Radio Ship Navigation Returns to Combat Cyber Threat

Due to the risk of cyber attacks targeting ships' satellite navigation, National Naval Services are delving through history and develop back-up systems with roots in World War Two radio technology.

Ships use GPS (Global Positioning System) and other similar devices that rely on sending and receiving satellite signals, which many experts say are vulnerable to jamming by hackers.

About 90 percent of world trade is transported by sea and the stakes are high in increasingly crowded shipping lanes. Unlike aircraft, ships lack a backup navigation system and if their GPS ceases to function, they risk running aground or colliding with other vessels.

South Korea is developing an alternative system using an earth-based navigation technology known as eLoran, while the United States is planning to follow suit. Britain and Russia have also explored adopting versions of the technology, which works on radio signals.

Media Story - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-shipping-gps-cyber-idUSKBN1AN0HT

Spectrum for Powerline Carrier Systems

Ofcom published the document Spectrum available for Powerline Carrier Systems

Ofcom publishes document "Spectrum" available for Powerline Carrier Systems

Ofcom publishes document "Spectrum" available for Powerline Carrier Systems

The Energy Networks Association may make assignments for power line carrier systems in the bands below. These systems fall into two categories –

  • Normally Quiescent Carrier Systems. These systems may use any frequency within the range 30·0 to 526·5 kHz.
  • Continuous Carrier Systems. These systems may also use frequencies within the range 30·0 to 526·5 kHz.

Download - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/103301/fat-power-line-frequencies.pdf

Ofcom Spectrum page - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/technology/radio-spectrum

 

Pixie Challenge

Banbury Amateur Radio Society started their 'Pixie Challenge' on Wednesday, 12th July 2017.

The challenge is for members to build a working Pixie design CW transceiver and make a QSO with another PIxie in 4 hours, spread over two club nights.
 
Winners will receive a new soldering station.

Banbury Amateur Radio Society - http://www.banburyares.co.uk
 
Other amateurs are invited to listen out for the group, as one transceiver will be connected to the club's G5RV antenna - http://www.kb6nu.com/vk3ye-shows-how-to-make-the-pixie-less-appalling/