[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1536 - January 19th, 2007

Sun Jan 21 07:17:44 EST 2007

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1536 - January 19th, 2007

The following is a closed circuit.  Ladies and gentlemen, with a word 
about Amateur Radio Newsline's current financial situation, here is our 
Support Fund administrator Andy Jarema, N6TCQ,

--

First of all, welcome to the year 2007. The 30th anniversary year of 
Amateur Radio Newsline. 

Newcomers to ham radio may not know that we started out as the Westlink 
Radio Network in September of 1977. Our first newscast was a half hour 
devoted to repeater deregulation, and have been going strong, ever 
since. 

Now its 2007 and ham radio is entering a new phase of its existence. 
Morse going away. Phone bands are expanding and new technologies being 
introduced almost daily. Maybe most important of all is that digital 
operation set to replace analog over the next few years. And to know 
how all of this will affect your day to day on the air operations, you 
need a source of fast, reliable and accurate information. And for the 
last three decades, we have been there, reporting for you. 

However, to keep the news coming your way takes money. About $1000 a 
month to research, prepare and distribute these weekly newscasts to 
you. 

Sadly, what we have received in the last months of 2006 is simply not 
enough to keep us going through 2007. In fact, we still need to raise 
monies to fully pay off our expenses for November and December. 

As we have said before, whether we continue reporting or we go away is 
up to you. Your vote of confidence comes in the form of your ongoing 
donations to the Amateur Radio Newsline Support Fund. A donation that 
is fully tax deductible. 

Making a contribution is only a mouse click away if you have Pay Pal. 
Just go to www.arnewsline.org and click on the button at the top of the 
page marked "Make Donation." Or you can send in a donation to the 
Amateur Radio Newsline Support Fund, Post Office Box 660937, Arcadia 
California, 91066. 

Whichever way you choose, the all volunteer crew at the Amateur Radio 
Newsline will be eternally grateful.

Again we wish you all a great 2007.

For the support fund, I'm Andy Jarema, N6TCQ 

--

The following is a Q-S-T.  The FCC puts vanity license processing on 
hold, The DX Magazine names the most wanted 100 and the ARRL Board 
meets in Connecticut.  Find out the details on Amateur Radio Newsline 
report number 1536 coming your way right now.

**

RADIO LAW:  FCC SUSPENDS VANITY CALL PROCESSING

The FCC has put a new Amateur Radio vanity call sign processing on 
hold.  This, while it modifies the software that handles vanity 
applications.  Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, has more:

--

The FCC is still processing its backlog of vanity call sign renewal 
applications, but only those it received prior to December 18th.  Its 
also continues to accept new vanity call sign applications but these 
will not be processed until software changes made in accordance with 
the recent rule making have been fully implemented.

According to the ARRL, The suspension is a result of a rule change that 
went into effect December 15th.  It  affects only new vanity call sign 
applications submitted on or after previously noted December 18th date 
with the purpose being to discourage the filing of multiple 
applications by one individual for the same call sign.

The FCC granted the last new Amateur Radio vanity call signs on January 
4th  for applications received on December 15th.  The agency says that 
when it resumes processing new vanity applications, it will handle 
pending applications consistent with the date order in which they were 
received.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the 
studio in Los Angeles.

--

The FCC says that it typically takes 18 days from the time it receives 
a vanity application until the call sign is issued, or the application 
is denied.  And this reminder:  All vanity call sign renewal 
applications, including those for club stations, must be filed via the 
Universal Licensing System. The current vanity call sign fee, payable 
for new applications as well as vanity call renewals, is $20.80 for the 
10-year license term.  (ARRL, FCC)

**

2006 MOST WANTED SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN! 

The DX Magazine has announced the results of its 2006 survey to 
determine its 100 Most Wanted Countries List.  

>From number 1 to number 10, the most sought after are Scarborough Reef, 
Lakshadweep Island, North Korea, Yemen, Navassa Island, Glorioso 
Island, Bouvet Island, Desecheo Island, Marion Island and Heard Island.

The complete results of the "2006 Most Wanted Countries" list in the 
January/February 2007 issue of "The DX Magazine."  More is on-line at 
www.dxpub.com.  And we will have lots more D-X news later on in this 
weeks Newsline report. (OPDX)

**

RESTRUCTURING:  RSGB PROPOSES EXPANDING SAT BANDS

AMSAT-UK reports that a number of papers aimed at expanding frequency 
allocations for the Amateur Satellite Service have been submitted by 
the Radio Society of Great Britain  to the International Aamateur Radio 
Union.  These for discussion at the upcoming  Region 1 Interim 
Conference, which will be held in Vienna, Ausrtria from  February 24th 
to the 25th.  

Among the suggestions made is to increase the Amateur Satellite Service 
on 2 meters by adopting 144.315 to 144.365 MHz for CW and SSB Linear 
Transponder Downlinks.  Changes to 23 centimeters and othewr microwave 
ham bands are also included.  The preliminary RSGB document is on-line 
at www.iaru-r1.org/vienna_2007_preversion.pdf   (GB2RS)

**

THE BPL FIGHT:  SAN FRANCISCO SELECTS WI-FI FOR FREE INTERNET

The City of San Francisco could become the first major U.S. 
metropolitan area to deliver municipal wireless Internet services 
citywide and will do it without the use of B-P-L.  This, after it 
announces it has reached a tentative deal with Earthlink to offer free 
R-F based Wi-Fi access to its residents. 

Earthlink is reported to be working with partners including Google Inc. 
to develop a free wireless Internet program throughout the hilly city 
of 777,000 residents.  San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said the 
agreement reached on Friday, January 5th  between the city and Earthlink 
will provide wireless Internet access at no cost to taxpayers and would 
be extended to cover neighborhoods throughout San Francisco over time. 

The deal, gives Earthlink access to public rights of way to install the 
necessary Wi-Fi antennas.  It follows more than a year of negotiations 
and public hearings where backers sought to assuage the public over 
privacy and security concerns. 

And perhaps the biggest winner is the ham radio community of San 
Francisco.  A number of B-P-L providers had suggested the city adopt a 
wired infrastructure using Broadband Over Powerline technology, but 
when the dust settled, B-P-L was completely left out in the cold.

Other cities including Philadelphia, New Orleans and Portland, Oregon, 
are also developing citywide wireless networks of their own. Details of 
the San Francisco-Earthlink deal can be found at 
www.sfgov.org/techconnect.  (Published news reports)

**

RADIO POLITICS:  ARRL BOD MEETING IN CONNECTICUT

The ARRL Board of Directors is meeting as we go to air on Friday 
January 19th.  The venue is Windsor, Connecticut.  That's where the 
Board will receive and evaluate the recommendations of the National 
Emergency Response Planning Committee.   Amateur Radio Newsline's Henry 
Feinberg, K2SSQ, has the details:

--

The  ARRL Letters says that the Board established an ad hoc panel at 
its January 2006 meeting.  This, to appropriately prepare for future 
large-scale disasters.  Now its time for the Board to hear and act on 
what these consultants have to offer.

Among other things, the National Emergency Response Planning Committee 
has been evaluating responses and actions of the ARRL and the Amateur 
Radio Emergency Service during Hurricane Katrina.  Given the 
unprecedented scope and devastation of the 2005 hurricane season in 
general and of Hurricane Katrina in particular, the ARRL says that its 
Headquarters was placed into a leadership coordination role through 
national-level requests for help from a number of served agencies.  

The ARRL Letter also says that the Board will also consider its roster 
of legislative objectives for the 110th Congress.  The Board members 
will elect those who will serve on the ARRL Executive Committee, the 
ARRL Foundation directors and make appointments to several key 
committees.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ, in New 
Jersey.

--

This is the League's first meeting for 2007.  We will have more on what 
was discussed and decided by the ARRL Board in future Amateur Radio 
Newsline reports.  (ARRL)

**

HAM RADIO TRAINING:  THE ON-LINE HAM RADIO PODCLASS

Now, anyone, anywhere can get the knowledge to become a United States 
radio amateur.  This, according to John Martin, KF8KK and Mike Dell, 
N7LMJ who are producing a new free podcast that will teach any listener 
everything that he or she need to know to get their Technician Class 
Amateur Radio license.  

John and Mike are both Amateur Extra class licensees with nearly 50 
years combined experience in the hobby.  Their Ham Radio Podclass can 
be found at www.hamradioclass.org.   To subscribe using Itunes or 
another podcast catching program, subscribe to 
http://feeds.feedburner.com/hamradio  Its truly the latest in go 
anywhere on-line learning today.  (Press release)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  HOUSTON CB'ER FINED $10,000

Turning to enforcement news. a Houston, Texas C-B operator has been hit 
with a proposed $10,000 fine.  This for operating overpower with an 
unlicensed transmitter.

In response to a complaint of interference to household electronic        
equipment, on April 28, 2006, the Commission's Houston Office issued 
Marcus A. Roberts a warning letter.  The letter advised him that 
operation of Citizens Band radio equipment with greater power than 
authorized in the Commission's Rules voids the authority to operate the 
station and is therefore  considered unlicensed operation. The letter 
also advised Roberts that unlicensed operation is a violation of 
Section 301 of the Act, and could subject the operator to penalties 
including monetary fines.

But the FCC says that Roberts continued his alleged high power 
operation that was eventually proven by an FCC investigator after 
several trips to Roberts home.  During the last one on November 8, 
2006, agents with the Houston Office again located the source of a 
strong signal on a CB radio channel using as coming from residence.  
Even though the inspectors never found a linear amplifier at the actual 
station location, tests using sophisticated direction finding and 
remote power measurement gear proved conclusively that Roberts home was 
the source of the high power CB signal.  

Roberts was given the usual time to pay or to file an appeal.

More on this case is on-line at www.fcc.gov/eb/FieldNotices/2003/DOC-
269361A1.html (FCC, CGC))

**

ENFORCEMENT:  MORE ON SAT RADIO MODULATORS

The Consumer Electronics Association is encouraging members to comply 
with FCC regulations concerning FM modulators. In its newsletter C-E-A 
Smartbrief, the trade group is encouraging members that manufacture FM 
modulators to ensure that they are compliant with FCC regulations, and 
to ensure that the devices are compliant with the products' original 
FCC certifications.

As previously reported by Radio World Online, the C-G-C Communicator 
and others, National Public Radio is watching to see the impact of 
efforts by satellite radio companies, receiver manufacturers and the 
FCC after the holidays as consumers purchase new products.  

In mid 2006 the Commission began an informal inquiry into wireless 
modulators.  This, to confirm their compliance with FCC regulations 
after N-P-R and the National Association of Broadcasters had submitted 
engineering studies showing that some FM modulated products were 
emitting too much power and interfering with some terrestrial FM 
stations. (RW)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  THE NIGERIAN FBI SCAM

Another telecommunications scam with an Internet connection.  And maybe 
you already heard about it on your local radio or TV news.  But its 
truly worth repeating.  Hers Jim Davis, W2JKD:

--

If you receive what appears to be a pair of e-mails from Federal Bureau 
of Investigation Director Robert Mueller saying you could be eligible 
for a big cash payment, it's just a scam.  According to news reports, 
the FBI has issued an alert that warns consumers of an e-mail hoax 
using Mueller's name. 

The first e-mail with Mueller's name includes official information 
taken from the law enforcement agency's web site about F-B-I 
Identification records and a Certificate of Ownership.  It is followed 
by a second e-mail that claims to be from a lower-level official and 
demands a fee be sent to "F-B-I Nigeria" which will issue the 
certificate.  It also threatens federal charges if the recipient 
doesn't respond to the first. 

The FBI advises recipients to not respond to either note.  It also says 
that this is  the second scam in two months to pose as coming from the 
FBI chief.  

--

The bottom line.  If you get an e-mail telling you top pay a fee to the 
FBI in Nigeria, you might want to forward it with a note of explanation 
to the real FBI in Washington D-C.  (Published news reports)

**

HAM RADIO IN THE PHONE:  NEW RAIN AUDIO ARCHIVE

A new service from the Radio Amateur Information Network,  In addition 
to their distribution system for the current RAIN Report, Hap Holly, 
KC9RP, has added a new telephone access audio archive at 773-249-0720.  
The service is being sponsored and maintained by Blair alper, KA9SEQ of 
Uddle Systems.  Again that's the new RAIN Archive on the phone at 773-
249-0720, and that number is in Illinois.  (RAIN)  

**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  DAVE ISBEL. KB8INH - SK

The changing of the guard in ham radio continues.  This, with the sad 
news that longtime Amateur Radio Newsline bulletin station David Isbel, 
KB8INH, has become a silent key.  

Isbel was only 61 when he died from complications to cancer on December 
28th.  He was a very active with A-R-E-S in the Dayton, Ohio, and for 
the last 15 years he was the person who aired Amateur Radio Newsline 
the WC8OH, 145.110 MHz repeater.

Services for David Isbel were held on Tuesday, Jan. 2nd at the Miami 
Shores Baptist Church.  Memorial contributions, if so desired, may be 
given to Hospice of Dayton in David's memory.  (W8ILC)

**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  VHF/UHF HARRY CONOWAK, WA4OFS - SK

And word that Harry Conowal,WA4OFS, passed away from a fatal heart 
attack on Friday, January 12th.  

According to a note from Pete Heins, N6ZE, Conowal was a very well 
known and active VHF and UHF operator.  He was also a prolific builder 
of tube type VHF and UHF high power transmitting amplifiers.  

Harry Conowal is survived by his wife Jackie, daughter Terry, annd sons 
Michael Tom, Mark, and Ted.  A funeral mass offered for WA4OFS on 
Wednesday, January 17th at St.Thomas Aquinas Church l in St. Cloud 
Forida.   (N6ZE)

**

THE SOCIAL SCENE:  2007 INTERNATIONAL DX CONVENTION IN CA IN APRIL

The 2007 International DX Convention will take place April 27th to the 
29th.  This, at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Visalia, 
California. 

The Convention theme this year is, "Elmering New DXers is Job Number 
One!" Because of this, a portion of the programming will be devoted to 
helping new DXers learn about how to be noticed in a pile-up, snag a 
"new one" and get that elusive QSL card.

Current information and registration forms are available on the 
Convention web page.  Its in cyberspce at www.dxconvention.org. 
Additional registration information can be obtained by contacting 
Convention Registration Chairman, Dick Letrich, via e-mail a to 
dlw6km at aol.com 
(Via e-mail)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  FRORMER AMSAT PRESIDENT RUNNING FOR ARRL SM POST

Some names in the news.  First up is former AMSAT North America 
President Doug Loughmiller, W5BL.  Loughmiller has entered his name in 
the race to become the ARRL's North Texas Section Manager. W5BL is 
challenging incumbent Tom Blackwell, N5GAR, who is seeking re-election 
to the Section Manager's post.  (Texas VHF Remailer)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  M3LSZ STEPS DOWN AS RADCOM EDITOR

Alex Kearns, M3LSZ, has stepped down as the editor of the Radio Society 
of Great Britain's RadCom magazine.  This, says Kearns to pursue a 
career as a web developer in London.

Alex Kearns took over as RadCom editor in July 2005 and made a number 
of significant changes to the magazine.  This included a redesign in 
January 2006 and introducing a popular new homebrew column.  He also 
designed a web solution for RSGB radio clubs.

RadCom's technical editor, Giles Read, G1MFG, will be taking over as 
interim editor following Alex's departure.  He can be contacted at 
giles.read at rsgb.org.uk   (GB2RS)

**

HAM HISTORY:  THE Q-CODES

Most hams use Q codes in their day to day operation, but have you ever 
given any thought to where they came from?  Jim Linton, VK3PC, has the 
rest of the story:

--

Q-codes, we use them on air particularly the HF bands, they're 
universally understood abbreviations and part of the regulatory or 
operational knowledge needed to obtain a ham ticket.

But where and how did they begin? The original Q Codes were created in 
about 1909 by the British government as a list of abbreviations for use 
by British ships and coastal stations. 

They quickly proved their worth in facilitating communication between 
maritime operators including those from non-English speaking countries.

A total of 45 Q-codes were adopted by the International Radiotelegraph 
Convention in July 1912. 

There are actually three sets of Q-codes - QAA-QNZ for aeronautical 
use, QOA-QOZ for maritime use, and QRA-QUZ for general use and part of 
this set is used by radio amateurs.

Some Q-codes previously listed for ham use in various publications seem 
to have fallen by the wayside.

For example QRA - What is the name of your station? This can easily be 
substituted with QRZ? 

QUM - Normal operation of an amateur station can resume. This is a 
throw back to the early spark-gap wireless telegraphy era when amateur 
stations could be told to stop sending due to interference with 
maritime stations.

Among others that seem to have fallen into disuse are: 
QRH - Does my frequency vary? and QRL - Are you busy?   

There are also a few unofficial or humorous Q-codes used occasionally 
too. Notably QLF - sending with your left foot or QLK for left-footed 
keyboard operation. The point of those codes is to highlight poor 
sending via a Morse key or qwerty keyboard.

Now going QRT, I'm Jim Linton VK3PC.

--

And we QSL that report, loud and clear.  (GB2RS)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  AMSAT-NA NEEDS WINDOWS XP PROGRAMMERS

If you know how to program for Windows and have some free time, AMSAT 
North America news you.  This according to the groups Vice President 
for Operations Drew Glassbrenner, K-O-4-M-A.  

According to Glassbrenner, AMSAT has two projects that are in need of 
talent, both in support of Operations.  The first project involves 
writing a Graphic User Interface Windows XP compatible program to read 
mixed ASCII and binary telemetry files, extract, reformat, and display 
the data.  

The second project also involves developing another XP compatible 
Graphic User Interface program.  This one  around some pr-existing 
AX.25 and soundcard code for a U I satellite communications program.

In both cases, ease of installation and use are high on the priority 
list and support will be required for widespread use.  If you can 
assist on either or both of these projects, send an e-mail to 
ko4ma at amsat.org   (ANS)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  HELP TRACK AN ASTROID AND WIN $50,000

Help keep tab on a runaway astroid and you can win $50,000.  Sounds 
simple, but there is one catch.  The Planetary Society is offering the 
$50,000 prize to anyone -- including radio amateurs -- who can come up 
with the  best plan to put a radio tracking beacon on near-Earth 
asteroid Apophis. 

Yes, we said "on" the astroid Apophis, and heres why.  

Apophis is a barren piece of rock approximately 400 meters across that 
is expected to pass very close to the Earth in 2029.  Scientists say 
that it could receive a gravitational bump to its orbit on that pass 
that could make it even more dangerous when its again near Earth in 
2036. 

The researchers say that with better tracking, they will have a much 
better idea if Apophis really is a risk to Earth.  As they seem out of 
ideas, they are turning to the general public for help.  

The competition ends this coming August 31st. More information is 
available at http://www.universetoday.com/2006/12/14/tag-an-asteroid-
win-a-prize/) (ANS)

**

WORLDBEAT - UK:  NEW GEAR FOR GB4FUN

>From across the atlantic, word that GB4FUN, the Radio Society of Great 
Britain's amateur radio demonstration vehicle, has been decked out with 
some great new equipment.  This,, thanks to the generosity of two major 
radio firms.

Vertex Standard has donated a Yaesu FT-987 for use in GB4FUN while 
Nevada Corporation has provided a Comet CHA-250B wideband H-F antenna.  
The new equipment will help GB4FUN and its operator, Carlos Eavis, 
G0AKI, share the fun and excitement of amateur radio and science with 
school children all across the U-K.  (GB2RS)

**

WORLDBEAT - IRELAND:  SPECIAL SCOUTING CALLS

Scouting Ireland has been allotted two special event callsigns.  This, 
to celebrate the 2007 Centenary of World Scouting and the 2008 
Centenary of Scouting in Ireland.  

EI100S began operations New Year's day.  It's most likely on 20 meters 
on the unofficial Scout Frequency  of 14.290 MHz.  EI100SI also came on 
the air on New Year's day.  You can find it roaming the 80 meter band.  

More information is on the web at  www.scouts.ie/international/jota/  
(Southgate)

**

DX

In D-X, N2ED will be active as V-26-G during ARRL DX CW in February.  
Joined by KA2AEV, he will also operate all of the High Frequency bands 
including WARC bands before and after the contest. QSL all V-26-G 
contacts via N2ED at his callbook address.

Also, word that LZ1UQ, will be active as LZ0A from the Bulgarian base 
on Livingston Island in the South Shetland group.  He will be there and 
on the air through the 1st of March.  

And LA9SDA will be on the air from the Norwegian base in Antarctica 
until 5th February.  He uses PSK and SSB on 20 and 40 meters as 3Y9SDA.  
Output power is 100W into a dipole and a ground plane.  Listen for him 
around 07.30 and after 19.00 UTC.

Also on from Antarctica is DG9BHQ.  He is s new operator at Neumayer 
Base and  will be there until February of 2008.

And keep an ear open for IK2BTI in Ghana.  He has applied for a license 
and hopes to have it any day.  He plans to operate SSB and CW for 
several months.

Lastly, GM0DHZ, will be operating as 3V8SS from Tunisia for the next 
four to five weeks.  He is active holiday style on 160 through 10 
meters and possibly on CW and SSB.  QSL all of these operations as 
directed on the air.

(Above from various DX News sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  TRY THE EASY-SATS

Did Santa bring you some new ham gear over the holidays?  Are you 
counting the hours until domestic HF becomes "code free."  We have 
something to recommend in this new year  Another mode of operation that 
everyone can use with their existing equipment, be it a large HF station, 
or that shiny new handheld transceiver.  We're talking about satellite 
operation.  Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, takes a close look at ham-sats and how 
to operate them:

--

Many people have the notion that working repeaters on satellites is too 
much trouble.  You probably have visions of high tech roof beam antennas 
on rotors and complicated tracking software to find out when and where 
these birds fly.  Well, neither is necessary on the simplest satellites.  

Many use FM and are easy to use.  Take for example SO-50, also known as 
Oscar-50.  It transmits on UHF, 436.8 MHz and you transmit to it on VHF, 
145.85 MHz FM.  So, you use your HT and put those frequencies in.  That's 
pretty much it for equipment.  Even if your HT is 2-meters only, you 
could use a scanner for the downlink.  And how do you find out when SO-50 
is coming your way?  Look at www.amsat.org.  There you'll find a simple 
pass calculator.  You put in your longitude and latitude and they give 
you the times to go outside and listen.  Of course, a little better 
antenna helps a lot.  The amsat.org website has some great articles on 
this, too.  You can build your own little handheld beam, or let them 
direct you to one of the companies that make small, inexpensive HT 
antennas for satellite use.  

So what's been your longest FM simplex contact?  20 miles?  50?  Well, 
thousand mile contacts are the normal with satellite work, and with a 
little practice, you'll soon be working the birds and having fun with 
this mode of operation.  Check out the AMSAT web site for beginner's 
tips, satellite passes and all sorts of other useful information.  Take a 
look at the written version of this broadcast for the exact URL.  

These satellite repeaters in space are just waiting for you.  What can we 
say, satellite work is...well, literally out of this world. Give it a 
try. 

In Los Angeles, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, and we'll be listening for you.

--

Again, lots more about ham radio satellite operation is on line at 
www.amsat.org   (K6PZW)

**

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, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all 
from the Amateur Radio Newsline.  Our e-mail address is 
newsline at arnewsline.org.  More information is available at Amateur 
Radio Newsline'sT only official website located at www.arnewsline.org.  
You can also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline, P.O. 
Box 660937, Arcadia, California 91066. 