No VHF CB Band? - 'Hang On' a Minute!

Following OFCOM's decision not to allow a VHF CB System here in the UK I have been contacted by several people claiming that there is already a VHF CB type system allocated in the UK!

Intrigued? I certainly was!

It would appear that for many years OFCOM(Formerly the Radio Authority) have allowed, or at least turned a blind eye to to the use of the VHF spectrum by paragliders. Although primarily used for safety the frequencies are used as a sort of CB band by the paragliding community. 

The frequencies that are being used are as follows:

It would be very interesting to know how widespread the use of these frequencies actually is. There are several paragliding forums which do mention the use of these frequencies, so I'm guessing that they are regularly used around the UK.

If anyone has any further information or has actually used these frequencies please get in touch.  

(Article for information only: Delboy's Radio Blog does not encourage or condone the illegal use of the radio spectrum!)

OFCOM: The release of spectrum within the frequency ranges 143 MHz to 169 MHz - Statement

OFCOM have released an update to the release of VHF spectrum in the UK. One possible use of this spectrum could be a VHF CB Radio Band!

Statement published 10|10|14

This document sets out Ofcom’s plans for the release and allocation of spectrum returned to civil use by the Emergency Services.

The statement sets out our decision for portions of the 5.875 MHz of Very High Frequency (VHF) spectrum in the 143 - 169 MHz band. We believe this spectrum will be of most interest to business radio users, such as utility and construction companies.

The spectrum will be made available on a first-come-first-served basis. However, it will also be released through a managed and gradual approach in order to maintain maximum flexibility for the band in the future, should new types of demand emerge.

As part of this process, Ofcom will also allocate and licence spectrum to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to replace channels no longer available due to changes in international frequency arrangements.

This approach will not require the use of all available spectrum immediately, therefore some of this spectrum will be made available, on a temporary basis, for amateur radio at 146 - 147 MHz and we will continue to provide short term access to Programme Making and Special Events users. 

A total of 38 responses were received from Citizen Band(CB)Radio users, of which 15 were confidential. The majority of respondents raised the request for an allocation to CB use in the VHF band, with many stating that the current 27 MHz band is suffering from continental interference and noise. In addition, Delboy Enterprises and 5 other respondents suggested an introduction of a licence free or licence exempt band in the VHF range for CB Radio.

Ofcom response:

In response to the issues raised by the CB community, our proposals did not include an allocation of spectrum on a licence exempt (like CB Radio) or free basis. We note that there are currently no European (both European Union or European Communication Committee (ECC)) decisions or recommendations for CB use in the VHF band. Although the lack of a decision does not prevent Ofcom from allocating spectrum for this use we do not see that a specific UK only allocation would be consistent with our duties on the efficient use of spectrum.

Furthermore, due to the non-harmonised nature of the band there is no availability of appropriate kit for use in the band

So no chance of a VHF CB band at the moment!

Very disappointing that only 38 CB users responded!

Link to full document: CLICK HERE

President Lincoln 2 - Engineering Menu 7 Months On!

It has been over 7 months since the Engineering Menu was found on the Lincoln 2 and the video has been viewed in 58 different countries. 

Most of the settings have been fathomed out but has anyone actually needed to use them?

Maybe you could let me know!

Newark Hamfest 26/09/2014

Videos from the rigsearch YouTube channel

The Northumberland Net Adds SSB!

The Northumberland Net in North East England has been active for many years on channel 38 UKFM. With the recent legalisation of SSB they have now started a regular Wednesday Night USB Net on channel 28 EU (Mid Band).

If you are in the area or there's a bit of propagation about be sure to listen out for the gang!

The Big Net - On Facebook!

The Big Net now has a FaceBook event page: CLICK HERE

This is the place to post your intentions regarding the event such as Location, Times, Callsign etc.

Let's make this an event to remember!

German SSB Contest Today 13/09/2014

Info from the Charlie Tango Forum:

Just to let you know that on Saturday, Sept 13th 2014 there is an SSB contest in Germany on EU legal mid-band CB. So, there's a fair chance to catch some activity on the air from Germany between 1800 and 2400 local German time, which is 1700 to 2300 UK time. Let's hope for some good short skip between continental Europe and UK and, of course, some serious DX as well.

Regards,Zintus, 13CT310

The Future Of Amateur Radio!

OFCOM have launched a consultation in respect of the future use of Amateur Radio in the UK:

Summary:

This consultation sets out our proposals for updating the terms and conditions of the amateur radio licence.

These proposals include changes which would provide amateurs with access to some frequency bands previously available only through the variation of individual licences.

The consultation follows changes announced in our April statement on Public Sector Spectrum Release(-1-), where we set out our decision to remove access for amateur radio operators to certain frequencies in the 2300 MHz and 3400 MHz ranges in order to support the release of these bands by the Ministry of Defence.

This consultation, which is likely to be of interest to those in the amateur radio community, closes on 20 October 2014.

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/amateur-radio-licence/


Full Document: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/amateur-radio-licence/summary/condoc.pdf

HAARP 2 Meter Antenna Review Part 2

CTX Radio, Overnight SSB Activation. Pen-y-Gadair Fawr 23/24 Aug 2014