You are hereSept.8th 470ARG News Letter with DX News and Humor & Fly Your Flag !!
Sept.8th 470ARG News Letter with DX News and Humor & Fly Your Flag !!
Hello everyone, hope that everyone is doing great and again enjoying the cooler weather that we have.. Today's rain really cleared up the air and made the temperature very pleasant..Well lets get into the letter for this week...
Colorado Hams Assisting Wildfire Relief Efforts
TAGS: amateur radio operators, american red cross, emergency operations center, monday morning, red cross
09/08/2010
A fire that began on Monday, September 6 in Emerson Gulch located in Four Mile Canyon -- just northwest of Boulder, Colorado -- has members of Boulder County ARES® providing communications support to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross. According to a 911 call, the fire was started when a vehicle collided with a large propane tank.
“Amateur Radio operators are located at the Red Cross shelter set up at the University of Colorado Event Center and also at the Boulder County Emergency Operations Center,” ARRL Colorado Section Manager Jeff Ryan, K0RM, told the ARRL. “Amateur Radio operators are providing voice and ATV communications between forward fire units, the Incident Command post and the Emergency Operations Center, as well as voice and packet communications for the Red Cross.”
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office reported that the fire -- which has now grown to more than 7100 acres -- has damaged or destroyed more than 90 structures, most of them single family homes, with almost 3500 residents evacuated from the area. More than 200 firefighters from 35 local, regional and national agencies, as well as five helicopters and eight air tankers are involved with mitigation efforts, continuing to battle the blaze in the rugged and heavily forested terrain. Although cool overnight temperatures have helped to keep the fire from spreading, forecasts for gusty winds and temperatures in the 80s, coupled with the difficult terrain, will present firefighters with a challenge.
The 911 recording from Monday morning -- which lasts almost 26 minutes -- includes radio traffic from other incidents mixed in with the fire call. Requests for more assistance at the Fourmile Canyon fire keep coming in, with the dispatch operator at one point asking for “any units available.” Minutes later, another official calls in requesting mutual aid from area fire districts along with requests for specific fire engines.
Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said authorities are investigating whether the crash and propane explosion triggered the 7120 acre wildfire. “The initial report is that there was an automobile accident in Fourmile Canyon, where a car ran into a propane tank and caused it to rupture and started a fire. That’s the best information we have right now,” Pelle said.
Schools in the mountains west of Boulder have been closed since Tuesday and many area roads are also closed to all but emergency vehicles, Ryan said. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter toured the area on Tuesday and declared it a disaster area. Additional fire crews from Wyoming, New Mexico and other areas of Colorado will be joining the effort on Wednesday. -- Thanks to Denver television station KMGH and RealAspen.com for some information
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ARRL Introduces First Challenge Coin
TAGS: amateur radio, amateur radio community, amateur radio emergency, amateur radio operators, arrl, ARRL Emergency Preparedness, critical need, Manager Mike Corey, public service
09/07/2010
This month, the ARRL and the Amateur Radio community celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service®, or ARES®. To help commemorate this milestone, the ARRL has introduced an anniversary Challenge Coin. The die-struck, 1.5 inch brass coin depicts the ARES 75th anniversary logo in gold with red, white and blue color fill, while the reverse shows the ARRL diamond logo against a hemisphere of the world.
Around the perimeter of the ARES® logo are the words Ready, Resilient and Responsive. “These words represent the critical need that ARES® activities have provided, and will continue to provide into the future,” said ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Mike Corey, W5MPC. “The Challenge Coin honors the service of ARES® volunteers and all Amateur Radio operators who respond to the call of public service. We hope ARES® volunteers will enjoy the honor of having the first Challenge Coin issued by the ARRL.”
While there are many stories about the origin and history of challenge coins, these medals have been popular with organizations and leagues for decades. “Challenge Coins are probably most common among the military and civil service organizations,” explained ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. “These mementos are often used to commemorate a special occasion or to show loyalty among individuals that share pride and affinity for a particular service or agency. The coins are even popular among police, fire and EMS officials.”
The new ARRL Challenge Coin is struck with the year-of-issue, which in this case is 2010. Five diamond shapes on the coin’s head signify the five ARRL pillars: Public Service, Advocacy, Education, Technology and Membership. “We hope this is the first of a series of Challenge Coins for the ARRL,” said Inderbitzen. The ARES® 75th Anniversary Challenge Coin -- as well as commemorative T shirts and mugs -- are available directly from ARRL.
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New D-STAR Repeater Now in Place in ARRL Laboratory
TAGS: amateur radio, arrl, ARRL Lab, ARRL Life Member, bob allison, D-Star, lab staff, Repeater
09/02/2010
The ARRL Lab has installed a D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) repeater in the Lab at the ARRL Headquarters building. Operating with an output of 147.390 MHz, positive offset, the W1HQ D-STAR repeater is a local repeater with a modest footprint covering the Hartford-New Britain, Connecticut area. The antenna is on the roof of the Headquarters building with the repeater located in the Lab. With its gateway, the repeater is accessible to any D-STAR user on the planet. The Lab’s call sign is W1INF.
“The purpose of the repeater is to better educate the Lab staff on D-STAR technology,” explained ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM. “In turn, we will have the ability to handle some of our members' questions on the matter. We also intend to use this new technology when emergencies occur where D-STAR technology is deployed.”
In the near future, the W1HQ D-STAR system will also include 70 and 23 cm repeaters, as well as a 23 cm high speed data link, once initial frequency coordination is granted. “We’re especially interested in the high speed data link,” Allison said. “Though it will have a limited range, we can begin experimenting with its potential and use it as a training tool for Lab staff.”
Allison thanked Bill Unghire, N1CNV, for his contributions as the major motivator for the ARRL HQ D-STAR project. “Bill, an ARRL Life Member, also provided valuable IT support with setting up the gateway,” he said. Building Manager Greg Kwasowski, W1GJK, handled the installation of all of the hardware, and Allison and W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, handled the testing and coordination efforts. “Try giving the Lab a call -- during our noon lunch break, of course,” Allison invited.
D-Star
Data Map of East US..
http://www.dstarinfo.com/repeaters/Lists/D-STAR_Repeater_List.aspx
Reflectors
http://www.dstarinfo.com/Reflectors/Reflectors.aspx
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The FTC On Identity Theft..
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft//
The FTC Website..
http://www.ftc.gov/
This site has a great amount of information that concerns each of us in certain area's , worth checking out...
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What's New At Oak Ridge Lab..
http://www.ornl.gov/
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We had a round table last night on the 470 and talked about NASA,... check out their website and all the activities that NASA has.. not only space travel ...
http://www.nasa.gov/
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Like to Track Satellites ?......check out these sites !!
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=2706
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=22462
I use this one and has been very good !....
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=9394
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=20544
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Weather Related Sites........
http://download.weatherblink.com/index.jhtml?spu=true&partner=XNxdm003
Great place to find frequencies anywhere in the world..
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=7868
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=4581
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AMSAT Frq Guide...
AMSAT
Amateur Satellite Frequency Guide
Compiled December 1996
SATELLITE MODE Note 1 FREQUENCIES
AO-10
(note 2) B (U/V) Down
Up Bcn 145.810
RS-10
(notes 3) A (V/A) Down
Up Robot Bcn 29.357 & 29.403
Down 145.860 870 880 890 145.900
RS-12
(notes 3) K (H/A) Down
Up Robot Bcn 29.408 & 29.454
T Down
Up Robot Bcn 145.912 & 145.959
Down 29.460 470 480 490 29.500
RS-15 Down
Up Bcns 29.352 & 29.399
FO-20
(JAS-1b)
(note 7) JA Down
Up Bcn 435.795
JD(a) Down
Up 435.910
145.850 145.890 145.910
FO-29
(JAS-2)
(note 7) JA Down
Up Bcn 435.795
JD(a) Down
Up 435.910
145.850 145.870 145.890 145.910
JD(c) Down
Up 435.910
145.870
JD(d) Down 435.910
AO-27
(EYESAT/
AMRAD) J(b,a) Down
Up 436.800
145.850
MIR (b)
FM voice Up&Down
Down
Up 145.800
145.200
145.800
SAFEX FM Voice Down 437.950
Rpt. Up 435.750
Dgr.Voice Down
Up 437.925
435.725
Packet Up/Down 437.975
SAREX
(on some Shuttle missions) (b)
& FM voice Down
Up 145.550 or 145.840
144.490 (packet) 144.450 & 144.470 (voice)
AO-16
(Pacsat)
(Notes 4,5 & 7) Down
Up 437.025 (437.050 Sec.)
145.900 145.920 145.940 145.960
UO-11 Bcns 145.826, 435.025 & 2401.500
AO-16
(Pacsat)
(notes 4,5,
6 & 7) [a] Down
Up 145.825 (437.050 Sec.)
none
DO-17
(DOVE)
(notes 6 & 7) [b,c] Down
Up 145.825 2401.220
none
WO-18
(WeberSat) [a] Down
Up 437.075 437.100(Sec.)
none
LU-19
(Lusat)
notes 4 & 7 [a] Down
Up 437.125 437.150(sec)
145.840 145.860 145.880 145.900
UO-22
UoSat
(OSCAR-22) [c] Down
Up 435.120
145.900 145.975
IO-26
(IT-AMSAT) [a,c] Down
Up 435.867 435.820(Sec.)
145.875 145.900 145.925 145.950
KO-23
(KITSAT A) [c] Down
Up 435.173
145.850 145.900
KO-25
(KITSAT B) [c] Down
Up 435.175 436.500
145.870 145.980
Notes:
1. The modes in ( ) are the new designations to be instituted with Phase 3D.
2. The AO-10 beacon is an unmodulated carrier. This satellite has suffered computer damage making it impossible to orient it for optimum service or solar illumination. It may mot be present for weeks at a time and may also disappear suddenly, apparently when it enters darkness. In order to preserve it as long as possible, do not transmit to it when you hear the beacon or the transponded signals FMing.
3. RS-10 and its backup RS-11, and RS-12 and its backup RS-13 are each mounted on common spaceframes, along with communication and navigation packages. RS-11 &13 are currently turned off. All of these packages have the capability of being operated in modes A, K, & T, with modes K & T running simultaneously.
4. Transmitters on both AO-16 & LU-19 are currently using Raised Cosine Mode.
5. AO-16 users are encouraged to select 145.900, 145.920 and 145.940 for uploading and 145.960 for directory and/or file requests.
6. DOVE is designed to transmit digital voice messages but, due to hardware and software difficulties, it has not yet met this objective.
7. Letters in [ ] represent digital formats, which are as follows:
[a] = 1200 bps PSK AX-25
[b] = 1200 bps AFSK AX-25
[c] = 9600 bps PSK
[d] = digital voice
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DOPPLER Tracking....
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/Mar-Apr_2010/QEX_Mar-Apr_1...
RF Step Attenuator..
http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=17233
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Good Amateur Radio Practice.......
Congratulations! You've got your new Amateur Radio license and can't wait to start operating on HF phone. However, you're not certain how you want to conduct yourself. After all, there are few if any mandated rules. Most hams have developed good operating practices and etiquette simply by listening to more experienced hams and you will as well. Here are some of my ideas for your consideration.
K4QKY "Don"
Do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Always be polite regardless of the circumstances. If not, avoid transmitting.
Set a good example especially for short wave listeners who may be thinking about becoming a ham.
Be a good listener. It will help you better organize your thoughts before transmitting.
Reply to a CQ, or call CQ yourself. It helps keep alive the magic of ham radio.
Speak clearly and slowly, especially when giving your call sign to someone you have never worked before.
Promote friendship and goodwill to DX contacts. Look for ways to get to know each other rather than simply exchanging signal reports and 73s!
Try to keep track of everyone in the QSO. Hopefully someone has assumed the role of "traffic director" to make sure everyone has a chance to contribute to the discussion. If not, don't hesitate to do it yourself.
Make it clear at the end of each transmission which station is expected to transmit next. Try to do this even when operating VOX.
Operate on frequencies that are in whole KHz (e.g. 18.130 Khz). This alleviates ambiguity and makes it easier for everyone to be on the same frequency.
Openly praise other hams when you observe them doing something that you feel is especially deserving. e.g., helping demonstrate ham radio to a group of scouts.
Always be ready to quickly and calmly respond to emergency situations. Rehearse what you would do if presented with various scenarios.
Pause between transmissions. "Quick keying" gives the appearance that other hams are unwelcome in your QSO.
Consider using the Internet to enrich your QSO. Many hams have developed their own comprehensive websites which you can usually find through QRZ.COM.
Respect the privileges of hams operating in other modes on the HF bands including those who enjoy AM.
Make a point to try 17 and 60 meters. Good operating practices are especially prevalent on these bands.
Look for opportunities to "Elmer" newly licensed hams when you hear them on the HF bands. Welcome them, solicit their questions and give them pointers on good operating practices.
Remember that no one country can proclaim to be the leader of the Amateur Radio world. Likewise, no one country's foreign policy is any more right or wrong than that of another country.
Develop good operating practices. You will be doing your part in helping insure the continuance of our long and proud tradition of self-regulation.
Don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Act like some sort of Broadcast Radio station. Your fellow Amateurs will most likely not appreciate such a blatant display of personal ego.
Acknowledge the presence of deliberate interference. After all, that's most likely the overall objective of the person doing the interfering.
Be excessively long winded especially when in a round-table discussion and during times when band conditions are changing.
Just talk about ham radio. Most hams have many more interests.
Operate when you are in a bad mood. You will be that much more vulnerable to losing your temper.
Overuse Q-codes and other ham jargon on the phone bands.
Claim or homestead any particular frequency for nets, schedules, etc. If your designated frequency is already in use, simply move up or down as necessary.
Transmit before first determining that the frequency is clear. This includes transmitting within 3Khz of other known QSOs.
Break into an ongoing QSO unless you can hear the majority of the participants.
Ignore someone new to a round table QSO. We should all do our part to make everyone feel welcome. Avoid making the discussion appear exclusive to your particular circle of friends.
Test your transmitter over the air. It is far better to use a dummy load.
Cough, sneeze or clear your throat into your microphone.
Operate VOX except when in a QSO with three or less participants. It tends to foster "quick keying" which may give the appearance that you don't welcome breakers.
Become a "Band Policeman" quick to tell others what you feel they are doing wrong. In instances where it may be called for, always be polite and constructive.
Turn up your microphone gain or resort to excessive speech processing in order to be heard. Such practices will most likely result in diminished audio quality and increased likelihood of interference to nearby QSOs.
Use the word "break" when wanting to join an on-going QSO. Simply give your call sign between transmissions and reserve the use of the word "break" for more urgent situations.
Join an ongoing QSO unless you have something to contribute to the discussion. It is especially rude to interrupt other hams with a request for audio checks, signal reports, etc.
Operate in any fashion that is not in keeping with good amateur practice. Be certain to always comply with the provisions of Part 97 of the rules.
Knowingly interfere with an ongoing QSO just because you are working DX, especially split frequency.
Say that the frequency "is not" in use when you hear someone inquire. Refrain from responding at all unless you know for certain that the frequency or one nearby "is" in use.
Ridicule other hams or express any negative views of the overall state of Amateur Radio. If you don't have something positive and constructive to say, avoid saying anything at all.
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HAM Radio Glossary ..............Do you remember these terms?.. it's cool to review sometimes.....
-A
Alternating current (ac) -- Electrical current that flows first in one direction in a wire and then in the other. The applied voltage is also changing polarity. This direction reversal continues at a rate that depends on the frequency of the ac.
Amateur operator -- A person holding a written authorization to be the control operator of an amateur station.
Amateur service -- A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
Amateur station -- A station licensed in the amateur service, including necessary equipment, used for amateur communication.
Ammeter -- A test instrument that measures current
Ampere (A) -- The basic unit of electrical current. Current is a measure of the electron flow through a circuit. If we could count electrons, we would find that if there are 6.24 × 1018 electrons moving past a point in one second, we have a current of one ampere. We abbreviate amperes as amps. (Numbers written as a multiple of some power are expressed in exponential notation, as shown here.
Amplitude modulation (AM) -- A method of combining an information signal and an RF (radio-frequency) carrier. In double-sideband voice AM transmission, we use the voice information to vary (modulate) the amplitude of an RF carrier. Shortwave broadcast stations use this type of AM, as do stations in the Standard Broadcast Band (535-1710 kHz). Few amateurs use double-sideband voice AM, but a variation, known as single sideband, is very popular.
Antenna -- A device that picks up or sends out radio frequency energy.
Antenna switch -- A switch used to connect one transmitter, receiver or transceiver to several different antennas.
Antenna tuner -- A device that matches the antenna system input impedance to the transmitter, receiver or transceiver output impedance. Also called an antenna-matching network, impedance-matching network or Transmatch.
Autopatch -- A device that allows repeater users to make telephone calls through a repeater.
-B
Balun -- Contraction for balanced to unbalanced. A device to couple a balanced load to an unbalanced source, or vice versa.
Band spread--A receiver quality used to describe how far apart stations on different nearby frequencies will seem to be. We usually express band spread as the number of kilohertz that the frequency changes per tuning-knob rotation. Band spread and frequency resolution are related. The amount of band spread determines how easily signals can be tuned.
Band-pass filter -- A circuit that allows signals to go through it only if they are within a certain range of frequencies. It attenuates signals above and below this range.
Bandwidth -- The width of a frequency band outside of which the mean power is attenuated at least 26 dB below the mean power of the total emission, including allowances for transmitter drift or Doppler shift. Bandwidth describes the range of frequencies that a radio transmission occupies.
Battery -- A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
Beacon station -- An amateur station transmitting communications for the purposes of observation of propagation and reception or other related experimental activities.
Beam antenna -- A directional antenna. A beam antenna must be rotated to provide coverage in different directions.
Beat-frequency oscillator (BFO)--A receiver circuit that provides a signal to the detector. The BFO signal mixes with the incoming signal to produce an audio tone for CW reception. A BFO is needed to copy CW and SSB signals.
Block diagram -- A drawing using boxes to represent sections of a complicated device or process. The block diagram shows the connections between sections.
Broadcasting -- Transmissions intended to be received by the general public, either direct or relayed.
-C
Capacitance -- A measure of the ability of a capacitor to store energy in an electric field.
Capacitor -- An electrical component usually formed by separating two conductive plates with an insulating material. A capacitor stores energy in an electric field.
Centi -- The metric prefix for 10--2, or divide by 100.
Chassis ground -- The common connection for all parts of a circuit that connect to the negative side of the power supply.
Chirp -- A slight shift in transmitter frequency each time you key the transmitter.
Closed repeater -- A repeater that restricts access to those who know a special code.
Closed, or complete circuit -- An electrical circuit with an uninterrupted path for the current to follow. Turning a switch on, for example, closes or completes the circuit, allowing current to flow.
Coaxial cable -- Coax (pronounced kó-aks). A type of feed line with one conductor inside the other.
Color code -- A system in which numerical values are assigned to various colors. Colored stripes are painted on the body of resistors and sometimes other components to show their value.
Conductor -- A material that has a loose grip on its electrons, so an electrical current can pass through it.
Connected -- The condition in which two packet-radio stations are sending information to each other. Each is acknowledging when the data has been received correctly.
Continuous wave (CW)--Morse code telegraphy.
Control operator -- An amateur operator designated by the licensee of a station to be responsible for the transmissions of an amateur station.
Control point -- The locations at which the control operator function is performed.
Controlled environment -- Any area in which an RF signal may cause radiation exposure to people who are aware of the radiated electric and magnetic fields and who can exercise some control over their exposure to these fields. The FCC generally considers amateur operators and their families to be in a controlled RF exposure environment to determine the maximum permissible exposure levels.
Core -- The material used in the center of an inductor coil, where the magnetic field is concentrated.
Courtesy tone -- A tone or beep transmitted by a repeater to indicate that it is okay for the next station to begin transmitting. The courtesy tone is designed to allow a pause between transmissions on a repeater, so other stations can call. It also indicates that the time-out timer has been reset.
CQ -- "Calling any station": the general call when requesting a conversation with anyone.
Crystal oscillator -- A device that uses a quartz crystal to keep the frequency of a transmitter constant.
Crystal-controlled transmitter -- A simple type of transmitter that consists of a crystal oscillator followed by driver and power amplifier stages.
CTCSS -- Continuous tone coded squelch system. A sub-audible tone system used on some repeaters. When added to a carrier, a CTCSS tone allows a receiver to accept a signal. Also called PL.
Cubical quad antenna -- An antenna built with its elements in the shape of four-sided loops. Current -- A flow of electrons in an electrical circuit.
CW (Morse code) -- A communications mode transmitted by on/off keying of a radio-frequency signal. Another name for international Morse code.
-D
D region -- The lowest region of the ionosphere. The D region contributes very little to short-wave radio propagation. It acts mainly to absorb energy from radio waves as they pass through it. This absorption has a significant effect on signals below about 7.5 MHz during daylight.
Data -- Computer-based communications modes, such as packet radio, which can be used to transmit and receive computer files, or digital information.
DE -- The Morse code abbreviation for "from" or "this is." Deci -- The metric prefix for 10--1, or divide by 10.
Delta loop antenna -- A variation of the cubical quad with triangular elements.
Detector -- The stage in a receiver in which the modulation (voice or other information) is recovered from the RF signal.
Digipeater -- A packet-radio station used to retransmit signals that are specifically addressed to be retransmitted by that station.
Digital communications -- Computer-based communications modes. This can include data modes like packet radio and text-only modes like radioteletype (RTTY).
Dipole antenna -- See Half-wave dipole. A dipole need not be ½ wavelength long.
Direct current (dc) -- Electrical current that flows in one direction only.
Directional wattmeter (see Wattmeter)
Director -- An element in front of the driven element in a Yagi and some other directional antennas.
Double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch -- A switch that has six contacts. The DPDT switch has two center contacts. The two center contacts can each be connected to one of two other contacts.
Double-pole, single-throw (DPST) switch -- A switch that connects two contacts to another set of contacts. A DPST switch turns two circuits on or off at the same time.
Driven element -- The part of an antenna that connects directly to the feed line.
Dual-band antenna -- An antenna designed for use on two different Amateur Radio bands.
Dummy antenna -- A station accessory that allows you to test or adjust transmitting equipment without sending a signal out over the air. Also called dummy load.
Dummy load -- A station accessory that allows you to test or adjust transmitting equipment without sending a signal out over the air. Also called dummy antenna.
Duplexer -- A device that allows a dual-band radio to use a single dual-band antenna.
Duty cycle -- A measure of the amount of time a transmitter is operating at full output power during a single transmission. A lower duty cycle means less RF radiation exposure for the same PEP output.
DX -- Distance, foreign countries.
-E
E region -- The second lowest ionospheric region, the E region exists only during the day. Under certain conditions, it may refract radio waves enough to return them to Earth.
Earth ground -- A circuit connection to a ground rod driven into the Earth or to a cold-water pipe made of copper that goes into the ground.
Earth station -- An amateur station located on, or within 50 km of, the Earth's surface intended for communications with space stations or with other Earth stations by means of one or more other objects in space.
Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or Moonbounce -- A method of communicating with other stations by reflecting radio signals off the Moon's surface.
Electric field -- An invisible force of nature. An electric field exists in a region of space if an electrically charged object placed in the region is subjected to an electrical force.
Electromotive force (EMF) -- The force or pressure that pushes a current through a circuit.
Electron -- A tiny, negatively charged particle, normally found in an area surrounding the nucleus of an atom. Moving electrons make up an electrical current.
Emergency -- A situation where there is a danger to lives or property.
Emergency traffic -- Messages with life and death urgency or requests for medical help and supplies that leave an area shortly after an emergency.
Emission -- The transmitted signal from an amateur station.
Emission privilege -- Permission to use a particular emission type (such as Morse code or voice).
Emission types -- Term for the different modes authorized for use on the Amateur Radio bands. Examples are CW, SSB, RTTY and FM. Energy -- The ability to do work; the ability to exert a force to move some object.
-F
F region -- A combination of the two highest ionospheric regions, the F1 and F2 regions. The F region refracts radio waves and returns them to Earth. Its height varies greatly depending on the time of day, season of the year and amount of sunspot activity.
False or deceptive signals -- Transmissions that are intended to mislead or confuse those who may receive the transmissions. For example, distress calls transmitted when there is no actual emergency are false or deceptive signals.
Feed line -- The wires or cable used to connect a transmitter, receiver or transceiver to an antenna. See Transmission line.
Filter -- A circuit that will allow some signals to pass through it but will greatly reduce the strength of others.
Frequency -- The number of complete cycles of an alternating current that occur per second.
Frequency bands -- A group of frequencies where amateur communications are authorized.
Frequency coordination -- Allocating repeater input and output frequencies to minimize interference between repeaters and to other users of the band.
Frequency coordinator -- An individual or group that recommends repeater frequencies to reduce or eliminate interference between repeaters operating on or near the same frequency in the same geographical area.
Frequency discriminator -- A type of detector used in some FM receivers.
Frequency modulated (FM) phone -- The type of signals used to communicate by voice (phone) over most repeaters. FM is a method of combining an RF carrier with an information signal, such as voice. The voice information (or data) changes the RF carrier frequency in the modulation process. (see Amplitude modulation). As you might suspect, we use voice or data to vary the frequency of the transmitted signal. FM broadcast stations and most professional communications (police, fire, taxi) use FM. VHF/UHF FM voice is the most popular amateur mode.
Frequency privilege -- Permission to use a particular group of frequencies.
Front-end overload -- Interference to a receiver caused by a strong signal that overpowers the receiver RF amplifier ("front end"). See also receiver overload.
Fuse -- A thin metal strip mounted in a holder. When too much current passes through the fuse, the metal strip melts and opens the circuit.
-G
General-coverage receiver--A receiver used to listen to a wide range of frequencies. Most general-coverage receivers tune from frequencies below the standard-broadcast band to at least 30 MHz. These frequencies include the shortwave-broadcast bands and the amateur bands from 160 to 10 meters.
Giga -- The metric prefix for 109, or times 1,000,000,000.
Grace period -- The time FCC allows following the expiration of an amateur license to renew that license without having to retake an examination. Those who hold an expired license may not operate an amateur station until the license is reinstated.
Ground connection -- A connection made to the earth for electrical safety. This connection can be made inside (to a metal cold-water pipe) or outside (to a ground rod).
Ground rod -- A copper or copper-clad steel rod that is driven into the earth. A heavy copper wire from the ham shack connects all station equipment to the ground rod.
Ground-wave propagation -- The method by which radio waves travel along the Earth's surface.
-H
Half-wave dipole -- A basic antenna used by radio amateurs. It consists of a length of wire or tubing, opened and fed at the center. The entire antenna is ½ wavelength long at the desired operating frequency.
Ham-bands-only receiver--A receiver designed to cover only the bands used by amateurs. Usually refers to the bands from 80 to 10 meters, sometimes including 160 meters.
Harmonics -- Signals from a transmitter or oscillator occurring on whole-number multiples (2×, 3×, 4×, etc) of the desired operating frequency.
Health and Welfare traffic -- Messages about the well being of individuals in a disaster area. Such messages must wait for Emergency and Priority traffic to clear, and results is advisories to those outside the disaster area awaiting news from family and friends.
Hertz (Hz) -- An alternating-current frequency of one cycle per second. The basic unit of frequency.
High-pass filter -- A filter designed to pass high-frequency signals, while blocking lower-frequency signals.
-I
Impedance -- The opposition to electric current in a circuit. Impedance includes factors other than resistance, and applies to alternating currents. Ideally, the characteristic impedance of a feed line is the same as the transmitter output impedance and the antenna input impedance.
Impedance-matching device -- A device that matches one impedance level to another. For example, it may match the impedance of an antenna system to the impedance of a transmitter or receiver. Amateurs also call such devices a Transmatch, impedance-matching network or antenna tuner.
Inductance -- A measure of the ability of a coil to store energy in a magnetic field.
Inductor -- An electrical component usually composed of a coil of wire wound on a central core. An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field.
Input frequency -- A repeater's receiving frequency. To use a repeater, transmit on the input frequency and receive on the output frequency.
Insulator -- A material that maintains a tight grip on its electrons, so that an electric current cannot pass through it (within voltage limits).
Intermediate frequency (IF) -- The output frequency of a mixing stage in a superheterodyne receiver. The subsequent stages in the receiver are tuned for maximum efficiency at the IF.
Ionizing radiation -- Electromagnetic radiation that has sufficient energy to knock electrons free from their atoms, producing positive and negative ions. X-rays, gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation are examples of ionizing radiation.
Ionosphere -- A region of electrically charged (ionized) gases high in the atmosphere. The ionosphere bends radio waves as they travel through it, returning them to Earth. Also see sky-wave propagation.
-J
Jumper--A small piece of wire used to connect two parts of a circuit. In computers and other devices, a jumper may take the form of a smaller plastic piece with an internal conductor that fits over two circuit board posts.
-K
K -- The Morse code abbreviation for "any station respond." Kilo -- The metric prefix for 103, or times 1000.
-L
Lightning protection -- There are several ways to help prevent lightning damage to your equipment (and your house), among them unplugging equipment, disconnecting antenna feed lines and using a lightning arrestor.
Limiter -- A stage of an FM receiver that makes the receiver less sensitive to amplitude variations and pulse noise.
Line-of-sight propagation -- The term used to describe VHF and UHF propagation in a straight line directly from one station to another.
Lower sideband (LSB)--The common single-sideband operating mode on the 40, 80 and 160-meter amateur bands.
Low-pass filter -- A filter that allows signals below the cutoff frequency to pass through and attenuates signals above the cutoff frequency.
-M
Malicious (harmful) interference -- Intentional, deliberate obstruction of radio transmissions.
Maximum useable frequency (MUF) --- The highest-frequency radio signal that will reach a particular destination using sky-wave propagation, or skip. The MUF may vary for radio signals sent to different destinations.
MAYDAY -- From the French m'aidez (help me), MAYDAY is used when calling for emergency assistance in voice modes.
Mega -- The metric prefix for 106, or times 1,000,000.
Metric prefixes -- A series of terms used in the metric system of measurement. We use metric prefixes to describe a quantity as compared to a basic unit. The metric prefixes indicate multiples of 10.
Metric system -- A system of measurement developed by scientists and used in most countries of the world. This system uses a set of prefixes that are multiples of 10 to indicate quantities larger or smaller than the basic unit.
Micro -- The metric prefix for 10--6, or divide by 1,000,000.
Microphone -- A device that converts sound waves into electrical energy.
Milli -- The metric prefix for 10--3, or divide by 1000.
Mobile device -- A radio transmitting device designed to be mounted in a vehicle. A push-to-talk (PTT) switch activates the transmitter.
Modem -- Short for modulator/demodulator. A modem modulates a radio signal to transmit data and demodulates a received signal to recover transmitted data.
Modulate -- To vary the amplitude, frequency, or phase of a radio-frequency signal.
Modulation -- The process of varying an RF carrier in some way (the amplitude or the frequency, for example) to add an information signal to be transmitted.
Monitor mode -- One type of packet radio receiving mode. In monitor mode, everything transmitted on a packet frequency is displayed by the monitoring TNC. This occurs whether or not the transmissions are addressed to the monitoring station.
Morse code (see CW).
Multimeter -- An electronic test instrument used to measure current, voltage and resistance in a circuit. Describes all meters capable of making these measurements, such as the volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM), vacuum-tube voltmeter (VTVM) and field-effect transistor VOM (FET VOM).
Multimode transceiver--Transceiver capable of SSB, CW and FM operation.
-N
National Electrical Code -- A set of guidelines governing electrical safety, including antennas.
Network -- A term used to describe several packet stations linked together to transmit data over long distances.
Nonionizing radiation -- Electromagnetic radiation that does not have sufficient energy to knock electrons free from their atoms. Radio frequency (RF) radiation is nonionizing.
NPN transistor -- A transistor that has a layer of P-type semiconductor material sandwiched between layers of N-type semiconductor material.
-O
Offset--The 300 to 1000-Hz difference in CW transmitting and receiving frequencies in a transceiver. For a repeater, offset refers to the difference between its transmitting and receiving frequencies.
Ohm -- The basic unit of electrical resistance, used to describe the amount of opposition to current.
Ohm's Law -- A basic law of electronics. Ohm's Law gives a relationship between voltage (E), current (I) and resistance (R). The voltage applied to a circuit is equal to the current through the circuit times the resistance of the circuit (E = IR).
One-way communications -- Transmissions that are not intended to be answered. The FCC strictly limits the types of one-way communications allowed on the amateur bands.
Open circuit -- An electrical circuit that does not have a complete path, so current can't flow through the circuit.
Open repeater -- A repeater that can be used by all hams who have a license that authorizes operation on the repeater frequencies.
Operator/primary station license -- An amateur license actually includes two licenses in one. The operator license is that portion of an Amateur Radio license that gives permission to operate an amateur station. The primary station license is that portion of an Amateur Radio license that authorizes an amateur station at a specific location. The station license also lists the call sign of that station.
Output frequency -- A repeater's transmitting frequency. To use a repeater, transmit on the input frequency and receive on the output frequency.
-P
Packet radio -- A system of digital communication whereby information is broken into short bursts. The bursts ("packets") also contain addressing and error-detection information.
Parallel circuit -- An electrical circuit in which the electrons follow more than one path in going from the negative supply terminal to the positive terminal.
Parasitic beam antenna -- Another name for the beam antenna.
Parasitic element -- Part of a directive antenna that derives energy from mutual coupling with the driven element. Parasitic elements are not connected directly to the feed line.
Peak envelope power (PEP) -- The average power of a signal at its largest amplitude peak.
Pecuniary -- Payment of any type, whether money or other goods. Amateurs may not operate their stations in return for any type of payment.
Phone -- Another name for voice communications.
Phone emission -- The FCC name for voice or other sound transmissions.
Phonetic alphabet -- Standard words used on voice modes to make it easier to understand letters of the alphabet, such as those in call signs. The call sign KA6LMN stated phonetically is Kilo Alfa Six Lima Mike November.
Pico -- The metric prefix for 10--12, or divide by 1,000,000,000,000. PL (see CTCSS)
PNP transistor -- A transistor that has a layer of N-type semiconductor material sandwiched between layers of P-type semiconductor material.
Polarization -- The electrical-field characteristic of a radio wave. An antenna that is parallel to the surface of the earth, such as a dipole, produces horizontally polarized waves. One that is perpendicular to the earth's surface, such as a quarter-wave vertical, produces vertically polarized waves. An antenna that has both horizontal and vertical polarization is said to be circularly polarized.
Portable device -- A radio transmitting device designed to have a transmitting antenna that is generally within 20 centimeters of a human body.
Potentiometer -- Another name for a variable resistor. The value of a potentiometer can be changed over a range of values without removing it from a circuit.
Power -- The rate of energy consumption. We calculate power in an electrical circuit by multiplying the voltage applied to the circuit times the current through the circuit (P = IE).
Power supply -- A circuit that provides a direct-current output at some desired voltage from an ac input voltage.
Priority traffic -- Emergency-related messages, but not as important as Emergency traffic.
Procedural signal (prosign) -- One or two letters sent as a single character. Amateurs use prosigns in CW contacts as a short way to indicate the operator's intention. Some examples are K for "Go Ahead," or AR for "End of Message." (The bar over the letters indicates that we send the prosign as one character.)
Product detector -- A device that allows a receiver to process CW and SSB signals. Propagation -- The study of how radio waves travel.
-Q
Q signals -- Three-letter symbols beginning with Q. Used on CW to save time and to improve communication. Some examples are QRS (send slower), QTH (location), QSO (ham conversation) and QSL (acknowledgment of receipt).
QRL? -- Ham radio Q signal meaning "Is this frequency in use?"
QSL card -- A postcard that serves as a confirmation of communication between two hams.
QSO -- A conversation between two radio amateurs.
Quarter-wavelength vertical antenna -- An antenna constructed of a quarter-wavelength long radiating element placed perpendicular to the earth.
-R
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) -- A part of the Amateur Service that provides radio communications for civil preparedness organizations during local, regional or national civil emergencies.
Radio-frequency interference (RFI) -- Disturbance to electronic equipment caused by radio-frequency signals.
Radioteletype (RTTY) -- Radio signals sent from one teleprinter machine to another machine. Anything that one operator types on his teleprinter will be printed on the other machine. Also known as narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy.
Receiver--A device that converts radio waves into signals we can hear or see.
Receiver incremental tuning (RIT)--A transceiver control that allows for a slight change in the receiver frequency without changing the transmitter frequency. Some manufacturers call this a clarifier (CLAR) control.
Receiver overload -- Interference to a receiver caused by a strong RF signal that forces its way into the equipment. A signal that overloads the receiver RF amplifier (front end) causes front-end overload. Receiver overload is sometimes called RF overload.
Reflection -- Signals that travel by line-of-sight propagation are reflected by large objects like buildings.
Reflector -- An element behind the driven element in a Yagi and some other directional antennas.
Repeater station -- An amateur station that automatically retransmits the signals of other stations.
Resistance -- The ability to oppose an electric current.
Resistor -- Any material that opposes a current in an electrical circuit. An electronic component specifically designed to oppose or control current through a circuit.
Resonant frequency -- The desired operating frequency of a tuned circuit. In an antenna, the resonant frequency is one where the feed-point impedance contains only resistance.
RF burn -- A burn produced by coming in contact with exposed RF voltages.
RF carrier -- A steady radio frequency signal that is modulated to add an information signal to be transmitted. For example, a voice signal is added to the RF carrier to produce a phone emission signal.
RF overload -- Another term for receiver overload.
RF radiation -- Waves of electric and magnetic energy. Such electromagnetic radiation with frequencies as low as 3 kHz and as high as 300 GHz are considered to be part of the RF region.
RF safety -- Preventing injury or illness to humans from the effects of radio-frequency energy.
Rig--The radio amateur's term for a transmitter, receiver or transceiver.
RST -- A system of numbers used for signal reports: R is readability, S is strength and T is tone. (On single-sideband phone, only R and S reports are used.)
-S
Safety interlock -- A switch that automatically turns off ac power to a piece of equipment when the top cover is removed.
Schematic symbol -- A drawing used to represent a circuit component on a wiring diagram.
Selectivity--The ability of a receiver to separate two closely spaced signals.
Sensitivity--The ability of a receiver to detect weak signals.
Shack--The room where an Amateur Radio operator keeps his or her station equipment. Series circuit -- An electrical circuit in which all the electrons must flow through every part of the circuit. There is only one path for the electrons to follow.
Shack -- The room where an Amateur Radio operator keeps his or her station equipment.
Short circuit -- An electrical circuit in which the current does not take the desired path, but finds a shortcut instead. Often the current goes directly from the negative power-supply terminal to the positive one, bypassing the rest of the circuit.
Sidebands -- The sum or difference frequencies generated when an RF carrier is mixed with an audio signal. Single-sideband phone (SSB) signals have an upper sideband (USB -- that part of the signal above the carrier) and a lower sideband (LSB -- the part of the signal below the carrier). SSB transceivers allow operation on either USB or LSB.
Simplex operation -- Receiving and transmitting on the same frequency. See duplex operation.
Single Sideband (SSB) phone -- A common mode of voice operation on the amateur bands. SSB is a form of amplitude modulation.The amplitude of the transmitted signal varies with the voice signal variations.
Single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch -- A switch that connects one center contact to one of two other contacts.
Single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switch -- A switch that only connects one center contact to another contact.
Skip zone -- An area of poor radio communication, too distant for ground waves and too close for sky waves.
Sky-wave propagation -- The method by which radio waves travel through the ionosphere and back to Earth. Sometimes called skip, sky-wave propagation has a far greater range than line-of-sight and ground-wave propagation.
SOS -- A Morse code call for emergency assistance.
Space station -- An amateur station located more than 50 km above the Earth's surface.
Specific absorption rate (SAR) -- A term that describes the rate at which RF energy is absorbed into the human body. Maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits are based on whole-body SAR values.
Splatter -- A type of interference to stations on nearby frequencies. Splatter occurs when a transmitter is overmodulated.
Spurious emissions -- Signals from a transmitter on frequencies other than the operating frequency.
Standing-wave ratio (SWR) -- Sometimes called voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR). A measure of the impedance match between the feed line and the antenna. Also, with a Transmatch in use, a measure of the match between the feed line from the transmitter and the antenna system. The system includes the Transmatch and the line to the antenna. VSWR is the ratio of maximum voltage to minimum voltage along the feed line. Also the ratio of antenna impedance to feed-line impedance when the antenna is a purely resistive load.
Station grounding -- Connecting all station equipment to a good earth ground improves both safety and station performance.
Sunspot cycle -- The number of sunspots increases and decreases in a predictable cycle that lasts about 11 years.
Sunspots -- Dark spots on the surface of the sun. When there are few sunspots, long-distance radio propagation is poor on the higher-frequency bands. When there are many sunspots, long-distance HF propagation improves.
Switch -- A device used to connect or disconnect electrical contacts.
SWR meter -- A measuring instrument that can indicate when an antenna system is working well. A device used to measure SWR.
-T
Tactical call signs -- Names used to identify a location or function during local emergency communications.
Teleprinter -- A machine that can convert keystrokes (typing) into electrical impulses. The teleprinter can also convert the proper electrical impulses back into text. Computers have largely replaced teleprinters for amateur radioteletype work.
Television interference (TVI) -- Interruption of television reception caused by another signal.
Temperature inversion -- A condition in the atmosphere in which a region of cool air is trapped beneath warmer air.
Temporary state of communications emergency -- When a disaster disrupts normal communications in a particular area, the FCC can declare this type of emergency. Certain rules may apply for the duration of the emergency.
Terminal -- An inexpensive piece of equipment that can be used in place of a computer in a packet radio station.
Third-party communications -- Messages passed from one amateur to another on behalf of a third person.
Third-party communications agreement -- An official understanding between the United States and another country that allows amateurs in both countries to participate in third-party communications.
Third-party participation -- The way an unlicensed person can participate in amateur communications. A control operator must ensure compliance with FCC rules.
Ticket--A common name for an Amateur Radio license.
Time-out timer -- A device that limits the amount of time any one person can talk through a repeater.
Transceiver -- A radio transmitter and receiver combined in one unit.
Transistor -- A solid-state device made of three layers of semiconductor material. See NPN transistor and PNP transistor.
Transmission line -- The wires or cable used to connect a transmitter or receiver to an antenna. Also called feed line.
Transmitter -- A device that produces radio-frequency signals.
Troposphere -- The region in Earth's atmosphere just above the Earth's surface and below the ionosphere.
Tropospheric bending -- When radio waves are bent in the troposphere, they return to Earth farther away than the visible horizon.
Tropospheric ducting -- A type of VHF propagation that can occur when warm air overruns cold air (a temperature inversion).
-U
Unbalanced line -- Feed line with one conductor at ground potential, such as coaxial cable.
Uncontrolled environment -- Any area in which an RF signal may cause radiation exposure to people who may not be aware of the radiated electric and magnetic fields. The FCC generally considers members of the general public and an amateur's neighbors to be in an uncontrolled RF radiation exposure environment to determine the maximum permissible exposure levels.
Unidentified communications or signals -- Signals or radio communications in which the transmitting station's call sign is not transmitted.
Upper sideband (USB)--The common single-sideband operating mode on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10-meter HF amateur bands, and all the VHF and UHF bands.
-V
Variable capacitor -- A capacitor that can have its value changed within a certain range.
Variable resistor -- A resistor whose value can be adjusted over a certain range, without removing it from a circuit.
Variable-frequency oscillator (VFO) -- An oscillator used in receivers and transmitters. The frequency is set by a tuned circuit using capacitors and inductors. The frequency can be changed by adjusting the components in the tuned circuit.
Vertical antenna -- A common amateur antenna, often made of metal tubing. The radiating element is vertical. There are usually four or more radial elements parallel to or on the ground.
Visible horizon -- The most distant point one can see by line of sight.
Voice -- Any of the several methods used by amateurs to transmit speech.
Voice communications -- Hams can use several voice modes, including FM and SSB.
Volt (V) -- The basic unit of electrical pressure or EMF.
Voltage -- The EMF or pressure that causes electrons to move through an electrical circuit.
Voltmeter -- A test instrument used to measure voltage.
-W
Watt (W) -- The unit of power in the metric system. The watt describes how fast a circuit uses electrical energy.
Wattmeter -- Also called a power meter, a test instrument used to measure the power output (in watts) of a transmitter. A directional wattmeter measures both forward and reflected power.
Wavelength -- Often abbreviated l. The distance a radio wave travels in one RF cycle. The wavelength relates to frequency. Higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths.
-X
X -- In electrical equations, this letter stands for "Reactance."
-Y
Yagi antenna -- The most popular type of amateur directional (beam) antenna. It has one driven element and one or more additional elements.
-Z
Z -- In electrical equations, this is used to mean "Impedance."
Hope that the Glossary was a liitle helpful....
DX News...
ARLD036 DX news
This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
HA3JB, NC1L, TA3J, WA2KBZ, QRZ DX, The Daily DX, the OPDX Bulletin,
DXNL, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and
WA7BNM web sites. Thanks to all.
TUNISIA, 3V. A group of operators will be QRV as TS7TI and TS7TI/p
from Plane Island, IOTA AF-091 and Kuriat Island, IOTA AF-092,
respectively, from September 13 to 23. Activity will be on all HF
and VHF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via operators'
instructions. In addition, look for Ashraf, KF5EYY to be QRV from
3V8SS as a Single Op/All Band entry in the WAE SSB contest. QSL via
IZ8CCW.
MADAGASCAR, 5R. Franck, F4DBJ is QRV as 5R8HT from Ivato, IOTA
AF-013, until November 28. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters. QSL to
home call.
MALDIVES, 8Q. Steve, M0XVT will be QRV as 8Q7SB from Komandoo
Island, IOTA AS-013, from September 11 to 18. Activity will be on
20 and 17 meters. QSL via operator's instructions.
BHUTAN, A5. Operators JH1AJT, JJ1LIB and JA1TRC are QRV as A51A
until September 12. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW and
SSB, with an emphasis on the lower bands. QSL direct to JA1TRC.
PAKISTAN, AP. Hussain, AP2GH is generally QRV on 20 meters using
SSB around 1700z. QSL direct to home call.
PORTUGAL, CT. Operators from the Clube Radioamadores do
Entroncamento will be QRV with special call CS2PS on September 11
from the Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse, ARLHS POR-034. Activity will
be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and various digital modes. QSL
direct.
CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. Al, DJ5AA and Bernd, DL2DXA are QRV as
EA8/home calls from La Palma Island, IOTA AF-004, until September
24. Activity is holiday style on 80 to 10 meters. QSL to home
calls.
ENGLAND, G. Berkin, TA3J is QRV as M/TA3J from various locations
until September 20. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using SSB and
FM. QSL to home call.
ISLE OF MAN, GD. Operators Oliver, OE5OHO, Henry, OE5HDN and
Gerhard, OE3GEA are QRV as MD/home calls until September 13.
Activity is on all HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL to home calls.
SVALBARD, JW. Lars, SM4TUV will be QRV as JW8XSA from September 14
to 22. He will try to be active on 30 meters using PSK31 in his
spare time. QSL to home call.
MARKET REEF, OJ0. Pasi, OH3WS will be QRV as OJ0W from September 12
to 22. Activity will be on all HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL to
home call.
NETHERLANDS, PA. Lighthouse station PG6N will be QRV from the
Noordwijk Lighthouse, ARLHS NET-019, on September 11 during the
International Heritage Day. QSL via PA7DA.
BONAIRE, CURACAO, PJ2. Geoff, W0CG will be QRV as PJ2DX on Curacao,
IOTA SA-006, from September 11 to 23 while doing maintenance work.
Activity will be on all HF bands. QSL direct to home call.
POLAND, SP. Special event station SN140MPR is QRV until the end of
September in commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the Polish
Museum in Rapperswil, Switzerland. QSL via SP9KDU.
EGYPT, SU. Gab, HA3JB is QRV as SU/home call until November. This
includes an entry in the upcoming CQ WW RTTY contest. Activity is
on all HF bands using CW, RTTY, PSK31 and some SSB. QSL direct to
home call.
TURKEY, TA. Karl, WA2KBZ is QRV as TA0/home call from Buyukada
Island, IOTA AS-123, until the end of September. QSL to home call.
CENTRAL AFRICA, TL. Christian, TL0A is QRV from Bangui and expects
to be here until early 2011. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL
direct.
ANTARCTICA. Mike, VP8DMH/p is QRV from Adelaide Island, IOTA
AN-001, until September 11. Activity is mostly on 20 meters using
SSB, depending on conditions and his work schedule. QSL via G0VGS.
THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The ARRL September VHF QSO Party, Worked
All Europe SSB DX Contest, FISTS Get Your Feet Wet CW Weekend, NCCC
Sprint CW Ladder, PODXS 070 Club Jay Hudak Memorial 80-Meter Sprint,
Arkansas QSO Party, Swiss HTC QRP CW Sprint, Ohio State Parks on the
Air, ARCI VHF Contest, North American CW Sprint and the SKCC Weekend
CW Sprint are all on tap for this weekend. Please see September
QST, page 76 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites for details.
****************************************************************
ISS............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVcFr35pkO0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uugrIiFJ5eQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDzvZHUM2_w&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFXU9UcW-Eg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiIgF5a6X1A&feature=related
************************************************************
Fly You Flag...
GET YOUR FLAG READY!
Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign and PLEASE forward this Email immediately to everyone in your address book asking them to also forward it.
If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people do the same ... you get the idea.
THE PROGRAM:
On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this ninth anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends, and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do...
(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.
Thank you for your participation.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
*************************************************
Delta FOB
FOB Delta not just enduring – it’s growing
By Ashley Rowland
Stars and Stripes
Published: February 7, 2009
Forward Operating Base Delta, known as the "FOB of Choice," was home to just 200 U.S. troops last spring, but has about 2,000 today. Officials say the base's U.S. population will shrink to several hundred when the 41st Fires Brigade leaves later this year. More Iraqi troops will be stationed at Delta this spring.
Ashley Rowland / S&S
A worker at Forward Operating Base Delta rests in the shade of a row of new Contained Housing Units, or one-room trailers, as another worker moves one of the concrete barrier walls that will protect this "CHU city" from explosives.
Ashley Rowland / S&S
KUT, Iraq — At a time when most American military bases across Iraq are shrinking or reverting to Iraqi control, Forward Operating Base Delta is in the midst of a major growth spurt.
Rows of one-room trailers spring up almost overnight on vacant gravel lots, and by mid-February they will replace most of the base’s tent housing. A new theater is scheduled to open in mid-February, and construction is under way on a second dining facility worth $30 million.
Since last May, the U.S. military has pumped $70 million into construction on a base that once had a perimeter so porous that Iraqi farmers and their goats had to be chased off the grounds. But the biggest change is the number of Americans at this former Iraqi air force base.
About 2,000 U.S. troops are stationed here today, up from just 200 last spring.
"It’s totally changed," said Lt. Col. Brian Pierce, the garrison commander.
Because of its long runways and strategic location — on the banks of the Tigris River, and not far from Iran — Delta was selected several years ago to become an "enduring" base, one of a handful in Iraq that would remain open as other U.S. bases were closing. At one point last year, Delta was even scheduled to house 8,500 soldiers by this summer, Pierce said.
But those plans have changed. Even as Delta expands, U.S. officials are preparing to dramatically shrink their presence there. When the 1,200-strong 41st Fires Brigade leaves Delta this summer, it could be backfilled by a much smaller force of just 300 to 600 U.S. troops, Pierce said.
Delta’s uncertain future mirrors that of other U.S. bases across Iraq as U.S. troops prepare to leave Iraq’s urban areas by this summer and the country itself by the end of 2011. Combined with a new president who has pledged to pull all U.S. troops out of the country within 16 months, and the number of soldiers and bases that will remain open long-term is in limbo.
Even at Delta, soldiers with the 41st Fires Brigade are waiting to hear whether they’ll be in Iraq for 12 or 15 months, and base leaders aren’t sure what Delta’s current status as a "warming FOB" means.
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"A lot of things are changing and in a state of flux," said Lt. Col. Edward Hogan, of the Facilities Engineering Team. "Even at the higher levels, there’s probably not a lot of understanding of what the future looks like."
Big changes
Just a year ago, Delta was a true international zone, with troops from Poland, Lithuania, Georgia, El Salvador, Kazakhstan and Romania working alongside a small contingent of Americans. The base’s tiny post exchange was essentially a closet, restocked every few weeks when two helicopters made a trip to a post exchange in Tallil.
Now, only the Romanians remain, along 92 Iraqi airmen and the expanded U.S. force. But 300 to 600 Iraqi soldiers will be stationed in March at Delta, which is home to an Iraqi police academy. The southern half of the base will eventually revert to Iraqi control.
Col. Richard Francey, 41st Fires Brigade commander, said he envisions fewer Americans and more Iraqis operating at the base, and that’s the way it should be.
"It’s their country. It’s their base," he said.
Delta was selected in 2005, along with five other bases, to become an "enduring" FOB that would remain open after others had closed. Now officials call it a "warming" FOB — one that, like a pot of water kept warm on a stove, will keep a small U.S. presence in the area that can respond quickly to problems in the region.
Delta is outside but near Kut, a city of almost half a million people and a possible labor pool for the base. The base has large open spaces and is relatively undeveloped, meaning the United States could start building there from the ground up. The two runways are long enough to land all U.S. aircraft except the C-5, although upgrades are being made that will allow even that plane to land.
Delta is also near the shores of the Tigris River. With its water treatment facility, Delta can siphon water from the river and be virtually self-sufficient. That means the base doesn’t have to worry about the expense or security concerns of trucking in water, a significant issue at some landlocked bases.
"It’s essentially an unlimited water source," Hogan said. "Right now, they’re making more water than this base uses, and they have the capacity to make a lot more."
Life at Delta
When 1st Sgt. James Childers learned last winter that he was being deployed to Delta, he went online to find pictures of the base. The few he found didn’t impress him.
"It was the FOB that time forgot," he said. But this has been the best of his four tours in Iraq, he said, and he prefers Delta to larger bases like Baghdad’s Camp Victory, where he was once stationed.
"There’s too many people, too many lines to wait in, too much brass," said Childers, now the base’s deputy mayor. "You’re away from the flagpole [here]. You’re away from all the bigwigs."
Staff Sgt. Erica Foster said life has improved at Delta since she arrived in June because of better services and new stores: Faster mail delivery, a barber shop, a larger PX, an Internet store, a pavilion where troops can relax, and a coffee shop.
"I know to some people, buying coffee is just buying coffee. But as a soldier in Iraq, it’s a taste of home," she said.
Still, coffee shop or not, she prefers the anonymity of a larger base to Delta’s small town atmosphere.
"I can’t get away from the people here. It’s too small," said Foster, who was stationed at Liberty during her last tour in Iraq. "I want to be able to wake up one day and get away from the people I work with."
Keep in touch with the troops and Federal Contractor's everyone , 12 hours working plus, and nothing to do they get very board, there are no activities that they can do, and the dangers that they face each minute make it very stressful ... so if you know someone keep in touch daily if possible !!! There's only so many movies they can watch and with no recreation area other than a Gym, which after 12 hours don't think that they want to go there, and slow INTERNET and no TV plus staying in a 10x12 Chu will think about if you where there and facing those conditions daily.. It can be like being in jail somewhat...
Well thats it for this week, hope that everyone joins us on the net...
Thanks for allowing me to present this information that I hope you have enjoyed, and all those who's material was placed on the site ..
73
Rick Sr
OH a little humor !!! Some may have a little language..........
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