| November, 2009 |  |
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Who needs a key? IPhone app unlocks and starts car
A California company Tuesday will announce an iPhone application and car receiver that will enable users
to lock, unlock and remotely start their car with the phone rather than the car's key fob.The Viper SmartStart
is the latest example of automotive electronics functions migrating into Apple iPhone and other smartphones, including turn-by-turn directions or locating the closest gas station. Such ideas are a challenge for automakers
and aftermarket suppliers for whom advanced auto electronics have been highly profitable. The system —
which works on any car with electric windows and locks, but does not require an existing remote start
feature — includes a receiver that is installed in the car. It's going on sale at Best Buy stores for $499.
Three People Killed While Erecting Ham Antenna
At approximately 8:40 PM on Monday, October 12, a man, woman and their 15 year old son were killed while
trying to erect a 50 foot vertical antenna at the home of the man's mother, Barbara Tenn, KJ4KFF, in Palm
Bay, Florida. The deceased were not licensed amateurs."It happened in an instant," Palm Bay Fire Marshal
Mike Couture said in a statement. "It is an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to the most tragic result."
According to police reports, Melville Braham, 55, Anna Braham, 49, and their 15 year old son Anthony were
putting up an antenna -- Tenn's second -- at night when they lost control of the antenna and it crashed into
nearby overhead power lines. The impact sent 13,000 volts of electricity through the pole the three were
holding. The mother was pronounced dead at the scene. When paramedics arrived, the father and son were
not breathing; rescue crews immediately tried to resuscitate them. They were transported to a hospital where
they later died. Couture said that night was not the best time to be attempting to put up an antenna. "It wasn't
the best time, meaning it was night time. Obviously, in darkness, and trying to do something like this and not
being keenly aware of where the power line is in the backyard, [was not a good idea]," he said.
Four Radio Amateurs Killed in Plane Crash En Route to CQWW Phone Contest
Just after take-off, a twin-engine plane carrying four Amateur Radio operators crashed into the woods,
only 250 yards off the end of the runway in Jedburg, South Carolina, about 20 miles northwest of Charleston.
The plane -- piloted and owned by Peter Radding, W2GJ -- carried Ed Steeble, K3IXD, Dallas Carter, W3PP,
and Randy Hargenrader, K4QO. The four men were on their way to the Bahamas to operate in this weekend's
CQ World Wide Phone Contest as C6APR, competing in the Multi/2 category.
Hams Face New Rules on Ontario Roadways
The Ministry of Transportation in Ontario, Canada announced on September 30 that Bill 118 concerning
distracted driving will take effect on October 26, 2009. According to Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC)
Vice President for Public Relations Peter West, VE3HG, the new law makes it illegal for drivers to talk,
text, type, dial or e-mail using handheld cell phones and other handheld communications and
entertainment devices. Following a three-month period that begins October 26, the focus will be on
educating drivers; police will start issuing tickets on February 1, 2010. ?All two-way radios in all vehicles ?
with the exception of emergency responding vehicles -- must be hands-free in three years time,? he
posted on the RAC?s blog. "This news comes from the official government staffer who has been in
communications with Radio Amateurs of Canada over the last year. At the end of the three-year
exemption, all commercial, CB and Amateur Radio equipment used in moving vehicles by the vehicle
operator must be hands-free in operation."
| November, 2009 | |
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