CQ CQ CQ .. calling all amateur radio operators
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linuxgeek
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Announcement from WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center
From: John Mc Hugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 10:37 PM
To: Annual Test List
Subject: WX4NHC Annual Station Test
Announcement from WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center
WX4NHC Hurricane Season 2005 On-The-Air Station Test
Saturday, June 4th, 2005 from 9am-6pm EST (1300z-2200z)
This is not a Contest or Hurricane Exercise. The purpose of this annual Station Test is to test all of our radio equipment, computers and antennas using as many modes and frequencies as possible. RFI monitoring is also done to NOAA & NHC equipment. We will also be testing some new antennas and equipment that are being installed for this coming season. Some operator training will also be conducted.
Remember this is just an equipment and operator test, we are not activating any “nets”
WX4NHC will be On-The-Air on HF, VHF, UHF and 2 & 30 meter APRS We plan on using the following phone frequencies ± QRM 7.268mhz, 14.325mhz, 21.325mhz, 28.525mhz. CW will be on 14.035, 21.035 and 28.035. PSK31 on 14.070.
Need to find us on HF, try using the DX Summit Web Site:
http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs/
Select "DX-Spots" 50, 250 or 1,000
or select "Spot Database Search".
We will also be on VoIP Hurricane Net 1pm-3pm EDT (1700z-1900z) (IRLP node 9219 / Echolink WX-TALK Conference).
http://www.voipwx.net/
South Florida area VHF & UHF Repeaters & 146.52 simplex & 144.200 SSB
Report your Callsign, Signal Report, Location and name. Short Weather Report ("Sunny", or "Rain", etc.)
Non-Hams are invited to submit their actual weather using the On-Line Hurricane Report Form at http://www.wx4nhc.org/WX-form1.html
Thank you for your participation in this TEST.
QSL Cards are available via W4VBQ. Please S.A.S.E.
Due to security measures, NO VISITORS will be allowed at NHC during this test.
Please forward this announcement to appropriate recipients.
73,
John McHugh K4AG, Amateur Radio Coord. National Hurricane Center
Julio Ripoll WD4R, Asst. Amateur Radio Coord. National Hurricane Center
WX4NHC Home Page: http://www.wx4nhc.org
From: John Mc Hugh
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2005 10:37 PM
To: Annual Test List
Subject: WX4NHC Annual Station Test
Announcement from WX4NHC, Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center
WX4NHC Hurricane Season 2005 On-The-Air Station Test
Saturday, June 4th, 2005 from 9am-6pm EST (1300z-2200z)
This is not a Contest or Hurricane Exercise. The purpose of this annual Station Test is to test all of our radio equipment, computers and antennas using as many modes and frequencies as possible. RFI monitoring is also done to NOAA & NHC equipment. We will also be testing some new antennas and equipment that are being installed for this coming season. Some operator training will also be conducted.
Remember this is just an equipment and operator test, we are not activating any “nets”
WX4NHC will be On-The-Air on HF, VHF, UHF and 2 & 30 meter APRS We plan on using the following phone frequencies ± QRM 7.268mhz, 14.325mhz, 21.325mhz, 28.525mhz. CW will be on 14.035, 21.035 and 28.035. PSK31 on 14.070.
Need to find us on HF, try using the DX Summit Web Site:
http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs/
Select "DX-Spots" 50, 250 or 1,000
or select "Spot Database Search".
We will also be on VoIP Hurricane Net 1pm-3pm EDT (1700z-1900z) (IRLP node 9219 / Echolink WX-TALK Conference).
http://www.voipwx.net/
South Florida area VHF & UHF Repeaters & 146.52 simplex & 144.200 SSB
Report your Callsign, Signal Report, Location and name. Short Weather Report ("Sunny", or "Rain", etc.)
Non-Hams are invited to submit their actual weather using the On-Line Hurricane Report Form at http://www.wx4nhc.org/WX-form1.html
Thank you for your participation in this TEST.
QSL Cards are available via W4VBQ. Please S.A.S.E.
Due to security measures, NO VISITORS will be allowed at NHC during this test.
Please forward this announcement to appropriate recipients.
73,
John McHugh K4AG, Amateur Radio Coord. National Hurricane Center
Julio Ripoll WD4R, Asst. Amateur Radio Coord. National Hurricane Center
WX4NHC Home Page: http://www.wx4nhc.org
linuxgeek
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CNN International ham radio tsunami response video clip available (May 11, 2005) -- Readers of the article "'Zulu Stations' a Mainstay in Hard-Hit Indonesia," by Wyn Purwinto, AB2QV, and Charles Harpole, K4VUD, in the May 2005 issue of QST may be interested in viewing a CNN International video depicting the role of Amateur Radio following the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami in South Asia that claimed upward of 275,000 lives and left many thousands homeless. The video, part of the network's "Global Challenges" series, was televised overseas but not in the US. It focuses on how the Andaman and Nicobar Islands VU4RBI/VU4NRO DXpedition led by Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI, quickly became an Amateur Radio emergency communication operation for the region. The video segment also discusses the social aspects of ham radio. The clip, which contains video and photos taken by Harpole and an interview with Prasad, runs 7:25 and is 77 MB, so a high-speed connection is highly recommended. John Harper, AE5X, has made the video clip available for downloading--approximately 5 minutes over a broadband connection--via his "AE5X QRP & Other Wireless Pursuits" Web site.
Video Download: http://www.ae5x.com/Misc.html
Video Download: http://www.ae5x.com/Misc.html
linuxgeek
Rogue Scholar
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http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/05/16/3/CW-Text-th.jpg
src
CW Ops Whip Whippersnapper Text Messengers on National Television
NEWINGTON, CT, May 16, 2005--It might have been Friday the Thirteenth, but it was a lucky day for Morse code--and particularly for veteran CW contest ops Chip Margelli, K7JA, and Ken Miller, K6CTW. During a May 13 appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the pair was able to pass a message using good old fashioned Morse code more rapidly than a pair of teenaged text messengers equipped with modern cell phones. The victory, which replicated a similar challenge that took place recently in Australia, has provided immense encouragement to Amateur Radio's community of CW operators, who've been ballyhooing the achievement all over the Internet. The text messaging team consisted of world text-messaging champ Ben Cook of Utah and his friend Jason. Miller said afterward in a reflector posting that the CW team won fairly handily.
"Ben was just getting ready to start entering the last two words when I was done," he said on the Elecraft reflector in response to various questions he's received following the TV appearance. "I already knew that 28-30 WPM would easily keep us in front of even the current world [text messaging] record holder, and also it is the fastest speed that I can make nice readable copy on paper with a `stick' [pencil]." Miller said it was decided he'd be on the receiving end because he wasn't distracted by the noise in the studio.
Margelli recalls that he was sending at 29 WPM. "I believe the goods were suitably delivered," he told ARRL. "CW and old guys rule!"
What the viewing public didn't know was that Margelli and Miller had, in Miller's words, "smoked 'em every time" during three pre-program rehearsals. Even so, during the real thing, when Miller raised his hand to signal he'd copied the CW message successfully, Jason's jaw dropped. None of the players had any idea of the text they'd be sending, Miller noted. The message? "I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance."
As with many Tonight Show bits, this one involved a member of the audience, a young woman named Jennifer who predicted--incorrectly as it turned out, that text messaging definitely would top 170-year-old Morse code. She walked away with a gift of restaurant tickets anyway.
Margelli says the CW team used Yaesu FT-817 transceivers--one of his own and another owned by Dan Dankert, N6PEQ. Backup units--not needed--were provided by HRO; Margelli's wife Janet, KL7MF, manages an HRO store. They ended up using 432.200 MHz as an operating frequency in order to avoid RFI from the plethora of TV equipment in the studio and to avoid interfering with NBC's gear. They ran the little transceivers at their lowest power level and with the antennas disconnected--although they were mounted on the back of each unit--no problem given the close proximity involved. Margelli sent with a Bencher paddle.
To add a little atmosphere to the affair, NBC producers attired Margelli and Miller to look like 19th-century-era Western Union or railroad Morse telegraphers. The costumes came complete with green visors, white shirts, sleeve garters, vests and bow ties. The teenaged SMSers wore T-shirts and jeans.
Cook told Leno that he'd managed to send a 160-letter message to his friend using his cell phone's short message system (SMS)--the formal term for text messaging--in 57 seconds.
A member of the Morse Telegraph Club and a QRP enthusiast, Miller said he'd been using CW for 38 years. Margelli told Leno he'd been using Morse "for 43 years in ham radio," a phrase Leno echoed. That was the only plug Amateur Radio got during the appearance on the show's "Dinner for 4" segment. Miller says that during rehearsal, the pair had come up with a few lines to promote ham radio and telegraphy, but they were cut during the final dress rehearsal in the interest of making the segment fit its allotted time slot.
A video clip of the CW vs text messaging competition is available on various Internet sites.
During the Australian competition in April, a Morse team consisting of 93-year-old former post office telegrapher Gordon Hill--the sender--and 82-year-old Jack Gibson--the receiver--topped 13-year-old SMSer Brittany Devlin. In that event, Hill spelled out the message in full, while Devlin used text-messaging shorthand. In that competition, held at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Hill took 90 seconds to send the message, 18 seconds faster than Devlin's message took to reach her friend's cell phone.
Miller encouraged all who enjoyed the CW-vs-text messaging segment on NBC to contact The Tonight Show to let the producers know about it--with an eye toward having the network schedule a more elaborate segment "next time."
"Thanks for the kind comments from all," Miller concluded, advising "let's keep on having fun!--It is a hobby after all."
Commented Margelli to ARRL: "I completely agree with my fantastic teammate, Ken Miller. It was a lot of fun, just like ham radio, and the show also delivered an important, if subtle, message about the benefits of the `basic' communication infrastructure that Amateur Radio provides."
Video Clip: http://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/Text_vs_Morse_Leno_2005_05_13.wmv
src
CW Ops Whip Whippersnapper Text Messengers on National Television
NEWINGTON, CT, May 16, 2005--It might have been Friday the Thirteenth, but it was a lucky day for Morse code--and particularly for veteran CW contest ops Chip Margelli, K7JA, and Ken Miller, K6CTW. During a May 13 appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the pair was able to pass a message using good old fashioned Morse code more rapidly than a pair of teenaged text messengers equipped with modern cell phones. The victory, which replicated a similar challenge that took place recently in Australia, has provided immense encouragement to Amateur Radio's community of CW operators, who've been ballyhooing the achievement all over the Internet. The text messaging team consisted of world text-messaging champ Ben Cook of Utah and his friend Jason. Miller said afterward in a reflector posting that the CW team won fairly handily.
"Ben was just getting ready to start entering the last two words when I was done," he said on the Elecraft reflector in response to various questions he's received following the TV appearance. "I already knew that 28-30 WPM would easily keep us in front of even the current world [text messaging] record holder, and also it is the fastest speed that I can make nice readable copy on paper with a `stick' [pencil]." Miller said it was decided he'd be on the receiving end because he wasn't distracted by the noise in the studio.
Margelli recalls that he was sending at 29 WPM. "I believe the goods were suitably delivered," he told ARRL. "CW and old guys rule!"
What the viewing public didn't know was that Margelli and Miller had, in Miller's words, "smoked 'em every time" during three pre-program rehearsals. Even so, during the real thing, when Miller raised his hand to signal he'd copied the CW message successfully, Jason's jaw dropped. None of the players had any idea of the text they'd be sending, Miller noted. The message? "I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance."
As with many Tonight Show bits, this one involved a member of the audience, a young woman named Jennifer who predicted--incorrectly as it turned out, that text messaging definitely would top 170-year-old Morse code. She walked away with a gift of restaurant tickets anyway.
Margelli says the CW team used Yaesu FT-817 transceivers--one of his own and another owned by Dan Dankert, N6PEQ. Backup units--not needed--were provided by HRO; Margelli's wife Janet, KL7MF, manages an HRO store. They ended up using 432.200 MHz as an operating frequency in order to avoid RFI from the plethora of TV equipment in the studio and to avoid interfering with NBC's gear. They ran the little transceivers at their lowest power level and with the antennas disconnected--although they were mounted on the back of each unit--no problem given the close proximity involved. Margelli sent with a Bencher paddle.
To add a little atmosphere to the affair, NBC producers attired Margelli and Miller to look like 19th-century-era Western Union or railroad Morse telegraphers. The costumes came complete with green visors, white shirts, sleeve garters, vests and bow ties. The teenaged SMSers wore T-shirts and jeans.
Cook told Leno that he'd managed to send a 160-letter message to his friend using his cell phone's short message system (SMS)--the formal term for text messaging--in 57 seconds.
A member of the Morse Telegraph Club and a QRP enthusiast, Miller said he'd been using CW for 38 years. Margelli told Leno he'd been using Morse "for 43 years in ham radio," a phrase Leno echoed. That was the only plug Amateur Radio got during the appearance on the show's "Dinner for 4" segment. Miller says that during rehearsal, the pair had come up with a few lines to promote ham radio and telegraphy, but they were cut during the final dress rehearsal in the interest of making the segment fit its allotted time slot.
A video clip of the CW vs text messaging competition is available on various Internet sites.
During the Australian competition in April, a Morse team consisting of 93-year-old former post office telegrapher Gordon Hill--the sender--and 82-year-old Jack Gibson--the receiver--topped 13-year-old SMSer Brittany Devlin. In that event, Hill spelled out the message in full, while Devlin used text-messaging shorthand. In that competition, held at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Hill took 90 seconds to send the message, 18 seconds faster than Devlin's message took to reach her friend's cell phone.
Miller encouraged all who enjoyed the CW-vs-text messaging segment on NBC to contact The Tonight Show to let the producers know about it--with an eye toward having the network schedule a more elaborate segment "next time."
"Thanks for the kind comments from all," Miller concluded, advising "let's keep on having fun!--It is a hobby after all."
Commented Margelli to ARRL: "I completely agree with my fantastic teammate, Ken Miller. It was a lot of fun, just like ham radio, and the show also delivered an important, if subtle, message about the benefits of the `basic' communication infrastructure that Amateur Radio provides."
Video Clip: http://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/Text_vs_Morse_Leno_2005_05_13.wmv
linuxgeek
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This falls into the "neat things" catagory:
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ARRL to Sponsor Affinity Credit Card
NEWINGTON, CT, May 18, 2005--The League will unveil its new ARRL Visa® Card--an affinity credit card with U.S. Bank--this week at Dayton Hamvention, which is playing host to the ARRL 2005 National Convention. U.S. Bank personnel will be on hand for the launch, Friday, May 20, at the ARRL EXPO 2005 exhibit area with applications for radio amateurs attending the convention who want to be among the first to apply. The no-annual-fee card is available to ARRL members and nonmembers.
"With every card issued and every purchase made, ARRL Visa card holders support ARRL programs and services at no additional cost to them," says ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. "This is a great way for members to show off their support for ARRL and for Amateur Radio."
The card carries an attractive design with the ARRL logo. The words "Amateur Radio Operator" appear prominently on the face of the card.
Basic information about the ARRL Visa card is available on the ARRL Web site. This page includes a link to U.S. Bank's Web site to learn more and to apply.
ARRL membership does not confer automatic eligibility to obtain a card. While there's no annual fee, the ARRL Visa card carries a credit limit of up to $15,000 and 0 percent APR interest for the first six months. Certain terms and conditions do apply. U.S. Bank is the creditor, issuer and service provider.
At least initially, call signs cannot be embossed onto the card, Inderbitzen says. "We're working with U.S. Bank to find a suitable solution, but that will most likely be further down the line," he explained.
src
ARRL to Sponsor Affinity Credit Card
NEWINGTON, CT, May 18, 2005--The League will unveil its new ARRL Visa® Card--an affinity credit card with U.S. Bank--this week at Dayton Hamvention, which is playing host to the ARRL 2005 National Convention. U.S. Bank personnel will be on hand for the launch, Friday, May 20, at the ARRL EXPO 2005 exhibit area with applications for radio amateurs attending the convention who want to be among the first to apply. The no-annual-fee card is available to ARRL members and nonmembers.
"With every card issued and every purchase made, ARRL Visa card holders support ARRL programs and services at no additional cost to them," says ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. "This is a great way for members to show off their support for ARRL and for Amateur Radio."
The card carries an attractive design with the ARRL logo. The words "Amateur Radio Operator" appear prominently on the face of the card.
Basic information about the ARRL Visa card is available on the ARRL Web site. This page includes a link to U.S. Bank's Web site to learn more and to apply.
ARRL membership does not confer automatic eligibility to obtain a card. While there's no annual fee, the ARRL Visa card carries a credit limit of up to $15,000 and 0 percent APR interest for the first six months. Certain terms and conditions do apply. U.S. Bank is the creditor, issuer and service provider.
At least initially, call signs cannot be embossed onto the card, Inderbitzen says. "We're working with U.S. Bank to find a suitable solution, but that will most likely be further down the line," he explained.
linuxgeek
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src
Surfin': Linux for Hams Who Never Linux
AI9NL - Harv's Hamshack Hack is a Web site that will help you get your feet wet with Linux. Harv has put together a CD containing a complete Linux operating system (OS) with a collection of Amateur Radio programs. The CD also includes non-ham radio software to accomplish other tasks like Web browsing, e-mailing, news reading, writing, and arithmetic.
You download a file from the Web site, burn the image of the file to a CD, and then reboot your computer with the CD. Your computer will boot up with the Linux OS and you will be able to use a variety of tools and applications for hamming, as well as non-hamming.
Warning! The file that you download is 558 million bytes, so it is not something you want to download with a dial-up modem. DSL or broader bandwidth downloading is recommended. If that is not an option, you can obtain the CD by mail for $4.99.
Once you have Linux up and running, you will have access to 45 ham radio programs that do everything from A (APRS) to not quite Z (Xlog is as close as you can get to Z). There are a variety of on-the-air applications for a variety of modes and off-the-air applications for calculating, record keeping, etc.
The Web site has hints, tricks, "Harv's Notes," a FAQ, etc. to help you install and use Harv's Hamshack Hack. When you are finished using the "Hack," you log-off and reboot your computer with the operating system you were previously using (with no harm done to your computer).
Until next week, keep on surfin'.
http://hamshack-hack.sourceforge.net/
Surfin': Linux for Hams Who Never Linux
AI9NL - Harv's Hamshack Hack is a Web site that will help you get your feet wet with Linux. Harv has put together a CD containing a complete Linux operating system (OS) with a collection of Amateur Radio programs. The CD also includes non-ham radio software to accomplish other tasks like Web browsing, e-mailing, news reading, writing, and arithmetic.
You download a file from the Web site, burn the image of the file to a CD, and then reboot your computer with the CD. Your computer will boot up with the Linux OS and you will be able to use a variety of tools and applications for hamming, as well as non-hamming.
Warning! The file that you download is 558 million bytes, so it is not something you want to download with a dial-up modem. DSL or broader bandwidth downloading is recommended. If that is not an option, you can obtain the CD by mail for $4.99.
Once you have Linux up and running, you will have access to 45 ham radio programs that do everything from A (APRS) to not quite Z (Xlog is as close as you can get to Z). There are a variety of on-the-air applications for a variety of modes and off-the-air applications for calculating, record keeping, etc.
The Web site has hints, tricks, "Harv's Notes," a FAQ, etc. to help you install and use Harv's Hamshack Hack. When you are finished using the "Hack," you log-off and reboot your computer with the operating system you were previously using (with no harm done to your computer).
Until next week, keep on surfin'.
http://hamshack-hack.sourceforge.net/
Thermister
Really Experienced
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. . . . . . . _ . . . _ . _ . . . . . _ . . . _ . . _ . _ . . _ _ . . . . _ _ _ . . . . . _ . _ _ _ . _ . _ _ _ _ . . . . . . _ . . _ _ . . _ _ _ . _ _ . . _ . . . _ . . . . . . _ . _ _ _ . _ . . _ . . . . . . _ . . . _ _ . _ . . . . _ _ . _ . . . _ . . _ . . . . . . _ . . . _ _ . . _ . . _ . . . . . _ _ . _ . _ . . . . _ _ _ . _ _ . . . _ . . _ _ _ _ _ . _ . . . .
Thermister
Really Experienced
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- Feb 25, 2002
- Posts
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Teach me to post and runThermister said:
linuxgeek
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FLORIDA AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS AT RISK
As of July 1, 2005 a new Florida statute (S. 877.27) makes it a 3rd degree felony to transmit without a license or cause radio interference to a licensed broadcast station in the State of Florida, with penalties ranging up to $100,000 fine and five years in prison.
This law is broad and vague and even could allow someone to use it to settle a grudge with a amateur radio or CB operator who might interfere with their radio or TV reception. Instead of calling the FCC to investigate interference complaints, someone now need only call the local police or sheriffs department.
In a newspaper article, Ralph Barlow of the Tampa FCC office said that under this new law, local police and sheriff departments can act without even having to contact the FCC. This fact was brought to the attention to the national organization that represents amateur radio (hams) radio operators, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). On Feb 25, 2005, the ARRL filed at the FCC a Request for Declaratory Ruling seeking to have the FCC invoke federal preemption thus striking down the Florida radio law. The ten-page request points out that radio interference and regulation of radio waves is solely under the jurisdiction of the federal government (FCC) and this power cannot be used by the States. At present the FCC is just sitting on the Request for Declaratory Ruling, but if enough people contact the FCC asking that they act on te ARRL Request for Declaratory Ruling, then it is likely the FCC will invoke its federal preemption thus striking down the Florida law.
Contact the FCC Chairman and Commissioners and tell them to act on the ARRL Request for Declaratory Ruling (Filed 2/25/05) and strike down Florida Statute 877.27 - - - - - - -
Chairman Kevin J. Martin: KJMWEB@fcc.gov
Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy: Kathleen.Abernathy@fcc.gov
Commissioner Michael J. Copps: Michael.Copps@fcc.gov
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein: Jonathan.Adelstein@fcc.gov
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the article reprinted from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) news website about this problem for Florida hams.
League Asks FCC to Void Florida RFI Statute
NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 1, 2005--The ARRL has asked the FCC to declare invalid a Florida law that prohibits anyone making radio transmissions without a license or Commission "exemption" from interfering with a licensed broadcast station. In a Request for Declaratory Ruling to the Commission February 25, the League maintains that only the FCC has authority to regulate radio stations and RFI. By prohibiting interference to broadcasters, the ARRL contends, the Florida law could have the apparently unintended consequence of affecting ham radio licensees as well as operators of certain unlicensed Part 15 devices, such as cordless telephones.
"What is clear is that no radio transmissions, licensed or not, are permitted if they result in interference to public or commercial radio stations licensed by the Commission," the League said. "Thus, it would appear that Commission-licensed Amateur Radio stations in Florida are subject to felony prosecution if their emissions interfere with interference-susceptible broadcast or other radio receivers used in listening to public or commercial radio stations." The law also could subject operators of Part 15 unlicensed intentional radiators that interfere with broadcast stations to felony criminal prosecution, the League said, adding that it "could be interpreted to prohibit operation of Part 15 devices entirely."
Citing case law and legal opinions dating as far back as the 1930s, the ARRL requested a declaratory ruling from the FCC that the Florida statute "exceeds the jurisdiction of the State of Florida and intrudes on the exclusive jurisdiction afforded the Commission by the Communications Act of 1934 as amended, to regulate radio stations and to address interference phenomena."
The Florida Legislature enacted the law, §877.27 of the Florida Criminal Statutes (under "Miscellaneous Crimes"), last year. It took effect July 1, 2004. Violations would be considered third-degree felonies in Florida.
The ARRL says it's not clear that Florida lawmakers intended the law to be as broad in its application as it reads, but that the new law--apparently aimed at unlicensed "pirate" broadcasters--"nonetheless on its face prohibits any person from causing interference" with an FCC-licensed broadcast station.
Although the Communications Act of 1934 does not specifically preempt state regulation of RFI matters, Congress clarified in 1982 that all telecommunications are interstate and subject to exclusive regulation by
the FCC, the ARRL pointed out. It cited the Communications Amendments Act of 1982, Public Law 97-259 to support its stance.
"The legislative history of the Communications amendments Act of 1982 demonstrates that Congress intended to completely preempt the regulation of RFI," and leave it solely in the hands of the FCC, the ARRL said. The League also noted that courts "likewise have refused to allow private lawsuits against commercial broadcasters to abate RFI problems."In a 2003 case, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the FCC "held clearly that all attempts by states and municipalities to regulate RFI are void as preempted by the supremacy clause of the Constitution," the ARRL said. The League's petition concludes that the Florida statute "is void as preempted by federal communications law."
As of July 1, 2005 a new Florida statute (S. 877.27) makes it a 3rd degree felony to transmit without a license or cause radio interference to a licensed broadcast station in the State of Florida, with penalties ranging up to $100,000 fine and five years in prison.
This law is broad and vague and even could allow someone to use it to settle a grudge with a amateur radio or CB operator who might interfere with their radio or TV reception. Instead of calling the FCC to investigate interference complaints, someone now need only call the local police or sheriffs department.
In a newspaper article, Ralph Barlow of the Tampa FCC office said that under this new law, local police and sheriff departments can act without even having to contact the FCC. This fact was brought to the attention to the national organization that represents amateur radio (hams) radio operators, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). On Feb 25, 2005, the ARRL filed at the FCC a Request for Declaratory Ruling seeking to have the FCC invoke federal preemption thus striking down the Florida radio law. The ten-page request points out that radio interference and regulation of radio waves is solely under the jurisdiction of the federal government (FCC) and this power cannot be used by the States. At present the FCC is just sitting on the Request for Declaratory Ruling, but if enough people contact the FCC asking that they act on te ARRL Request for Declaratory Ruling, then it is likely the FCC will invoke its federal preemption thus striking down the Florida law.
Contact the FCC Chairman and Commissioners and tell them to act on the ARRL Request for Declaratory Ruling (Filed 2/25/05) and strike down Florida Statute 877.27 - - - - - - -
Chairman Kevin J. Martin: KJMWEB@fcc.gov
Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy: Kathleen.Abernathy@fcc.gov
Commissioner Michael J. Copps: Michael.Copps@fcc.gov
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein: Jonathan.Adelstein@fcc.gov
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the article reprinted from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) news website about this problem for Florida hams.
League Asks FCC to Void Florida RFI Statute
NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 1, 2005--The ARRL has asked the FCC to declare invalid a Florida law that prohibits anyone making radio transmissions without a license or Commission "exemption" from interfering with a licensed broadcast station. In a Request for Declaratory Ruling to the Commission February 25, the League maintains that only the FCC has authority to regulate radio stations and RFI. By prohibiting interference to broadcasters, the ARRL contends, the Florida law could have the apparently unintended consequence of affecting ham radio licensees as well as operators of certain unlicensed Part 15 devices, such as cordless telephones.
"What is clear is that no radio transmissions, licensed or not, are permitted if they result in interference to public or commercial radio stations licensed by the Commission," the League said. "Thus, it would appear that Commission-licensed Amateur Radio stations in Florida are subject to felony prosecution if their emissions interfere with interference-susceptible broadcast or other radio receivers used in listening to public or commercial radio stations." The law also could subject operators of Part 15 unlicensed intentional radiators that interfere with broadcast stations to felony criminal prosecution, the League said, adding that it "could be interpreted to prohibit operation of Part 15 devices entirely."
Citing case law and legal opinions dating as far back as the 1930s, the ARRL requested a declaratory ruling from the FCC that the Florida statute "exceeds the jurisdiction of the State of Florida and intrudes on the exclusive jurisdiction afforded the Commission by the Communications Act of 1934 as amended, to regulate radio stations and to address interference phenomena."
The Florida Legislature enacted the law, §877.27 of the Florida Criminal Statutes (under "Miscellaneous Crimes"), last year. It took effect July 1, 2004. Violations would be considered third-degree felonies in Florida.
The ARRL says it's not clear that Florida lawmakers intended the law to be as broad in its application as it reads, but that the new law--apparently aimed at unlicensed "pirate" broadcasters--"nonetheless on its face prohibits any person from causing interference" with an FCC-licensed broadcast station.
Although the Communications Act of 1934 does not specifically preempt state regulation of RFI matters, Congress clarified in 1982 that all telecommunications are interstate and subject to exclusive regulation by
the FCC, the ARRL pointed out. It cited the Communications Amendments Act of 1982, Public Law 97-259 to support its stance.
"The legislative history of the Communications amendments Act of 1982 demonstrates that Congress intended to completely preempt the regulation of RFI," and leave it solely in the hands of the FCC, the ARRL said. The League also noted that courts "likewise have refused to allow private lawsuits against commercial broadcasters to abate RFI problems."In a 2003 case, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the FCC "held clearly that all attempts by states and municipalities to regulate RFI are void as preempted by the supremacy clause of the Constitution," the ARRL said. The League's petition concludes that the Florida statute "is void as preempted by federal communications law."
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NWS meteorologist praises ARES, SKYWARN (Jun 9, 2005) -- ARRL Minnesota Section Emergency Coordinator Don Franck, AD0F, says he was grateful that Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and SKYWARN teams were on the job this week when severe weather struck his area. "It is always nice to hear how ham radio steps in to help in time of need," he says, "but, it is even better when ham radio directly aids in protecting human lives. That is what ARES and SKYWARN are all about." Franck, who's also an ARRL Emergency Communications Course instructor and mentor, says it got personal for him after a severe storm dropped a wall cloud right into the field next to his home and later spawned a tornado. "Through it all, local ARES members gave freely of their time and vehicles," he said, "driving many miles across three counties to get the best spotting of the super cell thunderstorms." Observers endured one-inch diameter hail, 70 MPH winds and 7 inches of rain. Franck was at the Olmsted County emergency operations center for the occasion. The work of ARES and SKYWARN also drew praise from National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Todd Shea in La Crosse, Wisconsin, who offered another example of how storm spotters made a difference during the severe weather June 4. "A storm spotter in Clark County, Wisconsin, correctly reported to us a rotating wall cloud from a cluster of storms moving across central Wisconsin," he said. Shea says the report enabled NWS radar to focus on that storm, leading directly to the issuance of tornado warnings. "We were able to warn the rest of the downstream communities and neighboring county during the approximately 20-mile intermittent tornado path," he said. "A spotter can make a difference. Be proactive, organized, correct, and timely. I can't tell you how much it does make a difference and how much we appreciate the information."
NWS meteorologist praises ARES, SKYWARN (Jun 9, 2005) -- ARRL Minnesota Section Emergency Coordinator Don Franck, AD0F, says he was grateful that Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and SKYWARN teams were on the job this week when severe weather struck his area. "It is always nice to hear how ham radio steps in to help in time of need," he says, "but, it is even better when ham radio directly aids in protecting human lives. That is what ARES and SKYWARN are all about." Franck, who's also an ARRL Emergency Communications Course instructor and mentor, says it got personal for him after a severe storm dropped a wall cloud right into the field next to his home and later spawned a tornado. "Through it all, local ARES members gave freely of their time and vehicles," he said, "driving many miles across three counties to get the best spotting of the super cell thunderstorms." Observers endured one-inch diameter hail, 70 MPH winds and 7 inches of rain. Franck was at the Olmsted County emergency operations center for the occasion. The work of ARES and SKYWARN also drew praise from National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Todd Shea in La Crosse, Wisconsin, who offered another example of how storm spotters made a difference during the severe weather June 4. "A storm spotter in Clark County, Wisconsin, correctly reported to us a rotating wall cloud from a cluster of storms moving across central Wisconsin," he said. Shea says the report enabled NWS radar to focus on that storm, leading directly to the issuance of tornado warnings. "We were able to warn the rest of the downstream communities and neighboring county during the approximately 20-mile intermittent tornado path," he said. "A spotter can make a difference. Be proactive, organized, correct, and timely. I can't tell you how much it does make a difference and how much we appreciate the information."
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W1AW, K1D, AO-51, to be On the Air for Kid's Day(s)
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 9, 2005--It's the second 2005 running of Kid's Day Saturday, June 18. ARRL Maxim Memorial Station W1AW and perennial Kid's Day special event station K1D will all be ready. AMSAT-NA will sponsor its own Kid's Day event Saturday, June 11, on the AO-51 "Echo" satellite. With help from some area youngsters and fellow ARRL staffers, ARRL Education and Technology Program ("The Big Project") Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, will be at the helm of W1AW for the ARRL Kid's Day event, which runs June 18 from 1800 until 2400 UTC.
"Kid's Day is one way that you can share the fun, excitement and learning opportunities of ham radio," Spencer says. "Many hams participate with their own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews." But while Kid's Day can be a family affair, he encourages radio amateurs to consider inviting families with children from the neighborhood or some of the people you work with and their kids. "Inviting adults and youth may result in future ham radio operators," he points out.
The point of Kid's Day, which originated in 1994, is to encourage young people--licensed or not--to enjoy Amateur Radio. Additionally, Kid's Day offers a mentoring opportunity for experienced amateurs while giving youngsters some firsthand ham radio experience and perhaps sparking a lifelong interest.
"The personal touch is the most effective way to gain someone's interest in ham radio," Spencer says. "Many of us became involved in the hobby because of a family member, relative or close friend."
Kid's Day veteran Peter Schipelliti, W1DAD, of Atkinson, New Hampshire, has been operating special event station K1D since June 4. Sponsored by the Atkinson Amateur Radio Club, K1D recognizes Kid's Day and Amateur Radio Awareness Month. K1D will be on the air through 0359 on Sunday, June 19, on or about 14.270, 21.370 and 28.370 MHz. Schipelliti and his wife Jeanne, K1MOM, hope to have their kids on the air for the occasion too. QSL to W1DAD, 7 Dearborn Ridge Rd, Atkinson, NH 03811.
All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate. Visit the ARRL Kid's Day Survey page to complete a short survey and post your comments. You will then have access to download the certificate page. Or you can send a 9x12 SASE to Boring Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 1357, Boring, OR 97009.
Kid's Day typically attracts more than 1000 youthful participants. It takes place each year on the first Sunday in January and the third Saturday in June.
W1AW, K1D, AO-51, to be On the Air for Kid's Day(s)
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 9, 2005--It's the second 2005 running of Kid's Day Saturday, June 18. ARRL Maxim Memorial Station W1AW and perennial Kid's Day special event station K1D will all be ready. AMSAT-NA will sponsor its own Kid's Day event Saturday, June 11, on the AO-51 "Echo" satellite. With help from some area youngsters and fellow ARRL staffers, ARRL Education and Technology Program ("The Big Project") Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, will be at the helm of W1AW for the ARRL Kid's Day event, which runs June 18 from 1800 until 2400 UTC.
"Kid's Day is one way that you can share the fun, excitement and learning opportunities of ham radio," Spencer says. "Many hams participate with their own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews." But while Kid's Day can be a family affair, he encourages radio amateurs to consider inviting families with children from the neighborhood or some of the people you work with and their kids. "Inviting adults and youth may result in future ham radio operators," he points out.
The point of Kid's Day, which originated in 1994, is to encourage young people--licensed or not--to enjoy Amateur Radio. Additionally, Kid's Day offers a mentoring opportunity for experienced amateurs while giving youngsters some firsthand ham radio experience and perhaps sparking a lifelong interest.
"The personal touch is the most effective way to gain someone's interest in ham radio," Spencer says. "Many of us became involved in the hobby because of a family member, relative or close friend."
Kid's Day veteran Peter Schipelliti, W1DAD, of Atkinson, New Hampshire, has been operating special event station K1D since June 4. Sponsored by the Atkinson Amateur Radio Club, K1D recognizes Kid's Day and Amateur Radio Awareness Month. K1D will be on the air through 0359 on Sunday, June 19, on or about 14.270, 21.370 and 28.370 MHz. Schipelliti and his wife Jeanne, K1MOM, hope to have their kids on the air for the occasion too. QSL to W1DAD, 7 Dearborn Ridge Rd, Atkinson, NH 03811.
All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate. Visit the ARRL Kid's Day Survey page to complete a short survey and post your comments. You will then have access to download the certificate page. Or you can send a 9x12 SASE to Boring Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 1357, Boring, OR 97009.
Kid's Day typically attracts more than 1000 youthful participants. It takes place each year on the first Sunday in January and the third Saturday in June.
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ISS Astronauts Could Be on the Air for Field Day!
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 15, 2005--International Space Station crew members John Phillips, KE5DRY, and Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, may be on the air for ARRL Field Day, June 25-26. ISS Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, at Johnson Space Center, says the Expedition 11 astronauts plan to participate in Field Day 2005 on a limited basis. Previous ISS crew members have handed out contacts during Field Day from both NA1SS and RS0ISS. Ransom this week reviewed potential ISS pass times, and a few are favorable for US stations, although some will occur during the very early morning hours. Phillips and Krikalev will use the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) radio gear aboard the spacecraft.
"Hams on the ISS will try to be on for ARRL Field Day," Ransom said. "The crew can make contacts anytime during the 1800 GMT June 25 to 1800 GMT June 26 period as time permits. Most activity will be over North and South America, but stations worldwide should be listening."
Ransom says the pass times are only recommendations, and there is no guarantee that either Phillips or Krikalev will actually be on the air during any of them. Highlighted passes are recommended as desirable ones for voice contacts with Amateur Radio stations on the ground.
Phillips will operate as NA1SS and handing out "1 Alfa ISS" for a report. If Expedition 11 Commander Krikalev gets on the air too, he'll identify as RS0ISS and give the same exchange. In the past, crew members have operated from both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 ARISS stations using 2 meters and 70 cm.
The standard ISS voice frequencies for contacts in ITU Region 2 are 144.49 MHz up and 145.80 MHz down, FM.
If the astronauts can't get on the air to make voice QSOs, the RS0ISS packet station should be on and available for ground stations to work each other via the packet digipeater using "ARISS" as the alias for the call sign in UNPROTO mode. Frequencies are 145.99 MHz up and 145.80 MHz down.
ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, notes that ISS voice or direct packet contacts with the ISS do not count for bonus satellite contact points because the ISS is not an "Amateur Radio satellite" as event rules specify. Packet contacts relayed via the ISS are valid.
"The ISS contacts do not count for satellite credit, since they are point-to-point, whereas the traditional satellite QSO is a relayed Earth-satellite-Earth two-way contact," he explained. Field Day has no specific rules relating to ARISS operation because there's no guarantee that the crew will be able to get on the air for the annual exercise.
During Field Day 2004, astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, operated NA1SS on 2 meters, while Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, was on the air from RS0ISS on 70 cm. Between them, they racked up more than five dozen QSOs.
ARISS is an international educational outreach with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.
(See source link for location schedule)
src
ISS Astronauts Could Be on the Air for Field Day!
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 15, 2005--International Space Station crew members John Phillips, KE5DRY, and Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, may be on the air for ARRL Field Day, June 25-26. ISS Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, at Johnson Space Center, says the Expedition 11 astronauts plan to participate in Field Day 2005 on a limited basis. Previous ISS crew members have handed out contacts during Field Day from both NA1SS and RS0ISS. Ransom this week reviewed potential ISS pass times, and a few are favorable for US stations, although some will occur during the very early morning hours. Phillips and Krikalev will use the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) radio gear aboard the spacecraft.
"Hams on the ISS will try to be on for ARRL Field Day," Ransom said. "The crew can make contacts anytime during the 1800 GMT June 25 to 1800 GMT June 26 period as time permits. Most activity will be over North and South America, but stations worldwide should be listening."
Ransom says the pass times are only recommendations, and there is no guarantee that either Phillips or Krikalev will actually be on the air during any of them. Highlighted passes are recommended as desirable ones for voice contacts with Amateur Radio stations on the ground.
Phillips will operate as NA1SS and handing out "1 Alfa ISS" for a report. If Expedition 11 Commander Krikalev gets on the air too, he'll identify as RS0ISS and give the same exchange. In the past, crew members have operated from both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 ARISS stations using 2 meters and 70 cm.
The standard ISS voice frequencies for contacts in ITU Region 2 are 144.49 MHz up and 145.80 MHz down, FM.
If the astronauts can't get on the air to make voice QSOs, the RS0ISS packet station should be on and available for ground stations to work each other via the packet digipeater using "ARISS" as the alias for the call sign in UNPROTO mode. Frequencies are 145.99 MHz up and 145.80 MHz down.
ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, notes that ISS voice or direct packet contacts with the ISS do not count for bonus satellite contact points because the ISS is not an "Amateur Radio satellite" as event rules specify. Packet contacts relayed via the ISS are valid.
"The ISS contacts do not count for satellite credit, since they are point-to-point, whereas the traditional satellite QSO is a relayed Earth-satellite-Earth two-way contact," he explained. Field Day has no specific rules relating to ARISS operation because there's no guarantee that the crew will be able to get on the air for the annual exercise.
During Field Day 2004, astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, operated NA1SS on 2 meters, while Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, was on the air from RS0ISS on 70 cm. Between them, they racked up more than five dozen QSOs.
ARISS is an international educational outreach with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.
(See source link for location schedule)
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President Bush sends greetings to Field Day 2005 participants (Jun 20, 2005) -- President George W. Bush has sent greetings from the White House to everyone participating in ARRL Field Day 2005. "Across our country, radio plays a vital role in relaying important information to the public and emergency service personnel in times of need," the president said. "By providing emergency communications at the federal, state, and local level, licensed Amateur Radio operators help first responders and law enforcement officials save lives and make our country safer. Your efforts help ensure the right assistance gets to the right people at the right time. I appreciate all ham operators who give their time and energy to help make our citizens more secure. Your good work reflects the spirit of America and contributes to a culture of responsibility and citizenship that strengthens our nation. Laura and I send our best wishes." An annual exercise aimed at developing skills to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the general public with the capabilities of Amateur Radio, ARRL Field Day takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26. Stations throughout the Americas may participate.
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Ten Reasons To Do ARRL Field Day 2005
By Michael Adams, WA2MWT
June 20, 2005
ARRL Field Day 2005 will be my 10th in a row. There have been years where I eagerly awaited the big weekend for months in advance, and there have been other times when I really did not even feel like going. There have been Field Days where I sat around and socialized most of the weekend away, and then again there have been years I was active from start to finish, trying to earn as many points as possible.
ARRL Field Day 2005 is shaping up as my most anticipated and involved weekend to date, and the lure of the first weekend of summer has nothing to do with it. I fully expect to be exhausted by late Sunday afternoon and after a good night's sleep, spend the following week sending out press releases, replete with pictures, vividly describing a whirlwind 24 hours of total Amateur Radio activity, excitement and accomplishment.
Since a successful Field Day requires the preparation, participation and perspiration of a great many Amateur Radio operators, I have decided to share my 10 reasons for setting aside the last weekend in June, this year, in the hope that many of my fellow hams will follow suit.
Reason 1: Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL Contest Branch Manager, says: "Turn back the clock of your mind to your very first Field Day experience..." I have done that and I remember thinking, at my first Field Day, that it was amazing that 50 hams could create a miniature village of 13 stations, sleeping and eating accommodations, with emergency power and antennas that were safely installed and functioned flawlessly. Eventually, 100 people would be gathered for a game plan that flowed seamlessly. Since it was a county facility, strict rules were adhered to and at the conclusion, there was not a donut crumb left behind.
Reason 2: The airwaves are not as busy as they used to be. Quite frankly, many of us have been drawn to the allure of cable and dish television, computers and cell phones. A lot of ham equipment is underutilized. It is time to dust it off, pack it up and take it to Field Day. Let the spectrum again crackle with the voice and CW of thousands upon thousands of rigs. A hoarse voice and stiff fingers Monday morning will be good things.
Reason 3: Emergency Preparedness is back at center stage. Since 9/11, this nation has been at a state of heightened alert. I will be hosting a Class F Emergency Operations Center for the third year in a row. The Ramsey, New Jersey, Office of Emergency Management (of which I am the director) will play host to the Metroplex Amateur Radio Club (of which I am the Public and Government Relations Officer). A Class 4F site will be in operation for the entire 24 hour period. The Mayor and Council have turned their Municipal Building over to the group, with their blessings, realizing the importance of emergency communications.
Reason 4: Site visitation by an elected government official. We need the support of our local, county, state and federal officials if we are to exist. Last year, the Mayor, County Executive, an Assemblyman and an Assemblywoman, and representatives from the Governor's and Congressman's office presented resolutions, proclamations and commendations--in person--at the Class F station, and also at the Class 13A station operated by the 10-70 Repeater Association. The dignitaries all knew how to get to the Municipal Building and they were then escorted to the Campgaw County Park Ski Area, in Mahwah, where they witnessed the 10-70 Club kick off the contest at 2 PM. They will all be back this year.
Reason 5: Public location. Amateur Radio needs to be showcased for the general public. In the weeks leading up to Field Day 2004, the Ramsey Fire Department's aerial ladder truck was seen extended over the municipal complex, as new antennas and hard wire were installed. A permanent antenna was placed in the attic and UPS started delivering new radios. It did not take long for local residents to inquire as to what was going on, and we were only too happy to show them personally. Again this year, the public will be invited to stop by for a tour and a demonstration.
Reason 6: Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) Station. This year, we are going to invite the local Boy Scout troop to visit the Campgaw ski lodge and possibly camp out. Other groups will be invited to the EOC and with the inducement of the Youth Element Bonus, it is anticipated that several, young aspiring hams will try a QSO, under the watchful eyes and control of our veterans.
Reason 7: Location, location, location. Do you want a rugged, outdoors experience with absolutely no frills (i.e., no bathroom or kitchen facilities)? We will invite those Bergen County hams to join the Ramapo Mountain Amateur Radio Club (RMARC) at the New Jersey State Forest Fire Tower, high in the Ramapo Mountains. The mosquitoes have been known to lick the Deet off of the "49" operators and then move in for the kill. Do you want to set up camp at a beautiful and rustic ski lodge, nestled among hundreds of unspoiled acres of county parkland? Then, you belong with the 10-70 Repeater Association amateurs (and an occasional bear). Do you want to be in the security and structure of a government building? Those hams will be invited to join the Metroplex Amateur Radio Club, at the Ramsey Municipal Building.
Reason 8: Emergency power and temporary antennas. There are few areas in the United States that do not feel the wrath of the seasonal violent storm. The recent devastating tsunami challenged our foreign ham brothers and sisters to the ultimate and in the finest tradition, they responded and performed in a stellar manner. I have heard hams say, "If my power goes out, I'll go sit in my car and operate." Maybe. Field Day gives us the yearly opportunity to operate generators, after maintenance and safety checks have been completed, and install temporary antennas, from the sophisticated to those shot up in a tree. The Ramsey EOC is wired to operate on 12-V battery power for an extended period, with a charger hooked up to a generator. The system has never been tested for a 24 hour period before. The fire tower and ski lodge sites will utilize large generators provided by local Offices of Emergency Management.
Reason 9: Practice makes perfect. Logbooks and ARRL radiogram pads are no longer big sellers. Many National Traffic System nets generate little if any traffic. Field Day weekend is a great chance to polish up rusty practices and "do things by the book." Make no mistake about it; there is a lot of paperwork involved in a successful club Field Day. All activity must be documented, there are several pages of rules and regulations that must be adhered to closely, and the final reports must be at ARRL Headquarters within 30 days. And almost every year, there are new categories to be considered. I look forward to copying the W1AW Bulletin and composing 10 radiograms to send to ARRL officials. And I am willing to assist in preparing the final reports, because we can all use a yearly refresher in pencil pushing.
Reason 10: The Ultimate Reunion. Remember what Dan Henderson said about thinking back to your very first Field Day experience. And your second, and third...This is the only time of the year when I get to meet and chat with all of the hams I have gotten to know over the years. Since I will be going to three Field Day sites, it is going to be a challenge remembering names, let alone call signs. True, I do see the same diehards at club meetings and hamfests, but there are literally hundreds of hams in Bergen County that I have ragchewed with over the past 10 years.
As I approach a Field Day site, I like looking at license plates for familiar call signs. Often the eclectic antennas on the cars bring back fond memories. And many amateurs are still sporting the same hats, only laden with more pins. And I will prepared to listen to a lot of health stories, for it seems that while Amateur Radio operators age, their equipment never seems to. Yes, I am definitely looking forward to Field Day 2005, on June 25 and 26, and I am hoping that an awful lot of hams feel the same way that I do.
Ten Reasons To Do ARRL Field Day 2005
By Michael Adams, WA2MWT
June 20, 2005
ARRL Field Day 2005 will be my 10th in a row. There have been years where I eagerly awaited the big weekend for months in advance, and there have been other times when I really did not even feel like going. There have been Field Days where I sat around and socialized most of the weekend away, and then again there have been years I was active from start to finish, trying to earn as many points as possible.
ARRL Field Day 2005 is shaping up as my most anticipated and involved weekend to date, and the lure of the first weekend of summer has nothing to do with it. I fully expect to be exhausted by late Sunday afternoon and after a good night's sleep, spend the following week sending out press releases, replete with pictures, vividly describing a whirlwind 24 hours of total Amateur Radio activity, excitement and accomplishment.
Since a successful Field Day requires the preparation, participation and perspiration of a great many Amateur Radio operators, I have decided to share my 10 reasons for setting aside the last weekend in June, this year, in the hope that many of my fellow hams will follow suit.
Reason 1: Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL Contest Branch Manager, says: "Turn back the clock of your mind to your very first Field Day experience..." I have done that and I remember thinking, at my first Field Day, that it was amazing that 50 hams could create a miniature village of 13 stations, sleeping and eating accommodations, with emergency power and antennas that were safely installed and functioned flawlessly. Eventually, 100 people would be gathered for a game plan that flowed seamlessly. Since it was a county facility, strict rules were adhered to and at the conclusion, there was not a donut crumb left behind.
Reason 2: The airwaves are not as busy as they used to be. Quite frankly, many of us have been drawn to the allure of cable and dish television, computers and cell phones. A lot of ham equipment is underutilized. It is time to dust it off, pack it up and take it to Field Day. Let the spectrum again crackle with the voice and CW of thousands upon thousands of rigs. A hoarse voice and stiff fingers Monday morning will be good things.
Reason 3: Emergency Preparedness is back at center stage. Since 9/11, this nation has been at a state of heightened alert. I will be hosting a Class F Emergency Operations Center for the third year in a row. The Ramsey, New Jersey, Office of Emergency Management (of which I am the director) will play host to the Metroplex Amateur Radio Club (of which I am the Public and Government Relations Officer). A Class 4F site will be in operation for the entire 24 hour period. The Mayor and Council have turned their Municipal Building over to the group, with their blessings, realizing the importance of emergency communications.
Reason 4: Site visitation by an elected government official. We need the support of our local, county, state and federal officials if we are to exist. Last year, the Mayor, County Executive, an Assemblyman and an Assemblywoman, and representatives from the Governor's and Congressman's office presented resolutions, proclamations and commendations--in person--at the Class F station, and also at the Class 13A station operated by the 10-70 Repeater Association. The dignitaries all knew how to get to the Municipal Building and they were then escorted to the Campgaw County Park Ski Area, in Mahwah, where they witnessed the 10-70 Club kick off the contest at 2 PM. They will all be back this year.
Reason 5: Public location. Amateur Radio needs to be showcased for the general public. In the weeks leading up to Field Day 2004, the Ramsey Fire Department's aerial ladder truck was seen extended over the municipal complex, as new antennas and hard wire were installed. A permanent antenna was placed in the attic and UPS started delivering new radios. It did not take long for local residents to inquire as to what was going on, and we were only too happy to show them personally. Again this year, the public will be invited to stop by for a tour and a demonstration.
Reason 6: Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) Station. This year, we are going to invite the local Boy Scout troop to visit the Campgaw ski lodge and possibly camp out. Other groups will be invited to the EOC and with the inducement of the Youth Element Bonus, it is anticipated that several, young aspiring hams will try a QSO, under the watchful eyes and control of our veterans.
Reason 7: Location, location, location. Do you want a rugged, outdoors experience with absolutely no frills (i.e., no bathroom or kitchen facilities)? We will invite those Bergen County hams to join the Ramapo Mountain Amateur Radio Club (RMARC) at the New Jersey State Forest Fire Tower, high in the Ramapo Mountains. The mosquitoes have been known to lick the Deet off of the "49" operators and then move in for the kill. Do you want to set up camp at a beautiful and rustic ski lodge, nestled among hundreds of unspoiled acres of county parkland? Then, you belong with the 10-70 Repeater Association amateurs (and an occasional bear). Do you want to be in the security and structure of a government building? Those hams will be invited to join the Metroplex Amateur Radio Club, at the Ramsey Municipal Building.
Reason 8: Emergency power and temporary antennas. There are few areas in the United States that do not feel the wrath of the seasonal violent storm. The recent devastating tsunami challenged our foreign ham brothers and sisters to the ultimate and in the finest tradition, they responded and performed in a stellar manner. I have heard hams say, "If my power goes out, I'll go sit in my car and operate." Maybe. Field Day gives us the yearly opportunity to operate generators, after maintenance and safety checks have been completed, and install temporary antennas, from the sophisticated to those shot up in a tree. The Ramsey EOC is wired to operate on 12-V battery power for an extended period, with a charger hooked up to a generator. The system has never been tested for a 24 hour period before. The fire tower and ski lodge sites will utilize large generators provided by local Offices of Emergency Management.
Reason 9: Practice makes perfect. Logbooks and ARRL radiogram pads are no longer big sellers. Many National Traffic System nets generate little if any traffic. Field Day weekend is a great chance to polish up rusty practices and "do things by the book." Make no mistake about it; there is a lot of paperwork involved in a successful club Field Day. All activity must be documented, there are several pages of rules and regulations that must be adhered to closely, and the final reports must be at ARRL Headquarters within 30 days. And almost every year, there are new categories to be considered. I look forward to copying the W1AW Bulletin and composing 10 radiograms to send to ARRL officials. And I am willing to assist in preparing the final reports, because we can all use a yearly refresher in pencil pushing.
Reason 10: The Ultimate Reunion. Remember what Dan Henderson said about thinking back to your very first Field Day experience. And your second, and third...This is the only time of the year when I get to meet and chat with all of the hams I have gotten to know over the years. Since I will be going to three Field Day sites, it is going to be a challenge remembering names, let alone call signs. True, I do see the same diehards at club meetings and hamfests, but there are literally hundreds of hams in Bergen County that I have ragchewed with over the past 10 years.
As I approach a Field Day site, I like looking at license plates for familiar call signs. Often the eclectic antennas on the cars bring back fond memories. And many amateurs are still sporting the same hats, only laden with more pins. And I will prepared to listen to a lot of health stories, for it seems that while Amateur Radio operators age, their equipment never seems to. Yes, I am definitely looking forward to Field Day 2005, on June 25 and 26, and I am hoping that an awful lot of hams feel the same way that I do.
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US Senate Version of Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005 Introduced
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 17, 2005--A US Senate version of the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005 has been introduced with bipartisan support in the 109th Congress. Sen Michael Crapo of Idaho sponsored the measure, S 1236, on June 14. The wording of the bill is identical to the House version, HR 691, introduced earlier this year by Rep Michael Bilirakis of Florida. Joining Crapo as cosponsors of the Senate bill were Senators Christopher Bond of Missouri, Max Baucus and Conrad Burns of Montana, and Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. The bill has been referred to the US Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee of which Burns is a member. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said the League is pleased that Crapo has agreed to once again sponsor this legislation at ARRL's urging.
"We are grateful for Sen Crapo's demonstration of support by introducing the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005," Sumner said. "His sponsorship of this bill shows his appreciation for the value and utility of Amateur Radio to the US public, especially in times of emergency."
Like previous versions of the proposal, the House and Senate measures would require the FCC to provide "equivalent replacement spectrum" to the Amateur Radio and Amateur-Satellite services in the event of reallocation to other services of primary amateur spectrum or the diminution of secondary amateur spectrum. The bill also would cover additional allocations within Amateur Radio bands that "would substantially reduce" their utility to Amateur Service licensees.
In a letter this week, ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, also thanked Crapo continued support for the Spectrum Protection Act. "As you know, this legislation is vital for ensuring that the Amateur Radio Service, the only 100 percent fail-safe emergency communication capability, remains a viable public safety option," Haynie said, adding that the League also appreciates the work of Crapo's staff in getting the bill into play in the new Congress. "The ARRL looks forward to working with you on successfully passing this legislation during the 109th Congress," he said.
The legislation references Amateur Radio's role in providing "voluntary, noncommercial radio service, particularly emergency communications," and it points out that hams have "consistently and reliably" provided communication support in the event of emergencies and disasters including tornadoes and hurricanes, chemical spills, forest fires and rail accidents. As the measure notes, FCC actions already have led to the loss of at least 107 MHz of spectrum to radio amateurs.
Efforts will continue--now in both chambers of Congress--to attract additional cosponsors for S 1236 and HR 691. The League encourages its members to urge their congressional representatives and senators to sign aboard. More than 100 lawmakers in both houses agreed to cosponsor similar legislation in the 108th Congress. A sample letter for HR 691 and a sample letter for S 1236--are available on the ARRL Web site for members to use as guides in writing their members of Congress to seek their support.
To expedite delivery, send all correspondence bound for Members of Congress--preferably as an attachment--to research.assistant@chwatco.com or fax it to 703-684-7594. The ARRL will bundle correspondence addressed to each Member of Congress for hand delivery.
For general guidance on the best methods of contacting your members of Congress, see "Communicating with Congress," by Derek Riker, KB3JLF, on the ARRL Web site.
US Senate Version of Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005 Introduced
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 17, 2005--A US Senate version of the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005 has been introduced with bipartisan support in the 109th Congress. Sen Michael Crapo of Idaho sponsored the measure, S 1236, on June 14. The wording of the bill is identical to the House version, HR 691, introduced earlier this year by Rep Michael Bilirakis of Florida. Joining Crapo as cosponsors of the Senate bill were Senators Christopher Bond of Missouri, Max Baucus and Conrad Burns of Montana, and Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. The bill has been referred to the US Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee of which Burns is a member. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said the League is pleased that Crapo has agreed to once again sponsor this legislation at ARRL's urging.
"We are grateful for Sen Crapo's demonstration of support by introducing the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2005," Sumner said. "His sponsorship of this bill shows his appreciation for the value and utility of Amateur Radio to the US public, especially in times of emergency."
Like previous versions of the proposal, the House and Senate measures would require the FCC to provide "equivalent replacement spectrum" to the Amateur Radio and Amateur-Satellite services in the event of reallocation to other services of primary amateur spectrum or the diminution of secondary amateur spectrum. The bill also would cover additional allocations within Amateur Radio bands that "would substantially reduce" their utility to Amateur Service licensees.
In a letter this week, ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, also thanked Crapo continued support for the Spectrum Protection Act. "As you know, this legislation is vital for ensuring that the Amateur Radio Service, the only 100 percent fail-safe emergency communication capability, remains a viable public safety option," Haynie said, adding that the League also appreciates the work of Crapo's staff in getting the bill into play in the new Congress. "The ARRL looks forward to working with you on successfully passing this legislation during the 109th Congress," he said.
The legislation references Amateur Radio's role in providing "voluntary, noncommercial radio service, particularly emergency communications," and it points out that hams have "consistently and reliably" provided communication support in the event of emergencies and disasters including tornadoes and hurricanes, chemical spills, forest fires and rail accidents. As the measure notes, FCC actions already have led to the loss of at least 107 MHz of spectrum to radio amateurs.
Efforts will continue--now in both chambers of Congress--to attract additional cosponsors for S 1236 and HR 691. The League encourages its members to urge their congressional representatives and senators to sign aboard. More than 100 lawmakers in both houses agreed to cosponsor similar legislation in the 108th Congress. A sample letter for HR 691 and a sample letter for S 1236--are available on the ARRL Web site for members to use as guides in writing their members of Congress to seek their support.
To expedite delivery, send all correspondence bound for Members of Congress--preferably as an attachment--to research.assistant@chwatco.com or fax it to 703-684-7594. The ARRL will bundle correspondence addressed to each Member of Congress for hand delivery.
For general guidance on the best methods of contacting your members of Congress, see "Communicating with Congress," by Derek Riker, KB3JLF, on the ARRL Web site.
linuxgeek
Rogue Scholar
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2004
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- 32,719
Psk31
Looking at doing some PSK31 over the 3 day weekend. The hamstick tree I fabricated for Field Day didn't seem to perform well at the location we held Field Day, so I'm gonna take it out in the middle of nowhere and see how it does.
I'll be trying out 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. If anyone else here does PSK31, I'd be interested in coordinating a time to look for each other.
Looking at doing some PSK31 over the 3 day weekend. The hamstick tree I fabricated for Field Day didn't seem to perform well at the location we held Field Day, so I'm gonna take it out in the middle of nowhere and see how it does.
I'll be trying out 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. If anyone else here does PSK31, I'd be interested in coordinating a time to look for each other.
linuxgeek
Rogue Scholar
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2004
- Posts
- 32,719
src
Back to the Future - Morse Code and Cellular Phones
I've spent most of the past five or so years thinking about handheld devices, their limitations and how to work around them. Having worked with telephones since I was in high school, this has been something of an obsession.
The hot trend today is to cram every feature imaginable into mobile telephone handsets. This has led to some cool things like camera phones, mobile gaming, and such. The problem is that a lot of designers overlook some basic limitations in these devices, and more importantly, the situations in which people use them.
Cellular phones are all about mobility. Good mobility applications recognize that the user is often in motion (walking, driving, etc). Safety and convenience require that the application should demand as little visual attention as possible. Badly designed applications force the user to stare at the telephone's display instead of paying attention to surrounding environs. This is why speech user interfaces work so well for mobile users. They allow the user to interact with a service in a "heads up" stance, without looking at the phone. Unfortunately, most mobile applications are of the badly designed "let's take a PC interface and shrink it down" category.
Text messaging is an enormously popular service, but it too suffers from this basic user interface conflict. Sending and receiving text messages requires the user to look at the display. Receiving messages can be done at a glance, so this is not such a burden. Sending them is another story. Some people are adept at tapping messages on numeric keypads, but doing so requires the user to pay attention to the display. Try writing a text message without looking at the phone. Not easy.
"Tapping"
Morse Code, or a derivative of it, could be one way to solve this problem. With Morse Code, one could tap text messages out without looking at the telephone, and without having to fumble with ever smaller keypads. I'll admit that the idea of resurrecting Morse Code seems improbable, but then it's worth remembering that only a few years ago, the idea of people typing with their thumbs also seemed absurd.
How might Morse be incorporated into a telephone handset. I sketched out a fairly simple interface. Here's what I came up with.
The telephone would have a fairly large pressure sensitive panel on its back side, big enough that you would not have to look at the phone to locate it. It might also be possible to use the telephone's existing microphone to sense taps (although discriminating between short and long pulses could be a problem).
You'd send messages in a couple of different ways depending on how you were carrying the phone at the time. I devised a couple of tweaks to make the process of sending messages faster.
When carrying the phone at your side, you could send messages with one hand by tapping on the back of the phone in the convention dot (short) and dash (notation). The panel would interpret a brief pulse as a dot, a longer pulse as a dash. Timing is important, so this method of sending messages takes more practice.
With both hands free or with the phone resting on a surface, you could use a slightly different method to tap messages. Holding the phone in one hand and tapping with the other, you'd tap the panel with your fingernail to send a dot, and with your whole fingertip to send a dash. Timing is much less important here, so this method will be easier for people to learn.
Receiving messages is less of an issue, since they'll arrive as text messages. The sending telephone will convert the tapped dots and dashes into alphanumeric messages to be sent via SMS or IP. The receiving telephone will display these in the usual way (an option to play messages via text to speech synthesis would be a nice add-on, and as mobile phones become more powerful, should be easy enough to do).
Hands-Free Mobile Phone Features
Incorporating a Morse Code key into the back of a telephone handset has other uses besides tapping text messages. One of the things this enables you to do is to make it easier to control a telephone in hands-free mode.
For example, you could design the phone so that it recognizes certain codes as keypad commands, primarily for deciding how to deal with incoming calls.
.. = answer call
... = send call to voice mail
.... = forward call to preprogrammed number
So while you're driving along, you could dispatch incoming calls as desired by tapping on the back of the handset, something you could do heads up, without taking your eyes off the road.
While this isn't Morse Code per se, it's the same idea, and it should be easy to train users to learn a handful of short two or three digit codes as in the example above. This is probably more realistic than training users to compose SMS messages in Morse, as anybody can memorize a handful of tap sequences.
Back to the Future
I'll admit this may seem like a bit dated, but even with a Treo 600, I find it difficult to type text messages. It seems to me that something like this is worth a try. The cost of embedding this in a handset should be pretty minimal compared to that of other features like digital cameras. You're basically talking about a small plate attached to a piezo-electric sensor, which is about as simple as it gets. Even better if you can make this work using a phone's existing microphone to sense taps.
Would people actually use this? I don't know. It's hard to tell what will catch on. I thought ringtones and camera phones were improbable at best, and now those are both billion dollar industries. If something like this makes it easier to use SMS, then my guess is that it will catch on, at least with a subset of users.
While the Morse Code application may not catch on outside a small group of power users, the idea of using Morse-like code to control a telephone in hands-free mode makes a lot of sense. Tap twice to answer a call while driving, three times to send it to voice mail, four times to forward the call to your secretary. That'll be easier that opening the phone and pushing a key while driving, and a heck of a lot safer.
Back to the Future - Morse Code and Cellular Phones
I've spent most of the past five or so years thinking about handheld devices, their limitations and how to work around them. Having worked with telephones since I was in high school, this has been something of an obsession.
The hot trend today is to cram every feature imaginable into mobile telephone handsets. This has led to some cool things like camera phones, mobile gaming, and such. The problem is that a lot of designers overlook some basic limitations in these devices, and more importantly, the situations in which people use them.
Cellular phones are all about mobility. Good mobility applications recognize that the user is often in motion (walking, driving, etc). Safety and convenience require that the application should demand as little visual attention as possible. Badly designed applications force the user to stare at the telephone's display instead of paying attention to surrounding environs. This is why speech user interfaces work so well for mobile users. They allow the user to interact with a service in a "heads up" stance, without looking at the phone. Unfortunately, most mobile applications are of the badly designed "let's take a PC interface and shrink it down" category.
Text messaging is an enormously popular service, but it too suffers from this basic user interface conflict. Sending and receiving text messages requires the user to look at the display. Receiving messages can be done at a glance, so this is not such a burden. Sending them is another story. Some people are adept at tapping messages on numeric keypads, but doing so requires the user to pay attention to the display. Try writing a text message without looking at the phone. Not easy.
"Tapping"
Morse Code, or a derivative of it, could be one way to solve this problem. With Morse Code, one could tap text messages out without looking at the telephone, and without having to fumble with ever smaller keypads. I'll admit that the idea of resurrecting Morse Code seems improbable, but then it's worth remembering that only a few years ago, the idea of people typing with their thumbs also seemed absurd.
How might Morse be incorporated into a telephone handset. I sketched out a fairly simple interface. Here's what I came up with.
The telephone would have a fairly large pressure sensitive panel on its back side, big enough that you would not have to look at the phone to locate it. It might also be possible to use the telephone's existing microphone to sense taps (although discriminating between short and long pulses could be a problem).
You'd send messages in a couple of different ways depending on how you were carrying the phone at the time. I devised a couple of tweaks to make the process of sending messages faster.
When carrying the phone at your side, you could send messages with one hand by tapping on the back of the phone in the convention dot (short) and dash (notation). The panel would interpret a brief pulse as a dot, a longer pulse as a dash. Timing is important, so this method of sending messages takes more practice.
With both hands free or with the phone resting on a surface, you could use a slightly different method to tap messages. Holding the phone in one hand and tapping with the other, you'd tap the panel with your fingernail to send a dot, and with your whole fingertip to send a dash. Timing is much less important here, so this method will be easier for people to learn.
Receiving messages is less of an issue, since they'll arrive as text messages. The sending telephone will convert the tapped dots and dashes into alphanumeric messages to be sent via SMS or IP. The receiving telephone will display these in the usual way (an option to play messages via text to speech synthesis would be a nice add-on, and as mobile phones become more powerful, should be easy enough to do).
Hands-Free Mobile Phone Features
Incorporating a Morse Code key into the back of a telephone handset has other uses besides tapping text messages. One of the things this enables you to do is to make it easier to control a telephone in hands-free mode.
For example, you could design the phone so that it recognizes certain codes as keypad commands, primarily for deciding how to deal with incoming calls.
.. = answer call
... = send call to voice mail
.... = forward call to preprogrammed number
So while you're driving along, you could dispatch incoming calls as desired by tapping on the back of the handset, something you could do heads up, without taking your eyes off the road.
While this isn't Morse Code per se, it's the same idea, and it should be easy to train users to learn a handful of short two or three digit codes as in the example above. This is probably more realistic than training users to compose SMS messages in Morse, as anybody can memorize a handful of tap sequences.
Back to the Future
I'll admit this may seem like a bit dated, but even with a Treo 600, I find it difficult to type text messages. It seems to me that something like this is worth a try. The cost of embedding this in a handset should be pretty minimal compared to that of other features like digital cameras. You're basically talking about a small plate attached to a piezo-electric sensor, which is about as simple as it gets. Even better if you can make this work using a phone's existing microphone to sense taps.
Would people actually use this? I don't know. It's hard to tell what will catch on. I thought ringtones and camera phones were improbable at best, and now those are both billion dollar industries. If something like this makes it easier to use SMS, then my guess is that it will catch on, at least with a subset of users.
While the Morse Code application may not catch on outside a small group of power users, the idea of using Morse-like code to control a telephone in hands-free mode makes a lot of sense. Tap twice to answer a call while driving, three times to send it to voice mail, four times to forward the call to your secretary. That'll be easier that opening the phone and pushing a key while driving, and a heck of a lot safer.
linuxgeek
Rogue Scholar
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2004
- Posts
- 32,719
src
State Leaders Proclaim Amateur Radio Week
NEWINGTON, CT, June 29, 2005 -- Ham radio operators were honored in several states again this year in conjunction with Field Day weekend. The reports that follow are representative. Our thanks to all who helped spread the word in their states and communities before and during Field Day weekend.
In Connecticut...
Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut General Assembly presented two proclamations on the Saturday of Field Day, June 25. In her Official Statement, Governor Rell recognized and designated June 19-26 as Amateur Radio Week in the State of Connecticut. The document was presented by State Senator Billy Ciotto, and accepting the Governor's statement on behalf of the ARRL was CEO Dave Sumner, K1ZZ.
A companion piece was drafted by State Representatives Sandy Nafis, Tim O'Brien and Tony Guerrera, along with Senator Billy Ciotto. In it, the Connecticut General Assembly cited the Newington Amateur Radio League for its public service. Newington Mayor Tom McBride also presented the club with a Mayoral Proclamation in a ceremony at the NARL Field Day site. Accepting for the Newington club was Steve Ewald, WV1X.
There was also a new Field Day location in Connecticut this year: the lawn of the State Capitol in Hartford. Permission for the unusual Field Day station location was obtained, and the project turned over to Connecticut's Section Manager, Betsey Doane, K1EIC.
According to Doane, "We truly appreciate getting permission to do a section Field Day site at the Capitol. It allows us to truly demonstrate our capabilities to set up equipment just about anywhere in an emergency."--Allen Pitts, W1AGP
In Alabama...
On June 17, Alabama Governor Bob Riley signed a proclamation declaring Alabama Amateur Radio Week. Nine Alabama Amateur Radio operators were present during the signing of the proclamation in Montgomery. Alabama Assistant Section Manager for youth activities Rebekah Dorf, WG4Y; Angela Williams, WN4C; Montgomery Amateur Radio Club President Scott Poole, W4SPA; MARC Vice President Rick Seeders, KG4PNL; MARC Treasurer Dave Hyman, KG4YJK; MARC Secretary Tim Dixon, KG4MIQ; MARC Publicity Chair Shawn Thomas, KI4CSQ; Clay Redden, KC4YAU, and Alabama Section Manager Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, witnessed the signing.
We are excited that Alabama Amateur Radio Week was officially declared as June 20-26 2005. This visit was a great opportunity to meet and talk with the governor about Amateur Radio and a great way to kick off Amateur Radio Week and Field Day in Alabama.
For more information about Amateur Radio Week and Field Day visit the Alabama ARRL Home Page.--Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
In Tennessee...
Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen proclaimed June 19-25 as Amateur Radio Week in Tennessee. Section Manager Larry Marshall, WB4NCW, and State Government Liaison Ingrid Klose, KD4F, were on hand at the State Capitol June 17 as the Governor presented the Proclamation to the two ARRL volunteers.
State Leaders Proclaim Amateur Radio Week
NEWINGTON, CT, June 29, 2005 -- Ham radio operators were honored in several states again this year in conjunction with Field Day weekend. The reports that follow are representative. Our thanks to all who helped spread the word in their states and communities before and during Field Day weekend.
In Connecticut...
Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Connecticut General Assembly presented two proclamations on the Saturday of Field Day, June 25. In her Official Statement, Governor Rell recognized and designated June 19-26 as Amateur Radio Week in the State of Connecticut. The document was presented by State Senator Billy Ciotto, and accepting the Governor's statement on behalf of the ARRL was CEO Dave Sumner, K1ZZ.
A companion piece was drafted by State Representatives Sandy Nafis, Tim O'Brien and Tony Guerrera, along with Senator Billy Ciotto. In it, the Connecticut General Assembly cited the Newington Amateur Radio League for its public service. Newington Mayor Tom McBride also presented the club with a Mayoral Proclamation in a ceremony at the NARL Field Day site. Accepting for the Newington club was Steve Ewald, WV1X.
There was also a new Field Day location in Connecticut this year: the lawn of the State Capitol in Hartford. Permission for the unusual Field Day station location was obtained, and the project turned over to Connecticut's Section Manager, Betsey Doane, K1EIC.
According to Doane, "We truly appreciate getting permission to do a section Field Day site at the Capitol. It allows us to truly demonstrate our capabilities to set up equipment just about anywhere in an emergency."--Allen Pitts, W1AGP
In Alabama...
On June 17, Alabama Governor Bob Riley signed a proclamation declaring Alabama Amateur Radio Week. Nine Alabama Amateur Radio operators were present during the signing of the proclamation in Montgomery. Alabama Assistant Section Manager for youth activities Rebekah Dorf, WG4Y; Angela Williams, WN4C; Montgomery Amateur Radio Club President Scott Poole, W4SPA; MARC Vice President Rick Seeders, KG4PNL; MARC Treasurer Dave Hyman, KG4YJK; MARC Secretary Tim Dixon, KG4MIQ; MARC Publicity Chair Shawn Thomas, KI4CSQ; Clay Redden, KC4YAU, and Alabama Section Manager Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, witnessed the signing.
We are excited that Alabama Amateur Radio Week was officially declared as June 20-26 2005. This visit was a great opportunity to meet and talk with the governor about Amateur Radio and a great way to kick off Amateur Radio Week and Field Day in Alabama.
For more information about Amateur Radio Week and Field Day visit the Alabama ARRL Home Page.--Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
In Tennessee...
Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen proclaimed June 19-25 as Amateur Radio Week in Tennessee. Section Manager Larry Marshall, WB4NCW, and State Government Liaison Ingrid Klose, KD4F, were on hand at the State Capitol June 17 as the Governor presented the Proclamation to the two ARRL volunteers.
linuxgeek
Rogue Scholar
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2004
- Posts
- 32,719
src
http://www.arrl.org/news/images/WX4NHC-logo-200.gif http://www.arrl.org/news/images/HWN-logo.gif
"Dangerous Dennis" Keeps Hurricane Watch Net, WX4NHC Active
NEWINGTON, CT, July 8, 2005--The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) on 14.325 MHz and WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center remain active to gather ground-level weather data for forecasters as Hurricane Dennis approaches the US. The storm now is packing winds of nearly 145 MPH with higher gusts as it bears down on Cuba.
"Currently, Hurricane Dennis is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale and forecast to make landfall Friday evening somewhere along the southwest coast of Cuba," said HWN Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP. He says that with Dennis forecast to make landfall on Cuba late today, the net "plans to remain active as long as required."
Pilgrim said that based on current forecasts, the net likely would take a break Saturday, July 9, as Dennis moves into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, then reactivate the morning of Sunday, July 10, as the storm approaches the northern Gulf Coast later that day, "possibly as a very dangerous major hurricane."
At 1800 UTC, the center of Hurricane Dennis was some 125 miles southeast of Havana, Cuba, and some 190 miles south-southeast of Key West, Florida.
The storm is expected to continue moving toward the northwest at near 17 MPH. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some weakening of the storm as it moves over Cuba, but it's expected to remain a major hurricane as it emerges over the Straits of Florida and the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight. The National Hurricane Center says isolated tornadoes are possible over the Florida Keys and the southern Florida peninsula into Saturday, July 9.
Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, at WX4NHC, said he anticipates his volunteers to be busy through the weekend as well. Per usual, WX4NHC will be monitoring the Hurricane Watch Net. The NHC also will monitor EchoLink and IRLP via the WX_Talk Conference Room.
He said surface reports using the WX4NHC Hurricane Report Form will be monitored. Amateur weather enthusiasts and ON-NHC Volunteers may report directly to WX4NHC online.
"Please do not transmit unless you have an emergency or are requested to do so by net control," Ripoll advised, echoing an earlier request from HWN Assistant Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, who said the net will attempt to handle all communications within the capabilities of its members and will only ask for additional assistance when it's needed. Graves also pointed out that, while the net's mission is to provide weather-related information into and out of the storm area, the HWN does not handle health-and-welfare traffic.
"That traffic will be handled by the SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) net on 14.265 MHz, whenever activated, as well as via their Web site." The SATERN Web page includes a link for health-and-welfare inquiries.
HWN participants gather measured and observed ground-level storm data from the affected area and relay these to the volunteer-staffed WX4NHC to aid forecasters in determining a storm's behavior.
Dennis is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches or more that could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Storm surge flooding of 5 to 7 feet above normal tide levels--and perhaps twice as high along parts of Cuba's southern coast--and large and dangerous battering waves are likely in areas of onshore winds near the storm's center.
Graves says the HWN also will remain available to backup conventional lines of communication as needed. "Throughout this event, we remind everyone that we are also available to provide backup communication facilities to official agencies such as emergency operations centers and Red Cross officials in the affected area," he said. "We will also collect and report significant damage assessment data back to FEMA officials stationed in the National Hurricane Center."
Graves said the HWN may announce other frequencies set up by local emergency nets in affected areas. "Please monitor 14.325.00 MHz for that information as it is made available," he advised. He also said the net would announce storm-related advisories and updates as they become available from the National Hurricane Center.
The HWN Web site includes regularly updated forecasts and weather graphics. Visitors to the site also may subscribe to receive regular weather updates via e-mail.
http://www.hwn.org/
http://www.hwn.org/home/subscriptions.html
http://www.arrl.org/news/images/WX4NHC-logo-200.gif http://www.arrl.org/news/images/HWN-logo.gif
"Dangerous Dennis" Keeps Hurricane Watch Net, WX4NHC Active
NEWINGTON, CT, July 8, 2005--The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) on 14.325 MHz and WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center remain active to gather ground-level weather data for forecasters as Hurricane Dennis approaches the US. The storm now is packing winds of nearly 145 MPH with higher gusts as it bears down on Cuba.
"Currently, Hurricane Dennis is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale and forecast to make landfall Friday evening somewhere along the southwest coast of Cuba," said HWN Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP. He says that with Dennis forecast to make landfall on Cuba late today, the net "plans to remain active as long as required."
Pilgrim said that based on current forecasts, the net likely would take a break Saturday, July 9, as Dennis moves into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, then reactivate the morning of Sunday, July 10, as the storm approaches the northern Gulf Coast later that day, "possibly as a very dangerous major hurricane."
At 1800 UTC, the center of Hurricane Dennis was some 125 miles southeast of Havana, Cuba, and some 190 miles south-southeast of Key West, Florida.
The storm is expected to continue moving toward the northwest at near 17 MPH. The National Hurricane Center forecasts some weakening of the storm as it moves over Cuba, but it's expected to remain a major hurricane as it emerges over the Straits of Florida and the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight. The National Hurricane Center says isolated tornadoes are possible over the Florida Keys and the southern Florida peninsula into Saturday, July 9.
Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, at WX4NHC, said he anticipates his volunteers to be busy through the weekend as well. Per usual, WX4NHC will be monitoring the Hurricane Watch Net. The NHC also will monitor EchoLink and IRLP via the WX_Talk Conference Room.
He said surface reports using the WX4NHC Hurricane Report Form will be monitored. Amateur weather enthusiasts and ON-NHC Volunteers may report directly to WX4NHC online.
"Please do not transmit unless you have an emergency or are requested to do so by net control," Ripoll advised, echoing an earlier request from HWN Assistant Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, who said the net will attempt to handle all communications within the capabilities of its members and will only ask for additional assistance when it's needed. Graves also pointed out that, while the net's mission is to provide weather-related information into and out of the storm area, the HWN does not handle health-and-welfare traffic.
"That traffic will be handled by the SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) net on 14.265 MHz, whenever activated, as well as via their Web site." The SATERN Web page includes a link for health-and-welfare inquiries.
HWN participants gather measured and observed ground-level storm data from the affected area and relay these to the volunteer-staffed WX4NHC to aid forecasters in determining a storm's behavior.
Dennis is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches or more that could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Storm surge flooding of 5 to 7 feet above normal tide levels--and perhaps twice as high along parts of Cuba's southern coast--and large and dangerous battering waves are likely in areas of onshore winds near the storm's center.
Graves says the HWN also will remain available to backup conventional lines of communication as needed. "Throughout this event, we remind everyone that we are also available to provide backup communication facilities to official agencies such as emergency operations centers and Red Cross officials in the affected area," he said. "We will also collect and report significant damage assessment data back to FEMA officials stationed in the National Hurricane Center."
Graves said the HWN may announce other frequencies set up by local emergency nets in affected areas. "Please monitor 14.325.00 MHz for that information as it is made available," he advised. He also said the net would announce storm-related advisories and updates as they become available from the National Hurricane Center.
The HWN Web site includes regularly updated forecasts and weather graphics. Visitors to the site also may subscribe to receive regular weather updates via e-mail.
http://www.hwn.org/
http://www.hwn.org/home/subscriptions.html
mywifdigstriprz
Really Experienced
- Joined
- May 14, 2005
- Posts
- 232
I need to get my HAM. Half the agencies I work with are on UHF and half are on VHF I know a couple of guys that got their HAM so they could use Dual band portable radios to free up room on thier belt.
linuxgeek
Rogue Scholar
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2004
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Test for the tech is just the multiple choice test. As long as you remember basic electronics and can pick up common sense rules & regs fairly easily will likely be on the easy side. Do not need to meet the 5 words per min of morse code unless you want to go for the general class.
www.qrz.com had a section where you can practice test on line. www.arrl.org has a section where you can look up where tests are being given in your area.
www.qrz.com had a section where you can practice test on line. www.arrl.org has a section where you can look up where tests are being given in your area.