The FCC has granted a 60 day waiver to allow higher baud rates (Pactor 4) at the request of the ARRL to assist in emergency /auxillary communications during Hurricane Ian
The FCC states: “The waiver is limited to amateur radio operators in the United States and its territories using publicly documented data protocols that are compatible with FCC rules, with the exception of the data rate limit waived here, for those directly involved with HF hurricane relief communications.”
On September 7, 2022, Jeanne (Jan) Socrates, VE0JS/MM / KC2IOV, and her sailboat, the SV Nereida, set sail from Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the contiguous US. She was on her way to visit friends in San Francisco, California, but 2 days of 35 knot winds and storms left her sailboat disabled and her onboard radio equipment marginally operational. Amateur operators in New Mexico, California, and Canada, and members of Group 7.155 heard her requests for assistance.
Jeanne (Jan) Socrates, VE0JS/MM/ KC2IOV, and her sailboat, the Nereida.
Gil Gray, N2GG, was able to contact Socrates on 40 meters. “Her power was extremely low, and she was unable to communicate on 14.300 MHz to notify the monitoring group on that frequency,” said Gray. “She needed help with wind and sea conditions, and tidal data for San Francisco Bay,” he added.
Low-power output on the HF radio made it very difficult to get Q5 copy, which would typically be Q2 or Q3. With the help of several software-defined radio (SDR) operators in Utah, California, and Maui, Hawaii, they were able to glean enough copy to understand her situation and answer questions for her navigation.
Gray; Jonathan Ayers, AI6NA, and Edwin E. Jenkins, K6EXY, are all experienced sailors. They were able to make periodic contact with Socrates and give her updated wind reports. Their last contact was on Monday, September 12, at 11:00 AM (MSDT). By this time, Socrates was sailing with only the forward sail on her 38-foot sloop. Fortunately, a “following wind” kept her moving without a mainsail. As she approached the Golden Gate Bridge, Socrates was able to use the tidal information passed on by amateur radio operators to make it safely to Berkeley Marina in San Francisco Bay.
“I wouldn’t call it a rescue,” said Socrates, “just good amateur radio assistance — and I’m grateful for their help.”
Socrates is 81 years old and the oldest person to have ever sailed around the world unassisted. Once her sailboat is repaired, she will sail again, not for records, but for the enjoyment of sailing the high seas.
Her situation is one of three events in early September in which amateur radio was able to provide emergency assistance.
More information about Socrates is available on her Facebook page.
The RASA and WIA Presidents approached the ACMA, the Australian Spectrum Regulator, seeking support for the use of the AX Prefix to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. ACMA advised that the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination 2015 limits the use of the AX prefix on three specific days: 26 January, 25 April and 17 May.
The ACMA does not have discretion to authorise the use of the AX prefix on any other days. However, ACMA noted the significance of the event, and the desire of RASA and the WIA to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth II by using the AX prefix. ACMA advised that compliance action for the use of the AX prefix for the period requested would not be a priority for the ACMA.
On this basis, we encourage VK amateurs to exchange VK with AX for the period 19-23 September 2022 in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. Vale Queen Elizabeth II.
Two recent events in two different US states are reported by the ARRL. In both cases amateur radio operators came to the assistance of those in distress. More information at
BASIC AMATEUR RADIO EXAM COURSE – BEGINNING OCTOBER 8TH.
Have you been thinking about taking the Basic Radio course, or do you know someone who would be interested in taking it? The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association will be putting on a course beginning October 8th. This course will take you through typical examination questions to help with your understanding of the knowledge needed to pass the basic exam. It will be a visually orientated course provided via Zoom. There will be 10 sessions in all followed by an exam in mid December.
If you are interested or know someone who is please contact Mike Donnelly VA7WPM at keelcove@shaw.ca to register.
