Ham Radio Gossip

Yet another UK amateur radio Twitter account for sharing gossip & radio-related rubbish. Got some gossip? Tell us anonymously here:

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

Got some UK amateur radio gossip to share with the community? Submit it anonymously here: https://t.co/HMpZnLo9Th - and we’ll pass it on…

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

It appears that @thersgb is about to kill off what’s left of club training. No consultation. This doesn’t show a huge amount of respect for the volunteers who’ve been the backbone of bringing new amateurs into the fold for many years. Will the savings be passed on to students?

[RSGB @theRSGB]

97% of #amateurradio licence examinations taken online at home via remote supervision/in a club. Following Syllabus v1.6 intro on 1 Sep, new exam question bank will only be online. From 29 Nov we'll stop taking routine bookings for paper exams. Full info: https://t.co/3zTejFMFS8

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

Leaked resignation letter from member of RSGB exam team reveals that the group is “fundamentally flawed”, “self-indulgent and defensive” with trick questions “probably constituting fraud” on candidates who have paid to take exams.

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

Just 24 days after the AGM, and the society is already down one director. #Boardwatch

[RSGB @theRSGB]

📣RSGB Board announcement: RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX has accepted the resignation of Paul Nichols, M0PVN as an RSGB Board Director. Paul runs a busy and growing legal practice which, like many professional roles, requires many long hours each day (1of2)

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@gordonhudsonnu @theRSGB If they’re as worries as they should be, they might realise that sitting around strategising with post-its isn’t enough, and that some action is needed.

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

Watching @theRSGB AGM. Losses of £120,000 in 2023 and even more prices increases expected next year to cover the losses. Worrying?

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@gordonhudsonnu @theRSGB Certainly, and we’ll know in 3 months whether the establishment gets to the newcomers, or the shift of balance brings about a desire for actual change. Historically, newcomers with opinions don’t last long and Sir Humphrey and Sir Arnold remain.

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@gordonhudsonnu @theRSGB Today’s changes will be interesting, and the additions/returns have potential to shift the balance of power to allow focus towards a common goal. The first 3 months will be interesting. Desire for change, or the status quo?

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@gordonhudsonnu @theRSGB The AGM didn’t convince me that there is a solid plan in place to resolve the problem - short of more price increases. There’s a tipping point after which members will walk. Today’s change in the “balance of power” will be interesting!

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

Looking for a new career? Consider a job at Ofcom! Those with a good sense of humour - click here for a video: https://t.co/KFVxHhJuMt

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio Two online sites debunk this - they cite the following directive:

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

The new licence makes interesting reading. Section 17 imposes a 5 watt erp limit on data stations. That’s gonna upset FT8 fans! This new and rather odd restriction seems to be the only major down side. @ofcom @theRSGB

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio Another screenshot from the announcement, in case you missed it

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio Have a look at yesterday’s announcement and the consultation. This is now allowed, so it follows that it wasn’t allowed previously. Pretty clear!

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio But Foundation did have that restriction on building TX kit. Check the consultation and today’s announcement - Ofcom has reversed this and transmitter building is now allowed.

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio You’re making the mistake of assuming “and may” (optional addition) means that same as “which can only”. If your interpretation was correct, this would say “may be used as a Data Station that can be operated by others”. You see the difference?

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio If I use a car and that car “may be used by others”, that still means I can use that car. “And may” is clearly an optional variant.

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@_D_Drago @andy_rite @Ofcom @theRSGB So you don’t think that FT8 fits this definition, but APRS does? What about slow scan, RTTY or WSPR? Do you believe those involve sending or receiving data?

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@_D_Drago @andy_rite @Ofcom @theRSGB Doesn’t matter what the guidance says. The wording of the licence is what we have to abide by. The wording about 5w is clear, and like it or not, FT8 is a valid data mode, as is packet and APRS.

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@AKAhamradio I am going by the licence wording. An FT8 user can use their station for data (and allow access to others). But 17a caps this to 5 watts ERP. Here’s the exact wording:

[Ham Radio Gossip @HamGoss]

@andy_rite @Ofcom @theRSGB Nope. Here’s the definition provided by Ofcom