Cellphone opponents find ammunition in study
Good news for those hoping that cellphones remain banned from in-flight usage. The Philadelphia Inquirer
cites a study by Carnegie Mellon University engineers published this month that finds cellphones, laptops,
and other personal electronic devices may interfere with airplane electronics more than was previously
thought. In an article in the technology magazine IEEE Spectrum, the report's authors write, "our research
has found that these items can interrupt the normal operation of key cockpit instruments, especially Global
Positioning System (GPS) receivers, which are increasingly vital to safe landings. Two different studies by
NASA further support the idea that passengers' electronic devices dangerously produce interference in a
way that reduces the safety margins for critical avionics systems." The study comes as the Federal
Communications Commission is considering a proposal to allow in-flight cellphone usage. However, a
spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration tells the Inquirer that even if the FCC changes its
policy, the FAA ban will stay in place until any airline that wants to allow cellphones can prove they will
not interfere with aircraft instruments.
Cellphone blocking paint
A new development in RF shielding could spell regulatory problems for the FCC. This, after a Rochester,
New York, company called Natural Nano announces that it has developed paint that can switch between
blocking cell phone signals and allowing them through. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant,
K6PZW, told us that according to the Chicago Tribune, the new cellphone blocking paint works this way.
Using nano-technology, particles of copper are inserted into nanotubes. The painted surface is then
connected to radio filtering gear that permits certain frequencies to pass while blocking others.
One example where the product could be beneficial. He says that a concert hall could use the paint to
allow cell phones to work before an event and during breaks, but block their use during the performance.
Science Online says proponents of the blocking paint claim that it does not jam cellphones. Rather it
uses its natural properties of clay to block specific signals. Therefore it would be exempt from any FCC
rules governing cellphone jamming devices. They also say that nobody can force the owner of private
property to let commercial radio signals intrude. The bottom line: If the cellphone blocking paint catches
on, this one could be headed straight to the US federal courts. While this product could pose some
serious regulatory issues for the FCC, some hams discussing it on the air hope the company will realise
that there may be a market in Amateur Radio for painting away TVI.
Solar cycle forecast breakthrough
The next sunspot cycle will be 30-50 per cent stronger than its predecessor and will begin as much as a year
later than previous forecasts, according to scientists from the US-based National Centre for Atmospheric
Research. If the prediction is correct, the next solar maximum could be the most intense since the historic
solar maximum of 1958. The National Centre for Atmospheric Research scientists believe they have mastered
the art of accurately forecasting solar cycles. They have developed a computer model that they claim has
simulated the strength of the past eight solar cycles with an accuracy of more than 98%.This amazing precision
is achieved by using the subsurface movements of sunspot remnants of the previous two solar cycles to
calculate the strength of the next cycle. Mausumi Dikpati, the leader of the research team, said: "Our model
has demonstrated the necessary skill to be used as a forecasting tool."
The Sun undergoes 11-year cycles of activity, from peak storm activity to quiet and back again. But until now
there was no precise method of predicting their timing and strength. Being able to accurately predict the sun’s
cycles years ahead could help society prepare for periods of intense solar storms, which can disrupt
communications, slow down satellite orbits and crash power systems. Solar storms are thought to be caused
by twisted magnetic fields in the Sun that suddenly snap, releasing huge amounts of energy. They usually
occur near dark regions of concentrated magnetic fields known as sunspots. [GB2RS]
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