• Amateur Radio Newsline (B)

    From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Mar 5 09:18:48 2021
    THOUSANDS OF QSOS MADE TO HONOR DISCOVERY OF PLUTO

    DON/ANCHOR: Imagine getting a QSL card from Pluto. Thousands did. Well,
    OK, it was really the next best thing: a special event station
    celebrating Pluto. Here's Randy Sly, W4XJ, with the details.

    RANDY: Amateur radio operators from around this world recently celebrated
    the discovery of another world: Pluto, which was first seen in 1930 by astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. Special event station W7P - with "P" for Pluto
    - was activated last month by the Northern Arizona DX Association for the Pluto Anniversary Countdown Special Event. There will be an event
    counting down each of the next 10 years, ending with the centennial year
    2030.

    This was a particularly special event for Doug Tombaugh, N3PDT, nephew of
    the astronomer who made the discovery. Doug marked the occasion by
    operating along with three other amateurs as W7P/0, logging 1,191
    contacts. He said he especially enjoyed talking with other amateurs who
    knew his uncle or were involved in other activities related to Pluto.

    Countdown coordinator Bob Wertz, NF7E, said in all 15 amateurs logged
    more than 7,000 contacts from their home QTHs as well as from a
    communications trailer on the grounds of Lowell Observatory, where Clyde
    first made his discovery.

    The countdown begins again next year on February 12th – the last Saturday before the February 18th anniversary itself.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    **

    SOLAR PANEL PROMISES MORE STREAMED ENERGY TO EARTH

    DON/ANCHOR: Now here's a story that should energize you: A ham radio
    operator has helped develop a way to bring more of the sun's power home
    to Earth. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, sheds light on this.

    KENT: Amateur radio ingenuity has helped lead to the development of a prototype solar panel designed to transmit electricity to Earth from
    outer space.

    Launched in May of 2020 aboard a Pentagon drone, the device is known as
    the Photovoltaic Direct Current to Radio Frequency Antenna Module, or
    PRAM for short. Project co-developer Paul Jaffee, KJ4IKI, said in a
    recent CNN report that the PRAM underwent a successful test recently by
    the United States Department of Defense at the U.S. Naval Research
    Laboratory.

    He said the PRAM produces about 10 watts of energy for transmission but
    could be scaled up, bringing the promise of transmitting energy to the
    power grids back on Earth. The panel uses the blue waves of light in
    space which become diffused when entering the Earth's atmosphere. It
    captures these waves, which are more powerful than sunlight on Earth, and retains that energy.

    No, the PRAM hasn't yet sent any of that power back home, but scientists
    say the tests have shown it works. The concept is to beam microwaves to
    Earth for conversion into electricity wherever it is needed. Paul told
    CNN that the next move would be to expand its ability to collect even
    more sunlight to prepare it for that microwave transportation back to
    Earth.

    Team co-leader Chris DePuma told CNN the technology would be especially
    useful in regions where natural disasters have taken down the power grid.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (CNN)

    **

    AMATEUR MAKES PLANS FOR 'FLYING HAMS' PODCAST

    DON/ANCHOR: If you're one of those amateur radio operators who likes to
    get on air FROM the air, as a pilot, this next story from Andy Morrison, K9AWM, might have you in mind.

    ANDY: Dan Hileman, WO5WO, is a ham with a high-flying idea. A former
    airline pilot-turned-middle school teacher has another project on the
    runway. He's planning to start a podcast this summer devoted to hams who enjoying being IN the air....as much as they like to be ON the air. He'd
    like to bring hams on board for ragchews about fly-ins, DX-peditions, FAA flight safety tips, and projects that combine being a pilot and an
    amateur radio operator. He's especially interested in stories of famous – and not-so-famous – hams in the sky. He told Newsline in an email that
    the podcast is [quote] "just a fun way to connect already connected
    hobbies" [endquote] and he can't guarantee there won't be more than a few corny jokes along the way. He said he hopes the half-hour, bi-weekly
    podcast will inspire youngsters to think about flying and radio as two
    related hobbies.

    He's working with a ham radio friend who's a former Air Force pilot and together they're hoping to, well, get things off the ground. Dan welcomes
    any and all ideas. You can reach him via email at flyinghams78@gmail.com
    Who knows what ideas might just take wing?

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the WA2EHL repeater
    in Burlington, New Jersey, on Fridays at 7 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.13-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Mar 11 23:02:12 2021
    VIDEO TRAINING GIVES BASIC SKILLS TO UK HAMS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: School is in session in the UK for hams who believe
    that in radio, the learning never stops, even if your classroom is a
    remote one.

    Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us about the lessons they're taking.

    JEREMY: University students and young schoolchildren aren't the only
    ones learning new skills remotely. Hams at all levels of licence in
    the UK are being introduced to common amateur radio construction
    basics through a new video series from the Radio Society of Great
    Britain. The videos are part of the society's "Get on the Air to
    Care" campaign to highlight amateur radio's abilities to reduce
    social isolation. They are also being released in conjunction with
    British Science Week which spotlights the importance of science,
    technology, engineering and math skill. This year's annual event
    began on the 5th March and runs on to the 14th. The videos, which
    grow increasingly ambitious as the series goes forward, demonstrate
    ways to tune a dipole using a NanoVNA, how to build a simple balun,
    as well as a more ambitious project: creating an audio interface
    between the transceiver and computer to permit operation in the
    popular data modes.

    To see the videos, visit the RSGB's channel on YouTube or its website.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The Society has also announced a record number of
    hams passing their Foundation license exam taken remotely during
    the past year. In a message on shared on Twitter, the RSGB said
    3,000 people have passed the exam since April of last year. The
    society compared that with the previous average of only 1,350
    people a year.

    **

    YLS BEING CHALLENGED TO SHARE RADIO STORIES

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you're a YL with a radio story to tell, listen
    carefully to this next report from Sel Embee, KB3 T Zed D.

    SEL: Grassroots Emergency Communications Operations and Greg Lee,
    KI6GIG, are challenging the world's YLs - and the world's would-be
    YLs. Greg has announced an activity called "Choose to Challenge,"
    on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8th. Women
    who are amateur radio operators, or interested in becoming hams,
    are being asked to tell their stories.

    It's that simple: why they became hams, the challenges they faced,
    and, of course, their successes. They're being asked to share advice
    for other women and young girls - and even for men - and to offer
    ideas that will encourage others to study and become licensed.

    Although responses in languages other than English are welcome,
    Greg said those submissions will be run through Google translate.
    The organization plans to run responses in its newsletter, "Sticky
    Notes." Greg said all responses should be sent via email to gecoradio@gmail.com, that's spelled g e c o radio at gmail dot com.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (GREG LEE KI6GIG)

    **

    SPECIAL NET IN INDIA MARKS INT'L WOMEN'S DAY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Another event celebrating women worldwide was a net
    based in India. Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, has more.

    JIM M: In India, four YLs helped the West Bengal Radio Club mark
    International Women's Day by serving as net control operators during
    the March 8th VHF-Echolink net on the VU2WB repeater. The 90-minute
    net had 112 check-ins who will each receive a special eQSL card
    marking the occasion. The net control operators were Rinku, VU2JFB,
    Saborni, VU2JFC, Sangita, VU3ZIH, and Amrita, VU3ZHH. Saborni is the
    daughter of club secretary Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA, who said this
    was the first year the club was hosting the special net.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard of bulletin stations around the world, including the
    Kanawha (kuh-NAW-uh) Amateur Radio Club Two Meter repeater W8GK in
    West Virginia during the club's Sunday net at 8:30 PM Eastern time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.13-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Mar 19 00:15:10 2021
    GERMAN 'HEALING' DEVICE BANNED OVER RFI

    NEIL/ANCHOR: In Germany, a device marketed for its alleged healing powers
    has been banned for interfering with amateur radio communications. Ed
    Durrant, DD5LP, picks up the story from here.

    ED: Marketers selling an electronic device in Germany claimed that for the steep price of 8 thousand Euro – the equivalent of more than $9,000 US dollars – it could awaken the healing powers of the human body by revitalising its water content.

    Apparently, what it really awakened was amateur radio interference. A
    recent news report by the Associated Press said that the device being sold
    by the Swiss company Wassermatrix AG uses frequencies allocated for amateur radio operators. According to the DARC website, RFI has been reported by
    hams using the low end of 2 meters in the weak signal / EME segment.

    A posting on the QRZ.com forum cited claims made by the device's developers that operation was based on principles used by Nikola Tesla and Georges Lakhovsky, claiming that it was especially effective because the human body
    is comprised of a high percentage of water.

    The RFI complaints are what set the regulator's actions in motion. The device's sale and use are now banned in Germany. Use of already purchased units would be a prosecutable offence.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (ASSOCIATED PRESS, QRZ.COM)

    **

    MAJOR HAM EVENTS MAKE ON-SITE PLANS CAUTIOUSLY

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Plans are moving forward cautiously for major on-site amateur radio events in Germany, and in the UK. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, fills us in.

    ED: Even as the organisers of Ham Radio Friedrichshafen proceed with plans
    for a COVID-compliant in person conference in June, they are also advising caution that plans may need to be modified to be a hybrid event with an
    online component. In a statement, organisers said they were taking into account the slow vaccination rate in Germany and how quarantine
    restrictions or test requirements could impact the number of foreign
    attendees. The 45th event is scheduled for June 25th through 27th.

    Meanwhile, organisers of the UK's National Hamfest also remain somewhat optimistic about their event to be held in September. The directors said on the event website: "We are closely monitoring the ever changing health landscape, government guidance and roadmap steps coming out of lockdown,
    and are optimistic that we can arrive at a decision in June for this
    year's event."

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP.

    (SOUTHGATE)

    **

    RSGB ELECTIONS BEGIN

    NEIL/ANCHOR: For members of the Radio Society of Great Britain, it's
    decision time again, as we hear from Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: Voting has begun for the Radio Society of Great Britain's elections and will continue until 9 a.m. local time on Thursday the 22nd of April. Election details are available in the April issue of RadCom which is
    currently being sent to RSGB members. The Society is also preparing for its annual General Meeting which will be held online and will be available on livestream on Saturday the 24th of April. If members have questions for any
    of the directors they will be able to submit them in advance using the form available on the society's website at rsgb.org.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    PLANS FOR 2 x 1 CONTEST CALL SIGNS IN AUSTRALIA

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, hams in Australia will be pleased to learn that the Australian Maritime College has indicated system changes are in the works
    to enable them to issue 2x1 contest call signs. The changes, however, are expected to take several months.

    (AUSTRALIAN MARITIME COLLEGE)
    --- SBBSecho 3.13-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Mar 25 19:28:06 2021
    FIRST-TIMERS SET SIGHTS ON ISLAND DXPEDITION

    JIM/ANCHOR: There's a first for everything, and one group of ham radio operators has decided it's time for them all to jump into the water (at
    least figuratively) for their first DXpedition. Jack Parker, W8ISH, has
    the details.

    JACK: This is going to be a summer of firsts for the amateur radio team descending on C6A IOTA NA-048 FL05, also known as Bimini Island in the Bahamas. According to DJ, N4RRR, one of the organizers, it will be a first DXpedition for everyone on the team, which includes some disabled military veterans. DJ said that because the Caribbean Island is also a prime tourist destination, some of the hams will be bringing their wives for vacation activities. The hams have applied to use the call sign C6AHA. He said some
    of their antennas will be positioned to enable Europe, the Pacific Islands
    and Australia to get C6A in their logs.

    DJ told Newsline: "We plan to light up C6A for everyone to get it in their
    log books" adding that "we hope people will be nice and forgiving with us
    and let us make the most of this trip, being first-timers receiving pile-
    ups."

    The trip is scheduled for July 14th through the 21st.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (DJ FINCH N4RRR)

    **

    EMERGENCY BATTERIES HELP HAMS IN CARIBBEAN 'RED ZONE'

    JIM/ANCHOR: In the Caribbean, amateur radio stations in a hazardous region near a volcano got a gift to help their vital operations. John Williams, VK4JJW, gives us the full story.

    JOHN: A gift of emergency batteries provided to amateur radio operators in
    the highest hazard zone of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has put those stations back on the air. The 12-volt batteries, provided through the country's General Services office, have enabled hams to get on the air in
    the nation's northernmost settlement of Fancy, and in Rose Hall, the settlement with the highest altitude. The amateur stations are both in the
    Red Zone, a highly hazardous region because of its proximity to a volcano.

    Officials regularly monitor activity at the La Soufriere (soo-free-AIR)
    volcano in the north, where an activity known as effusive eruption has been noted in recent weeks.

    The hams received the batteries at the request of the Rainbow Radio League/Youlou Radio Movement amateur radio club. Its director Donald De
    Riggs J88CD made the request on behalf of Elna Michael, J88NEK, of Fancy,
    and Percy Lampkin, J88NEB, of Rose Hall.

    According to a news report on the Searchlight VC website, the station in
    Fancy now maintains contact with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency
    Management Agency and the station in Rose Hall has been checking into
    local and regional nets.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (SEARCHLIGHT VC, CDEMA)

    **

    NOVICE RIG ROUNDUP CELEBRATES 'YESTERYEAR'

    JIM/ANCHOR: Hams who like getting on the air the old-fashioned way got that chance recently in a special operating event, as we hear from Randy Sly,
    W4XJ.

    RANDY: If you were beginning in ham radio 50 or so years ago, your amateur radio experience would begin with a Novice Class license, good for only a year, and you would operate a crystal-controlled 75-watt CW transmitter. Often, these rigs were homebrew, drifted in frequency, with chirps and key clicks on the signal. By modern standards, this all sounds archaic, but
    each year hams from around the country dust off their old radios, dig out their straight keys and return to the good ol’ days of yesteryear.

    This year, there were more than 292 such hams and they logged 4,300
    contacts the old-fashioned way, most of them adhering to Novice
    restrictions. They were part of the annual Novice Rig Roundup, co-chaired
    by Dan Sands, N7SU, and Doug Tombaugh, N3PDT. The event, held annually
    during the third week of February, was established in 2015 by Bry Carling, AF4K, now a silent key. This year's event was a showcase for talking about
    such now-obsolete radios as Heathkit DX-40’s, Drake, and Hallicrafters,
    as well as homebrew rigs with exotic vacuum tubes like 807's and 6146's.

    Novice Rig Roundup is more than just an annual event. For information and
    to join in the fun, visit their webpage at novicerigroundup.org.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ

    **

    PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN NEWSLINE'S SURVEY

    JIM/ANCHOR: Amateur Radio Newsline would like some help from listeners.
    We want to know whether you would like to continue hearing the World of
    DX each week or if we should switch to a contest calendar instead. Please visit our website where you'll find a survey asking you to tell us your preference. The survey can be found on the right-hand side of the page at arnewsline.org
    --- SBBSecho 3.13-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Apr 1 19:43:13 2021
    ALABAMA TORNADOES HIT HOME FOR ONE AMATEUR

    NEIL/ANCHOR: In Alabama, where tornadoes raged through part of the
    landscape in late March, one radio amateur made an especially painful discovery about the importance of preparedness. Randy Sly, W4XJ, brings us that story.

    RANDY: James Spann, WO4W, is no stranger to severe weather. As chief meteorologist for WBMA in Birmingham Alabama, he is a familiar TV face
    during tornado activations, always reminding viewers that they need a
    severe weather plan. If fact, when he and his wife built a new home a few years ago, they included a storm shelter

    Last week, tornadoes and other severe weather pummeled the state, wrecking buildings and killing at least five people in one county. During his report
    on a long track of violent storms, he suddenly said, "What I'm doing is texting my wife to be sure she's in the shelter.." -- He moved off camera
    with a co-worker taking over.

    Rejoining less than 15 minutes later, he shared some bad news with viewers. His home was hit by a tornado.

    "The reason I had to step out," he explained, "We had major damage at my house. I had to be sure. My wife is okay, but the tornado came right
    through there and it's not good. It's bad. It's bad."

    However, their preparedness made the difference. "My wife got the warning,"
    he said, "she had a plan, she was in the shelter and she's fine."

    Then, Spann was back to work making sure others would be informed and safe too.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    **

    RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM HAMSCI EVENT

    NEIL/ANCHOR: If you missed the HamSCI virtual event which was livestreamed
    on March 19th and 20th, you can attend via YouTube where videorecordings of the workshops are now available. This is the second year HamSCI went
    virtual in response to the global pandemic. The free program, supported by
    the National Science Foundation and the University of Scranton, featured presenters on such topics as personal space weather stations, mid-latitude sporadic-E, weak signal VHF propagation and related topics.

    A link to the recorded programming for Days 1 and 2 can be found in the printed version of this week's newscast script at arnewsline.org

    FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ:

    FOR DAY 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfhAxuViTYQ

    FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ:

    For DAY 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CrvuS0h9XA

    **

    WORLDWIDE BALLOON LAUNCHES MARK EQUINOX

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Spring in the Northern Hemisphere isn't just about flowers
    waking up and starting to bloom. It's also about..... balloons! Mike
    Askins, KE5CXP, explains.

    MIKE: When the medium altitude balloon launched by science teacher Jill Gravante took to the sky on March 20th from an upstate New York junior high school, the event was part of a wide-ranging celebration dispatching 14
    such balloons, linking students and teachers involved in STEM activities worldwide. In what was called the Equinox Balloon Launch, each balloon
    carried a lightweight Skytracker APRS and WSPR payload, all solar-powered. They were launched from various spots in the US, Argentina and Australia on paths that, one week later, had them sailing over Siberia, China and South Africa. After the launch at Winburn Middle School in Kentucky, science
    teacher Jenny McCall, and Ron Malinowski, WX4GPS, later tracked the balloon named "Bessie" over southern Siberia, heading into Mongolia. Although it's
    not spring in his part of the world, the launch even attracted involvement
    by Melbourne teacher Greg Hellard.

    Bill Brown, WB8ELK, the designer of the Skytracker technology, said the launches were coordinated by Washington State high school teacher Trevor MacDuff, KS1LAS, with help from Los Angeles science educator Joanne
    Michael, KM6BWB. The enthusiasm, however, needed no coordination at all.
    In fact, Joanne posted on Facebook that befitting a project that involved students, it was a "textbook launch."

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mike Askins, KE5CXP.

    (BILL BROWN WB8ELK)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including WA5AIR, the Texas
    Link System which carries Newsline on seven repeaters on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Apr 8 23:35:22 2021
    SILENT KEY: HEXBEAM INNOVATOR WALDI SP7IDX

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Hexbeam users and DXers alike are marking the loss of a
    popular and prominent figure. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us about Waldi, SP7IDX.

    JEREMY: An amateur radio operator considered one of the world's foremost makers of hexbeam antennas has become a Silent Key.

    The death of Waldi was reported on the DX-World.Net website. Reportedly recovering from COVID-19, he suffered a fatal heart attack on 4th April.

    His QTH in southeast Poland was also the company headquarters for his successful hexbeam antenna, used widely by Dx-peditioners around the world.
    He was a well-known Dxpeditioner, most particularly in the Islands on the
    Air awards scheme.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (DX-WORLD.NET)

    **

    JS8CALL DEVELOPER WINS SPECIAL RECOGNITION

    PAUL/ANCHOR: The developer of a popular new software that enhances weak-
    signal communication has received special recognition. Sel Embee, KB3TZD, tells us about him.

    SEL: The creator of the weak-signal digital communication conversational application known as JS8Call is this year's recipient of the Amateur Radio Software Award. The award, founded by Claus AE0S, is an international honor recognizing the spirit of innovation given freely to the amateur radio community. Congratulations to Jordan Sherer, KN4CRD, of Atlanta, Georgia,
    who created the application as an extension of the FT8 protocol. According
    to the awards website, the application was five years in the works and has added new vitality to digital communications, most particularly among
    members of ARES. It is available to users as a free download. On his
    QRZ.com page, Jordan describes the application as "a derivative of QSJT-X
    that focuses on long-form keyboard-to-keyboard style communication similar
    to what you'd see in Fldigi or FSQ."

    Jordan will receive his award certificate and a grant of $300.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (RICH GORDON K0EB)

    **

    RSGB ANNOUNCES 'FRIENDSHIP ON THE AIR' AWARD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Most of us know that for a good ham radio experience you need good components. One of the most important components, however, is an intangible one: friendship. The Radio Society of Great Britain hopes to
    change that by making that friendship tangible and rewarding it. Here's
    Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, to explain.

    JEREMY: Making contact is at the heart of the latest award being offered by the Radio Society of Great Britain. The Friendship on the Air award has
    been launched to celebrate contacts that turn into friendships amongst
    hams. It's a noncompetitive award that encourages amateurs to dispense with the quick QSO and really connect with other radio operators. It's an
    outgrowth of the "Get on the Air to Care" campaign launched last year by
    the RSGB and the National Health Service to reduce social isolation during
    the global pandemic. The RSGB said that the award ties in with the theme of World Amateur Radio Day on Sunday the 18th of April: "Home but Never
    Alone."

    For details on how to qualify for the award, visit the link provided in
    this week's Newsline script at arnewsline.org

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    [FOR PRINT ONLY: www.rsgb.org/friendship-award]

    (RSGB)

    **

    NOMINATE A YOUNG HAM FOR NEWSLINE'S AWARD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: There's one more award worth mentioning here: The Bill
    Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year
    award. Just a reminder that the nomination period is open. Think of a young amateur whose commitment to community and whose enthusiasm for radio has inspired you and others and submit their name. Nominees must 18 or younger living in the United States, its possessions or any Canadian province. Downloadable nomination forms can be found on our website arnewsline.org

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including D-STAR Reflector 91
    C in Melbourne, Australia on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Australian Eastern
    Time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Apr 15 22:39:37 2021
    HISTORIC SITES BEING ACTIVATED FOR MARCONI DAY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Amateur radio stations in the UK, Europe, the US,
    Canada and elsewhere will be celebrating the anniversary of the
    birth of Guglielmo Marconi and their connection to the wireless
    pioneer as International Marconi Day stations get on the air on
    Saturday April 24th. The annual event is sponsored by the Cornish
    Radio Amateur Club, operating as GB4IMD. Stations from around the
    world may contact operators who are on the air at historic Marconi
    sites using special call signs to mark the day. In New York, a
    consortium of amateur radio stations on Long Island will be on the
    air at such sites as the original Marconi wireless telegraph station
    in the Village of Babylon, where they will operate as K2S. Station
    K2M will be at the Marconi Tower in Binghamton New York. In the UK,
    GB4LD will operate at the site of the old Marconi Hut in Cornwall
    and VP8VPC will be operating from the Falkland Islands. Awards are
    available for shortwave listeners as well as amateur radio
    operators. For details about awards and a list of the registered
    Marconi Day stations, visit the website of the Cornish Radio Amateur
    Club at gx4crc.com

    (CORNISH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, WALT GROSSER W2TE)

    **

    WRTC PLEDGES TO GO FORWARD WITH BOLOGNA EVENT

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The organizers of a prestigious worldwide amateur
    radio competition are proceeding with a means to hold it safely next
    year in Italy. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, picks up the story from here.

    ED: Recognising that challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic may still
    remain next year when the World Radiosport Team Championship takes
    place in Bologna, Italy, organisers have pledged to go forward with
    plans for the competition. The committee announced on its website
    that the qualifying events and schedule remain the same as printed
    in the qualification rules but that different options are being
    looked at as the impact of the pandemic remains uncertain. The
    committee also acknowledged that travel and other factors have been
    affected differently around the world and this is, of course, a
    consideration in such a global contest. Board president Carlo De
    Mari, IK1HJS, wrote on the website: [quote] Please continue with your
    plans as best you can for now. We will make announcements here on
    the WRTC 2022 reflector as soon as they can be made public."
    [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (WRTC WEBSITE)

    **

    YOUTH CAMP FOR HAMS MOVES AHEAD CAUTIOUSLY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Another long-awaited amateur activity - this one for youngsters in IARU Region 2 - is moving ahead with an eye on the
    pandemic as well. Here's Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    JACK: The first Youth on the Air camp for young amateurs in North,
    Central and South America is moving ahead with its plans to open in
    July. Camp organizers said in a press release that the camp, which
    was postponed by the pandemic in 2020, will comply with state and
    federal COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. A maximum of 30
    youngsters will be able to attend the camp from July 11th through
    July 16th at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in
    West Chester Township, Ohio. Camp staffers are either fully
    vaccinated or in the process of completing the vaccine series by the
    end of April. Campers themselves may be asked to take a COVID-19
    test or self-quarantine before arriving, depending on guidelines
    being recommended in July.

    Twenty-eight campers have already registered. The application period
    ends June 1st and there is no fee to apply. The cost of the camp is
    $100 plus transportation and scholarships are available for campers
    who cannot afford the camp's cost.

    For more details, download the camp brochure available online at YouthOnTheAir.org. Or, you can also contact Camp Director Neil Rapp,
    WB9VPG, at director@youthontheair.org.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    **

    SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Don't forget that the Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial
    Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year award is looking to
    honor a deserving young ham. Think of a young amateur whose
    commitment to community and whose enthusiasm for radio has inspired
    you and others and submit their name. Nominees must 18 or younger
    living in the United States, its possessions or any Canadian
    province. Downloadable nomination forms are due no later than May
    31st and can be found on our website arnewsline.org

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the
    NM5EM repeater in Grants, New Mexico, on Thursdays at 8 p.m. local
    time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri May 14 08:41:01 2021
    PARKER PROBE EXPLORES SUN'S IMPACT ON VENUS' IONOSPHERE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Much farther out in space, a probe has unlocked some
    mysteries that will surely pique the interests of watchers of solar
    weather. Paul Braun, WD9GCO, gives us the details.

    PAUL: As it moves through its solar cycle, the activity of the sun
    causes changes in the ionosphere of the planet - but the planet we're
    talking about here is Venus. The Parker Solar Probe, in a flyby of the
    planet last summer, picked up a naturally occurring low-power radio
    signal and determined that the Venusian ionosphere is thinner during
    solar minimum than during solar maximum. Last summer's flyby happened
    six months after solar minimum. The probe found changes that had
    occurred in Venus' upper atmosphere since data collection nearly three
    decades ago by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter in 1992 during a high
    activity period.

    Although the Parker probe's primary mission is to study the sun, it
    does interact with Venus because it uses gravity assist from the
    planet to bend th orbit of the probe and bring it closer to the sun.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    (CNN)

    **

    NEW ZEALAND AMATEURS APPROVED FOR 60M OPERATION

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's good news in New Zealand for hams who have
    been hoping to make contacts on the 5 MHz band. Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF,
    has that report.

    JIM: Amateurs in New Zealand have won the right to use 60 meters on a secondary basis operating as sub-licencees of the New Zealand
    Association of Radio Transmitters. NZART's president Mark Gooding,
    ZL2UFI, announced the decision, which followed successful talks with
    the regulator, RSM. This approval is being treated as the precusor to
    adding the 5 MHz band to the General User Radio Licence at the end of
    12 months. This would eliminate the need for any further sub-licences
    for use of the band. In the interim, RSM will assess interference
    issues before moving forward.

    Hams who hold the old sub-licence are being advised that it will not
    be grandfathered in under the new agreement and they must complete the
    new application and send it to NZART headquarters. All hams are being
    asked to review a list of frequently asked questions which can be
    found on the NZART website, nzart dot org dot nz (nzart.org.nz)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    (NZART)

    **

    RSGB ADDS RESOURCES FOR RADIATION MEASUREMENTS, OPERATOR EXAMS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The website of the Radio Society of Great Britain has
    added new material to guide hams in two areas of their biggest concerns:
    safety and licensing. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has been following that
    development.

    JEREMY: New resources are available on the website of the Radio
    Society of Great Britain to help amateurs with upcoming examinations
    and to assist as well with the new requirement to measure their
    stations' electromagnetic radiation.

    Two new videos assist with measuring a station's electromagnetic
    radiation as is now required by Ofcom for public safety and which
    explain the reasons behind the new rules. Stations with power of more
    than 10 watts must perform these measurements and calculations as part
    of their licence requirement. Both videos feature EMC Chairman John
    Rogers, M0JAV, who explains the procedure in one video - and in the
    other, demonstrates how to use the downloadable calculator.

    Meanwhile, the Society's Examinations and Syllabus Review Group has
    updated its collection to include two new mock exams for the Full
    licence, adding PDFs that show the questions' answers and explanations
    for each. The Society notes that these are not the same questions that
    would appear in a Full licence exam and are provided merely as a study
    aid. Mock exams for Foundation and Intermediate level licences will be
    added later.

    Links to both videos as well as the mock exams can be found in the
    print version of this script on our website arnewsline.org

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    PRINT ONLY: To see both videos go to

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lL_gdUU3Wo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9NYlQwbCZQ

    PRINT ONLY: For exams, www.rsgb.org/mock-exams

    (RSGB)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri May 28 11:14:50 2021
    BLETCHLEY PARK REOPENING

    JIM/ANCHOR: Enthusiasts of code, and of history, are grateful to learn
    that Bletchley Park and the National Radio Centre are reopening in Great Britain. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us more.

    JEREMY: Bletchley Park, which was the heart and soul of codebreaking
    during World War II, has reopened its doors to visitors as pandemic restrictions become less stringent in Great Britain. At the same time,
    the National Radio Centre of the Radio Society of Great Britain, which is located on the historic site, will resume its own array of activities.
    The National Radio Centre reopens daily starting on Friday the 28th of
    May and will offer demonstrations of amateur radio from the GB3RS
    station. Visitors may observe operations, but for now will not be
    permitted into the radio room.

    The welcome being extended by Bletchley is being delivered cautiously, however, and is following COVID-19 safety guidelines. Visitors are being
    asked to book their visits in advance by going online and selecting a predetermined time of entry. Beginning on the 7th of June, Bletchley Park
    will also welcome educational groups who will again be able to make use
    of on-site resources.

    For details or to book a visit visit bletchleypark.org.uk

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (BLETCHLEY PARK, RSGB)

    **

    SILENT KEY: FORMER MINNESOTA BUSINESSMAN RICHARD PHILSTROM W0TLE

    JIM/ANCHOR: The former owner of a successful ham radio supply center in Minnesota has become a Silent Key. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, tells us about
    him.

    KENT: Richard Philstrom, W0TLE, a lifelong radio amateur in the
    Minneapolis area, and creator of a business that served local amateurs in
    the 1980s, has become a Silent Key. A veteran of the US Navy, Dick became
    a licensed ham in 1965, receiving the callsign WN0NHL shortly before
    entering the military service. When he left the Navy, he was hired at Electronic Center in Minneapolis, reporting to Ward Jensen who became his
    ham radio mentor. At Electronic Center, Dick eventually became manager of
    the business' ham radio department. By 1980, he had purchased the
    department and opened it in North Minneapolis as Midwest Amateur Radio
    Supply. Four years later, he left the business to begin work for various companies dealing in super computers and eventually left the industry to
    work for a medical supply company.

    Dick was a charter member of the Handi Hams organization, which serves amateurs with disabilities; a life member of the ARRL, and a member of
    the Quarter Century Wireless Association.

    Dick died May 8th at the age of 76. His callsign had formerly belonged to
    his mentor Ward Jensen, W0TLE.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (QCWA, LEGACY.COM)

    **

    CQ MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES 2021 HALL OF FAMERS

    JIM/ANCHOR: There are some familliar names being added to the CQ Amateur
    Radio Hall of Fame this year, and Stephen Kinford, N8WB, tells us who
    they are.

    STEPHEN: Six amateur radio operators have been added to the CQ Amateur
    Radio Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made prominent contributions to the community either as hams or through their
    professional careers. This year's inductees, announced on Friday, May
    21st, include Archibald Doty, W7ACD, a Silent Key. A cofounder of the
    second oldest college radio station in the US, he was also heavily
    involved in research into vertical antennas. Other inductees include
    Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, founder of Ham Radio Science Citizen
    Investigation and organizer of the 2017 Solar Eclipse QSO Party. Another honoree is concert pianist Lorin Hollander, WA1PGB, who augments work as
    a performer with deep involvement in music and arts education. CQ is also honoring former ARRL counsel and general counsel Christopher Imlay, W3KD; noted propagation researcher Cathryn Mitchell, M-Zero-IBG; and Admiral
    Charles Richard, W4HFZ, commander of USSTRATCOM, the United States
    Strategic Command, one of eleven unified commands of the Department of Defense.

    The Hall, created in 2001, now has a total of 339 members.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (CQ MAGAZINE)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world as well as anytime, on
    demand, through the Hamshack Hotline system. Choose Extension 7008,
    Option 1.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jul 22 19:33:20 2021
    SPECIAL EVENT STATION TO HIGHLIGHT CUBAN CRISIS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Cuba is gaining a
    worldwide voice for the remainder of July through special event station
    W4C. Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, has that story.

    DON: Radio operators from around the US have been on the air as W4C since
    July 19th and will continue through to the end of the month, calling QRZ
    and carrying word of the economic and medical challenges in Cuba. The
    special event, SOS Cuba, has been organized by Florida ham Alexander Valladares (PRONOUNCED: BAYA DARE EHZ) W7HU, who was formerly a citizen
    of Cuba. Alex's YouTube Channel, W7HU, Alex, will be livestreaming as he operates Whiskey Four Cuba. Hams have reported difficulty making contact
    on the air with amateurs in Cuba, indicating widespread jamming. This
    special event will carry a message of support for those struggling on the island.

    Alex writes on the station's QR Zed page: [quote] "Instead of taking to
    the streets we realized that our efforts will be more efficiently
    utilized by getting on the air and making a special event out of it." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, the FCC has reportedly begun an investigation
    into the jamming of radio signals on a number of frequencies on the 40-
    metre band, based on complaints from amateurs who say they have been
    unable to communicate with radio operators in Cuba. Motherboard and other media outlets are reporting that FCC field agents are becoming involved,
    as is the US State Department. The investigation is looking into a
    possible connection between the jamming and the Cuban government in
    Havana.

    (ALEX VILLADARES W7HU, SOUTHGATE)

    **

    TOWER BATTLE ENDS IN FAVOR OF MASSACHUSETTS HAM

    PAUL/ANCHOR: A long-running battle over an amateur radio tower has ended
    with a positive outcome for one ham in the US. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY,
    tells us why this Massachusetts ham is so happy.

    KENT: The on-again, off-again amateur radio tower project outside the Massachusetts home of Mikhail Filippov, KD1MF, is on again. A judge in
    the city of Framingham has ruled that local zoning officials were wrong
    last year when they revoked the project's building permit. The zoning
    board said at the time that the tower project did not comply with zoning requirements and could not go forward—but on July 14th, the judge said
    that ham radio towers are among those structures exempt from those such requirements, provided the project has a building permit.

    As Newsline reported more than a year and a half ago, Mikhail and his
    wife, Galina, had received the city building permit for the 80-foot
    structure despite neighbors' challenges that it would damage their
    property values and become an eyesore. Mikhail had already poured the
    tower's foundation but agreed to halt the project until zoning dispute
    could be resolved.

    That appears to have happened.

    Writing on the web page of the ARRL's Eastern Massachusetts Section,
    Mikhail's attorney Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, declared [quote]: "Mr.
    Filippov is a very happy radio amateur."[endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS SECTION, ARRL; THE FRAMINGHAM SOURCE)

    **

    BATTLE OVER ANTENNA MAST CONTINUES FOR UK AMATEUR

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pond, an amateur in
    England is at odds with the local officials over a retractable antenna
    mast, something he had installed six years ago.

    JEREMY: The Wiltshire Council rejected the application of Tidworth
    amateur Bob Coleman, G0WYD, calling his plans for the structure in his
    back garden "unneighbourly" and incompatible with the area.

    Bob told the Andover Advertiser newspaper [quote] "Due to various spinal surgeries, I am unable to play the sports I used to love. Radio
    communication is one of the few hobbies I can do and it plays a large
    part in keeping me mentally healthy, especially in the last year."
    [endquote]

    Neighbours had filed complaints about the mast as far back as 2019,
    leading the council planning officials to inform Bob he needed
    permission. According to the newspaper, he applied but the forms were reportedly not valid, and so he reapplied.

    The newspaper story noted that neighbours understand his love of amateur radio, but report that the antenna reaches from his property into theirs,
    and they worry about a storm knocking it over.

    Bob has the option to appeal the decision.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (ANDOVER ADVERTISER, QRZ)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Aug 13 02:21:47 2021
    INDIANAPOLIS SPEEDWAY WRAPPING UP W9IMS EVENT

    JIM/ANCHOR: Hams are nearing the final lap of the big W9IMS event at
    the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here's Jack Parker, W8ISH, with more.

    JACK: As summer comes to a close, members of the W9IMS special event
    station are busy wrapping up another week of world-wide contacts during
    the annual Brickyard race. As the official amateur radio club for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the W9IMS group has been logging hundreds
    of contacts during the Indy Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race
    and now the Brickyard race.

    The official numbers will be tabulated in the coming days and then each contact will receive a special QSL card, designed for each event. Those stations that made the log for all three races will receive a
    commemorative certificate as well.

    This is the 18th year for the W9IMS special event station and despite
    weak band conditions this spring, early reports indicated they logged
    over 6-thousand contacts during the first two races. The W9IMS team is
    hoping to double that amount in the final race of the season. They
    should cross the finish line and take the checkered flag on a record
    number of contacts for the racing season at the Indianapolis Motor
    Speedway.

    Reporting from Indianapolis, this is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    **

    SILENT KEY: LIFELONG AMATEUR, JAZZ 'AMBASSADOR' BOB RINGWALD K6YBV

    JIM/ANCHOR: The music world and the amateur radio world are both
    grieving the loss of a friend. We turn to Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB, for
    that story.

    RALPH: Robert Ringwald, K6YBV, was a lifelong amateur radio operator,
    who also made his mark in the jazz world as a jazz ambassador and co-
    organizer in 1974 of California's first Sacramento Jazz Festival where
    his band was a headliner. A professional jazz pianist, he was also an enthusiastic radio amateur. First licensed in 1957, he soon became
    adept in CW which he identifies on his QRZ page as his most frequent
    mode. Bob became a Silent Key on August 3rd.

    Blind almost since birth, Bob became known to many checking into the
    Alaska Pacific Preparedness Net on 20 meter SSB, California Traffic
    Net, 75 meter SSB, Northern California Net, Region Net 6 and the
    Pacific Area Net on 80- and 40-meter CW. He was especially proud of his daughter, actress Molly Ringwald, and took great pains to keep things authentic when she portrayed an amateur radio operator in one episode
    of the NBC sitcom, "The Facts of Life." Bob wrote: "Naturally the
    writers had Molly's lines all wrong. I volunteered to write the ham
    talk to be authentic and they gratefully accepted." Molly also used her father's callsign in the episode.

    With his passing, Amateur Radio Newsline has also lost a friend. Bob
    Ringwald was a frequent contributor of story ideas that listeners have
    heard each week. He died at the age of 80.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (ASSOCIATED PRESS, QRZ, RINGWALD.COM)

    ***

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the
    K2BNL repeater in Upton, New York during the 8 p.m. Thursday night Tech
    Net.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Aug 27 08:30:41 2021
    SPAIN PREPARES FOR TWIN SATELLITE LAUNCHES

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, in Spain, hams await the scheduled launch next
    month of two AMSAT-EA Genesis satellites. John Williams, VK4JJW, brings
    us up to date.

    JOHN: The satellites are called GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N, and their
    planned launch on September 2nd has been eagerly anticipated by Spain's national amateur radio society, the URE. The launch is to take place
    at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base, where the two digital
    repeating satellites will take to the sky along with a number of other satellites. The GENESIS satellites, built by students from the European University, wlil be using Amplitude Shift Keying, and CW.

    Additional details, and a list of the satellites' working frequencies,
    can be found on the URL website, which is listed in the script of this
    week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    https://www.ure.es/satelites-genesis-de-amsat-ea-2/

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (URE, SOUTHGATE)

    **

    SWEEPING ANTENNA ARRAY DELIVERS GALAXIES IN HIGH-DEFINITION

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Back here on earth, many of us know the benefits of high- definition, especially when it comes to video images. But now scientists
    in the UK are making use of some benefits of high-definition imagery,
    thanks to a huge antenna array in Europe. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has those details.

    JEREMY: Scientists are crediting 70,000 one-metre-high antennas with
    helping unveil new insights into how our solar system came into being,
    by providing as-yet unattainable visual details. The array is letting scientists gather ultra-high-definition imagery to get a clearer picture
    of various galaxies as they give birth to planets and suns. The radio
    imagery they are using is the result of a linked international network
    of telescopes known as LOFAR, for Low Frequency Array. Although most of
    the antennas are in nine nations throughout Europe, the majority are in
    The Netherlands.

    According to Neal Jackson of the University of Manchester, the imagery
    is permitting researchers to see more clearly what happens inside
    galaxies when planets and suns are being created. He told the BBC,
    "These high-resolution images allow us to zoom in, to see what's really
    going on when supermassive black holes launch these jets of material."

    The project leader, Leah Morabito, of Durham University in the UK, said scientists believe images such as these are giving greater insight into
    the creation of our own solar system too. According to the BBC, for the
    array to work, the team had to find a way to gather and digitise signals received by each antenna. The signals were then sent to a central
    processor for combination with all the other images being gathered by
    the rest of the array.

    Leah Morabito told the BBC that the team plans to scan numerous galaxies
    in the years ahead, adding, "I think we're definitely in for some
    surprises."

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (BBC)

    **

    SPECIAL NYC EVENT MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Many of the hams who will be on the air on September 11th
    calling QRZ from New York City, were in a very different place 20 years
    ago. Some of them hurried to the World Trade Center in Manhattan, as first-responders to the terror strikes that day. They were answering a
    call then - and this year, they are the ones calling to mark the painful anniversary.

    The first-responders and their friends and supporters are hams in the Northeast Wireless Radio Club, NW2C, and the Great South Bay Amateur
    Radio Club, W2GSB. They will be on the air together from 10 a.m. to
    8 p.m. Eastern Time, operating special event station W2T, using CW,
    SSB, and the digital modes.

    Hams may also contact them via satellite. In the words of their station, Whiskey Two Tango, "We Will Never Forget." Mark it on your calendar.

    (MIKE SARTORETTI, KC2SYF)

    **

    IN NEW ZEALAND, BACKYARDS GO BACK ON THE AIR

    PAUL/ANCHOR: What do SOTA activators do when the summits are off limits?
    In New Zealand, the answer is right there in their backyards. We hear
    more from Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    GRAHAM: Nothing - not even a solar flare or even a pandemic - could stop
    the Backyards on the Air activation from going ahead recently in New
    Zealand. The pandemic, in fact, was actually the inspiration for the
    event on Sunday, August 22nd. It was born in the spring of 2020, as
    lockdown enveloped the nation. A group of SOTA activators looked for
    new options, because their beloved summits had been declared off
    limits.

    Organiser Mark Sullivan, ZL3AB, said this recent activation found
    participants once again in their backyards, and after two hours of
    calling QRZ, some boasted contacts with the US and VK, as well as
    around New Zealand. Mark described his own activation as a bit less
    successful, owing to a pole that collapsed, and someone's child
    next-door playing with an incredibly loud toy lawn mower.

    Mark did encourage and reward experimentation, however. In his
    invitation to participants, he wrote: "It should go without saying
    that double points will be awarded to anyone who operates using.....
    a Delta loop."

    For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (MARK SULLIVAN ZL3AB)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Sep 2 19:49:55 2021
    AMATEUR RADIO TEAM EYES NASA'S GATEWAY PROJECT

    JIM/ANCHOR: If you're old enough to remember when amateur radio first
    went on the air on the International Space Station almost 21 years ago,
    you can probably appreciate the slow and careful effort that's being made
    now with respect to NASA's Gateway project, the multi-purpose station
    being designed for eventual lunar orbit. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, tells us
    about ham radio's interest in the project.

    NEIL: The amateur radio exploration team (AREx), an international team of
    ham radio organizations, is crossing its collective fingers that one day
    ham radio will be welcome aboard the NASA's Gateway project in much the
    same way ham radio eventually ended up on the ISS.

    Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, a co-leader of the team, said AREx is "cautiously optimistic" that at some point one of the modules to be launched later
    for the Gateway may provide some optimal conditions for a ham shack,
    including access to reliable power from the sun and a good field of view
    of the earth to enable radio contacts. Even with those conditions met, however, NASA would still have to commit to a ham radio presence on
    board. Frank said: [quote] "We are being patient and working with NASA as
    to what is the best approach...We are just staying engaged." [endquote]

    The Gateway's first modules are already earmarked to launch together commercially. Those are the HALO, the astronauts' pressurized living
    quarters, and the Power Propulsion Element. Frank said that modules to be launched after these first two may provide even richer fields of view of
    the earth. Meanwhile, unlike the development of the ARISS program on
    board the ISS two decades ago, he said, progress is expected to be intermittent.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (NASA, FUNK TELEGRAMM MAGAZINE, FRANK BAUER KA3HDO)

    **

    FATHER-DAUGHTER CYCLISTS CONCLUDE RADIO EXPEDITION

    JIM/ANCHOR: After a successful bicycle tour and fundraiser, a bicycling father-daughter team is back home in England. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, tells us
    how their adventure went.

    ED: The father-daughter cycling ham radio team of Kevin Richardson,
    G0PEK, and Lauren Richardson, 2E0HLR, have come to their journey's end.
    Their Megacycle Expedition finished as planned on August 25th in northern Scotland. Starting at Land's End, it was a 28-day trek of more than 1,700-kilometres and was a fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. They also raised contacts along the way via amateur radio,
    using their home call signs while on VHF and UHF during the day and using MX0KRO, the callsign of the Kent Active Radio Amateurs group, when
    camping.

    Hams and non-hams alike followed them on Twitter and their Megacycle Expedition Facebook page where they got to see the two adventurers reach
    their finish line in northern Scotland. There, the duo even participated
    in International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend operating on HF from
    the lighthouse at Cape Wrath.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (FACEBOOK)

    **

    BONAIRE AMATEURS FORM NEW AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

    JIM/ANCHOR: What does it take to form a new amateur radio club? Sometimes
    it's just a handful of willing radio operators who share the same island
    in the southern Caribbean ocean. John Williams, VK4JJW, takes us there.

    JOHN: The newest ham radio club on the world map is wasting no time
    getting things done. The Bonaire Amateur Radio Club PJ4BAR celebrated its recent birth by hosting a field day on Sorobon Beach from August 27th
    through to the 29th. For now, the fledgling club's membership boasts all
    nine active radio amateurs who call Bonaire their home fulltime, with additional membership among those amateurs who have addresses on the
    island but live elsewhere much of the time. Still, the club does enjoy fellowship on and off the air and its weekly meetings often last until
    late into the night. So if you should hear the club callsign on the air,
    be sure to work the station -- and don't forget to send those QSL cards
    to M Zero U R X [M0URX].

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (OHIO PENN DX)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the AH6LE repeater
    in Beavercreek, and Wilsonville, Oregon, on Sundays, at 6 p.m. local
    time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Sep 9 21:27:47 2021
    MEET ARRL MAXIM AWARD WINNER: KATHERINE FORSON, KT5KMF

    DON/ANCHOR: A Texas high school honor student has received the
    ARRL's premier honor, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award. Paul
    Braun, WD9GCO, introduces us to her.

    PAUL: As we discover every year with our Young Ham Of The Year
    award, there are some amazing young people in our hobby today. One
    of those is Katherine Forson, KT5KMF, the American Radio Relay
    League's 2021 Hiram Percy Maxim Award winner.

    I spoke with the remarkable young woman, who was licensed as a Tech
    at the age of nine, and was an Extra five years later. Forson said
    she loves the public-service aspect of amateur radio, and
    participates in a variety of local events throughout the year. She's
    also fascinated by the opportunities that the digital modes, such as
    FT-8, afford operators. But what's most interesting to her is that
    ham radio has helped her decide her future:

    FORSON: This is actually pretty interesting because ham radio has
    helped me a lot in figuring that out. Yes, I am a trained Skywarn
    storm spotter - I actually want to be a meteorologist. I finished
    just a couple weeks ago my application to Texas A&M. They have an
    incredible geosciences program there and specifically meteorology.
    They have the oldest ham radio club in Texas on campus and they also
    have a student storm chasing team.

    PAUL: When asked if she had any advice for other young women who may
    be hesitant about getting into radio or science, like she did, she
    offered this:

    FORSON: If it's something you want to do, you go for it. I can
    remember when I first got licensed, when I was taking my test it was
    this room full of adult men and I was this tiny 9-year-old girl and
    I tried to use a giant calculator. It was awkward at first, but it's
    become something that I love, it's given me something that I have in
    common with my family, and it's helped me figure out what I want to
    do with my life so I think, even if it's intimidating at first,
    don't let that stop you. Don't let being one of the few women, one
    of the few young girls, stop you.

    PAUL: Forson is working with other Texas-area female hams to create
    a YL-friendly online community tied into the ARRL North Texas
    section website.

    Promoting youth in amateur radio is something near and dear to our
    hearts here at Amateur Radio Newsline. Our 2020 Young Ham of the
    Year, Chris Brault, was a former Maxim Award winner himself.
    Congratulations from all of us at Newsline to Katherine Forson, who
    has a bright future ahead. For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Braun,
    WD9GCO.

    **

    US HAMS ACTIVATE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

    DON/ANCHOR: America's Appalachian Trail has always captured hikers' imaginations, and next month, it will be capturing hundreds and
    hundreds of miles of radio signals. Jim Damron, N8TMW, has that
    report.

    JIM: In the United States, the 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail
    will present 2,190 miles of possibilities for SOTA and POTA
    activators on Saturday, October 2nd. SOTA enthusiasts are already
    registering to activate summits that are within a short distance on
    the trail and hams will be calling between 1200 UTC and 2100 UTC
    throughout the day. If you're an avid hiker as well as a SOTA or
    POTA activator, you have time to add your name and your summit or
    park of choice to the list by sending an email to A T ontheair at
    gmail dot com (ATontheair@gmail.com). SOTA activators may also post
    an alert on SOTAWatch. This event is being held on the same day as
    the W7A s2s 10-point madness so it's recommended that SOTA chasers
    stand by and defer to summits calling other summits.

    For details visit the Appalachian Trail on the air website. The URL
    is listed in the printed script of this week's newscast at
    arnewsline.org

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    [DO NOT READ: atontheair.com]

    (SOTA REFLECTOR, ATONTHEAIR)

    **

    LISATS HAM CLUB TO RETRANSMIT INSPIRATION4 LAUNCH

    DON/ANCHOR: If you want to hear history as it happens, be listening
    for the audio retransmissions provided by the Launch Information
    Service and Amateur Television System. They'll be retransmitting
    feeds of the countdown and the booster recovery for SpaceX's
    Inspiration4, a three-day mission featuring the first all-civilian
    crew inside a Crew Dragon spacecraft. It's a charity flight for the
    benefit of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. At the time
    Newsline went to production, liftoff was scheduled for September
    15th. According to Joe Dolinsky, W0WD, the LISATS (LEE-SATS) Amateur
    Radio Club repeater will carry feeds of the transmissions. There is
    also a "listen live" button on LISATS.ORG, the (LEE-SATS) website,
    which has links to Broadcastify. Listening may also be possible via
    EchoLink at WB4ATV.

    (JOE DOLINSKY W0WD)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 17 03:56:42 2021
    SPECIAL EVENT CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY OF VOA RELAY STATION

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The "voice of freedom" transmitted its first words
    from West Chester, Ohio across the ocean in September of 1944 at
    the then-new Bethany Relay Station of the Voice of America. The
    West Chester Amateur Radio Association WC8VOA, which calls the
    iconic building its home, is celebrating the relay station's
    birthday this year with a special event station on September 25th
    and 26th. Jocelyn Brault KD8VRX/VA2VRX told Newsline that the
    club's shack is actually the original control room for the relay
    station. For the special event, be listening on 20 and 40 meters
    for SSB, FT8 and perhaps some CW as well. Those making a QSO are
    eligible for a downloadable certificate available 24 hours after
    the event.

    (JOCELYN BRAULT KD8VRX/VA2VRX)

    **

    ULTRA-TINY BATTERY SHOWS POWER AND PROMISE

    NEIL/ANCHOR: When it comes to batteries, tiny might just be the
    next big thing. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, explains why.

    KENT: The smaller the battery, the more powerful the
    possibilities? The designers of a new battery technology being
    used in a fitness tracker would like to think so. California-based
    Sila created the battery for a wristband tracker that experts say
    could revolutionize everyday electronics and perhaps have
    implications for modes of transportation too. For now, the ultra-
    tiny powerhouses are in a niche-market item, a fitness tracker
    called the Whoop 4.0. According to a New York Times article, the
    battery has the same lifespan as the power source used in the
    previous model of that tracker but it's a whole one-third smaller.

    Sila and Whoop together said the battery had potential for mass
    marketing in other devices in the next couple of years. Unlike
    lithium-ion batteries, which rely on the ionization and movement
    of lithium atoms, these new batteries use an anode made of silicon
    instead of graphite, requiring smaller space for the lithium atoms
    as they move from the anode side of the battery to the cathode.

    Sila and another company, QuantumScape, told the New York Times
    that their batteries will likely be used in a few short years in
    smart eyeglasses, electric cars and maybe even flying cars one
    day.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (NYTIMES)

    **

    SILENT KEY: CHARLIE BYARS, W5GPO, LONGTIME WEATHER SPOTTER

    NEIL/ANCHOR: A well-known weather-spotter and amateur radio
    operator in north Texas has become a Silent Key. Randy Sly, W4XJ,
    tells us about him.

    RANDY: Charlie Byars, W5GPO, took the lead in tracking severe
    weather with his local Amateur Radio Emergency Services Skywarn
    group, which he helped create in 1974. A licensed ham since 1959,
    Charlie died Sunday, September 12th. Devoted to alerting people in
    Archer and Wichita counties about dangerous weather, Charlie was a
    part of the crucial information network in operation on April
    20th, 1979, when a deadly tornado swept through the region,
    killing 40 people, and destroying thousands of homes.

    Over the years, Charlie's commitment to weather reporting found him
    in numerous roles, including ARES district coordinator for eight
    counties. According to a report in the Times Record News of
    Wichita Falls, he was also the recipient in 2005 of an award from
    the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    Charlie Byars was 86.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    (THE WICHITA FALLS TIMES-RECORD NEWS)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including
    the D-Star Reflector 91-C in Melbourne, Australia on Wednesday
    nights at 7:30 local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 24 01:31:49 2021
    ESSEX HAM SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORTS NEW HACKSPACE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In the UK, the ever-expanding universe of creative
    workshops, known as hackspaces, just got an extra boost from some ham
    radio friends. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us about it.

    JEREMY: East Essex Hackspace became the newest of 70 hackspaces
    throughout the UK on Saturday, September 18th, as this community-based "makerspace" opened as a welcoming place to encourage learning and
    tinkering. It includes a construction and electronics workbench,
    reflecting a spirit so familiar to amateur radio operators.

    To help celebrate opening day at this new workshop, Essex Ham operated
    special event station GB0EEH on HF and VHF, not just for the QSOs, but
    to support the community effort and to demonstrate amateur radio to those attending at the Hawkwell location. According to the hackspace's Wiki,
    the space in the pavilion has been provided by Rochford District
    Council and the lease is in effect until October of 2027.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (EAST ESSEX HACKSPACE)

    **

    NEW MICROCONTROLLER EDITOR AT CQ MAGAZINE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Congratulations to Jack Purdum, W8TEE, who has become
    the new Microcontrollers Editor of CQ magazine. Jack, who is an Arduino authority, will have his first column appear in the November issue, the magazine has announced. His predecessor, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, is
    starting up a new column called "Ham Radio Explorer" that will launch
    in the December issue.

    (CQ MAGAZINE)

    **

    SILENT KEY: EAST COAST REFLECTOR'S RICK BEUTNAGEL, N3RRB

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Another extended family of ham radio operators is
    grieving for one of their own. We hear their story, and the story of a well-loved Silent Key, from Dave Parks, WB8ODF.

    DAVE: An emotional last call has been made on the IRLP/Allstar East
    Coast Reflector for Richard Beutnagel N3RRB, a mainstay of the
    reflector. Rick, a licensed ham since 2018, became a Silent Key on
    Wednesday, September 15th of COVID-19 while caring for his ailing
    parents in Deltona, Florida.

    Friends and members of the 9050 reflector told Newsline that Rick
    arrived on the system in October of 2020 and immediately established
    himself as a mentor. It was a role that came naturally to him on and
    off the air, and in the reflector's Zoom room.

    One of Rick's most selfless projects was the 40 meter QRP transceiver
    he built for a 14-year-old amateur who came to call him "Uncle Rick" He
    also made use of the electronics business he owned and operated to
    create equipment and software for the East Coast Reflector's control
    stations so they could track the number of connected nodes at any given
    time.

    Rick also believed in personal connections so even while riding his
    bike around town, he would carry his HT on his handlebars and keep his
    phone connected to the East Coast Reflector Zoom Room.

    Reflector member Pres W2PW told Newsline: "The amateur community lost a
    good one." I would like to add: "Rick, you will be missed but never forgotten."

    For Amateur Radio Newsline and everyone on the East Coast Reflector,
    I'm Dave Parks, WB8ODF.

    **

    BOUVET 3Y0J TRIP GETS ARRL GRANT

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Next year's Bouvet Island DXpedition has been given its
    latest financial boost, and it's from the ARRL. Skeeter Nash, N5ASH,
    has that report.

    SKEETER: The 3Y0J (Three Y Zero Jay) Bouvet Island DXpedition --
    considered one of the costliest ever -- has been awarded $5,000 from
    the ARRL. The amount given to the nonprofit Amateur Radio DXpeditions organization, which is based in Norway, is the same sum given back to
    the ARRL following the Intrepid DX Group's cancellation of its Bouvet
    trip, after the ship planned to carry them there was sold to new
    owners.

    Amateur Radio DXpeditions -- and its 12 operators -- are planning a
    November 2022 activation, with a goal of 120,000 contacts. The team
    will be on the island for 20 days. The grant is named for Silent Keys
    Lloyd Colvin, W6KG, and Iris Colvin, W6QL, and supports international
    DX teams to foster global goodwill. The DXpedition's $650,000 budget
    makes it among the most expensive ones on record. The team earlier
    received a $100,000 donation from the Northern California DX Foundation
    and a gift from the German DX Foundation that is the equivalent of
    $11,815.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Skeeter Nash, N5ASH.

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, it appears that the RV Braveheart, which was
    sold by Nigel Jolly, K6NRJ, to new owners, may sail again with hams
    aboard sometime. Paul, N6PSE, of the Intrepid DX Group announced
    recently on the group's Facebook page that the ship will be relocating
    from New Zealand to Ushuaia (Ooose-Why-Uh), in southernmost Argentina
    and the new owner plans to make it available once again for amateur
    radio DXpeditioners.

    (INTREPID DX GROUP)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Oct 8 05:09:09 2021
    SILENT KEY: ACTIVE NET PARTICIPANT WALTER PAGE PYNE, WA3EOP

    JIM/ANCHOR: A prominent active amateur radio operator and a well-known
    voice on the OMISS and Century Club nets has become a Silent Key. Sel
    Embee, KB3TZD, tells us about him.

    SEL: Walter Page Pyne was known for identifying his callsign as WA3EOP -
    We Are Three Elephants On Patrol - and his voice was a familiar one on the OMISS Net, the Century Club Net, the YL International Single Sideband Net
    and numerous other nets. Page, as he was known to friends, died on
    September 26th in his Maryland hometown of Hagerstown. A life member of
    the Antietam (Ann-Tee-Tum) Radio Association and the International Order
    of Odd Fellows ham club, he was also a cofounder of the Cheese Hollow
    Amateur Radio Society in Maryland. He had served as Charter Year President
    of the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Chapter (#222) of the Quarter Century Wireless Association. Page, a former phone activities manager for the
    ARRL's Maryland/DC section, at the time of his death belonged to the
    Maryland Emergency Phone Net.

    Walter Page Pyne was 74.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (QRZ.COM, TRIBUTE ARCHIVE)

    **

    SCHOOL FOR DEAF PREPS FOR UNIQUE ARISS CONTACT

    JIM/ANCHOR: Few things are outside the realm of possibility with amateur radio, as a group of deaf students in the UK is about to learn in an ARISS
    QSO with an American astronaut. Here's Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: American astronaut Mark Vande Hei, KG5GNP, is scheduled to
    complete a unique amateur radio contact from the ISS with students at Mary Hare School for deaf children in Berkshire, England.

    Ciaran Morgan, M0XTD, the UK's ARISS operations lead, told Newsline that
    the event will proceed like a standard ARISS contact for the astronaut,
    but students and school volunteers will have access to a stenographer
    using a device that projects what is being said onto a large screen in
    their auditorium. Ciaran added that the text will also appear on a live
    web stream which will also feature a sign language interpreter. Meanwhile, hams from the Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society have been
    assisting the students by providing lessons on amateur radio.

    The school noted on its blog: [quote] "These will be the first deaf
    children to have done this, making it a world first." [endquote]

    While some of the students will be linked to the action by a web feed,
    others will be in the auditorium itself as socially distanced spectators.
    It is scheduled to take place sometime during the week of October 10th.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (CIARAN MORGAN, M0XTD, ARISS-UK, MARY HARE SCHOOL)

    **

    CQWW DX CONTEST GAINS PLAQUE SPONSORS FOR YOUTH

    JIM/ANCHOR: As the date inches forward for the CQ WorldWide DX contest,
    there are new sponsors for categories featuring young competitors. Ed
    Durrant, DD5LP, has those details.

    ED: The IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group will be sponsoring plaques
    awarded in the upcoming CQWW DX contest for competitors in Europe and
    Africa who are 25 years of age or younger. Plaques will be given to young
    SSB and CW operators. A number of other YOTA branches and IARU Youth
    Working Groups are sponsoring other awards on other continents for young participants. The CQWW contest announced on its blog in August that
    organisers have created a number of overlays within the contest, including those for young operators and for hams who are experimenting with new technologies. A new Explorer category has been created for those radio operators who are using SSB and CW while employing such new technologies
    as internet-linked stations.

    The contest dates are October 30th and 31st for SSB and November 27th and
    28th for CW.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (CQWW BLOG)

    **

    IT'S 'FALLOUT' WEEKEND FOR 100 WATTS AND A WIRE

    JIM/ANCHOR: Don't forget to be listening for operators calling "CQ FALL
    OUT!" on October 8th, 9th and 10th. Those are the days for the portable operating event of the 100 Watts and a Wire community. Operators are being encouraged to work any band, any mode and alone or as a team. The exchange
    is your call sign, your 100Watts ID if you have one, your state, province
    or DX country and a true signal report.

    For details, visit the website 100wattsandawire.com and use the numerals
    "1 Zero Zero" for the word "one hundred."

    (100 WATTS AND A WIRE)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K7MMA repeater
    in Spokane, Washington, on Fridays at 5 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Nov 11 22:11:52 2021
    SPEEDWAY QSL CARDS RACE TO THE FINISH LINE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you're still waiting for your QSL cards from the three Indianapolis Motor Speedway special events, they're on their way. Jack
    Parker, W8ISH, gives us a look behind the scenes of the massive mailing
    that's been going on.

    [sound clip: envelope being cut open]

    JACK: That's the sound of another self-addressed, stamped QSL envelope
    being opened for processing. Members of the W9IMS Special Event Station gathered to open, separate and then fill-in and mail out thousands of QSL cards following a summer of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    BILL: "This is what we call our Monster card party. We have a few others
    that we do and then they trickle in all year long."

    JACK: Bill Kennedy, W9YT, coordinates the special event stations and the Monster chore stuffing and returning thousands of QSL cards each fall. A behind-the-scenes look at this QSL process found it takes dozens of W9IMS members to get the job done.

    BILL: "We have a big following. They want to work us every year and make
    a big effort to get all three races."

    JACK: W9IMS is the official special event station for three of the IMS
    races. They operate 24/7 for a week prior to the Grand Prix and
    Indianapolis 500 mile race in May. In August, they again fire up the
    radios for the Brickyard 200-race. A custom-designed QSL card is
    produced for each race. Those stations who log all three race events
    receive a special certificate as well. This is the 18th year for this
    W9IMS special event station. Bill says the summer time operation often reflects the solar cycles. This year's total contacts fell just short of
    the 18,000 recorded contacts a few years ago. As the sun cycle fell, so
    did the total contacts.

    Bill: "You could follow the total card by following the solar cycle. As
    the cycle came down so did our Qs. As the cycle is going back up, our Qs
    are going back up."

    Jack: Bill says this crew has become very proficient in not only logging contacts but in filling out the QSL cards and certificates after the
    checkered flag falls on the last race of the season.

    Bill: "That's a lot contacts and a lot of cards to do at the end of the
    year."

    Jack: For Amateur Radio Newsline, this is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    **

    NORWAY PLANS ENTRY-LEVEL CERTIFICATE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The Norwegian Radio Relay League, Norway's national
    amateur radio organization, is working with a research institute there to
    help introduce an entry-level amateur radio category that would become available to operators as young as 12 or 13. Operators would be permitted
    a maximum transmitting power of 10 watts. The goal is to encourage the
    newest amateurs to build their own simple transmitters and receivers and
    spur interest in technology and science to complement ther schoolwork.
    NRRL is working to move this certificate forward with funds provided for
    the study by the Norwegian Research Council. Norway presently has only
    one class of radio operators.

    (SOUTHGATE)

    **

    AUSTRALIAN 2x1 CALLSIGNS DEBUT IN WORLDWIDE CONTEST

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: With the CQ WW SSB contest over, no doubt you have more
    than a few contest callsigns in your log. How many of them are among the newest from Australia? Let's hear more from Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    JASON: The long-awaited 2 x 1 VK contest callsigns got their first
    official run on the air during the big CQ WW SSB contest in late October.
    The Wireless Institute of Australia reports that assignment of the calls
    by the Australian Maritime College came just in time for the global competition. In fact, three of the WIA's own directors were assigned the
    calls for use in the competition. Some reports say that many amateurs who heard the new contest calls were at first confused by the unusual single-letter suffixes but everything ultimately ran smoothly. If you
    have thoughts you'd like to share about Australia's new contest
    callsigns, the WIA is eager to hear your comments. Send them on to
    national office at wia dot org dot au (nationaloffice@wia.org.au)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (WIA, SOUTHGATE)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Dec 3 02:19:53 2021
    FINDING POWER WITHOUT RELYING ON BATTERIES

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Imagine a world in which your various internet-linked devices didn't have to rely on batteries. Well, researchers in Spain can already
    see that day coming. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, tells us more.

    KENT: They've been on the wish list for lots of us but now battery-free devices have made the leap to the list of possibilities for some
    researchers in Spain. Scientists at the IMDEA Networks Institute in Madrid
    are using LiFi and Radio Frequency backscatter technologies to make it
    happen. After three years of research, they've created a sustainable
    wireless communication system that they call PassiveLiFi and say it could
    be deployed for systems in smart agriculture, smart cities and even smart homes. A November 26th article on the Hackster website describes how LiFi happens. The article says: [quote] "IoT devices would transmit data by reflecting and modulating the incoming RF signals present in the
    environment, a passive transmission technique known as RF backscattering
    that consumes very little power." [endquote]. One of the researchers notes that when the scientists began their work, LiFi technology and RF backscattering were viewed as independent from one another.

    Will they now make a winning and workable combination? With an estimated
    64 billion or more users of battery-powered IoT devices in the world,
    there'll be plenty of people watching to find out.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (HACKSTER)

    **

    SILENT KEY: QST COLUMNIST JOEL R. HALLAS, W1ZR

    NEIL/ANCHOR: A longtime contributor to the library of amateur radio
    knowledge and expertise has become a Silent Key. Joel R. Hallas (Hal
    luss), W1ZR, was the author of numerous books and a contributing editor to
    the ARRL's QST magazine, which he had formerly served as technical editor.
    His QST column "The Doctor is In" also inspired a popular podcast. An
    amateur radio operator since 1955, Joel died on November 25th at the age
    of 79.

    (ARRL)

    **

    BELGIUM PLANS TO OFFER EXAMS IN EARLY 2022

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Radio exams will be back in Belgium in just a few weeks. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, has the details.

    ED: Shortly after announcing that it was suspending all amateur radio
    licence exams through to the end of this year due to the pandemic,
    Belgium's regulator BIPT has scheduled its first examination in 2022 for Friday, the 7th of January. The test will not be given at BIPT facilities, which the regulator has deemed insufficient to comply with COVID
    precautions. The exam site will instead be the Euro Space Center, a
    science museum in Wallonia in the Belgian-Luxembourg Province in southern Belgium. The testing procedures will be the same that are followed at the regulator's site.

    The announcement was made public on the website of the UBA, the national amateur radio member society. Candidates may test for the basic ECC
    report-89 ON3 licence; the CEPT Novice ON2 licence; or the HAREC Full
    licence.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (SOUTHGATE, UBC)

    **

    ARISS NAMED NEWSLINE'S INT'L NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Following two great recipients in previous years - namely The West Bengal Radio Club in India and the Radio Society of Great Britain- National Health Service's Get-on-the-air-to-care project, both of whom continue to do great work, we are proud to announce the winner of the 2021 ARNewsline International Newsmaker of the Year Award. This year's honor
    goes to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, or ARISS, an organization I've had the pleasure of working with myself. This group,
    based across fifteen countries around the world, has been supporting
    amateur radio from the space station and performing school links around
    the world to astronauts for over 20 years. As well as enthusing youngsters
    in the magic of space and radio, they have also generated publicity for Amateur Radio in the mainstream media channels of radio, TV and
    newspapers. Congratulations to a deserving award-winner from all of us
    at Newsline.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the Metro Area
    Repeater Association's WD0HWT repeater in Oakdale, Minnesota, at 7 p.m.
    local time on Sundays.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Dec 17 08:37:08 2021
    MINNESOTA HAM GETS SPECIAL RECOGNITION

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In amateur radio, where communication and public
    service are core elements, some people really shine. One of them
    was recently recognized for his efforts by the Civil Air Patrol's
    Minnesota Wing. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, has that story.

    KENT: Matt Stepaniak, N0TNL, calls his recent honor one of the
    proudest moments in his life. The Civil Air Patrol volunteer has been
    part of the Minnesota Wing for 20 years. His dedication as a squadron communications officer earned him honors in 2015, with the Robert
    Dunbar Memorial Award, presented for his use of his amateur radio
    technical skills in his work.

    His latest honor came in October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a new spotlight shining on Matt, who's formally
    known as 1st Lt. Matthew Stepaniak. In addition to training other
    volunteers to use their radios, he has played a key role in emergency
    response, coordinating his efforts with the local Salvation Army. On
    Fridays at 9 p.m., he is dispatcher for the Viking squadron's FM
    network. Matt has cerebral palsy, and fulfills all these
    responsibilities and more from home, where his equipment includes his
    ham shack, as well as his Civil Air Patrol radio and antenna.

    In the Civil Air Patrol announcement of his honor, Matt describes his
    Civil Air Patrol work as a perfect channel for volunteerism and public
    service - two things that remain strong to his core, thanks to ham
    radio.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (CIVIL AIR PATROL)

    **

    INDIAN HAM CONVENTION IN HYDERABAD DRAWS CROWD

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In India, a crowd of enthusiastic attendees showed
    up for a convention that had been cancelled last year due to the
    pandemic. Here's Graham Kemp, VK4BB, with details.

    GRAHAM: Billed as the first technical convention for ham radio
    operators to be held following India's COVID lockdown, the Lamakaan
    Amateur Radio Club's fourth convention attracted enthusiastic
    attendees to Hyderabad on Saturday, Dec. 11th and Sunday, Dec. 12th.
    The convention drew a full array of speakers to the Muffakham Jah
    College of Engineering and Technology, and was livestreamed via
    satellite built by hams in India to those who were not among the 400
    convention attendees. Last year's event was cancelled because of the
    pandemic. This year, the programme included forums on Cubesats,
    software defined radio, DXing, satellites and the digital modes. Hams
    were encouraged to share their experiences in experimenting with radio
    and other wireless technologies.

    The college hoped that by hosting the event, students would also be
    spurred to obtain their amateur radio licences. Professor Mohammed
    Arifuddin Sohel, head of the school's Department of Electronics and Communications, said during the first day's opening remarks that he
    believed the students would be inspired by what they saw and heard.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (YOUTUBE, TELAGANA TODAY, THE HINDU)

    **

    FOXHUNT ENTHUSIASTS PREP FOR BIG CHALLENGE IN TURKEY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: With an ancient city as their backdrop, foxhunt
    enthusiasts, are preparing for a big challenge in Turkey. Here's
    Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, with that report.

    JASON: Get ready for a gathering of nations in Turkey for some serious foxhunting this month. Between December 20th and 26th, amateur radio foxhunters will set off near the ruins of the 7th century Turkish city
    of Side on the Mediterranean coast. The challenge is being called the
    First International Radio-Orienteering Competition and it is being
    hosted by the UA Foxhunters of Ukraine, and the NEO Sports Club.
    Although the contest follows all the IARU rules for staging and
    scoring, this is not an official IARU championship. There will be two
    Classic events, a sprint competition, and radio orienteering over the
    course of the seven days. For details visit the event website at
    wrocturkey.com

    Meanwhile, plans are already in the works for the next IARU world
    competition. That is most likely to be hosted by the Amateur Radio
    Union of Serbia in September 2022. This will be the 20th IARU ARDF
    World Championship, and will closely follow World Cup competitions
    for individual foxhunters.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (HOMINGIN.COM, WROCTURKEY.COM)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Dec 23 20:43:27 2021
    NEW LICENSE LEVEL PROPOSED FOR IRELAND

    DON/ANCHOR: Some changes are in the works for Ireland's amateur radio licenses. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, brings us up to date.

    JEREMY: ComReg, the Irish telecommunications agency, plans to introduce a
    new level of amateur radio licence at either a novice or entry level, targeting younger licence candidates in particular. Ireland presently has
    only one class of ham radio licence. The recommendation is outlined in the agency's recent statement on a Strategy for Managing the Radio Spectrum
    from 2022 to 2024.

    ComReg describes the rationale behind the introduction of the new licence, which would not require full knowledge of HAREC - the Harmonised Amateur
    Radio Examination Certificate. The document further states that Ireland is interested in [quote] "nurturing, developing and deploying STEM talent and
    the availability of a novice licence would enable the amateur radio service
    to act in the national interest." [endquote]

    Some clarification would still be needed with respect to CEPT, which has separate definitions and suggested syllabi relating to Entry, Novice and
    Full licences.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (COMREG, SOUTHGATE)

    **

    HAM INVOLVEMENT SOUGHT FOR MOON MISSION

    DON/ANCHOR: Japan's space agency is looking for hams to participate in the mission of a very tiny, ULTRA tiny, moon lander. John Williams, VK4JJW,
    tells us what's involved.

    JOHN: The JAXA Ham Radio Club, JQ1ZVI, has a date with the moon in
    February, and is hoping to take the world's amateur radio community along
    for the ride, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is looking
    for amateur radio operators to receive telemetry from the transmitters on board its 6U CubeSat, which it is calling OMOTENASHI. The 70cm amateur band signals will be sent from both the orbiting satellite and the moon lander. Described as the world's smallest moon lander, it will transmit on UHF
    only. Although there is a ground station in Japan at Wakayama, hams around
    the world will be asked to listen for the transmissions on 437.41 MHz.

    More details about the project and how to QSL the reception of
    transmissions can be found on the JAXA Ham Radio Club website. We are including a link to that in the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    [FOR PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ: https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/home/omotenashi/JHRCweb/jhrc.html ]

    (JAXA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)

    **

    CONTEST UNIVERSITY ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS

    DON/ANCHOR: Are you ready for Contest University at Dayton Hamvention?
    Well, you still have a few months before it happens of course but don't let that stop you from registering. Contest University takes place at the Hope Hotel in Dayton, Ohio, on May 19, which is the day before Hamvention itself opens. Returnees will notice that this is a change of venue. It's closer to the Hamvention site at the fairgrounds in Xenia, and will be the home of
    all official contesting activities.

    You can register and get more details at the website contestuniversity dot com.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K5ARC repeater
    in Gonzales, Louisiana, on Thursdays at 8:15 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jan 20 21:45:04 2022
    DXERS PUSH TO RETAIN ACCESS TO ISLAND GROUP

    PAUL/ANCHOR: The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument is
    on the map for many avid DXers. Now they're working to make sure
    those islands get to stay there. Ralph Squillace, KK6ITF, explains
    what's happening.

    RALPH: Imagine logging a DX contact from any of the seven islands
    and atolls in the central Pacific Ocean managed by the US Fish &
    Wildlife Service. This group is known as the Pacific Remote Islands
    Marine National Monument. DXpeditions don't happen often there --
    in fact it's been almost four years since a five-member team from
    the Northern California DX Foundation landed on Baker Island using
    the callsign KH1/KH7Z. The foundation's Don Greenbaum, N1DG, is now
    leading an effort to open the islands up for more DXers to have the
    kind of experience he and his teammates had on Baker Island in
    2018. The US Fish & Wildlife Service, along with the National
    Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have received public
    comment on the proposal, which has the support of the Foundation.
    As a new management plan is being drafted for the islands, DXers
    want to be confident it will ensure continued occasional access
    there. The comment window closed on January 20th but the Foundation
    is hopeful. It said in a statement: [quote] "Ham radio was used by
    the early colonizers of Howland, Baker and Jarvis Islands in the
    mid 1930s. It is a tradition that extends to today with the 2018
    Baker Island radio expedition." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (OHIO PENN DX, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DX FOUNDATION)

    **

    ONLINE DX MUSEUM PRESERVES RARE AND VINTAGE QSLs

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Speaking of DX, many of us would agree, DX never gets
    old, even if those cards from far-away locations become vintage. Ed
    Durrant, DD5LP, tells us about a unique online museum of sorts that
    preserves QSL cards for sharing...we hope, forever.

    ED: Jean Michel, F6AJA, has thousands and thousands of QSL cards,
    some from rare DX entities, and he didn't even have to turn his rig
    on once to get them. Jean Michel has created an online gallery of
    images of nearly 20,000 QSL cards sorted into different albums,
    including an assortment of the 10 most wanted DXCC entities,
    spanning the years 2011 to 2020. The collection contains more than
    500 cards from contacts on rare French Pacific Islands, more than
    1,000 from the various research bases in Antarctica and
    commemorative stations for the IARU and the ITU. That collection
    has more than 900 cards. Hams collecting DX from the United States
    have contributed images from each of the states, all dating before
    1945. The site is in French but is available as an English
    translation. We are including the address in the text version of
    this week's newscast. You'll also find Jean Michel's email address.
    He's always looking to add to his collection and you can write to
    him if you're interested in contributing some of your own cards.

    [FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ: http://LesNouvellesDX.free.fr ]

    [FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ: LesNouvellesDX@free.fr ]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (OHIO PENN DX)

    **

    CLUB CREATES MAP TO CONNECT HAMS IN CANADA

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Hams in Canada have a new resource to help them locate
    other radio operators, as we hear from Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    SEL: The Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club VE3OSR in Canada is
    offering a way for hams to reconnect with one another through
    clubs, especially if they have lost touch during the pandemic.
    Clubs throughout Canada, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, are now
    shown on a colorful map display which is free online for all hams'
    reference. The Georgian Bay amateurs are encouraging other clubs in
    Canada to add themselves to the map, which can be done by using the
    button labeled "CONTACT" on the bottom of the web page containing
    the map. Visit gbarc dot ca stroke clubs dot php
    (gbarc.ca/clubs.php)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (GEORGIAN BAY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including
    the KD5DMT repeater in Benton County Arkansas on Saturdays at 7
    p.m. local times during the Amateur Radio Information Net on the
    Benton County Radio Operators' Repeater System.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jan 27 19:51:05 2022
    HAMS IN UK PREP FOR PLATINUM JUBILEE SPECIAL EVENT

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There will be big celebrations everywhere in the UK this
    year for the queens' platinum jubilee. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us how
    ham radio is getting involved.

    JEREMY: Hams in the UK who are planning to operate this June in
    celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee should keep their eyes on
    the website of the Radio Society of Great Britain. Ofcom has granted permission for callsigns to include the special regional secondary
    locator letter Q but its use will require a Notice of Variation. The
    website rsgb.org will carry those details shortly. Her Majesty Queen
    Elizabeth II is Britain's longest reigning monarch and thus the first to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Special use call signs have been used by
    hams for previous occasions, including the Queen's Golden Jubilee in
    2002 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    HAMS JOIN FCC'S TECH ADVISORY COUNCIL

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The two newest members of the FCC's Advisory Council are
    radio amateurs. Sel Embee, KB3 T Zed D, has the details.

    SEL: When the Federal Communications Commission's Technical Advisory
    Council holds its first meeting of the year on Feb. 28, two amateur
    radio operators will be part of the proceedings for the first time. Greg Lapin, N9GL, chairman of the ARRL's RF Safety Committee, and Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, CEO of the Open Research Institute, have joined the
    council following their appointment by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
    The FCC relies on the council's advice on a number of issues including artificial intelligence, emerging wireless technologies
    and advanced spectrum-sharing technologies.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (ARRL)

    **

    DEADLINE NEARS FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT NOMINATIONS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you know a software innovator who's devoted to
    helping amateur radio operations improve, you still have a little time
    to submit their name for the Amateur Radio Software Award. The deadline
    is February 14th. The international award is given each year to developers
    of creative open-source programs that follow good development practices
    and are available free to users. Previous winners have included Jordan
    Sherer, KN4CRD, for JS8Call, and Anthony Good, K3NG, for the K3NG Arduino
    CW Keyer.

    For details and to find the official nomination form, visit arsaward dot
    com (arsaward.com). The winner will be announced in April.

    (ARS AWARD WEBSITE)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the
    VK3HJQ repeater in Victoria, Australia, and the EchoLink Conference
    Server 69556 and IRLP Node 9556 on Sundays at 9 a.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Feb 4 11:23:51 2022
    CANADIAN AMATEURS RECEIVE GRANT FOR EMCOMM WORK

    DON/ANCHOR: Congratulations to the members of the New Westminster
    Amateur Radio Club in British Columbia which has been given an $8,000
    grant from the province to support and develop its emergency radio
    response capabilities. According to a report in the New Westminster
    Record, the ham club is among 250 nonprofit groups to receive grants
    from an estimated $140 million of funding, which supports public safety
    and conservation programs. The grant to the amateur radio club is part
    of about $5.5 million earmarked specifically for emergency and safety
    services.

    (THE NEW WESTMINSTER RECORD)

    **

    PILOTS FAULT ELECTRONIC 'SPOOFING' OF GPS SIGNALS

    DON/ANCHOR: No one likes radio interference - not hams and certainly
    not airline pilots. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, tells us about interference
    that's reportedly impacting planes' navigation.

    ED: Radio interference that has created electronic spoofing of GPS
    signals is reported to be interfering with aircraft attempting to land
    at Israel's Ben Gurion airport, according to several news outlets. The
    Times of Israel reports that the signals are coming from defense systems installed in Syria by Russia, and they are having an impact on commercial airliners.

    State-owned Israeli TV station KAN said that Moscow has told Israel the signals are part of defense systems designed to protect Russian soldiers
    in Syria. A pilot told the KAN news outlet that the signals during the
    last four weeks have been as strong as those experienced in early 2019.
    The pilot said however, that those earlier signals eventually stopped.
    He told the station [quote] "What we've run into is [electromagnetic]
    spectrum interference from the east, which has taken us a while to
    understand what it is." [endquote]

    The reports said that officials believe the interference with commercial planes is collateral damage and that the jamming is directed elsewhere.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (KAN ISRAELI TV, THE TIMES OF ISRAEL, THE TURKISH PRESS)

    **

    PANEL ASSESSES JAPAN'S EFFORT TO ATTRACT YOUNGER HAMS

    DON/ANCHOR: In Japan, officials have begun taking extra steps to ensure amateur radio is accessible for the youngest of the young who aspire to
    get their licenses. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, has been following that story.

    JASON: Members of a new panel designed to make amateur radio more
    accessible for beginners in Japan held their first meeting on January
    26th. The Amateur Radio Advisory Board for Wireless Human Resource
    Development was created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and
    Communications. One of its members is Yoshinori Takao, JG1KTC, president
    of the Japan Amateur Radio League.

    According to a press release on the Ministry's website, the goals
    include fostering experimentation and research in amateur radio and
    making activities more accessible for newcomers, especially the very
    young. The creation of the panel follows efforts during the past few
    years by Yoshinori and the JARL. Working in cooperation with the Japan
    Amateur Radio Development Association, the JARL pressed the Ministry
    two years ago to find more opportunities for elementary and junior high
    school students to learn about amateur radio.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (JARL, SOUTHGATE)

    **

    AM RALLY PAYS TRIBUTE TO ORIGINAL VOICE MODE

    DON/ANCHOR: Amplitude Modulation enthusiasts have been gearing up for
    the AM Rally being held from 0000UTC Saturday, February 5th through to
    0700 UTC on Monday, February 7th. Plans are in place, even with the
    prospect of a CME impacting 40m and up. Technician Class licensees even
    have a chance operating AM on 6m, with the preferred frequency of 50.400
    MHz. If you don't want to keep a log, you can still submit details about
    your participation on the event website. For details, visit amrally.com
    Then start listening for the call of "CQ, AM Rally."

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the Lookout Mountain Amateur Radio Community's N4LMC repeater and the LMARC SouthEast Link
    Digital Systems on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Feb 11 05:30:44 2022
    ISS TO BE DISPOSED OF IN WATERS OF 'POINT NEMO'

    JIM/ANCHOR: The deep waters of the South Pacific have been chosen as the
    final resting place for the International Space Station in the years
    ahead, as we hear from Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    JIM: The region is known as Point Nemo, the South Pacific Oceanic
    Uninhabited Area - and it's been selected by NASA as the final resting
    place of the International Space Station. The United States space agency intends to retire the space laboratory by 2031 by having it crash into
    this remote section of the ocean. While it is no surprise that plans were
    in the works for its retirement, NASA had been quiet until recently about
    its specific plans. The ISS was launched in 2000 and NASA has said, in announcing its plans that it intends to keep the space station operational until the very end. Its experiments and its many contacts through the
    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, have kept it and
    its more than 200 astronauts and cosmonauts in the spotlight over the
    years. NASA plans to yield the space station's position among the stars to commercial ventures. The final destination for the ISS is about 2,000
    miles north of Antarctica and 3,000 miles off the eastern coast of New Zealand. Since 1971, it's been a place that has become home to space
    debris from other nations, including Russia and Japan.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    (CNN)

    **

    PROBE CONCLUDES THAT RADIO WAVES SICKENED US DIPLOMATS

    JIM/ANCHOR: Radio waves have been pinpointed as the source of some health issues suffered by US diplomats overseas. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, has that update.

    KENT: A panel of investigators working for United States intelligence
    agencies has concluded that highly directional electromagnetic pulses are partly to blame for a baffling set of brain injuries reported by American spies and diplomats working abroad as far back as 2016.

    The scientists' conclusions affirm one previous theory for what has come
    to be called "Havana Syndrome." The findings indicate the radio signals
    were transmitted by an external device, afflicting some Central
    Intelligence Agency officers and diplomats. The panel's probe did not
    include attempts to determine who was behind the transmissions of the
    pulsed electromagnetic energy. The syndrome takes its name from the first group of people who exhibited such symptoms while assigned to the US
    Embassy in Havana, Cuba. Officials have said that similar symptoms have
    since been reported by Americans working for the US government in 70
    different countries.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson KC0DGY

    (NYTIMES, NBC)

    **

    SILENT KEY: PACKET RADIO PIONEER BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR

    JIM/ANCHOR: A pioneer in the development of APRS has become a Silent Key.
    With those details, here's Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    NEIL: The developer of the Automatic Packet Reporting System, or APRS, has become a Silent Key. Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, died on Monday, February 7th, according to a post on AMSAT's Facebook page quoting his daughter,
    Bethanne. He had been battling cancer for two years and was also diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the post. More than a quarter-century ago, Bob developed the now-widely-used packet radio technology that enables real-
    time tracking over ham frequencies.

    Bob, a US Navy veteran, had also been senior research engineer at the US
    Naval Academy's small satellite lab in Annapolis, Maryland. He, was author
    of the book "Energy Choices for the Radio Amateur," published by the ARRL.
    Bob wrote on his QRZ page that his ham radio journey began in 1963 with
    the Novice callsign WN4APR. He was a life member of AMSAT organization and belonged to the IEEE National Committee on Transportation and Aerospace Policy.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (AMSAT, IEEE, QRZ, FACEBOOK)

    **

    SPECIAL EVENT MARKS 80 YEARS SINCE VOA'S 1ST BROADCAST

    JIM/ANCHOR: The original 75Kw transmitter that went on the air for the
    first Voice of America broadcast 80 years ago this month is the
    centerpiece of a special event station celebrating that historic
    anniversary. The transmitter no longer works and is part of an exhibit at
    the VOA museum in West Chester, Ohio, but there are plenty of working transmitters - and transceivers - to celebrate the day it went live on February 1st, 1942. Hams will be calling QRZ as W3V, W8O and W4A - on February 19th and 20th - from VOA sites in Washington, DC; West Chester,
    Ohio; and Greenville, North Carolina. Jocelyn Brault, KD8VRX, of the West Chester Amateur Radio Association, WC8VOA, said certificates will be
    available for anyone who works any or all of the three stations. There
    will also be digital QSL cards for each individual site as well as paper
    QSLs. Be listening on CW, SSB and FT8 both days between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time. For details, visit any of the three stations' pages on
    QRZ.com.

    (JOCELYN BRAULT, KD8VRX)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Feb 17 21:30:18 2022
    SOLAR STORM DISABLES SOME STARLINK SATELLITES

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Satellites destined for the Starlink constellation were lost
    just a day after launch as the result of a solar storm. Andy Morrison,
    K9AWM, picks up that story.

    ANDY: A geomagnetic storm disrupted nearly 50 SpaceX Starlink satellites
    that were in low-earth orbit following their deployment one day earlier.
    The satellites went into safe mode to minimize atmospheric drag's effects
    on their orbits but Starlink said as many as 40 of them would likely be
    lost, becoming little more than space debris when they dropped out of
    their allocated orbit. According to several news reports, the storm made
    the atmosphere too dense for the satellites to make their way to the
    higher altitudes of their planned orbits. The February 3rd launch sought
    to add the new satellites to the 2,000 or so already in the Starlink constellation providing space-based internet access. According to CNN,
    there are about 145,000 Starlink subscribers in 25 countries.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (CNN, SPACE.COM)

    **

    UK HAMS MARK 100 YEARS OF BRITISH BROADCASTING

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Even as the London BBC Radio Group marks 100 years of
    British broadcasting by operating its special event station GB100BBC, a
    second group of hams in the UK is creating its own party. Jeremy Boot,
    G4NJH, brings us those details.

    JEREMY: The Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is marking the centenary
    this month of a programme aired on the 14th of February 1922, one hundred years ago, from a hut not far from Chelmsford.

    Preceded by the familiar station announcement of "This is Two Emma Toc,"
    the programme itself featured talk and occasional piano music - all transmitted at 200 watts on a frequency of 428 kHz. This entertainment broadcast helped bring about the creation of what was to become the BBC
    in 1922.

    The Chelmsford hams will be on HF, VHF and UHF and are operating all
    month as GB1002MT. They will confirm QSOs via eQSL and LoTW only.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (SOUTHGATE, CHELMSFORD AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY)

    **

    AMSAT SOUTH AFRICA SEEKS PAPERS FOR SYMPOSIUM

    PAUL/ANCHOR: AMSAT South Africa is looking for presenters for its virtual symposium being held in July. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, has that story.

    JASON: With the COVID-19 pandemic still a major concern, AMSAT South
    Africa will be holding its annual space symposium as a virtual event
    again this year. The one-day event will take place on Saturday the 23rd
    of July, showcasing the theme "Space, the next frontier for expansion of amateur radio."

    Organisers are still seeking proposals for papers and are asking that all prospective presenters send in their submissions by the 31st of March.
    Each presenter will receive a time slot of 20 to 30 minutes and will be
    given a 10-minute period for questions and answers.

    Topics may range from the basics on how to use hand-held transceivers to
    work satellites all the way to more complex issues, such as building satellites or conducting space research with a space weather station.

    Accepted presentations are due in by the 1st of July in Microsoft Word
    and PowerPoint format. For details, email organisers at admin at amsatsa
    dot org dot za (admin@amsatsa.org.za).

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (AMSAT-SA, SARL)

    **

    SPECIAL EVENT BRINGS PLUTO A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Want to work Pluto? Well there's still time and it's not the
    kind of DX contact you think. Here's Randy Sly, W4XJ, to tell you how.

    RANDY: When tuning across the ham bands, you never know what you'll
    encounter. This week, for instance, you might hear operators talking
    about the planet Pluto and its discovery. The Northern Arizona DX
    Association is, again, hosting its annual Pluto Anniversary Countdown, celebrating the discovery of the planet by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. This
    is the second year for the special event from the Lowell Observatory in Arizona. The special event will end in its centennial year of 2030.

    You may hear stories like some from last year, when contacts talked about meeting the famed astronomer at their grade school, at star parties or
    through an astronomy course. One contact, Uno Carlsson, KC3EJS, was an aerospace engineer and part of the team for the New Horizons project that
    did a fly-by of Pluto in 2015.

    Look for W7P on the air through February 21st. You might even have a
    chance to talk with Doug Tombaugh, N3PDT, nephew of the man whose
    discovery changed a bit of how we look at our galaxy. Doug and four
    other hams are operating as W7P/0.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Feb 25 08:45:07 2022
    DIGITAL VOICE EMERGENCY NETWORK PLANNED IN MAINE

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The largest United States county east of the Mississippi
    River is about to get its first digital amateur radio emergency service
    to be affiliated with the county. Jim Damron, N8TMW, has that story.

    JIM: There's a lot of ground to cover in Aroostook [pronounced: uh-ROO-
    stick] County, Maine, which at more than 6600 square miles, has a lot
    going on when disaster strikes. A group of amateur radio operators
    calling themselves the Caribou Emergency Amateur Radio Service are now
    working to establish formal emergency communications structure in that
    rural county with D-STAR. The idea is to connect hams with one another as
    well as local and state agencies using that digital voice mode. Emergency response is already provided from the Aroostook Amateur Radio Association
    and ARES, but Caribou's response will primarily come alongside those of
    county agencies using D-STAR. Caribou announced on its Facebook page
    earlier this month that it is working to establish the first D-STAR
    repeater in northern Maine.

    Meanwhile, T.H. Merritt, KM4TJI, the group's president and cofounder,
    told a Bangor, Maine newspaper that the group has already met with local
    fire, police and emergency medical services. He said that the Caribou
    group is being created based on his experience as an emergency radio
    operator in Florida and has a membership of 17. That is expected to grow
    as more people sign up and begin studying for their ham radio licenses.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (BANGOR DAILY NEWS)

    **

    AMATEURS ENJOY TWO QSO PARTIES IN ONE

    NEIL/ANCHOR: What's better than one QSO party? Try two that are going on
    in the Carolinas. Kevin Trotman, N5PRE, has the details.

    KEVIN: In the United States, North and South Carolina are teaming up for
    a two-QSO-party weekend: On Saturday, February 26th, hams in South
    Carolina's 46 counties will be chasing contacts. There is a new category
    for hams operating portable from temporary stations, activating in one or
    more counties. Expedition stations may move from county to county.'

    On Sunday, February 27th, it's North Carolina's turn and hams will be
    chasing contacts in that state's 100 counties. There are bonus points for working the NC4QP bonus station as well as the callsigns N4D, N4U, N4K,
    N4E -- all the stations having suffixes that spell "DUKE" in honor of
    Duke University, the pride of North Carolina.

    For details on both QSO parties, see the text version of this week's
    Newsline script at arnewsline.org.

    [FOR PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ:

    https://ncqsoparty.org/ http://scqso.com/ ]

    From beautiful Aiken, South Carolina, this is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE, for Amateur Radio Newsline.

    **

    HAM RADIO UNIVERSITY WORKSHOPS NOW ONLINE

    NEIL/ANCHOR: If there was a workshop you wanted to attend at the virtual
    Ham Radio University conference, but missed it, now's your chance to make
    up for lost time. Stephen Kinford, N8WB, tells us how.

    STEPHEN: Held on January 8th as a virtual conference, Ham Radio
    University may be over but it's not gone. Videos of the day-long event
    have been uploaded to YouTube where any number of workshops are available
    for viewing. Whether you couldn't attend HRU or weren't able to get to
    all the workshops you wanted, the HRU YouTube channel makes it easy to
    see what you missed.

    In addition to the introductory classes for DXing and the basics of HF operating, presenters also cover contesting, the various logging programs
    out there, Parks on the Air, the HF digital modes and QRP operations. As
    well as several other topics covered in the videos, an assortment of
    workshops from previous years complete the channel. Ham Radio University played host to the ARRL New York City / Long Island Section Convention.

    Find a link to the channel in the text for this week's newscast script at arnewsline.org

    [PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ: www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioUniversityNLI/videos]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (HRU)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Mar 3 21:11:59 2022
    TRANSATLANTIC TRIUMPH FOR REPLICA TRANSMITTER

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A transmitter that was built to honor the one used 100
    years ago during the famous Transatlantic Tests scored big during brief
    QSO Party on Saturday, February 26th. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, tells us
    about it.

    KENT: It was a memorable moment as the 100-year-old vacuum tubes inside a replica of the Transatlantic Test transmitter powered a signal that once
    again spanned an ocean -- and perhaps even time. For three hours, three
    museum volunteers put callsign W2AN/1BCG on the air, marking the
    successful completion of repairs done since the replica's activation for
    the December centennial of the historic December 1921 test. Ed Gable,
    K2MP, Peter Schuch, WB2UAQ, and Bill Hopkins, AA2YV, operated for three
    hours from upstate New York feeding a T-antenna with lots of radials. The moment seemed right: Ed told Newsline that [quote] "a very nice thing happened." [endquote] He said operators crowding the bands in the
    weekend's 160m SSB contest appeared to move aside and make room for the important 375-watt transmission. Some high points:Reaching farther west in
    the US to log W8KGI in New Mexico -- and crossing the ocean once more,
    logging OH1XX in Finland, and YO2VG in Romania. Ed, the museum's curator emeritus, said this ends the 100-year-celebration. He said [quote] "The transmitter now goes into display mode at the museum and will wake up
    sometime in someone else's future." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (ED GABLE, K2MP/W2AN)

    **

    GERMAN YL BECOMES NEW YOUNGEST ADVANCED LICENSEE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The newest advanced class license-holder in Germany is a
    YL barely in her teens. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, tells us about her.

    ED: A 13-year-old girl in Germany can now join the rest of her family on
    the air, and celebrate her recent achievement: Congratulations to
    Frederike Dötsch, DH9FD, who has become the country's youngest person to currently hold a Class A radio amateur licence. She follows in the
    footsteps of another bright YL, Laura Bergmann, DL2JJ, who was only 10
    years old in 2017 when holding her previous callsign of DO9JJ, upgraded
    her licence from novice to full, joining both her parents on the air.

    Frederike passed her license exam administered by BNetzA, the Federal
    Network Agency and now joins her parents and her grandfather as active
    hams. According to a press release from the DARC, she has been a member of
    the German amateur radio club since late last year. With her new advanced level of licence, she is permitted to transmit on all ham radio
    frequencies in Germany. Be listening for her on the air.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (DARC)

    **

    NEWSLINE'S YHOTY 2022 NOMINATIONS OPEN

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Online nominations are now being accepted for the Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year
    award. NewslineΓÇÖs Mark Abramowicz (pronouncer- Abram-uh-vich) NT3V is the chairman of the YHOTY award committee, and has this report.

    MARK: Our founder, the late Bill Pasternak WA6ITF, established this award
    45 years ago to recognize the outstanding achievements of young people -
    boys and girls - through amateur radio.

    It brought him great joy to read the many nominations he forwarded to a
    select group of judges to choose the winner. He insisted an independent
    panel of amateur radio's best to pick from the nominees.

    I can tell you, Bill was always thrilled with the results.

    I know this, because Bill asked me to fill a board vacancy and serve as the chairman of the award and judging committee in 2002.

    I was honored when Josh Abramowicz KB3GWY, now KK4WDP, my son, was
    nominated by a fellow Scouter to receive the award, and we met in
    Huntsville where Bill presented it.

    We lost Bill in 2015.

    However, his legacy lives on as the Amateur Radio Newsline staff
    unanimously agreed to attach his name to the award to honor his memory.

    Now, it's up to you! We here at Newsline need your help to identify a
    young person 18 years or younger living in the Continental USA to nominate
    for the 2022 award.

    The nomination form and details are available on our website -
    arnewsline.org. We only accept online nominations to speed the process
    and make it easier for you to compile photos, letters, emails, and anything else you can think of to help us get to know the young person you're endorsing. The most important link right now in all of this is you.

    Don't wait until the last minute because a good nomination packet takes
    time to prepare. The deadline for nominations is May 31.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Mar 10 22:24:58 2022
    SILENT KEY: ETHERNET NETWORKING'S DAVID BOGGS, WA3DBJ

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Everyone, in their own way, leaves a mark on the world.
    Paul Braun, WD9GCO, tells us about one ham who changed the world. This
    ham recently became a Silent Key.

    PAUL: David Boggs, WA3DBJ, was part of the team who invented the packet- switching ethernet networking standard that now connects most of the
    world's computers. Even if you use Wi-Fi, some part of the signal chain
    is connected with ethernet. David became a Silent Key on February 19th, according to his wife, Marcia Bush.

    David worked in the iconic Computer Science Laboratory, part of the
    legendary Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, or PARC. This is the place
    where, in the early 1970s, a group of brilliant minds invented most of
    the concepts and hardware that would define modern computing as we know
    it today. His partner in the effort, Bob Metcalfe, once described Boggs
    as "the perfect partner. I was more of a concept artist, and he was a build-the-hardware-in-the-back-room engineer." To us, it makes perfect
    sense that it was a ham who took an idea, went into the workshop and
    figured out how to cobble the hardware together. His legacy lives on
    almost everywhere you look.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    **

    SILENT KEY: DISASTER RELIEF VOLUNTEER EDWARD WARREN COX, KE3D

    NEIL/ANCHOR: A Texas man whose six decades on the air were marked by his advocacy for disaster relief communications as well as amateur radio in education has become a Silent Key. Jack Parker, W8ISH, has that story.

    JACK: A veteran of the US Army Signal Corps, where he served during the Vietnam War, Edward Warren Cox, KE3D, continued his commitment to
    service throughout the years that followed. A ham for nearly six
    decades, he volunteered in emergency and disaster relief communications, especially during hurricanes and assisted in the conversion of an
    ambulance into a mobile command center.

    Ed died on February 21st in Austin, Texas.

    First licensed as a ham with the callsign KN3SWJ in 1962, he became an
    avid DXer and DXpeditioner. He eventually earned a license in the UK as
    G5EC and held CEPT permits to operate in Belgium, Germany and The
    Netherlands. An advocate for amateur radio in education, he worked as a volunteer at a number of schools assisting with radio contact with some
    of NASA's Space Shuttles, in a program that predated ARISS. He was the
    husband of Joan Cox KD4SRD and a life member of the ARRL, RACES and
    ARES. He was also a member of the Austin Amateur Radio Club, which has established the Ed Cox KE3D Memorial Fund which will help provide radio equipment for schools.

    Ed Cox was 75.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (THE STATESMAN)

    **

    REGISTRATION OPENS FOR SEA-PAC

    NEIL/ANCHOR: If you're heading to Oregon for SEA-PAC, now is the time to register. Here's Stephen Kinford, N8WB, with details.

    STEPHEN: SEA-PAC, the largest amateur radio convention in the American Northwest, is promising "sand, surf, and radios" - and all of it in
    person this summer. Online registration opened on the 7th of March. The convention, which is happening June 3rd through the 5th, will be at the Seaside Convention Center in Oregon. This will also serve as the
    location for the ARRL's Northwestern Division convention. According to
    the SEA-PAC website, the event will comply with whatever state and local regulations are in effect for COVID-19 at the time. A SEA-PAC QSO Party
    will be held the weekend before - on May 28th - to get everyone ready
    for the three-day event. For registration or information visit the
    website at seapac dot org (seapac.org)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (SEA-PAC)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including OH-KY-
    IN Amateur Radio Society's K8SCH repeater in Cincinnati, Ohio, on
    Wednesdays at 9 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Mar 18 10:57:19 2022
    ARECIBO REOPENS TO VISITORS IN PUERTO RICO

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: The Arecibo Observatory, former home of the iconic radio telescope, is opening its doors to visitors once more, as Mike Askins,
    KE5CXP, tells us.

    MIKE: The powerful radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto
    Rico is long gone following a collapse in 2020, but its visitor center and observation deck are back in business. Guests making reservations in
    advance are able to see what's left of the reflective dish that helped researchers win a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1993.

    Ricardo Correa, director of communications, told United Press
    International: [quote] "Arecibo is not closed anymore." [endquote]. He
    said that scientific research still continues at the United States
    National Science Foundation facility using such tools as a 12-meter
    telescope and a LIDAR scanning to study the atmosphere by bouncing laser
    beams off particles above our planet.

    There is also a tribute to the iconic radio telescope itself. An outdoor exhibit features artifacts recovered from the telescope and its platform.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mike Askins, KE5CXP.

    (UPI)

    **

    OHIO SCHOOL HAM CLUB TRANSMITS WISDOM, WIRELESSLY

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: In one Ohio school, lessons on electronics theory and the electromagnetic spectrum have graduated to a level way beyond theory. Andy Morrison, K9AWM, brings us that story.

    ANDY: On Tuesday nights in a high school biology room, members of the Columbiana Clippers Amateur Radio Club, K8LPS, can be found calling QRZ.
    Not only are they logging contacts; they're gaining a deeper understanding
    of the lessons about the electromagnetic spectrum taught at the school
    since 2018 by Columbiana Police Sgt. Wade Boley, N8YMX, one of the
    school's resource officers. The club rig, which was donated by a local business, puts out 100 watts of power and the students are putting out immeasurable enthusiasm.

    Wade told the newspaper that ham radio has also provided geography lessons since the students always look up any DX contact they've worked for the
    first time. The other map is provided by Wade, teaching youngsters the geography of electronics: how to read circuits and interpret schematics.

    Some students, however, are finding a roadmap for life.

    Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, told the Morning Journal News newspaper that
    becoming a ham has helped her with leadership skills, giving
    presentations, mathematics ability and communications. She told the
    newspaper: [quote] "Amateur radio in general has helped me in every aspect
    of my life." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (MORNING JOURNAL NEWS)

    **

    HAMVENTION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: Congratulations to the winners of this year's awards to be presented at Hamvention. Club of the Year: The Highland Amateur Radio Association in Hillsboro, Ohio; Special achievement: Kerry Banke, N6IZW,
    for his years of work with amateur radio in space; Technical achievement:
    Adam Farson VA7OJ / AB4OJ, for his ongoing technical support to hams
    globally; and Amateur of the Year, Jim Simpson, KF8J. Awards will be
    presented in Xenia, Ohio the weekend of Hamvention, May 20th through the
    22nd.

    (MICHAEL KALTER, W8CI, TIM DUFFY, K3LR)

    **

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: Hams use less visible parts of the natural world: the electromagnetic spectrum and the ionosphere. And now hams around the world
    are getting ready to call attention to that same world's more visible and treasured parts: the national parks and protected natural areas in the countries of the Americas. Jim Damron, N8TMW, has the details.

    JIM: For one week in April, the World Wide Flora & Fauna program is urging
    hams throughout the Americas to participate in its "Parks in the Americas Week" between April 3rd and April 10th. Operation qualifies hams for recognition in the International Awards Program of the WWFF and it makes
    each chosen natural setting a winner too. Activation with a portable
    station calls attention to these nature preservation areas, which are
    listed on the WWFF website. The names of all qualifying natural areas can
    be obtained by contacting the national WWFF coordinator in each country.

    Ronaldo, PS8RV, the Brazilian national coordinator, wrote on the WWFF
    website that hams will be permitted to operate on CW, SSB, FM and FT8 and there will also be awards for shortwave listeners.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (WWFF.CO)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the W4HPL repeater
    in Cookeville, Tennessee on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Mar 25 00:21:17 2022
    AUSTRALIAN HAMS HELP ONE ANOTHER FOLLOWING FLOOD LOSSES

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Amateur radio clubs are proud to be able to help in
    disasters - but what happens when the clubs themselves become victims?
    John Williams, VK4JJW, tells us how one club in Australia has stepped up
    to help a dozen of those whose shacks were devastated by recent floods.

    JOHN: An amateur radio club on the border of New South Wales and
    Victoria in Australia has come to the rescue of a dozen or so clubs
    that, like their own, works to assist communities ravaged by such
    disasters as bush fires, earthquakes and floods. In this case, however,
    the North East Victoria Amateur Radio Club has stepped in because the
    other clubs became victims themselves after recent floods destroyed
    their vital radio gear, and in many cases, washed it away. The club has
    been providing assistance by collecting funds as well as new radio gear.

    Frank Scott, VK2BFC, secretary of the club, told ABC.NET news that a
    fund has been created to replace as much of the other clubs' lost gear
    as possible. He said many of the clubs belong to the Wireless Institute
    of Australia's Civil Emergency Network. According to Frank, most of the equipment that was lost was not covered by flood damage insurance. Frank
    said it was difficult to get that kind of insurance for such items as
    ham radio equipment, and communication towers.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (ABC.NET)

    **

    TWO-DAY DRILL IN INDIA PREPS FOR DISASTER

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Two groups of hams tested their portable communications capabilities recently on a remote island in India. Jason Daniels,
    VK2LAW, tells us about their drill.

    JASON: An exercise in emergency preparedness brought hams in one region
    of India to a remote island on the River Ganga near Patna, the capital
    city of Bihar. It was a two-day field exercise on March 12th and 13th
    for members of the Society of Radio Amateurs, relying only on battery
    power for more than 30 hours. They were joined by operators from the
    Indian Wave of Amateur Radio, VU2IWA, based in Kolkata who, like the
    hams from Bihar, know that preparedness is essential in a region like
    theirs, which is prone to earthquakes and floods. Radio conditions that weekend were conducive to good contacts. According to a report on the
    Global Bihari news site, hundreds of QSOs were made between that remote
    island and radio operators as far away as Europe. The hams were pleased
    with the results since many of them provide essential communication
    during the region's natural disasters.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (GLOBAL BIHARI)

    **

    AMATEURS FOCUS ON SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Weather preparedness is a priority everywhere, and Randy
    Sly, W4XJ, tells us how those of us in the United States can get
    involved.

    RANDY: As we, here in the United States, approach the season for thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes, the National Weather Service is holding Severe Weather Preparedness Weeks across the country. Tornado
    drills, announcements through the media and personal preparation
    information are just a few ways the Weather Service is getting the word
    out at this time of year to be prepared.

    It's a good time for amateur radio operators, involved in ARES, RACES,
    CERT, Skywarn, and other groups, to ensure that we are also prepared.
    This includes making sure that all radios, accessories along with backup
    power sources are fully functional and that all contact information is
    up to date with the agencies and organizations served.

    Christopher Strong, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the Baltimore/Washington DC Weather Forecast Office told Amateur Radio
    Newsline that hams can play a big part in being "weather aware," by
    knowing what threats are possible. Hams should have a plan if extreme
    weather occurs. Strong said that, during an event, operators are
    important as they actively gather impact data from their community and
    get that information back to the National Weather Service, which
    improves the accuracy of the notifications being issued.

    Over the years, the motto: "When all else fails, amateur radio" has
    proven true in many situations. This is not only due to amateur
    operators' readiness to serve, but our willingness to be prepared.

    For more information, go to weather.gov and click on Spring
    Preparedness.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    **

    NOMINATE YOUNG AMATEURS FOR NEWSLINE AWARD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: It's time to think about the next generation of radio
    operators, and appreciate their skill and dedication. Perhaps one of them
    will be the next recipient of the Amateur Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award. Consider nominating an amateur
    radio operator 18 years of age or younger with talent, promise and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio. Find application forms on our
    website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab. Nominations close May
    31st.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Mar 31 20:54:24 2022
    RADIO TRIUMPH ATOP CARIBBEAN'S HIGHEST POINT

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There was celebration in the Dominican Republic, where
    one radio amateur achieved his longtime goal atop the Caribbean's highest peak. Jim Meachen, ZED L 2 B H F, brings us his story.

    JIM: There was nothing easy about the climb up Pico Duarte, the highest
    point in the Dominican Republic -- indeed the highest point in the
    Caribbean -- but Yeudy Marte, HI5YJM, wasn't looking for this to be easy.
    When he set off on the morning of Saturday, March 12th with a group of 20
    or so hikers, he was looking for a challenge. Yeudy found it there in the
    Jose del Carmen Ramirez National Park. His goal was to successfully make
    the climb and then activate the peak.

    He and his fellow hikers battled a steep path and faced strong winds -
    but within an hour of operating, Yeudy had a log he could be proud of. He
    told Newsline in an email that, operating on 2 metres FM, he first
    contacted Carlos, HI5CBB, followed by Gabriel, HI8GSP. He made 11
    contacts within the hour. He had also hoped to operate on 20 metres QRP,
    but told Newsline that conditions made that impossible.

    Pico Duarte has an elevation of 3,098 metres, or 10,164 feet -- and to
    Yeudy, that marked the height of his success.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    (YEUDY MARTE, HI5YJM, SOTA REFLECTOR)

    **

    CLUB ASSIGNED CALLSIGN OF SILENT KEY IN HER HONOR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The former callsign of a friend, leader, and influential
    YL who became a Silent Key two years ago is now the callsign of the club
    she called home. Dave Parks, WB8ODF, brings us the details.

    DAVE: You can detect the presence of Connie Ballantyne twice among her
    friends in the CIRCLE Amateur Radio Club. You'll find her in the name of
    the club itself, which is an acronym for Connie's International Radio Communicators Linking Electronically. And now, you'll find it in the
    club's callsign too: KB0ZSG, which had been Connie's callsign until she
    became a Silent Key in February 2020 from breast cancer. Connie's
    worldwide legacy included an international D-STAR Net held Sundays at 7
    p.m. Central Time in the US. As many as 150 hams check in regularly from around the world.

    Club president Steven Reiners, KC9SIO, told Newsline that during the seven-hour net that followed shortly after Connie's death, hams pressed
    for the net's name to be changed to honor her. They asked if her callsign could be obtained for the club. Steven said: [quote] "They have all
    given me the best advice throughout this long, difficult process."
    [endquote]

    Steven, who had been Connie's main back up as net control since 2013, is
    now working with club members on a third way to keep Connie's presence
    among them: establishing a D-Star Repeater bearing her callsign to be permalinked to Reflector 91C. He said the net has been hosted there for
    nearly two years thanks to Clayton VK7ZCR, Ian, VK3JS, Nigel, VK3GY; and
    Phil, VK3PG. It's no surprise: The reflector is known affectionately as Ninety-One "C" for Connie.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Dave Parks, WB8ODF.

    (STEVEN REINERS KC9SIO)

    **

    LICW CLUB LAUNCHES TALKGROUP ON DMR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: When they're not sending CW, many hams just like to
    chat -- and sometimes those ragchews are about CW. Now there's a new home
    for discussions such as these. Jim Damron, N8TMW, tells us more.

    JIM: Morse Code enthusiasts around the world have been checking into a
    new DMR Talk Group that's been launched by the Long Island CW Club. Talk
    Group 59973 is on the TGIF Network and is open to anyone with an interest
    in - or curiosity about - using CW. Traffic is slowly building on the
    Talk Group and activity goes on around the clock. Hams engage in general ragchews, handle technical questions or use the Talk Group to make a date
    to get on one of the HF frequencies for a QSO using CW. Hams with
    hotspots as well as those with TGIF repeater access are able to check in
    once they have registered their DMR ID with the network at tgif dot
    network (tgif.network). Then they simply push to talk and put their call
    sign out there.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (GROUPS.IO)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Apr 7 21:08:54 2022
    FCC CLARIFIES NEW AMATEUR RADIO APPLICATION FEES

    JIM/ANCHOR: In the US, the Federal Communications Commission has
    clarified its new application fee which takes effect this month.
    Stephen Kinford, N8WB, has the details.

    STEPHEN: If you're looking to upgrade your US amateur radio license, the
    FCC's new $35 application fee will not apply to you. The commission
    recently clarified the circumstances under which the new fees will be
    applied when they take effect on April 19th. The FCC said that upgrading amateur radio license classes or changing club station trustees are
    exempt from the fee. The fee does not apply to any changes of email
    address or postal mailing address either. The fee will be applied
    however, for new licenses, renewals, rule waivers or new vanity call
    signs.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (FCC, ARRL)

    **

    HAMS IN INDIA HELP REUNITE MISSING MAN WITH FAMILY

    JIM/ANCHOR: Connections between amateur radio operators in different
    parts of India proved especially useful for one group of hams looking to reunite a lost man with his family. John Williams, VK4JJW, tells us how
    it happened.

    JOHN: Amateur radio operators have reunited a man from Kolkata, India
    with his family after the man went missing last year while taking his
    parents on a trip to Kanyakumari, a coastal town on the southern end of
    India.

    Hams from the West Bengal Radio Club, who have a long track record of
    success in solving missing-persons cases, were contacted recently by the
    man's father, a retired customs officer in his 70s.

    An account in the Millennium Post newspaper tells how Ambarish Nag
    Biswas, VU2JFB, club secretary, worked with amateurs in Chennai to track
    down the missing man. The hams circulated a photograph of him that was provided by his parents, who had been searching for their son on their
    own without luck. According to the newspaper story, on Friday April 1st
    the man was seen on the street in Kanyakumari begging for money. A
    photograph was taken of him and shown to his parents. Only his father recognised him, due to the son's changed appearance. The father reported
    that his son had been prone to depression the past several years. Once
    his identity was confirmed, the man was taken into safe custody at a
    local police station to await his parents' arrival. Ambarish Nag Biswas
    told the newspaper that amateur radio operator, Debdutta Mukherjee,
    VU3JXA, was going to accompany the father when he went to retrieve his
    son. Kanyakumari is more than 2,000 km from Kolkata.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (MILLENNIUM POST, THE TIMES OF INDIA)

    **

    GET READY FOR WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY

    JIM/ANCHOR: Hams around the world will be marking Monday, April 19th as
    World Amateur Radio Day, a day of global friendship. This is the date on
    which the International Amateur Radio Union was created in Paris in
    1925. Its first president was Hiram Percy Maxim, who was cofounder of
    the American Radio Relay League. Hams will be extended the spirit of friendship by doing what they do best - getting on the air. One such
    event will be the net being held on the Echolink Conference node 531091 starting at 1300 UTC on April 19th and ending at 0500 UTC on April 20th.
    Other events can be found by searching social media platforms with the
    hashtag #WorldAmateurRadioDay.

    **

    VIRTUAL WORKSHOP HELPS TRAIN HAMS FOR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

    JIM/ANCHOR: Hams in the US are attending an important virtual workshop
    on hurricane preparedness and its various sessions will be available on YouTube afterward. Randy Sly, W4XJ, has those details.

    RANDY: As hurricane season moves in along the East Coast of the United
    States, amateur radio operators will be able to train for hurricane preparedness during a free workshop being held virtually on Monday April
    11th. The workshop is taking place during the National Hurricane
    Conference with various sessions being held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and
    from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. Topics include the
    importance of surface reporting by ham radio operators, an overview of
    the Hurricane Watch Net, a look at the VoIP Hurricane Net and best
    practices in SKYWARN. There will also be a presentation on the Salvation
    Army Team Emergency Response Radio Network, known by the acronym SATERN.

    The workshop will be held on Zoom. Those who are unable to attend or
    missed the workshop altogether can view everything later on Youtube. The workshop may be virtual, but hurricane season is not.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    (LLOYD COLSTON, KC5FM)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Apr 15 08:17:51 2022
    MARCONI DAY REAFFIRMS HAMS' CONNECTIONS TO RADIO HISTORY

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Marconi Day is another favorite among hams because it
    honors our shared history no matter where our QTH is. Jeremy Boot,
    G4NJH, tells us about this year's event.

    JEREMY: Connections to Guglielmo Marconi are everywhere: In Italy, the
    UK, the Falkland Islands, Germany, Austria and the United States. Those locations and more will be lighting up the amateur radio map on April
    23rd - the Saturday closest to Marconi's birth date -- as stations get
    on the air for International Marconi Day. These are official stations
    that have registered with the annual event's organiser, the Cornish
    Radio Amateur Club GX4CRC. They will be using the callsign GB4IMD during
    the 24 hours. Marconi's actual birthday was the 25th of April, 1874.
    Hams are being encouraged to make contact with these historic sites
    which have connections to the radio pioneer. Registered stations will
    only be active from sites where Marconi had operated from, lived or set
    up an experimental station.

    Deadline is April 22nd. For details, visit the website in the text
    version of this week's newscast.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    FOR PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ: gx4crc.com/gb4imd/

    (CORNISH RADIO AMATEUR CLUB)

    **

    CROATIA WILL BE HOME TO IARU REGION 1 YOUTH SUMMER CAMP

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Young amateurs who live in Region 1 of the IARU and guests
    from regions 2 and 3 can start making plans right now for summer camp.
    This year, it's in Croatia. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, has the details.

    ED: After the pandemic forced the cancellation of the YOTA summer camp
    for two years in IARU Region 1, organisers are back on track. The camp
    is accepting attendee applications for this year's camp which will be
    held in August in Croatia, in Karlovac, just outside of Zagreb. The host
    for this 10th edition of the camp is HRS, the Croatian national amateur
    radio association.

    Youth coordinators throughout Region 1 are being asked to identify as
    many as four participants from their member society and submit the
    youngsters' applications no later than May 8th. Each team will consist
    of a team leader between the ages of 18 and 30 and a small group of team members, aged 15 to 25. Team leaders may be chosen from attendees of
    previous YOTA camps but team members must be first-time attendees. No
    more than 80 may attend. The dates for the camp are August 6th through
    the 13th.

    For additional details about costs and schedules, visit the Youngsters
    on the Air website at ham dash yota dot com. (ham-yota.com)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (IARU REGION 1)

    **

    YOUTH ON THE AIR SEEKS HOST VENUE FOR 2023 SUMMER CAMP

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The summer of 2022 isn't here just yet in the Western
    Hemisphere, but if you aren't already thinking about the summer of
    2023 - yes, that's 2023! - maybe you should be. Andy Morrison, K9AWM,
    explains.

    ANDY: The Youth on the Air Camp for young amateurs in North, Central and
    South America is on the move. While campers prepare for this summer's adventures just north of Cincinnati, Ohio, organizers are looking for a
    host site for next year's regional camp and are opening a bidding
    process for the next location. The week-long camp is open to licensed
    amateur radio operators between the ages of 15 and 25. Potential hosts
    should be able to schedule the camp between June 1 and August 15, 2023
    and have access to meeting rooms, event space, and lodging that can accommodate 25 to 40 youngsters and 10 to 15 staff members for six to
    seven days. Outdoor spaces will be needed for some events. The camp also requires space for at least three HF stations and antennas to be on the
    air simultaneously. More details and a host application form are
    available in an information packet at YouthOnTheAir.org. If you have
    questions or are interested in applying to host, contact assistant
    director Adam Johnson, KD9KIS, at adam@youthontheair.org no later than
    June 30, 2022.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Andy Morrison, K9AWM

    (YOUTH ON THE AIR)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the
    W0EF repeater of the Hennepin Twin City FM Club in St. Louis Park,
    Minnesota, on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Apr 22 07:57:57 2022
    VOA MUSEUM TO EXTEND HOURS DURING HAMVENTION

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: In Ohio next month, there will be more to Hamvention
    weekend than just Hamvention. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, tells us about one
    option visitors will have.

    NEIL: It's become a Hamvention tradition: Expanded hours for visitors at
    the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting during Hamvention
    weekend next month. The museum and the West Chester Amateur Radio
    Association are looking forward to hosting convention-goers and
    providing a look at the exhibits, which include the Robert Drake
    collection of radios and the recently restored transmitter that provided
    the first VOA broadcast into occupied Europe on February 1st, 1942.
    Meanwhile, if you're hoping to get in some QSOs while you're spending
    the weekend in Ohio, licensed amateurs will be able to operate from the
    club's WC8VOA station on the premises. The expanded hours are Thursday
    May 19th, Friday May 20th and Saturday, May 21st, from 1 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, May 22nd from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10.00 at the door. The
    museum is a short drive from the fairgrounds in Xenia.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (JOCELYN BRAULT, KD8VRX/VA2VRX)

    **

    GERMANY'S HAM RADIO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN TO BE A REUNION

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: Another amateur radio reunion among friends is taking
    place in Germany in just a few weeks. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, brings us those details.

    ED: After a difficult period of cancellations of in-person gatherings
    around the world, Europe's number one amateur radio event, Ham Radio Friedrichshafen, is calling itself "a reunion with friends," a theme
    shared by another of the word's other major ham exhibitions, Hamvention
    in Xenia, Ohio in the US. The event website says that Germany looks
    forward to playing host to the world at the 45th international amateur
    radio exhibition at the Neue Messe in Friedrichshafen from June 24th to
    26th. It is important to note that tickets are only available online, so
    those attending must have tickets in hand when they arrive at the venue. Tickets can either be printed or displayed at the event from a mobile
    device. For full details including the currently in effect COVID-19
    health protocols, visit the website, whose address appears in this
    week's text version of our newscast at arnewsline.org

    [FOR PRINT ONLY DO NOT READ: https://tinyurl.com/2veyy5dm ]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    **

    WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA PREPS FOR TASMANIA

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: One more gathering of hams - this one in Australia - is getting ready to open its doors. John Williams, VK4JJW, brings us that
    story.

    JOHN: Registration has begun for amateurs wishing to attend the annual
    general meeting and virtual conference of the Wireless Institute of
    Australia. The event, which will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual
    events, is coming up fast: It's taking place on the 7th of May and will
    be streamed from Hobart, Tasmania. The focus this year is on Antarctica
    and a number of presentations will be exploring the roles that wireless communication has played throughout history, including the Australasian Antarctic Expedition that took place from 1911 to 1914. Microwave
    experimenter Rex Moncur, VK7MO, who is a former director of the
    Australian Antarctic Division, will discuss his work at the helm of the division from 1988 to 1999. Peter Yates, VK7PY, and Kim Briggs, VK7KB,
    who are both with the Australian Antarctic Division, will talk about the current challenges facing Antarctic communications. For additional
    details about costs, viewing the live stream or registering to attend in person, please see the link in the text version of this newscast's
    script at arnewsline.org.

    [ FOR PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ: tinyurl.com/ytret3r ]

    The event is being hosted by the Radio and Electronics Association of
    Southern Tasmania.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (WIA)

    **

    NOMINATE YOUNG AMATEURS FOR NEWSLINE AWARD

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: It's time to think about the next generation of radio operators and appreciate their skill and dedication. Perhaps one of them
    will be the next recipient of the Amateur Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award. Consider nominating an amateur
    radio operator 18 years of age or younger in the continental United
    States with talent, promise and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio.
    Find application forms on our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY"
    tab. Nominations close May 31st.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Apr 28 22:36:49 2022
    US GOVERNMENT TO STUDY PROPAGATION USING SATELLITE-BASED SENSORS

    DON/ANCHOR: In the United States, officials hope to study HF propagation
    using satellite-based sensors. Andy Morrison, K9AWM, brings us that story.

    ANDY: A division of the United States Department of Defense is hoping to
    gain a greater understanding of how HF waves propagate by taking those detailed measurements from inside the ionosphere itself. This takes information-gathering into a new realm because these studies typically
    rely on data gathered done from systems on the ground.

    The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is looking to take the measurements using sensors onboard very low earth orbit satellites. The
    agency project, named Ouija (Wee-Jah) is designed to get a better model of
    the ionosphere to address the challenges of electromagnetic noise facing
    HF radio transmissions of warfighters. The satellites are about 200 to 300 kilometres -- or 125 to 185 miles -- above the Earth. According to an
    article on the Industrial Equipment News website, the satellite payload
    will do direct sampling to measure electron density but will also conduct indirect measurements using radio occultation.

    Jeff Rogers, the program's manager in DARPA's Strategic Technology Office,
    was quoted on the website, saying that Ouija's work inside the ionosphere would supplement measurements that would still be taken from the ground.
    He said the goal was [quote] "to develop and validate accurate, near
    real-time HF propagation predictions." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEWS)

    **

    ARRL, RSGB MAKING CHANGES AT HELM OF NEWS MEDIA

    DON/ANCHOR: A veteran journalist and public information specialist has
    joined the American Radio Relay League as its news editor. John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, will be responsible for the league website's news content, the
    weekly ARRL Letter and two columns in QST magazine: "Happenings" and
    "Amateur Radio World." John will also be the voice of the ARRL Audio News which is produced weekly. John fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Rick Lindquist, WW1ME. John has served the league's Ohio Section for the
    past decade as its public information coordinator.

    Meanwhile in the UK, the search is on for a replacement to fill the
    vacancy this summer when RadCom magazine editor Elaine Richards G4LFM, retires. The monthly magazine is published by the Radio Society of Great Britain. Additional responsibilities include putting together the weekly
    GB2RS news and overseeing production of the RadCom Basics and RadCom Plus specialist online only publications. Candidates should have experience in
    both print and digital formats. Applicants can apply on the Redwood
    website which is rewoodrecruitment - that's one word - dot com. The
    Society is also seeking a technical editor, following the recent death of Giles Read, G1MFG. For details visit the society website at rsgb dot org stroke careers (rsgb.org/careers).

    (ARRL, RSGB)

    **

    HAM RADIO WORKSHOP FROM HURRICANE CONFERENCE NOW ON YOUTUBE

    DON/ANCHOR: As hurricane season gets going in some parts of the United
    States, hams who could not attend a virtual preparedness workshop will
    still be able to view the proceedings. Randy Sly, W4XJ, brings us up to
    date.

    RANDY: If you weren't able to log on to the recent Virtual Amateur Radio Workshop at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Florida, you can still have the experience of being there. The 4-hour, 33-minute workshop
    can be viewed on YouTube along with a schedule of various presentations
    that were hosted by Rob Macedo, KD1CY, director of operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net. Topics that were covered included the Hurricane Watch Net,
    the VOIP Hurricane Net, the Canadian Hurricane Center, and the importance
    of surface reports. There was also a presentation on the Salvation Army
    Team Emergency Radio Network, known by the acronym SATERN, and a discussion
    of SKYWARN and CANWARN programs.

    Rob says in his introduction to the workshop that the 2021 hurricane
    season in the United States was formidable and that 2022 promises to be at least as challenging.

    A link to the recording can be found in the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    [FOR PRINT ONLY: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTKJz9FpSAs ]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the W7GAA repeater
    in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Friday nights at 7:30 local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri May 6 08:35:49 2022
    ILLEGAL OPERATION OF FT8 REPORTED IN BELGIUM

    PAUL/ANCHOR: In Belgium, the regulator has received reports of FT8 being
    used illegally on a band being eyed for ham radio use. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, brings us that report.

    ED: The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications, that nation's communications regulator, reports that amateur radio operators
    have been spotted operating using the FT8 mode illegally on 40.680 MHz. Belgian hams are not permitted access to the 40 MHz (8 metre) band
    available in some other countries. Word of the illegal transmissions comes
    at a crucial time: The regulator has been studying whether to allocate a portion of the band for use by amateur radio operators. At present, only short-range ISM, remotely controlled models and devices to open garage
    doors are authorized there. According to a report by the Royal Belgian
    Amateur Radio Union, there are concerns that the illegal operation by some hams could have a negative impact on the regulator's determination.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (SOUTHGATE, ROYAL BELGIAN AMATEUR RADIO UNION)

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, in New Zealand, hams have been granted a one-year extension on their access to 60 meters. This is a continuation of sub-
    licenses already held by amateurs for operation between 5351.5 and 5366.5
    kHz. Those licenses were due to expire on May 4th. The extension gives the regulator time to develop a new General User Radio License.

    (SOUTHGATE, NZART)

    **

    INDIANA RADIO GROUP RECEIVES GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: An amateur radio club in Indiana will be able to upgrade its emergency response equipment thanks to two generous gifts. Stephen
    Kinford, N8WB, tells us about them.

    STEPHEN: The emergency response work by hams in the Northeastern Indiana Amateur Radio Association just got a big boost from more than $33,000 in grants to buy additional equipment, including a trailer. The club's Go Box project, a key tool for efficient response in disasters, has received a
    grant of nearly $3,000 from the ARRL Foundation. The club's other project
    is to buy a trailer and furnish it with an analog and digital repeater,
    radios and an array of software including Winlink and FLDIGI. That effort
    has just been given a grant of nearly $30,000 from San Diego-based Amateur Radio Digital Communications. When the trailer is not in use supporting
    the activity of Amateur Radio Emergency Services, it will be taken to
    public events to be part of various amateur radio demonstrations and
    public education.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (KPCNEWS.COM)

    **

    AMANDA ALDEN, K1DDN, BECOMING NEW ARRL COLORADO SECTION MANAGER

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Congratulations to Newsline's own Amanda Alden, K1DDN, who
    will be taking up the responsibility of serving as the ARRL Colorado
    Section manager starting on July 1st. Amanda will succeed Robert Wareham, N0ESQ, whose resignation takes effect on June 30th. The ARRL announced the change in leadership on Friday, April 29th on its website. Robert cited
    time constraints as his reason for stepping down following his long period
    of service within the league. He has been public information coordinator, section emergency coordinator and state government liaison. In addition to being well-known to Newsline listeners and HamNation viewers, Amanda has
    been assistant section manager and regional emergency coordinator for the south and southeast All-Hazards Regions of Colorado.

    (ARRL)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the VK8MA repeater
    in Australia's Northern Territory on Sundays at 7 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu May 12 19:18:30 2022
    NEWSLINE'S GRAHAM KEMP AMONG WIA AWARDEES

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The next story brings a moment of pride to Newsline as we
    share that one of our own correspondents is among those receiving top
    honors in Australia. That story comes to us from John Williams, VK4JJW.

    JOHN: Congratulations to Newsline's own Graham Kemp, VK4BB, for being
    awarded a Presidents Commendation at the recent Wireless Institute of Australia Annual General Meeting. Graham was honoured for his leadership
    with the news service group and for his anchor duties. Graham joins a
    group of other honorees, including Dale Hughes, VK1DSH; and Peter Young, VK3MV, who were also recipients of the Presidents Commendation. Bevan
    Daniel, VK5BD, received the Ron Wilkinson Achievement Award for his
    production of the National News Service videos; Andrew Chapman, VK4QF, received the Chris Jones Award for his vital role in creating the
    crosslinked repeater network known as the SE Queensland Wide Area
    Network. Ian Jackson, VK3BUF, was given the Technical Excellence Award;
    Hayden Honeywood, VK7HH, received the Michael Owen Medal; and Grant
    Willis, VK5GR, was given the GA Taylor Award for various roles,
    including his involvement in the IARU on behalf of the WIA. The eight
    awards were announced on the 7th of May.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (WIA)

    **

    NOMINATION DEADLINE NEARS FOR YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Speaking of awards, we are halfway through the month of May
    and the nomination deadline approaches for the Amateur Radio Newsline
    Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award. It's time to think
    about the next generation of radio operators and appreciate their skill
    and dedication. Perhaps one of them will be the next award recipient.
    Consider nominating an amateur radio operator 18 years of age or younger
    in the continental United States with talent, promise and a commitment
    to the spirit of ham radio. Find application forms on our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab. Nominations close May 31st.

    **

    YOUTH ON THE AIR TO WELCOME VISITORS AT DAYTON HAMVENTION

    NEIL/ANCHOR: If you're heading to Hamvention in the company of some
    younger radio operators, this next story may be of interest to you.
    Stephen Kinford, N8WB, has the details.

    STEPHEN: Younger radio amateurs visiting Hamvention will find a busy
    agenda at the Youth on the Air Booth in the Xenia Fairgrounds' Volta
    building. Booth 4304 will be welcoming young visitors by hosting mini-
    forums on Friday and Saturday in coordination with ARISS, HamSci, the
    Yasme Foundation and a number of other groups. There will also be social
    hours for young amateurs who stop by on Friday and Saturday at noon.
    These activities will take place in a small meeting area just behind the
    main booth. For more details, visit youthontheair dot org slash
    hamvention2022 (youthontheair.org/hamvention2022/

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (YOUTH ON THE AIR)

    **

    GERMANY'S YOUTH MARK SCHOOL CLUB DAY

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, in Germany, young students have already shown
    their enthusiasm for making even more contacts as we hear in this report
    from Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    ED: Throughout Germany on Thursday, May the 5th, the amateur radio bands
    had school club callsigns and educational callsigns with the prefix of
    DN on-the-air for the 23rd annual European School Club Day. Students
    listened for stations calling QRZ throughout Europe. Some QSOs were also arranged in advance. The highlight for many students, including those in Berlin, was an enviable DX: Successful contacts were made with DP0GVN,
    the German Antarctic Research Station Neumeier III.

    Florian Schmid, DL1FLO, who oversees education and youth work for the
    DARC, declared the day's activities a success and said other such events
    will follow.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (THORSTEN SCHMIDT, DO1DAA)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline
    heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the WM3PEN
    repeater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. local
    time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu May 19 21:12:59 2022
    SILENT KEY: PHILANTHROPIST, QUALCOMM FOUNDER FRANKLIN ANTONIO, N6NKF

    SKEETER: The founder of chipmaker Qualcomm and a longtime AMSAT supporter
    has become a Silent Key. We hear more about him from Andy Morrison,
    K9AWM.

    ANDY: Franklin Antonio, N6NKF, cofounded Qualcomm, a company whose chips helped spur the success of wearable medical equipment, cellphones and
    other tech devices. The lifelong engineer and amateur radio operator was
    also a generous and enthusiastic supporter of AMSAT.

    Franklin became a Silent Key recently and, according to several reports,
    his death was unexpected. His passing was announced on May 13th by
    Qualcomm, where he had been a leading force in their engineering
    departments. Qualcomm did not release the date or cause of his death. A philanthropist, Franklin recently gave a gift of $30-million to his alma mater, the University of California San Diego. He also made a $3-mllion donation to the Allen Telescope Array for a new broadband antenna feed
    for its work for the SETI Institute, which studies deep space for life
    beyond Earth. Franklin wrote AMSAT's popular Instant Track orbital
    software.

    He was 69 years old.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (AMSAT, UC SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE)

    **

    RSGB OFFERS NEW INCENTIVES FOR FOUNDATION LICENSE HOLDERS

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: New hams in the UK have a whole array of new reasons to
    get involved, get on the air and get even more enjoyment out of amateur
    radio. A series of award certificates will be issued to help them mark
    each achievement they make in their new journey. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH,
    explains how it works.

    JEREMY: Foundation licence holders in the UK can earn certificates that encourage them to move forward in their on-air activities and progress
    toward Intermediate and Full licence level. The Radio Society of Great
    Britain is calling the incentive program "Brickworks," because its goal
    is to build on the Foundation. Its national release two years ago was
    slowed by the pandemic and subsequent lockdown so the Society is
    breathing new life into it by actively encouraging clubs and individuals
    to sign up. With the assistance of local clubs, newcomers can mark their achievements by attending club meetings, writing software, undertaking construction projects, logging QSOs and getting involved in contests.
    Yes, even making a cup of tea for the next club meeting counts toward
    points. Certificates are available at the silver, gold, platinum and
    diamond level.

    If you're interested in joining the programme, contact your nearest
    Brickworks club. There is a searchable map that serves as a Brickworks
    Club Finder, showing locations throughout the UK.

    Clubs are also being encouraged to contact the RSGB to register and
    become accredited for the Brickworks programme. Previously registered
    clubs do not need to re-register.

    Find the map and other details at rsgb dot org stroke brickworks (rsgb.org/brickworks)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB, ESSEX HAM)

    **

    NORTH CAROLINA AMATEURS TAKE ON MARATHON CHALLENGE

    SKEETER/ANCHOR: There's more than one way to run a marathon, and as hams
    in North Carolina found out recently, some of the biggest winners in the
    race cross the finish line with their radios. George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU, brings us that report.

    GEORGE: Spectators watching the New River Marathon on Saturday, May 14th applauded the winners as they crossed the finish line but some of the
    biggest honors went to the Ashe County Amateur Radio Club. Operating at
    the North Carolina race for the first time, club members provided
    realtime status of the racers and kept a close watch on competitors in distress. Paul Raiche (pronounced RAYSH), N1XI (N One Ex Eye), club
    president, said 11 amateurs covered nine support stops, operated two
    roving vehicles along the race routes and maintained a base station at
    the finish line. Operators used mobile radios on 2 meters simplex, with
    at least 50 watts of power. The base station had a vertical antenna
    raised 20 feet high.

    Because this was the first time the club was responsible for coverage of
    the race, everything had to be just right. Paul said that even when
    something went wrong -- and one runner could not finish the course -- the
    hams were able to get to her within minutes after being notified that she needed help.

    Paul said the race director, Ken Sevensky, told him afterward he heard
    [quote] "nothing but great things from both runners and volunteers about
    the job our club did." [end quote] For this group of enthusiastic first-
    time marathon supporters, it was good to be in the running even without
    lacing up those sneakers. Paul told Newsline: [quote] "We are hopeful
    that we will be invited back next year and our goal then will be to do an
    even better job than we did this year." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU.

    (ASHE POST AND TIMES, PAUL RAICHE, N1XI)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu May 26 19:45:42 2022
    SILENT KEY: NOTED SELLER OF ELECTRONICS SURPLUS GOODS JOHN BIRKETT, G8OPP

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A name well-known for decades to radio enthusiasts in
    Great Britain has become a Silent Key. We hear about his remarkable life
    and career from Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: Radio components of every kind imaginable were a speciality for
    John Birkett, G8OPP, who opened his first shop, J Birkett, in Lincoln in
    1960. With that small business, John served subsequent generations of
    radio enthusiasts, supplying hard-to-find components and surplus
    equipment, everything from military and test devices to wire and cables.
    John was also a friendly, familiar face at radio rallies where he became
    a much-sought-out attendee.

    John became a Silent Key at the age of 93 on 30th April. His death was recently reported on a number of ham radio news sites. His obituary on
    the website of the Radio Society of Great Britain recalled how his shop evolved into more than a collection of components and equipment; it was a gathering spot for those who shared the bond of radio and the spirit of experimentation and creativity. His motto was "not a piece of junk in
    sight."

    A post dated 20th May on the website Hackaday paid tribute to what was ultimately the worldwide presence of this very local shop: [quote]
    "Though many of you from beyond where this is being written may never
    have heard of him, the chances are that if you follow electronics
    enthusiasts from the UK, you will have unwittingly seen items which
    passed through his hands." [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB, HACKADAY, SOUTHGATE)

    **

    SILENT KEY: RICHARD MACKAY VK2HRM, HAM CLUB FOUNDING PRESIDENT

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: One of the architects of the Snowy Mountains Amateur
    Radio Club in New South Wales, Australia, has become a Silent Key. With
    that report, here's Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    JASON: Richard MacKay, VK2HRM, didn't just help bring the Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club into being in the early 2000s; he served as its
    president to shepherd it through its earliest days. The New South Wales amateur, whose love of radio was ignited by his earliest adventures on citizens band, became a Silent Key on the 4th of May.

    An appreciation of his life, penned by Bill Steptoe, VK2ZZF, and posted
    on the club's website, said that Richard, an automotive engineer by profession, was also the guiding force behind the club's VK2RSM repeater systems. The systems operated on 70 cms, 2m and 6 m and had links to
    repeaters in Jindabyne and Nimmitabel. According to Bill's post about
    Richard, his health had been failing in recent years and that curtailed
    his active involvement with the club.

    Bill wrote: [quote[ "Richard will be greatly missed as a friend and great mate." [endquote]

    Richard was 61.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels VK2LAW.

    (SNOWY MOUNTAINS ARC WEBSITE, MONARO POST)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline
    heard on bulletin stations around the world including the KV3B repeater
    in Rockville, Maryland on Sundays after the net at 7:30 p.m. local time.

    **

    HEIL REBRANDS AMATEUR RADIO DIVISION

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Heil Sound Communications, well-known in the amateur
    community and in the world of professional audio, has announced a
    rebranding of its Ham Radio division. The division website has been
    redesigned and its product packaging will also have a new look. The
    company said that after having given a new look to its pro division last
    year, it realized it was time to overhaul the ham radio side. Heil Sound
    said in a statement that the changes achieve the goal customers had
    requested, creating an entity separate from the pro side of the market.
    The company was established by Bob Heil, K9EID, decades ago. A change in ownership within the company was announced in February of this year, with
    Bob staying as CEO emeritus and continuing his involvement in amateur
    radio product design.

    (HEIL SOUND, ICQ PODCAST)

    **

    LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you are hearing this report before May 31st, you still
    have time to nominate a talented young radio amateur for Newsline's Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award. Consider sending us the
    name and qualifications of a licensed radio operator 18 years of age or younger who lives in the continental United States. Find details and application forms on our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab. Remember our deadline is May 31st.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jun 2 21:19:09 2022
    SKYHUBLINK CONNECTS NEWSCOMERS, LIGHTS UP 'QUIET' REPEATERS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: When is a linked repeater system more than just a linked
    repeater system? When it's called SkyHubLink, as we hear from Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    NEIL: There's more to the Colorado-based SkyHubLink repeater system than
    meets the ears. The interlinked repeaters and their internet connections
    bear the fruit of the efforts of broadcast engineer Jack Roland, KE0VH,
    and Skyler Fennell, W0SKY, whose name is familiar as Newsline's 2016
    winner of the Young Ham of the Year.

    With Jack as system administrator and Skyler as chief engineer, the
    network has specific goals, as Jack told Newsline:

    JACK: One of the premises of SkyHub Link is to connect to repeaters that
    get little or no use on a daily basis, link them to others to bring
    traffic to them and activate them. You know, so many repeaters are quiet
    and really don't see any use anymore. As I am fond of saying: "What is
    the use of a quiet repeater?"

    NEIL: As Jack tells us, the more active the repeater, the more value it
    has to everyone, especially newcomers.

    JACK: We encourage new hams to get on and ask questions and get
    information from those of us who have maybe been in the hobby for a long
    time. You know we as old hands, old timers, need to be more like this as
    much as we can in amateur radio. SkyHubLink is a welcoming system to new
    hams and we always want them to feel comfortable coming on, getting on
    the repeater, asking questions and feeling like they are welcome and
    wanted in the community.

    NEIL: Connections are made through Allstar, DMR, Yaesu System Fusion,
    Wires-X, D-Star and P25. The system also supports M17, IRLP and Echolink protocols, has a weather net with trained weather spotter Gary NC2WX, a system-wide net on Monday night run by Jack and an international Wires-X
    one on Saturday evenings.

    Visit skyhublink.com for more details.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    **

    LOW-BAND EXPERIMENT TESTS GROUND WAVE ON 630M

    PAUL/ANCHOR: What are you doing on weekends at 9:30 a.m. local time? One
    ham would like you to do some very low-band operation, calling CQ, as part
    of an experiment. George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU, has those details.

    GEORGE: Clark, AA8SH, is calling it his ground wave experiment: He wants
    hams everywhere with 630 metre access to get on 474 kHz every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 local time and try to make contacts. He'd like them to
    monitor other transmissions and post signal reports in the forums section
    of QRZ.com Clark, who has been testing 630m operation from his shack in
    West Virginia, told Newsline he's hoping this experiment can provide a
    sense of what kind of local range 630m has in each community. He hopes the results help grow a greater interest in 630-metre band.

    Clark said that based on ITU findings, a 630m signal of a certain strength
    can travel about 150 miles, presenting communications options unavailable
    on 160 and 75, which have a shorter range at the same signal level. Power limits are set at 5watts EIRP by the ITU and the FCC. Clark said the
    potential for the band remains untapped for amateur radio but his own transmissions, conducted at a strength of 3 to 5 watts, are promising:
    They've been heard in Cincinnati, Ohio, about 100 miles away, and
    Marietta, Ohio, about 90 miles away.

    Clark told Newsline in an email [quote]: "I want as many participants,
    both transmitting and receiving, as possible. The more the merrier!" [endquote]

    Morning operation is best, he said, because the band is quiet and free of static crashes so common in the evenings.

    Clark told Newsline: [quote] "There's nothing like hearing a signal to
    make one sit up and listen!" [endquote]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU.

    (CLARK AA8SH)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the Spokane,
    Washington UHF Repeater of K7TMF and K7MMA on Fridays at 5 p.m. Pacific
    Time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jun 10 14:09:45 2022
    PROGRAM RELEASED FOR HAM RADIO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN

    JIM/ANCHOR: As memories of Hamvention are being discussed on the bands,
    the next international radio ham-fest is approaching quickly and "Ham
    Radio" in Friedrichshafen (Pron: Freed-Ricks-Ha-Fen) is ready to open from June 24th to the 26th. Our own ARNewsline correspondent in Germany will be attending and let's hand it over to him. Ed DD5LP... describe what is in
    the just-released program.

    ED: Ham Radio Friedrichshafen returns after two years away and takes a
    similar theme to Hamvention - a "Reunion with Friends." The program shows
    that all of the attractions that are looked forward to by attendees to
    this largest amateur radio event in Europe are there again. The
    manufactures and dealers large and small, the mystery of what you might
    find at the flea market and presentations on ham radio topics old and new.
    You can even sit your radio exam, whether German or US, or go and sit
    with the national regulators staff who are always willing to explain regulations and processes.

    On the weather, it looks like three sunny 30-degree Centigrade days will
    come along as usual however even if it rains it doesn't matter as
    everything is indoors using just a few of the many Zeppelin sized halls in this premier commercial expo centre. But, if you want to go outside, why
    not take part in the Fox-oring (ARDF) contest or indeed the arrival and departure radio contests. For me I may just relax in the beer garden with
    good food and a beer or non-alcoholic drink after going around the halls.

    Too late to get everything arranged to come to Germany in two weeks
    time? - well put next years dates in your calendar and plan to make that special radio trip in 2023 and be in Friedrichshafen for Ham Radio between June 23rd and 25th of next year!

    For full details of this important event check the website at the address given in this weeks script at arnewsline (dot) org.

    [FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ https://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.com/ ]

    73 and hope to see some of you at Friendrichshafen in a couple of weeks,
    this has been Ed, DD5LP, for Amateur Radio Newsline.

    **

    VANCOUVER HAM WINS TOP AWARD FOR CANADIAN AMATEURS

    JIM/ANCHOR: Congratulations to the radio amateur from Vancouver, British Columbia, who was chosen by Radio Amateurs of Canada to receive the 2021 Amateur of the Year Award. Sel Embee, KB3TZD, tells us about him.

    SEL: Consistent hard work, contributions and selfless efforts have won top honors for Hiroshi Takahashi, V-A-7-L-E-T, who has become the R-A-C's
    Amateur of the Year for 2021. According to R-A-C's website, Hiroshi has
    been consistently active with the Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization, or VECTOR, an emergency-preparedness
    program that supports the city's Emergency Management Agency. Over the
    years, he has coordinated its Basic amateur certification course, its
    civic service operations, and its annual exercises. From 2014 to 2019 he served as VECTOR's vice president. Hiroshi has also sponsored and operated V-E-7-R-V-U, a local repeater on 440 MHz and assists with V-E-7-R-V-Zed, a local 2m repeater.

    The R-A-C also cited achievements that included Hiroshi's role in founding
    the Lower Mainland Radio Room Society, filling Vancouver's need for an
    amateur radio club that nurtures new operators and educates the public
    about ham radio.

    The search is now on for the award recipient for 2022. Nomination deadline
    is September 30th.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, K-B-3-T-Zed-D.

    RAC

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K7EFZ repeater
    on Tuesday nights at 9 local time in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jun 17 09:06:03 2022
    HAMS BUILD SKILLS, FRIENDSHIPS AT YOUTH ON THE AIR CAMP

    DON/ANCHOR: This year's Youth on the Air camp for young operators in the Americas is turning out to be a memorable one. Updating us now from the
    middle of all the action is Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    NEIL: High temperatures and high winds haven't been enough to put a
    damper on the 2022 Youth on the Air camp for the Americas in metro
    Cincinnati, Ohio. Twenty-one campers have learned about contesting,
    digital modes, and D-STAR, and built two direction-finding kits and a
    code key. The team launched a high-altitude balloon with an APRS beacon
    that reached just over 97,000 feet (30,000 metres), and a mid-altitude
    balloon with a WSPR beacon that is still traveling around the globe at
    about 30,000 feet (9,000 metres) with the identifier K4PRM-1. As this
    story is being filed, the camp is approaching the halfway point and about
    to embark on VHF contests at Kings Island amusement park -- and of
    course, the campers have been on the air using the callsign W8Y.
    Everyone is having a great time, learning a lot, and building a strong community of youth amateur radio operators.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm camp director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, in West Chester, Ohio.

    **

    NASA STUDIES DAMAGE TO WEBB TELESCOPE

    DON/ANCHOR: Scientists are taking a second look at the damage caused by a fragment that struck the Webb space telescope recently. Paul Braun,
    WD9GCO, brings us up to date.

    PAUL: The US Space Agency NASA is assessing the impact that a
    micrometeoroid strike had on the James Webb Space Telescope, which
    it struck last month. The dust-size fragment is reported to have hit
    one of the primary mirror segments used in data collection. Engineers'
    initial assessments show only a slight change in the performance of
    the mirror and were able to reposition it in an attempt to compensate
    for the strike. Reports say this was the fifth impact of its kind since
    the telescope was sent into space in December as the heir apparent to
    the aging Hubble Telescope. NASA wrote in a blogpost that its analysis
    and measurements will continue. NASA is still on track for its July
    12th date to release the first images collected by the telescope.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    (BBC, SPACEFLIGHT NOW)

    **

    PLANS PROCEED FOR OUTDATED SATELLITES' REMOVAL

    DON/ANCHOR: The European Space Agency is involved in a project to reduce
    the clutter of outdated satellites from the skies. John Williams, VK4JJW, explains.

    JOHN: Think of it as a high-flying system of air traffic control — an extremely high-flying system of air-traffic control. The European Space Agency's Sunrise Programme is preparing to rid space of telecommunications satellites that have outlived their usefulness and are junking up the
    skies. The removal process is being coordinated by Astroscale, a private company that removes orbital debris, and OneWeb, the satellite network providing internet broadband. The ESA Partnership Project is the first
    of its kind and is expected to produce a prototype that can remove the
    outdated satellites from their low earth orbits. The goal is to protect
    the environment where low-earth orbits take place and to reduce the
    chance of collisions.

    When the contract was awarded to Astroscale in 2019, the company said the
    ESA initiative would [quote] "advance the environmentally sustainable use
    of space" [endquote] and preserve its use for generations to come.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (AMSAT NEWS SERVICE, ASTROSCALE)

    **

    BRITISH HAMS ARRESTED AS SPIES IN ALBANIA

    DON/ANCHOR: Two British radio amateurs were arrested by Albanian
    authorities who claimed they were operating as spies. We have that report
    from Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: Authorities in Albania are investigating the activities of two
    ham radio operators from Great Britain who were arrested in May after
    amateur radio transceivers were discovered in their baggage. A report of
    the incident appeared in the UK's Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and Daily
    Express newspapers. The men were not identified in the media accounts but
    were said to have been charged with spying after being stopped at
    Albania's Tirana International Airport on 30th May.

    The news reports said that the men told police they were IT engineers on holiday. After extensive questioning, the men were permitted to return
    home. Their Kenwood radios were taken for further examination to
    determine whether they were capable of interfering with Albania's
    military and secret service analogue radio frequencies. Investigators
    were also studying the radios to see whether they could record
    transmissions.

    There were no further details about the case.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (THE DAILY MIRROR, DAILY MAIL AND DAILY EXPRESS)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jun 23 19:29:25 2022
    BALLOON LAUNCH TO FEATURE CROSSBAND REPEATER

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Amateurs in Kansas have rescheduled the launch of a high- altitude balloon with a crossband repeater on board and they're hoping to
    keep it busy making contacts. Jack Parker, W8ISH, has those details.

    JACK: Good things are worth waiting for and members of the Independence Amateur Radio Club, N0ID, only have to wait a little bit longer for the rescheduled launch of the high-altitude balloon they are sending skyward
    with a crossband repeater and APRS on board. The Kansas hams are
    especially excited because the launch, rescheduled from earlier this
    month, will coincide with the Great Plains Super Launch on July 16th. The Super Launch is a wide-ranging event in which a number of similar
    balloons will be launched at sites throughout the Midwest. Stan Pierson, AE0LM, secretary of the Independence club, told Newsline that during the
    club balloon's expected two-hour flight over southeast Kansas, it will communicate with one of the Super Launch balloons flying high over
    Wisconsin. Using a common downlink, but separate uplinks, the balloons
    will permit radio operators in both areas to talk to one another using
    VHF/UHF radios. The crossband repeater has an uplink on 147.91 MHz and a downlink on 449.01 MHz. Stan said that the repeaters will be configured
    to work bidirectionally so that anything received on the VHF frequency is repeated on the UHF frequency - and vice versa.

    Those who cannot be on site at Riverside Park for the launch or reside
    out of the area and wish to track the balloon can follow its journey
    following the 8 a.m. launch that day at www dot aprs dot fi (www.aprs.fi)

    Additional details are available at the club website at n0id.org

    For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (SUPERLAUNCH.ORG, STAN PIERSON, AEØLM)

    **

    JUST FOR FUN: A NOT-SO-TRIVIAL QUIZ

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Now here's something that's just for fun: If you think
    you know ham radio, play along with two teams during a trivia quiz you'll
    be able to watch online starting Tuesday, June 28th. As we hear from Paul Braun, WD9GCO, one team's members are very familiar to Newsline
    listeners.

    PAUL: A team from Amateur Radio Newsline took part in an event that was
    was both trivial and non-trivial at the same time.

    The Newsline team, consisting of captain Paul, WD9GCO, Neil, WB9VPG,
    Kevin, N5PRE, Andy, K9AWM, and Dave, WB8ODF, squared off against a team
    from the Ham Radio Workbench podcast led by team captain George
    Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU, in an amateur radio trivia contest hosted by Kyle
    Krieg, AA0Z.

    The two teams fought four rounds featuring questions that ranged from
    general ham radio knowledge to specialized technical topics. We can say
    that the teams were very evenly matched, but we won't tell you who won -
    that would spoil all the fun, wouldn't it?

    The competition will be released in two different forms on Tuesday, June
    28th - in video on Kyle's YouTube channel and in audio format on the Ham
    Radio Workbench feed. You will find links to both in the text version of
    this newscast on our website.

    According to all who participated, it was a lot of fun and both sides
    made new friends, as should happen in ham radio events. And we’re ready
    for a rematch any time they're ready.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    [FOR TEXT VERSION OF NEWSCAST - LINKS ARE

    https://www.youtube.com/c/KyleAA0Z

    hamradioworkbench.com ]

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including WW7SEA, the
    Columbia Center Repeater in Seattle, Washington at 444.550 MHz on Mondays
    at 9 pm local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jul 1 19:20:47 2022
    SILENT KEY: ALPHA AMPS' RICHARD EHRORN W4EA/W4ETO

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The man behind the highly successful company Ehrhorn Technological Operations has become a Silent Key. Dick Ehrhorn,
    W4EA/W4ETO started the company in 1970 and began production of the
    line of high-power Alpha RF amplifiers so popular in the amateur
    radio community. Dick was a lifelong ham. Mary Bittner WB0PXM, told
    Newsline that Dick and her late husband, the Rev. Paul Bittner, who
    had held the call sign W0AIH, had been friends since their Minnesota
    high school days when they met through a school amateur radio club.
    She described Dick as a good friend and a man of faith.

    She said Dick, who was in failing health, died on Sunday, June 26th
    in Virginia. He was 88.

    (EHAM.NET, MARY BITTNER WB0PXM, FACEBOOK)

    **

    SPECIAL EVENT STATION TO HONOR DXPEDITIONER, HUMANITARIAN ZORRO

    NEIL/ANCHOR: A special event is under way to celebrate the life of a
    ham known globally as a man of adventure and compassion. That story
    comes to us from Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    JASON: The gifts of friendship, humanitarian gestures and good DX
    that filled the life of Zorro Miyazawa, JH1AJT, are being celebrated
    by operators of a month-long special event station, 3D2AJT, in Fiji
    through to late July. Zorro, who had cancer, became a Silent Key in
    March of this year. Throughout his long amateur radio career, his
    DXpeditions helped put notable and coveted DXs in the logbooks of
    hams around the world. Zorro was also known for his charitable work
    on behalf of children in Cambodia, Bangladesh, Japan and elsewhere.
    The special event operators will be on the air using CW, SSB, FT4,
    FT8 and varAC HF digital chat until the 27th of July, which would
    have been his 73rd birthday. According to the station's page on
    QRZ.com, the final day on the air will be marked with a farewell
    party organised by Zorro's widow at one of the schools her husband
    founded in Fiji.

    QSL via ClubLog.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (DX-WORLD.NET, QRZ.COM)

    **

    TRANSMITTER TO REMAIN OFF THE AIR ON ALEXANDERSON DAY

    NEIL/ANCHOR: In Sweden, the Grimeton Radio Station is opening its
    doors to visitors at last this year, but its historic transmitter
    must stay off the air. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has those details.

    JEREMY: For the first time since the pandemic began, the Alexander
    Association in Sweden will be welcoming visitors to Alexanderson Day
    on Sunday, 3rd July at the World Heritage Grimeton Radio Station.

    Unfortunately, the 98-year-old mechanical transmitter will be unable
    to get on the air. A note on the association website reports that a
    shortage of components prevents this Alexanderson Day tradition from happening.

    The 200 kW transmitter with the call sign SAQ will be started up
    twice and visitors to the radio station can be present but no
    transmission will be made into the top-loaded vertical antenna
    customarily used for 17 kHz transmissions. The transmitter was
    developed by the radio pioneer Ernst Alexanderson of Sweden who was
    an engineer at General Electric in the United States. It first went
    on the air in 1924.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (THE ALEXANDERSON ASSOCIATION)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the
    N5OZG repeater in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sundays at 8 p.m.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jul 8 10:28:08 2022
    HAMVENTION 2023 GETS NEW GENERAL CHAIRMAN

    DON/ANCHOR: With Hamvention 2022 now just a memory, planning is already
    under way for next year. Congratulations to Jim Storms, AB8YK, on being
    named general chairman of Hamvention for 2023. The Dayton Amateur Radio Association announced Jim's new responsibility on Friday, July 1st. Jim
    has served as vice president of DARA for three years and has been an
    officer for several other local amateur radio clubs. He is a co-leader
    for the Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure program, which he helped found.

    Jim has been Hamvention's chairman of advance registration since 2017.
    The DARA board also announced that Brian Markland, N8UDQ, will serve as Hamvention's assistant general chairman.

    (DARA)

    **

    FIRST 'HAMCAMPTION' SET FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA

    DON/ANCHOR: You've heard of Hamvention and Hamcation but are you ready
    for HamCamption?? If your QTH is Down Under, it is coming your way!
    Here's John Williams, VK4JJW.

    JOHN: Darren, VK6EK, has big hopes for Mayanup HamCamption, a weekend
    getaway for recreation and radio. It is the fruit of a discussion Darren
    had with Rob, VK6LD, president of the Southern Electronics Group, VK6SR,
    in Western Australia, and it becomes reality on September 10th and 11th
    at the sports ground in Mayanup. Darren said that with its dipole-
    friendly trees as well as bathrooms and a shed facility, it is an ideal location for this first try at a radio camping event. More of a social
    outing than a field day, it will present an opportunity for socialising
    with like-minded hams and still present plenty of opportunity for radio.
    There may even be a little fox hunting. Darren plans to run an FT8
    station on 20 metres during the day and 40 metres at night. There is a
    70cm repeater about 9 kilometres away from the grounds and it will be connected to the club's Allstar Node 42482.

    Darren said the informal event is expected to be an ideal warmup for
    Perth Tech, a camper-friendly symposium being held in October at the Gidgegannup Sport and Recreation Centre. He told Newsline that if all
    goes well, HamCamption may return to the Mayanup grounds next May when
    the weather is still a bit warmer and drier. The club will just need to schedule their time around the horse and pony clubs who also have their
    own equestrian version of field day there.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (DARREN VK6EK)

    **

    NET IS REVIVED FOR ADVANCED CLASS HAMS

    DON/ANCHOR: The A-13 Net is back on the air and it's going back - way
    back - to its roots. The net, which is being organizd by the Advanced
    Class Preservation Society, returns to 20m on Monday, July 11th. Instead
    of being a formal net, it's going back to being the general roundtable it
    had been at the very start. Be listening for Scott, W5URX, to kick things
    off at 1700 UTC on 14.213 MHz.

    Participants are holders of an Advanced Class license issued by the
    United States FCC. The agency stopped issuing these licenses in the year
    2000, but they are renewable.

    Editor Paul Buescher, N8HHG, writes about the revival of the net in the
    most recent A-13 Newsletter, saying [quote] "We will give this a try and
    see how it works out. Please consider joining in the net and listen for future net days and times." [endquote]

    According to the newsletter, the preservation society has 315 members in
    50 states and two US territories.

    (A-13 GROUP NEWSLETTER, LLOYD COLSTON KC5FM)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the KD2SL repeater
    in Syracuse, New York on Mondays at 8 p.m. after the Fireside Chat Net.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jul 14 20:00:57 2022
    DIGITAL CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER

    JIM/ANCHOR: Yet another amateur radio conference is taking place in person this year following COVID cancellations. Stephen Kinford, N8WB, gives us
    those details.

    STEPHEN: Hams interested in any and all forms of digital communication are welcome to attend the 41st ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference
    in Charlotte, North Carolina, from September 16th to the 18th. In the meantime, organizers are looking for technical papers on such topics as digital satellite communications, digital signal processing, HF digital
    modes. software defined radio, global positioning systems, peer-to-peer wireless networking and the role of homeland defense digital communications
    in amateur radio. If you have expertise to share on these or other related subjects, you can submit your papers no later than September 1st to ARRL production coordinator Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB.

    The three-day conference will be held at the Hilton Charlotte Airport
    Hotel. Maty's address is m a t y at arrl.org (maty@arrl.org)

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (ARRL)

    **

    PRESENTERS NEEDED FOR QSO TODAY VIRTUAL EXPO

    JIM/ANCHOR: Preparations are already in the works for the next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, and organizers are putting out a call for presenters.
    Topics can be most amateur-radio related subjects worth sharing: an insight into technology, a skill, a ham radio project or invention - even a story.

    The expo is being held on September 17th and 18th. According to an announcement by organizer Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, there will be a particular
    effort to seek young active amateur radio operators as speakers.

    For additional details about how to get involved, follow the link in the
    text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    [FOR PRINT ONLY: https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/speakercall.html ]

    **

    DIT DAH CW GANG CARRIES MESSAGE OF FRIENDSHIP

    JIM/ANCHOR: There's more to Morse Code than just successfully logging QSOs, and few hams know that better than this next group. Randy Sly, W4XJ, tells
    us about them.

    RANDY: One of the things we experience each Field Day is that food,
    fellowship and QSOs go together well for amateur radio operators. This
    formula has also been followed for many years by a group in Michigan called the "Dit Dah CW Gang." Established by Ted Rachwal, K8AQM, Jeremy Downard, K8JAD and his father, Greg Downard, KE8CEW, the gang is an informal group
    of CW operators who come together during the year for various events of the Straight Key Century Club as KS8KCC.

    Ted told Amateur Radio Newsline that the friendships developed during those weekends and at other times is what draws amateurs from the region to join them. "Our plan," he said, "is to consume more calories than QSOs." But don’t let that fool you. As seasoned operators with a lot of power and
    great antennas, they are always working pileups while on the air. In fact, when they call CQ they mean business! If you've already been fortunate
    enough to be on the receiving end of one of their unique QSL cards, you'll recognize right away that the card's humorous but slightly menacing cartoon characters depicting different members of the "gang" can be quite
    misleading: This is a decidedly friendly bunch that wants to hear from as
    many operators as possible.

    Since receiving their vanity call in 2016, the Dit Dah CW Gang has now been joined by other quasi-official clubs in all US call areas who obtained an SKCC-related call. So get out your straight key, dust off your bug and
    listen for KS8KCC and its cousins during the next event.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    (DIT DAH CW GANG)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the Utah Amateur
    Radio Club's W7SP repeater on Sundays as part of the club's 9 p.m. net.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jul 22 08:48:28 2022
    US LAB'S SOLAR CELL BREAKS EFFICIENCY RECORD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Scientists in a US military lab have announced that a newly developed solar cell has broken a record for efficiency. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, has more on that story.

    KENT: You might call it the brightest world record under the sun. You
    wouldn't be wrong, either: A US Department of Energy laboratory has
    broken the record for solar-cell efficiency, creating a solar cell that
    is 39.5 percent efficient under lighting conditions equivalent to that of
    the sun.

    The achievement was reported in a recent issue of the journal Joule. Scientists in the department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory are
    also testing the solar cell for its usefulness in powering such devices
    as communications satellites which require high cell efficiency. Under
    those conditions, efficiency dropped somewhat to 34.2 efficiency.

    Although a 41.1 efficiency has been reported with other experimental
    solar cells, those levels were reached by cells using highly concentrated light.

    In an article on the website Interesting Engineering, the principal investigator, Myles Steiner, said: [quote] "The new cell is more
    efficient and has a simpler design that may be useful for a variety of
    new applications, such as highly area-constrained applications or low- radiation space applications." [endquote]

    For now, however, the bright light of promise is overshadowed by one
    factor that cannot be overlooked: Production costs are prohibitive. Researchers are apparently working on that too.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (INTERESTING ENGINEERING)

    **

    SILENT KEY: MENTOR, EDUCATOR HERB COLEMAN, W4AVX

    PAUL: The ham radio community in Alabama is grieving the loss of an
    amateur who was considered an educator, an inspiration and a friend. The Birmingham Amateur Radio Club announced the death of Herb Coleman, W4AVX,
    on July 18th. Licensed in 1953, Herb is credited with the establishment
    of the first net for teenage amateurs in Alabama in 1955. He taught Morse
    Code to many amateurs in the early 1960s and played a major role in
    getting Birmingham's first 2m repeater on the air. A public posting on
    the club's Facebook page said [quote] "He was a patient and encouraging
    Elmer for many of us." [endquote]

    We here at Newsline send our condolences.

    (BIRMINGHAM AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)

    **

    AMATEUR NUMBERS DECLINE IN AUSTRALIA

    PAUL/ANCHOR: There are discouraging numbers reported for the amateur
    radio population in Australia. Graham Kemp, VK4BB, has that story.

    GRAHAM: While hams are reported to be growing steadily in numbers in the United States and the UK, here in VK, the Australian amateur radio
    population appears to be getting smaller. The Wireless Institute of
    Australia, which issued the report on July 17th, cited no numbers or percentages of decline but said that during a recent board meeting,
    members noted that the number of exams and licences had dropped. Figures
    from the Ham Radio DX channel showed, however, that in early 2022, the
    numbers stood at just over 13,400, down steadily over the years. In 2016, there were 14,619 licence holders.

    This trend was noted just as the board announced it was preparing to
    receive a batch of updated manuals for the Foundation licence level. The
    board also made a commitment to continue working with ham radio
    organisations around the world to ensure that Australian amateurs
    visiting outside the country have expediated processing for their
    applications to get temporary reciprocal licences.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (WIA, ARRL, HAMRADIODX PODCAST)

    **

    HF PROPAGATION PROJECT GOING FORWARD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: A US project that makes use of sensors on satellites in very
    low Earth orbit is looking for proposals that will help develop a better
    way to predict HF propagation in the ionosphere in real-time. The program
    is known as Ouija (wee-Jah) and is being undertaken by the Defense
    Advanced Research Project Agency, or DARPA, which is part of the United
    States military. The agency wants to monitor the ionosphere locally and continuously and believes that it will achieve its stated goal. The
    program focuses on the section of the ionosphere that is between 125
    miles and 185 miles in altitude, or 300 to 400 kilometers high. In
    announcing the project this past spring, DARPA said a more predictable environment for communications will be an aid for military communication
    which includes among its obstacles solar flares and the 11-year solar
    cycle.

    (IARU REGION I, SPACE.COM)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the WB0QXW Repeater System in Saint Louis, Missouri on 145.210 Mhz Mondays after the World Friendship Net, beginning at 7 pm Central time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jul 29 10:59:37 2022
    SILENT KEY: BEN HENLEY KI4IGX, LEADER IN FLORIDA EMERGENCY WORK

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A leader in emergency preparedness in the Florida amateur radio community has become a Silent Key. With those details, here's Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    JIM: The amateur community in West Central Florida lost one of its
    regional leaders recently. Ben Henley, KI4IGX, the former section
    emergency coordinator for the ARRL, became a Silent Key on the 20th of
    July. At the time of his death, Ben, who had congestive heart failure and ischemia, was awaiting a heart transplant.

    Though he made his living in the field of information technology, he was deeply involved in his various emergency management roles that had
    amateur radio at its core. Many of his initiatives stemmed from his work
    as emergency management coordinator with Highlands County Emergency Management. He is credited for helping grow a partnership between that
    office and Highlands County ARES. He also helped build a bridge between
    three ARRL Florida Section ARES programs and the state's EOC for
    emergency response.

    Ben was 52 years old.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (ARRL)

    **

    APRS MAP SERVICE BECOMES MOTORIST RESOURCE IN NORWAY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's a new option to help with navigating roads in
    Norway and it's being provided through amateur radio. Ed Durrant, DD5LP,
    brings us that story.

    ED: In Norway, motorists and others needing information about accidents, construction projects and advisories on roads are now able to tap into a resource provided through amateur radio: The APRS map service operated by
    the Norwegian Radio Relay League. According to a report from the league,
    the amateur radio map service has integrated the data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration into the APRS system. The messages are
    categorized according to levels of urgency: low, high and highest. League members are able to get a user account enabling them to do limited
    editing of map layers in the system.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (NRRL)

    **

    UK MAKES FAST TRACK TO FULL LICENSE AVAILABLE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's a quicker way for hams in the UK to progress to
    the top-tier license. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, explains.

    JEREMY: The wait is over: Amateur licence candidates in the UK wishing to qualify immediately for a Full licence will be able to take the faster
    track starting on the 1st January. This major change, which is being
    called direct-to-full, has long been favoured within the amateur
    community, according to surveys by the RSGB and Essex Ham.

    The 75-question exam, which is in two parts, takes about 2 and a half
    hours to complete. It will be available online but it is not yet clear
    whether candidates may also sit for the test at a registered exam centre.
    The test does not contain any practical assessments.

    To clarify the process for candidates, Essex Ham has produced a video by
    Pete, M0PSX, explaining that the exam is most suitable for individuals
    who have a background in the RF field or some expertise in electronics
    and don’t need the incremental steps through the two lower licence tiers. The syllabus for the direct-to-full is the same as for the traditional
    licence path. Anyone may take the exam, including holders of Foundation
    and Intermediate licences.

    The cost of the direct-to-full exam has not yet been announced. To view
    the Essex Ham video, find the link in the text version of this week's
    newscast at arnewsline.org

    [FOR PRINT ONLY:

    https://www.essexham.co.uk/rsgb-launches-direct-to-full.html ]

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (ESSEX HAM, RSGB)

    **

    BENDIGO CLUB ADDS FOCUS GROUP FOR FIELD WORK, EMERGENCY RESPONSE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In Australia, one club has added a focus group
    specializing on emergency response and field work. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW,
    has that report.

    JASON: The Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club is preparing for
    the launch of its special interest group that focuses on field operations
    and regional emergency support. The group will begin its activities when members meet on Friday, August 19th at the club hall in Bendigo, Victoria. According to an email from club president Neil, VK3ZVX, this is intended
    to be a group that plans, prepares and trains for inevitable crises. The
    first meeting will focus on "show and tell," allowing members to share
    the equipment they have used in previous field operations such as Mills
    on the Air, SOTA or parks activations. This includes any Go-Kits,
    portable camping gear, solar panels and batteries.

    Neil stressed that perfection is not required. In fact, he writes in his
    email [quote] "Even if it is only a half-baked idea, a half-built project
    or a pile of bits for one, bring it along and be prepared to explain it
    if need be." [endquote] Neil said the point of the show-and-tell is to
    obtain the widest range of ideas and inspiration.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (BAREC)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Aug 4 20:59:22 2022
    SILENT KEY: JOHN DILKS, VK6CJW/M0CJW, FRIEND AND MENTOR

    DON/ANCHOR: A well-known and well-regarded amateur in both
    Australia and the UK has become a Silent Key. We hear more about
    him from Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: With regret it is announced that John Dilks, VK6CJW
    (also M0CJW) is now silent key. He died on 29th July, aged 86 and
    will be much missed on the air by his friends worldwide.

    John was a character in the very best of amateur radio tradition.
    He divided his time until recently between Perth in Western
    Australia and his UK home near Newark. In his younger days, for
    example, he took his whole family in a battered old van overland
    through Europe, the Eastern Bloc countries, when travel was very
    difficult, through the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and beyond.
    He was involved in many enterprises and international interests
    and even politics. He would regale his adventures to amateur
    clubs and others when invited to do so. He was to be found on HF
    almost daily with VK when conditions allowed, and on repeaters
    locally. He was also to be found at many radio rallies in the UK
    with a keen following.

    John was a good, dependable and loyal friend to many: always
    happy to help and encourage, swap yarns and pass on his own tips.
    He will be very much missed. Our condolences to his family and
    friends.

    Jeremy Boot, G4NJH

    **

    HAMFEST INDIA RETURNS WITH IN-PERSON EVENT

    DON/ANCHOR: Hams in India have been waiting since 2019 for the
    return of Hamfest India in person and it is now back on the
    calendar. Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, brings us that report.

    JIM: The organising committee for Hamfest India has announced the
    event's return on the 12th and 13th of November in Mysore,
    Karnataka. As with so many other major amateur radio events, this well-attended event, which made its debut in India in 1991, had
    not been held in person as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. K.
    Shankar Prasad, VU2SPK, the event's general convenor, said the
    committee is putting together an agenda and a website and both
    should be available soon. The website is under development at www
    dot hfi2022 dot com (www.hfi2022.com)

    This is Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    (HAMFEST INDIA)

    **

    'TEAPOT' SPECIAL EVENT BREWING In WEST VIRGINIA

    DON/ANCHOR: If special events are your cup of tea, try this one
    in West Virginia. Jim Damron, N8TMW, tells us hams are ready to
    serve.

    JIM: Something's brewing in Chester, West Virginia: It's a
    special event station celebrating a beloved local roadside symbol
    which calls itself the World's Largest Teapot. Tea and QSOs will
    be served starting August 8th through the 14th, in conjunction
    with the local Teapot Festival that takes place in the northern
    West Virginia community. Organized by the Hancock Auxcomm Team in
    Hancock, West Virginia, this is very possibly the world's largest
    tea party: Amateurs will be on the air with 1x1 call signs W0T
    through W9T, and there will be a bonus station WV8HAT. Hams
    contacting all 10 call signs will earn a certificate for a full
    cup. Those working all 10 plus the bonus station are endorsed for
    a full pot.

    The roadside teapot itself is a former advertising symbol created
    before World War II and before it gained its spout and handle, it
    was a humble barrel that advertised a brand of root beer.
    Standing 14 feet high, it is big enough to hold a colorful
    history and this annual amateur radio ritual now marking sixth
    year. As usual, however, you'll have to provide your own biscuits
    and cakes.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including
    the WW8GM repeater of the General Motors Amateur Radio Club in
    Detroit, Michigan on Saturdays at 9 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Aug 11 20:22:08 2022
    CANCER RECOVERY INSPIRES SPECIAL EVENT IN UK

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Grateful for his recovery from prostate cancer, a
    ham in the UK is operating a special event station to raise
    awareness - and funds - for further research. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH,
    brings us his story.

    JEREMY: Writing on his blog, Andrew Brown, M0ONH, shares the
    details of his early symptoms, diagnosis, surgery, treatment and
    recovery from prostate cancer at age 41. His medical journey
    began mid-2021 with visits to doctors to identify the source of
    his symptoms. He had surgery last spring.

    Andrew has been a ham since 2018 - hence his call sign suffix "O
    N H" for "One New Ham." He began his blog as a way to encourage
    others to join him in amateur radio. Now he is making use of
    amateur radio to encourage others to do something more - be pro-
    active in their own health care. He wants people to learn more
    about prostate cancer and help raise funds for research.

    Andrew has organised a special event station, GB8PCA, with the
    support of three Essex clubs and Essex Ham. Activation takes
    place on Saturday 13th August from 1100 to 1600 local time (GMT+
    1); Monday 15th at 2000 during the Essex Ham Net on GB3DA, and on
    Friday 19th at 2000 (all times local) during the TARG Club Net,
    also on GB3DA. Listen as well for the special event station at
    either Galleywood or at the Hackspace on Sunday 21st August from
    1100 to 1600 local time.

    Here's another reason to make contact: for every logged QSO using
    the GB8PCA callsign, Andrew will donate £1 himself. If you cannot
    contact him but want to support the cause, visit his JustGiving
    Donation Page. You can read more about Andrew's story on his
    blog. See the links for Andrew's blog and the Justgiving pages in
    the text version of this week's script at arnewsline.org.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    [FOR PRINT ONLY: https://onenewham.uk/my-prostate-cancer-story/
    and https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gb8pca]

    (SOUTHGATE, ANDREW M0ONH BLOG)

    **

    PENNSYLVANIA CLUB MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY 'ABOARD' MARS ROVER

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Hams in one Pennsylvania club are celebrating a
    relationship with the Mars rover that began 10 years ago. Randy
    Sly, W4XJ, has those details.

    RANDY: How do you celebrate a 10th anniversary? A Dinner? A
    Party?

    The Holmesburg Amateur Radio Club in Philadelphia decided to send
    its club call, WM3PEN, on a long vacation that would take 255
    days to get there. They teamed up with NASAΓÇÖs Mars Science
    Laboratory rover, Curiosity, to visit Bradbury Landing, on Mars.
    The boarding pass was "purchased" on April 25, 2011 and Curiosity,
    with their callsign on board, landed on the red planet in early
    August, 2012.

    Since the landing, Curiosity and WM3PEN have travelled nearly 18
    miles searching for the perfect location for the Dxpedition.

    The folks at WM3PEN also thought it would be a good trip to team
    up with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (J-P-L) since they decided
    to make it a CW event. To help measure size and distance, the
    JPL engineers carved out the dots and dashes of the letters J-P-L
    in the tire treads. How could a ham argue with a CW buddy along
    for the ride?

    NASA reports that engineers are devising ways to minimize wear
    and tear and keep the rover rolling: In fact, Curiosity's mission
    was recently extended for another three years.

    When asked what's next for the WM3PEN team, callsign trustee Bob
    Josuweit, WA3PZO, said that after just coming off Field Day and
    the 13 Colonies Special Event in June and July, it will be time
    to relax before planning the next adventure.

    This is Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    (BOB JOSUWEIT, WA3PZO)

    **

    ARDC GRANT PROVIDES STEM, TECH SCHOLARSHIPS

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Four students at a private university in the United
    States will receive full one-year scholarships for their studies
    in the fields of science and technology with the help of a grant
    from Amateur Radio Digital Communications. The $200,000 grant
    will fund their studies as well as their involvement in related
    activities. It will also cover the cost of producing programs on
    the university's FM radio station highlighting scholars involved
    in STEM topics. This financial gift is especially significant
    because the private college in the state of Virginia houses a
    School of Engineering and Technology that has a strong commitment
    to recruiting women and African Americans to study for research
    careers in engineering and materials science fields.

    (ARDC)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Aug 19 15:37:23 2022
    FINNISH HAM RADIO PUBLICATIONS GO DIGITAL

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: With amateurs around the world going digital ON the
    air, it would stand to reason that increasing numbers of publishers of
    amateur radio media are opting to go digital OFF the air. Ed Durrant,
    DD5LP, tells us about a magazine in Finland that is the latest to make
    this change.

    ED: The Finnish Amateur Radio Association has recognised that even
    amateurs who don't operate with the digital modes might still want to
    go digital when it comes to reading material about radio. The SRAL now
    allows its members the option of receiving their magazines in a digital
    format sent via email instead of waiting for the postal carrier to
    deliver it. This follows the lead of a number of amateur radio
    societies around the world who have already made that shift, including
    the ARRL in the United States with its QST and On the Air magazines,
    and the Radio Society of Great Britain with RadCom. Members of the
    Finnish society are being given the option of receiving both the paper
    and digital edition. An SRAL survey of members showed that 37 percent
    of association members were strongly interested in a digital
    publication. That bodes well for the society's budget: Digital
    distribution is expected to reduce costs of producing the magazine,
    which the association considers one of its biggest expenses.

    This is Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (SOUTHGATE)

    **

    AUTOMAKERS LOSE COURT BATTLE OVER 5.9 GHz BAND

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: It was a case of use it or lose it for the US auto
    industry, which has lost its fight to retain a larger allocation of the
    5.9 GHz band for wireless safety features in vehicles. Kent Peterson,
    KC0DGY, has that story.

    KENT: A federal court in Washington, D.C., has decided against US
    automakers who had asked the US Federal Communications Commission to
    restore its previously allocated frequencies on the 5.9 GHz band for
    use by wireless safety technology known as vehicle-to-vehicle. The
    court ruled on Friday August 12th that the V2V technology had not been deployed in commercially marketed vehicles and that much of the
    spectrum was needed for Wi-Fi. In 2020, the FCC reallocated part of the
    5.9GHz spectrum from V2V technology so it could be available for
    unlicensed devices using Wi-Fi.

    The court denied the challenge to that reallocation by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, arguing that the court was
    unconvinced that sufficient advances had been made in V2V technology.
    The FCC told the court that 30MHz of spectrum remained available for
    these so-called intelligent transportation systems and the agency
    considered that enough.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (US CIRCUIT COURT, WASHINGTON D.C.; THE VERGE)

    **

    A CENTURY OF PROUD CHALLENGES FOR WISCONSIN AMATEUR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There are always new challenges for ham radio operators
    who are on the lookout for the next big thing to learn. Perhaps no one
    knows that better than this Wisconsin amateur. He celebrated his 100th birthday this summer. Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB, has his story.

    RALPH: In true amateur radio spirit, the learning hasn't stopped for
    Arden Nelson, KA9WAR. He trained to fly military aircraft in the Army
    Air Corps during World War II and 79 years ago this month he soloed a
    PT-19 in Ballinger, Texas. He also learned to communicate using CW.
    Although he regrets not having stayed with that mode when he became an
    amateur radio operator 37 years ago, Arde - who turned 100 years old on
    July 2nd - hasn't avoided conquering other modes since then. He devotes
    three to four hours a day listening to the radio and trying to score
    some good DX. He told Newsline in an email that with the assistance of
    Dwight, NS9I, he made the leap into the digital realm and is active now
    making contacts using FT-8.

    Few hams could have been happier recently than Lou, N2CYY, who logged
    an FT8 contact with him in his New Jersey shack on the 13th of August.
    He was happy to learn his new friend had recently become a centenarian.
    Even without making radio contact with him, however, other local hams
    are sharing that joy: Fellow members of the Marinette and Menominee
    Amateur Radio Club honored Arden recently with a birthday celebration
    and a picnic at a local park.

    There, fortunately, the only challenge he faced was cutting - and
    eating - the cake.

    This is Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (ARDE NELSON KA9WAR, PESHTIGO TIMES, LOU N2CYY)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Aug 25 18:04:47 2022
    ROMANIAN STUDENTS RETURN FROM 4-DAY SOTA EXPEDITION

    JIM/ANCHOR: Students in an amateur radio club in Romania have returned home with full hearts and full logbooks after four days of activating the countryside's beautiful mountains. More on their trip from Ed Durrant,
    DD5LP.

    ED: Accompanied by their teacher Adrian YO5IA, and other mentors, a group
    of young amateurs from the school radio club YO6KGS in Romania set out from Râciu Village in late July for their latest adventure, a four-day SOTA expedition in the Giumalau Mountains. After watching demonstrations by
    Csaba, YO6PIB, and Eva, YO6EVA, who activated their first summit, Giumalău Peak, the students joined them on 20m and 17m. Ranging in age from 12 to
    20, many of the students had gone on previous activations with the school
    club and their advisors. Mihaela, YO5MCM, could not be there in person this time but made sure to chase the group from her QTH in Cluj about 200 km
    away. There was also a family reunion, ham radio style, as Nico YO6YLJ,
    made a summit-to-summit contact with his father, Mihai YO6SM, who was operating from Norway using the call sign LB9HI. Mihai was able to give the other students their chance for a summit-to-summit contact too. Everyone
    spent comfortable nights in a mountain cottage and by the final night they
    had earned some bragging rights: The whole team had activated Giumalău summit, YO/EC-007, and logged summit-to-summit QSOs from Muncel, YO/EC-527,
    to Giumalău on VHF and UHF. Daria YO6CDC wrote in her online diary that
    until the next time: [quote] "We have the radio waves, the contests, the radioclub where we meet, while the memories last forever." [endquote]

    This is Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (ADRIAN YO5IA)


    **

    TOP HONORS FOR CALIFORNIA AMATEUR'S DOCUMENTARY AT LOS ANGELES FILM FEST

    JIM/ANCHOR: A documentary film celebrating the spirit of invention has just won top honors at a Los Angeles Film Festival. Not surprisingly, the film's creative team included a ham. We hear more from Mike Askins, KE5CXP.

    MIKE: "Pathways to Invention," a newly released documentary film directed
    and coproduced by a Santa Barbara, California amateur radio operator, has
    been chosen as Best Documentary Feature at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. Levi C. Maaia, K6LCM, is both a teacher and a tinkerer who believes that technology can be a driving force to power education. A proponent of the Maker movement, Levi and his production partner Noah G.
    Mark follow 10 emerging innovators on their journeys to become inventors.
    The film was made with the support of the Lemelson Foundation. At the festival, the film also received awards for best producer, best original
    music score and best director of a documentary feature. The film is to premiere this year.

    Levi has been active on the education committee of Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. He is also a life member of AMSAT and a board member of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club.

    I'm Mike Askins, KE5CXP.

    (LEVI C. MAAIA, K6LCM)

    **

    INDIAN AMATEURS MARK NATION'S 75 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

    JIM/ANCHOR: India has just marked its 75 years of independence and hams
    have been busy celebrating on the air. Jim Meachen ZL2BHF tells us some of
    the ways they're marking the occasion.

    JIM: Amateurs throughout India and beyond have been marking that nation's
    75 years of independence with special event stations and commemorative
    nets. Special event station AT75CW will be on the air using CW from
    September 1st trough October 2nd from northern India. Rajesh, VU2CW, is the same operator who activated AT75RADIO earlier this month on SSB.

    Meanwhile, the Indian YL Net on the India Conference Server on Echolink
    marked the nation's independence with a series of guest net control
    operators during the week of Monday, August 15th. Guests net controllers on this daily net included Dr. S. Sathyapal, VU2FI, director of the Indian Institute of Hams, using the call sign AU75IIH, and Omprakash Khiyani,
    VU2KOC, who runs a popular net in India. He used the call sign AU75KOC.

    India officially marked its independence on Monday, August 15th.

    This is Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    (QRZ, INDIAN YL NET)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 2 09:17:06 2022
    PRISON FOR RADIO AMATEUR AND HIS SON CONVICTED IN ASSAULTS

    NEIL/ANCHOR: A judge in England has convicted a radio amateur and his son
    for assaults going back several decades. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has more on
    that story.

    JEREMY: An amateur radio operator and his son have been sentenced to
    prison following their convictions on rape and indecent assault charges
    that date back to the 1980s and 1990s.

    A report on ITV.COM identified the men as Arthur William Bowditch, 73
    years of age, and his son, Arthur Stephen Bowditch, age 54.

    The father was well-known among hams in the Summits on the Air programme,
    and was identified on the SOTA reflector as having the callsign G4WSB.

    Both men will become registered sex offenders for the remainder of their lives. William Bowditch received a 21-year extended sentence. He will be
    given 20 years in custody followed by a one-year extended licence.
    Stephen Bowditch received a sentence of 12 years in prison.

    A note on the QRZ.com page for G4WSB marked him "QRT."

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (ITV.COM, SOTA REFLECTOR)

    **

    ROUTE 66 SPECIAL EVENT KICKS OFF ON SEPT. 10TH

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Lyrics for the old American rhythm and blues song advises
    people to "get your kicks on Route 66," but for hams, that doesn't
    necessarily involve the thrill of automobile travel. The 23rd annual
    Route 66 on the Air Special Event will take care of any and all such
    adventure by getting on the air celebrating the famous United States
    highway that travels between east and west, crossing eight states and
    three time zones. Twenty-two stations using one-by-one callsigns will be activated at locations along the iconic highway, using CW, SSB, and the digital modes. This event was created by the Northern Arizona DX
    Association but is now run by the Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club. Three
    of the 22 stations are being operated by the Northern Arizona Association.

    So start listening on September 10th. The event runs through to September
    18th at 23:59 UTC. Come along for the ride!

    (CITRUS BELT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)

    **

    STARLINK SATELLITES TO ASSIST T-MOBILE SERVICE IN US "DEAD ZONES"

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Mobile phones in the United States could start behaving like satellite phones under an agreement the carrier T-Mobile has reached with SpaceX Starlink. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, has that report.

    KENT: T-Mobile and the Starlink satellite internet service are calling
    the plan "Coverage Above and Beyond." At a recent press event the two companies announced a plan to help T-Mobile customers avoid service dead
    zones by creating a connection in underserved areas between mobile phones
    and satellites. The connection is to provide a total of between 2 and 4 megabits per second across the area for users of 5G mobile service. A T-
    mobile press release said the service is entering beta testing next year
    and will be available in the continental US, parts of Alaska, Hawaii,
    Puerto Rico and US territorial waters. The satellite connection is being called sufficient for texting, MMS messaging and some messaging apps when
    the users have a clear view of the sky.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (THE VERGE, T-MOBILE, SOTA REFLECTOR)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the N8NC repeater
    of the North Coast Amateur Radio Club in Brunswick, Ohio on Sundays, at 8
    p.m. during the weekly information net.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 9 16:52:42 2022
    CONNECTICUT CW CLUB HOSTS FIRST CONTEST

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Whoever said that fresh beginnings can't be fun probably
    didn't belong to this small but growing group of CW enthusiasts. Randy
    Sly, W4XJ, tells us about them.

    RANDY: You don't have to live in the state of Connecticut to be a member
    of the Connecticut CW Club but yes, it helps if you enjoy sending and receiving Morse Code. Members are going to get that chance in a big way
    this month: The club is having its inaugural CW contest starting on
    September 17th at 1200 UTC and ending September 18th at the same time. To participate and qualify for a certificate, you need to join the club --
    and membership is free! Members have already signed up from North
    Carolina, California, Arkansas, New Hampshire and yes.....Connecticut.

    Operators who have the three highest scores - and the operator who makes
    the longest-distance QSO - will receive certificates.

    According to its website, the club has other goals too: sharing portable operations, including SOTA and POTA, having biweekly social meet-ups and teaching newcomers the ins and outs of CW. The group's meetings are held
    in person and in Zoom so members who don't live locally can still attend.
    See the website ctcw dot club (ctcw.club) for details.

    This is Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    (CONNECTICUT CW CLUB)

    **

    AMATEUR RADIO MENTORS TRAIN CANDIDATES ON INDIA'S 'TEACHERS DAY'

    PAUL/ANCHOR: In India, where the birthday of the nation's second
    president is celebrated as Teachers' Day, amateur radio educators marked
    the occasion with a half-day training session for young license
    candidates. John Williams, VK4JJW, has the details.

    JOHN: In the spirit of a national holiday that honours mentors and
    educators, 35 students at Sodepur High School in Kolkata, India attended
    a practical class on electronics and amateur radio in preparation for
    testing for their licences. The course was offered by the Indian Academy
    of Communication and Disaster Management, an organisation founded at the school in 2010 with the help of the West Bengal Radio Club.

    Nearly four hours of classes were conducted in the spirit of Teachers'
    Day, a holiday marking September 5th, 1888, the birthdate of Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, a scholar, professor and philosopher who was elected
    president of India in 1962.

    The classes were taught by Pasupati Mandal, VU3ODQ, Dipak Chakraborty,
    VU3OKT, and Rinku Nag Biswas, VU2JFB, the secretary of the Indian amateur organisation. The students are expected to sit for their licence tests
    soon.

    This is John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (INDIAN ACADEMY OF COMMUNICATION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

    **

    BRAZIL REPORTS HIGHEST NUMBER OF HAMS ON AIR

    PAUL/ANCHOR: The numbers have brought good news to the amateur radio
    community in Brazil, where the figures show there are even more hams this
    year than previously. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, picks up the story from here.

    JEREMY: More amateurs than ever are on the air in Brazil and most of them
    are Class C entry level operators, according to a recent study by the The
    Liga de Amadores Brasileiros de Ráídio Emissåúo, the national amateur radio society. The organisation used data provided by the nation's regulator, ANATEL, and analysed by Ricardo Benedito, PY2QB.

    The data shows that this year's amateur radio ranks grew by 2.2 percent
    over last year, with more than 40,000 now holding a radio licence. The
    state with the most hams is Såo Paulo, where more than 10,000 amateurs
    reside. Likewise, the city of Såo Paulo has the most amateurs among
    Brazilian cities - with 2,430 operators - followed by Rio de Janeiro,
    which has 1,521.

    The number of stations also grew, according to the data: There were about 60,000 stations in 2021. The number is now in excess of 63,000, counting repeaters, mobile, fixed, beacons and terrestrial stations - with more
    than 17,000 of them in the state of Sao Paulo.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (LABRE, SOUTHGATE)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 16 11:09:30 2022
    RSGB CANCELS JUBILEE ACTIVITIES AFTER QUEEN'S DEATH

    DON/ANCHOR: In Great Britain, Jubilee activities have been halted on the
    air during the somber time following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
    Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, is here with that report.

    JEREMY: The Radio Society of Great Britain has halted its Jubilee
    activities as a mark of respect for the Queen following her death. The
    Society has updated its website to reflect this, and has cancelled its Innovation 70 award for creative and innovative design. Meanwhile, amateurs who collected QSOs for the Jubilee Award 70 during the month of June may
    still apply for the award before the 31st of October. See the RSGB website
    for details at rsgb.org.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    ACCESS TO 60M BAND GROWS ON AFRICAN CONTINENT

    DON/ANCHOR: An increasing number of hams are getting access to 60 meters, including the latest group of nations in southern Africa. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, brings us that report.

    JASON: Hams in various parts of southern Africa have gained access to the
    60 metre band recently. The South African Radio League reports that South Africa is permitted the range of frequencies from 5.350.0 to 5.450.0 MHz on
    a non-interference basis at a maximum output power of 100 watts EIRP and
    5.290 MHz for WSPR beacons. Namibia, eSwatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have been given the WRC-15 allocation from 5.351.5 to 5.366.5 MHz with 15W EIRP. Kenya has 5.275 MHz to 5.450 MHz on a secondary basis with 400 watts. The league wrote on its Facebook page that it is still awaiting official confirmation from Botswana, Lesotho, Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania.

    This is Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (FACEBOOK SARL)

    **

    GERMANY PROPOSES ENTRY LEVEL AMATEUR CLASS LICENSE

    DON/ANCHOR: There may be big changes ahead in Germany later this year for people hoping to get an entry-level amateur license. We learn more from
    Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: Germany is hoping to make it easier for people to get involved in amateur radio by adding a third class of licence at the entry level, with
    low power and restricted operations. Germany's Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport said in a press release that the proposed N-class licence would have a greatly simplified test concentrating on regulations, operations and basic technology. Germany's other two classes are the A, or Full class, and the E, which is Novice - or intermediate - class.

    A report on the ICQ podcast noted that N class licensees will have access
    to 2m and 70cm, using no more than 10 watts EIRP. Ronny Jerke, DG2RON, said
    in the report that the beginner class is designed to comply with
    international requirements. N class holders will also be permitted to use hotspots and other radio devices they have built themselves.

    According to the Federal Ministry, the new regulation could be in place as early as November of this year.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (ICQ PODCAST, FEDERAL MINISTRY FOR DIGITAL AFFAIRS AND TRANSPORT)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the Elmore County Amateur Radio Club's K7ECI repeater in Mountain Home, Idaho on Wednesdays
    at 8 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 23 08:10:25 2022
    YOUTH ON THE AIR TO GO CAMPING IN CANADA

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Organizers have just announced that campers attending next
    year's Youth on the Air camp in the Americas will be packing their bags
    for a northern location. Jack Parker, W8ISH, has the details.

    JACK: The Youth on the Air Camp, which was held in West Chester, Ohio,
    for its first two years, is moving north to Canada for its third year.
    The camp will be able to host as many as 30 young amateurs from North,
    Central and South America on the campus of Carleton University in
    Ontario, Canada. Applications will be accepted starting December 1st and
    any amateur radio operators in the Americas who are between the ages of
    15 and 25 are welcome to apply. Prospective campers who do not live in
    Canada are being encouraged to apply for passports and tourist visas in
    time to enable them to enter the country to attend camp.

    Youngsters who attended previous sessions of Youth on the Air camp will
    return to serve as leaders. Top priority for admission will go to first-
    time attendees and youngsters who reside outside the United States.

    The camp will take place from July 16th through to the 21st with Radio Amateurs of Canada serving as the local host.

    For additional details, visit the camp's web page at YouthOnTheAir dot
    org (YouthOnTheAir.org)

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (YOUTH ON THE AIR CAMP)

    **

    VOICE OF AMERICA SITE MARKS 78TH ANNIVERSARY

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, there are still big things happening in West
    Chester, Ohio, which had been the host of the youth camp for the past
    two years. Remembering the site's importance as a Voice of America relay station, hams are activating a special event station to mark its
    important anniversary. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, brings us that report.

    NEIL: Where it once carried vital news to people in South America,
    Europe and Africa during troubled times in the world, the Voice of
    America Bethany Relay Station in West Chester, Ohio, is now carrying a
    message of celebration. Members of the West Chester Amateur Radio
    Association, WC8VOA, which is housed at the VOA museum on the relay
    station site, will be marking the 78th anniversary of the relay station
    during a special event station on September 24th and 25th. VOA sent its
    first news reports and programs out to the world from that former Ohio
    farmers field in July of 1944 and continued to do so until the
    transmitter went silent in 1994.

    For the special event, hams will be using the club callsign and calling
    QRZ using CW, SSB and the digital modes. The station will begin
    operation at 12:00 UTC on Saturday and will go QRT at 00:00 UTC on
    Sunday. Be listening on 15, 20 and 40 meters. Hams making contacts will
    be eligible for a downloadable certificate from the club website. See
    the *WC8VOA* page on QRZ.com for details.

    I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (JOCELYN BRAULT, KD8VRX/VA2VRX)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the
    K7MMA repeater in Spokane, Washington on Fridays at 5 p.m. Pacific time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Sep 30 09:29:43 2022
    TENNESSEE AMATEURS DONATE RADIO BOOKS TO LIBRARY

    JIM/ANCHOR: Nothing can compare with the gift of knowledge and that's
    what a group of hams in Tennessee recently gave to their local library -
    ham radio knowledge, of course. Skeeter Nash, N5ASH, picks up the story
    from here.

    SKEETER: The Andrew Johnson Amateur Radio Club may not have written the
    book on amateur radio but its members recently showed they know how to
    share the wealth of radio knowledge contained in some valuable volumes.
    The Tennessee club has donated a collection of new and used ham radio-
    related volumes to the Greeneville-Greene County Public Library.

    A press release from the club said the gift was part of the group's
    mission to provide community service and advocate for radio knowledge and education. The group thanked the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Greene
    County for a $500 donation that helped the club compile the book
    collection. The books were presented to the library by president Ian
    Bible KE4EAC and secretary/treasurer Larry Whiteside, KN4MVH.

    The books include "Ham Radio for the New Ham," by Stan W. Merrill; two
    copies of "Ham Radio for Dummies," by H. Ward Silver and "The World of
    Ham Radio, 1901-1950: A Social History." For tinkerers there is "Antique
    Radio Restoration Guide," by David Johnson; and "Antique Radio Repair and Restoration," (4th edition) by Alfred Corbin, which discusses vacuum tube radios. A number of ARRL publications are also in the collection,
    including a digital handbook and a license manual.

    This is Skeeter Nash, N5ASH.

    (THE GREENEVILLE SUN)

    **

    AUSTRALIAN AMATEURS INVITE THE WORLD TO PORTABLE EVENT

    JIM/ANCHOR: A club in New South Wales, Australia, has big plans for some outdoor operation - and everyone is invited. John Williams, VK4JJW, tells
    how you can attend.

    JOHN: The Central Coast Amateur Radio Club in New South Wales is hoping everyone can join them at their next outing, a portable-op-and-picnic
    event. Yes, this means hams in Europe. This also means hams in North
    America. The club is setting up a big festive gathering on the 15th of
    October at Terrigal Haven on Australia's South Pacific coastline where
    members will socialize with one another while promoting amateur radio to strangers. Of course, if there is an ocean or a continent - or both - in
    the way of your being there, that's no excuse for not participating.
    Starting at 11:30 a.m. local time and going through at least until 4
    p.m., radio operators at the outing will have a path on 20M into New
    Zealand, North America and as the day wears on, signals will be favoured
    into Europe. Listen for the club call signs VK2AFW and VK2WFD.

    As with any picnic and any radio activation, everyone will keep an eye on
    the weather -- terrestrial as well as solar.

    This is John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (CCARC)

    **

    ACMA SEEKS INPUT ON NEW LICENCE CLASS

    JIM/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, as Newsline went to production, the Australian Communications and Media Authority announced it was asking for amateurs
    to comment on the proposed class licence for non-assigned amateur and
    outpost stations. The ACMA is also reviewing issues related to higher-
    power operations. This process is part of the ACMA's ongoing five-year spectrum review. The ACMA website at acma dot gov dot au (acma.gov.au) is accepting submissions until the close of business on the 29th of
    November.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline
    heard on bulletin stations around the world including D-STAR Reflector
    91C on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. local time in Melbourne, Australia.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Oct 6 19:44:51 2022
    FISTS CW CLUB PREPS FOR QSO PARTY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: October is also a big month for CW enthusiasts and one
    club in the UK has picked a date for a big but very informal get-
    together. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, explains.

    JEREMY: Members of the FISTS CW Club in the UK know that you don't need a reason to declare it's time for a QSO Party. So organisers have declared
    the 22nd of October as the date for the club's official autumn gathering.
    The FISTS website says [quote] "This is simply an opportunity to rekindle
    old friendships and make new ones." [endquote] This means that nonmembers
    and radio ops who send QRS are just as welcome as are FISTS regulars. The
    QSO party takes place on that date between 1900 and 2359 UTC.

    As the club points out on its website, this is an activity that won't
    help anyone score points or add another certificate to their ever-growing collection - but on the other hand, you might just make some new friends.
    The website offers a few more encouraging words by adding: [quote]:
    "Let's wheel out the homebrew, the military gear, the old stuff and the
    new and let's just chat to each other." [endquote]

    Details are available at fists dot co dot uk (fists.co.uk)

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    **

    SKCC SEEKS DESIGNS FOR ANNIVERSARY QSL CARD

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Another group of CW enthusiasts has reached out to its
    members to showcase a talent that doesn't require a straight key, cootie
    or bug -- just perhaps some pen, ink and a little imagination. Kevin
    Trotman, N5PRE, has that report.

    KEVIN: The Straight Key Century Club is asking its members to call upon a skill that requires a good hand and a good eye instead of a good fist and
    a good ear. The club is preparing for activities marking the 17th
    anniversary of its founding -- and that means it needs a new and unique
    QSL card for a special event. Every year the SKCC designates January as Straight Key Month and starting on the 2nd of January, operators get on
    the air using the special event call sign K3Y.

    Members have until the 14th of December to submit their designs and then
    the club gets to vote on the submissions, which are displayed on the
    event webpage. The design with the most votes becomes the design of the official K3Y QSL card and many of the others become part of the SKCC
    print calendar for 2023.

    No, it's not too early to start thinking about 2023 or this special
    event. If you're a club member who likes to design QSL cards - or if you
    want to try - this is your chance. Designers are permitted to submit
    their cards from previous competitions in the hopes of making it to the
    top this year. For details, see the link the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    [PRINT ONLY: https://skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y-qsl-vote.php ]

    This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    (SKCC)

    **

    1st WOMAN TO LEAD ITU IS AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Members of the ITU have chosen their next leader and
    she's not just the first woman - she's a ham. Dave Parks, WB8ODF, has
    details.

    DAVE: The International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations
    agency that coordinates telecommunications operations globally, has
    elected an amateur radio operator from the US as its new secretary-
    general. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, KD2JTX, will be the first woman to hold
    that office when she succeeds Houlin Zhao on January 1st.

    Her campaign page on the US Department of State website lists her deep involvement with the ITU, most recently as director of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. The website listed her
    accomplishments in bringing about upgrades that better embrace digital advances, and that her work in the role supported global efforts to
    promote school connectivity and greater involvement of youth. Under her leadership, the ITU focused on giving youth more of a voice in strategy
    and programs.

    She posted on her Twitter account on September 19th: [quote] "Immensely
    proud to be the first woman ever elected to the post of ITU Secretary-
    General. We've finally smashed a 157-y.o. glass ceiling! -- and I hope
    this result inspires women and girls everywhere to dream big and make
    those dreams a reality!"

    Her rival for the post was Rashid Ismailov of Russia, who lost in a vote
    of 139 votes to 25.

    This is Dave Parks, WB8ODF.

    (US DEPT OF STATE, BBC NEWS)

    **

    DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR CLUB GRANT PROGRAM

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: This is a reminder that there is a little less than one
    month left for interested clubs to apply to the ARRL Foundation Club
    Grant Program. Deadline for applications is November 4th. The program is
    run with the help of a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications
    and allows clubs to expand such programs as those focused on education
    and training, especially new radio amateurs. A total of $500,000 is
    available to clubs and as much as $25,000 can be provided to any one club
    for a worthy project. Ham clubs requiring more than that amount are being asked to apply directly to the ARDC.

    Additional details about the ARRL program can be found at the link in the
    text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    [PRINT ONLY: arrl.org/club-grant-program ]

    (ARRL)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Oct 13 22:54:29 2022
    HURRICANE IAN RESPONDER CREDITS HAM TEAM

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Hurricane Ian has passed, but the storm's force is not
    something easily forgotten - and one amateur who assisted Florida
    residents from hundreds of miles away reflects on the experience. Randy
    Sly, W4XJ, caught up with him.

    RANDY: Most of us have heard the story of Dale Klonin, KC3TAU, the
    Maryland Firefighter who used his ham radio skills to send rescuers to Florida's Sanibel Island during Hurricane Ian. His actions resulted in
    the rescue of several persons in the wake of the island's devastation.
    We talked with Dale after the event reflecting back on what took place.
    While not comfortable being called a hero, he told AR Newsline that he
    was pleased that he could play a part and was very happy that the
    people were safe.

    So, what lessons did he learn from this event? Though new to ham radio,
    he is an emergency preparedness trainer as a part of his firefighting
    career. First, he said, it's important to know who's doing what.

    Committed to supporting the emergency communications role of ham radio,
    Dale was already monitoring the Hurricane Watch Net and Florida
    Emergency Net on HF, listening to the Florida Room on WIRES-X and had
    Echolink up and running. When he was made aware of the stranded
    individuals from a relative nearby, he knew who to call. He also said
    it was important for him to have more than one plan in place.

    Information was shared over HF radio, as well as by email and text with
    net control stations. Before he ended our conversation, he also wanted
    to be sure to recognize the unsung heroes of the event, the Florida
    hams and others around the country who worked the nets and really knew
    how to control and pass along information. Rescuers did the work but
    their information came from the capable hands of amateurs.

    This is Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    **

    HAMS AID STRANDED TOURISTS IN MONSOON

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Amateur radio proved invaluable for visitors from India
    who were left stranded in Nepal. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, tells us about this developing story.

    ED: At least 68 travelers from Bengal were left stranded earlier this
    month in Nepal as monsoon flooding and landslides ravaged the
    landscape. As the tourists' cell phones died, amateur radio stepped in. According to a story in the Times of India, hams in Nepal began rescue communications and reached out to the West Bengal Radio Club on behalf
    of the tourists. The club contacted the Nepal Consulate for assistance.
    The Nepal Tourism Board arranged for rescue teams, including
    helicopters, because travel was restricted by road damage. Where
    possible, local hams carried rations to help the stranded tourists from Kolkata. As Newsline went to production, improved weather conditions
    brought hope that the tourists could be returned safely home.

    This is Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (THE TIMES OF INDIA)

    **

    SUDAN GROUP ELECTED TO IARU MEMBERSHIP

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Formed a little more than a year ago, the Sudan Amateur
    Radio Union has become the newest member society of the International
    Amateur Radio Union. The group, which represents the interests of hams
    in the northeast African nation, has a membership of 54. It was founded
    on August 6th of 2021 and is part of Region 1 of the IARU.

    (IARU)

    **

    SILENT KEY JOHN MUELLER K2BT

    NEIL/ANCHOR: An influential and well-respected member of the western
    New York amateur radio community has become a Silent Key. John Mueller (MULE-LERR), K2BT, died on October 9th following a lengthy illness.
    Licensed since November 2004, John held an Amateur Extra license. A
    Volunteer Examiner and a member of SKYWARN, John served as ARRL Western
    New York section manager from 2012 through 2014 and was emergency
    coordinator for Chautauqua County ARES from 2010 through 2012. John was
    a past president of the Chautauqua (CHUH-TALK-WAH) County Amateur FM Association and a veteran of the US Army. John's widow, Laura Mueller,
    N2LJM, serves as current section manager for Western New York. John was
    63. Newsline offers his family and friends our condolences.

    (FACEBOOK, MATTHEW BROWN, K2EAG)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the
    KB9LPP repeater in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on Saturdays. The repeater is
    DMR enabled on the Brandmeister Network.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Oct 21 08:59:44 2022
    LATEST HONOR CONFERRED FOR WORKED ALL BRITAIN FOUNDERS BOWL

    JIM/ANCHOR: Of course, some amateurs' collections extend beyond QSL
    cards. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us about one ham in England who just
    added to a different kind of collection.

    JEREMY: Some amateurs are proud of their collection of QSL cards. Karl
    Kruger 2E0FEH takes special pride in his collection of trophies. The
    latest conferred upon him is the inscription of his name on the
    Founders Bowl from Worked All Britain for 2021. The award not only
    recognises him as a high-scoring chaser for a half-decade but
    acknowledges the articles he has written for the Worked All Britain
    magazine and his support and advice given to operators.

    Chasers face the seemingly daunting task of hunting all kinds of
    locator squares throughout Britain, starting with the 100km big squares
    and then 10km smaller squares within them. Karl's efforts include
    helping chasers locate and work portable stations that operate from
    squares where there are no resident hams. There are, of course, other
    types of ways to earn points, with coastal squares, islands,
    lighthouses and waterway lights.

    Karl has been involved in these big and small chases for quite some
    time.

    He told Newsline [quote] "the best bit after a period of time, [is
    when] you start collecting trophies. I have quite a collection now in
    my cabinet. It's taken a few years to do and a lot of air time but
    trust me, it's worth it." [endquote]

    Karl said the awards scheme is open to Shortwave Listeners and even
    overseas operators, who might actually find the collection easier from
    a QTH outside Britain. He told Newsline [quote]: "Be warned. It is
    addictive." [endquote]

    I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    **

    SPECIAL EVENT STATION COMMEMORATES LAKE SUPERIOR TRAGEDY

    JIM/ANCHOR: Even if you're not in the United States, you may have heard
    of the tragedy of the freighter that sank during a storm in 1975 in one
    of the Great Lakes. The vessel's story is being told again with the
    help of a special event station, as we hear from Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    SEL: In the state of Michigan, the story of the tragedy cannot be told
    enough: On November 10th, 1975, an American freighter, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was sent to the bottom of Lake Superior. The crew of 29 lost
    their lives that day. That story will be shared once again between
    October 30th and November 13th by members of the Livonia Amateur Radio
    Club, K8UNS, as they operate as special event station W8F. On Saturday, November 5th, the operation will also be at the Dossin Great Lakes
    Museum from 1600 to 2030 UTC. This is also a POTA activation and an
    entity in the US Islands Awards scheme. The museum and the Detroit
    Historical Society are hosting the event, hoping that amateurs from
    around the world will make contact and that visitors to the museum will observe the portable ham station on its day of operation there. Hams
    who log W8F as a contact will be issued a confirmation certificate.

    See the QRZ.com page for special event station W8F for more details.

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (QRZ.COM)

    **

    NO BARE-BONES OPERATION FOR HALLOWEEN

    JIM/ANCHOR: Here in the United States, as Halloween approaches, people
    have been growing increasingly creative in the ways they decorate their
    homes for the holiday. Meet one ham in Denver, Colorado, who carries
    the theme way above all the others - way, way above - because it's on
    his roof. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, gives us the details.

    NEIL: If you look at the photos on his page on QRZ.com, you'll notice
    right away that Keifer Hunniford, K3IFR, doesn't exactly have a shack
    that you'd call a bare-bones operation. Well, Halloween has changed all
    that. His wife, Ari, is a big fan of the holiday and recently brought
    home nine skeletons from the local Home Depot. Some of them are now
    scattered around the couple's yard and a few are hanging off the roof
    of their house in various poses. The luckiest skeleton of the bunch got
    the highest visibility of all: Keifer has him mounted on his antenna,
    and the installation required - you guessed it - only a skeleton crew.
    Keifer zip-tied that festive bunch of bones into place to keep him
    secure through the end of the month.

    We're not sure whether its presence has an impact on Keifer's SWR -
    that's Skeleton-Wave-Ratio - but we do know it has scared up a lot of
    interest locally and on Facebook too, where he posted a picture. It has
    turned their house into quite a haunt - and if any neighbors should try
    to compete with it... let's just say.....they don't stand a ghost of a
    chance.

    This is Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Oct 28 02:09:02 2022
    SILENT KEY: MINNESOTA'S MIKE SIGELMAN, K0BUD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: The Minnesota ham radio community is grieving the loss
    of an active longtime radio operator who was formally recognized
    for his generous spirit and decades of involvement. Kent Peterson,
    KC0DGY tells us about him.

    KENT: On his page on QRZ.com, Mike Sigelman, K0BUD, described
    himself as "one enthusiastic amateur radio operator!" He wrote:
    [quote] "I have been licensed since 1955 and keep heavily involved
    both on the air as well as in the local amateur community."
    [endquote]

    Mike became a Silent Key on Thursday the 20th of October, but not
    before the former broadcast professional also left a deep imprint
    in amateur radio. The ARRL honored him in 2013 with the President's
    Award in recognition of his years of commitment and service to
    various league programs. Earlier this year, he was given the Public
    Service Award from the Maple Grove Radio Club, K0LTC.

    An enthusiastic participant in local nets, contesting and DXing, he
    had also served as president of the Twin City FM Club and the
    public relations officer for the ARRL's Minnesota section manager.

    His survivors include his wife Judy, N0OEL.

    Michael was 83.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (QTZ.COM, STAR-TRIBUNE)

    **

    SILENT KEY: INFLUENTIAL FINNISH AMATEUR PETER TIGERSTEDT, OH5NQ/OH2BM

    PAUL/ANCHOR: A ham respected in Finland for his wide-ranging work
    as a mentor, a pioneer and - separately - a renowned botanist - has
    become a Silent Key. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, tells us about him.

    ED: Peter Tigerstedt, OH5NQ/OH2BM, was considered one of the most
    prominent figures in amateur radio in Finland. A news report from
    the Wireless Institute of Australia quotes Martii Laine, OH2BH, as
    calling Peter a pioneer on both the high and low ends of the HF
    spectrum. A professor by vocation, his other love was to mentor
    young radio contesters in Finland and welcome them to his contest
    station OH5Z. Born in 1936, he was remembered by Al, 4L5A, writing
    in a forum on DxNews.com: [quote] "Now the OH5Z group has lost
    their 'father figure' and are looking longingly towards the
    horizon." [endquote]

    Beyond radio, the Helsinki University professor emeritus achieved
    fame as an expert in plant-breeding, most especially the
    rhododendron. He developed a variety that bears his name.

    This is Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (WIA, DXNEWS.COM)

    **

    SILENT KEY: SOUTHGATE AMATEUR NEWS' RICHARD BRUNTON G4TUT

    PAUL/ANCHOR: If you follow amateur radio current events you are
    probably aware of the Southgate Amateur Radio News website. We here
    at Newsline are sad to report that the colleague of ours in England,
    who ran that important website, has become a Silent Key. Jeremy Boot,
    G4NJH, has that report.

    JEREMY: We are sad to announce the passing of Richard Brunton,
    G4TUT. Richard died at age 77 as the result of a fall on the 21st
    of October. The callsign may not seem familiar to you, but for
    decades Richard was editor of the Southgate Amateur Radio News
    website which has a significant international following. Each and
    every day, Richard would search the world’s ham radio and
    technology resources seeking out stories of interest and publishing
    them. Beyond the straight news items and specialist sections of his
    site, Richard encouraged non-commercial podcasts and blogs to
    promote ham radio opinion and stimulate debate on the essential
    subjects of the day. He also compiled the "CQ Serenade" weekly
    programme which was broadcast throughout Europe on Shortwaveradio.de
    and other public-facing media. Richard himself was an intensely
    private man who had no close family, but he reached thousands of
    friends daily through his website. Amateur radio has lost a statesman
    and a stalwart whose dedication to amateur radio was valued and
    enjoyed by so many.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (STEVE RICHARDS G4HPE)

    **

    POLISH AMATEURS HOSTING ON-AIR MEMORIAL

    PAUL/ANCHOR: With every new Silent Key in our amateur radio
    community, the bands grow a little more empty. In Poland, however,
    amateurs are planning an activation to share and honor those who
    have meant so much. Ed Durrant, DD5LP, brings us the details.

    ED: The Polish Amateur Radio Union, PZK, is conducting a memorial
    activation from the 1st to the 6th of November, asking amateurs to
    make contact with the station SPØSKM and provide the name and
    callsign of the Silent Key they wish to commemorate. Hams will be
    able to do this on 80, 40 and 20 metres using CW and SSB and on 2
    metres FM. The PZK's editorial office is promoting this event which
    is being called, in translation, "remembrance of those who passed
    away." The special-event station operators will create an SK
    remembrance List based on SK stations noted in the log.

    Each radio contact is eligible for a certificate which will be able
    to be downloaded later, commemorating the event and the Silent Key
    submitted. If a ham wishes to honour more than one Silent Key, it
    must be done on another day in a different QSO.

    The Polish organisation's website says, in translation, [quote] "In
    this way, we will honour the memory of those we no longer hear on
    the amateur wave." [endquote]

    This is Ed Durrant, DD5LP.

    (PZK,IRTS)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Nov 4 01:09:49 2022
    OHIO PENN DX BULLETIN HALTS PUBLICATION

    DON/ANCHOR: DXers and others interested in chasing special callsigns have learned that an important resource for more than three decades is ceasing publication. Jack Parker, W8ISH, has that story.

    JACK: After 31 years of publishing the free Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW, is calling it quits. Tedd, the president of the
    Northern Ohio DX Association, has made this free resource available on
    the internet and packet clusters around the world. He announced that the edition of October 31st, 2022 was to be the final bulletin. The
    bulletin's webmaster, John Papay, K8YSE, said on the website that the
    archived issues of the bulletin will continue to be available on the EIDX Network, papays.com. John said that readers enjoyed it as an email or on
    the list servers. He said that thousands of readers saw it on the website
    as well. He wrote: [quote] "What I found surprising is that people will
    not only read the current OPDX, but they will read back issues by the
    hundreds as well. What a great resource it has [become] and will still
    be." [endquote]

    John encouraged people to email Tedd to thank him for his years of
    DXpedition reports, propagation updates and other relevant information.
    The email address is kb8nw@arrl.net.

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (OHIO PENN DX BULLETIN)

    **

    "RETIRED REPEATER" LIVES ON IN COLORADO

    DON/ANCHOR: Where do old repeaters go when they retire? In the case of
    one very old repeater in California, that would be the Colorado Rockies.
    Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB, shares this story, which was told recently on
    the website eham.net:

    RALPH: In the early 1960s, before the area had frequency coordination
    groups and standards for repeater offsets, a privately owned repeater
    went up on a place called Contractors Point, high above San Fernando in southern California. The W6AQY solid-state repeater, which operated on
    VHF FM, relied on the parts of a Motorola walkie-talkie that it was built from.

    On the website, eham.net, Paul, W0RW, said he helped install it on the mountaintop long ago with Jim, W6UJX, and Jim's father, facing the
    challenge of putting a 30-foot telephone pole in a trench in that rocky
    soil. The repeater itself was protected from the elements inside a
    waterproof Motorola truck mount box and its batteries needed changing
    every three months.

    He said that the transmitter had an output of about 20 watts ERP and used
    a three-element beam turned toward Los Angeles and it served all of
    southern California successfully for much of that decade. It was finally
    taken out of service in 1969 and after some refurbishment moved to
    Colorado where it was put back to work -- this time as WR0ACR. A half-
    century later, it is still doing its job - but like most retirees, it is
    on standby service for much of the time.

    This is Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (EHAM.NET)

    **

    POTA QSOs INCREASE BY NEARLY 30 PERCENT

    DON/ANCHOR: With the past few weeks bringing great weather for outdoor activations, Parks on the Air QSOs have grown. Matt Heere, N3NWV, brings
    us the latest statistics.

    MATT: Hi All. I'm Matt, N3NWV here, with your October 2022 POTA stats
    and news update. October included the fall "Support Your Parks" weekend
    event and the stats show a big jump from last month.

    We had 15,781 activations by 2,808 activators from 5.483 parks. Forty-
    seven DXCC entities were represented this month and we reached a total of 706,846 QSOs, a month-over-month increase of 29% .

    Congratulations to all of our category leaders for October, and as always
    a big thanks for everyone who participates in the POTA program.

    Speaking of participating, our "Park a Day" Bailey-Sprott list hasn't
    changed notably this month. We still have five activators and two dozen hunters on track for pressing the POTA button every day in 2022. Good
    luck to all now that we're down to the final two months of the year.

    The October 15 and 16 "Support Your Parks" weekend was a huge success, generating over 100,000 QSOs. Nearly 11 hundred activators got to over
    15 hundred parks, and worked over 15,000 hunters. All in all, 34 DXCC
    entities participated in the weekend in one way or another.

    That wraps it up for this month. Seven-three and POTA on!

    (POTA)

    **

    INTERNATIONAL NEWSMAKER AWARD TO BE ANNOUNCED

    DON/ANCHOR: We remind our listeners that in a little more than one month,
    we will be announcing this year's recipient of the Amateur Radio Newsline International Newsmaker of the Year Award. We began this award in 2019 as
    a way of honoring individuals, groups or formal clubs whose actions and contributions show the world the value that amateur radio brings to
    society. Recipients are chosen by the editorial staff of Amateur Radio Newsline. All past recipients have shown themselves to adhere to the high standards of selflessness and community service which ham radio is known
    for and have also helped garner recognition and a higher profile for ham
    radio in the mainstream media. Be listening in early December when we
    announce the recipient who has not only made headlines, but made a
    difference, too.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Nov 11 13:16:08 2022
    RSGB SELECTS COORDINATOR OF CW COMPETENCY TEST

    JIM/ANCHOR: If you're in the UK and want a way to formally measure your
    Morse Code competency, there's a newly appointed ham to oversee your test. Here's Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, to introduce him.

    JEREMY: Eric Arkinstall, M0KZB, recognises that for many fellow hams,
    amateur radio is all about the love of Morse Code, plain and simple. For
    Eric, being an amateur has almost always been about the love of all things radio when, since at age 11, he built his first crystal set.

    Recently, the Radio Society of Great Britain appointed him coordinator of
    the Morse Competency test which awards operators recognition for their efforts.

    Although a Morse Code Certificate is not proof of a national standard of proficiency or internationally recognised, it is a matter of pride for
    those operators who attain it. In most countries now including the UK, a knowledge of Morse Code is no longer a requirement for a ham radio licence.

    According to the RSGB website, 5 words per minute is the slowest speed for which the certificate is issued. This is being done to encourage progress towards higher speeds. Tests are also available at 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 and
    30 wpm.

    If you wish to take the test, you can email Eric directly at morse.tests@rsgb.org.uk

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    NASA CHOOSES HAMS TO HELP COPY ORION'S SIGNAL

    JIM/ANCHOR: The Orion spacecraft, which is set to be launched toward the
    moon this month, won't be making the trip alone. Amateur radio operators
    will be along for the ride - well, sort of. Paul Braun, WD9GCO, explains.

    PAUL: When Artemis 1 dispatches an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on its journey
    to the moon, two hams will be on board the mission even though they're
    keeping their feet solidly on Planet Earth. Amateur radio operators are
    part of the 18-member team of volunteers who will be tracking various parts
    of the 25-day mission, recording whether it is possible to copy Orion's signal. NASA said they will also track and measure changes in Orion's radio transmissions.

    The team will include satellite enthusiast Scott Chapman, K4KDR, of Vermont and amateur astronomer Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, of British Columbia. The two amateurs were chosen to join space agencies and international companies
    from Canada, Germany, Korea and elsewhere.

    I'm Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    (SPACE.COM)

    ***

    FCC SEEKING NEW GRADS FOR ENGINEERS' PROGRAM

    JIM/ANCHOR: If you're a recent college graduate with an engineering degree
    or expect to graduate with that degree in December, this opportunity from
    the US Federal Communications Commission might interest you. We have the details from Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    SEL: The Honors Engineer program, an FCC career development initiative, has openings for engineering graduates interested in spending a year working alongside experienced professionals. The engineers will tackle such issues
    as broadcast standards, next-generation communications networks and innovations in space. They will also explore public safety issues and
    consult with homeland security agencies. Another focus will be new communications technologies, especially with respect to energy, education
    and health care.

    The program is run with an eye toward having its participants ultimately
    join the FCC as fulltime employees.

    Candidates may find this to be a competitive program. The agency considers academic achievement only one part of the successful engineer's resume. The FCC will also take into account technical skills and extracurricular activities. All candidates must show that they have an interest in working for a government employer in the communications sector.

    If you're interested, you have until December 2nd to apply. Applications
    are available online. You'll find the link to the application process in
    the text version of this week's newscast script at arnewsline.org

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (FOR PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/685101100

    (FCC)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the AH6LE repeater
    in Clackamas County, Oregon, on Sundays at 6 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Nov 25 02:40:24 2022
    TRANSATLANTIC QSOS RELIVE RADIO HISTORY IN DECEMBER

    PAUL/ANCHOR: The entire month of December is being devoted to reliving
    radio history: the Radio Society of Great Britain will mark the centenary
    of the Transatlantic Tests, which firmly established that amateur radio communication could cross the ocean. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, gives us those details.

    JEREMY: The Radio Society of Great Britain has activated historic call
    signs to mark a series of historic moments 100 years ago: the successful one-way transatlantic radio communication showed the HF bands to be
    well-suited for amateurs' signals crossing an ocean. The first amateur transmission from Europe using the callsign (G)5WS was heard in North
    America on the 24th December 1922.

    The RSGB is inviting society members to participate in the month long celebration by activating a station - and is encouraging the rest of
    the world to listen. The contacts this time will be via two-way
    communication, with awards available for operators logging QSOs with
    stations using the historic callsigns.

    In England these are G5WS, G5AT, G6XX, G6ZZ, and G3DR. The station in
    Scotland will be GM5WS; Wales will be using GW5WS and Northern Ireland,
    GI5WS. In the English Channel, operators from the Crown Dependency of
    Guernsey will be using GU5WS, and those from Jersey will use GJ5WS.
    Operators from the Isle of Man, another Crown Dependency in the Irish
    Sea, will be using GD5WS.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    NEBRASKA EMERGENCY OPERATORS HONORED BY STATE

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Hams in Dodge County, Nebraska, are feeling a lot of pride
    right now. Their track record of community service, and commitment
    during disasters, or even drills for disasters, has just been honored
    by the state, as we hear from Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    ANDY: Dodge County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, which has been a
    key player giving assistance in real and simulated disasters in Nebraska,
    was among the 11 honorees celebrated recently by the state for its vital
    work in the community. Susanne Shore, wife of Gov. Pete Ricketts, made
    the presentation during a luncheon for the 2022 ServeNebraska Step Forward Awards. This is considered the state's most prestigious honor given to volunteers.

    Leader Steve Narans, WB0VNF, received the award on behalf of the ARES
    group, which has been part of disaster drills with the Nebraska National
    Guard, as well as the Fremont fire and police departments. In 2019, the
    ARES group was key to a successful response when Fremont and surrounding
    areas suffered major floods. The ARES group is now in the process of
    renovating a county communications trailer, and fitting it out for use
    by first responders.

    This is Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (FREMONT TRIBUNE)

    **

    SANTA HF NET IS COMING TO TOWN

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Even if you no longer believe in Santa, you still believe
    in amateur radio, right? So listen up: the Santa Net is coming to town
    on 80 meters, and Jim Damron, N8TMW, says to put it on your list.

    JIM: More than one thousand children are expected to have their moment
    on the air this year, as the 3916 Nets kicks off its 17th year of the
    Santa Net. When this beloved holiday tradition began 17 years ago, only
    a handful of youngsters checked in, with the assistance of licensed
    amateur radio operators. If you've been a very good ham this year, you
    can help a young person be a third-party operator, and get that important contact on 3.916 MHz. The net begins on Friday, November 25th at 7:15 p.m. Central Time, or 0115 UTC. Santa will be on the air every night on the
    same frequency, and at that same time, until Christmas Eve, December 24th.

    Just as Santa himself might say, this is a team effort. Organizer Pete
    Thomson, KE5GGY, said that radio operators who belong to the 3916 Net
    work as relays to ensure everyone gets heard. This is, understandably,
    the favorite time of year on 3.916 MHz for these operators.

    You can even check in before the net at cqsanta dot com (cqsanta.com)
    Everyone is ho-ho-hoping for good propagation.

    This is Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (QRZ.COM)

    **

    CATCH UP WITH SANTA ON REPEATERS, ECHOLINK

    PAUL/ANCHOR: If you are unable to reach Santa on HF, he's still reachable
    by repeater and on EchoLink. Santa will be taking calls from November 27th
    to December 9th, thanks to the teamwork of the Longmont Amateur Radio
    Club, and the Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club.

    Linked UHF and VHF repeaters in Colorado will be on the air with Santa,
    who will also be reachable on Echolink node 8305, via the Longmont club repeater W0ENO-R.

    For Santa's operating hours, and for the repeaters' offsets and PL tones,
    visit the club website w0eno dot org. (W zERO E N O dot org)

    (LONGMONT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Dec 1 18:54:22 2022
    12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EVENT IS BACK

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you're counting down the days until Christmas, here's
    a little help with counting things down. Just count to twelve - for the
    return of the popular 12 Days of Christmas Special Event. Mike Askins,
    KE5CXP, tells us how to get in on the action.

    MIKE: Is that a partridge in the pear tree, or did someone just hang a
    dipole in its place? And are those nine drummers really drumming....or
    are they actually DXing? With the return of the 12 Days of Christmas
    Special Event this year, you just can't be sure what those nine
    drummers, ten pipers or seven swans are up to, but we do know that
    hundreds of hams around the world will be listening for them. Their special-event call signs will be on the air for a fourth year starting
    on December 14th and ending on Christmas Day, December 25th. Operators
    will be using CW and SSB and making use of one satellite. As in previous years, they will be using 1 x 1 calls that begin with either a W or a K
    -- but this year things will be easier for those who wish to rotate
    their beams: The calls will also contain a stroke and the operator's
    numerical call area. So get ready to start listening for all those
    calling birds -- and earn a downloadable certificate to make the season
    as bright as those five golden rings.

    This is Mike Askins, KE5CXP.

    (SALLI ROSATO, K2RYD)

    **

    DECEMBER IS YOTA MONTH

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: December is going to be a busy month for the younger generation of amateur radio operators around the world. Using the YOTA
    suffix - Y O T A - in their call signs, hams ages 25 and younger will be
    on all the bands using all the modes at various times of the day and
    night. At any given time you will be able to hear Argentina's young
    amateurs using LR1YOTA, hams in Honduras using HQ2YOTA or young
    operators in El Salvador calling QRZ as YS1YOTA. Here in the United
    States, the call signs will be K8Y, K8O, K8T and K8A, with the single-
    letter suffixes spelling "YOTA."

    Last year's young amateurs logged 119,516 QSOs. Can they top that this
    year?

    The month will also present them with challenge of Round 3 of the YOTA contest, which will take place on the 30th of December from 1200 to 2359
    UTC.

    For more details, follow the link in the text version of this week's
    newscast script at arnewsline.org

    [FOR PRINT ONLY: DO NOT READ https://events.ham-yota.com/ ]

    (YOTA.COM)

    **

    AUSTRALIANS ON THE MOVE WITH A PTOTA ACTIVATION

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Amateur radio can be very portable and very public, as
    we know. Now an awards program created by a group of amateurs in
    Australia combines both -- in a very practical way. John Williams,
    VK4JJW, explains.

    JOHN: You can trade the trails and the treetops for trains and trams
    thanks to an awards programme from the School Amateur Radio Club
    Network, VK3SRC. It's called Public Transport On The Air - PTOTA
    (pronounced "puh-toe-tah") - and it encourages students and other
    commuters to grab their handhelds and call CQ while enroute to their destination on some means of public transportation. Contacts can be made
    via digital or analogue voice modes and can utilise any netwok or
    device. The only requirement is to have the QSO on an amateur band.

    Based in Australia, the club network unites schools in which students
    belong to an amateur radio club. The clubs are promoted and assisted by
    Julie, VK3FOWL, and Joe, VK3YSP. SARCNET administers a number of
    programme awards, including PTOTA. PTOTA awards are issued as annual certificates. Participants' points are re-set every 1st of the year.

    The SARCNET website encourages students to make ham radio visible to the public in this way but does offer two important caveats: Before leaving
    the train or tram, check your seat for any equipment you may have left
    behind -- and perhaps, more importantly, try to avoid morning and
    afternoon rush hour.

    Additional details are available at sarcnet.org

    This is John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (WIA, SARCNET)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the Silvercreek Amateur Radio Association's 2 meter repeater, W8WKY,
    Tuesdays at 7:30 PM local time, in Doylestown, Ohio.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Dec 9 07:41:03 2022
    FCC COMMISSIONER COMMITS TO AM RADIO'S SURVIVAL

    NEIL/ANCHOR: According to at least one member of the US Federal
    Communications Commission, rumors of the death of AM radio are
    greatly exaggerated. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, brings us that report.

    KENT: The good news is that AM radio has a future, which means the
    band isn't going to be reallocated anytime soon. Those were the
    words of FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington, speaking recently at the
    79th annual convention of the National Association of Farm
    Broadcasting. Simington said that, for one thing, AM radio is an
    integral part of the life of the more than 3 million farmers in the
    United States who rely on it daily for vital information.

    He called it the [quote] "essential spine" [endquote] of the
    Emergency Alert System. He said that despite beliefs by many that it
    has been killed off by more advanced technology, AM radio is here to
    stay for the foreseeable future, especially for those who live on
    the kind of farm where he himself grew up. He said he is against any
    move the FCC might be pressured to consider to reallocate the band.

    He told convention attendees: [quote] "Look, people listen to radio
    in their cars or trucks -- particularly rural radio. That's just how
    it is. And if people lose the ability to tune into AM on their cars,
    well, there goes AM radio." [endquote] He said that while satellite
    is a good option, it is too expensive. He said AM radio is not just
    free, but carries an important emergency signaling infrastructure.

    In his opinion, the best option for AM radio's future to to simply
    preserve it for the generations to come.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    NEIL/ANCHOR: In a further development, an influential United States
    lawmaker has joined the push to talk automakers out of eliminating
    broadcast AM radio in new cars. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts
    has asked the car companies to respond in writing about their
    intentions regarding AM and FM radio. He acknowledged that electric
    vehicles can cause electromagnetic interference with AM signals but
    encouraged carmakers to pursue some of the remedies they have
    devised. The car companies include General Motors, Jaguar, Kia, BMW,
    and American Honda.

    (FCC.GOV, RADIO WORLD, AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY)

    **

    TIME FOR THE '12 DAYS OF QRZ'

    NEIL/ANCHOR: In case you need a way to keep the holiday fun going
    even after the holiday season, QRZ.com has an event marking the
    winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB,
    brings us up to date on that.

    RALPH: In some parts of the world where it's winter, things can get
    a little cold. Sometimes...a lot cold. So this year QRZ.com has
    offered to heat things up and the action already got under way on
    the 1st of December. The QRZ Winter Ops Award celebrates "the twelve
    days of QRZ." To be eligible, hams need to log 12 confirmed contacts
    on any 12 days from now through February 28th 2023. The certificate
    is being offered for the first time as a holiday gift from QRZ's
    founder, Fred LLoyd, AA7BQ. Fred writes on the website: [quote]
    "This one's going to be very popular this season. We can't wait for
    people to show them to us hanging in their shacks." [endquote]
    Hopefully it will keep the holiday spirit - and confirmation of those
    dozen QSOs - going strong into the new year.

    This is Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (QRZ.COM)

    **

    RSGB CREATES SOCIAL DIVERSITY POST

    NEIL/ANCHOR: There's so much more to amateur radio than just the
    technical and scientific side of things. The Radio Society of Great
    Britain is looking for someone to help address an important social
    concern. Here's Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, with the details.

    JEREMY: The Radio Society of Great Britain is creating the volunteer
    position of social diversity officer to help the board address
    inclusion and diversity within the ranks of amateur radio and the
    society itself. Some of the new officer's tasks will include helping
    boost society membership but will also focus on encouraging hams of
    all ages and backgrounds to get their licence.

    The RSGB is hoping that through creation of this new position the
    society can complement the work of the RAIBC, the Radio Amateur
    Invalid and Blind Club, which serves radio amateurs and shortwave
    listeners with disabilities.

    If the role of social diversity officer is one for which you would
    be interested in volunteering, please visit the society website at
    rsgb dot org slash volunteers. (rsgb.org/volunteers) Application
    deadline is Monday the 16th of January.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Dec 23 00:40:29 2022
    EMERGENCY RADIO TEAMS MERGE IN WESTERN CANADA

    JIM/ANCHOR: In one Canadian province, emergency radio teams have decided they'd work better as a team, so they're merging. Andy Morrison, K9AWM,
    brings us the details.

    ANDY: Radio responders and residents in one part of British Columbia,
    Canada, can look forward to more streamlined emergency operations under a merger announced recently by officials. Two town councils in the Capital Regional District of the province have approved the merger of emergency
    radio teams in View Royal and nearby Colwood. View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias
    said the result would be greater efficiency in communications.

    The View Royal Fire Rescue Chief, Paul Hurst, said the teams in both municipalities will now report to a single leader, and the amount of
    equipment available, and the number of volunteers, will be doubled.

    Amateur radio operators are part of the municipalities' response and make
    use of their own communication systems if the localities' cell towers are disabled in a disaster. The fire chief said that in those instances, the
    hams become a lifeline. Their teams staff radio rooms in the fire
    departments in both View Royal and Colwood, enabling them to communicate
    with other hams. They are also able to stay in touch with various
    government responders throughout the province.

    The fire chief called it a win-win for both municipalities.

    This is Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (WIA, SAANICH NEWS)


    **

    ENROLLMENT FOR 'DIRECT-TO-FULL' EXAM OPENS IN UK

    JIM/ANCHOR: If you're in the UK and have decided that 2023 is your year
    to become a Full license-holder, the Radio Society of Great Britain has
    some helpful details about the process. Here's Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, to
    tell us more.

    JEREMY: Six months after publishing the new Direct to Full examination syllabus for UK licence-holders, the Radio Society of Great Britain is preparing to accept enrollments for the exam starting in January 2023.
    This exam is open to everyone, from Foundation to Intermediate candidates
    but it was developed especially to accommodate those aspiring hams who
    already possess technical competence and would rather bypass the three-
    tier licence path.

    Although the Direct to Full syllabus varies only slightly from the
    existing syllabus, a new item has been introduced regarding aperture
    antennas. If you wish more details on how to book for this exam, visit
    the rsgb website at rsgb.org and select the option for "exam
    announcements" visible in the menu on the right-hand side of the screen.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    HAM RADIO UNIVERSITY RETURNS AS ONLINE EVENT

    JIM/ANCHOR: Do you want to get your new year started by attending the
    popular Ham Radio University? The 24th annual event is set as an online conference and registration has opened. Stephen Kinford, N8WB, tells us
    what to expect.

    STEPHEN: With some COVID-19 restrictions still in place, Ham Radio
    University will again be an online conference on January 7th from 1300 to
    2000 UTC. This is also the online convention of the NYC-Long Island
    section of the ARRL and will be held as a GoToWebinar. The day's program
    will be offering 17 informational presentations ranging from the Parks on
    the Air experience to the basics of HF operating. Presentations will also
    be made by experts on contesting and DXing as well as software-defined
    radios.

    Advance registration is required for each presentation you plan to
    attend. The conference is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5.

    This well-attended event has been organized again this year in memory of
    its founder, Phil Lewis, N2MUN, who became a Silent Key in March of 2020.

    For other details and to register visit hamradiouniversity dot org slash forums. (HamRadioUniversity.org/forums)

    This is Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (HRU)

    **

    THREE WINNERS CHOSEN IN 'DREAM RIG' CONTEST

    JIM/ANCHOR: It pays to dream big. Three young amateurs were among those
    who entered an essay contest to share their hopes for the next generation
    of radio operators. The Intrepid-DX Group, which held the contest, was listening. Jack Parker, W8ISH, tells us about the three who wrote the
    winning essays.

    JACK: Maria Polyanska, VE3OMV, Ryan Kocourek, N7RSK, and Toby Latino,
    AG5ZM, are the first- second- and third-place winners, respectively, in
    the third annual Intrepid-DX Group's "Dream Rig" Essay Contest. The competition draws entries from hams ages 19 and younger in the US and
    Canada. The announcement of the winners was made recently by the group's president, Paul Ewing, N6PSE, who wrote that he was certain that [quote]
    "our youth are full of great ideas, and they are brimming with enthusiasm
    to keep our hobby alive and well into the future." [endquote]

    This year's question asked candidates to describe how amateur radio
    factored into their career plans.

    Clearly, once the prizes are distributed to the three winners, those youngsters can get started on answering that question -- this time, on
    the air.

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (INTREPID DX GROUP)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Dec 30 06:10:44 2022
    CONTEST UNIVERSITY 2023 ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The course outline and professor biographies aren't up on
    the website yet but you can still register for Contest University, which
    is being held this coming spring during Dayton Hamvention in Ohio. Contest University will take place on Thursday May 18th from 7 am to 5 pm at the
    Hope Hotel, the day before Hamvention itself opens its doors. The Hope
    Hotel will be the center of all activities related to contesting. Bookmark
    the website contestuniversity.com - that's one word "contestuniversity" -
    to keep track of the curriculum for the weekend and the roster of
    instructors. Visit the website and register now.

    (CONTEST UNIVERSITY)

    **

    PROPOSAL WOULD ELIMINATE FCC'S SYMBOL RATE LIMITS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A proposal called the Amateur Radio Communications
    Improvement Act hopes to overhaul rules affecting data transmissions.
    Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, brings us that report.

    KENT: Saying that federal regulations need to keep pace with advances in amateur radio technology, a United States lawmaker has proposed updating
    rules governing data transmissions over the amateur bands. The proposed Amateur Radio Communications Improvement Act would eliminate the current symbol rate limits set by the FCC. The lawmaker, Debbie Lesko, an Arizona Republican, writes on her website that regulation of symbol rates has
    become outdated because newer technology permits the spectrum to handle greater amounts of data. The proposed update of the FCC rules removes the symbol rate limit and sets a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit, which is already in place for amateurs using 60 meters.

    The ARRL previously pressed the FCC to remove HF symbol rate limits
    claiming that, among other things, it was an obstacle to experimentation. Although the FCC has previously questioned the need for any bandwidth
    limit at all, the ARRL has said there is a need for such limits because digital protocols could be developed that have excessively wide bandwidths.
    The ARRL issued a statement saying the league hoped the FCC would remove
    the restriction on its own without waiting for the bill to be passed.

    With lawmakers in Washington DC concluding the 117th Congress, there was
    no further action taken on the bill.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (DEBBIE LESKO WEBSITE, ARRL)

    **

    LAWMAKER CHALLENGES ANTENNA RESTRICTIONS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In another action in Washington, DC, one lawmaker
    introduced a bill just before Christmas that proposes protection for
    amateurs and their antennas - the same protection already available to
    other forms of wireless communication such as television, satellite and internet. That update comes to us from Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    JIM: An Ohio congressman is seeking to provide relief for home-based
    amateur radio operators who are unable to easily operate in private residential neighborhoods such as condominiums, gated communities and some single-family subdivisions. The measure introduced by Congressman Bill Johnson, a Republican, would grant hams the same pre-emption given in 1996
    to consumers of broadcast TV antennas, satellite dishes, multichannel multipoint distribution services and wireless internet. The American Radio Relay League has previously urged the Federal Communications Commission to give the same relief to hams but the FCC has told the league that such
    action can only come from Congress. John Robert Stratton, N5AUS, noted on
    the ARRL website that a joint resolution by members of Congress in 1994 supported the use of ham radio from private residences, recognizing it as
    a public benefit in keeping with the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness
    Act.

    This is Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (BILL JOHNSON WEBSITE, ARRL)

    **

    SHORTWAVE SIGNALS USED IN PROBE OF ASTEROID

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: When is it better to transmit on the shortwave bands than
    on microwave? Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB, has the answer.

    RALPH: It was only a test transmission but the signals being transmitted
    from Gakona, Alaska to the West Coast of the United States were being done with a specific purpose. Before the receiving antenna arrays near Socorro,
    New Mexico and Bishop, California were to receive the chirping signals transmitted at around 9.6 MHz, they were bounced off an asteroid known as
    2010 XC15 (twenty-ten XC15). With the asteroid twice as far away as the
    moon is from Earth, this was more challenging a feat than moon bounce.

    The longer-wavelength-than-normal transmissions on December 27th were from
    the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program, or HAARP, in Alaska.
    It was HAARP's first involvement in probing the interior of an asteroid, something NASA had hoped would be possible as part of preparation for the anticipated arrival of a much larger asteroid coming closer to Earth, in
    2029. Scientists say that the best way to successfully hit and deflect an oncoming asteroid and protect the Earth from damage is to learn how the asteroid's mass is distributed.

    Hams and amateur radio astronomers were invited to listen and submit their reception reports to HAARP. QSL cards were to be sent to those who emailed their findings. Now that's some rare DX.

    This is Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (U OF ALASKA GEOPHYSICAL INSTITUTE, QRZ)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jan 6 06:36:02 2023
    AMSAT'S ANNUAL CW ACTIVITY DAY HONORS A PIONEER

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Another popular CW activity has just been given a new name.
    We have those details from Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    NEIL: What began as AMSAT Straight Key Night eventually became AMSAT's CW Activity Day, an event devoted to amateurs who enjoy CW operating via
    linear satellites. The event was held this year on January 1st - but even while it was still in the planning stages, it underwent yet another name change: This year it became the W2RS Memorial AMSAT CW Activity Day. The
    new name honors satellite pioneer Ray Soifer, W2RS, who became a Silent
    Key in March 2022 at the age of 79. The CW activity day had been his
    project and he organized the New Year's Day event for AMSAT with great enthusiasm. He encouraged hams to make good use of their straight keys
    and bugs and report their progress on the AMSAT Bulletin Board mailing
    list. As always, this activity is held at the same time the ARRL holds
    its own Straight Key Night.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (AMSAT)

    **

    OHIO HAMS EXEMPT FROM DISTRACTED-DRIVER LAW

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Amateur radio operators are getting a break in Ohio under a
    new law restricting the use of handheld electronic devices by drivers.
    Jack Parker, W8ISH, has those details.

    JACK: Under a new law taking effect in Ohio, if you are holding a
    cellphone or similar device in your hands while operating a motor
    vehicle, that is sufficient reason for you to be stopped by the police:
    It is considered a primary offense.

    Hams, however, needn't worry. The distracted-driving law exempts radio amateurs as well as utility workers and first-responders, such as police.

    Penalties are increasing for those drivers found to be engaged in so-
    called distracted driving but with the new law, the next six months will provide a grace period. Drivers who are not eligible for the exemption
    will only be issued warnings while the state launches a public-education campaign about the change in enforcement.

    With this law, Ohio joins the ranks of other states where exemptions were granted for amateur radio use while driving, including Indiana,
    Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington state.

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (SPRINGFIELD NEWS-SUN)

    **

    NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 'YOUNG HAM LENDS A HAND' CONTEST

    PAUL/ANCHOR: If you know a young amateur radio operator who's been
    especially generous in giving time to assist an older person, a military veteran or the community-at-large, you might know a candidate for the
    Radio Club of America's "Young Ham Lends a Hand" award. Candidates may
    also be youth involved in recruiting others to get their licenses. Carole Perry, WB2MGP, is accepting nominations until April 1st for the award,
    which will be presented, along with a $100 stipend, at the Youth Forum
    during Dayton Hamvention. Email your nominee's name, callsign, age,
    address and phone number to her at wb2mpg@gmail.com. Be sure to include
    your reasons for the nomination.

    (RADIO CLUB OF AMERICA)

    **

    NEW LEADERSHIP AT AMPLITUDE MODULATION INTERNATIONAL

    PAUL/ANCHOR: AM enthusiasts who belong to Amplitude Modulation
    International have welcomed a new leader. Andy Morrison, K9AWM, tells us
    about him.

    ANDY: The torch has been passed at Amplitude Modulation International:
    John McGrath, N9AMI, has become executive director, succeeding Dale
    Gagnon, KW1I, (K W One Eye). In 1993, Dale was one of the group's
    founders who announced AMI's formation during Dayton Hamvention. The
    founders created a group that would both celebrate and advocate for AM,
    the original voice mode on the amateur bands. According to the AMI
    website, members are encouraged to participate in all kinds of activity
    within the group's 10 regions and to be active in annual operating events
    and contests. AMI also monitors all FCC and ARRL activity that could have
    an impact on operators using AM.

    Writing on the recently updated website, Dale tells members that there
    are some new changes in the works. An online forum has been added to the website to give amateurs a greater voice in the issues they care about.
    He writes that the forum is open to anyone interested in AM operation and
    not limited to AMI membership only. He will also be introducing a new
    program called AMI On Ten and intends to bring back the Thanksgiving
    Jamboree.

    Dale is encouraging visitors to the website. You can visit AM
    International at aminternational dot club (aminternational.club)

    This is Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (QRZ FORUMS, AM INTERNATIONAL)
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Feb 3 02:13:03 2023
    NEWCOMERS GET SPOTLIGHT FOR RSGB CONSTRUCTION CONTEST

    PAUL/ANCHOR: A construction and software contest in the UK is opening its
    door a little wider to give special attention to new and young radio
    amateurs. We have those details from Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: New Foundation licence holders and young amateurs under the age
    of 24 are being given special recognition in the Construction Competition organised by the Radio Society of Great Britain. Competitors have until
    the 1st of March to submit their entries in four categories: beginners, construction excellence, innovation and software. This competition is
    being held over the internet and the judging is taking place online. The
    RSGB states on its website that the challenges posed are in recognition
    of the vital role construction plays in amateur radio.

    Details on how to enter can be found on the website that appears in the
    text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

    Cash prizes will be awarded in each category and the overall winner will
    be presented with the bonus of the Pat Hawker G3VA Trophy. The trophy is
    named in honour of Pat, who became a Silent Key in 2013 at the age of 90.
    Pat had been the author of the "Technical Topics" column in the RSGB's
    RadComm magazine.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    [DO NOT READ: rsgb.org/main/construction-competition/ ]

    **

    FCC HELPS UNDERWRITE EXAM COST FOR YOUNG KENTUCKY AMATEURS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Young amateurs are a priority for one club in Kentucky which
    is helping young candidates make use of a relatively new financial
    benefit from the FCC. Jack Parker, W8ISH, tells us what this means.

    JACK: One amateur radio club in Kentucky is making full use of an FCC
    measure that helps cover costs for amateur radio candidates under the age
    of 18. The Paducah Amateur Radio Association is encouraging local
    youngsters between 8 and 13 to join the club's program, which it calls "Pre-teen Talkers." The goal is to help them take the FCC licensing exam
    and get on the air. Last April, the FCC and the American Radio Relay
    League announced a negotiated agreement permitting Volunteer Examiners at amateur radio club to waive the $35 license fee for applicants under the
    age of 18, and to reduce the $15 ham radio testing fee to $5.

    Club secretary Michael Durr, KN4TIP, told local TV station WPSD that
    those who pass the entry level Technician Exam will become eligible for a
    free handheld radio to be given to them by the club.

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (WPSD LOCAL 6, ARRL)

    **

    SILENT KEY: MUSICIAN, EDUCATOR RODNEY MOAG, W5NDS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: In the Texas amateur radio community and beyond, hams are grieving the loss of an influential colleague of many talents: professor emeritus of linguistics, country-and-bluegrass radio host, recording
    artist and performer and, not least of all, active radio amateur. Rodney
    Moag, W5NDS, was a ragchewer and a popular presence on 10 meters and elsewhere. He became a Silent Key on Thursday, January 19th at his home
    in Austin, Texas.

    Born with juvenile glaucoma, he became blind at the age of 7. He was
    first licensed in 1951 as W2KUV when he was a 14 year old student at the
    New York State School for the Blind. Rod operated almost exclusively on
    AM and CW for more than 10 years before expanding into other modes.
    According to his bio on the Quarter Century Wireless Association webpage,
    he was the only active ham in his high school ham club and continued
    being active even in college. He remained an active ham throughout most
    of his 86 years.

    His talent in music and his academic work in linguistics took him to many places around the world, either touring as a musician or studying
    languages. In the late 1970s, while teaching at the University of the
    South Pacific in Fiji, he operated as 3D2RM.

    He was a former vice-president of the Austin Amateur Radio Club, a
    longtime member of the Texas VHF FM Society and a life member of ARRL and
    the QCWA.

    (QCWA, QRZ.COM, AUSTIN CHRONICLE)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K3ALG
    repeater in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Feb 9 19:35:47 2023
    PROTOTYPE WIRELESS SYSTEM CALLED 'POWER-FREE'

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Imagine being able to transmit without having to rely on a battery or some other external power source. Well, a group of researchers
    in Washington State did more than imagine it. We hear the details from Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    KENT: A research team in Washington state has developed a prototype of wireless communication that enables a signal to be transmitted by relying
    on a byproduct of its circuitry's electrical resistance instead of any external source of power. This new system differs from previous so-called passive wireless and backscatter communication systems because unlike its predecessors, it does not need to make use of sunlight, broadcast TV
    signals or ambient temperature differences to provide it with power. The electrical resistance it uses instead is known as "Johnson noise," the name given to the charge that electrically conductive materials generate within themselves. The University of Washington prototype, like its predecessors,
    can function on very little power. The wireless - and power-free - transmission occurs through the opening and closing of a switch - a
    transistor - that connects the antenna to a resistor.

    Findings by the university development team were released by the university and published as well on the Hackaday website and by the news organization known as The Conversation. The researchers write on the university website: [quote] "Our system, combined with techniques for harvesting energy from
    the environment, could lead to all manner of devices that transmit data, including tiny sensors and implanted medical devices, without needing batteries or other power sources. These include sensors for smart
    agriculture, electronics implanted in the body that never need battery changes, better contactless credit cards and maybe even new ways for satellites to communicate." [endquote]

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, THE CONVERSATION.COM)

    **

    ARDC REPORTS ON $8 MILLION IN GRANTS GIVEN IN 2022

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Grant money helped amateur radio grow in new directions
    last year. Here's a short accounting from Sel Embee, K B 3 T Zed D.

    SEL: The private foundation known as Amateur Radio Digital Communications continued to spread its support for ham radio and broader communication science and technology during 2022. According to the annual report released
    at its community meeting on January 21st, ARDC distributed 101 grants
    totaling $8 million last year. It expanded support across international borders, with 13 percent of that grant money going to programs outside the United States. Meanwhile, ARDC's plans for the year ahead include providing funds for 95 scholarships; thirteen of those will be going to support women who are pursuing degrees in STEM studies.

    ARDC's 2022 survey of 44Net usage drew a response that exceeded its expectations, more than 1700 replies. The system, also known as the AMPRNet
    or Amateur Packet Radio Network, is an internet network often used for scientific and digital purposes.

    ARDC also introduced its new technical director. Jon Kemper K-A-6-N-V-Y
    came on board at the ARDC in October of 2022. The California amateur brings
    a strong background of engineering management experience.

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (ARDC)

    **

    SKYWARN TEAM OPTS FOR SURPRISE IN NEXT DRILL

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In Western Pennsylvania, some emergency responders are in
    for a big surprise - and that's the whole idea behind their next exercise.
    We find out why from Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    RANDY: As amateur radio operators. we are supposed to plan for emergencies, but we can never plan on emergencies. That's why such events as the ARRL Simulated Emergency Tests, or SETs, are good, but participants still know ahead of time when and where an activity will take place.

    So, the Southwest District Skywarn Team Of Western Pennsylvania is building the element of surprise into their upcoming training exercise. Sometime
    before the next SET on April 1st, they will have an unexpected weather exercise initiated by the Pittsburgh National Weather Service Office. When SKYWARN is activated, they will then be told how serious the weather event
    is, whether there is internet or cell service and the status of power. From then on, spotters will be deployed and begin their work just as in an
    actual emergency. Eddie Misiewicz (Mi-shè -vitz - short e), KB3YRU,
    president of the group, told AR Newsline that the unexpected is always part
    of a normal activation and that hams will be better prepared for an actual emergency when their training begins with "Surprise! This is a test."

    This is Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the KB9LPP repeater
    in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and on Echolink.
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Feb 17 14:00:41 2023
    HAMS ADD MOMENTUM TO PANCREATIC CANCER EVENT

    PAUL/ANCHOR: A call has gone out for operators across the United States
    to participate in a one-day special event, carrying a message of hope and support on behalf of pancreatic cancer patients. Jim Damron, N8TMW, tells
    us how to get involved.

    JIM: When supporters in 30 US cities step off for a Walk-a-thon on
    Saturday, April 29th to support the nonprofit Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the event will be gaining some added momentum: Just as the
    walkers take strides on the ground, special event station N3P will be
    taking strides on the air.

    Hams for PanCan, as the event is known, is an expansion of last year's
    first effort with a dozen or so members of the Skyview Radio Society near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, according to organizer Rich Ryba, WQ3Q. Rich
    hopes that news about resources available to pancreatic cancer patients
    and their families can go an even greater distance this year -- coast to coast. The event has special significance for Rich. He lost his younger brother to the disease and is a pancreatic cancer patient himself.

    Speaking to Newsline on the phone, he said that the QSOs aren't typical special-event exchanges: [quote] "People want to talk, want to share
    their experiences with their family. We told our operators to sit and
    listen. It doesn't matter how long the contact takes if it serves a
    purpose of helping." [endquote]

    Operators are needed in all 50 states. Rich can be contacted directly at
    his email address r-y-b-a-r at nb dot net (rybar@nb.net).

    The QRZ.com page for N3P has additional details for clubs or individual operators who want to participate. QSL cards and certificates will be
    made available for successful contacts.

    This is Jim Damron, N8TMW.

    (RICH RYBA, WQ3Q)

    **

    SYDNEY HAM RADIO CLUB MARKS 100TH YEAR

    PAUL/ANCHOR: There is cause for celebration in Sydney, Australia, where
    one amateur radio club is marking a milestone. Here's Richard, VK2SKY, a member of that club, with his special report.

    RICHARD: G'day Amateur Radio Newsline listeners, this is Richard VK2SKY,
    for the Manly-Warringah Radio Society in Sydney, Australia. February 26
    this year is a big day for us.

    That date marks 100 years since the first meeting of the Manly and
    District Radio Club, in 1923. That club eventually became the Manly-
    Warringah Radio Society.

    To celebrate, we'll be activating the Special Event Station V I 100 MB,
    on the day, and throughout 2023.

    To find out more, check out Victor India One Hundred Mike Bravo on
    qrz.com, and visit the Society's web site at mwrs.org.au, that's Mike
    Whiskey Romeo Sierra dot org dot au.

    Hope to catch you on the bands!

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, and the Manly-Warringah Radio Society in
    Sydney, Australia, I'm Richard, VK2SKY.

    **

    SILENT KEY: DXER, DXPEDITIONER MAMIRO YOSHIZAWA PY2DM

    PAUL/ANCHOR: A respected DXer and noted DXpeditioner from Brazil has
    become a Silent Key, as we learn from Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    JEREMY: Mamiro Yoshizawa, PY2DM, was well-known among Brazilian amateurs
    as a radio operator with an enthusiasm for DX and a special affinity for
    using the 50 MHz band. He was a familiar presence in national and international contests and had been a key operator during the T30PY and
    T30SIX DXpedition to Western Kiribati in 2012. Mamiro became a Silent Key
    on the 5th of February. According to a report that appears on QRZ.com, Mamiro's home QTH in the Brazilian city of Mogi das Cruzes had one of the best-equipped stations for DXing in the nation

    Mamiro Yoshizawa was 83.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (QRZ.COM)

    **

    OFCOM APPROVES SPECIAL CALLS FOR 2 MORE DX CONTESTS

    PAUL/ANCHOR: In the UK, Ofcom has added two more DX contests to its list
    of events qualifying for special call signs. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has that report.

    JEREMY: Two UK and Ireland DX contests have been added to the list of
    events that qualify for special contest callsigns from Ofcom. The
    callsigns are administered by the Radio Society of Great Britain on
    behalf of the regulator and hams are advised to visit the RSGB website if
    they wish to apply. They are available to any holder of a UK Amateur
    Radio Full Licence or Full Club Licence and the contests can last no
    longer than 48 hours. The list of qualifying contests can be seen on the
    RSGB website. Calls will begin with the letter "G" or "M" followed by a numeral and a one-letter suffix. See the link in the text version of this week's Newsline script to learn more and to see the contest list.

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    [FOR PRINT ONLY: tinyurl.com/b6srkkhu ]
    --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Mar 23 22:03:04 2023
    PEI AMATEUR HONORED FOR LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVITY

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Congratulations to George Dewar, VY2GF, of Prince Edward
    Island, Canada, on being chosen Activator of the Year for 2022 by the
    Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society. George is being celebrated for his
    numerous activations at the region's lighthouses, and for promoting
    the activity in the media.

    Society president John Huggins, KX4O and Tim Hijazi, KB3K, said that
    George was selected for having [quote] "set a high bar, not just with
    quantity of lighthouse activations and logged QSOs, but equally with
    quality." [endquote].

    All the best, George!

    **

    A SPACE JOURNEY OF EXPLORATION

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Amateur radio communication is just one part of the
    outer-space experience one ISS astronaut is sharing through a new
    website. Here's John Williams, VK2JJW, with that report.

    JOHN: The website is known as ELF in Space, and it has been created
    by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai and the Emirates
    Literature Foundation as a communications tool about technology, and
    the space programme.

    It features Sultan Al Neyadi, KI5VTV, the second astronaut from the
    United Arab Emirates. The communications engineer is on board the ISS
    for the longest Arab space mission to date. The website's debut was
    announced on March 10th. Al Neyadi is giving its visitors a window
    into his six-month experience on board the International Space station.
    His is not the only voice to be heard. There will be input from some
    very terrestrial voices, such as authors and space experts. Other UAE astronauts such as Hazzaa Al Mansoori, and Nora Al Matrooshi, will
    join him.

    The website has a strong tie-in to the classroom experience, and each
    week, new topics will be released, discussing the challenges and
    discoveries of space travel. There are also classrooom-based activities
    for educators to download for their students.

    As part of a 20-week learning programme, students around the world will
    watch each episode as it is released with subtitles.

    A link to the first episode is in the text version of this week's
    newscast at arnewsline.org

    This is John Williams, VK4JJW.

    [DO NOT READ: https://elfinspace.ae/exercise-in-space/ ]

    (GULF NEWS, WIA, MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE)

    **

    AUTISM AWARENESS SPECIAL EVENT BEGINS

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Just a reminder that the worldwide special event for Autism Awareness is on the air March 25th through April 2nd, sponsored by the Ten Mile River Scout Camp Amateur Radio Club. Listen for call signs from an international team of operators including W2A, GB2AA, GB2AAW, GB0AAW,
    8A0RARI, 4X0AAW, HI0AUT, S76A, and VC2AA.

    (QRZ.COM)

    **

    GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE SUN

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Scientists have found the source of a mysterious radio signal from the sun that sounds curiously like a heartbeat. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, takes the pulse of this remarkable research.

    KENT: When a recent C-class solar flare more than 5,000 kilometers above
    the sun sent out a radio signal in a heartbeat-like pattern, scientists
    began work to unlock the reason behind it. The international team went in search of the origin of this pattern, known as a quasi-periodic pulsation,
    or QPP.

    Studying observations captured in 2017 by a radio telescope in California
    that detects microwave frequencies, the researchers began studying a heartbeat-like pattern that repeated every 10 to 20 seconds. Then they unearthed something unexpected: a secondary signal, which was weaker and
    could be discerned every 30 to 60 seconds.

    According to their recently published study, they have been able to
    determine that the so-called heartbeats are triggered by disruptions
    known as "magnetic islands", which form in sheets of rapidly moving
    plasma from the sun.

    At the heart of the matter is what this research may ultimately reveal: Writing in the journal Nature Communications, one researcher said the
    answer was key to a fuller understanding of the scope of the damage that
    solar storms can do when their energy is released.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SCI TECH DAILY)
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Apr 14 12:45:45 2023
    RADIO WAVES LEAD TO DISCOVERY OF NEW EXOPLANET

    DON/ANCHOR: Radio waves have led astronomers to an exoplanet - a planet
    beyond our solar system - and it's likely the same size as Earth. Dave
    Parks, WB8ODF, gives us the details.

    DAVE: Repeating radio signals have led astronomers to a rocky exoplanet
    that is the same size as our own Earth and, like the Earth, it orbits a
    star -- one known as YZ Ceti. Further studies of the signal suggest that
    the planet may also have an atmosphere and a magnetic field. Writing in a recent issue of the journal, Nature Astronomy, the researchers have named
    the planet YZ Ceti b. The scientists say that the magnetic field's interactions with the star are the likely cause of the radio signals.

    The signals were picked up in New Mexico by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array of telescopes. The star and exoplanet are 12 light-years away from Earth.

    Of course, this is not the first finding of its kind. Last year, the
    James Webb Space Telescope discovered its first exoplanet which is also believed to be rocky and almost as big as the Earth. That planet, called
    LHS 475b, is 41 light years away. The research team, which announced the discovery this past January, is trying to learn more about the star it
    orbits and whether the planet has an atmosphere. That work is set to be
    done this summer.

    This is Dave Parks, WB8ODF.

    (CNN, JENNY TUPPER, NASA)

    **

    ISS ASTRONAUT TO SET NEW SPACE RECORD

    DON/ANCHOR: A new record is about to be set in space by an ISS astronaut.
    We hear more about him from Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    PAUL: NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, KG5GNP, won't be a record-holder for
    much longer. He made news after logging the most days in space for a US astronaut -- 355 days -- aboard the International Space Station in 2022.
    Now, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio is right behind him and gaining. He's
    been on the ISS since September 21, 2022 and his mission has grown beyond
    its original six months. He's now scheduled to leave aboard a Russian
    Soyuz spacecraft by September 27th, meaning his 371 days will eclipse the
    one set by Vande Hei. However, even with that accomplishment, he will
    still be leaving the world record intact. That was set by the late
    Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who logged an unprecedented 437 days
    aboard Russia's Mir space station in 1994 and 1995. The cosmonaut died
    last year at age 80.

    This is Paul Braun, WD9GCO.

    (SPACE.COM)

    **

    GIVING AMATEUR RADIO A GOOD RIDE IN AUSTRALIA

    DON/ANCHOR: In Melbourne, Australia, one ham whose love for his bicycle
    rivals his love for his radio is giving them both a good ride. Here's
    more about him from Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    GRAHAM: As a bicycle enthusiast and ham, Stuart, VK3UAO, is accustomed to doing things his own way. As a machinist, he fabricates many of his own
    parts to be used with his radio equipment. As a ham, he carves out his
    own trail to destinations for portable operating. He is presently riding
    his bicycle from Melbourne to the Pilliga park-fest, pedaling his way on
    a journey of more than 1,000 km over the course of three weeks. He has
    his portable shack in his backpack.

    The park fest will be held between April 29th and 30th, and he hopes his
    route there will include as many park activations as possible.

    The park fest itself is a modest-sized gathering of hams with an
    enthusiasm for fellowship and the outdoors. So there is certain to be
    even more operating once he arrives.

    Meanwhile, if you're interested in his journey but would rather not try
    it out yourself on a bicycle of your own, you can ride along with Stuart. Visit his page on QRZ.com, which offers a link to his APRS tracking --
    and be listening for him on the air.

    This is Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (WIA, QRZ)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the W8WKY repeater
    in Doylestown, Ohio, on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. local time, right before the weekly SARA net at 8 p.m.
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Apr 21 08:34:31 2023
    SILENT KEY: CONTESTER, WRTC 2022 REFEREE RICHARD KING, K5NA

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The World Radiosport Team Championship is going forward this summer in Bologna without one of its key referees, who has become a
    Silent Key. Graham Kemp, VK4BB, tells us about him.

    GRAHAM: The World Radiosport Team Championship Committee is grieving the
    loss of a fellow contester and avid DXer from Texas, Richard King, K5NA. Richard had been chosen to be a referee for the WRTC 2022 event in
    Bologna in July.

    According to a report on the Daily DX, Richard was electrocuted on April
    12th while he was assisting another ham taking down a 40-meter antenna.
    The report goes on to say: [quote] "Richard jumped in at the last minute
    to try and keep the antenna from getting snagged on a guy wire. The
    antenna hit a nearby powerline." [endquote] Two nurses who live in the neighborhood began CPR until emergency services could arrive but Richard
    died shortly thereafter. He and his wife Susan, K5DU, are well-known as serious contesters and DXers.

    WRTC 2022 organisers issued a statement saying "Richard's contributions
    to the sport of amateur radio will not be forgotten and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come." Richard belonged
    to the Central Texas DX and Contest Club.

    This is Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    **

    WRTC CHAMPIONS WITHDRAW FROM COMPETITION

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, the defending championship team from Lithuania
    has announced that they will not defend their title when the World
    Radiosport Team Championship goes forward in July.

    The international high-profile contest was postponed from last year
    because of the pandemic.

    The withdrawal announcement by defending championship team members
    Gedimas, LY9A, and Mindaugas, LY4L, was posted on the WRTC 2022
    Reflector, citing a number of frustrations and deeper differences with
    the organisers that they said will be keeping them at home.

    (WRTC 2022 REFLECTOR, WRTC WEBSITE)

    **

    NEW COURSE IN 'LEARNING HOW TO LEARN' CW

    NEIL/ANCHOR: A free course in Comprehensive Instant Character Recognition
    is being offered by CW Innovations with the goal of helping active CW operators learn ways to increase their proficiency. The 10-week classes
    focus on teaching operators how to help themselves learn Morse Code, addressing the mental and emotional roadblocks that have typically halted learners' progress. The class is designed for hams who can currently copy
    10 to 15 words per minute, and are already actively on the air having
    QSOs. Visit cwinnovations.net for details. The website includes an
    application form.

    (CWINNOVATIONS.NET)

    **

    GRANT ALLOWS YOUTH ON THE AIR AMERICAS CAMP TO EXPAND

    NEIL/ANCHOR: What's better than having one great summer camp experience
    on the air? Having more of it, of course! That's about to become
    possible, as we hear from Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    KEVIN: Just as young amateurs prepare for this summer's Youth on the Air Americas camp in Canada, camp organizers themselves learned that their
    summer experience for young hams has received a $125,000 grant from
    Amateur Radio Digital Communications. The funds now assure that the camp experience will continue through 2025 and that each session will become
    open to more campers than before. The current threshold of 30 will
    increase to 50 in the two years ahead. So pack your bags if you're going
    this year: Camp starts on July 16th. And if you want to learn more or
    plan ahead for next summer, visit youthontheair.org

    This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    (ARDC, YOUTH ON THE AIR CAMP)

    **

    SCIENTIST TEAM EYES EARLIER MAXIMUM FOR SOLAR CYCLE 25

    NEIL/ANCHOR: If you've been wishing for solar maximum to come sooner
    rather than later in the current cycle, you might just get your wish, according to a group of solar physicists. Patrick Clark, K8TAC, has that story.

    PATRICK: The end of this year - or sometime next year, could bring
    maximum sunspot activity for Solar Cycle 25, according to Scott McIntosh
    of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, in Boulder, Colorado and
    a team of solar physicists. The team presents its findings in a paper in
    the January edition of Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.

    In the paper, the solar scientists make use of a terminator event during
    the previous cycle - sometime in mid-December 2021 - to project the
    maxima of Solar Cycle 25 and to forecast the cycle's amplitude.

    Although some might project differently for the future, this team
    believes it's best to keep your eye on the skies during the fourth
    quarter of 2023 and thereafter into the new year.

    This is Patrick Clark, K8TAC.

    (FRONTIERS IN ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCES)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Apr 27 22:08:31 2023
    INDIAN RESEARCHERS DEVELOP MICRO-SUPERCAPACITOR

    PAUL/ANCHOR: When it comes to super-capacitors, scientists in India are calling their new development the smallest-of-the-small. We hear about it
    from Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    JASON: Scientists in India say that they have created the smallest micro- supercapacitor to date, developing it out of two-dimensional materials: graphene and molybdenum disulfide. This is considered significant because
    as electronic devices continue to shrink - as is the case with wearable sensors and smart devices - their energy storage devices must be just as small. Supercapacitors are considered ideal for this task because they
    not only store energy but can handle the kind of rapid charge-discharge
    cycles beyond the ability of conventional chemical batteries.

    Misra said that she and her colleagues used two-dimensional materials for
    the ultramicro-supercapacitor because they are semiconductors. Each of
    the multi-layer electrodes acts as a field-effect transistor.

    She told the IEEE Spectrum that the tiny device has a remarkably high capacitance and an easy ability to integrate with electronic chips
    because of its use of a gel electrolyte instead of a liquid.

    The researchers are not stopping there, however. Their next challenge is
    to create devices out of other two-dimensional materials in an attempt to boost capacitance even further.

    This is Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (IEEE SPECTRUM)

    **

    SILENT KEY: CALGARY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATOR JASON LOW, VE6SRT

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Hams in the amateur radio community - and the community-at-
    large - in Calgary, Alberta, are grieving the loss of a devoted public servant. Here's Andy Morrison, K9AWM, to tell us about him.

    ANDY: It is difficult for those who knew him to imagine the emergency communications community without Jason Low, VE6SRT, being there. Jason
    had served Redwood Meadows Emergency Services in Calgary as a
    firefighter, EMT and fire communications officer. Jason became a Silent
    Key unexpectedly on April 15th.

    According to the Redwood Meadows Emergency Services website, Jason could
    not be revived despite the best efforts of his colleagues and emergency medical personnel. Chief Rob Evans wrote on the website that the team was "devastated."

    According to Vince d'Eon, VE6LK, and Ian Burgess, VA6EMS, Jason - known
    to everyone as Jay - worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of emergency communications and shared his expertise in radio as well as the computer dispatch system.

    Ian told Newsline that Jay was a lifelong radio enthusiast who was
    introduced early on to the hobby by his scanner. He later got his ham
    license and used his skills to help communities in the Calgary area
    connect to the fire department's dispatch.

    Vince wrote in an email: [quote] "Jay was generous with his time and expertise, offering solutions across the province, the country, and the continent. There is no way to know how many people were safer and better
    cared for thanks to Jason." [endquote]

    Jay was 50.

    This is Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (VINCE D'EON, VE6LK; IAN BURGESS, VA6EMS)

    **

    SILENT KEY: STEVE SZABO, WB4OMM

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Amateurs in the Florida community and beyond are mourning
    the death of a leader and an Elmer whose deep involvement in ham radio
    touched many lives over the years. We hear about him from Kevin Trotman,
    N5PRE.

    KEVIN: Well-known for his enthusiasm for QRP, Steve Szabo, WB4OMM, served
    as a powerful influence on the many amateurs he knew personally or had
    come to know on the air. Steve, a past president of the North American
    QRP CW Club, became a Silent Key on April 23rd. He had been diagnosed
    with lung cancer.

    His involvement with amateurs ran deep throughout his years on the air.
    He was a Life Member of the AARL, which he served as a volunteer examiner
    and QSL card checker and he had been Northern Florida Section Manager for
    four years. Steve also belonged to the Quarter Century Wireless
    Association, and numerous local and national clubs, including the Dayton
    Beach Amateur Radio Association, where he held numerous leadership roles. According to a post by Kevin, KK4BFN on QRZ.com, Steve started the
    Daytona Beach CERT Amateur Radio Team Group in 2005 and served as its president until illness earlier this year compelled him to step down.

    Steve was 70.

    This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    (QRZ, WB4OMM WEBSITE, DIGNITY MEMORIAL)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the AH6LE repeater
    in Beavercreek and Wilsonville, Oregon, on Sundays at 6 p.m. local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu May 4 18:06:00 2023
    GRANT FUNDS STUDENT COURSE ON SPECTRUM AT OBSERVATORY

    JIM/ANCHOR: The National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia, is offering a select group of young students an opportunity to
    study the electromagnetic spectrum, as we hear from Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    SEL: Twenty science-minded students between the ages of 18 and 20 are
    being given an opportunity to enroll in an intensive course about the electromagnetic spectrum being hosted by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. This is the second year the observatory has conducted the course, which begins in September of this
    year and runs through May of 2024. The program is being overseen by the observatory's director of Diversity & Inclusion and is funded by a grant
    from Amateur Radio Digital Communications. A special effort is being made
    to find enrollees who are Black, indigenous or people of color as well as students from the LGBTQIA community who wish to gain experience,
    particularly as it applies to amateur radio and any future careers in
    science, technology, engineering and math. Students accepted into the 40-
    week program will receive a stipend of $4,000.

    Lyndele von Schill, director of Diversity & Inclusion, can be reached for questions at her email address at lvonschi@nrao.edu

    The observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation.

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (ARDC)

    **

    SILENT KEY: JOHN KNIPPING, AA9KC, OF THE 'FREEWHEELERS NET' ON 80M

    JIM/ANCHOR: A founding member of a popular net that is a fixture on 80m
    has become a Silent Key. We hear about him from Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    KEVIN: John Knipping, AA9KC, was one of the original "Freewheelers" on
    3916 kHz. In November of 1998 he answered a call put out by Ken Odom,
    W4FCW, on 3916 kHz and out of that early QSO bloomed a friendship and ultimately a popular net where everyone was welcome.

    John became a Silent Key on April 29th at the age of 92.

    According to his online obituary he was a Korean War veteran, a musician
    and a member of the Egyptian Radio Club.

    The tradition of easy camaraderie lives on, however: The net continues
    making new friends and welcoming old ones every night on 80m, starting at
    10 pm Eastern Time.

    This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    (LEGACY.COM, 3916 FREEWHEELERS NET)

    **

    JOIN US AT THE NEWSLINE "TOWN HALL FORUM" IN DAYTON

    JIM/ANCHOR: Just a reminder to our listeners that there's more to Amateur Radio Newsline this month than just this newscast. If you're going to
    Xenia, Ohio for Hamvention, be sure to stop in Forum Room 2 on Friday, May 19th, starting at 11:35 a.m. local time. The popular Town Hall forum is
    back after many years, and we have three guests. Riley Hollingsworth,
    K4ZDH, will take questions about the ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, will discuss issues facing the IARU that
    affect amateurs worldwide -- and Mark Smith, N6MTS, will take questions
    about a proposal to standardize headset connectors for interoperability.
    Come along and join us!

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard in bulletin stations around the world including the shortwave
    broadcast station of shortwaveradio.de in Lower Saxony, Germany on 6160
    kHz AM. The station's European summer schedule will be 07:00 to 17:00 UTC
    on weekends, 15:00 to 17:00 UTC Monday to Friday. Broadcasts can also be
    heard from 17:00 to 23:00 UTC daily on 3975 kHz AM.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri May 12 00:02:08 2023
    DAVE KALTER MEMORIAL YOUTH DX ADVENTURE CANCELLED

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: This year's Dave Kalter Memorial Youth Adventure has been cancelled. Organizers at the Dayton Amateur Radio Association said there
    was insufficient time for the kind of planning that would have allowed everyone to obtain their necessary passports. No other details were immediately available and there was no indication when the next trip would
    be scheduled. This year's DX adventure was to have taken place in Curacao.

    The annual trip, which has brought young amateurs to the Dutch Caribbean, Costa Rica and Curacao, is named in memory of Dave, KB8OCP, who became a Silent Key in November of 2013.

    (DARA)

    **

    SILENT KEY: ARGENTINA'S PIONEERING YL, AZUCENA ALBARRACIN, LU9OY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A popular, lively voice in amateur radio in Argentina has become a Silent Key. We learn more about her from Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    GRAHAM: In the final year of her life Azucena Albarracin, LU9OY, was no
    longer able to be on the air -- but until then, the 95-year-old was a well-known and well-recognised voice in her home country of Argentina, as
    well as in Chile and Uruguay. She became a Silent Key on Thursday, the
    13th of April at her home.

    According to a news article in the YL Beam newsletter, she was an almost constant presence on the air during the last 50 years and many heard her exchanging greetings and information on 20 meters. Her introduction to
    amateur radio came during the early 1960s and she embraced operating on
    AM. She and another amateur Nelly Lopez, LU5OX, now a Silent Key, were considered pioneers in being the first women amateurs in the region. By
    the time she retired as a teacher, she had become a major presence on
    sideband where she was well-respected as an operator.

    According to the news article, her 90th birthday was a great occasion inspiring amateurs who had worked her from DX locations to travel and
    attend the celebration.

    This is Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (YL BEAM)

    **

    AMSAT PRESIDENT'S CLUB RELEASES COMMEMORATIVE COIN

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: AMSAT supporters who are deepening their commitment to
    amateur radio in space by joining the President's Club have a special commemorative coin that says "thank you." We hear more from Neil Rapp,
    WB9VPG.

    NEIL: The AMSAT President's Club has released its commemorative coins for 2023, with this year's coin marking the 40th anniversary of the launch of
    the AMSAT OSCAR 10 satellite. The German amateur radio microsatellite took
    to the sky from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 1 rocket on June 16th,
    1983. According to the AMSAT-DL website, the star-shaped satellite had an elliptical orbit that made it possible for radio communications of several hours' duration to take place around the world.

    Members of the AMSAT President's Club will be receiving the coin along
    with other recognition, including mention in the AMSAT Journal. The President's Club is an annual membership organization and each year'S
    2-inch metal coin honors a different OSCAR satellite.

    Visit amsat.org and look for details about the President's Club.

    This is Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (AMSAT NEWS SERVICE)

    **

    NETS OF NOTE: APRS THURSDAY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: This week, in our occasional series, Nets of Note,
    Newsline takes a look at one net that provides an opportunity for all
    licensed hams anywhere in the world to learn more about APRS. Patrick
    Clark, K8TAC, has that story.

    PATRICK: For one very enthusiastic group of amateurs worldwide, every
    Thursday is net day. Check-in time on that day between 0000 and 2359 UTC
    and ensures that every amateur will receive all APRS net traffic from any stations checking in during the 24-hour period that follows their own check-in.

    Organizers call it APRS Thursday, and it's been going strong since
    December of last year. The net is conducted over the Announcement server service of KJ4ERJ, and it is managed by Michael, KC8OWL, and Angelo DU2XXR/N2RAC. Angelo, in the Philippines, is also the net manager of a separate net, known as the APRSPH net.

    Both Michael and Angelo hope that the Thursday check-ins will increase familiarity with APRS for hams and grow this kind of message activity
    around the world.

    If you're curious about APRS or want to learn more, you can email Michael
    at kc8owl@yahoo.com

    This is Patrick Clark, K8TAC.

    (APRS NET)

    **

    NOMINATE NEXT 'YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR'

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The deadline is coming up fast for a chance to nominate
    your choice for Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Pasternak Young Ham of the
    Year award. Candidates must reside in the continental United States and be
    a licensed ham 18 years of age or younger. We are looking for someone who
    has talent, promise and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio. Find application forms on our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab. Nominations close on May 31st.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu May 18 19:01:53 2023
    BILL REINTRODUCED TO PROPOSE HF DIGITAL CHANGES

    DON/ANCHOR: In the United States, an Arizona lawmaker has renewed hope
    for changing what many consider outdated rules by the FCC for digital communications. Sel Embee, KB3TZD, has those details.

    SEL: A bandwidth limit would replace symbol rate limit for HF digital operations under a bill known as the Amateur Radio Communications
    Improvement Act. The bill was introduced on May 11 by Arizona
    congresswoman Debbie Lesko, a Republican, and is similar to a bill she
    had introduced last year, hoping to update rules by the FCC that focus on symbol rates. The bill, which is now in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, would set a bandwidth limit of 2.8 kHz instead. US advocates of
    the bill, including the ARRL, have long argued that a bandwidth limit was necessary because of crowded conditions on the HF bands. They have been concerned that protocols might be developed in the future that would
    possess wider bandwidth protocols than necessary.

    The lawmaker said in a statement that updating the rules to accommodate
    modern technology is especially important in times of natural disasters,
    such as forest fires, floods and hurricanes, when messages need to be
    sent and received efficiently. Faster protocols already accomplish this
    in other countries.

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (ARRL, REP. DEBBIE LESKO)

    **

    FORMER FCC CHAIRMAN NEWTON MINOW DIES AT 97

    DON/ANCHOR: Newton Minow, who had been appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s, has
    died. The attorney, who was a vocal critic of the emerging content of broadcast television in the US, died Saturday, May 6th, at the age of 97.
    He was also well-known as an advocate of the US space program. It was
    during his tenure in 1962 that the world saw NASA's launch of Telstar 1,
    the first communications satellite, developed by the American Telephone
    and Telegraph Company, better known as AT&T.

    (NPR)

    **

    POPULAR SATELLITE DECAYS FROM ORBIT

    DON/ANCHOR: A popular ham radio satellite launched a little less than
    eight years ago from China has left its orbit. Stephen Kinford, N8WB,
    brings us that report.

    STEPHEN: Satellite enthusiasts have one fewer satellite to rely on now.
    The orbit has decayed for the popular linear transponder satellite known
    as XW-2A. The satellite was sent into space in September of 2015 from
    China's Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite does not leave
    space without sharing a little bit of glory: In August of 2022, two
    amateurs used XW-2A to achieve communication over a record distance for
    the 25 kg microsat. It was a transatlantic QSO between EA4NF in Spain and VE1CWJ in Nova Scotia, a memorable distance of 4,751 km.

    This is Stephen Kinford, N8WB.

    (AMSAT NEWS SERVICE, CAMSAT)

    **

    HAMS, START YOUR ENGINES FOR THE BIG RACE

    DON/ANCHOR: Hams, start your engines. A big race - and a big special
    event station - is getting under way in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jack
    Parker, W8ISH, has the details.

    JACK: Now that the dust has settled from the Indy Grand Prix race,
    members of the W9IMS Special Event Station are gearing up for another
    week of logging contacts leading up to the 107th running of the
    Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, beginning May 22nd.

    This is the 20th year for the W9IMS team to reach out and let ham radio operators be a part of the racing season in Indianapolis. For two
    decades, they have logged over fifteen thousand contacts a year for the
    three race series at Indy. That is a lot of QSL cards.

    Check the W9IMS page at QSL.com for more information.

    Reporting from Indianapolis, this is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    **

    TRY NEWSLINE'S HAIKU CHALLENGE

    DON/ANCHOR: If a great QSO feels like poetry to you, you might enjoy this
    new challenge from Amateur Radio Newsline. We're inviting listeners to
    channel their most creative selves and share the joy of ham radio in the
    form of a haiku. On our website, arnewsline.org, you will find a
    submission form for sending your most inspired offering. All haikus must follow the traditional form to qualify: The first line is five syllables,
    the second line is seven syllables and the finishing third line has
    another five syllables.

    Our team will pick from the best submissions that follow the 5/7/5
    syllable rule and represent the love of amateur radio. Your prize? Glory,
    of course! We will share our favorite haiku of the week on the Amateur
    Radio Newsline website.

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline
    heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the AH6LE repeater
    on Sundays at 6 p.m. in Beavercreek and Wilsonville Oregon.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu May 25 21:52:34 2023
    A SUCCESSFUL HAMVENTION 2023 IS IN THE LOG

    NEIL/ANCHOR: This year's Dayton Hamvention was another success, with
    several vendors returning after an absence along with some great weather.
    The rain was mostly overnight on Friday and caused minimal disruptions.
    The main buzz was about 2 new handheld radios being announced, one from
    ICOM America and another from JVC/Kenwood who returned to Hamvention after being absent since the start of the pandemic.

    2023 Hamvention Amateur of the Year Carsten Dauer, DM9EE, received a
    standing ovation in front of a large crowd attending his forum about his
    work to house evacuated Ukrainian family members as well as shipping
    donated radio gear, power banks, solar panels, and first aid kits for use
    to assist operators despite the partial Russian invasion.

    Steve Morgan, W4NHO, was recognized with the Spirit of Amateur Radio award
    for his work in coordinating disaster relief communications during the
    recent Eastern Kentucky flooding. The Voice of America Museum in nearby
    West Chester, Ohio, had expanded hours during Hamvention and reported
    record attendance of nearly 400 visitors.

    The youth socials at the YOTA booth were standing room only. And, many
    hams were greeted by the first known live duck to attend Hamvention,
    Mochi, accompanied by Junie, N1DUC, who was promoting her new YouTube
    channel, and educating people about domesticated ducks.

    Finally, 2023 marked the return of our own Newsline Town Hall. Attendees
    heard international updates from Tim Ellam, VE6SH, the president of IARU. Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, returned to the town hall to talk about the
    ARRL Volunteer Monitoring program, while Mark Smith, N6MTS, proposed a new open headset interconnect standard to assist with group activities and
    EMCOMM.

    **

    US AUTOMAKER WON'T ELIMINATE AM RADIO IN NEW CARS

    NEIL/ANCHOR: AM radio isn't quite dead yet among those selling cars in the
    US. One carmaker has shifted gears into reverse - literally. Here's Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, with an update.

    KENT: In the United States, the Ford Motor Company has reversed an earlier decision to eliminate AM radios in its new cars, trucks and SUVs. The carmaker's announcement was made on Tuesday, May 23rd, on the heels of a bipartisan bill introduced in Washington, D.C., pressing for AM broadcast radio's retention as a public safety measure.

    Ford CEO Jim Farley announced on social media that the reversal comes came after discussions with government policy leaders who believe the
    elimination of AM broadcast radio in vehicles will cut motorists off from essential emergency alerts transmitted on those frequencies.

    The CEO wrote on Twitter that all 2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles would
    include AM radio. He added: [quote] "For any owners of Ford's EVs without
    AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update." [endquote] The
    update would restore AM functionality.

    The US Federal Communications Commission has also thrown its support
    behind the proposed legislation that seeks to halt the trend toward automakers' removal of AM broadcast in US vehicles. The bill, introduced
    May 17th, is known as the "AM for Every Vehicle Act." The FCC cannot
    regulate what automakers do, but was nonetheless vocal about the value AM radio has to motorists who may need to receive emergency alerts while on
    the road.

    Other manufacturers, including Volvo, Tesla and BMW, have indicated they
    were dropping AM radio from their new electric cars because of
    interference between the vehicles' electrical operating systems and the AM broadcast band. The Associated Press did not immediately receive comment
    from the other carmakers.

    The bill's opponents, including The Alliance for Automotive Innovation,
    which represents US automakers, called the AM radio proposal unnecessary.
    They said that the US warning system, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, can also deliver safety warnings by other means, such
    as FM broadcast, satellite and cellular networks.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (ASSOCIATED PRESS, HOUSE.GOV, INSIDE RADIO, VARIETY)

    **

    EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION RANGE EXPANDS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Emergency preparedness got a needed boost in South Carolina
    and Kevin Trotman, N5PRE, has those details.

    KEVIN: Dorchester County, South Carolina is getting ready for hurricane
    season on the ground and in the air. High atop a 226-foot tower, members
    of the county's emergency management office have been installing an
    antenna system that will allow the county's amateur radio response team a wider communication range with first responders during emergencies. The
    hams are members of DART, or the Dorchester Amateur Radio Team.

    County officials told the local CBS TV station that the installation is designed to close a communications gap between Columbia and as far away as Charleston, South Carolina - a need that became apparent after Hurricane
    Ian struck the region last autumn. As storm season approaches again, the emergency management office is supplementing this antenna work high in the
    air by taking on some serious training on the ground. Emergency officials
    will soon be teaching classes to help get more volunteers prepared for
    their amateur radio technician license.

    This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    (NEWS2)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jun 1 20:29:02 2023
    HAMS CLAIM DISTANCE RECORD FOR SATELLITE

    JIM/ANCHOR: Two satellite enthusiasts recently logged a contact that they
    claim has set a new record. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, brings us more.

    NEIL: Two satellite enthusiasts are claiming a new QSO distance record
    with the SO-50 satellite in a May 24th contact that covered 5,584 km -
    the distance between Michigan and Northern Ireland.

    Joe, KE9AJ, notes on his QRZ.com page that he has long had a particular enthusiasm for extreme distance satellite QSOs. He and George, M0ILE,
    were able to log one another, and claim bragging rights to having beaten
    the previous record by 61 km. That record was set in 2018 by Jerome,
    F4DXV, and Scott, N1AIA, between France and Maine.

    This is Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (AMATEUR RADIO DAILY, AMSAT)

    **

    SILENT KEY: HALL OF FAME MEMBER, CONTESTER, CHIP MARGELLI, K7JA

    JIM/ANCHOR: The amateur radio community has been shaken by the loss of
    someone who was a familiar face, a familiar voice, and a friend to
    many -- including those of us at Amateur Radio Newsline. Chip Margelli,
    K7JA, has become a Silent Key. We hear more about him from Don Wilbanks,
    AE5DW.

    DON: Chip Margelli, K7JA, was many things to many of us: A top-notch
    contester in numerous ARRL and CQ magazine competitions; a Silver
    Medalist at the 1990 World Radiosport Team Championship; and a polished operator of CW, who was admitted into the First-Class CW Operators' Club.
    Chip, who became a Silent Key on May 25th, even achieved national
    notoriety outside the amateur radio community, when he appeared on a US
    late night talk show, with TV host Jay Leno 2005, in an on-screen rivalry
    that pitted his CW proficiency against the speed of the US champion in
    fast cell phone text-messaging.

    A recipient of the E.T. Krenkel Medal in 2021, Chip was also listed in
    the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Over the years, he worked for such
    companies as Yaesu USA, Heil Sound, Ham Radio Outlet, and for CQ magazine.
    He was a personal friend to many of us at Amateur Radio Newsline. Chip
    was present in 1986 with Newsline cofounder, and treasured friend, the
    late Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the first ceremony introducing the Young
    Ham of the Year Award, and at subsequent ceremonies at the Huntsville
    Hamfest.

    Rest well, Chip. You leave many grieving friends behind.

    This is Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.

    **

    RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN SEEKS EDITOR

    JIM/ANCHOR: If you are a member of the Radio Society of Great Britain,
    and have strong skills in writing and editing - plus technical knowledge relevant to electronics and amateur radio - this job might just suit you. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, has the details.

    JEREMY: Lee Aldridge, G4EJB, the editor of RadCom Basics, has announced
    his retirement later this year, and the RSGB is seeking a replacement.
    RadCom basics publishes material focusing on new amateurs, and those who
    want to develop greater skills in the fundamentals. A successful
    applicant will assign articles, and work with authors in developing them,
    and will be responsible for writing additional articles. There are also
    editing responsibilities that include handling copy sent in by regular contributors and others.

    The RadCom Basics editor reports to RadCom's managing editor. For details
    about the job, including salary range being offered, send an email to
    radcom at rsgb dot org dot uk. (radcom@rsgb.org.uk)

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (RSGB)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
    heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the N5OZG repeater
    of the Crescent City Amateur Radio Group in Metairie, Louisiana,
    following the net on Sundays at 8 p.m.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jun 8 22:22:34 2023
    SILENT KEY: JERRY OWENS, W3GHO, VOICE OF W. PENNSYLVANIA NETS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A popular and active voice on the air has gone silent in western Pennsylvania. We hear about him from Randy Sly, W4XJ.

    RANDY: A final call went out on Friday, June 2nd, during the Western Pennsylvania Phone Traffic Net for Jerry Owens, W3GHO. It was followed by
    a moment of silence. Jerry, a popular longtime presence on many area
    nets, became a Silent Key on the morning of Wednesday, May 31st, in
    Corry, Pennsylvania.

    His enthusiasm and active participation in nets and other activities left their marks everywhere in the region. A licensed ham for 67 years, Jerry
    was a member of the Union City Amateur Radio Club and served as net
    control station for the Army Military Auxiliary Radio System. He was also active in the National Traffic System, handling Radiogram traffic for the daily Western Pennsylvania Phone Traffic Net on 80 meters.

    To those who knew him - or even knew OF him - Jerry was the voice of
    Corry, Pennsylvania, serving as the official snow measurer for that city
    for the National Weather Service Office in Cleveland, Ohio, just on the
    other side of the border between the two states. Weather stories in
    newspapers and on TV would often quote his snow statistics.

    Jerry had also been deputy radio officer and a net control station representing Erie County, Pennsylvania, in the Western Pennsylvania PEMA
    ACS RACES Net. His other net control duties included the Western
    Pennsylvania Health and Wellness Net on weekdays and the Western
    Pennsylvania ARES net on Saturdays.

    In 1960, he joined the Old Buzzards Amateur Radio Club and was net
    control for them on Monday mornings on 80 meters.

    His friend, Eddie Misiewicz, KB3YRU, who gave the final call, speaks for
    many when he told Newsline [quote] "I will miss him greatly." [endquote]

    An Ohio native, Jerry was 85 years old.

    This is Randy Sly W4XJ.

    (EDDIE MISIEWICZ, KB3YRU)

    **

    CENTRAL STATES VHF SOCIETY CONFERENCE RETURNS TO ARKANSAS

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The Central States VHF Society is bringing its annual conference back to Arkansas, where it was held more than two decades ago. Here's Andy Morrison, K9AWM, with that story.

    ANDY: Much has changed since the Central States VHF Society last held one
    of its annual conferences in Arkansas. That was in 1997, a year in which
    tube amplifiers with high-voltage power supplies were still widely used.
    It was also before the advent of the WSJT suite of software - or even computers in the shack.

    After years of being in other locations, the conference returns to
    Arkansas next month. The 55th annual conference meets in Little Rock, and
    the agenda, including the technical presentations, will reflect the
    changing landscape of VHF operation during the past 26 years.

    Organizers are encouraging hams to bring their families with them and has scheduled a variety of family-oriented activities on July 27th, 28th and
    29th, even as the board meeting, the business meeting and other VHF-
    sessions take place.

    Visit the website that appears in the text version of this week's
    newscast for information on how to register. The roster of attendees is growing every day.

    [for PRINT ONLY: http://2023.csvhfs.org]

    This is Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (AMATEUR RADIO DAILY, CENTRAL STATES VHF SOCIETY)

    **

    ARRL JOINS PROGRAM TO ENHANCE NATIONAL SAFETY

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The ARRL has joined a program designed to help in the emergency response during a national crisis. Sel Embee, KB 3 T Zed Dee,
    has more.

    SEL: Created in 2018 to enhance security and emergency communications in
    the United States, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
    has welcomed the American Radio Relay League, the ARRL, into its SAFECOM program. The ARRL's involvement ensures that amateur radio will flourish
    as a strong presence in the nation's response in times of crisis. Josh Johnston, K-E-5-M-H-V, the ARRL's director of emergency management, said
    on the ARRL website that amateur radio's resources will gain even more interoperability with emergency responders and will have a voice in the development of a more comprehensive blueprint for keeping the nation safe
    and its communications intact. That includes enhancing the connections
    between emergency responders and helping build out the network for the
    future.

    In making its announcement on Friday, June 2nd, the ARRL said it expects
    its new role to bring increased involvement for such groups as ARES, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, and other ARRL emergency programs.

    This is Sel Embee, K-B-3-T-Zed-D.

    (CISA, ARRL)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jun 16 02:36:06 2023
    SATELLITE QSOS TO FLY HIGH FOR FIELD DAY

    PAUL/ANCHOR: In the US and Canada, almost everyone is getting ready for
    Field Day - and that includes satellite enthusiasts. We hear about their
    plans from Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    SEL: In case you've been wondering, Field Day is for the birds! Once
    again, just as the ARRL sponsors the 23-hour exercise known as Field Day
    for hams throughout the US and Canada, AMSAT, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, takes this test of emergency communications to the skies.
    For satellite users, this will be a 27-hour period between 1800 UTC on Saturday the 24th of June through to 2100 UTC on Sunday the 25th.

    Satellite users are advised to check the AMSAT status page for what will
    be available. AMSAT has said there will be more than 10 transponders and repeaters available during that weekend. FM voice satellites will include SO-50, AO-91, PO-101, the International Space Station and possibly
    LilacSat for those in search of bonus points. Ops are advised to be aware
    of congestion on FM low earth orbit satellites. The rules set a limit of
    one QSO per FM satellite, including the ISS.

    The exchange is the traditional ARRL Field Day Exchange.

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (AMSAT NEWS SERVICE)

    **

    NEWSLINE'S NEIL RAPP WB9VPG RECEIVES YASME EXCELLENCE AWARD

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Newsline is always pleased to share news of radio amateurs
    who have received recognition for their contributions to the community.
    But we are never more proud than when one of those being honored is a
    member of our own team. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, an anchor and correspondent
    for Newsline, has received the Yasme Excellence Award from the Yasme Foundation for his years of work with the next generation of ham radio operators. Neil provided the initial radio club sponsorship for the
    Region 2 YOTA camps, which he now serves as manager, providing
    administrative assistance for the camps as a nonprofit. He has also
    served as manager of Hamvention's Ham Radio 2.0 showcase. The foundation
    board of directors issued a statement saying that "recruiting young
    operators is key to the survival of amateur radio and his tireless
    efforts are appreciated." [endquote] The award consists of an engraved
    crystal globe and a cash grant of $500. Neil, we here at Newsline can
    only add our own congratulations and sincere appreciation for all that
    you do.

    (YASME FOUNDATION)

    **

    HAM RADIO HELPS IN DRAMATIC RESCUE IN IDAHO

    PAUL/ANCHOR: In Idaho, amateur radio played a role in the dramatic rescue
    of an 80-year-old man in a rocky wilderness region. Dave Parks, WB8ODF,
    has the details.

    DAVE: Members of Scout Troop 77 from Eagle, Idaho were well-prepared for
    their canoeing trip into Hells Canyon just a few weeks ago and took along
    a few hand-held radios, a satellite communications device and a ham
    radio. They were soon to encounter another adventurer, an 80-year-old
    retired judge who had at one time been a Scoutmaster in his home state of Oregon, which borders the canyon. This man was not so prepared: He had
    lost his balance while taking photographs in the region and fell 60 feet
    down a rocky riverbank on the Snake River, sustaining serious injuries to
    his neck, back, ankle and lower leg.

    The Scouts were canoeing when they were flagged down by a woman who heard
    the calls for help from the man, Eric Valentine, who was in serious pain. Henry Cavanagh, KJ7QJU, used his radio to contact the adults who were
    with the other Scouts. Henry's father, Brian, KJ7QJT, an assistant
    Scoutmaster and a wilderness first-responder, was among those arriving to
    tend to the man. Others arrived and stabilized him while the assistant Scoutmaster reached out to emergency dispatch services from his satellite communicator. Members of the area utility, Idaho Power, were able to help
    move the injured man by jet boat to a campground where a helicopter could safely land to transport him to a local hospital.

    Returning home to Oregon late last month, Eric was recovering and already planning his next hike. He told the Baker City Herald website, however,
    that he will no longer hike alone in Hells Canyon.

    This is Dave Parks, WB8ODF.

    (SCOUTING MAGAZINE, THE SEATTLE TIMES)

    **

    TRY NEWSLINE'S HAIKU CHALLENGE

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Here's a homebrew challenge for you: Write your own ham
    radio haiku! We're inviting listeners to channel their most creative
    selves and share the joy of ham radio in the form of a haiku. On our
    website, arnewsline.org, you will find a submission form for sending your
    most poetic offering. Be sure you follow the traditional form to qualify:
    The first line is five syllables, the second line is seven syllables and
    the finishing third line has another five syllables. Be sure to follow
    that form.

    Our team will pick from the best submissions that follow the 5/7/5
    syllable rule and represent the love of amateur radio. Your prize? Fame
    and glory, of course -- and a featured spot for your haiku on the Amateur Radio Newsline website. Visit our website at arnewsline.org to see this
    week's winning haiku.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jun 23 06:17:59 2023
    13 COLONIES OPERATING EVENT MARKS 15th YEAR

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: It's a historic milestone for an on-air event that
    celebrates America’s revolutionary past. Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz (Abram-o-vich) NT3V, has the story.

    MARK: It's back and marking its 15th year on the ham bands.

    It's the annual 13 Colonies Special Event, running this year from July 1
    to July 7.

    Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, is coordinator for WM3PEN, a special call sign
    activated from the "Cradle of Liberty" in Philadelphia.

    "It's a relatively easy event for many people to operate," Josuweit
    explains. "It's making contact with one or more of the 13 special event stations in each of the 13 colonies."

    "Plus, we've added over the years three bonus stations – WM3PEN in Philadelphia, GB13COL in England, and recently, TM13COL in France."

    Josuweit says activity during the 13 Colonies Special Event has been
    climbing rapidly in recent years, and there are some occasional pile-ups,
    so you may need a little patience and persistence to get through.

    "Last year we were well over a quarter million contacts for all the
    stations combined," he recalls. "And, for WM3PEN, back in 2013 I believe,
    it was we were just around 3,000 contacts. Last year, we were closer to 13,000."

    There's a special certificate offered to operators working the event.
    And each of the groups running stations in the original 13 colonies has special QSL cards tied to this year's theme surrounding the signers of
    the Declaration of Independence.

    "We'll be on all modes at different times, using HF and satellites. There
    will even be some SSTV," Josuweit advises. "The best thing to do is watch
    the various spotting networks such as DX Summit. There's a 13 Colonies Facebook page which people can monitor as well."

    Josuweit says you don't have to be a contester to work the stations. He
    says the operators at each station realize how much interest there is.
    Many, Josuweit says, will be operating long hours, even on the Fourth of
    July holiday, to make sure every station they can work gets into the log.

    For a link to the group's website, go to the text version of this story, published on our website, arnewsline.org.

    <PRINT ONLY: DO NOT READ: http://www.13colonies.us/>

    I’m Mark Abramowicz, NT3V.

    **

    SATELLITE ENTHUSIASTS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE THE 'LEDSAT' CHALLENGE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The challenge is on - are you up to it? The European
    Space Agency and S5Lab (pronounced: Ess Five Lab) are inviting hams
    around the world to get involved in making a special contact through the digipeater of an educational CubeSat known as LEDSAT. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG,
    tells us how to get involved.

    NEIL: LEDSAT, an LED CubeSat developed by university students in Rome
    with assistance from AMSAT Italia, was created primarily to demonstrate
    an LED-based payload to be used with ground-based optical tracking.
    Starting on June 26th and through to July 30th, it takes on a secondary purpose: It is part of a challenge to hams that will win them the prize
    of a personalized QSL card designed just for this competition. Hams are
    being asked to send a digital message via satellite to PI9ESA, the ground station of the ESA's Education Office. The CubeSat follows a sun-
    synchronous orbit and its digipeater will be activated at certain times.
    It has two communication windows, one around midday and one at midnight. Operators will be based at the ESA ground station to copy the messages.
    Hams are encouraged to use their preferred pass-prediction software to
    assist in the contact.

    LEDSAT's digipeater has the ability to store and forward digital messages
    with a delay of up to two days.

    For details about frequencies being used and other procedures of the operation, visit the ESA website at esa dot int (esa.int) and search for LEDSAT.

    The challenge was organized to celebrate the launch of LEDSAT in August
    of 2021.

    (EUROPEAN SPACE AGENY, S5LAB, AMSAT NEWS)

    **

    BUSINESSMAN AND ALMA MATER'S HAM CLUB SHARE A MILESTONE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The chief executive officer of iFixit, a business that provides toolkits and repair guides for do-it-yourselfers, distinguished himself on the California campus of his alma mater recently. Kyle Wiens [WEENS], who graduated from California Polytechnic State University, took
    his ham radio license exam under the watchful eye of volunteer examiners
    from the Cal Poly Amateur Radio Club, W6BHZ. He passed, becoming the
    newest licensee - number 2,000, It was a different kind of graduation for Kyle, who founded his company with a friend in a campus dorm room in 2003 while he was still a student at Cal Poly.

    Six years later - in 2009, the on-campus amateur radio club began
    offering license exams for students and the public.

    According to an article on the club's website, Kyle wasn't the only one
    from iFixit to claim newfound status as a licensee. Several members of
    the iFixit team were also there and passed - right along with the boss.

    (W6BHZ.ORG, iFIXIT WEBSITE)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jun 30 14:24:52 2023
    HUNT A WRTC COMPETITOR AND COMPETE FOR AN AWARD

    NEIL/ANCHOR: So you want to be part of the World Radiosport Team
    Championship but you didn't qualify and you're not in Italy right
    now? That's a small point, really, if you want to get in on the
    action. Graham Kemp, VK4BB, explains.

    GRAHAM: While amateur radio teams from all over the world compete
    in the WRTC on July 8th and July 9th, hams from all over the world
    can now compete right along with the competitors: Organisers have
    announced the WRTC 2022 Competition Award - yes, it's still known
    as WRTC 2022 because of the one-year COVID delay. Hams who have
    had QSOs with competing stations in the championship can work
    toward this award by getting on the air during the contest and
    listening for the action. Organisers recommend that those seeking
    the award submit their complete logs within six hours after the
    contest ends, which will be at 1800 UTC on Sunday the 9th of July.

    The WRTC 2022 Competition Award is the latest event created in
    support of the championship. THE WRTC 2023 Award, offered earlier,
    challenged radio operators to make contacts with special event
    stations in 12 regions throughout Italy, all ending with the
    suffix WRTC. There were also special event stations around the
    world - most of them also ending with the suffix.

    For more details about the Competition Award, visit wrtc2022 dot
    it (wrtc2022.it) and look under the "NEWS" tab.

    This is Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (WRTC)

    **

    FCC SETS APPLICATION WINDOW FOR LOW-POWER FM STATIONS

    NEIL/ANCHOR: The FCC is getting ready to accept applications for
    new low-power FM stations. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, brings us up to
    date.

    KENT: As Newsline reported in February, the FCC has made room on
    the spectrum for the operation of new, low-power FM broadcast
    stations in the US. The agency has now announced that a filing
    window for permit applications will be open between November 1st
    and November 8th of this year.

    The commission will accept proposals for frequencies anywhere in
    the FM band, from Channel 201 to Channel 300. The last time the
    FCC opened a filing window for low-power FM broadcast operation
    was in 2013.

    FCC data lists a little fewer than 2,000 such stations operating
    in the US since the year 2000, when the FCC created the service
    for 100-watt stations engaged in noncommercial educational
    broadcasts. Commercial operations and individuals are ineligible
    for operation of these stations.

    When competing applications are filed, an auction may need to
    occur before the allotments are decided.

    The FCC will release filing procedures and other relevant details
    later. Meanwhile, prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor
    the Audio Division Web Page on the agency website.

    This is Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.

    (FCC, RADIOWORLD)

    **

    SATELLITE ENTHUSIASTS REGISTER FOR CONVENTION IN INDIA

    NEIL/ANCHOR: Satellite fans, get ready for a big weekend in India
    devoted to your favorite subject. Registration has opened, as we
    hear from Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    JIM: Registration has opened for satellite enthusiasts and other
    amateurs planning to attend the OSCAR Convention in West Bengal,
    India on September 23rd and 24th. The website is also accepting
    registration for the radiosport portion of the weekend: a CW
    contest and some fox-hunting activity.

    The weekend theme is simple: "Get on the Air." OSCAR is an acronym
    that stands for Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio.

    While the full schedule is not yet posted, the organiser, OSCAR
    India, has said the event planners are making special efforts to
    support and encourage youth to get more involved in amateur radio.
    Various licence exams will be offered at the venue. The programme
    of presenters is expected to showcase the latest technologies and
    assist attendees in broadening their knowledge of operating
    techniques, antenna design, digital modes and signal propagation.

    There will also be plenty of opportunity to socialize.

    The OSCAR Convention is supported by Parks on the Air India and
    Beaches on the Air India.

    For details or to submit your registration, visit the website
    address that appears in the text version of this week's newscast
    at arnewsline.org

    [DO NOT READ: oc.beaham.in ]

    This is Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

    (OSCAR INDIA, ARUNAVA DEY VU3XRY)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jul 7 07:23:26 2023
    CLIPPERTON ISLAND DXPEDITION TO INCLUDE SATELLITE

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In case you've marked your calendar for January of next
    year, hoping to make contact with the Clipperton Island DXpedition,
    there's extra good news if you are a satellite enthusiast. Neil Rapp,
    WB9VPG, explains.

    NEIL: When members of the Perseverance DX Group call QRZ in January of
    2024 from Clipperton Island, they'll have an extra way to make contact.
    The team just announced that the TX5S DXpedition will include satellite operations. The team's satellite station manager, Andreas N6NU, reported
    in a recent press release that the team hopes to use the IO-117 GreenCube satellite, which not only has a generous footprint over the island but
    has passes that last more than an hour.

    The uninhabited atoll in the eastern Pacific Ocean will be home for the
    team for 16 days as they use SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. This is the 38th most wanted DX according to Clublog - and it is IOTA number NA-011.

    This is Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    (AMSAT, CLIPPERTON ISLAND WEBSITE)

    **

    HONORS FOR FILM ABOUT HAM CLUB IN SCOTLAND

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's nothing like a good contest to bring out the
    thrill of competition in some hams. In Scotland, however, one amateur
    radio group is enjoying the status of being one of the top winners at -
    of all things - a film festival. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, explains what
    happened.

    JEREMY: Hams in the Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society had the kind of
    performance you might not see in a DX contest, a sprint or even in a QSO party. They were among the top winners at this year's Doric Film
    Festival, an event that shines a light on filmmakers who celebrate Doric culture and language in their work. The five-minute production is
    colorful, lively and entirely in the Doric language. Interestingly
    enough, this is not the radio society's first appearance in a film. A 12 -minute film, "Hams," was released in 1961 and is available for viewing
    online in the Moving Image Archives of the National Library of Scotland.
    That film, however, is in black and white - and in English.

    Doric, once the official language of Scotland, is still widely spoken in
    the country's Northeast. The festival's winning films were screened last
    month at the awards ceremony on the campus of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

    The stars of the radio society's film are, of course, the many operators
    in the club and they are seen sending Morse Code and talking to the International Space Station. There is even a cameo appearance by a pig.
    Of course, you'll have to watch the film on YouTube to understand why.
    See the link to the society's film in the text version of this week's
    Newsline script at arnewsline.org

    [DO NOT READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN5v8xkHIXo ]

    This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

    (DORIC FILM FESTIVAL, NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND, ABERDEEN AMATEUR
    RADIO SOCIETY)

    **

    RADIO AMATEUR CHOSEN AMONG ENGINEERING'S "WOMEN OF INFLUENCE"

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A prominent West Coast business journal has named an
    active California YL among those who have left an impact on modern-day engineering. We get those details from Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    JACK: A third generation amateur radio operator, inspired by her father
    and her grandfather, has been selected for inclusion in the San Diego, California, Business Journal's list of Women of Influence in Engineering.

    Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, a licensed ham for 25 years, belongs to the
    FCC's Technical Advisory Council and works on amateur satellite service regulatory reform. A Life Member of the ARRL, she is technical
    specialist for the ARRL Field Organization's Southwestern Division.

    She writes on her page on QRZ.com: [quote] "Amateur radio is why I
    became an engineer and is the motivation for a large amount of the
    volunteer work I do. I give back to ARRL, IEEE, DEFCON, and many other organizations." [endquote] In 2018 she and two cofounders created the nonprofit Open Research Institute. ORI conducts open source research and development for amateur radio and other areas and provides its findings
    free.

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (WIA, QRZ)

    **

    SILENT KEY: ASOKA DA SILVA, 4S5BAK, VHF NET'S 'WEATHERMAN'

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A well-respected amateur in Sri Lanka, and a familiar
    voice on a popular evening net, has become a Silent Key. We hear about
    him from Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    JASON: The Radio Society of Sri Lanka held a special tribute VHF Tribute
    Net to honor Asoka da Silva, 4S5BAK, who became a Silent Key on the 26th
    of June, two months after his 75th birthday. The retired banker, who rose
    to prominence in the financial sector, was remembered by many who checked
    in on VHF or via Echolink during the one-hour net. The net was recorded
    by the society to present to Asoka's family as a gift.

    A mainstay of the daily 9 p.m. net for the past three years, Asoka was a familiar voice who would share with his fellow hams a thorough, well- researched weather report that many looked forward to hearing. His last check-in on the net took place on the 9th of April. According to the
    radio society, even in the difficult final months of his life, Asoka was determined to upgrade the amateur radio licence he had first acquired following his retirement. Despite frequent hospitalizations, he
    successfully sat the General and Advanced exams and qualified for that sought-after upgrade.

    The VHF tribute net allowed hams from elsewhere, including the United
    States, Canada and India, to check in with Victor Goonetilleke (goo-nuh- till-ecke) 4S7VK as net control. They shared memories of Asoka,
    remembering him fondly as the net's "weatherman," and expressed their condolences to his family.

    The radio society's own tribute online said [quote] "We have lost a dear friend, and his untimely departure leaves an immense void that will be difficult to fill." [endquote]

    This is Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (RSSL, YOUTUBE)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Fri Jul 14 12:58:55 2023
    SCOUTING'S GIRLS, BOYS ON AIR FOR NATIONAL JAMBOREE

    PAUL/ANCHOR: July is Scouting Jamboree month, and this year, it's for
    girls as well as boys in the American section of the worldwide scouting organization, Bill Stearns, NE4RD, has that story for us.

    BILL: National Jamboree is the largest outdoor educational event
    organized by the Boy Scouts of America. Held every four years, the
    Jamboree offers a program of educational and training events; high
    adventure activities; tests of strength and endurance; entertainment,
    and camaraderie with fellow Scouts from around the nation. The year 2023
    will be the first National Jamboree to include ScoutsBSA female
    participants. The Boy Scout program was renamed ScoutsBSA when female participants were welcomed in 2019.

    The K2BSA Amateur Radio Association will be active from the National
    Jamboree July 19th through the 28th. They will have a demonstration
    station where Scouts can get on the air and radio merit badge classes throughout the event. The operation was funded by a grant from the ARDC
    and powered by Icom America transceivers.

    You can participate in this event by being the amateur on the other end
    of the call. Help Scouts earn their contact cards and complete a
    requirement for their merit badge. K2BSA will be active minimally from 8
    a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time on 40m through 10m as conditions permit, on
    D-STAR REF033A, and on Echolink on *JOTA-365*.

    For Amateur Radio Newsline, and the K2BSA Amateur Radio Association,
    this is Bill Stearns, NE4RD.

    **

    COAST-TO-COAST EVENT CELEBRATES RETIRED AIRCRAFT

    PAUL/ANCHOR: From British Columbia in the west to Prince Edward Island
    in the east, this could well be the biggest retirement party ever thanks
    to a dedicated group of amateur radio and aviation enthusiasts. Sel
    Embee, KB3TZD, tells us how to join the festivities.

    SEL: It's likely that not many people know and love the RCAF CC115
    Buffalo aircraft as much as Phill Tanner, VA7XOZ. An Air Force aircraft technician familiar with the inner workings of the Search and Rescue
    planes, Phill has joined with a handful of other amateurs to prepare a
    weekend of special QSOs, based in four different provinces, to mark the planes' retirement. The event is being called Buffalos on the Air. On
    July 22nd, you can find Phill calling QRZ on the amateur bands as
    VC7BUFF457 at Comox Heritage Park in British Columbia. Like the other
    three operators, Phill will be inside one of the planes, using its
    antenna and an amateur radio transceiver. Calvin Winter, VE4AJ, will
    operate as VC4BUFF462 from the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
    in Manitoba; Dave Ackerman, VE3UGT/VE3OX will sign as VC3BUFF456 at the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Ontario; and Doug Silliker,
    VY2DS, will use the callsign VY2BUFF451 from Summerside Air Force
    Heritage Park on Prince Edward Island. The hams will be operating CW,
    SSB and FT8, most likely between 10m and 40m.

    The hams will also try for a coast-to-coast 2-metre net between the four aircraft on July 22nd. Buffalos on the Air is also welcoming spectators
    who live locally to attend the events at each of the activation sites.
    The rest of the world is invited to make contact with the stations, and
    those who have a QSO with more than one of the operators can request a certificate from Doug.

    You can find additional details on the Facebook page for Buffalos on the
    Air.

    This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

    (PHILLIP TANNER, VA7XOZ)

    **

    ROCKALL EXPEDITIONER RESCUED SAFELY

    PAUL/ANCHOR: Scottish adventurer Cam Cameron is home safe. You may
    recall that he was joined initially - and briefly - by two amateur radio operators on Rockall in the North Atlantic during his attempt to break
    the 45-day record for a stay there, set in 2014. His other goal was to
    raise money for charity. Cam's challenge came to an end in late June
    after 32 days, after he was successfully rescued by coast guard and search-and-rescue personnel. He wrote on the expedition website that he
    was [quote] "in pain, exhausted and hypothermic." However, he did meet
    his other goal, and was grateful to have helped a number of charitable
    causes.

    (BBC.COM, ROCKALLEXPED.COM)

    **

    BREAK HERE:

    Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
    Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the
    VK8MA repeater in Australia's Northern Territory, on Sundays at 7 p.m.
    local time.
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jul 20 17:32:31 2023
    INDIA'S MOON LANDER MAKES SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH

    JIM/ANCHOR: India is hoping to become the fourth nation to achieve a controlled moon landing and, at last reports, its spacecraft was well on
    its way. John Williams, VK4JJW, has that report.

    JOHN: The launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was a historic one for India, which is aiming to achieve a soft lunar landing after the previous mission
    in 2019 failed. The Indian Space Research Organization declared its
    trajectory a "precise orbit" shortly after its launch on Friday, the 14th
    of July. The name of the spacecraft is Sanskrit for "moon craft." It is expected to live up to that name when it makes its intended arrival on the south pole of the lunar surface in late August.

    This is John Williams, VK4JJW.

    (CNN, ISRO)

    **

    ELECTRONICS SELLER, A FAVORITE OF HAMS, CLOSING DOORS

    JIM/ANCHOR: Another much-loved source of electronics supplies for radio amateurs is about to join the growing list of companies shutting down. It's scheduled to happen next month. We have those details from Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    RALPH: All Electronics in Van Nuys California, has provided at least two generations of hobbyists, radio amateurs and tinkerers with a variety of surplus electronics parts and manufacturers' overruns for their projects.
    The legendary seller will be closing its doors in the next few weeks -
    likely by the end of August. When All Electronics announced earlier this
    year that it was calling it quits, the business had already scaled back its previous seven-day-a-week operation for walk-in customers, keeping its
    doors open on weekdays only. The company notes on its website that its mail-order business has been brisk lately as the 56-year-old enterprise attempts to close out its warehouse in time for final shutdown.

    This is Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.

    (QRZ.COM, ALL ELECTRONICS)

    **

    HAMS TO PLAY ROLE IN WW2 DRILL RE-ENACTMENT

    JIM/ANCHOR: To ensure they are prepared for emergencies and extreme
    weather, many hams are accustomed to sharpening their responses through regularly scheduled drills. But the drill that's taking place next month in Mobile, Alabama is for a major event that actually happened more than 70
    years ago: It was World War II. Jack Parker, W8ISH, fills in the details.

    JACK: There will be a "Call to Battle Stations" sounded on Saturday, August 12th, and those aboard the battleship USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum
    will be ready for what is to follow in Battleship Memorial Park. Vintage
    enemy aircraft will do a flyover in a mock attack. The crew on board the
    ships will fire the vessels' 20mm guns. Meanwhile, radio communications
    will go forward with members of the Deep South Amateur Radio Club, also on board, calling QRZ on 20m and 40m. They will be using the club callsign
    K4DSR, and the callsign K5LDA.

    Unlike the radio amateurs, the crewmen are all re-enactors. Dressed in WWII-era Navy uniforms, they will conduct weapons briefings and
    demonstrations while reliving some of the stories of that time. This is a Living History Crew Drill designed to show the public just how things were
    in the heat of war so many years ago.

    What the members of the Living History Crew share with the hams is that
    they are all volunteers. They show that they appreciate the spirit of volunteerism and education by conducting these drills, to bring history to life again, a few times each year.

    This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

    (WPMI, FACEBOOK, QRZ)

    **

    GRANT WILL UPGRADE AMATEUR STATION AT RADIO MUSEUM

    JIM/ANCHOR: An infusion of money is helping an all-volunteer museum in New England upgrade its on-site ham radio station. Andy Morrison, K9AWM, tells
    us what changes are in store.

    ANDY: The Amateur Radio Club of the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum
    of Connecticut is about to expand its reach with the help of a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications. The on-site club, which has the callsign, W1VCM, intends to add new antennas as well as earth-space
    capability to its operations. The club plans to have a high-gain antenna system, a satellite transceiver and computer-controlled tracking giving
    better access to QSOs through the International Space Station and several low-earth orbit amateur satellites.

    Bob Allison, WB1GCM, president of the amateur radio club, said in a press release that the club's demonstrations of amateur radio have provided encouragement to visitors, some of whom decide they want to become hams
    too.

    This all adds up to a big plus for the museum as well, according to its director John Ellsworth. He said that the availability of a working radio station complements the museum's role in telling the story of
    communication. The museum, which has showcased communications history for
    33 years, is run entirely by volunteers, providing opportunities for
    children to build crystal radio sets and attend other hands-on classes that bring history - as well as more modern-day technology - into their lives.

    Bob told Newsline in an email: [quote] "The spirit of amateur radio is live and well at the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut."

    This is Andy Morrison, K9AWM.

    (BOB ALLISON, WB1GCM)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)
  • From Daryl Stout@618:250/33 to All on Thu Jul 27 18:37:13 2023
    RADIO OPERATOR NEEDED FOR INDIAN ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: India's government is looking for a radio operator to join
    the team at the country's research station in the Antarctic. If you like
    cold weather, Graham Kemp, VK4BB, tells us what's involved.

    GRAHAM: A qualified radio operator is among the many posts being advertised for the next Indian Antarctic Expedition with preference being given to Ham
    or maritime radio operators. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean
    Research has been interviewing candidates for a variety of contract
    positions to work at its Antarctic research base beginning in November or December of this year. The research season ends sometime in 2025. Radio communication is considered an essential component of this 43rd expedition, which hopes to look at the ecosystem as well as satellite communication, ionospheric studies, stellar observations and climate change. The
    government has been seeking a candidate proficient in English.

    This is Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

    (NCPOR)

    **

    SUCCESSFUL ORBIT FOR CUBESATS BUILT IN PHILIPPINES

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Students in the Philippines are feeling proud that their
    two ham radio cubesats have entered orbit. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, tells us about their mission.

    JASON: Two amateur radio cubesats from the Philippines are now in orbit. Maya-5 and Maya-6 were built by university students with the goal of
    helping the nation keep its momentum going on satellite development while using locally sourced materials.The primary mission of the cubesat pair is
    to give the amateur radio community a digital message relay service through the Automatic Packet Reporting System, or APRS. The onboard APRS
    digipeaters use the frequency of 145.825 MHz for transmitting as well as receiving. The cubesats are also demonstrating a data/message store-and- forward system compatible with Universal Amateur Radio Text and E-mail messaging.

    The International Space Station released the cubesats on the 19th of July.

    This is Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

    (AMSAT NEWS, STAMINA4SPACE)

    **

    CHURCHES AND CHAPELS ON THE AIR GETS FOOTHOLD IN US

    STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A popular ham radio activity that activates churches and chapels, mainly in the UK, is getting a foothold in the US. Kevin Trotman, N5PRE, tells us more about it.

    KEVIN: The amateur radio community and the church community in the UK have enjoyed a one-day convergence each September since 2006. That was the year
    in which John G3XYF, suggested that CHOTA - Churches and Chapels on the Air
    - could be as viable and important an activity as Lighthouses, Mills,
    Islands, Summits, Railways and other "on the air" entities. The activity
    began simply with his own church in East Yorkshire, where John operated
    with the special callsign GB0LOW. CHOTA, which is organized by the World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners, has since grown to include between 20 and 30 churches in the UK and, in some instances, a few churches in the Czech Republic and Germany.

    This year's event is taking place on Saturday the 9th of September - and
    just as CHOTA grew in the years following 2006, it leaps across the ocean
    now to the Highlands Presbyterian Church in Mississippi where Frank Howell will be calling QRZ under his own callsign K4FMH. Other hams, using their
    own calls as well, are expected to join him on the 16-acre church campus. Frank expects the event to feature stations for SSB, CW and FT8. There will also be VHF/UHF and satellite operations. Frank told Newsline in an email [quote] "This is a great fit for our church of about 1,100 members because
    we seek to reach out to the community to bring them to our campus."
    [endquote]

    He said that a number of area clubs are involved as are some hams in the congregation. The church is so ham-friendly, in fact, that the
    administrator and an administrative assistant are planning to take their technician license exam soon.

    Frank has already received emails from other US churches inquiring about joining September's activation. Interested churches should email John and
    let him know the name and location of the church and the callsign being
    used. John's email appears in the text version of this week's newscast.

    CHOTA is not a contest, but there are certificates for contacting the
    stations - and there are rewards for just being part of this goodwill event that's now gone intercontinental.

    This is Kevin Trotman, N5PRE.

    [DO NOT READ: John G3XYF email address: jhwresdell@gmail.com )

    (JOHN WRESDELL G3XYF; FRANK HOWELL, K4FMH, WACRAL)
    --- SBBSecho 3.20-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33)