Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (C) To : All From : Daryl Stout Date : Thu Sep 10 2020 22:41:18 UK NET FOR BLIND VETS ADDS DIGITAL OPTION JIM/ANCHOR: In the UK, an amateur radio group for blind veterans isn't letting the HF's noise get in the way of their regular net. Jeremy Boot, G4NJH, tells us more. JEREMY: When increasing noise began disrupting their mornings four days a week on 80 metres, the Blind Vets UK Amateur Radio Society didn't go QRT: Instead, they got creative and found a new mode they could add as an alternative. Encouraged by longstanding member Doc G4ZJO, the group secured the help of the North West Fusion Group, one of the UK's biggest clubs. The Fusion Group, which maintains a network of repeaters and gateways, set up and began hosting a Yaesu System Fusion reflector for use by the blind amateurs. According to Douggie, G7CDA, one of the Fusion Group administrators, a WiresX room is now bridged to the YSF reflector around the clock. He said the network has become a busy place, where Doc chairs the regular 10 a.m. daily nets. Douggie told Newsline that the WiresX Room is being used increasingly by both blind and sighted hams, as well as members and non-members of the Blind Vets UK organisation. It's growing, he said, "at some rate of knots." Don't worry, there is plenty of room for even more hams to join in. WiresX Room 44222 is called BLIND-VETS NWFG, and the reflector is YSF number 42233 which is called GB-BLIND-VETS. The North West Fusion Group also has a presence in the United States and at least one gateway there is usually connected to the group network. Douggie told Newsline: "Anyone can call in the network or join the nets where they will be made most welcome." For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jeremy Boot, G4NJH. (DOUGGIE LANCASTER G7CDA) ** POPULAR DIGITAL NET MOVES TO NEW TIME SLOT JIM/ANCHOR: In the U.S., the popular net known as the All Things Digital After Net is on the move. It's staying on Reflector 58 B, but will now meet at 6 p.m. Central Time in the U.S. on Tuesdays. The change is being made to accommodate a work-schedule conflict. The net control is El Erby, K4DJL. All hams with an interest in any digital radio mode are welcome to check in. (DARYL STOUT WX4QZ) ** SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES 119 NEWLY LICENSED HAMS JIM/ANCHOR: After several months of delays in testing, South Africa has finally welcomed some new hams to the bands. John Williams, VK4JJW, tells us about them. JOHN: Congratulations to the 119 new amateur radio operators in South Africa. The new hams have successfully completed the recent Radio Amateurs Exam, a 60-question test held for the Class A licence on the 29th of August, following a delay from May as a result of the pandemic. Relaying the details given by Noel Hammond ZR6DX, the South African Radio League said that 124 tests were given at 27 exam centres under special COVID-19 protocols that included holding a morning and an afternoon session. The 119 successful candidates have since been emailed the results. Before taking the written test, the candidates were required to complete a Practical Operating Assessment and evaluated by two HF Assessors, carefully done in accordance with pandemic restrictions. For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW. (SARL, SOUTHGATE) ** ARKANSAS HAM OFFERS NEW AMATEUR RADIO TV CHANNEL JIM/ANCHOR: There are many conventional ways to promote amateur radio: workshops, hamfests, YouTube videos and of course Elmering. But how about a ham radio channel on the Roku digital media player? Skeeter Nash, N5ASH, tells us about one ham who's making it happen. SKEETER: As the administrator and creator of Ozark Digital, a digital ham radio network based in Arkansas, Curtis, N9INK, is always looking for ways hams can expand their reach. Hoping to promote the hobby across generations - and even geography - through creative TV programming, he has secured a channel on the Roku streaming TV player. The noncommercial channel is called Amateur Radio Today, and Curtis is looking to provide viewers with free content - ultimately around the clock - on anything and everything amateur radio-related. Curtis told Newsline that what he needs now are more programs. He has a few pre-recorded videos already up there to get things started, but he is hoping to fill the schedule of the Amateur Radio Today channel with how-to videos, interviews, discussions, and maybe - down the line - a live feed from a DXpedition, whenever that may be technically possible. Subject matter can range from digital operation and hotspots, to boat anchors. There are, of course, technical requirements. Videos should be in high-definition MP4 format. All content must be reviewed by him first. He said that live feeds are also possible, but will be carried with a three-minute delay. Curtis said his goal isn't just to provide ham radio programming, but to help provide the hobby with a future filled with enthusiastic, inquisitive amateurs. Amateurs interested in providing content should write him at curtg49@yahoo.com For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Skeeter Nash, N5ASH. (CURTIS N9INK) --- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32 * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (618:250/33) .