QRZ! Ham Radio 4/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 4.iso/files/arrl/faq/faquk2.txt

Text File | 1994-11-27 | 24KB | 555 lines

Keywords:       amateur-radio, hamradio, faq, UK
Summary:        To answer frequently asked questions on amateur radio in
                the UK.
Archive-name:   uk-radio-amateur-faq
Last Modified:  27-March-1994

uk.radio.amateur Frequently Asked Questions
===========================================

This will be a periodic posting to uk.radio.amateur and rec.radio.info of
UK-specific questions and answers on amateur radio. It is not intended to
be exhaustive, but to point you towards sources of further information
where necessary. I would welcome any constructive views on this FAQ to
[e-mail] .

For ease of distribution, the edition of this FAQ posted to Usenet has been
cut into 2 parts.

The latest version of this FAQ is available for anonymous FTP from
ftp.demon.co.uk

    Part 2 of 2
    -----------

26. What is packet radio ?

    Packet radio is a data communications mode that uses a modified form of
    the X25 signalling protocol. Simply put, two packet radio stations that
    are within direct range of each-other can establish an error free data
    connection, normally at 1200 bits per second (baud). Packet radio
    stations may also act as automatic repeaters ('digipeaters') and can
    relay other stations' signals. Using packet radio, many bulletin boards
    or mailboxes exist to handle messages for those active on packet radio
    in their locality, these messages can include 'bulletins' that are open
    to all and are often distributed across every packet radio bulletin
    board in the UK, or further afield. Most packet radio is operated in
    the 2m and 70cm bands.

    For a fuller description of packet radio see the digital-faq posted in
    rec.radio.amateur.digital.misc and available by anonymous FTP from:
    rtfm.mit.edu//pub/usenet/news.answers/radio
    ftp.amdahl.com//pub/radio/amateur

27. What equipment do I need for packet ?

    Life used to be simple, all you needed for packet was a VHF or UHF
    transceiver (depending on where you lived), a terminal or computer
    running a terminal-emulation program and a Terminal Node Controller unit
    (TNC). The TNC contains a microcomputer and controls all communication
    between the terminal and the remote TNC being connected to. Now cards
    containing a TNC (or two) are available for the PC & compatibles and
    other computers. Additionally, there is a system that uses a simple
    modem, or a TNC acting as a simple modem, with the host computer
    controlling the communications. Finally there are the TNC's that do not
    require a local terminal ..... ask an expert.

28. What are the limitations of packet-radio in the UK ?

    At first packet was illegal in the UK, or maybe it wasn't. The licence
    did not make this clear. Now it is an established communication mode
    and recognised by the RA. This means that they have made a few special
    arrangements if you want to run packet. Firstly you must send a morse
    ident to give your full station callsign at least every 30 minutes. And
    you should send a packet ident every 15 minutes. Next, you may only
    pass on mail addressed to a specific amateur station, unless you hold a
    Notice of Variation to your callsign (designated by a GB7... callsign)
    - in which case you don't need to read this section :-) .

29. I want to leave my packet-radio station unattended.

    Providing the commencement of unattended packet-radio operation is
    logged in the station log then unattended operation may be in the
    following bands or sub-bands: 50-51MHz, 70.3125MHz, 70.3250MHz,
    70.4875MHz, 144-146MHz, 432.6-432.7MHz, 433.6-433.7MHz,1299-1300MHz
    (excluding Northern Ireland), 2310-2450MHz, 3400-3475MHz, 5650-5680MHz,
    5755-5765MHz, 5820-5850MHz, 10000-10250MHz, 10270-10300MHz,
    10400-10500MHz 24000-24050MHz and all bands including and above
    47000MHz. The position regarding the 70cm band is changing and the
    latest position should be sought in all cases where the licencee is not
    certain.

30. Can I use packet to exchange messages with Internet users?

    The only messages that may be carried by the packet network are those
    sent by licenced amateurs. There are no official gateways from packet
    to Internet in the UK due to the problem of controlling which messages
    are from licenced amateurs on the Internet side. This is under review
    by the RA. There are, however, gateways in the US and elsewhere that
    will forward internet email from licenced amateurs onto the packet bbs
    system. It is necessary to register your callsign and email address
    before using these gateways.

31. What facilities are available in the UK by packet ?

    Most user-level packet is at 1200baud with some linking still at
    1200baud but moving to 9600baud, or beyond. At this data rate, little
    more than BBS access is possible although the DX Cluster network for
    notification of DX is very strong in some areas. TCP/IP (and its
    related servers) are established in some areas but there is by no means
    a national TCP/IP network.

31. How do I obtain a .ampr.org IP address ?

    There are local co-ordinators assigned to each RSGB region, and in some
    cases they delegate address allocation further to local co-ordinators.
    Your nearest BBS sysop will probably know who runs TCP/IP locally - if he
    doesn't there's a fair chance that activity is so low that you won't find
    any other operators anyway !

    If you have any difficulty, the UK co-ordinator is Paul Taylor, G1PLT
    ([e-mail]) . He should be able to put you in touch with
    your regional co-ordinator.

32. UK Band Plans

    Use of the allocated bands in the UK is voluntary to a large extent.
    Providing your signal remains within the band edges you may transmit
    using any mode you like, but see the booklet BR68 from the
    Radiocommunications Agency. The voluntary band plans are as follows:

    1.810-2.000MHz (160m)

    1.810-1.838     CW only
    1.838-1.842     Digital modes (excluding packet radio) and CW
    1.842-2.000     Phone and CW

    3.500-3.800MHz (80m)

    3.500-3.580     CW only
    3.580-3.620     Digital modes and CW
    3.620-3.800     Phone, CW, SSTV, Fax

    7.000-7.100MHz (40m)

    7.000-7.035     CW only
    7.035-7.045     Digital modes, SSTV, Fax and CW
    7.045-7.100     Phone and CW

    10.100-10.150MHz (30m)

    10.100-10.140   CW only
    10.140-10.150   Digital modes

    14.000-14.350MHz (20m)

    14.000-14.070   CW only
    14.070-14.099   Digital modes and CW
    14.099-14.101   Beacons
    14.101-14.112   Digital modes, phone and CW
    14.112-14.250   Phone, SSTV, Fax and CW
    14.250-14.350   Phone and CW

    18.068-18.168MHz (17m)

    18.068-18.101   CW only
    18.101-18.109   Digital modes and CW
    18.109-18.111   Beacons
    18.111-18.168   Phone and CW

    21.000-21.450MHz (15m)

    21.000-21.080   CW only
    21.080-21.120   Digital modes and CW
    21.120-21.149   CW only
    21.149-21.151   Beacons
    21.151-21.450   Phone, SSTV, Fax and CW

    24.890-24.990MHz (12m)

    24.890-24.920   CW only
    24.920-24.929   Digital modes and CW
    24.929-24.931   Beacons
    24.931-24.990   Phone and CW

    28.000-29.700MHz (10m)

    28.000-28.050   CW only
    28.050-28.150   Digital modes and CW
    28.150-28.199   CW only
    28.199-28.201   Beacons
    28.201-29.200   Phone, SSTV, Fax and CW
    29.200-29.300   Digital modes, phone and CW
    29.300-29.550   Satellite downlinks
    29.550-29.700   Phone and CW

    50.000-52.000MHz (6m)

    50.000-50.100   CW only
    50.100-50.500   SSB and CW only
    50.500-51.000   All modes
    51.000-51.125   SSB and CW only
    51.125-51.410   All modes
    51.410-51.830   FM
    51.830-52.000   All modes

    70.000-70.500MHz (4m)

    70.000-70.030   Beacons
    70.030-70.250   SSB and CW only
    70.250-70.300   All modes
    70.300-70.500   FM phone and packet radio

    144.000-146.000MHz (2m)

    144.000-144.150 CW only
    144.150-144.500 SSB and CW only
    144.500-144.845 All modes
    144.845-144.990 Beacons
    144.990-145.200 FM Repeater inputs
    145.200-145.600 FM simplex
    145.600-145.800 FM Repeater outputs
    145.800-146.000 Satellite uplinks/downlinks

    430.000-440.000MHz (70cm)

    430.000-431.000 All modes
    431.000-432.000 All modes - see note
    432.000-432.150 CW only
    432.150-432.500 SSB and CW
    432.500-432.800 All modes
    432.800-432.990 Beacons
    432.990-433.000 All modes
    433.000-433.400 FM Repeater outputs
    433.400-434.600 FM simplex and packet radio
    434.600-435.000 FM Repeater inputs
    435.000-438.000 Fast-scan TV and satellite uplinks/downlinks
    438.000-439.800 Fast-scan TV
    439.800-440.000 Packet Radio

    note to 431-432MHz sub-band: This sub-band is not permitted to be used
    within a 100km radius of Charing Cross, London.

    1240.000-1325.000MHz (23cm)

    1240.000-1243.250   All modes
    1243.250-1260.000   ATV, FM TV repeater inputs
    1260.000-1270.000   Satellite uplinks
    1270.000-1272.000   All modes
    1272.000-1291.000   ATV, FM TV repeater input
    1291.000-1291.475   FM Repeater inputs
    1291.475-1296.000   All modes
    1296.000-1296.150   CW
    1296.150-1296.800   SSB
    1296.800-1296.990   Beacons
    1296.990-1297.000   All modes
    1297.000-1297.550   FM Repeater outputs
    1297.500-1298.000   FM simplex
    1298.000-1298.500   All modes
    1298.500-1300.000   Packet radio
    1300.000-1325.000   ATV, FM TV repeater outputs

    [Editor's note: I do not propose to list the band-plans for the other
    microwave bands, unless asked.]

33. Can anyone use my radio ?

    Anyone who holds a current UK-issued licence, or a valid CEPT licence,
    or a valid reciprocal licence, may use your station for frequencies
    for which they are licenced under their own callsign. In addition to
    those listed, a UK Novice licencee, holder of a pass slip from the
    Radio Amateur's Examination or an Amateur Radio Certificate (who does
    not hold a licence), or a licenced amateur from any other country, may
    operate under the station's callsign on frequencies that you are
    licenced to use providing you are in attendance.

    When operating a club station, a message may be transmitted from any
    person providing it is a greetings message of less that two minutes
    duration and is sent and received only within: UK, USA, Canada, Falkland
    Islands or Pitcairn Island.

    When using a digital mode, anyone may type the message for transmission.

34. I have a dual-band rig, can I use it as a repeater ?

    Some VHF/UHF rigs are capable of acting as a cross-band repeater,
    operated by carrier-sense. Unless these are licenced as a repeater
    (with a GB3.. callsign) or being operating by an emergency
    communications group under a current 'talk-though' permit then they
    may not be used as a repeater.

35. My neighbour complains he can hear my voice on his television.

    This is a case of Radio Frequency Interference and the correct term is
    'Electromagnetic Compatibility' or EMC. Where the reasons behind the
    problem is not clear (and they seldom are), consult one of the many
    guides to EMC problem-solving. One good source is the ARRL Handbook
    (published annually by the American Radio Relay League). Another is the
    Radio Amateurs' Guide to EMC by R. Page-Jones G3JWI (published by the
    RSGB). Abbreviated advice from the latter volume is to be found in the
    RSGB Callbook & Information Directory. There is a network  of EMC
    Co-ordinators to give local advice in extreme cases. Details from the
    RSGB. For those suffering interference, a useful guide is a booklet
    called How to Improve Television and Radio Reception, published by the
    Radiocommunications Agency a few years ago. It is now out of print, but
    many copies are in circulation.

36. I want to take my radio to sea / use it in an aircraft.

    Maritime Mobile (/MM) operation has been a part of the UK licence for
    several years now, previously it was a separate licence. On a vessel
    that is not yours you must obtain the written permission of the
    vessel's master before installing or using a transceiver (this includes
    cross-channel ferries). The master may insist that you observe radio
    silence at times and this must be done. In international waters, only
    those bands that are permitted for the ITU region being visited may be
    used. In non-UK territorial waters, be aware that amateur activity in
    harbours may not be permitted. If in doubt, seek advice from that
    country's authorities before travelling.

    Aviation mobile in the UK is not permitted and the licence is quite
    specific about this. If you are carrying a transceiver by air make
    certain you can switch it on to satisfy the airport security then
    switch it off and leave it off.

37. The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB).

    The RSGB is the national society representing amateurs in the UK to our
    licencing body (The Radiocommunications Agency). Many people have many
    views on the RSGB and it has often been criticised, but it's the only
    body of it's kind that we have :-)

    The RSGB's address is:  RSGB
                            Lambda House
                            Potters Bar
                            Herts
                            EN6 3JE
                            U.K.

    The main telephone number is 0707 659015 ([phone])
    The fax number is 0707 645105 ([phone])
    They do not have a reliable (or easy) e-mail connection to HQ (they use
    BT Gold :-( ) but several RSGB Committee members are active on Internet
    and/or packet-radio and their details will be added to this FAQ as and
    when they are known.

    The RSGB is the main publisher of amateur radio books in the UK, they
    also publish a monthly magazine for members called 'Radio
    Communication', more commonly known as 'RadCom'. The editorial team for
    RadCom can be contacted on 0707 659015, fax [phone].

    The RSGB broadcasts a weekly amateur radio news summary every Sunday
    under the callsign GB2RS. This is broadcast nationally on 3.640, 3.650,
    3.660, 7.0475MHz. Local broadcasts are on 51.530, 144.250, 145.525MHz.
    Times vary, see the Callbook and Information Directory for full details.
    The text is copied to packet-radio (NEWS@GBR) and to Usenet by Ted Batts
    G8LWY.

38. The Radiocommunications Agency (RA).

    The RA is the licencing body in the UK. Any queries about licencing
    that cannot be otherwise dealt with should be directed to the RA. Their
    address is:             Radiocommunications Agency
                            Room 712
                            Waterloo Bridge House
                            Waterloo Bridge Road
                            London
                            SE1 8UA
                            U.K.

    Their telephone number for enquiries is 071 215 2150 ([phone]).

    The RA publishes a number of advice leaflets and information sheets and
    these are generally free. These can be obtained by contacting the RA's
    Information and Library Service at Room 605 in Waterloo Bridge House.
    The telephone number is 071 215 2072 ([phone]), fax 071 928
    4309 ([phone]).

    For queries over licence renewals, contact Subscription Services Ltd
    (SSL):                  Radio Licencing Centre
                            Subscription Services Ltd
                            PO Box 885
                            Bristol
                            BS99 5LG.

    Their telephone enquiry line is open Monday to Saturday 0830 to 2200hrs
    on 0272 258333. There have been many reported problems with licence
    renewals recently and this should be borne in mind.

39. Local Clubs.

    Probably the best way to meet local radio amateurs is at the local club
    meetings. These are too numerous to list here but once again a full
    list is found in the Callbook and Information Directory, from the RSGB.
    Many clubs also feature in the "What's On/Meetings" section of local
    newspapers and the various amateur radio magazines.

40. Specialist Clubs.

    For those with an interest in a specialist branch of amateur radio,
    then these clubs and societies tend to be very useful:

    Satellites:     AMSAT-UK

                    AMSAT-UK
                    94 Herongate Road
                    Wanstead Park
                    London
                    E12 5EQ
                    081 989 6741 ([phone])
                    fax [phone] ([phone])
                    Internet: [e-mail]
                    Compuserve: 100024,614 Ron Broadbent

                    AMSAT-UK publish an excellent magazine "Oscar News"
                    for those with an interest in amateur satellites.

    Data:           The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group - BARTG

                    Peter Adams
                    Membership Secretary
                    BARTG
                    464 Whippendell Road
                    Watford
                    Herts
                    WD1 7PT
                    Packet: G6LZB@GB7BST

                    BARTG publish a magazine "Datacom" aimed at all aspects
                    of data communication, RTTY, Amtor, packet and the
                    newer modes.

    Television:     The British Amateur Television Club - BATC

                    Dave Lawton
                    Membership Secretary
                    BATC
                    "Grenehurst"
                    Pinewood Road
                    High Wycombe
                    Bucks
                    HP12 4DD

                    The BATC publishes a useful magazine "CQ TV" covering
                    all aspects of amateur television with many projects.

    Low Power:      The G-QRP Club

                    The G-QRP Club
                    St. Aidan's Vicarage
                    498 Manchester Road
                    Rochdale
                    Lancs
                    OL11 3HE
                    Tel/fax: [phone] ([phone])
                    Internet: [e-mail]

                    The G-QRP Club is organised by the Rev. George Dobbs,
                    G3RJV, a well-respected author of amateur radio
                    articles. The Club publishes a magazine "Sprat" aimed
                    at the home constructor and QRP operating in
                    particular. It is a very readable magazine. The Club is
                    also a prolific book producer, most of which are
                    available from the RSGB.

    Listening:      International Short Wave League - ISWL

                    Mrs E. May
                    Hon. Secretary ISWL
                    10 Clyde Crescent
                    Wharton
                    Winsford
                    Cheshire
                    CW7 3LA

                    The ISWL caters for those with an interest in receiving
                    on both the amateur and broadcast bands. It publishes
                    a magazine "Monitor".

    Of course, there are many more clubs than those listed above but these
    are the clubs primarily dealing with branches of amateur radio.

41. Commercial Magazines.

    The RSGB's RadCom is not available in newsagents as it is a members'
    journal. Those that you will find in the newsagents are:

    Practical Wireless
    Short Wave Magazine
    Ham Radio Today

    All are published monthly.

42. Internet news groups

    For UK-specific news, try uk.radio.amateur - this FAQ is intended for
    that newsgroup.

    The main Usenet groups for radio-related topics are listed below. The
    policy group in particular has a heavy US bias.

    rec.radio.amateur.antenna       Antenna theory/techniques
    rec.radio.amateur.digital.misc  Packet radio etc
    rec.radio.amateur.equipment     Production amateur radio hardware
    rec.radio.amateur.homebrew      Amateur radio construction
    rec.radio.amateur.misc          General news
    rec.radio.amateur.policy        Radio use & regulation policy
    rec.radio.amateur.space         Amateur radio transmissions through space
    rec.radio.broadcasting          Local area broadcast radio
    rec.radio.info                  Informational postings
    rec.radio.noncomm               Non-commercial radio
    rec.radio.shortwave             Shortwave radio enthusiasts
    rec.radio.swap                  Offers to trade and swap radio equipment

43. Other FAQs

    As stated elsewhere, this FAQ is not exhaustive. You may like to check
    out the FAQ's on amateur radio that are posted regularly in
    rec.radio.info and rec.radio.amateur.misc, obviously having regard for
    the non-UK slant to many topics. The main ham-radio FAQ (US in origin)
    and ham-digital-faq are available by anonymous FTP from:
    rtfm.mit.edu//pub/usenet/news.answers/radio
    ftp.amdahl.com//pub/radio/amateur

44. Is the UK callbook available on disc/CD-ROM ?

    The information available on UK amateurs is much more restrictive than
    that on US amateurs, due to differing legislation and attitudes to
    public information. However, some of the information in the Callbook
    published by the RSGB is available. This does not appear to include
    callbook entries where postcode (zip-code) information only is given.

    Ian Hampson G1DFT ([e-mail]) offered in uk.radio.amateur:
    I've seen a couple of requests for the UK callbook on disc. Well, it's
    available on 2 HDD PC floppies from me if anyone wants it. Send me two
    blank disks and an SAE [sufficient IRC's outside the UK - Editor] and
    I'll do you a copy. Mark your envelope - 'callbook'. The callsign files
    come with an excellent PD search routine.

    And John Heaton, in rec.radio.amateur.misc said:
    For the last few weeks or so a copy of the UK Radio Amateurs Callbook
    1994 has been passed around the UK amateur community. What I have done
    is to put the callbook up on our HTTP server :
        http://www.mcc.ac.uk/htbin/callbook
    This database holds just over 49000 UK amateurs

    This information may also be available on one of the US-originated
    CD-ROMs but I have no details.

45. Caveat.

    A lot of information for this FAQ has been taken from the licencing
    booklet BR68 and the RA's information sheets. The licencing information
    was probably correct at the time I copied it, but do not take anything
    as being authoritative. The licence is constantly under review and this
    FAQ could easily be out of date. If in doubt, check!

46. Credits.

    The following have contributed to this FAQ:

    Adrian Godwin G7HWN
    Mick Bowers G7NOR