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Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1811 – April 27 2012

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by WA6ITF, Apr 27, 2012.

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  1. WA6ITF

    WA6ITF Ham Member QRZ Page

    Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1811 – April 27 2012

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

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


    (Billboard Cart Here)


    **

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

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

    --

    The first of the new birds to be launched will be the amateur radio satellite HORYU-2 built by students at the Kyushu Institute of Technology. Its mission is to take pictures of the Earth using a small C-MOS camera called SCAMP that was developed by the University of Surrey in the UK. The SCAMP camera takes a 640×480 pixel picture in the popular JPEG format. That means from 700 km altitude, one pixel corresponds to 1.6 km.

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

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

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

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

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

    --

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

    **

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

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

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

    **

    RADIO SAFETY: RADIO HOBBYIST LOOSES LIFE IN ANTENNA ACCIDENT

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

    --

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

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

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

    --

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

    **

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

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

    --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    --

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

    **

    BREAK 1

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

    (5 sec pause here)


    **

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

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

    --

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

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

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

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

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

    --

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

    **

    ENFORCEMENT: FCC SAYS IT WONT RECONSIDER NYC $10000 FINE

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

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

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

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

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

    **

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

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

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

    **

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

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

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

    **

    HAM VIDEO: DIGITAL MOBILE RADIO ON HAM RADIO NOW

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

    **

    HAM RADIO PROMOTION: FREE POSTERS FROM THE RSGB

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

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

    **

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

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

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

    **

    BREAK 2

    This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:

    (5 sec pause here)

    **

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

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

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

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

    **

    WORLDBEAT - JAPAN: ULTRA THIN FLEXIBLE BATTERIES EXPECTED IN 2013

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

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

    **

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

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

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

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

    **

    ON THE AIR: W4F COMMEMORATES 2010 NASHVILLE FLOODS

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

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

    **

    DX

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Above from various DX news sources)


    **

    THAT FINAL ITEM: NORTH FLORIDA SCOUTING COUNCIL TO INAUGURATE KB4SA

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

    --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    --

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

    **

    NEWSCAST CLOSE

    With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline™. Our e-mail address is newsline(at) arnewsline (dot) 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™, 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa Clarita California, 91350

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

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

    Amateur Radio Newsline™ is Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
     
  2. KA0HCP

    KA0HCP XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    I guess Dayton is now accepting guns in lieu of cash! Creative financing indeed. :)
     
  3. WB2JKJ

    WB2JKJ Ham Member QRZ Page

    MEMORY'S

    THE YEAR WAS 1994 OR 5. WE WERE A GUEST SPEAKER AT THE ARRL SOCAL CONVENTION.

    AFTER OUR TALK A MAN CAME UP TO COMMENT ON HOW MUCH HE ENJOYED IT AND WHAT A GREAT JOB WE WERE DOING WITH CHILDREN AND HAM RADIO.

    HE OFFERED TO WORK OUR CLASSES BUT ONLY ON CW. WE ACCEPTED.

    OUR FIRST QSO WAS ON 6/5/95, 21.110 MHz AT 1458 UTC IT WAS A MONDAY AND THE OP WAS AN 8TH GRADER NAMED MIRIAM GARCIA. YES, WE KEEP A DETAILED LOG!

    THE MAN WAS BOB SHRADER - W6BNB.

    BOB SENT MIRIAM A QSL AND SAID IF SHE WOULD WORK HIM AGAIN HE WOULD SEND AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF HIS BOOK AND TO TELL THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE "22 CREW" THE OFFER STOOD FOR THEM TO.

    SHE WORKED HIM AGAIN AND HE DID.

    SO MANY MORE WORKED HIM OVER THE DAYS AND MONTHS TO COME THAT TERM THAT THE MAILMAN, AND I QUOTE, SAID "YO MR. RADIO WAD UP WITH ALL THESE BOOKS YOU GOT SOMEBODY DONATIN A LIBRARY ONE BY ONE?"

    BOB WAS A: GOOD FRIEND/CLUB MEMBER AND BELIEVER IN THE POWER OF HAM RADIO IN EDUCATION, NOT TO MENTION A GREAT AND KIND HUMAN BEING, A TRUE HAMSTAR!

    IT WAS AN HONOR TO CALL HIM A FRIEND AND HIS PRESENCE HERE ON EARTH WILL BE TRULY AND SADLY MISSED. 000_apple.jpg
     
  4. W6UDO

    W6UDO Ham Member QRZ Page

    I, too, miss Bob Shrader a lot. I met him on the air quite a few times for some wonderful chats. A very friendly, interesting man who always had time to chat and share his knowledge. I recall once I asked him what a sidewinder was. He patiently explained what it was and how it was used, then switched over to his own sidewinder for an on-the-air demonstration. Well into his 90s he still had a solid fist.
    Bob was one of those few who I doubt ever said, "I'm bored"; he accomplished more in his life, and had more adventure than most of us ever dream of. Here's the link to his obit....
    http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20120417/ARTICLES/120419551/1052/obits?p=1&tc=pg&tc=ar
    Very 73, Bob, es mni tnx fer the memories de w6udo dit-dit ...Joe, San Diego, CA
     
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