International

Jan. 8 2004   Austrian Authorities Pull Plug on BPL Pilot Project

The Austrian Amateur Transmitter Federation (ÖVSV--Öesterreichische Versuchsenderverband) reports that a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) field test in the city of Linz has been cut short as a result of excessive radio interference. ÖVSV, Austria's International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society, said in December that the Government Ministry for Commerce, Innovation and Technology closed down Linz Power Company's BPL pilot project because it was generating interference on the HF bands. Shortwave broadcaster Radio Austria's futureZone service says the case that brought the issue to a head was a Red Cross report that emergency services radio traffic during a disaster response drill last May was the victim of massive BPL interference.

"The Commerce Ministry Order not only means the end of the Linz BPL pilot project," the Radio Austria report said, "but the end of the deployment of this technology in Austria, especially given the interference to radio communication in places of business." According to the broadcaster, measurements were said to have indicated that radiation from the BPL system exceeded permissible field strength levels by a factor of 10,000.

ÖVSV says radio amateurs in Austria have opposed deployment of all BPL experiments on the basis of Austrian communication law as well as International Telecommunication Union international regulations due to the "massive interference to international communication on the important shortwave bands." The Federation maintains that in its current form BPL--also known in Austria as "Internet from the Electrical Outlet"--is neither legal nor compatible with "vital, worldwide shortwave radiocommunication."

Among other problems with BPL, ÖVSV has cited its potential to disrupt emergency communications and safety-of-life services as well as military operations on HF and navigation and aeronautical communication.

Last fall, ÖVSV representatives and Linz amateurs got together with power company representatives in an effort to resolve BPL's incompatibility with HF radio operation. The meetings followed news reports of interference to emergency service communications and QRM complaints from several area hams. "Because of the racket, expensive installations, such as a 20-meter monobander on a high-rise building, become totally worthless," ÖVSV said.

The utility agreed to look into the possibility of a 100-meter protective zone around each amateur's location, notch filters for amateur frequencies, network system filters and the use of 5 GHz wireless local area networks.

Austrian Amateur Transmitter Federation: www.oevsv.at/index.shtml

(ARRL News Release)

==============

Jan. 8 2004  Croatian Amateurs gain new bands and 100khz. at 40 Meters

Croatia has become the first country in Region 1 to benefit from the expansion of the 40-metre band agreed at the World Radio Conference in Switzerland last summer. 9A amateurs have also been given privileges at 70 and 3400 MHz and now no longer have to pass a Morse code test for access to the HF bands.

New amateur radio regulations came into effect in Croatia on the 26th Of December. Since then, amateurs there may operate between 7100 and 7200 kHz on a Secondary basis, with a maximum power of 1000 watts PEP, in addition to the normal Region 1 allocation of 7000 to 7100 kHz. On  4 metres, Croatian amateurs now have 70.000 to 70.450 MHz, with a power limit of 10 watts. They also gain a new band between 3400 and 3410 MHz, with a maximum permitted power of 150 watts. The Morse code requirement for an HF bands licence was also dropped with the new regulations and there are now only two licence classes there: the full licence and a beginners` licence. (Radio Society of Great Britain GB2RS Main News for January 11, posted on uk.radio.amateur January 7 by G4RGA via John Norfolk, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

7100-7200 is still full of broadcasters in Europe and everywhere  except the Americas. Isn`t this a bit premature? Now they may count on annoying ham SSB interference just as NAm listeners have to put up with. This is progress? Note that Croatia also broadcasts to the Americas, via Germany, on 7285, our exclusive ham band

(DX Listening Digest)

==============

Jan. 8 2004  Amateur Radio assists in Iran earthquake relief

The Turkey Amateur Radio Club president, Aziz Sasa, TA1E, reports that four amateur radio operators were among the Turkish teams that provided relief in Iran, following the disastrous earthquake that hit the city of Bam just after Christmas. Local communications were carried out on 2-metres simplex, with HF operations on 14270 kHz during the day and on 7092 or 3777 kHz after dark. Soyhan Erim, TA2IJ, part of the Turkish Ministry of Health team, handled HF operations at the Turkish Incident Command Post. TA2RJ, TA1CAN, and TA2NO were also in Bam as part of the Search and Rescue Teams

Radio Society of Great Britain GB2RS Main News for January 11, posted on uk.radio.amateur January 7 by G4RGA via John Norfolk,

(DX Listening Digest)

==============

Jan. 8 2004  Ham Radio in Nepal

Some bad news about ham radio in Nepal.  Charles Harpole, K4VUD, says that his efforts, along with those of 9N1AA, to expand ham radio in that nation and to establish a memorial club station for the late Father Marshall Moran, 9N1MM, are on
an indefinite hold.  This,  due to the disturbed social and political conditions there.

Harpole says that all radios and other gear that was donated some years ago have been distributed to the currently licensed native 9 N hams.  Harpole says that  the gear will come back to a club station someday.  Harpole asks that everyone bear with this situation and extend understanding.

(OPDX)

==============

California firm develops interference-free BPL technology

 Canadian radio amateurs using the high frequency and VHF spectrum are becoming concerned that proposed broadband over power line (BPL) systems may render the bands unusable due to radiation from the power lines.  Broadcasters and government agencies also fear that BPL radiation, including harmonics, have the potential to cause interference to VHF TV, FM radio and military and public safety communications in the HF and lower VHF spectrum.

Six weeks or so ago, I read a story that a California company, Corridor Systems, had demonstrated a BPL system that works at 2.4 and 5.3 GHz. The system, is designed to provide broadband  (250 MHz) transmission suitable for high speed Internet access, using the existing power distribution system, but which does not pose any threat whatever to amateur radio or other users of the rf spectrum.

 I tracked down Corridor Systems Chief Technology Officer, a radio amateur, Glenn Elmore N6GN, and he assured me that their BPL technology would not interfere with the HF ham bands. The story below is based on information found on the Corridor Systems web site.

 Corridor Systems has developed and patented core technology that enables very high capacity, symmetric and full-duplex information transport over a variety of propagation medium types. Power Corridortm is an implementation of this fundamental technology which operates, in part, over a single conductor of an unmodified, existing power line. In Power Corridortm, information-carrying energy is coupled on and off the conductor by identical launch devices at each end of conductor segments. This energy, which may extend from VHF through the microwave portions of the spectrum, is launched as a surfacewave mode around the conductor.

Surfacewave transmission on an insulated single conductor was first discovered and presented by Goubau1 in the early 1950's and known as G-Line2 after the inventor. The characteristics of surfacewave  propagation, when used with a variety of dielectric types, thickness and specially prepared conductors, have been taught and available in reference texts for many years3. Though not widely utilized in practice, the mode can exhibit extremely low radiation and transmission losses from VHF into the microwave regions.

Corridor Systems has discovered, extended, developed and patented a much more general surfacewave mode for operation on lines which may be completely uninsulated and which need not have any special surface preparation. Additionally, lines which are much larger in diameter than those of previous work may be utilized. This invention, which makes possible very high rate information transport over existing medium-voltage electric utility power lines, is called E-linetm. As with G-line, the vast majority of energy propagates within a volume located relatively close to the single conductor. In Power Corridortm the diameter of this volume is only a few inches. Since the energy propagates at very nearly the speed of light, the relative velocity of propagation in this mode is quite close to unity.

Combined with the normal clearances maintained for aerial medium and high-voltage power lines and Corridor System's specially developed and patented launching devices, E-linetm provides an extremely effective mechanism for the transport of very high speed information over existing power line grids.

 Measurements at ground level directly under the power line used during the test showed a maximum radiated power level of less than -10 dBm, 20 dB less than the typical power level from 802.11 based wireless cards.

Corridor Systems has tested and demonstrated simultaneous operation of its BPL technology and amateur radio HF communications. Utilizing a 100 watt, 7 MHz, 21 MHz and 28 MHz amateur SSB/CW transmitter connected to a dipole antenna located within 20 feet of an operating BPL system, there was not any evidence whatsoever of the operation of one system in the other. Amateur UHF communications at 446 MHz and at a 25-watt power level were similarly unaffected and in turn were not detected by the BPL system. Examination of the .1-30 MHz HF spectrum with a quality communications receiver also revealed no evidence of the BPL system.

 Glenn also told me that Corridor's demonstration not only used the unlicensed bands, FCC Part 15 in the US, but also simultaneously supported fast scan amateur television with stereo audio under Part 97 of the US Rules. So while the system was being used to support high speed internet traffic it also served as an “open band” for amateur radio uses-- even with one end of the TV link mobile on the roadway near the power lines!

More information and photos can be found at:  www.corridor.biz/news.htm and www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=259

(RAC News Service)

Ottawa Company studying use of BPL for homeowner connection to the Internet.

CBC radio reported today that a Hydro Ottawa affiliate is hoping internet users will go online through their electrical outlets.

A Telecom Ottawa spokesperson was reported as saying that testing of the technology in Ottawa is still in the very preliminary stages, but the U.S. and Quebec have also been testing the system to see, " if it actually works and, if it's compatible with Canadian distribution systems" .

 The company says they will work with Industry Canada to make sure the technology complies with all federal regulations. German utilities company RWE started offering internet service over power lines the summer of 2001, and Swedish company Sydkraft also offers the service. Canadian tech company Nortel ran tests of the technology in Britain in the late 1990s and concluded that it would be far too expensive to adapt power grids to carry internet signals. Hydro-Québec plans to start testing the service this month, and hopes to offer the service in a few years.

Jim Carroll, author of "Surviving the Information Age" was quoted as saying that "broadband over power line" has its critics. Ham radio operators in the U.S. are complaining that the new technology will interfere with their signals.

The CBC did not mention the opposition from Canadian amateurs, nor the concerns of other users of the HF spectrum. Neither did he mention the studies that have been done in Europe to demonstrate the high level of interference caused by BPL systems there.

(CBC News Report)

===============

Jan. 9 2004   What has RAC done for me lately? ...RAC tidbit.

Did you know that James Dean (VE3IQ) vice-president of Regulatory Affairs puts in between 30 and 35 hours a week involved with RAC duties, thanks Jim. Another great service from our RAC executive for about 10 cents a day! With a great magazine thrown in to boot!  ...ARE YOU DOING YOUR PART?  Become part of the team TODAY by becoming a member or renewing your RAC membership.   It's easy just click here!

Jim Taylor VA3KU RAC Member
Editor hfradio.net

Atlantic Maritime Section

Fredericton Amateur Radio Club

The Fredericton Amateur Radio Club is offering the Basic Course beginning Tuesday January 13, 2004 (numbers permitting).
Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings (7 to 9 PM) at the EMO Conference Room in the Victoria Health Centre (old hospital) on Woodstock Road. Cost of the course is $75.00 including textbook, classes and examination. Classes will run until approximately the end of April and will conclude with the writing of the Industry Canada Examination for the Basic level Amateur Radio License.

For more information or to enrol please contact: Dave (VE9AV) at ve9av@rac.ca or Kent (VE9KAR) at ve9kar@rac.ca

Other activities of the Club include Emergency Communications Exercises with different Organizations, so that in a real Emergency the members will be ready to provide back-up communications. We also assist the Fredericton Police Force every Halloween by providing communications patrols throughout key areas of the City.

We also get together on the last Saturday of each month at the Ramada Inn - formerly Howard Johnson's on the old TCH (now Hwy 105) just below the Princess Margaret Bridge in Fredericton North for a breakfast "get together". We start gathering around 8:00 AM to enjoy a very good breakfast and great company. A few of the members can also be found most weekday mornings at 10:00AM at Beairsto's Restaurant (Main Street) to have a cuppa and "swap a few lies".

Club Website: www3.nbnet.nb.ca/ve9nd

==========

Jan. 3 2004   Luke Cleary VE1AY  Silent Key

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Luke Cleary VE1AY of Halifax Co. N.S. on January 6 2004 at the age of 73 years. Luke was a regular on the Trans Provincial Net and will be missed by his many friends.

Lee Durling VE1WP

Jan. 19 2004  West Island Amateur Radio Club Meeting

Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7pm (official start is 7:30). We meet at the Lakeside Heights Baptist Church , 275 Braebrook in Pointe-Claire (western end of the Island of Montreal). The club welcomes all visitors, so if you are going to be in Montreal and have some time, come down and join us.

Club Website:  http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc

Feb. 7 2004   NPARC 26th Annual Big Event

Sponsored by the Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club
Location: Canadian Auto Workers Hall 124 Bunting Road St. Catharines, Ontario
Opening:  Vendors 7 am, Public 9 am to 1 pm
Cost: Admission $6, Vendors $20, Extra tables $14
Talkin:  VE3NRS 147.240 (+)

For table reservations contact Dave Wilson VE3BBN by phone at 905-262-5588 or by email at ve3bbn@rac.ca. For other event info contact Ron Counsell VE3NDI by phone at 905-688-8137 or by email at ve3ndi@rac.ca

Free Coffee, Door Prizes, Demonstrations, CANWARN, ARES, QSL Bureau, RAC, Radio World, Durham Radio, Mapleleaf Communications and more Dealers. Grand Prize Draw $1000.00 Radio World Gift Certificate

Website Info:  www.qsl.net/ve3vm/bigevent.html

===========

Jan. 4 2004   Champlain Regional Repeater Association Ottawa Valley

On Friday 26 December 2003 the, mininet was run by Nathan MacIsaac VA3NCM, age 13, in grade 8, only several weeks after being assigned his certificate and call sign. Consider the age difference between Monday night Net controller Bill ve3aas and va3ncm is like a lifetime. Congratulations, Nathan!

Full Story can be found on the Club Website:  www.ve3stp.com

Western Provinces

Jan. 17 2004   Basic Course for the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate

The North Shore Amateur Radio Club is pleased to offer a basic course for the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate. Starting on January 17 2004 at the North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO)- 2nd floor 147 East 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7L 2N4 (East end of RCMP building)

Seven Saturdays mornings - January 17 to February 28/04 Time: 0900 to 1230 Students write the Industry Canada exam on Feb. 28th  Register through North Vancouver Continuing Education (NVCE). Course #PI 06-2, Fee: $115.00 including GST. To register, phone NVCE at 604-903-3333 using Visa or M/C or in person at Lucas Centre, 2132 Hamilton Ave., North Van.

1) Course fee includes the Kolody Study Notes and the Industry Canada Question Bank complete with answers, and other handouts.
2) Registration commences Dec. 15/03, when the NVCE Winter course book is distributed.
3) Register early. If class is not full, registrations will be accepted at the first session.

Chief Instructor, John White VA7JW, at 604-936-2367 or check NSARC's website at www.nsarc.ca or check the North Vancouver Continuing Education website at:  http://northshoreconted.com

Note: Do not park on E. 14th Street (only one hour parking). Free parking is available on surrounding streets (check the signs!). Pay parking at Safeway parking lot ($4 all day at the meter) or Lions Gate Hospital.

Club Website:  www.nsarc.ca
 

Propagation Report    (For the week of Jan.11 2003)

America's

Jan. 9 2004  Forecast Bulletin 2  ARLP002 from Tad Cook, K7RA

Average daily sunspot numbers rose slightly this week and solar flux was down a bit. Except for January 2, geomagnetic conditions were active. The prediction for the next few days, January 9-11, was for moderate geomagnetic conditions, but this seems to be changing with the arrival of energy from a couple of coronal mass ejections. These were sent into space on January 6 and 7, and there is a small possibility of a larger solar flare over the next day or so.

As this bulletin is being written after 1000z on January 9, the mid-latitude K index has risen to 5 for the 0900z reading, as
reported on WWV. It is no coincidence that the interplanetary magnetic field points south, leaving earth vulnerable.

Earth's active geomagnetic field could stabilize over the next couple of days, but is expected to become unsettled to active again around January 12-13. January 14-15 are expected to be quiet, with a stable geomagnetic field.

Solar flux is expected to rise slowly over the next few days, reaching 130 by January 13, then possibly peaking around 135 from January 19-21.

On January 4 the earth reached perihelion, the closest point to the sun in our orbit. It was closest around 0900z, about 91.7 million miles from the sun. Last July 4 was aphelion, when sun and earth were furthest apart, a little over 94.8 million miles. This means that assuming all other factors are equal, radiation from the sun was about 7% more intense on January 4 than it was on July 4.

The nights are still long, although getting shorter as we slowly advance toward spring. 160, 80 and 40 meters will be good at night with lower noise levels than summer, when days are longer. Long distance communication on 80 meters is probably best when both ends of the path are in darkness.

For instance, from the east coast to Europe, 80-meter propagation should improve after sundown in the United States and fade around sunrise at the other end. Similarly, from the west coast to Japan, 80-meters should open after dark at the Japan end and fade around sunrise on the west coast.

For more information about propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the Propagation page on the ARRL Web site at: www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html

Sunspot numbers for January 1 through 7 were 47, 51, 65, 80, 80, 78 and 93 with a mean of 70.6. 10.7 cm flux was 116, 116.5, 116.1, 119.4, 123, 117.3 and 118.8, with a mean of 118.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 27, 13, 26, 24, 22, 20 and 32, with a mean of 23.4.

(W1AW)

Europe

Jan. 10 2004  GB2RS Propagation Update

And now, the first solar report and forecast of the year from Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF. During the holiday period solar flare activity was low but the past week brought a number of M-class flares, the largest being one of M8.3 magnitude on the 8th. Flare-related fadeouts on the lower bands were reported on several days. The solar flux, which was in the 130s around Christmas, subsequently declined and is currently hovering around 120, averaging 119 last week. The 90-day average has scarcely varied is currently 137. The X-ray flux averaged B4.2 over the week to January 9th.

The geomagnetic field was quiet or slightly unsettled for most of the Christmas period. However, it subsequently been more active with periods at minor storm level on several days last week. The most disturbed day was the 7th, when the Ap index reached 32. There was a lull on the 8th, with the index at 9, but the 9th was again active at 21 units, with the disturbance continuing into the 10th. The prevalence of high-speed coronal streams has tended to maintain solar wind speeds at above average levels, with 890km/sec registered on the 7th.

The low level of geomagnetic activity over the Christmas period, combined with relatively favourable solar flux figures made for lively HF propagation. However, since the start of the year it has been a rather different story, with lower flux levels and increased geomagnetic activity substantially depressing MUFs, especially over east-west and high latitude paths. On a couple of days 28MHz was closed. While VHF aurora was reported on several days, a brief opening to north-west England on the 8th apart, it remained confined to the higher latitudes.

Finally, the forecast. The coming week will see the more active side of the Sun rotating into view. Flare activity will be mainly low, though there are likely to be occasional M-class events. Flux levels should increase slightly, probably into the 130s. The geomagnetic field is expected to be active through to the early part of the week, initially due to a coronal mass ejection and later to a high-speed coronal stream. Midweek should be relatively quiet but disturbance is likely to increase again towards next weekend due to a coronal hole. Look for MUFs at equal latitudes to reach 32MHz in the south on the quieter days and 27MHz in the north. Expect darkness hour lows to be about 7MHz. Prospects for the lower bands look reasonably good, though occasional daytime fadeouts are possible. Paths to South Africa should have a maximum usable frequency of 33MHz this week. The optimum working frequency will be about 25MHz. The best time will be between 1000 and 1500 UTC.

And that is all for this week from the propagation team.
 

Jan. 9 2004  International Space Station Status Report Expedition 8 Crew

Expedition 8 Commander Mike Foale celebrated his 47th birthday on Wednesday this week while Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri observed the Russian Orthodox Christmas on Thursday as they both continued research work, performed several maintenance activities and conducted troubleshooting efforts to assist ground engineers analyzing a small decay in the Station cabin’s atmospheric pressure.

The pressure decay poses no threat to the crew's safety or to the continued operation of the Station and its systems, but Russian and U.S. engineers are conducting a thorough investigation of the decrease, which appears to have begun about Dec. 22. The decline occurs at a rate so small, only a few hundredths of a pound per square inch (psi) of pressure per day, that it is difficult to detect.

This week, Foale and Kaleri checked a variety of valves and seals throughout the Station using an ultrasonic leak detection system and found no leaks. Today, Kaleri checked a Russian system, called Vozdukh, that removes carbon dioxide from the cabin as well as several other Russian systems for leaks and found none.

To continue the effort to diagnose the source of the pressure decay, flight controllers in Russia and the U.S. plan to ask the crew to shut off portions of the Station periodically in coming days. In the next few days, hatches will be closed for periods ranging between 12-24 hours to seal off various modules to check if any element within them could be the source of a leak. Those modules may include the Progress cargo vehicle, the Pirs Docking Compartment and Soyuz spacecraft, and the Quest airlock.

If those steps do not detect the source of the leak, then the crew may be asked to move into the Russian living quarters module for several days and shut hatches separating the Russian living quarters and other modules from the rest of the station for several days. Those actions would likely not take place any earlier than Wednesday. Engineers are continuing to work on potential plans for those steps to diagnose the leak and to review the number of hatches that would be closed at that time.

The decay in pressure over the past few weeks aboard the station has amounted to a decrease from the normal pressure of 14.7 psi, a pressure equivalent to sea level on Earth, to a pressure today of about 14 psi, a pressure equivalent to the normal air pressure in Oklahoma City. The changes in pressure do not present a concern for the health of the crew. Also, plentiful supplies of air, oxygen and nitrogen, are aboard the station -- enough that the current rate of decay could be sustained for six months without further supplies aboard if required. However, engineers are confident they will identify and correct the source of the decay as they continue the diagnostic work onboard.

Flight controllers may feed more nitrogen into the Station atmosphere late Sunday or Monday to increase the overall air pressure and maintain the cabin atmosphere in the optimal range for the operation of equipment aboard the complex. Russian flight controllers also are continuing to evaluate the possible replacement of parts of the Station's oxygen-generating Elektron system. The Russian system generates oxygen by recycling wastewater aboard the complex. It has failed, but spare parts are aboard that engineers are confident can bring it back to full operation and they are developing plans to perform that work possibly next week. While the Elektron failure is being evaluated, the crew has used Solid Fuel Oxygen Generators, canisters that are heated to produce oxygen, to replenish oxygen on the Station.

Despite the leak detection activities, engineers are not certain the fluctuation and slight decline in pressure aboard the Station is the result of a leak from the complex. Evaluations continue to determine if it instead could result from or be significantly contributed to by troubleshooting and intermittent Elektron operation, SFOG oxygen generation activities, recent changes in temperature and sun angles, the accuracy of various pressure measuring systems, or other factors.

Information on the crew's activities aboard the Space Station, future launch dates, as well as Station sighting opportunities from anywhere on the Earth, is available on the Internet at: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

Details on station science operations can be found on an Internet site administered by the Payload Operations Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., at: http://scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov

For  future missions, visit NASA at: www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/schedule.htm

(ARISS)

=============

Jan. 6 2004   Ohio Youngsters Enjoy First ARISS School Group Contact of 2004

While students sometimes consider geography a boring subject on Earth, International Space Station Expedition 8 commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, told some Ohio youngsters January 2 that it's anything but dull from his perspective in space. Foale spoke via Amateur Radio with a group of fourth through ninth graders at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills. Arranged via the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, the contact between Gilmour Academy club station ND8GA and NA1SS on the ISS marked the first school group QSO of the new year.

"If I look at the Earth, I find the geography incredibly interesting," Foale enthused, "looking at how the cities are laid out, seeing the roads and the houses, or often, if it's desert--there's an awful lot of desert on the earth--peeking at the different rocks." Foale said he studied a lot of geology as an astronaut, but he's especially fascinated with the people living below, and he always keeps a computer-based encyclopedia handy when he's viewing Earth from space.

In responding to the dozen questions put to him by the youngsters, Foale also spoke about a cancer-related research project aboard the ISS.

"Cancer cells can be developed in space in a very different way from the way they are on Earth," Foale said. "That allows researchers to develop new techniques for treating cancer cells on Earth. It's a long project, and it will go on for may years."

Foale said he and crewmate Sasha Kaleri, U8MIR, eat well in space, but he also admitted that the ISS crew doesn't always go along with the program when it comes to what they consume.

"We don't, of course, eat all the things they tell us to eat," he said. "I just love chocolate, so I've eaten all the chocolate that's aboard already." The Expedition 8 crew is not scheduled to return to Earth until April.

A sixth grader wanted to know if Foale thought youngsters would one day be able to travel to the ISS.

"Yes, I think they will," Foale replied. "I'm not sure how soon. I don't think you will be a kid when that happens. I think you will be grown up by then and out of college. Maybe you'll be taking kids to the space station."

Foale concluded the contact by wishing all at the school a happy new year.

Gilmour Academy Amateur Radio Club President Caroline Greco, KC8WNY, handled control operator duty at the ND8GA Earth station. Faculty club moderator and back-up control op was Ken Kane, KG8DN.

"Even though our contact wasn't perfect, it was about 75 percent solid, enough to provide some nice memories for the kids and parents," Kane said. "We were delighted with the results, and learned a lot from the effort."

In space, Foale used the Phase 1 NA1SS equipment--a 5 W Ericsson handheld with an external antenna--for the Gilmour Academy contact. Although it's installed and has been checked out and used to make some casual QSOs, the higher-power ARISS Phase 2 ham gear has not yet been cleared for use during ARISS school group contacts.

An audience of approximately 50 people turned out at the school for the event. In addition, the ARISS QSO got news media attention from at least one newspaper and a local television station, which later interviewed some of the students.

ARISS is a joint educational outreach program with participation from ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.

(ARRL News Report)

==============

Jan. 6 2004   NASA says ISS crew in no danger from apparent air leak

Expedition 8 commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, and flight engineer Alex "Sasha" Kaleri, U8MIR, this week are trying to track down an elusive air leak onboard the International Space Station. After an investigation in the US and Russian modules January 5, the crew reported nothing unusual. Flight controllers on the ground informed the crew late Monday that they have been monitoring a slightly larger-than-normal decay in air pressure on the ISS. NASA says the air pressure decay, measured at a rate of less than 0.04 pounds per square inch a day, is having no impact on station operations, and the crew is in no danger. Station officials and flight controllers have asked the crew to continue troubleshooting activities this week while they monitor the pressure from Earth. In 1997, Foale was aboard the Russian Mir spacecraft when a collision with a Progress rocket punctured the spacecraft's Spektr laboratory module. In 2000, Kaleri was sent to Mir to help track down leaks aboard the then-aged space outpost. Kaleri and Foale (photo) recently conducted a teleconference with the Moscow Support Group to mark the new year. Audio and video of the occasion was relayed to Johnson Space Center.

(ARRL News Service)

==============

Space shuttle Columbia crew memorialized on Mars

NASA this week announced plans to name the landing site of the Mars Spirit rover in honor of the astronauts who died in the tragic shuttle Columbia accident of February 1, 2003. The area in the vast flatland of the Gusev Crater where Spirit landed this past weekend will be called the Columbia Memorial Station. The Columbia crew, headed by Commander Rick Husband, included Pilot Willie McCool and Mission Specialists Kalpana "KC" Chawla, KD5ESI; David Brown, KC5ZTC; Laurel Clark, KC5ZSU, and Michael Anderson, and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Since its historic landing January 3, Spirit has been sending extraordinary images of its new surroundings on the red planet. Among them is an image of a memorial plaque placed on the spacecraft to the Columbia astronauts and the STS-107 mission. The plaque is mounted on the back of Spirit's high-gain antenna, which is used to communicate with Earth. The memorial plaque was attached to the Rover last March at Kennedy Space Center. "Spirit carries the dream of exploration the brave astronauts of Columbia held in their hearts,"

(NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe)

============

Jan. 1 2004  Next AMSAT Board meeting announced

The next meeting of the Board of Directors of AMSAT-NA will take place at the Airport Clarion Hotel Orlando on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2004. Commencing at 8.30 am on Saturday, the meeting will be open to all AMSAT-NA members. As is our normal procedure, the first item of business will be to receive presentations from the membership.

The second item will be to develop the AMSAT-NA Strategic plan considering current circumstances.

AMSAT members wishing to attend and make a presentation to the BoD should advise me in advance (by February 15) of their topic and the length of time they wish to present.

Robin Haighton, VE3FRH,
(President, AMSAT-NA)

===========

AO-27 returns to operation

The AO-27 Command Team reports that as of 29 December 2003 UTC, a new schedule has been uploaded to AO-27 after tracking down several bugs in the on-board schedule state machine.

The schedule starts 3.5 minutes before the sub-satellite point crosses Latitude 39.0N on an ascending (South to North) pass. At that point AO-27 will turn on for 1 minute of digital telemetry download followed by 6 minutes of analog repeater operation. In addition to the analog repeater operations in the evening, there will also be 1 minute digital telemetry transmitted in the morning starting when it crosses Latitude 39.0N on a descending pass.

When there is a better understanding of the battery condition, the analog time will be increased.

Your help is needed logging TLM from AO27. Please visit the Logging AO-27 Telemetry page, www.umbrasi.com/AO27/tlm.shtml for directions in getting started.

(AO-27 Command Team via AMSAT News)

===========

Jan. 8 2004  New traveling Space Exhibit

The largest traveling space exhibit ever has made its first stop  The 12,000 square foot display will allow visitors to touch rocks from Mars and the moon, take a virtual visit to the red planet and explore the international space station.

The exhibit employs the most advanced technology available here on earth to get its message out. The exhibit will be at Seattle's Pacific Science Center through May 9th. Then, it begins its own journey on a 15 city tour over the next five years.

(NASA News)

===========

Note: For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station "ARISS" visit the Radio Amateurs of Canada website:  www.rac.ca/ariss

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:  TPN Editor: va3ku@rac.ca

===============

Jan. 7 2004  A call for help from South Pacific

Oak Hills ham operator communicates with island's storm survivors. More than 1,300 miles northeast of New Zealand, the tiny South Pacific island of Niue is about as remote as you can get. On Monday, a storm tore through the island, leaving two people missing, injuring three others and destroying five or six buildings. The storm also knocked out communication links to the outside world, leaving the people of Niue with no way to call for help.

Halfway around the world in Oak Hills, Steve McCully was talking with friends overseas on his ham radio when he picked up a call for help from Niue on Tuesday morning. In an instant, McCully became the only link to the outside world for the Island of Niue and its 2,000 residents. Even the government of New Zealand was unaware that Niue had been ravaged.

"It's a major disaster," McCully said. "They figure they will be without food and water for seven days." The New Zealand government knew the storm was heading toward the South Pacific island but didn't know if it had hit the 160-square-mile island Monday night, McCully said. McCully called New Zealand Consul General Darryl Dunn in Los Angeles and patched him through via telephone and amateur radio to the Niue chief of police.

New Zealand, which has a close relationship with the independent Niue government, is sending a plane and a ship to aid the islanders. The only information the New Zealand government had on the disaster came from McCully, Dunn said.

There is supposed to be a satellite phone on the island for such emergencies, but it apparently wasn't working, the consul general said. It is currently the hot, cyclone season in the South Pacific, Dunn said. "We're very grateful to Steve for picking up the message, then doing the right thing and getting in touch with us," he said. By early afternoon McCully had lost the connection with Niue, but a Hawaiian station had picked it up, McCully said.

McCully appreciated the New Zealand consulate's response. "He took it seriously and got right on the phone," McCully said.

Niue is one of the largest coral islands in the world.

Emily Berg/Staff Writer
emily_berg@link.freedom.com

(Daily Press)

===============

Follow up story to the above article

Bad News from shattered Niue

As Auckland Niueans waited anxiously for news of relatives, Deputy Premier Toke Talagi managed to get a call through late on Thursday to tell them the worst. "This is the worst cyclone ever," he said from the capital, Alofi. Cyclone Heta has left Niue with power cuts, water in short supply, petrol rationing and only satellite telephone communication. It took Mr Talagi a few tries with a satellite phone to get through to Pacific Island journalists at the Otahuhu studios of community radio station 531PI.

He said it would be up to three months before life returned to anywhere near normal. Most of the Government buildings, businesses, infrastructure and public records have been damaged or destroyed by the 40m waves and up to 300kmh winds that swept through with the  cyclone on Tuesday. One person was killed and two injured. Mr Talagi said a dozen houses had been destroyed in the coastal area south of Alofi that bore the brunt of the storm. Some had been washed up to 100m inland by the monstrous waves.

He had no idea when telecommunication would be restored as the country's satellite dish had been damaged, even though it was taken down before the cyclone hit. Some villages had no water at all, and although the reservoir had water, villagers had no tankers to transport it. Mr Talagi said petrol was being rationed because the waterfront fuel depot had been damaged, and the hospital's medical supplies had been washed away. The National Museum was "gone". "When you drive down the road to it, now all you can see is the sea."

Mr Talagi said Niueans had still to assess damage to their taro and  fruit crops, one of the country's major industries. "There are no bananas, no grapefruit and no pawpaws. They have gone with the wind into the sea."

The airport was open, and "for some reason, the wharf is still standing". Mr Talagi said he had seen four cyclones batter his homeland, "and this is the worst". On Thursday morning, he was joined by Premier Young Vivian, who arrived on a New Zealand Air Force Hercules carrying emergency supplies. Mr Vivian was in Auckland when the cyclone struck, after the death of his wife last week. He said he was "shocked and more shocked" to see the devastation. "The houses are not flattened, they are wiped out." Mr Vivian was concerned that unless Niueans were given some assurances, many might leave the island to live in New Zealand. Auckland's Niuean community groups were scrambling to organise meetings and church services.

©AAP 2003 (via Sam Dellitt, Australia, DXLD)

(DX Listening Digest)

There are now 907 IRLP station nodes worldwide,

There are now 907 IRLP station nodes worldwide including, Canada, U.S.A., United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Botswana, Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, Bermuda,
Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Mexico, Ecuador, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Antarctica.

Full Details:  www.irlp.net

(Thompson River Amateur Radio Club)

=============

Jan. 7 2004   Canada's Weatheradio Network modernization

Environment Canada today announced the first step in the modernization of Environment Canada's Weatheradio Network.

The major improvement to the Weatheradio network is the addition of the capability to broadcast Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) and Specific Area Messaging Encoding (SAME) codes. This addition will permit future expansion to include a suite of non weather related public emergency warning messages such as child abduction emergency (Amber Alert), Boil Water alert or Civil emergency messages. – The goal is to work with federal, provincial and municipal agencies responsible for non weather emergency warnings to develop an all hazard warning system for Canadians. New Weatheradio receivers are capable of receiving both the audio signal and text warning messages.

"In the future, Canadians will have access to one of the worlds most advanced responsive public weather warning systems," said the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. "We are building the foundation now to expand the suite of warning messages, and improve access to weather warnings to Canadians in all regions.

This initiative will permit Environment Canada's Meteorological Service to expand the reach and functionality of the Weatheradio network, providing Canadians, who have purchased a Weatheradio, with an enhanced public warning system. In addition, this will allow compatibility with new public warning receiving devices such as the RCA Alert Guard™ television which receives weather and other emergency warnings directly on their TV sets.

"All of these improvements, as with all of the changes that have taken place at the Meteorological Service of Canada since 1871, are directed toward one goal: providing the best and most useful weather information possible to ensure the health, safety, economic security and quality of life of Canadians" said Minister Anderson.

It is anticipated that the Weatheradio network conversion will begin in spring, 2004, and be completed prior to the end of the year. A special radio receiver is required in order to receive the Weatheradio signal. These radios are available in electronic stores across Canada.

Mr. A. J. Chir
Manager, Dissemination Networks
Meteorological Service of Canada
(416) 739-4369

===========

More on the Weatherradio Network-

The Meteorological Service of Canada has embarked on the process of adding additional public warning functionality to the Weatheradio network. The major change will be the introduction of Federal Information Processing Standard and Specific Area Messaging Encoding

(FIPS/SAME) codes to the Weatheradio broadcast, which will enable users to receive both the audio signal and text warning messages. The goal is to expand the functionally, reach and utility of the MSC Weatheradio network available to Canadians by late 2004.

The MSC Weatheradio Network
The MSC Weatheradio network is a broadcast technology that allows the MSC to send forecasts and warning messages to users by the use of a tone alert feature. The network is extensive with 185 locations broadcasting over the VHF-FM frequency band and reaches over 92% of Canadians. A special weather radio receiver is required in order to get the Weatheradio audio signal. These radios are available in electronic stores. Key users of the Weatheradio service are first line emergency responders such as firemen, police and community officials. Other users are those who participate in outdoor activities such as recreational boating, camping, organizations such as school boards and small businesses that focus on outdoor applications such as snowplowing and landscaping.

Weatheradio Receivers
One important feature of the Weatheradio network is that many receivers are equipped with the capability, while in the standby mode, of sounding a siren or displaying a flashing light when a warning message is received. Through this feature, Weatheradio is a true alert system that does not require the users to constantly monitor the broadcast as the content and timing is totally controlled by the MSC. The trigger to activate this feature is the receiving of a 1050 Hz tone that is broadcast ahead of a warning message.

However, most new Weatheradio receivers now use FIPS/SAME codes as the trigger to activate the alarm features. By broadcasting FIPS/SAME codes, the users who purchase a new Weatheradio will not only be able to receive the audio signal, but will receive emergency messages and full functionality of the warning device unit, such as flashing lights or warning sirens that activate while the receiver is in the standby mode. The MSC will continue to send the 1050 Hz tone in order to assure compatibility with older weather radio receivers.

"Alert Guard"™ Television
Thomson (RCA) recently launched a new line of televisions called 'Alert Guard™'. These new televisions will incorporate a
built in Weatheradio receiver. In addition to receiving the audio Weatheradio signal, the television will have lights on the front
panel that will flash when weather warnings or other non-weather emergency messages are issued. The non-audio warning features are only triggered by the FIPS/SAME codes. Other options include crawling of the warning message and a graduated warning siren alarm. All of these functions are activated by the user through the remote control. All features will work while the television is performing other functions such as watching on air programming or playing a DVD, VHS tape or a video game. The warning features are independent of program source such as cable, satellite or antenna. All that is required is being able to receive a Weatheradio transmission site.

FIPS/SAME Technology
The heart of the 'Alert Guard™' feature is the use of FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) and SAME (Specific Area Messaging Encoding) code technology. The appropriate number code is electronically assembled and inserted ahead of the normal audio warning message. A listener will hear a brief 'tone type noise'. The tone is decoded by suitably equipped Weatheradio receivers. Most new Weatheradio receivers and the Alert Guard™ television Weatheradio board now have this technology. When a warning, alert or advisory is issued and the Alert Guard™ television/Weatheradio is located within the transmitter patterns, all alerting features, such as a warning siren or a flashing light will activate. The MSC Weatheradio network will start using this technology by 2004.

Public warning messages
The capability to broadcast FIPS/SAME code on the Weatheradio network in Canada will provide a significant weather service improvement. In addition to severe weather warnings, the Weatheradio network will have the functionality to broadcast a suite of non-weather public warnings. The goal is to work with agencies responsible for non weather emergency warnings to develop an all warning system for Canadians. The broadcasting (text) non-weather alerts provide a unique opportunity to those in the warning preparedness community. The goal is to have this system in place in 2004.

Kim VA3 KDH

(ARES Ontario Group)

==============

Jan. 8 2004  Siren Sensor test in L.A.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has been asked to study the possibility of equipping engines with a device to turn traffic lights green.  This, so vehicles responding to emergencies don't have to stop at intersections.

Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge has asked the Fire Department to work with the City's Department of Transportation to start a pilot program using technology such as SirenSensor. This is an acoustically activated device that can
differentiate emergency sirens from ambient noise and then warn the civilian driver of the approach of an emergency vehicle.  It does this by shutting of a near-by car's audio system or radio and activating both audible and visual signals.  The councilman believes that this technology can help police and firefighters respond to emergencies with greater speed.

More about SirenSensor: www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m4PRN/1998_Nov_13/53213508/p1/article.jhtml

Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF
(Amateur Radio Newsline)

==============

Jan. 8 2004  New quick charge NiMH Batteries

The Rayovac company has announced a new charger that it says is capable of fully restoring a specially designed Nickel Metal Hydride cell in only 15 minutes. Dubbed the  I-C3, the new rechargeable cells and charging system uses Rayovac's In-Cell Charge Control technology that puts the control of recharging into the battery instead of the charger. The company says that doing this offers significant performance and convenience advantages over existing rechargeable and disposable battery systems.

More info: www.rayovac.com

(Rayovac)

==============

Jan. 8 2004  Norwegian court says copying DVD's not piracy

An appeals court in Oslo Norway has dealt a major blow to those trying to protect the intellectual copyright of material that they own from unauthorized duplication. This, after it upholds the acquittal of a 20-year-old Norwegian man who posted a
program on the Internet for cracking DVD security codes.

Prosecutors had appealed a lower court decision after Jon Lech Johansen was acquitted last  January of violating Norway's data break-in laws with his DeCSS program for DVDs. The prosecution had sought a 90-day suspended jail sentence,
confiscation of computer equipment and a $2,940 fine. But  the judge ruled that Johansen could freely copy DVDs he bought, adding he didn't violate the Nordic country's laws protecting intellectual property.

The case was widely seen as a test of Norway's computer protection laws. Prosecutors said they were considering appealing to the country's supreme court. In the meantime, the decision is being viewed as a major setback for anti-piracy proponents
in the entertainment industry, worldwide.

(Published news reports)

Contest News

Jan. 7 2004   Web Program Available to Create Cabrillo Format Logs

The ARRL Contest Branch has announced that a Web-based "applet" program now is available that can create and e-mail contest logs in the Cabrillo file format ARRL requires.[ www.b4h.net/cabforms ]

"Thanks to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, and the support of several other amateurs, it is now possible for all contest participants to create Cabrillo-format logs on the Web," said ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, who notes that Horn is developing templates for additional ARRL contests. "These will allow participants who log on paper or whose logging software will not generate a Cabrillo file to create an electronic log to submit to the League."

The first ARRL contest for which the Web applet is available is the recent 2004 RTTY Roundup. Once new contest templates are developed, these will also become available via links from Horn's Cabrillo Web Forms page. While intended for smaller log submissions, the Web applet will work for log submissions of any size.

The Web routine has two stages. First, it prompts the user to provide the required information to create a Cabrillo file header. This would include such information as ARRL/RAC section, call sign used, call signs of operators for a multi-operator entry, entry class, entry mode (if applicable), power level, sent exchange information, club (if applicable), and the operator's name and address. Where appropriate, drop-down boxes allow the submitter to select the correct information.

Once the header is in place, the next screen allows users to input data for each QSO. Users may either type in the information for each contact or they may cut and paste the necessary information--band, date, time, call sign copied, received RST, received exchange--from another source. Make sure to leave a space between each data element on the QSO line and to use a new line for each QSO.

Once QSO data has been entered, click on the "SUBMIT QSO INFO" button at the bottom of the page. The applet will then check for any formatting errors. If everything is correct, the applet will display the completed file, where you can check your information one last time.

Click the "SUBMIT CABRILLO LOG" button at the bottom to e-mail the entry automatically to the correct address for the contest. This also will send a copy of the Cabrillo-formatted log to the user for their records.

Upon submission, the applet-created log will be processed just as all other log submissions are. If the contest robot finds problems, it will send the appropriate e-mail message to the submitter for handling. If the log is okay, the robot will send a numbered receipt.

Users with questions about the Web applet should contact the ARRL Contest Branch via e-mail [ contests@arrl.org ]. The ARRL thanks Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, for his work in developing this helpful and useful Web application

(ARRL)

=============

Jan 2004 N2CQ QRP CONTEST CALENDAR

North American QSO Party (CW) (100w max. QRP Entries Noted)
Jan 10, 1800z to Jan 11, 0600z
Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php

070 Club PSKFEST Contest ... QRP Category
Jan 17, 0000z to 2400z
Rules: http://www.podxs.com/html/pskfest.html

Michigan QRP Club Contest (CW) ... QRP Contest!
Jan 17, 1200z to Jan 18, 2359z
Rules: http://www.qsl.net/miqrpclub

LZ OPEN CONTEST (CW 80M/40M) ...QRP Category
Jan 17, 1200z to 2000z
Rules: http://www.qsl.net/lz1fw/lzopen/index.html

North American QSO Party (SSB) (100w max. QRP Entries Noted)
Jan 17, 1800z to Jan 18, 0600z
Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php

Run For The Bacon (CW) *** QRP Contest ***
Jan 19, 0100z to 0300z
Rules: http://fpqrp.com

CQ WW 160-Meter DX Contest (CW) ... QRP Category
Jan 24, 0000z to Jan 25, 2359z
Rules: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/awards.html

UBA DX Contest (Belgian) (SSB) ... QRP Category
Jan 31, 1300z to Feb 1, 1300z
Rules: http://www.uba.be

Thanks to SM3CER, WA7BNM, N0AX(ARRL), WB3AAL and others for assistance in compiling this calendar.

Ken Newman - N2CQ

==============

SM3CER Contest Server

Jan.10-11  Hunting LIONS in the Air   SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/lionsita.htm ]

Jan.10  Midwinter Contest  CW
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/midwintc.htm ]

Jan.10-11 Cray Valley SWL Contest  CW/SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/crvaswlc.htm ]

Jan.10-11  North American QSO Party   CW
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/naqp.htm ]

Jan.11  NRAU-Baltic Contest  CW/SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/nrau.htm ]

Jan.11  Midwinter Contest SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/midwintc.htm ]

Jan.11  DARC 10m-Contest CW/SSB
[ www.darc.de/referate/dx/fedcz.htm ]

Jan.17  Ø7Ø Club PSKFest PSK-31
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/070pskf.htm ]

Jan.17-18  Hungarian DX Contest CW/SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/hadxc.htm ]

Jan.17  LZ Open Contest CW
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/lzocs.htm ]

Jan.17-18  MI-QRP Club January CW Contest    CW
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/miqrpccs.htm ]

Jan.17-18  North American QSO Party   SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/naqp.htm ]

Jan.18  SSA Månadstest nr 1   CW/SSB
[ www.sk3bg.se/contest/mt.htm ]
 

Wall Township, NJ: Ocean Monmouth ARC, N2MO. 1400Z Jan 10-0000Z Jan 11. To commemorate "Project Diana," the first ever successful moon bounce experiment from the historic Diana Site. Gen and Nov/Tech subbands 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 m. QSL. OMARC Inc, PO Box 267, Oakhurst, NJ 07755. arcep-logo.jpghttp://www.omarc.org/.

Davidsonville, MD: Anne Arundel Radio Club Jr, W3W. 1300Z Jan 17-1800Z Jan 18. Celebra-ting 3rd Anniversary of a club dedicated to kids. 28.335 21.365 14.265 7.237. Certificate or QSL. Andrew Kelly, K3ASK, 1561 Efford Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122. http://kidshamradio.com/specialevent.html.

Oyster Bay, NY: ARRL NY City/Long Island Section, W2V. 1300Z-2200Z Jan 18. Ham Radio University 2004. 21.270 14.270 7.270. Certificate. George Tranos, PO Box 296, Bellport, NY 11713. http://www.hudson.arrl.org/nli/hru2003.htm.
 

DXCC Desk approves Pratas operation for credit:

The ARRL DXCC Desk has approved the Pratas Island BQ9P operation of September 9-16, 2003, for DXCC credit. For more information, contact DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, or visit the DXCC Web site. The Web page includes DXCC program rules, current and deleted DXCC entity lists, and all DXCC forms. www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc

(ARRL News Service)

============

Jan. 8 2004  ARLD001 DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by CE3HDI, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

NIGER, 5U.  Bull, 5U7JB has been QRV on 17 meters, and will concentrate his activity on the newer bands for the next few months. He will be active on the other HF bands during contests.  QSL via ON5NT.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Ricardo, CE3HDI will be QRV as CE9R from Escudero Base on King George Island, IOTA AN-010, from January 10 to February 24.  Activity will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY.  QSL to home call.

ANTARCTICA.  Felix, DP1POL has been QRV on 20 meters around 1800 to 2000z.  QSL via DL1ZBO.

IRAN, EP.  Mohsen, EP3SMH is generally QRV on 15 meters around 1300z.  QSL direct.

GUADELOUPE, FG.  Pierre, F6FXS will be QRV as FG/F6FXS from January 14 to February 13.  Activity will be on 40, 30, 20, 15 and 10 meters using CW.  Activity may be around 1300 to 1400z and then 2200 to 2400z.  QSL to home call.

AUSTRAL ISLANDS, FO.  A group of Finnish amateurs are QRV as FO/OH6KN from Tubuai, IOTA OC-152, until January 18.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including 30, 17 and 12 meters, using CW, SSB and some RTTY.  QSL via OH9MDV.

MINAMI TORISHIMA, JD1.  JD1YBJ has been QRV on 80 meters around 1100 to 1300z and is here until January 16.  QSL direct.

SVALBARD, JW.  JW5E has been QRV on 80 meters using SSB around 0630z.  QSL via operators' instructions.  Meanwhile, JW5RIA is also QRV until May 30.  QSL via LA5RIA.

BRAZIL, PY.  Emilio, PU5HAS will be QRV as PY5/PU5HAS from Mel Island, IOTA SA-047, from January 15 to 17.  Activity will be on 80 and 10 meters using SSB.  QSL to home call.

MOUNT ATHOS, SV/A.  Monk Apollo, SV1ASP/A has been QRV on 17 meters around 0800 and 1400z and 12 meters around 0900z.  QSL direct.

TUVALU, T2.  T20RE has been QRV on 20 meters around 0700z, 30 meters around 1000z and 40 meters around 1100z.  QSL via HA8IB.

CONGO, TN.  Walsker, CT3HK is QRV as TN3S until October 31.  QSL to home call.

BELIZE, V3.  Gerd, DJ4KW and Gisela, DK9GG will be QRV as V31YN and V31GW, respectively, using CW and RTTY, respectively, from January 10 to the end of February.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters. QSL to home calls.

NORFOLK ISLAND, VK9N.  Jim, VK9NS has been QRV on 20 meters around 2300z.  QSL direct.

FALKLAND ISLANDS, VP8.  Ted, NH6YK is QRV as VP8DHI and has been active on 17 meters around 0000z.  QSL to home call.

CAMBODIA, XU.  Peter, NO2R is QRV as XU7ACY from Sihanoukville until January 12.  Activity is on 160, 80 and 40 meters.  QSL via K2NJ.

VIETNAM, XV.  Eddy, XV9DT is QRV using either XV1X or 3W1X. Activity is generally on 160, 80, 40 and 30 meters.  QSL via operator's instructions.

SYRIA, YK.  Omar, YK1AO has been QRV on 40 meters using CW around 0500z.  QSL direct.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The North American CW QSO Party, Hunting Lions in the Air, East Asia 160/80 Meter DX Contest, DARC 10 Meter Contest, Midwinter CW/Phone Contest, UK DX SSB Contest and the NRAU-Baltic Contest will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see January QST, page 98 and the ARRL and WA7BNM
contest websites for details.

(W1AW)

============

Jan. 10 2004  4 2 5  DX  News

425 DX News has launched a new survey, this time for the best DXpedition in 2003. Fourteen DXpeditions have been selected; please visit http://www.425dxn.org/trophy_2003/ and cast your vote.

C5     - Look for C56/G0VUH to be active on all bands from The Gambia on 16-30 January. QSL via home call. [TNX NG3K]

C6     - Look for Wade, AA8LL/C6A and Liz,  K8LIZ/C6A to operate (mostly SSB on 40-10 metres, with an  emphasis on the WARC bands) from Crooked Island (NA-113), Bahamas on 16-19 January. On 17-18 January they will be active as  C6ALB from the Bird Rock Lighthouse (ARLHS BAH-005, WLA LH-0118). QSL via home calls, direct or bureau.  [TNX AA8LL]

CT     - Toze, CT1GFK/P and Goncalo, CT1GPQ/P will be active on 20 and 40 metres SSB and CW from Geada Island (not  IOTA, DIP AL-22) on 11 January (7-12 UTC). QSL via home calls. [TNX CT1END]

HI     - Look for John, G4RCG/HI9 and Bruce, KI7VR/HI9 to be active from the Dominican Republic on 17-31 January, CQ  WW 160 Meter CW Contest included. QSL via home calls. [TNX The Daily DX]

HA     - On 1 May Hungary will become a full member of the of the European Union and, to celebrate the event, special callsign HA2004EU will be used by members of MOM Radioclub through the end of the year. Further information is available at http://ha2004.eu/ [TNX HA5X]

I      - IZ1CCE, I1RB, IK1MJG, IK1QLD and IZ1ESH will be active as IZ1CCE/L (from Lions Club Solferino in Torino, Italy) on 10-11 January during the 33rd annual Hunting Lions in the Air Contest (www.sarl.org.za/public/contests/lionita.asp). Look for them on +/-  7085,  14185, 21285 and 28485 kHz. The contest  is to commemorate the birth of Melvin Jones, the founder of Lionism,  born on 13 January 1879. QSL via IZ1CCE, direct or bureau. [TNX IZ1CCE]

KG4    - Bill, W4WX  (KG4DX) has had to cancel his 13-19 January trip to Guantanamo Bay [425DXN  660] owing  to "shortage of billeting".  He will try again later in the year. [TNX W4WX]

S5     - Radio Club S59DKR will operate (on all HF bands CW, SSB and digital modes) as S59DKR/p from Drazgose on  10-11 January to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the battle that took place during WW II. Further information at http://lea.hamradio.si/~s59dkr [TNX S58MU]

UA     - Alex, RX3AJL/p plans to operate (only on 20 metres SSB) from Vodokhlebina and  possibly other  islands for  the Russian Robinson Award along the White Sea coast on 8-10 January. [TNX RZ3EM]

VU     - Ram, VU3DJQ expects to operate as either AT0D or AT0DJQ during contests (20 metres only) from 10 January through 31 March. QSL  via EA7FTR. [TNX VU3DJQ]

W      - Dan, W2NDP and Budd, N4WBJ will be active from Honeymoon Island (NA-034) on 11 January. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau.  [TNX The Daily DX]

XU     - Peter, NO2R has had to postpone his XU7ACY activity [425DXN  661] from Cambodia. He will be leaving  on 31 January and ashould be QRV from about 2 to 8 February. [TNX NO2R]

ANTARCTIC OPERATIONS *

- Ricardo, CE3HDI will be active (on all bands  CW and SSB) as CE9R from  the Chilean base  "Presidente  Eduardo Frei  Montalva"  on King  George  Island (South Shetlands, AN-010) until 24 February. QSL via CE3HDI. [TNX CE6TBN]

- Voytek, SP5QF will  be active as  either HF0QF and  HF0POL from the  Polis "Henryk Arctowski"  station  at Rakusa  Point,  King George Island (South Shetlands, AN-010) until December. He will operate on all bands CW and SSB. QSL via SP7IWA, direct or bureau. [TNX SP7IWA]

- Filippo, IK0AIH was active as KC4/IK0AIH/p from "Concordia" base on 5 January. Located at Dome C (75.06S-123.23E, East Antarctic Plateau, AN-016) and opened in January 1997, this Antarctic station is a project developed jointly by France and Italy. Give a look to the beautiful pictures on the station's web site at http://www.concordiastation.org In the meanwhile, Michele/IK7JGQ operated as IA0PS from the Italian  "Baia Terra Nova" station at Terra Nova Bay, Victoria Land (AN-016).

- Martin, LU3DO is the new the  new medical doctor at  the "Orcadas" base  on Laurie Island, South Orkneys (AN-008). He is expected to operate as LU3DO/Z until March 2005 and to use the equipment that Henry, LU4DXU will leave at the base after his own operation [425DXN 659]. [TNX DL5EBE]

(*) As far as base names, locations and accessory information are concerned, the reference source is the WABA Directory  2003 (which is also an acknowledged reference source for the RSGB IOTA Programme). It can be downloaded at www.ddxc.net (the web master, Egidio/IZ8BRI, is not and has never been involved in WABA management, so please refrain from contacting him on WABA matters).

Good to Know:

CE6TBN/8 --->  Three pilot stations will assist Marco, CE6TBN during his operations from the islands of Riesco (SA-091, 12-15 January) and Wellington (SA-032, 17-20  January)   [425DXN 658]. They are JA1QXY (ja1qxy@mub.biglobe.ne.jp) for Japan, CE1VLY (ce1vly@123mail.cl) and CE1URH (ce1urh@hotmail.com) for the rest of the world. [TNX CE6TBN]

DXCC NEWS ---> The 9-16 September 2003 BQ9P operation from Pratas Island has been approved for DXCC credit. [TNX NC1L]

DX SPOTS ---> Rod Elliott, VE3IRF  has collected the  DX spots from the OH2AQ Web Cluster since January 1997.  The collection from January 1997 up to December 2003  is available at www.425dxn.org/dxspots

EASTER ISLAND ---> Wojciech, SP9PT and Jerzy, SP9EVP logged 17,482 QSOs on CW, SSB and RTTY during their  19 October-1 November 2003 operation from Easter Island. QSLling has started; cards for CE0Y/SP9PT and CE0Y/SP9EVP should be sent direct to home calls. [TNX SP9PT]

GACW KEY DAY  ---> The GACW  KD will take place from 18 UTC on 28 February through 6 UTC on the 29th. This  is not a contest, but an event for encouraging amateur radio operators to log as many QSOs as possible using their non-electronic keys. More information at http://gacw.no-ip.org [TNX LU1DZ]

MOST WANTED SURVEY ---> The DX Magazine's (http://www.dxpub.com) annual Most Wanted Survey was conducted between mid-September and mid-October 2003, when the TO4E/TO4WW expedition to Europa had still to take place. The top 10 Most Wanted DXCC Entities are Scarborough Reef (BS7),  Andaman & Nicobar Islands (VU4), North Korea (P5), Lakshadweep Islands (VU7), Peter I (3Y), Yemen (7O), Juan de Nova & Europa (FR/J&E), Navassa Island (KP1), Desecheo (KP5) and Aves Island (YV0). Complete results can be found in the latest issue of The  DX Magazine.

PIRATE ---> Mike, G3TEV is the QSL manager for 9J2BO and reports that Brian's call has been pirated  on 80, 40  and 30 metres. "This problem is occurring quite often, from the number of  cards I  have  received", Mike  says. The genuine 9J2BO operates on 80 metres only very rarely due to the high noise level on that band.

POSTAGE FROM AUSTRALIA ---> Peter, VK6RZ reports that "due to the  increasing value of the Australian dollar against the US dollar, one US dollar is no longer sufficient for return postage except to the Asia/Pacific region".

QSL 5B4AHJ ---> Alan, G3PMR has now moved permanently to Cyprus. Bureau cards for 5B4AHJ (and 5B/G3PMR) should be addressed to 5B4AHJ (not via G3PMR).  QSL requests via email (g3pmr@shacklog.co.uk) are acceptable. Direct cards should be sent to Alan Jubb,  P.O. Box  61430, 8134  Kato Pafos, Cyprus. All QSLs already sent via G3PMR will reach Alan and will be acknowledged, but new QSL requests should be made as above. [TNX 5B4AHJ]

QSL IQ6AN ---> Lan, I6KYL  reports that all of the QSOs made by IQ6AN from Monte Cappuccini Lighthouse (WAIL  MA-003, ARLHS ITA  104) during the latest International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend have been confirmed  automatically via the bureau.

QSL OC-264 ---> All of the direct cards for FO/IT9YRE, FO/I1SNW and FO/IT9EJW have been mailed. These operations, as well  as V63RE and V63WN in 2002,  are also accepted for DXCC credit.

QSL UA0FDX  ---> Victor, UA0FDX reports that EA5OL is no longer his QSL manager. Cards  should  be  sent  direct  to  Victor  Komzuk,  P.O. Box 29, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk 7, Sakhalin Island, 693007 Russia.

QSL YI/ON5NT ---> Ghis, ON5NT reports that all direct cards have been replied to. The rest of the QSOs will  be confirmed automatically via the bureau.  In the meantime Ghis got his personal call (YI9N), but "I doubt that I will ever use it", he says.

QSL VIA UA3DFX ---> Vladimir, UA3DFX is  the new QSL manager for 4J1S,  4K1V, 4K60AA, 4K7DWZ and 4K7Z. His address is Vladimir Ulyanov, P.O. Box 10, Moscow 121615, Russia. [TNX UA3SAQ]

TEXAS DX SOCIETY  ---> The Texas DX Society has elected the following new officers to serve in 2004:  Mike Anderson, N5MV  (President); Don Daze, N5DD (Vice-President); Ed Gerber, W5GCX (Secretary); Dave Topp, W5BXX (Treasurer). The Texas  DX Society  (http://www.tdxs.org) fosters  the  growth of  DX  and contest activities centered around South Texas, USA. [TNX N5DD]

Z38M ---> IZ8CCW  and IZ8FWN  logged about 10,000 QSOs during their recent activity from Macedonia. They wish to express their gratefulness to to  Z36W, Z33F, Z31GX and Z32XX for the help given. Logs will be posted soon on the
Mediterraneo DX Club's web site at http://www.mdxc.org/z38m, where pictures are already available. [TNX IZ8CCW]

+ SILENT KEY + IK1AWV  reports the sad  news of the  passing of INORC  member Stelvio Bozzano, I1BWI, past President and doyen of ARI Imperia, who became a Silent Key on 7 January.

============

Jan. 8-29 2004   I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

08/01/2004:  Alex, RX3AJL/p, during his trip (from 08th to 10th January 2004) to the White Sea coastal islands (EU-147) will try to activate some RRA New Ones for the Russian Robinson Award. Look for him on 14 MHz SSB only! [Tnx RZ3EM]

10/01/2004:  Ricardo, CE3HDI, will be QRV as CE9R from Profesor Julio Escudero Base (WABA CE-11) on King George Island, South Shetland Islands (AN-010), between January 10th to February 24th. Activity will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL to home call. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

10/01/2004:  Look for Gerd (DJ4KW) and Gisela (DK9GG) to be QRV on 160 through 10 meters as V31YN (CW) and V31GW (RTTY) respectively from Consejo Shores, Belize between January 10th and February 29th. On February 2nd through 6th, the will be QRV as V31YN/P (40 through 10 meter CW only) from Lighthouse Reef (IOTA NA-123). QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

11/01/2004:  Look for Toze CT1GFK/p and Goncalo CT1GPQ/p to be QRV January 11th (7:00 - 12:00 UTC) from the Island of Geada (DIP reference AL-022 for the Portuguese Islands Award and PIP reference ST-044 for the Portuguese Islands Plaque). Activity will be on 40 and 20 meter SSB and CW, limited to battery power. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx CT1END]

11/01/2004:  Look for François, F5JNE/p, and Claude, F5MCC/p, to be active from the Château de Milly (DFCF reference 89.253, for the French Castles Award). Activity will be on 40 meter SSB beginning around 07:30 UTC. This activation also counts for Chablis Canton (DDCF reference 89.09) and Zip Code (10 millions award reference 89.800). QSL to home calls, direct or via the REF bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

11/01/2004:  Look for Chris, GM3WOJ, to be active as ZL1CT/4 from Stewart Island (OC-203), 04:00 UTC January 11th to 10:00 UTC January 15th. Activity will be on 40 and 20 meter SSB only, using 400 watts to verticals. QSL via N3SL (QRZ.com). [Tnx OPDX]

12/01/2004:  Marco, CE6TBN, plans to be active as CE6TBN/8 from Riesco Island (IOTA SA-031, DICE ICE-804) January 12th through 15th and from Wellington Island (IOTA SA-032, DICE ICE-802) January 17th through 20th. Activity will be on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter SSB, with monoband verticals antennas and TS-140. QSL via N1IBM (Morris E. Maze III, 847 Dolan St., Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey 08734, USA). [Tnx CE6TBN]

13/01/2004:  Bill, W4WX, will be QRV January 13th to 19th from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (NA-015) as KG4DX. Activity will be on HF and 6 meters. QSL direct to W4WX, or via LoTW. [Tnx 425DXN]

14/01/2004:  Look for Pierre F6FXS, to be active once again as FG/F6FXS, from Guadeloupe mainland (IOTA NA-102, DIFO FG-001) between January 14th and February 13th. Activity is planned on CW only and low power (30 watts) into a long wire antenna. The daily schedule will be 13:00 to 14:00 UTC and 22:00 to 24:00 UTC on 40, 30, 20, 15 and 10 meters. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

15/01/2004:  Martijn, PA3GFE, will be going back to Peru on January 15th for at least three months and will operate as OA7/PA3GFE in his spare time. His activity will be on 40 through 6 meters (hopefully also on 80 meters) CW and SSB, with the low and WARC bands as primary interests. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

15/01/2004:  Look for Emilio, PU5HAS, to be QRV January 15th to 17th from Mel Island (SA-047) as PY5/PU5HAS. Activity will be on 80 and 10 meter, SSB only (limited license). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

16/01/2004:  Andy, G0VUH, will be active from The Gambia as C56/G0VUH between January 16th and 30th. He is expected to be on every day and during the nights on all bands. He will have a big beam from 20-10 meters and two verticals that are combined for 80 meters. QSL via the home callsign G0VUH. [Tnx OPDX]

17/01/2004:  Marco, CE6TBN, plans to be active as CE6TBN/8 from Wellington Island (IOTA SA-032, DICE ICE-802) January 17th through 20th. Activity will be on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter SSB, with monoband verticals antennas and TS-140. QSL via N1IBM (Morris E. Maze III, 847 Dolan St., Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey 08734, USA). [Tnx CE6TBN]

17/01/2004:  John, G4RCG, and Bruce, KI7VR, will be QRV from the Dominican Republic (NA-096) as G4RCG/HI9 and KI7VR/HI9 between 17 January and 31 January, 2004. Activity will be on all bands 160 through 10 meters. Look for G4RCG/HI9 to take part in the CQ WW 160 Meter CW Contest. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

18/01/2004:  The Association of Radioamadores de Coimbra plan to activate the Castle Lousã (DCFP reference C-065, for the Diploma of the Castles and Forts of Portugal) on January 18th, using the call CS6ARC/p. QSL via CS6ARC, direct or bureau. [Tks CT1END]

24/01/2004:  Look for Jorgen (DL4SDW), Bernd (DL8SCG) and Philippe (LX2AJ) to be active as LX7I in the CQ 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24-25th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via LX2AJ. [Tnx OPDX]

24/01/2004:  Look for Martin (G4XUM), G0HSS and Tim (M0BEW) to be active from the Isle of Man (EU-116) as MD4K during the CQ 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24-25th) as a Multi entry. QSL via G3NKC. [Tnx OPDX]

24/01/2004:  Joeke, PA0VDV, will operate (only CW) as PJ6/PA0VDV from Saba (NA-145) between January 24th and February 18th. QSL via home call, direct (Joeke van der Velde, Delleburen 1, 8421 RP Oldeberkoop, The Netherlands) or through the bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

25/01/2004:  Bert WA1O will be active as KC4/WA1O after January 25th from the USN MARS Mc Murdo Base (WABA K-09) located on Ross Island (AN-011). QSL via KA1CRP (David E. Landry, 4 Jefferson Place, Lebanon NH 03766, USA) [Tnx W.A.P.]

28/01/2004:  Operators Hans DL7CM, Sid DM2AYO, Manfred DK1BT and Juergen DL7UFN will be active from Haiti (IOTA NA-096, WW Loc. FK39) between January 28th and February 15th. The German team will be using the special callsign 4V200YH (Four Victor 200 Years of Haiti). Activity will be on 160 through 6 meter CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and SSTV. They plan to have 3 stations on the air (two on the air around the clock with AMPs). Antennas will be: 27m GP, 3 element band beam, HF9V and a 4 element for 6 meters. QSL via DL7CM. [Tnx OPDX]

29/01/2004:  Bob (AA1M) and Mike (W1USN) will be QRV from Grenada (NA-024) as J3/homecall between January 29th and February 6th. Activity will be on CW, SSB and some PSK on the HF bands. QSL to their home calls, either direct or via the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

ANTARCTIC NEWS -

20/12/2003:  Alan 9V1DX (VK0LD-VK0MM) will be active as 9V0A and VP8PJ from Patriot Hills (MNB-02), Ellsworth Land (AN-016) from December 20th, 2003, to January 10, 2004. The QSL route is to be announced at a later date. Some information is posted on the web site at: http://www.geocities.com/vk0ld/2003.html . [Tnx W.A.P.]

04/01/2004:  The new medical doctor of the Orcadas Base on the South Orkney Islands (AN-008), Martin, is a licensed ham. His call is LU3DO. Martin might be active as LU3DO/Z for about one year until March 2005. He will use the equipment which Henry, LU4DXU, will leave on the island after his upcoming DXpedition (another reason to support Henry's DXpedition - donations are still needed!!). By the way, Henry's departure to Laurie Island has been confirmed to be the 23rd of January 2004. [Tnx DL5EBE]

04/01/2004:  Belgrano II Base (WABA LU-08) - the actual (non-ham) operator Alexandro will leave Antarctica on the 19th of February. The new operator Fabian will most likely continue the activity from LU1ZG. By the way: some people asked about the status of Belgrano III station - unfortunately, this station has been destroyed by the ice and is not existing any more. [Tnx DL5EBE]

25/01/2004:  Bert WA1O will be active as KC4/WA1O after January 25th from the USN MARS Mc Murdo Base (WABA K-09) located on Ross Island (AN-011). QSL via KA1CRP (David E. Landry, 4 Jefferson Place, Lebanon NH 03766, USA) [Tnx W.A.P.]

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

Jan. 8 2004 Chairman Powell promotes a free market Telecom Revolution

The chairman of the FCC is sending out a message that the migration to digital telecommunications will not falter.  Michael Powell says that entrenched service providers such as telephone companies and cable television providers can either join the party or suffer the consequences.

In a December 29th interview with reporters and editors from the San Jose Mercury News, Michael Powell shared a number of personal views. At one point he stated the current migration to digital is really a simple thesis. One that says for the past 100 years we've had one kind of communications system. That being a system that's both analog and narrow band.  And while it's the greatest machine ever built by mankind, it's also extremely mature, and it's really, in Powell's view, at the end of its innovation life.

Perhaps Powell's most controversial statement came in regard to companies that are not eager to invest in the digital revolution.  He said -- quote:  "I have no problem if a big and venerable company no longer exists tomorrow, as long as that  value is transferred somewhere else in the economy."

Full Story:  www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/7591252.htm

(CGC)

============

W1AW 2004 Winter Operating Schedule

Morning Schedule:

Time                                  Mode     Days
-------------------             ----     ---------
1400 UTC (9 AM EST)   CWs      Wed, Fri
1400 UTC (9 AM EST)   CWf      Tue, Thu

Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

1500 UTC to 1700 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM EST)
1800 UTC to 2045 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)

(Station closed 1700 to 1800 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM EST))

Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

2100 UTC (4 PM EST)     CWf      Mon, Wed, Fri
2100  "      "                       CWs      Tue, Thu
2200  "  (5 PM EST)         CWb      Daily
2300  "  (6 PM EST)         RTTY     Daily
0000  "  (7 PM EST)         CWs      Mon, Wed, Fri
0000  "      "                       CWf      Tue, Thu
0100  "  (8 PM EST)         CWb      Daily
0200  "  (9 PM EST)         RTTY     Daily
0245  "  (9:45 PM EST)    VOICE    Daily
0300  "  (10 PM EST)      CWf      Mon, Wed, Fri
0300  "      "                      CWs      Tue, Thu
0400  "  (11 PM EST)      CWb      Daily
 

Frequencies (MHz)
                         -----------------
CW:    1.8175 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675  28.0675 147.555
RTTY:     -   3.625  7.095  14.095  18.1025 21.095   28.095  147.555
VOICE:  1.855 3.990  7.290  14.290  18.160  21.390   28.590  147.555

Notes:

CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW bulletins.

RTTY = Teleprinter Bulletins = BAUDOT (45.45 baud) and AMTOR-FEC (100 Baud).  ASCII (110 Baud) is sent only as time allows.

Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of alternate speeds.

On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular teleprinter frequencies.

A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as follows: Voice on the hour, Teleprinter at 15 minutes past the hour, and CW on the half hour.

FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 1700 UTC (10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1800 UTC to 2045 UTC (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST) Monday through Friday.  Be sure to bring your current FCC amateur license or a photocopy.

The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 94 in the January 2004 issue of QST or on the web at, www.arrl.org/w1aw.html

(ARLB001 W1AW)

Note: Please send bulletin submission to the  hfradio.net  Editor webmaster@hfradio.net    ( Deadline Saturdays 10:00 A.M. )

Subscribe to this bulletin and have it delivered to your e-mail box automatically every week, please put your name and callsign (if you have one) in the body of the text. webmaster@hfradio.net