Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (B) To : All From : Daryl Stout Date : Fri Nov 11 2022 13:16:08 RSGB SELECTS COORDINATOR OF CW COMPETENCY TEST JIM/ANCHOR: If you're in the UK and want a way to formally measure your Morse Code competency, there's a newly appointed ham to oversee your test. Here's Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, to introduce him. JEREMY: Eric Arkinstall, M0KZB, recognises that for many fellow hams, amateur radio is all about the love of Morse Code, plain and simple. For Eric, being an amateur has almost always been about the love of all things radio when, since at age 11, he built his first crystal set. Recently, the Radio Society of Great Britain appointed him coordinator of the Morse Competency test which awards operators recognition for their efforts. Although a Morse Code Certificate is not proof of a national standard of proficiency or internationally recognised, it is a matter of pride for those operators who attain it. In most countries now including the UK, a knowledge of Morse Code is no longer a requirement for a ham radio licence. According to the RSGB website, 5 words per minute is the slowest speed for which the certificate is issued. This is being done to encourage progress towards higher speeds. Tests are also available at 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30 wpm. If you wish to take the test, you can email Eric directly at morse.tests@rsgb.org.uk This is Jeremy Boot, G4NJH. (RSGB) ** NASA CHOOSES HAMS TO HELP COPY ORION'S SIGNAL JIM/ANCHOR: The Orion spacecraft, which is set to be launched toward the moon this month, won't be making the trip alone. Amateur radio operators will be along for the ride - well, sort of. Paul Braun, WD9GCO, explains. PAUL: When Artemis 1 dispatches an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on its journey to the moon, two hams will be on board the mission even though they're keeping their feet solidly on Planet Earth. Amateur radio operators are part of the 18-member team of volunteers who will be tracking various parts of the 25-day mission, recording whether it is possible to copy Orion's signal. NASA said they will also track and measure changes in Orion's radio transmissions. The team will include satellite enthusiast Scott Chapman, K4KDR, of Vermont and amateur astronomer Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, of British Columbia. The two amateurs were chosen to join space agencies and international companies from Canada, Germany, Korea and elsewhere. I'm Paul Braun, WD9GCO. (SPACE.COM) *** FCC SEEKING NEW GRADS FOR ENGINEERS' PROGRAM JIM/ANCHOR: If you're a recent college graduate with an engineering degree or expect to graduate with that degree in December, this opportunity from the US Federal Communications Commission might interest you. We have the details from Sel Embee, KB3TZD. SEL: The Honors Engineer program, an FCC career development initiative, has openings for engineering graduates interested in spending a year working alongside experienced professionals. The engineers will tackle such issues as broadcast standards, next-generation communications networks and innovations in space. They will also explore public safety issues and consult with homeland security agencies. Another focus will be new communications technologies, especially with respect to energy, education and health care. The program is run with an eye toward having its participants ultimately join the FCC as fulltime employees. Candidates may find this to be a competitive program. The agency considers academic achievement only one part of the successful engineer's resume. The FCC will also take into account technical skills and extracurricular activities. All candidates must show that they have an interest in working for a government employer in the communications sector. If you're interested, you have until December 2nd to apply. Applications are available online. You'll find the link to the application process in the text version of this week's newscast script at arnewsline.org This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD. (FOR PRINT ONLY, DO NOT READ: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/685101100 (FCC) ** BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the AH6LE repeater in Clackamas County, Oregon, on Sundays at 6 p.m. local time. --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (954:895/7) .