[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1364 - October 3 2003

Sat Oct 4 01:16:10 EDT 2003

Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1364 - October 3 2003

The following is a Q-S-T.  The comment period closes on Morse code 
restructuring, Logbook of the World makes its debut and a new D-X record 
for -- would you believe Wi Fi?  The details on Amateur Radio Newsline 
report number 1364 coming your way right now.

**

RADIO LAW:  MORSE PETITION COMMENTARY CLOSES

If you have not yet filed comments on the frst seven Morse related rule 
making requests, you are you of luck.  Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, 
tells us why:

--  

The why is simple.  The period for filing comments on this initial group 
of seven Morse code related rule making petitions closed on Monday, 
September 29th.   This, before several other requests that favor 
retaining Morse have been made available for public comment.  

Of those in the first group, some petitioners had suggested eliminating 
the remaining 5 Word Per Minute C-W test.  Others wanted various levels 
of change in Morse testing.  In all, well over 2000 comments that were 
filed by the closing date.

And what about the pro-code side of the debate?  Will their views ever 
be assigned a rule making designation?  That's really up to the FCC.  
Those waiting include the request from FISTS, the international Morse 
preservation society.  That one not only asks the FCC to retain the 5 
word per minute C-W exam for General class license, but to also require 
that Extra class pass a 12 word per minute test.  FISTS also wants 
written exams stiffened as well.  

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, reporting.

--

We will have more on the latest round in the Morse debate in future 
newscasts.  (ARNewsline(tm))

**

RESTRUCTURING:  LUXEMBOURG DROPSS HF MORSE REQUIREMENT

Yet another country has announced the dropping of the Morse code 
requirement for HF bands operation. As of the 25th of September, radio 
amateurs in Luxembourg with a CEPT Class 2 licence and callsigns in the 
LX3 series have had use of all of the HF amateur bands.  (RSGB)

**

FROM THE ARRL  LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD PREMIERES

The ARRL's new Logbook of the World secure electronic contact 
confirmation and logging system officially began operation on September 
15th.  The Logbook of the World system is a repository of log records 
submitted by users of the system.   When both participants in a QSO 
submit matching QSO records, the result is a QSL that can be used for 
ARRL award credit.

To minimize the chance of fraudulent submissions to Logbook of the 
World,  all QSO records must be digitally signed using a digital 
certificate obtained from ARRL.  Getting a certificate requires 
verification of the licensee's identity either through mail verification  
for U S hams or inspection by ARRL of required documentation for those 
outside of the United States.

Software developed by ARRL can be used to convert a log file into a file 
of  digitally signed QSO data, ready for submission.  Full details on 
the system are in cyberspace at www.arrl.org/lotw.  (ARRL)

**

REPEATER LINKING:  ECHOLINK SAYS YES TO LOTW

Meantime, the Amateur Radio Internet linking system EchoLink has 
announced that it will begin accepting digital certificates issued by 
the American Radio Relay League's Logbook of the World program/ This, as 
an alternate means of authenticating new users.  

According to Echolink creator Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, system security is 
critical, and all new EchoLink users must be validated before being 
allowed access.  In many cases,these people are asked to provide proof 
of license for verification. 

Taylor says thst EchoLink system administrators currently process dozens 
of Amateur license photocopies each day, received by fax and e-mail.  To 
streamline the process, participants in Logbook of the World will now be 
able to prove their identity to EchoLink using a that digital 
certificate, as an alternative to submitting a license copy.  (K1RFD)

**

AT THE FCC:  FCC COMMISSIONER SAYS YES TO BPL AND ARRL OBJECTS

FCC Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy has taken the position that 
Broadband over Power Line is important to the future of cyberspace 
communications.  Speaking before a United Powerline Council conference 
an September 22nd, Abernatjy said that the  introduction of BPL will 
contribute to what she terma as a broadband nirvana.

Addressing the council, Abernathy not only expressed enthusiasm for 
Broadband over Powerline technology.  She went so far as to recommend 
the elimination or substantial modification of existing rules governing 
its deployment.

The ARRL Letter says hat the League was quick to respond.  In a tersely 
worded September 25th fax to Abernathy,  ARRL Chief Executive Officer 
David Sumner, K1ZZ, asserted that the commissioner  overlooked some 
significant issues in her Nirvana analogy.  In fact, Sumner called B-P-L 
a nightmare noteing that technical showings submitted by the ARRL and 
others in response to the Commission's Notice of clearly establish that 
BPL is a significant source of radio spectrum pollution.  Sumner went on 
to say that it cannot be implemented without causing harmful 
interference to already established over-the-air radio services.  (ARRL, 
published news reports)

**

AMATEUR RADIO SURVIVAL:  UCF CLUB EVICTON FOLLOW-UP

A follow-up on the story of a college radio club thats been evicted 
after 31 years of continious service.  The news is pretty positive as we 
hea from Amateur Radio Newsline's Mert Garlick, N6AWE:

--

The future of he University of Central Florida Amateur Radio Club is now 
in the hands of the school's Provost.  This, as a direct result of hams 
from around the nation contacting the college to voice your dismay over 
the eviction of the club station after 31 years of operation from its 
campus location.

But even with all the community and political support, Mike Potaczala, 
KC4NUS, advises the College of Arts and Sciences is unwilling to quash 
the eviction.   In fact, they have gone so far as to tell the Provost 
they no longer want any interaction with the radio club.

Potaczala, who is a staff advisor of the University of Central Florida 
Amateur Radio Club, says that now the Provost at least has a base 
understanding of the club's benefit to the students and the community at 
large.  More important,  he is willing to help the club find a place to 
relocate on campus and is in the process of putting together the 
relocation cost figures.  Unfortunately, the he does not feel he can 
justify directly allocating money from the university's budget to fund 
the relocation process.  As a result, funding will have to come from 
school's Student Government, state and federal grants, and donations 
from the community.

Right now, the club is seeking help from anyone experienced in 
researching and writing proposals for state and federal grants.  If you 
can assist in this project please contact the club via its website.  
That U-R-L appears in the print edition of this weeks Amateur Radio 
Newsline report.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Mert Garlick, N6AWE.

--

Again, if you can help the club write its grant proposals, contact it 
via the links at its website at http://ucf.edu/~wb4tcw/relocation.html 
(ARNewsline (TM), QRZ.com)

**

AT THE FCC:  POWELL SAYS HE PLANS TO STAY

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell says hat he 
plans to stay at the agency until the end of the Bush administration.  
Powell came under widespread criticism earlier this year for pushing 
thrugh new media ownership limits that allow television networks to 
acquire more local stations and permit a company to own a newspaper, 
television station and radio outlets in a single market. His 
announcement halts speculation that he might be leaving the agency.  
(Published reports)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  GOOD NEWS FOR NJ REPEATER

Meantime on this side of the Atlantic theres some really good news for a 
New Jersey repeater operator.  Tthe FCC's Daryl Duckworh, NN0W, explains 
why:

--

Duckworth:  "The Enforcement Bureau has closed the matter of the 
technical compliance and coordination problems of the N2CTD repeater of 
Elizabeth Olsen in Farmingdale New Jersey on 146.775 MHZ.  This is in 
view of replaced repeater equipment, corrected deficient operations and 
proper coordination."

--

In its letter closing the case, the FCC took the opportunity to remind  
N2CTD that the decision to operate a station as a repeater is a totally 
voluntary one.  That Repeaters are a convenience, not a necessity.  Also 
that all stations including repeaters must have a licensee and a control 
operator capable of ensuring the immediate and proper operation of a 
station regardless of the type of control.  (FCC, RAIN)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  YOU NEED MORE THAN A TECH ON 17 METERS

Kelly G. Jones, K0EMD, of Fordland Missouri and Kenneth W. Paul, N0VDP, 
who resides in Lake City Minnesota have both been told by he FCC to stop 
operating in the 18 Mhz band.  The reason for the notes is that both 
hams are Technician class license holders and Tech's do not have any 
operating privileges in the 17 meter Amateur band.

In its September 10th letter to the pair the FCC requested each to  
respond to within 20 days with whatever material either wanted to have 
considered in regard to the matter.  The Commission says that the 
information submitted will be used to determine what further action the 
government might take. (FCC)

**

WITH THE SCOUTS:  JOTA IS COMING

On a much lighter note, October 18th and 19th are the dates for the 
scouts 2003 Jamboree on the Air.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark 
Abramowicz, NT3V, takes a look at the special relationship between  ham 
radio and scouting:

--

When you think of Scouts and a Jamboree, images of tents, the aromas 
from all those goodies cooking in a dutch oven or a pot on the fire, and 
young men enjoying the outdoors might come to mind.

But add JOTA - or Jamboree on the Air - and the recipe for a great 
weekend is complete.

JOTA is sponsored by the World Scouting Bureau of the World Organization 
of the Scout Movement. This is the 46th year for the annual event. 

Its goal is a simple one: connecting Scouts with other Scouts around the 
country and around the world by way of ham radio.

For many of those who take part, the fun starts with the campout - but 
the friendship and fellowship come through contacts on the radio.  Jean 
Wolfgang, WB3IOS, is the American Radio Relay League's educational 
programs coordinator. She says several Scout councils in the United 
States schedule a campout around JOTA.

--

Wolfgang:  "A lot of times the fall camporee falls this same weekend and 
so districts will arrange their camporee around the JOTA and then the 
hams come in and put up the big tarps and set up antennas.."

--

She says ham operators - whether adult Scouters or simply the fathers or 
friends of Scouts - bring their radios to Field Day-type settings - some 
in tents or cabins, others in picnic groves. They attract many a mike-
shy Scout to come over and listen to the chatter from the radio. Maybe 
it's a Scout camp in Michigan, a community center in Arizona, a radio 
shack in Australia, or a hut in Panama.

--

Wolfgang:  "It's more hands on, get the kids on the radio.  And it 
creates friendships between Scouts in different countries, places that 
they would never talk otherwise to other Scouts."

--

The exchange is easy: a name, a location, Scout rank, age, and hobbies. 
That's for starters. Once the kids get going, you'd be surprised how 
much they enjoy talking to someone across the country or across the 
globe.

It's not a contest. But it's easy to generate a pile-up as operators 
scanning the bands look for stations calling: "CQ Jamboree" or "CQ 
JOTA." 

And, Wolfgang says, the activity isn't restricted to just the boys.

--

Wolfgang:  "This event is also for Girl Scouts," she says. "It's been a 
real struggle to get Girl Scouts to, the Girl Scout Leaders to find out 
about it."

--

And, of course, there are Girl Guides and co-ed Venture Crews. All are 
welcome.
Wolfgang says you may help turn someone on to the fun of Amateur Radio 
by taking part.

--

Wolfgang:  "The League sees it as an opportunity to expose young people 
who may not be exposed any other way to ham radio," Wolfgang says. "And, 
although they may not turn out to be a ham in the next year or two - 
there'll be a time in their life when they'll settle down and may think 
of ham radio as a prospective hobby."

--

For the Amateur Radio Newslline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V.

--

The Jamboree on he Air is a world-wide event.  Scouts may operate for 48 
hours or any part of the time starting on Saturday at 00.00 hours until 
Sunday 24.00 hours local time. For more information visit the Jamboree 
on the Air website. Its in cyberspace at www.scout.org/wse/jota.shtml  
(ARNewsline(tm))

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS: CALIFORNIA IN OCTOBER

Turning to ham radio happenings, the 12th annual Pacificon convention 
takes place October 17th to the 19th, but at a new location.  This year 
the show's venue is the San Ramon Matiott with ARRL 1st Vice President 
Joel Harrisson, W5ZN as the featured banquet speaker.  For more 
information take your web browser to www.pacificon.org or write to 
MDARC, P.O. Box 23222, Pleasant Hill., California.  The zipcode is 94523  
(VHF Reflector)

**

SEMINARS:  WSWSS TO MEET IN CERRITOS CALIFORNIA

And the Western States Weak Signal Society's 9th Annual VHF UHF and 
Microwave Technical Conference takes place on Saturday October 11th.  
The venue is the Sheraton Hotel Towne Center in Cerritos California.  
The gatherng will feature technical seminars covering advanced DX'ing 
and contest techniques on 6 meters and all bands above.  Producer Dave 
Bell, W6AQ, will be this years  featured banquet speaker.  More 
information found on the web at  www.wswss.org .  (WSWSS)

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS:  KALAMAZOO MI IN OCTOBER

And October 12th brings with it the Kalamazoo Hamfest.  This at the 
Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds.  Information on this one is in cyberspace 
at www.kalamazoohamradio.com slash hamfest and kalamazoohamradio is one 
word.  (e-mail)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  UK GOES AFTER PIRATE BROADCASTERS WITH NEW ARREST LAW

If you decide to become a pirate broadcaster in the United Kingdom, 
getting caught will now be allot more than the seizure of your 
transmitting gear.  You will now be going to jail.  Jeramy Boot joins us 
from Nottingham in the U-K with more:

--

New powers of arrest were introduced on the 18th of September in an 
attempt to combat pirate radio stations. The police, working with 
Radiocommunications Agency investigators, will now be able to arrest a 
pirate broadcaster or anybody suspected of supporting or facilitating 
illegal broadcasting.  

Previously police could only detain someone if they suspected them of 
giving a false name and address or another criminal act, such as a 
breach of the peace or assault. The new powers of arrest will also 
extend to acts of deliberate interference with radio communications and 
hoax calls, especially false distress calls. 

The Communications Minister Stephen Timms said: "These new powers will 
be an important weapon in the campaign against pirate broadcasters. By 
interfering with communications services which are vital for public 
safety, pirates can put lives at risk. They also cause interference with 
other licensed radio users and can be a social nuisance to those who 
live near pirate stations."

Jeramy Boot, G4NJH.

--

Unlicensed broadcasters detained under these new U-K powers could face 
an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.  For other transmitting 
offences such as unlicensed use of business, marine, or amateur radio 
station the maximum penalty is a 5000 Pound fine and / or 6 months in 
prison plus forfeiture of any radio gear.  Currently 5000 pounds comes 
out to a bit over 8000 U-S dollars and thats allot of money and jail 
time for talking unlicensed on the air.  (GB2RS)

**

INTERNATIONAL - UK:  UK ISSUING 5 MHZ NOV'S AGAIN

The United Kingdom's Radio Communications Agency says that it will 
resume issuing of 5 MHz Notices of Variation to permit more hams onto 
the band to expand propagation studies.  A United Kingdom  Notice of 
Variation is similar to the FCC's Special Temporary Authority document.  
In this case the privilege is reserved for United Kingdom Full Amateur 
License holders. British Intermediate and Foundation Amateur License 
holders and Short-Wave Listeners are also encouraged to participate in 
the experiment by submitting reception reports or by working on the 
experiment with an Notice of Variation holder.  (GB2RS)

**

INTERNATIONAL  CANADA:  VO1MRC BACK ON 5 MHZ

And the U-K is not the only place where 5 Mhz is making news.  To the 
norrth, V-Oh1-M-R-C, the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland club 
station, has resumed its experimentation on 60 metres.  The permit to 
comtinue comrs as the result of Radio Amateurs of Canada recommending to 
that nations radio regulators to grant a request from the club to 
continue with its work on the 5 MHz band until the end of 2003.  (RAC)

**

INTERNATIONAL - SOUTH AFRICA:  SA AMSAT ISSUES ITS FIRST EZINE

South Africa AMSAT sayys that it has e-mailed its first electronic 
newsletter to its members.  Called S A AMSAT Ezine, the newsletter is 
published in Portable Document File format and is available free of 
charge to South Africa AMSAT members. (ZS6AKV)

**

ON THE AIR:  VICTORY AT SEA - HAM RADIO STYLE

In special events, the museum ship the Cassin Young will accompany the 
USS Constitution as it does its  bi-annual turn around cruise and ham 
radio will be a part of the event.  An Amateur Radio station operating 
as N1S will be on board the Constitution.  There will also have a ham 
station on the pier of the Boston Navy Yard with the callsign N1B.  Also 
on the air will be WW2DD from the Cassin Young and another station on 
board the USS Chaffee.  Operation will be on 40, 20, 17 and 2 meters 
including an AM station around 7 point 290 MHz.  This event is operated 
by members of the USS Cassin Young Radio Club and the USS Salem Radio 
Club.  More information is on the web at www.qsl.net/ww2dd  (W1QWT)

**

ON THE AIR:  THE PA QSO PARTY

Also, word that the Pennsylvania QSO Party is scheduled for October 11 
and 12th.  This year Pittsburgh's Steel City Amateur Radio Club, has 
been selected as the Special Event station for the  annual operation.  
Because of this every contact with W3KWH will bring 200 bonus points.  
More information on the Pennsylvania QSO Party is in cyberspace at the 
website at www.nittany-arc.org/paqso.html . (Via e-mail)

**

DX

In DX, word that G3WQU, is in Timor Leste, formerly East Timor, and 
active again as 4-W-3-C-W.  This, after a break of two and a half 
months. He will be active for about one year and operates CW only on all 
HF bands with 100 watts into a vertical.  (RSGB)

And G3PMR, is active again from Cyprus as 5B4AHJ from now until the 13th 
of December.  QSL via G3PMR, either direct or via the bureau.  (GB2RS)

And mark October 7th to the 12 for the 4M9YY 9th District Venezuela DX-
Pedition.  The Venezuela 9th. District, is a one of most wanted WPX 
prefix's  worldwide and to give out lots of contacts the group will be 
active on all bands and all modes from 160 through 2 meter satellite 
from the city of San Fernando de Apure.  QSL direct with a self 
addressed stamped envelope to the 4M9YY DXpedition, PAKMAIL 10012, 
P.O.BOX: 025304, Miami Florida 33102-5304 in the USA.  More information 
is in cyberspave at www.4m9yy.com.ve  (Via e-mail)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  A NEW RECORD FOR WI-FI

And finaly, a group of researchers in Poland have set a new wireless LAN 
or Wi-Fi record.  Q-News Felix Scerri, VK4FUQ, has the details:

--

Interline Wireless Technology, a Polish company has reportedly set a 
world  record in stretching the range of a Wi-Fi network for an amazing 
110 Kms at  2.4 GHz. They achieved this using an antenna developed by 
them and an  INTEL Wireless Access Point.

The Interline report on their web site www.interline.pl - in Polish - 
seems to show and say that, on their mountain-top site, in what we would 
consider "Amateur Radio" field-day conditions, they generated 500mW into 
a 27dB 1.1m off-axis parabolic section dish. It seems to say that the 
reverse direction from the base station was 6 watts into a 2.4m dish.

--

And it was all done, ham radio style.  (Q-News)

**

NEWSCAST CLOSE

With thanks to Alan Labs, 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. 