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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2411 for Friday January 12th, 2024
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2411 with a release date of Friday
January 12th, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Students build their way to a direct contact with
space. A six-month extension for hams on some bands in Germany -- and a
moment of honor for SOTA on the islands of Scotland. All this and more as
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2411 comes your way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
TECH-SAVVY TEENS SCORE A DIRECT CONTACT WITH ISS
JIM/ANCHOR: We begin this week with a story that captivated the national
media here in the United States and social media everywhere: It was a
contact made barely a month ago between Pennsylvania high school students
and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. This was a contact,
however, with something that set it apart from many. Kent Peterson KCØDGY
tells us how it happened.
KENT: Like so many other of the hundreds of contacts that have been made
over the years between students and ISS astronauts, the well-publicized QSO
with Harbor Creek High School near Erie, Pennsylvania relied on the support
of the volunteers and staff who are part of Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station. They assisted with scheduling and helped
coordinate the contact with NASA mission control in Houston. This was a very
different QSO, however: About three-quarters of the participating high
school students were licensed amateur radio operators - young hams who
developed, built, installed and operated the radio systems in preparation
for this high-profile contact. They even assembled the antennas that were
installed on the school building's roof.
In other words, this was a direct contact between the school and the ISS,
with no telebridge or phone patch to serve as the customary go-between.
This kind of hands-on student involvement is uncommon in the long history of
ARISS and its 1600 or so educational contacts, according to Frank Bauer,
KA3HDO, executive director of ARISS-USA. He told Newsline in an email that
ARISS strongly encourages this kind of hands-on student involvement but
doesn't see it often. He told Newsline: [quote] "It is a rarity to be
celebrated." [endquote]
Frank said that, working with education lead and assistant principal Drew
Mortensen AC3DS, the teens in the Harbor Creek Advanced Technologies Group
handled the ISS satellite operations on their own. Watching the contact
happen, ARISS technical mentor Gordon Scannell, KD8COJ, told the local
newspaper: [quote] "They’ve done this, they know how to do this." [endquote]
The result was a QSO with Commander Andreas Mogensen, KG5GCZ. It was
arranged by ARISS and NASA, but made by students -- and this was a contact
the nation, if not the world, got to watch.
This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.
(FRANK BAUER, KA3HDO, THE TODAY SHOW)
**
PRESENTATIONS NEEDED FOR EARTH-MOON-EARTH CONFERENCE
JIM/ANCHOR: If you regularly promise yourself the moon for many of your
radio contacts, you may have something to offer to fellow hams attending the
next Earth-Moon-Earth communications conference later this year. Sel Embee
KB3TZD has those details.
SEL: Organizers of the 20th International Earth-Moon-Earth Communications
Conference have chosen the campus of the College of New Jersey as the host
site on August 9th through 11th but they still need presenters to discuss
advancements in the mode. Although the conference focuses on operations at
432 MHz and above, amateurs with experience and expertise on 50 MHz, 144 MHz
and 222 MHz are also welcome. Presentations can range from 25 minutes to 50
minutes long and can cover such topics as issues and procedures for EME
options, unusual equipment, software and, of course EME operating
experiences.
The New Jersey campus, just outside of Trenton, is central to Washington,
D.C., Philadelphia and New York City. A new feature this year will be a live
course called EME 101 for operators who are looking to get started in EME or
want additional tips on gear or techniques for the different bands. This
one-day class is separate from the EME conference and takes place on Friday,
August 9th. Registration fee is 0 but attendees at the three-day
conference will be able to attend EME 101 class at no extra charge.
See the website in the text version of this week's newscast at
arnewsline.org for additional details. If you wish to be a presenter at the
conference, you will find more information about what the organizers need in
advance.
[DO NOT READ: https://eme2024trenton.org/ ]
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(EME CONFERENCE)
**
GERMAN AMATEURS GET 6-MONTH EXTENSION ON 160, 6 AND 4M
JIM/ANCHOR: Hams in Germany who have been enjoying temporary privileges on
some bands will be able to use them for six more months, as Jeremy Boot
G4NJH tells us.
JEREMY: Amateurs in Germany who are using temporarily allocated frequencies
on 160 metres, 6 metres and 4 metres - as well as Class E licence holders
being allowed to use the 13cm and 5 cm bands - have been given a six-month
extension from the telecommunications regulator BNetzA.
The announcement was made in late December in the regulator's newsletter
which noted that the extension expires on the 30th of June. Until then, all
licence, class, polarisation and power restrictions remain in place and use
continues to be on a non-interference basis.
The extension permits the use of 1.8 and 2.0 MHz on weekends for contests.
It also grants continued use of 50 to 52 MHz and 70.150 to 70.210 MHz.
In the meantime, German amateurs who want to test for the new entry-level
Class N licence later this year are advised to monitor the D A R C website
at Five Zero Oh H M dot de (50ohm.de) for updates on the exam syllabus,
which is considered compatible with the requirements for the CEPT entry-
level licence.
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(BNETZA)
**
SILENT KEY: MARTIN ENGSTROM, N1ARY, MAINE'S "MARTY ON THE MOUNTAIN"
JIM/ANCHOR: A ham radio operator who was best known as a beloved TV
weatherman -- even after his retirement 22 years ago -- has become a Silent
Key. We hear about him from Andy Morrison K9AWM.
ANDY: Marty Engstrom, N1ARY, was forever known as "Marty on the Mountain"
among viewers of Maine's TV station WMTW, Channel 8. His real job from atop
Mount Washington -- New England's highest peak -- was to keep the station's
transmitter on the air from there. Marty reluctantly agreed to read the
regional weather report on camera as well, despite having no background in
meteorology -- and until his retirement in 2002, his folksy delivery,
awkward smile and his clip-on tie became his trademark. In 2019, he was
inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Marty died on January 4th at his home in Maine after a brief illness,
according to local news reports. He was 86.
This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.
(WMTW, WJBQ)
**
SILENT KEY: EAST COAST REFLECTOR'S TOM MOLYNEAUX JR., KE3GK
JIM/ANCHOR: Hams on the Late Night and East Coast Reflectors are missing a
good-natured, good-humored member of their community. We hear about him from
Dave Parks WB8ODF.
DAVE: Tom Molyneaux Jr., KE3GK, was an avid contester on both SSB and CW and
had the awards hanging all over his shack walls to prove it. He was a member
of the North East Maryland Amateur Radio Club. Licensed since 1991, Tom
served as an influence and example for hams and non-hams alike - but was
perhaps proudest of the ham radio interest he sparked in one of his five
grandchildren, his grandson, Grayson.
Tom became a Silent Key on the 9th of January. Recalled by his radio
friends as friendly, funny and always willing to help newcomers, he was also
an eager volunteer, brainstorming ideas to keep his fellow amateurs engaged.
His more popular ideas included a Saturday 9 a.m. net on 40 meters and East
Coast Reflector Net also at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, known as The
Second Cup.
A veteran of the US Navy, he leaves behind his family, including his wife
Phyllis, who he had known since he was 7 years old.
Tom was a friend of mine.
He was 66.
I'm Dave Parks WB8ODF
**
GRANT TO FUND AMATEUR TRAINING IN TECH SECTORS
JIM/ANCHOR: It's going to be a busy year for the Ham Radio Village, KØHRV,
helping nurture and create new licensed hams. George Zafiropoulos KJ6VU has
the details.
GEORGE: Members of the Maker communities as well as people involved in STEM
and STEAM activities will be getting enhanced access to the path to prepare
for an amateur license with the help of an 08,000 grant from Amateur Radio
Digital Communications. The funds are being given to the Ham Radio Village
KØHRV, a Colorado-based nonprofit that has been advocating for more
individuals in various technical fields to get their amateur radio licenses.
As always Ham Radio Village intends to provide these communities with hands-
on experience, expertise on amateur-radio issues and to lead license-testing
both online and in person.
Ham Radio Village is known for its presence at DEFCON, a hacker convention
held every year in Las Vegas, and hopes that this grant money will take its
efforts beyond there. The outreach will include such other conferences as
GRCon, Maker Faires and the IEEE Communications Conference.
This is George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU.
(ARDC)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including the WA2EHL
repeater in Burlington New Jersey on Fridays at 7 p.m. local time.
**
NEWEST SATELLITES TO ENABLE EXPERIMENTAL TEXTING VIA SPACE
JIM/ANCHOR: New Starlink satellites have been launched in preparation for
the start of experimental texting via space. Kent Peterson KCØDGY brings us
up to date.
KENT: SpaceX has announced that the recent launch and deployment of six
Starlink satellites is expected to enable texting from space this year on an
experimental basis for mobile phones in its partnership with cellular
operators. SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile USA to conduct the initial
tests and also has agreements with providers in Switzerland, New Zealand,
Japan, Canada and Chile.
The company is hoping the satellites will help eliminate cellular dead
zones, enabling users to send text messages even when they are in regions
outside the T-Mobile network. The Starlink model differs from the service
provided to Apple's iPhones, which use an Emergency SOS via satellite
utilizing Globalstar satellites to establish a connection between the
iPhones and ground stations.
These six new satellites have greater optical reflectivity than other
Starlink broadband satellites. During the webcast of the January 2nd launch,
SpaceX said they plan to consult with astronomers to determine what impact,
if any, these new direct-to-cell satellites' will have on observatories so
SpaceX can make any necessary orbital adjustments.
Starlink has told the US Federal Communications Commission that its ultimate
plan is to deploy 840 such satellites for direct-to-cell communication
during the next six months. Voice and data services are not in its plans
until sometime in 2025 and Starlink must first get regulatory permission for
commercial use.
This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.
(CNET, SPACENEWS)
**
HAMCATION 2024 ANNOUNCES AWARD-WINNERS
JIM/ANCHOR: As amateurs prepare to pack up and travel to Hamcation in
Orlando, Florida, organizers of the annual event have announced winners of
two major awards to be presented there next month: The Carole Perry Educator
of the Year Award and the Gordon West Ambassador of the Year Award. Jack
Parker W8ISH has that story.
JACK: Lewis Malchick, N2RQ, a cofounder of the ARRL School Club Roundup and
an active participant in this event for more than 25 years, will receive the
2024 Carole Perry Educator of the Year Award at Hamcation. The honor
recognizes educators for their contributions to advancing amateur radio
among students. Lew is a former chemistry teacher at Brooklyn Tech High
School in New York, where he is an advisor to the school's ham radio club,
W2CXN. Lew also serves as a trustee for the ham club at Stuyvesant High
School, W2CLS, in Manhattan. He is also chairman of the Long Island Mobile
Amateur Radio Club's Education Committee which has sponsored five student
contacts with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.
The Gordon West Ambassador of the Year award recipient is being shared by
Fred and Anita Kemmerer. Fred, AB1OC, and Anita, AB1QB, promote STEM
education, amateur radio instruction and youth outreach through the Nashua
Area Radio Society in New Hampshire. They are also the creators of Ham
Bootcamp, which helps new licensees and prospective hams upgrade their
skills. Fred is director of the ARRL's New England Division and Anita is an
assistant division director for mentoring and the development of new hams.
Hamcation is being held from the 9th to the 11th of February, when the
recipients will be honored.
This is Jack Parker W8ISH.
(MICHAEL CAULEY, W4ORL)
**
HAMS PROVIDE MISSING-PERSONS RESOURCE AT RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE
JIM/ANCHOR: The religious pilgrimage that began on January 8th in India is
known as the Ganga Saga Mela -- and it is known for many things but sadly,
the annual gathering of tens of thousands of worshippers from around the
nation is also known for more than its share of people who go lost or
missing. This year a group of amateurs specializing in reuniting families
has taken the proactive approach with a new online resource. Jason Daniels
VK2LAW explains.
JASON: Tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims travel from around India to West
Bengal for an annual festival of spirituality and renewal known as the Ganga
Saga Mela. They arrive in pursuit of a dip into the waters at the confluence
of the Bay of Bengal and the Ganges River - but many of them end up in
pursuit of family members who have somehow wandered off. Ham radio operators
with the West Bengal Radio Club have developed a specialty over the years in
facilitating many kinds of reunions for missing persons and this year the
hams have introduced a web portal that will help the lost become found. The
website enables people to upload pictures of the person they are looking
for, eliminating a longstanding issue of language barriers at such a large
event.
The West Bengal Club's secretary Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA, said the
website myham dot in (myham.in) will display photos along with information
about each person and their last known location.
The mela is scheduled to conclude on the 17th of January.
This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.
(INDIATV.COM, THEPRINT.COM)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, listen for Chris, WA7RAR, operating as 8P9CB from
Barbados, IOTA Number NA-021, until the 25th of January. Many of his
activation sites are also POTA sites. Listen on 20-10m where he will be
using CW and SSB. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
Bob, W9XY, and Ken, K4ZW, are on the air from the ET3AA club station at
Addis Ababa University's Institute of Technology until the 20th of January.
They will concentrate on using the high bands. QSL via N2OO (N Two Oh Oh).
(425 DX BULLETIN)
**
KICKER: PAYING TRIBUTE, ONE SCOTTISH ISLAND SUMMIT AT A TIME
JIM/ANCHOR: SOTA summits have always been a special destination for those of
us who embrace the wilderness of the airwaves in combination with the wilder
spots here on earth. For our final story, Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells how
enthusiasts in Scotland have been celebrating the life of one amateur who
embraced both pursuits in different countries for many of his 80 years.
JEREMY: The islands of Scotland, with their varied landscapes and promise of
adventure, called to Andre Saunders, GM3VLB. Starting in the 1960s, he
distinguished himself through a variety of portable operations and
specialised aerial designs, concentrating later on the islands of his own
home Scotland. When he became a Silent Key in 2019 he left a means for the
Lothians Radio Society to encourage amateur activity on those same islands
that had served him so well. The society, which launched an awards scheme in
2022, recently announced the 2023 winners of the GM3VLB SOTA Islands Award -
Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, in first place, and Paul Hodgkinson, G4IPB, in second
place. The society also honoured Gus, W9SSN, for successful activations
farthest from his home QTH.
The award has just entered its third year and anyone in the world can help
pay tribute to Andre through a series of valid activations from any SOTA
summit in the GM/SI Scottish Islands region. You simply have to be willing
to travel to the islands, then climb or walk - sometimes through deep bogs -
in Andre's footsteps.
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(ANDY, MM0FMF, THE SOTA REFLECTOR)
**
DO YOU HAVE NEWS?
If you have a piece of Amateur Radio News that you think Newsline would be
interested in, send us a brief overview via the contact page at
arnewsline.org. If it's newsworthy and we would like to cover it, we'll get
back to you for more details. Meanwhile, if you're feeling even a little bit
poetic, visit our website to learn more about the Amateur Radio Newsline
haiku challenge. We have started a new year - and a new challenge! Use the
entry form on our website and please follow the rules for the proper number
of syllables when writing your three-line haiku --
and be sure to check out our previous winners!
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur Radio Daily; Amateur Radio Digital
Communications; ARRL; CQ Magazine; CNET; David Behar K7DB; DXWorld; EME
Conference; Frank Bauer, KA3HDO; 425DXNews; India.TV; Michael Cauley, W4ORL;
QRZ.com; shortwaveradio.de; the SOTA Reflector; SpaceNews; ThePrint.com;
WMTW, WJBQ; 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 Jim Damron N8TMW in
Charleston West Virginia 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 14-jan-2024 12:04 E. South America Standard Time
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