Past Net News Items
Last update:
------------------------------ NEWS --------------------------------
[ARRL Hamfest Listings]
-From Ray, N3HYM: New portable packet, runs on USB port go to:
http://john.hansen.net/PICTNC.htm
-N8AAY: Here's the emergency repeater article I mentioned on our net:
http://www.gaares.org/aresbigbag.htm
-MADXRA net: Thursdays @ 20:30L on 147.345 with PL of 146.2
Southern MD sub-nets: Calvert County Amateur Radio Club repeater
146.985 MHz - (PL 156.7) as the primary sub-net
Southern Maryland Amateur Radio Club repeater on 147.150 MHz + (PL
114.8) as the secondary sub-net
-From Ray, N3HYM: New portable packet, runs on USB port go to:
[Link]
- MADXRA: The mailing control op list has changed to: [Click Here]
Control Ops for any of MADXRA repeaters can be reached here.
-
The Courtesy tone for System 4 (448.125+ PL123.0), has been changed
to help those operators that use audio to identify repeaters.
-ITU: Is recommending that an A and C run together (.--.-.) become
the official Morse character for "@," subject to approval by member
states. Hear an article from NPR about this at:
[NPR Article]
-Eric Gammeter N8AAY: The Frederick Amateur Radio Club’s 448.425
repeater is back up and operating nominally. PL tone, when
active is 100.0Hz. Thanks go to Bob, N3UHD for repair and also
Larry, WX3F for providing monitoring service!
-Adventure Radio Society's monthly web magazine,
The ARS Sojourner: http://www.ARSqrp.com
-The Green Mountain Repeater Association Inc. new web site is at:
http://www.gmramd.org/
-ITU: Is recommending that an A and C run together (.--.-.) become
the official Morse character for "@," subject to approval by member
states. Hear an article from NPR about this at:
http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1680529
- MADXRA: The mailing control op list has changed to:
control-ops@madxra.org. Control Ops for any of MADXRA repeaters can
be reached here.
-
The Courtesy tone for System 4 (448.125+ PL123.0), has been changed
to help those operators that use audio to identify repeaters.
- FARC, N8AAY: Frederick Amateur Radio Club's 448.425 UHF K3ERM
repeater is currently off-air following a lightening strike
earlier this year. Restoration work is in process. Private
Line (PL) tone when active is 100.0Hz.
* The Frederick County RACES reflector has changed its name & has a
new web-site reflector:
[Click Here] // pk01
* Shenandoah Valley Amateur Radio Club, on-the-air CW training class
on their 146.82(-) repeater at 20:00 local every Tuesday night .
* The FCC on December 14 will unveil a new on-line filing interface
for its Universal Licensing System (ULS), on the web at,
http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls,
which includes the Amateur Service.
...the ULS's new look will include easier-to-read on-screen forms
that guide users through filing and simplify such routine tasks as
applying for license renewal...
- I'll believe it when I see it! (ke3fl)
* The FCC has granted amateurs use of five 2.8 kHz-wide channels with
center frequencies of 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz. The
channels will be available to General and higher class licensees.
The only permitted mode will be upper-sideband USB phone, and 50 W
ERP is the maximum power allowed.
* The FCC has granted amateurs use of five 2.8 kHz-wide channels with
center frequencies of 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz. The
channels will be available to General and higher class licensees.
The only permitted mode will be upper-sideband USB phone, and 50 W
ERP is the maximum power allowed.
There's no need to get frustrated by trying to deal with the FCC's
confusing website. Get your license updated by an officially
authorized VEC in less than 5 minutes (a $6.00 VEC processing fee
will apply). W5YI: http://www.qrz.com/renewals
FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms - pick up a 605 form this way
FCC on-line: http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls
(If you are a member of the ARRL they will do it for free!)
From KE3VIN: Two links for a tape-measure beam antenna:
[tape_bm.htm]
[flexbeam.html]
* Al/NW2M: http://www.rigpix.com/index.shtml - Every radio you can
think of !!! (Almost).
[Click Here]
[Pictures of Radios!]
Every radio you can think of !!! (Almost).
- The MADXRA Thursday Night Net is back on the air on the 147.060+
repeater. That's every Thursday at 1930 local. If anyone would
like to share the NCS duties on a scheduled basis, please advise
N2CSQ by e-mail or radio.
* The ARRL: Now offers an on-line 'Antenna Restrictions "How To"
Chart' -
http://www.ARRL.org/FandES/field/regulations/ant-how-to-charts.html
which offers three separate outlines that help users to logically
work through issues involving local government zoning
restrictions; deed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs);
or rental/lease restrictions relating to antenna structures.
- Al/NW2M(MARC): Here are two links to VERY NICE color frequency
charts for Amateur Radio and the United States Allocated Frequency
list. These are in PDF format and print very well in color. I
printed them out and put them in plastic sleeves for review. A
"must have" for your shack!
-
Kenwood's Amateur Band Plan
-
United States Frequency Allocation
- KE3VIN: The Internet Radio Linking Project:
[Click here]
- mcraces web site is now at:
[Click here]
- Rip/K3XO: New forums available: Public Service Mentor Forum
Go directly to it at:
[Click here]
-
Also, there are new forums about "Field and Portable Operations:
[Click here]
-
and "Packet Radio Operations"
[Click here]
- I come across all sorts of web URLs for all sorts of things. A
few I consider really MUST HAVEs, this is one of them:
[Click here]
it is the link to Kevin Inscoe's (KE3VIN)
MD-DC- VA weather page. Good work Kevin & tnx!
- EMERGENCY EMAIL NETWORK - SOMETHING NEW: This site is an Emergency
Email Network that provides you with messages pertaining to your
location of interest. (e.g. State/County/Zip Code.) And you can
designate what type of messages you want to receive. I cannot
verify the validity of the Email messages that may arrive nor
endorse it's use. However, I did sign in and will wait and see
how productive it is. For more information and to sign in for
messages, go to:
[Click here]
- The EHam net newsletter:
[Click Here]
- The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy:
[Web Site for Downloads]
* Want to give it away? subscribe to FREEBAY
send e-mail to: [Click Here]
In body of e-mail put: subscribe freebay
* Reciprocal licensing info is on the Web:
The European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administration--or
CEPT--Amateur Radio licensing system requires
that you carry only three documents. You'll
need a copy of FCC Public Notice DA 99-2344
(available at
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/io/cept-ral.pdf),
proof of US citizenship, and your FCC-issued
Amateur Radio license.
For a list of countries that recognize US
participation in the CEPT reciprocal system,
visit the CEPT countries page on ARRLWeb,
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/io/cept-list.html.
To obtain an IARP or for more information on
operating from a CEPT or CITEL (IARP) country,
visit the ARRL International Operating page,
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/io/.
* The FCC has designated the ARRL-VEC, the
W5YI-VEC and the W4VEC Volunteer Examiners Club
of America as Club Station Call Sign
Administrators (CSCSA). Starting January 22,
2001, the FCC will accept new, modification and
renewal applications for Amateur Radio club and
military recreation stations only from a
designated CSCSA.
* MURS: Multi Use Radio Service, a NEW CB service
with five channels at: 151.82, .88, .94, 154.57,
and 154.60 MHz. Multi-use means image, data, &
voice, sound like something we use? It's a very
interesting developement, it happened because
this was a licensed service but no one applied
for a license. So the FCC just made it a FREE CB
type service. Wow, if that word gets around what
will happen next? Last, this service is limited
to 2 Watts of ERP, yah right, good-luck in
inforcing that one! If the FCC could not enforce
the license requirement how are they going to
enforce an ERP limit? - Pop Comm 1/2001 pg 4.
* MARC: Jay K3JAY, past president of MARC and VHF
contester, has built a 6-meter repeater and has
installed it in a great location in Germantown
at: 53.210 MHz, -1.000 MHz TX offset.
* MARC- Try these frequencies during an emergency:
1) The 146.955(-) MARC Repeater
2) The 145.450(-) MADRAS Repeater
3) The 146.460 Simplex Frequency
* Listing a classified ad to buy and sell Amateur
Radio-related equipment on the ARRL's Radios
On-Line service now is free to League members, and
only members may post a listing, up to 100 words.
- CCARC e-mail list.
Send an email to: [Click Here]
in the body put: subscribe k3pzn-list
You will be sent a confirmation key which you
Must send back to them, then you'll be on the
list. To unsubscribe send: unsubscribe k3pzn-list
or if your requesting from a different account send:
unsubscribe k3pzn-list your-email-address-here
To post a message send it to: k3pzn-list@qth.net
- ARRL: New Public Service Communications Manual is
now available from the ARRL on the web at:
[Click here]
- to check it out!
* FCC new "A Local Government Official's Guide to RF
Emission Antenna Safety" - www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
[Click Here]
* New URL's - WorldRadio:
http://www.wr6wr.com/index.html
[WorldRadio's On-Line Magazine]
* Ham Radio in Space:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast21aug_1.htm?list
NASA Article about Ham Radio in Space
NASA Article Index
* The ARRL has begun compiling a dossier of
amateurs' experiences with CC&Rs--covenants,
conditions and restrictions.
- Submittals should be sent to ANTENNAS, c/o
Steve Mansfield, N1MZA, American Radio Relay
League, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
E-mail submittals to: with
the subject line "ANTENNAS".
Send Mail to ARRL
* ARRL and REACT--Radio Emergency Associated
Communications Teams--took some first steps
together this summer. The ARRL Board of
Directors approved a memorandum of understanding
between the two radio organizations at its July
meeting. - The ARRL was on hand July 26-28 for
the REACT 2000 International Convention in
Kissimmee, Florida. - While REACT has been
associated primarily with Citizens Band in the
past, the organization has widened its focus to
embrace amateur and other services, GMRS & FRS.
Approximately one-quarter of the REACT
conventioneers were ham operators, FCC Special
Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Riley
Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, presented an FCC seminar
during the REACT convention. - REACT
International has a Web site at
http://www.reactintl.org/.
REACT WebSite
* ARRL Club 2000 Awards--your club can earn one!
Active Amateur Radio clubs can earn a $1000
award and a spot in the limelight as part of the
ARRL Club 2000 Awards program. Find out more at
the Club 2000 Achievement Awards Web site,
http://www.arrl.org/field/club/club-awards/.
ARRL Club 2000 Awards, URL
The program is aimed at rewarding the
achievements of ARRL-affiliated clubs by
recognizing clubs that are growing, thriving,
and developing positive community relations.
Infor contact: Club Programs Coordinator Margie
Bourgoin, KB1DCO, kb1dco@arrl.org; 860-594-0267;
FAX 860-594-0259.
* NCVEC ADVANCES REVISED MORSE TESTING STANDARDS
The plan drops the use of multiple choice tests
for Morse code testing. Morse examinations
would specify use of the Farnsworth method with
character speed between 13 to 15 WPM. The old
method can be requested as a special
accommodation. These changes go into effect on
July 1, 2001. VEC's may institute this change
sooner.
* Frank, N3ZUR: (08/2000) found a good code tutor
from our friends across the big pond (UK). It
is called MorseCat. It is freeware available at
DOWNLOAD MorseCat SOFTWARE
* FCC "A Local Government Official's Guide to RF
exposure from antennas" to download see:
Government Official's Guide
- http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
* FCC- Access to the ULS is at
FCC ULS: http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls
The FCC has yet another number for you, it is
called FRN: FCC Registration Number - which is
part of the CORES: Commission Registration
System Isn't this fun? Just when you thought you
had a handle on the ULS too! If you have signed
up for the ULS don't worry, the FCC will send you
your very own brand new FRN.
I think the FCC should get their act together,
this is really becoming a federal pain in the Bzz
The FCC's Technical Support Hotline: 202-414-1250
can be used to get your temporary password after
you have been registered inthe ULS program, after
upgrading or getting a new license when attending
a VE session.
Ignore references to the SGIN "Sub Group
Identification Number". The SGIN does not apply
to amateur applicants.
For more information, visit the ULS info
on the ARRL Web site.
* Observers interested in watching for auroral
events on their home computers are encouraged to
obtain a copy of the free STD Aurora Monitor
software package, which will provide
near-realtime updated information and imagery
that you can use to monitor conditions as they
happen. The software is available at:
DOWNLOAD
http://www.spacew.com/aurora. It is a
relatively small download of only 2.5 megabytes
but is an immensely useful package for
monitoring auroral activity. A second site is:
At: Sky & Telescope
WE WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF PEOPLE WOULD SUBMIT
SIGHTINGS OF AURORAL ACTIVITY TO THE AURORAL
ACTIVITY OBSERVATIONS NETWORK AT:
Submit Your Auroral Sightings HERE
* Krill Lights:
Krill Lights Information, a review.
Kriana, the Krill Light Company
* FCC has opened the ULS to Internet filing - go to:
http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls and click on
"Online Filing."
FCC ULS Internet Filing (NetScape only)
- From: NASA Science News
NASA's IMAGE satellite, scheduled for launch on
March 25, will revolutionize our understanding
of Earth's magnetosphere. Space weather data
from the innovative spacecraft will be freely
available to the public on the web. NASA
scientists are also developing plans for
down-to-earth listening stations that HAM radio
operators and others can build to capture the
data themselves. FULL STORY at:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2000/ast24mar_1m.htm
The RADAR Cop in Space
* Chicago Map Corporation's popular "Precision
Mapping Streets v. 3.5", has been reduced to
$9.99 (shipping & handling $5.95). This unique
program is compatible with WIN APRS and is a
popular product with ham radio enthusiasts. For
more information or to order, please call
800-257-9244. Visit our web site at:
[www.chicagomap.com]
* SGC HF radio: SG-2020 puts out 20+ watts PEP and
CW. You can locate them at:
SGC HF radio
or you can contact them via e-mail at:
[Click Here]
* Amateur Radio Trader: Now has (or will soon) an
amateur radio auction web site located at:
ARTAuctions
* From: NASA Science News [Click Here]
NASA's IMAGE satellite, scheduled for launch on
March 25, will revolutionize our understanding
of Earth's magnetosphere. Space weather data
from the innovative spacecraft will be freely
available to the public on the web. NASA
scientists are also developing plans for
down-to-earth listening stations that HAM radio
operators and others can build to capture the
data themselves. FULL STORY at: The RADAR Cop in Space
* FCC: The new rules grant Element 1 credit to
those holding an expired or unexpired FCC-issued
Novice license or an expired or unexpired
Technician Class operator license document
granted before February 14, 1991. It also
grants Element 1 credit to applicants possessing
an FCC-issued commercial radiotelegraph operator
license or permit that's valid or expired less
than 5 years.
* BeaconSee:
[BeaconSee Software]
* HAMCALC 30:
[HAMCALC 30 text]
[HAMCALC 30 ZIP, programs]
* Japan gets additional 160-meter spectrum: Word
via Rio, JA1JRK, is that starting April 1, 2000?
amateurs in Japan will have access to 1810-1825
kHz. Amateurs there previously have been
restricted to 1907.5-1912.5 kHz.--Yosi, JA3AAW
* The ARRL Technical Information Service offers more information on
how to deal with power line interference at
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/rfi-elec.html.
[ARRL RFI LINK]
Amateurs suffering from interference believed to be emanating from
power generation or transmission facilities may contact Ed Hare,
W1RFI, 860-594-0318; rfi@arrl.org.
* New QRP Forum from ARCI: Located at:
http://www.e-discounter.net/qrparci/index.html
[QRP-F, ARCI]
* MARC: Here is a URL for a Java based ham exam generator that I
found to be extremely useful when I did my upgrade. There are
two sets of exams here, one HTML and the other Java. The Java
exam generator can be downloaded to your hard disk and can then
be used "off-line".
http://www.biochem.mcw.edu/Postdocs/Simon/radio/exam.html
[HAM Exam Site]
I used these practice exams daily to see where I needed more
study. They worked great for me. Give them a try.
Good luck! - Farrel Becker/AA3ST
* CQ: Power-line noise: The FCC and ARRL recommend that hams
experiencing power line noise problems should first try to "work
patiently with the utility" and contact the League for help before
turning to the FCC. The ARRL has a webpage deovted to power line
interference at: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/rfi-elec.html
[ARRL Webpage]
* FCC: Repeater coordinators, beware. If you ignore the needs of
repeater users and other hams sharing VHF and UHF bands, you
are not doing your job properly and could be replaced. This
warning comes in a letter from the FCC's D'Wana Terry, Chief of
the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division of the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, to California Congressman David
Dreier, who had contacted the Commission on behalf of two
constituents who objected to recent decisions of the Southern
California Repeater and Remote Base Association (SCRRBA).
* FCC: Identifying on the air with only part of your callsign
-- a common practice among some DXers and net participants -- is
a violation of FCC rules, according to Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH
* N3SOK forwarded this Emergency Service Web-site:
http://www.area-ham.org/library/libindex.html
[ARRL RFI Info]
Amateurs suffering from
interference believed to be emanating from power generation or
transmission facilities also may contact Ed Hare, W1RFI,
860-594-0318; rfi@arrl.org.
* New NCDXF/IARU beacon: The 17th beacon in the NCDXF/IARU Beacon
Network came on the air from Novosibirsk, Russia, November 26 at
0945 UTC. The call sign is RR9O. Beacon operator Yuri Zaruba,
UA9OBA, reports that this was the first radio beacon to be placed on
the air in Russia. The NCDXF/IARU beacons provide world-wide
coverage and transmit in turn every three minutes on five different
amateur radio bands at 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930, and 28.200
MHz. For more information, visit: http://www.ncdxf.org
[Beacons Website]
--Bob Fabry, N6EK
* Audio version of QST moves to cassette format: Starting in January
2000, the audio version of QST from the Library of Congress will
move to audio cassette format. The audio version will continue to
be offered free-of-charge to visually or physically handicapped
readers in the US who are eligible for the Library of Congress
audio/Braille magazine program. Call toll-free
800-424-8567.--Library of Congress
* Crystal Set Society - Have you ever wanted to build one of those
crystal radio sets? Here's a society with a magazine on how to build
all different types of crystal sets. They receive AM broadcast into
the SW band. PO Box 3026 St Louis MO 63130 or e-mail at: [Click Here]
* KE3FL - My article on Basic Emergency Service Training (BEST) is
up on my web site and has active links to those pages already up
on the web site. I'll be working to get the others up ASAP.
* Howard County AREAS 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 7:30 pmL 147.135+, RACES:
2nd Tuesday also 7:30pmL and on 147.135+.
* SOWP high-speed code practice: Former ARRL Communications Manager
George Hart, W1NJM, in Newington, Connecticut, regularly conducts
high-speed code practice, sponsored by the Society of Wireless
Pioneers, Thursdays at 0130 UTC on 3523 and/or 7023 kHz. Practice
speeds are 20 to 65 WPM in various increments, decrements and
sequences, as announced. Raymond Evans, K7HLR, in Clearfield, Utah,
conducts two CW practice schedules daily on 7056 kHz at 1400 and
0000 UTC, November through March; 1300 and 2300 UTC April through
November, with speeds from 5 to 40 WPM.
* 9N1MM donations sought: Donations of working amateur gear or money
are being sought to set up a club station in Katmandu, Nepal, in
memory of the late Father Marshall Moran, 9N1MM. Father Moran, a
Jesuit Priest, spent 40 years in Nepal as a teacher and active ham,
and was known worldwide. Charlie Harpole, K4VUD, is heading up the
9N1MM memorial club station drive. He reports that there are three
newly licensed 9N hams with no prospects of getting on the air
without assistance. He says preferred transceivers are smaller,
newer radios such as the TS-50 or FT-757GX; cash donations will go
toward accessories. Several pieces of gear already have been
donated--including a beam from the Northern California DX Foundation.
Donations go to Charlie Harpole, K4VUD, 3100 N Hwy 426, Geneva, FL
32732. For more information, e-mail him at [Click Here].
* For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
look up the web site: http://garc.gsfc.nasa.gov/~ariss/ariss.html.
[Ham Radio on Space Station]
* Amateur vanity call sign site debuts: A new site devoted to vanity
call signs has appeared at http://www.carroll-usa.com/vanity/.
[vanity call sign site]
Among other things, the site lets users find out if a call sign
already has been submitted to the FCC, lists soon-to-be-available
call signs, and includes a list of "creative" call signs. Michael
E. Carroll, AA4BP, Huntsville, Alabama, is the Webmaster.--thanks
to J. D. Delancy, K1ZAT
* Center to study alleged cell phone dangers: The Center for the Study
of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility at the University of
Oklahoma plans to scientifically investigate whether cell phone use
at gasoline stations and aboard airliners poses any dangers. Some
gasoline retailers have banned cellular telephone use despite a lack
of confirmed reports that cell phone use has caused fires or
explosions. Center Director Hank Grant also says the aircraft study
will include tests with current and future navigational systems.
Visit their site at: http://www.ou.edu/engineering/emc.
[cell phone dangers site]
* FCC releases jamming transmitter warning: In a joint Public Notice,
the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology and Compliance and
Information Bureau say that the use of transmitters designed to
prevent or jam the operation of cellular telephones in hospitals,
theaters and other locations is illegal.
* Visualizing orbits and SWR: HR2KOS reports an interesting Web
site that might help those who want to visualize satellite orbits
and Kepler's laws, along with other simulations and visualizations
including SWR, the flow of RF through coaxial cable and antenna
patterns. Visit http://www.phy.hw.ac.uk/resources/demos/.--HR2KOS
[WebSite]
via AMSAT News Service
* The fee to apply for an Amateur Radio vanity call sign has increased
to $14 as of September 14, 1999.
* MARC: on October 8 Pete W3EXP passed away. Pete was 85 years
old and a MACR member virtually forever. He worked at NBS/NIST and
was often heard on the MARC 146.955 repeater. I worked him a
number of times while I was commuting to work at NIST, KE3FL.
Thanks to Jeff, KZ3F for this sad news 73 W3EXP de KE3FL.
* Monday, August 16, the FCC's Universal Licensing System became a
reality for the Amateur Service. All hams must register via this
system. Automatic renewal notice should now come to you 90 days
before you license expires. Yes, you do need to offer up your PIN
(SS #) in exchange for being entered into the new system.
* As of August 8, 1999 The VEC's can no longer use the old method of
submitting information for an amateur radio license. On August
16th, the VECs will presumably be able to once again transmit
applicant data to FCC--but at that time it must be under the new
Universal Licensing System (ULS) requirements. ULS requires that
each applicant supply a Taxpayer ID Number (TIN). A TIN for
individuals not yet registered in the ULS system is their Social
Security Number (SSN), or for persons registered in ULS it can be
their FCC-generated "Licensee ID Number."
* The FCC has implemented the European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) Recommendation T/R 61-01
that eliminates the need to obtain a special license or permit for
US hams wishing to operate for brief visits to most European
countries. In addition, the ARRL has begun issuing International
Amateur Radio Permits to simplify operation by US hams in certain
South American countries.
* The FCC's Universal Licensing System is up and running for the
Amateur Service, although it didn't happen without a few wrinkles
and some frustration on the part of hams trying to register or use
the system. Renewal may not be a pleasant experience.
-
To register electronically, visit http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls/
[register electronically]
and
click on "TIN/Call Sign Registration." A paper Form 606 (TIN
Registration Form) that can be mailed to the FCC is available at
http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html
[TIN/Call Sign Registration]
or from the FCC's Forms
Distribution Center, 800-418-FORM (3676). Paper forms may be faxed
(717-338-2693) or mailed to the FCC, 1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg,
PA 17325-7245.
* We have a new museaum in the area, the Radio-Television Museum located
at: 2608 Mitchellville Rd, Bowie MD - check out their web site for a
map: http://www.radiohistory.org
[Radio-Television Museum]
KE3FL: My "Building an Emergency J-Pole" article is now in the ARRL
Members Only archives located at:
[Members can Click Here]
The original article and software are still available on my web page.
The fee to apply for an Amateur Radio vanity call sign will increase
from $13 to $14 starting September 10, 1999.
There are now 76 cosponsors for The Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection
Act, HR 783. The measure would require the FCC to provide "equivalent
replacement spectrum" should the agency reallocate any Amateur Radio
or Amateur Satellite service allocations to another service.
(The last time I checked, Maryland was NOT on board, please write!)
Project Starshine: is a mirror-covered satellite which 25,000
youngsters in elementary through high school will plot the satellite's
orbit and use their observations as part of their science and
mathematics studies, as part of Project Starshine. Since most of them
do not own an HF receiver they may need HAM assistance to help them get
the correct time from NIST. To help: click on "Participating Schools"
on Project Starshine's Web site,
http://www.azinet.com/starshine/index.html. Then, call a school to
volunteer your services.
The FCC has implemented the European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) Recommendation T/R 61-01
that eliminates the need to obtain a special license or permit for US
hams wishing to operate for brief visits to most European countries.
In addition, the ARRL has begun issuing International Amateur Radio
Permits to simplify operation by US hams in certain South American
countries.
US hams holding any license class but Novice are eligible to operate
in CEPT countries. A US citizen with a Technician ticket may be
authorized privileges equivalent to a CEPT Class 2 (ie, VHF-only)
license, while a US citizen holding a higher class license may be
authorized CEPT Class 1 (ie, all amateur and amateur-satellite)
privileges.
Andre' Kesteloot :
We are now transmitting a CW message 24 hours a day on 136,750 Hz with
about 150 watts RF into a "T" antenna. Still working on the coupling
unit to try and improve it. How well do you hear us? 73 Andre'
Andre' has people in Rockville hearing him, but I've had no such luck.
Other beacons to search for:
Essentially we are talking of the band from 198 kHz (Dixon North
Carolina) all the way to 400 kHz, with most of them in the 200 - 350
kHz segment of the band. 73 Andre'
ARRL Field Day Ruls change for 1999: Battery power stations can now
charge their batteries during Filed Day, they must be charged by non-AC
mains however. Also, this year the ARRL is making a 1999 Field Day pin
for ALL who participate in Field Day 1999. Cost is $5, club orders are
requested.
For the complete 1999 Field Day rules, visit
http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/99/rules-fd.html
[Click Here]
The FCC is no longer taking enforcement complaints via phone. Please
send them via e-mail to: fccham@fcc.gov or via the US Postal Service
to Compliance & Information Bureau, ATTN Amateur Radio Complaints,
1270 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. To send e-mail to the FCC
enforcement branch:
[Click Here]
For those interested in PSK31, here is a useful URL
http://aintel.bi.ehu.es/psk31.html
Beware when you renew your license online! By Al, NW2M (MARC)
Go to the http://www.fcc.gov web page and follow the links to
Electronic Form 900 which includes Form 610R, Amateur Radio License
Renewal. You must be within 90 days of your expiration date, or the
system will tell you that you are renewing too soon.
Beware! You are asked for your Social Security Number on the renewal
form. THERE IS NO PROTECTION OF YOUR SSN WHILE IT IS BEING
TRANSMITTED TO THE FCC!!!!!! It is not encrypted and can be seen with
simple network equipment. It is sent as plain text. I have
downloaded their web page and examined it for protection. You guessed
it - none!
If this is a concern to you (and it should be!), you can always apply
by mail with Form 610R, and a 34 cent stamp.
------
------
ARRL members can announce their ARRL membership
through their e-mail addresses! ARRL.net Email addresses available for
those wishing to have an ARRL
e-mail address, and you don't have to switch e-mail services to do it.
Not only that, but it is free-of-charge to League members!
For a multitude of good ham radio links try this quite fast site:
www.ac6v.com/pageas.html
------
The FCC's Amateur Radio enforcer, Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, turned
up in an unexpected place January 13, 1999 - 75 meters! In what could
be an unprecedented move, Hollingsworth, legal advisor for amateur
enforcement within the FCC's Compliance and Information Bureau, showed
up on 3894.5 kHz to discuss enforcement and encourage compliance.
Hollingsworth advised the hams on 75 to contact him with enforcement
problems, and he gave out his e-mail address and telephone number
(
[Click Here]; 717-338-2502). "I don't know what effect it will
have," he said of his on-air foray. Hollingsworth says he'll "do what
it takes" to improve amateur compliance, and that could include future
on-air visits with amateurs.
------
Tracking Mir: The best way to track satellites is to get access to a
good satellite tracking program. There are numerous programs on the
market, both for sale and share ware.
The best place for current satellite position date (Kepler?) data is at
the CelesTrak web page
http://celestrak.com/
------
Battery Warehouse is a source for new and used gel-cell batteries.
One excellent size is the 32 AH "U1" gel-cell which they sell used for
$20.00. They also frequently have larger gel-cell batteries in the
65-80 AH range for $25.00. Used batteries are in and out of stock so
you should call to see if they have any before you go there. The
address is 395 East Gude Drive in Rockville, behind O'Brien's
Bar-b-que restaurant. The phone number is (301) 294-9420.
Batteries Plus, across from the Wintergreen Shopping Center, is
another source for various types of rechargeable batteries from small
nicads to large gel-cel and car vehicla batteries - all new. They
also rebuild HT battery packs for a very reasonable price -
essentially for the cost of the cells. Small packs can be rebuilt for
as little as $15.00 and larger packs cost about $25.00. The address
is 844-A Rockville Pike and the phone number is (301) 738-0606.
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MIR: As of January 1, 1999 the Mir SSTV downlink frequency is 437.975.
The normal packet transmit frequency from the space station is
145.985.
Digital AM: look it up on
http://www.rnw.nl/DRM/index.html
------
MADRA - Mid-Atlantic DX and Repeater Asso. has a web page at:
http://www.qsl.net/madra
------
PhotonLight- The people who make the Photonlite (the small LED flash-
light) have a web site at:
http://www.photonlight.com
- If you visit it and sign up for the drawing you could win a
Green Photon light this month.
------
Other Web sites: * NEMAL Electronics Catalog - http://www.nemal.com
or email: info@nemal.com
* Whiterock Products (very small memory keyer)
web - http://www.west.net/~wpc
------
MARC DX NET
Glenn N3COB is running a DX net, daily, 8am, 14.182
MHz. Join the group or contact Glenn for more information.
-=-=-=-=- MARC Mini-News -=-=-=-=-
MARC SUNDAY NIGHT NET
Join the MARC Sunday Night Net, every Sunday, 8pm. Contact Todd N3QFZ
to volunteer to be an occasional net control.
------
http://www.gencode.com/hurricane/hurricane.htm - WX, weather
http://support.tandy.com/index.html - manuals
http://www.arrl.org/members/ - New Members Only web site!
New NASA internet site for fire monitoring by satellite:
http://modarch.gsfc.nasa.gov/fire_atlas/fires.html
Click here to go to: NASA Web site for global satellite fire monitoring.
------ARES Information ------
------
Frequancies for hurricane nets:
The Hurricane Watch Net operated on 14.325 MHz.
South Carolina: 3.915 MHz;
NorthCarolina: 3.923 MHz (7.232 MHz alternate);
Virginia: 3.910 MHz(7.260 MHz alternate),
Health-and-welfare traffic on 3.947 MHz (7.240 MHz alternate).
Some URL's of note mentioned at the ARES Institute. Some of these
have been mentioned previously, but are worth reiterating:
http://aresva.org VA ARES
http://www.erols.com/wb3v/mdc/ec.html MD/DC ARES
http://www.mema.state.md.us/races.htm MD RACES
http://www.jmu.edu/wmra/eas.html Emergency Alert System
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From Wayne, N3UN: New CW practice, 5 WPM will be on 145.41 at 7:55 PM
Tuesday evenings then simplex on 146.475. After a short voice intro,
I will go to CW for 10 to 15 minutes. I will close with a voice
reminder that the CARET Net will follow at 8:30 PM.
------
APRS frequency changed, the new frequency is 144.390 (was 145.790)
This change took affect in early April 5/6.
------
From Wayne, N3UN: This URL has more ham radio related URL's than any I
have ever seen. Bookmark this one, and it will have most of what you
would look for when searching ham radio related subjects.
[http://www.qsl.net/cvrc/resources.html]
------
Glenn Bock (from information in April 1998 QST):
If you would like to try and use the MIR space station as a repeater
all you need is a little persistance and a 440Mhz radio. (this has
been done with a HT on 2W!)
Frequency Set your radio to receive and then transmit on the following
freq pairs
Receive Transmit PL: 141.3 Hz
437.960 435.740
437.955 435.745
437.950 435.750
437.945 435.755
437.940 435.760
I set them as xmit/receive pairs on my HT and programmed with the PL.
I have yet to personally work the repeater, but I'm still trying.
If you want to listen for astronauts or cosmonauts using the Voice QSO
listen on 437.925 (pl 151.4) and transmit on 435.725 (same pl)
I've heard several passes on this freq and many hams in the area talk
to the astronauts it's pretty cool!
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