Subj : Amateur Radio Newsline (A)
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Dec 08 2017 07:41 am

Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2093, for Friday, December 8, 2017

Amateur Radio Newsline Report Number 2093, with a release date of
Friday, December 8, 2017, to follow in 5-4-3-2-1.

The following is a QST. The radio journey of Canada's Polar Prince
isn't over just yet. Hams in India assist in tracking criminals --
and the new operating mode FT8 makes its debut at a party. All this,
and more, as Amateur Radio Newsline Report 2093, comes your way
right now.

**

BILLBOARD CART

**

HOMEWARD BOUND AND STILL ON THE AIR

CHRISTIAN/ANCHOR: We open this week's report with an update on the
Canada C3 Expedition Vessel, the Polar Prince. It has completed its
historic journey via the Northwest Passage - but its radio adventure
is far from over, as we hear from Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

JIM MEACHEN'S REPORT: The Polar Prince is heading home to Canada's
East Coast. The Canada C3 Expedition Vessel completed its 150-day
journey to British Columbia, via the Northwest Passage on Oct. 28,
transmitting as CG3EXP. That call sign has since been retired, but
the ship will continue with its Ultimate 3 WSPR beacon, identifying
as VE0EXP now, as it ventures east through the Panama Canal. Listeners
with an HF receiver, and the WSPR application, can hear its signal,
and track its path on WSPRnet.

The expedition credits Michael, VE7XMC, a graduate student from the
University of Victoria, with helping implement that changeover. Hams
are especially encouraged to continue tracking the vessel.

The expedition from Toronto to Victoria, with visits to 75 communities
in between, marked Canada's 150th birthday.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF.

(WSPRNET.ORG, RADIO AMATEURS OF CANADA)

**

IN INDIA, HAM RADIO TEAMS UP WITH LOCAL POLICE

CHRISTIAN/ANCHOR: In one community in India, the real power of ham radio
isn't necessarily measured in watts, as John Williams, VK4JJW, tells us.

JOHN: Ham radio operators in Pune, India are teaming up with local law
enforcement officials, to harness the power of modern communications,
to help locate criminals.

With the assistance of the local amateurs, the wireless department of
the Maharashtra Police, is hoping to develop a mobile locator, to track
cell phones that are being rendered otherwise untrackable. The new
initiative was announced December 2nd, by Abdur Rahman, deputy inspector
general of police at a local ham radio club event.

Ham radio club advisor Vilas Rabde, VU2VPR, said that an innovation hub
is being developed by the police department's wireless division, and the
technical knowledge of the hams will prove invaluable here. He said that,
at present, criminals are able to stay several steps ahead of authorities
because they cannot be tracked by their mobile phones. The individuals
being sought often change the phones' SIM cards and phone numbers too
rapidly, he said.

The hams, however, are making progress. Deputy inspector Rehman said the
initiative is expected to go live very soon.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm John Williams, VK4JJW.

(TIMES OF INDIA)

**

AMATEUR RADIO HELPS WITH BOAT RESCUE AFTER CYCLONE

CHRISTIAN/ANCHOR: Meanwhile in southern India, hams were out in force
after a deadly cyclone swept through two coastal states. We hear more
from Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

JASON: When Cyclone Ockhi hit the Indian state of Kerala on the 30th of
November, a ham radio network based at Cheruthoni, stepped in to help
locate and ensure the safety of boats stranded in the waters off the
southern coastal region. According to Manoj Galaxy VU2DTH, initial
communication attempts via simplex, did not get very far and were
frequently disrupted, until the hams were able to connect with a
repeater station at Calvarymount - a station that is 5,000 feet above
sea level.

Finally confident in its connections, the hams were able to make use of
the repeater to listen for any signs of distress calls. The station was
also able to relay information to the Coast Guard, and other rescue
entities.

Between wireless and GPS, the operation was a success. Stranded fishing
boats were soon spotted, and rescuers could then step in.

According to some news reports, the cyclone's deadly force in parts of
Kerala and Tamil Nadu, killed at least 12, before heading off to the
islands.

For Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Jason Daniels, VK2LAW.

(THE HINDU)
--- SBBSecho 3.03-Win32
 * Origin: RdoWxNet: The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org (802:2/3)
 þ Synchronet þ Temple of Doom BBS - tod.eothnet.com

.