From dick at twohams.com  Fri Sep  1 14:05:54 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Sep  1 14:07:19 2006
Subject: [CVRC] QST- AMBER Alert - Television program on LifeTime - September
 4, 2006
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060901110506.0363c538@mail.greatbasin.net>

Greetings!

This Monday evening, September 4, 2006, Lifetime
TV will air "Amber's Story" -- about Amber
Hagerman's abduction and the creation of the Amber
Alert.

Point your web browser to:
http://www.lifetimetv.com/movies/stunts/ambersstory.php
for additional information.

  I am not certain but believe it will air locally
at 9 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn more
about the story and the National System that was
put in place.

  Later this fall, CBS will devote one episode of
their award-winning CSI -- to an "AMBER Alert"
abduction that takes place in Las Vegas.

Have a safe and wonderful
  Labor Day weekend;

73 KD7ZEV - Andy Munoz
ARRL- Public Information Officer - Northern Nevada

Nevada registered Amber Alert -
Amateur Radio Emergency Services  Relay Station
(ARES).  http://WashoeAres.hopto.org


Washoe County Sheriff  - CERT Communication
Supervisor  http://www.washoesheriff.com/cert.htm

From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Sep  1 18:57:51 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Sep  1 18:59:08 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP036 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060901155739.035ff0f0@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP036
ARLP036 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP36
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 36  ARLP036
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  September 1, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP036
ARLP036 Propagation de K7RA

The second magnetically reversed sunspot appeared this week, and
this time it remained longer.  This is the second sunspot from the
new solar cycle 24.  Eventually there will be more of the new
reversed sunspots than the old ones from cycle 23, and that would be
one way to mark the beginning of the next sunspot cycle.

August has passed, so let's look at some monthly averages of sunspot
numbers and solar flux.

The average daily sunspot numbers for the months August 2005 through
August 2006 were 65.6, 39.2, 13, 32.2, 62.6, 26.7, 5.3, 21.3, 55.2,
39.6, 24.4, 22.6 and 22.8.  Average daily solar flux for the same
months was 92.4 , 91.9, 76.6, 86.3, 90.8, 83.4, 76.5, 75.5, 88.9,
80.9, 76.5, 75.8 and 79.

We can use these averages to spot trends, but the sunspot numbers
jump around quite a bit.  To get a smoother view of the sunspot
numbers, you can do a moving average, for instance, over 3 months.
This would mean averaging any month's average daily sunspot numbers
with the month before and the month after data.  To the data above,
we can add sunspot numbers for the months April through July 2005.
That allows us to look at a 3-month moving average centered on May
2005 through July 2006.  We cannot yet figure a 3-month moving
average centered on August 2006, because we don't know what the
sunspot numbers for September will be.

So the 3-month moving average from May 2005 through July 2006 is
55.6, 64.6, 64.7, 57.8, 39.3, 28.1, 35.9, 40.5, 31.5, 17.8, 27.3,
38.7, 39.7, 28.9 and 23.3

That is pretty smooth, but we see numbers decline, then rise, and
then decline again.  An even smoother set of numbers would be
7-month moving averages from July 2005 through May 2006.  Those
numbers are 50.5, 49.1, 48.7 , 44, 34.9, 28.6, 30.9, 34.7, 33.6,
27.9 and 27.3.  Although the numbers rise for January and February
2006, the decline of the cycle is more obvious.

Despite the decline in the sunspot cycle, we will see improved HF
propagation over long distances in September.  The Autumnal Equinox
later this month is a time when sunlight is equally distributed over
the northern and southern hemispheres.  Expect rising sunspot
numbers and solar flux over the next few days, with mostly quiet
geomagnetic conditions.  The predicted planetary A index for
September 1-7 is predicted to be 10, 10, 20, 12, 10, 5 and 5.

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service at
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html.  For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html.  An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/ .

Sunspot numbers for August 24 through 30 were 22, 23, 21, 26, 48, 30
and 19 with a mean of 27. 10.7 cm flux was 78.2, 77.2, 75.7, 78.6,
76.4, 73, and 74.2, with a mean of 76.2.  Estimated planetary A
indices were 5, 2, 3, 18, 11, 9 and 6 with a mean of 7.7.  Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 4, 0, 2, 12, 9, 9 and 5, with a mean of
5.9.
NNNN
/EX

From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Sep  1 21:00:08 2006
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Sep  1 21:01:24 2006
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 35 (Sep 1, 2006)
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060901175516.0363c538@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 25, No. 35
September 1, 2006
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +Ham radio can ride out any storms, League president says
* +ARRL Midwest Division Director Wade Walstrom, W0EJ, SK
* +Ernesto puts ARES/RACES on alert in the East
* +Japanese youngsters make ham radio contact with ISS
* +September 16 is Amateur Radio Awareness Day
* +Solar Cycle 24 could already be under way
* +ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager signs on with Yaesu
*  1942 QST reproduction a bonus with early Handbook orders
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     +Digital Communications Conference 2006 will be silver anniversary event
      2006 ARRL teachers institutes help boost "The Big Project"
participation
      Clarification

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

===========================================================
==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail
<letter-dlvy@arrl.org>
==>Editorial questions or comments only: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
<n1rl@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==>AMATEUR RADIO CAN RIDE OUT THE STORM, ARRL PRESIDENT TELLS NEW ENGLANDERS

Making his first visit to the ARRL New England Division Convention August
26-27, League President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, said Amateur Radio has a
notable history of riding out stormy weather. Addressing the convention
banquet, Harrison cited former ARRL staff member and ham radio historian
Clinton B. DeSoto, W1CBD, who in 1928 expressed the opinion that Amateur
Radio is not utopia, never has been and never will be. Harrison suggested
it's worth looking at ham radio's past when considering the issues it faces
today, and there are no easy answers.

"There is no one cure-all for whatever you think is wrong with Amateur
Radio," Harrison asserted.

Offering a thumbnail review of Amateur Radio's history, Harrison pointed out
that ham radio has always had to deal with the controversies and tensions
that technological, regulatory and societal changes have sparked over the
years. Nonetheless, it's survived for nearly 100 years, and some ideas keep
resurfacing. For example, a no-code license was proposed in the 1930s, he
said, although it wasn't accepted until about a half-century later.

"But we still can't seem to get beyond that point," he added, noting the
more recent controversies surrounding the elimination of the Morse code
requirement for all license classes and license restructuring.

"When you look at the history of Amateur Radio, you kind of have to wonder:
Where are we going?" Harrison said. The ARRL president went on to offer some
of his own thoughts on the subject.

"Digital is the wave of the future," he predicted. "Our ability to provide
public service will expand." In any case, he said, ham radio will always be
in a storm, just coming out of a storm or heading into another storm.

Where Amateur Radio goes is up to those who enjoy the many facets it has to
offer, he suggested. In closing he quoted ARRL co-founder Hiram Percy Maxim,
W1AW: "Make sure everything you do is for the general good."

Harrison said it's up to today's radio amateurs to make sure that "DX Is"
never becomes "DX Was," and that "Public Service" never becomes "Public?
Sorry."

Earlier in the day at an ARRL forum, Harrison shared the spotlight with ARRL
New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, and Vice Director Mike
Raisbeck, K1TWF. Much of the discussion dealt with how to reinvigorate
Amateur Radio and make it more enticing to newcomers.

"There is an unlimited number of possibilities in Amateur Radio," Harrison
told the gathering. "If you get bored with one thing, there's another you
can look into." Amateur Radio promotion should focus on "this buffet of
possibilities," and not just on one activity, such as contesting or public
service.

Frenaye pointed out that while Amateur Radio gains some 20,000 new licensees
each year, it's not keeping pace with attrition by up to 10,000 licensees
annually.

Harrison reiterated his mantra that the Main Street USA of today is much
different than the Main Street of 30, 40 or 50 years ago, when many of
today's hams got started in the hobby. Today's Technician license has proven
for many to be a dead end for Amateur Radio, he said, because it has not
provided enough of an introduction to the wider world of ham radio to
maintain interest.

On the other hand, the old Novice license, Harrison noted, provided "a
connection to the outside world" through its limited HF privileges. "Opening
up an avenue to HF privileges opens up an unlimited number of
possibilities," he said. "It's time to expand the entry-level license."

The FCC has turned away proposals to establish a new entry-level license
with limited HF privileges.

At a second ARRL forum on Sunday, Harrison told one member he believes the
League would always support CW as an operating mode, even if the Morse
requirement goes away. "CW is popular, and I can't envision the ARRL taking
a position that would not support CW as a mode," he assured the questioner.

==>ARRL MIDWEST DIVISION DIRECTOR WADE WALSTROM, W0EJ, SK

ARRL Midwest Division Director Robert W. "Wade" Walstrom, W0EJ, of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, died August 31 during a surgical procedure. He was 59. An ARRL
Life and Diamond Club member, Walstrom was elected in 1999 to succeed
retiring Midwest Division Director Lew Gordon, K4VX. He won a third term
(2006-2008) as Midwest Division Director last fall. Born in Nebraska,
Walstrom grew up in South Dakota. He'd been an Amateur Radio licensee for 46
years and previously held the call signs K0ZTV and WA6TXE.

"Wade's sudden and unexpected passing is deeply shocking to all of us who
worked with him during his many years of service to the ARRL," said ARRL
Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ.

A member of the ARRL Executive Committee, Walstrom -- an electrical engineer
and recently retired Rockwell-Collins project manager -- was a three-term
Iowa Section Manager before becoming a director. He'd previously chaired the
ARRL Board of Directors' Volunteer Resources and Programs and Services
committees, and he'd served on the Membership Services and Election and
Ethics committees.

Walstrom was instrumental in the effort to end interference to Amateur Radio
from a broadband over power line (BPL) pilot project in Cedar Rapids. He not
only worked with local radio amateurs but co-authored a technical report
that pointed out BPL's harmful interference in the amateur bands and the
inadequacy of "notching" techniques.

An active and serious DXer and contester, Walstrom was a member of the
Eastern Iowa DX Association, QCWA, AMSAT and the Cedar Valley Amateur Radio
Club.

ARRL First Vice President Kay Craigie, N3KN, worked with Walstrom on the
Volunteer Resources Committee, which, in 2003, revised the rules and
regulations governing the ARRL Field Organization.

"He could always find the right words when I got stuck for how to phrase
something," Craigie recalled. "It was a pleasure to work with him, and I am
very sad that there won't be any more opportunities for us to benefit from
his intelligence and good sense."

ARRL Hudson Division Director Frank Fallon, N2FF, said he was shocked and
saddened to learn of Walstrom's untimely death. "He was a very fair and
intelligent individual," Fallon said. "I think I can speak for all of us on
the Board when I say we admired him and the values he stood for."

ARRL Midwest Division Vice Director Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, has succeeded
Walstrom as the division's Director. ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN,
will appoint someone to fill the now-vacant Vice Director's seat.

Survivors include Walstrom's wife, Solveig, and their sons Robert and Steve,
KC0LGE. Members of the ARRL Board of Directors will represent the League at
a memorial service Tuesday, September 5, at 10 AM at St Mark's Lutheran
Church, Cedar Rapids.

The family invites memorial donations to the ARRL or to St Mark's Lutheran
Church.--some information from The Daily DX <http://www.dailydx.com>

==>ARES/RACES DEAL WITH ERNESTO IN FLORIDA, CAROLINAS, VIRGINIA

At week's end, Tropical Depression Ernesto was poised to put a damper on the
long Labor Day weekend for many East Coast residents. Heavy rain resulting
in flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and gale-force winds were the major
threats remaining from Ernesto. Amateur Radio Emergency Service and Radio
Amateur Civil Emergency Service (ARES/RACES) volunteers were on alert in the
Carolinas and Virginia. After strafing Florida earlier in the week, Ernesto
went out over open water but again made landfall at near-hurricane strength
the evening of August 31 near Wilmington, North Carolina. ARRL Official
Emergency Station Keith Deringer, WA4KD, in Richmond said September 1 the
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) had requested Amateur
Radio volunteers to support a communication watch at the state emergency
operations center.

Virginia Section Emergency Coordinator Henry Wyatt, K4YCR, told ARRL that
Chesterfield County ARES -- in the Richmond area --was standing by to
support the American Red Cross in the event of heavy flooding in the
Richmond area.

The governors of North Carolina, Virginia and other states in the Middle
Atlantic region declared emergencies, and state emergency management teams
on September 1 were preparing for possible evacuations and sheltering.

ARRL North Carolina SEC Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, said his state seemed to have
weathered Ernesto pretty well, although there was "lots of street and
highway flooding" and some roadways had to be closed to traffic. Nobles told
ARRL that the Eastern Branch EOC in Kinston (NC4EB) was maintaining a
listening watch on local and regional repeaters at week's end. "We are
getting some reports of evacuations of small communities, due to rising
water," he said.

With Ernesto threatening to become a Category 1 hurricane, the Hurricane
Watch Net (HWN) activated August 31. "After a 3-1/2 hour net, we had a great
turnout of reporting stations," said HWN Assistant Manager Bobby Graves,
KB5HAV. HWN members gather and report ground-level storm data via WX4NHC at
the National Hurricane Center in Miami to assist forecasters in better
understanding a storm's behavior.

In its final advisory on TD Ernesto, the National Hurricane Center was
predicting rainfall totals of from 4 to 7 inches over the Mid-Atlantic
states, including the central Appalachians from Virginia northward through
September 3, and up to a foot in some areas.

"Life-threatening flash floods and mud slides are possible with these
rains," the NHC warned.

Earlier in the week, ARES/RACES teams in Florida, the HWN and WX4NHC and the
VoIP Hurricane Net went on alert as Ernesto, still a tropical storm, drew a
bead on Southern Florida and later lashed the region with heavy rains and
strong winds.

==>JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLERS IN JAPAN SPEAK WITH ASTRONAUT VIA HAM RADIO

Youngsters attending Yoshinari Junior High School in Sendai City, Japan,
spoke August 25 with US astronaut Jeff Williams, KD5TVQ, at NA1SS on the
International Space Station. The Amateur Radio n the International Space
Station (ARISS) program arranged the direct VHF contact between 8J7YJH and
NA1SS. One student had a new twist on the often-asked "food question." She
wanted to know if the food aboard the ISS could be better.

"The food is actually very good. We have a wide variety of food that's both
United States and Russian," Williams said. He explained that sometimes he'll
get a craving for something that's not available in space, but "overall the
food is pretty good."

Another student wondered if heated food in space gives off "steam" and if
you can smell foods in space.

"We don't see steam up here too much because the food doesn't get that hot,
I guess, plus the humidity is pretty low here, but you can smell it,"
Williams responded. He explained that the crew warms up its meals either by
injecting hot water or by using an oven in the ISS galley.

As had occurred during the previous ARISS school QSO with students gathered
at Reece High School, in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia, Williams repeatedly
experienced difficulty copying Earth station 8J7YJH, despite multiple
attempts by control operator Toshiji Miyagawa, JE7KQU, to reestablish
contact. At other times, the NA1SS signal appeared to experience strong
interference that rendered Williams unreadable.

A change to a backup VHF channel late in the approximately 10-minute pass
permitted the students to have another two questions asked and answered.
Williams said that in his free time aboard the ISS, he enjoys looking out
the window, making telephone calls home, reading and listening to music. He
said that he and Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov, RV3BS, exercise
approximately two and a half hours daily to counteract the effects of the
weightless environment on the human body.

ARISS-Japan mentor Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ, said some 240 people were on hand
for the contact, which received media attention from four television
stations -- including national network NHK -- and five newspapers.

ARISS <http://www.rac.ca/ariss> is an international educational outreach
with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.

==>AMATEUR RADIO AWARENESS DAY IS SEPTEMBER 16

September is US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Preparedness
Month, and Saturday, September 16, is Amateur Radio Awareness Day. For the
third straight year, the ARRL and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
groups across the US will join a coalition of more than 200 national,
regional, state and local organizations taking part in Preparedness Month
activities. ARES is a partner with DHS through the Citizen Corps program.
ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, says local ARES
groups and clubs will be making presentations to civic organizations, at
schools and at regional fairs to showcase Amateur Radio.

"More than 4000 ARRL 'Hello' campaign <http://www.hello-radio.org/>
brochures have gone out in the past few weeks alone to prepare for the
month-long initiative," he said.

To highlight Amateur Radio Awareness Day, ARRL public information officers
(PIOs) will promote the DHS's "30 Tips for Emergency Preparedness"
<http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0711.xml> to
attract news media coverage. Some tips on promoting National Preparedness
Month are on the ARRL public relations Web pages
<http://www.arrl.org/pio/contact/2006/08/SEPTEMBER>.

ARRL Public Service Team Manager Steve Ewald, WV1X, notes that the
underlying theme of National Preparedness Month is to encourage everyone to
be aware of and prepare for emergencies all year long.

"Amateur Radio operators, led by ARRL Field Organization leaders across the
country, are encouraged to consider this year's ARRL Simulated Emergency
Test (SET) -- as well as all preparations and post-SET evaluations -- as a
demonstration of your participation in National Preparedness Month," Ewald
said. The target weekend for the 2006 SET is October 7-8
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/setguide.html>.

A major ham radio presentation during September will take place on the West
Coast. ARRL Southwestern Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA, says Amateur
Radio Expo 2006 <http://lafair.b2v.org/> will be held in conjunction with
the Los Angeles County Fair. "They will staff the exhibit over four
weekends," Norton said, noting that the fair annually attracts hundreds of
thousands of visitors.

Amateur Radio Expo 2006 will get under way the weekend of September 9-10 and
will feature a special event station plus interactive presentations to
demonstrate the many facets of ham radio.

In a related vein, Pitts says he'd like to see a tighter relationship
between ARES organizations and the League's corps of volunteer PIOs.

"Too often something happens, and everyone grabs a radio. No one grabs a
camera or laptop and gets the word of ARES actions out to the media until
long after the story becomes stale," he observed. "We have wonderful stories
to tell, but we are too busy to tell them when they are fresh."

Pitts said he and the ARRL Public Relations Committee are working on ways to
better integrate public relations and emergency response actions at the
local level.

Pitts says that according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
families should plan on being totally on their own for up to four days.
"That's like being back in ancient times: no cell phone, no Internet, no
911," he said.

==>"BACKWARD SUNSPOTS" MAY HERALD START OF SOLAR CYCLE 24

The recent appearance on the sun of two so-called "backward sunspots" may
mean solar Cycle 23 is drawing to a close and Cycle 24 now is under way or
soon will be. At least that's the thinking of some scientists.

"We've been waiting for this," said Solar Physicist David Hathaway of the
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, after the first
backward spot showed up. "A backward sunspot is a sign that the next solar
cycle is beginning."

The term "backward" refers to the sunspots' magnetic polarity. One such
sunspot appeared briefly July 31, then disappeared, but its significance was
that its magnetic polarity was just the opposite of current Cycle 23 spots.

Another more robust backward spot, Sunspot 905, appeared in late August --
although it subsequently began to dissipate -- and some sungazers are saying
Cycle 24 already has begun. ARRL propagation guru Tad Cook, K7RA, this week
called it "the second sunspot of the new Solar Cycle 24."

"Eventually there will be more of the new reversed sunspots than old ones
from Cycle 23, and that occurrence is one way to mark the beginning of the
next sunspot cycle," he said. Radio conditions will not improve any time
soon but over a period of several years of the course of the 11-year cycle,
perhaps peaking around 2010.

==>WORLD WAR II-ERA QST IS BONUS WITH 2007 ARRL HANDBOOK ADVANCE ORDERS

The 84th edition of The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications -- the 2007
edition -- is set to begin shipping in early October. ARRL Marketing Manager
Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, says now's the time to place orders for the reference
manual, which has proven popular both within and outside the Amateur Radio
community. Those placing advance Handbook orders by September 30 will
receive a reproduction January 1942 issue of QST as a bonus.

"The special QST reissue is filled with World War II-era remembrances,
including the FCC Order suspending Amateur Radio operation in the US, issued
December 8, 1941," Inderbitzen says. "Sixty-five years later, this
commemorative reproduction of QST is a time capsule -- a tribute to the
perseverance and patriotism of radio amateurs." Inderbitzen says the QST
reissue bonus will remain available to those placing advance orders while
supplies last.

Since 1926, generations of hams, engineers and technicians have relied on
The ARRL Handbook for its thorough coverage of theory, references and
practical projects. "The content of this new edition reflects the latest
aspects of today's Amateur Radio -- fundamental electronics concepts,
components and building blocks, analog and digital radio design,
troubleshooting techniques, antennas and more," Inderbitzen said.

Former ARRL Chief Operating Officer Mark Wilson, K1RO, edited the 2007
Handbook edition. Wilson continues to serve the League as QST "Product
Review" editor. A handful of additional editors contributed updates, new
content, and many new projects, building on the major 2005 revision.

Some examples: Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, has freshened the propagation
chapter, while Tom O'Hara, W6ORG, has updated the Amateur Television section
and Paul Danzer, N1II, has revised the computer hardware information. Former
Headquarters technical editor Stu Cohen, N1SC, has added a vintage radio
section.

Projects new to The Handbook for 2007 include the HiMite, a simple
single-band CW transceiver by Dave Benson, K1SWL; a 12 V dc boost regulator
for mobile or portable operation by Dan Kemppainen, N8XJK, and a top-loaded
low-band antenna from Dick Stroud, W9SR. Stroud also contributed details of
a high-power 6-meter low-pass filter.

The 2007 Handbook also includes several new station accessories you can
build: a digital communication interface by Larry Coyle, K1QW; a PIC-based
HF/VHF power meter by Roger Hayward, KA7EXM, and a remote antenna switch by
Bill Smith, KO4NR.

As with recent previous Handbook editions, an included CD-ROM contains all
text and illustrations in the hard-copy publication plus companion software,
PC board templates and other support files.

"Although most people prefer to sit and read the printed book, the
electronic version has a powerful search feature for looking things up,"
Inderbitzen points out, "and it offers a convenient way to print out a few
pages to bring to your workbench or mark up with notes and comments."

The 2007 edition is available in hardcover ($59.95) and softcover ($44.95)
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=no-hb2007>. Order direct from the ARRL
online catalog, by toll-free telephone (888-277-5289, US only) or from
select ARRL publications dealers
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/dlrsearch.phtml>.

==>ARRL'S DENNIS MOTSCHENBACHER, K7BV, ACCEPTS EXECUTIVE POSITION WITH YAESU

ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV, has accepted a
position with Vertex Standard (Yaesu) as Executive Vice President of its
Amateur Radio Sales Division. ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer,
WJ1B, announced Motschenbacher's departure August 28 "with regret" and
congratulated him on his new position.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Dennis, who will be relocating to
Yaesu's Corporate Office in Cypress, California," Kramer said.

In addition to his comprehensive knowledge of the Amateur Radio industry and
extraordinary marketing and sales skills, Motschenbacher "also brought us an
unbridled passion about Amateur Radio and a vision for the ARRL's future,"
when he arrived at League Headquarters four years ago, Kramer said.

"The ARRL will miss him," he added. "We have become a better organization
because of him."

At Vertex Standard, Motschenbacher will be responsible for Yaesu Amateur
Radio equipment sales and marketing in the US and Canada. He'll leave the
League in mid-September.

"I dreamed of working at ARRL HQ ever since I was a teenager, never really
believing I would actually get here," Motschenbacher said. "It has been a
terrific four and half years packed with lots of change and new friendships.
I am deeply honored to now have this opportunity to work for Mr. Hasegawa
and Yaesu, serving the Amateur Radio community in a different but equally as
important manner."

First licensed in 1962 at age 13 as WV6WTD, Motschenbacher -- a Minnesota
native -- has operated under various US and foreign call signs over the
years. Well known as a DXer and top-tier contester, he's operated from 35
different countries and competed at World Radiosport Team Championship 2000
in Slovenia.

Motschenbacher is an ARRL Life and Diamond Club member and belongs to the
ARRL Legacy Circle. He's also a past president of the Texas DX Society.
Before joining the ARRL Headquarters staff, Motschenbacher served as editor
of National Contest Journal (NCJ) for four years. In his current position at
ARRL Headquarters, he oversees the League's publication and advertising
sales as well as product marketing and membership recruitment activities.

A year ago, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Motschenbacher was among those
HQ staff members who were instrumental in coordinating the procurement and
shipping of equipment to aid radio amateurs responding in the field. He also
traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, to assist Alabama Section Manager Greg
Sarratt, W4OZK, who was overseeing the intake of American Red Cross ham
radio volunteers supporting communication at its 250 shelters and kitchens
along the devastated US Gulf Coast.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Ra the Sun god Tad "Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the
sun" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports: Despite the decline in the
sunspot cycle, we will see improved HF propagation over long distances in
September.

Expect rising sunspot numbers and solar flux over the next few days, with
mostly quiet geomagnetic conditions. The predicted planetary A index for
September 1-7 is predicted to be 10, 10, 20, 12, 10, 5 and 5.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical
Information Service <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.

Sunspot numbers for August 24 through 30 were 22, 23, 21, 26, 48, 30 and 19,
with a mean of 27. The 10.7 cm flux was 78.2, 77.2, 75.7, 78.6, 76.4, 73,
and 74.2, with a mean of 76.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 2, 3,
18, 11, 9 and 6 with a mean of 7.7. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4,
0, 2, 12, 9, 9 and 5, with a mean of 5.9.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The All Asian DX Contest (SSB), the Russian
RTTY World Wide Contest, the Wake-Up! QRP Sprint, RSGB SSB Field Day, IARU
Region 1 Field Day (SSB) AGCW Straight Key Party and the DARC 10-Meter
Digital Contest are the weekend of September 2-3. the Michigan QRP Labor Day
CW Sprint is September 4-5. The ARS Spartan Sprint is September 5. JUST
AHEAD: The ARRL September VHF QSO Party, the North American Sprint (CW), the
Worked All Europe (WAE) DX Contest (SSB), the International G3ZQS Memorial
Straight Key Contest, the Swiss HTC QRP Sprint, the SOC Marathon Sprint, the
Tennessee QSO Party and the ARCI End of Summer Digital Sprint are the
weekend of September 9-10. YLRL Howdy Days are September 12-14. 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 remains open through Sunday, September 24, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education(CCE) program online courses. Classes
begin on Friday, October 6: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 1
(EC-001), Radio Frequency Interference (EC-006), Antenna Design and
Construction (EC-009), Analog Electronics (EC-012) and Digital Electronics
(EC-013). These courses will also open for registration Friday, September
22, for classes beginning Friday, November 3. To learn more, visit the CCE
Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the
CCE Department <cce@arrl.org>.

* Digital Communications Conference 2006 will be silver anniversary event:
The 2006 TAPR/ARRL Digital Communications Conference (DCC)
<http://www.tapr.org/dcc.html> Friday through Sunday, September 15-17, at
the Clarion Airport Hotel in Tucson, Arizona, will mark the 25th anniversary
of the founding of Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) and of the DCC! It
also will host the 10th annual APRS National Symposium. This is a
must-attend event for all technically inclined radio amateurs. A
just-updated schedule of forums and speakers is available on the TAPR Web
site and includes sessions for beginners and experts alike. ARRL
Publications Manager and QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will represent the
League at the 2006 DCC. Register for the conference online
<http://www.tapr.org/registration>.

* 2006 ARRL teachers institutes help boost "The Big Project" participation:
This year's teachers institutes helped the ARRL Education and Technology
Program (ETP -- "The Big Project") <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/> to
reach a milestone of more than 200 schools that have received some form of
grant from the program, says ETP Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME. "The
institutes continue to provide the much needed in-service training teachers
need to help their students understand wireless technology and in turn
become more productive citizens," Spencer said, "but there is still a lot of
work to do." The ETP receives very generous support from donors and the ham
community at large, Spencer says. "The outcome of that generosity may not be
immediately apparent, but the impact of what the ETP is doing is real,
helping real kids, teachers, and schools." The program recently added
another 36 schools in 20 states to push the total to 207. The list includes
15 high schools, 6 middle schools and 4 elementary schools as well as two
post-secondary schools, a vo-tech school, two tech institutes and 4 K-12
schools. Support the ETP via the ARRL's secure Web site
<https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/education/education.html>.


* Clarification: To amplify and clarify a statement in the story "ANOUSHEH
ANSARI IS A "GO" AS FIRST FEMALE CIVILIAN SPACE TRAVELER" that appeared in
The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 34 (Aug 25, 2006): Ansari would be the fourth
civilian -- and the first female civilian -- to fly to the ISS. She would
not be the first female civilian to fly into space.

===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association For Amateur Radio, 225
Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential and general news
of interest to active radio amateurs. Visit the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org> for the latest Amateur Radio news and news updates.
The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> also offers informative features
and columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a
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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/American Radio Relay League.

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860-594-0384

==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

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cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this listserver.) 

From dick at twohams.com  Fri Sep  1 21:20:05 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Sep  1 21:21:12 2006
Subject: [CVRC] Antennas
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060901181544.00c3e258@mail.greatbasin.net>

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=017&item=270024743491
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=017&item=270024744971
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=017&item=270024745352

Just posted 3 antennas on Ebay, including the monster C39XRN. Big fall 
plans in the works!

Tom Taormina, K5RC
Virginia City Nevada USA
Home of NACHO - W7RN and RANN - K7RC
Web Site: http://k5rc.cc/ 

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Sep  4 21:11:26 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (glennt@charter.net)
Date: Mon Sep  4 21:12:42 2006
Subject: [CVRC] DCART net Monday night 4Sep06
Message-ID: <126380532.1157418686799.JavaMail.root@fepweb08>

Hi all!

Just a reminder that the DCART net will be Monday night (tonight) at 1830L on the 147.27+ and 441.250+(both pl 123) repeater. (once more with a correct subject line!)

The net script (freshly revised) is available at http://nv.arrl.org/clubs/DCART/netscript.html.

The DCART website at http://nv.arrl.org/clubs/DCART.html has been updated to include the DCART membership application as a PDF file. The phone tree is still in work. It would be straightforward to just type it in, but we're attempting to automate it so that future updates will be fast and easy to do.

Note that we haqve a change to the standard DCART frequencies. In the event that the W7DI repeater is down during a callup, we will use the repeater output frequency, 147.27 as a simplex channel.

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W
From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Sep  7 20:07:50 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Sep  7 20:24:17 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD038 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060907170729.034e3ac0@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD038
ARLD038 DX news

ZCZC AE38
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 38  ARLD038
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  September 7, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD038
ARLD038 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
5B8AD, NC1L, the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425 DX News, The Daily DX,
Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web
sites.  Thanks to all.

MALTA, 9H.  A group of operators will be QRV as 9H0VRZ from Qawra
from September 9 to October 3.  They will also be active using their
own 9H3 callsigns.  Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB
and various digital modes.  QSL via PB9ZR.  In addition, they will
also try to be active as 9H9PA on 20 meters during the WAE DX SSB
contest.  QSL via PH2M.

KUWAIT, 9K.  Operators 9K2HN, 9K2RR, 9K2RR, 9K2YM, 9K2CQ and 9K2ID
will be QRV in the WAE DX SSB contest as 9K2HN as a Multi-Op entry.
QSL via 9K2HN.

BOTSWANA, A2.  Vlad, UA4WHX is QRV as A25VB.  Activity is on all
bands using CW and SSB.  QSL to home call.

OMAN, A4.  Operators A41MX, A61Q, A6/RV6LNA and 5B8AD are QRV until
September 10 while operating a VHF EME DXpedition.  Activity is on
144.133 and 144.083 MHz spilt.

GERMANY, DA.  Frank, DL2SWW and Gabi, DF9TM are QRV as homecalls/p
from Laesoe Island, IOTA EU-088, until September 15.  Activity is on
80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB.  They may also try to be active on
160 and 6 meters.  QSL to home calls.  Meanwhile, Helmut, DL7VOX is
QRV as DL7VOX/p from Usedom Island, IOTA EU-129, also until
September 15.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW.  QSL to
home call.

SPAIN, EA.  A large group of operators will be QRV as EF3IB from
Buda Island from the Cabo Tortosa Lighthouse, ARLHS SPA-050, on
September 9 and 10.  Activity is on all bands using SSB and some
RTTY.  QSL via EC3AKY.

CANARY ISLANDS, EA8.  Frank, DH5JG is QRV as EA8/homecall from
Lanzarote, IOTA AF-004, until September 12.  Activity is on 40 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31.  He plans to also be active in
the WAE DX SSB contest.  QSL to home call.

FRENCH GUIANA, FY.  Gregg, W6IZT will be QRV as FY/W6IZT from
September 12 to 20.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW
and SSB.  QSL to home call.

ISLE OF MAN, GD.  Lars, DF1LON and Georg, DL1ECG are QRV as MD0LON
and MD0ECG, respectively, until September 11.  Activity is on all
bands using CW and SSB.  QSL to home calls.

DJIBOUTI, J2.  Jean-Claude is QRV as J28JA for the next two years.
He is usually active on 20 and 17 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via
F5JFU.

LEBANON, OD.  Gabi, OD5NJ has been active on 30 meters around 2200z.
Meanwhile, Maria, OD5QT has been active on 20 meters around 1830z.

MARKET REEF, OJ0.  Members of the QLF DX-Team are QRV as OJ0LA until
September 14.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and
RTTY.  QSL via LA9VDA.

SEYCHELLES, S7.  Claudio, IZ0KRC is QRV as S79RC until September 16
and plans to be active from islands Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, all
IOTA AF-024.  QSL via IK0PRP.

POLAND, SP.  Special event station SN100SZ is active during the
month of September to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
Babiogorski Park Narodowy.  QSL via SP9PGB.

TURKEY, TA.  Sei, JF1SQC will be QRV as TA4/KH0DQ from September 9
to 15.  Activity will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and possibly
RTTY.  He will also participate in the WAE DX SSB contest.  QSL to
home call.

COTE d'IVOIRE, TU.  Jean, F5LDY is QRV as TU2/F5LDY until September
2007.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and possibly
RTTY.  QSL via F1CGN.

UZBEKISTAN, UJ.  Station UM15UZ has been active on 40 to 15 meters
using CW.  QSL via UK8AR.

GIBRALTAR, ZB.  Martyn, G3RFX is QRV as ZB2FX until September 18.
He will be active as ZG2FX during the national holiday.  QSL to home
call.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The ARRL September VHF QSO Party, the
International G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest, Worked All Europe
DX SSB Contest, Swiss HTC QRP CW Sprint, SOC Marathon CW Sprint,
North American CW Sprint, the Tennessee QSO Party and the ARCI End
of Summer Digital Sprint will certainly keep contesters busy this
weekend.  The YLRL Howdy Days is scheduled for September 12 to 14.
Please see September QST, page 94 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest
websites for details.
NNNN
/EX

From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Sep  8 11:06:38 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Sep  8 11:08:27 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP037 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060908080631.040c6de0@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP037
ARLP037 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP37
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 37  ARLP037
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  September 8, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP037
ARLP037 Propagation de K7RA

Average daily sunspot numbers were down only slightly this week,
from 27 to 25.3. There were two days this week when the sunspot
number was 0, and we should see more zero sunspot days than we're
currently experiencing as we move closer to the bottom of the
sunspot cycle.

The last solar minimum was centered near October 1996, according to
the NOAA SEC graphs on page 11 of their weekly report at,
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/weekly/pdf/prf1618.pdf.

If you look at the average sunspot numbers reported in our
propagation forecast bulletins from September 13, 1996 to October
25, 1996 (located on the web at,
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/1996-index.html) you'll see week after
week of no sunspots.

Currently we're observing average daily sunspot numbers near 25 for
this week, 27 for last, 22 the previous week, and 34 prior to that.
According to weekly NOAA SEC sunspot predictions, on the web at,
http://sec.noaa.gov/ftpdir/weekly/Predict.txt, these averages are
above the high end for this month and last, and the minimum is about
six months away. But look back on that 1996 index mentioned above,
at the numbers reported in this bulletin six months prior to the
last minimum. Weekly averages reported here during April 1996 were
near 12, 2, 7, and 20. Does this suggest the sunspot minimum is
further away, rather than next spring?

Also note on page 11 in that first reference in the second
paragraph, the spacing of the sunspot cycle minimums. From the end
of cycles 17 to 19 they are a little over ten years apart, from 1944
to 1954 and 1964. Then it jumps less than 12 years (from October
1964 to June 1976), and it goes back to a little over ten years from
1976 to 1986, and then 1996. Next spring will be a bit less than 11
years since the last minimum.

Right now is a fairly good time for long-distance HF communications,
because the geomagnetic field is mostly stable, sunspots haven't
disappeared, and we are close to the Autumnal Equinox. Running
intercontinental paths with ACE-HF propagation software shows very
little in the way of openings on the upper bands above 20 meters,
with the best bets on 40, 30 and 20 meters.

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service at,
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html. An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/ .

Sunspot numbers for August 31 through September 6 were 39, 32, 27,
0, 0, 26 and 53 with a mean of 25.3. 10.7 cm flux was 83.2, 76.9,
75.6, 76.5, 79, 80.4, and 84, with a mean of 79.4. Estimated
planetary A indices were 8, 13, 7, 6, 23, 8 and 7 with a mean of
10.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 6, 8, 6, 6, 15, 7 and 6,
with a mean of 7.7.
NNNN
/EX

From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Sep  8 18:43:34 2006
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Sep  8 18:45:21 2006
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 36
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060908154206.04175e80@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 25, No. 36
September 8, 2006
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +Hams want broadcasters' battle off amateur frequencies
* +League accepts Golden Antenna Award
* +SuitSat-1 deorbits; a SuitSat-2 is possible
* +Astronaut's niece, classmates talk to ISS via ham radio
* +Maine's governor gets ham radio ticket
* +Virginia's ham radio antenna law aids local ordinance revision
* +Mid-October ARRL On-Line Auction preview set
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio: ARRL September VHF QSO Party, NA Sprint
(CW)!
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     +Reminder ? vanity renewal fee now $20.80
     +Virginia radio amateur not prosecuted on radio-related felony charge
      Hydraulic malfunction faulted in CubeSat launch failure
      Armin Henry Meyer, W3ACE, SK

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

===========================================================
==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail
<letter-dlvy@arrl.org>
==>Editorial questions or comments only: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
<n1rl@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==>IARU, MEMBER-SOCIETIES WANT BROADCASTERS TO END "BATTLE ON THE HAM BANDS"

As the so-called "Firedragon" jammer continues to transmit in one or more
Amateur Radio bands, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and three
of its Region 3 member-societies so far have appealed to the jammer's target
to move elsewhere. The Firedragon's all-music transmissions from the
People's Republic of China (PRC) appear aimed at blocking the much-weaker
broadcasts of the clandestine "Sound of Hope" (SOH), located outside the
PRC. Responding via e-mail September 5 to an inquiry from IARU Region 1
Monitoring System (IARUMS) Vice Coordinator Uli Bihlmayer, DJ9KR, the SOH
said its supporters use various avenues "including Amateur Radio
frequencies" to get their message into the PRC.

"Through our investigation, we learned that the transmissions of SOH
programs through Amateur Radio frequencies come from areas around China, and
they each only target a local area of China with very low power, only for
the intended audience and would interfere with nobody else," said SOH's Yue
Chen.

Yue addressed the reply to "All Amateur Radio Community Members" and
indicated it was copied to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),
although no ITU addressee was displayed. Yue encouraged the Amateur Radio
community to "openly urge the Chinese government to stop this outrageous act
of radio jamming" and to urge the ITU to take action as well.

Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Director Glenn Dunstan, VK4DU, told
the Sound of Hope via e-mail this week that if it wants the support of the
international community, it should move its transmissions into legitimate
broadcasting spectrum.

"There is more than enough radio spectrum for you to use outside of the
Amateur Radio bands," Dunstan said September 5. "You are in breach of
international radio regulations."

A similar reaction came September 6 from Amateur Radio Society of India
(ARSI) Monitoring System Coordinator B.L. Manohar Arasu, VU2UR, who pointed
the finger at both the Sound of Hope and the Firedragon music jammer.

"We, the Indian Amateur Radio operators, condemn both of you for using
Amateur Radio frequencies," he said. "Please leave the frequencies clear at
the earliest." Arasu suggested the jamming not only was bothersome to
everyday hamming but could cause problems for emergency communication by
radio amateurs.

New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) Monitoring Service
Coordinator Len Martinson, ZL1BYA, e-mailed the Sound of Hope September 6 to
say its "illegal broadcast transmissions" were causing unlawful and harmful
interference to the legal occupants of the Amateur Radio bands in question.

"Your transmissions are also attracting the attention of jamming stations,
which is increasing the interference to unacceptable levels," he said.
"Please cease transmissions in the exclusive amateur bands immediately."

Writing SOH on behalf of the IARU, Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, asked the
clandestine broadcaster to be more careful in its selection of transmitting
frequencies. "Your operations in the 14 and 18 MHz bands have caused serious
interference to the amateur radio service, which is allocated these bands
(14.000-14.350 and 18.068-18.168 MHz) for two-way amateur radio
communication," Sumner wrote. "Please do not operate in these or any other
amateur radio bands."

Bihlmayer said September 6 that the Firedragon was back on 14.050 MHz -- a
part of the 20-meter band allocated to the Amateur Radio Service on an
exclusive basis worldwide -- after spending two days on 14.400 MHz. Over the
past several months, the jammer also has been heard on 10.135 MHz, 14.260
MHz, 18.080 MHz and 18.160 MHz.

The music jammer takes apparent monitoring breaks on the hour. When the
jammer's carrier is off, Bihlmayer, who lives in Southern Germany, says he's
heard a weak carrier on 14.050 MHz broadcasting a Chinese program that
included speech.

ARRL Monitoring System/Intruder Watch Liaison Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, says
he's been able to hear the jammer from W1AW. In July, when the same jammer
also was appearing on 18.160 MHz, Bihlmayer alerted telecom authorities in
Germany and Hong Kong, as well as IARU Region 3 and the PRC embassy in
Berlin to the situation. The 17-meter band also is a worldwide exclusive
Amateur Radio allocation. Skolaut says he's received reports about the music
jammer from all over the US, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

==>ARRL RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS GOLDEN ANTENNA AWARD IN GERMANY

The ARRL is the recipient of the 2006 Golden Antenna Award in recognition of
the role the League and its members played in providing and supporting
emergency communication during the response to Hurricane Katrina. The city
of Bad Bentheim, Germany, sponsors the annual award. ARRL Chief Development
Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, accepted the honor on behalf of the League on
August 25.

"It was a honor to represent ARRL and accept the Golden Antenna Award that
recognizes the role that hundreds of ARRL members played in the response to
Katrina in 2005," Hobart said. "The speeches were generous in their praise
of ARRL, and the cameras flashed as Bad Bentheim Mayor G?nter Alsmeier
presented the award." The city paid all expenses for Hobart's visit to
Germany.

The August 25 presentation took place at formal flag-draped ceremonies in
the 12th century Bad Bentheim Castle to kick off the 38th annual Amateur
Radio Days. The event is a cooperative venture of the German-Dutch Amateur
Radio organization DNAT (Deutsch-Niederl?ndischen Amateurfunker Tage/Duits
Nederlands Amateur Treffen) and the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC).

Hobart said the gracious and generous hospitality of both German and Dutch
members of the Amateur Radio fraternity made her visit special. Topping off
the weekend was a large flea market that drew hams from both countries and
from as far away as Spain.

"Of course bratwurst and beer added flavor to the occasion!" Hobart quipped.

In her remarks during the presentation, Hobart expressed appreciation for
the award on behalf of all who helped following Katrina and said she'd find
a suitable location to display the award at ARRL Headquarters.

Bad Bentheim has presented The Golden Antenna Award since 1982 to recognize
outstanding Amateur Radio public service and humanitarian contributions. A
jury of five German and Dutch radio amateurs makes the final selection. The
2005 award went to the Radio Society of Sri Lanka for its performance in the
wake of the December 2004 South Asia earthquake and tsunami.

==>SUITSAT-1 (AO-54), RE-ENTERS EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE

SuitSat-1 (AO-54) is history. The surplus Russian Orlan spacesuit turned
satellite, which became one of the greatest public relations vehicles for
Amateur Radio in years, re-entered and burned up in Earth's atmosphere
Thursday, September 7, at 1600 UTC some 1400 km south-southwest of Western
Australia. The announcement came September 8 from Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) International Chairman Frank Bauer,
KA3HDO. Bauer expressed thanks to "all who made SuitSat-1 the phenomenal
event that it was." Launched February 3 during a spacewalk from the ISS,
SuitSat-1's 2-meter signal was heard around the world, although at a much
weaker signal strength than anticipated.

"Your hard work and dedication paid off," Bauer continued. "In just three
weeks the SuitSat team developed and delivered a safe satellite system that
has gained the confidence of the international space agencies." Bauer also
noted the "unprecedented press coverage" that included more than 9 million
hits on the SuitSat-1 Web site <http://www.suitsat.org> during February
alone as well as several prominent mentions in the general news media.

"Students around the world had the opportunity to participate in a
seven-month 'school spacewalk' with the artwork, pictures, signatures and
voices onboard," Bauer pointed out. "And the 'super-sleuth' ham radio
operator extraordinaires were able to pull a significant amount of data from
the satellite, despite its low signal strength."

After SuitSat-1's VHF ham radio payload stopped transmitting earlier this
year, AMSAT initiated a "Chicken Little Contest," for participants to guess
when SuitSat-1 would deorbit. Winners and more information are on the AMSAT
Web site <http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/ariss/suitsatContest.php>.

Bauer said plans for a potential SuitSat-2 will be a discussion topic at the
AMSAT/ARISS joint meeting in October
<http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/symposium/>.

Commented ARRL ARISS Liaison Rosalie White, K1STO: "This unique satellite
lasted longer than anyone ever expected, making the ARISS team proud."

==>ASTRONAUT'S KIN AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOLERS FOR SPACE CONTACT VIA HAM RADIO

ISS astronaut Jeff Williams, KD5TVQ, got to answer questions about life in
space from his niece and several of her classmates August 28 during a
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with
Northeast Middle School in Clarksville, Tennessee. Williams told his niece,
Riley -- who asked the first question -- that he became an astronaut because
it involves excitement and discovery.

"And flying in space is the current frontier for exploration," Williams
remarked. If he were to pick another career, he said he'd return to the US
Army. A Wisconsin native, Williams is a graduate of the US Military Academy
at West Point, New York.

Another student wanted to know what an astronaut would do if the tether to
the ISS broke during a spacewalk or EVA -- extra-vehicular activity -- as
NASA calls it.

"Well, we're very careful, and our equipment is designed so that it won't
break," Williams replied. "If that were to happen, though, when we're doing
an American EVA -- in the American suits -- we have what we call 'safers.'
They're little jet packs that we have on the backpack of the space suit, and
we can fly back to the space station. They're only used for emergencies."

Responding to another question, Williams said it's not really known how long
a human being could remain in space before encountering medical or health
problems. He noted that the crew does keep a strict exercise regimen in
space.

"We're learning to understand what happens to the human body after a long
period of time [in space]," he continued. "Of course, most expeditions are
about six months." But he noted that back in the days of the Russian Mir
space station, one cosmonaut stayed aboard for 437 days "and he did well
when he got back to the ground."

Williams and ISS Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov, RV3BS, will
return to Earth at the end of September. They've been in space since last
April. European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter, DF4TR, will remain
aboard the ISS to help provide some crew continuity for the Expedition 14
team of NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, KE5GTK, and Russian cosmonaut
Mikhail Tyurin, RZ3FT.

In response to another question from his niece, Williams told the youngsters
that the ISS crew has been growing a variety of plants as part of its
scientific research. "The latest one we tried here was peas, and we had a
great survival rate initially, but we had some kind of a problem, which we
don't quite understand, and the peas all eventually died, so, we're still
working on that," he said. "It's a very important experiment, especially for
the future, to provide food, for example, when we go to Mars."

Northeast Middle School science teacher Sharon Fletcher said the ARISS
contact had inspired a lot of interest among her students in becoming
astronauts.

During the approximately 10-minute contact, the students had 18 questions
asked and answered before the ISS went over the horizon at Earth station
VK4KHZ in Australia. Verizon Conferencing donated a teleconferencing link to
provide two-way audio between the school and VK4KHZ.

ARISS <http://www.rac.ca/ariss> is an international educational outreach,
with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.

==>MAINE'S GOVERNOR IS NOW KB1NXP

Maine Gov John E. Baldacci may now be the only sitting state chief executive
holding an Amateur Radio license. Following up on an effort begun a few
years ago, Baldacci took and passed his Technician license test September 6,
and the FCC issued his new call sign, KB1NXP, the following day. Bill
Crowley, K1NIT, is the liaison for the ARRL VEC volunteer examiner team that
administered Baldacci's Amateur Radio license examination.

"We heard that he was interested in getting his license," Crowley told ARRL.
"So I talked to a couple of other people in the Augusta Amateur Radio
Association and said, 'You know, we're the guys who could do this. We're
right here, right in his backyard, and I think we ought to help him get a
license.'"

Crowley said Baldacci expressed initial interest in becoming licensed after
learning of the Amateur Radio response following the 1998 ice storm that
devastated a wide area of the Northeast. At the time, Baldacci was
representing Maine's Second District in the US House. He renewed his
interest in 2003, shortly after becoming Maine's governor, promising to add
the goal of getting his ticket to his to-do list and seeking the
encouragement and help of Maine's hams to achieve it.

Former Maine State Treasurer Rod Scribner, KA1RFD -- a longtime radio
amateur and instructor -- was recruited to help make it happen. "Rod went up
there once a week, very early in the morning, and tutored him -- went
through all the material," Crowley recounted. But the pressures of office
compelled Baldacci to put the project on a back burner.

During that lull, Crowley says he occasionally used his back channels at the
Department of Public Safety, where he works, to relay messages via
Baldacci's security guards to remind the governor the Augusta club was still
eager to give him his ham radio test. "It got to be a standing joke," he
said.

Crowley had an opportunity to deliver the message firsthand in July when he
greeted the Baldacci during an official occasion. "I said, 'You know, we've
got to get this going,'" he recalled telling the governor. Baldacci asked
Crowley to call his office and set up an appointment.

Baldacci was a little concerned at that point that he might be behind the
curve since the Technician question pool had changed since he'd worked with
Scribner, Crowley said. But he assured the governor that the club members
could get him back up to speed in short order.

Over coffee early on September 6, Scribner, Crowley and the other members of
the VE team -- Don Smith, AE1Q, and Tom Bailey, KB1EKY -- reviewed the
current Technician material. "Then, he sat down and took the test and did
very well," Crowley said.

Baldacci got a taste of Amateur Radio in 2003, when he checked into the
75-meter Maine Sea Gull Net during a visit with members of the Ellsworth
Amateur Wireless Association and other amateurs. On that occasion, the
governor assured the gathering that the Maine Emergency Management Agency
depends on Amateur Radio to support the statewide communications system and
said Maine would rely on Amateur Radio volunteers if primary
telecommunication systems go down.

Now, historic Blaine House in Maine's capital of Augusta could become the
only governor's residence to start sporting Amateur Radio antennas. Perhaps
because Maine's motto is Dirigo -- I lead, Crowley hopes Baldacci will serve
as a trendsetter among his gubernatorial colleagues across the US. In this
instance, the old saying from the world of politics, "As Maine goes, so goes
the nation," still may apply.

==>AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNA LAW LEADS VIRGINIA COUNTY TO REVISE ORDINANCE

The existence of Virginia's Amateur Radio antenna statute recently was
instrumental in convincing the Stafford County Board of Supervisors to adopt
changes that make it easier for radio amateurs to erect antenna support
structures. Tom Gregory, N4NW -- a former Virginia Section Emergency
Coordinator who lives in Stafford -- says that before the amendments went
into effect, an Amateur Radio licensee wanting to put up a tower could have
been asked to apply for a conditional use permit (CUP) and pay a $7500
filing fee. Gregory says that's because the old county ordinance did not
distinguish between Amateur Radio and cellular towers. The county didn't
necessarily oppose ham radio antennas, he said, but the application earlier
this year of Lewis Cheek, K4HR, to erect a 120-foot antenna support
structure apparently caught county officials unawares.

"It was more of a situation that county staff was incapable of making a
decision without clear guidelines to say that they could or could not do
something," said Gregory.

Stafford County's revised ordinance permits Amateur Radio operation "by
right" throughout the county, situated roughly halfway between Richmond and
Washington, DC. The changes require ham radio antenna support structures to
comply with zoning requirements applying to accessory structures in a given
municipality.

Virginia's 1998 Amateur Radio antenna law
<http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+15.2-2293.1> is among
the few that go beyond merely incorporating the language of the PRB-1
limited federal preemption
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/prb-1.html> into state
statutes. It also provides minimum regulatory heights of either 75 feet or
200 feet for antenna support structures, depending upon population density.

Gregory says just having an Amateur Radio antenna law on the Commonwealth's
books helped get the situation off the dime in Stafford County.

"The fact that the Virginia state code specifically had some numbers in it
and some clear language in it, that carried more weight with [county
officials] than what PRB-1 says, which basically says, 'you'll accommodate
the amateur,' but doesn't give any guidelines to localities," Gregory said.
It didn't hurt either when the specter of litigation was raised. The county
attorney told the Board of Supervisors that, given Virginia's Amateur Radio
Antenna statute, the Board would be on shaky legal ground in trying to
require a CUP and likely would lose if the case landed in court, Gregory
said.

Before even approaching the Stafford County Board of Supervisors with an eye
toward changing the ordinance, Cheek and Gregory boned up on antenna
restrictions via the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/antenna-restrictions.html> as
well as local codes and ordinances throughout the commonwealth. As a result,
Gregory said, they were able to educate county officials about ham radio and
its benefits to the community. Armed with extensive ARRL materials, a copy
of the Virginia Amateur Radio antenna law and the assistance of ARRL
Volunteer Counsel George Marzloff, K4GM, Gregory and Cheek testified before
the county Planning Commission to urge adoption of changes to permit Amateur
Radio by right.

Gregory, Cheek, and other radio amateurs, including Stafford County ARES
Emergency Coordinator Bart Bartholomew, N3GQ, also testified before the full
Board of Supervisors, which adopted the zoning ordinance revisions August 1.
The revised ordinance also specifically defines Amateur Radio for the first
time.

Gregory encouraged radio amateurs in the 27 states lacking Amateur Radio
antenna laws to work toward getting one on the books.

==>ARRL ON-LINE AUCTION "PREVIEW" SET FOR MID-OCTOBER

With a little less than two months to go and counting before the ARRL's
first On-Line Auction gets under way, ARRL Business Services Manager Deb
Jahnke, K1DAJ, says the League has received several generous donations from
a variety of sources. Auction proceeds will benefit ARRL educational
programs and services.

"I think you'll find a terrific variety of items when bidding kicks off on
October 23," she said. Jahnke says the On-Line Auction site will open for a
"preview" starting Monday, October 16.

"At that time, you'll be able to view many of the items that will be up for
bid the following week," she said. "You'll also be able to register at that
time, if you choose." Auction proceeds will help to support the League's
educational services and programs.

The auction will be open to all -- ARRL members and otherwise. Bidders just
need online access and must register prior to participating, which they may
do at any time during the auction.

The ARRL On-Line Auction will begin Monday, October 23, and will wrap up
Friday, November 3. Jahnke and her Business Services team are planning,
organizing and managing this premier event.

Jahnke said many ARRL members have inquired to ask if they could donate a
piece of vintage Amateur Radio gear or other item for the auction -- either
on their own behalf or in someone's memory.

"If this is something that you wish to do, please contact me
<djahnke@arrl.org> to discuss it further," she said.

Jahnke says the link to the ARRL On-Line Auction site will become available
via the ARRL Web home page during the October 16 preview and once bidding
begins October 23.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Propagation prognosticator Tad "Sunshine Superman" Cook, K7RA, Seattle,
Washington, reports: Average daily sunspot numbers were down only slightly
this week -- from 27 to 25.3. There were two days this week when the sunspot
number was zero, and as we move closer to the bottom of Sunspot Cycle 23, we
should see more zero sunspot days than we're currently experiencing.

The last solar minimum was centered near October 1996, and prior to that was
week after week of no sunspots. Currently we're observing average daily
sunspot numbers in the 20s and 30s. According to weekly NOAA Space
Environment Center sunspot predictions
<http://sec.noaa.gov/ftpdir/weekly/Predict.txt>, these averages are above
the high end for this month and last, and the minimum is about six months
away.

Right now is a fairly good time for long-distance HF communication, because
the geomagnetic field is mostly stable, sunspots haven't disappeared and
we're close to the autumnal equinox. Best bets appear to be 40, 30 and 20
meters.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical
Information Service <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.

Sunspot numbers for August 31 through September 6 were 39, 32, 27, 0, 0, 26
and 53, with a mean of 25.3. 10.7 cm flux was 83.2, 76.9, 75.6, 76.5, 79,
80.4, and 84, with a mean of 79.4. Estimated planetary A indices were 8, 13,
7, 6, 23, 8 and 7, with a mean of 10.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices
were 6, 8, 6, 6, 15, 7 and 6, with a mean of 7.7.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The ARRL September VHF QSO Party, the North
American Sprint (CW), the Worked All Europe (WAE) DX Contest (SSB), the
International G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest, the Swiss HTC QRP Sprint,
the SOC Marathon Sprint, the Tennessee QSO Party and the ARCI End of Summer
Digital Sprint are the weekend of September 9-10. JUST AHEAD: YLRL Howdy
Days are September 12-14. The North American Sprint (SSB), the ARRL 10 GHz
and Up Contest, F.I.S.T.S. Get Your Feet Wet Weekend, the SARL VHF/UHF
Contest, the Scandinavian Activity Contest (CW), the South Carolina QSO
Party, QRP Afield, the Washington State Salmon Run and the QCWA Fall QSO
Party are the weekend of September 16-17. The Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
and the 144 MHz Fall Sprint are September 18. The NAQCC Straight Key/Bug
Sprint is September 21. 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 remains open through Sunday, September 24, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education (CCE) program online courses: Amateur
Radio Emergency Communications Level 1 (EC-001), Radio Frequency
Interference (EC-006), Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009), Analog
Electronics (EC-012) and Digital Electronics (EC-013). Classes begin on
Friday, October 6. These courses will also open for registration Friday,
September 22, for classes beginning Friday, November 3. To learn more, visit
the CCE Course Listing page
<http://mymail.arrl.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.arrl.org/cce/co
urses.html> or contact the CCE Department <cce@arrl.org>.

* Reminder ? vanity fee now $20.80: The regulatory fee to obtain or renew a
post-1995 Amateur Radio vanity call sign is $20.80 for applications received
by the FCC on or after Wednesday, September 6. The new fee covers the
10-year license term. See <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/08/01/3/>
for more information.

* Virginia radio amateur not prosecuted on radio-related felony charge:
Dennis Alford, KC4VGA, of Wythe County, Virginia, is breathing a bit more
easily now that he's no longer facing a felony charge of possessing an
unlawful communication device. According to a news report in The Wytheville
Enterprise, a misdemeanor charge of unlawful interfering with a two-way
radio was taken under advisement. It will be dismissed after a year if no
similar charges are brought against Alford, a 60-year-old longtime radio
amateur. The newspaper says a Wythe County General District Court judge
accepted an agreement worked out by Alford, his attorneys and a local
prosecutor. A disabled truck plant worker who had been employed as a
Wal-Mart greeter, Alford still must forfeit three of the radios police
confiscated last March. One of Alford's attorneys told the court that Alford
had bought the confiscated radios used and didn't realize they'd been
modified. Following his August 31 court appearance, authorities returned
other confiscated radio equipment to Alford. Police had searched Alford's
home after the Wytheville Police Department in January reported extensive
interference on its dispatching system that was traced to Alford's
transmissions. Police subsequently arrested him at work and confiscated
several pieces of his radio equipment as well as a computer that since had
been returned to him. He had been on bond pending the hearing. Alford denied
making any illegal transmissions and said afterward he was satisfied with
the resolution of his case.

* Hydraulic malfunction faulted in CubeSat launch failure: The commission
probing the July 26 Dnepr-1LV rocket launch vehicle failure that resulted in
the loss of more than a dozen CubeSats with ham radio payloads believes it
knows why the vehicle didn't reach orbit. A brief malfunction of a hydraulic
drive in a first-stage propulsion unit caused a deviation in the rocket's
trajectory and "the issuance of a command to abort the flight," said a news
release from Kosmotras, the company responsible for the rocket's launch.
Kosmotras said the cause of the hydraulic malfunction has been determined,
and the committee is "working up recommendations for its rectification."
Russia, meanwhile, has suspended further Dnepr-1 LV launches. Fourteen of
the tiny spacecraft that were lost carried Amateur Radio VHF or UHF beacon
or telemetry transmitters. Various accounts indicated that the mission went
awry less than two minutes after liftoff. The CubeSat project was a
collaboration between California Polytechnic State University-San Luis
Obispo and Stanford University's Space Systems Development Laboratory. All
of the CubeSats were designed and built by students at various universities
around the world.--some information from AMSAT News Service

* Armin Henry Meyer, W3ACE, SK: Former US Ambassador Armin Henry "Hank"
Meyer, W3ACE, died August 13 following a long illness. He was 92. An ARRL
Life Member, Meyer, an expert on the Middle East, served as US ambassador to
Lebanon in the Kennedy Administration after postings in Iraq and
Afghanistan. He later was the US envoy to Iran and Japan. In 1972, he headed
President Richard Nixon's terrorism unit following the killing of Israeli
Olympic athletes in Munich. Amateur Radio went around the globe with him. He
operated over the years as YI2AN, OD5AX, YA1AM, EP3AM and JH1YDR, and he
especially enjoyed operating on the low bands. Meyer was a member of the
National Capitol DX Association. As W3ACE, he had 325 DXCC entities
confirmed (mixed and phone) and at one point achieved No 1 Honor Roll. He
also earned DXCCs as OD5AX, EP3AM and JH1YDR.

===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association For Amateur Radio, 225
Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential and general news
of interest to active radio amateurs. Visit the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org> for the latest Amateur Radio news and news updates.
The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> also offers informative features
and columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a
weekly "ham radio newscast" compiled and edited from The ARRL Letter. It's
also available as a podcast from our Web site.

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/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
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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
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address if necessary. (Check "Temporarily disable all automatically sent
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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 at twohams.com  Fri Sep  8 18:44:59 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Sep  8 18:47:02 2006
Subject: [CVRC] New Repeater
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060908154343.042265c8@mail.greatbasin.net>


---- Begin forwarded message ----
Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2006 15:20:38 -0700
To: Dick Flanagan <dick@twohams.com>
From: Tom Taormina <tom@k5rc.cc>
Subject: New Repeater

For Publication:

The Cactus Intertie System has installed a repeater at my QTH in Virginia 
City Highlands. It is on 441.625, PL 114.8, ID = K7RC. It is at 6,500' 
AMSL. As more people use it we will plot its coverage more accurately.


Tom Taormina, K5RC
Virginia City Nevada USA
Home of NACHO - W7RN and RANN - K7RC
Web Site: http://k5rc.cc/
---- End forwarded message ----  

From dick at twohams.com  Fri Sep  8 19:14:12 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Sep  8 19:16:11 2006
Subject: [CVRC] New Repeater
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060908161331.04133e88@mail.greatbasin.net>

The Cactus Intertie System is not an open repeater system and further 
information may be found at http://www.cactus-intertie.org/

Dick
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Sep 11 20:34:58 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Sep 11 20:37:13 2006
Subject: [CVRC] DCART net Monday night 11Sep06
In-Reply-To: <126380532.1157418686799.JavaMail.root@fepweb08>
References: <126380532.1157418686799.JavaMail.root@fepweb08>
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060911173203.035bc410@charter.net>

Hi all!

Just a reminder that the DCART net will be Monday night (tonight) at 
1830L on the 147.27+ and 441.250+(both pl 123) repeater. (once more 
with a correct subject line!)

The net script (freshly revised) is available at 
http://nv.arrl.org/clubs/DCART/netscript.html. Net control will be 
ably performed by Peter Bauer W6DXJ

The DCART website at http://nv.arrl.org/clubs/DCART.html has been 
updated to include the DCART membership application as a PDF file. 
The phone tree is still in work. It would be straightforward to just 
type it in, but we're attempting to automate it so that future 
updates will be fast and easy to do.

Note that we have a change to the standard DCART frequencies. In the 
event that the W7DI repeater is down during a callup, we will use the 
repeater output frequency, 147.27 as a simplex channel.

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Sep 11 22:23:55 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Sep 11 22:26:04 2006
Subject: [CVRC] updated DCART net script
In-Reply-To: <7.0.1.0.2.20060911173203.035bc410@charter.net>
References: <126380532.1157418686799.JavaMail.root@fepweb08>
	<7.0.1.0.2.20060911173203.035bc410@charter.net>
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060911192121.034345c0@charter.net>

Hi all!

After our discussion on net, I've amended the on line DCART net 
script to use smaller characters. They are still a bit larger than 
default though. Pleasde let me know if you either think they are now 
too small or if you think they are still too large.

73 de Glenn Thomas
WB6W

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Sep 11 22:24:55 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Sep 11 22:27:00 2006
Subject: [CVRC] update on the updated DCART net script
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060911192405.03416500@charter.net>

Hi all!

After our discussion on net, I've amended the on line DCART net 
script to use smaller characters. They are still a bit larger than 
default though. Pleasde let me know if you either think they are now 
too small or if you think they are still too large.

THIS TIME, I'll remember to include the URL for the modified script. 
It's http://nv.arrl.org/clubs/DCART/060925script.html.

Oops.

73 de Glenn Thomas
WB6W

From jabrott at tele-net.net  Mon Sep 11 23:17:56 2006
From: jabrott at tele-net.net (John E. Abrott)
Date: Mon Sep 11 23:47:40 2006
Subject: [CVRC] Winlink 2000 Presentation
Message-ID: <002a01c6d61a$0b3c6900$04c8a8c0@etower>

The Sierra Intermountain Emergency Radio Association general meeting will be held on 21 September, 2006.   Andy Munoz KD7ZEV is giving a presentation on Winlink 2000.  Andy is a gifted speaker, and is very knowledgeable on Winlink 2000, as well as other digital modes.  For the Amateur service, Winlink 2000 users, whether on the high seas, jungles of a remote region, or traveling in an RV, have the ability to provide their family and friends with the state of their safety and well-being along with the joys of their travels.  Mobile users may post their positions on a map and gain access to a host of global text-based and graphic weather information and other helpful material whenever or wherever they need it.  The Winlink 2000 system is also utilized for emergency communications where local or regional communications are disrupted, including the loss of the Internet, and where accuracy of information is paramount.  Andy's class will provide an overview of Winlink 2000.  Information is also available on the web by doing a search on Winlink 2000.  The meeting takes place at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church building, 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville, NV starting at 1900 hrs (7:00 PM).  All interested are invited to attend.  Come on over, meet fellow "Hams": have a cup of coffee and learn about Winlink 2000.

 

John E. Abrott

KD7NHC  
From dick at twohams.com  Wed Sep 13 19:39:27 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed Sep 13 19:41:46 2006
Subject: [CVRC] Special Weather Statement for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060913163832.043ca668@mail.greatbasin.net>

...Strong winds and much cooler temperatures expected starting
Thursday...

A cold low pressure system will drop into the Pacific northwest and
northern Rockies on Thursday. High temperatures will drop between 10
and 20 degrees from Wednesday to Thursday as a strong cold front
moves through.

Much cooler temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds over
western Nevada...northeast California and the eastern Sierra on
Thursday. Winds could gust to 40 mph...with gusts to 50 mph in
wind prone areas along the Sierra front.

Gusty winds can create difficult travel conditions for high
profile vehicles...and can generate areas of blowing dust with
visibilities dropping below 1 mile at times. Patio furniture and
unsecured items may be blown about by these winds...and should be
secured or brought indoors by Thursday morning.

A secondary push of colder air will drop snow levels Friday and
Friday night to 5000 to 5500 feet over northern Lassen...Washoe...
and Pershing counties...with the possibility of light snow
accumulations for the Warner Mountains and peaks above 6000 feet
over far northern Nevada and northeast California. Also...the
secondary front will kick up strong gusty winds over Mono and
Mineral counties...with gusts to 50 mph possible.

Expires:142200 gmt
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From dick at twohams.com  Wed Sep 13 19:47:32 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed Sep 13 19:49:48 2006
Subject: [CVRC] EMCOMMWEST Planning Session Announcement
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060913164556.04544e88@mail.greatbasin.net>

There will be an EMCOMMWEST planning session on Saturday, September 16, at 
10:00 a.m. Pacific in the board room of the National Weather Service in 
Reno.  Everyone who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to 
attend.  If you have any questions, contact Dee Arnold at deearnold@aol.com.
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Sep 14 21:11:45 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Sep 14 21:14:36 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD039 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060914181055.04293750@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD039
ARLD039 DX news

ZCZC AE39
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 39  ARLD039
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  September 14, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD039
ARLD039 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
DL1FX, IN3VZE, JF1OCQ, NC1L, the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425 DX News,
The Daily DX, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar
and WA7BNM web sites.  Thanks to all.

MONTENEGRO, 4O.  Martti, OH2BH may be QRV as 4O3B in the
Scandinavian Activity contest on a variety of bands.  QSL to home
call.

MALAWI, 7Q.  Ely, IN3VZE will be QRV as 7Q7CE from the west shore of
Lake Malawi from September 18 to October 6.  Activity will be on 80
to 10 meters using SSB.  QSL to home call.

SOUTH COOK ISLANDS, E5.  Ken, ZL4HU is QRV as E51KH from Rarotonga,
IOTA OC-013, until September 22.  He is generally active on 20
meters using SSB.  QSL direct to home call.

KYRGYZSTAN, EX.  Bek, EX8AB is usually QRV using RTTY on 30 meters
around 1700z.

KERGUELEN ISLAND, FT5X.  Gildas, TU5KG is QRV as FT5XP for the next
two months.  Of late he's been active on 15 meters at various times.
QSL via F4EFI.

LIECHTENSTEIN, HB0.  Operators DF4OQ, DJ5BX, DL1ZBO, DK9FEC and
DL1FX will be QRV as HB0/homecalls from September 21 to 25.
Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and various
digital modes.  They plan to be QRV as HB0/DL1ZBO in the upcoming CW
WW RTTY contest.  QSL via operators' instructions.

OGASAWARA, JD1.  Operator JA1NAL/JD1 has been active on 15 meters
from around 0000 to 0700z.

MONGOLIA, JT.  Operators OK1CCK, OK1ES, OK1FM and OK1XC are QRV as
JT800OK from Ulaan Baatar until October 8.  Activity is on 160 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV and PSK31.  QSL via OK1XC.

DENMARK, OZ.  Bernd, DL8AAV, will be QRV as OZ/DL8AAV/p from Laeso
Island, IOTA EU-088, from September 17 to 30.  Activity will be on
80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL to home call.

EGYPT, SU.  Dave, KJ9I is QRV as SU/KJ9I until September 18.  QSL to
home call.

DODECANESE, SV5.  Drew, GM3YOR will be QRV as SV5/homecall from IOTA
EU-001 from September 21 to October 4 while on holiday.  He will be
active on the HF bands using only CW and when time and conditions
permit.  QSL to home call.

PALAU, T8.  JE1SYN and JP1IOF will be QRV as T88YN and T88AS,
respectively, from Koror, IOTA OC-009, from September 21 to 24.
Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters, using CW, SSB, RTTY and FM,
with two stations.  QSL to home calls.

UZBEKISTAN, UK.  Mike, UK8AR is usually QRV on 20 meters using CW
between 0100 and 0200z.

BELIZE, V3.  Operators K9DUR, KC9JMA, NT9T and KC9AOR will be QRV
from Placencia as V31DU, V31PW, V31TN and V31OR, respectively, from
September 16 to 23.  Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using SSB.

NAMIBIA, V5.  Pierre, HB9QQ is QRV as V5/HB9QQ until September 30
and is active mainly on 30, 17 and 12 meters.  QSL via HB9QQ.

CANADA, VE.  Steve, VE2TKH is QRV as VY0ICE from Iqauluit, Baffin
Island, IOTA NA-047, until May 30, 2007.  Activity is on 80 to 6
meters using CW and SSB.  QSL direct via VE2AWR.

CHAGOS ISLAND, VQ9.  Jim, ND9M is QRV as VQ9JC from Diego Garcia,
IOTA AF-006, for the next four months.  QSL to home call.

INDIA, VU.  Kumar, VU2BGS is normally QRV on 160 meters around 2100z
on Saturdays.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest, ARRL EME
Contest, FISTS Get Your Feet Wet CW Weekend, SARL VHF/UHF Contest,
Scandinavian Activity CW Contest, South Carolina QSO Party, QRP
Afield, Washington State Salmon Run, QCWA Fall QSO Party, North
American SSB Sprint, Run for the Bacon QRP CW Contest and the 144
MHz Fall Sprint will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.
Please see September QST, page 95 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest
websites for details.
NNNN
/EX

From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Sep 15 18:11:10 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Sep 15 18:13:38 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP038 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060915151034.0428ed28@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP038
ARLP038 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP38
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 38  ARLP038
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  September 15, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP038
ARLP038 Propagation de K7RA

The Autumnal Equinox for the Northern Hemisphere will occur on
September 23 this year (at 0402z). We've been moving from summertime
propagation conditions to fall, which is generally a better time for
HF propagation, except for the lack of sporadic-E skip.

On 20 meters, instead of intercontinental openings into the evening,
we see improved conditions well before dark. For instance, comparing
projected conditions for this weekend from the East Coast USA to
Europe, with conditions in early July, 20 meters was marginal during
the morning and mid-day, but became better late in the day.
Conditions between Pennsylvania and Germany around July 5 show a
projected jump in signal levels around 2200z, then excellent
propagation until around 0700z.

But for mid-September 20 meters over the same path has rising
signals from morning until early evening, with signals dropping
after 2300z. 17 meters over the same path looks very good this
weekend from 1230z until 2130z, but for early July the chances of a
good path were much lower, except for a brief period around
0000-0030z.

Average daily sunspot numbers rose over the past week by 19 points
to 44.3. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet every day. For the next
week Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet conditions for
today, September 15, then quiet to unsettled on the 16th, unsettled
geomagnetic activity on the 17th and 18th, then quiet on September
19-21. The U.S. Air Force spaceweather operation predicts planetary
A index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) for September 15-21 at
5, 10, 12, 15, 8, 5 and 5.

Steve Hammer, K6SGH of Santa Barbara, California wrote asking about
a source for an archive of daily sunspot numbers that he might
import into a spreadsheet. Al Woodhull, N1AW of Amherst,
Massachusetts had a similar request. One handy source for this,
which is easy to update using this bulletin, is the free Solar Data
Plotting software from Scott Craig, WA4TTK. The program stores the
daily sunspot number and solar flux going back to the late 1980s in
a file called graph.dat.

Scott's program is at, http://www.craigcentral.com/sol.asp, and
there is also a separate update to the data file with numbers up
through the end of August. You can update the file
semi-automatically by saving this weekly bulletin in a plain-text
file, then using the software to read the file and suck up the data.
To bring the current file up to date would only require a file made
from this bulletin and another from last week's edition.

Al and Steve, mentioned in the previous paragraph, each have their
own websites highlighting some of their interesting activities. See
Steve's at, http://www.k6sgh.com/, and don't miss his Moxon Antenna
site at, http://moxonantennaproject.com/. Al's website is,
http://minix1.woodhull.com/asw/.

Gary Nixon, WA6HZT of Fair Oaks, California and Andy Gudas, N7TP of
Amargosa Valley, Nevada both sent in references to an article
claiming that thunderstorms actually affect the ionosphere and radio
propagation (other than causing QRN, of course). Read it at,
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/09/13/space.storms.reut/index.html.

Dick Bingham, W7WKR of Stehekin, Washington sent in a quote
concerning 160 meters from Wolf Ostwald, DF2PY. Wolf write, "This
years West Coast window opened about 3 weeks earlier than in the
last years. K7RL and W1YY/7 made it into EU today about 45 min and
25 min prior to local sunrise. Their sigs were fantastic for topband
standards, even good enough for 'ragchewing.' I take this as a good
omen for the new season and it repeatedly shows again the
superiority of the CW mode to master difficult paths under any
circumstance."

And finally, Bill Isakson, AC6QV of El Cerrito, California wrote
this about 17 meters. He writes, "I thought, since you just now
indicated a software result that not much should happen above 20
meters, that I should tell you that 17 meter activity has been great
recently. Earlier this week I had QSO with a station in San
Francisco, Argentina from here in Berkeley near San Francisco,
California, for example, on my way home from work around 5 PM, that
is, mobile on a Hamstick."

Bill continues, "His S9 CW signals were mildly strong and clean in
this electrically noisy environment, though mine at his end were
weak (559 he said, but I had to make several repeats, so it was
probably 539). I would give you his call sign, but my email is
nowhere near my logbook. I can say he was a powerhouse station. The
17 meter band has generally been open most of the afternoons here
and I have heard VK land as well. The radio I am using for mobile
does not have any special filtering in use either, so CW and USB
have been through the same set of wide filters."

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service at,
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html. An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/ .

Sunspot numbers for September 7 through 13 were 39, 49, 51, 50, 42,
41 and 38 with a mean of 44.3. 10.7 cm flux was 86.7, 87.2, 85.5,
87.3, 84.6, 84.1, and 82.9, with a mean of 85.5. Estimated planetary
A indices were 8, 4, 2, 6, 8, 4 and 6 with a mean of 5.4. Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 5, 4, 1, 5, 7, 2 and 3, with a mean of
3.9.
NNNN
/EX

From dick at twohams.com  Fri Sep 15 18:14:37 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Sep 15 18:17:17 2006
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060915151415.0431ed60@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
1151 am PDT Fri Sep 15 2006

...Wind Advisory in effect until 9 PM PDT this evening...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect until 9 PM PDT this evening.

Gusty west winds associated with the passage of a strong cold
front will continue across the region this afternoon and into this
evening. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected...with local
gusts up to 60 mph in wind prone areas including Washoe Valley.

Travel will be difficult for truckers and motorists in high
profile vehicles this afternoon and evening...with strong cross
winds expected along major roads including Highway 395 and
portions of Interstate 80.

Expires:160400 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.WI.Y.0022.060915T1851Z-060916T0400Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Sep 15 20:34:56 2006
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Sep 15 21:00:47 2006
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 37 (Sep 15, 2006)
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060915172924.04392c80@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 25, No. 37
September 15, 2006
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +League granted experimental license for 500 kHz research
* +ARRL member, ARES volunteer receives volunteer service award
* +Ham radio operation back on civilian space traveler's agenda
* +License loss could follow felonies, alleged corporate misdeeds
* +Heil Sound Ltd welcomes Chip Margelli, K7JA, to its team
* +Tom Hogerty, KC1J, is League's new Contest Branch manager
* +ARRL HQ graphic designers win prestigious award
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     +ARRL again participating in the Combined Federal Campaign
      Alan Bloom, N1AL, wins August QST Cover Plaque Award
      Long-distance CW QSO marks milestone in LF experimentation
      Microwave Update 2006 offers learning opportunity
      Lifetime licenses for UK/Great Britain hams delayed
      Islands on the Air program announces Icom sponsorship deal

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

===========================================================
==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail
<letter-dlvy@arrl.org>
==>Editorial questions or comments only: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
<n1rl@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==>ARRL GRANTED EXPERIMENTAL LICENSE FOR 500 KHZ RESEARCH BY RADIO AMATEURS

The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology on September 13 granted Part
5 experimental license WD2XSH to the ARRL on behalf of a group of radio
amateurs interested in investigating spectrum in the vicinity of 500 kHz.
The two-year authorization permits experimentation and research between 505
and 510 kHz (600 meters) using narrowband modes at power levels of up to 20
W effective radiated power (ERP). ARRL Member Fritz Raab, W1FR, of Vermont,
will serve as experimental project manager for "The 500 KC Experimental
Group for Amateur Radio" <http://www.500kc.com/>

"I'm kind of excited to see how we can apply modern technology to a 'classic
part' of the radio spectrum," Raab told ARRL this week. He pointed out that
500 kHz - the traditional maritime emergency frequency - is roughly
geometrically halfway between the 136 kHz experimental band and the 160
meter amateur allocation.

"In contrast to 160 meters, 500 kHz is low enough to offer good groundwave
propagation, but in contrast to 137 kHz it is high enough to allow us to
engage in real communication with realistic equipment." Raab eventually
would like to see at least a secondary 600-meter amateur allocation from 495
to 510 kHz.

"Besides the opportunities for experimenting at low frequencies, that
frequency is well suited to regional groundwave communication," Raab said.
He envisions eventual use of the spectrum to provide Amateur Radio emergency
communication via groundwave, without having to deal with the vagaries of
the ionosphere or causing interference to other services.

For about a century, the 500 kHz region was an important band for maritime
communication, emergency and otherwise. The band is occasionally used by
"heritage" commercial maritime stations, such as the Maritime Radio
Historical Society's KPH on the West Coast, on special occasions. 500 kHz
remains designated as an official maritime emergency CW frequency, although
the vast majority of maritime users have shifted to satellite-based systems.

In addition to experimentation and regional emergency work, Raab says he
believes that the 505-510 kHz spectrum could serve as "an historic band"
that could support various commemorative special event-type operations.
Proposals are under consideration in the UK and Ireland to establish an
experimental Amateur Radio allocation in the vicinity of 500 kHz.

The WD2XSH project calls for operation from 21 discrete fixed sites spread
throughout the US. Participants all are electrical professionals, many with
maritime radio backgrounds, Raab said, adding that operation already has
begun. The group eventually will be seeking reports from non-participants,
he said.

Raab says the gear participants will use represents "every kind of antenna
and equipment you can imagine," including surplus vacuum-tube maritime
units. At his Colchester, Vermont, location he's using a 42-foot vertical,
but others are employing inverted Ls, loops and Marconis, among others.

Raab was a co-author of the article "A 100-W Class-D Power Amplifier for LF
and MF," which appeared in the March-April edition of QEX
<http://www.arrl.org/qex/2006/03/toc.pdf>. He's using an amplifier of that
design for his WD2XSH operations.

The FCC turned down a 1998 petition from the ARRL to create an Amateur Radio
"sliver band" in the vicinity of 136 kHz, but some US amateur licensees have
obtained FCC Part 5 Experimental licenses to research the possibilities of
LF, including transatlantic and transpacific propagation. Amateur Radio
licensees in Europe and elsewhere already have access to 135.7 to 137.8 kHz,
and several hams in Canada have authorization to operate there using Amateur
Radio call signs.

==>MICHIGAN ARES VOLUNTEER RECEIVES AWARD FROM PRESIDENT BUSH

President George W. Bush has presented the President's Volunteer Service
Award to a Michigan ARRL member and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
volunteer. Genesee County Emergency Coordinator and RACES Radio Officer Greg
Ybarra, N8HXQ, of Flint, accepted the award during the president's September
8 visit to Flint. Ybarra told ARRL he got word just a couple of weeks ago
that local emergency managers had nominated him for the honor. On September
6, Ybarra got the call from the White House informing him that not only had
he been selected as a "USA Freedom Corps Greeter"
<http://www.freedomcorps.gov/about_usafc/newsroom/local_vols.asp> he'd be
meeting the president in person.

"I was in shock and didn't know what to say," Ybarra told ARRL this week,
"so I said, 'That is great.'" Ybarra -- who calls himself neither a
Republican nor a Democrat -- says his apparent initial lack of enthusiasm on
the telephone prompted the White House aide to ask if he wasn't excited to
be meeting the president. But, as he put it, "I felt my heart was going a
hundred miles an hour, and I was trying to stay calm and focused."

Ybarra says Genesee County Emergency Management Director Grace Ranger,
KC8BOE, and Emergency Management Program Manager Tami Yorks, KC8YGS,
submitted his name to recognize his work as a volunteer with Genesee County
ARES (GCARES). At first, Ybarra was advised not to say anything about the
pending award to anyone -- not even his wife, Maria. And even when he got
the okay to tell her, "Well needless to say she didn't believe me," Ybarra
said.

When the big day arrived, Ybarra and his wife got to Bishop International
Airport early. "I was fine until the president started walking toward me,"
he said. "Then I got nervous and tongue tied. It was a great honor to meet
President Bush in person."

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation created the
President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to express appreciation
for and honor Americans who inspire others by their example to engage in
volunteer service.

Ybarra, 52, is an electrician at General Motors Powertrain -- North Flint.
He's been a radio amateur and GCARES volunteer for about 20 years. He also
teaches Amateur Radio licensing classes.--some information from Jerry Baker,
KD8AYL/GCARES

==>CIVILIAN SPACE TRAVELER SET TO TRY AMATEUR RADIO FROM ISS AFTER ALL

Hold the phone! The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
program now says US businesswoman Anousheh Ansari, who will travel to the
ISS September 18 as part of the Russian Soyuz TMA-9 "taxi mission," will
attempt some Amateur Radio contacts while in space after all. Earlier
indications from Ansari, 39, were that she had decided not to get a license
and would not do any ham radio contacts.

"Anousheh wishes to talk with US-licensed school children in random QSOs,"
ARRL ARISS Liaison Rosalie White, K1STO, says. "She will be on the air at
various times from Thursday, September 21, until Tuesday, September 26,
using RS0ISS. Because of third-party traffic rules, Ansari may only speak
with Amateur Radio licensees.

A tentative schedule also calls for Ansari to speak with students at George
Washington University, her alma mater, on Friday, September 22. Ansari has
had training on the ARISS gear but because of her tight training schedule in
Russia was unable to get her license.

Space Adventures Ltd <http://www.spaceadventures.com/> is handling
arrangements for Ansari's mission. She's a last-minute stand-in for Daisuke
"Dice-K" Enomoto as the fourth private citizen - and the first female
civilian - to fly to the ISS. She'll spend approximately 10 days in space.

"By reaching this dream I've had since childhood, I hope to tangibly
demonstrate to young people all over the world that there is no limit to
what they can accomplish," said Ansari, who's chairman and co-founder of
Prodea Systems Inc.

According to Space Adventures, Ansari wants to be a space ambassador and
"share the spaceflight experience with as many people as possible, and use
her experience to help educate."

"She also wants to use the mission to further educate children on the
importance of space travel and life in space," Space Adventures added.

==>FELONIES, ALLEGED CORPORATE MISDEEDS COULD COST RADIO AMATEUR HIS LICENSE

The FCC has ordered an Indiana commercial and Amateur Radio license holder,
Timothy M. Doty, WB9MCD, of W Terre Haute, and a Land Mobile Service (LMS)
company in which he's a principal to show cause why their respective
licenses should not be revoked. In an Order to Show Cause released August
30, the FCC said it received information last year suggesting that
Commercial Radio Service Inc (CRS) "may not have properly disclosed
information" about Doty's felony convictions in applications it filed with
the Commission.

"The character of the applicant is among those factors that the Commission
considers in its review of applications to determine whether the applicant
has the requisite qualifications to be a Commission licensee," the FCC said
in the show cause order. Felony convictions "raise potential questions
regarding a licensee's qualifications," the FCC said. "Similarly, because of
the extent of his ownership and control of CRS, Mr Doty's felony convictions
also raise serious questions about the character qualifications of CRS to be
and remain a Commission licensee."

The FCC said CRS's response to a letter of inquiry it had sent last May
determined that Doty has been a director and 50 percent shareholder of CRS,
and, until last May, a CRS officer. CRS holds licenses for four Private LMS
stations and one Commercial LMS station. Doty holds a General Radiotelephone
Operator license in addition to his ham ticket. All of the licenses are in
jeopardy.

The Commission said publicly available records show that Doty was convicted
in federal court of a felony that involved manufacture and possession of
unauthorized satellite TV descrambling devices. He received three years'
probation and a $2000 fine in that case, the FCC said in the Order. In
addition, the FCC said, publicly available records indicated Doty was found
guilty in state court on a felony count of possessing a controlled
substance. For that conviction, he was sentenced to 18 months' incarceration
with all but 30 days suspended, the FCC said in the Order.

Subsequent to his federal and state felony convictions, the FCC asserts, CRS
failed to reveal that the applicant or any party directly or indirectly
controlling the applicant had ever been convicted of a felony in state or
federal court.

The FCC said misrepresentation and lack of candor "raise immediate concerns
as to whether a licensee will be truthful in future dealings with the
Commission." CRS, the FCC maintained, should have revealed Doty's felony
convictions in its Commission filings. "The Commission may revoke the
license of a licensee who deliberately makes misrepresentations or lacks
candor in dealing with the agency because he or she lacks the basic
character qualifications to hold the license,." the FCC said.

Assuming that CRS and Doty respond to the show cause order within 30 days of
its release, the Commission indicated it would schedule a hearing to
determine whether Doty's felony convictions affect his and CRS's
qualifications to be and remain a Commission licensee and to determine
whether CRS made misrepresentations and/or lacked candor in its dealings
with the FCC.

"CRS's failure to disclose the felony convictions of one of its principals
raises a substantial and material question of fact as to whether CRS made
false certifications, misrepresented facts to the Commission and/or
demonstrated a lack of candor," the FCC said in its discussion of the case.
The FCC suggested that CRS declined to reveal Doty's felony convictions
because it knew the information would potentially disqualify CRS and Doty as
Commission licensees.

Regardless of the outcome of the hearing on the character qualification
issues, the FCC said it also would determine whether to fine CRS as much as
$97,500 for its alleged failure to disclose Doty's felony convictions in one
or more applications.

Since the 1990s, the FCC has applied character qualification standards
previously reserved for broadcast licensees to applicants and licensees in
other radio services, including the Amateur Radio Service.

The Order to Show Cause is available on the FCC Web site
<<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-128A1.pdf>.

==>CHIP MARGELLI, K7JA, MOVES TO HEIL SOUND LTD

Well-known Amateur Radio industry personality Chip Margelli, K7JA, has
joined Heil Sound Ltd <http://www.heilsound.com> as vice president of sales
and marketing. Heil Sound President Bob Heil, K9EID, and his wife Sarah
announced September 14 that Margelli will be responsible for all national
and international Amateur Radio sales and marketing plans. Margelli, who for
many years has been associated with the Yaesu Amateur Radio brand and
regularly fronted that manufacturer's hamfest concessions all over the US,
says he's "honored and excited" to be making the move to Heil Sound.

"Heil Sound is a dynamic, growing, and creative enterprise, and I look
forward to being a part of their bright future," Margelli commented.

Calling it "an historic day for Amateur Radio," Heil said Margelli "brings
his great passion and knowledge of Amateur Radio to this new post." He cited
Margelli's more than 40 years of experience and expertise as a DXer,
DXpeditioner, contester and top-notch CW operator "along with his great
knowledge of just about every radio in existence" as assets that will
benefit Heil Sound's dealers and customers worldwide.

Licensed since 1963, Margelli is an ARRL Life Member. He also belongs to
AMSAT and the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA). He and his wife
Janet, KL7MF, live in Garden Grove, California.

Margelli has authored articles for QST, QCWA Journal, CQ and CQ VHF
magazines. His most recent contribution for QST was "Field Day 2003 from
Cuba," which appeared in the December 2003 issue. Margelli enjoys operating
on all amateur bands from HF through UHF -- including "weak-signal"
terrestrial and moonbounce work and satellite operation -- and has a special
fondness for 6 meters. Beyond ham radio, Margelli enjoys photography,
astronomy and running marathons.

Margelli holds both bachelor's and master's degrees (political science and
business administration, respectively) from the University of Washington. He
speaks fluent Japanese.

In May 2005, Margelli and partner Ken Miller, K6CTW, enjoyed their "15
minutes of Amateur Radio fame" with an appearance on The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno on NBC. Using Morse code, the two radio amateurs went head to head
with US cell-phone text messaging champ Ben Cook and his partner to see
which mode would get the message through in the shortest time. Margelli,
Miller and Morse won hands down.

Outside of the realm of the Amateur Radio industry, Margelli and Heil are
longtime friends. An industry personality in his own right, Heil was
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in June on the basis of his
pioneering sound work with a variety of rock bands, including The James Gang
and The Eagles (see "Hall of Famer Bob Heil, K9EID: "It's all Because of Ham
Radio!" in Oct 2006 QST, p 49). Another Heil friend, Joe Walsh, WB6ACU,
plays in both bands.

Contact Margelli via e-mail <Chip@heilsound.com>.

==>ARRL HQ VETERAN TOM HOGERTY, KC1J, TAKES OVER CONTEST BRANCH

Tom Hogerty, KC1J, has assumed the reins of the Contest Branch within the
ARRL Membership Services Department. With nearly 19 years of experience in
various positions at ARRL Headquarters, Hogerty most recently worked in the
Software and Web Development Department. The move to Contest Branch Manager
marks his return to the Membership Services Department.

"This marks the third time I've worked with the fine folks in MSD, and I
very much look forward to my new responsibilities there," Hogerty said.

ARRL Membership Services Department Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG, said, "We're
extremely happy to have Tom back in our department." He pointed out that
Hogerty helped guide the DXCC Branch through its conversion from paper to
computer recordkeeping in addition to his involvement in ham radio
regulatory matters.

As Contest Branch Manager, Hogerty succeeds Dan Henderson, N1ND, who took
over as Regulatory Information Branch specialist earlier this year following
the death of John Hennessee, N1KB.

Mills said Hogerty will be responsible "for the nuts-and-bolts operation of
the Contest Branch." This includes ensuring that the contest log "robots"
are operating properly, overseeing the preparation of contest results and
handling the Contest Branch's customer service activities - including
answering myriad questions from contesters that come up each day.

"With more and more Web-based presentation, Tom will be a great asset to the
program," Mills added.

Hogerty also will coordinate with various volunteers who assist the League
in contesting matters. These include Trey Garlough, N5KO, who operates the
"contest robot," as well as log checkers Tree Tyree, N6TR; Dave Pruett,
K8CC; Ken Wolff, K1EA, and Larry Weaver, N6TW. Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, also
contributes a number of services, while Garlough and Contest Advisory
Committee Chairman Ward Silver, N0AX, serve as general consultants to the
Contest Branch.

Kathy Allison, KA1RWY, the Contest Branch assistant, also works with Logbook
of the World (LoTW) <http://www.arrl.org/lotw>.

After joining the League staff in 1988 as Regulatory Information Department
manager, Hogerty subsequently served as DXCC manager, Regulatory Information
Supervisor and Web assistant among other positions. He previously worked 17
years for The Hartford Insurance Group. He's studied business administration
at the University of Hartford and Central Connecticut State University, and
he has extensive training and experience in computer applications and Web
site operations.

==>ARRL WINS AMERICAN GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD FOR SECOND YEAR

A nationwide panel of judges has selected ARRL Headquarters graphic
designers Sue Fagan and Diane Szlachetka as 2006 American Graphic Design
Awards winners. The honor marks the second year in a row that Graphic Design
USA (GDUSA) has honored ARRL as an American Graphic Design Awards recipient.
The graphic design elements GDUSA recognized served to highlight or backdrop
displays and exhibits during the League's ARRL EXPO 2005 national convention
at Dayton HamventionR.

"We feel strongly about representing ARRL with consistent images and
messages at hamfests and conventions," said ARRL Marketing Manager Bob
Inderbitzen, NQ1R. "The high-quality designs that Sue and Diane have
produced for ARRL are already being used by field volunteers in several ARRL
sections."

The competition is considered among the most prestigious design awards and
among the most selective, too, Inderbitzen says. Fagan and Szlachetka were
among the 10 percent of nominees honored this year.

Winners receive an embossed certificate of excellence for each piece
selected and become eligible for reproduction in Graphic Design USA's Awards
Annual, seen by more than 100,000 colleagues and clients each year.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Sun watcher Tad "Tequila Sunrise" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports:
The autumnal equinox for the Northern Hemisphere will occur September 23 at
0402 UTC. Fall is generally a better time for HF propagation, except for a
lack of sporadic-E skip.

Average daily sunspot numbers rose over the past week by 19 points to 44.3.
Geomagnetic conditions were quiet every day. For the next week Geophysical
Institute Prague predicts quiet conditions for September 15, then quiet to
unsettled on the September 16, unsettled geomagnetic activity on September
17 and 18, then quiet on September 19-21. The US Air Force spaceweather
operation predicts planetary A index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) for
September 15-21 at 5, 10, 12, 15, 8, 5 and 5.

For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the
numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service
Propagation page <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.

Sunspot numbers for September 7 through 13 were 39, 49, 51, 50, 42, 41 and
38, with a mean of 44.3. The 10.7 cm flux was 86.7, 87.2, 85.5, 87.3, 84.6,
84.1, and 82.9, with a mean of 85.5. Estimated planetary A indices were 8,
4, 2, 6, 8, 4 and 6, with a mean of 5.4. Estimated mid-latitude A indices
were 5, 4, 1, 5, 7, 2 and 3, with a mean of 3.9.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The North American Sprint (SSB), the ARRL 10
GHz and Up Contest, F.I.S.T.S. Get Your Feet Wet Weekend, the SARL VHF/UHF
Contest, the Scandinavian Activity Contest (CW), the South Carolina QSO
Party, QRP Afield, the Washington State Salmon Run and the QCWA Fall QSO
Party are the weekend of September 16-17. JUST AHEAD: The Run for the Bacon
QRP Contest and the 144 MHz Fall Sprint are September 18. The NAQCC Straight
Key/Bug Sprint is September 21. The CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY), the
Scandinavian Activity Contest (SSB), the Texas QSO Party, the AGCW VHF/UHF
Contest and the UBA ON Contest (CW) are the weekend of September 23-24. The
Fall QRP Homebrewer Sprint is September 25. The 222 MHz Fall Sprint is
September 26. 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 remains open through Sunday, September 24, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education (CCE) program online courses: Amateur
Radio Emergency Communications Level 1 (EC-001), Radio Frequency
Interference (EC-006), Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009), Analog
Electronics (EC-012) and Digital Electronics (EC-013). Classes begin on
Friday, October 6. These courses will also open for registration Friday,
September 22, for classes beginning Friday, November 3. To learn more, visit
the CCE Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or
contact the CCE Department <cce@arrl.org>.

* ARRL again participating in the Combined Federal Campaign: For the fifth
year running, the US Office of Personnel Management has designated the ARRL
to participate in the 2006 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
<http://www.opm.gov/cfc/>. In the past, this campaign for federal government
civilian employees, US Postal Service workers and members of the military
has generated more than $69,000 for ARRL programs. The CFC provides an easy
way to support ARRL's efforts to represent its members and all radio
amateurs. Similar to the United Way, the CFC encourages individuals to
pledge by payroll deduction to non-profit organizations of their choice. The
ARRL encourages eligible radio amateurs to consider the League when
designating campaign recipients. Those wishing to select the ARRL to receive
all or part of their payroll deduction should designate organization 9872
when completing their CFC donor forms. Donations to ARRL can be designated
for Diamond Club contributions, the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund or the ARRL
Education & Technology Program. Or, donors may make unrestricted
contributions to the League. The ARRL Development Office would appreciate a
copy of the donor form <mhobart@arrl.org> to ensure that each contribution
is applied according to the donor's wishes and the contribution or pledge
can be properly acknowledged. The 2006 CFC ends December 15.

* Alan Bloom, N1AL, wins August QST Cover Plaque Award: The winner of the
QST Cover Plaque Award for August is Alan Bloom, N1AL, for his article
"VHF/UHF Mobile Propagation." Congratulations, Alan! 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 on the QST Cover Plaque
Poll Web page <http://www.arrl.org/members-only/QSTvote.html>. Cast a ballot
for your favorite article in the September issue by Saturday, September 30.

* Long-distance CW QSO marks milestone in LF experimentation: Steve
McDonald, VE7SL, and J Allen, VY1JA, are claiming the first long-distance,
low-frequency aural CW contact between two Canadian amateurs. The QSO in the
vicinity of 136 kHz (2200 meters) between VY1JA in Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory (CP20) and VE7SL on Mayne Island, British Columbia (CN88) took
place Friday, September 9, at 0705 UTC. The distance between the two
stations is approximately 1000 miles. "It was nice not having to rely on
computers or QRSS [very slow-speed CW] mode to be able to work each other,"
McDonald said. "Copy was 100 percent at both ends with little fading." VY1JA
was running 200 W to a 100-foot top-loaded tower, resonated at 137 KHz,
while VE7SL was running 450 W to a 65-foot wire vertical and three wire
top-hat. While Canada has not yet allocated an Amateur Radio LF band,
Industry Canada has authorized several Canadian hams to experiment in the
vicinity of 136 kHz. "LF experimental work by Canadian amateurs continues to
demonstrate the suitability of 2200 meters for reliable two-way
communications with simple homemade equipment and without causing
interference to primary users of the band," McDonald concluded. For more
information on 2200 meter activity in Canada, visit The VE7SL Radio Notebook
<http://imagenisp.com/jsm/136.html>.

* Microwave Update 2006 offers learning opportunity: Microwave Update 2006
(MUD 2006) will take place in Dayton, Ohio, Friday and Saturday, October
20-21. Sponsored by the Midwest VHF/UHF Society and held for the first time
in Dayton, this conference offers an excellent opportunity to learn about
Amateur Radio microwave activity. Forum presentations are set for both days.
There will be a flea market Friday night, and the banquet (with door prize)
will be held Saturday evening. Full registration information is available on
the MUD 2006 Web site <http://www.microwaveupdate.org/>. Registration is $40
before September 30, $45 after September 30, and $50 at the door. Banquet
tickets are $30 per person. Registration includes a volume of the conference
Proceedings.

* Lifetime licenses for UK/Great Britain hams delayed: UK/Great Britain
telecommunications regulator Ofcom has announced that the implementation of
lifetime Amateur Radio licenses and revised license terms and conditions has
been postponed until December, the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB)
reports. After October 1, however, Amateur Radio licenses will be issued
free of charge. RSGB says Ofcom will begin issuing lifetime licenses and the
revised licensing terms and conditions in December. Free lifetime licenses
will be subject to validation at least every five years via the Ofcom Web
site. Changes to Amateur Radio regulations in the UK include eliminating the
need to maintain a log book, allowing radio amateurs to operate stations by
remote control, substantial alterations to emergency operations, and the
recognition of a number of additional user services. AMSAT-UK meanwhile has
welcomed Ofcom's decision to allow Foundation class licensees to access the
Amateur Satellite service as part of the revised amateur regulations. "This
will enable enthusiastic operators to experience the thrills and challenges
of space communications," AMSAT-UK said in a statement.

* Islands on the Air program announces Icom sponsorship deal: The Radio
Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has announced that Icom will become the new
corporate sponsor of its Islands on the Air (IOTA) program, effective
October 1. "This three-year worldwide sponsorship deal is a major boost to
IOTA both in the UK and internationally," the RSGB said. "Principally
involving sponsorship from both Icom UK and Icom America, this deal is set
to build this already-popular program into 2009 and beyond." RSGB says the
IOTA program has expanded significantly in recent years and now boasts tens
of thousands of participants. New Web-based software has been launched to
ease the filing and checking of award applications. Since IOTA's launch in
1964, both Yaesu and Kenwood have served as program sponsors. More
information on the program is on the IOTA Web site
<http://www.rsgbiota.org/index.php4>.

===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association For Amateur Radio, 225
Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential and general news
of interest to active radio amateurs. Visit the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org> for the latest Amateur Radio news and news updates.
The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> also offers informative features
and columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a
weekly "ham radio newscast" compiled and edited from The ARRL Letter. It's
also available as a podcast from our Web site.

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/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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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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cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this listserver.) 

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Sep 18 17:17:28 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Sep 18 17:20:19 2006
Subject: [CVRC] DCART Meeting Monday 18Sept06
In-Reply-To: <7.0.1.0.2.20060821120217.033fb2a0@charter.net>
References: <7.0.1.0.2.20060618235508.033b6ff0@charter.net>
	<7.0.1.0.2.20060717015319.0354aec0@charter.net>
	<7.0.1.0.2.20060821120217.033fb2a0@charter.net>
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060918141014.03408848@charter.net>

Hi all!

The September DCART meeting will be held tonight at 6:30PM, September 
18, 2006, 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.

This month our lesson will be a Red Cross Ahelter Operations.

See y'all there!

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W
Douglas County ARES EC

From n7acm at wadg.org  Mon Sep 18 13:52:49 2006
From: n7acm at wadg.org (Anthony Marcin, N7ACM)
Date: Mon Sep 18 20:03:38 2006
Subject: [CVRC] Tech Class - Oct 4 - Sparks
Message-ID: <20060918175249.84432.qmail@web82112.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

The Reno Spring Tech Class will be held starting Oct 4 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Dilworth Middle School in Sparks. This is a 6 week course with the 6th week the exam night. 

If you know of anyone wishing to get their license in a classroom setting this is their chance. 

They must register online below or by calling 775 353-5780 

https://ssl.washoe.k12.nv.us/community_ed/index.php?command=view_course&course_id=189 

We are partnering with the Washoe County School District - Community Education to hold these classes. 

Thanks 
Tony, N7ACM
From glennt at charter.net  Tue Sep 19 02:17:19 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Tue Sep 19 02:20:11 2006
Subject: [CVRC] Fwd: 2006 Frequency Measuring Test (FMT)
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060918231524.03560ec0@charter.net>

Hi all!

Mike, WA6ZTY passed this on for distribution.

73 de Glenn WB6W


>The sunspot cycle has not smiled on the W1AW's signals in the last 
>few FMT's making it difficult for West Coasters to hear it well 
>enough to make good measurements, so this years Frequency Measuring 
>Test (FMT) will be supplemented by a West Coast originated signal. 
>The signal will be transmitted exclusively on 40 meters from WA6ZTY 
>located in the San Francisco Bay Area (Albany) and the 400 watt 
>signal should be heard over a large part of the western US.
>
>The object of the contest is to make the most accurate frequency 
>measurement of either (or both) W1AW and WA6ZTY's transmissions. A 
>listing of results will appear in a subsequent edition of QST. The 
>transmission format begins with a series of QST's, followed by three 
>60 second keydown measuring periods, each ending with a train of 
>dits. Finally, it ends with a series of V's and station ID.
>
>The W1AW transmission will begin at 6:45 PM PST on Wednesday, 
>November 15th. Their 40 meter frequency will be somewhere between 
>7038 KHz and 7040 KHz. The WA6ZTY transmission will begin 45 minutes 
>later at 7:30 PM. The frequency will be somewhere between 7028 KHz 
>and 7030 KHz., the object is to measure exactly where. W1AW will 
>also be on the 160 and  80 meter bands. See the November issue of 
>QST for details.
>
>-WA6ZTY-

From dick at twohams.com  Tue Sep 19 12:12:16 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Sep 19 12:15:09 2006
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060919091134.034bb9f0@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
823 am PDT Tue Sep 19 2006

...Wind Advisory in effect until 8 PM PDT this evening...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect until 8 PM PDT this evening.

Southwest winds will increase to around 15 to 30 mph this morning
ahead of an approaching cold front. Gusts to 45 mph are expected
by early this afternoon especially in wind prone areas along
the Highway 395 corridor. Wind gusts over 60 mph are likely along
the Sierra crest. Winds are forecast to diminish this evening
after sunset.


A Wind Advisory means that wind gusts of 45 mph are expected.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for
high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Expires:192330 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.WI.Y.0023.060919T1600Z-060920T0300Z/

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Sep 21 18:11:53 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Sep 21 18:15:08 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD040 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060921151144.0407ae40@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD040
ARLD040 DX news

ZCZC AE40
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 40  ARLD040
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  September 21, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD040
ARLD040 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
IT9DAA, IT9MRM, TA3YJ, the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425 DX News, The
Daily DX, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and
WA7BNM web sites.  Thanks to all.

GEORGIA, 4L.  Look for 4L1DA to be a Single Band 20 meter entry in
the CQ WW RTTY contest.  QSL via W7LPF.

MONTENEGRO, 4O.  A group of operators will be QRV as YT6A as a
Multi/Multi entry in the CQ WW RTTY contest.  There is also activity
before and after the contest.

BARBADOS, 8P.  Dean, 8P6SH will be QRV as 8P2K as a Single Band 20
meter entry in the CQ WW RTTY contest.

URUGUAY, CX.  Pedro, CX5BW and others will be QRV as CX0TTY during
the CQ WW RTTY contest.  QSL via CX5BW.

CANARY ISLANDS, EA8.  Edu, EA8AUW will be QRV as EF8A in the CQ WW
RTTY contest as a Single Op/Single Band/High Power entry on 20
meters.  QSL to home call.

TAJIKISTAN, EY.  Nodir, EY8MM will be QRV in the CQ WW RTTY contest
as a Single Op/Single Band/High Power entry on 20 meters.  QSL via
K1BV.

ST. PIERRE AND MIQUELON, FP.  Roger, G3SXW and Nigel, G3TXF are QRV
as FP/G3SXW and FP/G3TXF, respectively, from Miquelon until
September 25.  They are using only CW.  QSL to home calls.

ITALY, I.  A team of operators will be QRV as II1ARU and II1ARD from
September 28 to October 1 in commemoration of the last ''haul down''
of the combat flag of two naval destroyers in the port of La Spezia.
Activity will be on all HF and V/UHF bands using CW, SSB and PSK.
QSL II1ARD and II1ARU via IS0SDX and IS0PGF, respectively.

DOMINICA, J7.  Karl, N1DL and George, W4LFK are QRV as J79DL and
J79MD, respectively, until September 27.  They will also be active
as J7R in the CQ WW RTTY contest.  QSL via N1DL.

SVALBARD, JW.  LA8DW and LA8XU will be QRV as JW8DW and JW8XU,
respectively, from Longyearbyen, IOTA EU-026, from September 25 to
October 1.  Activity is on all bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31.
QSL to home calls.

FINLAND, OH.  A group of Finnish operators will be QRV as OH2ET
during the CQ WW RTTY contest.

ARUBA, P4.  Nick, W4GKM plans to be QRV as P40KM.  This includes an
entry in the CQ WW RTTY contest.

SLOVENIA, S5.  Special event station S50FIRAC is QRV until September
30 in commemoration of the 45th International Federation of Railway
Radio Amateurs Congress.  Activity is on 40, 20 and 17 meters.  QSL
via S59DZL.

SWEDEN, SM.  A group of Swedish operators are QRV as SG3U from
Grimskar Island, IOTA EU-176, until September 24.  Activity is on
the HF bands using CW and SSB.  QSL via bureau.

TURKEY, TA.  Berkin, TA3J/4 will be QRV from Antalya-Baburnu
Lighthouse, ARLHS TUR-065, for the CQ WW RTTY contest as a Single
Op/Low Power/Single Band on 40 meters entry.  QSL via TA3YJ.

ICELAND, TF.  A group of operators will be QRV as TF4M in the CQ WW
RTTY contest as a Multi/Single entry.

CHAD, TT.  Philippe, F4EGS is QRV as TT8PK until November 20.
Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using SSB and various digital modes.
QSL to home call.

VENEZUELA, YV.  A large group of operators will be QRV as YX5IOTA
from La Tortuga Island, IOTA SA-044, from September 24 to 30.
Activity will be on all bands and modes.  QSL via IT9DAA.

MACEDONIA, Z3.  A group of Macedonian operators will be QRV as Z37M
in the CQ WW RTTY contest as a Multi Op entry.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The CQ Worldwide RTTY DX Contest,
Scandinavian Activity SSB Contest, Texas QSO Party, AGCW VHF/UHF
Contest, UBA ON CW Contest and the Fall QRP Homebrewer Sprint are
all scheduled for this weekend.  The Classic Exchange is scheduled
for September 24 and 25.  The 222 MHz Fall Sprint is scheduled for
September 26.  Please see September QST, page 95 and the ARRL and
WA7BNM contest websites for details.
NNNN
/EX

From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Sep 22 19:21:04 2006
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Sep 22 19:24:23 2006
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 38 (Sep 22, 2006)
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060922161815.035c4900@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 25, No. 38
September 22, 2006
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +LA-area radio jammer gets seven years in prison
* +ARRL vows to keep pressure on FCC re BPL interference complaints
* +New two-ham crew plus first female civilian onboard ISS
* +FCC warns apparently unlicensed users of ham bands
* +Australia's Foundation license nudges number of licensees upward
* +Club hosting WPA Convention cancels future hamfests
* +TAPR marks 25th anniversary
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
      Pension Protection Act streamlines charitable donations from IRAs
      US ARDF team member medals at World Foxhunting Championships
      N8IO is 2006 Allen Severson, AB8P, Memorial Award winner
      October K6YR West Coast Qualifying Run QST correction
     +Field Day 2006 "logs received" list now available
      AMSAT announces 2006 Board of Directors election results
      We stand corrected!

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

===========================================================
==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail
<letter-dlvy@arrl.org>
==>Editorial questions or comments only: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
<n1rl@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==>APOLOGETIC RADIO JAMMER JACK GERRITSEN GETS SEVEN YEARS, FINES

It was a day many radio amateurs in Southern California had been
anticipating for a long time. On September 18, US District Court Judge R.
Gary Klausner sentenced convicted radio jammer Jack Gerritsen, now 70, to
seven years imprisonment and imposed $15,225 in fines on six counts -- one a
felony -- that included willful and malicious interference with radio
communications and transmitting without a license. Before sentencing,
Gerritsen apologized to the federal government, the FCC and the local
Amateur Radio community, which had endured the brunt of Gerritsen's on-air
tirades and outright jamming. "I'm sorry, and I apologize to everyone here,"
Gerritsen told those in the courtroom, which included more than a dozen
radio amateurs and Gerritsen's family members. Gerritsen's contrition did
nothing to convince Klausner toward leniency.

"How many times have you said you would not do this again?" Klausner
reportedly asked Gerritsen, a repeat offender who served as his own attorney
during his trial. "But based on your history, you come back again and again
for this. I believe you will continue to do it, and it would send the wrong
message to others, that five years is not long enough either!"

The sentence even exceeded US District Attorney Lamar Baker's recommended
46-month sentence. Gerritsen could have received up to 15 years in federal
prison. Sentences on all counts will run concurrently.

The judge also tacked on two years' supervised probation following
Gerritsen's prison term, but he recommended Gerritsen remain in custody
during that period. Klausner further ordered Gerritsen to participate in a
substance-abuse program. He told Gerritsen he could not identify himself by
using any other means -- including his previously held Amateur Radio call
sign KG6IRO -- than his real name, and he prohibited Gerritsen from owning,
possessing or using any radio transmitting equipment.

The FCC fielded complaints of illegal radio transmissions linked to
Gerritsen for four years. According to court documents, the Commission's
investigation and signal tracking revealed that Gerritsen transmitted both
prerecorded messages and real-time harassment and profanity for hours at a
time. He often targeted local Amateur Radio repeater systems, precluding
their use by licensed operators, and hams were among the most vocal
complainants.

In May 2005 FBI agents, accompanied by FCC staff, arrested Gerritsen without
incident and seized his radio equipment. Released on $250,000 bond while
awaiting trial, Gerritsen remained in home detention, barred from possessing
any radio equipment.

The FCC already had fined Gerritsen $10,000 for violating its rules and the
Communications Act during his reign of radio terror. Just days before his
December 2005 trial, the Commission affirmed $42,000 in additional fines --
two $21,000 forfeitures. In doing so, the FCC rebuffed every argument
Gerritsen offered in response to each Notice of Apparent Liability,
including insistent "freedom of speech" claims. The government has yet to
collect anything from Gerritsen.

Following his nearly four-day trial, Gerritsen, who lives in Bell, was found
guilty on a felony count of causing malicious interference to a
communications system operated by the United States -- the US Coast Guard
Auxiliary -- during a 2004 search-and-rescue operation. He was convicted of
misdemeanors for interfering with American Red Cross radio transmissions in
early 2005 while the agency was preparing for disaster relief operations,
and for causing the cancellation of a US Army Reserve homeland security
training exercise in 2005 by interfering with US Army Military Affiliate
Radio System (MARS) communications. He also was convicted of transmitting on
Amateur Radio frequencies without a valid license on three separate
occasions in 2003 and 2004, all misdemeanors. The jury deliberated for less
than an hour before returning its verdict December 9. Gerritsen has been in
custody ever since.

In 2000, a state court convicted Gerritsen of interfering with a California
Highway Patrol radio system and sentenced him to a year in prison. After his
release, Gerritsen in 2001 successfully passed the Amateur Radio Technician
class examination, filed an application and received the call sign KG6IRO.
Just days later, however, the Commission realized its error -- granting a
license to someone convicted of interfering with Public Safety radio
frequencies -- and set aside the license. Claiming the FCC could not revoke
his operating privileges without a hearing, Gerritsen continued to identify
as KG6IRO in some of his transmissions.

==>LEAGUE PLEDGES TO PURSUE BPL INTERFERENCE COMPLAINTS, MULLs APPEAL

The League has vowed to maintain pressure on the FCC to act on complaints of
broadband over power line (BPL) interference to Amateur Radio. The FCC's
unanimous adoption August 3 of a Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) in
response to 15 petitions for reconsideration of the Commission's BPL rules
triggered the ARRL response. The MO&O went into effect September 22.

"We will aggressively pursue enforcement in BPL interference cases,"
promised ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ. "Those deploying
BPL systems that cause harmful interference to Amateur Radio will regret
it." An ARRL delegation met with FCC Enforcement Bureau and Office of
Engineering and Technology (OET) staffers August 16 to discuss the
Commission's response to BPL interference complaints.

The MO&O denied most requests that the FCC reconsider portions of its
October 2004 Order adopting rules to govern BPL systems. Several petitions
-- including one from ARRL
<http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/et04-37/recon_petition/BPL_RECON_PE
TITION_FINAL.pdf> -- called on the Commission to strengthen rules aimed at
protecting licensed radio systems from BPL interference. Instead, in a new
rule revealed when the FCC made the MO&O public, the FCC drew a line in the
sand regarding how much interference protection mobile operators deserve
from BPL systems.

?15.611(c)(1)(iii) provides that BPL operators do not have to reduce
emission levels below established FCC permissible limits by any more than 20
dB below 30 MHz and 10 dB above 30 MHz to resolve harmful interference
complaints. The FCC called these levels "modestly above the noise level."

ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, points out these levels would be
some 25 dB higher than the median values for man-made noise in residential
areas and up to 40 dB higher than the minimum values hams use for reliable
communication. The new rule does not apply to fixed stations.

"Egregious" was the word Sumner used to describe the action in his "It Seems
to Us" editorial appearing in October QST.

"Simply stated, this new rule is intolerable, and we do not accept it,"
Sumner wrote. "It is contrary to the FCC's obligations under the
international Radio Regulations as well as the Communications Act, to
protect radiocommunication services from harmful interference."

The FCC "has no authority to define away these obligations," Sumner stressed
in his editorial. "Harmful interference is harmful interference."

The MO&O also turned down a League request that the Commission reconsider
tightening the 40 dB per decade extrapolation factor employed for taking
emission measurements. The League argued that the 40 dB per decade
extrapolation factor, which has been in Part 15 for some time, may apply to
single-source emissions, but it underestimates actual field strength from
power lines.

Supported by Aeronautical Radio Inc (ARINC), the ARRL had wanted the FCC to
apply a 20 dB per decade extrapolation factor to measurements taken at 30
MHz and lower. The Order also turned down requests by licensed users,
including Amateur Radio operators, to exclude the use certain frequencies
for BPL operations.

The League is weighing the possibility of a judicial appeal of the FCC's
action to adopt the MO&O.

The Commission denied a BPL industry request to extend the effective date to
meet equipment certification requirements, but it did give BPL systems
another year to continue installing or replacing equipment that otherwise
meets the Part 15 rules in present coverage areas.

The MO&O also denied the BPL industry's request to drop the 30-day advance
notification requirement for the public BPL database. The advance
notification rule is aimed at alerting licensed spectrum to new BPL
deployments in their areas before operations begin.

==>SHIFT CHANGE: NEW TWO-HAM CREW, FIRST FEMALE CIVILIAN VISITOR ON ISS

The next International Space Station crew plus the first female civilian
visitor to the ISS now are onboard the space outpost after arriving on a
Soyuz transporter September 20. NASA astronaut and Expedition 14 crew
commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, KE5GTK, and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail
Tyurin, RZ3FT, are in the process of taking over for the Expedition 13 crew
of Commander Pavel Vinogradov, RV3BS, and NASA ISS Science Officer Jeff
Williams, KD5TVQ. This will mark Tyurin's second time as a space station
crew member. He was part of ISS Expedition 3 in 2001.

Along for the ride as a paying passenger aboard the Soyuz TMA-9 "taxi
flight" was US businesswoman Anousheh Ansari, who is visiting the ISS for
about 10 days under a contract with the Russian Federal Space Agency. Also
aboard the ISS is European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter, DF4TR,
whose duty tour will extend into Expedition 14--the first time that's
happened in the history of the ISS.

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program says
Ansari, 39, will carry out some Amateur Radio contacts during her stay in
space. On September 22, she spoke with students at George Washington
University, her alma mater. Since Ansari's accelerated training schedule did
not allow time for her to obtain a ham ticket before going into space, she
used NA1SS with Williams as the US-licensed control operator. Using RS0ISS,
Ansari got on the air for the first time September 21 and worked several US
hams. Plans call for her to be active at various times until Tuesday,
September 26.

A last-minute stand-in for Daisuke "Dice-K" Enomoto, Ansari ?- the fourth
private citizen and the first female civilian to fly to the ISS ?- trained
on the ARISS gear in Russia. She's indicated she'd like to get her Amateur
Radio license when she returns to Earth.

Reiter and Williams also had successful ARISS school contacts September 22,
marking the first time in the history of the program that three such QSOs
took place on the same day.

The Expedition 13 crew last weekend concluded a busy week of joint
operations with the six-member space shuttle Atlantis STS-115 crew. During
the mission, astronauts installed new solar arrays that will double the
amount of electrical power available onboard the ISS. During one spacewalk,
the astronauts retrieved the PCSat 2 Amateur Radio payload from the exterior
of the ISS.

==>FCC CITES ALLEGED UNLICENSED HAM BAND USERS

The FCC has notified several entities -- including two trucking companies
and a balloon festival sponsor -- regarding the alleged use of Amateur Radio
frequencies by unlicensed individuals. Special Counsel in the FCC Spectrum
Enforcement Division Riley Hollingsworth advised all of the parties that
unlicensed use of radio equipment not only can interfere with licensed users
but violates federal law and could lead to fines of up to $10,000.

"Information before the Commission indicates that at the 2005 International
Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque, there were numerous balloonists using
Amateur Radio Service and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radio
transmitting equipment without licenses," Hollingsworth wrote Paul Smith,
the event's executive director on August 23. "Both services require a
license from the Commission."

Hollingsworth told Smith that while the FCC encourages all balloonists to
use communication equipment of some kind, he'd like the Balloon Fiesta to
advise those participating in this year's event October 6-15 that unlicensed
operation is illegal. He invited Smith to post the Advisory Notice on the
event's Web site.

The Commission also contacted two trucking firms regarding alleged
unlicensed transmissions from tractor-trailer rigs on 10 meters earlier this
year. Hollingsworth sent a Warning Notice to Cardinal Express of Concord,
North Carolina, on August 28, and Melton Truck Lines of Tulsa, Oklahoma, on
August 30. The FCC cited information indicating that a Cardinal Express rig
on Interstate 85 in North Carolina was the source of radio transmissions on
28.085 MHz on August 2. Hollingsworth told Melton Truck Lines that the FCC
had information that one of its rigs, also on Interstate 85 in North
Carolina, transmitted on 28.085 MHz on June 11.

Hollingsworth warned the trucking firms that, in addition to fines and other
enforcement sanctions, operating transmitting equipment without a license
could land drivers in jail and lead to seizure of radio equipment. He
indicated this week that both trucking firms and their drivers have
contacted him in response to the warning notices and are cooperating with
the FCC.

The FCC sent a third Warning Notice to Parker Contracting of Panama City,
Florida, on August 21 citing allegations that the contractor's employees
have been operating unlicensed radio transmitting equipment on 145.020 MHz
and interfering with licensed users. Hollingsworth said the contractor
promptly contacted the Commission to report it had collected the Amateur
Radio transceivers and was applying for a business license.

On August 18, the FCC wrote Neva Poovey of Newton, North Carolina, citing
information indicating that she or someone in her residence had been
operating radio equipment that caused interference on 10 and 12 meters.
Hollingsworth noted that FCC records did not indicate a license authorizing
transmissions on those bands had been granted to anyone at Poovey's address.
Poovey's husband Michael responded to tell Hollingsworth he was testing "a
huge mobile linear" with another individual in his driveway. A nearby radio
amateur complained to the Commission after hearing the transmissions on the
two amateur bands.

A Technician class licensee in Puerto Rico -- Joaquin Diaz Fontanel, WP3BH,
of Humaco -- was the target of a Warning Notice sent August 28 regarding
alleged operation on 7.080 MHz, a frequency not available to Technician
class operators.

"Such operation may reflect adversely on your qualifications to retain and
Amateur Radio license," Hollingsworth warned.

==>FOUNDATION LICENSE BOOSTS AMATEUR RADIO NUMBERS IN AUSTRALIA

The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) <http://www.wia.org.au/> reports
that the number of new radio amateurs "down under" has grown by upward of
500 licensees -- 3.4 percent -- in the 11-month period ending August 1. WIA
credits the Foundation license with helping to reverse a trend of declining
ham radio numbers. Following the UK model, the Australian Communications and
Media Authority (ACMA) instituted the Foundation license in mid-October of
2005, and nearly 900 applicants have so far taken advantage of the new
entry-level ticket.

"There now seems little doubt that the WIA examination service will process
more than 1000 successful candidates in the first full year of assessing
Foundation license candidates," the WIA said. "It is now also apparent that
an increasing number of people are upgrading from Foundation to Standard and
Advanced, and feedback from assessors and several clubs offering training
confirms this trend will continue to accelerate over the coming months."

As of August 1 there were 14,204 radio amateurs in Australia, not counting
repeater or beacon licenses.

ACMA adopted a distinctive four-letter suffix starting with "F" for all VK
Foundation licensees. Holders enjoy limited access to 80, 40, 15 and 10
meters as well as the entire 2 meter and 70 cm bands using voice modes or
"hand-keyed" CW only (ie, no keyboard or computer-generated code) at 10 W or
less. Gibraltar also offers a Foundation license for beginners.

==>WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SECTION CONVENTION HOST CANCELS FUTURE HAMFESTS

Just two days after hosting the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
September 10, the Butler County Amateur Radio Association (BCARA)
<http://www.w3udx.org/> voted to throw in the towel and get out of the
hamfest business. The main reason, cited in the September issue of the
club's Tell-A-Ham newsletter, is a lack of member involvement.

"The few, dependable workers have burned out," wrote BCARA Treasurer Kevin
Berry, KF4RMA, who edits the newsletter and took on tasks this year as
hamfest vendor chairman, parking chairman, treasurer and flyer preparation,
among others. According to the newsletter, fewer that one-quarter of the
club's 80 members pitched in to make the hamfest happen this year, and
nearly all handled multiple duties during the event.

The September 10 gathering at the Butler County Farm Show Fairgrounds was
the club's 29th annual hamfest. Whether it's also the last, BCARA President
Jim Love, W1JHL, told ARRL, is in the hands of the membership.

"If we can get the manpower that is required to support the hamfest we will
continue the tradition," he said. "However, this year, as in the recent
past, we have not received the needed help."

==>DIGITAL PIONEER TAPR CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT DCC

Some 100 communication enthusiasts gathered in Tucson, Arizona, September
15-17 for the TAPR/ARRL Digital Communications Conference (DCC). This
conference marked the 25th anniversary of the formation of TAPR
<http://www.tapr.org> -- Tucson Amateur Packet Radio.

TAPR was one of the driving forces behind the packet radio revolution that
began in the middle 1980s, and it continues to be at the cutting edge of
Amateur Radio innovation. In recent years, the organization has moved away
from its full name, Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Corporation, and begun to
identify itself solely as "TAPR." As its president David Toth, VE3GYQ,
explained earlier this year, "We're not just about packet radio anymore, and
we haven't been just about packet radio for some time." TAPR has broadened
its scope into the entire arena of packet and digital communications. It
also offers kits for experimenters.

DCC 2006 topics included progress reports on the status of the Eagle Project
<http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/eagle/index.php>, the next high-altitude
satellite planned by AMSAT-NA, as well as developments in software-defined
transceivers and APRS <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/aprs/>. During the
event, Kenwood displayed a new 2 meter/70 cm transceiver, which will come on
the market early next year and does not yet have a model number.

TAPR has announced that Eric Ellison, AA4SW, and Scott Cowling, WA2DFI, have
been elected as new members of the TAPR Board of Directors. John Koster,
W9DDD, was re-elected to a new term on the Board.

QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, represented ARRL Headquarters at the
conference. Other ARRL family members on hand for the 2006 TAPR/ARRL DCC
included Southwestern Division Vice Director Ned Stearns, AA7A, Arizona
Section Manager Tom Fagan, WB7NXH, and ARRL Honorary Vice President Fried
Heyn, WA6WZO.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Sun gazer Tad "Hey, Mister Sun" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports:
Average daily sunspot numbers this week were down nearly by 31 points to
13.4, and average daily solar flux declined by more than 8 points to 77.
Sunday through Thursday of this week, the sunspot number was 11 on all five
days. Sunspot activity should remain low.

This week a coronal wind stream caused a geomagnetic disturbance centered on
September 18. A week ago, on Friday, September 15, geomagnetic conditions
were very stable. The mid-latitude K index throughout the day was zero on
all eight readings, so the mid-latitude A index was also zero. Even the
high-latitude college A index near Fairbanks, Alaska, was zero that day.

Due to a recurring coronal hole, we may see a rise in geomagnetic activity
this weekend, with the planetary A index predicted at a low of 5 on Friday,
then rising to 20 on Saturday, September 23.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.

Sunspot numbers for September 14 through 20 were 25, 12, 13, 11, 11, 11 and
11, with a mean of 13.4. 10.7 cm flux was 82.8, 80.1, 79.2, 78, 74.4, 73.4,
and 70.9, with a mean of 77. Estimated planetary A indices were 6, 3, 3, 16,
24, 12 and 5, with a mean of 9.9. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4,
0, 1, 9, 16, 8 and 3, with a mean of 5.9.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY), the
Scandinavian Activity Contest (SSB), the Texas QSO Party, the AGCW VHF/UHF
Contest and the UBA ON Contest (CW) are the weekend of September 23-24. The
Fall QRP Homebrewer Sprint is September 25. The 222 MHz Fall Sprint is
September 26. JUST AHEAD: The CIS DX Contest, the Arkansas QSO Party, and
the F.I.S.T.S. Coast to Coast Contest are the weekend of September
30-October 1. The UBA ON Contest and the RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest are October
1. The ARS Spartan Sprint and the German Telegraphy Contest are October 3.
The YLRL Anniversary Party (CW) is October 3-5. The 432 MHz Fall Sprint is
October 4. The SARL 80-Meter QSO Party is October 5. The TARA PSK Rumble
Contest is Octobe 6. 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 remains open through Sunday, September 24, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education (CCE) program online courses: Amateur
Radio Emergency Communications Level 1 (EC-001), Radio Frequency
Interference (EC-006), Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009), Analog
Electronics (EC-012) and Digital Electronics (EC-013). Classes begin on
Friday, October 6. These courses will also open for registration Friday,
September 22, for classes beginning Friday, November 3. To learn more, visit
the CCE Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or
contact the CCE Department <cce@arrl.org>.

* Pension Protection Act streamlines charitable donations from IRAs: The
ARRL Development Office <http://www.arrl.org/development/> notes that a
provision of the new Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006 offers an
opportunity for certain IRA holders to give something back to Amateur Radio
by donating to the Spectrum Defense Fund, to the ARRL Education and
Technology Fund or for the ARRL Diamond Club -- which provides flexible
funding for a variety of programs not supported by member dues. "Individuals
who are at least 70-1/2 and support nonprofits of their choice may use IRA
or Roth IRA assets as a convenient, tax-efficient source to make
contributions while conserving non-IRA assets," ARRL Chief Development
Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, points out. "Contributions must be made directly
from the IRA to the organization, not to a donor-advised fund, gift annuity
or trust." Hobart says contributions of up to $100,000 may be made during
each of two years -- by December 31, 2006, and by December 31, 2007. "A
direct contribution from an IRA to a qualified organization is excluded from
income," she emphasizes. Hobart urges prospective donors to consult with a
financial advisor before taking advantage of this opportunity. Contact
Hobart <mhobart@arrl.org> for more information (860-594-0397).

* US ARDF team member medals at World Foxhunting Championships: The US
Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) team has brought home its first medal
from the ARDF World Championships. Nadia Scharlau of Cary, North Carolina
(photo), received bronze in her age/gender category at this year's world
foxhunting trials, which concluded September 16 in Primorsko, Bulgaria.
Nadia is the wife of Charles Scharlau, NZ0I, who also competed. The couple
co-chaired the Sixth USA National ARDF Championships
<http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2006/05/05/1/> last April in North
Carolina. "Thirteen radio-orienteers from eight states traveled to Bulgaria
for this year's world championships," reports ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe
Moell, K0OV. "With radio gear, maps and compasses, they took to the forests
to face the best on-foot transmitter hunters from 30 countries in separate
competitions on the 2 meter and 80 meter bands." The Bulgaria competition
marked Team USA's fifth trip to the World Championships. There's more
information about championship foxhunting and ARDF Team USA on Moell's
Homing In Web site <http://www.homingin.com>.

* N8IO is 2006 Allen Severson, AB8P, Memorial Award winner: Connie Hamilton,
N8IO, of Marietta, Ohio, has been named the 13th recipient of the Allen
Severson, AB8P, Memorial Award. Ohio ARRL Section Manager Joe Phillips,
K8QOE, announced the award winner September 16 during the 2006 Ohio Section
Conference. "In every thing she does for Ohio hams, Connie exemplifies the
spirit of the late Mr. Severson," Phillips said. The award recognizes
Hamilton's dedicated work in representing the ARRL in Southeast Ohio, as net
manager of the Ohio Single Sideband Net (OSSBN) and as Assistant SM for
Southeast Ohio. Named for the late ARRL Great Lakes Division Director, the
Severson award formerly was known as the "Ohio Ham of the Year." Severson,
who died in 1997, also was a past Ohio SM. Licensed in 1977 as WD8MIO,
Hamilton joined the OSSBN to take up traffic handling the very next year. In
the early 1980s, she served as manager of the 8th call area Region Cycle 2
and received the OSSBN Merit Award in 1982. She's been elected to several
terms as OSSBN net manager.

* October K6YR West Coast Qualifying Run QST correction: The October issue
of QST, now on its way to members, on page 101 indicates incorrect Morse
code speeds for the October West Coast Qualifying Run, which gets under way
at 9 PM PDT, Wednesday, October 11 (0400 UTC October 12). The correct speed
range for the October West Coast Qualifying Run is 10 to 35 WPM. K6YR
transmits the West Coast Qualifying Run on approximately 3.590 MHz.

* Field Day 2006 "logs received" list now available: The complete list of
logs received for ARRL Field Day 2006 has been posted on the League Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/claimed/repyynbAQ.html>. It includes all
electronic, paper and Web applet submissions. Report any errors or omissions
to ARRL Contest Branch Manager Tom Hogerty, KC1J <contests@arrl.org>. If you
submitted electronically, have your receipt available. The Contest Soapbox
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/soapbox/> includes comments and photographs
posted by Field Day 2006 participants (and other operating events). You may
post stories and photos from your operation too!

* AMSAT announces 2006 Board of Directors election results: AMSAT-NA has
announced the results of its 2006 election for Board of Directors. Elected
as directors were Tom Clark, K3IO, with 800 votes; Lou McFadin, W5DID, with
652 votes, and Bob McGwier, N4HY, with 647 votes. Lee McLamb, KU4OS, got 321
votes to be first alternate, while Paul Shuch, N6TX, picked up 312 votes to
be second alternate. Directors serve two-year terms. AMSAT Manager Martha
Saragovitz reports that members cast a total of 937 votes.--AMSAT News
Service

* We stand corrected! The article "Chip Margelli, K7JA, Moves to Heil Sound
Ltd" in The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 37, contained some incorrect information
regarding Bob Heil, K9EID. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Communications Coordinator Jenny Steadman notes that while the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame and Museum has a Heil exhibit and that the Museum recognizes
Heil's contribution to the music industry, "Bob Heil is not an inductee of
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." The article "ARRL Granted Experimental
License for 500 KHz Research by Radio Amateurs" in the same edition included
some incorrect information regarding KPH. As Phil Kane, K2ASP, notes: Coast
station KPH is licensed to Globe Wireless. Maritime Radio Historical Society
station KSM staff members use the former KPH facilities on special
occasions. The US National Park Service owns the former KPH facilities as
part of the Point Reyes National Seashore.

===========================================================
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Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association For Amateur Radio, 225
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From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Sep 22 23:46:39 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Sep 22 23:49:56 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP039 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060922204604.035c4900@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP039
ARLP039 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP39
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 39  ARLP039
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  September 22, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP039
ARLP039 Propagation de K7RA

Average daily sunspot numbers this week were down nearly 31 points
to 13.4, and average daily solar flux declined over 8 points to 77.
Sunday through Thursday of this week, the sunspot number was 11 on
all five days.  Sunspot activity should remain low.

This week a coronal wind stream caused a geomagnetic disturbance
centered on September 18.  A week ago, on Friday, September 15,
geomagnetic conditions were very stable.  The mid-latitude K index
throughout the day was zero on all eight readings, and so the
mid-latitude A index was also zero.  Even the high latitude college
A index near Fairbanks, Alaska was zero that day.

Due to a recurring coronal hole, we may see a rise in geomagnetic
activity this weekend, with the planetary A index predicted at a low
of 5 on Friday, then rising to 20 on Saturday, September 23.

Today a group of satellites should be launched that will give
3-dimensional views of solar flares.  The plan is to view flares
from two satellites, spaced far enough apart to give stereo vision.
Jerry Reimer sent a link to an article about this in Britain's
Sunday Times. Read it at http://tinyurl.com/rejj8.

Yvone Dubois, KE7HTQ of Phoenix asks, ''Where can I find propagation
charts old style, like they used to be published in QST for
decades?''

The charts have moved from the magazine to the web.  Find them at
http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service at
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html. An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/ .

Sunspot numbers for September 14 through 20 were 25, 12, 13, 11, 11,
11 and 11 with a mean of 13.4. 10.7 cm flux was 82.8, 80.1, 79.2,
78, 74.4, 73.4, and 70.9, with a mean of 77. Estimated planetary A
indices were 6, 3, 3, 16, 24, 12 and 5 with a mean of 9.9. Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 4, 0, 1, 9, 16, 8 and 3, with a mean of
5.9.
NNNN
/EX

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Sep 25 00:19:07 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Sep 25 00:31:40 2006
Subject: [CVRC] DCART net 6:30PM 25Sep06Monday night
In-Reply-To: <64279115.1156808192010.JavaMail.root@fepweb07>
References: <64279115.1156808192010.JavaMail.root@fepweb07>
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060924210827.03460bb8@charter.net>

Hi all!

Just a reminder that the DCART net will be Monday night (25Sep06) at 
1830L on the 147.27+ and 441.250+ (both pl 123) repeater.

The net script (freshly revised) is available at 
http://nv.arrl.org/clubs/DCART/netscript.html. This week net control 
duties will be ably handled by Jo Ann Paul N7MBM.

The net format is changing a little. This week we will begin 
presenting the contents of the ICS-100 course. Each week we will 
present a lesson (or part of a lesson) until all of the class 
material has been covered. When we have completed the ICS-100 
material, those who have participated in all of the net sessions 
should have no trouble passing the on-line ICS-100 test and become 
certified. After we complete the ICS-100 material, we will continue 
with the ICS-200 material.

Also, the net checkin format has changed a little. When you check in, 
please a question from tonights lesson if there is something you are 
unsure about or provide an answer to a question that someone before 
you has asked.

The ICS "FOG", ICS 420-1 Field Operations Guide is an excellent 
reference book for this and other ICS issues. We have distributed a 
few copies in the past at DCART meetings. We will attempt to identify 
a source of additional copies for those who would like a copy.

Note that we have a change to the standard DCART frequencies. In the 
event that the W7DI repeater is down during a callup, we will use the 
repeater output frequency, 147.27 as a simplex channel.

See you on net!

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W

From dick at twohams.com  Tue Sep 26 13:10:24 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Sep 26 13:14:09 2006
Subject: [CVRC] Emcommwest Planning Session Announcement
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060926100831.0333bbe0@mail.greatbasin.net>

There will be an Emcommwest planning session on Saturday, September 30, at 
10:00 a.m. Pacific in the board room of the National Weather Service in Reno.

Everyone who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to attend.  If you 
have any questions, contact Dee Arnold at deearnold@aol.com.
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From xppq at ispwest.com  Tue Sep 26 14:00:40 2006
From: xppq at ispwest.com (Josh)
Date: Tue Sep 26 14:15:04 2006
Subject: [CVRC] FS: Icom IC-725
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060926105941.00c46998@mail.greatbasin.net>

FOR SALE :
I have  very clean ICOM transceiver
IC 725 with narrow 250 hz filter installed
manual, power cord  ( no microphone)
has brand new FREQ READOUT DISPLAY
( old one was very dim) and recently
ALIGNED by former ICOM technician.

$ 395  takes it

I am in Dayton NV
Josh N7XM   xppq@ispwest.com  


From dick at twohams.com  Fri Sep 29 00:24:22 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Sep 29 00:28:12 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD041 DX news
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060928212350.00c5b720@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD041
ARLD041 DX news

ZCZC AE41
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 41  ARLD041
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  September 28, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD041
ARLD041 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425 DX News, The Daily DX, Contest Corral
from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites.  Thanks
to all.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CON_GO, 9Q.  SM5DIC, F5LTB and VE2EK are QRV
as 9Q1D, 9Q1TB and 9Q1EK, respectively.  Activity is on the HF bands
using CW and SSB when conditions permit.  QSL to home calls.

BOTSWANA, A2.  Hardy is QRV as A25/DF3GY and has been active on 20,
17 and 15 meters using RTTY at various times.  QSL to home call.

TAIWAN, BV.  Juergen, DJ3KR will be QRV as BX3/homecall from
September 30 to October 18.  QSL to home call.

CAPE VERDE, D4.  Angelo, D44BS has been active on 17 meters around
1700z.  He will soon be active on 6 meters as well.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Station DT8A has been active on 20 meters
using RTTY around 2300z.

ISLAND OF MAN, GD.  Operators GD0BPS, MD/K8DD, MD/AC8W and MD/W4DU
are QRV until October 4.  Activity is on 80 to 12 meters using CW,
SSB and digital modes using mostly QRP power.  QSL to home calls.

HUNGARY, HA.  Special event stations HA506NF and HA501DAE will be
QRV from October 1 to December 31 to commemorate the Hungarian
uprising of 50 years ago.  QSL via HA6NF and HA1DAE, respectively.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HI.  Antonio, IW2OAZ will QRV as HI8/IW2AOZ from
October 2 to 28.  He will be active 20 and 17 meters using SSB and
RTTY.  He plans to operate from Catalina Island on October 26 and
27.  QSL via the bureau.

JAPAN, JA.  JJ4UEL/4 is QRV from Nino Island, IOTA AS-117.  Activity
is on all HF bands using SSB.  QSL to home call.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Oleg is QRV as LU/R1ANF from the Argentine
Jubany Base and has been active on 40, 30 and 20 meters using CW.
QSL via RK1PWA.

ARUBA, P4.  Larry, WO0Z will be QRV as P40LL from September 30 to
October 6.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and
possibly RTTY.  QSL to home call.

BONAIRE, CURACAO, PJ2.  Peter, PA3CNX will be QRV as PJ4/PA3CNX from
Bonaire, IOTA SA-006, from October 1 to November 3.  Activity will
be on 80 to 6 meters using CW and SSB, mostly between 2000 to 0200z.
QSL to home call.

ANTARCTICA.  Alex, UA1ZCK is QRV as R1ANC Vostok Base, IOTA AN-016.
He is usually QRV on 20 meters around 0600 to 1000z.  QSL via RU1ZC.

FRANZ JOSEF LAND, R1FJ.  Station R1FJT has been QRV on 20 meters
from around 1200 to 1500z.  QSL via UA4RC.

SUDAN, ST.  Jovica is QRV as ST2A and has been QRV on 30 meters
between 1800 and 1930z.  QSL via T93Y.

CORSICA, TK.  Members of the Equipo de DX4DX are QRV as TK9Z until
October 5.  Activity is 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and
PSK.  QSL via EA4BT.

NAMIBIA, V5.  Operators V5/DJ8VC, V5/DF6QP and V5/DL8JS are QRV
until October 13.  Activity is on all bands, especially on 20
meters.  QSL to home calls.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, VP2V.  Dave, AH6HY is QRV as VP2V/AH6HY
until October 3 from Tortola, IOTA NA-023.  Activity is on 20, 17
and 15 meters using SSB.  QSL direct to home call.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The CIS DX Contest, TOEC WW Grid CW
Contest, Arkansas QSO Party, FISTS Coast to Coast CW Contest, the
UBA ON 6-Meter Contest and the RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest are all
scheduled for this weekend.  The ARS Spartan CW Sprint and German
Telegraphy Contest are scheduled for October 3.  The YLRL
Anniversary CW Party is scheduled for October 3 to 5.  The 432 MHz
Fall Sprint is scheduled for October 4.  Please see October QST,
page 101 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.
NNNN
/EX 

From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Sep 29 12:11:22 2006
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Sep 29 12:15:15 2006
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP040 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060929091115.00c263a0@mail.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP040
ARLP040 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP40
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 40  ARLP040
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  September 29, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP040
ARLP040 Propagation de K7RA

Average daily sunspot numbers were down again this week, but only by
less than one point, to 12.7. Average daily solar flux was down five
points from the previous week to 72. Geomagnetic indices were down,
also by a small amount.

The Air Force projects that today, September 29, geomagnetic
conditions will be quiet, with a planetary A index of 8, rising to
15, then 20 on Sunday, and dropping back to 8 on Monday, October 2.
Currently the interplanetary magnetic field is pointed south, which
signals that Earth is vulnerable to solar flares or solar wind from
coronal holes. Sunspots 913 and 914 are rotating into view, and
sunspot number and solar flux should rise slightly by Monday.

Geophysical Institute Prague projects unsettled conditions for
September 29, quiet conditions on September 30, unsettled to active
conditions on October 1, unsettled October 2, quiet to unsettled for
October 3, then quiet conditions on October 4-5.

Bill Huntimer, KI0CW in Dell Rapids, South Dakota wrote to ask,
"Would you explain what sunspots do to radio interference?"

Sunspots can be great for HF radio propagation. The more sunspots we
see, the greater the density of charged particles in the ionosphere,
which reflect or refract radio waves. Higher densities mean higher
frequencies can propagate worldwide, instead of just passing through
the ionosphere and off into space. When there are sunspots, there is
also the possibility of other solar activity, such as solar flares,
and holes in the Sun's corona, which can spew out a solar wind of
charged particles. These particles, as well as x-rays from flares,
may disturb the Earth's magnetic field, and cause charged particles
in the ionosphere to re-combine, canceling the charge. Lower density
of charged particles means that the Maximum Usable Frequency is
lower. In addition, polar cap absorption occurs, so propagation over
the poles becomes poor.

Sometimes in the media, we may hear of interference to broadcast TV
or FM radio signals related to sunspots. The interference can be
from distant stations, when listeners are accustomed to hearing only
local stations. The interference is actually due to improved
propagation.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service at,
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html. An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/ .

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

Sunspot numbers for September 21 through 27 were 11, 17, 13, 13, 11,
13 and 11 with a mean of 12.7. 10.7 cm flux was 71.4, 72.3, 70.4,
69.8, 70.2, 70.7, and 72, with a mean of 71. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 3, 9, 23, 6, 6 and 4 with a mean of 7.9. Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 2, 1, 7, 15, 6, 5 and 2, with a mean of
5.4.
NNNN
/EX

From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Sep 29 18:11:14 2006
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Sep 29 18:15:11 2006
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 39
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060929150623.00c263a0@mail.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 25, No. 39
September 29, 2006
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* +500 kHz experiment reports first QSO
* +Kentucky ARES fills communication gap following flooding
* +Ham radio in space triple-header sets new ARISS benchmark
* +K0CA appointed ARRL Midwest Division Vice Director
* +FCC opens new Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
* +Digital modes part of communication mix for Georgia drill
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
      This weekend on the radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     +New member of ARRL family arrives
      Past Georgia SCM/SM Eddy Kosobucki, K4JNL, SK
      ISS Expedition 3 Commander Ken Bowersox, KD5JBP, leaving NASA
      Broadcaster-radio amateur receives national radio award
      Post-2001 IRCs bear expiration dates
      WRTC 2006 QSL cards ready to roll
      We stand corrected!

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

===========================================================
==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail
<letter-dlvy@arrl.org>
==>Editorial questions or comments only: Rick Lindquist, N1RL,
<n1rl@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==>ARRL 500 kHz EXPERIMENT IN ORGANIZATIONAL PHASE

The project manager for the ARRL 500-kHz experiment, Fritz Raab, W1FR, says
The 500 KC Experimental Group for Amateur Radio is still in the
organizational stages but has already recorded its first two-way contact.
The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology on September 13 granted Part
5 experimental license WD2XSH to the ARRL on behalf of a group of radio
amateurs interested in investigating the LF spectrum. The two-year
authorization permits experimentation and research between 505 and 510 kHz
(600 meters) using narrowband modes at power levels of up to 20 W effective
radiated power (ERP).

"It will probably be a free for all through October as guys get their
stations on the air," Raab told ARRL Headquarters. "The Midwest stations
will be limited to 505 to 508 kHz for the time being, and the rest can use
505 to 510 kHz." He said a couple of the WD2XSH participants got on the air
the day after the license was issued, and several others activated the first
week, generating a number of reception reports.

"Many are for distances of about 300 miles, of course, but some are much
longer," Raab told ARRL Headquarters. He reports that W0RPK in Iowa copied
the WD2XSH/20 station in Oregon early on September 26 - a distance of 1500
miles.

The first QSO took place September 21 between the stations in Tennessee and
North Carolina - a distance of some 300 miles.

Raab eventually would like to see at least a secondary 600-meter Amateur
Radio allocation from 495 to 510 kHz. He envisions eventual use of the
spectrum to provide Amateur Radio emergency communication via groundwave.

Announcement of the license grant earlier this month brought a few requests
from radio amateurs interested in joining the experimental group. Raab says
there are no plans to expand the group's membership, however. He does invite
reception reports of transmissions made by group members
<http://w5jgv.com/500kcreportform.htm>.

For the time being, the WD2XSH group is only using CW. The ARRL Part 5
application had requested permission to use both CW and PSK31, but the
license grant omitted the latter mode. Raab says he's working to secure
permission to add PSK31 to the grant.

During October, the 21-station experimental group will develop a band plan
that assigns frequencies for QRSS -- very slow speed CW -- as well as for CW
beacons and for two-way communication, Raab said. WD2XSH participant Conrad
Murray, WS4S (WD2XSH/11) reports he's transmitting a QRSS beacon on an
irregular basis on 505.505 kHz from his Tennessee QTH.

News of the WD2XSH license grant opened another line of communication for
Raab. "The announcement brought me a bunch of e-mails, and contact with
someone I knew from college and hadn't seen since the 1970s," he said.

More information is on the 500 kc Experimental Group for Amateur Radio Web
site <http://www.500kc.com/>.

==>AMATEUR RADIO FILLS COMMUNICATION GAP DURING WEEKEND FLOODING

When telephone and Internet service in Kentucky fell victim to flooding over
the September 22-24 weekend, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams
took over to bridge the communication gap. Kentucky ARRL Section Emergency
Coordinator Ron Dodson, KA4MAP, says the deluge, the product of up to nearly
10 inches of rain in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, resulted in states of
emergency in 19 Kentucky counties and 12 cities, including Frankfort, the
capital. Dodson says the high water, which evoked memories of severe
flooding in March 1997, left at least 10 dead and many others homeless.

"All phone communications to the state emergency operations center (EOC)
went down as early as 2 AM Saturday, returned and then went out a second
time around 5 AM," Dodson reports. Emergency managers contacted Dodson to
activate the Kentucky Emergency Net on 3.993.5 MHz to provide support
communication between the EOC and Kentucky's 120 counties.

Dodson says telephone service in the EOC came back around mid-morning on
September 23, although the Kentucky Emergency Net remained in operation as
heavy rainfall began in western Kentucky.

"Within minutes, Shelby Ennis, W8WN, in Hardin County reported via the K4ULW
146.625 repeater that all telephone service, including the Hardin County
E-911 facility, had gone down," Dodson said. "Cell phones soon overloaded
and also shut down, basically stranding the whole county without outside
contact except via Amateur Radio." He explained that conventional telephone
systems failed in Hardin County because the provider had installed all its
systems in a basement area that flooded.

For the next several hours, Dodson said, communication between the state EOC
and Hardin County took place via the Bullitt Amateur Radio Society's KY4KY
146.700 repeater in Brooks. "The American Red Cross headquarters in
Louisville also used this machine to communicate with their shelter and
Hardin County emergency management," Dodson said. While the KY4KY repeater
supported command-and-control communication, other operations took place via
the W4BEJ 146.98 repeater in Elizabethtown and the neighboring K4ULW 146.625
repeater in Meade County.

Communications Supervisor Bob Stephens, WA4CMO, of the Kentucky Department
of Military Affairs said the Kentucky Emergency Management command vehicle
was positioned adjacent to the state EOC to provide communication on both
Amateur Radio and MARS frequencies. Pat Compton, KF4FMZ, and Bull Uschan,
K4MIS, staffed the Amateur Radio side, while Richard Howe, KB5WCH,
represented the Civil Air Patrol during the Saturday operation, which
continued for several hours.

"We operated all systems during the afternoon and provided critical
communication between the EOC and Hardin and Meade counties," Stephens
reported.

The American Red Cross summoned members of ARES District 6 -- the
Louisville/Jefferson County Metro area -- to assist with damage assessments
and to maintain communication with the Hardin County shelter operation.
According to Jefferson County Emergency Coordinator John Hesse, KF4IZS,
those operations continued on Sunday as additional damage assessment details
deployed in Louisville and in Fisherville in Spencer County.

The Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross also contacted
Woodford County EC Jerry Mueller, KC4WZO, Sunday morning seeking Amateur
Radio volunteers to support communication in the flooded Millville area.
"The Red Cross had three disaster relief teams in the Millville area, and
cell phone communication was not reliable," Dodson said.

Paul Harrington, KB4ENQ, Rob Hutchinson, KI4ODT, and Mueller responded,
joined by Compton from the Capitol Amateur Radio Society. Hutchinson and
Compton went to Millville for several hours to provide communication for the
Red Cross and to help deliver meals, drinks, ice and supplies. Harrington
and Mueller remained at the Red Cross Chapter to handle net duties in case
communication assistance was needed in another area.

Dodson said Stephens told him afterward that Kentucky Adjutant General Lt
Gen Donald Storm and Kentucky Division of Emergency Management Director Maj
Gen Maxwell Bailey "were pleased with the way Amateur Radio functioned in
providing communication when all else failed. They extend their thanks to
those amateurs who gave of themselves in this effort."

==>CIVILIAN SPACE TRAVELER, ASTRONAUTS PULL OFF ARISS HAM RADIO TRIPLE
HEADER

Students at three schools participated in a bit of ham radio history Friday,
September 22, when they spoke with the International Space Station's first
female civilian space visitor and two astronauts. The Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) program sponsored the separate, direct
VHF contacts with US civilian space traveler Anousheh Ansari, European Space
Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, DF4TR, and US astronaut Jeff Williams,
KD5TVQ. Ansari told students gathered at George Washington University, her
alma mater, that everything looks "so beautiful" from the ISS.

"It's great up here," Ansari told the students, "The weightlessness feels
fantastic. It's like floating like a feather."

Youngsters from Washington, DC-area elementary and middle and high schools
joined GWU students in interviewing Ansari, who spoke via NA1SS with
Williams as the control operator. Ansari, who returned to Earth September 28
with Williams and ISS Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov, RV3BS, said
she misses her family on Earth, but "otherwise, I think I'm just going to
stay up here," she quipped.

Goddard Amateur Radio Club (GARC) members set up and operated the necessary
station equipment for the contact between NA1SS and GWU Earth station
KE4GDU.

In addition to the GWU event, Ansari, using the Russian RS0ISS call sign,
made random Amateur Radio contacts during her ISS stay with a number of hams
around the world. At one point she was seeking stations in her native Iran.

Space Adventures Ltd arranged with the Russian Space Agency for Ansari to
join the Expedition 14 team of Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, KE5GTK, and
cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, RZ3FT, on the Soyuz "taxi flight" to the ISS last
week.

Earlier on that same orbit, during a contact arranged by the ESA in
cooperation with ARISS, Reiter chatted via HB4FR with students at the
Gymnase Intercantonal de la Broye, in Payerne, Switzerland, using the German
DP0ISS call sign. The contact was conducted in English.

Reiter answered eight questions from the 15 to 17 year olds - 22 in all - as
50 onlookers gathered around the radio and another 350 witnessed the contact
via an Amateur TV link. The contact attracted media coverage from several TV
outlets and newspapers.

The school set up for the contact in the museum Clin d'Ailes at the Payerne
Swiss Air Force Base, the home of HB4FR. First to greet Thomas on the air
was his friend and Museum Foundation President Claude Nicollier, HB9CN, the
first Swiss astronaut. The event was part of "Swiss Space Days" activities
organized by the Swiss Astronautics Association.

During the five-minute radio contact, eight students got to ask questions.
Responding to one of them, Reiter said the ISS crew has been trying to spot
the Great Wall of China from space but has not been successful. He said he'd
make another attempt and see if he could get a photo. Reiter this week
officially became part of the ISS Expedition 14 crew.

On the following ISS orbit, Williams answered questions put to him by
students at Crete-Monee Middle School in Crete, Illinois. The contact was
Williams's 15th and final school QSO of his ISS duty tour before he headed
home September 28. Williams told the youngsters that while he was looking
forward to returning to Earth and reuniting with his family, his time in
space has been both exhilarating and very rewarding "for all the obvious
reasons."

As Williams put it: "Getting here is very exciting, being here is very
exciting with all the unique things you can do in weightlessness and the
unique things you can see from here, and, of course, going home's going to
be pretty exciting too."

Williams said eating in space can be difficult "if you don't manage your
food" in the microgravity environment where meals won't simply sit on a
plate. "It's a lot of fun to play with your food," he added.

As the approximately nine-minute contact between NA1SS and AJ9N drew to a
close, Williams urged the students to set their goals high and "go for
them!" An audience of 800 - mostly other students - was on hand, and
representatives from two TV stations and a local newspaper showed up to
report the event. Members of the Lake County Amateur Radio Club (LARC) and
the Kankakee Amateur Radio Society (KARS) set up the station at the school
for the ARISS contact, and audio was streamed onto the KARS W9AZ repeater.

The Expedition 13 of Vinogradov and Williams returned to Earth September 29
(UTC) in the steppes of Kazakhstan. The Soyuz TMA-8 spacecraft landed some
50 miles northeast of Arkalyk, and Russian recovery forces and NASA
officials arrived at the site shortly after touchdown.

ARISS <http://www.rac.ca/ariss> is an international educational outreach
with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.

==>CLIFF AHRENS, K0CA, APPOINTED ARRL MIDWEST DIVISION VICE DIRECTOR

Cliff Ahrens, K0CA, of Hannibal, Missouri, is the new ARRL Midwest Division
Vice Director. ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, announced the appointment
September 26. Ahrens, an appellate court judge, succeeds Bruce Frahm, K0BJ,
who became Midwest Division Director following the death August 31 of
Director Wade Walstrom, W0EJ.

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity," Ahrens commented, "and I look forward
to working with Director Frahm, President Harrison and the members of the
Board of Directors to promote, protect and strengthen our great Amateur
Radio fraternity."

An ARRL Life and Diamond Club Member, Ahrens has been a radio amateur since
1979 and previously held the call signs KI0W, N0BQN, and KA0EZR. He's also a
Life Member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association.

Ahrens already has served the League in various other capacities. He's an
Midwest Division Assistant Director. Since 1997, he's been the Midwest
Division representative on the DX Advisory Committee and chaired the panel
from August 2000 until March 2003. He's currently DXAC vice chair. He's
served in the past as an ARRL Volunteer Counsel.

An active DXer, Ahrens enjoys No 1 DXCC Honor Roll status with all 337
current entities confirmed. He's also earned CW and Phone Honor Roll and
stands at 2445 band entities in the ARRL DXCC Challenge.

Ahrens is a member of the Mississippi Valley DX/Contest Club, the Eastern
Iowa DX Association, the Kansas City DX Club, the Hannibal Amateur Radio
Club and the Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club. He's a past president of
the Hannibal ARC, and is trustee for that club's call signs.

Professionally, Ahrens is an appellate judge on the Missouri Court of
Appeals, Eastern District in St Louis. Ahrens also has been active in
various public, civic and charitable organizations.

He and his wife Kim have three grown children -- sons Todd, W0CTA, and Joe,
K4CJA, and daughter Ann. Besides ham radio, Ahrens also enjoys photography,
reading and computers, and spending time with his family.

==>FCC LAUNCHES NEW PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU

The FCC has formally launched its new Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau (PSHSB) <http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/>. The PSHSB will assume some
functions that had been under the umbrella of the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), where the Amateur Radio Service will
remain. WTB Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division Chief Michael
J. Wilhelm, WS6BR, has assumed a role within the new bureau, however.

"The events of September 11, 2001, and last year's hurricane season
underscored America's dependence on an effective national telecommunications
infrastructure," the Commission said. "The new bureau will build on the
Commission's longstanding commitment to meet the needs of public safety by
promoting robust, reliable and resilient communications services in times of
emergency." Addressing interoperability issues will be a part of that
process, Acting Bureau Chief Ken Moran told the Commission September 26.

The PSHSB is responsible for the combined public safety-related functions
previously spread among other bureaus and offices. It will include Policy,
Public Communications Outreach and Operations and Communications Systems
Analysis divisions. Wilhelm will serve as deputy chief of the PSHSB's Policy
Division. The Public Communications Outreach and Operations Division will
operate the FCC's Communications Center and the High Frequency Direction
Finding Center.

Some observers had speculated that Amateur Radio would be shifted to the
PSHSB, thus removing it from the WTB's market-based approach to regulation.
Moving some of the WTB's current responsibilities to the new bureau could
nonetheless speed up the process of moving Amateur Radio-related proceedings
through the Commission.

The FCC Order setting up the new bureau is on the FCC Web site
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-35A1.pdf>.

==>JAPANESE UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES AMATEUR RADIO CUBESAT

Hokkaido Institute of Technology's HIT-SAT satellite has joined several
other CubeSats carrying Amateur Radio payloads in space. The tiny satellite
launched successfully September 23 (Japan Standard Time) from the Uchinoura
Space Center in Japan, and its CW telemetry was copied around the world on
the satellite's initial orbits. Over the weekend, HIT-SAT's CW telemetry was
halted as a power-saving measure during attitude control procedures, and it
remained silent after attitude control should have ended. But on September
27, ground controllers were able to restore the CW telemetry.

"Although the cause was still unknown, we hope the transmission of CW
continues normally," the HIT-SAT team said on its Web site. "We appreciate
the cooperation and help of radio amateurs all over the world. Please hear
the beat of our satellite's heart." HIT-SAT's FM packet transmitter has been
operating normally from the time the spacecraft reached orbit, and ground
controllers have been able to obtain telemetry data from it.

Like other university-built CubeSats, HIT-SAT was constructed using mostly
off-the-shelf parts. The 1200 bps FM packet downlink is on 437.425 MHz,
while the CW telemetry downlink is on 437.275 with a transmitter power of
100 mW. The CubeSat uses a VHF uplink. The HIT-SAT team is seeking reception
reports, including audio files. The satellite's call sign is JR8YJT.

Once it's fully operational, HIT-SAT will permit Earth station operators to
request certain parameters by transmitting DTMF commands on the 145.980 MHz
uplink. The satellite can report back time/date, temperature and power
supply voltages and thank the Earth station by call sign. Only HIT-SAT
ground station controllers can access the satellite at this point, however.

The diminutive satellite is a project of the Hokkaido Institute of
Technology's ham radio club. HIT-SAT hitchhiked on the M-V-7 vehicle that
carried the Solar-B satellite into orbit. The satellite is in a sun
synchronous orbit with an orbital altitude of 250 km at perigee and 600 km
at apogee and an inclination of 97.79 degrees. A 12-cm square cube, HIT-SAT
weighs 2.2 kg.

AMSAT has not yet assigned HIT-SAT an OSCAR designation.

==>GEORGIA ARESMAT EMPLOYS DIGITAL, VOICE MODES FOR DRILL

The Georgia Amateur Radio Emergency Service Mutual Assistance Team (ARESMAT)
made use of both digital modes -- in the form of Winlink 2000 -- and voice
modes during a drill conducted with the Air National Guard earlier this
month. Georgia ARESMAT District Emergency Coordinator Scott Royle, KK4Z,
says the September 20 exercise simulated a large Category 3 hurricane
hitting the Georgia coast at Savannah.

"The drill included evacuation of civilians via C-130 aircraft," he
explained. ARESMAT was responsible for providing "reach-back" communication
between Savannah, Tift Henry Airport in Tift County and Dobbins Air Reserve
Base in Marietta. Royle said Georgia ARESMAT deployed five Winlink stations
and six team members to handle digital and voice nets for the exercise. The
Winlink net accepted checkins from stations outside those directly involved
in the operation.

Savannah and Chatham and Tift counties also established local nets to test
emergency circuits in those areas, and communication was established between
Dobbins Joint Operations Center and Georgia Emergency Management's State
Operations Center.

Royle says Georgia ARESMAT used various antennas including an inverted V
dipole, a Buddipole, a J-pole and a whip.

"The training ARESMAT gained from this exercise will be invaluable as the
team continues to prepare to operate under these conditions," Royle said,
expressing his appreciation for all who participated.

A complement to the normal ARES function, the ARESMAT concept recognizes
that a neighboring section's ARES resources can be quickly overwhelmed in a
large-scale disaster, necessitating communication support from ARES
personnel outside the affected area.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Solar swami Tad "Sunny" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports: Average
daily sunspot numbers were down this week by less than one point to 12.7.
The average daily solar flux was down by five points from the previous week
to 72. Geomagnetic indices were down a bit as well.

The Air Force projects that September 29 geomagnetic conditions will be
quiet, with a planetary A index of 8, rising to 15, then 20 on Sunday, and
dropping back to 8 on Monday, October 2. Currently the interplanetary
magnetic field is pointed south, signaling that Earth is vulnerable to solar
flares or solar wind from coronal holes. Sunspots 913 and 914 are rotating
into view, and sunspot number and solar flux should rise slightly by Monday.


Geophysical Institute Prague projects unsettled conditions for September 29,
quiet conditions on September 30, unsettled to active conditions on October
1, unsettled October 2, quiet to unsettled for October 3, then quiet
conditions on October 4-5.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.

Sunspot numbers for September 21 through 27 were 11, 17, 13, 13, 11, 13 and
11, with a mean of 12.7. 10.7 cm flux was 71.4, 72.3, 70.4, 69.8, 70.2,
70.7, and 72, with a mean of 71. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 3, 9,
23, 6, 6 and 4, with a mean of 7.9.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The CIS DX Contest, the Arkansas QSO Party, and
the F.I.S.T.S. Coast to Coast Contest are the weekend of September
30-October 1. The UBA ON Contest and the RSGB 21/28 MHz Contest are October
1. The ARS Spartan Sprint and the German Telegraphy Contest are October 3.
The YLRL Anniversary Party (CW) is October 3-5. The 432 MHz Fall Sprint is
October 4. The SARL 80-Meter QSO Party is October 5. The TARA PSK Rumble
Contest is October 6. JUST AHEAD: The California QSO Party (CQP), the
Oceania DX Contest (SSB), the International HELL-Contest, the EU Autumn
Sprint (SSB), the PRO CW Contest and the UBA ON Contest (SSB) are the
weekend of October 7-8. 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 remains open through Sunday, October 8, for these ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education on-line courses: Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications Level 2 (EC-002), Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications Level 3 (EC-003R2), Antenna Modeling (EC-004), HF Digital
Communications (EC-005), VHF/UHF -- Life Beyond the Repeater (EC-008), and
Radio Frequency Propagation (EC-011). Classes begin Friday, October 20.
These courses will also open for registration Friday, October 6, for classes
beginning Friday, November 17. To learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing
page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the CCE Department
<cce@arrl.org>.

* New member of ARRL family arrives: ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Vice
Director Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, and his wife Katelyn, KA5TLN, have
announced the birth of their first child, a daughter - Audrey Meredith -
this week. Audrey was born September 25, weighing in at just shy of 6
pounds, 2 ounces (and 19 inches long). At 26, Mileshosky is the
youngest-ever ARRL vice director and was the 1999 winner of the ARRL Hiram
Percy Maxim Memorial Award. For several years, he edited the
"Youth@HamRadio.Fun" column on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/news/youth/>. He's been in office since January 2005.
The Mileshoskys live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

* Past Georgia SCM/SM Eddy Kosobucki, K4JNL, SK: Edmund J. "Eddy" Kosobucki,
K4JNL, of Columbus, Georgia, died September 11. He was 81. An ARRL member,
Kosobucki served for 12 years as Georgia Section Communications
Manager/Section Manager -- from 1979 until 1991. "Eddy was a vibrant part of
Amateur Radio here in Georgia for many years and served as mentor for more
people than just about anyone I know," said Georgia SM Susan Swiderski,
AF4FO. Kosobucki was a longstanding member of the Georgia Single Sideband
Net, the Quarter Century Wireless Association and the Columbus Amateur Radio
Club. He also served as the Georgia Section's Official Bulletin Station and
as a net control station for the Georgia Traffic and Emergency Net. A
service was set for September 22 in Columbus. An on-line guest book is
available
<http://www.legacy.com/Ledger-Enquirer/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=192094
06>. The family invites contributions to the Columbus Alliance for Battered
Women, PO Box 4182, Columbus, GA 31904, The Knights of Columbus Wheelchair
Fund, PO Box 12517, Columbus, GA 31907 or Visticare Hospice, 850 Brookstone
Centre Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31906.

* ISS Expedition 3 Commander Ken Bowersox, KD5JBP, leaving NASA: NASA has
announced that International Space Station Expedition 6 Commander Ken
Bowersox, KD5JBP, will be departing the space agency. Bowersox will leave
his position as director of flight crew operations this month. Pending his
retirement from the US Navy, where he holds the rank of captain, he'll move
into a support position in the office of Johnson Space Center Director
Michael Coats.  An astronaut since 1987, Bowersox, who will turn 50 in
November, moved into NASA management in February 2004 following four shuttle
flights and his six-month ISS mission. Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, KB5TZZ -- a
veteran of four spaceflights -- will succeed Bowersox as director of flight
crew operations, which oversees the Astronaut Office and Aircraft
Operations. She's served as deputy director since 2003.

* Broadcaster-radio amateur receives national radio award: The National
Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that David E. Kennedy,
WA8WAL -- most recently president and CEO of Susquehanna Media Co --
received the NAB National Radio Award September 20 during the NAB Radio Show
luncheon in Dallas. "Throughout his career, David has exemplified a
tremendous commitment to the business of radio," NAB President and CEO David
K. Rehr said in a statement. "NAB salutes David Kennedy for his many
contributions to radio, and we are proud to include him in this prestigious
group of radio broadcast icons." Kennedy has served in numerous leadership
positions throughout his 35-year radio career, including stints as NAB Radio
Board chairman and NAB Joint Board chairman. The NAB Radio Show is the
largest annual convention for radio broadcasters.--NAB

* Post-2001 IRCs bear expiration dates: Many DXers still use International
Reply Coupons (IRCs) <http://www.upu.int/irc/en/> issued by the Universal
Postal Union (UPU) to cover return postage for QSL cards. As of January 1,
2002, UPU-issued IRCs bear expiration dates, after which the coupon has no
value. The so-called "Beijing model 1" IRC expires December 31, 2006. The
newest IRC, the "Beijing model 2," expires December 31, 2009. Check any IRCs
you've got on hand for an expiration date! Curiously, the United States
Postal Service International Mail Manual states that the period of exchange
for IRCs issued by the UPU on or after January 1, 1975, is unlimited. The
UPU says IRCs are exchangeable in all member countries for the minimum
postage of a priority item or an unregistered air mail letter sent to a
foreign country. An IRC costs $1.85 in the US. Although US post offices are
not obliged to sell IRCs, it is mandatory for post offices in UPU member
countries to exchange the coupons.

* WRTC 2006 QSL cards ready to roll: World Radiosport Team Championship 2006
(WRTC 2006) Chairman Atilano de Oms, PY5EG, has announced that QSL cards for
WRTC 2006 stations have been printed and are ready for mailing
<http://www.wrtc2006.com/release70.html>. "We are ready to confirm all QSOs
via air mail or bureau," Oms said. "If you want the QSL via air mail, please
send your card with SASE and IRCs to our QSL manager, Vantuil Barbosa Dias,
PP5VB, PO Box 13, IMBITUBA - SC - CEP 88780-000 BRAZIL." Oms added that
stations may QSL via the bureau using PP5VB as the manager.

* We stand corrected! We misspelled Allan Severson's name in the news brief
that appeared in The ARRL Letter, Vol 25, No 39 (Sep 22, 2006) reporting
N8IO as the 2006 Allan Severson, AB8P, Memorial Award winner.

===========================================================
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association For Amateur Radio, 225
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