Volume 16, Number 32 (August 15, 1997)

Address Changes: Kathy Capodicasa, N1GZO, e-mail kcapodicasa@arrl.org.

Editorial: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, e-mail elindquist@arrl.org.

IN THIS EDITION:

SAREX TEAM WINS NASA AWARD

The Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment, or SAREX, program has won a NASA Group Achievement Award based on SAREX activities during the recent STS-94 shuttle Columbia mission. SAREX Principal Investigator Matt Bordelon, KC5BTL, received the award on behalf of the SAREX Working Group and others who supported the SAREX payload during the mission. These include AMSAT school mentors, ham volunteers who staffed the Johnson Space Center Customer Support Room during the mission (Will Marchant, KC6ROL, and Charles Sufana, AJ9N), the ARRL Educational Activities Department staff and other HQ staff members (Jennifer Gagne, N1TDY, and Rick Lindquist, N1RL), and ham volunteers from Johnson Space Center and the Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club.

JSC Director George Abbey presented the award during the STS-94 mission debriefing session at Johnson Space Center on August 12. Individual members of the SAREX team and those who helped support the SAREX mission will receive certificates for their role in the flight activity.

Three hams were among the members of the Columbia crew for STS-94: Jim Halsell, KC5RNI, the mission commander; Janice Voss, KC5BTK; and Donald Thomas, KC5FVF. The crew nominated the SAREX team for the award in recognition of "all the planning, preparation, and execution required to perform these missions" and "to thank the people who made it happen," Bordelon said.

The citation reads: "For your outstanding support during STS-94 that allowed us to contact 17 schools around the world and make multiple contacts with Mike Foale aboard the Space Station Mir."

All 17 scheduled SAREX school contacts were successful, including the first-ever SAREX contact with students in the People's Republic of China (see The ARRL Letter, Vol 16, No 29). The hams aboard Columbia also managed contacts with US astronaut Mike Foale, KB5UAC, aboard the Russian Mir space station, as well as several random contacts with earthbound hams.

STS-94, the 24th SAREX mission, flew from July 1 until July 17. It was a "refly" of the aborted STS-83 mission in April.

KB5UAC EXPECTS NEW CREWMATES TO BE ACTIVE ON HAM RADIO

US astronaut Mike Foale, KB5UAC, continues to be sporadically active on Amateur Radio from the Russian Mir space station. Foale has been using 145.985 MHz while over the US, and the 145.200/800 MHz split pair elsewhere.

In a recent packet bulletin, Foale also said he expects his new Mir 24 crewmates, Anatoli Solovev and Pavel "Pasha" Vinogradov, to be active on the radio "once they are settled in."

The new crew members arrived August 7 aboard the ailing Mir to replace the Mir 23 contingent of Vasily Tsibliev and Alexander Lazutkin, who returned to Earth August 14. Foale will remain aboard Mir until September. "We are conducting handover activities now," Foale related in his message. He said the team will prepare for a so-called "internal space walk" on August 20 to relocate power cables from the damaged Spektr module to Mir's Core module. A decision on whether Foale would get a chance to participate in a later space walk in September was pending this week. The Mir crew has been attempting to clear up vexing problems with its onboard oxygen-generation system.

"Lots to do here," Foale said in his hurried posting. "I try to monitor each day." Foale has been experiencing problems with his TNC, which has been losing messages. A new TNC was to have been delivered along with the Mir 24 crew members, but that did not happen.

NASA, meanwhile, reports that Foale's scheduled replacement, astronaut Dave Wolf, KC5VPF, is undergoing intensive training in Russia in preparation for swapping places with Foale in late September. --AMSAT News Service; NASA

CW RETURNS TO MARS NETS

CW, which was officially banned last fall from the Military Affiliate Radio System, or MARS, has now been allowed back, at least on a limited basis. "It's a good thing, I think," allowed Lt Barbara Carter, acting chief of Navy-Marine Corps MARS, who said she's been fighting on behalf of CW enthusiasts protesting the order to cease CW activity as of October 1, 1996. Permission to resume the use of CW on Department of Defense MARS frequencies for everything but formal MARS message traffic was handed down at a joint service conference in early July. "They met us halfway," she said of the decision.

A message to all Navy and Marine Corps MARS members in July said that the Department of Defense "has no objections for CW use on MARS frequencies but only for unofficial use and practice. No emergency/official messages are authorized in CW." Carter confirmed her interpretation that MARS members may use CW for code practice and informal communication "or just because they really enjoy using it."

Bob Stakel, KD1KV/NNN0TDU, of Falmouth, Maine -- the assistant Region 1 MARS director -- said CW was being used on no fewer than one net a month in Northern New England. "We lost people" because of the CW prohibition, Stakel said. Now that limited use of CW has been reinstated, "we are using it," he said.

In MARS Region 3, Navy MARS member Frank Thrash, W4DLZ, of Metairie, Lousiana, had high praise for Carter's efforts on behalf of CW. "This woman really stuck her neck out," he said. "Our nets are working pretty much as before [the ban]."

Carter, who's not a ham but is interested in becoming licensed, confirmed that some MARS members quit when CW was prohibited. She said that when she took over as Navy-Marine MARS chief, the return of CW was among the first things she heard about. "All they were asking was for a small bit that most of them learned while serving [in the military]," she said.

Thrash is among those who believe CW is far from obsolete. "It's the ultimate weak-signal mode," he said.

HOW TO COMMENT ON RM 9150

Amateurs wishing to comment on the ARRL Petition for Rulemaking (RM 9150) asking the FCC to improve how it addresses serious Amateur Radio rules violations (see The ARRL Letter, Vol 16, No 16) apparently will have to do so the old-fashioned way--written copies. The FCC has made no provision to receive electronic comments on RM 9150. The petition, filed in late March, calls on the FCC to "create a streamlined, privatized enforcement process" to handle and adjudicate serious Amateur Service rules violations, including malicious interference. Thanks to Pacific Division Webmaster Paul Wesling, KM6LH, a complete electronic copy of the petition is available on the Web at http://www.pdarrl.org/pdu/rm9150.html.

Comments to the FCC should reference RM 9150. Send an original and four copies of comments by August 31, 1997, to Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M St NW, Washington DC 20554. Reply comments are due by September 30, 1997.

MILWAUKEE ORDINANCE RESTRICTS TOWERS

A new ordinance going into effect later this year in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will require a special use permit to construct any antenna towers in the city that exceed the zoning district height limit -- typically 40 feet. Towers more than double the zoning district height would require a zoning variance. Those familiar with the situation say the new uniform tower law apparently was a reaction to a recent spurt of applications for cellular telephone towers in the city. The city's current tower ordinance exempts towers of licensed amateurs.

Obtaining a special use permit or a zoning variance to erect a tower of more than 40 feet also means the applicant must pay a $300 fee. Applications are subject to public hearings. A special use permit or variance also must comply with other requirements, including setback criteria for freestanding towers. Towers mounted on buildings would be permitted only if they are less than 20 feet in height or 25% of the height of the building or structure, whichever is less.

The new ordinance exempts existing towers in Milwaukee as "legally nonconforming." Mayor John Norquist signed the ordinance on August 5. It becomes effective November 1. --thanks to Jim Romelfanger, K9ZZ, Rick Kissell, WB9GYT, and Scott Frakes, KB9PRG

DARA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Dayton Amateur Radio Association is pleased to announce its scholarship winners for 1997. Congratulations and best wishes to these scholarship recipients:

  • Griffith Davies, KC7NWC, of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, was awarded the Robert F. Zimmerman Memorial scholarship. A Tech Plus licensee, Griffith has been accepted at Oregon Institute of Technology and plans to study electrical engineering.

  • Michael Gossenauer, N0UNY, of Aurora, Colorado. A Technician licensee, Michael has been accepted at the University of Colorado and plans to study biology and pre-medicine.

  • Twins Jason Hale, KF4NVT, and Christopher Hale, KF4JUO, of Thomasville, Georgia, will share the Charles G. Fry Memorial Scholarship. Both are Technician licensees who have been accepted at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where they plan to study forestry.

  • Barry Mather, KB7VQV, of Laramie, Wyoming. A Tech Plus licensee, Barry has been accepted at the University of Wyoming and plans to study electrical engineering.

  • Lindsay Schoettinger, KB8ZJT, of Englewood, Ohio. A Technician licensee, Lindsay is attending the University of Miami (Ohio) and plans to major in mathematics. She was a 1996 DARA scholarship winner.

  • Melissa Schweikhart, KB8EPO, of Springboro, Ohio, was awarded the John Willig Memorial Scholarship. A Tech Plus licensee, Melissa is attending Vanderbilt University and plans to major in biology and pre-medicine. She was a 1996 DARA scholarship winner.

  • Andrew Sieber, KD4JTV, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was awarded the Frank Schwab Memorial Scholarship. A General licensee, Andrew has been accepted at North Carolina State University and plans to study computer engineering.

  • Karen Tessneer, KB8YPN, of Beavercreek, Ohio, was awarded the Dave Beam Memorial Scholarship. A Technician licensee, Karen has been accepted at Ohio State University and plans to study physical therapy.

All DARA scholarships are $2000 each. --Stanley R. Kuck, NY8F.

CENTRAL ARIZONA DX ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The Central Arizona DX Association has awarded three $500 scholarships. The winners of the Mike Zussman, WA7NIY, CADXA Memorial Scholarships were:

  • Brian Benjamin Dong, N7LJV, Tucson, Arizona. Brian plans to attend Cornell University.

  • H. William Fogle, KC7FVZ, Mesa, Arizona. He plans to attend Vanderbilt University.

  • James T. McDonald Jr, KC7EFP, Phoenix, Arizona. James plans to attend Arizona State University.

Congratulations and best wishes to these scholarship winners. --Mike Fulcher, KC7V

ARRL'S NEW TECH Q&A DEBUTS

The ARRL's Tech Q&A -- Your Quick & Easy Path to a Technician Ham License, will be available starting in mid-August. Written by Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, the new book includes each question and answer for the new Novice (Element 2) and Technician (Element 3A) question pools. Where's the "quick and easy" part? The format of Tech Q&A will make studying for the Tech exam a breeze. Each question is printed with the correct answer letter shown in bold type. An accurate, but brief explanation follows each question. It's everything the aspiring ham needs to pass the Technician exam in a straightforward, uncluttered presentation--no hunting around.

Tech Q&A is $12.95. Order Item #6222. Call toll-free 888-277-5289 to order.

Note that because of the UPS work stoppage, you might experience unusual delays with delivery of ARRL Publications orders. Orders typically shipped via UPS are being routed to other services, but nearly all other carriers are overloaded, and many have indicated they cannot meet their usual service standards. Expect delays with your order during this time.

SURVEYS SHOW TECHNICIAN LICENSE MOST POPULAR

A survey of ARRL Volunteer Instructors shows that most teach between one and two classes a year and the vast majority of students obtain their Technician tickets. The survey revealed that classes average eight students. Graduates are 5% Novice, 88% Technician, 5% General, 1% Advanced, and 1% Extra.

Approximately 11% of the more than 2000 Volunteer Instructors responded to the survey. Of that group, 90% reported they use Now You're Talking in their classes. The instructors said that 80% of their students join the ARRL.

In another survey, ARRL-Registered School Teachers reported that their students' favorite ham radio activities, by far, were HF DXing, taking part in licensing classes, radio club activities and VHF/UHF operating. The 108 teachers who returned their surveys (approximately 11% of the total) say they introduced nearly 8800 students to ham radio. The teachers said that about 60% of their licensing classes prepared youngsters for the Technician license and 40% for the Novice ticket. Most teachers said they use ARRL study materials.

Volunteer Instructors and ARRL-Registered School Teachers were polled last spring. The ARRL Educational Activities Department recently compiled the results of the two surveys. --Rosalie White, WA1STO

HELP KEEP ARCHIE ALIVE

Archie Comics have traditionally been one of the best Amateur Radio tools for use in classrooms, Scout gatherings, and other youth get-togethers. These books introduce young people to lifetime adventures they can enjoy through Amateur Radio. In many cases, these comics are the first step toward getting a license and getting on the air. But, we gave away the last ones several months ago.

We need your financial assistance to help defray the costs of replenishing our supply of these popular Amateur Radio materials. Our current goal -- the cost of the minimum print run of 100,000 comics -- is $30,000. Donations towards Archie Comics will be used only for that purpose. We'll list the names of contributors making donations of $25 or more in the front of each book. We'll give special recognition in print to clubs and others who make substantial contributions. The ARRL is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations to the League are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the IRS.

Please make checks or money orders payable to "ARRL -- Educational Activities Fund." On the memo line, please write "Archie Comics." You may put your donation on a credit card. A donation form is on the Web, or you can call 860-594-0340. Be sure to designate "Educational Activities Fund." Our deadline to receive donations is October 31, 1997. --Dan Miller, K3UFG

ELGAR TREHAME, VK5ED, SK

Well-known satellite enthusiast Elgar Trehame, VK5ED, died August 6, 1997. He had been reported in ill health for several weeks. VK5ED was very active on AO-10 and AO-13, and often was called upon to support the command station activities on AO-13, spending many hours collecting 400 baud PSK telemetry. His wife, Janette, survives. --AMSAT News Service, with thanks Graham Ratcliff, VK5AGR

In Brief:

  • This weekend on the radio: The ARRL 10 GHz and up Cumulative Contest, the North American QSO Party (SSB), the KCJ (Keyman's Club of Japan) Contest, SARTG RTTY Contest, and the SEANET Contest (SSB) are on tap this weekend.

  • Mir Achievement Award available: Those who have worked the Russian Mir space station on both voice and packet are eligible to receive a Mir Achievement Award, an 8 × 10-inch certificate suitable for framing. A $10 donation includes all shipping and handling costs. Send a QSL or postcard with your name, address, and call sign to Mir QSL manager Dave Larsen, N6CO, Box 1501, Pine Grove, CA 95665; e-mail doc@volcano.net. Larsen reminds hams not to call Mir on voice until they hear Mir calling CQ.

  • Ham radio aids in biker's rescue: Mountain biker Tom Thompson is grateful for ham radio, which played a vital role August 3 in getting him prompt medical attention after he was injured during a ride in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Gorge. Ham and paramedic Joe Cummings, N3SQR, of Warrington, Pennsylvania, was biking with his daughter in the area when they came upon Tom, seriously injured with broken bones and facial injuries. Joe used his H-T and the Carbon Amateur Radio Club repeater to reach Ann Keiser, KO3M, who called 911 and got help on the way. Tom was especially fortunate that a ham found him, since the area where he was injured is outside the normal range for cellular telephones. --Amy Zimmerman, KD3TI

  • Jamboree generates new hams: The recently ended National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill in Virginia yielded 37 new or upgraded licensees. The breakdown included two Novices, 28 Technicians and seven Tech Plus licensees. K2BSA/4 operated from the Jamboree on most bands.

  • KC5VCF wins army medal: The US Army has awarded Alfred Fronefield, KC5VCF, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his volunteer service in 1995 and 1996. Among other things, Fronefield was cited for having logged more than 100 volunteer service hours at the San Antonio chapter of the American Red Cross, for using ham radio to help coordinate a search for a missing woman, and for alerting authorities and helping to manage traffic following a multiple car accident. The citation said that Fronefield "characterizes the selfless attributes of a fine humanitarian and professional soldier." Fronefield, who's stationed with the Army in San Antonio, is active with Bexar County (Texas) REACT Team 4950. He's scheduled to ship out to Germany for a three-year tour. --Lee Besing, N5NTG

The ARRL Letter

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.

Circulation, Kathy Capodicasa, N1GZO, e-mail kcapodicasa@arrl.org.

Editorial, Rick Lindquist, N1RL, e-mail elindquist@arrl.org.

Visit the ARRLWeb page at http://www.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.

How to Get The ARRL Letter:

The ARRL Letter is distributed directly from ARRL HQ only to elected League officials and certain ARRL appointees and to paid subscribers of the now-defunct hard-copy edition of The ARRL Letter . For members and nonmembers alike, The ARRL Letter is available free of charge from these sources:

  • The ARRLWeb page (http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/). This version of The ARRL Letter includes any photographs.

  • The HIRAM BBS: 860-594-0306.

  • The ARRL Technical Information Server (Info Server): Send an e-mail message to info@arrl.org. The subject line should be blank. In the message body, type send ltrmmdd.txt, where mm represents two digits for the month and dd represents two digits for the day (The ARRL Letter is published every Friday). For example, to request The ARRL Letter file for Friday, January 3, 1997, you'd type send ltr0103.txt. Then, on a separate line, type quit.

  • CompuServe and America Online subscribers, as a downloadable text file in the services' ham radio libraries

  • The Netcom server, run by the Boston Amateur Radio Club and Mike Ardai, N1IST: Send e-mail to listserv@netcom.com (no subject needed). The body of the message should say subscribe letter-list.