Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2129 for Friday, August 17, 2018

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2129 with a release date of Friday, 
August 17, 2018 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. Packet radio is returning to the International 
Space Station. In India, hams help a family reunite - and a special 
report on NASA's newly launched solar probe. All this and more as 
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2129 comes your way right now.

**

BILLBOARD CART

**
NASA'S SOLAR PROBE BEGINS ITS JOURNEY

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We begin this week with our eyes turned to the sun and 
NASAÂ’s recently launched solar probe. With that special report, we 
welcome the newest member of our Newsline team, Science Editor Dr. 
Tamitha Skov WX6SWW.

TAMITHA SKOVÂ’S REPORT: The NASA Parker Solar Probe successfully launched 
on a Delta IV Heavy rocket from FloridaÂ’s Cape Canaveral on Aug. 12, 
2018. The probe was named after one of the founding fathers of Space 
Weather science, Dr. Eugene Parker, who at a young 91 years old, was in 
attendance.
Dubbed, “The mission to touch the Sun,” The Parker Solar Probe is viewed 
by many scientists as a miracle mission, as NASA has been flirting with 
the idea of a solar probe since the 1960s. Until recently the technology 
required to make the journey and survive while grazing the hot solar 
atmosphere meant the mission was too costly to design. Even today, the 
probe is poised to set many new records. It will be the closest we have 
ever come to the Sun, at 3.8 million miles, it will fly the fastest we 
have ever gone, at 430,000 mph, and it will survive temperatures over 3 
million degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest environment we have ever known.
Indeed the corona is hot, even 300 times hotter than the surface of the 
Sun.
But the tenuous region called the “corona,” where the Sun’s atmosphere 
changes into a driving solar wind, is a mysterious place and it has 
refused to give up its secrets to the casual observer. Data from this 
region is critical to advancing models of the solar corona and the solar 
wind, and will extend scientistsÂ’ ability to predict the intensity of 
space weather.Events such as solar storms, solar radio bursts, and 
radiation storms can impact radio and satellite communications, causing 
radio blackouts, as well as disrupting emergency communications and GPS 
navigation on the ground.
The probeÂ’s first close pass of the Sun will be in November 2018, with 
23 ever-closer passes over the next 7 years. When the probe finally runs 
out of fuel some 10-20 years in the future, it will fall into the Sun 
and burn up-- all except for the carbon-based heat shield. Long after 
the probe is gone, that carbon disk will continue orbiting the Sun for 
many generations to come.

For Amateur Radio Newsline IÂ’m Dr. Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW.

**

PACKET RADIO RETURNING SOON TO SPACE STATION

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In just a few short months, something else will be 
heading into space: packet radio for the International Space Station. 
Robert Broomhead VK3DN has that report.

ROBERT: It looks like APRS and packet radio will be back aboard the 
International Space Station sooner rather than later. NASA has given the 
go-ahead for the launch of a new packet module to replace the one that 
died aboard the space station in July of last year. The module has been 
outfitted with a new battery and given sufficient testing to verify that 
it is operational. A request has been made to send it up as part of the 
manifest for supply mission 71P, which could come as early as the 31st 
of October with a projected docking on November 2nd. Meanwhile, the 
ARISS hardware team has been working on the space stationÂ’s new 
Interoperable Radio System which it now hopes can be deployed in early 
2019. As for the packet module, the crew will make an attempt to get 
that installed as time permits. ARISS reports that it is expected to be 
operational by late November.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, IÂ’m Robert Broomhead VK3DN.

(ARISS)

**

SILENT KEY: FORMER AMSAT PRESIDENT BILL TYNAN W3XO

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A noted figure in amateur radio satellite operations has 
become a Silent Key, as we hear from Jack Parker W8ISH.

JACK: William Tynan W3XO, who was known throughout the amateur radio 
satellite world, has become a Silent Key. The Washington, D.C. native 
had an early love of radio that led him to a career in broadcasting as 
well as an affinity as a hobbyist for VHF and ham radio satellites. He 
attended the first meeting of a group in 1969 that later became AMSAT, a 
group he would serve as president in 1991. For two decades he was also 
AMSATÂ’s volunteer OSCAR Number Administrator, designating the 
alphanumeric identities on amateur radio satellites. He stepped down 
from that role only last month.
As AMSATÂ’s vice president for human spaceflight, Bill lobbied hard for 
NASA to allow space shuttles to permit ham radio operation. This 
launched the program known as Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment, or 
SAREX, which led eventually to the program known as ARISS, Amateur Radio 
on the International Space Station. He was a strong advocate too for the 
ARISS interoperable radio system project soon to get underway on the 
ISS. He served on AMSATÂ’s board of directors from 1986 to 2003 and was 
chairman for his final five years.
Many amateurs also remember his column “The World Above 50 MHz” which 
ran in QST Magazine from 1975 to 1992. During that time he advocated for 
the adoption of a grid system for VHF/UHF operators which led to the 
option of the Maidenhead grid system and ultimately the ARRLÂ’s VUCC 
operating award program for 50 MHz and above.
A Life Member of ARRL, AMSAT and the Institute of Electrical and 
Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Bill was HamventionÂ’s Amateur of the Year 
in 1996.
Bill Tynan, who lived in Kerrville Texas, was 91. Vale Bill Tynan.

For Amateur Radio Newsline IÂ’m Jack Parker W8ISH.

(AMSAT)

**
MINING FOR GOOD CONTACTS ON HF

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: From the heights of space to the depths of the earth, 
hams are always seeking good QSOs. Neil Rapp WB9VPG spoke with one 
amateur who is mining for good contacts. Literally.

NEIL: Portable operation is sweeping the planet.  While some locations 
on the air events have been around for a long time, many have popped up 
after the success of National Parks on the Air. Some of them include 
Islands, Summits, Jamboree, National Parks, Walmart Parking Lots, Pubs, 
NASA, Lighthouses, Windmills, Beaches, and Moats.  Craters is being 
planned for this fall.  But today, weÂ’re talking about Mines on the 
Air.  John Fuller, WJ0NF took a few minutes to talk with me about the 
event.

JOHN: Actually, I thought of it before I got my license.  But then I did 
a lot of research online, watching YouTube and stuff, and I thought this 
would be great to combine with some of my other hobbies. I like to go 
ATV riding, and hiking, and do some exploringÂ… and then thereÂ’s so many 
mines in this area that I was trying to research.  I thought wow, this 
would be great.  I could take my radio and I could talk to people. And I 
had been looking at that time, we had National Parks on the Air and it 
just seemed like a great ideaÂ… even if nobody else wanted to 
participate, I figured IÂ’d have fun doing it as well. I like to do a 
little photography, so it really just combined a whole bunch of hobbies 
together and started me on this path to create Mines on the Air, which 
is basically going out to minesÂ… whether they are current mines, 
abandoned mines, or historical mines and then setting up and activation 
just like you would a park or a SOTA type of activation.

NEIL:  While there isnÂ’t an award program at least yet, you can score 
some very unique QSL cards working the mines.

JOHN: If I activate a mine, I take a bunch of pictures and I document 
that mine.  And, I create custom QSL cards and send those to like the 
first 20 people or how many ever that IÂ’ve contacted. So they get a 
unique QSL card with a picture of that mine in the location, and then a 
little bit of information on it.

NEIL: John encourages those who might be interested to go to 
MinesOnTheAir.com for more information, including safety.

JOHN: A couple of key things is obviously safety.  Just like doing a 
SOTA activation or an island activation or anything, you want to be 
safe.  You have to use some common sense and not go into mines and 
things like that.  But IÂ’ve got some documentation on the web site with 
some good ideas.  Even if theyÂ’re just interested in seeing the 
pictures, thereÂ’s a lot of very cool pictures and locations on the site.

NEIL:  John says Mines on the Air is a great way to enjoy the outdoors 
along with ham radio.

Reporting for Amateur Radio Newsline, IÂ’m Neil Rapp WB9VPG.

**

NO PERMANENT 4M AMATEUR USE IN GERMANY

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In Germany, the temporary allocation of 70.150 to 70.180 
MHz in the 4 metre band comes to an end at the end of this month. In 
response to an email BNetzA, the government regulator, has told AR 
Newsline correspondent Ed Durrant DD5LP that no permanent allocations of 
frequencies in the 4 metre band to radio amateurs are currently being 
considered. So amateurs in Germany can only hope for another test period 
during next year's sporadic-E season.

**

BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur 
Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including 
the K7EFZ repeater in Idaho Falls, Idaho on Tuesday nights at 9 
following the Eagle Rock Emergency Practice Net.

**

2 METERS CAN LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: If you keep your 2-meter rig handy, this low-key special 
event is for you. Jim Damron N8TMW explains.

JIM DAMRON: At 7 p.m. local time Sunday on the 26th of August, turn on 
your radio and listen to the sound of 2 meter FM simplex. Then -- key 
the mic. It’s that simple – and that’s what Joseph Durnal NE3R is hoping 
hams will do to mark an event he’s calling “Light Up Two Meters Night.” 
ItÂ’s an activity that heÂ’s reviving after years of dormancy. He told 
Amateur Radio Newsline heÂ’d discovered the event 14 or so years ago when 
it was promoted by a now-defunct yahoo group. Joseph told us [quote] 
“There are no points or awards, just the satisfaction that the QSO was 
something you made happen on your own.” [endquote] Weather permitting, 
heÂ’ll be out there operating mobile on a hilltop with a small yagi on a 
mast outside his car. But whether you use a handheld to have some 
ragchews or you go portable and try it in combination with Summits On 
the Air, Joseph says “light up the night.”

For Amateur Radio Newsline IÂ’m Jim Damron N8TMW.

**
AUSTRIANS OBJECT TO PROPOSED CHANGES IN RADIO LAWS

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Hams in Austria are raising serious concerns about what 
might happen to amateur radio services if a set of proposed changes 
becomes law. Ed Durrant DD5LP has been following this story.

ED: More than 500 amateurs in Austria have registered their objections 
to the unexpected announcement that the Austrian Government plans to 
remove the current Amateur Radio-specific laws and reallocate Amateur 
Radio under the TKG, or (Telecommunications Act). Officials report that 
as of the end of July 572 objections were filed including the continued 
objection from the national society the ™VSV. The radio society has been 
fighting this and similar suggested changes since 2014.

Many of those objecting have cited the following consequences from the 
proposed removal of the existing Amateur Radio laws and regulations:

Amateur radio will lose its status as a service and be relegated simply 
to be a hobby which will impact its ability to cooperate with rescue 
organizations during disasters. Information transferred by radio 
amateurs during emergencies will also be restricted.

The amateur bands will lose protection they now have from interference 
from unauthorised sources and the use of remote stations will become 
even more difficult legally than it is today.

The process of amateur radio exams and licensing will no longer be 
defined and will require additional red-tape to be able to happen.
There will also be no more reminders of expiry of licences every five 
years which will lead to call signs being reallocated to other amateurs. 
Licence extensions after five years will no longer be automatic, or 
could be refused or delayed

Hearing these and other complaints, the Ministry of Infrastructure has 
agreed to talk with the ™VSV and it is hoped a clearer picture will be 
available in around 4 weeks as to whether these changes can be avoided 
or not.

From across the border in Germany, For Amateur Radio Newsline this is 
Ed Durrant DD5LP.

**

LOST AND FOUND IN INDIA

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Amateurs in India have once again been able to help 
reunite a family with a missing member - in this case it was a woman 
missing for three years. Here's Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

JEREMY: Thanks to amateur radio operators in India, a mentally 
challenged woman got a big farewell from the hospital where she was 
being treated – and a big welcome home from the family she had not seen 
in three years. According to a Telegraph India newspaper report, Maziran 
Khatun had been admitted to a hospital in West Bengal in late July but 
was unable to recall very much about her life until after receiving 
psychiatric treatment. When the 25-year-old woman finally recalled where 
she was from, the hospital reached out to the West Bengal Radio Club 
which got in touch with Taheruddin Ahmed VU2TUO, vice president of the 
Amateur Radio Club of Assam. He contacted police and began seeking out 
her family members in a village in Barpeta district in lower Assam. 
According to news reports, the womanÂ’s mother was able to identify her 
from photos and later spoke to her on the phone. The mother told 
authorities that her daughter, herself the mother of two children, had 
suffered a mental breakdown and went missing not long after her divorce. 
Hospital authorities bought her train tickets for the trip home and gave 
their former patient a grand farewell. She was reunited with her family 
on Saturday, August 11th.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, IÂ’m Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(TELEGRAPH INDIA)

**

WORLD OF DX
In the world of DX, listen for Jose, NP4G, using the call sign CE0Y/NP4G 
from Rapa Nui, Easter Island between the 26th and 29th of August. He 
will be operating holiday style on 40-10 meters using CW and FT8. Send 
QSLs via LoTW
or NP4G.

Members of the DX World team are joining with Norman/5B4AIF to activate 
the island Ayios Yeoryios in the Cyprus Coastal Islands Group between 
August 25 and 27th. They will use the callsign C4II. Listen on 80-10 
meters and possibly 6m. They will be using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via 
LoTW. QSL Manager will be announced later.

Don't forget this weekend, it's the International Lighthouse and 
Lightship weekend, to see if there's an activation near you, check the 
list at ILLW. NET. This fun international event which promotes the 
conservation of lighthouses and publicises amateur radio has even 
attracted some of the Amateur Radio Newsline crew with Caryn KD2GUT and 
the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club activating lighthouse US0019 on 
Fire Island, New York on Saturday/Sunday starting around 8:30 a.m. local 
time and over in Germany Ed DD5LP is activating DE0138 Westmole and 
DE0140 Mangturm in Lindau on Lake Constance in Southern Germany from 
around 11 a.m. local time on Sunday.

(OHIO PENN DX)

**
KICKER: TWO RESCUES, 90 YEARS APART

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We end this week's report with the story of two rescues, 
90 years apart - both made possible by radio. Here's Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.

JIM MEACHEN: It has been 90 years since the Zeppelin “Italia” crashed on 
the way home from an expedition to the North Pole, killing several 
members of the crew of explorers and leaving survivors stranded on an 
ice pack 120 km northeast of Svalbard.
Ninety years later, a North Pole expedition sponsored by the Air Ship 
Italia Search Expedition and planned in tribute to that disaster met 
with a harrowing fate as well. On August 2nd, the expedition yacht Mea 
Lux with special event call sign II0PN/MM (India India Zero Papa 
November) encountered a serious storm off the south coast of Svalbard, 
Norway and waves measuring 5 to 6 meters high – or as high as 20 feet – 
left the craft rudderless as it caught fire and began to take on water. 
Neither cell phone nor satellite phone service worked but the 20 meter 
Marine Net heard the calls for help from Simone Orlandini IU5KUH and the 
Norwegian Coast Guard was dispatched. All on board were airlifted to 
safety by helicopter. The expedition and the yacht, however, were 
abandoned.
Fortunately, there is also a rescue story associated with the historic 
zeppelin incident -- and it too came about because of radio. A Russian 
radio amateur ultimately heard signals from the stranded crew being 
transmitted by Giuseppe Biagi using the emergency transmitter and 
receiver he had salvaged from the airship. Using a makeshift 
quarter-wave antenna and a counterpoise he was able to get out a 
distress call. Although the support ship never received the signals, 
RussiaÂ’s Nikolai Schmit did, a dozen days later. An international rescue 
effort was launched. It became the first air and sea polar rescue. Those 
rescued included the airshipÂ’s commander Umberto Nobile but the Swedish 
meteorologist Finn Malmgren died before being rescued.
As for the modern-day rescue from the yacht, crew member Alberto IT9MRM 
posted on DX-World.Net that it was sadly [quote] “ungovernable and at 
the mercy of the waves.” [endquote]
For Amateur Radio Newsline IÂ’m Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.

**

NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Alan Labs; Amateur News Weekly; AMSAT; 
ARISS: the ARRL; CQ Magazine; DX-World.Net; Facebook; Hap Holly and the 
Rain Report; Irish Radio Transmitters Society; Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin; 
QST Magazine; Southgate Amateur Radio News; Ted Randall's QSO Radio 
Show;Wireless Institute of Australia; WTWW Shortwave; and you our 
listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. Please send 
emails to our address at newsline@arnewsline.org. More information is 
available at Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website at 
www.arnewsline.org.

For now, with Caryn Eve Murray, KD2GUT, at the news desk in New York, 
and our news team worldwide, I'm Stephen Kinford N8WB in Wadsworth Ohio 
saying 73 and as always we thank you for listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.





-- 



73
James-KB7TBT
www.arnewsline.org
www.ylsystem.org




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