Friday, January 20, 2012

Earth-directed CME to Impact on Jan. 21, 2012

Active sunspot 1401 erupted yesterday, Jan. 19th around 16:30 UT, producing an M3-class solar flare and a full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME). The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory recorded the cloud expanding almost directly toward Earth:


Analysts at the Goddard Space Weather Lab say strong geomagnetic storms are possible when the cloud arrives this weekend. Their animated forecast track predicts an impact on Jan. 21st at 22:30 UT (+/- 7 hrs).
The cloud is also heading for Mars, due to hit the Red Planet on Jan. 24th. NASA's Curiosity rover, en route to Mars now, is equipped to study solar storms and might be able to detect a change in the energetic particle environment when the CME passes by.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

WINMOR--A New HF Digital Protocol for Winlink 2000


WINMOR stands for WINlink Message Over Radio and is a new HF radio transmission protocol by Rick Muething, KN6KB, of the Winlink Development Team. WINMOR was introduced at the 2008 ARRL / TAPR Digital Communications Conference in Chicago on September 26-28, 2008, and released from beta testing to production versions in 2010. Unlike PACTOR, only a simple computer soundcard-to-radio interface is required, and it runs as a “virtual TNC” (the WINMOR TNC application) together with host software. The protocol (not the software) is fully documented and is without restrictions or license issues which might prevent anyone from implementing the protocol in other software. The WINMOR TNC software is also fully documented as an API for developers. The software TNC can freely distributed when paired with a developer’s own host application software.

PACTOR vs. WINMOR

Users may employ either WINMOR or Pactor to transfer mail in the WL2K system, depending on their equipment. While WINMOR may not equal P2 and P3 in total performance, it provides a cost-effective means of using the system, and is more robust and faster than P1, and faster than P2 in favorable conditions. WINMOR is attractive to anyone who has trouble justifying the high cost and low utilization of a P2 and P3 modem. Cruisers, who daily use radio email for long-distance lifeline communications at sea, can usually justify the P3 modem purchase. EmComm agencies who fund equipment purchases usually are smart to opt for P3 modems for reliability and ease of use under the stress of emergency operations. Successful WINMOR soundcard operating requires skill in making multiple adjustments, and knowledge of the computer’s operating system, which often do not lend themselves to success under the pressure of an emergency situation.

RMS Express with WINMOR for Users

See the User Software page for more information and to download the RMS Express client software, which includes the virtual WINMOR TNC software, and additionally supports Pactor 1-3, AX.25 packet and Telnet protocols using a wide variety of TNCs and multimode controllers.

WINMOR TNC Software for Developers

WINMOR TNC is a Windows “helper application” that creates a virtual WINMOR HF MODEM (TNC) using a standard PC sound card. It is intended to be used by developers who create complete end user Client or Server host applications. Example of such programs are RMS Express (Radio client) and RMS WINMOR (Radio Server).

The WINMOR TNC software license is provided in the help files of the downloaded program, and is not in the public domain. Please see these files for details.

Use this link: Download WINMOR TNC

Documentation Link

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

RIGrunner 4005i


The RIGrunner 4005i enables amateur radio, emergency communications systems and repeater site operators to monitor and control their DC power distribution systems from any internet-ready mobile device or PC.
Features Provides internet based monitoring and control of 12 VDC power distribution
Delivers up to 40 amps total through 5 outlets while transmitting, 30 amps continuous duty
Each outlet features independent on/off control and user configurable current trip point, 1A to 40A
RJ45 Ethernet port standard, WiFi option available
Integrated web server for monitoring and control
Can be configured to issue alarm email when outlet trips off
Front mounted LCD display and indicator LEDs for local monitoring of status, input voltage and current draw from each outlet
Rear mounted Anderson Powerpole® connectors with locking clips
Low profile for 1U 19″ rack or horizontal shelf mounting option
Rack mounted version custom built to order, contact West Mountain Radio for details.
Includes in all Models

(4) Rubber Feet
(4) 3M Adhesive Pads
(1) 6-pair pack of 30A Powerpole connectors
(6) Retention Clips
RJ45 Ethernet Cable
Owner’s Manual

Rack Mounted Model

1U 19″ Rack Bracket and Faceplate
WiFi add-on module with antenna

Software

The integrated web server enables internet based monitoring and control of your DC power distribution system. It includes the following capabilities:

Input voltage monitor
Current draw monitoring through each outlet
Individual outlet on/off control with trip indication
Configuration of current limits for each outlet, 1 to 40 amps
Generation of alarm email in case of current limit trip

RIGrunner 4005i Owner’s Manual

Price: $279.95 USD

Link

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Pure Michigan in January

Here's what's happening in Michigan next month.
Your trip begins at michigan.org.

Auto Showcase Takes Center Stage in Detroit
See the most innovative auto designs in the world as more than 500 vehicles debut at North America's largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. Read More

Culinary Destinations Make Great Winter Getaways
Escape into a world of wine, food and fun this winter with a delightful Michigan culinary excursion. From festivals to cooking classes, every foodie is sure to find something to satisfy their appetite. Read More

Snowshoe Hikes and Lantern-Lit Winter Fun
Looking for another great winter family adventure? Michigan state parks are groomed and ready--day and night--with fun activities at an affordable cost. Read More

UP Slope Patrol
Head to Michigan's western Upper Peninsula for your next ski getaway and experience top notch resorts with all of the amenities that cater to avid downhill ski enthusiasts. Read More

Winter Events Buzz
From concept cars to sled-dog races, from ice festivals to ski jumping competitions and great museum exhibits-- Michigan stages unforgettable events all through the month of January. Read More
Link
source

Friday, January 13, 2012

Missouri Exempts Amateur Radio from Cell/ Texting Law

If you live in Missouri you might have heard, there is a new Senate Bill, SB 567, that has been introduced by State Senator Robin Write-Jones, a Democrat-St Louis to be considered in 2012 by the Missouri Senate. There is good news though in this bill if you’re a ham radio operator. The last line of the bill contains the following exemption language:

Exempt are the use of two-way radio transmitters or receivers by a licensee of the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service.

That means that the mobile use of amateur transceivers is for now safe in Missouri.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

OPERA Encoded Signal Travels 2000 Miles

Opera has made a big debuet on the ham radio bands. Using the new Opera data mode, Gary Taylor, G4WGT, in Lancanshire in the United Kingdom has successfully transmitted a signal on 137.5 kHz across the North Atlantic to Joe Craig, VO1NA, in Toebay, Canada. This over a distance of 3,500 kilometers or 2200 miles.

Taylor transmitted six full callsign frames in a two hour period, which is a big time saving over other slow digital modes like QRSS. Opera was created by Graham Brown, G0NBD with the actual code written by Jose Ros, EA5HVK. This as a way of providing data operations for stations that only had the CW capability. The most up to date information on this mode can be found at groups.yahoo.com.

source.
Southgate Amateur Radio News

FCC Rejects ARRL Partial Appeal on Club Callsigns

The FCC has rejected a motion for partial reconsideration of revised rules enacted by the FCC. These to limit the number of vanity calls that any individual or club can hold.

In its petition the League stated that it supports the Commission’s efforts to prevent club stations from obtaining an unfair share of desirable call signs. But it also expressed concern that the precise rule language adopted by the FCC did not preclude the abuses that the Report and Order intended to prohibit. Specifically, the ARRL believes that if a club has multiple station trustees, each of these trustees could obtain a vanity call sign for the club. That in turn could allow the club to obtain multiple vanity call signs.

But in denying the ARRL appeal the FCC said that the Leagues petition does not provide any grounds for reconsidering the Commission’s decision in the Report and Order. It said that the concerns expressed by ARRL about licensees attempting to evade the rules adopted in the Report and Order are already addressed by the Commission’s licensing rules and processes. It notes that Section 97.5(b)(2) of its rules states, in part, that a club station license grant may be held only by the person who is the license or trustee designated by an officer of the club. In simpler terms, only one vanity call sign per club. (FCC)

Saturday, January 7, 2012

ARRL SEEKING INPUT ON A 60 METER BANDPLAN

The ARRL is seeking input on a proposed new bandplan for the 5 MHz or 60 meter band.

As previously reported, last November the FCC released a Report and Order detailing new rules for the 5 MHz Amateur Radio band. This announcement brought with it a number of changes for 60 meter operators.

Changes include substituting a channel at 5 point 358 point 5 MHz for 5 point 368 MHz previously authorized. The effective radiated limit in the 60 meter band will be raised by 3 dB to 100 W Peak Envelope Power relative to a half-wave dipole. Also, three additional emission types are authorized. These are Data, RTTY and CW will be authorized as soon as an effective date for a rules change is announced.

The ARRL says that considering the expected increase in 60 meter activity when the FCC’s Report and Order finally takes effect, the League is asking for feedback to assist in crafting a Linkproposed band plan. If you’re a 60-meter operator, e-mail your suggestions to hf-band-plan (at) arrl (dot) org. You can also participate in an online survey at tinyurl.com/60-meter-plan.
ARRL http://www.arrl.org/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regarding new FCC rules for the US 60m amateur band:

The following URL:

http://tinyurl.com/60m-R-O-in-PR

redirects to a search of *all* US Gov't publications for FCC-11-171.
The first hit there was for the document sent from FCC to the Pres. of the Senate, which was

then sent to committee. Apparently, the new rules are being held up by the US Senate

Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation !

The Executive Communication, sent from FCC to the President of the US Senate, reads as follows:


EC–4237. A communication from the Chief
of the Policy and Rules Division, Office of
Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications
Commission, transmitting, pursuant
to law, the report of a rule entitled
‘‘Amendment of Parts 2 and 97 of the Commission’s
Rules to Facilitate Use by the
Amateur Radio Service of the Allocation at
5 MHz’’ (FCC 11–171) received in the Office of
the President of the Senate on December 5,
2011; to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.



To search only the Federal Register for same, I created the following Tinyurl :

http://tinyurl.com/Search-FR-only-FCC-11-171

Use either of the above URLs for up-to-the-minute notification of the publishing of

the new 60m rules in the Federal Register, straight from the horse's mouth !

72,
Bill, N4QA

Friday, January 6, 2012

Mitt Romney/ Against Amateur Radio Operators

I personally do not like or care for Mitt Romney. Never have and never will.
Here is another great reason;

Mitt Romney "No, we don't need to deal with ham radio operators..."

Romney "Disses" Amateur Radio In Televised Town Meeting

Read about it here
http://ema.arrl.org/node/802

The television program can be viewed at http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/5334306/detail.html.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Political Correctness/ Off Topic

Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America, Kentuckians, Tennesseans and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as "HILLBILLIES."

You must now refer to us as APPALACHIAN-AMERICANS.

And furthermore ....

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:

1. She is not a "BABE" or a "CHICK" - She is a "BREASTED AMERICAN."

2. She is not a "SCREAMER" or a "MOANER" - She is "VOCALLY APPRECIATIVE."

3. She is not "EASY" - She is "HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE."

4. She is not a "DUMB BLONDE" - She is a "LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY."

5. She has not "BEEN AROUND" - She is a "PREVIOUSLY-ENJOYED COMPANION."

6. She is not an "AIR HEAD" - She is "REALITY IMPAIRED."

7. She does not get "DRUNK" or "TIPSY" - She gets "CHEMICALLY INCONVENIENCED"

8. She does not have "BREAST IMPLANTS" - She is "MEDICALLY ENHANCED."


9. She does not "NAG" you - She becomes "VERBALLY REPETITIVE."

10. She is not a "TRAMP" - She is "SEXUALLY EXTROVERTED."

11. She does not have "MAJOR LEAGUE HOOTERS" - She is "PECTORALLY SUPERIOR."

12. She is not a "TWO-BIT HOOKER" - She is a "LOW COST PROVIDER."

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:

1. He does not have a "BEER GUT" ~ He has developed a "LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY."

2. He is not a "BAD DANCER" ~ He is "OVERLY CAUCASIAN."

3. He does not "GET LOST ALL THE TIME" ~ He "INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS."

4. He is not "BALDING" ~ He is in "FOLLICLE REGRESSION."

5. He is not a "CRADLE ROBBER" ~ He prefers "GENERATIONAL DIFFERENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS."

6. He does not get "FALLING-DOWN DRUNK" ~ He becomes "ACCIDENTALLY HORIZONTAL."

7. He does not act like a "TOTAL ASS" ~ He develops a case of RECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION."

8. He is not a "MALE CHAUVINIST PIG" ~ He has "SWINE EMPATHY."

9. He is not afraid of "COMMITMENT" ~ He is "RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGED."

10. He is not "HORNY" ~ He is "SEXUALLY FOCUSED."

11. It's not his "CRACK" you see hanging out of his pants ~ It's "REAR CLEAVAGE."

Saturday, December 31, 2011

DX info for the Up-Coming Week

In DX, JI5RPT will sign JD1BLY from Chichijima Island through January 2nd. Listen out for him using CW, SSB and digital modes on 80 through 6 meters. Possibly some satellite operation as well. QSL to JI5RPT.

SM6CPY, will be on the air from Rwanda in a holiday style operation signing 9X0PY through January 7th . QSL via SM6CPY.

DL1ZU is on a trip in Namibia through Jan 13th using an Icom IC-706. His primary operating modes will be CW plus PSK, RTTY and SSB. QSL via his home call.

EA1CYK/P will be operational from Deception Island in the South Shetland group during his spare time until March of 2012. He has been spotted with a good signal on 10 meters QSL via EA7LS.

G3SWH and G3OLU will be active from the Hawane Resort in western Swaziland between February 21st to the 29th. Propagation permitting, they plan to have two stations on the air for as many hours every day as is possible. Operation will be on CW only on 80 through 10 meters. QSL via G3SWH

Lastly, An international group of operators plan to visit Pitcarin Island and operate as VP6T between January 20th and February 4th. According to a web posing the operation hope to make at least 30,000 contacts while on the island. Operations will be on 160 through 10 meters including the 30, 17 and 12 meter bands. Modes to be used include CW, SSB and RTTY. The VP6T log will be uploaded to Logbook of the World during the operation if possible. QSL Manager is G3TXF. In addition to the usual routes they will also be using the new Online QSL Request Service provided by ClubLog. For more details and the suggested frequencies please visit www (dot) vp6t (dot) org.

Radio Amateur Society of Thailand Needs Our Help

Ham radio groups from around the world are being asked to assist the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand which is seeking help to rebuild its headquarters station, HS0AC. This following massive flooding that recently hit that nation not long ago.
--
According to Dick Flanagan, K7VC, in Minden, Nevada, there have already several offers of equipment to the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand from members of the Northern California Contest Club. Also Rusty Epps, W6OAT, reports that the Yasme Foundation sent the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand a $2,000 donation to assist in the HS0AC rebuilding effort. But that will be only the beginning of what’s required to bring the station back on the air.

Flanagan says that what is probably needed most right now is someone or some organization to coordinate the assistance effort, solicit the offers and manage the shipping and paperwork. He speculates that perhaps that administrative role could be taken on as a cooperative effort between the Northern California Contest Club, the Northern California DX Club, the International DX Association and perhaps the ARRL.

K7VC notes that this would be a wonderful way for individuals and clubs to express their holiday feelings of generosity to our fellow hams in need, He adds that we can use this opportunity to demonstrate to our Thai ham radio brothers and sisters what a coordinated effort can do to help them rebuild their wonderful station. Those with suggestions can contact Dick Flanagan by e-mail to dick (at) k7vc (dot) com.

Photos of the devastation that the flooding brought to HS0AC at on-line at www.qsl.net/rast.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Rescue Radio: Changing Times - ARMY MARS PHASING OUT WINLINK

The Department of the Army has announced that it has begun to take steps to phase out the use of the WINLINK System. This is because of possible security breaches that might be incurred in the Internet aspect of transmissions using the mode. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has more:
--
According to the December 21st ARRL ARES E-Letter, the military chain of command that governs Army MARS feels that the Internet portion of WINLKINK leaves the system significantly open to the possibility of intrusion. To deal with this it plans to replace WINLINK with a newer military e-mail system that has extensive protection against any form of hacking or any other form of incursion.

To accomplish this, Army MARS will be expanding on the concept of a national network that is voice, RTTY and PACTOR capable under MIL-STD 110A. It says that PACTOR will become even more important as the new areas of focus will be peer to peer and keyboard to keyboard PACTOR based communications.

Amateur modes such as MT-63, OLIVIA, and WINMOR, which cannot be used by the military, will be eventually phased out as well.

The ultimate goal of this change will be to help Army MARS return to what it is really supposed to be. That of a radio-only system to relay long haul traffic as it has done very successfully in the past.
--
While these changes will affect Army MARS nationally, it is not abandoning state and local served agencies. Army MARS says that it is moving away from providing them a winlink.org e-mail address. (ARRL ARES E-Letter)

My Stamp Collecting Blog

Counter Added January 1, 2011

free counters

HOW TO READ PROPAGATION NUMBERS

The A index [ LOW is GOOD ]

  • 1 to 6 is BEST
  • 7 to 9 is OK
  • 11 or more is BAD

Represents the overall geomagnetic condition of the ionosphere ("Ap" if averaged from the Kp-Index) (an average of the eight 3-hour K-Indices) ('A' referring to amplitude) over a given 24 hour period, ranging (linearly) typically from 1-100 but theoretically up to 400.

A lower A-Index generally suggests better propagation on the 10, 12, 15, 17, & 20 Meter Bands; a low & steady Ap-Index generally suggest good propagation on the 30, 40, 60, 80, & 160 Meter Bands.

SFI index [ HIGH is GOOD ]

  • 70 NOT GOOD
  • 80 GOOD
  • 90 BETTER
  • 100+ BEST

The measure of total radio emissions from the sun at 10.7cm (2800 MHz), on a scale of 60 (no sunspots) to 300, generally corresponding to the sunspot level, but being too low in energy to cause ionization, not related to the ionization level of the Ionosphere.

Higher Solar Flux generally suggests better propagation on the 10, 12, 15, 17, & 20 Meter Bands; Solar Flux rarely affects the 30, 40, 60, 80, & 160 Meter Bands.

K index [ LOW is GOOD ]

  • 0 or 1 is BEST
  • 2 is OK
  • 3 or more is BAD
  • 5 is VERY VERY BAD

The overall geomagnetic condition of the ionosphere ("Kp" if averaged over the planet) over the past 3 hours, measured by 13 magnetometers between 46 & 63 degrees of latitude, and ranging quasi-logarithmically from 0-9. Designed to detect solar particle radiation by its magnetic effect. A higher K-index generally means worse HF conditions.

A lower K-Index generally suggests better propagation on the 10, 12, 15, 17, & 20 Meter Bands; a low & steady Kp-Index generally suggest good propagation on the 30, 40, 60, 80, & 160 Meter Bands.

Terms of Service

[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit, for research and/or educational purposes. This constitutes 'FAIR USE' of any such copyrighted material.]
I am not responsible for any thing that happens to your mental health, computer and all personal property because you visited my site.
This site is a collection of some things sent to me by e-mail, obtained from other blogs and the internet. If there is a picture or quote that is copyrighted to you let me know and I will remove your item .
Thoughts expressed in my blog are just that . I give My Opinion on the many events, products and how too, reported by the media and other web-sites.
Do not use this blog site to obtain weather events or disasters information. What I post may not be correct. Always get information from the proper media, weather (NWS)(NOAA)
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and USGS sites