Amatuer Radio On the Air Stories 
• Bill Simons, W9BB, Silent Key; Developed Shure Microphones
William A. Simons, W9BB (ex-W9YXJ), passed away in Minnesota on January 2, 2012 at the age of 84. He earned his Class B ticket in 1941 at the age of 14 and converted a cathedral radio into his first transmitter. Later, Bill earned DXCC using homebrew gear of his own design. Eventually he earned a top spot on the ARRL DXCC Honor Roll. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:58:41 -0500
• WRC-12 Comes to a Close in Geneva
The World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 (WRC-12) concluded its deliberations today with the signing of the Final Acts that revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. More than 3000 representing 165 out of ITU’s 193 Member-States attended the four-week Conference, braving the extreme winter conditions prevailing in Geneva. More than 100 Observers from among the ITU’s 700 private sector members, along with international organizations also attended WRC-12. A number of WRC-12 delegates are radio amateurs. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:58:41 -0500
• Payroll Tax Bill Includes Provision for Amateur Radio Study
A bill that passed both the House and the Senate today includes a provision for a study of the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:58:40 -0500
• WRC-12 Delegates Place Possible 5 MHz Allocation on Agenda for Next WRC
One of the responsibilities of each WRC delegation is to set the agenda for the next WRC. WRC-12 delegates approved an Amateur Radio-related agenda item for the upcoming WRC-15: To consider the possibility of making an allocation of an appropriate amount of spectrum, not necessarily contiguous, to the Amateur Service on a secondary basis within the band 5250-5450 kHz (see below for the complete text of the resolution). This will be Agenda Item 1.4 at WRC-15. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:58:40 -0500
• Vega launch success - satellite signals heard
The first Vega, flight VV01, lifted off at 1000 UT February 13 from the ESA Spaceport at Kourou in the Caribbean carrying eight student built amateur radio satellites and the LARES Laser Relativity Satellite into orbit. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:51 -0500
• CTCSS from A-Z
Today's land-mobile-radio communications systems have more features and functionality than ever before. In conventional radio, one of the most used and sometimes misunderstood features is CTCSS, which stands for Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:50 -0500
• Electronics students get crash course from radio operators (Georgia)
Members of the Colquitt County Ham Radio Society recently presented their hobby to the students in Moultrie Technical College’s (MTC) electronics technology program. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:50 -0500
• New Ham Band Approved at WRC-12
A New Band at 600 metres. 2012-02-14 At its Plenary meeting held 14 February 2012 in Geneva the World Radiocommunication Conference approved a new secondary frequency allocation to the Amateur Radio Service at 472 to 479 kHz. Having passed First and Second Readings it is normally a formality that this change be included in the WRC-12 Final Acts when the Conference concludes February 17th. The Table of Frequency Allocations would then be amended accordingly. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:50 -0500
• How to turn your Android phone into a police radio scanner
With an Android app called Scanner Radio, you can turn your Android phone into a portable police scanner. Volunteers with scanners provide over 3,100 audio streams from police and fire departments, weather radios, and amateur radio operators. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:49 -0500
• Broaden horizons with ham radio
Cellphones keep us connected when systems are working well. But when a natural disaster wipes out power and cellular towers are destroyed or jammed with high call volume, emergency respondents rely on a much simpler technology to keep us together when the going gets tough. Amateur shortwave radio, or ham radio, while largely forgotten by the general public, can be an invaluable technology in emergencies and natural disasters. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:49 -0500
• Students work the radio dial to win a national contest (Virginia)
Some teenagers have turned off their phones and turned up the radio dial. They're trying to win a nationwide school club round-up contest at William Byrd High School. "Competitive," says student Megan Shell, "We're all out to get each other." Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:49 -0500
• Amateur radio operators prep in Jonesboro (Arkansas)
St. Bernards Medical Center is training a new class of amateur radio operators this weekend. Hospital personnel and volunteers met Saturday in Stroud Hall at the St. Bernards Annex Building. They attended the first of two classes aimed at preparing operators for an FCC licensing exam. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:49 -0500
• NASA Announces Third Round of CubeSat Space Mission Candidates
NASA has selected 33 small satellites to fly as auxiliary payloads aboard rockets planned to launch in 2013 and 2014. The proposed CubeSats come from universities across the country, the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation, NASA field centers and Department of Defense organizations. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:49 -0500
• Hamming it up (Massachusetts)
Dear Problem Solver: I would like to express my gratitude to B.M., Stoughton, for her very generous response to my request. I will be forever grateful for the ham radio equipment she gave me that belonged to her late husband. Whenever I am operating my ham station, B.M. will be at my side guiding me. Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:27:48 -0500
• NASA Selects AMSAT Fox Satellite to Join Program
Project ELaNa, NASA's "Educational Launch of NanoSat" managed by the Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center, announced on February 10 that the AMSAT Fox-1 CubeSat has been selected to join the program. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:14:48 -0500
• New Satellites Reach Orbit
At 1000 UTC February 13, a European Space Agency Vega rocket lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana on its inaugural flight. It carried the Laser Relativity Spacecraft (LARES) to orbit along with eight student-built MicroSats and CubeSats. The student satellites will transmit telemetry in the VHF, UHF and microwave amateur bands, with one satellite also including a voice repeater. The lineup includes: Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:14:48 -0500
• Amateur Radio Club talks to hams worldwide on centennial (Arizona)
The Granite Mountain Middle School Amateur Radio Club, K7GMG, will communicate with ham radio operators based in the United States and foreign countries from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 14, at Sharlot Hall Museum. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:14:48 -0500
• Former ITU-R Director Dick Kirby, W0LCT/HB9BOA (SK)
Richard 'Dick' Kirby, W0LCT/HB9BOA, passed away on January 26. He was 89. In 1974, Kirby -- an ARRL Life Member -- was elected Director of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) International Radio Consultative Committee; he served as Director until his retirement in 1995. In 1992, under Kirby’s tenure as Director, the Committee became the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). One of three sectors at the ITU, ITU-R is responsible for matters concerning radio communication. Its role is to manage the international radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources, and to develop standards for radiocommunication systems with the objective of ensuring the effective use of the spectrum. While at the ITU, Kirby also served as President of the International Amateur Radio Club, 4U1ITU, the Amateur Radio station at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:18 -0500
• World Record Balloon Attempt
A group of Amateur Radio operators hopes to establish a world distance record for an unmanned, helium-filled balloon. The BLT-28 balloon will launch from Katy, Texas, on a journey that will take it across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and then on to Nanjing, China. The South Texas Balloon Launch Team plans to release the balloon at 3 PM CST (2100 UTC) Saturday, February 11. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:17 -0500
• FCC Extends Waiver for Robots Use in 420 MHz Ham/Government Band
The FCC responded to a request from ReconRobotics regarding the limit on sales of the Recon Scout, a surveillance robot using the 430-448 MHz segment of the 420-450 MHz band. Ham radio operators will recognize this as the 70 cm amateur radio band, which is also shared with the U.S. government for numerous purposes, including radar defense. The 432 MHz region of the band is used by hams for weak signal communications, including such exotic practices as bouncing signals off the moon for communications with other hams at great distances. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:17 -0500
• Deltona youth loves to ham it up on the radio (Florida)
When you first hear the mousey voice of Mikaila Williams, it is hard to imagine her hamming it up on amateur radio. But ham radio has helped the 9-year-old Deltona youth become a communications sensation, allowing her to showcase her vibrant personality and caring attitude and capture the attention of scores of "hams" or amateur radio operators. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:17 -0500
• Amateur radio club gets space at airport (West Virginia)
The Wood County Airport Authority on Tuesday unanimously approved allowing the Parkersburg Amateur Radio Klub to use space at the airport. "The (Federal Aviation Administration) is moving out of hangar 1 and we are giving the space to the ham radio group," said airport manager Terry Moore. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:17 -0500
• Student sends MIT letter to space
17 year-old Erin King, recently accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology, launched her MIT admissions letter 91,000 feet in to space and recorded its journey. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:16 -0500
• Aimed for China: Ham operators to launch balloon Saturday
A group of amateur radio 'ham' operators wants to establish a world record for distance by attempting to fly an unmanned, helium-filled balloon from Katy to Nanjing, China. The South Texas Balloon Launch Team will release the balloon at 3 p.m. Saturday near the oil rice grain silos at the western end of No Label Brewery, 5373 First St. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:16 -0500
• Red Cross honors 2 for crucial radio coordination after Joplin tornado
When the EF-5 twister struck Joplin last May, there was no communication in the disaster zone. Land lines, cell phones and the internet were out, leaving thousands of people who needed assistance in the dark. On Thursday, the American Red Cross honored two men who coordinated the relief efforts for the first 48 hours -- all by amateur radio. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:52:16 -0500
• New Rules for 5 MHz (60 Meters) To Go Into Effect March 5
On November 18, the FCC released a Report and Order (R&O), defining new rules for the 60 meter (5 MHz) band. These rules are in response to a Petition for Rulemaking (PRM) filed by the ARRL more than five years ago and a June 2010 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). In the February 3 edition of the Federal Register, the FCC announced that these new rules will go into effect on March 5, 2012. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:25 -0500
• Amateur Radio Club remembers fallen astronauts (Texas)
Army Curtis describes a Saturday morning in February nearly a decade ago, when the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated over East Texas. "The noise was incredible and it literally shook the house like we were in an earthquake," said Army Curtis, Secretary/Treasurer Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:25 -0500
• FCC Sets Date for Medical Devices on 70 cm
FCC Commissioners unanimously agreed to allocate spectrum and adopt service and technical rules for the utilization of new implanted medical devices that operate on 413-457 MHz (70 cm). These devices will be used on a secondary basis as part of the Medical Device Radiocommunication (MedRadio) Service in Part 95 of the FCC rules. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:24 -0500
• British antenna company InnovAntennas appoints first American dealer
The full line of high performance HF, VHF and UHF amateur radio antennas from fast-growing British company InnovAntennas are now available to customers across the United States via Hamilton, Ohio's R&L Electronics. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:24 -0500
• Ham radio usage needs fixed
Attention amateur radio operators, it is easy to forget where amateur radio is and what we are here for. First let me give you a story. A man sat in his car out of gas during freezing weather, on January the 29th of this year. He was a Ham operator and he had called several times for assistance. No answer came. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:24 -0500
• Method of Moments Modeling
It seems like yesterday, long before there were handheld GPS units, smart phones and even Google Maps that my staff and I were prepping for another set of proof of performance measurements. Drawing radials, plotting points and digging through the mostly unreadable original proof of performance that provided concise directions to points that were now located in the middle of a new freeway. In February 2009 the FCC formally permitted the use of Method of Moment (MoM) modeling, which allows the use of specialized software to predict the patterns of AM arrays, assuming they meet certain criteria. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:24 -0500
• Scout training saves the day for backcountry skiers (Colorado)
As an Eagle Scout and current leader of Cub Scout Pack 283, Brent Read fully knows the Boy Scouts of America's motto, "Be Prepared." But after spending a recent night stranded in unfavorable conditions in the forest, Read now puts more meaning into those two simple words. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:24 -0500
• Twitter CEO Dick Costolo navigates its next stage: a broadcasting (social) network
In his excellent book, The Master Switch, Tim Wu laid out a history of radio in the US that started with amateurs and techies experimenting with a new technology and finding ways to connect to each other with it. The story ended with radio as we know it today: a broadcast medium with its use as a more social communication tool relegated to ham radio enthusiasts. It's tough to know if Twitter will ultimately come to the same extreme end as radio has, but as I listened to Twitter CEO Dick Costolo's conversation with Peter Kafka of All Things D at tonight's D: Dive into Media conference, I started to believe that Twitter could be in the early stages of the same trajectory. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:23 -0500
• Ham radio: Last means of communications in a disaster (Oregon)
In the digital age, it’s easy to forget about how emergency messages were relayed in the past. "Highways were down, fiber was down inbetween," said amateur ham radio operator Thomas Germaine on Sunday, "so there was not communication; but there were amateur radio operators." Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:23 -0500
• Lessons learned, changes made in wake of large-scale emergency (Oklahoma)
The 2002 ice storm, like all large disasters, stretched the capabilities and procedures of all entities tasked with responding and providing essential services, from non-profit relief agencies and first responders to hospitals, utility providers and public works departments. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:23 -0500
• W1AW Gets New Antennas
The freak snow storm in late October wreaked havoc on the ARRL HQ antenna farm. According to W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, both of W1AW's M-Squared 40 meter Yagis were severely damaged, as was the 80 meter cage antenna, and an element on the north tower's 10 meter Yagi was twisted vertically. The antennas atop the ARRL Headquarters building for W1HQ, the station for the Laird Campbell Memorial HQ Operators Club, also received damage: the Gap Titan vertical was turned into something that looked like a pretzel, and the Pro-Sis-Tel rotator was also damaged. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:23 -0500
• Ham radio operators show off their hobby (Michigan)
A group of amateur radio operators will meet in Muskegon this weekend to show off their hobby, and to demonstrate how vital they are during emergencies. Jeff Stapel can reach out around the world, using his radio. He is also known as W8SWX Norton Shores. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:22 -0500
• Federacion Mexicana de Radio Experimentadores Marks 80 Years
The Federacion Mexicana de Radio Experimentadores (FMRE) -- Mexico's IARU Member-Society -- celebrated its 80th anniversary on January 14. FMRE board members, director and hams from throughout Mexico attended the celebration at FMRE Headquarters in Mexico City. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:22 -0500
• Jo Daviess County seeks amateur radio operators (Illinois)
Jo Daviess County is hoping to create a pool of volunteer amateur radio operators, who can play a vital role in disseminating information to the public during emergencies, said Scott Allshouse, an ARES emergency coordinator for Northwest Illinois. Earlier this month, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office announced that it had acquired and installed an amateur radio repeater in Guilford Township. The project was completed in cooperation with Jo Daviess County Emergency Management and Guilford Township officials, with a grant from the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:22 -0500
• Firefighters, ham radio operators, public receive SKYWARN storm training (Texas)
About 40 people - mostly first responders from area volunteer fire departments and amateur ham radio operators - attended the annual National Weather Service’s SKYWARN severe weather training program Tuesday night at the Anderson County Courthouse Annex in Palestine. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:22 -0500
• Museum remembers radio enthusiast who heard Titanic’s call for help from his Valleys shack
Artie Moore was in his South Wales bedroom when he learned the Titanic was sinking - two days before the news reached the UK. It was 1912 and wireless telegraphy, or radio, was still a pioneering field of science that was not widely understood. Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:52:21 -0500
• Amateurs Asked to Listen for RS-39 Satellite
The Chibis-M microsatellite, also known as RS-39 (RadioSputnik 39), was jettisoned from the Progress M-13M cargo spacecraft Tuesday evening (UTC). The satellite is designed to study atmospheric phenomena such as Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs) associated with lightning. RS-39 has CW beacons on 435.315 and 435.215 MHz and amateurs are asked to submit reception reports via email to the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences at amateur-rs39@chibis.cosmos.ru. Each report will be acknowledged with a special QSL. The CW telemetry format is available here. Telemetry decoding software written by Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN, can be downloaded here. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:59 -0500
• Hams in Arkansas and Alabama Help Provide Assistance to NWS During Severe Sunday Storms
Strong winds and tornadoes moved through Arkansas and Alabama on Sunday, January 22. In response to the storms, the National Weather Service office in Little Rock activated Arkansas SYWARN the same afternoon, while ARES® members were activated in parts of Alabama. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:58 -0500
• FCC Fines Florida Pirate $10,000
The FCC fined Robenson Thermitus $10,000 for operating an unlicensed radio transmitter on 98.7 MHz in Miami. Following up on a complaint in July 2011, Miami Enforcement Bureau agents traced the unauthorized signal to an FM transmitting antenna mounted in a tree. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:58 -0500
• FCC Denies Anchorage VEC’s Waiver Request
On January 24, the FCC issued an Order that denied a waiver request from the Anchorage VEC, one of 14 Volunteer Examiner Coordinators in the US. In its July 2011 Waiver Request, the Anchorage VEC asked the Commission to permit individuals who have previously held an Amateur Radio license grant issued by the Commission -- but which has expired and is beyond the two year grace period for renewal -- to receive credit for elements previously passed, and thus a new license grant, without additional examination. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:01:34 -0500
• British Antenna Company InnovAntennas Appoints First American Dealer
The full line of high performance HF, VHF and UHF amateur radio antennas from fast-growing British company InnovAntennas are now available to customers across the United States via Hamilton, Ohio’s R&L Electronics. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:58 -0500
• FUNcube Dongle in Radiouser Magazine
The February issue of the UK magazine Radiouser features a 5-page article on the AMSAT-UK FUNcube Dongle (FCD) VHF/UHF Software Defined Radio written by Mike Richards G4WNC. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:57 -0500
• DX Engineering's New ATSA-1 Stealth Antenna System Puts Amateur Radio into Stealth Mode
DX Engineering’s new ATSA-1 Stealth Antenna System allows Amateur Radio operators living in antenna-restricted neighborhoods to get on the air easily. The short, nearly invisible 26-foot wire can cover all bands 40 meters and up. Using a 45-foot wire will extend coverage to 80 meters. This complete system includes a tuning unit, ATSA MatchBoxx, stainless steel radial plate, antenna wire, bias tee, 2 insulators, radial wire, and all hardware. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:48 -0500
• FCC Seeks Unbounded Spectrum Auction Authority
At CES, the FCC signaled that it opposed any effort by Congress to give the FCC policy direction or to establish any checks and balances on the FCC in authorizing incentive auctions of prime TV broadcast spectrum. The FCC’s lack of regulatory humility here is stunning. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:48 -0500
• Northwest Tenn. Disaster Service seeks volunteers
Northwest Tennessee Disaster Services recently announced statistics on family assistance for the 2011 calendar year, with representatives of the organization wishing to thank their many supporters from the Dyersburg community. "We are excited to start a new relationship with our local Ham Radio operators," said Rob Adcock in a recent press release. "We hope to form a stronger partnership with local resources to excel disaster response." Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:47 -0500
• Coast radio group celebrates 40 years (Mississippi)
The Mississippi Coast Amateur Radio Association celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday with demonstrations at Edgewater Mall. The organization, which is part of the Amateur Radio Relay League, has more than 60 members who use their radios to communicate with people on every continent. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500
• Danny Baer says best part of work as county's ham radio operator, emergency coordinator for last 15 years has been (Nebraska)
Buffalo County’s longtime ham radio operator and emergency coordinator has retired. Danny Baer said he got the greatest sense of satisfaction from helping people. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500
• Cuban Amateur Radio regulations modified
Cuban amateur radio service regulations have been modified to provide the use of segments of the 80 and 40 meter ham bands to the third class operators license holders, that before these new rules could only operate on segments of the 160 and 2 meter bands. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500
• Amateur Radio sites support SOPA and PIPA protest
Radio hams were among those protesting on Wednesday against the SOPA and PIPA legislation in the US Congress and Senate. The amateur radio HF Link forum shut down for the day and the APRS site http://aprs.fi/ closed in the U.S. on Wednesday. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:46 -0500
• The art of ham-mering out a ‘hello' (India)
They are amateur radio operators who use radio frequency to connect with people. They do this to make friends, conduct experiments as well as to establish communication during a calamity. These hobbyists call themselves Hams and are a significant line of communication, especially when other lines go down. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:45 -0500
• Albert Knighten Fights FCC For His Pirate Radio Station
Mild-mannered community activist Albert Knighten found himself in handcuffs last month when police and federal agents raided his home and shut down a pirate radio station he operated out of a spare bedroom. Supporters say his bare-bones operation filled an important niche in a predominantly black section of Fort Myers, a community whose residents often feel overlooked and underserved by commercial radio. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:45 -0500
• Old dog, newer trick
Although mostly obsolete, the vacuum tube still has its adherents among audiophiles, test-instrument collectors, amateur-radio fans, and those curious about the physics of active devices. Given that a family of characteristic curves is worth a thousand data points, being able to view a device’s behavior enhances a small laboratory’s capability. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:45 -0500
• North Norfolk radio fans broadcast for RNLI at Sheringham lifeboat station (UK)
Members of the Bittern DX amateur radio group set up antennae and aerials at Sheringham’s lifeboat station for a sponsored 36-hour broadcast, in aid of the rescue charity’s SOS campaign - its biggest national fundraising event. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:35:44 -0500
• BPL Provider IBEC Announces Shutdown
IBEC -- one of the very few remaining operators of Access BPL systems -- has announced that it is closing down. In an undated announcement that appeared on the IBEC website, the company announced that it has "no other option than to close our doors and cease operations." IBEC claims that it cannot recover financially from the April 2011 tornadoes in Alabama that "ravished some of our major service areas." IBEC provided Internet service via broadband over power lines (BPL) to rural communities. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:49 -0500
• Radio Amateurs Not Affected by Narrowbanding Requirements
The FCC released a Public Notice on January 6, reminding land mobile licensees, frequency coordinators and equipment manufacturers that they have less than one year to transition to narrowband operations in the 150-174 and 421-512 MHz bands. While the latter frequency range includes amateur service allocations, radio amateurs are not affected by the narrowbanding requirement. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500
• Ham Radio in Hollywood: Amateur Radio a Plot Point in Major Motion Picture
According to previews, the plot of the movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island -- set to be released February 10 -- hinges on Amateur Radio. The movie’s hero Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal that comes from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Sean decides to follow the signal with the unwilling assistance from his stepfather Hank (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500
• FCC Rejects ‘Vanity’ Ham Petition
The FCC has denied a petition from the American Radio Relay League to tighten the rules for vanity and club call signs. The ham advocacy organization wanted the commission to impose additional limits on the ability of amateur clubs to obtain multiple licenses and call signs. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500
• Call of Titanic will go out again (Nova Scotia)
Nearly 100 years ago, Jimmy Myrick, a 14-year-old Newfoundland boy, was one of the first people to hear RMS Titanic’s late-night distress call. The transmissions from the stricken vessel and the resulting bustle of activity at the Cape Race Marconi Station that occurred after Myrick alerted the station’s wireless operators to the impending disaster will be re-enacted on April 14 as part of the 100th anniversary of the world’s most fascinating marine tragedies. David Myrick, a relative of young Myrick and a ham radio operator, will participate in the re-enactment. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:48 -0500
• FCC Grants Special Temporary Authority for Amateur Spread Spectrum Experiments
Phil Williams, KA1GMN, has been granted a Special Temporary Authority (STA) by the Federal Communications Commission to conduct Spread Spectrum experiments within 2.5 kHz signal bandwidths on 160 through 2 meters at a maximum of 100 W effective radiated power. The 6-month authorization takes effect February 1 and expires on July 31. The FCC has assigned Williams the call sign WF9XJD for use during his experimental transmissions. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500
• New launch date for Vega
ESA has changed the launch date of Vega, carrying 8 amateur radio satellites, to Thursday, February 9. Vega will launch from the ESA launch site at Kourou in the Caribbean. It will carry 7 amateur radio Cubesats and an amateur radio Microsatellite called ALMASat. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500
• Amateur radio operators’ club is more than just fun (Georgia)
Technical enough for "nerdy, geeky people like myself," according to Sandy Springs resident Mike Cohen, call sign AD4MC, old-school enough to prevail when more vulnerable systems fail or overload, amateur radio stations number about 630,000 in the U.S. About 240 of those station operators, called hams, belong to the Roswell-based North Fulton Amateur Radio League, formed in 1975. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500
• Ham radio operators share their hobby with children (New Jersey)
On Sunday, Jan. 8, the NPARC, the Amateur Radio Club for the Watchung Hills Area, held its annual "Ham Radio Kids Day" at the Berkeley Heights Community Center. Members of the club set up a ham radio station, and by 2 p.m. the place was humming as children from all over the area learned about Morse code, including how to send it and translate it and how to find people to talk to over the radio. Soon they were speaking to people across the country and practicing sending Morse code. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500
• Amateur radio event helps youths connect to others around the world (Florida)
Herschel King Sr. Park was abuzz with activity as members of the Flagler Amateur Radio Emergency Service Organization and Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club joined in Sunday for the American Radio Relay League's national Children's Day event. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:47 -0500
• In New York, vanity is taking a back seat
New York state residents are becoming less vain and less willing to flaunt their professions or favorite causes. At least that's the case if you judge by their license plates. The state saw a sharp drop-off last year in the number of New Yorkers buying vanity or custom plates. In 2009, 41,146 New Yorkers paid extra for a special plate. A year later, the number dropped slightly to 41,040. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:46 -0500
• Amateur radio club receives gift (Ohio)
The Gallia County Charitable Foundation, established in 1985 by John Merrill Weed and Grace Weed Eubanks to promote community and educational projects in the county, recently presented a gift of $824 to the Mid-Ohio Valley Amateur Radio Club. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:46 -0500
• 2011 Sees Tremendous Increase in DXCC Applications
With the coming of more sunspots, comes more DX. And when more amateurs are working DX, that means the ARRL’s Membership and Volunteer Programs Department -- especially the DXCC Desk and the ARRL Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureaus -- goes into high gear. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:46 -0500
• US District Court for Maine Issues Order Granting Summary Judgment against Glenn Baxter, K1MAN
On January 10, the US District Court for Maine issued a ruling in the FCC’s lawsuit to collect monetary forfeitures issued to Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, of Belgrade Lakes, Maine. The FCC had assessed forfeitures in the amount of $21,000 against Baxter on three asserted violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and its regulations: Failure to respond to an FCC inquiry in violation of Title 47, Section 308 of the US Code, willful or malicious interference with other radio transmissions in violation of Section 97.101(d), and engaging in communications in which he has a pecuniary interest in violation of Section 97.113(a)(3). Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:20:06 -0500
• Trail radio pioneer's signature sells (British Columbia)
A 1936 QSL card from the radio communications department at Cominco that sold last week for $18 US was interesting for several reasons that may or may not have influenced the three bidders. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:20:06 -0500
• FCC Denies ARRL Petition on Vanity, Club Call Signs
On January 11, the FCC issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order, denying an ARRL Petition for Reconsideration concerning vanity and club call signs. Filed with the Commission in January 2011, the ARRL’s Petition was in response to the FCC’s Report and Order (R&O) that detailed rules changes to the vanity call sign system and call signs for Amateur Radio clubs. These new rules went into effect on February 14, 2011. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500
• ARISSat-1/KEDR Amateur Radio Satellite Deorbits
On January 4, 2012, the Amateur Radio satellite, ARISSat-1/KEDR ended its 5 month mission as it deorbited through Earth's atmosphere. A report from the AMSAT web site states, "The last full telemetry captured and reported to the ARISSatTLM web site at 06:02:14 UTC on January 4 were received from ground stations as the satellite passed over Japan." ARISSat-1/KEDR was deployed on August 3, 2011 from the International Space Station (ISS) during EVA# 29 and immediately began its primarily mission as an educational lab allowing teachers and students worldwide to interact with its many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based activities from their classrooms via amateur radio. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500
• HAM radio operators to ensure safety of pilgrims (India)
Over a decade ago, HAM radio operators set up base in Sabarimala to help prevent disasters like the one at Pullumedu that claimed the lives of over a 100 devotees on makaravilakku day, last year. Now the HAM Emergency Communication and Disaster Management Society (HECDMS) has set up control rooms at Sannidhanam, Pampa and the Idukki collectorate to ensure effective and speedy communication on Makaravilakku Day this year, which happens to fall on January 15. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500
• CQ Introduces 'Maker' Column
CQ Amateur Radio magazine will introduce a quarterly "Maker" column, Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, announced today. It will be written by Matt Stultz, KB3TAN, and will appear in the March, June, September and December issues of the magazine. The "maker" movement is a growing do-it-yourself (DIY) phenomenon among mostly younger, tech-savvy individuals who enjoy hands-on tinkering and experimenting with electronics, crafts and similar projects. Many "makers" are not familiar with amateur radio, even though hams have been "makers" since the dawn of radio. It is the goal of this column to help build and strengthen bridges between the ham radio and "maker" communities. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500
• In more ways than one, this historian makes history (Florida)
If you have an interest in history here, you’ve certainly come across John Bowker. If you have been involved with amateur radio in the last 20 years, you’ve no doubt talked radio speak with him. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:27 -0500
• Remembering Mattapoisett's Radio Pioneer (Massachusetts)
When people think of Mattapoisett history, whaling shipbuilding normally comes to mind. However, the town has another, lesser-known distinction: the first female radio announcer in New England hailed from none other than Mattapoisett. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:29 -0500
• 'Hobby of friendship' a real old-school earful (Manitoba)
AS Adam Romanchuk spun the dial, the radio sputtered, crackled and finally rang clear. "Hi, my name is Emily!" a voice chirped from the speaker. "I am 11 years old, and it's 64 degrees here in Phoenix, Arizona... " Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:28 -0500
• Pasadena's digital police radios can't be monitored (California)
As of today, the Pasadena Police Department's radio communications will switch from analog to digital, preventing media outlets and amateur radio enthusiasts from monitoring police calls. The police department will make its $7 million leap forward from analog to encrypted digital transmission of radio conversations in a move city officials insisted was not about secrecy but safety. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:28 -0500
• Radio amateurs prep launch of tiny FUNcube satellite
AMSAT-UK will load its FUNcube-1 CubeSat picosatellite onto a converted intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is set for take-off in the third quarter of 2012, the radio-amateur organisation said on Wednesday. Once in orbit, the spacecraft will use a 145MHz telemetry beacon to transmit signals for schools and colleges to analyse. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:28 -0500
• Regina ham radio operators working to get on the air (Saskatchewan)
Richard Rickwood is building his social network one class at a time. On Saturday, the Regina Amateur Radio Association (RARA) hosted a class for amateur radio enthusiasts. The 10-week course is to help prepare the future radio operators prepare for certification so they could go on air. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:27 -0500
• Amateur Radio in new movie
The ARRL report that the plot of a new movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island hinges on Amateur Radio. From http://www.arrl.org/news/em-ham-radio-in-hollywood-em- amateur-radio-a-plot-point-in-major-motion-picture According to previews, the plot of the movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island -- set to be released February 10 -- hinges on Amateur Radio. The movie’s hero Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal that comes from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Sean decides to follow the signal with the unwilling assistance from his stepfather Hank (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:26 -0500
• Amateur Radio makes its debut on Last Man Standing
The ARRL report that an amateur radio shack featured in the Jan. 3 episode of the ABC TV show Last Man Standing. If you watched the January 3 episode of Last Man Standing -- the ABC hit situation comedy starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT -- you were in for a treat. While this episode didn’t feature Amateur Radio per se, it did show Mike’s shack in the background. Viewers could see the DXCC, Worked All States, Worked All Continents and the Morse Code Proficiency Certificate -- all provided by the ARRL -- in the first scene. Later on in the show, Mike records his video blog. Sharp-eyed viewers spotted the 2011 ARRL Handbook underneath the mini-tripod, next to issues of QST! Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:26 -0500
• Donations needed to help rebuild RAST club station (Thailand)
Amateur radio groups from around the world are being asked to assist the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand which is seeking help to rebuild its headquarters station, HS0AC. This following massive flooding that recently hit that nation not long ago. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:25 -0500
• Celebrating 10 years of radio society (UK)
A SOCIETY is celebrating ten years of training amateur radio enthusiasts. Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society ran its first training course for people looking to take up the hobby, at Danbury village hall, in January 2002, and has since trained more than 300 people. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:25 -0500
• 43 years of 73 Magazine on web
PDF's of all issues of the popular Amateur Radio publication 73 Magazine produced by Wayne Green W2NSD from 1960-2003 are available for download. Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:45:24 -0500
• Yaesu’s Amateur Radio Division Breaks with Motorola, Changes Name to Yaesu Musen
After four years under the Motorola umbrella, Yaesu has split from that company. According to Vertex Standard President and Chief Executive Officer Jun Hasegawa, effective January1, 2012, Motorola will keep the Vertex Standard Land-Mobile Division, while the amateur, marine and air-band will be under the Yaesu Musen banner. The new company will be known as Yaesu USA here in the US. Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:11:00 -0500
• FCC Lets Users Create their Own Custom Page with Beta Launch
In an effort to improve the "FCC online experience," the Federal Communications Commission launched its public beta domain last week, where users can choose widgets and create a customized page. Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500
• Kids dial into ham radio at Rochester Museum & Science Center
At first, the idea of talking on a ham radio seems almost primitive. Yet there on Tuesday afternoon was Steve Smith, fiddling with the radio dial while volunteering at the Rochester DX Association's display table at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500
• FCC Seeks EHF Comments
Radar operations operate in what’s called EHF or the extremely high frequency band. Radars that work in the 78-81 GHz bandwidth have come to the interest of the FCC and the agency is seeking comments about approving devices using that range. Currently radio astronomers have a primary allocation across most of the band, according to law firm Fletcher Heald & Hildreth. Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500
• Mock drill to raise awareness on earthquake management (India)
People from surrounding areas of Geetanagar High School in the city on Tuesday rushed to watch a post-quake mock drill conducted to create awareness on what should be done during such an emergency. Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:57 -0500
• Amateur radios serves as Jackson County’s backup in disasters (Oregon)
When disaster strikes, sometimes it comes down to old-school radio technology to save the day. The planners of the state-of-the-art Jackson County emergency dispatch center off Biddle Road recognized this and made space where volunteer amateur radio operators could provide the last line of defense in case of catastrophe. Sun, 1 Jan 2012 21:10:56 -0500
• House-Passed Payroll Tax Bill Includes Amateur Radio Study
The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 (HR 3630) -- the bill to extend the payroll tax reduction that passed the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 13 -- includes among its many other provisions the "Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum Act" or JOBS Act that passed the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on December 1. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:00:50 -0500
• Anritsu Company Donates Handheld Radios To Boy Scouts Of America In Support Of Radio Merit Badge
Anritsu Company announces it has donated 26 handheld radios to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that will be used by Boy Scouts seeking to get involved with amateur radio and earn their Radio Merit Badge. The donation, made possible by an upgrade to Anritsu's onsite two-way radio system, is part of Anritsu's on-going global commitment to foster wireless technology education and support worthy community organizations. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:08 -0500
• Afghans Target Valleys With Shortwave
Soldiers and a ham radio operator have come up with a way for Afghan officials to better reach citizens throughout the mountainous valleys of Zabul Province — near vertical incidence skywave transmissions. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500
• Can I Have "Amateur Radio" for $800, Alex?
If you were watching the popular television game show Jeopardy! -- where contestants have to answer in the form of a question -- on December 15, you might have noticed there was a question featuring Amateur Radio. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500
• Star of hope (Alabama)
A star led wise men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Today, another star shines over Albertville to remind children and residents of the true meaning of Christmas. A large 15-by-15-foot star lights up the December skies every year, thanks to Albertville resident Barry Harbin. Harbin owns Sand Mountain Tower, a company that repairs and maintains radio towers. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500
• Amateur radio club answers distress calls (Malaysia)
REALISING the importance of communications through radio network which is quick in disseminating information, several enthusiasts set up the Mersing Amateur Radio Communication Fan Club. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:07 -0500
• Merry Grotemas!: A celebration in honor of the greatest radiofan who ever lived
Between 1937 and roughly 1946 there was only one radio astronomer in the entire world: Grote Reber, an amateur from the Chicago suburbs. Reber was a HAM operator who worked in radio manufacturing. At night, he'd come home and tune into the stars, using a home-built telescope he erected in his backyard in Wheaton. It was the second antenna to be used for astronomy ever, after Karl-freaking-Jansky's. Truly, Reber was one badass Happy Mutant. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500
• Australia to trial limited higher power
Holders of the Advanced Licence, the highest amateur radio licence available in Australia, will be able to apply for use of up to one-thousand watts PEP under a restrictive permit system that begins in March. The change follows renewed representation by the Wireless Institute of Australia and the recent development in nearby New Zealand, where 1kW is now to be allowed, up from 500w PEP. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500
• Amateur radio operators to host kids day in Darien (Wisconsin)
Have you ever wondered what amateur radio was about? Is it still relevant in the age of the Internet? Actually, amateur radio is growing, with more than 700,000 licensed radio amateurs in the United States for the first time. From noon to 6 p.m., Jan. 8, at the Darien Town Hall, the Lakes Area Amateur Radio Club and the American Radio Relay League present Kid’s Day 2012. Kids of all ages are invited to come out to this free, hands-on event and see for themselves what all the fun is about. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500
• Virginia Ham Plans 500 kHz Special Event to Celebrate Work of Radio Pioneers
The early history of wireless contains the names of many great pioneers. While Marconi’s name is the most well known, the names of Fessenden and Heising are only rarely mentioned. As early as 1900, Reginald Fessenden was experimenting with the direct transmission of human speech. During World War I, Raymond Heising was developing a method of constant-current modulation that was one of the earliest forms of AM. Since I have been one of the active CW 600 meter stations as part of the ARRL’s Experimental License project for some time now, I decided to take a step or two further into the realm of early radio transmissions. One of the transmitters I have used for 600 meters CW and QRSS work has been a vintage homebrew design that could support traditional CW and Heising AM. Since the ARRL’s Part 5 license only supports CW and narrow-band digital modes, the Heising modulator went unused until a new idea came to mind. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:06 -0500
• Radio in the Park
The Viking Radio Club, KF5CRF, of Lawton, Oklahoma along with the Radio in the Park net has, in just over 2 years, developed into a regular on-air event. I started KF5CRF for the purpose of exposing middle-school students to real life applications involving math, science and electronics. I decided to use Amateur Radio as a fun way to gain their interest. Developing a workable program involving the school, parents and local hams was hardly an accident as my colleague Paul Goulet, KC5CYY, and I can tell you. It all began as two separate efforts by two individuals who saw a need to bring Amateur Radio and related sciences to the youth of their community. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:49:05 -0500
• Radio amateurs heat up the moon
A group of radio amateurs recently travelled to Lesotho with the objective of heating up the moon - well, figuratively speaking. It was all about providing an opportunity for 'moon bouncer' radio amateurs around the world to make contact with a new country. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:34:53 -0500
• Two Silicon Valley high-altitude ballooning groups vie for record
Silicon Valley's record-setting balloon aficionado has set another world record. Experts say San Jose pool service repairman Ron Meadows latest weather balloon traveled across the country, then across the Atlantic Ocean before splashing down near Spain. On Sunday, Meadows and his son, Lee, 32, released a balloon from Almaden Expressway and Highway 85 that soared past New Jersey, then landed in the Mediterranean Sea, where it sank. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:36 -0500
• Amateur Radio Balloon Flies From California to Algeria
A weather balloon built and powered by amateur radio balloon enthusiasts made an epic three-day journey from California to the Mediterranean, splashing down after it apparently burst somewhere off the Algerian coast. The transcontinental transatlantic flight covered a record-shattering 6,236 miles. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:33 -0500
• Amateur Radio Balloon Flight Crosses Atlantic, Sets Records
Ron Meadows, K6RPT, and his son Lee -- leaders of the California Near Space Project -- successfully launched an Amateur Radio high altitude balloon on Sunday, December 11 at 4:43 PM PST. The balloon reached a cruise altitude between 105,000 and 115,000 feet, where it continued its travel across the United States, the Atlantic Ocean and Spain and into the Mediterranean Sea. For most of its trip, the balloon traveled at about 150 miles per hour and eventually covered 6236 great circle miles in just 57 hours 2 minutes. According to the CNSP, this is a new Amateur Radio balloon flight record for both distance and duration. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:22 -0500
• Deadline Approaching for Hams to Recommend Updates to Microwave Band Plan
Attention microwavers! An ARRL Ad Hoc Committee has been tasked by the Board of Directors with recommending updates to the ARRL band plans for the amateur bands between 902 MHz and 3.5 GHz. If you are now active on any of these bands or are developing plans to do so, the committee would like to hear from you by Thursday, December 15. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:22 -0500
• Arcep consults on new rules for amateur radio, satellite (France)
French telecom regulator Arcep is launching a public consultation until 20 January 2012 on on planned changes to the regulatory framework governing the terms of use for frequencies by amateur radio service stations and by the amateur satellite service. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:21 -0500
• Calling ham radio buffs (Canada)
The Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society is looking for new members to help grow the sometimes life-saving hobby in Yellowknife and the North. There are 20 society members scattered through the NWT, with the majority of them in Yellowknife. Society president Chris Cameron said adding to their membership would help the society become more involved in the community. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:21 -0500
• Still gracing the airwaves at age 101 (Australia)
SOCIAL media and the internet may be bringing the world closer together but Darcy Hancock still prefers his trusty HAM radio. Celebrating his 101st birthday tomorrow Mr Hancock has lived through the birth of television and several wars but despite the innovation of modern communication, 84 years on from receiving his transmitter's licence, his voice can still be heard over the airwaves. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:21 -0500
• House-Passed Payroll Tax Bill Includes Amateur Radio Study
The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 (HR 3630) -- the bill to extend the payroll tax reduction that passed the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 13 -- includes among its many other provisions the Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum Act or JOBS Act that passed the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on December 1. The JOBS Act makes up Title IV of HR 3630 and includes the following: Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:20 -0500
• ARRL Warns Members to be Aware of E-mail Scams
Many ARRL members with arrl.net e-mail accounts have recently received bogus e-mails in a phishing attack. These are scams designed to scare people into e-mailing back personal information -- such as user names and passwords -- to the scammer at an unknown address. This particular attack was more sophisticated than usual, but far from unique. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:14:19 -0500
• Milwaukie seniors keep ham radio alive in case of emergency (Oregon)
Louise Evans was an amateur radio operator in California for 15 years before moving to Oregon 22 years ago and giving up her license because, she said, "I thought I was old. I was 80." Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:41 -0500
• Radio club takes part in Skywarn (Florida)
The Royal Harbor Amateur Radio Club recently took part in Skywarn Recognition Day by setting up portable ham radio stations in the faux lighthouse at their retirement community in Tavares. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:41 -0500
• Radio Ham's invention seeing wide use
In 1987/1988, Chip (now) W1YW created the first fractal antennas, for 2M packet use. Heading into 25 years since, this ham radio invented technology is now seeing wide acceptance. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500
• Amateur radio ops go "missing"
Colin de Villiers, ZS6COL, has been working on bringing the SARL and ICASA records in line. During the process some 40 members were found to be on the South African Radio League (SARL) records that are not in the ICASA Data base. Technically speaking, these persons are using their call signs illegally. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500
• Ham Radio, Hugs And Finding Meaning On Twitter: Jeff Pulver At Social Media Breakfast Waterloo
In a brightly lit room at the excruciatingly early (for us bloggers, at least) hour of 7:45 in the morning, Jeff Pulver was giving a room full of social media acolytes hugs. He was also talking about the early days of Twitter, our current place amid a communications revolution, and how to become someone who can change the world. And all this over waffles and fruits. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 05:02:40 -0500