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PY2BIL > ARNR 10.01.25 12:33l 345 Lines 15636 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2463 for Friday, January 10th
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2463 for Friday, January 10th 2025
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2463 with a release date of Friday,
January 10th, 2025 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. A record fine for a US ham in an emergency-
interference case. A packet radio network prepares for a major expansion --
and December storm damage keeps some repeaters in Australia off the air.
All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2463 comes your
way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
UNPRECEDENTED FINE FOR HAM IN EMERGENCY-INTERFERENCE CASE
SKEETER/ANCHOR: Our top story takes us to the US state of Idaho, where a ham
radio operator is facing an unprecedented fine from the FCC in a case of
interference with emergency responders. Kent Peterson KCØDGY has the
details.
KENT: Rejecting the appeal of a ham radio operator who interfered with
emergency responders' communications during a forest fire, the FCC is
seeking a fine that is unprecedented in such cases.
Explaining its ABFSL2HM$4,000 penalty against the Idaho radio operator, FCC
Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wrote: [quote] “You can’t interfere with
public safety communications.ö [Endquote] The FCC’s action came after
finding Jason Frawley, WA7CQ, was not authorized to transmit on the
frequency being used by Forest Service firefighters battling the blaze in
July of 2021. Although the FCC issued the notice of liability in 2022, they
did not adopt the penalty until late December. The agency did not explain
the delay.
Frawley has acknowledged he was on the government frequency, 151.145 MHz,
but told the FCC he had no malicious intent and was simply trying to assist
the firefighters’ aircraft being used to suppress the flames. He told the
FCC he cannot afford to pay the penalty and submitted financial documents to
support his request. He has asked that the penalty be reduced or eliminated.
This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.
(RADIO WORLD, FCC)
**
STORM DAMAGE KEEPS AUSTRALIAN REPEATERS OFF AIR
SKEETER/ANCHOR: An important group of repeaters in New South Wales,
Australia, will remain silent throughout January, after suffering storm
damage in mid-December. Graham Kemp VK4BB has that update.
GRAHAM: Several repeaters operated by the Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club
VK2BOR were knocked off the air during storms on the 13th of December. The
damage was said to cause the worst disruption of operations in more than
half-a-century for the repeaters at the Middle Brother site near Port
Macquarie.
According to news reports, the host's power distribution system suffered
lightning damage. The repeaters, which use the callsign VK2RPM, are not
expected back in service until later this month.
This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.
(VK2NEWS, WIA)
**
SWISS PUBLIC BROADCASTER SHUTS ANALOGUE FM REPEATERS
SKEETER/ANCHOR: Hundreds of FM transmitters have been shut down by
Switzerland's public broadcaster, as radio programming there continues to
move to different modes of distribution. Jeremy Boot G4NJH has more for us.
JEREMY: FM radio broadcasting continued its vanishing act when in
Switzerland on the 31st of December, when the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation
shut off an estimated 850 analogue FM transmitters, leaving listeners the
options of either Internet radio or DAB+ for stations SRF1, SRF2 Kultur and
SRF3.
The changeover by the nation's public broadcaster now leaves about 24
private radio stations still transmitting their programmes over broadcast
FM. However, they are expected to follow the SBC's move, completing the
transition no later than the end of 2026.
The Swiss Federal Office of Communications reports that the popularity of
DAB+ and Internet radio has been growing consistently since 2015 while only
10 percent of the nation's radio listeners still tune in to broadcast FM -
most whilst driving in their vehicles.
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(SWLING POST, SWISSINFO.CH)
**
AMATEUR RADIO LESSONS FOR CIVIL SERVICE OFFICERS IN INDIA
SKEETER/ANCHOR: Improving the efficiency and quality of emergency traffic
was at the heart of recent ham radio training sessions for civil service
officers in India. Jason Daniels VK2LAW explains what was involved.
JASON: Emergency communication was front and centre for a group of 30
officers in the West Bengal Civil Service who recently completed amateur
radio training as part of their duties in a part of India often beset by
weather emergencies and natural disasters. State officials asked the West
Bengal Radio Club to lead the instruction, which included an overview of the
wireless laws from the Ministry of Telecommunication. The officers learned
about their responsibilities as licensees and received demonstrations on the
various modes of transmission during emergencies. As in other parts of the
world, radio amateurs throughout India partner regularly with state agencies
to pass emergency traffic and facilitate evacuations, rescues and civilian
preparedness.
This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.
(THE MILLENNIUM POST)
'**
PACKET RADIO NETWORK LOOKING TO EXPAND
SKEETER/ANCHOR: As packet radio gains wider usage among hams involved in
emergency communications, one East Coast network is looking to add more
nodes to deepen its reach. Andy Morrison K9AWM tells us what's planned.
ANDY: Using mostly NVIS-range links, the Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network,
or TPRFN, connects standalone nodes and VHF/UHF packet networks to HF bands.
The result is efficient, low-bandwidth communication valued for its simple
infrastructure and reliability as well as its interoperability with email,
internet gateways and SMS. Radios, modems and simple hardware form its
backbone.
In the US, the network reaches as far south as Florida and as far north as
Maine. Operators are now hoping to create an NVIS-link between Maine and NY
and another one between Florida and Virginia. Just as important is its goal
of adding more nodes, especially those connecting the East Coast to any
states farther west. At present there is only one node west of the region
and that is in Wisconsin. According to the website, the network also needs
more nodes in the northeastern US.
All of this planning comes as the operators prepare for their first net of
the new year, which will take place on Sunday the 19th of January at 00:00
UTC. Additional details can be found on their website at tprfn dot net
(tprfn.net)
As the website notes, the ultimate goal is to [quote] “provide valuable
digital communications without the need for the Internet.ö [Endquote]
This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.
(QRZ.COM, AMATEUR RADIO DAILY, THE PACKET RADIO RF FORWARDING NETWORK)
**
PRIVILEGES EXTENDED IN GERMANY FOR 6M and 4M
SKEETER/ANCHOR: Amateurs in Germany received the welcome news that their
access to the 6- and 4-metre bands is being extended. We have the details
from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
JEREMY: The German regulatory office for telecommunications has granted
temporary access for 6 metres for Class E licence holders at 100 watts
between 50 and 50.4 MHz and using reduced power of 25 watts between 50.4 and
52 MHz on a non-interference basis.
The trial period lasts until December of 2025 for Class E amateurs, the
equivalent of the US General Class operator.
According to the regulator's announcement made in December, Full licence
holders are receiving extended access to 6 metres at the same power levels
and 70.150-70.210 MHz in the 4-Metre band at 25 watts of power on a trial
basis until December 2026.
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(BNETZA)
**
'SPACE JUNK' FROM ROCKET LANDS IN KENYAN VILLAGE
SKEETER/ANCHOR: Space junk - especially the kind that falls to earth - is
back in the news. This time it has found its way to Africa. John Williams
VK4JJW has an update.
JOHN: The Kenya Space Agency has been studying what it believes to be a
1,100-pound, or 500 kg, fragment of a rocket that landed in a village in the
southern part of the nation. According to news reports, the metallic ring
landed in Mukuku village on the 30th of December sometime around 3 p.m.
local time. The heavy object is about 8 feet, or 2.5 metres, in diameter.
The space agency issued a statement describing the fragment as a separation
ring that had been part of a launch vehicle - something typically designed
to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and fall in an uninhabited area or burn up
upon re-entry.
According to the New York Times, no one was injured or killed by the object.
However, experts have expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents
involving space debris.
This is John Williams VK4JJW.
(CBS NEWS, NY TIMES)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K9DEW
repeater in Warsaw, Indiana, at 7:30 p.m. local time following the 7 p.m.
weekly net.
**
PENNSYLVANIA AMATEURS CONTINUE PROGRAM TO AID VETERANS
SKEETER/ANCHOR: It's only January but it's not too early to start thinking
about another month that begins with the letter "J" - July. It's all for a
good cause. Here's Travis Lisk N3ILS to explain.
TRAVIS: For many here in the United States, what goes better with
celebrating a nation's independence than acknowledging a unique program that
has helped encourage the independence of injured US military veterans since
1942? The program is Stamps for the Wounded and in Pennsylvania, the
Holmesburg Amateur Radio Club has embraced supporting it as one of their
special missions. Independence Day in the US arrives on the 4th of July -
and is marked by the popular 13 Colonies Special Event. The Holmesburg club,
which participates in the event - and runs the bonus station WM3PEN - sends
QSL cards accompanied by literature about Stamps for the Wounded. People
around the world send stamps that can be used in projects to pique disabled
veterans' interest in culture, history and stamp collecting itself. Bob
Josuweit, WA3PZO, the club's acting secretary, said stamps from hams' QSL
cards have always been an invaluable source.
The club received a big thank-you from Rob Jenson, president of Stamps for
the Wounded, at the end of 2024. For information about donating undamaged,
used stamps, contact Rich Shivers, K3UJ, or visit stampsforthewounded.org
By the way, there's no need to wait until July to send stamps. Any support
can be thought of as a real special event.
This is Travis Lisk N3ILS.
(HARC, BOB JOSUWEIT, WA3PZO)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, Felix, DL5XL is using the callsign DP1POL from the
German research station Neumayer [NOY MY URR] III, Antarctica, IOTA number
AN-016, from the 12th of January through to the 25th of February. Felix
will be operating mainly CW on the HF bands but will use some SSB and
digital modes. QSL via DL1ZBO.
Listen for Darren, VK4MAP, operating holiday style as H40DA from Pigeon
Island in the Reef Islands, IOTA number OC-065, for a few weeks. Darren is
using SSB on 80, 40, 20, 15, 12 and 10 metres. QSL direct to his home call.
There will be a year-long celebration of the patents registered by Guglielmo
Marconi organized by ARI Fidenza. Operators will be using special callsigns
throughout 2025. The callsign for January is II4FPEN, for February II4FPUS
and for March, II4SHLD. To learn more about this on-air activity and to see
other callsigns for more of the months ahead, visit www.arifidenza.it You
can also find details about the “Marconi - Patented Byö award.
Livio, IZ3BUR, will be using the callsign J52EC from Guinea-Bissau from the
26th of January to the 1st of March. He will operate holiday style on 20, 15
and 10 metres SSB and possibly digital modes. QSL direct to his home
call.
(425 DX BULLETIN)
**
KICKER: CHASING POTA, BUT ANSWERING A DIFFERENT CALL
SKEETER/ANCHOR: It is a source of pride for Parks on the Air hunters to get
a Worked All States award, a park-to-park award or any number of the
recognitions for top performance. One chaser in Arizona, however, knows that
there's something even better than logging a new park or a new country while
hunting POTA - it's helping a fellow ham in distress. Our final story this
week comes from Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
RALPH: Mike Nester, KL7KTP, had a simple enough goal - to work POTA
activator Zach Smith, K5WZS, who was engulfed in a pileup on New Year's Day
while at US-3051, Ray Roberts Lake State Park in Texas. Mixed in with his
"CQ" and that massive blend of callsigns was yet another call - it was
unmistakable, to Mike's ears, as "Mayday." Relating the story on Facebook,
Zach said he could barely copy it but he knew that Mike, in Green Valley,
Arizona, had picked it up. For Mike, that signal grew steadily stronger: It
was Julie N6EKO who was with another ham in June Lake, California. Neither
one was reporting any injuries but both were in a vehicle that was stuck in
the snow. They were stranded. Julie was able to provide GPS coordinates to
Mike, who reached out to their local sheriff.
Zach said that meanwhile he learned that a good Samaritan came by and was
able to pull them out with a tow strap. Mike, who is a retired firefighter,
said that while this situation resolved quickly, it could have just as
easily gone in another direction, escalating into an emergency as the day
went on. He told Newsline in an email: [quote] "Imagine how things could go
if stuck in the wilderness in the winter and the sun goes down!...I learned
very early in my career that an emergency to someone...is any situation that
an individual has found themselves in that has gone beyond their
capabilities to handle.ö [end quote]
A good reminder for the year ahead from Mike: Amateur radio is a lot of
things - but such calls should be serious business to all of us.
This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
(FACEBOOK, MIKE NESTER, KL7KTP)
**
Have you sent in your amateur radio haiku to Newsline's haiku challenge yet?
It's as easy as writing a QSL card. Set your thoughts down using traditional
haiku format - a three-line verse with five syllables in the first line,
seven in the second and five in the third. Submit your work on our website
at arnewsline.org - each week's winner gets a shout-out on our website,
where everyone can find the winning haiku.
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to the Amateur Radio Daily; BNetZa; Bob
Josuweit, WA3PZO; CBS News; David Behar K7DB; Facebook; FCC; 425DXNews;
Holmesburg Amateur Radio Club; Mike Nester, KL7KTP; Millennium Post; New
York Times; QRZ.com; Packet Radio RF Forwarding Network; RadioWorld.com;
SWLing Post; shortwaveradio.de; VK2News; Wireless Institute of Australia;
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 Skeeter Nash N5ASH in Jonesboro, Arkansas saying 73. As
always we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright
2025. All rights reserved.
73 de Bill, PY2BIL
PY2BIL@PY2BIL.SP.BRA.SOAM
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 10-jan-2025 07:54 E. South America Standard Time
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