Small Changes to Australian Plan

The latest Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan – ARSP 2017 – was published on the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) website on 3 January 2017.

Only minimal changes have been made to the previous Spectrum Plan, principally those arising from the outcomes of the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference – WRC-15. Most of the updates involve changes to Footnotes relating to specific allocations, while relatively few comprise changes to allocations.

Of chief interest to Australian amateurs is the addition of the allocation of a 15 kHz band for the Amateur Service at 5351.5-5366.5 kHz, now widely known as the 60 metre band.

As for when access to the new 60 metre band will become available in Australia, the next step will involve amending the Amateur licence conditions, which provides all the technical parameters applicable to Australian amateur licences.

More information - http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2017/20170108-1/index.php

School Wins ARRL Grant

The Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center was one of just four schools to receive an ARRL Education & Technology Program grant 

Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center science instructor David Pentecost KC8WEB sent a grant request to the Amateur Radio Relay League seeking funds for amateur radio station equipment with the intent of augmenting the engineering program and attracting interested students into the world of wireless communication and other related technologies.

The ARRL announced this week that Pickaway-Ross was one of just four schools across the country to be selected for a grant from the organization's Education & Technology Program, providing support for three years.

There are several educational benefits to the program, said Pentecost, himself an FCC-licensed amateur radio operator.

“For a student, it’s learning about the electromagnetic spectrum and how it works, that would probably be the primary scientific benefit”

— David Pentecost KC8WEB

It also will expose students to what makes wireless technology work, allow them to explore more deeply into the world of electronics and basic radio system operations and give some the opportunity to earn one of three levels of FCC amateur radio licenses.

Media Story - http://www.chillicothegazette.com/story/news/local/2017/01/06/
amateur-radio-headed-pickaway-ross/96210136/

Ham Radio Club Public Interaction

The Highway Amateur Radio Club had a display at the Watercrest Mall to interact with people about the purpose of the club and to dispel any incorrect preconceived ideas they may have about this hobby.

The club was formed in June 1996 following the disbanding of the branches of the South African Radio League to allow for the formation of independent clubs.

Media Report - 
http://highwaymail.co.za/244902/radio-club-interacts-with-the-public/