Ofcom Inquiry About PMR 446 Prosecutions

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In a reply to a Freedom of Information request, Ofcom acknowledged they have never prosecuted a user of PMR 446

Ofcom were asked:

I was wondering if it's possible to give me figures as to how many prosecutions have been made against a person or persons for the specific offence relating to using equipment on the PMR 446 band (446Mhz) against the licencing conditions. I appreciate this is a licence-exempt band, but for example can you tell me if anyone has ever been prosecuted for using the equipment above the permitted .5 Watts or for using an external antenna.

Ofcom replied:

We are not aware of any prosecutions against any person(s) for specific offences relating to using equipment on the PMR 446 band (446Mhz) against the licencing conditions.

See Ofcom's full reply - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/222731/Misuses-of-PMR446-Band-Prosecutions.pdf

ARRL Make Online RF Exposure Calculator Available

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ARRL Make Online RF Exposure Calculator Available

The ARRL have made an online RF exposure (EMF) calculator available for all amateurs to use

The FCC has adopted guidelines and procedures for evaluating the environmental effects of RF emissions. Under the new FCC rules, some amateurs need to perform routine station evaluations to ensure that their stations comply with the RF exposure rules. This can be as simple as running an online calculator to determine the minimum safe distance between any part of your antenna and areas where people might be exposed to RF energy from your station. Although amateurs can make measurements of their stations, evaluations can also be done by calculation.

The FCC guidelines already incorporate two tiers of exposure limits based on whether exposure occurs in an occupational or “controlled” situation, or whether the general population is exposed or exposure is in an “uncontrolled” situation.

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Revised Prediction for Solarcycle 25

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Revised Prediction for Solarcycle 25

A revised prediction from the NASA High Altitude Observatory based at the University Of Colorado.

NASA Heliophysicists have released a revised prediction for Solar Cycle 25.

The report generated by Ricky Egeland, a Solar Physicist working in the NASA Space Radiation Analysis Group now calls for the peak of Solar Cycle 25 to top out at a value of 195 ± 17 based upon the new scale for calculating Smoothed SunSpot Number. For reference Solar Cycle 21 peaked at an SSN 233 (new scale) while Solarcycle 23 peaked at an SSN of 180 (new scale). If this prediction holds up Ham Radio will see Excellent Worldwide F Layer Conditions on 10 Meters for several years around Solar Max. 6 Meters conditions should be good in the Equinox Periods before and after Solar Max with consistent openings on Medium Haul Polar Routes. 6 Meter routes traversing the equator should experience consistent openings ± 9 months from Solar Max.

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