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PY2BIL > ARNR 17.05.24 12:00l 371 Lines 16984 Bytes #130 (0) @ WW
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Subj: Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2429 for Friday May 17th, 2024
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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2429 for Friday May 17th, 2024
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2429 with a release date of Friday, May
17th, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. The sun erupts in the biggest solar storm in two
decades. In India, hams in the north east stage their first disaster drill
-- and a broadcast documentary looks at military illusionists, including
Morse Code mimics. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number
2429 comes your way right now.
**
BILLBOARD CART
**
POWERFUL SOLAR STORM BRINGS AURORAS, SHUTS HF COMMUNICATION
JIM/ANCHOR: We begin this week's newscast with a look at the monumental
solar flares that struck us here on Earth -- a storm with a magnitude not
seen in more than 20 years. We have details from Randy Sly, W4XJ.
RANDY: The sun erupted in a series of powerful geomagnetic storms that began
on Friday the 10th of May and continued into the following week, generating
spectacular auroras seen around the world and all but shutting down HF radio
communications. Satellite systems, including the massive Starlink
constellation, reported degraded operating conditions and space scientists
told satellite operators that their orbits could be unexpectedly altered. At
the outset of the storm, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration expressed concern over the impact the magnetic disturbances
would have on power grids and navigation systems.
This was the first solar burst of its kind in more than two decades,
emerging as the first G5-level solar storm since 2003. Curtains of light
could be seen shimmering from the aurora borealis to the north and the
aurora australis to the south as the Earth's magnetic field became charged
with overwhelming infusions of the sun's energy.
While the visuals were dazzling, HF propagation was anything but -- and it
challenged amateur radio operators who, in spite of it all, managed to still
get on the air, with some finding the 6-metre band more hospitable.
National Public Radio quoted scientists as saying that the storm's radiation
could disrupt some low-altitude satellites' orbit by adding to atmospheric
drag and cause direct damage to satellites at higher altitudes. NOAA space
scientist Rob Steenburgh told NPR that the International Space Station's
position inside the magnetosphere would keep it largely protected.
The storm also had a personal impact on Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW, the Space
Weather Woman, to whom many hams turn regularly for solar predictions. On
Sunday, May 12, en route to co-directing a space weather school in Italy,
she witnessed the aurora as a steady view outside her airplane window. She
posted on social media: [quote] "It's my first time seeing it with my own
eyes. Words do not do justice." [endquote]
This is Randy Sly W4XJ.
(AP, NPR, CNN, SPACEWEATHERWOMAN)
**
NORTHEAST INDIAN HAMS HOLD FIRST DISASTER DRILL
JIM/ANCHOR: Hams in one state in northeast India took a big step recently by
staging their first disaster drill. Jason Daniels VK2LAW has those details.
JASON: Amateur radio operators in the northeast Indian state of Nagaland
participated in an unprecedented and comprehensive mock disaster exercise in
cooperation with state authorities.
The May 9th drill was designed to sharpen disaster-management skills and
create greater resiliency in the state, especially in regions where
conventional communications, such as cell service, can be disrupted by
disaster.
The exercise was the result of a collaboration between the Nagaland State
Disaster Management Authority and Open Source Classes for Amateur Radio
India, also known as OSCAR India. OSCAR India is a programme of the All
India School of Management and Information Technology. OSCAR India had
worked in late April with the Nagaland disaster management officials to
prepare as many candidates as possible to sit the ham radio exam being
offered by the Ministry of Telecommunications later this year.
Johnny Ruangmei (ROO ANG MAY), the state disaster authority's joint chief
executive officer, told the media that Nagaland can now count itself as one
of the first states in India to formalize a robust system of disaster
communications.
This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.
(NAGALAND POST, AKASHVANI NEWS)
****
EARHART SPECIAL EVENT HONORS SILENT KEY IN IRELAND
JIM/ANCHOR: A special event station held each year in May in Northern
Ireland is paying tribute to two people this year: the famed pilot, Amelia
Earhart and a local radio amateur who recently became a Silent Key. We hear
more from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
JEREMY: The activation of special event station GBØAEL this month is linked
to two dates that are significant for the North West Amateur Radio Group in
Northern Ireland. The first is May 21, 1932. the day that aviator Amelia
Earhart began her transatlantic flight - one that would end hours later in
Ballyarnett Village, Northern Ireland. The club marks the occasion every
year with the activation - with AEL standing for "Amelia Earhart Legacy."
The club states on its page on QRZ.com that it will be operating from the
field where the pilot made her historic landing - and will make an extra
effort to operate this year on frequencies that are open to General Class
operators in the United States. For other information and QSL details, see
QRZ.com
The other meaningful date is a personal one for the club. It is May 7th,
2024, the date a beloved friend and club member Gerard Radcliffe, GI7VZW,
became a Silent Key. The special event is dedicated to him. The club writes
on its QRZ.com page: [quote] "Good DX Gerard from your club mates and
friends at MNØNWG." [endquote]
This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.
(QRZ.COM)
**
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE URGES PREPAREDNESS
JIM/ANCHOR: In the United States, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season
officially began on Wednesday, May 15th and the Atlantic hurricane season
begins June 1st. It's time for radio operators to prepare, as we hear from
Randy Sly W4XJ.
RANDY: The National Weather Service designated May 5th through the 11th as
Hurricane Preparedness Week in the United States, reminding vulnerable areas
of the country that tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and
destructive phenomena. Just one storm can permanently change a community.
During the week, daily public information statements, along with educational
and preparedness information, were posted on websites as well as social
media. Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, Net Manager for the Hurricane Watch Net, told
AR Newsline that they used Zoom for meet-and-greet times where all members,
new and veteran, were able to get to know one-another better. The group also
discussed the various challenges they might face during activations. One of
the more recent concerns they talked about was - you guessed it - solar
storms and communications blackouts.
The number of hurricanes predicted this year is far above average.
This is Randy Sly, W4XJ.
(NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE)
**
DEADLINE SOON FOR AMSAT DIRECTOR NOMINEES
JIM/ANCHOR: The deadline is fast approaching for you to submit the names of
candidates to fill seats on AMSAT's Board of Directors, as we hear from Neil
Rapp WB9VPG.
NEIL: Amateur satellite enthusiasts who belong to AMSAT have until the 15th
of June to submit their nominees to fill the three seats of incumbents on
the AMSAT Board of Directors. The two-year terms are expiring this year for
Mark Hammond, N8MH; Bruce Paige, KK5DO and Paul Stoetzer, N8HM. The election
will be held in the third quarter of this year.
Written nominations must contain the name and callsign of the nominee as
well as their contact information. As nominator, you must include your own
name and callsign as well as your contact information. The written
nominations can be sent by email or postal mail to the AMSAT secretary, Jeff
Davis, KE9V, at Post Office Box 11, Yorktown, Indiana 47396.
Nominations are also being accepted electronically via email. Send to jdavis
[at] amsat [dot] org.
As many as two alternate directors may also be elected. Alternate directors
serve one-year terms.
This is Neil Rapp WB9VPG.
(AMSAT NEWS SERVICE)
**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world. Phil, VK6GX,
broadcasts Newsline in Western Australia on 1848 kHz from Gidgegannup
[Gidgee guh-nupp] on Sunday mornings at 0700 and 0800 local time during
winter and at 0600 and 0700 local time in summer. Chris, VK6JI, broadcasts
Newsline on Sunday mornings on 3620 kHz at 0700 local time and on 7088 kHz
at 0900 local time. There are also broadcasts at 0900 local time on 14130
kHz and 3582kHz.
**
HAM EXEMPTION RESTORED TO PENNSYLVANIA HANDS-FREE LAW
JIM/ANCHOR: Ham radio operators who are driving in Pennsylvania are to be
exempted after all from a new distracted-driving law, following outcry from
amateurs that a previous version of the proposed law lacked protection for
them. An exemption for hams had been stripped out of the language during the
legislative process but, according to news reports, it was recently
restored. Following the bill's passage by the state's House of
Representatives, it was expected to be sent to the governor, who is to sign
it into law.
(EHAM, ARRL)
**
SILENT KEY TRIBUTE INSTALLED OUTSIDE VOA MUSEUM
JIM/ANCHOR: Visitors to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting
may want to take note of a recently installed memorial plaque that honors a
local Silent Key. It is a gesture of gratitude from the West Chester Amateur
Radio Association, WC8VOA. We hear more on this story from Jack Parker
W8ISH.
JACK: Cincinnati-area dentist Roger Higley, W8CRK, was devoted to amateur
radio and his extensive collection of vintage and current equipment was
testimony to that great love. Roger became a Silent Key in March of 2021 at
age 82 due to COVID-19, leaving behind his vast collection. Members of the
West Chester Amateur Radio Association were able to help his daughters with
the sale of the contents of their father's shack. The club installed some of
the remaining equipment along with his 60-foot aluminum tilt tower at its
headquarters at the museum. Proceeds from the sale of some of the equipment
were then used to add a new Mosley antenna and rotor. The club president,
Mark, KE8CIE, said the tower, which is behind the VOA building, has a plaque
honoring Roger and the generosity of his family.
Meanwhile, his family is paying tribute in a way that would no doubt make
Roger proud. According to Mark, two of Roger's three daughters are now
licensed hams - and one of them has obtained his old callsign.
This is Jack Parker W8ISH.
(FACEBOOK, MARK, KE8CIE)
**
NOMINATE THE NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR
JIM/ANCHOR: We're getting closer to the deadline time 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.
**
OPENWEBRX PROJECTS RECEIVE AMATEUR RADIO SOFTWARE AWARD
JIM/ANCHOR: The recipients of this year's Amateur Radio Software Award have
been announced and we learn who they are from Sel Embee KB3TZD.
SEL: The fifth annual Amateur Radio Software Award has been awarded to the
hams behind two innovative open-source software projects: OpenWebRX and
OpenWebRX+
The projects and their developers are being honored with the international
award for providing innovative, free and open software that enhances amateur
radio.
The leader of the OpenWebRX project is Jakob Ketterl DD5JFK. OpenWebRX can
be operated from any web browser on a computer with network access and has
no need for additional client software. The SDR receiver was designed with a
simple interface to make it easy for inexperienced people to experience HF
reception.
The leader of the OpenWebRX+ project is Marat Fayzullin, KC1TXE. OpenWebRX+
is Linux software that contains various decoders to be used with OpenWebRx,
providing access to SSTV, AIS, CW and RTTY. It is considered a fork of the
OpenWebRX project, which means it uses the source code of the original
project to expand upon it.
This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.
(ARSA AWARD.COM; RICH GORDON KØEB)
**
WORLD OF DX
In the World of DX, listen for Chris, WA7RAR using the callsign 8P9CB from
Barbados, IOTA Number NA-021, until the 26th of May. He is operating
portable and activating POTA sites. Listen for him on 20 through 10 metres
using CW and SSB. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
Rolf, DO4RKR, will be active as 8Q7KR from the Maldives, IOTA Number AS-013,
from the 19th through to the 31st of May. He will be operating SSB on 10
metres only, running 30 watts. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
Listen for Team TM80DD from the 1st through to the 16th of June using CW,
SSB and the digital modes on all bands. The operators are marking the 80th
anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. See QRZ.com for QSL details.
The callsign 9M4VM will be used by a group of hams operating from Pulau
Besar in West Malaysia, IOTA Number AS-097, from the 31st of May to the 2nd
of June. Listen on 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres where they will be using CW and
SSB. QSL directly to 9M2HUS.
(425 DX BULLETIN)
**
KICKER: RECALLING THE MORSE CODE MIMICS OF THE US MILITARY
JIM/ANCHOR: Our final story this week is no illusion but the story itself
deals with some of the greatest masters of illusion in the US military
during wartime. We hear more from Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
RALPH: The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops - members of the "Ghost Army" -
were the magicians of the military whose efforts went well beyond the
inflatable cannons, tanks and trucks - or other tools of trickery -
contained in arsenal to confound the enemy. The top-secret unit's 82
officers and 1,023 soldiers were experts who used visual, sonic and radio
trickery to render realism to fictional military maneuvers. Like the
impersonators of the entertainment world who can recreate the voice and
personal style of some celebrities, some of the troops learned to do the
same with CW. The unit's Signal Company Special adopted the rhythm and
signature touch of certain enemy soldiers' fists, modifying their radios'
sounds as well and then transmitting on enemy frequencies with their bogus
messages. In that guise, they sent scripted reports and created fake traffic
nets designed to be intercepted by German intelligence and send their
military off course.
Ham radio, of course, hopes to keep things real -- our nets as well as our
QSOs. This documentary is an eloquent reminder, however, of how radio can
help change the course of history, whether in war or peace.
This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.
(WNG.ORG, PBS, GHOSTARMY.COM)
**
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 the Akashvani News; Amateur Radio Weekly;
AMSAT; Associated Press; CNN; CQ Magazine; David Behar K7DB; DXWorld;
Facebook; GhostArmy.com; 425DXNews; Nagaland Post; NPR.org; PBS; QRZ.com;
shortwaveradio.de; Spaceweatherwoman; 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 Jim
Damron, N8TMW in Charleston, West Virginia 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 17-mai-2024 07:50 E. South America Standard Time
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