
SB NEWSLIN @ ALLBBS $NLIN.978
Amateur Radio Newsline #978 13 MAY 1996

The Newsline Information and Copyright Notice is now published seperately
every month.  Please read this notice before using any part of Newsline in
any manner.  For a copy of the notice e-mail bigsteve@dorsai.org or netmail
Steve Coletti @ 1:278/230 on Fidonet.

NEWSLINE RADIO - CBBS EDITION #978 - 05/13/96

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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.  Amateur Radio
Newsline is a audio news service distributed via telephone.

   This hardcopy version is produced by Dale Cary - WD0AKO from scripts
provided to him weekly by Newsline.  It is then distributed to on-line
services, bbs networks and internet user jointly by Dale Cary and Steve
Coletti.

   Editorial comments, news item and all other business should be directed
to:

                           Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF
                         Newsline Producer & Editor

                    Internet E-mail: 3241437@mcimail.com
                           MCI E-mail: WESTRADIO
                           Phone: (805) 296-7180
                            Fax: (805) 296-7180
                    (Fax senders wait for voice prompt.)


   Hardcopy comments or complements can be directed to:

                             Dale Cary, WD0AKO
                     Hardcopy Distribution for Newsline

                     Internet E-mail: wd0ako@rrnet.com
                           Phone: (218) 236-6324


   The audio version of Newsline can be recorded from one of the currently
operating lines listed below.  This list is kept as accurate as possible.
If any changes are not listed, please contact Dale Cary, WD0AKO at the
above listed addresses.


                         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) 284-0752
             Melbourne, Florida................. (407) 768-7447
             Houston, Texas..................... (713) 362-4650
             Conroe, Texas...................... (409) 525-6250

                  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
           America Online.........................
                   Ham Radio forum/Ham Radio General File Library
           Delphi.....................In the ham radio conference
           CompuServe/HamNet.................... HamNet Library 0
           MicroSoft Network.......... Amateur Radio File Library
           Internet...............In the rec.radio.info newsgroup
           Internet FTP: oak.oakland.edu.........................
                           In archive: pub/hamradio/docs/newsline
           Local BBS's............In the Ham Radio conferences on
           Fidonet, RIME, Intelec, I-Link, AR-Net and Fringenet.
                                                                               

                         True Speech Internet Site
                         =========================
                        http://www.scott.net/~wa4fat
       
   For the latest breaking info call the Instant Update Line listed above.
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   Articles may be reproduced if printed in their entirety and credit is
given to AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE as being the source.

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                               NEWSLINE
                               c/o Andy Jarema-N6TCQ
                               P.O.Box 660937
                               Arcadia, CA
                               91066

	                        Thank You,
                                NEWSLINE

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Some of the hams of AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE:
WA6ITF WB6MQV WB6FDF K6DUE W6RCL N6AHU N6AWE N6TCQ K6PGX N6PNY KU8R N8DTN
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[978]
     
   The following advisory is not for transmission over amateur radio.  This
is just a reminder that the address for the Newsline Support Fund is:

                            Newsline
                            c/o Andy Jarema-N6TCQ
                            P.O.Box 660937
                            Arcadia, California
                            91066
  
   Again, and as always, we thank you.  This ends the closed circuit with
Newsline report number 978 for release on Friday, May 10th 1996 to follow.

(***** 

                           The following is a QST
                           ======================

   Vanity call signs are here and so is Hamvention '96.  The stories on
both on Newsline report number 978 coming your way right now!

(*****
                VANITY CALL SIGN FILING GATE 1 OPENS MAY 31

   The long awaited vanity call sign program is almost here! As reported
last week, the FCC has announced that Gate 1 of the procedure opens May the
31st.

   For hams wanting a vanity call sign, the magic date is May 31st.  That's
when Gate 1 of the FCC's Vanity Call sign program opens.  That means that
on or after the 31st, you can request a call sign previously held by an
individual, a club, or a deceased close relative.  You'll pay $30 and
you'll file using FCC form 610-V.
   The Commission says you should check its call sign database to make sure
the call sign you want is not already assigned.  Callsigns are normally
available two years after a license expires, is surrendered, is revoked,
set aside, voided or if the licensee dies.
   Here are the rules about requesting a vanity call sign for your primary
station.  You must already hold an unexpired amateur operator/primary
station license.  You may request a call sign that was previously assigned
to your primary, secondary, repeater, auxiliary link, control or space
station.  You can ask for your former call sign even though it has been
unassigned for less than 2 years. The 2 year requirement does not apply if
the call sign was previously assigned to a station of the requester.  You
do not have to hold a class of operator license required for the call sign
group you are requesting.  Also, your mailing address does not have to be
in the region designated for the call sign you're seeking.  The Commission
says a call sign requested by a former holder may be in any region.
   If you want to apply for the call sign of a deceased close relative,
your current amateur radio license must also be of the proper operator
class.  That means if your relative was general class ham, you must also be
licensed as a general class operator.  A call sign requested by a close
relative of a former holder who is now deceased may be in any region. And
again, your mailing address does not have to be in the region for the call
sign you seek.  Just who is a close relative?  The FCC says it can be a
spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild, parent, grandparent, stepparent,
brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or
in-law.
   If you're requesting a formerly held club station call sign, the
Commission says you must also hold an unexpired club station license
listing you as the trustee.  You can request your club station's former
call sign even though it has been unassigned for less than two years.  The
2 year requirement does not apply to an otherwise eligible club station if
the call sign was previously assigned to the club station for which the
requester is the license trustee.  And, in this case, your operator license
class does not have to match that of the call sign you request.  Your
mailing address does not have to be in the region designated by the call
sign being requested.
   Now some advice about sending in the application itself. Again, you pay
$30.  You can send a check payable to FCC, a bank draft, a money order or a
credit card.  If you choose putting it on plastic, you must also fill out
and submit FCC form 159 along with your Form 610-V.  The Commission
specifically says not to send cash.
   Your application package should be sent to:

                    Federal Communications Commission
                    Amateur Vanity callsign request
                    P.O. Box 358-924
                    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
                    15251-5924
  
   If you fail to meet the above eligibility standards, your application
will be dismissed.
   The next Gate is Gate 1A.  Under that gate, club station trustees may
request the former call sign of a person who is now deceased, IF the club
held a club station license on March 24th, 1995.  The FCC says it will
announce Gate 1A in a future notice.

   For more information about the vanity call sign program you can call the
FCC Consumer Assistance Branch at (800) 322-1117.

(*****
               FCC MAY CHALLENGE ZONING ANTENNA RESTRICTIONS
                                
   Those concerned about zoning, deed restrictions and PRB-1 issues will be
interested to know that the FCC appears to be considering a challenge to
all state and local antenna ordinances.  The statement appears to be a
public answer to property owners who are organizing opposition to an FCC
order that prohibits them from stopping the installation of pizza pie size
direct satellite broadcast antennas, and appears to widen the scope of the
FCC's thinking on the scope of its preemptive powers.  The statement reads
as follows:

   "Consistent with the approach we adopted for DBS antennas in the Order
and Further Notice, in this Notice we propose to adopt a presumptive
preemption approach for all governmental restrictions on over the air
reception devices, and a full preemption approach for non-governmental
restrictions.  We seek comment on these proposed approaches and on whether
there is any procedural mechanism that might better effectuate the intent
of the statute than the approach we adopted in the Order and Further
Notice.  We will incorporate in this proceeding any relevant comments
received in response to the Earth Station Notice and the Order and Further
Notice in IB Docket No. 95-59, so that participants in that proceeding need
not resubmit or duplicate their arguments here." -- end quote.

   Unless we read it wrong, it sounds as though the FCC is about to
challenge an rule that prohibits anyone from installing any sort of antenna
or support structure.  Nothing is said about a challenge to deed
restrictions, but they too may be covered once the scope of the FCC's
preemption probe is known.

(*****
                     WISCONSIN PRB-1 BILL TO SEE ACTION

   A bill in the Wisconsin legislature that goes further than PRB-1 in
limiting local control over amateur antennas comes before that state's
Assembly early this month.  According to the ARRL Letter, Wisconsin Senate
Bill 544 already has been approved by the Senate on a voice vote.  Majority
Leader Scott R. Jensen, who calls himself a strong sponsor says he looks
forward to scheduling the legislation shortly.
   Gary Schwartz, K9GS, has been tracking the bill.  He says that it
specifically says that towers may not be restricted on the basis of height
or aesthetics.  In fact, the only basis for restriction would be if there
is a specific health or safety concern.  The measure also says political
subdivisions may not enact laws affecting placement, screening or height of
Amateur Radio antennas if the ordinance or resolution is based solely on
aesthetic considerations.
   Wisconsin State Representative Ben Brancel and Senator Richard
Grobschmidt are the bill's sponsors. In a letter to other members of the
Wisconsin legislature, they say that the bill is modeled after existing
provisions of Wisconsin law that restrict localities from regulating
certain satellite TV antennas.  If enacted and upheld by the courts, it
could become the model for hams in other states to follow in seeking relief
from restrictive antenna regulations.

(*****
                                PHONE CHANGE
 

   Bill Newkirk, WB9IVR says that Due to a PBX and other telephone changes
the Melbourne, Florida Newsline number will change from (407) 768-7447 to
(407) 953-1637 effective at 6 PM, May 10, 1996.
   Also, a reminder that the Hollywood (213) 462-0008 outgoing line
terminates service on or about the 30th of May. California hams should use
area code (805) 296-2407 after that date.

(*****
                         MORE TAMPA JAMMERS CAUGHT

   A pair of especially foul mouthed two meter repeater jammers were handed
over to sheriffs deputies May 8th after a local ham, believe it or not
talked them into meeting him for a beer.  Before it was over, one of the
jammers went to jail for junk driving and the other is under investigation
for interfering with emergency communications.  A two meter handheld radio
was recovered for finger and RF printing and it is suspected to be stolen.
   Jim, K2UDP, did the fast talking and fast thinking on the 147.105
repeater.  Twice luring the jammers to a bar of their choice as four other
club members used direction finding gear to track the suspects.
   Jim's persistence and smooth talk eventually were rewarded after two and
a half hours during which the jammer calling himself Kevin said quote, "My
mother didn't raise stupid kids."
   Incredibly jammer Kevin then preceded to meet K2UDP at the bar.  Jim
says, Kevin claimed to be a general class ham who knew amateur radio, as
Jim put it, to be dangerous. After the jammer expressed an interest in
buying a hot radio, Jim ducked out of the bar pretending to get a hot radio
out of his car and instead radioed the other amateurs who were watching his
back to call police.
   As luck would have it, the club group had met local deputies during
previous direction finding efforts to find the same jammers.  Aware that
emergency communications were being interfered with, the deputies quickly
responded and opened an investigation.
   After finger printing the Radio Shack HTX-202 they planned to pass the
recovered radio on to the FCC for comparison against RF prints recorded
over the bay area repeaters here in the last few months.
   Earlier this year, Newsline reported the capture of three other Tampa
jammers, but at deadline there is no word from the U.S. Attorneys office
regarding possible prosecutions in those earlier cases.
   Asked how the experience of, I your face, confront the jammer
negotiations had left him, Jim, K2UDP said he was saddened by it all.  Sez
Jim, the guy had me so upset for the last couple of weeks I wanted to reach
inside the speaker and get my hands around his neck.  Now, Jim added, it's
just hard to believe a human being could do stuff like that.
   We'll keep you up to date.

(*****
                         NEW INTERNET RADIO SERVICE

   A new radio service is coming.  On April 25, the FCC opened the door for
wireless access to the Internet - but some of the frequencies being
proposed include a microwave ham band.  CQ VHF magazine Editor Rich
Moseson, NW2L, spoke with FCC officials and says there's opportunity for
hams as well as risk.

   The FCC's Notice of Proposed Rule Making would permit unlicensed Part 15
devices to use two chunks of microwave spectrum including part of the 5cm
ham band for linking computers to each other in so-called "wireless LANs,"
or Local Area Networks, and for radio access to the Internet. These devices
would operate between 5.15 and 5.35 GHz, plus 5.725 to 5.875 GHz.  This
latter segment is part of the 5.65 - 5.925 GHz band currently available to
hams as a secondary, shared, allocation.  An FCC official told CQ VHF the
proposal would not impose any limits on amateur operations on the band,
noting that the unlicensed devices proposed for use there would operate at
very low power, would have to accept interference from licensed users and
would not be permitted to cause interference to current users.
   Amateurs operating on the band must already accept interference from
satellites, industrial, scientific and medical equipment, and must not
cause interference to satellites.
   What's the impact for hams? Not much at the moment, since there's very
little ham activity on five centimeters. As for the future, while there's
likely to be competition for frequency space from this new service if it's
approved there's also the opportunity afforded by having big-name
commercial manufacturers fighting over who can provide the lowest-cost
equipment for access to the band. And we wouldn't even have to retune the
gear!
   The NPRM is ET Docket 96-102. Comment and reply deadlines hadn't been
set by air time.

   If this new 5 GHz service come into being it could mean a lot of low
cost equipment that would be adaptable for loner range use by hams.

(*****
                                 NC BALLOON

   Dave Mullenix, N9LTD, of Easy Sat fame reports that the University of
Wisconsin is in the early stages of planning a professional balloon launch.
The launch will be from the National Balloon Facility in New Mexico, will
go to about 150,000 feet and stay aloft for approximately 24 hours.  The
gondola will be stabilized and weight approximately one ton.
   Dave tells Newsline that the planners are trying to make room for small,
self contained modules from third parties. The modules will have to contain
their own power supplies and accept an on/off control from the gondola. The
good part is that RF emission will be allowed, though on a strict non-
interference basis.  Since the gondola is still being designed, there's a
good chance they can mount antennas for the modules as well.
   Weight and size limits haven't been set yet, but the smaller the better.
We're talking a few pounds, total, maybe 10 at the outside.
   If the proposal is accepted by NASA, construction should start late this
year with the launch about two years in the future.  This means that it
might be possible to include an Amateur Radio package if someone wants to
build it.
   If anybody has a payload that's going to be available in this time
frame, please send information on it to N9LTD and he will forward it to the
ham on the design team.

(*****
                            MID EAST COOPERATION

   From the middle East comes word that ham radio activity between Israeli
and Arab bloc countries continues to reflect the easing of tensions in the
Middle East.  The Israeli ham radio publication HaGAL International
newsletter reports that Hams in the gulf state of Oman have proposed
cooperation with Israeli hams in relaying traffic, and Oman has made
available its satellite station. In addition, hams in Israel report
messages from hams in countries that formerly would have nothing to do with
Israel. Tunisia has rescinded its ban on contacting Israeli hams, and
contacts with neighboring Jordan have become commonplace.

(*****
                             OIL SPILL HAM HELP

   United Kingdom ham radio operators are being lauded for their
involvement in the oil "clean-up" operation following the grounding of the
tanker, Sea Empress.  The GB2RS News Service says that forty-three amateurs
who are members of Pembrokeshire Raynet, North Dyfed Raynet, the Carmarthen
Amateur Radio Society Emergency Team and other radio clubs throughout West
Wales took part in three weeks of work providing communications along the
30 mile stretch of coastline.  The local Oil Pollution Officer, Barry
Evans, GW0TVY, called out the amateurs when it was realized that the
existing VHF communications and Cell phone network did not completely cover
the area affected.

(*****
                        HAPPENING AT HAMVENTION '96

   Finally, the 1996 Dayton Hamvention begins this Friday, May the 17th.
Thanks to the date change it now appears that this could be the biggest
Hamvention ever.  How big?  One posting on the America On Line ham radio
bulletin board says that the nearest hotel rooms still available are an
hour away in Indiana and Hamvention General Chairman Ken Allen, KB8KE says
that a lot more hams from the far North are expected as well:

   "We're expecting a larger ham contingent from Canada this year more than
normal.  That Monday is their Victoria Day. So it's a three day weekend for
them.  The reports we get from some of the folks we talked to threw the
year in Canada said we should see better attendance from the Canadian
amateurs."  KB8KE

   As has become tradition, many of the Newsline staff will be at
Hamvention '96.  You can meet them Saturday morning at 9:30 at the
Hamvention Media Relations Forum being held this year at Meadowdale High
School.  Also Newsline producer Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF will be at the
Worldradio and Ham Radio Bookstore booths part of the time.  He says to
stop by and say hello.

(*****

   And for this week, that's all from the Amateur Radio Newsline.  You can
write to us at:

                             NEWSLINE
                             P.O.Box 660937
                             Arcadia, California
                             91066

   For now, with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF at our editors desk, we at Newsline
say 73 and we thank you for listening.

(* * Newsline is copyright 1996 & all rights reserved. * *
 
