Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2351 for Friday November 18th, 2022

[Amateur Radio Newsline]

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2351 for Friday November 18th, 2022

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2351 with a release date of Friday
November 18th to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. A shortwave radio giant goes off the air. Are
CubeSats ready to be replaced? -- and a more antenna-friendly
environment in part of Germany. All this and more as Amateur Radio
Newsline Report Number 2351 comes your way right now.

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BILLBOARD CART

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SHORTWAVE GIANT WTWW GOES OFF THE AIR

NEIL/ANCHOR: Shortwave station WTWW has gone QRT. Andy Morrison K9AWM
has the details.

ANDY: Shortwave fans worldwide were disappointed to hear the November
9th broadcast announcement of WTWW radio that it was signing off the
air for the last time, with plans to continue to provide programming
instead over the internet. The station's operator Ted Randall, WB8PUM,
cited difficulties in meeting the station's ongoing expenses. Based in
Lebanon, Tennessee, WTWW provided a wide range of programming at 5.83
MHz along with music and amateur-radio content at 5.085 MHz. The
station was among many to broadcast programming directed toward Ukraine
following the invasion by Russia earlier this year.

The station went on the air in 2010 as the 100-kilowatt operation WBWW,
and could be heard first on what were testing frequencies of 5.755 MHz
and 9.48 MHz at different times. Over the years, WTWW gained an
especially strong following among amateur radio operators for carrying
ham-related content. The station also featured program hosts such as
Art Bell, W6OBB, who presented a popular show on the paranormal.

According to the SWListening Post, the station's final signoff included
a farewell from Ted that urged listeners to make the move to
web-streaming its content. The station's final song was "America the
Beautiful."

By virtue of its station call, WTWW was also known as "We Transmit
World Wide."

To continue hearing the station's streamed programs, follow the link in
the text version of this week's script at arnewsline.org

[DO NOT READ: http://wtww.us/pages/listen-live.php ]


This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.


NEIL/ANCHOR: Some of WTWW's programming is also becoming available on
the commercial shortwave station WRMI, Radio Miami International. WRMI
is airing the content as "WRMI Legends." A new private WRMI Legends Fan
Listeners Club page has been launched on Facebook.

(SWLINGPOST, WTWW.US, HFUNDERGROUND.COM, FACEBOOK)

**
RESEARCHERS EXPLORE DISK SHAPE FOR SMALL SATELLITES

NEIL/ANCHOR: The world of the ultra-tiny satellite is preparing to take
on a whole new shape. Ralph Squillace KK6ITB tells us about the shape
of things to come.

RALPH: What modern music-lover doesn't remember compact discs? While
that shape is no longer widely used to hold the latest hits or some
favorite classics, the compact disk does hold something else: the
promise of a new kind of plate-shaped ultra-tiny satellite. In fact the
DiskSat, as it is called, is in development as a potential replacement
for the widely known CubeSat, with the hopes of creating a new
standard. Because they are so thin - measuring one inch, or 2.5cm wide
- many can be launched at the same time, stacked inside a payload for
later deployment on an individual basis. Although its dimensions can be
changed, the demonstration DiskSat also measures 1 meter, or not-quite
40 inches - in diameter, leaving plenty of room for solar cells.

NASA has funded the project by engineers at Aerospace Corporation, a
national nonprofit company headquartered in California. Aerospace hopes
to get a quartet of DiskSats launched in either 2023 or 2024 through
the Pentagon's Space Test Program.

Engineers hope the DiskSat will prove suitable for very low Earth
orbit, offering low atmospheric drag and the ability to stay up in
space for longer periods of time. That kind of compact disc would
indeed bring music to everyone's ears.

This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.

(AEROSPACE.ORG)

**
GERMAN STATE'S LAW BECOMES MORE ANTENNA-FRIENDLY

NEIL/ANCHOR: A proposed change in building regulations in one part of
Germany is expected to allow higher antenna masts to be installed
without permission being required. This is the same state in which Ham
Radio Friedrichshafen, [Pronunciation: Freed Ricks HA Fen], Europe's
largest ham fest, takes place every year. Here's Ed Durrant DD5LP with
an update.

ED: An antenna-friendly change in the state building laws is expected
to be adopted in Baden-Württemberg. This will permit antennas to be
installed on masts as high as 15 metres, or nearly 50 feet, in
residential areas and 20 metres, or 65 feet, outside of residential
areas without the need for planning permission. Until now, the state's
height limit was 10 metres, or 32 feet, consistent with the other
states in Germany. Proponents of this change are hoping this will
enable more complete digital cell phone coverage without the burden of
paperwork previously associated with the antenna installation. The fact
that the law applies to all radio masts would, of course, be a benefit
to radio hams in the state as well.

The state Parliament is expected to debate the draft law change soon
and if approved its enactment would come shortly afterwards.

This is Ed Durrant DD5LP.

(FUNK TELEGRAMM MAGAZINE)

**
MARITIME MOBILE NET AIDS DISTRESSED FISHING VESSEL

NEIL/ANCHOR: The Maritime Mobile Service Network came to the aid
recently of a fishing vessel with engine difficulties. Jack Parker
W8ISH has that story.

JACK: On November 6th, engine trouble was plaguing the Captain Chad as
the 80-foot commercial fishing vessel made its way through the water
south of Jamaica with eight passengers aboard. The captain called for
help over various frequencies on the commercial HF marine band but
without luck. Fearing the calm waters would soon get rougher and more
dangerous, he declared an emergency and called for help again -- this
time, tuning to his radio's preset frequency of 14.300 MHz. Tom Yturri,
W5TEY, who was on duty as Maritime Mobile Service Operator, heard the
call and got the boat's location from the captain, Curtis Jackson. Tom
telephoned the Jamaican Coast Guard but after getting no response, he
reached out to the US Coast Guard in Virginia. The Maritime Mobile
Service Network then lost contact. All it could do was leave
information about the Captain Chad and ask all incoming net control
stations to try to re-establish contact.

Two days later, a much happier contact took place: Tom heard from the
fishing vessel's owner. The boat and everyone on board were rescued
without incident thanks to the vital information passed along by the
Maritime Mobile Service Network. Tom said simply: [quote] "It's what we
train to do." [endquote]

This is Jack Parker W8ISH.

(JEFF SAVASTA, KB4JKL)

**
GRANT SUBSIDIZES RFI-FIGHTING EFFORTS IN NEW ENGLAND

NEIL/ANCHOR: The New England Division of the ARRL has just acquired the
means to buy some powerful tools to help amateurs struggling to combat
RFI. With the help of a $23,640 grant from Amateur Radio Digital
Communications, the division will be purchasing kits to be used by each
of its seven sections throughout the New England states. The kits
contain antennas along with equipment capable of RFI detection and
spectrum capture and will be capable of helping on the VHF/UHF
frequencies as well as on HF.

Rob Leiden, K1UI, assistant director for Spectrum Protection &
Utilization, expressed confidence that the section teams will be
well-prepared and well-equipped. The division will be conducting
on-site training for each section's RFI team and the ARDC grant is
designed to cover these training costs as well.

(ARDC)

**
INTERNATIONAL NEWSMAKER AWARD TO BE ANNOUNCED

NEIL/ANCHOR: We remind our listeners that in another two weeks, we will
be announcing this year's recipient of the Amateur Radio Newsline
International Newsmaker of the Year Award. We began this award in 2019
as a way of honoring individuals, groups or formal clubs whose actions
and contributions show the world the value that amateur radio brings to
society. Recipients are chosen by the editorial staff of Amateur Radio
Newsline. All past recipients have shown themselves to adhere to the
high standards of selflessness and community service which ham radio is
known for and have also helped garner recognition and a higher profile
for ham radio in the mainstream media. Be listening in early December
when we announce the deserving recipient. The award means they have not
only made headlines but also made a difference in the world.

**

BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline heard on bulletin stations around the world including
the WI9HF repeater in Madison Wisconsin on Tuesday nights at 7:30.

**
ISS ASTRONAUT BOB BEHNKEN, KG5GGX, RETIRES

NEIL/ANCHOR: A US astronaut whose tenure on board the ISS made history
has retired from NASA. We hear about him from Paul Braun WD9GCO.

PAUL: Congratulations to astronaut Bob Behnken, KG5GGX, who retired
from NASA on Friday, the 11th of November. Bob, a former colonel in the
US Air Force, made headlines as the pilot and joint operations
commander for the first crewed flight of the SpaceX Dragon when it was
launched to the International Space station in May of 2020. Previously,
Bob had been on flights of the space shuttle Endeavour, logging 93 days
in space. During these missions, he completed 10 spacewalks in all, for
a total of 61 hours.

Bob became an astronaut candidate for NASA in July of 2000. His first
spaceflight was aboard the Endeavour eight years later, as a mission
specialist.

This is Paul Braun WD9GCO.

(NASA, AMSAT NEWS SERVICE)

**

MARCONI IS HONORED BY VIRTUAL REALITY PRESENTATION IN WALES

NEIL/ANCHOR: Using the innovative technology of virtual reality, an
arts center in Cardiff, Wales, is celebrating a radio pioneer who made
history with technology that was innovative for his own time: the 19th
century. We have those details from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

JEREMY: The presentation at the Wales Millennium Centre is called "A
Signal Across Space," a title that refers to the Morse Code
transmission sent on 13 May 1897 by Guglielmo Marconi across a stretch
of open sea.

The signal travelled between Flat Holm Island in the Bristol Channel
and Lavernock Point on the south Wales coast. The moment becomes
reality - or rather, virtual reality - for audience members at the
centre who are given special VR headsets enabling them to experience
themes in music, poetry and dance that were inspired by Marconi's
experiment. Viewers see it all in a 360-degree immersive experience.

The 50-minute film has several sections, of which one uses part of a
lecture from the Barry and District Radio Society describing Marconi's
experiment. Another section, called "In the Air," recounts the story of
Marconi's 19th century experiment more directly. The centre has also
assembled a small exhibit for audience members to view afterwards,
offering a closer look at Lavernock, where Marconi received those first
transmissions. The programme concludes on 20th November .

I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH. (WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, NATION WEBSITE)

**
ACMA SEEKS INPUT ON PROPOSED LICENSE IN AUSTRALIA

NEIL/ANCHOR: The deadline is coming up fast for hams in Australia to
comment on a proposed new license class. Graham Kemp VK4BB brings us up
to date.

GRAHAM: The clock is running out for amateurs in Australia who want to
submit comments on a proposed amateur class licence and on a separate
proposal that would permit amateurs to increase operating power from
400 watts to 1 kW PEP. Under the latter, Advanced Class amateurs.

The class licence is proposed to take effect in July 2023.

The Australia Communications and Media Authority will accept all
submissions until 5 p.m. Australian Eastern Time on the 29th of
November.

This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.

(ACMA)

**
HAMVENTION CHOOSES "INNOVATION" AS THEME FOR 2023

NEIL/ANCHOR: The Hamvention 2023 team has announced that "Innovation"
will be their theme for the 2023 expo in Xenia, Ohio. Writing on the
Hamvention website, team member Michael Kalter, W8CI, said the theme
was particularly exciting because [quote]: "We are confident it
encompasses the world of amateur radio today in just one word."
[endquote] Hamvention will be held May 19, 20 and 21, 2023 at the
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Tickets are already
available online and by mail. The website is hamvention.org

(HAMVENTION 2023)

**
POLICE SAY HAMS' 'PUMPKIN PATROL' HELPED DETER MISCHIEF

NEIL/ANCHOR: State police in New York tapped the crime-fighting
potential of amateur radio during the recent Halloween season. Sel
Embee KB3TZD shares this success story.

SEL: In New York State, the Pumpkin Patrol has been an amateur radio
holiday tradition since the mid-1980s, pairing hams with New York State
police along one of the state's main thoroughfares - the New York State
Thruway. The Thruway extends from Newburgh in the Hudson Valley, all
the way north to Syracuse.

For five hours on both Halloween Eve and Halloween Night, a traditional
time for mischief, New York amateur radio clubs once again worked this
year with the state police to monitor checkpoints along the overpasses
to ensure motorist safety.

According to a report on the website, MyLittleFalls.org, no suspicious
activity was reported. State police said that 15 ham organizations
participated, representing 19 counties in New York State.

The crime-deterring effort was inspired by an incident in 1976 when a
CB radio operator was talking to a truck driver on Halloween when the
truck driver's windshield was shattered by a pumpkin that had been
tossed at the vehicle from an overpass. CB radio operators began the
first Halloween safety patrols soon after - and the effort grew
fromthere.

This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.

(MYLITTLEFALLS.COM)

**
WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, be listening for Bob, W7YAQ, and Al, K7AR, on the
air from Pago Pago, American Samoa. They are calling QRZ from November
18th to December 1st using the callsign K8H. You can also hear them in
the CQWW CW Contest. The station will be on 160 through 10 metres. Logs
will be uploaded to Club Log on a regular basis. QSL via OQRS, LoTW,
orW7YAQ.

There is still time to work Paco, EA7KNT, from Porto Antiguo, Sal
Island (IOTA number AF-086) Cape Verde. He is on the air until the 20th
of November using the callsign D4SAL. QSL to his home callsign.

There is also still time to work the Rebel DX Group operating as T33T
from Banaba Island in the Republic of Kiribati. They will be active
until the 26th of November on 160 - 10m using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via
ClubLog OQRS or LOTW.

Listen for Andy, N2NT, using the callsign V47NT from St. Kitts before
and after the CQWW CW contest. He will participate in the contest as
well, using the callsign V47T. QSL via W2RQ.

Beginning on the 1st of December, be listening as special event station
GB1LJF gets on the air to celebrate the British Electric Lightning
fighter/interceptor aircraft. The plane flew as an interceptor in the
1960s and '70s and made its last flight in the UK in 1988. Details are
available on the station's page on QRZ.com. QSL direct to 2E1HQY.

(DX-WORLD.NET, DX NEWS.COM, RSGB)

**
KICKER: A THANKSGIVING NET WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS

NEIL/ANCHOR: Our final story is about a net held once a year by a group
of amateurs marking the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Hams are
welcome to check in either before or after the traditional holiday
feast. Mike Askins, KE5CXP, serves us a generous helping of the
details.

MIKE: Thomas Black K9ASE is looking to talk turkey with a couple of
hams. It's the kind of straightforward but friendly on-air chat he and
other radio operators have been enjoying on Thanksgiving Day for the
past 11 years. They mark the American holiday by putting amateur radio
on the menu before or after the traditional feast. This year, as in all
the previous years, everyone is invited to the table - domestic or DX
-on November 24th.

Many of those who check in have grown to know one another from the
forums on QRZ.com. Others simply show up to wish holiday cheer. Thomas
told Newsline: [quote]: "It's a great opportunity to wish everyone
happy holidays and spread good will. There are no formal rules."
[endquote] Frequencies are on or near 28.450, 21.310, 14.245 and 7.200
MHz. Updates are posted in the QRZ.com forums under the thread with the
heading "Turkey Day Net."

The action starts at 1500 UTC and continues into the evening until, as
with the big meal itself, everyone has had enough.

This is Mike Askins KE5CXP.

(THOMAS BLACK K9ASE)

**

NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Aerospace.org; the ACMA; Amateur Radio
Digital Communications; AMSAT News; the ARRL; BBC; CQ Magazine; David
Behar K7DB; DX-World.net; Facebook; Funk Telegramm Magazine; Jeff
Savasta, KB4JKL; Hamvention 2023; MyLittleFalls.com; QRZ.com; the RSGB;
shortwaveradio.de; Thomas Black K9ASE; Wales Millennium Centre;
Wireless Institute of Australia; 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
2022. All rights reserved.