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Ärende: Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1872 - June 28 2013
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Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1872 - June 28 2013
Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1872 with a release date of June 28
2013 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Rules change sought to allow encrypted ham radio
communications in limited instances; the Consumer Electronics Association
is forming a standards group to reduce distracted driving; 5 MHz
privileges come to Samoa; ARES responds to Alberta Canada flooding; FCC
sets RF exposure comment deadline and Amateur Radio Newsline announces its
2013 Young Ham of the Year. All this and more on Amateur Radio NewslineT
report number 1872 coming your way right now.
**
RADIO LAW: RULES CHANGE SOUGHT TO PERMIT ENCRYPTION OF SENSITIVE HAM
RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The FCC is inviting public comments on a proposal from a Massachusetts ham
to amend the Part 97 Amateur Service rules. This to permit the encryption
of certain amateur communications during emergency operations or related
training exercises. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has
the details:
--
On June 7 the FCC accepted for filing a Petition for Rulemaking from Don
Rolph, AB1PH, designated as RM-11699 and put it on public notice. In it
Rolph suggests that an additional exception to Part 97.113 be made to
permit encrypted communications when hams are participating in emergency
services operations or related training exercises which may involve
information covered by medical privacy requirements or other sensitive
data. This could include logistical information concerning medical
supplies, personnel movement or any other data designated by Federal
authorities managing relief or training efforts.
As you are likely aware, FCC rule 97.113 right now prohibits hams from
transmitting messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.
Rolph rule making petition says that this restriction has impacted the
relationship of amateur radio volunteers and served agencies. Also that
it has significantly limited the effectiveness of amateurs in supporting
emergency communications where secured communications is required.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
--
In making his request Rolph notes that there already exists precedent for
this exemption. He notes that Part 97 already relaxes its encryption
prohibitions with respect to satellite control link communications and
model craft radio control. The deadline for filing comments on RM-11699
is July 8th. (FCC, ARRL Letter)
**
FCC NEWS: FCC SETS RF EXPOSURE REASSESSMENT COMMENTS DEADLINES
Ham radio operators and other interested parties have until September 3rd
to file comments on an FCC proceeding to reassess the limits and policies
governing exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. As
previously reported, the FCC released a First Report and Order, Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry in ET dockets 13-84
and 03-137 on March 27. They were published in the Federal Register June
4 starting the clock on the commentary period.
While the FCC proposals do not alter existing RF exposure limits, they do
call for the elimination of existing special evaluation ham radio
exemptions as outlined in Section 97.13(c) of the Commission's rules.
According to the ARRL Letter, the league plans to submit comments this
issue over summer.
The Commission will also accept reply comments filed after September 3rd
and continuing through November 1st. Other minor rules changes adopted in
the Report and Order section of the document take effect on August 5th.
(FCC, ARRL)
**
RESCUE RADIO: ARES STANDS DOWN AFTER ALBERTA CANADA FLOODING
Amateur Radio Emergency Service operations in the Canadian province of
Alberta stood down on Monday, June 24th. This after being called out
several days earlier when severe flooding hit that area.
According to a news release by Curtis Bidulock, VE6AEW, ARES will remain
on standby alert during the recovery process in the event of a
communication failure. Also, a temporary link put in place between the
provincial linking system and the VE6HAT repeater will remain in place
until recovery operations are complete.
During the height of the callout, VE2MBS reported that emergency nets were
operational on 7.135 and 3.675 MHz in support of communications for the
floods. Unfortunately both suffered some level of interference from Field
Day stations that were unaware of their operation.
Alberta Premier Alison Redford has promised that the province will help
flood victims put their lives back together and provide financial aid to
communities that need to rebuild. (VE6AEW, VE2MBS, RAC)
**
RESCUE RADIO: CALIFORNIA CITY EMPHASIZES HAM RADIO INVOLVEMENT IN TORNADO
DRILL
Officials in the city of Roseville, California, are so aware of the
importance of amateur radio for emergency communications that the ham
community was invited to be a part of a recent emergency preparedness
drill.
According to news reports a dozen agencies gathered in Placer County on
Tuesday, June 11th for a mock tornado drill. The exercise emphasized
skilled and reliable communication and because of this the city brought in
a group of local hams from the Placer County Amateur Radio Services to
assist.
It was noted that amateur radio was a tool used during and after the
recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. Roseville city officials say an F-3 tornado
hit the Sacramento Valley in the last 50 years, so the potential for a
large natural disaster of that sort remains. More is on-line at
tinyurl.com/roseville-tornado-drill. (Published news reports)
**
RADIO SAFETY: CEA FORMING STANDARDS GROUP TO TACKLE DISTRACTED DRIVING
The Consumer Electronics Association is forming a standards group to
reduce distracted driving that results from the use of consumer electronic
products in a mobile environment.
The Associations Portable, Handheld and In-Vehicle Electronics Committee
recently approved the formation of the Driver Device Interface Working
Group. It will provide recommendations on portable and handheld devices,
as well as other consumer electronics products used in private and
commercial vehicles, boats and aircraft.
Whether or not a representative of the amateur radio community will be
invited to serve on this committee or how its findings might affect the
future design of portable and mobile ham radio gear are both unknown as we
go to air. You can read more on line at
tinyurl.com/distracted-driving-committee (RW)
**
RADIO LAW: RESIDENT OPERATOR GRANTED 5 MHZ OPERATING PRIVILEGES ON SAMOA
Atsuo Sakuma, 5W1SA, has become the first resident operator on the island
of Samoa to be issued special permission to operate 5 MHz. This as the
Samoan Office of The Regulator says that he can operate from 5.250 to
5.450 MHz. Although 60 meter operating permits have been available to
visitors since 2011, these had generally been the 5 United States
allocated channels only. (G4MWO)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: MOONBOUNCE FROM RWANDA THROUGH JULY 7
Several sources are reporting that DL2NUD and PE1L will be involved in an
Moonbounce operation from Rwanda through July 7th. Their main interest
will be for EME contacts on the 144, 432, 1296 and 2304 MHz bands. The
team also expects to be on the High Frequency bands and 6 meters as well.
The callsigns mentioned for this operation are 9X0EME, 9X0HP, 9X0L and
9X0MB. QSL all via PE1L. For more information and updates keep an eye on
www.emelogger.com/rwanda. (Various)
**
BREAKING DX NEWS: 6 METER ONLY OPERATION FROM SOUTH KOREA
Some breaking news courtesy of the Ohio Penn DX newsletter. Look for 17
operators to be active as 6M6M from South Korea through July 31st. As you
might have guessed from their callsign this will be a 6 meter only
operation with four high power stations using yagis and quad antennas.
Modes mentioned include CW, SSB, FM, several digital and even good old AM.
They will operate mainly from the Korean mainland, but there is the
possibility of a trip to several Islands on the Air groups. QSL this
special operation via HL2UVH and we will have more DX news later on in
this weeks report. (OPDX)
**
HAM HONORS: ARNEWSLINE NAMES PADRAIG LYSANDROU, KC9UUS AS 2013 YOUNG HAM
OF THE YEAR
A sixteen year old Extra class amateur from Bloomington, Indiana, has been
selected as the 2013 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year. Mark
Abramowicz, NT3V, is here with the details:
--
"I'm not sure what to think. I'm happy."
And that's how it sounded when Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS, heard the news
he had been selected the Young Ham of the Year.
He conceded he heard what he called rumors that he was being nominated for
something, but it didn't sink in until getting the call from our Newsline
headquarters that he might be recognized for his achievements.
Lysandrou was born in Illinois, but has family in Cyprus.
He says his interest in ham radio was actually sparked by his mom,
Carolyn, KC9URR, who was a pretty serious shortwave radio listener.
His father, is Plato. And, he has two sisters, Helena, who's 17, and
Maria, 14.
"When I was little, I used to collect stamps," Lysandrou recalls. "And, so
my mom would show me all the letters and all the stuff that she got back
from shortwave stations - all these intricate stamps.
"And, so I saw those and I wanted to get interested in radio. I got into
shortwave. And, then the interest grew bigger and it wasn't just about
stamps anymore. And, so, I got interested in ham. I contacted Neil Rapp at
my high school and I joined the club."
Neil Rapp is WB9VPG, who teaches chemistry at Bloomington High School
South and met Padraig in class.
It was Rapp who invited him to join the school's amateur radio club.
Rapp, co-nominated Padraig for the Amateur Radio Newsline award along with
Dr. Scott Wright, K0MD, who has taken part in DX operations from Turks and
Caicos, Chile, and China.
It was Rapp who introduced Lysandrou to a whole new world. And, Lysandrou,
who just turned 16, says it didn't take him long to climb the license
ladder.
"I got all three licenses within three months and then I become president
of my amateur radio club at school," Lysandrou says.
His Technician was earned in October 2011, General in December 2011, and
Extra in January 2012.
Lysandrou says participation in the School Club Round-up and a program on
the Peter Island DXpedition really sparked his interest in DX.
"I decided to lead my own little expedition - DXpedition to Cyprus,"
Lysandrou says. "I brought a Buddipole, which you can change for the
bands. But, I generally just use it on 20 meters.
"I brought a Yaseu FT-897, and some coax, step-down transformer,
batteries, the whole shebang. And, my mom and I transmitted in Cyprus and
then I decided it would be cool to write an article for QST."
That was last summer and the article, 'A Crazy Idea, a DXpedition to
Cyprus,' was accepted and published as the QST cover story in the past
May's edition.
"I transmitted on two different mountain regions," Lysandrou says. "I
transmitted on a couple different beaches, I transmitted in hotels, yes. I
transmitted on the top of this house by the beach that someone let us
borrow.
"I transmitted really anywhere I could and I seemed to get pretty good
propogation."
So, what did Lynsandrou set out to do with this 5B DXpedition? Contacts
from the other side of the world and fun!
"I got people from England all the way through Scandinavia, to Russia, all
the way down to Bulgaria and Dubai," Lysandrou recalls. "So, I tried to
talk as much as possible and meet new people. So, I took it slow, I didn't
try to get a million contacts."
He estimates it was slightly more than a hundred, actually, and his mom
was making some as well.
Word of his DXpedition spread before the article was published and
Lysandrou says he was invited to be a presenter at the Dayton Hamvention
Youth Forum this past May run by Carole Perry WB2MGP.
"To meet other 16-year-olds who are Extras and who read my article and are
really excited to meet me is also really cool," Lysandrou says. "I'm sort
of a role model and I would like to continue to be one."
Lysandrou was selected by Indiana Section Manager Lou Everett, WA5LOU as
an assistant section manager for youth.
His interests vary from 4-H to electronics, from music to robotics.
And, yes, he's even played in Carnegie Hall.
But back home in Indiana...
"I've been designing circuits and messing around with a bunch of
high-voltage circuits and transformer drivers and all sorts of stuff that
fuel my interest between amateur radio, electronics and chemistry,"
Lysandrou says.
It was an easy selection for the judges.
We here at Amateur Radio Newsline are proud to have Padraig Lysandrou,
KC9UUS, join our distinguished honor roll as the 2013 Young Ham of the
Year.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in
Philadelphia.
--
Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS, will receive the Amateur Radio Newsline Young
Ham of the Year Award at a ceremony to be held in his honor on Saturday,
August 17th, at the Huntsville Hamfest in Huntsville, Alabama. The Young
Ham of the Year Award was created by the Amateur Radio Newsline with
corporate sponsorship from Yaesu USA, CQ Publishing and Heil Sound.
(ARNewslineT)
**
RADIO ACCIDENTS: KVTK AM LOOSES TOWER IN MOWING ACCIDENT
Listeners to KVTK-AM of Yankton, South Dakota, were recently without the
station for a few days. This is because an accident caused the stations
broadcast tower to fall to the ground.
The tower, which was 309 feet tall, was situated in the middle of what was
described as a small, grassy field located about five miles west of the
town of Vermillion. Reportedly, a man cutting the grass Monday afternoon
June 10th clipped one of the tower's guy-wires, causing it to collapse
shortly after 4 p.m. local time.
Engineers and other staffers of Five Star Communications, which also owns
KVHT-FM, reportedly worked quickly to find the best way to begin
broadcasting again after their tower collapsed. According to press
reports the station was back in operation from a temporary site on Friday,
June 14th.
A small building located a short distance from the tower's base was not
damaged, as the collapsing metal snaked its way around the structure
without striking it. Thankfully, no one was injured in the mishap. (RW,
All Access Music)
**
RADIO BUSINESS: SINCLAIR BUYS DIELECTRIC
Some good news for United States broadcaster's concerned about service to
their Dielectric brand broadcast towers and antennas. This with word that
the Sinclair Broadcast Group has announced the purchased of Dielectric
from SPX Corporation.
According to Sinclair President and CEO David Smith, Dielectric has
supplied more than two-thirds of the TV industry's high power antennas and
its name is synonymous with expert engineering and quality products.
Smith added that should a spectrum repack occurs; Dielectric will be there
to support that effort.
Gary Cavell is with the technical consulting firm Cavell Mertz. He says
that the anticipated upcoming repack of broadcast outlets in the face of
spectrum reallocation to broadband might prove to be impossible to
accomplish in a three year period without Dielectric. (RW)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: G4HYG RELEASES NEW APRS MESSENGER ANDROID APP
Chris Moulding, G4HYG, says that he has just released a new APRS app for
Android phones and tablets. This so that radio amateurs can send APRS
position beacons and messages from an Android equipped phone or tablet
over a 3G or Wi-Fi link to the APRS-IS internet system. It can also link
by Bluetooth to the new Bluetooth version of the APRS TNC Digi Tracker.
G4HYG notes that there is a small charge for the app to help pay for the
development tool licensing fee. More information on the web at
tinyurl.com/aprs-android-app. (G4HYG)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: PATRICK STODDARD, WD9EWK, NAMED AMSAT'S DIRECTOR OF
FIELD OPERATIONS
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, has been named as AMSAT's new Director of Field
Operations. In his new capacity, Stoddard is responsible for managing
AMSAT's corps of Area Coordinators who represent AMSAT in their local
areas.
For those not aware, Area Coordinators serve as the "Ambassadors of
AMSAT." Their responsibilities include such activities as manning an
AMSAT booth at hamfests, giving local or regional club presentations on
AMSAT and satellite operations. They also serve as "Elmers" to those
looking for information about operating through satellites. Area
Coordinators are also known to establish local nets and assist with Field
Day satellite activities. (ANS)
**
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: ARNEWSLINE ANCHOR DON CARLSON, KQ6FM - S.K.
It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of Amateur Radio
Newsline anchor and reporter Don Carlson, KQ6FM on Friday morning, June
21st from complications to Pancreatic Cancer.
A lifelong broadcaster by profession, during his career Don, at times
using the stage name Don Murray, worked at numerous radio stations
throughout California and Nevada. His favorite jobs were hosting oldies
Rock and Roll or jazz shows.
Don also owned a voice talent company called The Voice Shop. From there
he provided commercials and other announcements for numerous radio and
television stations across the United States. This included several
national spots about ham radio that he produced for the ARRL.
In the world of ham radio Don's activities included ARRL appointments in
California, Nevada and at the national level. In Nevada he served as
District Emergency Coordinator for the North West District, Assistant
Section Emergency Coordinator, Section Emergency Coordinator, and Public
Information Coordinator. His most recent position was as Assistant
Section Manager.
KQ6FM was also a member of the ARRL's National Public Relations Committee.
There one of his greatest achievements was helping to create the Public
Information Officers Swiss Army Knife guide and its associated training
program.
Don's passion for ARES and Emergency Service in general led him to become
the voice of the annual EMCOMMWEST emergency communications ham radio
gathering. Don not only emceed the event when it was held in Reno but
also supported the convention by serving on the Board of Directors. In
recognition to his many contributions to ham radio, in 2010 he was named
as the ARRL Pacific Division "Ham of the Year" with the award presented to
him at that years Pacificon convention.
Don Carlson, KQ6FM, is survived by his wife Judy and son Andrew. A
Celebration of Life ceremony for Don was to be held on Saturday, June 29th
at Sierra Bible Church in Reno, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, Judy Carlson
asks that donations be made to a church or other charitable institution of
your choice to help someone less fortunate than yourself. (AF6PU, N7JEH,
June Parsons)
**
RADIO RECORDS: CALIFORNIA HAMS CLAIM NEW 3.7 MM WORLD DISTANCE RECORD
A pair of California hams are claiming a new world distance record on the
77 to 81 GHz or 3.7 millimeter band. The asserted new record was set June
13th between Robert Johnson, KF6KVG, and Goran Popovic, AD6IW. The two
achieved a distance of 252.49 km with one operating from Mt Hamilton in
grid square CM97 and the other located at Kings Canyon National Park
located in grid DM06. KF6KVG used a one foot parabolic dish while the one
used at AD6IW was twice the size. Both stations employed what are known
as dielectric resonator oscillator locked frequency control for extreme
stability. (VHF Reflector)
**
HAM HAPPENINGS: ILLW CONTINUES TO GROW
Jim Linton, VK3PC, tells Amateur Radio Newsline that International
Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend continues to grow. In fact, it seems to
have become the biggest and arguably the world's first fun-filled event
for portable amateur radio stations that takes place in the month of
August.
According to VK3PC, the event continues to promote public awareness of the
old marine navigation and the need for preservation and restoration of
these facilities. It also promotes amateur radio and fosters
international goodwill.
Now in its 16th year, International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will
be held August 17th and 18th. So far some 285 registered sites
representing more than 30 countries are on board. For more details please
visit the website www.illw.net (VK3PC)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: DAYTON HAMVENTION ARISS UPDATE VIDEO POSTED ON LINE
An update on amateur radio on the International Space Station or ARISS
program given by Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, at the recent Dayton Hamvention can
now be viewed on the web. In his presentation Bauer discusses a number of
changes at NASA that are affecting ARISS manned ham radio in space
program. He also takes a look back at the past 30 years of amateur radio
on the Space Shuttle and now International Space Station. You will find
the 23 minutes, 30 seconds presentation on-line at
tinyurl.com/ariss-dayton-update (ARISS)
**
ON THE AIR: POLISH CITY COMMEMORATIVE OPERATION HF50WLA
On the air, the city of Wladyslawowo Poland will be celebrating its 50th
anniversary this summer. To commemorate the event, local amateurs are
celebrating using the callsign HF50WLA until the 21st of July. If you
make contact, please QSL via SP2YWL direct or electronically via Logbook
of the World. (DXNS)
**
DX
In DX, word that HA1YA will be operational from Thassos Island from July
5th to the 13th as SW8EA. He will be active on the HF, VHF, UHF bands
using CW and SSB. If you make contact, please QSL via his home call.
DL5YL and DL5YM, will be operating slash H-B-Zero from Liechtenstein
through early July. No bands or operating times have been mentioned. QSL
via their home callsigns.
RU0ZM will be in the village Kamenka in Asiatic Russia until November
operating stroke Zero. He will be running 100 watts into a 2-element beam
on 20 and 15 meters and a Windom antenna for other bands. QSL via UA0ZC,
direct only.
OZ1DJJ will be on the air from Ammassalik Island from July 20th to August
1st operating as OX3LX. He will be active on High Frequency Bands plus 6
and 4 meters. Modes to be used were not announced. QSL via OZ1PIF.
KK4OYJ will be operational as 9H3RJ from Gozo Island between June 28th and
August. No other details are available. QSL via his home callsign.
The 4M5DX Group is planning a DXpedition to Aves Island sometime between
November 1st, 2013 and February 28th, 2014. The callsign mentioned is
YW0A. More information on this one as its made available.
Lastly, members from the Spanish Aitana DX Group will be on the air from
the YN2N radio shack in Nicaragua between October 1st to the 16th.
Operations will be on 160 through 6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via
EB7DX, either direct or by the bureau.
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: WILL WE SURVIVE IF A SUPER CME HITS THE EARTH
And finally this week, a kind of rhetorical scientific question. Can our
home planet survive a super Coronal Mass Ejection from our home star if it
was hurled directly at us. While opinions among researchers are divided,
at least some in South Africa believe it would not be good news. Amateur
Radio Newsline's Heather Embee, KB3TZD, takes a close look at what these
scientists believe might happen:
--
Our Sun is a yellow star that consists of a giant ball of superheated
plasma. It's magnetic field oscillates and acts as a dynamo that creates
the sunspots, solar flares and strong magnetic storms in the solar system.
When a Coronal Mass Ejection or C-M-E is spewed from corona of the Sun and
travels to the Earth the magnetic field of our planet generally deflects
it, and in the process creates auroras around the magnetic poles.
But a report published by the South African Radio League notes that some
scientists claim that if a super C-M-E should hit Earth then this level of
a magnetic storm could penetrate the planets magnetic field and cause
devastation. First of all the satellites on-orbit would be destroyed.
This would mean that all satellite telecommunications and Direct Satellite
T-V would go off the air.
On the ground, such a C-M-E could also generate extremely high voltages in
the power lines and destroy most if not all of the transformers in the
substations. This would likely cause complete blackouts in cities and
towns. Since water pumps won't function, municipalities world-wide
dependant on pumped-in delivery might quickly dry up.
According to the report, scientists are currently keeping a very close eye
on the Sun with a dedicated satellite known as the Solar and Heliospheric
Observatory. At the same time they are trying to develop some form of
shielding that could protect electrical transformers and other electronics
during such an event.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Embee, KB3TZD, in Berwick,
Pennsylvania.
--
A massive solar storm that hit Earth in March of 1989 caused blackouts in
the entire province of Quebec, Canada. That power disruption also closed
schools and businesses, kept the Montreal Metro shut during the morning
rush hour, and closed Dorval Airport. You can read more about it,
courtesy of NASA at tinyurl.com/giant-1989-cme. (SARL)
**
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 Skeeter
Nash, N5ASH, near Houston, Texas, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.
Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
------------------------------------
R\%/itt, K5RXT
--- GoldED+/W32 1.1.5-31012
--- D'Bridge 3.92
* Origin: K5RXT HAM Echo Moderator - San Antonio, Texas, USA (1:387/22)
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