THE 4X6KJ REPORT

DXCC

As mentioned in the previous issues, DXCC cards can now be “field checked” at home. (in Israel). Send your cards to: 4X6KJ, P.o.Box 873, Kiriat Ono, 55108. Alternatively, they can be brought to the IARC Office in Tel Aviv. Remember, card checkers can check cards for the past 10 years, which means that right now cards dated 1996 are still valid for checking.

IARC has produced some 400 “credit card size” licenses for its members. This is smaller and a more International version than the Ministry gives us. For those members, that previously missed out on this special service, Till the month of November, those that do not have such a card can apply to get one, as IARC is arranging another batch on request. Contact 4X6KJ.

A new course, for amateur radio will get underway, providing there are enough students, the beginning of November at the IARC Office. Those interested, should contact or send an e-mail to 4X6KJ@IARC.ORG The course is expected to last 3 months.

The 7 MHz (40 meter band)

IARC members have received permission from the MoC, to use the extension of the 7 MHz band. (7.100 – 7.200).

It is reported to me, that it is rather difficult to contact on this segment, as one has to search for a free spot, in between the commercial stations.

Those should slowly disappear, and by the year 2009 the band should be free from QRM.

Beginning August, while I was vacationing in the “Low Countries” a story broke with as heading “Israel to impose harsh conditions to its Amateurs”. The story was published on a number of web sites as well as in magazines.

As of today, we at IARC have no idea who posted this erroneous story, and as usual, nobody checked this with news item with the IARC Executive.

Well, in any case a letter has been circulated with the true facts:

Tel Aviv, 27 August 2006

Gentlemen,

While I was out of the country on vacation the story “Israel to impose though new regulations on amateurs” appeared on the scene according the RSGB. The story also knew to tell that and I quote “according to the spokesman of the IARC”

Gentleman, as I promised some of you, as soon as I return home, I will check this out, so here are the true facts.

Yes, there is in the country a fear concerning non-ionizing radiation from cellular service providers. (mobile telephones).

Yes, there is in the country a problem now, thanks to the fear the press has created, about putting up masts, towers, etc. for antennas. These rules however do not apply to radio amateurs.

The IARC has an official spokesman, Tidhar Teucher, 4Z5CA, he himself was surprised to see and read the erroneous story, which supposedly he has published. I have approached and spoken to the Ministry of Communication, quoted in the article.

The Ministry was amazed at the information of which they themselves knew nothing.

After all my investigations into the matter I can only conclude, that some culprit has circulated this story.

Some reputable Radio Society, without checking the facts published this rubbish, about the Israeli Ministry of Communications and the 4X-4Z Radio Amateurs. We have no idea from which “undependable” source, when and where this information came about.

Sincerely Yours,

Joseph Obstfeld 4X6KJ

The 4X4IRS rig, contrasts the above antiques on display at the exhibition.

AND…..

The expansion of 40 meters by 100 KHz seems to be a non-starter, as this segment is full of broadcasters, with only a few clear spaces. I personally know nobody over here who has managed any QSOs in this segment. The last IARC council meeting moved that the subject of further authorization of ham transmissions to 7.3 MHz be brought up with the Ministry of Communications.

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A presentation is being prepared to explain Amateur Radio to the Ministry of the Environment to counteract the fears of radiation from amateur equipment.

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An official letter from the IARC was sent to the Ministry of Communications demanding that the authorities take steps to rectify the matter of the ongoing willful interference on 2 meters. This has been going on for some time mainly on R7, the Tel-Aviv repeater, and has on many an occasion turned the weekly IARC bulletin and roundtable into a shambles.

Veteran hams will remember the “Dr. Berele” affair of the late 80’s where a vigilante and DF activities by the amateurs finally tracked the infamous culprit down who was then turned over to the police.

Strangely and happily, the last few weeks before this went to press has heard no interference, and the present culprit who masquerades as a drunk, laughing and cursing Russian, has disappeared (hopefully forever).

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We extend to our readers and all their loved ones our best wishes for the Hebrew New Year תשס"ז (5767). A year of peace, reconciliation, happiness, good health, excellent radio conditions, that new transceiver and antenna set-up that you’ve always wanted, enjoyable QSO’s and good DX, and all the other good things you wish for.

73 de Ahron and Ron

HAGAL INTERNATIONAL

September - October 2006