Here are some NDB changes courtesy of Michael Oexner and the UDXF group.
NDB Changes #7
Some NDB changes in Europe, Africa, and the Near & Middle East.
[1] New NDBs or changes of frequency or callsign
Call kHz Station ITU Lat Long Comments
CB 344.0 Cochstedt/Schneidlingen D N51 51 37 E011 27 02 to be reactivated plus new coordinates
FU 350.0 Hamburg/West D N53 36 53 E009 57 25 ex FU-350.5 and new coordinates
ABD 210.0 Abadan IRN N30 22 16 E048 13 11
PAD 450.0 Parsabade/Moghan IRN N39 34 43 E047 58 03 ex PAD-413
AMZ 350.5 Aoka Mizu FPSO IW N57 54 36 W000 35 25
HMI 405.0 Sevan Hummingbird FPSO IW N57 58 35 E001 14 16 ex HMI-320
SYR 326.0 Sevan Voyageur FPSO IW N57 54 07 E001 24 14
TMA 328.0 Arco/Thames Alpha IW N53 05 01 E002 32 44 ex TMA-378
GO 360.0 Gombe NIG N10 18 00 E010 54 00
OC 320.0 Legostayevo RUS N54 38 00 E083 49 00 listed again
WD 450.0 Yartsevo RUS N60 15 00 E090 13 00
[2] Deletions
Call kHz Station ITU Comments
CK 441.0 Prerov/"Cvrcek" CZE last log rww 2009-04-24
DVI 490.0 Donaueschingen-Villingen D last log rww 2009-03-25
BGW 334.0 Paris/Le Bourget F last log rww 2009-04-11
M 411.0 Kokkola-Pietarsaari/Kruunupyy FIN last log rww 2009-04-10
U 310.0 Kauhava FIN last log rww 2008-12-25
PW 426.0 Prestwick G last log rww 2009-05-02
SWN 320.5 Swansea G eff 2009-07-02
HAA 371.0 Hamar/Stafsberg NOR last log rww 2009-04-10
UE 393.0 Idre S no logs rww
SYT 445.0 Sivrihisar TUR no logs rww
URF 415.0 Sanliurfa TUR last log rww 2009-01-30
YAA 305.0 Yalova TUR last log rww 2009-02-04
FUJ 400.0 Fujairah UAE no logs rww
NDB Changes #8
Some NDB changes in North, Central & South America.
[1] New NDBs or changes of frequency or callsign
Call kHz Station ITU Lat Long
MO 325.0 Puerto Montt/El Tepual/Trapen CHL S41 31 30 W073 05 49 listed again
UE 220.0 Santiago/Lo Castro CHL S33 18 18 W070 47 24 listed again
TBO 260.0 Tacuarembo URG S31 45 04 W055 55 43 ex TBO-280
AUR 278.0 Sulphur/Sulfy LA USA N30 11 55 W093 25 14 ex UX-278 last log rww 2009-04-11, new call not yet logged
DR 385.0 De Ridder/Idder LA USA N30 45 08 W093 20 05 to become DXB
LOR 269.0 Lowe/Fort Rucker (Ozark) (Army) AL USA N31 21 37 W085 44 37 logged again
[2] Deletions
Call kHz Station S/P ITU Comments
1L 300.0 Dutkewych Point ON CAN no logs rww
ICO 270.0 Curico CHL no logs rww
ORI 1635.0 Orito CLM no logs rww
UHA 348.0 Habana CUB last log rww 2008-03-12
GUA 375.0 Guatemala City GTM last log rww 2009-03-06
MBJ 248.0 Montego Bay JMC last log rww 2008-11-29
AIZ 377.0 Kaiser/Lake Ozark MO USA eff 2009-05-07 last log rww 2008-01-23
BBW 265.0 Broken Bow NE USA eff 2009-05-07 last log rww 2009-03-23
BDJ 206.0 Boulder Junction WI USA no logs rww
BF 248.0 Cleveland/Tabey OH USA last log rww 2007-02-07
BJU 248.0 Beatrice/Big Blue NE USA eff 2009-05-07 last log rww 2007-12-26
BKO 392.0 Barnwell SC USA eff 2009-03-12 last log rww 2007-05-07
COO 326.0 Covington TN USA last log rww 2004-10-13
EDJ 242.0 Bellefontaine OH USA last log rww 2005-06-17
EEJ 428.0 Sanford/Lee County NC USA last log in 1999
HWB 263.0 Beatrice/Shaw NE USA eff 2009-05-07 last log rww 2008-03-23
IBM 317.0 Kimball NE USA last log rww 2005-10-01
K 317.0 Port Angeles/Ediz Hook (Coast Guard) WA USA last log rww 2008-09-13
MTN 342.0 Baltimore/Martin MD USA last log rww 2006-10-23
OEA 251.0 Vincennes IN USA last log rww 2008-03-11
ONY 272.0 Olney TX USA eff 2009-05-07 no logs rww
TYC 272.0 Campbellsville/Taylor Co KY USA last log rww 2008-01-28
UX 278.0 Sulphur/Sulfy LA USA to become AUR-278; last log rww 2009-04-11
VHN 233.0 Van Horn TX USA last log rww 2008-06-02
NDB Changes #9
Some NDB changes in Asia, the Pacific region, and Oceania.
[1] New NDBs or changes of frequency or callsign
Call kHz Station ITU Lat Long Comments
[2] Deletions
Call kHz Station ITU
AY 210.0 Appleby/Nelson NZL last log rww 2005-11-24
Michael always appreciates any and all NDB updates. You can contact him at
michael.oexner at web.de. I hope to have more on his publications soon in Monitoring Times (my Whats New column), and on this blog.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
FEMA National Level Exercise 2009 (NLE 09)
National Level Exercise 2009 (NLE 09) is scheduled for July 27 through July 31, 2009. NLE 09 will be the first major exercise conducted by the United States government that will focus exclusively on terrorism prevention and protection, as opposed to incident response and recovery.
NLE 09 is designated as a Tier I National Level Exercise. Tier I exercises (formerly known as the Top Officials exercise series or TOPOFF) are conducted annually in accordance with the National Exercise Program (NEP), which serves as the nation's overarching exercise program for planning, organizing, conducting and evaluating national level exercises. The NEP was established to provide the U.S. government, at all levels, exercise opportunities to prepare for catastrophic crises ranging from terrorism to natural disasters.
NLE 09 is a White House directed, Congressionally- mandated exercise that includes the participation of all appropriate federal department and agency senior officials, their deputies, staff and key operational elements. In addition, broad regional participation of state, tribal, local, and private sector is anticipated. This year the United States welcomes the participation of Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom in NLE 09.
EXERCISE FOCUS
NLE 09 will focus on intelligence and information sharing among intelligence and law enforcement communities, and between international, federal, regional, state, tribal, local and private sector participants.
The NLE 09 scenario will begin in the aftermath of a notional terrorist event outside of the United States, and exercise play will center on preventing subsequent efforts by the terrorists to enter the United States and carry out additional attacks. This scenario enables participating senior officials to focus on issues related to preventing terrorist events domestically and protecting U.S. critical infrastructure.
NLE 09 will allow terrorism prevention efforts to proceed to a logical end (successful or not), with no requirement for response or recovery activities.
NLE 09 will be an operations-based exercise to include: activities taking place at command posts, emergency operation centers, intelligence centers and potential field locations to include federal headquarters facilities in the Washington D.C. area, and in federal, regional, state, tribal, local and private sector facilities in FEMA Region VI, which includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
EXERCISE OBJECTIVES
Through a comprehensive evaluation process, the exercise will assess prevention and protection capabilities both nationally and regionally. Although NLE 09 is still in the planning stages, the exercise is currently designed to validate the following capabilities:
•Intelligence/Information Sharing and Dissemination
•Counter-Terrorism Investigation and Law Enforcement
•Air, Border and Maritime Security
•Critical Infrastructure Protection
•Public and Private Sector Alert/Notification and Security Advisories
•International Coordination
VALIDATING THE HOMELAND SECURITY SYSTEM
Exercises such as NLE 09 are an important component of national preparedness, helping to build an integrated federal, state, tribal, local and private sector capability to prevent terrorist attacks, and rapidly and effectively respond to, and recover from, any terrorist attack or major disaster that occurs.
The full-scale exercise offers agencies and jurisdictions a way to test their plans and skills in a real-time, realistic environment and to gain the in-depth knowledge that only experience can provide. Participants will exercise prevention and information sharing functions that are critical to preventing terrorist attacks. Lessons learned from the exercise will provide valuable insights to guide future planning for securing the nation against terrorist attacks, disasters, and other emergencies.
NLE 09 is designated as a Tier I National Level Exercise. Tier I exercises (formerly known as the Top Officials exercise series or TOPOFF) are conducted annually in accordance with the National Exercise Program (NEP), which serves as the nation's overarching exercise program for planning, organizing, conducting and evaluating national level exercises. The NEP was established to provide the U.S. government, at all levels, exercise opportunities to prepare for catastrophic crises ranging from terrorism to natural disasters.
NLE 09 is a White House directed, Congressionally- mandated exercise that includes the participation of all appropriate federal department and agency senior officials, their deputies, staff and key operational elements. In addition, broad regional participation of state, tribal, local, and private sector is anticipated. This year the United States welcomes the participation of Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom in NLE 09.
EXERCISE FOCUS
NLE 09 will focus on intelligence and information sharing among intelligence and law enforcement communities, and between international, federal, regional, state, tribal, local and private sector participants.
The NLE 09 scenario will begin in the aftermath of a notional terrorist event outside of the United States, and exercise play will center on preventing subsequent efforts by the terrorists to enter the United States and carry out additional attacks. This scenario enables participating senior officials to focus on issues related to preventing terrorist events domestically and protecting U.S. critical infrastructure.
NLE 09 will allow terrorism prevention efforts to proceed to a logical end (successful or not), with no requirement for response or recovery activities.
NLE 09 will be an operations-based exercise to include: activities taking place at command posts, emergency operation centers, intelligence centers and potential field locations to include federal headquarters facilities in the Washington D.C. area, and in federal, regional, state, tribal, local and private sector facilities in FEMA Region VI, which includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
EXERCISE OBJECTIVES
Through a comprehensive evaluation process, the exercise will assess prevention and protection capabilities both nationally and regionally. Although NLE 09 is still in the planning stages, the exercise is currently designed to validate the following capabilities:
•Intelligence/Information Sharing and Dissemination
•Counter-Terrorism Investigation and Law Enforcement
•Air, Border and Maritime Security
•Critical Infrastructure Protection
•Public and Private Sector Alert/Notification and Security Advisories
•International Coordination
VALIDATING THE HOMELAND SECURITY SYSTEM
Exercises such as NLE 09 are an important component of national preparedness, helping to build an integrated federal, state, tribal, local and private sector capability to prevent terrorist attacks, and rapidly and effectively respond to, and recover from, any terrorist attack or major disaster that occurs.
The full-scale exercise offers agencies and jurisdictions a way to test their plans and skills in a real-time, realistic environment and to gain the in-depth knowledge that only experience can provide. Participants will exercise prevention and information sharing functions that are critical to preventing terrorist attacks. Lessons learned from the exercise will provide valuable insights to guide future planning for securing the nation against terrorist attacks, disasters, and other emergencies.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Cuban Spy Bust and M08a/V2 Numbers Stations
Want to learn the truth about Cuban number stations (no they aren't Cuban lotto numbers), check out our exclusive story on the Shortwave Central Blog at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2009/06/cuban-spy-update.html
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Annual Arietid meteor shower to peak June 7
From our sister blog Shortwave Central at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/ and our friends at http://spaceweather.com/
DAYTIME METEORS: The annual Arietid meteor shower peaks on Sunday, June 7th. The Arietids are unusual because they are daytime meteors; they stream out of a point in the sky not far from the sun. The best time to look is just before dawn on Sunday morning when it may be possible to spot a small number of Arietids skimming the top of Earth's atmosphere. Such "Earthgrazing" meteors tend to be long, colorful, and very pretty. After daybreak, when the meteors are no longer visible to the human eye, you can listen to radar echoes from the Arietids by tuning in to our online meteor radar: http://spaceweatherradio.com/.
"The Arietids are the strongest daylight shower of the year," notes Bob Lunsford of the American Meteor Society. "If you could see them through the sun's glare, you would count as many as 60 per hour. Also, don't forget that the daytime Zeta Perseids peak only two days later and are considered the second strongest daylight shower. In all my years of viewing I have never seen a Zeta Perseid, but I have seen a few Arietids. They have all been Earthgrazers and very impressive meteors."
http://spaceweather.com/meteors/arietids/arietids.htm?PHPSESSID=cf9h4dv7o6ia754ttfda53tg73
Hams, FM and TV DXers should be on the lookout for meteor trail enhanced DX. (Mark Coady/ODXA)
DAYTIME METEORS: The annual Arietid meteor shower peaks on Sunday, June 7th. The Arietids are unusual because they are daytime meteors; they stream out of a point in the sky not far from the sun. The best time to look is just before dawn on Sunday morning when it may be possible to spot a small number of Arietids skimming the top of Earth's atmosphere. Such "Earthgrazing" meteors tend to be long, colorful, and very pretty. After daybreak, when the meteors are no longer visible to the human eye, you can listen to radar echoes from the Arietids by tuning in to our online meteor radar: http://spaceweatherradio.com/.
"The Arietids are the strongest daylight shower of the year," notes Bob Lunsford of the American Meteor Society. "If you could see them through the sun's glare, you would count as many as 60 per hour. Also, don't forget that the daytime Zeta Perseids peak only two days later and are considered the second strongest daylight shower. In all my years of viewing I have never seen a Zeta Perseid, but I have seen a few Arietids. They have all been Earthgrazers and very impressive meteors."
http://spaceweather.com/meteors/arietids/arietids.htm?PHPSESSID=cf9h4dv7o6ia754ttfda53tg73
Hams, FM and TV DXers should be on the lookout for meteor trail enhanced DX. (Mark Coady/ODXA)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
RFAX Broadcast Schedules
NOAA released their new Worldwide Marine Radiofacsimile Broadcast Schedules pdf guide on 24 Feb 2009. You can download your copy at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/rfax.pdf
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
NC Emergency Management Comms Manual 2008
Here is a link to the electronic version of the latest North Carolina Emergency Management Communications Manual 2008. Check out http://www.nccrimecontrol.org/div/em/2008EMDirectory.pdf
For instance, the guide has information on the talk groups used by the state EM folks on the statewide VIPER trunk radio system. I have taken that information and married it up with the talk groups monitored on the system and produced the list below.
VIPER NC Emergency Management Talkgroups
11248 NCEM Emergency Management Raleigh NC Staff Day to Day Channel 1
It will be used for non-event, day-to-day administrative conversations not requiring interaction by users outside of the Division.
11280 NCEM EBO Emergency Management Eastern Branch Staff Day to Day Channel 2
It is designated as the primary talk group for all State and County EM personnel in EBO counties to conduct day-to-day, and routine conversations
11312 NCEM CBO Emergency Management Central Staff Day to Day Channel 3
It is designated as the primary talk group for all State and County EM personnel in CBO counties to conduct day-to-day, and routine conversations
11344 NCEM WBO Emergency Management Western Styaff Day to Day Channel 4
It is designated as the primary talk group for all State and County EM personnel in WBO counties to conduct day-to-day, and routine conversations
11376 NCEM EOC Emergency Management EOC Channel 5
This group is designated as the primary talk group for the State EOC and is monitorted 24/7 by the State EOC. Any agency having access to the VIPER System should use this talk group to contact the State EOC
11408 NCEM RRT Emergency Management RRT Administrative Channel 6
It is designated as the primary talk group for all NCEM RRTs Teams to conduct day-to-day, and routine conversations.
11440 NCEM USAR Emergency Management USAR - State USAR Administrative Channel 7
It is designated as the primary talk group for all NCEM USAR Teams to conduct day-to-day, and routine conversations.
11504 NC SMAT NC SMAT (State Medical Assistance Teams)
VIPER Event Talkgroups for Working an Incident or Event
Alpha 1 through Alpha 4, Bravo 1 through Bravo 4, Charley 1 through Charley 4, and Delta 1 Through Delta 4. These event talk groups are available to all system users statewide. These talk groups should be used to work a large scale event or incident.
784 EVENTSALPHA1 Events ALPHA 1
816 EVENTSALPHA2 Events ALPHA 2
848 EVENTSALPHA3 Events ALPHA 3
880 EVENTSALPHA4 Events ALPHA 4
912 EVENTSBRAVO1 Events Bravo 1
944 EVENTSBRAVO2 Events Bravo 2
976 EVENTSBRAVO3 Events Bravo 3
1008 EVENTSBRAVO4 Events Bravo 4
1040 EVENTSCHR1 Events Charlie 1
1072 EVENTSCHR2 Events Charlie 2
1104 EVENTSCHR3 Events Charlie 3
1136 EVENTSCHR4 Events Charlie 4
1168 EVENTSDELTA1 Events Delta 1
1200 EVENTSDELTA2 Events Delta 2
1232 EVENTSDELTA3 Events Delta 3
1264 EVENTSDELTA4 Events Delta 4
NC Emergency Management Callsigns
1950 Emergency Management Director
1951 Education/Emergency Infomation Coordinator
1952 Logistics Section Chief
1953 Operations Section Chief
1954 Reserved
1955 Reserved
1956 Reserved
1957 Reserved
1958 Reserved
1959 Reserved
1960 Eastern Branch Manager
1961 Area 1 Coordinator
1962 Area 2 Coordinator
1963 Area 4 Coordinator
1964 Area 3 Coordinator
1965 Area 5 Coordinator
1966 Reserved
1967 Reserved
1968 Reserved
1969 Reserved
1970 Central Branch Manager
1971 Area 6 Coordinator
1972 Area 7 Coordinator
1973 Area 8 Coordinator
1974 Area 9 Coordinator
1975 Area 10 Coordinator
1976 Reserved
1977 Reserved
1978 Reserved
1979 Reserved
1980 Western Branch Manager
1981 Area 11 Coordinator
1982 Area 12 Coordinator
1983 Area 13 Coordinator
1984 Area 14 Coordinator
1985 Area 15 Coordinator
1986 IFLOWS Technician
1987 NFIP Engineer
1988 Reserved
1989 Earthquake Planner
1990 Reserved
1991 Reserved
1992 Logistics Suppt. Manager
1993 Communications Coordinator
1994 Reserved
1995 Reserved
1996 Reserved
1997 Reserved
1998 Reserved
1999 Reserved
All division staff vehicles have been assigned vehicle-specific call signs i.e., DEM 2150, DEM 2151, etc. Staff members who do not have personal assigned call signs should use the vehicle’s call sign whenever they need to use the emergency management radios in those vehicles. The vehicle call signs, however, are NOT PERMITTED on the Highway Patrol frequencies other than in the case of a dire emergency.
The NC Division of Emergency Management Radio Communications System
The “StateNet” system is an aging VHF low band radio system used to communicate from NCEM Branch Offices to mobile field staff units and some counties that still have low band base stations. The State EOC no longer monitors this system and it has been replaced by the VIPER system which is a Motorola 800 MHz smartzone trunked radio system which is being deployed statewide and overseen by the Department of CCPS, State Highway Patrol radio communications personnel. NCEM field staff have been issued 800 MHz portable radios, and will use the VIPER system using the talkgroups outlined above, as a primary means of communicating with the state EOC and other field staff. As the VIPER infrastructure is expanded, so will the coverage of these portable radios.
Frequency CTCSS
47.4600 MHz 173.8 Channel 1
47.5000 MHz 173.8 Channel 2
47.5400 MHz 173.8 Channel 3
47.5800 MHz 173.8 Channel 4
47.6200 MHz 173.8 Channel 5
Aero Comms Translation Guide
New to civilian aero comms and find the lingo confusing? Here is a link to a page that is a nice introduction to the world of aircraft communications.
Check out http://scottsasha.com/aviation/plans/commshandout.html
Check out http://scottsasha.com/aviation/plans/commshandout.html
Public Safety Streaming Audio Feeds
ScanAmerica.us ( http://www.scanamerica.us ) now has around 691 scanner feeds online in 48 states, below is a list of states and counties with new feeds (added since the last time I posted a list of new additions) along with a link that will take you to that specific portion of the site (some feeds cover multiple counties):
Alabama, Limestone County: http://limestone.al.scanamerica.us/
Arkansas, Clark County: http://clark.ar.scanamerica.us/
Arkansas, White County: http://white.ar.scanamerica.us/
Arizona, Maricopa County: http://maricopa.az.scanamerica.us/
California, Alameda County: http://alameda.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Contra Costa County: http://contracosta.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Fresno County: http://fresno.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Los Angeles County: http://losangeles.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Mendocino County: http://mendocino.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Monterey County: http://monterey.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Napa County: http://napa.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, San Diego County: http://sandiego.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, San Joaquin County: http://sanjoaquin.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Sonoma County: http://sonoma.ca.scanamerica.us/
Connecticut, Fairfield County: http://fairfield.ct.scanamerica.us/
Connecticut, Hartford County: http://hartford.ct.scanamerica.us/
Florida, Citrus County: http://citrus.fl.scanamerica.us/
Florida, Duval County: http://duval.fl.scanamerica.us/
Florida, Seminole County: http://seminole.fl.scanamerica.us/
Florida, St. Johns County: http://stjohns.fl.scanamerica.us/
Georgia, DeKalb County: http://dekalb.ga.scanamerica.us/
Georgia, Emanuel County: http://emanuel.ga.scanamerica.us/
Georgia, Gwinnett County: http://gwinnett.ga.scanamerica.us/
Hawaii, Hawaii County: http://hawaii.hi.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Audubon County: http://audubon.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Carroll County: http://carroll.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Cass County: http://cass.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Crawford County: http://crawford.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Harrison County: http://harrison.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Johnson County: http://johnson.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Mills County: http://mills.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Monona County: http://monona.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Montgomery County: http://montgomery.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Polk County: http://polk.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Pottawattamie County: http://pottawattamie.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Shelby County: http://shelby.ia.scanamerica.us/
Idaho, Canyon County: http://canyon.id.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, Cook County: http://cook.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, DeKalb County: http://dekalb.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, Lake County: http://lake.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, LaSalle County: http://lasalle.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, McLean County: http://mclean.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, Vermilion County: http://vermilion.il.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Delaware County: http://delaware.in.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Monroe County: http://monroe.in.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Perry County: http://perry.in.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Spencer County: http://spencer.in.scanamerica.us/
Kansas, Sedgwick County: http://sedgwick.ks.scanamerica.us/
Kansas, Sumner County: http://sumner.ks.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Boone County: http://boone.ky.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Hancock County: http://hancock.ky.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Hardin County: http://hardin.ky.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Pulaski County: http://pulaski.ky.scanamerica.us/
Louisiana, Lafayette Parish: http://lafayette.la.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Bristol County: http://bristol.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Essex County: http://essex.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Middlesex County: http://middlesex.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Norfolk County: http://norfolk.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Worcester County: http://worcester.ma.scanamerica.us/
Maryland, Frederick County: http://frederick.md.scanamerica.us/
Maryland, Harford County: http://harford.md.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Allegan County: http://allegan.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Berrien County: http://berrien.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Cass County: http://cass.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Clare County: http://clare.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Jackson County: http://jackson.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Van Buren County: http://vanburen.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Wayne County: http://wayne.mi.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Carroll County: http://carroll.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Chariton County: http://chariton.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Linn County: http://linn.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Livingston County: http://livingston.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, St. Charles County: http://stcharles.mo.scanamerica.us/
Montana, Gallatin County: http://gallatin.mt.scanamerica.us/
North Carolina, Gaston County: http://gaston.nc.scanamerica.us/
North Carolina, Gates County: http://gates.nc.scanamerica.us/
North Carolina, Mecklenburg County: http://mecklenburg.nc.scanamerica.us/
Nebraska, Dawson County: http://dawson.ne.scanamerica.us/
Nebraska, Madison County: http://madison.ne.scanamerica.us/
Nebraska, Stanton County: http://stanton.ne.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Bergen County: http://bergen.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Gloucester County: http://gloucester.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Hunterdon County: http://hunterdon.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Middlesex County: http://middlesex.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Monmouth County: http://monmouth.nj.scanamerica.us/
New York, Erie County: http://erie.ny.scanamerica.us/
New York, Niagara County: http://niagara.ny.scanamerica.us/
New York, Saratoga County: http://saratoga.ny.scanamerica.us/
New York, Steuben County: http://steuben.ny.scanamerica.us/
Ohio, Erie County: http://erie.oh.scanamerica.us/
Ohio, Franklin County: http://franklin.oh.scanamerica.us/
Ohio, Trumbull County: http://trumbull.oh.scanamerica.us/
Oklahoma, Bryan County: http://bryan.ok.scanamerica.us/
Oregon, Marion County: http://marion.or.scanamerica.us/
Pennsylvania, Erie County: http://erie.pa.scanamerica.us/
Pennsylvania, Lehigh County: http://lehigh.pa.scanamerica.us/
Pennsylvania, Mercer County: http://mercer.pa.scanamerica.us/
Rhode Island, Newport County: http://newport.ri.scanamerica.us/
South Carolina, Beaufort County: http://beaufort.sc.scanamerica.us/
South Carolina, Berkeley County: http://berkeley.sc.scanamerica.us/
South Carolina, Horry County: http://horry.sc.scanamerica.us/
South Dakota, Minnehaha County: http://minnehaha.sd.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Anderson County: http://anderson.tn.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Benton County: http://benton.tn.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Sumner County: http://sumner.tn.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Union County: http://union.tn.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Aransas County: http://aransas.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Collin County: http://collin.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Cooke County: http://cooke.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Denton County: http://denton.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Fannin County: http://fannin.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Grayson County: http://grayson.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Harris County: http://harris.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, La Salle County: http://lasalle.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Lamar County: http://lamar.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Midland County: http://midland.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Randall County: http://randall.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Travis County: http://travis.tx.scanamerica.us/
Virginia, Botetourt County: http://botetourt.va.scanamerica.us/
Vermont, Lamoille County: http://lamoille.vt.scanamerica.us/
Wisconsin, Brown County: http://brown.wi.scanamerica.us/
Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County: http://fonddulac.wi.scanamerica.us/
West Virginia, Cabell County: http://cabell.wv.scanamerica.us/
West Virginia, Wood County: http://wood.wv.scanamerica.us/
Wyoming, Campbell County: http://campbell.wy.scanamerica.us/
A list of new additions can always be found at http://www.scanamerica.us/modules.php?name=NewAdditions
And finally here are some of my favourite streaming audio links:
http://incidentbroadcast.com/
http://scannerfeeds.us/
http://shoutcastscanners.notlong.com/
http://www.FireFeeds.com/
http://www.liveatc.net/
http://www.publicsafetyfeeds.com/
http://www.railroadradio.net/
http://www.scanamerica.us/index.php
http://www.scannerbuff.net/teamspeak/teamspeak.html
Alabama, Limestone County: http://limestone.al.scanamerica.us/
Arkansas, Clark County: http://clark.ar.scanamerica.us/
Arkansas, White County: http://white.ar.scanamerica.us/
Arizona, Maricopa County: http://maricopa.az.scanamerica.us/
California, Alameda County: http://alameda.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Contra Costa County: http://contracosta.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Fresno County: http://fresno.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Los Angeles County: http://losangeles.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Mendocino County: http://mendocino.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Monterey County: http://monterey.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Napa County: http://napa.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, San Diego County: http://sandiego.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, San Joaquin County: http://sanjoaquin.ca.scanamerica.us/
California, Sonoma County: http://sonoma.ca.scanamerica.us/
Connecticut, Fairfield County: http://fairfield.ct.scanamerica.us/
Connecticut, Hartford County: http://hartford.ct.scanamerica.us/
Florida, Citrus County: http://citrus.fl.scanamerica.us/
Florida, Duval County: http://duval.fl.scanamerica.us/
Florida, Seminole County: http://seminole.fl.scanamerica.us/
Florida, St. Johns County: http://stjohns.fl.scanamerica.us/
Georgia, DeKalb County: http://dekalb.ga.scanamerica.us/
Georgia, Emanuel County: http://emanuel.ga.scanamerica.us/
Georgia, Gwinnett County: http://gwinnett.ga.scanamerica.us/
Hawaii, Hawaii County: http://hawaii.hi.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Audubon County: http://audubon.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Carroll County: http://carroll.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Cass County: http://cass.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Crawford County: http://crawford.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Harrison County: http://harrison.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Johnson County: http://johnson.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Mills County: http://mills.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Monona County: http://monona.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Montgomery County: http://montgomery.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Polk County: http://polk.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Pottawattamie County: http://pottawattamie.ia.scanamerica.us/
Iowa, Shelby County: http://shelby.ia.scanamerica.us/
Idaho, Canyon County: http://canyon.id.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, Cook County: http://cook.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, DeKalb County: http://dekalb.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, Lake County: http://lake.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, LaSalle County: http://lasalle.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, McLean County: http://mclean.il.scanamerica.us/
Illinois, Vermilion County: http://vermilion.il.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Delaware County: http://delaware.in.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Monroe County: http://monroe.in.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Perry County: http://perry.in.scanamerica.us/
Indiana, Spencer County: http://spencer.in.scanamerica.us/
Kansas, Sedgwick County: http://sedgwick.ks.scanamerica.us/
Kansas, Sumner County: http://sumner.ks.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Boone County: http://boone.ky.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Hancock County: http://hancock.ky.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Hardin County: http://hardin.ky.scanamerica.us/
Kentucky, Pulaski County: http://pulaski.ky.scanamerica.us/
Louisiana, Lafayette Parish: http://lafayette.la.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Bristol County: http://bristol.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Essex County: http://essex.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Middlesex County: http://middlesex.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Norfolk County: http://norfolk.ma.scanamerica.us/
Massachusetts, Worcester County: http://worcester.ma.scanamerica.us/
Maryland, Frederick County: http://frederick.md.scanamerica.us/
Maryland, Harford County: http://harford.md.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Allegan County: http://allegan.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Berrien County: http://berrien.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Cass County: http://cass.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Clare County: http://clare.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Jackson County: http://jackson.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Van Buren County: http://vanburen.mi.scanamerica.us/
Michigan, Wayne County: http://wayne.mi.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Carroll County: http://carroll.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Chariton County: http://chariton.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Linn County: http://linn.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, Livingston County: http://livingston.mo.scanamerica.us/
Missouri, St. Charles County: http://stcharles.mo.scanamerica.us/
Montana, Gallatin County: http://gallatin.mt.scanamerica.us/
North Carolina, Gaston County: http://gaston.nc.scanamerica.us/
North Carolina, Gates County: http://gates.nc.scanamerica.us/
North Carolina, Mecklenburg County: http://mecklenburg.nc.scanamerica.us/
Nebraska, Dawson County: http://dawson.ne.scanamerica.us/
Nebraska, Madison County: http://madison.ne.scanamerica.us/
Nebraska, Stanton County: http://stanton.ne.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Bergen County: http://bergen.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Gloucester County: http://gloucester.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Hunterdon County: http://hunterdon.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Middlesex County: http://middlesex.nj.scanamerica.us/
New Jersey, Monmouth County: http://monmouth.nj.scanamerica.us/
New York, Erie County: http://erie.ny.scanamerica.us/
New York, Niagara County: http://niagara.ny.scanamerica.us/
New York, Saratoga County: http://saratoga.ny.scanamerica.us/
New York, Steuben County: http://steuben.ny.scanamerica.us/
Ohio, Erie County: http://erie.oh.scanamerica.us/
Ohio, Franklin County: http://franklin.oh.scanamerica.us/
Ohio, Trumbull County: http://trumbull.oh.scanamerica.us/
Oklahoma, Bryan County: http://bryan.ok.scanamerica.us/
Oregon, Marion County: http://marion.or.scanamerica.us/
Pennsylvania, Erie County: http://erie.pa.scanamerica.us/
Pennsylvania, Lehigh County: http://lehigh.pa.scanamerica.us/
Pennsylvania, Mercer County: http://mercer.pa.scanamerica.us/
Rhode Island, Newport County: http://newport.ri.scanamerica.us/
South Carolina, Beaufort County: http://beaufort.sc.scanamerica.us/
South Carolina, Berkeley County: http://berkeley.sc.scanamerica.us/
South Carolina, Horry County: http://horry.sc.scanamerica.us/
South Dakota, Minnehaha County: http://minnehaha.sd.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Anderson County: http://anderson.tn.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Benton County: http://benton.tn.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Sumner County: http://sumner.tn.scanamerica.us/
Tennessee, Union County: http://union.tn.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Aransas County: http://aransas.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Collin County: http://collin.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Cooke County: http://cooke.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Denton County: http://denton.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Fannin County: http://fannin.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Grayson County: http://grayson.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Harris County: http://harris.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, La Salle County: http://lasalle.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Lamar County: http://lamar.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Midland County: http://midland.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Randall County: http://randall.tx.scanamerica.us/
Texas, Travis County: http://travis.tx.scanamerica.us/
Virginia, Botetourt County: http://botetourt.va.scanamerica.us/
Vermont, Lamoille County: http://lamoille.vt.scanamerica.us/
Wisconsin, Brown County: http://brown.wi.scanamerica.us/
Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County: http://fonddulac.wi.scanamerica.us/
West Virginia, Cabell County: http://cabell.wv.scanamerica.us/
West Virginia, Wood County: http://wood.wv.scanamerica.us/
Wyoming, Campbell County: http://campbell.wy.scanamerica.us/
A list of new additions can always be found at http://www.scanamerica.us/modules.php?name=NewAdditions
And finally here are some of my favourite streaming audio links:
http://incidentbroadcast.com/
http://scannerfeeds.us/
http://shoutcastscanners.notlong.com/
http://www.FireFeeds.com/
http://www.liveatc.net/
http://www.publicsafetyfeeds.com/
http://www.railroadradio.net/
http://www.scanamerica.us/index.php
http://www.scannerbuff.net/teamspeak/teamspeak.html
Monday, June 01, 2009
Lebanon Displays Gadgets Used By Alledged Spies For Israel
Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF) unveiled high-tech intelligence equipment seized from suspects charged with spying for Israel. Among the equipment displayed that I recognized was a Sony shortwave radio and maybe a few others that looked like shortwave radios. Shades of the E10 Israeli Mossad numbers stations. More information on the E10 stations at http://www.simonmason.karoo.net/page69.html
See the video at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d66_1242143594
See the video at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d66_1242143594
Saturday, May 30, 2009
425 DX News Calendar No 943
> > > 425 DX NEWS < < <
30 May 2009
A.R.I. DX Bulletin No 943
===========================
*** 4 2 5 D X N E W S ***
******* CALENDAR *******
===========================
Edited by I1JQJ & IK1ADH
Direttore Responsabile I2VGW
===========================
425 DX NEWS HOME PAGE: http://www.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS ARCHIVES: http://list.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS MAGAZINE: http://www.425dxn.org/monthly
===========================
PERIOD CALL REF
===========================
till 30/05 N6IC/KL7: Douglas Island (NA-041) 941
till 30/05 TM0M: Molene Island (EU-065) 939
till 31/05 GB100BP: special callsign (Wales) 939
till 31/05 IL3T: Torcello Island (EU-131) 938
till 31/05 K5N: Burwood Island (grid EL58) 943
till 31/05 LZ2009KM: special callsign 939
till 31/05 PA/DC2KN: Terschelling Island (EU-038) 943
till 31/05 SY2WT: Posidhion Lighthouse (Greece) 941
till 31/05 UE80 special prefix callsigns 939
till 31/05 XL, XN, XM, XO: special prefixes (Canada) 934
till 31/05 XO0ICE/2: special callsign 938
till 01/06 4K3K and 4J0K: Nagorno Karabakh (Azerbaijan) 941
till 01/06 A35RK/p: Vava'u (OC-064) 938
till 01/06 EJ6DX: Aran Islands (EU-006) 941
till 02/06 5H1HP and 5H1MS: Zanzibar Island (AF-032) 939
till 02/06 AH2Y and KH2/WX8C: Guam (OC-026) 939
till 02/06 K3VX/KP2, W3WH/KP2, W3WN/KP2: Virgin Islands (NA-106) 939
till 02/06 TA3J/7 and TA7KI: Turkey 943
till 02/06 W9UK/KP2 and K9CS/KP2: Virgin Islands (NA-106) 939
till 03/06 FK/G4JVG: Noumea (OC-032) 941
till 03/06 OH0/DJ7JC, OH0/DJ9IE, OH0/DK3QZ: Aland Isls (EU-002) 941
till 03/06 OH0/DL1EKC, OH0/PA0R, OH0EC:: Aland Isls (EU-002) 941
till 03/06 SV5/G0TSM: Kos Island (EU-001) 941
till 04/06 8Q7GP: Maldives (AS-013) 942
till 04/06 TM100C: special event callsign (France) 942
till 05/06 5H2WK: Tanzania 942
till 05/06 TM2RPC: special callsign (France) 941
till 06/06 SV8/HA0HW and J48HW: Thassos Island (EU-174) 942
till 07/06 SV8/PA3DEU: Alonissos Island (EU-072) 942
till 07/06 UE6LHP and UE1RLH/6: Beglitskiy Lighthouse 943
till 08/06 TM5RPC: special callsign (France) 941
till 10/06 II6AN: special callsign 941
till 13/06 9A5AN, 9A2AA, 9A3KS, HA3HP: Croatian islands tour 942
till 17/06 TA0/WA2KBZ: Buyukada (not IOTA) 942
till 19/06 ZK2V: Niue (OC-040) 940
till 20/06 S21XR: Bangladesh 940
till June 5X4X: Uganda 923
till June AP2AHSF: Pakistan 929
till 02/07 TT8CF: Chad 930
till 20/07 8J040M-8J940M: special event stations 940
till 20/07 IY0GM: special callsign 942
till 20/07 IY0NGM: special callsign 938
till 24/07 5N0OCH and 5N0EME: Nigeria 933
till 31/07 HG160FNY and HA160: special event station and prefixes 935
till 31/08 LY1000: special prefix 924
till 31/08 VR2/F4BKV: Hong Kong Island (AS-006) 908
till September LZ8WHST and LZ17ARDF: special event stations 924
till 30/11 FT5WO: Crozet Islands (AF-008) 916
till November HF0APAS: South Shetlands (AN-010) 921
till November OD5/W5YFN: Lebanon 915
till 31/12 9A09P: special event station 932
till 31/12 9A48IFATCA: special event station 926
till 31/12 9A800VZ: special event callsign 933
till 31/12 GB250RB: special event call (Scotland) 925
till 31/12 GB40WAB: special callsign 922
till 31/12 HE8 and HB8: special prefixes (Switzerland) 921
till 31/12 IA3GM: special callsign 927
till 31/12 II2RAI: special callsign 924
till 31/12 IY7GM: special callsign 939
till 31/12 LZ50BNT: special event station 940
till 31/12 Z30MCWG: special callsign 928
30/05-06/06 9A/OE3WGC and 9A/OE3ZK: Palagruza Island (EU-090) 931
30/05 GB5BOO: special event station (England) 942
30/05-06/02 IL7G: Tremiti Islands (EU-050) 933
30/05-06/06 OZ/NX1S: Romo Island (EU-125) 943
30/05 PA08DWN: special event callsign 942
31/05-01/06 IK4GLV/4, IK4JPR/4, IK4RUX/4: EU-155 942
31/05-01/06 IZ4CCO/4 and IZ4ISX/4: EU-155 942
31/05-12/06 SD1B/7: Oland Island (EU-037) 943
31/05-14/06 TM6ACO: special event callsign (France) 942
May H44MY and H44TO: New Georgia Island (OC-149) 942
01/06-15/06 8Q7CQ: Maldives (AS-013) 943
01/06-14/06 C6AMS: Nassau (NA-001), Bahamas 943
01/06-31/07 EM15DIG: special callsign (Ukraine) 943
01/06 HV5PUL: Vatican City 941
01/06-30/06 VE7IYOA: special event station 943
03/06-05/06 F5AAR/p and F5OZC/p: Yeu Island (EU-064) 943
03/06-08/06 F/ON6JUN/P: "D-Day" special event 943
03/06 HV5PUL: Vatican City 941
04/06-12/06 FS/K9EL: St. Martin (NA-105) 943
04/06 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
04/06 HV5PUL: Vatican City 941
04/06-14/06 PA6JEROEN: special event station 943
04/06-07/06 SY2DDAY: "D-Day" special event (Greece) 943
04/06-12/06 TM5BBC: special event station (France) 943
05/06-08/08 F/PA65DDAY: "D-Day" special event 943
05/06-15/06 JW/OK1IPS, JW/OK1IEC: Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard 943
05/06-15/06 JW/OK1JK, JW/OK1JST: Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard 943
05/06-14/06 TM6SME: "D-Day" special event (France) 943
06/06-07/06 EG3FI: Formigues Islands (EU-078) 943
06/06-07/06 II3JD and IY1SP (Museum Ships Weekend) 943
07/06-09/06 G4JVG/VK4: North Stradbroke Island (OC-137) 941
08/06 F5HTR/p and F5LKW/p: Riou Island (EU-095) 943
08/06-16/06 IM0/I0PNM: San Pietro Island (EU-165) 943
10/06-15/06 ZY0F: Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) 929
11/06-14/06 PT2T: Ilha da Moela (SA-071) 939
13/06-14/06 DF0WFF: Nature Reserve of Flusslandschaft Elbe 939
13/06-28/06 IY1GMN: special event station 931
13/06-25/06 S92LX: Sao Tome (AF-023) 943
15/06-22/06 ES8/DL3BQA: Kihnu Island (EU-178) 939
15/06-02/07 RZ3AMW/1: Ryashkov Island (EU-162) 943
16/06-06/07 7U2ISM: special event station (Algeria) 943
18/06-12/07 PH100EL: special callsign 939
19/06-05/07 5J0M: San Andres (NA-033) 911
20/06-02/07 HB0/DL5YL and HB0/DL5YM: Liechtenstein 941
20/06-21/06 SX2MT: special event station 931
26/06-05/07 TZ6EI: Mali 941
27/06-28/06 SX2MT: special event station 931
29/06-03/07 3D2YA: Mana Island (OC-121) 939
June 4U1WED: special callsign (Austria) 943
June KL7RRC: Delarof Islands (NA-233) 943
04/07 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
05/07-07/07 SX2CM: special callsign (Greece) 927
09/07-28/07 Glorioso Islands (AF-011) 941
12/07 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
15/07-27/07 VE3ZZ/VY2, VE2BR/VY2, VY2Z: Prince Edward Isl (NA-029) 943
19/07-31/07 F5SGI/p: Belle-Ile (EU-048) 943
22/07-29/07 VK9AAA: Norfolk Island (OC-005) 941
23/07-27/07 C6APR, C6AXD, C6AQO: Crooked Island (NA-113) 937
23/07-26/07 CG200I: Ile Verte (NA-128) 937
23/07-27/07 GS3RCM/p and MM3M: Isle of Arran (EU-123) 939
23/07-26/07 OZ0FR: Romo Island (EU-125) 939
23/07-26/07 W4T: Tangier Island (NA-083) 937
24/07-27/07 MM0NDX/p and GM5A: St. Kilda Islands (EU-059) 943
24/07-27/07 VC8B: Banks Island (NA-129) 943
25/07-01/08 OZ/PA1H and OZ/PA7PA: EU-172 941
25/07-01/08 TK9X: Corsica (EU-014) 943
26/07 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
26/07-06/08 OH0/CT1BWW: Aland Islands (EU-002) 943
27/07-29/07 OY/IW4BLZ: Faroe Islands 935
31/07-11/08 TF/IW4BLZ: Iceland 935
July-December 4U30VIC: special callsign (Austria) 943
29/09-12/10 TX5SPA: Tubuai (OC-152), Austral Islands 941
09/10-19/10 K4M: Midway Island (OC-030) 935
16/10-22/10 TX5SPM: Marquesas Islands (OC-027) 941
19/10-26/10 N0TG/CY0, WA4DAN/CY0, AA4VK/CY0 Sable Island (NA-063) 938
19/10-17/11 VK7ACG: Tasmania (OC-006) 929
20/10-30/10 J68JA: St. Lucia (NA-108) 941
22/10-26/10 P29VCX: Tanga Islands (OC-102) 939
27/10-31/10 P29VLR: Green Islands (OC-231) 939
02/11-09/11 P29NI: Woodlark group (OC-205) 939
11/11-13/11 P29VCX: D'Entrecasteaux Islands (OC-116) 939
24/11-03/12 XR0ZN: Juan Fernandez (SA-005) 937
***************************************************************************
425 DX NEWS HOME PAGE: http://www.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS ARCHIVES: http://list.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS MAGAZINE: http://www.425dxn.org/monthly
***************************************************************************
Direttore Responsabile
Gabriele Villa, I2VGW
Giornalista Professionista - Tessera n. 057216
Ordine Nazionale dei Giornalisti
Roma, Italia
***************************************************************************
30 May 2009
A.R.I. DX Bulletin No 943
===========================
*** 4 2 5 D X N E W S ***
******* CALENDAR *******
===========================
Edited by I1JQJ & IK1ADH
Direttore Responsabile I2VGW
===========================
425 DX NEWS HOME PAGE: http://www.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS ARCHIVES: http://list.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS MAGAZINE: http://www.425dxn.org/monthly
===========================
PERIOD CALL REF
===========================
till 30/05 N6IC/KL7: Douglas Island (NA-041) 941
till 30/05 TM0M: Molene Island (EU-065) 939
till 31/05 GB100BP: special callsign (Wales) 939
till 31/05 IL3T: Torcello Island (EU-131) 938
till 31/05 K5N: Burwood Island (grid EL58) 943
till 31/05 LZ2009KM: special callsign 939
till 31/05 PA/DC2KN: Terschelling Island (EU-038) 943
till 31/05 SY2WT: Posidhion Lighthouse (Greece) 941
till 31/05 UE80 special prefix callsigns 939
till 31/05 XL, XN, XM, XO: special prefixes (Canada) 934
till 31/05 XO0ICE/2: special callsign 938
till 01/06 4K3K and 4J0K: Nagorno Karabakh (Azerbaijan) 941
till 01/06 A35RK/p: Vava'u (OC-064) 938
till 01/06 EJ6DX: Aran Islands (EU-006) 941
till 02/06 5H1HP and 5H1MS: Zanzibar Island (AF-032) 939
till 02/06 AH2Y and KH2/WX8C: Guam (OC-026) 939
till 02/06 K3VX/KP2, W3WH/KP2, W3WN/KP2: Virgin Islands (NA-106) 939
till 02/06 TA3J/7 and TA7KI: Turkey 943
till 02/06 W9UK/KP2 and K9CS/KP2: Virgin Islands (NA-106) 939
till 03/06 FK/G4JVG: Noumea (OC-032) 941
till 03/06 OH0/DJ7JC, OH0/DJ9IE, OH0/DK3QZ: Aland Isls (EU-002) 941
till 03/06 OH0/DL1EKC, OH0/PA0R, OH0EC:: Aland Isls (EU-002) 941
till 03/06 SV5/G0TSM: Kos Island (EU-001) 941
till 04/06 8Q7GP: Maldives (AS-013) 942
till 04/06 TM100C: special event callsign (France) 942
till 05/06 5H2WK: Tanzania 942
till 05/06 TM2RPC: special callsign (France) 941
till 06/06 SV8/HA0HW and J48HW: Thassos Island (EU-174) 942
till 07/06 SV8/PA3DEU: Alonissos Island (EU-072) 942
till 07/06 UE6LHP and UE1RLH/6: Beglitskiy Lighthouse 943
till 08/06 TM5RPC: special callsign (France) 941
till 10/06 II6AN: special callsign 941
till 13/06 9A5AN, 9A2AA, 9A3KS, HA3HP: Croatian islands tour 942
till 17/06 TA0/WA2KBZ: Buyukada (not IOTA) 942
till 19/06 ZK2V: Niue (OC-040) 940
till 20/06 S21XR: Bangladesh 940
till June 5X4X: Uganda 923
till June AP2AHSF: Pakistan 929
till 02/07 TT8CF: Chad 930
till 20/07 8J040M-8J940M: special event stations 940
till 20/07 IY0GM: special callsign 942
till 20/07 IY0NGM: special callsign 938
till 24/07 5N0OCH and 5N0EME: Nigeria 933
till 31/07 HG160FNY and HA160: special event station and prefixes 935
till 31/08 LY1000: special prefix 924
till 31/08 VR2/F4BKV: Hong Kong Island (AS-006) 908
till September LZ8WHST and LZ17ARDF: special event stations 924
till 30/11 FT5WO: Crozet Islands (AF-008) 916
till November HF0APAS: South Shetlands (AN-010) 921
till November OD5/W5YFN: Lebanon 915
till 31/12 9A09P: special event station 932
till 31/12 9A48IFATCA: special event station 926
till 31/12 9A800VZ: special event callsign 933
till 31/12 GB250RB: special event call (Scotland) 925
till 31/12 GB40WAB: special callsign 922
till 31/12 HE8 and HB8: special prefixes (Switzerland) 921
till 31/12 IA3GM: special callsign 927
till 31/12 II2RAI: special callsign 924
till 31/12 IY7GM: special callsign 939
till 31/12 LZ50BNT: special event station 940
till 31/12 Z30MCWG: special callsign 928
30/05-06/06 9A/OE3WGC and 9A/OE3ZK: Palagruza Island (EU-090) 931
30/05 GB5BOO: special event station (England) 942
30/05-06/02 IL7G: Tremiti Islands (EU-050) 933
30/05-06/06 OZ/NX1S: Romo Island (EU-125) 943
30/05 PA08DWN: special event callsign 942
31/05-01/06 IK4GLV/4, IK4JPR/4, IK4RUX/4: EU-155 942
31/05-01/06 IZ4CCO/4 and IZ4ISX/4: EU-155 942
31/05-12/06 SD1B/7: Oland Island (EU-037) 943
31/05-14/06 TM6ACO: special event callsign (France) 942
May H44MY and H44TO: New Georgia Island (OC-149) 942
01/06-15/06 8Q7CQ: Maldives (AS-013) 943
01/06-14/06 C6AMS: Nassau (NA-001), Bahamas 943
01/06-31/07 EM15DIG: special callsign (Ukraine) 943
01/06 HV5PUL: Vatican City 941
01/06-30/06 VE7IYOA: special event station 943
03/06-05/06 F5AAR/p and F5OZC/p: Yeu Island (EU-064) 943
03/06-08/06 F/ON6JUN/P: "D-Day" special event 943
03/06 HV5PUL: Vatican City 941
04/06-12/06 FS/K9EL: St. Martin (NA-105) 943
04/06 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
04/06 HV5PUL: Vatican City 941
04/06-14/06 PA6JEROEN: special event station 943
04/06-07/06 SY2DDAY: "D-Day" special event (Greece) 943
04/06-12/06 TM5BBC: special event station (France) 943
05/06-08/08 F/PA65DDAY: "D-Day" special event 943
05/06-15/06 JW/OK1IPS, JW/OK1IEC: Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard 943
05/06-15/06 JW/OK1JK, JW/OK1JST: Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard 943
05/06-14/06 TM6SME: "D-Day" special event (France) 943
06/06-07/06 EG3FI: Formigues Islands (EU-078) 943
06/06-07/06 II3JD and IY1SP (Museum Ships Weekend) 943
07/06-09/06 G4JVG/VK4: North Stradbroke Island (OC-137) 941
08/06 F5HTR/p and F5LKW/p: Riou Island (EU-095) 943
08/06-16/06 IM0/I0PNM: San Pietro Island (EU-165) 943
10/06-15/06 ZY0F: Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) 929
11/06-14/06 PT2T: Ilha da Moela (SA-071) 939
13/06-14/06 DF0WFF: Nature Reserve of Flusslandschaft Elbe 939
13/06-28/06 IY1GMN: special event station 931
13/06-25/06 S92LX: Sao Tome (AF-023) 943
15/06-22/06 ES8/DL3BQA: Kihnu Island (EU-178) 939
15/06-02/07 RZ3AMW/1: Ryashkov Island (EU-162) 943
16/06-06/07 7U2ISM: special event station (Algeria) 943
18/06-12/07 PH100EL: special callsign 939
19/06-05/07 5J0M: San Andres (NA-033) 911
20/06-02/07 HB0/DL5YL and HB0/DL5YM: Liechtenstein 941
20/06-21/06 SX2MT: special event station 931
26/06-05/07 TZ6EI: Mali 941
27/06-28/06 SX2MT: special event station 931
29/06-03/07 3D2YA: Mana Island (OC-121) 939
June 4U1WED: special callsign (Austria) 943
June KL7RRC: Delarof Islands (NA-233) 943
04/07 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
05/07-07/07 SX2CM: special callsign (Greece) 927
09/07-28/07 Glorioso Islands (AF-011) 941
12/07 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
15/07-27/07 VE3ZZ/VY2, VE2BR/VY2, VY2Z: Prince Edward Isl (NA-029) 943
19/07-31/07 F5SGI/p: Belle-Ile (EU-048) 943
22/07-29/07 VK9AAA: Norfolk Island (OC-005) 941
23/07-27/07 C6APR, C6AXD, C6AQO: Crooked Island (NA-113) 937
23/07-26/07 CG200I: Ile Verte (NA-128) 937
23/07-27/07 GS3RCM/p and MM3M: Isle of Arran (EU-123) 939
23/07-26/07 OZ0FR: Romo Island (EU-125) 939
23/07-26/07 W4T: Tangier Island (NA-083) 937
24/07-27/07 MM0NDX/p and GM5A: St. Kilda Islands (EU-059) 943
24/07-27/07 VC8B: Banks Island (NA-129) 943
25/07-01/08 OZ/PA1H and OZ/PA7PA: EU-172 941
25/07-01/08 TK9X: Corsica (EU-014) 943
26/07 GB5LB: Isle of Man (EU-116) 940
26/07-06/08 OH0/CT1BWW: Aland Islands (EU-002) 943
27/07-29/07 OY/IW4BLZ: Faroe Islands 935
31/07-11/08 TF/IW4BLZ: Iceland 935
July-December 4U30VIC: special callsign (Austria) 943
29/09-12/10 TX5SPA: Tubuai (OC-152), Austral Islands 941
09/10-19/10 K4M: Midway Island (OC-030) 935
16/10-22/10 TX5SPM: Marquesas Islands (OC-027) 941
19/10-26/10 N0TG/CY0, WA4DAN/CY0, AA4VK/CY0 Sable Island (NA-063) 938
19/10-17/11 VK7ACG: Tasmania (OC-006) 929
20/10-30/10 J68JA: St. Lucia (NA-108) 941
22/10-26/10 P29VCX: Tanga Islands (OC-102) 939
27/10-31/10 P29VLR: Green Islands (OC-231) 939
02/11-09/11 P29NI: Woodlark group (OC-205) 939
11/11-13/11 P29VCX: D'Entrecasteaux Islands (OC-116) 939
24/11-03/12 XR0ZN: Juan Fernandez (SA-005) 937
***************************************************************************
425 DX NEWS HOME PAGE: http://www.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS ARCHIVES: http://list.425dxn.org
425 DX NEWS MAGAZINE: http://www.425dxn.org/monthly
***************************************************************************
Direttore Responsabile
Gabriele Villa, I2VGW
Giornalista Professionista - Tessera n. 057216
Ordine Nazionale dei Giornalisti
Roma, Italia
***************************************************************************
All Skysweep Decoding Products Being Discontinued
This shocking and very disappointing message was posted early this morning east coast time on the Skysweep message board.
All sales, marketing and development of SkySweeper Std, SkySweeper Plus and SkySweeper Pro will be discontinued from 1st of June 2009.
SkySweep Technologies LTD is now fully concentrating on the SkySweep Messenger product family and some other professional systems development.
SkySweeper support continues as it is until 1.1.2011.
The latest versions and manuals can be downloaded here:
http://www.skysweep.com/index-6.html
We would like to send our warmest thanks to all the SkySweeper users!
Mikko Huttunen
General Manager
SkySweep Technologies
All sales, marketing and development of SkySweeper Std, SkySweeper Plus and SkySweeper Pro will be discontinued from 1st of June 2009.
SkySweep Technologies LTD is now fully concentrating on the SkySweep Messenger product family and some other professional systems development.
SkySweeper support continues as it is until 1.1.2011.
The latest versions and manuals can be downloaded here:
http://www.skysweep.com/index-6.html
We would like to send our warmest thanks to all the SkySweeper users!
Mikko Huttunen
General Manager
SkySweep Technologies
Friday, May 29, 2009
New Solar Cycle 24 Prediction
Courtesy of NASA Science News, Author: Dr. Tony Phillips | Credit: Science@NASA
An international panel of experts led by NOAA and sponsored by NASA has released a new prediction for the next solar cycle. Solar Cycle 24 will peak, they say, in May 2013 with a below-average number of sunspots.
"If our prediction is correct, Solar Cycle 24 will have a peak sunspot number of 90, the lowest of any cycle since 1928 when Solar Cycle 16 peaked at 78," says panel chairman Doug Biesecker of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
It is tempting to describe such a cycle as "weak" or "mild," but that could give the wrong impression.
"Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space weather," points out Biesecker. "The great geomagnetic storm of 1859, for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we’re predicting for 2013."
The 1859 storm--known as the "Carrington Event" after astronomer Richard Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red and green glow. A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences found that if a similar storm occurred today, it could cause $1 to 2 trillion in damages to society's high-tech infrastructure and require four to ten years for complete recovery. For comparison, Hurricane Katrina caused "only" $80 to 125 billion in damage.
Above: This plot of sunspot numbers shows the measured peak of the last solar cycle in blue and the predicted peak of the next solar cycle in red. Credit: NOAA/Space Weather Prediction Center.
The latest forecast revises an earlier prediction issued in 2007. At that time, a sharply divided panel believed solar minimum would come in March 2008 followed by either a strong solar maximum in 2011 or a weak solar maximum in 2012. Competing models gave different answers, and researchers were eager for the sun to reveal which was correct.
"It turns out that none of our models were totally correct," says Dean Pesnell of the Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA's lead representative on the panel. "The sun is behaving in an unexpected and very interesting way."
Researchers have known about the solar cycle since the mid-1800s. Graphs of sunspot numbers resemble a roller coaster, going up and down with an approximately 11-year period. At first glance, it looks like a regular pattern, but predicting the peaks and valleys has proven troublesome. Cycles vary in length from about 9 to 14 years. Some peaks are high, others low. The valleys are usually brief, lasting only a couple of years, but sometimes they stretch out much longer. In the 17th century the sun plunged into a 70-year period of spotlessness known as the Maunder Minimum that still baffles scientists.
Above: Yearly-averaged sunspot numbers from 1610 to 2008. Researchers believe upcoming Solar Cycle 24 will be similar to the cycle that peaked in 1928, marked by a red arrow. Credit: NASA/MSFC
Right now, the solar cycle is in a valley--the deepest of the past century. In 2008 and 2009, the sun set Space Age records for low sunspot counts, weak solar wind, and low solar irradiance. The sun has gone more than two years without a significant solar flare.
"In our professional careers, we've never seen anything quite like it," says Pesnell. "Solar minimum has lasted far beyond the date we predicted in 2007."
In recent months, however, the sun has begun to show timorous signs of life. Small sunspots and "proto-sunspots" are popping up with increasing frequency. Enormous currents of plasma on the sun’s surface ("zonal flows") are gaining strength and slowly drifting toward the sun’s equator. Radio astronomers have detected a tiny but significant uptick in solar radio emissions. All these things are precursors of an awakening Solar Cycle 24 and form the basis for the panel's new, almost unanimous forecast.
According to the forecast, the sun should remain generally calm for at least another year. From a research point of view, that's good news because solar minimum has proven to be more interesting than anyone imagined. Low solar activity has a profound effect on Earth’s atmosphere, allowing it to cool and contract. Space junk accumulates in Earth orbit because there is less aerodynamic drag. The becalmed solar wind whips up fewer magnetic storms around Earth's poles. Cosmic rays that are normally pushed back by solar wind instead intrude on the near-Earth environment. There are other side-effects, too, that can be studied only so long as the sun remains quiet.
Meanwhile, the sun pays little heed to human committees. There could be more surprises, panelists acknowledge, and more revisions to the forecast.
"Go ahead and mark your calendar for May 2013," says Pesnell. "But use a pencil."
An international panel of experts led by NOAA and sponsored by NASA has released a new prediction for the next solar cycle. Solar Cycle 24 will peak, they say, in May 2013 with a below-average number of sunspots.
"If our prediction is correct, Solar Cycle 24 will have a peak sunspot number of 90, the lowest of any cycle since 1928 when Solar Cycle 16 peaked at 78," says panel chairman Doug Biesecker of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
It is tempting to describe such a cycle as "weak" or "mild," but that could give the wrong impression.
"Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space weather," points out Biesecker. "The great geomagnetic storm of 1859, for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we’re predicting for 2013."
The 1859 storm--known as the "Carrington Event" after astronomer Richard Carrington who witnessed the instigating solar flare--electrified transmission cables, set fires in telegraph offices, and produced Northern Lights so bright that people could read newspapers by their red and green glow. A recent report by the National Academy of Sciences found that if a similar storm occurred today, it could cause $1 to 2 trillion in damages to society's high-tech infrastructure and require four to ten years for complete recovery. For comparison, Hurricane Katrina caused "only" $80 to 125 billion in damage.
Above: This plot of sunspot numbers shows the measured peak of the last solar cycle in blue and the predicted peak of the next solar cycle in red. Credit: NOAA/Space Weather Prediction Center.
The latest forecast revises an earlier prediction issued in 2007. At that time, a sharply divided panel believed solar minimum would come in March 2008 followed by either a strong solar maximum in 2011 or a weak solar maximum in 2012. Competing models gave different answers, and researchers were eager for the sun to reveal which was correct.
"It turns out that none of our models were totally correct," says Dean Pesnell of the Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA's lead representative on the panel. "The sun is behaving in an unexpected and very interesting way."
Researchers have known about the solar cycle since the mid-1800s. Graphs of sunspot numbers resemble a roller coaster, going up and down with an approximately 11-year period. At first glance, it looks like a regular pattern, but predicting the peaks and valleys has proven troublesome. Cycles vary in length from about 9 to 14 years. Some peaks are high, others low. The valleys are usually brief, lasting only a couple of years, but sometimes they stretch out much longer. In the 17th century the sun plunged into a 70-year period of spotlessness known as the Maunder Minimum that still baffles scientists.
Above: Yearly-averaged sunspot numbers from 1610 to 2008. Researchers believe upcoming Solar Cycle 24 will be similar to the cycle that peaked in 1928, marked by a red arrow. Credit: NASA/MSFC
Right now, the solar cycle is in a valley--the deepest of the past century. In 2008 and 2009, the sun set Space Age records for low sunspot counts, weak solar wind, and low solar irradiance. The sun has gone more than two years without a significant solar flare.
"In our professional careers, we've never seen anything quite like it," says Pesnell. "Solar minimum has lasted far beyond the date we predicted in 2007."
In recent months, however, the sun has begun to show timorous signs of life. Small sunspots and "proto-sunspots" are popping up with increasing frequency. Enormous currents of plasma on the sun’s surface ("zonal flows") are gaining strength and slowly drifting toward the sun’s equator. Radio astronomers have detected a tiny but significant uptick in solar radio emissions. All these things are precursors of an awakening Solar Cycle 24 and form the basis for the panel's new, almost unanimous forecast.
According to the forecast, the sun should remain generally calm for at least another year. From a research point of view, that's good news because solar minimum has proven to be more interesting than anyone imagined. Low solar activity has a profound effect on Earth’s atmosphere, allowing it to cool and contract. Space junk accumulates in Earth orbit because there is less aerodynamic drag. The becalmed solar wind whips up fewer magnetic storms around Earth's poles. Cosmic rays that are normally pushed back by solar wind instead intrude on the near-Earth environment. There are other side-effects, too, that can be studied only so long as the sun remains quiet.
Meanwhile, the sun pays little heed to human committees. There could be more surprises, panelists acknowledge, and more revisions to the forecast.
"Go ahead and mark your calendar for May 2013," says Pesnell. "But use a pencil."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
HOT SPOT DXING- Monitoring North and South Korea on shortwave radio
North Korea has responded to international condemnation of its nuclear test and a threat of new U.N. sanctions by saying it is no longer bound by an armistice signed with South Korea at the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, in essence, we are now back at a state of war with North Korea.
For complete Shortwave Broadcast schedules for both North and South Korea, see our Shortwave Central Blog at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2009/05/hot-spot-dxing-monitoring-north-and.html
See the Reuters story at
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-39913120090527
North Korea Threatens Armed Strike, End to Armistice, see Bloomberg story at
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awBTCPe7S2gw&refer=worldwide
NKorea threatens to attack US, SKorean warships, see AP story athtp://apnews.myway.com/article/20090527/D98EKAHG0.html
For complete Shortwave Broadcast schedules for both North and South Korea, see our Shortwave Central Blog at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2009/05/hot-spot-dxing-monitoring-north-and.html
See the Reuters story at
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-39913120090527
North Korea Threatens Armed Strike, End to Armistice, see Bloomberg story at
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awBTCPe7S2gw&refer=worldwide
NKorea threatens to attack US, SKorean warships, see AP story athtp://apnews.myway.com/article/20090527/D98EKAHG0.html
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Very Rare VHF/UHF Grid to Activate in South Louisiana -- EL58
Courtesy of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #907.
K5, UNITED STATES (6m/Grid/LH/USI Op). Members of the "EL58 Grid ActivationGroup" will be active as K5N between May 29-31st (1700-1700z). Activitywill be from the sandy beach facing the Gulf of Mexico in Grid SquareEL58hx, ARLHS USA 1101 under the "Visual Site Rule" and a New USI Island(USI LA105S - Burwood Island, LA) (South West Pass). The operation will be6 meters ONLY, consist of 2 stations with both SSB/CW, and M/S capability,two 6M5 antennas, and 6 operators. Power out will be approximately 200W.Operating frequencies are: 50.100/CW, 50.150/SSB and 50.315 Meteor Scatter.QSL via: Joey Fierro II, 1054 Cajun Ln, Magnolia, MS 39652. Operatorsmentioned are: Al/WA4EWV, Bill/K5YG, Bob/WN2E, Bruce/N5SIX, Daniel/KE5KDMand Danny/N5OMG.
Visit their Web pages at: http://www.kcvhfgridbandits.com/kc_vhf_grid_bandits_018.htmhttp://w4abc.com/K5N.html
And this note from Danny N5OMG, one of the gang heading to south Louisiana:
It is less than a week till our operation in EL58 and we have updated our website with some interesting items. Our video from the scouting trip and the info regarding the lighthouse and island we will be activating on HF has been updated. It should be very lively down there.
At this time, all transportation has been finalized, our group members are consolidating the items for departure, and our last few conference calls will be later this week to tie up any loose ends. Our internet should be ready when we get there, so we will be monitoring both pingjockey and packetcluster nodes.
Although our main focus, and reason for being there, will be 6 meters, look for K5N on the HF IOTA freqs.. and maybe guest appearances elsewhere??
For those who haven't yet seen the website: http://www.kcvhfgridbandits.com/kc_vhf_grid_bandits_018.htm
With our special thanks to JD-N0IRS for the work he put in to this project. Thanks to JD, our logo has been finalized as well, it is too cool...
If you haven't yet made a schedule for Meteor Scatter, please email Bruce for a time slot. Check the slots available at: http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/EL58/EL58hx.htm and send your requests to Bruce: n5six@bellsouth.net
If you have any questions or need info, our email address: k5n@bellsouth.net
73, and hope to work everyone from EL58
Danny-N5OMG
K5, UNITED STATES (6m/Grid/LH/USI Op). Members of the "EL58 Grid ActivationGroup" will be active as K5N between May 29-31st (1700-1700z). Activitywill be from the sandy beach facing the Gulf of Mexico in Grid SquareEL58hx, ARLHS USA 1101 under the "Visual Site Rule" and a New USI Island(USI LA105S - Burwood Island, LA) (South West Pass). The operation will be6 meters ONLY, consist of 2 stations with both SSB/CW, and M/S capability,two 6M5 antennas, and 6 operators. Power out will be approximately 200W.Operating frequencies are: 50.100/CW, 50.150/SSB and 50.315 Meteor Scatter.QSL via: Joey Fierro II, 1054 Cajun Ln, Magnolia, MS 39652. Operatorsmentioned are: Al/WA4EWV, Bill/K5YG, Bob/WN2E, Bruce/N5SIX, Daniel/KE5KDMand Danny/N5OMG.
Visit their Web pages at: http://www.kcvhfgridbandits.com/kc_vhf_grid_bandits_018.htmhttp://w4abc.com/K5N.html
And this note from Danny N5OMG, one of the gang heading to south Louisiana:
It is less than a week till our operation in EL58 and we have updated our website with some interesting items. Our video from the scouting trip and the info regarding the lighthouse and island we will be activating on HF has been updated. It should be very lively down there.
At this time, all transportation has been finalized, our group members are consolidating the items for departure, and our last few conference calls will be later this week to tie up any loose ends. Our internet should be ready when we get there, so we will be monitoring both pingjockey and packetcluster nodes.
Although our main focus, and reason for being there, will be 6 meters, look for K5N on the HF IOTA freqs.. and maybe guest appearances elsewhere??
For those who haven't yet seen the website: http://www.kcvhfgridbandits.com/kc_vhf_grid_bandits_018.htm
With our special thanks to JD-N0IRS for the work he put in to this project. Thanks to JD, our logo has been finalized as well, it is too cool...
If you haven't yet made a schedule for Meteor Scatter, please email Bruce for a time slot. Check the slots available at: http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/EL58/EL58hx.htm and send your requests to Bruce: n5six@bellsouth.net
If you have any questions or need info, our email address: k5n@bellsouth.net
73, and hope to work everyone from EL58
Danny-N5OMG
Amateur Radio Museum Ships Event This Next Weekend
Courtesy of Howard Bingham, KE5APJ
Mark your calendars, Jun6 - 7, 2009 Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station will conduct an event involving amateur radio operators at over 50 "Museum Ships", this will include both SSB & CW operations from in many cases on-board the 50 museum ships that may include operation of original ship radios over long wire antennas.
Details are at: http://www.nj2bb.org/museums/index.html
In Texas there will be the Battleship Texas, Submarine Cavalla, Destroyer Escort Stewart, Aircraft Carrier Lexington.
The Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club (http://www.bvarc.org/) is sponsoring operation from Galveston Seawolf Park using long wire antennas aboard the USS Cavala and the Destroyer Escort USS Stewart on several bands & will include PSK31 from the radio room of the USS Cavalla. Club call "KK5W" will be used from Galveston, operators will work 40, 20, 10 and 6 meters from the site, as well as a few other frequencies. (See the listing of suggested frequencies at the Battleship New Jersey site.).
Documented contacts with call KK5W will count as 2 ships contacted, if 15 or more ships are contacted, logs submitted with 15 different ships will get you a colorful "Marine Ships 2009" 8.5 x 11 certificate in addition to QSL cards.
http://www.nj2.org/museum/index.html
These are fun events and I have a lot of neat QSLs from these floating museums. Hope to see you in the pilups this weekend.
Mark your calendars, Jun6 - 7, 2009 Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station will conduct an event involving amateur radio operators at over 50 "Museum Ships", this will include both SSB & CW operations from in many cases on-board the 50 museum ships that may include operation of original ship radios over long wire antennas.
Details are at: http://www.nj2bb.org/museums/index.html
In Texas there will be the Battleship Texas, Submarine Cavalla, Destroyer Escort Stewart, Aircraft Carrier Lexington.
The Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club (http://www.bvarc.org/) is sponsoring operation from Galveston Seawolf Park using long wire antennas aboard the USS Cavala and the Destroyer Escort USS Stewart on several bands & will include PSK31 from the radio room of the USS Cavalla. Club call "KK5W" will be used from Galveston, operators will work 40, 20, 10 and 6 meters from the site, as well as a few other frequencies. (See the listing of suggested frequencies at the Battleship New Jersey site.).
Documented contacts with call KK5W will count as 2 ships contacted, if 15 or more ships are contacted, logs submitted with 15 different ships will get you a colorful "Marine Ships 2009" 8.5 x 11 certificate in addition to QSL cards.
http://www.nj2.org/museum/index.html
These are fun events and I have a lot of neat QSLs from these floating museums. Hope to see you in the pilups this weekend.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Report: Faulty Communications Imperil President
As reported in an online Wired article by Kim Zetter, the U.S. Secret Service is asking for $34 million to help upgrade its communication system, and says that without the money the president’s life could be in danger, according to a news report.
More on this story at http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/05/secretservice/.
More on this story at http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/05/secretservice/.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
NHC's WX4NHC Sets On-The-Air Station Test
Courtesy of the The ARRL Letter Vol. 28, No. 19 May 15, 2009
The annual WX4NHC On-the-Air Station Test from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami will take place Saturday, May 30, from 1300-2100 UTC. "The purpose of this annual Station Test is to test all of our radio equipment, computers and antennas using as many modes and frequencies as possible. This is not a contest or simulated hurricane exercise. New equipment and software will be tested, and we will also conduct some operator training," said WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Volunteer Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R.
Ripoll said that WX4NHC also will be testing new computers and software, as well as conducting operator training. "NHC Director Bill Read, KB5FYA, will be at WX4NHC, making contacts," he said. WX4NHC will be on the air on HF, VHF and UHF, plus 2 and 30 meter APRS. Suggested SSB frequencies are 3.950, 7.268, 14.325, 21.325 and 28.525 MHz, +/-QRM; WX4NHC reports that they will mostly be on 14.325 MHz and will make announcements when they change frequencies. WX4NHC also will be on the VoIP Hurricane Net 1700-1900 UTC (IRLP node 9219/EchoLink WX-TALK Conference) and on South Florida area VHF/UHF repeaters and simplex; APRS and e-mail will also be monitored.
Stations working WX4NHC exchange call sign, signal report, location and name plus a brief weather report, such as "sunny," "rain" or "cloudy." Non-hams may submit their actual weather using the On-Line Hurricane Report Form. QSL to WD4R and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Do not send cards to the NHC. Due to security measures, no visitors will be allowed at NHC during the test.
Scientists Predict Solar Cycle 24 to Peak in 2013
Courtesy of the The ARRL Letter Vol. 28, No. 19 May 15, 2009
At the annual Space Weather Workshop held in Boulder, Colorado last month <http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/sww/index.html>, an international panel of experts led by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) predicted that Solar Cycle 24 will peak in May 2013 with 90 sunspots per day on average. If the prediction proves true, Solar Cycle 24 will be the weakest cycle since Solar Cycle 16, which peaked with 78 daily sunspots in 1928, and ninth weakest since the 1750s, when numbered cycles began.
The panel predicted that the lowest sunspot number between cycles -- the solar minimum -- occurred in December 2008, marking the end of Solar Cycle 23 and the start of Solar Cycle 24. If December's prediction holds up <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/01/07/100/>, at 12 years and seven months Solar Cycle 23 will be the longest since 1823 and the third longest since 1755. Solar cycles span 11 years on average, from minimum to minimum.
An unusually long, deep lull in sunspots led the panel to revise its 2007 prediction that the next cycle of solar storms would start in March 2008 and peak in late 2011 or mid-2012. The persistence of a quiet sun also led the panel to a consensus that Solar Cycle 24 will be what they called "moderately weak."
Although the peak is still four years away, a new active period of Earth-threatening solar storms will be the weakest since 1928. Despite the prediction, the scientists said that Earth is still vulnerable to a severe solar storm. Solar storms are eruptions of energy and matter that escape from the Sun and may head toward Earth, where even a weak storm can damage satellites and power grids, disrupting communications, the electric power supply and GPS. A single strong blast of "solar wind" can threaten national security, transportation, financial services and otheressential functions.
The most common measure of a solar cycle's intensity is the number of sunspots -- Earth-sized blotches on the sun marking areas of heightened magnetic activity. The more sunspots there are, the more likely it is that solar storms will occur, but a major storm can occur at any time.
"As with hurricanes, whether a cycle is active or weak refers to the number of storms, but everyone needs to remember it only takes one powerful storm to cause huge problems," said NOAA scientist Doug Biesecker, who chaired the panel. "The strongest solar storm on record occurred in 1859 during another below-average cycle." The 1859 storm shorted out telegraph wires, causing fires in North America and Europe and sent readings of Earth's magnetic field soaring. It also producednorthern lights so bright that people read newspapers by their light, he said.
Biesecker cited a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences that found if a storm that severe occurred today, it could cause $1-2 trillion in damages the first year and require four to 10 years for recovery, compared to the $80-125 billion of damage that resulted from Hurricane Katrina<http://www.nap.edu/nap-cgi/report.cgi?record_id=12507&type=pdfxsum>.
The Space Weather Prediction Center is part of the National Weather Service and is one of the nine National Centers for Environmental Prediction. It is the nation's official source of space weather alerts, watches and warnings. SWPC provides real-time monitoring and forecasting of solar and geophysical events that impact satellites, power grids, communications, navigation and many other technological systems.
At the annual Space Weather Workshop held in Boulder, Colorado last month <http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/sww/index.html>, an international panel of experts led by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) predicted that Solar Cycle 24 will peak in May 2013 with 90 sunspots per day on average. If the prediction proves true, Solar Cycle 24 will be the weakest cycle since Solar Cycle 16, which peaked with 78 daily sunspots in 1928, and ninth weakest since the 1750s, when numbered cycles began.
The panel predicted that the lowest sunspot number between cycles -- the solar minimum -- occurred in December 2008, marking the end of Solar Cycle 23 and the start of Solar Cycle 24. If December's prediction holds up <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/01/07/100/>, at 12 years and seven months Solar Cycle 23 will be the longest since 1823 and the third longest since 1755. Solar cycles span 11 years on average, from minimum to minimum.
An unusually long, deep lull in sunspots led the panel to revise its 2007 prediction that the next cycle of solar storms would start in March 2008 and peak in late 2011 or mid-2012. The persistence of a quiet sun also led the panel to a consensus that Solar Cycle 24 will be what they called "moderately weak."
Although the peak is still four years away, a new active period of Earth-threatening solar storms will be the weakest since 1928. Despite the prediction, the scientists said that Earth is still vulnerable to a severe solar storm. Solar storms are eruptions of energy and matter that escape from the Sun and may head toward Earth, where even a weak storm can damage satellites and power grids, disrupting communications, the electric power supply and GPS. A single strong blast of "solar wind" can threaten national security, transportation, financial services and otheressential functions.
The most common measure of a solar cycle's intensity is the number of sunspots -- Earth-sized blotches on the sun marking areas of heightened magnetic activity. The more sunspots there are, the more likely it is that solar storms will occur, but a major storm can occur at any time.
"As with hurricanes, whether a cycle is active or weak refers to the number of storms, but everyone needs to remember it only takes one powerful storm to cause huge problems," said NOAA scientist Doug Biesecker, who chaired the panel. "The strongest solar storm on record occurred in 1859 during another below-average cycle." The 1859 storm shorted out telegraph wires, causing fires in North America and Europe and sent readings of Earth's magnetic field soaring. It also producednorthern lights so bright that people read newspapers by their light, he said.
Biesecker cited a recent report by the National Academy of Sciences that found if a storm that severe occurred today, it could cause $1-2 trillion in damages the first year and require four to 10 years for recovery, compared to the $80-125 billion of damage that resulted from Hurricane Katrina<http://www.nap.edu/nap-cgi/report.cgi?record_id=12507&type=pdfxsum>.
The Space Weather Prediction Center is part of the National Weather Service and is one of the nine National Centers for Environmental Prediction. It is the nation's official source of space weather alerts, watches and warnings. SWPC provides real-time monitoring and forecasting of solar and geophysical events that impact satellites, power grids, communications, navigation and many other technological systems.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Shuttle snapped up against sun
Interesting story of the space shuttle captured by an amateur astronomer transiting in front of the Sun. The complete story at http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2431157.ece
*FLASH FLASH FLASH*
From Lars Kalland/SM6NM
The *planned* transmission with the Alexanderson alternator on 17.2 kHz at
Grimeton Radio/SAQ at Tuesday 19 May is *moved to Wednesday 20 May* at the
same times, 07:00 UTC and 07:30 UTC.
The *planned* transmission with the Alexanderson alternator on 17.2 kHz at
Grimeton Radio/SAQ at Tuesday 19 May is *moved to Wednesday 20 May* at the
same times, 07:00 UTC and 07:30 UTC.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Grimeton Radio/SAQ Planned Transmissions - 2009
Courtesy of Lars Kalland SM6NM, via Ary Boender and the UDXF gang (thanks):-There will hopefully be transmissions with the Alexanderson alternator on 17.2 kHz, CW (A1A) at the following dates and times during 2009:
1) Tuesday, May 19 2009 at 07:00 and 07:30 UTC.
There will be a transmission to celebrate the Japanese VLF-station Josami Radio/JND when it will be nominated to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Milestone and also celebrate its start 80 years ago. The radio station is now a museum. No reports required and no QSL-cards are given.
2) Sunday, May 24 2009 at 10:55 UTC.
A transmission will take place to celebrate the First Swedish Coast Radio Station and 100 years of Karlskrona Radio/SAA. The station is still working on military frequencies. No reports required and no QSL-cards are given.
3) Sunday, June 28 at 09:00 and 12:00 UTC.
The annual transmission on "Alexander Day". The station is open to visitors. We are glad to receive reports and will exchange QSL-cards.
4) Saturday, October 24 at 09:00 UTC.
As last year we will transmit on United Nations Day. No reports required and no QSL-cards are given.
5) Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve at 08:00 UTC.
The Christmas transmission as before. The stations is open to visitors. We are glad to receive reports and will exchange QSL-cards.
We will start tuning up some 30 minutes before message. Also read our web site: http://www.alexander.n.se.
QSL-reports are, when indicated, kindly received via:
- E-mail to: info@alexander.n.se
- or fax to: +46-340-674195
- or via: SM bureau
- or direct by mail to: Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner,Radiostationen, Grimeton 72 S-430 16 ROLFSTORP SWEDEN
Yours,
Lars Kalland SM6NM
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Rocket set for launch on Virginia Eastern Shore
A U.S. military satellite designed to detect hidden enemy weapons and quickly inform U.S. troops of their location is set for launch from Virginia's Eastern Shore tomorrow evening from 2000-2300 EDT. The Air Force TacSet-3 satellite and two other payloads is set to blast off on a 69-foot-high Minotaur 1 rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.TacSat-3 features three revolutionary trials: the Raytheon Company-built Advanced Responsive Tactically Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer hyperspectral imager, the Office of Naval Research's Satellite Communications Package, and the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Avionics Experiment. This trio of payloads will offer real-time imagery (within 10 minutes of collection), sea-based information transmitted from ocean buoys and plug-and-play avionics to assist the warfighter in keeping one step ahead of the adversary.
Scientists say the 880-pound satellite atop the $60 million spacecraft will offer hyperspectral images and deliver them in 10 minutes. Officials say it is especially suited to battle conditions in the rugged, mountainous terrain of Afghanistan.
Military officials say it the satellite is successful, it could be ready for actual battlefield use in a year or two.
Two of the Tactical Satellite-3's trio of payloads may be called secondary, but their importance to the success of the spacecraft's year-long mission is primary.
Employing plug-and-play technology, the Space Avionics Experiment will provide backup downlink capability for TacSat-3's main experiment, the Advanced Responsive Tactically-Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer, and the Satellite Communications Package will transmit sea-based and space-generated data to ground stations.
Once launched, it will serve as the inaugural demonstration of plug- and-play avionics operating in the cosmos environment. The AFRL-funded SAE payload features plug-and-play components similar to desktop computer Universal Serial Bus components, which, if required due to a system failure, will perform data transfer to enable downlink of ARTEMIS sensor data, as well as will provide TacSat-3 with global positioning system information.
"The purpose of the technology is to significantly reduce spacecraft development time from years to months to weeks, as well as to lower production costs," said Maurice Martin, responsive systems group lead, the AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate. "Our plan during TacSat-3's flight is to evaluate the Space Avionics Experiment on an occasional basis to ensure the components' reliability in case they are called upon to function in full operational mode."
Managed by the Office of Naval Research, the Satellite Communications Package will collect data from ocean buoys and then TacSat-3's onboard processor will download the details to a ground station. In addition, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command will utilize the SCP experiment's ultra high frequency radio link known as the Army Tactical Data Link.
"USASMDC/ARSTRAT is going to use the Satellite Communications Package payload's ATDL to provide a direct tactical downlink of onboard processed information from the ARTEMIS to the joint force commander. The JFC will have direct access to task the spacecraft as it appears over the horizon, while the satellite is still in view, the requested information will then be transmitted back to the JFC," said Allen Kirkham, Army Space and Missile Defense Command Battle Lab technical lead for the TacSat-3 Joint Military Assessment, Peterson AFB, Colo. "We will coordinate with the TacSat-3 program team to utilize the SCP's ATDL for a few two-week periods during the spacecraft's 12-month mission. We also intend to use the SCP's ATDL during a major exercise to allow us to collect data and perform a Joint Military Utility Assessment of the satellite and sensor's capabilities to support the joint force commander in the field."
As a significant team member in the program, the Space and Missile Systems Center's Space Development and Test Wing, also situated at Kirtland AFB, is providing the Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Minotaur I launch vehicle. The four-stage rocket consists of two structures taken from retired Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles, and another two stages from Orbital's Pegasus booster. In addition, the Dept. of Defense's Operationally Responsive Space office is underwriting the launch and will be heading the Military Utility assessment to determine the operational value of the low-cost satellite and its three payloads. SMC's Space Development and Test Wing will also assist mission operations during TacSat-3's flight in Low Earth Orbit at approximately 425 kilometers (264 miles) altitude.
The downlink frequencies for this spacecraft have not been determined. We believe there will be a UHF military downlink from this satelite. Any reports on the freqs to be used by this bird or any post launch intercepts would be appreciated.
Three cubesats will be launched as secondary payloads on the TacSat-3 mission. The satellites, which contain their own power and data systems, are four-inch cubes that weigh 2.2 pounds each. The cubesats are being provided by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, Calif. and the Hawk Institute for Space Sciences, Pocomoke City, Md.
These three cubesats are named PharmaSat-1, HawkSat-1 and PolySat CP6. The three satellites are placed in a Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD), the standard deployment system for cubesats. The P-POD was developed by the Aerospace Engineering Department at Cal Poly. During the rocket’s ascent, each cubesat will be deployed separately from the P-POD into space.
The PharmaSat experiment, developed by NASA’s Ames Research Center and will measure the influence of microgravity upon yeast resistance to an antifungal agent. PharmaSat focuses on questions key to countermeasure development for long-term space travel and habitation.
PharmaSat-1 will be in a low earth orbit at 40 degrees inclination. This submission is for a beacon on board PharmaSat. The orbit should be nearly circular with an altitude of 390 Km at the start of the mission, degrading to 200km after approx 250 to 300 days, at which time it would de-orbit. There will be a 150mW UHF beacon operating with 1200baud AX25 packet for 1/2 sec every 5 secs. Command and control will use an experimental licence in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The satellite will be a triple cubesat with a mass of approx 4 kg. The co-ordinated downlink frequency is 437.465 MHz. See http://www.inwspace.org/genesatbeacon_fig1.htm for more info.
Hawksat-1 is a demonstrator cubesat mission. Payload consists of multiple COTS and custom products. The co-ordinated downlink frequency is 437.345 MHz. Views can be found at http://www.hawkspace.org/hawksat.htm
The experiment Polysat CP6 will measure plasma fields, using three tape measures that extend out about a meter, charging them up to 400 volts, and looking at the electrons flowing around the spacecraft in the plasma. The co-ordinated downlink frequency is 437.365 MHz (1200 bps AX.25). See http://polysat.calpoly.edu/index.php
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
New Uniden Scanners Announced
Uniden has made the following announcement regarding two new scanners that are perfect for Milcom monitoring.
Today Uniden is announcing two new scanner models: The BCD996XT and BCT15X base / mobile scanners bring the latest improvements to Uniden's core scanner platform to the mobile scanner audience.
Complete details about these scanners will soon be available covered in our main Scanner Manuals site, but here are some of the features added to the new models:
More memory
BCD996XT: 25,000 channels
BCT15X: 9,000 channels
Fully automatic P25 decoding (BCD996XT only)
Enhanced GPS compatibility -- controls the scanning of groups of channels within systems.
More channels per system -- up to 500 channels per trunked system.
Channel Number Tagging -- lets you quickly select a channel for monitoring.
Fire Tone-Out Search -- helps to identify the tones used on fire paging dispatch channels.
Band Scope -- provides a visual representation of activity within a selected frequency range to help quickly identify active frequencies or sources of interference.
Multi-Color Display Backlight (BCD996XT only) -- lets you have the scanner alert you to particular channel activity using specific colors.
NAC Decoding -- lets you lelect specific NAC codes to limit reception to only the desired agency. (BCD996XT only)
Individual Channel Volume Offset -- helps to compensate for agencies that over- or under-modulate consistently.
Priority ID scan for trunked systems -- assigns preference to priority channels when evaluating incoming channel grants.
Preemptive Priority for Motorola Systems -- jumps to a priority channel even if the scanner is on a differerent voice communication on the system (requires compatible system-side priority assignments).
And more...
Availability for both models is expected late Summer, 2009.
In a week or so we'll have all the details for all the new features as well as in-depth instructions posted at Scanner Manuals.
Today Uniden is announcing two new scanner models: The BCD996XT and BCT15X base / mobile scanners bring the latest improvements to Uniden's core scanner platform to the mobile scanner audience.
Complete details about these scanners will soon be available covered in our main Scanner Manuals site, but here are some of the features added to the new models:
More memory
BCD996XT: 25,000 channels
BCT15X: 9,000 channels
Fully automatic P25 decoding (BCD996XT only)
Enhanced GPS compatibility -- controls the scanning of groups of channels within systems.
More channels per system -- up to 500 channels per trunked system.
Channel Number Tagging -- lets you quickly select a channel for monitoring.
Fire Tone-Out Search -- helps to identify the tones used on fire paging dispatch channels.
Band Scope -- provides a visual representation of activity within a selected frequency range to help quickly identify active frequencies or sources of interference.
Multi-Color Display Backlight (BCD996XT only) -- lets you have the scanner alert you to particular channel activity using specific colors.
NAC Decoding -- lets you lelect specific NAC codes to limit reception to only the desired agency. (BCD996XT only)
Individual Channel Volume Offset -- helps to compensate for agencies that over- or under-modulate consistently.
Priority ID scan for trunked systems -- assigns preference to priority channels when evaluating incoming channel grants.
Preemptive Priority for Motorola Systems -- jumps to a priority channel even if the scanner is on a differerent voice communication on the system (requires compatible system-side priority assignments).
And more...
Availability for both models is expected late Summer, 2009.
In a week or so we'll have all the details for all the new features as well as in-depth instructions posted at Scanner Manuals.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
STEREO Reveals the Anatomy of a Solar Storm in 3D
By Donna McKinney, Naval Research Laboratory, Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Observations from NASA's twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft have allowed scientists to reveal for the first time the speed, trajectory, and 3-D shape of solar explosions known as coronal mass ejections, or CMEs.
CMEs are powerful eruptions of plasma and magnetic energy from the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona. When these sudden outbursts are directed toward Earth, they can have both breathtakingly beautiful and potentially damaging effects.
"We can now see a CME from the time it leaves the solar surface until it reaches Earth, and we can reconstruct the event in 3-D directly from the images," said Angelos Vourlidas, a solar physicist at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and project scientist for the NRL-led Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) aboard STEREO.
The NRL team has always been a leader in CME research, beginning with the initial discovery by an NRL-built telescope in 1971 (OSO-7). The CME phenomenon was explored in more detail by another NRL-led experiment (P78-1/Solwind) in the 1980s, resulting in the discovery of the characteristic signature (a halo) of Earth-directed CMEs, as well as the association to interplanetary shocks. Then in 1995, the NRL-led LASCO experiment was launched, with greatly increased sensitivity enabling routine observations of Earth-directed CMEs, firmly establishing the solar origin of space weather events.
"The evolution in imaging capability since the discovery in 1971 to now is just astounding. It took 44 minutes to read out the 256x256 pixel image (worse than most cell phone images), whereas now it takes a few seconds to read out the current 2048x2048 pixel image," said Russ Howard, a solar physicist at NRL and principal investigator of the LASCO and SECCHI experiments.
Until now, CMEs were observed near the sun but the next measurements had to wait until the CME arrived at Earth three to seven days later. STEREO's ability to continuously image a CME from its explosive birth to arrival at Earth is the first time this has been achieved and represents a significant advance. Three-dimensional tracking of an evolving CME is critical to determining its structure and predicting if and how it will affect Earth.
STEREO consists of two nearly identical observatories that make simultaneous observations of CMEs from two different vantage points. One observatory "leads" Earth in its orbit around the sun, while the other observatory "trails" the planet.
"The larger the separation between the spacecraft, the larger the structures we can examine," said Vourlidas.
Using the SECCHI telescopes, solar physicists can examine a CME's structure, velocity, mass, and direction in the corona and track it through interplanetary space. Such measurements can help determine when a CME will reach Earth, at what speed and how much energy it will deliver to Earth's magnetosphere.
CMEs carry billions of tons of plasma into space at thousands of miles per hour. This plasma — which carries some of the magnetic field from the corona with it — can create a large, moving disturbance in space that also produces a shock wave. The shock can accelerate some of the surrounding particles to high energies, a form of "solar cosmic rays" that can be hazardous to spacecraft and astronauts. The shock and CME material, which arrive days later, can produce disruptive space weather during and following their interaction with Earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere.
The seriousness of the effects depends on the size and speed of the CME when it arrives at Earth. These sun storms can interfere with communications between ground controllers and satellites, pilots flying near Earth's poles and astronauts on the International Space Station. Radio noise from the storm can also disrupt cell phone service. Disturbances in the ionosphere related to CMEs can affect Global Positioning System navigation and, in extreme cases, induced currents in long cables and transformers on the ground can cause power outages.
The STEREO mission employs two nearly identical observatories to provide 3-D measurements of the sun to study the nature of coronal mass ejections. STEREO is the third mission in NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probes program.
Story at
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44798
NASA story at
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stereo/news/solarstorm3D.html
NASA Gives a Go for for Hubble Service Mission
To help you monitor this Space Shuttle mission and other NASA communications you can download our exclusive Monitoring NASA and Space Shuttle Communications document at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/Monitoring%20NASA%20and%20Space%20Communications.pdf.
NASA managers completed a review Thursday of space shuttle Atlantis’ readiness for flight and selected an official launch date for the STS-125 mission to upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. Commander Scott Altman and his six crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 2:01 p.m. EDT (1801 UTC), May 11, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Atlantis’ launch date was announced following Thursday’s Flight Readiness Review. During the meeting, top NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle’s equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight.
Atlantis’ 11-day mission will include five spacewalks to refurbish Hubble with state-of-the-art science instruments. After the astronauts’ visit, the telescope’s capabilities will be expanded and its lifetime extended through at least 2014.
Commander Altman will be joined on the mission by Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel, Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur and Mike Massimino. The spacewalkers are Feustel, Good, Grunsfeld and Massimino. McArthur is the flight engineer and lead for robotic arm operations.
For more information about the STS-125 crew and its mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about the Hubble Space Telescope, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/hubble
NASA managers completed a review Thursday of space shuttle Atlantis’ readiness for flight and selected an official launch date for the STS-125 mission to upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. Commander Scott Altman and his six crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 2:01 p.m. EDT (1801 UTC), May 11, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Atlantis’ launch date was announced following Thursday’s Flight Readiness Review. During the meeting, top NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle’s equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight.
Atlantis’ 11-day mission will include five spacewalks to refurbish Hubble with state-of-the-art science instruments. After the astronauts’ visit, the telescope’s capabilities will be expanded and its lifetime extended through at least 2014.
Commander Altman will be joined on the mission by Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel, Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur and Mike Massimino. The spacewalkers are Feustel, Good, Grunsfeld and Massimino. McArthur is the flight engineer and lead for robotic arm operations.
For more information about the STS-125 crew and its mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For more information about the Hubble Space Telescope, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/hubble
Monday, April 27, 2009
2009 Hurricane Op Plan Available
You can get the official Department of Commerce/NOAA National Hurricane Operations Plan for 2009 at http://www.ofcm.gov/nhop/09/pdf/2009%20NHOP%20entire%20document.pdf
As always, as the season progresses and the need arises, this blog and it's sister blog the Milcom Monitoring Post at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/ will carry the latest frequency information as it relates to each storm. Don't reply on old outdated list and frequencies that are no longer valid, get the best right here at the BTown Monitoring Post.
As always, as the season progresses and the need arises, this blog and it's sister blog the Milcom Monitoring Post at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/ will carry the latest frequency information as it relates to each storm. Don't reply on old outdated list and frequencies that are no longer valid, get the best right here at the BTown Monitoring Post.
It is a prank only -- CA County Opposes Ham Radio
There is a big time rumor circulating on the Internet via email and newsgroups that the San Luis Obispo county supervisors had passed an ordinance banning ham radio.
According to the ARRL newsletter:
"The California county of San Luis Obispo was notified by the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday, April 8 of a rumor on an Internet group site stating that the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance on March 31 which would ban Amateur Radio operators -- commonly known as ham radio operators -- from operating their transmitting stations. The rumor is posted as an alleged news story from a non-existent Los Angeles news publisher. The story alleges that the purpose of this false action by the Board was due to supposed interference caused by ham radio transmitters, among other reasons. The article has an online posting date of April 1, 2009."
I will not reprint the article here on this blog so that it can be further distributed on the net and promoting this myth but the whole story is a myth and has been fabricated by a prankster as an April Fool joke. Literally within 10 seconds of reading the email I received I had Googled the truth. Please do not pass this one around. At best it is spam and I consider such messages like a virus that is passed one computer to another.
The truth can be found at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/AssetFactory.aspx?did=19840 or at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/04/09/10763/.
According to the ARRL newsletter:
"The California county of San Luis Obispo was notified by the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday, April 8 of a rumor on an Internet group site stating that the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance on March 31 which would ban Amateur Radio operators -- commonly known as ham radio operators -- from operating their transmitting stations. The rumor is posted as an alleged news story from a non-existent Los Angeles news publisher. The story alleges that the purpose of this false action by the Board was due to supposed interference caused by ham radio transmitters, among other reasons. The article has an online posting date of April 1, 2009."
I will not reprint the article here on this blog so that it can be further distributed on the net and promoting this myth but the whole story is a myth and has been fabricated by a prankster as an April Fool joke. Literally within 10 seconds of reading the email I received I had Googled the truth. Please do not pass this one around. At best it is spam and I consider such messages like a virus that is passed one computer to another.
The truth can be found at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/AssetFactory.aspx?did=19840 or at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/04/09/10763/.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Capitol radio system could cost $100M
Surprise, surprise. Just another example of how this U.S. government has gone nuts with spending. There are simplier solutions, but then again this is the imperial U.S. government and when you have an endless trough of money to spend . . .
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/capitol-radio-system-could-cost-100m-2009-04-22.html
I love Peter S' comment on this and he hits the nail directly on the head.
"crashes sometimes - has dead spots - can be monitored by store bought scanners after they spend $100M same ole same ole, Note - Capitol PD uses 166 Mhz now - DCPD use UHF TRS - FD uses 800Mhz TRS - maybe if they throw up a couple of BDAs they can use theDCFD TRS for free - hey, I just saved $100M - just give me 10% of it."
How how about you feds ponying up and buying some radios and use the DCPD TRS system. Then you might get some interoperability! In fact, maybe i can get DHS to send over some of their interoperability coloring books to the Capitol Hill PD and then we can all learn to work together.
You bunch of big dummies. Another fleecing of the US taxpayers.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/capitol-radio-system-could-cost-100m-2009-04-22.html
I love Peter S' comment on this and he hits the nail directly on the head.
"crashes sometimes - has dead spots - can be monitored by store bought scanners after they spend $100M same ole same ole, Note - Capitol PD uses 166 Mhz now - DCPD use UHF TRS - FD uses 800Mhz TRS - maybe if they throw up a couple of BDAs they can use theDCFD TRS for free - hey, I just saved $100M - just give me 10% of it."
How how about you feds ponying up and buying some radios and use the DCPD TRS system. Then you might get some interoperability! In fact, maybe i can get DHS to send over some of their interoperability coloring books to the Capitol Hill PD and then we can all learn to work together.
You bunch of big dummies. Another fleecing of the US taxpayers.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tyco Electronics Sells Its Wireless Systems Business to Harris Corporation
Tyco Electronics Ltd. today (April 16) announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Wireless Systems business to Harris Corporation for $675 million in cash, subject to final working capital adjustments. Wireless Systems is a leader in the development of large-scale critical communications systems based on Internet Protocol (IP) technology for customers in the public safety, utility, transit and public service industries. The business generated sales of $461 million in fiscal 2008.
According to Tyco Electronics Chief Executive Officer Tom Lynch, "The sale of the Wireless Systems business will increase our focus on our core connectivity business and substantially completes the streamlining of our portfolio that we began two years ago. Wireless Systems is an ideal fit for Harris, whose size, resources and experience in the communications industry should help position the business for accelerated growth."
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the summer of 2009. Tyco Electronics will report the results of the Wireless Systems business as a discontinued operation beginning with its fiscal third quarter, ending June 26, 2009.
And from Harris:
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems business (formerly known as M/A-COM), an established provider of mission-critical wireless communications systems for law enforcement, fire and rescue, and public service organizations.
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems, a business segment of Tyco Electronics Ltd. (NYSE:TEL; BSX:TEL), was formed in 1999 and grew through the acquisition of ComNet Ericsson in 2001 to create Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems ("Wireless Systems"). Wireless Systems will be combined with the Harris RF Communications business segment, creating a dynamic new organization that will provide end-to-end wireless network solutions to the growing $9 billion global land mobile radio systems market.
"The combination of RF Communications and Wireless Systems creates a powerful supplier in the global land mobile radio systems market," said Howard L. Lance, chairman, president and CEO of Harris. "With an 80-year heritage in providing communications for the public safety market, Wireless Systems has established a large installed customer base, extensive domain knowledge, and well-developed sales channels, which serve the federal, state, and local public safety markets. Wireless Systems provides complete end-to-end infrastructure solutions, including IP-based voice and data networks, which support multiple platforms and provide interoperability among disparate systems. Harris RF Communications offers industry-leading radio technology, including the latest in software-defined multiband radios for interoperability and upgradeability, high-level encryption capable of supporting top secret communications, and digital waveform technology. In addition, Harris brings to the new partnership access to well-established business channels for the Department of Defense, U.S. federal agencies, and international customers."
Under the definitive agreement, Harris will purchase the Wireless Systems assets of Tyco Electronics for $675 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. The goodwill arising on completion of the acquisition will be an allowable tax expense with an estimated net present value of $60 million, resulting in an effective purchase price of $615 million. The transaction excludes the State of New York wireless network contract awarded to Wireless Systems in December 2004. Wireless Systems' revenue for the fiscal year ending September 26, 2008, was $463 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $86 million. The acquisition is expected to be slightly accretive to Harris earnings in fiscal 2010, excluding acquisition-related charges, and a significant contributor to earnings in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012. Morgan Stanley acted as the financial advisor to Harris, while Jones Day provided legal advice.
Wireless Systems is headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, with product development and manufacturing facilities in Lynchburg, Virginia, and has approximately 1,150 employees, including 500 engineers and scientists. Principal end-markets for the business include public safety and public service, federal government, transit and transportation, and utilities. End-to-end solutions include network systems and software solutions; mobile and portable radio equipment; broadband WiMAX products for high speed-data applications; and operations, service and maintenance. The business is a key player in the wireless communications standards process, successfully driving its products to open standards in both U.S. and international markets, including the next-generation digital APCO P25 standard.
Wireless Systems will operate as a business unit under the Harris RF Communications segment, headquartered in Rochester, New York. Chuck Dougherty will continue to serve as president of Wireless Systems and will report to Dana Mehnert, president of RF Communications.
"This acquisition greatly accelerates our entry into the land mobile radio systems market and creates a significant opportunity for growth in both North American and international markets," said Mehnert. "Complementary distribution channels will provide Harris with immediate access to state and local government markets for our new UnityT family of multiband radios and will expand the reach for Wireless Systems infrastructure and single-band radios to the Department of Defense, U.S. federal agencies, and international customers. We look forward to delivering a new level of capability and value and bringing industry-leading customer service and support to this market by leveraging the nationwide Harris IT Services workforce."
"Reliable, secure voice and data communications are essential to first responders and government agencies entrusted with ensuring the public's health and safety," said Dougherty. "We have successfully deployed over 500 systems worldwide. Integrating our products, systems, technologies and market channels with Harris will allow our combined businesses to bridge the interoperability gap and unite public safety responders at all levels of state, local and federal government."
According to Tyco Electronics Chief Executive Officer Tom Lynch, "The sale of the Wireless Systems business will increase our focus on our core connectivity business and substantially completes the streamlining of our portfolio that we began two years ago. Wireless Systems is an ideal fit for Harris, whose size, resources and experience in the communications industry should help position the business for accelerated growth."
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the summer of 2009. Tyco Electronics will report the results of the Wireless Systems business as a discontinued operation beginning with its fiscal third quarter, ending June 26, 2009.
And from Harris:
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems business (formerly known as M/A-COM), an established provider of mission-critical wireless communications systems for law enforcement, fire and rescue, and public service organizations.
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems, a business segment of Tyco Electronics Ltd. (NYSE:TEL; BSX:TEL), was formed in 1999 and grew through the acquisition of ComNet Ericsson in 2001 to create Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems ("Wireless Systems"). Wireless Systems will be combined with the Harris RF Communications business segment, creating a dynamic new organization that will provide end-to-end wireless network solutions to the growing $9 billion global land mobile radio systems market.
"The combination of RF Communications and Wireless Systems creates a powerful supplier in the global land mobile radio systems market," said Howard L. Lance, chairman, president and CEO of Harris. "With an 80-year heritage in providing communications for the public safety market, Wireless Systems has established a large installed customer base, extensive domain knowledge, and well-developed sales channels, which serve the federal, state, and local public safety markets. Wireless Systems provides complete end-to-end infrastructure solutions, including IP-based voice and data networks, which support multiple platforms and provide interoperability among disparate systems. Harris RF Communications offers industry-leading radio technology, including the latest in software-defined multiband radios for interoperability and upgradeability, high-level encryption capable of supporting top secret communications, and digital waveform technology. In addition, Harris brings to the new partnership access to well-established business channels for the Department of Defense, U.S. federal agencies, and international customers."
Under the definitive agreement, Harris will purchase the Wireless Systems assets of Tyco Electronics for $675 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. The goodwill arising on completion of the acquisition will be an allowable tax expense with an estimated net present value of $60 million, resulting in an effective purchase price of $615 million. The transaction excludes the State of New York wireless network contract awarded to Wireless Systems in December 2004. Wireless Systems' revenue for the fiscal year ending September 26, 2008, was $463 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $86 million. The acquisition is expected to be slightly accretive to Harris earnings in fiscal 2010, excluding acquisition-related charges, and a significant contributor to earnings in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012. Morgan Stanley acted as the financial advisor to Harris, while Jones Day provided legal advice.
Wireless Systems is headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, with product development and manufacturing facilities in Lynchburg, Virginia, and has approximately 1,150 employees, including 500 engineers and scientists. Principal end-markets for the business include public safety and public service, federal government, transit and transportation, and utilities. End-to-end solutions include network systems and software solutions; mobile and portable radio equipment; broadband WiMAX products for high speed-data applications; and operations, service and maintenance. The business is a key player in the wireless communications standards process, successfully driving its products to open standards in both U.S. and international markets, including the next-generation digital APCO P25 standard.
Wireless Systems will operate as a business unit under the Harris RF Communications segment, headquartered in Rochester, New York. Chuck Dougherty will continue to serve as president of Wireless Systems and will report to Dana Mehnert, president of RF Communications.
"This acquisition greatly accelerates our entry into the land mobile radio systems market and creates a significant opportunity for growth in both North American and international markets," said Mehnert. "Complementary distribution channels will provide Harris with immediate access to state and local government markets for our new UnityT family of multiband radios and will expand the reach for Wireless Systems infrastructure and single-band radios to the Department of Defense, U.S. federal agencies, and international customers. We look forward to delivering a new level of capability and value and bringing industry-leading customer service and support to this market by leveraging the nationwide Harris IT Services workforce."
"Reliable, secure voice and data communications are essential to first responders and government agencies entrusted with ensuring the public's health and safety," said Dougherty. "We have successfully deployed over 500 systems worldwide. Integrating our products, systems, technologies and market channels with Harris will allow our combined businesses to bridge the interoperability gap and unite public safety responders at all levels of state, local and federal government."
Thursday, April 09, 2009
NDB Decommissioned
For my NDB monitoring friends:
CWI - MHW NDB Clinton IA on 377 kHz has been decommissioned as of 4/1/2009.
BPW - MHW NDB Osceola AR on 239 kHz has been decommissioned as of 4/3/2009.
CWI - MHW NDB Clinton IA on 377 kHz has been decommissioned as of 4/1/2009.
BPW - MHW NDB Osceola AR on 239 kHz has been decommissioned as of 4/3/2009.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
CONUS ARINC VHF Radio Network
I have had several request by monitors regarding the frequencies used by the ARINC VHF Radio Network. So the map below which you can download has all the freqs used nationwide. I always have the freqs in my area programmed in my scanner and have some very interesting comms from time to time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)