Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) Report 1835 - October 12 2012   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1835 with a release date of October 12   
   2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.   
      
   The following is a Q-S-T. The FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking   
   aimed at changing the Amateur Radio licensing rules and lots more; the   
   R-S-G-B replies to UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom on the future of   
   143 to 156 MHz; hams in Sweden effectively loose access to the 2300 MHz band   
   and a ham radio operators success in gaining approval for a 65 foot tower   
   leaves neighbors very unhappy. Find out the details are on Amateur Radio   
   Newsline(tm) report number 1835 coming your way right now.   
      
      
   (Billboard Cart Here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   RESTRUCTURING: FCC PROPOSES MULTIPLE CHANGES INN THE PART 97 AMATEUR   
   SERVICE RULES   
      
   The FCC has put forth a series of suggested Part 97 rules changes which when   
   taken as a whole literally redefine many aspects of the United States   
   Amateur Radio Service. Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz, NT3V,   
   takes a look at what the regulatory agency sees in ham radio's future:   
      
   --   
      
   It's not a done deal by any stretch, but the FCC has put a few proposals out   
   there for public comment and it's interested in hearing from you.   
      
   The Notice of Proposed Rule Making or NPRM can be divided into a few basic   
   categories - exam credit for expired licenses and grace periods for expired   
   licenses, a change in the number of volunteer examiners needed for a valid   
   testing session, and emissions and experimentation by amateurs.   
      
   Rich Moseson, W2VU, is editor of CQ Magazine, and Amateur Radio Newsline   
   called upon him for his take on the proposals.   
      
   Let's begin with one that could have the biggest impact, the proposal to give   
   examination credits for anyone who held a license that expired, thereby   
   eliminating the need for re-testing for someone who has an expired license.   
      
   Moseson says he wholeheartedly endorses the idea of being able to recover a   
   license a ham once held. He says right now, the current FCC rules are   
   scattered on this....   
      
   "If you held a particular type of license at a particular time then there's   
   no limit on being able to get it back without re-testing," Moseson explains.   
   "But if you held a higher class license or a lower class license or the same   
   license at a different time and it's expired and beyond the grace period,   
   then you can't get it back without re-testing.   
      
   "So, the current rules make no sense."   
      
   Moseson says he's uncertain how many hams are out there who let their   
   licenses lapse years ago, but he suggests the FCC recognizes they should be   
   allowed to get back in without putting an undue burden on them.   
      
   Controversial? Maybe, for some. But Moseson says he believes it's a win-win   
   for the hobby...   
      
   "I don't think that we've been greatly damaged from having the ability to   
   re-gain licenses once held without additional testing on the license classes   
   that are permitted," Moseson says. "And, I don't think there will be any   
   great hazard to the hobby. In fact, I think there will be benefit to the   
   hobby of letting people whose licenses have expired return if their interest   
   has returned as well."   
      
      
   If that doesn't quite sit well with you, Moseson suggests considering this:   
      
   "There's really very little difference between this and what goes on if you   
   maintain your license," Moseson says. "There are no activity requirements.   
   So, as long as you renew your license every 10 years now, you can be   
   licensed continually without taking a test even if you haven't been on the   
   air in 30 years.   
      
   "And, if you want to come back on the air - as long as you've maintained your   
   license - then you just turn on the radio. Well, if you've let your license   
   lapse, there's really not much difference.   
   "So, if you've passed the test for a license, if you've held that license   
   before, and you want to get back into ham radio, let's welcome you back with   
   open arms and not make you have to take your test again when other people   
   don't have to take that test again."   
      
   Now, on to the proposal to have only two volunteer examiners at a testing   
   session.   
      
   Moseson says he feels a little uncomfortable with that idea, although the FCC   
   suggests it will open up more exam opportunities and make it easier for   
   people to get a ham license....   
      
   "I think that a minimum of three people is important at first glance,"   
   Moseson says. "I would be open to looking at the comments from other people.   
   But from my personal experience, I think it's good to have a minimum of   
   three people because it just reduces the possibility of any kind of   
   shenanigans to a much lower level.   
      
   "And, that was the reason for putting in the three-examiner requirement to   
   begin with and I think that's still valid."   
      
   There's also the idea of remote testing sessions - that is using the   
   technology for VEs to observe an exam session. The FCC's rationale is   
   colleges and businesses use teleconferencing and maybe it's time to explore   
   that option. Moseson says timing might be right...   
      
   "Yes, the technology needs to be acknowledged," Moseson say. "I don't think   
   we should necessarily just jump right into it. I would suggest a pilot   
   program first to see how well it works out and then take it from there."   
      
   Moseson says he's encouraged by the proposal looking at the modes for amateur   
   radio transmissions. He says there are too many restrictions and limitations   
   on hams which can stifle rather than encourage experimentation.   
      
   He says the FCC is wise to look at the issue, especially considering the area   
   of TDMA or Time Division Multiple Access technology for amateur radio.   
      
   "I think that the more that we can do with them as hams, in addition to what   
   the commercial world is doing, the better off we'll all be because that   
   competition is a fact of life," Moseson says. "You know, you look at our   
   microwave bands which are really where a lot of the future is going to be -   
   2.4 Ghz, 5.8 Ghz - these bands are already shared.   
      
   "And if we can make better use of that sharing so that we can do what we want   
   to do without bothering the other people and without having them bother us   
   then that's great we can all get by very well."   
      
   Moseson says he still hasn't had a chance to go through the entire NPRM. He   
   intends to study it and encourages hams to take the initiative and digest it   
   before commenting...   
      
   "Well, I would encourage people to download the NPRM from the FCC website and   
   read the whole thing, particularly before sending in comments to the FCC on   
   it," Moseson says. "I've seen too many people in other situations send in   
   comments on an NPRM based on a summary and they haven't read the whole thing   
   and they come off looking uninformed."   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V in Philadelphia.   
      
   --   
      
   WT Docket No. 12-121 is expected to draw a lot of discussion in ham radio   
   circles and we will have more on it in upcoming Amateur Radio Newsline   
   reports. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   RESTRUCTURING: RSGB, BATC AND AMSAT-UK REPLY TO OFCOM ON HF SPECTRUM   
      
   Meantime, across the Atlantic, the Radio Society of Great Britain in concert   
   with the British Amateur Television Club and AMSAT-UK, has submitted a   
   response to telecommunications regulator Ofcom's Consultation or Notice of   
   Inquiry on the future use of VHF spectrum from 143 to 156 MHz. This being   
   the bandspace that was formally used by the British Home Office.   
      
   According to the R-S-G-B, the unique nature of this spectrum, and the fact   
   that it surrounds the existing 2 meter amateur radio band, suggested a   
   creative response. One the RSGB stated that would need to be competitive   
   with the likely responses from Business Radio users. No details of the   
   actual text of the response are known as we go to air.   
      
   (RSGB)   
      
   **   
      
   RESTRUCTURING: SWEDEN HAM COMMUNITY LOOSES 2300 MHZ BAND   
      
   Swedish radio amateurs have basically lost the 2300 MHz band although they   
   have gained some spectrum at 1.8 MHz.   
      
   The Swedish Amateur Radio Society, the S-S-A, reports the loss of the 2300   
   MHz band with effect from October 1st. And while 2400 to 2450 MHz is still   
   allocated for amateur radio operation the power there is limited to just 100   
   milliwatts at the antenna.   
      
   However there is good news down lower in frequency. Sweden used to have "Top   
   Band" allocations of 1810 to 1850 kHz at max 1 kW and 1930 to 2000 kHz with   
   a maximum of 10 Watts out. As of October 1st this changed to 1810 to 1850   
   kHz at 1 kW and 1850 to 2000 kHz with a maximum of 10 watts. Power output   
   is measured at the antenna.   
      
   (SSA)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE: FOUR CUBESATS DEPLOYED FROM ISS   
      
   Radio amateurs around the world have been listening for signals from the four   
   new amateur radio CubeSats that were deployed from the International Space   
   Station on Thursday, October 4th.   
      
   FITSat-1 has a CW beacon on 437.250MHz, 1200 bps AX.25 packet radio on   
   437.445MHz and a high-speed data transmitter on 5840.0MHz.   
      
   F-1 has the callsign is XV1VN and the communications subsystem is built   
   around two Yaesu VX-3R amateur radio handheld transceivers. One will   
   transmit 1200 bps packet radio every 30 seconds on 145.980MHz while in   
   darkness. The other will operate only in sunlight sending a 20 second FM   
   transmission of a CW tone on 437.485MHz followed by a 60 second gap.   
      
   TechEdSat carries a 1200 bps packet radio transmitter on 437.465MHz.   
      
   WE-WISH transmits CW and 1200 bps packet radio on 437.505MHz. Due to the   
   effects of Doppler shift the 70cm downlink frequencies will vary by +/- 10   
   kHz during an 8 minute pass.   
      
   Each could have a life-time of 4 or 5 months before they burn-up on reentry   
   into the Earth's atmosphere.   
      
   (AMSAT, GB2RS)   
      
   **   
      
   BREAK 1   
      
   From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard   
   on bulletin stations around the world including the W-Zero-B-Zed-N repeater   
   of the Newton Amateur Radio Club serving Newton, Kansas.   
      
   (5 sec pause here)   
      
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: FCC REFUSES TO RECONSIDER $10000 NAL   
      
   The operator of an unlicensed radio station in Florida will have to pay a   
   $10,000 fine. This after the FCC turns down his petition for   
   reconsideration where he failed to prove he could not afford to pay. We   
   have more in this report:   
      
   --   
      
   The FCC has refused to reconsider a $10,000 fine issued to Neal Davis of Fort   
   Lauderdale, Florida. In its September 28th release the regulatory agency   
   stated that Davis appeal of the forfeiture order did not meet the criteria   
   set out by the agency in regard to providing proof that such a fine would   
   prove to be a financial hardship.   
      
   In his Petition, Davis did not deny that he operated an unlicensed radio   
   station and therefore violated Section 301 of the Communications Act.   
   Rather, he urged the cancellation of the forfeiture based on an inability to   
   pay claim. Specifically he asserted that he is currently unemployed and has   
   no income but Davis did not provide any financial or other form of   
   documentation to corroborate his asserted financial status.   
      
   In the absence of any supporting financial or other reliable documentation,   
   the FCC says it has no basis by which to evaluate Davis's inability to pay   
   claim and are constrained by the limited record before it. As such the FCC   
   has denied the Petition and affirmed the Forfeiture Order.   
      
   --   
      
   Davis was given the customary 30 days to pay the fine. If he fails to do so   
   the matter could be turned over to the Department of Justice for further   
   action. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   ENFORCEMENT: WIRELESS CAMERA IN PALM TREE INTERFERES WITH FAA RADAR   
      
   The FCC has issued a Notice of Violation to the Redondo Beach Marina in   
   Redondo Beach, California. This, for operating an unlicensed wireless video   
   surveillance camera that was found to be causing interference to an FAA   
   Radar system.   
      
   After receiving a complaint from the Federal Aviation Administration   
   concerning interference to their 1240 to 1300 MHz band radar in San Pedro,   
   California the Los Angeles FCC Office dispatched agents to investigate the   
   matter. The agents used direction finding to locate a radio signal on 1282   
   MHz emanating from a wireless camera mounted on a Palm tree in the parking   
   lot of Redondo Beach Marina. When AC power to the camera was disconnected,   
   the interference ceased.   
      
   Based on this finding, a cease and desist notice was issued telling the   
   Marina that use of the wireless camera must stop immediately. And in its   
   September 20th letter to the Redondo Beach Marina it was warned that   
   operation of radio transmitting equipment without a valid radio station   
   authorization constitutes a violation of the Federal laws and could subject   
   the operator of this illegal operation to severe penalties. (FCC)   
      
   **   
      
   HELPING YOUTH: AMATEUR RADIO SUPPLIES ANNOUNCES YOUTH GIVEAWAY   
      
   Amateur Radio Supplies of Haverhill, Massachusetts, has announced a new   
   biannual giveaway. This to promote youth in amateur radio DXing and   
   contesting.   
      
   Beginning January 1st of 2013, the company says that it will give a complete   
   high frequency station to the selected applicant. The gear to be presented   
   will include Alinco DX-SR8T/E 160 through 6 meter all mode transceiver with   
   a 30 amp power supply, an L-D-G antenna tuner, a choice of an all band G5RV   
   or HyGain DX-77A Vertical plus just about all the accessories to put it all   
   on the air.   
      
   Applicants from any country under the age of 21 are invited to provide brief   
   answers to the following three questions. These are how often are you able   
   to operate on the HF bands? Where do you typically operate from and how do   
   you intend to use the equipment provided in the give-away.   
      
   Send your answers along with your name, callsign, and license class using the   
   form at www.amateurradiosupplies.com/youth-s/222.htm. Nominations will also   
   be accepted.   
      
   For more information please e-mail Randy Rowe at randy (at)   
   amateurradiosupplies (dot) com. Amateur Radio Supplies is a new company   
   that provides a full line of gear, including antennas, transceivers, coax,   
   antenna wires and countless station accessories.   
      
   (Michelle Garrett - Project Manager - Amateur Radio Supplies)   
      
   **   
      
   SWL NEWS: MORE TV WATCHERS OPTING OR FREE OVER THE AIR PROGRMMING   
      
   As cable bills rise and the United States economy remains weak, more   
   Americans are watching television using good old fashioned antennas.   
      
   According to the research firm GfK Media, nearly 18 percent of all US   
   households with television sets are watching broadcasts delivered for free   
   over the air. This is up from 15 percent of homes last year according to   
   research the firm. Translated into numbers, that means 20.7 million homes,   
   or roughly 54 million consumers, now get channels over the air instead of   
   paying a monthly cable or satellite bill.   
      
   According to the study, 6 percent of TV households, or 6.9 million homes,   
   canceled their cable service at some point in the past and now rely on free   
   broadcasts. GfK's report also found that 16 percent of households   
   downgraded TV service in the business year through March, while only 11   
   percent of TV households said they had increased service.   
      
   The report also found that people using Web-connected TV increased to 34   
   million households, or 29 percent. That's almost double the previous year's   
   16 percent. More is on-line at tinyurl.com/9z4ffj5   
      
   (Published News Reports)   
      
   **   
      
   SWL NEWS: CANADIAN AM STATIONS LEAVING THE AIR   
      
   More AM stations are leaving the medium wave AM broadcast band in Canada than   
   are coming on the air, This is according to the trade publication Radio   
   World that says since 2009, some sixteen Canadian AM broadcasters have gone   
   off the air as several have moved to the FM band and companies closed the   
   least profitable stations.   
      
   But in this case more seems better from a profit standpoint. According to   
   the research firm Statistics Canada, the moves have allowed AM operating   
   revenues to grow by 1.1% in 2011, to 311 million Canadian dollars.   
      
   A quick search of the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications   
   Commission site shows 727 commercial licensed radio stations, not broken   
   down by service. That compares to 4,754 commercial licensed AM and 6,568 FM   
   broadcast entities in the United States according to FCC figures for the   
   most recent quarter. (RW)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEW: CHANGES AT CQ AVERTISING DEPARMENT   
      
   Some names in the news. CQ Communications has announced the appointments of   
   Charlie Payne, ex- WN2AKC, and Jon Kummer, WA2OJK, to the company's   
   advertising department. Payne and Kummer succeed Chip Margelli, K7JA, who   
   has reportedly resigned to pursue other opportunities in the amateur radio   
   industry.   
      
   According to a press release from CQ, the company's parting with K7JA was   
   completely amicable, and Margelli still is ironing out details of his next   
   adventure in the amateur radio industry. Meantime, for those in need of   
   contact information, Charlie Payne may be reached by e-mail at Charlie (at)   
   cqcomm (dot) com. Jon Kummer's e-mail is jon (at) cqcomm (dot) com. (CQ)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: PETER LAKE ZL2AZ NAMED IARU R3 CHAIRMAN   
      
   Peter Lake, ZL2AZ, of Wellington, New Zealand, has been elected as the   
   Chairman of IARU Region 3. He replaces Michael Owen, VK3KI, who passed away   
   unexpectedly last month. Owen, who was also President of the Wireless   
   Institute of Australia, had served as Region 3 Chairman since 2006.   
   (IARU-R3)   
      
   **   
      
   NAMES IN THE NEWS: RADIO AMATEUR FILES SDR PATENT   
      
   And Software Defined Radio is coming of age in the world of amateur radio.   
   This with word that Tao Wang, KB3KSR, has filed a patent for a   
   General-purpose software defined radio platform.   
      
   The patent disclosure describes Wang's invention as a flexible, compact size,   
   low power consumption, low cost, high performance software defined radio   
   platform. One that can be used in different areas, including industrial   
   applications, amateur radio, and academic research.   
      
   In its present form, Wang's unit is a processing platform that packs a   
   complete computer inside a pocket size enclosure. The invention makes use   
   of a graphic user interface and touch screen LCD display for interaction   
   with those who are utilizing it. (Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HAPPENINGS: HAM-JAM 2012 LWRENCEVILLE GA NOVEMBER 10   
      
   On the social scene, HamJam 2012 will take place on Saturday, November 10th   
   at the Georgia Gwinnett College Student Center, in Lawrenceville, Georgia.   
   The event is open to all radio amateurs and admission is free. Gerald   
   Youngblood, K5SDR the C-E-O and President of FlexRadio Systems, will speak   
   on the future of amateur radio while Doug Grant, K1DG will do a presentation   
   on Contesting Ethics and the World Radio Team Championships. More   
   information on the web at www.hamjam.info   
   (SEDXC)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM HPPENINGS: FREE CQ WW UPDATE WEBINAR WITH K5ZD   
      
   The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation will be sponsoring an open Webinar   
   on Sunday, October 21st at 19:00 UTC titled CQ World Wide Update 2012.   
   Hosted by Randy Thompson, K5ZD, the on-line gathering will provide an update   
   on the status of the contest including new rules for 2012, log entry tips,   
   fair play, and various other topics of interest. Questions will be taken   
   following the presentation. Registration for this free event is on-line at   
   tinyurl.com/cq-ww-webinar. (WWROF)   
      
   **   
      
   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)   
      
   **   
      
   CHANGING OF THE GUARD: SID T. MAY ET3SID/AB3OZ/G4CTQ, SK   
      
   The changing of the guard in ham radio continues with word of the passing of   
   Sid T. May, who held the callsigns ET3SID, AB3OZ and G4CTQ. May was the   
   chairman of the Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society and credited with setting up   
   the first amateur radio club of Ethiopia in 1993. He had also been teaching   
   amateur radio courses to Ethiopian students for more than 15 years and was   
   also a volunteer examiner who administered both U-K and United States   
   amateur exams in Ethiopia.   
   (Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   INTRUDER REPORT: CHINESE OTH RADAR GAIN HRASSING 40 METERS   
      
   The IARU Monitoring System newsletter reports that Radio Hargeisa is   
   operating on 7.120 MHz and that Chinese surveillance radar in the amateur   
   radio 40 meter band is now stronger than ever before   
      
   According to the report, the pesky Chinese Over the Horizon Radar had left   
   the 40 meter band for few weeks. But now its reported back with a very   
   strong burst system. One that is at least 10 kHz wide and has an almost S9   
   signal, world-wide. IARU Regions 1 and 3 are reported to be severely   
   affected by it.   
      
   More about both of these situations is on-line at   
   tinyurl.com/china-radar-again. (IRUMS)   
      
   **   
      
   EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: DISSOLVABLE BIO-MED ELECTRONICS   
      
   Ultra-thin electronics that dissolve inside the body have been devised by   
   scientists in the US and could be used for a range of medical roles.   
      
   According to research published in the journal Science the components are   
   made of silicon and magnesium oxide and placed in a protective layer of   
   silk. Once their job has been completed these devices can simply melt away   
   with the speed of melting is controlled by silk.   
      
   The technology has already been used to heat a wound to keep it free from   
   infection by bacteria. More is on-line at tinyurl.com/melting-electronics.   
   (BBC)   
      
   **   
      
   WORLDBEAT: UK AUTO MANUFACTURERS NOT SUPPORTING DIGITAL RADIO BROADCASTING   
      
   The United Kingdom's government mandated switchover date for digital radio   
   may need to be extended several years. This following a new survey of car   
   manufacturers that reveals at least half are steering clear of the new   
   entertainment technology.   
      
   As part of its Digital Britain vision, the UK Department for Culture, Media   
   and Sport named 2015 as the deadline for turning off its ageing but very   
   popular analogue radio network, in favor of one based on digital standards.   
   The move would mean the majority of today's in-car tuners as well as home   
   radio sets would cease to function overnight.   
      
   But new findings from Auto Express Magazine suggest the switchover could now   
   be delayed until 2017 or later. This after a survey of 24 mainstream car   
   manufacturers by the publication has revealed that 50 percent do not offer   
   any digital radio units for their model range, even as an optional extra.   
   Also, almost 60 per cent of new vehicles registered this in the U.K. this   
   year came with no option for the installation of a digital radio receiver.   
   (Auto Express, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   WORDBEAT: BELEGIUM HAMS ASSIST IN NEW FREE WIFI SYSTM   
      
   The Belgian national society the U-B-A reports on the involvement of radio   
   amateurs in getting free WiFi in the city of Geraardsbergen. The UBA says   
   that O6RY and ON3FDS worked with the city officials to bring about the new   
   WiFi service and in the process generated some valuable public relations for   
   the amateur radio in that nation. More about this story is on-line at   
   tinyurl.com/ham-radio-wifi   
   (Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE: EQUISAT HAM-SAT TO CARRY OPTICAL BEAON   
      
   Students at the Brown University are developing an amateur radio satellite   
   called EQUiSat that will carry an interesting optical beacon. The bird will   
   use a Xenon Flash Tube that should be visible to the unaided eye of   
   observers on Earth. A radio beacon is planned to operate in the 435 to 438   
   MHz range. Launch is hoped for in the 2015 time frame into an orbit of   
   about 300 kilometers. That should give the satellite a life-time of a   
   couple of months.   
      
   (EQUiSat, Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   HAM RADIO IN SPACE: BUAA-SAT PLANNED FOTR 2014 LAUNCH   
      
   BUAA-SAT is a micro-satellite project developed by the students of Beijing   
   University carries an amateur radio 435 and 145 MHz FM voice transponder.   
   Plans call for it to be launched into a 600 by 800 kilometer Sun Synchronous   
   Orbit in late 2014. Its primary missions are to study the application of   
   components used in the onboard electronic system, to demonstrate the   
   coil-able mast deployment mechanism and to carry out imaging using three   
   CMOS cameras. More is on-line at http://sat.buaa.edu.cn/   
      
   (AMSAT-UK)   
      
   **   
      
   ON THE AIR: SAGA INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL   
      
   On the air, please listen out for special event callsign 8-J-6-B-A-L to be   
   aired on all bands and modes between through November 5th in celebration of   
   the 2012 Saga International Balloon Fiesta. This is an Asian maximum grade   
   Hot Air Balloon International Festival in Saga City, Japan. More   
   information is on-line at www (dot) sibf (dot) jp slash e. QSL via the JARL   
   bureau.   
      
   (Southgate)   
      
   **   
      
   DX   
      
   In DX, word that ON4AFU will be on the air from Ko Butang Island October 26th   
   to November 4th as HS0ZJF stroke 9. He will be active on High Frequency   
   bands on CW only. QSL via ON4AFU   
      
   7L4DXT and K1GI will be operational from Sint Maarten Island from November   
   18th to the 24th as PJ7XK and PJ7I respectively. They will be active on 160   
   through 10 meters on CW, SSB and some Digital modes. QSL PJ7XK via 7L4DXT   
   and PJ7I via JG2BRI   
      
   KI5SF reports that he will be operational portable KH6 from about 0100 UTC   
   October 26th to 10:00 UTC October 27th. Listen out for him on 160 through 6   
   meters except for 60 meters on SSB and CW. QSL to KI5SF.   
      
   A group of operators from Switzerland will be active from Aitutaki Island in   
   the Cook Island chain from November 12th to the 30th using the call signs   
   E51C, E51ABS, E51BZD and E51CHX. Listen out for them on 80 through 10   
   meters using CW, SSB, and PSK. QSL this operation via HB9BXU   
      
   JA7HMZ and JA7EPO will be active from Pohnpei Island from November 23rd to   
   the 28 as V63DX and V63EPO. They also plan to operate in CQ World Wide DX   
   CW Contest on November 24th and 25th as V6A. QSL V63DX via JA7HMZ, V63EOP   
   via JA7EPO and V6A via JA7HMZ.   
      
   JH1EAQ will be active from Palau in CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest On October   
   27th and 28th as T88EB. QSL via home call only.   
      
   Lastly, looking to the future comes word that G3SWH and G3RTE will be active   
   from Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands from February 18th to the   
   28th of 2013. The callsign to be used will be H44KW operating on 80 through   
   10 meters using CW only. QSL via G3SWH direct or via the bureau.   
      
   **   
      
   THAT FINAL ITEM: BIG ANTENNA WIN DOWN-UNDER ANGERS NEIGHNORS   
      
   And finally this week, a New Zealand ham has won a major tower and antenna   
   victory but his neighbors are far from happy with the city council's   
   decision. This, even before the antenna system is erected. Amateur Radio   
   Newsline's Jim Meachen, Zed-L-2-B-H-F, reports from down-under:   
      
   --   
      
   Pyes Pa, New Zealand residents concerned about the proposed installation of a   
   20 meter high radio antenna are disappointed that the Tauranga City Council   
   won't fight a legal battle on their behalf.   
      
   Residents of Veda Glen have petitioned the city council to appeal an   
   Environment Court decision which allows amateur radio enthusiasts to erect   
   radio masts up to 20 meters or 65 feet high. They say a radio antenna   
   proposed by a neighbor would be an eyesore, create wind noise and devalue   
   their properties.   
      
   While Councilors seemed to sympathize with the residents' plight they also   
   said that based on their legal advice, an appeal to the High Court would be   
   pointless. The council had previously tried to restrict private radio masts   
   to a maximum height of 9 meters or about 30 feet. However an appeal to the   
   Environment Court by the Tauranga Emergency Communications Group and the New   
   Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters saw the maximum height raised to   
   the 20 meter maximum.   
      
   Council senior policy planner Campbell Larking told councilors approximately   
   $100,000 New Zealand dollars had been spent fighting the case in the   
   Environment Court, and he estimated an appeal to the High Court would cost   
   another $50,000. Also that a High Court ruling would not be binding and the   
   matter would simply be sent back to the same Environment Court judge to   
   re-consider.   
      
   A resolution proposed by Councilor Murray Guy, which sought to launch an   
   investigation into Environment Court and City Plan processes in order to   
   enhance community consultation did not find enough support and failed.   
      
   The bottom line is that the unnamed ham can put up his 65 foot high mast   
   along with the antenna that will sit on top of it. It's unknown when that   
   installation will be completed.   
      
   For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, in Nelson, New   
   Zealand.   
      
   --   
      
   Outside the chambers, the residents said a legal challenge was outside their   
   reach and they were disappointed the council had backed away from fighting   
   the case on their behalf. (bayofplentytimes.co.nz)   
      
   **   
      
   NEWSCAST CLOSE   
      
   With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine,   
   the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the   
   Southgate News, TWiT-TV and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the   
   Amateur Radio Newsline(tm). Our e-mail address is newsline (at) arnewsline   
   (dot) org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's(tm)   
   only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. You can also write to   
   us or support us at Amateur Radio Newsline(tm), 28197 Robin Avenue, Santa   
   Clarita California, 91350   
      
   For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Skeeter Nash,   
   N5ASH, near Houston Texas saying 73 and we thank you for listening.   
      
   Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 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)