[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1453 - June 17, 2005
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Sat Jun 18 08:30:07 EDT 2005
Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1453 - June 17, 2005
The following is a Q-S-T. A Texas congressman says no to cities getting
into the broadband business, the United Telecom Council wants to become the
United States B-P-L database manager and the FCC proposes a $21,000 fine
againt a ham in Maine. Find out who and why on Amateur Radio Newsline
report number 1453 coming your way right now.
**
THE BPL FIGHT: TEXAS CONGRESSMAN WANTS TO PROHIBIT MUNICIPAL OWNED
INTERNET ACCESS
A Texas Congressman has introduced a bill that impose a nationwide ban on
municipally sponsored Internet access networks. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is
in our Los Angeles newsroom with more:
--
The author is Republican Congressman Pete Sessions. He has named the
measure the Preserving Innovation in Telecom Act of 2005.
The primary aim of Sessions bill is to prohibit state and local governments
from providing any telecommunications or information service that is
substantially similar to what is provided by private companies.
The bill, HR 2726, is similar to a host of state measures being pushed by
lobbyists for telecommunications companies aimed at fending off
municipally-run wireless networks like one proposed last year for
Philadelphia. Some of those bills, most recently one in Texas, have been
stalled in state legislatures.
The telecommunications operators say that such government networks pose
unfair competition. The municipalities claim that the services are needed
to promote business and close the gap between those who have digital access
and others who cannot afford the access fees currently charged.
In the war between ham radio and B-P-L this measure could be a double edge
sword. On the surface it would seem to bolster the recent decision by
Nebraska to prohibit their municipal owned electric utilities from getting
into the broadband business. But private utilities might well view it as a
green light by congress to proceed with the roll out of Access B-P-L
technology, knowing that states and cities could not challenge them by
providing alternative services for less money. On this one, we will have
to wait and see.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF.
--
According to Sessions' on-line biography, he is a former employee of
Southwestern Bell and Bell Labs. His bill will first be considered by the
House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (RW OnLine)
**
THE BPL FIGHT: COMMENT DEADLINE SET TO ELECT BPL DATABASE MANAGER
The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology is seeking comments on a
letter submitted by United Telecom Council in which that organization
proposes to serve as the Access Broadband over Power Line Database Manager.
This, in accordance with Section 15 of the Commission's Rules.
As you already know, Access B-P-L equipment injects R-F onto unshielded,
unpaired transmission lines. Because of the ability of these poewer lines
to radiate like giant antennas the technology raises great concerns of
potential interference with incumbent users of the spectrum. This includes
ham radio. It also creates the need for an organization to keep track of
and publicly per-announce and all Access BPL operations and the United
Telecom Council wants that job.
By way of background, the United Telecom Council is a global trade
association for utilities, pipelines, other critical infrastructure
companies and their technology partners. Services it provide range from
enhancing from their members telecommunications and information technology
to supporting members with legal and regulatory services.
Interested parties may file comments on the election of the United Telecom
Council as the Access B-P-L Database Manager on or before June 27th. Reply
comments are due by July 5th. Details may be found at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-1637A1.doc (FCC,
CGC)
**
ENFORCEMENT: NO GPS RETRANSMISSION
The Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau has sent
citations to a group of retailers for selling the a device kbnown as a GPS
re-radiator Antenna. This is a combined an antenna and amplifier which can
either connect directly to a GPS unit and boost the signal, or re-transmit
it. For automotive use, it could be mounted outside the car and
retransmit into the GPS unit inside. I t is this latter mode of operation
that is problematic. This is because GPS operating frequencies fall into
the restricted frequency bands of the FCC's Part 15 rules for unlicensed
intentional radiators. Only low level signals caused spurious emissions
may be unintentionally radiated in these restricted bands. Therefore,
this type of a device could not be in compliance with FCC's rules and
receive a certification grant. (VK4ZZ)
**
ENFORCEMENT: FCC ISSUES A $21, 000 NOTICE OF APPARENT LIABILITY AGAINST
K1MAN
The FCC has issued a $21,000 Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary
Forfeiture to Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, of Belgrade Lakes, Maine. The text Tof
the proposed fine was released to the public on Tuesday, June 14th and cites
Baxter for a number of alleged rules violations. Amateur Radio Newsline's
Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the rest of the story:
--
The FCC allegations of wrong doing by Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, include the
apparent transmission of willful and repeated interference; and willful and
repeated communications in which he had a pecuniary interest. Also charged
is willful and repeated failure to file requested information pursuant to
an Enforcement Bureau directive, broadcasting and failure to exercise
control of his station.
In relation to the broadcasting and pecuniary interest charges, the FCC
cites a December 1, 2004 transmission by K1MAN on 3.975 and 14.275 MHz.
The FCC says that Baxter's station transmitted a pre-recorded program
lasting nearly seventy minutes, which consisted of an interview between
Baxter and one Jeff Owens. The FCC says that the program consisted of a
lengthy broadcast of the telephone interview with Owens where in Baxter
explained that Baxter Associates was a firm that engaged in management
consulting, executive search and executive career management. Also that
Baxter explained the fees involved, explained how Owens could invest in
franchises of Baxter Associates, and how Baxter planned to market the
franchises of Baxter Associates. The FCC asserts that nothing in that
transmission by K1MAN related to Amateur radio and no station call sign was
given until the conclusion of the seventy-minute program.
The proposed fine issued to K1MAN breaks down as follows. $7,000 is being
assessed for willful or malicious interference. Another $3,000 for failure
to file required information, and $3,000 for violation of transmitter
control rulles. The FCC says that there are no base forfeiture amounts for
violations of the rules prohibiting broadcasting or pecuniary interest in
Part 97 of the Commission's rules. However the agency has concludeed that
violations of the Part 97 rules prohibiting broadcasting and the
transmission of any communication in which the operator has a pecuniary
interest are similar to violations of the Commission's requirements
pertaining to broadcasting of lotteries and contests. These carry a base
forfeiture amount of $4,000 for each such
Violation.
In assessing the total proposed fine, the FCC says that it must also take
into account the statutory factors set forth in Section 503 of the
Communications Act. This would include the nature, circumstances, extent,
and gravity of the violations. Also, with respect to the alleged violator,
there is the degree of culpability, and history of prior offenses, ability
to pay, and other such matters as justice may require. Applying this
Forfeiture Policy Statement and the statutory factors, the FCC says that a
$21,000 forfeiture is warranted in Baxter's case. K1MANwas given the usual
30 days to pay or to file an appeal.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, reporting.
--
Interestingly, first news that the June 7th N-A-L was issued did not come
from the FCC. It has a policy that assures the person being served
receives it before it makes the facts public and held release 7 days. In
this case information that he was served came from Baxter himself in a
posting to his www.k1man.com website and a news release received by several
people who forwarded copies to us. It was not until the 14th that it was
posted on the FCC website. By then, K1MAN had posted his reply dated June
12th. In it, Baxter denies any and all allegations of wrong doing, but
provides no evidence on his own behalf. Instead, he goes on the offensive,
claiming that his transmissions are legal and are being jammed by numorous
others. He adds that he plans a vigerous defense.
And in a related development, with Baxter's license up for renewal this
fall, a website has been established to collect signatures and information
that will force the FCC to hold a public hearing on the matter. I'ts in
cyberspace at http://no2k1man.com/NOTOK1MAN_post.htm (FCC, ARNewslineT)
**
EFORCEMENT NEEDED: FLOATING FREEBAND REPEATER ON 27.620
If you hear what sounds like a repeater outputting in the spectrum between
the 11meter class D citizens band and the 10 meter ham band, its not an
illusion. Rather it appears to be the creation of some enterprising
Freebanders who are operating this latest, unlicensed repeater. Henry
Feinberg, K2SSQ, has more:
--
According to several reports received by Newsline, and others posted to
various Internet websites, the system in question outputs on 27.620 MHz F-
M. It also seems to be located not far from Pennsylvania's eastern most
border.
But there is the interesting part. While its not yet been verified, the
word on the street is that the input kind of floats around the low end of
the 10 meter ham band. There is some speculation that the operators of
this repeater monitor the input frequency and move it when ham radio
operators running legal high power Morse come on the air on top of it. At
least there have been reports of strange announcements which may be
information to users as to where the input will next be found.
One Internet post describes this machine as one of a new breed of Freeband
roving repeater of the type first noticed in the St. Louis area about two
years ago. That is, those who run these systems are physically moving the
frequencies and the geographic location of the machine to avoid detection
by ham radio T-Hunt squads and the FCC.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ.
--
This is just the latest report in a string of 11 meter repeaters that go
way back to the learly 1970's. This, when Freebanders - then called H-
F'ers -- began tying together old crystal controlled 11 meter A-M
transceivers as repeaters. Most had outputs on channel 1 or 2 and inputs
on channel 40 or above. None worked very well and most were soon
abandoned. (ARNewslineT from listener reports and Internet reports)
**
ON THE AIR: MINNESOTA REPEATER TO GOING QRT
A long established upper mid-West repeater has decided to call it quits.
Janet Robidoux, K0JE, the trustee of Minnesota's Twin Town Repeater reports
that the system bearing that call will fall silent on September 1st.
Writing in the latest HandiHams newsletter, Robidoux notes that the club
has operated the repeater for 22 years but in recent times it has become
increasingly difficult to maintain the system. This, owing to the distance
to the repeater site from where the license holder lives.
Robidoux says that the Minnesota Repeater Council will be re-assigning the
147.39 frequency pair to the Dakota county RACES group. The trustee of that
system is identified as Bob Kaliszewski, KC0FMI. (Handi Ham Newsletter)
**
RADIO LAW: FM CHANGES CONSIDERED
The FCC is considering several changes to FM allocation rules in response
to a petition by First Broadcasting. Some broadcasters have characterized
certain rules as cumbersome. One of the most significant changes would
classify a change of community of license as a minor change in an
application filing. (RW OnLine)
**
HAM HAPPENINGS: ARRL & TAPER DIGITAL CONFERENCE
Technical papers are being solicited for presentation at the 24th Annual
ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference for publication in the
Conference Proceedings. The conference is slated to be held September 23d
to the 25th in Santa Ana, California. Presentation at the conference is not
required for publication.
Submission of papers are due by August 9th, 2005 and should be sent to Maty
Weinberg, ARRL, 225 Main Street, Newington, Connecticut, 06111. E-mail
submissions go to maty at arrl.org (ARRL)
**
SOCIAL SCENE: LIMARC IN NY IN SEPTEMBER
And the famed Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club will host it's annual
Long Island Hamfair & Electronics Show on Sunday Sept 25th. The venue will
be Briarcliffe College, in the town of Bethpage, New York with gates
opening for buyers at 8:30 a.m. local Eastern time. More information is
on-line at www.limarc.org/fest (LIMARC)
**
THE FINAL FRONTIER: BIAKONUR AT 50
The presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan recently celebrated the 50th
anniversary of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. As part of the celebration,
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakh counterpart, Nursultan
Nazarbayev, toured an assembly and testing plant on the Soviet-built site
on the isolated steppes of western Kazakhstan.
Initially designed as a testing ground for a top-secret Soviet ballistic
missile program, Baikonur was a key site in Moscow's space race with the
United States in the 1950s and 1960s and saw many historic firsts in
exploration. This included the launch of first Sputnik and the first
cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961. There is belief in some quarters that
Gagarin was a ham and held the call sign UA1LO, but this has never been
proven or disproved.
Kazakhstan inherited the cosmodrome after the collapse of the Soviet Union
in 1991. Russia now uses Baikonur, its sole launch site for manned space
missions, under a lease agreement. For the past two years, Baikonur has
been the only gateway to the international space station since the U.S.
space shuttle fleet was grounded after Columbia disintegrated during its
return to Earth. (Published reports)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: SSETI EXPRESS TO LAUNCH AUGUST 25TH
The launch date for SSETI Express and three Cubesats has now been confirmed
as August 25th with the 26th as a back-up date. The satellite has now
completed all its pre-launch tests and is presently back in the clean room
where everything is having a final checkout and where the Cubesats are
being loaded into their launchers.
Current plans call for the satellite to be packed and ready for dispatch to
the launch site during the last week of June. Once launched, SSETI Express
will automatically downlink general telemetry in the 70 centimeter band.
(AMSAT)
**
WORLDBEAT _ AUSTRALIA: CBERS ASK HAMS TO HELP FIND JAMMER
Australian CB operators have asked the assistance of the ham radio
commununity in trtacking down a jammer. The Queensland Coordinator for the
Australian Citizens Radio Emergency Monitor has asked for help, and in n
particular from the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club in tracking down the
location of a person causing severe disruptions to the operations to an
emergency repeater. (WIA)
**
WORLDBEAT - AUSTRALIA: SSTV INTEREST GROWS
Interest in Slow Scan Television is continuing in VK7. Activity has now
migrated to the 2Metre Band with VK7EM, VK7WP and VK7YBI taking part using
the ISSTV Gate of VK7AX. Current testing is on the frequency of 146.500.
The move will be made to 145.625 once initial testing is complete. (WIA)
**
WORLDBEAT - CANADA: IC LOOKS AT ACREDITED EXAMINERS
Up to the north, Industry Canada has been working hard at validating and
updating its index of Accredited Examiners. While the work is ongoing,
the latest list is now available on the Radio Amateurs of Canada web site.
It has been sorted by province, city, and last name. (RAC)
**
WORLDBEAT-CANADA: A NEW SMALLWOOD TROPHY
And theres a new Smalwood Trophy. According to the Society of Newfoundland
Radio Amateurs which is the custodian and administrator, this is an award
given annually to the top-scoring Newfoundland and Labrador entry in ARRL
Field Day..
Well, the club says that the original Smallwood Trophy has served it well
for forty years, but it has seen better days. So a new trophy has been
built to replace the original. It will be on permanent public display,
with a memorial plaque provided to each year's winner annually starting now
in 2005. (RAC)
**
DX
In D-X we have some special commemorative stations to report. The first is
W9R is operating from Chicago, Illinois, from 18th to 22th June to
celebrate Rotary's 100th anniversary. Look for W9R on or around 14.293,
21.310 and 28.560 MHz around thje clock. A certificate will be available to
all who contact the station. (GB2RS)
And TM6ACO is active until 19th of June. This to commemorate the 73rd
annual 24-hour Le Mans race. This includes a 24-hour operation during the
race on 18th and 19th.
This is the 54th year that radio amateurs are activating a special event
station in connection with yhis event. Callsigns since 1952 have been
F3YE, F3XC, F8GE, F6KFI, TV6ACO and TM6ACO. Those who have contacted any of
these stations over at least three years can apply for an award. (GB2RS)
In other D-X news, XU7TZG has been active from Cambodia this on 15 and 20
metres SSB. Hes been heard between 07.30 and 16.00 UTC. QSL as directed on
the air. (OPDX)
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: SHOCK-JOCKS DECLARE WAR ON TV NEWS IN THE BIG APPLE
And finally this week there is a saying in the television news gathering
business that you only need to set up a camera in a public place to draw
the oddest people out in the open. And T-V viewers in New York got to see
just that when radio shock-jocks Opie and Anthony turned up in the
background of live news shots. Evie Simons is in the Big Apple with more:
--
The incidents are part of a disruption campaign launched by XM Radio ahock-
jocks Gregg "Opie" Hughes and Anthony Cumia. This has forced local news
producers to end live reports early, and to take other precautions to keep
the duo and their supporters off the air.
For example, on Tuesday, June 6th WABC television's Marcus Solis was
ambushed while reporting on the rape that took place in Hunters Point,
Queens. As Solis delivered his live introduction, a man and woman ran
behind him carrying an Opie and Anthony sign while shouting the jocks
names. Rather than deal with the interllopers, WABC never went back to
Solis for a reporter tag after his taped report. Also hit was WNBC
television's Pat Battle. She had an Opie and Anthony disciple descend on
her live report on a shark attack from the Jersey shore.
According to the New York Daily News, this campaign seems to have no other
purpose than to boost the visibility of the Opie and Anthony Show which now
airs as a premium service on XM Satellite Radio. The pair moved there
after being fired by WNEW for encouraging a couple to have relations in
St. Patrick's Cathedral.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Evi Simons, where its all happening,
right here in New York.
--
And its likely not over yet. This is because of a website that gives those
planning such stunts some on-line instructions on how to pull off the
prank. (NY Daily News, listener reports)
**
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 W-I-A 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 2005 Amateur Radio Newsline
Young Ham of the Year Award closes on June 30th. That's only about 1 «
weeks from now. If you know a young ham you feel deserves to receive this
award, the why not nominate that person right now. Full details along with
downloadable and on-line nominating forms are at the awards website at
www.yhoty.org. Just click on 2005 Nominations at the top of the page.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Jim Meachen,
ZL2BHF, in Auckland, New Zealand, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening." Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2005. All rights
reserved.
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