Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2335 for Friday July 29, 2022

[Amateur Radio Newsline]

weAmateur Radio Newsline Report 2335 for Friday July 29, 2022

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2335 with a release date of Friday
July 29, 2022 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. Russia announces its withdrawal from the ISS.
Proposed new requirements in Brazil stir controversy -- and in the UK
there'll be a new fast track to a full license. All this and more as
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2335 comes your way right now.

**
BILLBOARD CART

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RUSSIA TO WITHDRAW FROM ISS FLIGHTS

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: Our top story this week takes us to the International
Space Station. We hear from Paul Braun WD9GCO.

PAUL: The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, had announced that the
nation's cosmonauts will no longer participate on any ISS flights after
2024. News of a possible broken partnership had observers questioning
how the operation of the ISS would continue without Russia's
participation. NASA officials said, however, that despite the July 26th
announcement, the US space agency had not yet received any formal
declaration of intent from Russia.

Cosmonauts have joined astronauts from many other nations as part of
the team in orbit conducting important research and making contacts
through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. The ISS was
intended to stay operational until 2030. Roscosmos' new
director-general, Yuri Borisov, said that Russia hopes to focus now on
establishing an orbiting station of its own.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Paul Braun WD9GCO.

(ASSOCIATED PRESS, REUTERS, SPACENEWS)

**
BRAZIL REGULATOR PROPOSES MANDATORY LOTW FOR UPGRADES

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's controversy in Brazil over proposed amateur
regulations that include mandatory use of Logbook of the World for
upgrades. That report comes to us from Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

JEREMY: In a move being opposed by Brazil's national amateur radio
society, use of the ARRL's Logbook of the World would become mandatory
for any radio amateurs in that country who are seeking licence
upgrades, according to an online report. Brazil's national amateur
radio society, Liga de Amadores Brasileiros de Rádio Emissão,
announced that the national regulator ANATEL proposes that hams wishing
to advance to a Class A or Class B licence from a Class C, would be
required to confirm QSOs by using LoTW. This proposal is designed as
one component in an alternative being considered to replace the CW
test. It is being called the experience test and it mandates that LoTW
be used to document contacts that prove the upgrade applicant has
sufficient experience to warrant the change in licence class.
Separately, applicants would also have to fulfill the experience
requirement by showing participation in courses and radio-related
activities.

The proposed use of the free online QSO authentication service has
drawn some controversy: In an online statement, LABRE claims its use
would constitute outsourcing to a foreign entity because the service is
provided by the American Radio Relay League. LABRE also believes this
proposed mandate puts applicants at a disadvantage if they do not
engage in contesting or DXing.

ANATEL has been seeking written comments and plans to schedule a public
hearing on the proposal.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(LABRE, SOUTHGATE)

**
OBSERVATORY'S RADIO CURRICULUM FOR MINORITIES GETS ARDC GRANT

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The National Radio Astronomy Observatory, part of the
US National Science Foundation, is launching a program in January that
is designed to provide amateur radio training and education on the
electromagnetic spectrum to members of the LGBTQIA, Black, indigenous
and people of color communities.

The two-year program, known as Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum,
has received a grant of $315,123 from Amateur Radio Digital
Communications to support its mission to serve minority students who
are underrepresented in the sciences. Students will be introduced to
radio technology and will work toward their technician and general
class amateur radio licenses.

The observatory's director Tony Beasley released a statement saying:
[quote] "Amateur radio continues to be incredibly important to the
nation and global communications, and NRAO is excited to be working
with ARDC to bring a new generation and diverse communities to the
field." [endquote]

(ARDC)

**
SILENT KEY: BEN HENLEY KI4IGX, LEADER IN FLORIDA EMERGENCY WORK

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A leader in emergency preparedness in the Florida
amateur radio community has become a Silent Key. With those details
here's Jim Damron N8TMW.

JIM: The amateur community in West Central Florida lost one of its
regional leaders recently. Ben Henley, KI4IGX, the former section
emergency coordinator for the ARRL, became a Silent Key on the 20th of
July. At the time of his death, Ben, who had congestive heart failure
and ischemia, was awaiting a heart transplant.

Though he made his living in the field of information technology, he
was deeply involved in his various emergency management roles that had
amateur radio at its core. Many of his initiatives stemmed from his
work as emergency management coordinator with Highlands County
Emergency Management. He is credited for helping grow a partnership
between that office and Highlands County ARES. He also helped build a
bridge between three ARRL Florida Section ARES programs and the state's
EOC for emergency response.

Ben was 52 years old.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jim Damron N8TMW.

(ARRL)

**
APRS MAP SERVICE BECOMES MOTORIST RESOURCE IN NORWAY

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's a new option to help with navigating roads in
Norway and it's being provided through amateur radio. Ed Durrant DD5LP
brings us that story.

ED: In Norway, motorists and others needing information about
accidents, construction projects and advisories on roads are now able
to tap into a resource provided through amateur radio: The APRS map
service operated by the Norwegian Radio Relay League. According to a
report from the league, the amateur radio map service has integrated
the data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration into the APRS
system. The messages are categorized according to levels of urgency:
low, high and highest. League members are able to get a user account
enabling them to do limited editing of map layers in the system.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP.

(NRRL)

**
UK MAKES FAST TRACK TO FULL LICENSE AVAILABLE

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: There's a quicker way for hams in the UK to progress to
the top-tier license. Jeremy Boot G4NJH explains.

JEREMY: The wait is over: Amateur licence candidates in the UK wishing
to qualify immediately for a Full licence will be able to take the
faster track starting on the 1st January. This major change, which is
being called direct-to-full, has long been favoured within the amateur
community, according to surveys by the RSGB and Essex Ham.

The 75-question exam, which is in two parts, takes about 2 and a half
hours to complete. It will be available online but it is not yet clear
whether candidates may also sit for the test at a registered exam
centre. The test does not contain any practical assessments.

To clarify the process for candidates, Essex Ham has produced a video
by Pete M0PSX explaining that the exam is most suitable for individuals
who have a background in the RF field or some expertise in electronics
and don't need the incremental steps through the two lower licence
tiers. The syllabus for the direct-to-full is the same as for the
traditional licence path. Anyone may take the exam, including holders
of Foundation and Intermediate licences.

The cost of the direct-to-full exam has not yet been announced. To view
the Essex Ham video, find the link in the text version of this week's
newscast at arnewsline.org

[FOR PRINT ONLY:
https://www.essexham.co.uk/rsgb-launches-direct-to-full.html ]

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(ESSEX HAM, RSGB)

**
BENDIGO CLUB ADDS FOCUS GROUP FOR FIELD WORK, EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In Australia, one club has added a focus group
specializing on emergency response and field work. Jason Daniels VK2LAW
has that report.

JASON: The Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club is preparing for
the launch of its special interest group that focuses on field
operations and regional emergency support. The group will begin its
activities when members meet on Friday, August 19th at the club hall in
Bendigo, Victoria. According to an email from club president Neil
VK3ZVX, this is intended to be a group that plans, prepares and trains
for inevitable crises. The first meeting will focus on "show and tell,"
allowing members to share the equipment they have used in previous
field operations such as Mills on the Air, SOTA or parks activations.
This includes any Go-Kits, portable camping gear, solar panels and
batteries.

Neil stressed that perfection is not required. In fact, he writes in
his email [quote] "Even if it is only a half-baked idea, a half-built
project or a pile of bits for one, bring it along and be prepared to
explain it if need be." [endquote] Neil said the point of the
show-and-tell is to obtain the widest range of ideas and inspiration.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Jason Daniels VK2LAW.

(BAREC)

**

BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur
Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including
the WD8IIJ repeater of the Steubenville-Weirton Amateur Radio Club on
Fridays at 8 p.m. local time in the hometown of the late great Dean
Martin, Steubenville, Ohio.

**
HAMS IN BELGIUM TAKE QSO PARTY TO THE AIR

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: In Belgium, a group of hams will be taking their next
QSO party to the air. Ed Durrant DD5LP tells us what they've got
planned.

ED: When is a QSO party more than just a QSO party? When it gets an
extra lift from a hot air balloon operating on 2 metres, 2,500 feet
above the Belgian province of East Flanders. It's a club-wide project
overseen by Jurgen ON8VC, Niels ON3NSB and Bernard ON5MB, members of
the radio club Zottegem ON6ZT. The launch for the flight, which will
last about an hour and a half, is scheduled for August 10th at about 6
p.m. local time. It is of course weather-dependent.

Jurgen said there will be two pilot ground stations. Erwin ON7XF and
Theo ON4CLF will handle logging for all stations worked. Dominique
ON3DDH and Chris ON6ME will be documenting the event in photos by
following the balloon by car. The QSL cards will feature many of the
photos.

Jurgen told Newsline in an email that the club has a QSO party each
month on VHF, mostly with local stations operating on 145.550. The hams
decided a few months ago to try and incorporate a hot air balloon into
the activity.

Stations are expected to spot their contacts on dxsummit.fi but
amateurs outside the region of this very local event can still follow
the action on APRS. Club manager Benard ON5MB will run an APRS tracker
that can be followed at APRS.fi.

Jurgen said this QSO Party is a kind of test flight: He said there are
already plans in the works to try this on HF in 2023.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP.

(JURGEN ON8VC)

**
SPANISH MAGAZINE SPONSORS INTERNATIONAL YL EVENT

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: An amateur radio magazine published in Spain has
announced a YL Diploma contest that's gâ-Œoing to be a worldwide event.
Neil Rapp WB9VPG brings us up to date.

NEIL: Every month, a Spanish magazine known as Selvamar Noticias
transmits friendship, goodwill and radio education - not over the
amateur bands but through the pages of its free publication. Created by
Manel EA3IAZ and Juan JosÃ(c) EA3IEW, it has devoted itself to
environmental issues and to celebrating the achievements of the
youngest members of the amateur radio community. The magazine also
supports YLs deeply involved in the hobby. The August edition of the
magazine shines the spotlight on those YLs by devoting one third of its
articles to YLs and their accomplishments. The magazine is also
sponsoring a YL Diploma contest that runs from August 15th through to
the 21st. Citizens Band stations and SWLs are also able to participate.
Stations will also be using Echolink and the digital modes.

Manel and Juan JosÃ(c) told Newsline in an email that the event is open
to operators in all countries. The diploma will be presented as a
downloadable PDF.

A link to additional details about the event can be found in the text
version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org.

Although since starting publishing two years ago, the magazine has been
translated into several languages including an accessible version for
the disabled, the August edition will only be available in Spanish.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Neil Rapp WB9VPG.

"[FOR PRINT ONLY https://selvamar-noticias.jimdofree.com/diploma-yl/ ]"
to be "[FOR PRINT ONLY https://selvamar-noticias.jimdofree.com
Google translated version:
https://selvamar--noticias-jimdofree-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=es&_x
_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp ]

**

PROGRAM OFFERS HANDS-ON LEARNING TO FOUNDATION LEVEL HAMS

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: One amateur club in the UK is providing hands-on
learning to newcomers now that those lessons are no longer required by
the license exam. Jeremy Boot G4NJH brings us the details.

JEREMY: Although the practical exam is no longer a requirement for a
Foundation licence in the UK, practical experience is still a vital
part of getting started on the air. Members of the Sutton and Cheam
Radio Society in Surrey are providing that to newcomers with a hands-on
session on the 11th of September in Surrey. New licence-holders will
learn how to adjust an aerial for various frequencies, make contacts on
VHF and HF and learn how to set up a station. They will also get a
chance to hear - and learn more about - Morse Code. Many of these
demonstrations were once elements in the formerly mandated
practicalexam.

The practical proficiency test requirement was removed so that online
testing could take place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practicals for
the Intermediate exam were eliminated the previous year.

Those attending will be asked to pay a £10 fee which is to cover use
of the headquarters of the 7th Banstead Scouts.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

(SUTTON AND CHEAM RADIO SOCIETY)

**

WORLD OF DX


In the World of DX, be listening for Raji, CN8QR, using the special
call 5E9QR from Marrakesh, Morocco from August 16th through to the
29th. Raji is marking "Youth Day" and the 59th birthday of King
Mohammed the Sixth. Be listening on various HF bands. QSL via CN8WW.

Alan, VK1AO, will be on the air as 4W/VK1AO from Dili, Timor-Leste,
until August 4th. While visiting family, he and plans to activate IOTAs
OC-148, Timor Island, and OC-232, Atauro Island, and a number of Parks
on the Air locations. Be listening on various HF bands where he will be
using CW, SSB, JS8 and FT8. QSL via eQSL, ClubLog or LoTW.

Elvira, IV3FSG, will be active as 5R8LH from Madagascar, AF-013,
between August 1st and September 9th. Be listening on 80-10 meters
where she will be using SSB, RTTY and PSK31 in her spare time. QSL via
IK2DUW, direct, by the Bureau, ClubLog or LoTW.

Be listening for Bernhard, DL2GAC, on the air July 30th through
September 15th as H44MS on Guadalcanal Island, OC-047, in the Solomon
Islands. Bernhard will be on 80-6 meters using SSB and possibly FT8. He
will also be active in the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 30th and 31st. QSL
via DL2GAC, direct, by the Bureau or via ClubLog.

**

KICKER: NO NEED TO DECODE A SON'S DEVOTION

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: We end this week's report with a story about an event
that's not just a special event station but a tribute to a father from
his son. Randy Sly W4XJ picks up the story from here.

RANDY: Herb Goodluck, N7HG, grew up knowing that his father had served
with the Marines during WWII, but that was all. Then, in 1968, when the
mission was declassified, he and his family first learned that John V.
Goodluck was one of the famous Navajo Code Talkers, who used their
native language to craft a messaging system that defied decryption by
the enemy. Herb gradually heard more and more stories of his father's
efforts in the war's Pacific theater, enlarging his appreciation for
their risks and contribution to winning the war.

When his father died in 2000, Herb, who had earned his amateur radio
license in 1996, wanted to do something special to honor him and
preserve the legacy of all who had been a part of the Code Talkers. "I
was so proud of my father," he told Amateur Radio Newsline, "and wanted
to give him - and all of them - something in return." So, in 2004, he
reserved N7C as the callsign for the first annual Special Event to take
place around August 14, which is Navajo Code Talkers Day.

Eighteen years later, this devoted son still honors the legacy of his
father and his fellow Code Talkers. This year's special event will run
from August 10 through the 14th. You can contact the station using
phone, CW and FT-8 on 40, 20 and 17 meters. Additional information can
be found in theQRZ.comlisting for N7C.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Randy Sly, W4XJ.

**
NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to the ARRL; Associated Press; BAREC; CQ
Magazine; David Behar K7DB; Essex Ham; Jurgen ON8VC; LABRE; NRRL; Ohio
Penn DX; QRZ.com; Radio Society of Great Britain; Reuters; Southgate
Amateur Radio News; shortwaveradio.de; SpaceNews; 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.

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. As always we thank you for listening.

Amateur Radio Newsline(tm) is Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.