Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2288 for Friday September 3rd, 2021

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2288 with a release date of Friday September 3rd, 2021 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. US hams respond to a devastating hurricane in the Gulf region. Solar storms are called a threat to the internet — and the Newsline team suffers a personal loss. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2288 comes your way right now.

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BILLBOARD CART

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US HAMS STEP IN AS HURRICANE SWEEPS GULF REGION

JIM/ANCHOR: We begin this week with Hurricane Ida. The storm battered the state of Louisiana and the Gulf region in the US—and hams were ready. Here's Randy Sly W4XJ with that report.

RANDY: As Hurricane Ida approached the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday morning, August 29, amateur radio operators were already active with the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN), VOIP Hurricane Net and local emergency nets in the affected areas.

It was the 16 th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina when this new contender headed inland near Grand Isle, Louisiana. With winds over 148 mph at landfall, Ida devastated areas of Louisiana and Mississippi before moving north and east, dumping torrential rains as it went. This Category 4 hurricane left four people dead and millions of utility customers without power.

Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, net manager of Hurricane Watch Net, told Amateur Radio Newsline that weather models warned him this storm would be serious. The net was active for 26 hours with 47 reporting stations. More than 120 reports were sent to the National Hurricane Center through WX4NHC. According to Rob Macedo (Mah-see-doh), KD1CY, director of operations for the VOIP Hurricane Net, the net provided the hurricane center with additional details as hams checked in with traffic from weather stations, social media outlets, public safety
outlets and contacts in the affected areas.

Amateur radio and government also worked hand-in-hand as FEMA declared Channels 1 and 2 on 60 meters available for interoperability as late as September 6th if needed. As before, the FCC authorized a higher symbol rate than the 300-baud limit for hams’ hurricane-related transmissions.

If you would like to volunteer to help the American Red Cross or any of the amateur radio groups mentioned in this report, please see contact information in the printed version of this week's newscast on our website, arnewsline.org

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

For the American Red Cross, Contact Steve Irving, DST Lead, Louisiana Region, Cell (225) 933-4993, steve.irving2@redcross.org. 

For the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Auxiliary Communications Support and Amateur Radio Station WB5LHS, matthew.anderson3@redcross.org

For the Hurricane Watch Net (www.hwn.org), Bobby Graves, KB5HAV – Net Manager
kb5hav@hwn.org 

For the VOIP Hurricane Net, Rob Macedo, KD1CY – Director of Operations
rmacedo@rcn.com 


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SOLAR STORMS CALLED THREAT TO INTERNET

JIM/ANCHOR: Most of us know what solar storms can do to our plans for DX or even a friendly ragchew when they mess with the earth's geomagnetic field. Well according to one California researcher, internet-users could soon be sharing our pain. Here's Ralph Squillace KK6ITB to explain.

RALPH: If you rely on the internet as much as you rely on your amateur radio, you may have twice as many reasons for being wary of space weather, according to a California professor. Sangeetha [Son-Geeta] Abdu [Ab-Doo] Jyothi [Joe-Tee], a computer scientist as the University of California, Irvine, believes that major solar storms are capable of compromising the internet's global infrastructure—and probably will.

It's not that a coronal mass ejection can disable the fibre optic cables that form the foundation of the internet. They can't: Those cables remain unaffected and local internet service would remain intact. But, the researcher said, a global network of undersea communications cables that boost the internet's international signals—the equivalent of repeaters—would suffer directly from electromagnetic fluctuations brought on by severe solar eruptions. In a recently released research paper, the professor speculated that this could knock nations off the internet, isolating them for as long as several weeks. The professor presented her findings in a paper in late August at a conference held virtually by the Association for Computer Machinery. She noted that astrophysicists say there is a likelihood of between 1.6 percent and 12 percent that a strong enough storm of this sort will occur within the next decade.
 
For many, her findings describe a future version of the Carrington Event, a geomagnetic storm in September of 1859 that damaged the earth's ozone layer and disrupted telegraph lines around the world.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.

(FROM JENNY TUPPER, the DAILY MAIL, ACM SIGCOMM)

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AMATEUR RADIO TEAM EYES NASA'S GATEWAY PROJECT

JIM/ANCHOR:  If you're old enough to remember when amateur radio first went on the air on the International Space Station almost 21 years ago, you can probably appreciate the slow and careful effort that's being made now with respect to NASA's Gateway project, the multi-purpose station being designed for eventual lunar orbit.  Neil Rapp WB9VPG tells us about ham radio's interest in the project.

NEIL: The amateur radio exploration team (AREx), an international team of ham radio organizations, is crossing its collective fingers that one day ham radio will be welcome aboard the NASA's Gateway project in much the same way ham radio eventually ended up on the ISS.

Frank Bauer KA3HDO, a co-leader of the team, said AREx is "cautiously optimistic" that at some point one of the modules to be launched later for the Gateway may provide some optimal conditions for a ham shack, including access to reliable power from the sun and a good field of view of the earth to enable radio contacts. Even with those conditions met, however, NASA would still have to commit to a ham radio presence on board. Frank said: [quote] "We are being patient and working with NASA as to what is the best approach...We are just staying engaged." [endquote]

The Gateway's first modules are already earmarked to launch together commercially. Those are the HALO, the astronauts' pressurized living quarters, and the Power Propulsion Element. Frank said that modules to be launched after these first two may provide even richer fields of view of the earth. Meanwhile, unlike the development of the ARISS program on board the ISS two decades ago, he said, progress is expected to be intermittent.

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

(NASA, FUNK TELEGRAMM MAGAZINE, FRANK BAUER KA3HDO)

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FATHER-DAUGHTER CYCLISTS CONCLUDE RADIO EXPEDITION

JIM/ANCHOR: After a successful bicycle tour and fundraiser, a bicycling father-daughter team is back home in England. Ed Durrant DD5LP tells us how their adventure went.

ED: The father-daughter cycling ham radio team of Kevin Richardson G0PEK and Lauren Richardson 2E0HLR have come to their journey's end. Their Megacycle Expedition finished as planned on August 25th in northern Scotland. Starting at Land's End, it was a 28-day trek of more than 1,700-kilometres and was a fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. They also raised contacts along the way via amateur radio, using their home call signs while on VHF and UHF during the day and using MX0KRO, the callsign of the Kent Active Radio Amateurs group, when camping.

Hams and non-hams alike followed them on Twitter and their Megacycle Expedition Facebook page where they got to see the two adventurers reach their finish line in northern Scotland. There, the duo even participated in International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend operating on HF from the lighthouse at Cape Wrath.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Ed Durrant DD5LP.

(FACEBOOK)


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BONAIRE AMATEURS FORM NEW AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

JIM/ANCHOR: What does it take to form a new amateur radio club? Sometimes it's just a handful of willing radio operators who share the same island in the southern Caribbean ocean. John Williams VK4JJW takes us there.

JOHN: The newest ham radio club on the world map is wasting no time getting things done. The Bonaire Amateur Radio Club PJ4BAR celebrated its recent birth by hosting a field day on Sorobon Beach from August 27th through to the 29th. For now, the fledgling club's membership boasts all nine active radio amateurs who call Bonaire their home fulltime, with additional membership among those amateurs who have addresses on the island but live elsewhere much of the time. Still, the club does enjoy fellowship on and off the air and its weekly meetings often last until late into the night. So if you should hear the club callsign on the air, be sure to work the station—and don't forget to send those QSL cards to M Zero U R X [M0URX].

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams VK4JJW.

(OHIO PENN DX) 


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BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the AH6LE repeater in Beavercreek and Wilsonville Oregon on Sundays at 6 p.m. local time.

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SILENT KEY: NEWSLINE'S ROBERT SUDOCK WB6FDF

JIM/ANCHOR: The next story is a personal one. One of the earliest members of the Newsline family has become a Silent Key. Here's Don Wilbanks AE5DW with some memories of him.

DON: We’ve just learned of the passing of one of our Newsline family. One that dates back to the very beginnings of Newsline. Robert Sudock WB6FDF passed away on July 7th in Long Beach, California at the age of 74. He had been in poor health for some time.
Bob was there when Bill Pasternak WA6ITF and Jim Hendershot WA6VQP formulated the idea to drive to the top of a mountain and report on the state of the Westlink 220 repeater system in the Los Angeles area. That became the Westlink Report and you know it now as Amateur Radio Newsline.

Bob, like Bill Pasternak, hailed from Brooklyn, New York. When a young Bill Pasternak, then WA2HVK, moved to LA, Bob was one of his first contacts. Their lifelong friendship began with that first contact. He had a long career in broadcast engineering including stops at KZH channel 31 and KLON radio in Long Beach and KTTV channel 11 in Los Angeles. It was there where he worked alongside Bill Pasternak. He
served on the board of the Southern California Frequency Coordinating Committee. From 1974 to 1976 Bob edited and reported the Mt. Wilson Repeater Association news and was an original member of Newsline. Bob subbed for Newsline’s Graham Kemp VK4BB as anchor of the Wireless Institute of Australia’s “QNews” when Graham went on holiday. Bob was heard often on Newsline and when Bob Heil began Ham Nation he asked Newsline to be part of the show. Bob Sudock was the original news presenter on Ham Nation. When he fell ill I filled in for him, firmly expecting to just keep his seat warm. That was 10 years ago.

Bob and I sat down via Skype a few years ago and we had a long conversation about the beginnings and little-known facts of Newsline for report #2000. You can find that on our website, arnewsline.org under the Extra tab. Scroll about halfway down for that audio.
I never met Bob Sudock but we talked on the phone many times. He was a gentle soul with a big heart and a deep, resonant voice. After Bill passed away he was invaluable in helping us pick up the pieces and keep Newsline going. Robert Sudock was truly one of The Good Guys.

Good DX, Bob. Tell Bill hello for us.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I’m Don Wilbanks AE5DW.

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NORTH CAROLINA RADIO MUSEUM MARKS 20 YEARS

JIM/ANCHOR: How do you mark 20 years of devotion to radio? If you happen to have your very own museum, you broadcast your joy with a party. Kevin Trotman N5PRE tells us about the celebration.

KEVIN: On Saturday, September 11th, everyone is invited to the Asheville Radio Museum in North Carolina to help it mark two decades of preserving radio history. What grew into a regional home for radio history of all kinds began with founders Clint Gorman K4KRB and the late Carl Smith N4AA. Carl and his wife Miriam rescued a 1930s-era radio receiver in need of a fix-up. Miriam, who was also a ham, then suggested they add to their collection, with the help of some other ham radio operators. Out of that grew an exhibit that became the Southern Appalachian Radio Museum. Now the museum, located on a college campus, showcases all facets of radio technology, from cellphones and Bluetooth to GPS and, of course, vintage commercial and amateur radios. There is even an early 1900s spark gap transmitter for Morse Code.

The public celebration is from noon to 3 p.m. on the campus of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical College and details are available on the museum's website which is

a v l radiomuseum.org.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kevin Trotman N5PRE.
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HAMS RAISE PROFILE OF GROUP THAT AIDS DISABLED VETERANS

JIM/ANCHOR: Hams in Illinois are getting on the air to support a group that aids disabled veterans. Andy Morrison K9AWM tells us about their special event station.

ANDY: Disabled US military veterans have found a friend in an organization known as Healing Of Our American Heroes, or HOOAH. For years, an Illinois organization known as HOOAH Deer Hunt for Heroes has provided wounded former soldiers with access to outdoor activities and paid all their expenses. The Illinois program will gain even more momentum on September 4th, 5th and 6th because they too have found a friend: the Chicago Suburban Radio Association, W9SW, which is showing its support by activating a special event station during the group's fundraiser. The hams will be on the air calling W4V - We're 4 Veterans - from Hickory Hills campground.

Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, the club's vice president, said those dates, which mark Labor Day Weekend, will be the club's first special event for the veterans group. Be listening on 10 through 80 metres.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Andy Morrison K9AWM.

(RON DELPIERE-SMITH, KD9IPO)

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WORLD OF DX

In the world of DX, Michael, DF8AN, will be active as 9A/DF8AN from Croatia until September 12th and he intends to activate a number of lighthouses. Listen for him on CW and the Digital modes. He will finish his activation in Croatia and move next to the Canary Islands in October. Send QSLs via DF8AN, direct or by the Bureau. 

A special event in Spain is marking International Chocolate Day with the callsign EG5DIC. The station will be on the air from September 10th to the 19th, marking the special day itself which is on the 13th. Be listening on various HF bands where the activators will be using CW, SSB and FT8. A downloadable diploma in PDF format will be available. QSL via the Bureau.

Ed Durrant DD5LP has asked us to remind those of you who are looking to make DX contacts there's no better opportunity than in this weekend's Portable Operations Challenge. Whether you have a large or small station this international contest will be bringing out lots of eager stations just wanting your 4-digit Maidenhead locator. Why not put in a log as well even if you only get a few contacts, it's all part of the fun to see where you come compared to your locals! Full details can be found on the FMH POC webpage.  Will you take the challenge?


[DO NOT READ OUT: foxmikehotel.com/ challenge.] 

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KICKER: SKY HIGH PRIDE FOR HIS COLLEGE-BOUND DAUGHTER

JIM/ANCHOR: For our final story, we visit a ham radio operator who is the proud father of a first-year college student. You migt say his pride is....sky-high. Kent Peterson KC0DGY picks up the story from here.

KENT: Almost every parent of a college-bound student wants their son or daughter to shoot for the stars. Roben Beyer, KG0OC, of Bemidji, Minnesota gave his daughter something to help her do it: Her own 40-foot rocket.

According to a story in the Bemidji Pioneer newspaper, the ham constructed the shape of a spacecraft using his amateur radio tower, and that of course meant removing his antennas - at least temporarily.  But dad knew the rocket would help him transmit something better than a signal report: His hopes and dreams for daughter Allie, as she leaves to pursue her studies in biochemistry and biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth. According to the newspaper, her love of astronomy has helped her set her sights on a career in the space industry.

In fact, Roben said, the tower-top rocketship took its inspiration from father-daughter stargazing sessions on the back deck of their home at night, using a telescope that had belonged to his own father. He said to the newspaper: [quote] "This was a seed that got planted that we've nurtured through the years." [endquote]. Ascending his tower for the first time in about 10 years, he created the rocket's body out of reinforced plastic and finished off with wooden lettering. It may never sail higher than its prominent spot atop the tower, but the Beyer family is certain that their college student, fueled by dreams and hard work, is ready to be launched.

For Amateur Radio Newsline I'm Kent Peterson KC0DGY.

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NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to the ACM Special Interest Group on Data Communication; Amateur News Weekly; AMSAT; Appalachian Trail on the Air; the ARRL; BBC Sounds; the Bemidji Pioneer; CQ Magazine; the Daily Mail; David Behar K7DB; Daily DX; FCC.Gov; Jenny Tupper; Ohio Penn DX; QRZ.com; Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO; the SOTA Reflector; Southgate Amateur Radio News; shortwaveradio.de; Ted Randall's QSO Radio Show; WTWW Shortwave; and you our listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. You can write to us at newsline@arnewsline.org. For more information or to support us visit our official website at arnewsline.org.

For now, with Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT at the news desk in New York, and our news team worldwide, I'm Jim Damron N8TMW in Charleston, West Virginia saying 73. As always we thank you for listening.

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