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LWRA, Amateur Radio and more!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
$18,000 fine for not answering the door!!! HA!
The FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture and Order (NAL) on May 14 in the amount of $18,000 to Nathaniel Johnson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for failing to make his Citizens Band (CB) station available for inspection by the FCC and for failing to comply with the restricted hours of CB station operation.
The FCC first received complaints in January 2012 concerning interference to telephone and television reception due to Johnson’s CB operation. In February 2012, agents from the FCC’s Philadelphia office went to Johnson’s house to conduct a station inspection, but no one answered the door. The next month, FCC agents sent Johnson a Warning Letter by both First Class and certified mail, directing him to contact the FCC within 10 days in order to schedule an inspection. According to the NAL, the Warning Letter also specified “that if the harmful interference continued, and arrangements were not made with the [FCC’s] Philadelphia Office to schedule an inspection, the Commission might impose restricted hours of operation for the CB station. Mr Johnson did not contact the Philadelphia Office to schedule an inspection as directed.”
The FCC continued to receive complaints from Johnson’s neighbors regarding interference coming from Johnson’s residence. The FCC issued Johnson another Warning Letter in June 2012, “directing him, his family, and any guests visiting him, not to operate any base or mobile CB radio transmitter from his residence or adjacent roadways between the hours of 8 AM and 11:30 PM (hereinafter referred to as ‘Quiet Hours’) until he contacted the FCC to make arrangements for an inspection of his CB radio facility and an inspection was completed. Mr Johnson was warned that a violation of the restriction could result in the imposition of a forfeiture.” Johnson did not respond to the Warning Letter.
After more interference complaints, the FCC issued yet another Warning Letter in June 2012, informing Johnson of the numerous complaints “and reminded him that the Quiet Hours restriction imposed in the May 14, 2012, letter remained in effect until he contacted the Philadelphia Office to schedule an inspection and an inspection is completed.” The letter commanded that Johnson contact the FCC within 10 calendar days to schedule an inspection “or face potential enforcement action, including the imposition of a forfeiture.” Again, Johnson did not respond to the Warning Letter.
FCC agents went to Johnson’s home in October 2012 to conduct an on-site station inspection “to confirm the source of interference to televisions and telephones in Mr Johnson’s neighborhood.” That morning (during the Quiet Hours period), agents were able to monitor multiple radio transmissions on the frequencies 27.025, 27.055 and 27.015 MHz. By using radio direction finding techniques, the FCC agents were able to confirm that transmissions were coming from a CB station at Johnson’s residence. The agents attempted to contact Johnson, knocking multiple times on the front door, but no one answered; however, transmissions on those frequencies stopped, “suggesting that Mr Johnson (or someone he designated) turned off the CB station while the agents were outside the residence. The agents left copies of the June 12 Warning Letter (on Mr Johnson’s front door, back door and in his mailbox) to remind him of the operational restrictions and the directive to immediately contact the [FCC’s] Philadelphia office to schedule an inspection.” As of the May 14, Johnson still has not contacted the FCC, and the Philadelphia office continues to receive interference complaints concerning his CB station.
The FCC noted that there is enough evidence to establish that Johnson violated Section 95.423 of the FCC’s rules: “If the FCC informs a CB operator that his or her station is causing interference for technical reasons, the operator must follow all instructions in the official FCC notice, including any request to make technical adjustments to equipment.” This section also requires that operators must comply with any restricted hours of CB station operation provided in the FCC’s official notice. Even after receiving notification from the FCC prohibiting CB operations during Quiet Hours, Johnson continued to operate and the FCC continued to receive interference complaints regarding interference from Johnson’s CB operations.
The FCC also found that Johnson repeatedly violated Section 303(n) of the Communications Act and Section 95.426(a) of the FCC’s rules. Section 303(n) states that the FCC has the “authority to inspect all radio installations associated with stations required to be licensed by any Act, or which the Commission by rule has authorized to operate without a license under [S]ection 307(e)(1).” This section specifically includes the Citizens Band Radio Service. Section 95.426(a) of the FCC’s rules states: “If an authorized FCC representative requests to inspect your CB station, you must make your CB station and records available for inspection.”
Pursuant to the FCC’s Forfeiture Policy Statement and Section 1.80 of its rules, the base forfeiture amount for failure to allow inspection of radio equipment -- including a CB station -- is $7000. “Although there is no base forfeiture amount in Section 1.80 of the [FCC’s] rules for failure to comply with a Commission directive prohibiting CB operations during specific hours, we find that the nature of the violation in this case is similar to a failure to respond to a Commission communication, which carries a base forfeiture amount of $4000,” the NAL stated. “In this case, we find that Mr Johnson’s failure to permit a lawful inspection of his CB station, after multiple notices directing him to do so, justifies a $7000 upward adjustment of the base amount for this violation. Applying the Forfeiture Policy Statement, Section 1.80 of the [FCC’s] rules, and the statutory factors to the instant case, we conclude that Mr Johnson is apparently liable for a total forfeiture in the amount of $18,000.”
The FCC noted that misconduct such as Johnson’s “is serious, exhibits contempt for the Commission’s authority, and threatens to compromise the Commission’s ability to fully investigate violations of its rules. As such, we caution Mr Johnson that a failure to schedule an inspection as directed in this NAL may result in the imposition of additional (and potentially higher) forfeitures, as well as other enforcement actions, as appropriate, including the seizure of his equipment.”
Johnson has until June 13 to pay the full amount of the proposed forfeiture or file a written statement seeking reduction or cancellation of the proposed forfeiture. He was also ordered to submit a written statement, signed under penalty of perjury, confirming compliance with the Quiet Hours restriction. The statement, due no later than June 28, must also specify an appropriate date and time when FCC agents can inspect his CB station.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Meet the NEW FTDX-1200
It looks like Yaesu has another new rig on the way and it looks like it may be a replacement to the trusty FT-950 (shown above).
Meet the NEW FTDX-1200 – HF Radio due to ship May 31st 2013 at a list price of $2400.00.
The leaked if so far is :
The Yaesu FTDX1200 provides sophisticated operation on 160 to 6 meters with up to 100 Watts on SSB, CW, and FM (25 Watts AM carrier) and a rugged state-of-the-art highly balanced receiver circuit configuration for top performance on today’s crowded bands. It uses 32-bit high speed floating point DSP. Yaesu’s acclaimed superior DSP algorithm is highly effective in weak signal processing and enhancement. The 1st IF frequency is protected by selectable 3 kHz, 6 kHz and 15 kHz roofing filters that effectively attenuate interfering signals. The triple conversion circuit structure allows highly flexible gain distribution at each stage. This enables elimination of unwanted signals through filters at each stage as well as optimized gain distribution. A built-in 4.3-in TFT wide full color High Resolution Display with loads of information provides superior operability and visibility for the FTDX1200 owner. A High Speed Spectrum Scope located just below the LCD, displays the information needed to place them at the right place on the band with the right receiver set-up. Sophisticated optional accessories offer additional features that make the FT DX 1200 a true high performance platform for all hams – no matter what mode they chose to operate. The FFT-1 supports advanced functionality, including the AF-FFT Scope, RTTY/PSK31 Encode/Decode, CW Decode and CW Auto Zero-in. The SCU-17 USB Interface supports CAT, USB Audio in/out, TX control (PTT, Key, Shift) and firmware update functions. The FTDX1200 is supplied with MH-31B8 hand mic, DC cord, spare fuses and manual.
•TX Frequency Coverage: 160 to 6 meters
•RX Frequency Coverage: 30 kHz to 56 MHz
•Spectrum Scope
•IF Width & IF Shift
•Roofing Filters (3/6/15 kHz)
•5 to 100 watts (2 to 25 watts AM)
•32 Bit High Speed IF DSP
•4.3 in TFT full color display
•Automatic Tuner
•Contour, DNR, IF Notch and APF
Meet the NEW FTDX-1200 – HF Radio due to ship May 31st 2013 at a list price of $2400.00.
The leaked if so far is :
The Yaesu FTDX1200 provides sophisticated operation on 160 to 6 meters with up to 100 Watts on SSB, CW, and FM (25 Watts AM carrier) and a rugged state-of-the-art highly balanced receiver circuit configuration for top performance on today’s crowded bands. It uses 32-bit high speed floating point DSP. Yaesu’s acclaimed superior DSP algorithm is highly effective in weak signal processing and enhancement. The 1st IF frequency is protected by selectable 3 kHz, 6 kHz and 15 kHz roofing filters that effectively attenuate interfering signals. The triple conversion circuit structure allows highly flexible gain distribution at each stage. This enables elimination of unwanted signals through filters at each stage as well as optimized gain distribution. A built-in 4.3-in TFT wide full color High Resolution Display with loads of information provides superior operability and visibility for the FTDX1200 owner. A High Speed Spectrum Scope located just below the LCD, displays the information needed to place them at the right place on the band with the right receiver set-up. Sophisticated optional accessories offer additional features that make the FT DX 1200 a true high performance platform for all hams – no matter what mode they chose to operate. The FFT-1 supports advanced functionality, including the AF-FFT Scope, RTTY/PSK31 Encode/Decode, CW Decode and CW Auto Zero-in. The SCU-17 USB Interface supports CAT, USB Audio in/out, TX control (PTT, Key, Shift) and firmware update functions. The FTDX1200 is supplied with MH-31B8 hand mic, DC cord, spare fuses and manual.
•TX Frequency Coverage: 160 to 6 meters
•RX Frequency Coverage: 30 kHz to 56 MHz
•Spectrum Scope
•IF Width & IF Shift
•Roofing Filters (3/6/15 kHz)
•5 to 100 watts (2 to 25 watts AM)
•32 Bit High Speed IF DSP
•4.3 in TFT full color display
•Automatic Tuner
•Contour, DNR, IF Notch and APF
Friday, May 3, 2013
Field Day 2013
All,
Field Day is right around the corner. I have secured the fenced area behind the American Legion for the weekend. We will have access from Friday afternoon through Sunday. I have also made contact with Paul K4FB in regards to the MCV that we used a couple of years ago and am awaiting confirmation that we will be able to use it.
Lets make plans on how to make this the best Field Day ever!
American Legion Post 71
43 W. Park Ave.
P O Box 668
Lake Wales, FL
863-589-5689
View Larger Map
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Florida Man Cited for Causing Harmful Interference
The FCC has issued a Citation
and Order to Ruben D. Lopez Jr of Pomona Park, Florida. The
Citation, issued April 23, is in response to several complaints about a
well pump at Lopez’s residence that was acting as an incidental radiator and
causing harmful interference to local radio amateurs.
In July 2010 and February 2011, the FCC received complaints from radio amateurs regarding interference on the MF and HF Amateur Radio bands. Upon investigation, the FCC found that a well pump at Lopez’s residence was causing the interference, and advised Lopez of the complaints and of the rules regarding interference to licensed radio services. The FCC instructed Lopez to resolve any interference.
According to the Citation, in October 2012 -- in response to another interference complaint -- FCC agents “used direction finding equipment to identify Mr Lopez’s well pump as the source of transmissions on the frequency 1800 kHz. The agents…confirmed that Mr Lopez’s well pump was the source of the interference by conducting on/off tests -- the interference ceased when the well pump was turned off. The agents informed Mr Lopez that he must cease operating his well pump until the interference could be resolved. After the October 23, 2012 inspection, the [FCC’s] Tampa Office received information that Mr Lopez tried to eliminate the interference by replacing the A/C line filter for the well pump, but the new filter did not resolve the interference.”
Lopez was found by the FCC to be in violation Section 15.5(b) and (c) of the FCC’s rules by operating an incidental radiator and causing harmful interference. He was instructed by the FCC to “take immediate steps to ensure that he does not continue to cause harmful interference, including repairing or replacing his well pump and associated control circuitry.” The FCC advised Lopez that if he continues to violate the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules, it “may impose monetary forfeitures of up to $16,000 for each such violation, or in the case of a continuing violation, up to a maximum forfeiture of $112,500 for any single act or failure to act. In addition, violation of the Communications Act or the [FCC’s] rules also can result in seizure of the equipment through in rem forfeiture actions, as well as criminal sanctions, including imprisonment.”
If he desires, Lopez has until May 23 to respond to the Citation, either through an in-person meeting with the FCC office in Tampa, or via a written statement that should detail any actions Lopez has taken “to ensure that he does not violate the Communications Act or the [FCC’s] rules governing the operation of incidental radiators in the future.”
In July 2010 and February 2011, the FCC received complaints from radio amateurs regarding interference on the MF and HF Amateur Radio bands. Upon investigation, the FCC found that a well pump at Lopez’s residence was causing the interference, and advised Lopez of the complaints and of the rules regarding interference to licensed radio services. The FCC instructed Lopez to resolve any interference.
According to the Citation, in October 2012 -- in response to another interference complaint -- FCC agents “used direction finding equipment to identify Mr Lopez’s well pump as the source of transmissions on the frequency 1800 kHz. The agents…confirmed that Mr Lopez’s well pump was the source of the interference by conducting on/off tests -- the interference ceased when the well pump was turned off. The agents informed Mr Lopez that he must cease operating his well pump until the interference could be resolved. After the October 23, 2012 inspection, the [FCC’s] Tampa Office received information that Mr Lopez tried to eliminate the interference by replacing the A/C line filter for the well pump, but the new filter did not resolve the interference.”
Lopez was found by the FCC to be in violation Section 15.5(b) and (c) of the FCC’s rules by operating an incidental radiator and causing harmful interference. He was instructed by the FCC to “take immediate steps to ensure that he does not continue to cause harmful interference, including repairing or replacing his well pump and associated control circuitry.” The FCC advised Lopez that if he continues to violate the Communications Act or the FCC’s rules, it “may impose monetary forfeitures of up to $16,000 for each such violation, or in the case of a continuing violation, up to a maximum forfeiture of $112,500 for any single act or failure to act. In addition, violation of the Communications Act or the [FCC’s] rules also can result in seizure of the equipment through in rem forfeiture actions, as well as criminal sanctions, including imprisonment.”
If he desires, Lopez has until May 23 to respond to the Citation, either through an in-person meeting with the FCC office in Tampa, or via a written statement that should detail any actions Lopez has taken “to ensure that he does not violate the Communications Act or the [FCC’s] rules governing the operation of incidental radiators in the future.”
Thursday, April 11, 2013
ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY CROSSBAND MILITARY/AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TEST
(12 MAY 2012)
The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are co-sponsoring the annual military/amateur radio communications tests in celebration of the 62nd Anniversary of Armed Forces Day (AFD). Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated on Saturday, May 19, 2012, the AFD Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test will be conducted 12 May 2012 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention (18-20 May 2012), which is the same weekend as the actual Armed Forces Day.
The annual celebration features traditional military to amateur cross band communications SSB voice and Morse Code tests. These tests give Amateur Radio operators and Short Wave Listeners (SWL) an opportunity to demonstrate their individual technical skills, and to receive recognition from the appropriate military radio station for their proven expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those stations making contact with the military stations.
MILITARY-TO-AMATEUR CROSS BAND SSB & CW TEST CONTACTS.
Military-to-Amateur cross band operations will take place on the dates/times in ZULU (UTC), and frequencies listed below for each station. Voice contacts will include operations in single sideband voice (SSB). Some stations may not operate the entire period, depending on propagation and manning. Participating military stations will transmit on selected Military MARS frequencies and listen for amateur radio stations in the Amateur bands indicated below. The military station operator will announce the specific amateur band frequency being monitored. Duration of each voice contact should be limited to 1-2 minutes. The following stations will be transmitting on MARS frequencies listed below which are provided as "Window/Dial Frequency" in kHz.
Some stations will use CW to provide the opportunity to check in by Morse Code
Army Stations
STATION: AAZ (12 May 1400Z - 13 May 0300Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4036.0 kHz USB 80M
6910.0 kHz USB 40M
14.402.0 kHz USB 20M
13.996.0 kHz USB 20M
18.211.0 kHz USB 17M
7577.0 kHz CW 40M
13.507.0 kHz CW 20M
7639.5 kHz RTTY 40M
13512.5 kHz MT-63 20M
Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ
Address:
Commander NETCOM/9th ASC
ATTN: NETCOM-OPE-M (MARS) (31)
2133 Cushing Street
Ft. Huachuca, AZ 85616-7070
POC: Mr. Dewayne Smith
DSN: 821-7324
Commercial: (520) 533-7324
STATION: AAC (12 May 1300Z - 13 May 0100Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
3347.0 kHz USB 80M
7360.0 kHz USB 40M
13.910.5 kHz USB 20M
27.788.5 kHz USB 10M
Location: Lexington, KY
Address:
HQ 3RD BDE, 95TH DIV (IT) MARS STATION
Barrow Army Reserve Training Center
1051 Russell Cave Pike
Lexington, KY 40505
POC: Barry Jackson, AAR4BZ
Commercial: (859) 227-0137
STATION: ABH (12 May 1600Z - 13 May 2300Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
3347.0 kHz USB 80M
4438.5 kHz USB 80M
4789.5 kHz USB 80M
7357.0 kHz USB 40M
7718.5 kHz USB 40M
8037.0 kHz USB 40M
14402.0 kHz USB 20M
14438.5 kHz USB 20M
14487.0 kHz USB 20M
17443.0 kHz USB 17M
17592.5 kHz USB 17M
20976.0 kHz USB 15M
20558.5 kHz USB 15M
Location: Schofield Barracks, HI
Commander, 396th Signal Company
30th Signal Battalion, 96857
POC: Mr. Sonny Makalena
Commercial: (808) 655-3089
STATION: WAR (12 May 1200Z - 2400Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4018.0 kHz USB/CW 80M
7311.0 kHz USB/CW 40M
14438.5 kHz USB/CW 20M
27991.0 kH USB/CW10M
Location: Pentagon, Washington, DC
Address:
Pentagon Amateur Radio Club
ATTN: AFDCBT
PO Box 2322
Arlington VA 22202
POC Mr. Gary Sessums
Station telephone:
Commercial: (703) 693-8423 DSN 223-8423
STATION: WUG-2B (12 May 1300Z - 13 May 0200Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4030.0 kHz USB 80M
7.421.0 kHz USB 40M
6.823.0 kHz USB/CW 40M
14.486.0 kHz USB 20M
14.663.5 kHz USB/CW 20M
20.973.5 kHz USB/CW 15M
Location: Memphis, TN
Address:
USACE Memphis District Office
ATTN: Jim Pogue
Public Affairs Office Room B-202
167 N. Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103-1894
POC: Mr. Jim Pogue
Commercial: (901) 544-4109
Air Force Stations
STATION: AIR (12 May 1200Z - 2400Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4517.1 kHz USB 80M 6996.1 kHz USB 40M 13985.1 kHz USB 20M 20737.6 kHz USB 15M
Location:
Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington
Address:
89 Communications Squadron
Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762
POC: Mr. Bob Miskin
Station Telephone:
Commercial: 301-981-3109 DSN: 858-3109
STATION: AIR-2 (12 MAY 1200Z TO 2400Z) Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4590.1 KHZ USB 80M 7540.1 KHZ USB 40M 13993.1 KHZ USB 20M
Location: Hancock Field Air National Guard Base
Address:
174 Fighter Wing
6001 E. Molloy Rd.
Syracuse, New York 13211
POC: Mr. Mike Carl
Station Telephone: Commercial: (315) 233-2213 DSN: 243-2213
STATION: AGA4AR (12 MAY 1200Z TO 2400Z) Frequency Emission Amateur Band
3299.0 KHZ USB 80M 7457.0 KHZ USB 40M 13498.0 KHZ USB 20M
Location: Arnold Air Force Base
Address:
100 Kindel Drive
A101B / MARS
Arnold AFB, Tennessee 37389
POC: Mr. Michael Glennon
Station Telephone: Commercial: (915) 454-5944 DSN: 340-5944
NAVY/MARINE CORPS STATIONS
STATION: NBL (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, GROTON, CT
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4041.5 KHZ LSB 80M
7371.5 KHZ LSB 40M
14391.5 KHZ USB 20M
20623.5 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: ROBERT VETH, DIRECTOR REGION ONE
4 LANTERN LANE, CHELMSFORD MA 01824-1316
COMMERCIAL: (978) 256-5264
STATION: NNN0ASF (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, NNN0ASF
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4014.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7394.5 KHZ LSB 40M 1200-2359Z, 0200-0400Z
7394.5 KHZ LSB PSK31 40M 0000-0200Z
13974.0 KHZ USB 20M 1200-1800Z, 2000-0400Z
13974.0 KHZ USB PSK31 20M 1800-2000Z
20997.0 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION NNN0ASF
KEN KEEHNER, PO BOX 224, BENNINGTON KS 67422
COMMERCIAL: (785) 488-2241COMMERCIAL: (978) 256-5264
STATION: NNN0CQQ (12 MAY 1500Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
EX-USS MIDWAY MUSEUM SHIP MARS STATION
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4003.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7351.5 KHZ LSB 40M
14463.5 KHZ USB 20M
20936.0 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: JOSE GARZA, NNN0XBQ
9789 PASEO MONTRIL, SAN DIEGO CA 92129-3910
COMMERCIAL: (858) 484-0469 CELL: 858-254-0175
STATION: NUW (12 MAY 1500Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4044.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7381.5 KHZ LSB 40M
13528.5 KHZ USB 20M
20952.5 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION
MR. DIGGER O'DELL, 260 W. PIONEER FSC BLDG.
NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA 98277
COMMERCIAL: (360) 675-2823 DSN: 820-8038
STATION: NWKJ (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4010.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7348.0 KHZ LSB 40M
14467.0 KHZ USB 20M
21758.5 KHZ USB 15M
ADDRESS: EX-USS YORKTOWN (CV-10)
PATRIOTS POINT MARITIME MUSEUM, SC
C/O FRED HAMBRECHT/NNN0GBS
129 INDIAN TRACE COURT
GILBERT, SC 29054
COMMERCIAL: (803) 657-3602
STATION: NWVC (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4O41.5 KHZ LSB 80M
7389.0 KHZ LSB 40M
13826.0 KHZ USB 20M
20678.5 KHZ USB 15M
ADDRESS: USS LST 325
840 LST DRIVE
EVANSVILLE, IN 47713
POC: PERRY BALLINGER, NNN0VNO
COMMERCIAL: 330-932-8612/330-705-8449
PART II. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MESSAGE TEST VIA DIGITAL MODES.
The Secretary of Defense message will be transmitted via digital modes including RTTY, PACTOR, AMTOR, PSK-31, MFSK and MT63 from the stations listed below, including frequencies, mode, and date/time in Zulu (UTC). All frequencies are listed "Window/Dial Frequency" Sound cards modes will use standard factory settings (Note: Not all stations may necessarily operate on all the frequencies listed, depending on propagation and available equipment.)
Army Stations
STATION: AAZ (HQ Army MARS and Western Area Gateway, Fort Huachuca, AZ)
Frequency EMISSION Mode Broadcast Date/Time
6986.5 kHz USB RTTY 13 May/0110Z
PACTOR FEC 13 May/0130Z
MT63 13 May/0220Z
PSK-31 13 May/0250Z
14402.0 kHz USB RTTY 13 May/0110Z
PACTOR FEC 13 May/0130Z
MT63 13 May/0220Z
PSK-31 13 May0250Z
STATION: WAR (Pentagon MARS Station, Washington, DC ) Frequency EMISSION Mode Broadcast Date/Time 6986.5 kHz USB Olivia 12 May/1700Z and 2300Z MT63 12 May/1715Z and 2315Z 14438.5 kHz USB PACTOR FEC 12 MAY/1730Z RTTY 12 MAY/1745Z
4018.0 kHz USB PACTOR FEC 12 MAY/2330Z
RTTY 12 May/2345Z
STATION: AAC
Frequency EMISSION Mode Broadcast Date/Time
4036.0 kHz USB MT63 12 May/0030Z
7357.0 kHz USB RTTY 13 May/0100Z
Navy/Marine Corps Stations
STATION: NBL (NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, GROTON CT)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7370.0 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
14393.0 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
STATION: NNN0ASF (NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, BENNINGTON KS)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7393.0 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
13975.5 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
STATION: NNN0CQQ (EX-USS MIDWAY MUSEUM SHIP, SAN DIEGO CA)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7350.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
14465.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
STATION: NUW NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND WA)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7380.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
13530.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
STATION: NWKJ (EX-USS YORKTOWN, PATRIOTS POINT MARITIME MUSEUM SC)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7346.5 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
14468.5 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
Air Force Stations
STATION: AIR-2 (Hancock Field Air National Guard Base)
Frequency Mode Broadcast Date/Time
7831.1 kHz RTTY 12 May/1930Z
MT63 12 May/2030Z
MFSK 12 May/2100Z
14877.1 kHz RTTY 12 May/2130Z
MT63 12 May/2230Z
MFSK 12 May/2300Z
SUBMISSION OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TEST MESSAGE ENTRIES.
Transcripts of the RTTY, PACTOR, AMTOR, PSK-31, MFSK and MT63 receiving test should be submitted "as received". No attempt should be made to correct possible transmission errors. Provide time, frequency and call sign of the military station copied, including name, call sign, and address (including ZIP code) of individual submitting the entry. Ensure this information is placed on the paper containing the test message. Each year a large number of acceptable entries are received with insufficient information, or necessary information was not attached to the transcriptions and was separated, thereby precluding issuance of a certificate. Entries must be sent to the appropriate military address as follows:
a. Stations copying Secretary of Defense message transmitted from AAZ/WAR/AAV send entries to:
Armed Forces Day Celebration
Commander NETCOM/9th ASC
Armed Forces Day Celebration
Attn: NETC-OPE-MA (MARS) (31)
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613-5000
b. Stations copying Secretary of Defense message transmitted from NBL, NNN0ASF, NNN0CQQ, NUW or NWKJ send entries to:
ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION
CHIEF, NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS
CHEATHAM ANNEX BLDG 117
108 SANDA AVE
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185-5830
c. Stations copying Secretary of Defense message transmitted from AIR-2 send entries to:
Armed Forces Day Celebration
AFCA / Chief, AF MARS
203W Losey St Scott AFB, IL 62225
The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are co-sponsoring the annual military/amateur radio communications tests in celebration of the 62nd Anniversary of Armed Forces Day (AFD). Although the actual Armed Forces Day is celebrated on Saturday, May 19, 2012, the AFD Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test will be conducted 12 May 2012 to prevent conflict with the Dayton Hamvention (18-20 May 2012), which is the same weekend as the actual Armed Forces Day.
The annual celebration features traditional military to amateur cross band communications SSB voice and Morse Code tests. These tests give Amateur Radio operators and Short Wave Listeners (SWL) an opportunity to demonstrate their individual technical skills, and to receive recognition from the appropriate military radio station for their proven expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those stations making contact with the military stations.
MILITARY-TO-AMATEUR CROSS BAND SSB & CW TEST CONTACTS.
Military-to-Amateur cross band operations will take place on the dates/times in ZULU (UTC), and frequencies listed below for each station. Voice contacts will include operations in single sideband voice (SSB). Some stations may not operate the entire period, depending on propagation and manning. Participating military stations will transmit on selected Military MARS frequencies and listen for amateur radio stations in the Amateur bands indicated below. The military station operator will announce the specific amateur band frequency being monitored. Duration of each voice contact should be limited to 1-2 minutes. The following stations will be transmitting on MARS frequencies listed below which are provided as "Window/Dial Frequency" in kHz.
Some stations will use CW to provide the opportunity to check in by Morse Code
Army Stations
STATION: AAZ (12 May 1400Z - 13 May 0300Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4036.0 kHz USB 80M
6910.0 kHz USB 40M
14.402.0 kHz USB 20M
13.996.0 kHz USB 20M
18.211.0 kHz USB 17M
7577.0 kHz CW 40M
13.507.0 kHz CW 20M
7639.5 kHz RTTY 40M
13512.5 kHz MT-63 20M
Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ
Address:
Commander NETCOM/9th ASC
ATTN: NETCOM-OPE-M (MARS) (31)
2133 Cushing Street
Ft. Huachuca, AZ 85616-7070
POC: Mr. Dewayne Smith
DSN: 821-7324
Commercial: (520) 533-7324
STATION: AAC (12 May 1300Z - 13 May 0100Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
3347.0 kHz USB 80M
7360.0 kHz USB 40M
13.910.5 kHz USB 20M
27.788.5 kHz USB 10M
Location: Lexington, KY
Address:
HQ 3RD BDE, 95TH DIV (IT) MARS STATION
Barrow Army Reserve Training Center
1051 Russell Cave Pike
Lexington, KY 40505
POC: Barry Jackson, AAR4BZ
Commercial: (859) 227-0137
STATION: ABH (12 May 1600Z - 13 May 2300Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
3347.0 kHz USB 80M
4438.5 kHz USB 80M
4789.5 kHz USB 80M
7357.0 kHz USB 40M
7718.5 kHz USB 40M
8037.0 kHz USB 40M
14402.0 kHz USB 20M
14438.5 kHz USB 20M
14487.0 kHz USB 20M
17443.0 kHz USB 17M
17592.5 kHz USB 17M
20976.0 kHz USB 15M
20558.5 kHz USB 15M
Location: Schofield Barracks, HI
Commander, 396th Signal Company
30th Signal Battalion, 96857
POC: Mr. Sonny Makalena
Commercial: (808) 655-3089
STATION: WAR (12 May 1200Z - 2400Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4018.0 kHz USB/CW 80M
7311.0 kHz USB/CW 40M
14438.5 kHz USB/CW 20M
27991.0 kH USB/CW10M
Location: Pentagon, Washington, DC
Address:
Pentagon Amateur Radio Club
ATTN: AFDCBT
PO Box 2322
Arlington VA 22202
POC Mr. Gary Sessums
Station telephone:
Commercial: (703) 693-8423 DSN 223-8423
STATION: WUG-2B (12 May 1300Z - 13 May 0200Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4030.0 kHz USB 80M
7.421.0 kHz USB 40M
6.823.0 kHz USB/CW 40M
14.486.0 kHz USB 20M
14.663.5 kHz USB/CW 20M
20.973.5 kHz USB/CW 15M
Location: Memphis, TN
Address:
USACE Memphis District Office
ATTN: Jim Pogue
Public Affairs Office Room B-202
167 N. Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103-1894
POC: Mr. Jim Pogue
Commercial: (901) 544-4109
Air Force Stations
STATION: AIR (12 May 1200Z - 2400Z)
Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4517.1 kHz USB 80M 6996.1 kHz USB 40M 13985.1 kHz USB 20M 20737.6 kHz USB 15M
Location:
Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington
Address:
89 Communications Squadron
Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762
POC: Mr. Bob Miskin
Station Telephone:
Commercial: 301-981-3109 DSN: 858-3109
STATION: AIR-2 (12 MAY 1200Z TO 2400Z) Frequency Emission Amateur Band
4590.1 KHZ USB 80M 7540.1 KHZ USB 40M 13993.1 KHZ USB 20M
Location: Hancock Field Air National Guard Base
Address:
174 Fighter Wing
6001 E. Molloy Rd.
Syracuse, New York 13211
POC: Mr. Mike Carl
Station Telephone: Commercial: (315) 233-2213 DSN: 243-2213
STATION: AGA4AR (12 MAY 1200Z TO 2400Z) Frequency Emission Amateur Band
3299.0 KHZ USB 80M 7457.0 KHZ USB 40M 13498.0 KHZ USB 20M
Location: Arnold Air Force Base
Address:
100 Kindel Drive
A101B / MARS
Arnold AFB, Tennessee 37389
POC: Mr. Michael Glennon
Station Telephone: Commercial: (915) 454-5944 DSN: 340-5944
NAVY/MARINE CORPS STATIONS
STATION: NBL (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, GROTON, CT
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4041.5 KHZ LSB 80M
7371.5 KHZ LSB 40M
14391.5 KHZ USB 20M
20623.5 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: ROBERT VETH, DIRECTOR REGION ONE
4 LANTERN LANE, CHELMSFORD MA 01824-1316
COMMERCIAL: (978) 256-5264
STATION: NNN0ASF (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, NNN0ASF
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4014.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7394.5 KHZ LSB 40M 1200-2359Z, 0200-0400Z
7394.5 KHZ LSB PSK31 40M 0000-0200Z
13974.0 KHZ USB 20M 1200-1800Z, 2000-0400Z
13974.0 KHZ USB PSK31 20M 1800-2000Z
20997.0 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION NNN0ASF
KEN KEEHNER, PO BOX 224, BENNINGTON KS 67422
COMMERCIAL: (785) 488-2241COMMERCIAL: (978) 256-5264
STATION: NNN0CQQ (12 MAY 1500Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
EX-USS MIDWAY MUSEUM SHIP MARS STATION
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4003.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7351.5 KHZ LSB 40M
14463.5 KHZ USB 20M
20936.0 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: JOSE GARZA, NNN0XBQ
9789 PASEO MONTRIL, SAN DIEGO CA 92129-3910
COMMERCIAL: (858) 484-0469 CELL: 858-254-0175
STATION: NUW (12 MAY 1500Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4044.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7381.5 KHZ LSB 40M
13528.5 KHZ USB 20M
20952.5 KHZ USB 15M
POC AND ADDRESS: NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION
MR. DIGGER O'DELL, 260 W. PIONEER FSC BLDG.
NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA 98277
COMMERCIAL: (360) 675-2823 DSN: 820-8038
STATION: NWKJ (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4010.0 KHZ LSB 80M
7348.0 KHZ LSB 40M
14467.0 KHZ USB 20M
21758.5 KHZ USB 15M
ADDRESS: EX-USS YORKTOWN (CV-10)
PATRIOTS POINT MARITIME MUSEUM, SC
C/O FRED HAMBRECHT/NNN0GBS
129 INDIAN TRACE COURT
GILBERT, SC 29054
COMMERCIAL: (803) 657-3602
STATION: NWVC (12 MAY 1200Z - 13 MAY 0400Z)
FREQUENCY EMISSION AMATEUR BAND
4O41.5 KHZ LSB 80M
7389.0 KHZ LSB 40M
13826.0 KHZ USB 20M
20678.5 KHZ USB 15M
ADDRESS: USS LST 325
840 LST DRIVE
EVANSVILLE, IN 47713
POC: PERRY BALLINGER, NNN0VNO
COMMERCIAL: 330-932-8612/330-705-8449
PART II. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MESSAGE TEST VIA DIGITAL MODES.
The Secretary of Defense message will be transmitted via digital modes including RTTY, PACTOR, AMTOR, PSK-31, MFSK and MT63 from the stations listed below, including frequencies, mode, and date/time in Zulu (UTC). All frequencies are listed "Window/Dial Frequency" Sound cards modes will use standard factory settings (Note: Not all stations may necessarily operate on all the frequencies listed, depending on propagation and available equipment.)
Army Stations
STATION: AAZ (HQ Army MARS and Western Area Gateway, Fort Huachuca, AZ)
Frequency EMISSION Mode Broadcast Date/Time
6986.5 kHz USB RTTY 13 May/0110Z
PACTOR FEC 13 May/0130Z
MT63 13 May/0220Z
PSK-31 13 May/0250Z
14402.0 kHz USB RTTY 13 May/0110Z
PACTOR FEC 13 May/0130Z
MT63 13 May/0220Z
PSK-31 13 May0250Z
STATION: WAR (Pentagon MARS Station, Washington, DC ) Frequency EMISSION Mode Broadcast Date/Time 6986.5 kHz USB Olivia 12 May/1700Z and 2300Z MT63 12 May/1715Z and 2315Z 14438.5 kHz USB PACTOR FEC 12 MAY/1730Z RTTY 12 MAY/1745Z
4018.0 kHz USB PACTOR FEC 12 MAY/2330Z
RTTY 12 May/2345Z
STATION: AAC
Frequency EMISSION Mode Broadcast Date/Time
4036.0 kHz USB MT63 12 May/0030Z
7357.0 kHz USB RTTY 13 May/0100Z
Navy/Marine Corps Stations
STATION: NBL (NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, GROTON CT)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7370.0 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
14393.0 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
STATION: NNN0ASF (NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, BENNINGTON KS)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7393.0 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
13975.5 KHZ RTTY 12 MAY/2340Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0010Z
MT63 13 MAY/0040Z
STATION: NNN0CQQ (EX-USS MIDWAY MUSEUM SHIP, SAN DIEGO CA)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7350.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
14465.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
STATION: NUW NAVMARCORMARS RADIO STATION, NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND WA)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7380.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
13530.0 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
STATION: NWKJ (EX-USS YORKTOWN, PATRIOTS POINT MARITIME MUSEUM SC)
FREQUENCY MODE BROADCAST DATE/TIME
7346.5 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
14468.5 KHZ RTTY 13 MAY/0240Z
AMTOR FEC 13 MAY/0310Z
MT63 13 MAY/0340Z
Air Force Stations
STATION: AIR-2 (Hancock Field Air National Guard Base)
Frequency Mode Broadcast Date/Time
7831.1 kHz RTTY 12 May/1930Z
MT63 12 May/2030Z
MFSK 12 May/2100Z
14877.1 kHz RTTY 12 May/2130Z
MT63 12 May/2230Z
MFSK 12 May/2300Z
SUBMISSION OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TEST MESSAGE ENTRIES.
Transcripts of the RTTY, PACTOR, AMTOR, PSK-31, MFSK and MT63 receiving test should be submitted "as received". No attempt should be made to correct possible transmission errors. Provide time, frequency and call sign of the military station copied, including name, call sign, and address (including ZIP code) of individual submitting the entry. Ensure this information is placed on the paper containing the test message. Each year a large number of acceptable entries are received with insufficient information, or necessary information was not attached to the transcriptions and was separated, thereby precluding issuance of a certificate. Entries must be sent to the appropriate military address as follows:
a. Stations copying Secretary of Defense message transmitted from AAZ/WAR/AAV send entries to:
Armed Forces Day Celebration
Commander NETCOM/9th ASC
Armed Forces Day Celebration
Attn: NETC-OPE-MA (MARS) (31)
Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613-5000
b. Stations copying Secretary of Defense message transmitted from NBL, NNN0ASF, NNN0CQQ, NUW or NWKJ send entries to:
ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION
CHIEF, NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS
CHEATHAM ANNEX BLDG 117
108 SANDA AVE
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185-5830
c. Stations copying Secretary of Defense message transmitted from AIR-2 send entries to:
Armed Forces Day Celebration
AFCA / Chief, AF MARS
203W Losey St Scott AFB, IL 62225
Friday, March 29, 2013
100th anniversary of Amateur Radio's entry into disaster service.
"SOS Hilltop Business Men’s Association wants city to sendboats... Supplies will last until about tomorrow.... Men are hanging on trees.... Send supplies.... Water is receding....Try and get us water and gas.... People are suffering.... Send this to Mayor Karb at once.... SOS."
It was with these words sent by a 15 year-old teenager 100 years ago that Amateur Radio entered into Disaster Service.
Herbert V. Akerberg was a student at West High School in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio when he anxiously tapped out that Morse code message on the afternoon of March 26, 1913.
A slow moving storm had dumped 11 inches of rain over much of Ohio’s already saturated soil.
In Zanesville the Muskingum River was cresting at 27 feet and 20 feet of water stood in her intersections. Five of the town’s seven bridges were washed away. Only the tips of the lamp posts of the famous “Y” bridge could be seen.
In Defiance, Ohio the Maumee River rushed in 10 feet above flood stage and covered 268 homes. Row boats plucked people from trees and rooftops everywhere.
In Tiffin help came too late for several. Nineteen people waiting on their roofs for help, perished when their homes collapsed and they were swept away by the Sandusky River
On the west side of Columbus, where young Herb Akerberg was manning his station, the Scioto River crashed through the downtown dumping flood waters 17 feet deep into his neighborhood. Thirteen people were rescued from the branches of a single tree.
“For about three days and nights, practically continuously for seventy-two hours, young Akerberg remained on duty at his radio set, in communication with the radio station on top of the Huntington Bank Building, sending messages to the mayor and keeping the public advised as to the conditions on the devastated West Side. Many messages were sent to the friends and relatives of those in the devastated district.”
C. B. Galbreath-Author “The History of Ohio”
The greatest destruction was in the areas around Dayton, where the rushing waters of the Great Miami River washed away homes and bridges claiming hundreds of lives.
In Dayton 360 souls were lost, 3,400 domesticated animals and horses perished, 65,000 people were displaced and 20,000 homes were destroyed. Damage, in today’s dollars, exceeded $2 Billion.
The flow of the Great Miami River through Dayton during that Easter week storm in 1913 was equivalent to the same amount of water that spills over Niagara Falls in a month!
In nearby Hamilton four-fifths of the town was covered and 400 people lost their lives.
“People talked about how fast the waters rose, sometimes one or two feet per hour, and there wasn’t any way of sending warnings downstream because of the downed wires. There was no radio then except for a few ham radio operators, and the 1913 Flood is what triggered the legislation to create an emergency broadcast system.”
…Trudy E. Bell-Author “The Great Dayton Flood of 1913”
Back in Columbus, Herbert Akerman, pounding brass from his home shack is joined by the station from Ohio State University. Unlike Akerman, the OSU students are not proficient in Morse Code.
To the North of Ohio, B.N. Burglund at the University of Michigan station was unaware of the flooding in Ohio until he intercepted a call from a operator in Freemont, Ohio who reported that the town was under water and that the Captain of the Port Townsend Life Saving Station had drowned while attempting a rescue. The operator reported that all telegraph and telephone lines were down.
This call was followed by one from D. A. Nichols in Wapakpmeta, Ohio that his town was also cut off from the world.
Burglund put out a General Call to any station located in the flooded areas. This call was responded to by operators in Mansfield, Springfield, and Mt. Vernon, as well as the OSU station in Columbus.
Burglund, assisted by engineering students George Norris, Worth Chatfield, and Mr. Watts (who had once been a commercial operator) began handling Health and Welfare traffic from the devasted area.
The Ohio State University station was now being manned by a capable operator, J. A. Mercer who pounded the key for more than 70 hours before he collapsed from exhaustion and was temporarily relieved by operators from the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
Young Mr. Akerberg, the first Ham ever to use Amateur Radio in a disaster would go on to honorably serve with the men of the Army Signal Corp during World War I.
In 1923 he directed the building of Radio Station WPAL in Columbus. Six years later he joined the start-up network CBS, where he built much of their network of radio and television stations.
Herbert Akerberg passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 6, 1964.
“Wireless has shown itself up so beautifully during this great crisis, that a bill is pending in the State Legislature of Ohio providing for a large central station or stations and each city to have a permanent local station, so in case of need all cities so isolated are in communication with the different central stations. By all means let this bill pass. This is a step in the right direction and it is a good example for other States to follow.”
“Wireless in the hands of the amateur, while it is used by some as a plaything, is capable of doing excellent service in time of need; and we hope the work done by these men who did all they could to maintain communication between the flood stricken cities and the rest of the world, will long be remembered.”
B.N. Burglund –Modern Electrics, April 1913
It was with these words sent by a 15 year-old teenager 100 years ago that Amateur Radio entered into Disaster Service.
Herbert V. Akerberg was a student at West High School in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio when he anxiously tapped out that Morse code message on the afternoon of March 26, 1913.
A slow moving storm had dumped 11 inches of rain over much of Ohio’s already saturated soil.
In Zanesville the Muskingum River was cresting at 27 feet and 20 feet of water stood in her intersections. Five of the town’s seven bridges were washed away. Only the tips of the lamp posts of the famous “Y” bridge could be seen.
In Defiance, Ohio the Maumee River rushed in 10 feet above flood stage and covered 268 homes. Row boats plucked people from trees and rooftops everywhere.
In Tiffin help came too late for several. Nineteen people waiting on their roofs for help, perished when their homes collapsed and they were swept away by the Sandusky River
On the west side of Columbus, where young Herb Akerberg was manning his station, the Scioto River crashed through the downtown dumping flood waters 17 feet deep into his neighborhood. Thirteen people were rescued from the branches of a single tree.
“For about three days and nights, practically continuously for seventy-two hours, young Akerberg remained on duty at his radio set, in communication with the radio station on top of the Huntington Bank Building, sending messages to the mayor and keeping the public advised as to the conditions on the devastated West Side. Many messages were sent to the friends and relatives of those in the devastated district.”
C. B. Galbreath-Author “The History of Ohio”
The greatest destruction was in the areas around Dayton, where the rushing waters of the Great Miami River washed away homes and bridges claiming hundreds of lives.
In Dayton 360 souls were lost, 3,400 domesticated animals and horses perished, 65,000 people were displaced and 20,000 homes were destroyed. Damage, in today’s dollars, exceeded $2 Billion.
The flow of the Great Miami River through Dayton during that Easter week storm in 1913 was equivalent to the same amount of water that spills over Niagara Falls in a month!
In nearby Hamilton four-fifths of the town was covered and 400 people lost their lives.
“People talked about how fast the waters rose, sometimes one or two feet per hour, and there wasn’t any way of sending warnings downstream because of the downed wires. There was no radio then except for a few ham radio operators, and the 1913 Flood is what triggered the legislation to create an emergency broadcast system.”
…Trudy E. Bell-Author “The Great Dayton Flood of 1913”
Back in Columbus, Herbert Akerman, pounding brass from his home shack is joined by the station from Ohio State University. Unlike Akerman, the OSU students are not proficient in Morse Code.
To the North of Ohio, B.N. Burglund at the University of Michigan station was unaware of the flooding in Ohio until he intercepted a call from a operator in Freemont, Ohio who reported that the town was under water and that the Captain of the Port Townsend Life Saving Station had drowned while attempting a rescue. The operator reported that all telegraph and telephone lines were down.
This call was followed by one from D. A. Nichols in Wapakpmeta, Ohio that his town was also cut off from the world.
Burglund put out a General Call to any station located in the flooded areas. This call was responded to by operators in Mansfield, Springfield, and Mt. Vernon, as well as the OSU station in Columbus.
Burglund, assisted by engineering students George Norris, Worth Chatfield, and Mr. Watts (who had once been a commercial operator) began handling Health and Welfare traffic from the devasted area.
The Ohio State University station was now being manned by a capable operator, J. A. Mercer who pounded the key for more than 70 hours before he collapsed from exhaustion and was temporarily relieved by operators from the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
Young Mr. Akerberg, the first Ham ever to use Amateur Radio in a disaster would go on to honorably serve with the men of the Army Signal Corp during World War I.
In 1923 he directed the building of Radio Station WPAL in Columbus. Six years later he joined the start-up network CBS, where he built much of their network of radio and television stations.
Herbert Akerberg passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 6, 1964.
“Wireless has shown itself up so beautifully during this great crisis, that a bill is pending in the State Legislature of Ohio providing for a large central station or stations and each city to have a permanent local station, so in case of need all cities so isolated are in communication with the different central stations. By all means let this bill pass. This is a step in the right direction and it is a good example for other States to follow.”
“Wireless in the hands of the amateur, while it is used by some as a plaything, is capable of doing excellent service in time of need; and we hope the work done by these men who did all they could to maintain communication between the flood stricken cities and the rest of the world, will long be remembered.”
B.N. Burglund –Modern Electrics, April 1913
Friday, March 15, 2013
Voice of America to Test Digital Transmissions this Weekend
03/14/2013
The Voice of America Radiogram show, hosted by Kim Andrew Elliot, KD9XB, will be testing a variety of digital modes on March 16 and 17.
The data transmissions can be decoded by anyone with an AM shortwave receiver using any of the popular sound-card-based programs such as Fldigi, Ham Radio Deluxe, MixW, MultiPSK, DigiPan (for BPSK31, BPSK63 and QPSK31 only),CocoaModem (for Macs) and others.
Each test will last one minute, unless otherwise specified, on the following modes at the audio frequencies indicated. During some tests as many as four modes will be used simultaneously . . .
The 30-minute Radiogram program is scheduled to air . . .
Saturday 1600 UTC at 17860 kHz
Sunday 0230 UTC at 5745 kHz
Sunday 1300 UTC at 6095 kHz
Sunday 1930 UTC at 15670 kHz
... from the IBB Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station in North Carolina.
E-mail reception reports are welcomed at radiogram@voanews.com.
According to Elliot, future VOA Radiogram programs will transmit only one mode at a time. “This will ensure the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio and the best possible chances for a successful decode. These broadcasts are an experiment. We will try different modes in different programs to see which work best via AM analog shortwave broadcast transmitters.”
The Voice of America Radiogram show, hosted by Kim Andrew Elliot, KD9XB, will be testing a variety of digital modes on March 16 and 17.
The data transmissions can be decoded by anyone with an AM shortwave receiver using any of the popular sound-card-based programs such as Fldigi, Ham Radio Deluxe, MixW, MultiPSK, DigiPan (for BPSK31, BPSK63 and QPSK31 only),CocoaModem (for Macs) and others.
Each test will last one minute, unless otherwise specified, on the following modes at the audio frequencies indicated. During some tests as many as four modes will be used simultaneously . . .
- BPSK31 at 2000 Hz
- QPSK31 at 1000 Hz, BPSK31 at 2000 Hz
- QPSK31 at 1000 Hz, PSK63F at 1500 Hz, BPSK31 at 2000 Hz
- QPSK63 on 1000 Hz, PSKR125 at 1500 Hz, BPSK63 at 2000 Hz
- QPSK125 at 1000 Hz, PSKR250 at 1500 Hz, BPSK63 at 2000 Hz
- QPSK250 at 800 Hz, PSKR500 at 1500 Hz, BPSK250 at 2200 Hz
- QPSK500 at 800 Hz, PSKR1000 at 1500 Hz, BPSK500 at 2200 Hz
- PSKR500 at 1000 Hz, PSK63F at 1500 Hz, PSKR125 at 2000 Hz, and PSKR250 at 2500 Hz (5 minutes, 40 seconds total). The latter portions of the PSKR250 and 500 transmissions are formatted for Flmsg, a function within theFldigi software suite. (In Fldigi, go to Configure > Misc > NBEMS > under “Reception of flmsg files.” Click Open with flmsg and Open in browser and select the desired location of the flmsg.exe file.)
- MFSK32 image on 1500 Hz (54 seconds)
The 30-minute Radiogram program is scheduled to air . . .
Saturday 1600 UTC at 17860 kHz
Sunday 0230 UTC at 5745 kHz
Sunday 1300 UTC at 6095 kHz
Sunday 1930 UTC at 15670 kHz
... from the IBB Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station in North Carolina.
E-mail reception reports are welcomed at radiogram@voanews.com.
According to Elliot, future VOA Radiogram programs will transmit only one mode at a time. “This will ensure the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio and the best possible chances for a successful decode. These broadcasts are an experiment. We will try different modes in different programs to see which work best via AM analog shortwave broadcast transmitters.”
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
$25,000 Fine for Operating an Unlicensed Radio
On March 1, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) in the amount of $25,000 to Terry L. VanVolkenburg, KC5RF, of Cocoa, Florida. The FCC alleged that VanVolkenburg “apparently willfully and repeatedly violated Sections 301 and 333 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended…, by operating a radio transmitter without a license on…465.300 MHz and for interfering with licensed communications.” VanVolkenburg holds an Advanced class license.
In September 2012, FCC agents in the Tampa Office received a complaint of radio interference from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department -- licensee of call sign WQCW384 -- utilizes a wireless radio communications system in the county jail in Sharpes, Florida. According to the complaint, the Sheriff’s Department experienced intermittent interference to its radio communications in the jail on the frequency 456.300 MHz on at least 14 days during September and October 2012. According to the NAL, audio recordings taken by the Sheriff’s Department suggest “that a male individual interfered with the prison’s communications by transmitting vulgar language, sound effects, previously recorded prison communications and threats to prison officials over the prison’s communications system.”
On October 28, the agents used direction finding techniques and traced the source of the interfering radio frequency transmissions on 465.300 MHz to a residence in Cocoa, Florida. The frequency 465.300 MHz is allocated to public safety stations; as an Advanced class licensee, VanVolkenburg does not hold privileges to operate in this portion of the spectrum. In addition, the FCC’s records showed that no authorization was issued to anyone to operate a private land mobile station at this location.
“Approximately two hours after locating the source of the transmissions, agents from the Tampa Office inspected the radio stations in Mr VanVolkenburg’s residence,” the FCC noted. “The agents recognized Mr VanVolkenburg’s voice as the one interfering with the prison’s communications system. Mr VanVolkenburg initially showed the agents an Amateur Radio [that was] incapable of transmitting on 465.300 MHz, but eventually produced an Alinco DJ-C5 portable radio transceiver that could operate on 465.300 MHz.”
According to the NAL, VanVolkenburg “did not specifically admit that he had interfered with the prison’s communications system, but when asked about the transmissions on 465.300 MHz and the interference to the prison’s communications systems, he stated that he chose 465.300 MHz because the prison’s transmissions on that frequency were strong; that he was only using 300 mW and did not think that he ‘could talk over anyone and therefore wasn’t interfering with anyone’; and that the interference would not happen again.”
Although VanVolkenburg holds an Amateur Radio license, it does not authorize him to operate on public safety frequencies. “Part 15 of the Commission’s rules sets out the conditions and technical requirements under which certain radio transmission devices may be used without a license,” the FCC explained in the NAL. “In relevant part, Section 15.209 of the rules provides that non-licensed transmissions in the 216-960 MHz band is permitted only if the field strength of the transmission does not exceed 200 μV/m at 3 meters. The agents observed the transmissions on 465.300 MHz at a distance of approximately 2 miles from VanVolkenburg’s residence. Given the distance from the source, the agents determined that the transmissions’ field strength exceeded allowable Part 15 levels.”
Section 503(b) of the Communications Act provides that “any person who willfully or repeatedly fails to comply substantially with the terms and conditions of any license, or willfully or repeatedly fails to comply with any of the provisions of the Act or of any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commission thereunder, shall be liable for a forfeiture penalty.” In addition, VanVolkenburg was found to be in violation of Sections 301 and 333 of the Communications Act, stating that “no person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio within the United States, except under and in accordance with the Act and with a license granted under the provisions of the Act.” Section 333 states that “[n]o person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this Act or operated by the United States Government.”
“The totality of the evidence convinces us that it was Mr VanVolkenburg who was operating the unlicensed transmitter from his residence that was causing interference to the prison communications systems over at least a two-month period,” the FCC stated in the NAL. “Because Mr VanVolkenburg consciously operated the station and did so on more than one day, the apparent violations of the Communications Act were both willful and repeated.”
According to the Commission’s Forfeiture Policy Statement and Section 1.80 of the rules, the base forfeiture amount for operation without an instrument of authorization is $10,000, and the base forfeiture amount for interference is $7000. In assessing the monetary forfeiture amount, the FCC must also take into account statutory factors that include the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violations, and with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay and other such matters. “We find Mr VanVolkenburg’s misconduct particularly egregious because his unlicensed operation involved willful and malicious interference to the communications of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, which included threats against the officers, after being told (multiple times) to cease his interfering communications,” the FCC stated in the NAL. “Thus, we find that an upward adjustment of $8000 to the combined base forfeiture of $17,000 is warranted. Applying the Forfeiture Policy Statement, Section 1.80 of the rules and the statutory factors to the instant case, we conclude that Mr VanVolkenburg is apparently liable for a forfeiture in the amount of $25,000.”
VanVolkenburg has until March 30, 2013 to pay the forfeiture in full, or file a written statement seeking its reduction or cancellation.
In September 2012, FCC agents in the Tampa Office received a complaint of radio interference from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff’s Department -- licensee of call sign WQCW384 -- utilizes a wireless radio communications system in the county jail in Sharpes, Florida. According to the complaint, the Sheriff’s Department experienced intermittent interference to its radio communications in the jail on the frequency 456.300 MHz on at least 14 days during September and October 2012. According to the NAL, audio recordings taken by the Sheriff’s Department suggest “that a male individual interfered with the prison’s communications by transmitting vulgar language, sound effects, previously recorded prison communications and threats to prison officials over the prison’s communications system.”
On October 28, the agents used direction finding techniques and traced the source of the interfering radio frequency transmissions on 465.300 MHz to a residence in Cocoa, Florida. The frequency 465.300 MHz is allocated to public safety stations; as an Advanced class licensee, VanVolkenburg does not hold privileges to operate in this portion of the spectrum. In addition, the FCC’s records showed that no authorization was issued to anyone to operate a private land mobile station at this location.
“Approximately two hours after locating the source of the transmissions, agents from the Tampa Office inspected the radio stations in Mr VanVolkenburg’s residence,” the FCC noted. “The agents recognized Mr VanVolkenburg’s voice as the one interfering with the prison’s communications system. Mr VanVolkenburg initially showed the agents an Amateur Radio [that was] incapable of transmitting on 465.300 MHz, but eventually produced an Alinco DJ-C5 portable radio transceiver that could operate on 465.300 MHz.”
According to the NAL, VanVolkenburg “did not specifically admit that he had interfered with the prison’s communications system, but when asked about the transmissions on 465.300 MHz and the interference to the prison’s communications systems, he stated that he chose 465.300 MHz because the prison’s transmissions on that frequency were strong; that he was only using 300 mW and did not think that he ‘could talk over anyone and therefore wasn’t interfering with anyone’; and that the interference would not happen again.”
Although VanVolkenburg holds an Amateur Radio license, it does not authorize him to operate on public safety frequencies. “Part 15 of the Commission’s rules sets out the conditions and technical requirements under which certain radio transmission devices may be used without a license,” the FCC explained in the NAL. “In relevant part, Section 15.209 of the rules provides that non-licensed transmissions in the 216-960 MHz band is permitted only if the field strength of the transmission does not exceed 200 μV/m at 3 meters. The agents observed the transmissions on 465.300 MHz at a distance of approximately 2 miles from VanVolkenburg’s residence. Given the distance from the source, the agents determined that the transmissions’ field strength exceeded allowable Part 15 levels.”
Section 503(b) of the Communications Act provides that “any person who willfully or repeatedly fails to comply substantially with the terms and conditions of any license, or willfully or repeatedly fails to comply with any of the provisions of the Act or of any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commission thereunder, shall be liable for a forfeiture penalty.” In addition, VanVolkenburg was found to be in violation of Sections 301 and 333 of the Communications Act, stating that “no person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio within the United States, except under and in accordance with the Act and with a license granted under the provisions of the Act.” Section 333 states that “[n]o person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this Act or operated by the United States Government.”
“The totality of the evidence convinces us that it was Mr VanVolkenburg who was operating the unlicensed transmitter from his residence that was causing interference to the prison communications systems over at least a two-month period,” the FCC stated in the NAL. “Because Mr VanVolkenburg consciously operated the station and did so on more than one day, the apparent violations of the Communications Act were both willful and repeated.”
According to the Commission’s Forfeiture Policy Statement and Section 1.80 of the rules, the base forfeiture amount for operation without an instrument of authorization is $10,000, and the base forfeiture amount for interference is $7000. In assessing the monetary forfeiture amount, the FCC must also take into account statutory factors that include the nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the violations, and with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, ability to pay and other such matters. “We find Mr VanVolkenburg’s misconduct particularly egregious because his unlicensed operation involved willful and malicious interference to the communications of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, which included threats against the officers, after being told (multiple times) to cease his interfering communications,” the FCC stated in the NAL. “Thus, we find that an upward adjustment of $8000 to the combined base forfeiture of $17,000 is warranted. Applying the Forfeiture Policy Statement, Section 1.80 of the rules and the statutory factors to the instant case, we conclude that Mr VanVolkenburg is apparently liable for a forfeiture in the amount of $25,000.”
VanVolkenburg has until March 30, 2013 to pay the forfeiture in full, or file a written statement seeking its reduction or cancellation.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Another Ouch to the tune of $10k
On February 25, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) in the amount of $10,000 to Jared A. Bruegman, ex-KC0IQN, of Bolivar, Missouri. The FCC said that Bruegman “apparently and willfully violated Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by operating an unlicensed radio transmitter on the frequency 14.312 MHz in Bolivar, Missouri.” Bruegman -- who does not currently hold an Amateur Radio license -- was operating in the phone portion of the 20 meter band that is assigned to the Amateur Radio Service on a primary basis; his Amatueur Radio license expired in 2010. As a former Technician class licensee, he did not have privileges to operate in that portion of the 20 meter band when he held an Amateur Radio license.
In December 2012, the FCC’s office in Kansas City received a complaint from an Amateur Radio operator, reporting interference on 14.312 MHz. Upon investigation, agents from that office heard a male voice transmitting on the frequency 14.312 MHz. Using direction finding equipment, the agents located the source of the radio frequency transmissions to a transmitting antenna mounted on a pole next to Bruegman’s residence. The agents determined that the signals on 14.312 MHz exceeded the limits for operation under Part 15 of the Commission’s rules and therefore a license was required to transmit. The agents further discovered that Bruegman did not hold a license to operate a radio transmitter on 14.312 MHz at or near that location.
The agents determined that the source of the transmissions was coming from an unlicensed radio transmitter from a bedroom in Bruegman’s residence. “Mr Bruegman was the only person present in the bedroom and the only male in the residence during the inspection,” the NAL stated. “Mr Bruegman admitted to the agents that he owned the radio transmitter. The agents observed that the transmitter was turned on and tuned to 14.311 MHz. Mr Bruegman told the agents that he had no current Commission licenses, but that he previously held an Amateur Radio license, call sign KC0IQN. Mr Bruegman told the agents he would remove the microphone from his transmitter and only use it as a receiver.”
Section 503(b) of the Communications Act provides that “any person who willfully or repeatedly fails to comply substantially with the terms and conditions of any license, or willfully or repeatedly fails to comply with any of the provisions of the Act or of any rule, regulation, or order issued by the Commission thereunder, shall be liable for a forfeiture penalty.” In addition, Bruegman was found to be in violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act, stating that “no person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio within the United States, except under and in accordance with the Act and with a license granted under the provisions of the Act.”
Bruegman has until March 27, 2013 to pay the forfeiture in full, or file a written statement seeking its reduction or cancellation.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
NASA restores communication with International Space Station
NASA restored communication with the International Space Station on Tuesday after connections went dark following a routine computer software update.
"It's not a panicked mood that takes over mission control," Byerly said before communications were fixed. "Anybody's who's been here has seen that."
Before the fix, the space agency said the craft was able to communicate only every 90 minutes when it passed over ground stations in Russia.
"This is the same way they used to do it in the 1960s, with Gemini and Apollo," NASA spokesman Josh Byerly said.
The station, which is carrying two American astronauts, three Russian cosmonauts and a Canadian astronaut, did not appear to be in danger.
"It's not a panicked mood that takes over mission control," Byerly said before communications were fixed. "Anybody's who's been here has seen that."
Aboard the station, Commander Kevin Ford told mission control during a pass over a Russian ground station that the craft was "still flying straight" and that everybody was "in good shape."
The loss in communications was not considered unprecedented, though it was thought to be a cause for concern, officials said.
The station is the product of a partnership among 16 nations and carries six laboratories for space research.
Man accused of threatening amateur radio club members
Northeast Bexar County resident John Watkins III is accused of making death threats to members of an amateur radio club.
Watkins was arrested on two counts of making a terroristic threat, and booked into jail Saturday. Records show he has been released after posting $4,000 bond.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, radio club members determined someone was making threats, using racial slurs and creating “white noise,” or static, on the channels that they use for broadcasting.
A club member assigned to investigate it said he tracked the broadcasts to Watkins’ home and confronted him in January, telling him to stop, the affidavit stated.
Club members told investigators with the Bexar County Constable, Precinct 3, that Watkins made another threat over the airwaves the following day, saying he would use an AK 47 assault rifle to kill them, the affidavit stated.
Members had to have deputy constables at their meetings because they feared for their safety, the affidavit stated.
Link to story with video:
Friday, February 15, 2013
Upcoming Radiosport Events
This Week in Radiosport
This week:- February 15 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- February 16 -- Feld Hell Sprint
- February 16-17 -- ARRL International DX Contest (CW)
- February 17-18 -- Russian PSK Worldwide Contest
- February 20 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening
- February 22 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- February 22-23 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest (SSB)
- February 23-24 -- Mississippi QSO Party; North American QSO Party (RTTY); REF Contest (SSB); UBA DX Contest (CW)
- February 24 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
- February 24-25 -- North Carolina QSO Party
- February 25-27 -- CQC Winter QSO Sprint
- February 27-28 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
Thursday, February 14, 2013
New Yaesu FT-400D Leaked info
We only have and know what you see below.
Please note, it says "Dual Band Digital Transceiver" on the head.......as well as it shows a camera in the head of the microphone.
Please note, it says "Dual Band Digital Transceiver" on the head.......as well as it shows a camera in the head of the microphone.
Last Man Standing to Feature Ham Radio in Upcoming Episode
Via ARRL:
In an episode to air in mid-March, the hit ABC comedy Last Man Standing -- starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT -- will prominently feature scenes with cast members using Amateur Radio. This episode will be the first episode to feature Amateur Radio since the middle of the show’s first season.
According to Last Man Standing Producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, the episode called “The Fight” will feature several of the regular cast members talking on the radios. “I can’t say much about the episode right now,” Amodeo told the ARRL, “But this episode has the most significant use of Amateur Radio in a TV comedy since Herman Munster, W6XRL4, got his ham license.” Fans of 1960s television will remember the episode of The Munsters (originally aired January 21, 1965) when Herman, on his ham radio, overheard children using walkie-talkies who were pretending to be Martians.
“In addition to the original KA0XTT station in Mike Baxter’s work office, viewers will get to see Mike’s ham shack in the basement of his home,” Amodeo explained. “A cast member will also be calling in from a portable HF radio while hiking along the Amazon.” The ARRL provided many of the awards -- including 5 Band DXCC, 5 Band Worked All States, 5 Band Worked All Continents and VUCC -- that are on Mike Baxter’s home shack wall. The episode, which was filmed February 12, will also feature Richard Karn. Fans of Allen’s former show Home Improvement will remember Karn as Al Borland.
Last Man Standing is produced by 20th Century Fox for the ABC Television Network and airs on Friday nights at 8 PM Eastern and Pacific and 7 PM Central.
In an episode to air in mid-March, the hit ABC comedy Last Man Standing -- starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT -- will prominently feature scenes with cast members using Amateur Radio. This episode will be the first episode to feature Amateur Radio since the middle of the show’s first season.
According to Last Man Standing Producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, the episode called “The Fight” will feature several of the regular cast members talking on the radios. “I can’t say much about the episode right now,” Amodeo told the ARRL, “But this episode has the most significant use of Amateur Radio in a TV comedy since Herman Munster, W6XRL4, got his ham license.” Fans of 1960s television will remember the episode of The Munsters (originally aired January 21, 1965) when Herman, on his ham radio, overheard children using walkie-talkies who were pretending to be Martians.
“In addition to the original KA0XTT station in Mike Baxter’s work office, viewers will get to see Mike’s ham shack in the basement of his home,” Amodeo explained. “A cast member will also be calling in from a portable HF radio while hiking along the Amazon.” The ARRL provided many of the awards -- including 5 Band DXCC, 5 Band Worked All States, 5 Band Worked All Continents and VUCC -- that are on Mike Baxter’s home shack wall. The episode, which was filmed February 12, will also feature Richard Karn. Fans of Allen’s former show Home Improvement will remember Karn as Al Borland.
Last Man Standing is produced by 20th Century Fox for the ABC Television Network and airs on Friday nights at 8 PM Eastern and Pacific and 7 PM Central.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Learning Morse Code
SO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORSE CODE
Forget Frustration: Gain Valuable Morse Skills
And Increase Your Amateur-Radio Pleasure
By David G. Finley, N1IRZ
Copyright © 1995, 2000. All Rights Reserved*
Amateur license restructuring is here. You no longer need to pass a 13- or 20-word-per-minute (wpm) test to gain full operating privileges. Passing a 5-wpm test gets you everything. However, there are good reasons why you should do more than that. Having a level of Morse proficiency that is of real use on the air, meaning that you can copy at 12-13 wpm or more, will add immeasurably to your enjoyment of Amateur Radio.
Such rewarding HF activities as DXing, contesting and QRP operating
still rely heavily on CW. Thousands of hams enjoy CW for its own appeal
as a relaxing mode different from most other means of communication. And even
on VHF and higher frequencies, you'll find that exciting activities
such as Moonbounce and weak-signal work still require Morse skills for full
participation.The pressure to reduce the code-speed requirements came from the widespread perception that getting to 13 or 20 wpm is a nearly imsurmountable barrier. That perception is wrong. For little more
Most of what you've been told about learning Morse Code is wrong -- dead wrong. Amateur radio operators traditionally have used the slowest, most frustrating, most painful and least effective techniques possible for gaining code proficiency.
You can gain real code proficiency. You can do it in a reasonable amount of time and with a minimum of frustration and pain. In order to do so, you must approach code
It will require work (just as it does to get to 5 wpm). You will have to commit yourself to at least one 15-30 minute training session every day until you reach your goal. You may succeed in a month or in several months; individuals differ greatly. Without this committment, however, you may as well not bother.
So what's new here? By using a code training method devised by the German psychologist Ludwig Koch some 60 years ago, you will progress as quickly as you possibly can, with ample reinforcement and little frustration. By understanding this method and how it builds your code proficiency, you will know why you have to spend time practicing and you'll be able to make a reasonable prediction of how long the total effort will require.
We're going to start on your road to success by throwing some time-honored ham-radio traditions onto the trash heap where they belong. These are:
- Slow (5 wpm) code -- It ought to be illegal to teach anyone code at 5 wpm. Every minute spent toying with 5 wpm code is irrevocably wasted. In addition, as we'll see later, starting with slow code is a virtually-guaranteed path to frustration and quitting. Morse at 5 wpm and Morse at 15 or 20 wpm are completely different critters, and you don't want to waste time on the wrong one.
- Charts, mnemonics, musical cues and other "memory aids" -- These things make you think about what you're doing while trying to copy code. That is deadly to proficient copying.
- Code tapes -- In very short order, and unconsciously, you'll memorize the tape. This will lull you into false confidence in your ability. That false confidence will be quickly shattered when you hear transmitted text that you haven't memorized.
- Copying QSOs off the air -- You don't know the speed of code you find on the bands, and much code on the air is pretty badly sent. All this makes it useless for training purposes. Formal code-practice sessions, such as those on W1AW, are OK, however.
The Mechanics: Just what is code training, anyhow?
Go to the shack of a veteran CW operator, or visit the CW station at a club Field Day operation. Watch people copy and send code at 30 to 35 wpm. You'll notice they're pretty relaxed about it; they're not sweating each character as it comes out of the speaker and they're not racking their brains to "figure out" what's being sent. Code has become second nature to them.That's the key to code proficiency. Copying code must be a thought-free process. When you hear a character, you should know, without thinking, what it is. It should be a reflex. In fact, copying above about 10 wpm can only be done by reflex. Above that speed, thought processes are too slow to succeed.
That's why slow code is a deadly trap, and why traditional amateur methods of code training are so painful and frustrating. Most hams are told to memorize all the characters, then start building their speed. When you do it this way, you build a "lookup table" in your brain, comparing each character you hear with those in the lookup table until you find a match. This process shuts down from overload at about 10 wpm. That's why people experience a "plateau" at 10 wpm, and don't see any progress for weeks or months.
Those who finally get over that "hump" and progress beyond 10 wpm do so because, through constant practice, they have begun to copy code by reflex instead of by thought. They are the lucky ones; this 10 wpm barrier is where many folks give up out of frustration.
Code training, then, should completely bypass the lookup-table phase and begin by building copying proficiency as a reflex. This was recognized in the 1930s by the German psychologist Ludwig Koch, who devised the most efficient method known for Morse training. It's his method, and how you can use it, that we're going to examine in detail.
Morse Training by the Koch Method
Koch's method is a simple, direct way of building reflexes. However, it requires either a computer and Morse software or a personal trainer. That's why it was overlooked for so many years. Now that computers are commonplace, it should become the standard Morse training method. Here's how it works:You start out by setting up your computer (or a microprocessor-based code tutor machine) to send you Morse characters at 20 wpm and at an overall sending speed of at least 15 wpm. You then get out your paper and pencil and have the machine start sending -- but only two characters. That's right, for your first sessions, you'll only have two choices. Copy on paper for five minutes, then stop the machine and compare what you copied with what the machine sent. Count characters and calculate your percentage of correct copy.
If your score is 90 percent or better -- congratulations! You just learned your first two characters, and, importantly, you learned them at full speed. You'll never have to learn them over again. If you didn't make 90 percent, practice some more. As soon as you can copy the first two characters with 90 percent accuracy, add a third character to your practice. Your accuracy will drop as you work on assimilating the new character, but it will rise again to 90 percent or better. Then you add the fourth character, and so on.
This method does not allow you to build that lookup table in your brain. To copy at full speed, you must build the reflexes in order to achieve 90 percent accuracy. And that's what you're spending your time doing -- building reflexes. Think of it as a parallel to perfecting a tennis swing or mastering a gymnastic routine; you're practicing until you get it right. The Koch method of building code proficiency character-by-character is similar to standard methods of teaching touch typing, another skill that must be reflexive.
This is a very individual method of training -- you progress at your own best speed, and spend only the time required to gain each new character. This means that you will waste no time in reaching your goal.
How much time is required? That will depend on the individual. Koch himself, with hand-picked students, got a group to master 12 wpm code in a mere 13.5 hours. You probably won't match that, but that's much faster than any other method in the psychological literature. You can get an idea of how long it's going to take after you've mastered a few characters. Keep track of your training sessions (some software will do this for you) and calculate your hours-per-character rate (or characters-per-hour if you're really fast!). That, multiplied by the 43 characters in the amateur Morse test, will give a rough idea of how long it's going to take.
While the Koch method is the fastest method of Morse training, speed alone is not its principal advantage. Its principal advantage, and a major difference from other methods, is that it provides you with constant positive reinforcement. This begins with your realization, after mastering the first two characters, that you can copy code at 15 or 20 wpm, because you just did it. After that, each new character mastered is further proof of your progress. Contrast that to slowly trying to build speed up from 4 or 5 wpm, then hitting the plateau at 10 wpm and seeing no progress for a long time. With the Koch method, frustration is at a minimum.
Constant testing is necessary to ensure that you maximize the effectiveness of the Koch method. You must copy on paper, so you can grade yourself. Remember, if you score 90 percent accuracy or better, add another character. If you score any less than that, try again. By constantly testing yourself on continuous copying of at least five minutes, you know exactly how you're doing and exactly when you should add another character. This results in the fastest progress possible.
Naturally, with the Koch method, you'll be copying random groups of characters, rather than words, until you've mastered the entire character set. If your software allows, make these groups of random length, rather than a constant stream of five-character groups. This will ease the transition from random groups to actual words. Yes, there is a difference in the rhythm and "feel" of words and random groups. Once you've become accustomed to copying words, you should start copying sample QSOs, which are the format of the amateur tests. Pay special attention to callsigns, locations, and numerals; these are the types of things that can form questions on the test.
As you proceed toward your goal, remember that some days are just going to be better than others and some characters will take longer to assimilate than others. You know, however, that you can reach your goal because you've already mastered some characters and proven that copying at full speed is something you can do. Keep in mind that what you're doing is building reflexes, and that takes time. The amount of time you require has nothing to do with your intellegence; it's just how long it takes for characters to "sink in" and become part of your reflexes.
So there it is -- your path to real, useful Morse Code proficiency. After you've used this method, and start enjoying the wonderful world of HF radio, try a few CW QSOs. With Morse code developed as a reflex, you may just find that you really enjoy using it on the air. After all, you've gained proficiency without the frustrating ordeal that most hams have endured for decades. See you on the HF bands!
Questions? They're probably answered in Morse Code: Breaking the Barrier, the author's complete book on code training and CW operating, published by MFJ Enterprises, Inc. It's available now for $19.95 plus shipping. Call (800) 647-1800 and ask for stock number MFJ-3400.
Finley, D.G., "Reducing the Barrier: Effective Morse code training," Radio Fun, May 1995, pp. 14-15.
Finley, D.G., "Effective Training for High-Speed Morse: An Auditory-Learning Based Model," Morsels, Volume 2, Number 2, Fall/Winter 1996/1997, p. 3.
O'Keeffee, V., "Learning Morse," QST, August 1972, pp. 58-62.
Peak, H., "Koch's Method of Learning Code Reception," Psychololgical Bulletin, XXXIX (1942), p. 495.
Taylor, D.W., "Learning Telegraphic Code," Psychological Bulletin, XL (1943), pp. 461-487.
Taylor, D.W., "The Learning of Radiotelegraphic Code," American Journal of Psychology, LVI (1943), pp. 319-353.
A Personal Note
These ideas may sound very bold and unconventional, but I know they work, because they worked for me.I fell in love with radio in grade school, but was kept off the air for 30 years because I found traditional code training just too frustrating. During those decades, I tried several times to learn Morse, but every time gave up in frustration and disgust -- my progress was just too slow.
In 1991, I became one of the first 500 people to enter ham radio by way of the no-code Technician license. After becoming bored with repeaters and HTs, I decided to make one last attempt to master the code. Fortunately, I stumbled on information about Koch's method, and found that it was the only thing that would work for me. In 1993, after diligent work at my computer, I took my first code test and passed the 20 wpm exam on the first try.
I became very curious about why Koch's method had worked for me when all else had failed. That sent me to libraries to read the now-aging psychological literature about Morse training. I soon realized that the Koch method achieves its speed through directness; if you want to copy reflexively at 15 or 20 wpm, then just start building those reflexes from the start. I also realized that it provides much more positive feedback than any other method, so you can keep your motivation and a "can-do" attitude throughout your training.
This was knowledge I wanted to share with others, so I began giving lectures to amateur groups on the topic. I quickly found that, after my lectures, "old-timers" would come up and tell me that my ideas on the need for reflexes were absolutely right. Many said that the Koch method sounded similar to the intense code training they had received in military schools.
Probably the only reason Koch's method didn't become standard back in 1936 when he first published it was that the average individual had no way of implementing it. The personal computer has changed that, and the time has come for the Koch method to replace all others. I hope that the speed and positive-reinforcement aspects of the Koch method can cut down the code barrier to a much less formidable size.
Prior to the FCC's restructuring of amateur licensing, the percentage of U.S. hams who had passed at least a 13-wpm code test had long since become a minority and was dropping steadily. This "code barrier" was causing an unhealthy stagnation in the amateur ranks. Many readers of Morse Code: Breaking the Barrier wrote to tell me how the Koch Method had helped them overcome many years of frustration and upgrade their licenses. It was gratifying to hear of these success stories. Now, people can use the Koch Method, not because they have to pass a test, but because they want to increase their amateur-radio pleasure.
I cannot overemphasize my dislike -- even hatred -- for 5 wpm code. As I've outlined above, it is highly counterproductive to gaining proficiency at higher speeds. In order to go from 5 to 13 wpm, you have to start over again, even though you may not realize that while you're doing it. The worst aspect is that many people pass a 5-wpm test, then never go beyond that. Why waste your time learning a skill (slow code) that has no relevance to real (13+ wpm) code proficiency and is of almost no use on the air?
Finally, as I was using the Koch method and building my code skills, I intended to forget the code as soon as I passed the test. My 30 years of frustration had built up a bitterness about CW. However, about two weeks after getting my first HF rig on the air, I looked at my straight key and decided to try a CW QSO "just so I can say I did it." Guess what? I enjoyed it. My second CW QSO was with a DX station, and I was hooked. With the encouragement of a CW Elmer, I continued to enjoy the bottom parts of the bands, and now my microphone isn't even plugged into the rig!
If the Koch method could overcome three decades of bitterness and turn me into an enthusiastic CW operator, I think it's certainly worth a try on your part. Have a go at it. Maybe I'll find you on the CW bands and we can have a ragchew.
Best of luck, and 73.
Dave Finley, N1IRZ
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Ride the Wave
On the Air: Ride the Wave in the 2013 ARRL International DX CW Contest
Eric Hall, K9GY, of Lansing, Illinois, headed down to Nicaragua for the 2008 running of the ARRL International DX CW Contest. [Photo courtesy of Eric Hall, K9GY] |
CW DXing and contesting take center stage the weekend of February 16-17, as the 2013 ARRL International DX CW Contest takes to the airwaves. If you've never operated the CW contest, now is the time to start. "You can work a lot of DX with 100 W and a simple dipole or vertical antenna," explained ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X. "Some stations -- with some perseverance -- have worked more than 100 DXCC entities during the contest period. And who knows? You just might achieve DXCC during the contest." Read more here.
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