Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1861 - April 12 2013   
      
   The following is a QST.  Ham radio developed software is now a part of an   
   ongoing NASA solar observation mission; hams in Hawaii appear safe from a   
   new distracted driving law; Over the Horizon is back on the ham bands; the   
   Dayton Hamvention withdraws its 2013 Radio Amateur of the Year award and a   
   nice place for senior citizen hams to retire. Find out where on Amateur   
   Radio NewslineT report number 1861 coming your way right now.   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  AMSAT-DL TURBO CODE NOW ON NASA STEREO SPACECRAFT   
      
   Ham radio is now contributing directly to some vital space research.  This   
   with the announcement that Turbo Code software written by AMSAT-DL is now   
   in use on the twin NASA STEREO spacecraft.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm   
   Seeley, KI7UP, has the rest of the story:   
      
   --   
      
   According to AMSAT-Germany, on April 2, the two NASA STEREO space-based   
   solar observatories permanently switched to Turbo Code to transmit their   
   real-time space weather data back to Earth.  A network of four ground   
   stations, located at Germany, France, Japan and amateur radio station   
   DL0SHF in Germany receives the data, and uses software also written by   
   AMSAT-Germany to decode it.   
      
   The switch to Turbo Code has reportedly improved reception capabilities of   
   the ground stations by about 2 dB.  This is a very welcome improvement   
   given that the two STEREO spacecraft are currently 269 and 286 million   
   kilometers respectively away from Earth.   
      
   STEREO which stands for the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory is a   
   solar observation mission using two nearly identical spacecraft.  They   
   were launched in 2006 into orbits around the sun that cause them to   
   respectively pull farther ahead of and fall gradually behind the Earth.   
   This enables stereoscopic imaging of the Sun and other solar phenomena,   
   such as coronal mass ejections and the like.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'M Norm Seeley, KI7UP, in Scottsdale,   
   Arizona.   
      
   --   
      
   More on the NASA STEREO solar observatory mission is on the web at   
   tinyurl.com/stereo-in-space.  (AMSAT-DL)   
      
   **   
      
   PROPAGATION:  INCOMING SOLAR STORM MAY AFFECT RADIO TRANSMISSSIONS AFTER   
   APRIL 13   
      
   A strong M6-class solar flare has hurled a Cornal Mass Ejection or CME   
   toward Earth.  This after the magnetic field of sunspot AR1719 erupted at   
   0716 UT on April 11th.   
      
   Geomagnetic storms and high-latitude auroras were being predicted when the   
   fast-moving ionized cloud was to reach our planet, on April 13th.  Solar   
   forecasters believed that radio, television, satellite and other   
   communications would likely be affected for several days afterward.  Keep   
   an eye on spaceweather dot com for the latest updates.  (Spaceweather)   
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO:  HAMS ASSIST IN ARGENTINA FLOODING   
      
   Hams in Argentina are reported to be providing communications support in   
   response to the recent flooding to hit that nation.  A statement provided   
   by RAYNET-HF on April 6th said that High Frequency nets are currently   
   operating on 7 dot 070 MHz and 7 dot 120 MHz.  This is in addition to VHF   
   and UHF repeaters that are being kept on alert by the Radio Club La Plata   
   operating as LU8DZE.   There is also a lot of emergency communication   
   taking place through the Facebook Emergenciaslu Amateur group page that is   
   maintained by the Amateur Radio Emergency Service of Argentina.   
   (RAYNET-HF)   
      
   **   
      
   INTRUDER WATCH:  RUSSIAN AND IRANIAN OTH RADAR CAUSING INTERFERENCE ON HF   
      
   The dreaded sound of Over the Horizon Radar is again interfering with   
   communications on or near several ham radio bands.  Amateur Radio   
   Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is here with the details:   
      
   --   
      
   The latest Region One International Amateur Radio Union Monitoring System   
   newsletter reports a Russian Over the Horizon Radar has been transmitting   
   between 3.555 to 3.590 and 3.750 to 3.785 MHz.  The signal is always 35   
   kHz wide with its location believed to be in the area of Makhachkala, in   
   the Caspian Sea.   
      
   Amateur radio as well as many other services are being interfered with in   
   the evening hours by this annoying signal source.  A letter has been sent   
   to the Russian Radio Society -- the SRR -- asking for assistance in ending   
   the operation of this Radar system.   
      
   Meantime an Iran based Over the Horizon Radar has been interfering with   
   ham radio operations on the 10 meter band.  This Radar is on the air daily   
   on 28.000 to 29.700 MHz transmitting bursts that are 60 kHz wide.  The   
   splatter from the signal often covers spectrum 500 kHz or more in   
   bandwidth. The German Department of Post and Telecommunications has sent   
   an official complaint to its counterpart in Iran.   
      
   Lastly, the Dutch Datawell buoys are still operating illegally on 10   
   meters.  The Datawell Company was informed that the transmissions are   
   illegal by DK2OM and PA2GRU way back in March of 2012, but so far the   
   company has not responded and the interference continues.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, in the   
   newsroom in Los Angeles.   
      
   --   
      
   If you happen across signals in the ham radio bands that you know do not   
   belong there, please send a report to the Intruder Watch Coordinator for   
   the nation that you live in.  (IARU R-1 IARUMS Newsletter)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW:  HAWAII DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW EXEMPTS HAM RADIO   
      
   Some good news for hams in Hawaii.  A new distracted driving law making   
   its way through the state legislature contains a full exemption for  radio   
   amateurs.   
      
   Hawaii State Legislature House Bill 980 involving mobile electronics has   
   passed the Senate and has been transmitted back to the House.  Testimonies   
   by amateur radio operators have kept the exemption intact to allow hams to   
   operate their radio gear while driving.   
      
   This bill is expected to pass, as the State of Hawaii needs a state-level   
   cellular telephone law banning text messaging in order to receive Federal   
   highway safety funds.  It lost the funds in 2012 by not having such a law.   
      
   From here, the remaining steps are that a joint conference committee will   
   get together to work out the differences between the House and Senate   
   versions.  That whats called the CD1 draft and will have to be ratified in   
   both the Hawaii House and Senate, before finally being transmitted to the   
   Governor for signature.  The text of the new mweasure and any updates will   
   be available on-line on Ron Hashiro, AH6RH web page at   
   tinyurl.com/hawaii-cell-law,  (AH6RH)   
      
   **   
      
   HAMVENTION 2013:  HAMVENTION RESCINDS RADIO AMATEUR OF THE AWARD TO DL1BDF   
      
   The Dayton Amateur Radio Association, sponsor of the annual Dayton   
   Hamvention (R), has withdrawn its 2013 Radio Amateur of the Year Award.   
   Amateur Radio Newsline's Stephan Kinford, N8WB, is in near-by Wadsworth,   
   Ohio, with whats known so far:   
      
   --   
      
   In early March the Dayton Hamvention Awards Committee announced that it   
   had selected Captain Mustapha Landoulsi, DL1BDF, as its choice for 2013   
   Radio Amateur of the Year.  But on April 4th the Hamvention announced that   
   Landoulsi would not be getting the award after all.  In fact, this year,   
   nobody will.   
      
   The announcement of the decision to rescind the award came in a posting to   
   the Hamvention website and also distributed on the Hamvention's Yahoo   
   Groups remailer.  Both said and we quote:   
      
   "We have received conflicting information from credible sources regarding   
   the accuracy of the winning nomination. The General Chairman of Hamvention   
   this year, Charles Kaiser, received these reports and followed up to   
   verify their accuracy. Unfortunately these changes the way we score for   
   the Amateur of the Year award and since the competition was close with   
   other nominees the outcome would have been different. Based on all of this   
   research the decision has been made by the Hamvention General Chairman not   
   to award the Amateur of the Year for 2013."   
      
   Captain Landoulsi is a retired Lufthansa airline pilot, had been named   
   recipient of the award for his ongoing work in promoting and developing   
   amateur radio in the Middle East and for organizing delivery of emergency   
   medical equipment and medication to countries in Africa.  There was no   
   indication from the Hamvention or its Awards Committee as to the nature of   
   the "conflicting information" or any additional details regarding this   
   action.   
      
   In reply to our request for comment on the situation, Captain Landoulsi   
   responded in part that is not the awards cancellation that made him sad.   
   He notes that he already has a number of awards but that collecting awards   
   has not been his goal in life.  Rather giving to others and helping every   
   one he can is what his life is all about.  DL1BDF added that he will have   
   a more in depth statement for release shortly.   
      
   It should be noted that the decision by the Hamvention to rescind the   
   Radio Amateur of the Year Award will have no impact on this year's   
   Technical Achievement, Special Achievement and Radio Club of the Year   
   recipients.  These three awards will be presented as originally announced.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephan Kinford, N8WB, in Wadsworth,   
   Ohio.   
      
   --   
      
   This is the first time since the Radio Amateur of the Year Award was   
   created back in 1955 that it has been withdrawn after being announced.   
   And as far as we can determine, it's also the first time that this award   
   will not be presented.  (Dayton HamventionT, CQ, ARNewslineT, others)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAKING DX NEWS:  NCDXF ANNOUNCES MAJOR GRANT TO FT/Z AMSTERDAM ISLAND   
   DXPEDITION   
      
   The Northern California DX Foundation has announced a grant of $50,000 to   
   the upcoming FT stroke Z Amsterdam Island DXpedition currently planned for   
   January and  February of 2014.  This is the second largest grant in the   
   history of the Northern California DX Foundation history.  Amsterdam is   
   number 4 on the DX Magazine's Most Wanted List of rare DX locations for   
   2013.  Check www.amsterdamdx.org in the near future for more DXpedition   
   details.  (NCDXF)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO BUSINESS:  NEW YAESU FT-400DR DIGITAL DUAL BAND MOBILE   
      
   Big news in the world of digital VHF and UHF voice communications that the   
   Yaesu FTM-400DR dual band mobile transceiver has received FCC approval,   
   but when it will be available for sale is not known.   
      
   According to the Universal Radio website, the new 2 meter and 70   
   centimeter radio is power selectable at 50, 20 or 5 watts on either band,   
   features wide band receivers covering 108-470 and 800-999 MHz minus the   
   cellular band four scan modes and 500 memories per band and all the other   
   bells and whistles you would expect in a top of the line dual bander.  But   
   it's Kevin Sanders Amateur Radio and Scanning Blog adds that reveals the   
   most important aspect of this new rig.  That of it being capable of full   
   C4FM FDMA digital voice operation as well as conventional FM.  This means   
   it will be the base and mobile radio that will compliment Yaesu's long   
   waited FT1D digital voice hand-held.   
      
   How much will the FTM-400DR set you back?  At airtime there is no   
   manufacturers suggested price listed.  All the Universal Radio website   
   says is that the information shown is preliminary and may be subject to   
   change without notice or obligation.  You can take a look at the new Yaesu   
   offering at tinyurl.com/yaesu-digital-mobile.  A video of the radio taken   
   at last years Tokyo Hamfair can be seen at tinyurl.com/ftm400.   
   (ARNewslineT, Universal Radio, Kevin Sanders Sanders Amateur Radio and   
   Scanning Blog)   
      
   **   
      
   CALIFORNIA CB OPERATOR CITED FOR TALKING TO MUCH TO NOBODY   
      
      
   A California CB operator has been cited by the FCC for what amounts to   
   having been long winded while talking to nobody on 11 meter CB.  Here's   
   Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, with the details.   
      
   --   
      
   Talking to nobody on 11 meters but taking a long time to say it is the   
   crux of a Notice of Violation issued on March 12th to Joseph Loiacono who   
   lives in the Los Angeles suburb Lakewood.   
      
   According to the FCC, back on January 29th the FCC received a complaint of   
   interference to CB radio communications on 27.165 MHz.  In response agents   
   from the Los Angeles Office Enforcement Bureau T-hunted the signal and   
   determined that they were coming from an antenna at a residence owned by   
   Mr. Loiacono.   
      
   While monitoring the frequency the agents observed someone whom they   
   allege to have been Joseph Loiacono engaging in extended one-way   
   transmissions which resulted in intentional interference to other CB   
   stations.  Some of these transmissions the FCC says lasted up to twenty   
   minutes in length.   
      
   This in led to the FCC issuing the Notice of Violation seeking additional   
   information concerning the violations and any remedial actions that   
   Loiacono had since taken.  Specifically his response had to fully explain   
   each violation, including all relevant surrounding facts and   
   circumstances.  It was also was to contain a statement of the specific   
   actions he had so far taken to correct each violation and preclude any   
   recurrence.   
      
   But it did not end there.  In accordance with Section 1.16 of the Rules,   
   Loiacono was directed to support his response with an affidavit or   
   declaration made under penalty of perjury, verifying the truth and   
   accuracy of the information that he provided to the FCC.  He was also   
   warned that to knowingly and willfully make any false statement or conceal   
   any material fact in reply to the Notice of Violation was punishable by   
   fine or imprisonment under Title 18 of the U.S. Code.   
      
   Joseph Loiacono was given 20 days from the release of the Notice of   
   Violation to submit his written statement concerning this matter.    That   
   date is now past but at airtime it's not known what information he had in   
   his reply to the FCC.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, monitoring this   
   one from Los Angeles.   
      
   --   
      
   For what its worth, this is the first time in years if not decades that we   
   have heard of anyone on the 11 meter Citizens Band being issued a Notice   
   of Violation for making a one way transmission that was far to long.  In   
   fact its one of the few instances of any real enforcement action on 11   
   meters in a long, long time.  (FCC, CGC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: MOJAVE CA RESIDENT ISSUED WARNING AFTER FCC LOCATES AV   
   TRANSMITTER INTERFERING WITH NASA TELEMETRY   
      
   The FCC has issued a Notice of Unlicensed Operation of an audio-visual   
   transmitter used in the home of a Southern California resident.  This   
   after receiving a complaint from NASA that it was receiving interference   
   to a telemetry receive site from radio transmissions centering on 2390   
   MHz.   
      
   In its March 26th release the FCC said that its investigators from the Los   
   Angeles office used direction finding to locate the interfering device at   
   the home of Julius Magos in the city of Mojave, California.  This is not   
   far from the NASA receive site.  The FCC says that when the power was   
   disconnected from the transmitter, the interference to the NASA telemetry   
   operations ceased.   
      
   Now in issuing Magos the Notice of Unlicensed Operation the FCC says that   
   its records show that no license was issued for operation of a transmitter   
   on 2390 MHz from his home location.  As such operation of the device must   
   cease immediately.   
      
   Magos was also warned that operation of radio transmitting equipment   
   without a valid FCC authorization constitutes a violation of the Federal   
   laws and could subject the operator to severe penalties.  These include   
   but are not limited to a substantial monetary forfeitures, seizure the   
   offending radio equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.   
   Magos was also told that the FCC will determine what if any further   
   enforcement action is required to ensure his compliance with the agency's   
   rules.  (FCC, CGC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT:  FM TRANSLATOR FINED FOR INTERFERING WITH AVIATION COMMS   
      
   The FCC has reaffirmed a $4,000 Notice of Apparent Liability issued   
   against Playa Del Sol Broadcasters which is the licensee of FM translator   
   K238AK in Palm Desert, California.  The commission said the translator   
   that operates on 109.5 MHz interfered with the VHF aviation band   
   communications three times in 2008 resulting from the broadcaster's   
   failure to properly attenuate the translator emissions.  Interfered with   
   specifically was Riverside California County sheriff's helicopter   
   communications,   
      
   Playa Del Sol uses the translator to re-transmit KRCK- FM in Mecca,   
   California.  The broadcaster didn't dispute the facts, but argued it   
   shouldn't be fined because its violation was not intentional.  But the   
   commission backed up the Enforcement Bureau findings.  It said even though   
   Playa Del Sol didn't intend to break the law, it still did.  It also gave   
   Playa Del Sol Broadcasters the customary 30 days from the date of its   
   decision to pay the $4000 fine.  (FCC, RW)   
      
   **   
      
   CRIME AGAINST HAM RADIO:  NAURYZ DX CONTEST SITE HACKED   
      
   The Nauryz DX Contest website owned by the Kazakhstan Amateur Radio Club   
   was hacked the morning of April 9th.  According to the Southgate news,   
   vistors to the site were treated to a picture of a warrior with a   
   scrolling text telling that said "Admin I hacked your site."   
      
   Laying claim to the hacking was made by a group called "Team Haxorsistz"   
   and "Bl4CK System".  It followed the deadline of log submissions to the   
   contest committee by Sunday April 7th.   
      
   The hackers say that all information was retained.  By late in the day a   
   visit to the site showed that it had been restored.  (G0SFJ, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO HAPPENINGS:  HIGH SCHOOL RADIO DAY - APRIL 24   
      
   High school radio stations in the United States will come together April   
   24 for High School Radio Day 2013.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Skeeter Nash,   
   N5ASH, reports:   
      
   --   
      
   Following the inaugural event last May, a website has been created at   
   www.highschoolradioday.com to publicize the activities planned by   
   participating stations. The day's activities will include live broadcasts   
   from different high school stations around the country streamed on the   
   High School Radio Day website. There also will be links to station streams   
   and schools can register with a link to their own station website.   
      
   High School Radio Day was created following the successful launch of   
   College Radio Day in October of 2011. Founder Pete Bowers, the station   
   manager of WBFH-FM in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan decided to hold High   
   School Radio Day last year on May 16th because it is the anniversary of   
   the first U.S. high school radio station WNAS-FM in Albany, New York's   
   inaugural broadcast in 1949.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Skeeter Nash, N5ASH   
      
   --   
      
   Organizers of High School Radio Day 2013 hope that this gathering will   
   raise the profile of the limited number of high school radio stations   
   still broadcasting in the United States.  (RW)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS:  WEBINAR RECORDING FIRST TRANS ATLANTIC SHORTWAVE MESSAGE   
   NOW ON LINE   
      
   A Webinar archive presentation surrounding the story of the first   
   trans-Atlantic short wave message which involved several Radio Club of   
   America members and station 1BCG is now available for viewing on-line.  To   
   access the recording, take your web browser to   
   tinyurl.com/rca-atlantic-message and click on the title The First Top Band   
   DX Contest - the 1921 Transatlantic Test by Frank Donovan W3LPL.  This   
   Webinar recording is being hosted at the website of the World Wide Radio   
   Operators Foundation.  (RCA)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS:  2013 MARCONI PRIZE TO BE AWARDED TO HANDLELD PHONE   
   DEVELOPER MARTIN COOPER   
   The Marconi Society has announced that wireless visionary and entrepreneur   
   Martin Cooper is the recipient of the 2013 Marconi Prize.  Cooper is   
   credited with developing and popularizing the concept of the handheld   
   mobile phone. He led the team that put Motorola at the forefront of a new   
   industry and in the process, he helped reshape and point the global   
   telecommunications industry in a new direction.   
      
   Martin Cooper will receive the $100,000 Marconi Prize at an awards dinner   
   in his honor being held on October 1st in Bologna, Italy.  He also will   
   deliver the keynote address for a three-day conference preceding the   
   awards gala, jointly sponsored by the Marconi Institute for Creativity and   
   the Marconi Society   
   The Marconi Prize is considered the pinnacle honor in the field of   
   communication and information science.  (Published News Reports)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO IN SPACE:  SPACELAB II PROPOSED BEYOND THE MOON   
      
   NASA has propose a concept for a deep space station that has been dubbed   
   Skylab 2.  It placing such a station on-orbit at the Earth/Moon L2 point   
   in space.  Here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, with the   
   details:   
      
   --   
      
   According to Space.com, the Skylab 2 concept would consist of a   
   single-piece habitat based on the Space Launch System's upper-stage   
   hydrogen tank. The resulting space station would be the equivalent of a   
   two-story house.  That would be enough to accommodate a crew of four   
   astronauts and several years of provisions with comfort. Solar arrays,   
   radiators, and a module that contains equipment for assembly, repair, and   
   propellant transfer would be attached.   
      
   The advantage over using International Space Station modules is that in   
   the latter case, some assembly would be required. Skylab 2 would be ready   
   for occupancy by a four-person crew launched separately in an Orion   
   Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.   
      
   The news that NASA was considering using the Space Launch System heavy   
   lift launcher to deploy a deep space station 38,000 miles beyond the   
   moon's far side, was first reported in the Orlando Sentinel in September.   
   Such a space station would be human tended, hosting crews for weeks and   
   then months at a time.  It would serve as a way station for expeditions   
   into deep space or back to the lunar surface. Astronauts on the deep space   
   station could remotely operate radio controlled robots on the lunar   
   surface and would study the effects of deep space, which includes   
   microgravity and radiation, on the human body.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, in Zion, Illinois   
      
   --   
      
   L Points also known as Lagrange points, are the five positions in an   
   orbital configuration where a small object affected only by gravity can   
   theoretically be part of a constant-shape pattern with two larger objects   
   such as a satellite with respect to the Earth and Moon.  The Lagrange   
   points mark positions where the combined gravitational pull of the two   
   large masses provides precisely the centripetal force required to orbit   
   with them.  (NASA, Published News Reports)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT:  CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CLASS CW   
   OPERATORS CLUB   
      
   To commemorate their 75th anniversary of the First Class CW Operators Club   
   this coming May the organization is holding a month-long on-air event   
   featuring more than 20 special FOC suffix calls.  This will include   
   GB75FOC which is a special anniversary callsign for their club station.   
      
   There will also be other FOC callsigns operating from the USA and Canada   
   as well as some exotic locations such as VQ9, HZ1 and 5T.  Stations will   
   gain points for contacting any First Class CW Operators  Club member and a   
   certificate will be presented to stations who reach certain point levels.   
      
   Founded in 1938 with its roots, history and management in the United   
   Kingdom, the First Class CW Operators' Club promotes good CW operating,   
   Morse activity, friendship and socializing via its worldwide membership of   
   approximately 500.  Complete details of the group and this event is   
   on-line at tinyurl.com/first-class-morse.  (Via e-mail)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT:  BBC WORLD SERVICE REDUCES SHORTWAVE BROADCASTS   
      
   A new schedule with reduced shortwave transmissions began on the BBC World   
   Service on April 1st.  As part of the change shortwave and medium wave   
   transmissions in the English language will be reduced by a minimum of 6   
   hours each day.  Also shortwave Arabic language broadcasts ceased   
   complexly.  You can read the full schedule change announcement at   
   tinyurl.com/BBC-World-English.  (Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT:  BBC WORLD SERVICE OVER TO YOU ON CHINESE JAMMING   
      
   The BBC World Service program Over To You has presented a program that   
   explores the way that the stations shortwave transmissions are being   
   affected by jamming in parts of Asia.  This is the result of an e-mail   
   from a listener in West Bengal who was having problems listening to the   
   service.   
      
   With the help of the World Service's head of business development, the   
   show discovers how jamming of its shortwave transmissions inside China is   
   spilling over into neighboring countries.  It also explores what the BBC   
   can do to remedy the situation through various international   
   organizations.  You can hear the program on-line at   
   tinyurl.com/bbc-against-jamming.  (Southgate, BBC)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT:  TWO RADIO STATIONS ATTACKED IN GUINEA   
      
   A journalists' association in Guinea says that two privately-owned radio   
   stations have been attacked, as political tensions rise before Guinea's   
   legislative elections on May 12.  The Union of Free Radio and Television   
   of Guinea says Renaissance FM and the Planet FM were both shot at when   
   Faya Millimo who is the leader of the opposition Liberal Bloc was being   
   interviewed.  Also, two civilians and one police officer have been killed   
   in a series of anti-government demonstrations that rocked Guinea's capital   
   in recent weeks.  (UFR via Facebook)   
      
   **   
      
      
   WORLDBEAT:  ALGERIAN AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY   
      
   The Algerian Amateur Radio Association recently celebrated its fiftieth   
   anniversary.   
      
   The current president of the association is Afif Benlagha, 7X2RO.  During   
   a press conference held to mark this anniversary he recalled the various   
   stages the association went through since its creation on March 23, 1963.   
      
   Also present at the event was International Amateur Radio Union, Region 1   
   president Hans Blondeel Timmerman whose call is PB2T.  Timmerman   
   highlighted Algerian expertise in this area of communications.  (Algeria   
   Press Service)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR:  CS250CLE CELEBRATES THE BELL TOWER OF CLERIGOS CHURCH   
      
   On the air, word that Portuguese amateurs will be operating through the   
   end of the year with the call CS250CLE.  This to celebrate the 250th   
   anniversary of the final construction of the Torre dos Clerigos bell tower   
   of the Church of Clerigos.  Since its completion the tower has overlooked   
   the city of Porto as the highest bell tower in Portugal.  If you contact   
   CS250CLE please QSL via CS5RPT.  (DXNL)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR:  FRENCH CW SOCIETY - SPECIAL EVENT   
      
   Look for special event callsign TM28UFT to be active during the 28th   
   annual meeting of the French CW Society which will be held in Panazol   
   Center, France, through April 21st.  Activity will be on the HF bands and   
   possibly others for this Morse only operation.  The QSL Manager is F9IE.   
   More information is on-line at www.uft.net. (UFT.net)   
      
   **   
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, GM0OBX will be running the special event call of GB1PC during April   
   from Stirling and District Amateur Radio Society in the United Kingdom.   
   This to celebrate the new Police Service of Scotland.  Please QSL to   
   GM0OBX either direct or via the bureau.   
      
   LY5A will be on the air as LY23A until through April 23rd to celebrate the   
   anniversary of the restoration of Lithuanian independence.  No times or   
   frequencies have been announced.  If you work him QSL via LY5A.   
      
   IK2GZU will be in the southern region of Tanzania through May 8th working   
   on electrical installations of the local hospital and orphanage.  He hopes   
   to find time to erect a 3 element yagi and operate as 5H3MB.  If you make   
   contact please QSL via his home call.   
      
   SN0MD to be active in celebration Poland's 40th Debno marathon.  Operation   
   of this station continues through April 22nd.  QSL via SP1PNW.   
      
   Lastly, RW3AH is currently on the air from Egypt as SU9AF.  He's   
   reportedly operational on all of the HF bands.  QSl via UA3DX .   
      
   (Above from various DX sources)   
      
   **   
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM: RETIREMENT PROPERTIES INSTALLS HAM RADIO SHACKS   
      
   And finally this week the story of some retirement villages that not only   
   approve of ham radio, but they even provide places from where residents   
   can get on the air.  Here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramovich,   
   NT3V, with the details:   
      
   --   
      
   The Marshalltown, Iowa, Times-Republican newspaper reports that 81 year   
   old Tom Morgan, W4UTK, has use of three operating ham radio stations   
   complete with a 500-watt amplifier in a comfortable ham shack at the   
   Embers Retirement Community.   
      
   The location and equipment were all made possible by Brad Lee, W0VFT, of   
   Phoenix, Arizona.  Lee is identified as the CEO of Trilogy-Embers.  That's   
   the company that owns Embers and a number of other retirement centers in   
   the United States.   
      
   Embers Executive Director is Vicki Bogner.  She is quoted as saying that   
   Brad Lee picked up interest in short-wave from his father whom his QRZ dot   
   com page as the late C. W. "Lee", and the first holder of the W0VFT   
   callsign.   
      
   She went on to say that Brad Lee began by installing ham shacks for   
   residents in his Phoenix area properties.  This after he learned some had   
   been ham operators in their own homes but had given up the hobby after   
   moving in to one of the Embers properties.   
      
   The full story is on the web at tinyurl.com/retirement-ham-shack.  We say   
   this is a great way to support the senior citizens of ham radio who have   
   contributed so much to this nation and to the hobby.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in   
   Philadelphia.   
      
   --   
      
   The Times-Republican story notes that Marshalltown resident Tom Morgan,   
   W4UTK, has been a ham radio enthusiast much of his life.  Also that he   
   knew he wanted to become an electrical engineer by the time he was age 12.   
    (Southgate, Times-Republican)   
      
   **   
      
   NEWSCAST CLOSE   
      
   With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ   
   Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the   
   RSGB, the Southgate News, TWiT-TV and Australia's WIA News, that's all   
   from the Amateur Radio NewslineT.  Our e-mail address is newsline (at)   
   arnewsline (dot) org.  More information is available at Amateur Radio   
   Newsline'sT only official website located at www.arnewsline.org.  You can   
   also write to us or support us at Amateur Radio NewslineT, 28197 Robin   
   Avenue, Santa Clarita California, 91350   
      
   A reminder that the nominating period for the 2013 Amateur Radio Newsline   
   Young Ham of the Year Award is now open.  Full details and a nominating   
   form are on our website at www.arnewsline.org/yhoty.   
      
   For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Bon   
   Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Southern Mississippi, saying 73 and we thank you for   
   listening.   
      
   Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2013.  All rights reserved.   
      
   ------------------------------------   
      
      
            R\%/itt, K5RXT   
      
      
   --- GoldED+/W32 1.1.5-31012   
    * Origin: Texas Lone-Star - Texan, American, USAian  (1:387/22)