.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

UK Hams get expanded 40 Metre Privileges

Ofcom and the Radio Society of Great Britain are pleased to announce that all necessary procedures required for early access to the 7.1 to 7.2MHz spectrum for all UK radio amateurs have been finalized and that access is allowed from 01.00 UTC on Sunday 31st October 2004.  Early access is granted on a Secondary (non-interference) basis using a maximum of 26dBW (400 watts) PEP.

Notices of Variation for the U.K. Foundation, Intermediate and Full licenses have been published on the Ofcom website at http://tinyurl.com/4tuud.  It is recommended that for the time being only voice and Morse code modes are used between 7.1 and 7.2MHz. Band planning issues on MHz will be kept under regular review and will be dependent on the number of administrations granting early access to this band prior to full Primary access on 29th March 2009.

(Jeremy Boot, G4NJH)
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Australia looks AR VOIP Rules

The Australian Communications Authority -- the A-C-A -- says that it is reviewing telecommunications regulations to cover fast-emerging voice over Internet protocol services.  In a discussion paper released about a week and a half ago, the A-C-A says that it aims to identify any regulatory challenges resulting from the increased availability of VoIP services and recommend to the government how those challenges might be met.  What affect any changes might have to ham radio VoIP interconnects in Australia is to early to assess at this time.

(WIA News)
 

Oct.26 2004  QCWA 2004 International Convention in Ottawa great success

The Quarter Century Wireless Association held its 2004 International Convention in Ottawa, Canada the weekend of October 15. Delegates were welcomed from the United States and various regions of Canada.

Clare Fowler VE3NPC, who organized the talks, was at the audio controls. Guest speakers were introduced by Doug Leach VE3XK. Throughout all the sessions, a fascinating display of antique radios was available for viewing courtesy of the Ottawa Vintage Radio Club.

Ken Oelke VE6AFO discussed “Moonbounce Basics and Beyond”, with emphasis on how to get started. This was followed by Brice Wightman VE3EDR describing the record-breaking organizational and technical achievement of Category 35A at Field Day 2000 by local Ottawa amateurs. Dick Bonnycastle VE3FUA.explained the popular rechargeable battery types, and the charging methods for each. In his talk “Using RF Fingerprinting & Wireless Profiling”, Elias Zaydan VE3EKZ, showed us some of the latest developments in radio frequency security and how criminals and terrorists can be located and identified. Well known for his antenna articles, Jack Belrose VE2CV, spoke on “Truths and Untruths about Electrically Small Antennas” including mini-loops. Jim Dean VE3IQ, substituting for Ken Pulfer VE3PU, spoke on “Spectrum Challenges & Opportunities” and the role of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). Don’t take the amateur radio bands for granted! We are just guests in some of them.

Convention attendees met and enjoyed the evening Meet & Greet! Between sessions and during the evenings, delegates were able to socialize in the convention hospitality suite hosted by Doreen and Ed Morgan VE3CGO and VE3GX.

Clare Fowler VE3NPC in his talk “Past-Present-Future of Amateur Satellites” provided lots of how-to and getting started information. Regrets were presented by Clare on behalf of Gerald Youngblood AC5OG who was to speak on “Software-Defined Radios for the Masses” but had to cancel his trip up from Texas. Dave Conn VE3KL presented his developing “Antenna Family Tree” web site with its overview of most antenna types, comparing the performance of each. “Super-Regenerative Receivers” by Lea Barker, reviewed this interesting technology from another era. This was followed by a nostalgic illustrated history of Airborne Radio Equipment by Ralph Cameron VE3BBM. “What’s That Racket?” Ken Asmus VA3KA and Richard Bandla VE3CVG explained the various current HF Digital Modes, what they sound like, and how to get started. An informative talk on “Noise in Receiving Systems” by Dave Conn VE3KL showed what to expect and how to reduce receiver noise level at your home location. Bert Barry VE3QAA described his reversible 160 M Beverage receiving antennas to an envious audience. Larry McCalvy WA9MJO took us on an imaginary cruise, which could become real, should we attend the 2005 QCWA Alaska Cruise in August of next year!

The convention highlight was the banquet featuring a humorous and interesting tale of Canada’s Secret Nuclear Bunker and Communications Centre by guest speaker Brian Jeffrey VE3UU.

Were we finished? Not quite – All Aboard for the steam train through the Gatineau hills and fall colours of Quebec to Wakefield!

In addition to Convention Chair George Roach VE3BNO and Past President Croft Taylor VE3CT, were these additional convention volunteers from host Chapter 70: Keith Bedal VE3GFI, Ernie Brown VA3OEB, Gord Grant VE3DY, Don Heaslip VE3NJH, Margaret Heaslip VE3EQE, Graham Ide VE3BYT, Guy Ladouceur VE3WGL, Marjorie Lalonde, Elsie & Joe Parkinson VE3JG, Dave Parks VE3AV, Joan Powell VE3ZC, Susan & Paul Scott VA3PFS, and Bob Zieman, VE3ATN.

(Thanks to Doug Leach, VE3XK)
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RAC Canada Winter Contest  Dec. 18 2004

In December each year, the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) sponsors the Canada Winter Contest. Amateurs all over the world are invited to participate. Contest Period: 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC on December 18, 2004.

Full details and rules can be found online at:  www.rac.ca/downloads/canwin2004.pdf

(RAC News Service)
 

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
 

QRP Special Event Station VC3W

Jeff Hetherington VA3JFF, of Welland Ontario says will be operating QRP Special Event Station VC3W from 0000Z 23 October 2004 until 2359Z 23 December 2004. The call sign will be used to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Opening of the original Welland Canal.

A special photo QSL card is being printed and he will be active as much as possible over the next two months to give all of the special event hunters an opportunity to contact him. Your best chance to find VC3W on the air will be:

ARCI Fall QSO Party
CQWW Contests
Canada Winter Contest
November 13 1700Z on 14.260 from The Island, ON-109 for Canadian Islands Program
November 14 1700Z on 14.260 from Merritt Island, ON-110 for Canadian Islands Program

Jeff will be active on all bands, 2 through 160 at some point in time over the period of authority for VC3W.
QSL Route is direct or bureau to VA3JFF.

(RAC News Service)
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Oct. 29 2004  QCWA Chapter 73 announces new level of membership

QCWA, Fred Hammond Chapter 73, which meets at "The Plainsman" restaurant (on highway 5, Flamboro On.) twice a year for a luncheon announces a new level of membership called "A Friend of Chapter 73".

This membership  only applies to non licensed persons, or to amateurs licensed less than 25 years. It allows you to join us for the luncheons, receive the mailings, and meet your on the air friends. Once you reach the 25 year licensed mark, the membership is revoked, as we hope you would join QCWA and Chapter 73 at that time.

As a "A Friend of Chapter 73" you help to support the scholarship program for college or university students as well. You cannot vote or hold office in the Chapter as "A Friend".

If interested, email Ernie Crump VE3OU  at his call sign @rac.ca  for a membership form. The cost is $12 a year.

(Ernie VE3OU)
 

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
 

Scientists predict early Solar Minimum

And some possible god news for hams tired of the rather poor High Frequency band conditions these days. It comes from the GB2RS News Service which says that American physicist David Hathaway believes that the next solar minimum could arrive sooner than previously predicted.

GB2RS News quotes on an article on the 'Science at NASA' website. It predicts that the next solar minimum could occur in late 2006.  That's about a year earlier than previously thought

Dr. Hathaway bases his prediction on data from the last eight solar cycles, which show that solar minimum follows the first sunspot-free day on the sun by 34 months.  In this solar cycle, the first spotless day was on 28th January this year and more recently, on 11th and 12th October, there were two more spotless days.

Hathaway goes on to state that the next solar maximum might also come early.  He is quoted as saying that solar activity intensifies rapidly after solar minimum.  That in recent cycles, the Solar Max has followed Solar Minimum by just four years.  If that is the case, the next solar maximum could be not all that far away in 2010 and a Solar Max is good news for D-Xing.

(GB2RS)
______________

Oct. 29 2004 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update

This week has been fantastic for HF propagation, with a sun peppered with spots, and best of all, no geomagnetic upsets. This is an unusual combination, to have geomagnetic indices so low while sunspot numbers are up. What could be better, just ahead of the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest this weekend?

From last week to this week, the average daily sunspot number more than doubled, rising over 75 points to 140.7. The sunspot number was highest on Sunday, October 24 when it was 178. The daily sunspot number hasn't been this high since late 2003, when it was also 178 on November 30.

I know that last week we were looking forward to the decline toward solar minimum in a couple of years. But the minimum and maximum are never determined until long after, when we get a chance to look at charts of long running moving averages. In between is a great deal of variation, such as what we are seeing now.

For this weekend, expect great conditions for the DX contest, and you can expect the higher HF bands to yield plenty. Average solar flux for this week was about 131, and you can expect continuing solar flux between 130-135 through the weekend. Saturday, October 30 may have some mildly unsettled geomagnetic conditions, with a planetary A index of 12. Currently as this bulletin is being composed late Thursday night U.S. West Coast time, WWV is reporting a mid-latitude K index of 0.

Several readers sent in articles concerning a new report claiming there has been more solar activity over the past seven decades than any time in the previous 8,000 years. You can read about it on the web at, www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=15385 and www.space.com/scienceastronomy/sunspot_record_041027.html.

Carl Zelich, AA4MI wrote to tell us about www.dx-central.com. On the home page they post the latest geophysical alerts and solar flux from WWV, and they have many other resources. I noticed a link to www.dxtuners.com, where you can remotely tune and listen to radios all over the world via the internet.

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, www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html.

A word about the solar flux numbers for this week. On Monday, October 25 the observatory in Penticton, British Columbia did not report a 10.7 cm noon solar flux. Although the local noon (2000z) measurement is the official daily solar flux, there are also daily measurements at 1700 and 2300z. We report 141.4 for that day by averaging the 1700 and 2300z numbers of 139.6 and 143.2.

Sunspot numbers for October 21 through 27 were 112, 134, 141, 178, 146, 124 and 150 with a mean of 140.7. 10.7 cm flux was 112.1, 122.5, 131.6, 140.2, 141.4, 136.7 and 129.5, with a mean of 130.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 8, 6, 4, 9, 13, 3 and 3, with a mean of 6.6. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 5, 5, 1, 6, 9, 0 and 2, with a mean of 4.

(W1AW)
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Europe

Oct. 30 2004  Solar and propagation report, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS,and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The past week brought numerous smallish C-class solar flares, most of which had little or no evident effect on propagation.  However, there was a sudden change on the 30th, when three medium-sized M-class flares and an X1.2 flare were reported. More on this later. The solar flux was more buoyant than expected, reaching 140 on the 25th before declining to 129 on the 29th to average 129 - a gain of 25 points over the previous week.  The 90-day average rose two points to 106.  Average X-ray flux levels rose from B1 to B4.  The geomagnetic field was in single figures for most of the week.  The Ap index reached an unusually low 2 units on the 23rd and 3 units on three other days.  However, more active levels returned on the 30th. Solar wind speeds declined from 533km/sec on the 24th to 278km/sec on the 29th, though they increased again on the 30th. Particle densities were around 10 per cubic centimetre on most days.

Thanks to the relatively high solar flux and low geomagnetic activity, the HF bands have been in good shape for this stage in the solar cycle.  Once again all continents were workable on all bands, with numerous low-power beacons in the United States reported on 28MHz. However, increased geomagnetic levels on the 30th took the edge off conditions on the first day of the CQ WW contest.

Prospects for the coming week look rather more subdued.  Flare activity could be moderate over the next few days, though it may decline to lower levels towards the end of the week.  The solar flux seems to have peaked for the time being and will probably head downwards throughout the week. Crucially, geomagnetic levels seem set to increase. A coronal mass ejection may bring 'active' levels today. At the time this report was prepared it was unclear what implications the flurry of substantial flares on the 30th might have for us. However, it is likely that the geomagnetic field will be at best unsettled over the next few days and may at times reach 'active' or event 'minor storm' level.  Later, levels are expected to be mainly quiet-to-unsettled.  MUFs at equal latitudes should be about 27MHz in the south and 24MHz in the north. Darkness hour lows, now in seasonal decline, will be in the region of 7MHz.  Overall, propagation looks likely to fall below the level of the last few days. Paths to the Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency of  27MHz, while the optimum working frequency, where there should be a 90 per cent chance of success, should be around 20MHz.  The best time to try this path will be between 0800 and 1500UTC.

Your reporters, as usual, were Neil, G0CAS, and Martin G3USF.

(G3USF)
 

ISS Ham Station temporarily QRT

Ken Ransom, N5HVO confirms that the ham radio station on board the International Space Station is back on the air in packet mode.  It had been off for several days without explanation but on Wednesday, October 19th, Astronaut Leroy Chow, KE5BRW, was able to check on the radio first thing today and resolved a minor setting discrepancy.  Information on its operation is on-line at  www.ariss.net and www.issfanclub.com.

(M5HVO)
 

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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TPN Simulated Emergency Test report

On Saturday October 23 2004 the Trans Provincial Net assisted with this years Simulated Emergency Test (SET).

At the request of SET Coordinator Ian Snow VA3QT, the Trans Provincial Net provide HF communications for this years SET on October 23 2004.

Operations commenced on 7.055Mhz at 08:00hrs and finished at 13:00hrs at which time Section Manager Rose VE3RIS officially closed the SET exercise. From initial reports operations went smoothly with traffic being handled in an efficient manner.

I would like to thank the Net Control Team (listed below) for conducting a very orderly net. I would also like to thank the Toronto Emergency Operations Centre staff and the Toronto ARES Group (VA3EOT) for handling traffic between the Trans Provincial Net and the EMO Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (VE3EMO). A report from the Toronto ARES Group is include further in this report.

Thanks go out to all ARO's and ARES Groups that participated in SET exercises on the TPN, the following list of participants has been gleaned from Net Control reports (Note: This list is not complete, still waiting one report, will update as information becomes available)

Total Checkin's:    198           Total Traffic: 16

Stations participating in this years SET on the TPN

Net Control Stations
VE3HMS Ian 8:00am
VE3GNA Glenn  9:00am
VA3SWO Dave 10:00am
VE3ARG John  11:00am
VE3GKB Reg. 12 Noon

Assistant Net Control Stations
VA3RSA Richard
VE3AC AL
VA3ARG John
VA3CAF Cliff
VE3CEZ Glenn
VE3FAL Brad
VE3GKB Reg
VE3GNA Glenn
VE3IXI Dave
VE3SCA Mike
VE3SSB Ken

Checkins
VA3AAG JERRY  KITCHENER
VA3ARG  JOHN
VA3BZ BOB  SAULT STE. MARIE
VA3CAF Ares CLIFF TRENTON TRENTON ANC
VA3DUN STEVE    TORONTO
VA3DV VINCE WELLAND
VA3ED  ED
VA3EDT  JOE(CSE) TORONTO
VA3FW Ares JEAN KINGSTON OVERSEER Net Operations
VA3 JET JERRY SARNIA
VA3KB KEN   SCARBOROUGH
VA3KEW Ares KEN MIDLAND South Georgian Bay E C
VA3KJI  GRANT    BOWMANVILLE
VA3LJC  LEN SOO
VA3MKP Ares GERRY BROCKVILLE LOMBARDY E C
VA3NB  NELS MADAWASKA
VA3OG Ares BRIAN BRAMPTON BRAMPTON E C
VA3OP  GARY
VA3OSE Ares BRAD OWEN SOUND OWEN SOUND GREY COUNTY ANC
VA3OVA   BOB    AEC   OTTER VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION    TILLSONBURG
VA3QC  TONY MO.MISSISSAGA
VA3QR Ares PHILL GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN-HALTON
VA3QT IAN
VA3RD/M
VA3RLG RON MAXVILLE TRENTON
VA3RSA RICHARD
VA3WOW
VE1AS/M ALF    NEAR WAWA
VE2FX       ALEX PQ
VE2SAR/M GUY    QUEBEC CITY
VE3AC Ares AL. SUDBURY  ANC
VE3ADU WES    ST CATHARINES
VE3ANF/M UNCOPYABLE SIGS
VE3AVP  Allister  STITTSVILLE
VE3AZA  CHUCK BRAMPTON
VE3BFB FRED
VE3CBA  Don  SGBWS Wasaga Bch
VE3CEZ Ares GLENN MILTON MILTON ANC
VE3CWL            STRATFORD PERTH
VE3DPG BILL  SARNIA  SARNIA EOC
VE3DVE DAVE ST CATHREINES
VE3DVF Ares NICK FENWICK TRAFFIC ON 7061
VE3DPG Ares BILL SARNIA EMG. SARNIA
VE3EMO Ares JIM TORONTO E. M. O. OPERATIONS ANC
VE3ETJ NORM DORCHESTER
VE3FAL Ares BRAD THUNDER BAY WOODS WATER,THUNDERBAY ANC
VE3FJH/M
VE3FJI  PETER
VE3FNT Ares PETER GRAVENHEARST SOUTH MUSKOKA E C
VE3GED/M JACK
VE3GIO  LARRY    WOODSTOCK
VE3GKB REG   ANC     WINDSOR
VE3GPM PAUL SAULT STE.MARIE
VE3GX  ED    OTTAWA
VE3HGL HAROLD SOUTHAMPTION
VE3IPC Ares MIKE Mo. OTTAWA OTTAWA
VE3IXI    DAVE      ANC    GODERICH
VE3JPJ STEVEN
VE3KD  BERT SOO
VE3KIS Ares JOHN ELORA ELORA WATERLOO E C
VE3LKI  MICHAEL SGBWS PORT MCNICHOL
VE3MIG Ares MIKE SOO VE3SCA Op. E C
VE3MOO Lloyd    HANMER
VA3MPM MIKE OTTAWA
VE3MPQ GARY    WINDSOR
VE3NSB NILO    PARRY SOUND
VE3OV  JOE  TORONTO
VE3PEV  RICK DRYDEN
VE3PL Ares LES  RENFREW COUNTY E C
VE3PYG Ares DAVE  North Leeds Lanarc Cnty ANC
VE3RCO  RED CROSS ONTARIO
VE3RIS Rose
VE3SCA Ares MIKE SOO SOO SIENIOR CEN.
VE3SOO BOB       SAULT STE. MARIE
VE3SRC
VE3SRS  KEN  OTTAWA
VE3SUT  DAVE    ELLIOT LAKE
VE3SV Ares BOB KINGSTON KINGSTON ANC
VE3TLT TREVOR BAYHAM TWSP
VE3TLY/M DAVE    NORTH OF OTTAWA
VE3UL  DAVE MO.ST KITTS
VE3WNN RAY    EXETER
VE3WXL BILL PORT ELGIN
VE3XK/M DOUG    ORILLIA
VE3YAG RICHARD HAMILTON

Toronto ARES Group Report VA3EOT

On the 6 Meter Net on VE3SIX (53.030 MHz), we contacted 7 stations.
On PSK31 (7.145 MHz) we contacted 4 stations.
On the Toronto ARES repeater System (VE3GTU) we contacted 4 stations.
On the Golden Horseshoe UHF ARES Net (VE3SNM) we contacted 3 stations.
On 2 Meter Simplex (146.460 MHz) we contacted 7 stations.

All of these contacts were made through the excellent facilities located at the City of Toronto Emergency Operations Center (EOC) ARES Station - VA3EOT.

The Toronto ARES Group also conducted a local Toronto ARES Group exercise on its repeater system (VE3GTU). A total of 47 stations participated.

On the Trans Provincial Net (7.055 MHz) The Toronto Emergency Operations Center ARES Station (VA3EOT) took in 12 messages and sent out 9 messages, 8 of of which were relay messages from other Ontario staions to VE3EMO, the provincial Emergency Operations Center ARES station.

Our operators at VA3EOT were Robert VA3CSE, Elizabeth VE3XGM and Joe VE3OV. Net Control for the Toronto Local Exercise Net was Earnie VE3EJE.

At the Provincial Operations Center VE3EMO station, the operators were Toronto ARES Group members Jim VA3KU and Bob VE3IEL.

John VE3POJ participated by activating stations at both the Toronto Red Cross Center (VA3RCT) and at the Toronto Community and Social Services Control Center (VE3EST).

The Toronto ARES Group is proud of its achievement and contribution to the SET this year. We thank all the Toronto ARES Group members who put in so much effort and time toward our success

Joe VE3OV
Coordinator
Toronto ARES Group

Final Note:

Once again thanks to all for a very successful SET exercise on the Trans Provincial Net.

Comments may be addressed to va3ku@look.ca

(Jim Taylor VA3KU  Trans Provincial Net SET Organizer)
_____________

Simulated Emergency Test - Grey County - 23 October 2004

Participating:
VE3RHJ - Owen Sound Fire Hall operator
VA3BBD - Owen Sound Fire Hall operator
VE3MXM - Owen Sound Red Cross operator
VE3GNA - home station; TPN net control; local traffic; HF relay
VA3RP  - DEC Saugeen District, observing
VA3ZON - observing at Owen Sound Fire Hall
Dennis Wiseman - Red Cross volunteer (10am - 11:30am)

Report from VA3OSE, Owen Sound Emergency station, at the Owen Sound Fire Hall

Our exercise scenario was that a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia (highly toxic) was in a collision with another truck near the shopping mall, was leaking ammonia slowly, and that downed hydro wires were threatening the trucks.  This required that hydro be shut off to the area, that the area be evacuated, and that a second tanker truck be brought in with a hazmat handling crew to remove the remaining ammonia from the damaged truck.

The exercise started promptly at 0900 local with the activation of an emergency net on the 145.290 repeater, and reading of the exercise scenario.  VE3MXM checked in from the Red Cross location at 0903 local.   VA3BBD arrived at 0908 and took control of the 2m net.  VE3RHJ switched to HF net operation.

The exercise went smoothly with planned traffic being moved on the local 2m net between VA3OSE, the Red Cross, and VE3GNA accepting traffic for the Meaford and Chatsworth Fire Departments.  We also received traffic from SGBWS ARES on this net, via VE3CBA who came over from their emergency net.  All our 2m operations were on the 145.290 repeater.

HF traffic was passed to EMO (first via VA3EOT, and then directly to VE3EMO) on the Trans Provincial Net (TPN), 7.055 MHz.  Traffic was also passed to Niagara Region ARES (VE3DVE) on this net.  Late in the exercise one Owen Sound operator stood down, and we then relayed traffic to TPN via VE3GNA on 2m.  We did not use any 80m nets during this exercise.

The exercise was terminated and the 2m net closed at 1200 local time. In total, the VA3OSE station received 13 pieces of traffic and sent 22, during the three hour exercise.  This meets our EC's exercise objective of 10 messages per hour.

We had news coverage both before and after the event on CFOS Radio in Owen Sound, and a reporter and photographer from the Owen Sound Sun-Times.  [As they do not print a Sunday edition, that story cannot appear until tomorrow, the 25th.]

Personal observations:

In my opinion the Grey County operators did an excellent job.  Traffic was handled smoothly and the operators were disciplined and professional at all times.  I was pleased to note that all radiograms were properly annotated with date, time, and station sent/received.  We also enjoyed the cooperation of D. Barfoot from the Owen Sound Fire Department, who accepted and originated some traffic, and Dennis Wiseman of the Owen Sound Red Cross.

Kudos also to the TPN controllers who did an fine job of handling both ARES and non-ARES checkins, and moving stations off frequency to pass traffic.  In the intervals when I was monitoring the TPN frequency it seemed to be efficient and uncongested.

We did have some technical issues at VA3OSE that need to be resolved. We had loud interference ("birdies") drifting around the TPN frequency, which made it difficult to hear the TPN and sometimes to pass traffic (but we did manage).  We also have the problem that our VHF and HF operators are sitting shoulder-to-shoulder; even with both using headphones, when I was transmitting on HF my voice would drown out the VHF rig.  A stereo-to-mono adapter for the 2m rig is needed.  It has also been suggested that we hook up a monitor speaker for one or both of the rigs, because with headphones in use, observers can't hear what's going on.

I think the exercise was very well planned, with a lot of flexibility built in to accomodate changing circumstances and number of operators. (For example, per our EC's instructions we removed the St. John Ambulance brigade from the exercise, since we had no operator for them.)   The scenario was planned with the assistance of the Owen Sound Fire Department and was superb both in its realism and in its complex demands for the emergency response.  Two planning quibbles: first, some of the "reply" traffic was too tightly scheduled, and didn't make allowance for a traffic backlog.  Second, we're still creating simulated traffic without a full addressee or sender; unfortunately, without local participation we can't send the traffic back to its originator for correction.

All in all, this was a superb exercise.  Our operators (including me!) got additional training, our equipment got additional testing, ARES got good publicity in the local media, and our team got good visibility with the municipality and its emergency personnel.  With every such exercise they observe, they're happier to work with us.

(Brad VE3RHJ AEC Grey County)

This article appeared in the Owen Sound Sun Times

Amateur radio operators from Grey County simulated a municipal disaster Saturday in Owen Sound to practise their emergency communications skills. Operators used the Owen Sound Emergency Amateur Radio Station, located in the city's fire department, and their own radios to send simulated emergency messages.

The scenario is part of annual nationwide simulated emergency tests. They're an important way to prepare for real emergencies and to keep operators' skills fresh, participants noted.

"They're very important for us, because whenever you're dealing with any kind of emergency situation, you don't want to find out there are problems with the system when there's an emergency. If there's any bumps in the road, so to speak, or if there are any difficulties or some part of your procedure just doesn't work, you want to find that out during friendly times. You want to find out when it's safe," Brad Rodriguez, Grey County's Amateur Radio Emergency Service assistant co-ordinator, said in an interview during the simulation.

"The whole purpose of this exercise is to work the whole system . . . and just find out where are the difficulties and does everything operate smoothly." Rod Pears, the district emergency manager, said the exercise gives operators a chance to use their skills and work with other operators. "If you don't do these on an ongoing basis, six months or a year after you've taken the training, you forget about it," said Pears, who is district co-ordinator for Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, Perth and Huron counties as well as the Kitchener-Waterloo area. About six county co-ordinators report to Pears.

Under Saturday's mock scenario, a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia was involved in a traffic accident at about 8:15 a.m. The power and phone lines were "cut off" to the surrounding area and a neighbourhood was "evacuated." Operators were needed to provide communications for the evacuation, especially with the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance.

There were operators at the main station, outside the Red Cross office and in other parts of the county. The test for operators began at 9 a.m. and ended at noon. The operators aren't given advance knowledge of the type of disaster that will take place. Past scenarios have included a tornado and a gas leak. The fire hall's permanent station has worldwide range and a VHF radio is used for local traffic. There are about 42 licensed emergency service radio operators in Grey County.

The last real situation that required the help of local radio operators was the massive blackout in August, 2003. Operators were called in shortly after the lights went out and were needed until about 11:30 p.m. "It worked out very well," Pears said. "I can't remember how many people we had involved with that, but there was quite a sizable number of our group there." The Amateur Radio Emergency Service has provided emergency communications during floods, tornadoes, fires, ice storms and other major disasters, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks south of the border

(By Denis Langlois Sun Times staff)
 

New QRZ CD-Rom Available

The 24th edition of the Q-R-Zed C-D ROM Ham Radio Callsign Database is about ready to start shipping. The disk contains the same 1.2 million callsigns found on the QRZ.com  on-line database and you have the option of reading them from the DC ROM or installing them on your hard disk for lightning fast access.  For ordering and shipping information simply point your web browser to www.qrz.com and click on the photo icon that says "New Q-R-Zed CD ROM"
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Worlds Largest Nanotubes

The University of California at Irvine announced what it calls a breakthrough engineering  discovery that is expected to have supercomputer and health care applications.  This, as researchers at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering said they have synthesized the world's longest electrically conducting nanotubes.  Nanotubes that are ten times longer than those previously created.

For those not aware, a nanotube is a memory unit made from carbon and consists of a graphite sheet seamlessly wrapped into a cylinder only a few nanometers wide.  A nanometer is one billionth of a meter or about the size of 10 atoms strung together.  The scientists who made them say that this discovery may lead to the development of extremely strong, lightweight materials and ultra dense nano-memory arrays for extremely powerful computers, ultra low-loss power transmission lines, and nano-biosensors for use in health care applications.

(Science OnLine)
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Ham Radio Sailing the Antartic

Call this one ham radio across the Antarctic.  It started back on September 14th, when the famed yacht "Apostol Andrey" started out to circumnavigate the area while carrying an operational ham radio station.

During the trip the yacht will travel around the shores of the Antarctica without going further to the North beyond the 60th parallel which is the border of the Antarctic region in accordance with the International Agreement.  The crew will try to establish a record for penetrating sailing yachts crossing the 70th parallel of the south latitude.

And for ham radio here's the best part.  The skipper of the "Apostol Andrey" is Nikolay Andrey, R3AL.  He plans to be on the air from the Antarctic area starting this December and continuing through March of 2005.  Andrey has the QSL cards already printed for this expedition and the ship also has an official Russian postmark onboard and a special postal stationary envelope for this expedition.

For details on the World-Wide Antarctic Program and the expedition, go to the World-Wide-Web.  The spot is in
cyberspace at www.ddxc.net/wap

(ARNewsLine)
 

RCA QSO Party  - November 6th

From the contest calendar, word that Saturday, November 6th is the date for this years Radio Club of America 20 and 75 meter QSO Party.  The event will start at 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on 14 point 280 MHz upper sideband and at 8 p.m. E-S-T move to 3 point 910  lower sideband.  Both frequencies are plus or minus any Q-R-M.  During the party, W2RCA which is the club station of the Radio Club of America will also  be activated.  Logs and suggestions for this contest go to W2ZE by e-mail to mrraide@cbs.com

(W2ZM)
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FISTS Coast to Coast on November 24th

The 4th annual Fists Coast to Coast contest takes place October 24th from 0000 U-T-C to 2400 UTC. This is a CW only event with the object being to contact as many Fist affiliated clubs on as many bands as you can. The contest is sponsored by Northwest Fists club K7FFF. Full rules and certificate information may be found at: www.tomochka.com/k7fff/fnw_c2c04.html

(FISTS)
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North American Collegiate ARC Championship--CW (Phone, Nov 20-22). This is a competition based on Sweepstakes results between club stations at institutions of higher education beyond the high school level. Clubs enter Sweepstakes in any of the valid entry categories. Separate champions will be determined for CW, Phone and Combined scores. For more information: www.collegiatechampionship.org.

High Speed Club CW Contest, sponsored by the Radio Telegraphy High Speed Club (HSC) from 0900Z-1100Z and 1500Z-1700Z Nov 7. Frequencies: 80-10 meters, 10-30 kHz above band edge. Categories: SOAB-LP (<150 W), SOAB-QRP (<5 W), SWL. Exchange: RST + HSC member number or "NM." QSO Points: HSC member-- 5 pts, non-member--1 pt. Score: QSO points. For more information: www.dl3bzz.de/. Logs due 6 weeks after the contest to hsc-contest@dl3bzz.de or Lutz Schröer, DL3BZZ, HSC Contest-Manager, Am Niederfeld 6, 35066 Frankenberg/Eder, Germany.

IPA Contest--Phone/CW, sponsored by The International Police Association Radio Club. CW from 0600Z-1000Z and 1400Z-1800Z Nov 6, Phone from 0600Z-1000Z and 1400Z-1800Z Nov 7. Frequencies: 80-10 meters with 15-minute band change rule. Categories: SOAB, MS, MM and SWL. Exchange RST + serial number (IPARC members send "IPA" + state if US). QSO Points: IPARC members--5 pts, non-member--1 pt. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities + US states counted once per band. Multipliers are only counted for QSOs with IPARC members. For more information:www.ipa-rc.de. Logs due Dec 31 to dl8kcg@darc.de or Uwe Greggersen, DL8KCG, Hurststr 9, D-51645 Gummersbach, Germany.

Ukrainian DX Contest--CW/SSB/RTTY, sponsored by the Ukrainian Amateur Radio League and the Ukrainian Contest Club from 1200Z Nov 6 to 1200Z Nov 7. Frequencies: 160-10 meters, with 10 minute band change rule. Categories: SOAB, SOAB-QRP (<5 W), SOAB-RTTY, SOSB, MS, MM, SWL. Exchange: RST + serial number (+ Ukrainian region). QSO Points: same country--1 pt, same continent--2 pts, different cont--3 pts, Ukrainian station--10 pts. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities + WAE countries + Ukrainian regions. For more information: www.ucc.zp.ua. Logs due 30 days after the contest to http://urcc.com.ua or to Ukrainian Contest Club HQ, PO Box 4850, Zaporizhzhe, 69118, Ukraine.

DARC 10-Meter Digital "Corona"--RTTY/AMTOR/PACTOR/PSK31/Clover, sponsored by Deutscher Amateur Radio Club from 1100Z-1700Z Nov 7. Frequencies (MHz): 28.050-28.150, work stations once per mode. Categories: SO, SWL. Exchange: RST + serial number. QSO Points: 1pt/QSO. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities + WAE countries + JA/VE/W call districts (all counted only once). For more information: www.darc.de/referate/dx/cqdlcont/fgdcc.htm. Logs due four weeks after the contest to dl9gs@darc.de or A. Schlendermann, DL9GS, Postfach 102201, D-44807 Bochum, Germany.

Radio Club of America QSO Party, SSB/AM, from 2100Z Nov 6-0100Z Nov 7 on 14.280 MHz and 0100Z--0500Z Nov 7 on 3.910 MHz. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, equipment used. RCA members sign their calls /RCA. For more information: www.radio-club-of-america.org. Logs to mraide@rochester.rr.com or Mike Raide W2ZE, 21 Canandaiqua St, Shortsville, NY 14548.
 

Frankenstein, MO: Warrensburg and Mid-MO Amateur Radio Clubs, W0O. 0000Z Oct 31-0400Z Nov 1. Halloween from Frankenstein, MO. 28.378 21.378 14.312 7.233. QSL. WE0G, 70 NW 601, Centerview, MO 64019. http://waarci.dyndns.org/frankses.asp

Whitefish Point, MI: Stu Rockafellow Amateur Radio Society, N8F. 1700Z Nov 4-1700Z Nov 7. Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald, lost November 10, 1975. 21.360 14.260 7.260 3.860. Certificate. Richard Barker, W8VS, 264 N East St, Brighton, MI 48116. www.qsl.net/w8njh.

Portsmouth, VA: USCG Auxiliary Ham Radio Ops of Tidewater, N4I. 1300Z Nov 5-2100Z Nov 6. International Search & Rescue Competition. 146.52 14.255 7.255 3.945. Certificate. ­Richard Cook, AB4U, 14288 Riverside Dr, Ashland, VA 23005. www.internationalsar.com.

Knokke-Heist, Belgium: UBA Section ONZ, ON60CLM. 1200Z Nov 5-1200Z Nov 9. Liberation of our town in 1944 by allied forces--60th Canadian Liberation March. 28.545 21.245 14.145 7.045. Certificate. ON60CLM, Rijks-wachtlaan 37, Postbox 1006, B-8300 Knokke-Heist, Belgium. www.on4clm.be.

Butler, PA: Butler County Amateur Radio Association, W3UDX. 1200Z-1700Z Nov 6. Veterans Day. General bands 80 to 10. QSL. BCARA, PO Box 1787, Butler, PA 16003.

Bonita Springs, FL: US Coast Guard Auxiliary Wiggins Pass, FL, W4W. 1300Z-2100Z Nov 6. US CG Auxiliary 65th and Canadian CG Aux 26th anniversaries. 28.380 21.375 14.275 7.275. QSL. Merle Zeek, W4MWZ, 86 8th St, Bonita Springs, FL 34134-7452.

Cincinnati, OH: US Coast Guard Auxiliary, W8C. 1400Z-2100Z Nov 6. Div 5 8ER commemorating USCGA 65th anniversary and ISAR. 28.405 21.405 14.345 7.240. QSL. Dave Stroup, 6095 Drum Hill Ln, Milford, OH 45150-2275. www.uscgaux.org/~08205/.

Cheverly, MD: US Coast Guard Auxiliary, K3A. 1400Z-2100Z Nov 6. 65th anniversary of USCGA. 28.350 21.340 14.280 7.282. QSL. W. Joe Saunders, K3UAL, 1520 Jutewood Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20785.

Escondido, CA: US Coast Guard Auxiliary District 11S, N6C. 1600Z-2300Z Nov 6. USCG Auxiliary 65th and Canadian CG Auxiliary 26th anniversaries and ISAR event. 21.350 14.250 14.070 7.250. QSL. Ed Cooper, N6NP, 611 Maze Glen, Escondido, CA 92025.

Flowery Branch, GA: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division 2, District 7, W4B. 1400Z-2200Z Nov 6. Commemorating the 65th anniversary of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the 26th anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. 21.375 14.275 7.275. QSL. Albert Miles, KG4VIB, 3325 Rangers Gate Dr, Marietta, GA 30062.

Marco Island, FL: US Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 7, N2K. 1300Z-2100Z Nov 6. USCGAUX 65th anniversary ISAR 2004. 28.325 21.310 14.330 7.250. QSL. Robert B. Witte, PO Box 1814, Marco Island, FL 34146.

Media, PA: US Coast Guard Auxiliary District 5-NR, K3G. 1300Z-2100Z Nov 6. 65th anniversary of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. 28.330 21.330 14.270 7.270. QSL. Daniel F. Amoroso, 196 Dam View Dr, Media, PA 19063.

Raymond, ME: US Coast Guard Auxiliary D-1NR Radio Raymond, K1G. 0900Z-1600Z Nov 6. 65th anniverary of the USCG Auxiliary and the International SAR Competition 2004 (N41). 28.320 21.315 14.310 14.250 7.262 7.250 146.520. Certificate. Keith C. Morton, W1NKH, PO Box 809, Raymond, ME 04071-0809.

St Thomas, VI: US Coast Guard Auxiliary, N2A. 1300Z-2000Z Nov 6. 65th Anniversary of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. 28.320 21.310 14.260. QSL. Deborah Thomas, PO Box 9280, St Thomas, VI 00801.
 

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.
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Oct. 28 2004 ARLD0423 DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by E21EIC, F6FVY, KA2AEV, N0HJZ, NC1L, TG9ATX, W4WX, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

CYPRUS, 5B.  The Radiotechnika Magazine contest team will be QRV as 5B/HA5RT/qrp from Limasol during the HA-QRP contest from November 2 to 9.  Activity will be on 80 meters using 10 watts.  Members will also be QRV as 5B/homecalls on other bands as well.  QSL contest call via HA6NL and all others to home calls.

BARBADOS, 8P.  Tom, W2SC will be QRV as 8P1A in the CQWW SSB contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/High Power entry.  QSL via NN1N.

BHUTAN, A5.  A group of French operators are QRV as A52CDX until November 11.  QSL via F9DK.

THE GAMBIA, C5.  Jef, ON4ACA is QRV as C56ACA for two weeks.  This includes an entry in the CQWW SSB contest.  QSL to home call.

MOZAMBIQUE, C9.  Andre, ZS6WPX is QRV as C91Z until November 1 using mostly CW with some RTTY.  His wife Magda is QRV as C91Y using mostly SSB.  Andre will also be QRV in the CQWW SSB contest.  QSL both calls direct via ZS6WPX.

CAPE VERDE, D4.  Alberto, IV3TAN will be QRV as D44TD in the CQWW SSB contest as a Single Op/Single Band entry.  QSL via CT1EKF.

BALEARIC ISLANDS, EA6.  Tomas, LY1DF will be QRV as EA6/LY1DF in the CQWW SSB contest possibly as a Single-Op/All-Band or Single-Band entry.  Look for activity before and after the contest on CW on all bands.  QSL to home call.

FRENCH GUIANA, FY.  A group of French operators will be QRV as FY5KE as a Multi/Single entry in the CQWW SSB contest.  QSL via bureau.

MARTINIQUE, FM.  Laurent, F5MUX will be QRV as FM5BH in the CQWW SSB contest as a Single Op/All Band/High Power or Single Op/All Band Assisted entry.  He is active as TO7X before and after the contest. QSL via F5MUX.

SCOTLAND, GM.  Look for GM2Z to be QRV from Hardgate in West Dunbartonshire during the CQWW SSB contest as a Single Op/All Band/High Power entry.  QSL via bureau.

THAILAND, HS.  Members of the Radio Amateur Society of Chumphon will be QRV as HS8AC/p during the Royal Plaque Boat Race and Hae Phra Festival 2004 at Laun Suan.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and SSTV.  They will also participate in the CQWW SSB contest as HS8AC as a Multi/Single entry.  QSL via E21EIC.

MONGOLIA, JT.  JTDXA members will be QRV as JU1DX during the CQWW SSB contest.  QSL via JT1BV.

ANTARCTICA.  Nick, NH6ON will be QRV as KC4AAA mainly on 20 meters from November 1 and December 15 while here on a communications systems engineering trip.  Activity may be around 0100 to 0600z. QSL to home call.

GUAM, KH2.  The Guam Contest Club will be QRV as AH2R during the CQWW SSB contest as a Multi Op/2 Transmitter entry.  QSL direct via JH7QXJ.

GUATEMALA, TG.  A group of Guatemalan amateurs will be QRV from the Mayan Biosphere as TG7I and TG7M from October 30 to November 1. They will be active on 40, 20, 17, 15 and 6 meters using CW, SSB, SSTV and PSK31.  TG7M will be QRV using digital modes, and TG7I using SSB.  QSL both calls via TG9ANF.

KAZAKHSTAN, UN.  A number of operators will be QRV as UP5G in the CQWW SSB contest as a Multi/Multi entry.  QSL via operators' instructions.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, V2.  Team Antigua will be QRV as V26B during the CQWW SSB contest as a Multi/Two entry.  Members are also QRV using their own calls before and after the contest on all bands, with special attempts at 160 meters and the newer bands, RTTY and PSK31.  They may also try some Satellite work on AO-7 and AO-51. QSL contest call via KA2AEV and all others via operators' instructions.

MICRONESIA, V6.  Sho, JA7HMZ is QRV as V63DX from Pohnpei, IOTA OC-010, until November 3.  He will be active in the CQWW SSB contest as V63B.  QSL both calls to home call.

CANADA, VE.  Rich, N0HJZ will be QRV as VA4MWA during the CQWW SSB contest as a Single Op/All Band/High Power entry.  QSL to home call.

MACAO, XX9.  A joint team of 34 operators from China, Hong Kong and Macao will be active as XX9C in the CQWW SSB contest as a Multi/Multi entry from Taipa Island, IOTA AS-075.  QSL via XX9BB.

ALBANIA, ZA.  Martti, OH2BH and Pertti, OH2PM are here while finalizing Project Goodwill Albania.  They will be QRV as ZA/homecalls during the CQWW SSB contest, possibly as Single Band entries.  QSL to home calls.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND, VK9X.  David, VK2CZ is QRV as VK9XD until November 4.  He is active on 80 to 10 meters, and will participate in the CQWW SSB contest as a Single Op/All Band entry.  QSL to home call.

CALLSIGN CORRECTION.  As reported in last week's DX Bulletin, ARLD042, the correct callsign for the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest activity from Dominica by Florida DXPedition Group members will be J75J.  QSL via KR4DA.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest, ARRL International EME Contest and the 10-10 International CW/Digital Contest will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see October QST, page 99, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(ARRL)
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Oct. 30 2004  4 2 5  D X  N E W S

6O  - Silvano/I2YSB, Andrea/IK1PMR, Marcello/IK2DIA, Adriano/IK2GNW, Beppe/IK2WXV and Riccardo/IZ5BRW will operate with two stations on 160-6 metres as 6O0G (SSB) and 6O0CW (CW and RTTY) from Somalia on 3-17 February. QSL 6O0G via IK2GNW (direct) or M5AAV (bureau); QSL 6O0CW via I2YSB (direct) or M5AAV (bureau). Further information at http://www.i2ysb.com/6o/.

"One of the main aims of this DXpedition", Silvano (I2YSB) says,"is to bring ham equipment to the Somali radio amateurs, fostering in a concrete way the development of amateur radio in the country. To this end, we shall donate yagi antennas, verticals, dipoles, HF and VHF/UHF tranceivers, power supplies, a laptop, coax and accessories for the operation of one or two stations at the local radio club. We are investing all our efforts to make such a difficult and exotic country regularly active on the bands, so as to provide all hams orldwide a better possibility to get a rare new one. Donations towards the expenses of the DXpedition and helping in the procurement of the equipment to be donated are highly welcome".  Please contact I2YSB (Silvano Borsa, P.O. Box 45, 27036 Mortara - PV, Italy; e-mail i2ysb@i2ysb.com) if you are willing to donate. [TNX I2YSB]

BY  - David, BA4DW will operate as BA4DW/4 from Changdao (AS-146) on 3-8 November. QSL via home call (David Y. J. Zhou, P.O. Box 040-088, Shanghai, 200040, China). [TNX BA4DW]

F   - Special station TM8RIM is active until 3 November from the Charleville-Mezieres area to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of French poet Arthur Raimbaud. QSL via F0EHB. [TNX F5NQL]

FG  - Mike, K9NW is active as FG/K9NW from Guadeloupe (NA-102) until 1 November. He will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest most likely as a SOAB entry. QSL via home call. [TNX K9NW]

FH  - Gerard, F6BEG will be active as FH/F6BEG from Mayotte (AF-027) on 1-12 November. Expect activity on 20, 15 and 10 metres CW and SSB, generally from 4 to 12 UTC. QSL via home call. [TNX VA3RJ]

I   - Several Strange Radio Team (http://www.strangeradioteam.org) members - namely HB9DRH, I6YOT, I7OCD,I7YKN, IK8FXX, IK8LIU, IK8MRA, IK8WCQ, IK8WEJ, IK8YTG, IV3ZXQ, IW6MKI, IW8EQS, IZ1EGT, IZ7AUH, IZ7DOK, IZ7FLP, IZ8EDJ, IZ8EQF, IZ8FZK, LU6FIA will operate as IR8C during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest. QSL via IZ8EDJ. [TNX IZ8EDJ]

JA  - JO1DPQ is expected to operate from Miyake Island (AS-008, JIIA AS-008-006) until 5 November. QSL via home call. [TNX JI6KVR]

JW  - Erik, LA2VOA is active (on 80-10 metres mainly SSB) as JW2VOA from Bear Island (EU-027), Svalbard until 25 November. QSL via home call. [TNX VA3RJ]

KC4_ant- The OPDX Bulletin reports that Chris, N3SIG will be at McMurdo Station (K-09 for the Antarctica Award) on Ross Island (AN-001), Antarctica from early November until 5 March. The antennas at the ham shack were destroyed and Chris will construct a dipole. He plans to operate as KC4/N3SIG mainly on 14243 kHz.

KH6 - Currently Max, KH6ZM is concentrating on the low bands and is particularly interested in working Europe on 80 and 160 metres (1820-1835 kHz). Band openings are about 10 minutes long. QSL via I0MWI (who has processed all of the direct requests received so far for QSOs made up to 13 October). [TNX I0MWI]

LY  - Ben, OZ5AAH will operate SSB and CW as LY/OZ5IPA from Lithauania on 3-8 November. He will also participate in the International Police Association (IPA) Contest on 6-7 November (http://ipa-rc.de). QSL direct to OZ5AAH; visit http://www.iparc.dk/ for skeds. [TNX OZ5AAH]

PJ4 - Danny, T93M is active as PJ4/T93M from Bonaire (SA-006) until 2 November. He will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest as PJ4J. QSL via DJ2MX. [TNX DJ2MX]

PY_ssh - Lunkes, PT2HF (Antarctic Award Checkpoint for Brazil) and Stuckert, PT2GTI were due to leave on 27 October onboard the Brazilian Navy ship "Ary Rongel" [425DXN 702]. They will operate as ZX0ECF and ZX0GTI respectively from the Brazilian station "Comandante Ferraz" (AA PY-01) on King George Island, South Shetlands (AN-010), starting on 11-12 November until the 17-18th. Depending on local conditions, they will be active on 160-6 metres SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK31 and SSTV. QSLs via PT2GTI. [TNX PY2HS and PS7AB]

V6  - Reports from Japan indicate that Shoji, JA7HMZ (V63DX) will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest as V6A (not V63B as previously announced, 425DXN 703). He will operate from Pohnpei (OC-010), Micronesia; before and after the contest (on 29 October and 1-3 November) he will concentrate on working Europe on 160 metres CW: look for him between 18.30 and 19.30 UTC on +/- 1828 kHz. QSL via JA7AO. [TNX JA7KAC and JA7ZP]

VK  - Johan, PA3EXX has changed again the itinerary of his IOTA trip [425DXN 702]. He will operate as VK4WWI/8 from North Island (OC-198) on 30-31 October and from the Bremer Islets (OC-185) on 1-2 November. His other two activities - from Sweers Island (OC-227, 3-4 November) and the unnumeberd Marion Reef (8-12 November) - are confirmed and still on schedule. [TNX PA3EXX]

VP2E - Bill, W5SJ will operate as VP2EJ from Anguilla (NA-022) on 5-11 November. He  will be active on 80-6 metres mostly CW, with a particular emphasis to be placed on 6m. QSL via W5FO. [TNX W5SJ]

VP8_so - Mike, GM0HCQ (VP8CMH/mm from onboard the RRS "James Clark Ross") [425DXN 697] arrived at Signy Base (G-05 for the Antarctica Award) in in the South Orkneys (AN-008) 28 October. He plans to be active as VP8SIG in his spare time, but he does not anticipate operating before 30 October. Mike is aware of the contest scheduled for this weekend, and he will do his utmost to operate on the WARC bands. QSL via GM0HCQ, direct or bureau. Regular updates are posted at http://www.gm0hcq.com/jcr_update.htm

W   - Bob, N4BP and Nelson, NE4LS will operate as homecall/p from Garden Key (USI FL-013S), Dry Tortugas (NA-079) on 12-14 November. Activity will be QRP CW on 20 and 30 metres. QSL via home calls. [TNX VA3RJ]

XE  - Porfirio, XE1HPT and other operators from Mexico will be active on all the HF bands CW and SSB as 6F1IHF from Ixtapa Island (NA-183) on 6-13 February. QSL via XE1HPT (Porfirio Lomeli, P.O. Box 7177, Morelia, Mich 58262, Mexico). [TNX XE2AC]

YA  - Rene, DL2JRM is active again as YA7X from Afghanistan until 17 November. He operates on 160-10 metres SSB and CW. QSL via DL1JJI.

ZK1_sc - Dave, W6AQ will operate as ZK1AQT from Rarotonga (OC-013), South Cook Islands until 4 November, CQ WW DX SSB Contest included. QSL via W6ORD. [TNX The Daily DX]

Good to Know

40 METRES (UK) ---> Effective at 0100 UTC October 31, the radio amateurs in the British Isles gain access to 7100 to 7200 kHz. The segment is available on a secondary basis. The change is a result of actions taken during World Radiocommunication Conference 2003, where conferees agreed to move broadcasters out of 7100 to 7200 kHz in Regions 1 and 3 to make room for the Amateur Service. Great Britain is the first country to authorize access to the additional spectrum, although the WRC-03 change does not formally go into effect until 2009.

INDEXA ---> The International DX Association election results for 2004-2005 are as follows: President - Judy Roush, AA7UC; Vice President - Ron Wright, ZL1AMO; Secretary/Treasurer - Bill Jennings, W4UNP. Directors are Richard Grant, W9RG (Chairman), ZL1AMO, Franz Langner, DJ9ZB and Nellie Saltiel de Lazard, XE1CI. The Executive Committee includes AA7UC, W4UNP and ZL1AMO. For more information contact Judy Roush, AA7UC (jroush@cybertrails.com) or visit http://www.indexa.org [TNX AA7UC]

NEW CONTEST CALLS (SWEDEN) ---> A new series of contest calls has been released in Sweden. Expect SA+number+one-letter calls (for instance SA5D, issued to John, SM5DJZ) to be aired during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest. [TNX SM5DJZ]

QSL IZ8BGY ---> Pino, IZ8BGY (Mediterraneo DX Club President) reports that the QSL cards for his island activities of 1997-99 (IZ8BGY/ID8 and IZ8BGY/p) should be sent to IK8WEJ, while the QSL route for 2000-02 is via IZ8CCW.

QSL LU3XQO ---> Jorge Riga, LU3XQO from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego reports that his new QSL manager is Patrick, WD9EWK (direct or bureau). Information on the stations whose QSLing Patrick takes care of can be found at http://qsl.wd9ewk.net/

QSL UA0SR ---> Serge, UA0SR reports that his new QSL manager is Joe, W3HNK, who has the logs from 1 January 2000 onwards. This information does not apply to Russian stations.

QSL VIA HA1AG ---> Zoli, HA1AG reports he still has plenty of blank cards for T32NCC, E44/HA1AG, HG50HSC, 9A/HA1AG (EU-110), OH/PA1AG (EU-140) and PA/HA1AG (EU-038). QSL direct or bureau (e-mail requests for bureau cards can be sent to ha1ag@yahoo.com).

+ SILENT KEYS +  We have received the sad news of the recent passing of Umberto Marchesini (I8KUT), Dieter Stumpp (DL1SDN) and Albert Schlaffer, DL7MAT (founding member of the Bavarian DX Group and the Bavarian Contest Club). [TNX I8LEL, DK1RV, DL7MAE]

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Oct. 31-Nov. 7 2004    I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

01/11/2004:  AF-027  FH/F6BEG  GRANDE TERRE -
Gerard, F6BEG, will be QRV November 1st to 12th as FH/F6BEG from Mamoudzou, Grande Terre (IOTA AF-027, DIFO FH-001), Mayotte. Activity will be on 20, 15 and 10 meter CW and SSB, generally from 04:00 to 12:00 UTC. Equipment will be a Yaesu FT100D with a tri-band vertical and dipole for 20 meters. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnd F6BEG]

01/11/2004:  AF-016  FR/F6BUM  REUNION ISLAND -
Jack, F6BUM, will be active November 1 to 15, 2004 as FR/F6BUM from Reunion Island (IOTA AF-016, DIFO FR-001). November 16 to 20, 2004, he will be QRV as 3B8/F6BUM from Mauritius (AF-049). QSL via F6CXJ (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425DXN]

01/11/2004:  SA-006  FR/F6BUM  CURACAO -
Andy, DL5CW, will be active as PJ2/DL5CW from Curacao (IOTA SA-006), November 1-15th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters on all modes. QSL via the bureau is assured. [Tnx OPDX]

01/11/2004:  OC-185  VK4WWI/8  BREMER ISLETS -
Johan, PA3EXX/VK4WWI, will be QRV November 1-2, 2004, as VK4WWI/8 from Bremer Islets (OC-185). QSL via PA3EXX. [Tnx 425DXN]

01/11/2004:  NA-103  VP2MNR  MONTSERRAT -
Ratko, YU1NR, plans to be QRV November 2nd to November 4th as VP2MNR from Montserrat (IOTA NA-103). He will work various digital modes, especially SSTV. QSL via YU1NR. [Tnx VE3EXY]

02/11/2004:  AS-004  5B/H.C.'s  CYPRUS -
Laci HA6NL, Zsolt HA6PS, Tibor HA6ZV and Al HA7JJS will be active November 2nd to 9th as 5B/homecall from Limasol, Cyprus (IOTA AS-004, MIA MCI-002). During the HA-QRP Contest they will operate as 5B/HA5RT/QRP on 80 metres with 10 watts. QSL via home calls; QSL 5B/HA5RT/QRP via HA6NL. [Tnx 425DXN]

02/11/2004:  OC-083  ZK1DKF  AITUTAKI ISLAND -
Ronnie, SM7DKF, will be QRV November 2nd to 13th as ZK1DKF from Paradise Cove, Aitutaki Island (IOTA OC-083, Grid BH01), South Cook Islands. Further information can be found on his web site at: www.sm7dkf.se/index-info.htm . QSL direct only to Ronnie Nilsson SM7DKF, Vaestra Haeggviksvaegen 12, SE-236 32 Hoellviken, Sweden. [Tnx SM7DKF]

03/11/2004:  OC-227  VK4WWI/P  SWEERS ISLAND -
Johan, PA3EXX/VK4WWI, will be QRV November 3-4, 2004, as VK4WWI/p from Sweers Island (OC-227). During his visit to Sweers Island, Johanwill be active with resident YL operator Lyn, VK4SWE. QSL VK4SWE/p via home call, direct (Lyn Battle,Sweers Island, PMB 1 Karumba, Gulf of Carpentaria, QLD 4891, Australia) or bureau. QSL VK4WWI/p via PA3EXX. [Tnx 425DXN]

04/11/2004:  AF-040  5Z4YT1CS/M  LAMU ISLAND -
Miki, YT1CS, currently active as 5Z4YT1CS from Nairobi, has arranged a side trip to Lamu Island (IOTA AF-040) from November 4-11th. He will be active on 80 through 10 meter SSB only, using 100W into an inverted Vee for 40/80 meters and verticals for the higher bands. The call to be used in this operation will be 5Z4YT1CS/m. Look for him on the usual IOTA frequencies. He will stay in Kenya until November 18th. QSL via YT1CS, by the bureau or direct. [Tnx OPDX]

04/11/2004:  AS-146  BA4DW/4  CHANGDAO ISLAND -
Look for BA4DW to be active November 4-9th as BA4DW/4 from Changdao Island (IOTA AS-146). QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx BA4DW]

05/11/2004:  NA-022  VP2EJ  ANGUILLA -
Bill, W5SJ, will be QRV November 5-11th as VP2EJ from Anguilla (NA-022). Activity will be on 80-6 meters, mostly CW, with an emphasis to be placed on 6 meters. QSL via W5FO. [TNX 425DXN]

06/11/2004:  AN-016  KC4AAA  AMUNDSEN-SCOTT BASE -
Nick, NH6ON, will be back to Antarctica between November 6th and December 15th 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, IOTA AN-016). QSL direct to K1IED. [Tnx 425DXN]

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
 

FCC BPL Report and Order Stresses Avoidance, Resolution of Harmful Interference

NEWINGTON, CT, Oct 28, 2004--The FCC today released the full BPL Report and Order (R&O) it adopted just two weeks ago. While extolling the purported benefits of broadband over power line technology, the 81-page document also declares the FCC's intention to "protect licensed services from harmful interference." In line with remarks made at the October 14 open meeting where the FCC adopted the R&O--then still in draft form--the FCC will require BPL operators to address and resolve all valid interference complaints. It declined, however, to reduce the Part 15 radiated emission limit for BPL systems, maintaining that emissions from BPL systems are very localized and at low enough levels to preclude harmful interference in the first place. And it left the door open to possibly upping the limit in the future. When interference does occur, the Commission favors "notching," frequency shifting and power reduction by BPL systems as the preferred mitigation modes.

"We recognize that some radio operations in the bands being used for Access BPL, such as those of Amateur Radio licensees, may occur at distances sufficiently close to power lines as to make harmful interference a possibility," the FCC conceded in its R&O. "We believe that those situations can be addressed through interference avoidance techniques by the Access BPL provider such as frequency band selection, notching, or judicious device placement."

Notches would have to be at least 20 dB below applicable Part 15 limits on HF and at least 10 dB below Part 15 limits on VHF. The FCC called the ability to alter a system's operation to notch out transmissions on specific frequencies where interference is occurring "a necessary feature for resolving interference without disrupting service to BPL subscribers."

FCC Advises Hams to Take Steps to Avoid Interference

The FCC said it had no evidence before it that BPL operation would significantly contribute to generally raising background noise levels. At the same time, it seemed to put some of the onus on Amateur Radio licensees to take steps to avoid power-line interference--and, by inference, BPL interference--in advance.

"In addition, because power lines inherently can radiate significant noise emissions as noted by NTIA and ARRL, good engineering practice is to locate sensitive receiver antennas as far as practicable from power lines," the FCC said. In a footnote, the FCC took pains to advise ARRL that in cases where its members experience RF noise, "such noise can often be avoided by carefully locating their antennas; in many instances an antenna relocation of only a relatively short distance can resolve noise interference."

No Special Protections for Amateurs

BPL operators would be required to notch certain bands, such as those used for life and safety communications by aeronautical mobile or US Coast Guard stations. The FCC R&O makes clear, however, that similar rules will not apply to the Amateur Service, although notching could be one mitigation tool to deal with ham radio complaints.

"We similarly do not find that Amateur Radio frequencies warrant the special protection afforded frequencies reserved for international aeronautical and maritime safety operations," the Commission said, adding that in many instances, amateur frequencies are used for routine communications and hobby activities.

"While we recognize that amateurs may on occasion assist in providing emergency communications," the FCC said, "we believe that the general Part 15 provisions and the specific provisions being adopted herein for Access BPL operations are sufficient to protect these amateur operations."

BPL's Upside Outweighs Downside, FCC Suggests

Although some cases of harmful interference may be possible from BPL emissions at levels up to Part 15 limits, the FCC said, "we agree with NTIA [National Telecommunications and Information Administration] that the benefits of Access BPL service warrant acceptance of a small and manageable degree of interference risk." The Commission reiterated in the R&O its belief that BPL's public benefits "are sufficiently important and significant so as to outweigh the limited potential for increased harmful interference that may arise."

The FCC also said that while it agrees with the ARRL that BPL is not a "traditional point-source emitter," it doesn't buy into the notion that BPL devices "will cause the power lines to act as countless miles of transmission lines all radiating RF energy along their full length."

Additional Provisions

Among other specific provisions, the FCC's new rules also mandate certification of BPL equipment instead of the less-stringent verification, a requirement for a public BPL database--something the BPL industry did not want. They also require mechanisms to deal swiftly with interference complaints.

BPL systems will have to incorporate the ability to modify operation and performance "to mitigate or avoid potential harmful interference to radio services and to deactivate specific units found to actually cause harmful interference that cannot be remedied through modification of their operation," the R&O says.

The public BPL database would have to include the name of the BPL provider, the frequencies of BPL operation; the postal ZIP codes the BPL system serves; the manufacturer and type of BPL equipment and its associated FCC ID number; the contact information, including both telephone number and e-mail address of a person at or associated with the BPL operator to facilitate interference resolution (phones would only have to be staffed during "normal business hours," the FCC specified), and the proposed or actual date of BPL operation.

Further, the new rules spell out the locations of "small geographic exclusion zones" as well as excluded bands or frequencies--concessions made primarily at the insistence of the NTIA, which administers radio spectrum for federal government users--and "coordination areas" where BPL deployments at any frequency must be "precoordinated by BPL operators." They also detail techniques to measure BPL emissions from system equipment and power lines.

No Change in Approach to Part 15 Complaint Resolution

The FCC's R&O makes clear that the agency does not intend to deal with interference complaints regarding BPL systems any differently, nor any more stringently, than it does interference complaints involving other systems that fall under §15.5(c) of its rules.

"Under this rule, parties who believe they are experiencing interference from an unlicensed device are first expected to bring the matter to the attention of the operator of the unlicensed device," the FCC said. "If that action does not resolve the interference, the party may then seek intervention by the Commission."

The FCC further said it expected "good faith" on both sides in resolving any interference complaints that might arise. "Speedy resolution of interference will not result if the database information on Access BPL deployments is abused, and the BPL operators are deluged with frivolous interference complaints," the FCC said

The Commission added that it expects BPL operators to take every interference complaint seriously and to diagnose the possible cause of interference quickly. But it suggested that complainants have responsibilities as well.

"At the same time, we expect the complainant to have first taken reasonable steps to confirm that interference, rather than a receiver system malfunction, is occurring and, to the extent practicable, to determine that the interference source is located outside the complainant's premises," the Commission said.

The FCC pledged to investigate complaints that land in its lap and take action against the BPL operator if it is found to be causing harmful interference. "If, on the other hand, the Commission uses its resources to investigate an interference complaint that is found to be frivolous, the Commission will impose appropriate sanctions for abuse of its administrative process."

Shutting down a BPL system in response to a valid interference complaint "would be a last resort when all other efforts to satisfactorily reduce interference have failed," the FCC said. It did require BPL systems to incorporate a means to allow deactivation of individual components on a remote-controlled basis, but it emphasized that only the FCC may direct a BPL system to cease operation.

ARRL Mulling Options

ARRL officials are studying the R&O and considering possible responses. Meeting October 16 in Dallas, Texas, the ARRL Executive Committee (EC) authorized the filing of a Petition for Reconsideration in response to the BPL R&O in ET Docket 04-37. The EC also authorized ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, to "prepare to pursue other available remedies as to procedural and substantive defects" in the BPL proceeding.

For more information on BPL, visit the "Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) and Amateur Radio" page on the ARRL Web site. http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc

(ARRL News Service)
 

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