The 70 MHz band of 70.125 to 70.450 MHz has been released generally to experimenters. This means that any licensed experimenter may now use the band without the need to make an individual application, as was the position previously. The upper power limit is 50 watts PEP and 25 watts PEP for mobile operation. This change has been made in Part IV of the licence documentation in ComReg Document No 02/77R6 of the 17th of July 2008.
ComReg has also made provision for the release of to licensed experimenters of spot frequencies in the segment 5.0 to 5.5 MHz on the basis of an individual application. The upper power limit is 200 watts PEP.
The frequencies which the IRTS agreed with the military authorities and with ComReg are four 3 kHz channels centered on 5280, 5290, 5400 and 5405 kHz. These are the same as four of the channels at present available in the UK. When permissions are issued, operators should bear in mind that three time sequenced propagation beacons operate on 5290 kHz in the UK. The application form for a licence extension to cover operation on the 5 MHz frequencies is ComReg Document No 02/07R2 and is available on the ComReg website under Latest Publications and through a link to ComReg 'Publications in 2008' on the IRTS homepage at www.irts.ie
These facilities are the result of a long period of negotiation by IRTS with ComReg and in relation to the frequencies at 5 MHz with the military authorities also. ComReg has also published an application Form for an Automatic Station, that is, a Repeater or a Beacon in ComReg Document No 08/58 and revised Radio Experimenter Guidelines in ComReg Document No 02/05R6. These documents are also available through the link to ComReg 'Publications in 2008' on the IRTS homepage at www.irts.ie
Mark, EI7IS will finish in the post of radio news editor in a few weeks from now and we are currently seeking a replacement. If anyone is interested please contact Finbarr Buckley EI1CS by e-mail at “buckleyf1 at eircom dot net” or via 021-4346622 as soon as possible. Assistance will be given to the person that takes over this post.
The Islands On The Air contest took place last weekend. This contest is always well supported in Ireland, North and South, and this year was no exception.
A combined team from the South Dublin Radio Club and City of Belfast Radio Amateur Society were again on Inis Oirr, using the call sign EJ0GI. They have reported their best ever performance, with more island stations and more multipliers than in previous years. Rathlin Island, off the coast of Antrim, hosted two DXpedition stations: A group from Dublin and County Down operated from the East Lighthouse using the call sign GI0MPG, while members of the Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club - who have been coming to Rathlin for this contest for the past 10 years - operated from the island's village using the call sign GI3YS.
On the mainland, the Dundalk Amateur Radio Society, call sign EI0W, were active as were at least 30 other EI, GI and MI call signs.
Most stations reported that band conditions were better than in recent years, with good openings on the higher bands, helped at times by Sporadic E.
Ger McNamara EI4GXB has been appointed the new International Amateur Radio Union Monitoring System Co-ordinator for Ireland. The IARUMS does NOT deal with licensed amateurs who do not follow IARU rules, band plans etc. and is only directed against intruders such as broadcast stations, harmonics from broadcast stations (usually from 40 meters appearing on 20 meters or 15 meters), military, diplomatic and illicit private broadcasts, on our hard fought for amateur bands. IARUMS has a well-documented system of successful actions taken against intruders on the amateur bands, the latest from EI being the church broadcasts on 10 metres FM.
The general release of the 70 MHz band and the allocation of frequencies at 5 MHz from COMREG, shows the continual hard work being carried out by the IRTS to protect and enhance the amateur bands for all experimenters in Ireland.
Operators in EI are welcome to contact Ger to report intruders, or for any information on the Monitoring System on “ei4gxb at gmail dot com” or QTHR. Links are also available on the Webmasters Choice on the IRTS website or www.iarums-r1.org
The Shannon Basin Radio Club is holding a meeting on Wednesday night next at 8.30 p.m. in Hannons Hotel, Roscommon town. All are welcome.
The next monthly meeting of the Tipperary Amateur Radio Group will take place on Thursday next the 7th of August in Raheen House Hotel Clonmel all are welcome.
Cork Radio Club are very much looking forward to hosting the rally this year at Montenotte Hotel, Cork on Sunday the 14th of September and hope you will share the same commitment as before in the last 16 years.
Further details will be posted with regards to the location “how to get there” etc. A short video of the venue can be viewed on “you tube” URL www.youtube.com/ei5crc
The Cork Radio Club meets every Monday night at 8.30 pm at 1a Assumption Road Cork. Further details from the club Secretary, Frank Mason EI6EVB at QTHR.
Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded to Mark Wall, EI7IS at QTHR or by phone to 087-6302026 or 051-340850. Items for the radio news can also be faxed to 087 5 6302026. News should be submitted via e-mail to “news at irts dot 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 Friday in order to be guaranteed inclusion in the following Sunday’s bulletin.
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