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Ärende: Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1842 - November 30 2012
==============================================================
Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1842 - November 30 2012
Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1842 with a release date of November
30, 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. The FCC issues a rule making proposal aimed at
implementing the 2007 World Radiocommunications Accords; the NTSB says it
wants to end all kinds of distracted driving; South Africa's ham radio
community is told it will have to re-apply for their licenses and the 8th
Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference is called a major
success. Find out the details are on Amateur Radio NewslineT report
number 1842 coming your way right now.
**
RESTRUCTURING: FCC PROPOSES IMPLEMENTING 2007 WRC ACCORDS
The FCC has issued ET Docket 12-338 that if passed as written is pretty
good news for ham radio. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is in the newsroom with
the details:
--
ET Docket 12-338 released on Tuesday, November 20th proposes modify the
rules governing a number of communications services for amateur radio
which falls under Part 97 of its rules, the proposed changes are quite
positive.
Starting at the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum and working our
way up, Docket 12-338 proposes the creation of a permanent albeit shared
allocation from 135.7-137.8 kHz with a power output of 1 watt effective
radiated power to an isotropic radiator. To those who have never heard
the term isotropic radiator, this is a theoretical point source of
electromagnetic waves that emits the same intensity of radiation in all
directions. Translated into everyday language it really means hams will
only be able to transmit a few hundred milliwatts of power if that.
Now going up a few hundred kilohertz to the 160 mter band. That where
Docket 12-338 proposes to change the Amateur Radio Service allocation to
make 1800 through 2000 kHz a primary amateur service allocation.
By way of background, historically, the 1715 to 2000 kHz band was
allocated exclusively to the Amateur Service. In 1953, the FCC removed
the 1715 to 1800 kHz segment from the Amateur Radio Service and allocated
the 1800 to 2000 kHz band to the Amateur Service on a shared basis with
the Radionavigation Service. Then in 1983, the FCC allocated the 1800 to
1900 kHz band to the Amateur Service on an exclusive basis and the 1900 to
2000 kHz band to the Radiolocation Service on a primary basis and to the
Amateur Service on a secondary basis.
Lastly, in the WRC-07 Table Clean-Up Order, the FCC combined the 10 to
10.45 GHz and 10.45 to 10.5 GHz bands in the Federal Table of Allocations.
In doing so, the frequency band was inadvertently not changed to 10 to
10.5 GHz. To fix this the FCC will revise the text of three footnotes that
pertain to this spectrum by adding the existing Amateur-Satellite Service
allocation to the list of permitted non-federal services. It will also
order that non-federal stations in the Radiolocation Service not cause
harmful interference to the Amateur Service in the 10 to 10.5 GHz band.
As we said, its pretty good news for ham radio here in the USA.
From the studio in Los Angeles, Im Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF.
--
If approved as written, these changes will implement allocation decisions
from the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference that concern those
portions of the radio frequency spectrum between 108 MHz and 20.2 GHz by
making specific updates to the rules in this frequency range. You can
download the full text of ET Docket 12-338 at as a Word document at
tinyurl.com/proposed-wrc-changes (FCC)
**
RADIO LAW: NTSB VS CEA ON DISTRACTED DRIVING AND DISTRACTED TRANSIT
The National Transportation Safety Board wants to eliminate all driver
distraction and is broadening its focus on the use of portable electronic
devices in all types of vehicles. The issue is part of the NTSB's
recently released "2013 Most Wanted List." Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm
Seeley, KI7UP, is here with the details:
--
While acknowledging that distracted driving didn't begin when people began
making calls or texting in the car, the National Transportation Safety
Board still says that portable electronic devices that do not directly
support the task at hand have no place in any vehicles. This includes
automobiles planes, trains, and just about any other vessel you might be
able to think of. As such it argues that states and regulators can set
the proper tone by banning the nonessential use of such devices in all
areas of transportation.
The NTSB says that young drivers are more likely to use portable
electronic devices while behind the wheel and therefore are especially at
risk. It urges that laws, education, and enforcement efforts should place
special emphasis on curbing the use of portable electronic devices by
these younger drivers.
The NTSB goes on to say that companies should develop and vigorously
enforce policies to eliminate distractions. It also says that
manufacturers can assist by developing technology that disables these
devices when in reach of operators.
But the NTSB has some strong opposition from the Consumer Electronics
Association or CEA. That organization says that while it applauds the
effort, it also notes that the NTSB misses the mark on the use of portable
electronics in vehicles. It says that calling for an abstinence only
approach, the NTSB ignores established realities of human behavior. It
also claims that in-vehicle technology when used correctly can make for
vastly safer roadways.
The CEA says that rather than calling for broad regulations or outright
bans, policymakers should encourage the use of the many innovative driver
safety technologies coming on to the marketplace. The CEA notes that it
has already forwarded the NTSB a list of third-party applications that
promote safe use of portable technologies in the automobile.
How any of this might affect mobile or even hand held pedestrian portable
operations in the future by ham radio operators and other users of two-way
radio is at this time unknown. But the NTSB stand seems to be that any
and all forms of distraction must be removed from the public's hands while
in transit. And that's not likely to sit well with the public at large.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP. In Scottsdale,
Arizona.
--
It should be noted that the National Transportation Safety Board is an
independent body that has no authority to enact transportation policy, nor
to force the federal government to make transportation policy changes.
However it makes recommendations to governments, industry and the public
and uses its "Most Wanted" list as a way to highlight changes that it is
advocating. (RW)
**
WORLDBEAT: ALL RADIO SOUTH AFRICAN AMATEURS WILL HAVE TO REAPPLY FOR
THEIR LICENSES
All South African radio amateurs are going to have to reapply for their
licenses. This is according to the South African Radio League which says
its liaison committee met with that nation's telecommunications regulatory
body Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
At that meeting the national society learned that following an audit by
the Auditor General, that the communications regulator has been instructed
to implement regulation 15 of the nations Radio Frequency Spectrum
Regulations. This is a law that stipulates that an amateur radio license
can only be renewed for up to five years after which a new application has
to be submitted. Because of this, all South Africa licensed radio
amateurs will be required to re-apply for a license for the period of
April 1st 2013 through March 31st 2018.
The South Africa Radio League says that the details as to how this will be
accomplished are expected to be made public in the next few weeks. Until
that time, South African hams should do nothing. As soon as information
is made available the South Africa Radio League announce it via its news
bulletin service system and make forms available on its website at
www.sarl.org.za. (SARL, ICASA)
**
RESCUE RADIO: GAREC 2012 DEEMED A MAJOR SUCCESS
The 8th Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference also
known as GAREC 2012 was held recently in Port Dickson, Malaysia. We have
an updated report on what transpired at that gathering from WIA Newsman
Graham Kemp, VK4BB:
--
Attending the conference on November 12 to 14 were delegates from nine
countries under this year's theme of 'One world, One commitment'.
Among the presentations was one on the Mobile Emergency Weather System
which assists authorities using simple equipment and training.
There were status reports from various countries and these highlighted the
differences and similarities in approach to emergency planning. While
solutions may not be easy to find, sharing the problems and allowing
individual countries to recognize that they were not alone, provides
valuable support to the Global community.
GAREC-2012 included two practical activities. These enhanced
inter-personal relationships enabling delegates to work together more
efficiently in future.
Future conferences may seek to involve partners in emergency response,
such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and the ITU, in
accord with the existing Memoranda of Understanding.
The delegates thanked the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters Society in
hosting this successful conference.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline. I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the WIA News in
Australia.
--
The next GAREC is in Zurich, Switzerland on June 25 to 27, 2013. All
groups and organizations involved in Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications are invited to attend to share their knowledge and learn
from others. (WIA News)
**
RESCUE RADIO: DISASTER READINESS FAIR IN CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS CERT AND
HAM RADIO
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a disaster-readiness fair that highlighted
solar oven cooking, water storage, 72-hour emergency kits and amateur
radio communication demonstrations has been held in Temecula, California.
The event, hosted by the Temecula Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, took place on Saturday, November 10th.
At the event dozens of tables with information and demonstrations on
topics pertinent to emergency preparedness were set up in and around the
church facility. There were also two presentations on food storage and
earthquake preparedness was given by specialists in those areas.
Gordon Neuls, N6ELS, manned a booth promoting amateur radio certification.
Members of the Temecula Citizen Corps were on hand to raise awareness of
the need to be ready for natural disasters and to promote the Community
Emergency Response Team operations. It was noted that in the case of a
disaster where normal lines of communication are interrupted, amateur
radio can be used to relay information, as well as to send for help and
other assistance.
According to the Temecula Press Enterprise, the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints has long been an advocate of emergency preparedness. It
noted that the church leadership encourages each of its members to have a
year's supply of food and emergency items, be self-reliant and free of
debt. (Temecula Press Enterprise)
**
RESCUE RADIO: HAM RADIO RESPONDERS THANKED FOR THEIR HELP IN GUATEMALA
QUAKE
Amateur radio operators who were among the first responders following an
Earthquake that hit Guatemala have been thanked for their efforts. WIA
Newsman Robert Broomhead, VK3DN has the details:
--
The rescue and relief work in San Marcos, Guatemala, a mountainous region
bordering Mexico that was hit by a 7.4 scale earthquake claiming the lives
of at least 52 people earlier this month, was aided by emergency
communications provided by radio amateurs.
International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 Emergency Communication
Coordinator, Cesar Pio Santos HR2P said he was very proud of the work done
during and after the earthquake on November 8, despite the difficult
times.
Cesar HR2P thanked the members of the Club de Radioficionados de Guatemala
for their outstanding efforts. He was responding to a report from Marco
Aurelio TG 8 AMP, who was in charge of the emergency network. About 10,000
houses have been affected by the earthquake with authorities setting up 11
rescue centers for the homeless.
This has been VK3DN, reporting from Melborne.
--
According to news reports, this was the worst quake to hit Guatemala since
1976. Thats when a 7.5 magnitude temblor caused the deaths of about
23,000 people in one of the worst natural disasters of the time. (VK3PC,
HR2P, WIA News)
**
RADIO LAW: HAM RADIO TOWER AMENDMENT TO ZONING IN RIDGECREST CA
The Planning Commission in Ridgecrest California was to hold a public
hearing November 27th to recommend the City Council amend a city zoning
ordinance that would help hams in that city erect antennas. The amendment
request, should it be approved by the city council at a later date, could
permit amateur ham radio antennas in excess of 35 feet to be erected
subject to a ham obtaining a Conditional Use permit.
The agenda relates directly to a previous request by Ridgecrest resident
Steven Rainey, N6MVX, to put up a 55-foot tower on his property back in
September. Rainey could not receive a conditional use permit for the
proposed tower following a public hearing. This is because the Planning
Commission does not have the authority to grant such permits under the
current municipal code.
According to a city staff report, the amendment request, should it be
approved by the city council at a later date, could permit amateur radio
antennas and windmill towers in excess of 35 feet to be erected subject to
a Conditional Use permit. City Planner Matthew Alexander is quoted as
saying ham radio operators represented a strong asset to the city in case
of emergencies.
More is on-line at tinyurl.com/ridgecrest-antenna. (Ridgecrestca.com)
**
HAM HAPPENINGS: COMMEMORATE NOAA - SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY
NOAA - SKYWARN Recognition Day is December 1st from 0000 to 2400 hours UTC
and everyone is invited to take part.
NOAA - SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National
Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. Its purpose is to
celebrate the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to
the National Weather Service
As we go to air some 70 NWS ham radio operations are registered for the 24
hour operating event. These stations are expected to be operational on
the High Frequency bands plus 6, 2 and 70 centimeters along with Echolink
as well as IRLP.
For more informational please visit the official NOAA - SKYWARN
Recognition Day website at tinyurl.com/skywarn-nws-day. (PAPA, NWS)
**
HAM HAPPENINGS: HANDIHAM 2013 RADIO CAMP ANNOUNCED
The Handihams have make known that their 2013 Radio Camp is tentatively
scheduled for the Woodland campus of Camp Courage in late July and early
August. The tentative dates are July 28th through August 2nd making
travel days for the campout Sunday and Friday. No pricing has been
announced. (Handihams)
**
HAM HAPPENINGS: COURAGE CENTER CAMPS PARTNER WITH FRIENDSHIP VENTURES
The Handihams have also announced that Courage Center Camps and Friendship
Ventures have entered a joint partnership. This to create a new camp
organization to serve people with disabilities.
The new organization founded on November 19th will be called Camps of
Courage and Friendship. At least that will be its title until a formal
name study is completed in 2013.
Campers, volunteers and staff will see traditional programs continue in
2013. However, behind the scenes, new methods and approaches will be
developed to incorporate the strengths of both organizations. More about
this new joint venture is on-line at www.campscouragefriendship.org.
(Handihams)
**
HAM HAPPENINGS: TOWER WORK WEBINAR DECEMBER 12
The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation will be presenting a webinar on
towers and how to work safely on and around one on.
Titled "Tower Work --Tips, Techniques, and Tools," this presentation
taught by John Crovelli, W2GD, and Don Daso, K4ZA. During the session the
two will outline things that they have learned from almost 100 years of
combined experience, focusing on safety, cost savings, and of coarse
problem solving.
The hour long webinar will begin at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time on
Wednesday, December 12th which equates to Thursday, December 13th at 02:00
UTC. Registration is free to hams world-wide at
tinyurl.com/tower-webinar-registration. (K4ZW, QRZ.com)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: ELLEN OCHOA, KB5TZZ, NAMED DIRECTOR OF JSC
Some names in the news. A ham radio operator will soon be heading up the
Lyndon B. Johnson Spaceflight Center in Houston, Texas. This as NASA
Administrator Charles Bolden announces that Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, KB5TZZ,
as the next Director of the historic space development facility.
Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman to go into space. Since September 2007
she has served as Johnson Spaceflight Center Deputy Director. Prior to
that position she worked as Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations at
JSC and in September of 2006 became Director of Flight Crew Operations.
Ellen Ochowa will be facility's 11th Director. She will also be its first
Hispanic, first radio amateur and the second female to serve in that
position. KB5TZZ will take over the reins at JSC from Michael Coats when
he retires at the end of the year. (NASA, Southgate)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: KOLD OWNER TURNS 90
The founder of the world's most remote radio station, Radio KOLD in
Antarctica has turned 90. Steve Grimsley, VK2ZP, set up Radio KOLD at
Wilkes Base in 1961, and the station is still broadcasting. Family,
friends and former colleagues gathered in the Australian town of Binalong
to celebrate VK2ZP's birthday. (WIA News)
**
NAMES IN THE NEWS: VE3XT ELECTED ONTARIO NORTH/EAST RAC DIRECTOR
Congratulations are extended to Bill Unger, VE3XT who was recently
selected as the Radio Amateurs of Canada Director for Ontario North East.
Unger ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election. VE3XT
has been an amateur operator since 1970 and has been involved in many
aspects of the hobby. His term as Director will be for two years starting
January 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2014. (RAC)
**
WORLDBEAT: MEXICO ZETA DRUG GANG BLAMED FOR KIDNAPPING ENGINEERS
If you are an Information Technology or two-way radio technician and
planning a trip to Mexico, you might not carry an H-T on a belt clip where
it can be seen. This is because at least one drug gang seems to be
kidnapping and enslaving those who know two-way radio to build and keep
their private system going. Amateur Radio Newsline's Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK,
takes a look at the situation south of the border:
--
According to a report from Mexican news site Animal Politico, at least
three dozen engineers and technicians have been kidnapped in the past four
years. And Felipe Gonzalez who is the head of Mexico's Senate Security
Committee told Animal Politico that none of the engineers who disappeared
have ever been found.
Mexican authorities blame the notorious drug running gang the Zeta's for
the kidnappings. The Mexican military is trying to dismantle an extensive
radio network built and operated by the drug cartel but to date
authorities have not had much luck shutting it down. Not only is much of
the equipment super-easy to replace, but the drug runners have apparently
found some unwilling assistance by kidnapping and enslaving technicians to
help build it. Among them is at least one IBM employee and several
communications technicians from a firm owned by Mexico's largest
construction company.
Last year the Mexican military found and dismantled one such drug runners
radio network spread across northeastern Mexico that included 167 radio
antennas sites. As recently as this past September, Mexican marines
found a 295-foot-high transmission tower in Veracruz State.
The bottom line: It seems the drug gangs have discovered that two-way
radio is a tool that they will not be without but the Mexican government
is doing all it can to take these clandestine operations off the air.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, near Zion,
Illinois.
--
One of the best stories in the English language that explains in depth the
safety issue to engineers and technicians in Mexico is on the World
Disaster Report website. Its on-line at tinyurl.com/enslaved-technicians.
(Animal Politico, Whatspoppin.net, World Disaster Report, other news
sources)
**
WORLDBEAT DIGITAL RADIO FAILS IN HONG KONG
As of this past October 10th, Hong Kong's new Digital Broadcasting
Corporation is off the air. This after only one month of operation. The
stated reason is that they simply have run out of money to continue
operations.
According to the South China Morning Post, the station's co-founder Albert
Cheng King Hon wanted the government to intervene between the
shareholders, but Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development turned
down the request for mediation.
Digital Broadcasting Corporation's financial woes have meant that the
staff was not paid for the month of October, or offered severance.
Nonetheless, at least one talk show host indicated that he would like to
continue broadcasting without pay, but some doubted the practicality of
this goodwill gesture.
Disagreements over what to do with the company's assets extend to
questions over whether or not these should be liquidated to pay employees
or allow the board members to buy back shares at a discounted rate.
Digital Broadcasting Corporation license required it to formally launch
its service by September 21st, 2012, and also to provide seven 24-hour
programming channels. (RW)
**
WORLDBEAT: BCDX NET CELEBRATES ITS 24th ANNIVERSARY
The weekly 40 meter BCDX Net from South India celebrated its 24th
anniversary on Sunday, November 25th. This Net began operation on
Sunday, November 27, 1988 by a small group of radio amateurs that included
4S7VK, VU2FOT, VU2JOS along with some very interested shortwave listeners.
The BCDX Net is now held on Sunday morning's at 03:00 UTC on 7 dot 085 MHz
Lower Sideband for the advantage of those who are keenly interested in
Broadcast Band DXing. According to its operators, the unique thing about
this net is that is helped hams to become SWL DX'ers and SWL's to get
their amateur licenses. The current net control station is VU3SIO and
assisted from time to time by VU3BGK and VU2JOS. (Southgate)
**
WORLDBEAT: MARITIME AMATEUR WEBSITE SERVING HAMS UP NORTH
The Maritime Amateur website was launched back in March 2008 with the
purpose of sharing information among radio amateurs in Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island of Canada. Now in its fifth year, there
has been over 43 thousand hits and has a membership of over 110 ham radio
operators.
From the homepage, there are links to local, national and international
news, CANWARN, maritime nets and numerous others sits of interest to hams
that spend time on the water or who just want to be of service to their
communities. You can check it out at www (dot) maritimeamateur (dot) ca.
For more information please contact Jim Langille by e-mail to
ve1jbl@eastlink.ca (VE1JBL)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: FOX-1 CUBESAT UPDATED DESIGN PUBLISHED
The design of the Fox-1A has been updated. During the 2012 Symposium
AMSAT Vice-President Engineering, Tony Monteiro, AA2TX and the Fox
Engineering team presented the latest status on the design, development,
and construction of the Fox-1A satellite project. Fox-1A is is a one unit
size cubesat which will carry an FM repeater transponder to replace the
ageing AO-51. (ANS)
**
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: 2012 AMSAT SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE IN THE
AMSAT STORE
The Proceedings of the AMSAT-NA 30th Symposium and AMSAT-NA Annual
Meeting, held October 26th to the 28th in Orlando, Florida have been put
up for sale at the on-line AMSAT Store. The proceedings contain over 30
articles on subjects ranging from current satellite operations to updates
on the Fox Project. For information on pricing and shipping or to oplace
an order please visit store.amsat.org/catalog on the World Wide Web.
(ANS)
**
ON THE AIR: SPECIAL EVENT STATION TM1TARA
On the air, keep an ear open for special event station TM1TARA to be on
air between December 8th to the 10th. This to commemorate the scientific
voyages of French polar vessel the Tara.
Tara Expeditions has been organizing missions aboard this research
schooner for the past 9 years. The goal is to learn more about the impact
of climate change on the planets ecosystems. So far Tara has accomplished
eight successful expeditions including voyages to Greenland, Antarctica,
Patagonia, southern Georgia, and the Arctic. Its latest voyage was
described as world-wide known as Tara Oceans.
For this special celebration operations will be conducted by F8DVD and
F8IJV from Paris, France during the Tara exhibit. Look for them on 20
through 10 meters on SSB. A special color QSL card will be printed and
will be sent via the Bureau or direct. QSL with a self addressed envelope
and 2 IRC's - if you can still get them -- to F8DVD. (Southgate)
**
DX
In DX, CT1FTR is currently on the air from the Sudan as ST2FT. He is
active on High Frequency bands using SSB and PSK31. If you make contact
QSL via CT2GBU or electronically using eQSL.
OH0XX is currently active from Contadora Island in the Archipelago Perlas
as HP1XX. Bands and modes are not known but if you work him please QSL
via home call.
K4UUK plans to operate from Belize May 4th to the 18th 2013 as V31RD. He
will be active on 80 through 6 meters on SSB. QSL via K4UUK.
GM3YTS , GM4FDM , GM0GAV , GM3POI will be active from Tuvalu Island from
March 12th to the 23rd 2013 as T2GM. They will be operational on all of
the High Frequency bands with an emphasis on contacts with Europe. QSL
via GM4FDM
AA4NC will be operational from Montserrat February 12th to the 20th of
2013 as VP2ME. He he also plans to be active in ARRL DX CW Contest. QSL
this station electronically using Logbook of the World.
Four British hams plan to be active from Easter Island February 13th to
the 21st as XR0YG. They will be operational on High Frequency bands only.
An actual guide to their operating hours and QSL routes is expected to be
announced shortly.
Lastly, a team of operators from Germany will be on the air from Samoa
next April 4th to the 18th as 5W0M. They will be operational using
various modes on 80 through 6 meter plus and 2m E-M-E. QSL the main
operation to DL4SVA direct, via the bureau or OQRS. For EME QSO's send
cards via DL9MS.
(Above from various DX news sources)
**
THAT FINAL ITEM: HURRICANE SANDY - EVERYTHING OLD WAS NEW AGAIN
And finally this week you might want to say that everything old is new
again. This after Professor Darren Hayes of Pace University's Seidenberg
School of Computer Science and Information Systems reports on the
aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. According to Professor Hays, it appears
that older technology played a vital role to assist the public after this
disaster. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW has the details:
--
In an article in the news blog The Hill, Professor Darren Hays notes that
the Verizon network suffered widespread outages and with no electricity,
telecommunications were problematic. The old corded telephones were
plugged in by those who still had them and there were lines for payphones.
For those of you to young to remember these are coin operated telephones
that in many places are nothing more than a distant memory.
Professor Hays also had some nice words for the amateur radio community.
He says that others resorted to using ham radio to communicate, which was
found to be very effective. Hays pointed to ham radio networks like ARES
and RACES which are dedicated to communications outages. Hays who holds
the call KI6UEI noted that a battery-powered radio was at one point his
only connection to the outside world during the storm.
Hays article notes that as the recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane
Sandy continues, questions are being raised about our nation's
preparedness for emergencies. On Friday, November 9th it was reported
that two Congressmen, U.S. Representatives Peter King and Steve Israel,
were requesting that the military assume control of Long Island Power
Authority. This in an effort to restore electricity to more than 150,000
homes and businesses which at that point still without mains power.
Back in 2006 the newspaper Newsday reported that the Long Island Power
Authority was warned that its critical infrastructure could not handle a
major storm. One of the issues noted was that the utility was utilizing a
25-year old mainframe computer system that could not track power outages
or other critical functions like monitoring for rotting utility poles.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles.
--
You can read the entire article by Professor Hays on-line at
tinyurl.com/old-worked-best (The Hill)
**
NEWSCAST CLOSE
With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ
Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the
RSGB, the Southgate News, TWiT-TV and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all
from the Amateur Radio NewslineT. Our e-mail address is newsline (at)
arnewsline (dot) org. More information is available at Amateur Radio
Newsline'sT only official website located at www.arnewsline.org.
A reminder to those of you who still receive these newscasts over our
661-296-2407 dial in telephone line rater than downloading the MP3 file
from our website or from the RSS feed. We are still giving consideration
to discontinuing telephone feed service as a cost cutting measure. But
before we do, we want to know how many people are actually using it.
If you are one of those who call in each week on the phone and have not
already done so, please send us a note telling us who you are and the
reason you are using telephone access rather than simply downloading the
newscast from the Internet.
Our address is the Amateur Radio Newsline, 28197 Robin Avenue, Saugus
California, 91350. Or, as we said, you can e-mail us at newsline (at)
arnewsline (dot) org. We look forward to hearing from you.
For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Don
Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Southern Mississippi saying 73 and we thank you for
listening.
Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
------------------------------------
R\%/itt
--- Hate Mongers and Morons, get your coffee and keyboards ready!
* Origin: Texas Lone-Star - Texan, American, USAian (1:387/22)
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