RSGB HEADQUARTERS’
Frequently Asked Questions
Amateur Radio
ar.dept@rsgb.org.uk
How do I get into amateur radio?
It is necessary to obtain an amateur transmitting licence, there are three
types of licences that can be obtained, each one gives a different level
of privileges and requires tests at a different level to be passed. The
entry point for all newcomers into the hobby is via the Foundation licence,
progressing on to Intermediate, culminating in the Advanced licence. Each
licence level has to be achieved before the next can be taken. Please
see RSGB website www.rsgb.org for more information and a list of contacts
for training
courses.
I’ve just passed my Foundation/Intermediate/Advanced licence
exam; can I choose my callsign?
Yes, you can check the availability of callsigns with the Radio Licensing
Centre Tel: 01179 258333.
Where can I obtain a licence application form to apply for my licence?
Licence application forms can be found on Ofcom’s website, www.ofcom.org.uk,
or by calling the Radio Licensing Centre on 0117 925 8333. The guidelines
for making your application can be found on the reverse of the application
form. The cost of the licence is £15.00 per year and, free for under
21’s and over 75’s. Licence applications are processed by RLC.
I passed the RAE but never applied for my licence; is the C&G
pass still valid and how do I apply?
Yes, your City & Guilds pass is still accepted as a qualification
for the Advanced licence. Apply in the normal way via RLC see above.
I allowed my licence to lapse; how do I reapply?
The Radio Licensing Centre will re-issue a callsign as long as you have
evidence that it was originally issued to you. They will accept an expired
licence validation document or a copy of your callsign entry in an RSGB
Yearbook, as long as you were not “Details withheld”.
I’m going on holiday abroad; can I operate my radio there?
If the country that you are visiting has implemented the CEPT T/R 61-01
agreement you may operate there, under the terms and conditions of their
equivalent class licence. If it is non-CEPT and there is a reciprocal
agreement in place you will need to apply for a licence to operate. For
further details contact the licensing authorities of the country you are
visiting, details can be found in the RSGB Yearbook. A useful website
to visit is www.qsl.net/oh2mcn/license.htm
Do I need planning permission for my radio mast/antenna?
We would recommend you to contact your local council or visit their website
for information on planning permissions and restrictions as factors can
vary between different areas. If you are a member of RSGB, there is a
booklet available for you called “Planning Advice to Members”,
this is available on the Members Only area of the RSGB website or we can
send a copy by post.
I am in the process of applying for planning permission and need
some advice and/or support for my application; who do I contact for advice?
Members only are to contact the RSGB Amateur Radio Dept. for a copy of
a booklet entitled “Planning Permission - Advice to Members”
alternatively they can obtain a copy from the Members Only area of the
RSGB website. If, after
reading through the book, you still need advice contact the RSGB Amateur
Radio Dept. for a “letter of Introduction” to one of our Planning
Advisory Panel members who will be able to offer specialist advice. A
“Letter of Support” aimed at the local council planning office
is also available for when an application is being processed. NB. This
service is only available to RSGB Members.
How do I apply for a Special Event (GB) licence?
You will need to complete the Special Event Station (SES) application
form which can be found in the RSGB Yearbook, www.rsgb.org or by post.
Full details are shown on the reverse side of the form. Applications are
processed
by the RSGB Amateur Radio Dept.
My neighbour is accusing me of causing interference, what do I
do?
You can offer to do some tests to verify that your transmissions are the
source of interference. If it is so, you could offer to fit filters etc.
Please see the advice from the EMC
committee on their website, or in the current Yearbook. If you need
more help or specific advice, we have a team of volunteers EMC Co-ordinators)
which may be able to help with EMC matters, see the EMC website.
I am an amateur receiving interference from a near by / unknown
source, who do I inform and what can I do to stop this?
Firstly try to identify the source of interference, then if you cannot
find a way of stopping it you may wish to contact one of the RSGB
EMC Co-ordinators for advice
I am doing a talk/setting up a stand in a local school/community
centre; can you send me some leaflets and publicity material?
Yes, the RSGB have a good selection of posters and leaflets know as a
“Publicity Pack”. We will need an idea of the type of audience
you have and expected numbers. Contact the RSGB Amateur Radio Dept for
a publicity pack.
How do I set up an Internet Gateway/Repeater Link?
For a simplex gateway, visit the DCC website, www.dcc.rsgb.org
and complete the online application form. For a repeater gateway, visit
the RMC website www.rsgb.org for an application form and details. Application
forms & details are also available via post or email from the RSGB
Amateur Radio Dept.
I want to arrange some insurance for my radio equipment, can you
help?
Yes, Contact the Amateur Radio Insurance Service (ARIS) 020 7335 1647.
RSGB members will receive a favourable discount.
How can I get a special (short) callsign to use in contests?
A notice of variation (NoV) of this type can only be issued to a club
licence. There is an application form on the RSGB website, www.rsgb.org
and in the RSGB Yearbook. The application form is also available via post
or email from the
RSGB Amateur Radio Dept
How do I go about setting up a club/getting a club licence?
There is an information leaflet on the licence requirements for clubs
and societies on Ofcom’s website, www.ofcom.org the leaflet is RA401.
The licence application form is also available on Ofcom’s website
or by contacting the Radio Licensing Centre. Applications are processed
by the RLC.
Exams
ar.dept@rsgb.org.uk
I would like to teach the Foundation/Intermediate/Advanced training
courses, what do I need to do?
All instructors offering training courses must be registered with RSGB.
You will need to complete an application form to become a registered instructor
which is available on our www.rsgb.org/foundation/instructorapp.pdf
by e-mail
or post from the RSGB Amateur Radio Dept. The Society will at all times
take up references as part of the registration procedure. Once your application
has been approved you will be given an instructors registration number
together with the appropriate training course paperwork.
How do I register a venue/premises as an RSGB examination centre?
Clubs and Societies wishing to register premises offering the
Radiocommunications Examinations must be affiliated to the RSGB, this
isbecause there is a requirement that all examination centres have PublicLiability
insurance (public liability insurance is included with RSGBaffiliation).
The premises must meet the criteria, details of which will be
provided with the application form to register a centre for examinations.Application
forms can be sent by post, fax or email, you need to complete andsign
the form then return to the RSGB Amateur Radio Dept. at HQ. You will thenbe
contacted by either your Regional Manager or Deputy Regional Manager,
whowill vet the centre. If they approve the centre the RSGB will then
issue you with a centre registered number, then you can start holding
exams.
I am a registered Instructor, why do my details not appear on the
web site?
When you were first registered as an instructor you were sent a “consent
to release details” form, if you have not filled this in and returned
it to the RSGB we can not release any of your details. In order for your
details to appear on the web you need to complete this form and return
it to RSGB, AR Department
Why do you need a “consent to release” form to release
my details on the web?
We require a “consent to release” form to release your details
due to the data protection act 1984. When we receive this form back from
you we will make the necessary amendments to the web pages, your new details
may take a few weeks to appear to the web site.
Are there any arrangements for candidates with special needs undertaking
the practical elements of the Foundation/Intermediate training course?
Yes, arrangements can be made for disabled candidates to demonstrate skills
and knowledge by whatever means is judged appropriate. Where a physical
disability renders a particular process unreasonable, the candidate may
describe the process or talk somebody else through it.
Are there any special arrangements for candidates with special
needs undertaking the Foundation / Intermediate / Advanced licence examination?
Yes, candidates with special assessment requirements are catered for e.g.
Readers/writers; question paper without diagrams; an invigilator must
also be present. Partially sighted candidates are provided with a question
paper with
large print. Applications for special arrangements must be notified in
advance of the 10 working days notice to the RSGB Amateur Radio dept.
Sales
sales@rsgb.org.uk
Where’s my RadCom?
The RadCom posting dates are published on the members’ only website
under ‘RSGB Information’, these are to be used as a guide only.
If RadCom hasn’t been received within 10 working days of the posting
date, please advise the member
to contact the sales department.
Where’s my order?
Please advise the customer to contact the sales department.
I’d like to change my address/callsign/e-mail address
We cannot change your details over the phone. Changes to any details must
be sent to us by e-mail to sales@rsgb.org.uk letter, or fax.
I’d like to report a silent key
Please send us a letter or e-mail with the details so that we have some
paperwork for our records.
How do I become a member?
If you wish to pay by card and are applying for full membership you can
join online at www.rsgb.org/shop
or over the phone on 0870 904 7373.
If you would like to pay by cheque, direct debit or postal order or are
applying for a membership reduction you would need to join by post, you
can download an application form from our website or we’d be happy
to post one to you.
What are the benefits of membership?
RadCom, Book Discounts, QSL Bureau, Contests, Planning Advice, EMC Advice,
Reduced insurance rates for RSGB members, Awards, Members’ Ads and
the RSGB credit card to mention a few. Further details of these can be
found at
www.rsgb.org/shop
or on the back of an application form – the back of the current yearbook
membership offer application form is particularly handy as a reference
for this.
Who is my Regional Manager/QSL Sub Manager/local club?
These details can all be found in the RSGB Yearbook or on our website
www.rsgb.org. Members
can look the details up themselves or we are happy to provide them with
the relevant information.
How do I access the members’ only website?
It can take up to 2 weeks from your membership being processed for you
to be able to access the site. Your access details are your callsign in
lower case as your username and your membership number without the 00
as your password. If you still can’t access the site, please contact
the sales department to check that your membership details are all correct
on our records.
I’m calling from (affiliated club); could you provide us with
the details of the 3rd party liability insurance included with our affiliation?
This can be found on the members’ only website under ‘Insurance’
then ‘Clubs and Societies’. If you have any queries regarding
the policy cover, please contact Beckett, the insurance company, as they
will be able to provide you
with the most precise information.
How do I subscribe to the GB2RS news headlines via e-mail?
There is a link on the front page of the members’ only website ‘Click
here if you would like these headlines via
e-mail’
Editorial
radcom@rsgb.org.uk - gb2rs@rsgb.org.uk
How do I send in a 'Helpline' request?
'Helplines' can be sent in by post or, preferably, by e-mail to
radcom@rsgb.org.uk
They are included in RadCom as and when there is sufficient space, and
strictly in the order in which they are received. They are free of charge
and for RSGB members only.
How do I submit news of local club meetings for RadCom and GB2RS?
Again, they can be sent in by post or, preferably, by e-mail to either
radcom@rsgb.org.uk
or gb2rs@rsgb.org.uk.
Either e-mail address can be used, because the information is shared between
GB2RS and RadCom. There is therefore
no need to submit the same information twice (although several clubs do).
Whichever e-mail address is used, the information is extracted and put
into an Excel spreadsheet. The information is extracted from the spreadsheet
on Tuesday morning for the GB2RS broadcast of the following Sunday, and
on the 26th of each month for RadCom.
The deadline for submission to GB2RS is therefore midday
each Tuesday, and the 26th of each month for RadCom - e.g. 26 February
for the April issue.
What is the deadline for submission of an item to RadCom?
That depends! RadCom is fully planned roughly two or three months ahead,
so an article of 1 or 2 pages or more, arriving unsolicited, is unlikely
to appear in print for at least that length of time. An article that is
expected for a specific issue should be sent in about 7 weeks before the
cover date, e.g. by the end of the first week of March for the May issue.
A short news item, for the news pages or 'RSGB Matters', can be submitted
up to about the beginning of
the month before the cover issue, e.g. 1 April for the May issue.
Why are the RadCom deadlines so early?
Bear in mind that RadCom is usually DELIVERED by around the 15th to 20th
of the month preceding that on the cover: the March 2005 issue was delivered
to most people on 14 February.
Posting takes on average two days. The printers require 5 working days.
Therefore the magazine needs to be fully complete at least a full week
before it is delivered - and that is not allowing any time for unforeseen
circumstances such as breakdown of e-mail, postal strikes, sickness or
any of the myriad things that can and do go wrong.
The printers' deadline is cast in stone: if we deliver late, it costs
us! Clearly a monthly magazine takes a month to produce: therefore we
start working on any particular issue around 5 or 6 weeks before it arrives
at members' homes. The last few items may be completed only 6 or 7 days
before the magazine is delivered, but clearly not
everything can be left as late as that, otherwise we'd have nothing to
do for three weeks and an impossible workload for one week! The deadline
is therefore usually given as the date when we start working on a particular
issue and that
ensures a smooth flow of work throughout the month.
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