Available UK Amateur / Ham Radio Call Signs

Ofcom have released a spreadsheet showing the UK Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced call signs that were available for issue as of 21st January 2016

The release was made in response to a Freedom of Information request from Neil Hutton.

Available Call Signs - https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/available_amateur_radio_call_sig#incoming-759317

Ham Radio Foundation Course for iOS and Android

The Australian Radio & Electronics School (RES) has made available a free 2-3 day amateur radio Foundation licence course App for Apple and Android devices

The applications were made possible by sponsorship from the WIA in cooperation with RES. Both applications once downloaded and installed require no internet connection. In the iOS version the videos are download once only as needed and no further downloading required. Both courses are supported by RES.

Both courses are the same and comprise of easy to follow instructional videos.

This short course is suitable for about 11 years and up.

Apple iOS devices - iPad / iPhone - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amateur-radio-foundation-course/id1077291042

Android Devices - http://www.res.net.au/index.php?cmd=app

Australian Pico Balloon PS-58 Receives Contacts

Australian Pico Balloon PS-58 launched in Melbourne in late December 2015, is gently floating towards just south of the equator near South America, as it edges easterly.

Amateur operators are keeping track of the balloons progress. Ken ZS6KN in Pretoria South Africa, Jim W8AC in Ohio and John AT4AT of Virginia USA.

The last report, received by Andy VK3YT confirmed his solar powered balloon was 9,000 metres in altitude, temperature was minus 25 degrees and all seemed to be going well. This balloon that was launched on December 29 is expected to reach mainland South America.

Its tiny 30 metre band signal on WSPR and JT9 allows further trackers to watch its progress.

AREG's website -  http://www.areg.org.au