[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline 1493 - March 24, 2006

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Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1493 -  March 24, 2006

The following is a Q-S-T.  Scientists find a new way to forecast sunspots
and that could be good news for D-X'ers.  Also, the FCC says that ham radio 

won't move to the new Homeland Security Bureau and Canada's national ham
radio society may seek a new entry level class of license.  Find out the
details on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1493 coming your way right
now.

**

RADIO TECHNOLOGY: A NEW WAY TO FORECAST THE SOLAR MAX

Researchers have announced a major break-through research into forecasting
solar activity and its effect on radio communications.  One that could have 

a definite impact on ham radio and especially DX'ing.  The RSGB's Jeramy
Boot is here with the rest of the story:

--

The next sunspot cycle will be 30-50 per cent stronger than its predecessor 

and will begin as much as a year later than previous forecasts, according
to scientists from the US-based National Center for Atmospheric Research.
If the prediction is correct, the next solar maximum could be the most
intense since the historic solar maximum of
1958.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research scientists believe they have
mastered the art of accurately forecasting solar cycles.  They have
developed a computer model that they claim has simulated the strength of
the past eight solar cycles with an accuracy of more than 98%.  This
amazing precision is achieved by using the subsurface movements of sunspot
remnants of the previous two solar cycles to calculate the strength of the
next cycle.

The Sun undergoes 11-year cycles of activity, from peak storm activity to
quiet and back again, but until now there was no precise method of
predicting their timing and
strength. Being able to accurately predict the sun's cycles years ahead
could help society prepare for periods of intense solar storms, which can
disrupt communications, slow down satellite orbits and crash power systems.

Solar storms are thought to be caused by twisted magnetic fields in the Sun 

that suddenly snap, releasing huge amounts of energy. They usually occur
near dark regions of concentrated magnetic fields known as sunspots.

I'm G4NJH, in Nottingham.


--

The leader of the research team says that the newly developed model has
demonstrated the necessary accuracy to be used as a solar event forecasting 

tool.  (GB2RS)

**

FCC ADOPTS PLAN TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU

Amateur Radio will not be a part of the FCC's new Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau.  This after the agency votes unanimously to
establish a new division designed to provide a more efficient, effective,
and responsive organizational structure to address public safety, homeland
security, national security, emergency management and preparedness,
disaster management, and related issues.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce
Tennant, K6PZW, has more:

--

The FCC's March 17th vote to create a new Public Safety and Homeland
Security Bureau was long expected.  And some has speculated that Amateur
Radio might be moved to the new bureau based on its high profile disaster
communications performance in  responses in New York and Washington
following the 911 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina last year.

According to the ARRL Letter, it now appears that the Amateur Radio Service 

will remain within the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau for the
forseeable future.  The newsletter reports a quote from Anthony Dale who is 

the Acting Director of the FCC's Office of Managing Director.   Dale says
that communications by taxi cabs, Amateur Radio, chemical plants, all that
type of thing are not public safety-specific functions.  He says that plans 

are to keep them where they are.

As to the structure of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. it
will have three divisions.  They are Policy, Public Communications Outreach 

& Operations, and Communications Systems Analysis. It will also have a
front office consisting of senior leadership and a management staff.

An official document spelling out just which functions and services will
end up where has not yet been made public, and even Dale did not appear to
be entirely clear on specifics. He and others did however stress that some
new bureau's functions may overlap those of others within the agency.

The FCC said the changes are subject to Congressional notification before
they become effective. The new bureau would be the seventh within the 
FCC.

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

--

The ARRL Letter says that creation of the new bureau was a topic of some
discussion during a meeting earlier this month of the League's Executive
Committee.  With the complete details of the reorganization still
uncertain, however, the League adopted a wait-and-see attitude for now.
(CGC, ARRL)

**

RESCUE RADIO:  UK RAYNET CALLED OUT IN SCOTLAND SNOW

Hams associated with Scotland's Fife Raynet group was recently called out
following a major snow storm.  The group was asked to provide 4 by 4
vehicles with communications to transport care workers to the homes of
people on the local council's care list.  The heavy snow prevented normal
road transport.  Raynet is the United Kingdom equivalent to ARES here in
the United States.  (GB2RS)

**

RESTRUCTURING:  RAC MAY SEEK CANADIAN ENTRY LEVEL LICENSE

Canada could be the next nation to go for an entry level license to entice
more young  people to enter the hobby.  This as Radio Amateur of Canada's
Board of Directors authorizes the formation of an Advisory Committee to
examine whether telecommunications regulator Industry Canada should be
asked to institute a new Entry Level Certificate for the Canadian Amateur
Service.

The committee is under the leadership of Midwest Director Bj Madsen, 
VE5FX.
It  is evaluating the very successful Foundation License that has been
implemented in the U-K and Australia.  That certificate encourages young
people to take an interest in science and radio to promote growth in
amateur radio.  The committee will also seek input from Canadian radio
amateurs as to what should be done.  (RAC)

**

RESTRUCTURING:  NEW ALLOCATIONS IN MONACO

Hams in Monaco have some new ham radio allocations.  According to the GB2RS 

News Service, effective from January 2006, the principality has allocated
1.850 to 2.000 MHz on 160 meters with 1.810 to 1.850 MHz primary exclusive
and 1, 850 to 2.000 MHz as  secondary shared.  Also now available is 6
meters from 50 to 52 MHz with 50.0 to 51.2 MHz primary exclusive to ham
radio and 51.2 to 52.0 MHz as a secondary shared allocation.  (WIA News)

**

RADIO LAW:  MISSISSIPPI BECOMES 22nd STATE TO ADOPT PRB-1-LIKE STATUTE

Back in the United States, there is some good news for hams living in
Mississippi.  That state now has a law that protects their rights to erect
an antenna.  Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, reports:

--

After several earlier tries, Mississippi has became the 22nd state to
revise its statutes to incorporate the language of the limited federal
preemption known as PRB-1. The ARRL Letter reports that Governor Haley
Barbour signed the bill March 13th.

Echoing the language of PRB-1, the new law calls on localities establishing 

ordinances regulating antenna placement, screening or height to "reasonably 

accommodate" Amateur Radio communication. The Mississippi measure also
takes note of Amateur Radio's communication support in emergencies and
disasters.  Very good news for hams living in that state.

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

--

The new provision in Mississippi became state law as soon as Governor
Barbour signed it.  (ARRL)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  TAKE THAT ARGUMENT OFF THE AIR

The FCC has warned four hams to end an ongoing dispute or face government
sanctions.  In almost identical letters the Commission says that it has
been made aware of a continuing dispute among the four and that this
argument has led to allegations of slander as well as deliberate
interference on amateur frequencies.

The Commission says that is not concerned with the merits, or lack thereof, 

of any dispute between the four hams.  Nor does it care how it gets
settled.  Rather it warns the four that  continued use of amateur
frequencies to carry on the dispute is contrary to Section 97.1 of the
Amateur Service rules and will lead to enforcement action against the each
ones license.

The FCC says that it has attempted to resolve this matter informally with
the four operators  but that has failed.  So its warning them that
continued incidents on the Amateur frequencies will subject each  to
revocation and suspension proceedings, as well as a fine of up to 
$10,000.
The FCC says that it may also consider proceedings to restrict of remove
the voice privileges of the four operators Amateur service  licenses.

The four are being issued a separate warning letter in this matter.  The
FCC says that  this is the last warning each will receive before
enforcement action is initiated.  (From FCC release)

**
ENFORCEMENT:  FCC PROPOSES $75,000 FORFEITURE FOR MARKETING UNAUTHORIZED
EQUIPMENT

The FCC has proposed a $75,000 forfeiture against San Jose Navigation,
Inc..  This,  for apparent violation of the FCC's equipment authorization
rules.

In its March 15th release the Commission concluded that San Jose marketed
four models of Global Positioning Satellite signal re-radiator kits, which
were not authorized and are not eligible to be authorized.  This is because 

the devices are designed to operate in restricted frequency bands allocated 

for safety-of-life operations.

The Commission initiated its investigation of this situation in response to 

complaints from the National Telecommunications & Information
Administration, the Department of Transportation and other federal
government agencies which expressed concern that GPS re-radiator equipment
potentially could interfere with federal government GPS operations.  San
Jose Navigation was given the usual time to respond and appeal the 
finding.
(From FCC release)

**

ENFORCEMENT OF A DIFFERENT KIND:  CELLPHONE HELPS COLLAR MURDER SUSPECT

A suspect in a murder case is in custody thanks to a tip from his cellular
telephone.  Police say that the GPS feature of Daryl Littlejohn puts him at 

the scene about 2 1/2 hours before Imette St. Guillen's body was found.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Scott Palacheck. KC0VUY, has the details:

--

According to the New York Daily News, police placed Daryl Littlejohn at the 

alleged crime scene by tracing the invisible pings that his cell phone sent 

out.  The near-by receive site apparently took notice that Littlejohn's
cell phone was nearby even though he wasn't making a call.  It then stored
that information which was later retrieved from T-Mobile by the police.

And a federal rule requires all cell phones to be able to pinpoint their
locations within 1,000 feet when 911 is dialed.  Cops say they have traced
at least part of Littlejohn's route that day through studying his cell
phone pings.

For those not aware, even when you are not making a call, your cellphone
phone is transmitting data.  In major cities you will be within range of
several receive sites at the same time.  Computers can compare the signal
strength emitted by your phone and the tiny time lags at each antenna,
giving the operator several accurate readings.  By triangulating the
information from at least three receive sites the exact location calculated 

where your cell phone is at any given time.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Scott Scott Palacheck, KC0VUY.

--

And who ever thought that a cellphone would wind up becoming a high tech
way to solve a crime.   (Published reports)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS:  SATELLITES AND SPAGHETTI IN APRIL IN FLORIDA

Turning to some ham radio happenings, word that the Indian River Amateur
Radio Club will hold their annual "Satellites and Spaghetti" event on April 

1st.  This year the outing will be held at Kelly Park East on Merritt
Island, Florida.  The Satellites and Spaghetti event will be use the Club
callsign, W4NLX and anyone interested in amateur satellites is welcome to
take part.  (KU4OS, AMSAT-NA)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS:  THE CLASS OF '59

This note to any ham who may have attended Lafayette High School in
Brooklyn, New York, and was a part of the graduating class of 1959.  We
have received word that your class is holding a reunion planned for the
spring of 2009.  According to a planning committee spokesman there were
about 8 or 9  hams in the class of 59.  If you were one of them take your
web browser to www.nitrophotos.com/lafayette_59_reunion or send an e-mail
to lafayette59 at juno.com.  (Reunion '59)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS:  SAN BERNARDINO MICROWAVE SOCIETY 2GHZ AND UP CONTEST

Meantime, California's San Bernardino Microwave Society will hold its 24
hour 2GHz and Up Contest the weekend of April 29 to April 30th.  The 
purpose
of the competition is to encourage activity in the Amateur microwave
spectrum from 2GHz and center around club activity. Winners in each of the
club categories will receive a certificate, suitable for framing.  More
information about this event is on-line at www.ham-radio.com/sbms  (SBMS)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS:  MIDWEST MICROWAVE UPDATE

And this years Mid-West Microwave Update will take place in Dayton, Ohio in 

October.  Its being sponsored by the Midwest VHF and UHF Society.  If you
can help please contact Tom Holmes, N8ZM by e-mail to tholmes at who.rr.com or 

Gerd Schick at WB8IFM at amsat.org  (DARA, MVUS)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  NF4A NAMED CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO NATIONAL ENGINEER OF THE 

YEAR

A Florida ham has been named Clear Channel Radio's National Engineer of the 

Year.  Charlie Wooten, NF4A, was honored by his employer for his bravery in 

the face of last years killer hurricanes that bombarded the U.S. Gulf
region.

Wooten, is the Director of Engineering for Clear Channel in Panama City,
Florida.  From there he played a major role in keeping the groups stations
in the Florida panhandle and southern Mississippi radio stations on the air 

and leading the post hurricane recovery effort

Steve Davis, is Senior Vice President, Engineering for Clear Channel 
Radio.
He says that at first Wooten was drawn into the fray simply because his
stations were in a storm's path.  But at other times, when it was clear
that his own market would be spared the worst of the weather, NF4A headed
into the storm areas to help other stations stay on the air.  He made
repairs and constructed makeshift facilities so that stations could
continue to provide vital information service to their communities.

Davis says that Clear Channel Radio is fortunate to have Charlie Wooten,
NF4A, as part of its engineering team.  He also says that it is an honor to 

be able to recognize him for his many contributions.  (QRZ.com)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  M0BTZ AWARDED IEE PRIZE

And some words of congratulations to U-K amateur Roscoe Harrison, M0BTZ, on 

being  awarded the United Kingdom's Institution of Electrical Engineers'
Lloyd of Kilgerran memorial prize.  This, for outstanding merit in his
final year project.

Harrison is a 22-year-old University of Surrey electronics student and is
described as an active VHF/UHF operator and avid home constructor.  He was
presented with the award by Elizabeth Robins, who is the daughter of the
late Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran.  (GB2RS)

**

WORLDBEAT - INDIA:  HAMFEST A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Its being called Hamfest India, but its more like a celebration of life
returning to normal in a recently devastated area.  Grant Stowell, AX3HFS,
of the WIA News has the details:

--

After the devastating tsunami of 2004, several requests were  forwarded to
S. Suri, VU2MY, Chairman, National Institute of Amateur Radio from
International amateur radio organizations, DX forums, and Individual hams
to organise a suitable event to highlight the benefits of amateur radio
technologies for social  and scientific development.

  NIAR further made a proposal to Government of India to organize an
International Convention of Amateur Radio Operators to be held at Port
Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands April 18-20, 2006.

  The conference will cover all interdisciplinary aspects of  amateur radio 

in various sessions.

  The other major attractions during the event include arena for exhibitors 

to display and demonstrate amateur radio communication technologies as well 

as allow foreign hams to operate from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Local tours to exotic locations are planned for participants  and much
more.

This is Grant AX3HFS and   you're tuned to AX3WIA


--

Hamfest India is slated to take place at Port Blair in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands from April 18th to the 20th.  More on this event as we get
closer to the date.  (WIA News)

**

WORLDBEAT - AUSTRALIA:  THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, are now taking place
with 4,500 athletes from 70 countries are taking part.  To commemorate the
event a pair of special event stations with the call letters AX3MCG and
AX3GAMES are on the air daily until the 31st of March. Special Commonwealth 

Games QSL cards for both callsigns will be available via the VK3 Bureau.
A-X is a special prefix telecommunications regulators are permitting in
celebration of the games.  (WIA News)

**

WORLDBEAT - AUSTRALIA:  NARROW-CASTING DOWN-UNDER

Still in V-K land, word that Australian Telecommunications regulator ACMA
has proposed a new high power open narrow-casting radio service for
Canberra, to operate on 1323 kHz on the Medium Frequency-AM band.  The
transmitter power limit is 400 watts  with a directional radiation pattern. 

The proposal follows a submission from Rete Italia to provide an Italian
language radio service to compliment its services in Sydney, Melbourne,
Adelaide and several other Australian cities.  (WIA News)

**

WORLDBEAT - ITALY:  THE IX PARALYMPIC GAMES

Meantime, on the European continent special event station II1TPG is the
official amateur radio station for the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games.  The
games were held from March 10th to the 19th in Torino, Italy, but the
commemorative operation on the ham bands continyues through months end.
QSL via IZ1CCE, direct or bureau.  (WIA News, GB2RS)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  SPEAKERS WANTED FOR AMSAT-UK SPACE COLLOQUIUM

AMSAT U-K has put out a call for speakers to take part in its 21st annual
Space Colloquium. Submissions go to David Johnson, G4DPZ, via  e-mail to
g4dpz at amsat.org The event takes place at Surrey University, in Guildford,
Surrey, in the U.K., from Friday, July 28th to Sunday, July 30th.   (ANS)

**

WORLDBEAT - CHINA:  CHINA TO GO 3G

China has said yes to a new system for third generation or 3G wireless for
that nation.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Jim Davis, W2JKD, has the rest of
the story:

--

Asia Daily  is reporting the Chinese government has officially declared TD-
SCDMA as the national 3G wireless technology standard.  Siemens developed
TD-SCDMA for the local market, working with Chinese partners.  It has now
proven itself in various tests, and the network and various end-user
devices interact smoothly.

The distinguishing features of the Chinese 3G standard are that it uses the 

frequency spectrum specified for China with outstanding flexibility.  It
transmits large volumes of data without problems and offers a large radio
range, making it very suitable for use both in large cities and in rural
areas as a technology to provide widespread coverage

--

China is expected to begin introducing this new 3 G standard in the not to
distant future.  (Asia Daily)

**


WORLDBEAT - POLAND:  FIRST 10 METER BEACON IN POLAND

The first ever 10 meter beacon in Poland is on the air.  SR4TEN, was
activated at 10.15 UTC on March 6th.  Its located at the office of the MK
QTC Magazine in Suchacz and operates with 3 watts out on 28.203 MHz.  If
you receive SR4TEN, please e-mail your report to qtc at post.pl.  (VHF
Reflector)

**

CONTEST CORNER: CQ DX MARATHON HAS NEW WEBSITE

Closer to home comes word that the CQ DX Marathon has a new cyberspace home 

at www.dxmarathon.com.

The CQ DX Marathon is a cross between an award and a contest.  It runs for
a full year at a time, with competitors trying to contact as many countries 

and CQ zones as possible within the year.

The year-long competition began each January 1st. and there are no year to
year carryovers.

Again the new website is www.dxmarathon.com  (CQ)

**

DX

In D-X, news that F5MNW, will be active portable FM from Martinique from
25th March to 8th April.  He will operate CW on all bands.

Also,  K4QD and W4WX, will be operating from the North-Werst Haiti
Christian Mission through the 31st of March.  They plan to be active on 80
thru 10 meter using many of the popular modes.

Lastly, the calls TY4TW, TY5LEO, TY5MR and TY5WP are the callsigns being
used by tge group niw in Benin.  The actual operators are GM4FDM, K2LEO,
IK1PMR and PA3EWP and they will be there through the 30th of March. QSL all 

three of these as directed on th air.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  THE ART OF THE QSL

And finally this week, its said that a QSO on the high frequency bands is
not complete until each station has confirmed the contact.  And now a days
it's a lot easier than in days past.  Here's Jim Linton, VK3PC, with a look 

at the art of the QSL.

--

Audio report only:  Download thw MP3 newscast at www.arnewswline.org

--

While there are now several ways to QSL over the World-Wide-Web, when it
comes to a really rare one nothing feels better than holding a piece of
paper mailed from a another part of the workd in your own hand.  (WIA 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 W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio
Newsline(tm).  Our e-mail address is newsline at 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 2006 Amateur Radio Newsline
Young Ham of the Year Award is now open. This award seeks to honor hams age 

18 or younger for their outstanding contributions through Amateur Radio.
The cuttoff date for entries this year is May 30th. Full information on the 

award along with on-line and downloadable nominating forms are at the
awards own wesite created and maintained at Web Designs by Kevin by our
1993 recipient Kevin Boudreaux, N5XMH.  Its in cyberspace at 
www.yhoty.org.
Again. that's www.yhoty.org

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Jim Damron,
N8TMW, and I'm Jeff Clark, K8JAC, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening."

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.