.The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin
The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin is a weekly service that brings you the latest in Amateur Radio News from around the world. Providing over 30 pages of information every week to keep you up to speed with current events on the Amateur Radio Scene, delivered to over 2400 hams every week.

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Radio Amateurs of Canada

47th Jamboree on the Air - 16-17 October 2004

JOTA is an annual event in which about 500,000 Scouts and Guides all over the world make contact with each other by means of amateur radio. It is a real Jamboree during which Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, thus contributing to the world brotherhood of Scouting The JOTA is a world-wide event. Units may operate for 48 hours or any part thereof, from Saturday 00.00 h until Sunday 24.00 h local time. It is for members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and also for members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

World Scout Frequencies:
Band SSB(phone)                       CW(morse)
80 m 3.740 & 3.940 MHz              3.590 MHz
40 m 7.090 MHz                            7.030 MHz
20 m 14.290 MHz                         14.070 MHz
17 m 18.140 MHz                         18.080 MHz
15 m 21.360 MHz                         21.140 MHz
12 m 24.960 MHz                         24.910 MHz
10 m 28.390 MHz                         28.190 MHz

Full details of this event can be found online at: http://home.zonnet.nl/worldscout/NJOnetwork/47JOTAcirc.pdf
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Sept 16 2004  RSGB Proposes New 500kHz Allocation

The RSGB has made a proposal for radio amateurs in the UK to have access to frequencies between 501 and 504, or 508 and 515kHz, at a transmit level of 10W EIRP. The allocation, if accepted, would extend amateurs’ experimental work on other low and medium frequencies and thus aid understanding of propagation in those parts of the spectrum. The two frequency band options are proposed as they are no longer used for maritime telegraphy in the Western hemisphere and their usage for non-directional aeronautical beacons is being phased out. It is understood that it is unlikely, in the near future, that the channels will be re-allocated to another service. Further details of the RSGB proposal can be found on the Spectrum Forum website, and there is a link from the main RSGB website: www.rsgb-spectrumforum.org.uk/mf.htm

(RSGB)
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Oct. 16 2004  Great Britain to get additional 100kHz at 7MHz Soon?

Ofcom’s period of consultation on its proposal to vary the Foundation, Intermediate and Full amateur radio licences to permit UK amateurs to operate in the band 7100 to 7200kHz ends on 23 October. The proposal is that the band would be allocated to the Amateur Service on a Secondary basis on the basis of non-interference to other services, inside or outside the United Kingdom. It is hoped that an announcement will be made soon after the end of the consultation about when the additional 100kHz of spectrum will become available to UK amateurs.

A link to the notification of the proposed change on the Ofcom website can be found on the RSGB site at www.rsgb.org Amateurs wishing to comment on the proposal should do so by writing to Denise Carter, Ofcom, 2 - 130 Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA or by e-mailing amateurcb@ofcom.org.uk to arrive not later than 23 October

(RSGB)
 

RAC Board of Directors Appoints New President and First Vice-President

In response to the resignations of RAC President Daniel Lamoureux, VE2KA, and RAC First Vice-President Bob Nash, VE3KZ, for medical reasons, the RAC Board was convened at a Special Meeting on Tuesday, 12 October, 2004, to appoint replacements for the remainder of their terms of office (31 December 2005).

The Board elected Mr. Earle Smith, VE6NM, as President for the remainder of Mr. Lamoureux's term, effective 15 October, 2004. Mr. Smith has been the RAC Director for the Alberta/NT/NU Region. In due course the Board will appoint a replacement to complete Mr. Smith's term as Director.

The Board elected Mr. John Iliffe, VE3CES/VA3JI as First Vice- President for the remainder of Mr. Nash's term, effective immediately.

Jim Dean, VE3IQ

(RAC News Service)
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RAC Annual General Meeting

All RAC members are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting of Members.

This is your opportunity, as a member of Radio Amateurs of Canada, to hear what your representatives have been doing over the past year, to raise questions, and to make suggestions about how RAC is managed and where it is going in the future. This meeting is open to all RAC members.

Date/Time: Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 11:00 AM

Place:OPP General Headquarters, 777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia, Ontario

Agenda items will include:
- Report of the President
- Review of the 2003 Financial Statements
- Proposed Revision of the RAC Constitution
 - Appointment of Auditors for 2004

Directions

Talkin information will be available from 9:45 am to 10:45 am on the VA3OPS repeater, 146.655 MHz (-), CTCSS tone 156.7 Hz.

Coming from the Greater Toronto Area:

Take Highway 400 north to Highway 11, then Highway 11 to Memorial Avenue, which is the first exit for Orillia. Exit on Memorial Avenue. The OPP GHQ is about 1 km east, on the left hand side of Memorial Avenue. At the first set of traffic lights, just past the Georgian College entrance, turn left and then left again immediately into the first parking lot. Do not attempt to drive past the gate. Enter the building on foot via the south doors, following the sidewalk past the gate. The auditorium is to the immediate right once inside.

Coming from Orillia on Highway 11:
Take the Highway 12 South exit. At the second set of  traffic lights (Memorial Avenue) turn right. Visitor parking is available by turning right at the second set of traffic lights on Memorial, then immediately turn left into the lot. Do not attempt to drive past the gate. Enter the building on foot via the west doors, following the sidewalk just past the gate. The auditorium is immediately to the right, once inside.

Coming from north of Orillia on Highway 11:
Follow Highway 12 to Memorial Avenue, which is just over the large railway bridge inside the city. At the Memorial Avenue traffic lights turn left. Visitor parking is available by turning right at the second set of traffic lights on Memorial, then immediately turn left into the lot. Do not attempt to drive past the gate. Enter the building on foot via the west doors, following the sidewalk just past the gate. The auditorium is immediately to the right, once inside.

Disabled Persons Parking:
Additional parking and parking for disabled persons is available at the front of the building, along the semi-circle driveway. Enter through the front doors then go left to the auditorium at the end of the concourse.

Additional Parking:
Should further parking be necessary, it can be accessed across Memorial Avenue immediately opposite the visitor parking lot at the traffic lights. Once through the lights , turn left into that lot and use the pedestrian lights to walk across to the meeting. Enter the building via the South doors, following the sidewalk just past the gate.

OPP Museum:
Arrangements have been made for the OPP Museum to be open for the benefit of those attending the AGM. There is no admission fee.

Please note that the headquarters building is a 24-hour operational police services facility with full-time security and surveillance cameras inside and out.

(RAC News Service)
 

The Maritime Weather Net meets daily Mon to Sat on 3.770 Mhz.

This net has operated continuously since Sept 26, 1960. The number of callers varies over time from 20 to 40 and at present there is room for more if anyone is interested. Just call in at the end of the roll call and we will be glad to have your local weather information. We would like the temp, barometer reading, wind speed and direction. amount of cloud cover in 10 ths, the overnite low temp and the high from the day before. Also we want current weather conditions as well as any precipitation in mm for rain and centimeters for snow. Your Net Control station is VE1MWX Gerry and no calling in station will ne ignored during the period from 700am to730am.

(Gerry, VE1AAC/MWX)
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The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin is looking for an co-editor to assist in publishing news and events for the Atlantic Maritime region. If you are interested in assisting this publication please contact the editor Jim Taylor VA3KU his e-mail address is va3ku@rac.ca
 

West Island Amateur Radio Club Meeting  Oct. 18 2004

Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of each month except July 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.

For more information visit the WIARC at: http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc/
 

3rd annual Apple Hill Scout reserve Jamboree on the Air will take place this weekend from 12:00 to 21:00 sat. and 9:00 to 12:00 on sunday from Apple Hill scout reserve in Apple Hill ontario. Scouts from around the world will be active on the bands. Operators will include John,VE2JDR, Greg,VE2GDX, Ken,VE2KFD and Francois,VE2AAY amateurs are welcome to drop by to operate or visit as well as to give us a call on the HF freq's if you hear us on the air.

(Thanks John,VE2JDR)
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Oct. 30 2004 York Region Hamfest
Sponsored by: The York Region Amateur Radio Club
Location:  Markham Fairgrounds, Markham ON. McCowan Road at Elgin Mills Road E.
Opens: Vendors 6:30 a.m. Public 9:00 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Cost: Admissions $5.00 Vendors - refer to website for table fees.
Talkin: 145.350- (VE3YRA)
Notes:  YRARC extends an invitation to you to come and participate in Ontario's Leading Hamfest - 2 large buildings The 28th Annual YORK REGION HAMFEST Wheelchair accessible handicap parking available
For more info visit: www.yrarc.on.ca
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RAC Ontario Section News

Oct. 14 2004  Grey County ARES Group

The monthly meeting of the Grey County ARES group was held on October 14th, 2004, in Markdale. A total of six members were present. Several items were discussed, among them was feedback from the IPM, the open house at the Owen Sound Fire Hall which VA3KU participated in, the upcoming SET and obtaining shirts for the members.

Plans are in the works to have each active member of the ARES group obtain a shirt with ARES embroidered on the left front, the member's name on the right front as well as the RAC patch sewn on the shoulder. The colour of the shirt will be white, as recommended by Rod Pears, VA3RP DEC for Saugeen District. The cost of each shirt will be approximately $40.00, which includes the cost of the RAC patch, the embroidery and the stitching on of the patch.

Glenn, VE3GNA, raised the question of promoting the idea to other groups to see if anyone else might be interested in participating in some form of bulk purchase to perhaps lower the cost somewhat.

(Glenn, VE3GNA, R.A.C. Official Bulletin Station)
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'Simulated Emergency Test' Trans Provincial Net Instructions  Oct. 23 2004

Instructions for SET operations on the Trans Provincial Net have been laid out by Ian Snow, VA3QT Georgian District DEC / SET Coordinator. An excerpt from The Simulated Emergency Test - exercise instructions which pertains to the Trans Provincial Net is as follows:

6) To promote both the development of long-range communications and the operating skills of all AROs the Net Manager has been requested to make the Trans-Provincial Net available for SET operations.  The National Traffic System and it’s nets have determined that they will maintain their published schedules and frequencies.

7) The Ontario Section SET will take place on Saturday 23 October 2004, commencing at 0900 hrs Eastern time/0800 hrs Central.   SET termination will be announced by the A/SEC via on the Trans-Provincial Net when it is assessed that exercise objectives have been met.  For your planning purposes, we will attempt to meet the objectives within a four hour period, but may have a few items to clear after that time.

8 d) Exercise Ontario Amateurs in emergency communication procedures.
This objective will be achieved by conducting a formal emergency net using the facilities of the TPN.  ARES Groups wishing to pass formal traffic out-of-District are encouraged to utilize the TPN for the purpose of establishing contact with a destination station.

Note: The Complete Simulated Emergency Test - exercise instructions can be found on the ARES Ontario Site at: www.aresontario.ca/set2004.html

Following the instructions laid out by Ian Snow VA3QT, SET Coordinator:

The Trans Provincial Net (TPN)  will commence operation at 8:00am on 7.055 MHz for the SET.  If conditions are poor on 40 metres we will move to 3.742 MHz for the commencement of the SET. Propagation will be checked again on 40 metres at 9:00am, if the band has improved provincially the SET will resume operations on 7.055 MHz for the duration of the SET.

The Ontario Phone Net (OPN) operates 3.742 MHz at 7:00pm as well as the newly established Eighty Metre Service Net (EMSN) from 7:00am to 6:00pm .

All Stations are asked to follow the instructions of the Net Control Station and ask all ARES Stations to checkin using your callsign followed by the word ARES.

To further familiarize yourself with how operations will work during the SET on the Trans Provincial Net please review the following documents:

SET TPN Net Control instructions and preamble
Duties of Assistant Net Control
SET TPN Log Sheet

Other useful resources
Simplified Radiograms, prints out 2 to a page
Easy Guide to Radiograms

Look forward to hearing you on the 'SET' .

(Jim Taylor VA3KU  TPN SET Organizer)
 

Moose Jaw Pioneers Amateur Radio Club

Serving the senior amateur 55+.  This club was formed because the needs of the Senior Members of Amateur Radio were not being met by other clubs. Monthly meeting are held the 3rd Wednesday of every month.  Every other month is a supper meeting so that the spouses of hams also get a chance to socialize.

Contact person is Val Lemko, VE5ACJ
1-306-693-6127
ve5acj@rac.ca
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Nov. 7 2004  Maple Ridge ARC Giant Ham & Computer Swap Meet
Sponsored by:  The Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club
Location:  The Old Rec Center 12460 Harris Road Pitt Meadows 1 Block South of the Lougheed Hwy on Harris Road. Pitt Meadows BC
Opens: Vendors 7 am, Public 9 am to 1
Cost: Admission $3, Tables $20
Talkin: VE7RMR 147.800 (-) 600 Tone 156.7
Notes:  Pancake Breakfast between 8:am and 9:am includes 2 Pancakes 3 sausages and Beverage of choice Tea, Coffee, or Juice. After (:am Concession will have Donuts and Coffee. Lots of room for vendors. Plenty of space for public to move around.
For more info visit: http://www.qsl.net/ve7rmr
 

 Oct. 15 2004 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update

Solar activity has been very low. In fact, on October 10-11, Sunday and Monday, the sunspot count was 0. Images of the sun for those days show a blank, spotless sun. You can see those images on the http://spaceweather.com/ website. Just check the archive section by dialing in the dates on the upper right of the web page, and look at the sun images on the left.

October 10-11 were the first days with a sunspot count of 0 since January 27-28, 2004. Before that to find another day with a 0 sunspot number, you have to go back six years to January 7-9, 1998. There was one day prior to that with a 0 sunspot number, October 23, 1997, and there were several 0 days in the summer of that year.

As we look back further, we are closer to the bottom of the previous sunspot cycle. The minimum must have been eight years ago, because the longest string of 0 sunspot days that I can find in recent history is September 13 to October 20, 1996, a very quiet 38 continuous days of no activity.

We can look back at the propagation bulletins published during that time and see the reports on week after week of no sunspots (check the archive at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/). I see that it was in this week in 1996 in Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP042 that we first began regular weekly reporting of the geomagnetic A index. Robert Wood, WB5CRG, who is now W5AJ, suggested this. Looking at these reports perhaps gives us a view of what conditions will be like two years from now.

For the next week and through the end of the month, daily solar flux is expected to hover around 90. A solar wind stream from a recurring coronal hole may cause some unstable geomagnetic conditions today and tomorrow, October 15-16. Geomagnetic conditions are expected to be very quiet for the week of October 22-28.

More email arrived this week with reports of band conditions, particularly 10-meters. Alain, F5LIW reports that every afternoon around 1700-1800z he works South America on 10-meters. At 1747z on October 7 Alain worked LU3XD in South Argentina. LU3XD used 100 watts and a dipole. The following day at 1723z, Alain worked HF0QF in the South Shetlands with S9 reports at both ends. He reports that every evening 10-meters seems quiet, but when he calls CQ, he works overseas stations. He uses 100 watts and a tri-band Yagi.

If you would like to comment or have a tip, email the author at k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service propagation page at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html.

Sunspot numbers for October 7 through 13 were 38, 28, 24, 0, 0, 14 and 41 with a mean of 20.7. 10.7 cm flux was 93.8, 90.6, 88, 89, 86.9, 87.6 and 88.5, with a mean of 89.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 7, 6, 8, 11, 11 and 35, with a mean of 11.7. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4, 4, 3, 5, 9, 7 and 17, with a mean of 7.

(W1AW)
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Europe

Oct. 16 2004  Solar and propagation report, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS,and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

Solar flare activity has again been low to very low, with only a handful of C-class flares, which had no effect on propagation.  On the 10th the solar disc was spotless. This was the first time for this solar minimum - but certainly not the last.  There will be many more such days during the next few years. The solar flux  varied only a couple of points either side of 90, averaging 90 - a decline of one point. The 90-day average dropped 3 points to 109.  The X-ray flux ranged between A5.5 and B1.7, but the average was also little changed.  The major short-term factor was the level of geomagnetic activity. The week began quietly, with the Ap index in single figures.  However, on the 13th, a high-speed coronal stream and a persistent southerly orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field brought an increase to 'active' level, with 'minor storm' conditions at high latitudes. The Ap index on the 13th was 35, declining to 27 on the 14th, before a return to single figures on the 15th. Solar wind speeds increased from 319km/sec on the 10th to 545km/sec on the 15th.

HF propagation, which had been relatively good, deteriorated with the increase in geomagnetic activity.  Even so, even 28MHz was open every day, though openings to Africa and South America were mostly relatively scrappy. As usual, 14MHz was the most reliable band, producing propagation to all continents, including the much sought-after TX9 expedition.  The magnetic disturbances produced VHF aurora on the 13th and 14th, but only briefly and at high latitudes.

During the coming week the quieter side of the sun should be rotating into view.  The signs are that flare activity will remain low or very low, with only an outside chance of something more substantial.  Solar flux levels will probably decline slightly. The geomagnetic field will mostly be quiet or slightly unsettled, though it may be more unsettled or active around the 18th due to a recurrent coronal hole stream. MUFs at equal latitudes are likely to be a shade higher, for essentially seasonal reasons, reaching 23MHz in the south and 20MHz in the north.  Darkness hour lows will be in the region of 8MHz.  Paths to the Far East are likely to have a maximum usable frequency around 21MHz.  However, the optimum working frequency, where there should be a 90 per cent chance of a contact, will be around 16MHz.  The best times will be between 0800 and 1200UTC.

Your reporters were Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF

(G3USF)
 

Expedition 10 heads to ISS; space station ham gear in repeater mode (Oct 15, 2004)

The Russian Soyuz 9 spacecraft carrying the International Space Station Expedition 10 crew of Commander Leroy Chiao, KE5BRW, and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov is expected to dock with the ISS Saturday, October 16, at 0417 UTC. Occupying the third seat in the Soyuz with Chiao and Sharipov is Russian Space Forces Test Cosmonaut Yuri Shargin. The Soyuz launched early Thursday (UTC) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (see photo). Meanwhile, the space station's current residents, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, and NASA ISS Science Officer Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, have been preparing for the arrival of the new crew and their return to Earth later this month. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Ham Radio Technical Coordinator Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, says Fincke has a day off today (Friday, October 15) and may be available for casual ham radio contacts. The ARISS Mode U/V (Mode B) FM voice repeater is expected to remain operational at least until October 16. The uplink frequency is 437.800 MHz; the downlink is 145.800 MHz. (For more information on how to make contacts via the ISS voice repeater, see "Success Tips for Using the ISS Voice Repeater," by Emily Clarke, W0EEC). After docking, the two ISS crews will spend eight days performing joint operations and conducting handover activities. Shargin will conduct a number of experiments as well as some ARISS school group contacts. Padalka, Fincke and Shargin will bid farewell to the ISS on October 23.

(ARRL News Service)
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Oct. 14 2004  AMSAT elections results announced

Some new names and some old will be running AMSAT North America the next year.  This, with word that Rick Hambly, W2GPS, has been elected President of the Amateur Radio space authority at the organizations October 7th Board of Directors meeting.

Hambly replaces Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, who has headed up AMSAT North Ameriuca the last seveal years.  Also elected or re-elected are are Lee McLamb, KU4OS as Executive Vice President, Mike Kingery, KE4AZN as Vice President Operations, Stan Wood, WA4FNY taking the task of Vice President of Engineering, Barry Baines, WD4ASW as Vice President Marketing and User Services, and Frank Bauer, KA3HDO as Vice President Human Sapceflight.  Gunther Meise, W8GSM, will be taking the Treasurers spot for the coming year as well.

Also at the meeting status reviews were presented of several undertakings.  These including ongoing projects such as the Echo satellite and the launch of future hamsats including Eagle.  The Board also had continuing discussions on regulatory matters, most importantly the impact of FCC Report and Order 04-130 which deals with the subject of Orbital Debris.

(ANS)
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Mesaba The Iranian Satellite

SpaceDaily reports that Iran intends to launch its first satellite in April 2005.  The bird named Mesbah is said to be a twenty inch square cube weighing in at 132 pounds.

Plans are to put it int a Low Earth Orbit at about about 560 miles.  The satellite will be used to identify natural resources, control the nations electrical and energy network  and can also be used by communications and crisis management teams the press reports said.

(ANS)
 

Note: "Hams in Action" is a new area in the bulletin and is in need of articles and stories of events from your local club or ARES Group. Submission to Hams in Action:  Bulletin Editor: va3ku@rac.ca
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Oct. 16 2004  ARRL Digital Communications study under way

The ARRL Ad-Hoc Committee on Amateur Radio Emergency Service--ARES--Communications (ARESCOM) is seeking the assistance of the amateur community in documenting what digital communications systems now are in use today on the VHF and UHF bands. While the majority of digital communication is via packet, there are many different packet systems in use, and they are interconnected using a variety of methods.

The ARRL Board of Directors resolved at its July 2004 meeting to encourage the deployment of e-mail via Amateur Radio--"as exemplified by Winlink 2000"--to meet the needs of served agencies and others involved in providing disaster communications.

ARESCOM now wants to gather input on systems already in place. "We are seeking input from packet System Administrators, not individual users, as we need information on how the packet nodes are linked and what connectivity methods the packet systems use with systems outside their coverage area," said ARRL Ad-hoc ARESCOM Committee Chair Dick Mondro, W8FQT. The committee plans to wrap up data collection December 31.

The study seeks detailed information on current packet infrastructure, and one person may respond on behalf of several system operators if they all approve. "We simply ask that the names and call signs of all involved be listed," Mondro said.

To participate download the on-line form: www.arrl.org/digtest/TestSurvey.pdf or www.arrl.org/digtest/testSurvey.doc . After providing all applicable information, submit the survey form via e-mail <dcti@arrl.org> or via surface mail to ARRL, DCTI Study, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

Those interested in sharing comments and ideas are invited to subscribe to the DCTI Reflector: DCTI-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

For more information, visit the ARRL Digital Communications Study Web page: www.arrl.org/digtest .

(ARRL News Bulletin)
 

Oct. 14 2004  Korean Researchers claim Cancer connection to high power Radio Transmission

Korean scientists say that they have found that regions near some A-M radio broadcasting towers show 70 percent more leukemia deaths than those without.  This, according to Wired News which reports that the study, to be published in an upcoming issue of the International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, also found that cancer deaths were 29 percent higher near such transmitters.

Two years ago an Italian investigation found death rates from leukemia increased dramatically for residents living within two miles of Vatican Radio's powerful array of transmitters in Rome. The Korean looked at the death rates in 10 regions with AM radio transmitting towers broadcasting at more than 100 kilowatts and compared them with control areas without transmitters.

The substantially higher cancer mortality in those who lived within two kilometres of the towers led researchers to conclude that more investigation was needed. However, they also said their study did not prove a direct link between cancer and the transmitters.

(Published news reports via ARNewsLine)
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Oct. 15 2004  KKOB Tower hit by Hot Air Baloon

KKOB-AM radio in Albuquerque, New Mexico, had to shut down its 50,000- watt transmitter for several hours on Sunday, October 10th.  This, after a hot air balloon got tangeled at the top of the stations 700 foot high broadcast tower.

According to news reports, Bill Chapel was flying the hot-air balloon when it blew into the tower near a park where the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was being held.  The lines supporting the airships canopy got wrapped  around the triangular shaped tower.  This left the gondola resting up against the antenna structure with the straps securing it to the balloon tangled in the antenna structure.

Chapel, and passengers Aaron Whitacre, 10, and Troy Wells, 14, successfully got out of the gondola and onto the tower.  They then began the long climb down the antenna structures ladder.

At the 100 foot level they were met by a group of trained rescue worker. The rescue team secured the trip with safety gear, and helped them into a utility truck bucket for the last of the trip back to mother Earth. Tower maintenance crews then got to work removing the remainder of the balloon from the antenna structure.

Nobody was hurt in the incident and the station resumed normal operation once the remnants of the balloon were removed.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are reportedly investigating the incident.  The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been flying since 1972.

(Amateur Radio Newsline, Norm Seeley, KI7UP)
 

New world record set on 47 GHz: On September 19 during the ARRL 10 GHz and Up Cumulative Contest, Frank Bauregger, W6QI, and Gary Lauterbach, AD6FP, claimed a new world distance record on 47 GHz after they completed a contact over a distance of 290 km. W6QI operated from Shuteye Peak (DM07gi) just south of Yosemite, while AD6FP operated from Frazier Mountain (DM04ms) north of Los Angeles. Although it was officially still summer, W6QI had to brave 30-degree temperatures and snow while modifying the radio in order to complete the contact. Signal margins were 40 dB on
the W6QI end and about 8 dB on the AD6FP end. The contact was completed using a combination of narrowband FM and CW. The two reported weather conditions were quite unusual for September with scattered rain showers in the central California Valley between Shuteye and Frazier.
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Asia-Pacific Sprint--CW, sponsored by the Asia-Pacific Sprint Contest Committee, 0000Z-0200Z Oct 17. Frequencies (MHz): 14.030-14.050 and 21.030-21.050. Categories: SO <150 W only. Work Asia-Pacific stations only. Exchange: RST and serial number. Special QSY rule. Score: QSOs × WPX prefixes counted once only. For more information and AP country list: http://jsfc.org/apsprint. Logs due 7 days after contest to apsprint@kkn.net (Cabrillo format encouraged; no paper logs accepted).

Illinois QSO Party--CW/Phone, sponsored by the Radio Amateur Megacycle Society (RAMS), 1800Z Oct 17-0200Z Oct 18. Frequencies: 160-2 meters, CW--50 kHz above band edge, Phone--3.890, 7.290, 14.290, 21.390, 28.390 MHz; Novice/Tech--30 kHz above edge of segment. Categories: SO, MS, Mobile. Work stations in each county, county line contacts count 1 QSO from each county. Exchange: RS(T) and S/P/C (IL stations send county). QSO points: Phone--1 pt/QSO, CW--2 pts. Score: QSO points × IL counties (IL stations use states + IL counties + VE provinces + up to 5 DXCC entities). Count additional DX for points only. One bonus multiplier for each 8 QSOs with the same IL county. For more information: http://my.core.com/~jematz/ilqso04.html. Logs due Nov 15 to jfunk@fossnorthamerica.com (Cabrillo format only) or RAMS, c/o John Matz, KB9II, 7079 West Ave, Hanover Park, IL 60133.

USI W/VE Islands QSO Party--CW/Digital/SSB--sponsored by the US Islands Awards Program from 1600Z Oct 23 to 2359Z Oct 24. Frequencies: 160-6 meters. Categories: W/VE-phone, W/VE-CW/Digital, as Non-Island, Island, or Island Rover, plus DX and SWL. Exchange: RS(T), island name and USI or CISA number (S/P/C for non- island stations). Non-island stations work island stations only. Work stations once per island per mode. QSO points: island--5 pts, non-island--1 pt. Score: QSO points × states + provinces. For more information: www.eng.mu.edu/usislands/usvetest.html. Logs due Nov 30 to wa4ja@arrl.net or to WA4JA, John Almon, 105 Flintlock Dr, Franklin, TN 37064-2351.

QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party--CW, sponsored by QRP ARC International, 1200Z Oct 23-2400Z Oct 24, operate 24 hrs max. Frequencies (MHz): 1.810, 3.560, 3.710, 7.040, 14.060, 21.060, 28.060. Categories: SOAB, SO-High Band (20-6), SO-Low Band (160-40). QSO points: member QSOs--5 pts, non-member same cont--2 pts, non-members diff cont--4 pts. Score: QSO points × S/P/C × Power Multiplier (< 55 mW ×20, <250 mW ×15, <1 W ×10, <5 W output ×7, >5 W ×1). For more information: http://2hams.net/ARCI/index.htm. Submit entry form via contest Web site. Logs due 30 days after contest to wb5khc@2hams.net or QRP ARCI Contest Manager, Tom Owens WB5KHC, 1916 Addington St, Irving, TX 75062-3505.

4th Annual FISTS Coast to Coast Contest--CW--sponsored by FISTS Northwest Club, K7FFF, 0000Z-2400Z Oct 24. Frequencies: 80-10 m. Categories: SOAB, MS (QRP/QRO). Exchange: RST, name, state or DX prefix, and FISTS number or power. QSO points and scoring depends on number of times club is worked, for more information: www.tomochka.com/k7fff/fnw_c2c04.html. No logs required; just send total score and list of clubs contacted to FistsC2C@yahoo.com within 30 days of the contest.

CQ World Wide DX Contest--SSB, sponsored by CQ Magazine, 0000Z Oct 30-2400Z Oct 31 (CW is 0000Z Nov 27-2400Z Nov 28). Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SOAB and SOSB (HP >100 W, LP, QRP <5 W), MS, M2 (new), MM. MS have 10 minute rule. Exchange RS(T) and CQ zone. QSO points: same cont--1 pt (NA stations count 2 pts), diff cont--3 pts. Stations in the same country may be worked for zone credit only. Score: QSO points × CQ Zones + DXCC entities and WAE countries counted once per band. For more information: www.cqww.com. Logs due Dec 1 (Jan 15 for CW) to ssb@cqww.com (CW logs to cw@cqww.com) or to CQ Magazine, 25 Newbridge Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801.

CQ WW SWL Challenge - sponsored by Bob Treacher BRS32525. This competition runs during both modes of the CQ WW contest.SWLs log stations from each DXCC entity (one station per entity per band). Categories: SO, MO-Single Rx, MO-Multi Rx. QSO Points: own continent - 1 pt, different cont - 5 pts. Score: QSO Points x sum of DXCC entities from all bands. Send logs to Bob Treacher BRS32525, 93 Elibank Road, Eltham, Mondon SE9 1QJ, England.

10-10 International CW/Digital Contest, 0001Z Oct 30-2400Z Oct 31. Logs due Nov 15 (see August QST, p 94 or www.ten-ten.org).
 

San Ramon, CA: Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club, W6CX. 1600Z Oct 16-1900Z Oct 17. Pacificon convention and the Boy Scout Radio Jamboree. SSB 28.390 21.360 14.290; SSTV14.230. QSL. MDARC, PO Box 23222, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. www.pacificon.org.

Grandfather Mountain, NC: Goldsboro Amateur Radio Club, W4GOL. Beginning 1500Z Oct 18. East Coast Mile High Event. 28.490 21.350 14.280 146.580 446.000. QSL. Ray Lane, KD4FV, 612 Gloucester Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27534. www.geocities.com/dzdz.geo/Garc.htm.

Rockville, RI: Narragansett Council BSA Amateur Radio Club, N1C. 2200Z Oct 22-0100Z Oct 24. 1st operation of new club call sign. 20 40 m. Certificate. Ken Laughman, 407 Semmes St, Middletown, RI 02842.

Oneonta, AL: Blount County Amateur Radio Club, W4BLT. 1500Z-2200Z Oct 23. Blount County Covered Bridge Festival. 14.260. QSL. W4BLT, 2745 Co Hwy 39, Oneonta, AL 35121. www.qsl.net/w4blt/.

Palestine, TX: Palestine/Anderson County ARC, K5PAL. 1300Z-2200Z Oct 23. Hot Pepper Festival. 14.260 7.263. Certificate. David Carnathan, N5XPC, 504 S Micheaux, Palestine, TX 75801. www.pacarc.org.

Randleman, NC: Tri-County ARC, NC4AR. 1400Z-1830Z Oct 23. 16th Annual NASCAR Day Festival. 14.278 7.268. Certificate. NC4AR, PO Box 747, Trinity, NC 27370.

Brevard, NC: Transylvania County Amateur Radio Club, K4HXZ. 1600Z-2200Z Oct 31. Halloween in Transylvania County. 28.335 21.365 14.295 7.237. Certificate. TCARC, PO Box 665, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.

Pumpkin Center, Jacksonville, NC: The Onslow Amateur Radio Club, Inc, WD4FVO. 1900Z-2359Z Oct 31. Halloween from PumpkinCenter. 28.360 14.260 7.260 3.860. Certificate. The Onslow Amateur Radio Club, Inc, PO Box 841, Jacksonville, NC 28541. www.onslowarc.org.

(ARRL)
 

Mark, VK2GND, will be QRV between 24-30 December as ZK1GND from South Cook Islands (OC-013-Roratonga). He will be mostly on 14195 kHz and 14273 kHz. QSL via VK2GND.
___________

Oct. 14 2004 ARLD041 DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by NC1L, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

MAURITANIA, 5T.  Nicolas, 5T5SN has been QRV on 160 meters.  QSL via IZ1BZV.

SINGAPORE, 9V.  Bob, 9V1GO has been QRV on 20 meter using RTTY around 1400z.  QSL via OK1DOT.

PHILIPPINES, DU.  DK6PD and DL1PBC will be QRV as DU6/DL1PBC from Visaya Island, IOTA OC-129, from October 16 to 30.  Activity will be on all bands using CW and SSB.  They will also participate in the Worked All Germany contest.  QSL via DL1PBC.

CANARY ISLANDS, EA8.  Herman, EA8/ON4QX is QRV from Gran Canaria, IOTA AF-004, until October 24.  QSL to home call.

LIBERIA, EL.  Pat, EI5IF is QRV as EL2PM and is here for the next three months.  QSL to home call.

CHESTERFIELD ISLANDS, FK/C.  The German team is now QRV using the special callsign TX9.  They are active for about 10 days on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY.  QSL all CW and 6-meter QSOs via DL4XS.  QSL SSB and RTTY QSOs via DL5NAM.

AMSTERDAM  ST. PAUL ISLANDS, FT5Z.  Seb, FT1ZL is stationed on Amsterdam until either December 2004 or January 2005.  He may be active on HF as his time permits.  QSL via F2YT.

JAPAN, JA.  Steve, JA1SKY is QRV as JA1SKY/6 from Kuroshima, Yaeyama Island, IOTA AS-024, until October 18.  Activity is on 40, 30, 20 and 15 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL to home call.

NETHERLANDS, PA.  Will, PE1OPM/p will be QRV from Schouwen Duiveland, IOTA EU-146, on October 16 and 17.  Activity will be on 80, 40, 20, 17 and 15 meters.  QSL to home call.

EGYPT, SU.  Gab, HA3JB is QRV as SU8BHI from Cairo until December 12.  Activity is on all bands using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV and PSK. QSL to home call.

DODECANESE, SV5.  SV5, Bob, OK2BOB is QRV as SV5/OK2BOB from Rhodos Island, IOTA EU-001, until 0300z on October 19.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using mainly CW, but some SSB.  QSL to home call.

SOMALIA, T5.  Joe, VA6JWT expects to be QRV as 6O0JT from Galkayo, an autonomous area in the Puntland Province, beginning October 14. He will be here for at least six months, and possibly longer.  QSL via operator's instructions.

MICRONESIA, V6.  Lanny, W5BOS will be QRV as V6O from Pulop Island, West Chuuk, IOTA OC-155, from October 18 to 23.  QSL via N6AWD.

LAOS, XW.  Alex, RK3DT is QRV as XW3DT from Vientiane, and should be here until 2005.  He is active in his spare time.  QSL via operator's instructions.

SOUTH COOK ISLANDS, ZK1.  Victor, ZK1CG has been QRV on 160 meters around 1000z.  He is also active on 80 meters around 0600z.  QSL direct.

Operations approved for DXCC credit:  Burundi, 9U6PM, current operation effective August 20, 2004; Prince Edward and Marion Island, ZS8MI, from April 1 through May 9, 2004.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The JARTS WW RTTY Contest, Microwave Fall Sprint, Worked All Germany Contest, Asia-Pacific Fall CW Sprint, UBA ON 2-Meter Contest, RSGB 21/28 MHz CW Contest, Illinois QSO Party and the Bill Windle CW QSO Party will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see October QST, page 98, and
the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(ARRL)
__________

Oct. 16 2004  4 2 5  D X  N E W S

6O  - Joe, VA6JWT (6O0JT) has postponed is trip to Galkayo, in the Puntland autonomous area of Somalia [425DXN 701] until 21 October. [TNX The Daily DX]

6W  - Albert, F5VHJ and Jacques, F6BEE will operate as 6W1RY and 6W1RW (the latter mostly on  CW) from Senegal from 24 October to 1 November. QSL via home calls. Look for 6W1RY to participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (SOAB). [TNX F5VHJ]

A5  - A52CDX is the callsign for the operation that four Clipperton DX Club members will conduct from Thimphu and Jakar, Bhutan from 24 October to 11 November [425DXN 701]. QSL via F9DK.

F   - F6HDH and F6HKS will operate as homecall/P from Cap Bear Lighthouse (PB-148, ARLHS FRA-212) on 16-17 October. They will operate 40, 20 and 15 metres CW and SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX F5NQL]

FP  - Suggested frequencies for the 23 October-2 November FP/VE7SV operation from Miquelon Island (NA-032) [425DXN 686] are 1822, 3502, 7002, 10102, 14022, 18072, 21022, 24892, 28022 and 50102 kHz (CW); 1842, 3795, 7052, 14195, 18145, 21295, 24945, 28495 and 50102 kHz (SSB); 3570, 7035, 10137, 14085, 18100, 21085, 24920 and 28075 kHz (RTTY); 3580, 7037, 10140, 14071, 18100, 21071, 24920 and 28071 kHz (PSK31). The pilot for the expedition is Paul, VE7AVV (ve7avv@hotmail.com). QSL via N7RO, direct or bureau. Complete details can be found at
http://www.bcdxc.org/st_pierre_miquelon.htm

FR/G  - Didier/F5OGL, Dany/F5CW, Freddy/F5IRO, Pascal/F5PTM and maybe others plan to operate from the Glorioso Islands (AF-011) for a couple of weeks is May 2005. Plans are subject to change, even at the very last moment, owing to the international situation, as all the operators are military personnel. QSL via F5CQ. Further information is expected in due
course. [TNX LA Gazette du DX]

G   - Look for M0GAR/P to be active from Lindisfarne Island (EU-120) from 10 to 16 UTC on 17 October. QSL via M0GAR. [TNX VA3RJ]

I   - Operators from ARI Scandicci (www.ariscandicci.it) will beactive as IQ5BL/P during the annual Ham Fair on 14-17 October. This operation will count as B962 for Italian Towns Award (www.aripompei.it). QSL via bureau. [TNX IZ5FSA]

I   - IU0SRT, IU3SRT, IU6SRT, IU7SRT, IO8SRT and IR8SRT are the special calls to be aired during the Strange Radio Team event on 22-24 October [425DXN 697]. The special event station will be II8SRT. Information is available at http://www.strangeradioteam.com or from the Event Manager Marco De Carlo, IZ7DOK (iz7dok@libero.it) [TNX IZ8EDJ]

JA  - Look for JA5BEX/SO2005 to operate from Megishima (AS-076) on 16-17 October. QSL via home call, bureau or direct. SO2005 celebrates the Special Olympics World Winter Games that will be held in Nagano in February-March 2005. [TNX JI6KVR]

KC4_ant - The Daily DX reports that Nick, NH6ON will be back to Antarctica between 6 November and 15 December for his annual communications engineering trip. He hopes to operate from KC4AAA at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole station (K-08 for the Antarctica Award).

KH8 - Lee, KH6BZF will be active in his spare time as WH8/KH6BZF from American Samoa (OC-045) on 22-28 October. He plans to operate on 15-80 metres, plus 12 amd 10 metres depending on conditions. QSL direct only to KH6BZF. [TNX The Daily DX]

P4  - Mike, OK2PBM is active as P40H from Aruba (SA-036) until 21 October. Typically he can be found on 14020 kHz at 16-18 UTC and on 30 and 40 metres CW starting aorund 21 UTC.

PY_ssh - ZW0CF and ZX0GTI are the calls to be used in November [425DXN 692] from the Brazilian station "Comandante Ferraz" (PY-01 for the Antarctica Award) on King George Island, South Shetlands (AN-010). The activity is expected to take place on 160-6 metres SSB, RTTY, PSK31, CW and SSTV from 11 to 19 November. PT2DX/MM might be aired from the "Ary Rongel" during the voyage; weather permitting, there might be also some activity from Elephant Island (AN-010) on 7-8 November. QSL via PT2GTI. [TNX PT2HF]

TX_ci - The voyage to the Chesterfield Islands started from Noumea around 3 UTC on 11 October and the German team of operators became active on the 14th. TX9 is the special (and full!) call being used. QSL via DL5NAM (SSB and RTTY) and DL4XS (CW and 6m). The web site for the DXpedition is at: www.df3cb.com/chesterfield

VE  - Look for VA3YDX, VE3GKW and VE3/ER1MF to be active (on 80, 40, 20 and 15 metres SSB, CW, RTTY and PSK) on 22-25 October from the following Canadian islands: Manitoulin (CISA ON-001), Barrie (CISA ON-015), Great
Clotche (CISA ON-016), Little Clotche (CISA new), Birch (CISA ON-017), Parry (CISA ON-029) and Goat (CISA ON-072). If conditions permit, they will also try to operate from other "new" islands. QSL via home calls. [TNX VA3YDX]

VE  - Jeffrey, VE3JFF will operate as VC3W between 23 October and 23 December to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the opening of the first Welland Canal (29 November 1829).  He plans to operate from a couple of islands located in the the old and current canals: The Island (CIsA ON-110, Not IOTA) on 13 November starting at 17 UTC, and Merritt (CIsA
ON-109, not IOTA) on 14 November starting at 17 UTC. QSL via VE3JFF (Jeffrey Hetherington, 139 Elizabeth Street West, Welland, ON L3C 4M3, Canada). [TNX VA3RJ]

VK  - VK4WRE is the callsign issued to Paul, G0WRE [425DXN 697] for his current activity from Magnetic Island (OC-171), which is now expected to continue until 17 October. QSL via G0WRE (all QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the RSGB bureau). [TNX G4NXG]

VK  - Johan, PA3EXX has changed the itinerary of his IOTA trip [425DXN 692], and will now operate as VK4WWI/8 from the Bremer Islets (OC-185, 30-31 October) and Centre Island (OC-198, 1-2 November). These islands are easier to travel to and he will have more time to operate. His other two activities - from Sweers Island (OC-227, 3-4 November) and the
unnumbered Marion Reef (8-12 November) - are confirmed. He will operate SSB and CW (on OC-185 he will concentrate on CW and the WARC bands because of the concurrent CQ WW DX SSB Contest). QSL via home call. [TNX PA3EXX]

W   - KA3UNQ and N2US will operate (on +/- 14270 and 7270 kHz) as N3L from Maryland's Hooper Strait Lighthouse (ARLHS USA-378) from 14 to 22 UTC on 16 October, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the first lighting. QSL direct to KA3UNQ. [TNX N2US]

W   - N8YC, KG8AP, K4BRI and maybe others plan to be active as K8SCH from Santa Rosa Island (NA-142, USI FL-003S) on 25-29 October. The dates are tentative, so if there are any changes it will be plus or minus one or two weeks at the most. QSL via K8SCH. [TNX VA3RJ]

YI  - YI9KT (SP8HKT) and YI9GT (SP3GTS) are both located at the Polishbase near Al-Chilla. They operate in their spare time and will be stationed in Iraq until February 2005. YI9KT plans to operate on 160 metres CW this weekend. QSL card requests will be processed when the operators return home. [TNX SP7DRV]

Good to Know

CALL FOR SUPPORT (ANDAMAN ISLANDS) ---> Manoj "Miku" Agarwal, VU2WAP and Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI (team leader of the 1987 expedition to the Andamans) are both trying to get a permission to go and operate from VU4. Please note that these are SEPARATE efforts, but there is NO competition between the two. They are asking the worldwide DX community to provide separate letters supporting their applications. Their addresses are: VU2WAP:  Manoj Agarwal, 44/1E Fairfield Layout Race Course Road, Bangalore 560001, India VU2RBI:  Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, Qtr. #1284, Type IV Special, Sector 12, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110022, India Further information and suggestions can be given by Randy, WX5L (wx5l@charter.net, for VU2WAP) and Charly, K4VUD (k4vud@hotmail.com, for VU2RBI).

DXCC NEWS ---> 9U6PM (not 9U5, 425DXN 701) has been approved for DXCC credit, effective 20 August 2004.

MIA ---> Corrado, IT9DAA reports that owing to the autumn and winter season, the MIA Bulletin will no longer be published on a regular basis until the next spring.

PIRATE ---> Pierre-Marie, HB9DTM/F6FNL reports that his last QSOs as 9U6PM from Burundi were made on 26 September during the CQ/RJ WW DX RTTY Contest. Contacts after that date were made with someone who was pirating his call.

QSL YI9ZF ---> Eric, SM1TDE has received the final log file from Kas, YI9ZF. The log (46,000+ QSOs in five months) is on line at www.qsl.net; all of the outstanding QSL requests have been processed. [TNX SM1TDE]

QSL VIA HK3JJH ---> Pedro reminds island chasers that requests should be sent direct only to Pedro J. Allina, P.O. Box 81119, Bogota, Colombia. This includes cards for his operations of 4-6 July (NA-132 and NA-133) and 4-5 September from Margarita Island (YV7, SA-012).

QSL VIA VE2DWA (LU7DW) ---> Claudio, LU7DW has moved to Canada and now is VE2DWA. He has all of the logs and QSL cards for his operations as AY7D, CX/LU7DW (SA-030 and SA-057), KP2/AD6RC (NA-106), L27DW, L47DW, L65W (SA-065), L99D, LS7D (home and SA-055), LU7DW, LU7DW/p (SA-055), LW0D, LW8EXF/p (SA-055), N1LU/7 (NA-065) and OH0/VE2DWA (EU-002). Cards can be requested either via the Canadian bureau or direct to Claudio Fernandez, 200 rue North, Apart 14, Gatineau, QC J9H 6Y9, Canada. [TNX VE2DWA/LU7DW]

QSL VIA W8CNL ---> Raymond, W8CNL has uploaded all of the Kuwait logs of Bob, 9K2ZZ to LoTW. This covers all logs for 9K2ZZ, 9K9Z, 9K2ZZ/NLD and 9K2USA (operator Bob Furzer only) - a total of almost 300,000 QSOs. Raymond will still handle paper cards (direct only) for these calls, except 9K2USA (he has no cards for that one). [TNX W8CNL]

S92BWW ---> Marq, CT1BWW reports that he had to cut short his S92BWW activity form Rolas Island (AF-023). He spent the second week on Sao Tome, where he he was not able to operate.
__________

Oct. 17 - 24 2004    I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

17/10/2004:  EU-120  MØGAR/P  HOLY ISLAND -
Three operators will be QRV October 17th (10:00 - 16:00 UTC) from Holy Island aka Lindisfarne Island (IOTA EU-120) using the call M0GAR/p. Activity will be on all HF bands using SSB for at least 5 hours. QSL via M0GAR (QRZ.com). [Tnx GB2RS]

18/10/2004:  OC-155  V6O  PULAP ISLAND -
Lanny, W5BOS, plans to be QRV October 18 - 23, 2004 as V6O from Pulap (Pollap) Island (IOTA OC-155), West Chuuk, FS of Micronesia. QSL via N6AWD. [Tnx W5BOS]

19/10/2004:  AS-024  JR2RKK/6  YONAGUNI ISLAND -
JR2RKK/6, plans to be QRV October 19th from the Yonaguni Island (IOTA AS-024, JIIA-AS-024-014 Yaeyama Arc). QSL via home call, direct or through the bureau [Tnx F5NQL]

20/10/2004:  OC-015  T20  FUNAFUTI ISLAND -
Ulli, DL2AH will be on a holiday style operation from Funafuti Island, Tuvalu Islands (OC-015) (T20 callsign not provided yet) between October 20th and 24th. Activity will be on 20 through 10 meter SSB, RTTY and PSK31 using a FT897 and a Delta-Loop antenna. QSL direct to DL2AH or to the DL Bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

20/10/2004:  NA-091  VE7/G3OCA  QUADRA ISLAND -
Ken (G3OCA) expects to be active between October 20th and 25th, for a couple of days, as VE7/G3OCA from Quadra Island (IOTA NA-091, CIsA BC-006). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

22/10/2004:  AS-024  JR2RKK/6  HATERUMA ISLAND -
JR2RKK/6, plans to be active October 22nd from Hateruma Island (IOTA AS-024, JIIA AS-024-001). QSL via home call, direct or through the bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

22/10/2004:  OC-045  WH8/KH6BZF  AMERICAN SAMOA -
Lee, KH6BZF, will activate Tutuila Island IOTA OC-045, American Samoa, from October 22-28th. As time permits from his busy work schedule, his primary activity will be on 80-17 and 15 meters. Should 10/12 meters open, some activity will occur. He will use the common DX frequencies. Listen for WH8/KH6BZF, especially for those prefix and IOTA hunters. Lee's work will entail a radio engineering survey and to administer both FCC Amateur and Commercial Radio Exams which he is a Chief Volunteer Examiner for both licensees. QSL DIRECT ONLY to www.QRZ.com/KH6BZF using the instructions therein! [Tnx OPDX]

23-24/10/2004 - W/VE Islands QSO Party www.eng.mu.edu/usislands/usvetest.html

23/10/2004:  EU-003  CU2/H.C.'s  AZORES -
The editor of the "DX News Letter", Karlfried, DL1EK, reports that each year he and others try to find another place of interest for the CQ Word-Wide SSB DX Contest at the end of October. After their successful Jersey and Sardinia operations, they decided to go to the Azores Island (CU - IOTA EU-003) to set up their Multi-Operator station this year. The team consist of Burghard (DF8XC), Peter (DH4JQ), Alfons (DJ8VC), Hans-Jorgen (DL1YFF), Franz (DL3PS), Stefan (DL7AOS), Lars (DL9LR) and Karlfried (DL1EK). The call for the contest is not yet known. One week before and also one week after the contest they will use their own callsigns (e.g. CU2/DL1EK). Activity will be on 160-10 meters (sorry, no 30 meters) on CW and SSB. For skeds, please contact the following E-mail address: dl1ek@r25.de . [Tnx OPDX]

23/10/2004:  NA-032  FP/VE7SV  MIQUELON ISLAND -
A group of operators from the British Columbia DX Club (namely VE7SV Dale, VE7AHA Andy, VE7AG Jason, VE7CC Lee, VE7CT Steve, VE7VR Dave, VA7NT Paul, Dick/N7RO Dick, XE1KK Ramon and VE7AVV Paul) will be active as FP/VE7SV from Miquelon Island (IOTA NA-032, DIFO FP-002, WW Loc. GN17OA) between October 23rd and November 2nd, CQ WW SSB Contest included. Activity will be on 160 through 6 meter CW and SSB (other modes may be added); the team will have operational blocks of time set aside specifically for JA, VK, ZL and the Pacific - as well as for other areas where working FP as a new one is particularly challenging. QSL via N7RO, either direct (Richard J. Moen, 2935 Plymouth Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA) or through the bureau. Please note that SWLs are requested to QSL direct only. [Tnx 425DXN]

23/10/2004:  AF-016  TO5M  REUNION ISLAND -
Jack, F6BUM, will be active October 23 to 31, 2004, from Reunion Island (IOTA AF-016, DIFO FR-001) as TO5M, and November 1 to 15, 2004 as FR/F6BUM. November 16 to 20, 2004, he will be QRV as 3B8/F6BUM from Mauritius (AF-049). QSL via F6CXJ (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425DXN]

24/10/2004:  AF-086  D44TD  CAPE VERDE -
Alberto, IV3TAN, will be active as D44TD during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 30-31st) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/High-Power entry from Ilha do Sal (IOTA AF-086), Cape Verde. Look for activity outside the contest between October 24th to November 1st. QSL via CT1EKF. [Tnx OPDX]

73 and Good Hunting!
Dave Raycroft - VA3RJ

Home of ICPO: www.qsl.net/va3rj
Mirror: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj
Join ICPO e-Group:  www.qsl.net/va3rj/icpo.html
E-mail: va3rj@rac.ca
________

Note: A complete list of  Prefixes assigned by International Telecommunications Union can be found on the Trans Provincial Website: www.tpn7055.ca/callsign.html
 

Oct. 15 2004  FCC Adopts New BPL Rules

Meeting October 14 in open session, the FCC adopted revised Part 15 (unlicensed services) rules to specifically regulate broadband over power line (BPL) systems. Specifics of the new rules in a Report and Order in ET Docket 04-37 won't be known for a few weeks. In comments before voting, three members of the Commission, including Chairman Michael K. Powell, specifically mentioned the concerns of Amateur Radio operators and expressed either assurances or hope that the new BPL rules will adequately address interference to licensed services. Republican FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin addressed Amateur Radio's and broadcasters' interference concerns in his written statement. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, said he was encouraged to see the Commission acknowledge interference to Amateur Radio as a genuine issue in the BPL proceeding.

''What the League has done in the last year and a half on this issue showed in the Commission's public meeting today,'' Haynie said. He cited the FCC's approval of three major points that the League had been pushing for: Certification of BPL equipment instead of verification, a requirement for a public BPL database--something the BPL industry did not want--and mechanisms to deal swiftly with interference complaints.

Anh Wride of the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), outlined the draft R&O and acknowledged that Access BPL devices''pose a somewhat higher potential for interference to licensed radio services than typical Part 15 devices.'' But, Wride went on to say, ''we believe the specific benefits of BPL warrant acceptance of a small degree of additional risk, and that this interference potential can be satisfactorily managed.''

Commissioner Michael Copps, a Democrat, said he remains concerned about interference to Amateur Radio users. ''I take the concerns of this community very seriously and believe that the FCC has an obligation to work hard to monitor, investigate and take quick action, where appropriate, to resolve harmful interference.''

Copps said if interference occurs, ''we must have a system in place to resolve it immediately,'' and he expressed the hope that the new rules would include such ''rapid turnaround'' provisions. Copps, who dissented in part with the R&O, raised the question of whether utility ratepayers should have to ''subsidize an electric power company's foray into broadband.''

The Commission's other Democrat, Jonathan S. Adelstein, said the interference question made the proceeding a challenging one because it had to accommodate concerns raised by Public Safety licensees, federal government users and Amateur Radio operators. ''These are important services that we need to protect from harmful interference,'' Adelstein said.

Adelstein also said that while it's clear that some BPL systems can co-exist with existing licensees, others ''haven't fared so well.'' He said those systems shouldn't be deployed commercially until it's assured that they won't cause harmful interference.

Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, a Republican, said the FCC had to ''make some hard compromises'' to deal with questions about interference. But she expressed confidence in ''technical solutions.''

Chairman Powell called it ''a banner day'' for communications in the US because, he said, BPL promises ''ubiquitous service to all Americans at affordable rates.'' The chairman, a Republican, conceded that BPL will affect some spectrum users--including ''all those wonderful Amateur Radio operators out there.'' Powell said the FCC has taken Amateur Radio interference concerns seriously from the start and has taken care to ensure that protections are in place ''to allow that service to continue.'' At the same time, Powell implied that the FCC must balance the benefits of BPL against the relative value of other licensed services.

''But let me underscore the potential for the American economy is too great, too enormous, too potentially groundbreaking to sit idly by and allow any claim or any possible speculative fear keep us from driving this technology and drive America into the broadband future.''

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, suggested that Powell was overstating the necessity of yet another broadband pipeline. ''It's astonishing to me that the chairman of the FCC can talk about needing a 'third way' to provide broadband to consumers when multiple technologies already are available, including wireless broadband,'' he said.

For more information on BPL, visit the ''Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) and Amateur Radio'' page on the ARRL Web site, www.arrl.org/bpl .

(ARRL Bulletin ARLB030)
 

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