New frequencies for French radio hams

The minutes of the 7 March 2014 meeting between the French National Society - REF and the communications regulator ARCEP have been published

French radio amateurs have gained access to 472-479 kHz with 1 watt output in Region 1 and territories in Region 2. Discussions also covered the possibility of an amateur allocation across the whole of 1.8-2.0 MHz and possible future allocations at 5.5 MHz and 70 MHz.

435-438 MHz is now allocated to the Amateur-satellite service for both Earth-to-Space and Space-to-Earth in Region 1 & territories in Region 2. Due to a previous error in the national frequency table French amateurs did not have Space-to-Earth for this band in their license.

The 2400-2415 MHz band is now allocated to radio stations in the Amateur-satellite service in French territories in Region 2.

Regarding the 1.2 GHz band the REF wondered if the Galileo GPS satellites, which broadcast across 1260 to 1300 MHz, may call into question the allocation of this portion of the band to the Amateur Services. The ARCEP said they would review this matter and provide a response.

The REF report the ARCEP had shown an interest in the ARISS school contacts which have a high educational value.

Minutes of the meeting between ARCEP and REF March 7, 2014 in Google English - http://tinyurl.com/REF-ARCEP-Minutes-2014-03-07

REF in Google English - http://tinyurl.com/FranceREF

Ham radio antenna rules debated in Poway

Ham radio operators in Poway are making efforts to ease restrictions on amateur radio antennas in Poway

Poway has some of the most stringent antenna laws in the county, including a height limit of just 35 feet. Most San Diego County cities have no height limit.

During a meeting in Tuesday 18 February 2014, radio enthusiasts packed the chambers during what was billed as a council “workshop.” Many chided the council for being out of compliance with federal and state regulations for years and said Poway was lucky it hadn’t been called on it in court.

Charles Ristorcelli NN3V of the Poway Amateur Radio Society, gave a lengthy presentation that concluded a 65-foot height limit would be an acceptable compromise.

“It is time amateur radio antennas not be confused with construction of a superstore,” he said.

Chuck Cross, of the Poway Neighborhood Emergency Corps, noted that ham radio operators provided important communication outlets during the wildfires last decade. He urged the council to “simplify and clarify” the process.

More Information -  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/feb/19/poway-council-ham-radio-antenna/

Radio Ham's Sprite satellites launch in March

On 16 March 2014, two hundred “Sprites” are scheduled to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), each one equipped with a solar panel, 437 MHz radio transceiver, and a tiny computer, developed by radio amateur Zac Manchester KD2BHC

Read the full story - http://www.ithacaweek-ic.com/micro-satellites-developed-by-cornell-grad-scheduled-to-launch-next-month/

BIS prepares for KickSat Sprite launch - http://amsat-uk.org/2014/02/17/bis-prepares-for-kicksat-sprite-launch/