Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2044, December 30, 2016
Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2044, with a release date of Friday,
December 30, 2016, to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.
The following is a QST. Hams respond to the typhoon in the Philippines.
Radio Australia begins its shortwave shutdown -- and we talk to possibly
the oldest continuously operating phone net. All this and more, as
Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2044 comes your way right now.
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BILLBOARD CART
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HAMS RESPOND TO SUPER TYPHOON IN PHILIPPINES
NEIL/ANCHOR: We begin this week's report with an update on amateur
involvement in the deadly Super Typhoon Nock-Ten, a deadly Category 4
storm that raged through the Philippines at Christmas, killing at least
six, and stranding thousands. The Philippines Amateur Radio Association
activated its Ham Emergency Radio Operations Network at the approach of
the storm, which caused mudslides, flooding, and power interruption, in
five provinces.
The hams kept communications open using both HF and VHF radios, as the
storm made landfall repeatedly. Authorities tuned into the emergency net
where amateurs sent them damage reports. Our thoughts are with them all,
as the nation begins the recovery process.
(ARRL)
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RADIO AUSTRALIA ENDING SHORTWAVE BROADCASTS
NEIL: It's the end of an era in shortwave for one Australian broadcaster.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Graham Kemp, VK4BB, tells us more.
GRAHAM: There's only one month left in the lifetime of shortwave
broadcaster Radio Australia's transmissions in the Pacific. The
broadcasts, which are in the 31, 25, 19 and 16 meter bands, are expected
to cease on Jan. 31, 2017.
The Australian Broadcast Corporation said in a news release that the
decision was consistent with the broadcaster's desire to expand its
digital content offerings, and phase out technology that is no longer
current. Other Radio Australia programming will continue to be available
via satellite and streaming services.
The broadcaster's decision to drop shortwave was recently challenged by
Senator Claire Moore of Queensland, a member of the Australian Labor
party. Moore, who is Shadow Minister for International Development, and
the Pacific, is concerned that this decision will have a negative impact
on Australia. She recently expressed particular concern about what the
absence of Radio Australia would mean during cyclones if other nations'
broadcasts do not step in to fill the void. There were also reports that
the public was being encouraged to press for a reversal through a
petition on Change.org urging the Australian government to cancel the
decision.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Graham Kemp, VK4BB.
(ABC.NET.AU)
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NO WALK IN THE PARK
NEIL/ANCHOR: One Arizona ham radio club is staging a demonstration in
two local parks, as we hear from Amateur Radio Newsline's Mike Askins,
KE5CXP.
MIKE: The Queen Creek Amateur Radio Club is hoping for maximum
participation by radio amateurs, and maximum engagement with visitors,
during its public park event on January 7th, in Mesa, Arizona.
The club is calling it "Radio Under Sun Shade," and also "Radio In The
Park," and there are two locations where club members will be operating
at portable stations:
Dennis, KF7RYX, will be at the ballfield pavilion behind the Queen Creek
West Stake Center, near Hawes Road and Ocotillo Road. Doug, WB7TUJ, will
be in Emerald Park in Mesa.
According to the club, this isn't just a demonstration, but an open
invitation to anyone interested in trying out ham radio - and even
getting on the air. Hams will be on 2 meters simplex, as well as 40
meters, trying to make as many contacts as possible, using solar and
other off-the-grid power.
Visitors are welcome to join them from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.
For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mike Askins, KE5CXP.
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