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PY2BIL > ARNR 05.05.24 14:48l 418 Lines 19124 Bytes #118 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2427 for Friday May
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2427 for Friday May 3rd, 2024
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2427 with a release date of Friday, May
3rd, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Hand-hand communication faces a ban in Pennsylvania.
A respected figure in amateur radio publishing becomes a Silent Key -- and
two countries mark the centennial of a historic, record-breaking ragchew.
All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2427 comes your
way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
PROPOSED PENNSYLVANIA DISTRACTED-DRIVING LAW WORRIES HAMS
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Our top story takes us to Pennsylvania, which is hoping to
become the next state in the US to ban most drivers from using hand-held
wireless devices while on the road. The bill is stirring emotions in a
worried ham radio community, as we hear from Sel Embee KB3 T Zed D.
SEL: The Pennsylvania State Senate is poised to consider a measure that
would prohibit motorists' use of hand-held communication devices, especially
cellphones. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Brown, passed in the state
House of Representatives in early April. The other house of the state
Assembly - the Senate - is its last stop before the governor's desk, where
it would become law once signed.
The bill does contain some exemptions: handhelds' use is permitted, for
example, by emergency responders. According to several reports, amateur
radio was also exempted in the original language of the bill but was later
removed in the House Transportation Committee.
Miles A. Wicker, Jr., W3ICK, the ARRL's Pennsylvania State government
liaison, told Newsline in an email that the bill, known as SB 37, remains a
"hot topic" among amateurs throughout the state. He said he reached out to
Nolan Ritchie, executive director of the Senate transportation committee to
explain that without an amateur radio exemption, the impact on hams would be
damaging, especially for those involved in emergency communications. Miles
told Newsline: [quote] "He thanked me for providing the information and
stated that they are working toward a resolution...As of today, this is
where we sit." [endquote]
Meanwhile, Senator Brown's office did not immediately respond to an email
and phone call from Newsline.
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(MILES A. WICKER, W3ICK, TIMES LEADER)
**
SILENT KEY: CQ MAGAZINE PUBLISHER DICK ROSS, K2MGA
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Amateur Radio Newsline shares the deep sorrow of our
colleagues at CQ magazine, who have announced that the magazine's publisher
has become a Silent Key. We hear more about him from Don Wilbanks, AE5DW.
DON: Richard "Dick" Ross, K2MGA, who became publisher of CQ magazine in 1979
after serving as its editor in the 1960s, became a Silent Key on Saturday
April 27th.
His achievements in the amateur radio publishing universe were many: As
president of CQ Communications Inc., he published a number of magazine
titles, including Popular Communications, CQ VHF, CQ Contest, WorldRadio
Online, Communications Quarterly CB Radio, Electronic Servicing and
Technology, Modern Electronics, MicroComputer Journal and the Music and
Computer Educator. He also oversaw production and publication of CQ books
and calendars as well as the CQ video library. Dick was a friend to Newsline
and we could always count on CQ magazine's support of Newsline's Bill
Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award.
In 2010, Dick was honored at Dayton Hamvention where he received the Special
Achievement award.
We at Newsline express our sympathy to Dick's family and his CQ colleagues.
We are all grieving with you.
As Newsline went to production, it was not known what plans would be made
for CQ magazine's future.
A memorial service will be scheduled for Dick sometime later. Dick was 84.
This is Don Wilbanks AE5DW.
(CQ MAGAZINE)
**
SILENT KEY: JOHN HAYS, K7VE, ARDC'S OUTREACH MANAGER
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Our sympathies go out as well to Amateur Radio Digital
Communications on the loss of John Hays, K7VE. John, who served ARDC as its
outreach manager, became a Silent Key in late April. ARDC said in a
statement on its website: [quote] "He took us from an unheard-of foundation
to one that routinely receives hundreds of grant applications each year."
[endquote] Licensed since 1973, John was a founding member of numerous ham
radio organizations and served as a Volunteer Examiner.
(ARDC)
**
RESEARCHER SAYS SATELLITES IMPERIL MAGNETOSPHERE
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A researcher in Iceland is calling satellites a hazard to
the protective shield around Earth known as the magnetosphere. We have
details from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
JEREMY: A research paper by an American physicist has been stirring concern
about the impact of satellite re-entries on the Earth's magnetosphere. The
scientist, Sierra Solter-Hunt, a doctoral candidate at the University of
Iceland, writes that magnetic dust generated at the time of satellite re-
entry could eventually destroy the planet's protective shield - a concern
accelerated in recent years by the proliferation of commercial satellite
mega-constellations such as the Starlink network.
An article on the space.com website notes that although meteors are also
known to burn up as they enter our atmosphere, their makeup is not the same
as the man-made satellites.
Several media reports say that the research paper's theory has been
questioned by other scientists who nevertheless agree that the impact of
satellites burning up upon re-entry does require further study. Sierra
Solter-Hunt told space.com that she is grateful there has been such a robust
response.
She said: [quote] "I wanted to get the conversation started." [endquote]
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
LIVE SCIENCE, WIA, AMSAT NEWS SERVICE, SPACE.COM)
**
FCC PROPOSES (sal061)50,000 TOTAL FINES, CHARGING SIX WITH PIRACY
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The FCC is taking action against more radio stations it
claims engaged in unlicensed operation. Andy Morrison K9AWM brings us up to
date.
ANDY: Six broadcast radio stations in Massachusetts have been charged with
piracy by the US Federal Communications Commission, which is proposing to
levy a total of (sal061)50,000 in fines against them.
The stations, along with seven operators who are said to be unlicensed, were
identified as part of a sweep by enforcement agents in the Boston
metropolitan area. The agents from the New York and Boston field offices
conducted the investigations under the PIRATE Act, which gives the FCC
increased ability to act against pirate broadcasters by authorizing fines of
as much as 000,000 per violation up to a total of million. The US
Department of Justice is responsible for enforcement and collection of the
fines
The PIRATE Act, which became law in 2020, is an acronym for Preventing
Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement..
This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.
(RADIO WORLD, FCC)
**
NOMINATE OUR NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: It's May and that brings us closer to the deadline for this
year's Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year award. Let Newsline
know of any promising young amateurs who are deserving of this honor.
Candidates must live in the continental United States and be 18 years of age
or younger. Tell our judges about your nominee's talent, promise and
commitment to the spirit of ham radio. This is your chance to help honor and
acknowledge that person who will, no doubt, go on to teach and inspire
others. Find the nomination form on our website arnewsline.org under the
"AWARDS" tab. Nominations close on May 31st.
**
MARKING A 100-YEAR-OLD RAGCHEW THAT MADE HISTORY
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Two CW ops made history 100 years ago this month - one in
Argentina and the other in New Zealand. That's cause for celebration as we
learn from Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.
JIM: The two-hour ragchew between the ham in Argentina and the ham in New
Zealand was one for the history books as well as the log books -- and
indeed, that's just where that contact has been recorded. The CW contact
between Carlos Braggio (BRAJ-EE-OH), CB8, and Ivan O'Meara, 2AC, took place
on May 22nd, 1924, setting a world distance record. The fact that the 7,000-
mile chat was on 130 metres stunned scientists who believed that such a
frequency could never support long-distance radio.
The New York Times headline shouted to the world: [quote] "Radio amateurs
talk 7,000 miles for 2 hours; Argentinian and New Zealander Establish What
Is Declared a Record for Non-Professionals."
Starting on the 18th of May, that history, as recorded by NZART historian
Craig Crawford, ZL3TLB, is being celebrated. the New Zealand Amateur Radio
Transmitters and the Radio Club Argentina are marking the centenary of this
record-setting contact. Many Argentinian amateurs will be signing on the air
with the prefix of "L" followed by a number, hoping to exchange greetings
with hams in New Zealand. The NZART branch in Gisborne, where Ivan had his
QTH, will host an open house celebration, also on the 18th of May, at their
radio room at the Eastern Institute of Technology. For the rest of the
month, hams from the Gisborne branch will be on the air using the callsign
ZL1ØØAC (Z L one hundred AC).
Even if there are no two-hour ragchews, no doubt hams will have plenty to
talk about.
This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.
(CRAIG CRAWFORD, ZL3TLB)
**
BREAK HERE; Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the K6PVR
repeater in Ventura, California on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. local time.
**
VETERAN DXPEDITIONER JOINS JARVIS ISLAND N5J TEAM
NEIL/ANCHOR: A veteran Dxpeditioner has joined the team that will be calling
N5J from Jarvis Island. Travis Lisk N3ILS has those details.
TRAVIS: The Jarvis Island DXpedition, N5J, has added a veteran DXpeditioner
to the team, whose plans include remote operation from this environmentally
sensitive Pacific island location.
The Dateline DX Association announced the addition of Adrian, KO8SCA, as a
result of growing interest in the trip to this rare DXCC entity, which
recently got the green light from the US Fish & Wildlife Service in Hawaii.
According to the April 17th announcement, Adrian's talents as an IT
consultant will be a major asset for the remote operation. Adrian, a YASME
Award of Excellence recipient, was recently inducted into the CQ DX Hall of
Fame.
The DXpedition, which is planned for August, has been raising money for the
trip and was recently given a 5,000 grant from the Northern California DX
Foundation.
This is Travis Lisk N3ILS.
(DX-NEWS.COM)
**
KIDS ON THE AIR MAKES ITS HAMVENTION DEBUT
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The new kids in town at the Xenia Fairgrounds in Ohio really
ARE the new kids in town. A fledgling initiative known as Kids on the Air is
making its Hamvention debut with a booth in the flea market - and bringing
an important message with them. Jack Parker W8ISH tells us what it's all
about.
JACK: Jackson, K6KUK, is returning to Hamvention this year but this time
he's not just a visitor. He'll be accompanied by friends who helped in the
creation of an initiative last November that provides young hams with a
global community: Kids on the Air. The US team members of this international
group are looking to expand on Jackson's original concept that he first
launched on SnapChat as the GenZHams (Gen Zee Hams) Amateur Radio Club, a
social circle for young licensed amateurs. By the time two dozen or so young
amateurs had come on board, the teens made the effort even more public by
setting up a Discord server and welcoming new members. Jackson began to
brainstorm with Jeff, K4JXX, Nick, KE2BDP and Jackson, KQ4INX, building
ideas for other activities, including an Elmer program they're developing as
the KOTA curriculum. There is also a multi-mode digital platform called
KOTALINK in the works. Two hams in Australia joined the effort last
December. With the help of Ed, VK1AAK, and Finn VK4ULA, an activation system
known as KOTA - patterned after POTA and SOTA - is now under development.
Jackson told Newsline he invites visitors to the KOTA booth at Hamvention
Meanwhile, for more details about KOTA, visit the website using the link in
the text version of this week's script.
[DO NOT READ: https://kidsontheair.org/ ]
This is Jack Parker W8ISH.
(KIDS ON THE AIR)
**
NETS OF NOTE: THE EAST COAST REFLECTOR YOUTH NET
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: As part of Newsline's occasional series, Nets of Note, we
take a look this week at a net that was created by - and for - youngsters to
open the door to the amateur radio experience. Dave Parks WB8ODF tells us
about it.
DAVE: An electrifying dance by three animated figures greets visitors to the
web page of the East Coast Reflector Youth Net. The 12-second animation
sequence generates excitement for visitors eager to get a taste of something
that is even more electrifying: The Youth Net itself. The East Coast
Reflector has been hosting it for two years. Thanks to the efforts of two
young amateurs, Aidan KD2YFO and Lucca KD2YHZ, things are going strong every
Friday night at 7:30 Eastern Time. This teenaged team of young net controls
hasn't missed a step.
Michael Koenig, K2SHF, said in an email to Newsline that the boys put hard
work and imagination into the net to keep it informal and fun. Although the
net is designed primarily for youth, it's not unusual for adults to check in
to see if they can tackle whatever special "question of the evening" Aidan
and Lucca have dreamed up to break the ice. Third-party check-ins who are
supervised by a licensed amateur can also participate. Michael told
Newsline: [quote] "One of the goals of this net is to spark an interest in
amateur radio and allowing non-ham youth to use a radio under someone else's
callsign is a great way to do that." [endquote]
The East Coast Reflector, W2ECR, is a platform accessible via hundreds of
repeaters and nodes. For details on how to connect, visit the link in the
text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org
See Youth Net information under the tab marked "NETS" at the top of the
screen on the web page of the East Coast Reflector. Everyone is welcome to
join the dance.
This is Dave Parks WB8ODF.
[DO NOT READ: https://www.eastcoastreflector.com/welcome-to-ecr/ ]
**
ISLANDS ON THE AIR TO HOST CELEBRATION DINNER
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Reservations are now open for IOTA-60, the celebration
dinner marking six decades of the awards program, as we hear from Jeremy
Boot G4NJH.
JEREMY: The Islands on the Air programme has chosen to mark 60 years of
recognised island activation and chasing by having a celebration dinner
coinciding with Ham Radio Friedrichshafen. The IOTA-60 dinner will bring
together hunters and activators on Friday the 28th of June at the V2O Bio
Restaurant inside the Zeppelin Museum. Those planning to attend should
purchase tickets and register their menu selections no later than the 31st
of May; admission is by advance tickets only and costs £38. See the website
in the text version of this week's Newsline script for more details.
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
[DO NOT READ: www.iota-world.org/management-news.html ]
(IOTA)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, listen for Bo, OZ1DJJ, using the callsign OX3LX from
Greenland until the 9th of May. He will be operating in his spare time using
FT8, RTTY and CW, from Grid GP6Ø, Grid GP44 and Grid GP 51. QSL to QSL
manager OZØJ.
**
KICKER: WHEN THE SUN'S POWER CAN'T BE ECLIPSED
STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Just last month, the sun made news when it went into hiding
during a total eclipse over North America. For our final story, we introduce
a California scientist who is ensuring that the sun makes news -- not only
when it's very visible but when it is sharing some of its power. Here's
Ralph Squillace KK6ITB to tell us more.
RALPH: Ali Hajimiri, K1ALI, is an electrical engineering professor who wants
to put the sun in the spotlight. He believes that the successful delivery of
usable power to Earth from solar panels in space is just a matter of time.
One year ago this month, he conducted what many scientists considered a
pivotal experiment in support of his goal. A small satellite called the
Space Solar Power Demonstrator, which he had launched five months earlier
into low-Earth orbit, captured and transmitted via microwave a small amount
of energy from the sun, illuminating two LEDs on the satellite. At the same
time, a receiver placed on the roof of a campus building at the California
Institute of Technology in Pasadena picked up the transmitted signal too.
The research team erupted in cheers.
There have been, of course, many who have shared his mindset and dream over
the years. The European Space Agency has its Solaris program which also
focuses on safe space-based solar delivery, a goal shared by the UK's
CASSIOPei satellite project.
The May 22nd, 2023 experiment left the researchers encouraged. Caltech
Magazine called it [quote] "a major milestone toward realizing a century-
long dream." [endquote] As for the professor and his team, like the sun
itself they're still positively beaming.
This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
(PASADENANOW.COM, PVTECH.ORG, IEEE SPECTRUM)
**
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. Share with
fellow listeners the poetry that is inspired by your ham radio experience!
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur Radio Weekly; AMSAT; CQ Magazine;
Craig Crawford, ZL3TLB; David Behar K7DB; DXWorld; East Coast Reflector;
Facebook; FCC; 425DXNews; IEEE Spectrum; IOTA; KidsOnTheAir; QRZ.com; Miles
A. Wicker, W3ICK; shortwaveradio.de; PasadenaNow.com, PVTech.org;
RadioWorld; Times-Leader 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
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
BBS: PY2BIL - Timed 05-mai-2024 10:37 E. South America Standard Time
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