Amateurs Criticize UK TV Show

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The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door broadcasted recently on Channel 5, has drawn criticism from radio amateurs across the UK.

The show featured radio amateur Armando Martins M0PAM who has been subjected to a prolonged campaign waged by his neighbours who wish to stop him enjoying his hobby. 

“Unfortunately, the RSGB was not invited to be part of Channel 5’s “Nightmare Neighbour Next Door” programme or to verify any facts. We have, of course, contacted Channel 5 about our concerns and have highlighted the positive aspects of amateur radio. We have also offered our expertise and input for future programmes where amateur radio is mentioned.”
— RSGB Statemnt

The Channel 5 show gave extensive airtime to completely false claims about Armando Martins amateur radio station. These falsehood were repeated time and again throughout the show giving the impression to viewers that they might have been true. 

Ofcom has never found anything wrong with his station, the false health claims made in the show could cause considerable worry among viewers. 

Direct link to online programme complaint form -https://ofcomforms.secure.force.com/formentry/SitesFormCSLEStandardsComplaints

Possible SW Radio Solution to Worldwide Web Access

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For the past four years, KNL Networks, based in Oulu, Finland, have been developing a revolutionizing system that enables internet connection anywhere in the world – even in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – without using expensive satellite systems.

The group have secured more than $10m of A round funding, enabling the group to progress with the project.

Facebook and Google have been exploring the possibility of bringing internet to remote locations by relaying data through a network of balloons. KNL's technology, on the other hand, proposes the opposite: incredibly long range signals, by sending internet protocol over the radio.

KNL’s technology is already being used to provide robust internet connections to ships on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but can be used anywhere on the globe for many different applications. Amongst others, the company sees a future in the development of the Internet of Things and autonomous vessels, as the internet anywhere technology will enable live-streaming of data from the most extreme locations.

Such capabilities are currently only possible with satellite networks, which are very expensive to operate. Instead, KNL’s technology relies on shortwave radio transmissions, which can transmit data for thousands of kilometers, for a fraction of the cost of a satellite system. Accomplishing this has required the innovation of long-distance high frequency radio systems. In comparison with satellite internet, the radio technology offers the additional advantages of being easier to use, always on. 

Does Revised Driving Law Restrict Hams?

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An amendment to BIll 1785 in California may have an impact on Hams within the state.

In the bills previous version, an exception was included to allow use of Amateur Radio equipment under the law prohibiting motorists from using electronic wireless communication devices to write, send, or read a text-based communication while in motion, unless the device was configured for voice-operated and hands-free operation. 

The new law, signed by Governor Jerry Brown, omits the Amateur Radio exemption, and contains the text “prohibits a motorist from driving “while holding and operating” a hand-held wireless telephone or a wireless electronic communication device, as defined by the code. “

The amended bill does “authorizes a driver to operate such devices mounted on a vehicle’s windshield like a GPS or on the dashboard or center console “in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road,” if the driver can activate or deactivate a feature or function “with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the finger.”

The new law appears to have a lack of clarity as to what is allowed.

A first offense would incur a $20 base fine and $50 for subsequent offenses.
ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, said there are two principal ways to protect Amateur Radio in this type of legislation. “One is by sufficiently narrowly defining prohibited activity so as to exclude Amateur Radio,” he said. “The other is to create specific exemptions where the definitions are confusing. This new statute is an example of bad legislative draftsmanship. It creates a motor vehicle law with citations issued for certain activity that includes the words ‘but is not limited to’ in the language defining the violation.”
In addition to scrutinizing the language of the revision, ARRL will be consulting with Field Organization officials in California to determine its next steps.