Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (B)
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri May 06 2022 08:35:49

ILLEGAL OPERATION OF FT8 REPORTED IN BELGIUM

PAUL/ANCHOR: In Belgium, the regulator has received reports of FT8 being 
used illegally on a band being eyed for ham radio use. Ed Durrant, DD5LP,
brings us that report.

ED: The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications, that 
nation's communications regulator, reports that amateur radio operators 
have been spotted operating using the FT8 mode illegally on 40.680 MHz. 
Belgian hams are not permitted access to the 40 MHz (8 metre) band 
available in some other countries. Word of the illegal transmissions comes 
at a crucial time: The regulator has been studying whether to allocate a 
portion of the band for use by amateur radio operators. At present, only 
short-range ISM, remotely controlled models and devices to open garage 
doors are authorized there. According to a report by the Royal Belgian 
Amateur Radio Union, there are concerns that the illegal operation by some 
hams could have a negative impact on the regulator's determination.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

(SOUTHGATE, ROYAL BELGIAN AMATEUR RADIO UNION)

PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, in New Zealand, hams have been granted a one-year 
extension on their access to 60 meters. This is a continuation of sub-
licenses already held by amateurs for operation between 5351.5 and 5366.5 
kHz. Those licenses were due to expire on May 4th. The extension gives the 
regulator time to develop a new General User Radio License.

(SOUTHGATE, NZART)

**

INDIANA RADIO GROUP RECEIVES GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

PAUL/ANCHOR: An amateur radio club in Indiana will be able to upgrade its 
emergency response equipment thanks to two generous gifts. Stephen 
Kinford, N8WB, tells us about them.

STEPHEN: The emergency response work by hams in the Northeastern Indiana 
Amateur Radio Association just got a big boost from more than $33,000 in 
grants to buy additional equipment, including a trailer. The club's Go Box 
project, a key tool for efficient response in disasters, has received a 
grant of nearly $3,000 from the ARRL Foundation. The club's other project 
is to buy a trailer and furnish it with an analog and digital repeater, 
radios and an array of software including Winlink and FLDIGI. That effort 
has just been given a grant of nearly $30,000 from San Diego-based Amateur 
Radio Digital Communications. When the trailer is not in use supporting 
the activity of Amateur Radio Emergency Services, it will be taken to 
public events to be part of various amateur radio demonstrations and 
public education.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

(KPCNEWS.COM)

**

AMANDA ALDEN, K1DDN, BECOMING NEW ARRL COLORADO SECTION MANAGER

PAUL/ANCHOR: Congratulations to Newsline's own Amanda Alden, K1DDN, who 
will be taking up the responsibility of serving as the ARRL Colorado 
Section manager starting on July 1st. Amanda will succeed Robert Wareham, 
N0ESQ, whose resignation takes effect on June 30th. The ARRL announced the 
change in leadership on Friday, April 29th on its website. Robert cited 
time constraints as his reason for stepping down following his long period 
of service within the league. He has been public information coordinator, 
section emergency coordinator and state government liaison. In addition to 
being well-known to Newsline listeners and HamNation viewers, Amanda has 
been assistant section manager and regional emergency coordinator for the 
south and southeast All-Hazards Regions of Colorado.

(ARRL)

**

BREAK HERE: 

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