An Easier Way to Report RFI in Germany

Amateurs in Germany now have a direct means of communication with the federal regulator BNetZa (Pron: B-NETS-EH) when they want to report electronic devices that have caused radio interference or are inaccurately labelled as being safe. An online form allows a report to be made with relevant details so that the agency can more easily take action and determine if these devices are non-compliant, dangerous - or both. Customs agents and postal authorities will also be notified of imported devices that are found to be faulty so those items can be placed on the list of banned products.

The form is designed to help expedite an official response, especially with regard to interference - be it on the amateur radio frequencies or on mobile phones or broadcast radio and TV. BNetZa (Pron: B-NETS-EH) has provided a link to the form, which is in German.

Report Form - verwaltung.bund.de/leistungsbeantragung/de/leistung/99118055261000/herausgeber/LeiKa-103356009/region/00

FCC Extends Windows for Comments on 60m Proposal

The FCC has extended the window to receive comments on its proposed changes to the 60-metre band. The new deadline is November 28th. The FCC would like to make changes to the band that would allocate 15 kHz of contiguous bandwidth between 5351.5 and 5366.5 kHz for amateur radio on a secondary basis. The proposed new band would have a limit of 15 watts EIRP.

US General, Advanced and Extra Hams presently have five channels available to them between 5332 and 5405 kHz - also on a secondary basis. They are permitted an effective radiated power limit of 100 W PEP.

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