Australia Requires VK Reciprocal Licence
It appears that many amateurs, including those operating maritime mobile from within Australia's territorial waters, are using their own callsign with the 'stroke VK' suffix. This is not permitted: all radio amateurs operating from Australia or from Australia's territorial waters must obtain an Australian licence and individual VK callsign from the Australian Communications Authority.
Full details can be found on the 'Wireless Institute of Australia' website: www.wia.org.au/info/visitors.php
(RSGB)
=========
Dispute Over PLT Transmissions in Austria
A dispute is brewing over the roll-out of PLT, or Power Line Telecommunications, in the city of Linz in Austria. The Austrian national amateur radio society, OeVSV, has objected to the use of PLT in Linz, stating that it causes interference to amateur stations, and issuing a press release which was picked up by the Austrian mass media. It appears that the OeVSV was misquoted as saying that the Austrian ministry had taken out an injunction against the PLT providers and that the service had been closed down for good in Linz.
The management of Speed-Web Consulting and Linz AG, who are responsible for the PLT transmissions, are disclaiming what they say are "press attacks by Austrian radio amateurs". They say that there has not been any injunction against them and the roll-out of PLT continues. Speed-Web and Linz AG say that Austrian radio amateurs are doing their best to stop PLT "by filing undue interference complaints". They go on to say that "if there should be any actual, harmful and officially proven interference case caused by Powerline Communications, mitigation measures will solve this very case at that specific location in the concerned frequency". On the 14th of January, Linz AG stated that it would be suing the OeVSV, as well as its president personally, over this matter.
(RSGB)
=========
Norwegian club stations experiment with 60 metres
Norwegian Radio Relay League International Liaison Officer Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, reporting to the ARRL Letter says that registered club stations there have permission to test on 5 MHz. Almost all of these club stations have one-letter call sign suffixes and, in some situations, they may use the LE prefix. The authorization is restricted for use in emergency communication or training, and Norwegian stations may not work stations outside of Norway on 5 MHz. But worth an ear listen out on 5.41 and 5.42 MHz.
(ARRL News)
Jan. 24 2004 What has RAC done for me lately?
Did you know that....Assistant Director Mark Richardson, VA3OBO, continues to work actively to promote the RAC Youth Education Program. He currently boasts a total of 30 high school students who have become radio amateurs and many of the students are now working on code. Sue, VE3SUH, successfully recruited Patrick Fogarty High School in Orillia with teacher Jason Janisse currently enrolled in the Basic Course hosted by the Orillia Amateur Radio Club. To date, approval has been given to six school applications. Clubs such as the Bruce Amateur Radio Club have generously met the club challenge to donate $100 towards the YEP project. ...You can help this fine RAC project too!
Find out how: www.bbqbob.net/ractest
Excerpt from: Radio Amateurs of Canada Ontario South Region Winter 2003 Newsletter
Jim Taylor VA3KU RAC Member
Editor: hfradio.net
============
The Trans Provincial Net Celebrates White Cane Week Feb. 1-7 2004
White Cane week gives us opportunity to recognize the service white cane amateurs provide. Listen to any National Traffic System or ARES Net you will find blind amateurs passing traffic, providing emergency communications and as net control stations, their service is certainly invaluable.
During the first week of February, the Trans Provincial Net spotlights these dedicated ladies and gentlemen. Many of the net control stations on the TPN are white cane operators, which play an essential role in keeping the net going 365 days a year. We will have other blind operators joining the TPN team during ‘White Cane Week’.
We are still working on all the details as of this posting; the following groups will be joining us on the TPN
Canada Science and Technology
Museum Amateur Radio Station (VE3JW) from Ottawa will be active on
the net with several white caners manning the station.
Website: www.ovmrc.on.ca/ve3jw.htm
We are also working with the CNIB Amateur Radio Station (VE3AW) to have operators on board from their station. Website: www.cnib.ca/eng/national/amateurradio
The Sarnia White Cane Amateur
Radio Club has always been active on the TPN and we can expect to hear
a lot from them.
Website: www.hfradio.net/swc
The Toronto ARES Group will
have some of their blind operators with us during ‘White Cane Week’
Website: www.ares.meskes.ca
We look forward to hearing from these ladies and gentlemen as the host the net sharing their stories of how they got involved with amateur radio and what it means to them. Please tune in and join us throughout the week on the Trans Provincial Net 7.055Mhz.
Note: Keep an eye on the Net Control Schedule as the time approaches for complete details. www.tpn7055.ca/net.html
Jim Taylor VA3KU
Net Manager, Editor
www.tpn7055.ca
The Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club News
Next Club Meeting - February 10,
7:30pm. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM
at The New Brunswick Community College
(950 Grandview Avenue) in Saint John.
Larry Fagan-VE9LJF will be heading
up the course again this year, so help him out and bring in some new blood.
Here is the details:
Tentative Start Date: Feb.
10, 2004
Location: NBCC Saint John
(room TBA)
Duration: 10 weeks
Cost: $25.00
Course Textbook: $43.00 (Supplied
at our cost by LCARC)
Thanks, Let me know if you need anything else.
Larry VE9LJF
faganl@nbnet.nb.ca
Club Website: www.qsl.net/ve9lc
===========
Kings County Amateur Radio Club News
The next meeting of the KCARC will be held in Building 43, Kentville Research Station, Kentville, Nova Scotia on Monday, February 2, 2004, at 19 hours 30 minutes. This is the Annual General Meeting.
Club Website: www.kcarc.ns.ca
==========
Dartmouth Amateur Radio Club News
The Dartmouth Amateur Radio Club is located in the City of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia which is on the Eastern side of Halifax Harbour. The Club was founded in 1953 and the callsign is: VE1YO which was the callsign of one of the founding members. The Club has moved to a new home and at the present time we are located at 21 Mt Hope Avenue, Dartmouth, N.S. The hamshack at the club has HF, Clover, Packet and 2 meter equipment which is used by the club members mostly for recreational purposes such as SSB, CW, SSTV, PSK31 and other Digital Modes and occasionally for Emergency purposes under the umbrella of the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO). The Club also has Repeater and Autopatch facilities located on Mt. Edward Road, Dartmouth, N.S. The callsign is VE1DAR +147.15, 444.6Mhz Voice 144.91 Mhz Packet
Next Meeting: 14 February 2004 at 10AM
Club Website: www.accesswave.ca/~leoadler/darc.html
West Island Amateur Radio Club News
Next Meeting Feb. 16 2004. 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
============
Feb. 28 2004 Burlington Spring Flea Market
Sponsored by: the Burlington Amateur Radio Club
Date: Saturday, February
28, 2004
Opens: Vendors 7 am Public
9am to 12.00 noon
Location: Royal Canadian Legion-828 Legion Rd,Burlington From Toronto-QEW to Brant St,south on Brant St past Fairview St,right on Grahams Lane, right on Legion Rd From London-403 to QEW Toronto to Brant St,south on Brant St past Fairview St,right on Grahams Lane,right on Legion Rd
Cost: Admission $6.00 Tabales
$10.00
Talkin: VE3RSB 147.210
(+)
For more info check the Club Website: http://www.barc.ca
============
Festival City Amateur Radio Club News
Next Radio Club meeting is Thursday February 19th 2004, at 7:30pm at the Canadian Red Cross Society Building, 100 Gordon Street. Stratford ON. Our meetings are held at the Canadian Red Cross Building which is located behind the Donut Mill Coffee Shop on Ontario Street. Look for the Tower and Antennas on your right if coming in from Kitchener on Highway 7 -8 West OR on your left if coming from Goderich on Highway 8
If you have problems you can also call on our local repeater, VE3RFC 145.150 -600kHz use a 114.8 tone if possible.
Club Website: www.qsl.net/ve3fcg
============
Kingston Amateur Radio Club News
Next Meeting 4 Feb 2004 7pm Smitty's Restaurant Join us for Supper at 5:30 before the meeting. The monthly general meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month and held at 7:00 p.m. at Smitty's Restaurant. All Amateurs and those interested in Amateur Radio are invited to attend. (Wheelchair accessible).
Club Website: www.king.igs.net/~karc/main.html
============
Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Club News
Next Meeting: Feb. 2 2004 7:30pm at the RCAF 404 Wing / Rotary Adult Centre Dutton Drive, Waterloo.
Internet Service Providers are reporting that SPAM occupies well in excess of 60% of their available bandwidth. Most members can probably attest to this number as there inboxes overflow with unsolicited SPAM. There are many good tools and ways of combating spam. Club member Paul Cassel VE3SY will provide an informative presentation on combating and evading spam from your inbox.
Club Website: www.kwarc.org
============
Quinte Amateur Radio Club News
The next QARC Meeting will be on Wednesday February 18, 2004. at Loyalist College, Pioneer Building Room P2 at 7:30 PM.
Weekly Breakfast: Saturdays 8:00 AM - at the Quinte Restaurant, 135 Cannifton Rd (Northtown Plaza at the corner of Cannifton Road and College St E) in Belleville.
Club Website: www.qarc.on.ca
============
Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club News
The next meeting of the R.L.A.R.C. will be held on Thursday, the 19th, of February, 2004 at 7:30 PM at the R.C.A.F.A. Hall Abbott St. Smiths Falls.
The 20th Annual Smiths Falls Fleamarket will be held on Saturday May 8th, 2004.
Club Website: www.falls.igs.net/~rlarc
===========
Skywide Amateur Radio Club News
The SARC meets at 07:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the Fairfield Senior Citizen Centre 80 Lothian Ave Etobicoke, Ontario. Next meeting Feburary 9, 2004 (Banquet Night)
Senior's Coffee Club - Meets every Tuesday at 09:30 at McDonald's, 2116 Kipling Ave., north of Rexdale Blvd.
Club Website: http://webhome.idirect.com/~jproc/sarc
===========
South Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club News
The next Club Breakfast will be February 07, 2004 (Saturday) at Mom's Restaurant in Midland (200 Pillsbury Drive) at 9am.
Our monthly meeting occurs on the 1st Saturday of the month at 9am. The location is Mom's Restaurant in Midland (200 Pillsbury Drive). All Hams (and non Hams) are invited to attend !
Talk-in is on 146.910(-).
Club Website: www.csolve.net/~sgbarc
===========
RAC Ontario Section News
Jan. 17 2004 Robert McKenzie, VE3SJQ stepped down as Section Manager for Ontario
Rose Scholtyssek, VE3RIS kindly offered to complete his term. Rose's information are as follow:
Rose Scholtyssek, VE3RIS
1664 South River Rd. R.R. # 4,
Kemptville, ON
K0G 1J0
Phone: (613) 258-0363
E-mail: rose@igs.net
RAC Bulletin 03-035E
Jan. 19 2004 Message from Rose Scholtyssek VE3RIS
Hello Everyone,
"SM Resigns"
As most of you are aware by now
Rob - VE3SJQ recently resigned as SM for Ontario. Rob has done an outstanding
job supervising the ARES, NTS and the Bulletin Service and is to be congratulated
for all of his hard work and accomplishments these past nine years with
the RAC Field Organization. I have throughly enjoyed being a member of
his cabinet and will miss his leadership. Rob, many, many thanks for everything
and for a job well done. From all of us in ARES Ontario we wish you
the very best in the future.
"New SM"
It seems like only yesterday when
I was approached and asked if I would have interest in the SEC position.
I am still humbled by the confidence and trust placed in me. Now five short
years later, I once again feel honored and still in shock that I was even
considered for the SM's position. I consider it a privilege and an honour
and welcome the opportunity to continue serving the RAC Field Organization.
It has been an exciting and wonderful experience working with all of you
as your SEC. Thank you for all of your support and confidence. I now look
forward to continuing building our working relationship as your new Section
Manager.
" New SEC Ontario"
It gives me great pleasure to welcome
Paul Davidson, VE3UUM as my successor as SEC. I feel confident that Paul
will take good care of the ARES in the Ontario Section. He is a man of
honesty and integrity who will represent all of you very well. I wish Paul
the very best as he begins his term in office and have offered him my support
as he eases into his new role.
I trust that you too will support and work with Paul as much as you have supported and co-operated with me. All future month end ARES activity reports should now be send to Paul at <davidson@lks.net> from there he can provide whatever media information you may need to maintain contact with him.
Best Regards,
Rose Scholtyssek, VE3RIS
Section Manager Ontario
Radio Amateurs of Canada
===========
Jan. 17, 2004 A message from Jim Baldwin VA3WIN
I would like to compliment the men and women who donate their time as controllers on the Trans Provincial Net – 7055 KHz and VA3KU, Jim, who does such a fine job as editor of the Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin. The net provides a tie point where amateur radio operators may contact each other across Canada and the world, for that matter.
The TP Net is where people who share common interests have a far reaching medium to discuss, not only our hobby - amateur radio, but fascinating subjects such as aviation which is a favorite of mine having been a Commercial Charter Pilot and flight instructor.
Today, after having signed in with the controller, VE3GGO – Eric, who is a veritable ambassador of amateur radio, he asked me to give a call for more check-ins and a few fellow pilots and aviation enthusiasts showed up (much to my delight). We all had a delightful conversation about aviation and I would like to commend Eric for having allowed the time for discussion.
This is the enjoyment of amateur radio and – as Eric says, “Let us not keep it to ourselves. Spread the word. Have contests such as Talking to Canadians where you can build points and receive a certificate contacting as many Canadian cities as possible”. I know that I am enjoying amateur radio to the fullest.
We should encourage young people to look into the hobby. Invite them to a DX session or during a contest so that they may fully appreciate the thrill of world wide personal communications without being hard wired to some commercial communications provider.
We should also realize that we have an official voice of amateur radio to speak for us during Orders in Council on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. That lobby group is Radio Amateurs of Canada who work diligently on our behalf to prevent our being legislated out of existence by the insidious sale of radio frequencies to commercial interests. We have lost part of the 220 MHz frequency band already. Is this due to lack of interest by amateur radio operators? More on this subject follows.
The voice of amateur radio (RAC) is growing weaker by the mere fact that only less than 20% of licensed amateur radio operators in Canada are paid members of RAC.
A strong membership is needed to fight the erosion of amateur radio frequency allotments. Do not be guilty of allowing Canadian to be spelled W-I-M-P. Stand up and be counted! Support RAC.
Sincerely
VA3WIN Jim Baldwin
35 Grandview Drive, RR# 4
Omemee, Ontario K0L 2W0
(705) 799-7662
jim.baldwin@sympatico.ca
Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club Meeting
Our meetings consist of a short business portion, a coffee break for socializing, and a presentation normally related to radio. Every meeting also features a raffle open to all attendees and a door prize for members.
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. The meeting will be on the third Monday if the second is a statutory holiday. No meetings are held in July & August Mettings are held in the theatre or cafateria of Sturgeon Creek Regional Secondary School Ness Ave. at Thompson Dr. in Winnipeg 7:30 p.m.
All are welcome!
Club Website: http://ve4.net/warc
============
Meewasin Amateur Radio Society News
Coffee Klatch
Every Thursday evening (with excptions of meeting nights) several of us get together for a coffee at the A & W Restaurant at 38th St. & Idylwyld Dr. N. We meet at about 8pm and usually get a number of the world's problems solved by the time we go home. If you are going through Saskatoon give a call on the VE5SKN ( 144.690 CTCSS 100.0 ) repeater and we'll be more than glad to have you join us! Call ahead to make sure someone is there, usually there is at least one handheld on the table.
Club Website: www.qsl.net/ve5ufo
===========
The Peace Country Amateur Radio Club News
The Peace Country Amateur Radio Club
meets every Saturday morning at the Army Navy Airforce Veterans In Canada
Unit 389 for coffee and breakfast.
Location: 10117 - 93 Street,
Grande Prairie.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
If you are new to the area or just passing through, please stop in and have an eyeball QSO and a coffee or breakfast with some very interesting Amateur Radio operators.
Club Website: www.qsl.net/ve6arc
==========
Chilliwack Amateur Radio Club News
The club has a "Drop By" meeting every Tuesday at 1900 at Fire Hall #4 and a General meeting every last Tuesday of the month at 1900 at Fire Hall #4 Second floor of Fire Hall #4: 45433 South Sumas Rd
Lost? Give us a call on the clubs repeater 146.960- tone 110.9 hz or 443.000+ We'll be happy to guide you in!
Club Website: www.qsl.net/chwkclub
Propagation Report (For the week of Jan.25 2003)
America's
Jan. 23 2004 Forecast Bulletin 4 ARLP004 from Tad Cook, K7RA
Average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux rose modestly this week, with sunspot numbers up nearly 4, and solar flux rising by 9 points. Last week's bulletin reported that we were entering a solar wind, and the effects can be seen in the planetary A index for last Friday, shown at the bottom of this bulletin. Geomagnetic indices were down by Saturday. On Monday, January 19, energy from a coronal mass ejection hit earth, but only caused high geomagnetic activity at high latitudes. For the 19th and 20th the planetary A index was only an unsettled 17 and 16, but the College A index in Fairbanks, Alaska was 37 on both days.
A strong solar wind from another coronal mass ejection hit earth at 0130z on January 22 causing a strong geomagnetic storm. The mid-latitude Fredericksburg A index as reported by NOAA was 35, and the mid-latitude A index as reported by WWV was 46. The College A index on January 22 was 80, and planetary A index was 62.
Another coronal mass ejection should hit earth on January 23 or 24, although latest projections on Thursday show a predicted planetary A index for January 23-26, Friday through Monday at 25, 15, 15 and 10. The Prague Geophysical Institute predicts a minor geomagnetic storm for January 23, unsettled to active conditions for January 24, unsettled conditions on January 25, quiet to unsettled conditions for January 26, and active geomagnetic conditions on January 27 and 28.
Users of the WA4TTK Solar Data Plotter available free at [ http://www.craigcentral.com/sol.asp ] can see the prominent rise in sunspot numbers and solar flux at the end of October 2003. The lower frame, showing a detailed plot of activity over the past eight months shows the October peak followed by the declining activity from the same sunspot group over the following solar rotations.
With several sunspot groups rotating off the visible disk, solar flux over the next few days should decline from 120 down to 110. It should rise again after January 26-27 for another short-term peak around the end of the first week of February.
Spaceweather.com displayed a fantastic photo of a giant filament of hot gas rising above the sun, taken by Gary Palmer of Los Angeles on January 21. See it at [ http://science.nasa.gov/spaceweather/swpod2004/22jan04/palmer1.jpg ]
Vern Rabin of Colorado took another
photo of the same filament, which can be viewed at
[ http://science.nasa.gov/spaceweather/swpod2004/22jan04/raben1.jpg
]
The beacon network operated by the IARU and the Northern California DX Foundation hasn't been mentioned here in a long time. The 18 beacon stations operate all over the world on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters, and are a good tool for gauging propagation. Details are at http://www.ncdxf.org/beacons.html . The NCDXF website lists many software tools for use with the beacon network at [ http://www.ncdxf.org/Beacon/BeaconPrograms.html ] There are programs that work on many platforms in addition to current and recent versions of Windows, including DOS, Linux, OS/2, Windows 3.1 and Palm Pilot.
This weekend is the CQ Worldwide 160-meter CW Contest. Conditions for the contest might be good if geomagnetic conditions don't cause havoc. VHF conditions might not be disturbed if a geomagnetic storm occurs, and this weekend is the ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes. In addition, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group is sponsoring their 2004 RTTY Sprint Contest this weekend.
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 [ http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html ]
Sunspot numbers for January 15 through 21 were 57, 68, 56, 72, 87, 94 and 104 with a mean of 76.9. 10.7 cm flux was 119.1, 120.3,122.6, 119.5, 134.6, 128.9 and 130.1, with a mean of 125. Estimated planetary A indices were 16, 26, 14, 18, 17, 16 and 12, with a mean of 17.
(W1AW)
Europe
Jan. 25 2004 GB2RS Propagation Update
The past week brought a rise in flare activity, with M-class flares on several days. The largest, on the 20th, had a magnitude of M6.1. Several lowband fadeouts were associated with these flares. The solar flux rose slightly from 123 on the 17th to 135 on the 19th, then headed slowly downwards, as expected. It was 115 on the 23rd, and averaged 125 over the week. The 90- day average was three points down at 135. The X-ray flux averaged B3.0, down from B3.5. The geomagnetic field was 'active' at some time during every day, reaching 'storm' level on the 22nd, when the Ap index reached 62 units and continuing into the 23rd, when the index was 38 units. A prevailing high-speed coronal stream kept solar wind speeds at above average levels. What triggered the onset of the storm at all latitudes on the 22nd was the interplanetary magnetic field turning strongly southwards, reaching the high value of 33 nanoTeslas.
Active geomagnetic conditions depressed propagation on the higher HF bands on several days. Nevertheless, even 28MHz was open almost every afternoon, with openings to the eastern US and Canada on three days. Interestingly enough, although east-west paths were poor during the storm on the 22nd, north-south paths held up well, probably due to enhanced ionization being displaced southwards. VHF aurora was reported on several days, but the only opening of consequence was again on the 22nd, when auroral working was possible at least as far south as Lancashire around 1430UTC.
Looking ahead now, we will have the quieter side of the sun towards us during the coming week. Flare activity should be low or even very low for much of the week, though there may be scattered M-class flares. The solar flux will decline to the lowest levels of this rotation, though a modest recovery may begin at the end of the week. The geomagnetic field should remain quiet-to-unsettled with occasional more active periods for the next day or so, but it is likely to be more disturbed next weekend due to a recurring coronal hole. MUFs at equal latitudes will be around 29MHz in the south and 26MHz in the north. Darkness hour lows will continue around the levels of recent weeks at about 7MHz. Paths to the east coast of North America should have a maximum usable frequency - that's a fifty per cent chance of success - of around 27MHz. So, there is a fair prospect that Ten will be open, though for relatively short periods, in line with the past week. However, the optimum working frequency, where there should be a 90 per cent of success, will be in the region of 19MHz, so 14 and 21MHz should be very reliable. The best times will be between 1300 and 1600UTC.
Report prepared by Neil, G0CAS, and Martin, G3USF.
Jan. 20 2004 Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group Interim Report
SUMMARY
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board uncovered some very specific conditions that led to the demise of the Columbia along with some process and management structures that contributed to the accident. In a sense, the loss of the Columbia was caused by faulty assumptions, two to be precise:
1. Foam shed from the External Tank (ET) would be "transported" around the leading edge of the wing by the aerodynamics of the shuttle; and,
2. The foam was not substantial enough to develop a ballistic moment capable of puncturing the material (RCC) composing the leading edge of the wing.
It turns out that both assumptions, long-held and widely-shared within NASA were wrong, despite previous launches where foam was shed and little damage done-seemingly validating the assumptions. Thus, the "conditioned" response of senior managers to more junior members, who questioned these assumptions after the Columbia launched, was one of discouraging dissent and of comfort with established technical and operational assumptions, a problem exacerbated by systemic failures that precluded critical information getting to the right people at the right time.
In this light, the technical and operational challenges for NASA are to rectify the consequences of these faulty assumptions by, for example, removing foam debris sources, enhancing photography, improving on-orbit inspections, and developing on-orbit Thermal Protection System (TPS) repair. The primary challenge for NASA's management is to devise an organization with embedded processes to identify other faulty assumptions.
The Return-to-Flight Task Group (RTF TG) is charged with assessing the implementation of both the specific and general CAIB recommendations. The RTF TG is not in the business of suggesting specific remedies. As one member put it: we are in the position of an umpire calling balls and strikes in a zone defined by the CAIB recommendations. We are not in the position of evaluating the overall readiness or safety of the next flight, just the implementation of the return-to-flight CAIB recommendations.
Because of the substantial changes to foam insulation and inspection techniques for the external tank and the current lack of understanding of the foam shedding phenomena, the STS-114 ascent must be considered a test flight. As such, the RTF TG expects NASA to capture as much test data as possible during ascent, particularly in regards to the imaging recommendations of the CAIB.
NASA has responded to all the recommendations the CAIB identified for accomplishment before the next shuttle flight (See: NASA's Implementation Plan for Space Shuttle Return to Flight and Beyond, Revision 1.1). This report is based on materials available to the RTF TG as of December 10, 2003. Not surprisingly, the progress on the many recommendations is uneven. Several of the technical responses to specific recommendations have made substantial progress, although none have been completed. Others, such as preparation of a detailed plan for the implementation of an Independent Technical Engineering Authority (ITEA), are still in planning and some time away from implementation and a long time away from evaluation.
While the tone of this interim report is justifiably positive, progress should not be mistaken for accomplishment. As time passes and the interval before the next scheduled flight diminishes, the enormity of the remaining task looms. Detailed plans for many of the recommendations have not been forthcoming. NASA has not been timely in some of their responses to Task Group requests for information. And while some of the most critical organizational issues raised by CAIB require only a "detailed plan" before return-to-flight, the RTF TG will be looking for thorough plans and processes that will stand the test of time-not just suffice for the first launch-just as the hardware redesigns are expected to serve the life of the shuttle.
The organization and content of this report are intended to begin the task of laying out for the public and for NASA what the RTF TG will expect, both in content and process, and offers the beginning of metrics to judge progress and completion. It is still much too soon to predict either the success of implementation or the timing of the next flight.
Full interm report: http://returntoflight.org/assets/pdf/report-01-20-2004.pdf
(SpaceRef.com)
============
Jan. 21 2004 Rosetta Liftoff
is planned for Thursday, February 26, 2004
The Ariane 5-Rosetta launch campaign started in Kourou, French Guiana, on Monday, January 19, 2004.
Integration of the equipment bay and of the storable propellants stage (EPS) was carried out on Wednesday, January 21. The transfer of the launcher from the Launcher Integration Building (BIL) to the Final Assembly Building (BAF) is scheduled on Tuesday, February 10, and the roll-out to the launch pad on Tuesday, February 24.
The launch of the European Space Agency probe Rosetta is planned forThursday, February 26, 2004 at 7:16 a.m. GMT.
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the commercial launch services leader, holding more than 50 percent of the international market for satellites launched to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Created in 1980 as the world's first commercial space transportation company, Arianespace has signed contracts for the launch of more than 250 satellite payloads.
For further information, see the Arianespace Web site: www.arianespace.com
(SpaceRef.com)
============
Jan. 20 2004 AMSAT-NA ECHO Satellite Moves Another Step Closer to Launch
The AMSAT-OCSCAR ECHO satellite project edged a bit closer to being ready for launch. An initial integration effort recently determined that 90 percent of the hardware onboard the new satellite tested out successfully, AMSAT-NA reports. AO-ECHO is set to go into space this spring. During the next six weeks or so, the development team will resolve various outstanding issues, and final integration will be scheduled.
"The launch window opens in late March, so the satellite is coming together on plan," said AMSAT Marketing Manager Jim Jarvis, N2EA. He says there's still time for satellite enthusiasts who donate to the ECHO project to have their names placed in orbit aboard the new satellite. "The names of all contributors will be placed inside the ECHO satellite," he said. AMSAT-NA has not yet reached its $110,000 goal to pay for the AO-ECHO launch.
Jim White, WD0E, and Mike Kingery, KE4AZN, headed the integration team assembled in December at SpaceQuest in Fairfax, Virginia. In addition to hardware testing, the integration team also wrapped up telemetry calibration for the new bird. AMSAT says that even the experimental L-band receiver and S-band transmitter functioned well during their first tests.
AO-ECHO's planned sun-synchronous orbit will be approximately 800 km above Earth. Up to 10 satellites--including AO-ECHO and the primary payload, the Demeter satellite--will ride into orbit during the scheduled March 31 launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. A Russian Dnepr LV rocket--a converted SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile--will carry the approximately 10-inch-square ECHO satellite and its companions into space.
Among other capabilities, AO-ECHO will allow satellite voice communication using handheld FM transceivers. ECHO will feature V/U, L/S and HF/U operational configurations, with V/S, L/U and HF/S also possible. FM voice and various digital modes--including PSK31 on a 10-meter SSB uplink--also will be available.
Tom Clark, W3IWI--who has been involved with microsat development since the early years--says one of the most exciting innovations in AO-ECHO is a programmable attitude control magnet. "In the past microsats, gross attitude control has been achieved with fixed bar magnets," Clark explains in a posting to the AMSAT-BB reflector. "In ECHO, a soft iron rod will be 'pulsed' to change the direction of the magnetic field."
Clark says the pulser works much like a photo-flash unit, charging a large capacitor, then discharging it as a high current pulse through the magnet coil. "Both the strength and polarity of the charging pulse can be varied by uplink command," he notes.
Visit the AMSAT AO-ECHO Web page for additional details: www.amsat.org/amsat/sats/echo/index.html
(ARRL News Service)
=============
Note: For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station "ARISS" visit the Radio Amateurs of Canada website: www.rac.ca/ariss
Hams in Action (ARES) (Public Service)
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
===============
Jan. 31 2004 Ottawa ARES General Meeting
Everyone Welcome -Stop by to find
out more about EMRG
Date:
Saturday Jan 31, 2004 THE DATE HAS CHANGED FROM JAN 24
Time:
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Ottawa Fire Training
Centre - 898 Industrial Avenue [Behind the Fire Station near the corner
of Industrial & St Laurent]
Coffee: Always
Agenda
===========
Jan. 22 2004 ARES 2 Meter Repeater Help
We are researching the use of Repeaters in The County of Elgin.
At this time we have no Repeater that will cover the whole County. The area is approximately 90 kilo length x 20 kilo depth, 1800 sq. kilo.
We need opinions on what type of Repeater or Repeaters to use. Should we use a permanent Repeater and risk loosing it in bad weather or use portable Repeaters and use more than one or a combination of fixed and portable?
What is the coverage of portable
repeaters?
Where do we find information and
costs on both types of Repeaters?
We also need to find information
and costs for the portable Repeater re emergency power, transportation
(trailer) and antennas.
Are any of the ARES Groups using these portable Repeaters that could send me pictures, descriptions and cost.
I have included my E-Mail address that you can answer direct if you wish instead of tying up this list.
Thanks
Richard Girouard VE3GIR
Radio Amateurs of Canada
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Assistant District Certified Emergency
Coordinator
South-Western Ontario District County
of Elgin
E-Mail: ve3gir@rac.ca
Info: http://www.qrz.com/detail/VE3GIR
==============
Jan. 22 2004 Northern Florida ARES Group Activates after Bus Mishap
Duval County, Florida, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) activated on the morning of January 18 after a bus rolled over in Jacksonville near the junction of Interstates 10 and 95. ARRL Crown District Emergency Coordinator Miller Norton, N4RYX, reports the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) initiated the Northern Florida ARES group's activation through an automatic telephone notification service.
"In Duval County, ARES is automatically paged out by JFRD communications when a Level III mass-casualty incident occurs," Miller explained. "Level III means an event with 22 or more casualties. We began receiving radio check-ins within moments of launching the system. Norton said that some 30 ARES members checked into the net after the activation.
The bus had rolled down an embankment, landing upright, Norton said. More than 20 injured bus passengers--both adults and children--were transported to three local area hospitals. although none of the injuries was considered life-threatening.
Duval County ARES dispatched amateur operators to the three hospitals receiving victims. Ten JFRD rescue units and five private ambulances responded to the scene along with other emergency vehicles and the JFRD Command and Communications Center mobile unit, Norton said.
The call-up service Duval ARES uses is a telephone message-forwarding service called CallingPost.org, which is able to alert all ARES members quickly once an activation has been called.
"This is a superior way to notify ARES members without the need for a telephone tree, which wastes precious time," Norton said. "Hats off to Duval County EC Bob Nelson, N4CUZ, and his group for a job well done!"
(ARRL News)
Special Interest
Jan. 22 2004 Cosmic Rays Are Not the Cause of Climate Change, Scientists Say
WASHINGTON -- Eleven Earth and space scientists say that a recent paper attributing most climate change on Earth to cosmic rays is incorrect and based on questionable methodology. Writing in the January 27 issue of Eos, published by the American Geophysical Union, Stefan Rahmstorf of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and colleagues in Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States challenge the cosmic ray hypothesis.
In July 2003, astrophysicist Nir Shaviv and geologist Jan Veizer wrote in GSA Today that they had established a correlation between cosmic rays and temperature evolution over hundreds of millions of years. They also claimed that current global warming is not primarily caused by human emissions of carbon dioxide. Their findings have been widely reported in international news media.
According to Rahmstorf, Shaviv and Veizer's analyses--and especially their conclusions--are scientifically ill-founded. The data on cosmic rays and temperature so far in the past are extremely uncertain, he says. Further, their reconstruction of ancient cosmic rays is based on only 50 meteorites, and most other experts interpret their significance in a very different way, he says. He adds that two curves presented in the article show an apparent statistical correlation only because the authors adjusted the data, in one case by 40 million years. In short, say the authors of the Eos article, Shaviv and Veizer have not shown that there is any correlation between cosmic rays and climate.
As for the influence of carbon dioxide in climate change, many climatologists were surprised by Shaviv and Veizer's claim that their results disproved that current global warming was caused by human emissions, Rahmstorf says. Even if their analysis were methodologically correct, their work applied to time scales of several million years.
The current climate warming has, however, occurred during just a hundred years, for which completely different mechanisms are relevant, he says. For example, over millions of years, the shifting of continents influences climate, while over hundreds of thousands of years, small changes in Earth's orbit can initiate or terminate ice ages. But for time periods of years, decades, or centuries, these processes are irrelevant. Volcanic eruptions, changes in solar activity, and the concentration of greenhouse gases, as well as internal oscillations of the climate system, are crucial on this scale.
The 11 authors of the Eos article affirm that the strong increase of carbon dioxide and some other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to manmade emissions is most probably the main cause of the global warming of the last few decades. The most important physical processes are well understood, they say, and model calculations as well as data analyses both come to the conclusion that the human contribution to the global warming of the 20th century was dominant.
For more information visit the AGU Website: AGU is a worldwide scientific community that advances, through unselfish cooperation in research, the understanding of Earth and space for the benefit of humanity. www.agu.org
(American Geophysical Union)
===========
Jan. 22 2004 W1AW Expands Digital Capabilities
The ARRL's Maxim Memorial station, W1AW, recently expanded its capability to allow visiting hams to use many of the newest digital modes. All three studios now have digital mode capability, said W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q.
"When we first seriously computerized the station, we just had an interface that would let us do RTTY, AMTOR and packet," Carcia said. When PSK-31 came out a couple of years ago, [QST Editor] Steve Ford, WB8IMY, suggested that I try it out. I admit to being bit."
Soon, he had a computer set up that would run PSK-31 software and interfaced it to the station's ICOM IC-765. This winter, Carcia has made it a priority to equip more rigs with digital mode capability. First, sound cards had to be installed in several of the station computers, and then Carcia built custom interfaces for each radio to be equipped for digital. He included the capability to sample the radio's frequency to make logging almost automatic.
In addition to the IC-765, digital stations include a Kenwood TS-950S, an ICOM IC-756 Pro II and a Kenwood TS-2000. All four stations can get on the air in RTTY, AMTOR, PSK-31, PSK-63, MFSK-16, Hellschreiber, packet, Throb, PACTOR I and MT-63. Both the IC-765 and IC-756 Pro II are hooked up for FSK RTTY, to take advantage of the rigs' narrow filters, while the Kenwood radios add SSTV software to the plate.
ARRL Chief Operating Officer Mark Wilson, K1RO, said that the increased digital mode ability of W1AW allows the station to continue its tradition of technical excellence. "W1AW has always showcased Amateur Radio's capabilities, and keeping current with the latest digital modes is a logical extension of that," he said. "We're happy to have the opportunity to show the latest modes to visitors, who may not have been able to see or try them before."
More information about digital modes can be found on the ARRL Technical Information Service (TIS) Web pages: www.arrl.org/tis/tismenu.html while information about W1AW can be found at the station's home page: www.arrl.org/w1aw.html
(ARRL News Service)
CQ WW 160-Meter Contest--CW, sponsored by CQ Magazine from 0000Z Jan 24-2359Z Jan 25 (Phone is Feb 21-22). Exchange: RST and SPC. Categories: SO-QRP (<5 W) -LP(<150 W) -HP, MO categories. Enter as MO if packet or spotting nets are used. QSO points: own entity--2 pts, same continent--5 pts, diff cont--10 pts, /MM stations count 5 points, but no multiplier. Score: QSO points × states + VE call areas (VY0 added this year) + DXCC entities (KH6 and KL7 count as DXCC only). For more information: www.cq-amateur-radio.com/infoc.html. Logs due by Feb 28 to cq160cw@kkn.net (Cabrillo format only) or CQ 160 Contest, 25 Newbridge Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801.
REF French Contest--CW, sponsored by the Reseau des Emetteurs Francais, 0600Z Jan 24-1800Z Jan 25 (Phone is Feb 21-22). Contact French stations including Corsica, Overseas Territories and EU Council station TP2CE. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, MS and SWL. Exchange: non-French stations send RST and serial number, French send RST and department number or prefix. QSO points: different continent--3 pts, 1 pt otherwise. Score: QSO points × departments and prefixes counted once per band. For more information: www.ref-union.org/concours/. Logs are due Mar 15 (CW) or April 15 (SSB) to cdfcw@ref-union.org or Reseau des Emetteurs Francais, REF Contest, BP 7429, 37074 Tours Cedex, France.
BARTG RTTY Sprint--sponsored by the British Amateur Radio Teletype Group from 1200Z Jan 24-1200Z Jan 25. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SO-Expert, SOAB, MO and SWL. Operators with a Top Ten log in the past three years must enter as an Expert. Exchange: serial number only. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Score: QSO points×DXCC entities + W/VE/JA/VK call areas + continents counted only once. For more information: www.bartg.demon.co.uk/. Logs in Cabrillo format due Mar 1 to ska@bartg.demon.co.uk with the call and entry class in the subject line and the log included as an attachment or by mail to John Barber, GW4SKA, PO Box 611, Cardiff, CF24 4UN, Wales (only logs with 50 or fewer QSOs may be submitted as printed logs).
ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes--1900Z Jan 24-0400Z Jan 26; see p 97, *Dec 2003 QST. *PLEASE NOTE: The QST Contest Corral dates are incorrect.
UBA Contest--Phone, sponsored by the Royal Union of Belgian Amateur Radio from 1300Z Jan 31-1300Z Feb 1 (CW is Feb 28-29). Frequencies: 80-10 meters, according to the IARU band plan. Categories: SOAB, SOAB-QRP, SOSB, MS, packet is allowed for all classes. Exchange: RST and serial number, ON stations add their province abbr. QSO points: QSOs with ON stations--10 pts, with other EU--3 pts, outside EU--1 pt. Score: QSO points × ON provinces + ON prefixes + European DXCC entities counted once per band. For more information: www.uba.be/. Logs due 30 days after the contest to berger@cyc.ucl.ac.be or Michel Le Bon, ON4GO, UBA HF Contest Manager, Chée de Wavre 1349, B-1160 Bruxelles, Belgium.
W1AW Qualifying Runs are 10 PM EST Friday, Jan 9 (0300Z Jan 10), and 9 AM Thursday, Jan 22 (1400Z Jan 22) (35-10 QRSR). The K6YR West Coast Qualifying Run will be at 9 PM PST Wednesday, Jan 14 (0500Z Jan15). Check the W1AW Schedule elsewhere in this issue for details: www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#qualifying_run
(ARRL)
===========
CLARA and FAMILY HF CONTEST MARCH 2004
This year’s HF Contest, sponsored
by the Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (CLARA), will be held
over the weekend of March 20th and 21st, 2004. Commencing at 1700Z March
20th and continuing until 1700Z March 21st, 2004.
The Contest is open to all CLARA
members and their families and also to all Amateurs.
These are suggested frequencies only
for easier location of contacts: Call “CQ CLARA”.
FREQUENCIES:
• CW 14.033, 21.033, 7.033, 3.688
• Phone 28.300, 21.225, 14.120,
14.285, 7033, 7.200, 3.750, 3.900
Can work stations once per band/mode.
Cross-mode contacts count as phone for both stations.
LOGS: Logs must include the
date, time (GMT), mode, call sign of contact, contact name, contact QTH
(city, town, etc.) and whether the contact is a CLARA member, family member,
non-member YL, or OM. Logs are to be received by the Contest Manager no
later than April 24th, 2004 and must include call sign, address and claimed
score. Because we are in the age of computerization, electronic logs are
encouraged. You can also e-mail your logs to me in Plain Text, MS Word
or MS Excel
format. For the white cane operators,
other arrangements can be made for transmitting your logs. Please contact
me, or Helen VA1YL at hfarchibald@ns.sympatico.ca
in advance.
SCORING:
• Contact with CLARA member (includes
CLARA to CLARA) – 5 points
• Contact with CLARA family member,
(OM’s, sons, daughters, in-laws, etc.) – 2 points
• Contact with non CLARA member
YL – 3 points
• Contact with OM (includes OM to
OM) – 1 point MULTIPLIERS:
• 1 for each Canadian call area
(14 possible)
• 1 for each ARRL DX Country contacted
if the op was a YL
• No multipliers for DX OM’s
Points claimed – (Contact Points)
x Multiplier
PRIZES:
• Mini prize draw from all logs
submitted
• Trophy – Highest scoring CLARA
member
• Certificate – 2nd highest scoring
CLARA member
• Certificate – 3rd highest scoring
CLARA member
• Certificate – Highest scoring
DX YL
• Certificate – Highest scoring
OM
Contest Manager:
Paulette Schouten, VE7VPE
c/o VECTOR, 3301 East Pender Street,
Vancouver, B.C. V5K 5J3 Canada
e-mail: ve7vpe@rac.ca
Special Event Stations
Bulgaria LZ35ZF
With this special callsign LZ35ZF Gosho (LZ1ZF) celebrates 35-th anniversary of been active on Amateur Radio bands. LZ35ZF will be available till 31-st of December 2004 on all bands all modes. QSL to LZ1ZF via Bureau.
============
San Diego, CA: Challenger Middle School ARC, KI6YG. 1500Z-2400Z Jan 28. 18th Anniversary of the Challenger Disaster. 28.450 21.350 14.250 146.52 FM. QSL. Frank Forrester, KI6YG, Challenger Middle School, 10810 Parkdale Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.
Punxsutawney, PA: Punxsutawney Area Amateur Radio Club, K3HWJ. 1400Z-2100Z Jan 31. Commemorating Groundhog Day. 14.240 7.240 7.125 146.715. Certificate. Sherman Hollopeter, W3QOS, Box 20216 E Main St, Big Run, PA 15715. www.qsl.net/k3hwj
Topeka, KS: Local Area Amateur Radio Operators, N0G. 1600Z-2200Z Jan 31. KS National Guard Museum Tribute. 28.400 21.350 14.310. Certificate. Steve Hamilton, 2523 SW Carlson Rd, Topeka, KS 66614.
Lubbock, TX: Buddy Holly Memorial, W5B. 1600Z Jan 31-0400Z Feb 4. 45th Anniversary of the death of Buddy Holly. 28.336 21.360 14.260 7.260. QSL. W5B Buddy Holly QSL, c/o Bryan Edwards, 3801-68th St, Lubbock, TX 79413. www.amcrc.com/W5B
Nacogdoches, TX: Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club, W5NAC. 1300Z-2400Z Feb 1. Shuttle Columbia Recovery Effort. 14.250 14.050 7.250 7.050. QSL. NARC, 167 County Rd 2093, Nacogdoches, TX 75965. www.andersoft.com/narc
(ARRL)
DX News (QRV....I am ready)
Jan. 20 2004 DXCC rule change adopted
At its January meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors removed paragraph 1.c) "The entity has a separate IARU member-society" from the DXCC Rules criteria for determining a DXCC entity. This provision, implemented in 1998 as part of the DXCC 2000 Program, had provided that "An entity will be added to the DXCC List as a political entity if it. . . has a separate IARU member-society." Since then, the rule has allowed for the addition of four new DXCC entities and the retention of one existing entity. Unfortunately, the provision also had the unintended consequence of stimulating applications for IARU membership that do not further the objectives of the IARU, creating an unfortunate and unnecessary administrative burden. The rule change will have no effect on entities created by or as the result of the rule. According to DXCC Rule II, 5. C), "A change in the DXCC criteria shall not affect the status of any entity on the DXCC List at the time of the change." The other two criteria for the determination of a political entity for DXCC continue in effect: 1.a) "The entity is a UN member-state." and 1.b) "The entity (except international organizations) has been assigned a call sign prefix block by the ITU." The Board resolved to amend the DXCC rules by deleting IARU membership as a basis for determining a "political entity."
Full Details: www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc/rules.html#si
(ARRL News Service)
============
Jan. 22 2004 ARLD003 DX News
This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by HA0HW, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST. Thanks to all.
SWAZILAND, 3DA0. A group of amateurs are QRV as 3DA0DX from Madevu camp near Mbabane until late January. Activity is on all bands, including 160 meters and VHF. QSL via ZS5WI.
TONGA, A3. A35RE has been QRV on 20 meters CW between 0900 and 1100z. QSL via HA8IB.
TAIWAN, BV. Tatsuhiko, JD1BKQ will be active as BW3/JD1BKQ during the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest as a Single-Op/Low Power entry. QSL via JR3PZW.
NAURU, C2. Udo, C21HC is generally QRV on 20 meters CW around 0600z. QSL via DL9HCU.
ANGOLA, D2. Fernando, D2BB has been QRV on 20 meters SSB around 1800z. QSL via W3HNK.
CAPE VERDE, D4. Al, 4L5A will be QRV as D4B in the CQ WW 160-Meter DX CW/SSB contests, as well as the ARRL DX CW/SSB contests. QSL via K1BV.
GERMANY, DA. Bernd, DL6FBL and Joerg, DL8WPX will be QRV as DL6FBL in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest as a Multi/Single entry. QSL via operators' instructions.
TAJIKISTAN, EY. Nodir, EY8MM plans to be QRV in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest. QSL via K1BV.
ECUADOR, HC. Rick, NE8Z is QRV as HC1MD from Tumbaco until January 28. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB, with emphasis on the newer bands. Rick will soon have access to 6 meters and will be monitoring 50110 kHz after January 26. QSL via K8LJG.
ANTARCTICA. Michele, IK7JGQ is QRV as KC4/IK7JGQ from Baia Terra Nova station until January 31. He can usually be found on 20 meters around 1730 to 1800z. QSL via operator's instructions.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS, KP2. Rick, K6VVA will be QRV as KP2CW in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest from the QTH of KV4FZ. QSL to home call.
SOUTH ORKNEY ISLAND. Henry, LU4DXU expects to be QRV as AY1ZA from Laurie Island, IOTA AN-008, from the Orcadas del Sur Base beginning around January 27 until February 29. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters, including the newer bands, using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL to home call.
LUXEMBOURG, LX. Manfred, DK2OY and Helmut, DK6WL will be QRV as LX5A in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest as a Multi/Single entry. QSL via LX1RQ.
PALAU, T8. Kazu, JH6WDG will be QRV as T88AQ from January 27 to February 2. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.
CAMEROON, TJ. Oscar, IK2AQZ, Giuliano, IK2OPW and Mario, IW2HUZ are QRV as TJ1GA until January 30. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and PSK31. QSL via IK2AQZ.
UZBEKISTAN, UK. Serge, UK8DAN has been QRV on 160 meters around 0130z. He has also been active on 17 meters around 1130z.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, VP5. George, HA5JI, Geo, VE3NZ and Lali, VE3NE are QRV as VP5/homecalls until January 29. They will be QRV in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest as VP5JI. QSL all calls via HA8FW.
IRAQ, YI. Kaspars, YL1ZF is active as YI9ZF from Baghdad for the next 6 to 8 months. He prefers CW but may also operate using RTTY as well. QSL via SM1TDE.
THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.
The ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes, CQ WW 160-Meter CW Contest, REF French
CW Contest and the BARTG RTTY Sprint are all scheduled for this weekend.
Please see January QST,
page 98 and the ARRL and WA7BNM
contest websites for details.
(W1AW)
============
Jan. 24 2004 4 2 5 DX News
425 DX NEWS TROPHY ===The 425DXN survey for the best DXpedition in 2003 is up and running at http://www.425dxn.org/trophy_2003/. Fourteen DXpeditions have been selected (3C0V, AH3D, BQ9P, CY9A, S05X, ST0RY, T31MY, TO4E, TS7N, TX4PG, TZ6RD, VK9CD, VP6DIA and XZ7A) and the Trophy will be presented to the winner during a DX Convention (to be defined). Donations EXCLUSIVELY for the Trophy are welcome and gratefully accepted, the calls and names of the donors will be engraved on the trophy and listed on the website.
3DA0 === ZS5WC, ZS6RAD, ZS5ABD and ZS5WI are active on all bands as 3DA0DX from Swaziland until 28 January. QSL via ZS5WI. [TNX The Daily DX]
4S === A group of the LARC (Lufthansa Amateur Radio Club) will be in Sri Lanka from March 3rd to 8th. They will be operating all bands in SSB and CW. If possible, Rudi DK7PE will try some 160m, depending on the antennas possible. Operators will be Frank (DJ3FK), Bernd (DK7TF), Karl (DL4FP) and (Rudi) DK7PE. [TNX DK7PE]
8R === Olli, EA4BQ/OH0XX will participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (21-22 February) as 8R1K from Guyana. Before and after the contest he will operate CW as 8R1RPN mainly on 80 &160 metres and on the WARC bands. QSL to Olli Rissanen, Calle Ciguela, 331, 28729 Venturada, Madrid, Spain. [TNX EA4BQ/OH0XX]
9L === Massimo, 9L1MS reports that he now plans to operate from Banana Island (AF-037) on 25 January.
9Y === Walter/DL8JS, Ulla/DF6QP, Alfons/DJ8VC, Eberhard/DJ8OT and Hannelore/DH5JR will be active as 9Y4/homecall from Tobgo (SA-009) from 26 January to 14 February. They expect to operate on 14277, 21377 and 28377 kHz between 9 and 18 local time. QSL via home calls through the DARC bureau. [TNX DX News Letter]
DL === Gerhard, DL3NBL will be active as TA/DL3NBL/P from Ucadalar Island (AS-099) on 7-14 March. He plans to operate on all bands mainly SSB. QSL via home call. [TNX DL3NBL]
FH === Maurice, FH/F6AIG is currently active from Petite Terre, Mayotte (AF-027) and can be found around 17 UTC on +/- 14130 kHz.
FM === Fabrice, F5FUA will be active as FM/F5FUA/p from Sainte Marie, Martinique (NA-107, DIFO FM-001) on 3-24 February. Look for him on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres (modes not provided) at 11-13 UTC and again at 22-24 UTC daily. QSL via home call through the REF bureau. [TNX F5NQL]
GM === Hans, DJ6AU is active as MM0XAU from the Shetland Islands (EU-012) until the end of March. His preferred frequencies are 18130 and 14270 kHz. [TNX DX News Letter]
H4 === Bernard, DL2GAC is again active as H44MS from the Solomon Islands. He reports he does dot plan to leave his current QTH (Honiara on Guadalcanal Island, OC-047) "in the near future". He currently operates barefoot on 10-80 metres SSB with a windom antenna. QSL via home call. [TNX DL2GAC]
J2 === Rene, DL2JRM will be active as J20RM from Djibouti on 22-30 January (maybe one week longer), CQ 160 Meter Contest included. He hopes to be able to go and operate from Moucha Island (AF-053) during his stay. QSL via DL2JRM. Further information at http://www.qsl.net/dl2jrm [TNX DL2JRM]
J7 === Lars, SM0CCM will be active again as J73CCM from Dominica (NA-102) between 5 February and 4 March. He will operate on 160-6 metres mostly CW, with some RTTY and PSK. QSL via home call, preferably through he bureau. Direct cards should include 2 USD or 1 IRC. [TNX SM0CCM]
JA === Look for JA6PSE (on SSB and RTTY, operator JI5USJ) and JA6PSI (CW only, operator JI5RPT) to be aired on 160-10 metres from Takara Shima (JIIA AS-049-012, WLH-0884), Tokara Islands (AS-049) from 24 February to 2 March. QSL JA6PSE via JI5USJ (bureau or direct), QSL JA6PSI via JI5RPT (bureau or direct). The web site for the operation is at http://www.aa.alpha-net.ne.jp/ji5rpt/as-049/ [TNX JI6KVR]
PJ2 === Look for Steve, G0CKP to be active on all bands, mostly CW as PJ2/G0CKP from Curacao (SA-006) on 23-31 January, including an entry as PJ2S during the CQ WW 160 Meter Contest. QSL via home call. [TNX G0CKP]
SV === Kostas, SV1DPI will participate in the BARTG RTTY Contest (24-25 January) as SX1A. QSL via SV1DPI: Kostas Stamatis, Electrical Engineer, P.O.Box 66, 30100 Agrinio, Greece. [TNX SV1DPI]
V8 === Jim/G3RTE, Phil/G3SWH and Ray/HS0ZDZ (G3NOM), in association with Greg/V85GD, will be mounting a DXpedition to Negara Brunei Darussalam (Brunei, OC-088) between 8 and 15 March. The main operation will take place from the QTH of Greg, V85GD under the special callsign of V8JIM. A single operator entry will also be made in the RSGB's Commonwealth Contest using the special callsign of V8NOM. Activity is planned for all bands from160 to10 metres and will include CW, SSB and digital modes. Propagation permitting, plans are to have three stations on the air for as many hours every day as is possible. QSL V8JIM via G3SWH, QSL V8NOM via GM4FDM. Sponsorship and donations will be gratefully accepted. [TNX G3SWH]
VP5 === Look for VP5/HA5JI, VP5/VE3NZ and VP5/VE3NE to be active from the Turks & Caicos Islands until 29 January. They will participate in the CQ WW 160 Meter CW Contest as VP5JI. All QSLs via HA8FW, direct or bureau. [TNX HA0HW]
W === From 7 to19 local time on 1 February the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club (W5NAC) will run two special event stations to honour the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia as well as the numerous volunteers (more than 350 volunteer amateur radio operators) and agencies involved in the recovery effort. Further information at http://www.andersoft.com/narc
XE === After three unsuccessful attempts due to rough seas, Yves/F5TYY, Andre/F6AOI, Bernard/F9IE and Alain/F6BFH were finally able to land and log around 1300 QSOs as XF1/homecalls from Las Tres Marietas (NA-189). On 23 January they went and operate from Pena Blanca in the Colima/Michoacan State group. From both these locations they used car batteries during their daylight hours only, as neither generators nor overnight stays are permitted on these bird sanctuaries. The group will be back to Mexico City on 24 January; on the 26th they expect to leave for the XE3 call area and their first stop should be Ciudad del Carmen on Carmen Island (NA-135). QSL via home calls. [TNX XE1L and La Gazette du DX]
ZC4 === The CQ WW 160 Meter Contest ZC4A operation [425DXN 663] has be cancelled owing to "unforeseen difficulties". It is possible that ZC4CW may be active. [TNX 5B4AGC]
CQ 160-Meter
CW Contest (24-24 January)
The
following stations have announced their participation in this year's event:
* BW3/JD1BKQ
as Single Operator, Low Power from Taiwan. QSL via JR3PZW.
* DL6FBL
and DL8WPX as DL6FBL (Multi-Single). This will be a Winter Field Day
on an airfield; further information at http://www.dl6fbl.de/dl6fbl/cq160
* Nodir,
EY8MM (http://www.qsl.net/ey8mm) as a Single Operator entry. QSL via
K1BV.
* Rick,
K6VVA as KP2CW from the U.S. Virgin Islands. QSL via home call.
* DK2OY
and DK6WL as LX5A (Multi-Single) from Luxembourg. QSL via LX1RQ.
* DL4SDW,
DL8SCG and LX2AJ as LX7I (M/S) from Luxembourg. QSL via LX2AJ.
* G4XUM,
G0HSS and M0BEW as MD4K from the Isle of Man. QSL via G3NKC.
* K1ZM,
WW2Y, K2WI and VK6VZ as VY2ZM from Prince Edward Island, Canada. QSL
via K1ZM.
* Stan,
OK1JR (YB0AJR) as YE0X from Jawa, Indonesia. QSL via the YB bureau.
* Kas,
YI9ZF (YL1ZF) from Iraq. QSL via SM1TDE. The on-line log at www.qsl.net
has been updated with the first 4000 QSOs.
Give a look to the Announced Operations listing maintained by Bill, NG3K at http://www.ng3k.com.
Good to Know:
DXCC RULE CHANGE
At its January meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors removed paragraph 1.c) ("The entity has a separate IARU member-society") from the DXCC Rules criteria for determining a DXCC entity. This provision, implemented in 1998 as part of the DXCC 2000 Program, had provided that "An entity will be added to the DXCC List as a political entity if it [...] has a separate IARU member-society." Since then, the rule has allowed for the addition of four new DXCC entities and the retention of one existing entity. Unfortunately, the provision also had the unintended consequence of stimulating applications for IARU membership that do not further the objectives of the IARU, creating an unfortunate and unnecessary administrative burden. The rule change will have no effect on entities created by or as the result of the rule. According to DXCC Rule II, 5. C), "A change in the DXCC criteria shall not affect the status of any entity on the DXCC List at the time of the change." The other two criteria for the determination of a political entity for DXCC continue in effect: 1.a) "The entity is a UN member-state." and 1.b) "The entity (except international organizations) has been assigned a call sign prefix block by the ITU." The Board resolved to amend the DXCC rules by deleting IARU membership as a basis for determining a "political entity."
ANTARCTICA ACTIVITY WEEK === The Worldwide Antarctic Program has announced that the first Antarctica Activity Week will be held from 22 through 28 February. The aim of this annual event is to promote worlwide interest in the Antarctic continent; stations operating from the various Antarctic bases, as well as special event stations from the rest of the orld, are expected to take part in the AAW. An award will be issued for contacts made during the activity week. Further information will be available at http://www.ddxc.net/wap
IOTA ANNUAL UPDATE ==== IOTA enthusiasts are reminded that the last date for mailing applications or updates to checkpoints for inclusion in the 2004 Honour Roll and other performance tables is 1 February 2004. If postmarked after that date, they will be processed in the normal way but the scores will be held over to the following year's listing. Listing in the 2004 tables will be restricted to those members who have updated their scores since February 1999.
OPERATORS NEEDED === Charles "Frosty" Frost, K5LBU is looking for at least four more operators (one for SSB and three for CW) to join a team heading to Swaziland for a 10-day DXpedition in mid-March. If interested please contact Frosty (frosty1@pdq.net) as soon as possible. [TNX K5LBU]
QSL 5N0W === Vaclav Voldrich, OK1DXE reports that his work assignment at the Czech Embassy in Nigeria ended at the end of 2003. He operated as 5N0W and 5N0HVC [425DXN 623] and he expects to send the first QSL cards in a few days' time. In the past 5N0W was also used by David, OK1RK, and many sources still give him as QSL route. Please note that cards for contacts made with 5N0W from 1 July 2000 should go to OK1DXE, direct or bureau. [TNX OK1DXE]
QSL 9V0A === Alan, VK4AAR reports he has been asked to manage the QSL cards for Alan's (9V1DX) recent activity as 9V0A from Patriot Hills. "Cards will not be ready for a little while", VK4AAR says, "as the operator is now headed to Africa on work for a couple of weeks and still has to get his log ready for me on his return". QSL direct only to Alan Roocroft, P.O. Box 421, Gatton 4343, Australia. As for return postage, Alan says that although "our Aussie dollar is still getting stronger against the US dollar", greenstamps are "still the preferred way, as IRCs can be a problem".
QSL FM/T93Y === Boris, T93Y reports that all direct, bureau and E-mail requests have been processed. More information about this contest DXpedition, including detailed information how to QSL to Bosnia Herzegovina, is available at http://www.t93y.com/fm2003 Bureau cards requests are welcome at fm2003@t93y.com
QSL UA0ZAL/p === A few days ago George, UY5XE received from UA0ZC the logs for UA0ZAL/p (AS-039, October 2001). George expects to have cards printed by mid-February. His address is George A. Chlijanc, P.O. Box 19, Lviv 79000 Ukraine. [TNX UY5XE]
QSL VQ9JC === Jim, WB9IHH
is in the Merchant Marine and currently on a ship at McMurdo Base, Antarctica.
He has been on the ship since March 2003, which covers five operations
as VQ9JC (April, June, July, August/September and
November 2003), and Jim will not
be home until April at the earliest and possibly May. Jim is aware
that "a huge box full of QSLs" is waiting for him, but it take him a bit
of time once he gets home to get through the logs and QSLs.
[TNX W7IAN]
============
Jan 22 - Feb 05, 2004 I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.
21/01/2004: George, HA5JI, Geo, VE3NZ and Lali, VE3NE will be QRV from the Caicos Islands (NA-002) as VP5/homecalls between January 21st and 29th. The will also participate in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW contest as VP5JI. QSL all calls via HA8FW. [ARRL DX News]
22/01/2004: Rick, NE8Z, reports that he will be operating as HC1MD from Tumbaco, Ecuador, January 22nd to 28th. Tumbaco is located "just over the hill" from HCJB's massive antenna complex in Pifo, Ecuador. Rick will be using a TS850s + SB200 + Carolina Windom on 80-10 meters CW/SSB. He will be paying special attention to the WARC bands on this trip. On Monday, January 26th, Rick will be monitoring 50.110 MHz all day. That will be the only day that he will have access to 6 meters (100w + 5 element Cushcraft yagi). QSL via QRZ.com or K8LJG at: John Kroll, 3528 Craig Drive, Flint, MI 48506 USA. [Tnx OPDX]
22/01/2004: Alberto (LU1DZ), Hector (LU6UO) and Fernando (LW2DX), are going to Corrientes Province (Loc: GF09FX), to operate from this "rare" Argentinian Province, between January 22nd and 27th. They will have the calls LU1DZ/L, LU6UO/L and LW2DX/L, where "L" stands for Corrientes Province, due to LU regulations. They plan to operate in all HF bands, from 160 to 6 meters, both CW and SSB. QSL LU1DZ/L via EA3RE. QSL LU6UO/L via Hector Ombroni - Calle 18 N° 275 - 6360 Gral. Pico - La Pampa - Argentina. QSL LW2DX/L via Fernando Fernandez - Granville 685 - 1846 Jose Marmol - Bs. As. - Argentina. [Tnx LU6EF]
22/01/2004: Hans, DJ6AU, will be QRV as MM0XAU from the Shetland Islands (EU-012) until the end of March. He can be found on his preferred frequencies 18.130 and 14.270 MHz every day from 11:00 UTC. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx DXNL]
23/01/2004: Henry, LU4DXU, will go onboard the icebreaker and supply vessel Almirante Irizar on January 23rd. Landing on Laurie Island, the QTH of Orcadas Base, is expected for the 26th of January. Activity on board the ship will be as LU4DXU/mm from Ushuaia to the South Orkneys (AN-008), if permitted. QSL direct to LU4DXU (QRZ.com). [Tnx DL5EBE]
24/01/2004: Look for BW3/JD1BKQ to be QRV from Taiwan (AS-020) during the CQ 160-Meter Contest (January 24-25th) as a SOLP entry. QSL via JR3PZW. [Tnx NG3K]
24/01/2004: D4B will be QRV from Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde (AF-086) during the CQ 160-Meter Contest (January 24-25th) as a SO entry. QSL via K1BV. [Tnx NG3K]
24/01/2004: Look for Les, to be QRV January 24th as F/G3VQO/p from the Mill of Boeschepe (DMF reference 59029 for the French Mills Award, Department 59, Commune: Boeschepe). Activity will start on 40 meter SSB at approximately 12:00 UTC, but the majority will be CW during the REF CW Contest. QSL via home call. [Tnx G3VQO]
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: Look for Yuli, 4X6HP/m, and Ros, 4Z5LA/m, to be QRV from some areas in HG (Hermon site) January 25th. They will be active on 14265 kHz, starting around 05:30 UTC. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx 4X4JU]
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.]
25/01/2004: Look for Pavel, RA1OZ/a, and Alex, UA1OJL/a, to be QRV January 25th from the Island of Andrianova (IOTA EU-153, RRA RR-02-30) located in region AR, Primorsky Area (RDA reference AR-26, for the Russian Districts Award). QSL via home calls. [Tnx RA1OZ]
26/01/2004: Walter, 9Y4/DL8JS, Ulla, 9Y4/DF6QP, Alfons, 9Y4/DJ8VC, Eberhard, 9Y4/DJ8OT, and Hannelore, 9Y4/DH5JR, will be QRV from Tobago Island (SA-009) between January 26th and February 14th. Look for them on 14277, 21377 or 28377 kHz daily from 09:00-18:00 local time. QSLs via home calls, via the DARC bureau. [Tnx DXNL]
27/01/2004: Henry, LU4DXU, will be QRV from the Orcadas Base (WABA LU-14) located on Laurie Island, South Orkneys (AN-008), as AY1ZA between January 27th and February 29th. Look for Henry on the following frequencies: SSB: 28390, 24930, 21190, 18130, 14290, 7090 and 3785 kHz; CW: 28035, 24905, 21035, 18090, 14035, 10120, 7025, 3515 and 1835 kHz; RTTY: 28120, 21090, 14090 kHz; PSK31: 21070, 14070 kHz. The HF equipment consists of an IC-751, a TL-922 linear, a 4 ele. KLM yagi, a rhombic antenna and some wire antennas. Please note that Henry will mostly run split some Khz up. QSL AY1ZA direct only via LU4DXU (Horacio Enrique Ledo, Caracas 2664 or P.O.Box # 22., Martinez (1640) - Bs.As., Argentina). [Tnx DL5EBE]
27/01/2004: Kazu, JH6WDG, will be QRV from Palau (OC-009) January 27th to February 2nd as T88AQ. Activity will be on 80 through 10 meter SSB and CW. QSL via home call, bureau or direct. [Tnx 425DXN]
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]
02/02/2004: Look for UE9SFF/9 to be QRV February 2nd from the Yuzhno-Ulalsky Natural Reserve (RFF-101, RDA VA-38). QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx RU3GN]
02/02/2004: Look for Gerd (DJ4KW) and Gisela (DK9GG) to be QRV February 2nd to 6th as V31YN/p from Lighthouse Reef (IOTA NA-123). Activity will be on 40 through 10 meter CW only. QSL via DJ4KW, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
02/02/2004: Peter, NO2R, has received his callsign/license and will be active as XU7ACY from Sihanoukville, February 2nd to 9th. Activity will be on 160, 80 and 40 meters exclusively. QSL via K2NJ, direct. [Tnx OPDX]
03/02/2004: Look for Fabrice, F5FUA, to be active as FM/F5FUA/p from the island of Martinique (IOTA NA-107, DIFO FM-001) from February 3rd to 24th. Activity is scheduled daily, from 11:00 to 13:00 UTC and 22:00 to 24:00 UTC on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters., with IC 706 MKIIG and Double Dipole Multipbande Diamond W-8010. No information yet provided on modes. QSL via the French REF bureau preferred. [Tnx F5NQL]
05/02/2004: Hector, XE2K and others will be active as XF1K from Pajaros Island, Sonora, Mexico (NA-166, the most "most wanted" IOTA group in North America) on 5-9 February. Plans are to operate on 80 through 10 meter (maybe on 160m as well) SSB and CW, with three 100 watt stations powered by battery and generator for 18-24 hours on the air. They will have two triband yagis, two verticals for 40-10m and 80-10m (maybe a third one for 160-10m) and one dipole for 80-40-30m. QSL via N6AWD (Fred K. Stenger, 6000 Hesketh Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93309, USA). [Tnx 425DXN]
ANTARCTIC NEWS
* The new WAP Directory 2004 is now available for downloading at: http://www.ddxc.net/ .
* The World Wide Antarctic Program (W.A.P.) web site (http://www.ddxc.net/wap/) is presently being worked on and should be up and running again soon.
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
United States
Jan. 19 2004 ARRL to Propose New Entry-Level License, Code-Free HF Access
The ARRL will ask the FCC to create
a new entry-level Amateur Radio license that would include HF phone privileges
without requiring a Morse code test. The League also will propose consolidating
all current licensees into three classes, retaining the Element 1 Morse
requirement--now 5 WPM-only for the highest class. The ARRL Board of Directors
overwhelmingly approved the plan January 16 during its Annual Meeting in
Windsor, Connecticut. The proposals--developed by the ARRL Executive Committee
following a Board instruction last July--are in response to changes made
in Article 25 of the international Radio Regulations at World Radiocommunication
Conference 2003 (WRC-03). They would continue a process of streamlining
the amateur licensing structure that the FCC began more than five years
ago but left unfinished in the Amateur Service license restructuring Report
and Order (WT 98-143) that
went into effect April 15, 2000.
''Change in the Amateur Radio Service in the US, especially license requirements and even more so when Morse is involved, has always been emotional,'' said ARRL First Vice President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, in presenting the Executive Committee's recommendations. ''In fact, without a doubt, Morse is Amateur Radio's 'religious debate.'''
The entry-level license class--being called ''Novice'' for now--would require a 25-question written exam. It would offer limited HF CW/data and phone/image privileges on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters as well as VHF and UHF privileges on 6 and 2 meters and on 222-225 and 430-450 MHz. Power output would be restricted to 100 W on 80, 40, and 15 meters and to 50 W on 10 meters and up.
''The Board sought to achieve balance
in giving new Novice licensees the opportunity to sample a wider range
of Amateur Radio activity than is available to current Technicians while
retaining a motivation to upgrade,'' said ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ.
Under the ARRL plan, current Novice licensees--now the smallest and least
active group of
radio amateurs--would be grandfathered
to the new entry-level class without further testing.
The middle group of licensees--Technician,
Tech Plus (Technician with Element 1 credit) and General--would be merged
into a new General license that also would not require a Morse examination.
Current Technician and Tech Plus license holders automatically would gain
current General class privileges without additional testing. The current
Element 3 General examination would
remain in place for new applicants.
The Board indicated that it saw no
compelling reason to change the Amateur Extra class license requirements.
The ARRL plan calls on the FCC to combine the current Advanced and Amateur
Extra class licensees into Amateur Extra, because the technical level of
the exams passed by these licensees is very similar. New applicants for
Extra would have to pass a 5 WPM Morse code examination, but the written
exam would stay the same. Sumner said the Board felt that the highest level
of accomplishment should include basic Morse capability. Current Novice,
Tech Plus and
General licensees would receive
lifetime 5 WPM Morse credit.
''This structure provides a true entry-level license with HF privileges to promote growth in the Amateur Service,'' Harrison said.
Among other advantages, Sumner said
the plan would allow new Novices to participate in HF SSB emergency nets
on 75 and 40 meters as well as on the top 100 kHz of 15 meters. The new
license also could get another name, Sumner said. ''We're trying to recapture
the magic of the old Novice license, but in a manner that's appropriate
for the 21st
century.''
The overall proposed ARRL license
restructuring plan would more smoothly integrate HF spectrum privileges
across the three license classes and would incorporate the ''Novice refarming''
plan the League put forth nearly two years ago in a Petition for Rule Making
(RM-10413). The FCC has not yet acted on the ARRL plan, which would alter
current HF
subbands.
The ARRL license restructuring design calls for no changes in privileges for Extra and General class licensees on 160, 60, 30, 20, 17 or 12 meters. Novice licensees would have no access to those bands.
See ''ARRL to Propose New Entry-Level License, Code-Free HF Access'' on the ARRL Web site, www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/01/19/1/, for the specific subband allocations ARRL is proposing for each class.
ARRL Bulletin 3 ARLB003
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
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
