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 Previous: FCC Amateur Radio Enforcement Actions for the Period Ending Dec 27, 2003 |  Next: ARRL In Action: What Have We Been Up To Lately? |
Dec 31, 2003
(In alphabetical order: )
Amateur Radio assists in Iran earthquake
relief: Turkey Amateur Radio Club President Aziz
Sasa,TA1E, reports that three Amateur Radio operators joined the Turkish Relief
Team that departed for the incident location--the city of Bam, some 600 miles
south of Tehran--from Istanbul December 27 aboard a military aircraft. Local
communications will be carried out on 2-meter simplex with HF operation on
14.270 MHz during the day and on 7092 kHz or 3777 kHz during hours of darkness.
Soyhan Erim, TA2IJ, will handle HF operations at the Turkish Incident Command
Post. He is part of the Ministry of Health team. Erdinç Sarimusaoglu, TA2RJ, is
part of the AKUT Search and Rescue Team, while Mustafa Yuceturk, TA1CAN, is a
member of the Istanbul Civil Defense Search-and-Rescue team. Also on site is
Serdar Demirel, TA2NO, a member of the Ankara Civil Defense SAR team, who
arrived earlier.
 The April 1974 cover of QST bore this artist's conception of the AO-7 satellite, which was still under construction at the time. |
AO-7 turns 30! The
oldest working satellite, AO-7, will mark its 30th year in space during 2004.
The satellite, which came back to life in mid-2002, was launched November 15,
1974, and it remained operational until 1981, when it went dark due to battery
failure. It remained dormant--and largely forgotten--until it suddenly and
unexpectedly sprang back to life. AO-7 is in a 1460 km orbit, and AMSAT-NA
considers the satellite "semi-operational." Jan King, W3GEY reports AO-7 is running solely
off its solar panels, so it will only work when in sunlight. It has a Mode A
uplink passband at 145.850 to 145.950 MHz and a downlink passband at 29.400 to
29.500 MHz (CW/USB). Beacons are at 29.502, 145.972, 435.1 and 2304.1 MHz.
Ground controllers have only been able to activate some command functions. It
also contains a Mode B transponder. To mark the satellite's 30th anniversary,
AMSAT-NA will make available a special commemorative QSL card available.
AMSAT-NA Board Member and Awards Manager Bruce Paige, KK5DO, reports additional
information will be available on the AMSAT-NA Web site.
ARECC/ARES seminar set in New
York City-Long Island Section: The ARRL will offer a condensed version of its free Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications seminar Sunday, January 18, 2004, in conjunction with
the New York City-Long Island Section Convention (Ham Radio University 2004) at
East Woods School in Oyster Bay, Long Island. The seminar does not include the Level I course itself.
This program is designed to explain in greater detail the duties of all Amateur
Radio Emergency Communications Course participants and how their volunteer
efforts are essential to the ARES Field Organization. Senior Citizens are
strongly encouraged to participate. "With the continuing support of our federal
homeland security grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service
and the national grant from our corporate partner, United Technologies
Corporation, ARECC participants are reinforcing the ARES Field Organization.
This seminar will explain the importance of every team player with emphasis on
using lessons learned to effectively move Amateur Radio emergency
communications to the next level," said ARRL Emergency Communications Course
Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG. This is open to all interested hams. Course
participants at every ARECC level--mentors, certification instructors,
certification examiners and current students--are encouraged to attend and
share their experiences. Field Organization leaders--SMs, SECs, DECs and
ECs--also are invited to join in brainstorming ideas to motivate volunteers and
coordinate activities. The seminar will focus on coordination between ARECC
volunteers and students and their integration into the Field Organization.
Attendees will receive handouts and be eligible for a prize drawing at the end
of the seminar. The seminar, which generally fills four hours, will be
condensed to two (Sunday, January 18, 8-10 AM). Seating may be limited. If planning to attend,
contact Dan Miller, K3UFG; 860-594-0340;
FAX 860-594-0259. Seminar attendance does not include admission to the convention. For
more information on the ARRL New York City-Long Island Convention, visit the Hudson Division Web site.
 The ARRL Big Project activity board suite. |
 A closeup of the activity board. |
Big Project activity boards
available to schools: ARRL Amateur Radio Education and Technology Program ("The Big Project")
Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, says The Big Project has 50 "activity board"
suites available for schools on a first-come, first served basis. Described in
Unit 9 of The Big Project
curriculum, the activity board provides teachers with a ready, reliable set
of component blocks that can be used in platform instruction to cover the five
basic building blocks of virtually all wireless technology (oscillators,
rectifiers, amplifiers, mixers and filters). The activity board kit includes the
board, components, and instruction manual. It's designed for construction by
middle schoolers (with knowledgeable adult supervision) using basic tools
(soldering iron and wire clippers). The suite, valued at approximately $350,
includes the circuit board and components, three VOMs, and a digital
oscilloscope. The activity board was funded through various sources including
the ARRL Foundation, the Newington Amateur Radio League and an anonymous
philanthropist. Interested schools should forward requests to Spencer on school
letterhead, signed by the school principal and the lead teacher certifying
(list statements like these in the letter): 1. The lead teacher has reviewed
Unit 9 of the Project Curriculum and will use in the classroom the
concepts presented there and supported by the activity board. 2. The lead
teacher has access to a computer with a CD-ROM and a USB port, which the
digital oscilloscope requires. (An overhead computer projector is helpful for
platform instruction and to project oscilloscope displays.) 3. The lead teacher
has the capability to construct the activity board, either by having the
students do the construction (preferred) or by obtaining the assistance of a
local Amateur Radio club. 4. The lead teacher will critique the curriculum and
provide feedback. Teachers are encouraged to provide additional curriculum
material using the activity board if they develop their own materials. Spencer
says the certification is necessary to ensure the kits are put to their
intended use. Send requests to ARRL Big Project, ATTN Mark Spencer, WA8SME, 225
Main St, Newington, CT 06111. For additional information, contact Spencer; 860-594-0396.
Boiled Owls announce 50th anniversary award: To mark the golden anniversary of the Order of Boiled Owls (OBO) of New York, the organization is offering its OBO 50 Award in 2004. Established in 1954, the OBO is dedicated to Amateur Radio HF contesting and DXing. To qualify, applicants have to accumulate five "contact credits" by working members of the OBO or the OBO's club stations (KW2O and W2OWL) during calendar year 2004. Club stations are worth two contact credits; members are worth one "contact credit." Members include N2GA, K2AW, W2AX, N2FF, K2DO, W2LK, N2QW, K2LE, W2YK, N2UN, K2SX, WM2V, NA2M and KS2G. DX portable operations by these stations count as separate call signs. An endorsement is offered for accumulating 10 contact credits. There's full information on the OBO Web site. Address questions via e-mail.--Mel Granick, KS2G
Clayton F. "Bud" Bane, W6WB, SK: Well-known veteran West Coast amateur Bud Bane, W6WB, of San Francisco, California, died December 15. He was 96. An ARRL member, Bane was licensed in 1920. Within the decade, he worked all continents using simple vacuum-tube equipment. An advertising professional, Bane also was a feature writer for various Amateur Radio magazines and collaborated on several editions of the Radio Handbook. "Bud Bane was one of the outstanding pioneers of ham radio who made the hobby what it is today," said his friend Ben Deovlet, W6FDU. "We owe him much gratitude." During the 1930s, Bane was editor of the Amateur Radio magazine Radio. He also was founder and past president of Technical Radio Corporation and a past president of the San Francisco Radio Club, the Associated Radio Amateurs and the West Coast Electronic Association. For more than 40 years, he was a member of the Northern California DX Club. In 1959, Bane served as general chairman of the convention committee of the Central California radio Clubs, which hosted the eighth national ARRL convention in San Francisco. He also was a noted amateur musician. Survivors include his wife Bonita and two daughters. A service was held December 23. The family invites memorial donations to That Man May See Inc, The Beckman Vision Center, UCSF, 10 Koret Way, Box 0352, San Francisco, CA 94143.--Brad Wyatt, K6WR; San Francisco Chronicle
DXCC Desk okays credit for Johnston Island operation: The ARRL DXCC Desk has approved the Johnston Island KH3/KT6E operation from March to June 2003 for DXCC credit. Only authorized persons are allowed to land on Johnston Island. Proof of presence at certain DXCC entities is required. Representatives of most operations are most helpful and cooperative in providing the necessary proof of presence and/or operating authorization as required. A very small number are not. Although no one has provided any information regarding that status of KH3/KT6E, some research on our part indicates that DXCC requirements have been met. Therefore, KH3/KT6E is accepted for DXCC credit. For more information, contact the DXCC Desk.
Eimac power grid tubes book now available from the Web: Eimac's Care and Feeding of Power Grid Tubes handbook now is available for downloading in Adobe PDF format from the Eimac Web site. Each chapter is 1 to 2 MB in size. The Eimac Division of Communications and Power Industries (CPI) has made available PDF files of each chapter. The necessary Adobe Acrobat Reader is available free from the Adobe Web site.
Emanuel G. "Manny" Papandreas, W4SS, SK:
Former long-time ARRL Southern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Manny
Papandreas, W4SS, of Lake Worth, died December 26. He was 80. Papandreas served
as Southern Florida's SEC for 20 years--longer than any of his predecessors. He
also was an ARRL Southeastern Division assistant director. During his tenure as
SEC, he oversaw the Amateur Radio emergency communications in the wake of
Hurricane Andrew in 1992. A life member of both the ARRL and the Quarter
Century Wireless Association, Papandreas was first licensed in 1941 as W8VKS.
He served in the US Army during World War II and, after a career in appliance
sales and service, he became operations coordinator for the Palm Beach County
Division of Emergency Management, where he assisted in designing a new
Emergency Operations Center. Papandreas also founded and led the Palm Beach
Amateur Radio Council, which coordinated the county's ARES/RACES activities. In
addition, he was a founding member of QCWA Palm Beach Chapter 111 and a past
president and life member of the West Palm Beach Amateur Radio Club. Southern
Florida Assistant Section Manager Jeff Beals, WA4AW, called Papandreas a good
friend and mentor. "He encouraged my volunteering in the ARRL Field
Organization and going up the ranks, as he was a staunch supporter of the
League and its programs," he said. A service is set for Saturday, January 3, 10
AM until noon, at Dorsey Memorial Gardens, 10th Avenue N and Kirk Road, Lake
Worth.--information
supplied by Jeff Beals, WA4AW
Force 12 reports minimal damage in December 22 quake: Force 12 President Tom Schiller, N6BT, reports the antenna manufacturer suffered "minimal damage" in the December 22 earthquake that struck the Paso Robles, California, area, where the company is located. "Most of it was confined to the front office, with ceiling tiles falling down, books and computers being tossed around," Schiller said in an update on the company's Web site. "Those who had a view out the front glass doors watched the cars and trucks in the street leave the ground as the shock waves rolled through." Schiller said the Paso Robles quake seemed to him to have been at least as strong as the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. "My fingerprints are now in two door jams: one set in San Jose at our former conference room; and, a new set on my office doorway here," he quipped. "Anyone who wasn't hanging on was knocked to the floor." Schiller said the quake took out electric power, telephone and cell service within less than a minute, although the power returned and telephones became sporadically operative within a few hours. Schiller reports his own house--about a mile away--was "trashed," although his towers and the plumbing and electrical systems survived. "Haven't seen the cat yet," Schiller added, "and standing outside in the afternoon while checking the house, it was noticed that there was no wildlife at all. No birds, no deer, no dogs barking. Not even a breeze. Thankfully, we made it through." Schiller said he frequently had coffee in the House of Bread bakery, destroyed in the quake and adjacent to where the two women died. Schiller also thanked all who expressed concern about the well-being of Force 12 and its employees in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Hamvention 2004 seeks award nominees: Nominations close January 31 for the Hamvention 2004 Radio Amateur of the Year, Technical Excellence and Special Achievement awards. The Radio Amateur of the Year is an individual with a long term commitment to the advancement of Amateur Radio--a well-rounded amateur who has contributed in an exceptional manner to Amateur Radio. The Technical Excellence award goes to an amateur who has made an outstanding technical contribution to advance Amateur Radio. This could include, but is not limited to, a revolutionary equipment design or operational mode that has positively influenced the day-to-day operation of many amateurs. The Special Achievement award honors an outstanding contribution to the advancement of Amateur Radio and typically recognizes an amateur who has spearheaded a significant project. All amateurs are eligible for any of these awards, and the Hamvention Awards Committee makes the final decision on recipients, based in part on the information submitted on the nominee's behalf (and not on the number of nominations). Nominations are due by midnight Eastern Time on January 31. Documentation to support a nomination is essential. This could be in the form of magazine articles, newsletters, newspaper clippings or videos. All materials become the property of Hamvention and will not be returned. Submit nominations by mail to Awards Committee, Hamvention 2004, PO Box 964, Dayton OH 45401, or complete the on-line Nominating Form on the Hamvention 2004 Web site (click on "Award Nominations"). In any case, nominees are responsible for submitting substantiating documentation via mail by January 31, 2004. Hamvention 2004 is May 14-16.
Kid's Day is Sunday, January 4!
The first 2004 running of this popular operating event will be Sunday,
January 4, 1800 to 2400 UTC, with no limit on operating time. This marks the
first time this event will take place on a Sunday (The second Kid's Day in 2004
will be Saturday, June 19). Kid's Day offers a "mentoring opportunity" for
experienced amateurs while giving youngsters--licensed or not--some firsthand
hamming experience and perhaps sparking a lifelong interest. "Kid's Day is an
opportunity to introduce your own youngsters, neighborhood kids and nieces and
nephews to participate in the magic of ham radio," suggests Jean Wolfgang,
WB3IOS, of ARRL Field and Educational Services. Now entering its tenth year,
each running of Kid's Day typically attracts more than 1000 participants. Kid's
Day is not a contest, and patience is the byword on both sides of each contact.
The suggested exchange is name, age, location and favorite color. Stations may
work the same station again if an operator has changed. Call "CQ Kid's Day."
Suggested frequencies are 14.270-14.300, 21.380-21.400 and 28.350-28.400 MHz plus
2 meter repeater frequencies, with permission from the repeater's sponsor). Guidelines for this event are available on
the ARRL Web site. All participants are eligible to receive a colorful
certificate. Visit the ARRL Kid's Day Survey
page to complete a short survey and post your comments. You will then have
access to download the certificate page. Kid's Day participants are invited to post logs and comments
on the Internet.
Norwegian clubs experimenting on 60 meters: Norwegian Radio Relay League International Liaison Officer Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, reports that registered club stations there have enjoyed special permission to test on 5 MHz for the past three years. Almost all of these club stations have a one-letter call sign suffixes and, in some situations, they may use the LE prefix. The authorization is restricted for use in emergency communication or training, and Norwegian stations may not work stations outside of Norway on 5 MHz. Garpestad said Norway's elongated shape makes it impossible to communicate from one end of the country to the other on 80 meters, and 40 meters "has its shortcomings" during hours of darkness. "We are only allowed to use the two frequencies 5.410 and 5.420 MHz, all modes, 100 W," he said, "but only for communication between Norwegian club stations engaged in emergency communication or training for such communication, so this does not include any station outside of Norway."
Papua New Guinea P29Z-prefix hams granted HF
access: Rick Warnett, P29KFS, reports that the
principal legal officer for PANGTEL, the telecommunications regulatory agency
in Papua New Guinea--has authorized HF operation by those holding a Limited
Amateur Operator's Certificate of Proficiency (P29Z-prefix call signs). The
change is to become effective at 0000 PNG Time on December 31.
SATERN on standby for incidents: Specific to Threat Level Orange, National Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) Director Pat McPherson, WW9E, says SATERN will stand by on its national net frequency of 14.265 MHz New Year's Even in case a major incident occurs. Alternate frequencies are 7.265 and 3.920 MHz, depending upon propagation. Incidents notwithstanding, McPherson says, Boston area SATERN will run a net from its emergency operation center on New Year's Eve on 7265 MHz.
 The TO4E team of (L-R) F5JKK, F5CW, F5IRO, F5NHJ and F5PTM. |
TO4E/TO4WW DXpedition racks up 34,000 Qs:
Team member Dany Prevostat, F5CW, of the recent TO4E/TO4WW DXpedition to Europa
Island reports the team arrived safely back home December 24. "TO4E/TO4WW is
over!" he declared in a message posted on the DXpedition Web site. He suggested that
while the team's 34,000 QSO total was below expectations, it was greater than
sporadic operations to Europa over the years had been able to produce. "As you
know we were very, very frustrated by the lack of power there," he added. As a
result, he said, many operators were left waiting in vain for TO4E to show up
on the low bands. The team also endured some severe weather from Tropical Storm
Cela that took TO4E off the air early and damaged equipment and antennas. "Even
in such uncomfortable conditions, we managed to be on air as much as possible,
and few hours were made barefoot on battery--an old battery found there--and a
candlelight upon the FT-100D." At one point, he said, team member Pascal Roha,
F5PTM, managed to work a pileup with the power output meter sitting at
zero--an estimated 100 mW! He said the Europa team had diesel generators but,
because Europa is a wildlife preserve, available fuel supplies were limited.
F5CW says QSL cards, additional information, photos and video will be ready in
due course, and he called for patience. On-line logs for TO4E and TO4WW are
available on the DXpedition's Web site. There's additional information on the Europa 2003 DXpedition Web
site
 AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, with a model of the ECHO satellite at Hamvention 2002. |
Two amateur satellites expected to launch in
2004: AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, says
he's looking forward to the 2004 launches of AMSAT-NA's ECHO satellite and
AMSAT-India's VUsat
(also known as "HAMSAT"). In his last President's Letter for 2003, Haighton
reported that ECHO is passing final integration and testing with flying colors.
"I am looking forward to the end of March, when we expect the ECHO launch to take
place," he said. He also noted that with just over three months to launch,
AMSAT-NA still needs to raise more than $70,000 for the launch campaign.
Haighton said that VUsat experienced some problems in testing but these are
being resolved. A VUsat launch could come as soon as late next summer. "An
exciting year is ahead," said Haighton, who's already announced that he does
not intend to seek another term at the AMSAT-NA helm when his current term
expires next October. By then, he said, ECHO should be in orbit, but,
paraphrasing Yogi Berra, he added, "It ain't up and working till it's up and
working."
| Previous: FCC Amateur Radio Enforcement Actions for the Period Ending Dec 27, 2003 | Next: ARRL In Action: What Have We Been Up To Lately? |
