Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1616 - August 1, 2008

SOME WORDS OF THANKS

Ladies and gentlemen, with some more thank-you's to those who help keep
these newscasts coming your way, here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Support
Fund Administrator, Andy Jarema, N6TCQ

--

Last year in March we heard from the Ashland, Nebraska ARC and monthly
contributors Joseph, KC8DKF, William, WA2IBM, and Scott in San Jose. Via
PayPal there were Paul Meyers in Tempe, AZ and Scott Siegel, KB3JQQ in
Baltimore.

In April we heard from The Raleigh, NC Amateur Radio Society and the South
Orange Amateur Radio Association of Mission Viejo, CA.

In May we heard from Gordon Wai Sum Loui, KE6ETG in Honolulu. Via PayPal
there were Robert Snyder, N2KGO in Sicklerville, NJ, Ray T. Mahorney on
behalf of the Stoney Creek ARC, Rocky Mount NC and "Tweak a Whinger Day":
find a â "whinger" and push their buttons. I have only an inkling what
that
means.

We at Newsline have always been volunteers, but the news doesn't come to
us; we have to go get it. That costs money, and as you just heard, we
didn't hear from many of you during that 3-month period. Please do your
part to help keep these weekly newscasts stay on the air. Listen for how
you can do that at the end of this broadcast.

Here's hoping I tweaked you,

I'm Andy Jarema, N6TCQ.

--

Andy will be back with us in the near future with more than-you's to those
who have so generously contributed to the support fund.

Now, Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1616 with a release date
of Friday, August 1st, 2008 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T. Ham Radio operators act as flooding hits New
Mexico, Amateur radios response to the recent earthquake in China is
highlighted in a U-S ham magazine, BPL becomes a nemesis for hams in
Portugal, a C-B operator is fined $7000 for refusing to let the FCC inspect
his station and a well known ham station in Washington is forced to go
Q-R-T. Find out the details on Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) report number 1616
coming your way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)

**

RESCUE RADIO: HAMS ASSIST IN RIUDOSO NM FLOODING

Ham radio was among the first services to responded as rain and flooding
hit the city of Riudoso, New Mexico on July 27th. Amateur Radio Newsline's
Don Carlson, KQ6FM, reports:

--

According to news reports about 300 people were evacuated from homes,
campgrounds and a recreational vehicle park after flooding caused by the
remnants of Hurricane Dolly. One person is confirmed dead after being swept
away by the flooding. Four others were rescued after being trapped by
rising water

The Rio Ruidoso went over its banks about midnight. According to Jay
Miller, W5WHN, the Lincoln County ARES Group was activated a few hours
later at 04:00 with hams sent to the Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center
and to designated shelters. Tim Pettibone, K5OI, operated from the E-O-C
much of the afternoon as Ric Sohl, K5RIC, coordinated the on-going ARES
relief effort. Most of the emergency communications took place on the
146.98 Mhz K5RIC repeater because the local EMS relay systems were off line
due to antenna problems.

Meteorologists said more than 6 inches of rain fell and flash flood watches
were put in effect for central and eastern New Mexico. State officials
estimated more than 60 homes were damaged or destroyed.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Don Carlson, KQ6FM, in Reno.

--

As this newscast is prepared, the members of the New Mexico ham radio
community involved in emergency communications remain on alert. (W5WHN,
K5CEC)


**

RESCUE RADIO: CHINA QUAKE HAM RADIO RESPONSE COVERED IN AUGUST CQ MAGAZINE

Its called "Hams Respond to China Disaster" and it is an in-depth look at
the amateur radio response following a magnitude 8 point 0 earthquake that
hit the nations Sichuan Provence last May 12th. Written by Bob Josuweit,
WA3PZO, the six page article in CQ Magazine looks at the ham radio
operations not only form the view of a reporter, but also from the point of
view of radio amateurs who lived through the disaster and were among the
first to respond.

One of the ham radio first responders was Liu Dan, BD8AM. At the very
beginning of the article he describes not just his ham radio involvement
but also the search for his wife and family. This, as a seemingly endless
series of aftershocks continued.

Hams Resopond to China Disaster is must reading for any radio amateur who
is in any way interested or involved in public service or emergency
response operations. It begins on page 13 of the just out August issue of
CQ Magazine, that's on newsstands right now. (ARNewsline(tm), CQ)

**

THE BPL SCENE: NEW INSTALLATION CAUSES PROBLEMS IN PORTUGAL

Broadband over Powerline Internet access is causing big problems for hams
in Portugal This, according to Hugo Barata, CT2HMX, who says that the
introduction of what Europe calls Powerline Communications or PLC
technology is causing interference in most amateur service bands and to
commercial broadcasting as well.

Ih his posting to QRZ.com, Barata says the the main culprit is a new three
service system that provies video, data and telephone service using a
broadband connection. He claims that consumers purchase the services and
are unaware that it's the root cause of interference they are causing to
others.

According to Barata, the worst offenders are PLC modems AV200 and AV300
from Corinex. He says that while the Corinex units have a notch filters
for use in IARU Region 1, in most cases don't work properly. As a result,
strong interference can heard inside of amateurs bands.

CT2HMX adds that Portuguese amateurs have filed complaints to that nations
telecommunication regulator ANACOM. They are asking ANACOM to resolve this
problem but nothing has happened yet. Barata says that so far, ANACOM has
remained silent. (CT2HMX, QRZ.com)

**

THE BPL SCENE: UKQRM YAHOOGROUP FORMED TO FIGHT BPL

Radio Netherlands reports that a new Yahoo Group called UKQRM has been
formed. This, as a meeting place for those who use the high frequency
bands and who are suffering from interference caused by Broadband over
Power Lines or BPL.

In announcing the group, Radio Netherlands Worldwide's Andy Sennitt is
quoted as saying that the traditional DX clubs have been very slow to
latch-on to the threat posed by this technology. Because of this it is
encouraging to see that at least some listeners in the United Kingdom are
trying to raise awareness of the problem.

Senitt says that behind the scenes, Radio Netherlands Worldwide has been
involved in the effort to prevent the widespread use of this technology for
several years. He says that one of his colleagues has been attending
international conferences to raise objections on behalf of shortwave
broadcasters. Those interested in joining this group should go to
groups.yahoo.com/group/UKQRM. (RN, UKQRM Group)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: NEW P5-A MOVIE ON YOUTUBE

Amsat says that its Phase 5-A will be the first spacecraft built by radio
amateurs to go to the Red planet and now there's a movie about it.

Titled "With AMSAT P5-A to Mars," the 10 minute video was produced by AMSAT
Germany and covers almost every aspect of the AMSAT organization since its
very beginning before taking us through the development cycle of P5-A.
Here's a sample of the Phase 5 A story from the movie:

--

Actual audio from show.

--

Phase 5-A will not only be the first ham radio satellite to go to another
world. It will also become the first ever private interplanetary
spacecraft. Once on station in orbit around Mars, it will use frequencies
in the Amateur Satellite Service at 2.4 and 10 GHz to communicate back home.

The story of its development and what it is expected to do during its
mission is really what this video is all about. Its available on line at
YouTube.com in several languages. You can watch and hear it in English at
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIJ548EyUME

We will have more ham radio space related news later on. (AMSAT)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
heard on bulletin stations around the world including the N9QIP repeater
serving Arlington, Wisconsin.

(5 sec pause here)


**

RADIO LAW: THE LEGALITY OF WIRELESS MICS

Wireless microphones used in the entertainment industry and houses of
worship -- among other places -- could turn out to be the next big problem
for the FCC. This after a coalition of consumer groups accuses those who
use them of not having the required FCC license to do so. Bill Pasternak,
WA6ITF, is in the newsroom with mo

--

The complaint was filed Wednesday, July 16th, by the Public Interest
Spectrum Coalition. It charges that manufacturers of these microphones use
deceptive advertising in the way they market them. Also, that they sell
high end, wireless microphones to people who the coalition claims are not
legally permitted to use them.

The legal filing alleges that after the nation's conversion to digital
broadcasting in February 2009, some of the microphones will threaten
emergency communications. Others have the potential to interfere with
commercial wireless carriers who have collectively spent over $19 billion
dollars to use the same airwaves as the microphones now do, and use them
interference free.

The coalition says that it is unclear how many people and other entities
actually own and use wireless microphones. FCC records show only 952
people or organizations possess such licenses, but analysts say there may
be millions, most of whom do not understand that FCC rules require a
license to use them.

The consumer group is recommending that the FCC immediately act to halt
sales of wireless microphones that operate between TV channels 52 and
69. It also wants the FCC to require microphone manufacturers replace the
older units. It also recommends that the government agree to a general
amnesty for unauthorized microphone users. The Public Interest Spectrum
Coalition also wants the FCC to create a new general wireless microphone
service to operate in other spectrum.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, in the Newsroom
in Los Angeles.

--

The big question is whether or not the FCC will act quickly on the Public
Interest Spectrum Coalition's demand or if other priorities including the
digital television conversion and introduction of new wireless services
will mean that it will languish in limbo for years to come. (RW, Media
Access Project, others)

**

PUBLIC SERVICE: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT -AUGUST 5

Hector Figueroa, KE6VRL, reminds us that Tuesday August 5th is the 2008
National Night Out. Its also a perfect night to demonstrate the utility of
Amateur Radio to your local community.

National Night Out is an evening dedicated to bringing crime prevention and
neighborhood spirit to the attention of everyone. It is also an evening to
get out and meet your neighbors while letting criminals know that
neighborhoods are organizing to help combat crime.

Ham radio by its very nature of mobility and instant communications is an
excellent adjunct to any community watch program. As a result, a growing
number of cities are now encouraging hams to be a part of ongoing safe
neighborhoods programs.

More about this grass roots crime prevention program on line at
www.nationaltownwatch.org (KE6VRL)

**

ENFORCEMENT: OREGON CB OPERATOR FINED $7000

An Oregon C-B operator has been fined $7000 by the FCC. This for refusing
to permit an agent of the regulatory agency inspect hi station.

According to the FCC, in response to complaints it had received its agents
from the Portland office this past February attempted to inspect the CB
station owned by Jeremy William Barber in the city of Aloha, Oregon. They
were unsuccessful when Barber denied them access.

On March 28th the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture
in the amount of $7,000 to Barber. Despite evidence that Barber received
the NAL, Barber never filed a response. Instead the FCC says that its
Portland office continues to receive complaints concerning Barber's
operation of his CB radio station.

Based on the information before it the FCC has now affirmed the $7000 fine
and has given Barber the customary 30 days to pay it or to file an appeal.
It has also directed its Portland office to attempt to conduct a follow-up
inspection of Barber's CB radio station to determine whether his operation
is compliant with the Commission's Rules regarding the Citizens
Radio service. It also cautioned Barber that failure to allow this
inspection will result in further sanctions. (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT: THAT TRANSMITTER IS UNAUTHORIZED

The Acting Interim District Director, of the FCC's Los Angeles District
Office has issued an Official Citation to Wolfcom Enterprises of
Hollywood. This for violation of the Commission's Rules by
marketing unauthorized radio frequency devices in the United States.

The FCC says that an investigation by the Enforcement Bureau's Los Angeles
Office revealed that this past June 11th Wolfcom Enterprises, at its
Hollywood, California, store was found selling an unauthorized radio device
known as the TB-1255CK. This is a 1.2 GHz wireless transmitter, which has
not been certificated for sale or use in the United States.

The FCC letter released on July 17th tells Wolfcom that violations may
subject the violator to substantial penalties. These could include
monetary forfeitures, seizure of equipment through forfeiture action and
criminal sanctions, including imprisonment.

Wolfcom Enterprises was told that it could request an interview at the
closest FCC office if it wanted to discuss the matter face to face with the
regulatory agency. The company was also offered the option of providing a
written statement to specify what actions have been taken to correct the
violations. (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT: FCC WARNS UNLICENSED FLORIDA BROADCASTER

The FCC's Miami Office has warned the owner of property where an unlicensed
transmitter is located to take it off the air or face severe
consequences. On its July 16th letter to R. Bryce Gray, Jr. the FCC says
that it has received information that an unlicensed broadcast radio station
on 101.9 MHz is allegedly operating from his property in the Oakland Park
area.

The FCC says that back on March 4th, 14th And June 3rd that gents from the
Miami office confirmed by direction finding techniques that radio signals
on frequency 101.9 MHz were emanating from an antenna mounted on a pole at
Gray's legal residence. The FCC has warned Gray that operation of radio
transmitting equipment without a valid radio station authorization
constitutes a violation of Federal laws and could subject the operator to
severe penalties, including seizure of the offending radio equipment, and
criminal sanctions including imprisonment.

Gray was ordered to cease operations immediately. He was also given 10
days from the date of the FCC notice to respond to the agency with any
evidence that he has written authority to operate granted by the FCC. (FCC)

**

EDUCATION: FAR ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The Foundation for Amateur Radio has announced the 2008 winners of the 55
scholarships it administers for itself and various other ham radio
organizations. The scholarships were open to all licensed radio amateurs
who met the qualification and residence requirements of the various
sponsors.

A complete list of winners is already on the ARRL website and should soon
be posted to the Foundation for Amateur Radio website as well. The
Foundation for Amateur Radio is a non-profit organization incorporated in
the District of Columbia. (FAR)

**

WORLDBEAT - GERMANY: HILBERLING SUSPENDS PT-8000 PROGRAM

Production of the newly announced Hilberling PT-8000 high end H-F through
VHF transceiver has been stopped. A notice on the company's website says
that the project was abandoned due to ever changing requirements placed on
the German designed transceiver by the European Union. This says
Hilberling was making it nearly impossible to obtain an ongoing supply of
the parts specified in the radios design.

The Hilberling PT-8000 was called the ultimate dream radio. Retailing in
the $18,000 range it not only had almost impossible to duplicate
specifications, and was to be available in several designer color schemes
as well. It was to be offered in 10, 100 or 600 watt versions and was to
be distributed in North America by Array Solutions.

More on the decision to suspend production of the Hilberling PT-8000 is
on-line in German at hilberling .com. (DJ0QN, QRZ.com)

**

WORLDBEAT - UK: RADCOM NEEDS ARTICLES

The editors of the UK based Radio Communications Magazine are inviting
readers to submit articles for publication. Constructional projects for HF
and LF would be particularly welcome. If you are interesting in
contributing an article or two please contact the Editor by e-mail to
(RSGB)

**

BREAK 2

This is ham radio news for today's radio amateur. From the down under in
Auckland, New Zealand and 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: DRM TESTS TO TAKE PLACE IN ALASKA

Digital Radio Mondiale may be coming to America's last frontier. Jeff
Reinhardt, AA6JR, has the details:

--

The Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium says that the Federal Communication
Commission has granted a license to Digital Aurora Radio
Technologies. This, for the company to conduct a 2 year experiment using
D-R-M technology to determine the feasibility for coverage of the state of
Alaska with Digital Radio Mondiale signals in three shortwave bands at 5, 7
and 9 MHz.

Because of the severe ionosphere propagation conditions at the high
latitudes, the Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium says that these
experiments in Alaska will yield valuable information on what is needed to
get excellent audio coverage at realistic power levels for this concept to
work.

Alaska has a surface area of approximately 1,300,000 square kilometers.
The Consortium says that if the tests show excellent results for digital
radio broadcasts to cover the entire state, the next step would be to
obtain approval to use the system and the transmission station for a
regular broadcasting service.

Proponents of the project say that with one D-R-M transmission of either
10 or 20 kHz in bandwidth, the entire state could possibly be
covered. This, with nearly FM-like quality and up to 4 simultaneous
program streams. Currently no single broadcaster in Alaska is capable of
providing this kind of service.

That's it for this weeks future technology page. For the Amateur Radio
Newsline, I'm Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, in Los Angeles.

--

The full test plan by the The Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium includes
several variations of D-R-M system in order to determine which combination
works best under the different ionosphere propagation conditions that it
expects to encounter. (Southgate, Media Network, DRM Consortium)

**

RADIO SCIENCE: MORE ON THE AURORA BOREALIS

Want to know more about the Aurora Borealis and what causes it? National
Geographic magazine has an interesting story about a recent discovery in
the triggering mechanisms for Aurora and a short video clip as well. The
article makes interesting reading and you can find it on-line at
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...as-lights.html
(N1LF via VHF Reflector)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: DO-64 TRANSPONDER ON THE AIR

The 435 to 145 MHz linear transponder onboard the Delfi D Oh 64 satellite
has been activated. The transponder uplink is 435.570 to 435.530 MHz
and the downlink is 145.880 to145.920 MHz. All frequencies are +/- Doppler
shift that can be up to 3 kHz at 145 MHz and the transponder is
inverting. This means Lower Sideband is translated to a Upper Sideband
signal on the downlink.

Delfi D Oh 64 was built at the Delft University of Technology in the
Netherlands. Since it was launched in Apri it has been collecting
educational research data for use by the university students with the
assistance of Radio Amateurs around the world.

More information on this satellite can be found at: Delfi-C3:
http://www.delfic3.nl/ (ANS)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: CP4 CONTROLERS NEED YOUR REPORTS

Jason Anderson, KI6GIV, at California Polytechnic State University is
requesting amateur radio operators worldwide to assist with capturing the
telemetry of the Cal Poly CP4 satellite.

According to Anderson there has been some unpredictable behavior on the CP4
satellite. He says that controllers only have contact with the bird once
every 12 hours so would be extremely helpful if they could get some global
support in collecting beacon transmissions. This, in order to get a more
complete picture of the satellite's health.

CP4 downlinks on 437.325Mz using FSK lower sideband modulation. The baud
rate is 1200 with beaconing every minute. Audio or decoded binary data
along with other reports go by e-mail to jander06 (at) calpoly (dot)edu
(ANS)

**

WORLDBEAT - BANGLSDESH: SCOUT HAM RADIO OPS FROM JAMBOREE

Scouts in Bangladesh will establish two Amateur radio stations as a part of
the 4th APR Air Internet Jamboree 2008. Bangladesh is the host country for
this years Jamboree. The amateur stations using the call S-21-SHQ will be
on-air from August 2nd to the 3rd operating in 40, 20 and 10 meter
bands. The operators are mainly expected to make contact with scout
stations in neighboring nations but also will look for DX in their leisure
time. Special QSL will be available to those who contact S-21-SHQ but QSL
routing is not available at this time. Organizers do say that electronics
logs will be posted in EB7DX website. (Southgate)

**

WORLDBEAT - INDIA: INDIA LIGHTHOUSE IN ILLW

The first Indian lighthouse has registered for International Lighthouse and
Lightship Weekend on 16th and 17th August. Permission has been received by
hams in that nation to activate a lighthouse in southern India. A callsign
is pending but it will be activated from the Indian Independence Day, 15th
August, through to the 18th, which includes the International Lighthouse
Weekend. (GB2RS)

**

DX

In D-X, word that OE5OHO, OE5HDN and OE3GEA will portable MJ from Jersey
Island between August 21st to the 25th. Activity will be holiday style
with operations on all High Frequency bands using CW and SSB. QSL via the
Bureau to their respective home callsigns.

And keep an ear open for TS28ASJ. He will be active until August 3rd from
the 28th Arab Scout Jamboree in Tunisia. Operations are expected to be on
the High Frequency bands using CW, SSB, RRTY, PSK and SSTV. QSL via the
Tunisian Bureau.

Lastly, IK2RZP, will be active portable VP9 from Bermuda August 5th to
the24th. His operation will be mainly SSB and the digital modes on the 17
and 12 meter bands. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the bureau.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM: THE END OF AN ERA AS SMITHSONIAN STATION GOES QRT

And finally this week, NN3SI, the amateur radio station at the Smithsonian
Institution's National Museum of American History was forced to go QRT on
July 31st. Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, talks with the
man who holds the license to this historical ham radio call.

--

"It was originally located in the 1976 Bicentennial exhibit, 'A Nation of
Nations.'

That's John Johnston, W3BE, trustee of NN3SI, who says that the amateur
radio section of that exhibit was actually only expected to be around for a
year.

"Now, when that was closed it was subsequently moved to a series of
different exhibits which had a connection somehow with amateur radio,''
Johnston says. "Most recently, it was in an exhibit called 'Information
Age.'

"But that was removed during a major renovation of the museum. So, our
station closed along with that exhibit."

Johnston says NN3SI - a special call sign granted to the station by the FCC
during a time when such licenses were rare - was staffed entirely by
volunteers from the Washington D.C. area and Maryland and Virginia.

Johnston says there were recent negotiations to move the station to the new
Air and Space Museum complex near Dulles Airport. But he says those talks
ended without a resolution and the station now sits in limbo.

Johnston recalls spending many hours at NN3SI.

"We had operators from all over the world who'd come by," Johnston says.
"The part I particularly enjoyed was in the spring when the school groups
would come by and they would see our station.

"And we were one of the few exhibits that had live people in it. So we had
an opportunity to talk with them directly and show them how amateur radio
worked, and what it was all about, give them an introduction."

Johnston says he regularly scanned the station logs and was gratified to
see during the over 32 years NN3SI was on the air, it served a unique role.

"The amazing part was the diversity of people from all over the United
States, from all over the world," Johnston says. "They came and either
visited the station or worked the station or sat down and did some
operating."

He says NN3SI also had a prominent place on the Washington Mall.

"We were the closest station to the White House, we were the closest
station to the FCC," Johnston says. "And, we were right on the mall in
Washington D.C. It's some really prime real estate and it was a wonderful
opportunity to show off ham radio."

Johnston remains optimistic that NN3SI will return - even though its
equipment will be placed in storage for now by the Smithsonian.

"Well, I'm going to hang onto the license and I have every hope that we
will establish an exhibit in one of the museums at some future date,"
Johston says.

We'll keep you posted.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in Philadelphia.
--

QSL cards for previous two-way contacts made with NN3SI will remain
available for some time. (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, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A 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, in Auckland, New Zealand, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.