Amateur Radio Newsline T Report 1813 - May 11 2012

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1813 with a release
date of May 11th, 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T. High schoolers in California send
a ham radio balloon to the edge of space; Israeli hams
protest on-line against DXCC credit for the 7O6T operation
from Yemen; W5KUB to again netcast live from the Dayton Hamvention
and the latest on the Amateur Radio Direction Finding
Championship coming to San Diego. Find out the details are
on Amateur Radio NewslineT report number 1813 coming your
way right now.

(Billboard Cart Here)

**

HAM RADIO NEAR SPACE: ANACAPA HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON SOARS
TO NEAR 112000 FEET

We're not sure if it's a new world altitude record for a ham
radio equipped high altitude balloon, but members of the
Anacapa Near Space Exploration Club at California's Anacapa
School are celebrating the recent success of their second
near space probe. One that reached an altitude of almost
112,000 feet. Amateur Radio Newsline's Don Carlson, KQ6FM,
has the rest of the story:

--

Balloon launch team: "5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 - Go!!"

--

That's the sound of a group of teenage near-space
adventurers lofting a high altitude balloon that would soon
soar above California's central coast and then eastward
toward the states central valley.

Called Anacapa Amateur High-Altitude Balloon 2, a student
team from the Anacapa School launched two payload capsules
tethered to a weather balloon on Saturday, May 5th.
Equipped with GPS, atmospheric sensors, high-definition
video and still cameras, a television transmitter and a
Geiger counter, the payload downlinked live data, video and
images during its ascent.

Anacapa Amateur High-Altitude Balloon 2 was designed and
built entirely by students that included Alex Carlson,
KJ6UGF and Genevieve Hatfield, KJ6UGH. They along with non-
hams Grayson Baggiolini, Julio Bernal and Christian Eckert
made up the construction and launch team that was under the
supervision of faculty advisor Levi Maaia, K6LCM.

--

K6LCM: "Two years ago in September of 2010, one of my
students, Connor Proctor and I got together and were talking
about some of the headlines we had seen on-line about high
altitude balloons and decided that it would be a neat
project to bring to the Anacapa School in Santa Barbara. So
we brought it to the Head Master of the school and said we
want to do this. He said what an awesome idea and was
behind us 110% as we sought funding for the project and put
together a small team of students to spearhead the first
launch."

--

As the balloon climbed through the thinning air, the
decreasing atmospheric pressure caused it to expand nearly
ten times in diameter. On reaching its apex above
California's Central Valley, the balloon burst, sending the
payload back to mother Earth under the canopy of a small
parachute. By reaching an altitude of 111,814 feet, this
flight shattered the record of the group's own first balloon
flight by more than 20,000 feet.

Over the coming weeks the students expect to thoroughly
document the flight and analyze the collected data. More
information, including photos and a condensed version of the
in-flight video can be found online at
www.anacapaschool.org/ansec

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Carlson, KQ6FM, in
Reno.

--

And less we forget to mention, the student group has been
working on this high altitude ham radio balloon project
since September of 2011. (ARNewslineT)

**

SCHOOL HAM HAPPENINGS: UK SCHOOL TO HOLD D-STAR SPECIAL
EVENT WANTS CONTACTS

A United Kingdom school in the village of Gresham will be
hosting a special event station on May 23rd using the D-STAR
digital network. The event is specifically for children age
6 to 11 and will use the callsign GB2GVS which stands for
Gresham Village School.

Andy Johnston, 2E0AIV, is the event coordinator. He says
that they have already arranged link-ups with schools in
Northern Ireland, the United States and England, but are
looking for more countries and schools to participate. If
anyone is interested, they can contact Andy via e-mail to
2e0avi (at) 2e0aiv (dot) co (dot) uk.

**

ENFORCEMENT NEEDED: RADIO MYANMAR INTERFERENCE ON 40 METERS

The South African Radio League reports that Radio Myanmar
has been found to be broadcasting illegally on 7.110 MHz.
The station is transmitting using full carrier AM from 15:30
UTC every day and is causing interference on South Africa's
publicized region wide emergency communications frequency.

According to the South African Radio League, steps are being
taken to issue a formal objection but this takes time and
the correct procedures need to be followed. Meantime, South
Africa's Hamnet emergency communications response group has
sent an official complaint directly to Radio Myanmar and
requested that it move frequency. (SARL)

**

DX NEWS: 7O6T YEMEN OPERATION APPROVED FOR DXCC OVER
PROTESTS OF ISRAELI HAMS

Over complaints that were voiced on QRZ.com and other public
websites by some Israeli hams, the ARRL DXCC Awards Desk has
approved the current 7O6T operation from Yemen for DXCC
credit. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, is
here with more:

--

A small but vocal number of Israeli hams have been arguing
on-line that the 7O6T from Yemen should not be allowed for
DXCC because the operators refused to make contact with 4X
and 4Z prefix hams. They note that Israel has no banned
countries list and as such refusal of the 7O6T operators to
contact them was at least a violation of the principals and
the spirit of the DXCC program.

While its true that Israel has no banned countries list,
many of its neighbors consider themselves technically in a
state of war with the Jewish state and have been since its
creation through partitioning following World War 2. As
such these nations ban hams operating under their
jurisdiction from making contact with their counterparts in
Israel.

The 7O6T operation reportedly has the support of Yemen's
Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Information, the
Ministry of Radio and the Ministry of Telecommunications and
Information Technology. As such it is a pretty good guess
that not recognizing Israeli stations was a decree imposed
by Yemen on the 7O6T operating team and not one of their own
choosing.

At airtime, it's not known if any of the protesting Israeli
hams contacted the ARRL DXCC Desk regarding this issue of
if it was just another of those cyberspace only arguments.
Either way it came to an abrupt end on Saturday, May 5th.
That's when ARRL Awards Branch Manager Bill Moore, NC1L,
issued a news release stating that the current 7O6T
operation from Yemen along with the earlier 6O3A DXpedition
to Somalia have been granted DXCC approval. As such, both
will be counted for DXCC credit.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in
Los Angeles.

--

The 7O6T adventure began at 2100 UTC Monday, April 30th and
has been causing massive pile-ups wherever the operators
show up. It will continue through 2100 UTC on May 15th.

Up until this operation began, Yemen was ranked as number 5
in the DX Magazine's list of most wanted entities behind
North Korea, plus Navassa, Bouvet and Heard Islands.

We will have more DX news later on in this week's Amateur
Radio Newsline report. (ARNewsline, QRZ.com, ARRL DXCC
Desk)

**

RESTRUCTURING: 6 METER EXTENSION GRANTED IN PORTUGAL

Now that terrestrial analog TV has been switched off in
Portugal, the National Communications Authority has agreed
to extend the 6 meter band for radio amateurs. As a result,
Portuguese Category 1, A and B amateurs can now use 50 to 52
MHz on a secondary basis with a maximum power output of 25
watts. (GB2RS)

**

RADIO RULES: VANITY CALLSIGN FEE MAY GO UP 80 CENTS

The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that,
among other things, would raise the cost of obtaining a
vanity callsign to $15.00 for a ten year license term. The
current cost is $14.20 which in essence means an increase of
only 80 cents if the rule making is approved. (FCC)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world
including the KJ3LR repeater serving Bradenton, Florida.

(5 sec pause here)

**

RADIO AND SCOUTING: BSA ANNOUNCES NEW MORSE CODE
INTERPRETER STRIP

The Boy Scouts of America have just announced a new
"Interpreter Strip" for Morse Code. An "Interpreter Strip"
on the uniform means that the Scout or adult leader is able
to communicate in a particular language. Amateur Radio
Newsline's Mark Abramovich, NT3V, explains:

--

Those older Scouts and former Scouts among you may remember
the Boy Scout requirements that said a Scout had to learn
Morse Code or signal flags to send and receive a message.
And, even though that requirement has disappeared and Morse
Code is no longer mandatory to get any amateur radio license
in the United States, the BSA is reviving Morse Code as a
"language" worth learning.

You can probably credit Jim Wilson, K5ND, for getting this
one from concept to reality.

He's the BSA's "Jamboree on the Air" organizer and the
volunteer chairman for the next K2BSA operation at the 2013
National Boy Scouts Jamboree at the Summit in West Virigina.

Wilson works at BSA headquarters in Texas and is a big
promoter of amateur radio in Scouting.
So much so, Wilson says he organized a national Radio
Scouting advisory committee last year to get stronger
support in the amateur and Scouting community for JOTA.

Earlier this year, Wilson says a member of that committee
made a suggestion about getting some additional Scouting
recognition for amateur radio.

Wilson says there were some ideas that eventually evolved
into exploring the "interpreter" strip worn on the Scout
uniform to show a Scout has some ability to speak a certain
language.

Wilson admits he came up with the idea for "Morse" on the
strip - but in the letters of the language - dah-dah, dah-
dah-dah, di-dah-dit, dit-dit-dit, dit."

Wilson says he quickly moved the idea over to the BSA's
national awards committee where it got a favorable reception
and approval within months.

So how does a boy earn it?

Wilson says there are three requirements, the first....

"It's carrying on a 5-minute conversation in Morse Code at a
speed of at least 5 words per minute," Wilson explains.
"And, then the second one, copying correctly a 2-minute
message sent in Morse Code at a minimum of 5-words-per-
minute.

"And, copying of course means writing the message down as
it's received. And, then, three, sending a 25-word written
document in Morse Code at a minimum of 5 words per minute."

Wilson says Scouts can be certified by their Scoutmaster or
maybe even a ham who's an adult Scout leader.

Wilson says the idea is to further cement the bonds of
brotherhood between Scouting and ham radio operators. And,
of course, Wilson is....

"Eager to increase participation in amateur radio to provide
an opportunity for Scouts to get involved in a fun hobby, a
hobby that promotes communicating with lots of Scouts and
others around the country and around the world," Wilson
says. "And, it's science, it's technology, it's engineering,
it's math - the stem items that are of enormous interest
right now and frankly have been in Boy Scouting for quite
some time."

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V,
in Philadelphia.

--

For more on the new Boy Scouts of America Interpreter Strip
for Morse Code please visit tinyurl.com/scouting-morse-code
on the World-Wide-Web. (NT3V, ARNewslineT)

**

ENFORCEMENT: FCC AFFIRMS $10000 FINE AGAINST OHIO AM
STATION

The FCC has affirmed a $10,000 Monetary Forfeiture Order it
issued to Taylor Broadcasting Company which is the licensee
of AM Station WJTB in Elyria, Ohio . This for the station
willfully and repeatedly violating Section 73.1125(a) of the
Commission's rules by failing to maintain a management and
staff presence at the station's main studio.

As previously reported, back on February 13th the
Enforcement Bureau's Detroit Office issued a Notice of
Apparent Liability in the amount of $10,000 to Taylor
Broadcasting. Since then, Taylor Broadcasting has not filed
a response to the NAL.

Now, based on the information before it, on May 2nd the FCC
has affirmed the monetary forfeiture. Its also given Taylor
Broadcasting the customary 30 days to pay the fine or to
file an appeal. (FCC)

**

MEDIA STATS: CABLE LOOSES AND OVER THE AIR VIEWERSHIP
REMAINS DOMINANT

Some fascinating home viewing media statistics. According
to Multichannel News, United States cable system operators
lost about 2 point 9 million video subscribers in 2011.
That's a drop of 1 point 5 percent in the overall pay-TV
market.

Meanwhile, households with broadband and only free, over-the-
air broadcast TV increased by 631,000 over the course of
last year, climbing 14% to 5.1 million. Broadcast-only
homes dropped 1%, to about 11 million households versus
11.15 million a year earlier.

Whether or not the broadband-plus-free-TV increase reflects
a gathering cord-cutting trend, the survey found that 98% of
video viewing remained on traditional TV in the 4th quarter
of 2011. (Multichannel News)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: ILLW REGISTRATION HITS THE 200 MARK

Registration for the 2012 International Lighthouse and
Lightship Weekend has topped the double century mark. This
with word that the West Side Amateur Radio Club of Los
Angeles is the 200th registratant for this years event with
its members operating station W6A at the Port Fermin
Lighthouse located near the San Pedro port area of the city.

The entry by the West Side Amateur Radio Club puts the USA
on 28 registrations/ Australia is so far number one with 38
followed by Germany 33, England with 16, and The Netherlands
sporting 13. The total of nations committed to the event so
far is nearing 30.

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will be held
on August the 18th and 19th. Find out more or register your
lighthouse by visiting the ILLW (dot) net. (VK3PC)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: NORTHERN IRELAND AMATEUR RADIO CONFERENCE
JUNE 16

From the ham radio social page, if you plan to be in Ireland
on June 16th, you might want to stop by the Northern Ireland
Amateur Radio Conference. Sponsored by the West Tyrone
Amateur Radio Club the venue this year is the Technology
Education Centre in the town of Omagh. Featured will be
lectures, seminars and demonstrations along with commercial
vendors and booth representing special interest groups and
various national amateur radio societies. Again the date
for the 2012 Northern Ireland Amateur Radio Conference at
the Technology Education Centre in Omagh. (IRTS)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: W5KUB TO NETCAST LIVE FROM HAMVENTION 2012

Closer to home, Tom Medlin, W5KUB, will once again be
streaming live television from the 2012 Dayton Hamvention.

Tom will begin his live webcast on Wednesday morning May
16th at 0800 Central, broadcasting his 550 mile drive. He
will then set up shop in the Hamvention Flea Market and will
spend the next three days bringing you the sights and sounds
of Hamvention 2012 before live-casting his drive home.

While on the web from Hamvention Tom and his crew will be
interviewing some of ham radios best known celebrities.
This includes television producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, of the
hit television comedy Last Man Standing.

So if you cannot be at Hamvention in person, you can enjoy
part of the festivities vicariously by tuning in via the
Internet to w5kub dot com. Again that's w5kub dot com for
this years live netcast from Hamvention 2012. (W5KUB)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: NEWSLINE FORUM AT HAMVENTION - "HAM RADIO
IN THE YEAR 2112"

Also a reminder that we at Amateur Radio Newsline will once
again be hosting the annual Ham Radio Town Meeting at
Hamvention 2012. This years topic is titled "Imagining the
Future: Ham Radio in the Year 2112" and takes an optimistic
look at the way we may be operating as a hobby and a service
100 years from now.

This years presenters include CQ Magazine Editor Rich
Moseson, W2VU; IARU Secretary Rod Staffdord, W6ROD and
teenage ham radio high altitude balloon enthusiast Erin
King, AK4JG, to name only three. They will be joined by
several other notables from the world of amateur radio on a
journey through time into what may be our future.

Look for us on Saturday, May 20th in Meeting Room 2 at the
Hara Arena. Our session runs from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
and we promise you a fun and imaginative time. We hope to
see many of you there. (ARNewslineT)

**

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:

(5 sec pause here)

**

OFF THE AIR: RADIO CANADA INTERNATIONAL TO END SHORTWAVE
AND SATELLITE BROADCASTS

The shortwave bands will soon be a little less entertaining.
This after it was announced that an 80% budget cut is
forcing Radio Canada International to abandon shortwave and
satellite radio broadcasting, leaving the World-Wide-Web as
RCI's only delivery method.

The latest cut of $10 million takes place on June 26th.
Once in effect, a date will be set to end the broadcasts
from Radio Canada International's Sackville, New Brunwick,
transmission site which will then be abandoned. Besides
ending shortwave and satellite broadcasting, Radio Canada
International will also lose its news operation and cease
producing its own programming. (RW)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: K9VV APPOINTED NEW SECTION MANAGER FOR
THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

Some names in the news. First up is Fred Kleber, K9VV, who
has been appointed as Section Manager of the Virgin Islands
Section beginning May 1, 2012. Kleber, of Christainsted, is
taking the reins from John Ellis, NP2B, who is planning to
move out of the section. Ellis has been Section Manager of
the Virgin Islands since 1996. Kleber has served as the
Section Emergency Coordinator of the Virgin Islands this
past year. (ARRL)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: THREE SHUTTLE VETERANS INDUCTED INTO THE
ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame has inducted three new space
travelers into its ranks. On Saturday, May 5th, Kevin
Chilton, Franklin Chang Diaz, and Charles Precourt, became
the Hall of Fame's 11th class of space shuttle astronauts
and the first to be inducted after the 30 year program had
come to its end.

The three were enshrined during a public ceremony held at
NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida,
which includes the Hall of Fame. To have been eligible for
induction in 2012, the astronauts needed to have made their
first space mission in 1994 or earlier. They also had to be
retired from flight status as a NASA commander, pilot or
mission specialist for at least five years, be a U.S.
citizen; and have orbited the Earth at least once.

Induction of the shuttle veterans raised the number of
honorees in the Hall of Fame to 81. This includes all of
the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo pioneers. (NASA via N6ZXJ)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: FOX PROJECT REVIEW SAYS BIRD
DEVELOPMENT ON TRACK

AMSAT's Fox Satellite Project has completed its preliminary
design review and is looking good. Mechanical, RF, control,
power, and related issues were evaluated at the three night
session in late April with the needed development for
various systems refined.

One thing that became evident is that AMSAT is in need of an
experienced RF designer for the Fox-1 satellite. Due to
international trade restrictions the person must be a US
citizen or permanent resident. If you interested please
send an e-mail with your phone number to Tony Monteiro to
AA2TX (at) amsat (dot) org.

Currently, Fox-1 is slated for launch in the second half of
2013. (AMSAT-NA)

**

AWARDS NEWS: DXCC ONLINE APPLICATION TURN-AROUND.

The ARRL's new on-line DXCC application system appears to be
up and running quite smoothly. This according to Steve
Lawrence, WB6RSE, of Los Angeles California.

WB6RSE tells the Ohio Penn DX Newsletter that he submitted
an Online DXCC application just prior to the recent
International DX Convention in Visalia, California. At the
convention he had his cards checked and the paperwork
accepted for forwarding to the DXCC desk for processing.
Just two weeks later, the credits appeared in Steve's
Logbook of the World DXCC Account Status. (OPDX)

**

ON THE AIR: KK5W FROM GALVESTON TEXAS ON MUSEUM SHIPS
WEEKEND

On the air, listen out for members of the Brazos Valley
Amateur Radio Club activating the call KK5W to be active
during the Museum Ships Weekend on June 2nd and 3rd.
Operations will be from radio rooms of WWII Submarine USS
Cavalla and Destroyer Escort USS Stewart at Seawolf Park on
Pelican Island in Galveston, Texas. They plan to operate on
40 through 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL with a self
addressed stamped envelope to KK5W as listed on QRZ.com.
More information is available on-line at www.bvarc.org
(BVARC)

**

DX

In DX, the Wessex Contest Group will be operating from the
Isle of Skye through the 19th of May. They will be using a
variety of equipment including some homebrew gear, a number
of QRP stations along with the normal high power modern
contest gear. QSL via EB7DX either direct, via the bureau
or via Logbook of The World.

F5IRO is expected to return to Uganda in early May. With
the help of 5X1D he hopes to get his license during the
first week and plans to become QRV on CW on the high
frequency bands in the evenings. Some PSK may be possible
also. QSL via F8DFP.

DH2AK and DL1THM, will be active portable PJ2 from Curacao
on a holiday style operation through May 18th. They will be
on the air using the PJ2A club station mainly on SSB on 20
and 15 meters. QSL via bureau to their home calls.

Brothers ZB3M and ZB2ER are using the special calls ZQ3M and
ZQ2ER from Gibralter through June 10th. This, to celebrate
the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. QSL direct only to ZB3M.

ZS6RGV is the new radio operator on the Marion Island base.
His equipment includes an Icom IC-736 transceiver and FL-
7000 amplifier. ZS1HF is going to help him with applying for
a ZS8 call and will act as his QSL manager.

Lastly, an international team of operators will be on the
air as 3D2C from Conway Reef between September 24th and
October 5th. Activity will be on 160 through 2 meters using
CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV and PSK31. QSL via YT1AD, direct or by
the bureau.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM: ARDF CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO SAN DIEGO CA

And finally this week, they call themselves foxtailers, but
they're not really after those bushy-tailed creatures.
Here's the straight scoop from Newsline's Joe Moell, K0OV,
who is also ARRL's Direction Finding Coordinator.

--

They range in age from the teens to the 70's, and they're
coming from all over the USA to compete in the most physical
of all ham radio sports. I'm talking about on-foot hidden
transmitter hunters, also called foxtailers and radio-
orienteers. Their sport is called Amateur Radio Direction
Finding, or ARDF.

It's all done on foot in a BIG outdoor space. Thanks to a
set of standard international rules, it's pretty much the
same all over the world, so we can have international
competitions. Your mission is to try to find up to five
hidden ham radio transmitters without assistance while on
the run, or trotting, or just walking. You'll carry a map
and compass so you don't get lost.

You can mix in with the USA's best radio-orienteers at the
twelfth national ARDF championships in the mountains east of
San Diego during the week and weekend after Memorial Day. It
starts off with two days of intense training, followed by
three days of competition, all near Mount Laguna. You can
stay in the lodge there or camp out among the tall pines.

Learn from the experts, then see how you do for yourself out
on the courses. You don't have to be a marathoner to be
successful, but it helps to be in good shape. There are nine
separate categories with medals for the best three in each,
so you'll only be competing against people of your own age
range and gender. If you're in the top three of your
category, you'll get a medal, and maybe you'll be invited to
join ARDF Team USA as it travels to Serbia for the World
ARDF Championships this September.

Registration for the championships is now open, so start
making plans. You can read all the details and get the
registration form on the web at www.homingin.com. That's
homingin -- as one word -- homingin.com.

I hope to see YOU at the championships. For Amateur Radio
Newsline, this is Joe Moell K-Zero-Oscar-Victor.

--

Again, for more information on this and other ham radio
direction finding events, please take your web browser to
www dot homingin dot com. (K0OV)

**

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, TWiT TV, the
Southgate News and Australia's WIA News, that's all from the
Amateur Radio NewslineT. Our e-mail address is newsline
(at) arnewsline (dot) org. More information is available at
Amateur Radio Newsline'sT only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us
at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa
Clarita California, 91350

A reminder that the nominating period for the 2012 Amateur
Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award is now open.
Full details and a downloadable nominating form are on our
website at arnewsline.org/yhoty.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk,
I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW, saying 73 from Charleston, West
Virginia, and we thank you for listening.

Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012. All rights
reserved.

Amateur Radio Newsline T Report 1812 - May 4 2012

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1812 with a release
date of May 4th, 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T. Antenna restrictions get worse in
Belgium; A new whistling intruder is heard on 40 meters; U-K
telecommunications regulator Ofcom issues new rules to
prevent radio interference to the 2012 Olympics and Nebraska
hams are lauded for their severe weather watch operations.
Find out the details are on Amateur Radio NewslineT report
number 1812 coming your way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)


**

RADIO LAW: ANTENNA RESTRICTIONS IN BELGIUM GET TIGHTER

If you think it's hard to put up an antenna in some
locations here in the USA its nothing in comparison to
what's happening in Belgium. That's where antenna
restrictions have gotten even tighter than before and its
happening with the government blessings. In fact, the rules
are so stringent that it could force some hams off the air.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Skeeter Nash, N5ASH, reports:

--

The Belgian national amateur radio society's website has
posted an update on the restrictive antenna requirements
recently imposed by the Flemish Government. The
registration seems to apply to antennas that operate between
10 MHz through 10 Gigahertz, the amount of time a ham is
actually transmitting and the power output of his or her
station.

Going by the latest information, it would appear that
Flemish amateurs who transmit less than 175 hours a year at
20 watts Effective Radiated Power or less, are required to
submit forms to the government for each antenna they have.
Multi-band antennas require multiple submissions of forms.

For instance, a tri-band Yagi antenna for 20, 15 and 10
meters requires three separate submissions. And if any
changes to an antenna is made, all of the paperwork must be
resubmitted.

But wait. It gets worse. If transmission are made from an
antenna for more than 175 hours a year or with an Effective
Radiated Power greater than 20 watts then it appears the
bureaucracy involved is even more complex. You can find out
just how bad it is at tinyurl.com/NoticeForTxAntennas.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Skeeter Nash, N5ASH,
reporting from Jonesboro, Arkansas,

--

According to what we are hearing, the Belgian national
amateur radio society's known as the UBA has been attempting
to get these strict antenna rules modified, but to date with
little to no success. (Southgate, UBA Website)

**

RADIO LAW: FCC ACCUSES REPEATER THAT'S BEEN OFF THE AIR
OVER A DECADE OF INTERFERENCE TO NEW RADAR SYSTEM

How can a repeater that's been off the air more than a
decade and a half be creating interference to an aircraft
radar tracking system that may not even be on the air yet?
That's what a lot of hams want to know after educator Gordon
West, WB6NOA, showed and partially read a warning letter on
the Tuesday, May 1st edition of the netcast Ham Nation. A
letter that he received from the FCC and one that appears to
accuse him of operating a repeater on the 23 centimeter band
that's causing interference to a radar system that the FCC
won't even talk about. Here's what West had to say as he
presented his warning letter to the thousands worldwide that
were watching Ham Nation:

--

WB6NOA on Ham Nation: "...I always enjoy it when it say
Certified Mail. Federal Communications Commission,
Enforcement Bureau. And here it's a Warning Notice from the
Commission that went to a slew of Southern California
Repeater operators who own 1.2 GHz repeaters and I haven't
had my 1200 MHz repeater on the air for fifteen years, yet
they say that I operate on the air on 1.2 GHz and I'm
interfering with the FAA radar.
--

We asked West why he thinks he received this letter
regarding a repeater that's been off the air for years:

--

WB6NOA To Newsline: "The Warning Notice Federal
Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau, Western
Region, L.A. District Office, out of Cerritos (California)
begins: `Warning Notice. You are receiving this warning
notice because you operate an Amateur Radio Service repeater
in the 23 centimeter band in the Los Angeles California
county area. This office has received information that
amateur radio repeaters have been causing harmful
interference to Federal Aviation Administration operations
in the 23 centimeter band at San Pedro, California.'

"The remaining paragraphs go on to scare the living
daylights out of you that any further operation could create
some real problems for both the FAA as well as the offending
operator.

"Interesting though is that this letter went to many of us
who at one time may have had a repeater, but the
coordination is closed and the repeater has been off the air
for me up to fifteen years yet we are still getting this
notice an a pretty strong letter to come right out of
nowhere indicating that we have been potentially interfering
with the radar."

--

So what is it that the FCC says hams are interfering with?
In reality, nobody but the government really knows for sure.

According to one report attributed to the ARRL, the Federal
Aviation Administration is deploying a new generation of
Common Air Route Surveillance Radar that operates in the
1240 to 1300 MHz of the 23 centimeter band. The Amateur
Service allocation in this band is on a secondary basis,
with aeronautical radionavigation and several other services
primary in the United States Table of Frequency Allocations.

The FCC rules require that amateur stations operating in the
23 cm band may not cause harmful interference to stations in
the Radionavigation-Satellite Service, the Aeronautical
Radionavigation Service, the Earth Exploration Satellite
Service or the space research service. Nobody is arguing
with that. What is questionable are letters being sent to
hams telling them that they are the source of interference
to this new radar system even if they or their repeaters
have not been on 23 centimeters in years.

If you are a repeater owner or 23 centimeter operator
anywhere in the United States and have received a letter
similar to that described by Gordon West, then we ask you to
send us a copy along with any reply that you sent to the
FCC. Our mailing address and e-mail will be presented at
the end of this week's newscast. We promise to bring you a
follow-up in a future Amateur Radio Newsline report.

Note: You can see and hear WB6NOA describe the FCC Warning
Notice he received on Ham Nation episode #46 which can be
viewed or downloaded at twit.tv/hn (ARNewslineT)

**

INTRUDER WATCH: WHISTLING SIGNAL FOUND ON 40 METER BAND

Alex Cete, OZ9AEC, in Ribe, Denmark, says that has found a
strange whistling signal in the 40 meter band. It sounds
like this:

--

Audio of whistling signal.

--

The strange whistle-like signal was received on 7.013 MHz
using GQRX software defined radio receiver and a Funcube
Dongle equipped with a shortwave converter. The signal
appears to be amplitude modulated with suppressed lower side
band.

Amateurs who have heard it are uncertain of its origin, but
some suspect it might be from an ionosonde. Others
speculate that it could be a new form of digital numbers
station. (Southgate)

**

2012 OLYMPICS: UK REGULATOR OFCOM ISSUES PROPOSED ANTI-
INTERFERENCE RULES FOR 2012 OLYMPIC GAME VENUES

UK Telecommunications regulator Ofcom have issued a notice
dealing with proposed regulations that will enable prompt
enforcement action for interference cases that affect the
2012 Olympics. One that affects every citizen that operates
two way radio gear or even unintentional radiators.

The Proposed Regulations set out a requirement that applies
to apparatus in relation to a Games' "event zone." Where
the use of a given apparatus does not meet requirements of
causing zero interference to communications within an
Olympic venue Ofcom may serve on the person in possession of
the apparatus a notice prohibiting its use. Breach of such
a notice would be considered to be a criminal offence. The
draft regulations designate 25 to 35 km radius around all
major venues across the UK, including football stadiums,
where enhanced enforcement could apply.

The announcement follows last week's Ofcom announcement of
restrictions to the 70cm, 2.3 and 3.4GHz amateur bands. The
new proposal would apply to anyone, ham or non-ham, within
the range of the Olympic venues. (RSGB, others)

**

2012 OLYMPICS: RSGB SAYS GAMES A GOOD WAY TO PUBLICIZE HAM
RADIO

Meantime, the Radio Society of Great Britain calls the
upcoming Olympics a great chance for ham radio to show its
colors. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has that part of the story from
Nottingham in the U-K:

--

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provide an
outstanding opportunity to publicize amateur radio. To that
end, the RSGB negotiated a very limited number of special
prefixes starting with 2 Oscar One Two followed by a single
letter suffix.

The idea is for these calls are given an extensive airing
over the Olympic period this summer. Special stations are
already planned for London, 2O12L, and Wales, 2O12W, and
there will be a special callsign for the National Radio
Centre.

Groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland are encouraged to
take advantage of the special callsign secured for their
region.

I'm Jeramy Boot, G4NJH.

--

If you are a ham radio group in Scotland or Northern Ireland
and are hearing this newscast, you can apply for use of one
of the special Olympic call signs by contacting Bob Whelen
by e-mail to G3PJT (at) btinternet (dot) com. (GB2RS)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world
including the W5TXR repeater serving Schertz Texas.

(5 sec pause here)


**

RADIO POLITICS: SEN. GRASSLEY LIFTS HOLD ON FCC COMMISSION
LICENSEES

The FCC may soon get two new commissioners and be back up to
its full complement of five members. This following an
announcement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, that he is
lifting his hold on the two nominees, Jessica Rosenworcel
and Ajit Pai.

Grassley has been seeking documentation from the commission
on an issue unrelated to the nominees. He specifically
wanted to know about about interference concerns to the
Global Positioning System from the proposed LightSquared
wireless broadband project.

While the documents he's obtained so far raise more
questions for him, Grassley said in a statement he intends
to lift the hold on the two FCC nominees, but also continue
his investigation into both the FCC and Lightsquared.

If confirmed, Rosenworcel would take the seat of former
Commissioner Michael Copps who resigned in December, while
Ajit would replace former Commissioner Meredith Baker.
Baker left the agency in May 2011 to join Comcast. (RW)

**

RESCUE RADIO: NEBRASKA HAMS LAUDED FOR SKYWARN SEVERE
WEATHER WATCH

When normal communications systems in Nebraska were taken
off line by a recent spate severe storms and tornadoes,
local officials had no way of calling of getting damage
assessment. That's where ham radio operators came to the
rescue as we hear from Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley,
KI7UP.

--

Tom Reis is a Skywarn coordinator for the National Weather
Service. He says that radio amateurs in Nebraska are a
valuable asset who can get out messages that help save
lives.

In a interview with the Atlantic, Reis said that the
National Weather Service recognizes the importance of
accurate ground information. He says that there are a
variety of methods to get that information to them and that
one of those is via amateur radio.

According to the NWS, ham radio operators can confirm
sightings of severe weather as it approaches and offer
damage assessment after the storm passes. This while at the
same time providing communications support to local
officials.

Reis says that this shows how amateur radio operators
provide a service for their community in a variety of
different ways. He also notes that it doesn't take much to
become an amateur radio operator and people of all ages
enjoy the hobby.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP,
where we have mostly dust storms in Scottsdale, Arizona.

--

It should be noted that there is a big difference between
trained radio amateurs in the SKYWARN program and the so-
called storm chasers that we have been hearing so much about
in newscasts and reality TV shows these days. Unlike storm
chasers who make a living photographing severe weather
incidents or are members of the general public who are
simply out for a thrill, SKYWARN associated hams are
educated weather observers. Their job is not to go racing
after tornadoes as do storm chasers. Rather they are unpaid
volunteer radio amateurs who keep their eyes and ears open
for severe weather outbreaks. They then report what they
see and hear via ham radio to the National Weather Service.
The NWS takes this information and includes it into
forecasts that invariably save lives. (Atlantic,
ARNewsline)

**

RESCUE RADIO: DOCUMENTARY TELLS STORY OF BROADCASTERS ROLE
IN MISSOURI TORNADOES

A University of Alabama instructor has produced an award-
winning, eight-minute documentary on the role of local
television broadcasters in saving lives during the massive
tornadoes that hit Tuscaloosa and Joplin, Missouri last
year.

Chandra Clark, an instructor in the department of
telecommunications and film, worked with director Scott
Hodgson of the University of Oklahoma to make "Tornado
Emergency: Saving Lives."

Clark said the inspiration for the documentary came as a
response the Federal Communications Commission's proposal to
sell off a large portion of the broadcast spectrum. Clark
said the sales could limit some of the resources
broadcasters have to reach the public.

The mini-documentary has already garnered a prestigious
Telly Award. The film was also awarded a Best of
Competition Award by the Broadcast Education Association's
Festival of Media Arts. (TVB)

**

RESCUE RADIO: UK RAYNET AND APCO-UK SIGN MOU

The United Kingdom's RAYNET group and British APCO have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding. One that recognizes
the common objectives of both organizations in the promotion
and influencing of public safety, civil contingency,
information management and communications

In the Memorandum of Understanding RAYNET and APCO set out a
Schedule of Agreements which sets out some of the ways in
which both organizations will work together. This includes
networking opportunities and invitations to attend
management meetings; website content sharing; joint working
and sharing of publications; and engaging RAYNET in regional
and national events.

RAYNET which is an acronym for the U-K based Radio Amateurs'
Emergency Network is a national voluntary communications
service provided for the community by licensed radio
amateurs. It was formed in 1953 following Great Britain's
East Coast floods, when radio amateurs provided much of the
emergency communications. (RAYNET)

**

ENFORCEMENT: ANOTHER UNLICENSED FLORIDA BROADCASTER FINED
$20000

Another unlicensed broadcaster in Florida has been dinged
$20,000 by the FCC. In a Forfeiture Order, the FCC has told
Robens Cheriza to pay the fine for operation of an
unlicensed radio transmitter on the frequency 107.3 MHz in
the city of West Palm Beach.

Back on February 1st, the Enforcement Bureau's Miami Office
issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the
amount of $20,000 to Cheriza. Cheriza never filed a
response to the proposed fine. So based on the information
before it the forfeiture was affirmed with Cheriza given the
customary 30 days to pay up or to file an appeal. (FCC)

**


HAM RADIO ON THE NET: RFINDER FOR APPLE PORTABLE PRODUCTS
RELEASED

W2CYK has announced the latest platform release of RFinder -
The World Wide Repeater Directory. The new version is
designed for Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod users and is
available for immediate download from the Apple App Store.

Previous versions of RFinder run on Android based gear and
can be found on-line at web.rfinder.net. The World Wide
Repeater Directory is also accessible from RT Systems radio
programmers and via CHIRP on Windows, Linux and Macintosh
with the same user/password you use on handheld devices.
(W2CYK)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: N8CGM'S CHOIR TAKES 3RD PLACE IN SWEET
ADELINES CONTEST

Some names in the news. Members of Susan Scott, N8CGM's
chorus known as the Cincinnati Sound now wear 3d place
overall medals. This from the recent Region 4 Sweet
Adelines contest held at the Northern Kentucky Convention
Center. The quartets competed on Fri April 19th and the
choirs on Saturday the 20th. (OH-KY-IN A.R.S)

**

MAMES IN THE NEWS: F6HBR FIRST FRENCH HAM TO BE ISSUED A
THAI LICENSE

Meantime, Alain Burgnon, F6HBR, appears to be the first
French radio amateur to be granted a Thailand license.

Burgnon has been living in Thailand since 2006. After seven
years of negotiations between France and Thailand, a
reciprocal agreement was signed in December 2011. As a
result, F6HBR was granted the call HS0ZKG on April 25th.

A second French ham is living in Thailand - Gerald Begards,
F8DEG. He is expected to be the second French ham that will
be granted a Thai call. (F5NQL)

**

HAMVENTION NEWS: TECH LICENSE CLASS AND TESTING AT
HAMVENTION 2012

A Technician level Ham Radio Class will be held concurrent
with the Dayton Hamvention on Saturday, May 19th.

The session runs from 9AM until 4PM Eastern Daylight Time
and will be held at the Hara Arena Hamvention venue.
Immediately following the conclusion of the class a team of
Volunteer Examiners will be on-hand to administer the
Technician class exam.

You do need to pre-register for the class and yes, there is
homework. Info on what's in the class and how to enroll can
be found at tinyurl.com/hamvention-license-class.

The class will be again sponsored by Mitch Stern, W1SJ. If
you have any questions please contact him at w1sj (at) art
(dot) net. (W1SJ)

**

HAMVENTION NEWS: WEAK SIGNAL DINNER AT HAMVENTION 2012

And Weak Signal VHF, UHF and Microwave enthusiasts are
invited to attend the 17th VHF Weak Signal Group banquet.
This annual event will be held concurrent with the Dayton
Hamvention on Friday evening May 18th, at the Dayton Grand
Hotel in Dayton, Ohio. The evenings featured speaker will
be Dick Hanson, K5AND, and his presentation on the 2011 PJ6D
Six Meter DXpedition to Saba Island. Cost is for the
banquet is $35 per person and advance reservations are
required. Prepaid reservation requests should be sent to
Tony Emanuele WA8RJF, 7156 Kory Court, Concord Township,
Ohio 44077. For more information you can e-mail Tony to
WA8RJF (at) ARRL (dot) net. (WA8RJF)

**

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:

(5 sec pause here)

**

ELECTRONIC THEFT: CALIFORNIA COPPER THIEVES EXPAND TO FIBER
OPTICS

Copper thieves in California have expanded to stealing glass
as well. In this case we are talking about glass as in
fiber optic cable. In one case some AT&T customers in the
city of Alpine experienced disruptions in phone and Internet
service after thieves stole copper and fiber optic wiring
from underground lines.

According to Sgt. Joseph Passalacqua, the thieves took about
75 feet of 600 strand fiber optic cable along with the
copper wiring. To accomplish this the robbers climbed into
a manhole and cut into the underground pipes. An AT&T
spokesperson said that three conduits carrying fiber optic
or copper cables were damaged and that the vandalism
affected some cellphone users as well.

Sergant Passalacqua said that Internet service was down at
both the sheriff's Alpine and Pine Valley substations, but
that public safety was not affected.

The theft of copper wiring and other metals like bronze and
aluminum has proliferated over the years. Thieves commonly
steal the precious metals in order to sell it to recyclers.
However the theft of fiber optic lines is something new and
could signal a developing market for this kind of product.
(Published news reports)

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: 5 MHZ PROPAGATION STUDY RELEASED IN UK

A paper entitled Comparison of Propagation Predictions and
Measurements for Mid-Latitude HF Near-Vertical Incidence Sky
Wave Links at 5 MHz has just been published in the peer-
reviewed, academic journal, Radio Science. Authored by Dr.
Marcus Walden, G0IJZ, the paper compares near-vertical
incidence skywave or NVIS measurements from the U-K 5 MHz
beacon network with High Frequency propagation predictions
using VOACAP and ASAPS software. Further information,
including a link to the paper, can be found at
tinyurl.com/7ahx8vt. (GB2RS)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT PUTS OUT FIRST CALL FOR SYMPOSIUM
PAPERS

AMSAT has put out a first call for papers to be presented at
the 2012 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium to be held
in Orlando, Florida.

Proposals for papers, presentations and poster presentations
are invited on any topic of interest to the amateur
satellite community. Abstracts and papers including a
tentative title should be sent to Dan Schultz, N8FGV, by e-
mail n8fgv (at) amsat (dot) org.

The 2012 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium takes
place the weekend of October 26th to the 28th at the Holiday
Inn, Orlando Airport Hotel. (AMSAT, N8FGV)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: DELFI C3 DO-64 CELEBRATES 4 YEARS IN
SPACE

The Delfi-C3, DO-64 satellite has celebrated 4 years on-
orbit. The 3-unit CubeSat, developed by the Technical
University of Delft in the Netherlands was launched on April
28, 2008. The nanosatellite has since performed technology
demonstration experiments for the space industry in the
Netherlands. It still transmits its telemetry and
measurement data which can be received using simple amateur
radio equipment and using the RASCAL software. An in-depth
article on the tiny bird is on-line in Google translated
English at tinyurl.com/Delfi-C3-4th-Anniversary.
(Southgate)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE NEW CUBESAT LAUNCHER DEVELOPED AT NAVAL
POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL

The Space Systems Academic Group at the US Naval
Postgraduate School has developed the NPSCubeSat Launcher or
NPSCuL.

NPSCuL is described as an auxiliary payload platform. It is
designed to allow multiple CubeSats to be launched aboard
rockets as secondary payloads. This means that the launch
rocket would be able to carry satellites in onboard space
that would otherwise be unused.

NPSCuL can accommodate up to 24 CubeSats in a single
Secondary Payload Adapter. On reaching the desired orbit
spring-loaded doors will release the satellites one-by-one.

A first flight is planned for August 2012 which will carry
11 CubeSats. (ANS)

**

RADIO SPORTS: ARRL CREATES NEW VHF - UHF CONTESTS

In radiosports news, the ARRL Programs and Services
Committee have approved a rule change for ARRL VHF+ contests
effective beginning in 2013.

One of the most controversial changes is the creation of a
Single-Op FM-only category. Here, operators will be limited
to 100 Watts maximum output in the FM mode on the 50, 144,
222 and 440 MHz bands. Exact rules have not been announced
so it's not yet known if the contest will have restricted
frequencies or if it will be a free, anything goes
competition.

Also created by the committee is a new Single-Operator
category for stations permitted up to 100 Watts PEP on 50
and 144 MHz, 50 Watts PEP on 432 MHz. This for the more
traditional contesting modes.

These changes will apply to the January, June, and September
contests - again, beginning with the 2013 January VHF
Sweepstakes. It should be noted that past attempts to
create FM only contests have not succeeded. This is believed
primarily because both the use of repeaters and of national
calling channels where all the FM action is, have been
declared off-limits. (VHF Reflector, ARRL)

**

DX

In DX, ZS6JR and ZS6DJD should be operating from Mozambique
for seven to ten days starting on the 3th or 4th of May.
Operations will take place next to a small lake 400 km north
of the capital using vertical antennas and a Hex Beam on 40
through 10 meters. Callsigns have not been announced. QSL
as directed on the air.

An international team of operators will be active as 7-Oh-6-
T from Socotra Island through May 17th. They plan to have
six stations on the air at any given time. Activity will
be on 160 through 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via
UA3DX.

A group of operators from Japan will be operational from the
Maldives between May 11th and the 16th. Activity will be on
160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK. QSL via
their home callsigns, either direct or via the bureau.

E51WL in the North Cook Islands has been heard on 6 meters.
Keep an ear open for him just before 2300 UTC on or around
50.120 MHz. QSL as directed on the air

Members of the Crimean Contest Radio Club will be active
from the Ukrane as EM67J through May 15th. Their operation
is to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the "Victory in
the Great Patriotic War." QSL's via K2PF. And less we
forget, electronic logbooks will be upload to Logbook To The
World in late May or early June.

Lastly, DL4HG and DL5XAT will be on the air as 9H3OG and
9H3TX, respectively, from Malta's Gozo Island between
November 21st and the 26th. Their operation will include the
CQ WW DX CW Contest on November 24th and 25th using the
callsign 9H3TX. QSL 9H3OG via DL4HG and 9H3TX via DL5XAT.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM: FAA MAY LOOK AGAIN AT BANNED RF DEVICES ON
PLANES

And finally this week, using your laptop, iPad or Kindle
during a commercial U-S flight might become a reality in the
not to distant future. This with word that the Federal
Aviation Administration may be willing to take a second look
at it's policy on electronics usage aboard airplanes.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Fred Vobbe, W8HDU, reports:

--

While some airlines permit very limited use of wireless
devices one an aircraft is at altitude, actual availability
is quite limited. But according to a recent report credited
to columnist Nick Bilton and the New York times, the FAA has
decided to take a updated look at the use of personal
electronics on planes.

The report continues by quoting FAA spokesperson Laura
Brown. She told the press that with the advent of new and
evolving electronic technology, and because the airlines
have not conducted the testing necessary to approve the use
of new devices, the FAA may be taking a fresh look at the
use of personal electronic devices, other than cell phones,
on aircraft.

Currently, airline passengers must turn off any electronic
device that can transmit or receive a radio signal that
cannot be disabled. While, the FAA indicates that it is
open to testing new devices, it will more than likely be a
long road before any substantive changes take place. This
is because every airline giving thought to allow such
operations would first have to test one of each version of a
device on each of model of every aircraft in its fleet.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Fred Vobbe, W8HDU.

--

Whatever happens, the FAA has already been quoted as saying
that it will not budge on its policy of not permitting use
of mobile phones during a flight. And don't even consider
trying to use a ham radio H-T on a commercial airliner.
Even if that one were lifted by the FAA the domestic U-S
airlines would likely keep a ban in place on the use of ham
gear and other two way radios on board their flights. (Tech
Trends)

**

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 NewslineT. Our e-mail address is newsline(at)
arnewsline (dot) org. More information is available at
Amateur Radio Newsline'sT only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us
at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa
Clarita California, 91350

A reminder that the nominating period for the 2012 Amateur
Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award is now open.
Full details and a downloadable nominating form are on our
website at arnewsline.org/yhoty.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk,
I'm Jeff Clark, K8JAC, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.

Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012. All rights
reserved.

Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1811 - April 27 2012

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1811 with a release
date of April 27th, 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. Japan says it will be launching 16
educational ham-sats; NASA says now is time for educators to
request I-S-S contacts for 2013; UK hams learn of ham band
restrictions during the 2012 Olympics; US hams will not be
affected by Part 90 narrow-banding and a new video on VHF
and UHF digital audio is on-line. Find out the details are
on Amateur Radio NewslineT report number 1811 coming your
way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)


**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: JAPAN TO LAUNCH 16 NEW EDUCATIONAL HAM-
SATS

Japan says that it plans to launch sixteen educational
satellites over the next two years. The tiny birds are
currently under construction in Japan with the first launch
to take place on May 17th followed by the others in as rapid
succession as possible. Amateur Radio Newsline's Heather
Butera-Howell, KB3TZD, has the details:

--

The first of the new birds to be launched will be the
amateur radio satellite HORYU-2 built by students at the
Kyushu Institute of Technology. Its mission is to take
pictures of the Earth using a small C-MOS camera called
SCAMP that was developed by the University of Surrey in the
UK. The SCAMP camera takes a 640x480 pixel picture in the
popular JPEG format. That means from 700 km altitude, one
pixel corresponds to 1.6 km.

HORYU-2 will be followed in July by the transport of several
items to the International Space Station. This mission will
deliver the Japanese Experiment Module Small Satellite
Orbital Deployer or JEM along with the Japanese CubeSats WE-
WISH, FITSAT-1 and RAIKO. These CubeSats should be deployed
from the ISS in September using the JEM and robot arm.

FITSAT-1 may be the most interesting of these. It will use
a neodymium magnet for attitude control. It will also have
multiple downlinks. These include CW on 437.250 MHz, AX.25
on 437.445 MHz and a 4 watt high speed data transmitter on
5840 MHz. The latter is capable of sending a 640 by 480 VGA
JPEG image in 6 seconds.

In addition to its other experiments, FITSAT-1 will also
carry a set of high power LED's that will be driven with
100W pulses to produce extremely bright flashes. It is
hoped, will be observable by the unaided eye or with small
binoculars from the ground. Both the 5840 MHz and optical
downlinks have a high power consumption so it may be that
they are only activated only over Japan.

In December the TSUBAME satellite is planned to be launched
on a Japanese H-IIA booster. It will carry a CW beacon on
437.250 MHz and AX.25 packet at 1200 and 9600 bit per second
telemetry on 437.505 MHz. The remaining satellites will be
placed into orbit on subsequent flights.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Butera-Howell,
KB3TZD, bear Burwick, Pennsylvania.

--

Further information on all the satellites can be found on
line at www.uk.amsat.org/6691 (AMSAT-UK, JA-AMSAT)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: NASA OPENS PROPOSAL CYCLE FOR 2013
CLASSROOM ISS CONTACTS

NASA's Teaching From Space Office has announced a new
proposal cycle for United States ARISS school contacts.
Proposals may be submitted from April 23rd through July 2nd
for contacts that will be scheduled beginning in January
2013.

NASA says that informational sessions will be held to answer
any questions concerning the proposal process. To attend a
session or to have questions answered, contact the Teaching
From Space office by e-mail to JSC-TFS-ARISS (at) mail (dot)
nasa (dot) gov. You can also call the office during normal
business hours Eastern time at 281-244-1919. More
information is on the Teaching From Space website at
tinyurl.com/teach-from-space. (NASA)

**

RADIO SAFETY: RADIO HOBBYIST LOOSES LIFE IN ANTENNA
ACCIDENT

A sad story from down-under where a radio hobbyist has been
killed in a strange accident. Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the
WIA News is here with whats known so far:

--

Police are investigating the death of a man who fell from
his vehicle onto an antenna at his hobby farm. The 51 year-
old man is believed to have suffered fatal injuries after he
fell onto the 20 meter high metal antenna at the Cunderdin
property in Western Australia.

Police spokeswoman Ros Weatherall said the antenna was used
for surveying services, and had been removed by the man from
the roof rack of his Landcruiser utility before the
incident. Initial investigations reveal that he may have
slipped from the top of the car and fallen onto the antenna.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of
the WIA News in Australia.

--

As we go to air the victim has not been identified by
authorities. Nor is it known if he may have been a VK radio
amateur. More is on-line at tinyurl.com/7kehv5s (VK4BAT,
WIA News)

**

2012 OLYMPICS: UK REGULATOR OFCOM ANNOUNCES HAM BAND
RESTRICTIONS DURING 2012 OLYMPICS

Details of amateur band frequency restrictions during the
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have now been
released by U-K Telecommunications regulator Ofcom. The
greatest impact to ham radio appears to be satellite and
other operations in the 436 to 437 Mhz segment of 70
centimeters. Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP,
explains why:

--

Parts of the 70, 13 and 9 centimeter amateur bands in the
United Kingdom will face restrictions between June 28th and
September 23rd. This, due to need for spectrum during the
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The restrictions only apply in geographically limited areas,
with 70cm being particularly affected around London and
Weymouth. Also hard hit by the restrictions will be ham
radio satellite operations.

According to a notice on the AMSAT-UK web site the Amateur-
satellite Service allocation in the 435 to 438 MHz range
will be restricted to 436.25 to 437.25 MHz. This is based
on an understanding that the equipment being used for
Olympics communications in the 430 MHz band will include
handheld FM rigs at the hotels, the routes to the venues and
at the venues themselves.

The U-K communications regulator Ofcom say the use of radio
by amateurs in the designated areas could cause interference
to various communications at the games. Also, it is
possible that higher power transmissions from outside these
areas could cause interference as well. Consequently, to
avoid the risk of interference, Ofcom has requested that
United Kingdom amateurs do not operate within the frequency
ranges it has outlined. This says AMSAT-UK means that the
spectrum identified by Ofcom should be avoided for a
considerable distance outside the designated Olympic
communications zones.

AMSAT-UK notes that a well equipped station on a good site
75 km or more from the edge of an Olympics communications
zone could still put a fairly decent signal into that area.

Newsline did a bit of research and found that the closest
heavily populated mainland European city to London appears
to be Calais, France. This is mainly over water path only
about 93 airline miles or 149 kilometers away from the
closest Olympic venue.

That said, Ofcom has so far not asked the French or any
other European telecommunications administrations to
restrict their nations Amateur Service allocations during
the Olympic and Paralympic games.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Norm Seeley, KI7UP, far
from the U-K in Scottsdale, Arizona.

--

More on this is on-line at www.uk.amsat.org/6574 and
RSGB.org/olympics. (GB2RS, AMSAT-UK, ARNewslineT)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world
including the W7KYC repeater serving Portland Oregon.

(5 sec pause here)


**

RADIO RULES: US PART 97 HAM RADIO NOT AFFECTED BY FCC PART
90 NARROWBANDING

A lot of mis-information is going around in amateur radio FM
and repeater circles regarding an upcoming FCC mandate on
narrow-banding communications in the 150 to 512 MHz spectrum
is finally being debunked. Ham radio is not affected by
this change as we hear from Amateur radio Newsline's Cheryl
Lasek, K9BIK:

--

Much of the mis-information regarding narrowband on amateur
radio FM appears to be coming from hams who have purchased
various low cost Part 90 radios built in China. These
radios are capable of narrowband operation on the 2 meter
and 70 centimeter ham bands in addition to Part 90
frequencies.

The manuals that come with these radios are written with
Part 90 users in mind and much of the material has no
meaning to Part 97 Amateur Service operations. However,
some hams do not realize this and that's likely the way the
erroneous rumors that ham radio FM and repeater operations
at 70 centimeters and above would have to narrowband got
started.

To make it clear, ham radio is not affected in any way by
this FCC edict and your ham gear is not going to become
obsolete.

The switch to 12.5 KHz from the current 25 KHz channel
spacing only affects operations in the FCC Part 90 regulated
services. There is no narrow band mandate by the FCC for
Part 97 ham radio operations. Hams are free to voluntarily
switch to narrowband operations if they so desire, but the
Amateur Part 97 Service as a whole is not obligated to make
any change.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, in
Zion, Illinois.

--

Once again, ham radio is in no way affected by the switch of
Part 90 to narrowband operation. What ham radio decides is
strictly up to those within the hobby to determine.
(Repeater Remailer, ARNewslineT)

**

ENFORCEMENT: FCC SAYS IT WONT RECONSIDER NYC $10000 FINE

The FCC has told Alexander Kissi, that he must pay a $10,000
fine for operating of an unlicensed radio broadcast station
on the frequency 96.5 MHz in Bronx, New York. In its April
20th Memorandum Opinion and Order, the FCC noted that back
on February 28 and March 1, 2008, agents in the Enforcement
Bureau's New located the unlicensed transmitter at a two-
story building on White Plains Road in the Bronx. After
completing the field strength measurements the agents
returned to conduct a station inspection. The agents spoke
to a man who worked there and a woman who was doing a live
radio broadcast from a small broadcast studio. In response
to agents' questions both the man and the woman stated that
Alexander Kissi was in charge of the station, but that he
was not there at the time. The agents reached Kissi by
phone on March 6, 2008, at which time he took full
responsibility for operation of the station.

On June 18, 2008, the New York Office issued Mr. Kissi a
Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture by operating an
unlicensed radio transmitter and proposing a forfeiture in
the amount of $10,000. Mr. Kissi did not file a response to
the NAL. So on September 11,2008, the Enforcement Bureau's
Northeast Region issued a Forfeiture Order affirming the
findings and assessing a $10,000 forfeiture.

That's when Kissi filed an appeal in which he claimed that
he was out of town at the time the unlicensed transmissions
took place. He also asserted that a construction worker had
stolen his radio transmission equipment for the purpose of
selling. Also that when the construction worker was doing
equipment tests, he mistakenly left the equipment running
for several days.

But in denying the appeal the FCC says that Kissi does not
meet any of the three criteria that would allow the Bureau
to consider his Petition. This is because Kissi accepted
responsibility for the unauthorized operation just five days
after the violation. Therefore his new assertions regarding
the theft of his radio transmission equipment directly
contradicts his March 6, 2008, admission to an FCC agent
that he was fully responsible for the operation of the
station on February 28, 2008, and March 1, 2008.

Given that it finds this newly-presented information
unsubstantiated and unreliable, the FCC says that it does
not believe that further consideration of the Petition would
serve the public interest. For these reasons, the FCC says
it finds no basis for reconsideration and therefore affirms
the finding in the Forfeiture Order. Its given Kissi the
customary 30 days to pay the $10,000 fine or take the matter
to further appeal. (FCC)

**

PUBLIC SERVICE: MORE HAMS NEEDED FOR PROJECT BREAD WALK
COMMUNICATIONS IN BOSTON

Eric Horwitz, KA1NCF, tells Newsline that there is still
need for more volunteer ham radio operators for this years
Boston, Massachusetts area Project Bread Walk for Hunger.
The walk takes place Sunday, May 6th and is the 44th ouuting
of the event.

Horowitz says that they need people to provide
communications support for the Project Bread Staff and
volunteers along the 20 mile route. If you will be in the
Boston area on May 6th and are interested in helping out
this year, go to www.mmra.org/wfh to log in and fill out the
signup form. (KA1NCF)

**

HAMVENTION 2012: UNPAID RESERVED GREEN FLEA SPACES NOW
AVAILABLE FOR RENT

Any reserved Dayton Hamvention Flea Market Green booth space
that has not been paid for or payment armaments made have
been released and are available for rental.

According to the Hamvention's Assistant Flea Market Chairman
Stan Leeds, KC7EHJ, to find out what is available simply
just take your web browser to tinyurl.com/flea-spaces-green.
Then scroll to the bottom of the left side of the screen and
click the "View Floor Plan" link. This will give a map of
rented, reserved and available spaces. From this link you
can also use the web portal for ordering a space if you so
desire. (Hamventionc Remailer)

**

HAM VIDEO: DIGITAL MOBILE RADIO ON HAM RADIO NOW

The future of digital audio in VHF and UHF amateur radio is
the subject of a video conversation between video producer
Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, and expert Jeff Parker, WA1WXL, who
works for Motorola Solutions. The video presents a
discussion of alternative digital audio systems available
today and what may be coming to the ham radio market in the
very near future. You can see it on line as Episode 7 of
Pearce's Ham Radio New series. The URL is hamradionow.tv.
(Various)

**

HAM RADIO PROMOTION: FREE POSTERS FROM THE RSGB

The Radio Society of Great Britain has made available a
collection of high quality amateur radio promotional posters
that can be used when demonstrating the hobby to the general
public. These posters are in Adobe .PDF format are being
provided free of charge to the amateur radio community for
the purpose of promoting the hobby.

It should be noted that the posters do contain the RSGB logo
and contact information making then basically more useful to
UK hams than others. You can see them and download them at
www.rsgb.org/posters. (RSGB)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: VE3RXA NAMED DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR RAC
N/E. ONTARIO REGION

Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA of Ottawa is the new Deputy Director
for Radio Amateurs of Canada, North East Ontario Region. By
way of background, VE3XRA was employed by the Canadian
Federal Government in various departments as diverse as
Environmental issues to Foreign Affairs.

Bill Unger, VE3XT, is the North East Ontario Regional
Director for the Canadian national society. He says that
MacDonell will bring some iportent administration,
innovation and management skills to Radio Amateurs of
Canads. As such Unger says that he is looking forward to
working with him as part of the North-East Ontario team.
(RAC)

**

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:

(5 sec pause here)

**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: AUTHOR ROBERT L. SHRADER, W6BNB -
S.K.

The changing of the guard in amateur radio continues. This
with the sad news that writer and author Robert L.
Shrader, W6BNB, became a Silent Key on Wednesday, April
11th.

The author of numerous books and articles dealing with
almost every area of communications, possibly his best known
work was the textbook Electronic Communications, which was
first published in 1959 and is currently in its 6th edition
from McGraw Hill.

Robert Shrader, W5BNB, is survived by his wife Dorothy,
W6ECU, a son Doug, KJ6TEJ, and daughter Patricia. At the
time of his passing Robert Shrader was age 98.
(PressDemocrat, others)

**

WORLDBEAT - JAPAN: ULTRA THIN FLEXIBLE BATTERIES EXPECTED
IN 2013

In news from around the world, an ultra-thin flexible
battery is on its way from Japan electronic giant NEC.
According to reports, the company has worked for over a
decade to design an organic battery is just one one-
hundredth of an inch thick, can refresh a teeny screen 2,000
times and can be recharged in less than a minute.

In 2013, the battery is expected to be included in such
items as enhanced credit and debit cards that display
balances, electronic hotel keys, subway and train passes,
and in much slimmer and lighter smart phones. The organic
battery is also expected to pave the way for slender flat-
screen displays and e-readers with a texture that feels like
paper. (Kiplinger, CGC)

**

WORLDBEAT - CANADA: ONTARIO EXPECTED TO EXTEND HAM RADIO
HAND HELD DEVICE LAW ANOTHER FIVE YEARS

Some good news for hams living in the Canadian Province of
Ontario. You likely will be able to continue to operate
mobile using a hand mic or other hand held device for at
least another 60 months.

On April 16th the Ontario Ministry of Transportation posted
a regulatory notice proposing a change to Ontario motor
vehicle regulations that deal with the use of display
screens and hand-held devices in motor vehicles. If
approved it would extend the present exemption for licensed
amateur radio operators for an additional five years.

As previously reported, Radio Amateurs of Canada has been
lobbying for a permanent exemption for ham radio since this
regulation was first enacted back in 2009. The current
exemption was due to expire at the end of this calendar
year. (VE3XT, RAC)

**

ON THE AIR: W4F COMMEMORATES 2010 NASHVILLE FLOODS

Back in the USA, Tennessee's Sumner County ARES team will be
hosting a special event station W4F on Saturday, May 12th.
This to commemorate the 2nd Anniversary of the 2010
Nashville Flood and give recognition to the amateur radio
community that responded to that disaster.

W4F will be on the air from 10 am to 7 pm Central Standard
Time. If you make contact, QSL via WR1Q at his call book
address. More is on-line at specialevent.sumnerares.org
(N4WRD)

**

DX

In DX, word that DL6UAA will once again be back on Mauritius
as 3B8MM, but the length of his stay is unknown at this
time. His on the air activity is usually on 160 through 10
meters using mostly CW. Some SSB and Digital will also be
possible. QSL via DL6UAA, either via the Bureau or direct.

IRO, is expected to be in Uganda on a work assignment
starting early May. He is hoping to get a license during
the first week of his arrival. Once secured, listen out for
him on CW on the upper HF bands, especially on 10 MHz. QSL
routes include F8DFP, the French Cureau or direct with a
self addressed envelope and include one I-R-C.

J28AA will once again be active as 6O3A from Somalia between
May 25th and the 31st. His operation will be on SSB, RTTY
and 50 MHz. QSL via K2PF.

F5VHJ will operate the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest from
Senegak as 6W1RY this October. He plans to be on as a
Single-Operator All-Band High-Power entry. QSL via F5VHJ,
direct, by the Bureau or Logbook of the World.

Members of the Oceania DX Group be operational as YJ0VK from
Efate Island, Vanuatu through May 5th. Activity will be on
all HF bands 160-10 meters, with an emphasis on 30/17/12
meter bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via VK2CA,
direct or by the Bureau.

Lastly DJ2EH is currently active as 9H3XX from Malta. The
length of his stay is not known at this time but he has been
heard on 30, 17, 12 and 6 meters using CW. QSL via DJ2EH.

(Above from various DX news sources)


**

THAT FINAL ITEM: NORTH FLORIDA SCOUTING COUNCIL TO
INAUGURATE KB4SA

And finally this week, we say congratulations to a group of
scouts who have chartered a new scouting amateur radio
station. Heres Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, with the details:

--

Hams in the Jacksonville area had been helping Scouts in the
North Florida Council earn their Radio merit badges over the
years.

But they were looking to do more for the Scouts and for ham
radio.

Scott Roberts, KK4ECR, says a group of those hams finally
decided to make a move.

"We approached one of the local Scout camps here in the area
and talked to them about it and they said, 'Yes, we're all
for it, let's do it,' Roberts says.

"And, basically, at that point, amateur radio club KB4SA was
born."

The station is being set up at Camp Echockotee in Orange
Park, Florida. It also has backing from Clay County Amateur
Radio Emergency Service operators.

Roberts says KB4SA will be staffed by Scouters and Scouts
looking to share the fun of the amateur radio hobby.

On Saturday, May 12, Roberts says the station will launch
operations with a special event station from the camp. And
he's looking to make contacts with.

"Other Scout clubs, with other DX stations that are around
that can be available that day to talk to the Scouts and
kind of make it a big hit for some of these Scouts that have
been on the radio before and then some of those that have
never been on the radio before," Roberts says.

You can find more about the KB4SA operation by going online
to our website, arnewsline.org for a link (http://kb4sa.org)
to information about the station and the frequencies.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V,
in Philadelphia.

--

Our congratulations to The North Florida Council on its
upcoming inauguration of amateur radio station KB4SA. If
you hear the station on the air please be sure to give the
scouts operating it a call and say hello. (N. FL. Council,
NT3V)

**

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 NewslineT. Our e-mail address is newsline(at)
arnewsline (dot) org. More information is available at
Amateur Radio Newsline'sT only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us
at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa
Clarita California, 91350

A reminder that the nominating period for the 2012 Amateur
Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award is now open.
Full details and a downloadable nominating form are on our
website at arnewsline.org/yhoty.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk,
I'm Fred Vobbe, W8HDU, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.

Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012. All rights
reserved.

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1810 - April 20 2012

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1810 with a release
date of April 20th, 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. A new report released by a ham in
Germany highlights various radar sources that could
interfere with amateur radio; the Sun shows its might again
as a major eruption hits the North-East limb; amateur radio
responds to tornado devastation in the central U-S; Scouting
gets its own IRLP Topic Channel and Riley is coming to CQ
Magazine. Find out the details are on Amateur Radio
NewslineT report number 1810 coming your way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)


**

WORLDBEAT: NEW OTH RADAR REPORT RELEASED BY DK20M

A new paper released by a ham in Germany may shed some light
on sources of interference on the ham bands caused by radar
systems world-wide. Jim Davis, W2JKD, has more:

--

Wolfgang Hadel DK2OM has made available a report documenting
High Frequency Over The Horizon radar systems used around
the world. Also included are Ionosphere and Troposhere
Diagnostic Radars as well as well as Ocean Wave and Coastal
Radars. All of these can interfere with amateur radio and
shortwave listening.

The report is an exceedingly thorough look at these various
Radar systems and their uses. It also includes explanations
of how some of these systems work and include photographs,
maps and graphs of some of the operations.

The 36 page report is free to anyone who wants a copy. You
can download it in Adobe .pdf format at tinyurl.com/oth-
radar-report.

I'm Jim Davis, W2JKD.

--

Again that U-R-L to obtain a free copy of the paper is
tinyurl.com/oth-radar-report


(IARU-R1)

**

NEWSLINE FOLLOW-UP: NEW RADAR MAY HAVE CAUSED SOCAL HAM TO
RECEIVE NOTICE

A follow-up and a possible answer to the question raised
last week of just what aeronautical radar system Gary Dent,
AF6HP, was issued a Notice of Violation by the FCC for
interfering with. Its now been made public that the FAA is
in the process deploying a new generation of Common Air
Route Surveillance Radar that operates in the 23 centimeter
band. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is in the newsroom with what
we know:

--

Well Don, most of what we know comes in the form of a news
release from the ARRL Letter. It says that the deployment
of what is known as the updated Common Air Route
Surveillance Radar has some implications for the use of the
1240 to 1300 MHz band by radio amateurs.

According to the ARRL story, the improved Common Air Route
Surveillance Radar systems are being installed in several
dozen locations throughout the country, albeit the exact
placement has not been announced. And as stated, this radar
system is a primary user of the band meaning that any and
all other users must protect it from any man made
interference. That includes amateur radio which holds
secondary status.

At this point, all that's really known is that the radar
will use various frequencies in the 1240-1350 MHz range with
an occupied bandwidth of about 3 MHz. As such, the League
says that in the vicinity of these radars, amateur operation
may be precluded in a portion of the 23 cm band.

The ARRL says that it is in contact with FAA engineers and
that it anticipates that the constraints on amateur use of
the band will be limited to those necessary to protect
aviation safety. This of coarse is something that cannot
ever be compromised.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF,
in the newsroom in Los Angeles.

--

Whether or not this radar is the reason that AF6HP received
his Notice of Violation is not known because it's also not
known if the Los Angeles area is the home of one of the
improved radar facilities. Nor does it explain the
additional charge of broadcasting that was included in the
NOV issued to AF6HP. (ARRL, others)

**

PROPAGATION: SPECTACULAR APRIL 16th EXPLOSION ON THE SUN

Another spectacular display from old Sol. On April 16th
around 17:45 UTC, magnetic fields curling over the sun's
northeastern limb rose up and erupted, producing one of the
most visually-spectacular explosions in years.

The event, which also produced an M1.7-class solar flare and
a coronal mass ejection, was not Earth-directed.
Nevertheless, it confirms suspicions that a significant
active region of our home star is rotating onto the Earth
facing side of the sun. This could mean more flares and some
interesting propagation in the coming days and weeks.

Please visit spaceweather.com for videos of this solar event
and the very latest updates. (W0WOI, VHF Reflector)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: K4ZDH NAMED NEW CQ MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTING
EDITOR

Retired FCC amateur radio enforcement chief Riley
Hollingsworth, K-4- Zed-D-H, has been named a CQ magazine
contributing editor, succeeding "Washington Readout" editor
Fred Maia, W5YI, who recently became a Silent Key.

Hollingsworth, a ham since 1960 and a longtime FCC attorney
became a household name in amateur radio in 1998. That's
when he was named Special Counsel for Amateur Radio in the
Commission's then newly-created Enforcement Bureau.

His highly-visible enforcement actions were cheered by a
majority in the amateur community. Especially after more
than a decade during which FCC enforcement on the ham bands
was virtually non existent.

Riley Hollingsworth retired from the FCC in 2008, but has
continued to be in demand for personal appearances within
the ham radio community. And according to CQ Editor Rich
Moseson, W2VU, he was the natural choice for a column on
regulatory matters concerning amateur radio:

--

W2VU: "If you are looking for a columnist on regulatory
affairs, who is better qualified than Riley Hollingsworth?

"He spent 30 years in the FCC; kept us all in-line for over
a decade; continues to be a widely sought after speaker at
hamfests and clubs and is very widely respected throughout
the amateur community."

--

Riley Hollingsworth's new monthly column will be titled
"Riley's Ramblings." According to Moseson, it will
incorporate "Washington Readout's" coverage of legislative
and administrative actions that affect amateur radio along
with additional topics of importance and/or interest to CQ's
readers and the ham radio public at large.

Hollingsworeth's first column will appear in the July, 2012,
issue of CQ. In it he will explain why ongoing FCC
enforcement actions since his retirement have been somewhat
"under the radar."

Riley Hollingsworth holds a Master's degree from the
University of South Carolina, and a law degree from Wake
Forest University. He lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
with his wife, Pat. (CQ)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world
including the W7KYC repeater serving the city of Portland,
Oregon.


(5 sec pause here)


**

RESCUE RADIO: AMATEUR RADIO RESPONDS TO MID-WEST TORNADOES

Amateur radio operators in several states responded as a
spate of tornadoes devastated areas of several states. We
have more in this report:

--

When high winds and tornadoes called on Oklahoma Friday,
April 13th, amateur radio Skywarn spotters and Amateur Radio
Emergency Service members were ready.

Rick Smith, KI5GT, the warning coordination meteorologist in
Norman said: "Once again, storm spotters played a critical
role in helping the National Weather Service and local
officials deal with dangerous storms during the past week
across Oklahoma.

Amateur radio reports from local storm spotters gave
forecasters important ground truth information when
tornadoes struck southwest Oklahoma on April 13th. And it
was a trained storm spotter from a volunteer fire department
in northwest Oklahoma who alerted the National Weather
Service as the tornado that would go on to strike Woodward,
Oklahoma first developed. That information prompted a
tornado warning that gave residents of Woodward about 20
minutes advance warning."

Near the town a Blair, Altus Skywarn Association members
were providing spotter reports on the WX5ASA repeater
system. In fact, the day after the tornado, Skywarn
Coordinator Steve Grayson, KE5BPL, was leading a team of Red
Cross volunteers in damage assessment. Within another two
days, Grayson was deployed to Woodward to help with the
recovery from the tragic F-3 tornado strike there.

Similar stories played out in the "tornado ravaged" cities
of Woodward, Cherokee, and Norman where a total of seven
deaths were reported. Cleanup and Recovery continues in
Oklahoma which has seen at least one County so far declared
by the Governor as a disaster area.

In addition to Oklahoma, several other states suffered storm
damage as well. There, ham radio operators played key roles
in severe weather spotting and relief efforts as well.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Carlson, KQ6FM, in
Reno.

--

More on this in future Amateur Radio Newsline reports.
(KC5FM, National Weather Service Norman OK., others)


**

RADIO LAW: HAM GATHERING SIGNATURES ON PETITION TO VOID
ANTENNA PROHIBITIONS

N4UM tells Newsline that he has begun a petition drive to
the FCC. This, in an attempt to get the regulatory agency
to void antenna prohibitions by developers and Home Owners
Associations.

As of this report the petition has garnered over 700
signatures. N4UM says that he is doing this now because the
FCC is currently requesting formal comments on emergency
communications in amateur radio. The agency also wants to
know the effects of impediments to the amateur radio service
as part of the Docket GN 12-91 inquiry.

Comments on this federal study close on May 17th. N4UM says
that his petition will also close on this same day. You can
find his petition on-line at tinyurl.com/antenna-rights
(N4UM)

**

ENFORCEMENT: FCC SETTLES 2007 UNCERTIFIED TRANSMITTERS WITH
CONSENT DECREE

A Consent Decree has ended the case involving a hobby
electronics supplier accused by the FCC of selling non-
certified broadcast transmitters in the United States.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has the
details:

--

The FCC has entered into a Consent Decree with Richard Mann
doing business as the Antique Radio Collector. The Consent
Decree settles an enforcement proceeding begun back in
November of 2006, when the FCC's Spectrum Enforcement
Division issued the Letter of Inquiry to Mann in response to
a complaint alleging that he was assembling SSTRAN model
AMT3000 AM transmitters built from kits and then marketing
them in the United States.

In March of 2007 the regulatory agency issued the Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against Mann in the amount
of $7,000 wich was affirmed that November. This lead to a
number of Petitions for Reconsideration over the next 5
years and finally to a decision by the FCC and Mann that it
would be far more prudent to finalize the matter through a
Consent Decree. This decree has now been accepted by all
parties and brings the matter to a close.

For the Amateur radio Newsline, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP, in
Scottsdale, Arizona.

--

You can read the entire decision and the text of the Consent
Decree on-line at tinyurl.com/RichardMannConsentDecree
(CGC, FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT: ANOTHER UNLICENSED FLORIDA BROADCASTER FINED

The FCC has affirmed a Forfeiture Order in the amount of ten
$10,000 to Robenson Thermitus of Miami, Florida. This for
his alleged operation of an unlicensed radio transmitter on
the frequency 98.7 MHz in the Miami area.

Back on January 20, 2012, the Enforcement Bureau's Miami
Office issued the $10,000 Notice of Apparent Liability for
Forfeiture to Thermitus. Since that time Thermitus has not
filed a response to the NAL.

Now, based on the information the FCC has before it, the
regulatory agency has now upheld the forfeiture order and
given. Its also provided Thermitus the customary 30 days to
pay the fine or to file an appeal. (FCC)

**

HAM RADIO AND SCOUTING: NEW DEDICATED IRLP TOPIC CHANNEL
FOR SCOUTS

Radio Scouting and the Jamboree on the Air now have a common
meeting place for Internet Radio Linking Project contacts or
IRLP. As one of the new Topic Channels, scouts need only
connect to IRLP Node 9091 to make contact with one another.

The Radio Scouting and Jamboree on the Air Topic Channel is
available for use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A
recommended time for calling has initially been established
for 1800 UTC for weekend activities, such as Radio Merit
Badge events, as well as contacts during Summer Camp.
Another suggested time is 0100 UTC to accommodate most
scouts during the evening hours.

For detailed information on available IRLP repeaters in your
area, how IRLP works and operating guidelines, visit
www.irlp.net on the World-Wide-Web. For more information
about this and other IRLP Topic Channels take your web
browser to www.irlptopics.net. (NZART)

**

WITH QCWA: BECOME A MEMBER OR PAY DUES ON-LINE

The Quarter Century Wireless Association has announced that
those eligible can now join the organization or renew
membership on-line.

The link to the applications are at www.qcwa.org/how-to-
join.php After you complete the form, click 'Add to Cart.
From there you yiu will be taken to PayPal to complete the
transaction.

You don't need to be a member of PayPal to use a Debit or
Credit card. You do need to be a member of PayPal to use
your checking or savings account electronic transfer.
Eligibility to join QCWA requires a continuous 25 years as a
licensed amateur radio operator. (N0UF)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: N6G TO CELEBRATE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AT AGE
75

A Healdsburg, California ham has announced a special event
operation to celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the
states most usefull landmarks. Jim Damron, N8TMW, is here
with more:

--

Will Pattullo, AE6YB, tells Newsline that he will be hosting
special event N6G an May 26 and the 27th. This to celebrate
the 75th anniversary of the opening of San Francisco's
Golden Gate Bridge.

AE6YB says he will definitely be on 7.265, 14.265 and 21.265
MHz during the two-day operation. He will also try to get
on 80 and 10 meters if time permits. Domestic U-S stations
should QSL N6G via AE6YB with a self addressed stamped
envelope direct via his callbook address. DX stations are
asked to include a US dollar to cover return postage.

From Charleston, West Virginia, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW,
reporting.

--

More about the event is on line at AE6YB's information page
on QRZ.com.
(AE6YB)

**

HAMVENTION HAMVENTION 2012 AFFILIATED EVENT: MEGALINKT TO
PROVIDE HAMVENTION AREA WIDE COVERAGE

If you will be attending Hamvention 2012, heres a bit of
news for you. And again this year, K9NZF Systems and the
Chief Anderson Amateur Radio Club are hosting the Dayton
Hamvention MegALinK special event wide area voice network.

The MegALinK was conceived as a way to provide FM mobile
voice coverage from west central Indiana all the way to
Dayton, Ohio. This year it will also provide coverage into
and on the grounds of the Dayton Hamvention itself.

More about it and how to use it is on-line at www.k9nzf.com.
Questions and comments go by e-mail to megalink (at) k9nzf
(dot) com. (K9ZF Systems)

**

HAMVENTION 2012 AFFILIATED EVENT TALK VIA A SATELLITE AT THE
DAYTON HAMVENTION

AMSAT is inviting students attending the 2012 Dayton
Hamvention to stop by the Satellite Demonstration Area just
outside of the Ball Area entrance. This to experience the
thrill of taking part in an actual contact using one or more
of the currently on-orbit amateur satellites.

There will be AMSAT volunteers there to explain how to make
the contacts and during actual satellite passes. AMSAT adds
that its volunteers will try to get as many students as
possible to complete actual contacts.

There will be lists of satellite pass times in the satellite
demonstration area and at the AMSAT booth inside the
exhibition area to help those wanting to talk via a
satellite to plan their schedule accordingly. (ANS)

**

HAMVENTION 2012 AFFILIATED EVENT: A MORNING OF D-STAR
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

Hamvention goers who are thinking of getting a D-STAR radio
or those who are newly involved in the technology might want
to take note of an affiliated event session.

A three hour class titled "A Morning of D-STAR Information
and Instruction for New D-STAR Users" will take place on
Friday, May 18th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Eastern Daylight
time with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.. The venue is the
Drury Inn Ballroom located at 6616 Miller Lane, in Dayton.

There, several well known instructors will take you step by
step into the world of D-Star digital audio communications.
Some of the subjects to be covered include what D-STAR is,
what can it do and how is it used. You will also learn what
equipment is currently available, how radio memory
management works, how to link to other repeaters and
reflectors and much more. And those who attend will be
eligible at a chance to win an Icom ID-31A handheld D-STAR
radio.

The cost of the session is $25 and anyone planning to attend
must register on-line before April 25th. To do that, simply
take your web browser to tinyurl.com/dstar-dayton-register
and fill in the required fields. More information on the
session itself can be found at www.dstarinfo.com.
(DSTARINFO.COM)

**

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:

(5 sec pause here)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: EMCOMMWEST - MAY 4 TO 6 IN RENO NEVADA

While the Dayton Hamvention is the show on almost everyones
mind, its not the only big show happening in May. Another
is Emcommwest that's held each year in Reno, Nevada. Here's
Amateur Radio Newsline's Don Carlson, KQ6FM, with the
details:

--

Emcommwest is returning to Reno, NV on May 4th through the
6th. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the ARRL
Specialty Convention, with focus on Emergency
Communications. But hurry, the advance registration
deadline will be at Midnight on Saturday April 28th.

This year our ARRL Keynote speaker will be League COO Harold
Kramer, WJ1B who will bring us the latest on Amateur Radio
in general, with our ARRL Forum, hosted by Pacific Division
Director Bob vallio, W6RGG.

We are especially proud to bring special guest and Sat.
night banquet speaker Chip Margelli, K7JA, who was with Heil
Sound for many years and is now Director of Sales &
Marketing for CQ Magazine. You may remember Chip from the
Code vs. Texting contest on the Jay Leno show a few years
back. Emcommwest is honored to have this Amateur Radio
legend join us for the 10th anniversary year.

The Sunday morning breakfast will welcome back Tom Taormina
K5RC operator of the legendary contest station.

New this year will be an "ARES Leadership Forum" on Sunday
morning, with a panel of SEC's discussing new ideas,
innovations, large scale exercises and a wide variety of
topics of interest to the Emergency Communications world in
Amateur Radio.

Also new this year will be NARRI's VOIP conference all day
Friday May 4th, Of course there will be the Friday night BBQ
hosted by the SATERN team, vendor hall, Saturday morning
swap meet and a host of topical forums and training sessions
again this year.

For The Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Carlson, KQ6FM in
Reno.

--

For more information and registration, please head to the
website emcommwest.org, or email info (at) emcommwest (dot)
org. (Emcommwest)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: LYRID METEOR SHOWER APRIL 21-22

The rocks in the sky are coming again. W0WOI reports via
the VHF Reflector that Earth is approaching the debris field
of ancient Comet Thatcher which is the source of the annual
Lyrid meteor shower.

Forecasters expect the shower to peak on April 21st and
22nd. A nearly new moon on those dates will provide perfect
dark-sky conditions for meteor watching.

According to meteor scatter enthusiasts, usually the shower
is mild with about 10 to 20 meteors per hour. But unmapped
filaments of dust in the comet's tail sometimes trigger
outbursts 10 times stronger.

You can follow the approaching event and get nmore
information on it on-line at spaceweather.com. (W0WOI via
VHF Reflector)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: SA AMSAT SPACE SYMPOSIUM - MAY 12

The South Africa AMSAT Space Symposium will be held at the
University of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday May 12th. The theme
of the symposium is five decades of amateur satellites and
celebrating the launch of OSCAR 1 fifty years ago. The full
program and registration details are at tinyurl.com/sa-amsat-
symposium (SARL)

**

ON THE AIR: VO1AA SPECIAL EVENT TO CELEBRATE MARCONI
BIRTHDAY

On the air, the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs will
be celebrating the birthday of inventor Guglielmo Marconi.
This, by operating station VO1AA on Wednesday, April 25th
and welcoming some special guest at the same time.

The club plans on making an amateur eadio contact with
Princess Elettra Marconi who will be in Bologna, Italy to
celebrate her father's birthday. On this side of the
Atlantic it is planned to have the Canadian Heritage
Minister, the City of St. John's Mayor along with the
Newfoundland Lieutenant Governor, exchange greetings with
the Princess via amateur radio from VO1AA which will be
located at the Cabot Tower.

This is the first time that this event has been attempted.
As such, it is anticipated that it may attain a high level
media exposure for amateur radio in Canada and possibly in
Italy as well. Marconi received the first wireless signal
at Signal Hill, Newfoundland.
(VO1DTM/VO1DM)

**

DX

In DX, word that ON4CIT is reporting that a DXpedition to
Togo will take place at the end of 2012 or the beginning of
2013. The callsign mentioned is 5V7TH. The exact dates are
still to be determined. More as new information is made
available.

OH1VR will be operational portable SV9 from Crete between
April 21st and the 28th. OH1VR along with OH1ZAA will then
be on the air portable VP9 from Bermuda between May 7th and
the 13th. Activity for both operations will be on the HF
bands and 6 meters, and using CW and SSB. QSL via their
respective home callsigns.


Members of the Polish Amateur Radio Club Flora Fauna are
active as HF-87-WARD through April 30th. This to celebrate
the World Amateur Radio Day and the 87th anniversary of the
founding of the International Amateur Radio Union. QSL
electronically via eQSL.cc and W-F-F LogSerach.

ZL1DD is now active as XU7AEL from the XU7AAA Rental Shack
in Cambodia. He should be at that location through at least
April 21st. Operation is on 80 through 6 meters using CW
and SSB. QSL via his home callsign.

VE2XB will be on the air as V-31-X-B from Caye Caulker
Island, Belize, between May 11th and the 31st. His
activity will be on all High Frequency bands, as well as 6
meters. Modes mentioned are CW and SSB using an Elecraft K3
into a Hexbeam. QSL via VE2XB as listed on QRZ.com.

Lastly, ON4CIT and ON4BEC will be active as TO3X from St
Barthelemy through April 30th. They will be using 40 through
6 meters on SSB and RTTY with some CW. QSL via ON4CIT,
direct, via the bureau, or electronically using Logbook of
the World

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM: JAPAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY PLANS SPACE
ELEVATOR

And finally this week, while it might the stuff of science
fiction dreams are made ofr, a Japanese construction company
has announced that it will have built a working space
elevator by 2050. Amateur Radio Newsline's Heather Butera-
Howell, KB3TZD, is here with this glimpse into the future:

--

Imagine putting a microsat under your arm, taking it on an
elevator ride to a geostationary on-orbit outpost and
eventually hsving it tossed into space. Such might be the
case in about 40 to 50 years if the plans of a Japan-based
construction company come to pass,

According to the The Daily Yomiuri newspaper, the company
known as Obayashi Corporation has announced it will build a
kind of space elevator by the year 2050. One that will be
capable of shuttling passengers and supplies 36,000
kilometers above the Earth.

The company plans to use carbon nanontubes, which are said
to be 20 times stronger than steel, to produce the cables
required for the elevator. Those cables will be stretched to
a counterweight 96,000 kilometers above our planet. Thats
about one-fourth of the distance between the Earth and the
moon.

An Obayashi official told the newspaper that the terminal
station to be located 36,000 kilometers above Earth, will be
reached by cars that can carry 30 people and travel at 200
kilometers per hour.

He adds that at this moment, the company cannot estimate the
cost for the project. However, they will try to make steady
progress so that it won't end just up as simply a dream.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Heather Butera-Howell.
KB3TZD, looking at the future from near Burwick,
Pennsylvania.

--

The Obayashi spokesperson could not estimate the cost the
cost of the project but did admit that it will be high. And
whether this project can actually become a reality is up for
discussion for at least the time being. (Yomiuri News)

**

NEWSCAST CLOSE

With thanks to AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ
Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio
Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, TWIT-TV, the Southgate News and
Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio
NewslineT. Our e-mail address is newsline (at) arnewsline
(dot) org. More information is available at Amateur Radio
Newsline'sT only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us
at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa
Clarita California, 91350

A reminder that the nominating period for the 2012 Amateur
Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award is now open.
Full details and a downloadable nominating form are on our
website at arnewsline.org/yhoty.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk,
I'm Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.

Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012. All rights
reserved.

Class Action Suit by Users of IOS apps

We cannot receive the apps that users want, we live in a nation that has freedom for all. We spend a lot of money on IOS devices and we still cannot get the apps that we personally want. Apple has complete autonomy to do what it wants with our money, time, business, personal usage, and how we use the very devices they sell. Yes, they are the biggest company in the United States, but none of their devices are made in the United States. Maybe that should change before we buy more devices from Apple. Yes they make good devices, IOS is a good system, but it all has complete control from Apple, our big brother in desquise.

So why can't we as users start a class action suit against Apple to allow us to put what ever app we please without the consent, control, or authority of Apple Inc.

Why?