QRZ Forums - Amateur Radio News
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Melbourne man guilty of Radiocommunications Act offences
Posted: 26 Sep 2014 02:47 AM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...s&goto=newpost
Melbourne man guilty of Radiocommunications Act offences
A Melbourne man who deliberately disrupted a taxi
companyÂ’s radiocommunications system using a non-standard radio
transmitter, has been fined $3,500 and ordered to pay costs after pleading
guilty to three offences under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 (the Act).
The court finding follows an investigation by the
Australian Communications and Media Authority into allegations of radio
interference at West Gippsland Taxis Pty Ltd. ACMA Inspectors found the
defendant using a transmitter that he had modified to disrupt taxi
operations and make frivolous calls to Triple Zero and the RACV using the
taxi serviceÂ’s frequency.
The defendant pleaded guilty to three breaches under
the Act:
operating a radiocommunications device without a licence (subsection 46(1)
of the Act) causing a radio emission to be made by a transmitter knowing
that it was a non-standard transmitter (section 157 of the Act) causing
substantial disruption or disturbance of radiocommunications (section 197
of the Act).
‘In this case, the offender programmed a device to overcome security
functions to deliberately disrupt radiocommunications services,Â’ said ACMA
Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘Radiocommunications provide access to critical
emergency and community services and the ACMA will not tolerate
intentional non-compliance.Â’
Non-standard radiocommunications devices were an ACMA
Priority Compliance Area for 2013-14. The public should be aware that
operating modified or non-standard radio transmitters can cause
interference to radiocommunications, and the operator may incur
significant penalties. More information is available here.
This case follows recent enforcement action taken
against two security companies found operating radiocommunications devices
without a licence.
Our thanks to Graham VK4BB for the above information
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QRZ Anniversary Sweepstakes Weekly Winner
Posted: 25 Sep 2014 04:11 PM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...r&goto=newpost
Join us in congratulating Vasily Mizyuk, UX7BV who will be receiving a $20
gift certificate from our sponsor Gigaparts as well as several "Good on
QRZ" bumper stickers as the weekly winner in the QRZ Anniversary
Sweepstakes. And help us to countdown to November 1st when we'll be
giving away the TS-990S.
We also want to remind you all that we have a very special prize from NI4L
Antennas and Electronics that will be given away on October 9th. You can
read about the prize here.
Congratulations to this week's winner and a big thanks to all of you
who have entered the contest so far! Don't forget that you can
continue to enter the contest once per day at the Sweepstakes page to
win that much coveted TS-990s! If you haven't entered yet, you've still
got plenty of time! You can check in on the QRZ News Forum and on the
QRZ.com Facebook Page to stay up to date on the latest weekly giveaways and
sponsor additions. You can also follow us on Twitter @QRZ. Until next
time, Good luck and 73 from the entire QRZ.com team!
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The ARRL Letter, September 25, 2014
Posted: 25 Sep 2014 12:13 PM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...4&goto=newpost
The ARRL Letter
September 25, 2014
Rick Lindquist, WW1ME, Editor
[Note: Clicking on the story links below will take you to the news article
as it appears in The ARRL Letter on the ARRL website.]
List of "Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014" Co-Sponsors Swells Before
Congressional RecessARRL Presents Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, Achievement Award
to Rep Greg Walden, W7EQIARRL Deploying Ham Aid Kits to Hawaii to Assist in
Possible Lava Flow ResponseFCC Turns Down Petition to Create a 4 Meter Band
in the USWisconsin Ham Dies in Fall from TowerW1AW Centennial Operations
Going North to Alaska, West to California, and East to DCARRL Invites
Nominations for 2014 International Humanitarian AwardAmateur Radio
is "Communications Superpower," IARU Region 1 Delegates are ToldDayton
Hamvention Seeks 2015 Award NominationsSpace Symposium October 10-12 to
Mark AMSAT's 45th AnniversarySatellite Carrying Amateur Radio Payload
Launched to International Space StationARDF Team USA Takes Home a Silver
Medal from World ChampionshipsA Century of Amateur Radio and the ARRLThe
K7RA Solar UpdateJust Ahead in Radiosport Upcoming ARRL Section, State and
Division Conventions and Events
List of "Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014" Co-Sponsors Swells Before
Congressional Recess
An intense effort during the few days in September that Congress was in
session has resulted in 47 co-sponsors for the Amateur Radio Parity Act of
2014 (H.R. 4969). Another half-dozen or so US House Members have indicated
that they will sign on when Congress returns, something they can do only
while Congress is in session. Congress went into recess on September 19.
ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, ARRL Hudson Division Director Mike
Lisenco, N2YBB, Central Division Director Dick Isely, W9GIG, and ARRL
General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, visited dozens of congressional offices
this month. Elsewhere, other ARRL elected and appointed officials and
members from across the US met with members of Congress and with their
staffers, wrote letters, and made phone calls to urge co-sponsorship.
"This all-member effort is how we went from 17 co-sponsors on August 1 to
47 co-sponsors on September 18," President Craigie said this week. When
Congress reconvenes in November, League representatives plan to follow up
with US House members who did not have time to make their co-sponsorship
official before Congress left town.
The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014, introduced in the US House of
Representatives with bipartisan support in late June, calls on the FCC to
apply the "reasonable accommodation" three-part test of the PRB-1 federal
pre-emption policy to private land-use restrictions regarding antennas. The
limited PRB-1 pre-emption currently applies only to state and municipal
land-use ordinances. The FCC has indicated its reluctance to provide the
same legal protections from private land-use agreements -- often called
covenants, conditions, and restrictions or CC&Rs -- without direction from
Congress.
President Craigie stressed this week that H.R. 4969 is still very much
alive, and she urged League members to keep working to convince their
representatives to co-sponsor the bill. "These efforts will not be in vain,
whether or not the legislator eventually decides to sign onto the bill,"
she said. "Realistically, we won't get support for H.R. 4969 from every
member of Congress who is contacted by amateurs," she said. At the same
time, members of Congress who were contacted now know that Amateur Radio
exists in their districts and that hams have interests that deserve notice.
"A lot of politics is based on relationships. Contacts made with members of
Congress about H.R. 4969 contribute to establishing relationships that can
be maintained and enhanced in the future," President Craigie said. "Does
your Congressman know how Amateur Radio makes your district a safer place
to live if disasters occur? Does your Congressman know how radio amateurs
in your district introduce young people to hands-on wireless communication,
laying the foundation for careers? What we certainly can do is to build
relationships that will serve our interests -- and the public interest --
if not right now, then in the future."
President Craigie encouraged League members whose representatives have
become co-sponsors to thank their lawmakers, on the phone or in
writing. "It's good manners and a good relationship-building strategy," she
pointed out. "Members can also seek out opportunities during the current
congressional recess to make a case for the bill at their representatives'
district offices and at events. In short: Keep on!"
ARRL Presents Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, Achievement Award to Rep Greg Walden,
W7EQI
The ARRL Board of Directors created the Barry Goldwater, K7UGA, Achievement
Award last spring to recognize outstanding support of Amateur Radio by an
elected federal official. The recipient must be an official who has, in a
significant way, supported the well-being and continuity of the Amateur
Service in the US. Earlier this month, the Board voted to confer the first
such award upon US Rep Greg Walden, W7EQI, (OR-2), "in recognition of many
years of exceptional contributions to the strength and vitality of the
Amateur Radio Service in the United States."
ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN; Hudson Division Director Mike Lisenco,
N2YBB, and General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, presented the award to Walden
in Washington on September 18. In a letter accompanying the award plaque,
President Craigie wrote, "Your understanding of the importance of Amateur
Radio to the public interest and to the pursuit of scientific and technical
knowledge has led you to act in the spirit of Sen Goldwater, whose
exemplary support for Amateur Radio in Washington caused the ARRL Board to
name this award in his honor."
President Craigie called Walden "a great friend to Amateur Radio over the
last 12 years with regard to key issues including spectrum protection."
Walden chairs the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, the
panel to which "The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2014" (H.R. 4969) was
referred for consideration.
In 2002 Walden was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 4720, the Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications Consistency Act, and sent a "Dear Colleague"
letter seeking additional cosponsors. In 2003 he was a co-sponsor of H.R.
713, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act. During a hearing on the
bill at which then-ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, testified, Walden
called for a halt to the "astonishing" erosion of Amateur Radio spectrum.
In 2004, Walden wrote the FCC chairman seeking to have the Commission defer
action on the BPL rulemaking until the release of an NTIA study and an
opportunity for public comment. That same year, during a hearing on telecom
convergence, Walden grilled a BPL industry representative about
interference.
In 2010 Walden co-sponsored H.R. 2160, the Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications Enhancement Act. In May 2011, the ARRL was invited to
testify before Walden's subcommittee on "Creating an Interoperable Public
Safety Network," offering an opportunity to defend 420-440 MHz against
reallocation.
As President Craigie handed the award plaque to Rep Walden, she
added, "Senator Goldwater was a statesman for Amateur Radio, and so are
you."
ARRL Deploying Ham Aid Kits to Hawaii to Assist in Possible Lava Flow
Response
ARRL Headquarters is deploying Ham Aid kits to Hawaii as ARES volunteers
stand ready to activate in the wake of the massive Puna volcanic lava flow
that has been threatening some communities on the Big Island of Hawaii. The
lava originated from new "vents" in the Earth as a result of the Mt Kilauea
volcano, which began erupting more than 30 years ago. ARRL Pacific Section
Manager Bob Schneider, AH6J, said Tuesday that while he didn't believe an
ARES activation was imminent, lava flows can be unpredictable, and things
can change rapidly.
"Lava is a slow-motion disaster," he said. "It's not like a volcano, where
the thing just blows up. It's like a pot of soup."
ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U, said the Ham Aid kits
going out to Hawaii include HF gear as well as VHF and UHF
equipment. "We're deploying an HF kit -- an IC-718 transceiver, a tuner,
and a dipole -- and a VHF/UHF kit." The latter includes a mobile
transceiver and power supply as well as several handheld transceivers that
have been preprogrammed with local frequencies that may be needed. Corey
said the Ham Aid kits are a resource available to ARRL section leadership
to add capacity during a disaster or emergency response.
Schneider said that while there is no immediate need for the kits, "if they
have it out there, and this thing changes, we'll be prepared. It's better
to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."
Hawaii Civil Defense said Kilauea continued to erupt at its summit as of
Monday, although the more than 10-mile lava flow -- or "tube" -- under the
greatest scrutiny halted its progress toward the sea on Tuesday -- at least
for the time being. Authorities also are monitoring so-called "breakout"
flows. No homes have been affected so far, although the molten rock is
causing vegetation to burn in its path. The front of the Puna lava flow is
estimated to be some 150 yards across at its widest point.
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie has issued a disaster declaration for the
areas that are or may be affected by the lava flow. Schneider and ARES
members and officials have been keeping an eye on the situation.
"We anticipate lava may cross the main Highway 130 near Pahoa on the Island
of Hawaii in 1 to 3 weeks," Schneider announced on the Pacific Section
website over the weekend. He said a "best guess" would be within 10 days.
Schneider said Highway 130 is the primary commuter route for residents in
several residential subdivisions that might be affected, including one that
is home to some 20,000 people -- what he called, "a pretty good chunk of
population" overall. The governor's proclamation has permitted authorities
to open two alternative routes, in case Highway 130 has to be closed.
Hawaii Civil Defense authorities have deployed their remote emergency
operations center in the affected region, and Schneider visited there a few
days ago.
"The town of Pahoa is in kind of a slow panic," he reported. "If the lava
comes down and goes right to the ocean, probably the only thing that won't
be affected will be cell phones. Power and conventional telephone service
will be out." In that case, should ARES be activated, Schneider said the
volunteers' likely role would be to relay health-and-welfare traffic from
affected communities.
FCC Turns Down Petition to Create a 4 Meter Band in the US
It doesn't look like US radio amateurs will be gaining a new band at 70 MHz
anytime soon. The FCC has denied a Petition for Rule Making filed earlier
this year by Glen E. Zook, K9STH, of Richardson, Texas, seeking to add a 4
meter band to Amateur Radio's inventory of VHF allocations. Zook had
floated the proposal in 2010, and his petition was dated January 27, 2010,
but the FCC said it did not receive it until last May. Zook asked the
Commission to allocate 70.0 to 70.5 MHz to Amateur Radio because, Zook's
Petition asserted, "the recent migration of broadcast television stations
to primarily UHF frequencies basically eliminates any probable interference
to television channels 4 or 5." VHF TV channel 4 occupies 66 to 72 MHz.
"Because the Zook Petition is based on a faulty premise -- that
broadcasting use within the 70.0-70.5 MHz band will diminish or cease --
its argument that amateur band users could operate without causing harmful
interference to any existing service lacks sufficient support to warrant
our further consideration, The FCC said in a September 17 Order denying the
Petition.
The FCC pointed out that three full-power TV stations, 110 low-power TV
stations and translators, and six Class A TV stations now occupy channel 4
in the US. In addition, the Commission, through an "ongoing incentive
auction proceeding," is attempting to "repurpose" a portion of television
broadcast spectrum for broadband operations and "repack the remaining TV
stations into a smaller frequency range." Under certain scenarios, the FCC
said, channel 4 could become even more heavily populated by broadcast users
in the future.
"Given the complexity of the of the incentive auction proceeding, we also
conclude that it would not serve the public interest to further complicate
that unique undertaking by proposing to introduce a new service into the
broadcasting frequencies at this time," the FCC said. The Order noted that
fixed and mobile services will continue to operate in the frequencies
between channels 4 and 5 (76 to 82 MHz).
As Zook noted in his petition, a 4 meter band has been authorized for
Amateur Radio use in the UK and in a number of other European and African
countries. The FCC said that since it wasn't planning to grant Zook's
petition, it declined to evaluate his claims "regarding the benefits that
amateurs would derive from use of the band." Read more.
Wisconsin Ham Dies in Fall from Tower
A Wisconsin radio amateur lost his life on September 16 as he was
performing maintenance on the 100 foot tower of a fellow ham. Killed in the
fall was 59-year-old James G. Linstedt, W9ZUC, of Eau Claire, who succumbed
to injuries sustained after he fell 95 feet from a tower owned by Ronald
Anderson, W9RMA, in Eagle Point, just outside of Chippewa Falls, on the
shores of Lake Wissota. Linstedt was said to have been an experienced
climber. Although he had been wearing an over-the-shoulder safety harness,
he apparently had failed to secure himself to the tower before the mishap
occurred. Anderson, a former Chippewa County Sheriff, called authorities
promptly.
Chippewa County Sheriff James Kowalczyk told the Leader-Telegram newspaper
that Linstedt was wearing safety equipment, but did not use it. "When we
use it for years, we get a little lax...," the newspaper quoted Kowalczyk
as saying. "If he had used it, we wouldn't be investigating an accidental
death."
Kowalczyk said Linstedt had been strapped in before moving 10 feet up the
tower, apparently without securing himself.
An active radio amateur, Linstedt was a member of the Chippewa Valley
Amateur Radio Club and once served as the club's president. -- Thanks to
John Bigley, N7UR/Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire; media accounts
W1AW Centennial Operations Going North to Alaska, West to California, and
East to DC
The ARRL Centennial W1AW portable operations taking place throughout 2014
from each of the 50 states are now in New Mexico and Idaho. They will
transition starting at 0000 UTC on Wednesday, October 1 (the evening of
September 30 in US time zones), to Alaska (W1AW/KL7), California (W1AW/6),
and the District of Columbia (W1AW/3). W1AW has visited each of the 50
states for at least 1 week so far during 2014, and by year's end W1AW will
have been on the air from every state at least twice.
The ARRL Centennial QSO Party kicked off January 1 for a year-long
operating event in which participants can accumulate points and win awards.
The event is open to all, although only ARRL members and appointees,
elected officials, HQ staff and W1AW are worth ARRL Centennial QSO Party
points.
Working W1AW/x from each state is worth 5 points per mode/contact, even
when working the same state during its second week of activity.
To earn the "Worked all States with W1AW Award," work W1AW operating
portable from all 50 states. (Working W1AW or W100AW in Connecticut does
not count for Connecticut. Participants must work W1AW/1 in Connecticut.) A
W1AW WAS certificate and plaque will be available.
An ARRL Centennial QSO Party leader board shows participants how many
points they have accumulated in the Centennial QSO Party and in the W1AW
WAS operations. Log in using your Logbook of The World (LoTW) user name and
password, and your position will appear at the top of the leader boards.
Results are updated daily, based on contacts entered into LoTW.
ARRL Invites Nominations for 2014 International Humanitarian Award
The ARRL is inviting nominations for its 2014 ARRL International
Humanitarian Award, conferred upon an amateur or amateurs who demonstrate
devotion to human welfare, peace, and international understanding through
Amateur Radio. The League established the annual prize to recognize Amateur
Radio operators who have used ham radio to provide extraordinary service to
others in times of crisis or disaster.
A committee appointed by the League's President recommends the award
recipient(s) to the ARRL Board, which makes the final decision. The
committee is now accepting nominations from Amateur Radio, governmental, or
other organizations that have benefited from extraordinary service rendered
by an Amateur Radio operator or group. The ARRL International Humanitarian
Award recognizes Amateur Radio's unique role in international communication
and goodwill, and the assistance radio amateurs regularly provide to people
in need.
Nominations should include a summary of the nominee's qualifying actions
and statements from at least two people having first-hand knowledge of the
events warranting the nomination. These verifying statements may be from an
official of a group (for example, the American Red Cross, The Salvation
Army, or emergency management agency) that benefited from the nominee's
particular Amateur Radio contribution. Nominations should include the names
and addresses of all references.
All nominations and supporting materials for the 2014 ARRL International
Humanitarian Award must be submitted in writing in English to ARRL
International Humanitarian Award, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111 USA.
Nomination submissions are due by December 31, 2014. In the event that no
nominations are received, the committee itself may determine a recipient or
decide to make no award.
The winner of the ARRL International Humanitarian Award receives an
engraved plaque and a profile in QST and other ARRL venues.
Amateur Radio is "Communications Superpower," IARU Region 1 Delegates are
Told
European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and
Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva told delegates to the International
Amateur Radio Union Region 1 (IARU Region 1) General Conference on
September 22 that Amateur Radio is a reliable information tool that can
save lives in disasters. In a statement read to the conference attendees on
her behalf by the EC's Encho Gospidinov, Georgieva laid out a scenario in
which all modern telecommunications and electrical power are knocked out,
and no one can help the victims, because no one knows what has happened.
"Luckily, there is a last resort: The radio amateurs, the people who are
the eyes and the ears of the world in time when all other information
channels are silent," she said. "In short, you are the last technical
miracle, which is an independent, reliable information channel, which can
transmit an important piece of news from any place in the world, anytime,
by anyone who knows how to operate this wonderful creature, called radio."
Georgieva said Amateur Radio's advantage is that it is independent of the
conventional communications infrastructure. "A well-trained radioman with
good equipment and ever-charged batteries can be a fantastic link between
two villages, two countries or two continents," she said. "When organized
in a Union, you are a communication superpower in times of total electronic
darkness."
The 24th IARU Region 1 General Conference, being held in Albena, Bulgaria,
officially concludes September 26. Delegates have elected Don Beattie,
G3BJ, as the next IARU Region 1 President, succeeding Hans Blondeel
Timmerman, PB2T. Elected as Vice President was Faisal Al-Ajmi, 9K2RR. Read
more.
Dayton Hamvention Seeks 2015 Award Nominations
Dayton Hamvention® is seeking nominations for its 2015 awards for Amateur
of the Year, Special Achievement, Technical Excellence, and Club of the
Year. Completed nomination forms and supporting documentation are due by
January 16, 2015. All Amateur Radio operators (and clubs) are eligible.
Winners will be recognized at the 2015 Hamvention®, which takes place May
15-17.
The Amateur of the Year Award goes to an individual who has made a
long-term, outstanding commitment to the advancement of Amateur Radio. The
Technical Excellence Award is given to an individual who has made an
outstanding technical advancement in the field of Amateur Radio. The
Special Achievement Award honors someone who has made an outstanding
contribution to the advancement of Amateur Radio, typically by spearheading
a significant project. The Club of the Year award is presented to a club
that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of Amateur
Radio.
The Hamvention® Awards Committee makes its decisions on all awards based
upon the information it receives and not on the number of nominations
submitted.
Documentation that informs the Awards Committee of a nominee's
accomplishments may include magazine articles, newsletters, newspaper
clippings, and even videos. These materials become the property of
Hamvention® and will not be returned.
This year, two radio amateurs with close ARRL ties were among the
Hamvention award winners. Named Amateur of the Year was Larry E. Price,
W4RA, a President Emeritus of the ARRL and of the International Amateur
Radio Union (IARU). ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, received the Special
Achievement Award. Nearly 25,000 people attended the 2014 Dayton Hamvention.
Additional detail and a nomination form are available on the Dayton
Hamvention® website. Submit nominations via e-mail or mail them to Dayton
Hamvention Awards, PO Box 1446, Dayton, OH 45401-1446. -- Thanks to Dayton
Hamvention
Space Symposium October 10-12 to Mark AMSAT's 45th Anniversary
AMSAT reports that preparations for its Space Symposium in Baltimore
October 10-12 are moving into high gear. The deadline to submit AMSAT
Symposium papers has been extended until September 30. Papers and
presentations on any subject of interest to the amateur satellite community
are welcome. This year's Space Symposium will, in part, celebrate AMSAT's
45th anniversary. Registration remains open.
The AMSAT Space Symposium's keynote speaker with be Jan King, W3GEY, a
founding member of AMSAT and a former member of the Board of Directors and
vice president of engineering. He'll deliver his talk, "Never, Never, Never
Give Up!" during the Symposium banquet on Saturday, October 11.
One of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Col Charles E. McGee, will attend on
Friday, October 10. He will talk about his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman
and as an Army Air Corps and Air Force Pilot. McGee holds a US Air Force
record of 409 fighter combat missions flown in World War II, Korea and
Vietnam and has received numerous awards for his service, including the
Congressional Gold Medal.
An evening reception Friday, October 10, will include a "space
auction. "All proceeds will support AMSAT's two major initiatives -- the
development and launch of the Fox satellite series and the Amateur Radio on
the International Space Station (ARISS) program. AMSAT is seeking donations
of "specialty items" with a minimum value of $100. Contact Frank Bauer,
KA3HDO.
The ARISS Operations Team will meet Sunday, October 12, from 9-noon. A
number of ARISS team leaders and mentors will be on hand to discuss the
program. The team also plans to talk about improvements, changes, and
strategies to enhance ARISS operations.
Informal tours will be available for Symposium participants on Sunday,
October 12, of Baltimore Inner Harbor, including the Aquarium, the B&O
Railroad Museum, the Edgar Allan Poe House, or the National Electronics
Museum, which is opening exclusively for AMSAT on Sunday, 1-3 PM. Contact
Dan Schultz, N8FGV.
A tour of the Udvar Hazy National Air and Space Museum is planned for
Monday, October 13. -- Thanks to the AMSAT Symposium Committee via AMSAT
News Service
Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio Payload Launched to International Space
Station
When the commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 resupply vehicle lifted off from Cape
Canaveral to the International Space Station on September 21, it also
carried the SpinSat satellite, which includes an Amateur Radio payload. The
satellite will be stowed aboard the ISS until deployment later this fall
from the airlock of the Japanese Experiment Module.
Developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, the 125-pound SpinSat is a 22-
inch diameter sphere that carries a 2 W 9600 bps AX.25 packet radio
store-and-forward system on 437.230 MHz. The satellite's primary mission is
to demonstrate a new micro-thruster technology, from which SpinSat derives
its name; its 12 electronically controlled solid-propellant thrusters will
be fired in pairs to spin the spacecraft.
While in space, SpinSat will be used in a test to calibrate the Space
Surveillance Network. Lasers will be aimed at the spacecraft from Earth,
and the reflected light measured to determine the where the satellite is
passing overhead. SpinSat also will model the density of the atmosphere.
Equipped only with primary batteries and just 4.8 grams of fuel, the
satellite's working phase is expected to last up to 6 months. -- Thanks to
AMSAT News Service via Trevor, M5AKA; NASA, and SpaceX
ARDF Team USA Takes Home a Silver Medal from World Championships
A member of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) Team USA medaled in the
17th ARDF World Championships earlier this month in Kazakhstan. Vadim
Afonkin, KB1RLI, of Boston, Massachusetts, took home a silver medal in the
men's age 40-49 category in the 2 meter competition on September 8, the
first day of competition. The Kazakhstan Federation of Radiosport and
Radioamateur (KFRR) hosted the championships, which included formal
competitions on 2 meters and 80 meters, plus sprints and foxoring. Afonkin
placed fourth in the 80 meter sprint competition on September 11, with a
time just 4 seconds greater than the bronze medalist from Lithuania. He
also finished among the top seven in the sprint and foxoring competitions.
This year's World Championships attracted 277 competitors from 25 nations,
and it was the first time the competition was held in Kazakhstan.
"Every 2 years, hams from around the world gather to see who is best at
on-foot hidden-transmitter hunting," said ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell,
K0OV. "USA has been represented at every one of these ARDF World
Championships since 1988." Moell said Team USA has taken home at least one
medal since 2006.
Moell said there were separate events on separate days for each competitor
on 80 meters and 2 meters, each involving up to five hidden transmitters
scattered in a forest of 1000 acres or more.
In addition to Afonkin, Team USA 2014 included Ruth Bromer, WB4QZG, of
Raleigh, North Carolina; Jennifer Harker, W5JEN, of Austin, Texas; Ken
Harker, WM5R, of Austin, Texas; Joseph Huberman, K5JGH, of Raleigh, North
Carolina, and Leszek Lechowicz, NI1L, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Veteran ADRFer Marvin Johnston, KE6HTS, served as a member of the
international jury overseeing the competition. About 150 onlookers enjoyed
the competition.
Each country may have up to three people per age/gender category on its
team. Team USA positions were filled based on performance in the 2013 and
2014 USA ARDF Championships. Preparations now are underway for the 2015
national championships in Colorado. Winners at that competition may be
eligible for a place on Team USA 2016 for the next World Championships in
Bulgaria.
Results of all competitions are available on the German ARDF site. More
information about Amateur Radio Direction Finding is on the Homing In
website. -- Thanks to ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV
A Century of Amateur Radio and the ARRL
In February 1973, the FCC proposed a new Amateur Radio license class that
would not require Morse code testing, and invited comments. At the time,
the ARRL opposed the proposal.
From 1965 to 1985, the FCC, ARRL, and US hams took note of what was called
the "JA Phenomenon." The number of Japanese hams grew from 70,000 in 1965
to 499,000 in 1975, and then to more than 1 million by 1985! A new Japanese
codeless license class helped spur that growth.
On June 16, 1983, the second attempt to launch a Phase III Amateur Radio
satellite (AMSAT-OSCAR 10) was successful. Articles in QST kept hams up to
date on its progress. OSCAR 10 was, by far, the most capable amateur
satellite to date.
Also in 1983, Amateur Radio in the US reached a new level of formal
governmental recognition of Amateur Radio's emergency communication
capabilities, when ARRL President Vic Clark, W4KFC, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with National Communication System Deputy Manager John Grimes.
Articles began appearing in QST during 1983 explaining what personal
computers could do and how they might be put to use in the ham shack.
In October 1983, the US military invaded Grenada. Mark Barettella, KA2ORK
(now N2MD), then a medical student at St George's University School of
Medicine on Grenada, became the only non-military source of information
from the island, as he relayed messages between other Americans on Grenada
and their families in the US. This resulted in excellent media coverage for
Amateur Radio.
Amateurs throughout the world were saddened to learn of the unexpected
death of ARRL President Vic Clark, W4KFC, in November 1983. A well-known
ham as early as his teenage years, Clark won the first Hiram Percy Maxim
Award in 1936. He also served the ARRL in various roles and offices and was
considered a first-rate operator. He was truly one of the giants of Amateur
Radio.
In November 1983, Owen Garriott, W5LFL, became the first ham to make
contacts from aboard the Shuttle Columbia. His first contact was with
WA1JXN. W5LFL operated his 2 meter FM transceiver during his non-duty hours
during the mission's 10 days in orbit.
In September 1984, phone privileges on 75, 15, and 10 meters were expanded.
In addition, US stations in Alaska and in the Pacific had their 40 meter
phone privileges expanded, so they could avoid the high-power international
broadcast stations. -- Al Brogdon, W1AB
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports: Solar activity was down this
week (September 18-24), as compared to the week previous, but solar flux is
on a rising trend.
Average daily sunspot numbers dropped from 124.9 (for September 11-17) to
80.9, and average daily solar flux slipped from 139.8 to 128.3.
The latest predicted solar flux and planetary A index has flux values at
150, 155, 160, and 165 on September 25-28, 170 on September 29 through
October 2, 155 on October 3-4, 150 on October 5-7, 145 on October 8-9, 140
on October 10-11, then 135 and 130 on October 12-13, 125 on October 14-15,
and 120 on October 16-18. Flux values are then expected to rise to 155 for
October 30-31.
The predicted planetary A index is 18 on September 25, 12 on September
26-27, 15 on September 28-29, 10 on September 30, 8 on October 1-2, 5 on
October 3-14, then 8, 15, and 8 on October 15-17, 5 on October 18-19, 8 on
October 20-21, 12 on October 22, and 15 on October 23-24.
Earth's geomagnetic field has been unsettled over the past couple of days,
with the planetary A index at 25 on September 24 and College A index (high
latitude) at 57. Spaceweather.com reported that this was not due to a CME
or solar flare but to a crack in Earth's magnetosphere, opening a spot for
the solar wind to pour in.
This weekly "Solar Update" in The ARRL Letter is a preview of
the "Propagation Bulletin" issued each Friday. The latest bulletin and an
archive of past propagation bulletins is on the ARRL website. In Friday's
bulletin look for an updated forecast and reports from readers.
Send me your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
September 27 -- Texas QSO Party
September 27-28 -- CQ WW RTTY Contest
September 27-28 -- Maine QSO Party
September 28 -- Peanut Power Sprint
September 30 -- 222 MHz Fall VHF Sprint
October 1 -- CWOps Weekly Mini-CWT Tests
October 3 -- NS Weekly Sprint
October 3-5 -- DX/NA YLRL Anniversary Party
October 4 -- TARA PSK Rumble
October 4-5 -- Oceania DX Phone Contest
October 4-5 -- Russian World Wide Digital Contest
October 4-5 -- Worked All Britain HF Contest
October 4 -- New Jersey QSO Party
October 4-5 -- California QSO Party
October 5 -- RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest
October 6 -- EU Autumn Phone Sprint
October 6 -- OK1WC Memorial Contest
October 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
October 8 -- 432 MHz Fall VHF Sprint
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
September 26-27 -- W4DXCC/SEDCO Convention, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
September 26-28 -- Mid-Atlantic States VHF Conference, Bensalem,
Pennsylvania
September 27 -- North Dakota State Convention, West Fargo, North Dakota
September 27 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley, Washington
October 4 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
October 5 -- Iowa Section Convention, West Liberty, Iowa
October 10-11 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
October 10-12 -- Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon), Regional ARRL
Centennial Event, Santa Clara, California
October 11 -- Iowa State Convention (Sioux City Ham Convention), Sergeant
Bluff, Iowa
October 11 -- Pacific Northwest VHF Conference, Seaside, Oregon
October 12 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
October 18 -- Arkansas State Convention, Batesville, Arkansas
October 18 -- Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
October 24-25 -- Oklahoma Section Convention, Ardmore, Oklahoma
November 1 -- TechFest 2014, Lakewood, Colorado
November 1-2 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
November 8 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
November 15-16 -- Indiana State Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
December 12-13 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant City,
Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
The ARRL Letter appreciates the support of these advertisers:
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///////////////////////////////////////////
Ham receives ISRO Mars Orbiter
Posted: 25 Sep 2014 01:25 AM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...r&goto=newpost
Ham receives ISRO Mars Orbiter
On Wednesday, September 24, the
Indian space agency ISRO successfully put their MOM spacecraft into Mars
orbit, the first country to have achieved this on the initial attempt
Radio amateur Paul Marsh G7EYT/M0EYT received the
signal from the Mars Orbiter Mission spacecraft and tweeted: "S-Band
downlink from MOM spacecraft now on orbit @ Mars! Great signal with
Doppler; congrats to ISRO - good job".
An image of the MOM signal can be seen at
http://pjm.uhf-satcom.com/twtr/mom_240914.jpg
UHF-Satcom
Web http://www.uhf-satcom.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/uhf_satcom
Yahoo https://groups.yahoo.com/group/amateur-DSN
BBC News report
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28268186
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