Sunday, November 30, 2008

Shuttle Landing On for EDW ~30/2125 UTC

Bad weather forecasts next two days at KSC caused a decision to go with the first Edwards AFB landing option. The Los Angeles City Fire Department is warning people to expect the distinctive sonic booms, since there hasn't been a landing on this track right over L.A. in years:

Please anticipate twin 'sonic booms' across SoCal at 1:20-1:25 PM today due to Space Shuttle Endeavour landing at Edwards AFB. -Brian Humphrey [LAFD Public Service Office] ###

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Space Shuttle Landing Tomorrow (Sunday)

From NASA:

Final Full Day in Space for STS-126,
Landing Set for Sunday


Saturday, November 29, 2008 2:52 PM
The STS-126 crew spent its final full day in space Saturday. The crew tested space shuttle Endeavour's flight control surfaces and reaction control system thrusters in preparation for a Sunday landing. The two landing opportunities at Kennedy Space Center are for 12:19 p.m. and 1:54 p.m. EST. However, an unfavorable weather forecast in Florida called for two more landing opportunities at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 4:25 p.m. and 6 p.m.


Southern CA note: The first EDW landing opportunity, which would be at 1:25 PST, has a ground track directly over Los Angeles, ensuring nice big sonic booms. The second opportunity tracks more to the north, over Santa Barbara.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Alleged HomePlug Document Suggests Awareness of Interference Issue

Publically, the two standardizing industry associations for the HomePlug and DS2 powerline communication standards act as if there's no problem with RF emissions from devices which are basically wideband transmitters putting appreciable HF energy into AC power lines, which unintentionally serve as very efficient transmitting antennas.

A document alleged to be an internal "executive seminar" at the HomePlug Alliance has been posted to the files section of UKQRM. If this is real, it strongly suggests that someone working for the HomePlug Alliance is completely aware that a problem exists. Members of UKQRM can go to that group's files section and download this document.

What we have here is something at least resembling an internal presentation of PowerPoint-like slides stored as a .PDF file. Its heading on each slide is "Homeplug Executive Seminar." It shows measurements proving that their devices do not meet European electromagnetic compatibility standards, and had to gain the CE mark by exploiting loopholes. Subsequent slides claim that it's all just a problem with the standard test setup, which is simply unfair to powerline devices, that's all.

If this means that the whole idea of sending data through active power lines is so stupid that excessive RF power must be used to make it work even a little, I agree.

From page 4:

Safety, immunity and harmonics are correct but almost all PLC devices pass over the CISPR 22 class A, B limits so failed the test and we could not generate (directly) the DoC (Declaration of Conformity) needed for Europe


This is accompanied by a chart which looks like a dBuV over frequency run. Indeed, it shows 85 dBuV all the way across HF under their test parameters, except for sharp notches in some (NOT ALL) ham radio bands. This is indeed well in violation of EMC standards.

What do you do if you fail the test? Why claim that the standard is too old fashioned, of course, and rig up your own test so your product passes, despite a known EMC problem. Continuing, on page 5:

Several studies have been done on this current issue
• Some experts have demonstrated that the current interface used for the test was not accurate for the powerline and have proposed their own schematics (gaining up to 10 dB so passing class A and B)

Few competent bodies have proposed their own method
• They created their own measurement method and built for the manufacturer, the TCF (Technical Construction File: this is the second official way to gain the CE mark, specially when a unit do not follow at 100 % the harmonized standards)
• So they demonstrated with their method that the unit will not harm the “network”
• With this TCF, the CE mark could be affixed to the product so the PLC device could be sold in Europe


The "Final Solution?" Why, pressure international bodies to change the law, of course. Page 6:

A sub group of the CISPR was created to work on this issue
• The interface used to test the CISPR 22 test was developped a long time ago and is not fair for a measurement on the power line
• CISPR SC I PLT TG is working to find a test method that will properly test power line communications ports.


And, if that doesn't work, of course maybe if you lobby hard enough, the ITU will simply clear out a huge swath of HF for you. Page 8:

As of today the best case for this new CISPR I 89
standard is 2009
ITU-R: We have also investigated the possibility to
obtain a dedicated band for the PLC, it will take if
accepted around 10 to 15 years…
During this interim period the TCF will be always
the best compromise but could be subject to
discussion…


In other news, BPL is not dead. IBM announced that it seeks to build an extensive system to bring broadband to rural areas. In other words, if you try to escape the cities, you will find that HF has been jammed in the country too.

I'm glad I'm not a conspiratologist. The idea of a worldwide total blockage of HF would have me going on Art Bell (or his replacement) by now.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Special Maritime Radio Historical Society Event 11/21-22

From MRHS:

On 21/22 November the MRHS will activate KPH and K6KPH from the original trans-Pacific receive site of the American Marconi Co in Marshall, CA. This was also the receive site for KPH before WWII. KPH will be active on 426kc, 500kc and on 4Mc and/or 6Mc HF (exact frequencies to be announced). K6KPH will be on 3550kc and 7050kc. Transmitters in Bolinas will be keyed remotely from the Marshall site. KPH was closed at the beginning of WWII so this activation will recall the days before Pearl Harbor.

As a special treat SS JEREMIAH O'BRIEN/KXCH (Denice Stoops at the key) and SS RED OAK VICTORY/KYVM (Steve Hawes at the key) will attempt to be on the air on MF.

If you have the ability to relay traffic to the National Traffic System we'd love to hear from you if you're within range of K6KPH during the day on 3.5Mc or 7Mc. We will be soliciting traffic from those attending this event and may have a lot on the hook. So if you can be QRV for us please let me know.

STS-126 NASA Video on Media Channel

Nov. 12, 2008

Allard Beutel
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
allard.beutel@nasa.gov

Katherine Trinidad
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
katherine.trinidad@nasa.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-232

NASA TV TO AIR CLEAN FEED OF ENDEAVOUR'S STS-126 COUNTDOWN

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA Television will provide a continuous clean video feed on its Media Channel of space shuttle Endeavour in the hours before its 7:55 p.m. EST liftoff on Nov. 14.

Beginning at 2:30 p.m., video will show one stationary wide shot of Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The feed will include live audio of communications between launch controllers and the shuttle but not the commentary airing on NASA TV's Public Channel. NASA TV commentary will air on both channels beginning approximately nine minutes before the scheduled launch time at the conclusion of what is known as the T minus 9 minute hold in the launch countdown.

During the shuttle's 15-day STS-126 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver supplies and equipment necessary to double the station crew size from three to six members and conduct four spacewalks.

For NASA TV's downlink coordinates, streaming video and scheduling information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about Endeavour's STS-126 mission and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle


-end-

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

NASA Announces Friday Launch Coverage

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-228

NASA ANNOUNCES SPACE SHUTTLE PRELAUNCH AND MISSION WEB COVERAGE

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A prelaunch webcast, live blogs, podcasts, pictures and videos will highlight NASA's Web coverage of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour is scheduled to lift off Friday, Nov. 14, at 7:55 p.m. EST. NASA will provide continuous online updates at:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

A webcast Nov. 13 at 11:30 a.m. will start the in-depth online coverage of the mission. Host Damon Talley of NASA's Digital Learning Network will preview the mission, and Endeavour Flow Director Ken Tenbusch will take viewers behind the scenes at America's spaceport as he explains the high-stakes work of preparing a shuttle for a mission in space.

A blog will provide launch countdown updates beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. Originating from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the blog is the definitive Internet source for information leading up to launch.

During Endeavour's 15-day mission, the shuttle's seven crew members will deliver supplies and equipment necessary to double the station crew size from three to six members and will make four spacewalks to service the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, which allow its solar arrays to track the sun.

Visitors to NASA's shuttle Web site can read about the crew's progress and watch the spacewalks live. As Endeavour's flight wraps up, NASA will offer a blog detailing the spacecraft's return to Earth.

-end-



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Monday, November 10, 2008

Echostar (DISH Network) Specifies HomePlug PLT Adapters

We may have the first major deployment of power line based Ethernet in the US. Echostar, which most people know as DISH Network, is now recommending that users install PLT adapters in their homes if their router is in a different room than the satellite receiver.

These adapters use the HomePlug standard, better for us than the DS2 than is causing all the trouble in the UK, but not always by much.

DISH receivers use Ethernet to communicate with the network for ordering pay per view, etc, if there is no landline telephone connection available. Most users already have these receivers connected to landlines, so hopefully there will not be a wide deployment.

If HF interference is traced to one of these systems, the options available to remedy the situation are as follows:

Do nothing. Maybe the FCC will help, but probably not. At this point you will have to give up utility DXing.

Ask the users to:

Move the router nearer the satellite receiver;
Run network cabling;
Run a long landline cord to the receiver.

Obviously, this last one is probably the simplest, unless the customer only has a cell phone and a high speed Internet connection.

As tecnology evolves, and everyone comes up with more uses for Ethernet than communicating with laptops via Wi-Fi, home PLT adapters will become standard items seen all over. Unless something changes, at this point the HF utility hobby will be over.

Sorry, but it's that simple, unless something happens to change this sad situation. I'm out of ideas. ARRL won't help and I don't see the necessary unity in the USA.

I hope this is too gloomy.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Air Recon Taskings for 11/8-9

Boldface mine - note altitude of NOAA 49 mission!!!!!
--------

000
NOUS42 KNHC 071430
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
0930 AM EST FRI 07 NOVEMBER 2008
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 08/1100Z TO 09/1100Z NOVEMBER 2008
TCPOD NUMBER.....08-160

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. HURRICANE PALOMA
FLIGHT ONE:(ADDED) NOAA 49 WILL FLY A SURVEILLANCE
RESEARCH MISSION AROUND PALOMA DEPARTING AT 08/0200Z
AND OPERATING BETWEEN 41,000 AND 45,000 FT.

FLIGHT TWO: NOAA 43 WILL FLY A RESEARCH MISSION
IN AND AROUND PALOMA DEPARTING AT 08/1400Z AND
OPERATING AT 12,000 FT.

FLIGHT THREE - TEAL 70
A. 08/1800,09/0000Z
B. AFXXX 0717A PALOMA
C. 08/1415Z
D. 20.3N 80.0W
E. 08/1700Z TO 09/0000Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

FLIGHT FOUR - TEAL 71
A. 09/0600,1200Z
B. AFXXX 0817A PALOMA
C. 09/0215Z
D. 21.2N 78.84W
E. 09/0500Z TO 09/1200Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

2. SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK: CONTINUE 6-HRLY FIXES.

II. PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY.....NEGATIVE.

III. NOTE: WINTER STORM REQUIREMENTS ARE NEGATIVE.
JWP

Hurricane Paloma Advisory #10

Note the use of ham radio observations in this advisory:

-------

000
WTNT32 KNHC 080237
TCPAT2
BULLETIN
HURRICANE PALOMA ADVISORY NUMBER 10
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL172008
1000 PM EST FRI NOV 07 2008

...MAJOR HURRICANE PALOMA LASHING GRAND CAYMAN WITH STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS... ...NOW HEADING TOWARD LITTLE CAYMAN AND CAYMAN BRAC...

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

A HURRICANE WARNING IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR THE CUBAN PROVINCES OF SANCTI SPIRITUS... CIEGO DE AVILA...CAMAGUEY AND LAS TUNAS. A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE CUBAN PROVINCE OF GRANMA. A HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN CUBA AND THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF PALOMA.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 1000 PM EST...0300Z...THE CENTER OF MAJOR HURRICANE PALOMA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 19.1 NORTH...LONGITUDE 80.9 WEST OR ABOUT 25 MILES... 40 KM...SOUTHEAST OF THE EASTERN END OF GRAND CAYMAN AND ABOUT 65 MILES...105 KM...SOUTHWEST OF LITTLE CAYMAN. THIS POSITION IS ALSO ABOUT 250 MILES...405 KM...SOUTHWEST OF CAMAGUEY CUBA.

PALOMA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHEAST NEAR 7 MPH...11 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 48 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...THE CENTER OF PALOMA IS EXPECTED TO PASS OVER OR NEAR LITTLE CAYMAN AND CAYMAN BRAC SATURDAY MORNING...AND BE APPROACHING THE COAST OF CENTRAL CUBA LATE SATURDAY NIGHT OR EARLY SUNDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 115 MPH...185 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. PALOMA IS A CATEGORY THREE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME SLIGHT STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE TONIGHT AND EARLY SATURDAY MORNING...BEFORE GRADUAL WEAKENING BEGINS BY SATURDAY EVENING.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 30 MILES...45 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 115 MILES...185 KM. UNOFFICIAL REPORTS OF SUSTAINED WINDS OF 80 MPH... 130 KM/HR...WITH GUSTS TO NEAR 100 MPH...160 KM/HR...HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM AMATEUR/HAM RADIO OPERATORS ON GRAND CAYMAN DURING THE PAST COUPLE OF HOURS.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 962 MB...28.41 INCHES.

STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 5 TO 7 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS... ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...IS EXPECTED NEAR THE CENTER OF PALOMA IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 8 TO 12 FEET IS EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER OF PALOMA MAKES LANDFALL ALONG THE SOUTH COAST OF CUBA.

PALOMA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES OVER THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND CENTRAL AND EASTERN CUBA... WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM TOTALS OF 15 INCHES POSSIBLE...WHICH MAY CAUSE FLASH FLOODS. MUDSLIDES WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE...ESPECIALLY IN HIGHER TERRAIN...ACROSS CENTRAL AND EASTERN CUBA.

REPEATING THE 1000 PM EST POSITION...19.1 N...80.9 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...NORTHEAST NEAR 7 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...115 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...962 MB.

AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT 100 AM EST FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 400 AM EST.
$$
FORECASTER STEWART

Editorial: UK Ofcom Screws the Pooch On PLT!

This letter from the UK Office of Communications, as reprinted on the UKQRM mailing list, shows once again that the USA has no monopoly on corporate butt-saving by government regulatory agencies. This masterpiece, in fact, surpasses even the most incredible stuff churned out by our FCC, and that is no small achievement.

Whilst there is evidence that some PLT apparatus fails to meet the ETSI Harmonised Standard EN 55022, there insufficient evidence [sic] that the emissions generated are causing harmful interference, more generally, to consumers.

The actual number of complaints received by Ofcom attributed to power line telecommunications equipment remains extremely low in comparison to the number of products in use. In September 2008, Ofcom received 6 interference reports from radio enthusiasts, and this was preceded by 15 in August; prior to this, there were around 20 others. I understand that all interference cases have either been or are being resolved.

We have considered your comments regarding the Comtrend/BT product, and generic PLT equipment; and references to provisions that allow for enforcement action to be taken.

Ofcom do not consider that the current situation justifies taking enforcement action to remove PLT apparatus from the market. In making this decision, Ofcom have considered our statutory duties and functions included in the Communications Act 2003 and EMC Regulations 2006.

For enforcement action to remove PLT equipment to be considered proportionate, Ofcom would need to establish that the apparatus does not meet the EMC essential requirements and generates harmful interference.

At this time we consider a proportionate response to be, to deal with the complaints of interference received on as and when they arise on a case-by-case basis.

We do, of course, reserve the right to adapt our enforcement policy to meet with any change in the circumstances, for example, where we observe a significant increase in the number of interference cases received (where PLT emissions are proven to be excessive); or, of course, due to a change in the type of spectrum user being affected by the interference (a good example would be a service concerned with national safety and security). Naturally, we would need to consult with BERR regarding any change in our enforcement approach.
Regards

Clive

:: Clive Corrie
Investigation Policy Manager
Direct Dial: +44 (0) 121 423 5205
Mobile: +44 (0) 7711 239703
clive.corrie@ofcom.org.uk

:: Ofcom
74 Ridgacre Lane
Birmingham
B32 1EN
www.ofcom.org.uk


By this logic, I guess a company flooding the market with baby formula known by regulators to contain poison would be within the law if only 40 or so families complained when their babies died.

Amazing, this deregulation Thang.................

Thursday, November 06, 2008

STS-126 Launch Is On For November 14

RELEASE: 08-279

NASA GIVES "GO" FOR SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH ON NOV. 14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA managers completed a review Thursday of space shuttle Endeavour's readiness for flight and selected the official launch date for the STS-126 mission. Commander Chris Ferguson and his six crewmates are scheduled to lift off to the International Space Station at 7:55 p.m. EST on Nov. 14.

Endeavour's STS-126 flight will feature important repair work to the station and prepare it for housing six crew members during long-duration missions. The primary focus of the 15-day flight and its four planned spacewalks is to service the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, which allow its solar arrays to track the sun. Endeavour will carry about 32,000 pounds to orbit, including supplies and equipment necessary to double the crew size from three to six members in spring 2009. The new station cargo includes additional sleeping quarters, a second toilet and a resistance exercise device. ..

Endeavour's launch date was announced after the conclusion of Thursday's Flight Readiness Review. During the meeting, top NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight.

Ferguson will be joined on STS-126 by Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Donald Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus. Magnus will replace space station crew member Greg Chamitoff, who has been aboard the station for more than five months. She will return to Earth during the next shuttle mission, STS-119, targeted to launch in February 2009.

For more information about the upcoming shuttle flights, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle


-end-

Air Recon Taskings for 11/5-8

000
NOUS42 KNHC 051530
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1030 AM EST WED 05 NOVEMBER 2008
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 06/1100Z TO 07/1100Z NOVEMBER 2008
TCPOD NUMBER.....08-158

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. SUSPECT AREA (WESTERN CARIBBEAN)
FLIGHT ONE - TEAL 70
A. 06/1800Z
B. AFXXX 0317A CYCLONE
C. 06/1315Z
D. 15.5N 82.3W
E. 06/1700Z TO 06/2100Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

FLIGHT TWO - TEAL 71
A. 07/0600Z
B. AFXXX 0417A CYCLONE
C. 07/0130Z
D. 16.5N 82.3W
E. 06/0500Z TO 06/0900Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

2. SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK: POSSIBLE 6-HRLY FIXES
BEGINNING AT 07/1800Z.

II. PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY.....NEGATIVE.

III. NOTE: WINTER STORM REQUIREMENTS ARE NEGATIVE.
JWP


------------

000
NOUS42 KNHC 061530
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1030 AM EST THU 06 NOVEMBER 2008
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 07/1100Z TO 08/1100Z NOVEMBER 2008
TCPOD NUMBER.....08-159

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. TROPICAL STORM PALOMA
FLIGHT ONE:(ADDED) NOAA 43 WILL FLY A RESEARCH MISSION
IN AND AROUND PALOMA DEPARTING AT 07/0200Z AND
OPERATING AT 8,000 FT.

FLIGHT TWO:(ADDED) NOAA 49 WILL ALSO FLY A RESEARCH
MISSION AROUND PALOMA DEPARTING AT 07/0200Z AND
OPERATING BETWEEN 41,000 AND 45,000 FT.

FLIGHT THREE: NOAA 43 WILL FLY ANOTHER RESEARCH MISSION
IN AND AROUND PALOMA DEPARTING AT 07/1400Z AND OPERATING
AT 8,000 FT.

FLIGHT FOUR - TEAL 70
A. 07/1800,08/0000Z
B. AFXXX 0517A PALOMA
C. 07/1430Z
D. 17.8N 82.83W
E. 07/1700Z TO 08/0000Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

FLIGHT FIVE - TEAL 71
A. 08/0600,1200Z
B. AFXXX 0617A PALOMA
C. 08/0245Z
D. 18.8N 82.4W
E. 08/0500Z TO 08/1200Z
F. SFC TO 10,000 FT

2. SUCCEEDING DAY OUTLOOK: CONTINUE 6-HRLY FIXES.
P-3 AND G-IV MISSIONS DEPARTING AT 08/1400Z.

II. PACIFIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY.....NEGATIVE.

III. NOTE: WINTER STORM REQUIREMENTS ARE NEGATIVE.
JWP

Hurricane Paloma Intermediate Advisory #6A

000
WTNT32 KNHC 070543
TCPAT2
BULLETIN
HURRICANE PALOMA INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 6A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL172008
100 AM EST FRI NOV 07 2008

...PALOMA MOVING NORTHWARD TOWARD THE CAYMAN ISLANDS...

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

INTERESTS IN CUBA AND JAMAICA SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF PALOMA.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 100 AM EST...0600Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE PALOMA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 81.8 WEST OR ABOUT 125 MILES... 200 KM...SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF GRAND CAYMAN AND ABOUT 265 MILES... 425 KM...WEST-SOUTHWEST OF MONTEGO BAY JAMAICA.

PALOMA IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 8 MPH...13 KM/HR. THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TONIGHT AND MOST OF THE DAY ON FRIDAY...WITH A GRADUAL TURN TOWARD THE NORTHEAST FORECAST TO OCCUR LATE FRIDAY AND ON SATURDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 75 MPH...120 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. PALOMA IS A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS LIKELY AND PALOMA IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE ON FRIDAY...AND POSSIBLY REACH CATEGORY 3 INTENSITY BY SATURDAY.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 15 MILES...30 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 70 MILES...110 KM.

THE MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE JUST REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT IS 987 MB...29.15 INCHES.

PALOMA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES OF RAIN OVER THE CAYMAN ISLANDS WITH ISOLATED MAXIMUM TOTALS OF 12 INCHES POSSIBLE.

REPEATING THE 100 AM EST POSITION...17.5 N...81.8 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...NORTH NEAR 8 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...75 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...987 MB.

THE NEXT ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AT 400 AM EST.

$$
FORECASTER BEVEN

Monday, November 03, 2008

British Telecom to Continue Specifying Spectrum Polluting Equipment

In a move that surprised everyone with any knowledge of the current situation, British Telecom has renewed its contract with Comtrend to buy its DS2-based PowerGrid 902 home networking adapters for another year.

This is despite full knowledge that the normal on-spec operation of the DS2 chipset continuously transmits a strong signal across most of HF, except for an audible reduction in known international amateur bands. Utility and international broadcasting DXing (including DRM) cannot co-exist with this technology, and everyone knows it.

It is obvious that BT intends to deploy this equipment in millions of homes throughout the UK, while solving the few interference complaints on a case by case basis. Note that this solution requires that the users of the home video system will approve installation of a hard-wired network. If they don't, the complainer will need a new hobby. Too bad about all that money they spent on receivers and equipment. The only recourse left will be a long, expensive, and unpredictable test case in the courts, against extremely well funded and connected corporate interests.

To show how well this approach is working, note the case of longtime Utility Logs contributor "Mike" in West Sussex. He is on something like his third round of Ofcom complaints and technician visits by Ofcom and BT to his neighbors. Every time one is resolved, a new one starts up within a matter of weeks.

It should now be completely obvious that public access to short wave radio is now considered expendable by most of the world's governing bodies. Maybe someone will try to change this, and maybe they won't.

Here's the announcement.

Good YouTube Video on VOA Delano

This is a 10-minute video that tells the history of the place, with lots of pictures of truly awesome antennas and transmitters. There's also interesting footage of political figures as diverse as Cesar Chavez ("Delano Grape Strike") and Ronald Reagan (Radio Free Europe). It tells the story of short wave broadcasting in the post-WWII United States, and why we would be crazy to get rid of it, as we seem determined to do.

Directing style is about as old-skool as you can get, looking like an old newsreel, but this works with the subject matter. The video is available as a nice clear MP4 or the smaller YouTube flv type of file.

The Delano site has somehow miraculously survived the US Government's determination to blow up, chop down, and level all things VOA SWBC inside the CONUS. Delano carried RFE and Radio Marti, and it didn't close until about a year ago. My understanding is that the monumental world-class antenna farm is still extant, for now anyway.

A good case is made that Internet, with its government-controlled filters and firewalls, cannot replace international broadcasting. This is, of course, true. I'm pessimistic in the short term, since the Cold War paradigm of huge, government-funded, world-reaching broadcasters is undoubtedly dead forever, even if the Cold War may not be. In the long term, however, I'm optimistic that short wave will eventually come back in a newer, more relevant paradigm.

Of course, this all depends on whether powerline communications technology destroys SWBC listening in populated areas, as it surely will in its current implementation. Even if this is only a phase, once the public has been driven completely away, it won't be inclined to come back any time soon.

It appears that now is the time to come to the defense of short wave broadcasting.

The video is here.

UK OfCom Official Statement on PLC

Admits there is a problem, though in a fairly dismissive manner. Doesn't take into account that political apathy guarantees that less than 1% of people with a problem, if that, will ever complain formally to authorities. Notes that EMC rules will continue to be enforced in the UK:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/enforcement/plt/


Power Line Telecommunications (PLT)

Power line telecommunications (PLT) is a technology that can carry data on a conventional electrical power system using a radio frequency carrier signal.

PLT equipment can be used to interconnect computers with other devices in the home. It is not considered radio equipment for the purposes of equipment regulation.

As with all electrical and electronic products sold in the UK, PLT equipment is required to meet the relevant regulations before it can be placed on the market. In particular, it must comply with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006 (the EMC Regulations) which are based on a European Directive.

The person who places products on the market (usually the manufacturer or the importer) must ensure that the products comply and apply the ‘CE’ mark.

The UK government department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) is responsible for overseeing the EMC Regulations. Enforcement powers are delegated to local Trading Standards offices and to Ofcom where there is a radio spectrum protection or management issue.

Ofcom estimates there are around 500,000 pieces of PLT equipment in use in the UK. We have received around 40 individual complaints of interference attributed to PLT equipment. All of these complaints are in the process of being investigated or have been successfully resolved.

It is often the case that electrical equipment that is used in the home has to comply with the EMC regulations. Some of this equipment has the capacity to cause interference to other radiocommunications equipment in certain circumstances; this can be due to the manner in which it is installed or operated.

Ofcom can provide advice and assistance to those who complain of interference with radiocommunications equipment. Any individuals who wish to report specific cases of interference that may be caused by PLT apparatus, or any other source, should contact Ofcom’s Advisory Team on 0300 123 3333 for further assistance.

We continue to liaise with BERR and other interested stakeholders in respect of PLT interference and will provide further updates on any significant developments.

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Cycle 24 Finally Underway

Another obvious Cycle 24 sunspot group has been observed for the past several days. While daily fluxes remain about as low as they ever get, there is finally repeated evidence that the new cycle is underway after a long delay.