Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1766 - June 17 2011

Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1766 with a release date of
Friday, June 17, 2011 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a Q-S-T. Scientists say that we may be headed to a
prolonged low in solar activity, hams in Norway provide flood relief
communications, the first ever national E-A-S test to be held in
November, a New Orleans C-B operator faces a $15,000 fine and the FCC
gets a Harvard scholar. Find out the details are on Amateur Radio
Newsline(tm) report number 1766 coming your way right now.


(Billboard Cart Here)


**

PROPAGATION: SCIENTISTS SAY SOLAR CYCLE HEADED INTO LIMBO

For years, astronomers and space scientists have been predicting the
Sun would move into solar maximum by around 2012. During this period
there would be many intense flares and lots of sunspot activity. Now
they are thinking that the opposite may be happening and Amateur Radio
Newsline's Michael Grebert, KJ4ZZV, has the details:

--

According to three studies released in the United States on Tuesday,
June 14th, experts believe the familiar sunspot cycle may be shutting
down and heading toward a pattern of inactivity unseen since the 17th
century.

According to experts from the National Solar Observatory and Air Force
Research Laboratory, the signs of this include a missing jet stream,
quickly fading spots, and slower activity near the poles.

Frank Hill is the Associate Director of the National Solar Observatory
's Solar Synoptic Network. At a meeting of the American Astronomical
Society's Solar Physics Division in Las Cruces, New Mexico Hill said
that the fact that three completely different views of the Sun point in
the same direction is a powerful indicator that the sunspot cycle may
be going into hibernation.

As every ham knows, solar activity tends to rise and fall in 11 year
cycles. The solar maximum and solar minimum each mark about half the
interval of the magnetic pole reversal on the Sun, which happens every
22 years.

According to Hill, the current cycle, number 24, may be the last normal
one for some time but the next one, cycle 25, may not happen for some
time. He adds that this is important because the solar cycle causes
space weather which affects modern technology and may contribute to
climate change.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Michael Grebert, KJ4ZZV, reporting
from Music City, Nashville, Tennessee.

--

Experts are now probing whether this period of inactivity could be a
second Maunder Minimum. This was a 70-year period from 1645 to 1715
when hardly any sunspots were observed. For ham radio such a prolonged
solar minimum would mean very little in the way of High Frequency DX
for a very long time. The complete article titled Scientists Predict
Rare Hibernation of Sunspots can be found using the shortcut of
tinyurl.com/slowsun (Space.com, Yahoo News, others)

**

RESCUE RADIO: NORWEGIAN HAMS PROVIDE FLOOD COMMUNICATIONS

Norway's national amateur radio society, the NRRL, reports that radio
amateurs have been providing communications assistance following recent
flooding in that nation.

The NRRL says that as a result of the flooding and landslides in
Oppland and Hedmark, the telecoms company Telenor has had substantial
problems with its mobile phone network. Because of the outages the
Main Rescue Coordination Centre for Southern Norway has requested
assistance from NRRL.

Communications were set up between southern Norway and Lillehammer.
Repeaters around Oslo have also been used. More about the situation in
Google translated English is on the web at tinyurl.com/NorwayNRRL.
(Southgate)

**

RESCUE RADIO: GAREC 2011 REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 19th

The organizers of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1
General Conference have announced that registrations for the 2011
Global Amateur Radio Emergency Conference in Sun City, South Africa
must close on June 19th. This, if accommodations are to be guaranteed.

Planners say that payment for accommodations and conference fees must
arrive to them no later than June 30th. They ask that those
registering to attend to please ensure that your callsign, association
and name are in the payment documents sent by your bank.

More information about the event and registration documents are
available at tinyurl.com/garec2011. Information from earlier
conferences is available at www (dot) iaru (dot) org/emergency. (GAREC)

**

RESCUE RADIO: FIRST EVER NATIONWIDE TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
WILL OCCUR ON NOVEMBER 9, 2011 AT 2 PM EST

Back in the United States, the FCC has set November 9th at 2 PM Eastern
Standard Time that the first nationwide test of the Emergency
Activation or EAS System. The purpose of the test is to assess the
reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a mechanism to alert the
public of emergencies.

Although EAS Participants currently take part in state-level monthly
tests and local-level weekly tests, there has never been a nationwide
test of the system. The Commission, along with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, will use the results of this test to assess what
works within the EAS and what does not. Then working together with EAS
stakeholders the two agencies say that they will make improvements to
the system as appropriate. (FCC)

**

RADIO HEALTH FOLLOW-UP: CTIA SAYS WHO CELLPHONE CANCER STUDY FLAWED

The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, better known
as the CTIA has ripped into a recent United Nations' report that claims
cellphones can cause cancer.

As reported here on Amateur Radio Newsline two weeks ago, a United
Nations agency known as the World Health Organization issued a report
stating that radiation from cellular telephones can possibly cause
cancer. It said that based on the U.N.'s International Agency for
Research on Cancer working group, and in reviewing peer-reviewed
studies, that it found some evidence of an increase in Glioma and
acoustic Neuroma brain cancers among mobile phone users. As such, the
agency now lists mobile phone as a carcinogenic hazard.

Now the CTIA has issued a broad based rebuttal that begins by quoting
previous studies by the Federal Communications Commission that
concluded there is no scientific evidence that proves that wireless
phone usage can lead to any form of cancer. The cellular lobby group
also quoted the Food and Drug Administration as stating that the weight
of scientific evidence has not linked cellular phones with any health
problems.

In its rebuttal barrage, the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet
Association also pointed out that the World Health Organization made no
effort to conduct its own scientific study of cellular telephone use.
Instead, it only reviewed previous studies made by other investigators
over the years in reaching its conclusion.

Before its announcement on Tuesday, May 31st the World Health
Organization had assured consumers that no adverse health effects from
cellular telephones had been established. Now the WHO and the CTIA are
on opposite sides of a public relations battle over the still unknown
effects of cellular telephone radiation effects on the human body. A
battle that is bound to intensify in coming years. (Published news
reports)

**

BREAK 1

From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
heard on bulletin stations around the world including the WA6HAM
repeater serving Contra Costa, California.

(5 sec pause here)


**

ENFORCEMENT: NEW ORLEANS CB'ER ISSUSED $15,000 NOTICE OF APPARENT
LIABILITY FOR OVER POWER OPERATION

The FCC has issued a $15,000 Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary
Forfeiture against John Hays of New Orleans. This for operating an
over power Class D Citizens Radio transmitter that the regulatory
agency says constitutes operating a radio transmitter without the
requisite Commission authorization. We have more in this report:

--

The case dates way back to November 29th 2007. In response to a
complaint of interference, the Enforcement Bureau's New Orleans Office
warned Mr. Hays in writing of the penalties associated with operating
his CB radio with excessive power.

On December 3, 2007, Hays responded to the New Orleans Office by
telephone. At that time he is said to have admitted to overpower
operation, and was again warned orally to cease any operation of his CB
station that violated the Rules.

Fast forward to June 3, 2010. In response to another complaint of
interference, agents from the New Orleans Office traced the source of
the interference to a signal on CB channel 20 emanating from Mr. Hays's
residence. The same day, the agents inspected the CB station and
observed a linear amplifier attached to Mr. Hays' CB transmitter. The
agents, using a wattmeter, measured the output power of the CB station
with the in-line linear amplifier at 750 watts. The agents then orally
warned Mr. Hays that the use of linear amplifiers or any device that
results in power levels greater than the authorized limit of 4 watts is
prohibited and voids the authority to operate the CB station. Mr. Hays
admitted to the agents that he operated his CB station overpower, and,
at the conclusion of the inspection, Mr. Hays voluntarily destroyed his
linear amplifier.

You would think that it would have ended there, but it didn't. This
past February 10th, in response to another complaint of interference,
agents from the New Orleans Office used direction-finding techniques to
again identify a signal on CB channel 20 as once again coming from
Hays' residence. The same day, the agents inspected Hays CB station
and observed a linear amplifier attached to Mr. Hays's CB transmitter.
This time the agents measured the output power of the CB station with
the in-line linear amplifier at 75 watts. And once again, Hays
admitted to the agents that he was operating his CB overpower.

Now, the FCC has taken a strong punitive measure to see to it that Hays
does not again violate its rules governing Part 95 Class D Citizens
Radio operation. This by issuing him the a $15,000 Notice of Apparent
Liability to Monetary Forfeiture for apparently and willfully violating
section 301 of the Communications Act and sections 95.410 and 95.411 of
the FCC's Citizens Radio Service rules. Specifically his use of an
amplifier that raised the output of his transmitter to way above the 4
watts as permitted under the Part 95 Citizens Radio Service rules.

In Scottsdale, Arizona, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP, reporting for the
Amateur Radio Newsline.

--

Hays was given the customary 30 days to pay the forfeiture or to file
an appeal. (FCC)

**

ENFORCEMENT UPDATE: FLORIDA UNLICENSED BROADCASTER FINED $20000

An update on an unlicensed radio case that we first reported here on
Newsline. This with word from the FCC that a $20,000 Notice of
Apparent Liability issued to Marckenson Bazile for operating an
unlicensed station in Miami has progressed to a forfeiture order.

The FCC originally issued the Forfeiture Order against Brazile for
operating an unlicensed station on 103.9 MHz from his home. In
affirming the fine, the regulatory agency said that Bazile had not
responded to its correspondence on the matter. Therefore, based on the
evidence it had before it, that it had affirmed the $20,000 fine and
issued a forfeiture order.

Bazile was given 30 days to pay or the FCC can turn the case over to
the Justice Department for collection. (FCC)

**

RADIO LAW: FCC REESTABLISHES TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL BUT HAM RADIO
NOT INCLUDED

The FCC has reestablished its Technology Advisory Council for a
two-year period. The council, made up of various tech experts, will
help give the commission expertise it needs to identify areas of
innovation and develop policies to keep America competitive.

The initial assignment for the group is to focus on the broadband
rollout. Specifically how broadband communications can help deliver
and contain costs for healthcare, energy and environmental
conservation. Other assignments may include the evolution of broadband
networks and devices and their implications, spectrum management and
how to promote innovation and investment.

The council chairman is Tom Wheeler, managing director, Core Capital
Partners and a former Chief Executive Officer of the Cellular
Telecommunications and Internet Association. Representatives from
several organizations like Google, MIT, Intel, Microsoft, Harris
Broadcast are on the council. Also serving are representatives of
trade associations such as the Consumer Electronics Association and the
National Association of Broadcasters.

To our knowledge no individual or group directly representing the
interests of amateur radio has been invited to serve on the panel.
This, even though the recommendations it makes could eventually impact
on the spectrum utilized by radio amateurs.

The group's next meeting is slated for June 29th. (RW)

**

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: GPS VS LIGHTSQUARED - CHAPTER 2

The war of words between LightSquared Corportation over its proposed
high power national 4 G network and those who use the Global
Positioning System has escalated. This as the lobbying group known as
the Coalition to Save Our GPS says that recent tests in New Mexico
prove conclusively the operation of LightSquared system proved
detrimental to G-P-S.

James Kirkland is Vice President of Trimble Navigation and a founding
member of the coalition. He says that test data discussed several days
ago makes clear that there is substantial interference to GPS if
LightSquared turns on high-powered terrestrial facilities in the
spectrum next door to GPS.

During a meeting sponsored by the federal government's GPS Advisory
Board, Kirkland, along with government representatives and LightSquared
representatives discussed the results of two separate tests conducted
to measure interference to GPS receivers used in aviation and other
government applications. Kirkland said the testing data confirms what
the industry told the FCC and also confirms that there is no viable
technical fix.

Kirkland contended that in at least one test LightSquared didn't
deliver test equipment that matches its proposed operations, thus
causing optimistic results. However, even those optimistic results
showed interference.

Kirkland is quoted as saying that the FCC should stop trying to find a
solution to an unfixable problem. Instead it should focus its efforts
on finding spectrum that LightSquared can operate in where its
broadband system won't interfere with GPS.

LightSquared plans a satellite- and terrestrial-based 4G network to
provide terrestrial- and satellite-based voice and data service on a
wholesale basis to retailers, cable operators, and other companies that
want to offer service under their own brand.

The Coalition to Save GPS is made up of companies in the aviation,
agriculture, transportation, construction, engineering, and surveying
industries as well as suppliers of GPS-based equipment and services.
Hams who use GPS devices in both T-hunting and emergency communications
also have a vested interest in the outcome of the final FCC decision on
the LightSquared nationwide broadband system. (Published reports)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: HARVARD PROFESSOR JOINS FCC

The FCC now has a new distinguished scholar as a part of its staff.
Harvard University law professor Jonathan Zittrain will be based in the
FCC's Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis and will work on
issues related to modern communications networks. He succeeds Duke
University law professor Stuart Benjamin, who was the commission's
first Distinguished Scholar.

Professor Zittrain's research interests include issues related to
digital property and content, cryptography, electronic privacy and the
roles of intermediaries in the Internet's architecture. He's also a
computer science professor at Harvard and a board member of the
Internet Society; he is also on the board of advisors for Scientific
American, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a forum
fellow of the World Economic Forum. Previously, Zittrain was professor
of internet governance and regulation at Oxford University. The
professor will continue to teach at Harvard while working at the FCC.
(FCC, RW)

**

NAMES IN THE NEWS: ZL3DWS NAMED NEW ZEALAND AMATEUR OF THE YEAR

And a hearty congratulations to David Searle ZL3DWS who has been named
to receive New Zealand's Amateur of the Year Award. This in
acknowledgement of the tremendous results he achieved in his Buildathon
projects.

David recently moved from Christchurch to Bondi, Australia. Speaking
from Australia's 2nd favorite beach, David said that he was greatly
surprised, yet proud, to learn that he had become N-Z-A-R-T Amateur of
the Year. He adds that his pride is in the fact that the award
acknowledges the success achieved by so many Canterbury radio amateurs
and beyond, with the Zed-L-3 Radio Buildathon project. (NZART)

**

BREAK 2

This is ham radio news for today's radio amateur. From the United
States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the
world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being
relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur:

(5 sec pause here)

**

HAM RADIO PUBLIC RELATIONS: PROMOTING ARRL FIELD DAY 2011

The ARRL has released a new press kit along with a set of two new
Public Service Announcements to publicize Field Day, 2011. The press
kit contains just about everything a club needs to publicize Field Day
and its own operations. But it's the Public Service Announcements that
will likely get the most attention if you are willing to download them,
burn them to C-D's and drop off copies at your local radio stations.

What do they sound like? Heres one of them. Take a listen:

--

Actual PSA (less music track) - Please download our newscast MP3 audio
file to hear it.

--

Yes that's Don Carlson, KQ6FM, whose voice you regularly here on
Amateur Radio Newsline. But this week Don is in another role as
spokesman for the upcoming ARRL Field Day event. To get a copy of the
new Field Day promotional spots that Don has created please take your
web browser to tinyurl.com/fielddaypsa and download the audio file
marked Field Day 2011. The complete ARRL Field Day press kit itself is
at tinyurl.com/fielddaypress. (ARRL, audio supplied by KQ6FM)

**

HAM RADIO IN SPACE: CORNELL UNIVERSITY SEEKS HAM RADIO ASSISTANCE IN
SATURN MISSION PREPARATIONS

Ham radio has been invited to take part in the preparations for the
upcoming exploration of the planet Saturn by remote satellites. This
if a group of tiny Cornell University-developed satellites travel to
the ringed planet sometime within the next decade.

The exploration will be done using tiny micro-sized chip satellites
called Sprites. As they flutter down through Saturn's atmosphere, they
will collect data about chemistry, radiation and particle impacts while
transmitting as beacons with 10 milliwatts of RF power.

Tests of the Sprites is ongoing. Three prototypes of these chip
satellites were mounted on the International Space Station after the
space shuttle Endeavour delivered them on its final flight.

During testing of these micro sized birds, the help of radio amateurs
is required. If you would like to serve as one of those trying
detecting this signal from one of the Sprites, please follow up with
Zac Manchester by e-mail to zrm3 (at) cornell (dot) edu. More
information is on-line at tinyurl.com/3fs5ks7 and
www.spacecraftresearch.com/blog (ANS)

**

WORLDBEAT: OPEN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSN ARC - QRT

The Open University Students Association Amateur Radio Forum is going
QRT. The decision to shut down was brought about by changes to the new
virtual learning environment.

Over its life the forum has had many a world wide radio enthusiast who
are students of the Open University call in to the forum. Founders
hope that a new forum can eventually be created under the new Open
University environment. (Southgate)

**

WORLDBEAT INTRUDER WATCH: ONE NEW AND ONE GONE ON 15 METERS

The May issue of the IARU Monitoring System newsletter reports that the
Australian Over-The Horizon Radar has been heard in the 15 meter
amateur band. On a more positive note the same issue of the newsletter
reports that the The Russian Yakhta vocoder system has disappeared from
its self ascribed home on 21 dot 0015 MHz. The complete newsletter can
be read on-line in PDF format tinyurl.com/may2011iarums. (IARU)

**

DX

In DX, word that the 2011 Macquarie Island VK0KEV operation has been
approved for DXCC credit. If you've had this operation rejected in a
recent application please send a note to dxcc (at) arrl (dot) org. You
can verify the update to your record either by checking your Logbook of
the World account, or, you'll see a change in the live daily listing on
the DXCC web site.

On the air, keep an ear open for EF8M operating from the Canary Islands
during the RSGB Islands on the Air Contest on July 30th and the 31st as
a Multi-Operator, All-Band, High-Power entry. Operators mentioned are
RD3A, EA8CAC and UA5C. QSL via UA3DX.

W7GJ plans to be active from Samoa on a 6 meter E-M-E DXpedition during
the final week of August. His callsign will be 5W0GJ and he says that
his license and airline tickets are now in hand. QSL direct to W7GJ.

Lastly, PY2FN will be operational as PY0FO from Fernando de Noronha
between July 2nd to the 9th. Activity will be on 160 through 6 meters
on CW only. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World. QSL via
his home callsign, direct or by the bureau.

(Above from various DX news sources)

**

WITH NEWSLINE: WILL THERE BE A 2011 YHOTY WINNER?

And finally this week, a word about the 2011 Young Ham of the Year
Award. Here's our producer, Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF:

--

While we find it rather sad to report, its beginning to look as if
there may not be an Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award
made this year. The reason is that with only two weeks until the
closing date of nominations, only one has been received and there is no
way to know if the judging committee will consider it as being valid.

Unlike other award programs, the Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of
the Year Award does not carry over past years nominations. As soon as
a winner is announced all other nomination forms are discarded. Every
year is a new year and requires a nominator to submit a new nominating
form and associated documentation.

As I record this, only 7 forms have been downloaded from our website
and only one of these has been returned. By contrast, in years past,
by this time we have had hundreds of downloads and dozens of completed
nominating packages returned for the judging committee to peruse.

What we cannot understand is why, with there supposedly now thousands
of hams age 18 or younger, only one person has seen fit to take the
time to nominate someone for this years award. And just because there
is only one nomination does not mean that person will be selected. This
is because a candidate must meet the criteria as set forth by the
committee in regard to overall service to ham radio, the community or
the nation.

Yes, we know it takes time and effort to put together a good nominating
package, but in the end those are energies well spent. This is because
each award winner is a kind of guarantee that the next generation of
hams will help the hobby to prosper and to grow.

The bottom line is that the nominating period closes at midnight on
June 30th. A valid nomination consists of a completed nomination form
that you can download from our webaite at www dot arnewsline dot org
along with substantiating documentation for any and all claims made on
the nominating form. Incomplete nominating packages or those
postmarked after midnight on June 30th will not be considered for the
2011 award program.

Whether or not there is an Amateur Radio Young Ham of the Year Award
for 2011 is entirely in your hands. We and our corporate underwriters
provide the presentation ceremony and provide the winner his or her
gifts that include a week at Spacecamp along with transportation to and
from the city of Huntsville, Alabama. Giving the Young Ham of the Year
Awards Committee the necessary nominations and back-up documentation is
up to you.

All nominating packages must be postmarked no later than midnight local
time on June 30th 2011 and should be sent to the Young Ham of the Year
Award, in care of the Amateur Radio Newsline, 28197 Robin Avenue,
Saugus, California 91350.

If you really care about the future of our hobby and making sure there
will be a next generation of young hams to carry on, now is the time to
prove it by taking the time to nominate a worthy youngster for this
years Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of The Year Award.

I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF.

--

As we watch the mailbox, the next two weeks will definitely determine
whether or not there will be a Young Ham of the Year Young Ham of the
Year Award presented this year.

**

NEWSCAST CLOSE

With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ
Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain,
the RSGB, the Southgate News and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all
from the Amateur Radio Newsline(tm). Our e-mail address is
. More information is available at Amateur
Radio Newsline's(tm) only official website located at
www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to us or support us at Amateur
Radio Newsline(tm), 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa Clarita California, 91350

For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors desk, I'm Jim
Davis, W2JKD, in central Florida saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.