I almost never script content for the transmissions of PA00NEWS. I believe in spontanity and scripting tries to organize, so most of the PA00NEWS transmission does sound fairly disorganized. And that is fine so \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
The Amateur Radio Newsline does script however. Below their script for the March 21 broadcast, which was also included in the Daily Minutes of PA00NEWs last Friday.<\/p>\n
Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1910 – March 21, 2014<\/p>\n
Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1910 with a release
\ndate of March 21 2014 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.<\/p>\n
The following is a Q-S-T. Hams asked to assist in the hunt
\nfor Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 370; Ukraine and Russia
\nbring intruding signals to some High Frequency ham radio
\nbands; hams in France get new band allocations; FCC invites
\npublic comment on proposal to restructure the 10 Gigahertz
\nband; an Ohio radio club to celebrate Earth Day and it might
\nnot be long before you can take a vicarious ride into space.
\nFind out how on Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1910
\ncoming your way right now.<\/p>\n
(Billboard Cart Here)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
RESCUE RADIO: HAMS ASKED TO HELP LOCATE MALAYSIA AIRLINES
\nFLIGHT MH370<\/p>\n
Ham radio operators in a number of nations are now being
\nasked to assist in the search for Malaysian Airlines
\nflight MH370. Amateur Radio Newsline’s Jim Meachen, Zed-L-2-
\nB-H-F, is here with the details.<\/p>\n
—
\nThe Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency Service Society is
\ncalling ham radio operators in a number of nations to
\nparticipate in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines
\nflight MH370.<\/p>\n
The twin-engine Boeing 777-200ER airliner bearing
\nregistration 9M-MRO disappeared without a trace on March
\n8th. This, after its various position signaling systems
\nwere turned off at about 1:20 a.m. local time while the
\naircraft was believed to have been North of the Malaysian
\ncoastline enroute to Beijing, China.<\/p>\n
Now, the Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency Service Society
\nsays that ham radio operators in several geographic areas
\ncan play an important part in the search. It particularly
\nsingles out radio amateurs in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
\nThailand, Mauritius and the Seychelles as being in a crucial
\nposition to assist.<\/p>\n
Daily reporting nets have been established on 14.250 and
\n21.250 MHz from 13:00 to 15:00 U-T-C. Any urgent message
\nbeyond the specified session times can be sent via email to
\nemergency (at) mares.org.my. All information obtained from
\nthe ham radio community will be forwarded to the Malaysian
\nDepartment of Civil Aviation and Malaysian National Security
\nCouncil.<\/p>\n
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, in
\nNelson, New Zealand.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
At airtime it’s not known if the request for ham radio
\nassistance came from the Malaysian government or is a
\nvolunteer effort on the part of the Malaysian Amateur Radio
\nEmergency Service Society. Also, on Thursday, March 20th
\nAustralian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that two
\nobjects that could be wreckage from Malaysia Airlines Flight
\n370 had been seen by satellite off its western coast.
\nMeantime some 25 nations are in some way involved in the
\nsearch for the missing plane. (9W2FG, Southgate, other news
\nreports)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
INTRUDER WATCH: UKRANE STATION SZRU ACTIVE ON 20 METERS<\/p>\n
The IARU Monitoring System newsletter reports the Ukraine
\nforeign Intelligence Service SZRU has been active every
\nWednesday on 14.280 MHz at 1010 UTC running full carrier AM.
\nReports say that a female voice spelled numbers and
\nencrypted messages. The exact location is believed to be
\nnear Rivne.<\/p>\n
The newsletter also says that REA4 which is a call used by
\nthe Russian Airforce in Moscow was still active on 7 dot 018
\nMHz with Frequency Shift Keying at 100 Baud and a 1000 Hz
\nshift. Harmonics could be measured on 14 dot 036, 21 dot 052
\nand 28 dot 072 MHz on February 28th at about 10:50 UTC.<\/p>\n
If you hear or are bothered by these or any other illegal
\nuser of ham radio spectrum, please report these incidents to
\nthe Intruder Watch Coordinator for your nation. Here in the
\nUnited States that would be The American Radio Relay League.
\n(IARU R1 Newsletter)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
WORLDBEAT: NEW SPECTRUM AWARDED TO HAMS IN FRANCE<\/p>\n
French radio amateurs have gained access to 472 to 479 kHz
\nwith 1 watt output in I-T-U Region 1 and French territories
\nin Region 2. Also, 435 to 438 MHz is now allocated to the
\nAmateur-satellite service in France for both Earth-to-Space
\nand Space-to-Earth in the same geographic areas. Due to a
\nprevious error in the national frequency table, French
\namateurs did not have Space-to-Earth privileges for this
\nband in their licenses.<\/p>\n
Still with space related matters, the 2400 to 2415 MHz band
\nis now allocated to radio stations in the Amateur-satellite
\nservice in French territories in Region 2.<\/p>\n
Regarding the 1.2 GHz band the national society questioned
\nif Europe’s new Galileo Global Positioning satellite system
\nmay call into question the future of this allocation for use
\nby ham radio. Galileo downlinks across 1260 to 1300 MHz
\nband. France’s telecommunications regulator said that it
\nwould review this matter and provide a response at some
\nfuture date.<\/p>\n
These changes are the result of a meeting between French
\ntelecommunications regulator the Autorit\ufffd de R\ufffdgulation des
\nCommunications \ufffdlectroniques et des Postes and the French
\nnational amateur radio society R-E-F that was held on March
\n7th. Discussions also covered the possibility of a future
\namateur band across the whole of 1.8 to 2.0 MHz spectrum and
\npossible allocations at 5.5 MHz and 70 MHz. The R-E-F
\nreport also noted that the regulatory body has also shown an
\ninterest in ARISS school contacts which both groups believe
\nhave a high educational value.<\/p>\n
The complete minutes in Google English is on the web at
\nhttp:\/\/tinyurl.com\/REF-ARCEP-Minutes-2014-03-07 (REF,
\nSouthgate)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
WORLDBEAT: NEW BRUNSWICK CANADA CONFIRMS DISTRACTED DRIVING
\nEXEMPTION FOR HAM RADIO OPERATORS.<\/p>\n
Some good news for hams living in New Brunswick, Canada.
\nRadio Amateurs of Canada has announced that New Brunswick
\nhas passed new legislation to provide an exemption to that
\nprovince’s distracted driving law for ham radio mobile
\noperations.<\/p>\n
The announcement was made at the Legislature in Fredericton
\non Tuesday March 19th. A number of Canadian radio amateurs
\nwere in attendance at the invitation of Minister of
\nJustice’s Troy Lifford.<\/p>\n
At the same session, Radio Amateur of Canada member Alan
\nThurber, VE1AKT, was formally recognized in the Legislature
\nfor his extensive involvement in amateur radio, in various
\nother groups and the community in general. (RAC)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
RESTRUCTURING: FCC INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON 10-10.5 GHZ
\nPETITION<\/p>\n
Back here in the United States, the FCC has invited public
\ncomment on a Petition for Rule Making titled RM-11715. This
\nis a proposal that would make a significant portion of the
\n10.0 to 10.5 GHz band available for wireless broadband
\nservices while to some extent protect amateur radio
\nterrestrial and space operations from interference.<\/p>\n
According to the ARRL the petition by Mimosa Networks Inc.
\nproposes a band plan for the spectrum from 10.0 to 10.5 GHz
\nthat the petitioner says would protect frequencies most
\noften used by radio amateurs. The proposal would specify
\n10.350 to 10.370 GHz as an “Amateur Calling Band,” and
\n10.450 to 10.500 GHz for Amateur-Satellite operations. This
\nwould be in the midst of 21 wireless broadband channels and
\na small guard band.<\/p>\n
The success of the Mimosa petition hinges on FCC adoption of
\nrule changes that would put the 10 GHz band under Subpart Z
\nof the Commission’s Part 90 rules. Subpart Z currently sets
\nout regulations governing wireless licensing, technical
\nstandards, and operational standards in the 3650 to 3700 MHz
\nspectrum.<\/p>\n
Interested parties may comment on RM-11715 using the FCC’s
\nElectronic Comment Filing System. You can read the entire
\nproposal at http:\/\/www.tinyurl.com\/kvbqshn (ARRL,
\nSouthgate)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: OSCAR-11 \/ UOSAT-2 CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
\nON-ORBIT<\/p>\n
UOSAT-OSCAR-11 has now been in orbit for 30 years and
\nremarkably its signal on 145.826 MHz FM is still being
\nreceived. UOSAT-2, was designed and built by a team of
\nengineers at the University of Surrey in Guildford, Surrey,
\nUK as the successor to UOSAT-1. It was placed into orbit on
\nboard a Delta rocket from the United States Western Test
\nRange at Vandenberg Air Base, in California on March 1,
\n1984.<\/p>\n
OSCAR-11 was the most rapidly designed ham radio satellite
\ngoing from inception to launch in only five months. It was
\nalso the first amateur satellite to carry a digital
\ncommunications package into Earth orbit, and the first to be
\ncontrolled by a Central Processing Unit running software
\nwritten in the high-level programming language “Forth”. The
\nbird originally carried three beacons but only the 2 meter
\nunit is currently operational. (AMSAT-UK)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
DX UP FRONT: MARION ISLAND ACTIVATIONS<\/p>\n
In DX up front, several sources are reporting that ZS1KX,
\nwill be leaving South Africa on April 2nd for the Marion
\nIsland. He has requested the callsign ZS8KX and expected to
\nbe active from the island in May. QSL direct to Gerard de
\nJong, P.O. Box 744, Wellington, 7654, South Africa.<\/p>\n
Also from Marion Islands comes word that a female operator
\nsigning ZS8A, has been showing up on 28.650 MHz between
\n14:20 to16:00. Reports are that she handles QSLing via
\nClubLog.<\/p>\n
Marion Island lies in the Southern Indian Ocean and is part
\nof a two island group. It is only about 12 miles long by 7
\n1\/2 wide, and the two islands have a combined area of 196
\nsquare miles. Politically they form part of South
\nAfrica’s Western Cape Province. (OPDX, Wikipedia)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
DX UP FRONT: 6 METERS FROM GRENEDA IN JUNE<\/p>\n
And if you are an aficionado of the 50 MHz band, then listen
\nup. W9DR will be active on 6 meters as J38DR from Grenada
\nbetween June 19th and July 1st. This operation will be
\nlocated on the north shore of the island for a great launch
\nangle to North America and Europe over the Atlantic Ocean.
\nOperating frequencies will be 50.115 MHz SSB, 50.115.6 MHz
\nCW as well as a breakable Beacon on 50.115.6 MHz running
\nwhen no stations heard. Gear for this DXpedition will be a
\nFlexRadio SDR-1500 driving a home built solid state water-
\ncooled amplifier into a 5 element Yagi. If you manage to
\nwork him, QSL to W9DR at his home address. And we will have
\nmore DX news for you later on in this weeks newscast.
\n(Various Sources)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
BREAK 1<\/p>\n
Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
\nRadio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world
\nincluding the KC6OCA repeater serving Lake Isabella
\nCalifornia.<\/p>\n
(5 sec pause here)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
ENFORCEMENT: FCC ISSUES PROPOSED $25000 FINE FOR PART 15
\nVIOLATIONS<\/p>\n
The FCC has issued a Notice of Apparent Liability in the
\namount of $25,000 to Internet Service Provider Winchester
\nWireless of Winchester, Virginia. This for its alleged
\noperation of intentional radiators not in accordance with
\nPart 15 of the Rules and doing so without a license.
\nAmateur Radio Newsline’s Stephan Kinford, N8WB, has the
\ndetails:<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Part 15 devices are license free but must be operated at
\nwhat amounts to micro power so as to cause minimum
\ninterference to other Part 15 units sharing the same
\nspectrum. So it was that on May 10, 2011, in response to a
\ncomplaint, an agent from the Enforcement Bureau’s Columbia
\nMaryland Office inspected a transmitting device operated by
\nWinchester Wireless on the roof of an area residence.
\nDuring the inspection, the agent determined that a legal
\nMotorola Canopy System was connected to two external RF Linx
\n900 MHz amplifiers that in turn were individually fed into
\ntwo separate antennas.<\/p>\n
When the agent later interviewed Winchester Wireless owner
\nDavid Williamson at the company’s main office, Williamson
\nadmitted to using the amplifiers. The agent subsequently
\nreviewed the FCC rules for the Motorola Canopy System, which
\nindicated that it is not certified for use with external
\namplification.<\/p>\n
On August 11, 2011, the Columbia Office issued a Notice of
\nUnlicensed Operation to Winchester Wireless regarding its
\nunauthorized use of the external amplifiers at the inspected
\nlocation. On August 29th the company responded to the
\nNotice. At that time it reported that the amplifiers had
\nbeen removed but did not provide any information regarding
\nWinchester Wireless’s operations at other locations.<\/p>\n
Jump ahead almost two years. On May 29, 2013, in response
\nto additional complaints, an agent from the Columbia Office
\ninspected two transmitter sites operated by Winchester
\nWireless. At both locations, the agent observed signals
\nemanating in the 902 to 928 MHz band. The agent observed
\nthe same Motorola Canopy System and RF Linx equipment that
\nhe had seen during the 2011 inspection.<\/p>\n
On July 29, 2013, the Columbia Office issued a Notice of
\nUnlicensed Operation to Winchester
\nWireless regarding its continued unauthorized use of
\nexternal amplifiers. On July 31, 2013, Winchester Wireless
\nresponded to the Notice indicating that it would inspect the
\ntwo transmitter sites for compliance with the Part 15 Rules.<\/p>\n
Now in issuing the proposed fine, the FCC says that
\nWinchester Wireless had the same type of violation less than
\ntwo years earlier and that the 2011 Notice expressly warned
\nthat the equipment certification for the Motorola Canopy
\nSystem did not authorize the use of such external
\namplifiers. With the second violation the FCC says that
\nWinchester Wireless’s actions demonstrate a deliberate
\ndisregard for the Commission’s requirements and as such a
\nforfeiture of $25,000 is warranted.<\/p>\n
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Stephan Kinford, N8WB,
\nreporting.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
In addition to the proposed fine the FCC directed Winchester
\nWireless was ordered to submit a statement signed under
\npenalty of perjury stating that it is currently operating
\nits Wireless Internet Service in compliance with FCC rules
\nand applicable authorizations. The company was given 30
\ndays from the March 11th release of the Notice to respond to
\nthis demand as well as to appeal the proposed $25,000 fine.
\n(FCC)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
RESCUE RADIO: UNDERWATER WI-FI MAY HELP PREDICT TSUNAMIS<\/p>\n
Researchers are in the process of testing a new underwater
\nwi-fi – like network in an attempt to create what amounts to
\na deep-sea internet. One that researchers claim could help
\ndetect tsunamis and there by offer a more reliable warning
\nsystem.<\/p>\n
Unlike traditional wi-fi which uses radio waves, the
\nsubmerged technology utilizes sound waves. This is because
\nradio is able to penetrate water to some degree, but with
\nseverely limited range and stability. But the research team
\nfrom the University of Buffalo notes that sound waves
\nprovide a better option as demonstrated by many aquatic
\nspecies such as whales and dolphins.<\/p>\n
Wireless communication underwater has been possible for some
\ntime, but the problem lies in getting separate systems used
\nby different organizations to communicate with each other.
\nThe United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric
\nAdministration does use acoustic waves to send data from
\ntsunami sensors on the sea floor to buoys on the surface.
\nHowever due to infrastructure differences, this data cannot
\nbe shared quickly with other information gathered by other
\nagencies such as the US Navy. For that reason the
\nUniversity of Buffalo researchers are attempting to create a
\nshared standard to make interaction and data-sharing and
\npublic warning more reliable.<\/p>\n
More can be found at http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/technology-
\n24550015 (BBC)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
RADIO CRIME: COPPER THIEVES TAKE WASHINGTON STATION OFF THE
\nAIR<\/p>\n
Listeners to KLOG radio in Kelso, Washington tuned into dead
\nair early on Wednesday March 12th. This after thieves stole
\na small amount of copper wire from the stations transmitting
\nsite situated along Interstate Route 5.<\/p>\n
Station Owner Joel Hanson said he found out about it at
\naround 3:30 a.m. Hanson found wire cutters at the site and
\nevidence that someone may have gotten a rather nasty shock.<\/p>\n
KLOG was off the air for about 12 hours but station was able
\nto heard online. Kelso police are investigating but so far
\nthey have no suspects. (RW, other news reports)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
NAMES IN THE NEW: KA2HPG NAMED NEW RACES OFFICER FOR OSWEGO
\nCOUNTY NY<\/p>\n
Fred Koch, KA2HPG, has become the new Radio Officer for the
\nOswego County New York Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
\nService. Koch received the RACES Service Award in 2013 for
\nhis service to the organization that began back in 1996. He
\nhas participated in all aspects of the communications
\nsystems used by the group and has obtained certification in
\nthe Incident Command System. Koch replaces John Darling,
\nK2QQY, who recently resigned after holding the post for more
\nthan 20 years. (Oswego County Today)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
NAMES IN THE NEWS: K6LCS INVITED TO MEET ASTRONAUT LUCA
\nPARMITANO AT ESA ITALY<\/p>\n
According to a posting on Facebook, Clink Bradford, K6LCS,
\nis among those chosen to spend an afternoon with Italian
\nAstronaut Luca Parmitano for an afternoon on April 11th.
\nThe event will take place at the European Space Agency’s
\nfacility in Frascati, Italy which is about 12 miles South-
\nEast of Rome. Bradford is very well known for his ham in
\nspace related activities including coordinating contacts
\nbetween schools in California and the ham radio operators on
\nboard the I-S-S. He also owns several websites including
\none of which contains information on how to start working FM
\nsatellites with equipment you probably already own. More
\ninformation and links are under K6LCS on QRZ.com.
\n(ARNewsline from Facebook)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
HAM RADIO BUSINESS: JK ANTENNAS AND 2X ARRAYS ANNOUNCE
\nSTRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP<\/p>\n
JK Antennas and 2X Arrays have announced a strategic
\npartnership which will combine both design and manufacturing
\nprocesses between the two organizations.<\/p>\n
JK Antennas has fundamentally focused on producing high
\nquality long boom mono-band and duo-band antenna designs
\nthat are mechanically robust, with quick time to market of
\nboth new and custom designed models directly from their in-
\nhouse manufacturing facility.<\/p>\n
2X Arrays has been focused on developing proprietary antenna
\ndesign processes ranging from electrical optimization to
\nphysical model electrical testing and tuning.<\/p>\n
As part of this strategic partnership, the 2X Arrays antenna
\nline will now be manufactured at the JK Antennas facility in
\nConnecticut, USA. JK Antennas will also sell and distribute
\nboth lines through its direct sales and distributorship.
\nFor more information please visit JK Antennas on Facebook.
\n(JK Antennas, 2X Arrays)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
HAM HAPPENINGS: OHIO RADIO CLUB TO CELECRATE EARTH DAY<\/p>\n
The Parma Radio Club in Parma, Ohio will be conducting its
\nSecond Annual Earth Day Special Event Station on Saturday,
\nApril 19th. Operating from a historic urban farm, the
\nclub’s Earth Day Special Event station, W8PRC will be on 40,
\n20, and 15 meters SSB near the bottom of each General
\nsegment. A beautiful special QSL card will be available.<\/p>\n
Earth Day is intended to encourage everyone to be mindful of
\nour magnificent planet. Other clubs and individual hams are
\nurged to celebrate in this unique way and join with more
\nthan 500 million people in 192 countries in observing this
\nvery special remembrance each year.<\/p>\n
While the actual date for Earth Day in the United States is
\nApril 22nd, schools and other groups celebrate a week or
\nmore prior to the actual day. More information is posted on
\nthe club’s web site at parmaradioclub.webs.com (K8CMD)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
ANNUAL EASTERN VHF\/UHF\/MICROWAVE CONFERENCE<\/p>\n
This years Eastern VHF – UHF and Microwave Conference is
\nslated for April 11th to the 13th at the Baymont Suites in
\nManchester, Connecticut. Among those scheduled to present
\ntalks are Fred Stefanik, N1DPM, on a Fresh Approach to a
\nMultiband Microwave Station; Roger Rehr, W3SZ, speaking
\nabout Aircraft Scatter; Phil Theis, K3TUF, on Advances in
\nSmart Software Defined Radio Operations and many others.
\nFull information is on the web at
\nwww.newsvhf.com\/vhfconf.html (VHF Reflector)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
HAM HAPPENINGS: ARRL – TAPR DCC IN AUSTIN TEXAS IN
\nSEPTEMBER<\/p>\n
The 33rd annual ARRL and Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Digital
\nCommunications Conference will take place September 5th to
\nthe 7th in Austin, Texas. This year’s conference will
\nfeature two days of technical forums on Friday and Saturday
\nalong with a concurrent Introductory Forum on Saturday.
\nThose who submit Technical Papers for inclusion in the
\nConference Proceedings will receive preference for a
\nforum, however anyone can propose to present a session
\nwithout submitting a technical paper. Updated information
\nwill be made available on the web at www.tapr.org\/dcc (ARRL
\n– TAPR DCC)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
HAM HAPPENINGS: CHANGES FOR THE 2014 SAN BERNADINO
\nMICROWAVE CONTEST<\/p>\n
The rules for the 2014 San Bernardino California Microwave
\nSociety 2.3 GHz and Up Contest have been revised. Among the
\nsignificant changes is that there is now individual
\ncategories as well as the traditional club competition. All-
\nband and single band scores will be posted along with the
\nclub aggregate scores. Also stations may be re-worked for
\nadditional distance points when either end of the contact
\nmoves at least 10 miles from any previous location, measured
\nin a straight line. The contest is slated this year for May
\n3 and 4 from 6 a.m. Saturday to midnight Sunday, local time.
\nAll the changes and complete rules are on the web at www.ham-
\nradio.com\/sbms (N6NB, VHF Reflector)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
BREAK 2<\/p>\n
This is ham radio news for today’s radio amateur. We are
\nthe Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our
\nonly official website at www.arnewsline.org and being
\nrelayed by the volunteer services of the following radio
\namateur:<\/p>\n
(5 sec pause here)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO PIONEER DAVE
\nLARSEN ZS6DN – S.K.<\/p>\n
South Africa has lost one of its best known and most
\ndedicated radio amateurs. His name was Dave Larsen,
\ncallsign ZS6DN and as amateur Radio Newsline’s David
\nConradie, ZR6DHC tells us, he was truly a ham that gave to
\nhis community, to his nation and the world:<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Driving between Pretoria and Johannesburg, in Gauteng South
\nAfrica, many a traveler has been intrigued by a farm of
\nantenna masts on the hill overlooking the main road to the
\nO.R. Tambo International Airport. Turning off the main road
\ndown a narrow farm track one finds the sign “S.A.L.B.U.” the
\nhome, the office and also the research laboratories of Dave
\nLarsen, ZS6DN, until recently South Africa’s living legend
\nof radio, who’s key become silent on 26 February 2014 at
\nthe age of 81.<\/p>\n
During his life time Dave worked in the interest of radio
\nand amateur radio technology development. He installed and
\nmaintained a 5 five band HF beacon as part of an
\ninternational Amateur Radio propagation research program.
\nThe multi-band HF beacon is operational from S.A.L.B.U.,
\nreplacing the 14100 kHz beacon of which Dave has been the
\ncustodian since the inception of the program many years ago.
\nThe beacon operates on 14100, 18110, 21150, 24930 and 28200
\nkHz.<\/p>\n
During the seventies Dave and his team evolved an HF
\nfrequency hopping system. The concept was initially
\nrejected by the experts at the time however some 15 years
\nlater the authoritative publication, Janes Defense weekly
\nwrote in their 11 July 1987 edition : “Frequency hopping is
\nprobably the most popular spread spectrum technique.
\nClaimed to have been pioneered in South Africa, it now
\nappears in tactical equipment manufactured by most of the
\nmajor international radio communication companies.”<\/p>\n
It also needs to be noted that Dave Larsen was heavily
\ninvolved in the development of Single Side Band
\ncommunications. In 1989 Dave Larsen, then ZS5DN was awarded
\nthe Order of the Star of South Africa Grand Officer in
\nrecognition of his contribution to electronics.<\/p>\n
We salute Dave Larsen, ZS6DN not only for the work he has
\ndone in radio but also for the tremendous amount of time and
\neffort he spent in making amateur radio better for all of
\nus. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.<\/p>\n
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m David Conradie, ZR6DHC,
\nin Rustenberg, South Africa.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
If you would like to find out more about Dave Larsen and his
\ncontributions to radio you can visit
\nhttp:\/\/www.tinyurl.com\/zs6dn (ZR6DHC)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: FUNCUBE-1 TRANSPONDER TO BE TESTED MARCH
\n22<\/p>\n
A full scale test of the United Kingdom’s FUNcube One
\nmicrosat’s 435 to 145 MHz transponder was slated for
\nSaturday, March 22nd at approximately 09:30 UTC.<\/p>\n
When in sunlight FUNcube-1 is normally in what’s known as
\nits Educational Mode. This means the transponder is off but
\nthe high power beacon transmitting. If the test has gone as
\nplanned, the tiny bird will be switched to Amateur Mode with
\nthe cross-band transponder being turned on and the beacon
\nplaced in into low power out.<\/p>\n
Initial plans were to keep FUNcube-1 in this mode for at
\nleast one orbit in order to evaluate the effect on the
\nsatellite of continuous Amateur Mode operation especially in
\nregard to battery temperature. Results of this test will
\nlikely be made known after complete evaluation of the
\ntelemetry received by controllers on the ground. (FUNcube
\nGroup, Southgate)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
RADIO FROM SPACE: CURIOSITY NOW HAS THE ABILITY TO TAKE
\nSELFIES<\/p>\n
NASA has installed an upgrade operating system on its
\nCuriosity Martian rover and in the process it has given the
\nfar off explorer the ability to take selfies.<\/p>\n
For those few of you who may not have ever heard the term,
\nselfie is slang for a picture that one takes of him or
\nherself and usually posts to some social media website. And
\nwhile the rover now has the ability to take selfies, NASA
\nexplained the rational behind this move is to permit it to
\nexamine the effects of wear-and-tear on the rover’s wheels
\nthrough photos radioed back to Earth.<\/p>\n
Jim Erickson is with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Center in
\nPasadena, California. He says that the reason for making
\nthis self photographic system available is to help to better
\nunderstand the impact that the Martian terrain type has on
\nthe rovers wheels to help with planning future drive
\nsystems.<\/p>\n
The upgrade is the third such for Curiosity, which NASA says
\nremains in working condition. Once the update is fully
\ntested NASA says it will order the rover to do a series of
\ntest drives in smooth dirt to determine exactly how much
\nwear the wheels are experiencing. (NASA)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
PROPAGATION: KJ6KO BEACONS RETURN TO SERVICE<\/p>\n
Greg Stahlman, KJ6KO, of Diamond Springs, California, has
\nannounced over the VHF Reflector that all five of his VHF
\nand UHF propagation beacons that originate from Grid Square
\nCM 88 WS are back on the air. The operating frequencies are
\n144.2824, 222.0110, 432.2812, 903.2961 and 1296.2612. All
\nare operated using a common identifier that signs de KJ6KO\/B
\nCM88WS. Stahlman had taken the beacons down for a short
\nwile to do some repairs and improvements to the overall
\nbeacon system. (VHF Reflector)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
DX<\/p>\n
In DX, word that The Czech DXpedition team has organized an
\nexpedition to Togo. Preliminary date is near the end of
\nSeptember for approximately for 10 days. Activity will be
\non 160 through 10 meters using CW, SSB and the digital
\nmodes. Operation during the CQ World Wide DX RTTY Contest
\non September 27th and 28th will be a part of the operation.
\nQSL via OK6DJ either direct, via the bureau, eQSL, Logbook
\nof the World or using the OQRS on ClubLog.
\nBill Moore, NC1L, at the ARRL Awards Desk says that the
\ncurrent T6DD from Afghanistan has been approved for DXCC
\ncredit. You can now begin claiming credit for this one.
\nJH3A-F will once again be active as A52EQW from Dochula
\nResort in Bhutan at the end of August or in early September.
\nOther operators with him may include JH3AEF who will operate
\nas A52AEF and JA3IVU with the call A52IVU. No modes or
\noperating times were mentioned. QSL via each operator via
\nhis home callsign.<\/p>\n
F5MNW will be operating stroke FR from Reunion Island
\nthrough April 8th. Activity will be on the High Frequency
\nbands using CW only. QSL via his home callsign either
\ndirect or via the bureau.<\/p>\n
PD7YY and PE1GNP will be active as PH38EU from Terschelling
\nIsland Between April 11th and the14th. Activity will be on
\n40 through 10 plus 2 meters using SSB. QSL via PD7YY or
\nPE1GNP, either direct or via the bureau.<\/p>\n
JG7PSJ will be active as JD1BMH from Chichijima
\nIsland between April 27th and May 11th. Operations will be
\non 40 through 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via the
\nbureau to JD1BMH or direct to JG7PSJ<\/p>\n
Lastly, UA3AA is on the air from Nepal using the call 9N7AA
\nuntil May 23rd. Activity has been on 160 through 10 meters
\nusing CW only. Unfortunately his current location suffers
\nfrom some serious RFI issues that affect his ability to hear
\nthe calling stations. QSL direct only.<\/p>\n
(Above from OPDX and other DX news sources)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
THAT FINAL ITEM: VIRTUALLY TRAVEL TO SPACE FOR ONLY $70<\/p>\n
And finally this week, researchers from the Surrey Space
\nCentre in England have launched a unique campaign that will
\nenable members of the public including radio amateurs a
\nchance to make a virtual trip into space for only about $70
\nUnited States dollars. Amateur Radio Newsline’s Heather
\nEmbee, KB3TZD, has the details:<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The Surrey Space Center Virtual Ride to Space ride will use
\ncutting-edge virtual technology and a specially designed
\nspacecraft to deliver a three-dimensional, immersive
\nexperience that will allow everyone to see what astronauts
\nexperience on their way to space.<\/p>\n
The experience will be created by capturing High Definition
\nvideo footage collected using a weather balloon which will
\ncarry a cluster of twenty-four cameras to a height of about
\n65,000 feet. During ascent these cameras will capture
\npanoramic footage of the balloon’s journey to space.<\/p>\n
Following the flight and retrieval of the camera payload a
\nspecialized software package will be used to stitch this
\nfootage together to recreate a panoramic view of the space
\ntrip. The subsequent space ride will then be viewed using a
\nstate-of-the-art virtual reality head-mounted display. This
\nsystem is designed to deliver high definition three
\ndimensional virtual environments that can be explored by the
\nwearer, as if they are in space themselves.<\/p>\n
Dr. Aaron Knoll is the lead researcher from the University
\nof Surrey. He indicates that the Surrey virtual Ride to
\nSpace will give all aspiring astronauts the chance to be a
\nvirtual passenger, riding the balloon into space at far less
\ncost than actually making such a trip for in any other way.<\/p>\n
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Heather Embee, KB3TZD,
\nin Berwick, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The $50,000 project will be funded by public contributions
\nthrough the crowd-sourcing Kickstarter website. The project
\nteam is also developing a smartphone application that will
\nallow users to experience the journey using the phones’
\nbuilt-in gyroscope and accelerometer data, as well as a
\ncomputer program that will allow people to experience space
\nvia their own PC’s.<\/p>\n
The fund raising campaign and view the demonstration video
\non line at
\nhttps:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/1592839372\/virtual-ride-
\nto-space-using-the-oculus-rift
\n(University of Surrey, International Science Times, others)<\/p>\n
**<\/p>\n
NEWSCAST CLOSE<\/p>\n
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, CQ Magazine, the
\nFCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the
\nRSGB, the South African Radio League, the Southgate News,
\nTwiT-TV, Australia’s WIA News and you our listeners, that’s
\nall from the Amateur Radio NewslineT. Our e-mail address is
\nnewsline (at) arnewsline (dot) org. More information is
\navailable at Amateur Radio Newsline’sT only official website
\nlocated at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or
\nsupport us at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin Avenue,
\nSanta Clarita California, 91350. Our e-mail address is
\nnewsline (at) arnewsline (dot) org. More information is
\navailable at Amateur Radio Newsline’sT only official website
\nlocated at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or
\nsupport us at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin Avenue,
\nSanta Clarita California, 91350<\/p>\n
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors’ desk,
\nI’m Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Southern Mississippi saying 73
\nand we thank you for listening.<\/p>\n
Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2014. All rights
\nreserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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