| |
DL8ABO > ARRL 18.02.00 23:08l 487 Lines 25938 Bytes #-9556 (30) @ DL
BID : I2ADB0NHM01R
Read: GUEST
Subj: The ARRL Letter, Vol 19, No 7
Path: OE1XAB<OE3XPR<OE6XAR<OE5XBL<DB0RGB<DB0ABH<DB0SRS<DB0AIS<DB0GV<DB0EAM<
DB0NHM
Sent: 000218/1932z @:DB0NHM.#NDS.DEU.EU [Northeim JO51AR OP:DJ3JW] bcm1.42j $:I
From: DL8ABO @ DB0NHM.#NDS.DEU.EU (Mirko-AB0DL)
To: ARRL @ DL
Return-Path: <arrl-letter-request@listserv.arrl.org>
Received: from p1k.arrl.org ([209.140.206.201]) by mailin03.sul.t-online.de
with smtp id 12LsNt-0ok4Y4c; Fri, 18 Feb 2000 19:44:09 +0100
Received: (qmail 27057 invoked by uid 581); 18 Feb 2000 18:31:18 -0000
Cc: recipient list not shown: ;
MBOX-Line: From foo@bar Fri Feb 18 13:31:17 2000
Message-ID: <125490A005E3D3118C9C00805FC743CC096A31@mail.arrl.org>
Subject: The ARRL Letter, Vol 19, No 7
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2000 13:30:41 -0500
MIME-Version: 1.0
X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21)
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
From: "ARRL Letter distribution list" <letter-dlvy@www.arrl.org>
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 19, No. 7
February 18, 2000
__________________________________
=>To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your e-mail delivery address:
see "How to Get The ARRL Letter," below
=>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
=>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, rlindquist@arrl.org
=>ARRL Audio News: http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/
or call 860-594-0384
=>The ARRLWeb Extra: http://www.arrl.org/members-only/extra
__________________________________
IN THIS EDITION:
* +Canada, Australia look to QRS
* +Georgia hams respond to tornado disaster
* +FCC affirms $20,000 fine; unlicensed operation continues
* +Two Texas hams fined $8000 each for malicious interference
* +K1LNC receives 1999 International Humanitarian Award
* +StenSat released but possibly malfunctioning
* Utility acts on Amateur Radio complaints
* Solar update
* IN BRIEF:
This weekend on the radio
+Forms 610 phased out
ARRL says "thank you" to exemplary Special Service clubs
ARRL-VEC to charge for code tests
DXCC backlog shrinking
Japan gets additional 160-meter spectrum
US foxhunters look forward to China DF event
Dawn M. Cummings, K1TQY, SK
Former ARRL Circulation Manager Lorry Evans, KA1KQY, SK
+Available on ARRL Audio News
__________________________________
CANADA, AUSTRALIA EYE MORSE SPEED REDUCTION
Canada and Australia could follow the US in reducing the Morse code
examination requirement to 5 WPM for full HF access. Radio Amateurs of
Canada announced plans this month to ask Industry Canada to eliminate that
country's 12 WPM Morse requirement. The RAC Board of Directors has voted
unanimously in favor of the proposal, expected to be filed soon. If enacted,
the change would leave 5 WPM as the sole Morse code examination requirement
for full HF access in Canada.
Meanwhile, the Wireless Institute of Australia reports it's seriously
considering whether to push regulatory authorities to reduce the maximum
Morse code license test speed Down Under from 10 to 5 WPM. WIA says it
expects to discuss the matter in detail next month with the Australian
Communications Authority.
The WIA says a majority of its membership divisions appear to favor the
reduction from 10 to 5 WPM in Australia. The general issue of Morse code
licensing requirements is expected to be a topic for debate at the IARU
Region 3 conference the WIA will host later this year. Discussion of the
International Radio Regulations regarding the Morse code requirement is not
expected to come up prior to the World Radiocommunication Conference set for
2003.
A single 5 WPM Morse code examination requirement for HF access goes into
effect in the US on April 15 as part of sweeping licensing rules changes.
The United Kingdom and Sweden also have adopted 5 WPM as the Morse code
examination requirement for access to the full HF amateur spectrum. The
South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is said to be poised
to act on a South African Radio League request for a lower code speed limit
there. Other nations have expressed interest in the issue.
The Israeli Ministry of Communications has introduced a new license with a 6
WPM Morse code requirement that gives CW-only access to HF bands. The new
ticket does not include all HF bands, however.
GEORGIA AMATEURS RESPOND TO TORNADO DISASTER
Amateur Radio operators responded in force after tornadoes struck rural
extreme southwestern Georgia this week, killing at least 18 and injuring
around 100 others. The storms wiped out nearly 200 houses. Georgia Section
Emergency Coordinator Tom Rogers, KR4OL, reports that hams from nearby
communities including Moultrie and Albany turned out to help.
Twisters generating winds in excess of 150 MPH leveled a housing development
in the town of Camilla, in Mitchell County late Sunday and early Monday. The
town was one of the worst-hit areas. The storm also tore roofs from houses
and flattened mobile homes. The storm caught many by surprise since warnings
were not issued until after residents had retired for the night.
Georgia Gov Roy Barnes declared a state of emergency in Colquitt, Grady,
Mitchell and Tift counties. Georgia Emergency Management Agency reports
emergency shelters have been set up in Camilla and Moultrie. The Salvation
Army and the Red Cross also were involved in the recovery effort.
"Shelters are open, and the Georgia Baptist Hams are setting up feeding
locations and assisting with the cleanup," Rogers said. An HF emergency net
was established on 75 meters to coordinate activities, but the need for
emergency communication was minimal since the telecommunications
infrastructure was still intact.
Damage was put at $25 million. Thousands were left without power in Georgia
and elsewhere as a result of the severe weather. The storm that wreaked
havoc on Georgia was part of a system that also struck Arkansas, Tennessee,
Mississippi and Alabama before moving into Georgia, Northeastern Florida and
the Carolinas.
FCC AFFIRMS $20,000 FINE; UNLICENSED OPERATION CONTINUES
The FCC has affirmed a $20,000 fine levied on a Florida man last summer for
unlicensed operation, willful and malicious interference with Amateur Radio
communications, and failure to let the FCC inspect his radio equipment. The
FCC's January 28 Forfeiture Order gives William Flippo of Jupiter 30 days to
pay up or the matter will be referred to the US Attorney.
Following an FCC Warning Notice, Flippo initially was notified of the fine
last July in an FCC Notice of Apparent Liability. Hams in Florida say Flippo
has thumbed his nose at the FCC and has continued to flout the law by
interfering with local HF and repeater nets. FCC personnel from the FCC's
Tampa District Office have followed up on complaints from amateurs that
Flippo--also known by his CB handle of "Rabbit Ears"--has regularly
interfered with hams on 10 meters, 2 meters and elsewhere. The Order
acknowledges that the Commission has received information on "at least five
occasions" since the fine was levied last July indicating that Flippo
continues to violate federal law.
Flippo's only response to last year's Notice of Apparent Liability was to
send the FCC a copy of a one-page bankruptcy filing. The FCC was not
impressed, however. "In a case where an NAL has been issued and the
recipient continues to engage in the same conduct, we are not inclined to
adjust the forfeiture amount, even where the recipient has filed for
bankruptcy protection," the Commission said.
One Jupiter-area ham who has cooperated with the FCC investigation says
Flippo has been causing problems for the amateur community in his area since
late 1997. He and fellow members of the Jupiter-Tequesta Repeater Group want
to see the FCC take a stronger stand in the case.
"I want to see the guy in jail--plain and simple--and his equipment
confiscated," said the amateur, who did not want to be identified by name
fearing retaliation. "The problem is, we're all playing by the rules here,
and this guy goes out and buys a radio and he gets on there and does
whatever he wants and brags about it."
FCC personnel from the Tampa office have visited the Jupiter area at least
twice last year as a result of amateur complaints alleging malicious
interference from Flippo, primarily on VHF but also on some HF amateur
bands.
FCC FINES TWO TEXAS AMATEURS FOR MALICIOUS INTERFERENCE
The FCC has fined two Texas hams $8000 apiece for allegedly interfering with
a local repeater and failing to identify. Paul E. Holcombe, K4TOF, and
Robert L. Myers, N5WLY, both of Houston, were notified last month by the
FCC's Houston office. The fines come in the aftermath of an FCC
investigation undertaken last year that involved the use of
direction-finding equipment. The FCC says it's been hearing complaints of
interference to the Memorial Emergency Repeater Association's system for
more than five years now.
On separate occasions in February and May, FCC personnel from the Houston
field office used direction-finding gear to track transmissions interfering
with MERA's 145.47 repeater to Holcombe's and Meyers' vehicles. As a result,
Holcombe and Meyers each received a Notice of Violation from the FCC last
June. Since being cited, both men have denied the allegations in statements
to the FCC.
In both cases, the FCC determined otherwise and ordered Holcombe and Meyers
to pay the fines within 30 days or to file written statements showing why
the forfeitures should be reduced or canceled.
K1LNC NAMED AS INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNER
The ARRL has named Edwin Petzolt, K1LNC, of Hobe Sound, Florida, as the
winner of its 1999 International Humanitarian Award. A presentation was made
earlier this month at the Miami Tropical Hamboree by ARRL President Jim
Haynie, W5JBP, and ARRL Southeastern Division Director Frank Butler, W4RH.
On June 29, 1998, Petzolt responded to an on-the-air emergency call on 20
meters and found himself on the other end of a life-threatening situation in
Central America where heavily armed gunmen had kidnapped four missionaries
in northern Guatemala and held them for ransom. Desperate to save his
family, missionary Elam Stolfus, TG7XQS, turned to ham radio--his only
connection to the outside world. On the other end he found Ed Petzolt,
K1LNC.
Upon learning of the family's plight, Petzolt, phone-patched Stolfus to the
US Embassy in Guatemala City to arrange for military and police assistance.
He then remained at the radio for much of the next seven hours to provide
communications and relay information that would contribute to the successful
rescue of the hostages and the capture of the terrorists.
The ARRL International Humanitarian Award recognizes extraordinary service
through Amateur Radio skills for the benefit of others in times of crisis or
disaster. The award recipient is selected by a committee appointed by the
League's President. Petzolt's award was confirmed by the ARRL Board of
Directors during its meeting last month in Memphis.
An ARRL Life Member, Petzolt credited Bud Palmer, KC4LCD, Tim Reeves,
WB4WUK, and "everyone else who helped keep the frequency clear," with making
the rescue mission possible.
The story of Petzolt's efforts is detailed in "Guatemala Rescue!" in The
ARRLWeb Extra for September 1, 1998, on the ARRLWeb Members Only site,
http://www.arrl.org/members-only/extra/features/1998/0901/1/index.html
A footnote: Petzolt this week became involved in another Amateur Radio
rescue mission: "I patched a doctor from Honduras to a doctor in
Pennsylvania this morning regarding a nine-month-old little girl with a
life-threatening, congenital heart condition," he reported February 17.
Petzolt said the US doctor agreed to perform the surgery in Pennsylvania for
free. He then patched the ham--Ronaldo Roll, HR3RON, a Catholic priest--into
the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa to arrange to expedite the necessary paperwork
for the infant and her mother to get a medical visa. Petzolt said Roll has
agreed to pay their airfare to and from the US. "I think I found my calling
in life," Petzolt remarked.
STENSAT RELEASED BUT POSSIBLY MALFUNCTIONING
StenSat has been released by the OPAL "mother ship," but little or nothing
has been heard from the Amateur Radio picosat, raising fears that it has
malfunctioned. StenSat was one of two picosats released February 10 by
OPAL--Stanford University's Orbiting Picosat Automatic Launcher. The other
was the JAK payload.
Since the deployment, stations monitoring StenSat's 436.625 MHz downlink
have heard only very weak signals, or nothing at all. According to StenSat
coordinator Hank Heidt, N4AFL, StenSat may be operating in an "abnormal
mode." The picosat was supposed to transmit a CW identifier and packet
telemetry after deployment, but neither have been heard. Heidt speculated
that it might be operating in FM transponder mode.
Clifford Buttschardt, K7RR, reported hearing his transmissions repeated
through StenSat on February 12 and 13, but signals were weak and the audio
distorted. Johann Lochner, ZR1CBC, at the SunSat ground station in South
Africa reported weak StenSat signals using the ground station's 4.5 meter,
450-MHz dish antenna.
The StenSat group asks amateurs to continue monitoring the downlink and
sending reports to hheidt@erols.com. StenSat has a crossband repeater aboard
that is designed to operate much like the popular AO-27 satellite. More
information may be available on the StenSat Web site at
http://users.erols.com/hheidt/.
POWER COMPANY ACTS ON AMATEUR COMPLAINTS
After prodding by the FCC, Pacific Gas & Electric Company says it's making
headway in mitigating long-standing power-line noise complaints from several
Northern California amateurs. Not all complaints have been resolved,
however, and several new ones have sprung up in the interim.
The hams involved in the initial complaints had been unsuccessful getting
the West Coast power company to investigate their reports of severe noise,
so they turned to the ARRL and the FCC for help. In late November, the FCC
wrote PG&E to remind the utility of its obligation to rectify equipment
problems that cause harmful radio interference. The FCC requested that the
company correct the problems "within a reasonable time" and report back.
The complainants were four hams in the Los Gatos/San Jose area and another
in Berkeley. ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI--the League's point man for
RF interference issues--says the League has since received reports from
additional hams in PG&E's service area. Those complaints were forwarded to
PG&E for resolution.
In a letter to the FCC, PG&E Manager for Operations and Construction Robert
Lipscomb summarized progress in clearing up the initial complaints. The work
included replacing poles, guy wires, insulators, and transformers as well as
installing radio/television interference "clips" at one site and re-routing
a service drop at another. Lipscomb conceded, however, that the utility
still has additional work to do. PG&E personnel continue to work with Hare
in resolving the complaints. Hare says not all of the five hams who
complained have been contacted by PG&E. One still has severe interference,
he says, and another has intermittent interference.
Some interference has been cleared up, however. Lipscomb told that in at
least one of the five original cases, "the customer has been contacted and
he is satisfied."
The FCC's Part 15 rules obligate utilities and others that fall under their
provisions to not cause harmful interference to licensed services and to
cease operating a device that's causing harmful interference upon FCC
notification. The ARRL Technical Information Service offers more information
on how to deal with power line interference at
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/rfi-elec.html. Amateurs suffering from
interference believed to be emanating from power generation or transmission
facilities may contact Ed Hare, W1RFI, 860-594-0318; rfi@arrl.org.
SOLAR UPDATE
Solar sage Tad Cook, K7VVV, Seattle, Washington, reports: Solar flux and
sunspot counts increased the week before last but fell last week. The
averages for both weeks were about the same, however. Average solar flux was
down about 11 points last week, and average sunspot numbers were off by a
little more than a point. Last weekend had a surprising burst of geomagnetic
activity, when Saturday's planetary A index was 52.
For the next five days, solar flux is predicted to be 155, 150, 150, 145 and
145. Planetary A index for those same days is forecast to be 5, 5, 12, 8 and
8. For best HF conditions, we want a low A index in the single digits, and
rising solar flux. So Sunday, February 20 with a planetary A index of 12
could be somewhat unsettled. Solar flux for the short term is expected to
bottom out near 130 around February 25, then rise to about 150 by March 1,
but peak broadly and fairly low near 175 around March 4-8.
Sunspot numbers for February 10 through 16 were 172, 184, 157, 147, 158, 158
and 182 with a mean of 165.4. The 10.7-cm flux was 175.7 170.2, 163.2,
159.9, 158.7, 156 and 160.2, with a mean of 163.4. The estimated planetary A
indices were 7, 13, 52, 14, 29, 11 and 5, with a mean of 18.7.
__________________________________
IN BRIEF:
* This weekend on the radio: The ARRL International DX Contest (CW) is the
weekend of February 19-20. Just ahead: The CQ WW 160-Meter SSB Contest, the
REF French Contest (SSB), the UBA Contest (CW), the YL International 7 MHz
Contest (CW), the CQC Winter QRP QSO Party, and the North Carolina QSO Party
are February 25-27. See February QST, page 96, for more information.
* Forms 610 phased out: With a single exception, the venerable FCC Form 610
now is history. The FCC phased out the documents February 16. Amateur Radio
applicants now must use the Universal Licensing System forms (Forms 605,
606) for all purposes. There is one exception: FCC Form 610B Club Station
application continues to be valid until the FCC finalizes its privatized
club station call sign administrator program.
* ARRL says "thank you" to exemplary Special Service clubs: Every two weeks,
a Special Service Club will be featured in the ARRL Special Service Club
Spotlight at http://www.arrl.org/field/club/sscspot/. The first ARRL Special
Service Club Spotlight features Carl Hayden Community High School Amateur
Radio Club of Phoenix, Arizona. This page is open for all to see and enjoy.
If you'd like to suggest your SSC for the ARRL Special Service Club
Spotlight, send your information, including e-mail and Web site addresses,
to Dan Miller, K3UFG, at dmiller@arrl.org. Photographs, particularly those
that highlight club activities, are especially welcome.--Dan Miller,
K3UFG/Field & Educational Services
* ARRL-VEC to charge for code tests: Starting with the inception of the new
FCC Amateur Radio licensing rules on April 15, 2000, the ARRL-VEC will
charge a test fee of $6.65 to take the Element 1 (5 WPM Morse code) test.
Until April 15, the 5 WPM Morse code test (Element 1A) and/or the Novice
written test (Element 2) are free at ARRL-VEC test sessions.
* DXCC backlog shrinking: The backlog of applications at the ARRL DXCC Desk
continues to dwindle. As of this week, there were 789 applications with
70,651 cards on file, and applications filed in late November are now going
out in the mail. DXCC personnel now are entering applications received
during the first week of December.
* Japan gets additional 160-meter spectrum: Word via Rio, JA1JRK, is that
starting April 1, amateurs in Japan will have access to 1810-1825 kHz.
Amateurs there previously have been restricted to 1907.5-1912.5 kHz.--Yosi,
JA3AAW
* US foxhunters look forward to China DF event: ARRL Amateur Radio Direction
Finding Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV, says foxhunters from the US will take
on the world this fall in China. For the third year, Team USA will take to
the forests in the sport of hidden transmitter hunting. The next World
Championship is October 13-18 in Nanjing, China. So far, a dozen hams from
seven states have expressed interest in traveling to this event, which will
feature separate RDF trials on 80 meters and 2 meters. There are age
divisions for Juniors (under 19), Seniors (19-39), Old Timers (40-54) and
Veterans (55 and over). "There's room for more on USA's national foxhunting
team," Moell says. "You don't have to be a star athlete, but you should be
able to walk, jog, or run through forest trails for a two-hour period." To
view the official invitation to the championships and learn more about
international-style foxhunting, visit http://www.homingin.com. Moell says
that time is of essence, because diplomatic and travel arrangements must be
made well in advance. Contact him at homingin@aol.com.--Joe Moell, K0OV
* Dawn M. Cummings, K1TQY, SK: Women Radio Operators of New England
President Dawn Cummings, K1TQY, of Keene, New Hampshire died February 2,
reportedly after suffering a heart attack. She was 52. A ham since age 15
and an ARRL member, Cummings was an avid traffic handler and the Region One
net manager. Her call sign also graced the "Keene Machine"--a local repeater
on 146.805 MHz that she managed. Cummings was active in SKYWARN and served
as an official weather observer for the Keene Sentinel and other outlets and
participated in a regional weather net. She also was an active ARES member
and belonged to the Quarter Century Wireless Association. "Dawn was always
cheerful and polite, on and off the air," said Scott Porter, N1SP. "All of
us who knew Dawn are saddened at the loss. She tirelessly worked for our
hobby, and never sought the limelight." In addition to her ham radio
activities, Cummings was a Red Cross volunteer. She owned and operated
Anything But Common, a consignment craft store in Keene. Her father, Lem
Cummings, K1IOJ, and her mother, Vivian, are among her survivors. The family
invites memorial contributions to the Keene Machine, in care of Joseph
Armstrong, KA1YLN, 21 Clark St, Apt 1, Brattleboro, VT 05901-6437; or The
American Red Cross, 83 Court St, Keene, NH 03431.--thanks to Joe Armstrong,
KA1YLN, and Scott Porter, N1SP
* Former ARRL Circulation Manager Lorry Evans, KA1KQY, SK: ARRL Headquarters
has learned that former ARRL Circulation Manager Lorraine S. "Lorry" Evans,
KA1KQY, of Flagler Beach, Florida, died November 26, 1999 after a short
illness. She was 71. Lorry Evans retired in 1986 after more than 16 years of
service at ARRL Headquarters. "Lorry's dignified, but fun-loving nature
carried over to all of her friends and colleagues," said former ARRL staffer
John Nelson, K0IO. Survivors include a son and a daughter. Memorial
contributions are invited to the American Cancer Society, 45 Wintonbury Ave,
Bloomfield, CT 06002.--John Nelson, K0IO
===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main St,
Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
http://www.arrl.org. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President; David Sumner, K1ZZ,
Executive Vice President.
The ARRL Letter offers a weekly summary of essential news of interest to
active amateurs that's available in advance of publication in QST, our
official journal. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely, accurate, concise,
and readable. The ARRLWeb Extra at http://www.arrl.org/members-only/extra
offers ARRL members access to late-breaking news and informative features,
updated regularly.
Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.
==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
rlindquist@arrl.org.
==>How to Get The ARRL Letter
The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from
ARRL HQ.
To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery:
ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site,
http://www.arrl.org/members/. You'll have an opportunity during registration
to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW bulletins, and other
material. Registered members may visit the Member Data Page, under "What's
available here?" on the Members Only home page, to change their selections.
Click on "Modify membership data," check or uncheck the appropriate boxes,
and click on "Submit modification" to make selections effective. E-mail
delivery changes typically are effective immediately. (NOTE: HQ staff
members cannot change your e-mail delivery address. You must do this
yourself via the Members Only Web Site.)
Members Only registration also provides access to The ARRLWeb Extra, a news
and feature magazine.
For members and nonmembers alike, The ARRL Letter also is available free of
charge from these sources:
* ARRLWeb, http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/. NOTE: The ARRL Letter will be
posted each Friday as soon as possible after publication.
* The Netcom listserver operated by volunteers from the Boston Amateur Radio
Club and Mike Ardai, N1IST: Send e-mail to listserv@netcom.com (no subject
needed). The body of the message should say "subscribe letter-list" to
subscribe or "unsubscribe letter-list" to unsubscribe. (NOTE: The ARRL
cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via the Netcom
listserver.)
* The ARRL Technical Information Server (InfoServer): Send an e-mail message
to info@arrl.org. The subject line should be blank. In the message body,
type "send ltrmmdd.txt", where mm represents two digits for the month and dd
represents two digits for the day (The ARRL Letter is published Fridays).
For example, to request The ARRL Letter file for Friday, January 7, 2000,
type "send ltr0107.txt". Then, on a separate line, type "quit". The ARRL
Letter should be available via the InfoServer no later than the Monday after
the date of publication.
vy 73 de Mirko +++ DL 8 ABO / AB 0 DL +++
+++ GERMANY / U S A +++
l arrl
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
