[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1354 - July 25, 2003

Sat Jul 26 01:17:23 EDT 2003

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1354  - July 25, 2003

The following is a QST. The FCC says that only the federal government has 
jurisdiction in RFI issues.  Hear the full story on Amateur Radio Newsline 
report number 1354 coming your way right now.

**

RADIO LAW:  FCC PREEMPTS LOCAL CONTROL OF RFI

An FCC Memorandum Opinion & Order dealing with who has jurisdiction over 
radio frequency interference may be of great importance to ham radio 
operators, and to telecommunication users in general.  This as the 
regulatory agency finds that R-F-I control provisions of a county zoning 
ordinance are preempted by federal law.  Bruce Tennant, K6PZW has more:

--
According to the CGC Communicator, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, had 
enacted laws requiring that, prior to receiving a County zoning 
certificate, owners and users of telecommunications facilities had to show 
that their facilities will not degrade or interfere with the County's 
public safety communications systems.  The ordinance  also permitted the 
County to revoke a zoning certificate where degradation or interference was 
found.

Several telecommunications users filed a challenge before the FCC.  They 
said that Anne Arundel County had no right to enact such laws as the 
control of Radio Frequency Interference was a federal issue and not in any 
way open to state or local control.  And  in issuing its decree, the FCC 
agreed.

In its order the regulatory agency stated that it find that the challenged 
provisions of the Anne Arundel County's zoning ordinance infringe on the 
Commission's exclusive jurisdiction over RFI and are preempted under the 
doctrine of field preemption.  This means that Anne Arundel County cannot 
control any RFI related issues in any service with the exception of Class D 
Citizens radio which was handed over to local governments on a shared basis 
with the FCC several years ago.  

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.

--

The complete decision into great detail about the FCC's exclusive 
jurisdiction to regulate R-F-I.  You will find it at 
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-2196A1  (CGC)

**

WRC O3 FALLOUT:  UK TO END MORSE TESTING

Morse code testing became a thing of the past in the United Kingdom on July 
25th.  This, according to the GB2RS News Service which reports that that 
nations Radiocommunications Authority has issued a notice that  ends of the 
Morse requirement for access to the High Frequency bands by hams in the UK. 

According to GB2RS, the document ending Morse testing is called a Gazette 
Notice.  This is the U-K equivlant of a Report and Order from our FCC.  
And, from July 25th on, all United Kingdom Full and Intermediate Class B 
amateurs automatically have Class A privileges.  They will also be allowed 
to operate on the High Frequency bands with their existing callsigns. 

The United Kingdom is the second nation to go 100% code free.  As reported 
last week, Switzerland's Federal Office for Communications authorized Swiss 
CEPT Class 2 license holders to operate on the High Frequency bands without 
taking a Morse test effective from July 15th.  (GB2RS)

**

WRC 03 FALLOUT:  CANADA RETAINS CODE FOR NOW

The Morse Code is still a requisite requirement for high frequency 
licensing and operation in Canada.  This, according to Radio Amateurs of 
Canada which says that it and Industry Canada's Amateur Radio Service 
Center have received numerous queries about the status of the code in the 
wake of the decisions regarding Morse qualifications made at the recently 
concluded 2003 World Radiocommunication Conference.

Radio Amateurs of Canada says that for the moment, there is no change.  
That the Basic and Morse Qualifications are still required for operation 
below 30 MHz and that this requirement will remain in effect pending a 
review by Industry Canada of the impact of the WRC-2003 regulatory changes 
on the Canadian radio regulations, policies and procedures.  

Radio Amateurs of Canada says that it will be working with Industry Canada 
on the review of the impact of the new international regulations.  The new 
international rules which dropped Morse from treaty requirements left the 
concept of a code test to the discretion of administrations.  It became 
effective a day after the close of W-R-C 2003 on July 5th.  (RAC)

**

WRC '03 FALLOUT:  MORE ON MORSE TESTING IN THE USA

Meantime, here in the lower 48, some more information on what might happen 
in the coming months and years regarding Morse testing in the United 
States.  

There now seem to be two differing views on whether or not Senate 
ratification is required before the FCC can act on the question of Morse or 
any other accords reached at WRC '03.  One side says we have to wait for 
the Senate to act and another says that this is no longer the case.  And 
the latter may be correct.  This is because of a little known footnote in a 
Government Accounting Office report from last September.  It says that that 
ratification is not necessary for the United States to implement the 
agreements.  

Either way, there are two ways the FCC could begin to consider making 
changes to the Amateur Service rules to inclement the decision made in 
Geneva.  One we outlined already.  That of the FCC itself initiating a 
Notice of Inquiry.

But in the past week, its been pointed out that this kind of action is not  
likely.  That the initial request for change will probably have to come 
from the ham radio community itself.  This, by way of a Petition for Rule 
Making request to the FCC seeking the change.  

Who will file it and how much support and opposition it will generate from 
the anti and pro Morse testing camps are the big questions.  Amateur Radio 
Newsline will keep an eye on this situation and will keep you up to date on 
the continuing fallout from WRC 2003. (FCC, ARRL, ARNewsline(tm), others)

** 

ENFORCEMENT:  TWO EX CALIFORNIA HAMS HEAR FROM THE FCC

A pair of former California hams have heard from the FCC.  The agency's 
Daryl Duckworth, NN0W, has the details:

--

The application for a Technician license by Drew Feldman of Los Angeles 
California has been dismissed by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.  
Among other things, Mr. Feldman failed to respond to an inquiry of April 
21st of this year.

And finally, a Warning Notice has been sent to Richard A. Burton of Harbor 
City California concerning operation of 2 meter equipment since January in 
the Los Angeles Area.  His application for a license in the General Mobile 
Radio Service is under review, and issues surrounding this recent 
unlicensed operation well be made part of that proceeding.

--

More FCC enforcement news in next weeks Amateur Radio Newsline report.  
(FCC, RAIN)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  UNLICENSENSED FM RADIO OPERATOR ORDER TO PAY UP EARLIER 
$10,000 FINE

Another alleged unlicensed broadcaster has been ordered to pay an earlier 
$10,000 fine.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, has more:

--

According to the FCC, Richard  Rowland of Longwood Florida was caught 
broadcasting on 97.1 Mhz without a license in the back in 2000.  The FCC 
issued Rowland  a $10,000 monetary forfeiture.  But Rowland refused to pay. 
So the Commission filed suit for collection in federal court. 

The case was brought before U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell by the 
Orlando Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle 
District of Florida.  And after weighing the evidence, on July 15th Judge 
Presnell granted a judgment against Rowland for $10,000, and adding courts 
costs to the judgement total.  

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

--

Rowland was given the usual amount of time to pay the fine or to file an 
appeal.  (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  ANOTHER UNLICENSED FLORIDA BROADCASTER FINED 

The FCC has also affirmed a $10,000 fine against Everald Oliver Brown for 
operation  of  a  radio  station  on  the  frequency of 95.9  MHz  without 
Commission authorization.  This, in willful violation of  Section 301 of 
the Communications Act.  

Following its investigation, the  agency's  Tampa,  Florida  Field Office 
issued  a  Notice of Apparent  Liability for Forfeiture in the  amount of 
$10,000 to Brown on March  31st.  The FCC says that Brown never filed a 
response.  

So, based on the information before it, the FCC has now affirmed the 
$10,000 fine.  It has also given Brown the 30 days to pay or to file an 
appeal.  (FCC)

** 

RADIO LAW:  ARRL LOOSES APPEAL ON INCREASED PART 15 POWER LEVEL

The FCC has said no to an ARRL Petition for Reconsideration against 
allowing  certification of Part 15 equipment in the 24.05 to  24.25 GHz 
band at field strengths up to 2500 millivolts per meter.  In a July 15th 
Memorandum, Order and Opinion, the regulatory agency rejected the  ARRL's 
argument that such operation will result in an increased risk of 
interference to licensed amateur operations.

The devices in question are the so called Radio Frequency identification 
tags now being introduced by many shipping companies.  These electronic 
tracking labels permit a faster, more automated flow of cargo from point to 
point.  But the ARRL had argued against their implementation and when the 
FCC went ahead an the League filed an appeal.

But in turning away the ARRL petition for Reconsideration, the FCC says 
that the technical operating parameters adopted in the Report and Order 
allowing the power increase are designed to ensure that the interference 
risk will not be increased to those licensed in the amateur services.  It 
also says that the rules adopted in the Report and Order are reasonable for 
regulating the unlicensed operation that was authorized for these higher 
power Part 15 devices.

And it may all be a rather moot point.  Already these R-F identification 
tags  have been proven so effective that the nations largest retailer is 
making their use mandatory.  According  to a recent news story Wal-Mart has 
instructed its  top 100 suppliers that they must use these tags on all 
deliveries.  (FCC)

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY:  FLYING THE FRIENDLY WWW

Several international airline carriers will begin offering high-speed 
Internet access via satellite this year.  We have more in this report:

--

For now, flying the Internet is basically a trial run so the airlines can 
figure out how much people are willing to pay to get online with their own 
laptops at Flight Level 35 or higher.  That's 35,000 feet up for you non 
pilots. 

Connexion Inc. is one of the service providers.  Its system requires 
installing two antennas on the aircraft.  A server and routing system 
inside the plane relay signals to plug-in ports at the seats or wireless 
networking cards in passengers' laptops. 

Connexion's service is expected to debut this summer on flights from 
Frankfurt Germany to Washington D.C..  And all of this comes as several 
other companies stand ready to provide international air travelers with a 
range of communications upgrades.  This includes world-wide e-mail, and 
instant messages from their seats to others anywhere in the world, even  
sitting on the same plane.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ken Locke, N8PJN, reporting

--

If the system proves successful, it could give new meaning to the words -- 
fly the friendly skies.  (Science & Technology)

**

HAM RADIO HONORS:  THE GREAT LAKES DIVISION AWARDS

Back on the ground, if you live in the ARRL Great Lakes Division, listen 
up.  The nominating period is now open for that division's regional awards.  

There are three with the top being the George S. Wilson W4OYI Award.  It 
will go to a Radio Amateur in the Great Lakes Division whose lifetime 
achievement record merits recognition for outstanding contribution to the 
Amateur Radio Service.  

The Great Lakes Amateur of the Year will be presented to a ham in the 
division whose outstanding record in the year preceding nomination merits 
recognition for contributions to the Amateur Radio Service.  

Last but by no means least is the Great Lakes Technical Achievement award.  
It will go to a ham whose technical excellence exemplifies continuation of 
the Amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio 
art.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 15th, 5:00 Lakes and  should 
include the name, call and address of the nominee, as well as a one page 
statement of support.  You can E-mail nominations to ki4la at arrl.org or by 
snail mail to Gary Johnson, KI4LA, 3056 Hergott Drive, Edgewood KY 41017.

All three awards will be presented on September 6th at the Great Lakes 
Division Convention in Findlay, Ohio.  (KI4LA)

**

RADIO  CONFERENCES:  TAPR IN AUGUST - A REMINDER

A reminder that technical papers are still being solicited for presentation 
at the 22nd Annual ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference.  Its 
slated for  September 19th to the 21st in Hartford, Connecticut.  
Submission of papers are due by August 5th, 2003 and should be submitted to 
Maty Weinberg, ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111.  They can also 
be sent by e-mail to maty at arrl.org  (ARRL, TAPR)

**

COMMUNICATIONS HISTORY:  MOSAIC AT AGE 10

A special anniversary has taken place in the communications world.  April 
2003 marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the first web 
browser that revolutionized the Internet and opened up the World Wide Web 
to the masses.  Q-News Graham Kemp, VK4BB, has the rest of the story:

--
COMMUNICATIONS HISTORY:  MOSAIC AT AGE 10

Its a web browser called Mosaic.  It was developed at the University of 
Illinois by the school's National Center for Supercomputing Applications 
and distributed as free software.  

Before Mosaic, access to the Internet and the World Wide Web was limited to 
text.  The new software brought a way to integrate images and sound with 
text.  

The first version of Mosaic worked only with UNIX systems.  Windows and 
Macintosh versions followed later in 1993.  Mosaic's lead developer, Marc 
Andreessen, went on to became one of Netscape's founders and took some of 
his school colleagues with him.  That lead to the World-Wide-Web revolution 
that is an important part of all of our lives today. (Published reports)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY AO-40

Its time to celebrate the launch anniversary of an important ham radio 
satellite.  Beginning September 16th, at 0000 UTC and ending November 17th 
at 0000 UTC AMSAT is sponsoring aon-the-air bash to celebrate A-Oh 40's 3rd 
Birthday.  

All hams worldwide are welcome to participate in this on-air bash. 
The only acceptable modes are SSB, CW and digital operations and the AO-40 
command team requests that CW and digital operations be performed with 
minimal power to keep the AGC down.

More information is in cyberspace.  It at www.amsat.org and click on the 
words AO-40 Birthday Bash.

**

RADIO AND SPACE:  NASA SELECTS "SHARP" STUDENTS TO LAUNCH ACADEMIC 
EXCELLENCE

NASA has launched the 2003 Summer High School Apprenticeship Research 
Program.  This, after competitively selecting 340 students representing 
nearly every state, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix.  

In June, Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program participants, 
chosen from a pool of more than 2,400 applicants, became apprentices to 
scientists and engineers at agency centers and universities around the 
country.  The program, which began in October 2002, is a research-based 
program focusing on the agency's mission, facilities and human resources. 
It also advances NASA's goal to involve under represented students in 
academic, workplace and social experiences and research opportunities to 
support the educational excellence of the nation.  (NASA)

**

INTERNATIONAL - UK:  A FACELIFT FOR THE BBC

On the international scene, word that reconstruction work has begun at the 
British Broadcasting Company's Broadcasting House headquarters in London.  
The redeveloped complex, due for completion in 2007, will become the home 
to all the BBC's national radio networks along with its national and 
international news operations.  Also to be housed there will be the famed 
BBC World Service, which will move back into Broadcasting House for the 
first time since it was forced out by bomb damage from World War 2 back in 
1941. More is on the web at:    
http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/features/html/bbc030711.html  (Media Network)

**

INTERNATIONAL - SOLOMON ISLANDS:  KILLER HAM RADIO

Armed supporters of a militant leader in the Solomon Islands recently 
attacked and burned two villages, driving hundreds of people from their 
homes and tearing down a radio station put up by foreign ham radio 
volunteers.  The incident took place on June 20th as fighters loyal to 
Harold Keke razed the two villages in the remote Marasa district.  

According to published news reports, this was just the latest in an upsurge 
of violence on the Solomon's main island of Guadalcanal that has left 
dozens dead.  Officials said that Keke is wanted for a series of murders.  
Also that his troops attacked the villages because he believed some 
residents were using the radio station to inform police about his 
activities.  (Published news reports)

** 

INTERNATIONAL - SOUTH AFRICA:  BUSH KIDS

A community radio station in CapeTown South is one of the first to get 
involved in children's radio in South Africa.  On Saturdays at Bush Radio, 
children take control of the station.  They answer the phone, work as 
receptionists, and they produce and present their own shows. 

A complete report on whats taking pace as prepared by Helene Michaud is 
at the Radio Netherlands website.  You wiill find it at 
http://www.rnw.nl/development/html/030708bushkids.html  (Media Network)

**

DX

In DX, word that F8HJV slash P will be active from Levant from the 25th of 
July until the end of August.  He will operate mainly 40 and 20 meters SSB.  
QSL as directed on the air.  (GB2RS)

Also, the Special Event callsign GB90RSGB is on the air from RSGB 
headquarters in the U-K until the 9th of August.  This is to celebrate the 
90th anniversary of the formation of the Society. Activity is mainly on the 
High Frequency bands, using CW and SSB along with some data modes and VHF 
operation.  (GB2RS)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  WHY SOLAR CELLS DEGRADE IN SUNLIGHT

And finally, an answer to a not so age old question of why solar cells 
degrade in sunlight?  Now, Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's 
Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University's Microelectronics Research 
Center may have solved this mystery which has plagued the research 
community for over 20 years.  Blair Alper, KA9SEQ, has the answers:

--

We start with a definition.  Solar cells made from hydrogenated amorphous 
silicon, a noncrystalline form of silicon and absorb light far more 
effectively than traditional crystalline silicon solar cells.  But there's 
a problem.  They also suffer from this degradation, known as the Staebler-
Wronski effect.  

According to Rana Biswas, a physicist at Ames Laboratory, the basic problem 
is that when you put solar cells in sunlight, the efficiency starts to 
decrease by as much as 15% to 20% over a period of several days.  And 
that's what scientists have been trying to overcome for years, but first 
they had top find out why it happens.  Now they do.

Exposure to light causes changes in hydrogenated amorphous silicon, 
resulting in defects known as metastable dangling bonds.  These are bonds 
that can go away only when heated to a high temperature.  These dangling 
bonds are missing a neighbor to which they can bond with.  To remedy the 
situation, they will "capture" electrons.  This in turn reduces the 
electricity that light can produce and decreases the  solar cells overall 
efficiency. 

Now the big  job begins.  Researchers have to figure out how to overcome 
the problem and then make their findings applicable to the mass production 
of solar cells.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Blair Alper,. KA9SEQ, reporting.

--

And thats your science lesson for today.  (NASA Tech Briefs via KF6DI)

**

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 
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can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), P.O. Box 
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