Major intruder on 40-metre ham radio band identified and being dealt with

The IARU Monitoring system has identified a major intruder on 7 086,5 kHz. The station, part of Global Link, illegally uses the frequency to provide email and fax services to shipping. The advertised frequency is 7 085 KHz, but the German telecommunications authority identified the exact frequency as 7 086,5 kHz.

The intruder was identified by the IARU Monitoring system. Collating reports from several corners of the world, the German IARUMS group lodged an official complaint with their Government who has taken up the intrusion with China where the station is operational. As China is now a member of the ITU, it is expected that swift action will be taken to get the station removed from the amateur radio allocation. Global Link is operated by Kielradio in Germany and uses Pactor III to provide a commercial email and fax service.

In the October IARUMS Region 1 report there are several intruders or illegal operators reporting to be using 7 056 kHz. Several operators were monitored with strong signals into Nairobi. The stations seem mobile and speak English with a strong South African accent. They operate around 08:00, 12:00 and 18:00 CAT, some times also later in the evening. Names like Jim, Ryan, Quentin, Jeff, Chris, and Lisa are frequently used to identify the operators.

The SARL IARUMS urgently request radio amateurs and short-wave listeners in South and Southern Africa to monitor the operations and report any additional information. Please make a concerted effort this week so that the SARL IARUMS group can request ICASA to intervene.

While in the process of setting up an IARUMS section and Email address on the SARL web please use armi@sarl.org.za for your reports. A copy of the form setting out the required format can be down loaded from www.amateurradio.org.za/iarumsreport or send an email to armi@sarl.org with a request in the subject line to have the form emailed to you.

The SARL IARUMS group will hold a teleconference on 13 December to discuss various monitoring and reporting procedures. If you would like join IARUMS as part of the SARL Divisional Advisors programme, please send the following details to hans@intekom.co.za: full names, club affiliation, email address, telephone numbers and if available on Skype your Skype ID. Please note that to take part in the teleconference a landline is required.

Another interference problem has been experienced in the Pretoria area. The interference seems widespread and sounds like a strong 50 hertz hum. The signal is extremely strong during the day but fades as the 40 metre band opens for DX during the evenings. The signal originates on 7 206 KHz but spreads far into the amateur segment of the 40 metre band. The ICASA Interference unit is investigating the source of interference. You can help by checking 7 206 kHz and report the signal strength at your location. Please mail your findings to armi@sarl.org.za. Please indicate your area, equipment and antenna.

Courtesy of The South African Radio League

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