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 Previous: Amateur Radio Responds to Michelle's Fury |  Next: The Amateur Amateur: Frequency--the Movie |
November 15, 2001
(In alphabetical order: )
ARISS-Europe QSL Bureau changes address: The ARISS-Europe QSL bureau's address has changed. Requests for ARISS QSL cards go to AMSAT-France, 14 bis rue des Gourlis, 92500 Rueil Malmaison, FRANCE. Requestors should include a self-addressed envelope and two International Reply Coupons (IRCs) to cover the handling cost. The ARISS-Europe QSL manager is Christophe Candebat, F1MOJ.
ARRL test fee to remain at $10: The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator Amateur Radio test fee will remain at $10 for 2002. The 2002 National Exam Day dates are (spring) April 27-28 and (fall) September 28-29, 2002--the last full weekends in April and September each year.
Belgium's UBA offers
new award: The
Belgian IARU society UBA is offering the OQ Award to mark the occasion of the
birth of H.R.H. Princess Elisabeth on October 25. Belgian stations are
permitted to use the prefix OQ until the end of this year. Amateurs and short-wave
listeners may apply for the commemorative certificate. To qualify for the OQ
Award, work/hear stations that are using the OQ prefix. On HF, Belgians must
submit at least 15 different stations, including at least four different
prefixes; on VHF/UHF Belgians must submit at least 20 different stations,
including at least six different prefixes. Other Europeans need at least seven
different stations, including at least three different prefixes; all others
must submit at least five different stations, including at least two different
prefixes. There are no band restrictions, but repeater contacts are not valid.
Send log extracts plus $5 no later than February 28, 2002 to UBA Award Manager
Egbert Hertsen, ON4CAS, Postbus 85, Mechelen 2, B-2800 Mechelen, Belgium.
 Pierre Chastan, F6FOZ (left) presents petitions to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. |
Ham presents petitions to UN Secretary-General on behalf of Cousteau Society: A delegation of the Cousteau Society has presented petitions on the "Rights of Future Generations" to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The petition, originally launched by the late Jacques-Yves Cousteau, calls for preservation of the planet's environment. To date, it has been signed by more than nine million people from 106 countries, supporting Cousteau's goal of ensuring an intact and uncontaminated earth for future generations. Pierre Chastan, F6FOZ, presented the UN official with the latest 6000 petitions from around the world, along with a book, Serving the Future. Following Cousteau's death, Chastan--who considered Cousteau a mentor--built a small boat from wood harvested from his father's land in France. On that vessel, baptized The Message, he set out to collect more petitions, crossing the Atlantic from France to bring the message on preservation of the planet's environment to the United Nations in New York.
Ham radio a family affair in Mississippi: It turned out to be as simple as XYZ in Mississippi when the Thompson family got their Technician tickets October 26 after passing their exams the previous day. Nine-year-old son Colby Thompson now is KD5QDX, while Mom and Dad, James and Denise Thompson, now are KD5QDY and KD5QDZ respectively. The family lives in Georgetown, Mississippi. According to Denise Thompson, Colby has really been enjoying his 2-meter H-T. He has checked into a nightly net in New Hebron several times and sometimes chats with his Dad while he's at work in Crystal Springs. Volunteer examiners for the test session were Robert Redding, W5CSH, Eugene Holcombe, N5ZDF, and Graham Bell, AC5Y, who also served as the instructor for the ham radio class, which also included James Broadwater, now KD5QDW. Bell says Colby Thompson is the youngest ham in Copiah County.
Ham re-elected to city council seat: Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, was re-elected to a second term on the City Council of Agoura Hills, California. "Four months of campaigning is now over. Yeah!" said Reinhardt. "Time to resume a 'normal' life now." Reinhardt and his wife Melissa, KD6BIT, operate a public relations firm, and he is a member of the ARRL Public Relations Committee. Son Steven is K6SJR, and daughter Jessica is KD6ARA.
Hilo Amateur Radio Club celebrates 70th
anniversary: The Hilo (Hawaii) Amateur Radio Club
recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. One of the oldest ham radio clubs in
the US, the Hilo ARC marked the occasion on October 12, just prior to the
Hawaii State Amateur Radio Convention that weekend. Featured speaker for the
event was ARRL Lab Supervisor (and QRP enthusiast) Ed Hare, W1RFI, who
recounted "The Incredible Saga of the Tuna Tin 2." During the party at the
Honolulu Airport Hotel, club president Kenny Bell, KH6AFQ, gave a brief history
of the club's beginnings in 1931. The Hilo club was organized by Otis Hill,
then-K6AJA (K6 was Hawaii's prefix before World War II). Hill boasted during
the 1930s that all amateurs on the Big Island of Hawaii were members. Hilo ARC
became affiliated with ARRL in 1946. Dean Manley, KH6B, conducted the prize
drawing after the celebration dinner, and nearly everyone went home with
something.
Jean Butler, wife of Southeastern Director Frank Butler, W4RH: Jean Butler, the wife of ARRL Southeastern Director Frank Butler, W4RH, died November 13. A retired elementary school teacher, she had suffered a stroke two years ago. Prior to her illness, she had often accompanied her husband on trips to conventions, committee meetings and International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 conferences. "Jean was a friend to many on the ARRL Board and was well known throughout the Southeastern Division through her support of Frank," said ARRL Executive Vice President David Sumner, K1ZZ. "We will miss her." Outgoing IARU Region 2 President Tom Atkins, VE3CDM, said he and his wife, Jo, were saddened to learn of Jean Butler's death. "We both knew Jean for a long time, and she and Jo were good friends who enjoyed each other's company at many Region 2 and other events over so many years." Atkins called Jean Butler "a gracious lady who will be missed by everyone." The funeral is Saturday, 11 AM, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church's music ministry: 103 First St, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
North Korea (P5) is on the air: North Korea, the DXCC entity that tops everyone's most-wanted list, was activated this month by Ed Giorgadze, 4L4FN, of the Republic of Georgia. The operation has not yet been approved for DXCC credit, however. On the basis of oral permission from North Korean authorities, Giorgadze has been operating as P5/4L4FN since early this month. Bruce Paige, KK5DO, reports that more than 100 operators, himself included, have put P5/4L4FN into their logs on 10 meters. Paige recorded his QSO and has made it available--along with additional information--on his AMSAT Net Web site. Paige reports that 4L4FN works with the UN World Food Program in North Korea and has tried for more than two years to get operating permission. Recently, Paige said, Giorgadze got oral permission to bring his ICOM IC-706MkIIG into North Korea to operate. "He made a 20-meter dipole that tunes okay on 10," Paige said, adding that 4L4FN now is awaiting written permission from the North Korean government--something that's required for ARRL DXCC credit. "We do not know how long that will take, although they have told him it should be around Christmas time," he said. As a result, it's possible the recent contacts will not count for DXCC. Paige said 4L4FN works 12 hours a day but will try to be on as much as possible. Paige said he would attempt to post P5/4L4FN operating times on his Web site and to other DX news sites.
Operations accepted for DXCC credit: Several DX operations have now received approval for DXCC credit. They are: ZK1NJC, North Cook Island; T5X, Somalia; OJ0VR, Market Reef; and HK5QGX/0M, Malpelo Island. Those who previously submitted these entities and were denied credit may contact DXCC and have their records updated without having to resubmit cards. For more information, contact ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L.
Participation pins discontinued: The ARRL Contest Branch has announced that participation pins for two ARRL Contests--the September VHF QSO Party and the RTTY Roundup--have been discontinued. "We have reviewed the various pins programs, and regret that we have had to drop the pins for these two contests," said ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. "The decision is not based on lack of support for the contest. Rather, sales for neither pin approached the break-even point, so they were discontinued." Those who ordered pins for the 2001 ARRL September VHF QSO Party should have received a reimbursement check. Pins for the 2001 RTTY Roundup remain available as the supply lasts. Other ARRL contest pins--November Sweepstakes CW, November Sweepstakes Phone and ARRL International DX Contest--as well as the November Sweepstakes "clean sweep" mugs will remain available.
PCsat now reported ailing: Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, reports that as of 0152 UTC on November 16, PCsat was in critical condition. Bruninga said the satellite's battery voltage had dropped to 0.84 V per cell and predicted that this would likely cause a reset and the loss of all settings during the remainder of the eclipse. "Users must understand that the health of PCsat depends on all of us," Bruninga said. He noted that the mission of the satellite is to UI digipeat. "There is no reason for any user at any time to ever attempt a connection either via PCsat or to any of the call signs on PCsat. It is for UI packets only." Bruninga pointed out that connections "are a tremendous waste of very limited power" available aboard PCsat, which operates from a set of 12 AA nicads. During connections, it takes 12 W for every packet, which depletes the batteries very rapidly. Last week, Bruninga had reported that PCsat was performing well in its planned mission to provide mobile and hand-held communications for amateurs worldwide using the Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS). "We have seen over 140 users in the European footprint and a comparable number in the US, as well as stations in Australia," Bruninga told AMSAT News Service. PCsat now is in its maximum eclipse phase. For more information, visit the PCsat Web site.
Radiotelegraphy book now in print: Dave Clarke, VE6LX, has announced that The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy by William G. Pierpont, N0HFF, now is in print and available immediately. The volume has been prepared for publication under the auspices of the Radio Educational Society (RAES) of which Clarke is director. He is offering copies for $18 (US) by check, money order or IRC payable to Dave Clarke TASRT, c/o Dave Clarke, VE6LX, 8607 34A Ave, Edmonton, AB Canada T6K 0B9. The third edition of The Art & Skill of Radio-Telegaphy recently became available free for the downloading in Word and in Adobe Portable Document Format. The book is aimed at those learning and using Morse code.--thanks to Ken Pierpont, KF4OW
September 11 tribute special event set: As a tribute to amateur operators active in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, and as a token of sympathy for the victims and relatives of those involved in the disasters, the QRZ Amateur Radio Group of Sussex, England, will hold a special event November 23-25 using the call sign GB4ISE. Operation will be on HF and VHF. "The purpose of the event is to enable amateurs around the world to express their support on air for the work done by our American colleagues," said Group Chairman Stuart Constable, M0CHW. He said a copy of the log book would be presented to the ARRL "as a token of our support." A special QSL card will be sent to all amateurs contacting GB4ISE.--Stuart Constable, M0CHW
Troubled sailboat uses ham frequency to relay distress message: Bruce Clark, K6BC, in Indiana, recently intercepted a distress message transmitted on 14.300 MHz from a sailboat off Bermuda. The vessel, identified as Sunday's Child, did not have a licensed Amateur Radio operator aboard. The sailboat was said to be in stiff winds but had lost its main sheet and was without a working engine. The sailboat operator identified herself as Mary Ann Lee and said the craft had three people on board. Clark notified the US Coast Guard, which relayed the call to the Bermuda Port Authority. Bermudan authorities contacted the craft and shifted operation to the 4.125 MHz maritime distress frequency. Joel Sampson N5LXI, in Texas, acted as relay and backup in the situation.--Joel Sampson, N5LXI
US to offer prime Leonids viewing: According to predictions, North America is supposed to have a front-row seat for the Leonid meteor shower on the evening on November 17 and the morning of November 18. NASA says the best viewing times are predicted to be the early morning hours of Sunday, November 18, with peak activity expected around 5 AM Eastern (1000 UTC). To determine the best viewing times, a handy site is available on the Web.
Vote on QST Cover Plaque Award: The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for October was Nick Powell, NH6ON, for his article "A Ham's South Pole Adventure." Congratulations, Nick! The winner of the QST Cover Plaque award--given to the author of the best article in each issue--is determined by a vote of ARRL members. Voting takes place each month on the Cover Plaque Poll Web page. As soon as your copy arrives, cast a ballot for your favorite article in the November issue of QST. Voting ends November 30.
W1AW seeking reports on 40 meters: Maxim Memorial Station W1AW has made some hardware changes to its 40-meter bulletin/code practice transmitter and now is seeking signal reports. When reporting, note your QTH, time of reception, mode, signal strength and quality. Use of the standard RST system is acceptable. Mail your report on a postcard to W1AW 40-meter reports, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. E-mail reports may be sent to w1aw@arrl.org. W1AW's schedule calls for Morse practice Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 AM Eastern and Morse practice/bulletins Mondays through Fridays 4-6 PM Eastern, both on 7047.5 kHz. The weekday digital transmission begins at 6 PM Eastern on 7095 kHz. The complete W1AW operating schedule is on the ARRL Web site.
WB6BYU is new IARU
Region 2 ARDF coordinator: Dale Hunt, WB6BYU, of Yamhill, Oregon, is the new International Amateur
Radio Union Region 2 Amateur Radio Direction Finding coordinator. He succeeds
Joe Moell, K0OV, who remains the ARRL-USA ARDF Coordinator. Moell, who was the
first Region 2 ARDF Coordinator, is vacating the position to concentrate on
ARDF promotion within the US. Hunt's appointment was effective October 13,
2001, following his nomination by outgoing IARU Region 2 President Tom Atkins,
VE3CDM, and confirmation by the Region 2 Executive Committee at its meeting in
Guatemala City. WB6BYU has been active in ARDF for many years. He competed
formally for the first time at the 1997 Friendship Radiosports Games near
Tokyo. He also headed Team USA at the 1998 ARDF World Championships in Hungary
and was the first person from Region 2 to serve on the International Jury at
the 2000 ARDF World Championships in China. In 1999, he was the prime mover
behind the first IARU R2 ARDF Championships in Portland, Oregon, sponsored by
the Friendship Amateur Radio Society. As IARU R2 ARDF Coordinator, WB6BYU's
mission will be to promote and develop radio-orienteering in the 39 North and
South America countries with IARU member-societies. At present, only two of
these countries (US and Canada) have active ARDF programs. Those interested may
contact Dale Hunt.--Joe Moell, K0OV
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