The Irish Radio Transmitters Society is pleased to announce that the 7.100 to 7.200 MHz segment of 40 metres has been released to EI Experimenters with immediate effect. Operation in this segment will be on a secondary basis and is subject to a power limit of 20dBW (ERP).
Unfortunately, existing broadcasting stations in this band segment will remain for the moment but will be gradually phased out over the next five years. At that stage, we can expect to convert the segment to primary status. 1300 to 1304 MHz has also been allocated on a secondary basis and is for repeater use only.
The Communications Regulator has published a new document for Radio Experimenters. This handbook replaces the previously issued Guidance Notes and will be updated from time to time. It aims to answer questions for those interested in obtaining a Radio Experimenter license, as well as act as a reference for current Radio Experimenter License holders.
It covers topics such as "What are Radio Experimenter licenses?", "Special License Types" and "Interference? What should I do if I hear misuse of air waves?". It is downloadable from Comreg's website: www.comreg.ie/_fileupload/publications/ComReg0205R4.pdf . This document lists the new frequency allocations on 40 metres and 1300 MHz.
The November Meeting of the Tipperary Amateur Radio Group will be held over until Thursday the 25th of November when the Annual General Meeting will be held in the Raheen House Hotel, Raheen Road, Clonmel.
Tipperary Amateur Radio Group Members have recently begun experimenting with Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS) which was developed by Bob Bruninga, for the purposes of supporting their AREN activities. John, EI7IG has been experimenting with a TinyTrack3 from Byonics and also purchased several pocket-trackers for use by TARG members and other interested experimenters. These kits are in various stages of construction.
On a recent trip to Navan, 5 Watts were used on the outward trip, and 50 Watts were used on the return. The beacon path was set to relay, WRC2 (with permission from SEARG repeater keeper John, EI8JA).
The stations of EI3RCW, EI7IG and EI3DIB are all currently configured to beacon APRS packets addressed to RELAY, and EI7IGs station is currently configured (when running) gateway packets received to the FUND U, internet based database. As there is so little activity on packet at the moment, all this experimentation is taking place on 144.850 MHz. If anyone interested in APRS or the remaining kits contact John, EI7IG at any of the following co-ordinates. EI7IG@ei3dib.#tipp.irl.eu and aprs@ei7trg.org.
Albert EI6AS is well known to EI VHF operators as the reader of the Sunday morning news bulletin on 2 metres SSB for many years. Albert is seriously ill in hospital and we send him our best wishes on behalf of all his friends in radio.
Brain W7DFO in a report from Seattle states that conditions on 15 metres for the Irish Hours on Sunday evening last were the best in many months. Check-ins came from EI, GI, W2, K4, W7, VE3 and 9H1. Conditions were so good that EI9FVB operating mobile in Cork was able to exchange signal reports with Seattle.
As this weekend is the CQ Worldwide SSB phone contest the alternate Irish hour frequency will be 18137 kHz. The Irish Hour normal gathering is 21317 kHz at 1700 hours GMT.
The next meeting of Limerick Radio Club will take place on the 11th of November at 7.30 p.m. in Limerick Institute of Technology. This meeting will feature a demonstration of packet radio by Mike EI9FEB and Pat EI7FHB.
The 70cm repeater, which operates on 433.125, MHz is now on test in preparation for deployment at a high site. The current location of the repeater is Patrickswell, Limerick. Any reports would be appreciated to ei4lrc@qsl.net.
IRTS President, Sean Donelan, EI4GK was the guest of South Eastern Amateur Radio Group at the October general meeting. The group enjoyed an interesting talk about the IRTS and amateur radio in general. SEARG would like to thank Sean for travelling to Waterford on the night under such adverse weather conditions.
The next general meeting of the group will take place on Thursday the 18th of November 2004 (please note that this breaks away from the normal meeting routine which is usually the last Wednesday of each month). Guest speaker at the meeting will be Rob Mannion (G3XFD/EI5IW), editor of Practical Wireless Magazine. All are welcome.
Please note that the EI2WRC UHF repeater in Waterford City is back on air.
The MREN Rally will be held in the Belmont Hotel Knock on Sunday November the 21st - doors open at 11.30 a.m. A large number of traders form Ireland and overseas have confirmed attendance, and the Rally will feature a number of practical demonstrations and talks, as well as the now famous Bring & Buy - almost a rally in itself! Special offers on accommodation at the Hotel are available and the MREN has arranged a special pre-rally dinner on the Saturday night with a prominent guest speaker and tickets are now available for the dinner, priced at 25 euro, from Padraic Baynes, EI9JA The Rally Director. Enquiries for stands at the rally should also be sent to Padraic who can be contacted on 087 6957154.
Shannon Basin Radio Club Challenge The Shannon Basin Radio club is again running its annual one-day Open, Fixed, Challenge for EI residents. This challenge is open to all licensed operators and short wave listeners, and will be held on the 7th of November 2004 from 0800 to 2000 hrs. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage radio operators and short wave listeners to be active on the H.F bands. The challenge will have three modes of operation, and the winner in each mode will be awarded with the following;
The Lough Allen Shield will be awarded to the highest score in SSB. The Lough Ree Shield will be awarded to the highest score in CW (A1A mode). The Lough Derg Shield will be awarded to the highest score for SWL. The above winners will also receive a personal trophy.
To receive a copy of the rules for the above challenge, please send a stamped address envelope to the contest manager EI6HW, Noel Mulvihill, Hillquarter, Coosan, Athlone, Co. Westmeath or e-mail nfmulvihill@eircom.net.
Please Note that persons intending to compete must send notification prior to the contest date.
Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded to Mark EI7IS. News should be submitted via e-mail to news@irts.ie for automatic forwarding to both the radio and printed news services. Please note that items for the radio news should reach the editor no later than midday on Fridays.
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