Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (B) To : All From : Daryl Stout Date : Thu Nov 17 2022 18:57:29 GERMAN STATE'S LAW BECOMES MORE ANTENNA-FRIENDLY NEIL/ANCHOR: A proposed change in building regulations in one part of Germany is expected to allow higher antenna masts to be installed without permission being required. This is the same state in which Ham Radio Friedrichshafen, [Pronunciation: Freed Ricks HA Fen], Europe's largest ham fest, takes place every year. Here's Ed Durrant, DD5LP, with an update. ED: An antenna-friendly change in the state building laws is expected to be adopted in Baden-W£rttemberg. This will permit antennas to be installed on masts as high as 15 metres, or nearly 50 feet, in residential areas and 20 metres, or 65 feet, outside of residential areas without the need for planning permission. Until now, the state's height limit was 10 metres, or 32 feet, consistent with the other states in Germany. Proponents of this change are hoping this will enable more complete digital cell phone coverage without the burden of paperwork previously associated with the antenna installation. The fact that the law applies to all radio masts would, of course, be a benefit to radio hams in the state as well. The state Parliament is expected to debate the draft law change soon, and if approved, its enactment would come shortly afterwards. This is Ed Durrant, DD5LP. (FUNK TELEGRAMM MAGAZINE) ** MARITIME MOBILE NET AIDS DISTRESSED FISHING VESSEL NEIL/ANCHOR: The Maritime Mobile Service Network came to the aid recently of a fishing vessel with engine difficulties. Jack Parker, W8ISH, has that story. JACK: On November 6th, engine trouble was plaguing the Captain Chad as the 80-foot commercial fishing vessel made its way through the water south of Jamaica with eight passengers aboard. The captain called for help over various frequencies on the commercial HF marine band but without luck. Fearing the calm waters would soon get rougher and more dangerous, he declared an emergency and called for help again -- this time, tuning to his radio's preset frequency of 14.300 MHz. Tom Yturri, W5TEY, who was on duty as Maritime Mobile Service Operator, heard the call and got the boat's location from the captain, Curtis Jackson. Tom telephoned the Jamaican Coast Guard but after getting no response, he reached out to the US Coast Guard in Virginia. The Maritime Mobile Service Network then lost contact. All it could do was leave information about the Captain Chad and ask all incoming net control stations to try to re-establish contact. Two days later, a much happier contact took place: Tom heard from the fishing vessel's owner. The boat and everyone on board were rescued without incident thanks to the vital information passed along by the Maritime Mobile Service Network. Tom said simply: [quote] "It's what we train to do." [endquote] This is Jack Parker, W8ISH. (JEFF SAVASTA, KB4JKL) ** GRANT SUBSIDIZES RFI-FIGHTING EFFORTS IN NEW ENGLAND NEIL/ANCHOR: The New England Division of the ARRL has just acquired the means to buy some powerful tools to help amateurs struggling to combat RFI. With the help of a $23,640 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications, the division will be purchasing kits to be used by each of its seven sections throughout the New England states. The kits contain antennas along with equipment capable of RFI detection and spectrum capture and will be capable of helping on the VHF/UHF frequencies as well as on HF. Rob Leiden, K1UI, assistant director for Spectrum Protection & Utilization, expressed confidence that the section teams will be well-prepared and well-equipped. The division will be conducting on-site training for each section's RFI team and the ARDC grant is designed to cover these training costs as well. (ARDC) ** INTERNATIONAL NEWSMAKER AWARD TO BE ANNOUNCED NEIL/ANCHOR: We remind our listeners that in another two weeks, we will be announcing this year's recipient of the Amateur Radio Newsline International Newsmaker of the Year Award. We began this award in 2019 as a way of honoring individuals, groups or formal clubs whose actions and contributions show the world the value that amateur radio brings to society. Recipients are chosen by the editorial staff of Amateur Radio Newsline. All past recipients have shown themselves to adhere to the high standards of selflessness and community service which ham radio is known for and have also helped garner recognition and a higher profile for ham radio in the mainstream media. Be listening in early December when we announce the deserving recipient. The award means they have not only made headlines but also made a difference in the world. ** BREAK HERE: Time for you to identify your station. We are the Amateur Radio Newsline, heard on bulletin stations around the world, including the WI9HF repeater in Madison, Wisconsin, on Tuesday nights at 7:30. --- SBBSecho 3.15-Win32 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (618:250/33) .