Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1923 - June 20, 2014   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1923 with a release date of June 20   
   2014 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.      
      
   The following is a Q-S-T.  A Northern Arizona county may revise its   
   distracted driving law to exempt radio amateurs and CB operators;  the FCC   
   dismisses proceeding dealing with the 902 MHz band; SSB and AM on 11 meter CB   
   coming to the United Kingdom; hams in the Netherlands face new restrictions   
   on 2300 Megahertz and the Heard Island DXpedition team says it plans a   
   complete reorganization.  Find out the details are on Amateur Radio   
   Newsline(tm) report number 1923 coming your way right now.   
      
      
   (Billboard Cart Here)    
      
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW:  COCONINO COUNTY ARIZONA CONSIDERING HAM RADIO EXEMPTION TO NEW   
   ANNTI DISTRACTED DRIVING LAW   
      
   Some changes to a highly restrictive distracted driving law enacted by a   
   northern Arizona county may soon see some revisions favorable to amateur   
   radio as we hear from Bruce Tennant, K6PZW:   
      
   --   
      
   Less than two months after passing an ordinance that bans the use of all non   
   essential two-way radios while driving, the Board of Supervisors for Coconino   
   County Arizona is eyeing changes that would once again make mobile ham and CB   
   radio use legal.  This according to a draft of the revised law recently made   
   public   
      
   The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is slated to meet on June 24th to   
   discuss changes to the ordinance that might remove a number of restrictions   
   against two-way radio use while driving.  Among these would be a revision to   
   Section 3 that deals with exemptions.  If the statute is changed, it would   
   delete the words "and is operating an amateur radio under the direction of   
   authorized first responders in the event of an emergency."    
      
   The section would then mean a driver who holds a valid amateur radio   
   operator license or any license issued by the Federal Communications   
   Commission would be exempted.  The change could also exempt those who use two   
   way radios in their business and users of 11 meter Citizens Band radio.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.   
      
   --   
      
   Whether or not this change will be granted will not be known until the   
   Coconino County Board of Supervisors cast its votes.  The draft measure in   
   .PDF format is available to the public at tinyurl.com/nn2uyt6   (KB7BGX, QRZ,   
   UCBA, various other sources)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT:  COAST GUARD SEEKS PUBLIC'S HELP IN IDENTIFYING HOAX CALLER   
      
   Attention hams in the Pacific North-West.  Heres one where you may be able   
   to be of assistance in locating a station alleged to be making false reports   
   on the VHF maritime band.   
   .   
   The U.S. Coast Guard out of Seattle, Washington is asking the help of the   
   public in identifying a hoax caller that made multiple false distress calls   
   earlier this month in the Puget Sound area.  The first of these phony calls   
   was received by the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service on Puget Sound via   
   VHF-FM radio channel 14 around 11 p.m., May 31st.  Take a listen:   
      
   --   
      
   USCG Audio:  "May Day May Day.  My fishing vessel is going down a little   
   south-west of Lilliwaup.  Does anybody her me?"   
      
   --   
      
   The next night the hoax caller reported that that five people were donning   
   life jackets and abandoning the fishing vessel Bristol Maid which he claimed   
   was fire in Lilliwaup Bay.  Coast Guard officials believe the same caller   
   placed a third phony call around 10 p.m. on June 2nd.    
      
   According to the Coast Guard, well over $138,000 was spent in response to   
   these three phony reports.  It notes that making a false distress call is a   
   felony with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000   
   fine.  There is also a $5,000 civil penalty and possible reimbursement to the   
   Coast Guard for the cost of performing the search.     
      
   Anyone with information regarding these false distress calls is asked to   
   contact the Coast Guard 13th District Command Center at 206-220-7003.  The   
   complete news release along with links to audio files is on the web at   
   tinyurl.com/phony-distress-reports.   (United States Coast Guard with audio   
   provided by the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System)   
      
   **   
      
   RESTRUCTURING:  FCC DISMISSES PROCEEDING DEALING WITH THE 902 TO 928 MHz   
   BAND    The FCC has concluded a long pending regulatory proceeding involving   
   the 902 to 928 MHz band.  This without taking any action at all.    Back in   
   2006 the FCC proposed a rule change in WT Docket 06-49 which was aimed at   
   encouraging development of the Multilateration Location Monitoring Service or   
   M-LMS.  This was to be a terrestrial service for location of objects and   
   tracking them.    What concerned ham radio was that it holds a secondary   
   allocation status in that band to federal radiolocation and other services   
   including M-LMS.  Among other things, the fear in the Amateur Radio community   
   was that wide-spread use of M-LMS could severely hamper weak signal   
   operations.     But with almost no elaboration the FCC has now decided not to   
   adopt new rules affecting all service users in the band.  In the dismissal   
   order the regulatory agency noted that based on the record before it, and on   
   recent developments pertaining to M-LMS operations it concluded that the   
   various proposals for wholesale revisions of the applicable rules simply do   
   not merit further consideration at this time.     The text of the notice can   
   be found on the web in PDF format at,   
   http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2014/db0610/FCC-14-79A   
   1.pdf  (FCC, ARRL)    **    RESTRUCTURING:  27 MHZ SSB CB LEGAL IN THE UK AS   
   OF JUNE 27   
      
   United Kingdom telecommunications regulator Ofcom has  announced amendments   
   to that nations Wireless Telegraphy license regulations that will enable 27   
   MHz SSB Citizens Band operation with 12 watt Peak Envelope Power.     
      
   Specifically, the revised United Kingdom C-B rules will allow two different   
   Amplitude Modulation modes of operation.  These are designated separately as   
   AM double side band and single side band.  This will be on a license exempt   
   basis with an effective date of June 27th.     
      
   Until now, 11 meter Citizens Radio in the United Kingdom has been an FM-only   
   service.     
   (Southgate)   
      
   **   
   RESTRUCTURING:  13 CM BAND MAY BE THREATENED IN NETHERLANDS   
      
   It appears that Dutch radio amateurs may lose a substantial segment of the   
   2300 MHz or 13 cm band.  According to information provided by the Belgium   
   national amateur radio society the U-B-A, as of Monday, June 23rd the band   
   segment between 2330 to 2400 MHz may not be used in a radius of 22 miles   
   around the city of Assen.  This is a city in the northeastern Netherlands,   
   and is the capital of the province of Drenthe.  This action follows other   
   European nations that have also made known their intentions to diminish or   
   fully ban radio amateur's access to this spectrum.      
   (UBA, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  ARTSAT1: INVADER RECOVERED   
      
   The ARTSAT control team has thanked the ham radio community for its   
   assistance in recovering the ARTSAT 1 INVADER satellite.  According to   
   J-eye-one-eye-zed-R with the satellite located a reset command for the   
   on-board computer was successfully sent and plans are underway to activate   
   the digi-talker once again.      
      
   The downlink frequency for Artsat One Invader is 437.325MHz.  It's predicted   
   that the satellite has another month on-orbit before re-entry into the Earths   
   atmosphere.  Look for more space related amateur radio related news later on   
   in this weeks report.  (JI1IZR, AMSAT-BB)   
      
   **   
      
   DX UP FRONT:  HEARD ISLAND TEAM BEING REORGANIZED   
      
   In DX up front, word that the long awaited VKZ0EK Heard Island operation   
   will go forward but with some changes in personnel.  According to a website   
   announcement, over the past two months five team members have withdrawn   
   citing conflicts or the desire to participate in a shorter, less challenging   
   DXpedition.  This includes the team leader.     
      
   The post goes on to say that this has the group short of operators and   
   therefore they have decided to completely reorganize the team. The first step   
   is to identify a new team leader who is experienced with organizing and   
   leading DXpeditions to rare locations.  This new leader will have the   
   responsibility for rebuilding the team and managing all amateur radio   
   operations once on Heard Island.  No dates or timetable were given.  OPDX   
      
   **   
      
   DX UPFREONT:  EJ0PL FROM GREAT BLASKET   
      
   Also, nembers of the Papa Lima DX Group will be operational as EJ0PL from   
   Great Blasket Island between July 26th and the 31st.  This bit of land lies   
   approximately one and a half miles from the Irish mainland at Dunmore Head.   
   It was populated until 1953 when the Irish government decided that it could   
   no longer guarantee the safety of the remaining population.  Its most   
   prominent feature is its nearly 1000 foot high point however this is often   
   obscured by sea mist.  If you happen to contact EJ0PL QSL direct or via the   
   bureau.   (Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 1   
      
   Time for you to identify your station.  We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,   
   heard on bulletin stations around the world including the N8LC repeater   
   serving Sterling Heights, Michigan.   
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   WITH NEWSLINE:  NO YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR AWARD THIS YEAR   
      
   There will be no Young Ham of the Year Award presented in 2014.  This,   
   according to a statement issued by Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, who is Chairman of   
   the committee that judges the program.  The statement reads as follows:   
      
   ""The Young Ham of the Year Award judging committee's decision is to defer   
   making an award this year due to the low number of nominees.  This does not   
   in any way reflect on the quality of the nominees we did receive or on their   
   nominators.  It's simply the decision of the judges that more nominations and   
   documentation would be needed to make a fair determination of the Young Ham   
   of the Year.  Therefore, it's hoped that nominators will begin thinking about   
   2015 and potential candidates for such a prestigious award."   
      
   Right now the plan is to open nominations again in February of 2015.     
   (YHOTY Judging Committee)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT:  PROPOSED FINE AGAINST OKLAHOMA CB OPERATOR LOWERED   
      
   An Oklahoma CB operator who was issued a $12,000 Notice of Apparent   
   Liability for interfering with other CB operators has had that fine reduced   
   to $1750.     
      
   In his response to the original proposed fine, Orloff Haines, who also holds   
   the amateur radio callsign KF5IXX, did not deny that he had intentionally   
   interfered with other operations on the 11 meter band, but asserted that he   
   is not able to work or pay that high of a forfeiture.  He also provided the   
   FCC with the required proof that such an amount would be a financial   
   hardship.     
      
   By way of background, in May 2013 the FCC T-Hunted the source of a   
   continuous carrier on CB channel 19 to Haines's residence in Enid, Oklahoma.    
   The FCC agents approached the home and identified themselves.  At that time   
   Mr. Haines was not at home, but his wife allowed the FCC personnel to inspect   
   her husband's CB station.  The agents found the station to be constantly   
   transmitting on channel 19.     
      
   The FCC says that Mrs. Haines's told the agent that her husband's radio was   
   continuously transmitting because other CB operators in the area had been   
   harassing her.  According to the FCC, Mrs. Haines voluntarily turned off the   
   CB transmitter once the station inspection had been concluded.    
      
   In its order published on June 17th, the FCC agreed that the proposed   
   $12,000 fine would prove to be a financial hardship FOR Haines and lowered it   
   to the $1750 level.  At the same time it also warned Orolff Haines that that   
   similar violations in the future could result in significantly higher   
   forfeitures that may not be reduced even if proof of financial circumstances   
   is provided.  (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW:  FCC MAY TRY TO KILL TENNESSEE LAW LIMITING CITY INTERNET SERVICE   
      
   The Federal Communications Commission may nullify a Tennessee law that   
   restricts the abilities of cities to build their own high-speed Internet   
   networks.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Stephan Kinford, N8WB. has the details:   
      
   --   
      
   Chattanooga, Tennessee, has built a municipal broadband network to   
   consumers' homes, but a state law is preventing the city government from   
   expanding the service to more residents.  And now it looks as if the city has   
   a powerful supporter on its side.   
      
   In a blog post on June 10th, FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler said broadband   
   projects like the one in Chattanooga are bringing new competition and   
   spurring economic growth.  He went on to argue that local governments should   
   not be stopped by state laws promoted by cable and telephone companies that   
   don't want that competition.   
      
   But Wheeler's position could face resistance from Republican lawmakers.    
   Eleven senators sent a letter to Wheeler warning him not to usurp state   
   power.  The senators say that it is troubling to them that the FCC may force   
   taxpayer funded competition against broadband providers against the wishes of   
   states.    
      
   The bottom line is that Wheeler seems to want more competition in expanding   
   broadband and appears ready to use the full power of the FCC to make it   
   happen.     
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Stephen Kinford, N8WB, reporting.   
      
   --   
      
   If the FCC tries to strike down a state law, it would likely point to   
   Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, which gives the agency the   
   authority to promote the deployment of broadband.  State laws that restrict   
   municipal broadband could be in violation of that provision, according to the   
   FCC.  More is on the web at tinyurl.com/wheeler-broadband   (National Journal)   
      
   **   
      
      
   RESCUE RADIO:  MASSACHUSETTS HAMS HELP AMATEUR IN DISTRESS   
      
   Hams in the Plymouth, Massachusetts area assisted with a medical emergency   
   over the Memorial Day weekend when an amateur radio operator took ill while   
   on the road.    
      
   According to the ARRL's Amateur Radio Service E-Letter, Ron Smith, N1PXX,   
   had pulled over on the side of the highway after he experienced a medical   
   issue.  He then radioed over the 146.685 MHz repeater that he was in need of   
   help.     
      
   Kevin O'Donnell, K1KOD, responded and obtained Smith's cell phone number.     
   O'Donnell then used both the radio and the cell phone to keep in contact with   
   Smith.  At the same time he called the emergency 911 response number giving   
   Smith's location to the State Police.  He then informed Smith that police and   
   an ambulance were en route.    
      
   Initially the police drove by Smith's vehicle without stopping.  David Ring,   
   N1EA, also assisting, placed additional calls to the police and emergency   
   services that located Smith and transported him to a local hospital.  The   
   good news is that N1PXX is reported to be on the road to recovery.     
   (ARRL E-Letter, KB1EVY)   
      
   **   
      
   RESCUE RADIO:  WTSP TV STORY PRAISES HAM RADIO FIRST RESPONDERS   
      
   Hams involved in Emergency Communications in Sun City Center, Florida,   
   recently received some high praise from Tampa television's WTSP news.  This   
   in a feature story by reporter Mark Rivera, who took a look at the role   
   played by radio amateurs in emergency situations such as hurricanes and the   
   like.   
      
   Among those interviewed by Rivera was Sun City Center Amateur Radio Club   
   president Rick Sochon, N1OV.  Sochon told WTSP viewers that it gives one a   
   great deal of satisfaction when you could provide life saving services to   
   somebody.    
      
   His words were echoed by Preston Cook who is the Hillsborough County   
   emergency manager.  He said that ham radio operators provide a vital service   
   in so many different areas in his county during a major response.  Cook added   
   that's the reason ham radio operators have a seat at the table in its   
   Emergency Operations Center.     
      
   All in all a very nice endorsement of ham radio in first response   
   situations.  Its viewable on-line at tinyurl.com/WTSP-on-hams.  (KC5FM, WTSP)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS:  IOTA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION   
      
   In ham radio happenings, the Radio Society of Great Britan's Islands on the   
   Air program will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at a conference July 4th   
   to the 6th at the at Beaumont House at Windsor in the United Kingdom.  There   
   are almost 100 guests booked for the Saturday Gala Dinner, with overseas   
   attendance from 20 countries and five continents being epresented.  More   
   information on both the conference and the banquet is on the web at   
   www.rsgbevents.org.     
   (GB2RS)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS:  AMATEUR RADIO FLOAT IN OKLAHIOMA LIBERTY DAY PARADE   
      
   The Edmond Oklahoma Amateur Radio Society will be is sponsoring a float in   
   the 41st annual Edmond Liberty Fest Parade slated for July 4th.  What makes   
   this unique is that the clubs float will feature an operational High   
   Frequency ham radio station using the call K4J.  Operations will begin as   
   soon as the radio is installed on the float around 07:30 a.m. Central   
   Daylight Time with the station on the air during the entire time that the   
   float is traveling the parade route.  Look for K4J mainly on 20 meters but   
   frequencies will depend on band conditions.  QSL's go via K5EOK.     
   (WA6LBU)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS:  BRITAINS QUEEN ELIZABETH VIEWS SSTV GEAR   
      
   Some names in the news.  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has seen equipment   
   developed in 2012 by Dave Akerman, M0RPI.  This at a June 9th gathering of   
   some 350 of the United Kingdom's most successful and most promising   
   technologists who were invited to Buckingham Palace by the Queen and the Duke   
   of York.     
      
   The Raspberry Pi payload created by M0RPI was used to transmit Slow Scan   
   Digital Video on 434 MHz from a High Altitude Balloon that achieved a height   
   of over 94,000 feet.  From that vantage point the on-board transmitter had a   
   radio range of up to 450 miles.  A photo of Her Majesty observing the ham   
   radio space gear can be seen at amsat-uk.org.  (AMSAT-UK)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS:  QST EDITOR WB8IMY TO SPEAK AT AMSAT-UK COLLOQUIUM   
      
   QST magazine Editor and ARRL Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will   
   be a presenter at the AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium in Guildford,   
   England on Saturday, July 26th.  According to advance releases, Ford will   
   talk about the satellite operations at the ARRL Headquarters station in   
   Newington, Connecticut.     
      
   In addition to his day to day work at the ARRL, WB8IMY has written many   
   amateur radio books.  These include the ARRL Satellite Handbook, Get on the   
   Air with HF Digital, the VHF Digital Handbook and Remote Operating for   
   Amateur Radio.  (AMSAT-UK, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   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)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  OSCAR NUMBER ASSIGNED TO LITUANICASAT-1   
      
   In ham radio space related news, word that LituanicaSAT-1 will now also be   
   known as LituanicaSAT OSCAR-78, or LO-78.  The announcement of the OSCAR   
   number designation was made by OSCAR Number Administrator Bill Tynan, W3XO   
   who announced that LituanicaSAT-1 has met all of the requirements for such a   
   designation.   
      
   Meantime, LituanicaSAT-1 controllers have announced activation of the   
   satellites FM transponder.  A general rule to find out if the transponder is   
   working at any given moment is simply to monitor the beacon frequency on   
   437.275 MHz.  If you can the hear it that means that the transponder is off.    
   If you cannot hear it, then the transponder is on and listening on its uplink   
   at145.950 MHz for a signal with 67 Hz access tone. The downlink frequency is   
   approximately 435.1755 MHz +/- 10 kHz Doppler shift.  (ANS, W3XO)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  SPROUT SSTV IMAGES FROM ORBIT   
      
   Slow Scan Television images in Scottie 1 format have been successfully   
   received from the amateur radio SPROUT satellite on 437.600 MHz FM.  SPROUT   
   was built with the intent to let pictures of Earth to be transmitted by SSTV   
   that radio amateurs on the ground can receive using free software such as MM   
   SSTV.  As part of SPROUT's Earth mapping project its control team is asking   
   radio amateurs around the world to contribute pictures they have received   
   from the satellite for display on the satellites website.  It's in cyberspace   
   at tinyurl.com/sprout-sstv.     
   (SPROUT team)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE:  AMSAT-UK ENGINEERS PREPARE UKUBE-1 FOR LAUNCH   
      
   Word from AMSAT-UK is that engineers Steve Greenland and Andy Strain are in   
   Kazakhstan to prepare the UKube-1 satellite for launch on June 28th.  UKube-1   
   carries a set of AMSAT-UK FUNcube boards providing a 435 to 145 MHz linear   
   transponder for SSB and CW communications along with an educational telemetry   
   beacon.  Some of the frequencies that UKube-1 will operate on include 145.840   
   MHz as a telemetry downlink and a FUNcube subsystem beacon at 145.915 MHz.    
   The same launch vehicle will also carry the Tech Demo Sat research satellite   
   built at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. to orbit as well.  (AMSAT UK)   
      
   **   
      
   UPCOMING EVENTS:  INTERNATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE OPERATING EVENT   
      
   Down the road a bit, mark down September 27th as the beginning of the nine   
   day International Air Ambulance operating event.   This is held each year in   
   support of the many Air Ambulance Services in operation around the world.    
   The length of the happening includes two weekends to give as many hams as   
   possible a chance to participate.  More details on its aims and a   
   registration form can be found at radio-amateur-events.org.  (GB2RS, others)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIOSPORTS:  WRTC ANNCOUNCES 2014 CALLSIGNS   
      
   In the world of contesting, the World Radiosport Team Championship which is   
   the coordinating group of the upcoming WRTC-2014 competition has announced   
   the call signs that will be used by the contending teams.  All competitors   
   will use 1 by 1 call signs starting with the prefix W, K, or N.  This will be   
   followed by the number one (1) designating the United States first callsign   
   district where the event is being held.  Also a number of the available calls   
   will not be used for various reasons.  This includes the longest and shortest   
   Morse suffixes letters.  (WRTC)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS:  VE3RCMP TO CELEBRATE RADIO USED BY THE RCMP   
      
   On the air, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police amateur radio Group has   
   announced that it will be operating special event station VE3RCMP during the   
   Field Day weekend, June 28th and the 29th.  This special event station will   
   be commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first Royal Canadian Mounted   
   Police owned and operated radio-to-patrol-car dispatch system.   
      
   During Field Day, VE3RCMP will be operated by current and retired members of   
   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Radio Services Directorate of   
   Ottawa.  They also plan also to activate the call sign during the Canada Day   
   Contest to be held on July 1st.  Special QSL cards are being prepared to   
   confirm contacts made with VE3RCMP.   (VE3LC)   
      
   **   
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, LZ1GC will be active as C21GC from the Republic of Nauru between   
   September 28th and October 14th.  Operation will be on 160 through 10 meters   
   using CW, SSB and some RTTY.  Electronic QSL's via Logbook of the World are   
   preferred.  Paper QSL's via the bureau could be delayed between 1 to 2 years.   
      
      
   K0AP and N3CZ will be active stroke 4 from Anna Maria Island between July   
   12th and the 19th.  Their operation will be holiday style on 40 through 10   
   meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via their respective home callsigns.   
      
   NN7A will operate stroke 4 from Chincoteague Island between July 7th to the   
   13th running an all CW holiday style operation.  No bands were mentioned but   
   the QSL route is to NN7A, direct or via the bureau.   
      
   W9DR will be active as J38DR from Grenada between June 19th and July 1st.    
   This will be a 6 meter only DXpedition on the north shore of the island in   
   Grid Square FK92EF.  Operating frequencies will be 50.115 MHz SSB, 50.115.6   
   MHz CW and a breakable Beacon on 50.115.6 MHz running when no stations are   
   heard.   QSL direct to W9DR at his home address.    
      
   JG8NQJ will be operational stroke JD1 from Marcus Island in the Minami   
   Torishima group through August 19th.  Activity will be limited to his spare   
   time mainly on 17 meters but also listen out for him on 15, 12 and 10.  QSL   
   via JA8CJY either direct or via the bureau.    
      
   (Above DX news courtesy of OPDX)   
      
   **     
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM:  NASA BEAMS 'HELLO WORLD!' VIDEO VIA LASER FROM SPACE   
   STATION   
      
   And finally this week, NASA has successfully beamed a high-definition video   
   260 miles from the International Space Station back to to Earth using a newly   
   developed laser communications instrument.  Amateur Radio Newsline's Heather   
   Embee, KB3TZD, has the details:   
      
   --   
      
   The transmission of "Hello, World!" as a video message was the first 175   
   megabit communication for the Optical Payload for Lasercomm Science or OPALS   
   system.  This is described as a technology demonstration that allows NASA to   
   test methods for communication with future spacecraft using higher bandwidth   
   than radio.   
      
   Optical communication tools like OPALS use focused laser energy to reach   
   data rates between 10 and 1,000 times higher than current space   
   communications, which rely on radio portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.   
   Because the space station orbits Earth at 17,500 mph, transmitting data from   
   the space station to Earth requires extremely precise targeting.  The process   
   can be equated to a person aiming a laser pointer at the end of a human hair   
   30 feet away and keeping it there while walking.   
      
   To achieve this extreme precision during this initial demonstration, OPALS   
   locked onto a laser beacon located at the Optical Communications Telescope   
   Laboratory ground station at the Table Mountain Observatory in Wrightwood,   
   California.  It then began to modulate the beam from its 2.5-watt,   
   1,550-nanometer laser to transmit the video.  The entire transmission lasted   
   148 seconds and reached a maximum data transmission rate of 50 megabits per   
   second.  It took OPALS 3.5 seconds to transmit each copy of the "Hello   
   World!" video message.  By comparison the same message would have taken more   
   than 10 minutes using traditional downlink methods.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Embee, KB3TZD, in Berwick   
   Pennsylvania.   
      
   --   
      
   The Optical Payload for Lasercomm Science Project Office is based at the Jet   
   Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California where the instrument was built.   
   It was taken to the space station on April 20th aboard SpaceX's Dragon cargo   
   spacecraft.  You can see the animation of this experiment at   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1efsA8PQmDA.  For more information about the   
   OPALS project please visit go.nasa.gov/10MMPDO   (NASA)   
      
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   For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Skeeter   
   Nash, N5ASH, in Victoria, Texas, saying 73 and we thank you for listening.     
      
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