Radio Frequency Interference from Water

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Devices called 'Wassermatrix', sold by a Swiss company by the same name have been identified as the source of interferences around 144.015 MHz across European countries.

The manufacturer claims it will “vitalize”, “structure” or “energize” water, thus making drinking water healthier and curing a wide span of diseases from oncologic and virologic to orthopaedic kinds.

Following complaints, those devices have now been banned from sale in Germany after an investigation by the local communications regulator. Reports include direct identification of devices near Frankfurt airport. The devices use an unstable power oscillator around 144.015Mhz with a wide noise skirt, and produce 20 Watts output over periods of five minutes. Strong overtones can be heard at 288 and 432 MHz. For the user of the 'purifier' this translates into a calculated EMF exposure of about 28Volt/meter, enough to possibly upset a heart pacemaker.

UK Broadband Rollout Trial to Target Hard-to-Reach Homes Through Water Pipes

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UK Broadband Rollout Trial to Target Hard-to-Reach Homes Through Water Pipes

Fibre optic cables fed through water mains to connect homes, businesses and mobile masts without digging up roads

Fibre broadband cables could be fed through the country’s water pipes as part of the government’s plan to speed up the nationwide roll out of lightning-fast broadband and mobile coverage in rural areas.

Four million pounds is available for cutting-edge innovators to trial what could be a quicker and more cost-effective way of connecting fibre optic cables to homes, businesses and mobile masts, without the disruption caused by digging up roads and land.

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Steel Schooner Gedania SP2J/mm Operation

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SP2J/mm will again activate steel schooner Gedania operating in the northern Baltic. Search for me on 20m or 40m, I will try to be active more or less regularly (navigation duties permitting) between 14.08 and 22.08. Looking forward to hearing You all on the bands.

My previous activation from June ended with a round number of QSOs - I mean zero - unfortunately the power supply produced a decent amount of magic smoke and ended its life. We tried our best at tapping the 24V from the ship's hotel supply but with limited parts, we were unable to proceed with the activation. Buying a small battery in Sweden at the price of a proper Begali paddle was not a reasonable option and I had to surrender.

This time however I have twice the length of silver-tape and twice the hunger for QSOs. Hope to hear you on the bands 73 Mike.