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Visit the provider - This Week in Amateur Radio: North America's Amateur Radio News Magazine. Articles on amateur radio and news stories in the media featured here.

Volunteer Fairfax Steps In

When the paralyzing February snowstorms hit the region, the American Red Cross staffed emergency shelters in the area. Oak Marr was the shelter nearest to Vienna-Oakton. Getting the Red Cross workers to the shelter was a challenge. Enter Volunteer Fairfax.

Is the Web 2.0 Community the Next Pirate Radio?

Pirate radio is illegal or unregulated radio transmission. Its etymology can be traced to the unlicensed nature of the transmission, but historically there has been occasional but notable use of sea vessels - fitting the most common perception of a pirate - as broadcasting bases. The term is most commonly used to describe illegal broadcasting for entertainment or political purposes, but is also sometimes used for illegal two-way radio operation. Rules and regulations vary widely from country to country. In countries such as the US and many countries in Europe, many types of radio licenses exist, and often the term pirate radio generally describes the unlicensed broadcast of FM radio, AM radio, or short wave signals over a wide range.

Radio Club de Chile Lists Emergency Frequencies, E-mail Address

Radio Club de Chile ( RCCH ) President Dr Galdino Besomi, CE3PG, reports that the situation in Chile is "very complex" as the country suffers aftershocks registering 6.0 or higher after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile on February 27.

Amateur radioers keep lines of communication open (California)

Before Facebook, Twitter and text messaging, there was radio. And when a major disaster knocks out the power, cuts off access to the Internet and scrambles cell signals, radio is once again king.

Radio room to be used by EMA (Illinois)

The old radio room in the Jefferson County Courthouse is getting a facelift so others can be helped in case of an emergency. The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency plans to use the old room as a communications base of operations during severe weather or emergency situations.

FCC Reaffirms Statement on ROS

In mid-February, European amateurs first used a new, experimental digital mode known as ROS. On February 23, 2010 -- after FCC review of the original documents provided from the developer's Web site -- the FCC made the following statements on ROS:

FCC Seeks Comments for Waiver to Allow Radio in Hospital Emergency Drills

In February 2010, the American Hospital Association (AHA) filed a request with the FCC for a blanket waiver of Section 97.113(a)(3) of the Commission's Rules "to permit hospitals seeking accreditation to use Amateur Radio operators who are hospital employees to transmit communications on behalf of the hospital as part of emergency preparedness drills."

ARRL Seeks Input for New IARU Region 2 Band Plan

The International Amateur Radio Region 2 conference -- held later this year in El Salvador -- brings together delegations from the national Amateur Radio Societies in the Western Hemisphere. One of the topics on the agenda will be the Region 2 HF band plan. This band plan is "harmonized with" -- spectrum management-speak for "very similar to" -- the IARU Region 1 and Region 3 band plans.

Tornado Drill Part Of Severe Storms Preparedness Month (Kentucky)

Even though winter continues to blast cold weather, ice and snow on Lexington and central Kentucky, spring storm season is just around the corner.The Division of Emergency Management wants to make sure you're ready. The month of March is declared as Severe Storms Preparedness Month and citizens are urged to take time out to make sure that they're prepared for what Mother Nature can dish out when warm weather comes in the spring.

A Close Encounter for AMSAT-OSCAR 51

While many in North America were fast asleep Monday morning, March 1, the AMSAT-OSCAR 51 satellite had a potentially dangerous encounter with another spacecraft known as Formosat 3D. OSCAR 51 is a popular Amateur Radio satellite that often functions as a crossband FM repeater, relaying brief conversations over hundreds of miles. Formosat 3D is part of a constellation of six remote sensing microsatellites that collect atmospheric data for weather prediction and for ionosphere, climate and gravity research. Both orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 miles.

Local Radio Club Ready For Fun Or Emergencies (Nevada)

Many people don't know what a ham radio operator is. "Unlike a CB radio that a person could buy and immediately use, ham operators are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and must follow the rules and regulations of the FCC," says Charles Lum Kee, founder of the Virgin Valley Radio Club.

Amateur Radio Operators Provide Communications Support in Haiti

After the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti on January 12, many Amateur Radio operators asked how they could volunteer their time and service to assist with communications support. When Project Medishare -- a partnership between the University of Miami Medical School (UoM) and physicians and health officials in Haiti -- needed help with their communications, Amateur Radio operators were quick to respond.

Eyes on stormy skies (Missouri)

The sky comes free. Last week, a full moon filled the winter sky. On a clear, moonless night, at least a thousand stars can be seen. In spring, during the heightened storm season, identifying clouds in that same sky can save lives.

Volunteer spotters vital during severe weather (Iowa)

On a hot summer day not long ago, a friend pointed out a pretty cloud to Roland Newton. Newton squinted at the sky and grimaced. "Somebody is getting hailed on," the Kelley man said. Then he hustled to the nearest computer to check the regional forecast. Confirming what he saw, he flicked on his amateur radio setup and went to work.

Ham-radio operators ready when called upon to help (Florida)

Lake County lately has managed to escape the devastation that in the past has been wrought by tornadoes and hurricanes, but the possibility for the deadly storms always exists.

FCC Denies ARRL's Request for Declaratory Ruling

In 2005, after the State of Florida adopted statutes aimed at pirate broadcasters and making it a felony to make a radio transmission without Commission authorization or to interfere with a licensed public or commercial radio station, the ARRL -- through General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD -- filed a Request for Declaratory Ruling (Request) with the FCC, seeking a declaratory ruling on portions of that statute. The ARRL argued that the Statute was written so broadly that one could infer that Commission-licensed Amateur Radio stations in Florida would be subject to felony prosecution if their transmissions interfered with broadcast or other radio receivers. In 2006, New Jersey adopted a similar statute and the ARRL's Request was modified to include that state. Five years and one day after the original Request was filed with the Commission, the FCC denied the Request.

Hawaii Hams Spurred to Action by Chilean Earthquake

On Saturday, February 27, 60 Amateur Radio operators participated in a tsunami radio net that operated throughout the island State of Hawaii. More than 25 real-time reports from observers around the state were relayed simultaneously to the State Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and the four county EOCs, providing timely information via Amateur Radio on sea level changes to emergency management officials.

What's that noise? The fox (Minnesota)

A high-pitched tune sounded over the ham radio, followed by the beep of morse code. They were getting close. The Winona Amateur Radio Club held its "fox hunt" Saturday, when members combed the city in search of a hidden transmitter.

Amateur Radio Alive, Well Among Wilson High Students (California)

If conventional forms of communication such as the telephone, cell phone and Internet were to fail during the event of a natural disaster or major crisis, public safety and public service organizations would turn to amateur radio.

FCC Allows Robotic Device in Amateur Band

In January 2008, a company called ReconRobotics filed a request with the FCC for a waiver of Part 90 of the Commission's Rules with respect to the Recon Scout -- a remote-controlled, maneuverable surveillance robot designed for use in areas that may be too hazardous for human entry. A waiver is required to permit licensing of the Recon Scout because the device operates in the 430-448 MHz band, which is allocated to the Federal Government Radiolocation service on a primary basis, as well as the Amateur Radio Service and certain non-federal radiolocation systems on a secondary basis. More than two years later, the FCC granted the waiver request in the form of an Order (WP Docket No 08-63), subject to certain conditions.

Sky-high plan for photos falls short, but Beaufort students will try again

Although the first effort by a group of Beaufort High School students to take photographs of space was unsuccessful, teacher Todd Stowe said he looks forward to trying again.

TV white space networks tested

The city of Wilmington, N.C., and the surrounding county of New Hanover, N.C., are among the first communities to test wireless applications using TV white space technology. The city and county have partnered with TV Band Service and Spectrum Bridge to launch a new experimental network that uses white space spectrum to provide wireless connectivity to surveillance cameras and environmental sensors in a "smart city" deployment.

Photographing Earth's Curvature From Macon Balloon (Georgia)

Five students and two teachers rose early in Beaufort, S.C., Tuesday, traveled to Macon and launched a weather balloon from the downtown airport. Todd Stowe, a teacher at Beaufort High School in Beaufort, S.C., said the balloon carried a camera and ham radio equipment.

Sago offers compromise on tower rules (North Carolina)

Richmond County Manager Rick Sago is recommending a less stringent version of a ordinance dealing with radio towers. The Richmond County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the issue Monday night. The tower code has been a controversial issue for those in the county. Ham radio operators and some commercial radio stations oppose the new ordinance because of fees and permitting issues.

The Buried Treasure in Your TV Dial

HERE'S a list of national domestic priorities, in no particular order: Stimulate the economy, improve health care, offer fast Internet connections to all of our schools, foster development of advanced technology. Oh, and let's not forget, we'd better do something about the budget deficit.

'Hams' volunteer to help in emergencies (Maryland)

When an emergency such as the recent snowstorm hits Stafford County, the expected departments snap into action: Fire and Rescue, the Sheriff's Office, county administration. On the unexpected side is the Stafford County Volunteer Emergency Communications team.

Southwest Middle School coping with another tragedy (Florida)

The deaths of three eighth-graders at Southwest Middle School sent a heavy feeling of grief throughout the campus Monday as students and teachers tried to make sense of the tragedy. The victims of Saturday's train crash -- eighth-graders Ciara Malia Lemn, Jennifer Reichert and a still unnamed student -- bring the total to five students lost in horrific events this school year at Southwest Middle School

Illegal radio stations put WB in a fix (India)

In what may pose a major security risk, eight illegal high-frequency radio stations are functioning in the marshy Sunderbans in West Bengal, airing programmes in unidentified languages and suppressing Prasar Bharati signals.

FCC Approves Miniature 'Recon Scout' for Police, Fire

For some time now, the military has been using the one-pound Recon Scout surveillance device in Iraq and Afghanistan. The little surveillance robot, made by ReconRobotics Inc., can get tossed into buildings, around corners or into hazardous environments and send out video data, keeping users away from harm. Tuesday (Feb. 23) the FCC approved the device for limited domestic usage: for eligible law enforcement and emergency personnel, and only during emergency events or training. The devices operate in a military spectrum, below 500 MHz. Some amateur radio operators opposed the approval.

Spotters put eye to sky (Missouri)

Dozens of residents trained to become storm spotters last night in preparation for spring and summer weather. A room packed with more than 50 people received training at the Columbia Police Department training facility, where a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist introduced the audience to storm-spotting skills that could save both their lives and the lives of others. Participants learned of the seven weather events they are encouraged to report to NOAA and the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management upon recognition.

Boulder skier injured in fall uses ham radio to call for help

A backcountry skier who injured himself in a fall west of Eldora Mountain Resort was rescued after using a handheld ham radio to call for help.

Guides and Brownies take to the airwaves (UK)

GUIDES and Brownies have taken to the airwaves to make contact with children across the world. The Ist Highworth Guides and Ist Highworth Brownies celebrated Thinking Day on the air, at the village hall, in Blunsdon, on Saturday.

Amateur Radio data mode ROS proving popular

Although it's only 3 days since the first HF contact with the new Amateur Radio data mode ROS, it's proving popular with plenty of activity on 14.101 MHz. ROS is a digital spread spectrum mode but with a narrow total occupied bandwidth of about 2.2 kHz. The software has two Symbol Rates: 16 and 1 baud (the latter aimed at weak signals down to -35 dbs of S/N) and can automatically synchronize any Symbol Rate.

OB man passionate about amateur radio

For Ron Fox of Olive Branch, a morning cup of coffee isn't complete without a turning of the dial. The 49-year-old begins each day as an amateur radio operator, listening for transmissions that need passing along a line of some 700,000 other men and women across the nation who have developed a hobby of helping others through communication.

Valley of Shadows (Idaho)

A story in Sandpoint's Daily Bee during the holidays brought to mind a memory from the late 1960s when I was twelve years old. The story was about KGKX, Sandpoint's first radio station, which began broadcasting in February 1929 from the second floor of what is now the MacFarland building on the southeast corner of Second and Cedar (for two years, the offices of the River Journal).

'Hams' make radio a hobby, duty (Minnesota)

QTH? (Code for What's your location?): St. Cloud. N is ... (Name): St. Cloud Amateur Radio Club. The nonprofit organization has existed since the 1920s and is still going strong. While technology has evolved with the Internet and cell phones, amateur radio operators, or "hams" continue to experiment, club President Art Carlson said.

Don't let Saturday mornings pass you by (Georgia)

The following was sent to me by my friend Felton Floyd who lives in a beautiful place called Sugar Valley, Ga. He holds an amateur radio license, and it was in that amateur radio world that this story originated:

Feds allow prison phone jamming test

Equipment that jams cell phones will get its first federally sanctioned test inside a prison in Maryland this week, as state officials try to show Congress how the technology can prevent inmates from using the contraband devices to commit crimes, a governor's spokesman said Tuesday. The state wants to show the equipment can be used without interfering with emergency response and legitimate signals outside the prison perimeter, said Shaun Adamec, Gov. Martin O'Malley's spokesman.

Olive Branch board orders couple to take down radio tower (Tennessee)

Olive Branch elected officials gave an Eastover resident 30 days Tuesday night to take down a 60-foot-tall amateur radio tower that neighbors complained was unsightly and interfered occasionally with other communication devices. Ron Fox and Judi Garner applied to the city for a conditional use permit so the tower would be allowed. The Board of Adjustment recently declined to grant the permit, and the owners appealed the decision to the Board of Aldermen.

Ticket for radio antennas a mistake, says village (Illinois)

Admittedly, Gregory Gately's home in Brookfield is covered in antennas. A ham radio operator for years, Gately connects with fellow enthusiasts from all over the area. Between the two 60-foot towers and a forest of more than 30 roof antennas, his Monroe Avenue bungalow resembles a Gothic monument to wireless communication.

City looking at antenna ordinance change (Mississippi)

An Olive Branch man's recent installation of a 58-foot-tall amateur radio antenna outside his home has prompted officials to review the city's related ordinance and propose some changes. Aldermen have set a March 16 public hearing to take comments about amending the ordinance to require proof, before permitting, any tower would not end up off its owner's property if it fell.

Brookfield squeals on HAM radio operator's antenna (Illinois)

A local man's antennas have recently received some unwanted communication. Brookfield resident Gregory Gately, whose roof is adorned with towering antennas, said a village employee knocked on his door Feb. 11 and told him the radio antennas on top of his home were in violation of village code.

Backcountry skier rescued from area west of Eldora (Colorado)

Boulder County Sheriff's deputies and members of Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Pridemark Ambulance rescued an injured skier from the area of Guinn Mountain, west of Eldora Mountain Resort, on Friday night. Steve Priem, 60, of Boulder, was skiing in the area on Friday afternoon when he fell and hurt himself, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said on Saturday. He used a hand-held ham radio to call for help. Another ham radio operator heard the call and called 911. Priem remained in radio contact with the operator and rescuers for most of the incident. He also was able to provide GPS coordinates for his position and had a rescue whistle.

Get On the Air for the ARRL Rookie Roundup

The ARRL Rookie Roundup is designed to help newly licensed amateurs build their operating skills on HF. It is a contest specifically for those new to Amateur Radio, similar to the ARRL Novice Roundup that ran from 1952 until 1995. The Rookie Roundup brings the fun and Elmering of the old Novice Roundup into the 21st century. Three Rookie Roundups will be held each calendar year: SSB in April, RTTY in August and CW in December.

Morse message hidden in an old cartoon

From time to time, we hear about subliminal thoughts being presented in the movies, sometimes alleged for various advertisers and causes. Several years ago, I came across a similar, though not as sinister, thing in an old Porky Pig cartoon. This short feature was produced in the 1930s. The story line was about a steam locomotive, of which Porky was the engineer. He's involved in a race with a modern train, the 20th Century.

FCC cites Erie men for operating pirate radio stations

The Federal Communications Commission has cited two men for operating unlicensed radio stations in downtown Erie. Shawn McKines, 908 Parade St., and Marshall Jones, 524 W. 17th St., were sent notices Feb. 2 demanding that they stop broadcasting immediately and show proof of FCC approval. The FCC's records show no license has been issued for the frequencies on which they were broadcasting: 89.5 and 90.1 FM, respectively.

Cupertino says goodbye to 'emergency expert'

Marsha Hovey has spent the past 10 years working toward the near impossible goal of getting Cupertino 100 percent ready for the next big earthquake or major disaster. After a decade of service, Hovey is retiring from her role as director for the city's Office of Emergency Services on Feb. 25. She will take on a full-time role as president of the California Emergency Services Association.

FCC Awards Full-Power Licenses to 5 LPFMs, Plus 52 More Orgs

The FCC opened up an important licensing window for new noncommercial FM stations in 2007, announcing the first round of license winners in 2008. However another 59 licenses remained up in the air due to the Commission needing to pick a winner amongst competing applications. The FCC announced those winners on Tuesday.

Funeral for Mo. man killed in Connecticut blast

A funeral was scheduled Tuesday for a 48-year-old St. Louis County man killed last week in a power plant explosion in Connecticut. Chris Walters of Florissant was among five people killed when a powerful explosion blew apart the nearly completed Kleen Energy plant in Middletown, Conn.

Amateur Radio Operator Killed in Connecticut Explosion

Chris Walters, N0HVK, of Florissant, Missouri, was killed in an explosion on Sunday, February 7. He was 48. Walters -- who was employed as a safety manager for an electrical subcontractor at the Kleen Energy Plant in Middletown, Connecticut -- was one of five men who were killed in the explosion; at least a dozen people were injured.

300 Feet of Cooperation

June 1, 2009 marked the culmination of a project that had begun over 2 years earlier. In a truly impressive display of cooperation between federal, state, commercial and ham radio organizations the means to provide timely communication from trained weather spotters in the field back to the NWS in Peachtree City, Georgia has been restored.

Amateur radio operators play important role (Ohio)

Those of you who are amateur radio operators may laugh a bit as you read this column. I am attempting to write about a highly technical operation without having a good understanding of the process. However, it is an extremely interesting field with operators more in demand than I realized before meeting some of the members of the Ottawa County Amateur Radio Club.

Ham radio operator ready to help in disasters (Washington)

When people across the country turned their attention to TV screens broadcasting news from Haiti after the quake, Frank Remington turned on his amateur radio.

Ham radio included in official emergency preparations (Oregon)

After an earthquake rocked Haiti to its foundation in January, only amateur radio operators were left to relay vital messages in the immediate aftermath to emergency service centers throughout the country.

Amateur radio ops recruit new 'hams' (Indiana)

These days it seems people only want to use the latest technology to keep in touch. To some, a year-old cell phone is out of date. Yet, there are others who are not giving up on one of the earliest forms of wireless communication - amateur radio.

Radio Buff's Mast Fight (Scotland)

AN amateur radio enthusiast is hoping he won't be made to pull down an 11 metre mast and give up his hobby. Neighbours have voiced deep concerns that the mast will be used as a climbing frame for local youngsters which could put kids in danger.

Chair clarifies tower proposal (North Carolina)

Richmond County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kenneth Robinette tried to set the record straight Monday on the proposed tower code amendments.

Homebuilders get way, for while, in OB (Mississippi)

Olive Branch aldermen on Tuesday granted homebuilders a temporary reprieve from one code section while the city's building department staff studies the associated costs and how other local government agencies enforce the code.

Morse radio recognition (Gibraltar)

In a CD about World Amateur Radio recently issued in Sweden, local amateur radio operator John J. Bautista (ZB2EO), is listed amongst the 370 most astounding ham operators in the world.

CQ Magazine files rule change request on 97.113

One of the nation's leading ham radio publications is joining the movement to modify section 97.113 of the Amateur service rules. This, to permit hams in the employ of government or relief agencies to take part in disaster training drills.

Teen Inventor's Cave Radio Could Save Lives Deep Underground

Science fair projects don't get much cooler than a texting device that broke the record for deepest known underground digital communication in the United States. Such a device may help save people trapped deep underground and even allow scientists to conduct remote cave research, all thanks to a teen inventor from Los Alamos, New Mexico. NPR took a firsthand look at the deep, dark foray.

Illinois Teams with Amateur Radio Operators to Create RACES Program

A newly forged partnership between Amateur Radio operators throughout the state of Illinois and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will provide an additional layer of emergency communications during disasters. The agreement creates the State Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) program. Under the agreement, IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez appointed ARRL Illinois Section Emergency Coordinator Brad Pioveson, W9FX, of Benton as the volunteer State RACES Officer. Pioveson will serve as the single point of contact between IEMA and the Illinois Amateur Radio community.

FCC OKs Increase in HD Radio Power. Increased Interference Ahead?

On Friday the FCC's Media Bureau quietly announced that it adopted an order to allow FM stations broadcasting a digital HD signal to increase their power levels up a maximum of 10% of the power of their main analog signal. While the National Association of Broadcasting and iBiquity have been agitating for this change for quite some time, it's the backing of National Public Radio and its engineering report on the matter that was the likely tipping point.

Ham tower limits could lead to lawsuit (Washington)

Chris Burton will be allowed to install an amateur-radio tower at his home in Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, but limits proposed for when he can use the tower at its full extension have him ready to file a lawsuit.

Ham radio: A fading hobby ... until emergencies hit

At the National Weather Service, meteorologists are surrounded by some of the most up-to-date technology, which they use to track weather systems and dangerous storms.

Microphone no different than cell phone: police

Local police are advising amateur CB and ham radio users to adhere to the new driver distraction legislation, saying a microphone is no different than a cellphone. However, the MTO said if those radios are being used to assist in an emergency situation, users are covered under three-year exemption until January 1, 2013.

Former ARRL President Named QCWA President Emeritus

Harry Dannals, W2HD -- who led the ARRL as President from 1972-1982 and was named ARRL President Emeritus in 1984 -- has been named President Emeritus of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA).

Not your normal 2010 day (Minnesota)

People along the North Shore on Tuesday found themselves reverting to a world before the internet and even phone service as a fiber optic line problem in Duluth shut down the technology most of the day.

Shortwave Gains Low-Power Interest

Over the past two decades, governments in many countries have deregulated transmission services. Today, private enterprises own and operate even large shortwave sites once in the hands of postal and telecommunications authorities.

Catching amateur radio signals from hotel balcony (New York)

In mid-January, I traveled to Phoenix, Ariz., for a work-related conference. Though I knew I'd have very little free time on the three-day outing (including travel), the opportunity to gather some signals in a far-away location was one I could not pass up.

Radio operators are the eyes of the National Weather Service (Texas)

Even in the age of high-powered Doppler radar, instant communications and the Internet, the National Weather Service and local safety officials still rely heavily on old methods for accurate observations and emergency communications.

Amateur radio station is all systems go! (Isle of Man)

The Sea Terminal will become an amateur radio station on Sunday (January 31). Enthusiasts from the Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society will be running a station from 6am to 6pm with the call sign 'GD ZERO MAN' in order to help raise funds for the RNLI SOS campaign.

Amateur radio club seeks new recruits (New York)

With modern Internet connections and digital technology, Genesee Radio Amateurs thinks it has a lot to offer new members, especially the younger generation. GRAM is planning to conduct a class Feb. 9 at The Salvation Army Center on East Main Street in Batavia to teach any interested individuals about becoming a ham radio operator.

FCC Notes Amateur Radio Response to Haitian Earthquake

In a posting on January 28 to the FCC's blog, Mindel DeLaTorre -- the Commission's International Bureau Chief -- noted how Amateur Radio operators are assisting with communications support in earthquake ravaged Haiti.

Ham radio operators ready to help in disasters (Texas)

Ham radio operator Bob Hejl has responded to several disasters in the United States and overseas, yet he feels sidelined from helping Haitians who were devastated by the earthquake that struck there two weeks ago. Hejl volunteered for deployment with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services in New York but wasn't called this time. He's resigned to listening to the scant radio signals being transmitted from Haiti as rescue operations there scale back.

Radio tower vote could affect future permits (Washington)

A Central Whidbey property owner who wants to install a 70-foot amateur radio tower on his property just south of Coupeville likely won't get the approval of the Island County Historical Review Committee. The committee has been discussing the proposal since August 2009, but it's looking like it will ultimately be decided by the county's hearing examiner.

Radio enthusiasts answer SOS call (UK)

THE RNLI is taking to the airwaves to publicise tomorrow's SOS fundraising day. Radio hams from the charity have set up a special event radio station at the lifeboat house and say amateur radio enthusiasts from overseas have been queuing up to contact Scarborough marine lifesavers.

Chennai software engineer forecasts weather with self-made antennas (India)

Rajesh Kannan, a software engineer from Chennai, has a fascinating hobby of using his self-made antennas to predict weather conditions across the globe. Kannan is an amateur radio operator, and is involved in making different radio equipments through which he communicates with other amateur radio operators on a non-professional basis.

HF Frequencies for Haiti Return to Normal Use

Considering the improving communications situation in Haiti, Dr Cesar Pio Santos, HR2P, IARU Region 2 EMCOR, announced the release of HF frequencies, including 7.045 and 3.720 MHz, for normal use. "We thank the world radio amateur community for their support in keeping these frequencies clear during the past days."

Contact Information for Amateurs going to Haiti to Provide Disaster Relief

CONATEL (the Haitian Telecomm regulator) has set up temporary offices and released a public notice. Amateurs wishing to operate in Haiti to assist with disaster relief need to contact CONATEL to get formal reciprocal operating clearance. The text of the CONATEL public notice is as follows: CONATEL NOTICE The National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL) hereby notifies the general public, and those particularly impacted, that following the widespread damage caused by the violent earthquake of January 12, 2010, a satellite office of CONATEL was installed at Number 97 of the Avenue Panaméricaine in Pétion-Ville with the goal of assuring the continuity of its work. This arrangement will allow, among other things, better coordination for establishing a temporary emergency telecommunications network in Haiti.

Cape weather: Batten down the hatches (Massachusetts)

How about these from a fellow named Brian Berlin who, according to his Web site is among other things, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Texas State Guard (Medical Reserve Corps), a bagpiper and bagpipe instructor,a husband, a dad, an EMT. a general class amateur radio operator with the call sign KC5WK, a swift water rescue technician, a SkyWarn Storm Spotter and a trombonist.

Amateur radio still alive and kicking (Kentucky)

Before the invention of the Internet, cell phones or text messaging, if there was a disaster, the main way to get emergency information was via the radio. Despite advances in technology, people still turn to the radio when usual forms of contact are lost.

Marconi Center Signs 20-Year Lease For Operations Building

Capping more than three-and-a-half years of planning and negotiations with the town, the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center (CMMC) is poised to move ahead with a 20-year lease of the operations building, where it will create an educational center and a museum of wireless technology.

New ARRL Web Site Coming Soon

After more than two years of planning, designing and writing, the ARRL is anxiously awaiting the launch of the new ARRL Web site. We've been able to make the online experience easier for our members -- from the online store, to registering for a class, to finding a club -- plus we've created a new, enhanced member profile with many more options available. We've made improvements with you in mind, making sure that we've created the easiest, most enjoyable online experience possible. The new Web site will be available sometime in February.

Stillwater students rock the radio airwaves (Washington)

When is a retired Stillwater teacher not a retired Stillwater teacher? When the principal asks him to come back and work with the students doing Radio Roundup.