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ENAMS 2.0 available for pre-orders
· HF, SpectrumTagged · Sylvain, F4GKR

What is ENAMS ?

ENAMS stands for Electrical Noise Area Measurement System. It is a network of receivers that automatically measures and records the background noise level in the radio frequency spectrum from 66 kHz to 31 MHz. This data is used to track the increasing levels of radio frequency interference and its impact on radio communication, particularly shortwave broadcasting and amateur radio.

Why was ENAMS created?

ENAMS was initiated by the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC) in response to the growing concern over rising noise levels in the shortwave bands. The lack of reliable and up-to-date interference measurements highlighted the need for a system like ENAMS to document and analyze the problem.

How does ENAMS work?

ENAMS utilizes Red Pitaya SDR receivers equipped with preamplifiers to cover the entire frequency range from 66 kHz to 31 MHz. These receivers are strategically located and measure the RF spectrum every ten minutes, recording both RMS and peak noise levels. The data is then collected and processed to generate statistical information and visualizations of the noise levels across different locations.

What are the key features of ENAMS 2.0?

ENAMS 2.0 is an improved version of the original system with several enhanced features:

  • Local Data Storage: ENAMS 2.0 receivers can store up to 5 years of raw and calibrated data locally on a 256 GB disk. This allows for offline operation and easier relocation of the stations.
  • I/Q Data Retrieval: ENAMS 2.0 stores I/Q data from recent measurements, allowing for retrieval and further analysis.
  • Increased Computing Power: An additional Raspberry Pi provides more processing power for handling the increased data storage and processing requirements.
  • Enhanced Reliability: The system has been designed for continuous 24⁄7 operation with improved reliability.
  • Offline Operation: ENAMS 2.0 units can operate without a continuous internet connection. They only need to connect periodically to upload data.

Why is ENAMS 2.0 important for the amateur radio community?

ENAMS 2.0 provides crucial data that can be used to advocate for better protection of amateur radio frequencies. The statistically sound information gathered by the system demonstrates the inadequacy of previous ITU noise measurements in today’s environment, where cumulative noise from various sources is significantly impacting radio communication.

How can I contribute to the ENAMS project?

The IARU R1, in collaboration with DARC and the ENAMS team, is planning to make a second batch of ENAMS 2.0 units available by late 2024. Amateur radio operators and organizations can contribute by:

  • Purchasing an ENAMS 2.0 Unit: If you are interested in supporting the project and hosting an ENAMS 2.0 receiver, you can pre-order a unit from the DARC here https://​darcverlag​.de/​E​N​A​M​S​-20
  • Spreading Awareness: Raising awareness about the ENAMS project within your local amateur radio community and encouraging participation.

Where can I find more information about ENAMS?

More information, including technical details, data visualizations, and the latest updates on the ENAMS project, can be found on the ENAMS website: www​.enams​.de.

Preorder your unit here : https://​darcverlag​.de/​E​N​A​M​S​-20

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Ice Hockey World Championship amateur radio activity and award
· HF, News · Mats, SM6EAN

During the 87th Ice Hockey World Championship in the Czech Republic, radio clubs OK5T and OK5Z, together with their friends, will operate 16 special event stations from 27.4.2024 to 26.5.2024.

Special even stations will be active on 160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m and 10m using SSB, CW and DIGI modes (RTTY, PSKxx, FTx).

Please see the linked rules document for activity and the award. Rules

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HF Beacon CS3B (Madeira) destroyed in Wildfire
· HF, News · admin

The radio beacon CS3B on the Portuguese island of Madeira was destroyed by fire on 12 October 2023. The picture shows the destroyed radio (ICOM 7200), it had only been installed in September 2023. CS3B was part of the NCDXF’s International Beacon Project (IBP), a series of HF beacons operating on 14,100, 18,110, 21,150, 24,930 and 28,200 kHz. 

The site of CS3B is off the northwest coast of Africa and was an ideal location to test radio propagation on the HF bands to Europe and North America.

The fire damage to the site is quite extensive, as the building that housed the beacon was destroyed, as was the antenna. Given the extensive damage to the beacon and the building, this HF beacon is likely to be out of service for some time. 

Ricardo Martins — CT3KN Presidente da Delegação REP-Madeira: “We are in touch with NCDXF and they are about to send us another set of equipments.”

For more information on the International Beacon Network, visit
https://​www​.ncdxf​.org/​b​e​a​c​on/ (Source: EI7GL, REP Madeira, DARC HF Dept.)

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IARU HF World Championship 2023
· Events, HF, IARU, News · admin

The IARU HF World Championship will take place on the bands this year 
from 8 to 9 July, non-stop for 24 hours. The competition is held to support amateur self-training in radiocommunications including improving amateur operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and intercommunicating with other amateurs around the world, especially IARU Member Society headquarters stations, using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. The modes of transmission to be used are Morse code telegraphy (CW) and SSB Phone.

It starts on Saturday at 12:00 UTC. You can find the contest rules at the following URL: https://​contests​.arrl​.org/​C​o​n​t​e​s​t​R​u​l​e​s​/​I​A​R​U​-​H​F​-​R​u​l​e​s​.​pdf

The picture shows the start of the championship last year at 1200 UTC on the 20 m band at the Dutch WebSDR station at the University of Twente. Credit: Amateur Radio Club ETGD / PI4THT / Faculty for Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands

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