Monthly Archives: February 2012

Ridgetop Tennessee History

Read by: MARTHA KJ4RIQ

The topography and climate of Ridgetop Tennessee have defined its history. Located at the edge of Highland Rim, Ridgetop is more than 800 feet above sea level. In the 1800’s, Sebert Warren and Dave Smiley settled in the area. Smiley was a farmer, a schoolmaster and is believed to have constructed the first house in Ridgetop. One of the town’s most prominent men was Theodore Chancy Woodruff. Woodruff owned a store, served as railroad ticket agent and was the town’s postmaster. Ridgetop, originally known as Nunley and then as Chancy, took its name from the train stop which was known as Ridgetop Station.

Construction of the L&N Railroad tunnel began in 1902. The tunnel took four years to complete. In 1905 it was hailed as one of the longest self-supporting tunnels in the world. It was approximately 4700 feet long and 22 1/2 feet high. The advent of the tunnel attracted wealthy Nashville residents to Ridgetop.

They came during the summer months to escape the summer heat.

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New Rules for 5 MHz (60 Meters) To Go Into Effect March 5

Read by: Dennis KF4CSR

On November 18, the FCC released a Report and Order (R&O), defining new rules for the 60 meter (5 MHz) band. These rules are in response to a Petition for Rulemaking (PRM) filed by the ARRL more than five years ago and a June 2010 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). In the February 3 edition of the Federal Register, the FCC announced that these new rules will go into effect at 12:01 AM (EST) on March 5, 2012.

In summarizing the new rules, the FCC explained that the new rules amend the current rules to facilitate more efficient and effective use by the Amateur Radio Service of five channels in the 5330.5 – 5406.4 kHz band (the 60 meter band):

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