Radio hams condemn Chinese intruders

As the so-called 'Firedragon' jammer continues to transmit in one or more Amateur Radio bands, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and three of its Region 3 member-societies so far have appealed to the jammer's target to move elsewhere.

The Firedragon's all-music transmissions from the People's Republic of China (PRC) appear aimed at blocking the much-weaker broadcasts of the clandestine 'Sound of Hope' SOH), located outside the PRC.

Responding via e-mail September 5 to an inquiry from IARU Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS) Vice Coordinator Uli Bihlmayer, DJ9KR, the SOH said its supporters use various avenues "including Amateur Radio frequencies" to get their message into the PRC.

The ARRL have advised that WIA Director Glenn Dunstan, VK4DU, told the Sound of Hope via e-mail last week that if it wants the support of the international community, it should move its transmissions into legitimate broadcasting spectrum. "There is more than enough radio spectrum for you to use outside of the Amateur Radio bands," 4DU said September 5. "You are in breach of international radio regulations."

A similar reaction came September 6 from Amateur Radio Society of India (ARSI) Monitoring System Coordinator B.L. Manohar Arasu, VU2UR, who pointed the finger at both the Sound of Hope and the Firedragon music jammer.

"We, the Indian Amateur Radio operators, condemn both of you for using Amateur Radio frequencies," he said. "Please leave the frequencies clear at the earliest." Arasu suggested the jamming not only was bothersome to everyday hamming but could cause problems for emergency communication by
radio amateurs.

Latest news stories..

• Get our news headlines for your website • Submit your news story