German Class E 2.3 and 5 GHz Bands Access

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German Class E licence holders (CEPT Novice) are now permitted to use the 2320–2450 MHz and 5650–5850 MHz bands

DARC note the new allocations will enable Class E holders to participate in the high speed amateur radio multimedia network HAMNET. The power limit is 5 watts PEP the same as the existing Class E 10 GHz allocation. It appears the new allocations are effective immediately but limited until December 31, 2018.

The German regulator the Federal Network Agency BNetzA has also made changes to the regulations for the amateur radio 1.8 MHz and 50 MHz bands.

BNetzA Notifications - https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/SharedDocs/FAQs/DE/Sachgebiete/Telekommunikation/Unternehmen_Institutionen/Frequenzen/SpezielleAnwendungen/Amateurfunk/AmtsblattVerf%C3%BCgungenMitteilungen.html

 

Hams Promote Hobby to western Virginia School

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Eight Rivers Ham Radio Club members Rudy Marrujo KD8WPG, Janice Cozart KE8COZ and Lee Wolfe KD8TYS visited PCHS where they were met by a large group of bright-eyed and anxious students who want to learn more about becoming ham radio operators.

The program is the brainchild of Jean Srodes, who works with students in Pocahontas County. Srodes came up with the idea of bringing ham radio to the school while exploring STEM activities.  

“The response to this was overwhelming”
— Jean Srodes

Her idea for a student-operated ham radio base was presented to the Eight Rivers Ham Radio Club, and club members were immediately on board to purchase equipment and to establish a radio base at the school.

Although this is primarily a STEM Club activity, the opportunity is open to all interested students.  

Media Story - https://pocahontastimes.com/ham-radio-coming-to-pchs/

 

Distracted Driving in Canada

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RAC Directors Allan Boyd, VE3AJB (Ontario North/East) and Phil McBride, VA3QR (Ontario South), had a very productive meeting with Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) officials on Wednesday 31st May 2017.

The purpose of the meeting was to consult with industry stakeholders on Ontario's Distracted Driving Law and, specifically, the current five-year exemption for the handheld use of two-way radios set to expire on 1st January 2018. The meeting resulted in a very productive exchange of information.

Allan contacted the MTO in mid-October and asked for an update. An MTO official advised him they have all the materials that were presented to them at their earlier meeting including:

  • a detailed briefing note to the Minister
  • condensed versions of all the legislation from the other provinces in their exemption sections
  • articles on the concentration levels of full duplex versus half-duplex conversations
  • information about Radio Amateurs of Canada and a copy of The Canadian Amateur magazine
  • documents stressing the importance of the use of radios including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) program
  • the complete package of all the supporting letters that RAC received on the issue
  • a letter signed by RAC President Glenn MacDonnell, VE3XRA, outlining RAC's position

They advised that a final decision will be announced in a media conference by the Minister of Transportation on the exemption issue prior to the expiry date on 1st January 2018.

RAC will issue a bulletin as soon as we receive any information and we will also post the information here on the RAC website and on the Distracted Driving webpage - http://wp.rac.ca/distracted-driving/

Note: RAC bulletins are sent to members who subscribe to the service by completing the online form - http://wp.rac.ca/rac-notifications/