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Ärende: Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1831 - September 14 2012
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Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1831 - September 14 2012

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1831 with a release date of September
14 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T.  Two illegal operations in Canada are evicted
from 2 meters; the Radio Society of Great Britain takes on Region One of
the International Amateur Radio Union over the endorsement of a more
liberal B-P-L standard; the FAA to begin a new study of the use of
broadband devices on aircraft in flight and a safety warning about those
tiny button batteries.  Find out the details are on Amateur Radio
NewslineT report number 1831  coming your way right now.


ENFORCEMENT:  TWO COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS EVICTED FROM 2 METERS IN CANADA

Radio Amateurs of Canada has announced that two cases of frequency
incursion to the 2 meter band by business users have been resolved.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Aaren Jensen, VA7AEJ, reports:

--

In the first incident, a transportation company based in Reinfeld,
Manitoba was observed to be operating illegally on 144.100 Mhz.  The
company in question had purchased VHF radios from a US based supplier who
failed to indicate correct licensing procedures.

Once contacted by Radio Amateurs of Canada the company agreed to
immediately cease operating in the two meter band and shifted its
operation to a business band frequency. Industry Canada was notified of
the incursion and continues to work with the company to secure a licensed
channel.  In addition to illegally transmitting inside the amateur radio
two meter band, this operation posed a threat to low signal operations
across a wide portion of North America

In the second matter, a home moving company was observed to be operating
on 144.940 Mhz.  The company in question is based in Winkler, Manitoba,
but the operation was observed in Alberta during the moving of a house.

In this case, the company had already been licensed to specific
frequencies with Industry Canada.  However it had requested 144.940 Mhz as
a channel.  Their request was denied and a business band channels were
issued.  However, the company failed to check tits license paperwork and
assumed it had been approved for their requested frequency.

As in the first case, the moving company was also contacted by Radio
Amateurs of Canada and agreed to move their operations to their correctly
licensed frequencies.  Given their wide geographic operations Industry
Canada had licensed their operation on four separate frequencies including
140.730, 154.325, 158.940 and 151.730 MHz.

In both cases, it appears that frequencies in the two meter band were
chosen by these businesses because their new vhf radios defaulted to that
frequency range.  This is definitely an indicator that the actual radio
gear being used is likely to be modified amateur radio transceivers.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Aaren Jensen, VA7AEJ, in Lumby,
British Columbia Canada.

--

The use of equipment intended for amateur radio operation outside of the
amateur bands or by persons who do not hold an Canadian Amateur Radio
Certificate is illegal.  What punitive action Industry Canada might impose
on the two companies for their incursion into the 2 meter band is at this
time unknown.  (RAC, VE4WO)

**

RADIO LAW:  RSGB ASKS IARU R-2 TO RECONSIDER PLT STANDARD

The Radio Society of Great Britain has formally asked the International
Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Electromagnetic Compatibility Working Group
to reconsider its policy on the draft European Broadband over Powerline or
PLT standard.  One that the RSGB claims to threaten a 38 dB increase in
R-F pollution over much of the short wave radio spectrum

The request from the RSGB came in an August 28th letter to C.M. Verholt,
who is the Chairman of the IARU Region 1 EMC Working Group from the RSGB's
Don Beattie G3BJ.  In it, Beattie says that there is no way that the
emissions from devices meeting this new standard can satisfy the essential
requirements of the EMC Directive outside the notched frequencies.  As
such, G3BJ says that the IARU Region 1 EMC Working Group is in effect
condoning overriding the essential requirements of the Electromagnetic
Compatibility Directive by backing the standard.  He says that this action
of the Commission is clearly contrary to the law of the European Union and
therefore open to judicial review.

Beattie goes on to say that the new emission levels, if sanctioned, will
inevitably become the baseline for future standards.  In this context he
notes that that there are already some new drafts that are circulating
which reference the more liberal proposed emission levels.

Beattie ends his letter by saying that the RSGB hopes that common sense
will prevail and that IARU Region 1 will amend its position on this
matter. The IARU Region 1 EMC Working Group had previously added its
support to the new Pan-European Electromagnetic Compatibility standard
that the RSGB so vigorously opposes. (GB2RS)

**

RADIO LAW:  PLMRS NARROWBANDING TAKES EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 2013

The FCC has sent out a notice to the manufacturers, importers, distributes
and users of Private Land Mobile two-way radio that the deadline to switch
to 12.5 Khz narrow band transmission is January 1, 2013.  This is for two
way radio gear that operates in the 150 to 174 MHz and 421 to 470 MHz
frequency bands, not including the 2 meter or 70 centimeter Amateur
Service spectrum from 144 to 148 MHz or 430 to 450 MHz.  Amateur Radio
Newsline's Jim Davis, W2JKD, reports:

--

According to the FCC the reason for this mandated change is to promote the
efficient use of private land mobile radio spectrum and to facilitate the
introduction of advanced technologies.  In other words, this government
edict is not only applicable to analog FM based communications but to
current and all future digital modes as well.

The FCC also notes that Private Land Mobile Radio licensees are not
required, at this time, to modify their licenses to remove wideband
emission designators.  However, the presence of a wideband emission
designator on a license does not authorize operation after January 1, 2013
that does not comply with the new narrowbanding standards.

The FCC release also reminds manufacturers, subject to the limited
exceptions, that they must cease manufacturing and importing equipment
that is capable of 25 kHz mode operation in the VHF and UHF bands by the
narrowbanding transition deadline.

I'm Jim Davis, W2JKD.

--

While the Amateur Service is exempt from the new narrowbanding mandate, do
not be to surprised if future generations of off the shelf VHF and UHF ham
gear is built to conform to this new commercial radio standard.
Especially if a manufacturers primary business is in supplying Private
Land Mobile Service radio gear with ham gear as a secondary product line.
Its simply less expensive for them to do it that way. (FCC)

**

RADIO LAW:  NEW ZEALAND TO ENFORCE UHF CB NARROWBANDING

In a similar move, New Zealand's telecommunications regulator has issued
an edict to all manufacturers and importers of UHF CB radio equipment with
25 kHz channel spacing.  It notes that in accordance with the nations
General User Radio License for citizen band operation, equipment that does
not comply with a new narrowbanding specification cannot be sold in that
nation if it is manufactured or imported after December 1st.  Only current
stock of 25 kHz radios on hand and merchandise in the domestic New Zealand
distribution pipeline can be sold after that date.  (NZART)

**

RESTRUCTURING:  TV SPECTRUM AUCTION UPDATE

According to top FCC officials, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will soon
circulate the FCC's long-awaited framework for reclaiming and
re-auctioning broadcast spectrum for wireless use, and repacking remaining
stations.  This, with the target of having a report and order voted by
mid-2013 and the auctions completed by the end of 2014.

The document is described as a comprehensive treatment rather than the
first of a series of items.  As such it's expected to contain many
detailed proposals that the FCC will then seek comment on and adjust as
needed.  The FCC is trying to move far enough down the road with this
initial proposal to make that auction goal of 2014 a realistic one.

While ham radio is not directly involved in this frequency shuffle, there
is always the chance that some bands like 222 to 225 MHz and 50 to 54 MHz
could be impacted.  This is because 222 to 225 MHz lies between what is
known as the spectrum between the VHF low and VHF high band TV channels.
50 to 54 MHz that we call 6 meters is actually VHF low band TV channel 1.
If the sell-off of the coveted UHF broadcast spectrum results in a lot of
TV stations returning to the VHF bands then both these spectral parcels
could come under some future reallocation scrutiny.  We are not saying
that it will happen that way, but ham radio has to keep a careful watch on
how it might be affected in the years to come.  (Published reports)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
heard on bulletin stations around the world including the W8RLC repeater
serving Lowell, Michigan.

(5 sec pause here)


**

RADIO LAW:  FAA TO BEGIN INVESTIGATION OF BROADBAND DEVICES ON FLIGHTS

It's going to be a while before airline passengers can use their wireless
electronic devices during an entire flight.  Amateur Radio Newsline's
Stephen Robertson, KB3HGM, is near the nations capital with the details:

--

On Monday, August 27th the Federal Aviation Administration said that it is
starting a process to study the issue, with a timeline that means it will
take at least until March 2013 for a recommendation and likely longer for
action.

Smartphones, laptops and tablet computers are common in the passenger
cabin, and some pilots are using these devices in flight.  But passengers
have to shut off electronic devices when the plane is below 10,000 feet
because of worries that they might interfere with electronics in the
cockpit.  And anything that has a broadband connection that cannot be
disabled must be kept off for the entire flight.

Now, in its recent statement, the FAA says that it will form a committee
to study the issue for six months and then make recommendations.  The
group will include representatives of the mobile technology companies,
aircraft manufacturers, airlines, pilots, flight attendants, and even
representatives of passenger associations.  The agency will also ask for
public input.  The FAA often uses such aviation rulemaking committees when
it is considering regulatory changes and their discussions often last
months and sometimes even years.

It should be noted that the FAA doesn't actually ban the devices.  However
its rules state that airlines can only allow devices that have been tested
and proven not to interfere with a given make and model aircraft's
electronics.  With thousands of devices on the market and new ones coming
out each day, airlines simply ban them all during takeoff and landing.
And it looks as if that's the way it will continue for some time to come.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Stephen Robertson, KB3HGM, in Silver
Spring, Maryland.

--

As to ever getting permission for hams to use radio gear like handie
talkies on a commercial airline flight?  There is no consideration being
given to ever permit any hobby radio electronics to be used.  The FAA says
that allowing cellphone use during flights isn't under consideration
either.  (FAA, RW, other published reports)

**

RADIO LAW:  FENDER AND THE FCC ENTER CONSENT DECREE

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and the FCC's Enforcement Bureau
have come to an agreement regarding how the company marketed digital RF
devices and how it will do so in the future.

The case which began in June of 2010, involves how the company marketed
bass amplifiers, preamplifiers, tuners, wireless microphones and audio
mixers.  Imported digital RF devices are subject to the agency's equipment
verification or declaration of conformity procedures.

As part of the agreement, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation will
designate a compliance officer within 30 days and set up a plan within 60
days to ensure the company complies with the FCC's equipment marketing
rules.  The company has also agreed to develop and implement an online
compliance training program for all if its overseas Original Equipment
Manufacturers that build some of its equipment.  The company is to report
to the commission within 15 days any discoveries of noncompliance and
submit regular equipment compliance reports to the agency.

Based on a consent decree, Fender will make a voluntary payment of
$265,000 to the U.S. Treasury and admits no guilt.  In turn, the
commission will end its investigation.  The first installment of its U.S.
Treasury payment of $132,500 is due within 30 days of the signing of the
Consent Decree.  (FCC, RW)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  BROADCASTER FINED $20000 FOR UNLIT TOWER

Not lighting a broadcast tower for more than a decade will likely cost
Renacer Broadcasters Corporation a hefty $20,000 fine from the FCC.

Renacer owns the antenna structure located in Maricao, Puerto Rico.
Responding to a complaint, an FCC Enforcement Bureau agent inspected the
tower and found the structure had never been painted and had no lights
installed.  Because the tower had been that way for more than 10 years,
the commission found the violation to be egregious and doubled the
proposed penalty to $20,000.

Renacer was given the customary 30 days to submit a sworn statement
certifying that the tower is now in full compliance with FCC rules and
also to pay the penalty or file an appeal. (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT:  FCC SAYS RADIO STATION MUST REVEAL ALL CONTEST RULES

The FCC has affirmed a $4000 Notice of Apparent Liability against Good
Karma Broadcasting.  This, for airing contest information without fully
disclosing the terms.

The case concerns WKRN AM in Cleveland. The FCC received a complaint
alleging that from November 2007 to September 2009, the station conducted
what the complainant called a "bogus" contest called "Who Said That?"  In
it, those calling into the station were required to accurately identify
who actually voiced a clip that was played on-air.

In 2009, the FCC wrote to WKRN asking about the contest.  The agency said
that in its reply WKRN admitted the bit aired regularly from early 2007
until the summer of 2008, and then sporadically thereafter. Once someone
guessed the voice a new clip would air.

The station admitted that for more than 20 months, no one guessed the
voice behind the clip.  Also that the station was not announcing all the
prizes, but rather focusing on the new prize.  Also that it  eventually
stopped announcing them unless a listener called in and tried to guess the
voice behind the last clip.

Good Karma also said that by September 2009, some of the original prizes
were no longer available.  It claimed that if a listener correctly
identified the voice in a clip, the station would have offered a similar
prize package to the one that was originally announced.  As such, Good
Karma disputed that it violated the contest rules, arguing that "Who Said
That?" was better characterized as a feature or bit rather than a real
contest.  It argued that as such the material was not subject to the FCC's
contest rules.

But the FCC would not buy that explanation.  In affirming the fine it
stated that licensees must accurately disclose all of the material terms
of a contest.  Also that licensees must conduct the contest substantially
as announced or advertised.

Good Karma Broadcasting was given the customary 30 days to pay the fine or
to file a further appeal.  (FCC, RW)

**

HAM HAPPENINGS:  YOUTH IN AMATEUR RADIO PODCAST #3 RELEASED

If you are a young ham or know of one, you might want to spread the word
that Episode 3 of the Youth in Amateur Radio Podcast is now on line and
ready for download.  In this installment the young hosts discuss what you
should do after earning your amateur radio license including getting your
first radio and joining a radio club.  Heres a sample:

--

Net Audio: ".to find a ham who will be able to assist you in finding your
first radio go to a local radio club and become a member.  Radio clubs
will help you find your first radio and they usually have monthly meetings
which discuss local issues in amateur radio and also organize fun
activities like Fox Hunts."
--

The Youth in Amateur Radio Podcast is produced by and for the youngsters
in amateur radio.  Its primary hosts are Anthony Spinelli, K2RCN, Sterling
Coffey, N0SSC and Jacob Keogh, KD0NVX.  Other voices include Joe Andrews,
KD0LOS, and Matthew Chambers, NR0Q.  Jerry Taylor KD0BIK serves as the
shows Executive Producer.  To hear the complete program and the two that
preceded it simply take your web browser to yarphams.com.  You can also
find it on itunes under Youth in Amateur Radio podcast. (Youth in amateur
Radio)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  NORM ACES THE AZ TEST

Some names in the news.  We lead off with Amateur Radio Newslines own Norm
Seeley, KI7UP who tells us that recently scored 100% on the State of
Arizona Traffic School test.  While he does not know if he broke any
records, Norm says that he finished the exam in less than 4 minutes and 30
seconds.  At that point he got up and left his computer, after seeing that
he had answered all questions correctly.  We say, congratulations.

(ARNewslineT)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS:  W7EQI BEING EYED TO HEAD THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL
CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

Regardless of the upcoming outcome of the November presidential election,
don't be too surprised if Oregon Representative Greg Walden, W7EQI, is
named to the chairmanship of the Republican National Congressional
Committee.  News reports say that House Speaker John Boehner recently gave
a broad hint when he praised Walden by saying that he would soon have a
"bigger job."

While the post doesn't get much attention from the general public, it's of
major importance on Capitol Hill and is often viewed as a step up on the
House leadership ladder.  This is because thee chairman plays a key role
in distributing millions of dollars in campaign help, in recruiting
candidates and in making the tough calls on which districts to bet heavily
on.  (Published news reports)

**

THE SOCIAL SCENE:  CELEBRATING MFJ 40th ANNIVERSARY OCT 5 AND 6

Turning to the ham radio social scene, all eyes will be on the city of
Starkville, Mississippi, the weekend of October 5th and 6th.  That's when
hams from around the country and around the world are invited to join in
on the 40th anniversary of the founding of MFJ Enterprises by the
company's founder Martin Jue, K5FLU:

--

K5FLU: "Its going to be a fun event.  We're opening all the factories up
for tours.  We will have people working there with the machines up so that
you can see everything.

"We are going to have a free lunch.  You can come over and we will feed
you some good fried chieken.

"We are going to have free tailgating.  You bring your stuff (to sell).

"We will have a VE session for taking license tests.  And we will have a
special event station with our club K5MFJ.

"And we are going to have door prizes from each of our companies.  From
MFJ, Ameritron, Hy-Gain, Cushcraft, Mirage and Vectronics.

"And everybody is invited and we hope that everyone comes."

--

Again the dates for the MFJ Enterprizes 40th anniversary party are October
5th and 6th at the company's headquarters in Starkville, Mississippi.  For
more information take your web browser to www.mfjenterprises.com.  And oh
yes, Ill see you there.  (MFJ)

**

THE SOCIAL SCENE:  PACIFICON IN SANTA CLARA CA. OCT 12-14

Two weeks later on October 12th, 13th and 14th the joint Pacificon and
ARRL 2012 National Convention will take place at the Mariott Hotel in
Santa Clara, California.  Hosted by the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club,
Pacificon is considered the premiere West coast ham radio gathering and
this year with the addition of the ARRL Expo, planners are going all out
to make it the best ever.  And by going all out we mean some 80 forums, a
huge exhibit hall featuring all of the well known ham radio manufacturers,
distributors and retailers; a huge flea market and several special
gatherings.

Among those who will be appearing at these years Pacificon is Amateur
Radio's best known educator and the co-host of the T-V webcast Ham Nation,
Gordon West, WB6NOA.  Gordo will be the keynote speaker presenting the
Saturday Opening Address and word is that this is already a complete
sellout.

Also attending is NASA Astronaut Lee Morin, KF5DDB.  He has been announced
as the evening banquet featured speaker.  Morin served as a Mission
Specialist on the space shuttle Atlantis for STS-110 mission that launched
in April of 2002.

And flying in all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska is ham radios favorite
kit building enthusiast, Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB.  Eisenberg will be giving
his acclaimed talk and demonstration titled Kit Building 101 and 102 at
Pacificon.

Add to that the ARRL Expo, an all day Friday antenna seminar, special
event station W1AW/6 and so much more that there's no time to mention it
all and you have the makings of a great West coast ham radio gathering.
And you can find out more by simply going to www.pacificon.org on the
World Wide Web.  (Pacificon)

**

BREAK 2

This is ham radio news for today's radio amateur.  From the United States
of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from
our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the
volunteer services of the following radio amateur:

(5 sec pause here)

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY:  WB2MGP WORLDRADIO COLUMN ON FRACTAL ANTENNA MEETING

An upcoming article in a popular ham radio on-line publication will peak
your interest if you are interested in the future of the hobby and what
some of those in it now are doing to insure its future.  Amateur Radio
Newsline's Heather Butera-Howell, KB3TZD, has the details:

--

If you are a reader of Worldradio On-Line, then keep an eye open for an
interesting column by Carole Perry, WB2MGP.  Back in June, WB2MGP and one
of her Radio Club of America Young Achievers, Austin Schaller, KD0FAA,
accepted an invitation from Dr. Chip Cohen W1YW to visit his facility in
Waltham, Massachusetts.

Dr. Cohen is the inventor of fractal antenna technology and in 1988 built
the world's first fractal element antenna.  He is also the founder and
Chief Technology Officer of Fractal Antenna Systems and was interested in
meeting with the 17 year old ham.  This after KD0FAA gave a presentation
on fractal technology at a Radio Club of America Technical Symposium in
Dallas, Texas, last November.

According to Perry, W1YW attributes his ham radio background as being
responsible for his career choices and interests.  She tells Amateur Radio
Newsline that KD0FAA was inspired by the experience.  Even more so when
Dr. Cohen invited the teenage ham to co-author an article with him.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Butera-Howell, KB3TZD, in
Berwick, Pennsylvania.

--

WB2MGP says that this is what she calls the ham radio ripple effect at its
very best.  You can read the entire story in the next issue Worldradio
Online when it hits you e-mail in box. (WB2MGP)

**

NEWS FROM SPACE:  EXPLOSION ON JUPITER NOTED BY AMATEUR STAR GAZERS

Amateur astronomers last week reported a bright fireball on the planet
Jupiter that appears to be the result of a small asteroid hitting the
planet during the early hours of September 10th.  As the fireball faded,
attention has turned to trying to discover any possible debris around the
impact site.  Observers will be monitoring the region in the nights ahead
to see what if anything surfaces.  Updates will be posted on-line at
spaceweather.com  (Spaceweather)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  ISS TO GERMANY STUDENT Q AND A SESSION

A fascinating Amateur Radio on the International Space Station or ARISS
contact was held on Friday, September 7th.  This, between astronaut Sunita
Williams, KD5PLB and students at the Michelstadt Gymnasium in Michelstadt,
Germany.  The clarity of the space to Earth link via ham radio was
amazing.  It enabled Williams to answer 14 questions posed by the students
during the ten minute pass.  Here's a sample:

--

Jessica:  "What was the most scientific project you have been involved in
on the ISS?"

KD5PLB:  ".I think the most interesting thing is the investigations that
we are doing on ourselves to see what happens to the human body after
being in space for a long time.  We are doing bone density; muscle
measurements; workouts; different nutrition projects and all of that is
going to help us understand what happens to the human body after a long
time so that we can prepare the next generation which is your generation
to go further.  Back to the Moon and on to Mars."

--

With this being a political season here in the United States, one student
was curious if astronauts can vote from space:

--

Arissa:  "How do American astronauts vote for the president?"

KD5PLB:  "Great question.  Actually we vote by state in the U.S. and I am
a Florida resident so I actually voted before I left.  But you can vote
from space.  People have done that who are from the state of Texas."

--

Over 1600 students, teachers, and others were in attendance, as well as
representatives from German radio, television and newspapers.  The entire
contact was video recorded and is posted on-line at
tinyurl.com/iss-german-contact  (ARISS)

**

RADIOSPORTS:  ICOM D-STAR QSO PARTY SEPT 21 - 23

This years Icom sponsored D-STAR QSO Party runs from 00:00 UTC on Friday,
September 21st to 24:00 hours on Sunday the 23rd.  The goal of the D-STAR
QSO Party is to communicate through as many D-STAR repeaters as possible
throughout the world. All operators who submit an approved log will be
eligible for the prize draw with winners randomly selected for each prize.
 For more information on this year's event take your web browser to
tinyurl.com/DSTAR-contest-2012.  (ICOM)

**

DX

In DX, word that DL3JH, is active stroke 6Y5 from Jamaica through
September 22nd.  His operation should be on all of the High Frequency
bands using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign only.

PT2OP will be operational as 3D2OP from Fiji between October 7th and the
14th.  His activity will be holiday style on the High Frequency bands.
QSL via his home callsign, either direct or via the bureau.

And speaking about Fiji,  PY7ZY will be on from there as 3D2ZY from there
between October 11th and the 15th.  This just prior to his participation
in the Tarawa Island, Western Kiribati, DXpedition.  His operation will
also be on the High Frequency bands with QSL's also going via his home
callsign.

F6ICX will be active as 5R8IC from Saint Marie Island, Madagascar between
November 10th and December 9th.  His operation will be holiday style
operating CW, RTTY, and PSK63 on 20 through 10 meters.  QSL via his home
callsign as listed on QRZ.com.

SQ1DWR, will be active signing stroke CE3 from Chile between October 10th
and the 22nd.  Operations will be on 40 through 10 meters using CW only.
QSL as directed by the operator.

YJ8RN is currently visiting Loh Island in the Torres Island Group and is
active as YJ8RN stroke P.  The length of stay unknown and his operation
has been mainly on 20 meter SSB.  QSL direct only to Rod Newell, Box 905,
Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Lastly, Members of the "Invoker Team" will be active as EG5INT from
    Columbretes Island between September 20th to the 24th.  No frequencies
or operating schedule has yet been announced.  If you work them please QSL
only via EA5KA.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM:  KEEP YOUR KIDS AWAY FROM BUTTON BATTERIES

And finally this week a warning from the Center for Disease Control saying
that children and small button batteries are a dangerous and increasingly
common problem for one another.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant,
K6PZW, tells us why:

--

According to a new Center for Disease Control report, in 1998 battery
related injuries sent 1,900 children to the emergency room.  In 2010 that
number had risen to 4,800 cases being reported.

Overall, more than 40,000 children were admitted to Emergency Rooms
nationwide between 1997 and 2010.  Almost three quarters of them were 4
years old or younger. One in 10 children required hospitalization. 14 of
them died.

Now the CDC has singled out button batteries as the most potentially
harmful type for young children to be near.  These are the small, thin
round batteries often used to power watches, hearing aids, and other small
devices. They are easy to swallow and can get stuck in a child's esophagus
leading to serious injury or death.  In fact, the C-D-C report says that
twelve of the fourteen child mortalities were attributed to button
batteries and that the remaining two also likely involved them.

The data, primarily from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance
System was collected and analyzed by the federal Consumer Product Safety
Commission. The report states that the C-P-S-C is urging the electronics
industry and battery manufacturers to develop warnings and industry
standards to prevent serious injuries and deaths from button batteries.

The symptoms of battery ingestion include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever,
and diarrhea, as well as difficulty breathing and swallowing.  As these
symptoms can be attributed to numerous causes, it is difficult to diagnose
battery ingestion quickly.  The report's authors point out that this is
especially true when a child swallows a battery when no one is around to
see them do it.

Battery safety standards for children's toys are dictated by law.  All
batteries must be inaccessible in toys designed for children under age
three, while toys for kids under age twelve must make batteries under a
certain size inaccessible.  Even so, at least three of the deaths noted in
the report were caused by batteries from devices not meant for children.
These including a remote car alarm, a garage door opener, and a radio
remote control.

A new law is being considered by Congress that may require child-proofing
for button battery enclosures on all consumer products.  Meantime its
important that parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential
hazards associated with battery exposure and ensure that products
containing them are either kept away from children or that the batteries
are secured safely in the product.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.

--

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that if a child swallows a
battery that you immediately contact your local poison control center,
your family doctor, or the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at
202-625-3333.  You can learn more about this hazard and how to proceed in
the event a child does swallow a battery at
tinyurl.com/kids-button-batteries.  (CDC)

**

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, TWiT-TV and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all
from the Amateur Radio NewslineT.  Our e-mail address is newsline(at)
arnewsline (dot) 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 NewslineT, 28197 Robin
Avenue, Santa Clarita California, 91350

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Don
Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Southern Mississippi saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.

Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.

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--- GoldED+/W32-MSVC and D'Bridge 3.82
 * Origin: Lone Star Unit - Gulf States Backbone  (1:387/22)