Ham Radio Online Exclusive
By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 25 November 1998
Low cost Amateur Digital Video (ADV) is now possible using off-the-shelf technology, data networking and standard Internet technologies. And added benefit is that Internet technologies are designed to scale to the available bandwidth. This makes digital video possible, at varying quality levels, based upon the bandwidth. Hams can deploy this technology at slow speed, 56 kbps or faster speeds, as the technology develops. Internet technologies are already built to scale to fit the available bandwidth.
From press release, 20 November 1998
To provide much needed communications support to Central American countries devastated by Hurricane Mitch, Iridium and Motorola are distributing Iridium phones and providing free satellite service to disaster relief teams and senior government officials in the affected areas.
By Ray Shank, WA5RAY, 15 November 1998
Special event station W5R operated up to 11 radios - and updated their log file in real-time, on the Internet. Story and pictures inside.
ARRL Bulletin, 15 November 1998
Russian cosmonauts launched another mini-Sputnik satellite November 10 during a spacewalk from the Mir space station. The launch of Sputnik 41--also being called RS-18--comes just over a year after the launch of Sputnik 40, which commemorated the launch of the first artificial Earth satellite by the USSR in 1957.
15 November 1998
Ham radio is playing a major role in rescue and relief efforts in storm-ravaged Central America. Also, the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), a global network of amateur radio operators, is providing emergency health and welfare communication for Hurricane Mitch relief work.
ARRL Bulletin, 15 November 1998
The ARRL has petitioned the FCC to create two low-frequency Amateur Radio allocations at 136 kHz and at 160 kHz.
By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 14 November 1998
Some background information on why updates have been a little slow recently - if you read the whole story, it'll blow your mind. Anyway, its all behind us now and hopefully with winter's arrival, and more time spent indoors, we will be able to update the web site more frequently.
Via link to MSNBC, 7 November 1998
The SETI@HOME project (not related to SETI League), will use ordinary personal computers to perform signal processing and analysis of data collected by professional radio astronomers at facilities like Arecibo. Internet connected PCs will participate by downloading signal data, and will analyze the signals using idle time on the PC (or Mac or Unix). The software is a screensaver application-when your PC is not busy, the screensaver will analyze the downloaded data. Anyone with a computer can participate,.
Via link to Iridium, 3 November 1998
Iridium announced that the world's first hand-held, global satellite phone and paging system is now commercially available to customers. With Iridium phones and pagers, people will have the ability to communicate virtually anywhere on the face of the planet - using one phone, with one phone number, receiving one monthly phone bill.
October 1998 Stories
Via link, 31 October 1998
PANSAT, the Petite Amateur Navy Satellite was launched from Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-95). PANSAT is an amateur radio satellite constructed by graduate students and faculty at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. PANSAT is unique to the Amatuer Radio Service in that it uses direct sequence spread spectrum in the 430-440 MHz band for communications. Click on the article title, above, for more information on PANSAT. (Editor's note: If my counting is correct, this is the 33rd Amateur Radio satellite in orbit.)
AMSAT News Service, 29 October 1998
SEDSAT-1, signifying Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Satellite number one, was successfully launched and placed in orbit on Saturday, October 24, 1998. The spacecraft flew as a secondary passenger along with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space One mission aboard a Delta II booster.
ARRL Bulletin, 28 October 1998
An emergency communications hurricane watch net has been established on 14.325 MHz to track Hurricane Mitch--still an extremely dangerous hurricane moving toward landfall either in Belize or in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
- Updated Bulletin on Hurricane Mitch, 29 October 1998
By NASA Space Science News, 22 October 1998
The solar sunspot cycle is approaching its maximum and NASA scientists report that the sunspot cycle is closely following their prediction.
By NASA Space Science News, 17 October 1998
Amateur radio operators who bounce radio signals off of the aurora may be interested in this research project. Damien Chua, a graduate student at the University of Washington discovered that a "gap" is appearing in the aurora oval around midnight. Usually the auroral arc is strongest around the night side during geomagnetic substorms. The surprise that Chua found is that about 7 percent of the time a small gap appears between 10 p.m. and midnight, local time.
ARRL Bulletin, 18 October 1998
Note: Restrictions lifted as of October 26th - this emergency communications declaration is no longer in effect.
The FCC has issued a communications emergency declaration: ALL AMATEURS ARE REQUESTED TO COOPERATE BY RECOGNIZING THE EXISTENCE OF A VOLUNTARY COMMUNICATIONS EMERGENCY AND THEREFORE RELINQUISHING THE USE OF FREQUENCIES 7285 KHZ (EMERGENCIES) AND 7290 KHZ (HEALTH AND WELFARE) DURING THE DAY AND 3873 KHZ (EMERGENCIES) AND 3935 KHZ (HEALTH AND WELFARE) DURING THE EVENING HOURS. THE FREQUENCIES ARE TO BE CLEARED WITHIN 3 KHZ EITHER SIDE OF EACH FREQUENCY. THE COMMUNICATIONS EMERGENCY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL RESCINDED.
By Mike Collis, WA6SVT, Via link to Repeater Builder's Technical Information, 11 October 1998
This rugged antenna, an omnidirectional collinear, is capable of surviving harsh environments. It's a good choice for repeater installations and can be top, or side mounted to the tower. You can obtain approximately 3 - 10 dB of gain over a dipole, depending on the number of elements you use. The higher the gain the narrower the elevation pattern. Bandwidth is normally 10 Mhz. on the 70 cm. band and 25 Mhz. on 23 cm, making the antenna an excellent candidate for ATV repeater use.
By H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., N6TX, Via link to SETI League, 11 October 1998
The author proposes a radically new approach to microwave SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). Instead of a small number of extremely large, sensitive radio telescopes, we contemplate a global network of thousands of very small, inexpensive and relatively insensitive amateur instruments, coordinated through the Internet, making up in strength of numbers what they lack in individual sophistication. You'll find additional information on the technical feasbility of receiving extraterrestrial signals in:
- SETI Sensitivity: Calibrating on a Wow! Signal, also by Dr. H. Paul Shuch, N6TX
September 1998 Stories
Why all the articles on commercial radio technologies? Two proposals are now under consideration for re-structuring the Amateur Radio Service in the U.S. It is critical to consider how Amateur Radio fits into a world that is now awash in communications technology - and design an Amateur Radio Service for the 21st century, not the mid-20th century. An understanding of the state-of-the-art is essential to setting priorities and goals for the 21st century.
Via link to Excite News, 29 September 1998
Orbital Sciences launches 8 new satellites for use by two-way handheld personal communicator, using the Pegasus aircraft launched rocket (which is dropped from an L-1011 aircraft). These spacecraft provide two-way message services to mobile and handheld personal communicators.
Via link to Motorola, 29 September 1998
"The most significant advantage of a software-programmable radio is that a user can change the radio's bandwidth, modulation, security and waveforms with software commands, rather than the current, more costly approach, replacing system hardware."
Via link to Metricom, 26 September 1998
Metricom has demonstrated wide area wireless Internet access at 128 kbps using a test version of its Ricochet wireless data network in Silicon Valley. The technology has similarities to packet radio, providing low cost, easy to use wireless access to the Internet using unlicensed radios in the 902-928 and 2400-2483.5 MHz bands (which are shared with Amateur Radio in the U.S.).
Via link to Nokia, 24 September 1998
According to Jorma Ollila, President and CEO of Nokia, "We now estimate that there will be about one billion subscribers in the year 2005 and that a substantial portion of the phones sold that year will have multimedia capabilities". The Company also expects rapid growth of multi-time slot GSM data services, offering 56 kbps wireless data over existing GSM cellular networks.
Via link to San Jose Mercury News, 24 September 1998
Angel Technologies introduces the Burt Rutan designed "Proteus" jet aircraft, to be deployed as a high altitude-long operation wireless relay point in the sky. Basically, its an airplane that will orbit a metropolitan area at 50,000 feet altitude, serving as a wireless repeater for high speed data services, delivering up to 100 Gbps per aircraft.
- Angel Technologies-including pictures of the Proteus aircraft.
- Technical Paper on the HALO System
Via link to San Jose Mercury News, 19 September 1998
Intel introduces a new chip for implementing home computer networks. The technology operates by modulating computer data over existing household phone lines. To achieve data transfer rates of millions of bits per second over household telephone lines, the technology basically modules an HF radio signal over the phone wiring. Editorial comment: Several hams have tested related technology and find that it is extremely susceptible to interference from Amateur HF radio operations, even milliwatts of RF at 7 MHz can take out the network. Further, the telephone lines using this technology leak broadband RF noise (under Part 15 rules) over many megahertz of radio spectrum. If widely deployed (and with Intel and other large computer companies pushing it, it will be), this technology could cause significant interference problems both to and from Amateur Radio.
Via link to C|Net News, 19 September 1998 The FCC has given formal approval for high speed wireless Internet services to operate in the 2.1 and 2.6 GHz frequency bands. These bands are currently used for services such as "wireless cable TV". In late 1996, the FCC gave MDS/MMDS operators permission to use digital transmission technology. Now, the FCC has given them the formal go ahead to offer high speed wireless Internet, voice and data services. You can learn more about the service offered by American Telecasting at WantWeb.
From U.S. Air Force News Service, 6 September 1998
Amateur radio operators or "hams" from around the globe can celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Air Force in a high-tech way, with a worldwide radio "QSO party." The party is set for 12:01 a.m. Sept. 19th to 11:59 p.m. Sept. 20th Universal Coordinated Time.
August 1998 Stories
Bulletins27 August 1998
Flooding in Texas and Hurricane Bonnie on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. has created communications emergencies.
- ARRL Bulletin: HF Frequencies Set Aside for Hurricane related Communications
- ARRL Bulletin: HF Frequencies Set Aside for Texas Flooding
- ARRL Bulletin: ARES/RACES Active as Hurricane Bonnie Comes Ashore
- Special Edition of the ACS Newsletter: Hurricane Bonnie
From QNEWS, Australia, 19 August 1998
Harry Angel, VK4HA, Australia's and by all accounts, the world's oldest living Amateur Radio operator, passed away around 1800 UTC on August 16, 1998. Angel, born on December 14, 1891, turned 106 years old last December.
Via Link to San Jose Mercury News, 17 August 1998
Steve Fossett's attempt to fly around the world in a balloon came to an abrupt end when lightening and hail ruptured his balloon, dropping him 29,000 feet into the South Pacific. He was rescued from the water by Australian Laurie Piper, who was sailing her 60 foot yacht, Atlanta, around the world. She was alerted to Fossett's location by ham radio.
By Dr. H. Paul Shuch, N6TX, linked with permission to SETI League, 14 August 1998
Is Amateur SETI possible? What do you need to get started? According to Paul Shuch, N6TX, "It is my belief that radio amateurs and microwave experimenters, with our limited equipment but high level of dedication, have every bit as much likelihood of success as do the world's great radiotelescopes, in detecting extra-terrestrial signals of possible intelligent origin. It is, after all, amateur optical astronomers who first detect the majority of comets, and radio amateurs who have pioneered most all of modern telecommunications technology. And that which the scientific establishment has in the past regarded as impossible, dedicated radio amateurs will doubtless accept as just another challenge to be met."
Jan M. Van Allen, N7WJB, 11 August 1998
Quick acting amateur radio operators use HF radio communications to report a wild fire where cellular phones don't work.
ARRL Bulletin, 11 August 1998
The ARRL has learned that the FCC very likely will release its anxiously awaited "streamlined" Part 97 Amateur Service proposals sometime during the week of August 10. The document, part of the Commission's 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review, was adopted July 29, but it's undergoing some last-minute tweaking prior to public release.
July 1998 Stories
By Larry Phillips, KC7LVZ, 6 July 1998, Special to Ham Radio Online
Almost any HF rig, old or new, can tune in to one or more of the WWV or WWVH broadcast frequencies. So can most shortwave receivers. In addition to time broadcasts, WWV broadcasts "Geo-alert" information about current solar and geomagnetic field activity. These broadcasts provide valuable information to understanding and predicting radio propagation conditions- this article explains how to use WWV and those odd "A-Index" and "K-Index" measurements to predict current and upcoming radio propagation.
By Dr. H. Paul Shuch, N6TX, linked with permission to SETI League, 6 July 1998
The search for extraterrestrial intelligence is now in the hands of private experimenters, many of whom are amateur radio operators. You can become a part of this extraordinary undertaking to scan the skies for radio signals originating from outside our solar system.
Peter Parker, VK1PK, linked with permission to Peter Parker's website , 6 July 1998
Peter provides construction details for a built-it-yourself small magnetic loop HF antenna for use on the 40m or 80m bands.
June 1998 Stories
ARRL Bulletin, 27 June 1998
In response to industry petitions for reconsideration and clarification, the FCC has amended Part 15 to permit fixed, point-to-point unlicensed devices in the 5.725 to 5.825 GHz band (also allocated to the Amateur Radio Service) to operate with up to 1 W maximum transmitter output power and directional antennas of up to 23 dBi gain. Under the new rules, anyone could install up to a 1 watt link using highly directional antennas. It is anticipated that Internet service providers and others will use this band to provide high speed data links over several miles, and businesses may choose this band for inter-building wireless links.
Via link, 24 June 1998
The Silicon Valley Linux User's Group is going to "launch Windows 98" - literally - on a model rocket this weekend. Linux is a "freeware" operating system for personal computers and the group decided, in good fun, to have their own "Launch Windows 98" event (not to be confused with Microsoft's own "Windows 98 Launch" which does not involve rockets). So what's the tie into Amateur Radio, you ask? Apparently a lot of their members are hams and they note that the event should take place just after Field Day ends - and include a link to a local Amateur Radio group on their main page.
Via link to FCC Press Release, 17 June 1998
The FCC is proposing to allocate 5.850 Ghz to 5.925 Ghz for co-primary use by future Intelligent Transportation Systems. Under the proposal, Amateurs would retain a secondary allocation in this band; however, "secondary amateur operations would not be permitted to cause harmful interference to primary licensed operations in this frequency range."
Via link, 14 June 1998
While the Iridium satellites are small, they have produced some startling visual sightings due to extraordinarily bright reflections - so bright that they have been observed in daylight. Follow this link to learn more about spotting the bright Iridum "flares" in the sky.
By ARRL & TAPR, 14 June 1998
The ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference is an international forum for radio amateurs in digital communications, networking, and related technologies, who meet, publish their work, and present new ideas and techniques for discussion. The 1998 ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference will be held September 25-27, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois.
Press Release, 14 June 1998
By Andy Fu, AC6GN, 5 June 1998
Alinco has been shipping the inexpensive DJ-S11 and DJ-S41T for $US 88 but the radio lacks an external antenna connector. AC6GN shows you how to modify the radio to connect it to an external antenna.
By Roomy Shroff, VU2GTE, India, 5 June 1998
In the summer of 1992 the Kenwood Corporation of Japan introduced a brand new dual band handheld - the Th 78 A.
By Kevin Wells, KD3VM, 5 June 1998
"On Sunday I mistakenly stretched our hike over extremely difficult terrain. We were using the river as a guide and had made the error of getting on the wrong side of the river. We were not sure how far it was to the next bridge (no map) and daylight was running out...."
By Krisztian R. Hildebrand, Budapest, Hungary, 5 June 1998
Amateur Radio operators in Hungary have been given the okay to interconnect the Amateur TCP/IP packet radio networks with HUNGARNET, the government financed academic data network.
May 1998 Stories
Via link to the New Scientist, 29 May 1998
U.K. electric power companies are providing 1 Mbps Internet data service using ordinary power lines. But there is a big problem - the technology creates severe HF interference. (While the same technology could be deployed in the U.S., it is unlikely due to differences in the electrical power grid that make U.S. deployment very expensive. However, some home computer network technologies operate by modulating signals in the 4 to 10 MHz range on internal house wiring - and based on our testing, these systems are extremely susceptible to interference caused by low power transmissions on 3.5 and 7 MHZ. They also radiate broadband noise as unlicensed Part 15 devices - more on this in the future ... de KF7VY)
Via link to the RSGB, 29 May 1998
The Radio Society of Great Britain has adopted a new policy on the issue of Morse code proficiency requirements for Amateur Radio licensing. Specifically, the RSGB "...now believes that this position [mandatory CW requirements] cannot be sustained in the longer term and will be opening discussions with IARU societies and other interested bodies to reconsider the position to be adopted at the [ITU] World Radio Conference in 2001, when the matter of Morse as a necessary qualifier for access to HF bands is likely to be considered."
Via link to the ARRL, 26 May 1998
H.R. 3572 is proposed legislation that would require the FCC to provide "equivalent replacement spectrum" in the event that the FCC might need to reallocate any Amateur Radio frequencies. By writing a short letter to your Congressional Representative, you can help turn this proposal into reality. The ARRL provides a sample letter at the bottom of the article. Please write to your U.S. Congress Representative today!
Via link to San Jose Mercury News, 22 May 1998
Motorola is replacing Boeing as the prime contractor on Teledesic, the global high speed data, voice and video service for fixed locations. Motorola has also canceled its own Celestri global satellite network. (Iridium, another satellite service affiliated with Motorola, provides portable satellite phone access and very low speed data services only).
Via link to CNet News, 21 May 1998
Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba introduced a new standard technology for wireless connectivity that will used unlicensed short range radio technology (in the Part 15 2.4 GHz band that is shared with Amateur Radio).
Via link to CNN, 20 May 1998
A PanAmSat Galaxy IV satellite has drifted off orbit, disrupting communications for millions of people. The satellite carried paging traffic to remote paging transmitters, television and radio signals, and data links to bank ATMs, service stations and other retail stores, and also the DirecPC satellite-based Internet service. Up to 90 percent of all pagers in the U.S. were knocked out of service, nationwide. The satellite was used to relay pager messages from ground based pager network operations centers to remote ground-based paging transmitters. According to a press release at PageMart (a customer of PanAmSat), the satellite has been declared "unrecoverable".
- Additional news from CNNFN
- Critical Radar & Weather Data Lost to FAA - Wired Magazine
The article states that the outage affects critical weather data used by virtually all airlines and the FAA. - Internet Used to Distribute National Public Radio - Cnet News
Via link to The Seattle Times, 19 May 1998
The last of the 66 satellites making up the Iridium global satellite phone network have been launched. When service is inaugurated in a few months, Iridium will enable handheld phones to communicate anywhere in the world via satellite. (The satellite links will not work inside buildings or beneath thick forest cover - dual mode satellite/terrestrial phones will provide ground-based service to solve some of these problems.)
Via link to Qualcomm, 19 May 1998
Qualcomm introduces wireless local loop service in Moscow, Russia, including direct support for wireless data services over their CDMA digital network technology.
Ham Radio Online, 16 May updated 19 May 1998
Here is information on how to file comments on the RM-9267 proposal to re-allocate the Amateur Radio's UHF band to private land mobile. In response to several email requests, I have provided suggestions on information to put in to your letter. Drop everything else you are doing and write, copy and mail your letter right now!
- In response to several requests, I have added a sample form letter in various formats, below.
- More Info Available from the ARRL, including sample letter
- MS Word 97 format, form letter
- MS Word 95 format, form letter
- Word Perfect 5.x format, form letter
- HTML (generic) format, form letter
ARRL Bulletin, 15 May 1998
The respected Land Mobile Communications Council has asked the FCC to immediately re-allocate the Amateur 420-430 and 440-450 MHz bands to commercial radio services. Comments are due at the FCC by June 1 - Please file your comments opposing this measure right now - do NOT assume that others are writing so you do not need to - Every letter counts. You need to act fast to ensure that your comments are on file as of June 1. Please see the Library for more information, a copy of the comments filed by Ham Radio Online, and information on how to file comments.
From Bill Houlne, WB6BNQ, 13 May 1998, Ham Radio Online Exclusive
Here is the complete text of the LMCC proposal, asking the FCC to immediately reallocate the Amateur 420-430 and 440-450 MHz bands to commercial radio services. Comments are due at the FCC by June 1 - Please file your comments opposing this measure right this instant. At a minimum, please write a letter saying you oppose this measure. If you have time, go in to more depth and give specific reasons why this proposal is harmful to the public interest.
- Comments of Ham Radio Online Opposing RM-9267
- How To File Comments on RM-9267 and Letter Suggestions.
From the ARRL, 8 May
The FCC has put on notice for public comment a petition filed by the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) seeking, among other things, "immediate....reallocation of 420-430 MHz, paired with 440-450 MHz, from Federal use to PMRS [Private Mobile Radio Service]".
April 1998 Stories
ARRL Bulletin, 25 April 1998 updated 23 May
The FCC has assigned a rulemaking number, RM-9259, to the ARRL's request for an FCC declaratory ruling equating band plan compliance with good amateur practice. Your written comments to the FCC on this issue are due by May 21, 1998.
- See also ARRL Requests Declaratory Ruling to Enforce "Voluntary" Bandplans for more information,
- How To File Comments on FCC Rule Making Proposals.
- ARRL's filing on RM-9259 (in Adobe Acrobat format)
- Comments of Carl R. Stevenson, WA6VSE
- Our Objections to the ARRL's Band Plan Proposal
- Comments of No Code International
- Comments of Bill Houlne, WB6BNQ
Via link to Virgina State government, 23 April 1998
The State of Virginina has enacted a state law requiring local ordinances involving the placement, screening or height of amateur radio antennas to "impose the minimum regulation necessary" to accomplish the locality's legitimate purpose. Most significantly, the ordinance requires local government to allow antenna heights up to at least 75 feet in cities or 200 feet in less populated areas.
Could Revolutionize Amateur Radio for the 21st Century
Via links to to the web site of Casey Halverson, KC7IBT, 23 April 1998
The Data Control Channel (or DCC) protocol can be used to control communications systems and to provide data exchange. Some of the applications for DCC include dynamic and automatic frequency assignment, cellular architecture radio systems, switching systems (as in PBX-like switching), repeater security, alpha-paging, streaming digital audio data, and more. The work done here is potentially one of the most significant Amateur Radio research projects underway today - and Casey, by the way, is 18 years old. This is a must visit web site - if you can help, be sure to send some email to Casey (via his web site). The work underway on DCC is also a perfect example of why the ARRL's voluntary bandplan should not become the law. New technology requires the flexibility of band access available only in the Amateur Radio Service. See related story on the bandplan issue.
Ham Radio Online, 23 April 1998
The ARRL has written to the FCC requesting that voluntary bandplan recommendations be established as law. Currently, voluntary bandplans are a set of recommendations as to how various segments of the bands are to be used for a variety of purposes. The ARRL has requested that the FCC issue a "declaratory ruling" establishing voluntary bandplans as the law by saying that Amateurs who do not adhere to the voluntary bandplan are in violation of the FCC rules requiring Amateurs to use "good amateur practice".
ARRL Bulletin, 13 April 1998
US astronaut Andy Thomas, KD5CHF/VK5MIR, thinks we may not be alone. Speaking via Amateur Radio April 8 with high school students in Roswell, New Mexico--the self-proclaimed UFO capital of the world--Thomas said in response to a student's question that he believes there is extraterrestrial intelligent life.
By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 13 April 1998
In the past few years, hundreds of communities in the United States have moved their public safety communications from their traditional VHF (150-170 MHz) or UHF (450-470 MHz) channels to 850 MHz "trunking" systems. To address the demand from scanner enthusiasts, Uniden apparently reverse engineered the trunking systems to develop a scanner capable of following trunking conversations that hop from channel to channel.
Via WIA's QNEWS, 13 April 1998
What is believed to be the first (sunspot) cycle 23 pedestrian mobile contacts between Australia and the US took place on ten metres on Saturday 28 March. Two contacts were made by VK1PK Peter Parker, around midday, to KZ5MM and NE6GN. The contacts followed a successful pedestrian mobile QSO with ZL2RR earlier that morning. This is believed the first time that the Pacific was spanned from the pedestrian mobile station. The pedestrian station used consists of a Johnson Viking converted CB and a 1.8m mobile whip. About 2.5 m of wire forms the ground radial. The power source is a 12v 6AH battery - enough for 2 hours of solid operating. Output power of the station is approximately 12w PEP.
Roomy M. Shroff, VU2GTE, India, 8 April 1998
Roomy presents his hand's on experience with ICOM's IC 706. His verdict (and ours too) is that this is a fun little radio with tremendous capabilities and versatility.
ARRL Bulletin, 1 April 1998
At the request of the ARRL, a bill has been introduced in Congress to ensure the availability of spectrum to Amateur Radio operators. The bill, HR 3572, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1998, would protect existing Amateur Radio spectrum against reallocations to or sharing with other services unless the FCC provides "equivalent replacement spectrum" elsewhere.
March 1998 Stories
By Tom O'Hara, W6ORG, 25 March 1998
Any Technician class amateur radio operator can legally transmit video and audio from a Remote control (R/C) aircraft, race car or other model in the USA. Using simple equipment you can add full motion color TV capabilities to your R/C models, with snow-free line of sight transmission distance of 2 to 15 miles.
by Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 23 March 1998
You can wait a long time to download data from the Internet - and it will probably be a few years before you'll get ADSL or cable modem performance (and only if all the electron gods look favorably upon you) - Or, you can get fast Internet access today available via the DirecPC satellite system. DirecPC delivers up to 400 kbps Internet downloads to your PC, wirelessly and is available now everywhere in the USA.
Via link to Wired Magazine, 23 March 1998
Motorola has agreed to turn off Iridium satellites at certain times when flying over the Arecibo radio observatory. Radio astronomers have noted with alarm that the rapid proliferation of satellite systems are clogging the airwaves used for astronomical observations.
Announcement, 14 February 1998 UPDATED 14 March
EVENT CANCELLED: Due to El Nino related flooding and continued staff involvement in relief efforts the 1998 ERI has been ***cancelled***. For registration refunds, contact Les Ballinger at lballinger@juno.com.
By Jindra Vavruska, OK1FOU, Czech Republic, 11 March 1998
This article describes how to build a relatively small loop antenna for HF operation, suitable for use on a balcony in a block house. The antenna can be built to cover two adjacent Amateur HF bands such as 10/14 MHz or 14/18 MHz..
Via link to Dr. Norman Matloff's web site, 9 March 1998
In the U.S. there is an ongoing debate on the alleged shortage of software developers and other high tech engineers. Corporations tell us they can't fill open positions; they want the U.S. government to make changes that would increase the number of engineers available for hire. Significant data exists that there is no shortage - only a shortage of inexpensive, recent college graduates willing to work extremely long hours - while there is an excess supply of engineers in their 30s and 40s who companies are unwilling to hire. Dr. Norman Matloff, a professor at the University of California, Davis is debunking the myth of a high tech industry labor shortage. Many Amateur Radio operators in the U.S. work in high tech and will find the issues raised of immediate importance to their own career.
Via link to The New York Times, 6 March 1998
The March 5th edition of the New York Times contains a wonderful article about ham radio, titled "Ham Radio, Version 2.0, for the Silicon Era", focusing on the high tech aspects of Amateur Radio including AMSAT satellites, digital communications and ATV. (Note: The NY Times requires you to register - its free - to read online stories - so you will need to register to read this story online).
News Release, Space Environment Center, NASA, 4 March 1998
Space Environment Center is pleased to host the 1998 User Conference April 20-23. The rise of Solar Cycle 23 will be attended by an upsurge in interest in space weather. We expect a diverse and large segment of users to gather and speak to us about the space environment. All SEC staff will be available for discussions; attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Operations Center and see the new building SEC will occupy in 1999.
From the ATV Mailing List, 4 March 1998
From its vantage point at the top of the Sears building, the Chicago PATC ATV repeater is in a good position to link with other systems and begin a network of ATV repeaters as others have done. Using 900, 1280 or 2.4 Ghz, radio line of sight is about 90 miles, and easily reaches South Bend, Grand Rapids, Milwaukee, Rockford, Kankakee, Lafayette, and other cities. From those cities, links could extend to farther systems in Ann Arbor, Toledo, Lima, Ft Wayne, Indianapolis, Champaign, Davenport, and beyond.
ARRL Bulletin, 4 March 1998
A ham radio package will be aboard the shuttle flight that carries US Senator and astronaut John Glenn into space this fall.
AMSAT News Service Bulletin, 4 March 1998
Monday, February 23rd was a very special day as it marked a new era for MIR; the return of SAREX school group contacts. This past week, three schools across the United States, in California, Colorado and South Carolina, enjoyed successful two way amateur radio contacts with US Astronaut Andy Thomas, KD5CHF/VK5MIR, aboard the MIR space station.
ARRL Bulletin, 4 March 1998
Hams pitched in to help in the aftermath of intense storms and tornadoes in Central Florida that killed more than three dozen and injured hundreds of others.
February 1998 Stories
Ham Radio Online Exclusive, Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 22 February 1998
This month we introduce a new section to Ham Radio Online focusing on rulemaking, regulatory and policy issues affecting Amateur Radio. Initially, this section presents analysis suggesting the ARRL, with the FCC's blessing, is getting set to take over the day-to-day adminstration of Amateur Radio, including the establishment of policies and an expanded role in enforcement proceedings. We also include information on an Australian proposal to permit on-the-air swap nets, and Article S25 for WRC-2001.
Tom Farley, KD6NSP, linked with permission, 15 February 1998
Here is an excellent tutorial and overview of U.S. cellular radio telephone systems, including details of the analog versions known as AMPS and N-AMPS, plus the digital TDMA and CDMA systems. This article provides a complete discussion of the technologies and how they operate to deliver cellular telephone services.
ARRL Bulletin, 14 February 1998
United State Amateurs soon will not need to apply for reciprocal licenses in order to operate during short visits to most European countries. Similarly, most European hams visiting the US no longer will have to submit FCC Form 610A. This dramatic change comes from approval issued in January at a meeting of the CEPT Radio Regulatory Working Group (WGRR), in Groningen, The Netherlands.
By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, Ham Radio Online Exclusive, 7 February 1998
Buried in the Federal Communications Commission's 1998 rule making agenda is an item to consider "privitization" of the Amateur Radio Service: "Seek comment on amending Parts 0, 1, and 97 of FCC Rules to privatize further the administration of the Amateur Radio Services and to simplify the licensing process. " This could mean mean turning over additional aspects of license examinations, the issuing of callsigns and licenses, and potentially even enforcement proceedings, to a private corporation. The FCC's comments are buried in this FCC News Release. Meanwhile, the January 30th edition of Amateur Radio Newsline reports that Industry Canada is planning a similar proposal, while retaining government authority to regulate the Amateur service. In the Canadian proposal, the private corporation that takes over management would be permitted to charge administrative fees. (Thanks to WB6BNQ for numerous tips on this and other happenings.)
By Tom O'Hara, W6ORG, 2 February 1998
"The advertising by manufacturers and dealers for ATV transmitters in our ham bands for non-amateur use is getting more blatant. See the latest February 1998 issue of Popular Electronics page 76 for an example. Here is an ad that makes no mention of amateur radio as a use or that a license is required for a 100 mw 434 MHz ATV transmitter, but instead lists its use for surveillance, movie production and local law enforcement; all illegal uses. "
January 1998 Stories
By David Rich, KG0US, 28 January 1998, updated 2 February 1998
Rebecca Rich, KB0VVT earned her Extra Class Amateur Radio License. Interested to know how she did that? Here's the full story behind the headline.
By Richard G. Desaulniers, VE2DX via link to Phil Duggan's N1XVE's web site, by permission, 27 January 1998
Excerpts: "During the storms we lost 12 repeaters 4 of which were fixed by HAMS during the storms! Helicopters brought fuel to one site. Hiking teams pulled recharged batteries, one electrician and a Ham RF tech to another. A snow blower had to be used on a third to bring a generator to a site and keep it going! .... Over 700 hams were operating at one time or another and in the largest part of it 250 hams were on at one time!"
By Phil Duggan, N1XVE with additional reports from the ARRL, 18 January 1998
"For many it began as an adventure that soon became a burdensome nightmare." Phil Duggan describes the situation in Maine where a devasting ice storm has left millions of residences of south eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. without electrical power in sub-freezing temperatures. For many, electrical power may not be restored for weeks. Inside: Includes related stories by the ARRL on the ham radio response to this emergency, and a visit from U.S. Vice President Al Gore via ham radio. Also see New York State Response including links to NY State RACES organization.
By Larry Brown, N7KGS, 15 January 1998
Volunteer members of Kittitas County Search and Rescue use Amateur Radio during searches, rescues and body recoveries. This photo montage shows the group in action during a recent successful rescue in the high mountain Cascades of Central Washington.
By Bruce Savage, 15 January 1998
The author presents a successful strategy for obtaining local government approval for installation of his amateur radio tower and antenna. His approach may prove useful in other situations.
Link to story by permission of
, 10 January 1998
As of January 1, 1998, ship-to-shore stations in the United Kingdom have suspended the monitoring of CW channels. According to the report, the use of CW has been superceded "by satellites, global positioning systems and two-way radios." The story also includes links to a number of web sites with information about the history of Morse code. (Comments on this story? Post them on our Bulletin Board.)
From QNEWS/VK4BB, 7 January 1998
VK Amateurs, led by the WIAQ's VK4 members are gathering forces to try and have their regulatory body, Australian Communications Authority, adopt an amendment to the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions which would give VK amateurs the OK to Buy-Sell-Swap equipment on the Ham bands.
By Arthur Ross, Ph.D., linked with permission, 7 January 1998
An introduction to cellular system architecture and frequency re-use/capacity issues in traditional cellular systems. (More information is available at the CDMA Development Group.)
Via Link to Marianna Islands DX Assoc. Web, 3 January 1998
In the early evening hours of December 16th, 1997 Super Typhoon Paka passed directly over the island of Guam with winds in excess of 200 miles per hour. Wind speed is said to have been recorded at 236 mph, the fastest wind ever recorded on the face of the earth..... Lots of photos of the damage, including Amateur stations; incredibly, no lives were lost. (Previous editions of The ARRL Letter and Bulletins reported on Amateur radio emergency communications at this event.)
From ARRL Bulletin, 2 January 1998
Reports from around the world appear to confirm that the Sputnik PS2 mini-satellite has stopped transmitting. The beacon signal from the working model of the original Sputnik 1 satellite was last monitored on December 29 or 30.
From SpaceNews, 1 January 1998
MIREX president Dr. Dave Larsen, N6CO, reports that the previously announced Mir crossband frequency experiment has been abandoned for now because of problems with the amateur radio antenna on Mir. The crossband test was to have started on 01-Dec-97 and lasted three months.
By Mike Dalrymple, GM4SUC, Scotland, 1 January 1998
For the past ten years, Mike has coordinated the The Northern Lighthouse Weekend, where amateur stations have operated simultaneously at up to 11 lighthouses around Scotland. In 1997, the event was expand to Europe and Africa and now includes Lightships. In 1997, 36 stations were put on the air. For 1998, the event will occur on 22-23 August. Could you add another lighthouse or lightship to this growing worldwide event? Update: Late January- 23 countries are confirmed and 33 more are pending for a possible total of 56 countries in 1998!