Ham Radio Operators Serving During California Firestorms

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Ham Radio Operators Serving During California Firestorms

As the firestorms across Southern California continue to threaten millions of residents, trained amateur radio operators are serving critical volunteer roles to help officials spot fires before they get out of control. Dry conditions and wind gusts of 100 miles per hour have fuelled days of devastating wildfires. Entire neighbourhoods have been levelled by infernos.

The Eaton fire burned to the top of Mount Wilson, a critical logistical post for broadcast radio and television stations, as well as communications across the Southland. Federal agencies, air traffic control, local emergency responders, radio amateurs, and others all share tower space on the mountain.

While the main fires have been burning north and northwest of the central section of Los Angeles, just to the south, hams are standing watch. Orange County Fire Watch (OCFW) is a program locally organized by the Orange County Parks Department and the Irvine Conservancy.

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Consultation Which Seeks to Simplify the Licensing of Amateur Radio Visitors to the UK

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Consultation Which Seeks to Simplify the Licensing of Amateur Radio Visitors to the UK

Ofcom has announced a consultation which seeks to simplify the licensing of amateur radio visitors to the UK from a specified list of countries. The consultation also covers the proposed simplification of other wireless equipment usage. Ofcom says: “We propose to introduce a new licence exemption for short-term use of radio amateur equipment by radio amateurs visiting from countries that are not covered by the CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-01, but with whom the UK has a bilateral reciprocal agreement.” The deadline for responses to the consultation is 5pm on 28 March 2025. You can read the consultation document on the Ofcom website.

Have you revalidated your licence recently? Ofcom requires that radio amateurs revalidate their licence at least every five years, although confirming annually is recommended. More information on the process can be found on the RSGB website. This web page provides further information on the process, a link to the Ofcom portal, as well as a handy video guide on the process from Ofcom. Make sure you keep your details up-to-date, and add a diary reminder to renew each year.

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Ham Radio Ireland, The Digital Magazine, Is Back

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A popular online ham radio magazine is returning for readers in Ireland - and around the world. Ham Radio Ireland is back. After a period of inactivity late last year, the free independent downloadable newsletter resumed online publication in late January.

Shortly after its creators launched its predecessor, the Connacht Regional Newsletter, in 2022, they realised it held appeal beyond its initial readership in western Ireland and it was renamed Ham Radio Ireland. Authors volunteered sharing their expertise on QRP, satellite operation, VHF/UHF, home construction, keyboard modes and other topics. According to Steve Wright, EI5DD, editorial contributions eventually slowed to a trickle, making continued publication a challenge. By last September, production had stopped.

John Tubritt, EI3HQB, from Collective Communications, and Steve Wright, EI5DD are on the editorial team to revive the magazine in a new format. Initially the best site for downloads will be via the Facebook page of Ham Radio Ireland. Links will soon be available on other social media platforms.

Authors anywhere in the world are welcome to send stories and pictures relevant to ham radio and their experiences. They can be sent directly to Steve at wright14@gmail.com