No subject

--

Articles describing I-LINK recently appeared in both CQ and QST  Magazines.  No matter.  Basically the Australian Communications Authority has said IRLP is O-K but I-Link has to go.  At least for now.  (Q-News)

**

RADIO REGULATIONS:  FCC PROPOSES TO STRENGTHEN RULES AGAINST REPETITIVE APPLICATIONS

The FCC has proposed changing its application rules for all wireless radio services--including the Amateur Radio Service- -in an effort to expand the scope of its current ban on repetitious applications.  Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has more:

-- 

The ARRL Letter reports that an FCC  Notice of Proposed Rule Making released March 20th seeks to modify section 1.937 of its rules.  This, to prohibit the filing of all applications that are substantially similar to applications the agency denied or dismissed with prejudice within the previous 12 months.

The term "with prejudice" means a legal issue or court case that is dismissed for good reason and the plaintiff is barred from bringing another action on the same claim.  And, if the FCC gets its way, WT Docket No. 02-87 will bring a rules change that might prohibit a handful of applications filed by new and renewing hams where a similar or identical application was denied in the past 12 months.

The FCC cites the pending license request by Herbert L. Schoenbohm, exKV4FZ, as an example of a repetitious application.  Schoenbohm's amateur license renewal was finally denied in 2000, when the US Supreme Court refused to hear the case.  His authority to operate as a radio amateur expired in January 2001.

Then, last April, Schoenbohm applied for a new Amateur Radio license and passed the General exam.  The FCC has designated that application for hearing, to determine, in part, if Schoenbohm deserves to be a Commission licensee.

The FCC says that such cases consume significant resources to relitigate.  Especially since they involve identical issues and the same applicants very close in time.

What about routine issues like dismissed vanity applications?  The FCC says that they would not be impacted in any way.  For vanity license applications, the FCC now allows these applicants to correct the mistakes and file again.  The FCC says that it will continue to do so if the proposed rule change is adopted.

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

Comments on WT Docket No. 02-87, are due 30 days from the publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register. Reply comments will be due 45 days after publication. (ARRL)

**

HAM RADIO TESTING:  NEW ELEMENT 2 DRAFT EXAMINATION RELEASED FOR COMMENT

The proposed draft syllabus for the new Element 2 Amateur Radio examination has been released for public comment.  As we go to air, Scotty Neustadter, W4WW, who chairs the NCVEC Question Pool Committee says that this draft syllabus will be posted to the ARRL's web page within a few days.

Neustadter adds the period for public comment will close on May 9th. He asks that you send your comments to all the members of the Question Pool Committee of the NCVEC.  Their e-mail addresses are:

Scotty Neustadter, Chair    w4ww at arrl.net 
Bart Jahnke, Member         vec at arrl.org 
Fred Maia, Member           fmaia at texas.net 
John Johnston, Member       Johnston.John1 at worldnet.att.net 
(NCVEC, W4WW)

**

HAMVENTION 2002 - THE CHAIRMAN SPEAKS OUT

The Dayton Hamvention is now just a bit more than a month away and its General Chairman, Jim Graver, KB8PSO, is speaking out.  Actually he has been talking to RAIN Producer and 2002 Radio Amateur of the Year Hap Holly, KC9RP.  One of the things he made public was who will be speaking at the Hamvention's grand awards banquet:

-- 

Graver:  "It will be William Cross from the FCC and Paul Reid from FEMA, and they will be talking about emergency communications and preparedness in respect to Amateur Radio." --

Want yo hear more?  Well Holly has prepared an extended intervieww with Jim Graver.  Part 1 is on line right now at www.rainreport.com.  If you don't happen to have internet access, try calling 847-827-7246.  (RAIN)

**

CONSUMER ALERT: TELEPHONE AREA CODE 809 IS COSTLY

If you get an e-mail, voicemail or page telling you to call a phone number with an 809 area code, beware.  The CGC Communicator reports that chances are, it's a scam and your phone bill will be astronomical.  The FCC has already issued a public warning about calling this area code. Its on the web at www.fcc.gov/cib/consumerfacts/809.html (CGC Communicator, FCC)

**

COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS:  AOL REPORTEDLY COURTING LINUX

Linux users listen up.  Your favorite operating system may finally be getting a shot at becoming a real competitor to Microsoft Windows as rumors surface that AOL Time Warner Inc. is negotiating to buy the Linux distributor Red Hat Inc.

The Washington Post reported in late January that such talks were underway.  The deal could bolster AOL Time Warner against rival Microsoft as both companies design strategies for moving their services beyond the personal computer to mobile devices and such nascent services as interactive television.  (Publised reports)

**

HAMFESTS: ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL HAMFEST

Turning to the hamfest scene.  The St. John Lutheran School Hamfest and Electronics Show is slated for Saturday, April 13th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Location is in Garfield Heights Ohio. Garfield Heights is 10 minutes South East of Cleveland with the school at 11333 Granger Road. Admission is only one dollar.  For more information please write by e mail to ln4js at visn.net.  (via E-Mail)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  KE4IQB NAME WITHDRAWN FOR DEPUTY NASA ADMINISTRATOR

NASA says the White House has withdrawn the nomination of Marine Corps Major General and former astronaut Charles F. Bolden, KE4IQB, to be the space agency's next Deputy Administrator.  Bolden is currently Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based in San Diego. According to the CQ website, the NASA announcement did not say why Bolden's nomination was withdrawn, but suggested that the Defense Department objected to losing him from an active military command during the war on terrorism. There was no immediate word on who would be named to the number two post at NASA instead of Bolden.  (CQ)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  KB2GSD TO PITCH FOR FREE AIRTIME

Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, will be the pitch man for a new campaign taking on broadcasters for not offering enough affordable or free airtime to federal candidates.  This, even though the airwaves are owned by the American public.

The coalition sponsoring the Cronkite narrative said that its kicking off its grass-roots drive following passage of the landmark campaign finance reform legislation.  This legislation spared broadcasters from having to offer deep discounts to federal candidates.

Under current federal law, broadcasters are required to give discounts to political candidates.  However the actual rate can vary depending upon the time it is slated to air.  (Publisged reports)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  W6TIA RETIRES FROM KFWB

Richard Rudman, W6TIA, the Chief Engineer of KFWB - AM in Los Angeles California is retiring following a truly illustrious thirty year career at the all-news station.  Rudman, who is the National Chair of Congressional Emergency Alert System Advisory Committee is perhaps better known for his roles with the establishment and evolution of the E- A-S nationwide.

During Rudman's tenure heading up the engineering helm of KFWB, the region has been regularly challanged by major brush fires, power failures, earthquakes, riots, and more.  Throughout all of this Rudman has kept KFWB on the air.  A truly enviable record and one that W6TIA can be proud of.

And less we forget, W6TIA has agreeed to be a part of this years Newsline sponsored Ham Radio Town Meeting at the 2002 Dayton Hamvention. His topic will be the Emergency Alert System and introducing it to Amateur Radio.  (CGC Communicator, ARNewsline(tm))

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY:  SMART FENCES

Smart fences are possible.  So say Pennsylvania State College researchers who are using acoustic technology to turn a simple chainlink fence into an intrusion detection system.

To make the system work, a single strand of galvanized steel wire, a system of springs and weights and some inexpensive ground sensors make the fence sensitive to intruders.  Among parties interested in the technology are the U.S. military, airports and oil companies. (PSC News Release)

**

SPACE AND SCIENCE:  REPLACEMENT TDRS IN TROUBLE

A NASA communications satellite launched into orbit on March 8th  has developed a problem with its onboard supply of propellant.  The trouble is delaying the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-I from reaching its ultimate destination, a circular orbit about 22,300 miles above Earth's equator.  The satellite's current egg-shaped orbit is 22,236 miles at its ap[ogee and about 4,970 miles at its perigee.  The spacecraft's manufacturer, Boeing Satellite Systems, is hopeful that its  engineers will ultimately be able to deliver the satellite into its proper orbit. If it can't, the satellite could be declared a total loss.  (Published news reports)

**

INTERNATIONAL - HOLLAND:  NEW LATIN AMERICAN RADIO STATIONS CD

Dutch shortwave enthusiast Max van Arnhem has produced an audio Compact Disc featuring 371 wave files of Latin American and Caribbean radio stations.  According to Media Network, most are off-air recordings as received in his home in The Netherlands, but there are also some recordings made on one of the five trips he made to Central America and the Caribbean between 1979 and 2001. You can find a review of the CD, and details of how to buy it at www.rnw.nl/realradio/booklist/html/lacd.html.  (Media Network)

**

DX

In D-X, the Ducie Island DXpedition is being called a major success. The ifirst ever D-Xpedition to the newest DXCC entity came to an end March 26. The VP6DI team was on the air for just over nine days and loged over 39,000 contacts.  VP6DI HF QSLs go via VE3HO, and 6-meter QSLs go to JA1BK.

And some good news for DXCC chasers. This as the ARRL announces that it will accept SSB contacts with P-5 slash 4L4FN in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea for DXCC credit.  The operator of the station is  Ed Giorgadze of the Republic of Georgia.  He has been active from the capital city of Pyongyang since last November. Valid contacts from the beginning his P-5  operation last fall may be submitted for credit, effective immediately. (ARRL)

 **

A NEWSLINE FOLLOW-UP:  THE POLITICS OF 11 METERS - PART 2:  "A NATIONAL RESOURCE CALLED REACT"

Last week we told you that there has only been one truly successful organization with any political ties to 11 meters. In Part 2 of his special report on the not so political side of 11 meter Class D CB, Amateur Radio Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH, takes a look at REACT.

--

The long known name in CB radio is REACT, or Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams.  REACT's mission statement stresses public safety communications, assisting individuals, groups and government agencies.

The stated goal:  To save lives, prevent injuries and give assistance wherever and whenever needed.  The group promotes establishing a monitoring network of trained volunteer citizen-based communicators and using all means available to deliver their message.  REACT, it seems, has succeeded on both counts.

The idea of using CB radio in an organized way for emergency communications was born in a mid-winter Chicago snowstorm.  It happened after CB radio was used to summon assistance for a young family with a very sick child whose car was stuck on an expressway.  That was in the winter of 1962 when CB was really still in its infancy.

Not long after, the groups founder, Henry B. "Pete" Kreer, convinced the Hallicrafters Company to sponsor the REACT program.  The initial requirements for a Team was for three members who agreed to monitor 11 meters several hours a day for emergencies.  There were no dues or other requirements except to comply with federal and state regulations.

By 1964, it was determined that there was a need for a National CB Emergency Channel.  REACT National Headquarters asked all of its 800 teams to monitor channel 9 as a voluntary emergency channel.  The scheme worked so well that in 1967, REACT led a movement to convince the FCC to designate channel 9 as the CB emergency channel.  It was a major political success and many CB hobbyists began to look at REACT as a possible voice in Washington.  But that was not to be.

In 1969, General Motors Research Labs assumed sponsorship of REACT. Also in 1969, Jerrold Reese -- a name that would become synonymous with the growth of REACT became its Managing Director.  Founder Henry Kreer remained on with the title of Executive Director.

It was on April 24, 1973, that REACT and to a lesser degree 11 meter C- B probably got its greatest public exposure.  That's when NBC's Today Show televised an interview with Gerald Reese and Henry Kreer.  Their interview dealing with the REACT program was aired on some 220 affiliated stations.  It lead to over 500 inquiries.

In 1975, REACT broke from GM and started as an independent organization. Not long after, REACT International received not-for-profit status in the state of Illinois followed by federal tax exempt status.

REACT was on its own and less than a year later, it  was represented at the first White House Conference on CB radio.  And in the ensuing years it won many awards for promoting highway safety through its radio monitoring efforts.

But nothing last forever and the late 1970's brought declining use of 11 meter Class D CB. As the 80'a approached there were far more CB sets sitting on closet shelves than on the air.  The C-B craze was dying and with it fewer people in the REACT program.

By the middle 1980's REACT the only major organization with any ties at all to 11 meters.  REACT had survived the CB shakeout probably because never claimed to be a savior or rallying point for 11 meter hobby operators.  It's self appointed task was assistance to the public. REACT was now national and chapterized and tax exempt.  It also had broadened its horizons to include other bands and began using operators from other services including ham radio.  C-B was now only a part of the REACT model.

In retrospect, one might say that REACT fought very hard for setting up an emergency communications monitoring system on 11 meters, but it was not a lobbiest for the rights of the 11 meter hobby radio operator. Instead, it always has lived to its mission statement and that's probablly why it has survived and prospered for the last 40 years.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm David Black, KB4KCH.

--

To learn more about REACT International or to find out if there is an active REACT team in your area, please write to REACT International, Inc. 5210 Auth Road, #403, Suitland, Maryland 20746.  You can also go to their website at www.reactintl.org.

Meantine, one question remains:  Will anyone ever be successful in totally organizing political potential of 11 meter C-B?  That part of the story, next week.  (ARNewsline(tm))

** NEWSCAST CLOSE

With thanks to Alan Labs, Amateur News Weekly, 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.

Before we go, a reminder that the nominating period for the 2002 amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year is now open.  No significant changes from last year.  Nominees must be 18 or younger.  Full rules and an application is on our website at www.arnewsline.org.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Mert Garlick, N6AWE, saying welcome to the year 2002, 73, and we thank you for listening."  Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright  2002.  All rights reserved.





Amateur Radio Newsline 1286 - April 5 2002

Australian radio regulators say no to I-LINK and the NCVEC says its time to revamp Element 2.  These stories are first on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1286 coming your way right now.

**

INTERNATIONAL: I-LINK NOT LEGAL IN AUSTRALIA

One of the very popular internet based linking protocols appears to be illegal to use in Australia.  This as the Australian Communications Authority issues a finding against I-Link.  Q-News Graham Kemp, VK4BB, has the background:

-- 

There are two competing systems being used in ham radio to link repeaters over the Internet.  One is called I-LINK and the other is I-RL-P.

I-R-L-P stands for the Internet Radio Linking Project.  It was developed in Canada by Dave Cameron, V-E-7-L-T-D.  It's aim is to link ham radio systems separated by long distance over the Internet without the use of expensive eased lines or satellites.  I-R-L-P uses Voice-Over-IP software to link radio sites around the world.  But I-R-L-P uses its own custom interface board and software suite running on a Linux platform.  And that's why many hams have opted for an alternative called I-LINK.

I-LINK does everything that I-R-L-P does in linking repeaters, but it does not require a computer running Linux or any proprietary hardware interface.  The needed software is available to anyone. It runs on a P-C and anyone can have it in their computer.  Even non-hams.  And that is what seems to be bothering our regulatory body, the A-C-A.  It says that the widespread and open availability of I-LINK could make it possible for non hams to get on the air.

Over the past few weeks, much comment has been made regarding the legality or otherwise of I-LINK here in Australia.  To clarify the A-C-A position, let me quote in part from a letter by John Martin the Federal Technical Advisory Chairman.

"There should be no issue with I-LINK because the A-C-A has made it clear that it must be impossible for anyone to gain access to an amateur transmitter by any means other than on- air working one of the stations that is connected to the link. The only system which can comply with this is I-R-L- P."

This action by our A-C-A appears to not sitting well with I- LINK proponents in other nations.  Some fear the decision here in V-K could bring similar action by other communications regulators in their parts of the world.

VK's National Society, the Wireless Institute of Australia's President Ernest Hocking VK1LK along with WIA/ACA Liaison team member Gilbert Hughes VK1GH met with the ACA Thursday 28 March  to discuss the current situation.

-- 

Hocking:  "In order to address this situation the ACA have agreed to develop an information paper in conjunction with the WIA ACA liaison team.  This paper will aim to make clear the criteria under which Internet linking can take place.  The paper will not endorse specific software or systems. Rather it will provide clear guidance on the conditions that need to be met for the operation of such linked systems to remain legal within the the Radio Communications Act." --

It was agreed that every effort would be made to develop the paperwithin a period of 4 - 6 weeks.  WIA President VK1LK has called on the Ham population of VK to "ask for your patience over the next few weeks whilst this document is being developed".