From n7tod@arrl.net  Sun Dec  1 21:29:01 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Sun, 01 Dec 2002 13:29:01 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Upcoming Events
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021201132845.02f64058@mail.greatbasin.net>

Hello All,

The SNARS monthly breakfast for December will be this coming Saturday, the
7th, at 7:30 A.M.  Location is the back room of Denny's at I-80 and
McCarran in Sparks.  This will also be the club's December business
meeting.  Hope to see you all there.

I would also like to make everyone aware that December 7 is SKYWARN
Recognition Day.  This is a national special event taking place from
0000Z-2400Z on the 7th, which is 4:00 P.M. Friday through 4:00 P.M.
Saturday for our time zone.  Amateur equipment in addition to that
permanently installed at the Reno National Weather Service Forecast Office
will be set up and operated throughout the 24 hour duration of the
event.  This event is in its fourth year and was established to celebrate
the contribution that amateur operators make to the SKYWARN severe weather
spotter program.  We will be enjoying some good operating time from a great
location (panoramic view of the Truckee Meadows) while attempting to
contact as many of the 105 other NWS Offices participating using a variety
of bands and modes.  This is the first year that all three Nevada NWS
Offices will be participating.

This event has been tremendous fun during the past two years that Reno has
participated and promises to be the same again this year.  EVERYONE is
welcome to come by the office for a visit and to operate with us.  Like
Field Day, this event is a good opportunity for Technician class hams
without HF operating priveleges and prospective hams not yet licensed to
get some experience in this type of operation under the supervision of
control operators.  Plan to come by sometime during the event and join in
the fun!

73,
Matt Parker, N7TOD



From Mr. K. Rudolph" <krudolph@ross-technologies.com  Mon Dec  2 17:57:00 2002
From: Mr. K. Rudolph" <krudolph@ross-technologies.com (Mr. K. Rudolph)
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2002 09:57:00 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Packet Net?
Message-ID: <007d01c29a2c$3806bf40$5fb1bb3f@facilit4>

Who was the fellow who contacted me several months ago asking about some
sort of Net chip for Kantronics TNCs?  Kantronics now has several net chips
on their website, check out:

http://www.kantronics.com

Look under the accessories section.

Kurt

---
Ross Technologies Signals Intelligence Division
Rosetta Proving Grounds


From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Tue Dec  3 00:13:40 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002 16:13:40 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP050 Propagation de K7VVV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021202161325.02f666e8@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP050
ARLP050 Propagation de K7VVV

ZCZC AP50
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 50  ARLP050
 From Tad Cook, K7VVV
Seattle, WA  December 2, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP050
ARLP050 Propagation de K7VVV

This is a short after-holiday catch-up bulletin to bring us
up-to-date on solar flux, sunspot and planetary A index numbers.
These data couldn't be covered in last week's early bulletin.

 >From the previous week, mean daily sunspot numbers dropped over 24
points and daily solar flux was down nearly 37 points.  Average
planetary A index was about double, from 11.3 to 23.  The numbers
run through last Wednesday, and geomagnetic indices have continued
to run unsettled to active since then.  In four days we should have
an update for next weekend's ARRL 160 meter contest.  For that event
contesters will want quiet geomagnetic conditions and low A indices,
preferably in the low single digits.

Over the next few days solar flux is expected to rise from 155 on
Monday to 180 by the weekend.  Planetary A index is expected to
continue unsettled, with values of 20, 20 and 15 for Monday through
Wednesday.

I ran across a Finnish web site devoted to photographs of aurora
borealis at http://www.saunalahti.fi/~deca39/paasivu/index_eng.php3.
Don't miss paging through the gallery at
http://www.saunalahti.fi/~deca39/galleria/index_eng.php3.  These are
some fantastic photos taken in Finland and Lapland over the past
couple of years.

Sunspot numbers for November 21 through 27 were 143, 124, 126, 123,
106, 100, and 112, with a mean of 119.1. 10.7 cm flux was 150.9,
149.1, 147.5, 146.2, 136.8, 142.3, and 142.6, with a mean of 145.1.
Estimated planetary A indices were 50, 24, 19, 16, 17, 14, and 21,
with a mean of 23.
NNNN
/EX



From N7ZM@worldnet.att.net  Tue Dec  3 03:43:47 2002
From: N7ZM@worldnet.att.net (Ron Feldstein)
Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002 19:43:47 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Pentium Motherboard For Sale
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021202193829.03399e80@mail.greatbasin.net>

I have a new, never used Intel Motherboard for sale. I bought this on 
10-15-2002 and it is still new in the box. It's a Pentium 4, socket 478, 
400/533 buss, with audio included, Intel's 850 Chipset.

I paid $150.00 and will sell it for $110.00

73 Ron N7ZM
N7ZM@worldnet.att.net



From dick@twohams.com  Wed Dec  4 02:26:41 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue, 03 Dec 2002 18:26:41 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARRL discounts for CVRC
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021203182612.00b01bc0@mail.greatbasin.net>

The Final Edition Callbook CDs are now in stock, so order now
before supplies run out:

  Callbook 2003 CD: $38.95 including s/h

------------ ARRL items @ discount -----------
  ARRL 2003 Handbook: $34.95 (LTO 31.95)
  Antenna Compendium #7: $24.95 (LTO $21.95)
  ARRL Antenna Book: $27.95 (LTO $23.95)
  ON4UN's Low Band DXing: $27.95 (LTO $23.95)
  More Wire Antenna Classics: $13.95 (LTO $11.95)
  Antenna Compendium #1: $9.95 (LTO $6.95)
  Intro. to RF Design: $35.95 (LTO $25.95)
  HF Digital Handbook #8233: $16.95(LTO $13.95)
  Ham Radio FAQ: $13.95 (LTO $10.95)
  ARRL Periodicals CD 2001/2000/1999 or 1998: $18.95 (LTO 2
  @$14.95)
  QST View CD 1995-99: $37.95
  ARRL Repeater Directory: $8.95 (LTO $6.95)

LTO prices valid if order confirmed within 48 hrs & check
mailed w/copy of this e-mail. CDs shipped free; most books
$1.95.

73, Duane Heise, AA6EE  phone (760)789-3674
     16832 Whirlwind LN
     Ramona CA 92065     CA residents add 7.25%

More items on web site: www.radiodan.com/aa6ee/
E-mail: aa6ee@earthlink.net 



From frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us  Thu Dec  5 00:19:43 2002
From: frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us (W. Frank Nance)
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 16:19:43 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Digital Electronic class
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021204160932.038a89a0@mail.greatbasin.net>

I am tentatively planning on conducting a free three-hour course on the 
ABCs of Digital Electronics with potential follow-on courses at a later date.

I have made a phone call reserving the meeting room at the North Valley 
Branch of the Washoe County Library for the morning of Saturday, January 
4th, 2003.  I will have the reservation confirmed in writing on Friday, 
December 6th.  I plan to start the class at 9:00 a.m.

If you want to attend, it is located at the right side of the North-Valley 
Shopping Center, to the right of Raleys and off the Golden Valley exit of 
Highway 395.

The room will hold about 30 people and I will pin down that total number on 
Friday.  Please spread the word around about this free course and I will be 
pleased to receive an e-mail from everyone that is interested.  My email 
address is in the heading, but repeated here, frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us.  For 
those that respond, I will send email verification of the room, date and time.

As some of you know, I am writing a fairly comprehensive course manual on 
this subject and ARRL is showing interest in the possibility of making it 
an ARRL Publication and I know would be interested in seeing the outcome of 
my offer to conduct a few free classes for radio clubs.

I would be pleased to hold follow-on, more detailed classes for anyone 
interested.  This is a non-profit thing and I am doing it because I do my 
best writing of course materials when I have a chance to use the first 
draft.  So, if you don't mind being a "course beta tester," please plan to 
attend.

I look forward to hearing from each of you that might be interested.

73 Frank W6MN
frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Thu Dec  5 22:43:10 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2002 14:43:10 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD049 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021205144121.031eb308@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD049
ARLD049 DX news

ZCZC AE49
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 49  ARLD049
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  December 5, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD049
ARLD049 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
Tedd, KB8NW, the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425DXnews, QRZ DX, The Daily
DX and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

ITU HEADQUARTERS, 4U.  Ivan, OM3CGN plans to be QRV from ITU club
station 4U1ITU in the ARRL 160 Meter contest.  QSL via operator's
instructions.

TANZANIA, 5H.  Ralph, 5H3RK has been QRV around 1821 kHz about
0300z.  QSL to home call.

SAMOA, 5W.  Atsu, 5W1SA has been QRV using RTTY on 15 meters between
0630 and 0900z.  QSL via JH7OHF.

BAHRAIN, A9.  Gus, A92ZE has been QRV on 80 meters just after 0200z.

THE GAMBIA, C5.  The C53M team will be QRV during the ARRL 160 Meter
contest.  QSL via OH3RM.

PHILIPPINE, DU.  Jon, DU9/N0NM has been QRV on 160 and 80 meters
around 2100z and 1030z.  QSL via W4DR.

TAJIKISTAN, EY.  Edi, EY7AF has been QRV on 80 meter CW between 1230
and 1330z.

MAYOTTE, FH.  FH/DL5CF has been QRV using RTTY on 20 meters around
1900z.  QSL to home call.

OGASAWARA, JD1.  Toshi, JA1ELY is QRV as 8N1OGA has been QRV on 80
meters between 1120 and 1300z and again from 1830 to 2115z.  QSL via
JA1MRM.

BANGLADESH, S2.  Takeda, JF1EQA is QRV as S21YY from Dhaka and has
been active using RTTY and SSTV.  QSL via JM1HXU.

COCOS ISLAND, TI9.  Jose, TI2JJP will be QRV as TI9JJP from December
10 to 25.  QSL to home call.

ASIATIC RUSSIA, UA0.  Alex, UA9YAB is QRV from Zone 18 and has been
active on 80 meters around 1230z.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND, VK9X.  Kunio, JA8VE will be QRV as VK9XE from
December 7 to 14.  Activity is mainly on 20 and 15 meters using SSB.
QSL via JA1KJW.

INDIA, VU.  Pai, VU2PAI is usually QRV on 160 meters around 1900 to
2100z, especially on the weekends.

CAMBODIA, XU.  Dick, N6FF is QRV as XU7ACB until December 18.  He
may try some RTTY and PSK31 activity on the higher frequencies.  QSL
to home call.

ASCENSION ISLAND, ZD8.  Jim, N6TJ is QRV as ZD8Z until December 17.
This includes an entry in the ARRL 160 Meter contest.  Outside the
contest, he is active on all HF bands, including 6 meters.  QSL via
VE3HO.

SOUTH AFRICA, ZS.  Special event station ZS6SOL is active until
December 7 to cover the upcoming total eclipse of the sun in the
Limpopo Province.  QSL via ZS5WI.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The ARRL 160-Meter Contest, Winter
6-Meter Contest, TARA RTTY Sprint, PSK31 Death Match and the TOPS
Activity 3.5 MHz CW Contest will certainly keep contesters busy this
weekend.  Please see December QST, page 93 for details.
NNNN
/EX



From n7tod@arrl.net  Thu Dec  5 23:23:15 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2002 15:23:15 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] SKYWARN Recognition Day Update
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021205152252.030e4ce0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Greetings to all,

SKYWARN Recognition Day 2002 is just a day away.  I would like to update
everyone on some changes and remind all of a few things regarding Reno's
participation:

1.  Bad news first - we lost our PSK-31 operator and therefore will not
have this mode this year.  All other plans will carry on (CW and Phone on
10/15/20/40/80 meters, IRLP on 2 meters, general voice contacts on 2
meters/70 centimeters, and packet on 2 meters).

2.  Best news next - News Channel 8 (KOLO-TV) will be doing a feature story
on ham radio and this event to air during the 11 O'Clock News Friday
night.  Chief Meteorologist Jeff Martinez will also be doing his forecast
segments for the evening newscasts live from the Weather Service Office
with us.  Check us out on TV!

3.  This event has been developed to honor the contribution that ham
operators nationwide make to the SKYWARN severe weather spotter
program.  SKYWARN spotters include a wide segment of the  amateur radio
community and not just ARES/RACES members.  In this spirit, I would like to
again stress that the Reno operation is open to ALL amateurs, regardless of
club affiliation or lack thereof.  Hams who are registered as SKYWARN
Spotters are particularly encouraged to participate.  Anyone interested
will be welcome to come up, visit, operate, and find out more about Reno's
SKYWARN program.

4.  Unlike Field Day, this is not a contest.  The idea here is to HAVE FUN
with amateur radio - this is what we have done in the previous two events
Reno has participated in and what we will be doing in this event.  As part
of this fun time and to add some extra activities to the event, we will
conduct two extra sessions of the Reno Area SKYWARN Net.  One session will
be at 9 P.M. local on Friday night, the other will be at 10 A.M. local on
Saturday, both on the 147.120+/P.L. 123.0 repeater (stations not within
range of the repeater are encouraged to try simplex on 147.120 as the Reno
office is located at a fairly elevated level and we may be able to hear
you).  Once checkins have been taken and weather reports obtained, the nets
will be opened to any and all discussion related to the topic of
weather.  This could include questions about the SKYWARN program, your
favorite weather story, or anything in between.  Also, as Saturday is the
61st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we will transmit the
weather observation from Pearl Harbor recorded just prior to the attack
during the Saturday morning net (this is in line with what is being done
nationally to mark this anniversary)  Again, the idea here is for everyone
to get involved and have some fun with this event.  Any amateur who
participates and contacts at least one NWS station can submit for a
certificate acknowledging their participation - contact with station WX7RNO
during one of these nets will count toward this goal.  For more information
about certificates, see the national website at http://hamradio.noaa.gov.

5.  As previously noted, we will be using IRLP to make contacts as will a
number of other NWS stations around the country.  This has been made
possible through the generosity of Richard, N7TGB, who has opened up his
IRLP node for our use throughout this event.  We will be monitoring this
node on 147.405 throughout the event.  Other 2 meter/70 centimeter and
packet contacts will use the equipment permanently installed in the
forecasting room at the office; this equipment may not be manned at all
times.  While the station is manned, it is my intent to connect the packet
to the conference function on the RNO node.  To chat keyboard-to-keyboard
with us using this mode, connect to RNO and then, once connected, type TALK
and enter.  This will put you into the conference feature.  If we're not
there, you can try us direct by connecting to WX7RNO and, as a last resort,
leave a message in the mailbox at WX7RNO-1.

6.  Roger has declared a SKYWARN Spotter Open House on Saturday from 9:30
A.M. to 3:30 P.M.  This will be an opportunity for all SKYWARN spotters
(hams and non-hams) to come up for a visit.  Roger has indicated that he
will be providing some refreshments - I will be bringing some goodies as well.

7.  Remember that the radiosonde balloon launches occur at 3:00 A.M. and
3:00 P.M.  This is a very interesting process - come up and watch if you're
interested.

8.  We will be joined on the air in this event by the offices in Elko and
Las Vegas, making this the first event in which all three Nevada offices
have participated.

9.  The event runs from 4:00 P.M. local time on Friday through 4:00 P.M.
local time on Saturday.  We will be in operation throughout the 24 hour
period of the event.  Those wishing to come by during this operation are
welcome to do so at any time during the event.

10.  Again, this event is for the benefit of ALL amateurs - so, if you're
interested, please join us!   This year promises to be the best SKYWARN
Recognition Day event for Reno yet.

73,

Matthew B. Parker, N7TOD
Chairman, Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Services
http://www.qsl.net/nnars
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County
32 South Amanda Circle
Sparks, Nevada   89436
(775) 425-6102
(775) 858-8536 (Pager)



From KD7JYK" <kd7jyk@ross-technologies.com  Fri Dec  6 00:50:42 2002
From: KD7JYK" <kd7jyk@ross-technologies.com (KD7JYK)
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 16:50:42 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Help Needed.
Message-ID: <011601c29cc1$a6fcc600$bcb0bb3f@facilit4>

I am doing some research and I am in desperate need of the following:

Copies of CC&Rs
Copies of Tenant Rules and Regulations

Specifically informatin regarding antennas and landscaping.

I can pick up a copy if you can provide one, tell me when and where, or it
can be sent to my QSL address at http://www.qrz.com

Thanks,

Kurt

---
Ross Technologies Signals Intelligence Division
Rosetta Proving Grounds


From dick@twohams.com  Fri Dec  6 01:37:51 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2002 17:37:51 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Douglas County
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021205173606.03126258@mail.greatbasin.net>

..SERIES OF MOIST PACIFIC STORMS WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE HEAVY RAIN & 
MAJOR FLOODING ACROSS THE TRUCKEE MEADOWS THROUGH TOMORROW AFTERNOON...

FOR THE SUSAN RIVER AT SUSANVILLE...MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST. A MAXIMUM 
STAGE OF 14.5 FEET IS FORECAST FOR FRI BEFORE MIDNIGHT...WHICH IS 2.5 FEET 
ABOVE THE 12.0 FOOT FLOOD STAGE. THE STAGE WILL RISE ABOVE THE 12.0 FOOT 
FLOOD STAGE EARLY FRI MORNING. THE STAGE WILL FALL BELOW THE 12.0 FOOT 
FLOOD STAGE EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS CREST 
OF 14.4 FEET ON DEC 23 1955.

FOR THE TRUCKEE RIVER AT FARAD...A MAXIMUM STAGE OF 13.0 FEET IS FORECAST 
FOR FRIDAY BEFORE MIDNIGHT...WHICH IS 2.0 FEET ABOVE THE 11.0 FOOT FLOOD 
STAGE. THE STAGE WILL RISE ABOVE THE 11.0 FOOT FLOOD STAGE EARLY FRI 
MORNING. THE STAGE WILL FALL BELOW THE 11.0 FOOT FLOOD STAGE EARLY FRI 
MORNING. THIS FLOOD IS EXPECTED TO BE SIMILAR IN IMPACT TO THE FLOODS OF 
JANUARY 2 1997 & DECEMBER 23 1955. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS CREST 
OF 12.9 FEET ON DEC 23 1955.

FOR THE TRUCKEE RIVER AT RENO...MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST. A MAXIMUM STAGE 
OF 13.0 FEET IS FORECAST FOR FRI BEFORE MIDNIGHT...WHICH IS 2.0 FEET ABOVE 
THE 11.0 FOOT FLOOD STAGE. THE STAGE WILL RISE ABOVE THE 11.0 FOOT FLOOD 
STAGE EARLY FRI MORNING. THE STAGE WILL FALL BELOW THE 11.0 FOOT FLOOD 
STAGE EARLY FRI MORNING. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS CREST OF 12.7 
FEET ON MAR 18 1907.

FOR THE TRUCKEE RIVER AT VISTA...MAJOR FLOODING IS FORECAST. A MAXIMUM 
STAGE OF 22.5 FEET IS FORECAST FOR EARLY SAT MORNING...WHICH IS 7.5 FEET 
ABOVE THE 15.0 FOOT FLOOD STAGE. THE STAGE WILL RISE ABOVE THE 15.0 FOOT 
FLOOD STAGE THIS EVENING. THE STAGE WILL FALL BELOW THE 15.0 FOOT FLOOD 
STAGE EARLY FRI MORNING. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS CREST OF 22.8 
FEET ON FEB 18 1986.

FOR THE EAST FORK CARSON RIVER NEAR GARDNERVILLE...MAJOR FLOODING IS 
FORECAST. A MAXIMUM STAGE OF 11.0 FEET IS FORECAST FOR FRI EARLY 
AFTERNOON...WHICH IS 1.5 FEET ABOVE THE 9.5 FOOT FLOOD STAGE. THE STAGE 
WILL RISE ABOVE THE 9.5 FOOT FLOOD STAGE TONIGHT. THE STAGE WILL FALL BELOW 
THE 9.5 FOOT FLOOD STAGE EARLY FRI MORNING. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A 
PREVIOUS CREST OF 10.5 FEET ON DEC 23 1964.

FOR THE CARSON RIVER NEAR CARSON CITY...MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST. A 
MAXIMUM STAGE OF 9.0 FEET IS FORECAST FOR FRI EARLY AFTERNOON...WHICH IS 
1.0 FEET ABOVE THE 10.0 FOOT FLOOD STAGE. THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS 
CREST OF 9.0 FEET ON MAY 31 1983.

DO NOT DRIVE CARS THROUGH FLOODED AREAS...

STAY TUNED TO DEVELOPMENTS BY LISTENING TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
Visit http://www.cvrc.net



From dick@twohams.com  Fri Dec  6 01:47:07 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 05 Dec 2002 17:47:07 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Flood Warning CANCELLED
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021205174550.03116cc0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Flood Warning
454 PM PST Thu Dec 05 2002

At 454 PM a test Flood Warning was inadvertently sent through the
weather wire services.  Please disregard the warning...there is no
flooding occurring in the Reno area today.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
Visit http://www.cvrc.net



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Fri Dec  6 18:41:10 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 10:41:10 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP051 Propagation de K7VVV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021206103948.00aded08@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP051
ARLP051 Propagation de K7VVV

ZCZC AP51
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 51  ARLP051
 From Tad Cook, K7VVV
Seattle, WA  December 6, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP051
ARLP051 Propagation de K7VVV

Average sunspot numbers were up a bit this week, and average daily
solar flux barely changed. Geomagnetic indices were quieter.

Now that December is here, let's review average daily solar flux and
sunspot numbers for November, and compare them with previous months.
Here are monthly averages for solar flux and sunspot numbers for
this year. From January through November, 2002 the average daily
sunspot number for each month was 189, 194.5, 154.3, 144.4, 146,
183.5, 191, 206.4, 153.9 and 159.8. Average daily solar flux for the
same months was 227.3, 205, 179.2, 141.4, 148.7, 174.4, 183.9,
175.8, 167 and 168.7.

This weekend is the ARRL 160-Meter Contest. It would be good to have
low geomagnetic activity for this contest. Right now the predicted
planetary A index for Friday through Monday is 12, 15, 20 and 15.
This indicates unsettled to active conditions on Saturday and Sunday
due to coronal hole effects. There is a chance of moderate solar
flare activity over the next few days. Solar activity is likely to
be low. Predicted solar flux for the next few days is 160-175.

Chester, KD5TFK wrote in to ask, "How much longer can we expect
great propagation on 10-meters?" He assumes we are on the downside
of the current solar cycle.

One way to look at this is to compare likely conditions for the
10-meter contest coming up the weekend of December 14-15. Last year
the average daily solar flux around the time of the contest was
about 228. This year it is likely to be about 175. If we check the
weekly Preliminary Report and Forecast of Solar Geophysical Data
from the NOAA SEC web site at
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/weekly/index.html, they run an occasional
prediction for smoothed sunspot and solar flux numbers. The last
prediction was at the end of the November 5 issue. The smoothed flux
value they are predicting for December 2003 is about 41 points lower
than for December 2002, so let us use a value of 134 for December of
next year. Next try plugging these dates and values into W6ELprop
(see the site, http://www.qsl.net/w6elprop/ ).

If I do a 10-meter prediction for last December from Seattle to
Japan using a flux value of 228, I show a good predicted opening
from 2230-0130z with a relative dB level of 21. Run the same test
with a solar flux of 175, and the period shortens to 2230-0030z. Do
it again with 134 for the solar flux, and it shows a possibility of
an opening around 2300z.

Try it again on 10-meters from Dallas to Brazil. Last year has a
strong opening from 1300-0030z, this year 1330-2330z, and next year
1400-2200z. The solar activity will gradually decrease, and
10-meters will be affected.

Sunspot numbers for November 28 through December 4 were 124, 107,
150, 97, 155, 135, and 144, with a mean of 130.3. 10.7 cm flux was
139.7, 141.3, 146.2, 149.6, 146.1, 145.9, and 148.7, with a mean of
145.4. Estimated planetary A indices were 15, 14, 16, 16, 11, 11,
and 12, with a mean of 13.6.
NNNN
/EX



From letter-dlvy@arrl.org  Sat Dec  7 00:41:57 2002
From: letter-dlvy@arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 16:41:57 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 21, No 47
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021206163905.00b02d48@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 21, No. 47
December 6, 2002
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +Options for 40 meters expand at WRC-03 prep meeting
* +First transatlantic amateur HF digital voice QSO reported
* +All-ham ISS crews swap places
* +North Korea shuts down only active amateur
* +Ex-KV4FZ returns to Amateur Radio
* +Question Pool Committee releases new Technician question set
* +ARRL Humanitarian Award deadline looms
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
      Correction
      Radio Club of America makes donation to "The Big Project"
      Dave Hassler, K7CCC, joins ARRL Headquarters staff
      2003 Spectrum Defense Fund well under way
      FCC seeks public comments on Spectrum Policy Task Force report
      RS-20 is newest Russian Amateur Radio satellite payload

+Available on ARRL Audio News

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=3D=3D>WRC-03 CONFERENCE PREPARATORY MEETING EXPANDS 40-METER OPTIONS

Paul Simon sang of 50 ways to leave your lover, but participants at the
just-ended Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM) for World
Radiocommunication Conference 2003 heard just five ways to fix 40 meters,
plus a sixth that would just leave things as they are.

"The five options for change all represent improvements in the amateur
band, although two fall short of fulfilling the 300-kHz worldwide
requirement," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ. He
attended the Geneva gathering in his role as International Amateur Radio
Union (IARU) secretary. "All six options maintain the existing 300-kHz
exclusive amateur allocation in Region 2."

The objective of the CPM was to complete work on a 700-plus page extensive
technical CPM Report, which outlines methods to address the more than
three dozen items that are on the WRC-03 agenda. As for amateur issues,
Sumner says 7-MHz realignment or harmonization "is one of the most
difficult issues facing WRC-03." As he explains the situation, three major
interests--amateurs, shortwave broadcasters, and users, mainly military,
of the fixed and mobile services--have a stake in the outcome.

The IARU is on record as supporting a 300-kHz worldwide amateur allocation
in the vicinity of 7 MHz. Sumner said achieving this would require the
fixed and mobile services to make room for broadcasters and for the
broadcasters to change their operating frequencies. The five methods for
change the CPM Report describes include a variety of transition schedules
to ease the impact on these other services.

* Method A would shift Region 1 and 3 broadcasters up by 200 kHz to
7300-7550 kHz in two stages and would provide the same band for
broadcasting in Region 2.

* Method B is similar but would have amateurs in Regions 1 and 3 sharing
the upper 100 kHz of their newly expanded band with fixed and mobile.

* Method C would provide just 200 kHz for amateurs in Regions 1 and 3.
Amateurs in Region 2 would continue to contend with broadcasting
interference from Regions 1 and 3 in the 7200-7300 kHz segment.

* Method D, proposed by Canada at the CPM, would provide 300 kHz worldwide
for amateurs by shifting broadcasters in Regions 1 and 3 up by 200 kHz but
would not expand the Region 2 broadcasting allocation. This plan would
minimize the impact on fixed and mobile services in Region 2.

* Method E, proposed by the Republic of Korea at the CPM, would provide
amateurs in Regions 1 and 3 with an additional 100 kHz shared with fixed
and mobile (7100-7200 kHz). As with Method C, however, Region 2 amateurs
would continue to face broadcasting interference from Regions 1 and 3 in
the 7200-7300 kHz segment.

* Method F, proposed by Australia at the CPM, would simply maintain the
status quo. This plan reflects concerns about the impact of realignment on
military and national security communications capabilities.

"There is no guarantee that proposals will be limited to the six methods
described in the CPM Report," Sumner said.

Amateur Radio was well represented at the CPM. Chairing the CPM was
Eberhard George, DL7IH, of Germany. A three-member IARU team was headed by
President Larry Price, W4RA, and included Sumner and Wojciech Nietyksza,
SP5FM. ARRL Technical Relations Manager Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, served as a
member of the US delegation. He also was named to chair the ad hoc group
that dealt with the substance of the 7-MHz text. Several other amateurs
were on their national delegations, some of them specifically to represent
Amateur Radio and others in professional capacities. IARU Vice President
David Wardlaw, VK3ADW, was on the Australian delegation.

Sponsored by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the CPM drew
more than 1000 participants to Geneva during the last two weeks of
November. Over the next three months, regional telecommunications
organizations and groups (CEPT, CITEL, and Asia-Pacific Telecommunity, the
African Telecommunications Union, and Iran and the Arab States) as well as
individual administrations will be developing their proposals for WRC-03,
which takes place in Geneva next summer.

=3D=3D>FIRST AMATEUR TRANSATLANTIC HF DIGITAL VOICE QSO REPORTED

Radio communication pioneers Ten-Tec and Thales have announced that
they've used an Amateur Radio linkup to span the Atlantic on HF digital
voice for the first time. Ten-Tec's Doug Smith, KF6DX, and Thales' Didier
Chulot, F5MJN, successfully transmitted and received HF digital speech
signals November 22 between Paris, France, and Ten-Tec's Sevierville,
Tennessee, headquarters.

"We view this as a significant accomplishment," said Smith. "Amateur Radio
has long been at the forefront of technological development. It's nice to
be able to show that our legacy is alive and well." Tests are being
conducted under the auspices of ARRL's Digital Voice Working Group, which
Smith chairs. A written report on the tests is due in January.

Calling it "a major breakthrough," a Ten-Tec news release said the two
amateur stations "demonstrated the advantages of digital audio during the
conversation, including noise-free, FM-like reception and the potential
for simultaneous voice and data." The feat was accomplished on 15 meters
using Ten-Tec transceivers and Thales Communications Skywave 2000 digital
audio software. Operating as F8KGG, Chulot spoke with Smith for several
minutes over the HF digital link, operating within a 3-kHz bandwidth.

Smith said he and F5MJN used unmodified Ten-Tec transceivers in
upper-sideband mode, although AM or FM mode also would work. No additional
hardware was required beyond the cables connecting the transceiver and the
microphone to the PC sound card. Smith said audio quality was roughly the
same as a conventional telephone circuit. An Amateur Radio version of the
Thales system is expected to appear on the market early next year. "At
this stage, the system is experimental-only for ham radio, but it looks
like it's going to take off," Smith predicted.

In terms of Amateur Radio, Alinco was the first manufacturer to come out
with a digital voice option for some of its transceivers. ICOM debuted its
D-Star digital "concept radio" system last May at the Dayton
Hamvention--where Smith chaired the Digital Voice Forum--and demonstrated
it at the ARRL-TAPR Digital Communications Conference in September. The
unit, which operates on 1.2 GHz, was scheduled to hit the ham radio market
this fall.

Technical details of the Thales system will appear in an article
"International Digital Audio Broadcasting Standards: Voice Coding and
Amateur Radio Applications" in the January/February issue of QEX, which he
edits. The article is available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/x0301049.pdf>. He also has authored two
articles on digital voice in QST: "Digital Voice: The Next New Mode?"
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0201028.pdf> in the January 2002 issue,
and "Digital Voice: An Update and Forecast"
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0202038.pdf> in the February 2002 issue.

Additional images and background are available on the TAPR Web site
<http://www.tapr.org>. Look for the Digital Voice Forum page and the
presentation by C=E9dric Demeure.--Ten-Tec news release; Doug Smith, KF6DX

=3D=3D>ALL-HAM, ALL-MALE CREW SETTLES IN ONBOARD INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

With this week's departure of the space shuttle Endeavour from the
International Space Station, one all-ham crew has replaced another onboard
the ISS. This time around, however, no female voices will grace the
amateur airwaves between the space outpost and Earth. The new crew is
entirely male. The crew change also marks the first time since Expedition
3 that a US astronaut will serve as crew commander.

The Expedition 6 crew--Commander Ken Bowersox, KD5JBP; Flight Engineer
Nikolai Budarin, RV3FB, and NASA ISS Science Officer Don Pettit,
KD5MDT--lifted off November 23 on its four-month scientific mission. The
team replaces the all-amateur Expedition 5 crew of Commander Valery
Korzun, RK3FZ; Sergei Treschev, RK3FU, and Peggy Whitson, KC5ZTD. The
Expedition 6 team is the third all-ham crew to serve aboard the ISS.

In space since June 5, Whitson, Korzun and Treschev ended up staying in
space a bit longer than they'd expected. The launch of the Endeavour and
the new ISS crew was delayed--first by an onboard oxygen leak and later by
weather problems in possible emergency landing zones. Subsequently,
inclement weather on Earth frustrated the Endeavour's efforts to return
home. By week's end it appeared they might not be back home until December
6 or 7. The shuttle launch was the last one for the year 2002. In addition
to the replacement crew, it also carried a truss segment for the ISS.

The next scheduled Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) school contact is December 16 with students at Adler Planetarium
and Astronomy Museum in Chicago. A light ARISS school contact schedule is
planned over the next three weeks or so, however, as the crew settles in
and takes care of initial duties, including a spacewalk this month by
Bowersox and Budarin.

ARISS <http://ariss.gsfc.nasa.gov/> is an international project with US
participation by NASA, ARRL and AMSAT.

=3D=3D>NORTH KOREA ASKS P5/4L4FN TO QRT

The only Amateur Radio station active from North Korea has been ordered
off the air. Ed Giorgadze, 4L4FN, had been operating for the past year as
P5/4L4FN from Pyongyang. The ARRL subsequently accredited SSB and RTTY
operation of P5/4L4FN for DXCC.

"This really hits the ham community hard," QSL manager Bruce Paige, KK5DO,
said in a news release. "I, for one, was looking forward to a satellite
contact on AO-40. I know that many of you were still awaiting your first
QSO."

Paige said that on Friday, November 22, Giorgadze was called into a
meeting with the "Radio Regulation Board" without any explanation, and he
was politely asked to quit all transmissions and pack all his radio
equipment. "Saturday, he spent all day on the roof disassembling his
antennas and packing boxes." Paige said North Korean government officials
later came by and sealed all of the boxes. When Giorgadze leaves North
Korea on December 10 for two weeks of vacation, "he is to take everything
with him out of the country," Paige indicated.

Giorgadze had tried for more than two years to obtain permission to
operate Amateur Radio in North Korea and finally was given the okay in
2001 to bring an ICOM IC-706MkIIG into the country. In the intervening
months, he's been slowly upgrading his antenna system. He's made more than
16,000 contacts during his stint in North Korea, and earlier this year
attained the first DXCC ever from that country.

Paige said the P5/4L4FN logs should be 100% complete on his Web site <
http://www.amsatnet.com/ > (click on "P5 North Korea").

Giorgadze, who's from of the Republic of Georgia, had been operating on
the basis of oral permission from North Korean authorities, but ARRL
Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG, said the League was
satisfied on the basis of written information submitted that the P5/4L4FN
operation conformed with DXCC rules and cards would continue be accepted
for credit.

=3D=3D>HERB SCHOENBOHM RETURNS TO HAM RADIO

After nearly two years off the air, Herb Schoenbohm, ex-KV4FZ, of
Kingshill, Virgin Islands, has made good on his promise to one day return
to the Amateur Radio ranks. The FCC on December 4 issued Schoenbohm a new
call sign, NP2MJ, as a General-class licensee, and it acted December 5 on
his subsequently filed Amateur Extra-class application.

In 1994, the FCC put Schoenbohm's renewal application for KV4FZ up for
hearing following his 1992 felony conviction on federal fraud charges. The
Commission finally turned down his renewal application in 1998, the US
Appeals Court upheld the FCC's decision in 2000, and the US Supreme Court
declined to hear the case later that same year. After losing his renewal
bid, Schoenbohm applied for a new license in 2001, first passing the
General and then the Extra exams. The FCC subsequently designated
Schoenbohm's General application for hearing on the basis of character
issues stemming from his 1992 conviction as well as his alleged lack of
candor during subsequent FCC hearings on the matter.

Following a hearing last spring, Administrative Law Judge Arthur I.
Steinberg in October cleared the way for Schoenbohm's return to ham radio
by declaring that Schoenbohm appeared rehabilitated and qualified to again
become a Commission licensee. Schoenbohm plans to apply for KV4FZ as a
vanity call sign.

Schoenbohm was dubious about getting on the air for the ARRL 160-Meter
Contest December 7-8. "I will try to get on, but the station is still
dismantled," he told ARRL. "I don't have any antennas up either except for
the 70-foot tower, which needs the beam on top to work properly on 160."
His amp also is on the fritz, so if he does manage some Top Band operation
during the contest, it will be at the 100-W level. "Since my license has
been granted, I have not even made one contact on 2 meters!" Schoenbohm
added.

=3D=3D>NEW TECHNICIAN CLASS QUESTION POOL RELEASED

The Question Pool Committee (QPC) of the National Conference of Volunteer
Examiner Coordinators has released a revised and expanded Amateur
Technician class (Element 2) question pool into the public domain. The new
question pool becomes effective July 1, 2003, and must be used to generate
all Technician written examinations administered on or after that date.

"The newly revised pool released this week by the QPC includes significant
efforts to present the pool in a more friendly and understandable fashion
for beginners while maintaining appropriate emphasis on safety, rules and
operating procedures," said ARRL VEC Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ. "The
Technician syllabus was completely revised during 2002 to allow for the
revamping of the new question pool."

The new Element 2 question pool contains 511 questions--up from 385 in the
April 2000 release that occurred around the time of Amateur Radio
restructuring.

The new question pool, available on the Amateur Exam Question Pools Web
page <http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html>, includes all questions and
answers as well as graphics related to the questions for Element 2.

The FCC rules (=A797.523) require each question pool to contain at least 10
times the number of questions required to appear on any examination drawn
from that pool. QPC Chairman Scotty Neustadter, W4WW, says the QPC has
attempted to apply that same "10 times" principle to each subelement.

Neustadter said "insignificant changes" to the Element 2 syllabus were
made as they became obvious, although they were not specifically
highlighted in this week's release.

VECs have a certain amount of flexibility with the format of their
examinations. Outside of the fact that questions, answers, distracters and
related graphics must appear as they do in the question pool itself, "the
manner of presentation is not interpreted to be of impact to Amateur Radio
as long as clarity of presentation is preserved," Neustadter said.

On behalf of the QPC, he also thanked all amateurs who assisted in the
effort to revise Element 2. In addition to Neustadter and Jahnke, members
of the Question Pool Committee are Fred Maia, W5YI, and John Johnston,
W3BE.

The Question Pool Committee now will turn its attention to developing an
outline for the General class (Element 3) question pool, which will be
revised during the fall of 2003. The QPC has put out a call for input by
January 31, 2003, to the Element 3 syllabus and question pool. Commenters
may address specific Element 2 questions as well as inputs to the Element
3 syllabus and question pool to the Question Pool Committee via e-mail
<qpc@arrl.org>.

=3D=3D>ARRL INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD NOMINATIONS CLOSE DECEMBER 31

Nominations close December 31 for the 2002 ARRL International Humanitarian
Award. The award is dedicated to an amateurs or amateur group devoted to
promoting human welfare, peace and international understanding through
Amateur Radio. The League established the annual prize to recognize
Amateur Radio operators who have used ham radio to provide extraordinary
service to others in times of crisis or disaster.

The ARRL International Humanitarian Award recognizes the hobby's
international communication role and that hams regularly help people in
need throughout the world. Amateur Radio is one of the few
telecommunication services that allow people throughout the world to meet
and talk with each other and spread goodwill across political boundaries.

A committee appointed by the League's President recommends an award
recipient to the ARRL Board of Directors, which makes the final decision.
The committee now is accepting nominations from Amateur Radio,
governmental or other organizations that have benefited from extraordinary
service rendered by an Amateur Radio operator or group.

Nominations must include a summary of the nominee's actions that qualify
the individual or group for this award plus verifying statements from at
least two individuals having first-hand knowledge of the events warranting
the nomination. These statements may be from an official of a group (eg,
the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, a local or state emergency
management official) that benefited from the nominee's particular Amateur
Radio contribution. Nominations should include names and addresses of all
references.

All nominations and supporting materials for the 2002 award must be
submitted in writing in English to ARRL International Humanitarian Award,
225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111 USA. The award winner receives an
engraved plaque, and is profiled in QST and other ARRL venues.

The 2001 ARRL Humanitarian Award winner was Dr Jim C. Hirschman, K4TCV, of
Miami, Florida.--Jean Wolfgang, WB3IOS

=3D=3D>SOLAR UPDATE

Sun King Tad "The Sunny Side of the Street" Cook, K7VVV, Seattle,
Washington, reports: Average sunspot numbers were up a bit this week, and
average daily solar flux barely changed. Geomagnetic indices were quieter.

Now that December is here, let's review average daily solar flux and
sunspot numbers for November, and compare them with previous months. Here
are monthly averages for solar flux and sunspot numbers for this year.
 From January through November, 2002 the average daily sunspot number for
each month was 189, 194.5, 154.3, 144.4, 146, 183.5, 191, 206.4, 153.9 and
159.8. Average daily solar flux for the same months was 227.3, 205, 179.2,
141.4, 148.7, 174.4, 183.9, 175.8, 167 and 168.7.

This weekend is the ARRL 160-Meter Contest. It would be good to have low
geomagnetic activity for this contest. Right now the predicted planetary A
index for Friday through Monday is 12, 15, 20 and 15. This indicates
unsettled to active conditions on Saturday and Sunday due to coronal hole
effects. There is a chance of moderate solar flare activity over the next
few days. Solar activity is likely to be low. Predicted solar flux for the
next few days is 160-175.

Sunspot numbers for November 28 through December 4 were 124, 107, 150, 97,
155, 135, and 144, with a mean of 130.3. The 10.7-cm flux was 139.7,
141.3, 146.2, 149.6, 146.1, 145.9 and 148.7, with a mean of 145.4.
Estimated planetary A indices were 15, 14, 16, 16, 11, 11 and 12, with a
mean of 13.6.

__________________________________

=3D=3D>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The ARRL 160-Meter Contest, the PSK31 Death
Match, the TARA RTTY Sprint, the TOPS Activity 80-Meter Contest are the
weekend of December 7-8. JUST AHEAD: The ARRL 10-Meter Contest and the
Great Colorado Snowshoe Run are the weekend of December 14-15. See the
ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for
more info.

* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration for the ARRL Level II Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
(EC-002) and Antenna Modeling (EC-004) courses opens Monday, December 9, 4
PM EST (2100 UTC). Registration will remain open through Sunday, December
15. Classes begin Monday, December 16. Registration for the CNCS
grant-funded ARRL Level I Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (EC-001)
remains open through Sunday, December 15, or until all seats are taken. A
new service now allows those interested in taking an ARRL Certification
and Continuing Education (C-CE) course in the future to receive
notification via e-mail in advance of registration opportunities. Send an
e-mail to prereg@arrl.org, and include the course name or number (eg,
EC-004) on the subject line. Include your name, call sign, and the month
you want to start the course in the message body. To learn more, visit the
ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce> and the C-CE Links found there. For more
information, contact Certification and Continuing Education Program
Coordinator Howard Robins, W1HSR, hrobins@arrl.org.

* Correction: A report "Great Lakes Members Chose New Director; Incumbents
Re-Elected Elsewhere" in The ARRL Letter, Vol 21, No 45 (Nov 15, 2002),
failed to note that ARRL Atlantic Division Vice Director Bill Edgar,
N3LLR, was elected without opposition to a full, three-year term.

* Radio Club of America makes donation to "The Big Project": The Radio
Club of America <http://www.radio-club-of-america.org/> has announced that
it will give at least $6500 this year to the ARRL Education and Technology
Program--"The Big Project." The club said it hopes to give even more next
year. ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, who attended the
club's 93rd annual banquet November 22 in New York City, said she was
thrilled with the gift. "This means that we'll be able to add three more
schools to the project, serving up to 100 more children," she said. The
Radio Club of America, officially founded in 1909 in New York City as "the
world's first radio communications society," was involved with some of the
earliest defenses of Amateur Radio before Congress. One of its early
members, Paul Godley, was involved with the ARRL's 1921 Transatlantic
Tests. The RCA's most famous member may have been Edwin H. Armstrong, the
father of the regenerative circuit and frequency modulation. The ARRL
Education and Technology Program is aimed at putting Amateur Radio in
classrooms, enrichment programs and after-school activities. More
information on "The Big Project" is available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/>.

* Dave Hassler, K7CCC, joins ARRL Headquarters staff: Dave Hassler, K7CCC,
has joined the ARRL Headquarters staff as an assistant news editor.
Hassler, 36, came aboard November 18. A native of Portland, Oregon,
Hassler will edit a new QST column, "ARRL in Action" as well as handle
routine news and feature stories for the ARRL Web site and The ARRL
Letter. Hassler has been licensed for two years and holds a General
ticket. He has a long interest in all things scientific. "Both of my
grandfathers were engineers (one was W7GER, SK), and they encouraged me to
explore and helped me build things," he said. Sidetracked by high school
activities, educational pursuits and careers as a guitar player,
volleyball coach and sportswriter, Hassler took advantage of his
recuperation from knee surgery a couple of years ago to study for his
Amateur Radio license. Hassler holds a bachelor's in English and an
associate's degree in journalism. He also has completed some graduate
courses. Most recently, he served as editor-in-chief of The Chronicle in
St Helens, Oregon. Hassler enjoys AM and SSB ragchewing and building
simple radios and station accessories. He's also getting his feet wet with
digital modes. Welcome aboard, Dave!

* 2003 Spectrum Defense Fund well under way: ARRL Chief Development
Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, says the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund has
generated $190,000 in contributions from more than 4100 ARRL members. "If
you have already sent your contribution, thank you," Hobart said. "But if
you've not yet contributed to this vital ARRL program, please consider a
generous contribution before December 31." The goal is to raise $500,000
to support ARRL's work to protect the frequencies amateurs use every day.
Financial support from the amateur community funds representation in
Washington and the work of the ARRL Lab to support advocacy efforts as
well as representation for Amateur Radio at World Radiocommunication
Conference 2003 next summer. Contributions can be mailed to ARRL
Headquarters or made via the secure ARRL 2003 Spectrum Defense Fund Web
site <http://www.arrl.org/defense>.

* FCC seeks public comments on Spectrum Policy Task Force report: Public
comments are due January 9, 2003, on the recently released report of the
Spectrum Policy Task Force (ET Docket 02-135) <see
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/11/07/103/>. Reply comments are due
February 10. The Task Force released its report to the FCC on November 15.
The FCC notes that the Spectrum Policy Task Force Report was drafted by
FCC staff and was neither voted upon nor approved by the Commission.
"Accordingly, neither the Report nor any of the recommendations contained
therein necessarily reflect the views of the Commission," the FCC added.
The text of the Report and other Task Force documents are available on the
Task Force Web site <http://www.fcc.gov/sptf/>. Parties are encouraged to
file comments using the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
<http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html>. Commenters should include full
name, US Postal Service mailing address, and the docket number, ET Docket
02-135.

* RS-20 is newest Russian Amateur Radio satellite payload: On November 28,
the Russian Space Agency launched the Algerian AlSat-1 satellite along
with a new Russian bird known as Mozhayets--a navigational and scientific
satellite. One of its experimental payloads is an Amateur Radio telemetry
beacon that has been christened RS-20. Mozhayets orbits at an altitude of
720 km, completing a turn around Earth every 99 minutes. The Keplerian
elements for RS-20 are: 1 27560U 02054B   02332.86497891 -.00019965
00000-0 -47472-2 0    37; 2 27560  98.2411 217.5728 0044302  75.5447
285.0613 14.53325574    86. RS-20 is transmitting CW telemetry on 145.818
and 435.319 MHz. According to information provided by Alexander Zaitzev,
RW3DZ, each telemetry frame begins and ends with the beacon call sign,
RS-20. E-mail reports are welcomed at plis@kaluga.ru.

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The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main
St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of
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860-594-0384

=3D=3D>How to Get The ARRL Letter

The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from
ARRL HQ.

To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery:
ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site
<http://www.arrl.org/members/>. You'll have an opportunity during
registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW
bulletins, and other material. To change these selections--including
delivery of The ARRL Letter--registered members should click on the
"Member Data Page" link (in the Members Only box). Click on "Modify
membership data," check or uncheck the appropriate boxes, and click on
"Submit modification" to make selections effective. (NOTE: HQ staff
members cannot change your e-mail delivery address. You must do this
yourself via the Members Only Web Site.)

The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these
sources:

* ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will
be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.)

* The QTH.net listserver, thanks to volunteers from the Boston Amateur
Radio Club: Visit Mailing Lists@QTH.Net
<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/letter-list>. (NOTE: The ARRL
cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this
listserver.)



From dick@twohams.com  Mon Dec  9 18:48:05 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 10:48:05 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] SPECIAL  EMCOMM  BULLETIN - GUAM
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021209104731.03233190@mail.greatbasin.net>

---- Begin forwarded message ----
From: "David and Nannette Thorne" <lazyt@cot.net>
Subject: SPECIAL  EMCOMM  BULLETIN - GUAM
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 10:06:35 -0800

TO: ALL EMCOMM STATIONS
FROM: D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
SUBJECT: EMCOMM to Guam

REPORT: Guam hit by a typhoon.

If anyone has a regular schedule with someone on Guam please contact
Ken Waters, N4PBY, Ft. Worth, TX, regional scientist for NWS at:
Ken.Waters@noaa.gov
or Kevin Bogan, AH6QO, HONOLULU at: ah6qo@arrl.net ASAP

No further information available now - de K6SOJ
---- End forwarded message ----
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
Visit http://www.cvrc.net



From dick@twohams.com  Mon Dec  9 21:46:34 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 13:46:34 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] GUAM UPDATE
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021209134519.032aef70@mail.greatbasin.net>

---- Begin forwarded message ----
From: "David and Nannette Thorne" <lazyt@cot.net>
Subject: GUAM UPDATE
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2002 12:00:30 -0800

GUAM UPDATE --- FYI

"Comms are slowly coming back on Guam.  Have heard
nothing from Rota which was probably hit just as bad.  This is probably
the worst typhoon in at least 35 years for Guam."
73, Ken/N4PBY
Honolulu, Hawaii

(NOTE: Rota U.S. Territory) is 40 miles north of Guam and 70 miles south of
Saipan
- de K6SOJ)
------------------
FYI NEWS AND PICTURES GUAM DISASTER
http://www.guampdn.com/
(Thanks to: Greg, WB6FZH for this URL)
---- End forwarded message ----
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
Visit http://www.cvrc.net



From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 10 17:08:04 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 09:08:04 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Week-Day Evening VE Session
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021210090704.033fd110@mail.greatbasin.net>

There will be an ARRL-affiliated Volunteer Examination session this Friday
evening, December 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Carson Valley.

The session will be at the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center at the
Minden/Tahoe airport between Minden and Carson City.  The Sierra Front
complex is at the end of Firebrand Road, off Heybourne Road midway between
Johnson Lane and Airport Road.  A map can be found at
http://www.cvrc.net/images/SierraFrontMap.gif.

All amateur examination elements will be offered.  The examination fee will
be $10.  Examinees should bring one picture ID or two non-picture IDs.  The
original and a copy of any current licenses or CSCEs should also be brought.

For those who cannot make morning or weekend VE sessions, this is a good
opportunity to get your license or upgrade.  The examinations are sponsored
by the Carson Valley Radio Club (http://www.cvrc.net).  For additional
information contact:

Dale Anderson KV7S
E-mail: kv7s@arrl.net
775-267-4218

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
Visit http://www.cvrc.net



From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 10 18:31:37 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 10:31:37 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Special Weather Statement for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021210103103.03402db8@mail.greatbasin.net>

Special Weather Statement
1000 am PST Tue Dec 10 2002

...A major change in the weather pattern could bring heavy snow to
the Sierra by this weekend and strong winds to western Nevada...

A strong Pacific jet is expected to reach the west coast by this
weekend and bring a series of storms to northeast California...the
eastern Sierra...and western Nevada. The first storm is expected to
arrive Friday night into Saturday and could produce heavy snow in
the Sierra including the Lake Tahoe basin. Additional storms may
follow this initial system from Sunday through early next week.
Significant snowfall accumulations are possible in the higher
elevations. Strong southwest winds are expected to accompany this
storm pattern across the Sierra and most areas in western Nevada
beginning late Friday.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media for further
details or updates on this upcoming weather change.

For additional weather information...check our web site at
http://www.Wrh.NOAA.Gov/Reno
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
Visit http://www.cvrc.net



From Bob.Evans@Openwave.com  Tue Dec 10 21:36:14 2002
From: Bob.Evans@Openwave.com (Bob Evans)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 13:36:14 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] TARA Christmas luncheon is cancelled
Message-ID: <CMEGKFCHDPONMIHIKKJFCEJMGGAA.Bob.Evans@Openwave.com>

The NWS is forecasting significant weather for next weekend. As a result,
the TARA group has decided to cancel the luncheon scheduled for 12/14/2002.
Contact Jo Ann Paul N7MBM for more information, if necessary.

-------------------------------------------
Bob Evans                    n6yma@arrl.net
1918 Wiseman Lane            775-265-4696
Gardnerville, NV 89410


From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 10 23:09:27 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 15:09:27 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] GUAM UPDATE #2
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021210150348.03426650@mail.greatbasin.net>

From: WW9E@aol.com
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 8:34 AM
Subject: GUAM SUPERTYPHOON PONGSONA

This is a report from Doctor Emil Pearson, one of our SATERN members who=20
relayed this from a MARS station on a Shares net. The Salvation Army has=20
personnel in Guam. For your information:

Island endures 150 mph winds

Injuries, damage reported By Steve Limtiaco, and Theresa Merto=20
slimtiaco@guampdn.com; Pacific Daily News.

Guam felt the full force of Supertyphoon Pongsona yesterday, which=20
intensified to a 150 mph supertyphoon as it blew across the island before=20
hitting Rota.

Pongsona's eye crossed the northern end of Guam, but the entire island was=
=20
hit by at least part of the storm's eye wall,which contained the strongest=
=20
winds. Gusts reached 184 mph by late afternoon, according to the Joint=20
TyphoonWarning Center.

Gale-force wind and rain started in the early afternoon and continued into=
=20
the evening as the storm moved northwest at about 12 mph.

As of 8 p.m., the storm's eye was 50 miles north-northwest of Guam, and 10=
=20
miles west of Rota.

"Rota is getting it, and it's more intense than what we had," said Sarah=20
Prior, forecaster at the National Weather Service's Guam office. "The eye=20
wall looks like it's right on top of them."

Officials had little information about the extent of the storm's damage.

Because the storm moved slowly, some parts of Guam endured much more wind=20
than others, Prior said.

"It went really slow and we never got out of the eye wall, at least in the=
=20
central and southern parts" of Guam, she said. "If we'd gotten the eye, it=
=20
wouldn't have been so bad."

Wind speeds were expected to slow to 40 to 60 mph this morning, with gusts=
=20
to 70 mph.

The eye of the supertyphoon passed over parts of Dededo,including Astumbo=20
and Las Palmas, Latte Heights and other northern locations.

Eight people were reported missing after a fire at the tank farm operated=20
by Mobil Oil Micronesia, but they were later accounted for, according to=20
officials.

Drydock

A floating drydock at the port was loose because of the storm, but not=20
adrift, according to the governor's communications director, John Ryan.

The "Big Blue" AFDB-8 dry dock, which was towed from Hawaii to the ship=20
repair facility in 1999, was banging against Bravo Wharf, according to Ryan.

There was extensive flooding in several villages, forcing some to wade or=20
swim from their homes to safety.

Travel was difficult, even after the strongest winds subsided, because the=
=20
island's major roadways were blocked by water, downed or low-hanging power=
=20
lines, utility poles, boulders and other debris.

Much of Marine Drive in Hag=E5t=F1a was flooded from curb to curb, and=
 several=20
cars had stalled.

Flooding on southbound Route 4, just before Pago Bay, was heavier than=20
during Typhoon Chata'an in July, and the road was impassable in both=20
directions, even for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Several people reportedly were injured at the Outrigger Guam Resort, near=20
the upper-level floor where travel agent offices are located, according to=
=20
eyewitness accounts.

The metal security gate that separated the hotel from the entertainment and=
=20
restaurant complex next door fell during the early part of the storm,=20
causing injuries, and windows at the travel agencies blew in, cutting=20
people with glass.

SGD AAR7AL/RCS SHARES CENTRAL

BT

NNNN
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Wed Dec 11 23:16:55 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 15:16:55 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] "Nevada getting new Section Manager"
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021211151123.00ad7758@mail.greatbasin.net>

 From the ARRL web site 
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/12/11/3/?nc=1#Nevada:

"Nevada getting new Section Manager: The ARRL Nevada Section will get a new 
Section Manager on January 1, 2003. Jan Welsh, NK7N, is stepping down at 
the end of the year because of health problems. She has served as SM since 
March 2000. Filling out the remaining six months of her term will be Dick 
Flanagan, W6OLD, of Minden. An Amateur Extra class operator and ARRL Life 
Member with 40 years of continuous membership, Flanagan was the recipient 
of the ARRL 2000 Excellence in Recruiting Award and was active in the 
successful effort to secure an Amateur Radio antenna (PRB-1) bill in 
Nevada. He has been serving as an assistant SM. He also holds field 
appointments as an ARRL Official Observer, Official Emergency Station and 
ARRL VEC volunteer examiner. He also serves as an ARRL Certification and 
Continuing Education Program mentor, instructor and examiner. Nevada 
members may contact Flanagan via e-mail at w6old@arrl.net."



From Ed_Atwell@police.unr.edu  Wed Dec 11 23:49:14 2002
From: Ed_Atwell@police.unr.edu (Ed_Atwell@police.unr.edu)
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 15:49:14 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Re: [NNARS] "Nevada getting new Section Manager"
Message-ID: <OFA992D6CD.D315D13F-ON88256C8C.0082C56A@unr.edu>

Congratulations Dick.
This is a tremendous honor bestowed upon the best possible choice.

Ed



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Thu Dec 12 22:25:18 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 14:25:18 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLB071 New Nevada Section Manager appointed
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021212142431.033a35e0@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB071
ARLB071 New Nevada Section Manager appointed

ZCZC AG71
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 71  ARLB071
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  December 12, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB071
ARLB071 New Nevada Section Manager appointed

The ARRL Nevada Section will get a new Section Manager on January 1,
2003. Jan Welsh, NK7N, is stepping down at the end of the year for
personal reasons.

Welsh has served as SM since March 2000. Filling out the remaining
six months of her term will be Dick Flanagan, W6OLD, of Minden.

An Amateur Extra class operator and ARRL Life Member of 40 years,
Flanagan was active in the successful effort to secure an Amateur
Radio antenna (PRB-1) bill in Nevada.

He has been serving as an assistant SM. He also holds field
appointments as an ARRL Official Observer, Official Emergency
Station and ARRL VEC volunteer examiner. He also serves as an ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education Program mentor, instructor
and examiner.
NNNN
/EX



From dick@twohams.com  Thu Dec 12 23:31:22 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 15:31:22 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021212153057.033cc5d0@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
330 PM PST Thu Dec 12 2002

...High wind watch for Saturday...

A vigorous Pacific storm system will move into the Sierra on
Saturday...generating strong winds over the greater Lake Tahoe
area...Mono County and western Nevada.  Southwest winds of 40 to 50
mph with damaging gusts to 60 mph are possible over the lower
elevations.  Sustained winds over ridge tops are expected to exceed
50 mph with gusts nearing 80 mph.

Travel in high profile vehicles and other wind sensitive activities
will become difficult in the northern Sierra on Friday and Saturday.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media outlets for
further statements from the National Weather Service.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Fri Dec 13 01:51:14 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 17:51:14 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD050 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021212174745.00ad6528@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD050
ARLD050 DX news

ZCZC AE50
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 50  ARLD050
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  December 12, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD050
ARLD050 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
DXNL, 425DXnews, The Daily DX, WA7BNM and the Contest Corral from
QST.  Thanks to all.

SRI LANKA, 4S.  Nelson, 4S7NE is usually QRV on 30 meters around
0030 to 0130z.

LESOTHO, 7P.  Andre, ZS6WPX will be QRV as 7P8ZZ from December 13 to
17.  This includes an entry in the ARRL 10-Meter contest.  After the
contest, he will be QRV on the other bands.  QSL to home call.

BARBADOS, 8P.  John, K4BAI is active as 8P9HT until December 17.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW and SSB.  This includes an
entry in the ARRL 10-Meter contest as 8P9Z using both modes.  QSL
both calls via K4BAI.

CUBA, CO.  Pepin, CO2TK will participate in the ARRL 10-Meter
contest as Single Op/Low Power entry.  QSL via F6FNU.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Lee, DS4CNB is QRV as either HL0KSJ or D88S
while working at the South Korean research base King Sejong on King
George Island, IOTA AN-010.  He is QRV until November 30, 2003.  QSL
to home call.

FRENCH POLYNESIA, FO.  Ron, W6OM will be QRV as FO5VO from Bora Bora
from December 16 to 20.  He plans to be active using mostly CW on
160, 80 and 40 meters.  QSL to home call.

THAILAND, HS.  Charly, K4VUD is QRV as HS0ZCW until January 3.  He
will participate in the ARRL 10-Meter contest.  QSL to home call.

ITALY, I.  The ARI Val di Chiana ham club is QRV using special event
station IR5ONU until May 10, 2003.  QSL via I5KKW.

JOHNSTON ISLAND, KH3.  Gary, KH6GMP is QRV as KH6GMP/KH3 from
Johnston Atoll, IOTA OC-023, until December 17.  He is using SSB,
RTTY and PSK31.  This includes an entry in the ARRL 10-Meter
contest.  QSL to home call.

NETHERLAND ANTILLES, PJ2.  W9VA, K9BG, W9JUV and W9UZ will
participate in the ARRL 10-Meter contest as PJ2T from Curacao, IOTA
SA-006.  Outside the contest, they will be QRV as PJ2/homecalls.
QSL contest call via N9AG.  QSL all others to homecalls.

BRAZIL, PY.  Look for ZW8P to be QRV from Cotijuba Island, IOTA
SA-060, until December 17.  Activity is on all HF bands, using CW
and SSB.  This includes an entry in the ARRL 10-Meter contest.  QSL
via PT2PS.

FERNANDO DE NORONHA, PY0F.  PY0FT has been QRV using RTTY on 15
meters from 0730 to 1000z.  QSL via JA1ELY.

GREECE, SV.  SW1W will participate in the ARRL 10-Meter contest
using CW and SSB.  QSL via SV1CIB.

MALI, TZ.  Mac, TZ6JA is usually QRV on 20 meters using SSB around
0000 to 0100z.  QSL via JA3EMU.

UZBEKISTAN, UJ.  Fedor, UK9AA has been QRV on 30 meters around
0400z.

INDIA, VU.  Special event station AT0NG is active util December 22
to celebrate the 32nd National Games of India.  QSL via VU2JOS.

LAOS, XW.  Champ, E21EIC is QRV as XW1IC until December 16.  This
includes an entry in the ARRL 10-Meter contest.  Before and after
the contest, he will be QRV on 160 to 10 meters.  QSL to home call.

IRAQ, YI.  Mike, YI9OM has been QRV on 12 meters around 1400z.  QSL
via OM3JW.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The ARRL 10-Meter Contest, 28 MHz SWL
Contest, Great Colorado Snowshoe CW RUN and the Digital Prefix
Contest are all scheduled for this weekend.  Please see December
QST, page 93 and the WA7BNM contest website for details.
NNNN
/EX



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Fri Dec 13 16:40:10 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 08:40:10 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP052 Propagation de K7VVV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021213084001.032c2618@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP052
ARLP052 Propagation de K7VVV

ZCZC AP52
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 52  ARLP052
 From Tad Cook, K7VVV
Seattle, WA  December 13, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP052
ARLP052 Propagation de K7VVV

W8GF pointed out in an email that last week's bulletin showed solar
flux and sunspot number averages for the first eleven months of the
year, but only ten values were displayed. I discovered that May 2002
values were missing from both lists. Looking back, ARLP046 also had
this same problem with missing May numbers.

So here is the corrected list. Average sunspot numbers during
January through November were 189, 194.5, 154.3, 144.4, 204.1, 146,
183.5, 191, 206.4, 153.9 and 159.8. The missing value last week was
204.1 for May 2002. Average solar flux was 227.3, 205, 179.2, 141.4,
178.4, 148.7, 174.4, 183.9, 175.8, 167 and 168.7. The missing flux
value was 178.4 for May 2002.

This week conditions improved for HF, with slightly lower
geomagnetic indices (the daily average planetary A index down from
13.6 to 9.7) and with solar flux and sunspot numbers up. Average
daily sunspot numbers were up nearly 16 points, and average solar
flux was up by nearly 8.

Conditions look good for the ARRL 10-Meter Contest this weekend with
moderate geomagnetic conditions and a rising solar flux.  Predicted
solar flux values for Friday through Monday are 155, 160, 165 and
170.

Right now the days are very short, and they will keep getting
shorter for the next week. Long nights are good for 40-meter
propagation, but the higher frequencies close early. The winter
solstice will come to North America on December 21, and after that
we can watch the slow progression toward springtime propagation.

Sunspot numbers for December 5 through 11 were 153, 112, 106, 150,
189, 142, and 171, with a mean of 146.1. 10.7 cm flux was 148.7,
148.2, 151.1, 154.4, 156.3, 161.4, and 152.3, with a mean of 153.2.
Estimated planetary A indices were 9, 10, 16, 12, 8, 7, and 6, with
a mean of 9.7.
NNNN
/EX



From letter-dlvy@arrl.org  Sat Dec 14 00:01:15 2002
From: letter-dlvy@arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 16:01:15 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 21, No 48
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021213155844.032daa60@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 21, No. 48
December 13, 2002
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +ARRL Executive Committee meets by telephone
* +Rock star invests in ham radio's future
* +"The Big Project" adds 14 schools, tackles curriculum review
* +Hams help neighbors after Carolina iceout
* +FCC closes out exam session inquiries
* +New Jersey ham antenna bill introduced
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     +FCC grants deadline extension on Spectrum Policy Task Force comments
      Nevada getting new Section Manager
      Vote on QST Cover Plaque Award
      Hamvention 2003 to celebrate "Year of the Young"
      Howard W. Wolfe, W2AGW, SK

+Available on ARRL Audio News

=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

=3D=3D>ARRL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS IN TELECONFERENCE

The ARRL Executive Committee met December 5 in a rare telephone session to
discuss items of League business needing attention before the next Board
of Directors meeting in January. ARRL Chief Executive Officer David
Sumner, K1ZZ, said that, among other things, holding the meeting by
telephone helped to hold down expenses at a time when the Committee was
dealing with issues that did not warrant an in-person meeting. The
Executive Committee is required to meet twice yearly.

During the approximately 90-minute session, the EC reviewed suggestions
regarding possible changes to the League's standing committee structure
and responsibilities. The EC agreed to share its suggestions with the rest
of the Board for comment. The EC also authorized the ARRL to support an
AMSAT-NA petition to the FCC that seeks to eliminate a 27-month pre-launch
information filing requirement for the Amateur-Satellite service. The
requirement already is routinely waived.

The committee also directed ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, to
provide a "white paper" and to draft formal comments in response to the
FCC's request for comments on the Spectrum Policy Task Force report in ET
Docket 02-135. Comments are due at the FCC January 27. The committee also
reviewed a recent FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning the
implementation of digital broadcasting and concluded that the proceeding
revealed no implications for Amateur Radio. The EC also briefly discussed
concerning the implications for the Amateur Radio Service of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002.

Imlay also offered a status report on a comprehensive Board-ordered study
of allocation and utilization policy for the amateur bands between 902 MHz
and 24 GHz. Imlay, the ARRL Technical Relations Office and First VP
Harrison are collaborating on the study, which has been delayed by other
pressing obligations as well as by developments in the regulatory
environment. The EC targeted the July ARRL Board meeting as a completion
date for the study. Sumner also briefed the members on the recent
Conference Preparatory Meeting for WRC-03 and the status of 7-MHz
worldwide "harmonization" efforts.

On-line for the telephone conference in addition to Sumner--who serves as
the EC's Secretary--and Imlay were committee members President Jim Haynie,
W5JBP, who chaired the session; First Vice President Joel Harrison, W5ZN;
and Directors Frank Butler, W4RH, of the Southeastern Division; Frank
Fallon, N2FF, of the Hudson Division; Tom Frenaye, K1KI, of the New
England Division; and Rick Roderick, K5UR, of the Delta Division. Minutes
of the December 5 EC meeting are available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/announce/ec_minutes_470.html>.

=3D=3D>ROCK STAR GIVES MAJOR DONATION TO "THE BIG PROJECT"

Hoping that his donation will spur others to contribute to "The Big
Project," veteran rock star and well-known amateur Joe Walsh, WB6ACU, has
given in a major way to ARRL's Education and Technology Fund. ARRL Chief
Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, says the "significant gift"
through the Joseph F. Walsh Foundation will fund an additional eight pilot
schools in the ARRL Education and Technology Program.

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, expressed his gratitude for Walsh's
dedication and support to The Big Project's goals and aims. "I am
particularly pleased with Joe's donation, as it emphasizes his belief in
our school project and more importantly, investing in the future of
Amateur Radio," Haynie said. "The additional schools that will be brought
into the program as a result of this donation represent a big step in
increasing the number of students participating in the ARRL Science and
Technology program."

Walsh, best-known as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with The Eagles
and The James Gang, has been an active Amateur Radio operator for more
than 37 years. He's also an avid collector of Collins Radio gear. The
amount of his donation was not made public.

The Big Project--as the program is popularly known--highlights Amateur
Radio as a significant resource for teachers in classrooms as well as for
enrichment and after-school programs. The 40 pilot schools now in the
program receive a complete Amateur Radio station, technical library and a
curriculum that makes technology fun and relevant for the participating
students.

Walsh's contribution was one of 3500 made by ARRL members,
who--together--have raised more $225,000 to fund the Education &
Technology Program in 2003.

=3D=3D>CURRICULUM REVIEW IS NEXT ON "THE BIG PROJECT" AGENDA

With the addition of 14 new schools--13 pilot schools and one progress
grant school--in December, the ARRL Education and Technology Program--"The
Big Project"--is up to a total of 41 participating schools. That's more
than double the number of schools involved since the program's launch in
February.

Early in 2003, the 13 pilot schools will be receiving complete Amateur
Radio station equipment, a curriculum and a technical library, said ARRL
Education and Technology Program coordinator Jerry Hill, KH6HU. The 14th
school, which already uses Amateur Radio in the classroom, will receive a
$500 progress grant.

More than new schools is being added to the Education and Technology
Program. Hill said that as the program nears its first full year in
existence, an evaluation of the curriculum is now under way.

"We have a new draft of the curriculum, and we'll be testing it in all of
the schools, asking them to add their lessons and activities and report
back in June," Hill said. "Then we'll get a new one out for September and
post it on the Web. The new curriculum will be out there for anyone to
use." Hill says he does not expect Web posting until late next year,
however.

Hill said that The Big Project will update the curriculum yearly, so the
program can offer teachers and students a continually improved program.
One of the first major efforts will be to split the text of the curriculum
into two parts--elementary and secondary. That way, Hill said, the program
can offer developmentally appropriate levels of instruction while still
teaching similar concepts to all participants.

The program's first pilot school was DeGolyer Elementary School in Dallas,
Texas. DeGolyer, which tested the program beginning in 2001, got
major-market media exposure December 9 when its activities were featured
in a Dallas Morning News article. Under the direction of teacher Sanlyn
Kent, KD5LXO--who was not a ham when she began working with the youngsters
at DeGolyer--the program has turned out 30 new young hams in fewer than
two years.

=3D=3D>AMATEURS RESPOND TO CAROLINA ICE STORM

Accompanied by the worst power outages since Hurricane Hugo in 1989, a
severe snow-turned-ice storm swept along through the Carolinas early on
December 5, prompting area Amateur Radio operators into action to aid
their neighbors during the emergency.

"Sleet and snow began falling across the state the afternoon and evening
of December 4, but overnight it turned to freezing rain," said ARRL North
Carolina Section Public Information Coordinator Gary Pearce, KN4AQ.
"SKYWARN nets operated overnight across the state, providing the National
Weather Service with updated information on changing ground conditions."

More than 1.5 million customers in the Carolinas were left without power
for much of the rest of the week and weekend. Power was not expected to be
restored to many residents until after the this week. North Carolina Gov
Mike Easley declared a state of emergency in the Tar Heel State. Four
deaths in North Carolina were blamed on the storm; eight others died in
Arkansas and Kentucky.

With a half-inch of ice coating practically everything, widespread power
outages, tree-blocked roads and temperatures uncharacteristically in the
20s, a number of North Carolina ARES groups activated, and hams provided
support at numerous shelters across the state. ARES in Guilford County
supported four shelters, the Red Cross and the county's Emergency
Operations Center (EOC). Alamance County hams provided damage assessments
to county emergency management teams, Wake County ARES supported four
shelters, ARES in Gaston County was at two shelters and the county EOC,
Harnett County hams helped at five shelters and amateurs in Nash County
provided almost all communications from the town of Rocky Mount, according
to Pearce.

While a statewide ARES net was not activated December 5, the North
Carolina state EOC in Raleigh was staffed with hams helping to pass
traffic between there, county EOCs and the state's 25 open shelters.

The Tarheel Net--the statewide ARES Net--operated throughout the day
December 7, while operators from many of the affected counties maintained
watch, but no requests were received for ham radio assistance. ARES EC
Liaison for North Carolina Emergency Management John Guerriero, KG4HDT,
demonstrated the HF and VHF Amateur Radio operation to the National Guard
coordinator at the EOC.

Over the weekend, Alamance County ARES operators also assisted with
communications among the state EOC, the Red Cross and shelters. During a
visit to the Alamance County EOC, Gov Easley thanked the volunteers and
workers for their exceptional effort.

Hams also were able to help in other ways, Pearce pointed out. "In the
Raleigh-Durham area, there were long lines at the few grocery stores and
gas stations that were able to open," he said. "Many repeaters remained on
the air with emergency power, and hams passed tips on where to find open
stores, gas, batteries and other supplies." All ARES activity secured
December 10.

=3D=3D>FCC FOLLOWS UP ON ARRL VEC EXAM SESSION INQUIRIES

The FCC has completed its review of ARRL VEC Amateur Radio examination
sessions held in 1999 and 2000 in Cookeville, Tennessee, and in Trumbull,
Connecticut in 2001.

The Cookeville case involved exam sessions on December 14, 1999, and on
March 11, 2000. In a November 18 letter to ARRL VEC Manager Bart Jahnke,
W9JJ, FCC Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth recommended that the ARRL
VEC no longer accept the volunteer examiner services of five amateurs
involved with the sessions. He named James N. Keaton, W4SOH; Maria C.
Droke, KC4FLW; George S. Droke, W5SD; Bobby A. Raymer, N2BR; and Steven G.
Hunter, KF4FAV.

Hollingsworth said the FCC's decision was based on the fact that members
of the VE team participated in the examination of applicants they knew--or
should have known--to be related to certain VEs, contrary to =A797.509(d) of
the FCC rules. He further noted that the actual examination location and
date of one of the tests--for a disabled person--were concealed and
represented to be at a different location and date.

"Please emphasize to your VEs that every participating or administering VE
shares responsibility for the administration, oversight and integrity of
the test session," Hollingsworth told Jahnke, whom he also thanked for his
cooperation in the matter. The FCC launched its probe after the ARRL VEC
called apparent discrepancies at the Cookeville sessions to the
Commission's attention.

In a separate letter November 20 to Gary E. Hunter, KG4FRN, the brother of
former VE Stephen G. Hunter, KF4FAV, the FCC downgraded Gary Hunter's
license from Amateur Extra to Technician--his previous license class prior
to the Cookeville session administered in part by his brother. The wife of
Bobby Raymer, Kathy J. Raymer, ex-KG4FWO, also had been credited with
having passed exam elements at the session. Kathy Raymer agreed earlier
this year to forfeit her Technician license.

FCC rule =A797.509(d) prohibits a VE from administering an examination to a
close relative. The list includes spouses, children, grandchildren,
stepchildren, parents, grandparents, stepparents, siblings and
stepsiblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Regarding the Trumbull, Connecticut, review, Hollingsworth wrote Jahnke on
November 14 that 9 of the 10 VEs administering the May 10, 2001, session
"followed proper testing procedures" and that the FCC has no objection to
their being reinstated as VEs. All 10 volunteer examiners had been
suspended from the ARRL VEC program in 2001 for the duration of the FCC
probe--standard procedure in such instances.

Jahnke says the nine VEs Hollingsworth named in his letter have been
returned to the active list. Those reinstated were ARRL VEC VEs Kevin W.
Cellini, N1GKM; Glenn J. Krieger, N1HAW; Allen H. Silberstein, N1RWE;
Andres A. Rosado, KB1FKJ; Robert E. Moreland, KA1ZMF; Peter J. Keyes,
N1GOJ; Donald W. Stowe, N1VNM; Arthur L. Cartier, III, N1VGT; and Kenneth
A. Frissora, N1JKA.

A 10th VE, Freddy Martin, W1BIQ (ex-KB1FKI), continues to be suspended
from the roster of active ARRL VEC VEs, per his June 28, 2001, letter
initiating the inquiry. Hollingsworth said he anticipates no further
action in the case.

Hollingsworth initially cited Trumbull session documents that he'd said
"reflect several alarming discrepancies in testing procedures." The ARRL
VEC had referred the test documents to the FCC. The probe had focused on
discrepancies in documents submitted on behalf of one applicant--Elvis
Mendez, KB1GPY--who had attempted to upgrade to Extra at the May 10
session. It was believed that the candidate may have had access to the
answer key used by VEs for grading Morse code examinations or that his
answer sheet may have been completed prior to the examination. Mendez'
Extra exam was invalidated as a result of the discrepancies.

=3D=3D>NEW JERSEY LAWMAKER INTRODUCES PRB-1 BILL

New Jersey State Assemblyman Matt Ahearn (D-Fair Lawn) has introduced an
Amateur Radio antenna bill, Assembly Bill 3065. Ahearn is KB2PNN and an
ARRL member, If approved by New Jersey lawmakers, the measure, put into
the legislative hopper December 9, essentially would codify the limited
federal preemption known as PRB-1 into the Garden State's statutes. The
measure also would preclude regulation via any ordinance or regulation
that effectively prohibits an antenna support structure of 70 feet or less
above ground level--exclusive of any antenna upon the structure.

"This policy enhances the state's available pool of emergency
communications volunteer operators and stations that can provide reliable
emergency communications at no cost to the State or municipal
governments," said Ahearn.

ARRL Hudson Division Director Frank Fallon, N2FF, said he was thrilled
that there are now PRB-1 bills in both New Jersey and New York. "Our New
Jersey PRB-1 Task force met over a number of months earlier this year to
write a bill, and we thought we had a good one," he said. As it turned
out. Ahearn put together his own bill, which he submitted. "His bill is
actually better in some respects than what we came up with in that it gets
the height of 70 feet into the bill in a less confrontational fashion,"
Fallon said.

Ahearn said his bill also would help to keep municipalities out of court.
"By codifying PRB-1, the bill protects municipalities that might otherwise
prohibit or unreasonably regulate such structures from the litigation that
would occur because of the preemptive effect of PRB-1," he said in a
statement.

Ahearn's bill would prohibit governing bodies from adopting a zoning
ordinance or regulation that "prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting"
the construction, maintenance or use of an Amateur Radio antenna and
support structure. The measure would require municipal zoning ordinances
and regulations to "reasonably regulate the location and height of those
antenna structures for the purposes of health, safety or aesthetics"
provided that those ordinances and regulations "permit sufficient height
of those antennas and support structures so as to reasonably accommodate
Amateur Radio communications."

Restrictions on antennas and support structures "shall constitute the
minimum practicable regulation necessary to accomplish the legitimate
purposes of the governing body enacting that ordinance or regulation," the
bill states.

So far, 16 states have incorporated the essence of PRB-1 into their
statutes. Laws in four states--Alaska, Orgeon, Virginia and
Wyoming--specify minimum regulatory heights for antenna structures, below
which local governments in those states may not regulate.

The bill, A3065, has been referred to the Housing and Local Government
Committee for further consideration. The text of the proposed legislation
is available on the New Jersey Legislature Web site
<http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/>. Search on "A3065" in the "Bill Search"
engine. Interested New Jersey amateurs may contact Ahearn via e-mail
<asmahearn@njleg.org>.

More information on PRB-1 is available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/PRB-1_Pkg/index.html>.

=3D=3D>SOLAR UPDATE

Sun seeker Tad "I'll Follow the Sun" Cook, K7VVV, Seattle, Washington,
reports: This week conditions improved for HF, with slightly lower
geomagnetic indices (daily average planetary A index down from 13.6 to
9.7) with solar flux and sunspot numbers up. Average daily sunspot numbers
were up nearly 16 points, and average solar flux was up by nearly 8
points.

Conditions look good for the ARRL 10-Meter Contest this weekend with
moderate geomagnetic conditions and a rising solar flux. Predicted solar
flux values for Friday through Monday are 155, 160, 165 and 170.

Right now the days are very short, and they will keep getting shorter for
the next week. Long nights are good for 40-meter propagation, but the
higher frequencies close early. The winter solstice will come to North
America on December 21, and after that we can watch the slow progression
toward springtime propagation.

Sunspot numbers for December 5 through 11 were 153, 112, 106, 150, 189,
142, and 171, with a mean of 146.1. 10.7 cm flux was 148.7, 148.2, 151.1,
154.4, 156.3, 161.4, and 152.3, with a mean of 153.2. Estimated planetary
A indices were 9, 10, 16, 12, 8, 7, and 6, with a mean of 9.7.

__________________________________

=3D=3D>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The ARRL 10-Meter Contest, the Great Colorado
Snowshoe Run, and the Digital Prefix Contest are the weekend of December
14-15. JUST AHEAD: The AGB Party Contest, the OK DX RTTY Contest and the
Croatian CW Contest are the weekend of December 21-22. See the ARRL
Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration for the ARRL Level III Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
(EC-003) and HF Digital Communications (EC-005) courses opens Monday,
December 16, 4 PM EST (2100 UTC). Registration will remain open through
Sunday, December 22. Classes begin Monday, December 23. Registration for
the ARRL Level II Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (EC-002) and
Antenna Modeling (EC-004) courses remains open through Sunday, December
15. A new service now allows those who may be interested in taking an ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education (C-CE) course in the future to be
advised via e-mail in advance of registration opportunities. Send an
e-mail to prereg@arrl.org, and include the course name or number (eg,
EC-00#) on the subject line as well as your name, call sign, and the month
you want to start the course in the body. To learn more, visit the ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education Web page <http://www.arrl.org/cce>
and the C-CE Links found there. For more information, contact
Certification and Continuing Education Program Coordinator Howard Robins,
W1HSR, hrobins@arrl.org. [C-CE logo]

* FCC grants deadline extension on Spectrum Policy Task Force comments:
Acting on two requests December 10, the FCC extended the deadline to
receive comments on the recently released Spectrum Policy Task Force
Report (ET Docket 02-135)
<http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/11/07/103/>. The FCC extended
comment deadlines by 18 days in response to two petitions for a time
extension. The new comment deadline is January 27, 2003, and the new reply
comment deadline is February 28, 2003. The FCC noted that, because the
Spectrum Policy Task Force Report was drafted by FCC staff and neither
voted upon nor approved by the Commission, the Report nor any of its
recommendations "necessarily reflect the views of the Commission." The
text of the Report and other Task Force documents are available on the
Task Force Web site <<http://www.fcc.gov/sptf/>>. Parties are encouraged
to file comments using the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
<<http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html>>. Commenters should include full
name, US Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or
rulemaking number--ET Docket 02-135.--FCC

* Nevada getting new Section Manager: The ARRL Nevada Section will get a
new Section Manager on January 1, 2003. Jan Welsh, NK7N, is stepping down
at the end of the year for personal reasons. She has served as SM since
March 2000. Filling out the remaining six months of her term will be Dick
Flanagan, W6OLD, of Minden. An Amateur Extra class operator and ARRL Life
Member with 40 years of continuous membership, Flanagan was the recipient
of the ARRL 2000 Excellence in Recruiting Award and was active in the
successful effort to secure an Amateur Radio antenna (PRB-1) bill in
Nevada. He has been serving as an assistant SM. He also holds field
appointments as an ARRL Official Observer, Official Emergency Station and
ARRL VEC volunteer examiner. He also serves as an ARRL Certification and
Continuing Education Program mentor, instructor and examiner. Nevada
members may contact Flanagan via e-mail at w6old@arrl.net.

* Vote on QST Cover Plaque Award: The winners of the QST Cover Plaque
Award for November were Stan Schretter, W4MQ; Brad Wyatt, K6WR, and Keith
Lamonica, W7DXX, for their collaboration on the article "A Ham Radio
Public Utility HF Station." Congratulations, Stan, Brad and Keith! The
winner of the QST Cover Plaque award--given to the author--or authors--of
the best article in each issue--is determined by a vote of ARRL members.
Voting takes place each month on the Cover Plaque Poll Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/qstvote.html>. There's still time to
cast a ballot for your favorite article in the December 2002 issue of QST.
Voting ends December 31.

* Hamvention 2003 to celebrate "Year of the Young": Dayton Hamvention--the
world's largest Amateur Radio gathering and trade show--celebrates its
51st year and its 52nd show, Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, 2003.
The focus in 2003 will be on the younger hams and attracting 12-to-18 year
olds to Amateur Radio. Held at the Dayton, Ohio, Hara Arena complex,
Hamvention includes forums; 500 inside exhibit spaces; and a 2500-plus
space outdoor vendor area (a-k-a "the flea market"). Dayton Hamvention has
become an Amateur Radio tradition for the 25,000 or so amateurs and
visitors who attend each spring. More information is available on the
Hamvention Web site <http://www.hamvention.org>.

* Howard W. Wolfe, W2AGW, SK: DXCC top Honor Roller Howard W. "Howie"
Wolfe, W2AGW, of Harrington Park, New Jersey, died December 7. He was 95.
"Howie was one of the 'true blue DXers!'" said QST "How's DX?" Editor
Bernie McClenny, W3UR. Wolfe had worked every possible DXCC entity except
Damao Diu (CR8)--which was deleted (he worked French Indo China, FI8, also
now on the deleted list, but never got a QSL card). First licensed as 2AGW
in Brooklyn, New York in 1926, Wolfe was a member of the ARRL and the
North Jersey DX Association. A couple of years ago in QST, McClenny noted
that Wolfe was "always the last man standing in the DXCC count up" at the
Dayton DX dinner. CW was his favorite mode. Friends may post tributes to
the NJDXA's W2AGW memorial page
<http://njdxa.org/w2agw.shtml>.--information provided by Bernie McClenny,
W3UR, The Daily DX, and Urb LeJeune, W2DEC

=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main
St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of
interest to active amateurs. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely,
accurate, concise, and readable. Visit ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org> for
the latest news, updated as it happens. The ARRLWeb Extra
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/extra> offers access to informative
features and columns.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.

=3D=3D>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
=3D=3D>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
=3D=3D>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org>
=3D=3D>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call
860-594-0384

=3D=3D>How to Get The ARRL Letter

The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from
ARRL HQ.

To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery:
ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site
<http://www.arrl.org/members/>. You'll have an opportunity during
registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW
bulletins, and other material. To change these selections--including
delivery of The ARRL Letter--registered members should click on the
"Member Data Page" link (in the Members Only box). Click on "Modify
membership data," check or uncheck the appropriate boxes, and click on
"Submit modification" to make selections effective. (NOTE: HQ staff
members cannot change your e-mail delivery address. You must do this
yourself via the Members Only Web Site.)

The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these
sources:

* ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will
be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.)

* The QTH.net listserver, thanks to volunteers from the Boston Amateur
Radio Club: Visit Mailing Lists@QTH.Net
<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/letter-list>. (NOTE: The ARRL
cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this
listserver.)



From dick@twohams.com  Sat Dec 14 05:36:07 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 21:36:07 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021213213539.033399e8@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
900 PM PST Fri Dec 13 2002

...High wind watch for Saturday...

A vigorous Pacific storm system will approach the west coast
Saturday...moving inland to the eastern Sierra late in the day...
strong winds ahead of the system are expected to be from the
southwest at around 20 to 40 mph with local gusts of over 60 mph.
Stronger winds are likely at upper elevations.  Damage to trees...
fences and power lines is possible.

Travel in high profile vehicles and other wind sensitive activities
will become difficult in and along the eastern Sierra on Saturday.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media outlets for
further statements from the National Weather Service.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From nn7b@gbis.com  Sat Dec 14 15:14:46 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 07:14:46 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Fw: WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <002401c2a383$8e449de0$9a3ce4cf@nn7b>

NVZ001>005-CAZ070>073-142330-
MINERAL & S. LYON COUNTY-GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-MINDEN AREA-WESTERN 
NEVADA BASIN & RANGE-LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-
EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA-
MONO COUNTY-500 AM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..HIGH WIND WARNING TODAY & TONIGHT...

A STRONG WINTER STORM WAS COVERING A LARGE PART 
OF THE WEST INCLUDING WESTERN NEVADA & THE N. 
SIERRA.  THIS STORM IS EXPECTED TO CAUSE VERY 
STRONG WINDS OVER THE AREA TODAY & TONIGHT.  
SOUTH & SW WINDS OF 40 TO 60 MPH ARE LIKELY & GUSTS 
ALONG THE RIDGES MAY EXCEED 80 MPH.  DAMANGE TO 
TREES...POWER LINES & FENCES IS POSSIBLE WITH THESE
VERY WINDY CONDITIONS.

TRAVEL IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES & OTHER WIND SENSITIVE 
ACTIVITIES WILL BECOME DIFFICULT IN NE CALIFORNIA TODAY 
& TONIGHT. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO & OTHER 
LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS FOR FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM 
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.



From nn7b@gbis.com  Sat Dec 14 15:59:46 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 07:59:46 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Wildland Fires of 2002 Summary from NIFC
Message-ID: <007301c2a389$f6c751e0$9a3ce4cf@nn7b>

The following report may be of interest to you....
http://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html

Wildland Fires of 2002 Summary- 
A Season of Challenge and Accomplishment
November 15, 2002

As of November 15, 71,160 fires burned about 7.1 million acres; 
nearly double the 10-year average.  Firefighters were successful 
in suppressing 99 percent of all fires during initial attack. Of the 
more than 70,000 fires reported, only about 610 escaped to 
become large. 

Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority on every fire. 
The fire community extends its condolences to the families of 
those 21 people who died in the line of duty during this intense 
fire season. 

Aircraft accidents this season led to grounding some large air 
tankers. Yet fire managers adapted to the changes and overcame
the loss of air tankers without major impacts to firefighting efforts.
 
About 45 percent of the country reported moderate to extreme 
drought conditions early in the season. Nearly 50 percent of the
nation's landmass continues to be in a moderate to extreme 
state of drought. 

This season will be remembered for its large timber fires. Colorado, 
Arizona and Oregon recorded their largest fires in the last century. 
Firefighters were successful in protecting 98 percent of all threatened
structures in the wildland/urban interface. While hundreds of 
communities were evacuated, thousands of residents forced from 
their homes, and more than 100,000 structures threatened by large 
fires fire, firefighters are credited with protecting homes, businesses,
recreational structures and other outbuildings. 

The national level of preparedness and response rose to the highest 
level possible five weeks earlier than ever before. The country remained
at that level for a record-setting 62 days. 

By early July, 28,000 firefighters and support personnel were assigned 
to fire suppression activities, which is the maximum number of civilian 
resources available. Military resources were then requested. Eight 
C-130 military cargo planes were converted to Modular Airborne 
Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) to assist with fire suppression efforts. 
Later in the month a battalion of about 600 Army troops traveled to 
Oregon to assist on the Monument fire. 

In early August, NIFC submitted the request for international assistance
to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In response, Canada sent 40 
Type 1 crews for a total of 800 people, along with 117 mid-level managers.
New Zealand and Australia responded by sending 50 fireline and aviation 
managers to help fill outstanding requests on large fires in Oregon. 

In the midst of this extreme activity, the agencies were successful in 
treating 2.1 million acres of federal land. 

When the smoke clears Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER)
efforts kick in. BAER teams throughout the country are working diligently
to rehabilitate millions of acres of burned land for a quicker recovery. 



From dick@twohams.com  Sat Dec 14 17:48:31 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 09:48:31 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Fwd: High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021214093352.033a7eb0@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
500 am PST Sat Dec 14 2002

...High Wind Warning today and tonight...

A strong winter storm was covering a large part of the west
including western Nevada and the northern Sierra.  This storm is
expected to cause very strong winds over the area today and
tonight.  South and southwest winds of 40 to 60 mph are likely and
gusts along the ridges may exceed 80 mph.  Damange to trees...power
lines and fences is possible with these very windy conditions.

Travel in high profile vehicles and other wind sensitive activities
will become difficult in northeast California today and tonight.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media outlets for
further statements from the National Weather Service.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Sat Dec 14 23:26:36 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 15:26:36 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021214152607.03389888@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
300 PM PST Sat Dec 14 2002

...High Wind Warning through tonight...

A cold low pressure system drove a strong cold front into northern
California today with high winds ahead of the system spreading
across the Sierra and into western Nevada valleys.  Wind gusts as
high as 80 mph have been observed in wind prone locations of the
Sierra and lee slopes into extreme western Nevada.  Wind gusts to
114 mph have been reported by Remote sensors on the Sierra crest.
South and southwest winds of 40 to 60 mph are likely this evening
and tonight along with gusts over 80 mph over the High Sierra.
Damage to trees...power lines and fences is possible with these very
windy conditions as well as blowing dust in western Nevada valleys.
The winds are expected to gradually diminish from the north after
midnight.

Wind sensitive activities and travel in high profile vehicles will
be hazardous at times in northeast California and western Nevada
through tonight. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local
media outlets for further statements from the National Weather
Service.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From nn7b@gbis.com  Sun Dec 15 01:23:11 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 17:23:11 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <000b01c2a3d8$8b170400$b33ce4cf@nn7b>

NVZ001>005-CAZ070>073-150600-
MINERAL & S. LYON COUNTY-GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-MINDEN AREA-WESTERN
NEVADA BASIN & RANGE-LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-
EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-SURPRISE VALLEY
CALIFORNIA-MONO COUNTY-515 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002
UPDATE

..HIGH WIND WARNING THROUGH TONIGHT...

VERY STRONG SOUTH WINDS CONTINUE TO BLOW OVER
WESTERN NEVADA & THE SIERRA LATE THIS AFTERNOON &
EVENING. WIND GUST TO 82 MPH WAS REPORTED AT THE
RENO AIRPORT AT 417 PM WITH SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS
TO AROUND 80S BY WEATHER SPOTTERS AROUND THE
RENO & SPARKS AREA. REMOTE MTN TOP SENSORS ALONG
THE SIERRA CREST IN THE LAKE TAHOE AREA MEASURED
134 MPH AT 4PM. STRONG WINDS WERE BLOWING DRIFTS OF
 SAND ACROSS HIGHWAY 28 ON THE NORTH SHORE OF LAKE
TAHOE NEAR KINGS BEACH WHICH WERE BEING CLEARED
BY SNOW PLOWS IN THE LATE AFTERNOON.

MANY TREES & SIGNS HAVE BEEN TOPPLED IN & AROUND
RENO & LAKE TAHOE. WINDS HAVE CREATED NEAR ZERO
VISIBILTIES ALONG HIGHWAY 50 & 95 WITH BLOWING DUST
PROMTING HIGHWAY OFFICIALS TO CLOSE THOSE ROADS
BETWEEN DAYTON & SILVER SPRINGS & NEAR WALKER LAKE
LATE THIS AFTERNOON.

 STRONG WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE EARLY THIS
EVENING THEN TAPER OFF AS HEAVIER RAIN & SNOW MOVE
INTO THE AREA WITH THE COLD FRONT.

 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & TRAVEL  WILL BE HAZARDOUS IN NE
 CALIFORNIA & WESTERN NEVADA THROUGH TONIGHT. STAY
TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO & OTHER LOCAL MEDIA
OUTLETS FOR FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE.

 $$
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From nn7b@gbis.com  Sun Dec 15 04:12:53 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 20:12:53 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Fw: WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <002b01c2a3f0$3f240940$683de4cf@nn7b>

CAZ070>073-NVZ001>005-150459-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-
MINDEN AREA-LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA
COUNTIES-MINERAL & S. LYON COUNTIES-MONO-NORTHERN
WASHOE COUNTY-SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA-WESTERN
NEVADA BASIN & RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID LAKE-INCLUDING
THE CITIES OF...YERINGTON...VIRGINIA CITY...SPANISH SPRINGS
RENO...PYRAMID LAKE...LOVELOCK...LAHONTAN RESERVOIR...
INCLINE VILLAGE...GERLACH...GARDNERVILLE...FALLON...
CARSON CITY...VERDI...TWIN LAKES...TOPAZ LAKE...TOMS
PLACE...TAHOE CITY...SOUTH LAKE TAHOE...SIERRAVILLE...
NUBIEBER...MONO LAKE...MEYERS...MARKLEEVILLE...MAMMOTH
LAKES...LEE VINING...LAKE CITY...KINGS BEACH...JUNE LAKE...
HERLONG...HEAVENLY VALLEY...GRAEAGLE...EAGLEVILLE...
EAGLE LAKE...DOYLE...CROWLEY
LAKE...COLEVILLE...CHILCOOT...CHALFANT...CEDARVILLE...
BODIE...BLAIRSDEN...BIEBER...BENTON...BECKWOURTH &
ALPINE MEADOWS

800 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED...

WINDS HAVE SUBSIDED OVER THE SIERRA & WESTERN NEVADA
AS RAIN AND SNOW HAVE MOVED INTO THE AREA. LOCAL GUSTS
TO 40 MPH & SOME AREAS OF BLOWING DUST IN CHURCHILL...
PERSHING & MINERAL COUNTIES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 10 PM.

$$
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From nn7b@gbis.com  Sun Dec 15 04:55:48 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 20:55:48 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <006701c2a3f6$5ea43fa0$683de4cf@nn7b>

..HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE OVER THE SIERRA TONIGHT
WITH LIGHTER SNOW SPREADING INTO WESTERN NEVADA 
VALLEYS LATE TONIGHT...

.A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM & COLD FRONT WILL MOVE 
ACROSS THE REGION TONIGHT WITH HEAVY SNOW IN THE 
SIERRA & NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA.  COLDER AIR WILL 
LOWER SNOW LEVELS INITIALLY AT 6500 FEET DOWN TO 
4500 FEET OR NEAR MOST VALLEY FLOORS BY EARLY SUN 
MORNING.

THE SNOWFALL WILL DECREASE EARLY SUNDAY.  ANOTHER 
ROUND OF POSSIBLY HEAVY PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED 
TO REACH THE SIERRA BY MONDAY.

STRONG WINDS WILL CREATE LOCAL BLIZZARD CONDITIONS 
IN EXPOSED AREAS...ESPECIALLY AT UPPER ELEVATIONS.  
AVOID TRAVEL & OTHER EXTENDED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 
TONIGHT IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

CAZ071-151230-
LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-
830 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..WINTER STORM WARNING THROUGH SUN MORNING...

SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 6-12 INCHES ARE EXPECTED 
ABOVE 5000 FEET WITH 3-6 INCHES POSSIBLE IN THE 
VALLEYS.  SNOW LEVELS WILL LOWER TO NEAR THE 
LOWER VALLEYS AROUND MIDNIGHT.  EXPECT BLIZZARD-
LIKE CONDITIONS OVER THE PASSES.  

$$

CAZ072-NVZ002-151230-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
830 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..WINTER STORM WARNING THROUGH SUN MORNING...

SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO BE HEAVY AT TIMES OVERNIGHT 
THEN DECREASING TO SNOW SHOWERS SUN MORNING. 
ACCUMULATIONS TONIGHT OF 6-12 INCHES IN THE VALLEYS 
WITH 1-2 FEET ABOVE 7000 FEET.  EXPECT BLIZZARD-LIKE 
CONDITIONS OVER THE PASSES.

$$

CAZ073-151230-
MONO COUNTY-
830 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..WINTER STORM WARNING THROUGH SUN MORNING...

SNOW LEVELS WILL REMAIN NEAR 7000 FEET  THIS EVENING 
THEN LOWER RAPIDLY INTO THE LOWER VALLEYS AFTER 
MIDNIGHT.  INCREASING RAIN & SNOW WILL BECOME HEAVY
OVERNIGHT ACCOMPANIED BY STRONG GUSTY WINDS AND 
BLIZZARD-LIKE CONDITIONS OVER THE PASSES.  SNOW 
ACCUMULATIONS OF 6-12 INCHES OF ARE EXPECTED IN THE 
MTNS OVERNIGHT WITH 1-2 FEET ABOVE 8000 FEET.  LOCALLY
3 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW IS LIKELY ACROSS THE VALLEYS BY 
MORNING.

$$

NVZ003-151230-
GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-MINDEN AREA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CARSON CITY...GARDNERVILLE...
RENO...SPANISH SPRINGS & VIRGINIA CITY
830 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..SNOW ADVISORY THROUGH SUN MORNING...

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO LOWER INTO THE VALLEYS BY MIDNIGHT.
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1-3 INCHES IN THE LOWER VALLEYS & 3-5 
INCHES ABOVE 5000 FEET OVERNIGHT. SNOW WILL DIMINISH 
TO SNOW SHOWERS EARLY SUN MORNING WITH SNOW LEVELS
RISING TO AROUND 5500 FEET BY LATE MORNING.

$$




From dick@twohams.com  Sun Dec 15 17:50:42 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 09:50:42 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021215095025.02a8fd08@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
430 am PST sun Dec 15 2002

...High wind watch Monday...

Very strong winds are possible with the next winter storm that will
move off the Pacific onto the west coast and into the Sierra and
western Nevada early Monday.  Preceding the storm...south and
southwest winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts over 60 mph are possible
for most of western Nevada and the northern Sierra.

Outdoor activities and travel may be hazardous on Monday.  Check the
forecasts frequently on the National weather services NOAA Weather
Radio and other local commercial media outlets for the latest
weather information on this impending storm.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From nn7b@gbis.com  Sun Dec 15 18:40:44 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 10:40:44 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <001901c2a469$8af182c0$d03ce4cf@nn7b>

For those of you still with power, feel fortunate. Mine has been
out since 1203 Saturday.  Phone service went out last night late
and was just restored about 20 minutes ago...

If you're familiar with the old "one-two" we got the "one" already
and according to the message below, "two" is on the way tonight.

It also appears the 146.61 repeater is down, likely without power.
I will be using battery power monitoring the 146.06 repeater since
that one I can use on low power....

Paul - NN7B
- - - - - - - - - -
..ONE WINTER STORM EXITING THE REGION WHILE ANOTHER
IS APPROACHING...

.THE INTENSE WINTER STORM THAT HIT THE AREA SAT WILL
MOVE RAPIDLY EAST TODAY.  SNOW WILL LINGER OVER 
THE AREA THIS MORNING BEFORE ANOTHER SYSTEM IN 
THE PACIFIC MOVES RAPIDLY INTO THE AREA BY MONDAY
MORNING.

SNOW THIS MORNING WILL CAUSE DIFFICULT TRAVEL 
CONDITIONS IN SOME AREAS BEFORE TEMPERATURES 
RISE IN THE LOWER VALLEYS ABOVE FREEZING AND MELT 
THE SNOW BY AFTERNOON.

THE NEXT WINTER STORM WILL START OUT COLDER SO 
SNOW LEVELS WILL BE LOWER DURING THE DURATION OF
THIS STROM.  HEAVY SNOW & VERY STRONG WINDS ARE 
LIKELY ALTHOUGH WINDS IN THE WESTERN VALLEYS MAY
NOT BE QUITE AS STRONG AS THEY WERE ON SATURDAY.

CAZ071-072-073-NVZ002-152030-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-
430 AM PST SUN DEC 15 2002

..SNOW ADVISORY THIS MORNING...
..WINTER STORM WATCH MONDAY...

SNOW WILL DECREASE THIS MORNING WITH 3 TO 6 INCHES 
LIKELY BEFORE NOON THEN LITTLE ADDITIONAL ACCUMULA-
TION.  THE NEXT WINTER STORM WILL MOVE INTO THE AREA
EARLY MONDAY.  VERY STRONG WINDS & HEAVY SNOW 
ARE AGAIN LIKELY.  SNOWFALL FORECASTS FOR THE NEXT
STORM ARE 1 TO 3 FEET.

$$

NVZ003-152030-
GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-MINDEN AREA-
830 PM PST SAT DEC 14 2002

..SNOW ADVISORY THIS MORNING...

SNOW ON THE VALLEY FLOOR WILL MAKE TRAVEL DIFFICULT 
THIS MORNING.  ACCUMULATIONS OF 1-3 INCHES ARE LIKLEY. 
SNOW WILL DIMINISH TO SNOW SHOWERS BY NOON WITH 
LITTLE OR NO ACCUMULATION THIS AFTERNOON.

$$



From nn7b@gbis.com  Sun Dec 15 21:08:23 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 13:08:23 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <003b01c2a47e$1ead3ea0$603ce4cf@nn7b>

**Be prepared, we're in for round two tonight....

CAZ070-071-161230-LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN 
SIERRA COUNTIES-SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA-
100 PM PST SUN DEC 15 2002

..HIGH WIND WARNING FOR TONIGHT & MONDAY...

ANOTHER PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE ONTO THE 
CALIFORNIA COAST TONIGHT.  WINDS WILL INCREASE OVER-
NIGHT AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS 
STORM.  SOUTH TO SW WINDS WILL INCREASE THROUGHOUT
THIS EVENING.  OVERNIGHT...EXPECT WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH 
WITH GUSTS OVER 60 MPH.  WIND GUSTS WILL BE EVEN 
STRONGER OVER HIGHER MTN PASSES & RIDGES...AND 
AREAS IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE MOUNTAINS.  AREAS
OF SNOW & BLOWING SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITY 
ACROSS AREA MTN PASSES OVERNIGHT.  

WIND SENSITIVE ACTIVITIES...AND TRAVEL IN HIGH PROFILE 
VEHICLES WILL BECOME DIFFICULT ACROSS THE AREA 
TONIGHT.  TIE DOWN LOOSE OBJECTS & STAY TUNED TO 
NOAA WEATHER RADIO & OTHER LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS.    

$$

CAZ072-NVZ002-003-005-161230-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-
MINDEN AREA-NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY-100 PM PST SUN
DEC 15 2002 

..HIGH WIND WARNING AFTER MIDNIGHT THROUGH MONDAY...

ANOTHER PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE ONTO THE 
CALIFORNIA COAST TONIGHT.  WINDS WILL INCREASE OVER-
NIGHT AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS 
STORM.  SOUTH TO SW WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 30 TO 40 
MPH WITH GUSTS OVER 60 MPH AFTER MIDNIGHT. WIND 
GUSTS WILL BE EVEN STRONGER OVER HIGHER MTN 
PASSES & RIDGES...AND AREAS IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT 
TO THE MOUNTAINS.  AREAS OF SNOW & BLOWING SNOW 
WILL REDUCE VISIBILITY ACROSS AREA MTN PASSES 
OVERNIGHT.  

WIND SENSITIVE ACTIVITIES...AND TRAVEL IN HIGH PROFILE 
VEHICLES WILL BECOME DIFFICULT ACROSS THE AREA 
TONIGHT.  TIE DOWN LOOSE OBJECTS AND STAY TUNED TO 
NOAA WEATHER RADIO & OTHER LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS.    

$$

CAZ073-NVZ001-004-161230-
MINERAL & S. LYON COUNTIES-MONO-
WESTERN NEVADA BASIN & RANGE INCLUDING PYRAMID 
LAKE-100 PM PST SUN DEC 15 2002

..HIGH WIND WARNING FOR MONDAY...

ANOTHER PACIFIC STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE ONTO THE 
CALIFORNIA COAST TONIGHT & PUSH INTO CENTRAL 
CALIFORNIA TOMORROW.  WINDS WILL INCREASE TONIGHT 
AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS STORM.  
BY TOMORROW EXPECT SOUTH TO SW WINDS OF 30 TO 40 
MPH WITH GUSTS OVER 60 MPH.  WIND GUSTS WILL BE 
EVEN STRONGER OVER HIGHER MTN PASSES & RIDGES...
AND AREAS IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE MOUNTAINS.        

WIND SENSITIVE ACTIVITIES...AND TRAVEL IN HIGH PROFILE 
VEHICLES WILL BECOME DIFFICULT ACROSS THE AREA 
TONIGHT.  TIE DOWN LOOSE OBJECTS AND STAY TUNED TO 
NOAA WEATHER RADIO & OTHER LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS.  

$$



From n7tod@arrl.net  Tue Dec 17 07:31:53 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 23:31:53 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] NNARS ACTIVATION
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021216232556.037f4b20@mail.greatbasin.net>

RED CROSS HAS REQUESTED COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE DURING ESTABLISHMENT OF A
SHELTER AT THE RENO LIVESTOCK EVENT CENTER ON TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER
17.  AT THIS TIME, MYSELF AND DON WILKINSON, W7CDF, WILL BE THE ONLY
MEMBERS MOBILIZING FOR THIS RESPONSE.  A DECISION WILL BE MADE LATE IN THE
MORNING AS TO THE CONTINUATION OF AMATEUR  COMMUNICATIONS INTO THE
AFTERNOON AND BEYOND.  AVAILABLE NNARS MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO STAND BY AND BE
READY TO ASSIST STARTING TOMORROW AFTERNOON IF NEEDED.  PLEASE MONITOR THE
147.12 REPEATER STARTING AT 9 AM IF/WHEN YOU ARE AVAILABLE.  THANK YOU.



From n7tod@arrl.net  Tue Dec 17 23:13:45 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 15:13:45 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] STAND BY
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021217151327.00ad4ff0@mail.greatbasin.net>

AMATEUR COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FOR RED CROSS SHELTERING OPERATIONS IN RENO
WERE SUSPENDED AT 1152 HOURS TODAY.  BASED ON CHANGES IN THE SHELTER CENSUS
OR SITUATION, AMATEURS MAY BE RECALLED LATER THIS AFTERNOON OR
EVENING.  NNARS MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO REMAIN STANDING BY AND BE PREPARED TO
RESPOND IMMEDIATELY SHOULD WE BE RECALLED.  THANK YOU.



From aa6ee@earthlink.net  Wed Dec 18 03:31:30 2002
From: aa6ee@earthlink.net (Duane Heise, AA6EE)
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 19:31:30 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Callbook & ARRL items - Holiday offer
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021217192954.03435e08@mail.greatbasin.net>

    If you or members of your club would like the Final Edition of
the Callbook, order now as I have a limited quantity:
Callbook 2003 CD: $38.95 including s/h USA

    Holiday bonus: select any one of the following ARRL items &
receive the LTO price & free s/h if order confirmed by Friday
morning:

------------ ARRL items @ discount -----------
Antenna Compendium #7: $24.95 (LTO $22.95)
ARRL Handbook 2003: $34.95 (LTO $32.95)
ON4UN's Low Band DXing: $27.95 (LTO $25.95)
More Wire Antenna Classics: $13.95 (LTO $11.95)
Antenna Compendium #1: $9.95 (LTO $6.95 w/any other item)
Intro. to RF Design: $35.95 (LTO $25.95)
HF Digital Handbook #8233: $16.95(LTO $13.95)
Ham Radio FAQ: $13.95 (LTO $10.95)
QST View CD 1975-79, 1980-84, 1995-99: $37.95 (LTO: $34.95)
ARRL Periodicals CD 2001/2000/1999 or 1998: (LTO: $17.95)
ARRL Repeater Directory: $8.95 (LTO $6.95 w/any other item)

More items on web site: www.radiodan.com/aa6ee/

73, Duane Heise, AA6EE  phone (760)789-3674
     16832 Whirlwind LN  E-mail: aa6ee@earthlink.net
     Ramona CA 92065     CA residents add 7.25%



From n7tod@arrl.net  Wed Dec 18 06:00:50 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 22:00:50 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] STAND DOWN
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021217220039.034ac270@mail.greatbasin.net>

THE RED CROSS EXPECTS NO FURTHER NEED FOR COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT AT THIS
TIME.  JIM UTTERBACK, KC6TWC, EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR FOR THE SIERRA
NEVADA CHAPTER, ASKED ME TO PASS ALONG MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO STOOD READY
TO ASSIST.  MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO BE PREPARED FOR RESPONSE AT ANY
TIME.  THANKS AGAIN.



From n7tod@arrl.net  Wed Dec 18 06:04:23 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 22:04:23 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] White Christmas?
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021217220347.03435e08@mail.greatbasin.net>

Before leaving the NWS Office after the SNARS Board Meeting last night, I
stepped into the operations room to say good night to the staff on duty.  I
asked when there might be more big storms moving into the area - the
unanimous answer was, "Christmas!"  We talked a little bit about the
weather pattern setting up and the potential for snow on Christmas, which
was looking pretty good as we discussed it.

The weather pattern for the upcoming week was covered in more detail at
tonight's meeting of the Northern Nevada Chapter, American Meteorological
Society.  Models show the current pattern remaining consistent through the
middle of next week.  Northerly flow will maintain cold temperatures over
the region.  The storm moving into the area on Thursday will be drier than
these past two; however, with cold air entrenched over the area, all
precipitation received in the valleys will be in the form of snow.  This is
likely to mean greater accumulations at the lower elevations (in fact,
Roger shared that he told a friend in the Bay Area to expect Mt. Tamalpais
in the San Francisco area to be capped with snow on Friday morning).

Looking ahead to next week, models currently show a small disturbance being
pushed into the area on December 24 amidst a northeasterly flow.  Given
these circumstance, this weather system will move into the area under
upslope conditions of the type that typically produce greater snowfall
amounts in the valleys.  So...if the pattern pans out as the models are
currently indicating, we should see a couple inches of snow on Christmas Eve.

Get your shopping done early and enjoy!

Matthew B. Parker, N7TOD
Chairman, Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Services
http://www.qsl.net/nnars
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County
32 South Amanda Circle
Sparks, Nevada   89436
(775) 425-6102
(775) 858-8536 (Pager)



From nn7b@gbis.com  Wed Dec 18 14:16:18 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 06:16:18 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <003e01c2a6a0$12f63a20$c83ce4cf@nn7b>

..ANOTHER WINTER STORM TO MOVE INTO THE SIERRA 
THUR AFTERNOON...

.A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO 
MOVE INTO N. CALIFORNIA & BRING ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL
TO THE SIERRA BEGINNING THURSDAY AFTERNOON ALONG
WITH GUSTY WINDS. THE STRONG COLD FRONT SHOULD 
MOVE INTO EASTERN CALIFORNIA & WESTERN NEVADA 
THUR NIGHT & PRODUCE LOCALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL. 
SNOW SHOWERS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO FRI 
DUE TO A COLD & UNSTABLE AIRMASS.   
 
CAZ071>073-NVZ002-181130-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-
EASTERN SIERRA-MONO-COUNTIES
430 AM PST WED DEC 18 2002

..WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR THUR AFTERNOON 
THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FALLING ACROSS THE SIERRA 
& LASSEN COUNTY THUR AFTERNOON AS A LOW PRESSURE 
SYSTEM MOVES INTO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. SNOW LEVELS
WILL REMAIN AT THE VALLEY FLOOR AS SNOWFALL 
INTENSIFIES THUR EVENING. SNOW SHOWERS ARE 
ANTICIPATED TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE DAY FRIDAY. 
ACCUMULATIONS OF A FOOT OR MORE ARE EXPECTED ABOVE
7000 FEET BY LATE FRI AFTERNOON WITH 6 TO 12 INCHES AT 
5000 FEET. THOSE TRAVELING SHOULD PREPARE FOR 
HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS AS STRONG WINDS MAY 
CREATE BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW.  

$$


From pcavnar@g-m-i.net  Wed Dec 18 23:51:28 2002
From: pcavnar@g-m-i.net (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 15:51:28 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <51dddec61f7e02c28fd35b5b956cfbfc3e0109b5@g-m-i.net>

..ANOTHER WINTER STORM WILL MOVE INTO THE SIERRA THUR AFTERNOON...

.A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO N. CALIFORNIA
AND BRING MORE SNOW TO THE EASTERN SIERRA FROM THUR AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY.  ALTHOUGH NOT AS STRONG AS THE STORMS OF LAST
SATURDAY & MON THIS NEW WEATHER SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO BRING
PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOWFALL.

CAZ071>073-NVZ002-191200-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-MONO
COUNTY-
330 PM PST WED DEC 18 2002

..WINTER STORM WATCH FOR THUR AFTERNOON THROUGH FRI
AFTERNOON...

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FALLING ACROSS THE EASTERN SIERRA &
NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA THUR AFTERNOON AS A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM
MOVES INTO N. CALIFORNIA.  SNOW LEVELS WILL REMAIN AT THE LOWER VALLEY
FLOORS AS SNOWFALL INTENSIFIES THUR EVENING.  SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT
THE DAY FRIDAY.  TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS BY LATE FRI AFTERNOON WILL BE MOSTLY IN
THE 10 TO 24 INCH RANGE EXCEPT IN THE LOWER VALLEYS OF NE CALIFORNIA WHERE
THERE WILL BE FROM 4 TO 6 INCHES.

THOSE PLANNING TRAVEL OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
WINTER WEATHER.

$$

CAZ073-1912000-
MONO COUNTY-
330 PM PST WED DEC 18 2002

..WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR LATE THUR AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON...

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FALLING ACROSS MONO COUNTY LATE IN THE DAY
THURSDAY AS A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MOVES INTO N. CALIFORNIA.
SNOW LEVELS WILL REMAIN NEAR THE LOWER VALLEY FLOORS AS SNOWFALL INTENSIFIES
THUR NIGHT.  SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE DAY FRIDAY.  TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS
ARE EXPECTED TO BE FROM 12 TO 24 INCHES IN THE SIERRA & 6 TO 12 INCHES IN
OTHER VALLEYS DOWN TO AROUND 4000 FEET.  LOWER VALLEYS WITH RECEIVE AN INCH
OR TWO OF SNOW.

THOSE PLANNING TRAVEL OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
WINTER WEATHER.

$$



From pcavnar@g-m-i.net  Thu Dec 19 16:41:52 2002
From: pcavnar@g-m-i.net (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 08:41:52 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
Message-ID: <324d2a0d77905bd5017bdb480b6cb6623e01f6bd@g-m-i.net>

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RENO NV
700 AM PST THU DEC 19 2002

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR WESTERN
NEVADA...THE EASTERN SIERRA AND NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA.

.DAY ONE..THURSDAY

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR THE EASTERN SIERRA AND LASSEN COUNTY
BEGINNING LATE THIS AFTERNOON. LOCALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL TONIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA
BEFORE DECREASING SUNDAY. SKIES WILL BE MOSTLY CLEAR MONDAY AND TUESDAY
BEFORE ANOTHER WEATHER SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO THE FORECAST AREA
CHRISTMAS DAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL BE NEEDED LATE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY FOR
THIS WINTER STORM.

$$






From pcavnar@g-m-i.net  Thu Dec 19 16:55:43 2002
From: pcavnar@g-m-i.net (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 08:55:43 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WINTER STORM WARNING
Message-ID: <402207639c5a8dc8b114e1269218878e3e01fa53@g-m-i.net>

WINTER STORM WARNING
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
430 AM PST THU DEC 19 2002

...WINTER STORM WARNING FOR LATE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY...

SNOW IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN FALLING ACROSS THE EASTERN SIERRA LATE
THIS AFTERNOON AS A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MOVES INTO NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA. SNOW LEVELS WILL REMAIN AT LAKE LEVEL AS SNOWFALL
INTENSIFIES THIS EVENING. SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT
THE DAY FRIDAY. TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 16 TO 20 INCHES ARE EXPECTED ABOVE
7000 FEET BY FRIDAY EVENING WITH 9 TO 14 INCHES AT LAKE LEVEL.

THOSE PLANNING TRAVEL OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
WINTER WEATHER.

$$




From dick@twohams.com  Thu Dec 19 17:50:02 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 09:50:02 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Reminder: No Meeting In December
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021219094907.034b0bb0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Just a reminder that CVRC does not hold a general membership meeting
during the month of December.  We will see everyone again at our next
meeting on Saturday, February 15th.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Thu Dec 19 17:52:28 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 09:52:28 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Membership Renewal Reminder
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021219095110.00ad4ff0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Just a reminder that if you have not renewed your CVRC membership for
2003, the next issue of our "Carson Currents" newsletter will be your
last!

You can renew on-line at http://www.cvrc.net/membership.html or by
using the membership form in the last issue of "Carson Currents"
(available on-line at http://www.cvrc.net/members/newsletter.html

If you feel that CVRC is trying to provide the kind of amateur radio
club you like, please show your support by joining or renewing your
membership today.

Thanks very much.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Thu Dec 19 17:53:47 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 09:53:47 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] 2003 VE Session Schedules
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021219095250.03513660@mail.greatbasin.net>

Updated 2003 VE session schedules for Northern Nevada are now available
at http://www.cvrc.net/exams.html

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Thu Dec 19 20:48:08 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 12:48:08 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD051 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021219124656.00ae4008@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD051
ARLD051 DX news

ZCZC AE51
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 51  ARLD051
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  December 19, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD051
ARLD051 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
425DXnews, DXNL, The Daily DX, QRZ DX, PS7AB, WA7BNM and Contest
Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

VIETNAM, 3W.  Coly, 3W2FM has been QRV on 80 meters CW around 1100z.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF EAST TIMOR, 4W.  Dan, VK8AN is QRV from Dili
as 4W6AN until the end of December.  Activity is on 40 to 10 meters.
QSL via VK4AAR.

UGANDA, 5X.  5X1Z has been QRV on 20 meters between 2000 and 2100z.
QSL via SM6CAS.

GHANA, 9G.  Werner, 9G1UW has been QRV using RTTY on 20 meters
around 2200z.  QSL via DL8UP.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Lee, DS4CNB is QRV as D88S until November
30, 2003 while working at the South Korean research base King
Se-Jong on King George Island, IOTA AN-010.  QSL to home call.

KYRGYZSTAN, EX.  Serge, EX8MLE is usually QRV on 30 meters between
0200 and 0300z.  Meanwhile, Paul, EX8NP has been QRV on 80 meters
from 1400 to 1500z.  QSL via IK2QPR.

ST. PIERRE AND MIQUELON, FP.  Jean, FP5BZ has been QRV on 17 meters
around 1700z.  QSL via F5TJP.

HAWAII, KH6.  W1HH/KH6 is QRV until December 31.  This is a QRP
operation, with activity 5 kHz up from the band edges on 20 and 15
meters.  QSL to home call.

SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS.  Jose, LU1ZA is usually QRV on 15 meters just
after 2300z.  QSL via LU4DXU.

BRAZIL, PY.  PV7G is QRV from Itamaraca Island, IOTA SA-046, until
December 22.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY.
QSL via PY7XC.

ANTARCTICA.  R1ANZ is QRV from Vostok Base and has been active on 30
meters from 1800 to 2000z and 20 meters around 1300z.  QSL via
RU1ZC.

POLAND, SP.  To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the breaking of
the Enigma machine code by Polish cryptographers, 12 special event
stations are QRV until March 15, 2003.  Look for stations with the
prefixes of HF70 and SN70.  QSL via operators' instructions.

KAZAKHSTAN, UN.  Toly, UN6G is usually QRV on 30 meters around
0100z.

BURKINA FASO, XT.  Dani, XT2ATI continues to be QRV most days on 20
meters between 2230 and 0030z.  QSL via EA4YK.

CAMBODIA, XU.  Jaak, ES1FB is QRV as XU7ACE until December 27 from
Sihanoukville.  His operations are limited, but on all bands using
SSB.  QSL to home call.

LAOS, XW.  Champ, E21EIC is QRV as XW1IC and is usually active on
160 meters around 1500z, 30 meters from 1700 to 1900z and 20 meters
around 1630z.  QSL to home call.

ALBANIA, ZA.  A number of operators are QRV as ZA0IS from Sazan
Island, IOTA EU-161 from the Lighthouse, ARLHS ALB-004, until
December 22.  Activity is on all bands, using CW and SSB.  QSL via
IK7JWX.

ASCENSION ISLAND, ZD8.  ZD8Z has been QRV on 10 meters around 1800
to 1900z.  QSL via VE3HO.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The OK DX RTTY Contest, AGB Activity
Party, Russian 160-Meter Contest and the Croatian CW Contest are all
scheduled for this weekend.  The Lighthouse Christmas Lights QSO
Party is scheduled for December 21 to January 5, 2003.  Please see
December QST, page 93 and the WA7BNM contest website for details.
NNNN
/EX



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Fri Dec 20 18:09:19 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 10:09:19 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP053 Propagation de K7VVV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021220100906.00adab50@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP053
ARLP053 Propagation de K7VVV

ZCZC AP53
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 53  ARLP053
 From Tad Cook, K7VVV
Seattle, WA  December 20, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP053
ARLP053 Propagation de K7VVV

Again this week geomagnetic indices were lower than the previous
week. During November 28 through December 4 the average planetary A
index was 13.6, the next week it was 9.7, and this week it was 7.7.
This was good for HF conditions, along with a rising solar flux.
Average solar flux for the same three weeks was 145.4, 153.2 and
188.7, and average daily sunspot numbers were 130.3, 146.1 and
206.1.

Quiet conditions came to an end on December 19 when the planetary A
index jumped to 21. This is due to a solar wind stream flowing from
a coronal hole. Geomagnetic activity is expected to decline, and in
a few days solar flux values should slip below 190.

Winter solstice comes this weekend, so the long nights will soon
turn gradually shorter. Currently the darkness favors the lower HF
bands, but as the day lengthens in the Northern Hemisphere higher
frequency propagation will improve.

Sunspot numbers for December 12 through 18 were 129, 176, 214, 217,
194, 252, and 261, with a mean of 206.1. 10.7 cm flux was 153.1,
166.9, 185.9, 203, 202.9, 212.5, and 196.9, with a mean of 188.7.
Estimated planetary A indices were 7, 7, 11, 9, 8, 6, and 6, with a
mean of 7.7.
NNNN
/EX



From letter-dlvy@arrl.org  Sat Dec 21 06:47:51 2002
From: letter-dlvy@arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 22:47:51 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 21, No 49
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021220224740.03139098@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 21, No. 49
December 20, 2002
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +ARRL-UTC partnership pays off
* +Mississippi ARES teams aid tornado-stricken town
* +Ham radio has role in Guam relief effort
* +ARISS team discusses future of ham radio in space
* +FCC raises questions about exam session
* +Hams aid maritime rescue
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     +League keeps eye on emerging RFI issues
      ARRL VEC praises retiring veteran FCC employee
      Reginald Hoskin Sr, W7ROL, SK
      Former ARRL staffer Arline Bender, WA1VMC, SK

+Available on ARRL Audio News

===========================================================
NOTE: ARRL Headquarters will be closed Christmas Day, Wednesday, December
25. We wish all our readers a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
===========================================================

==>PARTNERSHIP PAYS OFF IN HUNDREDS OF HAM RADIO EMERGENCY TRAINEES

The $33,000 grant from Hartford, Connecticut-based United Technologies
Corporation (UTC) announced last spring has fueled a more than 20-fold
increase in the number of trained Amateur Radio emergency communicators in
Connecticut. In just six months, 258 Connecticut hams have completed the
ARRL Level-I Amateur Radio Emergency Communications course tuition-free,
thanks to the grant.

"UTC has helped us lay the groundwork for taking this training
nationwide," said ARRL Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller,
K3UFG. "The grant from UTC was worth far more than a dollar amount."

Before UTC offered its support last June, just a dozen Connecticut hams
had become certified via the Level I emergency communications course. The
number certified now stands at 270. "We've learned from the experience in
Connecticut and will be able to move ahead quickly and effectively to roll
out the national program," Miller said.

Some of the Nutmeg State's newest trained ham radio communicators found
themselves put to the test November 17, when an early ice storm clamped
down on northwestern Connecticut. The ice storm cut off power to more than
130,000 residences and businesses. For Jim Ritterbusch, KD1YV, an ARRL
emergency coordinator, the way hams handled themselves in their roles as
emergency communicators during the storm was a direct result of the ARRL
Amateur Radio emergency communications training subsidized by the UTC
grant.

"The value of the training was apparent in many of the operators who had
taken Level I," he said. "The nets ran more accurately and efficiently
than we have seen in the past." As an example, he pointed out that during
the ice storm, several specific-purpose nets were in operation rather than
the single multi-purpose--and sometimes chaotic--nets of the past.

The partnership between UTC and ARRL has served as a model for
dramatically expanding Amateur Radio emergency communications courses. So
far, nearly 1700 amateurs nationwide have gone through at least one of the
three emergency communications course levels since the program's inception
in December 2000. ARRL offers three emergency communications
courses--introductory, intermediate and advanced.

ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, said the League hopes
UTC now will approve a three-year grant to help fund further expansion of
the Amateur Radio emergency communications course program to the national
level. "A second grant from UTC for a national scale program will enable
ARRL to certify 5000 radio amateurs in Level I, II or III of the emergency
communications course, and have an even greater impact on homeland
security and disaster relief efforts," she said.

More information on the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education
Program is available on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html>.

==>MISSISSIPPI ARES TEAMS RESPOND IN TORNADO-STRICKEN COMMUNITY

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams from Jackson and Meridian,
Mississippi, have converged on the tiny community of Newton to provide
emergency communication support following a devastating tornado December
19. ARRL Mississippi Section Manager Malcolm Keown, W5XX, said about a
dozen amateurs from the Metro Jackson ARES and the Lauderdale County ARES
groups were taking turns supporting relief agencies in Newton, which has
no ARES organization of its own.

The mid-day twister struck a Wal-Mart filled with holiday shoppers,
blowing out the front windows and collapsing part of the roof. The tornado
also damaged a furniture factory. Newton is located roughly halfway
between Jackson and Meridian in the Interstate 20 corridor. According to
news accounts, some 70 people were hurt, but no one was killed. Property
damage in the town was said to have been widespread, and Gov Ronnie
Musgrove has declared a state of emergency in Newton.

Keown said the ARES teams were helping the Red Cross with damage
assessment and with shelter communication. In the tornado's immediate
aftermath, telephone service and electrical power were out in much of the
town of nearly 4000 and in surrounding Newton County, he said. The hams
also have been assisting The Salvation Army and the Southern Baptist Men's
Kitchen canteen operations as well as making themselves available to local
emergency management officials.

Although some reports indicated the tornado hit without warning, Keown
said SKYWARN teams had activated all along the I-20 corridor in
anticipation of the severe weather, and the National Weather Service had
issued tornado warnings.

"We were up all day long," he said of the SKYWARN activity. "The first
damage estimates to the National Weather Service came from ham radio
SKYWARN reports."

==>HAM RADIO HAS ROLE IN GUAM RELIEF, RECOVERY

After a supertyphoon struck the Pacific Territory of Guam earlier this
month, an opportunity for hams to step in and provide emergency
communications never materialized, mostly due to a lack of fuel on the
stricken island. Nonetheless, ham radio is playing a role as Guam
residents get back on their feet.

"Most of the guys are trying to get themselves back together," said Dick
Manns, KH2G, "but one of the main problems immediately after the typhoon
was fuel for generators, as the tank farm was burning and no fuel could be
brought out and what little was available was being reserved for emergency
vehicles." The Marianas Amateur Radio Club has discussed setting up
emergency communications systems, he said, but insufficient funding has
hampered the effort.

Supertyphoon Pongsona hammered Guam December 8. Manns says FEMA, the US
military and the nongovernmental relief organizations have been helping a
lot in the typhoon's aftermath. But, it would have been nice, he
suggested, if local hams had been able to reciprocate with some
communications help using portable repeaters and packet radio. Another
problem: The storm pretty much devastated amateur antenna systems, he
said.

Duncan Campbell, KF6ILA/KH2, was one of the few hams able to get on the
air in the first few days after the storm hit, felling the island's lone
2-meter repeater tower in the process. Island hams used 2-meter FM simplex
as a major means of communication, Campbell said. The repeater reportedly
is back up. He was able to make several stateside HF to relay needs, but
fuel to run emergency generators for radio use became scarce, and he had
to shut down after December 10.

Manns said electrical power remains out for most residents and that only
about a third of the electrically powered water wells on Guam were
functional. Telephone service remains out "pretty much island-wide for
varying amounts of time" due to the power outages, he said. It's expected
to be several months until electrical power is fully restored on Guam.

At one point, despite an active listening campaign, Amateur Radio
operators on the air from Guam were simply not to be found. "We have six
amateurs engaged in this, almost our entire complement of HF operators,"
said ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Tim Hayes, NH0H, December 15. Amateurs on
Saipan monitored the agreed-upon emergency frequency of 7085 kHz almost
continuously for a week without hearing a single Guam signal, he said. The
Pacific Inter-Island Net on 14,320 kHz also made a special effort to
listen for Guam stations.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and 28 US Government
agencies have combined to provide relief and recovery services. Reports
say 1750 homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by the typhoon.

The Salvation Army is operating 12 temporary shelters and housing an
estimated 3000 residents left homeless. Salvation Army Team Emergency
Radio Network (SATERN) Coordinator Pat McPherson, WW9E, said SATERN this
week established contact between Guam and the SATERN national office in
Chicago via an EchoLink connection--a marriage of Amateur Radio and the
Internet. McPherson credited Al Paja, WH2Z, on Guam with helping to set up
the EchoLink connection.

Campbell, Manns and others have been able to maintain communication to the
outside world via the Internet after December 11. The fiber optic line
between Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands survived
the storm, and local Internet Service Providers were able to reconnect to
the backbone. With semi-reliable cellular telephone service available,
Campbell was able to post updates on local conditions to several Internet
bulletin boards.

The Guam Pacific Daily News Web site <http://www.guampdn.com/> also has
remained active and current. It continues to provide a major conduit for
those outside the island to leave messages for friends and relatives on
Guam.

Amateurs affiliated with the US Department of Health and Human Services'
Office of Emergency Response flew to Guam. "We're very active here with
disaster relief and have two sites operational on HF," said Steve "Sid"
Caesar, NH7C, the team's communications officer. Others on that team
include Satoshi Manabe, WH6CTO, and Jayson Kohama, WH6BXK. Caesar has been
in regular contact with amateurs in Hawaii over the past week.

==>ARISS TEAM TALKS ABOUT FUTURE HAM-RADIO-IN-SPACE PROJECTS

Members of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
International Team met December 5-8 at the NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Delegates represented partner countries,
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-societies and AMSAT
organizations in Europe, Japan, Canada, Russia and the US.

"I was extremely impressed with the quality of the discussions at our
meeting and the camaraderie of the international team," said ARISS
International Chairman Frank Bauer, KA3HDO. "The ARISS Team really has
come together to be a cohesive international team since we first met in
1996." Bauer also represented AMSAT-NA during the session, which was
moderated by Roy Neal, K6DUE, a long-time advocate of Amateur Radio in
space. ARRL Field and Educational Services Manager Rosalie White, K1STO,
attended on behalf of the ARRL. AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH,
was on hand as a delegate for Canada.

The delegates heard progress reports on various ARISS equipment proposals,
including timing for certification and future delivery. The ARISS Team
will begin a review of new project proposals to determine their
feasibility as well as their benefits to NASA and to ham radio operators.
The ARISS Team must evaluate the work involved in bringing a particular
project proposal to fruition and, perhaps equally important, determine if
the developers have the required funding.

Among the more unusual Amateur Radio experiments the team plans to
consider further are a plasma cloud experiment and another that would
compare the performance of different solar arrays. Details were
unavailable. ARISS Team members also expressed concerns about hardware
proposals that had been initiated without ARISS knowledge or support,
since NASA requires coordination of all ham radio activity via the ARISS
Team.

Previously approved hardware projects are now being completed to make the
most of the four Amateur Radio antennas now installed outside of the ISS
Zvezda Service Module--the crew's living quarters. Operations on 70 cm
could commence as early as next spring, and SSTV (SpaceCam) hardware could
be launched later in 2003. Once it's in place, students will be able to
see the astronauts via SSTV while in QSO with them. Future add-ons under
consideration include enhanced digital 10-meter crossband operation using
PSK-31 or full-duplex voice repeater operation.

Delegates re-elected Bauer as ARISS chairman, White as ARISS
secretary-treasurer, and Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, as ARISS vice chairman.
All will serve two-year terms.

ARISS is an international project, with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT
and NASA.

==>FCC INITIATES REVIEW OF GEORGIA ARRL VEC EXAM SESSION

The FCC has initiated a review of a June 2000 ARRL VEC examination session
in Pelham, Georgia. At that session, an examinee who had unsuccessfully
attempted to pass Element 2 (Technician) seven times at other exam
sessions got a perfect score on Element 2 and also passed the Element 3
(General) exam.

The applicant in question, Arthur Lee Clark, of Oxford, Georgia,
subsequently was granted a General ticket as KG4IJV. It's not clear when
or how Clark obtained credit for the Element 1 ( Morse code) examination.
The FCC called Clark in for retesting last spring and cancelled his
license after he failed to appear.

FCC Special Counsel for Enforcement Riley Hollingsworth wrote volunteer
examiners William K. Ferguson, W9UNH, Alice Childs, AF4HB, and Walter J.
Childs, KQ4SF, on November 12 asking them to provide further information
on the examination session at which Clark had qualified for General. In a
separate letter November 12 to ARRL VEC Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ,
Hollingsworth requested that the ARRL VEC not accept the services of the
three VEs involved in the Pelham session at least until the FCC concludes
its investigation. Suspension of volunteer examiners is standard procedure
during such inquiries.

Among other things, Hollingsworth asked Ferguson and the Childses to
describe any conversations they might have had with Clark as well as any
documents or materials Clark may have had before, during or after the
examination session. Hollingsworth also wanted the three VEs to tell where
and how the test session was administered, "including the location of VEs
during the examination and the names and addresses of anyone else present
before and during the examination."

Records indicate that from January 1999 until March 2000, Clark took the
Technician exam seven times under another VEC and never answered more than
approximately half the questions correctly. At the ARRL VEC session on
June 20, 2000, however, he was credited with obtaining a perfect score,
then passing his General with only one wrong answer.

==>HAMS AID MARITIME RESCUE

Amateur Radio operators on a 40-meter net that's aimed at helping stations
obtain the Worked All States award are getting at least partial credit for
helping to save a ham-sailor and two companions whose boat was caught up
in rough weather off the West Coast December 14. Steve Letendre, KE6FQ,
said that during a late 40-meter session of the 3905 Century Club Net
<http://www.3905ccn.com> on 7.233.5 MHz, an emergency break came on
frequency.

"The man's boat was in high seas and taking water approximately 350 miles
south of San Diego near Cedros Island," Letendre said. "High winds and
waves mostly kept him from spending too much time giving us info."
Letendre says he later learned from the Coast Guard that the boat was
being exposed to 12-15 foot waves and 60 MPH winds.

Net Control Station John Milner, W6BUM, requested a hold on the net while
Letendre and Joe Seibert, AL1F, in Alaska attempted to communicate with
the vessel's skipper--whom Letendre identified as Walter Jorgenson, W6ULT.
"I was on the phone with San Diego Coast Guard, while Joe copied info as
the questions came from them," Letendre said. "We were unable to get too
much other info due to the boat getting slapped around pretty good. I'm
sure the skipper had his hands full holding the wheel and a mic at the
same time."

Somewhere in the excitement, Letendre said, the skipper fired a flare and
a Mexican Naval vessel appeared and launched a raft. The passengers were
taken aboard the naval vessel and the boat towed to safety. Letendre is
modest about his net's role in the effort. "By the time we had good relays
set up, he was rescued," he said.

The incident did provide an opportunity for Letendre to acquaint the US
Coast Guard in his area with the net's existence. "The Coast Guard officer
also thanked us and requested info on our group, so I gave him the home
page," he explained.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Solar Maven Tad "Hey, Mister Sun" Cook, K7VVV, Seattle, Washington,
reports: Once again geomagnetic indices were lower than the previous
week's. November 28 through December 4 the average planetary A index was
13.6, the next week it was 9.7, and this week it was 7.7. This was good
for HF conditions, along with a rising solar flux. Average solar flux for
the same three weeks was 145.4, 153.2 and 188.7, and average daily sunspot
numbers were 130.3, 146.1 and 206.1.

Quiet conditions came to an end December 19, when the planetary A index
jumped to 21. This is due to a solar wind stream flowing from a coronal
hole. Geomagnetic activity is expected to decline, and in a few days solar
flux values should slip below 190.

The winter solstice arrives this weekend, so the long nights soon will
turn gradually shorter. Currently the darkness favors the lower HF bands,
but as the days lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere, higher frequency
propagation will improve.

Sunspot numbers for December 12 through 18 were 129, 176, 214, 217, 194,
252 and 261, with a mean of 206.1. The 10.7 cm flux was 153.1, 166.9,
185.9, 203, 202.9, 212.5 and 196.9, with a mean of 188.7. Estimated
planetary A indices were 7, 7, 11, 9, 8, 6 and 6, with a mean of 7.7.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The AGB Party Contest, the OK DX RTTY Contest
and the Croatian CW Contest are the weekend of December 21-22. JUST AHEAD:
The DARC Christmas Contest, the RAC Winter Contest, the Stew Perry Topband
Challenge and the Original QRP Contest (CW) are the weekend of December
28-29. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>
and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration for the ARRL Satellite Communications course (EC-007) opens
Monday, December 23, at 4 PM EST (2100 UTC). Registration will remain open
through Sunday, December 29. Classes begin Monday, December 30.
Registration for the Level III Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
(EC-003) and HF Digital Communications (EC-005) courses remains open
through Sunday, December 22. A new service now allows those who may be
interested in taking an ARRL Certification and Continuing Education (C-CE)
course in the future to be advised via e-mail in advance of registration
opportunities. Send an e-mail to prereg@arrl.org, and include the course
name or number (eg, EC-00#) on the subject line as well as your name, call
sign, and the month you want to start the course in the body. To learn
more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce> and the C-CE Links found there. For more
information, contact Certification and Continuing Education Program
Coordinator Howard Robins, W1HSR, hrobins@arrl.org.

* League keeps eye on emerging RFI issues: ARRL Lab Supervisor Ed Hare,
W1RFI, attended a November 12-14 meeting of the IEEE C63 "RFI" committee
in Baltimore. Hare's visit was in response to a committee invitation for a
presentation on the possible impact of Power Line Communications (PLC) on
Amateur Radio. Hare also attended a very high bit-rate digital subscriber
line (VDSL) standards meeting in Atlanta November 18-19. Hare says that
both technologies present a potential to radiate signals that could raise
the noise floor on nearby HF receivers by tens of dB. "What ham hasn't
looked up at a power line and thought, 'Now there's a heck of a longwire
antenna!'" Hare quipped. "The problem with PLC is that if a company wants
to supply Internet service via PLC, it's going to happen at HF, and it
will radiate." Following the presentation, the IEEE named Hare chairs its
ad hoc working group on PLC. VDSL presents somewhat less of a challenge
than PLC, Hare said, but for overhead telephone wiring, it's important
that the industry include protections for Amateur Radio. Hare said the
ARRL will continue to work these and other industry groups and build on
the successes Amateur Radio has had recently with the HomePlug group and
Home Phoneline Network Alliance in reducing interference to amateur HF
bands.

* ARRL VEC praises retiring veteran FCC employee: On behalf of the League,
ARRL VEC Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, has lauded the work of a veteran FCC
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau employee involved in Amateur Radio
licensing. Darlene Reeder, who retired this month after some 40 years of
service, was an industry analyst in WTB's Public Safety and Private
Wireless Division, Technical Analysis Section. "Seldom have I ever come
across someone with the dedication and caring that Darlene has shown in
serving the needs of the hundreds of thousands of Amateur Radio licensees
in the Amateur Service," Jahnke said in remarks prepared for Reeder's
retirement luncheon December 10. "My staff and I will deeply miss working
with Darlene. We wish her the very best in her retirement." More than 150
attended Reeder's retirement fete in Gettysburg. Representatives of the
National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators presented Reeder
with a gift certificate in appreciation for her years of service.

* Reginald Hoskin Sr, W7ROL, SK: Reggie Hoskin, W7ROL, of Four Lakes,
Washington, died December 11. Hoskin's family says he turned 101 a couple
of days before his death. He enjoyed a nearly lifelong interest in radio
and had been licensed for at least 75 years. Dennis Coykendall, AC7KA,
called Hoskin "the grand old man of radio in the Northwest, maybe the
country." Said Charlene Davis, KC7RQF, of the Kamiak Butte Amateur
Repeater Association, "Reggie checked into our nets regularly and helped
folks on the air right up until the last week he was here." Both said
Hoskin would be missed. Born in England, Hoskin got into radio fairly
early after coming to the US. He received instruction from his high school
principal in Ironwood, Michigan--a World War I Navy radio operator--and
built his first station, a spark gap transmitter and crystal receiver, in
1919. It appears from early call books that Hoskin was first licensed in
1927 or 1928 as 9EML. He became W7ROL in 1946 after moving to Washington,
where he served as the first president of the Cascade Radio Club. His late
wife, Ruby, was W7QME. Over the years, he worked as a miner, fireman and
electrician. Hoskin was among the very oldest members of the ARRL and of
the amateur fraternity. He also belonged to the Old Old Timers Club member
and the Quarter Century Wireless Association.

* Former ARRL staffer Arline Bender, WA1VMC, SK: Former ARRL staff member
Arline Bender, WA1VMC, died December 11. She was 84. The Hartford,
Connecticut, native was a staff member at ARRL Headquarters in the 1970s
and 1980s, first in the Communications Department, and later in the Field
Services Department, from which she retired in 1986. While on staff she
met and married former W1AW Station Manager Charles R. "Chuck" Bender,
W1WPR, who survives her. "She was a very nice lady, very kind to
everyone," said ARRL Field Organization/Public Service Team Leader Steve
Ewald, WV1X, who worked with Bender. Prior to her tenure at ARRL HQ, she
was employed by Travelers Insurance. She also was an avid bowler and a
50-year member of Elmwood Community Church in West Hartford. A daughter
and a son also survive.

===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main
St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of
interest to active amateurs. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely,
accurate, concise, and readable. Visit ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org> for
the latest news, updated as it happens. The ARRLWeb Extra
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/extra> offers access to informative
features and columns.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.

==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
==>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org>
==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call
860-594-0384

==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from
ARRL HQ. To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail
delivery:

ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site
<http://www.arrl.org/members/>. You'll have an opportunity during
registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW
bulletins, and other material. To change these selections--including
delivery of The ARRL Letter--registered members should click on the
"Member Data Page" link (in the Members Only box). Click on "Modify
membership data," check or uncheck the appropriate boxes and/or change
your e-mail address if necessary. Then, click on "Submit modification" to
make selections effective. (NOTE: HQ staff members cannot change your
e-mail delivery address. You must do this yourself via the Members Only
Web Site.)

The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these
sources:

* ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will
be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.)

* The QTH.net listserver, thanks to volunteers from the Boston Amateur
Radio Club: Visit Mailing Lists@QTH.Net
<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/letter-list>. (NOTE: The ARRL
cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this
listserver.)



From pcavnar@g-m-i.net  Thu Dec 19 23:40:41 2002
From: pcavnar@g-m-i.net (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 15:40:41 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <90c1ba1b21a4b1d5fca0cc277520c9fe3e0258f4@g-m-i.net>

..ANOTHER WINTER STORM IS MOVING THROUGH THE SIERRA...

.A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WAS BRINGING MORE SNOW TO THE EASTERN SIERRA THURSDAY
AFTERNOON.  THIS IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY. SNOW WILL BE
HEAVIEST THROUGH THIS EVENING & AGAIN FRI
AFTERNOON & EVENING.  GUSTY WINDS & AREAS OF BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW WILL BE
COMMON THROUGH THIS EVENING.

CAZ071-200600-
LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-
310 PM PST THU DEC 19 2002

..WINTER STORM WARNING ABOVE 5000 FEET THROUGH FRIDAY...

HEAVY SNOW GUSTY WINDS & AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW ARE EXPECTED
THROUGH THIS EVENING.  PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH
FRIDAY.  SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ABOVE 5000 FEET ARE EXPECTED TO BE FROM 5 TO 10
INCHES TONIGHT...4 TO 8 INCHES FRI & 2 TO 4 INCHES FRIDAY NIGHT.

PEOPLE PLANNING TRAVEL OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
DIFFICULT WINTER WEATHER.

$$

CAZ072-NVZ002-200600-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
310 PM PST THU DEC 19 2002

..WINTER STORM WARNING THROUGH FRIDAY...

HEAVY SNOW GUSTY WINDS & AREAS OF BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW ARE
EXPECTED THROUGH THIS EVENING.  PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE
THROUGH FRIDAY.  SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FROM 6 TO 14 INCHES
TONIGHT...4 TO 8 INCHES FRI & 3 TO 6 INCHES FRI NIGHT.

PEOPLE PLANNING TRAVEL OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
DIFFICULT WINTER WEATHER.

$$

CAZ073-200600-
MONO COUNTY-
310 PM PST THU DEC 19 2002

..WINTER STORM WARNING ABOVE 7000 FEET THROUGH FRIDAY...

HEAVY SNOW & AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW ARE EXPECTED THROUGH THIS
EVENING.  PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY.  SNOW
ACCUMULATIONS IN THE SIERRA EXPECTED TO BE 12 TO 18 INCHES TONIGHT
AND 6 TO 8 INCHES ON FRIDAY.  EAST OF THE SIERRA ABOVE 7000 FEET
THERE WILL BE 4 TO 8 INCHES TONIGHT & 3 TO 5 INCHES ON FRIDAY.

PEOPLE PLANNING TRAVEL OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR
DIFFICULT WINTER WEATHER.

$$




From nn7b@gbis.com  Fri Dec 20 03:25:15 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 19:25:15 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <00b801c2a7d7$6cb05d60$ef3ce4cf@nn7b>

NVZ003-200700-
GREATER RENO-CARSON CITY-MINDEN AREA-
720 PM PST THU DEC 19 2002

..HEAVY SNOW WARNING THROUGH 11 PM SOUTH OF RENO...
..SNOW ADVISORY THROUGH 11 PM FROM RENO NORTHWARD...

THREE INCHES OF NEW SNOW HAS FALLEN AROUND CARSON 
CITY SINCE 4 PM WITH MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED 
TO CONTINUE THROUGH THIS EVENING. TOTAL SNOWFALL 
ACCUMULATIONS UP TO 6 INCHES ARE LIKELY IN AREAS SOUTH 
OF RENO...INCLUDING WASHOE VALLEY...CARSON CITY & 
MUCH OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

FROM RENO NORTHWARD...SNOW WILL INCREASE BETWEEN 
730 & 8 PM & CONTINUE THROUGH LATE EVENING. SNOWFALL 
TOTALS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ARE EXPECTED WITH LOCAL 
AMOUNTS TO 4 INCHES POSSIBLE IN THE FOOTHILLS.  

THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DIMINISH BETWEEN 10 PM & 
MIDNIGHT. 

TRAVEL IN THE RENO AREA & THE CARSON VALLEY WILL 
BECOME DIFFICULT WITH SLIPPERY ROADS & REDUCED 
VISIBILITIES THROUGH THIS EVENING.

$$



From nn7b@gbis.com  Fri Dec 20 13:36:47 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 05:36:47 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] WEATHER ALERT NV - Washoe County
Message-ID: <001a01c2a82c$da223ee0$db3ce4cf@nn7b>

..SNOW & BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE OVER THE 
SIERRA TODAY AND TONIGHT...

.A COLD LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OFF THE PACIFIC NW 
COAST WILL SPIN SEVERAL BANDS OF MODERATE TO 
HEAVY SNOW SHOWERS INTO THE SIERRA BEGINNING 
LATE TODAY & CONTINUING INTO SATURDAY. STRONG 
WINDS IN THE UPPER ELEVATIONS WILL CAUSE 
CONSIDERABLE BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW OVER THE 
PASSES & OTHER EXPOSED AREAS. 

CAZ071-202330-
LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF BECKWOURTH...BIEBER...
BLAIRSDEN...CHILCOOT...DOYLE...EAGLE LAKE...
GRAEAGLE...HERLONG...AND SIERRAVILLE
430 AM PST FRI DEC 20 2002

..SNOW & BLOWING SNOW ADVISORY TODAY & TONIGHT...

SNOW SHOWERS ARE FORECAST TO BECOMING HEAVY 
AT TIMES BY THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE INTO 
TONIGHT. STRONG SOUTH TO SW WINDS OF 20-40 MPH 
WILL CAUSE CONSIDERABLE BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW
OVER THE PASSES AND OTHER EXPOSED AREAS. SNOW 
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1-3 INCHES OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED
IN THE VALLEYS BY EVENING WITH ANOTHER 2-4 INCHES 
OVERNIGHT. MTNS & PASSES ABOVE 5500 FEET CAN 
EXPECT 3-5 INCHES BY EVENING & ANOTHER 4-8 INCHES 
OVERNIGHT. MOTORIST CAN EXPECT DIFFICULT DRIVING 
CONDITIONS IN THE MTNS TODAY & TONIGHT WITH POOR 
VISIBILITIES AT TIMES & SLICK ROADS.

CAZ072-NVZ002-202330-
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-
INCLUDING INCLINE VILLAGE...KINGS BEACH...
MARKLEEVILLE...MEYERS...SOUTH LAKE TAHOE & TAHOE 
CITY
430 AM PST FRI DEC 20 2002

..SNOW ADVISORY TODAY & TONIGHT...

SNOW SHOWERS ARE FORECAST TO BECOMING HEAVY 
AT TIMES BY THIS AFTERNOON & CONTINUE INTO TONIGHT.
STRONG SOUTH TO SW WINDS OF 20-35 MPH WILL CAUSE 
CONSIDERABLE BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW OVER THE 
PASSES & OTHER EXPOSED AREAS. SNOW 
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1-3 INCHES OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED 
IN THE VALLEYS BY EVENING WITH ANOTHER 2-4 INCHES 
OVERNIGHT. MTNS & PASSES ABOVE 7000 FEET CAN 
EXPECT 3-5 INCHES BY EVENING & ANOTHER 6-10 INCHES
OVERNIGHT. MOTORIST CAN EXPECT DIFFICULT DRIVING 
CONDITIONS IN THE MTNS TODAY & TONIGHT WITH POOR 
VISIBILITIES AT TIMES & SLICK ROADS.

CAZ073-202330-
MONO-
INCLUDING ...COLEVILLE...CROWLEY LAKE...JUNE LAKE...
LEE VINING...MAMMOTH LAKES...MONO LAKE...TOPAZ 
LAKE & TWIN LAKES
430 AM PST FRI DEC 20 2002

..SNOW ADVISORY TODAY & TONIGHT...

SNOW SHOWERS ARE FORECAST TO BECOMING HEAVY 
AT TIMES TODAY AND CONTINUE INTO TONIGHT. STRONG 
SOUTH TO SW WINDS OF 20-35 MPH WILL CAUSE 
CONSIDERABLE BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW OVER THE 
PASSES & OTHER EXPOSED AREAS. SNOW 
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1-3 INCHES OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED 
IN THE VALLEYS BY EVENING WITH ANOTHER 2-4 INCHES 
OVERNIGHT. MTNS & PASSES ABOVE 7000 FEET CAN 
EXPECT 3-5 INCHES BY EVENING & ANOTHER 4-8 INCHES 
OVERNIGHT. MOTORIST CAN EXPECT DIFFICULT DRIVING 
CONDITIONS IN THE MTNS TODAY & TONIGHT WITH POOR 
VISIBILITIES AT TIMES & SLICK ROADS.

$$



From nn7b@gbis.com  Sat Dec 21 17:20:01 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2002 09:20:01 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] E-Mail Reflectors
Message-ID: <00a501c2a915$4b47cfc0$9c3de4cf@nn7b>

It appears as thought the QTH.net e-mail reflectors are slowing 
catching up with the mail.  The timeliness of the weather notices
makes them "old news" and those may all be discarded.

Most of the lists appear to be caught up now so, any further
bulletins and notices should be considered valid.

73, Paul Cavnar - NN7B


From dick@twohams.com  Mon Dec 23 23:33:06 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 15:33:06 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Special Weather Statement for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021223153243.03293cc0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Special Weather Statement
330 PM PST Mon Dec 23 2002

...Strong winds possible by early Friday in eastern California and
western Nevada with heavy snow possible in the Sierra...

Another winter storm is expected to reach the west coast by Thursday
night and move into California by Friday. As this storm
approaches...strong south winds will be possible by late Thursday
night and Friday across eastern California and western Nevada.

Snow levels are expected to initially be higher compared to recent
storms with rain possible above lake level on Friday. By Friday
afternoon and evening...snow levels will drop quickly to most valley
floors. Heavy snowfall will be possible in the higher elevations of
the Sierra on Friday and into the Lake Tahoe basin and the higher
valleys of Mono County for Friday night and Saturday.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local media sources for further
updates on this approaching winter storm.

For additional weather information...check our web site at
http://www.Wrh.NOAA.Gov/Reno
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us  Tue Dec 24 07:09:08 2002
From: frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us (W. Frank Nance)
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 23:09:08 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] 12/23 Update on Digital Class
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021223225844.03231790@mail.greatbasin.net>

Hi to each of you.

I missed doing class planning this last week due to a bad migraine + 
esophagus (Meniere's Inner Ear - ughhh), but am back at the ABCs of Digital 
Electronic Course Manual and notifying each of you about class plans.

For those that have not received my previous email, this is a free class on 
the ABCs of Digital Electronics.

The meeting room assignment is firm.  Library where class will be held was 
misspelled in last email - the name is North Valleys Branch not North 
Valley (left off an s), a branch of Washoe County Library system.

I have 16 of the 20 in the list of e-mails above that have verified that 
they will be there.  There is room for 25 total.

Once more, to get there, go to Golden Valley Exit, which is two exits north 
of HWY 80 crossing.  Go east & get in left lane ASAP, turn left at the lite 
by Wendy's.  Go to first right turn, it is just past the Dental Offices, go 
thru to the back row of businesses at the right of Raleys.  Library is in 
corner, meeting room is to left of main library entrance.  Time 10 a.m. for 
3 hrs and we will vote on either 10-1 p.m. or 10-12, break 1 hr for lunch 
and then 1-2 p.m.

Date is Jan 4th.  I will bring 20 sets of handouts.

I look forward to having you attend this class.  If enough are interested, 
I will do follow-on classes later.

73 from Frank, W6MN



From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 24 17:33:06 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 09:33:06 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Special Weather Statement for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021224093248.00b00a10@mail.greatbasin.net>

Special Weather Statement
430 am PST Tue Dec 24 2002

...Strong winds and heavy snow expected again late in the week...

Another winter storm is expected to reach the west coast Thursday
night and Friday. Strong south winds are expected to develop ahead
of the cold front Friday over eastern California and western Nevada.

Snow levels are expected to initially be high with rain possible
above lake level on Friday. By Friday night...snow levels will drop
quickly to most valley floors. Heavy snowfall will be possible in
the higher elevations of the Sierra Friday and across the Lake Tahoe
basin and higher valleys of Mono County Friday night and Saturday
morning.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local media sources for further
updates on this approaching winter storm.

For additional weather information...check our web site at
http://www.Wrh.NOAA.Gov/Reno
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 24 22:21:42 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 14:21:42 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Sam Belcher WA7JUO SK
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021224141752.0283ebc8@mail.greatbasin.net>

Sam was a avid UHF-VHF'er. Known world wide for his EME operations on 2
meters.

Sam had the first EME station in Nevada handing many QSO's for WAS.

Sam liked to contest on the UHF and VHF bands and also liked mountain top
operations.

He was a Elmer to many new UHF and VHF'ers in Las Vegas.

The last few years operated a lot on the HF bands working
WAS on 40 and 80 meters.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From TOMK5RC@aol.com  Wed Dec 25 00:54:17 2002
From: TOMK5RC@aol.com (TOMK5RC@aol.com)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 16:54:17 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Sling Shot
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021224165351.02884868@mail.greatbasin.net>

Dick;

Do you know anyone who has one of the sling shots for putting up wire 
antennas? Looks like the wind storm stripped my Create rotor and the big 
stack is swinging in the breeze. Thought I would shoot a line over the boom 
(75' up) and tie it off until spring.

Seasons Greetings.

Tom, K5RC 



From dick@twohams.com  Wed Dec 25 19:20:14 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 11:20:14 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Winter Weather Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021225111744.00a41d48@mail.greatbasin.net>

Winter Weather Advisory
1005 am PST Wed Dec 25 2002

...Snow Advisory for tonight through Thursday morning...
snow is expected to begin this evening over the Surprise Valley and
northwest Nevada then spread across the remainder of western Nevada
overnight. Total accumulations of 1 to 3 inches with local amounts
to 4 inches are expected before the snow ends by Thursday morning.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From KD7JYK" <kd7jyk@ross-technologies.com  Wed Dec 25 01:14:40 2002
From: KD7JYK" <kd7jyk@ross-technologies.com (KD7JYK)
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 17:14:40 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Sling Shot
References: <5.2.0.9.2.20021224165351.02884868@mail.greatbasin.net>
Message-ID: <005801c2abb3$0158fce0$29b0bb3f@facilit4>

Would a 125# compound cross-bow and a roll of twine work?  Does a good job
of going through 3/4" plywood, haven't tried it for antenna applications
yet!

Kurt

---
Ross Technologies Signals Intelligence Division
Rosetta Proving Grounds


From nn7b@gbis.com  Wed Dec 25 22:11:48 2002
From: nn7b@gbis.com (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 14:11:48 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Sling Shot
Message-ID: <01c2ac62$9e960700$b53ce4cf@Pnn7b>

One of my buddies in San Diego screwed an eyebolt into a baseball and tied
it to some twine to accomplish the same thing....

73, Paul - NN7B

-----Original Message-----
From: KD7JYK <kd7jyk@ross-technologies.com>
To: cvrc@mailman.qth.net <cvrc@mailman.qth.net>
Date: Wednesday, December 25, 2002 2:08 PM
Subject: Re: [CVRC] Sling Shot


>Would a 125# compound cross-bow and a roll of twine work?  Does a good job
>of going through 3/4" plywood, haven't tried it for antenna applications
>yet!
>
>Kurt
>
>---
>Ross Technologies Signals Intelligence Division
>Rosetta Proving Grounds
>
>-----
>Visit the CVRC Web Site at http://www.cvrc.net
>


From dick@twohams.com  Thu Dec 26 17:37:32 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 09:37:32 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021226093715.031621f8@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
406 am PST Thu Dec 26 2002

...High wind watch for Friday remains in effect...
south winds of 20-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are possible Friday
afternoon. Persons planning travel in high profile vehicles should
monitor the latest forecasts. Secure loose outdoor items today to
prepare for the strong wind potential Friday.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Fri Dec 27 02:33:15 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 2002 18:33:15 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD052 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021226183147.00af1bd8@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD052
ARLD052 DX news

ZCZC AE52
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 52  ARLD052
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  December 26, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD052
ARLD052 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
Tedd, KB8NW, the OPDX Bulletin, 425DXnews, DXNL, The Daily DX, G3NOM
and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

MADAGASCAR, 5R.  Ake, 5R8FU has been QRV on 160 meters usually from
0150 to 0210z.  QSL via SM5DJZ.

NEPAL, 9N.  Hugo, LA5YJ is active as 9N7YJ from Kathmandu until
February 2003.  He has usually been QRV on 30 meters after 0100z.
QSL to home call.

BAHRAIN, A9.  Gus, A92ZE has been QRV on 40 meters around 0200z and
80 meters around 1430z.  QSL via K4SXT.

BALEARIC ISLAND, EA6.  Christian, EA6/DL6KAC is active from Mallorca
until January 9.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using mostly SSB.
He is here on holiday, so his activity may be limited.  QSL to home
call.

REUNION ISLAND, FR.  Freddy, FR/F5IRO is QRV from here until
February 2003.  QSL via F6FNU.

ENGLAND, G.  GB2APL is QRV until December 30 from Anvil Point
Lighthouse as part of the ''Lighthouse Christmas Lights 2002'' event.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31.  QSL
via G0PSE.

HUNGARY, HA.  Tibor, HG4I is QRV as HG03HNY until January 12 to mark
the New Year 2003.  Activity is on all bands, including the newer
ones, including 2 meters, using CW, SSB, RTTY, BPSK and FM on 10
meters.  QSL to home call.

THAILAND, HS.  Look for E20AJ to be QRV from December 29 to January
7 during the 20th World Scout Jamboree in Sattahip.  Activity will
be on 160 to 10 meters, including 2 meters, near the International
Scouting Frequencies.  QSL via operators' instructions.

JAPAN, JA.  Take, JI3DST is QRV as JI3DST/6 from Miyako Island, IOTA
AS-079, until January 5.  QSL to home call.

MARIANA ISLANDS, KH0.  Nozomu, JE8KKX will be active from Saipan,
IOTA OC-086, as AH2K/KH0 from December 28 to 30.  Activity will be
on 40 to 6 meters using RTTY.  QSL to home call.

US VIRGIN ISLANDS, KP2.  Joe, W8GEX and John, WZ8D will be active as
N8Z from St. Croix, IOTA NA-106, from December 30 to January 8.
Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via WZ8D.

BANGLADESH, S2.  Eric, S2/VA7DZ will work from Dhaka and Sylhet from
January 1 to 7.  QSL to home call.

CRETE, SV9.  SV9CVY has been QRV on 40 meters around 2100z, 17
meters around 2000z and 12 meters around 1400z.

MICRONESIA, V6.  Bert, V73GOD is active as V63USA from Kosrae
Island, IOTA OC-059, until January 1.  Activity is mostly on 17, 12,
10 and 6 meters using SSB, and possibly PSK31. His activity will be
limited since this is a vacation.  QSL via operator's instructions.

TOKELAU, ZK3.  Atsu, 5W1SA is active as ZK3SA.  QSL via JH7OHF.

QSL MANAGER UPDATE.  As reported in DX Bulletin ARLD051, the QSL
route for Serge, EX8MLE is direct only.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The RAC Winter Contest, Stew Perry Top
Band Distance CW Challenge and Original QRP CW Contest are all
scheduled for this weekend.  The ARRL Straight-Key Night is
scheduled for December 31 to January 1, 2003.  Also, look for
activity in the New Year's Snowball Contest, HA Happy New Year
Contest and the SARTG New Year RTTY Contest.  Please see December
QST, page 93 and January 2003 QST, page 97 for details.
NNNN
/EX



From dick@twohams.com  Fri Dec 27 17:05:10 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 09:05:10 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021227090445.00a41d58@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
430 am PST Fri Dec 27 2002

...Wind Advisory for this afternoon...
...High wind watch for Saturday...

Strong winds from an approaching Pacific storm are expected today.
South to southwest winds will increase to 20 to 35 mph with gusts to
50 mph late this morning and persist through the afternoon.

The Pacific storm will push a cold front though eastern California
and western Nevada by Saturday evening.  South to southwest winds
will increase on Saturday morning ahead of the cold front.  Winds
speeds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts in excess of 50 mph are possible.

Wind sensitive activities...and travel in high profile vehicles will
become hazardous across northwest Nevada and northeastern California
this afternoon and Saturday.

Tie down loose objects and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio...media
outlets and on the web at www.Wrh.NOAA.Gov/Reno for further
statements possible high wind warnings from the National Weather
Service.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From memberlist@www.arrl.org  Fri Dec 27 19:43:36 2002
From: memberlist@www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 11:43:36 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP054 Propagation de K7VVV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021227114321.03055490@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP054
ARLP054 Propagation de K7VVV

ZCZC AP54
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 54  ARLP054
 From Tad Cook, K7VVV
Seattle, WA  December 27, 2002
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP054
ARLP054 Propagation de K7VVV

Geomagnetic activity was up quite a bit this week, but solar flux
and sunspot numbers were down. The average daily planetary A index,
an indicator of geomagnetic activity, was over double last week's
average. Average daily sunspot numbers were down by over 20% and
average daily solar flux was down by over 10%, a drop of 41.7 and
19.6 points respectively. The most active days were Thursday,
December 19 when the planetary A index was 21 and Monday, December
23 when it was 26. The mid-latitude numbers were more moderate, but
Alaska's College A index was 39 and 40 on those two days.

Sunspot numbers dropped dramatically in the past few days. On
Christmas Day the sunspot number was only 77, the lowest value in
nearly a year and a half, when the sunspot numbers were 59 and 64 at
the end of July, 2001. The day after Christmas the sunspot number
dropped even lower, to 62.

Brian, W2BRI writes about poor conditions on 80 meters recently. He
checks a D-region absorption map (perhaps the one at
http://www.sel.noaa.gov/rt_plots/dregion.html) when he notices poor
conditions, and it always seems to correlate with an elevated X-ray
level. He notices lots of fading and high angle attenuation with
close-in stations inaudible but stations further away heard okay.

Over the next few days we should see continued geomagnetic activity.
A coronal hole is spewing a solar wind stream that is expected to
yield a Friday through Sunday planetary A index of 20, 25 and 20.
Solar flux over those same days should drop to around 125, 120 and
115.

Next week's bulletin will have some end of year numbers. It won't be
final until next week, but the average daily sunspot number for the
calendar year so far is 178.3. This contrasts with 170.3 for 2001,
173 for 2000 and 136.3 for 1999, which is surprising, since the peak
of the cycle was expected to be a couple of years ago.

Sunspot numbers for December 19 through 25 were 225, 203, 199, 168,
160, 119, and 77, with a mean of 164.4. 10.7 cm flux was 192.9,
196.6, 183.9, 172, 158.9, 147.3, and 131.9, with a mean of 169.1.
Estimated planetary A indices were 21, 16, 18, 12, 26, 18, and 14,
with a mean of 17.9.
NNNN
/EX



From n7tod@arrl.net  Sat Dec 28 04:38:03 2002
From: n7tod@arrl.net (Matthew Parker)
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 20:38:03 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] SNARS January Breakfast
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021227203729.03001be0@mail.greatbasin.net>

The monthly SNARS breakfast for January will be on Saturday the 4th,
starting at 7:30 A.M.  The location will be the usual, Denny's Restaurant
in Sparks at I-80 and McCarran, in the back room.  We will present a number
of possible activities for the club to be involved in during 2003 and be
seeking input from the members as to what they would like to be involved in
during the year.  Oh, yeah - we'll be eating, too!  Hope you all can make it.

73,
Matt



From dick@twohams.com  Sat Dec 28 06:36:45 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 22:36:45 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021227223622.00adea20@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
1015 PM PST Fri Dec 27 2002

...Wind Advisory tonight...
...High wind watch for Saturday...

South to southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with local gusts to 50 mph
will continue overnight. Wind gusts to 80 mph can be expected over
ridgetops in the Sierra.

Winds may be even stronger on Saturday ahead of an approaching cold
front. Wind speeds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are
possible...with gusts over 100 mph possible along the Sierra crest.
Through the day. Winds will decrease Saturday evening after the cold
front moves through.

Motorists should be prepared for strong winds on Saturday. Slow down
when sudden gusts are encountered. Residents should protect property
from the possible high winds. Tie down loose objects.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From letter-dlvy@arrl.org  Sat Dec 28 15:00:13 2002
From: letter-dlvy@arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 07:00:13 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 21, No 50
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021228065941.030c5238@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 21, No. 50
December 27, 2002
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +ARRL President Haynie: Vigilance a year 'round necessity
* +Arkansas, Missouri amateurs activate for severe weather
* +Comments sought on two amateur petitions
* +FCC reminds repeater owners of their responsibilities
* +Special event, ISS contact to commemorate Marconi transmission
centennial
* +Kid's Day is January 4!
* +Radio astronomy pioneer Grote Reber, W9GFZ, SK
* Solar Update
* IN BRIEF:
    This weekend on the radio
    Spanish-language NCVEC question pools now available on the Web
    German Amateur Radio payload reaches orbit
    Ham Radio University 2003 set
    Nine-year-old makes Extra
    World Scout Jamboree to include Amateur Radio activity

+Available on ARRL Audio News

===========================================================
NOTE: ARRL Headquarters will be closed and there will be no W1AW
transmissions New Year's Day, January 1, 2003. ARRL Headquarters will
reopen Thursday, January 2, 2003, at 8 AM. We wish everyone a safe and
enjoyable holiday and all the best in 2003!
===========================================================

==>VIGILANCE, VOLUNTARY GIVING ARE YEAR 'ROUND NECESSITIES, ARRL PRESIDENT
SAYS

With several important issues facing Amateur Radio, ARRL President Jim
Haynie, W5JBP, says now is not the time to get complacent about ham
radio's future. On the World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 agenda
next summer, for example, are items that could change the face of 40
meters worldwide and compel amateurs to compete with interference from
mapping satellites on 70 cm and from radio local area networks on
microwave bands. Domestically, ham radio faces an array of threats from
unlicensed Part 15 devices and the spectrum demands of new technologies
(see <http://www.arrl.org/news/bandthreat/>).

"Amateur Radio is not safe," said Haynie, who's completing his third year
as the League's top--and unpaid--official. "If we relax our energies--even
for a day or a week--we can lose valuable ground."

Haynie has not let down his guard. He personally has devoted months of
work on the road during 2002 on Amateur Radio's behalf. That includes time
in Washington talking up ham radio with those who hold its future most
directly in their hands.

Preserving the future of Amateur Radio is not cheap either. "When we talk
about defense of frequencies and advocacy, what we really mean is the $1.2
million that the ARRL spent in staff costs, travel, laboratory work, legal
filings and other professional assistance," he said.

ARRL membership dues cover just some of the costs associated with
advocacy. So does income from investments and other revenue sources. But
approximately 40 percent of the cost of the ARRL's efforts to preserve ham
radio's future--the 2003 goal is $500,000--comes from voluntary donations
from within the Amateur Radio community. ARRL Chief Development Officer
Mary Hobart, K1MMH, says donations have dipped below expectations even as
the ARRL has been successful in raising ham radio's visibility.

Hobart blames the slack in giving in part as a result of the economic
downturn, but she also believes this year's campaign may be languishing
due to apathy. "The enhanced visibility we now enjoy due to the efforts of
our president and other volunteers may have led many of our members to
erroneously conclude that Amateur Radio has arrived," Hobart speculates.
"I hope that the average ARRL member understands what it means to
represent Amateur Radio in Washington." She also says some hams may think
there's not much going on because progress often must be measured in
inches rather than miles.

Haynie believes 2002 has seen some notable successes, however. It included
the introduction of HR 4720, a measure that for the first time asked
congress to lead the way in eliminating the burden of private deed
covenants, conditions and restrictions--CC&Rs--as they affect the ability
of amateurs to erect outdoor antenna structures. The year also saw the FCC
propose--at the behest of the ARRL--two new Amateur Radio bands and a
status upgrade for the 2400-2402 MHz amateur allocation.

Hobart says that as the year draws to a close, every contribution counts
as the ARRL works toward meeting its $500,000 goal. "We are hearing that
some folks are really feeling the pinch of the current economic and stock
market situation," she said, "but if every ARRL member would contribute $8
a year, we could fund our advocacy efforts for 2003 in total."

"During 2003, the ARRL Board, staff and I will be working hard for you and
for the future of Amateur Radio," Haynie said. "Please support us."

The ARRL is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions to the
Spectrum Defense Fund are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Visit
the secure FCC Web site <http://www.arrl.org/defense> for more information
and to make a contribution.

==>SKYWARN, ARES ACTIVATE FOR ARKANSAS, MISSOURI STORMS

The same front that produced tornado activity in Mississippi on December
19 earlier touched Arkansas and Missouri with devastating and deadly
effect. After nearly a year without any significant tornado activity,
Arkansas was again at the heart of severe weather December 18. Tornadoes
hit several counties in Missouri December 17 and 18. One person died in
each state a direct result of the severe weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) activated SKYWARN at approximately 2 PM
in Arkansas, and participants remained active until after 11 PM. Little
Rock Emergency Coordinator Dale Temple, W5RXU, reports that the NWS issued
48 warnings during the nine-hour net. Temple also is president of Arkansas
SKYWARN.

Temple said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist John Robinson and
Meteorologist-In-Charge Renee Fair praised the accuracy and dedication of
the Arkansas SKYWARN volunteers.

In Arkansas, hail up to two inches in diameter, heavy rain up to six
inches, damaging straight-line winds and tornadoes developed in Desha,
Faulkner, Lincoln, Prairie, Saline, Woodruff, Jackson, Lonoke, White and
Cross counties.

At the request of American Red Cross Arkansas State Disaster Director
Roger Elliot, Richard Thompson, W5SUB, fired up the Amateur Radio station
at Red Cross Headquarters to help coordinate the organization's efforts to
provide needed services to about 85 families whose homes had been damaged
or destroyed by the severe weather. "Mr Elliot credited ham radio
operators in assisting the Red Cross to mobilize more quickly and
accurately to needy victims," Temple said.

Arkansas SKYWARN, the Central Arkansas Radio Emergency Net, Pulaski
County, Little Rock and North Little Rock ARES/RACES actively supported
state and local emergency management agencies as well as the Red Cross,
The Salvation Army and area hospitals.

In central and southern Missouri, several Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES) teams activated the night of December 17 when severe weather
struck. There were multiple instances of rainfall greater than one inch
per hour, and hail was reported in several counties. Missouri SEC Don
Moore, KM0R, said that in a couple of instances, the NWS issued severe
thunderstorm warnings shortly after ARES reports came in.

Reports filed with the St Louis NWS Office included heavy rain, hail and
damaging wind speeds. "There was a tornado reported in Laclede County that
moved into Pulaski County, along with damaging wind speeds in excess of 75
MPH in another area during the early morning hours of December 18," Moore
said. Tornado activity was also reported in Springfield and the
surrounding area. Hams also worked with the Springfield NWS Office.

Linked repeater systems were used to pass information to the respective
NWS offices and among local nets. Some five dozen hams involved in the
response in three ARES districts logged double-digit work hours. Several
county emergency coordinators said they monitored the statewide HF
frequency for the Missouri Emergency Services Net in case there was
traffic to pass. They also kept in contact with local governments and
other served agencies in case Amateur Radio volunteers were needed.

==>FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON AMATEUR RADIO-RELATED PETITIONS

The FCC is inviting comments on two Amateur Radio-related petitions for
rule making. Both have been put on public notice and are available for
public review and comment. In his petition, designated RM-10620, Dale
Reich, K8AD, has asked the Commission to automatically upgrade Novice and
Advanced license holders to the "next" license class if the licensee has
20 or more years of operating experience. Reich has said such test-free
upgrades would compensate for "the previous tougher exam that was past
administered" and give credit for violation-free service records.

Among other proposed changes in his "merit and service upgrade" schedule,
Reich asks that Novice phone privileges in the 2-meter band--rescinded in
the 1970s--be reinstated for those still holding that license. In his
petition, Reich asserts that Amateur Radio the proposed changes could
augment public service abilities on the part of the affected licensees.

In another amateur-related petition, designated RM-10621, AMSAT-NA has
asked the FCC to drop its presently required 27-month pre-space
notification to the FCC's international branch for Amateur Satellite
launches and substitute a pre-space notification within 30 days of a
launch commitment.

The comment deadline for both petitions is January 17, 2003. Interested
parties may view the Reich and AMSAT petitions and file comments via the
FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
<http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html>. Commenters should include full
name, US Postal Service mailing address and the applicable rulemaking
number--RM-10620 or RM-10621.

==>K7IJ REPEATER SYSTEM ATTRACTS RENEWED FCC ATTENTION

The FCC has sent a Warning Notice to the owner of the K7IJ Grizzly Peak
repeater system in California's San Francisco Bay area citing "numerous
rule violations" on the machine since last April. In a November 26 letter,
FCC Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth reminded repeater owner Bruce
Wachtell, K7IJ, of his responsibility to ensure proper control of his
repeater. Almost four years ago, the FCC shut down the Grizzly Peak
repeater after it determined the system was out of control of the licensee
and his designated control operator.

"Since the repeater bears your call sign, it is important for you to
understand that you are responsible for its proper operation,"
Hollingsworth told Wachtell, whose residence is in Carson City, Nevada.
"The decision to operate a repeater is a totally voluntary one. Repeaters
are a convenience in the Amateur Radio Service, not a necessity."
Hollingsworth said repeater control operators "must ensure immediate
proper operation" of the system, regardless of the type of station
control. If Wachtell cannot regain control of his repeater, then he must
shut it down, Hollingsworth concluded.

Violations cited included failure of users to identify--or to identify
correctly, intentional interference from "certain users," use of the
repeater by unlicensed operators and "lengthy carriers and key-ups."

Hollingsworth told Wachtell that it's his responsibility to prevent
recurring and deliberate violations. "If you are unwilling or unable to
prevent violations on your K7IJ repeater, then your operator and station
licenses will be subject to enforcement action by the Commission," warned
Hollingsworth, who raised the specter of fines, suspension and license
revocation.

In an unrelated repeater case, Hollingsworth sent a Warning Notice
December 4 to Wayne Curley, WA6NRB, who operates a repeater in the Los
Angeles area. Hollingsworth cited monitoring information that the repeater
has been used by an unlicensed individual, Richard Burton, ex-WB6JAC.
Burton spent three months in a federal jail last year after being
convicted of unlicensed operation. Hollingsworth also reminded Curley that
a repeater licensee is responsible for recurring violations and that
enforcement action--fines, suspension or revocation--could result if he is
unable to prevent violations on his repeater.

==>SPECIAL EVENT, SPACE CONTACT TO MARK MARCONI TRANSMISSION CENTENNIAL

Special event station KM1CC will be on the air January 11-19, 2003, to
mark the 100th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi's inaugural wireless
transmission between the US and Great Britain January 18, 1903 (January 19
UTC). On that date, from the sandy Cape Cod cliffs overlooking the
Atlantic, Marconi--using a powerful (35 kW) rotary spark transmitter
coupled to a massive antenna system-- transmitted a 54-word greeting from
President Theodore Roosevelt to England's King Edward VII. The monarch
promptly acknowledged receipt of the message via land line and cable,
literally igniting the spark of global communication.

The Marconi Radio Club, W1AA, and the Marconi Cape Cod Memorial Radio
Club, KM1CC, are working in partnership with the National Park Service at
Cape Cod National Seashore to organize the celebration. The special event
will take place at the former Coast Guard station at Coast Guard Beach in
Eastham, Massachusetts, which is near the original Marconi site. Operation
will include several amateur modes, including SSB, CW, FM, digital and
satellite.

Marconi Radio Club President Robert J. "Whitey" Doherty, K1VV, says
operators will be on the air 24 hours a day from January 11 through
January 19. "We have a half dozen operators who will live at the station
for the full period," he said. The special event station will open to the
public from 9 AM until 5 PM EST (1400-2200 UTC).

An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school
contact--the first of the new year with US students--is to be scheduled
during the weeklong celebration. Doherty says that selected students from
three Cape Cod high schools will speak via KM1CC with a member of the new
Expedition 6 ISS crew. l.

Marconi's daughter, Princess Elettra Marconi, is scheduled to attend the a
reenactment of the groundbreaking wireless transmission on January 18,
when KM1CC will transmit the text of Roosevelt's original message to King
Edward VII.

KM1CC QSL card requests from US amateurs (include a self-addressed,
stamped envelope) go via Barbara Dougan, KB1GSO, Cape Cod National
Seashore, 99 Marconi Site Rd, Wellfleet, MA 02667. DX stations are invited
to QSL via the W1 QSL Bureau.

Additional details are on the Marconi Radio Club Web site
<http://personal.tmlp.com/k1vv/w1aa/>.

==>KID'S DAY IS JANUARY 4!

The next Kid's Day is Saturday, January 4, 2003, from 1800-2400 UTC. The
twice-annual event, held in January and June, is a chance for amateurs to
invest in the future of Amateur Radio by participating in a simple, but
rewarding, Amateur Radio event. Now entering its ninth year, Kid's Day
typically attracts more than 1000 participants for each running.

Kid's Day is intended to encourage young people--licensed or not--to enjoy
Amateur Radio. It gives youngsters on-the-air experience so they might
develop an interest in pursuing a license in the future. It's also
intended to give hams a chance to share their station with their children.

Activity for Kid's Day <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kd-rules.html>
takes place on 20, 15 and 10 meters--and perhaps on local 2-meter
repeaters. It's an opportunity to introduce youngsters to the magic of ham
radio and perhaps spark a lifelong love for the hobby.

The suggested exchange for Kid's Day is first name, age, location and
favorite color. You are encouraged to work the same station again if an
operator has changed. Call "CQ Kid's Day." Suggested frequencies are
14,270 to 14,300, 21,380 to 21,400 and 28,350 to 28,400 kHz, and 2-meter
repeater frequencies with permission from your area repeater sponsor.

All participants are eligible to receive a colorful certificate. Visit the
ARRL Kid's Day Survey page
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/kids-day-survey.html> to complete a short
survey and post your comments. You will then have access to download the
certificate page or send a 9x12 SASE to Boring Amateur Radio Club, PO Box
1357, Boring, OR 97009.

Originated by the Boring Amateur Radio Club, Kid's Day now is sponsored an
d administered by the ARRL with the cooperation and assistance of the
BARC.

==>RADIO ASTRONOMY PIONEER GROTE REBER, EX-W9GFZ, SK

Grote Reber, ex-W9GFZ, one of the earliest pioneers of radio astronomy,
died December 20 in Tasmania, where he had been living since 1954. He was
90. Reber was the first person to build a radio telescope dedicated to
astronomy, and his self-financed experiments laid the foundation for
today's advanced radio astronomy facilities.

"All radio astronomers who have followed him owe Grote Reber a deep debt
for his pioneering work," said National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)
Director Fred Lo. Reber was the first to systematically study the sky by
observing something other than visible light. "This gave astronomy a whole
new view of the universe," Lo said.

As a radio engineer and avid Amateur Radio operator in Wheaton, Illinois,
in the 1930s, Reber was inspired by Karl Jansky's 1932 discovery of
natural radio emissions from outer space. The concept of viewing space via
radio signals presented Reber--who had worked his share of terrestrial
DX--with a whole new challenge that he attacked with vigor.

Reber concluded that what he needed was a parabolic dish antenna, and in
1937, using his own funds, he constructed a nine-meter (31.4 feet) dish
antenna in his backyard. The strange contraption attracted the attention
of curious neighbors and became somewhat of a minor tourist attraction, he
later recalled.

Using electronics he designed and built that pushed the technical
capabilities of the era, Reber succeeded in detecting "cosmic static" in
1939. In 1941, Reber produced the first radio map of the sky, based on a
series of systematic observations.

Reber's research results were published in a number of prestigious
technical journals. He also received numerous honors normally reserved for
scientists professionally trained in astronomy. Ohio State University
conferred an honorary doctorate on Reber on 1962.

In a 1977 paper, "Endless, Boundless, Stable Universe"
<http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/galaxy/G_Reber.html>, Reber concluded: "Time
is merely a sequence of events. There is no beginning nor ending. The
material universe extends beyond the greatest distances we can observe
optically or by radio means. It is boundless."

Reber's amateur call sign, W9GFZ, now is held by the NRAO Amateur Radio
Club in Socorro, New Mexico.--NRAO news release by Dave Finley, N1IRZ; Tom
Crowley, KT4XN

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Solar wonk Tad "I Wear My Sunglasses At Night" Cook, K7VVV, in Seattle,
Washington, reports: Geomagnetic activity was up quite a bit this week,
but solar flux and sunspot numbers were down. Average daily planetary A
index, an indicator of geomagnetic activity, was over double last week's
average.

Average daily sunspot numbers were down by over 20 percent and average
daily solar flux was down by over 10 percent, a drop of 41.7 and 19.6
points respectively. The most active days were Thursday, December 19, when
the planetary A index was 21 and Monday, December 23 when it was 26. The
mid-latitude numbers were more moderate, but Alaska's College A index was
39 and 40 on those two days.

Sunspot numbers dropped dramatically in the past few days. On Christmas
Day the sunspot number was only 77, the lowest value in nearly a year and
a half, when the sunspot numbers were 59 and 64 at the end of July, 2001.
The day after Christmas the sunspot number dropped even lower, to 62.

Brian, W2BRI, writes about poor conditions on 80 meters recently. He
checks a D-region absorption map (perhaps the one at
http://www.sel.noaa.gov/rt_plots/dregion.html) when he notices poor
conditions, and it always seems to correlate with an elevated X-ray level.
He notices lots of fading and high angle attenuation with close-in
stations inaudible but stations further away heard okay.

Over the next few days we should see continued geomagnetic activity. A
coronal hole is spewing a solar wind stream that is expected to yield a
Friday through Sunday planetary A index of 20, 25 and 20. Solar flux over
those same days should drop to around 125, 120 and 115.

Next week's bulletin will have some end of year numbers. It won't be final
until next week, but the average daily sunspot number for the calendar
year so far is 178.3. This contrasts with 170.3 for 2001, 173 for 2000 and
136.3 for 1999, which is surprising, since the peak of the cycle was
expected to be a couple of years ago.

Sunspot numbers for December 19 through 25 were 225, 203, 199, 168, 160,
119, and 77, with a mean of 164.4. 10.7 cm flux was 192.9, 196.6, 183.9,
172, 158.9, 147.3, and 131.9, with a mean of 169.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 21, 16, 18, 12, 26, 18, and 14, with a mean of 17.9.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The DARC Christmas Contest, the RAC Winter
Contest, the Stew Perry Topband Challenge and the Original QRP Contest
(CW) are the weekend of December 28-29. JUST AHEAD: ARRL Straight Key
Night, the AGB NYSB Contest, the SARTG New Year RTTY Contest, and the AGCW
Happy New Year Contest are January 1. The AGCW QRP Winter Contest, the
ARRL RTTY Roundup and the EUCW 160-Meter Contest are the weekend of
January 4-5. See the ARRL Contest Branch page
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* Spanish-language NCVEC question pools now available on the Web: For the
first time, a National Committee of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators
(NCVEC) question pool has been translated into Spanish and published on
the Web to benefit of non-English speaking candidates in Puerto Rico. The
Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL), which has prepared
Spanish-language question pool translations for the last eight years, has
agreed to make available its Element 2 (Technician) Spanish-language
question pool and corresponding graphics to other VECs. "It is a very
accurate translation of the original version using Puerto Rican Spanish
with insertions of English words when translated words are confusing or
non existing," said PRARL Secretary Victor Madera, KP4PQ--who also happens
to be ARRL Puerto Rico Section Manager. The ARRL VEC Puerto Rico volunteer
examiner team has offered Spanish-language tests at the Technician and
General-class levels since 1994 and will now allow other VECs serving the
Commonwealth to use its pool to generate their examinations.
Exam-generating software is in the works and will be available on the Web
as soon as it's ready, Madera said. The PRARL also has produced study
guides in Spanish, and these are available through local clubs to all
interested persons. Visit the PRARL exam Web site
<http://prarl.org/servicios.html#Examen> for more information.

* German Amateur Radio payload reaches orbit: Oliver Amend, DG6BCE, and
the German Amateur Radio Association report that the RUBIN-2 scientific
satellite carrying the SAFIR-M Amateur Radio payload was successfully
launched December 20 (1700 UTC) from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome. As of
December 22, he had not yet established contact with the satellite. The
call sign, DP0AIS, stands for "Amateur Radio in Schools." Designed as a
store-and-forward system for APRS-based messages, SAFIR-M is a project of
the Working Group for Amateur Radio and Telecommunications in Schools
<http://www.aatis.de> and developed in cooperation with the University of
Applied Sciences in Pforzheim, Germany. "The main purpose of the satellite
is to give students easy access to space communications," Amend says. He
notes the satellite will be operational only when RUBIN-2 is in sunlight,
so usable passes over Europe will be during the early morning hours and
only for up to about five minutes with very low antenna elevations. Now in
an approximately 650-km orbit at 65 degree inclination, SAFIR-M has a
1200-baud packet uplink at 437.275 MHz and a 9600-baud packet downlink on
145.825 MHz. There's also an optional voice message beacon on 2 meters.
Amend welcomes reports with date and time (UTC) and position (WGS-84 or
grid square) via e-mail <dg6bce@aatis.de>. The correct NORAD identifier
for two-line Keplerian elements appears to be 27607. More information is
available in German on the SAFIR-M Web site <http://amend.gmxhome.de>.

* Ham Radio University 2003 set: Ham Radio University 2003 will take place
Sunday, January 19, as part of the ARRL New York City-Long Island Section
Convention in Oyster Bay, New York (East Woods School, 31 Yellow Cote
Road). Billed as a day of education about Amateur Radio, this year's event
will feature new forums--including sessions for nonhams as well as for
experienced operators. The focus will be hands-on, with special event
station W2V on the air and day-long demonstrations of digital
communications, satellite communications, low-power operating, emergency
communications and other modes and activities. Featured guest speaker and
forum leader will be Gordon West, WB6NOA. HRU 2003 will include an Amateur
Radio examination session. HRU 2003 is sponsored by the Long Island Mobile
Amateur Radio Club and is a cooperative effort among more than 20 clubs
and organizations in the New York City-Long Island area. Admission is open
to all ($2 donation), and refreshments will be available. Talk-in is on
the W2VL 146.85 and 147.210 repeaters. For more information contact ARRL
NYC-LI SM George Tranos, N2GA, n2ga@arrl.org, or visit the ARRL New York
City-Long Island Web site <http://www.hudson.arrl.org/nli>.

* Nine-year-old makes Extra: Elizabeth Harper of Vinemont, Alabama, became
one of the nation's youngest Amateur Extra-class licensees during the
Montgomery Amateur Radio Club hamfest examination session November 9.
Accompanying the nine-year-old on her upgrade journey were her parents,
Anthony, NO2M, and Sondra Harper, KA4EIC. There was a lot of excitement as
the volunteer examiners from the Montgomery CAVEC group graded her Element
4 answer sheet, then rechecked it twice more. A General licensee at the
time of the session, Elizabeth also might hold the distinction of being
the only youngster her age now working on her third ham radio call sign.
When she sat for the Extra, she was KG4NAU. The FCC issued her a new
sequential call sign, AG4WP, which she held for about three weeks until
the FCC granted her vanity application. Elizabeth now is AK3H.--Steve
Padgett, K4NM

* World Scout Jamboree to include Amateur Radio activity: The 20th World
Scout Jamboree <http://www.worldscoutjamboree20.org> in Thailand from
December 28, 2002, to January 7, 2003, will include Amateur Radio
operation from E20AJ at the Jamboree site. E20AJ will use World Scout
frequencies <http://www.home.zonnet.nl/worldscout/Jota/frequencies.htm>.
The station will be operational for the duration of the Jamboree, 24 hours
a day, on SSB, CW, SSTV and packet on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 and 2
meters. Three HF stations will be in operation. QSL E20AJ via HB9AOF or
via the Thailand QSL bureau. GB2COS will be a special Scout station on the
air from Chester, England, January 4-5. Activity will be on most HF bands,
and GB2COS operators will attempt to contact E20AJ at the World Jamboree
in Thailand. QSL GB2COS via G7BQY.--some info from The Daily DX

===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main
St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of
interest to active amateurs. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely,
accurate, concise, and readable. Visit ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org> for
the latest news, updated as it happens. The ARRLWeb Extra
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/extra> offers access to informative
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Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.

==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
==>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org>
==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call
860-594-0384

==>How to Get The ARRL Letter
The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from
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To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery:
ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site
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The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these
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* ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will
be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.)

* The QTH.net listserver, thanks to volunteers from the Boston Amateur
Radio Club: Visit Mailing Lists@QTH.Net
<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/letter-list>. (NOTE: The ARRL
cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this
listserver.)



From n1zkh@softhome.net  Sun Dec 29 00:07:48 2002
From: n1zkh@softhome.net (Pamela)
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 19:07:48 -0500
Subject: [CVRC] Duplicate posts
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021228190724.014926d0@mail.softhome.net>

I was just wondering if anyone else is getting duplicate posts, as I've 
gotten quite a few in the past few days.

73, Pamela

Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by McAffee VirusScan - Version: 7.00.5000.0
Virus definitions version: 4.0.423
Virus definitions created on 23 December 2002


mailto:n1zkh@softhome.net


From dick@twohams.com  Sun Dec 29 01:24:47 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 17:24:47 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Duplicate posts
In-Reply-To: <5.2.0.9.2.20021228190724.014926d0@mail.softhome.net>
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021228172407.030f6290@mail.greatbasin.net>

At 04:07 PM 12/28/2002, Pamela wrote:
 >I was just wondering if anyone else is getting duplicate posts, as I've
 >gotten quite a few in the past few days.

I don't think so.  I'll contact you off-line.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Sun Dec 29 22:55:44 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 14:55:44 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021229145529.032ad788@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
240 PM PST sun Dec 29 2002

...High wind watch for late Monday afternoon through Monday night...

Winds are expected to increase over the area Monday afternoon with
southwest winds of 20-40 mph and gusts to 60 mph by Monday evening.

Residents should protect property from the possible high winds and
secure loose objects.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media for further
details or updates. Check the web at weather.Gov
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Mon Dec 30 17:25:43 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 09:25:43 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230092518.0ac0ea78@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
330 am PST Mon Dec 30 2002

...High Wind Warning late this afternoon through tonight...

Southwest winds of 20-40 mph with gusts over 60 mph are expected in
the Sierra and western Nevada after 4pm this afternoon.  Sierra
Ridgetop gusts will exceed 80 mph.

Residents should protect property from the high winds and secure
loose objects. The strong winds will cause hazardous driving
conditions...especially for high profile vehicles.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media for further
details or check the web at weather.Gov
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us  Mon Dec 30 17:28:36 2002
From: frank@w6mn.reno.nv.us (W. Frank Nance)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 09:28:36 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Reminder about Digital Class
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230092812.031c8ea0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Hello, one and all,

This is a reminder about the upcoming class on Saturday,
Jan 4th, 10 AM.  For those seeing this class notice for the
first time, it is a free 3-hour class on the ABCs of Digital
Electronics.

Email me for more info if you have not already contacted me.

73 de Frank, W6MN



From dick@twohams.com  Mon Dec 30 17:38:47 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 09:38:47 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Mary Swartz, SK
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230093046.03188cb0@mail.greatbasin.net>

I received the following e-mail from Don Swartz KC7TKG:

"I wanted to let all of you know, before you read it in the papers, that
my wife of 28 years, Mary, passed away yesterday morning.

"Details are still pending, but tentatively planning on a memorial service
this Saturday in Carson City.

"Thank you for all your wonderful support throughout the years, and say a
little prayer for her, if you would."

Friends should be able to reach Don at home for any additional 
details.  His e-mail address is kc7tkg@juno.com.

Don and his family have our sympathy and sincerest condolences.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Mon Dec 30 17:41:58 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 09:41:58 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Re: Mary Swartz, SK
In-Reply-To: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230093046.03188cb0@mail.greatbasin.net>
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230093952.0ac00e88@mail.greatbasin.net>

At 09:38 AM 12/30/2002, Dick Flanagan wrote:
 >I received the following e-mail from Don Swartz KC7TKG:

Don's new call sign is AC7OV.  His e-mail address remains kc7tkg@juno.com

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From pcavnar@g-m-i.net  Mon Dec 30 20:47:31 2002
From: pcavnar@g-m-i.net (Paul Cavnar)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 12:47:31 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] FBI PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUEST
Message-ID: <0fa49938992dbdeab24b8d07d6dd04443e10b08d@g-m-i.net>

A public assistance request has been issued by the FBI...

Please visit the following links for printable information and details
http://www.emergencyemail.org/terrorinfo




From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 31 02:25:54 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 18:25:54 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Mary Swartz Services
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230181523.032939e8@mail.greatbasin.net>

Memorial services for Mary Swartz, wife of Don Swartz AC7OV, will be this 
Saturday, January 4, at 1 p.m. in Carson City.  Walton's Chapel of the 
Valley, 1281 No. Roop Street, is handling the arrangements.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From dick@twohams.com  Tue Dec 31 04:47:50 2002
From: dick@twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 20:47:50 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021230204731.03149e68@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
900 PM PST Mon Dec 30 2002

...High Wind Warning through 6 am Tuesday morning...

South to southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph will increase to 20 to 40
mph...with gusts over 60 mph after midnight.  Wind gusts over
mountain ridges in the Sierra will exceed 80 mph later tonight
through early tomorrow morning.

Residents should protect property from the possible high winds and
secure loose objects. The strong winds will cause hazardous driving
conditions...especially for high profile vehicles.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio and other local media for further
details or check the web at weather.Gov.
--
Dick Flanagan W6OLD OOTC CFII Minden, Nevada
E-mail: dick@twohams.com



From Oneshothrb@aol.com  Tue Dec 31 17:00:39 2002
From: Oneshothrb@aol.com (Oneshothrb@aol.com)
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 09:00:39 -0800
Subject: [CVRC] Packet Training
Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.2.20021231085924.03149e68@mail.greatbasin.net>

Good morning,

LCARES is giving a class on packet radio presented by Matt Parker of NNARS.
The class will be held in Yerington at the library on Jan. 22 at 7 P. M..
All are invited to attend.

There will be a portable packet station up and running.
If you plan to attend, please e-mail me and let me know.
Also, let me know if you need directions.

Thank you and hope to see you there,

Harry
KC7HVM



