Solar Cycle 24: The Wait Continues

ARRL is Using Twitter

I have no idea what Twitter is, but ARRL is there. I don't see anything on their Twitter page that isn't on the news page of their big WEB site. I guess I'm to old to get it. See if you can and get it at http://twitter.com/arrl.

Ham Radio Shacks

Product Discontinuation: Ni-Cd Batteries

On the 26th September 2008, a new EU directive comes into force preventing the importation of Ni-Cd and other batteries into Europe.

Ni-Cd batteries will only be available until our UK stocks are exhausted. alternative types of battery for current equipment has been available for some time, so there should be no problem in finding an subsitute. For older equipment where Ni-Cd was the only type of battery available, replacments may not be available.

Care should be taken to ensure you have the appropriate charger for alternative battery technology that is used for your equipment.

Please dispose of your Ni-Cds safely. Most municipal recycling centres have facilities for the disposal of batteries, and you may also be able to leave the defective batteries with your replacement supplier for disposal.

Should you require any further advice please email us at the address below.
Icom: info@icomuk.co.uk

Is the U.S. next?

The Tick

Word on the street is that the National Institue of Standards and Technology is close to signing a Lease Management Agreement with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. for its flagship Time and Frequency station WWV, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Clear Channel Radio's consultants have demanded some changes to the sound of the station, which broadcasts time of day, standard frequency, and other information 24 hours per day, saying that the old format is "dull and predictable."

Additionally, WWV's traditional modulation level of 50 percent for the steady tones, 50 percent for the BCD time code and 75 percent for the voice announcements was deemed "not loud enough." The station will reformulate itself as "The Tick."

WWV's program director Hickory Zeitgeist says that the station has already added some snappy new announcements to the rotation, which can be heard by clicking the clock.

Hear the new WWV, at "The Tick"

DailyTech: Sun Makes History: First Spotless Month in a Century

Drop in solar activity has potential effect for climate on earth.

The sun has reached a milestone not seen for nearly 100 years: an entire month has passed without a single visible sunspot being noted.

The event is significant as many climatologists now believe solar magnetic activity – which determines the number of sunspots -- is an influencing factor for climate on earth.

According to data from Mount Wilson Observatory, UCLA, more than an entire month has passed without a spot. The last time such an event occurred was June of 1913. Sunspot data has been collected since 1749.

More at http://www.dailytech.com/Sun+Makes+History+First+Spotless+Month+in+a+Century/article12823.htm

WVDXA: A Month Without Sunspots

The sun has reached a milestone not seen for nearly 100 years: an entire month has passed without a single visible sunspot being noted.

The event is significant as many climatologists now believe solar magnetic activity – which determines the number of sunspots -- is an influencing factor for climate on earth.