A Big Brother-Ish Use Of The 5.9 Ghz Band?

The FCC has intensified its focus on the 5.9 GHz band where new rules are being finalized for the use of cellular delivery of communications to and from cars and trucks on the road.

Intelligent Transportation Systems, or ITS, scored a big gain in late November as the FCC voted on a proposal enabling the use of "cellular vehicle-to-everything" or C-V2X, on the 5.9 GHz band.

“...accelerate the automotive industry and state and federal government plans for transitioning from dated technology to the more advanced C-V2X automobile safety technology.”

— FCC Press Statement

This would establish new rules for the use of ITS within 30 MHz of that spectrum. The system is already in use by many automakers, sending and receiving messages over existing 5G cellular networks with alerts about traffic issues, weather conditions, road hazards or speeding cars. The FCC measure also sets out the technical parameters for the use of C-V2X, including power and emission limits. The system permits vehicles to communicate with roadside infrastructure and the cellphones of pedestrians, cyclists and road workers, enabling safety communications even when there are no line-of-sight warnings.

Santa Net Runs Through Christmas Eve

The Santa Net will return to the airwaves beginning November 29th and remain active through Christmas Eve. The net will take place each evening at 7:00 PM Central Time on 3.916 MHz. Operators interested in participating may check-in up to a half hour before the 7:00 start time. A live stream is available via YouTube and WebSDR.

Rare California Island to be Activated for Armed Forces Day, First Time in 53 Years

On Armed Forces Day, May 1971, 53 years ago, two amateur operators working as WZ6SNI, activated San Nicolas Island, IOTA NA-066. At 61 miles, San Nicolas is the most remote of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California and is owned by the US Navy.

Now, weather permitting, Will Costello, WC6DX, has been authorised to be active from San Nicolas Island 8-12 November 2024. He is taking a Buddihex antenna for 6 - 20 metres and a 100 watt rig.

For island chasers in southern California, Arizona, and southern Nevada who may not be able to hear because of skip, he will also take a Buddipole antenna for 40 - 30 meters daytime use. Operations will be primarily SSB, and CW if conditions deteriorate due to solar flares.

QSL instructions will be on WC6DX’s QRZ.com after the operation.

More Information - https://www.arrl.org/news/view/rare-california-island-to-be-activated-for-armed-forces-day-first-time-in-53-years