FIRST DIGITAL SYSTEM OPERATIONAL IN NORTH DUBLIN
PAUL/ANCHOR: Hams using digital modes in one part of Ireland have
something to be grateful for, as Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us.
JEREMY: In Ireland, hams in North Dublin who use the digital modes are
celebrating the area's first digital system, which was put into use on
the 19th of January. The C4FM Wires-X Gateway became operational thanks
to the efforts of Ger EI4HOB and the North Dublin Radio Club EI0NDR.
With the call sign EI2PMD, it is available to local hams at 144.825 MHz.
The repeater is linked to the CQ-IRELAND Room, as are systems from
Galway, Limerick, and Northern Ireland.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH.
(IRTS)
**
QCWA IN SEARCH OF TREASURER
PAUL/ANCHOR: The Quarter Century Wireless Association is looking for an amateur
radio operator who doesn't just love radio but has a talent for finance and
numbers too. In short, the nonprofit group is in search of a treasurer to fill
the post left vacant last year. The treasurer is
responsible for preparing the proposed operating budget for approval by
the Board of Directors. The treasurer also provides the Board with
quarterly income statements along with a year-end income statement and
balance sheet. The treasurer's responsibilities also include preparing
the necessary paperwork at tax time, which includes the proper documents
for employees and contract workers and the federal tax return, among
other forms.
Members who are interested should contact Ken, VE6AFO, at
president@qcwa.org.
(QCWA)
**
SKYWARN PREPS FOR SEASON'S STORMY WEATHER
PAUL/ANCHOR: Stormy weather is a reality this time of year in many parts
of the world. In the U.S., a special group of hams is always preparing
for it, as we learn from Randy Sly, W4XJ.
RANDY: While we normally think of Skywarn activations during tornadoes
and hurricanes, winter storms also require ΓÇ£ground truth,ΓÇ¥ actual
reports from the field to confirm what meteorologists are observing on
radar and with other instruments. While spotters can report by phone,
email or online, those from the Amateur Radio community can also
communicate such things as snow depth and ice accumulation to
meteorologists quickly and efficiently through local repeater nets
connected to the weather services office.
Christopher Strong, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the
Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, states, "Reports of snow
and ice are vital to keeping the forecast on track. Automated reporting
stations are great at detailing temperatures, rainfall, and winds, but
do not report snow and ice accumulation. So, spotter reports really help
us see how much is accumulating and match it up with how much we
expected through that time."
Reports from radio amateurs and other spotters help the National Weather
Service save lives and property in the community and minimize the impact
of severe weather on the public. To find out more about becoming a
Skywarn Spotter, please visit the Skywarn page on the National Weather
Service Website and click on the link to contact the Warning
Coordination Meteorologist in your area.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, IΓÇÖm Randy Sly, W4XJ.
**
CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE SOLAR KIND
PAUL/ANCHOR: In the U.S., the Parker probe sent up by NASA has just made
a close encounter of the solar kind. Kent Peterson, KC0DGY, gives us the
details.
KENT: For the first time since last September, NASA's Parker Solar Probe
spacecraft made a close approach to the sun just as solar activity began
to kick into high gear.
From a distance of 8.4 million miles, or 13.5 million kilometers, the
probe made its approach on Sunday, January 17th. There's plenty of data
for it to collect, especially with Solar Cycle 25 now well under way.
Last November, the sun had its first major flare in three years.
NASA has planned four close approaches to the sun this year along with
two flybys of Venus, with the first one happening on February 20th.
After that, it's back to the sun for another close look on April 29th.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Kent Peterson, KC0DGY.
(SPACE.COM)
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