Essex gets 2m D-STAR Amateur Radio Repeater

As of Saturday 18th July 2015 the Essex 2m repeater GB7TE was connected to the amateur radio D-STAR network

It took over a month of configuring and tweaking to get GB7TE successfully configured and the repeater actually went on air on Friday 17th July 2015 but wasn't connected to the network until the following day.

Icom donated the repeater modules and the Martello Tower Group supplied the server, cavities, broadband and site.

The repeater, located in Grid Square J0O1ot NGR TM218172, has an output frequency of 145.775 MHz.

Coverage map - http://www.ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?id=2582

The Martello Tower Group - http://www.martellotowergroup.com/

BBC Nano Computer's Final Design Confirmed

The BBC has revealed the final design of the Micro Bit, a pocket-sized computer set to be given to about one million UK-based children in October 2015.

The device - which features a programmable array of red LED lights - includes two buttons and a built-in motion sensor that were not included in a prototype shown off in March. Another design change means the product no longer has a slot for a thin battery, which maybe compromise is appeal for wearable device application.

An add-on power pack, fitted with AA batteries, will be needed if required to be used as a standalone product.

"We all know there's a critical and growing digital skills gap in this country and that's why it's so important that we come together and do something about it," BBC's director general Tony Hall a launch event in London.

BBC Story - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33409311

European Common Allocation Table

The 2015 annual update of the European Common Allocation Table includes an upgrade of the status of the 70 MHz amateur / ham radio band 

The 70 MHz band has been upgraded from a mere information note to something a bit more substantial for other European countries.

Previously there was an informational only note which read: 

"EU9: In a growing number of CEPT countries, parts of the band 70.0-70.5 MHz are also allocated to the Amateur Service on a secondary basis."

Now, after a lot of hard work by David Court, EI3IO in IARU Region 1 and supported by RSGB and other member societies, the revised EU9 reads: 

“CEPT administrations may authorise all or parts of the band between  69.9-70.5 MHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis.”

Note there will be NO change in the UK allocation, 69.9 MHz is a special allocation for Germany.

European Common Allocation Table - 
http://www.erodocdb.dk/Docs/doc98/official/pdf/ERCREP025.PDF