21st Anniversary of BCDX Net :

The weekly BCDX Net operating on the 40 Meter Amateur Band in South India is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year.

This Net was started on Sunday November 27, 1988 by a small group of Amateurs viz. Shanmughasundaram VU2FOT, Victor Goonetilleke 4S7VK, Jose Jacob VU2JOS and some SWLs.

The whole concept of this net started when these Hams used to meet regularly on the band and exchanged DX news at various times. This later transformed into a regular net which benefited many people. This net is conducted on Sunday mornings for the advantage of those who are keenly interested in Broadcast Band Dxing and to exchange BCDX News. The unique thing about this net is that is helped Hams to become SWL Dxers and SWLs to become Hams!

The BCDX Net has been very regular all these long 20 years, thanks to the dedicated Net Controllers. Now a days it is conducted on Sunday mornings at 0830 IST (0300 UTC) on 7085 kHz LSB on 40 meter Amateur Band.

Currently the regular net controller is Sanil Deep VU3SIO and assisted from time to time by VU2JOS, VU3BGK etc.

The postal address of BCDX Net is : Box 211, Kozhikode 673001, Kerala , India.

Courtesy : OM Jose Jacob, VU2JOS

VU2RBI receives Certificate of Acheivement Award from IRESC :

Mrs. D. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI receives Certificate of Achievement Award from International Radio Emergency Support Coalition (IRESC).

In a message received from Mr. Carl Caracol, W2WRX the President of IRESC stated 'Your services, time, labour and support has help this team in time of disaster crises when it has arise. I wouldn't have done it without your support and all you have done for me within the IRESC organization team'.

Courtesy : OM Mohan, VU2MYH

Feild Day :

The Malabar Amateur Radio Disaster Communication Club (VU2KLP) and the Malabar Repeater Club (VU2MWW) is proposing to conduct a Field Day on the 21st of November, Saturday, from 9am till 4pm, WX permitted.

The Location is Josegiri Hills, Kannur District, very close VU3KER QTH, at an approx. altitude of 3500 feet plus, uninhabited location,with a cool WX, at present, with wide variety of Fauna and Flora for company.

The ascent to the top will be on foot only, up to the base will be 4 wheel jeep drive.On certain days we can observe wild Elephants from the top!

VU2KLP humble request to all Hams who are free, to participate by operating from their shacks and also who can access the following repeaters to stand by, if possible.

1.Mysore Repeater.
2.Kodai Repeater.
3.Nelliampathy Repeater (Palghat).
4.Calicut Repeater.
5.Cochin Repeater.
6.Yercaud Repeater.
7.Pathanamthitta Repeater.

As all the above Repeaters have been accessed at various occasions, we can hope for a 100% QSO!

A newspaper and tango victor coverage is also arranged, like the previous years.

Long Live Ham Radio!

Courtesy : VU3KER, OM Dr. A. Manoj

VU's authorized to use 7.00 to 7.20 MHz :

VU Amateur Radio operators are now authorized to use 7.00 to 7.20 MHz (previously it used to be 7.00 to 7.10 MHz). Here is an extract of a message from ARSI (Amateur Radio Society of India which represents India in IARU) :

As said by VU2GMN, OM Gopal president of ARSI "I spoke to WPC just now and they have confirmed that the extra bandwidth has been officially released to VU radio amateurs based on the petitions given by ARSI on 15 April 2009, soon after the band was to be released as per agreement in WRC2003. The notification will appear on the WPC webpage shortly VU hams can now officially use that extra band width".

They have also confirmed that the other requests made by ARSI regarding 10 MHz and 50 MHz are also under consideration, so please wait for further news.

Courtesy : VU2GMN, OM Gopal.

Solar Powered Shack :

A pair of neat solar sites I just found. I am sure you folks know about them but they fit here in this thread .

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/yago108.html

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/PV/pv.htm

Courtesy : Craig Palmer