One of RASA’s first priorities was to review the chronic and ongoing QRM on the bottom end (7000-7100 kHz) of 40 metres.

Amateurs are the Primary service in this segment, and are thus protected from harmful interference under the Radio Regulations. 

Over many years, thousands of individual observations have been reported to IARU Region 3, but nothing appears to be happening.  Many people have contacted us asking about what efforts are being made to eliminate these intruders.

RASA reviewed existing reports and asked for further observations from VK radio amateurs.  Our own observations and that of many local hams reaffirmed the commonly held view that the QRM was emanating from Indonesia and SE Asia.  RASA packaged the reports up and submitted them to IARU Region 3 and also to the ACMA.  Last month we advised that we had informed both IARU Region 3 and ACMA and sought their feedback.

We are pleased to report that IARU Region 3 Director, Wisnu Widjaja YBØAZ has informed us that Region 3 have taken the issue up with the Indonesian nation amateur radio society (ORARI).  The matter was discussed at the recent Region 3 conference in South Korea.

The ACMA have also been contact with RASA and we’ve provided them with further details regarding the likely intruders.  ACMA engaged their monitoring facilities at Quoin Ridge in Tasmania to undertake further investigations.

ACMA have confirmed that these transmissions are in the 7000-7100 kHz amateur band.

RASA are liaising further with ACMA.

 

We’ll keep you updated on these matters.  Eliminating the QRM will not be an easy or quick fix, but RASA continues to pursue all legal and regulatory avenues.  Stay tuned….