[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1280 - February 22, 2002
Tim Miller
tmiller at nethawk.com
Sun Feb 24 03:47:25 EST 2002
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1280 - February 22, 2002
The following is a Q-S-T.
Ultra-wideband is here and the fight to keep high power unlicensed
devices off of 70 centimeters escalates. These stories are first on
Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1280 coming your way right now.
**
SPECTRUM ALLOCATIONS: FCC APPROVES ULTRAWIDEBAND
The nation's communications regulators have approved limited use of a
new technology that is actually capable of seeing through walls, finding
disaster victims and even preventing car crashes. Known as ultra-
wideband, is a new method of wireless transmission is being promoted as
a potential solution to the squeeze on the nation's airwaves created by
the explosion of mobile phone, pager and other wireless device usage. We
have more in this report:
--
Ultra-wideband devices will for now operate only in 960 MHz and in the
1.99 to 10.6 GHz bands. In theory, at least, you should never even know
that they are there. This is because proponents of ultra-wideband claim
that interference to other spectrum users is virtually non-existent --
based on
the ultra short duration and pulsed nature of the transmissions. And
the Federal Communications Commission agreed when it voted unanimously
about a week ago to allow the technology to be used on a limited
unlicensed basis.
The FCC proceeded cautiously out of uncertainty whether ultra-wideband
could coexist with other strategic services. In other words, it wanted
to be certain that it would not cause harmful interference to military
communications, cellular telephones and the Global Positioning System.
So it only provided ultra-wideband access to a small portion of R-F real
estate. None-the-less, the real-life implications of the limits of the
FCC decision are far reaching.
Up to now the military has been the only ultra-wideband user. This FCC
action will allow for wireless communications and accurate readings of
location and distance that have a wide range of civilian applications.
For the general public this includes wireless, high-speed transmissions
over short distances. Possibly as a way of sending video from a
camcorder to a television set or data from a personal digital assistant
to a laptop computer. The technology might also include sensor systems
in cars to alert a driver to movement near the vehicle. This could
prevent collisions and promote smart air bag deployment.
Otherwise, the FCC has limited use of ultra-wideband technology to
public safety. Only police and fire officials, scientific researchers,
mining and construction companies will be permitted the use of so-called
ground-penetrating radar devices. These would only be permitted to radiate
straight down with little or no signal leakage in any other direction.
The FCC notes that this system could help rescuers find victims in
rubble following a disaster or locate ruptured underground pipelines
without digging up entire neighborhoods.
The FCC severely limited distribution of ultra-wideband devices that can
see through walls and detect motion within certain areas. Only law
enforcement and firefighters will be permitted to have them. In other
words, you won't soon be buying a home camcorder that can peer through
your wall and into your next door neighbor's apartment. And you probably
never will.
Right now the introduction of ultra-wideband will have very little
impact on ham radio due to the limited spectrum being allocated to it.
But it's use could be expanded in the future if it's proved not to
interfere with existing military and public service communications.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Robert Sudock, WB6FDF, in Los
Angeles.
--
If ultra-wideband is successful it could eventually open up a whole new
world of communications for ham radio. For starters, think in terms of
so-called smart software defined radios. Radio's that are so smart that
you tell it who you want to talk to and it calls you when that person is
ready to hold a QSO.
More on this emerging technology in future Amateur Radio Newsline
reports. (FCC and other published reports)
**
SPECTRUM SHARING: SAVI TECHNOLOGY VS. HAM RADIO
The fight to keep radio ID tags off the 70 centimeter ham band is
entering the home stretch. This is because the FCC has set March 1st as
the deadline for reply comments on RM-10051.
RM-10051 is the Rule Making designation given to a request from SAVI
Technologies, Inc. As previously reported, SAVI has petitioned the FCC
for it to be allowed to develop and market a family of Part 15 devices
designed to operate on the amateur 70 centimeter band. These Radio
Frequency Identification Tag devices would operate at a power level far
higher than similar devices now marketed and that's where the real
problem with the proposal lies.
Ham radio educator Gordon West WB6NOA, is an expert in weak signal
operations. West says that it will mean problems for weak signal and
satellite operators:
--
WB6NOA: "I think that the presence of any strong; either continuous or
intermittent signal near the weak signal portions of the [70 centimeter]
band is going to dramatically cause interference to those of us that
monitor for either weak signal beacons -- such as those heard on the
West coast that come in from Hawaii -- or for those who operate weak
signal SSB and CW satellite."
--
West says that even some of the micro power Part 15 devices already
sharing the 70 CM band are causing major problems:
--
WB6NOA: "Presently on the weak signal 70 centimeter band we are having
to put up with low power, intermittent [home] weather stations. You
know, those weather stations that you see advertised as transmitting in
their data on 432 and 433 MHz. Even these weather stations when they
transmit will cause the AGC in my receiver to pump and it takes two to
three seconds before the AGC returns [to normal] before I can begin
listening again for weak incoming beacons.
Those [transmitters] are just a few hundred milliwatts at about 300 to
500 feet away. You can imagine when these more powerful transmitters
come on the air in the 70 centimeter portion of our Amateur Radio band."
--
But exotic modes won't be the only ones affected. There is more than
ample reason to believe that FM repeaters, remote base and A-T-V
operations could suffer as well. And with the reply comment deadline
only a few days away Dick Isley, W9GIG, the Secretary of the National
Frequency Coordinators Council says that an e-mail and fax campaign to
congress may be the only way to get RM-10051 killed.
In an e-mail to the Amateur Radio Newsline and other Amateur Radio
publications, Isley says that it is imperative that hams send electronic
messages their elected federal representatives in opposition to RM-
10051. Isley believes that if 10,000 or more hams respond to this call,
the SAVI Technology proposal could become a political hot potato.
Hopefully one that is so hot that the Commission drops it completely.
(ARNewsline(tm))
**
SPECTRUM SHARING: THE ARRL VS. THE FCC ON SAVI TECHNOLOGY
As hams get ready to write e-mails to congress, the ARRL is following a
different diplomacy. It is challenging the FCC's authority in this
matter saying that the agency 'cannot legally proceed with the rules
proposed for unlicensed Radio Frequency Identification tags at 433 MHz.
Jim Haynie, W5JBP, is the President of the American Radio Relay League:
--
W5JBP: "You have to go back and look at the Communications Act of 1934,
as amended. What Congress said was that in equipment that puts out a
signal at a certain level must be licensed. The FCC has said that they
are going to make this a Part 15 device does not require a license.
Our [ARRL] argument is that they cannot do this by law. Congress would
have to pass a law to allow them to make this powerful radiator a part
15 device. In other words, change the whole parameter of what Part 15
[devices] are."
--
Haynie says that the League has said it will 'do whatever it takes to
keep the FCC from putting these Radio Frequency Identification tags in
the 70 centimeter band. You can hear more from President Haynie by
tuning in right now to the RAIN Report. It in streaming audio at
www.rainreport.com and on the phone at 847-827-7246. (ARNewsline(tm),
RAIN, ARRL)
**
PUBLIC SERVICE: HAM RADIO AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS
Ham radio was a major player at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Not competing
in the games, but working in support of overall security. Amateur Radio
Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has more.
--
According to an ARRL bulletin, Amateur Radio volunteers assisted with
security and were ready to provide back-up communication for the Winter
Olympic games. According to Utah ARRL Section Manager Mel Parkes,
AC7CP, a special public safety organization called the Utah Olympic
Public Safety Command was created by the various local and national
public safety organizations that provide the security necessary for the
international event.
According to Parkes, Section Emergency Coordinator John Mabey, W7CWK,
and Brent Thomas, AC7H, from the State of Utah Comprehensive Management
Office began working on this effort over a year ago. Mabey, along with
Davis County Emergency Coordinator Hall Blankenship, and several other
hams headed up the effort to provide emergency backup communication for
the Olympic Security Command. At its height the winter games the ham
radio group numbered close to 200. These radio amateurs provided back-
up communications with the ability to reach numerous Olympic venues 24
hours a day.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP.
--
Parks had some nice words for the corps of Olympics communications
volunteers. He said that the hard work and dedication by all these
dedicated Amateur Radio Operators certainly contributed to a very
successful and safe Winter Olympic Games. (ARRL)
**
ENFORCEMENT: DON'T PLAY MUSIC ON THE AIR
The FCC has told three hams that they have been caught allegedly playing
music on the air. In letters to the trio, FCC Rules Enforcer Riley
Hollingsworth says that such transmissions are contrary to the
Commission's rules regarding the Amateur Radio Service:
--
Hollingsworth: "We warned Ronald Marshott, N2NGY of Berkely Heights New
Jersey, Frank Grzych W1FU of Johnston Rhode Island, Martin J.
Bellingeri, W2OT, of Saddle Brook New Jersey and Zack Elliott K2BLU
Haworth New Jersey about playing music on the 75 meter band."
--
According to Hollingsworth the transmissions took place on 3.832 MHz on
the evening of November 27, 2001. (FCC, RAIN)
**
ENFORCEMENT: FCC VS. K1MAN - CONTINUED
The saga of the FCC versus K1MAN continues. This as the FCC issues yet
another letter to the Belgrade Lakes Maine ham. Among other things,
this time the FCC is warning not to put phone recorded calls on the air.
Riley Hollingsworth, is Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement
the regulatory agency:
--
Hollingsworth: "We sent a combination warning letter and explanatory
letter to Glen Baxter, K1MAN, of Belgrade Lakes Maine concerning
deliberate interference, lack of station control, sending felony
complaint affidavits to those whom he perceives were interfering with
him; tape recording telephone conversations without permission and
broadcasting them."
--
In its letter the agency warned that it is also important for K1MAN to
understand that if these matters are not resolved, his ham licenses will
not be routinely renewed the next time he applies. Instead Baxter's
licenses will be designated for hearing before an Administrative Law
Judge. In such a proceeding, the FCC says that Baxter would have the
burden of proof to show that his licenses should be renewed. (FCC,
RAIN)
**
ENFORCEMENT: ILLEGAL CORDLESS PHONE SELLER FINED
Remember those high power cordless phones that we reported on a few
months ago. The ones found operating in the 2 meter and 220 MHz Amateur
bands? Well an alleged source of some of these illegal devices has been
told it will have to pay a hefty fine for selling them here in the
United States.
On October 23, 2001, the Commission issued a Notice of Apparent
Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $7,000 to Electronics
Unlimited of Miami Florida. This, for allegedly marketing of a non-
compliant high-power cordless telephone called the Alcon AT 526.
The company was afforded ample time to reply to the allegations. The
FCC says that Electronics Unlimited never did file a response. Based on
the information before it on February 15th the FCC affirmed the
forfeiture order and gave Electronics Unlimited 30 days to pay. If the
Electronics Unlimited fails to pay the forfeiture within the specified
period of time the FCC says that the case may be referred to the
Department of Justice for collection. (FCC)
**
FM AND REPEATERS: UNYREPCO NEW MID VALLEY NY REPEATER COORDINATOR
Repeater owners and operators of other F M and packet relay devices in
Orange, Putnam, and Sullivan counties in York State have adopted the
Upper New York Repeater Council, Inc. to provide frequency coordination
services. This was an area originally represented by the long defunct
North East Repeater Association that went belly-up in the early 1970's.
It then used the services of the Tri State Amateur Repeater Council
until that organization disbanded a few years ago. Since then the
region has been on its own.
This process of the Upper New York Repeater Council adopting the region
was completed following a review of the existing systems by the
established and recognized adjacent region frequency coordination
councils. The change became effective February 13th.
More information is on the available on the web www.unyrepco.org
(UNYREPCO)
**
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: SURFING AT 39000 FEET
The Federal Communications Commission has granted Boeing a license to
provide high-speed Internet service to airline passengers. Boeing said
the FCC approval clears the way for its planned in-flight Internet
service called Connexion. Connexion -- Spelled C-O-N-N-E-X-I-O-N --
will enable airlines and other commercial jet operators to offer real-
time, high-speed Internet and intranet access, television and e-mail.
This, while flying over United States territory and waters. (Boeing)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: A TEACHERS GUIDE TO ARISS CONTACTS
Tony Hutchinson, VK5ZAI, says that he has updated his web site with a
"Teachers Guide" for schools that have been selected to speak with the
crew on the I-S-S. On his pages, Hutchinson provides what amounts to a
final check list of things that must be done in the weeks prior to the
contact taking place. Also posted is a list of the actual questions
that students have asked in the past.
Tony Hutchinson is the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
Coordinator for all of Australia. To find his very interesting
resource, take your web browser
http://www.electric-web.org/teachers_guide.htm. (AMSAT-NA)
**
INTERNATIONAL - SOUTH AFRICA: SARL READIES FOR WRC 2003
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa has invited
the South Africa Radio League to participate in the preparatory work for
the World Radio Conference in 2003. SARL President Hans Potgieter
ZS6ALJ will be joining I-C-A-S-A sub-committee 4 which is tasked to
develop South Africa's position on Maritime mobile, Amateur and Amateur
Satellite, and broadcasting services in the Medium Frequency and High
Frequency bands. A number of specific amateur related items are on the
W-R-C agenda, including the realignment of amateur and broadcasting
allocations around 7 MHz, and possible revisions to articles S-1, S-19
and S-25 of the international radio rules. (SARL, Q-News)
**
CONTESTS: VHF SPRING SPRINTS
Attention VHF and UHF contesters. K4AR has announced over the VHF
Reflector that the VHF Spring Sprints will be held again in 2002. The
Sprints are sponsored by the East Tennessee DX Association. The dates,
official rules and lots of other information can be found at
www.etdxa.org/vhf.htm (VHF Reflector)
**
DX
In DX, 9V1YC reports that the 2002 South Sandwich and South Georgia
DXpedition is now officially over with all operators are back home safe
and sound. 9V1YC says that the DX-pedition achieved all of its goals
and made an astounding 70,428 QSO's using SSB, CW and RTTY. On-air time
was 80 hours at VP8THU, and 7 days, 10 hours at VP8GEO. (RSGB)
And husband and wife K1CN and N1EBL are in the Bahamas and signing C6AMM
and C6AWW from now until the 2nd of March. Operation is from Harbour
Island, which counts as Islands on the Air number NA-001. (RSGB)
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: HAM RADIO SEARCH AND RESCUE
And finally this week, ham radio played a big role during a simulated
emergency that takes place in a somewhat unusual setting and at an
unusual time. From Birmingham, Alabama, Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH,
reports:
--
Most emergency drills take place during the day, maybe in a parking lot
or open field. But volunteers in Alabama put on their jackets and hiking
gear and grabbed their flashlights for an exercise near Birmingham
February 8th. The setting: Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest
park with 60-thousand acres and dozens of miles of trails. Members of
the Vulcan Trail Association practice what they might have to do for
real.
--
This search takes place at night. With temperatures in the 40s, three
teams head out into the wilderness, maintaining a 2 meter contact with a
Net Control at the park headquarters. Team members get a briefing on
their missing person.
--
The sky is full of stars as teams walk up and down trails, looking for
evidence of their target.
--
After about an hour and a half, one team finds its man and radios back
in. The net closes, but only after each team arrives safely back at
headquarters. Kenner Morrow is a naturalist with the Park:
--
Ken Moore AB4WL, provided communications for one team. He calls it a
rewarding experience.
--
For Chuck Arthur, KF4SSX, tonight's exercise was his first search and
rescue practice:
--
In the past, these hikers and hams have helped search for missing adults
and children during real emergencies, sometimes dealing with extreme
cold and the hazards of rugged terrain at night. Tonight's drill went
just about flawlessly. The people who took part in this event know they
might get called again for real -- this night in the cold wilderness has
helped them to be a little better prepared.
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