AA7BQ
12-01-2006, 03:24 PM
THE BPL WAR: INTERFERENCE CONTINUES DOWN-UNDER
The battle lines are being drawn down-under. This over a B-P-L trial in Mt Beauty, Australia, that’s playing havoc with communications for two radio operators. Jim Linton, V-K-3-P-C, is here with the details:
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The substantial interference resulting from a trial of Broadband over Power Lines in Mt Beauty in north-east Victoria continues to be experienced by at least two radio operators.
In addition to Ian Paul VK3FIOP now VK3LJJ, a CB radio operator is plagued with the interference. He too has so far been unable to get the BPL operator SP Ausnet to solve the problem. The CBer wants to become a radio amateur and shares Ian VK3LJJ's disappointment at the loss of HF radio communications.
The evidence is stacking up against this BPL trial. The latest is an observations report by a former ACMA BPL Project Team Manager, Peter Young, who reports interference on five amateur bands, 27MHz CB band and the adjacent Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band.
He found that the BPL emissions, in addition to amateur radio and CB radio, create a potential for severe interference to medical alert alarm devices, some remote control devices such as door openers, cordless telephones and radio controlled model aircraft.
Meantime, Ian VK3LJJ is continuing to deal with SP Ausnet and the ACMA, with help from the WIA and Amateur Radio Victoria.
I'm Jim Linton VK3PC, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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W-I-A Newsman Phil Waite, VK2DKN, is in Mt. Beauty. Hes there taking readings and gathering further material as the Wireless Institute of Australia works towards as successful outcome to this latest B-P-L interference problem down-under . (WIA News)
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RESTRUCTURING: GET READY TO EXPAND ON DECEMBER 15TH
Back here in the United States, with publication in the Federal Register on November 15th, the long-awaited changes to the amateur rules are set to take effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time on December 15. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, is here with some of the details:
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According to an ARRL bulletin, for Amateur Extra class licensees, the 75 meter phone band will start at 3.6 MHz, while Advanced class licensees start at 3.7 MHz and Generals at 3.8 MHz. The high end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band is now 3.6 MHz although CW is allowed on the entire band.
On 40 meters, Amateur Extra and Advanced licensees will be able to operate phone beginning at 7.125 MHz, while Generals start at 7.175 MHz. The top end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band will be 7.125 kHz. Again, Morse is allowed on the entire band.
There are no changes to the 20 meter band.
On 15 meters, the General class phone band now starts at 21.275 MHz.
On 10 meters, Novice and Technician Plus licensees can now operate CW/RTTY/Digital from 28.0 to 28.3 MHz.
Also, Novices and Tech Plus licensees can use CW only on the same frequencies as General and Advanced licensees on the 80, 40 and 15 meter bands: 3.525 to 3.6 MHz; 7.025 to 7.125 MHz and 21.025 to 21.2 MHz.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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The Report and Order as published in the Federal Register clarified two items that had raised some concerns when it was first released October 10th . First is that the 80/75 meter band split applies to all three IARU Regions. Also that FCC licensees in Region 2, which includes North America, can continue to use RTTY and data emissions in the 7.075 to 7.1 MHz segment of the 40 meter band. (ARRL)
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RESTRUCTURING: FCC ISSUES ERRATUM IN RESTRUCTURING R&O
The FCC has released an Erratum that corrects one error in the recent restructuring Report and Order. A mistake that inadvertently limited J2D emissions to an occupied bandwidth of 500 Hz.
J2D is data sent by modulating an SSB transmitter. Had it been left to stand, the error would have rendered illegal below 30 MHz PACTOR III at full capability as well as Olivia and MT63 when operated at bandwidths greater than 500 Hz bandwidth, 1200 baud packet, and several other digital modes. According to an ARRL bulletin, the Erratum fixes this problem.
And a reminder that all restructuring under the omnibus rule changes -- including those accounted for in the Federal Register and the Erratum -- take effect Friday, December 15, at 12:01 AM EST. Until then all current FCC rules and regulations stand in place. (ARRL)
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RESTRUCTURING: OPERATION BY CANADIAN BASIC PLUS LICENSEES IN THE USA
Canadian hams holding that nations Basic Plus code free license can legally operate in the United States. But only within the terms allowable under FCC regulation.
According to Radio Amateurs of Canada, a spokesperson for the FCC’s Amateur Radio Division says that a Canadian Basic Plus licensed operator located within the United States, U-S controlled territories or U-S territorial waters has the same H-F privileges as in Canada, insofar as those privileges do not exceed those granted to U-S Extra Class amateurs. In other words, the visiting Basic Plus has the same privileges as a United States Extra, but nothing greater even if the grant under Canadian regulation is for greater privileges than that of the U-S Extra class ticket.
Since Industry Canada removed the mandatory requirement for the Morse Qualification for access to the High Frequency bands below 30 MHz, there has been confusion as to whether Canadian radio amateurs with a 'Basic Plus' qualification are permitted to use the HF bands in other countries. Industry Canada says that this statement by the FCC is consistent with its understanding of the reciprocal operating treaty between Canada and the U-S-A. (RAC)
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LOW FREQUENCY NEWS: VY1JA BEACON HEARD IN GERMANY
The first confirmed Low Frequency reception of a western Canadian station in Germany has taken place. It happened on the night of November 21st when German low frequency experimenter, Hartmut Wolff, located in Schoenewoerde reported hearing the 2200 meter VY1JA beacon on located in Whitehorse in the Yukon Territories.
The VY1JA beacon is operated by Canadian experimenter Jay Allen. It transmits on 137.7786 KHz and runs 140 watts out to a 100 foot high top loaded wire vertical antenna.
Hartmut's received VY9JA using a double K9AY loop at 07:00 UTC. That was just after it had been turned on for the evening when the downward-drifting signal appeared in the pre-sunrise hours in Germany. The mostly overland path covered a distance of 4370 miles. (RAC)
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Break 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the W9ELK repeater serving Elkhorn, Wisconsin
(5 sec pause here)
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RESTRUCTURING: UK ABANDONS CB LICENSING
11 meter CB will no longer be a licensed radio service in the United Kingdom. This, with word that telecommunications regulator Ofcom has announced new regulations that will remove the need for a Citizens’ Band radio operators to obtain a authorization to be on the air.
Ofcom says that doing away with C-B licenses will deduce the cost burden for administering about 20,000 licensees for U-K citizens who use these short-range transceivers. This rules change is effective on December 8th and parallel the de-licensing of C-B that tool place in the United States over three decades ago. (Media Network, Southgate)
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RESTRUCTURING: UK RADIO LICENSING CENTER CLOSES IT DOORS
Also from the U-K word that its Radio Licensing Center closed down on Wednesday November 22nd . This, as a part of the first phase of telecommunications regulator Ofcom's new Online Licensing system that was scheduled to go live on the 1st of December. Word is that any applications the Radio Licensing Center receive up until December 1st will be forwarded to Ofcom. (RSGB)
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ENFORCEMENT: TWO SAT-CASTERS CHARGED WITH TERRORISM
US authorities have brought formal terrorism charges against two men. This, for providing satellite broadcasts of Hezbollah television channel al-Manar to US customers. Evi Simons reports:
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According to a government news release, Saleh Elahwal and Javed Iqbal were charged with providing material support to Hezbollah broadcaster al-Manar. al-Manar has been branded by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in March.
Iqbal, a Pakistani who moved to the United States 24 years ago lives in New York,. As previously reported, he was arrested and first charged in August with providing satellite customers with the Hezbollah -operated channel.
According to the new charges, between September 2005 and August 2006 the two men used the television company they own, Brooklyn-based HDTV Ltd., to negotiate with representatives of the al-Manar network to air the channel. Court documents said Elahwal and Iqbal were paid more than $111,000 by al-Manar between December and March.
Both men pleaded not guilty during a hearing in Manhattan federal court. Elahwal was released on $400,000 bond, while Iqbal was let go after posting $250,000 bail. The men are due to appear again on 8 January. Each faces a maximum of 110 years in prison if convicted of all 11 counts.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Evi Simons in New York.
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The US Treasury Department froze the US assets of al-Manar in March, saying it supported the fund-raising and recruitment activities of Hezbollah. a Shiite Muslim group backed by Syria and Iran. (Published news reports)
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ENFORCEMENT: FCC SAYS INTERFERENCE CHARGES HAVE NO MERIT
The FCC has dismissed an interference complaint against Robert Dudick, K3KDK, of Mc Clure Pennsylvania. This, in an October 23rd letter to one Gene M. Long who had filed the complaint back on June 28th of this year.
In his letter to Long, the FCC stated rgat it had reviewed Long's complaint and had then requested and received information from Dudick.. After review, it found Longs complaint to be without merit.
The FCC went on to advise Long that any future complaints that he may file must contain tape recordings and specific information regarding his conclusion as to the interference source. It will also require signed verifications from other licensees participating with Long in the location of the alleged interference source.
The FCC also wrote to Dudick to let him know that the case was now closed and thanking him for his cooperation in putting the matter to rest. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: FCC DISMISSES REPEATER INTERFERENCE COMPLAINT
The FCC has also informed James N. Navaroli, KJ1Q, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut that the operation of the KB1CDI repeater of which he is trustee now falls within acceptable interference guidelines.
Back in August the FCC contacted Navaroli in regard to a complaint from the licensee of the coordinated N1JGR repeater system. It alleged that the KB1CDI repeater operating on the 147.15 and 147.75 MHz channel pair was operating without coordination and causing interference. The complaint also claimed that Navaroli had been contacted numerous times about this problem but had declined to address it.
According to the FCC, Navaroli responded by letter dated August 11, 2006. At that time he was unable to show that his repeater was coordinated but did state that he had incorporated the frequency pair into his system in 1997. This, after the previous repeater operator indicated that he was no longer going to use the frequency.
In its September 21st letter the FCC requested Navaroli respond within 20 days detailing what steps he was taking to resolve the interference to the coordinated N1JGR. repeater On October 16th , Navaroli filed his answer and the FCC now says that it has have reviewed it and finds it as acceptable.
The FCC says that it has now closed the case. It also thanked Navaroli for his cooperation in solving this matter. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: FCC TRACKS DOWN UNLICENSED SOCAL BROADCASTER
The Los Angeles FCC Office has issued a warning to San Clemente Properties, LLC of San Clemente, California regarding an unlicensed radio station operating from property that the company owns. The station was monitored on 106.9 MHz and on October 13th , Agents then confirmed by direction finding that the signal was coming from San Clemente Properties, LLC.
The FCC has now warned San Clemente Properties that operation of radio transmitting equipment without a valid FCC issued radio station authorization constitutes a violation of Federal laws. That failure to go off the air immediately could lead to a fine, imprisonment or both.
San Clemente Properties, LLC was given ten days from the date of the FCC notice to respond with any evidence that shows it might have the authority to operate. The FCC says that it will use all relevant material information before it to determine what, if any, enforcement action is required to ensure compliance with FCC Rules. (FCC)
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RADIO RULES: FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON 10-YEAR OLD RULES
As part of routine housekeeping mandated by law, over the next year the FCC will be reviewing rules adopted by the agency in calendar year 1996. Rules which have, or might have, a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The purpose of the review is to determine whether these regulations should be continued without change, be amended, or possibly even rescinded. (CGC)
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PUBLIC RELATIONS: HAM RADIO FEATURED IN SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE
Amateur Radio is featured in the December issue of the United Kingdom's BBC Sky At Night magazine. This, in a page article called "How To Get Pictures From Space" written by David Worboys M0ZLB.
In it Wordboys describes the Amateur Radio SpaceCam1 system, which is onboard, the International Space Station. He also provides a step-by-step guide on how to receive ISS Slow Scan TV pictures.
The article is written in a straightforward way that should be readily understandable by the non technical readers of that magazine, very few of who would be Radio Amateurs. At the end of the article David gives a plug for Amateur Radio and hopefully some of the readers will be interested enough to follow it up. More is on-line at www.skyatnightmagazine.com (Southgate)
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THE HAM BUSINESS SCENE: INTERNATIONAL RADIO SOLD
Effective January 1st, 2007 International Radio will be under new proprietorship. The new owners are Trey Garlough, N5KO, and Mark Oberman, AG9A.
Retiring owner George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN, describes the new company leadership as a pair of dedicated radio amateurs who appreciate all aspects of this hobby with a special interest in contesting.
The final day for International Radio to be operated by W2JVN is December 15th. The company will then be closed until January 1st, 2007 but online orders will be accepted during this time. These will be filled when the business reopens in January.
International Radio is best known as an after-market supplier of filter upgrades for most popular ham gear. More information is on-line at www.qth.com/inrad (Via e-mail)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: RADCOM'S G0FUW TO END NEWCOMMER COLUMN
Radio Communications Magazines Steve Hartely, G0FUW, who edits the U-K magazine's 'Newcomers Column says that the December issue will be the last. Hartely has been editing the Newcomers Column in RadCom for the last 7 years. He also runs very successful Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced amateur radio courses in the city of Bath. He is also the author of the very popular United Kingdom "Intermediate License Book" and joint author of "Advance - The Full License Book." (GB2RS)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: VE3AQQ ELECTED RAC ONTARIO N.E. DIRECTOR
Dave Goodwin, VE3AAQ is the new Radio Amateurs of Canada Director for the Ontario North East Region. Goodwin took the seat in a race that pitted him against Bill Unger, VE3XT. Goodwin will begin his two-year term of office in a few weeks on January 1st . (RAC)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: TOMLINSON RE-NOMINATED TO BROADCAST BOARD OF GOVERNORS
President Bush has re-nominated Kenneth Tomlinson as chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, AP reports. The board oversees Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio and TV Martí and other broadcasting initiatives. Tomlinson's nomination had been stalled in the Senate amid allegations of misconduct. (RW)
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HAM HAPPENINGS: BADGER WEATHER NET CELEBRATES NUMBER 42
A happy 42nd anniversary to the Badger Weather Net. Founded by a handful of Wisconsin Amateur Radio operators, the Badger Weather Net first took to the air on December 14, 1964.
Since that time the it has provided the National Weather Service with valuable weather observations of high/low temperatures and precipitation from across the state. This collected data is utilized for input into the river forecast model, for public and fire weather forecasts, verification of watches and warnings, for local media use, updating of computer models and various research projects.
The net meets every day to collect weather data on 3.985 MHz from 5 to 7:15AM Central time. There is also an early bird pickup station on from 4:45AM Central for those operators that have to leave early. More information about the net is on-line at www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/?n=badger-weathernet (WR9G)
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HAM HAPPENINGS: THE VK3RTS 95TH BIRTHDAY BEACON
And to celebrate its 95th birthday, Amateur Radio Victoria, in Australia, is now running a low power beacon on the 30m band and welcomes signal reports.
On November 30th , 1911, the Amateur Wireless Society of Victoria was founded by a meeting of wireless telegraphy experimenters in Melbourne. In May 1913 it changed its name to the “Wireless Institute of Victoria”, and today is the statewide organization known as Amateur Radio Victoria.
The 5-watt CW beacon with special callsign VK3RTS/95 will operate for 12 Months. Reception reports go to VK3WI via the Bureau or by e-mail to 95@amateurradio.com.au (VK3PC)
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BREAK 2
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
(5 sec pause here)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: EDUCATOR HONORED FOR ARISS CONTACT
An educator in Great Britain has been honored for her role in helping youngsters learn about space science. This through a ham radio contact with astronauts on-orbit. Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, is in Nottingham in the U-K with more:
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A head teacher whose pupils were among the first school children in the UK to speak to astronauts using amateur radio has won an ITV Pride of Britain Award.
Linda Davies was presented with the Teacher of the Year award live on television on the 7th of November for her work in promoting science at Neston Primary School in Wiltshire. One of her biggest achievements was organising a ten-minute chat between pupils and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
I'm Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, and you are tuned to the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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The amateur radio contact was undertaken by ARISS -- the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station organization and AMSAT-UK. More about this contact is on the web at www.g6lvb.com/Neston/index.htm (RSGB)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT-NA SIGNS LAB FACILITY AGREEMENT
AMSAT North America has accepted an offer to co-locate its Satellite Integration Lab with the Hawk Institute for Space Sciences. It’s a deal that will provide the ham radio space agency with a prime location to assemble and test the upcoming Eagle ham radio satellite.
With the unanimous approval of its Board of Directors, AMSAT North America has executed two Memoranda of Understanding, one with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the other with Maryland Hawk Corporation, formalizing the relationship. These memorandums give AMSAT essentially no cost access to the facility in return for sharing its equipment and ideas with the university.
The Hawk Institute for Space Sciences is a division of the Maryland Hawk Corporation. This is a non-profit educational organization affiliated with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. AMSAT has been actively searching for a suitable location for the past two years after its lab at the municipal airport in Orlando, Florida was condemned due to damage by Hurricane Charley in August of 2004. (ANS)
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RADIO IN SPACE: SDR USED ON MARS MISSION
NASA has undertaken the first ever deep-space activation of software defined radio. This, as the US space agency activates a UHF radio system aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter based on software defined technology.
The radio went into operation on Monday 6th . It was used to relay communications to and from the Spirit rover on the surface of Mars. During the orbiter's 4.2 minute pass, 31 megabits of data from Spirit were acquired at a return link rate of 128 kilobits per second. (ANS)
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: NEW SERVICE ENABLES TRACKING OF FRIENDS VIA GPS ON CELLPHONES
A new service called Loopt, launched recently in New York City by Sprint/Nextel-subsidiary Boost Mobile, lets cellular subscribers pinpoint the locations of friends who have agreed to allow wireless tracking. The service also sends an alert to a subscriber's cellphone whenever a friend's phone is nearby. More is on-line at / www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/14/BUGMMMC1KE1.DTL (CGC)
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WORLDBEAT - UK: NEW UK HAM FILM "TUNE IN"
Ham radio in the United Kingdom is the topic of a new film titled "'Tune In" that has been screened as part of the 50th London Film Festival. The 15 minute film has been described as an astute and affectionate portrait of the unseen community of ham radio enthusiasts and a space age hobby where the world is your friend.
The movie is the work of Esther Johnson. Johnson is a recent graduate of the United Kingdom's Royal College of Art. Her film is described as dealing with both the politics of space and social communication. This, by connecting documentary and experimental film techniques with the texture of radio.
No word if or when it will be shown here in the United States. More is on-line at www.lff.org.uk/films_details.php?FilmID=1192 (Various)
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WORLDBEAT - BULGARIA: HAPPY 49 TO RADIO BULGARIA'S DX PROGRAM
And a belated happy birthday to Radio Bulgaria's DX program which turned 49 this past November 17th . Initially the show was devoted only to ham radio related topics but eventually became a program of general interest to shortwave listeners, worldwide. The program was a monthly presentation until June of 1961 when it went weekly. The shows founder Its writer and editor for 49 years is Dimiter Petrov, LZ1AF. (Southgate)
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WORLDBEAT - DENMARK: SAQ ON THE AIR IN DECEMBER
The next transmission with Sweden's old S-A-Q Alexanderson Alternator will take place on Sunday December 24th at 08:00 UTC. This, on 17.2 kHz using C-W.
S-A-Q is the only the only Alexanderson Alternator transmitter remaining in the world that is still fit for operation. The station was built during the years 1922 to 1924.
The transmitter, the heart of which is an alternating- current generator, was developed by the Swedish engineer Ernst Alexanderson. Alexanderson was an early pioneer of radio, employed at General Electric in Schenectady and later as chief engineer at Radio Corporation of America.
QSL reports can be sent via e-mail to info@alexander.n.se or by mail to to Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner, Radiostationen, Grimeton 72, S-430 16 Rolfstrop, Sweden. More information is on-line at www.alexander.n.se (Mike Terry)
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SPECIAL EVENT: CELEBRATIONG IN FRANCE
The F5KEK Amateur Radio Society will be active between 2nd and 16th December. This, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first air base in the French Auvergne Area in Varennes Sur Allier. QSL either direct or via the bureau to the F5KEK Club Station, P.O. Box 20, Varennes Allier, 03150, France. (OPDX)
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DX
In D-X, word that members of the Polish Amateur Radio Union and the SP-DX-Club are organizing a DXpedition to the Island of Agalega to take place in March of 2007. The group has received a license and access to visit the island. Activity will last for 12 to 14 days on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK3. Also a JT6M on 50 MHz. Also, activity by this group is possible from the Seychelles, Mauritius as well as maritime mobile from the Indian Ocean.
Also, OD5TX, who has operated from the United Arab Emerates portable A6 has now been issued authorization to operate as A61TX. The license was issued on November 14th and is valid for one year. His QSL Manager is W4JS.
And word that F2HE, is once again active from French Polynesia as FO5RH, and will stay on the Tatakoto Atoll until December 4th. He will then return again starting January 10th. QSL as directed on the air.
(Above from various DX news sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: CLOTHESE THAT CAN LIGHT UP AND SEND MORSE
And finally this week, you can now have an entire shirt or even an outfit will tell the world who you are. It can even do it using visible Morse code if you like. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, shines a light on this one: :
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Those in pursuit of being the center of attention are this a bright idea. We are talking about clothes made of fabrics with embedded light-emitting diodes which are expected to be the most innovative garments in 2007 fashion season.
No, We are not talking of just a few bright colored LED's here and there. Nor are we talking about those LED's on flashing call sign badges.
In this case, a new technology called Lumalive integrates micro-sized light emitting diodes into the fabric. The diodes can be programmed to produce patterns that change color, shape and size. It will even allow those wearing this clothing to carry moving text messages along with vivid patterns. This means that I could show up at a hamfest next year with my callsign WA6ITF traveling around my shirt or up and down my pants leg.
Don't worry, I am not the type to wear the modern electronic equivlant of a walking bread board sign. But there are somw YL's and XYL's are going to love this aspect of the LED cloth technology. The company making it says that the electronic textile is washable and durable, allowing it to be used for drapes, cushions and even sofa coverings. At the same time, Lumalive says that the integrated LEDs do not affect the softness or comfort of the cloth if used for garments.
Hams will no doubt find other uses for it that the manufacturer never even dreamed of. It will be interesting to see who comes wearing what at the 2007 Dayton Hamvention and at club meetings, nationwide.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline. I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, just kind of twinkling away -- at the studio in Los Angeles.
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Lumalive is a product of Phillips Electronics. More information is on-line at www.lumalive.com (Press release)
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NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's™ only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline™, P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, saying 73 and we thank you for listening." Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.
The battle lines are being drawn down-under. This over a B-P-L trial in Mt Beauty, Australia, that’s playing havoc with communications for two radio operators. Jim Linton, V-K-3-P-C, is here with the details:
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The substantial interference resulting from a trial of Broadband over Power Lines in Mt Beauty in north-east Victoria continues to be experienced by at least two radio operators.
In addition to Ian Paul VK3FIOP now VK3LJJ, a CB radio operator is plagued with the interference. He too has so far been unable to get the BPL operator SP Ausnet to solve the problem. The CBer wants to become a radio amateur and shares Ian VK3LJJ's disappointment at the loss of HF radio communications.
The evidence is stacking up against this BPL trial. The latest is an observations report by a former ACMA BPL Project Team Manager, Peter Young, who reports interference on five amateur bands, 27MHz CB band and the adjacent Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band.
He found that the BPL emissions, in addition to amateur radio and CB radio, create a potential for severe interference to medical alert alarm devices, some remote control devices such as door openers, cordless telephones and radio controlled model aircraft.
Meantime, Ian VK3LJJ is continuing to deal with SP Ausnet and the ACMA, with help from the WIA and Amateur Radio Victoria.
I'm Jim Linton VK3PC, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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W-I-A Newsman Phil Waite, VK2DKN, is in Mt. Beauty. Hes there taking readings and gathering further material as the Wireless Institute of Australia works towards as successful outcome to this latest B-P-L interference problem down-under . (WIA News)
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RESTRUCTURING: GET READY TO EXPAND ON DECEMBER 15TH
Back here in the United States, with publication in the Federal Register on November 15th, the long-awaited changes to the amateur rules are set to take effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time on December 15. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, is here with some of the details:
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According to an ARRL bulletin, for Amateur Extra class licensees, the 75 meter phone band will start at 3.6 MHz, while Advanced class licensees start at 3.7 MHz and Generals at 3.8 MHz. The high end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band is now 3.6 MHz although CW is allowed on the entire band.
On 40 meters, Amateur Extra and Advanced licensees will be able to operate phone beginning at 7.125 MHz, while Generals start at 7.175 MHz. The top end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band will be 7.125 kHz. Again, Morse is allowed on the entire band.
There are no changes to the 20 meter band.
On 15 meters, the General class phone band now starts at 21.275 MHz.
On 10 meters, Novice and Technician Plus licensees can now operate CW/RTTY/Digital from 28.0 to 28.3 MHz.
Also, Novices and Tech Plus licensees can use CW only on the same frequencies as General and Advanced licensees on the 80, 40 and 15 meter bands: 3.525 to 3.6 MHz; 7.025 to 7.125 MHz and 21.025 to 21.2 MHz.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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The Report and Order as published in the Federal Register clarified two items that had raised some concerns when it was first released October 10th . First is that the 80/75 meter band split applies to all three IARU Regions. Also that FCC licensees in Region 2, which includes North America, can continue to use RTTY and data emissions in the 7.075 to 7.1 MHz segment of the 40 meter band. (ARRL)
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RESTRUCTURING: FCC ISSUES ERRATUM IN RESTRUCTURING R&O
The FCC has released an Erratum that corrects one error in the recent restructuring Report and Order. A mistake that inadvertently limited J2D emissions to an occupied bandwidth of 500 Hz.
J2D is data sent by modulating an SSB transmitter. Had it been left to stand, the error would have rendered illegal below 30 MHz PACTOR III at full capability as well as Olivia and MT63 when operated at bandwidths greater than 500 Hz bandwidth, 1200 baud packet, and several other digital modes. According to an ARRL bulletin, the Erratum fixes this problem.
And a reminder that all restructuring under the omnibus rule changes -- including those accounted for in the Federal Register and the Erratum -- take effect Friday, December 15, at 12:01 AM EST. Until then all current FCC rules and regulations stand in place. (ARRL)
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RESTRUCTURING: OPERATION BY CANADIAN BASIC PLUS LICENSEES IN THE USA
Canadian hams holding that nations Basic Plus code free license can legally operate in the United States. But only within the terms allowable under FCC regulation.
According to Radio Amateurs of Canada, a spokesperson for the FCC’s Amateur Radio Division says that a Canadian Basic Plus licensed operator located within the United States, U-S controlled territories or U-S territorial waters has the same H-F privileges as in Canada, insofar as those privileges do not exceed those granted to U-S Extra Class amateurs. In other words, the visiting Basic Plus has the same privileges as a United States Extra, but nothing greater even if the grant under Canadian regulation is for greater privileges than that of the U-S Extra class ticket.
Since Industry Canada removed the mandatory requirement for the Morse Qualification for access to the High Frequency bands below 30 MHz, there has been confusion as to whether Canadian radio amateurs with a 'Basic Plus' qualification are permitted to use the HF bands in other countries. Industry Canada says that this statement by the FCC is consistent with its understanding of the reciprocal operating treaty between Canada and the U-S-A. (RAC)
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LOW FREQUENCY NEWS: VY1JA BEACON HEARD IN GERMANY
The first confirmed Low Frequency reception of a western Canadian station in Germany has taken place. It happened on the night of November 21st when German low frequency experimenter, Hartmut Wolff, located in Schoenewoerde reported hearing the 2200 meter VY1JA beacon on located in Whitehorse in the Yukon Territories.
The VY1JA beacon is operated by Canadian experimenter Jay Allen. It transmits on 137.7786 KHz and runs 140 watts out to a 100 foot high top loaded wire vertical antenna.
Hartmut's received VY9JA using a double K9AY loop at 07:00 UTC. That was just after it had been turned on for the evening when the downward-drifting signal appeared in the pre-sunrise hours in Germany. The mostly overland path covered a distance of 4370 miles. (RAC)
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Break 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the W9ELK repeater serving Elkhorn, Wisconsin
(5 sec pause here)
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RESTRUCTURING: UK ABANDONS CB LICENSING
11 meter CB will no longer be a licensed radio service in the United Kingdom. This, with word that telecommunications regulator Ofcom has announced new regulations that will remove the need for a Citizens’ Band radio operators to obtain a authorization to be on the air.
Ofcom says that doing away with C-B licenses will deduce the cost burden for administering about 20,000 licensees for U-K citizens who use these short-range transceivers. This rules change is effective on December 8th and parallel the de-licensing of C-B that tool place in the United States over three decades ago. (Media Network, Southgate)
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RESTRUCTURING: UK RADIO LICENSING CENTER CLOSES IT DOORS
Also from the U-K word that its Radio Licensing Center closed down on Wednesday November 22nd . This, as a part of the first phase of telecommunications regulator Ofcom's new Online Licensing system that was scheduled to go live on the 1st of December. Word is that any applications the Radio Licensing Center receive up until December 1st will be forwarded to Ofcom. (RSGB)
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ENFORCEMENT: TWO SAT-CASTERS CHARGED WITH TERRORISM
US authorities have brought formal terrorism charges against two men. This, for providing satellite broadcasts of Hezbollah television channel al-Manar to US customers. Evi Simons reports:
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According to a government news release, Saleh Elahwal and Javed Iqbal were charged with providing material support to Hezbollah broadcaster al-Manar. al-Manar has been branded by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in March.
Iqbal, a Pakistani who moved to the United States 24 years ago lives in New York,. As previously reported, he was arrested and first charged in August with providing satellite customers with the Hezbollah -operated channel.
According to the new charges, between September 2005 and August 2006 the two men used the television company they own, Brooklyn-based HDTV Ltd., to negotiate with representatives of the al-Manar network to air the channel. Court documents said Elahwal and Iqbal were paid more than $111,000 by al-Manar between December and March.
Both men pleaded not guilty during a hearing in Manhattan federal court. Elahwal was released on $400,000 bond, while Iqbal was let go after posting $250,000 bail. The men are due to appear again on 8 January. Each faces a maximum of 110 years in prison if convicted of all 11 counts.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Evi Simons in New York.
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The US Treasury Department froze the US assets of al-Manar in March, saying it supported the fund-raising and recruitment activities of Hezbollah. a Shiite Muslim group backed by Syria and Iran. (Published news reports)
**
ENFORCEMENT: FCC SAYS INTERFERENCE CHARGES HAVE NO MERIT
The FCC has dismissed an interference complaint against Robert Dudick, K3KDK, of Mc Clure Pennsylvania. This, in an October 23rd letter to one Gene M. Long who had filed the complaint back on June 28th of this year.
In his letter to Long, the FCC stated rgat it had reviewed Long's complaint and had then requested and received information from Dudick.. After review, it found Longs complaint to be without merit.
The FCC went on to advise Long that any future complaints that he may file must contain tape recordings and specific information regarding his conclusion as to the interference source. It will also require signed verifications from other licensees participating with Long in the location of the alleged interference source.
The FCC also wrote to Dudick to let him know that the case was now closed and thanking him for his cooperation in putting the matter to rest. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: FCC DISMISSES REPEATER INTERFERENCE COMPLAINT
The FCC has also informed James N. Navaroli, KJ1Q, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut that the operation of the KB1CDI repeater of which he is trustee now falls within acceptable interference guidelines.
Back in August the FCC contacted Navaroli in regard to a complaint from the licensee of the coordinated N1JGR repeater system. It alleged that the KB1CDI repeater operating on the 147.15 and 147.75 MHz channel pair was operating without coordination and causing interference. The complaint also claimed that Navaroli had been contacted numerous times about this problem but had declined to address it.
According to the FCC, Navaroli responded by letter dated August 11, 2006. At that time he was unable to show that his repeater was coordinated but did state that he had incorporated the frequency pair into his system in 1997. This, after the previous repeater operator indicated that he was no longer going to use the frequency.
In its September 21st letter the FCC requested Navaroli respond within 20 days detailing what steps he was taking to resolve the interference to the coordinated N1JGR. repeater On October 16th , Navaroli filed his answer and the FCC now says that it has have reviewed it and finds it as acceptable.
The FCC says that it has now closed the case. It also thanked Navaroli for his cooperation in solving this matter. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: FCC TRACKS DOWN UNLICENSED SOCAL BROADCASTER
The Los Angeles FCC Office has issued a warning to San Clemente Properties, LLC of San Clemente, California regarding an unlicensed radio station operating from property that the company owns. The station was monitored on 106.9 MHz and on October 13th , Agents then confirmed by direction finding that the signal was coming from San Clemente Properties, LLC.
The FCC has now warned San Clemente Properties that operation of radio transmitting equipment without a valid FCC issued radio station authorization constitutes a violation of Federal laws. That failure to go off the air immediately could lead to a fine, imprisonment or both.
San Clemente Properties, LLC was given ten days from the date of the FCC notice to respond with any evidence that shows it might have the authority to operate. The FCC says that it will use all relevant material information before it to determine what, if any, enforcement action is required to ensure compliance with FCC Rules. (FCC)
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RADIO RULES: FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON 10-YEAR OLD RULES
As part of routine housekeeping mandated by law, over the next year the FCC will be reviewing rules adopted by the agency in calendar year 1996. Rules which have, or might have, a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The purpose of the review is to determine whether these regulations should be continued without change, be amended, or possibly even rescinded. (CGC)
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PUBLIC RELATIONS: HAM RADIO FEATURED IN SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE
Amateur Radio is featured in the December issue of the United Kingdom's BBC Sky At Night magazine. This, in a page article called "How To Get Pictures From Space" written by David Worboys M0ZLB.
In it Wordboys describes the Amateur Radio SpaceCam1 system, which is onboard, the International Space Station. He also provides a step-by-step guide on how to receive ISS Slow Scan TV pictures.
The article is written in a straightforward way that should be readily understandable by the non technical readers of that magazine, very few of who would be Radio Amateurs. At the end of the article David gives a plug for Amateur Radio and hopefully some of the readers will be interested enough to follow it up. More is on-line at www.skyatnightmagazine.com (Southgate)
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THE HAM BUSINESS SCENE: INTERNATIONAL RADIO SOLD
Effective January 1st, 2007 International Radio will be under new proprietorship. The new owners are Trey Garlough, N5KO, and Mark Oberman, AG9A.
Retiring owner George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN, describes the new company leadership as a pair of dedicated radio amateurs who appreciate all aspects of this hobby with a special interest in contesting.
The final day for International Radio to be operated by W2JVN is December 15th. The company will then be closed until January 1st, 2007 but online orders will be accepted during this time. These will be filled when the business reopens in January.
International Radio is best known as an after-market supplier of filter upgrades for most popular ham gear. More information is on-line at www.qth.com/inrad (Via e-mail)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: RADCOM'S G0FUW TO END NEWCOMMER COLUMN
Radio Communications Magazines Steve Hartely, G0FUW, who edits the U-K magazine's 'Newcomers Column says that the December issue will be the last. Hartely has been editing the Newcomers Column in RadCom for the last 7 years. He also runs very successful Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced amateur radio courses in the city of Bath. He is also the author of the very popular United Kingdom "Intermediate License Book" and joint author of "Advance - The Full License Book." (GB2RS)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: VE3AQQ ELECTED RAC ONTARIO N.E. DIRECTOR
Dave Goodwin, VE3AAQ is the new Radio Amateurs of Canada Director for the Ontario North East Region. Goodwin took the seat in a race that pitted him against Bill Unger, VE3XT. Goodwin will begin his two-year term of office in a few weeks on January 1st . (RAC)
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NAMES IN THE NEWS: TOMLINSON RE-NOMINATED TO BROADCAST BOARD OF GOVERNORS
President Bush has re-nominated Kenneth Tomlinson as chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, AP reports. The board oversees Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Radio and TV Martí and other broadcasting initiatives. Tomlinson's nomination had been stalled in the Senate amid allegations of misconduct. (RW)
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HAM HAPPENINGS: BADGER WEATHER NET CELEBRATES NUMBER 42
A happy 42nd anniversary to the Badger Weather Net. Founded by a handful of Wisconsin Amateur Radio operators, the Badger Weather Net first took to the air on December 14, 1964.
Since that time the it has provided the National Weather Service with valuable weather observations of high/low temperatures and precipitation from across the state. This collected data is utilized for input into the river forecast model, for public and fire weather forecasts, verification of watches and warnings, for local media use, updating of computer models and various research projects.
The net meets every day to collect weather data on 3.985 MHz from 5 to 7:15AM Central time. There is also an early bird pickup station on from 4:45AM Central for those operators that have to leave early. More information about the net is on-line at www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/?n=badger-weathernet (WR9G)
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HAM HAPPENINGS: THE VK3RTS 95TH BIRTHDAY BEACON
And to celebrate its 95th birthday, Amateur Radio Victoria, in Australia, is now running a low power beacon on the 30m band and welcomes signal reports.
On November 30th , 1911, the Amateur Wireless Society of Victoria was founded by a meeting of wireless telegraphy experimenters in Melbourne. In May 1913 it changed its name to the “Wireless Institute of Victoria”, and today is the statewide organization known as Amateur Radio Victoria.
The 5-watt CW beacon with special callsign VK3RTS/95 will operate for 12 Months. Reception reports go to VK3WI via the Bureau or by e-mail to 95@amateurradio.com.au (VK3PC)
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BREAK 2
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
(5 sec pause here)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: EDUCATOR HONORED FOR ARISS CONTACT
An educator in Great Britain has been honored for her role in helping youngsters learn about space science. This through a ham radio contact with astronauts on-orbit. Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, is in Nottingham in the U-K with more:
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A head teacher whose pupils were among the first school children in the UK to speak to astronauts using amateur radio has won an ITV Pride of Britain Award.
Linda Davies was presented with the Teacher of the Year award live on television on the 7th of November for her work in promoting science at Neston Primary School in Wiltshire. One of her biggest achievements was organising a ten-minute chat between pupils and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
I'm Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, and you are tuned to the Amateur Radio Newsline.
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The amateur radio contact was undertaken by ARISS -- the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station organization and AMSAT-UK. More about this contact is on the web at www.g6lvb.com/Neston/index.htm (RSGB)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT-NA SIGNS LAB FACILITY AGREEMENT
AMSAT North America has accepted an offer to co-locate its Satellite Integration Lab with the Hawk Institute for Space Sciences. It’s a deal that will provide the ham radio space agency with a prime location to assemble and test the upcoming Eagle ham radio satellite.
With the unanimous approval of its Board of Directors, AMSAT North America has executed two Memoranda of Understanding, one with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the other with Maryland Hawk Corporation, formalizing the relationship. These memorandums give AMSAT essentially no cost access to the facility in return for sharing its equipment and ideas with the university.
The Hawk Institute for Space Sciences is a division of the Maryland Hawk Corporation. This is a non-profit educational organization affiliated with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. AMSAT has been actively searching for a suitable location for the past two years after its lab at the municipal airport in Orlando, Florida was condemned due to damage by Hurricane Charley in August of 2004. (ANS)
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RADIO IN SPACE: SDR USED ON MARS MISSION
NASA has undertaken the first ever deep-space activation of software defined radio. This, as the US space agency activates a UHF radio system aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter based on software defined technology.
The radio went into operation on Monday 6th . It was used to relay communications to and from the Spirit rover on the surface of Mars. During the orbiter's 4.2 minute pass, 31 megabits of data from Spirit were acquired at a return link rate of 128 kilobits per second. (ANS)
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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: NEW SERVICE ENABLES TRACKING OF FRIENDS VIA GPS ON CELLPHONES
A new service called Loopt, launched recently in New York City by Sprint/Nextel-subsidiary Boost Mobile, lets cellular subscribers pinpoint the locations of friends who have agreed to allow wireless tracking. The service also sends an alert to a subscriber's cellphone whenever a friend's phone is nearby. More is on-line at / www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/14/BUGMMMC1KE1.DTL (CGC)
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WORLDBEAT - UK: NEW UK HAM FILM "TUNE IN"
Ham radio in the United Kingdom is the topic of a new film titled "'Tune In" that has been screened as part of the 50th London Film Festival. The 15 minute film has been described as an astute and affectionate portrait of the unseen community of ham radio enthusiasts and a space age hobby where the world is your friend.
The movie is the work of Esther Johnson. Johnson is a recent graduate of the United Kingdom's Royal College of Art. Her film is described as dealing with both the politics of space and social communication. This, by connecting documentary and experimental film techniques with the texture of radio.
No word if or when it will be shown here in the United States. More is on-line at www.lff.org.uk/films_details.php?FilmID=1192 (Various)
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WORLDBEAT - BULGARIA: HAPPY 49 TO RADIO BULGARIA'S DX PROGRAM
And a belated happy birthday to Radio Bulgaria's DX program which turned 49 this past November 17th . Initially the show was devoted only to ham radio related topics but eventually became a program of general interest to shortwave listeners, worldwide. The program was a monthly presentation until June of 1961 when it went weekly. The shows founder Its writer and editor for 49 years is Dimiter Petrov, LZ1AF. (Southgate)
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WORLDBEAT - DENMARK: SAQ ON THE AIR IN DECEMBER
The next transmission with Sweden's old S-A-Q Alexanderson Alternator will take place on Sunday December 24th at 08:00 UTC. This, on 17.2 kHz using C-W.
S-A-Q is the only the only Alexanderson Alternator transmitter remaining in the world that is still fit for operation. The station was built during the years 1922 to 1924.
The transmitter, the heart of which is an alternating- current generator, was developed by the Swedish engineer Ernst Alexanderson. Alexanderson was an early pioneer of radio, employed at General Electric in Schenectady and later as chief engineer at Radio Corporation of America.
QSL reports can be sent via e-mail to info@alexander.n.se or by mail to to Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner, Radiostationen, Grimeton 72, S-430 16 Rolfstrop, Sweden. More information is on-line at www.alexander.n.se (Mike Terry)
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SPECIAL EVENT: CELEBRATIONG IN FRANCE
The F5KEK Amateur Radio Society will be active between 2nd and 16th December. This, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first air base in the French Auvergne Area in Varennes Sur Allier. QSL either direct or via the bureau to the F5KEK Club Station, P.O. Box 20, Varennes Allier, 03150, France. (OPDX)
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DX
In D-X, word that members of the Polish Amateur Radio Union and the SP-DX-Club are organizing a DXpedition to the Island of Agalega to take place in March of 2007. The group has received a license and access to visit the island. Activity will last for 12 to 14 days on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK3. Also a JT6M on 50 MHz. Also, activity by this group is possible from the Seychelles, Mauritius as well as maritime mobile from the Indian Ocean.
Also, OD5TX, who has operated from the United Arab Emerates portable A6 has now been issued authorization to operate as A61TX. The license was issued on November 14th and is valid for one year. His QSL Manager is W4JS.
And word that F2HE, is once again active from French Polynesia as FO5RH, and will stay on the Tatakoto Atoll until December 4th. He will then return again starting January 10th. QSL as directed on the air.
(Above from various DX news sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: CLOTHESE THAT CAN LIGHT UP AND SEND MORSE
And finally this week, you can now have an entire shirt or even an outfit will tell the world who you are. It can even do it using visible Morse code if you like. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, shines a light on this one: :
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Those in pursuit of being the center of attention are this a bright idea. We are talking about clothes made of fabrics with embedded light-emitting diodes which are expected to be the most innovative garments in 2007 fashion season.
No, We are not talking of just a few bright colored LED's here and there. Nor are we talking about those LED's on flashing call sign badges.
In this case, a new technology called Lumalive integrates micro-sized light emitting diodes into the fabric. The diodes can be programmed to produce patterns that change color, shape and size. It will even allow those wearing this clothing to carry moving text messages along with vivid patterns. This means that I could show up at a hamfest next year with my callsign WA6ITF traveling around my shirt or up and down my pants leg.
Don't worry, I am not the type to wear the modern electronic equivlant of a walking bread board sign. But there are somw YL's and XYL's are going to love this aspect of the LED cloth technology. The company making it says that the electronic textile is washable and durable, allowing it to be used for drapes, cushions and even sofa coverings. At the same time, Lumalive says that the integrated LEDs do not affect the softness or comfort of the cloth if used for garments.
Hams will no doubt find other uses for it that the manufacturer never even dreamed of. It will be interesting to see who comes wearing what at the 2007 Dayton Hamvention and at club meetings, nationwide.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline. I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, just kind of twinkling away -- at the studio in Los Angeles.
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Lumalive is a product of Phillips Electronics. More information is on-line at www.lumalive.com (Press release)
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NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's™ only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline™, P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, saying 73 and we thank you for listening." Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.