Subj : Newsline Part 2
To : ALL USERS
From : DARYL STOUT
Date : Thu Dec 31 2015 08:53 pm
SEVEN SCHOOLS CHOSEN FOR ARRL GRANTS
Giving a boost to student and teacher literacy in wireless technology,
the ARRL has selected seven schools to receive grants from its Education
and Technology Program for the academic year 2015-2016,
The schools are Akron STEM High School, Akron, Ohio; Liberal Arts &
Science Academy High School, Austin, Texas ; Life Christian School,
Aloha, Oregon; Rock Canyon High School, Highland Ranch, Colorado;
Southport Elementary School, Kenosha, Wisconsin; Wink High School,
Wink, Texas, and Yucaipa High School, Yucaipa, California. The application
deadline for these grants, which are given annually, is Nov. 1.
The grants encourage the use of amateur radio to explore radio science
and electronics, and focus on lessons in math, science, engineering, and
technology through hands-on activities. So far, 579 schools have received
support from the ARRL program, which comes in the form of resource grants
or equipment.
(ARRL)
**
CANCELLED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Two special events that had been set for late 2015 are being rescheduled,
following their cancellations.
The popular Iron Ham contest, which was to have marked its fourth year,
was dropped from the calendar after organizers noted how congested the
bands already were with various competitions at year's end. The worldwide,
three-mode contest - inspired by the sporting world event of the same name
- is a 24-hour, three-mode contest that has amateurs operating on SSB, CW
and RTTY.
Atilano Oms, PY5EG, one of the Brazilian amateurs involved in the
organizing, said the 2016 contest would be announced at a later date.
And, ARISS cancelled its late-December Slow-Scan TV event aboard the
International Space Station. The move was the result of what organizers
called "complications in planning". The good news is that the wait won't
be quite as long for this event: ARISS has said it is looking to
reschedule the slow-scan for mid-January 2016.
(DXCOFFEE, ARISS)
**
BREAK HERE:
Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline,
heard on bulletin stations around the world, including radio station
KSET-AM in Lumberton/Beaumont, Texas. We're heard Sunday mornings at 9:45
local time on Musicradio 1300.
**
HOLIDAY RESPITE AT THE WIA
DON/ANCHOR: Everyone likes to take a break for the holidays, and the
Wireless Institute of Australia is enjoying theirs now - but not before
getting a lot of work done first. Amateur Radio Newsline's Graham Kemp,
VK4BB, tells us more:
[GRAHAM'S REPORT:]
Although the Wireless Institute of Australia is on its summer holiday
break, the office reports that this brief slow season of respite was
preceded by a very busy period:
The WIA's vice president, Fred Swainston, VK3DAC, reported that during a
four-week period late in 2015, 73 certificates of proficiency were issued
by the Exam Service, all of them requiring a new call sign. There were
also 11 more certificates issued to amateurs who were returning to the
hobby after a period of inactivity.
While the WIA enjoys a brief bit of inactivity of its own for these
remaining days, it's still very preoccupied with plans for the year
ahead. The WIA will work, among other things, to streamline the tasks of
its volunteer assessors.
Holiday breaks, like the holiday season itself, don't last forever
though: The office and Exam Service reopen their doors on January 11.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.
(Wireless Institute of Australia)
**
SPREADING THE WORD IN INDIA
The National Institute of Amateur Radio in India has had a busy calendar,
one that included a major conference as well as a police department
training session, back-to-back. Attending the 2015 Applied
Electromagnetics Conference in Assam, India, NIAR's Executive Vice
Chairman and Director, S. Ram Mohan, VU2MYH, led a panel discussion on
establishing communications during major disasters that knock out
conventional means.
Later, using the special call sign, 8T5APS, he was joined by Jose Jacob,
VU2JOS, in demonstrating how a ham radio station works. The conference,
held at the Indian Institute of Technology, was attended by students and
staff of the school, as well as delegates throughout India.
The NIAR hams also led an amateur radio awareness program for law
enforcement officials at the Assam Police Radio Organization Training
School in Guwahai, Assam, demonstrating HF as well as Pactor
communications. Operators and technicians who work for the police
department are to be trained in various modes of radio communications,
including Morse Code.
(NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AMATEUR RADIO, SOUTHGATE ARC)
**
SPECTRUM SHORTCHANGED IN THE UK?
The Radio Society of Great Britain believes the growth of amateur radio
in the UK is at risk as a result of insufficient primary allocations on
the spectrum. Speaking in the UK Spectrum Usage & Demand Second Report
released December 18, the RSGB noted that without primary ham radio
allocations between 400 MHz and 24 GHz in the UK, confidence, investment
and growth of ham radio is severely restricted.
According to the RSGB, this creates a particularly difficult situation
for earth-moon-earth, narrowband terrestrial systems and satellite
transponders. The Society recommended adding to the spectrum to enable
experimentation, along with an expansion of digital voice. The Society
would also like to see space for an extension of digital TV, new data
modes and higher data speed technologies.
The forum is a sounding board on long-term spectrum issues for the
government in the UK, and for Ofcom.
(RSGB, ARRL)
**
HONORS AT HAMVENTION
If you're planning to attend Dayton Hamvention in May this year, don't
just be an attendee - be a part of the awards ceremony by nominating
candidates now. Organizers are looking to present awards for Amateur of
the Year, Special Achievement, Technical Excellence and Club of the Year.
You have until Feb. 1 to submit the names of deserving candidates, and
all licensed amateurs are eligible. Forms and details about how candidates
can qualify are available on the Dayton Hamvention website. Find the
website at the bottom of this story on our Amateur Radio Newsline website.
Or send questions to
[email protected].
Website is
http://hamvention.org/event-details/awards/
(HENRY RUMINSKI, Hamvention Media Chair)
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