Estonia on 60m from September 2017

60m will become available on a regular basis to Estonian class A and B amateurs on 1st September 2017.

Band segment and max allowed power are according to the ITU rule 5.133B -  5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz, max 15W EIRP.

They also have the possibility of using the frequency segment 5370-5450kHz with max power 20dBW (100W) TX output but unfortunately so far only on special permission basis and only for local rescue communications.

Pocket Sized HF beacon System

SOTABeams WSPRlite portable HF beacon/antenna testing system has been enhanced with the release of "WSPRlite-to-go".

WSPRlite-to-go is an Android app that allows your WSPRlite to be programmed and operated from any android device. It uses the location and timing data already available in your phone to provide enhanced functionality for a WSPRlite.

WSPRlite-to-go Free from Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dxplorer.wsprliteconfig

Senate Rejects Bill to Restore ABC Shortwave

Australia's senate has rejected proposed legislation to restore the international radio service of the country's public broadcaster.

Many remote communities in Pacific island countries rely on shortwave radio.

The bill would have required the ABC to restore its shortwave transmission services which the broadcaster ended in January 2017.

This move was described in the bill as having deprived communities in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and other parts of the Pacific of access to reliable emergency broadcasting.

Submitters of the bill questioned the ABC's assertions that very few listeners accessed Radio Australia's shortwave service.

Concerns of the submitters included perceived neglect of remote communities in the Pacific, and the loss of capacity for emergency warning broadcasts.