Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2028, Sept. 9, 2016

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2028 with a release date of Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. Licensing changes in Europe permit more hams to work across borders. In Australia, a special Field Day marks a 60-year milestone. Scouts prepare for Jamboree On The Air -- and we offer a special tribute to a Silent Key who nurtured a generation of young amateurs. All this and more in Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2028 coming your way right now.

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BILLBOARD CART HERE


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ELLIE VAN WINKLE, SILENT KEY

JIM/ANCHOR: We open this week's newscast with a special tribute to Ellie Van Winkle, N Zero QCX, of Colorado. On September 1st, she became a Silent Key at the age of 83, but not before giving her all and her heart to the next generation of hams. Amateur Radio Newsline's Paul Braun, WD9GCO, takes a look at her life doing what she loved most.

PAUL: It has been said that your best hope as a person is to make a difference in someone’s life, and to leave behind a good legacy.

Ellie Van Winkle, N Zero QCX, took that mantra to an exceptional level. A retired kindergarten teacher and longtime member of the Boulder Amateur Radio Club in Colorado, Ellie and her husband, Howard “Rip” Van Winkle, NV Zero M, decided to start an offshoot called BARC Junior for kids from nine to eighteen. They invited them into their home, and for over 24 years, taught more than 250 children about technology, electronics, and ham radio and best of all, got them licensed.

Ellie passed away on September first, and did in fact leave behind a stellar legacy. Under her and Rip’s guidance, BARC Junior grew into one of the largest radio-oriented youth organizations in the country, if not the world. She felt it was important that a representative from the club was able to speak every year at the Dayton Hamvention Youth forum and she and Rip always made it happen.

I spoke with three people who had been directly involved with Ellie and Rip and BARC Junior about the impact she’d had on their lives.  Matt Sturtz, KB Zero K Zed R, was one of the kids who came up through the program:

MATT: Ellie sort of created BARC Junior and certainly embodied BARC Junior and everything BARC Junior stood for. And that was that it was OK to be a geeky kid at age 14 or less. Now of course we have the Maker phenomenon and kids are sort of encouraged to do those things but when I was a little kid it wasn't all that exciting to be the one who was all into radios and technology and communicating around the world. BARC Junior sort of made that OK, at least for me.

PAUL: Dave Casler, KE zero OG, was one of the original elmers involved in training the kids.

DAVE: Without Ellie's constant hard work it wouldn't have lasted. Very few other people have been able to put together youth groups like this interested in amateur radio. The kids went to Ellie's house. Rip, her husband, was always more the silent type who would show the kids some technical things but Ellie was very very much a people person.

PAUL: He said she loved the kids, and they all loved her, including his own daughter:

DAVE: Every Saturday her house would be flooded with about 30 kids of all ages, from about 9 or 10 all the way up to 18. My daughter was part of this. She got her license 2 weeks shy of her 10th birthday.

PAUL: Dave’s proud of what the the BARC Junior graduates have gone on to become:

DAVE: I coordinated a reunion of some of these kids at the BARC Junior Field Day and interviewed them and wrote an article. One of the kids was and still is one of the key employees of an Internet company and one of them still works at a game company as a professional game maker. Another was an aerospace engineer. All these kids went into technical fields and they all credited their BARC Junior experience for that.

PAUL: Jack Ciaccia, WM zero G, is Colorado Section Manager for the ARRL and has been president and is currently a member of the parent club, BARC. He remembered Ellie’s drive and energy:

JACK: Ellie was an absolute dynamo behind BARC Junior, it was a 24/7 entity for her. That was her job as far as she was concerned.

PAUL: According to Ciaccia, BARC Junior’s future is in good hands and Ellie’s legacy lives on:

JACK: Yes it will, it obviously will take a change because nobody will be able to replace her in that regard. But Mike Wilson is running it now and  they still meet and they still do most of their activities. But she was involved right up to the end.

PAUL: Ellie is survived by her husband, Rip, and her sister Maude.

From all of us here at Amateur Radio Newsline, we say Thank You, Ellie. Your efforts, and others inspired by you, are helping to insure that the hobby we all love has a bright future indeed.

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

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NAVAJO CODE TALKER DIES

JIM/ANCHOR: The world suffered another big loss this week. Joe Hosteen Kellwood, a World War Two Navajo Code Talker who received the Congressional Silver Medal for his service with the Marine Corps, has died at the age of 95.

His death was announced in Phoenix, Arizona by Navajo Nation officials. Responding to the news, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey remarked that more than 400 of the bilingual code talkers used the Navajo language to keep communications secure from the Japanese following the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Kellwood, who served the 1st Marine Division, had trained at Navajo Code Talker's School at Camp Elliott in San Diego, California.


(ASSOCIATED PRESS, ABC NEWS)

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LICENSE TO TALK AROUND THE WORLD, ALMOST

JIM/ANCHOR: If you are a ham who travels from your home country to nations within Europe, expect some licensing changes that will simplify your life on the air. Amateur Radio Newsline's John Williams VK4JJW explains.

JOHN'S REPORT: Planning to work the bands while visiting a European country? There's even more of a chance you can do that now, and more easily. An increasing number of amateur radio operators who are licensed outside Europe should now be able to operate there on a temporary basis under measures adopted by the Working Group Frequency Management of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administration, or CEPT, on recommendation from the International Amateur Radio Union, Region 1.Amateurs from countries within CEPT are already able to operate across the borders of the 42 CEPT member countries on a short-term basis, a privilege shared by visiting amateurs from certain non-CEPT nations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Peru.

The new recommendations that have been adopted will open the door for more nations to join them. Officials approved the recommendation by Region 1 that there be adoption of a "Statement of Conformity" regarding licenses. This allows nations wishing to be part of the CEPT licensing framework to identify which class of its amateur license is equivalent to the CEPT license and vice-versa. This replaces the current procedure which involves having CEPT‘s European Communications Office examine the other nation's license requirements, determining the equivalence themselves. The conformity procedure is also being considered for the CEPT Novice license.

Changes were also adopted for the CEPT license exam itself, known as the Harmonized Amateur Radio Examination Certificate. The syllabus now touches on specific operating practices and responsible conduct.

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

(IARU, REGION 1)

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IN CANADA, MORE THAN JUST A DRILL

JIM/ANCHOR: Simulated disasters pave the way for smooth operations when the real thing happens. Canadaian amateurs are preparing now for a big weekend drill next month. Here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Heather Embee, KB3TZD.

HEATHER'S REPORT: Canadian amateurs, get ready: The Simulated Emergency Test will take place on Saturday, October 8, so prepare for the unexpected. The nationwide drill will enable hams to challenge their communications equipment and their own personal skills with a simulated natural or man-made disaster. A number of agencies are working to develop simulated emergency scenarios that will play out in cooperation with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the National Traffic System and members of the RAC's Field Organization.

The RAC has said that in Ontario, the exercise will also be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5, for amateurs whose Emergency Operations Centers are located in government offices, which are closed on weekends.

The RAC urges hams to contact their Section Managers to learn how to participate in the exercise at either the local or Section-level.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Heather Embee, KB3TZD.

(RADIO AMATEURS OF CANADA)

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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 KB3LSM repeater in Evans City, Pennsylvania, just north of Pittsburgh.

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AUSTRALIAN FIELD DAY'S A 60-YEAR CELEBRATION

JIM/ANCHOR: Sixty years is a long time, and a milestone worth celebrating, especially if you're an amateur radio club preparing for a big annual gathering. That's what's happening in New South Wales, Australia, as we hear from Amateur Radio Newsline's Graham Kemp, VK4BB.


GRAHAM'S REPORT: As stations in the Northern Hemisphere prepare for a rainy Autumn and cold Winter, those OMs down in VK & ZL are looking forward to Spring and Summer. In summer, the largest meeting of Radio Hams in the Southern Hemisphere will take place on February 26th, 2017 at the Wyong racecourse on the Central Coast of New South Wales in Australia. The Central Coast Amateur Radio Club will be hosting its Field Day -- known to hams in the Northern Hemisphere as a Hamfest or Radio Rally. The CCARC, based just north of Sydney, has held those gatherings for 60 years as a way to raise money for the club.

The club will mark its 60 years with a special call sign to be used later in 2017, but during the Field Day, using VK2-W-F-D, for Wyong Field Day, seems special enough.    

So to all those hams wanting to escape the cold months now arriving in the Northern Hemisphere: Isn't February 2017 the best time to get away from that horrible winter weather and head "down under" to enjoy the Australian Summer? The Field Day and the club itself are a short hour's drive out of Sydney and for those interested in SOTA, there's even a local drive-up summit with free electric barbecue facilities on top of it at Mount Elliot - what could be more Australian? 

Full details on the club and the Wyong Field Day can be found via the club's website at www.ccarc.org.au. 
Plan early! Get in quick and book those cheap seats on the inter-continental flights and enjoy a well-earned break down in the land of Koalas and Kangaroos!

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.

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TROPHY HONORS AMATEURS WHO GO THE DISTANCE

JIM/ANCHOR: In the UK, the search is on for a deserving DXer who'll be the next recipient of a special trophy. Here's more from Amateur Radio Newsline's Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.

JEREMY'S REPORT: Whether they are rookies or oldtimers, amateurs who have been awarded the G5RP Trophy from the Radio Society of Great Britain are in a unique club of DXers: They have shown swift progress in their DX contacts during the previous year. There's still time to nominate recipients for this annual award, which will be given at the RSGB Convention on the 7th of October through the 9th of October in Milton Keynes. Last year's winner was Jamie 2E0SDV, a 15-year-old from the Wythall Radio Club.

The trophy bears the call sign of Ted Wake G5RP, a Silent Key and an enthusiastic HF DXer who had been chairman of the Vale of White Horse Amateur Radio Society in South Oxfordshire. The trophy was donated in his memory by the members of the radio club.

Send nominations to Ian Greenshields G4FSU via email to hf.manager@rsgb.org.uk

Deadline for him to receive nominations is Friday the 16th of September.

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

(RADIO SOCITY GREAT BRITAIN, QRZ)

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BIG WEEKEND AHEAD FOR RADIO SCOUTING

JIM/ANCHOR: While Scouts prepare for next month's Jamboree On The Air, they're keeping the call sign K2BSA active. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Stearns NE4RD tells us what these young amateurs are up to.

BILL'S REPORT: This week in Radio Scouting we have 2 activations of the K2BSA callsign and other updates.

Stephen Hughey, AK4R, will be the control operator of the portable 4 station at the Wa Hi Nasa Order of the Arrow Lodge Fall Fellowship in Lebanon, Tennessee from Friday September 16th through the Sunday September 18th.  This annual activity boasts several events along with huge bonfire on Saturday evening.  Expect to hear them on the mainly on Saturday during peak activity at the event.

Tom Schuessler, N5HYP, will be the control operator of the portable 5 station at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas on Saturday September 17th.  They'll be active from 10 am to 2 pm local time on HF.  This is in preparation for their big Jamboree on the Air effort.

Speaking of Jamboree on the Air, it will be on the weekend of October 14th through the 16th.  We ask that you take the time to register your event at the K2BSA website and submit your operating schedule. If you're still looking to participate, it's not too late to contact your local district or council and help make amateur radio an experience for the youth in your area.

For more information on K2BSA, JOTA resources, and radio scouting, please visit http://www.k2bsa.net/.

For Amateur Radio Newsline and the K2BSA Amateur Radio Association, this is Bill Stearns NE4RD.

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GET IN THE RUNNING FOR ASHLAND HALF-MARATHON

JIM/ANCHOR: The Boston area, home of the Boston Marathon, is hosting another race in just a few weeks and volunteers are needed. We hear more from Amateur Radio Newsline's Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

NEIL'S REPORT: Although the race in Ashland, Massachusetts, is actually a half-marathon, hams are needed to lend support by making a marathon effort. The 5th annual Ashland Half Marathon 5K Race and One-Mile Walk steps off on Saturday, Oct. 29, and radio support is essential to assist with runner safety.

The race begins and ends at Marathon Park, which had been the original starting line for the Boston Marathon between 1897-1923. This race, however, will be a 13.1-mile figure eight and if runners - and the hams helping them out - get lucky, there should be spectacular fall foliage.

If you are interested in being a part of the half-marathon support team, contact Mark Richards by email at kmalittl1@gmail.com

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

(MINUTEMAN REPEATER ASSOCIATION)


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THE WORLD OF DX:

In the world of DX, be listening for Marcel, PD5MVH, working as PD5MVH/p from Ameland Island until September 17th. Find him on 40, 20 and 10 meters, using CW, SSB and JT65. Send QSL cards to his home call sign, direct or via the Bureau.

Uli DL2AH is active from Pitcairn Island using the callsign VP6AH until November 25th. He is operating holiday style on SSB and Digital. Send QSL cards to his home call.

Ken KH6QJ is operating from East Kiribati using the call sign T32AZ until Sept. 15. Listen for him on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m using SSB. Send QSL cards to his home call.

A very committed J28PJ will be active from Djibouti for the next three years if not longer. The operator is Jean-Philippe F1TMY. Send QSL cards to his home call.

(IRTS, DX NEWS)

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KICKER: DANCING WITH THE STARS?

JIM/ANCHOR: And finally, our last report, which comes to us courtesy of another solar system. Well, maybe. Here's Amateur Radio Newsline's Jason Daniels, VK2LAW

JASON'S REPORT: When the RATAN-600 telescope in Russia spotted a signal on the 11 GHz band for about four seconds in May of 2015, Russian astronomers found themselves believing it might just originate from a sun-like star, HD164595. Could the powerful signal have indeed come from an alien life form in that solar system, considered billions of years older than our Sun?

Possibly - but it took the Russians about a year to share news of that radio signal with others, including the SETI Institute, where astronomers share that passionate search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer with the Institute, would like to believe that possibility of an alien transmitter reaching out, of course, but he's just not sure. 

As with most radio contacts, the mystery may not be solved perhaps until the QSL card arrives. With the solar system 94 light years away, however, that could take some time.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW

(THE SETI INSTITUTE) 


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NEWSCAST CLOSE: With thanks to ABC News; Alan Labs; the ARRL; Amateur Radio Europe; The Associated Press; CQ Magazine; DX News; Ed Durrant DD5LP; Hap Holly and the Rain Report; the IARU; Irish Radio Transmitter Society; K2BSA; Minuteman Repeater Association; Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin; QRZ; Radio Amateurs of Canada; Radio Society of Great Britain; the SETI Institute; Southgate Amateur Radio News; Ted Randall's QSO Radio Show; Wireless Institute of Australia; WTWW Shortwave; and you our listeners, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline. Please send emails to our address at newsline@arnewsline.org, or send mail to our Editorial Offices at P.O. Box 451, Huntington Station, New York 11746. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline's only official website located at www.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 and as always we thank you for listening.

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