Amateur Radio Newsline™ Report 1365 – October 10 2003

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1365 with a release date of Friday,
October 10th 2003 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T.

Deciding the future of ham radio was not an easy task in Geneva and the problem
of Broadband over Powelines continues to grow world-wide. Find out the details
on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1365 coming your way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)

**

IARU: HOW RADIO REVISIONS CAME TO PASS

The word is out. Some of those who attended last springs World
Radiocommunications Conference in Geneva Switzerland are now saying it was not
all that easy to reach decisions. Q-News Graham Kemp, VK4BB, has the rest of
the story:

--

Just now some of the background work done at WRC-03 is coming to light. The
work was intensive. The main conference hall had over 1500 seats, simultaneous
translation in 7 languages often more than 10 meetings going on at the same
time, distributed in three adjacent buildings.

Some meetings went on till the wee hours of the morning and resumed at the
usual time the next morning!

The growing number of completely new radio services clamouring for spectrum
allocation, such as for example space borne radars for terrestrial observation,
high altitude platforms together with the ever increasing number of new ITU
Member States with active participation made the deliberations that much more
difficult.

For Q-News Australia, I’m Graham Kemp. VK4BB, reporting for the Amateur Radio
Newsline.

--

It was the decisions made at this conference that lead some nations to abandon
C-W testing of radio amateurs and also spur the ongoing, world-wide Morse code
debate. (Q-News)

**

RADIO LAW: BPL BECOMMING A HOT ISSUE WORLD-WIDE

Meantime, down here in Kiwi-Land as well as around the world, the debate is
heating up over Broadband Over Powerline or BPL as its called in North America.
This is the technology that claims to provide broadband high-speed Internet
services using domestic power lines for system wide transmission and Internet
connectivity.

For those not aware, BPL works by injecting the data signal into the powerline
near the electricic substation and it travels along the line to the user. In
some proposed systems, it interconnects cities using existing long distance
power distribution grids.

The problem, of course, is that powerlines are not radio frequency cables. They
are not shielded and leak RF energy causing a level of wideband noise in the
vicinity of the cable. And as tests conducted by the ARRL have graphically
proven, powerlines radiate for long distances.

AC powerlines are a very noisy transmission medium, with spikes and other
noise. To make it work, BPL operators have to use higher injection powers to
get their data signals to propagate along the cable. Higher injection power
mean higher emissions, and this is bad news for all High Frequency radio
operators.

By way of example, current proposals in Europe would raise the level of the
background noise level on H-F by some 60-70 dB within 3 meters of the cable.
Further away, the rise would be less, but still considerable.

Because of this, Broadband Over Powerlines poses a threat not only to amateur
radio. Users of many low power devices such as security systems that tag
products in shops are very concerned. And High Frequency broadcasters
world-wide are fighting to support sensible emission limits for powerline
breoadband communications.

But that’s not where it ends. In many places security services are worried.
Unfortunately, in some countries, government departments involved in security
have been told to not object to BPL as the government policy is to support it.

Civil Aviation communication and aero-navigation can be threatened by BPL.
There are reports of an air accident in Canada being directly attributable to
interference from broadband cable systems.

And this is only the beginning. New plans for BPL will attempt to use much
higher frequencies which could immediately pose a threat to some nations
emergency service communications. This is an extremely serious issue for
amateur radio world-wide and for other users of the High Frequency spectrum as
well. (NZART)

**

RADIO AIDS: NOAA PROPAGATION SERVICE TO GO QRT

Amateurs around the globe may soon loose the propagation information system
operated by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This includes real time data on the state of the interaction of the earth's
magnetosphere with the solar wind and state of the earth's magnetic field.

These tools have been invaluable to ham radio operators world-wide for many
years. The reasons it may be going away? Budgetary cutbacks and lack of
future funding. (Published news reports)

**

Break 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on
bulletin stations around the world including the Xerox Amateur Radio Clubs
WD6CZH repeater serving Los Angeles from El Segundo California.

(5 sec pause here)


**

ENFORCENMENT: HAM REPEATERS ARE NOT FOR BUSINESS

Back in the United States, the FCC has written to a Lakewood New Jersey to ask
him why a repeater bearing his his call sign is being used as an adjunct to a
business band radio system. The FCC’s Daryl Duckworth, NN0W explains:

--

Duckworth: “Martin Gross, N2DCG, of Lakewod New Jersey, has 20 days to reply
to an inquirey about a repeater on 448.825/443.825 MHz and is used as an
adjunct to WNVF 627, a business radio system for the Hatzolah Emergency Medical
Services, rather than for Amateur Radio purposes as set forth in Section 97.1
of the Commission’s rules.�

--

In a September 11th letter, the FCC notes that Gross’s repeater is not
coordinated. (FCC)

**

AT THE FCC: THE FCC's MASTER SEARCH ENGINE

The CGC Communicator reports that there is an obscure but very important search
engine at the FCC website. One that allows you to comb through most of the
Commission's licensing systems for specific information.

According to CGC, member databases include Universal Licensing System,
Experimental, Cable Operations, Mass Media and International Bureau. Queries
can be set up by frequency range, state, county, location call sign and
licensee name. More information is in the cyperspace address found at
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm or the backup site at
http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm (CGC)

**

RADIO LAW: CABLE TOLD TO SOLVE ITS OWN PROBLEMS

FCC Chairman Michael Powell has told the cable industry that it needs to work
out its own problems before appealing to regulators for remedies. At a recent
appearance at the annual cable sector conference Powell highlighted issues that
have driven a wedge between cable companies and local broadcasters.
Specifically, the rules that dictate what over the air channels cable outlets
must carry on their systems.

Currently, cable companies are required by law to carry local broadcast
channels. But broadcasters are also hoping regulators will eventually force
cable companies to carry both digital and analog signals during the
broadcasters' transition period to all digital transmission. But cable
companies argue that if they were forced to carry both a broadcaster's regular
analog signal and digital signals, it would significantly deplete their
capacity to air other channels. (Published reports)

**

RESCUE RADIO: ORGANIZING 60 METERS IN VA

Bringing emergency communications to 60 meters is the theme of a new net
organized by Virginia RACES, Inc. This, by providing a twice monthly
opportunity for equipment tests in the new spectrum asllocation.

The Mid-Atlantic Emergency Net began opeeration on October 1st. It now takes
place the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 2000 hours Eastern Time
on 5330.5 using upper sideband.

All ARES, RACES and other emergency communications organizations within
reliable communication range of the net are encouraged to participate.
Liaisons are also invited with similar groups in neighboring states. (Via
e-mail)

**

GETTING YOUR E-MAIL: AOL BLOCKS QRZ.COM

If you use America Online as an internet service provider and are waiting for
e-mail or a password from QRZ.com, this is for you. A-O-L has decided to
unilaterally block delivery QRZ.com e-mails unless a specific A-O-L user goes
to the trouble of unblocking his or her own account.

According to QRZ, they have been getting up to 50 emails a week from America
Online users who have not received their QRZ passwords or Links. QRZ advises
that it is A-O-L and not them that has placed spam filters on incoming e-mail.
To fix the problem, users must log onto A-O-L, go to “SPAM CONTROL� and
set it so that e-mail from QRZ.com as an allowable e-mail address.

QRZ adds that it has no other way of sending America Online users a password or
log on information as A-O-L has QRZ e-mail filtered out. (qrz.com)

**

HAMVENTION 2004: YOUR IDEAS ARE SOLICITED

Turning to the convention scene, the planners of Hamvention 2004 are putting
out a call to the world-wide ham radio community. They say give us your input
and we will listen.

According to the Hamvention website, those in charge of next years gathering
have implemented what they call a new "open door policy.� In other words,
they want to hear your suggestions or comments on how to improve their show.
They also promise to consider your ideas, discuss them, and implement them if
possible.

If you want to help make Hamvention even bigger and better, now’s your
chance. Sit down at your keyboard and write the 2004 Hamvention team directly
at w-mail to . And yes, they promise a personal response to
every e-note that’s received. (Hamvention)

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS: DENVER COLORADO IN OCTOBER

Still with hamfets and conventions, the Rocky Mountain Radio League welcomes
everyone to the 2003 R-M-R-L Hamfest slated for October 18th at the Jefferson
County Fairgrounds in Golden Colorado. For more information e-mail Ron Rose to
. (Press release)

**

CONVENTIONS AND HAMFESTS: SOCORRO N.M. ON OCT 25

Also, mark down Saturday October 25th for New Mexico’s Socorro Hamfest.
Socorro is about 80 miles South of Albuquerque. This year the venue is the
Firefighters Training Academy with R-V parking available. For information by
e-mail please write to . (e-mail)

**

WITH THE SCOUTS: A SPECIAL ON JOTA

Last reporter Mark Abramovich, NT3V, told you that the 46th annual Boy Scouts
of America Jamboree on the Air will take place on October 18th and 19th. Now
Mark has prepared a special report that details the Jamboree on the Air and the
very unique relationship between scouting and ham radio.

--
AUDIO HERE
--

Mark’s report is our September Newsline Extra. It can be downloaded as an M
P 3 file from our website at www.arnewsline.org/quincy. Just scroll down to
the bottom of the page, click on ARNewsline Extra, turn your speakers up and
enjoy. (ARNewsline(tm))

**

PROMOTING HAM RADIO: JOTA VIDEO NEEDED

Are if you are planning to take part in this years scouting Jamboree on the Air
and own a good quality home video camera, your help is needed. As you know,
Dave Bell W6AQ, Alan Kaul W6RCL and Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, are always looking
for good video of ham radio happenings that they might be able to incorporate
into a presentation about the hobby. As scouting and ham radio enjoy a very
unique relationship, this is an event that is sure to make it into one of their
shows, but only if they have the pictures and sound.

Since the Jamboree on the Air happens only once a year, that’s where you come
in. What’s needed are volunteer camera people to take their gear to where
the scouts are holding their JOTA gatherings and videotape them in action.
Pictures and sound of them setting up their JOTA campsites, ham stations and
their on-the-air operations. Also wanted is video of licensed scout hams
introducing non-ham scouts to our very special new world of Amateur Radio.

If you can help in this project, or want more information, e-mail the
production team to . (The Producers)

**

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)


**

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: DANNY WEIL, EX-VP2VP - S.K.

The changing of the guard in ham radio continues. This with word from the San
Antonio Radio Club that Danny Weil, the former VP2VP, has passed away October
3rd at age 86.

Weil is best known for his post World War 2 DX operations. During the 1950’s
and 1960’s Weil took to the ham radio airwaves from numerous exotic locations
that he sailed to in a boat named the YASME.

Born in the UK in 1918, Weil had been living in a managed care facility in
Texas since suffering a stroke in 2001. But during his lifetime his voyages
lead to the setting up ham radio stations on remote islands around the world
and contacts with over 100,000 amateur radio enthusiasts. His exploits are
credited with giving birth to the terms D-X’er and D-Xpedition.

Weil’s adventures and those of the Colvin’s -- Lloyd W6KG-and Iris W6QL --
lead to the formation of the famed YASME Foundation that assists DX operations
world wide. Services for Weil were held in San Antonio Texas on Wednesday,
October 8th.

More about the life and death of Danny Weil is on-liner at
http://obit.porterloring.com/obit_di...d=porterloring
(San Antonio Radio Club, Paul Guido)

**

RADIO TRAGEDY: HAM KILLED TRYING TO ACTIVATE DX STATION

A ham radio operator has died while trying to put a rare location on the air.
RSGB News Reader Jeramy Boot, G4NJH, has the tragic details:

--

We are sad to have to report the death of Richard Baker, M3RWB, who died as the
result of injuries sustained while climbing Aran Fawddwy in North Wales. He was
intending to activate the summit for the Summits on the Air, or SOTA, award
programme.

The Summits on the Air management team has released a statement which says,
"Richard was an experienced hillwalker who saw SOTA as a good opportunity to
re-ascend many summits that he had climbed in the past. His death is an
untimely reminder that while accidents can happen anywhere, the mountains can
present special dangers to those who are experienced as well as those new to
mountain travel."

Jeramy Boot, G4NJH

--

The Summits on the Air management team went on to stress that in all cases, the
safety of those travelling must come above the desire to ascend to the
mountain. (GB2RSO)

**

RADIO RECORDS: US TO CZECH REPUBLIC ON 24 GHZ

Shooting for the moon has provided two hams the first-ever United States to
Czech Republic E-M-E contact on 24-Ghz. The ARRL Letter reports that Amateur
Radio moonbounce and microwave history was made September 24 at 1400 U-T-C when
Josef Sveceny, OK1UWA, and Al Ward, W5LUA, completed the 24-GHz EME QSO between
the two nations.

Sveceny used a 3-meter Prime Focus dish with 35 watts at the feed, vertically
polarized. Ward’s station also utilized a 3-meter Prime Focus dish with but
with 70 Watts at the feed. Ward was horizontally polarized to account for the
spatial offset between North America and Europe. Previous international 24 GHz
EME QSO’s have taken place between the US and Canada, the US and Russia and
Canada and Russia. (ARRL)

**

INTERNATIONAL - INDIA: ECHOLINK COMES TO VU

News out of India is that a new EchoLink VHF Repeater has been installed at the
Indian National Institute of Amateur Radio. The new system allows local hams
in Hyderabad to contact Amateur stations all over the world twenty-four hours a
day. According to Jose Jacob, VU2JOS of the National Institute of Amateur
Radio, this is the second such repeater to go into service in India. (GB2RS)

**


INTERNATIONAL - UK: RAYNET AT 50

The Radio Society of Great Britain is hosting RAYNET’s 50th Annniversary
Emergency Communications Convention in Birmingham, England on Saturday the 25th
of October. RAYNET is the U-K equivlant to our RACES an d ARES combined. Paul
Gaskell, G4MWO, tells Newsline that in addition to the convention, a special
event station will be taking to the airwaves as GB50RAEN. It will be on the
air from October 20th till the 31st. QSL’s go via RSGB Bureau. Further
information is in cyberspace at www.rsgb.org/emergency (GB2RS)

**

ON THE AIR

On the air, HE2GR is a special event call for the USKA club station HB9GR.
It’s on the air to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Swiss Cantons of St
Gallen and Graubuenden. HE2GR will be active on CW, SSB and digital modes until
the 30th of December. QSL as directed on the air. (VHF Reflector)

**

DX

In DX, ZL3CW will be active as ZM8CW from Raoul Island in the Kermadecs through
the 18th of October. Jack says that he will be there doing maintenance work for
the Department of Conservation and hopes to be active in his spare time. This
is actually not a DXpedition, but ZL3CW is considered to be one of the better
Morse operators and enjoys the challenge of the pile-ups. (Modern DX’er)

And a D-Xpadition to Annobon Island was forced to shut down prematurely. This
after authorities ordered operations curtailed on October 4th local time.
According to the various D-X remailers, no reason was given for ordering the
3CZ0V ham radio operation off the air. (Via Internet)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM: HAM RADIO AT THE NYC MARATHON

For this weeks final story we turn the ham radio sports page and one of the
biggest events of the year thats about to take place. And its Amateur Radio
that makes it happen. We have the details in this report:

--

If you want to see a shining example of how valuable amateur radio can be as a
public service, look no further than New York City the first week in November.
Providing communications for the marathon is no small job. Just ask
Communications Director Steve Mendelsohn, W2ML. When the marathon was run back
in 1976, 26 hams provided communications assistance. This year, 425 hams will
help, and they'll do it using 9 repeaters on 2 meters and 440. Mendelson says
it's a source of pride for the ham volunteers who come from across the country:
--
Mendelsohn: “Just like Disney's fantasy land, once you hav e been there you
want to come back over, over and over again.�
--

The marathon isn't just for New York area hams. Mendelsohn says amateur radio
operators show up from more than half a dozen states to help:

--
Mendelsohn: “We have people coming back from Colorado, coming back from
Vermont, from florida. They come in from all over. Seven states, twenty-six
miles, no waiting.�
--

New York's boroughs will be flooded with over 30-thousand runners this year.
The hams helping will be part of more than 9-thousand people volunteering. How
you manage that many people could be a massive challenge -- but Mendelsohn says
race organizers figured out how to do it:

--
Mendelsohn: “You break the nets up into sizable chunks. You name a Mile
Captain for each of the miles, and the Mile Captain manages a staff of anywhere
from 3 to 15 people. Oncve you get further along in the race where there is
more of a chance of the runners falling and dropping out because thery are
tired, you increase your manpower.�
--

18 net controllers with 2 standby operators will be on duty. Communications
start at 3 a.m. race day and go until 6 o'clock that evening. 35 hams will be
on hand at the starting line alone. Once the race is done, Mendelsohn says the
hams' work doesn't end. For this many runners and their family members to
reunite takes up an area of more than five blocks.

Hams help there, too. And they'll tag along not just with race organizers, but
with translators who will need amateur radio operators by their side, too. It's
a huge undertaking that takes a lot of planning and makes for a very long day.
But the hams helping out with New York City's marathon wouldn't trade it,
because Mendelsohn says, it's just plain fun.

From Birmingham Alabama, I’m David Black, KB4KCH, for the Amateur Radio
Newsline.

--

For those of you in North America who might want to grab a glimpse of ham radio
in action, NBC Sports will broadcast a one hour New York City Marathon
highlights show nationwide beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST on November 2nd. Check
your local listings for details.

Also, the full interview with Steve Mendelsohn, W2ML, can be heard on this
weeks RAIN Report. Its as close as your telephone at 847-827-7246 or on-line
at www.rainreport.com. You can find more information on the race in cyberspace
at www.ingnycmarathon.org. (ARNewsline(tm))

**

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

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I’m Jim Meachen,
ZL2BHF, saying 73 and we thank you for listening." Amateur Radio Newsline(tm)
is Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.