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Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2426 for Friday April 26th, 2024

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2426 with a release date of Friday
April 26th, 2024 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. A California ham club faces homelessness. Good
copy again from the Voyager-1 space probe -- and big changes are in the
works for MFJ Enterprises. All this and more as Amateur Radio Newsline
Report Number 2426 comes your way right now.

**
BILLBOARD CART

**
BREAKING NEWS: MFJ ENTERPRISES TO SCALE DOWN PRODUCT LINE, OPERATIONS

NEIL/ANCHOR: We begin this week with breaking news. As Newsline went to production late Thursday, April 25th, MFJ Enterprises confirmed that it
was making major changes to the 52-year-old business. MFJ's location in Starkville, Mississippi will remain open but its operation will be
"shrinking dramatically." The changes are expected to be felt
throughout the amateur radio realm, according to office manager, Nancy
Capps. In a letter released publicly late Thursday, company founder
Martin Jue K5FLU, explained that the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and his own desire, at age 80, to have more family time were
the impetus for the change. No information was immediately available
about the fate of MFJ's sister product lines such as HyGain, Cushcraft
and Ameritron. Newsline will be following these developments.

**
CALIFORNIA RADIO CLUB FACES HOMELESSNESS

NEIL/ANCHOR: Our other top story takes us to California where an
amateur radio club that has provided lifesaving communications and
assistance to its community is about to become homeless. We have that developing story from Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.

RALPH: A California ham radio club that has provided disaster
communications and other community services from its building on city
property now faces an emergency of its own: The Santa Barbara Amateur
Radio Club has until the end of July to find a new home for its members
and all its radio equipment. Since 1975, the club has been permitted to
use the site owned by the city of Santa Barbara, where it built an earthquake-resistant, climate-controlled modular structure. Now the
city needs the land back to accommodate a construction project that
will replace an aging reservoir near that property with two reservoirs
that are 5-million gallons each. For the project to go forward, the ham
club and a number of other users of the land will need to vacate the
premises.

The club's director-at-large, Levi Maaia, K6LCM, wrote in a recent
Op-Ed piece on the Edhat Santa Barbara website that [quote] "the club
now faces an uncertain future due to the new municipal developments and
lack of a permanent home for its facilities." [endquote] Levi wrote
that the club has been unable to find a replacement site that would
accommodate the club's communications requirements to fulfill public
safety communications needs.

He said that, so far, no alternate site has been identified and the
club remains without a solution. The club has appealed to the local
community for help.

This is Ralph Squillace KK6ITB.

(EDHAT SANTA BARBARA, SBARC, KEYT-TV NEWS)

**
SOLID COPY AGAIN FROM VOYAGER-1; RADIO ANTENNA SERVES VOYAGER-2

NEIL/ANCHOR: There's good news for NASA's Voyager 1 deep space probe,
which is back to transmitting usable data to Earth after a chip
malfunction left its messages garbled five months ago. NASA announced
that a coding fix by scientists at its Jet Propulsion Laboratory
restored viable communications. NASA said it has since received good
data from Voyager-1 about the health of its engineering systems and it
is expected to resume its scientific mission shortly.

Meanwhile, it's easy to forget that its twin probe, Voyager-2, has been maintaining reliable contact with Earth thanks to a very special
antenna in Australia. Jason Daniels, VK2LAW, brings us that report.

JASON: The Deep Space Station-43 radio antenna near Canberra isn't just Australia's largest antenna but a reliable source of two-way
communication with a variety of space explorers, including Voyager-2 as
it goes out in search of distant planets and investigates the
heliosphere.

It's been on the job for a half-century - since the era of NASA's
Apollo program - and was recently declared an IEEE Milestone. IEEE president-elect Kathleen Kramer heralded it formally during a recent
ceremony as [quote] "the only antenna remaining on Earth capable of communicating with Voyager-2." [endquote] It is built to be capable of capturing transmissions that begin many billions of kilometrers away
from a 23-watt radio.

The DSS-43 antenna, with a dish diameter of 64 metres, has been in
service since late 1972 - and its earliest mission was to receive audio
and video from the Apollo 17 mission from the surface of the moon.

Its declaration as an IEEE Milestone is recognition of the antenna as
an innovation that has provided a great benefit to humanity.

This is Jason Daniels VK2LAW.

(NASA, YAHOO NEWS, IEEE SPECTRUM)

**
DEBATE REOPENS OVER AM RADIO'S FUTURE IN CARS

NEIL/ANCHOR: US lawmakers are about to resume a controversial debate:
Should it be mandatory for new vehicles in the US to have an AM radio
receiver? Kent Peterson KC0DGY picks up the story from here.

KENT: The future of AM radio will be taking center stage among United
States lawmakers starting on April 30. The Energy & Commerce Committee
of the US House of Representatives will begin a hearing on the language
needed to fine-tune the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2024. With
the increased popularity of other listening modes in motor vehicles in
the US, AM radio has been seen by many, including some automakers, as
optional in new cars Those who seek to preserve its inclusion for
drivers stress AM radio's vital and longstanding role in transmitting
emergency alerts to the public over the airwaves. Curtis LeGeyt,
president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, has
called AM radio the backbone of the nation's Emergency Alert System.
The proposed legislation would require the Secretary of Transportation
to mandate access to AM broadcast radio in all vehicles.

DRG News recently reported that the bill has enough support in the
House of Representatives for it to be passed by that chamber.

Last December, Senate supporters tried to pass a similar bill by a
procedure known as unanimous consent but that attempt failed.

This is Kent Peterson KC0DGY.

(RADIO WORLD)

**
HAMSCI SHARES EARLY ECLIPSE DATA; WWV'S TIME SIGNALS AFFECTED

NEIL/ANCHOR: The citizen science group, HAMSci, has just released its
very earliest observations about the solar eclipse and its impact on propagation, as we hear from Sel Embee KB3TZD.

SEL: There's still plenty for researchers to study but data from more
than 52.7 million radio contacts that came in from WSPRNet, PSKReporter
and the Reverse Beacon Network on the 8th of April is providing
researchers with early insights into the solar eclipse's impact on the ionosphere. Reports published online indicate that propagation was
enhanced on the 1.8, 3.5 and 7 MHz bands, an effect that hints at less absorption in Region D. Near-range communication challenges on the 14,
21 and 28 MHz bands suggested less electron density in the atmosphere.
The citizen science research group HAMSci, studied the data between
1800 and 2100 UTC, collected during its Eclipse QSO Party.

Meanwhile, speaking of time, a Doppler shift lasting only a few cycles
per second, caused a small change in the frequency of transmitted time
signals in the United States at radio station WWV, which is operated by
the National Institute of Standards and Technology. According to a
published report online, the shift did not cause anyone to lose the
correct time of day. The change was compared to normal variations that
occur between night and day.

This is Sel Embee KB3TZD.

(SPACEWEATHER.COM, AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY)

**
YOTA COLLECTING ECLIPSE SAFETY GLASSES AT HAMVENTION

NEIL/ANCHOR: The next solar eclipse will arrive in October over the
Southern Hemisphere and you can help observers there participate
safely. Jack Parker W8ISH tells us how.

JACK: Parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a solar
eclipse on the 2nd of October. The "ring of fire" annular eclipse will
be visible over southern Argentina, southern Chile and parts of the
Pacific Ocean. To help fellow amateurs and youngsters experience this
solar event, Youth on the Air will be collecting donations of eclipse
safety glasses from visitors to the YOTA booth at Dayton Hamvention to
send on to the South American hams. The YOTA booth is Number 4304.

While you're dropping your glasses off, learn more about the camp for
amateurs from 15 to 25 years of age. It will take place this summer in
Halifax, Nova Scotia and first-time applicants are encouraged to submit
an application. The camp will be held from the 7th through to the 12th
of July. Follow the link in this week's Newsline script on our website arnewsline.org

This is Jack Parker W8ISH.

[DO NOT READ: https://youthontheair.org/halifax2024 ]

**
BREAK HERE:

Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio
Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including FM
radio station KRHJ in Lamar, Colorado, at 88.3 MHz. Newsline is heard
on Fridays at 5 p.m. local time. Congratulations: The station marks its
second anniversary on the air on April 29th.

**
INDIAN ELECTIONS GET AN ASSIST FROM AMATEURS

NEIL/ANCHOR: For the first time in the Indian state of Maharashtra, ham
radio operators will be assisting at some polling stations underserved
by wireless communication. Jim Meachen ZL2BHF has those details.

JIM: Without satellite phone service, cellular network or the
availability of runners, the Pune district of Maharashtra will be
relying on amateur radio operators to relay the tally from the Indian
general election. Polling will take place through late May to fill the
state's seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament.

Nitin Ainapure, VU2CAN, who will be directly involved in the effort,
said this is the first time hams have relayed poll results in the state
of Mahashtra. There is, however, some history of amateurs assisting
elsewhere in Indian elections.

In a number of rural villages in the southern coastal state of Kerala
(kerr uh luh), local elections were held in October of 2010 with
support from the Idukki Ham Radio Emergency Communication Society --and
in 2019, the Election Commission and the Ministry of Communications
authorised amateur radio operators from the West Bengal Radio Club to
provide communications for the election in 31 districts in that state.

Meanwhile, this year the West Bengal Radio Club has already assisted
one very determined voter in that state -- a 95-year-old woman from
Bihar. The woman had gone missing but was reunited recently with her
family with the help of the hams. According to press reports, she
expressed two wishes: To see her great-grandchildren again - and to
return to her village and cast her vote.

This is Jim Meachen ZL2BHF.

(AMATEUR RADIO WEEKLY, DECCAN HERALD, TIMES OF INDIA)

**
HAMS PREPARE FOR SOS RADIO WEEK

NEIL/ANCHOR: When does a special event week last a whole month? When
it's SOS Radio Week in the UK. Jeremy Boot G4NJH tells us more.

JEREMY: Throughout the month of May, when the Royal National Lifeboat
Institute conducts its annual fundraiser, "Mayday," hams throughout the
UK will be on board. In recognition of all lifeboat crews, including independent ones and coastal watch keepers, hams will be getting on the
air at various times between the 1st and 31st of May. Listen for
special event station GB0FLB which will be on the air from Fleetwood
lifeboat station on the 4th and 5th of May. The station is being run by Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society based in Lancashire and is one
of many getting involved. Be listening too for MX0KWA, which is being
operated by the Kent Weald Radio Club at various times from the
Kent/East Sussex coast. For more details about SOS Radio Week and a
full list of stations, visit the link in the text version of this
week's Newsline script at arnewsline.org

This is Jeremy Boot G4NJH.

[DO NOT READ: https://www.sosradioweek.org.uk/ ]

**
BUNDABERG HOSTING RADIO CONVENTION, WIA ANNUAL MEETING

NEIL/ANCHOR: In Queensland, Australia, the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club
and the Wireless Institute of Australia have teamed up for a major
event, as we hear from John Williams, VK4JJW.

JOHN: The Bundaberg Amateur Radio Convention being held from the 3rd
through to the 5th of May is two events in one: the Wireless Institute
of Australia will also be holding their annual general meeting at the
Bundaberg Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre in Queensland. In
addition to the AGM, there will be plenty going on inside the
state-of-the-art convention centre, including a lineup of guest
speakers, hands-on demonstrations and workshops. An ISS contact is also
planned with students from the Bundaberg State High School.

The lineup of speakers includes Peter Cossins, VK3ATV, discussing
amateur TV; Steven Green, VK2TSG, offering a look at prepping and
amateur radio and Dr. Kevin Johnston, VK4UH, offering a medical
perspective on the dangers electricity poses for radio amateurs.
Newsline's own Graham Kemp VK4BB will be part of the lineup too, giving
an insider's view on how the WIA News Service is run.

For registration information and other conference details, follow the
link in the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org

[DO NOT READ:
https://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2024/20240402-1/index.php ]

This is John Williams VK4JJW.

(WIA, BUNDABERG AMATEUR RADIO CLUB)

**
NOMINATE OUR NEXT YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR

NEIL/ANCHOR: Do you know a promising young radio amateur who'd be a
good candidate for the Bill Pasternak Memorial Young Ham of the Year
award? Let Newsline know! Candidates must live in the continental
United States and be 18 years of age or younger. Tell our judges about
your nominee's talent, promise and commitment to the spirit of ham
radio. This is your chance to help honor and acknowledge that person
who will, no doubt, go on to teach and inspire others. Find the
nomination form on our website arnewsline.org under the "AWARDS" tab. Nominations close on May 31st.

**

WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, listen for special event station GB6WW on the air
from Glasgow, Scotland from the 1st through to the 28th of May, marking
the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on V-E Day, May 8,
1945, and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served and
suffered. The GB6WW Award is available via download to hams who
complete three contacts on three different bands, regardless of mode.
QSL via George MM0DFV.

A group of 13 Camb-Hams from Cambridge, England, will be on the air
from the Isle of Mull, IOTA Number EU-008, as GS3PYE from April 27th
through to May 3rd. Listen on 80-10m and on the QO-100 satellite. See
QRZ.com for QSL details.

Listen for Harald, DF2WO, operating as 9X2AW from Kigali, Rwanda from
the 2nd through to the 17th of May. He will operate on the HF bands and
6 metres using CW, SSB with some FT8/FT4.

(DX-WORLD.NET, RSGB)

**
KICKER: ONE HAM'S PRONOUNCEMENT ABOUT PRONOUNCING MARCONI'S NAME

NEIL/ANCHOR: We end this week by recognizing International Marconi Day
- and by noting that Marconi's first name needs some proper recognition
too. Richard VK2SKY hopes to help us out with this.

RICHARD: It's that time of year again, when amateur radio operators
throughout the world celebrate the ritual mangling of the name of one
of Radio's best known pioneers.

Yes, it's April, the month we celebrate International Marconi Day.
April 27 this year is the Saturday closest to the birthdate of
Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi in Bologna, Italy, in 1874.

Guglielmo is the Italian equivalent of the English name, "William." Had Marconi's Irish mother, Annie Jameson just named him "Liam," the world
might have been spared the annual abomination of English speakers
trying to pronounce his name... and failing miserably.

Perhaps Annie's being of the Irish whiskey distiller Jameson family
might have played a role here. We will never know for sure.

To set the record straight: "our" Marconi has never been "Googly Elmo,"
so please stop calling him that. The letter "g" in the middle of an
Italian word is not pronounced as it is in English. Instead, it
modifies the sound of the letter that follows it. Think of the "g" in
the middle of the word "lasagne."

Recently, I consulted with fellow Manly-Warringah Radio Society member, Clifford VK2CLF, who can speak with some authority on this matter,
having some Italian background himself and fluency in the language.

A decent approximation to the correct pronunciation is "GOO YELL MO."
It's not perfect, but it will do, especially over an HF radio link.
Please try it, and (in a nod to Quentin Tarantino) let's Kill Bill, or
at least Kill "Googly Elmo"!

I'm Richard VK2SKY in Sydney.

**
DO YOU HAIKU?

Don't forget the Amateur Radio Newsline haiku challenge. If you're not
too busy tuning your antennas or chasing the latest DXpedition, pick up
a pencil and share your experience by sending an original haiku to us
here at Newsline. Use the entry form on our website, arnewsline.org and
please follow the rules for writing your three-line haiku -- sorry but
we cannot accept any entries that aren't written in traditional haiku
form. Share with fellow listeners the poetry that is inspired by your
ham radio experience!

NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to Amateur Radio Weekly; AMSAT; CQ
Magazine; David Behar K7DB; Deccan Herald; DXNews; Edhat Santa Barbara; 425DXNews; IEEE Spectrum; KEYT-TV; NASA; QRZ.com; Santa Barbara Amateur
Radio Club; shortwaveradio.de; SpaceWeather.com; Times of India; Yahoo
News; Youth On the Air; MFJ Enterprises; 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 2024. All rights reserved.

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