South Africa allocates two 5 MHz channels

ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) - the national telecommunications regulator has approved two 5 MHz frequencies for the South African Radio League (SARL) to carry out propagation research. The frequencies allocated are 5250 and 5260 kHz.

These are 'centre frequencies', the 'USB Dial' frequencies being 1.5 kHz below this ( i.e. 5248.5 and 5258.5 kHz ) . All modes are permitted ( U SB/CW preferred ) with 3 kHz maximum bandwidth.

Maximum Power is 100W ( 400W PEP ) measured at the output of the radio. No antenna restrictions.

The 5250 kHz channel is intended for propagation experiments (e.g. SARL News Bulletin transmissions) and 5260 kHz for general contacts (this channel being common to a number of countries) .

The licence is a pilot licence which has been purchased, so the channels are private and licensed to the SARL, who allow their members to use the frequencies. Participating stations, who need to be SARL members, must register.

South African Radio League (SARL) - http://www.amateurradio.org.za/propresearch.htm

South African Hams to get 472 kHz license

The South African Radio League (SARL) has secured a pilot license for experimentation on 472 kHz.

The SARL has made payments for the two 5 MHz licenses and the 472 kHz and expect to receive the licenses during the coming week.

A special web section is being created for the information of members.

The final arrangements on how SARL members can take part in experimentations on 5 MHz and 472 kHz will be announced at the AGM.

Ham Radio 50 MHz operation in New Zealand

Analog TV transmissions in South Island, New Zealand have now ceased enabling amateur radio operators to use the 50 MHz band as of Sunday 28 April 2013.

“Well, what a thrill to hear that horrible noise of CH1 TV2 stop just 3mins after 2am this morning. Straight into it put out CQ 6m CQ CQ 6m. Back came ZL3GE on 50.050 MHz”

— George Boorer, ZL3PN

George ZL3PN had been active on 50 MHz in 1950 before it was used for TV. ZL3GE is also a veteran 50 MHz operator.

Channel 1 TV in New Zealand occupied 44.0 to 51.35 MHz and amateurs were prevented from using 50.0-51.35 MHz if they were within 50 km of an area served by a channel 1 TV transmitter or an area where there was a translator whose input was on channel 1.

Going Digital - http://goingdigital.co.nz/making-the-switch/coverage-areas-2/coverage-areas.html