The electronic publication of the Amateur Radio Newsline is distributed with the permission of Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, President and Editor of Newsline. The text version is edited from the original scripts and transcribed from the audio reports by Dale Cary, WD0AKO, and is first published in The Radio & Electronics Round Table on the Genie Online System. If you have any comment, suggestion, or news item you would like to submit, send them via E-Mail to 3241437@mcimail.com or B.PASTERNAK@genie.geis.com. You can contact Newsline at +1 805-296-7180. It is a combination answering and FAX machine, if you have a FAX to send, wait for the voice prompt and press your fax-send button. All other information and disclaimers are in the text header below. Back Issues: An archive of previous Newsline transcriptions is available for Genie members in the Radio & Electronics software library. They are archived as NEWSLINE.ccc, (ccc being the CBBS edition number assigned by Dale). We are in the process of setting up an FTP location for Internet users to access previous editions as well. We are currently placing them, (slowly and in reverse order), on the /pub/hamradio directory at the oak.oakland.edu library. They are archived as newsline.nnn, (nnn is the on the air edition number). Special thanks go to Scott Ehrlich, WY1Z, the library's administrator, for making the facility available. Previously published editions can also be extracted from the rec.radio.info newsgroup archive files at FTP.funet.fi library in Finland. - - - - - NEWSLINE RADIO - CBBS EDITION #116 - POSTED 03/19/94 ***************************************************************** * * * * * ***** * * **** * ***** * * ***** * * ** * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * *** * ** * *** * * * * * *** * * * ** * * ** * * * * * ** * * * * * ***** * * **** ***** ***** * * ***** * * * * **** * **** ***** *** * * * * * * * * * * * * * **** ***** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **** ***** *** * * * ***************************************************************** The following is late news about Amateur Radio for Radio Amateurs as prepared from NEWSLINE RADIO scripts by the staff of the AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE, INC. -- formerly the WESTLINK RADIO NETWORK. The electronic version of newsline is posted on this CBBS twice monthly. For current information updates, please call Los Angeles............................ (213) 462-0008 Los Angeles (Instant Update Line)...... (805) 296-2407 Seattle................................ (206) 368-3969 Seattle................................ (206) 281-8455 Tacoma................................. (206) 927-7373 Louisville............................. (502) 894-8559 Dayton................................. (513) 275-9991 Chicago................................ (708) 289-0423 New York City.......................... (718) 353-2801 Melbourne, FL.......................... (407) 259-4479 For the latest breaking info call the Instant Update Line listed above. To provide information please call (805) 296-7180. This line answers automatically and will accept up to 30 minutes of material. Check with your local amateur radio club to see if NEWSLINE can be heard weekly on the air in your area. Articles may be reproduced if printed in their entirety and credit is given to AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE as being the source. For further information about the AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE, please write to us with an SASE at P.O. Box 463, Pasadena, CA 91102. Thank You NEWSLINE ***************************************************************** Some of the hams of NEWSLINE RADIO... WA6ITF WB6MQV WB6FDF K6DUE W6RCL N6AHU N6AWE N6TCQ K6PGX N6PNY KU8R N8DTN W9JUV KC9RP K9XI KB5KCH KC5UD KC0HF G8AUU WD0AKO DJ0QN and many others in the United States and around the globe!!! ***************************************************************** [866] * * * C L O S E D C I R C U I T A D V I S O R A R Y * * * * * * The following is a closed circuit advisory and is not * * for air over amateur radio. Repeat, not for broadcast. * * This is just a reminder that the address for the Newsline * * Support Fund is Newsline, in care of Dr. Norm Chalfin, * * K6PGX, Post Office Box 463, Pasadena, CA 91102. Again, and * * as always, we thank you. That ends the closed circuit with * * Newsline report number 866 for release on Friday 03/18/94. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The following is a QST Los Angeles hams are praised for their work following the January 14th earthquake, Dayton announces this years award winners and the FCC extends an important reply comment deadline. These stories and more on Newsline report number 866. ***** FIRE COMMISSIONER PRAISES HAMS IN QUAKE COMMUNICATIONS Ham radio has been praised by the City of Los Angeles for jumping in when hospital communications failed after the January 14th Northridge earthquake. According to Fire Department Chief Alan Cowan, the hams were called on to take the place of the regular hospital dispatch services when the hospital to fire department interconnect failed following the quake. According to Chief Cowan, communications breakdowns following the quake left ambulance drivers confused about where to take the injured. Speaking a recent Seismic Safety Conference in Burbank, California, Cowan noted that the breakdown was so severe that fire captains had to be dispatched to area hospitals to assess their status and determine where ambulance drivers could take victims. Cowan said the fire department finally reestablished communications when ham radio stations were set up at each hospital. But he added that he felt the existing hospital radio dispatch systems were inadequate for communications between field paramedics and base hospitals. A hospital association spokesman acknowledged that 12 hospitals declared internal disasters requiring paramedic ambulances to pass them by. The spokesman declined comment on the charges of inadequate communications following the 6.8 tremor. But Seismic Safety Commission members said they were gravely concerned by the performance of hospitals in the hard-hit San Fernando Valley. They say that they were glad that radio amateurs were available to step in when needed. ***** NEW COMMENTARY DEADLINE ON EMI EXPOSURE The FCC has extended the reply comment deadline in its proposal to adopt new standards for exposure to RF radiation. The Notice of Proposed Rule Making, in ET Docket 93-62 will adopt strict standards already observed by the American National Standards Institute and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in 1992. It is opposed by the ARRL. The League already has told the FCC that the proceeding should be terminated and has cited a number of reasons for its stand. Key among them is the ARRL view that this is not really an NPRM since it doesn't actually propose to change anything. As such, it should not even apply to the average amateur radio station installation. The League notes that those amateurs even remotely to be affected by new standards are those who are forced to use indoor antennas because of restrictions against outside installations. The FCC notes that it is extending the deadline in response to the petition of an industry group. The Telecommunications Industry Association says that more than 1200 pages of comments had been filed with the Commission and that not enough time had been allowed for evaluation of that much material. The FCC now says that it recognizes the complexity of the issues raised by its proposal. As a result the reply comment deadline has been extended to April 25th. A full story on the League's comments in this matter will appear in April issue of QST magazine. ***** LATEST NUMBERS The FCC has tallied some numbers on the VE system since its 1984 debut and from their perspective things are looking real good. According to the commission through late 1993 the total number of VE testing sessions held 56,485. The number of people attending these test sessions was 640,453 and volunteer examiners administered 1,052,269 test elements to these applicants. There were no numbers given for the amount of exam cheating taking place but its believed very small in comparison to the overall success of the all volunteer testing system. The latest testing scandal involving at least thirty California volunteer examiners is still under investigation by federal authorities. ***** FCC DUMPS CHICAGO FINE In a deal that will permit it to issue new guidelines dealing with indecency on the public airwaves, the FCC is dropping a Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary Forfeiture in the amount of $39,750 that it issued against a Chicago radio station. When the proceeding first started the station ran under the call WLUP AM but has since changed call to WMVP. The fines were for broadcasts in 1989, 1991 and 1992. In return, the stations owner Evergreen Media Corporation says that it is dismissing a counterclaim challenging the constitutionality of FCC enforcement of indecency standards, and paying $10,000 to the government without admitting wrongdoing. The agreement clears the way for the Federal Communications Commission to issue new guidelines explaining the ban on indecency in all radio and television broadcasts. These new procedures are expected to be released within the next few weeks and could impact on the users of all radio services including Amateur Radio. ***** DAYTON WINNERS The Dayton Amateur Radio Association has announced the winners of this years Radio Amateur of the Year, Specific Achievement and Technical Achievement award winners. There are some major surprises this year. This year's award recognizes a man known for pushing. Pushing for the rights of amateur radio operators. Perry Williams, W1UED, the longtime Washington liaison for the American Radio Relay League. How does Williams feel to be selected? "Pretty surprised!" commented Perry Williams, W1UED. In fact, Williams admits he's flabbergasted! "It's quite a honor. It's coming from the grass roots so to speak cause it seems like a very important honor." Perry Williams, W1UED. Williams has represented amateur radio on Capitol Hill since 1980. In his 14 years as Washington liaison, Williams has fought many battles on behalf of the amateur service. He has helped oversee creation of the Volunteer Examiner Program. He worked for legislation recognizing amateur radio's need for spectrum. He has helped exempt amateur radio operators from being charged government administration fees. Being named Radio Amateur of The Year is an honor Williams won't forget anytime soon. "How often does anybody call you up and tell you've won a national honor. Hasn't happened to me before." Perry Williams, W1UED, Radio Amateur of the Year. The Awards Committee names Russ Kroeker, N7HGE, of Kent, Washington as winner of its Special Achievement Award. Kroeker helped design the Evergreen Intertie. That's a repeater system linking the northwest US with Canada. The Committee's Technical Achievement Award goes to Dick Newell, AK1A, of Bolton, Massachusetts. Newell is recognized for his work in designing packet radio clusters, which are popular in contesting and DXing. All three winners will be honored in Dayton April 30th. That's just one day after Perry Williams retires from his post with the ARRL. Williams had not been planning on going to Dayton this year. But, he says: "Now I am!" Perry Williams, W1UED. ***** DAYTON CONTEST GATHERING Contest operators once again will have the chance to swap lies about their QSO rates at the 2nd Annual Dayton Contest Dinner. It's slated for Saturday evening, April 30th at 6:30 PM at the Stouffer Center Plaza Hotel. The reservation deadline is April 10th. For more information please send a self addressed stamped envelope to the North Coast Contesters Dayton Dinner, POB 59, New Bedford, PA 16140. This contest dinner is one of many unofficial functions being held in conjunction with Hamvention '94. ***** CHINESE HAMS ARRESTED? The Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin reports that rumors are circulating saying all mainland Chinese hams have been arrested for listening to unauthorized frequencies. OPDX says that the story is supposed to have originated on Voice of America. But the information is now being disputed by Fred Laun, K3ZO. Fred recently returned from Thailand where he operated as HS0ZAR. Fred says that he has doubts about the Voice of America report that claimed all BY hams have been rounded up and sent to labor camps. Fred says that he heard and worked plenty of BAs, BYs and BZs while in Thailand. ***** UoSAT ANNIVERSARY Now a ham radio space anniversary. At 17:59 UTC on March 1st 1984 the second satellite designed and built by the University of Surrey called UoSAT-2 was launched on a Delta rocket from the Western Test Range at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Among its many experiments, UoSAT-2 carried the Digital Communications Experiment, which was one of the first non-military use of store-and-forward techniques with Low Earth Orbiting Satellites. UoSAT-2 was the test-bed for the packet radio satellites as we know them today. To all those who wonder how long these satellites last, it should be noted that UoSAT-2 is still operational, ten years after launch. ***** FISHER OBIT The electronics industry pioneer and philanthropist for whom a New York City concert hall was named has died at the age of 87. Avery Fisher was an influential figure in New York music circles, sitting on the boards of the New York Philharmonic, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Marlboro Festival. Fisher was an amateur violinist whose love of music prompted him to build his own radios and phonographs in the 1930s. From those beginnings, his electronics business was born. Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall was renamed Avery Fisher Hall in 1973 after Fisher donated more than ten million dollars to its support foundation. Electronics pioneer Avery Fisher dead at age 87. ***** OLDEST U.S. HAM DIES Amateur Radio has lost a very long time member of its fraternity. Reports on packet radio say that Ernest Wheatley, W1UHI of Richmond, Vermont has died. Ernie as friends called him was known as the oldest Amateur Radio operator in the United States. He was active on 2 meter repeaters right up to his death giving cheerful greetings to all. Wheatley was a retired civil engineer. He was only 7 years old when Gugliarmo Marconi invented the wireless telegraph. Amateur Radio operator Ernest Wheatley, W1UHI was 106 years old! ***** YOUNG HAM of the YEAR A reminder that the Westlink Report ham radio newsletter that the nominating period for its annual Young Ham of the Year Award closes on Saturday April the 30th. The Westlink Report Young Ham of the Year award was conceived to honor the younger members of the Amateur Radio Community. Hams aged 18 and younger who have used Amateur Radio to significantly contribute to the benefit of the service, to their community or the nation are eligible. With corporate underwriting from Yaesu USA Corporation, the 1994 winner will receive a trip to the Sea Pac convention, a piece of ham radio equipment and a special plaque denoting his or her accomplishments. All nominations must be submitted on an official application available for a self addressed stamped envelope to the Westlink Report Young Ham of the Year, 28197 Robin Avenue, Saugus, CA 91350. The winner will be announced in early May. ***** NAB HAM RADIO GATHERING If you will be attending this weeks National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, be advised that the annual NAB Ham Radio Reception is on! According to convention planners, this years ham radio gathering will take place on Wednesday, March the 23rd in Ballroom C of the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. The party will begin at 6 PM and run until at least 8 PM. About 65,000 people attend the NAB show every year. Of these, almost two thousand are licensed radio amateurs. Most make their living in the broadcasting, teleproduction and telecommunications industries and also show up at the ham radio get together. Newsline will also be represented at this gathering. We hope to see you there as well. ***** For this week, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. You can write to us at Post Office Box 463, Pasadena, CA 91102. * * * Newsline Copyright 1994 all rights are reserved. * * *