January, 2007

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The Amateur Radio frequency allocation chart
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html and the ARRL BandPlans http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bandplan.html on the ARRL Web site have been updated to reflect the band changes. Revised FCCPart 97 Amateur Service rules reflecting all changes detailed in the FCCReport and Order in WT Docket 04-140, also are available http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/news/part97/

New DX record claimed for 300+ GHz "traditional RF" operation
Microwave enthuiasts Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, and Pete Lascell, W4WWQ (left and right in photo, respectively), in Virginia are claiming a new DX record for "traditional RF operation above 300 GHz." The December 10 QSO on 322 GHz spanned 7.3 km (4.53 miles) and was accomplished using slow-speed FSK CW and Spectran software. "The gear used for this QSO was the same gear used previously on 241/322/403 GHz: harmonic mixers and 12-inch parabolic dish antennas," Justin explained. "This latest QSO exceeds our former DX of 1.4 km (0.87 mile) as well as makes a claim for best DX on any amateur frequency above 300 GHz, except for visible light." He also welcomes competition on the millimeter wavelengths. "I hope other hams come to know that the bands above 47 GHz are ripe for the picking when it comes to DX and other firsts," Justin said.

VY1JA Low-Frequency Beacon Signal 'Grabbed' in Germany
The low-frequency beacon of J Allen, VY1JA, near Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory, was received November 21 by German LF experimenter Hartmut Wolff. The largely overland path spanned 7026 km (4370 miles). Allen said the report was a pleasant surprise. Transmitting on 137.7786 kHz using very- slow-speed CW (QRSS), the VY1JA beacon runs 140 W output to a 100-foot top-loaded wire vertical. Wolff used a double K9AY loop on the receiving end, where he decoded the beacon signal using computer software designed to capture below-noise-level signals. Allen invites reception reports, especially screen captures and .wav clips, via e-mail vy1ja@northwestel.net (QSLs go to N3SL). VY1JA currently beacons 24/7 sending "JA" at QRSS60 (60-second dits) on the hour and half-hour, followed by an approximately two-minute ID at 6 WPM at about :24 and :54 that includes the VY1JA grid square (CP20).

FOUNDATION FOR AMATEUR RADIO, INC. (FAR) SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
The Foundation for Amateur Radio, Inc., FAR, a non-profit organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C., plans to administer 56 scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year to assist licensed Radio Amateurs. The Foundation, composed of over 75 local area Amateur Radio Clubs, fully funds three of these scholarships. 11 are funded with the income from grants. The remaining 42 are administered by the Foundation without cost to the various donors. Licensed Radio Amateurs may compete for these awards if they plan to pursue a full-time course of studies beyond high school and are enrolled in or have been accepted for enrollment at an accredited university, college or technical school. The awards range from $500 to $3,000 with preference given in some cases to residents of specified geographical areas or the pursuit of certain study programs. Amateur radio clubs, especially those in Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, are encouraged to announce these opportunities at their meetings, in their club newsletters, during training classes, on their nets and on their world wide web home pages. Additional information and an application form may be requested by letter or QSL card postmarked prior to April 30, 2007.
Please send name, call sign and address to:

January, 2007

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