[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1287 - April 12 2002
Tim Miller
tmiller at nethawk.com
Sat Apr 13 21:19:58 EDT 2002
Amateur Radio Newsline 1287 - April 12 2002
The following is a Q-S-T.
Another threat to the 2.4 Gigahertz band. This time it comes from the
FCC. That story is first on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1287
coming your way right now.
**
RADIO LEGISLATION: FCC PROCEEDING PUTS NEW PRESSURE ON AMATEUR
MICROWAVE BAND
The FCC has again targeted Amateur Radio's primary allocation at 2390 to
2400 MHz for possible sharing or use by other radio services. Newslines
Norm Seeley, KI7UP, has the details:
--
According to the ARRL Letter, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking known as
WT Docket 02-55 has been presented by the FCC. The Letter says that it
invites comments on either sharing the 2390 to 2400 MHz band with public
safety services being displaced from 800 MHz or moving amateurs
elsewhere.
The N-P-R-M identifies 2390 to 2400 MHz as an "Unlicensed P-C-S Band."
Unlicensed, asynchronous P-C-S devices were authorized there in 1995,
but Amateur Radio remains primary.
Why the action now? The FCC says that its receiving an increasing
number of reports of incidents of harmful interference to public safety
systems in the 800 MHz band. To alleviate the problem, the Commission
now is looking into restructuring 800 MHz and moving some occupants
elsewhere. And 2390 to 2400 MHz could be where those users get moved.
But says the FCC, that's only one piece of spectrum being considered.
One place its not looking is the adjacent 2385 to 2390 MHz band. The
FCC says it can't consider 2385 to 2390 MHz because that part of the
band is slated to be auctioned off.
This is the second threat to the ham radio allocation in less than a
year. Just last summer, the FCC invited comments on its proposals to
reallocate some spectrum in the 2390 to 2400 MHz amateur segment for
possible use by unspecified mobile and fixed services. The Commission
has also proposed 2390 to 2400 MHz and other bands to support the
introduction of advanced wireless systems, including so-called third-
generation or 3 G mobile systems. The FCC also has asked for comments
on whether amateurs could share the band with government users.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP.
--
WT Docket 02-55 was released in mid-March but not yet available for
public response. The FCC will officially invite comments for 30 days
after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register. Reply comments
will be due 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. The
ARRL says that it plans to file comments in this proceeding. (ARRL)
**
RADIO LAW: FCC MAY MANDATE FASTER CONVERSION TO DTV
Federal regulators may look for ways to mandate faster transition to
all-digital television if the TV industry fails to move quickly enough
on its own. This, according to a Federal Communications Commission
official speaking on Friday April 5th.
The comments are from Ken Ferree, chief of the FCC's Media Bureau. And
what he has said adds emphasis to a proposal by the agency's chairman
that aims to bring digital TV to more American viewers.
FCC Chairman Michael Powell has challenged everyone involved in the
digital conversion, including television networks, local network-
affiliated stations, cable and satellite service providers and equipment
manufacturers to voluntarily meet a series of goals on the way to a 2006
deadline.
Accordng to Ferree, Powell's proposal, which was sent to Capitol Hill
and the industry on Thursday April 4th is an effort by the FCC to
pressure the industry into voluntary compliance. He says that Chairman
Powell believes exposing more consumers to the technology of digital
television will stimulate them to demand more and thus jump-start
development. (Published report)
**
FCC TO UTILITY: STOP INTERFERING WITH HAM RADIO
The FCC has told GPU Energy Corporation of Morristown, New Jersey to
clean up the harmful interference that the utility is causing to several
area radio amateurs. In a letter to GPU Energy the FCC said that
incidental interference from its Part 15 devices to operations of
authorized stations cannot be tolerated and that use of the devices
cannot resume until the harmful condition is corrected.
According to the W5YI Report, those hams complaining have been unable to
find a satisfactory remedy through the GPU complaint resolution process.
They turned to the FCC which investigated. Now the FCC has told GPU
that unresolved interference complaints may constitute a rules violation
that could lead to fines. The FCC urged GPU Energy to contact the ARRL
for advice in resolving the issues. (W5YI)
**
INDUSRTY NEWS: NEW DEALER & MANUFACTURERS GROUP FORMED
During the informal annual industry meeting of Amateur Radio
manufacturers held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and hosted by AES during
Superfest 2002, the industry decided to create a formalized and official
industry group for dealers and manufacturers.
The American Association of Radio Enthusiasts (AARE) was formed as a
non-profit corporation for the promotion of amateur radio and emergency
communications into areas outside of amateur radio and to provide a
conduit for dealers and manufacturers to exchange ideas, to work
together on projects, to help ham radio grow and to double the number of
hams in 5 years.
Members of this group will be the manufacturers and dealers of radio and
emergency products. The group will be `the voice' of the manufacturers
and dealers in radio, much like the American Radio Relay League is the
voice of each ham radio operator. (AARE)
**
THE CONVENTION SCENE: HAMFESTS ARE SAFE
The ham radio convention season is in full swing, but some radio
amateurs are asking if it's safe to attend them. President Bush says
that we have to put 9/11 behind us and all Americans have to resume
normal life. Most of us have, and the shows are going on. But
regardless if it's the OSCARS or a tiny hamfest, event planners are now
taking a closer look at show security. This includes the giant Dayton
Hamvention. Amateur Radio Newsline's Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ, looks at
what they are doing to keep you safe as you enjoy ham radio's greatest
show on Earth:
--
If you travel by air, or even visit your local police department, you
have seen heightened security measures in place since the terror attacks
of last September 11th. And while nobody expects an al-Quida sponsored
assault on a hamfest, law enforcement and planners of even the smallest
events cannot dismiss the possibility either.
A few weeks ago, the Dayton Hamvention mailed out a promotional flyer.
One of the items it contained was an area dealing with show security.
In reality, what was shown is nothing more than an update to what's been
in place for several years, but as the magic weekend of May 17th to the
19th approaches, its important to take a look at what the Hamvention
will be doing to make your stay safe and secure.
The rules in effect are the same we have all been living with since 911.
Be prepared to show photo I-D upon request. Also be prepared to have
vehicles, merchandise and personal items searched. This may be
especially true of large containers such as backpacks.
Do you carry a weapon for self protection? Sorry, but no weapons will
be permitted into the area. Hamvention says that even applies if you
have a license to carry a concealed weapon. Leave the weapon at home.
You won't be permitted in with it.
Nor can you bring in any ammunition, explosives, chemical or incendiary
devices. Also banned are alcoholic beverages, drugs and burglary tools.
This year there will be tighter scrutiny of vendors as they bring
truckloads of merchandise into the flea market and exhibit halls. Since
most of you will arrive well after merchandise is in place, this will
have little impact on the average attendee.
And very important. Everyone must display at all times, so it's clearly
visible, a Hamvention badge or ticket.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Henry Feonberg, K2SSQ.
--
Garry Matthews, KB8GOL, is Executive Director of Hamvention 2002. He
recently told CQ Magazine that the planners are trying to take common-
sense precautions to provide security for a show of this size. Matthews
adds that 99% of Hamvention attendees will not notice anything different
from past years. The most important thing is to know that Hamvention
2002 and every other ham radio show is doing everything to keep you
safe. (CQ)
**
THE CONVENTION SCENE: NO BIG ACTS AT HAMVENTION 2002 BANQUET
Speaking about Hamvention 2002, the planners say that you have spoken.
As a result there will be no big name acts at this years grand awards
banquet. Jim Graver, KB8PSO, is the General Chairman of Hamvention
2002:
--
Graver: "This year we are returning to tradition of years past and will
not have a post banquet entertainment."
--
A few years ago, the Hamvention added concerts by top talents to its
famed Saturday night gathering. Among those who have appeared are Joe
Walsh and the Smothers Brothers. And even though the entertainment has
been well received, there has been a call from the ham community to get
back to basics. And says Graver, so it shall be.
--
Graver: "We have gotten feedback from our attendees saying that they
would like to have the same banquet that they used to have years ago.
So, in 2002, the Hamvention is going to deliver just that: A banquet
with great food, a celebration of the award winners, fantastic guest
speakers and of course prize drawings."
--
Jim Graver has a lot more to say about Hamvention 2002 and what will be
happening this year. You can hear it in Part 2 of Hap Holly's exclusive
interview with KB8PSO. Just take your web browser over to
www.rainreport.com and click on this weeks special. Or call area code
847-827-7246. That's 847-827-R-A-I-N. (ARNewsline(tm))
**
RADIO LAW: DIREC-TV SUES RADIO PERSONALITY OVER ALLEGED SIGNAL PIRACY
DIREC-TV Inc. is taking a New York City radio personality to court.
This as it files suit against WFAN radio personality Sid Rosenberg
alleging he violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the
Federal Communications Act by stealing its programming.
DIREC-TV says that on March 11th, while talking with Don Imus on the
"Imus in the Morning" show on MSNBC, Rosenberg allegedly said he had
used an illegally modified access card to steal DIREC-TV.
Although air personality Imus is said have told him what the was doing
is "dishonest" and constitutes "stealing," Rosenberg allegedly continued
to "boast" about using the illegally modified access card to watch
movies and sports.
DIREC-TV says that with this lawsuit it is sending Mr. Rosenberg a very
clear message. One that says using an illegally modified access card to
receive DIRECTV programming is stealing and it violates federal law.
Larry Rissler, vice president of DIREC-TV's Signal Integrity office adds
that the company has a transcript of the program and what he calls Mr.
Rosenberg's brazen comments on national television of stealing DIREC-TV
programming. (DIREC-TV release)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: STEVE DIMSE K4HG HONORED BY NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has named Steve
Dimse, K4HG, of Tucson Amateur Packet Radio, as recipient of one of its
Environmental Hero Awards for the year 2002. Dimse, of Cudjoe Key,
Florida is being honored for his volunteer efforts in real-time citizen
weather observations.
The data collected by Dimse and other volunteers is used for numerical
weather prediction research at NOAA's Forecast Systems Laboratory and
for training and research at the National Center for Atmospheric
Research. In Florida, the data is used by National Weather Service's
Weather Forecast Offices for local area prediction. It is also used at
Kennedy Space Center for weather prediction in support of launch
operations.
Each year the agency presents a number of Environmental Hero Awards to
people who don't work for NOAA, but have contributed a great deal to
NOAA's ongoing job of providing environmental services to the citizens
of the United States. For 2002, Dimse was one of five people chosen for
this honor. (NOAA)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: GM3ITN INVITED TO FAULKLAND ISLANDS
Les Hamilton, GM3ITN, has been invited by the Falkland Islands
government to visit the islands for the 20th anniversary of their
emancipation. Hamelton played an important role in making the
liberation happen. Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, has more.
--
It was Les Hamilton who first informed the UK government that the
islands had been invaded. On the 2nd of April 1982, he received first-
hand reports that the Argentine flag was flying over the islands. Les
was therefore the first person outside the islands and Argentina to know
that an invasion had taken place. He phoned the Ministry of Defense,
who informed then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
GM3ITN remained in contact with VP8 stations even during the period of
occupation, passing vital information on to the MoD. Les and his wife
Pilar also intercepted Argentinean radio communications, which Pilar -
a university lecturer in the Spanish language - translated for the MoD.
Jeramy Boot,G4NJH.
--
The Hamiltons will be flying to Port Stanley for the 20th anniversary
celebrations which take place on June 14th. Until recently, Les
Hamilton's role had been a closely-guarded secret, known only by senior
British politicians, military intelligence officers and a select group
of radio amateurs. (GB2RS)
**
HAMVENTION 2002: THE HARA ARENA STORY
Earlier in this weeks newscast we spoke about plans for this years
Dayton Hamvention. As most of you are aware, Dayton's HARA Arena has
been the home of the Hamvention for many years. As a result the HARA
has become as famous as the show it hosts. But there's a lot more to
the HARA story than just the Dayton Hamvention as we learn from Amateur
News Weekly's Jack Parker, W8ISH:
--
The HARA Complex is as unique as its history. In 1956, a dance hall
called the Wampler Ballarena was built as the cornerstone of what is now
a six building exhibition center. Originally, the location was a
thriving, family-owned fruit orchard. Today it is a thriving, family-
owned entertainment, conference and exhibition facility.
Very few entertainment complexes are privately owned. Even fewer are
family owned. You see HARA was named by founding brothers Harold and
Ralph Wampler. The arena building, built in 1964, ushered in
entertainment to the Dayton area never seen before. The Rolling Stones,
Elton John, The Who, Neil Diamond, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead have
all played at the facility.
The HARA has survived and prospered by combining the professionalism of
one of the areas largest exhibition centers with the care and personal
concern of a family business. Because of this the HARA has been the
catalyst to successful hockey in Ohio's Miami Valley. The Dayton Gems
and later, the Dayton Bombers, have both enjoyed success while on the
HARA ice. But, most agree, the one event that has put HARA ARENA on the
map worldwide, is the Dayton Hamvention. It's where the Amateur Radio
Community and a family owned business meet to carry on a wonderful
tradition.
For Amateur News Weekly, Im Jack Parker, W8ISH
--
Today, the HARA Arena remains the home to many high profile events for
the Dayton area. This includes Disney On Ice, Sesame Street Live, the
Silver Sticks Hockey team and of coarse the Dayton Hamvention. And,
contrary to rumors on the Internet, the Hamvention says that it's there
to stay. (ANW)
**
EMBARRASSING TECHNOLOGY: SPYWARE DEBACLE DISCLOSED
Call it a gotch'ya. This as thousands of Internet users who thought
they were installing a program for sharing music and other computer
files apparently accepted a program at the same time that tracked their
Web surfing habits.
The tracking program, or spyware, linked Internet users to an on-line
sweepstakes game called Click-Till-U-Win. But the site was also
collecting data on other recent cyberspace visits by the surfer's
computer.
Spyware is a clandestine computer program downloaded to your computer
without your knowledge that can track your Internet-surfing habits
without your consent. These types of programs exist in the open
elsewhere on the Internet, but in this case there was no disclosure and
no option to reject.
Now at least three companies are posting new versions of their software
on the web without the tracking programs. And one of the web sites is
actually offering visitors to its site an apology. (Computing
Technology)
**
INTERNATIONAL - UK: BRITISH HAM RESCUED BY HAM RADIO
Turning to international news, word that a ham radio operator and his
wife on board a yacht that ran aground have been rescued. This, thanks
to the efforts of radio amateurs on the Maritime Mobile Service Net.
According to reports from the ARRL and GB2RS, Dave Beane, G0TAG, and his
wife Sara, were aboard the pleasure craft Tao when it ran aground on a
reef off the north coast of Cuba on the 26th of March. Apparently their
initial call for assistance to the Cuban authorities had no response.
So they turned to ham radio and the 20 meter Maritime Mobile Services
Net. Radio amateurs in the United States and in the Virgin Islands were
able to alert the authorities in Havana via the US Coast Guard and the
Swiss Embassy in Washington. Later reports via amateur radio indicated
the couple had been rescued and that efforts to salvage the vessel were
under way. (ARRL, GB2RS, Q-News)
**
SPACE AND SCIENCE: SPACE REFERIGERATOR
SpaceDaily reports that when Space Shuttle Endeavour blasted into space
recently it carried aboard the world's smallest version of a relatively
new type of refrigerator. Called a pulse-tube cryocooler, the device
was designed, built and tested under an agreement between the National
Institute of Standards and Technology's Boulder Laboratories, Lockheed
Martin Corporation and NASA's Ames Research Center. (ANS)
**
DX
In D-X, A major international DXpedition will activate Melish Reef in
the Coral Sea, east of Queensland, Australia, between the 12th and 22nd
of April. The callsign will be VK9ML. Q-S-L as directed on the air.
(OPDX)
And UR5EAW reports that the Islands of Ukraine on the Air Award Program
Expedition will take place from May 1st through August 31st. The call
sign to be use is E-M-11-E. The expedition will cover the Dniper River
islands, the islands of the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. More info is on
the web at www.qsy.to/ur5eaw. The QSL manager is UR5EAW : Shevchenko
Alexander, Pelina str. 29, Dnepropetrovsk 49107 UA, Ukraine. (UR5EAW)
**
A NEWSLINE FOLLOW-UP: A POLITICALLY DISORGANIZED 11 METER CLASS D
SERVICE - PART 3
Over the past two weeks, Amateur Radio Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH,
has been looking at the not so political side of 11 meter Class-D C-B.
In this third and final installment, David explores the reasons that
there is little chance of C-B ever becoming a major two way radio
political power:
--
The Citizens band radio service has a unique distinction. For all the
years it has existed...for all the people who have bought and used 11
meter radios...for all of the public exposure CB has obtained TV, radio
and the movies, 11 meter Class D C-B remains the only major radio
service in the U-S without political representation in Washington. No
support either before the FCC or Congress.
In the mid 19-70s, the Government held conferences to find better ways
to use C-B. Today's Government leaders give it no attention. Congress
and local governments are tired of consumer complaints against C-B
operators running illegal power and who interfere with all sorts of
consumer electronic gear. As a result, federal regulations are now in
place that give almost any law enforcement official the ability to shut
a C-B operator down. The C-B operator can appeal, but it is a long, and
costly process.
So why is nobody on 11 meters seriously attempting to organize users of
the band? As one former CB enthusiast suggests: Perhaps it's the sheer
diversity of the CB radio community. CB has over-the-road truckers,
sidebanders, emergency monitors, numerous private nets, the occasional
family highway trip, and the usual assortment of troublemakers. Each of
these groups operate separately and independently of the others with
apparently little knowledge or regard for other uses of the band.
Whatever the real reason or reasons, one simple fact remains. When it
comes to having a voice before the FCC and Congress, CB radio is out in
the cold. Chances seem slim it will ever have such a voice. And
without that, C-B operators like Gary D. White in Illinois are likely to
continue to
face Disorderly Conduct charges for disturbing anyone by transmitting on
the 11 meter Class D Citizens Band.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm David Black, KB4KCH.
--
In closing, a word to those who have written. Some with questions.
Other to add their own commentary. We sincerely appreciate your taking
the time to write. You perspectives have been included in this final
wrap-up. We thank you for your help in telling the story. (ARNewsline)
**
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 newsline
@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.
Before we go, a reminder that the nominating period for the 2002 amateur
Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year award is now open. No significant
changes from last year. Nominees must be 18 or younger. Full rules and
an application is on our website at www.arnewsline.org.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Don
Wilbanks, KC5MFA saying welcome to the year 2002, 73, and we thank you
for listening." Amateur Radio Newsline is Copyright 2002. All rights
reserved.
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