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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2417 for Friday February 23rd
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2417 for Friday February 23rd, 2024
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2417 with a release date of Friday
February 23rd, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Alabama police remain baffled over broadcast tower's
disappearance. Hams in the UK and Australia adjust to new amateur
regulations -- and meet one net where members are trafficking in puns. All
this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2417 comes your way
right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
QUESTIONS LINGER OVER MISSING RADIO TOWER
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: For our top story this week, we return to Jasper, Alabama,
where a broadcast tower mysteriously disappeared in early February. For now,
that mystery remains. Kent Peterson KCØDGY gives us a closer look.
KENT: As police in Jasper, Alabama, continue to puzzle over the apparent
overnight disappearance of a 200-foot radio tower, listeners bemoan the loss
of the AM station that has been a mainstay in the metropolitan Birmingham
area since it first went on the air in 1957. A recent report in the New York
Times quoted longtime listeners as praising station WJLX - "The Sound of
Walker County" - as being a trusted voice carrying information, storm
warnings, traffic reports and sports scores.
The voice went mysteriously silent from AM as the theft of its tower was
reported in a case that has baffled local authorities and cast doubts for
many - including the police - as to what really happened. The absence of an
AM station also prevented the broadcaster from keeping its FM counterpart on
the air, in compliance with FCC regulations. The station's programming was
carried only online until iHeart Media provided one of its HD3 channel on
the broadcaster's WDXB station in Birmingham. According to a report in
RadioWorld, iHeart received the FCC's approval and the broadcaster is now
providing a signal to the WJLX FM translator on 101.5 MHz.
Meanwhile, concern remains over the fate of its AM outlet. The station has
begun raising funds by establishing a GoFundMe page. The station manager,
Brett Elmore, is quoted in the New York Times as asking: “Who in the world
steals a radio tower?ö
Jasper police and listeners are asking the same question.
For now, not quite a month later, there are unproven theories - but as
Newsline went to production, there were still no answers.
This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.
(RADIO WORLD, NEW YORK TIMES)
**
SCOUTS ACHIEVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH ISS ASTRONAUT
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In California, Girl Scouts who were involved in the planning
and design of an amateur radio station finally got to use it on Thursday,
February 22nd, in a 10-minute contact with the International Space Station.
Unlike many of the typical ARISS contacts that have been made using a
Telebridge station, this was a direct contact from the station created at
Girl Scouts Headquarters in California. The girls were involved in its
creation from the start with help from the River City Amateur Radio
Communications Society and Girl Scout Heart of Central California
coordinated by Jen Garland, KI1TTY [KAY EYE ONE TTY]. The girls' instruction
provided a look at hams' emergency response roles -- and of course a
possible career as an astronaut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4qI2mNreOY ARISS Contact
(JEN GARLAND, KI1TTY, ARISS)
**
DIGIPEATER IS BACK IN ACTION ON THE ISS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In other news about the ISS, the onboard packet radio
digipeater resumed activity on 145.825 MHz as of the 15th of February.
Additional digipeater access is expected to become available starting on
March 1st, with the launch of two new ham radio satellites: Germany's
SONATE-2 and CROCUBE from Croatia. Both satellites are on educational
missions. SONATE-2, from the University of Wuerzburg (PRON: Vertz Berg), has
a CW beacon and a SSTV transmitter in addition to the digipeater. CROCUBE
has a similar configuration, however it will use an experimental SSDV
downlink and have the capacity to send anniversary and special occasion
messages via AX.25 and CW.
(ARISS, AMATEUR RADIO DAILY, AMSAT)
**
NEW RULES IN EFFECT FOR UK AMATEURS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Hams in the UK have begun experiencing the first of many
sweeping changes Ofcom has made to licences and the licensing process.
Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us more.
JEREMY: With the first rule changes from Ofcom having come into effect on
the 21st, the regulator will send out a new licence document to all UK
operators no later than autumn of this year. As reported earlier, Ofcom's
new rules not only simplify the licence process but permit ham radio
equipment to be operated under the supervision of a licensee. Regional
secondary locators have also become optional. Ofcom has also raised the
maximum power hams can use on most of the bands. The regulator has promoted
the changes for giving amateurs what it calls [quote] "freedom to innovate."
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(OFCOM)
**
AMATEUR LICENSE CHANGES BEGIN IN AUSTRALIA
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Likewise, Australian hams are settling in to some new
license changes too. John Williams VK4JJW brings us up to date.
JOHN: Changes have taken effect in Australia on the assignment of amateur
radio licences. On the 19th of February, the change was made to a class-
licence system, meaning that the Australian Communications and Media
Authority is no longer renewing non-assigned amateur licences. Although
assigned apparatus licences are still required to operate a repeater or a
beacon, all other amateur operations are now covered by the new system.
Hams surrendering their non-assigned amateur licences renewed in the last
few months may be eligible for a refund from the ACMA. Most hams in
Australia needed to take no action to complete their transition to the new
class licence, which is issued for free.
This is John Williams VK4JJW.
(ACMA)
**
INDIAN DXPEDITION TESTS DX ABILITIES OF VHF REPEATER
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: An island DXpedition by Indian amateurs successfully tested
the DX capabilities of an important VHF repeater on the mainland. Jim
Meachen ZL2BHF has those details.
JIM: A strategically located VHF repeater in India was put to the test over
the weekend of February 18th during a Beaches on the Air DXpedition that
reached 27 countries on SSB from Henry's Island. The island location is
significant because it is located in the Sunderbans Reserve Forest, an area
in Bengal that is prone to violent cyclones and from time to time in need of
emergency radio support.
A six-member team of hams from the West Bengal Radio Club made the QSOs
while studying the changes in propagation that occur during the seasonal
change from winter to summer. Although the hams are proud of the DX contacts
they made during the weekend, they are prouder still of the successful
connection they can rely on from the island to the VHF repeater located atop
the highest building in Kolkata. It fulfilled a very practical, lifesaving
objective: maintaining contact from a region that is imperiled when disaster
strikes.
This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF
(THE STATESMAN)
**
SILENT KEY, BILL HUDZIK, W2UDT, OF ARRL HUDSON DIVISION
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A prominent radio amateur in the New York area of the ARRL
has become a Silent Key. The death of Bill Hudzik, W2UDT, past vice director
for the ARRL's Hudson Division, was reported on Facebook and in an ARRL
newsletter by Nomar, NP4H, the division director.
Bill had stepped down as vice director of the ARRL Hudson Division on
February 1st, 2022. He had told fellow amateurs at the Division awards
luncheon that his decision was based on having been diagnosed with
Parkinson's disease. Bill was originally appointed to the post of vice
director in 2011 following the retirement of Frank Fallon, N2FF.
Bill had a reputation for representing ham interests in legislative matters
in New Jersey, including advocacy for amateurs in gaining an exemption from
a state law that banned cell phone use by motorists. Bill had previously
served as ARRL's Northern New Jersey section manager. He had been a ham
since 1961.
No other details were immediately available.
(ARRL)
**
LUNAR LANDER DELAYS LAUNCH OF CREW-8 ASTRONAUTS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: NASA's Crew-8 astronauts have had to wait a little longer
for their launch but the space agency gave them a good reason. Andy Morrison
K9AWM explains.
ANDY: The launch of a robotic lunar lander has delayed the departure of
SpaceX's eighth crewed operational mission to the ISS. NASA's Crew-8
astronauts include Matthew Dominick, KCØTOR, the commander; Michael Barratt,
KD5MIJ, the pilot; and Jeanette Epps, KF5QNU, the mission specialist. They
are to be accompanied by mission specialist and Roscosmos cosmonaut
Alexander Grebenkin.
Their date with the launch pad was moved from the 22nd of February to no
earlier than the 28th when they will be aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon as part
of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Meanwhile, the robotic lander known as Odysseus - nicknamed Odie - lifted
off on February 15th and is expected to become the first private spacecraft
to land on the moon. It was built by Intuitive Machines, a company based in
Houston. The US has not touched the surface of the moon since the Apollo 17
mission in 1972.
This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.
(AMSAT NEWS SERVICE, CNN)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the Tri-
Town Radio Amateur Club, W9VT, in Homewood Illinois, as part of the
Wednesday Net at 8 p.m. local time.
**
SKYWARN NEEDS TRAINED SPOTTERS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Looking for a way to get ready for hurricane season? Randy
Sly W4XJ is here to give us one option.
RANDY: We're approaching that time of year when the National Weather Service
begins SKYWARN spotter training in the US for the start of hurricanes and
other storms of spring and summer. Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, told Newsline that
in his area of the United States, Wichita, Kansas as well as the Norman and
Tulsa, Oklahoma weather forecast offices have already announced their
upcoming classes. He said preparation is an important and serious
undertaking.
LLOYD: “You can be aware or you can be scared. The National Weather Service
offers training locally and virtually so you can be aware.ö
RANDY: Christopher Strong, warning coordination meteorologist for the
Baltimore/Washington DC Weather Forecast Office told Amateur Radio Newsline
that hams can play a big part in being [quote] “weather aware, by knowing
what threats are possible.ö Amateur radio operators not only need to keep
our equipment ready to go but also keep our training up to date.
You can attend spotter training online or find out about classes in your
area by visiting Weather.gov, then locate your local office by entering your
zip code in the search box. When you find your local office, look for the
Skywarn link.
This is Randy Sly, W4XJ
**
AWARD HONORS THE OPEN INNOVATIVE SPIRIT OF HAM RADIO
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The window is closing to submit names of candidates for an
award that honors the open, innovative spirit of ham radio. Sel Embee KB3 T
ZED D tells us how to apply.
SEL: Now in its fifth year, the Amateur Radio Software Award recognizes the
contributions that free, open source software has made to enhance the
experience of ham radio. The international award's judges are now in search
of this year's recipient from anywhere in the world.
Last year's winner was Stephen Loomis, NØTTL, whose development of
GridTracker has helped hams simplify the tracking of contacts by visualizing
radio traffic on such modes as FT8. Earlier winners were David Rowe, VK5DGR,
for his Codec 2 project, which gives digital voice communications access to
other software and hardware projects without the need for licensing, fees
and other concerns. Jordan Sherer, KN4CRD, and his project, JS8Call, won the
award in 2021 and the first award recipient was Anthony Good, K3NG, for the
K3NG Arduino CW Keyer.
In addition to receiving the award, winners are also celebrated later in the
year with a special event station calling attention to the innovative spirit
they represent. For details, visit a r s award dot com. Deadline is the 29th
of February.
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(ARSAWARD.COM)
**
DX CENTURY CLUB AWARD HONORS THE ELMERS BEHIND THE CHASERS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Behind every achievement of a young DX chaser, there is at
least one mentor who has cheered them on with moral support and technical
guidance. Working quietly behind the scenes, these seasoned hams become big
achievers too. Now these Elmers are getting a moment in the sun as well, as
we hear from Newsline's newest correspondent, Travis Lisk N3ILS.
TRAVIS: The DX Century Club award is a top amateur radio honor that
recognizes hams who have confirmed contacts with 100 entities. Now those
hams who have guided younger achievers on their journey to DXCC are in line
for a top award themselves. A team of DX organizations is preparing to give
a mentor recognition award this May at the annual DX Dinner, which coincides
with Hamvention in Xenia.
To qualify for the award, mentors must have assisted a DX chaser who is
under the age of 30. Applicants will be reviewed by a judging committee made
up of representatives from the Southwest Ohio DX Association, the Northern
California DX Foundation and the International DX Association.
For an application form, send an email to thedxmentor at gmail dot com
(thedxmentor@gmail.com)
This is Travis Lisk N3ILS.
(425 DX BULLETIN, SWODXA)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, listen for the Intrepid DX Group's DXpedition to Pigeon
Island, IOTA Number OC-065, from the 22nd of February to the 7th of March.
The team will be operating CW, SSB and FT8 in fox and hound mode on 160
through 6 metres. There will be as many as six stations operational. Watch
the team's Facebook page for updates. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
You have until the 26th of February to work Chuck, KC4KQE, who is on the air
as TF/KC4KQE from Iceland. He is operating SSB and FT8, activating several
POTA and SOTA locations during daylight hours. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
Timo, OH1NA, will be operating holiday style as 3B8/OH1NA from Mauritius,
IOTA Number AF-049, from the 25th of February to the 7th of March. He will
operate CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
Listen for Nobby, G0VJG, operating holiday style as 5H3VJG from Zanzibar
Island, IOTA Number AF-032, Tanzania from the 7th to the 20th of March. He
will be using mainly SSB with some CW and FT8. He is expecting to operate in
the RSGB Commonwealth Contest on the 9th and 10th of March. See QRZ. com for
QSL details.
**
KICKER: NETS OF NOTE: THE PUN-IN-LIFE NET
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We end this week's report by putting the spotlight on a new
net as part of our occasional series "Nets of Note." Newsline visits this
week with a startup net for hams who take radio seriously enough to know
there's also a time for laughter. As Ralph Squillace KK6ITB tells us, this
is no joke - or....is it?
RALPH: The multi-mode digital network known as the QuadNet Array doesn't
just unite fans of D-STAR, DMR and C4FM Fusion. Starting next month, a new
mode will be added to the mix once a week: Pun Mode. Pun Mode is neither
digital nor analogue and it's not the exclusive practice of ham radio
operators. Hams who have a reputation for groan-inducing wordplay now have a
refuge in which to practice their craft. The Pun in Life Net is starting up
on the QuadNet array beginning on Saturday the 2nd of March at 4 p.m.
Eastern Time, 1 p.m. Pacific Time. The net control and punster-in-chief is
Daryl Stout, N5VLZ, a past participant in the World Championship Pun-Off
held every May at the O. Henry Museum in Austin Texas. Humor must conform to
on-the-air standards of decency -- and because this is a digital mode, the
only QRM you are likely to hear are the loud groans from everyone else.
Visit the website openquad dot net (openquad.net) to check it out before you
check in. Daryl is hoping for a big enough crowd to make this a pun-in-a-
million experience.
This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
(DARYL STOUT, N5VLZ)
**
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.
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to the Amateur Radio Software Award; AMSAT News
Service; Australian Communications and Media Authority; Amateur Radio Daily;
ARRL; CQ Magazine; CNN; David Behar K7DB; DXWorld; 425DXNews; NY Times;
Ofcom; QRZ.com; RadioWorld; shortwaveradio.de; Southwest Ohio DX
Association; West Bengal Radio Club; Wireless Institute of Australia;
Worldwide DX; YouTube; 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 Stephen Kinford N8WB
in Wadsworth Ohio 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
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BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 23-fev-2024 08:16 E. South America Standard Time
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