New D-STAR Support Section

Icom UK has recently re-developed its D-STAR dedicated microsite. Among the recent changes is a new support section which includes links to data files of UK D-STAR repeaters and reflectors for Icom models.

The page also features a link to its D-STAR YouTube Channel where you will find tips and tricks for some of Icom’s latest D-STAR radios.

The support section also features a link to three forums set up for registered users to participate in. The three current forums are D-STAR (GB7IC), D-STAR (General) and D-STAR (Technical). There is also a link to other international forums as well as a link to a list of useful international D-STAR websites.

“We have been very busy preparing repeater lists for various Icom D-STAR radios so that our customers can come to the site to download appropriate information for their radios. Customers should also find the videos that we have added to our YouTube channel very useful.”

— Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK

Icom’s D-STAR support section - http://www.d-staruk.co.uk/support

The ARRL Library goes live!

The ARRL have announced a free repository of educational presentations and oral histories. It is aimed at helping to preserve Amateur Radio’s history and to educate clubs and individuals

“This long-term project will be home to what I hope will eventually become one of the largest repositories of Amateur Radio-related papers and presentations, created by and for the Amateur Radio community, This is your opportunity to submit material for the betterment and education of all radio amateurs.”

— ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X

Kutzko said the Library will initially consist of three major areas. These will include PowerPoint presentations that may be used at club meetings, outreach efforts to the general public or other public presentations; PDFs of general educational material about Amateur Radio, and oral histories of radio amateurs describing their personal experiences with Amateur Radio.

Visit the free ARRL Online Library - http://www.arrl.org/library

More 5 MHz Channels for Czech amateurs

Following a comprehensive document review on last year’s 5 MHz amateur operation in the Czech Republic and evidence of 5 MHz amateur operating frequencies elsewhere in Europe, the Czech telecommunications regulator CTU, together with the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD), have agreed to changes in 5 MHz permits for Czech (OK) radio amateurs following the conclusion of the present permit in Autumn 2014.

The number of 5 MHz channels available under the new 2015 permit, has been increased from 6 to 12 and a substantial number of these have been aligned primarily with the UK and also the US allocations.

USB Dial (kHz)	CW Dial (kHz)	Notes
5276.0	5277.5	Added to harmonize with UK bandplan
5288.5	5290.0
5298.0	5299.5	Added to harmonize with UK bandplan
5313.0	5314.5	Added to harmonize with UK bandplan
5330.5	5332.0	US
5333.0	5334.5	Added to harmonize with UK bandplan
5362.0	5363.5	Added to harmonize with UK bandplan
5366.5	5368.0	(A Former US Frequency) - remains
5371.5	5373.0	US
5395.0	5396.5	Added to harmonize with UK bandplan
5398.5	5400.0
5403.5	5405.0

All other Czech 5 MHz permit criteria remain as before (Max. Power 100W e.r.p., 3 kHz Max. Bandwidth) except that there is now no limit to the number of permits available.