eHam.net News

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John Glenn Middle School Calls Astronauts at International Space Station:

Posted: 07 Mar 2017 04:02 PM PST
http://www.eham.net/articles/38767


Students ask Commander Kimbrough about life in space. "NA1SS, KOJDD calling
for a scheduled contact. Do you copy? Over." "NA1SS copies loud and clear.
Over." After five attempts to reach the International Space Station on the
radio, John Dean, professor at Augsburg College and former John Glenn
student, finally made contact on behalf of John Glenn Middle School. The
hearts of students, teachers and parents soared as over a year of planning
came to fruition at about 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. Fourteen
pre-selected students asked astronaut Robert Shane Kimbrough questions
about his experience as the current commander of the space station.


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The Role of Ham Radios During Severe Weather:

Posted: 07 Mar 2017 04:01 PM PST
http://www.eham.net/articles/38766


LUBBOCK, TX -- Severe weather season is approaching and we have already
seen significant tornado outbreaks in other parts of the nation, but even
with new technology local storm spotters say there is still a great need
for tech that's not so new. With modern technology we can track storms like
never before but there is still one important piece of older tech that
experts are using to keep you safe during a significant weather event.
Steven Cobb told us, "The short wave radio or the ham radio operators,
amateur radio operators are essential to our severe weather operation team
actually." The amateur radio team is not only vital for providing real time
information to forecasters, along with pictures and videos, but for keeping
communication line available. Cobb said, "The amateur radio team is not
only important during the event or prior to the event setting up for the
storms but also even after following a severe weather outbreak or
catastrophic weather event. I know the Wichita Falls, Texas tornado and
also the Lubbock, Texas tornado here in the 70's, both of those cases the
amateur community was huge in allowing us to have constant communications
after the storms passed." The ham radio system is older technology
technology but when a storm takes down other modes of communication it can
still operate giving local first responders and law enforcement a fall back
for when an emergency strikes.


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Ham Radio Operators Buzzed:

Posted: 07 Mar 2017 04:00 PM PST
http://www.eham.net/articles/38765


Augusta, Maine -- Retired Coast Guard officer Roger Johnson sometimes
notices a harsh buzz when he turns on his amateur radio, and he blames
high-powered lighting used to grow pot. Amateur radio operators say the
legalization of marijuana is creating a chronic nuisance thanks to
interference caused by electrical ballasts that regulate indoor lamps used
to grow pot. The American Radio Relay League wants the Federal
Communications Commission to take a stand against devices that give off
much more interference than federal law allows in homes. Ham radio
operators generally say they don't have a problem with pot but worry
amateur growers may not be aware that cheap ballasts can have phony
FCC-compliance stickers. The operators point out they serve as backup
communication during emergencies -- but concede it's unlikely any lighting
devices would still be on if the power goes out. Johnson, one of the radio
league's 166,000 members, said he worries interference will only become a
bigger inconvenience in years to come in Maine, which recently legalized
growing up to six flowering marijuana plants, 12 immature plants and
unlimited seedlings.


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Pine Board Project Begins on Ham Nation:

Posted: 07 Mar 2017 08:02 AM PST
http://www.eham.net/articles/38763


The Ham Nation team begins a continuing series
that will help the viewers learn how to build. A 6X5
power supply, 12AX7 mic pre amp and 12AU7 QRP
transmitter and tuner all built on individual 5" x5"
pine board. Schematics, Picitorials and parts
procurement dealers will be listed as you join in on
building this fun project.