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 Previous: Culbertson Sails Through Challenging School Contact Schedule |  Next: G3AQC's Signal Spans the Atlantic on 73 kHz! |
Nov 28, 2001
(In alphabetical order: )
Amateur Radio Trader calls it quits: Amateur Radio Trader magazine--which called itself "the ham radio marketplace"--is ceasing publication with its second November issue, which went out to subscribers November 20. "This was a difficult but necessary decision, due to the combined effects of the Internet on our print edition (the primary source of our Web content), and the economic climate," said the magazine's editor Barbara Patterson, KF4MVV, in a statement on the Amateur Radio Trader Web site. "ART is no longer a viable product for us. We are redirecting the company's resources into other areas." Patterson told ARRL that the Amateur Radio Trader Web site also would be discontinued and that subscribers would be reimbursed for any outstanding issues. She said TAP Publishing Company, which owns the twice-monthly listing of classified ads, had decided to put its energies into other areas. TAP also publishes Trade-a-Plane--aimed at general aviation enthusiasts, as well as Rock and Dirt--a heavy equipment trader published in English and Spanish--and Trade Quip, aimed at the oil and gas industry. In her announcement, Patterson apologized for any inconvenience and said the second November issue of ART would remain posted on the ART Web site through December 9. "Thank you for your support," her notice concluded. "We have enjoyed serving you, and we wish you continued good luck with your ham radio interests."
AMSAT-NA to mull names for new project: AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, says he's received 27 suggestions on what to name the organization's newest satellite project. Preliminary plans call for the new bird to have capabilities similar to those now offered by AO-40, plus a digital transponder that will be different from anything now available in Amateur Radio satellites. A campaign also has begun to fund the new satellite project--dubbed "Project JJ" and now planned to launch in 2004. Haighton said he's asked the project's namesakes--Dick Jansson, WD4FAB, and Lyle Johnson, KK7P--to assist him in choosing from among the suggestions. "However, should the three of us totally disagree, then Chuck Green [N0ADI] will cast the deciding vote," Haighton said. He requests any last-minute suggestions for a new name via e-mail by November 30. The person who proposes the name that's chosen will receive free admission to the Dayton AMSAT 2002 dinner.--AMSAT News Service
ARRL approves Afghanistan operation for DXCC: The ARRL DXCC Desk reports it has received acceptable documentation for YA5T in Afghanistan and has approved it for DXCC credit. Afghanistan is among the top 10 "most wanted" countries. The license, which authorizes operation on all bands--including 6 meters--was issued by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan government that's still recognized by the United Nations. YA5T will be operated by Peter Casier, ON6TT, as well as by Mats Persson, SM7PKK, Robert Kasca, S53R, and Mark Demeuleneere, ON4WW. All work for the UN World Food Program. YA5T will be on the air as their schedules permit. The DXCC documentation is for contacts made on or after November 20, 2001. "No other call signs or operations have been approved as of this date," ARRL Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG, said on November 26. Casier also has operated as YA/ON6TT/m. For more information, visit the YA5T Web site managed by Bruce Richards, WD4NGB.
Comments due February 12 in "band threat" proceeding: Comments are due February 12, 2002, in the FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order in ET Docket 01-278. Reply comments are due on March 12, 2002. The proceeding deals in part with a potential band threat to the popular 70-cm band from a Part 15 RF identification device proposed for deployment by SAVI Technology (see the Threats to our Amateur Bands page for details). The ARRL has argued that under the Communications Act of 1934 the FCC lacks authority to permit unlicensed devices with substantial interference potential and that such devices must be licensed. The ARRL also is looking into the interference potential posed to 20 meters by a proposal to increase the maximum emission levels permitted by Part 15 devices operating at 13.56 MHz, as well as the maximum level of out-of-band emissions. Commenters are advised to read paragraphs 20-27 of the NPRM&O (available on the ARRL Web site. Interested parties may file comments using the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (search using "01-278"). Commenters should include full name, US Postal Service mailing address, and applicable docket or rule making number--in this case ET 01-278. It's also possible to e-mail comments via the ECFS. To obtain e-mail filing instructions, commenters should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov and include the words "get form <your e-mail address>" in the body of the message. A sample form and directions will be sent by reply e-mail.
Dale Hatfield, W0IFO, to lead FCC wireless enhanced 911 services inquiry: The FCC has announced that former Office of Engineering and Technology Chief Dale N. Hatfield, W0IFO, will lead the inquiry into technical and operational issues affecting deployment of wireless enhanced 911 (E911) services. The inquiry will evaluate information from technology vendors, network equipment and handset manufacturers, carriers and the public safety community concerning technology standards issues, development of hardware and software, and supply conditions. This inquiry also will address the provisioning by incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) of the facilities and equipment necessary to receive and utilize E911 data elements. Hatfield is director of the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder. From 1997 until 2000, he served first as chief technologist and later as chief of the OET. His other government roles have included senior policy making roles as deputy assistant secretary of Commerce for communications and information and deputy administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, as well as chief of the FCC's Office of Plans and Policy. Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief Tom Sugrue says that Hatfield will work closely with the WTB's Policy Division staff to further define the parameters of this inquiry.--FCC
DXCC credit granted for XU7AAR operation: The ARRL DXCC Desk reports that it has received supporting documentation for the 1999 XU7AAR (Cambodia) operation and has now accepted XU7AAR for DXCC credit. Those who submitted XU7AAR previously and were denied credit may contact DXCC and have their records updated without having to resubmit cards.--DXCC Desk
FCC launches new Web site search tool: The FCC has announced the integration of what it calls "a powerful new commercial-style search engine" into its Internet Web site. The new utility searches throughout the FCC's Web site, collecting information from Web pages and documents. The new FCC search engine also searches the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS). However, the new search engine cannot collect information from other FCC databases and electronic filing systems, such as the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Information on searching those databases and systems can be found on the FCC Search Page. Access to the new search tool is provided through a standard text entry box and links positioned at the top of the left-hand column of most FCC Web pages. It is also available with enhanced features on the Search page. The FCC said it tested the new search engine on the FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Web site for several weeks before integrating it this week on the main FCC site. The Commission invites consumer feedback on the new search utility to its Webmaster.--FCC
FCC says ULS now compatible with Internet Explorer and Netscape: The FCC has announced that its Universal Licensing System (ULS) now can be accessed using either Internet Explorer 5.5-6.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.5, 4.51, 4.61, 4.7 and 4.75. Until now, the ULS has supported only Netscape. The FCC says applicants may now use Internet Explorer to file applications and for all other ULS purposes. For more information, contact ULS. For questions concerning computer access to ULS, CORES registration and FCC Registration Number, TIN/Call Sign issues, or submitting attachments in ULS, contact the Technical Support Hotline, 202-414-1250, available weekdays 7 AM-10 PM, Saturdays, 8 AM-7 PM and Sundays from noon-6 PM Eastern Time. The Public Notice outlining this change is available on the FCC's Web site.
Ham-sailor departs Nassau: David Clark, KB6TAM--the oldest person to sail solo around the world--is again under way after a stopover in Nassau, the Bahamas. Clark arrived in Nassau Thanksgiving day on his way to a homecoming celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, December 7. His wife, Lynda, reports that he departed November 27 for Bimini in order to get ahead of Hurricane Olga, now a Category 1 storm. Lynda Clark said that during her husband's stay in Nassau, he was "treated royally" and that he played his clarinet for guests at the PoopDeck restaurant, owned by his friend Eloy Roldan. Lynda Clark said a photographer and reporter from the South Florida Sun Sentinel flew to Nassau over the weekend, and an article about Clark was set to appear Sunday, December 2.
 Dick Dillman, W6AWO, operating from KPH as K6KPH during the 2000/2001 Straight Key Night event. |
Historic coast radio station to celebrate Marconi event: Stations KPH and K6KPH will be on the air December 12, 2001, to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first wireless signal to cross the Atlantic, received by Guglielmo Marconi on December 12, 1901, at Saint John's, Newfoundland. Both stations will use the original transmitters, receivers and antennas of KPH, a former RCA coast station. K6KPH, the Maritime Radio Historical Society club station, will be active on amateur frequencies 3545, 7050 and 14,050 kHz. K6KPH will begin operation at 1700 UTC. KPH will be active on commercial frequencies 500 and 426 kHz at a power output of 4.3 kW and using a Marconi T antenna. KPH will begin operations at 0000 (December 13) UTC. "Commercial practices and procedures will be used on all frequencies to give amateurs the experience of working a real coast station," said K6KPH Chief Operator Dick Dillman, W6AWO. "Traffic lists will be sent, and messages for stations that have worked us in the past and sent reception reports will be awaiting in the message rack." Former commercial operators from KPH, KFS and other coast stations will staff KPH and K6KPH. Amateurs and shortwave listeners are invited to contact or monitor KPH and K6KPH. Reception reports or QSLs go to Dick Dillman, W6AWO, 435 Utah St No. 4, San Francisco, CA 94110. KPH reception reports go to Tom Horsfall, WA6OPE, 1862 Tulare Ave, Richmond, CA 94805. More information is available on the Maritime Radio Historical Society Web site.
John "Mac" McKinney, W0AP, SK: A well-known member of Nebraska's ham radio community--John "Mac" McKinney, W0AP, of Dannebrog, died November 24. He was 83. A New York native and FCC employee from 1945 until 1975, McKinney last served as chief of the monitoring station in Grand Island. He was an ARRL Life Member, Assistant Midwest Division Director, and manager of the Nebraska CW Net. He also belonged to the Society of Wireless Pioneers, the Morse Telegraph Club, the Old Old Timers Club, and the Quarter Century Wireless Association, and once served as a QCWA board member. In 2000, McKinney was selected as co-recipient of the Nebraska Ham of the Year Award. He also was active in local government. A former World War II shipboard radio operator, McKinney was remembered for his stories of wartime radio espionage and monitoring activities. "Mac loved CW--that was his life," said Nebraska Section Manager Bill McCollum, KE0XQ. "He always encouraged people to be proficient in CW. I will never forget him." His wife, Catherine, died in 1996. Survivors include five daughters. Services were set for November 28 in Dannebrog.--information provided by Bill McCollum, KE0XQ
Newfoundland special event to mark centenary of transatlantic reception: The Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs will operate special event station VO1S during the month of December. The special event will mark the 100th anniversary of the reception of the first transatlantic radio signal--the Morse code letter "s"--received by Marconi at Signal Hill in Newfoundland on December 12, 1901. Marconi used a kite-supported antenna to hear the signal, which was transmitted from his station in Poldhu, Cornwall, England. QSL VO1S via the bureau or direct (before March 1, 2002), to SONRA, PO Box 23099, St John's, NF A1B 479, Canada.
Nominations sought for ARRL instructor, recruiter, educator awards: Nominations close January 31 for ARRL awards that recognize excellence in teaching Amateur Radio classes, using Amateur Radio in the classroom, and recruiting others to Amateur Radio. The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award goes each year to a volunteer Amateur Radio instructor. The ARRL Professional Educator of the Year award goes to a professional teacher who has incorporated Amateur Radio into his or her class curriculum. The ARRL Professional Instructor of the Year award is presented to a paid, non-state certified ham radio instructor, such as those teaching classes offered through adult education programs. The ARRL Excellence in Recruiting Award goes to a ham who exemplifies outstanding recruiting enthusiasm and technique and has gone the extra mile to introduce others to Amateur Radio. All winners receive beautifully engraved plaques, which may be sponsored by clubs. Complete information and nomination forms are available on the ARRL Web site. Completed forms go to section managers before January 31, 2002. For more information, contact Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS.
 Bob Baird, W9NN, left, and Al Kahn, K4FW, right. |
Old ham friends mark 79th annual QSO: Two long-time ham radio friends exchanged annual on-the-air greetings for the 79th time November 17. Each year since their first QSO on November 17, 1923, ARRL members Bob Baird, W9NN, in Wisconsin, and Al Kahn, in Michigan, have made it a point to renew old acquaintances. At the time of their first contact, Baird was 8CWR in Dayton, Ohio, and Kahn was 9BBI in South Bend, Indiana. Back in 1923, Baird was running a 100 W transmitter, while Kahn was running 10 W. The two amateurs, both now 95 and still active, occasionally get together in person and keep in touch via ham radio. Baird and Kahn got together this year on 40-meter and 20-meter CW. Baird is a retired engineering supervisor at Chicago's WGN Radio and founder of the W9DXCC. Kahn was president of Electro-Voice and, after his retirement, went on to co-found Ten-Tec. Both are members of the QCWA Honor Roll and of the First-Class CW Operators Club.
Sixth District QSL Bureau changing manager, address: The ARRL Sixth District QSL Bureau has changed management and has a new address. Taking over effective December 1, 2001, are Arlette and Chuck Marshall, KO6IS and KD6WP, ARRL Sixth District QSL Bureau, PO Box 530, Weed, CA 96094-0530. For more information, visit the ARRL Sixth District QSL Bureau Web site.
 The Manatee County Civic Center, site of the Tampa Bay Hamfest and Southeastern Division Convention. |
Southeastern Division Convention is December 1-2: The ARRL Southeastern Division Convention will be held December 1-2 at the Manatee County Civic Center, Palmetto, Florida, in conjunction with the 26th annual Tampa Bay Hamfest. Featured speaker is ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP. ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI, will offer five technical presentations. The full slate of program topics includes the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the National Traffic System, low-power (QRP) operating, PSK31, SKYWARN, ARES, NTS, QRP and PSK-31. Amateur Radio examinations will be offered. For more information, visit the Tampa Bay Hamfest Web site or e-mail.--Paul Knupke, N4PK
Special event station W1AA/CC to commemorate Marconi's transatlantic feat: The Marconi Radio Club and The Falmouth Amateur Radio Association will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Marconi's December 12, 1901, one-way transatlantic radio transmission with a special event station--W1AA/CC--from December 11-16. Operation will be on 80 through 6 meters, SSB and CW. The public is invited December 12, from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time, when--weather permitting--W1AA will fly a kite antenna and attempt to communicate from Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to clubs at the historic Marconi stations in Poldhu, England and Saint John's, Newfoundland. Marconi used a kite antenna at his 1901 receiving site in Newfoundland. W1AA will transmit on 14.052 MHz. Amateurs at these locations also will attempt to fly kite antennas. The Marconi Club station also will display antique radio equipment and demonstrate a 1902 replica spark gap transmitting and coherer receiving station. Videos of Amateur Radio operation and of Marconi's life and his accomplishment on Cape Cod will be shown. QSL via the bureau or to W1AA, Box 1193, Lakeville, MA 02347 and include an SASE. For more information on this and other commemorative events, contact Marconi Radio Club President Whitey Doherty, K1VV, or visit the W1AA Web site or The Falmouth Amateur Radio Association Web site.
Starshine 3 is now SO 43: AMSAT-NA Board Chairman Bill Tynan, W3XO, has announced that the recently launched Starshine 3 satellite has met all the requirements for an OSCAR number and has been designated Starshine OSCAR 43 (SO-43). Starshine Project Director Gill Moore, N7YTK, had requested an OSCAR designation. Starshine 3 is a mirror ball with AX.25 9600-baud telemetry on 145.825 MHz. The satellite is visible to the eye and will provide students the opportunity to participate in its primary mission of satellite tracking. It's currently in a circular orbit at an altitude of 300 statute miles and an inclination of 67 degrees. Starshine 3 was one of three Amateur Radio payloads boosted into space September 30 from Alaska by the Kodiak Star launch vehicle--an Athena I rocket. The other payloads were the APRS-equipped PCsat and Sapphire. More information about the Starshine project can be found on the Starshine Web site.--AMSAT News Service
"The Big Project" seeks logo: Now that the Amateur Radio Education Project-- "The Big Project"--is under way, it's looking for a logo. "The theme is using Amateur Radio in education," says The Big Project Coordinator Jerry Hill, KH6HU. "This is your opportunity to show off your creativity." All entries should incorporate the ARRL diamond, portray the proper image in both black-and-white and in color, and be the same size as other standard patches, such as ARES--typically 3.5 inches in diameter. Entries should be submitted electronically at a resolution suitable for QST publication (at least 300 dpi when the image is sized at 4x5 inches or larger; see The ARRL Author's Guide). The creator of the logo selected as a permanent symbol for The Big Project will receive a handsome wall certificate, and the winner's name will be announced in QST, in The ARRL Letter and on the ARRL Web site. The deadline for entries is December 28, 2001! E-mail entries to The Big Project Coordinator Jerry Hill, KH6HU. Resubmit your entry if it's not acknowledged within two business days.
W1AW receives plaque
for first-place tie in 2000 November Sweepstakes: Operators at the Maxim Memorial station W1AW
tied the operators at N6VR (Santa Barbara) in the first-ever dead heat, as both
claimed victories in the 2000 ARRL November CW Sweepstakes. It also marked the
first-ever "overall multioperator CW" win by W1AW in an ARRL-sponsored contest.
W1AW and N6VR each racked up 206,080 points in the event.
 | Doing double duty, ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND (right), joined fellow operators and ARRL Headquarters staffers Dave Patton, NT1N (center), and Zack Lau, W1VT (second from left), in presenting W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, with the championship plaque for their victory in the multi-operator category of the 2000 ARRL November Sweepstakes (CW). Unavailable for the presentation was John Dunker, W9UR, the fourth operator. |
| Previous: Culbertson Sails Through Challenging School Contact Schedule | Next: G3AQC's Signal Spans the Atlantic on 73 kHz! |
