Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1831 - September 14 2012   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1831 with a release date of September 14   
   2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.   
      
   The following is a Q-S-T. Two illegal operations in Canada are evicted from   
   2 meters; the Radio Society of Great Britain takes on Region One of the   
   International Amateur Radio Union over the endorsement of a more liberal   
   B-P-L standard; the FAA to begin a new study of the use of broadband devices   
   on aircraft in flight and a safety warning about those tiny button   
   batteries. Find out the details are on Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) report   
   number 1831 coming your way right now.   
      
      
   (Billboard Cart Here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: TWO COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS EVICTED FROM 2 METERS IN CANADA   
      
   Radio Amateurs of Canada has announced that two cases of frequency incursion   
   to the 2 meter band by business users have been resolved. Amateur Radio   
   Newsline's Aaren Jensen, VA7AEJ, reports:   
      
   --   
      
   In the first incident, a transportation company based in Reinfeld, Manitoba   
   was observed to be operating illegally on 144.100 Mhz. The company in   
   question had purchased VHF radios from a US based supplier who failed to   
   indicate correct licensing procedures.   
      
   Once contacted by Radio Amateurs of Canada the company agreed to immediately   
   cease operating in the two meter band and shifted its operation to a   
   business band frequency. Industry Canada was notified of the incursion and   
   continues to work with the company to secure a licensed channel. In   
   addition to illegally transmitting inside the amateur radio two meter band,   
   this operation posed a threat to low signal operations across a wide portion   
   of North America   
      
   In the second matter, a home moving company was observed to be operating on   
   144.940 Mhz. The company in question is based in Winkler, Manitoba, but the   
   operation was observed in Alberta during the moving of a house.   
      
   In this case, the company had already been licensed to specific frequencies   
   with Industry Canada. However it had requested 144.940 Mhz as a channel.   
   Their request was denied and a business band channels were issued. However,   
   the company failed to check tits license paperwork and assumed it had been   
   approved for their requested frequency.   
      
   As in the first case, the moving company was also contacted by Radio Amateurs   
   of Canada and agreed to move their operations to their correctly licensed   
   frequencies. Given their wide geographic operations Industry Canada had   
   licensed their operation on four separate frequencies including 140.730,   
   154.325, 158.940 and 151.730 MHz.   
      
   In both cases, it appears that frequencies in the two meter band were chosen   
   by these businesses because their new vhf radios defaulted to that frequency   
   range. This is definitely an indicator that the actual radio gear being   
   used is likely to be modified amateur radio transceivers.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Aaren Jensen, VA7AEJ, in Lumby, British   
   Columbia Canada.   
      
   --   
      
   The use of equipment intended for amateur radio operation outside of the   
   amateur bands or by persons who do not hold an Canadian Amateur Radio   
   Certificate is illegal. What punitive action Industry Canada might impose   
   on the two companies for their incursion into the 2 meter band is at this   
   time unknown. (RAC, VE4WO)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: RSGB ASKS IARU R-2 TO RECONSIDER PLT STANDARD   
      
   The Radio Society of Great Britain has formally asked the International   
   Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Electromagnetic Compatibility Working Group to   
   reconsider its policy on the draft European Broadband over Powerline or PLT   
   standard. One that the RSGB claims to threaten a 38 dB increase in R-F   
   pollution over much of the short wave radio spectrum   
      
   The request from the RSGB came in an August 28th letter to C.M. Verholt, who   
   is the Chairman of the IARU Region 1 EMC Working Group from the RSGB's Don   
   Beattie G3BJ. In it, Beattie says that there is no way that the emissions   
   from devices meeting this new standard can satisfy the essential   
   requirements of the EMC Directive outside the notched frequencies. As such,   
   G3BJ says that the IARU Region 1 EMC Working Group is in effect condoning   
   overriding the essential requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility   
   Directive by backing the standard. He says that this action of the   
   Commission is clearly contrary to the law of the European Union and   
   therefore open to judicial review.   
      
   Beattie goes on to say that the new emission levels, if sanctioned, will   
   inevitably become the baseline for future standards. In this context he   
   notes that that there are already some new drafts that are circulating which   
   reference the more liberal proposed emission levels.   
      
   Beattie ends his letter by saying that the RSGB hopes that common sense will   
   prevail and that IARU Region 1 will amend its position on this matter. The   
   IARU Region 1 EMC Working Group had previously added its support to the new   
   Pan-European Electromagnetic Compatibility standard that the RSGB so   
   vigorously opposes. (GB2RS)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: PLMRS NARROWBANDING TAKES EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 2013   
      
   The FCC has sent out a notice to the manufacturers, importers, distributes   
   and users of Private Land Mobile two-way radio that the deadline to switch   
   to 12.5 Khz narrow band transmission is January 1, 2013. This is for two   
   way radio gear that operates in the 150 to 174 MHz and 421 to 470 MHz   
   frequency bands, not including the 2 meter or 70 centimeter Amateur Service   
   spectrum from 144 to 148 MHz or 430 to 450 MHz. Amateur Radio Newsline's   
   Jim Davis, W2JKD, reports:   
      
   --   
      
   According to the FCC the reason for this mandated change is to promote the   
   efficient use of private land mobile radio spectrum and to facilitate the   
   introduction of advanced technologies. In other words, this government   
   edict is not only applicable to analog FM based communications but to   
   current and all future digital modes as well.   
      
   The FCC also notes that Private Land Mobile Radio licensees are not required,   
   at this time, to modify their licenses to remove wideband emission   
   designators. However, the presence of a wideband emission designator on a   
   license does not authorize operation after January 1, 2013 that does not   
   comply with the new narrowbanding standards.   
      
   The FCC release also reminds manufacturers, subject to the limited   
   exceptions, that they must cease manufacturing and importing equipment that   
   is capable of 25 kHz mode operation in the VHF and UHF bands by the   
   narrowbanding transition deadline.   
      
   I'm Jim Davis, W2JKD.   
      
   --   
      
   While the Amateur Service is exempt from the new narrowbanding mandate, do   
   not be to surprised if future generations of off the shelf VHF and UHF ham   
   gear is built to conform to this new commercial radio standard. Especially   
   if a manufacturers primary business is in supplying Private Land Mobile   
   Service radio gear with ham gear as a secondary product line. Its simply   
   less expensive for them to do it that way. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: NEW ZEALAND TO ENFORCE UHF CB NARROWBANDING   
      
   In a similar move, New Zealand's telecommunications regulator has issued an   
   edict to all manufacturers and importers of UHF CB radio equipment with 25   
   kHz channel spacing. It notes that in accordance with the nations General   
   User Radio License for citizen band operation, equipment that does not   
   comply with a new narrowbanding specification cannot be sold in that nation   
   if it is manufactured or imported after December 1st. Only current stock of   
   25 kHz radios on hand and merchandise in the domestic New Zealand   
   distribution pipeline can be sold after that date. (NZART)   
      
   **   
      
   RESTRUCTURING: TV SPECTRUM AUCTION UPDATE   
      
   According to top FCC officials, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will soon   
   circulate the FCC's long-awaited framework for reclaiming and re-auctioning   
   broadcast spectrum for wireless use, and repacking remaining stations.   
   This, with the target of having a report and order voted by mid-2013 and the   
   auctions completed by the end of 2014.   
      
   The document is described as a comprehensive treatment rather than the first   
   of a series of items. As such it's expected to contain many detailed   
   proposals that the FCC will then seek comment on and adjust as needed. The   
   FCC is trying to move far enough down the road with this initial proposal to   
   make that auction goal of 2014 a realistic one.   
      
   While ham radio is not directly involved in this frequency shuffle, there is   
   always the chance that some bands like 222 to 225 MHz and 50 to 54 MHz could   
   be impacted. This is because 222 to 225 MHz lies between what is known as   
   the spectrum between the VHF low and VHF high band TV channels. 50 to 54   
   MHz that we call 6 meters is actually VHF low band TV channel 1. If the   
   sell-off of the coveted UHF broadcast spectrum results in a lot of TV   
   stations returning to the VHF bands then both these spectral parcels could   
   come under some future reallocation scrutiny. We are not saying that it   
   will happen that way, but ham radio has to keep a careful watch on how it   
   might be affected in the years to come. (Published reports)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 1   
      
   From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard   
   on bulletin stations around the world including the W8RLC repeater serving   
   Lowell, Michigan.   
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: FAA TO BEGIN INVESTIGATION OF BROADBAND DEVICES ON FLIGHTS   
      
   It's going to be a while before airline passengers can use their wireless   
   electronic devices during an entire flight. Amateur Radio Newsline's   
   Stephen Robertson, KB3HGM, is near the nations capital with the details:   
      
   --   
      
   On Monday, August 27th the Federal Aviation Administration said that it is   
   starting a process to study the issue, with a timeline that means it will   
   take at least until March 2013 for a recommendation and likely longer for   
   action.   
      
   Smartphones, laptops and tablet computers are common in the passenger cabin,   
   and some pilots are using these devices in flight. But passengers have to   
   shut off electronic devices when the plane is below 10,000 feet because of   
   worries that they might interfere with electronics in the cockpit. And   
   anything that has a broadband connection that cannot be disabled must be   
   kept off for the entire flight.   
      
   Now, in its recent statement, the FAA says that it will form a committee to   
   study the issue for six months and then make recommendations. The group   
   will include representatives of the mobile technology companies, aircraft   
   manufacturers, airlines, pilots, flight attendants, and even representatives   
   of passenger associations. The agency will also ask for public input. The   
   FAA often uses such aviation rulemaking committees when it is considering   
   regulatory changes and their discussions often last months and sometimes   
   even years.   
      
   It should be noted that the FAA doesn't actually ban the devices. However   
   its rules state that airlines can only allow devices that have been tested   
   and proven not to interfere with a given make and model aircraft's   
   electronics. With thousands of devices on the market and new ones coming   
   out each day, airlines simply ban them all during takeoff and landing. And   
   it looks as if that's the way it will continue for some time to come.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Im Stephen Robertson, KB3HGM, in Silver   
   Spring, Maryland.   
      
   --   
      
   As to ever getting permission for hams to use radio gear like handie talkies   
   on a commercial airline flight? There is no consideration being given to   
   ever permit any hobby radio electronics to be used. The FAA says that   
   allowing cellphone use during flights isn't under consideration either.   
   (FAA, RW, other published reports)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIO LAW: FENDER AND THE FCC ENTER CONSENT DECREE   
      
   Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and the FCC's Enforcement Bureau have   
   come to an agreement regarding how the company marketed digital RF devices   
   and how it will do so in the future.   
      
   The case which began in June of 2010, involves how the company marketed bass   
   amplifiers, preamplifiers, tuners, wireless microphones and audio mixers.   
   Imported digital RF devices are subject to the agency's equipment   
   verification or declaration of conformity procedures.   
      
   As part of the agreement, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation will   
   designate a compliance officer within 30 days and set up a plan within 60   
   days to ensure the company complies with the FCC's equipment marketing   
   rules. The company has also agreed to develop and implement an online   
   compliance training program for all if its overseas Original Equipment   
   Manufacturers that build some of its equipment. The company is to report to   
   the commission within 15 days any discoveries of noncompliance and submit   
   regular equipment compliance reports to the agency.   
      
   Based on a consent decree, Fender will make a voluntary payment of $265,000   
   to the U.S. Treasury and admits no guilt. In turn, the commission will end   
   its investigation. The first installment of its U.S. Treasury payment of   
   $132,500 is due within 30 days of the signing of the Consent Decree. (FCC,   
   RW)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: BROADCASTER FINED $20000 FOR UNLIT TOWER   
      
   Not lighting a broadcast tower for more than a decade will likely cost   
   Renacer Broadcasters Corporation a hefty $20,000 fine from the FCC.   
      
   Renacer owns the antenna structure located in Maricao, Puerto Rico.   
   Responding to a complaint, an FCC Enforcement Bureau agent inspected the   
   tower and found the structure had never been painted and had no lights   
   installed. Because the tower had been that way for more than 10 years, the   
   commission found the violation to be egregious and doubled the proposed   
   penalty to $20,000.   
      
   Renacer was given the customary 30 days to submit a sworn statement   
   certifying that the tower is now in full compliance with FCC rules and also   
   to pay the penalty or file an appeal. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: FCC SAYS RADIO STATION MUST REVEAL ALL CONTEST RULES   
      
   The FCC has affirmed a $4000 Notice of Apparent Liability against Good Karma   
   Broadcasting. This, for airing contest information without fully disclosing   
   the terms.   
      
   The case concerns WKRN AM in Cleveland. The FCC received a complaint alleging   
   that from November 2007 to September 2009, the station conducted what the   
   complainant called a "bogus" contest called "Who Said That?" In it, those   
   calling into the station were required to accurately identify who actually   
   voiced a clip that was played on-air.   
      
   In 2009, the FCC wrote to WKRN asking about the contest. The agency said   
   that in its reply WKRN admitted the bit aired regularly from early 2007   
   until the summer of 2008, and then sporadically thereafter. Once someone   
   guessed the voice a new clip would air.   
      
   The station admitted that for more than 20 months, no one guessed the voice   
   behind the clip. Also that the station was not announcing all the prizes,   
   but rather focusing on the new prize. Also that it eventually stopped   
   announcing them unless a listener called in and tried to guess the voice   
   behind the last clip.   
      
   Good Karma also said that by September 2009, some of the original prizes were   
   no longer available. It claimed that if a listener correctly identified the   
   voice in a clip, the station would have offered a similar prize package to   
   the one that was originally announced. As such, Good Karma disputed that it   
   violated the contest rules, arguing that "Who Said That?" was better   
   characterized as a feature or bit rather than a real contest. It argued   
   that as such the material was not subject to the FCC's contest rules.   
      
   But the FCC would not buy that explanation. In affirming the fine it stated   
   that licensees must accurately disclose all of the material terms of a   
   contest. Also that licensees must conduct the contest substantially as   
   announced or advertised.   
      
   Good Karma Broadcasting was given the customary 30 days to pay the fine or to   
   file a further appeal. (FCC, RW)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS: YOUTH IN AMATEUR RADIO PODCAST #3 RELEASED   
      
   If you are a young ham or know of one, you might want to spread the word that   
   Episode 3 of the Youth in Amateur Radio Podcast is now on line and ready for   
   download. In this installment the young hosts discuss what you should do   
   after earning your amateur radio license including getting your first radio   
   and joining a radio club. Heres a sample:   
      
   --   
      
   Net Audio: "...to find a ham who will be able to assist you in finding your   
   first radio go to a local radio club and become a member. Radio clubs will   
   help you find your first radio and they usually have monthly meetings which   
   discuss local issues in amateur radio and also organize fun activities like   
   Fox Hunts..."   
   --   
      
   The Youth in Amateur Radio Podcast is produced by and for the youngsters in   
   amateur radio. Its primary hosts are Anthony Spinelli, K2RCN, Sterling   
   Coffey, N0SSC and Jacob Keogh, KD0NVX. Other voices include Joe Andrews,   
   KD0LOS, and Matthew Chambers, NR0Q. Jerry Taylor KD0BIK serves as the shows   
   Executive Producer. To hear the complete program and the two that preceded   
   it simply take your web browser to yarphams.com. You can also find it on   
   itunes under Youth in Amateur Radio podcast. (Youth in amateur Radio)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: NORM ACES THE AZ TEST   
      
   Some names in the news. We lead off with Amateur Radio Newslines own Norm   
   Seeley, KI7UP who tells us that recently scored 100% on the State of Arizona   
   Traffic School test. While he does not know if he broke any records, Norm   
   says that he finished the exam in less than 4 minutes and 30 seconds. At   
   that point he got up and left his computer, after seeing that he had   
   answered all questions correctly. We say, congratulations.   
      
   (ARNewsline(tm))   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: W7EQI BEING EYED TO HEAD THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL   
   CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE   
      
   Regardless of the upcoming outcome of the November presidential election,   
   don't be too surprised if Oregon Representative Greg Walden, W7EQI, is named   
   to the chairmanship of the Republican National Congressional Committee.   
   News reports say that House Speaker John Boehner recently gave a broad hint   
   when he praised Walden by saying that he would soon have a "bigger job."   
      
   While the post doesn't get much attention from the general public, it's of   
   major importance on Capitol Hill and is often viewed as a step up on the   
   House leadership ladder. This is because thee chairman plays a key role in   
   distributing millions of dollars in campaign help, in recruiting candidates   
   and in making the tough calls on which districts to bet heavily on.   
   (Published news reports)   
      
   **   
      
   THE SOCIAL SCENE: CELEBRATING MFJ 40th ANNIVERSARY OCT 5 AND 6   
      
   Turning to the ham radio social scene, all eyes will be on the city of   
   Starkville, Mississippi, the weekend of October 5th and 6th. That's when   
   hams from around the country and around the world are invited to join in on   
   the 40th anniversary of the founding of MFJ Enterprises by the company's   
   founder Martin Jue, K5FLU:   
      
   --   
      
   K5FLU: "Its going to be a fun event. We're opening all the factories up for   
   tours. We will have people working there with the machines up so that you   
   can see everything.   
      
   "We are going to have a free lunch. You can come over and we will feed you   
   some good fried chieken...   
      
   "We are going to have free tailgating. You bring your stuff (to sell).   
      
   "We will have a VE session for taking license tests. And we will have a   
   special event station with our club K5MFJ.   
      
   "And we are going to have door prizes from each of our companies. From MFJ,   
   Ameritron, Hy-Gain, Cushcraft, Mirage and Vectronics.   
      
   "And everybody is invited and we hope that everyone comes."   
      
   --   
      
   Again the dates for the MFJ Enterprizes 40th anniversary party are October   
   5th and 6th at the company's headquarters in Starkville, Mississippi. For   
   more information take your web browser to www.mfjenterprises.com. And oh   
   yes, Ill see you there. (MFJ)   
      
   **   
      
   THE SOCIAL SCENE: PACIFICON IN SANTA CLARA CA. OCT 12-14   
      
   Two weeks later on October 12th, 13th and 14th the joint Pacificon and ARRL   
   2012 National Convention will take place at the Mariott Hotel in Santa   
   Clara, California. Hosted by the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club, Pacificon   
   is considered the premiere West coast ham radio gathering and this year with   
   the addition of the ARRL Expo, planners are going all out to make it the   
   best ever. And by going all out we mean some 80 forums, a huge exhibit hall   
   featuring all of the well known ham radio manufacturers, distributors and   
   retailers; a huge flea market and several special gatherings.   
      
   Among those who will be appearing at these years Pacificon is Amateur Radio's   
   best known educator and the co-host of the T-V webcast Ham Nation, Gordon   
   West, WB6NOA. Gordo will be the keynote speaker presenting the Saturday   
   Opening Address and word is that this is already a complete sellout.   
      
   Also attending is NASA Astronaut Lee Morin, KF5DDB. He has been announced as   
   the evening banquet featured speaker. Morin served as a Mission Specialist   
   on the space shuttle Atlantis for STS-110 mission that launched in April of   
   2002.   
      
   And flying in all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska is ham radios favorite kit   
   building enthusiast, Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB. Eisenberg will be giving his   
   acclaimed talk and demonstration titled Kit Building 101 and 102 at   
   Pacificon.   
      
   Add to that the ARRL Expo, an all day Friday antenna seminar, special event   
   station W1AW/6 and so much more that there's no time to mention it all and   
   you have the makings of a great West coast ham radio gathering. And you can   
   find out more by simply going to www.pacificon.org on the World Wide Web.   
   (Pacificon)   
      
   **   
      
   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)   
      
   **   
      
   EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: WB2MGP WORLDRADIO COLUMN ON FRACTAL ANTENNA MEETING   
      
   An upcoming article in a popular ham radio on-line publication will peak your   
   interest if you are interested in the future of the hobby and what some of   
   those in it now are doing to insure its future. Amateur Radio Newsline's   
   Heather Butera-Howell, KB3TZD, has the details:   
      
   --   
      
   If you are a reader of Worldradio On-Line, then keep an eye open for an   
   interesting column by Carole Perry, WB2MGP. Back in June, WB2MGP and one of   
   her Radio Club of America Young Achievers, Austin Schaller, KD0FAA, accepted   
   an invitation from Dr. Chip Cohen W1YW to visit his facility in Waltham,   
   Massachusetts.   
      
   Dr. Cohen is the inventor of fractal antenna technology and in 1988 built the   
   world's first fractal element antenna. He is also the founder and Chief   
   Technology Officer of Fractal Antenna Systems and was interested in meeting   
   with the 17 year old ham. This after KD0FAA gave a presentation on fractal   
   technology at a Radio Club of America Technical Symposium in Dallas, Texas,   
   last November.   
      
   According to Perry, W1YW attributes his ham radio background as being   
   responsible for his career choices and interests. She tells Amateur Radio   
   Newsline that KD0FAA was inspired by the experience. Even more so when Dr.   
   Cohen invited the teenage ham to co-author an article with him.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Butera-Howell, KB3TZD, in   
   Berwick, Pennsylvania.   
      
   --   
      
   WB2MGP says that this is what she calls the ham radio ripple effect at its   
   very best. You can read the entire story in the next issue Worldradio   
   Online when it hits you e-mail in box. (WB2MGP)   
      
   **   
      
   NEWS FROM SPACE: EXPLOSION ON JUPITER NOTED BY AMATEUR STAR GAZERS   
      
   Amateur astronomers last week reported a bright fireball on the planet   
   Jupiter that appears to be the result of a small asteroid hitting the planet   
   during the early hours of September 10th. As the fireball faded, attention   
   has turned to trying to discover any possible debris around the impact site.   
   Observers will be monitoring the region in the nights ahead to see what if   
   anything surfaces. Updates will be posted on-line at spaceweather.com   
   (Spaceweather)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE: ISS TO GERMANY STUDENT Q AND A SESSION   
      
   A fascinating Amateur Radio on the International Space Station or ARISS   
   contact was held on Friday, September 7th. This, between astronaut Sunita   
   Williams, KD5PLB and students at the Michelstadt Gymnasium in Michelstadt,   
   Germany. The clarity of the space to Earth link via ham radio was amazing.   
   It enabled Williams to answer 14 questions posed by the students during the   
   ten minute pass. Here's a sample:   
      
   --   
      
   Jessica: "What was the most scientific project you have been involved in on   
   the ISS?"   
      
   KD5PLB: "...I think the most interesting thing is the investigations that we   
   are doing on ourselves to see what happens to the human body after being in   
   space for a long time. We are doing bone density; muscle measurements;   
   workouts; different nutrition projects and all of that is going to help us   
   understand what happens to the human body after a long time so that we can   
   prepare the next generation which is your generation to go further. Back to   
   the Moon and on to Mars."   
      
   --   
      
   With this being a political season here in the United States, one student was   
   curious if astronauts can vote from space:   
      
   --   
      
   Arissa: "How do American astronauts vote for the president?"   
      
   KD5PLB: "Great question. Actually we vote by state in the U.S. and I am a   
   Florida resident so I actually voted before I left. But you can vote from   
   space. People have done that who are from the state of Texas."   
      
   --   
      
   Over 1600 students, teachers, and others were in attendance, as well as   
   representatives from German radio, television and newspapers. The entire   
   contact was video recorded and is posted on-line at   
   tinyurl.com/iss-german-contact (ARISS)   
      
   **   
      
   RADIOSPORTS: ICOM D-STAR QSO PARTY SEPT 21 - 23   
      
   This years Icom sponsored D-STAR QSO Party runs from 00:00 UTC on Friday,   
   September 21st to 24:00 hours on Sunday the 23rd. The goal of the D-STAR   
   QSO Party is to communicate through as many D-STAR repeaters as possible   
   throughout the world. All operators who submit an approved log will be   
   eligible for the prize draw with winners randomly selected for each prize.   
   For more information on this year's event take your web browser to   
   tinyurl.com/DSTAR-contest-2012. (ICOM)   
      
   **   
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, word that DL3JH, is active stroke 6Y5 from Jamaica through September   
   22nd. His operation should be on all of the High Frequency bands using CW   
   and SSB. QSL via his home callsign only.   
      
   PT2OP will be operational as 3D2OP from Fiji between October 7th and the   
   14th. His activity will be holiday style on the High Frequency bands. QSL   
   via his home callsign, either direct or via the bureau.   
      
   And speaking about Fiji, PY7ZY will be on from there as 3D2ZY from there   
   between October 11th and the 15th. This just prior to his participation in   
   the Tarawa Island, Western Kiribati, DXpedition. His operation will also be   
   on the High Frequency bands with QSL's also going via his home callsign.   
      
   F6ICX will be active as 5R8IC from Saint Marie Island, Madagascar between   
   November 10th and December 9th. His operation will be holiday style   
   operating CW, RTTY, and PSK63 on 20 through 10 meters. QSL via his home   
   callsign as listed on QRZ.com.   
      
   SQ1DWR, will be active signing stroke CE3 from Chile between October 10th and   
   the 22nd. Operations will be on 40 through 10 meters using CW only. QSL as   
   directed by the operator.   
      
   YJ8RN is currently visiting Loh Island in the Torres Island Group and is   
   active as YJ8RN stroke P. The length of stay unknown and his operation has   
   been mainly on 20 meter SSB. QSL direct only to Rod Newell, Box 905, Port   
   Vila, Vanuatu.   
      
   Lastly, Members of the "Invoker Team" will be active as EG5INT from   
   Columbretes Island between September 20th to the 24th. No frequencies or   
   operating schedule has yet been announced. If you work them please QSL only   
   via EA5KA.   
      
   (Above from various DX news sources)   
      
   **   
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM: KEEP YOUR KIDS AWAY FROM BUTTON BATTERIES   
      
   And finally this week a warning from the Center for Disease Control saying   
   that children and small button batteries are a dangerous and increasingly   
   common problem for one another. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant,   
   K6PZW, tells us why:   
      
   --   
      
   According to a new Center for Disease Control report, in 1998 battery related   
   injuries sent 1,900 children to the emergency room. In 2010 that number had   
   risen to 4,800 cases being reported.   
      
   Overall, more than 40,000 children were admitted to Emergency Rooms   
   nationwide between 1997 and 2010. Almost three quarters of them were 4   
   years old or younger. One in 10 children required hospitalization. 14 of   
   them died.   
      
   Now the CDC has singled out button batteries as the most potentially harmful   
   type for young children to be near. These are the small, thin round   
   batteries often used to power watches, hearing aids, and other small   
   devices. They are easy to swallow and can get stuck in a child's esophagus   
   leading to serious injury or death. In fact, the C-D-C report says that   
   twelve of the fourteen child mortalities were attributed to button batteries   
   and that the remaining two also likely involved them.   
      
   The data, primarily from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System   
   was collected and analyzed by the federal Consumer Product Safety   
   Commission. The report states that the C-P-S-C is urging the electronics   
   industry and battery manufacturers to develop warnings and industry   
   standards to prevent serious injuries and deaths from button batteries.   
      
   The symptoms of battery ingestion include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever,   
   and diarrhea, as well as difficulty breathing and swallowing. As these   
   symptoms can be attributed to numerous causes, it is difficult to diagnose   
   battery ingestion quickly. The report's authors point out that this is   
   especially true when a child swallows a battery when no one is around to see   
   them do it.   
      
   Battery safety standards for children's toys are dictated by law. All   
   batteries must be inaccessible in toys designed for children under age   
   three, while toys for kids under age twelve must make batteries under a   
   certain size inaccessible. Even so, at least three of the deaths noted in   
   the report were caused by batteries from devices not meant for children.   
   These including a remote car alarm, a garage door opener, and a radio remote   
   control.   
      
   A new law is being considered by Congress that may require child-proofing for   
   button battery enclosures on all consumer products. Meantime its important   
   that parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential hazards   
   associated with battery exposure and ensure that products containing them   
   are either kept away from children or that the batteries are secured safely   
   in the product.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.   
      
   --   
      
   The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that if a child swallows a   
   battery that you immediately contact your local poison control center, your   
   family doctor, or the 24-hour National Battery Ingestion Hotline at   
   202-625-3333. You can learn more about this hazard and how to proceed in   
   the event a child does swallow a battery at   
   tinyurl.com/kids-button-batteries. (CDC)   
      
   **   
      
   NEWSCAST CLOSE   
      
   With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine,   
   the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the   
   Southgate News, TWiT-TV and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the   
   Amateur Radio Newsline(tm). Our e-mail address is newsline(at) arnewsline   
   (dot) org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's(tm)   
   only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to   
   us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa   
   Clarita California, 91350   
      
   For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm 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   
   the actual posting of this message service, you may address them to   
   hamfdn -at- wpusa.dynip.com.   
      
   Thank you and good day!   
      
   -73-   
      
      
    * Origin: (1:3634/12)