is really important. We can beat this, but we need to work.

eHAM replies

Reply 5 : -

I have to agree with a previous post that it appears that they would like to simplify and/or eliminate individual licensing in the ARS. It sounds like what the US did when they set up CB.

73 de Tom, K4NR

Parts relating to ARS:

"We are also considering the possibilities of removing the need to have a licence in areas such as amateur and maritime although technology and usage restrictions will continue to apply."

"In summary, the areas where in our view trading and liberalisation cannot be fully applied are as follows...Radio amateurs"

"In some case, such as amateurs and maritime radio, the usage and technology is tightly constrained but it might be possible to remove the need for a licence to transmit."

"Amateur Licences. Radio amateurs can use a range of bands across the spectrum for hobby and voluntary activities. At present there are 3 levels of licences: Foundation, Intermediate and Full Licences. Each level gives amateurs access to a wider range of bands and enables the use of higher power. Each level is accessed via a training course and an examination of
competence. The use of high power sometimes over long distances makes this type of use a real challenge for a general authorisation through exemption or some lighter form of licensing requirement. Ofcom is initiating a project to consider the options for moving to a general authorisation or radically simplifying access to amateur licences"
 

Reply 6 : -

FAO GM0ONX

The RSGB only learnt about this document late November, so as far as I am concerned they where caught off guard.

Ofcom must have been working on and planning this document for at least 9 months researching and collecting data to make this document which was published late November.

The RSGB have only had weeks in which to examine and re-examine it's contents in order to put across there objections.

UK Amateurs need to stand and be counted now, not after the event when it will be too late.

I am a fully paid up member of the RSGB. But I will do whatever is necessary to protect the hobby I love and I will not just rely upon the RSGB to fight in my corner.

Regards

Andy
 

Reply 7 : -

Received Here Early November!

" Well I have just what you need! I will bring round my video of Convoy and Smokey and the bandit”

Oh and fancy helping me organise a “Sponsored Modulation” hahahahaha……

I am sure this will cause a healthy debate - for those of you that haven’t read the page here is the link again.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/current/sfr/ It contains a proposal to remove the requirement for Amateur licences! From page 5 of the document:

"We are also considering the possibilities of removing the need to have a licence in areas such as amateur and maritime although technology and usage restrictions will continue to apply."

The Response to an email sent at that time:-> > Dear X,
> >
> > Please find attached a statement that will be broadcast in this weeks
> > edition of GB2RS and in the January edition of RadCom. I hope it will
> > allay your fears that the Society is sitting on its hands!
> >
> > We like other stakeholders in the radio spectrum, this includes all
> > commercial users were not advised by Ofcom as to the contents of the
> > review document or of it publication date. The document is really just
> > flying a kite as to what could be considered in the future and is a long
> > way from being fact or forced upon us, there is a lot of discussion to
> > take place before any decision's are made.
> >
> > Thank you for your concerns and input
> >
> > Yours sincerely
> >
> > Peter Kirby, G0TWW
> > General Manager
> >

So are we to be sold out?
Join the que at the local shop to buy a licence perhaps! Nope --> Buy a £100 licence from the RSGB, they'll volunteer to do this! Think on, it has already become more expensive to become fully licenced here in the UK, with three exams, and three callsigns... they like that too perhaps!

73 De Curtis MW0USK

Reply 8 : -

K0RGR said:
No test required, just insert the fee in the parking meter next to the transceiver, credit cards cheerfully accepted.

I really hope this does not create a trend.

---

Isn't there already plenty of precedent for this in the UK? Don't they still license television sets? I seem to remember the French wanting me to pay a TV tax when I lived there in 90/91.

Good luck guys!

Bob
 

Reply 9 : -

I accept that most of this document is kite flying and that they actually shy away from some of the more radical proposals on spectrum sharing themselves - however, the language used on simplifying or possibly removing any licensing requirement clearly implies that Ofcom's preferred option would be, in their ideal world, to remove any licensing requirement for use of the amateur spectrum ***AT ALL***.

Let's look at the language used here:

"The use of high power sometimes over long distances makes this type of use a real challenge for a general authorisation through exemption or some lighter form of licensing requirement."

Note, that Ofcom's clear preference here is for a general authorisation through exemption. They recognise that this is a challenge and therefore may not be able to do so.

"Ofcom is initiating a project to consider the options for moving to a general authorisation or radically simplifying access to amateur licenses".

Again, note that Ofcom already have plans to start a project where their preferred outcome is clearly to move to a general authorisation. The radical simplification of access to an amateur license is gobbledygook - it is impossible to have a qualification any simpler than the Foundation License which has any meaning at all. What's simpler than 10 hours' tuition and a what seems to be a no failure policy operated by many clubs?

The reason not to panic is that this probably comes from a relatively low level staffer and a sufficiently robust consultation response will squash it. The reason to worry is that most amateurs in the UK will moan on the internet, moan at the radio rally, moan on 80 metres and leave it up to the RSGB who on the form of the past few years will bugger it up anyway.

If you care about this you need to GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDE NOW! Read the consultation (Section 4.4.1 is the scariest bit). Respond to the consultation. Don't keep putting it off - it might take an hour or two at most. It might take 20 minutes. Then write to your MP (I am the only active radio amateur in my inner city constituency so I expect you suburban types to pull your weight!!!) Ask the MP to forward your letter to Mike O'Brien, the relevant juior minister at the DTI. Write to Mike O'Brien directly. Ofcom are under a lot of political pressure at the moment for reasons that have nothing to do with Telecoms - we need to use that to our advantage.

10-10 good buddies, I'm off to my four poster, catch you on the flip-flop and all those high and low numbers till you - as Ofcom would seemingly like us to say.

Reply 10 : -

Ham (UHF-SHF)bands have increasingly been a target for commercial interests for many moons now so this news is really no suprise.

U.K.Hams should certainly react by letter,e mail and phone to Ofcom but they should also use their bands more often.

Use it or lose it !

KH6/G3SEA

Reply 11 : -

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

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10-01-05 Email and responses to posts on eHam and my Notice board

When I got in from work tonight there was an email waiting for me which was extremely interesting. I have all so received some responses from my posts to the eHam forum and my Notice Board. Here is what I have received so far concerning Ofcoms, Spectrum Framework Review.

Email : -

Reply on my Notice Board : -

The Broadband Powerline Problem is a world disgrace.
We in Australia uphold the rights of a clean Radio Spectrum. ARDXC in Sydney Australia.

Replies on eHam : -

Reply 1. So what was the extra 100khz at 40 about then? Some sneaky "Look what nice guys we are, now run along and play on your archaic analogue equipment while wee sell the rest of the spectrum off"

Typical.

Reply 2. Don't panic just yet. By all means register your views with Ofcom but it's just a discussion document at the moment seeking YOUR VIEWS on where we may go in the future. The RSGB has not been caught ‘off guard’ and has already indicated its opposition to Ofcom which you will know if you are not a freeloader and are a member of the RSGB.

The RSGB has made a fairly good job of protecting ALL amateurs over the years (including those who make no financial or any other contribution) and has engaged professional assistance to try to defend our interest against PLT. PLT is only one of many attacks of on our hobby and only through a strong national organisation will have any hope of retaining our privileges.


Len GM0ONX
 

Reply 3. Well, it sounds to me like a world wide problem. The demand for revenue and the spectrum for so many new applications is driving all administrations to delete any radio service that does not produce significant revenue to the government.

The US is headed down a similar road with its spectrum auctions and the authorization of BPL in face of existing treaties and international agreements.

Thank you for bringing this to the attention of the a world forum so that we may participate as we can.

Ken

Reply 4. I just took a few minutes to scan through the document, and I saw their proposal to 'radically simplify' access to the Amateur bands. Perhaps, in the future, you will purchase your licenses for a certain period of time. No test required, just insert the fee in the parking meter next to the transceiver, credit cards cheerfully accepted.

I really hope this does not create a trend.

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09-01-05 Do not take this threat lightly. The Deadline looms and is the 15th of February.

After reading this please visit my Notice board and let me know your opinion. Your opinion counts in this matter don't just sit there and let others act for you as it may not be enough.

Ofcoms Spectrum Framework Review has been given a thorough examination and what has been uncovered is very very scary. If you have not yet sent a letter of concern to OFCOM, then reading the following may well give you a kick up the backside to do so. Deadline is the 15th of February.

The following information is taken with thanks from the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society's web site.

Ofcom

o BPL - Broadband over Power Lines - USA
o PLT - Power Line Telecoms - UK
o Data can be Voice, Internet or TV
o In use by Southern Electric
o Raises noise floors etc over most of HF bands

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08-01-05 Amateurs help in Tsunami hit area's

Had a link emailed to me tonight by M3OCE regarding how Radio Hams are helping in the areas hit by the Tsunami in Thailand.

Thanks must also go to Jeri (Bob) for sending M3OCE the link.

See News on Notice board for the link.

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07-01-05 Met M0DNN tonight.

Tonight I met Tony M0DNN, nice meeting you and your YL. Great looking shack you have there.

Was planning on doing a lot of radio today but in the end I really couldn't be bothered.

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04-01-05 Offer I couldn't refuse.

Tonight I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. In fact it was that good an offer I would have been stupid not to say yes.

All will be revealed ASAP. So watch out for updates.

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03-01-05 10 years of G7VOT. 1st HF contact in 2005

Well I have just realised that this year brings around the tenth anniversary of the G7VOT call sign.

I aim to mark the occasion with what I hope will be my most active year on the bands. I will have been Licensed for 3650 days on the 14th of August 2005 and it is my aim to make at least 3650 contacts by the end of this year to mark the occasion.

I will also do a full days DX on the 14th of August and all contacts  made that day will receive a special QSL card.

Made my 1st HF contact of 2005 today with YU1XA, see Sound Bites. I have archived the 2004 Sound Bites and the archive is available as a download, see Sound Bites page.

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02-01-05 Updates made.

Archived the News/Blogg of 2004 which can still be viewed by clicking the above link.

Added content to the Notice Board.

Made 1st contact of 2005 with my good Friend M3OCE.

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01-01-05 Notice Board up and running.

The Notice board is now up and running. I have replaced the For Sale link with the Notice Board link. Not much content as yet on the Notice Board but that will change with your input. Please feel free to post any Amateur Radio related material on to the Notice Board.

In the next few Days I will be archiving some content from the site. I will be archiving last years News (Blogg) to make room for this years content and also the Sound Bites will be archived to make way for this years Bites. If I work you and you would like to hear how you sound just ask me to record you and I will place a file for you to listen too in the Sound Bites page.

This page will now be more of a Blogg than News page as I will be posting news on the notice board.

So all the best for 2005 and hope to work you at some point through the year.

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