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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2300 for Friday November 26th,
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2300 for Friday November 26th, 2021
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2300 with a release date of Friday
November 26th, 2021 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Belgium cancels its ham radio exams. Grants help
fortify emergency radio networks in the Caribbean - and the meaning of
gratitude, even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving. All this and more as
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2300 comes your way right now.
***
BILLBOARD CART
**
BELGIUM CANCELS AMATEUR EXAMS
JIM/ANCHOR: COVID-19 has once again cancelled amateur radio examinations in
Belgium. Ed Durrant DD5LP brings us the details.
ED: As dramatically rising coronavirus cases in Belgium spurred authorities
to fortify public health restrictions, the Belgian regulator, the BIPT, has
announced that all amateur radio examinations are being cancelled until the
new year. The news was posted on the website of the UBA, the membership
organisation known as the Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs.
Amateurs in Belgium do not have the option of taking the exams online and
the BIPT declared that sufficient air circulation in the examination rooms
cannot be assured so that tests can be given safely.
This is the second cancellation of exams since the start of the pandemic.
The regulator made a similar announcement in October of 2020, citing the
same concerns for candidates and examiners. Exams did not resume until this
past spring.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP.
(UBA website, SOUTHGATE)
**
SOTA ENTHUSIASTS ACTIVATE DURING JAPANESE VIRTUAL HAMFEST
JIM/ANCHOR: When volunteers built a virtual hamfest after the cancellation
of Tokyo Ham Fair, they used the platform Zoom. That inspired another group
of volunteers to offer a complementary activity at the same time on November
13th - only this group used a higher-altitude platform: four of Japan's
summits. Jason Daniels VK3LAW picks up the story from here.
JASON: If you've already seen the YouTube video for the Virtual Ham Festa
2021, you already know about the four live-streamed SOTA activations that
became part of the excitement on November 13th. The activations ranged from
Tetsuya JL1SDA atop the 1-point summit Kannonyama to Kazuhiro 7N1FRE on the
10-point summit, Takayama. According to a report from Waka JG0AWE on the
SOTA Reflector, the two hams, along with Kiichi JS2VVH and Satoru JG1BOK,
decided the live webcast would add excitement to the free, all-volunteer
event and help share their devotion to scaling the heights. You can watch it
on the Virtual Hamfest 2021 YouTube channel and even without understanding
Japanese, you'll quickly comprehend that this kind of enthusiasm needs no
translation.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels VK2LAW.
(SOTA REFLECTOR)
**
REGISTRATION TO BEGIN FOR VIRTUAL HAM RADIO UNIVERSITY
JIM/ANCHOR: In the US, hams are preparing the 23rd edition of Ham Radio
University which will once again be held virtually. Registration for the
full day of forums begins in December. HRU is set to take place on the
GoToWebinar platform on January 8th. For details as the agenda develops,
visit hamradiouniversity.org
(HRU)
**
US VIRGIN ISLANDS BUILDING STRONGER RADIO SYSTEMS
JIM/ANCHOR: The US Virgin Islands are often on the receiving end of serious
storm damage - but radio operators there are now on the receiving end of
some funds and some hope. John Williams VK4JJW brings us that story.
JOHN: In 2017, the hero of the moment in the US Virgin Islands was the
solitary amateur radio repeater that survived two Category 5 hurricanes,
allowing emergency responders limited communication between agencies and the
heavily impacted islands. Hams in St. Croix had also organized a first-
responders net on HF — but hurricanes Irma and Maria had destroyed the
region's power grid as well as antenna towers. The government had no use of
its land-mobile-radio system either.
Now the Virgin Islands have a new hero of the moment: a 7,955 grant from
Amateur Radio Digital Communications to provide a more robust means for
radio response during future disasters. The Virgin Islands Amateur Radio
Group in St. Croix will use the funds to buy commercial-grade antennas and
backup repeaters, as well as manuals to train a new influx of amateurs for
preparedness. The group's president Fred Kleber, K9VV/NP2X, said in a press
release that the priority will be to bolster the ham radio systems and add
digital communications. He called it [quote] "a new chapter for new and
future territory amateurs.ö [endquote]
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams VK4JJW.
(DAN ROMANCHIK KB6NU)
**
GRANT TO STRENGTHEN AMATEUR NETWORK IN HAITI
JIM/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, in another part of the Caribbean, 04,864 in ARDC
funds are going to the Haiti International Friendship Amateur Radio Club
which will work with the Radio Club d'Haiti to establish an HF emergency
communications network comprising six locations in cities on the island
nation. The grant will cover the cost of a small generator, power supply,
wire antenna and an HF transceiver for each of the six stations put together
by the HIFARC. The need for this network became apparent after Haiti was
struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake this past August.
(QRZ.COM, DAN ROMANCHIK KB6NU)
**
GET READY FOR ORLANDO HAMCATION
JIM/ANCHOR: Are you ready for the national convention at the Orlando
Hamcation? It's only a few weeks away, as Stephen Kinford N8WB tells us.
STEPHEN: Early registration has begun for the ARRL’s National Convention in
Orlando, Florida, and the early bird rate of 5 in US Currency is in effect
through December 15th. The convention opens on Thursday, February 10, 2022,
with all-day workshops and a luncheon featuring ARRL CEO David Minster NA2AA
as the keynote speaker. The workshops will include Technology Academy,
Emergency Communications Academy, Contest University, Winlink and Hands-On
Handbook, a step-by-step walk through the topics in the ARRL Handbook.
HamCation, which is one of the biggest amateur radio conventions in the US,
continues on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - that's February, 11th, 12th and
13th. It's taking place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park in
Orlando. This year marks the 75th anniversary of HamCation. Additional
details on workshops and other activities can be found at hamcation.com
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford N8WB.
(ARRL)
**
FCC OKS FIRST FM-CAPABLE CB RADIOS FOR US MARKET
JIM/ANCHOR: The US market could soon be seeing its first FM-capable citizens
band radios. Here's Sel Embee KB3TZD with more on that.
SEL: The FCC has given its first OK for the manufacture of an FM-capable
citizens band radio in the US market. President Electronics, of Naples,
Florida, was given the go-ahead to introduce the model known as the
President Thomas FCC to US consumers. Authorization was granted on November
10th, allowing operation between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz with a maximum
output of 4 watts. The FCC acted after the radio was certified by Timco
Engineering, a Florida company under contract to act on the agency's behalf.
This past summer, the FCC approved FM as an option for citizens band users.
The SWLing Post said on its website that it was unclear how soon the radios
might be in distribution.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(FCC, SWLING POST)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K3PSG
repeater in Butler, Pennsylvania at 2 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays.
**
IARU GIVES HIGH HONORS TO THREE FOR LEADERSHIP
JIM/ANCHOR: It's not every year that the International Amateur Radio Union's
Administrative Council honors a ham with an award bearing the name of a
much-admired and respected Silent Key. This year, however, there is a
recipient - and two other honorees. Jeremy Boot G4NJH has the details.
JEREMY: IARU Region 1 president Don Beattie G3BJ, a former president of the
Radio Society of Great Britain, has another title to his name now: Recipient
of the Michael J Owen VK3KI Award, recognizing volunteer contributions that
the IARU called reflective of the spirit of Michael Owen's four decades of
service.
The IARU also chose two recipients for its Diamond Award, another honour
reflecting unwavering service. They are Gopal Madhavan VU2GMN/M0GDB, and Ken
Yamamoto JA1CJP. Gopal was selected based on his service on Region 3's
executive committee which he has chaired at times. Likewise, Ken has served
as its secretary and its chairman.
Michael Owen, who had served as president of the Wireless Institute of
Australia, had also been a director and the chairman of IARU Region 3 and
held numerous other roles over the years, contributing to the World
Administrative Radio Conference in 1970 and the World Radiocommunication
Conference in 2003. He became a Silent Key in September 2012.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(SOUTHGATE, IARU)
**
YOUNGEST AMATEURS READY FOR YOTA MONTH
JIM/ANCHOR: With the arrival of December, some of the youngest voices in
amateur radio will be calling QRZ. Neil Rapp WB9VPG tells us what's
happening.
NEIL: The calendar may show that next month is December but the amateur
radio calendar calls it something else: YOTA month. Next month's 31 days are
devoted to encouraging youngsters around the world to get on the air using
the letters Y O T A as their suffix in their callsigns. International YOTA
stations will be calling QRZ with operators in their teens and early 20s. Be
listening for ZS9YOTA from South Africa, 5B4YOTA from Cyprus, OD5YOTA from
Lebanon and K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A from the US. There are many others and
the bands are expected to be busy as the young radio operators vie for
various awards and plaques.
Hams making contacts with these YOTA stations are advised, as always, to
remember that they might just be that young radio operator's first contact —
so make it memorable.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Neil Rapp WB9VPG.
(YOTA)
**
RECORD DEAL IS MUSIC TO HAM'S EARS
JIM/ANCHOR: An English rock musician who also happens to be a ham has just
signed a record deal that's music to his ears. Jeremy Boot G4NJH brings us
that story.
JEREMY: As a ham, Dave Rowntree M0IEG, is used to being in the shack,
operating solo.
Now he's getting a chance to make a solo debut on the air in a different
way. Known as the percussionist with the English rock group Blur, Dave has
just been signed by a recording label for a debut solo album.
Dave has already done a number of film and TV scores, including those for
Netflix and the BBC, but the album's release next year on the label Cooking
Vinyl is going to be all his own show.
Music Week reported the deal on November 17th on its website, where Dave
said [quote]: "As a kid I used to spend hours spinning the dial on my radio,
dreaming of escape to all the places whose exotic stations I heard. I've
tried to make an album like that - tuning through the spectrum, stopping at
each song telling a story about a turning point in my life, then spinning
the dial and moving on." [endquote]
Congratulations, Dave.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(MUSICWEEK.COM, SOUTHGATE)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the world of DX, be listening for 10 special event stations on the air to
commemorate the 13th anniversary of Tangerang Selatan City in Indonesia. The
callsigns include: 8H13H, 8H13U, 8H13T and 8G13T, among others. An award is
available. Check QRZ.com for details.
Be listening for the Holy Land DX Group, HDXG, operating from Rwanda with
the callsign 9X4X until December 1st. Listen for them on 160 through 10
metres where operators will be using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. They may also
operate via satellite. Operators are expected to be active in the CQWW DX CW
Contest on November 27th and 28th. Send QSLs to Ruben, 4Z5FI, direct, by the
Bureau, or using ClubLog's OQRS.
Brian, ND3F, is using the callsign C6AQQ from Nassau, New Providence Island
in the Bahamas. He will be on the air during the CQWW DX CW Contest and
afterward until December 7th. Outside of the contest, listen for Brian on
FT8. Send QSLs to EA5GL.
Operators with the Budapest Radio Amateur Society are on the HF bands until
December 16th using the callsign HG5PLANET. They are celebrating the "The
Nature Friendly Development - Sustainability Expo" in Budapest. E-QSLs are
requested.
(OHIO PENN DX)
**
KICKER: THANKFUL IN BRAZIL FOR AMATEUR RADIO
JIM/ANCHOR: Here in the United States, where Newsline is produced,
households were marking the holiday of Thanksgiving, a time for reflection
and gratitude. Our final story comes from Brazil, where Thanksgiving may not
be observed at all, but the giving of thanks for amateur radio is certainly
foremost on the minds of the surviving firefighters who had been buried in a
cave in late October during a training exercise north of Sao Paolo.
According to the Associated Press, 16 of the 27 were trapped and 9 died
after the roof of the cave collapsed. Search and rescue operations went
forward with the help of civil defense and, yes, amateur radio. According to
a translated post from the LABRE, the Brazilian national society, that
appeared on Southgate Amateur Radio News, the hams of the Sao Paolo State
Amateur Emergency Network, provided vital communication links between the
command post and workers in the rescue area. With no telephone or internet
at their disposal, the hams knew that amateur radio and their repeaters
would serve as vital lifelines -- and that's a kind of thanksgiving too,
after all.
(ABC NEWS, SOUTHGATE, ASSOCIATED PRESS)
**
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to the ABC News; the ARDC; ARRL; Associated
Press; CQ Magazine; CNN; David Behar K7DB; Ham Radio University; Ohio Penn
DX; QRZ.com; Oregon Ham-WAN; Radio Society of Great Britain; the Shortwave
Listening Post; the SOTA Reflector; the IARU; Southgate Amateur Radio News;
shortwaveradio.de; the UBA; YOTA; and you our listeners, that's all from the
Amateur Radio Newsline. You can write to us at newsline@arnewsline.org. 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.
For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our
news team worldwide, I'm Jim Damron N8TMW in Charleston, West Virginia
saying 73. As always we thank you for listening.
Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.
73 de Bill, PY2BIL
PY2BIL@PY2BIL.SP.BRA.SOAM
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BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 26-nov-2021 19:19 E. South America Standard Time
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