New SOTABeam Filer

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SOTABEAMS has introduced a low pass filter kit to complement their popular WSPRlite antenna analysis system. The kit provides selectable 7 element filters for 160m, 80m and 40m on a single PCB. SMA connectors are used to make it easy to interface to the WSPRlite.

The kit is rated at 20 Watts and thus may be useful for other applications where a good quality low-pass filter is needed.

Details - http://www.sotabeams.co.uk/low-pass-filter-kit/

FCC Rejects Amplifier Waiver Request

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FCC has denied a request from Expert Linears for an exception waiver of 15 dB gain restriction on linear amplifiers 

The waiver request, filed in June 2016, would have allowed Expert Linears to import an amplifier capable of exceeding the current 15 dB gain limitation as it awaits FCC action on its April petition (RM-11767) to revise the same Amateur Service rules. That petition remains pending.

““In light of the conflicting comments regarding the desirability of eliminating the 15 dB limitation, we conclude that waiving the limitation at this stage of the rulemaking proceeding would prejudice the rulemaking proceeding and prematurely dispose of commenters’ concerns. Moreover, we agree with FlexRadio that granting Expert’s waiver request while the rulemaking petition remains pending would provide an unfair market advantage for one equipment model over other manufacturers’ RF power amplifiers that would still be limited by [the existing rules].””
— FCC

WSPRLite First Impressions

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ICQ Amateur / Ham Radio Presenter Edmund Spicer M0MNG has made a TouTube video providing a 'first impressions' review of the new WSPRlite from SOTAbeams. 

Included in the video is an example of how you might be able to press an 80-metre dipole into service on 30 metres, and information about potential power supplies and their drawbacks.