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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2311 for Friday February 11th,
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2311 for Friday February 11th, 2022
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2311 with a release date of Friday
February 11th, 2022 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. A peak moment for a SOTA activator in Argentina. A
preeminent microphone company changes hands -- and an APRS pioneer becomes a
Silent Key. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2311
comes your way right now.
**
ONE HAM'S HF RADIO 'FIRST' ON HIGHEST PEAK IN THE AMERICAS
JIM/ANCHOR: We begin this week's report with the story of a ham who has just
achieved a peak experience atop another peak - this one in South America. Ed
Durrant DD5LP tells us about him.
ED: An Argentine amateur radio operator has accomplished the first HF
activation of the highest peak in the Summits On the Air programme,
fulfilling a long-standing goal. On January 10th, Diego Lizarraga, LU9MZO,
operated from Aconcagua (Pron:a.kon.ta.gwa), which at nearly 7,000 metres
high and is also the highest peak in the Americas. This is the first time
any amateur radio operator has made contacts from Aconcagua using one of the
HF bands (the previous and first activation in 2019 was executed using 2
metres FM). According to reports, he spent an hour and a half on the air
using 40 metres and found time as well to work some stations on VHF and UHF.
His total for the day was 64 contacts, with 15 of them on HF. He was heard
as far away as Buenos Aires, San Luis (Pron:San Luise), Mendoza provinces in
Argentina as well as into Chile. His dream of operating from there on HF had
been a few years in the planning and the timing worked out well for him. As
he descended from the peak to a base camp some 4300 metres below, snow had
already begun to fall. On January 12th, he returned to the entry of
Aconcagua Park where he was cheered on by friends and relatives.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP.
(SOTA, THE YL BEAM)
**
PROMINENT US MIC COMPANY HEIL SOUND IS SOLD
JIM/ANCHOR: In the United States, Heil Sound, which has been run by Bob Heil
K9EID and his wife Sarah for decades, has been sold. The Heils announced the
purchase of the well-known professional microphone company by Ash Levitt and
Steve Warford. Ash, the company's president and CEO, and Steve, director of
operations, are veterans of the business, having worked with Bob since they
were teenagers. Bob will remain with the company as founder and CEO
emeritus, continuing to do product design for the amateur radio market. Heil
Sound has been in business since 1966.
(HEIL SOUND)
**
INDIA'S NEWEST HAMS PREP FOR DISASTER
JIM/ANCHOR: In India, a group of newly licensed hams is about to prep for
the worst with a mock disaster drill. Graham Kemp VK4BB has those details.
GRAHAM: Civil defense volunteer Dipak Giri is awaiting his new call sign and
a new assignment. He was recently among the more than two dozen volunteers
who successfully completed the three-month amateur radio training course
online with the Indian Academy of Communication and Disaster Management in
West Bengal. Rinku Nag Biswas, VU2JFB. secretary of the academy, is proud of
all the graduates, who like Dipak, now face their next challenge: a mock
disaster drill that will be held in March by the local government to test
their capabilities in handling real-life crises. In a real disaster, such as
a tornado, earthquake or cyclone, they would be the first responders in an
area near the Sundarbon Forest which has no internet or mobile phone
service. According to Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA, many of the academy's
students received their field training during January's Ganga Sagar Mela, a
religious pilgrimage that draws thousands to West Bengal from across India.
Ambarish Nag Biswas is secretary of the West Bengal Radio Club whose hams
have traditionally provided emergency communication during this massive
gathering.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Graham Kemp VK4BB.
(WEST BENGAL RADIO CLUB)
**
ISS TO BE DISPOSED OF IN WATERS OF 'POINT NEMO'
JIM/ANCHOR: The deep waters of the South Pacific have been chosen as the
final resting place for the International Space Station in the years ahead,
as we hear from Jim Meachen ZL2BHF
JIM: The region is known as Point Nemo, the South Pacific Oceanic
Uninhabited Area - and it's been selected by NASA as the final resting place
of the International Space Station. The United States space agency intends
to retire the space laboratory by 2031 by having it crash into this remote
section of the ocean. While it is no surprise that plans were in the works
for its retirement, NASA had been quiet until recently about its specific
plans. The ISS was launched in 2000 and NASA has said, in announcing its
plans that it intends to keep the space station operational until the very
end. Its experiments and its many contacts through the Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station program, have kept it and its more than 200
astronauts and cosmonauts in the spotlight over the years. NASA plans to
yield the space station's position among the stars to commercial ventures.
The final destination for the ISS is about 2,000 miles north of Antarctica
and 3,000 miles off the eastern coast of New Zealand. Since 1971, it's been
a place that has become home to space debris from other nations, including
Russia and Japan.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.
(CNN)
**
PROBE CONCLUDES THAT RADIO WAVES SICKENED US DIPLOMATS
JIM/ANCHOR: Radio waves have been pinpointed as the source of some health
issues suffered by US diplomats overseas. Kent Peterson KCØDGY has that
update.
KENT: A panel of investigators working for United States intelligence
agencies has concluded that highly directional electromagnetic pulses are
partly to blame for a baffling set of brain injuries reported by American
spies and diplomats working abroad as far back as 2016.
The scientists' conclusions affirm one previous theory for what has come to
be called "Havana Syndrome." The findings indicate the radio signals were
transmitted by an external device, afflicting some Central Intelligence
Agency officers and diplomats. The panel's probe did not include attempts to
determine who was behind the transmissions of the pulsed electromagnetic
energy. The syndrome takes its name from the first group of people who
exhibited such symptoms while assigned to the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba.
Officials have said that similar symptoms have since been reported by
Americans working for the US government in 70 different countries.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Kent Peterson KCØDGY
(NYTIMES, NBC)
**
SILENT KEY: PACKET RADIO PIONEER BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR
JIM/ANCHOR: A pioneer in the development of APRS has become a Silent Key.
With those details, here's Neil Rapp WB9VPG.
NEIL: The developer of the Automatic Packet Reporting System, or APRS, has
become a Silent Key. Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, died on Monday, February 7th,
according to a post on AMSAT's Facebook page quoting his daughter, Bethanne.
He had been battling cancer for two years and was also diagnosed with COVID-
19, according to the post. More than a quarter-century ago, Bob developed
the now-widely-used packet radio technology that enables real-time tracking
over ham frequencies.
Bob, a US Navy veteran, had also been senior research engineer at the US
Naval Academy's small satellite lab in Annapolis, Maryland. He, was author
of the book "Energy Choices for the Radio Amateur," published by the ARRL.
Bob wrote on his QRZ page that his ham radio journey began in 1963 with the
Novice callsign WN4APR. He was a life member of AMSAT organization and
belonged to the IEEE National Committee on Transportation and Aerospace
Policy.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Neil Rapp WB9VPG.
(AMSAT, IEEE, QRZ, FACEBOOK)
**
SPECIAL EVENT MARKS 80 YEARS SINCE VOA'S 1ST BROADCAST
JIM/ANCHOR: The original 75Kw transmitter that went on the air for the first
Voice of America broadcast 80 years ago this month is the centerpiece of a
special event station celebrating that historic anniversary. The transmitter
no longer works and is part of an exhibit at the VOA museum in West Chester,
Ohio, but there are plenty of working transmitters - and transceivers - to
celebrate the day it went live on February 1st, 1942. Hams will be calling
QRZ as W3V, W8O and W4A - on February 19th and 20th - from VOA sites in
Washington, DC; West Chester, Ohio; and Greenville, North Carolina. Jocelyn
Brault, KD8VRX, of the West Chester Amateur Radio Association, WC8VOA, said
certificates will be available for anyone who works any or all of the three
stations. There will also be digital QSL cards for each individual site as
well as paper QSLs. Be listening on CW, SSB and FT8 both days between 10
a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time. For details, visit any of the three stations'
pages on QRZ.com.
(JOCELYN BRAULT, KD8VRX)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the W8GK
repeater in Charleston, West Virginia on Sundays at 8:30 p.m. local time
after check-ins during the Kanawha Amateur Radio Club Two Meter Net.
**
TIME TO APPLY FOR YOUTH ON THE AIR CAMP
JIM/ANCHOR: It's time to apply for Youth on the Air camp. Stephen Kinford
N8WB explains how.
STEPHEN: The application period has opened for the Youth on the Air camp
being held June 12th through June 17th. Young amateurs in IARU Region 2 who
are ages 15 through 25 are welcome to attend this year's camp which will
take place again at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in
West Chester Township, Ohio. Application deadline is March 1st and the
application process is free. Campers will be notified by March 15th if they
are accepted, and those accepted will need to send a 000 deposit. The camp
is encouraging young amateurs to attend from different areas of North,
Central and South America. For information about scholarships, waivers and
travel assistance, visit the website YouthOnTheAir.org
If there are changes in the COVID-19 pandemic status or CDC guidelines,
organizers are committed to notifying everyone as much in advance as
possible if that has an impact on the camp.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Stephen Kinford N8WB.
(YOUTH ON THE AIR)
**
CONTEST SEEKS YOUNG AMATEURS WITH COMMUNITY SPIRIT
JIM/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, a special honor is awaiting a young amateur who has
shown extraordinary care and initiative in helping the community on and off
the air. The Young Ham Lends a Hand Contest is being by Carole Perry,
WB2MGP, director of Youth Activities for the Radio Club of America. It is
sponsored by the RCA and the Quarter Century Wireless Association. Any young
amateur can be nominated for their volunteer efforts, whether the youngster
has aided someone in the military, the community, a senior -- or even has
acted as a mentor to other amateurs. The application forms are due in by the
first of April and the winner receives a 000 stipend.
The winner will be announced at the Youth Forum held at Hamvention in Xenia,
Ohio. For details contact Carole Perry at wb2mgp@gmail.com
(CAROLE PERRY, WB2MGP)
**
RSGB PUBLISHES NEW BAND PLANS
JIM/ANCHOR: If you're in the UK, look for the release of the new band plans.
Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us more.
JEREMY: The band plans published each year by the Radio Society of Great
Britain are now available.
They are based on the band plans of IARU Region 1, but allow for national
variations and special amendments. The 2022 plans can be found in the
February edition of RadCom, the RSGB's magazine. There is also a master
version published online as an Excel file which includes all the notes of
changes made.
Acting on feedback from amateur radio operators, the Society has added new
tabs in the Excel version, labelled by frequency, but hams who prefer the
earlier version of labelling by wavelengths retain that option too. The band
plan is expected to be reviewed during the course of the year.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(RSGB)
**
BOUVET, MARS HELICOPTER ON QSO TODAY EXPO AGENDA
JIM/ANCHOR: Bouvet Island and the Ingenuity Mars helicopter are just two
topics awaiting guests at this year's QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo next month.
Jack Parker W8ISH has more details.
JACK: For insights into the planning of the Bouvet Island 3YØJ DXpedition
in November this year -- or to hear how amateur radio and other technical
pursuits can advance global technology -- these are just two of many
presentations being offered at the next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. It's
taking place on March 12th and 13th. Presentations will also include some
hands-on guidance on operating and building techniques. In all, there will
be more than 60 notable amateurs offering perspectives on at least 20
different topics. The keynote speaker is Courtney Duncan, N5BF, who recently
retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked on digital
and radio frequency hardware and software for various space missions. His
most recent project was the Ingenuity Mars helicopter, for which he was
telecommunications lead.
Tickets and additional details are available at qsotodayhamexpo - that's one
word - dot com.
For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jack Parker W8ISH.
(QSO TODAY)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, listen for Francis, F6BWJ, operating as FM/F6BWJ from
Martinique until mid-March. You can hear him on 40/30/15 meters using CW
only. QSL to F6BWJ.
Yuri, VE3DZ, is also on Martinique, operating as FM/VE3DZ starting on
February 19th. Listen on all HF bands where he will be using CW, SSB and
FT8. You can also hear him in the ARRL DX CW Contest on February 19th and
20th when he will be using the callsign TO4A. He will continue with the TO4A
callsign until February 24th. QSL via VE3DZ to the home call via OQRS.
On the French side of St. Martin, you'll find Jeff, VA3QSL, operating as
FS/VA3QSL until the 22nd of February. He is operating holiday style on CW,
SSB and the digital modes on 40 metres through 6 metres. QSL to his home
callsign, via the Bureau or direct. You may also use LoTW after he returns
home on February 22nd.
Jean, F4CIX, is using the callsign FW1JG from Wallis Island where he will
remain for the next two or so years. Listen on 40/20/15/10
meters where he is using SSB and FT8. QSL direct via LoTW.
(OHIO PENN DX)
**
KICKER: WHEN MORSE CODE HAS A FAMILIAR RING
JIM/ANCHOR: Hams who are learning Morse Code are often told it takes time
before all those dits and dahs develop a comfortable familiar ring -- but
for one ham in Massachusetts, that comfortable CW ring didn't come for 29
years. When it did arrive, the ring didn't land on his ears, but on the
fourth finger of his left hand. Mike Askins KE5CXP ends our newscast with
that story.
MIKE: As Stephen Celuzza, K1SAC, practices to master his CW, you might
conclude he's practically married to the study of the Code. While he's
certainly devoted to his radio journey, he's more devoted to Becky, his wife
of 29 years. Becky understands the joy her husband takes in chasing POTA
activators and QSOs during the slow speed CW contests held by K1USN. So when
his original wedding ring no longer fit and couldn't be enlarged because of
its distinctive pattern, Becky, who is an artist, devised a creative
solution: She designed a new ring for her husband. It features lotus flowers
and bamboo stalks -- and a special secret Morse Code messsage. Each flower
stands for "dit" and each stalk represents "dah." She cast a sample of it in
bronze which the couple took to a jewelry casting shop which created the
final ring in white gold. As for what its hidden message, well, it begins
with the letter "I" followed by the letter "L." When a couple is married for
29 years, there's no further need for guesswork in copying that code.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mike Askins KE5CXP.
(STEPHEN CELUZZA, K1SAC)
**
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to AMSAT; Carole Perry, WB2MGP; CQ Magazine;
David Behar K7DB; DX-World.net; Heil Sound; the IEEE; Jocelyn Brault,
KD8VRX; Ohio Penn DX; QRZ.com; QSO Today; Radio Society of Great Britain;
Stephen Celuzza, K1SAC; South African Radio League; SOTA; Southgate Amateur
Radio News; shortwaveradio.de; West Bengal Radio Club; Wireless Institute of
Australia; the YL Beam; Youth on the Air; 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 2022. All rights reserved.
73 de Bill, PY2BIL
PY2BIL@PY2BIL.SP.BRA.SOAM
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 11-fev-2022 08:00 E. South America Standard Time
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