
The electronic publication of the Amateur Radio Newsline is distributed
with the permission of Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, President and Editor of
Newsline.  The text version is edited from the original scripts and
transcribed from the audio reports by Dale Cary, WD0AKO, and is first
published in The Radio & Electronics Round Table on the Genie Online
System.

If you have any comment, suggestion, or news item you would like to submit,
send them via E-Mail to 3241437@mcimail.com or B.PASTERNAK@genie.geis.com.
You can contact Newsline at +1 805-296-7180.  It is a combination answering
and FAX machine, if you have a FAX to send, wait for the voice prompt and
press your fax-send button.

All other information and disclaimers are in the text header below.
 - - - - -
 NEWSLINE RADIO - CBBS EDITION #126 - POSTED 05/28/94

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    The following is late news about Amateur Radio for Radio
 Amateurs as prepared from NEWSLINE RADIO scripts by the staff of
 the AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE, INC. -- formerly the WESTLINK RADIO
 NETWORK.  For current information updates, please call

                     Audio Version of Newsline
                     =========================
      Los Angeles............................ (213) 462-0008
      Los Angeles (Instant Update Line)...... (805) 296-2407 
      Seattle................................ (206) 368-3969
      Seattle................................ (206) 281-8455
      Tacoma................................. (206) 927-7373
      Louisville............................. (502) 894-8559
      Dayton................................. (513) 275-9991
      Chicago................................ (708) 289-0423
      New York City.......................... (718) 353-2801
      Melbourne, FL.......................... (407) 259-4479

             Electronic Hardcopy Version of Newsline
             =======================================
      GEnie (RTC Bulletin Board)............. m345;1
      GEnie (File Library)................... m345;3
      Dallas Remote Imaging BBS (DRIG)....... (214) 492-7573
        In bulletin number 36
      The Midwest Connection BBS............. (701) 239-2440
        In bulletin number 6 of the ham radio conference
      Delphi.................................
        In the ham radio conference
      Internet...............................
        In the rec.radio.info newsgroup
        FTP: oak.oakland.edu, archive: pub/hamradio/docs/newsline
      Fidonet, RIME, Intellec, I-Link........
        In the Ham Radio conferences on those networks

    For the latest breaking info call the Instant Update Line listed
 above.  To provide information please call (805) 296-7180.  This 
 line answers automatically and will accept up to 30 minutes of
 material.

    Check with your local amateur radio club to see if NEWSLINE
 can be heard weekly on the air in your area.

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 credit is given to AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE as being the source.

    For further information about the AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE,
 please write to us with an SASE at P.O. Box 463, Pasadena, CA
 91102.

                                              Thank You
                                              NEWSLINE

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 Some of the hams of NEWSLINE RADIO...

 WA6ITF WB6MQV WB6FDF K6DUE W6RCL N6AHU N6AWE N6TCQ K6PGX N6PNY
 KU8R N8DTN W9JUV KC9RP K9XI KB5KCH KC5UD KC0HF G8AUU WD0AKO DJ0QN 
 and many others in the United States and around the globe!!!

 (****************************************************************

 [876]

 Newsline report number 876 for release on Friday May 27 1994 to
 follow.


                     The following is a QST

    Newsline is in grave financial trouble and the service could
 disappear at any time.  Also, the Roanoke Phantom is sent to
 prison and an appeal will be filed in the Southern California
 repeater user banning case.  These stories and more on Newsline
 report number 876 coming your way right now!

 (*****
                          NEWSLINE BROKE

    This weeks top story is about Newsline itself.  It comes in
 word from Dr. Norm Chalfin, K6PGX that Newsline is very close to
 being totally insolvent.  
    Dr. Chalfin operates the Newsline Support Fund.  This is the 
 financial support operation that pays the bills incurred by
 Newsline in the preparation of these weekly newscasts.  According
 to K6PGX, there have been few contributions this spring and that
 spells disaster for Newsline:

    "Well the situation is this.  There has been fewer
 contributions than we have had in the past.  In fact too few so
 that our telephone bills keep rising.  While we are able to pay
 them at the moment, at any moment there is not enough."  Dr. Norm
 Chalfin, K6PGX.

    For those of you not aware, it costs between $750 to $1000 a 
 month to pay the telephone, electronic mail, equipment maintenance
 and other expenses which make these weekly newscasts possible. 
 Also, everyone involved in Newsline is a volunteer.  There is no
 paid staff and when you see a Newsline reporter at a ham
 convention that person is paying his or her own way.  Donations to
 Newsline pay the bills and nothing else!
    Newsline does not receive any support from nor does it solicit 
 any financial backing from any ham radio manufacturer, publisher
 or national society.  In fact, almost since its inception Newsline
 has been 100% listener and staff supported.  That way, nobody can
 ever say that a story reported on Newsline as in any way
 influenced by commercial sponsorship.  It means that Newsline can
 remain 100% objective in its news coverage.  
    But there is the reality.  With no money to operate, Newsline 
 could disappear at any time.  We cannot tell you when because we
 don't know ourselves.  Our plan right now is to keep going until
 the telephone company closes us down.  Once that happens, we'll
 have to tear down the studio do the studio and liquidate the gear
 to pay off whomever we can.  If that happens we won't be back.  
    Even the revised part 97.113 does not let Newsline or any 
 other organization -- not even your radio club --  from openly 
 soliciting financial support on the air.  But the bulletin station
 putting this newscast out over your repeater or high frequency
 station is aware of the gravity of the situation and what can be
 done to save Newsline.  Talk to that person off the air. 
    Alternatively, you can write for information with a self 
 addressed stamped envelope to Dr. Norm Chalfin in care of Newsline
 at Post Office Box 463, Pasadena, CA 91102.  
    Also this.  Its been twelve years since we were last forced to 
 report the possibility of the demise of Newsline.  Alan Kaul, 
 W6RCL wrote the story and reported it.  The circumstances were 
 virtually the same.  Those listening back then heard and
 understood Alan's message.  Because of that, you are hearing us
 this week.  We hope Newsline will be here next week, but as of
 right now, we can't promise anything.

 (*****
                         BOCOCK SENTENCED

    In other news, word that the Roanoke Phantom is in jail. 
 Rodney E. Bocock of Roanoke, West Virginia has been sentenced to
 10 months in prison and three years of supervised probation
 following his release from jail.  He must also pay a $2000 fine. 
 This after being convicted of being the self professed Roanoke
 Phantom who transmitted false air traffic control instructions.
    Bocock who is not a radio amateur was nailed last summer after
 a joint investigation that involved the FCC, the FAA, the FBI and 
 the Allegheny County Sheriffs Department.  In fact, FCC
 investigators from across the country were called in to assist in
 the investigation which is said to have involved more resources
 than any other in the agency's history.
    He was eventually convicted in federal court of endangering the
 safety of an aircraft in flight, issuing mis-information to
 pilots, sending out false distress calls and using indecent and
 profane language on the aviation frequencies.  
    According to Richard M. Smith who heads up the FCC's Field 
 Operations Bureau, the conviction and sentencing of Bocock should
 send a strong message to anyone else even thinking of committing
 such a crime.  Don't do it says Smith unless you are ready to
 accept the punishment that comes with it. 

 (*****
                           NEW JERSEY FINE

    A New Jersey ham has paid a fine for interfering with a New
 York City repeater.  John Lickun, N2MVZ, of Little Falls admitted
 that he was the source of interference to the W2SNM repeater
 located in mid-town Manhattan after being located by the New York
 City FCC Office last July.  Lickun was originally issued a Notice
 of Apparent Liability to Monetary Forfeiture in the amount of
 $1000 but that was lowered to $250 after he apologized for his
 jamming of the system.

 (*****
                      SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA APPEAL

    An appeal by Anthony Cardenas, WA6IGJ and Drew Feldman, N3KSO
 of a restraining order issued against them at the request of the
 Claremont Amateur Radio Club will proceed.  This is the word
 passed to Newsline by a friend of the two Southern California hams
 who says that the appeal will be based on the ground that no civil
 court has any jurisdiction over matters of federally licensed 
 communications.  
    As previously reported, Cardenas and Feldman were told by an 
 Orange County Superior court to not operate on the frequencies
 used by the Claremont repeaters and to stay away from all club
 members.  The two were also ordered to pay both court costs and
 attorney fees as well.
    But Cardenas has been heard on the air talking about a similar 
 case.  He and the Westlink Report newsletter say a ham named
 Richard Boston, call sign K6AU, was litigated back in the early
 1970's by a group knows as the Westcars Net.  Either by cross
 complaint or his own litigation Boston eventually prevailed in
 court.  Many hams with knowledge of legal precedents coming out of
 California believe that the Boston versus Westcars decision may be
 the precedent that overturns the finding in the matter of Clara
 versus Cardenas and Feldman.
    Newsline has attempted to contact K6AU but so far he has been 
 unavailable for comment.

 (*****
                    ILLINOIS BILL SUPPORTS PRB-1

    House Bill 3730 has recently been introduced into the Illinois 
 state legislature.  If enacted, it would prohibit cities from
 enacting laws failing to conform to PRB-1.  All radio amateurs in
 Illinois are encouraged to contact their state representatives,
 including Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan.  Ask them to
 vote yes on Illinois House Bill 3730.

 (*****
                   AMSAT-UNITED KINGDOM COLLOQUIUM

    From overseas comes word that the ninth AMSAT-UK Colloquium
 will be held July 28th to the 31st at the University of Surrey in 
 Guildford, in Surrey, England.  This year's meeting will be
 divided into four primary topic areas. These are Spacecraft
 Engineering, Future Space Missions, Groundstation and Spacecraft
 Operations and Associated Amateur Space Activities.  
    The Colloquium is the largest international gathering of
 amateur satellite enthusiasts and experts in the world.  It has
 established a high standard of quality presentations on topics
 relevant to the amateur satellite community.  Organizers of this
 year's event would welcome all contributions of program material
 covering the vast scope of the amateur satellite program as it
 exists in 1994.  
    Presentation abstracts should be sent to:  Doug Loughmiller, 
 G0SYX, AMSAT-UK Colloquium Programme Chairman, University of
 Surrey, Centre for Satellite Engineering Research, Guildford,
 Surrey.  The postal code is GU2 5XH in England.

 (*****
                      PRATAS ON DXAC AGENDA

    The ARRL's DX Advisory Committee has announced that the 
 question of new country status for Pratas Island is back on the
 DXAC agenda.  According to the League, Dr. Bolon Lin, BV5AF, of
 the Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio League is now in contact with the
 DXAC.  Dr. Lin is providing answers to committee questions.  A
 vote on the question of DXCC is expected as soon as the committee 
 investigation is complete.

 (*****
                         ARANT 6 METERS

    And still with DX, if you were not among the tens of thousands 
 who spent a rain soaked weekend at the 1994 Dayton Hamvention, you
 may have been very lucky to have been at your radio for a very
 special treat.  This is, if you own a 6 meter radio like Ron Arant
 N4PHP.

    "I wasn't able to go, but I got in on a 6 meter band opening
 that you wouldn't believe.  This is one of the best openings I
 have ever worked."  Ron Arant, N4PHP. 

    N4PHP says that he enjoys working 6 meters.  He lives in 
 Alabaster, Alabama not far from Birmingham.  Ron did not make it
 to the Dayton Hamvention this year but he says that Hamvention
 weekend was a 6 meter bonanza for those who love the band:

    "All totaled, that week I made 45 contacts, 10 of which were
 from my car on FM simplex.  I worked stations up into Canada." 
 Ron Arant, N4PHP.

    Most of Ron's contacts were with stations well over a thousand 
 miles away.  He says that the Canadian repeater maintained a 40
 over s-9 reading for well over 4 hours.

    "I had a great time.  Once, this lasted Sunday night, I didn't
 go to bed like 1:00 AM.  Working all these stations."  Ron Arant,
 N4PHP.

    Ron Arant's advice to his fellow 6 meter DXers?  If you can't
 make it to Dayton '95, turn on your 6 meter rig.

 (*****
                 BBC RADIO 4 available in N.America

    For you satellite buffs, KB2EOQ reports via packet that the 
 United Kingdom's domestic radio station BBC RADIO FOUR can now be 
 heard on TVRO and cable via the World Radio Network.  WRN is heard
 24 hours per day on ASC 1, Transponder 23 at 6.20 MHz.  WRN
 carries numerous programmes from a variety of international 
 broadcasters including the BBC Radio Four.  
    Also, the Canadian rock video station Much Music is now back on
 C-Band.  Much Music got lost when one of the Canadian Anik
 satellites got zapped by a solar flare.  KB2EOQ says that Much
 Music is now on Spacenet 4, Transponder 20.

 (*****
                          DO NOT MODIFY

    Finally this word of warning to those of you who are listening
 to us on a Radio Shack HTX 202 model hand held or who owns one. 
 Please, no matter what any other ham might tell you.  No matter
 what you read on packet radio.  No matter what might be published
 in a radio club or other newsletter.  Please -- please do not try
 and perform any sort of extended frequency coverage modification
 to that radio.  If you do, the only thing you will wind up with is
 a worthless piece of garbage that is totally beyond any economical
 repair.
    The simple fact of the matter is this, it is not possible to
 make an HTX 202 operate out of the ham bands.  This is because the
 folks at Tandy Corporation designed it that way.  Both in hardware
 and in software. 
    Even if there were some way to get past the super narrow input 
 filtering there is no way to make the synthesizer operate outside
 of the 2 meter ham band without obtaining the source code to the
 software that controls an HTX 202.  Tandy considers that to be 
 propriety information.  They are not going to give it out to you
 or to anyone.
    One ham recently called to Tandy to check on the validity of a 
 modification posted on packet.  He says that he was told that a
 number of radios have been returned to factory inoperative and
 with lots of the surface mount parts missing.  The missing
 components were traced to yet another phony modification posted on
 the back yard fence of Amateur Radio that we hams lovingly call
 packet.  
    And no, Tandy Radio Shack will not exchange a modified radio 
 even if its still under warrantee.  In fact, any modification 
 will completely void the warrantee and leave you holding a gray 
 plastic box full of worthless junk.     
    Once again, Tandy says that there is no modification available 
 for the HTX 202 that allows operation outside the amateur band.  
 If you attempt one you are almost 100% guaranteed of destroying
 your radio.  
    So, if you must have a hand held that receives outside of the
 ham bands we suggest that you buy another brand.  If you want one
 that offers truly superb 2 meter only performance in almost any
 RF environment then the HTX 202 is well worth considering. 

 (*****
    And for this week, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline.
 You can write to us at Post Office Box 463, Pasadena, CA 91102.

 (* * * Newsline Copyright 1994 all rights are reserved. * * *
