Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1909 - March 14, 2014   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1909 with a release date of March 14   
   2014 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.      
      
   The following is a Q-S-T.     
      
   Ham radio is called to play a part in the Malaysian Airlines mystery; the   
   DARC says the number of German ham radio operators is declining; a new GPS   
   system forces the closure of a pair of amateur television repeaters; steps 1   
   and 2 of the commissioning of the new ISS Ham Video transmitter considered a   
   success, lots happening on the FCC enforcement scene and FEMA introduces a   
   new wireles alert frequently asked questions web page.  Find out the details   
   are on Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) report number 1909 coming your way right   
   now.     
      
      
   (Billboard Cart Here)    
      
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO:  MISSING FLIGHT SEARCH INVOLVES AMATEUR RADIO EMCOMM   
      
   The disappearance of a Malaysian Airline Boeing 777 jetliner with 239   
   passengers on board is a mystery that nine nations are trying to solve.   But   
   during its early hours ham radio was called in to help with the human aspect   
   of the situation as we hear from Amateur Radio Newsline's Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF:   
      
   --   
      
   When Malaysian Airline flight MH370 bound for Beijing, disappeared from the   
   air traffic radar, the Emergency Management Centre at Kuala Lumpur Airport   
   provided accommodation for all next-of-kin at the Everly Hotel at Putrajaya.    
   The Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society President, Mohd Aris   
   Bernawi 9M2IR, said his group was asked to provide a communications link   
   between the airport and the hotel.     
      
   9M2IR said the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society quickly set up   
   a station at the hotel led by Zanirul Akhmal Zanirun 9M2PRO.  Azizi Samsuri   
   9W2ZZE as the team leader.  The Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society   
   also provided a cross-band VHF/UHF link to avoid any unnecessary interference   
   from the public services.  An HF link was later added.  The Negeri Sembilan   
   Amateur Radio Club provided the volunteers for the station at the airport's   
   Emergency Management Centre.   
      
   During the call-out there were 11 volunteers at the airport and 23 at the   
   hotel, all on rotating shifts.   9M2IR oversaw the entire process for the   
   Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, in Nelson, New   
   Zealand   
      
   --   
      
   Meantime the mystery surrounding Malaysian Airline flight MH 370 continues.    
   (VK3PC)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT:  DARC NOTES DECLINE IN NUMBER OF GERMAN AMATEUR LICENSEES   
      
   The German national amateur radio society, the DARC, reports the number of   
   amateur radio licenses in that nation fell by 3.2% in 2013.   As of last   
   December 31st there were 68,191 amateur radio licenses as opposed to 70,446   
   at the end of 2012 and 71,659 at the close of 2011.  The total including Club   
   Stations, repeaters, beacons and special calls and training calls was 75,031   
   at the end of 2013 versus 77,089 in 2012 and 78109 as 2011 drew to a close.    
   This says the DARC shows a continuing the pattern of steady decline in recent   
   years.   
      
      
   Nor did the number of new people joining the hobby did show a hoped for   
   increase in 2013 with only 829 receiving an amateur radio certificate and 724   
   in 2012.  DARC says that these figures fall far short of the number needed to   
   stabilize the nations amateur population.  The DARC say the number of exam   
   participants were 909 in 2013 and 804 in 2012.     
      
   But there may be some light at the end of this downward tunnel.  According   
   to the DARC educational training callsigns showed an increase in 2013 with   
   2711 DN calls issues.  That's 183 more than in 2012 when only 2528 were   
   issued.  The German DN calls are held by amateur radio educators and are used   
   by unlicensed people operating under the direct control of those trainers.    
   (DARC, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT:  NEW RULES PROPOSED FOR HAM RADIO IN BELGIUM   
      
   Hams in Belgium appear on the verge of getting some new regulations.  On    
   Tuesday, February 19, the Belgium national society the UBA met with the   
   regulator the nations telecommunications regulator to discuss what is known   
   as a the forthcoming Royal Decree or RD for radio amateurs expected out later   
   this year.  Among the proposed changes are the disconnecting from holding an   
   operator license which is valid for 5 years and a transmitting station   
   license for which there will be an annual tax.  The intention is that the   
   total cost remains unchanged for most radio amateurs but a lot less expensive   
   for those who do not own station or who just want to use a club station.  Te   
   full list of proposed changes are on the national society's website at   
   tinyurl.com/BelgiumUBA and  BelgiumUBA is spelled as one word.  (UBA via   
   Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW:  GALILEO GPS CLOSES DOWN 23CM ATV REPEATER DB0QI   
      
   A new Global Positioning System headquarted in Germany has led to the   
   closure of a pair of co-sited Amateur Television repeaters.  On March 4th the   
   owners of the Munich-based DB0QI repeaters operating analog  on 1276 MHz and   
   digital on  1291 MHz took them out of service after being informed by the   
   nations Federal Network Agency that they were interfering with the operation   
   of the Global Positioning System's Galileo Satnav Control Center.  As   
   elsewhere, the 23 cm band in Germany is allocated to radio amateurs only on a   
   secondary use basis.  So far no other ham radio operations in Germany have   
   been affected.   (Southgate, others)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  HAM VIDEO COMMISSIONING STEPS 1 AND 2 SUCCESSFUL   
      
   Steps 1 and 2 of the commissioning of the new Ham Video transmitter system   
   on board the International Space Station have been completed and deemed a   
   total success.     
      
   Presently Ham Video is transmitting a blank image and no audio in what is   
   being called configuration 1.  The signal is on 2422 MHz with a Symbol rate   
   1.3.   Blank transmission will then move to 2395 MHz at the same Symbol rate.   
   These blank transmissions will continue until the next commissioning step   
   which is planned April 12th.   
      
   Reports from ground stations during blank screen transmissions are welcome   
   and will allow further analysis of their performance and radiation   
   characteristics from the ISS.  They can be filed on line at   
   tinyurl.com/new-ariss-tv.  Recordings of signals received during   
   commissioning steps at Matera ground station will be made available on the   
   British Amateur Television Club server.  (ON4WF)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  ARISS CONTACTS TO BE DELAYED   
      
   Due to the increased work load of Astronaut and ham radio operator Koichi   
   Wakata,  KC5ZTA, ARISS has had to move 3 schools back to its long term   
   waiting list.  Planners say that they hope to get all of them rescheduled and   
   completed by this fall.   
      
   Also, there are also several other schools that are on the list for possible   
   postponement to the fall season.  This is because for the period from May   
   12th to June 15th there will be no licensed radio amateurs on-board the   
   International Space Station.   (ARISS)   
      
   **   
      
   DX UP FRONT:  XZ1Z FROM MYANMAR   
      
   In DX up front, word that JH1AJT will be in Myanmar for a Foundation for   
   Global Children mission through March 21st.  During that time he plans to be   
   on the air as as XZ1Z  from Sunday the 16th but only during his spare time.    
   Activity would probably be on high bands. QSL via JH1AJT.  (JA1TRC, Souhgate)   
      
   **   
      
   DX UP FRONT:  7P8Z FROM LESOTHO MARCH 28 AND 29   
      
   Also get ready for ZS4TX to be on the air as 7P8Z from Lesotho on March 28th   
   and the 29th.   Although this is mainly a VHF activation to explore possible   
   F2 and Trans Equatorial Propagation openings on 6 meters, ZS4TX may also be   
   active on 10 and 12 meter CW.   The actual operating site is at 10,800 feet   
   situated right  next to the Afriski Resort which also claims to have the   
   highest Restaurant and Pub in Africa.  QSL as directed by the operator   
      
   Still in Lesotho, news that EI7CC is on the air as as 7P8PB through April   
   3rd.  Activity will be limited because he will be on a family holiday and   
   will only operate when circumstances permit. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook   
   of the World immediately upon his return to Ireland.  QSL via EI7CC either   
   direct or via the bureau.       
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 1   
      
   Time for you to identify your station.  We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,   
   heard on bulletin stations around the world including the W0EF Repeater Swap   
   Shop Net serving Minneapolis, Minnesota.       
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT:  CALIFORNIA HAM DINGED $13600 FOR OPERATING UNLICENSED FM   
   BROADCAST STATION   
      
   Even though he said he had no malicious intent, Brian Ragan, KF6EGI, will   
   have to pay a pretty hefty FCC fine for making unlicensed broadcasts in the   
   FM band and not permitting the FCC to inspect his station.  Amateur Radio   
   Newsline's Ralph Squillace KK6ITB, has more:   
      
   --   
      
   Back in 2012 field personnel from the FCC's Enforcement Bureau T-hunted a   
   signal on 104.9 MHz to Brian Ragan's garage in Suisun City, California.    
   While there the agents heard the station identify itself on the air as KBRS.     
      
   According to the regulatory agency's account, at the time the agents tried   
   to inspect the station but no one responded.  Ragan later told the FCC he had   
   been afraid to open the door when he heard them identify themselves as being   
   with the agency's Enforcement Bureau.  He also admitted to having operated   
   the unlicensed FM broadcast entity for six months.   
      
   This led to a notice of apparent liability for $17,000 for operating an   
   unlicensed station and failing to allow FCC personnel to inspect the premiss.   
   In his reply Ragan didn't contest the facts but appealed, saying that he'd   
   had no malicious intent adding that he had immediately complied with the   
   notice of unlicensed operation.  Ragan also submitted a required written   
   statement saying that he was now in compliance with Section 301 and no longer   
   engaged in unauthorized operation.   
      
   But that cut very little ice with the FCC.  In its March 10th Forfeiture   
   Order the regulatory agency  upheld most of its findings.  Among other items   
   it noted that it need not demonstrate an intent to violate a rule to make a   
   finding that a license holder engaged in willful misconduct.  But based on   
   his compliance as a radio amateur with that service's rules that it was   
   reducing the fine to $13, 600.     
      
   At the same time it reiterated that, as a licensed ham for at least six   
   years, Ragan should be aware that, among other things, radio equipment at his   
   station must be made available for inspection when requested by the FCC.     
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ralph Squillace, KK6ITB.   
      
   --   
      
   Ragan was then given the customary 30 days from release of the Forfeiture   
   Order to pay it in full or arrange a time payment method with the agency.  If   
   he does not respond within that time period and the forfeiture is not paid,   
   the case may be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for further   
   enforcement.  (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT:  PITTSBURGH PA CBER ORDERED TO PAY $18000 FINE   
      
   The FCC has affirmed an $18,000 Forfeiture Order previously issued against   
   Nathaniel Johnson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  This for his alleged repeated   
   failure to make his CB station available for inspection by authorized FCC   
   representatives and his failure to comply with the restricted hours of CB   
   Station operation set forth in an official FCC notice.     
      
   On May 14, 2013, the Enforcement Bureau's Philadelphia Office issued a   
   Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $18,000 to Mr.   
   Johnson.  Although the FCC has evidence that Johnson received a copy of the   
   notice that was sent by Certified Mail, he has not filed a response.  Based   
   on the information before it the Commission has now affirmed the forfeiture   
   order.   
      
   As is usual in these cases, the FCC has given Johnson the usual 30 days from   
   the March 12th release of the order to pay the fine in full, arrange for time   
   payments or file an appeal.  If he fails to do any of these the matter will   
   likely be turned over to the Department of Justice for further action.  (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT:  NEW JERSEY CB SHOP CITED FOR SALE OF UNCERTIFIED GEAR   
      
   A New Jersey CB radio shop is the subject of a citatation from the FCC.    
   Amateur Radio Newslines Stephan Kinford, N8WB, has the details:   
      
   --   
      
   The FCC has issued an official Citation to Thomas Wilson doing business as   
   the Redman CB Stop of Absecon, New Jersey.  This for its alleged violation of   
   Section 302(b) of the Act and Sections 2.803, and 2.815(b) of the   
   Commission's rules by  marketing to consumers in the United States   
   unauthorized radio frequency devices.  In this case the devices are described   
   as 16 makes and models of non-certified RF power amplifiers capable of   
   operation with both the 11 meter Citizens Band as well as in the 10 meter   
   amateur service.      
      
   Examples of what the FCC terms as the non-certified RF amplifiers observed   
   on the Redman CB Website included such units as the Fatboy 900 Mobile   
   Amplifier,  the Zombie Products 500 Watt Effective Rradiated Power Linear   
   Amplifier 2290 Driver, and the Palomar FET 450 HD Export Ham Radio Mosfet   
   Linear Amplifier.  According to Commission records, these devices have not   
   received an FCC grant of certification, which is required for external radio   
   frequency power amplifiers operating on frequencies below 144 MHz and   
   marketed in the United States.  As such, Section 2.815(b)(1) of the FCC's   
   Rules prohibits persons from offering for sale any external radio frequency   
   power amplifier that is capable of amplification between 26 MHz and 28 MHz.   
      
   Redman was warned to immediately cease all sales of this equipment in The   
   United States or face punitive action that could include monetary forfeitures   
   not to exceed $16,000 for each such violation or each day of a continuing   
   violation, and up to $112,500 for any single act or failure to act.     
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB, reporting   
      
   --   
      
   Redman was told that if it chooses to respond to the Citation to challenge   
   the factual and legal findings, that it has 30 days from the March 5th   
   release date of the document to do so.  (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO:  FEMA CREATES WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS FAQ WEB PAGE   
      
   The Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed a new Frequently Asked   
   Questions or F-A-Q web page dealing with alerts sent directly to wireless and   
   mobile devices.  The page answers such questions as what are  Wireless   
   Emergency Alerts and why they are important to the recipient.  What types of   
   alerts will be received; what such messages look like and more.  The page   
   appears to be a truly valuable asset to anyone involved in rescue radio or   
   first response operations.  Its on the web at   
   www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts   (FEMA)   
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO:  SALVATION ARMY PUTS NEW EDS SATERN STATION 'ON THE AIR'   
      
   The FCC has approved a new call sign for a recently created SATERN station   
   located in the Salvation Army's Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division's   
   Emergency Disaster Services center.  The new call of WB5ALM stands for   
   William Booth 5 Alabama Louisiana Mississippi and is dedicated to William   
   Booth who was the founder of the Salvation Army.     
      
   The WB5ALM call was activated for the first time on March 5th during a   
   check-in to the International SATERN Net on 20 meter phone.  SATERN, which is   
   an acronym for Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, is the volunteer   
   amateur radio communications arm of the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster   
   Services.  (Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire)   
      
   **   
      
   PUBLIC SERVICE:  VOLUNTEERS NEDED FOR WALK FOR HUNGER COMMUNICATIONS   
      
   If you live in the Boston, Massachusetts area and would like to participate   
   in an important public service event, listen up.  Volunteer ham radio   
   communicators are needed for this years Project Bread Walk for Hunger slated   
   for Sunday, May 4th.  This will be the 46th running of the event and hams are   
   needed to provide communications support for the Project Bread staff as well   
   as along the the 20 mile route of the walk.  Those interested in helping out   
   this year should apply via the web at www.mmra.org/wfh and fill out the   
   sign-up form.  If you have questions please send an email to wfh14 (at) mmra   
   (dot) org  (KA1NCF)   
      
   **   
      
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS:  DAVID CHARTOCK NEW HEAD OF ADVERTISING AT CQ   
      
   CQ Communications has announced the appointment of David Chartock to head   
   the company's advertising department, effective immediately.  Chartock will   
   guide CQ magazine's advertising sales as the magazine charts new ground as a   
   part-print, part-digital "hybrid" publication covering the entire   
   communications hobby.     
      
   Chartock has more than 25 years' experience in publishing, both in editorial   
   and sales positions.  From 1989 to 2002, he was Editor-in-Chief and Web   
   Content Editor of the trade magazine, New York Construction News.  Since   
   2002, he has been an independent sales representative, working with start-up   
   publications and the annual journal of New York's Concrete Industry Board.     
   He can be contacted by e-mail to dave@cqcomm.com  (CQ)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS:  ARRL'S KX9X RECREATES SOUND OF SPARK FOR NPR   
      
   When you need the sound of a working spark gap transmitter, the best place   
   to turn is the ARRL.  So when the daily National Public Radio series All   
   Things Considered needed such a sound, that's exactly where it went.   
      
   The sound effect was required for an episode titled "What if World War I Had   
   Never Happened?"  In order to provide sound effect, ARRL Media and Public   
   Relations Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, took a short trip over to the ARRL Lab   
   where there just happens to be a working spark transmitter.   
      
   There he took the provided script and sent it by hand as the sound of the   
   spark transmitter was recorded.  You can hear the results of KX9X effort when   
   the show airs on your local NPR outlet or soon thereafter on the NPR website   
   at npr.org/programs/all-things-considered.   (KX9X via ARRL PR Reflector)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 2   
      
   This is ham radio news for today's radio amateur.  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)   
      
   **   
      
   CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  MORSE PRESERVATIONIST NANCY KOTT, WZ8C - S.K.   
      
   We seem to use the term the changing of the guard more and more these days.    
   Sadly and we must use it once again this week after receiving a report that   
   world renown Morse code preservationist Nancy Kott, WZ8C, of Metamora,   
   Michigan died on March 2nd at the age of  58.    
      
   Nancy Kott was the former editor of WorldRadio Magazine and was with it   
   during its transition to  WorldRadio Online.  This was the United States very   
   first electronic only publication ham radio periodical.     
      
   But she is likely best remembered as the member of the United Kingdom based   
   Morse code preservationist group known as the FISTS CW Club who was   
   instrumental in bringing knowledge of that society to U.S. Shores.  As such,   
   she operated the FISTS booth each year at the Dayton Hamvention and was a   
   speaker at several seminar sessions over the years.     
      
   According to the ARRL, WZ8C was a member of the it's A-1 Operator Club.  She   
   was also an honorary member of the Texas DX Society and a member of the   
   groups DXpedition to Belize in 2006.  She also operated from the British   
   Virgin Islands  as VP2V stroke WZ8C in 2007.   
      
   Professionally Nancy Kott was a field representative for the Centers for   
   Disease Control and Prevention. Survivors include her husband, Tim Lange.    
   Those of us who knew her will miss her very much.    (ARRL, The Daily DX,   
   ARNewsline)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  AN UPDATE ON THE FOX-1 AND FOX-2 MICROSATS   
      
   The new Fox series of ham radio cubesats are well on their way to becoming a   
   reality.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Jim Damron, N8TMW, has the details:   
      
   --   
      
   AMSAT's Tony Monterio, AA2TX, has released an update on the Fox CubeSat   
   program via the AMSAT News Service.  According to the report, the main point   
   of Fox-2 is to develop and fly an advanced SDX or software defined   
   transponder.  An SDX system can be programmed to be any kind of transponder   
   but will initially operate as a linear SSB and CW inverting mode-J satellite.   
   This means using a VHF uplink and UHF downlink by default.   
      
   As to the smaller Fox-1 satellites, all four units will use the same   
   hardware and avionics.  The universities involved in this project will supply   
   their experiment cards and the software can be customized for each satellite   
   as needed.  Once the Fox-1 flight models are built, the engineering team can   
   begin working on the larger Fox-2.  This will be a 3 unit sized CubeSat which   
   is three times the size of the Fox-1 birds.  As such, Fox-2 MicroSats will   
   provide a lot more power and space for the electronics.   
      
   I'm Jim Damron, N8TMW.   
      
   --   
      
   The Fox series of CubeSats will be among the most sophisticated ham radio   
   birds ever placed in the sky.  (ANS)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO NEAR SPACE: CROSSBAND REPEATER FROM BALLOON IN APRIL   
      
   The University of Akron Amateur Radio Club is planning to launch a high   
   altitude balloon named UA-HABP2 on Saturday, April 12th at around 11am EDT.    
   The payload includes a cross band FM repeater with its input on 438.050 MHz   
   and an output of 145.600 MHz running 2 watts out.  With the balloon expected   
   to get as high as 80,000 feet, the repeater will have a projected coverage   
   area exceeding 200 miles for a majority of the two to four hour flight.  The   
   balloon will also carry a slow scan television system as well as well as a   
   telemetry downlink.  For the latest information on this pending repeater near   
   space project keep an eye on the w8upd.org website for updated launch info as   
   well as real time tracking when the mission begins.  (KC8LIN)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR:  GB1PER VICARIOUSLY READY FOR TAKE-OFF   
      
   On the air, plan to listen out March 29th and 30th for the United Kingdoms   
   Worcester Radio Amateur Association which will be activating call sign GB1PER   
   for the annual Airfields on the Air oiperation.  This event will take place   
   on the grounds of the former Royal Air Force base at Perdiswell which is   
   where the Kings Flight was based during the Second World War.  GB1PER will be   
   on the H-F bands only.  More details are on QRZ.com  (M0VNG)   
      
   **     
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, I1FQH is again active as 5V7DX from Kpalime Village in the central   
   Togo.  Word is that he will be there until late March on the top bands  using   
   mostly CW with some SSB.  QSL to his home callsign either direct, via the   
   bureau or Logbook of the World.   
      
   BA3AX and BD3AEO will be active slash B3 from Yuetuo Island between March   
   21st through the 24th.  Their operation will be 20, 17 and 15 meters meters   
   using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK.  QSL via BA3AX direct, via the bureau or using   
   Logbook of the World.  Kore information is on QRZ.com.     
      
   N5JC and N5JR will be active stroke HH2 from Haiti between March 25th and   
   April 1st. Activity will be on 160 through 6 meters with a focus on CW, RTTY   
   and the 30, 17 amd12 meter bands. QSL both callsigns via N5JR direct, via the   
   bureau or electronically using Logbook of the World.      
      
   JA6WFM is now active as YS1/NP3J from San Salvador on 80 through 6 meters   
   using CW and SSB.  He will be there through the end of the year.  QSL via   
   EA5GL.    
      
   Lastly, N7QT, AB1UH, W4VAB and N7UN will be operational as 5J0X from San   
   Andres Island between April 2nd and the 14th.  Their activity will be   
   primarily holiday style on 80 through 10 meters using CW, SSB and PSK.  QSL   
   direct to N7QT.    
      
   BA3AX and BD3AEO will be active slash B3  from Yuetuo Island between March   
   21st through the 24th.  Their operation will be 20, 17 and 15 meters meters   
   using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK.  QSL via BA3AX direct, via the bureau or usung   
   Logbook of the World.  More information is on QRZ.com.     
      
   **   
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM:  HAMS RECEIVE LONG DEACTIVATED NASA ICE SPACECRAFT   
      
   And finally this week comes wiord that a group of ham radio operators using   
   equipment at an observatory in Germany  have received signals from the NASA   
   's International Cometary Explorer deep space probe. This is a spacecraft   
   that was retired from service back in in 1997.  Amateur Radio Newslne's   
   Heather Embee, KB3TZD, reports:   
      
   --   
      
   According to AMSAT-DL, on March 1st and 2nd, some unnamed radio amateurs   
   were able to detect the beacon signal from the retired NASA International   
   Cometary Explorer deep space probe using facilities at the Bochum Observatory   
   in Germany.  After some changes to the ground equipment and aligning the   
   receive antenna to the predicted position in the sky, the beacon signal could   
   positively be identified due to its frequency, its position and the frequency   
   shift due to the radial velocity.   
      
   Initially known as the International Sun-Earth Explorer 3  the probe was   
   launched in 1978 and became the first spacecraft to orbit the Earth-Sun   
   Lagrange point.  There it measured the interaction between the Earth's   
   magnetic field and the Sun.  It was also the first spacecraft to detect the   
   stream of particles known as the solar wind approaching Earth.    
      
   In 1982 the spacecraft was renamed the International Cometary Explorer and   
   diverted to the Moon, where its gravitational pull placed it on a   
   heliocentric orbit.  In 1985, the comet Giacobini-Zinner was visited followed   
   by observation of Halley's Comet in 1986.   
      
   While the instrumentation on board was still functional and fuel for more   
   trajectory maneuvers was available, support for the International Cometary   
   Explorer mission was terminated in 1997, though the spacecraft transmitter   
   was left on.  It was last detected by the NASA Deep Space Network in 2008.    
   Its current orbit will result in the spacecraft returning to Earth toMoon   
   space in August.     
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Embee, KB3TZD, in Berwick,   
   Pennsylvania.   
      
   --   
      
   According to researchers, a small propulsive maneuver and lunar flyby could   
   allow International Cometary Explorer to be directed back into the  Earth to   
   Sun  Lagrange point in a halo orbit and perhaps resume a science mission.    
   However in February a NASA study determined that the required resources to   
   contact the spacecraft were not available and due to budgetary constraints no   
   further attempts are planned.   (AMSAT-DL)   
      
   **   
      
   NEWSCAST CLOSE   
      
   With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio   
   Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the South African Radio   
   League, the Southgate News, TwiT-TV, Australia's WIA News and you our   
   listeners, 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..  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 2014.  All rights reserved.   
      
   ***   
      
   As a Service to the HAM Radio Community and HAM Operators all over the   
   world, this Amateur Radio Newline(tm) message has been gated from the   
   internet and posted to you by Waldo's Place USA, fidonet node 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 related   
   to the actual posting of this message, you may address them to   
   hamfdn(at)wpusa.dynip.com.   
      
   Thank you and good day!   
      
   -73- ARNTE-0.1.0-OS2 build 42   
   (text/plain utf-8 base64)   
      
      
    * Origin: (1:3634/12)