[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1325 - January 3, 2003

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Amateur Radio Newsline 1325 - January 3, 2003

The following is a Q-S-T.  Ham radio growth resumes in 2002 and a
celebration of our radio past.  These stories highlight Amateur Radio
Newsline report number 1325 coming your way right now.

**

HAM STATS:  HAM RADIO GREW IN 2002

Happy New Year and welcome to 2003.  We start the year with some good
news.  Ham radio begaN growing once again 2002.  Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF,
has the details:

--
That's right Mert.  2002 was definitely a good year for growth in the
United States Amateur Service, and the numbers supplied by Fred Maia,
W5YI of the W5YI VEC prove it.

We ended the year 2000 with a total of 681,187 hams licensed by the FCC.
A year later, at the end of 2001 we were down to 680,371.  A loss of
816.  And many feared that the downward spiral would pick up speed in
2002.

Well the pundits were wrong.  2002 was a turn-around year.  Not only did
the U-S ham radio population increase, its now up to 682,591.  A net
gain of 2200 and more than offsetting the previous years loss.  Not a
lot of people, but at least numbers going in the right direction.

And looking at the numbers, the greatest growth came in two licenses.
As expected the Technician class continued to expand.  Surprise was the
Extra.  A total of 4082 people either upgraded to the top license or
went right to it from ground zero.  Either way, the numbers show that
there is a lot of interest in the Extra now that the 20 wordd per mintue
Morse test has gone away.

The loosers in 2002?   The license clssses no longer issued.  Tech Plus
was down by 45%.  Novice class lost 30% and Advanced plunged 20%.  But
it does not mean that all the holders of these licenses left ham radio.
Some probably did, but the majority seemed to have upgraded to higher
class licenses with Tech Plus to General leading the way.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF.
--

What will 2003 hold for ham radio growrth?   Good numbers we hope -- but
we will have to wait a year and see. (W5YI)

**

CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE: MARCONI AT 100

Now, for a trip back in time.  To an event that would mark the very
dawning of the communications revolution.  And word of a ham radio
special event to celebrate it.  Roy Neal, K6DUE has more:

--

LISTEN TO HISTORY.  A VOICE FROM RADIO'S PAST_

(Marconi audio)

THAT WAS THE MAN GENERALLY CREDITED WITH INVENTING RADIO AND MAKING THE
FIRST WIRELESS TRANSMISSION ACROSS THE ATLANTIC.  GUGLIELMO
MARCONI_RESEARCHER_INVENTOR_BUSINESMAN_ENTREPENEUR.

THIS YEAR, FRPM THE 11TH TO THE 19TH OF JANUARY, A SPECIAL EVENT AMATUR
RADIO STATION WILL BE ON THE AIR, COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF
HIS HISTORIC TRANSMISSION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN.
THAT GROUNDBREAKING BROADCAST TOOK PLACE ON JANUARY 18TH, 1903.

(Spark gap sound)

AND THAT WAS THE SOUND OF RADIO IN THOSE DAYS. RAUCUS.   MADE BY A SPARK
CONNECTED TO AN ANTENNA.  MARCONI USED A 35 KILOWATT ROTARY SPARK
TRANSMITTER FROM CAPE COD IN MASSACHUSETTS TO SEND GREETINGS FROM THEN
PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT TO ENGLAND'S KING EDWARD THE SEVENTH.

NOW, A HUNDRED YEARS LATER, THE MARCONI RADIO CLUB, IN COOPERATION WITH
THE MARCONI CAPE COD MEMORIAL RADIO CLUB, WILL USE MODERN MODES OF
COMMUNICATION TO CELEBRATE BY TAKING TO THE HAM BANDS.  THEY WILL USE
THE CALL KM1CC AND OPERATE FROM THE TOWN OF EASTHAM, NOT FAR FROM THE
ORIGINAL MARCONI WIRELESS SITE.

THEY PLAN TO USE SSB, CW, FM AND EVEN SEVERAL DIGITAL MODES THROUGH
OSCAR SATELLITES.  PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH IS EXPECTED TO SEND A
COMMEMORATIVE MESSAGE.  WORKING WITH ARISS, AMATEUR RADIO ON THE
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, STUDENTS AT 3 CAPE COD HIGH SCHOOLS EVEN
HOPE TO TALK TO THE ASTRONAUTS AND COSMONAUT ON ORBIT.

FOR HAMS LUCKY ENOUGH TO MAKE CONTACT WITH KM1CC, THERE'S A SPECIAL QSL
CARD.  TO GET ONE, UNITED STATES STATIONS SHOULD SEND A STAMPED ENVELOPE
TO BARBARA DOUGAN, KILO-BRAVO-ONE-GOLF- SIERRA-OSCCAR, 99 MARCONI SITE
ROAD, WELLFLEET, MASSACHUSETTS 02667.  THOSE OUTSEIDE THE UNITED STATES
SHOULD SEND CARDS VIA THE W ONE QSL BUREAU.

AGAIN THE CALL FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL,EVENT WILL BE KM1CC.  YOU CAN GET
MORE INFORMATION ON THE MARCONI CENTENNIAL ON THE WEB AT THE URL FOUND
IN THE PRINT EDITION OF THIS WEEK'S AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE REPORT.

FOR THE AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE, THIS IS ROY NEAL, K6DUE.

--

A special thank you to the planners of the Marconi 100 celebration for
the great press package they supplied.  Using the latest computer
technology they captured a bit of our radio heritage for all to enjoy in
the 21 century. Additional details are on the Marconi Radio Club Web
site at http://personal.tmlp.com/k1vv/w1aa/.  (Marconi Radio Club)

**

RADIO RULES:  FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON AUTO UPGRADE

Back to the present, an ARRL bulletin says hat the FCC is inviting
comments on two Amateur Radio-related petitions for rule making.  Both
have been put on public notice and are available for review and comment.

In his petition, designated RM-10620, Dale Reich, K8AD, has asked the
Commission to automatically upgrade Novice and Advanced license holders
to the next license class if the licensee has 20 or more years of
operating experience.  Among other proposed changes in what he calls a
''merit and service upgrade'' schedule, Reich asks that Novice phone
privileges in the 2-meter band be reinstated for those still holding
that license.

Reich claims that the proposed changes could augment public service
abilities by those receiving the added privileges. The deadline to
comment is January 17th.  (ARRL)


**

RADIO RULES:  FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON SATELLITE LAUNCH PRE-NOTIFICATION

Also asking for a rules change is AMSAT North America.  The ham radio
space agency has asked the government to drop its presently required 27-
month pre-space notification to the FCC's
International branch for Amateur Satellite launches.

AMSAT feels that a pre-space notification within 30 days of a launch
commitment is more than sufficient.  Its request has been assigned as
RM-10621.  This one also carries a January 17th comment cutoff deadline.

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  ART BELL, W6OBB, RETIRES

Art Bell, W6OBB,  bid a final farewell to his Coast to Coast A.M. radio
show as 2002 gave way to 2003.  Over the fifteen years he hosted the
show, Bell took it to the very top of the ratings peak.  It was over 450
radio stations in North America,  heard world wide over the Internet and
had an audience estimated in the 10's of millions.

Bell had departed the show once before due to a family situation that
needed his full time and attention.  The show did not do well under the
substitute hosts.  Bell returned the following year and and rebuilt the
program to its powerhouse position on the Premiere Radio Network.
Often, after the program, Bell could be found on 75 meters chatting with
his friends.

In saying goodbye to his listeners, W6OBB explained that this is not the
end of his career in radio.  Actually it's a new beginning.

Bell says that he and his wife have made one of their dreams come true.
They built their own radio station - KNYE - located in Pahrump Nevada
and its now on the air.  Bell says that building KNYE into the station
he wants it to become will be the next challenge in his broadcasting
career.

Meantime, you can still hear -- and talk to Art Bell, but only if your
signal can be heard in Pahrump Nevada.  Just listen on or near 3.840 MHz
for the call sign W6OBB.  If you hear Art, please say hello and you
might add -- "...thanks for the ride."  (ARNewsline)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  ANOTHER GRIZZLEY PROBLEM

The FCC's patience appears to be wearing thin with the license holder
and users of a Northern California repeater.  This as the agency's
Enforcement Bureau again targets the San Francisco area Grizzley Peak
machine.  Amateur Radio Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH, has the rest of
the story:

--
When Riley Hollingsworth became the FCC's chief ham radio rules enforcer
several years ago, the Grizzzley Peak repeater system was one of the
first problems he tackled.

Hollingsworth shut the repeater down until its license holder agreed to
setting up around-the-clock control operators.  Their duty was to
monitor the K7IJ system and to keep watch over its users.  Transient
operators had to identify at the beginning and end o every transmission.
Provisions had to be made so that the FCC could monitor the system from
a remote location.

That strategy worked--for a while.   At one point, users called the
Grizzley Peak repeater a pretty decent machine.

But last April problems started again.  That's when the FCC says users
began getting out of control.  The Commission began receiving reports of
unlicensed operators using the repeater.  And reports of intentional
interference surfaced, along with lengthy and unidentified key-ups.
There were also reports of users failing to properly identify and other
violations of the Amateur Service rules.

On November 26th, Hollingsworth wrote to system license holder Bruce
Wachtell, K7IJ.  Hollingsworth's letter reminds Wachtell that he will be
held legally accountable for the proper control of his repeater.
Hollingsworth tells Wachtell that it's up to him to find ways to ensure
that people using the repeater are doing so legally.

And, just as Hollingsworth suggested to Los Angeles repeater operator
Wayne Curley, WA6NRB, he suggests that Wachtell lock out violators.
Hollingsworth suggests using tone access, or limiting the repeater's
operation or any other steps to bring it into compliance.  If the users
refuse to adhere to the rules and if Wachtell cannot solve the problem,
then the repeater must go
off the air.

If Wachtell refuses, Hollingsworth's letter outlines what might be
ahead:  That could include fines, license suspension or even revocation
for failure to comply.

And Hollingsworth adds these comments.  He tells Wachtell that the
decision to operate a repeater is a totally voluntary one.  He says a
repeater is a convenience in the Amateur Radio Service and that putting
one up is not a necessity.  In other words, nobody is forcing Wachtell -
- or any ham -- to put a repeater on the air and perhaps place his or
her license -- on the line.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm David Black, KB4KCH.

--

No word yet if Wachtell has responded to the FCC.  (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC RAIDS NORCAL UNLICENSED BROADCASTER

Still in Northern California, the FCC has raided an unlicensed
broadcaster.  A station calling itself Berkeley Liberation Radio.

The bust took place on December 11th.  That's when FCC agents, a dozen
federal Marshal's and Oakland Police raided the station's studio and
carted away all broadcast equipment.  Reports say that the only one
thing left was a copy of the court issued seizure warrant for the radio
gear that the government lugged away.  (W5YI)


**

ENFORCEMENT:  INTERFERENCE BRINGS SUSPENSION

An Ohio ham has agreed to a one-year suspension of his amateur license
after being cited by the FCC for deliberate interference.  Gary Weiler,
KI8DI, agreed to hand in his license for one year rather than face
possible fines and license revocation. Weiler was cited for numerous
instances of interference on a Cincinnati area repeater.  (From FCC
release, CQ)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC FINES ATT WIRELESS

AT&T Wireless Services has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a probe
into possible violations in deploying enhanced 911 service over its
network.  Last May, the Federal Communications Commission in May accused
the company of failing to meet certain deadlines for offering improved
location information to more precisely pinpoint the
location of those who dial 911 for help from their mobile telephone.
In addition to the $2 million payment, the carrier also agreed to a
timeline for deploying location technology in its network, including
having compliant technology in at least 1,000 cell sites early this year
and increases the service to 8,000 sites by June 30th, 2004.  (From FCC
release)

**

AMATEUR RADIO HONORS:  THE DARA AWARDS

2003 brings with it the opening of the nominating period for several
prestigious ham radio awards programs.  The most preeminent among these
is the Dayton Amateur Radio Club's Radio Amateur of the Year, Special
Achievement and Technical achievement awards that will be presented at
the Dayton Hamvention next May.

There are three DARA awards given each year.  Technical Excellence goes
to a ham who has made an outstanding technological  advancement in the
field of Amateur Radio.  The Special Achievement Award honors a ham who
has made a singular outstanding contribution to the advancement of the
hobby.  But the most coveted Dayton award is the Radio Amateur of the
Year.  It is reserved for the special person who has made a long term
commitment to the advancement of amateur radio.  A well-rounded
individual who continulally contributes to the hobby in some outstanding
way.

The deadline to submit is January 30th and there are two ways to ways to
file a nomination.  You can send it by U-S mail to Hamvention Awards,
Post Office Box 964, Dayton Ohio, 45401.  Or you can do it on-line by
taking your web browser to www.hamvention.org and clicking on Award
Nominations.  (DARA)

**

AMATEUR RADIO HONORS:  THE CQ AMATEUR RADIO HALL OF FAME

Also seeking nominations is the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame.  This
ongoing program honors those whose technical or other accomplishments
have helped to propel Amateur Radio forward, or whose achievements in
other areas of life have helped to improve ham radio's reputation simply
through association.

Nominations for the award can be made by letter to CQ Amateur Radio Hall
of Fame, 25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville New York, 11801.  Nominations can
also be filed by e-mail to hall-of-fame at cq-amateur-radio.com.  And in
case you have not yet figured it out, this award is sponsored by our
friends over at CQ Magazine.  (CQ)

**


HAM HELP:  ANTENNASUP.ORG

Do you have some advice for your fellow hams in dealing with local
authorities to get an antenna permit?  Want a place to share it?  Well
try a new website called www.antennasup.org.

Its the work of Duane Mantick, WB9OMC, who freely admits that it does
get a bit indignant in spots but there is a reason.  That being to wake
up and shake up a few hams to get them involved in what C-Q Magazine
said may be the most serious threat yet to Amateur Radio.  The ability
to put up a sky hook and get on the air.

Duane adds that the site is still under constuction and that hes waiting
for some graphics. He is also working on collecting some more specific
URL's to relevant documents for those who drop in for more information.

Again thats www.antennasup.org.  Go  over and take a look for yourself.
(WB9OMC)

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS:  LIMARC IN FEBRUARY

The Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club annual Indoor Winter Hamfest
will be held Sunday, February 23rd from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M..  The venue is
the Levittown Hall in the town of Hicksville New York not all that far
from the offices of C-Q Magazine.

Planners say that in addition to the regular faire, ham radio testing
will also be available on site.  For more information on this event
please take your web browser to www.limarc.org or call the 24-hour info
line at 516-520-9311.  (LIMARC)

**

SPACE AND SCIENCE:  ICESAT TO MEASURE ICE FROM SPACE

NASA scientists hope to get new insight into the future of global ocean
levels with the launch of a satellite designed to measure the waxing and
waning of the planet's largest ice sheets. The Ice, Cloud and Land
Elevation Satellite, or Icesat, is intended to spend a minimum of three
years making nonstop measurements of the elevation of the ice sheets
that blanket Greenland and Antarctica. That will help answer the
question of whether those layers of  ice, which are up to two miles
thick in places and contain an estimated 8 million cubic miles of fresh
water, are growing or shrinking. (NASA)

**

INTERNATIONAL - UK: THE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION

The Radio Society of Great Britain has announced the establishment  of
the Radio Communications Foundation.  As envisioned. the new foundation
will be used by the RSGB to channel all its work in the field of
education and training.  It will support the promotion of amateur radio
to the wider audience in the U-K. The Foundation is being registered as
a charity and will operate independently of the normal commercial
activities of the RSGB.  (RSGB)

**

WRTC2002:  THE LAST MEETING AND A NEW VIDEO

December 15th marked a final gathering of the WRTC 2002 Organizing
Committee and the World Radiosport Team Championship  hosts.

The group met in in Vantaa Finland not far from Helsinki Airport.  The
main business included delivery of the official report on the games and
a handover of the remaining work and accounts to Contest Club of
Finland.

The day finished with a screening of the new WRTC video.  The show will
be made available to the public at a Contest Club of Finland meeting
slated for January 17th to the 19th.  It is narrated by ESPN Sports
Channel commentator Kurt Perry from a script written by WRTC competitor
James Brooks, 9V1YC.   (OH2BH)

**

DX

In DX, word that F6FXS, will be active from Guadeloupe between February
12th and March 12th.  He will operate only CW using a Icom IC-706  into
a wire antenna.  Search for him in the morning and the evening -- local
time -- on 40 through 10 meters.  QSL direct or via the bureau.  (OPDX)

Also, F5IRO, is expected to be active from Reunion Island through
February.  Word has it that he will also try to obtain permission to be
active from Juan da Nova and Glorioso islands as well.  More on this one
as information is made available.  (OPDX)


**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  HAM RADIO'S HEAVY METAL SOUND

And finally this week, the story of ham radio's heavy metal.  No, not
the music.  Rather the radios that weigh a lot, sound so good and glow
in the dark.  Here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Paul Courson, WA3VJB:

--
Audio only report.  Hear it by taking your web browser to
www.arnewsline.org and clicking on the newscast number to download the
MP3 file.
--

As reported last week, the ARRL in a few weeks plans take up a proposal
to establish an A-M endorsement for the popular Worked All States award.
The new endorsement would recognize the achievement of exclusively using
full carrier Amplitude Modulation in earning the W-A-S certificate.
(WA3VJB, 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.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Mert
Garlick, N6AWE, saying 73, Happy New Year and we thank you for
listening."  Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright  2003.  All rights
reserved.