XPost: rec.radio.amateur.misc, rec.radio.amateur.policy, rec.radio.info

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2325 for Friday May 20th, 2022

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2325 with a release date of Friday
May 20th, 2022 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. The US military expands its use of HF. Get
ready for a hurricane readiness test -- and a new challenge for entry
level hams in the UK. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline
Report Number 2325 comes your way right now.

**
BILLBOARD CART

**

US MILITARY EXPLORES WIDER USE OF HF IN INDO-PACIFIC

SKEETER/ANCHOR: Our top story this week puts HF radio in the spotlight
with some new recognition for its increased importance in national
defense. In the United States, the military is exploring ways to expand
its use of the HF bands in one region of the world. Kevin Trotman N5PRE
has that report.

KEVIN: HF radio is making a comeback for the United States military,
which has been struggling with reliable means of over-the-horizon
communication in the Indo-Pacific. That massive region's communications
needs are served largely by undersea fiber cables and satellites, both
of which are deemed vulnerable to both deliberate and accidental
damage. The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency is eyeing HF as a
reliable backup should an interruption occur in either of the other two delivery modes.

Officials acknowledge that HF's slower data transmission rate and the military's use of a smaller bandwidth would not make HF ideal for
fulltime connectivity but it is nonetheless a viable alternative when
no other option exists.

According to an article in Signal, a publication of the nonprofit
AFCEA, testing is already underway in the part of the Pacific that
includes Malaysia, Australia, Fiji and Singapore. The Indo-Pacific
Command's relief network has been testing HF out as part of its
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief work, using a transmitter
in Oahu.

Meanwhile, a combat communications squadron of the United States Air
Force, based in Guam, is working with the single sideband shortwave transmitters of the Air Force High Frequency Global Communications
System for voice communications.

Elsewhere, modes used in the annual Pacific Endeavor interoperability
exercise are being widened to include newer HF technologies for basic
data communications. One official told the Signal website that these
actions are being taken to expand the mode's reliability.

Beyond compensating for satellite and fiber optic vulnerability,
officials say they also look forward to the next generation of HF
technology which will allow higher speeds and wideband transmission,
making full-motion video possible for surveillance, airborne
intelligence and related activities from the air.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Kevin Trotman N5PRE.

(THE AFCEA SIGNAL)

**
AMATEURS IN US PREP FOR HURRICANE READINESS TEST

SKEETER/ANCHOR: If you live in a hurricane-prone part of the United
States - or you are interested in being of assistance, this next report
from Sel Embee KB3TZD is for you.

SEL: The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida and the VoIP
Hurricane Net will be conducting a test on May 28th that is designed to
let amateurs everywhere evaluate their shack's storm-readiness.
Propagation permitting, the Hurricane Watch Net W-X-4-N-H-C will be on
the air on 7-decimal-268 MHz and 14-decimal-325 MHz from 1300 UTC to
2100 UTC. Postings on the spotting networks will indicate if operators
need to QSY. The VoIP Hurricane Net will be active from 2000 UTC to
2100 UTC on I-R-L-P Node 9219 and EchoLink Conference Node 7203.

Atlantic hurricane season begins on the United States' East Coast on
June 1st and continues through November 30th. During the test,
operators will exchange signal reports, location information, and basic
weather data.

W-X-4-N-H-C will also be on the air on VHF, UHF, 2- and 30-meter APRS,
and Winlink with the email address w x 4 n h c at winlink dot org (wx4nhc@winlink.org) The subject line must contain stroke stroke W L
Two K ("//WL2K"). Contacts will also be made on Florida's Statewide
Amateur Radio Network, the SARNet.

QSL cards will be available from Julio Ripoll, W-D-4-R.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Sel Embee, K-B-3-T-Zed-D.

(WX4NHC)

**

SILENT KEY: PHILANTHROPIST, QUALCOMM FOUNDER FRANKLIN ANTONIO, N6NKF

SKEETER: The founder of chipmaker Qualcomm and a longtime AMSAT
supporter has become a Silent Key. We hear more about him from Andy
Morrison K9AWM.

ANDY: Franklin Antonio, N6NKF, cofounded Qualcomm, a company whose
chips helped spur the success of wearable medical equipment, cellphones
and other tech devices. The lifelong engineer and amateur radio
operator was also a generous and enthusiastic supporter of AMSAT.

Franklin became a Silent Key recently and, according to several
reports, his death was unexpected. His passing was announced on May
13th by Qualcomm, where he had been a leading force in their
engineering departments. Qualcomm did not release the date or cause of
his death. A philanthropist, Franklin recently gave a gift of
$30-million to his alma mater, the University of California San Diego.
He also made a $3-mllion donation to the Allen Telescope Array for a
new broadband antenna feed for its work for the SETI Institute, which
studies deep space for life beyond Earth. Franklin wrote AMSAT's
popular Instant Track orbital software.

He was 69 years old.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Andy Morrison K9AWM.

(AMSAT, UC SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE)

**
RSGB OFFERS NEW INCENTIVES FOR FOUNDATION LICENSE HOLDERS

SKEETER/ANCHOR: New hams in the UK have a whole array of new reasons to
get involved, get on the air and get even more enjoyment out of amateur
radio. A series of award certificates will be issued to help them mark
each achievement they make in their new journey. Jeremy Boot G4NJH
explains how it works.

JEREMY: Foundation licence holders in the UK can earn certificates that encourage them to move forward in their on-air activities and progress
toward Intermediate and Full licence level. The Radio Society of Great
Britain is calling the incentive program "Brickworks," because its goal
is to build on the Foundation. Its national release two years ago was
slowed by the pandemic and subsequent lockdown so the Society is
breathing new life into it by actively encouraging clubs and
individuals to sign up. With the assistance of local clubs, newcomers
can mark their achievements by attending club meetings, writing
software, undertaking construction projects, logging QSOs and getting
involved in contests. Yes, even making a cup of tea for the next club
meeting counts toward points. Certificates are available at the silver,
gold, platinum and diamond level.

If you're interested in joining the programme, contact your nearest
Brickworks club. There is a searchable map that serves as a Brickworks
Club Finder, showing locations throughout the UK.

Clubs are also being encouraged to contact the RSGB to register and
become accredited for the Brickworks programme. Previously registered
clubs do not need to re-register.

Find the map and other details at rsgb dot org stroke brickworks (rsgb.org/brickworks)

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(RSGB, ESSEX HAM)

**
NORTH CAROLINA AMATEURS TAKE ON MARATHON CHALLENGE

SKEETER/ANCHOR: There's more than one way to run a marathon, and as
hams in North Carolina found out recently, some of the biggest winners
in the race cross the finish line with their radios. George
Zafiropoulos KJ6VU, brings us that report.

GEORGE: Spectators watching the New River Marathon on Saturday, May
14th applauded the winners as they crossed the finish line but some of
the biggest honors went to the Ashe County Amateur Radio Club.
Operating at the North Carolina race for the first time, club members
provided realtime status of the racers and kept a close watch on
competitors in distress. Paul Raiche (pronounced RAYSH), N1XI (N One Ex
Eye), club president, said 11 amateurs covered nine support stops,
operated two roving vehicles along the race routes and maintained a
base station at the finish line. Operators used mobile radios on 2
meters simplex, with at least 50 watts of power. The base station had a vertical antenna raised 20 feet high.

Because this was the first time the club was responsible for coverage
of the race, everything had to be just right. Paul said that even when something went wrong -- and one runner could not finish the course
--the hams were able to get to her within minutes after being notified
that she needed help.

Paul said the race director, Ken Sevensky, told him afterward he heard
[quote] "nothing but great things from both runners and volunteers
about the job our club did." [end quote] For this group of enthusiastic first-time marathon supporters, it was good to be in the running even
without lacing up those sneakers. Paul told Newsline: [quote] "We are
hopeful that we will be invited back next year and our goal then will
be to do an even better job than we did this year." [endquote]

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU.

(ASHE POST AND TIMES, PAUL RAICHE, N1XI)


**

BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline heard on bulletin stations around the world including
the K5DUR repeater in Rowlett Texas on Sundays at 7 p.m. local time.
**

NOMINATION DEADLINE NEARS FOR YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

SKEETER/ANCHOR: The nomination deadline is closer than you think for
the Amateur Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the
Year Award. This honor is given to a young radio operator with the kind
of skill and dedication so valued by Newsline's late cofounder Bill
Pasternak WA6ITF. Perhaps one of these youngsters will be the next
award recipient. Consider nominating an amateur radio operator 18 years
of age or younger in the continental United States with talent, promise
and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio. Find application forms on
our website arnewsline.org under the "YHOTY" tab. Nominations close May
31st - and that is coming up fast.

**

SCOUTS OFFER HAMVENTION LANYARDS AND TICKET LAMINATION

SKEETER/ANCHOR: Are you headed to Hamvention? If you're looking for an inexpensive but extremely handy Hamvention souvenir, the Boy Scouts
Venture Crew 73 has just what you need and Don Wilbanks AE5DW has what
you need to know.

DON: Once again, the best Hamvention souvenir is one of the least
expensive and most useful. It's the 2022 Hamvention lanyard available
from the Boy Scouts Venture Crew 73, led by George Ewing, WD8NHI. As
you get ready to pass inside the main gate at the Greene County
Fairgrounds look for the Venture Crew tent. Go inside and for just $5
you can get your Hamvention 2022 lanyard and have your Hamvention
ticket laminated to hang around your neck. No more fumbling for your
ticket at the entrance to the tents and buildings, your ticket is right
there and visible for security to see. Best of all, you can't lose
your ticket! While you're at it go ahead get the full color Hamvention
2022 patch from the Scouts, also $5. This patch features a loop so you
can hang it securely from, you guessed it, your lanyard! If you're in
too much of a hurry to get inside the gate you can pass by booth 4011
in the building with the prize drum and get your lanyard and patch
there. It also makes a great gift for your ham friends who
couldn't make it to Hamvention this year and as gifts for the next club
meeting or prizes for the next hamfest. Support Venture Crew 73 and
get one of the most useful and least expensive items at Hamvention.
That's a win all the way around.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Don Wilbanks AE5DW.

**
HAM RADIO JOINS SWISS 'ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE'

SKEETER:TunBasel (Tunn Bah-Zull), an interactive adventure experience
for young people in Switzerland, is encouraging children to engage in
playful experiments with everything from soap to digital avatars to
amateur radio. Youngsters from 7 to 13 years of age will combine
recreation with learning in this science-focused environment over the
course of several days. On May 22nd, the Union of Swiss Shortwave
Amateurs, or USKA, will be among the presenters, which includes an
array of noted universities. The hams will demonstrate shortwave, UHF
and VHF communications and guide the children through a kit-building
exercise. The TunBasel website says the event is designed to showcase
and nurture young talent.

(SOUTHGATE)

**
AUSTRALIAN REGULATOR MAKES FEE-CALCULATION TOOL AVAILABLE

SKEETER/ANCHOR: The sometimes confusing task of figuring out the
correct fee for an apparatus license in Australia could become a little
less confusing soon. Graham Kemp VK4BB explains.

GRAHAM: Hams in Australia have a new tool to help them calculate the
apparatus licence fee for their shacks. The Australian Communications
and Media Authority has made a fee calculator available to help find
what the AMCA is calling "the most cost-efficient licence option" for
amateurs and holders of other radio licences. The fees relate to the
operation of a radiofrequency transmitter or receiver.

The ACMA has said that the calculator will receive regular updates with
respect to pricing and other options. For a link to the calculator, see
the text version of this week's Newsline script at arnewsline.org

[FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ: http://www.openspec.com.au/fee-calculator ]

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Graham Kemp VK4BB.

(ACMA)

**
AMERICAN LEGION POST GETS NEW HAM CLUB

SKEETER/ANCHOR: Congratulations to American Legion Post 289 in
Clarksville, Tennessee where members recently formed an amateur radio
club, joining other American Legion posts on the air. According to a
story on the Clarksville Now website, Larry Johnson K4JOH, a member of
the post, was one of the key people in getting the club established for
the local military veterans' group. One of its big activities planned
for later this year is to host the Boy Scouts' Jamboree on the Air in
October with help from the Clarksville Amateur Transmitting Society.

The American Legion's National Executive Committee approved amateur
radio activities at its posts in 2011.

(CLARKSVILLE NOW, QRZ)

**

WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, members of the Voice of Toyoake Amateur Radio Club,
JH2ZCW, are using the special callsign 8N2TY from Toyoake City, Aichi,
Honshu Island, AS-007, until November 30th. Operators are commemorating
the 50th anniversary of the Toyoake City. Be listening on 160m to 1.2
GHz where they will be using various modes. QSL via LoTW, eQSL or
direct.

For signals from Cape Verde, listen for Pierre, HB9AMO, Philippe,
HB9ARF, and Marco, HB9CAT, using the callsign D4Z from Sao Vicente
Island, AF-086, during the CQWW WPX contest taking place on May 27th
and 28th. QSL via LoTW. The station may also be on the air before and
after the contest.

Listen for Rafael, EA5XV, who hopes to be on the air from Panama as
EA5XV/HP1 between June 28th and September 12th. Listen for him on SSB.
Send QSLs to his home call.

Fabian, DF3XY, will be active as 3B8/DF3XY from Mauritius, AF-049,
between May 21st and June 2nd. Be listening on 40, 30 and 20 meters
where Fabian will be using mostly FT8. QSL via DF3XY, direct, by the
Bureau or eQSL. Fabian also welcomes cards from shortwave listeners.

Koh, JA1ADT, will be on the air as JD1AJD from Ogasawara, AS-031,
between June 24th and July 2nd. Listen on 20-6 meters where he will be
using CW and FT8. His operation will concentrate on 6m for Europe and
North America. Send QSLs to his home callsign.

(OHIO PENN DX)

**
KICKER: CARRYING A MEMORIAL MESSAGE WITH FLAGS INSTEAD OF RADIOS

SKEETER/ANCHOR: There will be recognition and honor for the Highland
Amateur Radio Association when the ham world gathers at the Greene
County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio on the weekend of May 20th to 22nd.
The southern Ohio club was named Hamvention Club of the Year. Just a
week ago, however, club members themselves were the ones bestowing
highest honors. They did so without formality or fanfare. Ralph
Squillace KK6ITB has our final story.

RALPH: On Saturday, May 14th, carrying small American flags instead of
radios, a dozen or so Ohio amateurs planted each one at a burial plot
for more than a thousand military veterans at the city cemetery in
Hillsboro, Ohio. It was a quiet act by the Highland Amateur Radio
Association, which first stepped in three years ago when the local
Scouts became unable to continue the tradition. John Levo, W8KIW, the
club's public information officer, said many of the graves date back to
the Revolutionary War. He said that this year, a flag was also placed
at one of the newer graves: Vietnam veteran Floyd Colville, KD8SIK, a
beloved club member who became a Silent Key late last year, having
succumbed to the effects of Agent Orange. John said Floyd was one of
those who worked side by side with the team, installing those same
flags during the previous two years. Placed just two weeks shy of
America's official observance of Memorial Day, the flags will stay in
place until the summer is through. So too will the message each one
carries â-" in this case, not in words transmitted over the air but
delivered instead from the heart.

From Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ralph Squillace KK6ITB. (JOHN LEVO,

W8KIW)

**
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to the ARRL; the Ashe Post and Times; the Australian Communications and Media Authority; Clarksville Now; CQ
Magazine; David Behar K7DB; DXWorld.net; John Levo, W8KIW; Ohio Penn
DX; Paul Raiche, N1XI; QRZ.com; the Radio Society of Great Britain;
Southgate Amateur Radio News; shortwaveradio.de; and you our listeners,
that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. You can write to us at newsline@arnewsline.org. We remind our listeners that Amateur Radio
Newsline is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that incurs
expenses for its continued operation. If you wish to support us, please
visit our website at arnewsline.org and know that we appreciate youall.

For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and
our news team worldwide, I'm Skeeter Nash N5ASH in Shelbyville
Tennessee saying 73. As always we thank you for listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)