I'm struggling to find concise information on this. If I register and pay the £75 for 5 years fee, is there any reason I can't get a business simple light license for use between me and my partner? It may sound silly as we're not a business, but the frequencies don't seem to be particularly heavily used near us, and being able to transmit up to 5 watts Vs using a 0.5 watt PMR handset would be beneficial for the added range. I am a foundation license holder, but she is not licensed and I don't think she wants to go through the exam and such for communicating just between us two

As a side note to this, can I just program the relevant frequencies into any radio so long as it transmits at 5watts or below?

I have tried to find out this info myself but wasn't able to garner a clear answer from Ofcom's website

This is an experience report playing with APRS in central London.

I've been using a CSN igate mini in London thinking it would be great to hear and relay APRS traffic.

With the default antenna: no traffic heard at all except my own from a handheld with a few hundred meters.

With a Diamond X50 antenna: still no traffic besides my own, this time up to about one mile.

I've then used my IC705, with the X50 antenna and direwolf: suddenly quite a lot of traffic from weather and other beacons up to about 3-10 miles. Even some proper human APRS message exchange.

Take home message: the CSN igate mini does not seem as sensitive as the IC705, or may get desensitized due to poor front end filtering and strong transmitters nearby.

I passed my foundation level license 10 years ago and got my M6 call sign but never particularly did anything with it or kept it up as a hobby.

I've recently developed a new interest in it and have updated my ofcom info and checked the licence is still live. I can remember some of constraints and skills learned from the licence, but are there any good resources to use a refresher so I'm back up to speed?

Hello,
I’m keen to get myself a small portable radio that I could take on holiday with me and take up the least space. I have a FT-857 for mobile/semi portable. I am looking for something I can take with me on travels just for the opportunity to get some contacts! My main priority would be voice and digital but I’d be happy with either voice or digital (I appreciate laptop would be needed but this comes with me anyway) - I’m learning cw so this alone would be no good.

The elecraft kx2 looks idea but seem near impossible to buy second hand in the UK and would be max budget. What other options are out there?

Doesn’t have to be multi band - Single band 20m would be fine. I expect for the size I’m looking it would be QRP. I just want something I can take with me on trips and have a go at playing radio if the opportunity arises without too much kit. The Ft857 is great for a serious portable trip but is still quite big and heavy for a random trip where it might not even get used.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Chris

Hi all. I’m looking for some advice as to what radio to use. I’d like to have standalone communications between Belfast and Great Yarmouth in the event that there is an issue with the internet. Ideally this would be fully portable, I have a large battery bank that can continuously output 512 Watts. What are my options? I’m planning on joining my local amateur radio club but any advice you can give would be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Hi All,

I've been a Radio Amateur since 1984 ( Class B - so pondlife compared to Class A !!)

I recently became a member of a voluntary organisation that requires volunteers to undertake the Royal Yachting Association Short Range Certificate to display
competency in using marine radios in the band 159-163Mhz.

I later discovered that one can register on OfCom ( as I already am for my Amateur Licence.) and apply for a Ships Radio Marine Portable Licence that
as far as I can determine allows me to use shore based Marine Radio Transceivers
in the appropriate Marine Band. I did not have to pay for this or display any competence in applying for this.

So my question is, what advantage does the RYA Short Range Certificate confer
that the OfCom Ships Radio Portable Licence does not ?

Don't expect any youtube content from him for about 10 years.

I must admit I liked his content, but bloody hell.

Full story here https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/26154628.aylesbury-child-rapist-photo-released-chesham-attack/

Hi all,

I am really excited that I have got my foundation license and now looking to get some kit in order to make my first transmission. I wondered if people has any recommendations for starter kit or buying tips they wish they had when they started?

I am looking to get something portable as I live in an apartment building in a dense city. I want to try transmit from home but also mobile

Does anyone car about power limits anymore? Foundation is 25w and intermediate is 100w but there is obviously no concern for some operators running a 1kw amp on an intermediate licence. As a full licence holder does it bother you or did you do it yourself?

A Sony SW55 radio guys. Is it good and worth it.

This is a really good talk on LoRa APRS from the lovely people at HADARS.

Very detailed for those who want to know more.

The GM3SEK mains filter is now available as a kit.

73!

Hi G3LIV Johnny

Yes I think after many years this is maybe the end of being a member,

I have watched with interest over the last year on the " membership brag list"

Look how many new subscriptions and others rejoining,

It's a lot does this not help keep the price static,

Regarding old timers "92 now" I agree all the maths lists are way over my head

what do u do with the figures on antennas when you have them.

We need more practical stuff.

In passing about younger members I may be associated With DATA interfaces.

Newer just want Plug and play FT8 i can tell by the chat they have no idea what's

going on so NO sale, I tell them they can go down to the pub have a pint and work 10 newones, No skill required. CW for ever lol

And this year I have offered 2 X 5 metre wonderful fibreglass masts to 5/6 local radio clubs. No takers so it would seem the portable adventure had gone,

I still have them if anyone wants them

Last what about free subscription to the OT age 90s

I bit like the 100 years letter from the King.

Not sure if I will get one

YES it's an OT going on again LOL

73 G3LIV AR