Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (C)
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Thu Mar 09 2023 21:07:32

DAMAGE TOPPLES VITAL NEBRASKA COMMUNICATIONS TOWER

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A communications tower serving fire and emergency services 
in Nebraska was found toppled and destroyed in Nebraska, the apparent 
result of having had one of its guy wire anchors damaged. According to a 
report on the website ruralradio.com, the tower suffered structural 
failure and toppled, causing an estimated $575,000 in damage to the tower 
and its equipment. The local sheriff's office, fire and EMS service, 
Verizon wireless and the school district were among those making use of 
the tower. Cellphone service was re-established on a temporary tower and 
the emergency service and fire channels were moved to another location. 
The Nebraska State Patrol's forensic evidence team is studying the 
evidence at its crime lab and has contacted the FBI which may pursue the 
case as an act of domestic terrorism.

(RURALRADIO.COM)

**

'ROVER' CATEGORY ADDED TO VIRGINIA QSO PARTY

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: A new category is being added to the Virginia QSO Party, 
which kicks off later this month. Sel Embee, KB3T Zed Dee, tells us what's 
behind this decision.

SEL: This year's Virginia QSO Party includes a bit of an experiment. 
Organizers are adding a new category - "Rover" - which raises the number 
of categories for non-fixed stations to three. The inclusion of the rover 
category, which now joins "mobile" and "expedition," is being done to 
accommodate hams who, for various reasons, cannot be included in the other 
classes of mobile operator. That may mean they make use of commercial 
power, retractable antenna masts or non-mobile support structures. Rover 
operators must still identify with their callsign followed by /M. Rovers 
are permitted to make contacts while moving or stationary. A non-operating 
driver is required for rover and mobile operators who plan to be on the 
air while the vehicle is in motion.

The QSO Party is being organized by the Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club 
and will be held on March 18th and 19th.

This is Sel Embee, KB3TZD.

(QRZ.COM)

**

CB RADIO MARKET GROWS FOR FM MODE

STEPHEN/ANCHOR: The shape of CB radios is changing: An increasing number 
of them are now capable of FM, as we hear from Jack Parker, W8ISH.

JACK: Little more than 18 months after the FCC approved the use of FM for 
Citizens Band on 27 MHz, manufacturers have responded to the demand for 
the mode. Companies now in the market include President Electronics USA, 
Uniden, RadioOddity, QYT and Cobra. It was Cobra's original petition that 
pushed the need to the forefront of the agency, with support from the 
other companies. When the FCC granted the request in July 2021, the move 
was called the biggest change for Citizens Band since the expansion of CB 
channels from 23 to 40 in 1977.

FM is now used on the CB radio spectrum from 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz, 
enabling a higher-quality audio for radio users who do not need the 
distance capabilities offered by radios with the SSB mode.

This is Jack Parker, W8ISH.

(RADIO WORLD, CCJDIGITAL.COM, FCC)

**

WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, Jim WB2REM, John K4LT, and Bob KE2D are using the call 
sign HD8M, from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, IOTA SA-004, until 
the 11th of March. They are using CW, SSB and FT8 in fox-hound mode on 
160-6 metres. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or direct to WB2REM; They will 
upload to LoTW after six months.

From Norfolk Island, IOTA number OC-005, listen for Tom, VK3FTOM, who is 
joining the VK9NT team that will be on the air there from the 17th to the 
31st of March. Tom will also be using his own personal callsign, VK9TOM, 
starting on or around the 13th of March for "some QRP operating" while on
the island.

Luca, HB9OBD is active holiday style as D44KIT from Sal Island, IOTA 
number AF-086, Cape Verde until the 5th of April. Listen for him on SSB 
and FT8 on 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via EB7DX.

Hiro, JF1OCQ, is in the Comoro Islands, IOTA number AF-007, where he is on 
the air as D67AA until the 22nd of March. He is using CW, SSB, and the 
digital modes on 160 - 10 metres. QSL via LoTW or direct to his home call. 
He will upload his log to Club Log and other platforms.

(DX-WORLD.NET)
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