Amateur Radio NewslineT Report 1842 - November 30 2012 Attention bulletin stations. Please note that this is an extended Amateur Radio Newsline report and contains three breaks. Thank you. Amateur Radio Newsline report number 1842 with a release date of November 30, 2012 to follow in 5-4-3-2-1. The following is a QST. The FCC issues a rule making proposal aimed at implementing the 2007 World Radiocommunications Accords; the NTSB says it wants to end all kinds of distracted driving; South Africa's ham radio community is told it will have to re-apply for their licenses and the 8th Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference is called a major success. Find out the details are on Amateur Radio NewslineT report number 1842 coming your way right now. (Billboard Cart Here) ** RESTRUCTURING: FCC PROPOSES IMPLEMENTING 2007 WRC ACCORDS The FCC has issued ET Docket 12-338 that if passed as written is pretty good news for ham radio. Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, is in the newsroom with the details: -- ET Docket 12-338 released on Tuesday, November 20th proposes modify the rules governing a number of communications services for amateur radio which falls under Part 97 of its rules, the proposed changes are quite positive. Starting at the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum and working our way up, Docket 12-338 proposes the creation of a permanent albeit shared allocation from 135.7-137.8 kHz with a power output of 1 watt effective radiated power to an isotropic radiator. To those who have never heard the term isotropic radiator, this is a theoretical point source of electromagnetic waves that emits the same intensity of radiation in all directions. Translated into everyday language it really means hams will only be able to transmit a few hundred milliwatts of power if that. Now going up a few hundred kilohertz to the 160 mter band. That where Docket 12-338 proposes to change the Amateur Radio Service allocation to make 1800 through 2000 kHz a primary amateur service allocation. By way of background, historically, the 1715 to 2000 kHz band was allocated exclusively to the Amateur Service. In 1953, the FCC removed the 1715 to 1800 kHz segment from the Amateur Radio Service and allocated the 1800 to 2000 kHz band to the Amateur Service on a shared basis with the Radionavigation Service. Then in 1983, the FCC allocated the 1800 to 1900 kHz band to the Amateur Service on an exclusive basis and the 1900 to 2000 kHz band to the Radiolocation Service on a primary basis and to the Amateur Service on a secondary basis. Lastly, in the WRC-07 Table Clean-Up Order, the FCC combined the 10 to 10.45 GHz and 10.45 to 10.5 GHz bands in the Federal Table of Allocations. In doing so, the frequency band was inadvertently not changed to 10 to 10.5 GHz. To fix this the FCC will revise the text of three footnotes that pertain to this spectrum by adding the existing Amateur- Satellite Service allocation to the list of permitted non- federal services. It will also order that non-federal stations in the Radiolocation Service not cause harmful interference to the Amateur Service in the 10 to 10.5 GHz band. As we said, its pretty good news for ham radio here in the USA. From the studio in Los Angeles, Im Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF. -- If approved as written, these changes will implement allocation decisions from the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference that concern those portions of the radio frequency spectrum between 108 MHz and 20.2 GHz by making specific updates to the rules in this frequency range. You can download the full text of ET Docket 12-338 at as a Word document at tinyurl.com/proposed-wrc-changes (FCC) ** RADIO LAW: NTSB VS CEA ON DISTRACTED DRIVING AND DISTRACTED TRANSIT The National Transportation Safety Board wants to eliminate all driver distraction and is broadening its focus on the use of portable electronic devices in all types of vehicles. The issue is part of the NTSB's recently released "2013 Most Wanted List." Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP, is here with the details: -- While acknowledging that distracted driving didn't begin when people began making calls or texting in the car, the National Transportation Safety Board still says that portable electronic devices that do not directly support the task at hand have no place in any vehicles. This includes automobiles planes, trains, and just about any other vessel you might be able to think of. As such it argues that states and regulators can set the proper tone by banning the nonessential use of such devices in all areas of transportation. The NTSB says that young drivers are more likely to use portable electronic devices while behind the wheel and therefore are especially at risk. It urges that laws, education, and enforcement efforts should place special emphasis on curbing the use of portable electronic devices by these younger drivers. The NTSB goes on to say that companies should develop and vigorously enforce policies to eliminate distractions. It also says that manufacturers can assist by developing technology that disables these devices when in reach of operators. But the NTSB has some strong opposition from the Consumer Electronics Association or CEA. That organization says that while it applauds the effort, it also notes that the NTSB misses the mark on the use of portable electronics in vehicles. It says that calling for an abstinence only approach, the NTSB ignores established realities of human behavior. It also claims that in-vehicle technology when used correctly can make for vastly safer roadways. The CEA says that rather than calling for broad regulations or outright bans, policymakers should encourage the use of the many innovative driver safety technologies coming on to the marketplace. The CEA notes that it has already forwarded the NTSB a list of third-party applications that promote safe use of portable technologies in the automobile. How any of this might affect mobile or even hand held pedestrian portable operations in the future by ham radio operators and other users of two-way radio is at this time unknown. But the NTSB stand seems to be that any and all forms of distraction must be removed from the public's hands while in transit. And that's not likely to sit well with the public at large. For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Norm Seeley, KI7UP. In Scottsdale, Arizona. -- It should be noted that the National Transportation Safety Board is an independent body that has no authority to enact transportation policy, nor to force the federal government to make transportation policy changes. However it makes recommendations to governments, industry and the public and uses its "Most Wanted" list as a way to highlight changes that it is advocating. (RW) ** WORLDBEAT: ALL RADIO SOUTH AFRICAN AMATEURS WILL HAVE TO REAPPLY FOR THEIR LICENSES All South African radio amateurs are going to have to reapply for their licenses. This is according to the South African Radio League which says its liaison committee met with that nation's telecommunications regulatory body Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. At that meeting the national society learned that following an audit by the Auditor General, that the communications regulator has been instructed to implement regulation 15 of the nations Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations. This is a law that stipulates that an amateur radio license can only be renewed for up to five years after which a new application has to be submitted. Because of this, all South Africa licensed radio amateurs will be required to re-apply for a license for the period of April 1st 2013 through March 31st 2018. The South Africa Radio League says that the details as to how this will be accomplished are expected to be made public in the next few weeks. Until that time, South African hams should do nothing. As soon as information is made available the South Africa Radio League announce it via its news bulletin service system and make forms available on its website at www.sarl.org.za. (SARL, ICASA) ** BREAK 1 From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world including WMRP FM on 104.7 MHz serving Flint Michigan. (5 sec pause here) ** RESCUE RADIO: GAREC 2012 DEEMED A MAJOR SUCCESS The 8th Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference also known as GAREC 2012 was held recently in Port Dickson, Malaysia. We have an updated report on what transpired at that gathering from WIA Newsman Graham Kemp, VK4BB: -- Attending the conference on November 12 to 14 were delegates from nine countries under this year's theme of 'One world, One commitment'. Among the presentations was one on the Mobile Emergency Weather System which assists authorities using simple equipment and training. There were status reports from various countries and these highlighted the differences and similarities in approach to emergency planning. While solutions may not be easy to find, sharing the problems and allowing individual countries to recognize that they were not alone, provides valuable support to the Global community. GAREC-2012 included two practical activities. These enhanced inter-personal relationships enabling delegates to work together more efficiently in future. Future conferences may seek to involve partners in emergency response, such as the International Federation of the Red Cross and the ITU, in accord with the existing Memoranda of Understanding. The delegates thanked the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters Society in hosting this successful conference. For the Amateur Radio Newsline. I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB, of the WIA News in Australia. -- The next GAREC is in Zurich, Switzerland on June 25 to 27, 2013. All groups and organizations involved in Amateur Radio Emergency Communications are invited to attend to share their knowledge and learn from others. (WIA News) ** RESCUE RADIO: DISASTER READINESS FAIR IN CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS CERT AND HAM RADIO In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a disaster-readiness fair that highlighted solar oven cooking, water storage, 72-hour emergency kits and amateur radio communication demonstrations has been held in Temecula, California. The event, hosted by the Temecula Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, took place on Saturday, November 10th. At the event dozens of tables with information and demonstrations on topics pertinent to emergency preparedness were set up in and around the church facility. There were also two presentations on food storage and earthquake preparedness was given by specialists in those areas. Gordon Neuls, N6ELS, manned a booth promoting amateur radio certification. Members of the Temecula Citizen Corps were on hand to raise awareness of the need to be ready for natural disasters and to promote the Community Emergency Response Team operations. It was noted that in the case of a disaster where normal lines of communication are interrupted, amateur radio can be used to relay information, as well as to send for help and other assistance. According to the Temecula Press Enterprise, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long been an advocate of emergency preparedness. It noted that the church leadership encourages each of its members to have a year's supply of food and emergency items, be self-reliant and free of debt. (Temecula Press Enterprise) ** RESCUE RADIO: HAM RADIO RESPONDERS THANKED FOR THEIR HELP IN GUATEMALA QUAKE Amateur radio operators who were among the first responders following an Earthquake that hit Guatemala have been thanked for their efforts. WIA Newsman Robert Broomhead, VK3DN has the details: -- The rescue and relief work in San Marcos, Guatemala, a mountainous region bordering Mexico that was hit by a 7.4 scale earthquake claiming the lives of at least 52 people earlier this month, was aided by emergency communications provided by radio amateurs. International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 Emergency Communication Coordinator, Cesar Pio Santos HR2P said he was very proud of the work done during and after the earthquake on November 8, despite the difficult times. Cesar HR2P thanked the members of the Club de Radioficionados de Guatemala for their outstanding efforts. He was responding to a report from Marco Aurelio TG 8 AMP, who was in charge of the emergency network. About 10,000 houses have been affected by the earthquake with authorities setting up 11 rescue centers for the homeless. This has been VK3DN, reporting from Melborne. -- According to news reports, this was the worst quake to hit Guatemala since 1976. Thats when a 7.5 magnitude temblor caused the deaths of about 23,000 people in one of the worst natural disasters of the time. (VK3PC, HR2P, WIA News) ** RADIO LAW: HAM RADIO TOWER AMENDMENT TO ZONING IN RIDGECREST CA The Planning Commission in Ridgecrest California was to hold a public hearing November 27th to recommend the City Council amend a city zoning ordinance that would help hams in that city erect antennas. The amendment request, should it be approved by the city council at a later date, could permit amateur ham radio antennas in excess of 35 feet to be erected subject to a ham obtaining a Conditional Use permit. The agenda relates directly to a previous request by Ridgecrest resident Steven Rainey, N6MVX, to put up a 55- foot tower on his property back in September. Rainey could not receive a conditional use permit for the proposed tower following a public hearing. This is because the Planning Commission does not have the authority to grant such permits under the current municipal code. According to a city staff report, the amendment request, should it be approved by the city council at a later date, could permit amateur radio antennas and windmill towers in excess of 35 feet to be erected subject to a Conditional Use permit. City Planner Matthew Alexander is quoted as saying ham radio operators represented a strong asset to the city in case of emergencies. More is on-line at tinyurl.com/ridgecrest-antenna. (Ridgecrestca.com) ** HAM HAPPENINGS: COMMEMORATE NOAA - SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY NOAA - SKYWARN Recognition Day is December 1st from 0000 to 2400 hours UTC and everyone is invited to take part. NOAA - SKYWARN Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. Its purpose is to celebrate the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN radio operators make to the National Weather Service As we go to air some 70 NWS ham radio operations are registered for the 24 hour operating event. These stations are expected to be operational on the High Frequency bands plus 6, 2 and 70 centimeters along with Echolink as well as IRLP. For more informational please visit the official NOAA - SKYWARN Recognition Day website at tinyurl.com/skywarn-nws- day. (PAPA, NWS) ** HAM HAPPENINGS: HANDIHAM 2013 RADIO CAMP ANNOUNCED The Handihams have make known that their 2013 Radio Camp is tentatively scheduled for the Woodland campus of Camp Courage in late July and early August. The tentative dates are July 28th through August 2nd making travel days for the campout Sunday and Friday. No pricing has been announced. (Handihams) ** HAM HAPPENINGS: COURAGE CENTER CAMPS PARTNER WITH FRIENDSHIP VENTURES The Handihams have also announced that Courage Center Camps and Friendship Ventures have entered a joint partnership. This to create a new camp organization to serve people with disabilities. The new organization founded on November 19th will be called Camps of Courage and Friendship. At least that will be its title until a formal name study is completed in 2013. Campers, volunteers and staff will see traditional programs continue in 2013. However, behind the scenes, new methods and approaches will be developed to incorporate the strengths of both organizations. More about this new joint venture is on-line at www.campscouragefriendship.org. (Handihams) ** HAM HAPPENINGS: TOWER WORK WEBINAR DECEMBER 12 The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation will be presenting a webinar on towers and how to work safely on and around one on. Titled "Tower Work --Tips, Techniques, and Tools," this presentation taught by John Crovelli, W2GD, and Don Daso, K4ZA. During the session the two will outline things that they have learned from almost 100 years of combined experience, focusing on safety, cost savings, and of coarse problem solving. The hour long webinar will begin at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, December 12th which equates to Thursday, December 13th at 02:00 UTC. Registration is free to hams world-wide at tinyurl.com/tower-webinar-registration. (K4ZW, QRZ.com) ** NAMES IN THE NEWS: ELLEN OCHOA, KB5TZZ, NAMED DIRECTOR OF JSC Some names in the news. A ham radio operator will soon be heading up the Lyndon B. Johnson Spaceflight Center in Houston, Texas. This as NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announces that Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, KB5TZZ, as the next Director of the historic space development facility. Ochoa was the first Hispanic woman to go into space. Since September 2007 she has served as Johnson Spaceflight Center Deputy Director. Prior to that position she worked as Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations at JSC and in September of 2006 became Director of Flight Crew Operations. Ellen Ochowa will be facility's 11th Director. She will also be its first Hispanic, first radio amateur and the second female to serve in that position. KB5TZZ will take over the reins at JSC from Michael Coats when he retires at the end of the year. (NASA, Southgate) ** NAMES IN THE NEWS: KOLD OWNER TURNS 90 The founder of the world's most remote radio station, Radio KOLD in Antarctica has turned 90. Steve Grimsley, VK2ZP, set up Radio KOLD at Wilkes Base in 1961, and the station is still broadcasting. Family, friends and former colleagues gathered in the Australian town of Binalong to celebrate VK2ZP's birthday. (WIA News) ** NAMES IN THE NEWS: VE3XT ELECTED ONTARIO NORTH/EAST RAC DIRECTOR Congratulations are extended to Bill Unger, VE3XT who was recently selected as the Radio Amateurs of Canada Director for Ontario North East. Unger ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election. VE3XT has been an amateur operator since 1970 and has been involved in many aspects of the hobby. His term as Director will be for two years starting January 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2014. (RAC) ** BREAK 2 This is ham radio news for today's radio amateur. From the United States of America, We are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed by the volunteer services of the following radio amateur: (5 sec pause here) ** WORLDBEAT: MEXICO ZETA DRUG GANG BLAMED FOR KIDNAPPING ENGINEERS If you are an Information Technology or two-way radio technician and planning a trip to Mexico, you might not carry an H-T on a belt clip where it can be seen. This is because at least one drug gang seems to be kidnapping and enslaving those who know two-way radio to build and keep their private system going. Amateur Radio Newsline's Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, takes a look at the situation south of the border: -- According to a report from Mexican news site Animal Politico, at least three dozen engineers and technicians have been kidnapped in the past four years. And Felipe Gonzalez who is the head of Mexico's Senate Security Committee told Animal Politico that none of the engineers who disappeared have ever been found. Mexican authorities blame the notorious drug running gang the Zeta's for the kidnappings. The Mexican military is trying to dismantle an extensive radio network built and operated by the drug cartel but to date authorities have not had much luck shutting it down. Not only is much of the equipment super-easy to replace, but the drug runners have apparently found some unwilling assistance by kidnapping and enslaving technicians to help build it. Among them is at least one IBM employee and several communications technicians from a firm owned by Mexico's largest construction company. Last year the Mexican military found and dismantled one such drug runners radio network spread across northeastern Mexico that included 167 radio antennas sites. As recently as this past September, Mexican marines found a 295-foot-high transmission tower in Veracruz State. The bottom line: It seems the drug gangs have discovered that two-way radio is a tool that they will not be without but the Mexican government is doing all it can to take these clandestine operations off the air. For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, near Zion, Illinois. -- One of the best stories in the English language that explains in depth the safety issue to engineers and technicians in Mexico is on the World Disaster Report website. Its on-line at tinyurl.com/enslaved-technicians. (Animal Politico, Whatspoppin.net, World Disaster Report, other news sources) ** WORLDBEAT DIGITAL RADIO FAILS IN HONG KONG As of this past October 10th, Hong Kong's new Digital Broadcasting Corporation is off the air. This after only one month of operation. The stated reason is that they simply have run out of money to continue operations. According to the South China Morning Post, the station's co- founder Albert Cheng King Hon wanted the government to intervene between the shareholders, but Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development turned down the request for mediation. Digital Broadcasting Corporation's financial woes have meant that the staff was not paid for the month of October, or offered severance. Nonetheless, at least one talk show host indicated that he would like to continue broadcasting without pay, but some doubted the practicality of this goodwill gesture. Disagreements over what to do with the company's assets extend to questions over whether or not these should be liquidated to pay employees or allow the board members to buy back shares at a discounted rate. Digital Broadcasting Corporation license required it to formally launch its service by September 21st, 2012, and also to provide seven 24-hour programming channels. (RW) ** WORLDBEAT: BCDX NET CELEBRATES ITS 24th ANNIVERSARY The weekly 40 meter BCDX Net from South India celebrated its 24th anniversary on Sunday, November 25th. This Net began operation on Sunday, November 27, 1988 by a small group of radio amateurs that included 4S7VK, VU2FOT, VU2JOS along with some very interested shortwave listeners. The BCDX Net is now held on Sunday morning's at 03:00 UTC on 7 dot 085 MHz Lower Sideband for the advantage of those who are keenly interested in Broadcast Band DXing. According to its operators, the unique thing about this net is that is helped hams to become SWL DX'ers and SWL's to get their amateur licenses. The current net control station is VU3SIO and assisted from time to time by VU3BGK and VU2JOS. (Southgate) ** WORLDBEAT: MARITIME AMATEUR WEBSITE SERVING HAMS UP NORTH The Maritime Amateur website was launched back in March 2008 with the purpose of sharing information among radio amateurs in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island of Canada. Now in its fifth year, there has been over 43 thousand hits and has a membership of over 110 ham radio operators. From the homepage, there are links to local, national and international news, CANWARN, maritime nets and numerous others sits of interest to hams that spend time on the water or who just want to be of service to their communities. You can check it out at www (dot) maritimeamateur (dot) ca. For more information please contact Jim Langille by e-mail to ve1jbl@eastlink.ca (VE1JBL) ** HAM RADIO IN SPACE: FOX-1 CUBESAT UPDATED DESIGN PUBLISHED The design of the Fox-1A has been updated. During the 2012 Symposium AMSAT Vice-President Engineering, Tony Monteiro, AA2TX and the Fox Engineering team presented the latest status on the design, development, and construction of the Fox-1A satellite project. Fox-1A is is a one unit size cubesat which will carry an FM repeater transponder to replace the ageing AO-51. (ANS) ** HAM RADIO IN SPACE: 2012 AMSAT SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE IN THE AMSAT STORE The Proceedings of the AMSAT-NA 30th Symposium and AMSAT-NA Annual Meeting, held October 26th to the 28th in Orlando, Florida have been put up for sale at the on-line AMSAT Store. The proceedings contain over 30 articles on subjects ranging from current satellite operations to updates on the Fox Project. For information on pricing and shipping or to oplace an order please visit store.amsat.org/catalog on the World Wide Web. (ANS) ** BREAK 3 The news never stops and neither do we. From the United States of America we are the Amateur Radio Newsline with links to the world from our only official website at www.arnewsline.org and being relayed to you by the following bulletin station: (5 sec pause) ** ON THE AIR: SPECIAL EVENT STATION TM1TARA On the air, keep an ear open for special event station TM1TARA to be on air between December 8th to the 10th. This to commemorate the scientific voyages of French polar vessel the Tara. Tara Expeditions has been organizing missions aboard this research schooner for the past 9 years. The goal is to learn more about the impact of climate change on the planets ecosystems. So far Tara has accomplished eight successful expeditions including voyages to Greenland, Antarctica, Patagonia, southern Georgia, and the Arctic. Its latest voyage was described as world-wide known as Tara Oceans. For this special celebration operations will be conducted by F8DVD and F8IJV from Paris, France during the Tara exhibit. Look for them on 20 through 10 meters on SSB. A special color QSL card will be printed and will be sent via the Bureau or direct. QSL with a self addressed envelope and 2 IRC's - if you can still get them -- to F8DVD. (Southgate) ** DX In DX, CT1FTR is currently on the air from the Sudan as ST2FT. He is active on High Frequency bands using SSB and PSK31. If you make contact QSL via CT2GBU or electronically using eQSL. OH0XX is currently active from Contadora Island in the Archipelago Perlas as HP1XX. Bands and modes are not known but if you work him please QSL via home call. K4UUK plans to operate from Belize May 4th to the 18th 2013 as V31RD. He will be active on 80 through 6 meters on SSB. QSL via K4UUK. GM3YTS , GM4FDM , GM0GAV , GM3POI will be active from Tuvalu Island from March 12th to the 23rd 2013 as T2GM. They will be operational on all of the High Frequency bands with an emphasis on contacts with Europe. QSL via GM4FDM AA4NC will be operational from Montserrat February 12th to the 20th of 2013 as VP2ME. He he also plans to be active in ARRL DX CW Contest. QSL this station electronically using Logbook of the World. Four British hams plan to be active from Easter Island February 13th to the 21st as XR0YG. They will be operational on High Frequency bands only. An actual guide to their operating hours and QSL routes is expected to be announced shortly. Lastly, a team of operators from Germany will be on the air from Samoa next April 4th to the 18th as 5W0M. They will be operational using various modes on 80 through 6 meter plus and 2m E-M-E. QSL the main operation to DL4SVA direct, via the bureau or OQRS. For EME QSO's send cards via DL9MS. (Above from various DX news sources) ** THAT FINAL ITEM: HURRICANE SANDY - EVERYTHING OLD WAS NEW AGAIN And finally this week you might want to say that everything old is new again. This after Professor Darren Hayes of Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems reports on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. According to Professor Hays, it appears that older technology played a vital role to assist the public after this disaster. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW has the details: -- In an article in the news blog The Hill, Professor Darren Hays notes that the Verizon network suffered widespread outages and with no electricity, telecommunications were problematic. The old corded telephones were plugged in by those who still had them and there were lines for payphones. For those of you to young to remember these are coin operated telephones that in many places are nothing more than a distant memory. Professor Hays also had some nice words for the amateur radio community. He says that others resorted to using ham radio to communicate, which was found to be very effective. Hays pointed to ham radio networks like ARES and RACES which are dedicated to communications outages. Hays who holds the call KI6UEI noted that a battery-powered radio was at one point his only connection to the outside world during the storm. Hays article notes that as the recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy continues, questions are being raised about our nation's preparedness for emergencies. On Friday, November 9th it was reported that two Congressmen, U.S. Representatives Peter King and Steve Israel, were requesting that the military assume control of Long Island Power Authority. This in an effort to restore electricity to more than 150,000 homes and businesses which at that point still without mains power. Back in 2006 the newspaper Newsday reported that the Long Island Power Authority was warned that its critical infrastructure could not handle a major storm. One of the issues noted was that the utility was utilizing a 25-year old mainframe computer system that could not track power outages or other critical functions like monitoring for rotting utility poles. For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles. -- You can read the entire article by Professor Hays on-line at tinyurl.com/old-worked-best (The Hill) ** NEWSCAST CLOSE With thanks to Alan Labs, AMSAT, the ARRL, the CGC Communicator, CQ Magazine, the FCC, the Ohio Penn DX Bulletin, Radio Netherlands, Rain, the RSGB, the Southgate News, TWiT-TV and Australia's W-I-A News, that's all from the Amateur Radio NewslineT. Our e-mail address is newsline (at) arnewsline (dot) org. More information is available at Amateur Radio Newsline'sT only official website located at www.arnewsline.org. A reminder to those of you who still receive these newscasts over our 661-296-2407 dial in telephone line rater than downloading the MP3 file from our website or from the RSS feed. We are still giving consideration to discontinuing telephone feed service as a cost cutting measure. But before we do, we want to know how many people are actually using it. If you are one of those who call in each week on the phone and have not already done so, please send us a note telling us who you are and the reason you are using telephone access rather than simply downloading the newscast from the Internet. Our address is the Amateur Radio Newsline, 28197 Robin Avenue, Saugus California, 91350. Or, as we said, you can e-mail us at newsline (at) arnewsline (dot) org. We look forward to hearing from you. For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, at the editors' desk, I'm Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, in Southern Mississippi saying 73 and we thank you for listening. Amateur Radio NewslineT is Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.