http://www.rsgb.org/beginners/contents.htmCheck out the new United Kingdom licensing structure. What stands out to me is the new "Foundation" beginner's license. It permits operation on most bands and modes with a 10 watt limitation. They are also required to take a 10 hour training "in person" course involving safety and other practical radio elements. The Foundation license uses the prefix designation "M3".
Over the last few 75M DX window sessions working the Russians, I've requested a pause to listen for these PW, M3 Foundation stations only. Lo and behold, I had a pack of very PW stations calling with British accents.. Some were difficult to pull out. I contacted maybe ten last night. They were all pissing their pants over the opportunity to get across the pond, cuz usually they are drowned out by the big QRO European stations. Today, I received a flurry of eQSL requests....
I loved it! I'm gonna make a habit of always pausing every so often for M3 stations only, during every session.
There is also the "Intermediate" UK class who are limited to 50W. I worked a number of them too. Though, they don't have a special prefix like the Foundation guys.
So, if ya ever hear the 10 watt M3 guys on any band, give 'em a thrill and work 'em!
73,
Tom, K1JJ
