IARU Administrative Council Addresses New Radio Spectrum Pollution Threat

The Administrative Council (AC) of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) held its annual in-person meeting on 15 and 16 September 2017 in Landshut, Germany, immediately prior to the IARU Region 1 Conference. The AC is responsible for the policy and management of the IARU and consists of the three IARU international officers and two represent... [continue]

Tuesday, 19th September 2017

Radio Amateur on St. Lucia Relays Reports of Hurricane Devastation on Dominica

As “potentially catastrophic Hurricane Maria” is headed for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Frans van Santbrink, J69DS, on St. Lucia checked into the VoIP Hurricane Net to relay damage reports he gathered via repeater conversations with hams on Dominica, which was hit by Category 5 Hurricane Maria.He recounted a damage report from Kerry Fev... [continue]

Future of amateur radio video released

A video created by the RSGB was used by Don Beattie, President of IARU Region 1, at the IARU conference in Landshut to spark discussion about the future of amateur radio. Five young radio amateurs from different countries (filmed at YOTA 2017) explain what they think the future of amateur radio should look like. They […]

Hurricane Redux: Amateur Radio Community Goes on Alert for Maria:

Caribbean Island residents and the Amateur Radio community have hardly had a chance to catch a breath from Hurricane Irma as recovery operations continue, but now Hurricane Maria is knocking on the door. The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated today on 14.325 MHz, with plans to maintain operations on that frequency during the day and on 7.268 MHz ... [continue]

Caribbean Emergency Weather Net Activates; FEMA Announces Interoperability Nets

Jeff Austin, 9Y4J, Emergency Coordinator Advisory Group, IARU Region 2, Area E, reports that the Caribbean Emergency Weather Net (CEWN), activated at 1030 UTC on 3.815 MHz. The net will use 3.815 and/or 7.188 MHz as propagation dictates. The CEWN will provide 24-hour coverage during the passage of Hurricane Maria and in the storm’s immediate wake... [continue]

Carribean nets activate for Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria is moving through areas still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Irma just weeks ago and has been reassessed as a dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Amateur Radio groups are preparing for this next storm and the Caribbean Emergency and Weather Net (CEWN), was activated this morning 18th/September 2017 at 1030 UTC on the frequenc... [continue]

IARU Region 1 Conference opens

The 24th triennial Conference of IARU Region 1 opened Sunday 17th September 2017 in Landshut, Germany. Speakers at the opening ceremony included Robert Mader, representing the city of Landshut, Tim Ellam, President of IARU, Thomas Weilacher, Chairman of CEPT WGFM and Mario Maniewicz, Deputy Director of the ITU Radicommunication Bureau. The opening... [continue]

Monday, 18th September 2017

HamRadioNow 345: Appliance Boy meets Circuit Girl

View attachment 401092 ​ Jeri Ellsworth, co-founder of the Augmented Reality company castAR (among many, many other things) has added ham radio to her list of accomplishments. She's now AI6TK. We spotted her at the Dayton Hamvention this year (AmateurLogic TV snagged the interview). And she just attended the ARRL/TAPR DCC in St. Lo... [continue]

Retevis RT90 Latest Dual Band DMR Mobile Radio

Retevis RT90 Latest Dual Band DMR Mobile Radio will coming soon on 27th September. The RT90 gives you the crystal clear, noise-free audio of over-the-air digital communications in your vehicle, full analog transceiver capabilities. RT90 supports analog and digital modes. It provides dual-band support, operating on both 400-480MHz and 136-174MHz at... [continue]

Hams Map Powerlines for Low Frequency Interference

Are you within one kilometer of a PLC power line? Two new Amateur Radio bands, 2200 and 630 meters, have an FCC requirement to register ham station locations 30 days prior to use. Operators can map their proximity to high voltage lines that could have Power Line Carriers or PLCs. . Typical map of power lines for gauging potential PLC interference... [continue]

2017 Region 1 General Conference Opening

Seen at the Opening Plenary of the 24th IARU Region 1 General Conference - Mr Thomas Weilacher, of BNetzA, and Chairman of CEPT Working Group FM, Mr Don Beattie, G3BJ, President of Region 1, Mr Mario Maniewicz, the Deputy Director of the Radio Bureau of ITU, Mr Tim Ellem, VE6SH, IARU President, Mr Dennis Green, ZS4BS, Region 1 Secretary, Mr Rober... [continue]