[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline - January 20, 2006

Fri Jan 20 18:00:04 EST 2006

Amateur Radio Newsline - January 20, 2006

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1484 with a release date of Friday, 
January 20, 2006 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.   

**

ON THE AIR:  3Y0X D-XPEDITION TEAM READY

A major D-Xpedition to one of the worlds most sought after and hardest to 
reach locations is in the final planning stages.  The location is Peter One 
Island nest the South Pole.  Callsign of the operation is 3Y0X.  Chris 
Edmondson, VK4AA, is down-under with the details:

--

A team of radio hams are going to great lengths to be on the air from a  
remote Antarctic island called Peter I.

The expedition might as well be going to another planet: Peter I is one of 
the hardest places on the globe to reach, an uninhabited, volcanic island 
about 280 miles west of the Antarctic mainland.

Two previous amateur radio expeditions landed on Peter I, most recently in 
1994. The current group hopes to connect with 100,000 amateur radio 
operators around  the globe.

 They know it won't be easy.

"Let me put it this way: It's not like going on a vacation to Disney 
World,"  says Al Hernandez, 58, a Melbourne engineer.

A trip to Disney World might be expensive, but it's much cheaper than this  
venture's price: half a million dollars.

Peter I was discovered in the 1820s by a Russian explorer who named it 
after Peter the Great. About 100 years later, a Norwegian explorer made the 
first  landing on the island.

"It's a very, very difficult place to get to."

It will take eight days for the group to reach Peter I. A series of flights 
and boat rides will whisk the team to Chile to King George Island and 
finally to Peter I. The sea voyage alone will last about four days.

But because walls of ice surround the island, Peter I is inaccessible by 
ship. So from the vessel, the team members will fly in by helicopter -- and 
they might have to wait a few days to do that.

At this time of year on Peter I, the temperature can range from a few 
degrees below zero to a balmy 30F during the day.

Once the team reaches Peter I, the helicopter will make 50 round trips to 
deliver radio equipment, as well as generators, tables, chairs, food, 
kitchen  supplies and other items that will sustain group members. They're 
even bringing a bread maker, mainly for the comforting and morale-boosting 
smell of baking bread. It's a 15-ton bar-b-que.

The team will set up camp on top of the glacier, a few hundred feet above 
sea level. They will sleep in cold-weather-rated sleeping bags tucked 
inside  insulated tents. For safety reasons, generators will not heat their 
sleeping quarters.

 Haveing completed their mission in a window of 21/2 weeks, they will pack 
 up everything -- including waste -- and return to the ship.

 "We don't leave anything behind but our footprints," Hernandez says.

I'm Chris Edmondson, VK4AA and VK3CE.

--

And late word is that the D-Xpedition has made recipient of a substantial 
grant by the ARRL Colvin Award. This is a DX'ing support program 
established in 1994 after the passing of famed DXer Lloyd Colvin, W6KG.  
The ARRL administers the Colvin Award program.  The 3Y0X team plans to 
activate Peter 1 island for two weeks in early February, weather 
permitting.  (WIA News)

**

RADIO LAW:  UK CONCERNED ABOUT UWB IMPACT ON HAM RADIO

Concern over the introduction of Ultra Wide Band technology or U-W-B in the 
U-K.  This as the Radio Society of Great Britain, the UK Microwave Group 
and  AMSAT-UK publish a joint response to European plans to allocate 
spectrum space to the new technology and its impact on ham radio in that 
nation.   Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, is here with more:

--

UWB.  This is a wireless version of the popular USB technology that is used 
to connect devices such as mice and keyboards to computers.

 UWB is unlike other radio technologies in that it generates short pulses 
made up of lots of frequencies, rather than modulating a signal on a 
particular carrier frequency. This approach, known as carrier-free radio, 
allows massive amounts of information to be transferred quickly.

However, there are serious concerns that the technology could  threaten the 
amateur microwave bands, especially if it were used outdoors as an 
alternative to wireless network technologies like Wi-Fi.

In the response, the RSGB and its partners wrote: "We recognize that UWB 
short-range links will have a useful role and observe that UWB vendors are 
exerting considerable pressure for UWB's adoption. We stress that UWB must 
fully comply with the International Radio Regulations and that all such 
devices must operate on a non-protected, non-interference basis."

Under a draft ECC Decision, the European Union suggested that UWB 
transmissions would principally be in the 3.1-10.6GHz range. This range 
encompasses a number of amateur radio and amateur satellite service bands, 
creating the possibility of interference.

The RSGB and its partners are therefore calling for the technology to 
include masking to protect the amateur bands. "In order to protect our 
services (notably in the 3.40-3.41GHz band) we urge the adoption of the 
mask proposals without due concession to UWB proponents," they wrote in 
their response.

The RSGB and its partners are also worried that the ECC Draft Decision has 
underestimated the amount of outdoor UWB usage that will take place and 
have urged that "to avoid harmful interference, it is important to minimize 
the outdoor activity of UWB."

Im G4NJH in Nottingham.
--

Despite their concerns, the three ham radio groups do urge the adoption of 
U-W-B, but subject to reservations at 3.4GHz and for outdoor usage.  
(GB2RS)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  KC5ACR FIRST TO MAKE WAC ON 450  FROM SPACE

A big success for a ham radio operator in space.  This, as Bill McArthur, 
KC5ACR, makes good in working all continants on the 70 Centimeter band and 
becomes the irst ever to do so.  Take a listen:

--

Actuality sound of space audio.

--

That noisy audio was McArthur over the United States Pacific South-Wast on 
Saturday, January 14th.  Not long after Z-S-6-T-W posted to the I-S-S Fan 
Club website that McArthur had completed a sweep of all continents on the 
439 MHz band. 

This is the first time an space station crew member has worked all 7 
continents on U-H-F.  McArthur had previously worked all continents on 2 
meters to become the second I-S-S crew member to complete that feat.  The 2 
meter honor goes to Mike Fincke worked all 7 continents on 145 MHz during 
his tour as Science Officer on Expedition 9.  QSL information for Bill 
McArthur is on-line at http://www.rac.ca/ariss/oindex.htm#QSL's     (N5VHO, 
Audio recorded off-air by ARNewslineT)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  SUIT-SAT TO BE ORBITED FEBRUARY 2

Get ready for SuitSat, the most unusual Amateur Radio satellite ever 
orbited.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW picks up the story 
from here:

--

SuitSat is an Amateur Radio station that has been installed inside a 
surplus Russian space suit.  It will become an independently orbiting ham 
radio satellite once it is deployed by the crew of the International Space 
Station.  This will happen during an extra vehicular activity tentatively 
planned for February 2nd.

The idea for SuitSat was first conceived by the ARISS-Russia team, led by 
Sergey Samburov, RV3DR.  It was then extensively discussed at the joint 
International Partner meeting in October 2004.  Hardware project 
development was led by AMSAT's  Lou McFadin, W5DID.  

Once on-orbit it will use the call sign R0ORS.  The station will broadcast 
telemetry and re-recorded voice messages to earth for as long as the 
batteries last.  That's now estimated to be only several days.  

All transmissions will be on 145.990 MHz FM.  Anyone with a simple 
FM ham radio transceiver or even a scanner radio should be able to hear the 
signals from SuitSat as it orbits around the earth 15 times a day.  

It should be noted that 145.990 MHz is the world wide packet uplink 
frequency for ham radio in space operations.  Because of this SuitSat 
planners have requested that all packet operations on that frequency be 
suspended for the duration of the SuitSat transmissions.

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

--

According to a posting at the AMSAT website, one of the reasons Russia was 
interested in developing SuitSat was as an on-orbit commemoration of the 
175th anniversary of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University.  This is 
the school from which many of the engineers in the Russian Space Agency 
graduated. As a result, the Russian-generated voice messages include 
congratulatory comments to the university.  More information on SuitSat and 
its operation is on line at www.amsat.org/amsat-
ew/articles/BauerSuitsat/index.php
(AMSAT, VHF Reflector, others)

**

RESCUE RADIO:  HAMS IN AID TO MINE DISASTER VICTUM

The owner of Northside Radio Supply in Racine, Wisconsin, is urging others 
in the radio supply industry to send donations of support to the family of 
recovering miner Randal McCloy, KC8VKZ.  In a posting on the QRZ.com 
website, business owner John Praeger, N9WWR, says that Northside Radio 
Supply is issuing a challenge to all of the advertisers on QRZ and ham 
radio suppliers to join the ham community in aiding a fellow ham and family 
that are in need. 

As previously reported, Randal McCloy, KC8VKZ,  was the sole survivor of an 
explosion at a coal mine in Simpson, West Virginia that claimed the lives 
of 12 of his fellow workers.  He is currently in Ruby Memorial Hospital in 
Morgantown, West Virginia.  Doctors there say that his overall condition is 
improving but there is no firm prognosis on the time it will take to fully 
recover from his injuries.  

Since the disaster there has been an outpouring of support for KC8VKZ and 
the McCloy family.  It started as an impromptu get-well QSL card campaign 
on QRZ.com and other ham radio websites.  It has blossomed into a full 
fledged on-air and Internet support crusade for the family.  

As there is no central fund set up and there have been news reports of 
scammers sending out bogus e-mail seeking donations, the safest way to 
assist is direct.  Get well wishes and donations should be sent to Randal L 
McCloy, Jr, at his callbook address of PO BOX 223, Philippi, West Virginia.  
The zipcode is 26435

Meantime, John Praeger, N9WWR ends his QRZ.com posting with some words that 
truly bear repeating.  We quote:  "May God bless Randal and his family 
along with the grieving community that was part of this tragic event."  
(ARNewslineT, QRZ.com)

**

RESCUE RADIO:  HELP FIND GERALD ELLIS, KA0DJP

A request for assistance in the search for a missing Missouri ham radio 
operator. Gerald Ellis, KA0DJP, of was last seen leaving his home in the 
town of Pevely on the morning of Friday, January 13th and hasn't been seen 
since.  

According to Jeff Hargiss, KC9FAT, Ellis was on his way to Hardee's at Hwy 
55 in Festus, Missouri to meet some friends for breakfast.  He was driving 
a 1995 Red Dodge Dakota extended cab pickup truck with Missouri Handicap 
Plate 67G1.

If you have any information on Ellis where-abouts you are urged to call the 
Pevely Police Department at 636- 475-5301 or the Missouri State Highway 
Patrol at 314-340-4000.  A photo of Gerald Ellis is on-line at 
www.160group.net/geraldellis  (KC9FAT, KB0RQJ, others)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  STAY OFF THOSE REPEATERS

The FCC has told Thomas W. Morgan, KA7HRO, of Mesa, Arizona, to stay off of 
a local repeater system.  In a letter dated last December 13th, the FCC 
notes that the Arizona Repeater Association requested in writing on 
November 29, 2005 that Morgan refrain from use of their 9 repeaters. Their 
letter was issued as a result of Morgan's alleged failure to follow 
operational rules set forth by the repeater licensee and control operators.  

The letter from the FCC to Morgan notes that he had been previously 
requested verbally to refrain from using the systems, but he has apparently 
ignored both the verbal and written requests.  The letter goes on to warn 
Morgan that he must abide by the request to stay off the Arizona Repeater 
Association system and any other such request made by a repeater licensee, 
control operator or trustee.  

He was then warned not to use the repeaters again after receipt of the 
FCC's letter to him.  He was told that the regulatory agency will initiate 
enforcement action against his license if he does.  This could include 
revocation of his license or a fine ranging between $7,500 to $10,000.

Morgan was given the customary 20 days to respond.  That time period has 
now passed.  (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  NO TECHS ON 20 METERS

The FCC enforcement team has also written to a Florida ham regarding his 
alleged operation on 20 meters while holding only a Technician Class 
ticket.  Christopher L. Lane, KF4WOM, of Vero Beach was told in a December 
20th letter that information before the Commission indicates that on 
November 30, 2005, that he operated on 14.072 MHz which is  a frequency not 
allocated to Technician Class operators.  

The FCC letter to Lane noted that such operation may reflect adversely on 
his qualifications to retain an Amateur Radio license.  He was also advised 
that any additional incidents of out-of-band operation may lead to 
revocation of his license or a monetary forfeiture.  He was also told that 
no renewal or upgrade application of his license would be granted until 
this matter is resolved.   (FCC)

**

RADIO LAW:  CAL CITY TOLD IT CANNOT REGULATE BASED ON AESTHETICS

A federal appeals panel has overturned a La Canada - Flintridge, 
California, ordinance limiting construction of cellular antennas based on 
aesthetics.  The decision by the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals 
on Tuesday, January 17th  said that the city overstepped its authority in 
enacting its ban. 

The appeal stems from a lawsuit Sprint PCS filed against the city after two 
of five applications it filed in late 2001 and early 2002 were rejected.  
In refusing to issue the permits, the city council cited a municipal 
ordinance enacted in 2001 permitting the city to reject the cell sites 
based on aesthetic reasons along.  And in refusing Sprint the access it 
desired the city stated the antennas were out of character for the 
neighborhoods where they were proposed and would draw attention in a 
negative manner. 

After finding it impossible to work out a compromise, Sprint took the 
matter into the courts.  Now, in a 3 to noting ruling, the 9th Circuit Court 
found that the city's ordinance is preempted by state law, which gives 
telecommunications companies broad authority to construct telephone lines 
and other fixtures along public roads and highways, provided they do not 
interfere with public use of the thoroughfares. 

According to the court, state law limits cities the power to regulate 
cellular antennas and other telephone fixtures only as related to their 
functional aspects.  It does not extend the right of regulation to 
aesthetic issues.  

What effect this decision might have on case law involving other services  
desiring  to install two-way radio sites or for hams wanting the right to 
install an antenna in areas where they are banned on aesthetic grounds is 
unknown.  (Published news reports)

**

WITH THE ARRL:  LEAGUE IN SUPPORT OF DEPLOYED TROOPS

The ARRL has adopted a new policy in support of deployed US armed forces.   
ARRL members in active US military deployment outside the US and its 
territories may request to temporarily suspend dues payments and/or 
delivery of QST for the duration of their deployments. 

The ARRL Letter describes the objective of this policy change is to ensure 
that members in active duty and deployed overseas can maintain their League 
memberships. The ARRL recognizes that members deployed away from their 
homes or permanent duty stations may experience difficulties with, or 
interruptions in, mail delivery or other disruptions. 

To apply, members should e-mail the ARRL Circulation Department to 
circulation at arrl.org or send a copy of their deployment orders or a 
verification letter to ARRL, Attn: Circulation/Military Deployment, 225 
Main St, Newington, CT 06111 USA; fax 860-594-0303.  (ARRL)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS: TROPICAL HAMBOREE IN MIAMI  FEB 4 - 5

The 46th annual Miami Tropical Hamboree will take place on February 4th and 
5th.  This, at the Air Expo Center on West 24th Street at Coral Way in 
Miami.  This is the first major ham radio outing of the year and a chance 
for those living in the frigid northern states to fly or drive south for a 
weekend of sun, fun and Amateur Radio.  And, as an added attraction this 
year planners are providing free wi-fi access at the convention site.  Just 
bring your 802.11b wi-fi devices and you'll be able to get your e-mail, 
surf the net and even look up the specs on that rig you see for sale.  More 
about the Miami Tropical Hamboree is on-line at www.hamboree.org   
(Tropical Hamboree)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS:  HAMCATION IN ORLADO FEB 10 - 12 

And if you are planning to be in Florida for the Tropoical Hamboree why not 
hang around for a week, enjoy the warm weather and end your mid-Winter 
holiday at the 60th annual Hamcation in Orlando.  Its being held February 
10th through the 12th at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and will feature 
over 150 exhibits, 400 swap tables, on-site license exams, lots of speakers 
and much more.  For information on this one just take your web browser to 
www.hamcaton.com  (Orlando Hamcation)

**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  RAMONA BELL - WIFE OF TALK-RADIO HOST ART BELL, 
W6OBB

Our thoughts and prayers go out to legandary talk radio host Art Bell, 
W6OBB, on the sudden death of his wife on Thursday evening, January 5th.  
Mrs Bell passed away after she was stricken by a severe asthma attack while 
the couple was vacationing in Laughlin, Nevada.  At present, the exact 
cause of Mrs. Bell's death has not been determined. 

According to a posting on the Coast to Coast AM radio show website, Art and 
Ramona not been apart a day since they were married 15 years ago.  Mrs. 
Bell had suffered from asthma for years, and took her normal steps to 
control the attack. 

Those who wish to offer their condolences you can send your cards and 
letters Art Bell, W6OBB, c/o Premiere Radio Networks, 15260 Ventura Blvd, 
5th Floor, Sherman Oaks, California,  91403.  Ramona Bell was 47 years old.  

For more informaton please see  
www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2006/01/05.html  (Various)

**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  RADIO MOSCOW'S JOE ADAMOV:  SK

>From Moscow comes word of the death of Joe Adamov, who spent over four 
decades as the host of Radio Moscow's English-language "Moscow Mailbag" 
program.  Joe was born some 86 years ago in Armenia but his perfect command 
of the English language made him a natural as host of the Soviet public 
relations feature.  

At  times on some of his broadcasts Adamov alluded to knowledge of ham 
radio and even targeted programming to radio amateurs whom he knew were 
listening in.  Whether or not he ever held a license is unknown.   

Adamov started at Radio Moscow in 1942.  His Mailbag show survived through 
Perestroika and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union.  He continued 
hosting the program up till the time of his death.   (Broadcast Update)

**

RADIO IN SPACE:  TOPEX LAN-SAT SIDELINED 

The Topex-Poseidon satellite has been decommissioned. This, after circling 
the globe sixty-two thousand times over the past 13 years. 

Topex -Poseidon revolutionized mans understanding of the role of ocean 
temperature on climate. The data it radioed back to Earth was converted to 
colorful graphics that made the public see the oceans as splotches of 
temperature. And the green, blue, purple, orange and white color scheme  
sometimes signified the onset of the climate-altering Pacific warming 
phenomenon called El Nino.   

A pitch reaction wheel that helped keep the satellite oriented stalled on 
October 9th.  After several months of attempts at a fix, NASA's Jet 
Propulsion Laboratory decided that the satellite's mission was over.  
(NASA)

**

RADIO IN SPACE:  STARDUST RETURNS HOME

NASA's Stardust sample return mission returned safely to Earth on January 
15th.  This, when the capsule carrying cometary and interstellar particles 
successfully touched down at 3:10 a.m. Mountain time in the desert salt 
flats of the U.S. Air Force Utah Test and Training Range.

Stardust released its sample return capsule at 10:57 p.m. Mountain on the 
evening of the 14th.  The capsule entered the atmosphere four hours later 
at 2:57 a.m. Mountain on the 15th.  The sample return capsule's science 
canister and its cargo of comet and interstellar dust particles will be 
stowed inside a special aluminum carrying case to await transfer to the 
Johnson Space Center, Houston, where it will be opened. 

NASA's Stardust traveled 2.88 billion miles during its seven-year round-
trip odyssey. Scientists believe these precious samples will help provide 
answers to fundamental questions about comets and the origins of the solar 
system.

For information about the Stardust mission visit www.nasa.gov/stardust on 
the World-Wide-Web.  (NASA, N5VHO)

**

HAM TECHNOLOGY:  CSVHFS INVITES PRESENTATIONS

A reminder that the Central States VHF Society is soliciting papers, 
presentations, and displays for the 40th annual conference.  This, slated 
for next July 27th to the 29th in  Bloomington, Minnesota.  

Topics of interest include antennas, construction, test equipment, n-air 
operation and much more.  Topics not related to weak signal VHF, such as FM 
repeaters and packet-radio, are generally not accepted for presentation or 
publication, but planners say there are always exceptions.  More 
information is on-line at www.csvhfs.org.  (VHF Reflector)

**

WORLDBEAT - IRAQ:  YI9DXX INTERNET REMOTE BASE ON THE AIR

Keith Lamonica, W7DXX, has announced that the YI9DXX Internet remote base 
station is on the air from Baghdad, Iraq.  The station which is 
controllable via the Internet gives access to Iraqi hams from just about 
any spot in the world.

Lamonica says he made the first contact by talking with himself to and from 
YI9DXX. The YI9DXX gateway is a closed system.  Lamonica is an attorney, 
broadcaster and a former editor 73 Magazine.  (W7DXX)

**

WORLDBEAT- AUSTRALIA:  HAMS PROVIDE UHF CB REPEATER TO DARWIN

The Darwin Australia Amateur Radio Clubs web service has announced the city 
now has a UHF CB repeater.  Its call sign is V-J-O-2 and is licensed to  
operate on channel one in the UHF CB band.

The new CB repeater has been made possible by the Darwin Amateur Radio Club 
in cooperation with many local amateurs who have donated time and equipment 
to the project.  It is located at a high location and provides good  
coverage across the Darwin area.  (WIA News)

**.

WORLDBEAT - FINLAND :  GAREC-2006 IN TAMPERE IN JUNE

Rescue radio operators and first responders take note.  The second Global 
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications  Conference is scheduled to take 
place in  Tampere, Finland on June 19th to the 20th.  This event will 
parallel the International Conference on Emergency Communications, which 
will review the present status of implementation and application of the 
agreement known as the Tampere Convention on the Provision of 
Telecommunications for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations.  This is 
an  international treaty, adopted by the ICET-98 Conference in Tampere in 
1998.   

The former Secretary-General of the International  Telecommunication Union 
is chairing the organizing committee, which  also includes representatives 
of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, 
and the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority.  Of particular 
interest to participants from outside of Europe is that this date is just 
before HamRadio-2006 in Friedrichshafen Germany, announced for 23rd to the 
25th of June.  (GB2RS)

**

DX

The twenty-two-man 3Y0X DX-pedition team mentioned earlier has some more 
good news.  It has been assigned the special Chilean Antarctic call sign 
XR9A.  This, for on the air operationson their way to and from Peter I 
Island.  The group  hope to be QRV from Punta Arenas for a few days and 
then maritime mobile using that call.  There is also a possibility that the 
team will also be on from the South Shetlands for a few days after the 
Peter I DXpedition is completed.  As previously mentioned, the 3Y0X team 
hopes to activate Peter 1 for two weeks in early February, weather 
permitting.

And members of the Caribbean Contesting Consortium will activate Signal 
Point Station on Curacao during the ARRL DX SSB Contest as a Multi-2 entry.  
That's on March 4th and 5th.  QSL via N9AG.

Lastly, I2UIY, will be active from Aruba as P40G during the CQ World Wide  
RTTY W-P-X Contest from February 11th to the 12th and the ARRL DX CW Contest  
on February 18th and 19th.  Operation class is to be determined. QSL via 
I2EOW.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THE FINAL ITEM:  THE ART OF THE QSL CARD

And finally this week a word about QSL cards.  We all know that they are 
out there but how many actually know how to use them.  Here's Jim Linton, 
VK3PC, with the who, the what and the why.

--

AUDIO REPORT ONLY.  Hear it in the MP3 version at www.arnewsline.org

--

By the way.  In most cases sending a QSL via a QSL bureau is the least 
expensive route to go.

**

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 
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us at Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), P.O. Box 660937, Arcadia, California 
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