Club opens arms to the Radio Community for a "build-a-long".

The Isle of Wight Radio Society (IOWRS) have a new construction project that they will support via their website to members and non-members alike.

It is the "Islander-3" HF receiver which is also featured in the recently released RSGB handbook version 15.

The design is suitable both for newcomers and those with plenty of building experience.

Roger G8NHG is both the author of the chapter on HF receivers in the RSGB handbook and also the club secretary of the Isle of Wight Radio Society.

He will provide support via a support group, where also upgrades and extensions from the build-community will be posted. Roger hopes to have a vibrant "maker" community in place in the next few weeks.

So, anyone interested in building a HF receiver with support from the designer and the community should visit http://www.iowrs.org/islander-3

FCC Eyes New Approach to Wireless Alerts

The lifesaving communication known as the wireless emergency alert system in the US, let down residents in the Hawaii fires recently and so the FCC has begun rethinking exactly how these alerts should be transmitted not to rely solely on the Cellphone system.

The FCC is looking for alternative ways for delivery of wireless emergency alerts that do not rely on functioning cell towers. Calling cell networks unreliable, the commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is seeking ways to get messages to the public that do not run the risk of cell towers being knocked out of service or having coverage dead zones. In a public notice released October 19th, the FCC said it was looking for partners to test alternative technologies for emergency-alert use.

According to a report in Radio World, the FCC is willing to consider satellites, high-altitude balloons, drones or similar technology to make up for gaps in wireless coverage. The FCC recalled one of the most recent incidents of cell coverage failing when in August, 21 cell sites failed to function in Hawaii during the deadly wildfires in that state.

The commission is asking interested parties to use the Electronic Comment Filing System to contact the FCC within 60 days of the notice's publication.