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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2367 for Friday March 10th, 20
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2367 for Friday March 10th, 2023
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2367 with a release date of Friday
March 10th, 2023 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. A trio of hams arrives aboard the ISS. Digital Voice
technology gains big financial support -- and get ready for the "Nervous
Novices Net." All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2367
comes your way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
GRANT WILL ADVANCE FREEDV HF TECHNOLOGY
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Our top story this week is about a boost for cutting-edge
amateur radio. A major open-source ham radio technology for HF digital voice
has received a major grant to advance its development. Kevin Trotman N5PRE
has that report.
KEVIN: The FreeDV Project, an open-source software initiative created by an
international team of hams, has received 20,000 from Amateur Radio Digital
Communications. The team plans to use that money to help bring FreeDV into
the mainstream.
According to an ARDC press release, the goal is to [quote] "open the path to
widespread adoption of a truly open-source, next-generation digital voice
system for HF radio." [endquote]
Some of the funds will go towards the hiring of digital signal processing
developers to work alongside FreeDV volunteers to improve the readability of
digital voice carried over SSB under poor HF conditions. The plan is to
improve low signal-to-noise ratio operation and improve speech quality. The
team also hopes FreeDV can also be embedded in some more commercial radios.
Towards that end, specialists will work alongside some commercial HF radio
engineers.
The FreeDV website mentions some versions of the technology that are already
in use, including the special version in use over the QO-100 geostationary
satellite. FreeDV is also being employed to overcome poor propagation
through experimental combinations of internet and HF radio. FreeDV
encompasses the Codec 2 speech codec/modem and all are open source.
This is Kevin Trotman N5PRE.
(ARDC, Dan Romanchik, KB6NU)
**
COMPETITION FOCUSES ON VISION FOR HAM RADIO'S FUTURE
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Hams in Region 1 of the IARU are being asked to brainstorm
in a competition envisioning amateur radio's future, as we hear from Jeremy
Boot G4NJH.
JEREMY: Hams in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Northern Asia are being
asked to take the challenge of seeing into the future. Region 1 of the
International Amateur Radio Union is inviting teams and individuals to
engage in two types of brainstorming as part of the region's HamChallenge
competition. Both challenges are designed to inspire projects that increase
awareness of amateur radio's vitality and relevance today.
The first challenge asks hams to create projects that reach out to people
who do not have a radio licence. The project could be a social media
campaign, a video, a storyboard or some other creative venture that
showcases the power ham radio has in building friendships and expanding
scientific knowledge.
The second challenge focuses on a project that reaches out to other hams
showing the way amateur radio might look in 10 years. Entries in this part
of the challenge can be a technology project, an experiment or something
else.
All ideas should be sent to the IARU Region 1 by July. Proposals should be
sent by email to hamchallenge at iaru hyphen r1 dot org. (hamchallenge@iaru-
r1.org) There are monetary prizes and a chance for the winners to carry
their message to a wider audience.
I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(IARU REGION 1)
**
TRIO OF HAMS ARRIVE ON BOARD THE ISS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Four astronauts are now on board the International Space
Station. The crew includes the first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates
to fly aboard a commercial mission. He also happens to be an amateur radio
operator. Paul Braun WD9GCO has that story.
PAUL: Four astronauts, three of them licensed amateur radio operators,
arrived on the ISS on Friday, March 3rd, for a six-month stay in orbit. One
of them, astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, KI5VTV, is also making his first trip
into space.
The Crew-6 launch took place a day earlier from the Kennedy Space Center in
Florida. The other members of the team are mission commander Stephen Bowen,
KI5BKB, pilot Warren "Woody" Hoburg, KB3HTZ, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey
Fedyaev, who - like Al Neyadi - is making his first space flight. The crew
will conduct a variety of experiments including a study of the way certain
materials burn in microgravity and an examination of microbial samples
collected from outside the spacecraft.
This is NASA's sixth crew to use the commercial SpaceX transport system.
I'm Paul Braun WD9GCO.
(CNBC)
**
HAMS IN DELAWARE MOBILIZE FOR SURPRISE WEATHER DRILL
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Fast-moving amateurs in Delaware recently responded to a
surprise emergency weather drill. Randy Sly W4XJ tells us what happened
next.
RANDY: SKYWARN and emergency managers in Sussex County on the Delaware
Peninsula, hold quarterly exercises they call “Pop Ups,ö recognizing that
unexpected emergencies pop up. The latest exercise, called “Pops in the
Dark,ö began on Saturday, March 4. It called for “all hams on deckö in
Sussex and Kent Counties. Amateurs were mobilized without commercial power
and throughout the activation were limited to only whatever fuel and battery
capacity they had at the time.
The exercise was a severe winter storm, with reported ice accumulations and
10-12ö of snow. The event had two parts. On Day 1, the Emergency Operations
Center nets worked simultaneously with SKYWARN and then remained active
through the remainder of the exercise. On Days 1 and 2, repeaters were
reported down and only simplex frequencies were used. Barbara Dean, KC3LGE,
public information officer Sussex, told AR Newsline that, in addition to
coordinating various communications tasks, the nets also included
suggestions on getting the most out of their available power. Pops in the
Dark concluded on March 8 followed by the collection of after-action
reports.
This is Randy Sly, W4XJ
**
NEW CW NET IN IRELAND ATTRACTS 'NERVOUS NOVICES'
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In Ireland, hams who love Morse Code but are nervous about
getting on the air now have a welcoming on-air spot to try out their new
skills. Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us about it.
JEREMY: The newest net in Ireland is called "Nervous Novices." Organised by
Eamo, EI7LC, the 80 metre net is designed to encourage CW newcomers to get
on the air without feeling as if they needed to be proficient enough for a
full ragchew.
Check-in begins from 20:30 local time, meeting somewhere between 3.550 and
3.555 MHz. Amateurs are encouraged to operate QRS to accommodate the
slowest participants. The emphasis is on good operating practices, not
speed.
Get on the air and listen for the call “CQ NNCWö
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(IRTS)
**
FCC NOMINEE WON'T PURSUE CONFIRMATION
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The search is on for a new nominee to join the US Federal
Communications Commission following a decision by President Joe Biden's
nominee to withdraw. Gigi Sohn had been nominated for the vacant FCC seat
but announced on Tuesday, March 7th, that she would not seek the appointment
because of what she characterized as personal attacks.
The attorney is best known as a veteran public interest advocate. Her
confirmation as commissioner would have given the Democratic Party a 3-2
majority on the FCC.
(WASHINGTON POST)
**
EX-AGENCY OFFICIALS PRESS TO KEEP AM RADIO IN CARS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The fight to keep AM radio in new electric vehicles just
gained a few more prominent voices in the US, as we learn from Kent Peterson
KCØDGY.
KENT: FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington, who has been an outspoken opponent
of carmakers' plans to remove AM broadcast radio from electric vehicles, has
been joined by seven former officials in the US emergency management agency.
In a letter to US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg the seven praised
AM radio's capacity for long-distance communications, making this broadcast
mode [quote] "a vital public safety system." [endquote]
Commissioner Simington spoke late last year at a convention of the National
Association of Farm Broadcasters and for much the same reasons, described AM
radio as "the essential spine" of the Emergency Alert System. Simington said
he agreed with the letter written to the transportation secretary and called
the push to keep AM radio in electric cars a matter for urgent attention.
A number of automakers have stopped including AM radios in their vehicles
claiming the cars cause electromagnetic interference with AM signals.
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts recently asked a number of carmakers,
including American Honda, Jaguar, General Motors, Kia and BMW, to declare
their intentions regarding AM and FM radio.
This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.
(RADIO WORLD)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the K6TZ
repeater in Santa Barbara California on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
**
DAMAGE TOPPLES VITAL NEBRASKA COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A communications tower serving fire and emergency services
in Nebraska was found toppled and destroyed in Nebraska, the apparent result
of having had one of its guy wire anchors damaged. According to a report on
the website ruralradio.com, the tower suffered structural failure and
toppled, causing an estimated 75,000 in damage to the tower and its
equipment. The local sheriff's office, fire and EMS service, Verizon
wireless and the school district were among those making use of the tower.
Cellphone service was re-established on a temporary tower and the emergency
service and fire channels were moved to another location. The Nebraska State
Patrol's forensic evidence team is studying the evidence at its crime lab
and has contacted the FBI which may pursue the case as an act of domestic
terrorism.
(RURALRADIO.COM)
**
'ROVER' CATEGORY ADDED TO VIRGINIA QSO PARTY
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A new category is being added to the Virginia QSO Party,
which kicks off later this month. Sel Embee KB3T Zed Dee tells us what's
behind this decision.
SEL: This year's Virginia QSO Party includes a bit of an experiment.
Organizers are adding a new category - "Rover" - which raises the number of
categories for non-fixed stations to three. The inclusion of the rover
category, which now joins "mobile" and "expedition," is being done to
accommodate hams who, for various reasons, cannot be included in the other
classes of mobile operator. That may mean they make use of commercial power,
retractable antenna masts or non-mobile support structures. Rover operators
must still identify with their callsign followed by /M. Rovers are permitted
to make contacts while moving or stationary. A non-operating driver is
required for rover and mobile operators who plan to be on the air while the
vehicle is in motion.
The QSO Party is being organized by the Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club and
will be held on March 18th and 19th.
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(QRZ.COM)
**
CB RADIO MARKET GROWS FOR FM MODE
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The shape of CB radios is changing: An increasing number of
them are now capable of FM, as we hear from Jack Parker W8ISH.
JACK: Little more than 18 months after the FCC approved the use of FM for
Citizens Band on 27 MHz, manufacturers have responded to the demand for the
mode. Companies now in the market include President Electronics USA, Uniden,
RadioOddity, QYT and Cobra. It was Cobra's original petition that pushed the
need to the forefront of the agency, with support from the other companies.
When the FCC granted the request in July 2021, the move was called the
biggest change for Citizens Band since the expansion of CB channels from 23
to 40 in 1977.
FM is now used on the CB radio spectrum from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz,
enabling a higher-quality audio for radio users who do not need the distance
capabilities offered by radios with the SSB mode.
This is Jack Parker W8ISH.
(RADIO WORLD, CCJDIGITAL.COM, FCC)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, Jim WB2REM, John K4LT, and Bob KE2D are using the call
sign HD8M from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, IOTA SA-004, until the
11th of March. , They are using CW, SSB and FT8 in fox-hound mode on 160-6
metres. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or direct to WB2REM; They will upload to
LoTW after six months.
From Norfolk Island, IOTA number OC-005, listen for Tom, VK3FTOM, who is
joining the VK9NT team that will be on the air there from the 17th to the
31st of March. Tom will also be using his own personal callsign, VK9TOM,
starting on or around the 13th of March for "some QRP operating" while on
the island.
Luca, HB9OBD is active holiday style as D44KIT from Sal Island, IOTA number
AF-086, Cape Verde until the 5th of April. Listen for him on SSB and FT8 on
40, 20, 15 and 10 metres. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via EB7DX.
Hiro, JF1OCQ, is in the Comoro Islands, IOTA number AF-007, where he is on
the air as D67AA until the 22nd of March. He is using CW, SSB, and the
digital modes on 160 - 10 metres. QSL via LoTW or direct to his home call.
He will upload his log to Club Log and other platforms.
(DX-WORLD.NET)
**
KICKER: FINDING FAMILY, EIGHT DECADES LATER
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We finish this week's report with one family's story. Nearly
eight decades after fleeing Bangladesh during turbulent political times, a
woman in northern India has reconnected with the family she left behind. It
happened all because of ham radio. Graham Kemp VK4BB has that story.
GRAHAM: Nearly eight decades of silence and loss ended on Tuesday, March
7th, when 85-year-old Maya Chakraborty finally spoke with the nephew she'd
been seeking for so long - the son of her deceased older sister. The call
was via internet video but the human connection here was because of ham
radio. She was a young girl when her family left their native village in
Sylhet in Bangladesh and lost contact with her much older sister. The Times
of India newspaper reported that she had lost much hope of finding the rest
of her family but asked her son Suvendu to help track them down. Suvendu
contacted the West Bengal Radio Club, which has expertise in reuniting
missing persons. The club's secretary contacted the Amateur Radio Society of
Bangladesh and the hams were able to find Ranjit Chakraborty, Maya's nephew,
who is nearly 80 years old himself. His mother - Maya's sister - had long
since died.
Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA, secretary of the West Bengal club, told the
newspaper [quote] "It was difficult to find a person among millions."
[endquote] He told Newsline that on March 7th, the aunt and her nephew were
reconnected during an emotional video call. He said that both are now
applying for visas to take that reunion to its logical next step.
This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.
(TIMES OF INDIA, AMBARISH NAG BISWAS VU2JFA)
**
IN SEARCH OF 'YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR'
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We remind our listeners that young hams who live in the
continental United States have an opportunity to make news, if they aren't
already doing so, by being a recipient of this year's Amateur Radio Newsline
Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award. Consider nominating an
amateur radio operator 18 years of age or younger -- someone who has talent,
promise and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio. Find more details along
with application forms on our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab.
The nomination period closes on May 31st.
**
DO YOU HAVE NEWS?
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Do you have a piece of Amateur Radio News that you think
Newsline would be interested in? We are not talking about advertising your
club's upcoming hamfest or field day participation, but something that is
out of the ordinary. If so, send us a brief overview via the contact page at
arnewsline.org. If it's newsworthy and we would like to cover it, we'll get
back to you for more details.
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur Radio Digital Communications;
Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA; CQ Magazine; Dan Romanchik, KB6NU; David Behar
K7DB; DX-World.net; FCC; Free DV Project; 425 DX News; IARU Region 1; Irish
Radio Transmitters Society; RadioWorld; RuralRadio.com; shortwaveradio.de;
the Times of India; the Washington Post; YouTube and you our listeners,
that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. We remind our listeners that
Amateur Radio Newsline is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that
incurs expenses for its continued operation. If you wish to support us,
please visit our website at arnewsline.org and know that we appreciate you
all. We also remind our listeners that if you like our newscast, please
leave us a 5-star rating wherever you subscribe to us. For now, with Caryn
Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our news team worldwide,
I'm Stephen Kinford N8WB in Wadsworth Ohio saying 73. As always we thank you
for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2023. All rights
reserved.
73 de Bill, PY2BIL
PY2BIL@PY2BIL.SP.BRA.SOAM
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 10-mar-2023 11:15 E. South America Standard Time
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