AA7BQ
09-14-2007, 05:53 PM
The following is a Q-S-T. Amateur Radio in South Africa take a hard line stand against BPL, the killers of a ham radio operator are sentenced in Gambia, Region 2 if the IARU meets in Brazil and ham radio remembers September 11th , 2001. A look back at 911 six years on Amateur Radio Newsline™ report number 1570 coming your way right now.
THE BPL FIGHT: SOUTH AFRICAN HAMS TAKE A HARD LINE
Interference from Broadband Over Powerline is in the spotlight once again. This as the South African Radio League issues an update on progress made at minimizing the radio frequency pollution caused by powerline Internet access. And, as we hear from W-I-A Newsman Graham Kemp, VK4BB, the SARL is taking a hard line stand in its part of the world:
--
Well, the fight isn't over. Our friends at the SARL in South Africa tell us draft PLT or BPL regulations are under the spotlight in South Africa.
Their regulatory body, ICASA has been hard at work and has asked the EMC workgroup of the STANSA TC73 and TC80 committees to come up with draft regulations for type approval of PLT (BPL) equipment as an interim measure.
These interim standards will eventually be replaced by internationally accepted standards. There is however much debate amongst members of the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) about
international standards with an agreement seemingly some time off.
The SARL even tell us that this CISPR will meet here in Australia. The Work group has held meetings over the past two weeks and hopes to complete a draft to be tabled at the TC80 meeting later this month. Once agreed at TC80, the draft will be forwarded to ICASA for further consideration and once agreed by the ICASA Council, the draft regulations will be published in the government gazette for comment.
The SARL is represented at the Workgroup and has made its input. There is much ongoing debate and unhappiness about the SARL's demands that all Amateur Radio HF frequencies be notched at the time of installation. In particular the vendors of PLT equipment would only like to notch when an interference complaint is received. The SARL's view is that Radio Amateurs are licensed to operate on HF and that their rights should be protected.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the WIA News in Australia.
--
Graham Kemp adds that BPL is everyone bad boy problem, world-wide. (WIA News)
**
RADIO JUSTICE: TWO MEN GET LIFE FOR MURDERING RADIO AMATEUR
Its taken several years but justice has finally been served. This as a criminal court judge in Gambia sentences two men to life imprisonment for the murder of radio amateur Ron Ford, G3NKO.
Ford was killed in by two Gambian nationals in September 2002 while on vacation in the region. In passing sentence on Dawda Bojang and Kawsu Jarju, judge Buba Jawo said the evidence before the court had clearly shown that the prosecution has proven its case.
The two were tried in Kanifing Magistrates' court where the life sentences were imposed. (Southgate)
**
RESCUE RADIO: HAM RADIO AT THE ZACA FIRE WINDS DOWN
Back in the United States, Amateur Radio operations allied to the giant California Zaca Wildfire have wound down as flames are brought under control. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, reports:
--
We have already told you that Amateur Radio operators from throughout California's Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties assisted during the recent Zaca wildfire. The blaze, which started July 4th burned over 240,000 acres before it was contained on September 2nd . This makes it the second largest wildfire in California state history.
With the response now winding down, the statistics are coming in and some of it is amazing -- especially for ham radio. For example, members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteered over 850 combined man hours during the course of the firefight. Hams worked at the Forest Service base camp, staffed road blocks, answered phones at the Forest Service information call center, drove fire patrols, and set up communications at a Red Cross shelter until phones could be installed. Radio amateurs also served as observers and communicators in aircraft flown by the Sheriff's Aero Squadron. Some of these positions were staffed around the clock for many days at a time.
But that’s not all. On September 3rd hams spotted a new fire just outside the burned area. They reported it to fire crews who quickly sent in air tankers to put it out.
A total of 45 A-R-E-S operators responded from Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Barbara, and mutual aid resources from Ventura. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service coordinated its response through the county Emergency Operations Center, from where their station kept in constant contact with field units and relayed information from the field to officials in the Emergency Operations Center.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the studio in Los Angeles
--
One post script to this story. On August 11th, when A-R-E-S members arrived at the Emergency Operations Center, they found the following message left on their incident log:
"Thanks, ARES. You are the best!"
It was signed by Bruce Carter, OES. Carter is the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services Manager. (N6ZKJ, ARNewsline™)
**
RESCUE RADIO: RESPONDER ID CARD PROGRAM BEING TESTED
The federal government is launching an ambitious I-D program for rescue workers. This, in an effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency says is to to keep everyday people from swarming to a disaster scene.
FEMA came up with the idea after the World Trade Center attack and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. That’s when countless Americans rushed to help. Some were unasked, undirected, and says the agency, sometimes unwanted
A prototype of the new first responder identification card is already being issued to fire and police personnel in the Washington, D.C., area. Proponents say the system will get professionals on scene quicker and keep untrained volunteers from making tough work more difficult. Supporters say the ID cards could be checked at a disaster area with a card-reader and used to verify a person’s skills. But they also know it is a touchy subject, particularly for those devoted to helping in moments of crisis.
But many of those volunteers from both disasters angrily dispute the notion they were a burden. They insist that in numerous instances they were able to deliver respirators, hard hats, and protective boots to workers when no one else seemed able.
After 911, ground zero volunteer Rhonda Shearer launched a fast-moving supply system that bypassed regular channels, and often infuriating city officials. She says that even as she delivered trucks packed with supplies over months of recovery work, she increasingly ended up in a cat-and-mouse game with New York City’s police and Emergency Management Agency. Shearer says that the experience has convinced her that agencies are ill-equipped to handle major disasters, but don’t want outsiders pointing out their failings. (Published news reports)
**
LONG AWAITED DX: ST. BRANDONS - 3B7C IS ON THE AIR
The long awaited St. Brandon's D-Xpedition is on the air. Word is that 3B7C took to the air at about 20:05 hours U-T0C on September 7th . N3GV who is the Pilot for the operation reported ober the expeditions website that he worked them on 40 meter CW within 2 minutes of their planned startup time and then heard them on 20 meters. Since then the operation has been creating massive pile-up wherever they call C-Q. For the latest news and to view the on-line logs, take your web browser to www.3B7C.com (3B7C.com)
**
RADIO POLITICS: IARU REGION 2 MEETS IN BRAZIL
Turning to ham radio political news, word that the opening Plenary of the 16th General Assembly of International Amateur Radio Union for Region 2 was held on Monday morning, September 10th in Brazil. As the gathering got underway, Region 2 President Rod Stafford, W6ROD noted the success that Region 2 has enjoyed in relations with CITEL and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union. He also noted the challenges that must be faced. This, by urging member societies to do more to promote Amateur Radio in their countries and by finding ways to more effectively represent the radio amateurs of countries where the IARU member-society is not sufficiently active on their behalf.
ANATEL President Ambassador Ronaldo Sardenberg then spoke as the representative of Brazil's Minister of Communications. He said that he was pleased to report that Amateur Radio is growing in his nation, with 36,000 active operators. Also, that an Amateur Radio school is being launched in conjunction with Parana University as an initiative that it is hoped will be replicated throughout the country. He was also pleased that the Brazilian telecommunications administration supports the Amateur service in its desire for a low-frequency allocation.
Ambassador Sardenberg also provided some detail of an investigation of radio interference from power line communications systems. He said that initial tests showed a great potential for interference, but more recent tests show some improvement and he expressed optimism that a way will be found to allow BPL to be deployed without endangering radio services.
The final speaker during the opening Plenary was International Amateur Radio Union Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH. Ellam said that the IARU has a number of objectives for the upcoming 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference. He also noted that he is chairing a committee that is developing a proposal for a substantive restructuring of the IARU so that it will be better able to meet future challenges.
As we go to air, the conference is winding down. The last orders of business will include the election of the Region 2 Executive Committee. Delegates from IARU member-societies throughout North and South America are attended the meeting. (RAC, Southgate, ARNewsline™)
**
BREAK 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the Hiway Amateur Radio Club net serving Durban, South Africa.
(5 sec pause here)
**
REGULATORY: FCC TO LOWER VANITY CALL SIGN FEES SEPTEMBER 17
Here in the United States, the FCC will reduce the regulatory fee to obtain or renew an Amateur Radio vanity call sign by more than 40 percent starting September 17th . In a Report & Order released August 6th , the Commission says that it will cut the fee from its current $20.80 to $11.70. This marks the lowest fee in the history of the current vanity call sign program.
According to the ARRL Letter, the FCC is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934 to collect vanity call sign fees to recover the costs associated with that program. This fee has fluctuated over the past 11 years from a low of $12 to a high of $50.
But in the Report and Order on the Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2007, the FCC says it anticipates some 14,700 Amateur Radio vanity call sign applications during the next fiscal year. This means that it expects to collect $171,990 in fees from the program. (ARRL)
**
ENFORCEMENT: PA FIRM TOLD TO GET TRUCKERS OFF 10 METERS
A Smithfield, Pennsylvania based Smith Trucking, Inc, has been cited by the FCC. This, for operating radio equipment on the frequency 28. 535 MHz without a license and causing interference to licensed stations in the 10 Meter Amateur Band.
According to the FCC, drivers in Smith Trucking vehicles were seen operating radio gear in April and May 2007 at everal locations in West Virginia. The FCC directed Smith Trucking to advise it drivers that operation of radio transmitting equipment without a license is a violation of the Communications and could subject them to a fine or imprisonment, as well as in seizure of any non certified radio transmitting equipment. (FCC)
**
ENFORCEMENT: LETTER ASKS WI. HAM TO RESPOND
A Wisconsin ham who never replied to a letter from the FCC has been sent another. Mark F. Hubeny, N9ZHW, of Kaukauna, was sent notification from the regulatory agency asking why he never responded to its Warning Notice sent him on June 1st . In that note the FCC had asked Hubeny to explain his alleged operation of his amateur station on non-amateur frequencies. The FCC said it would afford N9ZHW an additional 20 days from the date of its latest letter to respond. At airtime, its unknown if he has or has not. (FCC)
**
ENFORCEMENT: UNCOORDINATED VS. COORDINATED RPT IN ARIZONA
The owner of an uncoordinated Arizona repeater has been sent a notice by the FCC . One stating that his system is interfering with a coordinated machine and that he needs to act to mitigate the problem.
James Ogden, N7KPU, of Prescott Valley has been told by the FCC that it has supporting documentation alleging that the repeater bearing his call sign on 447.350 and 442.350 MHz is causing harmful interference to a coordinated system on the same channel pair.
According to the FCC, the complaining party indicates that Ogden was contacted numerous times about this problem but he has declined to address it. Ogden was given a list of questions that he must respond to. He was also told that any information he provides will be used to determine what, if any, action the FCC might take in this matter. (FCC)
**
RESCUE RADIO PRODUCT ALERT: WEATHER RADIO RECALL
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Oregon Scientific Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 66,000 weather radio receivers distributed by Oregon Scientific. This, after it was been determined that these radios could fail to receive National Weather Service alert signals in certain areas of the country.
Only four models are affected. They were sold at retail stores nationwide, including some electronics and sporting goods stores, online retailers and in catalogs from December 2005 through June 2007 for between $30 and $150. The CPSC says that in the event of severe weather, this failure could put a consumer's life and property at risk.
For additional information on which models are covered in the recall, contact Oregon Scientific at (800) 203-4921 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Coast Time . Or you can visit the firm’s website at www2.oregonscientific.com.
More the Consumer Product Safety Commission position on these radios is on-line http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07292.html (CGC)
**
LEGAL FILE: AMERICAN RED CROS SUED OVER USE OF ITS OWN SYMBOL
More bad publicity for the American Red Cross. The relief agency that’s already under fire from ham radio over lifestyle checks of its volunteers is now facing legal action over its emblem. Burt Hicks, WB6MQV, has the rest of the story:
--
Pharmaceutical Johnson & Johnson, the giant that uses a red cross as its trademark has sued the American Red Cross. Its demanding that the charity halt the use of the red cross symbol on products it sells to the public. Johnson & Johnson said it has had exclusive rights to use the trademark on certain commercial products -- including bandages and first-aid cream -- for more than 100 years. It began using the red cross design as a trademark in 1887. That’s six years after the creation of the American Red Cross but before it received its congressional charter in 1900.
The lawsuit contends that the charter did not empower the Red Cross to engage in commercial activities competing with a private business. It asserts that the Red Cross is supposed to use the symbol only in connection with nonprofit relief services.
This is the latest negative publicity for the American Red Cross and follows a campaign among ham radio operators to get the relief agency to stop demanding lifestyle and credit checks of its volunteers in addition to normal security screenings. This issue is already causing some hams who would normally volunteer to provide communications assistance to the Red Cross to offer their services to other charities and post disaster relief groups. At airtime, the requirement for volunteers to submit to lifestyle checks is still in place.
--
News reports say that the American Red Cross intends to vigorously defend its right to use the symbol as it sees fit. (Published news reports)
**
RADIO RULES: FCC SETS OWNERSHIP CAP AT 39 PERCENT
The FCC has officially rewritten its rules to raise the cap on a TV group owner's household reach to 39%. That's the total percentage of U.S. households a single TV station group owner is allowed to reach, although only half of a UHF stations audience counts toward that cap.
That move comes a little over three years after President Bush signed the bill into law that changed the cap to 39%. The FCC had wanted to raise it from 35% to 45%, but Congress stepped in to split the difference. (Broadcasting and Cable)
**
SPECIAL EVENTS: JOTA 2007 - OCTOBER 20 - 21
The 50th anniversary of scoutings Jamboree on the Air or JOTA is coming up in October. The dates this year are October 20th and 21st .
JOTA is the largest official scouting event in the world with an expected 500,000 participants. It is also open to both Boy and Girl Scouts, making it one of the few joint events between the two scout organizations, and one of the few internationally sponsored events.
Ham Radio has always been an important aspect of JOTA. To find your nearest local council, go to www.scouting.org or www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder to locate your nearest boy or girl scout council. If they have no ham radio station planned, you might want to think about volunteering your time and gear to bring one on the air.
More about the Jamboree on the Air is on-line at www.scout.org/jota. And listen for a special JOTA 2007 preview in coming weeks with Mark Abramovich, NT3V, right he on Amateur Radio Newsline. (RSGB, ARNewsline™)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: TEXAS RADIO CLUB HONORS ONE OF ITS OWN
Some names in the news. First is the Ellis County Texas Amateur Radio Club has announced a fund-raiser for a new repeater. One that the group says will better serve the eastern area of the county and at the same time honor an important local radio amateur.
The new equipment will be dedicated to Bob Fitch, K5ASU. Fitch is described as one of the original Ellis County Amateur Radio Club members and still an active and enthusiastic participant in the organization.
The Waxahachie Daily Light newspaper says that Fitch's interest in radio and communications began at age 14 and led to a life-long passion which continues to this day. He has been active in the club since the early 1970s, has helped to recruit new ham operators and assisted them in getting licensed by teaching radio theory classes and acting as a Volunteer Examiner. He also served with as a local Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service officer from 1971 to 1993. In 1993 his late wife Denie was disabled with a broken hip and other bone problems so Fitch gave up his club duties to care for her. After she passed away in 2000, Bob resumed his post and still an active RACES member conducting the monthly nets and distributing identification cards to members.
The Ellis County Amateur Radio Club provides communication support for bike rallies, and other numerous contests, and provides ground truth reports to the National weather Service during severe weather events. The newspaper also quotes Robert Crosby, KD5YHY who says that this event is a golden opportunity for all of in the club to honor a guy who has been a guiding light to us in the Ellis County Amateur Radio Club. (Waxahachie Daily Light)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: KB2GSB MAY GO TO RLTV
Retirement Living TV is trying to lure America's most trusted man, Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, back to television. This, as RLTV prepares to become a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week network, and the 89-year-old news icon might be perfect for the fast-growing 55+ demographic that Retirement Living TV serves.
Retirement Living TV President Brad Knight has confirmed that his Columbia, Maryland based network is in talks with Cronkite. One scenario would have the former CBS news anchor presenting a weekly commentary about anything he wants to share.
And if KB2GSD came to RLTV it would make it a kind of a family affair. This is because his son Chip Cronkite is a segment producer on the networks The Art of Living program. But its also possible that Chip would produce whatever projects his father were to do with Retirement Living T-V. (NewsGate)
**
BREAK 2
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
(5 sec pause here)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: THE SAGA OF AO-7 CONTINUES
Like a Timex watch, its still ticking. Of coarse we are referring to the AO-7 ham radio satellite which was one of the earliest birds that radio amateurs had to work with. Amateur Radio Newsline's Fred Vobbe, W9HDU, takes a look at this aging but still operational ham radio miracle on orbit:
--
The Amsat OSCAR 7 ham satellite was launched on November 15, 1974 on a Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California. It initially stopped transmitting in 1981 after a battery failure. But it sprang back to life on June 21st 2002. Since its miraculous emergence from the long term battery problem, AO-7 has been an available to use.
SSB in Mode A is the normal with several QSO's able to take place at a time. Mode A uses an uplink from 145.850 to 145.950 MHz and a 10 meter downlink of 29.400 to 29.500 MHz . This transponder is linear, non-inverting.
:
Numerous reports of its switching between mode A and B have been verified. Mode B uses an uplink og 432.125 to 432.175 MHz and downlinks on 145.975 -through 145.925 MHz. But there is aa bit of a problem in using Mode B. Due to changes in Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service there are questions as to legality of Amateurs transmitting to AO-7. The uplink frequency predates the WARC '79 allocation of 435 to 438 MHz by the International Telecommunications Union for the Amateur Satellite Service. This puts the uplink in 70cm weak signal segment. Potential users should realize that when they are uplinking Mode B to a satellite, they are no longer operating in the Amateur Service but instead operating in the Amateur Satellite Service. Thus they are subject to Amateur Satellite Service rules. Therefore uplinking to AO-7 is possibly illegal since the Amateur Satellite Service is not permitted at 432.1 MHz.
But in Mode A, the AO-7 the satellite has a much larger footprint than AO-51 and is in view much longer. It also requires some of the simplest gear of any ham radio bird currently in flight. Equipment that you will find in almost every hamshack, world-eide.
For the amateur radio Newsline. I'm Fred Vovve, W8HDU.
--
So dust off those mode A high frequency receivers and 2 meter SB transmitters or transverters and try to make a contact on the AO-7 bird. It may take a little more effort to use, but it's fun and rewarding.
(LA2QAA)
**
RADIO IN SPACE: VOYAGERS AT AGE 30
The two NASA's Voyager spacecraft are celebrating three decades of flight as they head toward interstellar space. This as they continue to probe the unknown and radio their information back to researchers here on Earth.
Voyager 2 was launched on Aug. 20, 1977, and Voyager 1 went skyward on Sept. 5, 1977. During their first dozen years of flight, the twin Voyagers made detailed explorations of Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons, and conducted the first explorations of Uranus and Neptune. For the past 18 years, the two spacecraft have been probing the sun's outer heliosphere and its boundary with interstellar space.
According to NASA, both Voyagers remain healthy and continue to radio back information from distances more than three times farther away than Pluto. (NASA - JPL)
**
RADIO IN SPACE: HUBBLE DISCOVERS FAINT STARS
An international team of astronomers has uncovered the faintest stars ever seen in any globular star cluster. Using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, the team took hundreds of high-resolution photos that were then radioed back to Earth. The astronomers then compared the images pixel-by-pixel to identify the dimmest stars in the globular star cluster NGC 6397. The researchers say that the light from these faint stars is so dim that it is equivalent to that produced by a birthday candle on the Moon, as seen from Earth. (Space)
**
DX
In D-X, word that DL2MDU, will be active as portable 5Z4 from Kenya through September 24th . He plans to operate holiday style meaning he comes on the air whenever he has the time. Operation will be mainly CW. QSL via the bureau to his home call.
And DL7VOG, will be active as stroke J3 from Carriacou Island in the Grenadines. This until mid-month. His plans called for operation on 160 through 6 meters using CW and RTTY, with SSB on request. QSL to his home call or via the bureau.
M0TQJ, will be on East Falkland Insel using the call VP8CXV through Januar 15th, 2008. He prefers SSB but will do also some RTTY and PSK31. QSLs will be answered after his return home.
Lastly, listen out for ON4LO to be active portable 9A from Mali Losinj Through the 28th of September. He's expected to be on the HF bands as well as on 6 meters. QSL as directed on the air.
(Above from various DX news sources)
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: HAM RADIO REMEMBER 911
As America and the world paused to remember the September 11th 2001 a-Quida terror attacks on the World trade Center and the Pentagon, several ham radio stations took to the air in honor of all who lost their lives on that day. They also remembered the role played by radio amateurs immediately after the attacks and in the weeks that followed. This report by Feinberg, K2SSQ, is from the Amateur Radio Newsline archives. It was filed only hours after the terrorists struck. In it Henry outlined ham radios first response:
--
Archive audio (fade up): "…This is what we know so far. Here in the metropolitan New York area some ARES and RACES organizations opened emergency nets in response to the disaster. According to ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Caruba, KA2D, a net was set up on the WB2ZSE repeater with Guy Richmond, KC2AYG as NCS. The net handled emergency traffic and provided hams to shadow some New York City officials. Meanwhile…(fade out)"
--
For three days ham radio was essentially the only way to get information into and out of lower Manhattan after the twin towers of the World Trade Center fell. The disaster had taken out the heart of the city's emergency communications system as well as the areas cellular telephone switching center. But radio amateurs came to the rescue and remained on the air until normal lines of communications could be restored. Being decentralized, there was no way that a terror organization like al-Quida could destroy ham radio communications in the way they did that of the city.
But that was just the beginning. In the weeks that followed, ham radio operators from all across the nation took time off from work, gathered up their gear and signed up to volunteer in New York or at the Pentagon. They brought with them their own supplies and paid their own way. It was ham radio volunteerism at its very best. As a result, Amateur Radio was quickly recognized as being essential to homeland security because it had proven to be the singular radio service able to provide emergency communications that is was close to being 100 percent reliable in time of disaster as there ever can be.
Then came word of the toll on ham radio. Of those lost when the twin towers fell. Again we go to our archives and Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ:
--
Archive audio: " At least four Amateur Radio operators are among the many still missing the aftermath of the attack. They include Steve Jacobson, N2SJ, age 53, of New York City. Jacobson worked as a transmitter engineer for WPIX channel 11. Also, on transmitter duty at the time of the attack was Bill Steckman, WA2ACW. of West Hempstead out on Long Island. He is employed by WNBC channel 4 and is well know in the area for a number of repeaters he operated from the World Trade Center. Most notable among them a 434 Mhz ATV system.
Another missing ham is Robert D. Cirri Sr., KA2OTD, of Nutley, New Jersey. Cirri is a Port Authority police officer and the ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Hudson County. He was last seen helping to evacuate workers from one of the buildings when it collapsed.
Also, Michael G. Jacobs, AA1GO of Danbury, Connecticut who works at Fiduciary Trust Company International, which had offices in the World Trade Center. He too has not been seen since the twin towers collapsed.
Meanwhile, hams worldwide are praying for a miracle. A miracle that maybe they and others who were in the twin towers when they collapsed have escaped but have not yet reported in. Or that they are under the rubble -- still alive -- and that rescue workers will reach them in time."
--
As we came to learn in the weeks that followed, these were not the only members of the ham radio community to die on September 11th . Also lost in New York were Rod Coppola, KA2KET, and Winston Grant, KA2DRF. Bill Ruth, W3HRD, died in the Pentagon attack.
On September 11th of 2007, as commemorative ham radio stations took to the airwaves in remembrance of all whose lives were lost on that same day in 2001, they were also a testament of sorts. An affirmation that radio amateurs are among the worlds best trained volunteer communications personnel. Communicators who also possess a level of technical knowledge that prepares them to put their stations on the air no matter what the situation and to do so at a moments notice. Hams are people who truly care. (ARNewsline™)
**
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 2007. All rights reserved.
THE BPL FIGHT: SOUTH AFRICAN HAMS TAKE A HARD LINE
Interference from Broadband Over Powerline is in the spotlight once again. This as the South African Radio League issues an update on progress made at minimizing the radio frequency pollution caused by powerline Internet access. And, as we hear from W-I-A Newsman Graham Kemp, VK4BB, the SARL is taking a hard line stand in its part of the world:
--
Well, the fight isn't over. Our friends at the SARL in South Africa tell us draft PLT or BPL regulations are under the spotlight in South Africa.
Their regulatory body, ICASA has been hard at work and has asked the EMC workgroup of the STANSA TC73 and TC80 committees to come up with draft regulations for type approval of PLT (BPL) equipment as an interim measure.
These interim standards will eventually be replaced by internationally accepted standards. There is however much debate amongst members of the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) about
international standards with an agreement seemingly some time off.
The SARL even tell us that this CISPR will meet here in Australia. The Work group has held meetings over the past two weeks and hopes to complete a draft to be tabled at the TC80 meeting later this month. Once agreed at TC80, the draft will be forwarded to ICASA for further consideration and once agreed by the ICASA Council, the draft regulations will be published in the government gazette for comment.
The SARL is represented at the Workgroup and has made its input. There is much ongoing debate and unhappiness about the SARL's demands that all Amateur Radio HF frequencies be notched at the time of installation. In particular the vendors of PLT equipment would only like to notch when an interference complaint is received. The SARL's view is that Radio Amateurs are licensed to operate on HF and that their rights should be protected.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the WIA News in Australia.
--
Graham Kemp adds that BPL is everyone bad boy problem, world-wide. (WIA News)
**
RADIO JUSTICE: TWO MEN GET LIFE FOR MURDERING RADIO AMATEUR
Its taken several years but justice has finally been served. This as a criminal court judge in Gambia sentences two men to life imprisonment for the murder of radio amateur Ron Ford, G3NKO.
Ford was killed in by two Gambian nationals in September 2002 while on vacation in the region. In passing sentence on Dawda Bojang and Kawsu Jarju, judge Buba Jawo said the evidence before the court had clearly shown that the prosecution has proven its case.
The two were tried in Kanifing Magistrates' court where the life sentences were imposed. (Southgate)
**
RESCUE RADIO: HAM RADIO AT THE ZACA FIRE WINDS DOWN
Back in the United States, Amateur Radio operations allied to the giant California Zaca Wildfire have wound down as flames are brought under control. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, reports:
--
We have already told you that Amateur Radio operators from throughout California's Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties assisted during the recent Zaca wildfire. The blaze, which started July 4th burned over 240,000 acres before it was contained on September 2nd . This makes it the second largest wildfire in California state history.
With the response now winding down, the statistics are coming in and some of it is amazing -- especially for ham radio. For example, members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteered over 850 combined man hours during the course of the firefight. Hams worked at the Forest Service base camp, staffed road blocks, answered phones at the Forest Service information call center, drove fire patrols, and set up communications at a Red Cross shelter until phones could be installed. Radio amateurs also served as observers and communicators in aircraft flown by the Sheriff's Aero Squadron. Some of these positions were staffed around the clock for many days at a time.
But that’s not all. On September 3rd hams spotted a new fire just outside the burned area. They reported it to fire crews who quickly sent in air tankers to put it out.
A total of 45 A-R-E-S operators responded from Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Barbara, and mutual aid resources from Ventura. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service coordinated its response through the county Emergency Operations Center, from where their station kept in constant contact with field units and relayed information from the field to officials in the Emergency Operations Center.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the studio in Los Angeles
--
One post script to this story. On August 11th, when A-R-E-S members arrived at the Emergency Operations Center, they found the following message left on their incident log:
"Thanks, ARES. You are the best!"
It was signed by Bruce Carter, OES. Carter is the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services Manager. (N6ZKJ, ARNewsline™)
**
RESCUE RADIO: RESPONDER ID CARD PROGRAM BEING TESTED
The federal government is launching an ambitious I-D program for rescue workers. This, in an effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency says is to to keep everyday people from swarming to a disaster scene.
FEMA came up with the idea after the World Trade Center attack and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. That’s when countless Americans rushed to help. Some were unasked, undirected, and says the agency, sometimes unwanted
A prototype of the new first responder identification card is already being issued to fire and police personnel in the Washington, D.C., area. Proponents say the system will get professionals on scene quicker and keep untrained volunteers from making tough work more difficult. Supporters say the ID cards could be checked at a disaster area with a card-reader and used to verify a person’s skills. But they also know it is a touchy subject, particularly for those devoted to helping in moments of crisis.
But many of those volunteers from both disasters angrily dispute the notion they were a burden. They insist that in numerous instances they were able to deliver respirators, hard hats, and protective boots to workers when no one else seemed able.
After 911, ground zero volunteer Rhonda Shearer launched a fast-moving supply system that bypassed regular channels, and often infuriating city officials. She says that even as she delivered trucks packed with supplies over months of recovery work, she increasingly ended up in a cat-and-mouse game with New York City’s police and Emergency Management Agency. Shearer says that the experience has convinced her that agencies are ill-equipped to handle major disasters, but don’t want outsiders pointing out their failings. (Published news reports)
**
LONG AWAITED DX: ST. BRANDONS - 3B7C IS ON THE AIR
The long awaited St. Brandon's D-Xpedition is on the air. Word is that 3B7C took to the air at about 20:05 hours U-T0C on September 7th . N3GV who is the Pilot for the operation reported ober the expeditions website that he worked them on 40 meter CW within 2 minutes of their planned startup time and then heard them on 20 meters. Since then the operation has been creating massive pile-up wherever they call C-Q. For the latest news and to view the on-line logs, take your web browser to www.3B7C.com (3B7C.com)
**
RADIO POLITICS: IARU REGION 2 MEETS IN BRAZIL
Turning to ham radio political news, word that the opening Plenary of the 16th General Assembly of International Amateur Radio Union for Region 2 was held on Monday morning, September 10th in Brazil. As the gathering got underway, Region 2 President Rod Stafford, W6ROD noted the success that Region 2 has enjoyed in relations with CITEL and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union. He also noted the challenges that must be faced. This, by urging member societies to do more to promote Amateur Radio in their countries and by finding ways to more effectively represent the radio amateurs of countries where the IARU member-society is not sufficiently active on their behalf.
ANATEL President Ambassador Ronaldo Sardenberg then spoke as the representative of Brazil's Minister of Communications. He said that he was pleased to report that Amateur Radio is growing in his nation, with 36,000 active operators. Also, that an Amateur Radio school is being launched in conjunction with Parana University as an initiative that it is hoped will be replicated throughout the country. He was also pleased that the Brazilian telecommunications administration supports the Amateur service in its desire for a low-frequency allocation.
Ambassador Sardenberg also provided some detail of an investigation of radio interference from power line communications systems. He said that initial tests showed a great potential for interference, but more recent tests show some improvement and he expressed optimism that a way will be found to allow BPL to be deployed without endangering radio services.
The final speaker during the opening Plenary was International Amateur Radio Union Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH. Ellam said that the IARU has a number of objectives for the upcoming 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference. He also noted that he is chairing a committee that is developing a proposal for a substantive restructuring of the IARU so that it will be better able to meet future challenges.
As we go to air, the conference is winding down. The last orders of business will include the election of the Region 2 Executive Committee. Delegates from IARU member-societies throughout North and South America are attended the meeting. (RAC, Southgate, ARNewsline™)
**
BREAK 1
From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the Hiway Amateur Radio Club net serving Durban, South Africa.
(5 sec pause here)
**
REGULATORY: FCC TO LOWER VANITY CALL SIGN FEES SEPTEMBER 17
Here in the United States, the FCC will reduce the regulatory fee to obtain or renew an Amateur Radio vanity call sign by more than 40 percent starting September 17th . In a Report & Order released August 6th , the Commission says that it will cut the fee from its current $20.80 to $11.70. This marks the lowest fee in the history of the current vanity call sign program.
According to the ARRL Letter, the FCC is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934 to collect vanity call sign fees to recover the costs associated with that program. This fee has fluctuated over the past 11 years from a low of $12 to a high of $50.
But in the Report and Order on the Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 2007, the FCC says it anticipates some 14,700 Amateur Radio vanity call sign applications during the next fiscal year. This means that it expects to collect $171,990 in fees from the program. (ARRL)
**
ENFORCEMENT: PA FIRM TOLD TO GET TRUCKERS OFF 10 METERS
A Smithfield, Pennsylvania based Smith Trucking, Inc, has been cited by the FCC. This, for operating radio equipment on the frequency 28. 535 MHz without a license and causing interference to licensed stations in the 10 Meter Amateur Band.
According to the FCC, drivers in Smith Trucking vehicles were seen operating radio gear in April and May 2007 at everal locations in West Virginia. The FCC directed Smith Trucking to advise it drivers that operation of radio transmitting equipment without a license is a violation of the Communications and could subject them to a fine or imprisonment, as well as in seizure of any non certified radio transmitting equipment. (FCC)
**
ENFORCEMENT: LETTER ASKS WI. HAM TO RESPOND
A Wisconsin ham who never replied to a letter from the FCC has been sent another. Mark F. Hubeny, N9ZHW, of Kaukauna, was sent notification from the regulatory agency asking why he never responded to its Warning Notice sent him on June 1st . In that note the FCC had asked Hubeny to explain his alleged operation of his amateur station on non-amateur frequencies. The FCC said it would afford N9ZHW an additional 20 days from the date of its latest letter to respond. At airtime, its unknown if he has or has not. (FCC)
**
ENFORCEMENT: UNCOORDINATED VS. COORDINATED RPT IN ARIZONA
The owner of an uncoordinated Arizona repeater has been sent a notice by the FCC . One stating that his system is interfering with a coordinated machine and that he needs to act to mitigate the problem.
James Ogden, N7KPU, of Prescott Valley has been told by the FCC that it has supporting documentation alleging that the repeater bearing his call sign on 447.350 and 442.350 MHz is causing harmful interference to a coordinated system on the same channel pair.
According to the FCC, the complaining party indicates that Ogden was contacted numerous times about this problem but he has declined to address it. Ogden was given a list of questions that he must respond to. He was also told that any information he provides will be used to determine what, if any, action the FCC might take in this matter. (FCC)
**
RESCUE RADIO PRODUCT ALERT: WEATHER RADIO RECALL
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Oregon Scientific Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 66,000 weather radio receivers distributed by Oregon Scientific. This, after it was been determined that these radios could fail to receive National Weather Service alert signals in certain areas of the country.
Only four models are affected. They were sold at retail stores nationwide, including some electronics and sporting goods stores, online retailers and in catalogs from December 2005 through June 2007 for between $30 and $150. The CPSC says that in the event of severe weather, this failure could put a consumer's life and property at risk.
For additional information on which models are covered in the recall, contact Oregon Scientific at (800) 203-4921 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Coast Time . Or you can visit the firm’s website at www2.oregonscientific.com.
More the Consumer Product Safety Commission position on these radios is on-line http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07292.html (CGC)
**
LEGAL FILE: AMERICAN RED CROS SUED OVER USE OF ITS OWN SYMBOL
More bad publicity for the American Red Cross. The relief agency that’s already under fire from ham radio over lifestyle checks of its volunteers is now facing legal action over its emblem. Burt Hicks, WB6MQV, has the rest of the story:
--
Pharmaceutical Johnson & Johnson, the giant that uses a red cross as its trademark has sued the American Red Cross. Its demanding that the charity halt the use of the red cross symbol on products it sells to the public. Johnson & Johnson said it has had exclusive rights to use the trademark on certain commercial products -- including bandages and first-aid cream -- for more than 100 years. It began using the red cross design as a trademark in 1887. That’s six years after the creation of the American Red Cross but before it received its congressional charter in 1900.
The lawsuit contends that the charter did not empower the Red Cross to engage in commercial activities competing with a private business. It asserts that the Red Cross is supposed to use the symbol only in connection with nonprofit relief services.
This is the latest negative publicity for the American Red Cross and follows a campaign among ham radio operators to get the relief agency to stop demanding lifestyle and credit checks of its volunteers in addition to normal security screenings. This issue is already causing some hams who would normally volunteer to provide communications assistance to the Red Cross to offer their services to other charities and post disaster relief groups. At airtime, the requirement for volunteers to submit to lifestyle checks is still in place.
--
News reports say that the American Red Cross intends to vigorously defend its right to use the symbol as it sees fit. (Published news reports)
**
RADIO RULES: FCC SETS OWNERSHIP CAP AT 39 PERCENT
The FCC has officially rewritten its rules to raise the cap on a TV group owner's household reach to 39%. That's the total percentage of U.S. households a single TV station group owner is allowed to reach, although only half of a UHF stations audience counts toward that cap.
That move comes a little over three years after President Bush signed the bill into law that changed the cap to 39%. The FCC had wanted to raise it from 35% to 45%, but Congress stepped in to split the difference. (Broadcasting and Cable)
**
SPECIAL EVENTS: JOTA 2007 - OCTOBER 20 - 21
The 50th anniversary of scoutings Jamboree on the Air or JOTA is coming up in October. The dates this year are October 20th and 21st .
JOTA is the largest official scouting event in the world with an expected 500,000 participants. It is also open to both Boy and Girl Scouts, making it one of the few joint events between the two scout organizations, and one of the few internationally sponsored events.
Ham Radio has always been an important aspect of JOTA. To find your nearest local council, go to www.scouting.org or www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder to locate your nearest boy or girl scout council. If they have no ham radio station planned, you might want to think about volunteering your time and gear to bring one on the air.
More about the Jamboree on the Air is on-line at www.scout.org/jota. And listen for a special JOTA 2007 preview in coming weeks with Mark Abramovich, NT3V, right he on Amateur Radio Newsline. (RSGB, ARNewsline™)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: TEXAS RADIO CLUB HONORS ONE OF ITS OWN
Some names in the news. First is the Ellis County Texas Amateur Radio Club has announced a fund-raiser for a new repeater. One that the group says will better serve the eastern area of the county and at the same time honor an important local radio amateur.
The new equipment will be dedicated to Bob Fitch, K5ASU. Fitch is described as one of the original Ellis County Amateur Radio Club members and still an active and enthusiastic participant in the organization.
The Waxahachie Daily Light newspaper says that Fitch's interest in radio and communications began at age 14 and led to a life-long passion which continues to this day. He has been active in the club since the early 1970s, has helped to recruit new ham operators and assisted them in getting licensed by teaching radio theory classes and acting as a Volunteer Examiner. He also served with as a local Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service officer from 1971 to 1993. In 1993 his late wife Denie was disabled with a broken hip and other bone problems so Fitch gave up his club duties to care for her. After she passed away in 2000, Bob resumed his post and still an active RACES member conducting the monthly nets and distributing identification cards to members.
The Ellis County Amateur Radio Club provides communication support for bike rallies, and other numerous contests, and provides ground truth reports to the National weather Service during severe weather events. The newspaper also quotes Robert Crosby, KD5YHY who says that this event is a golden opportunity for all of in the club to honor a guy who has been a guiding light to us in the Ellis County Amateur Radio Club. (Waxahachie Daily Light)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: KB2GSB MAY GO TO RLTV
Retirement Living TV is trying to lure America's most trusted man, Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, back to television. This, as RLTV prepares to become a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week network, and the 89-year-old news icon might be perfect for the fast-growing 55+ demographic that Retirement Living TV serves.
Retirement Living TV President Brad Knight has confirmed that his Columbia, Maryland based network is in talks with Cronkite. One scenario would have the former CBS news anchor presenting a weekly commentary about anything he wants to share.
And if KB2GSD came to RLTV it would make it a kind of a family affair. This is because his son Chip Cronkite is a segment producer on the networks The Art of Living program. But its also possible that Chip would produce whatever projects his father were to do with Retirement Living T-V. (NewsGate)
**
BREAK 2
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:
(5 sec pause here)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: THE SAGA OF AO-7 CONTINUES
Like a Timex watch, its still ticking. Of coarse we are referring to the AO-7 ham radio satellite which was one of the earliest birds that radio amateurs had to work with. Amateur Radio Newsline's Fred Vobbe, W9HDU, takes a look at this aging but still operational ham radio miracle on orbit:
--
The Amsat OSCAR 7 ham satellite was launched on November 15, 1974 on a Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California. It initially stopped transmitting in 1981 after a battery failure. But it sprang back to life on June 21st 2002. Since its miraculous emergence from the long term battery problem, AO-7 has been an available to use.
SSB in Mode A is the normal with several QSO's able to take place at a time. Mode A uses an uplink from 145.850 to 145.950 MHz and a 10 meter downlink of 29.400 to 29.500 MHz . This transponder is linear, non-inverting.
:
Numerous reports of its switching between mode A and B have been verified. Mode B uses an uplink og 432.125 to 432.175 MHz and downlinks on 145.975 -through 145.925 MHz. But there is aa bit of a problem in using Mode B. Due to changes in Amateur Service and Amateur Satellite Service there are questions as to legality of Amateurs transmitting to AO-7. The uplink frequency predates the WARC '79 allocation of 435 to 438 MHz by the International Telecommunications Union for the Amateur Satellite Service. This puts the uplink in 70cm weak signal segment. Potential users should realize that when they are uplinking Mode B to a satellite, they are no longer operating in the Amateur Service but instead operating in the Amateur Satellite Service. Thus they are subject to Amateur Satellite Service rules. Therefore uplinking to AO-7 is possibly illegal since the Amateur Satellite Service is not permitted at 432.1 MHz.
But in Mode A, the AO-7 the satellite has a much larger footprint than AO-51 and is in view much longer. It also requires some of the simplest gear of any ham radio bird currently in flight. Equipment that you will find in almost every hamshack, world-eide.
For the amateur radio Newsline. I'm Fred Vovve, W8HDU.
--
So dust off those mode A high frequency receivers and 2 meter SB transmitters or transverters and try to make a contact on the AO-7 bird. It may take a little more effort to use, but it's fun and rewarding.
(LA2QAA)
**
RADIO IN SPACE: VOYAGERS AT AGE 30
The two NASA's Voyager spacecraft are celebrating three decades of flight as they head toward interstellar space. This as they continue to probe the unknown and radio their information back to researchers here on Earth.
Voyager 2 was launched on Aug. 20, 1977, and Voyager 1 went skyward on Sept. 5, 1977. During their first dozen years of flight, the twin Voyagers made detailed explorations of Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons, and conducted the first explorations of Uranus and Neptune. For the past 18 years, the two spacecraft have been probing the sun's outer heliosphere and its boundary with interstellar space.
According to NASA, both Voyagers remain healthy and continue to radio back information from distances more than three times farther away than Pluto. (NASA - JPL)
**
RADIO IN SPACE: HUBBLE DISCOVERS FAINT STARS
An international team of astronomers has uncovered the faintest stars ever seen in any globular star cluster. Using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, the team took hundreds of high-resolution photos that were then radioed back to Earth. The astronomers then compared the images pixel-by-pixel to identify the dimmest stars in the globular star cluster NGC 6397. The researchers say that the light from these faint stars is so dim that it is equivalent to that produced by a birthday candle on the Moon, as seen from Earth. (Space)
**
DX
In D-X, word that DL2MDU, will be active as portable 5Z4 from Kenya through September 24th . He plans to operate holiday style meaning he comes on the air whenever he has the time. Operation will be mainly CW. QSL via the bureau to his home call.
And DL7VOG, will be active as stroke J3 from Carriacou Island in the Grenadines. This until mid-month. His plans called for operation on 160 through 6 meters using CW and RTTY, with SSB on request. QSL to his home call or via the bureau.
M0TQJ, will be on East Falkland Insel using the call VP8CXV through Januar 15th, 2008. He prefers SSB but will do also some RTTY and PSK31. QSLs will be answered after his return home.
Lastly, listen out for ON4LO to be active portable 9A from Mali Losinj Through the 28th of September. He's expected to be on the HF bands as well as on 6 meters. QSL as directed on the air.
(Above from various DX news sources)
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: HAM RADIO REMEMBER 911
As America and the world paused to remember the September 11th 2001 a-Quida terror attacks on the World trade Center and the Pentagon, several ham radio stations took to the air in honor of all who lost their lives on that day. They also remembered the role played by radio amateurs immediately after the attacks and in the weeks that followed. This report by Feinberg, K2SSQ, is from the Amateur Radio Newsline archives. It was filed only hours after the terrorists struck. In it Henry outlined ham radios first response:
--
Archive audio (fade up): "…This is what we know so far. Here in the metropolitan New York area some ARES and RACES organizations opened emergency nets in response to the disaster. According to ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Caruba, KA2D, a net was set up on the WB2ZSE repeater with Guy Richmond, KC2AYG as NCS. The net handled emergency traffic and provided hams to shadow some New York City officials. Meanwhile…(fade out)"
--
For three days ham radio was essentially the only way to get information into and out of lower Manhattan after the twin towers of the World Trade Center fell. The disaster had taken out the heart of the city's emergency communications system as well as the areas cellular telephone switching center. But radio amateurs came to the rescue and remained on the air until normal lines of communications could be restored. Being decentralized, there was no way that a terror organization like al-Quida could destroy ham radio communications in the way they did that of the city.
But that was just the beginning. In the weeks that followed, ham radio operators from all across the nation took time off from work, gathered up their gear and signed up to volunteer in New York or at the Pentagon. They brought with them their own supplies and paid their own way. It was ham radio volunteerism at its very best. As a result, Amateur Radio was quickly recognized as being essential to homeland security because it had proven to be the singular radio service able to provide emergency communications that is was close to being 100 percent reliable in time of disaster as there ever can be.
Then came word of the toll on ham radio. Of those lost when the twin towers fell. Again we go to our archives and Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ:
--
Archive audio: " At least four Amateur Radio operators are among the many still missing the aftermath of the attack. They include Steve Jacobson, N2SJ, age 53, of New York City. Jacobson worked as a transmitter engineer for WPIX channel 11. Also, on transmitter duty at the time of the attack was Bill Steckman, WA2ACW. of West Hempstead out on Long Island. He is employed by WNBC channel 4 and is well know in the area for a number of repeaters he operated from the World Trade Center. Most notable among them a 434 Mhz ATV system.
Another missing ham is Robert D. Cirri Sr., KA2OTD, of Nutley, New Jersey. Cirri is a Port Authority police officer and the ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Hudson County. He was last seen helping to evacuate workers from one of the buildings when it collapsed.
Also, Michael G. Jacobs, AA1GO of Danbury, Connecticut who works at Fiduciary Trust Company International, which had offices in the World Trade Center. He too has not been seen since the twin towers collapsed.
Meanwhile, hams worldwide are praying for a miracle. A miracle that maybe they and others who were in the twin towers when they collapsed have escaped but have not yet reported in. Or that they are under the rubble -- still alive -- and that rescue workers will reach them in time."
--
As we came to learn in the weeks that followed, these were not the only members of the ham radio community to die on September 11th . Also lost in New York were Rod Coppola, KA2KET, and Winston Grant, KA2DRF. Bill Ruth, W3HRD, died in the Pentagon attack.
On September 11th of 2007, as commemorative ham radio stations took to the airwaves in remembrance of all whose lives were lost on that same day in 2001, they were also a testament of sorts. An affirmation that radio amateurs are among the worlds best trained volunteer communications personnel. Communicators who also possess a level of technical knowledge that prepares them to put their stations on the air no matter what the situation and to do so at a moments notice. Hams are people who truly care. (ARNewsline™)
**
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 2007. All rights reserved.