Israel on 5 MHz with 8 channels

The Israeli regulator - the Ministry of Communications - (IMOC) has decided to grant 5 MHz/60m temporary permission on an individual application basis.

8 Channels are available to General and Extra Class licence holders.

The channels are as per the list below (the number represents USB dial frequency) - for CW 1.5 kHz above. There is some flexibility on Digi modes with 2500 Hz out of the 3kHz channel width. No split operation

Channel 1    5298.5    USB CW RTTY PSK
Channel 2    5330.5    USB CW
Channel 3    5357.0    RTTY PSK CW USB
Channel 4    5366.5    USB CW RTTY PSK
Channel 5    5371.5    USB
Channel 6    5398.5    CW USB RTTY PSK
Channel 7    5403.5    USB RTTY PSK CW
Channel 8    5407.0    USB RTTY PSK CW

Power - 100W PEP measured at the TX (not EIRP)

The Israel Amateur Radio Club's main goal is as always to experiment for local short range emergency communication readiness and the long distance activity is a side product of this.

The validity is from application approval date until mid March 2014 but it appears this could be extended. Operation is on a secondary status of course and was coordinated with the spectrum committee of the IMOC representing some other relevant organizations.

The IARC have had some flexibility in the choice of frequencies and in doing so have endeavoured to coordinate these with 5 MHz/60m amateur frequencies and activities already in existence. It is hoped that as IMOC gain confidence in 5 MHz/60m activity by Israeli amateurs as Secondary status users, then further frequencies may be made available

“We are all excited to work 60 metres with the ham community - wishing all 73 and ‘Shalom’ from the Holy Land”

— Amos, 4Z1AB, the President of the Israel Amateur Radio Club

Ham Radio your free social network tool

The New Indian Express has reported what all Amateur / Ham Radio operators have known, the way to be connected in an exclusive social network totally free of cost is Amateur / Ham Radio

The paper reports that in the event of a natural calamity anywhere in the world, radio hams are always mentioned for their voluntary support in establishing communication links when all other channels of communications have broken down.

Apart from being involved in social service, which gives the satisfaction of being able to save lives and help people in distress, amateur radio provides an opportunity to scan the radio waves to communicate with fellow Hams across the world, even in the remotest areas and build the social network.

Read the article - http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Ham-is-also-your-free-social-network-tool/2013/05/17/article1593642.ece

South African 5 MHz operation - interesting propagation paths

The SARL recently purchased licenses for two frequencies, 5250 and 5260 kHz. The two frequencies are only available to SARL members who have registered.

The SARL is considering various proposals for propagation experiments on 5250 kHz and hold a teleconference on Wednesday 22 May at 20:00 to discuss proposals. Some proposals have already been received and are being evaluated. If you have ideas, submit a proposal in as much detail as possible. Include your contact details so that you can be invited to the teleconference and receive a copy of all the proposals on the agenda.

Only a maximum of 10 participants can be accommodated on the teleconference and only landlines can be accommodated.