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Thu Mar 8 06:28:51 EST 2007

KB4KCH, for the Amateur Radio Newsline.

--

While emergency communications may eventually become dominant on 60 
meters, 5 point 405 kilohertz turns out to be a common frequency to the 
experimental ham radio operation currently underway in the United 
Kingdom.  As a result, Q-S-O's across the Atlantic pond may be possible 
but only if deemed legal by the UK Radio Communications Department and 
our FCC.  (FCC, ARRL, GB2RS)

**

ON THE AIR:  GB2RS TO BEGIN NEWS SERVICE ON 60 METERS

And speaking about 5 MHz across the Atlantic, word that the Radio 
Society of Great Britain's GB2RS News will begin being broadcast on that 
band on  Sunday, June 29th. The news transmissions will take place at 
12.30pm United Kingdom time on 5.405 Mhz on upper sideband as part of 
continuing propagation investigations.  To assist in the study, station 
GB5RS will be operating on 3.645 and 7.045 Mhz at the same time to 
gather reception reports on the MHz news broadcast.   (GB2RS)

**

RADIO LAW FOLLOW-UP:  HAMS PETITION TO OUTLAW HI-FI SSB POSTED TO FCC 
WEBSITE

The FCC has posted the petition to limit the bandwidth of SSB and AM 
signals to its website,  but not as a Notice of Inquirey or Rule Making 
request.  At least not yet.

As reported last week, Michael Lonneke W0YR of Virginia, and Melvin 
Ladisky W6FDR of California told the FCC they were motivated to file 
their request by interference problems caused by two groups of single 
sideband operators.  These groups are portrayed by the petitioners as, 
in both cases, having cast aside traditional voluntary limits on 
bandwidth of roughly three kilohertz. 

The petition asks that the current voluntary limits be made mandatory to 
provide a clear enforcement mechanism for regulators.  You can read the 
full text of their rule making request at the following URL on its 
Electronic Comment Filing system:   
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514183790  (ARNewsline(tm))

**

WRC 2003:  AN UPDATE

The work of the World Radio Conference continues in Geneva. Discussions 
have taken place on most of the topics of greatest interest to radio 
amateurs, but there have been few firm decisions taken as yet. 

Colin Thomas, G3PSM, who is attending the conference as an advisor to 
the UK delegation, reported that agreement in principle had been reached 
on Article 25.5 - the Morse code question - but some of the other items 
in Article 25, the amateur radio regulations, had yet to be discussed. 
There was also apparent deadlock over the question of realignment of the 
7MHz band, although there were increasing calls for compromise and for 
the topic to be completed at this WRC rather than postponed to the next 
Conference. To advance this aim, a drafting group under the chairmanship 
of Fred Johnson, ZL2AMJ, had been formed to produce a proposal. 

Colin points out that nothing is certain until the final day of the 
conference, as agreements made in Drafting Groups, Sub-Working Groups, 
Working Groups and Committees could still be overturned up to and 
including the final Plenary session. While this was unlikely, it could 
happen, particularly with contentious issues such as that of 7MHz 
realignment. The World Radio Conference is scheduled to conclude on 
Friday, the 4th of July.

For late updates, look at the ARRL website at www.arrl.org  (GB2RS)

**

ARRL BECOMES AFFILIATE OF CITIZENS CORP

The American Radio Relay League is now an official affiliate program of 
Citizen Corps.  This is an initiative within the Department of Homeland 
Security to enhance public preparedness and safety.  ARRL President Jim 
Haynie, W5JBP, signed a formal Statement of Affiliation between the two 
on June 21st at the League's 2003 National Convention June 21 in Dallas 
Texas.

Among other things, the affiliation statement calls on the Department of 
Homeland Security and ARRL to raise public awareness of Amateur Radio as 
a safety resource.  In addition, both organizations will cooperate in 
providing training and accreditation for Amateur Radio emergency 
communications and promote the formation of local Citizen Corps 
councils. 

Chief Operating Officer of the Emergency Preparedness and Response 
Directorate Ron Castleman represented the Department of Homeland 
Security at the signing.  (ARRL)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC ACCUSES NY HAM OF PLAYING MUSIC

Turning to enfforcement issues, a Kerhonkson New York has received a 
warning letter from FCC Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth.  The 
agency's Daryl Duckworth, NNZ0W, tells why:

--

Duckworth: "Ronald Shapiro, N2QCT, has been sent a warning concerning 
deliberate interference on 3.906 Mhz.  The transmissions were made on 
top of ongoing communications, made to no one in particular and some 
contained music."

--

The May 30th letter which was copied to the FCC's Northeast Regional 
Director told Shapiro to call Hollingsworth to discuss the matter with 
him.  He was also given the customary 20 days from the date of the 
letter to respond.  (FCC, RAIN)

**

RESCUE RADIO:  NEVADA POLICE RADIO SYSTEM MAY BE A BUST

According to information forwarded by listener Mike Morris, WA6ILQ, the 
new Nevada Highway Patrol radio system may have to be scrapped.

The system , which has already cost more than $15 million, has been 
either in planning or under construction for more than 10 years.  It was 
to be a state-of-the-art system to help troopers communicate with both 
their dispatch centers and local authorities statewide.

But a new the manager put in charge of the project has discovered a 
serious problem.  It seems that nobody in the state ever filed with the 
Federal Communications Commission to reserve the necessary spectrum to 
operate the system.  Now there is almost no chance of getting those 
licenses because most of those frequencies are taken.  Also, the FCC 
wants public agencies off the 150 megahertz radio band where the new 
Nevada state wide system was to be built.  

If the system is scrapped, it will mrean that $14 million in highway 
fund money and $1 million or more from the states general fund will have 
gone down the drain.

The full story is on the web at 
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030513/NEWS/305  
(WA6ILQ)

**

RESCUE RADIO:  NEW ALABAMA EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM FACING UNCERTAIN 
FUTURE

But Nevada is not the only place that has made a this kind of a  
mistake.  A posting to the Land Mobile Radio group says that the State 
of Alabama Department of Public Services is poised or already has made 
purchase of a multi-millon dollar VHF Trunked system, but has no 
frequecies to put it on. 

The thought was that local municipalities and other agencies would join 
in and donate their frequenciess, but this has not happened.  Now 
Alabama D-P-S will have to hire consultants to try to locate unused 
exsisting frequenciees for a system that may well be outdated by the 
time they are ready to use it.  (WA6ILQ)

**

HAPPENINGS:  HAM RADIO WEEK IN THOUSAND OAKS

On a much more positive note, Mayor Andrew Fox and the Thousand Oaks 
California City Council recently proclaimed the week of June 22nd to the 
29th as "Amateur Radio Week."  He has also presented the Ventura County 
Amateur Radio Society with the proclamation at the start of the June 
17th City Council Meeting.  Hers what the mayor had to say:

--

Mayor Andrew Fox:  "At this time it is my pleasure to present this 
proiclaimation in honor of Amateur Radio Week, and Ill read it:

The city has more than 700 licensed Amateur Radio operators who 
demonstrate their public assistance by providing emergency radio 
communications ans Amateur Radio operators donaste their services free 
of charge to the city in the interest of citizens of Thousand Oaks and 
the surrounding area and where-as Amateur Radio operators are on alert 
for any local, state or national emergency and will practice their 
emergency skills during the American Radio Relay League Inc. Field Day 
exercise, June 28 - June 29, and where-as Amateur Radio operators 
provide exempliary service to our community, now, I therefore Andrew 
Fox, Mayor of the City of Thousand Oaks on behalf of the entire City 
Council do here-by proclaim the week of June 23rd to the 29th as Amateur 
Radio Week.  And we want to congratulate all of you and thank you for 
your serrvice. (applause)

--

Accepting the proclamation was Ventura County Amateur Radio Society 
member Peter Heins, N6ZE, whose cross-country roving odyssey was 
reported by Newsline last week.  Pete accepted the proclamation on 
behalf of all local Amateur Radio operators.  He also made some brief 
comments describing Amateur Radio's public service as well as the Field 
Day event to be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum on 
the 28th and 29th of June.  

--
Heins:  "We provide additional back-up communications when there is a 
loss of electrical power; breakdown or overload of normal or cellular 
telephone networks; failure of other local, state and federal 
communications services if there is a brekdown of public service inter-
agency communications due to non-compatyabile radio equipment which is 
used by various agencies.  This sometimes occurrs during major events 
including wildfires, hazardous material spills, earthquakes or 
transportation accidents.  Additionally, we are also on standby now for 
request from the Holeland Security organization.

Field Day is a communications preparedness event and provides an annual 
training opportunity for Amateur Radio operators to quickly assemble, 
setup and operate Amateur Radio communications under simulated emergency 
conditions.  Members of the Ventura County Amateur Radio Society, the 
Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club and several other county clubs will 
communicate with ham radio groups throughout the United States and the 
world on Saturday July 28th and Sunday June 29th to practice emergency 
communications skills and to provide public awareness for Amateur Radio.    
--

Heins also invited the mayor, the council members and the local citizens 
to drop by the Reagan Library and experience Field Day for themselves.  
(N6ZE)

**

HAM HONORS:  GLENDALE CA. MAYOR PROCLAIMS "AMATEUR RADIO WEEK" 

June 23rd through the 29th was also Amateur Radio Week in Glendale 
California.  Mayor Frank Quintero made the announcement at the June 24th 
City Council meeting where he said that the event was to honor the 500 
plus Amateur Radio Operators in the city.  Also honored were the 
Glendale Emergency Amateur Radio Service and the Crescenta Valley 
Amateur Radio Club for their many contributions to the City of Glendale 
and to the surrounding foothill communities.  (Via e-mail)

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS:  N8EMO NAMED GENERAL CHAIRMAN IF HAMVENTION 
2004

The Dayton Amateur Radio Association has selected Gary Des Combes, 
N8EMO, as General Chairman of its 2004 Hamvention.   He replaces Pat 
Neff, N8IGS, who has stepped down following a successful 2003 show.

Des Combs is a former DARA President and is the club's current Vice 
President until June 30th.  He says he will place an emphasis on getting 
Hamvention planning going much quicker for next years outing.  

By the way.  The official attendence figure for 2003 has been announced.  
Planners say that ticket sales and name badges issued totaled 22,168 for 
this year's show.  (DARA)

**

HAM GATHERINGS:  THE 29th ANNUAL EASTERN VHF/UHF CONFERENCE

The 29th annual Eastern VHF UHF Conference takes place August 22nd to 
the 24th at the Radison Hotel in Enfield, Connecticut.  This years 
conference will kick off with a Friday evening Hospitality suite 
followed on Saturday with Technical Sessions, Band Rap Sessions, Lab 
Sessions, homebrew equipment displays and a small vendor display area. 
The evening will culminate with a banquet dinner, trivia quiz and door 
prize drawings. Sunday will feature an outdoor flea market and antenna 
measuring session.  Conference registration is $25 and includes a 
Conference Proceedings and flea market admission for either a buyer or 
seller. Banquet dinner is $30.  For more information contact Bruce Wood, 
N2LIV, by e-mail to bdwood at eols.com.  (Press release)

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS:  MARC IN PA IN JULY

And, the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Radio Club will be holding its annual 
Valley Forge Hamfest and Computer Fair on Sunday, July 13th.  The venue 
is the Kimberton Fire Company Fairgrounds, on Route 113, in Kimberton 
Pennsylvania. Admission is $6.00 but unlicensed spouse and children of 
hams attending will be welcome free of charge. For more information e-
mail Hamfest-info at marc-radio.org or write to MARC, P. O. Box 2154, 
Southeastern Pennsylvania 19399.  Information is also available on the 
club website at www.marc-radio.org.  (Press release)

**

ON THE HORIZON:  HD RADIOS STILL SET TO ROLL OUT THIS SUMMER

Ibiquity Digital radio says that the HD Radio receiver roll out will 
begin as scheduled this summer.  This, this despite s major codec 
algorithm setback.

According to a CGC Communicator editorial, the algorithm has been an 
ongoing puzzle for iBiquity.  Broadcasters were told at the recent NAB 
convention that all parts of the HD Radio system were progressing well 
except for some details with PAC algorythm that could impact on both AM 
and FM fidelity.

CGC says you can find more about this on-line.  Its in cypbespace at 
http://www.rwonline.com/dailynews/one.php?id=3187  (CGC)

**

HAM RADIO BUSINES:  LISTINGS SOLICITED FOR NEW BUSINESS DIRECTORY CD-ROM

Eve Services says that it is in the process of producing a directory of 
all amateur radio vendors throughout the country. It does not matter if 
you sell wholesale or retail.  The company says that it wants your 
listing and information for the directory which will be mass produced on 
CD-ROM.

Eve Services says that there is no charge for being listed.  For more 
information please contact Dave Vakos, N4DBB, Production Manager, Eve 
Services, 152 17th Street South East, Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124.  You 
can also call Dave at area code 505-892-4454 during normal business 
hours, Mountain States Time.  In addition to the normal C-D, there will 
be a version for the vision impaired as well.  (Eve Services)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  FO-29 BACK ON

The Fuji Oscar 29 command team has command the satellite's transmitter 
back on and the bird is again open for normal use. This following a 
unexplained satellite based problem that had caused the transmitters to 
unexpectedly go QRT.

The team is presently analyzing data and is seeking reception  reports. 
Those who are able to hear FO-29, are asked to report the UTC time, 
location and signal strength to lab at jarl.or.jp  (ANS)  

**

SPACE AND SCIENCE:  DUTCH AND SPANISH ASTRONAUTS INK DEALS TO FLY TO ISS

A draft contract for the flight of Andre Kuipers, a Dutch astronaut from 
the European Space Agency to the International Space Station has been 
approved.  This, according to Russian Aviation and Space Agency 
spokesman Sergei Gorbunov .

On Monday, June 23rd, Gorbunov told the Interfax news service the text 
of Kuipers's flight agreement has been initialed and the technical 
chiefs of the projects have already signed it.  So far this is a 
tentative contract signing, he said. 

A deal for the flight of another ESA astronaut, Pedro Duque, was signed 
at the end of May.  Duque will fly to the ISS in October with Alexander 
Kaleri and Mike Foale  who are the crewmembers of Expedition Eight.  He 
will return to Earth with Yuri Malenchenko and Ed Lu who are the current 
Expedition Seven team.   Both European Space Agency astronauts will 
perform preparatory work in preparation for the receipt of the first ESA 
built Automated Transfer Vehicle.  Its assumed that either or both of 
these two European astronauts will be licensed by their respective 
governments to operate the ham radio station on board the ISS.  
(Published news report)

**

INTERNATIONAL - CANADA:  VA3RAC TO BE ON THE AIR

Turning to international news, word that Radio Amateurs of Canada has 
given its authorization to Glenn Wyatt, VA3DX, of St. Catharines 
Ontario, to operate during the IARU World HF Championship contest using 
the VA3RAC callsign.  This, beginning 1200 UTC Saturday July 12th and 
ending at 1200 UTC Sunday July 13th.  

Wyatt is described as an accomplished DX'er and contester. Radio 
Amateurs of Canada says that his willingness to operate as VA3RAC is 
greatly appreciated by the organization.  (RAC)

**

INTERNATIOBAL - CUBA:  MIAMI DJ'S FOOL FIDEL CASTRO

The same two Miami radio show hosts who duped Venezuelan President Hugo 
Chavez into believing he was speaking by phone with Cuban President 
Fidel Castro last January now claim to have similarly tricked Castro. 
This, in a telephone call to the Cuban dictator using recording of 
Chavez voice.

The call was played on Miami's WXDJ-FM on Tuesday, June 18th by  disc 
jockeys Joe Ferrero and Enrique Santos. In the recording provided by the 
Cuban-American radio announcers, a man they say is Castro responds for 
about four minutes to snippets of a tape recording of Chavez.  But he 
catches on to the prank after he is called an assassin and the 
conversation disintegrates into him denouncing the caller.

According to news reports, Cuban officials who did not want to be 
identified said they did not know about the prank and could not comment.  
Venezuelan Embassy spokesman Andres Izarra said he hadn't heard the 
recording and couldn't confirm whether the DJs actually got through to 
Fidel Castro.  (Published news reports)

**

INTERNATIOBAL - UK:  BBC ASKS HAMS HELP IN TV SHOW

The British Broadcasting Company has asked the help of hams and  CB 
operators in the making of a new television documentary.  The U-K based 
broadcaster is producing a program dealing with the 1984 to 85 miners' 
strike which will be broadcast on BBC Two next year.  At a local level 
during the strike, it is known that pickets were coordinated using CB 
radio.  The BBC is hoping to find people who may have listened to these 
picketing arrangements being made, particularly those in the Doncaster 
area of South Yorkshire.  (GB2RS)

**

DX

In DX, SM0DTK is active as from Gotland which counts as EU-020 for the 
RSGB Islands on the Air awards program.  He will be there through the 
18th of July.  (GB2RS)

And another island hopper is IK2XYN.  He  was active porttable SV8 from 
Tinos Island.  Thats EU-067 for the Islands on the Air.  He was on  
between the 17th and 26th of June.  If you worked him, QSL as directed 
on the air.  (GB2RS)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  WHERE RECORD SPEEDS CAME FROM

And finally this week, ever wonder why the first successful disk 
phonograph records ran at 78 revolutions per minute?  Well a posting to 
one of the audiofile remailers explains it this way.

Up until the 1920's recordings were made at a variety of speeds from 75 
rpm to 84 rpm, and sometimes outside this range.  The minimum acceptable 
speed was governed by the quality of the sound from the innermost 
grooves of the record. By trial and error this speed was found to be 
around 78 to 80 rpm. 

The speed of records is based on the American electricity AC standard of 
60 hertz.   When engineers wanted to standardize the speed of recording 
equipment in the studios they started using synchronous electric motors. 
These are motors that are locked on to the 60 hertz power and run at 
precisely 3600 rpm. 

If you use simple gear ratios then 3600 divided by 46 is 78.26 rpm.  And 
all other phonograph record speeds came from the same source as wel.  
3600 divided by 80 gace us the popular 45 rpm record that helped to make 
the rock and roll revolution.  3600 divided by 108 is responsible for 
the L-P 33 1/3 rpm record and divided by 216 made the somewhat rare 16 
2/3 rpm disks. 

Of coarse most vynal albums have been replaced by digital compact disks, 
but the history of grooved disks is an interesting one and now you know 
how it all came about.  (The Hi-Fi Remailer)

**

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 
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can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), P.O. 
Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066. 