July 24, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Another year, another hamfest. Thanks to all who helped make this one a very successful event. It was sad to read about another ham falling off a tower. Obviously, the competition referred to in the newspaper article was Field Day, not the competition to erect a tower. But we understand the message. Be a careful ham, mot a silent key…
73, Mayer, W3GXK

Posted in Some Thoughts | Comments Off

July 23, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Belarus has gained access to the extended 40m band. In the 7.1 - 7.2MHz frequency range it is allowed to use SSB and CW with 500W max and, as always, up to 1kW in contests under a special authorisation. In the same decision of the State Commission for Radio Frequencies that was dated May 14 but just recently released, the 160m band has also been extended for Belarus amateurs. The frequencies accessible are now 1.810 to 2.000MHz. On 27 June, the French administration announced that 7.1 - 7.2MHz will be available to the amateur service. Unfortunately another signature is needed before publication.

Posted in International, RSGB | Comments Off

July 22, 2009 by kb3ljm.

In the 500 kHz Experiment quarterly report for the period ending May 2009, Experiment Coordinator Fritz Raab, W1FR, reported that since the experiment began in late 2006, 21 participating stations are currently active. The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology granted the WD2XSH experimental license to the ARRL in September of that year. In this quarter, the FCC only issued one new experimental license for 500 kHz, WF2XAU to Roy Croston, AB4OM. The FCC renewed WD2XGI to Mike Reid, WE0H.

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/07/09/10952/?nc=1

Posted in ARRL Web Extra | Comments Off

July 22, 2009 by kb3ljm.

The Eighth IARU Region 3 ARDF Championships, originally scheduled for 29 October to 3 November 2009 near Bangkok, Thailand, have been cancelled due to concerns for the safety and convenience of participants. This announcement was made on June 26 by JA1HQG, chair of the IARU Region 3 ARDF Committee. In his announcement, he added that there was insufficient time to make arrangements to hold the championships in another country of Region 3 this year. [RSGB]

Posted in International, RSGB | Comments Off

July 22, 2009 by kb3ljm.

TIMOR-LESTE, 4W.

Chris, 4W6FR, is QRV as time permits. Look for him on 20 and 17 meters using PSK. Most of his activity takes place between 0900 and 1300z. QSL via VK4FW, direct or the OQRS at http://www.odxg.org

SOUTH KOREA, HL.

Jerry, N4EO, will be QRV as HL9EO from Yongsan Barracks through mid-September as his work duties permit. Look for him on 20 meters and higher with a oncentration on CW and PSK. QSL direct to N4EO.

http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/dx/2009-arld027.html

Posted in ARRL DX BULLETIN | Comments Off

July 22, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Oregon drivers soon will have to hang up their cellphones and texting devices under a new law that will ban the use of hand-held communications devices while driving, but mobile ham radio operations will not be affected. Oregon House Bill 2377 prohibits driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone. Once in force, drivers who violate the law could be fined up to $90. Like a similar law in California, the Oregon measure permits adult drivers the option of using a cellphone with a hands free system. Also like California the Oregon law will forbid anyone to receive or transmit a text message while in motion. It also forbids drivers under the age of 18 from using any form of cellphone or texting device from a car in motion. Oregon radio amateurs were aware of the measure early on and began a political drive to insure an exemption for mobile ham radio operations. In the version of the measure passed by both houses of the Oregon legislature their work was rewarded.In addition to hams, also exempt are those operating a motor vehicle while acting in the scope of employment as a public safety officer and people operating a motor vehicle while providing public safety services or emergency services as a volunteer. Also exempt are those using 11 meter Citizens Radio or UHF Family Radio Service two-way radio gear. A spokeswoman for Governor Ted Kulongoski said he will sign House Bill 2377 into law. The effective date will be January 1st, 2010. [AR Newsline]

Posted in Wireless | Comments Off

July 22, 2009 by kb3ljm.

A Michigan ham has died following a tower collapse during antenna set-up on Field Day. According to news reports, Larry Prelog, KE4PM, of Niles was helping to erect a thirty-foot high tower for the Blossomland Amateur Radio Association on Saturday, June 27th. He had climbed the tower when it collapsed under him and throwing him to the ground. He was airlifted to the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.A professional radio technician by trade, Larry Perlog was most recently employed as a telecommunications specialist for Lakeland Regional Health Care System. Throughout his career performed many tower climbs and was considered as being one of the most safety conscious climbers in the business. A family member described him as being very meticulous about being safe. Larry Perlog, KE4PM, was age 57. [AR Newsline]

Posted in Silent Key | Comments Off

July 21, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Silent Key
Vernon S. Chapin, K3VC
July 10, 2009

Posted in Silent Key | Comments Off

July 21, 2009 by kb3ljm.

In March, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act (S 649) in the Senate. Earlier this month, that bill passed the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Last week, Representative Henry Waxman (CA-30) introduced a companion bill — HR 3125 — in the House of Representatives; the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bills, if passed, would mandate an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission. The Senate version calls for an inventory of frequencies between 300 MHz-3.5 GHz managed by the two agencies, while the House bill would mandate an inventory of 225 MHz-10 GHz.

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/07/15/10964/?nc=1

Posted in ARRL Web Extra | Comments Off

July 21, 2009 by kb3ljm.

Aug. 1

TARA Grid Dig Shindig
European HF Championship

Aug. 1-2

10-10 Int’l Summer Cont., SSB
North American QSO Party, CW
ARRL UHF Contest

Aug. 2

SARL HF Phone Contest

Aug. 8-9

WAE DX Contest, CW

Aug. 15-16

SARTG WW RTTY Contest
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest
N. American QSO Party, SSB

Aug. 15-17

New Jersey QSO Party

Aug. 17

Run for the Bacon QRP Contest

Aug. 22-23

Ohio QSO Party

Aug. 29-30

YO HF DX Contest
SCC RTTY Championship

Aug. 30

SARL HF CW Contest

http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html

Posted in WA7BNM Contest Calendar | Comments Off