Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1872 - June 28 2013   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1872 with a release date of June 28 2013   
   to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.   
      
   The following is a QST. Rules change sought to allow encrypted ham radio   
   communications in limited instances; the Consumer Electronics Association is   
   forming a standards group to reduce distracted driving; 5 MHz privileges   
   come to Samoa; ARES responds to Alberta Canada flooding; FCC sets RF   
   exposure comment deadline and Amateur Radio Newsline announces its 2013   
   Young Ham of the Year. All this and more on Amateur Radio Newsline(tm)   
   report number 1872 coming your way right now.   
      
      
   (Billboard Cart Here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: RULES CHANGE SOUGHT TO PERMIT ENCRYPTION OF SENSITIVE HAM RADIO   
   EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS   
      
   The FCC is inviting public comments on a proposal from a Massachusetts ham to   
   amend the Part 97 Amateur Service rules. This to permit the encryption of   
   certain amateur communications during emergency operations or related   
   training exercises. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has the   
   details:   
      
   --   
      
   On June 7 the FCC accepted for filing a Petition for Rulemaking from Don   
   Rolph, AB1PH, designated as RM-11699 and put it on public notice. In it   
   Rolph suggests that an additional exception to Part 97.113 be made to permit   
   encrypted communications when hams are participating in emergency services   
   operations or related training exercises which may involve information   
   covered by medical privacy requirements or other sensitive data. This could   
   include logistical information concerning medical supplies, personnel   
   movement or any other data designated by Federal authorities managing relief   
   or training efforts.   
      
   As you are likely aware, FCC rule 97.113 right now prohibits hams from   
   transmitting messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.   
   Rolph rule making petition says that this restriction has impacted the   
   relationship of amateur radio volunteers and served agencies. Also that it   
   has significantly limited the effectiveness of amateurs in supporting   
   emergency communications where secured communications is required.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.   
      
   --   
      
   In making his request Rolph notes that there already exists precedent for   
   this exemption. He notes that Part 97 already relaxes its encryption   
   prohibitions with respect to satellite control link communications and model   
   craft radio control. The deadline for filing comments on RM-11699 is July   
   8th. (FCC, ARRL Letter)   
      
   **   
      
   FCC NEWS: FCC SETS RF EXPOSURE REASSESSMENT COMMENTS DEADLINES   
      
   Ham radio operators and other interested parties have until September 3rd to   
   file comments on an FCC proceeding to reassess the limits and policies   
   governing exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. As previously   
   reported, the FCC released a First Report and Order, Further Notice of   
   Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry in ET dockets 13-84 and 03-137 on   
   March 27. They were published in the Federal Register June 4 starting the   
   clock on the commentary period.   
      
   While the FCC proposals do not alter existing RF exposure limits, they do   
   call for the elimination of existing special evaluation ham radio exemptions   
   as outlined in Section 97.13(c) of the Commission's rules.   
   According to the ARRL Letter, the league plans to submit comments this issue   
   over summer.   
      
   The Commission will also accept reply comments filed after September 3rd and   
   continuing through November 1st. Other minor rules changes adopted in the   
   Report and Order section of the document take effect on August 5th. (FCC,   
   ARRL)   
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO: ARES STANDS DOWN AFTER ALBERTA CANADA FLOODING   
      
   Amateur Radio Emergency Service operations in the Canadian province of   
   Alberta stood down on Monday, June 24th. This after being called out   
   several days earlier when severe flooding hit that area.   
      
   According to a news release by Curtis Bidulock, VE6AEW, ARES will remain on   
   standby alert during the recovery process in the event of a communication   
   failure. Also, a temporary link put in place between the provincial linking   
   system and the VE6HAT repeater will remain in place until recovery   
   operations are complete.   
      
   During the height of the callout, VE2MBS reported that emergency nets were   
   operational on 7.135 and 3.675 MHz in support of communications for the   
   floods. Unfortunately both suffered some level of interference from Field   
   Day stations that were unaware of their operation.   
      
   Alberta Premier Alison Redford has promised that the province will help flood   
   victims put their lives back together and provide financial aid to   
   communities that need to rebuild. (VE6AEW, VE2MBS, RAC)   
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO: CALIFORNIA CITY EMPHASIZES HAM RADIO INVOLVEMENT IN TORNADO   
   DRILL   
      
   Officials in the city of Roseville, California, are so aware of the   
   importance of amateur radio for emergency communications that the ham   
   community was invited to be a part of a recent emergency preparedness drill.   
      
      
   According to news reports a dozen agencies gathered in Placer County on   
   Tuesday, June 11th for a mock tornado drill. The exercise emphasized   
   skilled and reliable communication and because of this the city brought in a   
   group of local hams from the Placer County Amateur Radio Services to assist.   
      
      
   It was noted that amateur radio was a tool used during and after the recent   
   tornadoes in Oklahoma. Roseville city officials say an F-3 tornado hit the   
   Sacramento Valley in the last 50 years, so the potential for a large natural   
   disaster of that sort remains. More is on-line at   
   tinyurl.com/roseville-tornado-drill. (Published news reports)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO SAFETY: CEA FORMING STANDARDS GROUP TO TACKLE DISTRACTED DRIVING   
      
   The Consumer Electronics Association is forming a standards group to reduce   
   distracted driving that results from the use of consumer electronic products   
   in a mobile environment.   
      
   The Associations Portable, Handheld and In-Vehicle Electronics Committee   
   recently approved the formation of the Driver Device Interface Working   
   Group. It will provide recommendations on portable and handheld devices, as   
   well as other consumer electronics products used in private and commercial   
   vehicles, boats and aircraft.   
      
   Whether or not a representative of the amateur radio community will be   
   invited to serve on this committee or how its findings might affect the   
   future design of portable and mobile ham radio gear are both unknown as we   
   go to air. You can read more on line at   
   tinyurl.com/distracted-driving-committee (RW)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: RESIDENT OPERATOR GRANTED 5 MHZ OPERATING PRIVILEGES ON SAMOA   
      
   Atsuo Sakuma, 5W1SA, has become the first resident operator on the island of   
   Samoa to be issued special permission to operate 5 MHz. This as the Samoan   
   Office of The Regulator says that he can operate from 5.250 to 5.450 MHz.   
   Although 60 meter operating permits have been available to visitors since   
   2011, these had generally been the 5 United States allocated channels only.   
   (G4MWO)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE: MOONBOUNCE FROM RWANDA THROUGH JULY 7   
      
   Several sources are reporting that DL2NUD and PE1L will be involved in an   
   Moonbounce operation from Rwanda through July 7th. Their main interest will   
   be for EME contacts on the 144, 432, 1296 and 2304 MHz bands. The team also   
   expects to be on the High Frequency bands and 6 meters as well. The   
   callsigns mentioned for this operation are 9X0EME, 9X0HP, 9X0L and 9X0MB.   
   QSL all via PE1L. For more information and updates keep an eye on   
   www.emelogger.com/rwanda. (Various)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAKING DX NEWS: 6 METER ONLY OPERATION FROM SOUTH KOREA   
      
   Some breaking news courtesy of the Ohio Penn DX newsletter. Look for 17   
   operators to be active as 6M6M from South Korea through July 31st. As you   
   might have guessed from their callsign this will be a 6 meter only operation   
   with four high power stations using yagis and quad antennas. Modes   
   mentioned include CW, SSB, FM, several digital and even good old AM. They   
   will operate mainly from the Korean mainland, but there is the possibility   
   of a trip to several Islands on the Air groups. QSL this special operation   
   via HL2UVH and we will have more DX news later on in this weeks report.   
   (OPDX)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 1   
      
   From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard   
   on bulletin stations around the world including the W3UU repeater serving   
   Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.   
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   HAM HONORS: ARNEWSLINE NAMES PADRAIG LYSANDROU, KC9UUS AS 2013 YOUNG HAM OF   
   THE YEAR   
      
   A sixteen year old Extra class amateur from Bloomington, Indiana, has been   
   selected as the 2013 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year. Mark   
   Abramowicz, NT3V, is here with the details:   
      
   --   
      
   "I'm not sure what to think. I'm happy."   
      
   And that's how it sounded when Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS, heard the news he   
   had been selected the Young Ham of the Year.   
      
   He conceded he heard what he called rumors that he was being nominated for   
   something, but it didn't sink in until getting the call from our Newsline   
   headquarters that he might be recognized for his achievements.   
      
   Lysandrou was born in Illinois, but has family in Cyprus.   
      
   He says his interest in ham radio was actually sparked by his mom, Carolyn,   
   KC9URR, who was a pretty serious shortwave radio listener.   
      
   His father, is Plato. And, he has two sisters, Helena, who's 17, and Maria,   
   14.   
      
   "When I was little, I used to collect stamps," Lysandrou recalls. "And, so my   
   mom would show me all the letters and all the stuff that she got back from   
   shortwave stations - all these intricate stamps.   
      
   "And, so I saw those and I wanted to get interested in radio. I got into   
   shortwave. And, then the interest grew bigger and it wasn't just about   
   stamps anymore. And, so, I got interested in ham. I contacted Neil Rapp at   
   my high school and I joined the club."   
      
   Neil Rapp is WB9VPG, who teaches chemistry at Bloomington High School South   
   and met Padraig in class.   
      
   It was Rapp who invited him to join the school's amateur radio club.   
      
   Rapp, co-nominated Padraig for the Amateur Radio Newsline award along with   
   Dr. Scott Wright, K0MD, who has taken part in DX operations from Turks and   
   Caicos, Chile, and China.   
      
   It was Rapp who introduced Lysandrou to a whole new world. And, Lysandrou,   
   who just turned 16, says it didn't take him long to climb the license   
   ladder.   
      
   "I got all three licenses within three months and then I become president of   
   my amateur radio club at school," Lysandrou says.   
      
   His Technician was earned in October 2011, General in December 2011, and   
   Extra in January 2012.   
      
   Lysandrou says participation in the School Club Round-up and a program on the   
   Peter Island DXpedition really sparked his interest in DX.   
      
   "I decided to lead my own little expedition - DXpedition to Cyprus,"   
   Lysandrou says. "I brought a Buddipole, which you can change for the bands.   
   But, I generally just use it on 20 meters.   
      
   "I brought a Yaseu FT-897, and some coax, step-down transformer, batteries,   
   the whole shebang. And, my mom and I transmitted in Cyprus and then I   
   decided it would be cool to write an article for QST."   
      
   That was last summer and the article, 'A Crazy Idea, a DXpedition to Cyprus,'   
   was accepted and published as the QST cover story in the past May's edition.   
      
   "I transmitted on two different mountain regions," Lysandrou says. "I   
   transmitted on a couple different beaches, I transmitted in hotels, yes. I   
   transmitted on the top of this house by the beach that someone let us   
   borrow.   
      
   "I transmitted really anywhere I could and I seemed to get pretty good   
   propogation."   
      
   So, what did Lynsandrou set out to do with this 5B DXpedition? Contacts from   
   the other side of the world and fun!   
      
   "I got people from England all the way through Scandinavia, to Russia, all   
   the way down to Bulgaria and Dubai," Lysandrou recalls. "So, I tried to talk   
   as much as possible and meet new people. So, I took it slow, I didn't try to   
   get a million contacts."   
      
   He estimates it was slightly more than a hundred, actually, and his mom was   
   making some as well.   
      
   Word of his DXpedition spread before the article was published and Lysandrou   
   says he was invited to be a presenter at the Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum   
   this past May run by Carole Perry WB2MGP.   
      
   "To meet other 16-year-olds who are Extras and who read my article and are   
   really excited to meet me is also really cool," Lysandrou says. "I'm sort of   
   a role model and I would like to continue to be one."   
      
   Lysandrou was selected by Indiana Section Manager Lou Everett, WA5LOU as an   
   assistant section manager for youth.   
      
   His interests vary from 4-H to electronics, from music to robotics.   
      
   And, yes, he's even played in Carnegie Hall.   
      
   But back home in Indiana...   
      
   "I've been designing circuits and messing around with a bunch of high-voltage   
   circuits and transformer drivers and all sorts of stuff that fuel my   
   interest between amateur radio, electronics and chemistry," Lysandrou says.   
      
   It was an easy selection for the judges.   
      
   We here at Amateur Radio Newsline are proud to have Padraig Lysandrou,   
   KC9UUS, join our distinguished honor roll as the 2013 Young Ham of the Year.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in Philadelphia.   
      
   --   
      
   Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS, will receive the Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham   
   of the Year Award at a ceremony to be held in his honor on Saturday, August   
   17th, at the Huntsville Hamfest in Huntsville, Alabama. The Young Ham of   
   the Year Award was created by the Amateur Radio Newsline with corporate   
   sponsorship from Yaesu USA, CQ Publishing and Heil Sound. (ARNewsline(tm))   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO ACCIDENTS: KVTK AM LOOSES TOWER IN MOWING ACCIDENT   
      
   Listeners to KVTK-AM of Yankton, South Dakota, were recently without the   
   station for a few days. This is because an accident caused the stations   
   broadcast tower to fall to the ground.   
      
   The tower, which was 309 feet tall, was situated in the middle of what was   
   described as a small, grassy field located about five miles west of the town   
   of Vermillion. Reportedly, a man cutting the grass Monday afternoon June   
   10th clipped one of the tower's guy-wires, causing it to collapse shortly   
   after 4 p.m. local time.   
      
   Engineers and other staffers of Five Star Communications, which also owns   
   KVHT-FM, reportedly worked quickly to find the best way to begin   
   broadcasting again after their tower collapsed. According to press reports   
   the station was back in operation from a temporary site on Friday, June   
   14th.   
      
   A small building located a short distance from the tower's base was not   
   damaged, as the collapsing metal snaked its way around the structure without   
   striking it. Thankfully, no one was injured in the mishap. (RW, All Access   
   Music)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO BUSINESS: SINCLAIR BUYS DIELECTRIC   
      
   Some good news for United States broadcaster's concerned about service to   
   their Dielectric brand broadcast towers and antennas. This with word that   
   the Sinclair Broadcast Group has announced the purchased of Dielectric from   
   SPX Corporation.   
      
   According to Sinclair President and CEO David Smith, Dielectric has supplied   
   more than two-thirds of the TV industry's high power antennas and its name   
   is synonymous with expert engineering and quality products. Smith added   
   that should a spectrum repack occurs; Dielectric will be there to support   
   that effort.   
      
   Gary Cavell is with the technical consulting firm Cavell Mertz. He says that   
   the anticipated upcoming repack of broadcast outlets in the face of spectrum   
   reallocation to broadband might prove to be impossible to accomplish in a   
   three year period without Dielectric. (RW)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: G4HYG RELEASES NEW APRS MESSENGER ANDROID APP   
      
   Chris Moulding, G4HYG, says that he has just released a new APRS app for   
   Android phones and tablets. This so that radio amateurs can send APRS   
   position beacons and messages from an Android equipped phone or tablet over   
   a 3G or Wi-Fi link to the APRS-IS internet system. It can also link by   
   Bluetooth to the new Bluetooth version of the APRS TNC Digi Tracker.   
      
   G4HYG notes that there is a small charge for the app to help pay for the   
   development tool licensing fee. More information on the web at   
   tinyurl.com/aprs-android-app. (G4HYG)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: PATRICK STODDARD, WD9EWK, NAMED AMSAT'S DIRECTOR OF FIELD   
   OPERATIONS   
      
   Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, has been named as AMSAT's new Director of Field   
   Operations. In his new capacity, Stoddard is responsible for managing   
   AMSAT's corps of Area Coordinators who represent AMSAT in their local areas.   
      
      
   For those not aware, Area Coordinators serve as the "Ambassadors of AMSAT."   
   Their responsibilities include such activities as manning an AMSAT booth at   
   hamfests, giving local or regional club presentations on AMSAT and satellite   
   operations. They also serve as "Elmers" to those looking for information   
   about operating through satellites. Area Coordinators are also known to   
   establish local nets and assist with Field Day satellite activities. (ANS)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 2   
      
   This is ham radio news for today's radio amateur. From the United States of   
   America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our   
   only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the   
   volunteer services of the following radio amateur:   
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
   **   
      
   THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: ARNEWSLINE ANCHOR DON CARLSON, KQ6FM - S.K.   
      
   It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of Amateur Radio Newsline   
   anchor and reporter Don Carlson, KQ6FM on Friday morning, June 21st from   
   complications to Pancreatic Cancer.   
      
   A lifelong broadcaster by profession, during his career Don, at times using   
   the stage name Don Murray, worked at numerous radio stations throughout   
   California and Nevada. His favorite jobs were hosting oldies Rock and Roll   
   or jazz shows.   
      
   Don also owned a voice talent company called The Voice Shop. From there he   
   provided commercials and other announcements for numerous radio and   
   television stations across the United States. This included several national   
   spots about ham radio that he produced for the ARRL.   
      
   In the world of ham radio Don's activities included ARRL appointments in   
   California, Nevada and at the national level. In Nevada he served as   
   District Emergency Coordinator for the North West District, Assistant   
   Section Emergency Coordinator, Section Emergency Coordinator, and Public   
   Information Coordinator. His most recent position was as Assistant Section   
   Manager.   
      
   KQ6FM was also a member of the ARRL's National Public Relations Committee.   
   There one of his greatest achievements was helping to create the Public   
   Information Officers Swiss Army Knife guide and its associated training   
   program.   
      
   Don's passion for ARES and Emergency Service in general led him to become the   
   voice of the annual EMCOMMWEST emergency communications ham radio gathering.   
   Don not only emceed the event when it was held in Reno but also supported   
   the convention by serving on the Board of Directors. In recognition to his   
   many contributions to ham radio, in 2010 he was named as the ARRL Pacific   
   Division "Ham of the Year" with the award presented to him at that years   
   Pacificon convention.   
      
   Don Carlson, KQ6FM, is survived by his wife Judy and son Andrew. A   
   Celebration of Life ceremony for Don was to be held on Saturday, June 29th   
   at Sierra Bible Church in Reno, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, Judy Carlson   
   asks that donations be made to a church or other charitable institution of   
   your choice to help someone less fortunate than yourself. (AF6PU, N7JEH,   
   June Parsons)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO RECORDS: CALIFORNIA HAMS CLAIM NEW 3.7 MM WORLD DISTANCE RECORD   
      
   A pair of California hams are claiming a new world distance record on the 77   
   to 81 GHz or 3.7 millimeter band. The asserted new record was set June   
   13th between Robert Johnson, KF6KVG, and Goran Popovic, AD6IW. The two   
   achieved a distance of 252.49 km with one operating from Mt Hamilton in grid   
   square CM97 and the other located at Kings Canyon National Park located in   
   grid DM06. KF6KVG used a one foot parabolic dish while the one used at   
   AD6IW was twice the size. Both stations employed what are known as   
   dielectric resonator oscillator locked frequency control for extreme   
   stability. (VHF Reflector)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS: ILLW CONTINUES TO GROW   
      
   Jim Linton, VK3PC, tells Amateur Radio Newsline that International Lighthouse   
   and Lightship Weekend continues to grow. In fact, it seems to have become   
   the biggest and arguably the world's first fun-filled event for portable   
   amateur radio stations that takes place in the month of August.   
      
   According to VK3PC, the event continues to promote public awareness of the   
   old marine navigation and the need for preservation and restoration of these   
   facilities. It also promotes amateur radio and fosters international   
   goodwill.   
      
   Now in its 16th year, International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will be   
   held August 17th and 18th. So far some 285 registered sites representing   
   more than 30 countries are on board. For more details please visit the   
   website www.illw.net (VK3PC)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE: DAYTON HAMVENTION ARISS UPDATE VIDEO POSTED ON LINE   
      
   An update on amateur radio on the International Space Station or ARISS   
   program given by Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, at the recent Dayton Hamvention can   
   now be viewed on the web. In his presentation Bauer discusses a number of   
   changes at NASA that are affecting ARISS manned ham radio in space program.   
   He also takes a look back at the past 30 years of amateur radio on the Space   
   Shuttle and now International Space Station. You will find the 23 minutes,   
   30 seconds presentation on-line at tinyurl.com/ariss-dayton-update (ARISS)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR: POLISH CITY COMMEMORATIVE OPERATION HF50WLA   
      
   On the air, the city of Wladyslawowo Poland will be celebrating its 50th   
   anniversary this summer. To commemorate the event, local amateurs are   
   celebrating using the callsign HF50WLA until the 21st of July. If you make   
   contact, please QSL via SP2YWL direct or electronically via Logbook of the   
   World. (DXNS)   
      
   **   
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, word that HA1YA will be operational from Thassos Island from July 5th   
   to the 13th as SW8EA. He will be active on the HF, VHF, UHF bands using CW   
   and SSB. If you make contact, please QSL via his home call.   
      
   DL5YL and DL5YM, will be operating slash H-B-Zero from Liechtenstein through   
   early July. No bands or operating times have been mentioned. QSL via their   
   home callsigns.   
      
   RU0ZM will be in the village Kamenka in Asiatic Russia until November   
   operating stroke Zero. He will be running 100 watts into a 2-element beam   
   on 20 and 15 meters and a Windom antenna for other bands. QSL via UA0ZC,   
   direct only.   
      
   OZ1DJJ will be on the air from Ammassalik Island from July 20th to August 1st   
   operating as OX3LX. He will be active on High Frequency Bands plus 6 and 4   
   meters. Modes to be used were not announced. QSL via OZ1PIF.   
      
   KK4OYJ will be operational as 9H3RJ from Gozo Island between June 28th and   
   August. No other details are available. QSL via his home callsign.   
      
   The 4M5DX Group is planning a DXpedition to Aves Island sometime between   
   November 1st, 2013 and February 28th, 2014. The callsign mentioned is YW0A.   
   More information on this one as its made available.   
      
   Lastly, members from the Spanish Aitana DX Group will be on the air from the   
   YN2N radio shack in Nicaragua between October 1st to the 16th. Operations   
   will be on 160 through 6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via EB7DX, either   
   direct or by the bureau.   
      
   **   
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM: WILL WE SURVIVE IF A SUPER CME HITS THE EARTH   
      
   And finally this week, a kind of rhetorical scientific question. Can our   
   home planet survive a super Coronal Mass Ejection from our home star if it   
   was hurled directly at us. While opinions among researchers are divided, at   
   least some in South Africa believe it would not be good news. Amateur Radio   
   Newsline's Heather Embee, KB3TZD, takes a close look at what these   
   scientists believe might happen:   
      
   --   
      
   Our Sun is a yellow star that consists of a giant ball of superheated plasma.   
   It's magnetic field oscillates and acts as a dynamo that creates the   
   sunspots, solar flares and strong magnetic storms in the solar system. When   
   a Coronal Mass Ejection or C-M-E is spewed from corona of the Sun and   
   travels to the Earth the magnetic field of our planet generally deflects it,   
   and in the process creates auroras around the magnetic poles.   
      
   But a report published by the South African Radio League notes that some   
   scientists claim that if a super C-M-E should hit Earth then this level of a   
   magnetic storm could penetrate the planets magnetic field and cause   
   devastation. First of all the satellites on-orbit would be destroyed. This   
   would mean that all satellite telecommunications and Direct Satellite T-V   
   would go off the air.   
      
   On the ground, such a C-M-E could also generate extremely high voltages in   
   the power lines and destroy most if not all of the transformers in the   
   substations. This would likely cause complete blackouts in cities and   
   towns. Since water pumps won't function, municipalities world-wide   
   dependant on pumped-in delivery might quickly dry up.   
      
   According to the report, scientists are currently keeping a very close eye on   
   the Sun with a dedicated satellite known as the Solar and Heliospheric   
   Observatory. At the same time they are trying to develop some form of   
   shielding that could protect electrical transformers and other electronics   
   during such an event.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Embee, KB3TZD, in Berwick,   
   Pennsylvania.   
      
   --   
      
   A massive solar storm that hit Earth in March of 1989 caused blackouts in the   
   entire province of Quebec, Canada. That power disruption also closed   
   schools and businesses, kept the Montreal Metro shut during the morning rush   
   hour, and closed Dorval Airport. You can read more about it, courtesy of   
   NASA at tinyurl.com/giant-1989-cme. (SARL)   
      
   **   
      
   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 W-I-A News, that's all from the   
   Amateur Radio Newsline(tm). Our e-mail address is newsline (at) arnewsline   
   (dot) org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's(tm)   
   only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to   
   us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa   
   Clarita California, 91350   
      
   For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Skeeter Nash,   
   N5ASH, near Houston, Texas, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.   
      
      
   ***   
      
   As a Service to the HAM Radio Community and Ham Operators all around the   
   world, this Amateur Radio Newline(tm) message has been gated from the internet   
   and posted to you by Waldo's Place USA, 1:3634/12. We hope you enjoyed it!   
      
   Please address all comments and questions to the ARNewsletter editor as   
   described in this posting. If you have any specific questions concerning   
   the actual posting of this message service, you may address them to   
   hamfdn -at- wpusa.dynip.com.   
      
   Thank you and good day!   
      
   -73-   
      
      
    * Origin: (1:3634/12)