USA Active 40 MHz Experimental Station

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Experimental Station WL2XUP is transmitting WSPR on 40.662 MHz in the 8-meter band.

WL2XUP is an FCC Part 5 Experimental station operated by Lin Holcomb, NI4Y, in Georgia. It’s licensed to operate with up to 400 W effective radiated power (ERP) between 40.660 MHz to 40.700 MHz.

A 2019 Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11843) asked the FCC to create a new 8-meter amateur radio allocation on a secondary basis. The Petition suggests the new band could be centered on an industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) segment somewhere between 40.51 and 40.70 MHz. The spectrum between 40 and 41 MHz is currently allocated to the federal government and, as such, within the purview of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

ARRL member Michelle Bradley, KU3N, of Maryland, filed the petition on behalf of REC Networks, which she founded and described in the Petition as “a leading advocate for a citizen’s access to spectrum,” including amateur radio spectrum.

40 MHz Petition for Rulemaking RM-11843 - https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/105260090923685/8%20meter%20PRM.pdf


DATV repeater - VK3RTV Now on Air

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Amateur Radio Victoria's DATV Repeater, VK3RTV commenced high definition television transmissions on Thursday 15th July with a two-channel multiplexed downlink using the DVB-T2 protocol.

It is believed that this is a first in Australia.

The system uplinks are on 1246, 1255, and 1278 MHz. using either high-definition DVB-S2 or standard definition DVB-S. All video trunking is via HDMI with the exception of the Media Box which generates the local callsigns and information. This will be converted to an HD version in the near future.

DVB-T2 is a second-generation protocol with many enhancements over DVB-T. Stations are reporting increased ease of reception and one station, VK3GMZ is accessing and receiving the system via knife-edge diffraction over Mount Dandenong. Very high-quality pictures are being seen which can be viewed on larger television sets. Small print is easily read.

The two multiplexed channels, VK3RTV1 and VKRTV2 are also streamed via the British Amateur Television Club.

As this is a new protocol to Australia only Set-Top Boxes which are DVB-T2 enabled can be used to receive VK3RTV.

The conversion was funded by members of the Melbourne Amateur Television Group.

The annual DATV QSO Party is scheduled for Friday 27th August and Saturday 28th August which may now include additional Repeaters in the USA. The principle is that DATV Stations transmit to their local Repeaters and a local Anchor ports the signal internationally.

New 70cm Catalonia Beacon

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Since 1st March 2021 a new 70cm band beacon is active nearby Barcelona, sponsored by Unió de Radioaficionats de Catalunya-URCAT. The beacon is a homemade construction by EA3CNO, Antoni Navarro. The frequency allocation was agreed with the IARU R1 coordinator. It is located at Serra de Marina, 390m ASL with great views to the Mediterranean. It is expected to be an excellent tool to monitor tropospheric ducting over the Mediterranean.

Callsign: ED3YBF

Frequency: 432,405 MHz

Power = 2.5W

Locator: JN11CL

Antenna: Big Wheel omnidirectional 2dBd

PIRE = 7,123 dBW

Height: 390m above sea level

Modulation: A1A (CW)

Reception reports are welcomed - http://www.radioaficionats.cat/balisa-ed3ybf/

Additional information - http://www.radioaficionats.cat/radioaficionats/nova-balisa-a-70cm/