Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2426 for Friday April 26th, 2024

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2426 with a release date of Friday April 26th, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. A California ham club faces homelessness. Good copy again from the Voyager-1 space probe -- and big changes are in the works for MFJ Enterprises.  All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2426 comes your way right now.

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BILLBOARD CART

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BREAKING NEWS: MFJ ENTERPRISES TO SCALE DOWN PRODUCT LINE, OPERATIONS

NEIL/ANCHOR: We begin this week with breaking news. As Newsline went to production late Thursday, April 25th, MFJ Enterprises confirmed that it was making major changes to the 52-year-old business. MFJ's location in Starkville, Mississippi will remain open but its operation will be "shrinking dramatically." The changes are expected to be felt throughout the amateur radio realm, according to office manager, Nancy Capps. In a letter released publicly late Thursday, company founder Martin Jue K5FLU, explained that the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and his own desire, at age 80, to have more family time were the impetus for the change. No information was immediately available about the fate of MFJ's sister product lines such as HyGain, Cushcraft and Ameritron. Newsline will be following these developments.

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CALIFORNIA RADIO CLUB FACES HOMELESSNESS

NEIL/ANCHOR: Our other top story takes us to California where an amateur radio club that has provided lifesaving communications and assistance to its community is about to become homeless. We have that developing story from Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.

RALPH: A California ham radio club that has provided disaster communications and other community services from its building on city property now faces an emergency of its own: The Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club has until the end of July to find a new home for its members and all its radio equipment. Since 1975, the club has been permitted to use the site owned by the city of Santa Barbara, where it built an earthquake-resistant, climate-controlled modular structure. Now the city needs the land back to accommodate a construction project that will replace an aging reservoir near that property with two reservoirs that are 5-million gallons each. For the project to go forward, the ham club and a number of other users of the land will need to vacate the premises.

The club's director-at-large, Levi Maaia, K6LCM, wrote in a recent Op-Ed piece on the Edhat Santa Barbara website that [quote] "the club now faces an uncertain future due to the new municipal developments and lack of a permanent home for its facilities." [endquote] Levi wrote that the club has been unable to find a replacement site that would accommodate the club's communications requirements to fulfill public safety communications needs.

He said that, so far, no alternate site has been identified and the club remains without a solution. The club has appealed to the local community for help.

This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.

(EDHAT SANTA BARBARA, SBARC, KEYT-TV NEWS)

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SOLID COPY AGAIN FROM VOYAGER-1; RADIO ANTENNA SERVES VOYAGER-2

NEIL/ANCHOR: There's good news for NASA's Voyager 1 deep space probe, which is back to transmitting usable data to Earth after a chip malfunction left its messages garbled five months ago. NASA announced that a coding fix by scientists at its Jet Propulsion Laboratory restored viable communications. NASA said it has since received good data from Voyager-1 about the health of its engineering systems and it is expected to resume its scientific mission shortly.

Meanwhile, it's easy to forget that its twin probe, Voyager-2, has been maintaining reliable contact with Earth thanks to a very special antenna in Australia. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, brings us that report.

JASON: The Deep Space Station-43 radio antenna near Canberra isn't just Australia's largest antenna but a reliable source of two-way communication with a variety of space explorers, including Voyager-2 as it goes out in search of distant planets and investigates the heliosphere.

It's been on the job for a half-century - since the era of NASA's Apollo program - and was recently declared an IEEE Milestone. IEEE president-elect Kathleen Kramer heralded it formally during a recent ceremony as [quote] "the only antenna remaining on Earth capable of communicating with Voyager-2." [endquote]  It is built to be capable of capturing transmissions that begin many billions of kilometrers away from a 23-watt radio. 

The DSS-43 antenna, with a dish diameter of 64 metres, has been in service since late 1972 - and its earliest mission was to receive audio and video from the Apollo 17 mission from the surface of the moon.

Its declaration as an IEEE Milestone is recognition of the antenna as an innovation that has provided a great benefit to humanity.

This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.

(NASA, YAHOO NEWS, IEEE SPECTRUM)

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DEBATE REOPENS OVER AM RADIO'S FUTURE IN CARS

NEIL/ANCHOR: US lawmakers are about to resume a controversial debate: Should it be mandatory for new vehicles in the US to have an AM radio receiver? Kent Peterson KCØDGY picks up the story from here.

KENT: The future of AM radio will be taking center stage among United States lawmakers starting on April 30. The Energy & Commerce Committee of the US House of Representatives will begin a hearing on the language needed to fine-tune the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. With the increased popularity of other listening modes in motor vehicles in the US, AM radio has been seen by many, including some automakers, as optional in new cars Those who seek to preserve its inclusion for drivers stress AM radio's vital and longstanding role in transmitting emergency alerts to the public over the airwaves. Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, has called AM radio the backbone of the nation's Emergency Alert System. The proposed legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation to mandate access to AM broadcast radio in all vehicles.

DRG News recently reported that the bill has enough support in the House of Representatives for it to be passed by that chamber.

Last December, Senate supporters tried to pass a similar bill by a procedure known as unanimous consent but that attempt failed.

This is Kent Peterson KCØDGY.

(RADIO WORLD)

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HAMSCI SHARES EARLY ECLIPSE DATA; WWV'S TIME SIGNALS AFFECTED

NEIL/ANCHOR: The citizen science group, HAMSci, has just released its very earliest observations about the solar eclipse and its impact on propagation, as we hear from Sel Embee KB3TZD.

SEL: There's still plenty for researchers to study but data from more than 52.7 million radio contacts that came in from WSPRNet, PSKReporter and the Reverse Beacon Network on the 8th of April is providing researchers with early insights into the solar eclipse's impact on the ionosphere. Reports published online indicate that propagation was enhanced on the 1.8, 3.5 and 7 MHz bands, an effect that hints at less absorption in Region D. Near-range communication challenges on the 14, 21 and 28 MHz bands suggested less electron density in the atmosphere. The citizen science research group HAMSci, studied the data between 1800 and 2100 UTC, collected during its Eclipse QSO Party.

Meanwhile, speaking of time, a Doppler shift lasting only a few cycles per second, caused a small change in the frequency of transmitted time signals in the United States at radio station WWV, which is operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. According to a published report online, the shift did not cause anyone to lose the correct time of day. The change was compared to normal variations that occur between night and day.

This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.

(SPACEWEATHER.COM, AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY)

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YOTA COLLECTING ECLIPSE SAFETY GLASSES AT HAMVENTION

NEIL/ANCHOR: The next solar eclipse will arrive in October over the Southern Hemisphere and you can help observers there participate safely. Jack Parker W8ISH tells us how.

JACK: Parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a solar eclipse on the 2nd of October. The "ring of fire" annular eclipse will be visible over southern Argentina, southern Chile and parts of the Pacific Ocean. To help fellow amateurs and youngsters experience this solar event, Youth on the Air will be collecting donations of eclipse safety glasses from visitors to the YOTA booth at Dayton Hamvention to send on to the South American hams. The YOTA booth is Number 4304.

While you're dropping your glasses off, learn more about the camp for amateurs from 15 to 25 years of age. It will take place this summer in Halifax, Nova Scotia and first-time applicants are encouraged to submit an application. The camp will be held from the 7th through to the 12th of July. Follow the link in this week's Newsline script on our website arnewsline.org

This is Jack Parker W8ISH.

[DO NOT READ:  https://youthontheair.org/halifax2024 ]

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BREAK HERE:

Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including FM radio station KRHJ in Lamar, Colorado, at 88.3 MHz. Newsline is heard on Fridays at 5 p.m. local time. Congratulations: The station marks its second anniversary on the air on April 29th. 

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INDIAN ELECTIONS GET AN ASSIST FROM AMATEURS

NEIL/ANCHOR: For the first time in the Indian state of Maharashtra, ham radio operators will be assisting at some polling stations underserved by wireless communication. Jim Meachen ZL2BHF has those details.

JIM: Without satellite phone service, cellular network or the availability of runners, the Pune district of Maharashtra will be relying on amateur radio operators to relay the tally from the Indian general election. Polling will take place through late May to fill the state's seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament.

Nitin Ainapure, VU2CAN, who will be directly involved in the effort, said this is the first time hams have relayed poll results in the state of Mahashtra. There is, however, some history of amateurs assisting elsewhere in Indian elections. 

In a number of rural villages in the southern coastal state of Kerala (kerr uh luh), local elections were held in October of 2010 with support from the Idukki Ham Radio Emergency Communication Society -- and in 2019, the Election Commission and the Ministry of Communications authorised amateur radio operators from the West Bengal Radio Club to provide communications for the election in 31 districts in that state.

Meanwhile, this year the West Bengal Radio Club has already assisted one very determined voter in that state -- a 95-year-old woman from Bihar. The woman had gone missing but was reunited recently with her family with the help of the hams. According to press reports, she expressed two wishes: To see her great-grandchildren again - and to return to her village and cast her vote.

This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.

(AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY, DECCAN HERALD, TIMES OF INDIA)

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HAMS PREPARE FOR SOS RADIO WEEK

NEIL/ANCHOR: When does a special event week last a whole month? When it's SOS Radio Week in the UK. Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us more.

JEREMY: Throughout the month of May, when the Royal National Lifeboat Institute conducts its annual fundraiser, "Mayday," hams throughout the UK will be on board. In recognition of all lifeboat crews, including independent ones and coastal watch keepers, hams will be getting on the air at various times between the 1st and 31st of May. Listen for special event station GBØFLB which will be on the air from Fleetwood lifeboat station on the 4th and 5th of May. The station is being run by Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society based in Lancashire and is one of many getting involved. Be listening too for MXØKWA, which is being operated by the Kent Weald Radio Club at various times from the Kent/East Sussex coast. For more details about SOS Radio Week and a full list of stations, visit the link in the text version of this week's Newsline script at arnewsline.org

This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

[DO NOT READ: https://www.sosradioweek.org.uk/   ]

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BUNDABERG HOSTING RADIO CONVENTION, WIA ANNUAL MEETING

NEIL/ANCHOR: In Queensland, Australia, the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club and the Wireless Institute of Australia have teamed up for a major event, as we hear from John Williams, VK4JJW.

JOHN: The Bundaberg Amateur Radio Convention being held from the 3rd through to the 5th of May is two events in one: the Wireless Institute of Australia will also be holding their annual general meeting at the Bundaberg Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre in Queensland. In addition to the AGM, there will be plenty going on inside the state-of-the-art convention centre, including a lineup of guest speakers, hands-on demonstrations and workshops. An ISS contact is also planned with students from the Bundaberg State High School.

The lineup of speakers includes Peter Cossins, VK3ATV, discussing amateur TV; Steven Green, VK2TSG, offering a look at prepping and amateur radio and Dr. Kevin Johnston, VK4UH, offering a medical perspective on the dangers electricity poses for radio amateurs. Newsline's own Graham Kemp VK4BB will be part of the lineup too, giving an insider's view on how the WIA News Service is run.

For registration information and other conference details, follow the link in the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

[DO NOT READ: https://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2024/20240402-1/index.php  ]

This is John Williams VK4JJW.

(WIA, BUNDABERG AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)

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NOMINATE OUR NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR

NEIL/ANCHOR: Do you know a promising young radio amateur who'd be a good candidate for the Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year award? Let Newsline know! Candidates must live in the continental United States and be 18 years of age or younger. Tell our judges about your nominee's talent, promise and commitment to the spirit of ham radio. This is your chance to help honor and acknowledge that person who will, no doubt, go on to teach and inspire others. Find the nomination form on our website arnewsline.org under the "AWARDS" tab. Nominations close on May 31st.

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WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, listen for special event station GB6WW on the air from Glasgow, Scotland from the 1st through to the 28th of May, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on V-E Day, May 8, 1945, and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served and suffered. The GB6WW Award is available via download to hams who complete three contacts on three different bands, regardless of mode. QSL via George MMØDFV.

A group of 13 Camb-Hams from Cambridge, England, will be on the air from the Isle of Mull, IOTA Number EU-008, as GS3PYE from April 27th through to May 3rd. Listen on 80-10m and on the QO-100 satellite. See QRZ.com for QSL details.

Listen for Harald, DF2WO, operating as 9X2AW from Kigali, Rwanda from the 2nd through to the 17th of May. He will operate on the HF bands and 6 metres using CW, SSB with some FT8/FT4.

(DX-WORLD.NET, RSGB)

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KICKER: ONE HAM'S PRONOUNCEMENT ABOUT PRONOUNCING MARCONI'S NAME

NEIL/ANCHOR: We end this week by recognizing International Marconi Day - and by noting that Marconi's first name needs some proper recognition too. Richard VK2SKY hopes to help us out with this.

RICHARD: It's that time of year again, when amateur radio operators throughout the world celebrate the ritual mangling of the name of one of Radio's best known pioneers.

Yes, it's April, the month we celebrate International Marconi Day. April 27 this year is the Saturday closest to the birthdate of Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi in Bologna, Italy, in 1874.

Guglielmo is the Italian equivalent of the English name, "William." Had Marconi's Irish mother, Annie Jameson just named him "Liam," the world might have been spared the annual abomination of English speakers trying to pronounce his name… and failing miserably.

Perhaps Annie's being of the Irish whiskey distiller Jameson family might have played a role here. We will never know for sure.

To set the record straight: "our" Marconi has never been "Googly Elmo," so please stop calling him that. The letter "g" in the middle of an Italian word is not pronounced as it is in English. Instead, it modifies the sound of the letter that follows it. Think of the "g" in the middle of the word "lasagne."

Recently, I consulted with fellow Manly-Warringah Radio Society member, Clifford VK2CLF, who can speak with some authority on this matter, having some Italian background himself and fluency in the language.

A decent approximation to the correct pronunciation is "GOO YELL MO." It's not perfect, but it will do, especially over an HF radio link. Please try it, and (in a nod to Quentin Tarantino) let's Kill Bill, or at least Kill "Googly Elmo"!

I'm Richard VK2SKY in Sydney.

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DO YOU HAIKU?

Don't forget the Amateur Radio Newsline haiku challenge. If you're not too busy tuning your antennas or chasing the latest DXpedition, pick up a pencil and share your experience by sending an original haiku to us here at Newsline. Use the entry form on our website, arnewsline.org and please follow the rules for writing your three-line haiku -- sorry but we cannot accept any entries that aren't written in traditional haiku form. Share with fellow listeners the poetry that is inspired by your ham radio experience!

NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur Radio Weekly; AMSAT; CQ Magazine; David Behar K7DB; Deccan Herald; DXNews; Edhat Santa Barbara; 425DXNews; IEEE Spectrum; KEYT-TV; NASA; QRZ.com; Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club; shortwaveradio.de; SpaceWeather.com; Times of India; Yahoo News; Youth On the Air; MFJ Enterprises; and you our listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline.  We remind our listeners that Amateur Radio Newsline is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that incurs expenses for its continued operation. If you wish to support us, please visit our website at arnewsline.org and know that we appreciate you all. We also remind our listeners that if you like our newscast, please leave us a 5-star rating wherever you subscribe to us. For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our news team worldwide, I'm Neil Rapp WB9VPG in Union Kentucky saying 73. As always we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.