Post by David (N4DLT) on Aug 29, 2009 7:32:18 GMT -5
The following is a Q-S-T. A study says that sunspots seem to be disappearing. Will they stay away for good? Also, a new a microwave contact distance record is set in New Zealand, uncoordinated digital audio repeaters are found to be interfering with ham radio satellites and an editorial in QST warns against amateur radio's emergency communications capability being used improperly. All this and more on Amateur Radio Newsline™ report number 1672 coming your way right now.
RADIO WAVES: TWO ASTRONOMERS PREDICT SUNSPOTS WILL SOON COMPLETELY DISAPPEAR
Are sunspots disappearing for good? Two solar researchers say this is the case. Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has more:
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Most hams users know that there is a direct correlation between sunspots and high frequency propagation conditions. In general, the more sunspots there are, the more DX you will be able to work. This usually happens in 11 year cycles with the last solar maximum having taken place in 2000.
The current Solar Cycle which is Cycle 24 should peak in roughly next year in 2010. Only one problem. There have been few sunspots this year and very little easy to work DX. And now there may be an answer as to why.
Spaceweather.com reports that astronomers Bill Livingston and Matt Penn of the National Solar Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, have found that sunspot magnetic fields are definitely waning. Not only that. They say that sunspots could completely disappear within decades.
Livingston and Penn have been measuring solar magnetism since 1992. Their technique is based on a complex system called the Zeeman splitting of infrared spectral lines emitted by iron atoms in the vicinity of sunspots. They reached their conclusion by extrapolating their already collected data into the future.
But Spaceweather also says not to count out sunspots just yet. It notes that while the data of Livingston and Penn is widely thought to be correct, that any far reaching extrapolations may be premature. It says that this type of measurement is relatively new, and the data reaches back less than 17 years. In the end it appears as if the giant solar disk we call the sun is the only one who holds the answers to the future of its spots and how good DX will be in the coming years.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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And a bit of an astro physics lesson before we leave this story. For those not aware, sunspots are made of magnetism. In other words a sunspot is not matter but rather a strong magnetic field that appears dark because it blocks the upward flow of heat from the sun's fiery depths. Spaceweather says that without magnetism, there would be no sunspots. (Spaceweather, others)
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RADIO RECORDS: NEW ZL 3 CM RECORD SET
A new record for a microwave contact has been established down-under. This with word that an April 1st SSB voice contact on 10.368 GHz between ZL1TPH in Cape Reinga and ZL2IP operating from North Egmont has been confirmed under New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Society rules.
The distance between the two hams was 551 Kilometers and its considered as being a new New Zealand milestone record. It is also believed to be the longest terrestrial distance contact ever recorded on the 3 centimeter band made to date. (NZART, Southgate)
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RADIO LAW: NO MORE Q SUFFIX CALLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's telecommunications regulator ICASA has confirmed that it has blocked the further issuance of any ham radio call with suffixes that are part of the Q codes and will also not issue a call with the suffix SOS.
Its reported that only a few South African hams and one club call sign are in the now unused Q-code group. When these call signs are no longer in use they will also be added to the blocked list. South African hams who have call signs with Q-code suffixes are being urged to apply for a call sign change. (SARL)
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RADIO LAW: UNCOORDINATED D-STAR REPEATERS IN ITU REGION 1 INTERFEREING WITH HAMSATS
D-Star repeaters in I-T-U Region 1 operating uncoordinated in the Amateur Satellite band are reportedly playing havoc with ham radio satellite communications worldwide. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the details:
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ITU Region one is made up of Europe, Africa, the Middle East west of the Persian Gulf including Iraq, the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. The problem came to light with the recent publication of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 VHF/UHF/Microwave newsletter. It details the interference problems being caused by uncoordinated D-Star repeaters operating in the band segments reserved for Amateur Satellite operations.
The newsletter says a recent planning conference recognized the frequency needs for digital voice, and the bandplans were adjusted accordingly. In other words there are now specific spectral parcels in I-T-U Region One where repeaters using digital voice technology are to operate and no place else.
But the story goes on to note that the rising number of D-Star users in some countries has lead to what it terms as uncoordinated growth. It also notes reports that D-Star repeaters are operating in the 2 meter protected satellite segment.
The newsletter condemns these operations calling them deplorable. It goes on to note that hams complain about interference in the satellite segment caused by pirate operators and illegal telephone systems, while jamming the satellite segment themselves with uncoordinated digital voice repeater operations. It also notes that what it terms as irregular repeater shifts or input to output separation is yet also another source of interference to other ham radio operations.
IARU Region 1 is now laying down the proverbial gauntlet. It says that whenever a new D-Star repeater is to be set up, it must operate on a coordinated frequency pair. This, even if this means that an existing analogue repeater has to be switched off for this purpose.
Michael Kastelic, OE1MCU, who edits the IARU Region 1 VHF/UHF/Microwave newsletter takes it even a step further. He is urgently requesting that all Region 1 VHF managers monitor the developments in their countries and to use their influence to remedy the situation as required. And while he does not say it in these specific terms Kastelic seems to be suggesting that if an uncoordinated D-Star repeater shows up in the amateur satellite subband it may be time to have government telecommunications regulators for the nation its in, order it off the air.
No word from if any of the uncoordinated repeaters targeted by this editorial have or will voluntarily comply and move out of the amateur satellite band.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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In many ways it appears as if the popularity of D-Star in some parts of the wold is such that its literally going through the same growing pains that analog FM repeaters saw in the late 1960's through the early 1970's. You can read more on-line at www.iaru-r1.org/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=173&func=select&id=6 (IARU, Southgate)
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D-STAR NEWS: FIRST EVER NON-ICOM D-STAR REPEATER JOINS G2 NETWORK
Meantime, David Lake, G4ULF, and members of the Ashdown Forest Repeater Group have the first non-Icom D-Star repeater in coordinated prototype operation in the United Kingdom. The GB7MH repeater hardware is a modified Tait T800 repeater operating in full GMSK mode with the D-Star standard 6.25 KHz bandwidth. The repeater uses the GMSK Node Adapter developed by Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ, in Japan.
With the cooperation and support of the Trust Server Team in Texas, the repeater GB7MH is connected to the G2 network. It is running popular software including the DPLUS module developed by Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC. It also can run Pete Loveall, AE5PL’s DSTARMONITOR code unmodified.
The repeater is usually connected to REF005A and is capable of full callsign routing to and from the live G2 network. It provides station updates and includes a self-service registration page similar to the Icom registration.
The GB7MH D-Star system is currently undergoing rigorous testing to ensure the integrity of the worldwide G2 network. The software will not be made available until testing has been completed. You can follow the developments of this first ever non-Icom D-Star repeater at t g4ulf.blogspot.com. (Georgia D-Star, QRZ.com)
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BREAK 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the NS9RC repeater of the North Shore Amateur Radio Club and their net serving Highland Park Illinois.
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RADIO RULES: PECUNIARY INTEREST - A QST EDITORIAL BY K1ZZ
Whether or not you are a member of the ARRL, the editorial in the September issue of QST Magazine is must reading for any radio amateur who is even remotely concerned over the rising problem of ham radio being used for things its was never intended. We are talking about the attempt to commercialize the hobby by some cities, towns and employers under the guise of it being emergency preparedness. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is in our newsroom with more:
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Titled "It Seems To Us: Pecuniary Interest" the editorial was penned by ARRL Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. In it he takes a close look at the level to which ham radio emergency communications has matured to where its looked upon as being among the most reliable in the world. And because of this, there are some who would exploit it as a way to have an emergency communications or public service network available and on call at little or no cost to a given business or municipality.
Indeed, Sumner cites one case of a medical worker who objected to the FCC interpretation of rule 97.113(a)(3). This when that unnamed worker was told that employees cannot transmit communications on behalf of the hospital while on duty.
Sumner's editorial says that the ARRL Board of Directors is already looking at the problem, but he really implies that it is the nations ham community that must think carefully about what its being asked to do by municipalities, service providers and employers before signing on. K1ZZ notes that there are other radio services designated for the purpose of routine business communications and warns that ham radio must not permit itself to be exploited by those who are to frugal to use them.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, in the City of Angels.
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"It Seems To Us: Pecuniary Interest" can be found on page 9 of the September issue of QST. Reading it aloud and discussing it might make for an excellent program for your next radio club meeting. (ARNewsline™ based on K1ZZ editorial)
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HAM RADIO FUTURE: HAS CONTESTING REACHED ITS PEAK
Another article worth reading and discussing is titled Has Contesting Reached Its Peak appearing in the still available August issue of CQ Magazine. In it author John Dorr, K1AR, notes that even with a decline in the overall number of licensed radio amateurs world-wide that interest in radio sporting or contesting is at an all time high. Dorr's article looks into the likely reason for this interesting trend and postulates on what the future may be. It’s a good read for anyone with an interest in radio sports or the overall future of our hobby. (ARNewsline™)
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ENFORCEMENT: MALL RADIO JAMMER BONDY FINED $24,000 AND PUT ON 2 YEARS PROBATION
And yet another follow-up on the strange case of a man who tried to jam a mall security oppression off of its assigned frequencies. A California State Court has put 25 year old radio jammer Kevin William Bondy on two years of probation, fined him $24,000, and ordered him to forfeit his radio gear.
According to the Ventura County Star newspaper, the sentence was imposed by Superior Court Judge Edward Brodie as part of a plea agreement. This after Bondy pleaded no contest on Thursday, August 20th to a misdemeanor charge making annoying phone calls in connection with an incident that happened last spring.
As you my recall, Bondy was caught by an FCC agent and local police officers while interfering with the radio operations at The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, California. Reports say that Bondy had demanded that the mall's security officers turn their radio frequencies to him and threatened to jam all of the malls radio communications unless his demand was met.
After he was caught the FCC issued its own $24,000 Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary Forfeiture to Bondy. This for what it termed as his apparent, willful and repeated violation of the Commission's Rules by engaging in unlicensed radio operation, intentional interference to licensed radio operations and failing to allow an inspection of his radio equipment by Commission personnel. That order has since been affirmed.
Bottom line: Bondy has to pay $24,000 to the Federal government and another $24,000 to the state of California. This, with the latter keeping track of him over the next 24 months. (CGC)
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RADIO LAW: CONGRESS MAY ALLOW CELLPHONE JAMMING IN PRISONS
States may soon seek permission to legally jam wireless cell phones in prisons to stop inmates from organizing crimes from behind bars. This, under a under a measure recently approved by a Senate committee.
The bipartisan measure is being sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and Maryland's Senator Barbara Mikulski as its Democratic co-sponsor. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has endorsed the measure and has now sent it to the full Senate for consideration.
Law enforcement officials nationwide have long called for a change in the current law, which doesn't allow states to interfere with cell phone transmissions. The new legislation would require the FCC to consider all available technologies that could be used to block unauthorized wireless communications in correctional facilities.
If signed into law, the legislation would allow states to petition the FCC for permission to use wireless cell phone jamming technology. However critics contend that cell phone jamming could interfere with emergency response and legitimate cell phone use near prisons. (Published news reports)
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RADIO LAW: LACK OF GLOBAL DEMAND ENDS MOST COPPER THEFTS
It wasn't long ago when we were reporting that the theft of copper and other conductive metals was rampant. Power lines were cut down for their copper content, pipes in buildings under construction were ripped away, and wiring was disappearing.
But that’s no longer the case as the global recession has resulted in a drop in demand for most metals with copper among the hardest hit.
The price of copper reached an all-time high in mid-2008 of more than $4 per pound on the world market, with the greatest demand from China. That price then plummeted to $1.50 per pound shortly after the global economic recession began last fall. This makes it not very profitable for a thief to risk his or her life for less than the price of a hot dog from a street vendor.
Add to this newly enacted laws like one in California that requires scrap metal dealers buying bulk metal to get a photo ID from anyone bringing in the items and to delay payment for three days. It also requires recyclers to photograph the items, pay only by check and take the seller's thumbprint. (Union-Tribune)
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RESCUE RADIO: PAINT ON PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR CELLS HOLD PROMISE FOR ENCOMM
Science Daily reports that solar cells could soon be produced more cheaply using nanoparticle inks that allow them to be printed like newspaper or painted onto the sides of buildings or rooftops. This to absorb sunlight and produce electric power.
The article cites the work of University of Texas chemical engineer Brian Korgel. Korgel is hoping to cut the cost of producing high output solar cells to one tenth of their current price by replacing the standard manufacturing process for solar cells.
Right now photovoltaic cells are made using a gas phase depositing system that must be carried out in a vacuum chamber and requiring high temperatures. For the past two years, Korgel and his team have been working on this low-cost, nanomaterials solution to photovoltaics manufacturing. He believes that nanomaterial inks could be printed onto a surface using a roll-to-roll process on a plastic substrate or stainless steel. Because of this the prospect of being able to paint the inks onto a rooftop or building is not far fetched as one might at first believe.
His team has so far developed solar-cell prototypes with efficiencies at one percent but notes they need to be about 10 percent. He says that if he can get the level to the 10 percent mark, then there’s real potential for commercialization. He says that then you could see this new production technique being used in three to five years. For hams involved in public service and emergency communications work, such a source of sunlight power used to charge battery banks would mean communications could continue even if the power mains we out of service for an extended period of time.
Funding for the research comes from the National Science Foundation, the Welch Foundation and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The complete story is at www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115907.htm (Science Daily)
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A SIGN OF THE TIMES: ONCE BUSY UK PACKET NODE TO CLOSE
Call it a sign of the times. The GB7NT packet radio node is to close due to an ever dwindling numbers and the often thankless task of maintaining the equipment.
The GB7NT packet radio node first came on the air in October 1993 and has been providing a service to radio amateurs in the South-East Wales area for almost seventeen years. But the use of Packet as va direct or forwarding mesasaging system has been on the downslide for years, supplanted by e-mail o0ver the Internet.
Now, Steve Cole, GW4BLE, the SysOp GB7NT says that he will close the node unless there is shown to be sufficient enthusiasm for it to remain on-air. He says that currently most former the daily users of the service are now using other non-radio means to access DX Cluster information. (GW4BLE, Southgate)
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THE SOCIAL SCENE: ILLW 2009 DEEMED AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS
The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend held on August 15th and 16th had an all time record 442 registrations from 50 countries. The event began in 1995 in Scotland as the Northern Lighthouses Award for ham radio operators, and went international event two years later.
Alaska was a first this year with an entry for Sentinel Island. Germany listed 55 lighthouses, Australia 49, USA 47, and England 43. Malaysia celebrated its lighthouse weekend with nine lighthouses. The Azores, Balearic Islands, Egypt, Slovenia, Panama were some of the smaller countries represented with one entry from each. The initial tally shows participation by lighthouses and Lightships worldwide up some 10% over 2008. (Amateur Radio Victoria)
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THE SOCIAL SCENE: CELEBRATING HPM AT AGE 140
And back in the United States the ARRL has announced that the Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday
celebration is back this year honoring the 140th anniversary of the birth of the League's first president and co-founder who held the call letters W1AW. The special event is open to all amateurs, and the goal is to work the stations adding /140 to their callsigns, and contact as many as possible during the event period, September 2nd to the 9th. A special certificate is available for making at least 25 contacts with endorsement increments of 25, and a maximum endorsement of 100. More information can be found in the September issue of QST magazine. (ARRL)
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BREAK 2
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: THE LATEST DTV CONVERSION STATS
Almost everyone in the United States who watches television can now see it digitally. Again, Amateur Radio Newsline's Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, has the latest numbers:
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The A.C. Nielsen data survey company now reports that as of Wednesday, July 29th that 98.9% of United States homes are able to receive digital television signals. This is a gain of 229,000 homes in the last two weeks of July and 1.3 million homes since the week of the June 12 digital television transition.
Among the 56 local markets that Nielsen measures there are 32 markets not far behind with less than 1% of TV households completely unready. Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico at 3.5% each continue to have the highest percentage of homes that cannot receive digital signals from full powered U.S. television stations. In fact, the markets with the most households unable to receive digital television tend to be in the Western United States. That’s where cable availability is lower than to the East.
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The report did not say how long it might be before the remaining 1.2% without digital converters or a pay service will take to get on board with DTV. (TV Tech)
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WORLDBEAT: VK RADIO ANALOG STATIONS WANT GOVERNMENT JAMMING OF DIGITAL
Legal jamming on the broadcast band. That’s what some analogue FM radio stations in the Australian city of Geelong are asking their telecommunications regulator to do. This, because they fear their listeners will be lured to tune into the new digital transmission stations in near-by Melbourne.
Grant Broadcasters Pty Ltd which operate two FM stations in Geelong has called on the Australian Communications and Media Authority to jam the Melbourne signals. They say this is needed is because there will be a considerable time delay in extending digital radio to Geelong and other regional areas and they do not want to loose listenership in the meantime.
The government owned broadcasters ABC and SBS are obviously opposed to their digital signals being denied to Geelong or anyplace else. The Australian Communications and Media Authority says that it is considering options for the introduction of what it terms as coverage management systems to stop the fortuitous digital radio coverage.
According to news reports, if the proposed jamming of the digital broadcasts does go ahead it would need to be funded by broadcasters claiming the need for market protection. (VK3PC)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: SUITSAT 2 NOW ARISSAT-1
The SuitSat-2 project now has a new name to go with its new shape. Its now known as ARISSat-1.
ARISS Chairman Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, the announced the new name for the satellite project last week. The team is now moving ahead using the same hardware that was to fly in the Russian spacesuit that got tossed away into space.
The ARISSat-1 team is re-configuring some of the modules to fit into the new space structure being designed by Bob Davis, KF4KSS and his crew. No date as to when ARISSat-1 will be tossed into orbit from the ISS. (AMSAT)
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ON THE AIR: TEXAS CLUB TO ACTIVATE WILLOW ISLAND ON SEPT 5
On the air, the Tri-County Amateur Radio Club of North Texas, will activate for the first time as WC5C from Willow Island located in Lake Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. The operation will take place on September 5th mainly be on 40 and 20 meter SSB but they will QSY to accommodate stations on other High Frequency bands or modes. In addition to SSB, PSK31 and CW will both be available.
Willow Island is primarily Tanglewood and poison ivy with some wildlife. The club will access the island by boat, canoe and kayak. Primary hours of operation will be 1400 UTC to 2200 UTC, but possibly continuing into the night depending on conditions.
A commemorative QSL card will be sent to all contacts acknowledging them as remote participants in the first activation of Willow Island. Return cards from all who make contact will be appreciated by the club so as qualify the island for future status. (Southgate)
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ON THE AIR: THE 2009 EUROPEAN PSK CONTEST
And the European PSK Club is inviting hams world wide to take part in the 2009 CIS DX QPSK63 Contest. The event is slated for September 19th and 20th. Contest, rules and other information can be found on the Web at www.cisdx.srars.org (Southgate)
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DX
In DX, word that SP5EAQ and -SP5DRH will be active as 3D2MJ and 3D2KJ, respectively, from Viti Levu, Fiji for four starting October 1st. Their operation will be on all bands, but with an emphasis
on the lower high frequency bands. They plan to use two stations with small amps and vertical antennas. QSL via their home callsigns.
Currently, two operators are active from here. CT1GPQ, now active from Timor Leste as 4W6AL, will be there until October 3rd. He is there with a medical team and radio operations will take place only during his spare time. QSL via CT1GFK.
Also on from Timor Leste is VK4FR active as 4W6FR. He will be there until mid-October on a work assignment. Hes believed to be operating on 30 and 20 meters using PSK31. QSL 4W6FR via VK4FW.
HA3JB, will be active portable 5B from Cyprus through October 2nd. This is a new Hungarian International Police Association activation and is valid for HA-IPARC Award. QSL as directed on the air.
AC2AI will be active as 9M6 stroke JJ2CJB from the Langkah Syabas Beach Resort on the Island of Borneo for the CQWW DX SSB Contest on October 24th and 25th. He plans to run 400 watts into a Force12 C4 beam. QSL via LoTW, e-QSL or the JA Bureau.
PA1TK, PA5WT and PA3GVI will be on the air from Luxombourg stroke LX between September 4th to the 7th. Look for Kees and Rob to focus on 80-10 meters using CW and SSB whhile Theo operates in the IARU VHF Contest on 2 meters. QSL via their home callsigns.
Lastly, AA5UK, will be active portable EA6 from Ibiza in the Baleric Islands from October 14th to the 29th. His operation will be holiday style on 160 through 10 meters using mostly SSB and various Digital modes. Also, look for satellite activity on various birds. QSL via his home callsign, via the bureau, LoTW or eQSL.
(Above from various DX news sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: THE STORY OF THE MAN WHO TRAINS ASTRONAUTS TO BE HAMS
And finally this week, since 1983 many orbital space missions have taken along amateur radio gear. The first ham in space was Owen Garriott, W5LFL. He was followed by Tony England, W0ORE, after which ham radio in space was formalized. First, under the title of the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment or SAREX and today as ARISS or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. And with amateur radio a part of the astronauts training, someone on the ground has to teach them. Recently, Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, had a chance to meet and talk with the man who really is the ham behind the ham radio operators in space: Nick Lance, KC5KBO:
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Do you remember where you were when NASA embarked on the Apollo space program that culminated with U.S. astronauts landing on and exploring the moon? Nick Lance, KC5KBO, does.
He joined NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston at the time of Apollo 7 in the late 1960s. He was there through that historic Apollo 11 mission and worked for some 40 years for the space agency until his retirement Aug. 1.
"The first 17 years I worked in advanced life support - that's where we developed the hardware and technology to keep the astronaut alive and comfortable," Lance recalls. "And, since that time I've been in many different roles in the program and project management, including program management for the international space station way back in the mid-80s to 90s, and other roles in the engineering directorate."
But in the mid-1990s, Lance says his friend, astronaut Marsha Ivins, came to him with a proposal. She has flown on five space shuttle missions and is currently assigned to the Constellation branch of the astronaut office.
"She said if you could teach ham radio to your young kids - my son got his license when he was 7 - that I could teach it to astronauts, too, probably," Lance says. "So we developed a course, an accelerated course because their time is valuable. And, were able to teach them, in probably at the time, maybe six hours when there were about 900 questions in the Technician question pool.
"And now that there are less questions, we can do that in about three hours for the current crew.
That was at least 10 years ago, Lance says, and a lot of astronauts have gotten their ham ticket thanks to his efforts as their Elmer.
"Well, we've probably licensed - I'm going to guess - in the 50 range or so, probably anybody with a Kilo Charlie or Kilo Delta or Kilo Echo 5 call sign has gone through the radio class that we provide there," Lance says. "There are some crewmen who have not gone up yet and hopefully they'll get a chance to before the space station program is over."
And, Lance says his classes have attracted more than just the astronauts.
"We had several classes of astronauts who brought their wives and their children in to so they could all learn together," Lance says. "It was a good opportunity because some of the crew wanted to talk to their family from space, too.
"And that afforded them the opportunity to do those direct contacts."
Lance says once licensed and aboard the space station on missions, the astronauts enjoy getting on the amateur radio spectrum talking to school students as well as regular hams around the globe.
"Well, a lot of them do like to participate in the ARISS program, get to talk to people on the ground. It's a neat way to be in contact, in direct contact with the supporting public."
Lance says he's pleased with the feedback he's gotten over the years from inside as well as outside NASA.
"It's great to hear that other people have the opportunity now to talk to an astronaut, something that, you know, was heretofore reserved for capsule communicators," Lance says. "But now it opens it up to anybody with a two-watt hand-held. So that's really heartening to know that I had a small part in doing that."
And, despite his recent retirement, Lance says he will voluntarily continue his work training the next generation of astronauts to get their ham tickets.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in Ocean City, MD.
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That’s only a small part of what KC5KBO has to tell. You can hear Mark's complete 8 minute interview with him on our website under Special Reports. We think that you will enjoy the story that Nick has to tell. (NT3V, ARNewsline)
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NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's™ only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline™, P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Don Carlson, KQ6FM, in Reno, Nevada, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.
Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
__________________
Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ
Publisher, QRZ.COM
aa7bq@qrz.com
RADIO WAVES: TWO ASTRONOMERS PREDICT SUNSPOTS WILL SOON COMPLETELY DISAPPEAR
Are sunspots disappearing for good? Two solar researchers say this is the case. Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has more:
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Most hams users know that there is a direct correlation between sunspots and high frequency propagation conditions. In general, the more sunspots there are, the more DX you will be able to work. This usually happens in 11 year cycles with the last solar maximum having taken place in 2000.
The current Solar Cycle which is Cycle 24 should peak in roughly next year in 2010. Only one problem. There have been few sunspots this year and very little easy to work DX. And now there may be an answer as to why.
Spaceweather.com reports that astronomers Bill Livingston and Matt Penn of the National Solar Observatory in Tucson, Arizona, have found that sunspot magnetic fields are definitely waning. Not only that. They say that sunspots could completely disappear within decades.
Livingston and Penn have been measuring solar magnetism since 1992. Their technique is based on a complex system called the Zeeman splitting of infrared spectral lines emitted by iron atoms in the vicinity of sunspots. They reached their conclusion by extrapolating their already collected data into the future.
But Spaceweather also says not to count out sunspots just yet. It notes that while the data of Livingston and Penn is widely thought to be correct, that any far reaching extrapolations may be premature. It says that this type of measurement is relatively new, and the data reaches back less than 17 years. In the end it appears as if the giant solar disk we call the sun is the only one who holds the answers to the future of its spots and how good DX will be in the coming years.
In Scottsdale, Arizona, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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And a bit of an astro physics lesson before we leave this story. For those not aware, sunspots are made of magnetism. In other words a sunspot is not matter but rather a strong magnetic field that appears dark because it blocks the upward flow of heat from the sun's fiery depths. Spaceweather says that without magnetism, there would be no sunspots. (Spaceweather, others)
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RADIO RECORDS: NEW ZL 3 CM RECORD SET
A new record for a microwave contact has been established down-under. This with word that an April 1st SSB voice contact on 10.368 GHz between ZL1TPH in Cape Reinga and ZL2IP operating from North Egmont has been confirmed under New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Society rules.
The distance between the two hams was 551 Kilometers and its considered as being a new New Zealand milestone record. It is also believed to be the longest terrestrial distance contact ever recorded on the 3 centimeter band made to date. (NZART, Southgate)
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RADIO LAW: NO MORE Q SUFFIX CALLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's telecommunications regulator ICASA has confirmed that it has blocked the further issuance of any ham radio call with suffixes that are part of the Q codes and will also not issue a call with the suffix SOS.
Its reported that only a few South African hams and one club call sign are in the now unused Q-code group. When these call signs are no longer in use they will also be added to the blocked list. South African hams who have call signs with Q-code suffixes are being urged to apply for a call sign change. (SARL)
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RADIO LAW: UNCOORDINATED D-STAR REPEATERS IN ITU REGION 1 INTERFEREING WITH HAMSATS
D-Star repeaters in I-T-U Region 1 operating uncoordinated in the Amateur Satellite band are reportedly playing havoc with ham radio satellite communications worldwide. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the details:
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ITU Region one is made up of Europe, Africa, the Middle East west of the Persian Gulf including Iraq, the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. The problem came to light with the recent publication of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 VHF/UHF/Microwave newsletter. It details the interference problems being caused by uncoordinated D-Star repeaters operating in the band segments reserved for Amateur Satellite operations.
The newsletter says a recent planning conference recognized the frequency needs for digital voice, and the bandplans were adjusted accordingly. In other words there are now specific spectral parcels in I-T-U Region One where repeaters using digital voice technology are to operate and no place else.
But the story goes on to note that the rising number of D-Star users in some countries has lead to what it terms as uncoordinated growth. It also notes reports that D-Star repeaters are operating in the 2 meter protected satellite segment.
The newsletter condemns these operations calling them deplorable. It goes on to note that hams complain about interference in the satellite segment caused by pirate operators and illegal telephone systems, while jamming the satellite segment themselves with uncoordinated digital voice repeater operations. It also notes that what it terms as irregular repeater shifts or input to output separation is yet also another source of interference to other ham radio operations.
IARU Region 1 is now laying down the proverbial gauntlet. It says that whenever a new D-Star repeater is to be set up, it must operate on a coordinated frequency pair. This, even if this means that an existing analogue repeater has to be switched off for this purpose.
Michael Kastelic, OE1MCU, who edits the IARU Region 1 VHF/UHF/Microwave newsletter takes it even a step further. He is urgently requesting that all Region 1 VHF managers monitor the developments in their countries and to use their influence to remedy the situation as required. And while he does not say it in these specific terms Kastelic seems to be suggesting that if an uncoordinated D-Star repeater shows up in the amateur satellite subband it may be time to have government telecommunications regulators for the nation its in, order it off the air.
No word from if any of the uncoordinated repeaters targeted by this editorial have or will voluntarily comply and move out of the amateur satellite band.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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In many ways it appears as if the popularity of D-Star in some parts of the wold is such that its literally going through the same growing pains that analog FM repeaters saw in the late 1960's through the early 1970's. You can read more on-line at www.iaru-r1.org/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=173&func=select&id=6 (IARU, Southgate)
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D-STAR NEWS: FIRST EVER NON-ICOM D-STAR REPEATER JOINS G2 NETWORK
Meantime, David Lake, G4ULF, and members of the Ashdown Forest Repeater Group have the first non-Icom D-Star repeater in coordinated prototype operation in the United Kingdom. The GB7MH repeater hardware is a modified Tait T800 repeater operating in full GMSK mode with the D-Star standard 6.25 KHz bandwidth. The repeater uses the GMSK Node Adapter developed by Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ, in Japan.
With the cooperation and support of the Trust Server Team in Texas, the repeater GB7MH is connected to the G2 network. It is running popular software including the DPLUS module developed by Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC. It also can run Pete Loveall, AE5PL’s DSTARMONITOR code unmodified.
The repeater is usually connected to REF005A and is capable of full callsign routing to and from the live G2 network. It provides station updates and includes a self-service registration page similar to the Icom registration.
The GB7MH D-Star system is currently undergoing rigorous testing to ensure the integrity of the worldwide G2 network. The software will not be made available until testing has been completed. You can follow the developments of this first ever non-Icom D-Star repeater at t g4ulf.blogspot.com. (Georgia D-Star, QRZ.com)
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BREAK 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the NS9RC repeater of the North Shore Amateur Radio Club and their net serving Highland Park Illinois.
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RADIO RULES: PECUNIARY INTEREST - A QST EDITORIAL BY K1ZZ
Whether or not you are a member of the ARRL, the editorial in the September issue of QST Magazine is must reading for any radio amateur who is even remotely concerned over the rising problem of ham radio being used for things its was never intended. We are talking about the attempt to commercialize the hobby by some cities, towns and employers under the guise of it being emergency preparedness. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is in our newsroom with more:
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Titled "It Seems To Us: Pecuniary Interest" the editorial was penned by ARRL Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. In it he takes a close look at the level to which ham radio emergency communications has matured to where its looked upon as being among the most reliable in the world. And because of this, there are some who would exploit it as a way to have an emergency communications or public service network available and on call at little or no cost to a given business or municipality.
Indeed, Sumner cites one case of a medical worker who objected to the FCC interpretation of rule 97.113(a)(3). This when that unnamed worker was told that employees cannot transmit communications on behalf of the hospital while on duty.
Sumner's editorial says that the ARRL Board of Directors is already looking at the problem, but he really implies that it is the nations ham community that must think carefully about what its being asked to do by municipalities, service providers and employers before signing on. K1ZZ notes that there are other radio services designated for the purpose of routine business communications and warns that ham radio must not permit itself to be exploited by those who are to frugal to use them.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, in the City of Angels.
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"It Seems To Us: Pecuniary Interest" can be found on page 9 of the September issue of QST. Reading it aloud and discussing it might make for an excellent program for your next radio club meeting. (ARNewsline™ based on K1ZZ editorial)
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HAM RADIO FUTURE: HAS CONTESTING REACHED ITS PEAK
Another article worth reading and discussing is titled Has Contesting Reached Its Peak appearing in the still available August issue of CQ Magazine. In it author John Dorr, K1AR, notes that even with a decline in the overall number of licensed radio amateurs world-wide that interest in radio sporting or contesting is at an all time high. Dorr's article looks into the likely reason for this interesting trend and postulates on what the future may be. It’s a good read for anyone with an interest in radio sports or the overall future of our hobby. (ARNewsline™)
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ENFORCEMENT: MALL RADIO JAMMER BONDY FINED $24,000 AND PUT ON 2 YEARS PROBATION
And yet another follow-up on the strange case of a man who tried to jam a mall security oppression off of its assigned frequencies. A California State Court has put 25 year old radio jammer Kevin William Bondy on two years of probation, fined him $24,000, and ordered him to forfeit his radio gear.
According to the Ventura County Star newspaper, the sentence was imposed by Superior Court Judge Edward Brodie as part of a plea agreement. This after Bondy pleaded no contest on Thursday, August 20th to a misdemeanor charge making annoying phone calls in connection with an incident that happened last spring.
As you my recall, Bondy was caught by an FCC agent and local police officers while interfering with the radio operations at The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, California. Reports say that Bondy had demanded that the mall's security officers turn their radio frequencies to him and threatened to jam all of the malls radio communications unless his demand was met.
After he was caught the FCC issued its own $24,000 Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary Forfeiture to Bondy. This for what it termed as his apparent, willful and repeated violation of the Commission's Rules by engaging in unlicensed radio operation, intentional interference to licensed radio operations and failing to allow an inspection of his radio equipment by Commission personnel. That order has since been affirmed.
Bottom line: Bondy has to pay $24,000 to the Federal government and another $24,000 to the state of California. This, with the latter keeping track of him over the next 24 months. (CGC)
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RADIO LAW: CONGRESS MAY ALLOW CELLPHONE JAMMING IN PRISONS
States may soon seek permission to legally jam wireless cell phones in prisons to stop inmates from organizing crimes from behind bars. This, under a under a measure recently approved by a Senate committee.
The bipartisan measure is being sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas and Maryland's Senator Barbara Mikulski as its Democratic co-sponsor. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has endorsed the measure and has now sent it to the full Senate for consideration.
Law enforcement officials nationwide have long called for a change in the current law, which doesn't allow states to interfere with cell phone transmissions. The new legislation would require the FCC to consider all available technologies that could be used to block unauthorized wireless communications in correctional facilities.
If signed into law, the legislation would allow states to petition the FCC for permission to use wireless cell phone jamming technology. However critics contend that cell phone jamming could interfere with emergency response and legitimate cell phone use near prisons. (Published news reports)
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RADIO LAW: LACK OF GLOBAL DEMAND ENDS MOST COPPER THEFTS
It wasn't long ago when we were reporting that the theft of copper and other conductive metals was rampant. Power lines were cut down for their copper content, pipes in buildings under construction were ripped away, and wiring was disappearing.
But that’s no longer the case as the global recession has resulted in a drop in demand for most metals with copper among the hardest hit.
The price of copper reached an all-time high in mid-2008 of more than $4 per pound on the world market, with the greatest demand from China. That price then plummeted to $1.50 per pound shortly after the global economic recession began last fall. This makes it not very profitable for a thief to risk his or her life for less than the price of a hot dog from a street vendor.
Add to this newly enacted laws like one in California that requires scrap metal dealers buying bulk metal to get a photo ID from anyone bringing in the items and to delay payment for three days. It also requires recyclers to photograph the items, pay only by check and take the seller's thumbprint. (Union-Tribune)
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RESCUE RADIO: PAINT ON PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR CELLS HOLD PROMISE FOR ENCOMM
Science Daily reports that solar cells could soon be produced more cheaply using nanoparticle inks that allow them to be printed like newspaper or painted onto the sides of buildings or rooftops. This to absorb sunlight and produce electric power.
The article cites the work of University of Texas chemical engineer Brian Korgel. Korgel is hoping to cut the cost of producing high output solar cells to one tenth of their current price by replacing the standard manufacturing process for solar cells.
Right now photovoltaic cells are made using a gas phase depositing system that must be carried out in a vacuum chamber and requiring high temperatures. For the past two years, Korgel and his team have been working on this low-cost, nanomaterials solution to photovoltaics manufacturing. He believes that nanomaterial inks could be printed onto a surface using a roll-to-roll process on a plastic substrate or stainless steel. Because of this the prospect of being able to paint the inks onto a rooftop or building is not far fetched as one might at first believe.
His team has so far developed solar-cell prototypes with efficiencies at one percent but notes they need to be about 10 percent. He says that if he can get the level to the 10 percent mark, then there’s real potential for commercialization. He says that then you could see this new production technique being used in three to five years. For hams involved in public service and emergency communications work, such a source of sunlight power used to charge battery banks would mean communications could continue even if the power mains we out of service for an extended period of time.
Funding for the research comes from the National Science Foundation, the Welch Foundation and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The complete story is at www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115907.htm (Science Daily)
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A SIGN OF THE TIMES: ONCE BUSY UK PACKET NODE TO CLOSE
Call it a sign of the times. The GB7NT packet radio node is to close due to an ever dwindling numbers and the often thankless task of maintaining the equipment.
The GB7NT packet radio node first came on the air in October 1993 and has been providing a service to radio amateurs in the South-East Wales area for almost seventeen years. But the use of Packet as va direct or forwarding mesasaging system has been on the downslide for years, supplanted by e-mail o0ver the Internet.
Now, Steve Cole, GW4BLE, the SysOp GB7NT says that he will close the node unless there is shown to be sufficient enthusiasm for it to remain on-air. He says that currently most former the daily users of the service are now using other non-radio means to access DX Cluster information. (GW4BLE, Southgate)
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THE SOCIAL SCENE: ILLW 2009 DEEMED AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS
The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend held on August 15th and 16th had an all time record 442 registrations from 50 countries. The event began in 1995 in Scotland as the Northern Lighthouses Award for ham radio operators, and went international event two years later.
Alaska was a first this year with an entry for Sentinel Island. Germany listed 55 lighthouses, Australia 49, USA 47, and England 43. Malaysia celebrated its lighthouse weekend with nine lighthouses. The Azores, Balearic Islands, Egypt, Slovenia, Panama were some of the smaller countries represented with one entry from each. The initial tally shows participation by lighthouses and Lightships worldwide up some 10% over 2008. (Amateur Radio Victoria)
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THE SOCIAL SCENE: CELEBRATING HPM AT AGE 140
And back in the United States the ARRL has announced that the Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday
celebration is back this year honoring the 140th anniversary of the birth of the League's first president and co-founder who held the call letters W1AW. The special event is open to all amateurs, and the goal is to work the stations adding /140 to their callsigns, and contact as many as possible during the event period, September 2nd to the 9th. A special certificate is available for making at least 25 contacts with endorsement increments of 25, and a maximum endorsement of 100. More information can be found in the September issue of QST magazine. (ARRL)
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BREAK 2
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: THE LATEST DTV CONVERSION STATS
Almost everyone in the United States who watches television can now see it digitally. Again, Amateur Radio Newsline's Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, has the latest numbers:
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The A.C. Nielsen data survey company now reports that as of Wednesday, July 29th that 98.9% of United States homes are able to receive digital television signals. This is a gain of 229,000 homes in the last two weeks of July and 1.3 million homes since the week of the June 12 digital television transition.
Among the 56 local markets that Nielsen measures there are 32 markets not far behind with less than 1% of TV households completely unready. Albuquerque and Santa Fe New Mexico at 3.5% each continue to have the highest percentage of homes that cannot receive digital signals from full powered U.S. television stations. In fact, the markets with the most households unable to receive digital television tend to be in the Western United States. That’s where cable availability is lower than to the East.
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The report did not say how long it might be before the remaining 1.2% without digital converters or a pay service will take to get on board with DTV. (TV Tech)
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WORLDBEAT: VK RADIO ANALOG STATIONS WANT GOVERNMENT JAMMING OF DIGITAL
Legal jamming on the broadcast band. That’s what some analogue FM radio stations in the Australian city of Geelong are asking their telecommunications regulator to do. This, because they fear their listeners will be lured to tune into the new digital transmission stations in near-by Melbourne.
Grant Broadcasters Pty Ltd which operate two FM stations in Geelong has called on the Australian Communications and Media Authority to jam the Melbourne signals. They say this is needed is because there will be a considerable time delay in extending digital radio to Geelong and other regional areas and they do not want to loose listenership in the meantime.
The government owned broadcasters ABC and SBS are obviously opposed to their digital signals being denied to Geelong or anyplace else. The Australian Communications and Media Authority says that it is considering options for the introduction of what it terms as coverage management systems to stop the fortuitous digital radio coverage.
According to news reports, if the proposed jamming of the digital broadcasts does go ahead it would need to be funded by broadcasters claiming the need for market protection. (VK3PC)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: SUITSAT 2 NOW ARISSAT-1
The SuitSat-2 project now has a new name to go with its new shape. Its now known as ARISSat-1.
ARISS Chairman Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, the announced the new name for the satellite project last week. The team is now moving ahead using the same hardware that was to fly in the Russian spacesuit that got tossed away into space.
The ARISSat-1 team is re-configuring some of the modules to fit into the new space structure being designed by Bob Davis, KF4KSS and his crew. No date as to when ARISSat-1 will be tossed into orbit from the ISS. (AMSAT)
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ON THE AIR: TEXAS CLUB TO ACTIVATE WILLOW ISLAND ON SEPT 5
On the air, the Tri-County Amateur Radio Club of North Texas, will activate for the first time as WC5C from Willow Island located in Lake Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. The operation will take place on September 5th mainly be on 40 and 20 meter SSB but they will QSY to accommodate stations on other High Frequency bands or modes. In addition to SSB, PSK31 and CW will both be available.
Willow Island is primarily Tanglewood and poison ivy with some wildlife. The club will access the island by boat, canoe and kayak. Primary hours of operation will be 1400 UTC to 2200 UTC, but possibly continuing into the night depending on conditions.
A commemorative QSL card will be sent to all contacts acknowledging them as remote participants in the first activation of Willow Island. Return cards from all who make contact will be appreciated by the club so as qualify the island for future status. (Southgate)
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ON THE AIR: THE 2009 EUROPEAN PSK CONTEST
And the European PSK Club is inviting hams world wide to take part in the 2009 CIS DX QPSK63 Contest. The event is slated for September 19th and 20th. Contest, rules and other information can be found on the Web at www.cisdx.srars.org (Southgate)
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DX
In DX, word that SP5EAQ and -SP5DRH will be active as 3D2MJ and 3D2KJ, respectively, from Viti Levu, Fiji for four starting October 1st. Their operation will be on all bands, but with an emphasis
on the lower high frequency bands. They plan to use two stations with small amps and vertical antennas. QSL via their home callsigns.
Currently, two operators are active from here. CT1GPQ, now active from Timor Leste as 4W6AL, will be there until October 3rd. He is there with a medical team and radio operations will take place only during his spare time. QSL via CT1GFK.
Also on from Timor Leste is VK4FR active as 4W6FR. He will be there until mid-October on a work assignment. Hes believed to be operating on 30 and 20 meters using PSK31. QSL 4W6FR via VK4FW.
HA3JB, will be active portable 5B from Cyprus through October 2nd. This is a new Hungarian International Police Association activation and is valid for HA-IPARC Award. QSL as directed on the air.
AC2AI will be active as 9M6 stroke JJ2CJB from the Langkah Syabas Beach Resort on the Island of Borneo for the CQWW DX SSB Contest on October 24th and 25th. He plans to run 400 watts into a Force12 C4 beam. QSL via LoTW, e-QSL or the JA Bureau.
PA1TK, PA5WT and PA3GVI will be on the air from Luxombourg stroke LX between September 4th to the 7th. Look for Kees and Rob to focus on 80-10 meters using CW and SSB whhile Theo operates in the IARU VHF Contest on 2 meters. QSL via their home callsigns.
Lastly, AA5UK, will be active portable EA6 from Ibiza in the Baleric Islands from October 14th to the 29th. His operation will be holiday style on 160 through 10 meters using mostly SSB and various Digital modes. Also, look for satellite activity on various birds. QSL via his home callsign, via the bureau, LoTW or eQSL.
(Above from various DX news sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: THE STORY OF THE MAN WHO TRAINS ASTRONAUTS TO BE HAMS
And finally this week, since 1983 many orbital space missions have taken along amateur radio gear. The first ham in space was Owen Garriott, W5LFL. He was followed by Tony England, W0ORE, after which ham radio in space was formalized. First, under the title of the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment or SAREX and today as ARISS or Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. And with amateur radio a part of the astronauts training, someone on the ground has to teach them. Recently, Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, had a chance to meet and talk with the man who really is the ham behind the ham radio operators in space: Nick Lance, KC5KBO:
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Do you remember where you were when NASA embarked on the Apollo space program that culminated with U.S. astronauts landing on and exploring the moon? Nick Lance, KC5KBO, does.
He joined NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston at the time of Apollo 7 in the late 1960s. He was there through that historic Apollo 11 mission and worked for some 40 years for the space agency until his retirement Aug. 1.
"The first 17 years I worked in advanced life support - that's where we developed the hardware and technology to keep the astronaut alive and comfortable," Lance recalls. "And, since that time I've been in many different roles in the program and project management, including program management for the international space station way back in the mid-80s to 90s, and other roles in the engineering directorate."
But in the mid-1990s, Lance says his friend, astronaut Marsha Ivins, came to him with a proposal. She has flown on five space shuttle missions and is currently assigned to the Constellation branch of the astronaut office.
"She said if you could teach ham radio to your young kids - my son got his license when he was 7 - that I could teach it to astronauts, too, probably," Lance says. "So we developed a course, an accelerated course because their time is valuable. And, were able to teach them, in probably at the time, maybe six hours when there were about 900 questions in the Technician question pool.
"And now that there are less questions, we can do that in about three hours for the current crew.
That was at least 10 years ago, Lance says, and a lot of astronauts have gotten their ham ticket thanks to his efforts as their Elmer.
"Well, we've probably licensed - I'm going to guess - in the 50 range or so, probably anybody with a Kilo Charlie or Kilo Delta or Kilo Echo 5 call sign has gone through the radio class that we provide there," Lance says. "There are some crewmen who have not gone up yet and hopefully they'll get a chance to before the space station program is over."
And, Lance says his classes have attracted more than just the astronauts.
"We had several classes of astronauts who brought their wives and their children in to so they could all learn together," Lance says. "It was a good opportunity because some of the crew wanted to talk to their family from space, too.
"And that afforded them the opportunity to do those direct contacts."
Lance says once licensed and aboard the space station on missions, the astronauts enjoy getting on the amateur radio spectrum talking to school students as well as regular hams around the globe.
"Well, a lot of them do like to participate in the ARISS program, get to talk to people on the ground. It's a neat way to be in contact, in direct contact with the supporting public."
Lance says he's pleased with the feedback he's gotten over the years from inside as well as outside NASA.
"It's great to hear that other people have the opportunity now to talk to an astronaut, something that, you know, was heretofore reserved for capsule communicators," Lance says. "But now it opens it up to anybody with a two-watt hand-held. So that's really heartening to know that I had a small part in doing that."
And, despite his recent retirement, Lance says he will voluntarily continue his work training the next generation of astronauts to get their ham tickets.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in Ocean City, MD.
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That’s only a small part of what KC5KBO has to tell. You can hear Mark's complete 8 minute interview with him on our website under Special Reports. We think that you will enjoy the story that Nick has to tell. (NT3V, ARNewsline)
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NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's™ only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline™, P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Don Carlson, KQ6FM, in Reno, Nevada, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.
Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
__________________
Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ
Publisher, QRZ.COM
aa7bq@qrz.com