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Is a license necessary?
A license for amateur frequencies is only required if you intend to transmit on those frequencies. A listener's license does
not exist. The requirement to hold a license is in the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. You do not need a license to purchase
or own an amateur transceiver, only to transmit with it. No license is required to receive any amateur transmission.
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How do I get a license?
Unless you already hold a license issued by another country (see below) then you must satisfy the licensing authority (the
Radio communications Agency (RA) currently) that you are technically competent to use an amateur transmitter. The RA lays
out the minimum standards and the City & Guilds Institute holds examinations to test license applicants. You must obtain a
pass in the examination(s) before submitting the license application form to the RA. A useful publication from the RA is 'How
to Become A Radio Amateur' obtainable free from the Radio communications Agency.
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What are the types of license?
The primary license type is the Amateur Radio License. This license has class ‘A’ ‘B’ variants.
Holders of the 'A' license are permitted to transmit on all the amateur frequency bands allocated in the UK. With a maximum
of 400 watts
The 'B' license holder is restricted to transmitting on those frequency bands above 30MHz with a maximum power of 400 watts.
The second license type is the Intermediate. This license has class ‘A’ ‘B’ variants.
The Intermediate license is a restricted license to encourage people to work to improve themselves. There are also 'A' and
'B' variants.
The Intermediate ‘B’ restricted to transmitting on bands above 30MHz with a maximum of 50watts.
The Intermediate ‘A’ is able to transmitting on all bands mentioned in the schedule with a maximum of 50watts.
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What is the Radio Amateur's Examination (RAE)?
The RAE is a single paper multiple-choice examination held twice a year at City & Guilds Examination Centre. It tests electronic
theory, license conditions, interference & operating procedures. The examination is 2hours 15 min. 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.
In the case of either an Intermediate or a Full Radio Amateur License, the license issued is a Class 'B' license.
A Morse code test of 5 words a minute plus IRAE = Class 'A' Intermediate.
A Morse code test of 5 words a minute plus RAE = Class ‘A’ Full
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What is the Intermediate Course and Exam ?
The Intermediate Course is a 30 hour training course organized 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 week or so before
one of the four Intermediate IRAE's held each year. The Intermediate Course Instructors will prepare a candidate for the
IRAE. The Exam is one paper testing a wide range of subjects learnt on the Intermediate Course. A Pass on both the Course
and the IRAE is required. (All the instructors are registered with the Radio Society of Great Britain.)
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Where can I take these exams?
Both the RAE and IRAE can be held at any City & Guilds exam centre, but it is up to each centre to decide whether to hold
the examinations and local centre should be contacted direct. Some radio clubs and schools have registered themselves as C&G
centre. There is a list of the participating C&G centre in the 'Call book 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. Or contact Julian G0LXX julian@ntlworld.com
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I passed the exams, now what?
Complete the application form (Intermediate Instructors have forms for Intermediate applicants) and send it with the RAE/IRAE
Pass slip (and Intermediate Course Pass slip if for a Intermediate license) to Post Office Managers LTD together with the
fee. The fee is currently £15 for all classes of license, but all candidates under 21 years old are not required to pay the
fee. The license can take 4 to six weeks to be delivered. The license will show your call sign. You also receive a booklet
giving information about what your license permits you to do.
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What is a Call sign?
A Call sign is a unique identifier for you whilst transmitting. Call signs are issued to an individual radio amateur with
their first license document. A Call sign consists of a mixture of letters and numbers from 3 characters long. In the UK,
the shortest Call signs are 4 characters long. Holders of the Radio Amateur License in the UK have, previously been issued
with Call signs with the prefix 'G', however this series has run out and now the 'M' prefix is being used. Holders of Intermediate
Licenses have the Call sign prefix '2'. Sample prefixes for other countries are F=France, D=Germany, I=Italy, K,N,W,A=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 license holder is operating from:
Radio Amateur License Intermediate License
England G or M 2E
Scotland GM or MM 2M
Wales GW or MW 2W
Northern Ireland GI or MI 2I
Isle of Man GD or MD 2D
Jersey GJ or MJ 2J
Guernsey & GU or MU 2U
dependencies
In the case of club licenses, a different secondary prefix may be used:
England GX or MX
Scotland GS or MS Intermediate licenses may not
Wales GC or MC be used as club licenses.
Northern Ireland GN or MN
Isle of Man GT or MT
Jersey GH or MH
Guernsey & GP or MP
dependencies
Following the prefix, a UK call sign has a number that determines the class of license, i.e. whether it's a class 'A' or class
'B' license:
Radio Amateur License Intermediate License
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 call signs being issued are in the M0, M1,M5, 2E0, 2E1 series. A valid call sign would be G1PJJ or GX3YMD or M0AAA.
The first one is Class B, the second one is a Class A club call sign, the third is a Class A call sign. A valid Intermediate
Class A call sign would be 2E0ABC.
The call sign allocated must be transmitted in accordance with the current license conditions.
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What frequencies am I allowed to use?
The frequency bands allocated to Amateurs are published in the license conditions booklet that accompanies each license. More
information on request
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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 and these are known as Band Plans .
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 licensing
is not easy to explain in few words and the license booklet should be read. See the notes below concerning those who may transmit
at your station .
For Intermediate License Holders, the restriction is on the amount of power transmitted
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How do I know what to do?
Hopefully in preparing for the exam, you've read and learnt the license 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 license
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.
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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. You do not usually need to take your license
along when purchasing a radio, but some suppliers are asking for proof of being licensed 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 place 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. Lists of rallies are distributed on packet radio.
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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.
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I have a UK license, can I use it abroad?
Holder of a full UK ‘A or B’ license (not Intermediate licenses) can use it abroad, subject to restrictions. 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 (e.g. for France) F/own-call. Check on your own license validation document
which countries have signed the CEPT agreement. This now includes several non-European countries. 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 licensing
agreement with the UK. The relevant embassy/high commission or consulate may also be able to 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 license. In all cases, check.
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What is a CEPT license?
A CEPT license is a license 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, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Israel (non-CEPT member), Italy, Irish Republic, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands,
Norway, Peru (non-CEPT member), Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand (non-CEPT member), Switzerland,
Turkey, United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of a CEPT class 1 license, are allowed to use, without further
formality, all amateur bands in the country being visited that are also permitted under the terms of the license-holders own
license. Holders of a CEPT class 2 license are restricted to bands above 144MHz that are available in the licensee’s own country
and the country being visited. If you have a UK license, look at your license validation document. At the top you will see
a "CEPT equivalent class", this will be 1 for a class A license, 2 for class B.
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I have a CEPT license, how do I sign in the UK?
Holders of a license 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 licenses
can operate as M/own-call in England, MW/own-call in Wales etc. without formality. The bands available are restricted to those
which are permitted in this country, if the license holder is permitted to use them in their OWN country. A class 2 CEPT license
holder is restricted to 144MHz and above.
NB. See note below about bringing transceivers to the UK .
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I want to operate in the UK, I don't have a CEPT license.
If your license is not marked as a CEPT license, then you need to apply to the Radio communications Agency for a temporary
reciprocal license. There are reciprocal agreements with many countries, if in doubt ask your own licensing authority or national
society. Obtain a reciprocal license application form from your own national society or direct from the Radio communications
Agency and return it with proof of your license and the fee of (currently) GBP15. Allow 8 to 12 weeks if you need the license
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 M/own-call
in England, MW/own-call in Wales etc. You are bound by the UK licensing conditions and will receive a copy of the licensing
booklet with the reciprocal license. The temporary reciprocal license is valid for 12 months. You should contact the Radio
communications Agency for full details.
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Bringing a transceiver to the UK
If you are bringing a transceiver to 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 techno-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 staffs 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
are 220-240v 50Hz.
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What is Morse?
Morse is the simplest means of transmitting a recognizable 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 signaling rate, although no mode is perfect. Morse is also a great way to communicate
when there is no common language.
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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 coordinated by the RSGB
and are operated under the call sign 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 amongst other sources.
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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'
licensing for HF licenses. 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' license is required. If you already have a Class 'B' license then you need to take either a 5 words-per-minute
Morse test for an Amateur License 'A' and 5 wpm Morse test for a Intermediate License 'A’. The Morse tests are organized by
the RSGB on behalf of the Radio communications Agency. Tests are held in most areas 3 or 4 times a year, depending on demand,
as well as at some major rallies.
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What is a repeater?
Repeaters are to be found across the country, mainly on 145MHz, 433MHz and 51MHz. 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 Input Channel no.
(MHz) (MHz)
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 Input Channel no.
(MHz) (MHz)
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 licenses. Repeaters are paid for by local groups and clubs. If you use a repeater, ask on the repeater how you
can join the group.
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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 above 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.
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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 call sign. 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
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What is packet radio?
Packet radio is a data communications mode that uses a modified form of the LAPB signaling 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 a field. Most packet radio is operated in the 2m and 70cm bands.
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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.
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What are the limitations of packet-radio in the UK ?
At first packet was illegal in the UK, or maybe it wasn't. The license did not make this clear. Now it is an established communication
mode and recognized 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 i-dent to give your full station call sign at least every 30 minutes. And you should send a packet i-dent
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 call sign (designated by a GB7... call sign) - in which case you don't need to read this section :-) .
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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 licensed amateurs. There are no official gateways
from packet to Internet in the UK due to the problem of controlling which messages are from licensed 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 licensed amateurs onto the packet bbs system. It is necessary to register your call sign and email address before using
these gateways.
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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.
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How do I obtain a .ampr.org IP address?
There are local coordinators assigned to each RSGB region, and in some cases they delegate address allocation further to local
coordinators. 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.
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Can anyone use my radio?
Anyone who holds a current UK-issued license, or a valid CEPT license, or a valid reciprocal license, may use your station
for frequencies for which they are licensed under their own call sign. In addition to those listed, a UK Intermediate licensee,
holder of a pass slip from the Radio Amateur's Examination or an Amateur Radio Certificate (who does not hold a license),
or a licensed amateur from any other country, may operate under the station's call sign on frequencies that you are licensed
to use providing you are in attendance.
Full ‘A’ ‘B’ operating there own or club station, a message may be transmitted from any person providing it is a greetings
message 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.
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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 licensed as
a repeater (with a GB3. call sign) or being operating by an emergency communications group under a current 'talk-though' permit
then they may not be used as a repeater.
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My neighbor 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 Call
book & Information Directory. There is a network of EMC coordinators 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 Radio communications Agency a few years ago. It is now out of print, but many copies are in circulation.
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I want to take my radio to sea / use it in an aircraft.
Maritime Mobile (/MM) operation has been a part of the UK license for several years now, previously it was a separate license.
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 harbors may not be permitted. If in doubt, seek advice from that country's authorities
before traveling.
Aviation mobile in the UK is not permitted and the license 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.
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The Radio Society of Great Britain (R.S.G.B.).
The RSGB is the national society representing amateurs in the UK to our licensing body (The Radio communications Agency).
Many people have many views on the RSGB and it has often been criticized, but it's the only body of it's kind that we have
:-)
The R.S.G.B.'s address is:
RSGB
Lambda House
Potters Bar
Herts
EN6 3JE
U.K.
Telephone 0870 9047373 (+44 870 9047373)
Fax 0870 9047374 (+44 870 9047374)
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 0870 9047373, fax 0870
9047374.
The RSGB broadcasts a weekly amateur radio news summary every Sunday under the call sign GB2RS. This is broadcast nationally
on 3.640, 3.650, 3.660, 7.0475MHz. Local broadcasts are on 51.530, 144.250, 145.525MHz and several 2m and 70cm repeaters.
Times vary; see the Call book and Information Directory for full details. The text is copied to packet-radio.
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The Radio communications Agency (RA).
The RA is the licensing body in the UK. Any queries about licensing that cannot be otherwise dealt with should be directed
to the RA. Their address is:
Radio communications Agency
New Kings Beam House
22 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9SA
U.K.
The following are some of the information sheets which are available from the RA's library:
BR 68 Amateur Radio licencing booklet
RA 67 The Radio Users Guide to the Law
RA 165 Application for Intermediate Licence
RA 166 The Intermediate Licence
RA 169 Receive only - Scanners etc.
RA 178 Transverters and Transverter Drivers
RA 179 Advice on Television and Radio Reception
RA 180 Licensing
RA 181 Morse
RA 182 Amateur Radio Call Signs
RA 183 Clubs and Societies
RA 184 Examinations (RAE/IRAE)
RA 186 CEPT (UK Licensees)
RA 187 CEPT (Visitors to UK)
RA 188 Application for an Amateur Radio Licence
RA 189 Applications for a Temporary Licence
RA 190 How to Become a Radio Amateur
RA 198 Abuse of Amateur Radio
RA 206 Addresses of RA Local District Offices
RA 234 EMC and the Radio Amateur
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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 Call book 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.
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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
Internet: R.Broadbent@ee.surrey.ac.uk
CompuServe: 100024,614 Ron Broadbent
WWW: http://www.amsat.org
Mail server: listserv@amsat.org
AMSAT-UK publishes an excellent magazine "Oscar News" for those with an interest in amateur satellites.
Data : The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group - BARTG
Bill McGill G0DXB
Membership Secretary
BARTG
14 Farquahar Road
Maltby
Rotherham
South Yorkshire
S66 7PD
WWW: www.bartg.demon.co.uk
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 G0ANO
Membership Secretary
BATC
"Grenehurst"
Pinewood Road
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP12 4DD
Internet: 100046.1056@compuserve.com
WWW: ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/batc
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
Internet: g3rjv@gqrp.demon.co.uk
WWW: btinternet.com/~g4wif/gqrp.htm
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 M. Connington G0WDM
Hon. Secretary ISWL
3 Bromyard Drive
Chellaston
Derby
DE73 1PF
WWW: unknown
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.
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Internet mailing lists
There are several mailing lists (some are UK-specific) of interest to radio amateurs. I will add lists as I'm notified of
their existence!
tcp-group
(Discussion of tcp/ip in amateur radio and related subjects): send mail to listserv@ucsd.edu including 'sub tcp-group' in
the body of your message.
gqrp-l
(Discussion of QRP in the UK): send mail to majordomo@blacksheep.org including 'subscribe gqrp-l' in the body of your message.
vhf-dx-discuss
(Discussion on European VHF dx and contests): send mail to majordomo@blacksheep.org including 'subscribe vhf-dx-discuss' in
the body of your message.
vhf-dx-warning
(Experimental European VHF dx warning list. NB This is a closed list, posting to the list is restricted, although anyone may
receive the postings): send mail to majordomo@blacksheep.org including 'subscribe vhf-dx-warning' in the body of your message.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet news groups
For UK-specific news, try RSGB - 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio on the World Wide Web
UK Call book
www.mcc.ac.uk/cgi-bin/callbook
Geoff Brown (GJ4ICD)'s Pages
user.itl.net/~equinox
RSGB WWW server
www.rsgb.org
Amsat server
www.amsat.org
ARRL
www.acs.oakland.edu/barc/arrl.html
The Radio communications Agency
www.open.gov.uk/radiocom/rahome.htm
The G-QRP Club
btinternet.com/~g4wif/gqrp.htm
British Amateur Radio Teledata Group (BARTG)
www.bartg.demon.co.uk
British Amateur Television Club (BATC)
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/batc
The International Shortwave League (ISWL)
unknown
European Microwave News Homepage
www.pacsat.demon.co.uk
RSGB VHF Committee
www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/vhfc/
RSGB Contest Committee
www.blacksheep.org/vhfcc/
RSGB Repeater Management Committee
members.aol.com/rmgvet/rmg.htm
US Ham Radio FAQ
www.mv.com/ipusers/wd1v/hamradio.faq.html
Elmers Resource Directory
www.novia.net/~pschleck/elmers/
QRZ Callsign Server
www.qrz.com
Hambits page (G6IQM)
www.g6iqm.demon.co.uk/hambits.htm
Miscellaneous Amateur Links:
www.users.zetnet.co.uk/kama/hamlinks.htm
www.sapphire.win-uk.net
Please mail me with addresses of new/other relevant WWW servers. Thank you Julian G0LXX julian@ntlworld.com
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Radio FAQ
