[Ham-News] Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1555 - June 1, 2007

Sat Jun 2 10:35:17 EDT 2007

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 1555 - June 1, 2007

The following is a Q-S-T.  The International Amateur Radio Union takes
up the issue of Emergency Communications and also defines what a QSO on
V-H-F really is.  Also, Canada cancels its 137 Kilohertz and 5
megahertz ham radio experiments and an editorial in a U-S ham magazine
asks if the ARRL is really a "secret society."  All this and more on
Dayton 2007 on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1555 coming your
way right now.

**

WORLDBEAT:  IARU MEETS TO DISCUSS EM COMMS

Ham radios role in emergency communications was the subject at a recent
meeting of the Administrative Council of the International Amateur
Radio Union.  That gatrhewring has now garnered world wide attention.
Felix Scerri, VK4FUQ, reports:

--

The Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU) held its annual meeting on 14-15 May 2007 in Boston,
Massachusetts, USA.

IARU participation in the Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Conference, GAREC-07, to be held in Huntsville, Alabama, in mid-August,
was discussed.

The Administrative Council is determined to seek ways to enhance the
co-ordination and promotion of the disaster response capabilities of
the amateur service worldwide.

A draft strategy paper was received from the IARU International
Coordinator for Emergency Communications, Hans Zimmermann,
HB9AQS/F5VKP.  The Council will seek additional information from
member-societies on the national regulatory position of the amateur
service in preparing for and providing emergency communications, in
order to identify problem areas and develop solutions.

Im Felix, VK4FUQ

--

In addition for preparing for the upcoming Huntsville gathering.
reports of the other IARU international coordinators and advisers were
received and taken under advisement as well.  (WIA News)

**

RADIO RULES:  IARU REGION 1 DEFINES A VHF QSO

International Amateur Radio Union leaders meeting recently in Vienna,
Austria, have come up with a definition of what constitutes a valid
Amateur Radio contact.  At least on the VHF and UHF bands in ITU Region
1.

According to the newly crafted regulation, the minimum requirement for
a valid QSO on VHF and higher bands is a contact is one where both
operators during the contact have mutually identified each other,
received a report, and received a confirmation of the successful
identification and the reception of the report.

The report emphasizes that the responsibility always lies with the
operator for the integrity of the contact.  It also says that this
ruling is 'technology neutral' and applies to all analogue and digital
modes.  (GB2RS)

**

RESTRUCTURING:  CANADIAN 137 KHZ AND 5 MHZ STA'S EXPIRE

Special authorizations for Canadian Amateur Radio experiments at 135
kHz and 5 MHz will expire on June  30th.  This, as the agreement between
telecommunications regulator Industry Canada and the national society
Radio Amateurs of Canada runs out.

Since 2001, at the request of Radio Amateurs of Canada, Industry Canada
has granted a number of special authorizations to some Canadian radio
amateurs to conduct experiments in the band from 135.7 to 137.8 kHz and
at 5 MHz.  These experiments have had, as one objective, the acquiring
of data that would support the objectives for possible new allocations
to the Amateur Service at these frequencies.

With all special authorizations no coming to an end, the issuance of
further special authorizations will depend on the outcome of WRC-2007.
Its scheduled for October 22nd  to November 16, at which, on the
initiative of Canada, a new, worldwide, secondary allocation to the
Amateur Service at 135.7 - 137.8 kHz is on the agenda.  A secondary
allocation near 5 MHz may also arise at WRC-2007 as a consideration in
the review of radio services in the band 4 to 10 MHz band.   (RAC)

**

RADIO LAW:  NJ LATEST STATE TO PROPOSE BANNING MOBILE TELECOMMS

Meantime, back in the United States, New Jersey is the latest state to
propose banning the use of all forms of communications gear while
driving a car.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ, reports
on the latest radio law coming out of Trenton:

--

The new measure known as New Jersey Assembly bill No. 4146 would expand
an existing cellphone prohibition to include all electronic
communication devices including non verbal systems such as text
messaging and manually activated vehicle location systems.

Under current law, it is unlawful to use a wireless telephone while
driving, unless it is equipped with a hands-free device.  The current
law defines "use" of a wireless telephone as including, but not being
limited to, talking or listening to another person on the telephone.

The new bill would expand that definition to include, but not be
limited to, text messaging or sending an electronic message via the
wireless telephone or any electronic communication device such as a
Mobile Data Terminal.  Also, as currently proposed, there is no
exemption for any public safety users such as  police or fire
departments.

The current law prohibiting cell phone use while driving specifies that
a violation of its provisions should only be enforced as a secondary
offense.  This bill would not change that provision, but specifies that
when the phone or electronic communication device is used to text
message or send an electronic message, the violation may be enforced as
a primary action.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Henry Feinberg, K2SSQ, reporting.

--

What this might mean for that states ham radio operators is unclear.
But with no exemption for emergency service radio users included, radio
amateurs might be hard put to get one written in.  We will keep
watching this one and report on it in future, Amateur Radio Newsline
reports.  (News reports)

**

RADIO LAW:  FCC SAYS HOMEOWNERS ASSN CANNOT DENY RENTER A TV ANTENNA

A homeowners association that challenged the FCC's Declatory Ruling
that permits renters to install TV antennas and small satellite dishes
has lost its latest appeal.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Don Carlson,
KQ6FM, reports:

--

The case involves an Application for Review filed by the Woodmere
Townhome Association of Darien, Illinois.  This, after the Commission
ordered it to permit Philip Wojcikiewicz roof access to install a
standard television antenna to use with his new high definition
receiver.

Prior to bringing this matter to the Commission, Wojcikiewicz had filed
a written request pursuant to the Association's rules requesting
permission to install on his roof a television antenna. Wojcikiewicz
also presented his case to the Board of Directors of the Association.

After receiving no response from the Association or the Board, he filed
a Petition for Declaratory Ruling with the Bureau seeking a
determination that the antenna restrictions in the Declaration for
Woodmere Townhomes are prohibited by the Commission's Over The Air
Reception rules.   In response to this petition, the association argued
that the FCC ruling does not apply to the Association's rules because
the property in question is not under the exclusive use
or control of Wojcikiewicz and because he does not have an ownership
interest in the property in question.

But in rendering its decision, the FCC found that Wojcikiewicz does
have exclusive use of and a property interest in the roof of his
townhome. Therefore, the FCC says that its rules do apply and over
ruled the Association's restrictions on Wojcikiewicz antenna
installation and use.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Carlson, KQ6FM, in Reno

--

While not a decision in a ham radio matter it is at least a small dent
in the wall of self-written laws that homeowners associations
arbitrarily impose on those who wind up living in so-called planned
communities.  Especially those that bar antennas or try to keep hams
from even going on the air.   (FCC)

**

RADIO LAW:  NAB HEAD ASKS FCC TO RECALL ALL OVERPOWER SAT RADIO PART 15
MODULATORS

National Association of Broadcasters President David Rehr has
reiterated his call for the FCC to authorize a recall of satellite
radio FM modulated devices that violate Part 15 power limits.  In a
letter to Chairman Kevin Martin, Rehr cited a recent report from The
New York Times on satellite radio interference with local radio
signals.

According to Rehr's letter, of particular concern to the N-A-B are FM
listeners in their cars and listeners of public and religious
programming on noncommercial stations receiving interference from near-
by over power Part 15 modulators.  These stations are typically located
at the lower end of the FM band.  .

Last year, Rehr sent a letter to the heads of XM and Sirius Satellite
Radio.  It urged each company to voluntarily withdraw and replace all
non-compliant satellite radio devices then on store shelves or in
consumers hands.  Both XM and Sirius say devices now on the market
comply with Part 15 limits. (RW)

**

CQ MAGAZINE TO THE ARRL:  YOU ARE A SECRET SOCIETY

Quote:  "The ARRL appears to be coming down with a case of
"federalitis," mimicking the federal government's love of as much
secrecy as possible as often as possible, revealing information only
when absolutely necessary, and saying one thing while doing another."

So begins a strongly worded editorial by Rich Moserson, W2VU, appearing
in the June isue of CQ Magazine.  Writing in his Zero Bias column,
Moseson goes on to describe two recent events that he says illustrate
this trend, although he says that thr the ARRL has long been somewhat
of a secret society.

Moseson ends his editorial comment by recognizing that there are
certain situations in which confidentiality is important, but as a
general rule, there is no place in an organization such as the ARRL for
secrecy and subterfuge.  W2VU says, it needs to stop.

You can read all that Rich Moseson has to say about the secrecy of the
ARRL leadership on page 4 of the June issue of CQ Magazine.
(ARNewsline)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC DESIGNATES WA9KJI LICENSE RENEWAL FOR HEARING

The Federal Communications Commission has designated for hearing before
an Administrative Law Judge the license renewal application of an
Indiana ham.  Jack Parker, W8ISH, is in Indianapolis with the details:

--

In its May 24th release, the FCC says that the record it has before it
indicates that David O. Castle, WA9KJI, of Evansville, Indiana has
apparently, willfully and repeatedly engaged in unlawful Commission-
related activities.  This says the FCC, includes intentionally causing
interference, broadcasting without communicating with any particular
station, and using slanderous, harassing, and indecent language on
amateur frequencies.

In issuing the hearing order, the FCC notes that going back as far as
1988 Castle has been warned repeatedly to refrain from intentionally
interfering with radio communications; from broadcasting without
communicating with any particular station; from causing interference on
amateur repeaters; from using amateur repeaters without authorization;
and from using indecent, slanderous, or harassing language.  He has had
his operating hours restricted and his operating privileges modified,
and has been convicted of violating local law in the use of his Amateur
service license.

Notwithstanding these warnings, sanctions, and the conviction, the FCC
says that Castle continues to engage in such activities.  This, in
flagrant and intentional disregard of the Communications Act and the
Commission's Rules.  As such, the FCC says that Castle's continuing
course of conduct raises questions as to whether he possesses the
requisite character qualifications to remain a Commission licensee.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jack Parker, W8ISH.

--

The hearing will likely be slated in the not to distant future in
Washington, D.C..  More as the FCC makes details known.  (FCC Release)

**

HAMVENTION 2007:  MORE WITH THE FCC'S RILEY HOLLINGSWORTH

Some words of wisdom to live by.  Especially if you plan to operate on
a frequency known for its problems.  Think of the ham bands as a street
and you are the driver of a car passing through.  There are many
streets yiu can drive and FCC chief rules enforcer Riley Hollingsworth,
K4ZDH, says that those who come back to a bad frequency time and time
again are like a driver looking for an accident:

--

Hollingsworth: "You have to look at it this way.  Every city has a bad
neighborhood.  Its an area that will take time and more resources to
clean up.  There are economical and socialogical problems and other
things.  Mental probllems like on the ham bands (audience laughter)."

"But if you had three alternative streets you could take to work and
one was through a bad neighborhood.  And every time you drove that
street, someone hit your windshield with a rock.  Wouldn't you take
another street after say -- five or six windshields? (Audience
laughter)"

"So whose the bigger idiot?  the person throwing the rock or the person
who drives down that street every day when they don't have to do it.
Why don't you take the same approach to the Amateur Bands?"

--

Hollingsworth made this remark at the recent Dayton Hamvention where it
was captured for posterity by the Radio Amateur Information Network.
And on this weeks RAIN Report you can hear part 2 of Hollingsworth's
remarks by simply taking your web browser to www.therainreport.com or
by dialing area code 773-249-0720.  (RAIN, ARNewsline)

**

HAMVENTION 2007:  MAYOR SAYS HE WILL SOLVE THE PARKING PROBLEM

The mayor of Trotwood, Ohio, the suburb where the Dayton Hamvention is
held, says that he will find a fix for the parking problem that has
plagued the spring gathering the past several years.  Speaking at the
Awards Banquet, Mayor Donald K. McLaurin told those assembled that he
recognizes that a fix needs to be found:

--

Mayor McLaurin:  "Ive mentioned a couple of times about the parking
issue coming up next year.  My pledge to you is that we will solve that
problrm.parking will not be the issue."

--

Mayor McLaurin's remarks stem from next years anticipated loss of
parking at the near-by Salem Mall which is currently undergoing several
years of extensive reconstruction.  That work will likely make the area
of the mall normaly used by the Hamvention attendees un-available.  But
Mayor McLauren says not to worry because he will find a new place for
Hamvention attendees to park.  (ARNewsline)

**

HAMVENTION 2007: MORE NEW GEAR

Continuing our coverage of new products at this years Dayton
Hamvention, Fred Vobbe, W8HDU, is back this week with another new radio
from Vertex Standard.  This one a very special VHF and UHF dual-bander
known as the FTM 10R:

--

Audio Report only.  Please download the MP3 file of this weeks newscast
at www.arnewsline.org

--

Another unique feature of this radio:  The microphone and push-to-talk
are built into the control head so there's no dangling mic cord to get
caught in the handle bars.  More new products with W8HDU, next week.
(W8HDU, ARNewsline)

**

HAMVENTION 2007:  K0NEB SLIDESHOW REPRISE

And if you were not able to attend this years Dayton Hamvention, you
can relive a part of it in music and pictures.  This thanks to our own
Mentor Database Administrator Joe Eisenberg, KONEB.

Joe has already produced a pair of slide shows about Hamvention 2007
which he has posted at www.youtube.com.  One is titled "You Might Think
I'm Crazy" and the other is called "Radio Gaga."

The easiest way to find either one is to use the YouTube search feature
for videos by joehusker and then click on the ones you want to see.
Joe says the same shows are also on the Google video website as well.
(K0NEB)

**

THE SOCIAL SCENE:  KNOXVILLE TN. ON JUNE 9

Still on the ham radio social scene, word that the 41st Annual
Knoxville Hamfest and Electronics Exposition and ARRL Tennessee State
Convention will take place on Saturday, June 9th.  This, at the Kerbela
Temple near downtown Knoxville.

Hosted by the Radio Amateur Club of Knoxville, the theme for the
Hamfest this year is "Exploring High Frequency Communications." More
information on the Hamfest, including a schedule of events, is posted
on line at www.w4bbb.org  (K4PZT)

**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  SOUTH AFRICAN SPACE PIONEER GARTH MILNE, ZR1AFH
- SK

It is with sadness that we report the passing away of South African
space pioneer Garth Milne, ZR1AFH early on Friday May 25th.  Milne gave
South Africa it's first satellite, SUNSAT.  He was also largely
instrumental in securing an Amateur Radio payload on the Sumbandila Sat
bird.  Milne was  considered a true trailblazer in South African space
technology. A memorial service was held on Monday May 28th.   (WIA News)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  LIMITED PACKET RETURNED TO THE ISS

Limited packet operation has returned to the ham radio station on-board
the International Space Station.  This after some short term
reconfigurations to the Kenwood radio was attempted on May 21st with
limited success.

According to Ken Ransom, N5VHO, the  Project Engineer for the ARISS
Program, a few of the more commonly used configurations were able to be
stored in the radio.  One of the modes that was able to be partially
restored was the packet system but the operations are limited to
145.825 simplex.

General voice communication as well as configurations to support school
contacts were also successfully saved but the preset channels that are
used for many of the day to day operations are still inaccessible.

What this means for hams on the ground is that the current ISS radio
configuration includes 145.825 MHz simplex is for packet operations
only.  The voice frequencies have not changed.  They continue to be
144.490 up and 145.800 down for ITU regions 2 & 3 or 145.200 up and
145.800 down for ITU region 1.  ARISS asks that you use only the
channels assigned to your ITU region when attempting to hold a QSO with
hams on-board the ISS.  (ANS)

**

EMMERGING TECHNOLOGY:  WIND POWER BECOMING POPULAR

Wind power is the fastest growing renewable energy source in the world.
This, according to the American Wind Energy Association which forecasts
that 6 percent of all homeowners in the United States will receive
their electricity from wind by 2020.

Here in the U-S, wind generating farms have popped up in more than 30
states and are already  producing enough energy to power an estimated
2.5 million homes.  Thanks to growing concerns over natural gas prices,
a desire for energy independence and incentives for renewable energy
production, its expected this trend will continue.

The American Wind Energy Association calls it a clean, renewable energy
source that is environmentally friendly and does not generate no water
or air emissions. Critics of wind power point to a price discrepancy,
noting that construction costs for wind-powered generators can run
double those of fossil fuel plants.  But supporters counter that once
wind facilities are constructed, there are no fuel costs, because wind,
of course, is free.   (Wind Energy News)

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY:  PANEL SAYS NO TO BRAINWAVE MACHINE

A federal health advisory panel has concluded that a machine designed
to treat depression by stimulating the brain with magnetic pulses shows
no clear evidence of working.  The device, called the Neurostar TMS
system, is manufactured by Neuronetics and uses magnetic energy to
induce electrical currents in the region of the brain associated with
mood.

The Pennsylvania company, which is seeking clearance from the Food and
Drug Administration to market the machine, believes the currents
stimulate neurons in the region and relieve the symptoms of depression.
According to an FDA spokeswoman, panelists involved in studying the
Neurostar say there was some suggestion the machine works, but they
called the effect marginal, borderline and questionable.  Although, the
FDA isn't required to follow the advice of its outside experts, it
usually does.  (Science and Technology)

**

WORLDBEAT - UK:  HAM BECOMES MAYOR OF CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Some names in the news.  First up is the newly elected mayor of
Cambridge, England.  Jenny Bailey GOVQH of J-Squared Ltd, became that
city's new leader on Thursday May 24th.  Bailey had  served as a
Cambridge City Councillor since 2002.   She also held positions that
include Chair of Environment Scrutiny Committee, Vice-Chair of City
Center Development Scrutiny Committee and as a member of Strategic IT
Scrutiny Committee.  Her own company, J-Squared furnishes analogue and
digital radio design, radio propagation studies, database programming,
embedded programming technologies, GPS systems and much more.  It can
also provide advice on new and existing projects and products.
(Southgate)

**

WORLDBEAT - UK:  UK OCTOGENERIAN LICENED

Also from the UK comes word of a very special new ham.  Jeramy Boot,
G4NJH, is in Nottingham, with more:

--

Vera Tomlinson has passed her United Kingdom Foundation examination at
the second attempt. What makes this an outstanding achievement is that
Vera is an an octogenarian as well as being blind.

Vera was subjected to the same stringent rules as any other candidate
with the exception that Club President, John Swift M0UTX, was allowed
to act as a reader for her.  Lead instructor, Peter Myers G3UWT, was
full of praise for Vera and stated she was a delight to teach and is
now looking forward to a QSO with her on the air.

I'm Jeramy Boot, G4NJH.

--

Word is that Vera can't wait to finally get on the air.  (GB2RS)

**

CONTESTING:  CUBA ON THE AIR FOR ARRL JUNE QSO PARTY

 From the contest world comes wors that Cuba will be on the air for this
years ARRL June QSO Party as rover station T49C. Oscar Morales, CO2OJ,
says his group plans to activate at least the EL72, EL82 and EL83
grids, and if the conditions are good, EL93. Operation will be on 50,
144, 440 and 1296 Mhz using an FT-857, IC251, IC551 and 1296
Transverter.  All, antennas are yagi's.  QSL via the manager who will
be K8SIX.  (VHF Reflector)

**

DX

In D-X, the special callsign PA25UKSMG will be aired from The
Netherlands between through the 3rd of June.  This, to celebrate the
25th anniversary of the UK Six Meter Group.   Expect activity on 160 to
2 meters, and QSL via PA7FM.

And six operators from the Flying Dutch DX Group will be active as
PAOABM stroke H-B-Zero from Triesenberg, Liechtenstein, from June 15th
to the 22nd.    They will operate with two stations on 160 to 10 meters
using CW, SSB and some digital modes.. QSL via PA0ABM, direct or via
bureau.

Lastly, the special Ukrainian callsign E-Oh-20-R will be aired from
through June 3rd.  This for the 20th anniversary of Slavutych, for the
city built after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.  QSL via UY2RO.

Above from various DX news sources.

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  FLY ME OFF THE AIR

And finally this week, word of  radio station in southern Sweden, was
forced off the air for three hours recently following an unexpected fly
invasion.  Nope, we are not kidding.  Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, has more:

--

Yes we said flies.  You know as in those pesky critters known to land
on your favorite food just as you are ready to take a bite.

Well, Media Network says that the problem for the Swedish broadcaster
arose after thousands of the freshly hatched insects caused Radio
Active's broadcasting equipment to malfunction.  The staff at the small
rock music station discovered too late that a swarm of flies had laid
eggs inside the equipment stored in a separate shed beside the studio.
So, when station manager Andreas Narsell opened the door he found the
shed full of flies, both living and dead.

Narsell said that the whole episode felt like a scene out of a
Hitchcock film.  He also noted that the station had to remain off the
air while new equipment was installed.  He also says the station now
has a new slogan.  It goes: `50,000 flies can't be wrong.

Flitting around the studio, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, for the Amateur
Radio Newsline.

--

All of this begs we ask one rarther rhetorical question.  If flies did
not have wings, would we call them walks?  (Media Network)

**

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 WIA 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.

A reminder of our current on-line survey.  The question is now that the
code is gone, what would you like for yourself.  You can vote on-line
at www.arnewsline.org.  Both the results, and a new fun survey begins
next week.

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Jim
Davis, W2JKD, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.