Iran has launched a satellite - Rasad 1

Accoding to Bob Christy, Iran has launched a micro satellite - Rasad 1 - on 15 Jun at 0920 UTC. Details on Bob's excellent website at http://www.zarya.info/Calendar.php

Ynetnews.com made the announcement of the launch on Iran's Arabic language al-Alam television on Wednesday. In February 2009, Iran launched its first domestically-built satellite, OMID.

The United States and its allies fear Iran is seeking to build nuclear bombs and are concerned that the long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit can also be used to launch warheads.

The Rasad 1 (Observation) satellite will be used for transmitting images and weather forecasts, TV reported.

Oh No, Say It Isn't So!

Scientists predict rare 'hibernation' of sunspots

WASHINGTON (AFP) – For years, scientists have been predicting the Sun would by around 2012 move into solar maximum, a period of intense flares and sunspot activity, but lately a curious calm has suggested quite the opposite.

According to three studies released in the United States on Tuesday, experts believe the familiar sunspot cycle may be shutting down and heading toward a pattern of inactivity unseen since the 17th century.

The signs include a missing jet stream, fading spots, and slower activity near the poles, said experts from the National Solar Observatory and Air Force Research Laboratory.

"This is highly unusual and unexpected," said Frank Hill, associate director of the NSO's Solar Synoptic Network, as the findings of the three studies were presented at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Solar Physics Division in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

"But the fact that three completely different views of the Sun point in the same direction is a powerful indicator that the sunspot cycle may be going into hibernation."

Solar activity tends to rise and fall every 11 years or so. The solar maximum and solar minimum each mark about half the interval of the magnetic pole reversal on the Sun, which happens every 22 years.

Hill said the current cycle, number 24, "may be the last normal one for some time and the next one, cycle 25, may not happen for some time.

"This is important because the solar cycle causes space weather which affects modern technology and may contribute to climate change," he told reporters.

Experts are now probing whether this period of inactivity could be a second Maunder Minimum, which was a 70-year period when hardly any sunspots were observed between 1645-1715, a period known as the "Little Ice Age."

"If we are right, this could be the last solar maximum we'll see for a few decades. That would affect everything from space exploration to Earth's climate," said Hill.

Solar flares and eruptions can send highly charged particles hurtling toward Earth and interfere with satellite communications, GPS systems and even airline controls.

Geomagnetic forces have been known to occasionally garble the world's modern gadgetry, and warnings were issued as recently as last week when a moderate solar flare sent a coronal mass ejection in the Earth's direction.

The temperature change associated with any reduction in sunspot activity would likely be minimal and may not be enough to offset the impact of greenhouse gases on global warming, according to scientists who have published recent papers on the topic.

"Recent solar 11-year cycles are associated empirically with changes in global surface temperature of 0.1 Celsius," said Judith Lean, a solar physicist with the US Naval Research Laboratory.

If the cycle were to stop or slow down, the small fluctuation in temperature would do the same, eliminating the slightly cooler effect of a solar minimum compared to the warmer solar maximum. The phenomenon was witnessed during the descending phase of the last solar cycle.

This "cancelled part of the greenhouse gas warming of the period 2000-2008, causing the net global surface temperature to remain approximately flat -- and leading to the big debate of why the Earth hadn't (been) warming in the past decade," Lean, who was not involved in the three studies presented, said in an email to AFP.

A study in the March 2010 issue of Geophysical Research Letters explored what effect an extended solar minimum might have, and found no more than a 0.3 Celsius dip by 2100 compared to normal solar fluctuations.

"A new Maunder-type solar activity minimum cannot offset the global warming caused by human greenhouse gas emissions," wrote authors Georg Feulner and Stefan Rahmstorf, noting that forecasts by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have found a range of 3.7 Celsius to 4.5 Celsius rise by this century's end compared to the latter half of the 20th century.

"Moreover, any offset of global warming due to a grand minimum of solar activity would be merely a temporary effect, since the distinct solar minima during the last millennium typically lasted for only several decades or a century at most."

CBP Set to Deploy a New Aircraft

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today its new King Air 350, twin engine Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA), providing the Department of Homeland Security unmatched capabilities to patrol the skies along the nation’s land and maritime borders.

Designed to be a truly multi-role aircraft, the MEA is equipped with a sophisticated array of active and passive sensors, technical collection equipment, and satellite communications capabilities that can be deployed for ground interdiction operations, air-to-air intercept operations, and medium-range maritime patrols.

The aircraft is operated by a crew of four, including two highly trained sensor operators who employ the mission equipment and coordinate the information flow to the ground. It can cruise at 270 knots with a maximum ceiling of 35 thousand feet, and can be easily reconfigured to carry special mission teams or a modest amount of cargo.

The first MEA will deploy to the southwest border in mid-June 2011 to undergo initial test and evaluation and to conduct missions aimed at enhancing ground tactics and enforcement coordination.

The CBP design incorporates a wide area marine search radar with air search capability and a ground moving target indicator. The nose of the aircraft was extended to provide a wide field of view for its high-resolution, electro-optical/infrared sensor (day/night camera). The aircraft can send targeting information through Ku-Band satellite communications, and it employs the latest data processing software capable of handling hundreds of targets simultaneously.

The CBP MEA was acquired by the Office of Air and Marine as a component of its decade-long aircraft recapitalization program, and was purchased to replace three types of aged, less capable and unsupportable twin engine patrol aircraft that were originally obtained through loans from the DoD. It is considered an “operator’s aircraft” in that CBP’s Air and Marine pilots and sensor operators actively participated in every aspect of the acquisition.

CBP holds a contract for 30 MEAs with Sierra Nevada Corp., with a requirement for up to 50 of the aircraft. The basic aircraft is built by Hawker Beechcraft Corp and sent to the Sierra Nevada factory in Hagerstown, M.D., where it is modified and all of the missions systems are installed and integrated.

The MEA is capable of flying six-hour missions over the land or maritime borders, and can also be deployed to “hot spots” where multi-sensor patrols assist both ground and marine agents in apprehending smugglers and potential terrorists. The MEA will be a highly effective addition to CBP in the Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Pacific, Great Lakes region, and other coastal approaches to the country.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

First National EAS Test to be Conducted in November

Rear Admiral James Barnett, Jr., Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC, announced that the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) Test will take place November 9, 2011, at 2pm ET. The announcement was made during a regularly scheduled FCC Meeting on June 9.

"With the date of the National EAS Test now set, broadcast stations will now be able to make their plans to participate. SBE will continue to provide information to our members to assist in their preparation," said SBE President, Vinny Lopez, CEV, CBNT.

The duration may last up to three-and-a-half minutes. The alert enables the president to break into regular broadcasts and address the American public during emergencies.

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will include broadcast radio and TV stations, cable networks, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across the US, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. The nation and its territories are divided into 550 EAS areas.

On November 9 those carriers will transmit the message audio message: "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. All will be required to participate. The test is intended to identify and work the bugs out of the system.

"A national test of our Emergency Alert System, with the vital communications support and involvement of participants, is a step towards ensuring that the alert and warning community is prepared to deliver critical information that can help save lives and protect property," said Damon Penn, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of National Continuity Programs. "Because there has never been an activation of the Emergency Alert System on a national level, FEMA views this test as an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system. It is important to remember that this is not a pass or fail test, but a chance to establish a baseline for making incremental improvements to the Emergency Alert
System with ongoing and future testing. It is also important to remember that the Emergency Alert System is one of many tools in our communications toolbox, and we will continue to work on additional channels that can be a lifeline of information for people during an emergency."

A limited-area test was done in Alaska in January of 2010, with 104 radio stations and 26 TV stations participating. There were points of failure involving audio levels and improperly functioning encoders and decoders. That the hardware is not configured to a single standard complicates matters.

EAS participants are also under the September deadline to implement the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) data format that will standardize the alerts issued by various federal agencies. The protocol is said to be much more complex than regular EAS transmission, and the FCC may extend that deadline. After the first test in November, weekly or monthly tests are likely to become routine, according to the FCC.

Halifax Nova Scotia high frequency weather and fax broadcast cease

Guess I somehow missed this announcement, but according to John Snyder on the Ocean Navigator Online website the Canadian Forces Metoc (Meteorology and Oceanography) Halifax ceased high frequency weather and fax broadcasts on Sept. 2, 2010. According to Senior Staff Officer Lt. Darryl Williams, “Canadian naval vessels are no longer using it because they receive weather information by other means. There are no plans to re-instate the HF weather and fax broadcast unless required for urgent military operational needs. The Canadian Coast Guard publication Radio Aids to Marine Navigation has been updated to reflect the status of the Canadian Forces Fleet Weather Broadcast.”

So the following frequencies CFH frequencies should no longer be active:

CALL SIGN FREQUENCIES TIMES EMISSION POWER
122.5 kHz ALL BROADCAST TIMES F3C 10 KW
4271 kHz ALL BROADCAST TIMES F3C 6 KW
6496.4 kHz ALL BROADCAST TIMES F3C 6 KW
10536 kHz ALL BROADCAST TIMES F3C 6 KW
13510 kHz ALL BROADCAST TIMES F3C 6 KW

Russian XPA2 Numbers Station transmitting from Cuba

Monitor "4D" is reporting on the UDXF/Spooks newsgroups that he monitored a Russian XPA2 numbers transmission on 13380 kHz from CUBA!!! He has posted a recording at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpwELd4ovDs. Prior to the XPA2 transmission Radio Havana Cuba (RHC) was noted on that frequency confirming the XPA2 transmission Cuban origin.

You can hear another sample of the station audio on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7YPBQ39dkg

"XPA" and "XPA2" are ENIGMA-2000 designations for polytonic tranismissions, reportedly originating from Russian Intelligence and Foreign Ministry stations. Recently the system was also described as "MFSK-20."

Additional reports on this station:

11587 XPA2 Tue 05242011 2214 USB
11036 XPA2 Tue 05242011 2222 USB From Cuba

Solar Cycle 24 sunspots are picking up steam

Courtesy of Space Weather.com

Radio emissions like these are caused by plasma instabilities in the sun's atmosphere above sunspots. With the sun becoming 'radio-active,' it's no coincidence that sunspots are emerging in abundance. Leading the way is behemoth active region AR1176, shown here in a photo taken yesterday by Larry Alvarez of Flower Mound, Texas:



AR1176, the multi-cored ensemble at the bottom of the image, is dragging a pair of long magnetic filaments behind as it cuts aross the solar disk. Two more sunspots are visible in the active region's wake. The entire starscape spans more than 500,000 km from top to bottom--truly impressive. "I call this picture Solar Rip," says Alvarez, "because it looks like a rip in the stellar surface."

Almost Operational from WNC

I have almost got my Kinetic Avionics Mode-S box operational here on the Milcom Radio Ranch. This is a fascinating Milcom monitoring tool that a serious radio listener should look at to supplement and enhance their monitor efforts. I hope to complete all my ground work on my system this weekend. The final antenna work will be done as my schedule and weather allow.

I had a fairly quiet Milcom day yesterday on the box. Here is the list of the military Mode-S aircraft I picked up with my current limited antenna capability.

Hex Code Serial Callsign Date/Time Aircraft Type Service Unit
AE0589 87-0044 --- 2011-03-17 19:14 C-5B United States USAF 60AMW/22AS [KSUU]

AE01BC 84-0130 JOSA903 2011-03-17 19:09 C-21A United States USAF 375AW/311AS [KCOS]

AE1488 86-0416 PEACH61 2011-03-17 19:08 TE-8a United States 330thCTS

AE01BC 84-0130 JOSA903 2011-03-17 18:57 C-21A United States USAF 375AW/311AS [KCOS]

AE10D3 165517 --- 2011-03-17 17:22 T-39G United States USN TW-6/VT-86 [KNPA]

ADFC9D 92-0348 --- 2011-03-17 16:21 T-1A United States USAF 479FTG/451FTS [KNPA]

AE03F8 84-0154 --- 2011-03-17 16:02 C-12U United States Det38

ADFE4D 94-0321 R40321 2011-03-17 15:16 C-12R United States USARC 6-52 AVN (TA)

ADFD02 95-0054 --- 2011-03-17 15:00 T-1A United States 48thFTS

AE10D2 165516 --- 2011-03-17 14:46 T-39G United States USN TW-6/VT-86 [KNPA]

AE0154 63-8045 RCH3045 2011-03-17 13:48 KC-135R United States USAF 6AMW/927ARW

There was more stuff earlier in the day, including several Peach E-8 aircraft and USAF tankers, but I had not set things up to fully capture what was actually seen. Many of the aircraft above were not heard on the scanner, but they were seen on the Mode-S box.

What I haven't listed here are the hundreds of civilian airline. bizjets and government Mode-S equipped aircraft. Those listings would go on and on for pages and I won't post them up here. Like I said if you are an aviation monitoring enthusiast, a Mode-S box or a Pinkfroot app should be on your bucketlist.

If you want to track ADS-B equipped aircraft or AIS ships if your near a waterway or the coast. checkout the Pinkfroot Plane Finder and Ship Finder apps for real time tracking on the iPhone, iPod, iPod and now the Android platform as well. Their website is at http://my.pinkfroot.com/.

Pinkfroot also just released a new on-line live air traffic radar map at planefinder.net and a super fast ship map at shipfinder.co. These both provide the same amazing ADS-B and AIS virtual radar information straight to your PC or Mac.

If you are interested in monitoring Mode-S transmissions and are looking for some quality equipment, take a look at the Kinetic Avionics website at http://www.kinetic-avionics.com/.

Japanese Amateur Radio Earthquake Related Frequency

From Atsu, JE1TRV, A1 Club Secretary

We as an amateur radio operator are gathering and exchanging emergency information on the following frequencies.

Please kindly keep clean these freqs clear

3525 kHz +/-5 kHz　

7030 kHz +/-5 kHz　

14100 kHz +/-10 kHz

21200 kHz +/-10 kHz

28200 kHz +/-10 kHz

50.100 51.000 and 51.500 MHz

144.100 145.000 and 145.500 MHz

430.100 433.000 and 433.500 MHz

Japanese Quake HF Comm Freqs

Based on our monitoring ans some additional field reports via twitter and our monitoring team, here is the latest list of HF freqs associated with the earthquake off of the northeast Honshu coast.

Air Self-Defense Force patrol boat and rescue aircraft for Coast Guard (USB)
2130.0 2245.0 2325.0 kHz

SDF CG Search and Rescue (USB)
3151.0 kHz

J SDF Aviation administration emergency frequency (USB)
2770.5 5545.5 10335.5 kHz

J SDF/JMSDF Air Traffic Control Squadron 1 HF Net - Aircraft posit reporting/weather using YL operators (USB)
6727.0 6742.0 6751.0 8977.0 9022.0 11184.0 kHz

J SDF/US Military Search and Rescue Coordination frequency (USB)
4520.0 kHz

Search and Rescue Aircraft/ground liaison (USB)
2182.0 2618.0 2670.0 2820.0 5673.0 5680.0 5690.0 kHz

Japanese Navy XSL Slot machine (MPSK)
3058.0 3075.0 4152.5 4153.0 4231.5 4280.5 4294.5 5643.0 6249.5 6417.0
6418.9 6445.1 6446.0 6500.0 6645.0 6693.0 6738.0 8312.5 8587.5 8704.0 khz

Will update this list and roll up it up to the top of the blog as new information warrants. Will also update our twitter feed @MilcomMP

E10 Mossad HF Numbers Stations - SK!

Our good friend Ary Boender is reporting on the UDXF newsgroup that after about 45 years, the well known Israeli Mossad numbers (Enigma E10) transmissions have disappeared from the HF spectrum. The stations have been silent since March 1st. Callsigns include YHF, CIO, VLB, etc.

According to the March 2011 E2K newsletter the night of Feb 28-Mar 1 was the last time a E10 transmission was logged. Despite intensive monitoring of all the current and previous known frequencies since, nothing has been heard.

So where has this activity moved to? Satellite? Landlines? Has the E10 transmissions gone digital? Is the E2K editorial staff theory that the extra traffic that has been observed over in Europe on the HEW ALE network related? There just is no way to know at this time.

But I can say that this is truly an end of an era. I still remember all the legwork that Havana Moon and others did many years ago to confirm the locations of these transmissions and the originating agency - the Israel Mossad.

E10 transmissions SK!

Researchers Crack the Mystery of the Missing Sunspots

Maybe we finally have some answers to the prolonged Solar Cycle 23 minimum. Below is from the NASA Science website relased this afternoon.

When solar activity recently plunged into a century-class minimum, many experts were puzzled. Now a group of researchers say they have cracked the mystery of the missing sunspots. Read the full story at http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/02mar_spotlesssun/

Libyian GMMRA Net Active

Granted this isn't the Libyian military, but it is an active network transmitting from Libya right now. More on this at http://www.gmmra.org/en/.

Libyian Great Manmade River Authority (GMMRA) HF ALE Network.

4200.0 HQ3
5037.0 HQ3 GHADAMES
5047.0 OBARI MOBILE7
5300.0 HQ3
5368.0 HQ4 OBARI
5768.0 OBARI
6884.0 HQ3 GHADAMES
7000.0 HQ3
8161.0 GHAT MOBILE7
8200.0 HQ1 MOBILE8 MOBILE11 MOBILE16 MOBILE20 MOBILE25
8800.0 HQ3 GHADAMES
9218.0 GHAT HQ4 MOBILE4 OBARI
9250.0 GHAT MOBILE7
9375.0 MOBILE8 MOBILE16
10125.0 HQ1 MOBILE8 MOBILE13 MOBILE16 MOBILE20 MOBILE25
10375.0 HQ3 GHADAMES
10404.0 HQ1 MOBILE13 TUBRUK
11100.0 ALQATRUN & HQ4

Other previously reported frequencies: 3000.0 3900.0 4050.0 6800.0 7805.0 7900.0 10215.0 10250.0

According to Leif Dehio on UDXF:

"HQ1"-"HQ4" are all located in Tripoli. The network is simply divided into 4 different zones/subnets. Depending on the subnet, the stations communicate with either "HQ1", "HQ2", "HQ3" or "HQ4". GMMRA Benghazi uses the call "BENGHAZI" and communicates with "HQ1"."

Ice Team Freqs Used in Greenland

Thanks to Trond Jacobsen and the UDXF group, I have posted the following freqs used in Greenland found in this pdf doc link. Thanks Trond for the link to an interesting frequency list.

NEEM Field Season 2008 Communication Plan

The major part of the communication is performed using BGAN and Iridium satellite communication. However, most flight related communication is performed on the radio.

Site Names: CPS Sonde, Summit radio, NEEM camp, GOC Sonde.

Frequencies:
Primary 8093 kHz Ice freq. For camp to FOM communication
Secondary 4753 kHz Ice freq, Best for distances up to 400 km.

3815 kHz Optional frequency for local traverse, 3350 may also be used depending on distance and antenna
4050 khz Main east Greenland party line frequency.
5942 khz Ice freq, backup, intermediate distances
7995 khz Ice freq, digital comms.
11217 kHz Ground Air back up frequency
All frequencies All frequencies use SSB, USB

VHF radio.
Camp communication with aircraft is performed on air band 122.800 MHz FM.

Schedule:

GOC Sonde will monitor 8093 on a routine basis. Main Sonde‐Camp contact time is at 18:45 SFJ hours, but depends on CPS Polarfield Services use of the frequency and the camp activities.

If aircrafts are expected, weather reporting starts 2 hours prior to estimated take off time on a 30 min basis unless otherwise arranged. Reporting primarily on radio with Iridium or BGAN as backup unless agreed otherwise.

Summary of frequencies used in Greenland

Maritime:
1638 Most likely outdated
2090
2182 Call

GGU: 2784
3350 Main
3815
4050 Main East Greenland frequency

Aircrafts:
2950 SFJ FIC
4724 Thule Airways
5526 SFJ FIC
6739 Main Aircraft frequency
8945 SFJ FIC
8968 Thule Airways
10042 SFJ FIC

Thule DLO 6756 Danish Liason Officer

Misc.
8891 Iceland Radio
8924 Iceland Radio, Phone patch
10030 Iceland Radio, Phone patch
11270 Iceland Radio

VHF radio.
118.1 CNP AFIS
118.3 SFJ Approach
121.3 SFJ FIC
121.5 Call, Emergency
122.8 Air to ground
126.2 SFJ Tower

Marine Globe Radio Frequency List

Jim (MPJ) in the UK was gracious enought this morning to share his great marine Globe Radio frequency list with the list members. Thanks for sharing with us all Jim.

Frequencies suffixed 's' are ship frequencies

Stn Freq List of Stations
--- -------- ----------------
SAB........03159.5s
SAB........03264.4 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
8PO........04084.4s 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
LSD836.....04111.4s 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
WNU........04114.4s 57 Unid
9MG........04138.4s 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
WNU........04144.4s 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
ZSC........04156.5s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
SAB........04166.5s 5F A9M-Bahrain
KFS........04183 s 63 9HD-Malta
WNU........04185.8s 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
HLF........04188.5s C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
SAB........04188.5s C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
A9M........04191.5s C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
LFI........04194.5s CC* HEC-Berne
WNU........04200.5s CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
WNU........04225 CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
A9M........04256 D2 ZSC-Capetown
SAB........04259 D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
LFI........04262 D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
HLF........04273.5 D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
ZSC........04274 DB KHF-Guam
KFS........04295.4 DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
WNU........04336.4 DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
SAB........04347 DE SAB-G"teborg S
8PO........04376.4 E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
LSD836.....04403.4 * ID is shared.
WNU........04406.4
9MG........04430.4 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
WNU........04436.4 GLOBEDATA
KPH........04445 s
KPH........04459
VCT........04566.4
WNU........04845 s
WNU........04848 s
WNU........05077.5
WNU........05121.5
WNU........05245.9s
VCT........05289.4s
SAB........05295 s
SAB........05315
WNU........05367
SAB........05388 s
LFI........05421 s
SAB........05433
LFI........05768
9HD........05837.5s
ZSC........05873 s
8PO........05912 s
LSD836.....06201.4s
KEM........06210.4s
VCT........06222.4s
SAB........06235.5s
XSV........06235.5s
SAB........06244.5s
ZLA........06244.5s
KEJ........06247.5s
LFI........06250.5s
KFS........06253.5s
WNU........06256.5s
VJS........06265 s
KHF........06279 s
WNU........06281 s





VJS........06281.5s
VIE........06286.5s 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
KFS........06286.5s 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
KPH........06289.5s 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
HEC........06289.5s 57 Unid
9MG........06292.5s 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
A9M........06292.5s 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
VCS........06295.5s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
WNU........06297 s 5F A9M-Bahrain
HLF........06298.5s 63 9HD-Malta
VJS........06316.5 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
WNU........06327 C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
VJS........06327.5 C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
WNU........06334 C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
XSQ........06340 CC* HEC-Berne
HLF........06344 CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
SAB........06352 CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
9MG........06355.5 D2 ZSC-Capetown
KPH........06360 D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
KFS........06368.5 D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
KHF........06374 D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
8PO........06379.5 DB KHF-Guam
9HD........06396 DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
ZSC........06399 DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
VCS........06427 DE SAB-G"teborg S
A9M........06430 E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
WNU........06431.4 * ID is shared.
KFS........06436.4
KEJ........06439.4 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
ZLA........06456 GLOBEDATA
VIE........06464
LFI........06467
SAB........06478
XSV........06484.5
HEC........06493.5
LSD836.....06502.4
KEM........06511.4
VCT........06523.4
KHF........07321 s
WNU........07718 s
KHF........07723
WNU........07753
WNU........07793.3
WNU........07827 s
8PO........07967 s
ZSC........08017.5s
9MG........08196.4s
KEM........08235.4s
KPH........08238.4s
KHF........08298.4s
A9M........08302.5s
SAB........08305.5s
9HD........08308.5s
LSD836.....08311.5s
9HD........08314.5s
LFI........08317.5s
KFS........08320.5s
KFS........08323.5s
SAB........08325 s
KPH........08326.5s
WNU........08329.5s
VCT........08332.5s
9MG........08332.5s
LSD836.....08335.5s





KEJ........08338.5s
KPH........08343 s 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
XSV........08346 s 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
HEC........08346 s 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
LFI........08349 s 57 Unid
VIE........08352 s 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
SAB........08352 s 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
9MG........08355 s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
VCS........08358 s 5F A9M-Bahrain
VCT........08361 s 63 9HD-Malta
KPH........08370 s 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
HLF........08371.5s C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
HLF........08374.5s C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
VJS........08388.5s C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
VJS........08428.5 CC* HEC-Berne
ZSC........08446 CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
KPH........08453 CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
KHF........08456 D2 ZSC-Capetown
LSD836.....08459 D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
8PO........08468 D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
HLF........08473 D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
9HD........08474 DB KHF-Guam
SAB........08489 DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
9MG........08492 DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
HLF........08497 DE SAB-G"teborg S
9HD........08517 E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
KFS........08526.4 * ID is shared.
A9M........08541
SAB........08591 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
LSD836.....08594 GLOBEDATA
HEC........08597
SAB........08602
KPH........08606
KFS........08609
VCT........08615
XSV........08617
KPH........08618
ZLA........08643 s
KEJ........08663.4
ZLA........08668
WNU........08672.4
VCS........08675.5
LFI........08683.5
9MG........08690.5
VCT........08690.5
VIE........08699.5
LFI........08705.5
9MG........08720.4
KEM........08759.4
KPH........08762.4
HEC........09064 s
HEC........09157
KHF........10156 s
KPH........10162 s
VCT........10166.4
KFS........10183 s
KHF........10186
KPH........10203
SAB........10213 s
HEC........10238.5s
VCT........10253.4s
VIE........10319.5s
SAB........10330 s




HEC........10341
KFS........10349 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
SAB........10360 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
LFI........10415 s 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
VIE........10455.5 57 Unid
SAB........10746 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
LFI........11145 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
LSD836.....12276.4s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
9MG........12306.4s 5F A9M-Bahrain
KPH........12312.4s 63 9HD-Malta
VCT........12315.4s 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
KEM........12330.4s C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
CPK........12336.4s C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
CPK........12342.4s C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
9HD........12370.5s CC* HEC-Berne
8PO........12372.5s CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
9HD........12373.5s CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
8PO........12376.5s D2 ZSC-Capetown
LSD836.....12379.5s D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
KFS........12382.5s D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
SAB........12388.5s D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
WNU........12391.5s DB KHF-Guam
WNU........12394.5s DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
SAB........12397.5s DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
KFS........12400.5s DE SAB-G"teborg S
A9M........12403.5s E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
KPH........12409.5s * ID is shared.
VIE........12412.5s
WNU........12415.5s Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
KEJ........12418.5s GLOBEDATA
9HD........12418.5s
KHF........12421 s
KFS........12424 s
KPH........12427 s
ZLA........12430 s
HEC........12430 s
XSV........12433 s
LFI........12436 s
9MG........12439 s
LSD836.....12445 s
VIE........12448 s
VIE........12451 s
LFI........12454 s
A9M........12457 s
KFS........12460 s
VCS........12463 s
VIE........12466 s
HLF........12469 s
HLF........12472 s
KFS........12475 s
9MG........12481 s
VJS........12494 s
VJS........12501.5s
WNU........12511 s
SAB........12514.5s
WNU........12522.5s
VJS........12524 s
VJS........12527 s
KEM........12530 s
SAB........12539 s
ZSC........12542 s
A9M........12545 s
KHF........12551 s





KFS........12553 s
VIE........12558 s 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
9MG........12583.5 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
VJS........12596.5 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
VJS........12604 57 Unid
WNU........12612.5 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
SAB........12617 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
WNU........12624.5 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
VJS........12626 5F A9M-Bahrain
VJS........12629 63 9HD-Malta
KEM........12632 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
SAB........12641 C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
ZSC........12644 C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
A9M........12647 C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
VIE........12655 CC* HEC-Berne
LFI........12660 CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
KEJ........12664.5 CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
A9M........12673.5 D2 ZSC-Capetown
LFI........12678 D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
8PO........12680.4 D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
8PO........12683.4 D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
KHF........12691.5 DB KHF-Guam
A9M........12698 s DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
Unid.......12698.5 DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
A9M........12709 DE SAB-G"teborg S
HLF........12712 E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
9HD........12721 * ID is shared.
HLF........12727
9HD........12732 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
LSD836.....12736 GLOBEDATA
ZLA........12740
A9M........12756.5
LSD836.....12779
KHF........12814.5
SAB........12818
XSV........12822
9MG........12831
SAB........12851
9HD........12892.5
WNU........12963.5
WNU........12966.5
HEC........13002
KPH........13014
KPH........13017
WNU........13027.5
VCS........13033.5
KFS........13036.5
KFS........13039.5
VIE........13045.5
VIE........13053.5
KFS........13056.4
KFS........13059.4
VIE........13063.5
VIE........13066.5
XSQ........13069.4
KFS........13072.4
A9M........13119
LSD836.....13123.4
9MG........13153.4
Unid.......13158.6 ??
KPH........13159.4
Unid (57)..13162.3
VCS........13162.4 ]
XSQ........13162.4 ]Shared
CPK........13168.4 Probably CPK
KEM........13177.4
CPK........13183.4
CPK........13189.4
VCT........13488 s





VCT........13520 s
VCT........13543 s 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
VCT........13567 s 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
VCT........13914 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
VCT........13940 57 Unid
VCT........13946 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
VCT........13983 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
ZSC........14370 s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
VCT........14658 s 5F A9M-Bahrain
VCT........14666 s 63 9HD-Malta
ZSC........14728 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
VCT........14945 C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
VCT........14948 C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
LSD836.....16367.4s C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
9MG........16391.4s CC* HEC-Berne
KEM........16406.4s CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
KPH........16490.4s CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
WNU........16493.4s D2 ZSC-Capetown
KFS........16496.4s D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
CPK........16502.4s D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
CPK........16514.4s D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
VCT........16520.4s DB KHF-Guam
HEC........16526.4s DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
A9M........16557.5s DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
LSD836.....16560.5s DE SAB-G"teborg S
SAB........16568 s E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
LFI........16572.5s * ID is shared.
KFS........16608.5s
9HD........16615.5s Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
9MG........16617 s GLOBEDATA
VCT........16620.5s
VIE........16621.5s
8PO........16624.5s
VCT........16627.5s
VIE........16627.5s
9MG........16630.5s
SAB........16630.5s
KFS........16633.5s
VIE........16636 s
KFS........16639.5s
KHF........16642.5s
KHF........16645.5s
9HD........16648.5s
ZLA........16651.5s
8PO........16654.5s
9MG........16660.5s
VIE........16663.5s
WNU........16666.5s
VIE........16669.5s
VCS........16672.5s
XSV........16675.5s
HLF........16678.5s
9MG........16692 s
KFS........16697 s
VJS........16701.5s
VJS........16705.5s
SAB........16731.5s
KEJ........16734.5s
SAB........16750 s
VJS........16753 s
VJS........16759 s
ZSC........16777 s
ZSC........16783 s





9MG........16815.5
KFS........16820 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
VJS........16824.5 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
VJS........16827.5 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
SAB........16854.5 57 Unid
SAB........16868 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
VJS........16871 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
VJS........16877 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
ZSC........16895 5F A9M-Bahrain
ZSC........16901 63 9HD-Malta
KHF........16906 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
KHF........16909 C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
VCT........16912 C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
KEJ........16923 C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
LFI........16926 CC* HEC-Berne
9HD........16939 CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
WNU........16942 CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
9HD........16945 D2 ZSC-Capetown
9MG........16947.6 D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
LSD836.....16976 D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
SAB........17024 D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
9MG........17045.6 DB KHF-Guam
A9M........17066.5 DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
HLF........17079 DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
XSV........17132 DE SAB-G"teborg S
8PO........17155.4 E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
8PO........17158.4 * ID is shared.
ZLA........17170.4
KFS........17186 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
KFS........17189 GLOBEDATA
SAB........17198
VIE........17205
KFS........17211.4
VIE........17214
VIE........17217
VIE........17220
9MG........17225.5
VCS........17234.5
VCT........17237.5
VIE........17240.5
LSD836.....17249.4
9MG........17273.4
KEM........17288.4
Unid.......17291.4
KPH........17372.4
WNU........17375.4
KFS........17378.4
CPK........17384.4
CPK........17396.4
VCT........17402.4
HEC........17408.4
ZSC........18169.5s
KHF........18193 s
WNU........18203.5s
KHF........18211.5
WNU........18224
VCT........18233 s
VCT........18244.5s
9HD........18312 s
ZSC........18318
9HD........18591
VCT........18602
VCT........18614





CPK........18787.4s
CPK........18808.4s 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
VCT........18811.4s 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
CPK........18814.4s 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
9MG........18814.4s 57 Unid
HLF........18823.4s 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
VCT........18823.4s 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
SAB........18847.5s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
LSD836.....18850.5s 5F A9M-Bahrain
A9M........18853.5s 63 9HD-Malta
LSD836.....18856.5s 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
ZLA........18859.5s C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
SAB........18859.5s C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
8PO........18862.5s C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
VIE........18865.5s CC* HEC-Berne
VJS........18868 s CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
8PO........18868.5s CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
VIE........18871.5s D2 ZSC-Capetown
VIE........18874.5s D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
KFS........18877 s D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
ZSC........18879 s D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
ZSC........18882 s DB KHF-Guam
VJS........18885 s DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
KPH........18887.5s DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
A9M........18888 s DE SAB-G"teborg S
VJS........18891 s E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
KHF........18896.5s * ID is shared.
HEC........19299 s
HEC........19655 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
VIE........19682 GLOBEDATA
VIE........19685
KFS........19687.5
ZSC........19689.5
ZSC........19692.5
VJS........19695.5
A9M........19698.5
VJS........19701.5
LSD836.....19706
SAB........19708
VJS........19722
VIE........19724
A9M........19726
KPH........19730.5
KHF........19733.5
ZLA........19736.4
SAB........19736.4
8PO........19741.4
8PO........19744.4
9MG........19751
LSD836.....19754
CPK........19762.4
CPK........19783.4
VCT........19786.4
CPK........19789.4
VCT........19798.4
HLF........19910
9MG........22091.4s
8PO........22187.5s
ZLA........22211.5s
SAB........22211.5s
A9M........22223.5s
9HD........22229.5s
KPH........22241.5s
XSV........22243.5s
VCS........22246.5s
KHF........22250.5s
VIE........22253.5s
VCT........22256.5s
LSD836.....22259.5s
KFS........22262.5s





VCT........22265.5s
VCT........22268.5s 47 HLF-Seoul, KOR
9MG........22271.5s 49 KEM-Nikolski, (Aleuts)
VIE........22274.5s 4E VCS-Halifax, NS, CAN
ZSC........22277.5s 57 Unid
SAB........22280.5s 5D KEJ-Honolulu, HWA
WNU........22293.5s 5E CPK-Santa Cruz, BOL
VJS........22338 s 5E VCT-Tors Cove, NF, CAN
VJS........22344 s 5F A9M-Bahrain
VIE........22350 s 63 9HD-Malta
WNU........22385.5 75 XSQ-Guangzhou PRC
VJS........22430 C3 XSV-Tanjin, PRC
VJS........22436 C9* ZLA-Awanui, NZL
VIE........22442 C9* VIE-Darwin, NT, AUS
A9M........22456 CC* HEC-Berne
8PO........22461.4 CC* 9MG-Penang, MLA
KHF........22464 CC* LFI-Rogaland, NOR
9MG........22465 D2 ZSC-Capetown
SAB........22469.4 D7* VJS-Perth, WA, AUS
ZLA........22469.4 D7* KPH-S.Francisco, CA
9HD........22498.5 D8 WNU-Slidell, LA
SAB........22534.5 DB KHF-Guam
ZSC........22540 DC KFS-S.Francisco, CA
KPH........22554 DD LSD836-Buenos Aires
KFS........22557 DE SAB-G"teborg S
VCS........22590 E3 8PO-Bridgetown, BRB
LSD836.....22600 * ID is shared.
VCT........22660.5
VCT........22679.5 Mode: PACTOR-3/GW-OFDM/
VIE........22682.5 GLOBEDATA
XSV........22688
VIE........22691.5
VCT........22694.5
9MG........22787.4
KHF........25080.4s
ZSC........25129.5s
ZLA........25138.5s
KEJ........25141.5s
8PO........25156.5s
VIE........25166.5s
WNU........25169.5s
A9M........25191 s
A9M........26119
VIE........26124
KEJ........26125.4
ZSC........26132.5
ZLA........26132.8
8PO........26135.4
WNU........26143
KHF........26155.4

Space weather team readies for upcoming solar max

Staff Sgt. Matthew Money monitors the near earth space environment at the 2nd Weather Squadron's space weather operations center located inside the Air Force Weather Agency at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The sun's last solar maximum occurred in 2000 and therefore it is expected to awaken from its current solar minimum and get more and more active this year. Sergeant Money is a forecaster with the 2nd WS space weather flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Plueger)

by Ryan Hansen, 55th Wing Public Affairs

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AFNS) -- Solar max may sound like the name of a super hero, but it's certainly no comic book or 3-D movie.

Solar max is actually the name for the sun's most active period in the solar cycle, consistently producing solar emissions, solar flares and sun spots.

For a little background on the sun's activities, the star goes through roughly 11-year cycles of where it is very active and also relatively calm.

The sun's last solar maximum occurred in 2000 and it is expected to awaken from its current solar minimum and get more active this year.

According to the members of the 2nd Weather Squadron, an active sun can cause all sorts of problems for us.

"Solar weather plays a huge part in the warfighter's mission," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Money, a forecaster with the space weather flight. "Impacts from solar weather can cause radio blackouts, satellite communication failure, satellite orbit changes, satellite surface charging, or short circuits, and radar clutter."

That is why the squadron's worldwide space weather team of roughly 50 active-duty members, civilians and contractors continually analyze, forecast and provide alert notifications for the entire Department of Defense, as well as a slew of other government agencies.

"When space weather causes impacts to earth that meet or exceed warning thresholds our end users are informed within minutes," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lash, space weather flight forecaster.

"We send out warning bulletins through a computerized distribution system, (and) we have other graphical products that show what happened in the past six hours around the globe as well as what we expect to happen in the upcoming six hours," he said.

Members of the 2nd WS rely on five ground-based solar observatories as well as a network of satellites orbiting the earth, to accomplish their mission.

"There aren't too many opportunities to be the Air Force's sole provider of something," said Lt. Col. Jim Jones, 2nd WS commander. "In this case, the mission is unique to the entire DOD."

Solar observatories are strategically placed around the globe in such places as Australia, Hawaii, Italy, Massachusetts and New Mexico. They include both optical and radio telescopes and ensure the squadron always has one eye, or ear, on the sun.

"The optical telescope network monitors solar surface features," said Master Sgt. Shane McIntire, the space weather flight chief. "It automatically tracks the sun and directs light to the instruments, which collect data and are controlled by computers. It scans specific regions at a rate of at least twice per minute."

Through filtered lenses space weather analysts are able to perform flare patrol and view sunspots to determine the magnetic complexity of the region.

"The telescope has special filters that isolate a single optical wavelength," said Master Sgt. Shane Siebert, who leads Det. 4's solar observatory for the 2nd WS at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

"This wavelength, 6563 angstroms, is called hydrogen alpha, or H-Alpha, and is where the majority of solar activity occurs," he said. "Analysts monitor this wavelength from sunrise to sunset, and are looking for specific signatures that may lead to solar flares and other adverse activity."

But not all of the sun's activities can be captured using optical telescopes. Some events have a unique radio-frequency signature that can also be measured.

Using a mixture of technology from the 1970s to the present, radio observatories are able to monitor frequencies in the 25-180 megahertz range, as well as eight other discrete frequencies. Their digitized output is collected by a computer and then processed and analyzed for solar activity.

"We actually are able to detect the specific strength at a given radio frequency," said Maj. Bradley Harbaugh, who commands Det. 5's solar observatory for the 2nd WS at Palehua, Hawaii. "What we detect are energetic solar emissions in (specific) frequency bands or ranges. When detected, we (are able to describe) the start time, duration, intensity and type of solar emission. This helps describe the potential impacts by identifying the characteristics of what may impact earth."

Identifying these solar emissions is crucial to the warfighter's communication abilities.

"If there is solar energy that increases on your frequency, you can try to talk into your radio, but the noise from the sun will be stronger than your transmission, therefore drowning out what you are saying," Major Harbaugh said. "As an operator, you can increase your radio power to try and 'out-broadcast' the sun, but you are also now broadcasting over a much larger area, making your transmission more susceptible to enemy detection. Therefore, the sun's impact must be a consideration when planning a mission."

The squadron's network of satellites includes those owned and operated by the DOD, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They include a combination of systems that are both dedicated solely to space weather as well as a few that utilize space weather sensors.

"We gather a significant amount of data from satellites," Sergeant McIntire said. "Imagery from (satellites) can augment the ground-based network, providing real-time monitoring of solar features at wavelengths that can't be seen from the ground."

Data from all of these sources combined are continually pushed to the space weather operations center at the Air Force Weather Agency here. With this information in hand, the squadron can produce the most reliable space weather forecast possible.

However, even with all of this data, producing a space weather forecast is still much more difficult than creating one for terrestrial weather.

"Space weather is a terribly difficult science and it takes a lot of training and experience," Colonel Jones said.

"Space weather forecasting is very reactive," Sergeant Money said. "The knowledge and tools are not quite up to par in order to do accurate forecasting like we do here on Earth."

It is also important to note that today the world is much more reliant on space-based assets than they were during the last solar max, officials said. With cellular phones, portable navigation devices and satellite television receivers all part of our daily lives, a huge solar weather event could wreak havoc on quite a few different platforms.

"The impact of a solar storm in 2000 was probably not as great, due to the lower density of space technology, and the limited number of consumers utilizing the data," Major Harbaugh said. "However, the ripple from a major solar event now will more likely be felt across a much broader consumer base, the public, since there are many more assets and many more users of space data."

However, with improved technology and an increased knowledge of the sun's activities, the squadron is more prepared than ever for the upcoming solar max, Colonel Jones said.

"Since the last solar max, we've upgraded most of our numerical models in terms of both their basic science and the data they ingest," he said. "That's a direct result of the advances in sensors and the technology that enables rapid data transfer. We can react faster and see farther than ever before."

"We already have members within the unit developing forecast techniques based on signatures we see on the sensors," Sergeant Money said.

So it's a safe bet that the next couple of years will be hectic for the 2nd WS. Their mission to provide situational awareness to key decision makers will certainly keep them busy.

"In the last month alone, we've had (more than 30) reportable energy events," Major Harbaugh said. "The workload has already increased and will continue to do so for probably the next year or two."

"About a year ago, it was not uncommon for an analyst to only have one very small region of the sun to monitor," Sergeant Siebert said. "Today, it is normal for analysts to keep fairly busy monitoring four-to-six regions.

"Studies of the last solar max show that a typical day included 22 active regions, almost four times our current workload," he added.

Regardless, the squadron's space weather analysts, forecasters and technicians around the globe are ready for the sun's upcoming fury, Colonel Jones said

Alinco R8T HF Receiver on the Bench

Right now I'm up in the shack looking at the faceplate of the new Alinco R8T HF receiver. This has been a very interesting radio to test so far and may be a very worthy candidate if you are looking for a desktop shortwave radio. I will be working up a review of this radio shortly for the pages of Monitoring Times magazine in our First Look column.

You can get more information on this radio at http://www.alinco.com/Products/DX-R8/

Sangean ATS-909x On the BTown Doorstep

Grove Enteprises is expecting their initial shipment of Sangean ATS-909x radios at anytime now here in BTown. Looks like a very interesting shortwave portable. Naturally we will give it a complete test in Monitoring Times very soon, but I hope to have some initial thoughts about it here on this blog once we have them in house.

In the meantime you can read the PDF brochure at
http://www.sangean.com/news/files/Key_Selling_Points_of_ATS-909X.pdf

You can order one or read more about it from Grove via their website at
http://www.grove-ent.com/909x.html

New Zealand Earthquake Emergency Communications Advisory

Arnie Coro, CO2KK, International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region II Area C Emergency Coordinator, advises users of the 40 and 20 meters bands to "be aware of possible (earthquake) emergency communications traffic taking place in and around the affected areas of New Zealand's South Island, where Christchurch is located."

"This is a city of about 400,000 population and it was hit pretty badly because of the proximity of the epicenter of the earthquake and the fact that it was registered at a very shallow depth and very near to the city.

According to Warren Harris, ZL2AJ, of Hastings, NZ, designated EmComm frequencies used by AREC NZ on HF for the Christchurch Earthquake are:

3.900 MHz USB
5.320 MHz USB
7.100 MHz USB

"The propagation on 40 meters more likely to cause problems to the New Zealanders from unintentional QRM coming from the Americas is the window that starts about two orthree hours before sunrise and lasts until sunrise at this end. A similar pattern, with a slight time shift shows up on 20 meters, too."

Amateur Radio Legislative Alert - Spectrum Management Bill Threatens Amateur Frequencies

Story from the ARRL website: http://www.arrl.org/news/view/spectrum-management-bill-threatens-amateur-frequencies?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

On February 10, Representative Peter King (R-NY-3), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced HR 607, the Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011. The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which handles telecommunications legislation. HR 607 addresses certain spectrum management issues, including the creation and maintenance of a nationwide Public Safety broadband network. As part of that network, the bill provides for the allocation of the so-called “D-Block” of spectrum in the 700 MHz range for Public Safety use.

The D-Block consists of two, 5-megahertz-wide segments of spectrum (758-763 and 788-793 MHz) that became available when the FCC ended analog television broadcasts in June 2009 and reallocated the 698-806 MHz band for Public Safety and commercial broadband. It was anticipated that the D-Block would be auctioned for commercial use. There are several bills in Congress providing for the allocation of the D-Block for Public Safety use, and HR 607 is one of those. But HR 607 uniquely provides for the reallocation of other spectrum for auction to commercial users, in order to offset the loss of revenue that would occur as the result of the allocation of the D-Block to Public Safety instead of commercial auction. HR 607 lists the paired bands of 420-440 MHz and 450-470 MHz among the bands to be reallocated for commercial auction within 10 years of its passage.

“Of serious concern to the ARRL is the inclusion of the 420-440 MHz amateur allocation in the list of frequencies to be cleared for auction,” said ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. “The ARRL and the Amateur Radio community certainly support the work of public safety agencies and understand their desire for an interoperable network; however, the inclusion of most of the amateur 70 cm spectrum as one of the replacement bands is illogical and unacceptable. The 420-440 MHz band is not Public Safety spectrum and should never have been included in any spectrum swap of Public Safety allocations.”

Saying that the ARRL Washington team has already begun meeting with key Congressional staff on Capitol Hill, Henderson noted that Amateur Radio already shares the 70 cm band on a secondary basis with the governmental radiolocation services, such as the PAVE PAWS radar systems: “The 70 cm band is a critical and irreplaceable resource for Amateur Radio public service and emergency communications. The specification of the 420-440 MHz band in this legislation is ill-conceived. To be sure, the ARRL will vigorously oppose this legislation in its present form. It is, as evidenced by other legislation, completely unnecessary to the creation of a nationwide Public Safety broadband network or the use by Public Safety of the D-Block for that purpose. The role of the Amateur Service as a partner to Public Safety in the provision of public service and emergency communications necessitates the retention of full access to the entire 420-440 MHz band.”

HR 607 is presently cosponsored by the Homeland Security Committee’s Ranking Member, Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2) as well as Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV-1), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-11), Billy Long (R-MO-7), Candice S. Miller (R-MI-10), Laura Richardson (D-CA-37), Mike Rogers (R-AL-3), and Michael Grimm (R-NY-13).

“As we continue to track the progress of HR 607, I urge ARRL members to watch for further information about the bill on the ARRL website,” Henderson said. “When that additional information is released, it will include a request to contact your representative and express opposition to HR 607, as long as it includes a provision to auction off any Amateur Radio spectrum for commercial use. ARRL members may also sign up for the ARRL Legislative Update Newsletter and automatically receive information as it becomes available. Sign up by logging onto the ARRL website and select the ‘Edit Your Profile’ link located at the top of each page. Once on that page, select the ‘Edit Email Subscriptions” tab and click on the box for ARRL Legislative Update.” The ARRL Legislative Update is prepared on an “as needed” basis to those who have opted-in to receive it. A new edition addressing HR 607 will be forthcoming soon.