Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1748 - February 11 2011

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1748 with a release date of
Friday, February 11, 2011 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T. The FCC clears the way for President Obama
to become the first residential voice of a national test of the
Emergency Alert System, VK hams look back on Typhoon Yasi, a new
broadcast intruder on 40 meters, a mixed decision in a Palmdale
California tower and antenna case and a new method to create terahertz
waves. Find out the details on Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) report
number 1748 coming your way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)

**

RESCUE RADIO: PRESIDENT TO TAKE PART IN FCC APPROVED EAS TEST

The President of the United States will soon be taking part in a
national test of the of the Emergency Alert System. We have more in
this report:

--

The Federal Communications Commission has taken the necessary action
help pave the way for the first-ever Presidential alert to be aired
across the United States on the Nation's Emergency Alert System. This
as the regulatory agency voted on February 3rd to adopt a Third Report
and Order that sets forth rules that will facilitate the federal
government's efforts to conduct a national E-A-S test by transmitting a
Presidential Alert from Washington, D.C. to television and radio
broadcasters, cable systems and satellite service providers who will
then deliver the alert to the American public.

The national test will require EAS participants to be part of the
exercise and to receive and transmit a live code that includes a
Presidential alert message to their respective viewers and listeners.
The FCC, FEMA and the Nation Weather Service, in coordination with
E-A-S participants, will work together to launch a nationwide public
education and awareness campaign. This will include press statements,
workshops, regional outreach, and television and radio public service
announcements. All will be targeted to consumers in general, and more
specifically to persons with disabilities and seniors, as well as first
responders and state, local and tribal governments. The outreach will
help ensure that the American public is aware that the national test
will be conducted and the benefits of these kinds of public alerts in a
real emergency.

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

--

The FCC adds that the national test will also help determine the
reliability of the Emergency Alert System and its effectiveness in
notifying the public of emergencies and potential danger, both
nationwide and regionally. (FCC)

**

RESCUE RADIO: HAM RADIO AND CYCLONE YASI - A FOLLOW-UP

A follow up to least weeks story about Cyclone Yasi that was ravaging
Ausatralia's North-East area just at about the time we went to air.
Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the W-I-A News is in Brisbane with an update on
the storm and the part radio amateurs played:

--

Hams have been keeping in touch via HF radio and keeping a vital link
alive during the passage of one of the more fierce and expansive severe
tropical cyclones to hit the North East coast of Australia in recent
times. The system was so vast that it affected communities along a
900km stretch of coast and 500km inland.

Whilst making sure that their families and houses were safe, radio
amateurs within the warning area and across the country kept in touch
via HF Radio with a listening watch on Queensland WICEN frequency 7075
kHz and regular contact via the morning Gnarly Net on 3600 kHz and the
afternoon Friendly Net on 7115 kHz. This regular contact has kept the
communication lines open. Some 40 cellphone sites were damaged and
some 400 had low fuel reserves.

Townsville hams have been monitoring the local repeaters along with the
Atherton Tablelands hams. Rockhampton hams are monitoring the local
repeaters along with 7075kHz and 3600kHz and Cairns hams are doing this
as well.

Radio Amateurs living in the disaster area are now picking up the
pieces, getting their stations back up and running as the Cyclone
Season in Northern Australia is not over until the end of April and
there might be another call to action during the next few months ahead.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the WIA News
in Australia.

--

Also assisting are some 120 Queensland, Tasmanian and Victorian State
Emergency Service personnel. They have headed north to assist with the
Cyclone Yasi recovery effort. (WIA News)

**

INTRUDER WATCH: VOICE OF RUSSIA ON 7.2 MHZ

Another broadcast interloper has shown up 40 meters. DJ9KR reports via
the IARU Region 1 website that a station identified as the Voice of
Russia has been heard on the exclusive Amateur Radio frequency 7 point
200 MHz. The report says that since February 1st, the Voice of Russia
is transmitting programs in Russian language with high power and is
causing very harmful interference to the amateur radio service all
around the globe.

The location of the transmitter has been pegged at being in or near the
Russian city of St. Petersburg. The transmissions are from 0800 to
1500 UTC.

Hams around the world are being asked to write their nations ham radio
intruder watch coordinator and to ask that body to file a formal
complaint with Russian telecommunications authorities. Ham radio has
an exclusive allocation for 7 dot 0 to 7 point 2 MHz and no one other
than hams are supposed to be heard in that frequency range. (IARU
Region 1)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: ARISSAT-1 READY FOR DEPLOYMENT

Hams world-wide are awaiting the deployment of ARISSat-1 ham radio
satellite. This, from the ISS during a space walk slated for February
16th.

NASA will cover the event on NASA Select TV. Unfortunately, there has
not been a final time during the launch spacewalk when the deployment
of ARISSat-1 will occur.

Mealtime the ARISSat team says that it continuing to work on the
arissat1 dot org website and adding information as its available.
People can also follow ARISSat on Twitter as @Arissat1. (WA4SXM, ANS)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
heard on bulletin stations around the world including the K9OQO
repeater serving Appleton, Wisconsin.

(5 sec pause here)


**

HAM RADIO AND SCOUTING: ARRL & BSA TIE KNOT IN MOU

The American Radio Relay League and the Boy Scouts of America have
officially tied the knot of cooperation between the two groups. Amateur
Radio Newsline welcomes Michael Grebert, KJ4ZZV who has the details:

--

After working together for nearly a century to provide Scouts with the
ability to learn radio communication skills, Boy Scouts of America and
the American Radio Relay League have officially teamed up by signing a
memorandum of understanding. This document designates the ARRL as a
key resource for K2BSA and Radio Merit Badge training at the BSA
National Scout Jamboree and establishes the ARRL as the go-to source
for Scouts interested in learning about and becoming involved in radio
communication.

In addition to its National Scout Jamboree involvement, ARRL will
continue to promote participation in the annual Jamboree on the Air
event. ARRL will also serve as contributing editor to the Radio Merit
Badge publication, will assist with the review, creation and
modification of requirements as necessary, and will assist in
developing course material, lesson plans, and other resources for
teaching the Radio Merit Badge to Scouts. ARRL also will contribute to
the content of the Electricity, Electronics, and Emergency Preparedness
and Communications merit badge publications.

As its part of this strategic alliance, the Boy Scouts of America will
encourage Scouts and Scouters to become familiar with opportunities for
public and community service. It will also foster learning and
personal growth through involvement in Amateur Radio.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Michael Grebert, KJ4ZZV, reporting
from Music City, Nashville, Tennessee.

--

Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca and ARRL
President Kay Craigie , N3KN, launched the partnership by holding a
truly unique wireless communications meeting. Mazzuca joined Craigie
virtually during an Internet video conference and document-signing
ceremony. From separate locations, the pair also took the opportunity
to talk about the importance of each organization to the ongoing
development of the other. (ARRL, BSA)

**

RADIO LAW: MIXED DECISION IN PALMDALE CA ANTENNA CASE

It's a mixed decision in a Palmdale California Appellate court antenna
and tower case ruling. This as the California Court of Appeals hands
down its ruling in the matter of Alec Zubarau, WB6X versus the City of
Palmdale.

The court made three decisions that affect Amateurs in California.
First it found that part of the Palmdale ordinance was unconstitutional
because it was vague and could not be understood by a reasonable
person. That part of the ordinance allowed an Amateur to have a
vertical antenna up to 75 feet high when measured from the ground but
limited the "active element of the antenna array" to 30 feet in height.

The court found that the ordinance did not define "array" or "active
element" and did not say where the height of such array was measured
from. After a number of questions were submitted regarding this
ordinance, the court determined that no one could really understand
what it meant and declared it unconstitutional. ARRL Volunteer Counsel
Len Shaffer, WA6QHD, says that this part of the decision will affect
only hams living in Palmdale.

The next issue decided by the court had to do with radio frequency
interference. They said that only the Federal government could
regulate RFI and any state or municipal law that tried to address it
was preempted. That means it is not enforceable. Shaffer says that
part of the decision affects hams throughout the state Shafer asks any
California amateur whose municipality or county has an ordinance that
limits Amateur Radio antennas or operations based on whether there is
interference to consumer or other devices to contact Southwestern
Division Vice-Director Marty Woll via e-mail at .

The final part of the decision had to do with whether Palmdale followed
the law when they made Alec Zubarau take down his permitted tower but
allowed him to keep a VHF/UHF vertical on his roof. The court said
they thought this was a reasonable accommodation because it allowed him
to be active in some part of amateur radio.

On this point Shaffer says that the decision is troubling. He says that
he and his client are considering what options they may have regarding
any further review of the issue. Shaffer adds that he will be
conferring with various legal sources before any final determination is
made. (N6VI)

**

RADIO OOPS: CELL COMPANY INSTALLS TOWER ON PRIVATE FRONT LAWN IN MOUNT
SINAI, NY According to news reports a cellular telephone provider
apparently crossed the line when without permission it installed a
tower and antenna on the front lawn of a private home in Mount Sinai,
New York.

Town resident Lori DiMarco told news reporters that she and her family
were horrified when they walked out of their house and found that a
cell tower had been constructed under the cover of darkness on their
front lawn.

Also appalled was Town Of Brookhaven Highway Superintendent John Rouse.
He termed the action by NextG Networks as being the height of corporate
arrogance. Rouse said that if he has to get in a truck himself and
take it down, it's coming down. And as a show of force, Rouse brought
out a town bucket truck and threatened to rip down the mast and antenna
if the company that installed it doesn't remove it within the next
several days.

In a statement, NextG admitted they installed the tower without the
proper permits. It said that it sincerely apologizes to the DiMarco
family and a pledge to do it's best to ensure that this does not happen
again. However in the same statement, NextG also complained the town
was taking too long to review its cell tower applications.

The company says it will take the tower down. As we go to air its
unknown if the DiMarco family or the town are planning any legal action
against NextG.

More on this bizarre story is on line at several websites including
http://www.wsbt.com/news/wpix-cell-f...,7995185.story (Published news
reports)

**

HAM RADIO ON THE BOOKSHELF: WE BE BIG - A BOOK ABOUT BROADCASTING AND
HAM RADIO

A new book from a couple of New York Times bestselling authors who are
also nationally-syndicated broadcast personalities will offer readers
unprecedented exposure to the hobby of amateur radio.

"We Be Big" from Thomas Nelson Publishers is the autobiography of Rick
Burgess and Bill "Bubba" Bussey, whose morning radio show is heard in
over fifty cities across America as well as on XM satellite radio. The
team has previously published several books that landed near the top on
the New York Times bestseller list. Their highly successful Rick and
Bubba Show feature their down-home view on life in a spirited and fun
presentation.

The amateur radio connection comes from several angles. Fitst, Bill
"Bubba" Bussey is a longtime active ham radio operator. He holds an
Advanced class license and the call sign KJ4JJ. He cites amateur radio
as one influence that led to a career in broadcast engineering,
ownership, and on-the-air success. Bussey talks in the book about how
he came to the hobby at an early age and has been active ever since. He
also often discusses the amateur radio on the show.

Additionally, "We Be Big" was co-written with the help of
national-bestselling author Don Keith, who also happens to be an active
amateur radio enthusiast. Keith holds an Amateur Extra class license
and his call sign is N4KC, and has been licensed for almost fifty
years.

Keith has over twenty books in print, both fiction and nonfiction, and
writes on subjects such as college athletics, broadcasting, submarines,
and World War II history. N4KC was also a long-time broadcaster, twice
named Billboard Magazine's "Broadcast Personality of the Year."

Publication date for "We Be Big" is scheduled for March 22nd.
Pre-orders are being accepted by many booksellers nationwide. (Press
Release)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: VE3QTH NAMED NEW RAC NATIONAL AFFILIATED CLUB
COORDINATOR

Robert Critch, VE3QTH, of Lake Simcoe in Barrie Ontario has been named
as Radio Amateurs of Canada's National Affiliated Club Coordinator.
Critch comes to the post with a long list of personal and professional
qualifications including a long and outstanding carrier in Voice and
Data Communications Technology. He has worked for both large and small
organizations and over the years has run several business. His is the
current President of Barrie Amateur Radio Club and is active on the HF,
VHF and UHF bands running both voice and digital modes. (RAC)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: DG1CMZ TO JOIN YOUTH POSITION IN KIRITMATI
OPERATION

And the T32C Five Star DXers Association DXpedition has announced that
Michael Zurch, DG1CMZ, has been selected as the person to fill the
sponsored young operator position with the team to Kiritimati operation
in the Northern Line Islands. Zurch, who is from Trunzig, Germany, is
described as an experienced contest and DXpedition operator who is
currently working towards a PhD at the University of Jena. The
DXpedition to Kiritimati takes place this coming September 28th to
October 26th. (GB2RS)

**

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)

**

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: NEW MEXICO BROADCASTER GARY DIAMOND, K5FSB
- S.K.

The man who at one time was the youngest radio amateur in the state of
New Mexico and then went on to an illustrious career in broadcasting
has become a silent key. This, with the sad news that Gary Diamond,
K5FSB, passed away at an Albuquerque hospice care center at the age of
62.

As those in the broadcast industry are aware, Gary Diamond had a long
and distinguished career in Albuquerque radio and television. He
graduated from Del Norte High School in 1966 and from the University of
New Mexico in 1971. He began his on-air career as a disk jockey for
KARA, KQEO, and other radio stations in the Duke City where among other
things he became well known for his lively drive time shows. Gary
earned the respect of his colleagues and audiences through his
comprehensive technical wisdom as well as his broad knowledge of
musical artists in all genres.

But Gary's real love was for the technical side of broadcasting and he
ultimately gave up his on the air gigs to become an engineer for KOAT
Channel 7 and KRKE Channel 13. He eventually achieved his lifelong
dream when he was hired as Chief Engineer for station KOB. Following
his retirement he went on to become a respected broadcasting consulting
engineer across the great American South-West.

Gary Diamond was a member of the Society of Radio Engineers and the
Upper Rio FM Society. The latter is an organization dedicated to
promoting amateur radio in New Mexico. In addition to his radio
interests, K5FSB was a licensed pilot and a member of Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association.

A memorial for Gary was held at The First Unitarian Church in
Albuquerque on February 5th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary
Diamond's name can be made to National Kidney Foundation or American
Diabetes Association. (ARNewsline(tm) with information provided by
WA5WHN)

**

RADIO IN EDUCATION: ARRL ANNOUNCES TEACHERS INSTITUTE FOR 2011

The ARRL Education Services Department has announced the 2011 schedule
for the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology workshop. Offered
through the ARRL's Education and Technology Program, the Teachers
Institute is a four-day, expenses paid, in-residence learning
opportunity. One that is designed for motivated teachers and other
school staff who want to learn more about wireless technology and bring
that knowledge to their students.

A variety of topics are covered during the workshop. These include
basic wireless technology literacy, electronics, the science of radio,
radio astronomy, how to bring space into the classroom, ham radio
operation, introduction to microcontrollers and basic robotics.

While participants do not need to have an Amateur Radio license to
attend the basic sessions, one is required for the advanced session
called TI-2 Space. This training experience is sponsored by the Dayton
Amateur Radio Association with the curriculum focusing on the nuts and
bolts of setting up and operating a satellite ground station. This in
turn serves as excellent preparatory training ground for a scheduled
contact with the ISS through the Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station program.

Dates of the Institute are July 11th to the 14th with applications due
no later than May 15th. Full information and applications are on-line
at the Leagues website Its in cyberspace at www dot arrl dot org.
(ARRL, ANS)

**

WORLDBEAT: BBC TO CUT BACK FOREIGN LANGUAGE BROADCASTS

The British Broadcasting Corporation has confirmed plans to cease five
of its 32 World Service language transmissions. According to the GB2RS
News, the Macedonian, Albanian and Serbian services will be the first
axed, as will English for the Caribbean and Portuguese for Africa.

The World Service will also eliminate short wave transmission of six
more language services in March. These will be Hindi, Indonesian,
Kyrgyz, Nepali, Swahili and the Great Lakes service for Rwanda and
Burundi. (GB2RS)

**

ON THE AIR: THE ISLE OF TIENGEMTEN COMMERATIVE

On the air listen out for the special event callsign
P-D-Zero-4-I-S-L-E. This station will be active throughout all of 2011
from the nature reserve on the Isle of Tiengemeten. QSL this one as
directed by whomever you contract. (OPDX)

**

ON THE AIR: SOUTH AMERIUCAN LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND

CE3FZL and possibly others will be operational as CE2C from the Faro,
Cofradia Nautica del Pacifico, Algarrobo, during the South American
Lighthouse Weekend that runs from February 25th to the 27th Activity
will be on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. QSL direct to his QRZ.com address
with 2 IRCs, or via the Bureau. No electronic QSL are being accepted
for this one. (Press release)

**

ON THE AIR: CELEBRTING 50 YEARS OF KUWAIT INDEPENDENCE

And keep an ear open for amateur radio operators in Kuwait using the
special prefix 9K50 through 28th February. This activity is to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kuwait's independence. Also, 9K50NLD
will be on the air between 24 and 28 February by members of the Kuwait
Amateur Radio Society. QSL this one as directed on the air. (OPDX)

**

DX

In DX, a team of seven ham radio operators from Germany are activate
Sao Tome Island as S9DX through February 17th. They have at least two
stations on the air at all times using such modes as CW, SSB and RTTY
on 160 through 10 meters. A special emphasis is on the lower bands in
CW and RTTY. QSLs via bureau or direct via DL1RTL.

DH1BL will be on the air as FH4VOS from Combani, Mayotte for the next
three years. Lately he has been active on 20 meters using SSB. QSL his
operation via DL7BC.

WD9DZV will be active as P40A from Aruba between March 8th through the
13th. His operations will be holiday style on most bands and modes. QSL
via WD9DZV.

ZS6SIG has relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, and will be signing 5Z4EE for
the next four years. He has announced that he will be in the CQWW WPX
SSB Contest on March 26th and 27th as well as the ARRL DX CW Contest
from February 19th to the 20th and ARRL DX SSB Contest on March 5th and
6th. Activity outside of the contests will be on all bands from 160
through 10 meters. QSL via NV7E or at the address shown for 5Z4EE on
QRZ.com.

Lastly, KL7JR and WL7MY will both be be active portable HI3 from
Hispaniola Island between March 1st and sometime in June. Their
operation will be on 80 through 10 meters SSB using several different
wire antennas from their beach location. QSL via KL7JR as listed on
QRZ.com or in thee Callbook.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

THAT FINAL ITEM: JILA ANNOUNCES A BEW SOURCE OF TERAHERTZ RADIATION

And finally this week, word that JILA researchers have developed a
laser-based source of terahertz radiation that is unusually efficient
and less prone to damage than similar systems. The technology might be
useful in applications such as detecting trace gases or imaging weapons
in security screening.

JILA is a joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Its technology
is a new twist on a common terahertz wave source. That being a
semiconductor surface patterned with metal electrodes and excited by
ultrafast laser pulses.

An electric field is applied across the semiconductor while
near-infrared pulses lasting about 70 quadrillionths of a second,
produced 89 million times per second, dislodge electrons from the
semiconductor. The electrons accelerate in the electric field and emit
the terahertz waves.

Terahertz radiation which fall between the radio and optical bands of
the electromagnetic spectrum have the ability to penetrate materials
such as clothing and plastic but can be used to detect many substances
that have unique absorption characteristics at these wavelengths.
Terahertz systems are challenging to build because they require a blend
of electronic and optical technologies that are integrated to work
together flawlessly. The complete story of this advancement in this
technology is on line at tinyurl.com/terahertz. (NIST)

**

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 Newsline
(at) arnewsline (dot) org. 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), 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa Clarita California, 91350

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Don
Carlson, KQ6FM in Reno, Nevada, saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.