DRM Tests from Hungary on 26 MHz continue into 2020

The Budapest University of Technology started a 1-year DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) test on the 1st of June 2019 and it will run until the end of May 2020.

The transmitted content is a 24-hour program, played out in a loop, compiled by the media partner of the project, Radio Maria.

What is unusual about this test is that it is being carried out on 26.060 MHz with 100 watts into a 5/8 vertical. Reception reports from the Netherlands have already been received.

More Information - https://ei7gl.blogspot.com/2019/12/drm-tests-from-hungary-on-26-mhz-june.html

TM70TAAF Special Event

70th anniversary of the first Amateur Radio contacts with FSAT - TAAF

From 12 to 26 January 2020, special event call TM70TAAF will be activated by François F8DVD.

The special callsign commemorates the 70th anniversary of the first Amateur Radio contacts with French Southern and Austral Territories (FSAT - TAAF). These took place in January 1950 during the building of scientific research stations on Saint Paul and Amsterdam island (FB8ZZ), Kerguelen island (FB8XX) and Adelie Land in Antarctica (FB8AX).

TM70TAAF will be operated from F8DVD Qth in Mâcon, 60 km north of Lyon (JN26JH).

Reference for WAP program is WAP 301 - http://www.waponline.it

Qsl OK via buro, direct with SASE and LOTW.

More Information - http://www.qrz.com/db/TM70TAAF

Australian 70cms Digital Record Extended to 2806 kms!

Early on the morning of the 5th of December 2019, there was a remarkable tropo contact between Leigh, VK2KRR and Peter, VK6KXW on 70cms across the Australian continent. The distance was 2,806 kms and crossed over the Great Australian Bight, a part of the ocean well noted for tropospheric ducting.

This was a new record for a digital contact on 432 MHz as both stations were using the FT8 mode.