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. - - - - - NEWSLINE RADIO - CBBS EDITION #129 - POSTED 06/17/94 (***************************************************************) (* *) (* * * ***** * * **** * ***** * * ***** *) (* ** * * * * * * * ** * * *) (* * * * *** * ** * *** * * * * * *** *) (* * ** * * ** * * * * * ** * *) (* * * ***** * * **** ***** ***** * * ***** *) (* *) (* **** * **** ***** *** *) (* * * * * * * * * * *) (* **** ***** * * * * * *) (* * * * * * * * * * *) (* * * * * **** ***** *** *) (* *) (***************************************************************) 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. For current information updates, please call Audio Version of Newsline ========================= 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 Electronic Hardcopy Version of Newsline ======================================= GEnie (RTC Bulletin Board)............. m345;1 GEnie (File Library)................... m345;3 Dallas Remote Imaging BBS (DRIG)....... (214) 492-7573 In bulletin number 36 The Midwest Connection BBS............. (701) 239-2440 In bulletin number 6 of the ham radio conference Delphi................................. In the ham radio conference Internet............................... In the rec.radio.info newsgroup FTP: oak.oakland.edu, archive: pub/hamradio/docs/newsline Fidonet, RIME, Intellec, I-Link........ In the Ham Radio conferences on those networks 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!!! (**************************************************************** [879] (* * * * C L O S E D C I R C U I T A D V I S O R Y * * * * (* * (* The following is a closed circuit advisory and is NOT * (* for transmission over amateur radio. We have received word * (* from our support fund administrator that the monies needed * (* to pay the our monthly bills is still dangerously low. * (* Yes, there are many sources of ham radio news, but for * (* the past sixteen and a half years, nobody has been able to * (* bring you this news as quickly and as accurately as * (* Newsline. The ham magazines have a two to four month lead * (* time. The various ham radio newsletters are at least a * (* week or two behind what is happening. While the ARRL has a * (* very fine news dissemination operation with it's W1AW * (* Official Bulletin Station, it is primarily geared to high * (* frequency operation. * (* Only Newsline brings up to the minute ham radio news * (* direct to you over your favorite repeater. That means you * (* can listen to it at home, in your car or even walking down * (* the street on your hand held radio. * (* But doing this costs money. It takes $700 to $1000 a * (* month to keep Newsline alive. Recognizing this Dr. Norm * (* Chalfin, K6PGX established the Newsline Support Fund. It's * (* kept separate from Newsline and exists only to pay the week * (* to week operating expenses of the operation. And, it again * (* needs the support of all of you who want to see Newsline * (* survive so that these weekly bulletins can continue to * (* air. * (* The address for the Newsline Support Fund is Post Office * (* Box 463, Pasadena, California 91102. * (* Your assistance is needed as soon as possible. We thank * (* you all for your ongoing generosity and support. * (* That ends the closed circuit advisory with Newsline * (* report number 879 for release on Friday, June 17th 1994. * (* * (* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The following is a QST Hams react in the wake of a major earthquake disaster in Columbia, punitive action seems likely in the alleged California VE testing scam and the FCC reacts on appeals two a pair of fines. Find out what Washington did on Newsline report number 879 coming your way right now! (***** US HAMS AID IN COLOMBIAN QUAKE RELIEF Hams in South Florida operating under the banner of the Sociadad International de Radioafficianados are working with hams in Columbia to provide emergency communications for relief efforts in the wake of a violent earthquake that shook that nation at 3:47 pm local time on June 7th. The quake which registered 6.6 on the Richter scale shook the city of Bogota, the Province of Canca, and Neiva for a period of about 25 seconds. The epicenter was located in the zone of Torino in or about 6 to 10 kilometers in depth. Initial reports said that the trembler killed at least 64 people and left up to 500 missing. Those numbers rose sharply in the days following the trembler after it was discovered that the area near the quakes epicenter had caused mud-slides and many people are presumed drowned. Estimates of the final toll from the disaster, which hit the remote Paez river valley about 180 miles from Bogota varied wildly because of the difficulties in reaching the area. The shanty towns of San Jose, Santa Martha, and Mosoco were completely wiped off the face of the earth. A wall of rocks and mud destroyed the unpaved road linking the mainly Indian area to the outside world. Using Amateur Radio, local officials appealed for helicopters, medicines, food and tents to help the homeless and those hurt. Presently, there are several nets working with Colombia quake relief. The Red Colombian de Emergencia with HK3HLR and, WA4ZZG can be found on 14.153 MHz. The Red de Emergencia de Caliy Popayan Net with HK4BTV and HK4RCA is on 7.085 MHz also serving as relief coordination stations to the area. (***** ACTION EXPECTED IN LA VE PROBE The inquiry of alleged cheating and fraud in California's all volunteer ham radio testing system has taken and important new direction. One that almost certainly indicates punitive action against those accused is about to begin. Newsline has learned that FCC Private Radio Branch Chief, John B. Johnston, W3BE, has replaced attorney Thomas Fitz-Gibbon as the lead investigator in the case. Johnston is well known to most hams as the man at the FCC who oversees the Part 97 amateur service rules. His plain language rewrite of Part 97 brought him the Dayton Radio Amateur of the Year award in 1991. In short, John B. Johnston probably understands the ham radio rules and regulations far better than any other person alive. And knowing Part 97 this well also makes W3BE a skilled investigator in any issue dealing with regulatory violations. In fact, it was an inquiry headed by W3BE of an earlier testing fraud case in Puerto Rico that lead to numerous license revocations several years ago. This, after Johnston proved that a for profit license scam existed in that territory. And if word on the street is correct, John has not wasted any time. The usually reliable Washington rumor mill has it that Johnston has already sent out letters to a number of applicants and suspect VE's. Letters that basically say that the recipient of the note has lied in previous correspondence with the commission. That the FCC does not believe his or her story. That telling the truth now will be easier than telling it later under oath. The fact that Johnston is now leading the California VE probe indicates to those that know the FCC that the agency intends to make examples of those volunteer examiners who may have profiteered from the licensing of hams. While license suspensions and revocations are likely, there is now a good chance that the Department of Justice will also take up the matter. If this happens then you may eventually see some bad VE's and examinees hit with some very stiff fines or doing hard time behind prison walls, after they have their day in court. (***** VEC MEETING Almost ironically, the FCC will hold its annual meeting with the nations Volunteer Examination Coordinators on Friday, June 24th in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. There will be numerous items discussed not the least of which will be tightening up overall security in the wake of the wide spread ham radio testing corruption alleged to have taken place throughout the state of California. Also on the agenda will be items surrounding question pools an testing methodology. Newsline will bring you a full report on the FCC and VEC gathering. (***** CONGRESSIONAL HAM Dan Rudd, WB4PRX, an Extra class ham from the 6th district in Tennessee has announced his intention to run for congress. The June 1st W5YI Report says that Rudd, a Democrat is a physician lives Murpheesboro. He obtained his Novice ticket while still in grade school. After upgrading he was active during the Vietnam War running phone patches for servicemen overseas. According to W5YI, Rudd is a conservative Democrat who believes that the ham radio bands must be protected from further encroachment by outside interests. Rudd also feels that volunteer examiners must be protected by federal law from any claims of liability incurred in the course of the ham radio related testing activities. If elected, Dan Rudd will be the first ham elected to a congressional seat since the retirement of Senator Barry M. Goldwater, K7UGA. (***** FCC CANCELS FINE The FCC has canceled a $2000 fine issued against a Florida woman for alleged unlicensed operation. The May 1993 Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary Forfeiture was against Margaret Taylor of Windmere Florida who had been charged with operating on 145.53 MHz without the benefit of being licensed. According to the ARRL Letter, Taylor appealed the fine on the grounds that she should have received a warning notice before being issued the NAL. She also claimed that she was unable to pay the forfeiture due to her age and financial condition. The FCC said that Taylors response was more than satisfactory. It issued an order canceling the fine because of the proof Taylor supplied, the convincing nature of her arguments and that she had no previous FCC violations. (***** FCC UPHOLDS FINE In another action, the FCC has upheld an action against Joseph Sawchuck, W3OLN, of Pompano Beach Florida to cancel his Commercial license and to fine him $5000. Sawchuck had served as the sole radio operator on the vessel Patriot. The FCC regulations require at least two radio officers on board unless the radio officer has received a service endorsement to his First Class Radiotelegraph Operators Certificate. Sawchuck did not have this endorsement but had argued that the fine imposed was to high in light of the FCC's downward adjustment criteria. Without comment, the FCC denied the seventy-six year old Advanced Class operators appeal. (***** FCC CLARIFIES NEW DIGITAL RULES In response to a request from the ARRL and inquiries from others, the FCC's Private Radio Bureau has clarified new rules that went into effect on June 1, 1994. The new rules do not remove the restriction against automatic control of digital and RTTY transmitting below 50 MHz. The new rules, resulting from action in PR Docket 93-85, relax the Amateur Service rules regarding the responsibility for the content of messages on high-speed digital networks. The Commission amended Section 97.109(e), to allow a forwarding station in a message forwarding system to be automatically controlled while transmitting third party communications. But, the Commission pointed out in a June 2 statement, Section 97.109(d), which was not amended, still limits automatic control of stations transmitting RTTY or digital emissions to frequencies above 50 MHz. The FCC currently has under consideration two petitions for rule making, RM-8218 and RM-8280, that address this subject. The petitions were submitted by the ARRL and by the American Digital Radio Society. (***** SENATE CONFIRMS TWO FCC MEMBERS The Senate has confirmed Susan Ness and Rachelle Chong as members of the Federal Communications Commission. The action came Thursday night by voice vote. Ness is a former media investment banker with ties to the Democratic Party and President Clinton. Chong, a Republican, is a telecommunications attorney from San Francisco. (***** AMBASSADOR AWARD Advanced Electronic Applications has named Jim Stafford W4QO as the winner of its 1994 Amateur Ambassador Award. Stafford was selected as this years winner based on his work with the Radio Active Schools program in the Atlanta Georgia area. Radio Active Schools provides teachers and students with a chance to get hands-on experience in electronics and science through the use of Amateur Radio. W4QO has also been instrumental in helping several teachers to become licensed hams. Jim Stafford W4QO received the Amateur Ambassador Award along with a check for $1000 at the ARRL National Convention in Dallas Texas. (***** STS-60 RESULTS The folks who sponsor the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment flights have some good news. They report that the robot packet station counter aboard the STS-60 mission back in February clicked over more than 4000 connects with amateurs on the ground. (***** COPYRIGHT WIN Software developer Brian Beezley, K6STI says that he has settled copyright infringement actions against two CD Rom distributors. According to Beezley's May 24th press release, two companies have signed --- and we quote -- "have signed agreements to cease and desist from unauthorized distribution of copyrighted antenna analysis and optimization software written by K6STI" -- end quote. Beezley says that he has now been forced to copy protect his latest software releases. K6STI adds that he hopes that news of this legal action will make the overall software market a safer place for the products of all software writers, especially those serving the Amateur Radio marketplace. (***** DX - CHAD In DX, word that yet another new station has shown up from Chad signing F5LGF/TT8. No other information is available at this time other than the operator's name is Chris. This station has only been heard on 20 meters CW between 20:00 and 22:00z. (***** DX - ANGOLA Antonio, D2EGH, says that he will be signing D3X for the next three weeks. There was no reason that was given for the special callsign, but his daily activity has been on 14.195 MHz, between 20:00 hours and 01:30 UTC. You can QSL D3X via CT1EGH. (**** YOUNGEST DXCC RECORD Also word that nine year old Casey Haley, AB5RG has received has made DXCC. Casey, who lives in Houston Texas received his DXCC certificate in mid April. He is believed to be the youngest person ever to attain the DXCC. Casey was also a speaker at the Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum on Saturday April 30th. (***** NEW CARY / THIRD HARMONIC And finally, our congratulations to Dale Cary, WD0AKO and his wife Kay on the latest addition to the family. A baby girl named Jamie Alexis Kay Cary that arrived at 5:55 pm on Monday, May 23rd. Jamie weighed in at 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 18.5 inches at birth. Dale, who volunteers his time to post Newsline scripts on various ham radio and public bulletin board networks like Genie tells us that Jamie's older siblings Alyssa and Briana are both proud big sisters. (***** And for this week, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. You can write to us at: NEWSLINE Post Office Box 463 Pasadena, California 91102 (* * * Newsline Copyright 1994 all rights are reserved. * * *