David Rankin, 9V1RH, passed away this morning at age 74. He leaves behind his XYL Adeline and his two children, Sheila and Edward. 

Anyone who ever had a QSO with him would remember his engaging conversations and friendly manner. He was an incredibly knowledgeable Ham who was dedicated to Amateur Radio. He was also an amazingly genuine and warm human being, always there to lend a listening ear. His departure means a great loss to SARTS and also to the worldwide Amateur Radio fraternity.

The iDA has kindly approved our request to use higher transmit power for VHF fixed stations. The maximum limit is now 25 Watts, up from the previous 10 Watts. This is with immediate effect 

The iDA announced that they would no longer be undertaking inspections of Amateur Radio Stations for both new and existing Amateurs. However, Amateur Radio Equipment (Rigs) still need to be Individual Type Approved by the iDA before they can be used.

JOTA 2008

About 80 Scouts took part in the 51^st JOTA which was successfully organised at 2 separate locations on October 18^th. 

9V1SJ operated from St Andrew's Secondary School from 0100 to 0800Z and later at the S'pore Scouts Association Campsite in Sarimbun for the BSA from 1000 to 1300Z.

Despite a low Sunspot Number, the St Andrew's Station, using a 2 band wire dipole, managed to contact scouts in Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan. 

The Sarimbun Station, using a 8 meter length of cheap wire strung up a tree, was able to make QSOs into Indonesia, Australia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Bulgaria.

Special thanks to Ron 9V1RJ, Gim 9V1OO, Perry 4F4PA and Toon 9V1HO for helping out in this event. 

Also thanks to Philip Brennan, the Boy Scouts of America Coordinator and Alex Choo, the S'pore Scouts Coordinator.

The Infocomm Development Authority (iDA) may issue a Temporary Amateur Station Licence to hams visiting Singapore which can be valid for up to 3 months. Application must be made online in the iDA website at least 3 weeks prior to arrival. 

The station callsign will be 9V1/homecall.

Approval has been given by the iDA for SARTS members to use the callsign 9V1F1 to commemorate the Formula 1 Races which will be held in downtown Singapore, at night, from September 26^th to 28^th.

SARTS members may use the callsign from Aug 26^th until Sep 30^th 2008 (UTC).

Outward QSLing will be 100%. Members using this callsign will be responsible for printing the QSL labels and sticking them onto the QSL cards, which will be provided by SARTS.

Members using this special event callsign are required to maintain a computer log and submit a copy in ADIF format to a to-be-appointed co-ordinator. 

In order to prevent confusion amongst DX stations arising from multiple 9V1F1 stations operating on the same band, in the same mode, at the same time, members are required to book their operating slots with Darryl 9V1DE. A timetable will be drawn out and will be published on the web. Booking of slots will commence after National Day. 

This slot booking system will also facilitate distribution of incoming QSL cards.