EDR´s VHF-udvalg 
2012

The Open VHF mangers meeting Sletten 2006

The Panel:

EDR, OZ7IS, Ivan Stauning , VHF manager, EDR.
SSA, SM2ECL, Anders, VHF manager, SSA.
NRRL, LA1BR, Helge, Styrelsesmedlem, NRRL.)
SRAL, OH6ZZ, Juho, VHF (and 10 M) Contest manager, SRAL.

(Also present were OZ5TG, Verner and SM6NZB, VHF Contest managers EDR/SSA, - and another 30 – 40 Nordic amateurs.)

a. minimum requirement for digital QSOs. We need to set up a standard!

It was agreed to adopt the guidelines made by the EME community, which is prepared in a document by G8MBI.
(Will somebody please supply us with a link!)

b. Echolink/IRLP nodes/access points in the band plans?

Should be decided in Region 1, but the meeting agreed that the frequencies chosen by DARC could be suitable for the 145 MHz band: 144,975 & 144,9625 MHz. On 433 MHz some of the old repeater input channel like 433,375 and 433,350 MHz could be used locally.

c. Digital columns in the locator top lists? (already introduced in EDR)

No decisions taken, but the meeting regarded digital modes in line with any other mode!
(No need for a special column!)

d. Encourage microwave contest reporting to something similar to th old MS procedure.

New procedure was welcomed, SM to make a proposal.

e. Two common classes in NAC: Multi/single low/high power.

Though a formal decision was taken at the regular NRAU meeting, It was now left up to each country to decide how many classes are practical.

f. Proposal for a real QRP class

There was a general feeling that there is no need for a real QRP class (below 10 Watt) in any of the Nordic contests.

g.  Maximum 9 monthly contests is counted for the accumulated yearly result in the National NACs , BUT – do you have to work all 9 to win?

In the future we will all have common rules on this point: You do not need to participate in minimum 9 NACs to win the annual contest. Less will do!

h. Do we need extensive list of contest results in our magazines?

OZ5TG: We place the claimed score on the Internet, but the final score is the data printed in the magazine (property of OZ/EDR?)
SM6NZB: The comments from participants can be very extensive due to the relative high number.
LA1BR: 11 yearly magazines, but relative low number of participants gives no problems.
The meeting felt that we do need to keep the printed listings in our magazines!
(They reflect amateur radio activity!)

i. do we need digital managers anymore?

With new digital modulation techniques and with virtually no packet radio activity, the past work of the digital managers are no longer needed.

j. Breif report from NARU meeting and IARU conference in DAVOS

Omitted due to time schedule, minutes can be found at: http://www.vushf.dk/sider/udvalg/referater.htm

k1. Cross checking of NAC logs. Exchange between national managers?

OZ5TG: Occasionally fully cross checks are made between logs which reveals errors resulting in + or -1.5% in the score and it seems to be random and not systematic. Participants are informed of the errors and corrected score.

It was decided that no cross checking between the national contest managers are needed at present.

k2. Status on 70MHz

More and more countries get permission.
SM: 5 preliminary licenses for beacons
LA: not possible (no from PTT)
OH: NO!
ERO propose amateurs to use 70.2MHz +/-, check: http://www.70mhz.org/access.htm

And: http://www.70mhz.org/apply.rtf

k3. Status on 3.4GHz

OZ and LA have permission and SM until the end of 2006, after application for a special permit.

3400 – 3410 MHz is a general band in Europe .

k4. 75.5 - 76GHz we need it back!

Due to some trade-offs in the primary amateur segment we were promised to get this segment, deleted from the amateur bands in 2000, - back! So, - lets get it back!

k5. Status on Beacons

It was discussed how to maintain and support beacons in remote areas, e.g. the Faeroe islands .

Good QTHs are often used by professional services and it is now common to pay rent and electricity.

SK0CT supports 2 beacons in Estonia but ES5PC now have to pay for electricity.

(Good ideas are most welcome!)

k6. Status on 2MHz repeater spacing on 433MHz (Problem with SM stations)

OZ and LA changed to 2MHz spacing. In SM there is a problem to shift to 2 MHz spacing and go below 433MHz due to interference. Though that type of interference is not supposed to go lower than 433,040 MHz. That was the exact reason to change the spacing! IN LA and OZ the segment is free from interference. SSA ought to have a talk with PTS about this abuse of primary amateur frequencies.

k7. Kvartalstesten (clear rules)

Conflict between the rules of the IARU/Nordic and kvartalstesten. SM6NZB will make it clearer in future invitations.

k8. SSA microwave contest in June.

SSA Microwave contest parallel with the European microwave contest did not become a success, due to late announcement and tremendous Es on the same week-end.

But SSA will try to promote the contest better next year.

k9. Rules in EDR July field day contest, band limitations?

A proposal was send to EDR, to make a class restricting the use of microwave band in the limited class of the FD contest.

The EDR VHF committee want to encourage the use of the microwave bands and could not support the proposal. The meeting agreed.

Also a proposal having a QRP class was not supported (see point f)

Any Other Business:

LA8YB said that he had noticed some frequency drift on SK1VHF and SK6VHF so they are almost on the same frequency now around 144.446 - 144.447MHz!!!  

OZ1FTU & OZ7IS