August 9, 1996 (Volume 15, Number 8)

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IN THIS EDITION:

NEW FCC RF SAFETY STANDARDS INCLUDE AMATEUR RADIO

New FCC RF safety standards that become effective January 1, 1997, could affect the way some hams operate. As a result of a Report and Order adopted by the FCC on August 1 (ET Docket No. 93-62, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radiofrequency Radiation), Part 97 will require hams running more than 50 W PEP to conduct routine RF radiation evaluations to determine if RF fields are sufficient to cause human exposure to RF radiation levels in excess of those specified. "Measurements made during a Commission/EPA study of several typical amateur stations in 1990 indicated that there may be some situations where excessive exposures could occur," the FCC said in ending the blanket exemption for Amateur Radio. Although all amateur operation must comply with the new regulations for Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE), amateur operation at power levels of less than 50 W PEP is "categorically excluded" from the requirement to perform a "routine evaluation" of station operation before operating. Where routine evaluation indicates that the RF radiation could be in excess of the limits, "the licensee must take action to prevent such an occurrence," the Report and Order stated. The FCC said this could mean altering operating patterns, relocating the antenna, revising the station's technical parameters--such as frequency, power or emission type--or "combinations of these and other remedies." Although the new exposure criteria will apply to portable and mobile devices in general, at this time routine evaluation for compliance will not be required of devices such as "push-to-talk" portable radios and "push-to-talk" mobile radios used by Amateur Radio operators. These transmitting devices will be excluded from routine evaluation.

The FCC encouraged the amateur community "to develop and disseminate information in the form of tables, charts and computer analytical tools that relate such variables as operating patterns, emission types, frequencies, power and distance from antennas." The Commission said it intends to provide "straightforward methods for amateur operators to determine potential exposure levels" by year's end.

"Exactly what is involved in conducting a 'routine RF radiation evaluation' is not yet clear," observed ARRL Executive Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, adding that the FCC has promised to release a revised OST/OET Bulletin Number 65, "Evaluation Compliance with FCC-Specified Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation." The League is now studying the 100-plus page docket, to see if the League should seek reconsideration of any aspects of the FCC decision.

In the Report and Order, the Commission adopted Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits for electric and magnetic field strength and power density for transmitters operating at frequencies from 300 kHz to 100 GHz. These MPE limits are generally based on recommendations of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP) and, in many respects, are also generally based on the guidelines issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc (IEEE) and subsequently adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an ANSI standard (ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992). The Commission used the 1992 ANSI/IEEE standards instead of the 1982 ANSI standards that had formed the basis for the existing rules under which Amateur Radio stations were categorically exempted.

ARRL Laboratory Supervisor Ed Hare, KA1CV, said the new regulations will give hams an incentive to demonstrate that Amateur Radio operation is safe. "Although this means that hams will have to become more educated about RF safety, most amateur stations are already in compliance with the new regulations," Hare said.

Sumner said that for certain unusual situations where there is "uncontrolled exposure" to neighbors and the general public, "amateurs may well have to make changes in how they operate." The ARRL Lab staff and the RF Safety Committee are continuing to evaluate the new requirements.

Hare noted that the administrative burden for hams will be minimal, and the FCC does not require amateurs to submit any documentation to the FCC. "In essence, the FCC is telling amateurs that if they run more than 50 W, they need to learn about RF safety and evaluate how this applies to their own operation," he said.

The new regulations also will require the addition of five questions on RF environmental safety to the amateur examinations for Novice, Technician, and General-class elements 2, 3(A) and 3(B). Sumner noted that the Commission's Report and Order does not take into account the practical problems associated with such a significant revision to the volunteer-administered amateur examinations, and that more time than the Commission has allowed will be required to do a good job.

The Commission acknowledged the updated guidelines generally are more stringent than the current rules and are based on recommendations of the federal health and safety agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. The Commission said that the new rules will protect the public and workers from strong RF emissions. Adoption of the new rules by August 6 was required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

The Commission also incorporated into its rules provisions of Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that preempt state or local government regulation of personal wireless services facilities based on RF environmental effects, to the extent that such facilities comply with the Commission's rules concerning such RF emissions. This preemption does not directly affect Amateur Radio, however.

The FCC said amateur stations "present an unusual case with respect to compliance with RF exposure guidelines," in part because they are authorized to transmit from any place where the Commission regulates the service, as well as on the high seas, and the FCC does not pre-approve individual amateur station transmitting facilities and no additional application is made for permission to relocate an amateur station or to add additional stations at the same or other locations. The FCC also noted that amateur stations "vary greatly" from one location to another, transmit intermittently, and can involve "as many as 1300 different emission types--each with a distinctive on-off duty cycle." The FCC said most amateur stations engage only in two-way communication, thus cutting the transmitting time of any given ham station. "There are many variables, therefore, to be considered in determining whether an amateur station complies with guidelines for environmental RF radiation," the FCC said in the Report and Order.

In comments filed earlier with the FCC, the ARRL strongly opposed adoption of the new requirements. The ARRL said most Amateur Radio users do not possess the requisite equipment, technical skills, and/or financial resources to conduct an environmental analysis. The League has, for several years, recommended a policy of "prudent avoidance" of exposure to electromagnetic radiation as a common-sense approach to potential--but not yet proven--health hazards and against such practices as running high power to indoor antennas or to mobile antennas that might expose the vehicle's occupants. The ARRL also argued that amateur stations, because of their intermittent operation, low duty cycles, and relatively low power levels, rarely exceed the 1992 ANSI/IEEE standard. Finally, the ARRL noted that unlike other radio services, RF safety questions already are included in amateur license examinations.

The FCC agreed in part. "We concur with the ARRL that amateur operators should follow a policy of prudent avoidance of excessive RF exposure," the Commission said. "We will continue to rely upon amateur operators, in constructing and operating their stations, to take steps to ensure that their stations comply with the MPE limits for both occupational/controlled and general public/uncontrolled environments." But the FCC expressed concern that Amateur Radio operations "are likely to be located in residential neighborhoods and may expose persons to RF fields in excess of the MPE guidelines."

For now, the League advises hams not to panic and to read up on the subject. You can download the complete Report and Order at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Orders/1996/fcc96326.txt. Other resources are available on the ARRLWeb page at http://www.arrl.org/news/rfsafety/.

General information on RF safety is available in the safety sections of the 1996 edition of The ARRL Handbook and in the 15th edition of The ARRL Antenna Book. These materials offer guidelines on how to comply with the ANSI standard the Report and Order refers to. Additionally, the ARRL Technical Information Service offers an information package on RF safety. It includes a reprint of the Handbook material, an April 1994 QST article by Wayne Overbeck, N6NB, and a bibliography on the subject. This package is available for $2 for ARRL members or $4 for nonmembers, postpaid. Nonmembers should include payment with orders. Contact Bridget DiCosimo, e-mail bdicosimo@arrl.org or write 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Other resources are available on the ARRLWeb page at http://www.arrl.org/news/rfsafety/. The ARRLWeb information will be updated as circumstances dictate.

NEW FCC APPOINTEE HAS HAM RADIO ROOTS

President Clinton has named FCC Common Carrier Bureau Chief Regina Keeney to fill a vacancy on the Commission created when Andrew Barrett departed last spring. Senate confirmation is expected for Keeney when Congress returns next month from the August recess. While not a ham herself, Keeney, 40, comes from a ham radio family. Her dad, John Markey, is W2AAW; Her mom, Margaret Markey, is N4XZD.

Keeney was tapped to head the FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau in 1994. She took over the Common Carrier post last fall. Before joining the FCC staff, Keeney served for nine years as the Republican counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee.

TWA 800: LESSONS LEARNED

Some 125 hams from the Greater New York City-Long Island vicinity contributed more than 2500 volunteer hours to support recovery operations in the wake of the TWA Flight 800 disaster on July 17. Although the recovery effort continues, Amateur Radio support--which was primarily on behalf of the American Red Cross--concluded during the last weekend in July. "I hope all who assisted with the Flight 800 incident remember that it was only because of their tireless efforts that the job was done," said Walt Wenzel, KA2RGI, the Region IV RACES officer for the New York State Emergency Management Office (and Babylon, New York, ARES emergency coordinator and radio officer). Wenzel also offered some lessons learned from the now-concluded recovery support effort. Among them: You can't always count on 2-meter repeaters alone to provide coverage (the Flight 800 recovery effort, in fact, relied on a 70-cm repeater). Also, keep a database of available equipment that can be loaned to operators who turn out. Wenzel reminded prospective volunteers that while duty shifts usually are 8 hours, they often can be 10 or 12 hours long. "People have to remember that having two batteries does not mean they have long-term power for hand-helds," he said.

Darlana Mayo, KB2EPU, of Westchester County, New York, an assistant EC who was involved in the crash recovery, said previous drills and training didn't help much when the ham volunteers confronted the reality of the situation. "Nothing had prepared us for TWA. Nothing could have prepared us for this," she said. Mayo had some advice of her own. "Don't try to be Superman," she recommended. Volunteers should know their limits and not try to stay on duty too long. "You get tired and make mistakes," she said. Both Wenzel and Mayo stressed flexibility, too. Be ready when asked to step into an assignment, but don't be surprised if plans suddenly change. "There are always going to be a few people standing by waiting for an assignment," Wenzel said. He also said volunteers might be serving several agencies with differing requirements, so they have to be on their toes.

And both agree that coordination is key. "Coordinate, coordinate, coordinate with other ECs," Mayo said. Wenzel said individual volunteers also must coordinate their involvement with those in charge and "not just show up to assist." Both also recommended that volunteers not make statements to the media.

Even those with little or no public service experience can be valuable in an emergency situation, Wenzel said. "Do not think because you have not been involved for long with emergency communications or Amateur Radio that you cannot assist," he said. "Most people that can assist are new and are learning, and if you have checked into club nets and ARES or RACES nets, then you have the basics needed to assist."

Overall, Mayo said hams did "a fantastic job under the circumstances" during the Flight 800 recovery effort.

RENEW OR JOIN THE LEAGUE ON LINE

It's now possible to renew your League membership or to join the ARRL on line. All you have to do is go to http://www.arrl.org/, click the link that says ARRLWeb's online membership form (or go right to the form at http://www.arrl.org/join.html [there's an underscore character between member and general in that address]), and fill in the form. Payment is available via credit card, but if you'd rather not leave your card number, there's an option to leave a telephone number and someone at HQ will call you back.

If you'd rather renew or join by telephone, the toll-free number is 888-277-5289.

ARRL INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN

We, as radio amateurs, provide assistance to people in need throughout the world on a regular basis. We communicate daily with common people from all parts of the world. Amateur Radio is the only medium where average people throughout the world can meet to talk to each other and spread good will across otherwise impenetrable political boundaries. The world needs positive efforts toward international understanding and peaceful communications.

Recognizing the above, the League established an annual international prize to be awarded to truly outstanding Amateur Radio operators in areas of international humanitarianism and the furtherance of peace. The award is dedicated to those amateurs who, through Amateur Radio, are devoted to promoting the welfare of mankind.

The selection of the recipient of the award is made by a committee appointed by the President of the ARRL.

Any licensed radio amateur worldwide, or group of amateurs who, by use of their skills of Amateur Radio, have provided extraordinary service for the benefit of others in times of crisis or disaster, is qualified to receive the award.

Nominations for the award will be accepted by the committee from a licensed radio amateur, governmental or any other organization which has received the benefits of the radio amateur's extraordinary service. In the event that no nominations are received, the committee may determine possible recipients or may decide to make no award in a given year.

Nominations must contain the following: A summary of the actions of the nominee that qualify the recipient for the award, and statements from at least two references, including names and addresses for verification. The award winner receives an engraved plaque, and is profiled in QST.

All nominations and supporting materials for 1996's award must be submitted in writing in English to: ARRL International Humanitarian Award, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111 USA. Nominations must be received by December 31, 1996.

ARRL NEW ENGLAND CONVENTION OFFERS ANTENNA WORKSHOP

The League's antenna guru Dean Straw, N6BV, will offer his workshop "Computer-Aided Antenna/System Design of HF/VHF Stations, Including the Effect of Local Terrain" during the ARRL New England Convention, Friday, October 4, 3-9 PM, in Boxboro, Massachusetts. Straw edits The ARRL Antenna Book and regularly contributes to QST.

Discover the "system approach" to antenna design! Learn about propagation, antenna selection, transmission line selection and putting it all together. This workshop will demonstrate computer modeling and analysis of HF systems plus VHF Yagis and other gain antennas. You model antenna designs, including crude field-strength measurements. You'll explore the effect of local terrain and environment on the elevation pattern for antennas, and see the launch angles required for efficient HF propagation to the world.

The cost of the six-hour workshop and accompanying workbook is $15 for ARRL members and $20 for nonmembers. You may also purchase The ARRL Antenna Book (the 736-page 17th edition includes IBM-compatible software for Yagi analysis) for $30 plus $5 shipping.

Space is limited, so register by October 2. Attend all 6 hours and earn 0.6 continuing education units. To register, call Peter Budnik, KB1HY, 860-594-0239, or write ARRL CAD Workshop, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111. Please provide your name, call sign and address and include a check or credit card number. This workshop is sponsored by the ARRL Educational Activities Department.

SOLAR FLUX, ACTIVITY UP

Sun watcher Tad Cook, KT7H, of Seattle, Washington, reports solar activity took a jump the week of July 29, due to the return of solar region 7978. The average solar flux was up about 10 points, and the flux was peaking above 80 at the beginning of the month. Geomagnetic activity was also up, with the K index reaching 4 on July 29 and 31. After hovering around 80 or so, solar flux should drop down below 70 by August 9. It should rise up to 70 around August 22. During this period 20 meters should be the best band during the day, and 40 meters the best band at night.

Sunspot numbers for July 25 through 31 were 0, 11, 13, 16, 22, 28 and 34, respectively, with a mean of 17.7. The 10.7-cm flux was 68.2, 70.2, 73.3, 75.5, 77.9, 79.9, and 80.2, respectively, with a mean of 75.

QSLS SOUGHT FOR HAM RADIO COP SHOT IN LINE OF DUTY

W. D. "Dave" Harvey, KE4VDP, of Lithonia, Georgia, is recuperating from gunshot injuries that almost cost him his arm and still could cost him his career as a police officer. On July 13, Harvey, who's with the DeKalb County Police Department in Decatur, Georgia, responded to a call of shots fired. He came face-to-face with a man armed with a rifle who fired two shots at Harvey, hitting him once--in the left forearm--before two other officers returned fire and killed the man.

Harvey is out of the hospital following surgery, but he's been told he might lose much of the use of his hand and that he might never again be able to work as a police officer. Even so, Lt J. E. Hanson of the DeKalb County PD says he visited Harvey recently and said he's remaining "very optimistic" that Harvey will be able to return to duty.

His friend and colleague, Jim Sheppard, KT4FD, says Harvey has been a ham for about a year and a half and has never received a QSL card. During Harvey's recuperation, he's requesting hams send KE4VDP their QSLs to cheer him up and wish him a speedy recovery. Sends cards to Dave Harvey, KE4VDP, 2850 Shiloh Way, Lithonia, GA 30058.

THOMAS J. KIRBY W1EJ, SK

Tom Kirby, W1EJ, of Pelham, New Hampshire, died August 3, 1996, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 60. An ardent VHFer and a key player in the VHF-UHF Advisory Committee and the New England VHF Conference, Kirby also was a New Hampshire state Senator. His wife, Alice, survives.

MARCONI DAUGHTER DIES

Gioia Iolanda Marconi Braga, the daughter of Guglielmo Marconi, died on July 17, 1996, in New York. She was 80. Gioia was Marconi's fourth child from his first marriage--to Beatrice Inchiquin O'Brien. She was born in London on April 10, 1916, and studied in Italy. In Rome she worked with the Italian Radio Association. In 1954 she married George Atkinson Braga and moved to the US to begin working at NBC. She was founder (in 1974) and president of the Marconi International Fellowship, which recognized the creative work of scientists and technicians in the communications field. She was the guest of honor at the October 23, 1991, rededication ceremony of W3TKQ (now W3AA) at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and was the banquet speaker at last fall's Antique Wireless Association annual convention. For more information, visit http://www.alpcom.it/hamradio/gioia.html.

In Brief

  • New name, new owners: The Long Island DX Bulletin will be known as The DX Reporter when new Chod Harris, VP2ML, turns over the reins to new publishers Paul and Nancy Smith, AE4AP and KB4RGW, respectively. The Smiths also will take over The DX Bulletin and The DX Magazine from Harris. The DX Reporter will be published every two weeks. The changeover is supposed to happen within a few weeks. The Smiths already produce The GOLIST and QSL Manager List. DX Publications has a new e-mail address: dxpub@midwest.net, or write PO Box 2306, Paducah, KY 42002-2306; tel 502-898-8863 (voice); 502-898-8864 (DX BBS); fax 502-898-8865.

  • Cover Plaque Award winner: Al Buxton, W8NX, of Akron, Ohio, won the July QST Cover Plaque Award for his article "An Improved Multiband Trap Dipole Antenna."

  • The year's premier Amateur Radio digital communications event: The 1996 ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference is September 20-22, 1996, in Seattle, Washington. This marks the first time the ARRL Digital Communications Conference and TAPR Annual General Meeting have joined into one conference. This international forum is for both beginners and experts in digital communication, networking and related technologies to meet, publish their work and present new ideas and techniques for discussion. An entire morning will be given over to beginning and intermediate presentations on APRS, satellite communication, TCP/IP, digital radio, spread spectrum and other topics. Workshop presentations include Keith Sproul, WU2Z, on APRS packet-location software; Dewayne Hendricks, WA8DZP, on "How to Utilize Part 15 Radios for Ham Applications," and a workshop on Wireless Networking using WA4DSY 56-K RF modem technology and its accessories. For more information, contact TAPR, 8987-309 E Tanque Verde Rd, No. 337, Tucson, AZ 85749-9399; tel 817-383-0000; fax 817-566-2544; e-mail tapr@tapr.org or visit http://www.tapr.org/.

  • Ham radio stamps: Pitcairn Island in the Pacific--famous as the final refuge the mutineers from the HMS Bounty--is issuing four Amateur Radio stamps on September 4, 1996. One 20-cent stamp lists the call signs of this year's members of Pitcairn's Amateur Radio club; two $1.50 stamps show VR6IM requesting and receiving medical assistance, and a $2.50 stamp shows Andrew Young, VR6AY, Pitcairn's first amateur, in 1938. Pitcairn has the largest population of amateurs per capita of any country in the world. Nearly one of every four of the 50 or so people on the island is licensed. If you're intersted in Pitcairn Island, check out the Pitcairn Island Web site at http://wavefront.wavefront.com/~pjlareau/pitc1.html.--RSGB/Larry Price, W4RA

  • W3TKQ becomes W3AA: The Phil-Mont Mobile Radio Club's demonstration station, W3TKQ, at the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia acquired the call sign W3AA on July 30 under the vanity call sign program. W3AA had belonged to Harold Fox, a club member who died recently. His wife, Marian, WA3YJR, suggested the move. Vanity Gate 1A, permitting such in memoriam call signs for club stations, opened July 22. The first radio contact using the new W3AA call sign was made with W3BBB, the ARRL Atlantic Division's "Grand Old Ham" of 1993, who in 1962 built the station's first glass-enclosed ham shack at the Institute, and who has been associated with the station longer than any living amateur. The club station originated at the Institute in 1952. W3AA may be reached at 215-448-1139. For more information, contact the station's trustee, Steve Hoch, WU3I at w3aa@fi.edu, or visit http://sln.fi.edu/tfi/exhibits/w3aa.html.

  • New OMIK president: At its 44th annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, July 16-21, 1996, the OMIK Amateur Electronic Communications Association Inc, elected its first female president, Sara E. Jackson, KB9PJ, of Chicago, Illinois. Other officers elected were: Fred Ford, WB5HKV, Hodge, Louisiana, vice president; William "Nate" Jenkins, KS4SX, Orlando, Florida, secretary; and Carolyn Y. Winstead, KB8BKI, Dayton, Ohio, treasurer. The 1997 OMIK convention will be in St Louis, Missouri. For more information on OMIK, call KB9PJ at 312-233-4748.

  • MSN Amateur Radio Forum is back: The MSN Amateur Radio Forum is now back online, reports Rick McMillion, WB7UGZ, assistant forum manager. MSN had discontinued the forum several weeks ago. McMillion says MSN management took note of members' letters and suggestions, and returned the service to the on-line provider.

  • FCC honors McNamara: Robert H. McNamara, chief of the FCC's Private Radio Division in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau was among several FCC employees honored last month for advancing the mission and objectives of the FCC "through their sustained extraordinary or exceptional accomplishments." McNamara received a Distinguished Service Award gold medal. The Private Radio Division regulates the Amateur Radio Service.

The ARRL Letter is published by the American Radio Relay League, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111, tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259. Rodney J. Stafford, KB6ZV, President; David Sumner, K1ZZ, Executive Vice President.

Electronic edition circulation/address changes, Kathy Capodicasa, kcapodicasa@arrl.org.

Printed edition circulation, Mark Dzamba, 860-594-0253.

Editorial, Rick Lindquist, Assistant Technical Editor, rlindquist@arrl.org.

The purpose of The ARRL Letter is to provide the essential news of interest to active, organizationally minded radio amateurs faster than it can be disseminated by our official journal, QST. We strive to be fast, accurate and readable in our reporting.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, including photoreproduction and electronic databanks, provided that credit is given to The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.