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July 23 2004 International Beacon Project Station OH2B Back on the Air
Martin Harrison, G3USF, the IARU Region 1 HF Beacon Coordinator, reports that the OH2B beacon in Finland, one of the 18-strong stations in the world-wide five-band International Beacon Project network, has made a very welcome return to activity after an absence of two years. It has been heard in the UK during the past week on the IBP frequencies on 14100, 18110, 21150, 24930 and 28200kHz. Its operating schedule, and those of the other beacons in this network, can be found on page 100 of the current RSGB Yearbook .
(RSGB)
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July 30 2004 Blind Operator Becomes New Official GB2RS Newsreader
News about a new GB2RS newsreader. Annick Morris, M0HDE, of Wigan, Lancashire, became a GB2RS newsreader two weeks ago, when she read the news through the GB3MR repeater. What makes this special is that 18-year old Annick has been blind from birth. She has a purpose-built laptop computer which accepts Word files, and which has a single-line display consisting of raiseable dots which form characters in Braille. Annick can read Braille fast enough to read out loud from this, although she can only ‘see' one character at a time. In the future Annick will be newsreading on 6 metres, 2 metres and 70 centimetres and it is hoped that she may also transmit on two bands at once.
(RSGB)
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July 23 2004 Great Britain Ground Breaking President Ian Kyle, GI8AYZ/MI0AYZ, Silent Key
Ian Kyle, GI8AYZ/MI0AYZ, RSGB President 1997-98, died peacefully at home on Friday 23 July after a long illness.
Ian was a long serving RSGB volunteer. Joining the society in 1967, he served as a regional representative, Zonal Council member, Chairman of the Membership Liaison Committee and long standing GB2RS newsreader and manager. In total Ian served for a period of ten years on the Council. A quiet, but persuasive man, Ian will be remembered as the President who during his term in office presided over the RSGB change of policy not to support compulsory Morse testing and for starting the negotiations with the RA (now Ofcom), which lead to the introduction of the Foundation licence. Ian was a great supporter and friend of amateur radio in his native Northern Ireland and across the UK, and was well respected around the world.
He will be sadly missed by all those who worked with him and operated with him on the bands.
(RSGB)
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July 24 2004 Somalia Hams Now on the Air Daily
Somalia is the only country in the world where none of its radio amateurs till this week had a transceiver to come on the air and speak with the world. You can now talk to Somalia 3 times each day.
CQ calls daily before Somali breakfast- 6.30 to 7am Somali time, 0330 to 0400UTC/GMT on 14.266MHz and also available is 21.295MHz and 28.475MHz.
CQ calls daily in the Somali afternoon- 3.30 to 5pm Somali time, 1230 to 1400UTC/GMT on 21.295MHz and also available is 14.266MHz and 28.475MHz.
CQ calls daily in the Somali evening- 7.45 to 9.15pm Somali time, 1645 to 1815 UTC/GMT on 18.150MHz and also available is 1.847MHz, 3.620MHz, 7.070MHz, 14.130MHz, 14.226MHz, 21.295MHz, 28.475MHz, 50.110MHz, 50.125MHz and 144.100MHz.
(VK2BVS QRZ.COM)
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July 17 2004 Mumbai Amateur Radio Services
Mumbai Amateur Radio Emergence Service Team headed by NLF including Sandip Adiwarekar-VU2UGO, Arun Singh-VU3AUA, Micky Korde-VU2IZO and Anish Korde-VU2OZO were mobilised on a call from Delhi to Bihar which is ravaged by Floods all over the state. NLF & team left early morning by air on 15-07-2004 via New Delhi for Patna, immediately reaching they met State Secretary R & R and were informed about the situation , a control station was setup in Sachivalaya headed by VU2IZO & VU2OZO with whom the QSO was made by us on 40 mtrs yesterday As per the information received NLF, UGO & AUA will be leaving Patna and helidropped in 2 remote district which are submerged in waters and no communication possible.
As per last update received from Patna , NLF UGO & AUA left Patna and are on the way to flood ravaged district , ZRS & Ankur who are on Monitoring Mode are waiting for a QSO with the MARS ARES Team from Disaster Area.
(VU2LOC Shailesh Deshmukh)
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July 31 2004 10 Meter Repeater for South Africa
Johan Lehmann, ZR6ANF, reported that a 10 meter FM repeater has gone operational in Pretoria under the banner of the Pretoria Amateur Radio Club. The repeater's output frequency is 29,690 MHz and the input frequency is 29,590 MHz. The repeater's receiver is currently not equipped with any CTCSS to enable as many as possible amateurs to make use of this repeater during the trial period. At the end of the trial period an 88,5 Hz tone will be required to access the repeater. The tone is a requirement of the IARU for all 10 meter repeaters world wide. The repeater will move to various sites during the trial period to determine the optimal location. Signal reports will be welcomed and users can send reports to Johan, email zr6anf@qsl.net
(SARL)
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July 27 2004 Canadian Amateur Radio Clubs continue to show their support for Youth Education
In the November/December 2003 issue of TCA, the Almonte Radio Repeater League made a donation of $100 to the newly formed RAC Youth Education Program. Neil Carleton - VE3NCE - program teacher, committee member and Almonte club member presented the cheque personally to then RAC President, Bill Gillis. With this donation, he challenged other Amateur Radio clubs across Canada to do the same. The article in TCA and a Bulletin notice announced the challenge. Letters were sent out by the students of R. Tait MacKenzie Public School, to all the Amateur Radio clubs across the country that could be identified, reminding them of the program and challenging them to show their support with a matching donation. By contributing $100, clubs were invited to demonstrate their understanding that the future of our hobby lies in bringing an awareness of the benefits of Amateur Radio to young people.
To date, a significant number of clubs and individuals (listed below) have clearly recognized that, for the continued health and growth of Amateur Radio, it is essential to inform our young people about the joys and benefits of the service. These clubs and individuals, representing most of the provinces and territories across the country, have donated total of $3747.
Almonte Radio Repeater League ON
Rose City Amateur Radio Club AB
Regina Amateur Radio Club SK
Manotick Amateur Radio Club ON
Ottawa Mobile Amateur Radio Club
ON
Bruce Amateur Radio Club ON
CPC - Ottawa - Amateur Radio Club
ON
Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club MB
Kingston Amateur Radio Club ON
Toronto ARES ON
WestCom Amateur Radio Club NS
Rainy Lake Amateur Radio Club ON
Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club
ON
Lanark ARES Group ON
Weyburn Amateur Radio Club SK
Kawartha Amateur Radio Group ON
Yellowknife Amateur Radio Service
YU
Renfrew County Amateur Radio Club
ON
Brandon Amateur Radio Club MB
Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio
Club ON
Northern Alberta Radio Club AB
West Kootenay Amateur Radio Club
BC
Moncton Seniors Amateur Radio Club
NB
Scarborough Amateur Radio Club Inc.
ON
QCWA - Ottawa ON
Yukon Amateur Radio Club YU
Ottawa Amateur Radio Club ON
VE3VIG ON
VE3QLN ON
VE3KAW ON
VE6TF AB
VE4RHG MB
VE3BLH ON
Terry Berscheid BC
Has the Challenge been successful? Yes, moderately. It has indicated that many Canadian Amateurs appreciate the need for this program. However, the 27 responding clubs represent less than 5% of Canadian clubs. Has the Challenge been concluded? Certainly not! The remaining 95% of Canadian clubs must be given an opportunity to participate as well. After all, this IS a true “motherhood and apple pie” issue. There really is no downside to making our young people aware of Amateur Radio.
(Thanks to Bj Madsen VE5FX, RAC Director for the Midwest Region, for this story)
(RAC News Service)
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BPL Articles from July-August TCA now available on RAC website
The current issue of TCA is devoted to BPL including two excellent articles authored by Canadian amateurs. The subject of BPL is so important to all Canadian amateurs that the TCA Editor, the RAC President, and both authors have agreed to allow their articles in entirety be published on the RAC web site. To learn more, and download the articles, visit the RAC website: www.rac.ca/news/bplnews.htm
(RAC News Service)
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Industry Canada authorizes Special Event Callsign with 4 character suffix for QCWA convention
QCWA National Capital Chapter 70 has been authorized by Industry Canada to use the special event call sign VE3QCWA from 17 September 2004 through 17 October 2004 for the QCWA International Convention that will be held in Ottawa 15-16-17 October, sponsored by National Capital Chapter 70. Although a QCWA convention, the Convention in Ottawa will be open to all radio amateurs. QSL Manager for VE3QCWA will be VE3IQ.
(RAC News Service)
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Antigonish Amateur Radio Club
The Antigonish Amateur Radio Club was organized in 1986 by the Amateur radio operators in Antigonish. The club took over from the Road to the Isles club that operated in Port Hawkesbury during the days of strong industrial activity there, and when there were many hams in that area. Originally the AARC had only a few members, but through the efforts of the charter members, several licensing classes were held and the number of hams gradually increased, eventually reaching the present total of thirty. The members come from the town and county of Antigonish as well as the neighbouring counties of Guysborough, Inverness, and Richmond. Repeaters The Antigonish Amateur Radio Club maintains two repeaters. One is located at Fairmont, just North of the town, and has the callsign VE1RTI on 146.820: and a second in Guysborough, up on Lundy mountain, with the callsign VE1GYS on 146.700. The Fairmont repeater can be accessed from any part of the town or county of Antigonish, while the Lundy unit covers Guysborough county, and large parts Western Cape Breton Island. The AARC also maintains VHF Packet radio nodes in the Fairmont and Lundy repeater sites. The Antigonish Amateur Radio Club at present has about twenty five members. The current club president is Tom Goldie, VE1BYO and the club sectary is Archie MacLellan, VE1CEL. Club meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month, at the club rooms in the Municipal Building, West St. Antigonish.
Visitors to the area are welcome to use either of the club VHF repeaters or the packet nodes. The Antigonish Amateur Radio, while one of the newer and smaller clubs in the province, is quite active and has a solid base of members who attend meetings and participate in club events. So, if you happen to be passing through the town or county of Antigonish, give us a call on 146.820 and have a chat with one of the members, and maybe even drop in for a coffee and an "eyeball" qso. 73, and all the best from the ANTIGONISH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB.
Club Website: www3.ns.sympatico.ca/rbporter/amateur.html
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The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin
is looking for an co-editor to assist in publishing news and events for
the Atlantic Maritime region. If you are interested in assisting this publication
please contact the editor Jim Taylor VA3KU his e-mail address is va3ku@rac.ca
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Thanks to Vernon VE2MBS
for sending in the following News Items:
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July 3 2004 Harmony Horse Trials Event
On Saturday, July 3 2004, twelve Amateur Radio operators helped with communications at the Harmony Horse Trials in Ste. Justine de Newton, QC at the Beaulieu Farms.
The following amateurs participated in this event which was organized by the St. Lazare Communications Group, VE2LZR.
* Ron Campbell,
VA2RJC
* Margaret
Dawson, VE2DXA
* Ken Magee,
VE2EXC
* Gillian
Magee, VE2EXX
* Vernon
Ikeda, VE2MBS
* Jim Low,
VE2PI
* Stan
Paticic, VE2QXP
* Raymond
Faguy,VE2SJA
* Frank
Torontour, VE2TOR
* Jim Hay,
VE2VE
* Normand
Pitre, VA3NHK
* Mike
Johl, VE3AET
The operators came from the following Clubs: The Montreal Amateur Radio Club, Prescott-Russell (Ontario) ARES, Western Quebec VHF-UHF Club (VE2RM Repeater Group), Covey Hill Amateur Radio Club and West Island Amateur Radio Club.
(VE2MBS for VE2ARC)
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Ham Radio at the Jay Challenge 2004
Earlier this year, the Montreal Amateur Radio Club was asked to help supply communication support for the Jay Challenge across the border in Northern Vermont. The Jay Challenge is a three-day event (July 23-25) designed by Daniel DesRosier and is developing a reputation of being somewhat extreme.
In the first event, on Friday the 23rd, all the participants were to gather at 8 am in Magog, Quebec, to Kayak across lake Memphremagog in the "Jay Crossover." This is a 26-mile race to Newport, Vermont. Everything was planned, and then the weatherman interfered. Because of a severe weather warning for noon on Friday, the race start time was moved up to 4 am. The Hams were advised of this change on Thursday at 6 pm. This meant that sleep was going to be a rare commodity on Thursday night. But in the spirit of good service we were going to be there on time. When most of us arrived in Jay on Thursday night it was already raining, so we settled in for the short night. I noticed at that point that we were missing a Ham, Ron, VA2RJC.
The next morning (if you call 3 am morning), we were on our way out to Magog. We heard from Jacques, VE2CT who was on his way to Magog directly from Montreal. When we met in Magog, Jacques set up an APRS transmitter on the chase boat so that we could keep track of the racers. Unfortunately, it developed an intermittent problem. So we had to do without the APRS for this event. The race went well up until the skies opened up and decided it was time to water the lawn. The downpour was torrential to say the least. By the time the race was over, nobody was dry. Frank, VE2TOR was on the chase boat and at the end we had to run him through the wringer to dry him off. His HT was wet but it survived. A good hot shower and a nice fire in the fireplace took care of making Frank human again. Then we heard from Ron who had not arrived in Jay the night before. Ron had arrived, but he got stuck on the edge of a ditch in the parking lot of the Jay Peak Resort where we were staying, and the rain was so bad that he decided to get some sleep in his car and deal with the situation in the morning. Ron did not know about the time change on the start time nor did he know we were listening for him on the Jay repeater. When Ron woke up, he contacted the auto club and had his car towed out of the ditch. With great relief he found no damage to his car. He finally contacted us but by then the event for the day was almost over. So we met back at the Condo and got some rest.
The next day, Saturday the 24th was the 26-mile off-road "Jay Marathon." This event takes the runners up Jay Peak and around the Jay area. Our job was to transmit information and emergency traffic between checkpoints. Carole, VA2MOO was put in charge of the checkpoint on the top of Jay. The ride up to Jay was not what she expected. The tram that took the crew up to the top left on time but nobody advised us what time that was and there was only one trip up and one trip down that day. So Carole was treated to a ride up Jay Peak on an ATV. Not the smoothest ride in the world. The runners were blessed with a wonderful sunny day and lots of mud left over from the rain of the day before. It was quite a laugh to see the runner's faces when they got to the last checkpoint before the end, and saw that the last trail was knee-high mud. At the finish line we noticed a large garbage bin full of discarded dirty and muddy running shoes.
That evening Carole and I met with Daniel, the organizer, to plan for the next day. After looking at the map and seeing all the mountains that could interfere with the access to the repeater, we decided to go and see first hand if we could access it from all the checkpoints. We left at 10 pm and got back to the condo at 12:30 am. HT's were not going to cut it on this part of the event.
On Sunday the 25th was the 67-mile Mountain Bike Race with over 10, 500 feet of climbing to do. Can you spell gruelling? I must say that I was impressed by the exceptional coverage of the Jay repeater. We needed to be inventive but we were able to access the repeater from all the checkpoints including the one furthest from Jay, a checkpoint 8.5km south of Montgomery Center in the woods. I have never seen so many happy and filthy people in my life. Of 76 participants that started, 70 made it to the finish line. One of these participants, on arriving at the finish line, rolled off his bike and lay down for a moment to catch his breath. When Daniel came to congratulate him, the participant looked at him and said "Daniel, you are crazy." He continued, with a big smile: "great race, man." I would like to express my appreciation to the Hams that participated in this event:
* Bob Henry, WB4OOV
* Carole Albert, VA2MOO
* Max Davies, VA2PMD
* Ron Campbell, VA2RJC
* Jacques Boucher, VE2CT
* Ray Faguy, VE2SJA
* Frank Torontour, VE2TOR
Also many thanks to the owners and operators of the Jay repeater for the use of their repeater, and to Bob W1WAW for his support. Amateur Radio operators came from the the Montreal Amateur Radio Club, Covey Hill Amateur Radio Club and West Island Amateur Radio Club.
Raymond Faguy - VE2SJA
Edited by Steven Faguy VA2SMF
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Sept. 11 2004 West Island Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
WIARC Hamfest and Auction -
Dollard des Ormeaux, QC
Location: Karnak Shriners
Hall (West Island), 3350 Boulevard des Sources, Dollard des Ormeaux, QC
(STM Bus 215) nearby
Time: Vendors 08h00, Public
09h00 Auction 09:30
Admission: Vendors Tables
$15.00 (includes 1 admission) Public $5.00
Talk-in: VE2RWI 146.910 (-)
For information/table reservations
via E-mail at: ve2cwi@rac.ca
Webpage: http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc
(Vernon Erle Ikeda)
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Aug. 7 2004 A.R.E.S. Hamfest
Sponsored by: Association
de Radio Expérimentale du Sud de Québec
Location: St-Romuald QC
Exit 318 north on highway 20 , 5 minutes from the Pierre Laporte bridge
, Quebec city area
Opening times: For exibitors
6:00 A.M. or the day before by arrangement with the officials. For general
admission 9:00 A.M.
Cost: Exibitors $15 General
Admission $5
Talkin: on the A.R.E.S. network
, 145.450 VE2RAG
Notes: This year is our 15th
of operation as a Ham radio association , to celebrate this event, we are
pleased to invite all visitors at the Hamfest for the lunch . We will serve
Hot Dogs and Corn on site around 11:30 for all.
Nous fêtons cette année nos 15 ans , tous les visiteurs au Hamfest sont conviés à diner vers 11:30 hres .On servira des Hot Dogs et du blé d'inde cuits sur place.
For more info: Contact Pierre
Racine at 418-527-8680 French speaking
Serge Bérubé at 418-839-4846 English
/French
Email info: ve2coh@sympatico.ca
Website: www.aresqc.org
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Aug. 21 2004
BARC Hamfest 2004
Sponsored by: The Brantford
Amateur Radio Club
Location: Brantford ON
South of Hwy 53 on Park Ave in Burford, Ontario
Opens: 9:00AM
Cost: $5.00 Admission (Children
Under 12 - Free) Vendors $8.00/table + Admission Tailgators $4.00
+ Admission
Talkin: VE3TCR 147.150
Notes: Vendor registration
informtaion available on our website
For more info visit:http://comdir.bfree.on.ca/ve3ba
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Aug. 28 2004 VHARA
(Lindsay) Hamfest 2004
Sponsored by: Victoria-Haliburton
Amateur Radio Association
Location: Lindsay ON VHARA
Hamfest 2004 will be held at the Manvers Arena, near the intersection of
Hwy. 35 and Hwy. 7A. Take Hwy. 35 south 22 kM. from Lindsay, or Hwy. 35
north 27 kM. from Hwy. 401. Watch for grain elevators and schools at Hwy.
7A intersection to Peterborough.
Opens: Vendors: 7 AM (breakfast
included), Public: 9 AM to 1 PM.
Cost: Admission $5, Tables
$10 (includes 1 admission).
Talkin: VE3LNZ 147.195
+
Notes: * Commercial
vendors expected, * Tailgate sales area in the front parking
lot. Large free parking area at Manvers Arena or at the schools.
See the VHARA website for updates
and details: www.va3kvd.ca/vhara
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RAC Ontario Section News
July 29 2004 Realignment of ARES Ontario Districts update:
Realignment of ARES Districts to bring them to the same names and boundaries as the Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) Sectors continues. As of July 29 2004 the realignment of the huge Eastern Ontario District is now divided into three geographically smaller Districts. Trent, Ottawa and the St. Lawrence District. Norm Hagan, VE3VY formally the DEC for the entire Eastern Ontario District is now the DEC for the St. Lawrence District. Bill Milligan, VA3WOW became the DEC for the Trent District on May 21/04. A candidate is presently considering the DEC position for the Ottawa District.
Full details of this realignment can be found on the ARES Ontario Section Site: www.aresontario.ca
(RAC Ontario Section Staff)
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Attention All ARES Ontario Emergency Coordinators,
The ARES Ontario Yahoo! Group was founded on May 6, 2001 for the Emergency Coordinators (ECs) in the Ontario Section of RAC ARES. The purpose of this group is to provide a simple means to share information between ECs across Ontario so that problems and their solutions could be shared by all. It also provides a meeting place to coordinate activities. If you are not member of the ARES Ontario Yahoo Group we encourage you to join the group today, the process is very simple and complete instructions can be found on the ARES Ontario website, at: www.aresontario.ca
(RAC Ontario Section Staff)
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July 30 2004 Dufferin ARES Group mobile command post update:
Earlier this month the Dufferin ARES Group reported it had acquired the old Dufferin County Ambulance to be used as a mobile command post. Paul VE3PWZ reports: "I have created a web page with pictures to keep all informed re the new communication vehicle. www.weatherbee.on.ca/zapm.htm , as things develop I will continue to up date the page. Please bookmark and visit on occasions.
We have received two quotes for the paint job. The lowest quote being $3200. This is about $1700 more than allocated for this item in this years budget. However, we are hoping to shift some monies around within the budget in order to complete the painting of the Zapmobile.
(Paul VE3PWZ EC Dufferin
County)
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July 2004 ARES and BC Forest Fire Updates
The fire situation in northern
BC and Alberta is starting to heat up again. Last year’s record fire
season in BC only had 158 fires at this time – this year there are over
290. For more infromation on fires in British Columbia visit: www.for.gov.bc.ca/pScripts/Protect/WildfireNews/News.asp
In Alberta visit: www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/wildfires/fpd/wi_cs.cfm
. Also another site to keep an eye on for disaster reports in the west
is: www.amateurradio.ca
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July 30 2004 Amateur Radio operators provide communications for the Vancouver Marathon
VECTOR (Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization) is an amateur radio group that acts as reliable, organized, back-up to standard communications in the event of a disaster.
VECTOR provided amateur radio communications for the 2004 Vancouver Marathon. Special events such as this gives the organization a chance to test set-up, proficiency, and deployment of field personnel, and allows operators to practice the established procedures created for emergency situations. A 5 minute video about VECTOR and their role at the Marathon is available for downloading. A high speed internet connection helps.
To Watch the Video, download here! www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Greaterdot/video/04-VECTOR.wmv
For more information on VECTOR, go to www.qsl.net/ve7vct
(Thanks to John Schouten, ARES coordinator for Vancouver, and founder of VECTOR, who passed along this story).
(RAC News Service)
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Radio amateurs get excellent press coverage about work of Vancouver police team.
John Schouten VE7VPU, deputy chief of the Vancouver Police Department Support Services division, sent us a story from the Vancouver Courrier about Kevin McQuiggin VE7ZD and about VECTOR , a non-profit, volunteer-based society which Schouten formed in 1997, committed to providing amateur radio services in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The Vector story can be found in its entirety on the Amateurs in Action page on the RAC website: www.rac.ca/news/aia_hamstrung.htm
(RAC News Service)
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Aug. 20-21 2004 MARM Ham Fest
The Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum is hosting its 10TH Annual Ham Fest on August 20, 21 2004, in the Heritage Building on the grounds of The Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, Manitoba, Canada. Friday night campfire/fun times – excellent camping come and enjoy the campfire and hospitality of fellow Amateurs and families. Saturday at 2:00 PM The Manitoba Repeater Society will have their meeting.
Registration $6.00 Lots of prizes, roast beef supper, free Sat night dance (music man) byob and munchies
Full Details: www.mts.net/~dsnydal/bboard.html
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Aug. 20 2004 Prince George
BC Campout
Sponsored by: PGARC &
PG Contest Club
Location: Prince George BC
VE7ZZZ Contest site
Cost: Free.
Talkin: 146.34/146.94
Notes: Lots of room for trailers
and motor homes. Flea Market on Sunday morning - 10:00 to 12:00
For more info visit: http://pgarc.org
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July 30 2004 Geomagnetice Storm and Ham Radio
A huge geomagnetic storm has hit the Earth, wiping out a lot of High Frequency communications. At the same time its making the VHF and UHF bands a veritable D-X playground.
According to a propagation bulletin issued on July 25th by CQ Magazine's Tomas Hood, NW7US, the estimated planetary K index reached a level of 8, with the Bolder, Colorado K reading a level 7. Translated into everyday talk, that's one heck of a solar storm and it does odd things to radio communications. All you need do is turn on a 6 or 2 meter CW or SSB radio to hear it for yourself.
Solar storms bring with them an increase in Aurora and Aurora based communications. Reports over the VHF Reflector say that this one was no exception. According to Dave Wenner, K3KEL, in Benton, Pennsylvania, his 150 watts to a homebrew 9 element Quagi antenna made it possible for him to make dozens of 144 Mhz contacts. These ranged from Maine across to Missouri plus Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario Canada. Dave's posting said that he did not work any stations to the South but that they were there. He says that he heard K4QI in North Carolina's grid FM06 very strong toward the end of the session.
Wenner's was typical of the reports posted to the VHF Reflector. Many of them said that this was the best Aurora session heard in years.
Meantime the CGC Communicator cites an interesting propagation report. One that says Greenland's ice cores indicate that the sun is more active now than it has been at anytime in the past 1,000 years.
That report also says this has caused a warming trend here on Earth. As a result of this and other solar observations the pseudo-science doomsayers have been quick to jump on the gloom and doom bandwagon. They are out there predicting dyer consequences for those of us living here on the surface of our home planet Earth.
(ARNewsLine)
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July 30 2004 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update
Sunspot 652 has rotated out of view, but it was the source of major excitement this week. Coronal mass ejections caused big geomagnetic storms on Sunday and Tuesday, July 25 and 27. The planetary A index was 122 on Sunday, 31 the next day and 162 on Tuesday. This caused radio blackouts on the HF bands, but it provided some excitement for 6-meter operators who reported great openings. The activity was enhanced by a south-pointing interplanetary magnetic field, leaving the Earth vulnerable to blasts of energy from the sun.
Auroral displays accompany periods of high geomagnetic activity, but they tend to predominate at higher latitudes. The stronger the activity, the higher the K and A index and the further south that northern lights can be seen. We're used to seeing photos of aurora from Alaska, especially above the Arctic Circle, but the Science@NASA site displays a photo taken July 27 at Borrego Springs, California--just 20 miles north of the 33rd parallel in Southern California. http://science.nasa.gov/spaceweather/aurora/images2004/27jul04/Mammana1.jpg
Marc Weinberg, K9PET, sent a note
about being maritime mobile in Svalbard as JW/K9PET last week. He was north
of the 79th parallel, and when geomagnetic disturbances hit, he said he
"thought the world had disappeared." The Lindblad Expeditions site includes
a photo--
[ www.expeditions.com/dersearch/derdetail.asp?action=ERD&expedition_id=&ID=6824
]taken from a distance--of his Amateur Radio operation on land from Raudfjorden
Spitsbergen on July 20. In a few weeks, K9PET expects to post additional
photos on his own Web site: www.casualdx.com
ARRL Lab Test Engineer Mike Tracy,
KC1SX, let me know about an interesting link for a Macromedia Flash movie,
HF Propagation Primer, by AE4RV.
[ www.ae4rv.com/tn/propflash.htm
]
Over the next few days expect unsettled to active geomagnetic conditions, and declining sunspot and solar flux numbers. Predicted planetary A index for Friday through Monday, July 30 through August 2, is 30, 20, 20 and 8. Predicted solar flux for the same period is 95, 90, 85 and 90. Solar flux is expected to peak again at about 125 around August 14-18. More sunspot activity is ahead, at least for the near term.
For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page: www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html
Sunspot numbers for July 22 through 28 were 117, 86, 109, 130, 113, 66 and 66, with a mean of 98.1. The 10.7 cm flux was 172.9, 165.1, 147.2, 156.2, 128, 118.1 and 100.7, with a mean of 141.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 19, 47, 27, 122, 31, 162 and 14, with a mean of 60.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 13, 21, 29, 64, 26, 119 and 11, with a mean of 40.4.
(W1AW)
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July 30 2004 ARISS Notice -- ISS Radios off August 2 - August 4
Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, reports that the amateur radio equipment aboard the International Space Station will be turned off during the upcoming EVA. The planned shut down will take place at 0850 UTC on Monday, August 2. The radios should return to service approximately 0850 UTC on Wednesday, August 4.
As always, these dates and times are subject to change with circumstances. We will do our best to notify the SAREX list of any changes as soon as possible.
(ARISS)
______________
July 30 2004 New Kenwood ISS Radio proves out fine
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station USA team has successfully completed a comprehensive checkout pass of the new Kenwood D700 radio system with Astronaut Mike Finke, KE5AIT. Utilizing ground stations in Greenbelt, Maryland, Orlando, Florida and Houston, Texas and linking team members in Kansas, Colorado, Maryland, Florida and Texas, the ARISS USA team performed voice and packet radio uplink tests to fully validate the Kenwood D700 system for future school group operations.
During the East Coast pass, the ARISS team were able to perform signal strength measurements and voice quality checks on 2 meters and 70 centimeters using the Kenwood D700 radio and the ARISS-built W A One antenna system. Mike Finke provided the on-board feedback to the team to help them understand how the radio sounds on-orbit. Finke said that the signals from the 70 centimeter uplink signals were especially loud.
(ARISS)
_______________
July 30 2004 New Amateur Satellite Transponder Project Announced
On Friday the 30th of July, the Chairman of AMSAT-UK - Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, G3YJO - announced a new amateur transponder project to be launched as part of the European Space Agency SSETI Express satellite. Speaking at the opening of the 2004 AMSAT-UK Colloquium at the University of Surrey in Guildford, he expressed his delight that AMSAT-UK had been able to work with the ESA to provide, at very short notice, an S-band - 2.4GHz - transmitter.
It is intended that the transmitter will be available for use as the downlink of a single-channel FM transponder. The 437MHz receiver is being provided to ESA by DF2FQ. These frequencies will enable the many amateurs who already have Oscar 40 equipment to use it in an exciting new way.
The 2.4GHz downlink exciter, switched-mode power supply, control interfaces and power amplifier are being developed by Sam Jewell, G4DDK; David Bowman, G0MRF; Jason Flynn, G7OLD; and Charles Suckling, G3WDG, with Graham Shirville, G3VZV, assisting.
It is intended that SSETI Express will be launched into a sun synchronous 680-kilometre orbit from Plestek in Russia in April 2005.
(RSGB)
_______________
July 29 2004 AO-51 Opens to Users on 30 July 2004
AO-51 (AMSAT-Echo) will be turned on for general use in FM repeat mode on 30 July 2004 at about 0215 UTC. This will be for a trial period of about three weeks during which the command stations will be watching the power budget and adjusting the UHF transmitter B power as needed for good management of the battery. Initially, the transmitter will be running at about 1W. If power allows, it will be slowly increased during the trial period. We will also be adjusting settings on the satellite, so if the signal changes slightly from time to time, do not be alarmed. The TXB transmitter will be on 435.300 MHz, which is also a trial frequency. The original frequency of 435.225 MHz is now in regular use by GO-32, so the alternate is being tested to see if it can be used long term.
To work
Echo in this mode you need the following information:
Uplink: 145.920 MHz FM voice with
67 Hz PL.
Downlink: 435.300 MHz FM voice.
The downlink transmitter will come
on when it hears an uplink signal with a 67 Hz PL tone for about 1 second.
It stays on for 10 seconds after that signal goes away. This operation
is just like a terrestrial FM repeater with a 1 second kerchunk filter
and a 10 second hang time.
The command stations will be watching the AMSAT-BB email reflector for report of how Echo is working. Please post your results there. We are most interested in hearing about how well Echo hears you and how well you hear it.
Note that Echo is still wobbling a great deal and the polarization sense of the downlink will vary. The B UHF TX is nominally RHCP in the northern hemisphere but this will change over the duration of a pass due to wobble and orientation relative to the ground station.
Transmitter A will generally continue to operate on 435.150 but may be at reduced power at times, or may be at about 1W only when the command stations are gathering Whole Orbit Data (WOD) telemetry. We will be analyzing the WOD for information about how much TX B is on and how the power system is behaving. Please note that the digital transponder and the store and forward BBS, are NOT yet open for general use. TX A may also switch to 38k4 from time to time to facilitate downloading large files.
We expect Echo will be heavily used in these first few days. Many stations will be trying to make a contact through Echo. It is good amateur practice and common courtesy to let everyone have a chance. Echo will hear you as well as or better than any previous amateur FM repeater satellite. With the downlink transmitter at 1W you will need a small directional antenna to hear it. Especially in these first few days, always listen first. Even though the downlink will only come on when it hears an uplink signal, with hundreds of stations trying it out we expect the transmitter to be on continuously when over populated areas. So gain, listen first, and be courteous to let everyone have a chance at making a contact via AO-51. And a reminder, this is a trial period of the FM voice repeat function. The digital portion of Echo is NOT yet open for use.
Echo Command Team
Jim White, WD0E
Mike Kingery, KE4AZN
(AMSAT News)
________________
July 27 2004 ISS crew schedule tight for casual hamming
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) says the ISS Expedition 9 crew of Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, and Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, has very limited time to pursue casual hamming from space. “The ARISS program is fortunate to have another all-ham crew that is very enthusiastic about talking to ground-based Amateur Radio operators,” said ARISS spokesperson Scott Stevens, N3ASA. “The ARISS team wants to remind everyone that the crew is on a strict schedule, so the best time frame to try contacting them is between 0800 and 1900 UTC.” Chances are even better during weekends, he added. Fincke and Padalka both got on the air--from NA1SS and RS0ISS, respectively--during ARRL Field Day, making some 60 contacts. Fincke has also made some casual QSOs. The ISS worldwide downlink frequency is 145.80 MHz. The FM voice uplink is 144.49 MHz in ITU Region 2 (which includes the Americas) and Region 3 (South Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania), and it’s 145.200 MHz for Region 1 (Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North Asia.). July 19 marked the midpoint of the Expedition 9 crew’s six-month stay aboard the ISS. Fincke and Padalka are set to return to Earth October 19. Now preparing for an August 3 space walk, the crew recently joined the world in observing the 35th anniversary of the first landing of humans on the moon. This week the crew continued packing unneeded equipment and trash in the Progress supply vehicle, scheduled to undock July 30. Undocking the Progress will clear the way for the space walk.
ARISS is an international educational
outreach program with US participation from NASA, AMSAT and ARRL: www.rac.ca/ariss
______________
July 28 2004 Go for Launch! X Prize Foundation Announces Teams Ready to Compete for $10 Million
The American Mojave Aerospace Ventures Team announces launch dates for SpaceShipOne and the Canadian da Vinci Project Team announces roll-out date for their completed spaceship.
The X PRIZE Foundation announced key next steps today by two of its top competitors for the ANSARI X PRIZE. The American Mojave Aerospace Ventures, LLC Team (a partnership between Paul G. Allen and Burt Rutan and his team at Scaled Composites) announced today that it has given its official 60-day notice and has scheduled its first competition flight on September 29th, 2004, at the Mojave Airport Civilian Aerospace Test Center in Mojave, California. To win the $10 million, SpaceShipOne will need to make a second flight within two weeks, by October 13th, 2004.
In addition, the Canadian da Vinci Project Team, based in Toronto, Canada, announced its plans to roll-out its completed Wild Fire spacecraft for public viewing and photo opportunities on Thursday, Aug 5th, 2004, at its Downsview Airport hanger in Toronto. The da Vinci Project Team, widely heralded as a contender for the $10 million, will pursue its own ANSARI X PRIZE space flight attempts this Fall.
Also introduced to supporters and press was Amir Ansari, representing the Ansari family, the benefactors who titled the ANSARI X PRIZE, and Astronaut Rick Searfoss, the Chief Judge of the competition. The announcements took place at the Santa Monica Municipal Airport in Santa Monica, California, at 10:30 am PST.
"Eight years ago, under the Arch in St. Louis, we kicked off the X PRIZE competition. Today I'm pleased to announce that the first team is ready to make an attempt to claim the $10 million, with other teams close behind, said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Chairman and Founder of the X PRIZE Foundation. "The American Mojave Aerospace Ventures Team and the Canadian da Vinci Project Team are just two of the 26 competing groups who will someday make it possible for spaceflights to be conducted from commercial spaceports across the globe. When the ANSARI X PRIZE competition is won, it will herald the start of a new renaissance of spaceflight in which the general public will have their chance to fly next."
If successful, Mojave Aerospace Ventures will make history by launching a privately financed, manned spaceship to 100 km altitude, twice within two weeks, each carrying a pilot and the weight and volume equivalent of two additional passengers. On June 21st, Mike Melvill, a pilot for Mojave Aerospace Ventures, became the first commercial pilot to enter suborbital space, earning astronaut wings and a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Similar to the June flight, the competition launches will take place at the Mojave Airport Civilian Aerospace Test Center in Mojave, California. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the historic events. Parking passes for public attendance can be purchased on the X PRIZE website (www.xprize.org).
"The idea of competitions have always had a rich heritage in our society," said Paul G. Allen, sole investor of SpaceShipOne and partner in Mojave Aerospace Ventures, LLC. "This competition has proven that there are many different ways to attack the challenges set out by the ANSARI X PRIZE. From the start we have approached SpaceShipOne with a 'can-do, home-brew' attitude. We are grateful that our previous flights have brought even more attention to the ANSARI X PRIZE and given more momentum to the groundswell of excitement that is continuing to build for the long-term potential of affordable space exploration."
"I want to thank the X PRIZE Foundation for providing the inspiration in 1996, to get us little guys thinking about private development of manned space flight. Last month our team demonstrated that private companies can indeed conduct space flights without government help." stated Burt Rutan, Team Leader of the Mojave Aerospace Ventures Team and designer of both the White Knight and SpaceShipOne. "We are hopeful to complete both qualifying flights and to win the ANSARI X PRIZE."
Wild Fire, the Canadian da Vinci Project Team spacecraft, is also launched at high-altitude into suborbital space at 80,000 feet from an unmanned, reusable helium balloon. The Canadian da Vinci Project Team, considered one of the top ANSARI X PRIZE competitors, will reveal its Wild Fire space vehicle to the public for the first time on August 5th, 2004, at its Downsview Airport Hanger in Toronto.
"The da Vinci Project Team has made huge strides in the past year and we're excited to finally share Wild Fire with the public," noted Brian Feeney, da Vinci Project Team Leader. "We're in the commercial tourist race for the long haul and while working with an all-volunteer team, we've been able to accomplish major aviation and space milestones in pursuit of the ANSARI X PRIZE."
In addition, Colonel Rick Searfoss, pilot and commander of three Space Shuttle missions, was introduced as the Chief Judge of the ANSARI X PRIZE. "We have met with the Mojave Aerospace Ventures Team and we are prepared to ensure that the flights are well monitored and that all rules are followed carefully," said Col. Searfoss. "As an experienced astronaut, I can tell you that I'm personally excited to see the beginning of a new generation of spaceflight."
About the ANSARI X PRIZE Competition
Currently, 26 teams from around the globe are competing for the $10 million ANSARI X PRIZE. In order to win the competition, teams must build a safe and reusable space vehicle able to carry one pilot and the weight equivalent of two passengers, 100km (62 miles) into suborbital space. The vehicle must be privately financed and safely flown twice within a two-week period. The first registered ANSARI X PRIZE team to complete this feat will win the $10 million prize and a spectacular 5-foot trophy.
About the X PRIZE Foundation (www.xprize.org)
The X PRIZE Foundation is a not-for-profit educational organization with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The Foundation's ANSARI X PRIZE Competition is supported by its Title Sponsor, the Ansari family, and Presenting Sponsor, Champ Car World Series. The Foundation is also supported by private donations from the St. Louis Community through an organization called the New Spirit of St. Louis Organization. The Foundation's mission is to educate the public about space travel, create educational programming for students and space enthusiasts, and provide incentives in the private sector to make space travel frequent and affordable for the general public. Several additional sponsorships for the ANSARI X PRIZE competition remain available to corporations or individuals who wish to support the contest and associate themselves with courage, determination, achievement, space, speed, high performance and technology.
To find out how individuals or corporations can join the efforts of the X PRIZE, or involve neighborhood schools or community centers with X PRIZE educational programs, visit www.xprize.org or contact the office at 636-519-9449
About the X PRIZE Foundation
The X PRIZE Foundation is a not-for-profit educational organization with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Supported by private donations and the St. Louis community, the Foundation’s mission is to create educational programming for students and space enthusiasts as well as provide incentives in the private sector to make space travel frequent and affordable for the general public. Several additional sponsorships for the ANSARI X PRIZE competition remain available to corporations or individuals who wish to support the X PRIZE Foundation and associate themselves with space, speed and high technology.
To learn more about the ANSARI X PRIZE competition, please visit www.ansarixprize.org . To find out how individuals, educational organizations or corporations can join the efforts of the X PRIZE Foundation, please visit www.xprize.org or contact the office at +1 636 519 9449.
(SpaceRef.com)
_______________
July 27 2004 NASA MESSENGER Spacecraft to be launched on August 2nd
The launch of MESSENGER, a NASA space probe set to conduct the first scientific investigation of Mercury as it orbits the planet, will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II Heavy expendable launch vehicle Monday, Aug. 2. Liftoff is targeted for the opening of a 12-second launch window that begins at2:16:11 a.m. EDT. The mission will begin with a liftoff from Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Should launch be postponed for any reason, the next launch time is Aug. 3 at 2:15:56 a.m. EDT.
MESSENGER's cameras and sensors will provide the first images of the entire planet and collect important information on the composition and structure of Mercury's crust, its geologic history, the nature of its thin atmosphere and active magnetosphere, and the makeup of its core and mysterious polar materials.
The surface of Mercury reaches a high temperature near 840 degrees Fahrenheit and the solar intensity can be 11 times greater than on Earth. Yet, the seven instruments aboard the spacecraft will operate near room temperature from behind MESSENGER's heat-resistant, ceramic-cloth sunshade while the spacecraft dips in its orbit, as low as 124 miles above the planet. The name MESSENGER means Mercury Surface, Space, Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging.
Prelaunch
Press Conference
The prelaunch press conference will
be held at the NASA News Center at KSC on Saturday, July 31, at1 p.m. EDT.
Participating in the briefing will be:
Accreditation and Media Access Badges for KSC
Those who need press accreditation and access badges to the Kennedy Space Center to cover the MESSENGER prelaunch press conference and mission science briefing may do the accreditation process via the Web by going to: https://media.ksc.nasa.gov Media may also send a letter of request on news organization letterhead to the NASA KSC News Center. Include the names and Social Security numbers, birth dates, nationality and country of citizenship of those who require accreditation. Letters should be faxed to 321-867-2692 or may be addressed to:
MESSENGER
Launch Accreditation
NASA XA-E1 Kennedy Space Center,
FL32899
All accreditation for the MESSENGER
prelaunch press conference and mission science briefing at KSC must be
received by the close of business on Thursday, July 29. The Pass &
Identification Building, the badging station located on State Road 405
just east of U.S. 1, will not be open on the day of the briefings, Saturday,
July 31. Media may instead obtain their KSC access badge at Gate 3 on State
Road 405, just east of the NASA Visitor Complex. Contact the NASA-KSC News
Center at 321-867-2468 for further information.
Remote Camera
Placement at Complex 17
Sunday, Aug. 1: Photographers who
wish to set up remote cameras at the Delta launch complex will be escorted
by a Boeing representative to Pad 17-B. Departure will be at9:15 a.m.from
the Gate 1 Pass and Identification Building located on State Road 401 outside
Gate 1 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Tower Rollback
Photo Opportunity at Complex 17
Sunday, Aug. 1: There will be an
opportunity to observe rollback of the mobile service tower from around
the MESSENGER/Delta II launch vehicle at Pad 17-B. Media will depart at4:30
p.m.by government bus from the Gate 1 Pass andIdentification Building on
State Road 401 outside Gate 1 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Press
credentials and identification from a bona fide news organization will
be required.
Launch Day
Press Site Access toCape CanaveralAir Force Station
Monday, August 2: Media covering
the MESSENGER launch will be able to obtain press access badges beginning
at12:30
a.m.at the Gate 1 Pass and Identification Building on Cape Canaveral Air
Force Station located on State Road 401. Press credentials and identification
from a bona fide news organization will be required to obtain an access
badge. A driver's license alone will not be sufficient.
Due to the location of the impact limit lines for the launch of the Delta II Heavy, the Trident bluff remote press site will be used. This is located on south Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on the east side of the Trident turn basin. Video and audio plug-in capability for NASA Television will be available. In addition, a limited number of laptop telephone interfaces will be available. Departure in a vehicle caravan from Gate 1 to the Trident bluff will be at12:45 a.m.
NewsCenterHours
for Launch
Saturday, July 31: The NASA News
Center at KSC will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. TheNewsCenterwill be
closed on Sunday. On launch day, all media activities will be conducted
from the remote press site at the Trident bluff.
Web Prelaunch
and Launch Coverage
Two special live prelaunch webcasts
are scheduled at2 p.m.on July 29 and 30.
For more information, go to the
NASA Direct Web site at: www.ksc.nasa.gov/nasadirect/index.htm
NASA Television launch coverage
will be webcast at: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Live information updates will be
available through Kennedy Space Center's Virtual Launch Control Center
at: www.ksc.nasa.gov/elvnew/mission/vlcc.htm
NASA Television
Coverage
Saturday, July 31: NASA Television
will carry live the MESSENGER prelaunch press conference and mission science
briefing beginning at1 p.m. EDT. Monday, Aug 2, NASA Television coverage
of the launch will begin at12:01 a.m. EDTand conclude approximately one
hour after launch once data from the Deep Space Network confirms the spacecraft's
solar arrays have successfully deployed. The satellite for NASA Television
has been changed to AMC-6 located at 73 degrees West longitude, though
use of Transponder 9 remains the same.
The July 31 prelaunch press conference with associated mission science briefing and the Aug. 2 launch attempt will be on AMC-6, Transponder 9. However, should the launch be postponed 24 hours for any reason, the second launch attempt will be on AMC-6, Transponder 5. InAlaskaandHawaii, all MESSENGER events will be on AMC-7 Transponder 17 located at 137 degrees West longitude. Audio only of the prelaunch press conference and the launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits which may be accessed by dialing 321/867-1220... 1240... 1260...7135.
Recorded status reports on the launch of MESSENGER and updates to the Note To Editors will be provided on the KSC news media codaphone starting Thursday, July 29. The telephone number is 321/867-2525. Media are encouraged to check the recording for updates during the hours that the NASA-KSC News Center is closed over the weekend.
The management of the MESSENGER launch is the responsibility of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, Fla., with the Delta II launch service provided by Boeing Expendable Launch Systems in Huntington Beach, Calif. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md., designed and built MESSENGER for the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters and will control the spacecraft during the mission.
Visit Mercury Today for the lastest
from Mercury: www.mercurytoday.com
|
|
Note: "Hams
in Action" is a new area in the bulletin and is in need of articles and
stories of events from your local club or ARES Group.
Submission
to Hams in Action: Bulletin Editor:
va3ku@rac.ca
_____________
June 25 to 27, 2004 The following is a example of just how effective ham radio can be during times of emergencies.
The incident was handled by amateurs in the US, French Polynesia and Australia, sometimes alone and sometimes in concert with each other. The cooperation and liaison of the two maritime nets involved was excellent. However, the dedication of the operators to marine safety and assistance to others was outstanding. Without the dedication to see the rescue through to the end, this incident could have ended in a more tragic way.
All stations mentioned below are commended for their truly exemplary work. They stayed with the ship for hours at a time over several days, made themselves available for radio schedules despite their personal lives, made long distance telephone calls at their own expense and demonstrated the true spirit of amateur radio.
And, to the hundreds of other stations that were monitoring the rescue, a very big thank-you to you for keeping the frequencies clear. Many times in this kind of situation, well-meaning stations transmit on the frequency and important traffic is missed. On behalf of the Maritime Mobile Service Network and the Pacific Seafarers Net, thank-you for your radio discipline and understanding. It made a big difference!
The United States Coast Guard and the French Navy have expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the stations involved in this rescue.
Il y a également une petite version
française, écrite par l'équipage de la La Tapageuse. Clic ici.
On Friday June 25, 2004, at approximately 03:40z, amateur station VK4CEJ (John in Queensland, Australia) came onto the Pacific Seafarers Net (14.313 MHz.) and reported that he had emergency traffic from the Sailing Vessel (SV) Fingolfin. The people on Fingolfin were not amateur radio operators. SV Fingolfin was described as a 47 foot ketch.
SV Fingolfin was in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 680nm north of Nuka Hiva, near position 02º 23'N x 138º 00'W. There were two people onboard, John and Kelly Hallows. Kelly reported that John had medical condition and he required pain medication. Enough medication had been brought aboard for the trip from Mexico to the Marquesas but, due to light winds, the trip was taking longer than planned and the medication had run out. John was experiencing debilitating pain in his head and was not able to assist with the ships routine.
It was learned that SV Fingolfin had approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel. The winds were very light and sailing was not an option.
Arrangements were made through K5SIV (Bob in Austin, TX), the USCG - District 14 (Honolulu, HI) and the owner of a nearby Greek container ship, The Irene Logos, to meet the Fingolfin and transfer some medication. However, during this transfer, Fingolfin was badly damaged after being struck by the larger ship and Kelly was injured. It was later learned that the medication that had been transferred was the wrong kind!
On June 25, 2004 at approximately 19:30z, W6KH in San Diego, CA., came onto the Maritime Mobile Service Network (MMSN) on 14.300 MHz., saying that he was in contact with VE0WND (Steven on SV Wind Runner) on 18.123.6 MHz. At this time Wind Runner was in contact with the Fingolfin and they were requesting assistance. SV Fingolfin was now at an approximate position of 02º 00'N x 139º 00'W. All stations had come to 14.300 MHz but there no propagation into the Pacific on this frequency. W6KH was instructed to contact USCG San Diego with all of the information and he was given the telephone number. All stations involved then returned to 18 MHz to continue the incident.
On June 25, 2004 at approximately 23:00z, propagation was now favourable and the MMSN began to handle the emergency traffic. N6JRD/MM (John on his boat in the Pacific) relayed the information from the SV Fingolfin to KA6LSL (Bob in Yuma, AZ). This information was then relayed to K5SIV who was in contact with USCG - District 14 in Honolulu, HI. Their position was now approximately 01º 50.0N x 139º 00.0W. VK4CEJ also copied the Fingolfin and contacted John and Kelly's family in Australia. USCG District 14 had contacted the French Navy, in French Polynesia, and assets were being prepared.
At this time Fingolfin reported that John was in extreme pain and unable to assist with the vessel. It was also learned that Kelly was exhausted and unable to continue. Both were dehydrated. Kelly was not able to keep any water down and this had been going on for the past 3 days. Kelly was also injured during the collision earlier and unable to put any weight on one of her legs. The seas were rolling but the weather good but with little wind.
An hourly schedule was arranged with Fingolfin on 14.300 MHz. All stations remained on frequency with the Fingolfin after the MMSN closed at 02:00z
On June 26, 2004 at 02:25, SV Fingolfin advises they are at 01º 53'N x 139º 38'W, steering 327 magnetic and motoring at 4 knots.
At 03:19z, SV Fingolfin advised they changed course to 200 magnetic.
At approximately 03:35z, K5SIV patched Dr. Jim Hirschman K4TCV, in Miami, FL, to the Fingolfin and a medical assessment of their condition was made. It was determined that Kelly most probably had a broken leg and/or pelvis and needed to be restrained to relieve the pain from the ships motion. There was little that could be done for John and it was then discovered that he had been without medication for the last 72 hours. Due to the dehydration of both onboard, evacuation to a hospital was imperative.
At 05:42z, the French Navy Patrol Vessel "La Tapageuse" came to 14.300 MHz and advised that they were on their way to the Fingolfin's last known position from the Marquesas. SV Fingolfin advised that their current position was now 01º 43'N x 139º 43'W, now steering 190 magnetic. Tapageuse estimated approximately 30 hours before they would be on scene. A series of questions & answers to/from the Fingolfin were relayed by VK4CEJ and K5SIV to the Tapageuse. The Tapageuse advised they would attempt contact at 09:00z with an update. However, the hourly schedule was maintained by VK4CEJ, K5SIV and N6HGG (Bob in Humbolt Bay, CA.).
Because of the impending ARRL Field Day contest, an alternate frequency of 14.355 MHz at 00:00z was arranged with the Fingolfin. Although this frequency is outside the amateur band, it is permitted by international law during times of emergencies. Also, marine frequencies 12.353 and 12.359 MHz. were alternates at 18:30z. La Tapageuse was advised of this at 09:00z
At 06:57z, SV Fingolfin contacted on 14.300 MHz. and advised that they were beginning to take on water. They had pumps operating but the cause of the leak was not known.
At 18:43z, Position 01º 03N x 139º 58W - KE6SD (Gary on SV Amidon Light in Suwarrow Atoll) is in contact with SV Fingolfin. John reports they are doing badly. Kelly advises that they are being "slapped around" a lot. She also fears that the mast may come down, the spreaders have failed, they have no sails and are wallowing in the sea. Kelly reports the wind is less than 10 knots out of the east and that they are drifting slowly to the west. They are able to keep up with the water coming into the boat. Kelly reports that John cannot keep water down. She is slightly mobile but in great pain. The Tapageuse was on frequency and KE6SD acts as a relay between them. Kelly confirms they do have a life raft.
An hourly radio schedule maintained on 12.353 MHz.
On June 27, 2004 at 01:29z, SV Fingolfin in contact with Tapageuse and discussing medical facilities onboard Tapageuse and status. Fingolfin advises that one mast has come down.
At 06:25z, Position 00º 56'N x 140º 21'W. N6HGG hears and answers a MAYDAY call from SV Fingolfin on 14.355 MHz. John advises that the broken mast and the antenna may soon go overboard, ending radio contact. He also advises that the mast has struck the life raft and that it is now useless. Other stations on frequency are KE6SD, K5SIV and VK4CEJ. Fingolfin advised to stay on this frequency, not matter what happens.
At 07:00z, contact was made with Tapageuse on 12.353 MHz and they came to 14.355 MHz. Relaying handled by KE6SD and VK4CEJ. Fingolfin advised by Tapageuse to turn off their EPIRB and to turn it back on at 14:00z, in anticipation of a 15:00z rendezvous. This would assist in pinpointing their position. Fingolfin also advised to monitor VHF channel 16 and 14.355 MHz. and no more frequency changes. It is not known whether the VHF radio works or has an antenna since the dismasting.
At 08:01z, SV Fingolfin made contact with KE6SD and N6JRD. They sounded increasingly stressed, demoralized and desperate about the situation. John and Gary spoke about similar experiences that they had at sea and gave them a pep-talk. They did a fantastic job in lifting John and Kelly's spirits and getting them through the crisis. VE0WND and KE6SD maintained a radio schedule with Fingolfin as North American stations lost propagation shortly after this time.
At 09:00z, VK4CEJ contacted SV Fingolfin. Signals were poor but it is learned that the other mast had also fallen.
At 15:30z, advised by Tapageuse that they are at SV Fingolfin and have taken John and Kelly aboard. Fingolfin is badly damaged and set adrift at 00º 55'N x 140º 19'W. Both French Navy and USCG will regularly broadcast Fingolfin's last position to maritime interests . Tapageuse advises they are approximately 34 hours to Nuka Hiva.
On June 29, 2004 at 03:30z, K5SIV received an email confirming that John and Kelly have been admitted to hospital in Nuka Hiva. No further information.
On July 2, 2004, K5SIV spoke with Tahiti Rescue Co-Ordination Center. He was told that both John and Kelly are out of the hospital. Kelly's injuries are still not known.
Here are the comments of the Commander of the 14th District - USCG to Bob K5SIV http://mmsn.org/events/uscg-5.pdf
(The Maritme Mobile Service Network)
_____________
July 23 2004 'ARESCOM' Plan to Enhance Emergency Communication Capability:
The ARRL Board of Directors has adopted a resolution encouraging further development and expansion of an inaugural network to enhance the emergency communications capability of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). The action came during the Board's meeting July 16-17. The Board had charged an ad hoc committee, dubbed "ARESCOM," with developing an augmented ARES telecommunications system that would include rapid and accurate handling of long-range emergency communications. ARESCOM recommended deployment of a digital e-mail system based on Winlink 2000 software. The Board encouraged the deployment of e-mail via Amateur Radio--"as exemplified by Winlink 2000"--to meet the needs of served agencies and others involved in providing disaster communications.
"The digital network will provide a value-added service for ARES and will continue to be viewed very positively by our served agencies," the committee said in its report to the Board. "This allows ARES to be viewed as modern and necessary instead of antiquated and invasive."
The committee, chaired by Great Lakes Division Vice Director Dick Mondro, W8FQT, said situations arise when ARES must "pass message traffic across the nation quickly and accurately." It also said the need for such a nationwide ARES capability is likely to increase in light of the ARRL's Citizen Corps partnership with the Department of Homeland Security.
Winlink 2000--a worldwide Amateur Radio digital radio e-mail system--already is widely used by the blue water boating and recreational vehicle communities. Members of the ARRL Programs and Services Committee witnessed a Winlink 2000 demonstration at ARRL Headquarters the day before the board meeting.
The ARRL Board extended the committee's charter until its January 2005 meeting so ARESCOM can complete an implementation plan that ensures that ARES has "the prominent role" in managing the national network and that ARES officials and appropriate ARRL Headquarters staffers have an chance to critique the network's operation to ensure it meets the requirements of ARES and its served agencies.
A two-part series appearing in the August and September 2004 issues of QST, "Winlink for ARES," by ARRL South Texas Section Emergency Coordinator Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, outlines an enhanced ARES network that would include e-mail capability over HF links.
(ARRL Newsletter Vol. 23)
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July 29 2004 Nevada Fires Make July a Busy Time for ARES Volunteers
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers in southern Nevada are assisting firefighters attempting to quell the so-called Robbers' Fire. The 290-acre timber and brush blaze in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest [ www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/fire/index.shtml ] some 36 miles northwest of Las Vegas has led authorities to close at least three state highways. The National Interagency Fire Center [ www.nifc.gov ] indicates the fire is 40 percent contained. Earlier this month Nevada ARES volunteers [ www.cvrc.net/ares ] at the opposite end of the state assisted the American Red Cross during the destructive Waterfall Fire.
"The activation of Clark County ARES/RACES continues for the Robbers' Fire on Mount Charleston," said Southern Nevada District Emergency Coordinator Glenn Hale, KB7REO, in a July 28 report to Nevada Section Manager Dick Flanagan, K7VC. "It does appear that things are getting under control. Clark County ARES/RACES will be active at least through the weekend working 24 hour shifts."
Hale said that while ARES/RACES volunteers have handled some tactical messages for supplies, their primary tasks have included programming and issuing radios for firefighters as well as monitoring fire service radios. "We have successfully coordinated and implemented an ARESMAT [ARES Mutual Assistance Team] response from southern Nye County," Hale said. Southern Nye County Emergency Coordinator Betty Field, AB7LJ, has contacted the Nye County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate with the Clark County OEM to approve the mutual aid request for Nye County ARES members to assist in the incident.
After the Waterfall Fire broke out in mid-July, Bruce Wade, NZ7A, the American Red Cross disaster relief operation director, contacted Northern Nevada District Emergency Coordinator Don Carlson, KQ6FM, seeking ARES assistance.
"An evacuation center was being set up, and he wanted staffing for both the evacuation center and at the Red Cross chapter headquarters in Reno," Carlson said. Judy Carlson, KE6GIW, set up at the chapter headquarters, while Nevada Section Emergency Coordinator Dick Creley, KJ7UK, headed for the evacuation center in Carson City--the state's capital.
"In less than an hour from the initial call," Don Carlson said, "Amateur Radio communication through ARES had been established, and messages were beginning to pass between the two locations." Meanwhile, Washoe County EC Doug Abramson, KA7FOO, put out a successful plea for operators via the Western Nevada Noon Net.
"The operations continued as the fire raged out of control, coming dangerously close to the state capital city itself," Carlson said. "At one point the fire was about a quarter mile from the governor's mansion and a local college."
The Carson City Sheriff's Office ordered evacuations, and by the evening of July 15, hundreds of residents from communities west and northwest of Carson City started arriving at the evacuation center--by then an official Red Cross shelter.
Carlson says Gary Grant, K7VY, returned from a camping vacation to help support the effort after he heard the fire-related traffic on the repeater. "Another volunteer even offered to work an evening shift on his third wedding anniversary if he was needed," Carlson added. "He said that he knew that his wife would understand and want him to stand with us." A second shelter, opened the next day at a high school in southern Washoe County, immediately got Amateur Radio communication support.
Carlson said the ARES activation continued until a formal stand down was declared July 18. During the four-day event, more than 35 amateur operators from three Northern Nevada counties participated. The Waterfall Fire burned over more than 8700 acres and destroyed more than a dozen homes. The ARES activation drew words of praise from Wade on behalf of the Sierra Nevada Chapter, American Red Cross.
"At all times your operators were on the ball and helped make the disaster relief operation go much smoother," Wade wrote. "Message handling was prompt and accurate. You were always at your post when needed. Because it took a long time to get cell phones to all the our key people, many times you were the only link between the headquarters and the shelters."
Carlson noted that many of the participating ARES volunteers had taken the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 1 course, and several had completed Level 2: [ www.arrl.org/cce ]
"This lends tribute to the worthiness of these courses and demonstrates once again that training, drills, exercises, SETs and teamwork really pay off!" he said. "The commitment and dedication of Amateur Radio operators is exemplary and is a true testimony to what we can do when the need arises. The ARRL Field Organization and ARES system really do work."
(ARRL News Service)
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Aug. 12-15 2004 Volunteers needed for the Tour for Kids charity bike ride
John Meskes VE3POJ has asked me to pass on his request for volunteers for the Tour for Kids charity bike ride. This ride runs from Thursday, Aug. 12 to Sunday Aug 15, and covers a number of our ARES districts.
John's message continues "My idea is to escort or follow "the pack" as they ride through each region. In case of accident/crash/pileup call authorities and protect the scene as best possible. 1-2 hours (30-60km) per ham team should do it for the long distance riders (250k). The 100k route is covered by the organizers, but the riders could get spread out, so extra vehicles roving the route would be useful there too.
Our areas are on weekdays, so may not conflict with other major events which are usually on weekends:
Details at www.tourforkids.com
Gordon Hewit VE3GIH
Scugog District Emergency Coordinator
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Haliburton Forest Ultra Marathon Sept. 10 & 11 2004
The Minden club needs help to support the runners in a 100 mile, cross country race. We start our shift work after the runners have been going for twelve straight hours. We keep track of their locations after sundown, and on to the end of the race at noon the next day. It's a great opportunity to use your equipment, batteries and skill to assist this group in a forest area that has no cell phone or telephone service.
Further information is posted at: www3.sympatico.ca/ghewit/ve3gih/ultramarathon
To volunteer for this great event, or get answers to specific questions, email Len Foster VE3LGF lfos@sympatico.ca
Gord VE3GIH
District Emergency Coordinator Scugog
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July 20 2004 EchoTime TTS for EchoLink
The new version of EchoTime, which uses the Microsoft Text To Speech engine has been released and is available for downloading at: http://kh2d.net/software/echotime . EchoTime is an add on program for EchoLink, and adds additional features that someone using EchoLink on a repeater or link radio may find useful. It will not work with EchoLink in the computer user mode. EchoTime is freeware. The TTS version of EchoTime has a number of new features, including real time weather conditions/reports that are automatically compiled from the internet. EchoTime TTS has been tested by a number of people for the last few weeks and is very stable.
There is also a discussion/support group for EchoTime at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/echotime
(Jim KH2D)
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Radio Pioneer John Kraus, W8JK,
a Silent Key
Well-known radio astronomer, antenna
designer, cosmic explorer and author John D Kraus, W8JK, died on the 18th
of July. He was 94 and reportedly was in failing health but alert to the
end. While he enjoyed a world-wide reputation, Kraus is perhaps best known
within the amateur radio community for his bi-directional wire beam antenna
design, often dubbed the ‘8JK array'. Other important Kraus antenna designs
include the corner reflector and the helix antenna, often used in amateur
satellite antennas as well as in commercial communications applications.
He was a pioneer of radio telescope design and the father of the ‘Big Ear'
telescope which recorded the famous ‘Wow!' signal in 1977.
(ARRL News Service)
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July 30 2004 Meteorite from Oman records its lunar origins, history
Scientists have pinpointed the source of a meteorite from the moon for the first time. Their unique meteorite records four separate lunar impacts. They are the first to precisely date Mare Imbrium, the youngest of the large meteorite craters on the moon. That date, 3.9 billion years ago, is a new key date for lunar and even terrestrial stratigraphy, the scientists say, because life on Earth would have evolved only after heavy meteorite bombardment ended.
The full story can be found online at: www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=14712
(SpaceRef.com)
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July 30 2004 Hacker Indicted on Federal Charges Allegedly Broke into Dept. of Defense, NASA Systems
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California announced that Robert Lyttle, 20, of Pleasant Hill, California, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for hacking government computers and defacing government Web sites with material illegally obtained from those illegal intrusions.
According to the indictment, Mr. Lyttle, who is also alleged to be known as "The Deceptive Duo," is alleged to have unlawfully accessed computer systems of various federal agencies in April 2002, including the Department of Defense's Defense Logistic Information Service (DLIS) and Office of Health Affairs (OHA) and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's (NASA) Ames Research Center (ARC). Specifically, the indictment alleges that Mr. Lyttle gain unauthorized accessed to DLIS computers in Battle Creek, Michigan for the purpose of obtaining files that he later used to deface an OHA website hosted on computers in San Antonio, Texas. The indictment also alleges that Mr. Lyttle gained unauthorized access to a NASA ARC computer located at Moffett Field, California and obtained information from that computer for the purpose of defacing a website hosted on the computer. The indictment alleges that Mr. Lyttle caused damage to, or otherwise affected the government's use of, the computer systems, thereby requiring the government to incur costs in excess of $70,000.
The maximum statutory penalty for the count in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(5)(A)(i) is 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate. The maximum statutory penalty for the counts in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030(a)(2) and 1030(a)(5)(A)(ii) is five years of imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate. Finally, the maximum statutory penalty for the count in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(3) is one year of imprisonment and a fine of $100,000, plus restitution if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be dictated by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of factors, and would be imposed in the discretion of the Court. An indictment simply contains allegations against an individual and, as with all defendants, Mr. Lyttle must be presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
Mr. Lyttle is scheduled to make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James in San Francisco on July 19, 2004, at a.m. to be arraigned on the indictment.
The prosecution is being overseen by the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) Unit of the United States Attorney's Office and is the result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and NASA's Office of Inspector General. Kyle F. Waldinger is the Assistant U.S. Attorney in the CHIP Unit who is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the U.S. Attorney's Office's website at www.usdoj.gov/usao/can. Related court documents and information may be found on the District Court website at www.cand.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.cand.uscourts/gov. All press inquiries to the U.S. Attorney's Office should be directed to Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Sonderby, Chief of the CHIP unit, at (408) 535-5037, or Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Jacobs at (415) 436-7181.
(SpaceRef.com)
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ARRL UHF Contest, 1800Z Aug 7-1800Z Aug 8 (see Jul QST, p 107.)
North American QSO Party--CW--sponsored by the National Contest Journal, 1800Z Aug 7-0600Z Aug 8. www.ncjweb.com
SARL HF DX Contest--SSB--sponsored by the Bloemfontein Radio Amateur Club from 1330Z-1730Z Aug 8 (CW is Aug 29). Frequencies: 80-20 meters. Categories: SOAB, MS. Exchange: RS(T) + serial number. QSO points: SSB--1 pt, CW-- 2 pts. Total score: QSO points + ZS call areas and South African countries (see Web site). For more information: www.sarl.org.za/public/contests/contestrules.asp#HFCWPHONE. Logs due 14 days after the contest to admin@sarl.org.za or PO Box 1721, Strubensvallei 1735, Republic of South Africa.
Ten-Ten International Summer Phone QSO Party--sponsored by Ten-Ten, International, 0010Z Aug 7-2359Z Aug 8, 10 meters only. Exchange: call, name, state and 10-10 number (if available). QSO points: nonmembers--1 pt, members--2 pts. Total score: sum of QSO points. For more information: www.ten-ten.org . Logs due Aug 23 to tentencontest@alltel.net or Steve Rasmussen, N0WY, 312 N 6th St, Plattsmouth, NE 68048-1302.
European HF Championship--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Slovenian Contest Club, 1200Z-2359Z, Aug 7. EU to EU contacts only. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SOAB only--CW, SSB, and Mixed Modes, HP and LP, and SWL. Exchange: RS(T) and last two digits of first year licensed. Score: QSOs × number of different years received, counted once per band. For more information: http://lea.hamradio.si/~scc/euhfcrules-04.htm . Logs due Aug 31 to euhfc@hamradio.si (Cabrillo format preferred) or Slovenia Contest Club, Saveljska 50, 1113 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
TARA "Grid Dip" Contest--PSK and RTTY--sponsored by Troy ARA from 0000Z--2400Z Aug 7. Frequencies: 80-6 meters, work stations once per band, work Rovers again from new locators. Categories: SOAB only--QRP (<5 W), LP (<100 W max), HP (100 W max or RTTY legal limit), Rover (100 W max) operating from more than one Grid Locator, SWL. Exchange: Name and 4-digit grid locator. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Total score: QSO points × Grid Locators counted once per band. For more information: www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_grid_rules.html . Scores due Sep 4 via online submission form or grid-manager@n2ty.org or Antony Headwomen, N3FX, 11301 Mosley Rd, Damascus, MD 20872-1332.
National Lighthouse-Lightship
Weekend--all modes--sponsored by the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society
from 0001Z Aug 7-2359Z Aug 8. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.830,
3.530, 7.030, 14.030, 21.030, 28.030; SSB--1.970, 3.970, 7.270, 14.270,
21.370, 28.370. Exchange: Serial number or ARLHS member or lighthouse num-ber,
name and S/P/C. For more information: http://arlhs.com/NLLW-2004-guidelines.html
. Logs due Aug 31 to Dave Ruch, NF0J, PO Box 20696, Bloomington, MN 55420-0696.
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Oshkosh, WI: Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club Inc, W9ZL. 1300Z Jul 26-2100Z Aug 1. Airventure 2004-Experimental Aircraft Association. 14.270 7.250. Certificate. FCARC-W9ZL, PO Box 5233, , Appleton, WI 54912-5233. www.fcarc.us
Port Colborne, ON, Canada: Welland County Amateur Radio Club, VE3WCD. 1300Z Jul 31-2100Z Aug 1. Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. 28.350 21.250 14.250 7.250. QSL. Doug Frame, VE3JDF, 895 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5V3, Canada.
Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Motor Speed Amateur Radio Club, W9IMS. 1500Z Jul 31-0300Z Aug 9, weekends of Jul 31-Aug 1 and Aug 7-8 and intermittently on week days. Brickyard 400 (NASCAR). 28.340 21.340 14.240 7.240 3.840 PSK31. QSL. Indianapolis Motor Speedway ARC, PO Box 18495, Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495. www.qrz.com/w9ims
Grand Haven, MI: North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club, W8CSO. 1200Z Aug 5-1600Z Aug 6. Honoring Grand Haven's Coast Guard Festival. 14.240 7.200. QSL. NOARC, Box 44, Ferrysburg, MI 49409. www.ghcgfest.org http://www.qsl.net/noarc
Door Peninsula, WI: Wisconsin Lighthouse Expedition, N9L. 1400-2100Z daily Aug 5-Aug 14. Activation of Wisconsin Lighthouses, including Eagle Bluff Lighthouse (USA-252). 14.270 7.270. Certificate. Jim Martin, W5AZN, 637 Newberry Dr, Richardson, TX 75080-5622. www.w5azn.com
Bernegat Light, NJ: Old Barney Amateur Radio Club, N2OB. 1300Z-2200Z Aug 7. ARLHS Lighthouse #USA-039, IOTA NA-111, USI-NJ001S. 14.280 7.280. QSL. Old Barney ARC, PO Box 345, Tuckerton, NJ 08087. Raindate August 8. www.obarc.org
Burnett, WI: Rock River Radio Club, W9A. 1600Z Aug 6-2100Z Aug 8. 36th Annual Dodge County Antique Power Show. 14.275 7.250. Certificate. Rock River Radio Club, W9TCH, PO Box 26, Juneau, WI 53039.
Canton, OH: Canton Amateur Radio Club, W8AL. 1300Z Aug 6-0200Z Aug 8. Annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival. 28.365 21.365 14.265 7.265. Certificate. Donald E. Perry, WQ8J, 968 Culverne Ave NW, Massillon, OH 44647.
Lexington, KY: Aviation Museum of Kentucky, KY4AMK. 1800Z Aug 6-2200Z Aug 8. Historic Fly-In. 21.320 21.070 14.070 7.238. QSL. Aviation Museum of Kentucky, PO Box 4118, Lexington, KY 40544. www.aviationky.org
Ancona, Italy: Associazione Radioamatori Italiani, IY6GM. 0600Z Aug 6-2200Z Aug 10. Centenary of experiments by Marconi Cappuccini Mount Ancona (ARLHS Lighthouse ITA104). 28.000 21.000 14.000 7.000. QSL. QSL via Bureau or direct to: Associazione Radioamatori Italiani, PO Box 122, Ancona, ITALY 60100. http://antares.fastnet.it/enti/ari-an
Hawley, PA: Science Camp Watonka Amateur Radio Club, KB3BUM. 1330Z-2130Z Aug 7. 7th Annual Event. 28.440 21.340 14.240 7.240. Certificate. Camp Watonka ARC, PO Box 127, Hawley, PA 18428.
Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Repeater Association, W9Z. 1300Z-1900Z Aug 7. Broad Ripple Hamfest, youth operators from Kids only Net (146.700). 28.500 21.375 14.265 7.285. Certificate. Steven Wendt, 9559 Neptune Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46229. kb9rds@arrl.net.
Thompson, OH: Geauga Amateur Radio Association, N8T. 1300Z-2200Z Aug 7. 20th anniversary of the TRIVA NET. 14.270 7.270 146.940. QSL. Dennis Brostek AB8NI, 7187 Maple St, Mentor, OH 44060.
Townshend, VT: West River Radio Club, K1KU. 1400Z-1900Z Aug 7. Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Days--55th year of founding. 14.270. QSL. Darrel Daley, PO Box 445, Putney, VT 05346. www.westriverradio.net
Alexandria, VA: Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club, K4CG. 1300Z-2400Z Aug 7. 214th anniversary of the Coast Guard. 14.250 10.110 7.250 7.045 . QSL. US Coast Guard, K4CG, Telecommunication and Information Systems, 7323 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315. www.mvarc.org
Mathews County, VA: Middle Peninsula Amateur Radio Club, N4P. 1300Z Aug 7-1800Z Aug 8. Pan-American Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend, Commemorating New Point Comfort Lighthouse, USA-543. 21.370 14.270 7.270 3.970 145.37. Certificate. MPARC/QSL Manager, Carter Clements/WA4CC, PO Box 1121, Gloucester Point, VA 23062. www.qsl.net/mparc
St Augustine, FL: St Augustine Amateur Radio Society, N4AUG. 1400Z Aug 7-2200Z Aug 8. Activation of St Augustine Lighthouse #789 for NLLW. 21.270 14.270 14.035. QSL. SAARS, PO Box 860084, St Augustine, FL 32086-0084. www.saars.net
Zoar, OH: Tuscarawas Amateur Radio Club, W8ZX. 1400-2100Z daily Aug 7 and Aug 8. 31st Zoar Harvest Festival. 14.275 7.275 146.73 Dpx. Certificate. Tim Ashcraft, 502 Oakdale Dr, Dover, OH 44622. www.zca.org
East Tawas, MI: Hazel Park ARC, K8S. 0000Z Aug 7-0000Z Aug 9. National Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend from Tawas Point Lighthouse,Tawas Point State Park. 28.370 21.370 14.270 7.270. Certificate. Gary I. Sklar, K8IKW, 7296 Green Farm Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
Lincoln, MI: Alcona County
Amateur Radio Group, K8A. 1600Z Aug 7-0400Z Aug 15. 33rd Annual
Alcona County Fair. 21.345 14.245 7.245 3.945. QSL. Stanley L. Darmofal,
W8SZ, PO Box 15, Harrisville, MI 48740. www.alconaradio.org
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Aug. 21-22 2004 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2004
This highly popular annual August event attracts hundreds of amateur radio stations at lighthouses and lightships (369 in 48 countries for the 2003 weekend .)world-wide. It is organised by Mike, GM4SUC, and Kevin, VK2CE is the web-master. This year the period of the event is from 0001 UTC on Saturday 21 August until 2359 UTC on Sunday 22 August 2004.
The event is NOT a contest. It is a special event weekend when amateur radio stations are established at lighthouses or lightships, they do not have to be adjacent to salt water, and each group decides how it will operate the station with regard to modes and bands. Participants are not committed to being on the air during the entire period - operate as much as you can. There are no restrictions on aerials or power. We wish operators to enjoy themselves and have fun while making contact with as many stations as possible whilst giving priority to other lighthouse/lightship stations. Please take some time to work the slow operator, the newly licensed and QRP stations.
As available space in many lighthouses is filled to capacity, participation in this activity does not have to take place inside the tower itself. Field day type set-up at the light or other buildings next to the light or adjacent field is OK. Permission MUST be obtained from any interested parties.
The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend is used to obtain maximum exposure for our hobby. We invite the press and, QTH permitting, also the public and try to underline the parallel between the international aspects in lighthouses, lightships, and amateur radio. As from last year, the World Lighthouse Day is held on the Sunday of the event and lighthouse keepers/managers/caretakers all around the world open their lighthouses to the public. www.lighthouse.fsnet.co.uk/events/intlighthouseday.html
We use the event segment of the 5 Classic bands, consider the following as a range of suggested frequencies.
CW
80m: 3.510 - 3.540 kHz
40m: 7.005 - 7.035 kHz
20m: 14.010 - 14.040 kHz
15m: 21.010 - 21.040 kHz
10m: 28.010 - 28.040 kHz
PHONE
*80m: 3.650 - 3.750 kHz
*40m: 7.040 - 7.100 kHz
20m: 14.150 - 14.290 kHz
15m: 21.150 - 21.250 kHz
10m: 28.300 - 28.400 kHz
* Some of the frequency ranges listed above are NOT legal in the United States of America. As a substitute, USA operators should consider these alternatives.
USA PHONE
80m: 3.950 - 3.990 kHz
40m: 7.250 - 7.290 kHz
However because the ILLW is NOT a contest, you can operate on any authorised QRGs as per your licence, including the WARC bands. Please be sure to observe band limits for your class of licence and your country.
To assist other stations in the identification of lighthouse/lightship stations, we request that participating stations using CW add LS after their callsign at a lightship and LT at a lighthouse. SSB and other modes should use LIGHT, LGT, LIGHTHOUSE or LIGHTSHIP after their call. UK stations normally obtain a GB callsign with the letter L in the suffix and USA stations can request a Special Event callsign from the ARRL.
A list of the lighthouses/lightships of the world, currently 10,764 in 209 DXCC countries, plus their Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) Number can be found at http://arlhs.com/awards/arlhs-numbers.html The list is constantly being updating and added to as more data become available. You can help: If you see a correction or an addition needs to be made, please send an e-mail with the information to K2JXW@arrl.net
If you decide to join us, please register on-line at http://illw.net/index.html with details of your name, callsign to be used, lighthouse/lightship, Country, qsl route etc. Although registration is not compulsory, doing so enables us to maintain a detailed list of participants at http://illw.net/2004.htm showing QSL address, web site and any special event calls they may be using. E-mail addresses will be modified with unicode to minimise harvesting by spammers.
So come and join us in the fun of the weekend, already 78 stations have confirmed their participation, establish a station at a lighthouse, lightship or maritime beacon. If you are unable to find a lighthouse/ship you can still join in the fun by contacting the special lighthouse/ship stations. The more the merrier.
73 Mike GM4SUC
gm4suc@compuserve.com
gm4suc@btinternet.com
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July 29 2004 ARLD030 DX News
This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, QRZ DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST. Thanks to all.
UGANDA, 5X. Jay, K4ZLE will be QRV as 5X2A from August 3 to 21. He plans to be active on the lower HF bands using mostly CW. There may be some PSK31 activity as well. QSL to home call.
CROATIA, 9A. Laci, HA0HW and Tomi, HA4DX will be QRV as 9A/homecalls from Silo, Krk Island, IOTA EU-136, from August 2 to 12. They are here on holiday, so their activity may be limited. They plan to be active on al HF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL to home calls.
TONGA, A3. Chris, A35DX has been QRV on 20 meters using SSB from around 0400 to 0700z. QSL via EB2AYV.
BAHRAIN, A9. Mohamed, A92GR has been QRV on 17 meters using SSB around 1700z. QSL direct.
CHILE, CE. Bob, XQ6ET is QRV on 160 meters around 1100z during the winter months. QSL via operator's instructions.
ESTONIA, ES. Oskar, ES7NY will be QRV as ES7NY/2 from Naissaar Island, IOTA EU-149, for about two months. QSL to home call.
REUNION ISLAND, FR. Joseph, FR5HA has been QRV using PSK31 on 20 meters around 0400z and then around 1200z. QSL via operator's instructions.
SOUTH SHETLANDS. HF0QF has been QRV on 20 meters using SSB around 2100z. QSL via SP7IWA.
LEBANON, OD. Francis, OD5PL has been QRV using CW on 15 meters around 1300z. QSL via HB9CRV.
CRETE, SV9. Rolf, DL6ZFG is QRV as SV9/DL6ZFG/p until August 8. After August 1 he may use the special Olympic callsign J42004ZFG. Activity is mainly on 20 meters using SSB and some RTTY. QSL to home call.
GUATEMALA, TG. Frank, TG9ANF has been QRV using RTTY on 20 meters after 0200z. QSL to home call.
BRUNEI, V8. V8FDX has been QRV on 30 meters from around 1300 to 1700z. QSL via JM1LJS.
AFGHANISTAN, YA. Henry, F6EAY is currently QRV as T6RF while in Kabul. He has been active using mostly PSK31. QSL to F6ITD.
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO, YU. To mark the first commercial Marconi contact made between Bari, Italy and Bar, Montenegro on August 3, 1904, amateurs in Montenegro may add the number 100 to their callsigns through August. Look for commemorative station 4N6100BB to be QRV during this time. QSL via operators' instructions.
AVES ISLAND, YV0. In celebration of its 70th anniversary, members of the Radio Club Venezolano and other amateurs will soon be QRV as YV0D until August 8. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters, including the 30, 17, 12, 6 and 2 meters, and 70 cm, using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV, PSK31, FM, EME and satellites. QSL via KB6NAN.
PARAGUAY, ZP. Doug, ZP6CW is often QRV on 160 meters during his sunrise. QSL via ZP6CU.
THIS WEEKEND
ON THE RADIO. The RSGB RoPoCo Contest and the SARL HF Phone Contest
are all scheduled for this weekend. Please see August
QST, page
94, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.
(W1AW)
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July 31 2004 425 DX News
The Pacific DX Group has announced
plans for a DXpedition to Kure Atoll (KH7K), from mid to late October.
Kimo Chun (KH7U) and Patrick Guerin
(NH6UY), team leaders, will be joined
by an experienced international team of operators, including a number of
participants in the K5K DXpedition to Kingman Reef in 2000. The team (about
15 operators) will be on the island for a planned 10 to 11 days of operation.
The primary target will be Europe and operations will take place
from 160-6 metres SSB, CW, RTTY and some PSK31. A website is under construction,
but there will be no online logs. Further information is expected in due
course. Questions regarding funding can be sent to funds-kure@inix.com;
general inquiries may be made to kh7u@arrl.net [TNX DL9RCF]
5X - Jay, K4ZLE will operate as time permits as 5X2A from Uganda on 3-21 August. Some effort will be made to operate on the lower bands this year, mostly on CW. Activity is also planned for PSK31. QSL direct via K4ZLE. [TNX K4ZLE]
C5 - Josep, EA3BT (C56BT) and Nuria, EA3WL (C56WL) will operate as C50I from Bijol Island (AF-060) [425DXN 690] on 31 July. They will be on the island during their morning and and for a few hours in the afternoon. QSL via EA3BT. [TNX EA5KY]
C6 - Gill, NN4CW will be active as NN4CW/C6A 20, 30 and 40 metres (QRP) from Abaco Island (NA-080), Bahamas from 30 July to 6 August. [TNX The Daily DX]
C9 - C91DA and C91NK will be the callsigns used by Dave, K4SV and Neil, VA7DX during their 12-17 August activity from Mozambique [425DXN 680]. QSL for both via K4YL.
CU - Look for Uwe, CU7/DH9YAT to be active on 40, 20 and 15 metres CW QRP from the Azores on 3-20 August. QSL via bureau. [TNX DL2VFR]
F - Jerome, F5ASD reports his operation from Noirmoutiers Island (EU-064) [425DXN 689] will now take place from 31 July to 7 August. Look for F5ASD/p on 40-6 metres. On 8-15 August he will be active from the lighthouse at Cap Frehel (PB-087). QSL via home call, direct or bureau.
F - Special call TM5JIM will be aired on 1-15 August for the 27th edition of the "Jazz in Marciac" Festival. QSL via F6DJB, direct or bureau.[TNX F5NQL]
F - Brian, M0ARK will be active F/M0ARK/P from Oleron Island (EU-032) on 1-14 August and from Re Island (EU-032) on 14-24 August. He will operate SSB on the HF bands, but will concentrate on 6 metres when the band is open. [TNX G0SNV]
FO - Nando/IT9YRE, Claudio/I1SNW and Alfio/IT9EJW will go back to French Polynesia on 16 September for their second attempt to operate from Hereheretue, Duke of Gloucester Islands (OC-052: the most Most Wanted IOTA group in Oceania). Sea conditions permitting, they expect to be active from around 12 UTC on 18 September until 24 UTC on the 20th. QSL direct only via home calls. Donations to help offset the high costs of the expedition will be gratefully accepted. [TNX IT9YRE]
GD - A large group of operators from the Wrexham and District ARS will be active as GB4IOM and GB4SPT from Scarlett Point, a disused Coast Guard look out tower on the Isle of Man (EU-116) on 1-8 September. Operation will be on all HF bands, 50Mhz, 70Mhz and 144Mhz; the team expects to be active on at least two or three HF bands simultaneously and to operate CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and some SSTV. QSL via the RSGB bureau or direct (address TBA). A wide range of certificates and awards will be available for contacting the stations. Details can be found on the web site for the operation at http://www.gb4iom.co.uk [TNX M1LCR]
GM - Weather permitting, Andre, GM3VLB will operate from Ailsa Craig (EU-123) from 30 July to 2 August and from Lady Isle (EU-123) on 2 or 3 August for about 24 hours. QSL direct only to Andre Saunders, 6 Douglas Crescent, Kelso, TD5 8BB, Scotland, UK. [TNX GM3VLB]
GM - Peter, GM3OFT expects to operate on 20 and 40 metres from Barra Island (EU-010) during a family visit on 9-10 August. [TNX GM3VLB]
HB9 - Special call HE5IBC will be aired during August to celebrate the 10 GHZ ATV world record of 1564 km made on 1 July 2004 between I8/HE5IBC (JM89AD) and EA7/F4CXQ (IM97CP). QSL via HB9MM. [TNX HB9AFI]
HL - Look for DS1NMA/2, DS1PWW/2, DS2BVY/P and D70IY/2 to be active on 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres SSB from Tokchok Island (AS-090) from around 3 UTC on 2 August until around 3 UTCon the 4th.[TNX DS1NMA]
I - Scout station IU1J will be activated from Genua on 4-12 August. QSL via bureau. [TNX IZ1BZS]
I - Look for IU1L to be aired again from La Lanterna (ARLHS ITA-177, WAIL LI-005) during this year's International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend on 21-22 August. QSL via bureau or direct to ARI Genova, P.O. Box 1117, 16121 Genova - GE, Italy. [TNX IZ1BZS]
JA - Weather permitting, expect JF0BPT/0 to be active from Tobishima (AS-117, JIIA AS-117-088) on 3-5 August. QSL via bureau. [TNX JI6KVR]
J7 - Florida DXPedition Group members Bill /W4WX (J75WX), Clarence/W9AAZ (J79AA), Larry/W1LR (J79LR), Cory/N1WON (requested call J79CM) and Vance/N5VL (requested call J79VL) will operate on all bands and modes from Dominica (NA-101) from 26 October to 2 November. QSL via home calls. They will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest as J75J (QSL via KR4DA). [TNX W4WX]
KG4 - Bill, W4WX will operate as KG4DX from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (NA-015) on 10-14 August. Look for him on SSB, RTTY, and PSK-31 on most bands. QSL via home call. [TNX W4WX]
LX - Look for LX/ON6QX, LX/ON4LO and LX/ON6UM to operate on all bands except 6 metres from Luxemburg on 18-21 September. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX ON6UM]
OE - Falk/DK7YY, Hajo/DJ9MH and Rolf/DL7VEE expect to operate on all bands CW, SSB and RTTY from the Vienna International Centre station, 4U1VIC, on 13-15 August. They plan to use two stations (oneof them will participate in the WAE CW Contest) with amplifiers and vertical antennas nearly around the clock. QSL via CBA or bureau to OE1ZKC. [TNX DL7VEE]
SV5 - Goran, SM0CMH will be active as SV5/SM8C from Kalymnos (EU-001) from 7 August to 4 September. He will operate mainly CW on 10-80 metres (and on 160 metres if he can find a plcae for the antenna). QSL via SM0CMH, either direct (Goran Lundell, Algovagen 11, SE-133 36 Saltsjobaden, Sweden) or through the bureau. [TNX SM0CMH]
UA - Look for R3ARC/p to be QRV on 29-31 July from Russian Districts MO-42 and MO-92. QSL route at www.qrz.com [TNX RA3AKF]
UA - RA0CS, UA0AOZ/0 and UA0CB will operate as RA0C from Ustritsa Island (RR-14-04) on 7-11 August. [TNX RA0CS]
UA - Vlad, UA0FZ reports he is active as UB40FSU to celebrate his 40th anniversary on the amateur radio bands. He was first licensed in 1964 as UB5FSU. QSL via UA0FZ.
UR - Alex, UT3UZ and other ten operators will operate on 160-6 metres CW and SSB as EM0U/p from Chernobyl on 6-8 August. QSL via UT3UZ (P.O. Box 240, Kiev-232, 02232 Ukraine). [TNX UT3UZ]
V4 - Larry, KJ4UY will be vacationing on Nevis Island (NA-104) on 20-28 August. He plans to operate as V47UY on all bands, 6 metres included, and different modes. QSL direct to home call. [TNX KJ4UY]
V7 - Aki, JA1KAJ will operate (on 80-10 metres SSB, CW and RTTY) as V73V from Majuro (OC-029), Marshall Islands on 11-16 August. QSL via home call. [TNX JA1KAJ]
VE - VE3RGG plans to operate from Cabot Head Lighthouse (ARLHS CAN-067) on 7-8 August. [TNX VE3NQK]
VU - Arasu, VU2UR reports that a team of 13 operators will be active as AT0RI from Rameswaram, Pamban Island in the Tamil Nadu State (AS-???) on 23-31 August. Hopefully they will have a 3-element beam along with wire antennas. More details are expected in due course. [TNX VU2RS & JI6KVR]
YU - From 1 July through 31 August amateur radio operators from Montenegro are allowed to add "100" in their prefix (e.g. YT6A = YT6100A, YU6RKB = YU6100RKB) to celebrate the100th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi's first contact between Bari (Italy) and Bar (Montenegro). The official commemorative station is 4O6100BB. QSL route for all of the special prefixes is via YT6A; he is also the award manager for the "Marconi Montenegro 100 Award" which is available for working these stations. [TNX YT6A, http://www.yt6a.com]
YV0 - The operation from Aves Island [425DXN 690] will start later then originally planned as the team's departure for the island was delayed until 22.39 UTC on 29 July, with a targeted landing scheduled for local sunrise on the 31st. The DXpedition team led by YV1DIG consists of nineYV operators and three foreign operators (K6MYC, OH2BH and OH0XX), as the fourth guest operator (K4UEE) had to return to the United States for family reasons. Look for YV0D to hit the airwaves on several bands and modes until 8 August. QSL via KB6NAN, direct or bureau. [TNX OH2BN]
Good to Know
ITALIAN DX CONVENTION ---> The XX Italian HF-DX Convention will take place in Bologna and Pontecchio Marconi on 25-26 September. Presentations will include "V8PMB & 9M8PSB - Borneo 2004" by Maurizio Bertolino (IZ1CRR/I121171); "T33C - Banaba 2004" by Andrea Panati (IK1PMR), Claudia Fava (K2LEO) and Joe Blackwell (AA4NN); "425 DX News" by Mauro Pregliasco (I1JQJ) with Leonardo Lastrucci (IZ5FZS) and Francesco Giacoia (IZ7AUH); "40 Years of IOTA" by Mauro Pregliasco (I1JQJ); "Contest 40 & 80" by Maurizio Bertolino (IZ1CRR/I121171); "IA0PS - The Italian Expedition to Antartica" by Filippi Corbelli (IK0AIH); "3B9C- Rodrigues Island DXpedition" by Bob Beebe (GU4YOX); "The New ARI Contest Team" by Stefano Casari (IK2HKT). The US licence exam session will take place at 10 local time on 25 September. For further information please contact Anton Salmi, IK4UPU (ik4upu@amsat.org).
NOT THE MANAGER ---> Chris, KG6AR reports that effective 27 July, he is no longer the QSL manager for EM3J, EO10J, EO55JM, EO56JM, EO57JM, EO58JM and UU2JZ. [TNX K1XN and The Golist]
OPERATOR NEEDED (VP5X) --->
The VP5X contest group will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest from
North Caicos Island and they are sponsoring again one young amateur radio
operator (21 or under) to receive an all expense paid trip to join
the team. Young operators worldwide can apply for the Young Ham Contest
Program by sending a 500+ word essay describing how he/she got started
in amateur radio, naming his/her Elmer (mentor) and telling why
he/she should be selected for this
year's contest operation. Please visit http://www.vp5x.com/contests.htm
for complete information. [TNX N0VD]
QSL CS0RCL/P ---> Toze, CT1GFK
reports that the first direct cards for the 11-13 June operation from Pessegueiro
Island (EU-167) [425DXN 683] will be
mailed on Monday. Check http://www.qsl.net/ct1gfk/cs0rcl.htm
for on-line logs and further details.
QSL TO4E & TO4WW
---> Some 13,200 direct requests have been received and Didier, F5OGL is
currently processing them in his spare time. It takes time,
as the QSL cards are handwritten,
so please be patient and do not send second requests. [TNX F5OGL]
___________
Aug. 1-8 2004 I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.
01/08/2004: EU-170
9A/Z32FD PAG ISLAND -
Look for 9A/Z32FD to operate from
Pag Island (IOTA EU-170, IOCA CI-082, MIA MC-282) starting August 1st.
Length of stay was not given. QSL via DJ0LZ (Ace Jevremov, P.O. Box 14,
D-82378 Peissenberg, Germany). [Tnx 425DXN]
01/08/2004: RDA RAØWA
& Co. RUSSIAN DISTRICTS -
Alex RA0WA & Co. will be active
between August 1st and 15th the following references, for the Russian Districts
Award, using special calls for each reference:
UE0YAA - TU-02 Ak-Dovurak City,
Republic of Tuva (TU)
UE0YAB - TU-03 Baj-Tajginsky Area,
Republic of Tuva (TU)
UE0YAC - TU-04 Baryn-Hemchiksky
Area, Republic of Tuva (TU)
UE0YAD - TU-05 Dzun-Hemchiksky Area,
Republic of Tuva (TU)
UE0WAA - HA-06 Bejsky Area, Republic
of Khakassia (HA)
UE0WAB - HA-09 Tashtypsky Area,
Republic of Khakassia (HA)QSL via RA0WA, direct or through the bureau.
[Tnx Site RDA]
02/08/2004: EU-136
9A/H.C.'s KRK ISLAND -
Laci HA0HW and Tomi HA4DX will be
QRV August 2nd to 12th as 9A/HA0HW and 9A/HA4DX from Krk Island (IOTA EU-136,
IOCA CI-046, MIA MC-185). Expect activity in their early morning and late
evening hours on various HF bands mainly CW, with some PSK31, RTTY and
SSB. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
02/08/2004: EU-064
F5ASD/P NOIRMOUTIERS ISLAND -
Jerome, F5ASD, will be QRV August
2nd to 15th as F5ASD/p from Noirmoutiers Island (IOTA EU-064, DIFM AT-020).
Activity will be on 80 through 10 meters, using a Yaesu FT-100 and 100watts.
QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5ASD]
02/08/2004: ENG-157
G1VDP/P TREVOSE HEAD LIGHTHOUSE -
Chris, G1VDP plans to operate from
the Trevose Head Lighthouse (ENG-157) on August 2nd as G1VDP/p. Look for
him on or around 7064 kHz in his mornings and 21265 kHz in his afternoons.
If he can get his G5RV erected, he will try also 14263 kHz. QSL via home
call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
03/08/2004: EU-170
9A/HA8KW PAG ISLAND -
Feco, HA8KW, will be active as 9A/HA8KW
from Pag Island (IOTA EU-170, IOCA CI-082, MIA MC-282) starting August
3rd for about one week. Activity will be on 30 through 10 meters. QSL via
his home callsign either direct or through the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]
03/08/2004: EU-003
CU7/DH9YAT AZORES -
Uwe, DH9YAT, will be active between
August 3rd and 20th as CU7/DH9YAT from the Azores (EU-003). Activity will
be on 40, 20 and 15 meters QRP on CW. QSL via the bureau to his home call.
[Tnx OPDX]
03/08/2004: AS-117
JF0BPT/Ø TOBISHIMA ISLAND -
JF0BPT/0 will be on Tobishima Island
(IOTA AS-117, JIIA AS-117-088) between August 3rd and 5th, weather dependent.
QSL via the JARL bureau. [Tnx JI6KVR]
05/08/2004: N9L WISCONSIN
LIGHTHOUSE EXPEDITION -
Special event station, N9L, will
be operating from several lighthouses along the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin
from August 5th to 14th, including activation of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
(USA-252) during the National Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend on Saturday
and Sunday, August 7-8th. The will also activate the Chambers Island lightouse
(ARLHS USA-150) August 11th. Jim, W5AZN (ARLHS #484) and Patty, W5AZO (ARLHS
#485) will be active at a different lighthouse for a few hours each day
between 14:00-21:00 UTC. Frequencies will be centered on 14270 or 7270
kHz (+/-). A QSL for each lighthouse as well as a certificate representing
all of the lighthouses will be available to confirmed contacts and SWLs.
QSL direct to W5AZN. [Tnx OPDX]
06/08/2004: EU-127
DD6VSF/P SCHARHOERN ISLAND -
Sven, DD6VSF will be QRV August
6th to 8th as DD6VSF/p from Scharhoern Island (IOTA EU-127, GIA N-11 for
the German Islands Award). Activity will be on 40, 20 and 17 meter SSB
and PSK31. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
06/08/2004: WAIL:MA-003
IY6GM MONTE CAPPUCCINI -
ARI Ancona will operate special
station IY6GM from Monte Cappuccini (WAIL MA-003, ARLHS ITA-104) between
August 6th and 10th. The activity will celebrate the 100th anniversary
of the experiments carried out by Guglielmo Marconi from that place. QSL
via I6GFX, direct (P.O. Box 122, 60100 Ancona - AN, Italy) or bureau. [Tnx
425DXN]
06/08/2004: OC-026
NB6A/KH2 GUAM -
Tack, JE1RXJ will be QRV August
6th to 8th as NB6A/KH2 from Guam (OC-026). Activity will be on 160 through
6 meter SSB, CW and RTTY, with an emphasis on 6 and 160 meters and the
WARC bands. QSL via home call, direct (Takeshi Goto, 15-11 Saiwai, Hiratsuka-City,
254-0804 Japan) or through the JARL bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
06/08/2004: OC-035
YJØII VANUATU -
Franz, DK1II (ZL2III), will be active
from Port Vila, Vanuatu (OC-035), between August 6th and 15th. He plans
work mainly on CW on 40 through 10 meters, depending on propagation. Franz
has applied for the callsign, YJ0II, but this is not confirmed yet. Please
QSL via DK1II. [Tnx OPDX]
07/08/2004: NA-111 N2OB
BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE -
The Old Barney Amateur Radio Club
(N2OB) will be operating from the Barnegat Lighthouse (ARLHS USA-039, IOTA
NA-111, USI NJ-001S) August 7th (rain date is August 8th). Operation will
be primarily on 20 and 40 meter SSB from about 13:00 UTC to 22:00 UTC.
QSL via N2OB (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425DXN]
07/08/2004: USA-252
N9L EAGLE BLUFF LIGHTHOUSE -
Special event station, N9L, will
be operating from the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse (USA-252) during the National
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 7-8th. Frequencies
will be centered on 14270 or 7270 kHz (+/-). QSL direct to W5AZN. [Tnx
OPDX]
73 and Good
Hunting!
Dave Raycroft
- VA3RJ
Home of
ICPO:
www.qsl.net/va3rj
Mirror:
http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj
Join ICPO
e-Group: www.qsl.net/va3rj/icpo.html
E-mail:
va3rj@rac.ca
________
Note: A complete list of
Prefixes assigned by International Telecommunications Union can be found
on the Trans Provincial Website: www.tpn7055.ca/callsign.html
|
|
July 26 2004 ARES stands ready to support agencies during Democratic National Convention
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) in Eastern Massachusetts stands ready to provide support to public safety agencies and service organizations during the Democratic National Convention in Boston, July 25-30. "Eastern Massachusetts Section ARES will be supporting the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency," ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator Mike Neilsen, W1MPN, said in a letter to Eastern Massachusetts Section Field Organization appointees. Other agencies include the City of Boston Emergency Operations Center and the National Weather Service office in Taunton. "The goals for our effort are to provide requested support services during the course of the convention that are consistent with our abilities and resources," Neilsen said. If needed, ARES will provide support in the event of a catastrophic loss of the communication infrastructure due to a terrorist incident or natural catastrophe. Other goals are to optimize training opportunities during the limited mobilization and to respond to emergency conditions, if needed. Eastern Massachusetts ARES has already contacted ARES leaders in New Hampshire, Western Massachusetts and Connecticut to coordinate any mutual assistance that might be required.
For additional information, contact Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, k0bog@arrl.org at ARRL Headquarters.
(ARRL News Service)
___________________
July 27 2004 ARES has Limited Role in MARS "Grecian Firebolt 2004" Exercise
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers in eastern New York took part in Grecian Firebolt 2004 (GF04)--the annual Military Affiliate Radio Service (MARS) communications exercise in mid-June. This year's multi-purpose exercise involved a homeland defense/homeland security scenario. It included the development and processing of messages by volunteer members through the MARS radio system; interface with selected military locations via HF radio; testing and evaluation of new technology such as HF radio with Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) [ www.arrl.org/tis/info/ale.html ] and establishment of HF radio connectivity with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other entities. MARS joined all communications units of the US Army Reserve in the nationwide exercise alongside.
"This was not only the largest exercise in MARS history, it was one of the best planned and executed that was both exciting and truly a combined-service integrated event," said Army MARS Chief Robert Sutton, N7UZY/AAA9A. "In simple words the challenge presented MARS was successfully met, and the bar was raised one more time."
ARES had agreed to limited participation in GF04, and during the exercise MARS and Amateur Radio operators cooperated to establish a working interoperability relationship between Army MARS and ARES members in eastern New York. The test was intended to check out crossband communication capabilities. ARES participation in GF04 started June 15 with the activation of an ARES emergency drill net on 75 meters, while a New York State MARS emergency net was at the same time on a MARS channel. After both nets were established, each net control station appointed a liaison to the crossband circuit, and traffic passed successfully between the nets. Among participating ARRL ARES stations was ARRL New York City-Long Island Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Carrubba, KA2D.
Grecian Firebolt 2004 provided MARS members with the opportunity to link with other agencies and military units and to experiment with new technologies. MARS support for GF04 also provided significant training and a chance for MARS to display its capabilities to support the military and other government agencies as part of homeland defense and homeland security.
"Many important individuals have experienced first hand what MARS is all about," Sutton concluded in a message to MARS members. "All of you [who] participated have bragging rights for a job well done."
(ARRL News Service)
___________________
July 27 2004 Spoofing generates new round of spurious arrl.net e-mail messages
Recent e-mail messages purporting to be from "noreply@arrl.net," the "ARRL.net Support Team" or some similar variation are not from the ARRL. These messages are the result of a recent variant of a virus permeating the Internet. ARRL has heard from members who have received e-mails alleging that their ARRL E-Mail Forwarding Service (@arrl.net) address has been used to send out spam and urging them to open an attachment to help resolve the situation. Opening the attachment will infect the recipient's computer. Outside of routine correspondence, the ARRL only sends e-mail to members who request mailings, such as W1AW bulletins and The ARRL Letter, and none of these are sent via the ARRL E-Mail Forwarding Service. As a defense against these kinds of viruses, we recommend installing virus protection software on all personal computers and updating it on a regular basis.
(ARRL News Service)
___________________
July 27 2004 California Historical Radio Society obtains late ARRL director’s call sign
The call sign of the late ARRL Pacific Division Director Jim Maxwell, W6CF, will live on in memoriam, thanks to Maxwell’s widow, Trudy, KC6NAX, and the California Historical Radio Society ( www.californiahistoricalradio.com ). The club, which is restoring the former KRE (AM 1400 kHz) radio studio in Berkeley as its headquarters and as a vintage radio museum, will use W6CF for its amateur club station. Trudy Maxwell, who assented to the call sign acquisition, also donated her husband’s extensive technical library to CHRS, and it has been moved to the KRE location as the James Maxwell Memorial Radio Library and Archive. Maxwell had an abiding interest in radio and electronics history, and Jim and Trudy Maxwell spearheaded initial efforts at ARRL Headquarters to catalogue documents from the League’s early years (that work continues under Archivist Perry Williams, W1UED). Maxwell died unexpectedly February 6, 2003, at the age of 69, after serving three years on the ARRL Board. From 1994 until 2000, he was the Pacific Division Vice Director. The KRE parking lot, front entrance and studio appeared in the 1973 movie American Graffiti as the backdrop for the DJ Wolfman Jack sequences. An article, “Northern California Radio Group Gets Classic Radio Station,” by Mike Adams, in the August issue of Antique Radio Classified details the CHRS restoration effort.--some information provided by Bart Lee, KV6LEE, and Antique Radio Classified: www.antiqueradio.com
(ARRL News Service)
|
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Acknowledgments
RAC, ARRL, RSGB, SpaceRef.com,
SM3CER, ICPO, ODXA, DX Listening, CBC News, GB2RS, ARISS, NASA, AMSAT,
Daily Press,
ARES Ontario, Amateur
Radio Newsline, QRZ News, 425 DX News, CGC, Amateur Radio Club Members
, Published News Reports
