Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1819 - June 22 2012   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1819 with a release date of June 22,   
   2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.   
      
   The following is a QST. UK hams learn that they will have to share two   
   meters with the 2012 Olympics; the IARU High Frequency Championship to take   
   place in July; German hams get spectrum at 472 KHz and Radio Netherlands to   
   cease English language broadcasts. Find out the details are on Amateur   
   Radio Newsline(tm) report number 1819 coming your way right now.   
      
      
   (Billboard Cart Here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: UK HAMS TO SHARE 2 METERS WITH OLYMPICS   
      
   Ham radio operators in London will be temporarily giving up a part of the 2   
   meter band to accommodate the 2012 Olympic Games. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH,   
   reports from Nottingham in the UK:   
      
   --   
      
   British telecommunications regulator Ofcom has announced that a small block   
   of the amateur radio 144 MHz band is to be used for the London 2012 Summer   
   Olympic Games.   
      
   The RSGB have issued the following announcement: Following negotiations to   
   minimize the impact on amateurs, Ofcom has now announced that it will   
   temporarily authorize a small block of 12.5kHz channels, ranging from   
   144.0125MHz to 144.1375MHz, for the period 27 July to 28 August 2012 only.   
      
   The frequencies to be used specifically exclude 144.0500MHz the CW Calling   
   frequency and 144.1000MHz which is the Perseids Meteor Scatter CW Calling   
   channel.   
      
   Ofcom are aware of the various amateur contests scheduled for 4 and 7 August   
   and will work with Game users to keep operations to a minimum on these   
   dates.   
      
   Usage of this spectrum by Games users will be in the vicinity of London   
   Olympic venues and will be limited to handheld equipment operating on a   
   maximum of 5W output.   
      
   I'm Jeramy Boot, G4NJH.   
      
   --   
      
   Ofcom emphasizes that use of primary amateur spectrum is only for the   
   specified time period and does not constitute a change of usage. More is on   
   line on the RSGB 2012 Olympic Pages at www.rsgb.org/olympics. (RSGB)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIOSPORTS: IARU HF CHAMPIONSHIP ON JULY 14 - 15   
      
   The International Amateur Radio Union sponsored High Frequency World   
   Championship 2012 will take place beginning 1200 UTC on Saturday July 14th   
   and ending 1200 UTC on Sunday July 15th. The objective of this contest is   
   to contact as many other amateurs, especially IARU member society   
   Headquarters stations, around the world as possible. This, using the 160,   
   80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. The rules for this year are available on   
   line at tinyurl.com/iaru-hf-championship. (XE1R, IARU-R2)   
      
   **   
      
   RESTRUCTURING: GERMAN CLASS A HAMS GET 472 KHZ PRIVILEGES   
      
   German amateurs with a Class A license are now allowed to operate in the new   
   472 to 479 kHz band. The power limit is 1 watt effective radiated with a   
   maximum signal bandwidth of 800Hz. (GB2RS)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO POLITICS: UAE GOVERNMENT REGULATOR MEETS WITH NATIONAL HAM RADIO   
   SOCIERT   
      
   The Emirates Amateur Radio Society has met with the United Arab Emirates   
   Telecommunications Regulatory Authority or TRA. This to discuss amateur   
   radio issues.   
      
   According to news reports, the meeting shed light on Emirates Amateur Radio   
   Society perspectives related to regulations for radio communications   
   amateurs issued by the TRA. This included amateur radio authorizations,   
   frequencies used by UAE hams, the mechanism of authorizing visitors and   
   residents to operate in that nation, and cooperation and coordination   
   between the two groups during various activities. The two sides also   
   discussed ways to utilize ham radio to support governmental entities while   
   performing public service activities and at international competitions   
   throughout the year.   
      
   At that gathering, the TRA stated that the United Arab Emirates is a country   
   concerned with providing various types of communications to users including   
   radio communications. It said that meeting with a specialized entity such   
   as the society is highly important in order to promote radio communications   
   in the country. It added that this meeting garners further significance   
   especially when it takes into consideration that the United Arab Emirates is   
   a country that hosts numerous desert sports activities and competitions.   
   This it says makes radio communications a key issue particularly with regard   
   to cases of accidents, disasters, or being lost in the desert.   
      
   The meeting took place at the TRA headquarters in Abu Dhabi and brought to   
   light a number of issues related to radio communications. The full report   
   of the meeting in English can be read at tinyurl.com/uae-hams. (Southgate   
   News)   
      
   **   
      
   PROPAGATION: DOUBLE CME HITS EARTH CAUSING AURORAS   
      
   SpaceWeather reports that a geomagnetic storm occurred in the wake of the   
   Suns double Coronal Mass Ejection or C-M-E impact on June 16. The hit,   
   which strongly compressed Earth's magnetic field, lit up both poles with   
   bright auroras.   
      
   Here in the United States and Canada, the Northern Lights descended as far   
   south as Oregon, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Washington state and   
   the Dakotas. And as ham radio operators know, this C-M-E also made for some   
   rather interesting conditions on the air, especially on 50 Mhz and above.   
   (SpaceWeather.com)   
      
   **   
      
   TECHNOLOGY: PHASE MODULATION TESTS ON WWVB   
      
   The National Institute of Standards and Technology or NIST is currently   
   testing phase modulation in addition to the existing amplitude modulation on   
   time standard station WWVB. The AM signal continues while the phase   
   modulation is tested, so there should not be any interruption in service to   
   existing AM devices. However, the NIST warns that phase-locked loop devices   
   AM devices may lose signal lock at times during the tests. The experiment   
   will end prior to the June 30th leap second correction. Questions or   
   comments can be forwarded to WWVB Broadcast Manager John Lowe by e-mail at   
   john (dot) lowe (at) nist (dot) gov. (WB5ITT)   
      
   **   
      
   BANDPLANNING: COMMENTS SOUGHT ON PROPOSED 23 CM BANDPLAN   
      
   Rick Roderick K5UR, who chairs the ARRL UHF and Microwave Band Plan Committee   
   is asking for input on the new proposed amateur 23 cm bandplan. K5UR   
   requests that the ham radio community look over the draft band plan and let   
   him know if you have any major concerns. You can see and download the   
   proposed plan at tinyurl.com/23-cm-plan. Comments go by e-mail to   
   microwave-band-plan (at) arrl (dot) org. (ARRL, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: COMMUNICATIONS TOWER LIGHTS NOW FOR THE BIRDS   
      
   Federal Aviation Administration officials have decided that operators of tall   
   towers may turn off one type of warning light that may be a cause of bird   
   collisions, and do so without endangering those flying aircraft.   
      
   According to news reports federal wildlife researchers found migratory birds   
   get disoriented by steady red warning lights. As a result the FAA has   
   determined it may be okay to turn those off because they claim that pilots   
   can still see towers at night using flashing red warning lights.   
      
   Federal wildlife researchers and some conservationists claim that close to 7   
   million migrating birds die each year when they hit communications towers in   
   the United States and Canada. Broadcasters and other tower owners doubt the   
   number is that high. They point to counter research collated by the FCC   
   that says more birds die from cats and flying into structures such as high   
   rise building windows.   
      
   The FCC hasn't made the new light scheme mandatory but officials said   
   recently they would honor the change. You may recall that back last   
   December, the commission began requiring formal public notice and requiring   
   for new towers taller than 450 feet. Also required is an environmental   
   assessment of the potential impact of a new tower on migratory birds. (RW)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 1   
      
   From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard   
   on bulletin stations around the world including the W8HVG repeater serving   
   all of southern Michigan.   
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: FCC CORRECTS LICENSE CLASS PAPERWORK ERROR   
      
   The FCC has modified the Amateur Radio Service license of Todd Wilson,   
   WH6DWF, of Honolulu, Hawaii. This by replacing his General Class operator   
   privileges with Technician Class operator privileges.   
      
   No, Wilson did nothing wrong. Rather he was the innocent victim of a   
   clerical error by the ARRL VEC. Heres the back story.   
      
   By correspondence dated January 13, 2012, the ARRL VEC notified the   
   Commission that it had made an error in the November 29, 2011 data file and   
   that Wilson was qualified for a Technician Class operator license but not a   
   General Class. Therefore, ARRL VEC requested that the FCC modify Wilson's   
   license to correct the operator privileges authorized.   
      
   The Order of Modification was released on March 15, 2012. Wilson did not   
   protest the proposed modification of his license within the requisite   
   thirty-day time frame. Accordingly, he is deemed to have consented to the   
   proposed modification. Based on the record before it, on June 19th the FCC   
   concluded that it is in the pubic interest to modify the license for Amateur   
   Radio Service Station WH6DWF by changing the authorized operating privileges   
   from General Class to Technician Class. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: ANOTHER UNLICENSED FLORIDA ISSUED $15000 NAL   
      
   The Tampa FCC Office has issued a $15,000 Notice of Apparent Liability for   
   Forfeiture to Albert R. Knighten, Jr.. This for apparently willfully and   
   repeatedly violating Section 301 of the Communications by operating an   
   unlicensed radio transmitter on the frequency 107.5 MHz from his residence   
   in Fort Myers, Florida. Amateur Radio Newsline's Skeeter Nash, N5ASH, has   
   the details:   
      
   --   
      
      
   On December 1st and 9th, 2011, agents from the Enforcement Bureau's Tampa   
   Office T-hunted a signal on 107.5 MHz to an FM transmitting antenna mounted   
   on a tower at Knighten's residence. Agents also determined that the signals   
   on 107.5 MHz exceeded the limits for operation under Part 15 of the   
   Commission's rules and therefore required a license.   
      
   On December 9, 2011, local law enforcement executed a search warrant for the   
   premises. At that time agents from the FCC Tampa Office interviewed   
   Knighten who was present in his residence when the station was on the air.   
   During the interview Knighten admitted to purchasing and installing the   
   radio equipment. He also claimed to be the sole person operating the   
   unlicensed station and had been doing so for over a month. The FCC agents   
   also inspected the unlicensed radio station before the equipment was seized   
   by local law enforcement.   
      
   Now in issuing the Notice of Apparent Liability, the FCC says that because   
   Knighten consciously operated the station and on more than one day, the   
   apparent violation of the Communications Act was both willful and repeated.   
   As such, and based on the evidence before it, that a $15,000 penalty is   
   warranted.   
      
   --   
      
   Knighten was given the customary 30 days to pay the $15,000 NAL or to file an   
   appeal. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: INCOMPLETE PAPERWORK LEADS TO $10000 FINE FOR NYC COLLEGE   
   STATION   
      
   Columbia University in New York City has been issued a $10,000 Monetary   
   Forfeiture based on documents missing from the public inspection file of its   
   non-commercial station WKCR- FM. Amateur Radio Newsline's Fred Vobbe, W8HDU,   
   is here with the details":   
      
   --   
      
   The case is unusual because WKCR stated on its renewal application that since   
   its transmission facilities on the World Trade Center had been destroyed on   
   9/11, the station has faced operating difficulties. As such, it has been   
   transmitting from various temporary locations and with a reduced coverage   
   area.   
      
   According to several media reports, Columbia University was totally truthful   
   on its license renewal application. It admitted that WKCR's public file was   
   incomplete. It said the quarterly issues and program lists were not missing   
   deliberately but inadvertently.   
      
   However in rendering its decision, the FCC said the missing files occurred   
   over the entire eight-year period of the license grant. This, included a   
   four-year period before its transmitting facilities were destroyed. As   
   such, the regulatory agency stated that WKCR's violations we both serious   
   and displayed a pattern of abuse of the FCC's rules. Because of this, the   
   station came close to having its license renewal granted for a short term   
   period. However the Media Bureau decided not to take that route because   
   WKCR is due to file its next renewal application February 1, 2014.   
      
   In the end. the Commission decided that overall WKCR has served the public   
   interest during its license term. That's why it will grant the renewal   
   separately once the forfeiture proceeding is concluded.   
      
   For the amateur radio Newsline, Im Fred Vobbe, W8HDU, in Lima, Ohio.   
      
   --   
      
   Columbia University was given the customary 30 days from the date the FCC   
   decision was rendered to pay the penalty or to file an appeal. (RBR, FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: SCRAP METAL THEFT BECOME A FELONY IN FLORIDA   
      
   It's about to get a lot more difficult harder to sell a stolen piece of   
   transmission line or any form of purloined metal in Florida. This as the   
   state severely tightens regulations on how scrap metal dealers operate their   
   businesses in that state. Amateur Radio Newsline's Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK,   
   reports:   
      
   --   
      
   The new rules that go into effect on July 1st make stealing copper from a   
   utility or communications services provider a Florida state first-degree   
   felony. This translates into the possibility of a thief being sentenced to   
   a 30-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. The law also makes knowingly   
   purchasing stolen metals a third-degree felony, which could mean five years   
   in prison and a $5,000 fine for the purchaser.   
      
   But the change likely to have the greatest influence on copper theft is the   
   banning of cash payments for scrap metal. Under the new law all payments   
   must be made by check or an electronic payment system, and payment may be   
   delayed by up to three days.   
      
   All scrap-metal dealers will have to be registered with the state, and   
   dealers will be required to keep better records of all purchases, including   
   photographs of the material bought. If they purchase an item with a serial   
   number on it, the dealer will have to check a state database to make sure   
   the item has not been reported stolen.   
      
   As to the perpetrators of such thefts, the new law waives civil liability for   
   property owners if someone is injured or killed while trying to steal copper   
   or other regulated materials. In other words a thief or a surviving   
   relative of the thief will not be permitted to file a law suit trying to   
   hold those who own the stolen metals responsible for the perpetrators   
   injuries or death.   
      
   Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the bill into law at the end of April.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, in Zion, Illinois.   
      
   --   
      
   Copper theft has been an increasing problem for broadcasters, power companies   
   and other industries that use these metals. This is particularly true for   
   those located at remote and unattended sites. Even ham radio operators have   
   in the past years reported theft of antenna transmission lines. (CGC,   
   others)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO BUSINESS: SUPERANTENNA RETURNS TO THE HAM RADIO MARKETPLACE   
      
   SuperAntenna Corporation, maker of the legendary MP1 Portable Antenna and YP3   
   Portable Yagi, is back in business.   
      
   Super Antenna was begun in 2000 by Vern Wright, W6MMA. As some of you may   
   know, the company ceased operations a few years ago to sort out what it   
   termed as legal issues.   
      
   On June 18th Super Antenna issued a press release stating that the new   
   company has already begun shipping the MP1 portable antenna and the YP3   
   portable yagi. Both it claims have been re-engineered to a higher standard   
   of performance.   
      
   Super Antenna has also announced a new web site where hams radio operators   
   can get information on Super Antenna products. Its in cyberspace at   
   www.newsuperantenna.com. (Via e-mail)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS: HAMS IN BROADCASTING VOIP GROUP   
      
   Hams in Broadcasting is a new on-line VoIP group that connects those in the   
   broadcasting industry with one another world-wide. The system interconnects   
   IRLP conference bridge 9615, Echolink conference 96150 and Allstar Node   
   27405 for 24 hour a day communication and chatting between hams who are in   
   the broadcast field. For more information on the "Hams in Broadcast"   
   conference bridge, take a look at tinyurl.com/ar-conference-bridge   
      
   Also of note are two nets that meet on the bridge. Every Sunday night at 8:00   
   PM Eastern there is a general "Hams in Broadcast Net." It is usually hosted   
   by Bruce Schiller, WA2ZST, who works for the CBS network in New York City.   
      
   There also is a twice a month "SBE Hams on the Air" net. More information on   
   that gathering is at tinyurl.com/broadcasters-voip (Hams in Broadcasting)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS: AMSAT 2012 SYMPOSIUM INFORMATION UPDATE   
      
   The 2012 AMSAT Annual Meeting and Space Symposium will be held in Orlando,   
   Florida on the weekend of October 26th to the 28th. This at the Holiday Inn   
   Orlando Airport Hotel.   
      
   The Symposium weekend will feature sessions on various ham radio satellites,   
   operating techniques, news and plans from the amateur satellite world. Also   
   taking place will be the annual Board of Directors Meeting, the annual   
   General Membership Meeting and banquet.   
      
   For the latest updates please bookmark tinyurl.com/amsat-symposium-2012   
   (2012 Symposium Committee)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: W0ADZ APPOINTED NEW SOUTH DAKOTA SM   
      
   Some names in the news. Chris Stallkamp, W0ADZ, has been appointed as ARRL   
   South Dakota Section Manager, effective June 15.   
      
   ARRL Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, made the   
   appointment in consultation with Dakota Division Director Greg Widin, K0GW,   
   and with the recommendation of outgoing South Dakota Section Manager Scott   
   Rausch, WA0VKC.   
      
   Rausch had served as South Dakota Section Manager since April 2009. He   
   decided not to run for another term of office that was scheduled to begin on   
   April 1st. After a re-solicitation for nominations this spring did not   
   result in any potential candidates, Stallkamp was then appointed to take the   
   Section Manager reins from Rausch. Stallkamp's appointment extends until   
   March 31, 2014. (ARRL)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: VA7MPG ELECTED RAC SM OF BC AND YUKON SECTION   
      
   And congratulations to Paul Giffin, VA7MPG who was recently elected Section   
   Manager for Radio Amateurs of Canada's British Columbia and Yukon Section   
   Manager. This, for the balance of his appointed term that ends October 30,   
   2013. VA7MPG ran unopposed eliminating the need for a balloted election.   
   (RAC)   
      
   **   
      
   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)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT: RADIO NETHERLANDS WORLDWIDE TO CEASE ENGLISH LANGUAGE BROADCASTS   
   ON JUNE 29TH   
      
   Radio Netherlands English service will closes down at the end of June.   
   According to the International broadcaster, the decision to curtail English   
   language transmissions on June 29th is the result of steep budget cuts   
   imposed by the Dutch government and a concomitant change in focus of the   
   station. As such, providing the world with what it terms as a realistic   
   image of the Netherlands, as it has done since 1947, will no longer be one   
   of its statutory duties.   
      
   According to the stations website, as of July 1st there will no longer be a   
   daily review of the Dutch papers and coverage of Dutch news stories will   
   also cease. And, since the English webstream will also end on June 29th,   
   there will be a Listening Guide posted or mailed out.   
      
   For its final English language transmission on June 29th, Radio Netherlands   
   plans to broadcast a show looking back at the past decades of its service.   
   Its asking listeners who may have a memory to share to sent that by e-mail   
   to letters (at) rnw (dot) nl.   
      
   The shut down of the long popular Radio Netherlands English language   
   transmissions follow the closure of the Dutch service in May. More is   
   on-line at www.rnw.nl/english/article/were-changing (RNW)   
      
   **   
      
   MAKING WAVES: HAM RADIO TEST CRUISE OF OH10X/MM ON BALTIC SEA.   
      
   Radio Arcala, the massive ham radio contest station that operates as OH8X   
   near the Arctic Circle in association with Kristina Cruises Ltd. are in the   
   process of testing to see if a permanent amateur radio station will suit the   
   maritime environment and serve DX'ers in their leisure time.   
      
   The ship used for the first evaluation held June 20th to the 24th was the M/S   
   Kristina Katarina which is owned by a private Finnish company. The onboard   
   ham radio station consisted of an Icom IC-7600 on the top deck. The antenna   
   was a 20 meter long wire fed by a remote antenna tuner.   
      
   The first run that was to ascertain any potential interference issues from   
   the amateur radio station to the ship's navigation system. Also to see the   
   impact from the ship's advanced P-C networks to the reception of amateur   
   radio transmissions.   
      
   During the test cruise, the station was to be active at the peak propagation   
   hours to various continents on 14.267 MHz. The test cruise took the ship to   
   Estonia, Gotland, Sweden, the Aland Islands, and back to Finland.   
      
   In addition to the technical evaluation, famed DXer Martti Laine, OH2BH, was   
   on-board with a target to contact all continents. This to celebrate the   
   signing a possible permanent agreement for the station to be available for   
   guests who hold an amateur radio license.   
      
   The M/S Kristina Katarina is a 138 meter long vessel. It has a cruising   
   speed of 15 knots and can hold a maximum of 450 guests. Two Finnair   
   jetliners were available backing the operations for change of passengers at   
   a variety of ports along the way.   
      
   For more details on this interesring ham radio cruise evaluation, please take   
   your web browser to www.qrz.com/db/OH10X. Information on the cruise line is   
   at tinyurl.com/ham-cruise. (Radio Arcala)   
      
   **   
      
      
   WORLDBEAT: SARL AND ICASA WORKING TOWARD CEPT LIKE VISITORS LICENSE   
      
   The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, better known as the   
   ICASA and the South African Radio League are in negotiations to create a   
   CEPT like ham radio license that is universally accepted. In the meantime,   
   the telecommunications regulator says that visitors to South Africa who hold   
   a valid amateur radio license in a Southern African Development Community   
   recognized country may apply for temporary authorization to operate in South   
   Africa. A copy of his or her license and the period to be spent in South   
   Africa, must be presented.   
      
   All requests go by e-mail to KMashile (at) icasa (dot) org (dot) za as well   
   as admin (at) sarl (at) org (dot) za. The turn around time for applications   
   will be approximately 48 hours.   
      
   According to Wikipedia, The Southern African Development Community is an   
   inter-governmental organization headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. Its   
   goal is to further socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as   
   political and security cooperation among 15 southern African states. It   
   complements the role of the African Union. (SARL)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR: CYPRUS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION PRESIDENCY   
      
   To commemorate the first time that Cyprus will hold the European Union   
   presidency, a the Cyprus Amateur Radio Society have been granted the use of   
   the callsign P3EU for a six month period that expires on December 31st.   
   Using that call sign, club members will host a 24 hour special event   
   operation on July 1st on the High Frequency bands using SSB and CW for the   
   24 hour event. For the duration of the 6 months of Cyprus holding the   
   presidency club members will be active using the P3RU call on all modes on   
   the High Frequency and VHF bands. A special QSL card will be available.   
   (OPDX)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR: K4O CELEBRATES PUERTO RICO FLAG BEARING IN THE LONDON OLYMPICS   
      
   On Sunday July 1st 2012, the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee will be   
   celebrating the Flag Bearing of the Puerto Rico Delegation to the Summer   
   Olympic Games in London. To commemorate the event, the Puerto Rico Amateur   
   Radio League will be operating special event station K-4-Oh from the Puerto   
   Rico Olympic Committee headquarters. Actual hours of operation will be 9:00   
   a.m to 5:00 p.m. on June 30th and 9 a.m to 2 p.m. on July 1st. Both are   
   local Puerto Rico time. More information on this operation is on-line at   
   www.prarl.org. (PRARL)   
      
   **   
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, K6ZRH will be on the air portable DU1 from Palawan Island through June   
   30th. His operation will be on 40, 20 and 15 meters using SSB. QSL this one   
   also direct only to his home call.   
      
   K9EL was on the air as FS/K9EL from St. Martin until June 24th. His operation   
   was holiday style on 80 through 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. If you   
   worked him, QSL to his call book address.   
      
   PE1GU will be active as PA6FUN from Ameland Island between July 30th and   
   August 15th. His operation will be on 6 meters only. Modes have not been   
   announced. QSL via PE1GUR, either direct or via the bureau.   
      
   ON4QX, will be operational portable P4 from Aruba through July 2nd. Activity   
   will probably be on all High Frequency bands mostly using RTTY. QSL via   
   ON4QX.   
      
   An international team of operators plan to visit five islands belonging to   
   Papua New Guinea between October 19th and November 4th. Some of the islands   
   to host their operations include Emirau, Simberi, and Lihir. As we go to   
   air no bands, frequencies or a QSL Manager has been announced.   
      
   Lastly, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first operation from   
   the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a group of hams will take to the air   
   using the call sign 1A0C from Santa Maria del Priorato. Their operation   
   will be from July 1st to the 4th on all of the High Frequency bands plus 6   
   meters. QSLs for contacts with 1A0C can be requested via 1A0Z.   
      
   (Above from various DX news sources)   
      
   **   
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM: THE 12TH USA ARDF CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS   
      
   And finally this week, a hidden transmitter hunt in California has drawn   
   radio direction finding fans from around the country. Newsline's Joe Moell   
   K0OV, who is also the ARRL's ARDF Coordinator, tells us all about it.   
      
   --   
      
   Fans of on-foot transmitter hunting gathered in the little village of Mt.   
   Laguna, California early this month for the twelfth annual USA championships   
   of Amateur Radio Direction Finding, or ARDF. They came from nine states plus   
   British Columbia, Canada to see who would win the medals and who would be   
   selected to go to the World Championships in Serbia this September. One   
   quarter of them had never been to a national championship foxhunt before.   
      
   The big event was sponsored by the Los Angeles Orienteering Club and was   
   organized and hosted by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. With lots of volunteer help,   
   Marvin set out two challenging championship courses in the forested   
   mountains at 6000 feet elevation, one on two meters and the other on 80   
   meters, on the weekend of June 1 and 2. In accordance with standard rules of   
   the International Amateur Radio Union, the participants were divided into   
   eleven age and gender categories, so the ones in their 70's didn't have to   
   compete against prime-agers for the gold.   
      
   The championship courses were over six kilometers from start to each of the   
   five transmitters and then to the finish. In addition, there was a sprint   
   event to see who could find ten lower-powered transmitters fastest. There   
   was also a foxoring event. That's a new sport that combines orienteering and   
   direction-finding. Competitors were given a map marked with ten circles.   
   When they got inside the area represented by each circle, they could hear a   
   QRP 80-meter transmitter and track it down with RDF. The first to get all   
   ten would win. Before these events, there was a two-day training camp on   
   Wednesday and Thursday, with full-size courses on two meters and 80-meters.   
      
   When it was all over, 13 OMs and 6 YLs had received medals to take home with   
   them. For the complete results and photos of these championships, point your   
   Web browser to homingin.com. That's homingin -- as one word -- homingin.com.   
   That's also a good place to learn more about bringing on-foot foxhunting to   
   your locality.   
      
   For Amateur Radio Newsline, this is Joe Moell K0OV.   
      
   --   
      
   If you have never been out on a hidden transmitter hunt you are missing one   
   of the most fun aspects of the hobby. If a local club or other group you   
   know of holds these fun events, you might consider joining in and giving it   
   a try. (K0OV)   
      
   **   
      
   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   
   TWiT TV, Southgate News and Australia's WIA 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 in Los Angeles, I'm   
   Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Southern Mississippi, saying 73 and we thank you for   
   listening.   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2012. 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   
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   hamfdn -at- wpusa.dynip.com.   
      
   Thank you and good day!   
      
   -73-   
      
      
    * Origin: (1:3634/12)