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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2377 for Friday May 19th, 2023

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2377 with a release date of Friday
May 19th, 2023 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. US hams prep for hurricane season. Getting a
stubborn folding antenna to unfold - in space! And an early net marks
24,000 mornings of check-ins. All this and more as Amateur Radio
Newsline Report Number 2377 comes your way right now.

**
BILLBOARD CART

**
HAMVENTION IS HAPPENING IN XENIA, OHIO

DON/ANCHOR: As Newsline went to production, hams from all over the
world were converging on a busy fairground in the US state of Ohio for Hamvention. Be sure to listen to our newscast next Friday, May 26th,
for a Hamvention wrap up.

**
IT'S ONLY A TEST (FOR NOW) AT THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

DON/ANCHOR: We begin this week with - what else? - the weather. It's
storm season in many parts of the world and here in parts of the United
States, amateurs are checking their hurricane season preparedness. We
hear more about that from Randy Sly W4XJ.

RANDY: It's that time of year again, when amateurs check out their
equipment and get ready for a new season of storms and storm-related
activity. This is especially important for such stations as WX4NHC at
the National Hurricane Center in Florida. Their annual on-the-air communications test will take place on Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m.
until 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, says that the
purpose of the event is to test the station's equipment and antennas as
well as operators' home equipment prior to the 2023 Hurricane Season
which runs from June 1st through November 30th.

The station will be operating on HF, VHF and UHF, including 2 and
30-meter APRS and Winlink.

Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, net manager of the Hurricane Watch Net, told AR
Newsline that they will be active during that time, on or near their
standard frequencies of 14.325 and 7.268 MHz, depending on propagation.
The VoIP Hurricane Net will activate that day too from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time.

Look for WX4NHC on the air or posted on DX Cluster. For more
information, you can visit wx4nhc.org.

This is Randy Sly, W4XJ

**
SILENT KEY: PETER STUART, PA3EPX, FORMER VERON BOARD MEMBER

DON/ANCHOR: A ham who helped build enthusiasm for homebrew and other
amateur radio practices in The Netherlands has become a Silent Key. We
hear more details about him from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

JEREMY: Peter Stuart, PA3EPX, was well-known for his enthusiasm and
creative spirit within the leadership and membership of VERON, the
Dutch amateur radio society. Peter, who first became active in VERON at
the end of the 1970s, became a Silent Key on the 16th of April.

He was remembered by colleagues as an advocate for teaching fox hunting
and for his service on the VERON board as its secretary. An avid do-it-yourselfer, he was also a proponent of homebrew equipment and he encouraged others to build a variety of projects including an ATV
transmitter.

Peter was 71.

This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(VERON)

**
JUPITER SPACECRAFT RESOLVES ANTENNA ISSUES

DON/ANCHOR: There's antenna work..........and then there's antenna
work. If your antenna is a folding antenna that won't unfold - and it's
out in space - you're gonna need to do a little more than just climb up
the tower to fix it. Graham Kemp VK4BB tells us what happened.

GRAHAM: With the launch last month of the European Space Agency's JUICE
mission - short for Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer - hopes were high for
its antenna, which had been folded up inside the spacecraft ready for
its eventual full deployment. The 16-metre-long antenna, known as RIME
- for Radar for Icy Moons Exploration - was to completely unfold in its
first week after the launch date and it did - that is, all but one
final part.

According to various media accounts, a variety of remedies were tried
without success until the flight control team finally freed the
remaining part by delivering a shock that moved a tiny stuck pin that
had left the antenna section jammed in its folded position. The shock
came via a device known as a nonexplosive actuator that was located
inside the bracket. What happened was disruptive enough to shake
thingsup.

May 12th brought freedom as the stuck part became unstuck.

Now the antenna should be ready for an even bigger challenge - the
moons around the giant planet Jupiter. The mission will use the antenna
to study those icy moons as far down as 9 km, analysing both the
surface and subsurface. What unfolds there may possibly deliver some
shocks of its own.

This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.

(EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY, DIGITAL TRENDS)

**
BILL REINTRODUCED TO PROPOSE HF DIGITAL CHANGES

DON/ANCHOR: In the United States, an Arizona lawmaker has renewed hope
for changing what many consider outdated rules by the FCC for digital communications. Sel Embee KB3TZD has those details.

SEL: A bandwidth limit would replace symbol rate limit for HF digital operations under a bill known as the Amateur Radio Communications
Improvement Act. The bill was introduced on May 11 by Arizona
congresswoman Debbie Lesko, a Republican, and is similar to a bill she
had introduced last year, hoping to update rules by the FCC that focus
on symbol rates. The bill, which is now in the House Committee on
Energy and Commerce, would set a bandwidth limit of 2.8 kHz instead. US advocates of the bill, including the ARRL, have long argued that a
bandwidth limit was necessary because of crowded conditions on the HF
bands. They have been concerned that protocols might be developed in
the future that would possess wider bandwidth protocols than necessary.

The lawmaker said in a statement that updating the rules to accommodate
modern technology is especially important in times of natural
disasters, such as forest fires, floods and hurricanes, when messages
need to be sent and received efficiently. Faster protocols already
accomplish this in other countries.

This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.

(ARRL, REP. DEBBIE LESKO)

**

FORMER FCC CHAIRMAN NEWTON MINOW DIES AT 97

DON/ANCHOR: Newton Minow, who had been appointed chairman of the
Federal Communications Commission by President John F. Kennedy in the
1960s, has died. The attorney, who was a vocal critic of the emerging
content of broadcast television in the US, died Saturday, May 6th, at
the age of 97. He was also well-known as an advocate of the US space
program. It was during his tenure in 1962 that the world saw NASA's
launch of Telstar 1, the first communications satellite, developed by
the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, better known as AT&T.

(NPR)

**
POPULAR SATELLITE DECAYS FROM ORBIT

DON/ANCHOR: A popular ham radio satellite launched a little less than
eight years ago from China has left its orbit. Stephen Kinford N8WB
brings us that report.

STEPHEN: Satellite enthusiasts have one fewer satellite to rely on now.
The orbit has decayed for the popular linear transponder satellite
known as XW-2A. The satellite was sent into space in September of 2015
from China's Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite does not
leave space without sharing a little bit of glory: In August of 2022,
two amateurs used XW-2A to achieve communication over a record
distance for the 25 kg microsat. It was a transatlantic QSO between
EA4NF in Spain and VE1CWJ in Nova Scotia, a memorable distance of
4,751km.

This is Stephen Kinford N8WB.

(AMSAT NEWS SERVICE, CAMSAT)

**
HAMS, START YOUR ENGINES FOR THE BIG RACE

DON/ANCHOR: Hams, start your engines. A big race - and a big special
event station - is getting under way in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jack
Parker W8ISH has the details.

JACK: Now that the dust has settled from the Indy Grand Prix race,
members of the W9IMS Special Event Station are gearing up for another
week of logging contacts leading up to the 107th running of the
Indianapolis 500 Mile Race beginning May 22nd.

This is the 20th year for the W9IMS team to reach out and let ham radio operators be a part of the racing season in Indianapolis. For two
decades they have logged over fifteen thousand contacts a year for the
three race series at Indy. That is a lot of QSL cards. Check the W9IMS
page at QSL.com for more information.

Reporting from Indianapolis, this is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

**


TRY NEWSLINE'S HAIKU CHALLENGE

DON/ANCHOR: If a great QSO feels like poetry to you, you might enjoy
this new challenge from Amateur Radio Newsline. We're inviting
listeners to channel their most creative selves and share the joy of
ham radio in the form of a haiku. On our website, arnewsline.org, you
will find a submission form for sending your most inspired offering.
All haikus must follow the traditional form to qualify: The first line
is five syllables, the second line is seven syllables and the finishing
third line has another five syllables.

Our team will pick from the best submissions that follow the 5/7/5
syllable rule and represent the love of amateur radio. Your prize?
Glory, of course! We will share our favorite haiku of the week on the
Amateur Radio Newsline website.

**
BREAK HERE:

Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline heard on bulletin stations around the world including the
AH6LE repeater on Sundays at 6 p.m. in Beavercreek and Wilsonville
Oregon.

**
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR AMSAT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DON/ANCHOR: If you're active in AMSAT and know someone who shows
promise in the organization's leadership, consider nominating them for
a spot on the board of directors. Four incumbent seats will soon expire
and voting will be held in the third quarter of this year. Terms are
for two years.

As many as two alternate directors may be chosen to serve
one-yearterms.

For nominations to be considered, they must be in writing and should be submitted by either one member society or five individual members who
are in good standing. The nominee's name, callsign and contact
information should be provided along with the same information for
those individuals submitting the candidate. Email nominations are
acceptable when sent to jdavis@amsat.org - otherwise postal mail may be
used. Send to Jeff Davis, KE9VPO, Post Office Box 11, Yorktown,
Indiana47396.

The nomination deadline is the end of the day on June 15th. The four
incumbents leaving behind vacancies are Jerry Buxton, N0JY (En Zero Jay
Why), Joseph Armbruster, KJ4JIO, Robert Bankston, KE4AL and Zach
Metzinger, N0ZGO (En Zero Zed Gee Oh)

(AMSAT NEWS)

**
KEEP LISTENING FOR CORONATION STATIONS

DON/ANCHOR: If you're still feeling festive after the coronation of
King Charles and Queen Camilla, Jeremy Boot G4NJH offers some ways to
keep celebrating.

JEREMY: Coronation weekend has come and gone in the UK but the Radio
Society of Great Britain believes in keeping a good moment alive.
Special event callsigns are still on the air through to the end of
June. Individual radio amateurs and clubs are eligible to use the GB23C callsign which was used first by the Cray Valley Radio Society which
activated it in Greenwich. Information on how to obtain and use the
call on the RSGB website.

Hams are also being encouraged to use one of hundreds of callsigns
Ofcom is making available to celebrate the historic fire beacon network throughout the UK. Callsigns such as GB23BIR was activated by the
Furness Amateur Radio Society and according to RSGB district
representative Martyn, M0TEB, it was quite popular as a contact.

Visit rsgb.org/coronation for other details and to find out more about
getting a Coronation QSL card or one of three RSGB Coronation awards.

This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(RSGB)

**
AUSTRALIAN HAMS OFFER A QSO WITH A 'VAMPIRE'

DON/ANCHOR: Ever have a QSO with a vampire? It's not so hard as you
might think. Richard, VK2SKY, brings us this story about an Australian
warship that makes it possible.

RICHARD: G'day, Amateur Radio Newsline listeners, this is Richard
VK2SKY in Sydney, Australia, with a little vampire story for you. Yes,
I know, Halloween is months away, but I think you'll like this story
anyway.

A team of amateurs, led by Colin VK2JCC, has set up shop in the radio
room aboard HMAS Vampire. "HMAS" stands for His Majesty's Australian
Ship, and the Vampire is located at the Australian National Maritime
Museum here in Sydney. The radio room is part of the museum, and thus
open for visitors to learn about the importance of radio
communications, both in wartime and in peace.

The Vampire team has been active for a few weeks now, using the
callsign Victor Kilo Two Victor Mike Papa (VMP - Vampire, get it?). If
you've never worked a warship before, now is a great time to start!

So far, eight amateurs are on the roster to keep Vampire on the air,
using CW and Sideband on 20 and 40 metres, and the station is now a
permanent fixture on the ship.

But wait, there's more! Over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th June, the
Vampire will be active for 24 hours for a special event, Museum Ships
on the Air. You'll find the station on or near 14.250 MHz. Vampire will
join many other ships around the world for this fun event.

So, listen out for Victor Kilo Two Victor Mike Papa on board HMAS
Vampire in Sydney, Australia. And check out the VK2VMP page on qrz.com.
Hope to catch you on the air!

(AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, MANLY WARRINGAH RADIO SOCIETY)

**
NOMINATE OUR NEXT 'YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR'

DON/ANCHOR: We remind our listeners that you still have an opportunity
to nominate a promising young radio amateur - but time runs out at the
end of this month. Young hams who live in the continental United States
have an opportunity to make news of their own in the world, if they
aren't already doing so, by being a recipient of this year's Amateur
Radio Newsline Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year Award.
Think of an amateur radio operator 18 years of age or younger --someone
who has talent, promise and a commitment to the spirit of ham radio.
This is your chance to help honor and acknowledge that person who will,
no doubt, go on to teach and inspire others. Find the nomination form
on our website arnewsline.org under the "AWARDS" tab. Nominations close
on May 31st.

**
WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, be listening for special event station GB0AEL which
is on the air until May 26th. Hams with the North West Group Amateur
Radio Club are marking the anniversary of Amelia Earhart's
transatlantic flight. In May of 1932 she became the first woman to make
that trip solo and nonstop, departing from Canada and landing 15 hours
later in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. QSL instructions are on QRZ.com

Listen for Vincent, HB9VCJ, using the callsign 8Q7VJ from the Maldives,
IOTA Number AS-013 from May 20th through to June 4th. His QRP operation
will be SSB and various digital modes on 40-6 metres, and FM on 10
metres. QSL instructions are on QRZ.com

Ivan, YT4RA/IV3CTS, and his brother Goran, YT7AW/SA7DXR will be
operating from Malta, IOTA Number E U-023, from the 24th to the 29th of
May, with their biggest activity to be during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest.
They plan to use the callsign 9H6WPX. QSL via LoTW.

Be listening for T41DX on the island of Cuba, IOTA Number NA-015, from
May 18th through to the 22nd. The Guani DX Group will be operating CW,
SSB and various digital modes on 80-10m. QSL manager is RW6HS.

(425 DX BULLETIN)

**
NETS OF NOTE: THE ROOSTER NET HAS SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT

DON/ANCHOR: We end this week with an installment from our occasional
series, Nets of Note. We revisit a very proud group of early morning
radio enthusiasts who Newsline first interviewed back in 2017. Jim
Damron N8TMW tells us why they're so proud right now.

JIM: The early risers who have been meeting on 80 meters at 6 a.m..
local time since 1957 are about to celebrate a milestone and this isn't
exactly chicken feed. The Rooster Net, as the group is known, will be
marking 24,000 daily sessions on the air on May 26th.

The check-ins - that's check-ins, NOT chickens - can expect to get
pretty lively that day on 3.990 MHz. The rooster roster claims amateurs
from as far north as Canada, as far south sometimes as South America
and as far west as Arizona and Montana. So congratulations to these
hams who leave the nest early to get up with the sun - and with one
another. That's something to crow about.

This is Jim Damron N8TMW.

(ARRL)

**
DO YOU HAVE NEWS?

DON/ANCHOR: Do you have a piece of Amateur Radio News that you think
Newsline would be interested in? We are not talking about advertising
your club's upcoming hamfest or field day participation, but something
that is out of the ordinary. If so, send us a brief overview via the
contact page at arnewsline.org. If it's newsworthy and we would like to
cover it, we'll get back to you for more details.

NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur News Weekly; the American Cancer Society; AMSAT News Service; ARRL; Australian National Maritime Museum;
CAMSAT; CQ Magazine; David Behar K7DB; DX-World.net; 425 DX News;
Gardner News; IARU Region 3; QRZ.COM; Manly Warringah Radio Society;
National Public Radio; Radio Society of Great Britain;
shortwaveradio.de; and you our listeners, that's all from the Amateur
Radio Newsline. 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. We also
remind our listeners that if you like our newscast, please leave us a
5-star rating wherever you subscribe to us. For now, with Caryn Eve
Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our news team
worldwide, I'm Don Wilbanks AE5DW in Picayune Mississippi saying 73. As
always we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is
Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

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