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Ham Radio and Hurricane Charley
Packing 145-mile per hour winds Hurricane Charley slammed into west-central Florida, ravaging oceanfront homes and trailer parks, tearing apart small planes and inundating the coast. More than a half million customers were left without power or telephone service statewide. Damage was especially heavy in downtown Punta Gorda on Charlotte Harbor. Warren Elly, W1GUD, is a Tampa based TV reporter sent to cover the aftermath of Charley coming on shore: Audio report only, hear it in mp3 audio in the current newscast posted at www.arnewsline.org/quincy
Warren's report was filed early Monday the 16th. Since then President George Bush has declared some sections of Florida as a major disaster area. His brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, projected damage from Charley could exceed 15 billion dollars, but that estimate was preliminary.
(ARNewsline)
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Aug. 20 2004 New QCWA Officers Elected
Former FCC rules man John B. Johnston, W3BE, is the new President of the Quarter Century Wireless Association. Also elected are Vice-President Bob Roske, NOUF: Secretary Alan Pickering, KJ9N and Treasurer Frank Harris, WA4PAM Elected to serve as QCWA Directors are Tom Atkins, VE3CDM: Harold Chase, W1EES: Lew Gordon, K4VX: Jerrel Jones, W5TUU; Ray Minichello, W1BC: Len Nathanson, W8RC: Blanche Randles, W4GXZ, and Ed Yoder W3YMB. Both Gordon and Nathanson are former Directors of the ARRL. 2307 QCWA members returned ballots in this years election.
2004 QCWA National Conventiom in Ottawa
And speaking about the QCWA. word that the organization will hold its 2004 international convention in Canada. The dates are October 15th through the 17th at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa. This years gathering is hosted by the National Capital Chapter 70.
More information is on line at www.qcwa.org/2004convention.htm
(QCWA)
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Another Operation from Iraq
Even as the military action in Iraq continues another ham radio station has come on the air from that war torn region. This, word that Ryszard Nowakowski, SP8HKT has been licensed to operate as YI9KT. Ryszard will be there for five months. He uses a 100 watt radio into a vertical antenna on all bands from 40 to 10 meters. He operates mostly on C-W but will come onto SSB if you make the request.
(GB2RS)
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Aug. 20 2004 Internet Linking in the UK
Telecommunications regulators are about to make ham radio internet linking a lot easier on the other side of the Atlantic. This, as Ofcom which is the U-K equivalent of our FCC issues new and more liberalized rules. Ofcom has announced the decisions it has taken about changes to the procedure and terms of issuing Notices of Variation (NoV) for Internet Linking Gateways.
Ofcom proposes to pass the Internet-linking NoV process to the RSGB to issue NoVs on behalf of Ofcom. The RSGB will be announcing procedures for NoV renewal shortly and queries on the renewal process should be directed to the Society. Ofcom's decisions were made following the notification of four proposals which gave those holding an NoV the opportunity to make representations.
For those interested the complete set of new U K Internet linking rules is on line at http://tinyurl.com/4LE8P
Jeramy Boot, G4NJH
(GB2RS)
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UK Radio Club gets grant to teach the hobby
The Thornton-Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society in the United Kingdom has recently received a grant of close to 5,000 British Pounds. This, to help in the promotion of amateur radio. Over the past two and a half years the club has held 18 examination classes with 150 passing the U-K Foundation class ham radio license exam.
(GB2RS)
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Thailand considers joining the CEPT reciprocal operating and licensing agreements
The Thai International Services Division has written to the ERO (European Radio Organisation - CEPT Secretariat) on 17th August 2004 expressing Thailand's desire to join the CEPT recommendations TR6101 and TR6102, and explains Thailand's current system and asks for CEPT advice on how this can be accommodated or integrated into the agreement. (The CEPT licensing agreement does permit deviations for non-CEPT countries and this is covered by putting a footnote in the list of countries signing to the agreement.) The ERO has already responded to PTD and has given some advice and suggestions. They indicate that the application will be considered at the next council of the CEPT.
If successful this will mean that Thailand will have in effect reciprocal agreements with almost 60 countries, mainly in Europe.
The Thai regulatory authority PTD, have been considering joining the common licensing aspects of CEPT since the Danish IT Ministry wrote to the Director General several months ago. (Note - The Danish IT Ministry and PTT refused to enter into negotiations with Thailand on a bilateral agreement and instead suggested to PTD that Thailand should join CEPT). Each department has been exploring the advantages and disadvantages of joining the scheme, and how the Thai laws and regulations would affect joining the recommendation.
Subsequently, on July 16th, at a meeting chaired by Khun Wojana (Director International) of PDT, Ray Gerrard Vice President of RAST and Major Narissara (Committee Member) presented the case supporting Thailand joining the CEPT Recommendations. Representatives from the major departments were represented I.e. Legal, Licensing, Engineering, and International relations. The main purpose of the meeting was for PTD to hear RASTs view of the CEPT issue.
(Ray Gerrard, HS0ZDZ)
(RAC News Service)
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Aug. 21 2004 Amateur radio "less significant" in Australia ?
The future introduction of Broadband Powerline Communications (BPL) in Australia could be on the condition that "less significant" HF radio users such as radio amateurs and four wheel driver clubs would not be protected from any interference it causes. The Australian power industry has a real concern about the added expense required to address interference that could affect amateur radio stations and other recreational radio users. Its arguments include that to remove amateur radio frequencies from a BPL system will add cost and reduce the capacity and potential data rate. The power industry is requesting that the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) outweigh the concerns of recreational or "less significant" HF radio users with the higher community benefit of providing greater access to broadband-enabling technology. The ACA, in response to the power industry concerns, is now examining the legal possibility of allowing BPL networks to cause substantial interference to "less significant" radio services, while other radio services would continue to be entitled to interference protection. Presumably if this becomes reality the Amateur Service could lose its protection against harmful powerline interference too. After all, were are in the eyes of some just a "less significant" radio service. This has been Jim (Thanks to Jim Linton VK3PC for WIA National News).
(RAC News Service)
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Thailand and Sweden exchange greetings via 20 metre phone
Thailand's Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Culture M.R. Chakrarot Chitrabongs (HS1VRD) exchanged greetings with the Governor of Sweden's Jamtland County, Maggi Mikalesson, on the 20 metre amateur radio band on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Amateur Radio Society in Ragunda, SI9AM. The Thai side of the commemorative QSO was conducted from RAST's newly-outfitted club station at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), HS0AC, using the special callsign HS72B, issued to mark Her Majesty the Queen's sixth cycle (72 years) birthday on August 12.
Other operators at HS72B exchanging greetings with senior representatives of SI9AM and the Thai community in Ragunda, in northern Sweden, included RAST Vice-President Chaiyong Wongwuticomjon (HS1QVD) and event co-organiser Svante Nordenstroem (Sam), HS0ZDY, also SM3DYU.
Please see the RAST Web-site www.qsl.net/rast for pictures of this event.
Sam HS0ZDY also reported:
"Good morning/evening all
I went to see M.R. Chakrarot HS1VRD
today and handed over 3 sets of picture-folders and 3 CD's with the voice
log from the QSO on 18th July between SI9AM and HS72B. The voice log was
heavily edited, the original was 70 minutes long and the final cut was
30 minutes. The length due to the congratulatory messages to The Queen
read both from Sweden and from Bangkok. HS1VRD was very pleased with the
sets and said that he intend to wait until the official celebrations are
over and then ask for an audience with The Queen. He suggested that the
presentation should be done by ourselves from RAST. This audience will
probably not be possible to obtain until the end of the year, due to The
Queen's busy schedule. RAST will not be the only organisation doing presentations,
but we will be one of many. I informed him that I will not be available
myself until first week of December as I have to go back to work, but he
indicated that it may not be possible to get an audience until then. We
will co-ordinate via e-mails regarding this. The 3 sets are intended as,
one for HS1VRD personally, one for the National Archives and one
for The Queen.
The master CD and the photo selection
will be left with Tony if any further copies are needed.
I was asked to forward M.R. Chakrarot's
thanks to all involved in organising this very successful event."
(Thanks to Tony HS0ZDX, and Sam HS0ZDY)
(RAC News Service)
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RAST appoints Intruder Watch coordinator
Ray, HS0ZDZ, reports:
Last Sunday the RAST Committee met and approved the appointment of Mr Sheridon Street HS0ZEE as RASTs Intruder Watch Coordinator. The Committee appreciated the work that Sheridon had already done in producing a country report to the Region III IARU Coordinator VU2UR.
Several countries in IARU Region III are working together to track down intruders with help from their administrations and have had some success. Listeners have been exchanging tape recordings, and "wave" files of illegal emissions so that languages and type of emissions can be identified.
(Thanks to RAST)
(RAC News Service)
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For the information of all, RAC now has available black golf shirts and blue denim long-sleeved shirts, both with the yellow ARES emblem embroidered thereon. This is in response to many requests for more ARES-signature items. The matching black ARES caps are still available.
They can be seen and ordered at www.rac.ca/store/catalogue.htm
Bob Cooke VE3BDB
Director (Ontario South Region)
Radio Amateurs of Canada
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Aug. 22 2004 Halifax Amateur Radio Club to Operate VE1FO from Peggy's Cove During the 2004 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend
The Peggy's Cove Lighthouse - now officially know as the Peggy's Point Lighthouse - is located at the entrance to St. Margaret's Bay in Nova Scotia, and is one of the most photographed and well-known lighthouses in Canada. The first lighthouse at Peggy's Cove was erected in 1868 following a tragic shipwreck. This first lighthouse was a wooden tower built atop a keeper's dwelling at Peggy's Point. It had a red light and used a catoptric reflector (a round silver-plated mirror) to magnify the kerosene oil lamp. This structure was replaced in 1915 by the present tower, a pleasing and stout concrete octagon 50 feet west of the original light. The keeper's dwelling remained nearby for many years. The new lighthouse shows a white light from a dioptric lens, a series of glass prisms, to magnify the light.
The Halifax Amateur Radio Club was founded first in 1933 and is one of the oldest in Canada. The Club membership is committed to public service and works closely with the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) in Nova Scotia, assisting with emergency radio communication in times of disaster. During the Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2004, the Halifax Club will set up a portable radio station consisting of an Yaesu FT-990 running low power, and three antennas - a Cushcraft A3 for 10, 15 and 20 metres; and two inverted-"V" dipoles for 40 and 80 metres. All antennas will be mounted atop a 30-foot pneumatic tower attached to the EMO mobile repeater trailer.
Because Peggy's Cove is a major Nova Scotia tourist destination, with dozens of tour buses and hundreds of cars visiting daily, there will be a wonderful opportunity to promote amateur radio to the general public. On the other hand, the rugged rocky shore where the lighthouse is located makes operating from within or adjacent to the structure impossible. Therefore the Club portable station will be located about 500 metres from the lighthouse in the "Little Red Schoolhouse" that sits atop a hill overlooking and with a clear view of - except during foggy periods, and we have had our share this summer -the Peggy's Point Light.
A special QSL card will be printed to commemorate this event. Listen for VE1FO on both CW and Voice during the August 21st to 22nd weekend.
Submitted by:
Howard Dickson - VE1DHD
Secretary, Halifax Amateur Radio
Club
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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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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. 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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Sept. 4 2004 Ottawa Amateur
Radio Club 8th Annual Hamfest
Sponsored by: The Ottawa
Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Location: Carp Agricultural
Fairgrounds 3970 Carp Road (at Falldown Lane) Ottawa (Carp), Ontario From
Ottawa, take Highway 417 West to Carp Road exit, North to the fairgrounds.
We are in the arena, so follow the signs on the site.
Opens: Building Vendor setup:
8 am Tailgaters Open: 9 am Building Opens: 10 am until 1 pm
Cost: $5 general admission
$10/table (plus admission) $5/tailgate (plus admission)
Talkin: on VE2CRA, 146.94
-
Notes: Immediately following
the fleamarket will be the RAC Forum and Technology Update moderated by
RAC Ontario North Director, Doug Leach (VE3XK). Topics of interest to the
amateur radio community are planned and admission is free.
The agenda is: Amateur Radio
Around the World - Threats and Opportunities - Ken Pulfer, VE3PU - International
Amateur Radio Union
Care and Feeding of Rechargeable
Batteries - Dick Bonnycastle, VE3FUA
The Propagation Tools, Where to
Find Them and How to Apply Them - Bert Barry - VE3QAA
A Family Tree of Antenna Types -
David Conn, VE3KL
For more info visit: www.oarc.net/fleamarket
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Sept. 11 2004 Barrie Hamfest
Sponsored by: The Barrie
Amateur Radio Club
Location: Oro Medonte
Fairgrounds just north of Barrie on Hwy 11 to Oro Medonte line 7. Go Northwest
2 km on 7th line to the 15/16th sideroad.
Opens: Vendors at 7 am, Public
9 am to 1 pm
Cost: Admission $5, 8' Tables
$15, Tailgating $5
Talkin: VE3RAG 147.000 (+)
Notes: New bigger better
location (Milton of the North) Wheelchair accessible handicap parking available
For more info visit: www.bconnex.net/~barc/hamfest.htm
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Sept. 11 2004 Kingston Amateur
Radio and Communications Fleamarket
Sponsored by: The Kingston
Amateur Radio Club
Location: Drill Hall
Alpha, Vimy Barracks, CFB Kingston. Hall is located in the Forde Building.
From HWY 401 take HWY 15 South until you reach the end (HWY 2). Turn left
and watch for the signs. Approximately 1 km east is Vimy Barracks.
Opens: Vendors enter at 7:00
AM, Door open to the general public from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Cost: General admission $2,
tables $10, commercial vendor tables $20. Door prizes may be substituted
for commercial vendors admission only. One free admission given with each
table rental. 50/50 draw tickets $1.00
Talkin: 146.940 (-) VE3KBR
Notes: Plan on visiting the
Communications Musuem while you're here. Visit their site by clicking
here: www.c-and-e-museum.org
.The museum is located just across the street from the fleamarket. The
hall will have a canteen open and washrooms are available on site.
For more info visit: www.king.igs.net/~karc/main.html
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RAC Ontario Section News
Aug. 18 2004 Realignment process of the ARES Ontario Districts to match the EMO Sectors complete
August 14, 2004 marks the completion of the realignment process of the ARES Ontario Districts to match the EMO Sectors. Rose,VE3RIS SM and Michael, VE3LKI ASM wish to thank all of the Coordinators for their cooperation and support during the realignment process. A special thank you from former SEC Paul, VE3UUM who took on the enormous realignment task. Our collective appreciation to Paul for his time and expertise creating the maps and for making the realignments a reality much sooner than expected.
The DEC/EC Directory has been revised to reflect these changes along with a single interactive map of all ARES Ontario districts. The interactive map and DEC/EC directory can be found on the main ARES Ontario page in the navagation section on the left side of the screen at www.aresontario.ca
(RAC Ontario Section Staff)
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Sept. 11 2004 Southern Vancouver
Island Ham Happenings
Sponsored by: The Cowichan
Valley Amateur Radio Society
Location: Cobble Hill
Hall, Cobble Hill BC
Opens: Vendors 7 am, Public
9 am
Cost: Admission $5, Children
12 and under free, Tables $15 (includes one admission), Tailgaters $5 (admission
extra)
Talkin: VE7RNA 146.680 (-)
Notes: Overnight camping
available (no facilities). Breakfast and lunch catered by the local Lions
Club. Door prize. Raffle.
For more info visit:
www.cvars.com
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Aug. 20 2004 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update
Solar flux and sunspot numbers rose this week. August 13-14 were the peak days for both, and with low and stable geomagnetic indices, HF conditions were good. There weren't any days with notable geomagnetic upsets.
Sunspot 649 has rotated off the western
limb of the sun, and on August 18 it emitted a large coronal mass ejection.
Since it is facing away from earth, we are not likely to be affected, but
from a right angle the mass thrown off the sun from this region is more
visible than if the spot were facing us. Right now sunspot 652 is
pointed in our direction, and there
are some spots identified on the sun's far side using the helioseismic
holography method.
Geomagnetic indices are expected to rise, then decline again over the next few days. The expected planetary A index for August 20-23 is 15, 12, 10 and 12. The expected solar flux for the same days is 115, 110, 105 and 100.
We are only a month away from the Fall equinox. Of course this will bring the good Fall conditions to HF. Due to the declining solar cycle, it probably won't be as good as Fall was over the past few years, but should be better overall for the higher bands than summertime was.
For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service propagation page at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html
Sunspot numbers for August 12 through
18 were 140, 160, 111, 98, 68, 63 and 53 with a mean of 99. 10.7
cm flux was 147.2, 148.6, 149.2,
138.8, 133.6, 135 and 139.9, with
a mean of 141.8. Estimated planetary A indices were 9, 9, 9, 7, 8,
11 and 13, with a mean of 9.4. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were
6, 5, 6, 3, 5, 9 and 10, with a mean of 6.3.
(W1AW)
Europe
Aug. 22 2004 Solar and propagation report from Neil, G0CAS, and Martin, G3USF.
As expected, the past week brought an increase in solar flare activity, with 17 M-class flares reported over the week and a big X1.8 flare on the 18th. Also as expected, the solar flux peaked at 149 on the 14th, then slowly declined to 121 on the 20th, averaging 134 - a rise of 18 over the previous week. The 90-day average was up 2 points at 109. The X-ray flux also peaked on the 14th, at C2, but was down to B3.2 by the 20th, averaging B7.9. Apart from the 15th, which was quiet, the geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled with brief 'active' periods. The highest Ap reading was 14 on the 20th and the average for the week was only 10 units. Solar wind speeds monitored by the ACE space craft were generally below recent levels, dipping under 300km/sec on the 16th.
The increased number of flares mentioned earlier brought a number of short daytime fade-outs on the lower bands. However, none of the flares, including the big X-class flare, produced a coronal mass ejection that was squarely Earth-directed. Consequently, HF propagation was not greatly affected and little auroral activity was reported. The higher bands remained mostly unexciting, though 14MHz openings to Australia were again reported around breakfast time, as were over-the-pole contacts with Alaska. That path also opened on 18MHz. There was sporadic-E on 28MHz on all days, though they were weaker and fewer.
The coming week will bring the quieter side of the Sun into view. For the next few days flare activity is likely to remain moderate, subsequently becoming low or even very low. The decline in the solar flux will continue, possibly as low as the 80s by next weekend. The geomagnetic field will initially be somewhat unsettled, with the possibility of high-latitude aurora on the 22nd. Quieter levels are likely to prevail after midweek. MUFs at equal latitudes should be around 20MHz in the south, weakening to 17MHz further north. Darkness hour lows, now declining, will be in the region of 10MHz. Paths to South Africa should have a maximum usable frequency of about 24MHz. The optimum working frequency, bringing a 90 per cent chance of success will be around 18MHz. The best time will be between 0800 and 1600UTC. More generally, summer patterns of propagation are giving way to an equinoctical pattern, so we should be seeing an improvement in north- south paths. However, east-west paths will remain relatively poor. Sporadic- E openings will be fewer, briefer and weaker.
And that's all for another week from
the propagation team.
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Aug. 16 2004 ISS QSO streamed on EchoLink
Monday 16th August 2004 at 17:05 18:05 UTC there was a 10min two way qso with the Challenger Learning Centre at Prairie Aviation Museum, Bloomington, IL
Questions were asked by a group of students on the 1st pass of the ISS at 17:05 and the reply to the questions was given at 18:05 by NA1SS. The international space station audio stream was broadcast in the EchoLink amsat and England conference rooms.
You can hear this event online at: www.btinternet.com/~g4kqu/ISS_Contact.htm
(SpaceRef.com)
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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
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Aug. 18 2004 Hams assist hospital after telephone outage
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) volunteers in Maryland helped bridge a communication gap August 16 after Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly--the county's largest--experienced a near-total telephone outage at around midday. The Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management called on ARES-RACES to supplement the hospital's back-up telecommunications system.
The radio amateurs had support from The Green Mountain Repeater Association's 146.610 MHz repeater--about 100 yards from the hospital--and its 146.880 MHz repeater in Greenbelt. ARES-RACES volunteers deployed to the hospital as well as to the county emergency operations center and to two other area hospitals--Laurel Regional and Bowie Health Center--to provide coordination and support. WRC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Washington, DC, reported the ARES-RACES activation and said the outage may have been due to a computer system malfunction. The hospital's telephone service was out for about 10 hours. Murray Green, K3BEQ; NBC4
(ARRL News service)
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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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Linux contuinues to grow
The use of the Linux operating system especially among experimenters including ham radio operators is quietly growing. One in five servers sold last year to handle Internet traffic and corporate networks ran on Linux.
Observers say that the economic downturn may be responsible for the Linux move. The Linux operating system was created as the people's software, free and open for everyone to use in an attempt to thwart the commercialization of all Internet technology. Amateur radio was among the first to truly embrace it and many ham radio applications are written for Linux based operation.
(Published news reports)
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The Big T-Hunt....How the U.S. Navy keeps track of Earth Orbiting Satellites
The U.S. Navy has built an exotic radar system to track earth orbiting satellites, and the system has been in place for many years. Now, thanks to a couple of sleuths, details of the Navy's system have been posted on the web.
The Navy's satellite tracking system appears to consist of multiple transmit and receive sites across the U.S., and one of the receive sites just happens to be located in San Diego County a few miles north of Brown Field. This, according to web-published coordinate data as reported in the CGC Communicator broadcast industry newsletter.
And if think UHF moon bounce antennas have gain, wait until you see the giant array built near Lake Kickapoo, Texas. This two mile long antenna transmits continuously on 216.98 Mhz with an unmodulated carrier and has a beamwidth of only 0.02 degrees in one plane. So powerful is the transmitted signal that when the moon passes through the beam, the return echo is said to be detectable on earth with only a dipole antenna attached to a receiver. Talk about the ultimate E-M-E.
This is fascinating, want to learn more?..visit: www.gate.net/~tomk/navspasur/navspasur5.html or www.jump.net/~crossley/NAVSPASUR/index.html
(Bruice Tennant, K6PZW, ARNewsLine)
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Automating Emergency Alerts
A new technology soon to debut in 12 states will significantly extend Amber alerts, reaching cell phones, e-mail and handheld computers. It could also be used to transmit weather and terrorism alerts. According to news reports the system uses a simple broadcast technology that takes the information from a Web portal and reconfigures it for different types of broadcast. By way of example, a state department of transportation might receive it in one format for its road signs and another for its information number. More important, people with cell phones can sign up to receive Amber alerts with their local county or with state authorities. The text of an alert can be sent immediately to local TV news stations and Web sites.
(Science OnLine)
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Russian District Award Contest - CW/SSB - sponsored by the Tambov Award Group and Russian Contest Club from 1000Z- 2200Z 21 Aug. Frequencies: 160 - 10 meters. Categories: SOAB (HP, LP, QRP), SOAB-CW, SOAB-SSB, MS (with 10-min rule), SWL, Portable SO and MS - Russian only. Exchange: RS(T) + serial number or Russian District code.QSO Points: 10 pts/QSO. Total Score: QSO Points x DXCC entities + Russian districts, counted only once. For more information: www.rdaward.org/rda_contest1.htm Logs due 30 days after the contest to rx3rz@tmb.ru or Popov Sergey, P.O.Box 29, Tambov, 392000, Russia.
ARRL 10 GHz Cumulative Contest, 0600 local-2000 local Aug 21-2000 local Aug 22
North American QSO Party--SSB, 1800Z Aug 21-0600Z Aug 22
SARTG WW RTTY Contest, sponsored by the Scandinavian Amateur Radio Teleprinter Society, 0000Z-0800Z and 1600Z-2400Z Aug 21 and 0800Z-1600Z Aug 22. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB (HP, LP <100 W), SOSB, MS, SWL. Exchange: RST and serial number. QSO points: own country--5 pts, different country on same continent--10 pts, diff cont--15 pts. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities + W/VE/VK/JA call districts. For more information: www.sartg.com Logs due Oct 10 to contest@sartg.com or to SARTG Contest Manager, Ewe Håkansson, SM7BHM, Pilspetsvägen 4, SE-291 66 Kristianstad, Sweden.
Keymen's Club of Japan Contest--CW--sponsored by the Keymen's Club of Japan, 1200Z Aug 21-1200Z Aug 22. Frequencies: 160-6 meters (JA allocations on 160 are 1.810- 1.825, 1.908-1.912 MHz). Categories: SOAB, SOSB (JA only), SWL. Exchange: RST and JA prefecture/district or continent. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO (JA count JA/JA--1 pt and JA/DX--5 pts). Score: QSO points × JA pref/dist from each band (JA also count continents). For more information: www.jarl.com/kcj Logs due Sep 30 to kcjlog@freeml.com or Yasuo Taneda, JA1DD, 279-233 Mori, Sambu-town, Sambu-gun, Chiba 289-1214, Japan.
New Jersey QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by Englewood ARA, 2000Z Aug 21-0700Z Aug 22 and 1300Z Aug 22-0200Z Aug 23. Frequencies (MHz): 1.810, 3.535, 7.035, 14.035, 21.100, 28.100, SSB--3.950, 7.235, 14.285, 21.355, 28.400, VHF/UHF 50-50.5 and 144-146 MHz. Exchange: QSO number and SPC or NJ county. QSO points: 3 pts/QSO. Score: QSO points × NJ counties. NJ stations use NJ counties + states (except NJ) + provinces, max 83. For more information:www.qsl.net/w2rj Logs due Sep 18 to Englewood Amateur Radio Association, Inc, PO Box 528, Englewood, NJ 07631-0528.
SEANET Contest--CW/SSB/Digital--sponsored by the SEANET Convention, 1200Z Aug 21-1200Z Aug 22. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.525, 7.025, 14.025, 21.025, 28.025, SSB--7.090, 14.220, 21.320, 28.320. Categories: SO, MS, AB, SB, Mixed and Single Mode combinations. Exchange: RS(T) and serial number. QSO points: SEANET-SEANET--10 pts (5 pts if same country), SEANET-World--10 pts. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities for SEANET entrants, QSO points × SEANET entities for non-SEANET entrants, counted once per band and mode. For more information and list of SEANET countries:www.seanet2004.com Logs due Sep 30 to seanet2004@rast.or.th or Ray Gerrard, HS0ZDZ, PO Box 69, Bangkok Airport PO, Bangkok 10212, Thailand.
Summer VHF/UHF QSO Party--sponsored by the Colorado QRP Club, from 1600Z Aug 22-2200Z Aug 22. Frequencies: 2 m and 70 cm FM, 5 W output max, use recognized simplex frequencies according to the ARRL band plan; do not use the national simplex frequencies of 146.52 or 446.000 MHz. Categories: Portable, Non- Portable. Exchange: Call sign, Grid square, first name, and CQC member # or power. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Total score: QSO points × names beginning with different letters (26 max), counted once per band. 100 point bonus for QSO with W0CQC. For more information: www.cqc.org/contests/summer04.htm Logs due 30 days after the contest to contest@cqc.org or CQC Contest, PO Box 17174, Golden, CO 80402-6019.
Ohio QSO Party--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Mad River Radio Club, 1600Z Aug 28-0400Z Aug 29. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.045, 28.045; SSB--3.850, 7.225, 14.250, 21.300, and 28.450. Categories: SO, MM, Mobile and Rover. Exchange: Serial Number and Ohio county, state or province, DX stations send DX. QSO points: CW--2 pts, SSB--1 pt. Score: QSO points × OH counties (OH station count states, provinces, and OH counties) counted once per mode. For more information:www.oqp.us Logs due 30 days after the contest to logs@oqp.us or to Ohio QSO Party c/o Jim Stahl, K8MR, 30499 Jackson Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022-1730.
TOEC WW Grid Contest--CW--sponsored by the Top of Europe Contesters (TOEC), 1200Z Aug 28-1200Z Aug 29. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SO (no packet) -AB, -SB, Low Power (<100 W, AB only), MS (10 min band change rule), MM, Mobile (SOAB)--work mobiles from each grid field (ie, JP, KO, EM). Exchange: RST + grid square, i.e.--JP73 (log must show all grid fields activated). QSO points: own continent--1 pt, other cont--3 pts, QSOs with mobiles--3 pts. Score: QSO points × two-letter grid fields. For more info-- www.qsl.net/toec/contest.htm. Logs due 30 days after the contest to TOEC.contest@pobox.com or to TOEC, Box 178, SE-83122 Ostersund, Sweden.
Hawaii QSO Party--CW/Phone/RTTY/PSK31 --sponsored by the Koolau ARC, 0700Z Aug 28-2200Z Aug 29. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SOAB and MS (single or mixed-mode), MM (mixed-mode only). Spotting nets and packet allowed in all classes. Exchange: RS(T) and SPC, maritime region (1-3), or HI county. QSO points: 20-15-10 meters, Phone--1 pt, CW/Digital--2 pts; 40 meters, Phone--2 pts, CW/Digital 4 pts; 80 meters, Phone--4 pts, CW/Digital--8 pts; 160 meters, Phone 8 pts, CW/Digital 16 pts. Score is total points plus 150 pts for QSO with KH6J. For more information:www.karc.us/hi_qso_party.html . Logs due 30 days after contest to kh6j@karc.us or Hawaii QSO Party, PO Box 8960788, Wahiawa, HI 96786-0788.
YO-DX Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Romanian Amateur Radio Federation (RARF), 1200Z Aug 28-1200Z Aug 29. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, MS. Exchange: RST and serial number, YO stations send county abbreviation. QSO points: different country own continent--2 pts, different continent--4 pts, YO stations--8 pts. Score: QSO points × YO counties and DXCC entities counted once per band. For more information:www.hamradio.ro/contests/yodx_eng.htm Logs due 30 days after the contest to yodx_contest@hamradio.ro. YO DX HF Contest, PO Box 22-50, 71100 Bucharest, Romania.
SARL HF DX Contest--CW--from 1330Z-1730Z Aug 31 (see Aug 7-8).
SCC RTTY Championship, sponsored
by the Slovenian Contest Club, 1200Z Aug 28-1159Z Aug 29. Frequencies:
80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB-HP, SOAB-LP, SOAB-Assisted, MS. Exchange:
RST and 4-digit year first licensed. QSO points: own country--1 pt, different
country same continent and between W, VE, VK, ZL, ZS, JA, PY call areas,
LU provinces, and UA9/0 oblasts--2 pts, different continent--3 pts. Score:
QSO points × different years from all bands. For more information:http://lea.hamradio.si/~scc/rtty/htmlrules.htm
Logs due Sep 15 to rtty@hamradio.si (Cabrillo format preferred) or on diskette
to Slovenia Contest Club, Saveljska 50, 1113 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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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
_______________
Buffalo, NY: Western NY DX Association, W2DXA. 1300Z Aug 21-1600Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse Weekend K2L ARLHS-US-090. 21.040 14.040 HF bands CW and SSB. QSL. Robert Nadolny, WB2YQH, PO Box 73, Springbrook, NY 14140.
Burnt Island Lighthouse, ME: Yankee ARC, KA1RFD. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend. 21.270 14.270 7.270. QSL. Rod Scribner, KA1RFD, RR 4 Box 6770, Gardiner, ME 04345.
Dunkirk, NY: Dunkirk Lighthouse/Lancaster Amateur Radio Club, W2SO. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse Weekend--USA 248 Lake Erie. 21.350 14.250 7.225 3.950. Certificate. Via http://dunkirklighthouse.com or Lancaster Amateur Radio Club, 525 Pavement Rd, Lancaster, NY 14086.
Fire Island National Sea Shore, NY: Great South Bay ARC, W2GSB/LH. 1400Z Aug 21-2000Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse Weekend at Fire Island Lighthouse ARLHS #286. 7.240 14.260 21.260 28.460. QSL. GSBARC, W2GSB/LH, PO Box 1356, West Babylon, NY 11704. www.gsbarc.org
St Augustine, FL: St Augustine Amateur Radio Society, N4AUG. 1400Z Aug 21-2200Z Aug 22. Activation of St Augustine Lighthouse #789 for ILLW. 21.270 14.270 14.035. QSL. SAARS, PO Box 860084, St Augustine, FL 32086-0084. www.saars.net
Sioux City, IA: Sooland ARA, K0D. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. 14.250 7.250. Certificate. Mike Clayton, WD0CJZ, 3600 Transit Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106.
Tuckerton, NJ: Old Barney Amateur Radio Club, W2T. 1300Z Aug 21-2200Z Aug 22. ARLHS Lighthouse #USA-911 and 4th Annual Classic Boat Festival. 14.280 7.280 146.835. QSL. Bob Schenck N2OO, PO Box 345, Tuckerton, NJ 08087. www.obarc.org
Eagle Harbor, MI: International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend, K8E. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. Lighthouse and two range lights. 14.275 14.030 7.275 7.030. Certificate. QSL via bureau or direct to: N8MR, 14071 Fairway, Livonia, MI 48154. www.kc8nah.com/Interests/illw04.htm
Spirit Lake, IA: Iowa Great Lakes Amateur Radio Club, W0DOG. 1400Z Aug 24-0200Z Aug 28. To celebrate 50 years of Club charter. 21.350 14.260 7.250 3.965. Certificate. Bryce Denker, 1818 350th St, Spencer, IA 51301.
Ringoes, NJ: Cherryville Repeater Association II, W4H. 1400Z Aug 25-2200Z Aug 29. 2004 Hunterdon County 4H & Agricultural Fair, since 1840. 28.375 21.375 14.275 7.275. Certificate. W4H Cherryville Special Event, PO Box 308, Quakertown, NJ 08868-0308. www.qsl.net/w2cra
Core, WV: Greene County Amatuer Radio Association, N3GC. 2200Z Aug 27-2000Z Aug 29. Celebration of the "Mason Dixon Line" completion. 14.255 14.055 7.255 7.055. Certificate. Roger Swanson, KC8GOJ, 319 Happy La, Fairview, WV 26570.
Owatonna, MN: Owatonna Steele County Amateur Radio Club, KC0BXJ. 1400Z-2300Z Aug 28. 150th anniversary of Owatonna, MN. 14.270 7.270. Certificate. Kris Christenson, 1510 Mineral Springs Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060. http://150.owatonna.org
Wausau, WI: WVRA, MAARS, RMRA, W4S. 0900Z Aug 28-0600Z Aug 29. Walk for Sarcoma from Marsfield, WI, to Wausau, WI. 21.360 18.150 14.260 7.260. QSL. Gerald Graebel, 624 E Bridge St, Wausau, WI 54403.
Bedford, VA: Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club, W4CA. 1100Z Aug 28-2300Z Aug 29. Christmas Tree Island, new US Island on the Air. 14.260 7.260. QSL. Ray Crampton, AB4YZ, 1670 Catawba Rd, Troutville, VA 24175. http://w4ca.host4www.com
Green River, WY: Sweetwater Amateur Radio Club, WY7U. 1800Z Aug 28-1800Z Aug 29. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch UPRR train robberies. 21.365 14.265 7.265 3.625. QSL. Sweetwater Amateur Radio Club, 1000 South Dakota, Green River, WY 82935. www.qsl.net/wy7u. [Special certificate for working both Jun and Aug events.]
Hanover, MI: Jackson County QRP Outlaws, N8H. 1400Z Aug 28-2200Z Aug 29. Hanover's "Rust -N- Dust" Days. 14.250 7.250 5.403.5 3.975. Certificate. William Lauterbach, PO Box 87, Hanover, MI 49241.
Hanover, KS: Crown Amateur
Radio Association, K0ASA. 1400Z-2100Z
Aug 29. Hollenberg Pony Express
Station Festival. 18.085 14.245 14.040 7.125. Certificate. Crown Amateur
Radio Association, 11551 W 176th Terr, Olathe, KS 66062. www.kshs.org/places/hollenberg/index.htm
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Aug. 19 2004 ARLD033 DX News
This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by EA8NQ, PS7AB, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST. Thanks to all.
UGANDA, 5X. Jay is QRV as 5X2A and has been active on 20 meters between 2100 and 2315z. QSL via K4ZLE.
MALTA, 9H. Members of the Gozo Amateur Radio Society will be QRV during the ILLW as 9H4GRS/p from Jordan's Lighthouse. Activity will be on 20 and 15 meters. QSL via operators' instructions.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, A6. Abdullah, A61Q has been active on 30 meters around 0200z. QSL via EA7FTR.
URUGUAY, CX. Members of the Centro Radioaficionados de Rocha will be QRV in the ILLW as CX1TA from the lighthouse at Cabo Santa Maria. QSL direct.
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS, D4. Al, D44TT has been QRV on 15 meters around 1100z. QSL via K1BV.
CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. A group of radio amateurs will be QRV as ED8LGP from the Barlovento Lighthouse on La Palma, IOTA AF-004, during the ILLW. Activity will be on all bands. QSL via EA8RCP.
SCOTLAND, GM. Ken, MM0KAL, Hans, MM0XAU and Peter, MM5PSL will be QRV as GB2ELH from the Eshaness Lighthouse during the ILLW. QSL direct via WA7OBH.
PANAMA, HP. Members of the Panama Canal Amateur Radio Association will be QRV in the ILLW as HP2L from the Gamboa Lighthouse in the Panama Canal. Activity will be on all bands using CW, SSB and PSK31. QSL via HP1IBF.
NORWAY, LA. Bjorn, LA5UKA and Trond, LA9VDA are QRV as homecalls/p from Gossen Island, IOTA EU-056, until August 25. QSL to home calls.
FINLAND, OH. The Finnish radio club Kissen Kipina will be QRV as OH2ET/LH during the ILLW from a lighthouse on Suomenlinna Island. Activity is expected on 80 and 20 meters using SSB. QSL via bureau.
NETHERLANDS, PA. Cees, PA3FXO and others will participate in the ILLW as PI4LDN from the lighthouse at Noordwijk. QSL via PA7DA.
BRAZIL, PY. Look for ZV7AA to be QRV during the ILLW. Activity will be on all bands, using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via PS7AA.
SEYCHELLES, S7. Igor, S79OA has been QRV on 20 meters around 1700z. QSL via RN3OA.
UKRAINE, UR. Look for UU9JWM/p to be QRV during the ILLW from Khersonesskiy Lighthouse. QSL via UT5JAJ.
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, V4. Larry, KJ4UY and his XYL Melanie will be here on vacation from August 20 to 28. Larry plans to be QRV as V47UY during his spare time. QSL to home call.
AUSTRALIA, VK. Look for special event callsign VI7CL to be QRV during the ILLW from the Currie Lighthouse on King Island in Bass Strait. This callsign celebrates the 100th anniversary of the mining of Scheelite on the island. QSL via operators' instructions.
IRAQ, YI. Richard, YI9KT plans to be QRV on 40 to 10 meters from Al Hillah. QSL via SP8HKT.
THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW), The ARRL 10 GHz Cumulative Contest, North American SSB QSO Party, SARTG WW RTTY Contest, Keymen's Club of Japan Contest, New Jersey QSO Party, Russian District Award Contest, SEANET Contest and the CQC Summer VHF/UHF QSO Party will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend. Please see August QST, page 95, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.
(ARRL)
__________
Aug. 21 2004 425 DX News
5U - Michael, PA5M (aka 9U5M and ST2DX) is active in his spare time as 5U7DX from Niger until on 27 August. He will then move to Mali, Ghana and Benin. Online logs and information can be found at http://www.pa7fm.nl QSL via PA7FM. [TNX PA7FM]
9A - Antonello, IN3YGW and Claudio, IN3DEI will operate from EU-136 (either Rab or Krk islands) from 22 August to 6 September. [TNX IN3YGW]
BV - Paul, BV4FH and other members of the CTARL DX group will be active as BV9A from P'enghu Island (AS-103) on 27-29 August. Expect activity on 10, 15, 20 and 40 metres CW and SSB. QSL via BV4YB. [TNX JI6KVR]
CT - CT1EPV, CT1GFK and CT1GPQ will be active (on 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters on SSB, CW and RTTY) as CS0RCL/LH from the lighthouse (ARLHS POR 013, LH-0144) on Culatra Island (EU-145) on 20-22 August. QSL via CT1GFK. [TNX CT1GFK]
ER - Special station ER60EM will be active on 20-29 August to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Moldova during World War II. QSL via ER1DA, direct or bureau. [TNX ER1DA]
FR - Look for TO0FAR to be activated during the ILLW from Sainte Suzane Lighthouse (ARLHS REU-002) on Reunion Island (AF-016). [TNX FR5IZ]
HB0 - Geza, HA4XG will operate as HB0/HA4XG from Masescha (1350m a.s.l.), Liechtenstein between 28 August and 4 September. He will be active during his morning and evening hours on 40-10 meters CW and SSB, and for the first time on 2 metres with a 8-element Yagi for WSJT and tropo. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX HA0HW]
I - Operators from ARI Trieste will be active on all bands as II3T from Vittoria Lighthouse (WAIL FV-001, ARLHS ITA-174) during the ILLW. QSL via bureau or direct to ARI Trieste, P.O. Box 29, 34100 Trieste - TS, Italy. [TNX IV3LNQ]
LA - Bjorn, LA5UKA and Trond, LA9VDA will be active as homecall/p from Gossen Island (EU-056) on 20-25 August. QSL via home calls. [TNX OPDX Bulletin]
LU - Several operators plan to participate in the ILLW as LU2DT/LH from the lighthouse at Punta Mogotes (ARLHS ARG-005). QSL P.O. Box 664, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina. [TNX IZ8CCW]
LU - The Grupo Oeste (http://www.grupooeste.lu1dma.com.ar) will operate from Atalaya Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-076) during the ILLW. QSL direct only to LU1DMA (Luis M. Fernandez Prieto, O.V. Andrade 1638, 1718 San Antonio De Padua - Buenos Aires, Argentina). [TNX SM7AED]
LU - The Mistongo DX Group (http.//lu2ee.org.ar or http://dx-mistongo.com.ar) will take part in the ILLW from San Matia Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-064) and Punta Villarino Lighthouse (ARG-072) in Rio Negro Province. Expect LU3DR, LU5DIT, LU6DBL, LU8EGS and LW5EE to operate as homecall/V. QSL via LU2EE (P.O. Box 184, 7000 Tandil - Buenos Aires, Argentina). [TNX LU3DR]
OH - Look for OI3W to be aired from the lighthouse (ARLHS FIN-086) on Ronnskar Island (EU-097) from 20 August through 9 UTC on the 22nd. QSL via the bureau. [TNX The Daily DX]
PA - Seven operators will be active on 80, 40 and 20 metres CW and SSB as PI4VPO/LT from Stenen Baken Lighthouse in Oostvoorne, The Netehrlands from 6 to 18 UTC on 21 August. QSL via PA2CNR. [TNX PA0AKN]
PY - Look for ZV7AA to participate in the ILLW from Natal Lighthouse (ARLS BRA-161, DFB RN-07). QSL via PS7CE (P.O. Box 251 ZC, 59010-970 Natal - RN, Brazil). [TNX PS7DX]
PY - Jim, PY7XC will be QRV on August 21 between 15 and 22 UTC as PY7XC/p from Itamaraca Island (IOTA SA-046, DIB-18 for Brazilian Islands). Activity will be on 14026.5 kHz CW and 14263.0 kHz SSB. QSL via home call. [TNX PY7XC]
R1_mv - RA3CQ, RA3AMG, UA1CKC, RA1CD, RA1AR, ES4RZ will be active as R1MVI from Malyj Vysotsky (EU-117) on 27-29 August. They plan to operate CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK-31 on 80-10 metres (plus 160 metres, if they can install an antenna). QSL via RA3AMG. [TNX RA3AMG]
TF - For the 7th year in a row TF1IRA will be operated from the Lighthouse of Knarraros (ARLHS ICE-012) during the ILLW. [TNX TF3AO]
UA - Look for UE9OWM/9 to be active during the Russian leg of the Altay-Himalaya Transasian off-road expedition which started from Novosibirsk on 17 August. The expedition will also visit Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan. QSL via UA9OBA. [TNX UA9OBA]
V6 - Lanny, W5BOS reports he will operate as V6O from Pulap (Pollap) Island (OC-155) on 18-23 October. QSL via N6AWD.
VE - George, K3GV will be active on 15 and 20 metres as K3GV/VY2 from Prince Edward Island (NA-029) between 29 August and 12 September. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX K3GV]
VK - The callsign to be aired from Montague Island (OC-223) [425DXN 693] has been changed from VK9MI to VI2MI. The operation is scheduled to take place on 21-22 August during the ILLW. The operators will be VK2XNF, VK2CWI, VK2KEV and VK2HAK. QSL via VK2XNF. [TNX K1XN and The Golist]
XX9 - Hiro, JA0SC will operate (on 20-10 metres SSTV and digital modes) from the island of Coloane (AS-075), Macau on 24-31 August. He will collect his licence upon arrival. QSL via home call. [TNX JA0SC]
PACIFIC TRIP ---> Christian, EC3ADC (aka 3D2EA, A35DX and T20DX) expected to leave Tuvalu on 16 August and to move to Samoa (5W). On the 21st he plans to set sail for the Tokelau Islands (ZK3). His next stop should be American Samoa (KH8), then hopefully Rotuma in September/October. QSL for all operations is via EB2AYV. [TNX EC3ADC]
Good to Know
9J2 QSL BUREAU ---> Mike, G3TEV (QSL manager for 9J2BO) says that there is no outgoing QSL Bureau for Zambia. If stations want a card the from Zambia, the best way is by the direct route, either to the QSL manager or direct to the station worked, enclosing a SAE plus return postage. Otherwise they are unlikely to get a return card due to the high postal costs involved in sending direct replies to cards received via the bureau.
CLOSING LOGS ---> Jack, VK2XQ
(formerly VK2GJH) informs that he will close the following
logs on 1 October 2004:
3D2JH Fiji
27 June - 3 August 1997
C21JH Nauru
16 August - 4 September 1998
C21JH Nauru
28 June 1999 - 17 December 2000
T30JH Western Kiribati
21 February 1998 - 25 September 2000
T33JH Banaba
20-26 July 1997
QSL direct only to Jack D. Haden,
P.O. Box 299, Ryde, NSW 1680, Australia.
QSL 5B4AHJ ---> Cards can either go via the 5B bureau or to Alan Jubb, P.O. Box 61430, 8134 Kato Pafos, Cyprus. Please note that currently mail sent to Alan's old address in the UK is being forwarded to him in Cyprus, but that will stop in a few weeks' time. [TNX 5B4AHJ]
QSL FY5FU ---> The QSL route
is via F5JFU, direct or bureau. From July 1999 to July 2002 (including
operations from SA-020) the operator was Pierre/F5JFU and the QSL manager
was F5PAC; on July 2002 Pierre resumed the QSL management. The callsign
was reissued in late 2003: the operators is
Thierry-Pierre/F5REB and - in order
to avoid confusion - F5JFU has accepted to act as his QSL manager.
[TNX F5NQL]
QSL HK1XX ---> This is the new call of Pedro Claver Orozco (formerly HK1HHX). His QSL route is via EA7FTR. [TNX HK1XX]
QSL VP8NO ---> Please note that Geoff Dover, G4AFJ is no longer the QSL manager for Mike, who now handles his own QSLs. Geoff reports that cards should be sen to Mike Harris, P.O. Box 226, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, South Atlantic.
SEANET CONVENTION 2004 --->
This year's convention will be held at the Arnoma Hotel, in the city-centre
of Bangkok, on 19-21 November. Please visit
www.seanet2004.com for full details
(registration form included), or e-mail seanet@RAST.or.th [TNX HS0ZDZ]
SSA ACTIVITY AWARD ---> The SSA Activity Award is for promoting activity on the amateur radio bands and it is available to either licensed amateurs and SWL for working 365 QSOs from 1 January through 31 December each year. For further information please contact the Award Manager, Bengt Hogkvist, SM6DEC sm6dec@svessa.se
YO DX HF CONTEST ---> This
year it will be held on 28-29 August (24 hours). Rules can be found at
http://www.hamradio.ro/contests/yodx_eng.htm [TNX N2YO]
___________
Aug. 22-30 2004 I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.
22/08/2004: EU-059
2MØNJW/P & GM4RQI ST. KILDA -
Nigel, 2M0NJW and David, GM4RQI
will be on a two man DXpedition and will be attempting to reach the rarest
IOTA Island in Britain called St. Kilda (EU-059). Activity will be between
August 22 to 25th, and callsigns to be used are 2M0NJW/P and GM4RQI. Their
activity will be CW and SSB on 20, 30, 40 and 80 meters. QSL direct via
2E0NJW and G4RQI, or via the RSGB bureau. [Tnx OPDX]
22/08/2004: MLT-003
9H4GRS/P JORDAN'S LIGHTHOUSE -
Look for the Gozo Amateur Radio
Society to take part in the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend
(August 22nd) as 9H4GRS/P from Jordan's Lighthouse (ARLHS reference MLT-003),
Malta (IOTA EU-023). QSL via 9H4GRS (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425DXN]
22/08/2004: DCI:VA-039
IK2YXH/P TOWER OF LIGURNO -
Ivano, IK2YXH, will be QRV August
22, 2004, as IK2YXH/p from the Tower of Ligurno (DCI reference VA-039,
for the Italian Castles Award). This reference is located in the Region
of Lombardia, Province of Varese (VA). QSL via home call, direct or bureau.
[Tnx F5NQL]
23/08/2004: AS-NEW!
ATØRI PAMBAN ISLAND -
Look for AT0RI to be activated from
Rameswaram, Pamban Island. Tamil Nadu State, AS-New. Activity will be between
August 23rd and 31st, with 13 permitted operators on the island. Further
information will follow shortly. [Tnx F5NQL]
26/08/2004: AS-013
8Q7GA & 8Q7JF KANDOOMA ISLAND -
Jan, DL7JAN and Andreas, DL3GA will
be active from August 26th to September 7th from Kandooma Island (South
Male Atoll - IOTA AS-013) as 8Q7JF (DL7JAN) and 8Q7GA (DL3GA). They will
be active on 80 through 10 meters on CW/SSB and RTTY! There may be some
PSK31. QSL via their home calls, either direct or through the bureau is
OK. [Tnx OPDX]
27/08/2004: EU-124
GB5FI FLATHOLM ISLAND -
The Barry Amateur Radio Society
will operate as GB5FI from Flatholm Island (EU-124) between August 27 and
September 1, 2004. QSL via GW0ANA, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
27/08/2004: EU-117
R1MVI MALYY VYSOTSKIY -
RA3CQ, RA3AMG, UA1CKC, RA1CD, RA1AR
and ES4RZ plan to be QRV August 27 - 29, 2004, as R1MVI from Malyy Vysotskiy
Island (IOTA EU-117, RRA RR-01-01, RDA LO-24). Equipment: FT-1000, FT-990,
Acom-1000, Acom-2000A, TN-3 and G5RV antennas, Honda EM-20. Activity will
be on 80 through 10 meter CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK-31. QSL via RA3MAG, direct
or bureau. [Tnx RA3AMG]
28/08/2004: HBØ/HA4XG
LIECHTENSTEIN -
Geza HA4DX will operate from Masescha
(1350m ASL) as HB0/HA4XG between August 28th and September 4th. He will
be active on 30 through 10 meter CW and SSB, with GP antennas and on 2
meters with a 8 element Yagi and also on WSJT. QSL via their home callsign
either direct (QRZ.com) or through the HA Bureau. [Tnx OPDX]
28/08/2004: USI:VA-New!
W4CA CHRISTMAS TREE ISLAND -
The Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio
Club W4CA will activate Christmas Tree Island (USI VA-New), located on
Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Activity will be on 80, 40 and 20 meters,
starting 11:00 UTC August 28th and ending 23:00 UTC August 29th. Look for
the Station on or about 14.270, 7.270 and 3.860 MHz. QSL via AB4YZ (QRZ.com)
for a nice color QSL card from RVARC. [Tnx USI]
29/08/2004: NA-029
K3GV/VY2 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND -
George, K3GV will be active between
August 29th and September 12th as K3GV/VY2 from Prince Edward Island (IOTA
NA-029, CIsA PE-001). Activity will be on 15 and 20 meters, around the
usual IOTA frequencies. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx K3GV]
30/08/2004: EU-018
OY/H.C.'s FAROE ISLANDS -
Look for Tom, OY/DL2RMC and Heiko,
OY/DL1RTL to be QRV August 30th to September 9th from the Faroe Islands
(EU-018). Activity will be on 160 through 6 meter CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and
SSTV. QSL via their home callsigns. [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
|
|
Aug. 13 2004 FCC Emergency Communications Declaration Policy Prefers VHF-UHF
The FCC has formalized its policy for issuing an emergency communications declaration (ECD) on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. The policy, which became effective August 2, states that ECDs will be issued for VHF or UHF repeaters--if the licensee consents--or on simplex channels in the 60-meter band. The FCC will not entertain requests to specifically sequester frequencies in other HF bands for emergency traffic only. Past emergency communications declarations--typically issued during weather-related emergencies--have put frequencies on 75 and 40 meters off limits to general use in an affected region. The practice has drawn complaints from members of the amateur community--especially from those well outside the affected region--and from emergency nets, which still experienced QRM.
"ECDs may only be issued after a disaster disrupts normal communication systems in a geographic area subject to FCC regulation," the FCC said, citing §97.401(b). Under its provisions, when a disaster disrupts normal telecommunications systems in a given area, the FCC may declare a temporary communication emergency that sets forth any special conditions and special rules stations must observe while it's in effect. The policy clarifies that the FCC has authority to issue ECDs only for communication emergencies and not on the basis of anticipated emergencies.
The policy calls for VHF and UHF Amateur Service channels to receive preference for ECDs. Requests may indicate a specific repeater system, subject to permission from the repeater's licensee or trustee. On HF, the FCC says, an ECD may authorize the use of one or two 60-meter channels, which center on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz. "Use of these channels is subject to the requirements of §97.303(s)," the FCC said. One potential downside of the policy is the 50 W effective radiated power restriction on that band (see ARRL's Frequently Asked Questions regarding operation on 60 meters): www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/faq-60.html
The FCC said frequencies in other Amateur Service bands--where emergency nets already have been established--may be used during emergencies under the provisions of §97.101(c). That rule section stipulates that Amateur Service control operators give priority to stations providing emergency communications "at all times and on all frequencies."
In announcing its policy, the FCC noted that amateurs have occasionally requested an ECD before an event, such as a hurricane or tropical storm, has occurred. "However," the Commission's policy points out, "transmissions prior to a disaster are already authorized by §97.401(a) and not subject to an ECD." Under §97.401(a), amateur stations may make transmissions "necessary to meet essential communication needs and facilitate relief actions" when normal telecommunication systems are overloaded, damaged or disrupted because a disaster has occurred or is likely to occur in an area where the Amateur Service is regulated by the FCC.
The FCC also has tightened up the requirements to request an ECD. Requests may come from an emergency management official responsible for emergency operations in the affected area and acting in an official capacity or from an Amateur Radio operator at the request of an emergency management official responsible for emergency operations in the affected area and acting an official capacity. Among other information, requests must include the nature of the disaster, a description of the compromised telecommunication systems, the geographic area affected and the estimated length of time that normal telecommunication systems will remain out of service.
The FCC policy, Emergency Communications Declarations in the Amateur Radio Service, is available on the ARRL Website: www.arrl.org/FandES/field/emcom-declarations.html
(ARRL News Service)
________________
Aug. 18 2004 ARRL member named to key FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau post
The FCC has named Michael J. Wilhelm, WS6BR, of Washington, DC, as chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division. The division deals with Amateur Radio Service issues, and the appointment makes Wilhelm--a League member--the first amateur licensee in several years to hold such a position within the FCC. Wilhelm replaces D'wana Terry, whom WTB Chief John Muleta named to be his chief of staff and associate bureau chief. Terry headed the Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division and its predecessor, the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, for six years. Wilhelm most recently served as the division's deputy chief (legal). In his new post, he will oversee all policy, regulatory and licensing matters related to public safety entities, critical infrastructure industries and private wireless radio services. Among Wilhelm's staffers is Bill Cross, W3TN, an ARRL member and FCC figure well-known within the amateur community. Wilhelm holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Detroit, a master's from the University of Michigan and a juris doctor degree with high honors from the University of Florida Law School.--FCC
(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