.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

Important Amateur Radio issues being discussed at meetings in Geneva

Last week and this week (September 6th to 15th), two important amateur radio questions are under discussion by the ITU in Geneva.

The first is an IARU proposal for a new amateur band from 135.7-137.8 kHz. This proposal, is moving forward well, and it appears that there will be support for a new world wide allocation  at the next World Radio Conference in 2007.

The second, is a proposal from the short wave broadcasting community for up to 850 KHz more spectrum between 4 and 10 MHz. If approved, the spectrum would have to be given up by other users, namely the fixed service, the mobile service, the amateur radio service and the radio navigation service. None of these are interested in giving up spectrum. The discussions are well along, but there is no solution in sight.

For both of the above items, amateurs from Canada, the USA, the UK, and Japan are actively participating. Amateurs from many other countries are also present but active in other areas.

Later in September, and during much of October, these same issues, as well as matters related to BPL, will be discussed by other groups with different points of view.

In all of these meetings, Ken Pulfer VE3PU will be attending on behalf of the IARU, and will also be a member of the Canadian delegation. He has agreed to provide the RAC web site with news reports as the meetings progress.

(RAC News Service)
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First Jamboree on the Air for Scouting Ireland

The worlds newest Scout Association, Scouting Ireland will participate in JOTA (Jamboree on the Air) for the first time on Saturday and Sunday, the 16th and 17th of October next.

Scouting Ireland, which was formed at the beginning of the year following the coming together of the Catholic Scouts of Ireland and the Scout Association of Ireland, has in excess of 40,000 members on the island of Ireland.

Further information regarding JOTA and setting up scheds from around the globe is available from Sean EI3IP, National JOTA Organiser of Scouting Ireland at jota@scouts.ie

(WIA News)
 

QCWA Convention Oct. 15-17 2004

The Quarter Century Wireless Association is holding its International Convention, hosted by Chapter 70, on October 15, 16 and 17 in Ottawa. All Radio Amateurs are invited. Information is available at www.qcwa.org/2004convention.htm  or by contacting Don Heaslip at ve3njh@rac.ca or by phone (613) 727-2769.

(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
 

The Radio Amateurs of Canada annual general meeting is being held this year in Ontario South Region.

Ontario South Region (postal codes L, M and N) has the most RAC members of any Region and the fact that the annual general meeting (AGM) is being held in this Region will permit RAC members to easily attend and to participate.

Full details, including directions, will be in the September/October 2004 issue of The Canadian Amateur (TCA) magazine, now in the mail.

However, for planning purposes of those RAC members among you, this information is being sent in advance.

Date and Time:  Saturday, October 23, 2004, 11AM.

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

I hope that all RAC members will take this opportunity to take part in an AGM.

Thank you.

R.D. (Bob) Cooke VE3BDB
Director Ontario South Region
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Sept. 24 2004  RadioFest 2004
Sponsored by: The Ontario DX Association
Location: Monte Carlo Inn, 374 South Service Rd. E. Oakville, Ontario L6J 2X6 Canada
Opens: Friday: 7 PM, Saturday Doors open at 8 AM
Cost: $10.00
Notes:
Friday: 7:00 PM - Wine and cheese reception sponsored by CHWO / AM 740
Saturday: Registration opens at 8:00 AM with items on sale, silent auction, displays, guest speakers, and the draw for Raffle 2004. Coffee supplied by CFRB / CFRX.
Speakers include:
Ian McFarland: former CBC broadcaster and host/writer of Radio Canada International's English Language Service.
Alan L. Heil Jr. and Kim Andrew Elliott: from the Voice Of America.
Bob Hawkins: on BPL (Broadband over Power Lines)
Sunday: 9:00 AM - Group breakfast and send-off

For more info visit: http://www.odxa.on.ca/radiofest.html

(ODXA)
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The Thornhill Radio Amateurs Club (TRAC), with the cooperation of the York-Durham Historical Railroad (YDHR), is pleased to announce:

TRAC on Track - a mini DXpedition. This is not a trip to an exotic island or a perilous perch above an active volcano, but simply a fun trip on a train, with radios.
All are invited to contact VA3RRT on Sunday September the 26th between 11am and 6pm, listen on 7.065Mhz +/- and 14.200Mhz +/-

Full details can be found online at: www.trac.ca
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Sept. 26 2004  London Amateur Radio Club Fleamarket
Sponsored by:  The London Amatuer Radio Club
Location: Western Fair Grounds, London
Opens: Vendors Set-up: 7:30AM, General Admission 9:00AM
Cost: Tables: $10.00, Admission: $6.00
Talkin: VA3LON, 147.060 PL 114.8
Notes: Free Parking, Air Conditioned, Commercial Dealers, Snack Bar Facilities
For more info visit: www.larc.on.ca
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Ontario Swap Shop

Looking for that special piece of radio gear to finish off your ham station? Do you have extra radio gear you'd like to turn into some cash? Well the place to visit is the 'Ontario Swap Shop' held every Sunday at 12 noon on 7055 kHz and 7:00pm on 3755 kHz. Nick VE3NJG and Ken VE3YK host the hour long program and all amateurs are invited.

The Swap Shop list is posted every Monday on the Trans Provincial Net website, just steer your browser toward www.tpn7055.ca , the swap shop list can also be found on packet by calling up VE3DID

(Nick VE3NJG)
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RAC Ontario Section News

Put your Amateur Radio gear and skills to use through the Public Service aspect of our specialized hobby

The ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) in the Ontario Section is seeking radio operators who are interested in "giving back" something to their local community / district.

There is a need for folks that can tie in their "real world skills" in support of expanding, organizing, administrating, public relations, etc., not to exclude the technical aspects such as digital communications and systems linking.

You can register your station and talents with your local EC (Emergency Coordinator) or District Coordinator (DEC). There is a convienient directory of all Emergency Coordinators in Ontario listed on the ARES Ontario website at www.aresontario.ca  When you visit the site click on the Ontario Districts Map and choose the district you live in to obtain the name and contact info for your local EC.  He / She will provide the registration form and get you involved in your local group."

(RAC Ontario Section Staff)
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The Radio Amateurs of Canada Field Organization, Ontario Section is seeking a federally licensed Radio Amateur to fill the position of Section Emergency Coordinator for the ARES in the Province of Ontario.  This is the senior volunteer position in the province for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, and as such oversees both policy and operational matters. Full details about this position can be found online by visiting the ARES Ontario site at www.aresontario.ca

(Rose VE3RIS  Section Manager)
 
 

The Annual Luncheon Meeting & Program of the QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151 will be held on September 25, 2004 at the Royal Canadian Legion #264 at 1910 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB. This meeting is also the celebration of our 20th anniversary. For more details visit http://www.qsl.net/ve6afo and click on "Flash" - September 25, 2004 Annual Luncheon Meeting & Program". Tickets are $13.00 (includes lunch, etc.) with a deadline of September 22, 2004. Everyone welcome - including spouses!

(Ken Oelke - VE6AFO  President QCWA Wild Rose Chapter 151)
 

Greyline Propagation Good Times Again on HF

Steve Nichols, G0KYA, of the RSGB's Propagation Studies Committee, reminds us that we are now heading towards good greyline propagation time again on the lower HF bands. As the equinox approaches we should see good dawn and dusk propagation on 80 and 40 metres. Topband may also yield good dawn / dusk contacts. For example, Steve says that on 10 September YV5 and YY1 stations in Venezuela were romping in at 0538UTC on 40 metres - easily 59 on a low dipole. If you plot this in Geoclock or a similar program you will see that this is a greyline contact at right angles across the terminator into the night zone. Many ZLs (New Zealand) have also already been spotted on 40m in the mornings.

Applying the theory, we could see the Far East, India, Australia and perhaps New Zealand at dusk around 1830UTC. In the morning at around 0530UTC we may also hear the Caribbean, South America and the southern States, although do bear in mind that it is the very early hours of the morning in these areas.

(RSGB)
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Sept. 17 2004  Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update

Solar flux and sunspot numbers rose over the past week. The average daily sunspot number was over 20 points higher than the average for the previous week, to 77.6. The highest sunspot count was 87 on September 10 and 11, and before that, 95 on September 7. The daily solar flux averaged 13 points higher at 119.1, and the highest reading over the past two weeks was 131 on September 9.

Predicted solar flux for the near term is 110 for September 17-19, and down to 100 by September 21-22. The predicted planetary A index for the next few days is 20 and 15 for September 17-18, then around 10 for September 19-21. September 22-23 is supposed to be quieter. The higher A index predicted for Friday, September 17 is because of a weak coronal mass ejection. The high A index on September 14 was from a solar flare coming out of sunspot 672 on September 12. Currently sunspot 672 is squarely facing earth.

Dick Gird, K6PZE wrote a letter about conditions on 10-meters. He is active on a 10-10 net in Southern California, and reports that check-ins are down to near nothing due to the declining solar cycle. Of course, interest in 10-meters isn't as high as it was during the top of the cycle, when worldwide communication with modest power and antennas ruled the day. But sometimes there are openings on 10-meters when you might not expect it. Even with the low solar activity, the beginning of Fall should yield some openings, even with modest sunspot numbers. If the sunspot number is around 80 for a few days, next week shows good 10-meter propagation possible between Richard's location in San Diego and Chicago, Illinois, for instance.

Listen for the 10-meter beacons around 28.2 MHz and above if the band sounds dead, or just give a call using your favorite mode. Don't forget that right on 28.2 MHz the Northern California DX Foundation operates a network of 18 precisely timed and power controlled beacons around the world. A recently updated list of 10-meter beacons can be found on the web at, http://www.ten-ten.org/beacons.html

The Autumnal equinox is less than a week away. This is a good time for HF propagation, as the nights become longer in the northern hemisphere and the hours of daylight are about equal all over the world. Fall begins next Wednesday,September22at1625z. 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 September 9 through 15 were 82, 87, 87, 85, 65, 70 and 67 with a mean of 77.6. 10.7 cm flux was 131, 130, 116.4, 114.6, 117.7, 114.7 and 109.6, with a mean of 119.1. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 5, 6, 4, 8, 28 and 14, with a mean of 9.9. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 3, 1, 1, 1, 5, 17 and 9, with a mean of 5.3.

Europe

Sept. 19 2004  Solar and propagation report, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS,and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

Flare activity was moderate at the start of the past week, with several M-class flares. The largest was an M3.2 long duration flare on the 12th. A full halo coronal mass ejection was observed with this flare. By the end of the week activity was back to very low levels. The solar flux was in slow decline, from 130 on the 10th to 105 on the 17th. The average for the week was 111, a drop of five points.  The 90-day average was also 111.  The X-ray flux was up from B3.1 to B4.7 by midweek, then declined to B1.8 on the 17th, averaging B2.8.  The geomagnetic field was initially fairly quiet, with the Ap index in single figures. However, the effects of the coronal mass ejection mentioned earlier reached Earth on the 14th, increasing the index to 28 for that day, with a minor storm reported at high latitudes. The lingering effects of that, together with a high speed stream from a coronal hole, kept the index in low double figures for the rest of the week.  At the start of the week solar wind speeds were below 300km/sec but on the 14th they increased to almost 700km/sec and remained above average for the rest of the week under the influence of the coronal stream.

The HF bands were in relatively good shape over the weekend of the 11th and 12th, with strong east-west openings on 21MHz.  However, propagation was markedly degraded by the onset of the geomagnetic disturbance on the 14th, with few signals above 21MHz for most of the day, though there were nevertheless openings to South America up to 28MHz on most evenings.  Some auroral working was reported on 50 and 144MHz on the 14th and 16th, but this appears to have been restricted to high latitudes.

Looking ahead now, the quieter side of the Sun should be looking our way during the coming week.  Solar flare activity is expected to be low or very low, though occasional M-class flares look possible. The decline in the solar flux is expected to continue, and levels in the region of 80 look to be on the cards for next weekend.  The geomagnetic field is likely to continue unsettled for the next day or so but should then be at quiet-to-unsettled level.  MUFs at equal latitudes should be around 22MHz in the south and 19MHz in the north.  Darkness hour lows will remain around 10MHz.  Paths to Australia should have a maximum usable frequency, with a fifty per cent success rate, of about 20MHz.  The optimum working frequency, where there should be a ninety per cent chance of success, will be about 16MHz. The best time will be between 0800 and 1400UTC. There will also be a chance of long path working on 14MHz during the evening.

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

(G3USF)
 

Tracking Spacecraft Online

Do you use software to track Amateur Radio satellites and other man-made objects orbiting our planet? Well, forget about it! Throw the tracking software in your computer's dumpster and go to Science @ NASA's Satellite Tracking Web site where the tracking is done online. All you need is a Java-capable Web browser to track ham, weather, and search and rescue satellites, as well as the International Space Station, shuttles, the Hubble telescope, etc.

The live three-dimensional tracking Java applet, J-Track 3D, displays over "700 satellites swarming about our earth. You can rotate the display and modify all kinds of settings. The display will also zoom in and out."

This is truly amazing stuff to this writer. Use your mouse to rotate the display to center it on your location, and then use your mouse to shift and click to zoom into your location and see what is orbiting above you. Click on an object in the display and its name and orbit appears.

J-Track is a Java applet that tracks space objects in two dimensions on what looks like a standard Mercator world map projection. Besides providing tracking information, this display also indicates the current grayline, so it is useful to DXers, as well as satellite users.

Did you ever see a light moving across the night sky and wonder if it's an airplane, spacecraft, or even a UFO? Many people enjoy satellite watching as a fun hobby, and you can join them using J-Pass. Using your location and the latest available tracking data, J-Pass predicts the times a satellite will pass overhead and generates a chart showing the path of the craft through your sky. This applet is so user-friendly that you do not have to configure it with your latitude and longitude. Instead, plug in your ZIP code and the applet calculates your coordinates for you.

There are many things to explore on this Web site. I spent hours finding new, neat things to try out and you will, too. I highly recommend it. Thanks to Don Dunn, AB2NM, for suggesting this Web site:  http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime

(Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU  ARRL)
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Sept. 17 2004  Astronaut Completes WAC+ from NA1SS

On Saturday, September 11, astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, became the first International Space Station crew member to contact all seven of the world's continents via Amateur Radio. Fincke worked KC4AAC at Antarctica's Palmer Research Station for his last contact--a bonus continent not required to earn the International Amateur Radio Union's Worked All Continents award. Fincke spoke with ARRL Life Member Chuck Kimball, N0NHJ, of Colorado and a packed radio room during an 8-degree maximum pass over that part of the globe.

"I think the contact caught the interest of most everyone here, and raised everyone's spirits a bit," Kimball remarked afterward, calling it "the highlight of the day."

During their QSO, Fincke and Kimball compared and contrasted life in the two stations, discussed time zone differences and Fincke's ISS fluids experiments. There are several similarities between being aboard the ISS and wintering over in Antarctica. Like Fincke, Kimball and most of his team at Palmer arrived at their station in April and will be leaving in late October.

Kimball says Palmer is the smallest of the three US year-round Antarctic stations. "Most of the activity goes on during the austral summer, with the main thrust starting in October," he said. "For the winter, we have a couple of science support people to monitor and maintain the year-round experiments. The largest research activity here is biology related, so very little goes on during the winter once most of the animals have fled north."

Fincke is believed to be only the third astronaut to work the world's seven continents from space. In 1992, astronauts David Leestma, N5WQC, and Kathryn Sullivan aboard the space shuttle were the most recent when they also worked Palmer Station to complete their list.

Fincke will wrap up his ISS tour in mid-October when the Expedition 10 crew of astronaut Leroy Chiao, KE5BRW, and cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov will relieve them.

(ARRL News Service)
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SIGNALS BOUNCED OF THE GENESIS RE-ENTRY

A group of ham radio operators have successfully bounced signals off the ionized trail of the Genesis space probe.  This, as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on September 8th. According to Robert Brown, KR7O, several stations trying to be heard off  the probes fiery trail were monitored at his QTH from 1552 to 1600 UTC.  Robert reports that all signals heard were on 144.200 MHz in the 2 Meter band.  Among them were KC6ZWT and WA6KLK who were using voice.  There were also others trying to make the path using CW.  K7RO adds that KC6ZWT reported hearing Robert's signal over the same backscatter ionized path.  All of the stations involved in this test were located in California.  (K7RO)

(ARNewsLine)
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New Transponder now Active from Space Station

A new transponder is now operating from on board the International Space Station. The uplink is on 437.800MHz and the downlink is on 145.800MHz. No tone burst or CTCSS is required. If you are getting through you should be able to hear yourself on the downlink.

(RSGB)
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Oct. 8-10 2004  AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting,

The 22nd Annual AMSAT Symposium and Annual Meeting, to be held on October 8-10, 2004, is fast approaching. The symposium committee has an outstanding venue in store for you. You have a few short days to make your reservations to the meeting at the lower prices. After September 8, the registration costs for the Symposium jumps from $35 to $40. If you haven't done this or made your reservation at the Hotel, please do so immediately.

Here are some of the highlights and latest information that we have in store for you. More will be coming soon. Check the AMSAT web site often for the latest details. The web site is located at www.amsat.org

Venue

This year's meeting will be held in Arlington, Virginia. The beauty of this location is that it is directly above Crystal City, where there are hundreds of shops (including radio shack), fast food restaurants, and the Washington Metro system. Metro can take you to the many free attractions in the area.

ARISS Meeting

This years symposium will be held in conjunction with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) international delegates meeting. The ARISS meetings will be held October 10-13. You are welcome to attend any or all of the ARISS meetings. In addition, many of the ARISS team members and international delegates will be attending and presenting at the AMSAT Symposium.

Banquet Speaker

We are pleased to announce that our guest speaker at the banquet will be astronaut Carl Walz. Carl has flown in space 4 times. Two of these missions were Shuttle/SAREX flights. His most recent trip to space was as an Expedition 4 crew member on the ISS. During his stay, Carl and Valery Korzun installed and deployed one of the four ARISS antennas on the ISS during an EVA spacewalk. Carl will discuss his ISS expedition as well as NASA's new Journey to the Moon, Mars & beyond. For more information on Carl Walz, see: http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/walz.html

Prize Drawing

The prizes are starting to roll in. To date, we have an ICOM 910H as one of the grand prizes as well as an SDR-1000/RO, Software Defined Receiver board set from FlexRadio Systems.

Sunday Afternoon Group Tour

The Sunday tour will be to the new hangar facility Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, where you can see hundreds of aircraft and spacecraft including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the world's fastest plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, the Concorde and hundreds of historic airplanes. For more information, see: www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy

Symposium Papers

The proceeding papers are now in printing. I am proud to say that we have over 30 papers in this year's proceedings. This is a significant boost in papers from previous years. As such, we will have some very interesting presentations at the symposium. Some of the presentations in store for you include the latest on Echo and ARISS, the plans for Eagle and P3E, as well as presentations on some of the university-built satellites.

We will also have some great poster/displays. While the poster/displays are still a work in progress, we expect there to be a very interesting Cubesat display that will be set up by Cliff, K7RR.

Final Note

We will have more exciting things to announce in the near future. In the meantime, please get your registration forms in ASAP so we know who will be attending. And frequently visit the symposium web page at the AMSAT web site: www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium

We look forward to seeing all of you at the Symposium this October.

Frank Bauer, KA3HDO and Janet Bauer
AMSAT Symposium Committee Co-Chairs

(RAC News Service)
 

Note: "Hams in Action" is a new area in the bulletin and is in need of articles and stories of events from your local club or ARES Group. Submission to Hams in Action:  Bulletin Editor: va3ku@rac.ca
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Amateur Radio Swings into Action in Storm-Stricken Gulf Region:

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams were ready and waiting as Hurricane Ivan devastated entire sections of the US Gulf Coast early September 16. Packing 115 MPH winds as it made landfall, Ivan zeroed in on the Mobile Bay area of Alabama, but because of its huge girth, the storm wrought widespread death and destruction in the Florida Panhandle and also affected Mississippi. Below-sea-level New Orleans was spared major flooding, however. Alabama Section Emergency Coordinator Jay Isbell, KA4KUN, said ham radio has been helping relief agencies, especially in the hard-hit southernmost counties.

"Right now the adrenaline's still up," he said September 16 of volunteers staffing a statewide ARES communication network--an HF net with liaisons to local repeaters and including all of the state's emergency operations centers. "Most everybody south of us is operating on emergency power."

In Baldwin and Mobile counties--which straddle Mobile Bay--telephone service was out, so ham radio was providing a substantial communication link, Isbell said. "We're giving their messages priority." Most traffic has been logistical--requests for shelter cots, tarpaulins and generators--"but they've also asked for three four-wheel drive vehicles and a helicopter for search and rescue as well as damage assessment," he said.

ARES teams along the Gulf have been providing communication support for the Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief organization. ARES already is assisting with damage assessment activity, for the first time using Global Positioning System units and computerized mapping as an aid.

ARRL Alabama SM Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, praised Isbell's efforts and said he's proud of Alabama's radio amateurs. "Many amateurs stepped up to provide communications and assistance," he said. "Several amateurs traveled to Southern Alabama before Ivan to help get ready for the hurricane." He said others traveled to the Mobile area to help emergency managers "and people they don't even know."

In Northern Florida, Western Panhandle ARES District Emergency Coordinator Bill Hayden, WY8O, reported damage assessment was under way in Okaloosa County, where the storm took out several repeaters and telephone service. In southern Santa Rosa County, massive flooding and several fatalities were reported, and refugees were forced to take shelter. In Escambia County, five shelters and four hospitals sustained storm damage, and several people died. The hurricane destroyed the Interstate 10 bridge connecting Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, cutting off residents and relief workers alike.

At week's end, Northern Florida Section Traffic Manager Dale Sewell, N4SGQ, was working up a list of relief personnel and waiting on how to get them into the affected area. "Having lived in Pensacola for 35 years, I know the complications of being surrounded on so many sides by water," Sewell said. "I just never imagined that all the routes would be cut off simultaneously." He said Escambia County was left virtually without power, which utilities say could take three weeks to restore.

In Mississippi, ARRL SM Malcolm Keown, W5XX, reported that outside of some "significant interference" the West Gulf ARES Net operation went smoothly. Most traffic was tactical, he said, to help the Red Cross with needed equipment and supplies. The net, on 7285 and 3873 kHz, operates in accordance with a memorandum of understanding among the ARRL Louisiana, Mississippi and South Texas sections.

Keown says ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, stepped in to restore the fallen dipole antenna of West Gulf ARES Net National Traffic System Coordinator Carolyn Womack, KC5OZT, who's also North Texas Section Traffic Manager. "He went over and fixed it, and by 4 o'clock she was back on the air, so chalk one up for the ARRL president!" Keown said.

The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) http://www.hwn.org on 14.325 MHz secured operations for Hurricane Ivan September 16, but only to take another breather before an anticipated reactivation for Hurricane Jeanne in a few days. The nearly continuous activations over the past four weeks have taken a toll on HWN members, HWN Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP, told ARRL, and several were affected by storm-related damage.

The HWN coordinates its activities with WX4NHC http://www.wx4nhc.org at the National Hurricane Center to gather real-time ground-level weather data and damage reports from Amateur Radio volunteers in a storm's path and relay these to forecasters. This hurricane season WX4NHC has been taking advantage of IRLP and EchoLink via the new VOIPWX Net http://www.voipwx.net, which also provides streaming audio.

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) http://www.satern.org on 14.265 MHz has been handling health-and-welfare inquiries in the wake of the recent round of hurricanes. The net also handles emergency communications from storm-affected areas. SATERN also takes health-and-welfare inquiries via its Web site.

The National Weather Service was warning areas still in the path of the remnants of Hurricane Ivan that they could be in for heavy rainfall and possible tornadoes.

(ARRL Letter Vol. 23, No. 37 September 17, 2004)
 

Silent Key – Captain Lee E Reisenweber, 57, K3RGD, VP2VE passed away Saturday February 21, 2004 at the San Juan VA Medical Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.  He is interred at Puerto Rico National Cemetery Bayamón, Puerto Rico.  Lee was president of BVI Amateur Radio League, an IARU member first licensed at the age of 12.  During the Vietnam War he served in the United States Marine Corps.  Lee’s family asks that anyone knowing Lee that have pictures or stories they can share or anything of Lee’s the family might want to please send them to D L Borgman, 11111 NE 105th Avenue, Archer, Florida 32618 or email to dlb@borgmangroup.com.
 

North American Sprint--SSB, 0000Z-0400Z Sep 19 www.ncjweb.com

Scandinavian Activity Contest--CW--sponsored by Sveriges Sändareamatörer (SSA), 1200Z Sep 18-1200Z Sep 19 (Phone, 1200Z Sep 25-1200Z Sep 26). Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB (QRP <5 W, LP <100 W, HP), MS, SWL. Exchange: RS(T) + serial number. QSO Points: EU stations--1 pt, Non-EU--1 pt on 20--10, 3 pts on 80-40. Finals score is QSO pts × Scandinavian call areas counted once per band. For more information: www.sk3bg.se/contest/text/sacnsc.txt  Logs due Oct 31 to sac@ssa.se or to SACCW or via postal mail to SACSSB, Jan-Eric Rehn, SM3CER, Lisatået 18, SE-863 32 Sundsbruk, Sweden.

Washington State Salmon Run--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Western Washington DX Club, 1600Z Sep 18-0700Z Sep 19 and 1600Z-2400Z Sep 19. Frequencies: 160-6 meters. Categories: SO (CW, SSB or Mixed Mode, QRP <5 W, LP <200 W, HP), MS, Washington Club Station, Mobile, Washington County DXpedition, SWL. Exchange: RS(T) and S/P/C or county (for WA stations). QSO Points: SSB--2 pts, CW--4 pts. Work Portables and Mobiles from each county, log county line QSOs as 2 separate QSOs. Score: QSO points × WA counties (WA stations use S/P/C + WA counties) counted once only. QSOs with W7DX add 500 bonus points for each mode--total 1000 points. For more information: www.wwdxc.org  Logs due Oct 31 to salmonrun@wwdxc.org or to Western Washington DX Club, PO Box 395, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

South Carolina QSO Party--Phone/CW/Digital--sponsored by the Sumter Amateur Radio Association (SARA), 1300Z Sep 18-2100Z Sep 19, 2004. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.805 and 50 kHz from band edge, Phone--1.845, 3.860, 7.260, 14.270, 21.370, 28.370, 50.125, 144.200, 146.58, 223.50, 446.00. No repeater or cross-band QSOs, work stations again from each county. Categories: SOAB, SC Mobile. Exchange: Serial Number and SC county or S/P/C. QSO Points: Phone--1 pt, CW--2 pts, Digital--3 pts. Score: Total QSO points × power multiplier (<5 W ×5, <150 W ×2, >150 W ×1) × SC counties (counted only once) × SC counties activated (SC Mobile only). 300 bonus points for QSO with N2ZZ or W4GL. For more information: www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2695/SCQSOWeb.htm  Logs due Oct 18 to SAR SC QSO Party Entry, PO Box 193, Sumter, SC 29151-0193.

Mediterranean Islands Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Mediterranean DX Club, from 1200Z Sep 18-1200Z Sep 19. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SO Island Resident, SO and MM Island Dispatch (Expedition), and SO Non- Island; CW, SSB, and Mixed (all categories except MM, Mixed only). Exchange: RST + MIA island number or serial number. QSO Points: Island stations--5 pts, otherwise 1 pt. Score: QSO points × MIA islands counted once per band/mode. For more information: www.mdxc.org/contestmia/rules.htm  Logs due 30 days after the contest to ik8vrn@mdxc.org or via postal mail to Mr. Gianfranco Lai, Corso Umberto I°, 285/G, 80034 Marigliano, Naples, Italy or Gianfranco, PO Box 5, 80034 Marigliano, Naples, Italy.

QCWA Fall QSO Party--Phone/CW/Digital--sponsored by the Quarter Century Wireless Association from 1800Z Sep 18-1800Z Sep 19. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.810, 3.540, 7.035, 14.040, 21.050, 28.050; Phone--1.910, 3.890, 7.244, 14.262, 21.365, 28.325 plus all VHF/UHF bands, no crossband or repeater QSOs. Categories: Mixed, Phone, CW/Digital. 15 QSOs with each station maximum and only one QSO with stations in home QCWA chapter. Exchange: Last two digits of year licensed and QCWA chapter or S/P/C. QSO Points: Phone--1 pt, CW/Digital--2 pts. Score: QSO Points × QCWA chapters + S/P/C counted once per band. W2MM counts as a 3-point multiplier on each band. For more information: http://qcwa.org/2004-qso-party-rules.htm  Send logs to W2od@aol.com or via postal mail to Robert Buus, W2OD, 8 Donner St, Holmdel, NJ 07733-2004.

Fall QRP Homebrewer Sprint--CW/PSK31--sponsored by New Jersey QRP Club, 0000Z-0400Z Sep 27. Frequencies: QRP CW and PSK31 frequencies on 80-10 meters. CW and PSK31 are considered separate bands. Exchange: RST + S/P/C + output power. QSO Points: commercial equipment--2 pts, homebrew xmtr or rcvr--3 pts, homebrew xmtr and rcvr or xcvr--4 pts. Kits okay as homebrew. Power Multiplier: 0>250 mW = ×15, 250 mW>1 W = ×10, 1-5 W = ×7, >5 W = ×1. Score: QSO Points × S/P/C (counted once per band) × power multiplier. For more information: www.njqrp.org/data/qrphomebrewersprint.html Logs due 30 days from the contest to n2cq@arrl.net (text format) or to Ken Newman, N2CQ, 81 Holly Dr, Woodbury, NJ 08096.

QRP Afield--CW/Phone/Digital--sponsored by the New England QRP Club, 1500Z Sep 18-0300Z Sep 19, submit a log for the best 6 hr period of the contest. Frequencies: 160-10 meter QRP calling frequencies, work stations once per band and mode. Categories: SO and MS. Exchange: RS(T), S/P/C, and NE-QRP number or power. QSO Points: HP (>5 W) fixed station--1 pt, HP mobile or portable --2 pts, QRP fixed--5 pts, QRP mobile or portable --10 pts. QSOs with WQ1RP score triple points. Score: QSO points × SPC (counted once only). For more information: www.qsl.net/wq1rp/main.htm  Logs due Oct 15 to k1cl@arrl.net or to Chuck Ludinsky, K1CL, 6 Prancing Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824-1922.

Collegiate QSO Party--CW/SSB/Digital, sponsored by the Collegiate Amateur Radio Association (CARA), 1200Z Sep 18-0400Z Sep 19. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SO, MS, MM, packet spotting is allowed for all categories, no self-spotting. Exchange: Serial number and name of institution (for clubs) or operator (SO). QSO Points: 5 pts/QSO, see Web site for bonuses. Score: QSO points × clubs worked, counted once per band and mode. For more information: www.qth.com/collegiate/qsopartyrules.htm  Logs due Oct 20 to qsoparty@collegiatehams.com or to CARA, PO Box 150232, Alexandria, VA 22315-0232.

CQ Worldwide RTTY DX Contest--sponsored by CQ Magazine from 0000Z Sep 25-2400Z Sep 26. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB (LP, HP>150 W), SOSB, Assisted (AB only), MS (LP, HP), M2, MM. Exchange: RST + CQ Zone (W/VE stations also send state/province). QSO Points: own country--1 pt, different country, same continent--2 pts, diff cont--3 pts. Score: QSO points × S/P/C (incl WAE countries) + CQ Zones counted once per band. For more information: www.cq-amateur-radio.com  Logs due Oct 29 in Cabrillo format to rtty@cqww.com.

Tesla Cup--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Tesla Contest Club from 0000Z Sep 25 - 2400Z Sep 25 (CW) and 0000Z Sep 26 - 2400Z Sep 26 (SSB). Frequencies: 160 - 10 meters. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, SO-Assisted, MS, MM, Club/Team, with QRP (<15 W), LO (<150 W), and HP in all categories. Exchange: 4-digit grid square. QSO Points: SSB--2 pts, CW--3 pts. Work stations once each 24-hour period. Total Score: QSO Points x number of different first three digits of grid (i.e. - FN2, CN8) counted once per band. For more information: www.computeradio.us/TeslaCup.htm  Logs due 14 days after the contest to k3bu@aol.com or Tesla Cup, Box 282, Pine Brook, NJ 07058.

Arkansas QSO Party--CW/SSB/PSK31--sponsored by K1ARK, from 1400Z Sep 25-0600Z Sep 26 and 1800Z Sep 26-0200Z Sep 27. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.550, 7.050, 14.050, 21.050, 28.050; Phone--3.980, 7.260, 14.260, 21.360, 28.360, 145-147; PSK--3.580, 7.070, 14.070, 21.080, 28.120. Categories: SO, MS, Mobile, HP, LP, QRP, PSK. Exchange: RST, state or province or AR county, DX stations send "DX." QSO Points: PSK--3 pts, CW--2 pts, SSB--1 pt. Mobile stations may be worked each time the station changes counties. Score: QSO points × AR counties (AR station also count states and provinces) + bonuses for QSOs with W5YM (25 pts per band/mode) and AR ARRL-affiliated club stations (10 pts counted only once). For more information: www.arkan.us Logs due 30 days after the contest to k1ark@arrl.net or to Bill Smith, K1ARK, 3032 Strawberry Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

Texas QSO Party--CW/Phone/Digital--sponsored by Northwest Amateur Radio Society (NARS), 1400Z Sep 25-0200Z Sep 26 and 1400Z-2000Z Sep 26. Frequencies (MHz): CW--40 to 60 kHz above bottom of band, Phone--25 kHz above edge of General segments and 28.300-28.500, VHF--50.2, 144.2. Categories: Fixed Stns--SO-Mixed (HP and QRP <5 W CW, <10 W Phone), SO-CW, MO; Mobile (Texas Only)--SO-Mixed, SO-CW, MO. Exchange: RST + TX County or S/P/C or MM region. QSO Points: Phone--2 pts, CW/Digital--3 pts. Score: QSO points × TX counties (TX stations add S/P/C). Multipliers counted only once. Add 500 points for every 5 counties from which a specific TX Mobile is worked. Texas mobiles add one thousand (1000) points to final score for every county activated with five or more QSOs. For more information:www.txqp.org  Logs due Oct 31 to k5cx@arrl.net or via postal mail to Texas QSO Party Committee, 16880 East Maglitto Cir, Tomball, TX 77377-8414.

Alabama QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by the Central Alabama HF/VHF Contesting Club, 1800Z-2400Z Sep 27. Frequencies: 160-70 cm, SSB, CW, and FM contacts count separately. Categories: SO, MS, Rover, QRP (<5 W), LP (< 200 W), HP. Exchange: RST and S/P/C. Work Rover stations in each county. QSO Points: 1 pt/QSO. Scoring: AL stations--QSOs × states + AL counties + DXCC entities counted once per band. Non-AL stations--QSOs × AL counties counted once per band. For more information: http://web.dbtech.net/~dxcc/page0004.htm  Logs due 30 days after the contest to dxcc@dbtech.net or via postal mail to Alabama QSO Party, 4525 Eastern Hills Ln, Cottondale, AL 35453.

Classic Exchange (CX), 1300Z Sep 26-0700Z Sep 27, concurrent with AM International AM Discovery Weekend whose QSOs count for CX score. Frequencies (Mc): CW: 1.810, 3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.135, 28.180, AM: 1.890, 3.880, 7.290, 14.286, 21.420, 29.000, SSB: 3.870, 7.280, 14.270, 21.370, 28.490. Exchange RST, QTH, RX, TX, AMI number if available (AM only). QSO Points: 1 pt/QSO. Total Score: QSOs × (number of TX and RX worked + S/P/C counted once per band) × CX multiplier (age of all RX TX and XCVR used for at least 3 QSOs). For more information:http://qsl.asti.com/CX  Send logs to wq8u@arrl.net or to J. D. "Mac" Mac Aulay, WQ8U, 6235 Wooden Shoe Ln, Centerville, OH 45459.
 
 

Luray, VA: Richmond Amateur Radio Club, K4R. 1000Z Sep 18-1600Z Sep 19. Richmond Amateur Radio Club Fall Expedition Event. 14.245 7.245 3.845 144.190 50.190. QSL. Richmond Amateur Radio Club Fall Expedition Event, PO Box 35279, Richmond, VA 23235. www.rarclub.net

Waterloo, AL: Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club, W4JNB. 1400Z Sep 18-0200Z Sep 19. Commemorating the 1838 Indian "Trail of Tears" in SE USA. 21.360 14.260 7.260 3.860. Certificate. MSARC, PO Box 3782, Muscle Shoals, AL 35662.

Fredricksburg, TX: North Texas Renewable Energy Group ARC, W5S. 0000Z Sep 23-2359Z Sep 26. Club will operate a solar powered station at TRE Roundup. 28.400 21.320 14.270 7.260. Certificate. Greg Hall, 18011 Old Preston Ct, Dallas, TX 75252.

Lancaster, PA: Lancaster Area Amateurs, WA3WSJ. Sep 24-Sep 26. Keystone International Balloon Festival. SSB and CW 80 40 20 15m PSK31. QSL. Edward R. Breneiser, WA3WSJ, 775 Moonflower Ave, Reading, PA 19606-3447. www.wa3wsj.com/files/WA3WSJevents.html

Eldon, MO: Lake of the Ozarks Amateur Radio Club, W0W. 1600Z-2200Z Sep 25. Early Days Power and Tractor Show. 28.400 21.340 14.240 7.240. Certificate. John Baremore, KC0CRO, 182 Bear Paw Cr, Camdenton, MO 65020.

Otsego, MI: Allegan County Amateur Radio Club, KC8ITU. 1200Z-1700Z Sep 25. 17th Annual Art Festival. 21.335 14.235 7.235. Certificate. ACARC, David Catalano, N8KQS, 3324 Pine Tree Dr, Allegan, MI 49010.

West Chester (Cincinnati), OH: West Chester Amateur Radio Assocation, WC8VOA. 1200Z-2400Z Sep 25. 60th Anniversary of Voice of America-Bethany Dedication. 28.305 21.305 14.275 7.275. QSL. WC8VOA, PO Box 913, West Chester, OH 45071. http://www.wc8voa.org

Springfield, IL: Sangamon Valley Radio Club, W9DUA. 1600Z Sep 25-2000Z Sep 26. 3rd Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. 14.280 14.250. QSL. Sangamon Valley Radio Club, 1025 S Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62703. www.w9dua.com

Tulsa, OK: Tulsa Amateur Radio Club, W5IAS. Sep 25. From Chandler Park, celebrating 80 years of service to the Tulsa area Amateur Radio community. 10 15 20m. Certificate. Tulsa ARC, 3701 Stevens Ave, Sand Springs, OK 74063. www.w5ias.com

Fairmount, IN: Grant County Amateur Radio Club, W9EBN. 1500Z-2200Z Sep 25. James Dean Country Where Cool Was Born and Car Show. 146.79 28.430 14.243 7.244. Certificate. L. B Nickerson, 517 N Hendricks Ave, Marion, IN 46952. www.grantarc.com

Milton, ON, Canada: Mississauga Amateur Radio Club, VC3HCR. 1400-2000Z daily Sep 25 and Sep 26. 50th Anniversary of Halton County Radial Railway Museum. 28.480 21.315 14.240 7.227. Certificate. MARC, c/o Michael Brickell, VE3TKI, 2801 Bucklepost Cres, Mississauga, ON L5N 1X6 Canada. www.marc.on.ca. Non-Canadians, send 2 IRCs or Green Stamps to cover postage.

Springfield, MO: Southwest Missouri Amateur Radio Club, W0EBE. 1500Z-2300Z Sep 25. Vote for your favorite grilled picnic meat! 14.300. Certificate. Erik Weaver, N0EW, 4857 E Farm Rd 136, Springfield, MO 65809. www.smarc.org/k0g
 
 

Sept. 16 2004 ARLD037 DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by EA2RY, NC1L, UT3UZ, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

SIERRA LEONE, 9L.  Zbig, 9L1BTB has been QRV on 20 meters around 2200z.  QSL via SP7BTB.

MADEIRA ISLANDS, CT3.  Look for EA2RU, EA2BXV and EA2RY to be QRV as CT9R from September 20 to 30.  This includes an entry in the upcoming CQ RTTY contest.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using mainly the digital modes, with some SSB.  QSL direct to EA2RY.

LIBERIA, EL.  Pat, EI5IF is currently with the Irish Army contingent and is licensed as EL2PM.  QSL via operator's instructions.

TAJIKISTAN, EY.  Nodir, EY8MM has been QRV using RTTY around 1500z. QSL via K1BV.

LIECHTENSTEIN, HB0.  Andy, LY2BVB will be QRV as HB0/LY2BVB from September 20 to 23.  Activity will be on 80, 40, 20 and 15 meters using CW and SSB, although limited since he is on holiday.  QSL to home call.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Voytek is QRV as HF0QF for one year from the Polish base Henryk Arctowski on King George Island.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via SP7IWA.

JAPAN, JA.  Look for Kenji, JA4GXS/4 to be QRV from Otsu Island, IOTA AS-117, on September 19 and 20.  Activity will be on 80, 40, 30, 20 and 15 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL to home call.

SVALBARD, JW.  JW7QI and JW8AW are QRV from Spitsbergen Island, IOTA EU-026.  Activity is on 80, 40, 30, 20 and possibly 15 meters.  They plan to be QRV as JW8D during the Scandinavian Activity CW contest. QSL JW7QI via LA7QI, JW8AW via LA8AW and JW8D via LA7QI.

NETHERLAND ANTILLES, PJ2.  Look for Metro DX Club's Team Bonaire 2004 members K9MDO, N2WB and W9ILY to be QRV as PJ4/homecalls from Bonaire from September 22 to 29.  Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using primarily CW, SSB and RTTY.  QSL PJ4/K9MDO via W9NJB, PJ4/N2WB via N2OO and PJ4/W9ILY to home call.

SUDAN, ST.  Dane, ST2T is QRV for two to three months.  QSL via S57DX.

EGYPT, SU.  Gab, HA3JB will be QRV as SU8BHI from September 21 to October 12.  He will be active on all bands using CW, RTTY, SSTV, PSK and some SSB during many of the major upcoming contests.  QSL to home call.

TURKEY, TA.  Berkin, TA3J is QRV as TC2K4J from Antalya from September 24 to November 2 in memory of the 40 Silent Keys of the Turkish Radio Amateurs.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including 2 meters and the newer bands, using all modes.  QSL direct via TA3YJ.

GABON, TR.  Dimitri, F5SWB is QRV in his spare time as TR8DF while working here.  Activity is on all bands using CW.  QSL to home call.

UKRAINE, UR.  The Ukrainian State Centre of Radio Frequencies club station will be QRV as EM0ITU from September 20 to 24 in conjunction with the ITU workshop that will be held in Kiev.  QSL via UT3UZ.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, VP5.  Look for Dave, AH6HY to be QRV as VP5/AH6HY from Salt Cay, IOTA NA-003, in the Turks Islands group
from September 23 to October 2.  Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters, using only SSB.  QSL to home call.

MACEDONIA, Z3.  Zoli, HA1CA is QRV as Z38C for the next two years. QSL via HA1RS.

TOKELAU ISLANDS, ZK3.  Chris, ZK3DX is generally QRV on 20 to 10 meters, including 17 and 12 meters using SSB.  His length of stay is unknown.  QSL via EB2AYV.

Operations approved for DXCC credit:  Timor-Leste, 4W4JEG, from October 7, 2003 to June 30, 2004; Afghanistan, T6RF, from July 1, 2004 to August 31, 2004; and Chad, TT8KR, from September 7, 2004 to September 14, 2004.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The North American SSB Sprint, ARRL 10 GHZ and Up Contest, SARL VHF/UHF Contest, Fall QRP Homebrewer
CW/PSK31 Sprint, Scandinavian Activity CW Contest, Collegiate QSO Party, Mediterranean Islands Award Contest, South Carolina QSO Party, QRP Afield, Washington State Salmon Run, QCWA Fall QSO Party and the 144 MHz Fall Sprint will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see September QST, pages 97 and 98, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(ARRL)
__________

Sept. 18 2004  4 2 5  D X  N E W S

7X  - 7W0AD is the callsign issued to the group of Spanish operators for their 2-9 October activity form ALgeria [425DXN 698]. QSL via EA4URE. [TNX EA5KY]

EA  - Jose Manuel, EA4AAA will operate as EA4AAA/EA5/m from the lighthouse at Cabo de Huertas (ARLHS SPA-016, E-0166 for the Spanish lighthouses award) on 18 September starting around 15 UTC. All of the QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. [TNX GM3VLB]

EL  - EL2PM is the callsign issued to Pat, EI5IF [425DXN 682]. He will remain in Liberia for another three months. [TNX F5NQL]

FO  - Unfavourable weather conditions caused Nando/IT9YRE, Claudio/I1SNW and Alfio/IT9EJW to put off their departure for Hereheretue (OC-052) until 17 September at 6 a.m. Tahiti time. The voyage will take about 48 hours and now they  expect to arrive around 15 UTC on 19 September. [TNX KB5GL]

HB0 - Andy, LY2BVB will operate (on 80, 40, 20 and 15 metres CW and SSB) as HB0/LY2BVB from Liechtenstein on 20-23 September. QSL via bureau to
LY2BVB. [TNX HA0HW]

I   - Gianni, IZ8CGS will be active from Lampedusa Island (AF-019, IIA AG-001, MIA MI-126) on 23-26 September. QSl via IK8VRN. [TNX IZ8CGS]

I   - IY4FGM, the station at the Guglielmo  Marconi Foundation at Pontecchio, will be activated during the Italian HF-DX Convention next weekend (www.ari-bo.it). QSL via IK4UPU.

JA  - Look for JQ6GXP/6 to operate from Kami-Koshiki Island (AS-037, JIIA AS-037-003) from around 8 UTC on 18 September until 23 UTC on the 19th. He will the go and operate from Shimo-Koshiki (AS-037, JIIA AS-037-007) until 21 September. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX JI6KVR]

JA  - Steve, K7USJ will be active (on 40-6 metres CW and SSB, as well as FM on 29.300 MHz) as 7J1AIL/JR6 from Iriomote, Yaeyama Islands AS-024) from 29 September through 2 October. QSL via K7USJ (direct) or 7J1AIL (direct or bureau). [TNX K7USJ]

JW  - LA7QI (JW7QI) and LA8AW (JW8AW) will be active from Spitsbergen (EU-026) until 20 September. QSL via home calls. They will participate in the Scandinavian Activty Contest CW as JW8D (QSL via LA7QI).

S7  - Marco/HB9OCR, Piera/HB3YIY and possibly others will operate (on the HF bands SSB, 80 metres excluded) as S79MH from Praslin Island (AF-024), Seychelles from 24 October to 6 November, CQ WW DX SSB Contest included. QSL via HB9OCR. [TNX HB9OCR]

SM  - The SI9AM station (http://www.qsl.net/si9am) will be activated will be activated during the SAC CW (18-19 September, by SM3EAE, SM3FJF and probably  other SM3s) and SSB (25-26 September, by DF6JC and DL1EJS). QSL via SM3CVM, direct or bureau. [TNX SM3CVM]

TA  - Berkin, TA3J will operate as TC2K4J from 24 September to 2 November. This special activity will commemorate forty silent-key operators from Turkey. QSL via TA3YJ, direct (no green stamps, please) or bureau. Further information can be found at http://www.geocities.com/tc2k4j [TNX TA3YJ]

TR  - The Daily DX reports that Dimitri, F5SWB is going to spend two months in Gabon and plans to operate as TR8DF on all bands CW during his spare time. QSL via home call, direct or bureau.

UA  - Victor, RV3YR and other operators from the Fifth Ocean Flight ARC and the Brjanskij Radio Club are active as UE3YGA and UE3YGA/p from various Russian Districts in Brjansk region until 20 September. QSL via RV3YR (Victor Borodin, P.O. Box 1, Bryansk-27, 241027 Russia). [TNX RV3YR]

W   - Chuck, ND7K will be active (mostly on 20 metres SSB and CW, with some 40m) as ND7K/P from Bailey Island (NA-137) from 18 UTC on 19 September to 16 UTC on the 20th. This will his last visit to the island this year. [TNX www.islandchaser.com]

GOOD TO KNOW

AUSTRALIAN POSTAL RATES ---> "All DXers should be aware that Australian postal rates increased by 10% starting 6th September 2004", Alan Roocroft, VK4AAR reports. "Please make allowances for this when enclosing reply postage. Also, it is not a good idea to attach Australian stamps to your SAE because 95% of DXers get the wrong series of stamps and the wrong value. Please let us do it ourselves. We know the system best and it is different to most countries".

CDXC ---> At the recent annual general meeting of Chiltern DX Club, The UK DX Foundation (www.cdxc.org.uk), the following committee was elected: Neville Cheadle/G3NUG (President), John Butcher/G3LAS (Chairman), Peter Hart/G3SJX (Secretary), Nigel Cawthorne/G3TXF (Treasurer), Martyn Phillips/G3RFX (Digest Editor), Jim Kellaway/G3RTE, David Gould/G3UEG, Mark Haynes/M0DXR (Committee members). CDXC has recently made an Award of Merit to the 3B9C team. The Award of Merit programme enables CDXC, on behalf of the UK amateur community, to give recognition to deserving amateurs "For outstanding and unselfish contributions to the field of HF amateur radio and DXing". Recent winners are: 2001 D68C Comoro Islands, 1999 ZL9CI Campbell Island, 1998 9M0C Spratly Island and 1997 VK0IR Heard Island DXpeditions. [TNX G3XTT]

DX MAGAZINE MOST WANTED SURVEY ---> The DX Magazine's annual Most Wanted Survey is being conducted now through 31 October. The survey form is available at http://www.dxpub.com/dx_survey2004.html and the overall results will be published in early 2005. [TNX N4AA]

DXCC NEWS ---> The following operations have been approved for DXCC credit:
4W4JEG   Timor-Leste        7 October 2003 - 30 June 2004
T6RF     Afghanistan            1 July - 31 August 2004
TT8KR    Chad                   7-14 September 2004.

EUCW CONTEST ---> The first contest organized by the Club Francophone Telegraphiste will take place on 11 November from 5 to 15 UTC. Full information is available at http://www.on5cft.be.tf/ [TNX F5NQL]

EU SPRINT CONTESTS ---> The two Autumn events will be held on 20, 40 and 80 metres only from 15.00 UTC until 18.59 UTC on 2 October (Autumn SSB, managed by I2UIY) and 9 October (Autumn CW, managed by OK2FD) Full details (free software included) can be found at http://www.qsl.net/eusprint

GM SPECIAL CONTEST CALLS ---> Jurij, MM0DFV (http://www.scotham.net) provides the list of the current special contest callsigns (with their
relevant QSL route) used by Scottish amateur radio clubs:
GM0B    MM0BHX         GM4V    MM0FVC         GM7V    M0CMK GM0F    M0CMK          GM5A    GM3YTS         GM8W    GM4XZZ
GM0G    MM0SLB         GM5C    GM0DEQ         MM0Q    MM0BQI GM2T    GM4UYZ         GM5V    GM3UTQ         MM2R    MM1AUF
GM2Z    MM0DFV         GM7M    MM0ERK         MM7I    GM3GBZ GM3W    GM3JKS         GM7R    MM1AUF

NCDXF ---> At its Board of Directors meeting on 11 September, the Northern California DX Foundation re-elected the following officers and directors: Len Geraldi/K6ANP (President), Al Burnham/K6RIM (Vice President), Tom McShane/NW6P (Secretary), Bruce Butler/W6OSP (Trasurer), Rusty Epps/W6OAT, Dave Pugatch/KI6WF, Chuck Ternes/N6OJ, Glenn Vinson/W6OTC, Steve Merchant/K6AW, Ken Anderson/K6TA and Tim Totten/N4GN (Directors). Information pertaining to the Northern California DX Foundation is available at http://www.ncdxf.org/ [TNX K6RIM]

QSL 8J1RL ---> The QSL cards for contacts made with Syowa Station (AN-015, JA-02 for the Antarctica Award) from February 2004 to January 2005 will be forwarded to JARL Bureau in April 2005 after the operators return to Japan. On-line logs at http://www.jarl.or.jp/English/4_Library/A-4-7_8j1rl/frame.htm

UKRAINIAN DX CONTEST ---> Sponsored by the Ukrainian Contest Club (UCC) and the Ukrainian  Amateur Radio League (UARL), it will take place on
60-10 metres (WARC bands excluded) CW, SSB and RTTY, from 12 UTC on 6 November through 12 UTC on the 7th. Full rules are available at http://urcc.com.ua/ [TNX F5NQL]

+ SILENT KEY + Captain Lee E. Reisenweber, K3RGD/VP2VE passed away on 21 February at the San Juan VA Medical Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is
interred at Puerto Rico National Cemetery Bayamon. First licensed at the age of 12, Lee was president of the BVI Amateur Radio League. During the Vietnam War he served in the United States Marine Corps. Lee's family asks that anyone knowing Lee that have pictures or stories they can share to please send them to D. L. Borgman, 11111 NE 105th Avenue, Archer, Florida 32618, USA or email to dlb@borgmangroup.com

__________

Sept.  2004  I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

18/09/2004:  AS-003  4S7DUG  SRI LANKA -
JQ3DUE/4S7DUG, will lead a group of Japanese hams to Sri Lanka (AS-003) between September 18th and 25th. Activity will be on 160 through 6 meters, with emphasis on the lower bands. They have planned to run 4 stations all day long. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

18/09/2004:  AS-134  BA1RB/3  HEBEI/TIANJIN PROVINCE GRP -
After 4 years of silence, the Hebei/Tianjin Province Group (AS-134) will be activated by Fan Bin, BA1RB, between September 18th and 20th, as BA1RB/3. Activity will be on 20 through 10 meters, including the WARC bands. Modes will include RTTY and PSK31. Operations will be 40-48 hours depending on the weather and tide conditions. Antennas will be two sets of 2 element yagis (for 20-10 meters. w/WARC bands), a vertical and dipole. BA1RB's planned schedule (may vary due to propagation) is:
Local Time       Band
Evening, 18th     17m
Morning, 19th     12m and 10m
Evening, 19th     20m
Morning, 20th     15m
ADDED NOTE: If possible, they may test 160/80m at sunset.QSL via EA7FTR. [Tnx OPDX]

18/09/2004:  FEA:E-0166  EA4AAA/EA5/M  CABO DE HUERTAS LIGHTHOUSE -
Jose, EA4AAA, plans to be QRV September 18th, starting approximately 15:00 UTC, from Cabo de Huertas Lighthouse using the call EA4AAA/EA5/m. This light was built from a moorish coastal tower, so it is also valid for the Spanish Castle Award and Spanish Historical Monuments Award. The references are: FEA E-0166 (Spanish Lighthouses Award); ARLHS SPA-016 Faro de Cabo de Huertas, Torre de la Alcodra; DMHE MA-063 (Spanish Historical Monuments Award); DCECA-091 (Spanish Castles Award) and DCCV CVA-091 (Castles of the Valencian Community Award). Note: Bureau members do not send QSLs. Jose will send them through the URE bureau 15 days after the activity. Non members, send direct to his home call with SASE and IRC or sufficient funds to cover the postage. [Tnx EA4AAA]

18/09/2004:  DFCF:45012  F5JNE/P  CASTLE OF MUGUET -
Francois (F5JNE) and Claude (F5MCC) will be QRV September 18, 2004, as F5JNE/p from the Castle of Muguet (DFCF reference 45012, for the French Castles Award), City of Breteau (Zip Code 45250, DDCF 4505, Dept 45). Activity will be on 40 meter CW and SSB, starting around 06:00 UTC. QSL via F5JNE, direct or bureau. SWL cards are welcome. [Tnx F5NQL]

18/09/2004:  AS-037  JQ6GXP/6  KAMI-KOSHIKI ISLAND -
Look for JQ6GXP/6 to be QRV from Kami-Koshiki Island (IOTA AS-037, JIIA AS-037-003) from around 08:00 UTC September 18th until 23:00 UTC September 19th. He will then go and operate from Shimo-Koshiki (IOTA AS-037, JIIA AS-037-007) until 21 September. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

18/09/2004:  KC2EVO/P  MARYLAND LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE -
Bob, KC2EVO, plans to be active in the Maryland Lighthouse Challenge September 18th and 19th. He will try to put as many lighthouses on the air as he can. There are 10 lighthouses that will be open for the Challenge. Activity will be on 20 and 40 meters (usual lighthouse frequencies), between 12:30 and 22:00 UTC both days. QSL via home call, direct with SASE / SAE plus sufficient postage or IRC. [Tnx KC2EVO]

18/09/2004:  DFCF:94014  TM5FKB  FORT KREMLIN BICETRE -
On September 18 and 19 the French Army Fort of the Kremlin Bicetre (DFCF 94014), Canton of the Kremlin-Bicetre (DDCF 9416), City of Kremlin Bicetre (Zip Code 94272, Dept 94), will be open for visit to all people. The Radio room will be open too and the special call TM5FKB, will be active on 40 meter SSB (CW by request; ask in SSB and a new CW-QSO will be made on the same frequency). A 2 meter station will be operational also. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx F5NQL]

18/09/2004:  RDA:MO-44  UE3DZS  SERPUKHOV CITY -
Special event station UE3DZS will be active September 18 - 25, 2004, from Serpukhov City (RDA reference MO-44, for the Russian Districts Award), Moscowskaya oblast (MO). QSL via direct or bureau. [Tnx RX3RC]

18/09/2004:  OC-173  VK4PY/8  MELVILLE ISLAND -
Gary, VK4PY, will activate Melville Island (VK8, IOTA OC-173) in his spare time. He has just moved there with work committments for the next few weeks. He will be very busy there driving bulldozers but has taken rig and a couple of antennae. He will operate only SSB. QSL direct to VK4FW (QRZ.com). [Tnx VK4FW]

19/09/2004:  EU-057  DD6VSF/P  HIDDENSEE ISLAND -
Sven, DD6VSF, will be active September 19th to 26th as DD6VSF/p from Hiddensee Island (EU-057, GIA O-05 for the German Islands Award). Activity will be SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via home call, direct (QRZ.com) or via the bureau. Further information can be found at: http://iota.uni-humbug.de/ [Tnx DD6VSF]

19/09/2004:  OC-052  FO/H.C.'s  HEREHERETUE ATOLL -
Look for Claudio - I1SNW, Alfio - IT9EJW and Nando - IT9YRE to be QRV September 19 - 21, 2004, as FO/home call from Hereheretue Atoll (IOTA OC-052, DIFO FO-045). They will concentrate on working Europe between 06:30 and 12:30 UTC on 20 meters. QSL direct to home calls. [Tnx 425DXN]

19/09/2004:  DCI: PE-012  IK6IOQ/P  CASTLE OF NOCCIANO -
Marco, IK6IOQ, will be QRV September 19th as IK6IOQ/p from the Castle of Nocciano (DCI reference PE-012, for the Italian Castles Award). Activity will be on 40 and 20 meter SSB, from 08:30 to 10:00 UTC. The Castle of Nocciano is located in the Region of Abruzzo, Province of Pescara (PE). QSL via F1DZF, through the REF bureau. Direct QSL via: Marco Della Cagna, Via Monti Simbruini N. 2, 65125 - Pescara, Italy. [Tnx IK6IOQ]

19/09/2004:  AS-117  JA4GXS/4  OTSU ISLAND -
Kenji, JA4GXS, will be active as JA4GXS/4 from the Otsu Island (IOTA AS-117, JIIA AS-117-110), September 19th (0800z) to September 20th (2300z). Activity will be 80, 40, 30, 20 and 15 meter CW and SSB. QSL via the bureau or direct to: Kenji Sasaki, 2-15 Ishikannon-cho, Yamaguchi, 753-0038 Japan. [Tnx OPDX]

19/09/2004:  SCO-130  MM0DQP/P  LONGMAN POINT LIGHTHOUSE -
Erik, MM0DQP/p, hopefully will try to activate Longman Point lighthouse (ARLHS SCO-130) September 19th at about 15:00 UTC. Activity will be on or about 14.265 MHz, using an Icom706 and G5RV antenna. QSL via home call. Please note that this operation is very weather dependent. [Tnx MM5AJW]

19/09/2004:  NA-137  ND7K/P  BAILEY ISLAND -
Chuck, ND7K, will QRV 18:00 UTC September 19 until 16:00 UTC September 20 as ND7K/p from Bailey Island (IOTA NA-137, USI ME-022S, Cumberland county), Maine. Activity will mainly be on 20 meter SSB and CW, with some 40 meters. This will be ND7K's last visit to Bailey Island this year. QSL via home call, SASE or SAE plus postage. [Tnx ND7K]

19/09/2004:  AF-023  S92LZ  LATITUDE ZERO EQUATORIAL CHALLENGE -
Jorge, CT1EFV, will be a part of Latitude Zero Equatorial Challenge 2004. This challenge is humanitarian (they will be carrying medicines to deliver to the mission of the AMI), cultural (they will recoup a Portuguese school, deliver 6000 Portuguese books to the library of Sao Tome and also open new roads to impassable parts of the Island. Half of the team will make use of local communications (VHF, telephones and satellite) while Jorge will be operating the HF bands as S92LZ from the Island of Sao Tome (IOTA AF-023) between September 19 and 26, 2004, providing coditions and logistics allow. He will use a Kenwood TS50S, mounted on board a Land Rover, and will make use of G5RV antennas. QSL via CT1EFV (QRZ.com). [Tnx CT1EFV]

19/09/2004:  EU-067  SV8/H.C.'s  MYKONOS -
Look for SV8/ON4BB, SV8/ON5JE and SV8/ON5KH to be QRV September 19 to 21, 2004, from Mykonos (IOTA EU-067, MIA MG-074). QSL home calls, preferably through the bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

20/09/2004:  AF-014  CT9R  MADEIRA ISLAND -
Look for Ramon EA2RU, Iñigo EA2BXV and Roberto EA2RY to be QRV betwen September 20th and 30th as CT9R from Madeira Island (IOTA AF-014, DIP MA-001, Grid IM12). Activity will be on 80 through 10 meter SSB and mainly in digital modes. They will also participate in the CQ WW RTTY Contest. Qsl via EA2RY, direct or bureau. [Tnx EA2RY]

20/09/2004:  AS-037  JQ6GXP/6  SHIMO-KOSHIKI ISLAND -
Look for JQ6GXP/6 to be QRV September 20-21st from Shimo-Koshiki Island (IOTA AS-037, JIIA AS-037-007). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

21/09/2004:  EU-120  GB2LI  LUNDY ISLAND -
The Chippenham and District Amateur Radio Club will be QRV September 21st to 28th as GB2LI from Lundy Island (EU-120). Activity will be CW and SSB on all HF bands, plus possibly 6 and 2 meters as well. QSL via G3YBT. [Tnx 425DXN]

22/09/2004:  SA-004  HC1/EA9CP  ISLA SAN CRISTOBAL -
Tono, EA9CP, will be QRV September 22 to October 2, 2004 as either HC1/EA9CP or HC1CB from Isla San Cristobal (IOTA SA-004). QSL via EA9CP (QRZ.com). [Tnx OPDX]

22/09/2004:  SA-006  PJ4/H.C.'s  BONAIRE -
Bob K9MDO, Bill N2WB and John W9ILY will operate as PJ4/homecall from Bonaire (SA-006) between September 22nd and 29th. Activity will be on 80 through 10 meter SSB, CW and RTTY. Look for PJ4/W9ILY to participate in the CQ/RJ DX RTTY Contest. QSL PJ4/K9MDO via W9NJB (direct) or home call (bureau), QSL PJ4/N2WB via N2OO, QSL PJ4/W9ILY via home call. [Tnx 425DXN]

23/09/2004:  AF-019  IG9/IZ8CGS  LAMPEDUSA ISLAND -
Gianni, IK8VRN, will be active September 23 - 26, 2004, as IG9/IZ8CGS from Lampedusa Island (IOTA AF-019, IIA AG-001, MIA MI-126). QSL via home call, direct or via the bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

23/09/2004:  EU-053  OJØYC  MARKET REEF -
Members of the World Wide Young Contesters (WWYC) plan to activate Market Reef (EU-053) as OJ0YC between September 23rd and 26th. The team of operators include SM3WMV (Mike), OZ1AA (Thomas), KU5B (Colin) OH6GDX (Pat) at the moment. The DXpeditions goal is to be a multiplier in the Scandinavian Activity SSB Contest (Sep 25-26th), and to be on the air as a serious competing station too. They will also work a bit of RTTY during the contest the same weekend, but the main focus will be on the SAC SSB. Apart from HF, OH6GDX will mainly be focusing on working 2 meters (maybe also 70cm). Activity on 2m will be at least on the FSK441a, CW, SSB, FM modes. Mike promised to work some 6m QSOs too. QSL via OH6GDX: Patrik Willfor, Langviksgatan 24 B13, FI - 65100 Vasa, Finland. [Tnx OPDX]

24/09/2004:  NA-213  W4D  DAUPHIN ISLAND -
Members of the Tennessee Valley DX Association (TVDXA) will activate Dauphin Island (IOTA NA-213, USI AL-002S, Mobile county Alabama) using the call W4D. They plan to be QRV about 19:00 UTC on Friday September 24, 2004, and will go QRT sometime on Monday September 27, 2004. The group will use 100w transceivers with various antennas and plan to be active on 80 through 10 meters SSB. Operators mentioned are: Barbarra - WA4RMC, Kathy - W4KRY, Lynn - KOMAI, Tom - K4VCM, Greg - WA4NFO, Kenny - AB4GG, Tommie - K4KWK and Paul - WA4AA. QSL via WA4AA (sase) or bureau. A W4D (www.w4d.us) website will be available to view the current status. Please direct inquires to wa4aa@arrl.net . [Tnx WA4AA]

25/09/2004:  USA-168  KI4BBK/P  CHESAPEAKE LIGHT TOWER -
Bill, KI4BBK (ARLHS member number 948) will be QRV September 25, 2004, (16:00-18:00 UTC) from the Chesapeake Light Tower (ARLHS reference USA-168), Virginia. The Primary frequency will be 14.270 MHz, but he will also try 18.145, 21.370 and 28.370 MHz as conditions permit. QSL via home call, direct with #10 sized SASE or SAE with sufficient postage. [Tnx KI4BBK]

25/09/2004:  NA-066  WA6WPG/P  SANTA BARBARA ISLAND -
Tom, WA6WPG, will be active September 25 and 26, 2004, as WA6WPG/p from Santa Barbara Island (IOTA NA-066, USI CA-010S) and lighthouse (WLHA LH-0258, ARLHS USA-736) located in Santa Barbara county, California. Tom will use solar panels and two large batteries and he expects to be able to run 100 watts both days on 80 through 10 meter SSB and CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

25/09/2004:  SA-086  XR2G  GAVIOTAS ISLAND -
Members of Atacama Desert Dx Group and Radio Club La Serena will be active September 25 and 26, 2004, as XR2G from Gaviotas Island (SA-086) to commemorate the 40th IOTA Aniversary. This will be a multi-mode and band operation, 80 through 10 meters, including WARC bands, using CW, SSB, BPSK31, RTTY and SSTV. Further information will be available on their web site, which is currently under construction. [Tnx XQ1IDM]

26/09/2004:  EU-001  J45DX & J45HW  RHODES -
Laci HA0HW (J45HW), Tomi HA4DX (J45DX) and a third HA operator will be active September 26th to October 3rd from Rhodes (IOTA EU-001, MIA MGD-028). Activity will be on 40 through 10 meter CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

26/09/2004:  TM9POR  TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN MEZIERES -
The annual Open Doors for Telecommunications in Mezieres (Ardennes) (North of France, near the Belgian border) will take place September 26, 2004. Look for the special call TM9POR to be active on HF, VHF and UHF, using SSB, CW, ATV, SSTV, APRS and Packet. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx F5NQL]

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
 

'More Than Just BPL!' League Kicks Off 2005 Spectrum Defense Campaign:

The ARRL this week kicked off its 2005 Spectrum Defense Fund campaign with the slogan "more than just BPL!" ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, says that while interference from BPL--broadband over power line--technology is the most prominent and immediate threat to amateur spectrum, generous donations from ARRL members and supporters make it possible for the League to face it and other spectrum challenges. Haynie says that not all of ARRL's advocacy efforts necessarily involve taking defensive measures, such as with BPL, but all of them are essential.

"Forty meters, Little LEOs some years back, the work that the League's Technical Relations Office in Washington does--all this makes the spectrum available to us," Haynie said. "And without spectrum, the license that we have in our pocket or hanging up on the wall is pretty much useless."

Haynie says that, as he sees it, the League's job is to look out for the best interests of Amateur Radio and make sure that we have spectrum to operate on. "And that's a big job, it's a huge job that we've undertaken. It becomes very important because spectrum is so precious."

It's also a job whose cost and complexity have risen considerably in the past decade, as new technology-driven demand for spectrum has put increasing pressure on Amateur Radio frequencies. World Radiocommunication Conferences, at which ARRL and International Amateur Radio Union personnel represent Amateur Radio's interests, now occur every two or three years instead of once a decade. As ARRL CEO David Sumner pointed out in a fundraising letter https://www.arrl.org/forms/fdefense/ to League members, in such an environment, the League no longer can cover the cost of its operations and advocacy efforts with dues revenue and the sale of publications and QST advertising.

"The whole philosophy of spectrum management is being rethought, with the objective of easing access for new products for consumers and industry," Sumner wrote. "But as the rules for their introduction and use are developed, we in the Amateur Radio Service need an advocate to ensure that our interests are safeguarded. With your help, the ARRL will continue to be that advocate, for ourselves and for future generations of radio amateurs."

In 1985, the League spent perhaps $200,000 on advocacy and spectrum defense. The League's Washington office at the time consisted of one staff member. As 2005 looms, it's a much different picture.

"Today we spend close to $900,000, and I know it's something that hams can't see, touch or feel, but it's just as important as those things that they can--like QST and the Handbook," Haynie said, "because we would not have all those things if it were not for the fact that we have a place to operate."

The 2005 Spectrum Defense Fund depends on membership support and is essential to the League's continued success. Radio amateurs may contribute online via the ARRL's secure donor Web site https://www.arrl.org/forms/fdefense/fdefense.html. Those contributing at or above the $50 level may request a gift as a token of the League's appreciation.

For more information about the 2005 Spectrum Defense Fund or to discuss other ways you can support the ARRL's continuing work on behalf of Amateur Radio, contact ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. k1mmh@arrl.org; 860-594-0397.

(ARRL Letter Vol. 23, No. 37 September 17, 2004)
____________

ARRL Announces New Radio Frequency Propagation Course:

A new course, "Radio Frequency Propagation" (EC-011), is the latest in the League's catalog of Certification and Continuing Education (CCE) courses. Registration for the propagation course will remain open through Sunday, September 26, and the first class will begin Friday, October 15.

The course curriculum was written by Ian Poole, G3YWX, and edited by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, and Terry Dettmann, WX7S. A noted DXer, Luetzelschwab writes the "Propagation" column for WorldRadio magazine and occasionally fills in for Tad Cook, K7RA, to write the weekly ARRL propagation report. Dettmann is the CCE program's mentor coordinator and also a propagation expert.

Those signing up for EC-011 will study the science of RF propagation, including the properties of electromagnetic waves, the atmosphere and the ionosphere, the sun and sunspots, ground waves and sky waves, and various propagation modes--including aurora and meteor scatter.

Over the course of 15 learning units they'll also engage in various listening and logging activities and visit several Web sites that deal with solar phenomena related to radio wave propagation. The course runs 12 weeks and students can earn 2 Continuing Education Units.

Tuition for the course is $65 for ARRL members and $95 for nonmembers.

RF Propagation students will need to have an HF receiver to complete the various course-related activities. All on-line CCE courses also require access to a computer with an Internet connection as well as e-mail and Web navigational skills.

Poole's text, Radio Propagation--Principles & Practice, is the optional reference manual for the course. Published by the Radio Society of Great Britain, the 112-page book offers a practical understanding of radio propagation and serves as a guide to choosing the right band at the right time for the desired communication path.

To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web page http://www.arrl.org/cce or contact the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program Department cce@arrl.org.

(ARRL Letter Vol. 23, No. 37 September 17, 2004)

____________

Sept. 16 2004  FCC Agrees to Trade Big Fine for Amateur's License

The FCC has agreed to write off a $12,000 fine it levied against an Iowa man in exchange for his giving up his Amateur Radio license for five years. The FCC last year affirmed a $12,000 fine against Technician licensee Scott E. Kamm, N0UGN, of Sioux City, Iowa. Kamm later filed a Petition for Reconsideration that proposed the license-for-fine quid pro quo. The Commission formally granted his petition in a September 7 Memorandum and Order (M&O).

"In support of his petition, Mr. Kamm offers to immediately withdraw his pending application for renewal of his license for amateur radio station N0UGN, and to refrain from applying for any other license for a period of five years," the M&O said. "Accordingly, we conclude that cancellation of the $12,000 forfeiture is warranted."

The FCC said its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) would process the withdrawal of Kamm's license renewal application concurrently with its order. FCC Enforcement Chief David Solomon signed the M&O, which was released September 9.

Following up on Amateur Radio complaints in the fall of 2002, agents from the FCC's Kansas City field office tracked interfering signals to Kamm's station--which was in Waterbury, Nebraska, at the time. Several months earlier, however, the FCC had granted Kamm's application to change his mailing address to a location in Sioux City, Iowa. In January 2003, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability to Kamm alleging willful and repeated interference to ongoing amateur communications, broadcasting of music, and failure to identify by call sign while operating on a 2-meter repeater.

During 2002, Kamm was the target of several letters and an FCC Warning Notice from FCC Special Counsel for Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth. In the fall of that year, the WTB set aside Kamm's renewal application based upon complaints about the operation of his station and questions regarding his qualifications to be a licensee. Kamm's license expired September 29, 2002, and his renewal application reverted to pending status while the matter was referred to the Enforcement Bureau.

Kamm heard from the FCC on other enforcement issues during 2002. A February 5, 2002, Warning Notice alleged that Kamm had transmitted on 156.300 and 174.000 MHz without a license. Additionally, the FCC said that subsequent to its Warning Notice, information came to its attention that Kamm had "apparently provided radio equipment to an unlicensed minor" in Waterbury, and that Kamm had instructed the youth on how to operate on the Marine Band and other frequencies.

In a response to the FCC's Warning Notice, Kamm had denied setting up radio equipment for the minor and stated that he had sold all his radio equipment.

(ARRL News Service)
 
 

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