***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 26, No. 08
February 23, 2007
***************
IN THIS EDITION:
* +Morse code exams now history as new ham radio rules go into effect
* +CPM-07 delegates paving the way for WRC-07
* +FCC rules in Amateur Radio vanity cases
* +Ham radio on alert as severe weather sweeps across the US
* +League seeks input on new HF digital protocol
* +New Section Manager elected in Kentucky
* +Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, will be League's Education Services Manager
* +Job opportunity at ARRL HQ: Advertising Sales Specialist
* Solar Update
* IN BRIEF:
This weekend on the radio
ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
Revised ARRL Band Chart available
FCC says no commercial credit for prior military, ham radio, experience
UK offers "special research permits" for 501 kHz experimentation
Pehuensat-1 gets OSCAR designation
+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>
===========================================================
==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail
<letter-dlvy@arrl.org>;
==>Editorial questions or comments only: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
<n1rl@arrl.org>;
===========================================================
==>ARRL MARKS TRANSITION TO NEW AMATEUR SERVICE RULES
A new Amateur Radio Service regime now is in place. The requirement to
demonstrate Morse code proficiency to gain HF privileges officially
disappeared from the FCC's Part 97 rules February 23 at one minute past
midnight Eastern Time. At the same time, some 200,000 Technician licensees
without Morse code exam credit acquired HF privileges equivalent to those
available to Novice licensees. The League is marking the occasion with a
W1AW special event aimed at welcoming newcomers to the HF bands. The "W1AW
HF Open House" has included exam sessions under both old and new rules. ARRL
Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, points to the still-growing
number of ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC) test sessions now
on the schedule across the US as evidence that the rule changes will provide
a shot in the arm to Amateur Radio.
"ARRL VEC has been extremely busy scheduling new exam sessions," Kramer
said. "We normally coordinate about 5500 sessions per year, but we've
already scheduled close to 5000 sessions and it's only the end of February."
ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, reports some 175 ARRL VEC test sessions
are on the schedule through the February 23-25 period, "and these are just
the ones that have registered with us," she added. Two dozen applicants
showed up at League Headquarters, either to sit for an exam or apply for
license upgrades.
"I was surprised at the number of people who wanted to take the test at
12:01 AM," Somma remarked. All but two test applicants took their exams
under the new rules. "After people took their exams, some went over to W1AW
to use their new privileges," she added.
First out of the gate at the League's 12:01 AM test session was Joshua
Rozovsky, N3YAR, of Bloomfield, Connecticut. He upgraded from Tech to
Amateur Extra.
Despite snowy New England weather, a few applicants traveled some distance
to take their exams. "A nice young couple that drove in from Rhode Island
joined ARRL while here," said ARRL Membership Manager Katie Breen, W1KRB.
"They thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take their
upgrades here at HQ."
Breen, who upgraded to General at the February 23 exam session, has been
tracking W1AW Open House events in near-real time on an ARRL Web site blog
<http://www.arrl.org/blog/W1AW%20HF%20Open%20House>. She's also posted some
videos to YouTube.com.
Somma says her department now is bracing for an anticipated application
avalanche as paperwork from initial sessions shows up. She and Kramer
predict test demand will surge even further in the days and weeks ahead. Not
only has the number of test sessions increased dramatically, Kramer pointed
out, the number of applicants at each session is up as well. To keep up with
demand, ARRL VEC has hired additional help. Staffers from other HQ
departments also have been lending a hand.
March QST includes an eight-page "tearout" section "Now, New Opportunities
for Every Ham!" between pages 48 and 49.
<http://www.arrl.org/HFWelcome/Welcome.pdf>. It focuses on various topics of
interest to those gaining new HF privileges through upgrading or owing to
the new rules as well as to veteran licensees. Among other things, it covers
mentoring -- or Elmering -- newcomers, "The Top 10 Reasons to Try Morse
Code," earning ham radio operating awards by using Logbook of the World
(LoTW) and a "Welcome to the fascinating world of high frequency (HF)
radio!" by ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ.
"The FCC's decision to eliminate the Morse code examination as a licensing
requirement opens the door to HF for all amateur licensees," Sumner points
out in his remarks. Sumner also addresses the topic in his "It Seems to Us"
editorial in March QST (page 9).
"As these new HF operators join us on our favorite bands, we old timers need
to set a good example and to be patient, welcoming and positive," he writes.
"Let's all remember how little we knew when we got started, and honor those
who helped us along the way by doing the same for others."
The March QST special section includes a new ARRL band chart
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html>. (See "Revised
ARRL Band Chart available" below.)
The new rules seem to be driving greater enthusiasm for ham radio in
general. There's been an uptick in ARRL publication sales, particularly in
licensing manuals and licensing guides, and enrollment in the online ARRL
Ham Radio License Course (EC-010) <http://www.arrl.org/cce/Tech.html> is at
an all-time high. Additionally, Kramer notes, DXCC applications are up by
350 from last year, while LoTW has exceeded 121 million QSO records.
"W1AW HF Open House" operation continues through the February 24-25 weekend,
with primary activity from 10 AM until 5 PM Eastern Time (1500 until 2200
UTC) or later, depending on interest, propagation and participation. ARRL
Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will compete in the North American
RTTY QSO Party from W1AW.
Primary operation will be on both SSB and CW. W1AW will concentrate activity
on the Technician and General class HF subbands, using its normal
frequencies on most bands.
On SSB: 1.855, 3.990, 7.290, 14.290, 18.160, 21.390 and 28.480 MHz.
On CW: 1.8175, 3.5815, 7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975, 21.0675 and 28.0675 MHz.
On RTTY: 3597.5, 7.095, 14.095, 21.095 and 28.095 MHz.
==>WRC-07 CONFERENCE PREPARATORY MEETING UNDER WAY IN GENEVA
Some 800 delegates representing 97 countries are attending the second
session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM-07) in
Geneva. A major step along the way to World Radiocommunication Conference
2007 (WRC-07), CPM-07 convened February 19 and will continue until March 2.
Representing Amateur Radio are International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
<http://www.iaru.org/> President Larry Price, W4RA, and Technical
Representative Ken Pulfer, VE3PU. Other Amateur Radio representatives are
part of national delegations. CPM-07 will finalize the technical report that
will guide the work of delegates attending WRC-07 October 22 through
November 1. Drafting the CPM Report has occupied several ITU-R working
parties for the past three years. No final decisions will be made at the
CPM.
CPM-07 addresses 27 separate agenda items with a view to formulating the
technical, operational and regulatory information on which WRC-07 will base
its decisions. The resulting CPM Report provides background information on
each WRC-07 agenda item, various methods of addressing the agenda items and
the advantages and disadvantages of each. The first session of the
Preparatory meeting, held immediately following WRC-03, organized the
necessary conference preparatory studies for WRC-07. Most study groups
wrapped up their work last fall.
WRC-07 agenda items of interest to Amateur Radio involve allocations in the
4-10 MHz range, a possible secondary allocation to the amateur service at
136 kHz, the modification of footnotes to the Table of Frequency
Allocations, and the selection of agenda items for future WRCs.
WRC-07 agenda item 1.13 will review allocations to all services between 4
and 10 MHz, excluding allocations from 7.0 to 7.2 MHz, which were settled to
the advantage of Amateur Radio during WRC-03. Starting in March 2009, radio
amateurs will enjoy a worldwide 200 kHz segment on 40 meters.
WRC-07 agenda item 1.15 will consider establishing a secondary Amateur Radio
Service allocation in the band 135.7 to 137.8 kHz. While CPM Report text
describing a method to provide this allocation appeared to be finalized by
February 22, it's no guarantee that WRC-07 will actually make the LF
allocation.
==>FCC DENIES AMATEUR RADIO VANITY CALL SIGN REQUESTS
The FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) has turned down a request
to waive a provision of the Amateur Radio vanity call sign rules and two
petitions asking the Commission to reconsider dismissals of vanity call sign
applications.
In a letter
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-680A1.pdf>, the
Commission told Emma Kostenbauder, WA2ZCQ, of Poughquag, New York, that it
could not waive §97.19(c)(2) of the Amateur Radio Service rules as she'd
requested so that she could be assigned her husband's former call sign.
Scott Kostenbauder, W2LW -- an ARRL Life Member -- had surrendered the call
sign W2AWX on April 25, 2006, when he obtained his current call sign under
the vanity program. The FCC said that under the circumstances, W2AWX would
have to remain unassigned for two years before it could become available.
Scot Stone, deputy chief of the WTB's Mobility Division, said Emma
Kostenbauder had not presented "any unique or unusual circumstances"
preventing her from waiting to apply for W2AWX when it becomes available.
"That you and your husband both want you to hold his former call sign is
not, by itself, sufficient justification to waive the rule," Stone said.
In a separate action
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-677A1.pdf>, the WTB
turned away the request of a California radio amateur to reconsider its
dismissal of his Amateur Radio vanity call sign application. Last year ARRL
Member Kenneth Lamson, K6SI, of Livermore applied for the call sign K6BQ,
but he filed for it one day too soon, the FCC has concluded. Lamson's
dismissed application was dated February 22, 2006, the final day of the
two-year waiting period. "At that time, the call sign was not yet available
for reassignment, because the two-year period had not expired," the WTB's
Stone told Lamson. "Consequently, we conclude that your application was
properly dismissed."
The FCC canceled the license on February 23, 2006, and the Commission
subsequently assigned K6BQ to another licensee who applied for it after the
cancellation date.
The Commission also denied the petition of ARRL member Ron Moody, K9RWM, of
Colfax, Wisconsin, to reconsider its dismissal of another vanity call sign
application. In April 2006, Moody had sought to obtain K9RM. The Commission
turned down his application, however, because the Universal Licensing System
(ULS) indicated the call sign was unavailable because the license had
expired less than two years earlier.
"A call sign is not available for reassignment until two years after the
license expires or the licensee's death, whichever is sooner," Stone
explained in a February 22 letter
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-803A1.pdf>.
Last June, the WTB got word that the previous holder of K9RM had died in
December 2002, and entered that information into the ULS database.
"Because more that two years had passed since the licensee's death, amateur
station call sign K9RM became available to the vanity call sign system on
June 9, 2006," Stone told Moody. "At the time your application was
processed, the ULS database showed that the call sign K9RM was not
assignable. Consequently, we conclude that your application was properly
dismissed."
The WTB granted K9RM to an Indiana licensee last June 24.
==>NOR'EASTER PROMPTS AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITY IN OHIO, NORTHEAST
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and SKYWARN volunteers activated
February 13 and 14 as a fierce winter storm generated potentially dangerous
weather conditions from the Great Lakes into New England. In Ohio, ARES
teams in five counties took on a variety of weather-related duties February
13. Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator Frank Piper, KI8GW, says District
Emergency Coordinators in his Section were ready to deploy volunteers in the
event of shelter openings or at the request of served agencies.
Piper says that Seneca County ARES members activated a net from the county's
emergency operations center to gather reports of local weather conditions,
road conditions and stranded motorists. The Ohio Single Sideband Net, which
convenes three times a day on 75 meters (3927.5 kHz), and VHF/UHF repeaters
kept northern Ohio radio amateurs in contact with each other.
In western Ohio, ARES teams in Darke, Green and Shelby counties assisted
local emergency management agencies and hospitals by helping to transport
essential personnel. "Many of these operations started early Tuesday morning
when the storm hit and operated at each hospital shift change," Piper
explained.
In Montgomery County, the local emergency management agency requested ARES
activation early Tuesday, and a net was begun on the 145.11 MHz repeater.
SKYWARN was active across portions of the US Northeast for the winter
weather event. The storm dumped up to three feet of snow in portions of
northeastern New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, northwestern Massachusetts
and Maine, with whiteout and blizzard conditions reported because of high
winds throughout much of the region. Sleet and freezing rain fell across
much of interior Southern New England and there was heavy rainfall in Rhode
Island, southeastern Massachusetts and along coastal areas.
"Amateur Radio operators supported SKYWARN and the National Weather Service
Forecast Offices in Taunton, Massachusetts -- WX1BOX -- and Gray, Maine --
WX1GYX -- with reports of snowfall, wind damage and flooding," said Rob
Macedo, KD1CY, the ARES/SKYWARN coordinator for NWS-Taunton. Macedo says the
heaviest snow fell across northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire,
which received anywhere from 8 to 15 inches.
"Luckily, little infrastructure damage occurred, though urban flooding near
the evening commute was a problem on major roads in eastern, southeastern
and coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island," Macedo said. "Winds gusted to
between 45 and 55 MPH, and as temperatures dropped rapidly, untreated roads
iced up quickly."
Macedo says SKYWARN volunteers used several repeaters and linked repeater
systems across New England, and the New England Reflector System
<http://www.new-eng.com/> was active. He reports the VoIP system served to
relay SKYWARN reports from across New England and as a pathway for
NWS-Taunton to communicate with NWS-Gray, both directly and through NWS-Gray
liaison Ken Grimmard, N1DOT.
"We continue to build a strong SKYWARN program for the NWS-Gray office,"
Macedo said. "These reports that we get from spotters are extremely
helpful."
SKYWARN currently has EchoLink and VHF/UHF capability at WX1GYX, noted Tom
Berman, N1KTA, a forecaster at the NWS Gray office. Since NWS-Gray has no HF
capability as yet, it requested NWS-Taunton to go to the Seagull Net on 3940
kHz to gather snowfall and weather condition reports, since the net covers
much of Maine and New Hampshire. The reports were then delivered to NWS-Gray
via EchoLink.
==>ARRL INVITES COMMENTS ON NEW HF DIGITAL PROTOCOL
The ARRL is seeking comments from amateurs concerning development of an
open-source (non-proprietary) data communications protocol suitable for use
by radio amateurs over high-frequency (HF) fading paths. This is not a
Request for Proposals (RFP). An RFP may or not be forthcoming depending on
evaluation of the information received.
Specifically, the League is asking for comments and information on the
following issues:
* Access Method: Is Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) the
best candidate technology, or should other competitive technologies be
considered?
* Data Rate and Bandwidth: What data rates/throughputs are achievable at
various bandwidths up to 3 kHz bandwidth?
* Adaptivity: What adaptive features should be considered, such as automatic
adjustment of transmitter power, modulation waveform and coding, in order to
maximize throughput and efficiency in two-way contacts?
* Robustness: What is achievable for reliable operation at power levels
typical in the Amateur Radio Service and low signal/noise and interference
ratios?
* Error control: What are the appropriate applications of error control
suitable for HF channels? For example, how should Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and
Forward Error Control (FEC) be applied to two-way contacts and one-to-many
(roundtable and bulletin) transmissions?
* Activity Detection: What is an effective method of determining whether a
frequency is busy prior to transmission?
* Operating System: What operating systems (such as Windows or Linux) are
appropriate for Amateur Radio use with this protocol?
* Hardware: What practical and affordable hardware platforms are suitable
for amateur stations? Consider the use of personal computers with or without
sound cards. Provide any information about the need for an additional "box"
if needed.
Please provide the following with your response: (1) name of respondent, (2)
respondent's contact information, (3) related experience, and (4) type of
respondent: (individual, partnership, corporation or group). Do not include
proprietary information as part of your response.
Post, fax or e-mail your response by 1900 UTC, May 15, 2007, to ARRL Chief
Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI <w4ri@arrl.org>;, 3545 Chain Bridge Rd
-- Suite 209, Fairfax, VA 22030; Fax: 703-934-2079.
==>SECTION MANAGER ELECTION RESULTS ANNOUNCED
One new ARRL Section Manager was elected this week, while eight incumbent
SMs retained their seats. New, two-year terms for all successful candidates
begin April 1. Contested elections took place in two ARRL sections, and
ballots were counted and verified February 20 by Membership and Volunteer
Programs staff members at ARRL Headquarters.
In Kentucky, Jim Brooks, KY4Z, of Cox's Creek outpolled former SM Bill
Uschan, K4MIS, 426 to 105. Brooks will succeed John Meyers, NB4K, who has
been Kentucky's SM since 2001. Meyers did not run for re-election. Brooks, a
ham for 20 years, says he wants to build on Meyers' achievements.
Brooks has served in various leadership positions in his local club. Since
2004, he has been the ARRL Kentucky Section Public Information Coordinator.
He is trained in ARES, enjoys working DX, serves as an ARRL Volunteer
Examiner and is a registered instructor.
In North Texas, incumbent SM Tom Blackwell, N5GAR, received 816 votes to 761
for challenger Doug Loughmiller, W5BL, to win a second term.
Seven other incumbent ARRL Section Managers faced no opposition in the
current election cycle and were returned to office for new, two-year terms.
They are: Tom Fagan, WB7NXH, Arizona; David Norris, K5UZ, Arkansas; Jim
Lasley, N0JL, Iowa; Malcolm Keown, W5XX, Mississippi; Doug Dunn, K7YD,
Montana; Carl Gardenias, WU6D, Orange, and Dwayne Allen, WY7FD, Wyoming.
==>DEBRA JOHNSON, K1DMJ, NAMED ARRL EDUCATION SERVICES MANAGER
Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, has been named to the newly created position of ARRL
Education Services Manager. An Amateur Extra class licensee, Johnson has
worked for 4-1/2 years in the League's Development Office, where she
currently serves as operations manager. She'll begin her new
responsibilities March 12.
"Debra has also been involved in a wide range of education-related
activities since she has been at the ARRL," said COO Harold Kramer, WJ1B, in
announcing Johnson's appointment. "She has provided administrative support
for the Education & Technology Program (ETP)
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/> and the Teachers Institute on Wireless
Technology. She also chaired a task force that developed the ARRL's
education mission statement and future strategy for the ARRL's educational
efforts."
Johnson also headed the team that developed the concepts for the new Ham
Radio License Manual and The ARRL Instructor's Manual for Technician Class
License Courses and Getting Started with Ham Radio. She also serves on the
committee that reviews articles submitted for consideration in QST and on
the ARRL Web site.
In her new position, Johnson will be engaged in helping to evaluate and
develop ARRL Amateur Radio licensing and instructional materials. She and
her staff also will oversee the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education
Program (CCE) <http://www.arrl.org/cce> online courses and the ARRL
Volunteer Instructor Support Program
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/instructor/>. In addition, she will
coordinate ARRL educational outreach efforts, including the ETP, the
Teachers Institutes and the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) program <http://www.rac.ca/ariss>.
A graduate of Princeton University, Johnson is currently enrolled in a
graduate program in communications and information management at Bay Path
College. She and her husband Doug reside in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Together they have seven children, one of whom is currently serving in the
US military in Afghanistan.
==>ARRL SEEKS ADVERTISING SALES SPECIALIST
The ARRL invites applications for the position of Business Services
Advertising Sales Specialist at League Headquarters in Newington. Amateur
Radio background and knowledge are desirable. Candidates should enjoy
interacting with customers and must be experienced and proficient in
salesmanship and customer service as well as in written and oral
communication. This position requires a flexible, accommodating,
self-motivated individual with excellent organizational and intrapersonal
skills. Applicants must be willing to relocate to Connecticut.
The ideal candidate for this position will possess:
* At least one year of experience in print or Web-based advertising sales or
equivalent experience
* Experience in identifying potential advertisers and closing ad contracts
* Knowledge of interactive and Web-based advertising
* Ability to recognize and take advantage of individual client and market
trends and opportunities
* Strong closing skills
* An Amateur Radio license
This position requires visiting clients and hamfests -- including overnight
travel -- as needed to identify and develop advertising sales opportunities.
Compensation will be based upon experience.
Additional details on this opening are available on the "Employment at ARRL"
Web page <http://www.arrl.org/announce/jobs/>.
To apply, send a résumé and cover letter via e-mail <lcampanello@arrl.org>;,
USPS or fax to LouAnn Campanello, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111;
fax 860-594-0298. ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.
==>SOLAR UPDATE
Sun Daddy Tad "I Got My Solar Mojo Workin'" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington,
reports: Sunspot numbers picked up a bit this week, but considering there
were none February 11-15, there was no way to go but up. The sunspot number
was 25 on February 22, with only small sunspot 942 looking straight at us
from the center of the visible solar disk.
Average daily sunspot numbers for the most recent reporting week -- February
15-21 -- rose more than eight points from the previous week to 14.6. Average
daily solar flux was nearly unchanged, from 75 to 74.8.
Look for sunspot numbers and solar flux to rise over the next few days.
Predicted solar flux for February 23-26 is 78, 80, 85 and 85. Predicted
planetary A index over the same period is 5, 5, 25 and 15.
The Australian Space Forecast Centre predicts possible minor geomagnetic
storms on Sunday, February 25. Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet
to unsettled conditions for February 23, quiet conditions on February 24,
active conditions February 25-26, unsettled to active on February 27, and
unsettled for February 28.
Sunspot numbers for February 15 through 21 were 0, 12, 11, 12, 26, 27 and
14, with a mean of 14.6. The 10.7 cm flux was 73.6, 74.7, 75.3, 75.8, 74.9,
74.7, and 74.8, with a mean of 74.8. Estimated planetary A indices were 11,
6, 8, 5, 3, 2 and 1 with a mean of 5.1. E
For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.
__________________________________
==>IN BRIEF:
* This weekend on the radio: The CQ World Wide 160-Meter Contest (SSB), the
Russian PSK WW Contest, the REF Contest (SSB), the UBA DX Contest (CW), the
North American QSO Party (RTTY), the High Speed Club CW Contest, and the
North Carolina QSO Party are the weekend of February 24-25. The ARRL
International DX Contest (SSB) is the weekend of March 3-4. See the ARRL
Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.
* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration remains open through Monday, March 5, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education CCE <http://www.arrl.org/cce/> online
courses beginning Friday, March 16: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Level 2 (EC-002), Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 3 (EC-003R2),
Antenna Modeling (EC-004), HF Digital Communications (EC-005), VHF/UHF --
Life Beyond the Repeater (EC-008) and Radio Frequency Propagation (EC-011).
These courses will also open for registration Friday, March 2, for classes
beginning Friday, April. To learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the CCE Department
<cce@arrl.org>;.
* Revised ARRL Band Chart available: A new ARRL band chart reflecting all
recent changes to the FCC Amateur Radio Service rules as of February 23,
2007, now is available for downloading on the ARRL Web site in either black
and white or color versions
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html>. Created by ARRL
Senior Technical Illustrator, Dave Pingree, N1NAS, the attractive new chart
represents a major change from earlier designs. This is the same chart
featured in the eight-page "Welcome" tear-out section in March QST
(following page 48). The entire QST tearout also is available for
downloading in PDF format <http://www.arrl.org/HFWelcome/Welcome.pdf>.
* FCC says no commercial credit for prior military, ham radio, experience:
The FCC has told a California radio amateur that it will not waive a
commercial license application rule on the basis of his Amateur Radio Morse
code qualifications. Last April, Robert E. Griffin, K6YR, of San Luis
Obispo, applied for an FCC First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate
-- known as a T1 license -- requesting a waiver of §13.201(b)(1)(iv). That
rule says T1 applicants must have a year's experience "sending and receiving
public correspondence by radiotelegraph at a public coast station, a ship
station, or both." Griffin, who's ARRL Santa Barbara Section Manager and
transmits the West Coast Qualifying Run on approximately 3.590 MHz, argued
that the FCC should waive the rule because it's nearly impossible in an era
of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) to acquire the
requisite experience and that the rule presented "an unreasonable hardship
and a burdensome requirement." He sought credit on the basis of his military
and Amateur Radio radiotelegraph experience, including participation in the
Military Affiliate Radio System, in lieu of experience at a public coast
station or ship station. In a letter
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-783A1.pdf> February
22, the FCC said Griffin failed to demonstrate that the rule in question was
"inequitable or burdensome" insofar as all T1 applicants face the same
requirement, and it denied Griffin's request. "A request for relief from the
existing requirement of §13.201(b)(1)(iv) would better be addressed in a
rule making proceeding, rather than through the waiver process," the FCC
allowed.
* UK offers "special research permits" for 501 kHz experimentation: Amateur
Radio Full licensees in the UK may obtain special research permits to
experiment in the vicinity of 501 to 504 kHz, the Radio Society of Great
Britain (RSGB) reports. Telecoms regulator Ofcom will grant a limited number
of Amateur Radio Full licensees permission to operate between 501 and 504
kHz for 12 months, starting March 1, 2007. The RSGB says special research
permits under a Notice of Variation may be available to Full Amateur Radio
licensees on a case-by-case basis to applicants who can demonstrate a
genuine interest in LF experimentation and provide adequate supporting
documentation. The RSGB says Ofcom will take applicants' prior low-frequency
(LF) experience into consideration in an effort to minimize potential
interference and will monitor interference reports and limit the number of
special research permits if necessary. In any case, Ofcom will not permit
ERP levels greater than –10 dBW (0.1 W). A standard application form
(OFW306) is available from the Ofcom Web site
<http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applicatio
ns/ofw306.pdf>.
* Pehuensat-1 gets OSCAR designation: AMSAT OSCAR Coordinator Bill Tynan,
W3XO, has announced that AMSAT has issued an OSCAR number to Argentina's
Penuensat-1 satellite. It will be known as Pehuensat-OSCAR-63, or PO-63. The
second Argentine Amateur Radio satellite, Pehuensat-1 is in a 635 to 640 km
sun-synchronous polar orbit (97.92 degree inclination). It was launched
January 10 from India. Pehuensat-1 will transmit voice messages in three
languages -- English, Hindi and Spanish -- on 145.825 MHz followed by AX.25
1200 bps packet. Named after the native Patagonian Pehuen tree, Pehuensat-1
was developed by the Argentina School of Engineering at the National
University of Comahue, the Argentina Association for Technology and Space
and AMSAT-LU. More information is on the AMSAT-LU Web site
<http://www.amsat.org.ar/>. Reception reports are welcome
<http://www.amsat.org.ar/?f=z>.
===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association For Amateur Radio, 225
Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org/>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President.
The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential and general news
of interest to active radio amateurs. Visit the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/> for the latest Amateur Radio news and news updates.
The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> also offers informative features
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also available as a podcast from our Web site.
Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
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The ARRL Letter/American Radio Relay League.
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==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
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==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call
860-594-0384
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