This Week in Amateur Radio: North America's Amateur Radio News Magazine. Articles on amateur radio and news stories in the media featured here. http://www.twiar.org 2010 en-us Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:09:36 -0500 w2xbs@twiar.org (George Bowen) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:08:41 -0500 webmaster@twiar.org (Greg Williams) FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.3.1) http://www.feedforall.com http://www.twiar.org/images/twiarlogowhite.jpg http://www.twiar.org TWIAR Dish Logo 109 113 The Chibis-M microsatellite, also known as RS-39 (RadioSputnik 39), was jettisoned from the Progress M-13M cargo spacecraft Tuesday evening (UTC). The satellite is designed to study atmospheric phenomena such as Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs) associated with lightning. RS-39 has CW beacons on 435.315 and 435.215 MHz and amateurs are asked to submit reception reports via email to the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences at amateur-rs39@chibis.cosmos.ru. Each report will be acknowledged with a special QSL. The CW telemetry format is available here. Telemetry decoding software written by Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, can be downloaded here. http://bit.ly/ywWCYa 86018FA0-3F41-4DC1-84CC-5DB6295CA356 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:59 -0500 Strong winds and tornadoes moved through Arkansas and Alabama on Sunday, January 22. In response to the storms, the National Weather Service office in Little Rock activated Arkansas SYWARN the same afternoon, while ARES® members were activated in parts of Alabama. http://bit.ly/A1sAHM 42E3197C-CC25-4706-A4A3-921B4BC45ADE Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:58 -0500 The FCC fined Robenson Thermitus $10,000 for operating an unlicensed radio transmitter on 98.7 MHz in Miami. Following up on a complaint in July 2011, Miami Enforcement Bureau agents traced the unauthorized signal to an FM transmitting antenna mounted in a tree. http://bit.ly/xDe0iz 1ABF4E3C-1E98-41EC-BA0F-B54E60699A82 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:58 -0500 On January 24, the FCC issued an Order that denied a waiver request from the Anchorage VEC, one of 14 Volunteer Examiner Coordinators in the US. In its July 2011 Waiver Request, the Anchorage VEC asked the Commission to permit individuals who have previously held an Amateur Radio license grant issued by the Commission -- but which has expired and is beyond the two year grace period for renewal -- to receive credit for elements previously passed, and thus a new license grant, without additional examination. http://bit.ly/z5pGFe 01674328-9925-4AE6-8640-1056ADDA8D1F Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:01:34 -0500 The full line of high performance HF, VHF and UHF amateur radio antennas from fast-growing British company InnovAntennas are now available to customers across the United States via Hamilton, Ohio’s R&L Electronics. http://bit.ly/A3fWYu F4D34453-0999-437E-ACA5-2DED1E358F3B Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:58 -0500 The February issue of the UK magazine Radiouser features a 5-page article on the AMSAT-UK FUNcube Dongle (FCD) VHF/UHF Software Defined Radio written by Mike Richards G4WNC. http://bit.ly/y5ykKP DC20DD1A-AF52-4FEA-96E4-7E27662EE19B Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:57 -0500 DX Engineering’s new ATSA-1 Stealth Antenna System allows Amateur Radio operators living in antenna-restricted neighborhoods to get on the air easily. The short, nearly invisible 26-foot wire can cover all bands 40 meters and up. Using a 45-foot wire will extend coverage to 80 meters. This complete system includes a tuning unit, ATSA MatchBoxx, stainless steel radial plate, antenna wire, bias tee, 2 insulators, radial wire, and all hardware. http://bit.ly/zx7iYf 4DBB6D70-B4B6-4DBA-83AC-0685AC61ED44 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:48 -0500 At CES, the FCC signaled that it opposed any effort by Congress to give the FCC policy direction or to establish any checks and balances on the FCC in authorizing incentive auctions of prime TV broadcast spectrum. The FCC’s lack of regulatory humility here is stunning. http://onforb.es/yHdAMG 92B6E914-6D11-4996-8888-F24D22077884 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:48 -0500 Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services recently announced statistics on family assistance for the 2011 calendar year, with representatives of the organization wishing to thank their many supporters from the Dyersburg community. "We are excited to start a new relationship with our local Ham Radio operators," said Rob Adcock in a recent press release. "We hope to form a stronger partnership with local resources to excel disaster response." http://bit.ly/xi9fDK 2E3B8EAE-E9C2-4E94-B847-D45ADE2EA8D4 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:47 -0500 The Mississippi Coast Amateur Radio Association celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday with demonstrations at Edgewater Mall. The organization, which is part of the Amateur Radio Relay League, has more than 60 members who use their radios to communicate with people on every continent. http://bit.ly/zY41cQ 7491FDC7-6FF8-4DEC-89F4-66F83F20147A Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500 Buffalo County’s longtime ham radio operator and emergency coordinator has retired. Danny Baer said he got the greatest sense of satisfaction from helping people. http://bit.ly/Ag841s 928E9D67-233F-4724-9E69-E132EC4E2A40 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500 Cuban amateur radio service regulations have been modified to provide the use of segments of the 80 and 40 meter ham bands to the third class operators license holders, that before these new rules could only operate on segments of the 160 and 2 meter bands. http://bit.ly/AwTfya A0EA21AC-C4C3-42BE-A75B-8822EF0BA969 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500 Radio hams were among those protesting on Wednesday against the SOPA and PIPA legislation in the US Congress and Senate. The amateur radio HF Link forum shut down for the day and the APRS site http://aprs.fi/ closed in the U.S. on Wednesday. http://bit.ly/xAKcpc BC72C453-A1E9-49A5-B025-D6277AC433AE Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500 They are amateur radio operators who use radio frequency to connect with people. They do this to make friends, conduct experiments as well as to establish communication during a calamity. These hobbyists call themselves Hams and are a significant line of communication, especially when other lines go down. http://bit.ly/zuKRHv 1693E40B-E60F-4655-B6C0-B99A75635B4B Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:45 -0500 Mild-mannered community activist Albert Knighten found himself in handcuffs last month when police and federal agents raided his home and shut down a pirate radio station he operated out of a spare bedroom. Supporters say his bare-bones operation filled an important niche in a predominantly black section of Fort Myers, a community whose residents often feel overlooked and underserved by commercial radio. http://huff.to/yyATZd 32B3B15B-87EE-4F48-B65C-F4E9BE1CFF14 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:45 -0500 Although mostly obsolete, the vacuum tube still has its adherents among audiophiles, test-instrument collectors, amateur-radio fans, and those curious about the physics of active devices. Given that a family of characteristic curves is worth a thousand data points, being able to view a device’s behavior enhances a small laboratory’s capability. http://bit.ly/ytQhDA 401E711E-90B3-47EB-AD61-E6F6A07970DA Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:45 -0500 Members of the Bittern DX amateur radio group set up antennae and aerials at Sheringham’s lifeboat station for a sponsored 36-hour broadcast, in aid of the rescue charity’s SOS campaign - its biggest national fundraising event. http://bit.ly/yMDd6C EC9CAFBC-3756-42AC-821B-7AA48530F206 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:44 -0500 IBEC -- one of the very few remaining operators of Access BPL systems -- has announced that it is closing down. In an undated announcement that appeared on the IBEC website, the company announced that it has "no other option than to close our doors and cease operations." IBEC claims that it cannot recover financially from the April 2011 tornadoes in Alabama that "ravished some of our major service areas." IBEC provided Internet service via broadband over power lines (BPL) to rural communities. http://bit.ly/AyliVn CC0E9757-0452-49C3-940D-4C6EA95A010D Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:49 -0500 The FCC released a Public Notice on January 6, reminding land mobile licensees, frequency coordinators and equipment manufacturers that they have less than one year to transition to narrowband operations in the 150-174 and 421-512 MHz bands. While the latter frequency range includes amateur service allocations, radio amateurs are not affected by the narrowbanding requirement. http://bit.ly/xODKKD 109B0F15-7508-41B6-8C26-1B89B43F38F3 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500 According to previews, the plot of the movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island -- set to be released February 10 -- hinges on Amateur Radio. The movie’s hero Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal that comes from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Sean decides to follow the signal with the unwilling assistance from his stepfather Hank (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). http://bit.ly/x0llDQ 2A1E3D88-449E-4127-B940-DC92BDBE41BC Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500 The FCC has denied a petition from the American Radio Relay League to tighten the rules for vanity and club call signs. The ham advocacy organization wanted the commission to impose additional limits on the ability of amateur clubs to obtain multiple licenses and call signs. http://bit.ly/xOVacY 3C2DB2CB-B84B-4861-A6E1-3D726F82B2B8 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500 Nearly 100 years ago, Jimmy Myrick, a 14-year-old Newfoundland boy, was one of the first people to hear RMS Titanic’s late-night distress call. The transmissions from the stricken vessel and the resulting bustle of activity at the Cape Race Marconi Station that occurred after Myrick alerted the station’s wireless operators to the impending disaster will be re-enacted on April 14 as part of the 100th anniversary of the world’s most fascinating marine tragedies. David Myrick, a relative of young Myrick and a ham radio operator, will participate in the re-enactment. http://bit.ly/yCWD04 2E074596-0649-4A7D-9914-C38AE8199F8C Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500 Phil Williams, KA1GMN, has been granted a Special Temporary Authority (STA) by the Federal Communications Commission to conduct Spread Spectrum experiments within 2.5 kHz signal bandwidths on 160 through 2 meters at a maximum of 100 W effective radiated power. The 6-month authorization takes effect February 1 and expires on July 31. The FCC has assigned Williams the call sign WF9XJD for use during his experimental transmissions. http://bit.ly/whO1IB C8267B21-966E-4396-B398-8B5AF07A6787 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500 ESA has changed the launch date of Vega, carrying 8 amateur radio satellites, to Thursday, February 9. Vega will launch from the ESA launch site at Kourou in the Caribbean. It will carry 7 amateur radio Cubesats and an amateur radio Microsatellite called ALMASat. http://bit.ly/ynI3ce B3F5CA11-759B-4AB1-99B8-E7C3CA779082 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500 Technical enough for "nerdy, geeky people like myself," according to Sandy Springs resident Mike Cohen, call sign AD4MC, old-school enough to prevail when more vulnerable systems fail or overload, amateur radio stations number about 630,000 in the U.S. About 240 of those station operators, called hams, belong to the Roswell-based North Fulton Amateur Radio League, formed in 1975. http://bit.ly/xdksIR 8A7B493B-7C04-4C4E-8077-3DFBB4E9AB74 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500 On Sunday, Jan. 8, the NPARC, the Amateur Radio Club for the Watchung Hills Area, held its annual "Ham Radio Kids Day" at the Berkeley Heights Community Center. Members of the club set up a ham radio station, and by 2 p.m. the place was humming as children from all over the area learned about Morse code, including how to send it and translate it and how to find people to talk to over the radio. Soon they were speaking to people across the country and practicing sending Morse code. http://bit.ly/yr6cUV 04882271-4CF4-416F-A626-177C321B647C Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500 Herschel King Sr. Park was abuzz with activity as members of the Flagler Amateur Radio Emergency Service Organization and Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club joined in Sunday for the American Radio Relay League's national Children's Day event. http://www.news-journalonline.com/lifestyle/living/2012/01/11/amateur-radio-event-helps-youths-connect-to-others-around-the-world.html 845195C0-A72D-4BFC-B3C6-7EC63B10C9FA Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500 New York state residents are becoming less vain and less willing to flaunt their professions or favorite causes. At least that's the case if you judge by their license plates. The state saw a sharp drop-off last year in the number of New Yorkers buying vanity or custom plates. In 2009, 41,146 New Yorkers paid extra for a special plate. A year later, the number dropped slightly to 41,040. http://bit.ly/ywdzEe 19B0F7ED-0F31-4EDD-8A4F-4793FC595D49 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:46 -0500 The Gallia County Charitable Foundation, established in 1985 by John Merrill Weed and Grace Weed Eubanks to promote community and educational projects in the county, recently presented a gift of $824 to the Mid-Ohio Valley Amateur Radio Club. http://bit.ly/ABYNmX 7DAEBE2F-5D88-4418-87D3-756F72840CF8 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:46 -0500 With the coming of more sunspots, comes more DX. And when more amateurs are working DX, that means the ARRL’s Membership and Volunteer Programs Department -- especially the DXCC Desk and the ARRL Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureaus -- goes into high gear. http://bit.ly/xcLIRM 962DC176-9461-4226-8869-FCDFC15CE778 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:46 -0500 On January 10, the US District Court for Maine issued a ruling in the FCC’s lawsuit to collect monetary forfeitures issued to Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, of Belgrade Lakes, Maine. The FCC had assessed forfeitures in the amount of $21,000 against Baxter on three asserted violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and its regulations: Failure to respond to an FCC inquiry in violation of Title 47, Section 308 of the US Code, willful or malicious interference with other radio transmissions in violation of Section 97.101(d), and engaging in communications in which he has a pecuniary interest in violation of Section 97.113(a)(3). http://bit.ly/wDtFbq 854333C2-8D25-4AEB-8064-BF91D4611309 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:20:06 -0500 A 1936 QSL card from the radio communications department at Cominco that sold last week for $18 US was interesting for several reasons that may or may not have influenced the three bidders. http://bit.ly/yRINNr 2ED67819-C6C5-46C9-B122-837475ED05C2 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:20:06 -0500 On January 11, the FCC issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order, denying an ARRL Petition for Reconsideration concerning vanity and club call signs. Filed with the Commission in January 2011, the ARRL’s Petition was in response to the FCC’s Report and Order (R&O) that detailed rules changes to the vanity call sign system and call signs for Amateur Radio clubs. These new rules went into effect on February 14, 2011. http://bit.ly/zE74Hs A0EA522F-571F-41C4-A0DB-150CD2696B35 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500 On January 4, 2012, the Amateur Radio satellite, ARISSat-1/KEDR ended its 5 month mission as it deorbited through Earth's atmosphere. A report from the AMSAT web site states, "The last full telemetry captured and reported to the ARISSatTLM web site at 06:02:14 UTC on January 4 were received from ground stations as the satellite passed over Japan." ARISSat-1/KEDR was deployed on August 3, 2011 from the International Space Station (ISS) during EVA# 29 and immediately began its primarily mission as an educational lab allowing teachers and students worldwide to interact with its many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based activities from their classrooms via amateur radio. http://bit.ly/zgUWrq 3557A171-B7CC-4510-AF9B-22A7E457F120 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500 Over a decade ago, HAM radio operators set up base in Sabarimala to help prevent disasters like the one at Pullumedu that claimed the lives of over a 100 devotees on makaravilakku day, last year. Now the HAM Emergency Communication and Disaster Management Society (HECDMS) has set up control rooms at Sannidhanam, Pampa and the Idukki collectorate to ensure effective and speedy communication on Makaravilakku Day this year, which happens to fall on January 15. http://bit.ly/wWFxc4 E3B7105A-22DE-46F7-8066-2876B23D9BA8 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500 CQ Amateur Radio magazine will introduce a quarterly "Maker" column, Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, announced today. It will be written by Matt Stultz, KB3TAN, and will appear in the March, June, September and December issues of the magazine. The "maker" movement is a growing do-it-yourself (DIY) phenomenon among mostly younger, tech-savvy individuals who enjoy hands-on tinkering and experimenting with electronics, crafts and similar projects. Many "makers" are not familiar with amateur radio, even though hams have been "makers" since the dawn of radio. It is the goal of this column to help build and strengthen bridges between the ham radio and "maker" communities. http://bit.ly/yngabf F98260F6-E422-4EED-9366-96DC23FC4002 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500 If you have an interest in history here, you’ve certainly come across John Bowker. If you have been involved with amateur radio in the last 20 years, you’ve no doubt talked radio speak with him. http://bit.ly/xYTVeN 4709B7EB-D1D8-4F9A-8E05-EABAFE9DF90F Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:27 -0500 When people think of Mattapoisett history, whaling shipbuilding normally comes to mind. However, the town has another, lesser-known distinction: the first female radio announcer in New England hailed from none other than Mattapoisett. http://bit.ly/zMwwMr 00081AF0-537A-4C34-A701-075F43567D6B Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500 AS Adam Romanchuk spun the dial, the radio sputtered, crackled and finally rang clear. "Hi, my name is Emily!" a voice chirped from the speaker. "I am 11 years old, and it's 64 degrees here in Phoenix, Arizona... " http://bit.ly/yBrgGQ 7903D48F-820B-4ED5-B229-F3EE91810E6D Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:28 -0500 As of today, the Pasadena Police Department's radio communications will switch from analog to digital, preventing media outlets and amateur radio enthusiasts from monitoring police calls. The police department will make its $7 million leap forward from analog to encrypted digital transmission of radio conversations in a move city officials insisted was not about secrecy but safety. http://bit.ly/wxYTLc 7FF03A8D-18E4-489C-8CE4-E90560EAD17A Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:28 -0500 AMSAT-UK will load its FUNcube-1 CubeSat picosatellite onto a converted intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is set for take-off in the third quarter of 2012, the radio-amateur organisation said on Wednesday. Once in orbit, the spacecraft will use a 145MHz telemetry beacon to transmit signals for schools and colleges to analyse. http://bit.ly/wgIe0B F132023B-25E9-4D70-A30E-234FBA729A07 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:28 -0500 Richard Rickwood is building his social network one class at a time. On Saturday, the Regina Amateur Radio Association (RARA) hosted a class for amateur radio enthusiasts. The 10-week course is to help prepare the future radio operators prepare for certification so they could go on air. http://bit.ly/ABUPba 923B1259-3208-45D5-8BD6-9A48F42C956A Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:27 -0500 The ARRL report that the plot of a new movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island hinges on Amateur Radio. From http://www.arrl.org/news/em-ham-radio-in-hollywood-em- amateur-radio-a-plot-point-in-major-motion-picture According to previews, the plot of the movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island -- set to be released February 10 -- hinges on Amateur Radio. The movie’s hero Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal that comes from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Sean decides to follow the signal with the unwilling assistance from his stepfather Hank (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). http://bit.ly/wlnhgz 5366A612-3602-4E22-BD00-F6E3483474D4 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:26 -0500 The ARRL report that an amateur radio shack featured in the Jan. 3 episode of the ABC TV show Last Man Standing. If you watched the January 3 episode of Last Man Standing -- the ABC hit situation comedy starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT -- you were in for a treat. While this episode didn’t feature Amateur Radio per se, it did show Mike’s shack in the background. Viewers could see the DXCC, Worked All States, Worked All Continents and the Morse Code Proficiency Certificate -- all provided by the ARRL -- in the first scene. Later on in the show, Mike records his video blog. Sharp-eyed viewers spotted the 2011 ARRL Handbook underneath the mini-tripod, next to issues of QST! http://bit.ly/ziVdEK E95552A5-D9E3-41B1-A603-11C9E9AA2483 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:26 -0500 Amateur radio groups from around the world are being asked to assist the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand which is seeking help to rebuild its headquarters station, HS0AC. This following massive flooding that recently hit that nation not long ago. http://bit.ly/AuR9hu 7B84B408-AF64-4FB5-B469-FCF262633044 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:25 -0500 A SOCIETY is celebrating ten years of training amateur radio enthusiasts. Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society ran its first training course for people looking to take up the hobby, at Danbury village hall, in January 2002, and has since trained more than 300 people. http://bit.ly/wmQNl0 EE088ECD-D2C5-47D0-B3E9-89C4F2D4A447 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:25 -0500 PDF's of all issues of the popular Amateur Radio publication 73 Magazine produced by Wayne Green W2NSD from 1960-2003 are available for download. http://bit.ly/Akmdx7 1C9AB14F-8AB8-4332-8206-D1AD1F7C525F Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:24 -0500 After four years under the Motorola umbrella, Yaesu has split from that company. According to Vertex Standard President and Chief Executive Officer Jun Hasegawa, effective January1, 2012, Motorola will keep the Vertex Standard Land-Mobile Division, while the amateur, marine and air-band will be under the Yaesu Musen banner. The new company will be known as Yaesu USA here in the US. http://www.arrl.org/news/yaesu-s-amateur-radio-division-breaks-with-motorola-changes-name-to-yaesu-musen 209DDCCD-2624-463E-9924-98335C61D164 Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:11:00 -0500 In an effort to improve the "FCC online experience," the Federal Communications Commission launched its public beta domain last week, where users can choose widgets and create a customized page. http://www.executivegov.com/2011/12/fcc-lets-users-create-their-own-custom-page-with-beta-launch/ 687C00A0-4C90-4CDB-B29C-9CF73DCEC08F Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500 At first, the idea of talking on a ham radio seems almost primitive. Yet there on Tuesday afternoon was Steve Smith, fiddling with the radio dial while volunteering at the Rochester DX Association's display table at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20111228/NEWS01/112280317/Rochester-Museum-Science-Center?odyssey=nav%7Chead 16604A54-24AF-4052-993C-59FC9482F842 Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500 Radar operations operate in what’s called EHF or the extremely high frequency band. Radars that work in the 78-81 GHz bandwidth have come to the interest of the FCC and the agency is seeking comments about approving devices using that range. Currently radio astronomers have a primary allocation across most of the band, according to law firm Fletcher Heald & Hildreth. http://www.rwonline.com/article/fcc-seeks-ehf-comments/211094 DA032AF3-CB4E-47F3-BA1F-DE548F243403 Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500 People from surrounding areas of Geetanagar High School in the city on Tuesday rushed to watch a post-quake mock drill conducted to create awareness on what should be done during such an emergency. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-28/guwahati/30564455_1_mock-drill-earthquake-search-and-rescue 2C62F4F5-91D6-433B-8C24-00AC92B9430A Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500 When disaster strikes, sometimes it comes down to old-school radio technology to save the day. The planners of the state-of-the-art Jackson County emergency dispatch center off Biddle Road recognized this and made space where volunteer amateur radio operators could provide the last line of defense in case of catastrophe. http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20111226/NEWS0107/112260343/ 0FDED9FB-0CB1-41FD-8B7E-4D3F2DC7EADD Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:56 -0500 The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 (HR 3630) -- the bill to extend the payroll tax reduction that passed the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 13 -- includes among its many other provisions the "Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum Act" or JOBS Act that passed the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on December 1. http://www.arrl.org/news/house-passed-payroll-tax-bill-includes-amateur-radio-study 35BBEE6C-E646-4EBA-A4EE-67F0DE72AE3C Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:00:50 -0500 Anritsu Company announces it has donated 26 handheld radios to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that will be used by Boy Scouts seeking to get involved with amateur radio and earn their Radio Merit Badge. The donation, made possible by an upgrade to Anritsu's onsite two-way radio system, is part of Anritsu's on-going global commitment to foster wireless technology education and support worthy community organizations. http://www.rfglobalnet.com/article.mvc/Anritsu-Company-Donates-Handheld-Radios-To-0001 04136ACD-B826-4DE4-9151-48BBB7E43241 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:08 -0500 Soldiers and a ham radio operator have come up with a way for Afghan officials to better reach citizens throughout the mountainous valleys of Zabul Province — near vertical incidence skywave transmissions. http://www.radioworld.com/article/afghans-target-valleys-with-shortwave--/154934 302B4966-5B80-4222-9618-A9A68EAC204C Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500 If you were watching the popular television game show Jeopardy! -- where contestants have to answer in the form of a question -- on December 15, you might have noticed there was a question featuring Amateur Radio. http://www.arrl.org/news/can-i-have-amateur-radio-for-800-alex 45525EB9-4F42-440C-84F7-0F99F9A69FB7 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500 A star led wise men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Today, another star shines over Albertville to remind children and residents of the true meaning of Christmas. A large 15-by-15-foot star lights up the December skies every year, thanks to Albertville resident Barry Harbin. Harbin owns Sand Mountain Tower, a company that repairs and maintains radio towers. http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/lifestyles/faith/article_03e4cb9a-2ccf-11e1-8993-0019bb2963f4.html 49D666C7-4385-4684-9B7D-3C95361AB32D Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500 REALISING the importance of communications through radio network which is quick in disseminating information, several enthusiasts set up the Mersing Amateur Radio Communication Fan Club. http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/amateur-radio-club-answers-distress-calls-1.23261 DA01AA61-7792-4EBD-BB38-C003D32F6704 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500 Between 1937 and roughly 1946 there was only one radio astronomer in the entire world: Grote Reber, an amateur from the Chicago suburbs. Reber was a HAM operator who worked in radio manufacturing. At night, he'd come home and tune into the stars, using a home-built telescope he erected in his backyard in Wheaton. It was the second antenna to be used for astronomy ever, after Karl-freaking-Jansky's. Truly, Reber was one badass Happy Mutant. http://boingboing.net/2011/12/22/merry-grotemas-a-celebration.html 5079667E-F57B-41D0-AC52-1D09926F2205 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500 Holders of the Advanced Licence, the highest amateur radio licence available in Australia, will be able to apply for use of up to one-thousand watts PEP under a restrictive permit system that begins in March. The change follows renewed representation by the Wireless Institute of Australia and the recent development in nearby New Zealand, where 1kW is now to be allowed, up from 500w PEP. http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2011/australia_to_trial_limited_higher_power.htm 0B5EBF46-FF55-4AD5-9CCF-855E925CD1C9 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500 Have you ever wondered what amateur radio was about? Is it still relevant in the age of the Internet? Actually, amateur radio is growing, with more than 700,000 licensed radio amateurs in the United States for the first time. From noon to 6 p.m., Jan. 8, at the Darien Town Hall, the Lakes Area Amateur Radio Club and the American Radio Relay League present Kid’s Day 2012. Kids of all ages are invited to come out to this free, hands-on event and see for themselves what all the fun is about. http://walworthcountytoday.com/news/2011/dec/22/amateur-radio-operators-host-kids-day-darien/ 8F46F196-1DCF-4695-BD32-8947085B971D Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500 The early history of wireless contains the names of many great pioneers. While Marconi’s name is the most well known, the names of Fessenden and Heising are only rarely mentioned. As early as 1900, Reginald Fessenden was experimenting with the direct transmission of human speech. During World War I, Raymond Heising was developing a method of constant-current modulation that was one of the earliest forms of AM. Since I have been one of the active CW 600 meter stations as part of the ARRL’s Experimental License project for some time now, I decided to take a step or two further into the realm of early radio transmissions. One of the transmitters I have used for 600 meters CW and QRSS work has been a vintage homebrew design that could support traditional CW and Heising AM. Since the ARRL’s Part 5 license only supports CW and narrow-band digital modes, the Heising modulator went unused until a new idea came to mind. http://www.arrl.org/news/virginia-ham-plans-500-khz-special-event-to-celebrate-work-of-radio-pioneers E33D97CF-04D3-41F2-AECF-786E132D29EF Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500 The Viking Radio Club, KF5CRF, of Lawton, Oklahoma along with the Radio in the Park net has, in just over 2 years, developed into a regular on-air event. I started KF5CRF for the purpose of exposing middle-school students to real life applications involving math, science and electronics. I decided to use Amateur Radio as a fun way to gain their interest. Developing a workable program involving the school, parents and local hams was hardly an accident as my colleague Paul Goulet, KC5CYY, and I can tell you. It all began as two separate efforts by two individuals who saw a need to bring Amateur Radio and related sciences to the youth of their community. http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-in-the-park A8FF0B84-6D3D-4BA6-8111-57148BA62488 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:05 -0500 A group of radio amateurs recently travelled to Lesotho with the objective of heating up the moon - well, figuratively speaking. It was all about providing an opportunity for 'moon bouncer' radio amateurs around the world to make contact with a new country. http://mybroadband.co.za/news/general/40007-radio-amateurs-heat-up-the-moon.html 847F95EE-FB03-4CF7-914B-036FB5F25AD5 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:34:53 -0500 Silicon Valley's record-setting balloon aficionado has set another world record. Experts say San Jose pool service repairman Ron Meadows latest weather balloon traveled across the country, then across the Atlantic Ocean before splashing down near Spain. On Sunday, Meadows and his son, Lee, 32, released a balloon from Almaden Expressway and Highway 85 that soared past New Jersey, then landed in the Mediterranean Sea, where it sank. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19547556 51A1BEF0-2961-4231-977E-354C87DEA7CE Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:36 -0500 A weather balloon built and powered by amateur radio balloon enthusiasts made an epic three-day journey from California to the Mediterranean, splashing down after it apparently burst somewhere off the Algerian coast. The transcontinental transatlantic flight covered a record-shattering 6,236 miles. http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-12/amateur-radio-balloon-makes-record-transcontinental-transatlantic-flight E3DC068D-8C11-4E8A-BB71-A4D4B5CE985D Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:33 -0500 Ron Meadows, K6RPT, and his son Lee -- leaders of the California Near Space Project -- successfully launched an Amateur Radio high altitude balloon on Sunday, December 11 at 4:43 PM PST. The balloon reached a cruise altitude between 105,000 and 115,000 feet, where it continued its travel across the United States, the Atlantic Ocean and Spain and into the Mediterranean Sea. For most of its trip, the balloon traveled at about 150 miles per hour and eventually covered 6236 great circle miles in just 57 hours 2 minutes. According to the CNSP, this is a new Amateur Radio balloon flight record for both distance and duration. http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-balloon-flight-crosses-atlantic-sets-records 54672CF7-BF85-4EFD-BA19-C440AFB41973 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:22 -0500 Attention microwavers! An ARRL Ad Hoc Committee has been tasked by the Board of Directors with recommending updates to the ARRL band plans for the amateur bands between 902 MHz and 3.5 GHz. If you are now active on any of these bands or are developing plans to do so, the committee would like to hear from you by Thursday, December 15. http://www.arrl.org/news/deadline-approaching-for-hams-to-recommend-updates-to-microwave-band-plan 37615FBA-C8BD-4CA5-A88D-8CE42652EA68 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:22 -0500 French telecom regulator Arcep is launching a public consultation until 20 January 2012 on on planned changes to the regulatory framework governing the terms of use for frequencies by amateur radio service stations and by the amateur satellite service. http://www.telecompaper.com/news/arcep-consults-on-new-rules-for-amateur-radio-satellite 0249BA25-4B5E-4B61-BE1A-357C1EED9DD6 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:21 -0500 The Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society is looking for new members to help grow the sometimes life-saving hobby in Yellowknife and the North. There are 20 society members scattered through the NWT, with the majority of them in Yellowknife. Society president Chris Cameron said adding to their membership would help the society become more involved in the community. http://nnsl.com/northern-news-services/stories/papers/dec16_11ham.html 6FCF54C9-ADC4-4B91-A4F5-B5267F7FCEB4 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:21 -0500 SOCIAL media and the internet may be bringing the world closer together but Darcy Hancock still prefers his trusty HAM radio. Celebrating his 101st birthday tomorrow Mr Hancock has lived through the birth of television and several wars but despite the innovation of modern communication, 84 years on from receiving his transmitter's licence, his voice can still be heard over the airwaves. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/still-gracing-the-airwaves-at-age-101/story-e6frea83-1226224391528 DFEFDDB0-C1F4-42AC-BB4A-6D0D32C374E8 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:21 -0500 The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 (HR 3630) -- the bill to extend the payroll tax reduction that passed the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 13 -- includes among its many other provisions the Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum Act or JOBS Act that passed the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on December 1. The JOBS Act makes up Title IV of HR 3630 and includes the following: http://www.arrl.org/news/house-passed-payroll-tax-bill-includes-amateur-radio-study 9AE38EDA-C2CE-4824-B3A3-B9F2D93FF4A7 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:20 -0500 Many ARRL members with arrl.net e-mail accounts have recently received bogus e-mails in a phishing attack. These are scams designed to scare people into e-mailing back personal information -- such as user names and passwords -- to the scammer at an unknown address. This particular attack was more sophisticated than usual, but far from unique. http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-warns-members-to-be-aware-of-e-mail-scams 01108134-7194-4805-BA94-A104849FBC03 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:19 -0500 Louise Evans was an amateur radio operator in California for 15 years before moving to Oregon 22 years ago and giving up her license because, she said, "I thought I was old. I was 80." http://www.oregonlive.com/milwaukie/index.ssf/2011/12/milwaukie_seniors_keep_ham_rad.html 009C5B60-51C1-4D17-8FF7-C50CF1AEDE76 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:41 -0500 The Royal Harbor Amateur Radio Club recently took part in Skywarn Recognition Day by setting up portable ham radio stations in the faux lighthouse at their retirement community in Tavares. http://www.dailycommercial.com/News/LakeCounty/120811radio 9EDE9421-ED9F-413E-8010-DF2117A093C9 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:41 -0500 In 1987/1988, Chip (now) W1YW created the first fractal antennas, for 2M packet use. Heading into 25 years since, this ham radio invented technology is now seeing wide acceptance. http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2011/radio_hams_invention_seeing_wide_use.htm B160E73E-834E-4E3C-A425-062369036CE4 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500 Colin de Villiers, ZS6COL, has been working on bringing the SARL and ICASA records in line. During the process some 40 members were found to be on the South African Radio League (SARL) records that are not in the ICASA Data base. Technically speaking, these persons are using their call signs illegally. http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2011/amateur_radio_ops_go_missing.htm 0D3E99D1-CE02-4E0D-9567-E4684CE47C20 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500 In a brightly lit room at the excruciatingly early (for us bloggers, at least) hour of 7:45 in the morning, Jeff Pulver was giving a room full of social media acolytes hugs. He was also talking about the early days of Twitter, our current place amid a communications revolution, and how to become someone who can change the world. And all this over waffles and fruits. http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/ham-radio-hugs-and-finding-meaning-on-twitter-jeff-pulver-at-social-media-breakfast-waterloo_b16688 A18BA575-9CD3-4004-8C83-6CD2248EBDD8 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500 The inaugural launch of the ESA Vega rocket will carry the amateur radio microsatellite ALMASat-1 and at least 6 CubeSats. http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2011/vega_to_launch_amateur_radio_satellites.htm 9CA74008-DEAC-40F8-86E8-3D0017276807 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500