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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2291 for Friday September 24th, 2021

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2291 with a release date of Friday September 24th, 2021 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. Hospitalized children talk to the ISS via ham
radio. Researchers call for new regulations for satellites -- and
youthful SOTA activators in Romania have a meeting with meteors. All
this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2291 comes your
way right now.

***
BILLBOARD CART

**
HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN CONTACT ISS VIA HAM RADIO

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We begin this week with a story that shows the power
that amateur radio can have in the lives of children, especially those
who have been hospitalized for serious illness. Kevin Trotman N5PRE
brings us that report.

KEVIN: It was a remarkable 10 minutes that students and patients at the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., are not likely to
forget: a question-and-answer exchange on Tuesday, September 21st,
between an ISS astronaut and the young patients in the pediatric acute
care hospital in America's capital city.

According to Bob Koepke, AA6TB, the event's technical mentor, the ARISS
contact was arranged with Seacrest Studios, the educational space
inside the hospital to continue patients' education while they are
receiving treatment there. The space and communications component is coordinated with the help of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, NASA
and the local Alexandria Amateur Radio Club. Bob said the hospital's
proposal for the ISS contact had been accepted in March of 2020 but
concerns for COVID safety changed the shape of the event. Instead of
using an on-site amateur radio station for the contact, it would rely
instead on a multi-point telebridge with Claudio Ariotti, IK1SLD in
Italy, eliminating the need for a large gathering of people. The
patients stayed in their rooms, connecting to the action via an iPad
and the help of a hospital staffer.

JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI, was ready and fielded 16
questions, using the callsign OR4ISS, during the 10-minute pass. More
than 1,300 students and patients from kindergarten to 12th grade
enjoyed the event, along with 500 parents and 400 professionals. A
recording of the contact is available on YouTube at the link that
appears in this week's Newsline script at arnewsline.org Meanwhile, the application period begins on October 1st for proposals for ARISS
contacts in 2022. For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kevin Trotman N5PRE.
FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKDjGxmcE-Y
(ARISS, BOB KOEPKE, AA6TB)

**
RESEARCHER BLAMES SATELLITES FOR NIGHT SKY 'POLLUTION'

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Look! Up in the sky! That is, if you can. Light
pollution is becoming an issue and researchers in Canada have what they
hope is a solution. With that story, here's Andy Morrison K9AWM.

ANDY: A Canadian astronomer is urging that international regulations be established to set limits on permissible levels of satellite
brightness. Samantha Lawler of the University of Regina (ruh-JYE-nuh)
in Saskatchewan said the ever-increasing population of communications satellites, such as those launched by SpaceX's Starlink, generate the
kind of light pollution that hampers astronomers' research. The
scientist was part of a team that included researchers from the
University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto who
studied the optical brightness of thousands of satellites, including
those in so-called megaconstellations.

The team concluded that in the not-too-distant future one in every 15
points of light in the sky will actually be a satellite. The research
team also expressed concern about the crowding of satellites in orbit, increasing the possibility of more collisions.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Andy Morrison K9AWM.

(GLOBAL NEWS, SOUTHGATE, CJWW RADIO)

**
ESSEX HAM SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORTS NEW HACKSPACE

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In the UK, the ever-expanding universe of creative
workshops, known as hackspaces, just got an extra boost from some ham
radio friends. Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us about it.

JEREMY: East Essex Hackspace became the newest of 70 hackspaces
throughout the UK on Saturday, September 18th, as this community-based "makerspace" opened as a welcoming place to encourage learning and
tinkering. It includes a construction and electronics workbench,
reflecting a spirit so familiar to amateur radio operators.

To help celebrate opening day at this new workshop, Essex Ham operated
special event station GB0EEH on HF and VHF not just for the QSOs but to
support the community effort and to demonstrate amateur radio to those attending at the Hawkwell location. According to the hackspace's Wiki,
the space in the pavilion has been provided by Rochford District
Council and the lease is in effect until October of 2027.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(EAST ESSEX HACKSPACE)

**
NEW MICROCONTROLLER EDITOR AT CQ MAGAZINE STEPHEN/ANCHOR:
Congratulations to Jack Purdum W8TEE, who has become the new
Microcontrollers Editor of CQ magazine. Jack, who is an Arduino
authority, will have his first column appear in the November issue, the magazine has announced. His predecessor, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, is
starting up a new column called "Ham Radio Explorer" that will launch
in the December issue.

(CQ MAGAZINE)
**
SILENT KEY: EAST COAST REFLECTOR'S RICK BEUTNAGEL, N3RRB

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Another extended family of ham radio operators is
grieving for one of their own. We hear their story, and the story of a well-loved Silent Key, from Dave Parks WB8ODF.

DAVE: An emotional last call has been made on the IRLP/Allstar East
Coast Reflector for Richard Beutnagel N3RRB, a mainstay of the
reflector. Rick, a licensed ham since 2018, became a Silent Key on
Wednesday, September 15th of COVID-19 while caring for his ailing
parents in Deltona, Florida.

Friends and members of the 9050 reflector told Newsline that Rick
arrived on the system in October of 2020 and immediately established
himself as a mentor. It was a role that came naturally to him on and
off the air and in the reflector's Zoom room.

One of Rick's most selfless projects was the 40 meter QRP transceiver
he built for a 14-year-old amateur who came to call him "Uncle Rick" He
also made use of the electronics business he owned and operated to
create equipment and software for the East Coast Reflector's control
stations so they could track the number of connected nodes at any
giventime.

Rick also believed in personal connections so even while riding his
bike around town, he would carry his HT on his handlebars and keep his
phone connected to the East Coast Reflector Zoom Room.

Reflector member Pres W2PW told Newsline: "The amateur community lost a
good one." I would like to add: "Rick, you will be missed but never
forgotten."

For Amateur Radio Newsline and everyone on the East Coast Reflector,
I'm Dave Parks WB8ODF.

**
BOUVET 3Y0J TRIP GETS ARRL GRANT

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Next year's Bouvet Island DXpedition has been given its
latest financial boost and it's from the ARRL. Skeeter Nash N5ASH has
that report.

SKEETER: The 3Y0J (Three Y Zero Jay) Bouvet Island
DXpeditionâ-"considered one of the costliest everâ-"has been awarded
$5,000 from the ARRL. The amount given to the nonprofit Amateur Radio DXpeditions organization, which is based in Norway, is the same sum
given back to the ARRL following the Intrepid DX Group's cancellation
of its Bouvet trip, after the ship planned to carry them there was sold
to new owners.

Amateur Radio DXpeditionsâ-"and its 12 operatorsâ-"are planning a
November 2022 activation with a goal of 120,000 contacts. The team will
be on the island for 20 days. The grant is named for Silent Keys Lloyd
Colvin, W6KG, and Iris Colvin, W6QL, and supports international DX
teams to foster global goodwill. The DXpedition's $650,000 budget makes
it among the most expensive ones on record. The team earlier received a $100,000 donation from the Northern California DX Foundation and a gift
from the German DX Foundation that is the equivalent of $11,815.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Skeeter Nash N5ASH.

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, it appears that the RV Braveheart, which was
sold by Nigel Jolly K6NRJ, to new owners, may sail again with hams
aboard sometime. Paul, N6PSE, of the Intrepid DX Group announced
recently on the group's Facebook page that the ship will be relocating
from New Zealand to Ushuaia (Ooose-Why-Uh), in southernmost Argentina
and the new owner plans to make it available once again for amateur
radio DXpeditioners.

(INTREPID DX GROUP)

**
BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including
the linked repeaters of the Desert Amateur Radio Club KK7AJB in La Paz
County, Arizona on Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6:45 p.m.
localtime.

**
NATIONAL HURRICANE CONFERENCE POSTED ON YOUTUBE

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you're devoted to weather-watching, you might want
to take a look at the 2021 Virtual National Hurricane Conference
Amateur Radio Workshop. It was held in June and is now posted on
Youtube. The conference lasts four hours and eight minutes but if
there's a particular workshop you're interested, you can find an index
and the approximate start times below the video on the site. Workshops
include a discussion of surface reports; overviews of the National
Hurricane Center and the Hurricane Watch Network; and best practices in
SKYWARN for tropical systems.

Find the link to the video in the script of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

[FOR PRINT, DO NOT READ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ecZRKVgIG0]

(LLOYD COLSTON KC5FM)

**
IARU REGION 1 HONORS SIX FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Six prominent radio amateurs in IARU Region 1 have been recognized for their years of contributions. Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us
about them.

JEREMY: Six hams in Region 1 of the International Amateur Radio Union
have been awarded medals for their years of work contributing to the
IARU. They are Tore Worren, LA9QL, who recently stepped down as Region
1 EMC Committee Chairman but remains on the committee. Tore is being
recognised for bolstering IARU's presence in electromagnetic
compatibility matters. Medal recipient Jacques Verleijen, ON4AVJ, is
being recognised for developing the Contest Working Group and
coordinating work on VHF, including revision of the handbook. He is a
member of the Political Relations Committee and secretary to the VHF
Plus (VHF+) committee. Hans Welens, ON6WQ, is being honoured for
supporting smaller societies, most especially in Africa and creating
the concept of Support to the Amateur Radio Service, or STARS, which he
chaired until 2011. The medal to Dave Court, EI3IO, celebrates his work
on the Spectrum and Regulatory Liaison Committee which he chaired until recently. His work, among other things, helped lead to the regionwide allocation to the amateur service of a 2 MHz segment at 50 MHz. Hilary Claytonsmith G4JKS, is being credited for the region's successful work
in EMC matters. Hilary is an EMC committee member and served as its
secretary for nearly 25 years. A medal was also given to Peter Jost,
HB9CET, deputy coordinator for the IARU Monitoring System, for his work
with the monitoring system's newsletters.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(SOUTHGATE, DON BEATTIE, G3BJ)

**
POPULAR HAMFESTS HOSTED AGAIN WITH CAUTION

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you've been in the mood for a hamfest lately and
you're going to be in the area just north of New Orleans, Don Wilbanks
AE5DW has a recommendation for you.

DON: Two busy days of amateur radio activities are on tap for attendees
of the Slidell (SLY-Dell) EOC Hamfest sponsored by the Ozone Amateur
Radio Club. It's going to be held in the Slidell Auditorium with doors
opening at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 8th and at 8 a.m. on Saturday,
October 9th. Entrance for the public is through the lobby doors.
Hamfest chairman Dave Hartley, K5OZ, reminds everyone that masks are
mandatory for all indoor activities in Louisiana so they will be
required to attend the hamfest.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Don Wilbanks AE5DW.

(DAVE HARTLEY K5OZ)

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Meanwhile, even as hams in Louisiana prepare for their
hamfest, members of the Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club in Illinois are celebrating the fact that they just finished enjoying the return of
their Superfest. It took place on September 18th and 19th and according
to news reports, there are two other reasons to feel encouraged: The
club also saw an uptick in membership, especially among YLs.

(PAARC)

**
WORLD OF DX

In the world of DX, Fred, KB4DMQ, has returned to Shemya (shem-Yuh)
Island in the Aleutians, southwest of Alaska, and for the next two
months will be operating again as KL7FBI. Be listening on 20 and 40
metres where he will be using SSB. Send QSLs to KL7FBI.

Harald, DF2WO, is operating as 9X2AW in Rwanda until the 28th of
September. He is using mainly the digital modes, FT8, PSK31, JT65 and
RTTY with some CW and SSB. He is also using the QO-100 satellite on 2m
and 70 cm. Send QSLs via M0OXO (Em ZERO OH X OH) or his OQRS.

If you're looking to get the Maldives in your logbook, prepare now for
November when Remo HB9SHD will be on the air from Kandolhu island,
Maldives as 8Q7RM. His plan is to operate for several hours each day, especially at night for North and South America QSOs. Send QSLs via his
home callsign.

(DX-WORLD.NET, OHIO PENN DX)

**
KICKER: FOR YOUNG HAMS, A MOUNTAIN MEETING WITH THE METEORS

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Our final story takes place in the mountains of
Romania, where students using SOTA gear during the day also made
contact with the cosmos at night. Ed Durrant DD5LP shares the details.

ED: For the 18 students who spent three days on the summits in Romania,
this past summer will always be the Summer of the Perseids. Under the
guidance of seven adults, including their teacher Adrian YO5IA, the
young amateurs from Transylvania ventured into the Vlădeasa
(vulla-DESSA) Mountains in mid-August. They were backpacking to
experience nature â-" and the nature of making SOTA radio contacts from
on high. Sorin, YO2MSB, who is ranked a SOTA Mountain Goat, schooled
the students in SOTA basics. Then, using their school club callsign
YO6KGS, they set up stations on various peaks in an attempt to
accumulate points. According to a diary kept by students Daria, YO6CDC,
and Horatiu, YO6HDC, daylight hours were spent learning about SOTA and
chasing contacts. At night, they chased another contact, the Perseid
Meteor showers. They had extra help from a telescope brought by Rares,
a guest at the chalet where the group was staying.

Daria wrote in her diary, in English translation: [quote] "No matter
how tired we were, we couldn't miss the campfire and the opportunity to
look through Rares' telescope. Waiting for our turn to look at the
planets Saturn and Venus, our eyes were directed only to the sky at the Perseids. We were so excited that we woke up at 4 in the morning to
watch them at their maximum intensity."[endquote]

The students may not have successfully activated all the summits on
their list, but they scored big points with the Perseids. Adrian told
Newsline more SOTA expeditions are planned this year and then next
summer it's back to the Vlădeasa Mountains: He said [quote] "The days
of the Perseids will become a tradition for us."[endquote]

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP. (ADRIAN BACIU YO5IA)

**
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Adrian Baciu, YO5IA; ARISS; the ARRL;
Bob Koepke, AA6TB; CQ Magazine; Dave Hartley, K5OZ; David Behar K7DB;
Don Beattie, G3BJ; East Essex Hackspace; Lloyd Colston, KC5FM; Ohio
Penn DX; QRZ.com; the PAARC; Southgate Amateur Radio News;
shortwaveradio.de; Spacenews; Ted Randall's QSO Radio Show; Twitter;
WTWW Shortwave; 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 you all.

For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and
our news team worldwide, I'm Stephen Kinford N8WB in Wadsworth Ohio
saying 73. As always we thank you for listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

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