AA7BQ
12-15-2006, 04:04 PM
The following is a Q-S-T. A U-K chip maker may have conquered B-P-L interference, Denmark gives its hams more space at 70 MHz, restructuring is welcomed in the U-S-A and a big fine to a retailer for selling illegal C-B raduio gear. All this and more on Amateur Radio Newsline™ report number 1531 coming your way right now.
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THE BPL WAR: NEW UK CHIP MAY SOLVE PART OF THE INTERFERENCE PROBLEM
A British chip manufacturer called SiConnect has announced its first B-P-L system designed to operates across the entire High Frequency spectrum but not cause significant interference to other users. Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the details.
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The U-K journal Electronics Weekly says that the SiConnect chip will be available in limited quantity before years end. Designated as the PLT050 it includes all the protocol processing required to establish a bi-directional link over power mains for Ethernet, USB1.1, or 8-bit parallel data. And it does all of this while only putting out 4 micro power carriers into the 3 to 30 MHz frequency range .
The complete SiConnect B-P-L device is described as being just a little bigger than a conventional United Kingdon power mains plug with an RJ-45 connector on one side and prongs to plug into a socket on the other. SiConnect says that initial applications will be to provide virtual point-to-point or mesh Ethernet connections around a dwelling or office.
While many B-P-L installations have been accused of radiating excessive RF noise SiConnect says that it has all but eliminated the problem by going to a micro power level and using a built-in repeater mode. Yes, the chipset has a repeat function enabeling it to interconnect with other near-by devices to relay data.
Because of this, SiConnect says that its chip does not emit sufficient RF to be an issue as is common for competitor’s designs and those built to work with United States FCC approved levels which are higher.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
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SiConnect says that radiated emissions have been measured in a real-world situation in an actual house. It also says that the low amout of interference is because the cjip and device are made to conform to the more stringent United Kingdom R-F interference control specification. More on this new chip and its uses is on line at www.electronicsweekly.com/ARTICLES/2006/12/06/40303/
Comms+over+power+cables+firm+launches+first+chip.H TM (KC6WFS)
**
SOLAR MATTERS: DECEMBER 13 CME HEADS TOWARD EARTH
Further evidence that the solar cycle has bottomed out and is on the way up is with us again as we go to air. Space Weather News for December 13th reported that sunspot 930 erupted again producing a strong X3-class solar flare.
The solar blast triggered an ongoing radiation storm and probably hurled a coronal mass ejection or C-M-E toward Earth.
Spaceweather.com says that auroras are possible when the C-M-E arrives on December 15th and continuing for several days. Typically, this can mean poor High Frequency radio conditions but also a good chance that 6 meters and above could come alive with some unexpected D-X.
If you hearing this on December 14th 15th or 16th , and have the gear, you might want to monitor the calling frequency of 50.125 MHz over the next several days. With these solar conditions you never know what rare station you might hear. (Handi Ham News, spaceweather.vom)
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RESTRUCTURING: DENMARK GIVES HAMS EXTRA 70 MHZ ALLOCATION
Danish Radio Amateurs have gained access to yet another segment of the European-only 70 MHz band. As of December 4th , hams in Denmark can operate from 70.1875 to 70,2125 MHz. This enables them to use the 'International' calling frequency at 70.200 MHz. The complete Danish 70 MHz bandplan can be found at the U-R-L in this weeks print edition of Newsline.
(DO NOT READ: www.70mhz.org/bandplan_oz.htm)
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RESTRUCTURING: AM WELCOMES THE EXPANDED 75 METER PHONE BAND
As we go to air on December 15th , restructuring should have taken place here in the USA. To celebrate this milestone, a group of vintage radio hobbyists are celebrating expansion of the 75 meter phone band with a 'bandwarming' party.
Operations started at 05:00 U-T-C with stations on the air from 3.6 to 3.8 MHz. A number of stations have been granted the use of Special Event 1 by 1 Call Signs to help commemorate the regulatory upgrade.
Canadian hams are also taking part in these festivities. Their operation was slated to begin Thursday evening December 14th . This as vintage radio enthusiasts were to gather around several frequencies between 3.7 to 3.8 Mhz where they already enjoy phone privileges.
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RESTRUCTURING: ARRL SEEKS 75 METER STAY
Meantime, the ARRL has fled a last minute appeal to the FCC to stay part of the restructuring on the 75 meter band. We have more in this report:
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Heres the bottom line. The ARRL wants to be certain that current digital and other relatively narrowband operations between 3.6 to 3.635 MHz will not be negatively impacted by phone expansion.
Fearing that interference to these existing operations might take place, the ARRL had originally asked the FCC to expand the phone band only down to 3.7 MHz. It was the FCC on its own initiative that took it to 3.6 MHz.
So on Monday, December 11th , the ARRL filed a petition to the regulatory agency asking that it put a temporary hold on radiotelephone and any other wideband mode expansion into the 3.6 to 3.635 MHz range and rectify the expansion to protect the narrowband operations. The requested changes also as the FCC to maintain access to the automatically controlled digital subband between 3.620 to 3.635 MHz as well.
As this newscast is being prepared the FCC has not acted on this last minute ARRL request.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the studio in Los Angeles.
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More on this in next weeks Amateur Radio Newsline report. (ARNewsline™ from ARRL information.)
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RADIO RECORDS: M3POU MAKES FIRST UK FOUNDATION CLASS 10 GHX QSO
Andy Hollings, M3POU, has become the first United Kingdom Foundation licensee to complete a 10 GHz QSO. The entry level U-K ham made contact with John Norrington, 2E0NOZ, shortly after the 10GHz band was opened up to Foundation licensees on December 1st .
The two British hams used a combination of the DB6NT commercial kit and a G3JVL transverter donated by G8AYY to achieve a contact over a short distance.
Further information on this very special 10GHz contact is available from U-K Microwave Group secretary Ian Lamb. E-Mail him at ianlamb@btconnect.com .
**
Break 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the Barstow Amateur Radio Club WA6TST repeater serving Barstow California.
(5 sec pause here)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: KATYSAT TO LAUNCH IN MAY
A ham radio satellite for the younger set should go into orbit next May. Paul Vinoski, KR8ZZY, is here with more:
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The spacecraft is called KatySat. That's an acronym meaning Kids Aren’t Too Young for Satellites. To that end, KatySat is designed specifically to put space technology into the hands of Kindergarten through 12 grade students.
KatySat will be a digital bird using AX.25 packet protocol operating at 1200 baud on both its uplink and downlink. It will carry a 70cm FM transmitter and 2 meter FM receiver, operating in half-duplex mode.
The satellite is a year-long project of the Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics department which is part the Stanford Space Systems Development Laboratory in Northern California. It will be carried into space on the Russian launch vehicle in May of 2007.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Vinoski, KR8ZZY, reporting.
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Further information on KitySat can is on-line at www.katysat.org (KatySat)
**
ENFORCEMENT: $21000 FINE FOR SELLING ILLEGAL CB GEAR
The FCC has affirmed a $21,000 Forfeiture Order to Wesley Noe, doing business as GI Joe’s Radio Electronics and GI Joe’s CB Radio. This, for willfully and repeatedly violating the Commission's Rules by offering for sale non-certified Citizens Band transceivers and external RF power amplifiers.
On April 19, 2006, the Detroit Office issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to Noe after finding these items for sale on the company's website. In his reply, the Richmond, Kentucky, supplier did not dispute the findings, but requested a cancellation or reduction based on an inability to pay. In support of the request, the company submitted its federal income tax returns as required by the regulatory agency.
After reviewing this claim and supporting documentation, the FCC found that a cancellation or reduction of the forfeiture based on an inability to pay is not warranted. Noe was given the usual 30 days from the December 11th release of the order to pay or to file a further appeal. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: ALLEGED LICENSE HIJACKING LEADS TO LICENSE HEARING
The FCC has designated for hearing before the Amateur Service license application Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr.. This, to determine whether he holds the requisite requirements to become a Commission licensee after allegations surfaced regarding his alleged attempts to transfer the call of another ham to himself. Amateur Radio Newsline's Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, has more:
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According to the FCC, Joseph W, Hartmann, Jr. filed numerous administrative update applications seeking to change the name and address associated with the General Class license K3GUX from Joseph V. Hartman, Sr. of Delaware to Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr. in Ohio. This, starting on February 11th , 2005 and ending in January of this year when the regulatory agency set aside his last attempt to make such a change.
According to the Commission’s records Joseph V. Hartman, Sr. of Oceanview Delaware was born on September 9, 1919. The license for K3GUX was initially granted to him back in 1964. It was most recently renewed in 1997.
The FCC says that the record before it suggests that Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr. in Ohio intentionally submitted fraudulent administrative updates to obtain the privileges associated with the K3GUX call. Based on the information before it, the FCC believes that Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr.’s actions raise a substantial and material question of fact as to whether he possesses the requisite character qualifications to be a Commission licensee.
Because of this the FCC says that it is unable to make a determination on the record currently before it that grant of Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr.’s application for a new Amateur Service license would serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. As such, it is designating the application for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, as required by Section 309(e) of the Communications Act. At that proceeding Joseph W. Hartmann Jr. will be permitted to present evidence as to why the grant should be made and the Commission will be afforded an opportunity to argue against it.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, in Los Angeles.
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No date has yet been set for the hearing to take place. Meantime, the K3GUX call sign has been returned to its long term holder, Joseph V. Hartmann Sr. in Delaware. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: FAKE ICOM 2 METER HT'S ON THE AUCTION BLOCK
If you are planning to buy a new radio from an auction site dealer, breware. The radio may not be what it looks like. Especially if the seller is posting far to low a price on an Icom IC V8 2 meter H-T. Jim Linton, VK3PC, has the rest of the story:
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The latest to be hit by look-a-like rip-offs is Japanese radio communications manufacturer, ICOM, that reports counterfeits of its VHF IC-V8 transceivers and accessories that has appeared on the market.
This popular 5.5 watt hand-held can be configured for either amateur or land-mobile applications.
The Japanese manufacturer in a statement said “some of them look almost identical to genuine ICOM products … these products are also being sold through internet shopping sites at very low price.”
ICOM has obtained some and put them through its testing procedure to declare that in its view, they performed poorly, and of course certainly not up to company’s high production standards.
“These transceivers, battery packs and chargers may even cause safety problems,” ICOM said, warning that it is not responsible, nor liable, for any damage or loss resulting from the use of counterfeit products.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Jim Linton VK3PC.
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An Icom spokesperson tells Amateur Radio Newsline that the company has discontinued the original IC-V8 and reintroduced it as the IC V8 Sport. He says that the pricing of the Sport version has discouraged the importation of the knock off radio gear. (VK3PC, WIA News)
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RESCUE RADIO: 2006 HURRICANE STATS
Some interesting statistics on the 2006 hurricane season. Early on, the National Hurricane Center predicted 13 to 16 named storms during the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season, which ran from June 1st to November 30th . Top researchers at Colorado State University had forecast 17. Both were wrong.
This year there were only nine named storms, and not a single hurricane has hit the U.S. mainland. The reason? Experts say a warm-water trend in the Pacific known as El Nino developed more rapidly than expected this summer, suppressing the formation of storms in the Atlantic. Also, upper-level air currents pushed most of this year's five hurricanes out to sea.
(NOAA)
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HAM RADIO SERVICES: USREPEATERS.COM
USREPEATERS.COM is a new website built by James Glass, AB9IF, to assist hams travelers throughout the United States to find active repeater systems. All of the various United States bandplans are included and repeater information is updated daily. The site is in cyberspace at www.usrepeaters.com (Via e-mail)
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HAM RADIO ON THE NET: IRLP TALKBACK OPERATION
If you have ever wondered what you sound like on air, wonder no more. That is if you use I-R-L-P, you can wonder no more.
There is a great talk-back and sound check function that is available on most IRLP nodes. If your no is so equipped, al you need do is type in a DTMF 9990 and then say a sentence and release the PTT button. The the IRLP node should, after a short delay, play your sentence back over the air.
To stop this operation just type the normal DTMF 73 and this will cancel the talk-back record and replay mode. (VK7HAH via VK7WIA News)
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HAM RADIO ON THE NET: IRLP CONTEST - WIA A DJ-5V FOR GETTING ON
Speaking of IRLP, using it could win some ham a brand new Alinco DJ-5V dual band hand, held radio. This, in a New Years Eve on-the-air party sponsored by Burnaby Radio in British Columbia Canada. Heres how it works.
Anyone who checks into the IRLP International Open Forum Net during December can get a contact number from the net control station and enters your callsign in the contest bucket. Then New Years Eve a drawing will be held at 0300 UTC during the annual New Year Around The World QSO party on Reflector 9200.
Only a few simple rules for this contest. That is only one check-in per station will be allowed per net session. Also, you must be present on Reflector 9200 to win as the person whose name is drawn will be notified on the radio. If the first person chosen does not respond, another entry will be drawn until a station on the net answers their call.
And here is the best part. No matter where in the world you live you will get a radio that works in your region. If the winner lives outside Canada, Alinco U-S-A will make the arrangements for delivery of a version of the radio for the destination country.
The drawing will be conducted from the facilities of Ronald McKay, VA7MWR, Clinton, British Columbia, Canada. All questions go VA7MWR on I-R-L-P Node 1547. (WS7A)
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HAM RADIO BUSINESS: THAT CORP IN ALLIANCE WITH MOUSER
THAT Corporation has announced a new partnership with Mouser Electronics. One that both companies say will permit better service to customers desiring smaller order sizes.
The alliance will augment THAT Corporation’s current distribution chain and increase access to its line of analog integrated circuits. This is especially important for those customers who appreciate Mouser’s practice of breaking packs without imposing minimum quantities.
THAT Corporation is a Massachusetts based provider of high-performance audio technology in the form of integrated circuits to manufacturers of professional and industrial products. Mouser, located in Mansfield, Texas is well known in ham radio circles. Mouser is a privately-held company dedicated to supplying its customers with the latest new products and technologies. (THAT release)
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HAM HAPPENINGS: SPAR WINTER FIELD DAY 2007
SPAR, the Society for the Preservation of Amateur Radio has announced that it will sponsor what it calls Winter Field Day 2007. SPAR as the organization is better known says that this first attempt at a Winter Field Day will be held from 12:00 noon on Saturday January 13th to 12:00 noon on Sunday January 14th your local time.
Like the ARRL's June Field Day, the object of this event is to set up emergency-style communications and make as many contacts as possible during the 24 hour period. The rules encourage as many contacts on as many bands and modes as possible, because during a real emergency, the most important factor is the ability to communicate.
The event is open to all licensed radio amateurs. The official rules for Winter Field Day 2007 and information about the Society for the Preservation of Amateur Radio can be found at the SPAR web site. Its in cyberspace at www.spar-hams.org . (W5ALT)
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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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CHANGING OF THE GUARD: TED SUAREZ, K8SBC - S.K.
Word that past Dayton Hamvention General Chairman Ted Suarez, K8BSC, has also passed on. Suraz died on early on December 9th at the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton after an extended stay of more than a month.
According to Ron Moorefield, W8ILC, Suarez held the Hamvention Chairman seat for more years than anyone before or since. He served for consecutive years beginning in 1973 and ending in 1976. During that time the Hamvention began its climb in attendance that peaked in the 1990.
Ted Suarez is survived by his two grown daughters. No funeral is planned as K8BSC had previously arranged to have his remains donated to the medical department at Wright State University to be used in research. (W8ILC)
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WORLDBEAT: UK TEACHER HONORED FOR ARISS CONTACT
From Great Britain, word that a teacher whose pupils were the first school children in the United Kingdom to speak to astronauts using amateur radio has won the I-T-V Pride of Britain Award.
Educator Linda Davies was presented with the Teacher of the Year award live on television on November 7th . This, for her work in promoting science at Neston Primary School in Wiltshire.
One of her biggest achievements was organizing a ten-minute chat between pupils and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Among the radio amateurs who took part in the ISS contact were Charles Riley, G4JQX, Howard Long, G6LVB, and Carlos Eavis, G0AKI. The ARISS organization arranged for the contact to be made. (GB2RS)
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WORLDBEAT: RSGB TO MERGE HF AND VHF CONTEST COMMITTEES
The Radio Society of Great Britain has decided to merge its HF and VHF Contest committees. This, with the aim of providing contesters with a better, centralized service.
The merger will take place over a 6-12 month transition time frame. During this period, Don Field, the RSGB's board member for sport radio, will act as interim chairman. (GB2RS)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: US MAY PROVIDE HAM RADIO SPACE TRAINING
The United States may soon be teaching more ham radio to astronauts before they go overseas for other training.
At a recent Space Flight Training Division Technical Interchange Meeting the ARISS U.S. team may be tasked with performing more of the amateur radio training. This, to reduce the amount of time that U.S. crews spend in Russia.
The meeting was held November 6th through the 10th at the at Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas. The ARISS-Russian team from Energia, representatives from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, and ARISS United States members attended the session. (ARISS)
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HAM RADO IN SPACE: AMSAT 2007 COLLOQUIUM SET FOR JULY
The dates for the 2007 AMSAT-UK Colloquium have been announced as July 20 through the 22 . As per previous years the venue is to be the University of Surrey, in Guilford, England. AMSAT UK says that its holding the gathering a week earlier than normal to avoid clashing with the Central States VHF Event in the United States. (AMSAT-UK)
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SPECIAL EVENT: CELEBRATING SOUTH POLE EXPLORATION
Look for special event station 8J1ANT to be active between now and 31st March. His operation is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Scientific Research Expeditions in Antarctica. The 8J1ANT special station will operate from the Japan Amateur Radio League building in Tokyo. QSL this special event station as directed on the air. (OPDX)
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DX
In DX, the 5A7A DXpedition went QRT on November 29th. According to the December 3rd on-line log, the operation netted just over 112,000 QSOs. A complete band/mode breakdowns of QSOs are available at www.df3cb.com/logsearch/5a7a
Lastly, keep an ear open for the Aland Islands. This, as OH1JT, OH1RX, OH2JA and OH5DX will be active as OH0Z during the CQ 160M CW Contest from January 27th to the 28th . They plan to operate as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via W0MM.
(Above from various DX news sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: CANADA CELEBRATING FESSENDEN
And finally this week, Canada is celebrating the accomplishments of one of the inventors of Radio. And its letting its ham radio community do it on the air. Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, has the details:
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Telecommunications regulator Industry Canada has authorized all Canadian radio amateurs to use special event prefixes for the next two months. This, to mark the 100th anniversary of the first A-M voice broadcast by Reginald Fessenden that took place on December 24, 1906.
The permit comes at the request of Radio Amateurs of Canada, which notes that on Christmas Eve, 1906, the Canadian-born Fessenden, transmitting from a station in Brant Rock, Massachusetts, sent a short program which included the song O Holy Night played on the violin and a reading from the Bible. A second short program was broadcast on December 31, 1906.
To commemorate this accomplishment, Canadian hams can take to the airwaves using a series of prefixes beginning with the letter "C" with the rest of the prefix dependant on geographic location. The period for Canadian hams to use those commemorative prefixes started on the December 1st concludes on the 31st of January, 2007.
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Once again, Canadian hams can use the special prefixes through January 31st of 2007. (RAC)
**
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 Burt Hicks, WB6MQV, saying 73 and we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.
**
THE BPL WAR: NEW UK CHIP MAY SOLVE PART OF THE INTERFERENCE PROBLEM
A British chip manufacturer called SiConnect has announced its first B-P-L system designed to operates across the entire High Frequency spectrum but not cause significant interference to other users. Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the details.
--
The U-K journal Electronics Weekly says that the SiConnect chip will be available in limited quantity before years end. Designated as the PLT050 it includes all the protocol processing required to establish a bi-directional link over power mains for Ethernet, USB1.1, or 8-bit parallel data. And it does all of this while only putting out 4 micro power carriers into the 3 to 30 MHz frequency range .
The complete SiConnect B-P-L device is described as being just a little bigger than a conventional United Kingdon power mains plug with an RJ-45 connector on one side and prongs to plug into a socket on the other. SiConnect says that initial applications will be to provide virtual point-to-point or mesh Ethernet connections around a dwelling or office.
While many B-P-L installations have been accused of radiating excessive RF noise SiConnect says that it has all but eliminated the problem by going to a micro power level and using a built-in repeater mode. Yes, the chipset has a repeat function enabeling it to interconnect with other near-by devices to relay data.
Because of this, SiConnect says that its chip does not emit sufficient RF to be an issue as is common for competitor’s designs and those built to work with United States FCC approved levels which are higher.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
--
SiConnect says that radiated emissions have been measured in a real-world situation in an actual house. It also says that the low amout of interference is because the cjip and device are made to conform to the more stringent United Kingdom R-F interference control specification. More on this new chip and its uses is on line at www.electronicsweekly.com/ARTICLES/2006/12/06/40303/
Comms+over+power+cables+firm+launches+first+chip.H TM (KC6WFS)
**
SOLAR MATTERS: DECEMBER 13 CME HEADS TOWARD EARTH
Further evidence that the solar cycle has bottomed out and is on the way up is with us again as we go to air. Space Weather News for December 13th reported that sunspot 930 erupted again producing a strong X3-class solar flare.
The solar blast triggered an ongoing radiation storm and probably hurled a coronal mass ejection or C-M-E toward Earth.
Spaceweather.com says that auroras are possible when the C-M-E arrives on December 15th and continuing for several days. Typically, this can mean poor High Frequency radio conditions but also a good chance that 6 meters and above could come alive with some unexpected D-X.
If you hearing this on December 14th 15th or 16th , and have the gear, you might want to monitor the calling frequency of 50.125 MHz over the next several days. With these solar conditions you never know what rare station you might hear. (Handi Ham News, spaceweather.vom)
**
RESTRUCTURING: DENMARK GIVES HAMS EXTRA 70 MHZ ALLOCATION
Danish Radio Amateurs have gained access to yet another segment of the European-only 70 MHz band. As of December 4th , hams in Denmark can operate from 70.1875 to 70,2125 MHz. This enables them to use the 'International' calling frequency at 70.200 MHz. The complete Danish 70 MHz bandplan can be found at the U-R-L in this weeks print edition of Newsline.
(DO NOT READ: www.70mhz.org/bandplan_oz.htm)
**
RESTRUCTURING: AM WELCOMES THE EXPANDED 75 METER PHONE BAND
As we go to air on December 15th , restructuring should have taken place here in the USA. To celebrate this milestone, a group of vintage radio hobbyists are celebrating expansion of the 75 meter phone band with a 'bandwarming' party.
Operations started at 05:00 U-T-C with stations on the air from 3.6 to 3.8 MHz. A number of stations have been granted the use of Special Event 1 by 1 Call Signs to help commemorate the regulatory upgrade.
Canadian hams are also taking part in these festivities. Their operation was slated to begin Thursday evening December 14th . This as vintage radio enthusiasts were to gather around several frequencies between 3.7 to 3.8 Mhz where they already enjoy phone privileges.
**
RESTRUCTURING: ARRL SEEKS 75 METER STAY
Meantime, the ARRL has fled a last minute appeal to the FCC to stay part of the restructuring on the 75 meter band. We have more in this report:
--
Heres the bottom line. The ARRL wants to be certain that current digital and other relatively narrowband operations between 3.6 to 3.635 MHz will not be negatively impacted by phone expansion.
Fearing that interference to these existing operations might take place, the ARRL had originally asked the FCC to expand the phone band only down to 3.7 MHz. It was the FCC on its own initiative that took it to 3.6 MHz.
So on Monday, December 11th , the ARRL filed a petition to the regulatory agency asking that it put a temporary hold on radiotelephone and any other wideband mode expansion into the 3.6 to 3.635 MHz range and rectify the expansion to protect the narrowband operations. The requested changes also as the FCC to maintain access to the automatically controlled digital subband between 3.620 to 3.635 MHz as well.
As this newscast is being prepared the FCC has not acted on this last minute ARRL request.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the studio in Los Angeles.
--
More on this in next weeks Amateur Radio Newsline report. (ARNewsline™ from ARRL information.)
**
RADIO RECORDS: M3POU MAKES FIRST UK FOUNDATION CLASS 10 GHX QSO
Andy Hollings, M3POU, has become the first United Kingdom Foundation licensee to complete a 10 GHz QSO. The entry level U-K ham made contact with John Norrington, 2E0NOZ, shortly after the 10GHz band was opened up to Foundation licensees on December 1st .
The two British hams used a combination of the DB6NT commercial kit and a G3JVL transverter donated by G8AYY to achieve a contact over a short distance.
Further information on this very special 10GHz contact is available from U-K Microwave Group secretary Ian Lamb. E-Mail him at ianlamb@btconnect.com .
**
Break 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the Barstow Amateur Radio Club WA6TST repeater serving Barstow California.
(5 sec pause here)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: KATYSAT TO LAUNCH IN MAY
A ham radio satellite for the younger set should go into orbit next May. Paul Vinoski, KR8ZZY, is here with more:
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The spacecraft is called KatySat. That's an acronym meaning Kids Aren’t Too Young for Satellites. To that end, KatySat is designed specifically to put space technology into the hands of Kindergarten through 12 grade students.
KatySat will be a digital bird using AX.25 packet protocol operating at 1200 baud on both its uplink and downlink. It will carry a 70cm FM transmitter and 2 meter FM receiver, operating in half-duplex mode.
The satellite is a year-long project of the Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics department which is part the Stanford Space Systems Development Laboratory in Northern California. It will be carried into space on the Russian launch vehicle in May of 2007.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Vinoski, KR8ZZY, reporting.
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Further information on KitySat can is on-line at www.katysat.org (KatySat)
**
ENFORCEMENT: $21000 FINE FOR SELLING ILLEGAL CB GEAR
The FCC has affirmed a $21,000 Forfeiture Order to Wesley Noe, doing business as GI Joe’s Radio Electronics and GI Joe’s CB Radio. This, for willfully and repeatedly violating the Commission's Rules by offering for sale non-certified Citizens Band transceivers and external RF power amplifiers.
On April 19, 2006, the Detroit Office issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to Noe after finding these items for sale on the company's website. In his reply, the Richmond, Kentucky, supplier did not dispute the findings, but requested a cancellation or reduction based on an inability to pay. In support of the request, the company submitted its federal income tax returns as required by the regulatory agency.
After reviewing this claim and supporting documentation, the FCC found that a cancellation or reduction of the forfeiture based on an inability to pay is not warranted. Noe was given the usual 30 days from the December 11th release of the order to pay or to file a further appeal. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: ALLEGED LICENSE HIJACKING LEADS TO LICENSE HEARING
The FCC has designated for hearing before the Amateur Service license application Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr.. This, to determine whether he holds the requisite requirements to become a Commission licensee after allegations surfaced regarding his alleged attempts to transfer the call of another ham to himself. Amateur Radio Newsline's Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, has more:
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According to the FCC, Joseph W, Hartmann, Jr. filed numerous administrative update applications seeking to change the name and address associated with the General Class license K3GUX from Joseph V. Hartman, Sr. of Delaware to Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr. in Ohio. This, starting on February 11th , 2005 and ending in January of this year when the regulatory agency set aside his last attempt to make such a change.
According to the Commission’s records Joseph V. Hartman, Sr. of Oceanview Delaware was born on September 9, 1919. The license for K3GUX was initially granted to him back in 1964. It was most recently renewed in 1997.
The FCC says that the record before it suggests that Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr. in Ohio intentionally submitted fraudulent administrative updates to obtain the privileges associated with the K3GUX call. Based on the information before it, the FCC believes that Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr.’s actions raise a substantial and material question of fact as to whether he possesses the requisite character qualifications to be a Commission licensee.
Because of this the FCC says that it is unable to make a determination on the record currently before it that grant of Joseph W. Hartmann, Jr.’s application for a new Amateur Service license would serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. As such, it is designating the application for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, as required by Section 309(e) of the Communications Act. At that proceeding Joseph W. Hartmann Jr. will be permitted to present evidence as to why the grant should be made and the Commission will be afforded an opportunity to argue against it.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, in Los Angeles.
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No date has yet been set for the hearing to take place. Meantime, the K3GUX call sign has been returned to its long term holder, Joseph V. Hartmann Sr. in Delaware. (FCC)
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ENFORCEMENT: FAKE ICOM 2 METER HT'S ON THE AUCTION BLOCK
If you are planning to buy a new radio from an auction site dealer, breware. The radio may not be what it looks like. Especially if the seller is posting far to low a price on an Icom IC V8 2 meter H-T. Jim Linton, VK3PC, has the rest of the story:
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The latest to be hit by look-a-like rip-offs is Japanese radio communications manufacturer, ICOM, that reports counterfeits of its VHF IC-V8 transceivers and accessories that has appeared on the market.
This popular 5.5 watt hand-held can be configured for either amateur or land-mobile applications.
The Japanese manufacturer in a statement said “some of them look almost identical to genuine ICOM products … these products are also being sold through internet shopping sites at very low price.”
ICOM has obtained some and put them through its testing procedure to declare that in its view, they performed poorly, and of course certainly not up to company’s high production standards.
“These transceivers, battery packs and chargers may even cause safety problems,” ICOM said, warning that it is not responsible, nor liable, for any damage or loss resulting from the use of counterfeit products.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Jim Linton VK3PC.
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An Icom spokesperson tells Amateur Radio Newsline that the company has discontinued the original IC-V8 and reintroduced it as the IC V8 Sport. He says that the pricing of the Sport version has discouraged the importation of the knock off radio gear. (VK3PC, WIA News)
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RESCUE RADIO: 2006 HURRICANE STATS
Some interesting statistics on the 2006 hurricane season. Early on, the National Hurricane Center predicted 13 to 16 named storms during the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season, which ran from June 1st to November 30th . Top researchers at Colorado State University had forecast 17. Both were wrong.
This year there were only nine named storms, and not a single hurricane has hit the U.S. mainland. The reason? Experts say a warm-water trend in the Pacific known as El Nino developed more rapidly than expected this summer, suppressing the formation of storms in the Atlantic. Also, upper-level air currents pushed most of this year's five hurricanes out to sea.
(NOAA)
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HAM RADIO SERVICES: USREPEATERS.COM
USREPEATERS.COM is a new website built by James Glass, AB9IF, to assist hams travelers throughout the United States to find active repeater systems. All of the various United States bandplans are included and repeater information is updated daily. The site is in cyberspace at www.usrepeaters.com (Via e-mail)
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HAM RADIO ON THE NET: IRLP TALKBACK OPERATION
If you have ever wondered what you sound like on air, wonder no more. That is if you use I-R-L-P, you can wonder no more.
There is a great talk-back and sound check function that is available on most IRLP nodes. If your no is so equipped, al you need do is type in a DTMF 9990 and then say a sentence and release the PTT button. The the IRLP node should, after a short delay, play your sentence back over the air.
To stop this operation just type the normal DTMF 73 and this will cancel the talk-back record and replay mode. (VK7HAH via VK7WIA News)
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HAM RADIO ON THE NET: IRLP CONTEST - WIA A DJ-5V FOR GETTING ON
Speaking of IRLP, using it could win some ham a brand new Alinco DJ-5V dual band hand, held radio. This, in a New Years Eve on-the-air party sponsored by Burnaby Radio in British Columbia Canada. Heres how it works.
Anyone who checks into the IRLP International Open Forum Net during December can get a contact number from the net control station and enters your callsign in the contest bucket. Then New Years Eve a drawing will be held at 0300 UTC during the annual New Year Around The World QSO party on Reflector 9200.
Only a few simple rules for this contest. That is only one check-in per station will be allowed per net session. Also, you must be present on Reflector 9200 to win as the person whose name is drawn will be notified on the radio. If the first person chosen does not respond, another entry will be drawn until a station on the net answers their call.
And here is the best part. No matter where in the world you live you will get a radio that works in your region. If the winner lives outside Canada, Alinco U-S-A will make the arrangements for delivery of a version of the radio for the destination country.
The drawing will be conducted from the facilities of Ronald McKay, VA7MWR, Clinton, British Columbia, Canada. All questions go VA7MWR on I-R-L-P Node 1547. (WS7A)
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HAM RADIO BUSINESS: THAT CORP IN ALLIANCE WITH MOUSER
THAT Corporation has announced a new partnership with Mouser Electronics. One that both companies say will permit better service to customers desiring smaller order sizes.
The alliance will augment THAT Corporation’s current distribution chain and increase access to its line of analog integrated circuits. This is especially important for those customers who appreciate Mouser’s practice of breaking packs without imposing minimum quantities.
THAT Corporation is a Massachusetts based provider of high-performance audio technology in the form of integrated circuits to manufacturers of professional and industrial products. Mouser, located in Mansfield, Texas is well known in ham radio circles. Mouser is a privately-held company dedicated to supplying its customers with the latest new products and technologies. (THAT release)
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HAM HAPPENINGS: SPAR WINTER FIELD DAY 2007
SPAR, the Society for the Preservation of Amateur Radio has announced that it will sponsor what it calls Winter Field Day 2007. SPAR as the organization is better known says that this first attempt at a Winter Field Day will be held from 12:00 noon on Saturday January 13th to 12:00 noon on Sunday January 14th your local time.
Like the ARRL's June Field Day, the object of this event is to set up emergency-style communications and make as many contacts as possible during the 24 hour period. The rules encourage as many contacts on as many bands and modes as possible, because during a real emergency, the most important factor is the ability to communicate.
The event is open to all licensed radio amateurs. The official rules for Winter Field Day 2007 and information about the Society for the Preservation of Amateur Radio can be found at the SPAR web site. Its in cyberspace at www.spar-hams.org . (W5ALT)
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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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CHANGING OF THE GUARD: TED SUAREZ, K8SBC - S.K.
Word that past Dayton Hamvention General Chairman Ted Suarez, K8BSC, has also passed on. Suraz died on early on December 9th at the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton after an extended stay of more than a month.
According to Ron Moorefield, W8ILC, Suarez held the Hamvention Chairman seat for more years than anyone before or since. He served for consecutive years beginning in 1973 and ending in 1976. During that time the Hamvention began its climb in attendance that peaked in the 1990.
Ted Suarez is survived by his two grown daughters. No funeral is planned as K8BSC had previously arranged to have his remains donated to the medical department at Wright State University to be used in research. (W8ILC)
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WORLDBEAT: UK TEACHER HONORED FOR ARISS CONTACT
From Great Britain, word that a teacher whose pupils were the first school children in the United Kingdom to speak to astronauts using amateur radio has won the I-T-V Pride of Britain Award.
Educator Linda Davies was presented with the Teacher of the Year award live on television on November 7th . This, for her work in promoting science at Neston Primary School in Wiltshire.
One of her biggest achievements was organizing a ten-minute chat between pupils and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Among the radio amateurs who took part in the ISS contact were Charles Riley, G4JQX, Howard Long, G6LVB, and Carlos Eavis, G0AKI. The ARISS organization arranged for the contact to be made. (GB2RS)
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WORLDBEAT: RSGB TO MERGE HF AND VHF CONTEST COMMITTEES
The Radio Society of Great Britain has decided to merge its HF and VHF Contest committees. This, with the aim of providing contesters with a better, centralized service.
The merger will take place over a 6-12 month transition time frame. During this period, Don Field, the RSGB's board member for sport radio, will act as interim chairman. (GB2RS)
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HAM RADIO IN SPACE: US MAY PROVIDE HAM RADIO SPACE TRAINING
The United States may soon be teaching more ham radio to astronauts before they go overseas for other training.
At a recent Space Flight Training Division Technical Interchange Meeting the ARISS U.S. team may be tasked with performing more of the amateur radio training. This, to reduce the amount of time that U.S. crews spend in Russia.
The meeting was held November 6th through the 10th at the at Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas. The ARISS-Russian team from Energia, representatives from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, and ARISS United States members attended the session. (ARISS)
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HAM RADO IN SPACE: AMSAT 2007 COLLOQUIUM SET FOR JULY
The dates for the 2007 AMSAT-UK Colloquium have been announced as July 20 through the 22 . As per previous years the venue is to be the University of Surrey, in Guilford, England. AMSAT UK says that its holding the gathering a week earlier than normal to avoid clashing with the Central States VHF Event in the United States. (AMSAT-UK)
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SPECIAL EVENT: CELEBRATING SOUTH POLE EXPLORATION
Look for special event station 8J1ANT to be active between now and 31st March. His operation is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Scientific Research Expeditions in Antarctica. The 8J1ANT special station will operate from the Japan Amateur Radio League building in Tokyo. QSL this special event station as directed on the air. (OPDX)
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DX
In DX, the 5A7A DXpedition went QRT on November 29th. According to the December 3rd on-line log, the operation netted just over 112,000 QSOs. A complete band/mode breakdowns of QSOs are available at www.df3cb.com/logsearch/5a7a
Lastly, keep an ear open for the Aland Islands. This, as OH1JT, OH1RX, OH2JA and OH5DX will be active as OH0Z during the CQ 160M CW Contest from January 27th to the 28th . They plan to operate as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via W0MM.
(Above from various DX news sources)
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THAT FINAL ITEM: CANADA CELEBRATING FESSENDEN
And finally this week, Canada is celebrating the accomplishments of one of the inventors of Radio. And its letting its ham radio community do it on the air. Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, has the details:
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Telecommunications regulator Industry Canada has authorized all Canadian radio amateurs to use special event prefixes for the next two months. This, to mark the 100th anniversary of the first A-M voice broadcast by Reginald Fessenden that took place on December 24, 1906.
The permit comes at the request of Radio Amateurs of Canada, which notes that on Christmas Eve, 1906, the Canadian-born Fessenden, transmitting from a station in Brant Rock, Massachusetts, sent a short program which included the song O Holy Night played on the violin and a reading from the Bible. A second short program was broadcast on December 31, 1906.
To commemorate this accomplishment, Canadian hams can take to the airwaves using a series of prefixes beginning with the letter "C" with the rest of the prefix dependant on geographic location. The period for Canadian hams to use those commemorative prefixes started on the December 1st concludes on the 31st of January, 2007.
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Once again, Canadian hams can use the special prefixes through January 31st of 2007. (RAC)
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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 Burt Hicks, WB6MQV, saying 73 and we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.