July 30, 2007 by kb3ljm.

To the CQ Newsletter List from CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU:
The 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik is coming up in October, and we are currently working on our October issue. Many of you remember the launch well, and of course, hams were in the vanguard of listening for those beeps from above. We’d like to collect a representative sampling of your first-hand recollections to weave into an article for our October issue. Plus, we’d like to hear if this experience had a significant impact on your choice of careers, etc. - in short, how did listening for Sputnik change your life? Please respond as soon as possible by e-mail directly to a special mailbox we’ve set up at sputnik@cq-amateur-radio.com

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July 30, 2007 by kb3ljm.

RSGB and IARU Region-1 are continuing their defence of the 10GHz band. Their responses to the latest Ofcom consultation on the Spectrum auction can be found on the Ofcom website at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/10-40GHz/responses/.

The RSGB & IARU responses are the second formal submission on this topic and continues the joint effort in conjunction with affiliated societies including AMSAT-UK, the UK Microwave Group and the British Amateur Television Group BATC. Ofcom plans would have potentially serious consequences for innovative developments by the Amateur Satellite Service.

http://www.rsgb.org/news/

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July 30, 2007 by kb3ljm.

Ofcom has decided to permit a limited number of Amateur Radio Full licensees to operate under a Special Research Permit between 501 and 504 kHz for a 12 month period commencing from 1 March 2007.

This follows representations made by the Radio Society of Great Britain and negotiations with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Special Research Permits under a Notice of Variation to the Licence may be made available to holders of Full Amateur Licences on a case by case basis to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in experimentation at these frequencies and provide adequate supporting documentation for assessment.

Due to the usage of the spectrum around 500 kHz, applicants should pay special attention to demonstrating technical and operational competence in terms of transmitting within the frequency and Effective Radiated Power (e.r.p.) parameters agreed with Ofcom. Previous experience at 73 kHz as well as 136 kHz will be considered desirable in this respect to ensure adequate steps are taken to limit any potential interference.

Ofcom will monitor any interference reports with a view to limiting numbers in the use of the band if necessary. In general, considerably lower e.r.p. levels than that permitted in the 136 kHz band are likely to be favourable and this will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that increased powers are necessary for research. On no account will an e.r.p. level of greater than – 10 dBW be permitted under any circumstance.

The standard application form (OfW306) for a Special Research Permit can be downloaded at:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applications/ofw306.pdf

Form OfW306 is also available on request from the Ofcom Licensing Centre at:

Ofcom Licensing Centre
Amateur Radio
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7981 3131

You can also find more information on the RSGB Spectrum Forum website at:

http://www.rsgb-spectrumforum.org.uk/mf.htm

http://www.rsgb.org/news/

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July 30, 2007 by kb3ljm.

The Technical Institute of Radio, the IARU member-society in Syria, will celebrate 60 years of Amateur Radio in that country from October 15-November 15. In honor of this important milestone, TIR members will be using special prefix 6C60 on all HF bands during the month.

http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/07/0727/

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