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The 23cm band/RNSS story continues within the European CEPT region
· Spectrum · Barry, G4SJH

During the week before Christmas, CEPT project team FM44 finished their work on a draft ECC Decision to designate and harmonise the three GALILEO radio navigation satellite service bands including the E6 band 1258 to 1300 MHz. In this band the technical and operational constraints on the amateur and amateur satellite services are to be included for use by any CEPT regulators that decide to implement the Decision nationally. The technical measures are the same as those proposed in ITU‑R Recommendation M.2164adopted at the end of 2023 just ahead of the WRC-23.

The draft ECC Decision will now go forward to the parent group WG-FM to be considered at the next plenary meeting in February and that meeting may adopt the draft for Public Consultation subject to there being no objections in the two week period following the meeting. The Public Consultation will follow and proceed for at least six weeks. Any comments received will be collated and provided to the project team FM44 for consideration so that a final draft can be provided to the parent WG-FM for their meeting in mid-June. Finally it will be adopted for publication at the CEPT top level (the ECC) and this could happen at their meeting scheduled for the end of June 2025. It is common for the regulators in that meeting who expect to implement a new Decision to identify their intention to do so. 

Then the relevant national procedures will follow.

IARU R1 continues to be actively engaged in the work in CEPT.

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ENAMS online presentations
· News, Spectrum · Mats, SM6EAN

Recently news post on the IARU-R1 website and email have informed about the new generation of the noise measuring receiver ENAMS 2.0 (developed by DARC) within the IARU-R1 Noise Measuring Campaign (NMC). In order to spread information and to allow for questions about ENAMS 2.0, please find the linked schedule for the upcoming presentations in November and December 2024. The ENAMS team is glad to tell you about the necessity, advantages and technical details of the proposed ENAMS 2.0 rollout.

Feel free to select a date and time convenient to you. The target audience is the leadership of your amateuer radio society, plus any specialists involved in EMC matters.

Link Booking form

We are looking forward to meeting you at one of the upcoming webinars.

73
Wolf OE1MHZ
Chair, EMC Committee IARU Region 1

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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/ENAMS-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/ENAMS-20

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