December 1999 Stories
  • U.S. Government Claims Some Ramsey Electronics Wireless Kits are illegal

    • Via link to Ramsey Electronics, 6 January 2000
    In November, Ramsey Electronics was raided by 7 armed federal agents, and 3 state troopers, and has been prohibited from selling certain wireless transmitter kits. The government alleges these commonly available wireless kits were intended for illegal wiretapping and international espionage. "Hacker" groups allege the order to remove previously legal wireless technology kits came from the White House, chagrined after the Linda Tripp wiretapping incident.
     
  • FCC Issues Report and Order in License Restructuring

    • Via link to the FCC, 31 December 1999
    In an end of year surprise, the FCC has issued its long awaited Report and Order and the decision is: Technician, General and Amateur Extra class licenses, with a maximum 5 wpm telegraphy requirement, per international rules, for HF access. The Amateur service is now poised to enter the 21st century more attuned to 21st century technologies.
  • U.S. Coast Guard Requests Amateur Radio Assistance

    • By Ham Radio Online, 24 December 1999
    The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Seattle has issued an urgent request for Amateur Radio assistance during the Y2K rollover event. Please volunteer to help your local ARES/RACES team with Y2K tasks - here in Spokane our ARES group has received more request for assistance than we are able to staff. So please, wherever you are, contact your local ARES group to volunteer now.
     
  • Wireless News Roundup

    • Via links, 18  December 1999
  • International Space Station (ISS) to be Linked Live to the Internet

    • Via link to the Mercury Center, 13 December 1999
    A private company is setting up a live Internet connection to the ISS. Once the ISS is occupied, the link will allow direct contact to and from astronauts and students, and let the general public watch ISS operations, live. Amateur Radio previously provided a similar function for many Space Shuttle flights.
     
  • Radio Astronomy is a Direct Descendant of Amateur Radio

    • Via link to the NRAO, 10 December 1999
    The science of radio astronomy began with Amateur Radio. Read about it in this story from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Start with The SETI League to learn how you can build your own backyard amateur radio telescope.
     
  • Part 4: The Great Broadband Network Hoax

    • Via links, 10 December 1999
    As first detailed here in January 1999, the hype surrounding fast Internet access availability has been off scale. It will be years before even half of U.S. homes have access to at least one  provider of high speed access. Now the New Networks Institute has filed allegations of fraud by the phone companies with respect to how they obtained favorable tax deals to deploy advanced networks - but  then did not actually deploy them, and have engaged in anti-competitive measures to prevent others from entering the market.
  • BellSouth To Trial High-Speed Wireless Internet Access

    • Via link, 10 December 1999
    BellSouth to test high-speed wireless Internet access using 2.3 Ghz Wireless Communications Services spectrum. (This spectrum was once allocated to Amateur Radio).
     
  • Wireless Firms Seek Global Empires

    • Via link to Cnet, 22 November 1999
    An estimated 1 BILLION wireless customers forecast by 2003. 30% of all U.S. homes will subscribe to a wireless phone service by end of 1999.
     
  • AT&T To Offer Wireless Phone and Internet Access to Homes

    • Via link to San Jose Mercury News, 7 December 1999
    AT&T said on Monday that it plans to spend billions delivering wireless home phone and high speed Internet services in the years ahead. This is in addition to its use of cable TV lines for home phone and Internet service
     
  • Wireless News Roundup

    • Via links, 2-4  December 1999 November 1999 Stories
  • Part 23: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 19 November 1999
    Dick adds a correction to Part 22 and moves onward to constructing low value shunt resistors. And reveals Mr. Ohm's first name, which I never knew! (Sorry for the delay in getting Part 23 online. Dick suffered through multiple computer problems, and then I was delayed in getting this online for 2 weeks due to other time priorities... KF7VY)
    Note 22 November 1999: Dick has suffered a back injury and has no idea at this time when he will be able to resume the series. It may be quite some time.
     
  • The INSPIRE Project: An Opportunity to Participate in VLF Radio Research

    • Via link to NASA, 19 November 1999
    INSPIRE had its origins in 1989 and has an objective of bringing the excitement of observing natural and manmade radio waves in the audio region to high school students.. It is also an opportunity for students to actively gather data that might be used in a basic research project, as was done with INSPIRE data taken during the flight of SEPAC (Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators) in March 1992. More info... and VLF web site of N6NKS, with downloadable audio files.
     
  • NASA Teams Up with Amateur Radio to Research the Leonids Meteor Shower

    • Via link to NASA, 18 November 1999
    NASA, in cooperation with Amateur Radio  sends up a high altitude balloon to watch for meteors. Shown here is an actual screen image from the internet relay of KE4ROC taken at about 0600 UTC 18 Nov - with sky images and VLF radio signals relayed via amateur radio. More info on the Leonids program.

     
  • Wireless Devices May Become More Common Place Than Personal Computing

    • Via link to Wired, 7 November 1999
    At Wireless IT '99, industry speakers made predictions about new wireless applications, some wild and some wacky. Also announced was that 1 out of 3 Americans own a celphone and growth continues at a 25% annual rate - yet they say that the explosive growth phase has not even started!
     
  • Qualcomm to Introduce 2.4 Mbps Mobile Wireless Data

    • Via link to Cnet, 5 November 1999, updated 9 November
    Qualcomm set to introduce High Data Rate technology enabling up to 2.4 Mbps wireless data using existing CDMA digital cellular networks. More info at Qualcomm...
     
  • The Great Broadband Network Hoax, Part 3:

    • DirecPC-The Internet Via Satellite
    By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 4 November 1999
    In February, after writing The Great Broadband Network Hoax, Parts 1 and 2, I subscribed to DirecPC. After 8 months of use I'm discontinuing DirecPC service due to poor performance and extremely poor customer service. You can also read what the NY Times had to say (not too happy either) or visit the alt.satellite.direcpc newsgroup (where no one is happy with DirecPC). On related topics, the Seattle Times blasts @Home cable service, and MSNBC says @Home prohibits cable modem users from downloading more than 10 minutes of streaming video, or this one saying  max cable speed is about 1 Mbps at best. Or this one describing "DSL hell". And BellAtlantic admits it may never be able serve 40% of its lines with DSL service. Also see
  • Japan May Open Up 5.3 Ghz for High Speed Wireless Data Links

    • Via link to AsiaBizTech, 4 November 1999
    The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is proposing to open up the 5.3 Ghz band for use by wireless Internet access devices, as soon as the year 2001.

    October 1999 Stories

  • Digital "FM Radio" Standard Coming Soon

    • Via link to Wired, 27 October 1999
    The FCC is expected to announce a digital radio broadcast standard soon, enabling CD-quality audio to supercede today's FM broadcasting. The new technology would  enable the potential delivery of Internet Protocol packets and data services, from radio stations.
     
  • Meteorologists Fear Loss of Radio Frequencies

    • Via link to ENN, 25 October 1999
    Meteorologists are concerned that demand for radio spectrum could result in reassignment of globally allocated frequencies used in weather forecasting.
     
  • Y2K Report Predicts Communications, Power Infrastructure to Be Okay

    • Via link to IY2KCC, 11 October 1999
    The International Y2K Cooperation Center predicts that most telecommunications and power systems will keep running as we head into the year 2000. However, in "Y2K: The Texture of Impact" they predict lingering problems in less-critical systems, like billing, to extend for many months, and the degradation of service between interconnected systems.
     
  • Part 22: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 11 October 1999
  • After replacing a failing computer, Dick's series has resumed. In this installment he addresses a question that appeared on the Forum - related to calculating the value of a meter shunt resistance. So, Dick shows how to build the  Meter Master a simple but valuable piece of gear.

    •  
  • FCC Allocates 5.85-5.925 Ghz to ITS

    • Via link to FCC, 22 October 1999
    The FCC today announced the allocation of 5.850-5.925 Ghz for use by Intelligent Transportation System technologies. This bandwidth had been part of the Amateur allocation at 5.650 to 5.925 Ghz. In the 5.725-5.875 Ghz segment, shared with unlicensed Part 15 users, Amateurs are not protected from ISM interference.
     
  • How Old Are U.S. Radio Amateurs?

    • HRO Exclusive Report, 11 October 1999
    Since the publication of my Promoting Amateur Radio column, which looked at the demographics of the ham population, I was asked to compare the ham population to the overall U.S. population. Here it is ... it is, alas, very, very skewed to the elder segment of the population.
     
  • Home Networking, VDSL and HF Interference

    • HRO Exclusive Report, 11 October 1999
    The HF noise floor will be increasing dramatically - to the point that HF radio operation in urban and suburban locations may not be possible in just a few years. And the VDSL people admit they cause tremendous amounts of noise.
     
  • Celphones - and Amateur Radio - to be Banned at Gasoline Stations

    • Via link to MSNBC, 8 October 1999
    Even though there is no verified instance in the world of a celphone causing a fire or explosion at service station, Internet myths have grown to urban legend proportions. The oil companies have succumbed to junkscience and are banning the use of celphones, pagers, and other personal electronics at service stations. (Based on the static electric discharge I had to my gas cap recently, shouldn't they be offering grounding straps for your vehicle and person to ensure no static discharges?).
     
  • New Home-phoneline network RFI to Get Worse

    • Via link to MSNBC, 8 October 1999
    As first documented here, (see RFI From Home Computer Networks), new home phoneline-based computer networks are taking over the residential market. Current 1 Mbps products generate RFI in the 5.5 to 9.5 MHz range. Now, 10 Mbps products are coming to market, spewing noise over even more of the HF radio spectrum. (Also, very high speed VDSL technology may replace ADSL-its being offered in some locations now- and generates noise over most HF radio frequencies. This situation is tragic and I'll have more data soon - HF radio is going away folks.)
     
  • Orbcomm's satellite system may flourish where others fail

    • Via link to Forbes, 8 October 1999
    Where Iridium and ICO Global Communications have requested bankruptcy protection for their satellite phone services, Orbcomm is doing  well delivering short packet messages via satellite. Literally similar to packet repeaters in the sky, the system is widely used - and expanding its applications - for short messaging for telemetry applications and more.

    September 1999 Stories

  • FCC's ULS Social Security Number Usage May Be Unlawful

    • HRO Exclusive Report, 23 September 1999
    When you use the ULS, the FCC requires you to provide your Social Security number. But some Amateurs, pointing to the law, allege that the FCC's use of the SSN is not authorized by Congress. The details inside...
     
  • Disaster Updates: Hurricane Floyd; Quake in Taiwan Disrupt Communications

    • Via links, 21 September 1999
    At least 45,000 phone customers lose service; total expected to rise. 1 million customers, including wireless phone customers, can make only local calls. Meanwhile, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 has struck near Taipei, Taiwan. News reports indicate that communications is out over most of the island nation.
  • FCC's Universal Licensing System Does Not Work With Microsoft's Internet Explorer

    • HRO Exclusive Report, 16 September 1999
    You must use the FCC's online Universal Licensing System to apply for an Amateur Radio license or request a change of address. But, unlike commercial web sites, the FCC's system only works with the Netscape Internet browser and does not work with Microsoft's Internet Explorer and appears also not to work with Netscape versions prior to 4.5. (7 Oct: A recent report indicates renewals work with IE5; another report indicates after using the ULS, his PC's Internet access was messed up.)
     
  • Emergency Communications Declaration in Effect for Virginia and North Carolina

    • From ARRL Bulletin, 16 September 1999
    New emergency communications declarations have been issued:
  • MTV Allegedly Used Amateur Radio Frequencies During Production

    • HRO Exclusive Report, 14 September 1999
    During the production of a recent music video awards ceremony in New York City, the MTV production crew allegedly used 16 frequencies in the Amateur 420-450 Mhz band for crew communications.
     
  • Wireless Firms Look to Tap Teen Market

    • Via link to Cnet News, 10 September 1999
    "As the average cost of mobile phones drops, analysts and executives say the American teen market is the next growth opportunity for the wireless industry. After all, nabbing new customers at a young age could translate to loyal, lifetime users.".... "More than 40 percent of Americans age 25 to 44 use cellular phones today..."
     
  • ARRL Task Force Seeks Technology Proposals

    • ARRL Bulletin, 10 September 1999
    The Task Force seeks information, proposals and concepts on a wide range of technologies with the potential to improve Amateur Radio. Input is sought from all parts of the amateur community, and will be used to help formulate League policy recommendations on a wide range of technical issues.
     
  • Report Claims Antennas and Towers Killing Birds

    • Via link to USA Today, 6 September 1999
    Scientists claim 4 million birds are annually crashing into towers and antennas, killing off songbirds. Environmentalists want the government to set new rules to prevent collisions. (Opinion: About 3 years ago, a report in Home Power magazine noted that power poles, power lines, trees, windows, buildings and moving vehicles kill orders of magnitude more birds than towers do.)
     
  • Bell Labs Invents Technology To Locate Cellular Callers to Within 15 feet

    • Via link to ScienceDaily, 5 September 1999
    Bell Labs has developed technology to locate a cellular 911 caller to within 15 feet (outdoors) or 100 feet (indoors).
     
  • LMDS Broadband Wireless Serving Niche Markets

    • Via link to Wireless Design Online, 5 September 1999
    LMDS systems have access to up to 1.3 Ghz of spectrum near 29 and 31 Ghz and were expected to deliver "last mile" wireless broadband services to homes. So far, limited deployments are providing voice and data services to businesses and multi-unit housing.
     
  • FCC Issues Ruling on 1997 Spread Spectrum Proceeding

    • By Ham Radio Online, 5 September 1999
    In a 1997 proposal, the FCC sought comment on changes to the spread spectrum rules applying to Amateur Radio operations. In this Report and Order, the FCC relaxes the rules on the type of spread spectrum techniques used, removes unnecesary and burdensome record keeping requirements, but requires the use of automatic power control to limit power output to the minimum necessary.
     
  • Introduction to GSM-Based Satellite Technology

    • Via link to GSMWorld, 5 September 1999
    GSM-based technology is used in current and future satellite-based mobile phone networks. This article provides a lengthy, and broad overview. (Note -  click on next page link at the bottom of each page to continue to next section)
     
  • Ham Radio Provides Critical Communications for Turkey Quake Relief

    • By Oguzhan Kayhan, TA2NC, Turkey, 3 September 1999
    TA2NC reports to us from Turkey that Amateur Radio operators provided the only communications from the disaster area to the Internal Affairs Ministry during the first 4 days after the disaster. He estimates that more than 200 Trukish ham radio operators were working in crisis centers, providing critical communications, 24 hours per day, on HF, VHF and UHF radio frequencies. While the amateur operation has subsided, the government and the military continue to rely on use of the Amateur VHF and UHF repeater network.
     
  • Part 21: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 1 September 1999
    Dick shows how to finish assembly of the transmitter's RF amplifier. You are almost done!

    August 1999 Stories
     

  • Second Satellite Phone Company Files for Bankruptcy

    • Via link to CNNFN, 27 August 1999
    ICO Global, is the second satellite phone company, after Iridium, to file for bankruptcy protection in the courts.
     
  • "Video" Celphones Under Development

    • Via link to San Jose Mercury News, 27 August 1999
    PacketVideo, StreamQuest, and RealNetworks are working on products to deliver wireless video over handheld cellular phones. First products may come on the market in the next 1 to 2 years.
     
  • ARRL Bulletin: Hurricane Watch Net Activated

    • ARRL Bulletin, 26 August 1999
    A hurricane watch net to monitor Hurricane Dennis, has ben activated to transmit weather reports directly to NOAA weather meteorologists.
     
  • HamWeb: Packet Radio Broadcast Protocol

    • By John Hansen, W2FS, Via link to TAPR, 25 August 1999
    HamWeb transmits packets in unconnected mode, leveraging the power of radio to reach many stations simultaneously. HamWeb delivers up to 20 Mbytes of transferred data each day - and could be the future of Amateur packet data and file distribution. (ATVers are even interested in using this technology to deliver streaming digital video. Also you can download the software at this web page).
     
  • SprintPCS To Introduce Wireless Web Access

    • Via link, 24 August 1999
    SprintPCS will introduce "Wireless Web" Internet access in most of its markets, beginning in late September. Customers will be able to access Internet information, and send and receive email wirelessly while using the SprintPCS wireless telephone network.
     
  • Opinion: Promoting Amateur Radio

    • By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 23 August 1999
    The Amateur Radio Service just became a VHF/UHF-centric radio service - Technician class licensees (VHF/UHF centric) now exceed the combined total of General, Advanced and Extra class licensees (HF-centric). In just a few years, as few as 1 out of 3 U.S. Amateurs may be licensed to operate at HF, and this is due mostly to events outside our control. Recognizing this is the key to putting ham radio back on a growth curve...
     
  • K2A "Border to Border" Special Event Station

    • Via link, 23 August 1999
    As part of the overland Trans-American Trek 99 expedtion, Jim Wilmerding, W2EMT, will operate K2A-mobile to provide contacts with school groups and others to promote cultural awareness as Stage II of the trek heads out of Bellingham, WA, north to Inuvik, NWT. The educational portion of B2B kicks off on 4 Sep 1999 via ham radio and satellite telephone link ups.
  • Emergency Communications Declaration

    • -- cancelled as of 25 August
    22 August 1999
    DUE TO THE EXPECTED IMPACT OF HURRICANE BRET ON THE TEXAS COAST, 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. SIGNED:  OLIVER LONG, FCC HOUSTON RESIDENT AGENT

    Also, regarding the Earthquake in Turkey, please read the "Salvation Army amateur net handling earthquake traffic."
     

  • Part 20: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 20 August 1999
    Dick explains a bit about transistor theory and how they perform switching functions, followed by checkout of the Tx/Rx switch.
     
  • Amateur Balloonists Reach the Edge of Space

    • By Bruce Perens, K6BP, via link toTechnocrat.net, 18 August 1999
    Amateur balloonists are launching payloads to 120,000 feet (about 40 km) altitude. These payloads often include Amateur Radio telemetry, television and repeater transmitters. Learn more with this story from Technocrat.net.
     
  • NY Times: Morse Code Hams Let Their Fingers Do the Talking

    • Via link to NY Times, 15 August 1999
    (Free registration required to read NY Times online). Discusses the passion that many Morse enthusiasts have for communicating via the Morse code. Briefly touches on the proposed licensed restructuring and the controversy over "code" versus "no code" requirements.
     
  • U.S. FCC Unveils Reorganization Plan

    • Via link to FCC, 13 August 1999
    In a world of converging technologies, where telephone calls are carried on cable TV lines and the Internet, the FCC proposes to reorganize itself along lines of "consumer information, licensing, competition/policy, and international communications. These  will replace the current industry-specific Bureaus...." (See releated opinion column, "The FCC Reorganization: And Why the SET Is Irrelevant". Also see that as of mid-1977, cellular phone ownership reached over 36% of U.S. population, and pager usage reached over 25%.)
     
  • "Winter is Coming"

    • By Jan M. Van Allen, K7YH, 13 August 1999
    Winter-time travel out west can prove challenging, unpredictable and dangerous... Amateur radio oeprator Loyd Davis, K8EI found ham radio to be a life saver when caught in blizzard conditions.
     
  • Iridium Files for Bankruptcy

    • Via link to Cnet News, 13 August 1999
    Iridium, the satellite phone company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Operating under court protection, Iridium will continue to try and restructure its debt.
     
  • FREE Software!

    • By Ham Radio Online, 11 August 1999
    This is for real - the original Turbo Pascal and Turbo C compilers are now being made available by Borland for free downloads. These compilers enable you to develop Microsoft DOS applications using either the Pascal or C programming languages.
     
  • Part 19: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 10 August 1999
  • Construction of transmitter bandpass filtering and the Tx/Rx switching circuitry continues in this section.


    • NASA Requests Help From Hams For Solar Eclipse on August 11
    Via link to NASA, 10 August 1999

  • As the August 11 solar eclipse occurs in Europe, radio transmissions from near the path of totality may spread across the globe, due to ionospheric changes caused by the Moon's shadow. Ham radio operators can track the total solar eclipse by monitoring changes in radio propagation. NASA invites ham radio enthusiasts to submit their data to help better understand the nature of ionospheric disturbances. (You can also visit the NASA sponsored http://www.eclipsecast.com.)

    •  
  • Perseids Meteor Shower Peaks This Week!

    • Via link to NASA, 10 August 1999
    The Perseids are an excellent chance to experiment with meteor scatter communications, particularly on the 50-54 Mhz band. Plus, this year the peak will occur under nearly moonless dark sky conditions, making for great viewing.
     
  • Ham Radio Online Implements New User Interface Design

    • By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 7 August 1999
    Based on overwhelming support in the online poll (90% favor the proposed new design or do not have a preference), I have implemented this new online interface; a few bugs still need to be worked out and more improvements will be coming. Access via modem is now about twice as fast as before.

    July 1999 Stories

  • W5YI Reports Slight Increase in U.S. Amateur Licenses

    • From Amateur Radio Newsline, 31 July 1999
    Amateur Radio Newsline reports on a W5YI analysis of Amateur license trends. While still below 1997 levels, the number of Amateur license holders has increased slightly since 1998. Since January 1997, Technician class licenses have increased by over 50,000, while Tech Plus, General, and Advanced all declined and Extra's saw a slight increase. "Codeless" Technican license holders will soon represent nearly 1 out of every 3 U.S. hams.
     
  • Petitions Filed Related to Protecting "Weak Signal" Operations (Opinion)

    • Submitted by NCI, 27 July 1999
    Earlier, the Central States VHF Society filed a petition asking the FCC to protect "weak signal" band sections through regulation. In some respects, this is similar to last year's proposal by the ARRL to establish the ARRL voluntary bandplan as mandatory (that petition received unanimous opposition from the Amateur community, although the ARRL plans to resubmit a similar request again). NoCode International sent us their comments, in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:


    Home Phone Networking Version 2 Spec Reached
    Via link to Cnet News, 27 July 1999
    Home phone networking vendors (See "RFI From Home Computer Networks" for more information) have reached agreement for a version 2 specification. Version 2 will raise home phone line computer network speeds to 10 Mbps and 30 Mbps expected by the end of the year 2000. According to this whitepaper, these networks will operate in the 2 to 30 Mhz HF spectrum.
     

  • Radio Amateur Helps Rescue Sinking Yacht

    • Via link to Excite News, 27 July 1999
    A European Amateur Radio operator hears a call for help and launches a successful rescue operation.
     
  • Mir-Space Shuttle Link Up Via Ham Radio

    • Via link to CNN, 27 July 1999
    Astronauts on-board the space shuttle Columbia, and cosmonauts on-board Mir establish contact with each other via an Amateur Radio link. Several crew members on both spacecraft are licensed Amateur Radio operators.
     
  • The Saving of Oleg

    • By Len Traubman, DDS, W6HJK, 24 July 1999
  • A gripping true story: An automobile wreck in a rural area leaves one Russian Amateur Radio operator dead and another severely injured, near death. Lacking sufficient medical care, a call is made on the 20 meter band - and unleashes a several months long international communications network of Amateur SSB links, FAX and email - in a unique partnership to remotely deliver medical care and save a life-and breakdown barriers between former Cold War adversaries.

    •  
  • Government Says EMF Researcher Faked Data

    • Via link to San Francisco Chronicle, 24 July 1999
    According to a government investigation, a Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory researcher falsified data to prove a link between electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and alleged cellular effects (that could lead to cancer).
     
  • Opinion: Marketing Amateur Radio

    • By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 23 July 1999
    We do a truly poor job of marketing Amateur Radio to the general public that views us as "antiquated" and as a "dying culture" (quotes from press reports). There is a lot that we can do to position, market and sell Amateur Radio - Are you up to the challenge?
     
  • Part 18: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 23 July 1999
    Construction of the 40 meter transmitter begins.
     
  • YODX HF Contest And Solar Eclipse Special Event Station

    • Submitted by Ciprian Sufitchi, YO3FWC, Romania, 23 July 1999

    While the YODX HF Contest will take place on August 1, special event station YR99E will celebrate the last total solar eclipse of this century on August 11th. You can learn about both events at their web site (click on the graphic image). Also, NASA Astronaut Ron Parise will be operating a special event station on board the "Voyage to Darkness" cruise ship - see http://www.nauticom.net/www/planet/files/jul30odys.html for further information)
     
  • Canada Blitzed by Phone, System Disruptions

    • Via link to Excite News, 16 July 1999
    According to this news report, a fire in a Bell Canada equipment center has knocked out phone service, including 911 emergency service, cellular phones and other systems in parts of Montreal, Ottawa,  Toronoto and elsewhere.
     
  • Home Networking via Telephone Lines Becoming a Top Seller

    • Via link to Cnet News, 16 July 1999
    As of May 1999, sales of telephone wire based home computer networking kits have reached 22.1% marketshare, with just two vendors (Intel, Diamond) presently in the market and performance limited to 1 Mbps. These networks modulate data signals between 5.5 to 9.5 Mhz, producing tremendous amounts of RF interference to the HF radio spectrum. See "RFI From Home Computer Networks" for more information.
     
  • Last Commercial Maritime Maritime Morse Code Message Sent

    • Via link to Mercury Center, 16 July 1999
    Commercial maritime station KFS transmits its last Morse Code message. The use of the code has been replaced by satellite and other digital communications links. Similar story at MSNBC says "RIP for SOS: Morse Code Goes Under", describing the last transmission from Globe Wireless.
     
  • Part 17: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 8 July 1999
    In Part 17, Dick completes the 40 meter receiver - it's now ready for use. In Part 18, Dick will start the 40 meter transmitter section.
     
  • NASA Radio Meteor Alert: Ham Radio Operators Can "Watch" Unusual Meteor Event via Radio

    • Via link to NASA, 5 July 1999
    "The International Meteor Organization has issued an alert that a "resonant swarm" of meteoroids predicted by Dr. David Asher in 1993 could produce an outburst of Beta Taurid meteors in late June and early July 1999. Both showers will be difficult to see visually..... Ham radio operators have the best chance of successfully monitoring these showers."
     
  • Indigenous Maori People Now Own the Radio Spectrum in New Zealand

    • Via link to Wired, 3 July 1999
    A special panel has ruled that the indigenous Maori, of New Zealand, who have long had ancestral claims to the forests and waters of New Zealand, also have ownership of the radio spectrum. The ownership claims made by the Maori have put a temporary halt to spectrum auctions - auction revenues, at least in part, may have to be paid to the Maori.
     
  • "If Y2K Signals an SOS, Hams Will Play a Key Role"

    • Via link to The Star-Ledger, 3 July 1999
    "... in the event that Y2K bugs disrupt satellite and computer-based communications.... emergency officials .... have asked volunteers with the Radio Amateur Civilian Emergency Service, known as RACES, to be ready to help on New Year's Eve ".
     
  • Pearl City High School Students Link to Mir, via Amateur Radio

    • Via link to MSNBC, 3 July 1999
    In late June, students at Pearl City High Schook, Hawaii, contacted cosmonauts on board Mir via an Amateur Radio Slow Scan Television link. The story was covered by MSNBC.
     

    June 1999 Stories
     

  • Recent Advances in HF Digital Communications

    • By Johan Forrer, Ph.D., KC7WW, 19 June 1999
    Johan describes new narrowband PSK modes (including C-BPSK and PSK31 and the use of error correction codes and varicodes) for HF digital communications.
     
  • Part 16: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 19 June 1999
    Dick assembles the 40 meter receiver modules into a functioning receiver.
     
  • G4GUO Conducts Digital Voice over HF Tests

    • Via Link to Charles Brain, G4GUO web site, 14 June 1999
    "On Saturday 27th of March 1999 at 12:40 UTC I made my first two way digital voice contact. The contact took place on the 40M band over a NVIS path of 70 km with G4JNT. Signal strength was about S8. The transmitted power was about 20 watts mean. The Digital Voice was Q5 with occasional fades. To be quite honest I nearly fell out of my chair when the DCD light came on and G4JNT's voice came out of the speaker!"
     
  • First Multi-Multi CW Contest Station From Argentina

    • By Herman Baez, LU3FP, Argentina, 14 June 1999
    15+ operators, 6 bands, 6 transceivers, multiple antennas and towers, and computers and computer network to coordinate the operations... all contributed to the success of a the first mult-multi CW contest station operation from Argentina.
     
  • Trans-American '99 Trek to Feature Amateur Radio

    • Press release, 14 June 1999
    Starting on 1 September 1999, the Trans-American Trek will travel from the U.S. Mexico border north to Inuvik NWT, Canada, the further point north of the Artic Circle accessible by vehicle. Amateur Radio will serve an important role, operating with special event callsign K2A.
     
  • Part 15: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 14 June 1999
    Construction and alignment of the 40 meter transceiver "front-end" (that's the part of the RF circuitry closer to the antenna end of the circuits).
     
  • U.S. Hams Get CEPT Reciprocal Licensing Okay for Europe

    • FCC Public Release, 8 June 1999
    U.S. Ham radio operators having any license other than the Novice class, may now temporarily operate amateur radio stations in European (CEPT) countries. This new rule makes it easy to operate while traveling in Europe.
     
  • APRS Working Group Formed

    • Announcement, 3 June 1999
    The APRS Working Group has been formed to assist in the development and promotion of the Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System technology.
     
  • Wall Street Journal Story Covers Code/No-Code debate

    • 2 June 1999
    In a front page story, the June 2nd Wall Street Journal writes "To Ham Operators, Morse Code Test is Like a Latin Exam: Does it keep the barbarians at bay, or is it fueling the decline of a culture?" Noting that "With the rise of computers and the Internet, the ranks of hams have all but stopped growing", the WSJ interviews representatives of both No Code International and F.I.S.T.S. (The online WSJ requires a paid subsription so you may wish to find a copy of the printed newspaper).
     
  • Part 14: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 2 June 1999
    Construction and alignment of the 40 meter transceiver VFO.
     
  • MIR Operation to End in August, Deorbit in 2000

    • Via Link to MSBNC, 2 June 1999
    The Russian Space Agency announced that it will likely abandon Mir and allow the spacecraft to burn up upon re-entry in the year 2000. This MSNBC feature story features an SSTV image received via Amateur Radio from Mir. With the end of Mir will also come the end of the successful Mirex/Amateur Radio is in space operation from the Russian space station. (Amateur Radio operation will continue with SAREX on the space shuttle and on the new International Space Station.)

    May 1999 Stories
     

  • Ham Radio Assists in Rescue of Seriously Injured Cyclist

    • By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 25 May 1999
    Last weekend, I was an Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) volunteer at a bicycle race. When we arrived at the start/finish area to find our assignments, nearly everyone had cellular phones, event rental handheld radios and Family Radio Service handheld radios. I wondered if in the future, our opportunity to serve the public would be hindered. The events of the day, though, turned out rather differently than anticipated....
     
  • You Can Now Process SETI Signals At Home

    • Via link, 22 May 1999
    You can now participate in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence using your personal computer. All you need to do is download a simple screensaver software package from the SETI@Home project (for Windows, Macintosh, or Unix), install and let it run. The software downloads 300 kbyte signal samples and performs signal analysis. It takes 1 to 2 days of crunching to complete analysis of a 2 minute sample. I strongly encourage all Internet connected Amateur Radio operators to participate.
     
  • ARRL Asks FCC To Adopt ARRL Proposal for Restructuring

    • ARRL Bulletin, 21 May 1999
    The ARRL, in a letter to the FCC Commissioners,  "has suggested that the Commission adopt the League's restructuring plan as its own". Several hams (including me) interpreted this bulletin as asking the FCC to ingore public input on Docket 98-143 in order to expedite resolution of the restructuring process; according to my ARRL Director, that is not the case.
     
  • Kyocera Introduces Mobile Videophone

    • Via link to CNN, 19 May 1999
    The new phone, the size of normal cellular phones, features a small LCD screen and camera, and exchanges real-time video images at the rate of about 2 per second.
     
  • Palm Pilot VII To Feature Wireless Link

    • Via link to Cnet News, 19 May 1999
    Palm Pilot VII to be introduced, first handheld computer with built-in wireless packet radio services, starting at less than U.S.$ 10 per month.
     
  • Part 13: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 14 May 1999
    Dick makes some minor corrections to the previous section, and introduces resonant circuits.
     
  • COMMUNICATIONS EMERGENCY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 MAY 2100 CST

    • Via ARRL Bulletin, 4 May 1999
  • First Amateur Flight to Space Scheduled

    • 2 May 1999
    A history-making space flight is scheduled for launch on Saturday, May 22, 1999 from the Black Rock desert in Northwestern Nevada. An amateur organization located in Sacramento, California will attempt to make history by launching the first amateur rocket into space. The group, made up almost entirely of Amateur Radio operators, will use amateur radio technology for primary communications.
     
  • Part 12: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 2 May 1999
    As promised last time, here's a 40 meter CW rig.... Don't want to learn the code? OK. Stay tuned for a cute little rig that does voice, but it's going to be a while, so relax and enjoy reading about this 40 meter CW rig in the meantime.
     
  • Alinco To Introduce New Handheld Radios

    • Alinco, 2 May 1999
    Alinco is introducing two new HTs. One is a VHF+UHF with broadband receiver handheld transceiver; the other is a new VHF HT which introduces anti-theft and an an electronic mosquito repellant device.
     
  • Mexican Satellite Failure Knocks Out Pager Services

    • Via Link to CNN, 2 May 1999
    A satellite that relays pager messages to local terrestrial paging system transmitters has failed for the 2nd time in a week, causing pagers in Mexico to stop operating.

    April 1999 Stories

  • Hams Needed to Help With Starshine Satellite Project

    • By Gil Moore, N7YTK, 23 April 1999
    Thousands of young people around the world are getting ready to track a small, mirrored "Starshine" satellite across the twilight sky after sunset and before sunrise. They have a crucial need to get time signals from Radio Station WWV in Fort Collins, CO, WWVH in Honolulu, HI, or similar stations in other countries. Hams can help kids all over the world make this project a success. Read this article and learn how you can help!

    UOSAT-12 Successfully Launched
    ARRL Bulletin, 23 April 1999
    The latest Amateur Radio satellite, UoSAT-12, was successfully launched April 21 just before 0500 UTC from the Baikonur cosmodrome.
     

  • Part 11: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 23 April 1999
    In Part 11, Dick starts the check out of the 80 meter receiver.
     
  • Signing off... latest technology replaces Morse code

    • Via link to the IEEE, 20 April 1999
    IEEE's The Institute reports on the "end of Morse code".
     
  • Could Microwaves Be Good for your Health?

    • Via link to the New Scientist, 13 April 1999
  • In Part 11, Dick starts the check out of the 80 meter receiver. IEEE's The Institute reports on the "end of Morse code". David Concar writes in New Scientist "there is no evidence that mobiles cause cancer or any other illness in people...the study fueling the latest claims about mobile phones scrambling the mind in fact shows nothing of the kind." (All see the sidebar story "Never have so many people worried so much about so little").

    •  
  • Part 10: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 9 April 1999
    Dick constructs a 3.58 MHz oscillator for use in checking out the 3.5 MHz receiver.
     
  • Top Story: SWATCH Cancels Plan to Use Amateur Frequencies for Its Global Marketing Campaign

    • Updated 1 May
    To advertise a new brand of watches, SWATCH planned to take over the Amateur built RS-19 satellite and use it to broadcast text and voice messages to space using the 145.80 to 146.00 MHz band. Due to an outpouring of complaints over this questionable satellite broadcast operation, SWATCH cancelled the proposed program and spun a story that SWATCH had donated "their" satellite's batteries to "save Mir" from a communications problem. SWATCH, apparently, never owned the satellite and the batteries were not their's to donate. According to the French astronaut onboard Mir who launched RS-19, he intentionally launched RS-19 with the power turned off to avoid the illegal operation. SWATCH, meanwhile, placed a public relations spin on this story throughout the process, often making statements that were shown to not be true.

    March 1999 Stories

  • General Packet Radio Service (for digital cellular)

    • By Peter Rysavy, via link to www.gsmdata.com, 31 March 1999
    The General Packet Radio Service (or GPRS) is a new feature for GSM cellular phone systems. This paper provides an excellent overview of the technology that will deliver over 100 kbps wireless data link performance. (Editor's note - I once worked for Peter Rysavy).
     
  • Part 9: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 27 March 1999
    In Part 9, Dick develops the 80 meter band direct conversion receiver.
     
  • Part 8: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 19 March 1999
    In Part 8, Dick presents a 12 volt power supply for the 40 meter transceiver that is the subject of this construction series.
    Editor's note: Dick promptly delivers each segment of this series-any delay in publishing is due to me. I run the web site as a hobby and at times, other things in life are necessarily a higher priority (higher than ham radio? Geez!)... de KF7VY.
     
  • All Motorola Celphones to Have Wireless Internet Capability

    • Cnet, 19 March 1999
    Motorola says that all of its digital cellular phones, next year, will have wireless Internet access capability. Nokia and Microsoft predict that more Internet-capable phones will sell next year than will laptop computers.
     
  • EU Plans to Launch its Own GPS-like Navigation System

    • CNN, 19 March 1999
    The European Union plans to launch its own global navigation satellite system or GNSS.
     
  • SETI@Home: Participate in SETI Using Your PC and the Internet

    • MSNBC, 14 March 1999
    The SETI@Home software will be released soon, enabling home PCs to perform digital signal processing on dated collected by radio astronomy observatories. The software runs as a background screen saver, analyzing 300 kbytes of downloaded signal data when the PC is not in use.
     
  • Internet Access Now Available Via Pager

    • MSNBC, 14 March 1999
    Gary Krakow, W2GSK, reporting for MSNBC, reports on a new wireless Internet service that delivers Internet content via two-way pager (I think its actually using what used to be known as the RAM Mobile Data network... Ed, KF7VY).
     
  • GE Communications Satellite Drifts, Losing Communications

    • CNNFN, 12 March 1999
    The GE-3 communications satellite drifted, disrupting service early this morning. Spacecraft controllers were able to regain control of the satellite and restore service about 3 1/2 hours later.
     
  • Tower Power: Cellular and PCS Antenna Sites are Hot Properties

    • Forbes, 11 March 1999
    Today's hottest properties in real estate are good sites for cellular and PCS antennas - that means tall buildings and towers.
     
  • TCP/IP Co-inventor Designing Interplanetary Network

    • S.J. Mercury, 10 March 1999
    Dr. Vint Cerf, co-inventor of the TCP/IP Internet protocols is now working on the design of interplanetary neworking (really). Noting that it took 20 years for the invention of TCP/IP to take hold, and with Mars launches underway every 26 months now, it will not be long before networking the solar system becomes a reality.
     
  • AMRAD Gets VLF Experimental License

    • AMRAD Press Release, 9 March 1999
    The Amateur Radio Research and Development Corporation (AMRAD) has received an Experimental license to conduct tests on the frequency 136.75 kHz using the call sign WA2XTF from twelve sites in Northern Virginia. These experiments are to gain experience in anticipation that the FCC may allocate the low-frequency (LF) band 135.7 - 137.8 kHz to the Amateur Radio Service in the United States.
     
  • FCC Location and Monitoring Service Auction Closes

    • FCC Press Release, 9 March 1999
    The FCC has auctioned frequencies in the 904-928 MHz band for use by Location and Monitoring Services (LMS), raising nearly $3.5 million U.S. dollars. This band is shared with Amateur Radio, although hams may have to discontinue operation if interference to LMS occurs.
     
  • TAPR Announces First Technology Demonstration Day

    • TAPR Bulletin, 6 March 1999
    This new event, time to occur simultaneously with Field Day 1999, is to demonstrate technologies like Packet Radio, SSTV, ATV, Spread Spectrum, IGates and other operating modes.
     
  • 1999 Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act Introduced

    • ARRL Bulletin, 6 March 1999
    The Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act would protect existing Amateur Radio spectrum against reallocations to or sharing with other services unless the FCC provides ''equivalent replacement spectrum'' elsewhere.
     
  • Part 7: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 6 March 1999
    In Part 7, Dick explains diodes and voltage variable capacitors.
     
  • The Internet's wild ride to Abilene

    • Via Link to PC Week, 6 March 1999
    PC Week columnist, Peter Coffee, AC6EN, compares the Internet to Ham Radio and identifies parallels that may affect future Internet operations. He also notes "There's no question, it seems to me, that the Internet satisfies many of the urges that used to draw people into the world of amateur radio"

    February 1999 Stories

  • Ham Radio's Newest Satellite - SUNSAT - Now in Orbit!

    • Via Link to Sunsat, South Africa, 24 February 1999
    SUNSAT is an amateur radio satellite built by post-graduate engineering students in the Electronic Systems Laboratory at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The satellite was originally readied for launch in December - after numerous holds in the launch since then, the Delta II rocket carrying SUNSAT and other payloads to orbit finally lifted off on Tuesday, February 23. Please see for a summary of spacecraft capabilities.
     
  • Part 6: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 23 February 1999
    In Part 6, Dick explains electronic components and answers a number of general questions from his readers.
     
  • MSNBC Features Kenwood's Visual Communicator and Ham Radio

    • Via Link to MSNBC, 22 February 1999
    MSNBC featuring Ham Radio in this story on the Kenwood VC-H1 portable slow-scan television device. Other recent MSNBC stories have given prominent coverage to Ham Radio SSTV operation on board Mir.
     
  • Nortel Demonstrates First 384kbps Digital Cellular Video Call

    • Via Link to Nortel, 22 February 1999
    Nortel Networks announced the successful completion of packet-switched, mobile video conference calls and high speed web browsing at transmission rates up to 384 kilobits per second (kbps) using W-CDMA third generation digital cellular radio technology.
     
  • Construction Project: PIC16F84 Based Morse Code Decoder

    • By Lawrence Foltzer, KE6UDL, 19 February 1999
    KE6UDL presents construction details for a Morse Code decoder. The decoder is designed for code speeds ranging from about 6 words per minute (WPM) to greater than 36 WPM. The rate adaptive algorithm responds quickly to code speed changes.
     
  • Quick and Easy CW for Your PC

    • By Ralph Taggart, WB8DQT, via link, 19 February 1999
    WB8DQT presents a simple interface circuit along with free software to run a full-feature Morse Keyboard with transmit and receive capability using a personal computer. Follow the above link to complete documentation on how to build and use this simple system.
     
  • Opinion: The Death of HF Radio Operation?

    • By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 14 February 1999
    Major companies are promoting products that modulate home network signals on existing home telephone and power line wiring - using the entire spectrum from 2 to 30 MHz on unshielded home wiring. Tests have demonstrated high susceptibility to Amateur Radio transmissions - and worse, it is likely that these noisemakers will be widely deployed in just 2 to 3 years.
     
  • "Doc" Gmelin, W6ZRJ, Former ARRL Director, Dies

    • ARRL Bulletin, 12 February 1999
    Former ARRL Pacific Division Director Jean A. ''Doc'' Gmelin, W6ZRJ, of Los Osos, California, died February 11, 1999. This story also includes a personal note: Way back in the early 1970s, Doc administered the Novice examination to me, in his ham shack located in his garage. To this day, I have vivid memories of the experience, and I am thankful for the chance to have met him.... de KF7VY
     
  • Part 5: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 12 February 1999
    Dick details the construction of an audio amplifier for the receiver.
     
  • World's Best Known Amateur Radio Operator, King Hussein, JY1, Dies

    • ARRL Bulletin, 9 February 1999
    One of the world's best known Amateur Radio operators, King Hussein, JY1, of Jordan, has passed away. King Hussein was an active and enthusiastic Amateur Radio operator.
     
  • NASA (USA)/Energia (Russia) Sponsor Amateur Radio ISS Planning Sessions

    • ARISS Press Release, 9 February 1999
    Following the success of Amateur Radio operation on-board Mir and the Space Shuttle, planning and assembly is well along to adding Amateur Radio to the International Space Station. Meetings were held to finalize the design development of the "Initial Station" amateur radio hardware for ISS.
     
  • Znamya Amateur Radio EXperiment (ZAREX) Needs Amateur Radio Operators

    • Via link, 4 February 1999
    Astronauts on board Mir, working with RSC Energia, were to unfurl a huge reflective mirror-like object on at 1004 UTC on 4 February to test thin film structure construction techniques and to test illumination from space. The mirror is expected to appear up to five times brighter than the moon, in some locations. Amateur Radio operators were encouraged to participate in an Amateur Radio experiment that would have used the reflector to bounce 2 meter radio signals back to earth.
     
  • End of the Line for Morse Code "SOS" Signals as of 1 February 1999

    • Via link to U.S. Coast Guard, 4 February 1999
    The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) replaces the use of Morse code as of 1 February 1999. This new system is based upon a combination of satellite and terrestrial radio services, and has changed international distress communications from being primarily ship-to-ship based to ship-to-shore (Rescue Coordination Center) based. Ships are now required to carry GMDSS equipment and satellite EPIRBs, marking the end of maritime "S-O-S" signals.

    January 1999 Stories

  • Part 4: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 30 January 1999
    Where is this leading? "One of the most common questions I get is "What is all this leading to?". Perhaps a little background information will be helpful..."
     
  • Ham Radio Emergency Communications Responds to Tornadoes and Earthquake

    • By ARRL Bulletins, 27 January 1999
     
  • Part 3: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 22 January 1999
    "After you have built a few electronic projects, you may wonder why they are called "electronic" instead of "mechanical".....
     
  • The Great Broadband Network Hoax: ADSL and Cable Modems

    • Opinion colum: By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 20 January 1999
    Part 2: ADSL, and to a lesser extent, cable modem technologies both have technical problems that limit their deployment. Perhaps as many as 1 in 3 phone lines are incapable of providing ADSL service. Cable modem technology has large security holes and is susceptible to noise and radio transmissions in the 5 to 40 MHz range. So why are providers making grandiose claims? Read this and learn the story behind the hype.
     
  • The International Lighthouse Weekend

    • By Mike Dalrymple, GM4SUC, Scotland, 18 January 1999
    The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend took place from 0001 UTC on Saturday 22 August until 2359 UTC on Sunday 23 August 1998 when radio amateurs established stations at 151 lighthouses, lightships or maritime lights in 38 countries. The 1999 event will occur on 21-22 August.
     
  • Part 2: "Wanna Tinker?" Construction Project Series

    • Part 2: By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 15 January 1999
    "Unfortunately for the parts salvager, cheap military surplus parts are, largely, a thing of the past. Fortunately, discarded TV sets are a virtual cornucopia of parts for the electronic tinkerer." You can also find parts through mail order outlets - in this installment W6BKY shows you were to find the parts you'll need for phase 1 of this construction project.
     
  • The Great Broadband Network Hoax: Fast Internet Access Remains Largely a Myth

    • Opinion colum: By Ed Mitchell, KF7VY, 9 January 1999
    Part 1: I live in a metropolitan area. In spite of contrary claims, we don't have 56 k modem service, DSL or ISDN, nor cable modem service. The phone company admits it has no strategy for deployment of DSL or ISDN. Cable modem service is "real soon" but they admit they have no idea when service will be available. So I tried to buy DirecPC - the Internet via satellite - and quickly found that many local retailers no longer sell it. Broadband Internet access is what we in the computer business have long called vaporware - and claims to the contrary are just a bad hoax.
     
  • Wanna Tinker? - New Construction Project Series at Ham Radio Online

    • Part 1: By Dick Kelly, W6BKY, 7 January 1999
    "This is the first of what will be a long series of articles addressing some technical parts of Ham Radio. Don’t panic! We’re not talking about hi-tech stuff here. If you’ve been wanting to "build something" - or most of the construction articles leave you wondering "What in the world is this guy talking about?" - or - If you want to review (or learn for the first time) some of the technical stuff on the FCC exams - then this series is for you!"
     
  • Cellular Phone Powered by Alcohol-based Micro Fuel Cell

    • Via link to ZDNET, 6 January 1999
    A research company has developed a prototype micro-fuel cell powered by alcohol and has used the device to power a cellular phone. The goal is to create a longer lasting power supply for small, portable electronics. The current model runs about two weeks on a "shot" of alcohol but plans are to extend that range to 6 months. The unit can be refueled by adding alcohol (and yes, it will even run on hard liquor). Imagine the possibilities for ham radio equipment!
     
  • Fascination of Radio Still There for W8PAL, Inventor of the "walkie-talkie"

    • Via link to IEEE Spectrum, 5 January 1999
    Pioneering Amateur Radio operator, Al Gross, W8PAL, invented the first "walkie-talkie" in the mid-1930s and did early pioneering work that led to today's cellular phone, personal pager, and cordless phone. If he had not been so far ahead of his time, his patents would have made him very wealthy, he says. He's still busy, now working for Orbcomm, the satellite communications company.
     
  • MSNBC Story: Amateur Radio Enthusiasts Receive Images From Russian Space Station

    • Via link to MSNBC, 3 January 1999
    "Russia’s Mir space station is beaming down pictures to amateur radio operators around the world, thanks to a two-way system built by American enthusiasts without a cent from the government. A similar setup could be used to transmit live video from the International Space Station, says one of the effort’s organizers."
     
  • Newsline Endorses CQ Magazine Restructuring Proposal

    • Via link to Amateur Radio Newsline, 2 January 1999
    Newsline endorses the position of CQ Magazine in a significant restructuring of the Amateur Radio Service. (Ham Radio Online endorses the proposal of the National Council of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, which has some similarities to the "CQ Magazine" proposal). Reply Comments are due to the FCC by January 15, 1999.
     
  • Australian VK-land news

    • Via Q-NEWS, VK4BB Editor, 1 January 1999
    Australia introduces new draft of standard on human-electro-magnetic safety issues; new stricter emission requirements and improvements in RF susceptibility requirements for consumer electronics; concerns over VHF to HF gateway operations; reluctance to support CEPT licensing; discussion of a new LF band in Australia and more updates from Queensland News. Be sure to read the unusual story "WEIRD AND WONDERFUL FROM THE Q-FILES: ALLEGED ALIEN RADIO SIGNAL CAUSES CONTROVERSY".