US Military To Improve Tracking Of Hobbyists' Balloons

/

Hobbyists will be glad to know that the US military is making an effort to be more balloon-friendly.

NORAD - the North American Aerospace Defense Command - has been making a concentrated effort to track and identify objects that might be high-altitude weather, research or hobbyist radio balloons, such as ones launched by amateur radio clubs and school groups. NORAD is now studying numerous websites to determine as best as it can what balloons are flying over North America at any given time. US fighter jets shot down three hobbyists' balloons in 2023 after detecting - and shooting down - another high-altitude balloon, which the government department identified as a spy balloon from China.

Steven Armstrong, NORAD's chief of strategic engagement, told the military website Task & Purpose that NORAD is now taking a closer look at raw radar returns to ensure more hobbyists' balloons don't meet the same fate. NORAD now reaches out to hobbyist or researcher groups when it is practical to do so.

It seems to be working. Armstrong said that in April, NORAD confirmed there was a hobbyist balloon that had been launched but concluded it did not pose a threat.

Source - https://www.arnewsline.org/news/2024/6/21/amateur-radio-newsline-report-2434-for-friday-june-21st-2024

Would AM Mandate Force Carmakers to Scrap Safety Features?

/
Would AM Mandate Force Carmakers to Scrap Safety Features?

If Congress requires AM radio in new cars, vehicle manufacturers might have to drop safety features instead.

That’s the message from opponents of the proposed law in Congress. A guest commentary published by Automotive News restates the key points that opponents have been making since the legislation was introduced; but their blunt emphasis on a possible trade off with important safety features seems notable.

Read More

ARRL Affiliated Club in MS Donates 3D Printer, Books, to Local Library

/
ARRL Affiliated Club in MS Donates 3D Printer, Books, to Local Library

The Jackson Amateur Radio Club (JARC), serving the metropolitan area of Jackson, Mississippi, recently donated two 3D printers with a retail value of $3,000 to the Library System in Madison County (MCLS).

“Thank you, Jackson Amateur Radio Club, for all you have done for our library system. We so appreciate you,” said MCLS Director Tammie Terry. “The $2,000 donation of amateur radio books a few months ago [is] already in circulation.”

JARC President Jim Armstrong, AK5J, added, “We enjoy our hobby a great deal, but public service and teaching the public about it is an integral part of our 75-year history here in the Jackson metropolitan area. We have worked out a formal partnership between our club and the Madison County Library System. We are making our second donation of material and equipment, and STEM-oriented programming to Madison County’s libraries. Our intent is to make this support an ongoing project of our club."

Read More