[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1396 - May 14, 2004

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Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1396 ­ May 14,  2004

The following is a Q-S-T.  Hamvention 2004 is opening and B-P-L is still in 
the news.  Find out the details on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 
1396 coming your way right now.

**

HAMVENTION COVERAGE

The 2004 Dayton Hamvention is about to open its doors. One of this year's 
Hamvention themes is going back to the future. Our producer Bill Pasternak, 
WA6ITF, flew in a few days early to find out what it really means for those 
who will be attending the show.

-- AUDIO --

Bill, Mark Abramowicz NT3V and yours truly will all be at Hamvention to 
bring you all the highlights on next week's Amateur Radio Newsline report.

**

B-P-L EXPECTED TO DRAW ATTENTION AT DAYTON

While the latest in ham gear is certain to be grab the interest of most of 
those attending this year's Dayton Hamvention, the topic of Broadband Over 
Power Lines internet access is likely to be on the lips of many. Amateur 
Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz, N-T-3-V has more...

-- While not much has happened in the past week on the B-P-L issue, look 
for lots of discussion on the Dayton Hamvention floor. You can expect to 
see American Radio Relay League President Jim Haynie W-5-J-B-P in the 
middle of it.

We told you here on Amateur Radio Newsline two weeks ago of Haynie's call 
to arms and his direct appeal to President Bush to abandon support for 
B-P-L technology.

Haynie is convinced Bush has been misled by his advisors. He and A-R-R-L's 
Washington corps have asked for a meeting with the president. There's 
nothing new to report on that front.

But Haynie says it's important for the ham community to continue to make 
its voice heard by writing to the White House, your congressman and your 
senator about B-P-L. Even though the Federal Communications Commission 
turned down the A-R-R-L's request to extend the May 3 deadline for comments 
on B-P-L, Haynie says there are still ways to be heard.

The A-R-R-L's website (www.arrl.org) has helpful tips on writing that 
letter or e- mail or picking up the phone and calling your representative 
in Washington.

Meanwhile, the FCC is now studying the National Telecommunications and 
Information Agency report on B-P-L. And while the glowing press release put 
out by N-T-I-A touted the possibilities of B-P-L, the technical data in the 
report presents another picture.

And that picture is anything but fuzzy. N-T-I-A cites major interference 
concerns and suggests the methods used to measure B-P-L interference are 
inadequate.

It also cites worries B-P-L signals could affect aircraft operations and 
suggests more stringent measurement standards and interference mitigation 
techniques need to be explored.

Could that B-P-L fast-track train be slowing? No one is willing to 
speculate on that, especially since President Bush and F-C-C Chairman 
Michael Powell appear to be on the same page in their push for deployment 
of B-P-L.

Could the F-C-C be convinced to wait for the next N-T-I-A report and table 
the issue for a few months? No one knows how to read the tea leaves in 
Washington.

Tune in weekly to Amateur Radio Newsline and we'll keep you on top of the 
issue with the very latest news and views of those close to the B-P-L 
issue.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in Philadelphia. 
--

And look for Mark's report on the B-P-L buzz and other topics from the 
Hamvention floor during our special program next week produced in Dayton.

**

Ham radio did all it could to help save the life of a stricken runner at a 
recent foot race in Indianapolis.  Jack Parker, W-8-I-S-H, has the details:

-- AUDIO --

Thanks Jack.

**

The FCC says that it has minor amendments to various Amateur Radio rules. A 
bulletin from the ARRL highlights some of them including the most 
significant one. It involved revising the wording of Section 97.307(d), 
which defines spurious emissions. The updated language imposes a slightly 
higher standard on newer transmitters or amplifiers of any power level.

The FCC also has redefined what constitutes an Amateur Radio operator to 
reflect the advent of the Universal Licensing System electronic licensee 
database. The current rule defines an amateur operator as "a person holding 
a written authorization to be the control operator of an amateur station." 
Under the revised Section 97.3(a)(1) an amateur operator is "a person named 
in an amateur operator/primary license station grant on the U-L-S 
consolidated licensee database to be the control operator of an amateur 
station."

The FCC made these and several other regulatory changes on its own motion 
rather than in reaction to any petitions. The decision appeared May 5 in 
the Federal Register. The changes become effective June 1st.


**

ENFORCEMENT:  CONVICTED MURDERER LOOSES HAM TICKET

A ham serving a prison sentence for the murder of his wife has had his 
Amateur license revoked.  Roger Thomas Scaggs, the now ex-W5EBC, had his 
ticket pulled after the FCC determined that he no longer holds the 
requisite requirements to remain a Commission licensee.

On March 6, 1996 Scaggs was convicted of murder in the death of Penny 
Scaggs, his wife of thirty-five years.  The court record in that case 
showed that Scaggs beat his wife to death with a galvanized lead pipe and 
then stabbed her several times.   He was sentenced to a prison term of 
thirty-two years and fined ten thousand dollars.

The Commission says that its character policies provide that any felony 
conviction is a matter predictive of licensee behavior and is directly 
relevant to the functioning of the Commission's regulatory mission.   It 
says that Scaggs conviction mandates the conclusion that he does not 
possess the requisite qualifications to be or remain a Commission licensee 
and that his license should be revoked.

**

ENFORCMENT:  NO FISHING COMS HERE

The owners of four trucking companies, two seafood companies and one 
fishing boat have all been cited by the FCC for operating without a license 
on amateur frequencies. According to the C-Q magazine website, three of the 
trucking companies are in North and South Carolina and the fourth is in 
Idaho.  They were allegedly operating on 10 meters.  The fishing boats are 
in the Pacific Northwest, purportedly using the 2 meter band.

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC AGAIN WRITES TO K1MAN

The FCC has again written to Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, and the commissions note 
has both good and bad news for the Belgrade Lakes, Maine radio amateur.  On 
the positive side, the April 14th letter informs K1MAN that a review of his 
transmissions indicates that he is complying with the Amateur Service 
regulations regarding broadcasting and bulletins and station control.

The negative?  The FCC alleges that K1MAN is in violation of rules 
regarding use of his Amateur station for pecuniary interest and those 
regarding deliberate interference to ongoing communications.

Also, the letter again told Baxter that his "felony affidavit complaints" 
will not be accepted by the regulatory agency.  He was also reminded that 
all frequencies in the Amateur Radio Service are shared.  No frequency is 
assigned for the exclusive use of any station, and that Baxter's station 
has no greater rights to a frequency at any particular time than does any 
other Amateur station.

**

ENFORCEMENT: CONSERVATIVE GROUP CALLS ON CONGRESS TO REPRIMAND FCC

A faith based group is chiding the FCC for not acting more decisively in 
getting dirty words off the public airwaves.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Jim 
Davis, W-2-J- K-D, has more:

--

AUDIO

--

Focus on the Family was founded by Dr. James Dobson, whose  commentaries 
are heard on radio stations world-wide.

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC CHAIRMAN DOES NOT SUPPORT REVOKING BROADCAST LICENSES

F-C-C chairman Michael Powell says he doesn't support legislation that 
would pull a broadcast station license after a third indecency 
violation.  He is not opposed to high fines to get the attention of 
broadcasters who step across the indecency line.

Speaking at the recent National Association of Broadcasters convention in 
Las Vegas, Powell suggested that he would support extending indecency 
regulations beyond over-the-air broadcasting to other media, such as cable 
and satellite broadcasts, but only if the FCC is given approval by 
Congress.

Powell labels as a "red herring" a proposal by Viacom president Mel 
Karmazin for more specific decency guidelines. Viacom owns C-B-S.  That's 
the network which aired the controversial Super Bowl half-time show with 
rock star Janet Jackson.

**

RESCUE RADIO:  EMERGENCY TRAINING IN KANSAS

A day-long program on Amateur Radio emergency communications will take 
place Saturday, July 24, 9 AM in Kansas.  This, at The Salvation Army, 420 
E Santa Fe, Olathe which is 15 miles southwest of Kansas City.

According to the ARRL Letter, the day begins with "New Ham Orientation," 
sponsored by Johnson County Amateur Radio Emergency Service. This session 
will provide an overview of ARES and explain how amateurs can get involved. 
Following a lunch break the Kansas Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio 
Network will sponsor an ARRL Emergency Communications seminar.

Seats are limited. For additional information contact June Jeffers, KB0WEQ, 
by e- mail to kssatern at att.net or call area code 913-856-8674 during normal 
business hours, Central time.

* *

HAM RADIO CONFERENCES: CSVHFS IN CANADA IN JULY

More information is now available on the upcoming Central States V-H-F 
Conference that has been mailed out and also posted to the conference 
website. Included are the latest highlights of conference plans, border 
crossing tips and Canadian currency tips.  Also posted is the 2004 
President's Message along with last years Noise Figure Measurement Test 
results and the Antenna Test Range results.

The conference is scheduled for July 22nd to the 25th at the Delta 
Meadowvale Resort & Conference Center in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.  All 
the latest is in cyberspace at www.csvhfs.org and the Ontario VHF 
Association's page at www.ovhfa.com.  We hope that you have a great time.

(Peter Shilton VE3AX)

**

RADIO LAW:  SAN DIEGO TV SHOP OWNER CONVICTED

Here's the kind of a story you probably have not heard of in years.  How 
about a T-V repair shop owner convicted of duping his customers.  Jim 
Meachen, Zed-L- 2-B-H-F, has the rest of the story:

-- AUDIO --

The store owner pleaded guilty to ten criminal counts, including grand 
theft, forgery, fraud and false advertising.

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY:  DTV AT A SNAILS PACE

The General Accounting Office has issued a report saying that more than 80 
percent of Americans are either unaware or only "somewhat aware" of the 
transition to digital television signals.  They are also unaware that 
Congress plans to sell the analog spectrum that will become available when 
TV stations convert from analog to digital.

Lawmakers are counting on the money to help balance the budget. However, 
the digital transition may be years away unless more consumers start buying 
digital TVs to receive the new signals.  Current sales of those expensive 
digital sets appear to be fairly flat at best.

**


WORLDBEAT - ALBANIA:  NEWS FROM ALBANIA

Turning to news from around the world, many noticed the signals from OH2BH 
and OH2PM bouncing in from Albania not long ago.  In fact, the pair made 
some 6000 QSOs while visiting that nation.  They were also there to remind 
the world of Amateur Radio about it's  shared responsibility to help those 
in need.  You are welcome to join this effort by making your old gear 
active from Albania.  For U.S. tax payers, your donations can be processed 
by the Northern California DX Foundation.  Contact W6OSP by e-mail to 
w6osp at aol.com for details.

**

WORLDBEAT - CANADA:  SOME RAC APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED

Radio Amateurs of Canada's Board of Directors has approved Eric Ferguson, 
V-E- 3-C-R, as the organizations new Treasurer.  This, for the term ending 
Dec 31st, 2005.  Feguson comes to Radio Amateurs of Canada with extensive 
banking experience at the Executive level at a major Canadian bank.

The Board of Directors has approved Dave Goodwin, V-Oh-1-A-U, as the 
Director for Radio Amateurs of Canada's Atlantic Region.  Goodwin will 
complete the term of David Nimmo, VE1NN, who resigned in early March.

**

WORLDBEAT - UK:  NEW 6 METER BEACON ON THE AIR

And members of the United Kingdom's Blacksheep Contest Group have activated 
a new 6 meter propagation beacon located near the city of Hertfordshire, in 
grid square IO91.  This, as a replacement for the GB3NHQ beacon which 
closed down some years ago.

The new GB3BAA beacon became operational on 50.016 MHz at 15:10 UTC on 
April 20th, and ground-wave reception reports from Normandy and northern 
England have already been received.  Further reports would be most welcome, 
and should be sent to Mr. I. Phillips, G0RDI, by e-mail to gb3baa at 77hz.com

**

DX

In DX, 3-B-9-F-R has been heard operating from Rodrigues Island on 10 meter 
FM.  He was heard on the worldwide calling frequency of 29.600 MHz between 
1200 and 1400 U-T-C, working Europe.

Also heard on is A-P-2-J-Z-B in Pakistan.  He was monitored on 12 and 17 
meters SSB.  Watch 24.955 MHz after 0930 U-T-C and also around 18.110 MHz 
after 1445 UTC.  QSL direct to the operators call directory address.

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  WHO INVENTED THE SCANNER RADIO - REDUX

And finally this week, an update on our recent story of who really invented 
the first scanner radio.  We previously reported that a group of broadcast 
engineers working at Cape Canaveral during the early days of the space race 
developed the first scanner radio.  This, so that the late NBC newsman Roy 
Neal, K-6-D-U-E, could know when a launch was going to take place.

Well, that is quite true but Harvey Cronen, a S-W-L who is one of our 
listeners in New Jersey has some further information.  He says that 
musician and inventor Raymond Scott is the person who holds a patent on at 
least one form of automatic scanning radio.

Harvey sent us a web link to a site that chronicles the life of 
Scott.  While he is best known as the orchestra leader on the early NBC 
television show  "Your Hit Parade" and as the husband of the late 
songstress Dorothy Collins, there was another side to Raymond Scott that 
few in the public knew about.  It is all on the website and it is there 
where it says that Scott actually patented a broadcast band radio receiver 
which tunes in on stations around the country and changes frequency by 
itself at any given interval.  This, says the website, permitted Scott to 
catch most of the nations disc-jockey shows in a brief span and find out 
what tunes are being played.

There is lots of truly fascinating information at this very 
informative  website about Raymond Scott, his life, his inventions that 
impacted on the worlds of recording and communications as well as his 
music.  It is well worth visiting at www.raymondscott.com.

**

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.

A reminder that the nominating period for the 2004 Amateur Radio Newsline 
Young Ham of the Year Award is now on.  This program is open to any FCC 
licensed young radio amateur age 18 or younger residing in the contiguous 
48 states and who has made a significant contribution to the community, the 
nation or ham radio though the United States Amateur Radio Service.

More information and a downloadable on-line nominating form is at our 
website. That's in cyberspace at www.arnewsline.org.  The cutoff for 
nominations this year is midnight on Tuesday, June 31st.

Next week, a full wrap-up on Hamvention 2004 which is opening as this 
newscast goes to air.  For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors 
desk, I'm Don Wilbanks, AE5DW saying 73 and we thank you for 
listening."  Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2004.  All rights 
reserved.