December 2003

Hoping For a Safe Winter.

President's Perspective By Joshua Welsh KB9WGX

As you have probably noticed, this month's issue is rather large. So instead of extolling the virtues of APRS, or outlining the basics of Radio Direction Finding, I'll make this a short column.

I hope to see all of you at the next club meeting, we need more members present to help make decisions!

May you all have a safe and happy new year!

Calendar

Upcoming Amateur Radio events:

January

4

MCARG Meeting

http://www.qsl.net/kc9ehe/

4:30 pm

Viola Village Hall

Viola, IL

Phone: (309) 596-4114

Email: kb9wgx@qsl.net

Kid's Day

Get your kids on the air!

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html

25

Davenport Radio Amateur Club VE Testing

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

CALL FOR TIME

CASI BUILDING

1035 W KIMBERLY RD

DAVENPORT, IA 52806

Phone: Roger W Franke (563)355-5517

Email: K9AYK@ARRL.NET

Wheaton Community Radio Amateurs Hamfest

http://www.wheatonhamfest.org

St. Charles, IL

Phone: 630-968-1844

Email: info@wheatonhamfest.org

March

14

Sterling-Rock Falls ARS Hamfest

http://www.sterlinghamfest.com

Sterling, IL

Phone: 815-336-2434

Email: lsherman@essex1.com

28

North Shore Radio Club Hamfest

http://www.ns9rc.org

Grayslake, IL

Phone: 847-291-4160

Email: jaf@lwt.net

News of Note

This month's Amateur Radio news, summarized from the ARRL's web site.

Ham radio payloads on high-altitude balloons focus of NASA-TV airing (Dec 26, 2003) -- NASA-TV will air a program next week dealing with Amateur Radio payloads and high-altitude ballooning. Arizona Near Space Research (ANSR) has announced that NASA-TV will air its program Introduction to High-Altitude Ballooning Monday, December 29, as part of its "Education File" program series. It will air at 8 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM and 2 AM (December 30) Eastern Time. "We are one of three programs in the hour-long time slot and are scheduled to start at 30 minutes past the hour," says ANSR President Michael Gray, KD7LMO, who advises that the schedule is subject to change and viewers should check the program listings the day of the airing. NASA-TV is available through DirectTV channel 376, Dish Network channel 213, on many cable systems, non-encrypted C-Band (big dish) satellites and as streaming video from the NASA-TV Web site. The program covers a launch from preparation and liftoff through ascent to more than 100,000 feet and touchdown. "The goal of ANSR is to promote science and education through high altitude balloons and Amateur Radio," Gray says. The program demonstrates use of a voice repeater as a balloon payload as well as Amateur Position Reporting System (APRS) findu.com tracking and Amateur TV. "It also shows how we work with educational groups to promote Amateur Radio," he adds. Visit Gray's Web site(http://www.kd7lmo.net/)for additional information.

Central California Hams Respond to Earthquake (Dec 24, 2003) -- About two dozen Amateur Radio operators aided the American Red Cross in San Luis Obispo County, California, providing radio links between shelters and the ARC San Luis Obispo Chapter office after an earthquake struck Central California on December 22.

ISS Commander Tells West Coast Youngsters He Believes Life Exists on Other Planets (Dec 23, 2003) -- ISS Expedition 8 crew commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, told pupils at Monroe Elementary School in Santa Barbara, California, that he believes there's life on other planets. The comment came in response to a question during an approximately 10-minute direct 2-meter Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school group contact December 17 between KA6OFZ at the school and NA1SS in space.

ISS Gets on the Air with New Ham Gear (Dec 22, 2003) -- Astronaut Mike Foale, KB5UAC, aboard the International Space Station, made a number of VHF contacts with amateurs around the world December 21, utilizing Amateur Radio equipment that was recently installed in the ISS. Foale, the commander of the Expedition 8 crew, has been in space since October with cosmonaut and flight engineer Sasha Kaleri, U8MIR.

ARRL Section Manager Testifies on BPL before State Senate Committee (Dec 22, 2003) -- A single phone call started the ball rolling, and that ball ended up scoring on a nice play for Amateur Radio. ARRL Western Washington Section Manager Ed Bruette, N7NVP, testified December 9 before the Washington Senate Technology and Communications Committee during an informational inquiry on Broadband over Power Line (BPL). The committee invited Bruette to speak after Gloria Sharp, WA7GYD, of Ellensburg, contacted a senior committee staffer to ask if Amateur Radio would be represented at the hearing. As a result, the panel added Bruette to the list of spokespersons.

ARRL Headquarters announces holiday schedule (Dec 21, 2003) -- ARRL Headquarters will be closed for the holidays Thursday, December 25, Friday, December 26 and Thursday, January 1. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions on those days. ARRL Headquarters will be open Monday-Wednesday, December 22-24, (with a 3 PM closure on December 24), and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, December 29, 30, 31 and January 2. The next editions of The ARRL Letter and ARRL Audio News will be released Friday, January 2, 2004. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday!

Kid's Day is Sunday, January 4! (Dec 17, 2003) -- For the first time, Kid's Day will occur on a Sunday. The first 2004 running of this popular operating event will be Sunday, January 4 (the second Kid's Day in 2004 will be Saturday, June 19). Intended to encourage young people--licensed or not--to enjoy Amateur Radio, Kid's Day offers a "mentoring opportunity" for experienced amateurs while giving youngsters some firsthand hamming experience and perhaps sparking a lifelong interest.

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html

Project Goodwill Doubles Albania's Ham Population (Dec 16, 2003) -- The first program in Albania to incorporate Amateur Radio training into a university curriculum has led to the doubling of the ham radio population of that Balkan nation. Project Goodwill Albania 2003 also staged an international operating event that made thousands of contacts on many bands and modes to provide the students with the chance to see Amateur Radio in action.

NASA: Cracks in Earth's Magnetic Field Stay Open to Let in Solar Wind (Dec 16, 2003) -- NASA says it appears that immense cracks in Earth's magnetic field remain open for hours, allowing the solar wind to gush through and power stormy space weather. The space agency is basing that conclusion on observations from its IMAGE (Imager for Magnetopause to Aurora Global Exploration ) spacecraft and the joint NASA/European Space Agency (ESA) Cluster satellites. Scientists have known about the cracks for some time but didn't know until recently that they can remain open for long periods. The phenomenon can affect radio propagation.

FCC Announces New Universal Licensing System Interface (Dec 12, 2003) -- The FCC on December 14 will unveil a new on-line filing interface for its Universal Licensing System (ULS), which includes the Amateur Service. In order to implement the changes, the ULS on-line filing system will be down from 12 AM EST Saturday, December 13, until 10 AM EST Sunday, December 14. Among other features, the ULS's new look will include updated, easier-to-read on-screen forms that guide users through filing processes and simplify such routine tasks as applying for license renewal, address change or vanity call sign. Screens also will offer context-sensitive help and a list of "common questions" for a given application process. The FCC says the introduction of its new system, called "ULS License Manager," is part of an ongoing ULS overhaul.

Foundation For Amateur Radio solicits scholarship applications (Dec 11, 2003) -- The Foundation for Amateur Radio Inc (FAR), a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, plans to administer 59 scholarships for the 2004-2005 academic year to assist radio amateurs. Comprised of more than 75 area Amateur Radio clubs, FAR fully funds seven of these scholarships with income from grants and its annual hamfest. The foundation administers the remaining 52 without cost to the donors. FAR invites Amateur Radio licensees planning to pursue a full-time course of study beyond high school and now enrolled in or accepted for enrollment at an accredited university, college or technical school to compete for these scholarships. Awards range from $500 to $2500. Preference in some cases goes to residents of specific geographical areas or to those pursuing certain programs of study. FAR encourages Amateur Radio clubs--especially those in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin--to announce these scholarship opportunities at meetings, in newsletters, during training classes, on nets and on Web pages. Additional information and an application form is available by sending a letter or QSL card postmarked prior to April 30, 2004, to FAR Scholarships, PO Box 831, Riverdale, MD 20738. The Foundation for Amateur Radio is an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. It is devoted exclusively to promoting the interests of Amateur Radio and those scientific, literary and educational pursuits that advance the purposes of the Amateur Radio Service.

Congressional Recess Provides Opportunity to Promote Amateur Radio Bills (Dec 11, 2003) -- Just as the US House of Representatives was about to adjourn for the year, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act, HR 713, picked up three new cosponsors. The addition of Democrats Sander M. Levin of Michigan, Brad Sherman of California and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland brings the cosponsor list to 77. The nation's lawmakers now have headed home and won't be back in Washington until January 20. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, suggests that League members take advantage of the opportunity--while members of Congress are on their home turf--to pay a visit at their local offices and urge support for the spectrum protection measure and for the so-called "CC&R bill," HR 1478.

Phase 2: Ham Radio in Space Reaches Another Milestone (Dec 10, 2003) -- Ham radio in space has reached a new milestone with the successful installation and checkout of the new Kenwood TM-D700E dualband transceiver in the ISS Zvezda Service Module--the crew's living quarters. ISS Expedition 8 Commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, set up the new transceiver at NA1SS this week. Pending official approval to begin operations, the "Phase 2" Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) equipment could soon be on the air. Activation of the new gear will mean a power boost for the NA1SS downlink signal, and the additional equipment--which soon will include a slow-scan television (SSTV) system--opens up new operational possibilities from the ISS.

International Morse Code Gets a New ITU Home, New Character (Dec 10, 2003) -- The 2003 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-03) may have eliminated the treaty requirement for prospective amateurs to demonstrate Morse code proficiency to gain HF access, but the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hasn't forgotten Morse code altogether. In Geneva on December 5, the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Study Group 8 agreed on the wording of a Draft New Recommendation ITU-R M.[MORSE] that specifies the international Morse code character set and transmission procedures. It also includes a new Morse code character to cover the "@" symbol used in e-mail addresses.

UK amateur copies signal from Mars Express spacecraft (Dec 10, 2003) -- Using what he described as "just a quick throw-together" system, Charlie Suckling, G3WDG, has received a signal in the UK from the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft. Now in deep space, Mars Express is expected to reach the Red Planet on Christmas Day and deploy its Beagle 2 lander for six months of exploration. G3WDG reports he heard the Mars Express signal on X band (8.4 GHz) December 9 using a 3-meter dish. In a message to James Miller, G3RUH--who had provided him with advice on setting up his equipment--Suckling said his system noise factor was about 1 dB, and he used Miller's S-Band 2.25-turn helix scaled to 8.4 GHz as the feed (LHCP). "Signals seemed very consistent for about two hours," he said. The signal level was "very approximately" 0 dB S/N in 2.5 kHz. G3WDG said it was not too hard to locate the signal--about 10 minutes of searching plus or minus 100 kHz and tweaking his azimuth and elevation settings. In mid-November, a team of German amateurs were able to copy the Mars Express signal from a far more sophisticated setup in Bochum, Germany, that's equipped with a 20 meter parabolic antenna. Reception of the Mars Express signal provided a test run for the facility, which will serve as the ground control station for AMSAT-DL's Phase P5-A Mars orbital mission planned for 2007. AMSAT-DL President Peter Gülzow, DB2OS, says it was the first time ever that a signal of an interplanetary deep-space probe was received in Germany. "It was probably also the first time ever that such a signal was received by Amateur Radio operators," he added. There's a complete report on the AMSAT-DL Web site.

ISS Commander Talks with German Student-Amateurs (Dec 9, 2003) -- ISS Crew Commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, answered questions posed December 5 by students at the Berufliches Schulzentrum Elektrotechnik (Vocational High School for Electrical Engineering) in Dresden, Germany. All seven students who spoke with Foale were Amateur Radio licensees. The QSO with NA1SS was arranged via the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program.

FEMA to FCC: BPL will "Severely Impair" Mission-Essential HF Operations (Dec 8, 2003) -- Expressing "grave concerns" about likely interference from unlicensed Broadband over Power Line (BPL) systems, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has told the FCC that BPL could "severely impair FEMA's mission-essential HF radio operations in areas serviced by BPL technology." FEMA filed comments December 4 in response to last April's FCC BPL Notice of Inquiry, ET Docket 03-104. FEMA expressed primary concern over BPL's potential impact on the FEMA National Radio System (FNARS), which operates on HF and serves as the agency's primary command and control backup medium as part of the Federal Response Plan.

NWS/ARRL SKYWARN Recognition Day is December 6 (Dec 4, 2003) -- The fifth annual ARRL/National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN Recognition Day takes place Saturday, December 6, 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC. During this event, Amateur Radio operators at National Weather Service (NWS) offices will contact other operators around the world. The purpose of the event is to recognize Amateur Radio for its vital public service in times of severe weather and to strengthen the bond between radio amateurs and the NWS. Traditionally, hams have assisted the National Weather Service during times of severe weather by providing real-time reports of severe events and storm evolution. "You simply can't put a price tag on it," said Scott Mentzer, N0QE, the event's organizer and meteorologist-in-charge at the Goodland, Kansas, NWS office. Those taking part will exchange call signs, signal reports, and QTH plus a one or two word description of the weather (ie, sunny, partly cloudy, windy). Last year, participants logged nearly 23,000 QSOs during the 24 hour event. For details, visit the 2003 SKYWARN Recognition Day Web page

ARRL's BPL Study Imminent; League to Solicit BPL Trial Interference Reports (Dec 4, 2003) -- An ARRL-sponsored independent engineering study to accurately quantify the interference potential of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is set to start in the very near future. In addition, the League soon will elicit interference reports from amateurs in communities where BPL trials are known to be under way.

Ham Radio Antenna Support Structures Not Migratory Bird Hazard, ARRL Says (Dec 4, 2003) -- The ARRL has asked the FCC to specifically exempt Amateur Radio antennas and support structures less than 400 feet tall from routine environmental processing relative to their impact on migratory birds. In reply comments filed December 1, the League said there is no scientific evidence that antenna structures below that height contribute significantly to migratory bird mortality. An FCC Notice of Inquiry, WT Docket 03-187, released in August seeking information on the effects of communications towers on migratory birds, drew more than 250 comments. The League told the FCC that the migratory bird issue often arises at municipal land use hearings and in the drafting of ordinances regulating antenna structures.

Michigan Hams Win Antenna Exemption Victory (Dec 3, 2003) -- Amateurs in Troy, Michigan, scored a major victory for that community's hams November 24 after convincing the Troy City Council to reject the city planning commission's restrictions on the height of Amateur Radio antennas and antenna support structures.

New General Class Question Pool Released (Dec 3, 2003) -- The Question Pool Committee (QPC) of the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators has released a revised and expanded Amateur Radio General class (Element 3) question pool into the public domain. The new question pool becomes effective July 1, 2004, and must be used to generate all General written examinations administered on or after that date.

Cooperation, not Contention, the Best Approach at 2390-2395 MHz, ARRL Says (Dec 2, 2003) -- The ARRL has told the FCC that it can support Amateur Radio sharing of 2390 to 2395 MHz on a co-primary basis with flight test telemetry stations. The Amateur Service has 2390 to 2400 MHz on a primary basis. Earlier this year, in a Fourth Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in ET Docket 00-258, the FCC proposed permitting federal government aeronautical mobile and non-government aeronautical flight test telemetry to operate in the first 5 megahertz of the band. In reply comments in the proceeding filed December 1, the League told the FCC that it's agreed in principle with the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council (AFTRCC) to develop coordination procedures.

Santa Barbara Club to Host USA ARDF Championships (Nov 29, 2003) -- The Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club will host the 2004 USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) Championships. ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV, made the announcement this week. Moell said the fourth annual USA ARDF event will be held next June in California.

Logbook of The World Continues to Grow (Nov 26, 2003) -- There are now nearly 5000 users reporting 25 million Amateur Radio contacts filed with ARRL's Logbook of The World, the secure contact database, said ARRL Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG. This has resulted in nearly 1 million QSL records.

FCC Reorganizes Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Nov 26, 2003) -- The FCC has announced a reorganization of its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) "to more effectively support the FCC's strategic goals--broadband, competition, spectrum, media, homeland security and modernizing the FCC." The WTB administers the Amateur Radio Service (Part 97) and amateur licensing, which now will fall within the newly named Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division. D'wana Terry, formerly chief of the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, will head the new division.

FCC Threatens Convicted Killer's Amateur License on "Character Qualifications" (Nov 26, 2003) -- The FCC has issued an Order to Show Cause to a Texas Amateur Radio licensee who's now serving a 32-year prison sentence for killing his wife in 1996. The FCC's show cause order released November 21 is the opening bell in a hearing process that could end with the revocation of the Advanced class license of Roger Thomas Scaggs, W5EBC. He must indicate within 30 days whether he plans to appear at a hearing on the matter to show cause why his license should not be revoked.

Expedition 8 Commander Enjoys First School Group QSO (Nov 25, 2003) -- Expedition 8 Commander Michael Foale, KB5UAC, took the controls of NA1SS aboard the International Space Station early today for his first school group contact. The QSO with youngsters at the Renmark Primary School in South Australia was arranged via the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Foale predicted during his ham radio conversation with the Renmark pupils that humans would colonize the moon.

On-Line Licensing Course, Grassroots Lobbying Kit Part of ARRL's 2004 Plan (Nov 25, 2003) -- An on-line Amateur Radio licensing course--possibly bundled with ARRL membership--plus additional Certification and Continuing Education courses are among the strategic objectives of the League's 2004 Operational Plan. The League also plans to evaluate its existing ARRL on-line class offerings. The item was among several the ARRL Executive Committee (EC) designated to include in the next year's plan when it met November 9 in Irving, Texas. Work on the licensing course already is under way, and the ARRL plans to announce its availability in the near future.

Former New England Director Robert Chapman, W1QV, SK (Nov 24, 2003) -- Former ARRL New England Director Robert York Chapman, W1QV, of Groton, Connecticut, died November 21. He was 96. Chapman served as New England Division Director from 1965 until 1975, when the ARRL Board of Directors elected him an ARRL Honorary Vice President. Chapman also was president emeritus of the ARRL Foundation, which he helped to found in 1973.

Fallon Keeps Hudson Division Directorship (Nov 21, 2003) -- In an ARRL election battle that pitted an incumbent director against his current vice director, Frank Fallon, N2FF, prevailed to retain his seat as Director of the League's Hudson Division. He beat back a challenge from Hudson Division Vice Director Steve Mendelsohn, W2ML, 1933 to 1470. Ballots were counted November 21 at ARRL Headquarters. The Hudson directorship was the only contested race in the current director/vice director election cycle. For his nearly 500-vote margin Fallon, who's retired, credits his ability to devote full time to ARRL, and to Hudson Division members' apparent appreciation for what he's been able to accomplish.

ARRL President Promotes Ham Radio at Homeland Security Conference (Nov 21, 2003) -- ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, this month used ARRL's Amateur Radio Today CD presentation to promote the potential of Amateur Radio as a part of homeland security at the community level. Haynie served on a panel of national Citizen Corps affiliates during a Volunteers in Homeland Security Conference November 4-6 in Austin, Texas. ARRL became an affiliate of Citizen Corps--an initiative within the Department of Homeland Security--in June during the ARRL 2003 National Convention. Haynie said Amateur Radio Today turned out to be the proverbial picture worth 1000 words for the crowd of some 300 conference attendees.

International Space Station Marks Five Years in Space (Nov 20, 2003) -- The International Space Station has been in space five years and has had Amateur Radio and a permanent crew onboard for three years as of this month. The first component of the unique orbiting laboratory complex--home to the first permanent Amateur Radio station in space, NA1SS--was launched five years ago today. Since attaining orbit, the ISS has grown from a lone, uninhabited module into a continuously staffed, house-sized research facility. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program has been a part of the ISS since November 2000, when the Expedition 1 crew of William Shepherd, KD5GSL, Yuri Gidzenko, and Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, arrived on board for a four-month tour.

FCC Amateur Radio Enforcement Actions for the Period Ending Nov 15, 2003 (Nov 20, 2003) -- The FCC has at least temporarily revised the format in which it's supplying information on Amateur Radio Enforcement actions. The new format provides only the state and city with a synopsis of the action taken, without naming any individuals. Pursuant to privacy concerns, the FCC currently is reviewing its procedures within its radio services regarding the release of information about individuals. Following the review, the FCC will determine its privacy policy for the future. This listing is not a comprehensive record of FCC amateur enforcement actions.

FCC Adds Part 15 Spectrum at 5 GHz, is "Not Persuaded" by ARRL Request (Nov 19, 2003) -- The FCC has amended its Part 15 rules to make another 255 MHz of spectrum available in the 5.470-5.725 GHz band for unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) devices. In its Report and Order (R&O) in ET Docket 03-122 released November 18, the FCC said it was taking the action to alleviate crowding in existing allocations and to align U-NII bands in the US with bands elsewhere in the world. The FCC turned down an ARRL request to keep U-NII devices out of the 5.650 to 5.670 GHz segment to avoid interference with the Amateur Satellite Service. Amateur Radio has a secondary allocation from 5.650 to 5.925 GHz.

Australia to drop Morse requirement January 1 (Nov 19, 2003) -- Australia is the latest country to announce it's dropping Morse code testing as a licensing requirement. The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has announced the elimination of the Morse testing requirement starting January 1, 2004. "This decision was made considering public comments at the meetings and initial analysis of submissions to the discussion paper," the ACA said, adding that it would make interim changes to its rules to allow immediate access to privileges previously available only to those satisfying the Morse code proficiency requirements. The change will give holders of Intermediate and Limited Amateur licenses access to the same frequency bands as Unrestricted Amateur licensees, and holders of the Novice Limited Amateur licence access to the same frequency bands as Novice licensees. The Wireless Association of Austrialia says dropping the Morse requirement will mean no changes in existing licenses or call signs. WIA President Ernie Hocking, VK1LK, urged hams in Australia who don't yet enjoy HF privileges not to get on the air ahead of schedule. There's more information on the ACA Web site.

Tennessee, Alabama Getting New Section Managers (Nov 18, 2003) -- New ARRL Section Managers will take the reins in Tennessee and Alabama, while incumbent SMs will continue in seven other ARRL sections. Ballots in contested races were counted today at ARRL Headquarters. Two-year terms for successful candidates begin January 1, 2004.

ARRL invites Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award nominations (Nov 18, 2003) -- The ARRL invites nominations of exceptional young Amateur Radio operators for the ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award. Nominations are due to ARRL section managers by March 31, 2004. The HPM Award goes each year to an enthusiastic and active amateur licensee aged 21 or younger whose contributions to Amateur Radio and to the community are of the most exemplary nature. An ideal nominee may be involved in recruiting new hams through demonstrations as well as by example to his or her peers; on the air and/or public service activities; employing technical ingenuity to further Amateur Radio; public relations activities; and organizations on a local, state or national level. The HPM Award winner receives an engraved plaque and a check for $1500. Complete information is available on the ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award Web page, which includes a link to the nomination form. Those nominating HPM Award candidates should include their contact information and forward the form to their ARRL Section Manager. Section managers also may nominate young hams for this award. For additional information, contact Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS.

IARU, ARRL Support Amateur Radio Course at Albanian University (Nov 18, 2003) -- A group of ARRL instructors is taking the reins during the second week of Project Goodwill Albania Amateur Radio training. The program is the first to incorporate Amateur Radio training into a university curriculum in the Balkan nation. In a nationally televised ceremony, Albanian Minister of Transport and Telecommunication Spartak Poci officially opened the training program November 9. Thirty-eight students turned out the following morning to begin the historic program at the Polytechnic University of Tirana. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 is supporting the course in cooperation with the school.

FCC Spectrum Policy Task Force Reports on Progress, Initiatives (Nov 18, 2003) -- NEWINGTON, CT, Nov 18 2003--The FCC's Spectrum Policy Task Force has reported steps the Commission has taken during the past year to implement spectrum policy reform and initiatives planned for the next 12 to 18 months. The Task Force noted the FCC already has made significant progress in modernizing the policies guiding allocation and utilization of FCC-administered spectrum resources.

ROHN Industries Announces Asset Purchase Agreement (Nov 18, 2003) -- Amateur Radio and telecommunications industry tower manufacturer ROHN Industries has announced that it's entered into an asset purchase agreement with SPX Corporation, a global, multi-industry company. ROHN filed September 16 for Chapter 11 (debtor-in-possession) relief in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The deal will include ROHN subsidiaries that are party to the bankruptcy proceeding.

FCC Mulls Responses to Complaints Alleging Interference (Nov 14, 2003) -- The FCC is considering the explanation of a Maryland ham in the wake of complaints that he disrupted an Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) net in September during Hurricane Isabel. FCC Special Counsel for Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth had written Charles E. Cox Sr, WA3AE, on October 16, enclosing complaints alleging deliberate interference to emergency communications that W3AAC at the Anne Arundel County emergency operations center was conducting on the 146.805 MHz

To read even more news, visit the ARRL's Website at http://www.arrl.com/

Minutes From The November Meeting

December 7, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 4:40pm, with 3 members in attendance.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted.

The President's Report was read. Highlights are as follows:

1.	Possibly having a member of another club attend, to advise on field day activities.

2.	Brian Meeker answered the monthly quiz correctly.

3.	Winter activity ideas are welcome.

4.	Please visit the website. Member bios are needed.

Next, we moved on to Old Business.

1.	Ideas for Field Day were discussed.

2.	Weekly net was discussed, more participation is needed before it can be restarted.

3.	Recruiting ideas were discussed.

4.	Banner designs were discussed.

5.	Bumper stickers with club logo were mentioned.

All above mentioned items were tabled until more members are present.

New Business:

1.	The idea of a pizza party or potluck was brought up for our 1 year anniversary, possibly open to family members.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:56pm

Off Frequency

The opinions of the V.P., Joe Welsh KB9WGW

This month, due to the large amount of ham related news, I have been asked to keep this to a minimum. Actually, that's not all that bad, since, I didn't have a whole lot in mind anyway.

Let me just say this. It is easy to let your guard down, so to speak, in the cold and boring months of winter. I mean, letting your amateur radio skills get kind of dull. You know what I mean, no threats of severe weather etc. Well, that's not really the case. We could have devastating snow or ice storm. And remember about those winter tornados, rare, but possible.

I'll close with this. Even though we don't have weekly emergency nets at this time, don't get out of practice. KEEP HAMMING IT UP!!!

Joe Welsh

Kb9wgw

M.C.A.R.G.

Attention All Club Members!

Club Bulletins

1.	The club is in need of a Secretary and Treasurer. While some of you may be intimidated by the thought of holding an office, it is not as hard as you may think. These offices require little, if any, public relations work, and only take between ½ hour to 1 hour per month. Please consider running for office, your club needs you!

2.	The club is seeking design ideas for a club banner. Email ideas to kb9wgx@qsl.net

3.	You are more than welcome to submit columns or articles in this newsletter. Just hand them in at the meetings, or email the to me. Also, any input on this publication would be appreciated.

4.	The club now has a home page! http://www.qsl.net/kc9ehe/ It has all the updated Ham Radio news, weather info, club info, and links you could ask for. It is still under construction, but is more or less complete. If you have any neat links to add, email me. Also, under the members page, I have listed all the club members. I would like to list everyone's email address and home page, but I can not without your permission. If you do not have a home page, just write up something about yourself, and I'll gladly put it online with the club's page.

5.	The club has a discussion group. Just click on the link on the club's page. I hope you all join it. It has all kinds of cool features, like messages, polls, images, chat, links, and calendar. This lets you take a more active role in the club. The polls are especially valuable, as they allow me to gather info on the club's opinions, preferences, etc. One current poll asks you to decide the best meeting date.

Monthly Quiz

Submit answers to Joshua Welsh via email.

What new character is being added to the International Morse Code?

All comments, suggestions, and submissions should be sent to Josh at kb9wgx@qsl.net

Editor: Joshua Welsh KB9WGX

Contributing Author: Joseph Welsh KB9WGW

News Source: American Radio Relay League's home page http://www.arrl.com/

This publication may be freely distributed in it's current, unmodified state.

Copyright© 2003 Mercer County Amateur Radio Group