World of Ham Radio 1997

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ World of Ham Radio 1997 / WOHR97_AmSoft_(1997-02-01).iso / dx_calls / uk / ukhamfaq.txt < prev

Wrap

Text File | 1997-02-01 | 51KB | 1,124 lines

Last Modified: 04-September-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 ukfaq@topsy.demon.co.uk . The latest version of this FAQ is available for anonymous FTP from ftp.demon.co.uk:/pub/ham/uk-radio-amateur-faq Questions --------- Obtaining a licence: 1. Is a licence necessary ? 2. How do I get a licence ? 3. What are the types of licence ? 4. What is the Radio Amateur's Exam ? 5. What is the Novice Course and Exam ? 6. Where can I take these exams ? 7. What if I fail ? 8. I passed the exams, now what ? Initial Operating: 9. What is a callsign ? 10. What frequencies am I allowed to use ? 11. What can I transmit ? 12. How do I know what to do ? 13. Where can I buy a radio ? 14. Can I build a radio ? 15. Can I modify a radio ? International: 16. I have a UK licence, can I use it abroad ? 17. What is a CEPT licence ? 18. I hold a CEPT licence, how do I sign in the UK ? 19. I want to operate in the UK, I don't have a CEPT licence. (Bringing a transceiver to the UK) Morse: 20. What is morse ? 21. Where do I learn morse ? 22. Do I need to learn morse ? Repeaters: 23. What is a repeater ? 24. How do I use a repeater ? 25. What is CTCSS (Tone squelch) ? Packet-Radio: [Editor's note: the following section is necessarily brief but I will consider including better explanations of packet if they are offered, would anyone care to supply an explanation of ATV ?] 26. What is packet radio ? 27. What equipment do I need for packet radio ? 28. What are the limitations of packet radio in the UK ? 29. Can I leave my packet station unattended ? 30. Can I use packet to exchange messages with Internet users ? 31. How do I obtain a .ampr.org IP address ? Licence Regulations: 32. UK Band Plans. 33. Can anyone use my radio ? 34. I have a dual-band rig, can I use it as a repeater ? 35. My neighbour complains that he can hear my voice on his television. 36. I want to take my radio to sea / in an aircraft. Further Advice: 37. The Radio Society of Great Britain 38. The Radiocommunications Agency 39. Local clubs 40. Specialist clubs 41. Commercial magazines 42. Internet news-groups 43. This and other FAQs Misc: 44. Is the UK callbook available on disc/CD-ROM ? 73: 45. Caveat 46. Phoneday 47. Credits --- 1. Is a licence necessary ? A licence for amateur frequencies is only required if you intend to transmit on those frequencies. A listener's licence does not exist. The requirement to hold a licence is in the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. You do not need a licence to purchase or own an amateur transceiver, only to transmit with it. No licence is required to receive any amateur transmission. 2. How do I get a licence ? Unless you already hold a licence issued by another country (see below) then you must satisfy the licencing authority (the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) currently) that you are technically competent to use an amateur transmitter. The DTI lays out the minimum standards and the City & Guilds Institute holds examinations to test licence applicants. You must obtain a pass in the examination(s) before submitting the licence application form to the RA. A useful publication from the RA is 'How to Become A Radio Amateur' obtainable free from the RA at Waterloo Bridge House, Waterloo Bridge Road, London SE1 8UA. Telephone 0171 215 2150 (+44 171 215 2150). This publication includes an application form. 3. What are the types of licence ? The primary licence type is the Amateur Radio Licence. This licence has 'A' and 'B' variants. Holders of the 'A' licence are permitted to transmit on all the amateur frequency bands allocated in the UK. The 'B' licence holder is restricted to transmitting on those frequency bands above 30MHz. Obtaining either variant of licence requires a Pass in the Radio Amateur's Examination. The second licence type is the Amateur Radio Novice Licence. Holders of Novice licence are restricted to transmitting on a small number of the frequency bands available to holders of an Amateur Radio Licence, and to which portions of those bands they may use. There are 'A' and 'B' variants with holders of the 'B' licence restricted to transmitting on bands over 30MHz. Obtaining a Novice licence requires a Pass on an organised Novice Course and a Pass in the Novice Examination. In the case of either a Novice or a Radio Amateur Licence, the licence issued is a Class 'B' licence unless the applicant has passed a Morse code test in which case a Class 'A' licence is issued. 4. What is the Radio Amateur's Examination (RAE) ? The RAE is a two paper multiple-choice examination held twice yearly at City & Guilds Examination Centres. It tests electronic theory, licence conditions, interference & operating procedures. The C&G reference is 765. The C&G charge GBP16.50 (1993 level) for each paper, a Pass on both is required. The Examination Centre may also make a charge. Several books exist for self-teaching of the necessary subjects to pass the RAE and these are available from the RSGB, amongst others (see below). 5. What is the Novice Course and Exam (NRAE) ? The Novice Course is a 30 hour training course organised by the Radio Society of Great Britain and run at local radio clubs and schools. The course typically lasts 12 to 16 weeks. The courses will normally be timed to finish a few weeks before one of the four Novice RAE's held each year. The C&G reference is 773. The Novice Course Instructors will prepare a candidate for the NRAE. The Exam is one paper testing a wide range of subjects learnt on the Novice Course. A Pass on both the Course and the NRAE is required. 6. Where can I take these exams ? Both the RAE and NRAE can be held at any City & Guilds exam centres, but it is up to each centre to decide whether to hold the examinations and local centres should be contacted direct. Some radio clubs and schools have registered themselves as C&G centres. There is a list of the participating C&G centres in the 'Callbook and Information Directory' published annually by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). The Novice Course is run locally but the RSGB has a register of courses and can advise you of the nearest one. Their telephone number is 01707 659015 (+44 1707 659015). 7. What if I fail ? If you fail one of the papers of the RAE then you can re-take only that paper at the next examination. If you fail both papers then you can re-take the RAE. There is no limit on the number of times you may take the RAE, but the fee will be charged each time. Similarly for the Novice Course and NRAE, either element can be re-taken. 8. I passed the exams, now what ? Complete the application form (Novice Instructors have forms for Novice applicants) and send it with the RAE/NRAE Pass slip (and Novice Course Pass slip if for a Novice licence) to Subscription Services Ltd (SSL), together with the fee. See Q38. The fee is currently GBP15 for all classes of licence, but Novice licence holders under 21 years old are not required to pay the fee. The licence can take 4 to six weeks to be delivered. The licence will show your callsign. You also receive a booklet giving information about what your licence permits you to do. 9. What is a callsign ? A callsign is a unique identifier for you whilst transmitting. Callsigns are issued to an individual radio amateur with their first licence document. A callsign consists of a mixture of letters and numbers from 3 characters long. In the UK, the shortest callsigns are 4 characters long. Holders of the Radio Amateur Licence in the UK have callsigns with the prefix 'G'. Holders of Novice Licences have the callsign prefix '2'. Sample prefixes for other countries are F;France, D;Germany, I;Italy, K,N,W;USA, VK;Australia. Prefixes are allocated by the International Telecommunications Union, an agency of the United Nations. There are secondary prefixes in the UK to determine which part of the UK the licence holder is operating from: Radio Amateur Licence Novice Licence England G 2E Scotland GM 2M Wales GW 2W Northern Ireland GI 2I Isle of Man GD 2D Jersey GJ 2J Guernsey & GU 2U dependencies In the case of club licences, a different secondary prefix may be used: England GX Scotland GS Novice licences may not Wales GC be used as club licences. Northern Ireland GN Isle of Man GT Jersey GH Guernsey & GP dependencies Following the prefix, a UK callsign has a number that determines the class of licence, ie whether it's a class 'A' or class 'B' licence: Radio Amateur Licence Novice Licence Class A 0,2,3,4, all plus 0 plus three letters three letters 2,3,4,5,6,8 plus two letters Class B 1,6,7,8 all plus 1 plus three letters three letters The latest callsigns being issued are in the G0, G7, 2E0, 2E1 series. A valid callsign would be G1PJJ or G3YMD or G2FA. The first one is Class B, the second two are Class A. A valid Novice Class A callsign would be 2E0AAK. The callsign allocated must be transmitted in accordance with the current licence conditions. 10. What frequencies am I allowed to use ? The frequency bands allocated to Amateurs are published in the licence conditions booklet that accompanies each licence. The current bands allocated to Radio Amateurs are: 1.810-2.000, 3.500-3.800, 7.000-7.100, 10.100-10.150, 14.000-14.350 18.068-18.168, 21.000-21.450, 24.890-24.990, 28.000-29.700, 50.000-52.000, 70.00-70.50, 144.0-146.0, 430.0-440.0, 1240-1325, 2310-2450, 3400-3475, 5670-5680, 5755-5765, 5820-5850, 10000-10500, 24000-24250, 47000-47200, 75500-76000, 142000-144000, 248000-250000. All frequencies in MHz. Class B Licence holders are restricted to transmitting on bands above 30MHz. Geographical restrictions apply to the 430-432MHz sub-band. The current bands allocated to Novices are: 1.950-2.000, 3.560-3.585, 10.13-10.14, 21.100-21.149, 28.060-28.190, 28.225-28.500, 50.0-52.0, 432.0-440.0, 1240-1325, 10000-10500. All frequencies in MHz. Class B Novice Licence holders are restricted to transmitting on bands above 30MHz. Bands from 1.8MHz to 30MHz are known as HF (High Frequency) Bands from 50MHz to 146MHz are known as VHF (Very High Frequency) Bands from 430MHz to 1.3GHz are known as UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Bands above and including 1.3GHz are in the Microwave region and those bands from 3GHz upwards are also known as SHF (Super High Frequencies). 11. What can I transmit ? The transmission types available depend only on whether there's sufficient bandwidth on the band you intend to use for that transmission. You would not try to transmit a 6MHz television signal on a 2MHz wide band. Otherwise, all phone, Morse, television, fax and data modes are permitted on all bands. There is, however, general agreement in the UK on use of particular modes on each band. So far as the content of the transmission is concerned, this does depend on the mode in use. You may not transmit any copyrighted material without the copyright owner's permission. You cannot (except under emergency conditions) transmit a message that is not from another amateur, however you cannot store-and-forward any message that is not from yourself. This area of licencing is not easy to explain in few words and the licence booklet should be read. See Q33 in connection with those who may transmit at your station and Q30 for restrictions regarding packet-radio messages. For Novice Licence Holders, the restrictions are slightly more severe and several bands are only available for Morse transmissions. Novices are not permitted to use some bands at all, notably 144MHz. See Q32 for the band-plans. 12. How do I know what to do ? Hopefully in preparing for the exam, you've read and learnt the licence conditions and operating procedures. The best way of learning though is to listen to other amateurs operating. Hopefully you can listen whilst you're learning so when the licence arrives you'll be ready to transmit straight away. In any case, if you get it wrong 'on the air' then some- one will correct you. 13. Where can I buy a radio ? Many larger towns have shops that stock Radio Amateur equipment. Many advertise in the Amateur Radio press. Local amateurs will advise on the better local emporiums but a lot of business is mail-order, with the usual caveats. You do not usually need to take your licence along when purchasing a radio, but some suppliers are asking for proof of being licenced before selling you a radio, particularly higher-powered models. An alternative means of comparing and buying radios is at a Rally. These are held all over the country between March and October usually, with a few just before Christmas. A Rally is a way that Radio Amateurs can meet and talk, and there are usually many trade stands from local and national dealers. There's often a bring-and-buy where you can find a second-hand bargain. Rally information is published in all the Radio magazines and also broadcast on the RSGB's news service each Sunday, GB2RS (see Q37). Lists of Rallies are distributed on the packet-radio BBS network by G6CZV addressed to RALLY@GBR. 14. Can I build a radio ? Yes, and you could save yourself lots of cash. Whether you want to try a design of your own, use a published design and etch your own boards or build a kit from one of the UK kit suppliers, there is no restriction on 'home-brew' - not yet. If you're not used to building, don't try and build a transmitter first, try out your skills on a receiver and see how you cope. You'll find many of the kit suppliers at rallies. Many of the magazines feature construction projects, often tied to a specific kit supplier. 15. Can I modify a radio ? Yes. There is a lot of ex-commercial and ex-emergency services radio equipment around and plenty of information on modifying it to make it work on amateur frequencies. But, not all of it is suitable, so ask before you buy. Also, there is a restriction on converting former CB (27MHz) equipment for use on 28MHz and a permit is required from the Radiocommunications Agency. 16. I have a UK licence, can I use it abroad? Holder of a full UK licence can use it abroad, subject to restrictions, holders of novice licences can't. If you intend to operate within Europe, then the country you're operating from may have signed the CEPT agreement, in which case no additional permission is needed to operate there, simply sign as (eg. for France) F/own-call . Check on your own licence validation document which countries have signed the CEPT agreement. Operating in any country that is not a CEPT signatory means obtaining advance permission from that country's authorities to operate there - normally well in advance of your trip. The RSGB can offer advice and application forms for most countries that have a reciprocal licencing agreement with the UK. The relevant embassy/high commission or consulate can also offer advice. Be aware that amateur radio is illegal in some countries. It is also illegal in some countries to even transit the country carrying radio transmitters without the appropriate licence. In all cases, check. 17. What is a CEPT licence ? A CEPT licence is a licence issued by a country that is a signatory to the CEPT agreement no. T/R 61-01. CEPT is the European Posts and Telecommunications Committee and sets standards between European countries. Those countries that have signed the agreement include: Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Liechtenstein, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Irish Republic, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, New Zealand, United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of a CEPT class 1 licence, are allowed to use, without further formality, all amateur bands in the country being visited that are also permitted under the terms of the licence-holders own licence. Holder of a CEPT class 2 licence are restricted to bands above 144MHz that are available in the licencee's own country and the country being visited. If you have a UK licence, look at your licence validation document. At the top you will see a "CEPT equivalent class", this will be 1 for a class A licence, 2 for class B. 18. I have a CEPT licence, how do I sign in the UK ? Holders of a licence issued in accordance with the CEPT (European Post and Telecommunications Committee) Recommendation T/R 61-01 may operate in those countries that have verified the Recommendation. The UK is a signatory and amateurs with CEPT licences can operate as G/own-call in England, GW/own-call in Wales etc. without formality. The bands available are restricted to those which are permitted in this country, if the licence holder is permitted to use them in their OWN country. A class 2 CEPT licence holder is restricted to 144MHz and above. See note below (Q19) about bringing transceivers to the UK. 19. I want to operate in the UK, I don't have a CEPT licence. If your licence is not marked as a CEPT licence, then you need to apply to the Radiocommunications Agency for a temporary reciprocal licence. There are reciprocal agreements with many countries, if in doubt ask your own licencing authority or national society. Obtain a reciprocal licence application form from your own national society or direct from the Radiocommunications Agency and return it with proof of your licence and the fee of (currently) GBP15. Allow 8 to 12 weeks if you need the licence returned to your home address, 4 to 6 weeks if it is to go to the address you'll be staying at in the UK. You sign as G/own-call in England, GM/own-call in Scotland etc. You are bound by the UK licencing conditions and will receive a copy of the licencing booklet with the reciprocal licence. The temporary reciprocal licence is valid for 12 months. You can contact the Radiocommunications Agency on 0171 215 2150 (+44 171 215 2150). If you are bringing a transceiver the the UK from an EEA (European Economic Area) country, then there are no Customs restrictions. If you want to bring radio transceivers to the UK from outside the EEA then there is no special import permit required under normal circumstances. You should however, carry the original invoice/receipt as proof of purchase outside the UK, especially if the equipment looks new. Bear in mind that not all Customs officers are techo-aware and if you are in any doubt, ask for the UK Customs representative at the nearest UK Consulate or Embassy/High Commission. Airline security staff are improving in their awareness of amateur radio, but they may ask you to switch on any rig, so keep the battery pack charged. UK mains is 240v 50Hz. 20. What is morse ? Morse is the simplest means of transmitting a recognisable signal between stations. Morse is, at its simplest, turning on and off the transmitter in a manner that represents letters or numbers, according to the Morse Code. Morse, by its nature, is likely to work between two stations when all other modes fail due to interference or sheer lack of signal strength, given the narrow bandwidth required and the low signalling rate, although no mode is perfect. 21. Where do I learn morse ? There are transmissions on the HF, VHF and UHF amateur bands that are designed to bring you from a low level to a good level of morse, but these assume that you at least know the 'code' first. These transmissions in the UK are co-ordinated by the RSGB (01707-659015) and are operated under the callsign GB2CW. There are other HF broadcasts world-wide and the most prominent of these are by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) under the call W1AW. Another way of learning morse is from an instructional tape. These tapes are available from the RSGB and the G-QRP club (see below) amongst other sources. 22. Do I need to learn morse ? If you have no intention of transmitting on the HF bands (below 30MHz) then no, you don't need morse. The main purpose of morse presently is to provide access to the HF bands, morse is a requirement of the ITU and is mandatory in most countries' licencing for HF licences. Above 30MHz morse may still be useful if you want to use meteor-scatter (MS), or wish to work with very weak signal techniques such as EME (Earth - Moon - Earth) or use some satellites. If you want to use the HF bands, then a Class 'A' licence is required. If you already have a Class 'B' licence then you need to take either a 12 words-per-minute morse test (for an Amateur Licence 'A') or a 5 wpm morse test (for a Novice Licence 'A'). Additionally a holder of an Amateur Licence 'B' can take the 5 wpm morse test and be issued with a Class 'A' Novice Licence as well as their Class 'B' Licence. The morse tests are organised by the RSGB on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency. Tests are held in most areas 3 or 4 times a year, depending on demand, as well as at some major rallies. 23. What is a repeater ? Repeaters are to be found across the country, mainly on 145MHz and 433MHz. A repeater is an un-manned station that will retransmit on its output frequency any signal heard on its input frequency that satisfies certain conditions. On the 2m band (144-146MHz) repeaters are found on the following frequencies: Output (MHz) Input (MHz) Channel no. 145.600 145.000 R0 145.625 145.025 R1 145.650 145.050 R2 The input frequency 145.675 145.075 R3 is always 600kHz below 145.700 145.100 R4 the output frequency. 145.725 145.125 R5 145.750 145.150 R6 145.775 145.175 R7 On the 70cm band (430-440MHz) repeaters are found on the following frequencies: Output (MHz) Input (MHz) Channel no. 433.000 434.600 RB0 433.025 434.625 RB1 433.050 434.650 RB2 433.075 434.675 RB3 433.100 434.700 RB4 433.125 434.725 RB5 The input frequency 433.150 434.750 RB6 is always 1.6MHz above 433.175 434.775 RB7 the output frequency. 433.200 434.800 RB8 433.225 434.825 RB9 433.250 434.850 RB10 433.275 434.875 RB11 433.300 434.900 RB12 433.325 434.925 RB13 433.350 434.950 RB14 433.375 434.975 RB15 It's worth pointing out that repeaters cost money to run and the RSGB does not contribute to their costs, in fact it no longer pays for the licences. Repeaters are paid for by local groups and clubs. If you use a repeater, ask on the repeater how you can join the group. 24. How do I use a repeater ? With your VHF or UHF transceiver, change the displayed frequency to the output frequency of the repeater you wish to use; there is insufficient space here to list all the repeaters available. Locate the button/function on the transceiver to enable repeater or duplex mode, where there is an option for either positive or negative transmit shift then make sure that it is set to negative for the 2m band and positive for the 70cm band. Refer to Q23 for the exact frequencies. To use a repeater, key the PTT (push-to-talk), send a short burst of 1750Hz tone (tone-burst), keep the PTT keyed and speak for a few seconds (but not whilst the tone-burst is being sent), release the PTT and you should receive a pip or some other indication that your signal was retransmitted by the repeater. The 1750Hz tone-burst is required only when the repeater is not in use and on some transceivers is automatic when repeater/duplex mode is enabled. Some repeaters have the facility to accept CTCSS instead of a tone-burst. If a transceiver is capable of sending CTCSS tones then this should be used instead of a tone-burst where possible. See Q25. 25. What is CTCSS (Tone Squelch) ? CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System. The principle is that a sub-audible tone is continuously transmitted in addition to the speech (or other) signal. The tones used are below the normal hearing frequency range and do not interfere with the other signal. In the UK these tones may be used instead of a 1750Hz tone to access repeaters. The UK has been divided into 23 areas and a particular tone has been allocated to each area. Those repeaters that support CTCSS will normally send the appropriate letter (designating the tone frequency) in morse after the repeater callsign. The tones used are a subset of those available and are : Tone letter Frequency (Hz) A 67.1 B 71.9 C 77.0 D 82.5 E 88.5 F 94.8 G 103.5 H 110.9 J 118.8 26. What is packet radio ? Packet radio is a data communications mode that uses a modified form of the LAPB signalling protocol on HDLC. Simply put, two packet radio stations that are within direct range of each-other can establish an error free data connection, normally at 1200 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. As of 6 July 94, unattended digital operation is only allowed if the local office of the RIS are made aware of a shutdown procedure that they find satisfactory. The nature of this shutdown procedure will vary according to local conditions, but telephone contact numbers for persons able to shut down the station may be sufficient. (From Adrian Godwin) Providing the commencement of unattended packet-radio operation is notified to the RIS as above 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 (ptaylor@email.meto.govt.uk) . 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 01707 659015 (+44 1707 659015) The fax number is 01707 645105 (+44 1707 645105) 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 01707 659015, fax 01707 649503. 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. 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. The telephone number for enquiries is 0171 215 2150 (+44 171 215 2150). 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 0171 215 2072 (+44 171 215 2072), fax 0171 928 4309 (+44 171 928 4309). 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 0117 9258333. (This number was previously 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 0181 989 6741 (+44 181 989 6741) fax 0181 989 3430 (+44 181 989 3430) Internet: R.Broadbent@ee.surrey.ac.uk 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: 01706 31812 (+44 1706 31812) Internet: g3rjv@gqrp.demon.co.uk 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. This and 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 John Heaton G1YYH wrote in uk.radio.amateur I have translated the FAQ into HTML form and placed it on our WWW server as: http://www.mcc.ac.uk/OtherPages/uk-radio-amateur.html and will try to keep it as much like the usenet FAQ as possible. I have inserted several http links into the FAQ to the UK callbook etc.... 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 (ian@ainsdale.demon.co.uk) 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 G1YYH, 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. Phoneday All UK telephone numbers in this FAQ have been updated. If you are calling from outside the UK and the number fails, try removing the '1' that follows the country code (44) and dialing again. The '1' is compulsory from 16 April 1995. 47. Credits. The following have contributed to this FAQ: Adrian Godwin G7HWN Mick Bowers G7NOR Alan Cox GW4PTS John Heaton G1YYH John Morris GM4ANB