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PY2BIL > ARNR 26.04.24 16:00l 401 Lines 18988 Bytes #125 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2426 for Friday April 26th, 20
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2426 for Friday April 26th, 2024
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2426 with a release date of Friday
April 26th, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. A California ham club faces homelessness. Good copy
again from the Voyager-1 space probe -- and big changes are in the works for
MFJ Enterprises. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number
2426 comes your way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
BREAKING NEWS: MFJ ENTERPRISES TO SCALE DOWN PRODUCT LINE, OPERATIONS
NEIL/ANCHOR: We begin this week with breaking news. As Newsline went to
production late Thursday, April 25th, MFJ Enterprises confirmed that it was
making major changes to the 52-year-old business. MFJ's location in
Starkville, Mississippi will remain open but its operation will be
"shrinking dramatically." The changes are expected to be felt throughout the
amateur radio realm, according to office manager, Nancy Capps. In a letter
released publicly late Thursday, company founder Martin Jue K5FLU, explained
that the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and his own desire, at
age 80, to have more family time were the impetus for the change. No
information was immediately available about the fate of MFJ's sister product
lines such as HyGain, Cushcraft and Ameritron. Newsline will be following
these developments.
**
CALIFORNIA RADIO CLUB FACES HOMELESSNESS
NEIL/ANCHOR: Our other top story takes us to California where an amateur
radio club that has provided lifesaving communications and assistance to its
community is about to become homeless. We have that developing story from
Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
RALPH: A California ham radio club that has provided disaster communications
and other community services from its building on city property now faces an
emergency of its own: The Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club has until the end
of July to find a new home for its members and all its radio equipment.
Since 1975, the club has been permitted to use the site owned by the city of
Santa Barbara, where it built an earthquake-resistant, climate-controlled
modular structure. Now the city needs the land back to accommodate a
construction project that will replace an aging reservoir near that property
with two reservoirs that are 5-million gallons each. For the project to go
forward, the ham club and a number of other users of the land will need to
vacate the premises.
The club's director-at-large, Levi Maaia, K6LCM, wrote in a recent Op-Ed
piece on the Edhat Santa Barbara website that [quote] "the club now faces an
uncertain future due to the new municipal developments and lack of a
permanent home for its facilities." [endquote] Levi wrote that the club has
been unable to find a replacement site that would accommodate the club's
communications requirements to fulfill public safety communications needs.
He said that, so far, no alternate site has been identified and the club
remains without a solution. The club has appealed to the local community for
help.
This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
(EDHAT SANTA BARBARA, SBARC, KEYT-TV NEWS)
**
SOLID COPY AGAIN FROM VOYAGER-1; RADIO ANTENNA SERVES VOYAGER-2
NEIL/ANCHOR: There's good news for NASA's Voyager 1 deep space probe, which
is back to transmitting usable data to Earth after a chip malfunction left
its messages garbled five months ago. NASA announced that a coding fix by
scientists at its Jet Propulsion Laboratory restored viable communications.
NASA said it has since received good data from Voyager-1 about the health of
its engineering systems and it is expected to resume its scientific mission
shortly.
Meanwhile, it's easy to forget that its twin probe, Voyager-2, has been
maintaining reliable contact with Earth thanks to a very special antenna in
Australia. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, brings us that report.
JASON: The Deep Space Station-43 radio antenna near Canberra isn't just
Australia's largest antenna but a reliable source of two-way communication
with a variety of space explorers, including Voyager-2 as it goes out in
search of distant planets and investigates the heliosphere.
It's been on the job for a half-century - since the era of NASA's Apollo
program - and was recently declared an IEEE Milestone. IEEE president-elect
Kathleen Kramer heralded it formally during a recent ceremony as [quote]
"the only antenna remaining on Earth capable of communicating with Voyager-
2." [endquote] It is built to be capable of capturing transmissions that
begin many billions of kilometrers away from a 23-watt radio.
The DSS-43 antenna, with a dish diameter of 64 metres, has been in service
since late 1972 - and its earliest mission was to receive audio and video
from the Apollo 17 mission from the surface of the moon.
Its declaration as an IEEE Milestone is recognition of the antenna as an
innovation that has provided a great benefit to humanity.
This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.
(NASA, YAHOO NEWS, IEEE SPECTRUM)
**
DEBATE REOPENS OVER AM RADIO'S FUTURE IN CARS
NEIL/ANCHOR: US lawmakers are about to resume a controversial debate: Should
it be mandatory for new vehicles in the US to have an AM radio receiver?
Kent Peterson KCØDGY picks up the story from here.
KENT: The future of AM radio will be taking center stage among United States
lawmakers starting on April 30. The Energy & Commerce Committee of the US
House of Representatives will begin a hearing on the language needed to
fine-tune the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. With the increased
popularity of other listening modes in motor vehicles in the US, AM radio
has been seen by many, including some automakers, as optional in new cars
Those who seek to preserve its inclusion for drivers stress AM radio's vital
and longstanding role in transmitting emergency alerts to the public over
the airwaves. Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of the National Association
of Broadcasters, has called AM radio the backbone of the nation's Emergency
Alert System. The proposed legislation would require the Secretary of
Transportation to mandate access to AM broadcast radio in all vehicles.
DRG News recently reported that the bill has enough support in the House of
Representatives for it to be passed by that chamber.
Last December, Senate supporters tried to pass a similar bill by a procedure
known as unanimous consent but that attempt failed.
This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.
(RADIO WORLD)
**
HAMSCI SHARES EARLY ECLIPSE DATA; WWV'S TIME SIGNALS AFFECTED
NEIL/ANCHOR: The citizen science group, HAMSci, has just released its very
earliest observations about the solar eclipse and its impact on propagation,
as we hear from Sel Embee KB3TZD.
SEL: There's still plenty for researchers to study but data from more than
52.7 million radio contacts that came in from WSPRNet, PSKReporter and the
Reverse Beacon Network on the 8th of April is providing researchers with
early insights into the solar eclipse's impact on the ionosphere. Reports
published online indicate that propagation was enhanced on the 1.8, 3.5 and
7 MHz bands, an effect that hints at less absorption in Region D. Near-range
communication challenges on the 14, 21 and 28 MHz bands suggested less
electron density in the atmosphere. The citizen science research group
HAMSci, studied the data between 1800 and 2100 UTC, collected during its
Eclipse QSO Party.
Meanwhile, speaking of time, a Doppler shift lasting only a few cycles per
second, caused a small change in the frequency of transmitted time signals
in the United States at radio station WWV, which is operated by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology. According to a published report
online, the shift did not cause anyone to lose the correct time of day. The
change was compared to normal variations that occur between night and day.
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(SPACEWEATHER.COM, AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY)
**
YOTA COLLECTING ECLIPSE SAFETY GLASSES AT HAMVENTION
NEIL/ANCHOR: The next solar eclipse will arrive in October over the Southern
Hemisphere and you can help observers there participate safely. Jack Parker
W8ISH tells us how.
JACK: Parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a solar eclipse on
the 2nd of October. The "ring of fire" annular eclipse will be visible over
southern Argentina, southern Chile and parts of the Pacific Ocean. To help
fellow amateurs and youngsters experience this solar event, Youth on the Air
will be collecting donations of eclipse safety glasses from visitors to the
YOTA booth at Dayton Hamvention to send on to the South American hams. The
YOTA booth is Number 4304.
While you're dropping your glasses off, learn more about the camp for
amateurs from 15 to 25 years of age. It will take place this summer in
Halifax, Nova Scotia and first-time applicants are encouraged to submit an
application. The camp will be held from the 7th through to the 12th of July.
Follow the link in this week's Newsline script on our website arnewsline.org
This is Jack Parker W8ISH.
[DO NOT READ: https://youthontheair.org/halifax2024 ]
**
BREAK HERE:
Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
heard on bulletin stations around the world, including FM radio station KRHJ
in Lamar, Colorado, at 88.3 MHz. Newsline is heard on Fridays at 5 p.m.
local time. Congratulations: The station marks its second anniversary on the
air on April 29th.
**
INDIAN ELECTIONS GET AN ASSIST FROM AMATEURS
NEIL/ANCHOR: For the first time in the Indian state of Maharashtra, ham
radio operators will be assisting at some polling stations underserved by
wireless communication. Jim Meachen ZL2BHF has those details.
JIM: Without satellite phone service, cellular network or the availability
of runners, the Pune district of Maharashtra will be relying on amateur
radio operators to relay the tally from the Indian general election. Polling
will take place through late May to fill the state's seats in the Lok Sabha,
the lower house of India's Parliament.
Nitin Ainapure, VU2CAN, who will be directly involved in the effort, said
this is the first time hams have relayed poll results in the state of
Mahashtra. There is, however, some history of amateurs assisting elsewhere
in Indian elections.
In a number of rural villages in the southern coastal state of Kerala (kerr
uh luh), local elections were held in October of 2010 with support from the
Idukki Ham Radio Emergency Communication Society -- and in 2019, the
Election Commission and the Ministry of Communications authorised amateur
radio operators from the West Bengal Radio Club to provide communications
for the election in 31 districts in that state.
Meanwhile, this year the West Bengal Radio Club has already assisted one
very determined voter in that state -- a 95-year-old woman from Bihar. The
woman had gone missing but was reunited recently with her family with the
help of the hams. According to press reports, she expressed two wishes: To
see her great-grandchildren again - and to return to her village and cast
her vote.
This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.
(AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY, DECCAN HERALD, TIMES OF INDIA)
**
HAMS PREPARE FOR SOS RADIO WEEK
NEIL/ANCHOR: When does a special event week last a whole month? When it's
SOS Radio Week in the UK. Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us more.
JEREMY: Throughout the month of May, when the Royal National Lifeboat
Institute conducts its annual fundraiser, "Mayday," hams throughout the UK
will be on board. In recognition of all lifeboat crews, including
independent ones and coastal watch keepers, hams will be getting on the air
at various times between the 1st and 31st of May. Listen for special event
station GBØFLB which will be on the air from Fleetwood lifeboat station on
the 4th and 5th of May. The station is being run by Thornton Cleveleys
Amateur Radio Society based in Lancashire and is one of many getting
involved. Be listening too for MXØKWA, which is being operated by the Kent
Weald Radio Club at various times from the Kent/East Sussex coast. For more
details about SOS Radio Week and a full list of stations, visit the link in
the text version of this week's Newsline script at arnewsline.org
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
[DO NOT READ: https://www.sosradioweek.org.uk/ ]
**
BUNDABERG HOSTING RADIO CONVENTION, WIA ANNUAL MEETING
NEIL/ANCHOR: In Queensland, Australia, the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club and
the Wireless Institute of Australia have teamed up for a major event, as we
hear from John Williams, VK4JJW.
JOHN: The Bundaberg Amateur Radio Convention being held from the 3rd through
to the 5th of May is two events in one: the Wireless Institute of Australia
will also be holding their annual general meeting at the Bundaberg Multiplex
Sports and Convention Centre in Queensland. In addition to the AGM, there
will be plenty going on inside the state-of-the-art convention centre,
including a lineup of guest speakers, hands-on demonstrations and workshops.
An ISS contact is also planned with students from the Bundaberg State High
School.
The lineup of speakers includes Peter Cossins, VK3ATV, discussing amateur
TV; Steven Green, VK2TSG, offering a look at prepping and amateur radio and
Dr. Kevin Johnston, VK4UH, offering a medical perspective on the dangers
electricity poses for radio amateurs. Newsline's own Graham Kemp VK4BB will
be part of the lineup too, giving an insider's view on how the WIA News
Service is run.
For registration information and other conference details, follow the link
in the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org
[DO NOT READ: https://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2024/20240402-
1/index.php ]
This is John Williams VK4JJW.
(WIA, BUNDABERG AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)
**
NOMINATE OUR NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR
NEIL/ANCHOR: Do you know a promising young radio amateur who'd be a good
candidate for the Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year award? Let
Newsline know! Candidates must live in the continental United States and be
18 years of age or younger. Tell our judges about your nominee's talent,
promise and commitment to the spirit of ham radio. This is your chance to
help honor and acknowledge that person who will, no doubt, go on to teach
and inspire others. Find the nomination form on our website arnewsline.org
under the "AWARDS" tab. Nominations close on May 31st.
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, listen for special event station GB6WW on the air from
Glasgow, Scotland from the 1st through to the 28th of May, marking the
anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on V-E Day, May 8, 1945,
and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served and suffered. The
GB6WW Award is available via download to hams who complete three contacts on
three different bands, regardless of mode. QSL via George MMØDFV.
A group of 13 Camb-Hams from Cambridge, England, will be on the air from the
Isle of Mull, IOTA Number EU-008, as GS3PYE from April 27th through to May
3rd. Listen on 80-10m and on the QO-100 satellite. See QRZ.com for QSL
details.
Listen for Harald, DF2WO, operating as 9X2AW from Kigali, Rwanda from the
2nd through to the 17th of May. He will operate on the HF bands and 6 metres
using CW, SSB with some FT8/FT4.
(DX-WORLD.NET, RSGB)
**
KICKER: ONE HAM'S PRONOUNCEMENT ABOUT PRONOUNCING MARCONI'S NAME
NEIL/ANCHOR: We end this week by recognizing International Marconi Day - and
by noting that Marconi's first name needs some proper recognition too.
Richard VK2SKY hopes to help us out with this.
RICHARD: It's that time of year again, when amateur radio operators
throughout the world celebrate the ritual mangling of the name of one of
Radio's best known pioneers.
Yes, it's April, the month we celebrate International Marconi Day. April 27
this year is the Saturday closest to the birthdate of Guglielmo Giovanni
Maria Marconi in Bologna, Italy, in 1874.
Guglielmo is the Italian equivalent of the English name, "William." Had
Marconi's Irish mother, Annie Jameson just named him "Liam," the world might
have been spared the annual abomination of English speakers trying to
pronounce his name… and failing miserably.
Perhaps Annie's being of the Irish whiskey distiller Jameson family might
have played a role here. We will never know for sure.
To set the record straight: "our" Marconi has never been "Googly Elmo," so
please stop calling him that. The letter "g" in the middle of an Italian
word is not pronounced as it is in English. Instead, it modifies the sound
of the letter that follows it. Think of the "g" in the middle of the word
"lasagne."
Recently, I consulted with fellow Manly-Warringah Radio Society member,
Clifford VK2CLF, who can speak with some authority on this matter, having
some Italian background himself and fluency in the language.
A decent approximation to the correct pronunciation is "GOO YELL MO." It's
not perfect, but it will do, especially over an HF radio link. Please try
it, and (in a nod to Quentin Tarantino) let's Kill Bill, or at least Kill
"Googly Elmo"!
I'm Richard VK2SKY in Sydney.
**
DO YOU HAIKU?
Don't forget the Amateur Radio Newsline haiku challenge. If you're not too
busy tuning your antennas or chasing the latest DXpedition, pick up a pencil
and share your experience by sending an original haiku to us here at
Newsline. Use the entry form on our website, arnewsline.org and please
follow the rules for writing your three-line haiku -- sorry but we cannot
accept any entries that aren't written in traditional haiku form. Share with
fellow listeners the poetry that is inspired by your ham radio experience!
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur Radio Weekly; AMSAT; CQ Magazine;
David Behar K7DB; Deccan Herald; DXNews; Edhat Santa Barbara; 425DXNews;
IEEE Spectrum; KEYT-TV; NASA; QRZ.com; Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club;
shortwaveradio.de; SpaceWeather.com; Times of India; Yahoo News; Youth On
the Air; MFJ Enterprises; 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 Neil Rapp WB9VPG in
Union Kentucky saying 73. As always we thank you for listening. Amateur
Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
73 de Bill, PY2BIL
PY2BIL@PY2BIL.SP.BRA.SOAM
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 26-abr-2024 09:26 E. South America Standard Time
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