[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline report 1270 - Dec 14, 2001
Tim Miller
Tmiller at nethawk.com
Sat Dec 15 12:11:25 EST 2001
The following is a Q-S-T. are first on this weeks Amateur Radio
Newsline report number 1270 coming your way right now. Who will be the
next space tourist and will he operate from the I-S-S? This story is
first on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1270 coming your way right
now!
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: ANOTHER TOURIST TO THE ISS
Could there be another ham radio space tourist headed to the
International Space Station? Well the ham radio part is not yet known,
but NASA and its partners in the I-S-S have agreed in principle to let a
28-year-old South African become the second paying tourist on the
orbiting outpost. Amateur Radio Newsline's Roy Neal, K6DUE, has more:
--
The International Space Station may get its second paying customer next
April. South African businessman Mark Shuttleworth has signed a
contract with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency to buy a seat.
Kirsten Larson, a spokeswoman for NASA, has confirmed tentative
agreement with the various space agencies that would allow him to fly.
Shuttleworth is to go up to the I-S-S on a Russian built Soyuz. The
arrangement was negotiated by Space Adventures, an American company in
Arlington, Virginia. That's the same outfit who made the arrangements
for Dennis Tito, the first space tourist. Tito, KG6FZX, was allowed to
get on the ARISS radio while he was up there and created quite a stir
on 2 meters.
Mark Shuttleworth is not licensed at this writing but has said that he
plans to be more than just a tourist looking back at earth. He has said
he will take part in a number of scientific experiments. It's not too
far fetched to suggest that he may be talked into taking the time to get
a ham license, time permitting, as he trains for the flight. He will
have to train extensively to meet rigid standards before getting final
approval. If all those ifs go together, next year ham radio may have
its second tourist in space to talk to and about.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, this is Roy Neal, K6DUE
--
Ironically, the proposed date of Shuttleworth's visit to the I-S-S
would be almost exactly a year after Dennis Tito made his visit. That
flight last April raised objections at the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration about his fitness and training. No such problems
this time around. (ARNewsline(tm) from various sources)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: ISS CELEBRATES MARCONI
The International Space Station's returning skipper marked the 100th
anniversary of the first trans-Atlantic wireless contact by chatting
with youngsters at the exact spot history was made. The contact took
place on Wednesday, December 12 th as the station, docked with the
shuttle Endeavour soared over the North Atlantic, off the Newfoundland
coast.
During the short QSO, outgoing station Commander Frank Culbertson,
KD5OPQ, used two meter F-M to speak to teen-agers gathered at the
Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada in St. John's,
Newfoundland. Culbertson managed to answer 10 questions from the
students before the I-S-S flew out of range.
One of the questions asked of Culbertson was how he bathes and brushes
his teeth in orbit. Another was how he gets along with his crewmates in
such close quarters, and whether he misses home.
His answers? KD5OPQ told the youngsters that uses damp cloths and no-
rinse shampoo, that he swallows the toothpaste since there's no sink,
that he gets along fine with his colleagues, and sometimes does wished
he were home.
The contact was facilitated by ARISS - Amateur Radio on the
International Space station as part of an educational program at Signal
Hill celebrating Guglielmo Marconi's success in receiving a wireless
signal. That transmission came from Cornwall, England, on December 12,
1901 and consisted of nothing more than three dots. That's the letter S
transmitted in Morse code.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mert Garlick, N6AWE. Jim.
**
HAM RAIO IN SPACE: NEW HAMSAT IN 2002
Look for a new ham radio satellite to be launched in 2002. The new bird
called Kolibir-2000 is a Russian and Australian School joint scientific
and research microsatellite.
Miles Mann, WF1F, of MAREX reports that the new bird will be taken to
orbit during a Russian a cargo mission to International Space Station.
Kolibir-2000 will then stay in space attached to a remote port before
being launched. (AMSAT-BB)
**
ENFORCEMENT: FCC SAYS IT WILL NOT INTERVENE IN ALABAMA NETMESS
The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has in refused to take sides in a dispute
between several nets wanting to use essentially the same frequencies on
the 75-meter band. The bickering had pitted the Alabama SKYWARN Net ,
the Alabama Traffic Net, the and the Country Cousins Net against a newly
formed informal gathering of hams in another loose knit network.
The Alabama SKYWARN Net, the Alabama Traffic Net, the and the Country
Cousins Net have long operated between 3.965 and 3.970 MHz. The
informal group decided to try to use the same spectrum. That's when the
dispute erupted and everyone wrote to the FCC. After reading the
complaints, Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Riley Hollingsworth told
all four that it was really up to them to solve the problem, and to do
it without breaking any rules:
--
Hollingsworth: "We issued a letter to all parties in a 75 meter
interference dispute and we warned all parties and [also] attempted to
explain what incidents were enforcement problems and what activities
were just poor Amateur practice and degrading the entire service."
--
Hollingsworth's response went to Henry Willmon, WA4GQS, Sal Viglione,
W4SAL, Jeremy Jackson, K9CNI, and Alabama ARRL Section Manager Bill
Cleveland, KR4TZ. (FCC, RAIN)
**
ENFORCEMENT: FCC WARNS UNCOORDINATED REPEATER OWNER AND HIS USERS
The FCC has again written the operator of an uncoordinated Southern
California repeater about ongoing interference. Again the FCC's Riley
Hollingsworth:
--
Hollingsworth: "We issued a second and final warning to a Los Angeles
California licensee; Angos Winke, KC6OKA, about operating an
uncoordinated repeater that is interfering with the coordinated repeater
W6IER. {This is] a repeater operated by the Inland Amateur Radio Club.
That licensee will also be receiving a letter from the Los Angeles
office prohibiting him from using Automatic Remote Control for the
repeater."
--
That means the system can only be on the air when there is a control
operator present and that ham will be held responsible for any
interference caused by the repeaters transmitter.
But that's not all. The FCC has also sent letters to several users of
the uncoordinated repeater a warning of their own:
--
Hollingsworth: "We sent warning notices to five licensees in the
Southern California area concerning operation on the coordinated
repeater I mentioned a moment ago: The one that is causing interference
to W6IER. This is in addition to the action mentioned about taking the
licensee off of Automatic Remote Control. And we warned them about
interference to the coordinated repeater."
--
Each of the letters says essentially the same thing. That the FCC has
information indicating that interference to the repeater has been
occurring from each of the users stations through a repeater on the same
frequency as W6IER, but one that uses various call signs. It warns the
users that continued interference to the W6IER repeater could result in
a monetary forfeiture of up to $7,500. Also, depending upon the
evidence, revocation and suspension issues might also be warranted.
(FCC, RAIN)
**
FCC: FCC LIBRARY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
Effective December 5 th and until further notice, the FCC Library is
closed to the public. This action is said to be necessary because the
Commission is using a portion of the library to temporarily house FCC
employees. More information is on the web at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-218204A1.doc
(CGC Communicator, FCC)
**
RADIO DISASTER: MISSOURI TOWER FALLS
A 1,627-foot broadcast tower near Springfield, Missouri toppled to the
ground Friday morning November 30th from the weight of a foot of ice
from several days of freezing rain. According to a report from KYTV the
33-year-old tower collapsed on itself like an accordion.
No one was around and the damage was confined to the area around the
transmitter building at the base of the tower. No engineers were in the
transmitter building when the accident occurred.
KDEB television and KTXR-FM were the resident broadcasters on the tower
which was owned by American Tower of Boston. The total height included
the 1,560-foot tower plus the antenna on top of it. The loss could cost
American Tower or KDEB millions of dollars. (Listener reports)
**
HAM RADIO HELP: THANKSGIVING BASKETS
On a much happier note, a group of Indiana hams make the news this week
for their generosity. Amateur News Weekly's Jack Parker, W8ISH, tells
us that the radio amateurs recently brought some holiday cheer to those
who might not otherwise be able to celebrate:
--
Thanksgiving came early for many residents of Hamilton County. A half
dozen Hamilton County Amateur Radio operators helped to deliver over 200
Thanksgiving food baskets to shut-in residents across the county.
This is an annual project headed up by John Wadsworth AA9KB. The food
baskets are arranged by the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Reporting for Amateur News Weekly, I'm Jack Parker, W8ISH.
--
Jack says the Hamilton County hams will be back again next year. (ANW)
**
HAMVENTION 2002: FORUMS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
If you are thinking about attending the 2002 Dayton Hamvention, then go
its website and click on the Forums area. Forums Chairman Jim Ebner,
N8JE, says that the initial schedule for next May's Dayton Hamvention
group discussion sessions is now on line and Amateur Radio Newsline's
Don Wilbanks, KC5MFA, takes a peak:
--
As previously announced, the theme of the 2002 Hamvention is Emergency
Communications. In keeping with the theme, some of the highlights
include Gordon West WB6NOA explaining how use of the Global Positioning
System. Gordo will also show how it offers hams the ability to know
where they are and describe where they are to better than a foot.
That's very important information to have on hand when working an
emergency situation.
But that's not all. Also on hand will be John Mc Hugh, KU4GY, the
Coordinator for Amateur Radio National Hurricane Center, W4EHW. Mc Hugh
will show the volunteer public service work of the gang at W4EHW, and
the inside workings of the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
KU4GY will also detail two exciting projects called CARMEN and CWOP that
they are working on in conjunction with NOAA. What are they? You will
have to attend his session at Hamvention 2002 to find out.
Vermont's Mitch Stern, W1SJ, will also be there to talk on techniques
used by the best operators involved in emergency communications. This
session will also include information on the proper way to communicate
during emergencies. Also hosting a session will be Mid-Cars on the
importance of mobile to mobile and mobile to base communications are
during emergency times.
Amateur Radio Newsline will also be there once again hosting the Live
Town Hall Meeting. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, will moderate a session on
Ham Radio Emergency Communications in the 21st Century titled Looking to
Apply What We Have Learned From the Past.
And also look for the most popular sessions including Carole Perry's
Youth Forum and Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB, with the latest in kits and how to
build them.
This and a lot more happens May 17th 18th and 19th at the HARA Arena in
Dayton Ohio. We will see you there.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Wilbanks, KC5MFA.
--
Want to know more? The latest information on Hamvention 2002 is always
on the web at http:www.hamvention.org. (DARA, ARNewsline(tm))
**
AMERICA AT WAR: RELIEF FUND GROWS FOR WTC VICTIM'S FAMILIES
A relief fund, established to benefit the families of the six broadcast
engineers and technicians lost in the collapse of the September 11th
World Trade Center has begun providing aid to the families of those
killed in the terrorist attack. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill
Pasternak, WA6ITF, has the details:
--
The Portland Oregon S-B-E electronic newsletter says that soon after its
inception the S-B-E sponsored fund began drawing the attention of
individuals and companies from across the country. And as of November
1st, almost $50,000 had been raised to assist their families of those
who lost their lives in the collapse of the World Trade Center.
The fund that was started by the Society of Broadcast Engineers and the
Ennes Educational Foundation Trust. Initial checks to the nearest
family member of all six men were sent by October 31st. Eventually
every penny off the money raised will go to the families of the victims.
This is because the fund is all volunteer. There is no overhead of any
kind involved and there is also no restriction on how the recipient may
use the money.
In Los Angeles, I'm Biill Pasternak, WA6ITF, reporting for the Amateur
Radio Newsline.
--
If you are interested in contributing, checks should be made payable to
the Ennes Educational Foundation Trust and mailed to the Society of
Broadcast Engineers, Inc., 9247 N. Meridian Street, Suite 305,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46260. Mark your check to the attention of the
Relief Fund. (Portland SBE)
**
TECHNOLOGY HONORS: FIRST ROTARY SPEED DIALER TO SMITHSONIAN
The developer of the first speed-dialer for rotary phones has finally
been honored forty years after developing the unit. Pennsylvania
inventor Vincent Iannucci spent two years developing the world's first
speed dialer for rotary phones. The motorized device stored numbers and
could dial up ten digits with the push of a button. It was nearly ready
for the market in 1961, but production was disconnected by Bell
Telephone Lab's after the development of touch-tone phones.
Iannucci put the prototype on his desk and used it until his own company
changed over to the tone dialing system. He was going to throw it away
recently, but a relative suggested he offer it to the Smithsonian. Now
it's joining the museum's collection of electro-mechanical devices.
(Science Online)
**
ELECTRONIC SAFETY: LIGHTING RECALL
A South Carolina lighting company has recalled over 10,000 fluorescent
lights because they are improperly wired and pose a fire hazard.
Progress Lighting, of Spartanburg, has received two reports of the
fluorescent lights smoking and smoldering, according to the Consumer
Product Safety Commission. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled fluorescent ceiling and bathroom lights were sold in
various shapes. The label on the light contains the manufacture's name,
the manufacture date, and a catalog number. Consumers are advised to
using the recalled lights immediately and contact Progress Lighting.
The company can be reached at area code 866-696-8593 between 8 a.m. and
5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. More information is on the web at:
http:www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml02/02036.html (Press release)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT ON-LINE SURVEY
AMSAT-NA has developed a new on-line volunteer survey, designed to
identify the interests and skills of those who may be available to
directly help in efforts to develop the amateur satellite program. The
survey was developed by a committee led by AMSAT North America
Vice-President and Government Liaison Perry Klein, W-3-P-K and is
designed to be completed and returned on-line and takes only a few
minutes to fill out. To request the survey, simply send a e-mail request
to mailto:volunteer at amsat.org (AMSAT-NA)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: AO-40 UPDATE
A scheduled attitude shift that is necessary to compensate for
unfavorable sun angles, will leave the Oscar 40 satellite's antennas
pointing away from earth until next spring. The adjustments will lead
to a transponder shut-down period that could start as soon as late
December. The satellite is currently in a long period during which earth
eclipses the sun near perigee - its point closest to earth. Like most
satellites, Oscar 40 relies on solar panels for its power. (AMSAT-NA)
**
DX
In D-X, Eddie Seymour, WB4MLE reports a really neat opening on 6 to
Europe the morning of December 5th. From 1400 to 1500 U-T-C, Eddie,
operating from grid EM72 heard or worked SP, DL,YO, 9A, S5, ON, OK, 4N,
G and GW. This, as 6 meters defies the experts and stays the D-X band
that just won't quit. (VHF Reflector)
A new 2-meter propagation study beacon is being established at the
Poldhu Amateur Radio Club in the United Kingdom. It is located 8
kilometers south of Helston in Cornwall and operates under the call sign
GB3SSS will operate on 144.407mhz. Output power is 25 watts to two 8-
element stacked Yagis beaming at 284 degrees. It is hoped to increase
the power to 100 watts later. For further details please contact the
beacon keeper, Mr. L Davey-Thomas, G3AGA, at his callbook address.
(GB2RS)
Meantime, a bit lower in frequency look for the Council of Europe
Amateur Radio Club. It plans to be on the air as TP5CE on the 14th to
16th of December, including the ARRL 10 Meter Contest. Outside the
contest the main activity will be on all bands RTTY and CW. (GB2RS)
And PY8IT will operate as PYZ0FT from Fernando de Noronha between the
12th and 18th of December. He will concentrate on RTTY and PSK31. In
both cases, QSL as directed on the air. (GB2RS)
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: AUDIO TIME TRAVEL
And finally this week, some words about time travel, Amateur Radio
Newsline, our predecessor Westlink Radio and the audio history of ham
radio since 1976. That's the year that Westlink Radio started to bring
you the sound of ham radio from around the nation and around the world.
And believe it or not, we still have almost every newscast tape we ever
aired. In fact, we are in the process of archiving them and we have
found a lot of moments that should not ever be forgotten.
--
That was United States Astronaut Owen Garriott, W5LFL, making the first
ever manned ham radio contact from space. Its a part of our history as
hams and as a nation and needs to be remembered. So for the next few
weeks we will let you relive the time that W5LFL spent orbiting the
Earth and making ham radio history. Here's how.
As you know we recently began providing our newscast audio as a
downloadable Real Audio file from our own website at
http:www.arnewsline.org. All you need to do is click on the newscast
number at the top of the page to reach the FTP site. Now, when you
go there, you will also find another audio file outlined in bright
green. Its called the Newsline Extra and all you need to do is to
click on the word download and it will soon be in your Real Audio
equipped computer, ready to play.
In the coming months as we archive more and more of our older Westlink
Radio programs we will try to bring you the best of them. Meantime, we
hope you will enjoy this December 11th 1983 ham radio in space
retrospective hosted by Amateur Radio Newsline's Robert Sudock WB6FDF
and featuring the story of ham radio space pioneer Owen Garriott W5LFL.
(ARNewsline(tm))
**
NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, Amateur News Weekly, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC
Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio
Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB and Australia's Q-News, that's all from the
Amateur Radio Newsline(tm). Our e-mail address
is mailto:newsline at arnewsline.org. More information is available at Amateur
Radio Newsline's(tm) only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at
Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Jim
Davis, KU8R, saying God Bless America, 73, and we thank you for
listening." Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2001. All rights
reserved.
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