World record claimed on relocated microwave band
Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, who enjoys plying the microwave spectrum, is claiming a new world DX record
for the 134 GHz band. Justin says the December 8 contact between W2SZ/4 (WA1ZMS operating) and
W4WWQ (WA4RTS assisting) was possibly a first on that band for the US. The QSO between W2SZ/4
in FM07fm and W4WWQ in FM06hx (both in Virginia) spanned a distance of 60.1 km (approximately
37.3 miles). The mode was FSK CW. Justin says the previous 134 GHz DX record of 56.4 km was held
by JA1KVN and JA1ELV. "The signal margin on both ends of our QSO was a few dB, so there is a
chance we could better our DX," Justin said, adding that he first needs to check out some equipment
issues. Justin notes that as a result of some microwave spectrum reshuffling the 134 GHz band last year
replaced the 145 GHz Amateur Radio allocation. The US was the last country to make the change, he
said. Last year, the ARRL Board of Directors honored Justin as a recipient of the 2003 ARRL
Microwave Development Award, for his pioneering work in developing the Amateur Radio microwave
bands above 30 GHz.
Could radio waves predict earthquakes?
Scientists are examining the possibility of using radio waves to predict the location, time and magnitude of
earthquakes. Earthquakes such as the one that struck the Kashmir region of Pakistan last month kill thousands
of people each year but at present there is no method of forecasting when they might strike. Now some
geophysicists believe that it might be possible to predict earthquakes by measuring either electromagnetic
pulses in the earth's crust or disturbances in the ionosphere. Such pulses and disturbances have been
detected prior to a number of major earthquakes. No-one is certain what causes them but Colin Price, a
geophysicist at Tel Aviv University in Israel , has speculated that the ground pulses are caused by the fracturing
of rocks containing magnetic particles. As these rocks crack in the seismic events prior to an earthquake, they
generate ultra low frequency radio waves. Interestingly, these radio pulses are generated as much as two
weeks before some earthquakes take place. By detecting these signals, therefore, it might be possible to
develop an earthquake early warning system that would give people plenty of time to evacuate buildings before
an earthquake strikes, saving thousands of lives every year. (GB2RS)
CBS talking to Google about video options
U.S. television network CBS is in discussions with Internet media company Google about video search and
on-demand video, CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves said Tuesday. Viacom-owned CBS, which is in the
process of splitting itself apart from the faster growing MTV cable networks and Paramount film studios, is
seeking other distribution outlets for its top-ranked shows including the CSI franchise. "We're talking to them
about a whole slew of things including video-on-demand, including video search," Moonves said. The talks
come as entertainment companies try to keep up as the Internet and other technologies siphon consumers
from traditional media. Moonves, however, said he saw opportunities to boost CBS's reach and bottom line.
CBS's discussions have not been restricted to Google and have also included talks with Yahoo, although
deals with none of them have yet been struck. "They need our content, we need their technology," he said,
referring to broader discussions with Internet companies. "We argue about which is more important. I think
ultimately my content, no matter how you get it, content is still the most important thing." CBS announced a
one-year deal to let Comcast cable customers view episodes of some of its shows at the click of their
remote for 99 cents earlier this month. Moonves, who is also the co-chief operating officer of media
conglomerate Viacom , said the company is in talks with satellite television operator DirecTV Group for
similar deals, although he did not specify when, or if any deal would be struck. "We've spoken with DirecTV,
sure," he said. "I think you'll see more and more of those deals happening along the way, as well as you'll
see more and more deals like ABC did with the iPod."
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