From vhfplus at bmg50.com  Tue Apr  1 06:08:10 2008
From: vhfplus at bmg50.com (Jack/W6NF)
Date: Tue Apr  1 08:18:22 2008
Subject: [CVRC] June 1985 QEX
Message-ID: <47F2179A.9060103@bmg50.com>


 > Does anyone have a copy of the June 1985 issue of QEX? I have an Azden
 > PCS-3000 I want to put on packet and that issue contains an article by
 > VE3FAO covering this subject.

I got the article I needed...thanks to all who replied!

Jack, W6NF
From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Apr  3 17:49:48 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Apr  3 17:57:28 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD015 DX news
Message-ID: <200804032249.m33Mnmp8006374@pop5.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD015
ARLD015 DX news

ZCZC AE15
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 15  ARLD015
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  April 3, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD015
ARLD015 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
NC1L, ON6NP, TG9AJR, QRZ DX, 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.

MAURITIUS, 3B8.  Slavo, SP2JMB is QRV as 3B8/homecall until April 8.
Activity is on all bands using mostly CW.  QSL to home call.

RODRIGUES ISLAND, 3B9.  After his Mauritius operation, Slavo, SP2JMB
will be QRV as 3B9/homecall from April 9 to 24.  Activity will be on
all bands using mostly CW.  QSL to home call.

SENEGAL, 6W.  Ronnie, SM7DKF, Goran, SM7DLK, Mats, SM7DXQ, Christer,
SM7KJH, Tore, SM7MPM and Michael, SM7TGA and 6W7RV will be QRV as
6V7I from April 6 to 12.  Activity will be with two stations on 160
to 10 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via SM7DXQ.

CROATIA, 9A.  Members from the Varazdin Radioclub are QRV as 9A60A
until December 2008 in celebration of the club's 60 years.  Activity
is on all bands.  This includes entries in several upcoming
contests.  QSL via 9A7A.

NEPAL, 9N.  Stig, LA7JO is QRV as 9N7JO until June 30.  Activity is
on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31.  QSL direct to his
Thailand address.

QATAR, A7.  Bill, NM7H is QRV as A7/G0MKT until the middle of June.
Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using mostly CW with some SSB and PSK.
QSL to home call.

BALEARIC ISLANDS, EA6.  David, M0DLL is QRV as EA6/homecall from
Minorca, IOTA EU-004, until April 10.  Activity is on 20 to 6 meters
using SSB.  He plans to be active in the PSK contests.  QSL to home
call.

IRAN, EP.  Sadegh, EP3HF has been active on 15 meters around 0900z
and 20 meters around 1530z.   QSL direct.

THAILAND, HS.  Jorg, DL1MJF will be QRV as HS0ZGQ from April 5 to
26.  This includes one week on Koh Samui Island, IOTA AS-101.
Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL to home
call.

MINAMI TORISHIMA, JD1.  Masafumi, JD1BMM has been active on 17
meters between 2100 and 2300z.  QSL to home call.

WAKE ISLAND, KH9.  Colin, WA2YUN is QRV as WA2YUN/KH9 and is here
probably until the end of 2009.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters.
QSL via K2PF.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA, P2.  David, P29GQ is usually active on the ANZA
Net between 0500 to 0600z on weekends.  QSL to home call.

FRANZ JOSEF LAND, R1FJ.  Station R1FJT is QRV from the Krenkel Polar
station on Heyss Island.  Activity is on 80 to 17 meters using CW.
QSL via UA4RC.

COSTA RICA, TI.  Orrin, K9KEJ is QRV as TI6/homecall until April 11.
Activity is on mostly 20, 17 and 15 meters.  QSL to home call.

CAMBODIA, XU.  Wim, ON6NP will be QRV as XU7ADV from April 9 to 28.
Activity will be on all bands using SSB and various digital modes.
QSL to home call.

SYRIA, YK.  Operators Roger, G3SXW, Nigel, G3TXF, Fred, G4BWP,
Lionel, G5LP and Rob, GM3YTS will be QRV as YK9G from Damascus from
April 9 to 15.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using CW with
two stations.  QSL via G3TXF.

CAYMAN ISLANDS, ZF.  Bob, K3UL will be QRV as ZF2UL from Grand
Cayman, IOTA NA-016, from April 5 to 12.  Activity will be holiday
style on all HF bands, with an emphasis on 160 and 80 meters, using
CW and SSB.  QSL direct to home call.

CALLSIGN CORRECTION.  As reported in DX new bulletin ARLD014, Juan,
TG9AJR was QRV as TG0WPX in the CQ WPX SSB contest.  QSL to home
call.

OPERATION APPROVED FOR DXCC CREDIT.  The following operation is
approved for DXCC credit:  Wake Island, G4GIR/KH9, 2007 operation.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The EA RTTY Contest, Montana QSO Party,
YLRL DX-YL to NA-YL CW Contest, ARCI Spring CW QSO Party, SP DX
Contest, QCWA Spring QSO Party, Missouri QSO Party and RSGB RoPoCo 1
80 Meter CW contest are all on tap for this weekend.  The 144 MHz
Spring Sprint is scheduled for April 7.  The NAQCC Straight Key/Bug
CW Sprint is scheduled for April 9.  Please see April QST, page 82
and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites for details.
NNNN
/EX


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Apr  4 15:42:10 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Apr  4 15:49:50 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP015 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <200804042042.m34KgA0T026660@pop5.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP015
ARLP015 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP15
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 15  ARLP015
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  April 4, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP015
ARLP015 Propagation de K7RA

The past few days have had very stable geomagnetic conditions.
After unsettled to active geomagnetic indicators on March 26-28,
conditions quieted down dramatically.  Combined with the nearly
two-week run of sunspots and the Spring season, this makes for good
HF conditions.

There were actually three sunspots, beginning on March 23 with the
first one and a sunspot number of 14.  March 24 and 25 each brought
one new spot, and the sunspot number rose to 35 and 52 on those
days.  Activity peaked between March 26-29, with daily sunspot
numbers of 63, 57, 63 and 50.

On Thursday April 3, the sunspot number was back to 14 again, as
one-by-one, the three spots drifted from view.

Today's sunspot number may be back to 0, and it may stay that way
until April 18-20.

Conditions were remarkably quiet on April 2-3, with many periods
having a K index of 0, no matter the latitude.  On April 2 near
Fairbanks, Alaska the College K index as measured by the local
magnetometer was 0 during all eight three-hour periods.  Of course,
this resulted in an A index for the day of 0.

You can go to, http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/indices/DGD.txt to
see the K index and A index for the past 30 days, as measured at
Fredericksburg, Virginia and Fairbanks, Alaska, and the Planetary
index, derived from a number of predominately higher latitude
magnetometers.  With eight K index measurements per day, times three
indexes, times 30 days, you will see over 700 readings.

This weekend, April 5-6, will probably see the return of solar wind
and associated geomagnetic activity.  The predicted Planetary A
index for April 4-13 is 10, 15, 15, 12, 12, 12, 12, 10, 5 and 5.
Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet to unsettled conditions
for April 4, active conditions for April 5, unsettled to active
April 6, unsettled April 7, unsettled to active April 8, and
unsettled April 9-10.

Because we now have all sunspot numbers for March, we can take
another look at our three-month moving average to try to spot the
sunspot minimum.

The latest number, 8.4 for February 2008, is the average for all the
daily sunspot numbers from January, February and March.  We simply
add up all the daily sunspot numbers (the sum is 763) and divide by
the number of days (91) to get an average of 8.3846, which we
approximate as 8.4.

May 06 39.7
Jun 06 28.9
Jul 06 23.3
Aug 06 23.5
Sep 06 21.2
Oct 06 24.1
Nov 06 23.1
Dec 06 27.3
Jan 07 22.7
Feb 07 18.5
Mar 07 11.2
Apr 07 12.2
May 07 15.8
Jun 07 18.7
Jul 07 15.4
Aug 07 10.2
Sep 07  5.4
Oct 07  3
Nov 07  6.9
Dec 07  8.1
Jan 08  8.5
Feb 08  8.4

Above it still looks like the sunspot minimum must have occurred in
October 2007.

For a less-smoothed look, here are the monthly averages:

Apr 2007  6.9
May 2007 19.8
Jun 2007 20.7
Jul 2007 15.6
Aug 2007  9.9
Sep 2007  4.8
Oct 2007  1.3
Nov 2007  2.9
Dec 2007 16.3
Jan 2008  5.1
Feb 2008  3.9
Mar 2008 15.9

The monthly averages above still point to October 2007 as the
sunspot minimum, but you can see the data is not as smoothed as the
three-month averages.

Michael Best, WD4DUG sent a link to a NASA article about the recent
three sunspots from the last solar cycle.  You can read the article
at, http://tinyurl.com/2q3loj.

Bill Balzarini, KL7BB sent the link http://tinyurl.com/yp7d32 about
an ionospheric sounder in Alaska at the HAARP facility.

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 web page 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/.  Monthly
propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas
locations are at http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of this
bulletin are at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#email.

Sunspot numbers for March 27 through April 2 were 57, 63, 50, 41,
45, 25, and 24 with a mean of 43.6.  10.7 cm flux was 84.8, 82.9,
82.6, 80.5, 79.2, 77.8, and 75.9 with a mean of 80.5.  Estimated
planetary A indices were 31, 21, 8, 8, 4, 4 and 1 with a mean of 11.
Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 19, 13, 6, 6, 2, 5 and 1, with
a mean of 7.4.
NNNN
/EX


From dick at twohams.com  Fri Apr  4 16:32:13 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Apr  4 16:39:54 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804042132.m34LWEwp016818@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
201 PM PDT Fri Apr 4 2008

...Wind Advisory in effect until 10 PM PDT this evening...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect until 10 PM PDT this evening for areas in the
Lee of the Sierra...including Reno...Sparks...Carson City...and
Gardnerville.

Strong gusty southwest to west winds will continue through this
evening. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph are
likely through 10 PM PST this evening...before quickly diminishing
overnight. Wind gusts above 50 mph are possible in wind prone
areas such as Washoe Valley.

Motorists...especially in high profile vehicles...should use
caution and remain alert for sudden gusts or cross winds.
Travelers on I-80 and US 395 will be affected. Watch for areas of
blowing dust and reduced visibilities. Check our website at
weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for updates on
this situation.

Expires:050500 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.WI.Y.0009.080404T2101Z-080405T0500Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Apr  4 16:34:39 2008
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Apr  4 16:42:20 2008
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 27, No 13 (Friday, April 4, 2008)
Message-ID: <200804042134.m34LYe3i017848@pop5.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 27, No. 13
April 4, 2008
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + Fourteenth Annual AES Superfest a Super Success
* + ARRL Recognition Awards Available
* + Get Ready for World Amateur Radio Day on April 18
* + ARRL Compiles Complete Works of Larson E. Rapp, WIOU
* + Annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test Scheduled for May
* + 2008-2009 ARRL Repeater Directories Now Shipping
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
       This Weekend on the Radio
       ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration
       Notes from the DXCC Desk
     + Hams Come to Rescue in Utah
     + Dick Jansson, KD1K, Wins March QST Cover Plaque Award
       Exhibit Kits Available for Field Day
       Field Day Station Locator Up and Running
       Transatlantic Balloon to Launch this Weekend
       Tim Hulick, W9QQ (SK)
       Des Moines Hamfest Location Update
       Belgian Satellite to Feature D-STAR Technology

+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: S. Khrystyne Keane, <k1sfa@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==> FOURTEENTH ANNUAL AES SUPERFEST A SUPER SUCCESS

ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, 
NQ1R, attended the 14th Annual AES Superfest 
<http://www.aesham.com/superfest.shtml> at the 
headquarters store of Amateur Electronic Supply 
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin March 28-29. This event 
is an ARRL sanctioned hamfest that included 
forums, VE testing (sponsored by MRAC), DXCC card 
checking and a fox hunt. ARRL Central Division 
Director Dick Isely, W9GIG; Vice Director Howie 
Huntington, K9KM, and ARRL Wisconsin Section 
Manager Don Michalski, W9IXG, were also on hand for the event.

More than 30 vendors made the trek to Wisconsin 
to show off their wares. "It was fun to visit 
with all of the AES staff and sales people, too. 
I enjoyed discussing our new publications, 
especially the new format of the 'The ARRL 
Repeater Directory,'" Inderbitzen said.

ARRL Volunteer Counsel Jim O'Connell, W9WU, 
offered a forum Saturday afternoon -- Legal 
Issues for Hams -- giving advice for avoiding 
restrictive antenna covenants, presenting a case 
for installing a tower (before legislative or 
zoning officials) and information on the latest 
court rulings on RFI and PRB-1. ARRL Instructor 
Gordon West, WB6NOA, presented a forum, 
encouraging the crowd to recruit, mentor and most of all, have fun!

Inderbitzen heard from many hams while he was at 
the ARRL booth at Superfest: "Most of the 
comments I received were very positive. There 
were lots of nice words about the 'direction' of 
ARRL, the layout of QST and the one-on-one 
experiences members have with the ARRL staff and 
officials. A few folks mentioned having great visits to ARRL headquarters."

On March 27, the night before Superfest, 
Inderbitzen attended a meeting of the Milwaukee 
Radio Amateurs' Club (MRAC) and spoke about 
sharing the passion for Amateur Radio with 
friends and family members. This club, founded in 
1917, will celebrate 90 years of ARRL Club 
Affiliation in 2009. In recognition of this 
milestone, Inderbitzen presented MRAC President 
Howard Parks, AB9FH, with an ARRL Recognition 
Award "for its commitment to Amateur Radio and to 
the American Radio Relay League."

==> ARRL RECOGNITION AWARDS AVAILABLE

As a service to its members, the ARRL now offers 
custom awards for clubs, groups and individuals 
for recognition and achievement, offering a wide 
range of styles and price levels. Each award is 
customized with your text and the ARRL logo. The 
ARRL has introduced these items in response to requests by members.

Products offered include a tan leather 
rectangular key fob with a call sign on one side 
and the ARRL diamond on the other; a rosewood pen 
and pencil set with personalization available on 
the pen and pencil, as well as the presentation 
box; an 8x10 inch wood plaque with blue plate 
engraved with up to 14 lines of gold text; a 
swiveling wood desk clock that holds a photo or 
an insert -- personalize this with up to 25 
characters on two lines, and a beautiful crystal 
3-inch etched globe on a crystal base, presented in a velvet-lined gift box.

Do you have that one ham in your group who comes 
out every Field Day, rain or shine, who stays 
from beginning to end, helping out in any way 
possible? Acknowledge their involvement with a 
beautiful gift that shows how much you value 
their service. What about the ham in your club 
that has been a member for 25 years and has yet 
to miss a meeting? Show them how much you 
appreciate their contribution with a small 
personalized token. Do you have an Elmer you 
would like to thank with more than words? A 
personalized gift with their name and call sign 
on it would remind them of you every time they use it.

Each item features the ARRL diamond logo. Award 
orders will be processed and delivered within 20 
working days. View the entire award product line, 
as well as ARRL clothing items, at the Barker 
Specialties Web site <http://www.barkerstores.com/arrl>.

==> GET READY FOR WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY ON APRIL 18

Each year on the anniversary of its founding, 
April 18, the International Amateur Radio Union 
(IARU) marks World Amateur Radio Day. On this 
83rd anniversary of its inaugural meeting in 
Paris, the IARU dedicates World Amateur Radio Day 
to the future of Amateur Radio with its theme, 
"Amateur Radio: A Foundation for Technical Knowledge."

It is no secret that many professionals in the 
field of radio, TV, communications and 
electronics have started their technical 
education as young radio amateurs. Although 
Amateur Radio has a different face nowadays -- 
Digital Communications, Voice over Internet 
Protocol, Satellite up- and downlinks and more -- 
it is even of greater value as a foundation for 
technical knowledge for youngsters. And much more 
-- it is and should be used as a unique 
attraction for future young radio amateurs.

World Amateur Radio Day provides an occasion to 
promote and publicize Amateur Radio. Amateur 
Radio clubs are encouraged to find suitable ways 
of celebrating World Amateur Radio Day. Many ways 
can be considered -- inviting youngsters to visit 
radio clubs, showing up on the air with a special 
call sign, organizing a station in a public area 
with media coverage or publicly honoring amateurs 
who have made significant contributions. Whatever 
method is chosen, clubs should think about 
publishing a press release for the media, giving 
the background to World Amateur Radio Day and 
promoting the value of Amateur Radio as a foundation for a technical career.

The ARRL will be very pleased to hear how Amateur 
Radio clubs chose to celebrate World Amateur 
Radio Day. Share your stories and photos with us, 
so that they may be shared with the Amateur Radio 
community. E-mail your submissions to ARRL 
Affiliated Club/Mentor Program Supervisor Norm 
Fusaro, W3IZ <clubs@arrl.org>. Please be sure to 
put "World Amateur Radio Day" in the subject 
line.  -- Information provided by IARU

==> ARRL COMPILES COMPLETE WORKS OF LARSON E. RAPP, WIOU

Thanks to the efforts of ARRL volunteer Bob 
Allison, WB1GCM, the League has assembled the 
complete known works of noted QST author Larson 
E. Rapp, WIOU 
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/larson/>. Rapp's 
remarkable contributions spanned a period of more 
than three decades (1941-1962, 1972), primarily 
during the month of April. Rapp was said to be 
from Kippering-on-the-Charles, Massachusetts, just off Route 128.

"Like most visionaries unafraid of pushing 
technology beyond conventional limitations, 
Larson at times was controversial among his peers 
and contemporaries," ARRL Lab Engineer Mike 
Gruber, W1MG, said. "You can now be the judge of 
just how well Rapp's theorems and trademark 
'radical approach' have withstood the test of time."

The first Rapp article, "Putting Dynamic 
Prognostication to Work," appeared in the April 
1941 issue of QST. In the article, Rapp expounded 
on his efficient one-tube transmitter. When Rapp 
discussed the tuning of the transmitter, he said, 
"The high coupling efficiency of the unit results 
in a minimum plate current of resonance of about 
0.9 ma. at 7 Mc. This is too low a value to show 
on the 0-250 milliammeter that should be used for 
the circuit, so you'll have to take our word for 
it." The transmitter was described as having a 
"simple construction of the chassis which is made 
from cardboard fastened by wire staples and glue. 
The underside is covered with tin foil."

In "The Circular Band Theorem: Operational 
Advantages of Concentric Frequency Allocations" 
[April 1946], Rapp theorized if the FCC assigned 
"amateur frequencies in concentric circles 
instead of bands [the end result would be] the 
consequent elimination of out-of-band operation 
and band edge crowding...[making] it possible to 
work someone 40 or 50 kc. removed from one's 
frequency." This was brought on by Rapp's claim 
that amateurs, "realizing that after calling 'CQ' 
they had to start listening somewhere and that 
somewhere was usually the edge of the band." Rapp 
called for bands to be designed in "concentric 
circles, and the beginners should be encouraged 
to start in the smallest circle. Thus, even if 
one managed to get out of band -- we don't see 
how he could, but someone would find a way! -- he 
would still be inside the next circle and amateur 
radio would have no black mark against it for 
out-of-band operation. Further, the fact that a 
beginner was encouraged to start in the
  inner circle would make him feel like he was 
one of the boys right off, being allowed into the inner circle!"

In the April 1960 issue of QST, a phony full-page 
ad announced the formation of "Larsen E. 
Enterprises, Inc," supposedly off Route 128 in 
Kippering-on-the-Charles, Massachusetts, with 
Larsen E. Rapp as president. Bearing a "Not a 
Advertisement" disclaimer, the ad offered 
customers free access to the company's 
air-conditioned "Wonder Workshop" with each kit 
purchase. "If you don't have the time to assemble 
the entire kit yourself, one of our engineers 
will be glad to do it for you, just for the 
pleasure it gives him," the ad promised. "No 
tipping please." In the "Print Shoppe," customers 
could purchase "authentic reproductions of the 
rarest QSL cards in the world." The price 
included having the company's "patient penman" 
fill in the card with your call sign and a signal 
report, duplicating the original ink and handwriting.

Rapp himself said that "In assembling this list 
of my articles and letters over the years, I 
noticed that QST always chose to publish them in 
the springtime. This practice was especially 
meaningful to me as spring has historically been 
a time of new beginnings and in our radio hobby, 
a time for new insights into old technical 
problems. I hope you, too, will be helped and 
inspired by these writings of an old ham."

==> ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY CROSSBAND TEST SCHEDULED FOR MAY

The Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast 
Guard are co-sponsoring the annual 
Military/Amateur Radio communications tests in 
celebration of the 58th anniversary of Armed 
Forces Day (AFD). Although the actual Armed 
Forces Day is celebrated on May 17, the AFD 
Military/Amateur Crossband Communications Test 
will be conducted on May 10 to prevent conflict 
with the Dayton Hamvention, scheduled for May 16-18.

The annual celebration features traditional 
military to amateur crossband communications SSB 
voice tests and copying the Secretary of Defense 
message via digital modes. These tests give 
Amateur Radio operators and short wave listeners 
an opportunity to demonstrate their individual 
technical skills and to receive recognition from 
the Secretary of Defense and/or the appropriate 
military radio station for their proven 
expertise. QSL cards will be provided to those 
stations making contact with the military 
stations. Special commemorative certificates will 
be awarded to anyone who receives and copies the 
digital Armed Forces Day message from the Secretary of Defense.

Look for schedules and frequencies of 
participating military stations to be published 
in May on the Army MARS Web site <http://www.netcom.army.mil/MARS>.

==> 2008-2009 ARRL REPEATER DIRECTORIES NOW SHIPPING

With more than 20,000 listings for VHF/UHF 
repeaters across the US and Canada, "The ARRL 
Repeater Directory 2008-2009" is a must have. 
Once again, the ARRL is offering two sizes of the 
"Repeater Directory" -- pocket size 
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1271> and 
desktop <http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1298>.

This year, not only is the pocket-sized Repeater 
Directory a half-inch larger than previous 
editions, it boasts a larger font size, making 
for easier reading. For the first time ever, this 
year's editions feature handy indexing tabs on 
the cover, easier to read listings and a "Key to 
Repeater Notes" located right up front in the Directory.

Along with these new features, both editions have 
the features you know and enjoy from prior years: 
Repeater operating practices, repeater lingo and 
hints for newly licensed hams; Frequency 
Coordinator contact information; listings for 
D-Star and APCO 25 repeaters; a guide to using 
CTCSS tones and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS); 
VHF/UHF band plans and a 2 meter channel-spacing 
map; IRLP (Internet linked) nodes; tips for 
handling interference; listings for IRLP, 
WIRES-II and EchoLink (Internet linked) nodes; 
emergency message handling procedures, and a transceiver memory log.

Order your copy of The ARRL Repeater Directory 
2008-2009 today at the ARRL Online Store 
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=What's%20New>.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Who bade the Sun clothe you with rainbows" 
Cook, K7RA, this week reports: The past few days 
have had very stable geomagnetic conditions. 
After unsettled to active geomagnetic indicators 
on March 26-28, conditions quieted down 
dramatically. Combined with the nearly two-week 
run of sunspots and the spring season, this makes 
good HF conditions. There were actually three 
sunspots, beginning on March 23 with the first 
one and a sunspot number of 14. March 24 and 25 
each brought one new spot; the sunspot number 
rose to 35 and 52 on those days. Activity peaked 
between March 26-29 with daily sunspot numbers of 
63, 57, 63 and 50. Yesterday, April 3, the 
sunspot number was back to 14 again, as 
one-by-one, the three spots drifted from view. 
Today's sunspot number may be back to zero, and 
it may stay that way until April 18-20. Sunspot 
numbers for March 27 through April 2 were 57, 63, 
50, 41, 45, 25 and 24 with a mean of 43.6. The 
10.7 cm flux was 84.8, 82.9, 82.6, 80.5, 79.2, 77.8
  and 75.9 with a mean of 80.5. Estimated 
planetary A indices were 31, 21, 8, 8, 4, 4 and 1 
with a mean of 11. Estimated mid-latitude A 
indices were 19, 13, 6, 6, 2, 5 and 1, with a 
mean of 7.4. For more information concerning 
radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical 
Information Service Propagation page 
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. 
To read this week's Solar Report in its entirety, 
check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin page 
<http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>. This week's 
"Tad Cookism" brought to you courtesy of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend, look 
for the YLRL DX-YL to NA-YL Contest (CW) on April 
4-6. The SP DX Contest, the EA RTTY Contest, the 
QCWA Spring QSO Party, the Missouri QSO Party and 
the Yuri Gagarin International DX Contest are all 
on April 5-6. The RSGB RoPoCo 1 is April 6, the 
RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship (CW) is April 7, 
the ARS Spartan Sprint is April 8 and the NAQCC 
Straight Key/Bug Sprint is April 9. The CQ WW WPX 
Contest (SSB) is March 29-30. Next weekend is the 
LRL DX-YL to NA-YL Contest (SSB) on April 11-13. 
The EU Spring Sprint (CW) is April 12. The JIDX 
CW Contest, Radio Maritime Day and the Georgia 
QSO Party are April 12-13. Be sure to check out 
the SKCC Weekend Sprintathon and the UBA Spring 
Contest (SSB) on April 13. The RSGB 80 Meter Club 
Championship (SSB) is scheduled for April 16. See 
the ARRL Contest Branch page 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL 
Contester's Rate Sheet 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet/> and the WA7BNM Contes
  t Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: 
Registration remains open through Sunday, April 
20, 2008, for these on-line course sessions 
beginning on Friday, May 2, 2008: Technician 
License Course (EC-010); 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). Each 
online course has been developed in segments -- 
learning units with objectives, informative text, 
student activities and quizzes. Courses are 
interactive, and some include direct 
communications with a Mentor/Instructor. Students 
register for a particular session that may be 8, 
12 or 16 weeks (depending on the course) and they 
may access the course at any time of day during 
the course period, completing lessons and 
activities at times convenient for their personal 
schedule. Mentors assist students by answering 
questions, reviewing assignments and activities, as well a
  s providing helpful feedback. Interaction with 
mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is no 
appointed time the student must be present -- 
allowing complete flexibility for the student to 
work when and where it is convenient. To learn 
more, visit the CCE Course Listing page 
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact 
the Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>.

* Notes from the DXCC Desk: ARRL DXCC Manager 
Bill Moore, NC1L, reports that DXCC has completed 
processing applications for 2007. As such, St 
Barthelemy (FJ) has been added to the DXCC 
computer system and Logbook of The World 
<http://www.arrl.org/lotw>. With the addition, 
this moves the #1 Honor Roll position to 338 
current entities; operators now need 329 entities 
to qualify for Honor Roll. ARRL "While DXCC has 
completed applications for 2007, there are a 
number of application returns still being mailed, 
so it may be another 2-3 weeks before applicants 
receive their 2007 return," Moore said. "LoTW is 
now accepting certificate requests for St 
Barthelemy; once those logs are submitted, the 
matches should occur and applicants can claim 
DXCC credit." For programmers who use the DXCC 
entity numbering system, the entity code for St 
Barthelemy is 516. Moore also noted that the 2007 
G4GIR/KH9 DXpedition to Wake Island has been 
approved for DXCC credit: "If you had cards rejected for
   this operation, please send an e-mail to the 
ARRL DXCC Desk <dxcc@arrl.org> to have your DXCC record updated."

* Hams Come to Rescue in Utah: Eldon Kearl, 
K7OGM, of Fish Haven, Idaho, was driving in the 
Logan Canyon, Utah area last week when he came 
upon a driver who lost control of her truck in 
the snow. Her truck fell more than 100 feet over 
a cliff, and two of the three passengers were 
thrown from the truck. Witnesses tried to call 
for help on their cell phones, but the closest 
cell coverage was more than a 30 minute drive 
away. Kearl, however, had a radio in his car and 
was able to get a hold of another ham, Roger 
Ellis, KE7HTE, of Logan, Utah. Kearl relayed to 
Ellis information about the accident scene and 
Ellis called 911. First responders were on the 
scene within half an hour. Although the driver 
and passengers in the truck suffered only minor 
injuries, a spokesman for the Utah Highway Patrol 
said that if Kearl and Ellis had not responded in 
getting help so quickly, the injuries could have 
been much worse. As Kearl said, "It all worked 
out pretty good." Kearl and Ellis have nev
  er met, but live relatively close to each 
other; they plan on meeting each other in person 
soon.  -- Information provided by KSL-TV, Salt Lake City, Utah

* Dick Jansson, KD1K, Wins March QST Cover Plaque 
Award: The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award 
for March is Dick Jansson, KD1K, for his article 
"HF Antennas and Restricted Living." 
Congratulations, Dick! 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 
April issue by Wednesday, April 30.

* Exhibit Kits Available for Field Day: Visit the 
ARRL Field Day information page 
<http://www.arrl.org/fieldday> for all the 
details on Field Day rules, frequencies, forms, 
pins, logos and T shirts. The complete Field Day 
packet 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/forms/fd-2008-packet.pdf> 
can be downloaded from the site as well. If you 
have unanswered questions about Field Day, 
contact ARRL Field Day Manager Dan Henderson, 
N1ND, via e-mail <fdinfo@arrl.org> or by phone at 
860-594-0236. If you want to order exhibit kits 
containing printed flyers about Amateur Radio, 
you may order these materials on the ARRL Web 
site <http://www.arrl.org/brochures/>. The cost 
of the exhibit kits ranges from $8-$12 depending 
on shipping. To make sure you'll have the display 
material in time for Field Day, your order must 
be received before June 13. ARRL Field Day is 
always the fourth full weekend in June; in 2008, it is June 28-29.

* Field Day Station Locator Up and Running: This 
year, for the first time, the ARRL has put 
together a Station Locator 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php> 
to help amateurs or those interested in Amateur 
Radio find a Field Day 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/> 
site near them. According to ARRL Field Day 
Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, many amateurs have 
been asking for something like this for many 
years: "So far, 287 groups in 45 states and 3 
Canadian provinces had registered their Field Day 
site with the Station Locator." If your group 
would like to be a part of the Station Locator 
Service, it's easy to get started. Just go to the 
Field Day Station Locator Web site 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php> 
and follow the instructions.

* Transatlantic Balloon to Launch this Weekend: 
The trans-Atlantic balloon flight of the Spirit 
of Knoxville V is set to launch April 5 at 2000 
EDT (0000 UTC April 6). The balloon, designed to 
stay aloft for more than 24 hours, will be 
inserted into the current jet stream at normal 
flight altitudes of 30,000-40,000 feet. This will 
take the balloon into Europe over the UK and 
France at around 40 hours into the flight if all 
goes well. Using radio frequencies, the balloon 
transmits data detailing its current location, 
distance traveled, speed, height and health of 
the balloon. Last month, the Spirit of Knoxville 
IV made two-thirds of its journey and crossed the 
tectonic plate to Europe; organizers hoped the 
balloon would make to Europe, but after 40 hours 
and 3300 miles, the balloon lost altitude and 
went into the ocean as it neared Ireland. The 
balloon's payload consists of hand-made computers 
and radios along with a GPS and self-authored 
software. The onboard computer gathers
   information from the GPS like altitude, speed 
and temperature; the computer then determines 
whether it needs to drop weight to maintain its 
altitude and sends this information, via Amateur 
Radio frequencies, to volunteers around the 
globe. Track the mission live (the live status 
page will only become active at launch). See the 
Spirit of Knoxville Web page 
<http://www.spiritofknoxville.com/> for more information.

* Tim Hulick, W9QQ (SK): ARRL has learned that 
Tim Hulick, PhD, W9QQ (ex W9MIJ), Captain, USNR 
retired, of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, passed 
away December 28, 2007 after a lengthy battle 
with cancer. He was 65. Hulick, an ARRL Life 
Member, also held the calls V47QQ, KG4QQ, HL9QQ 
and PJ9Q. A 1964 graduate of the US Naval 
Academy, Hulick served his country for 29 years. 
Upon retiring from the Navy, he operated Watts 
Unlimited, producing a lightweight HV Power 
Supply designed for use as a replacement in older 
amplifiers. Hulick wrote several articles for QST 
and QEX, including "Switching Power Supplies for 
High Voltage" (QEX, February 1991), "PSK31 on the 
Road!" (QST, March 2000), and "A Two-Element 
Vertical Parasitic Array for 75 Meters" (QST, 
December 1995). Hulick was on the ARRL DXCC Honor 
Roll with 356 countries; he only needed BS7, but 
was too sick to mount a serious effort to get 
them while it was most recently on the air. He 
worked more than 230 counties while mobile.
  He also operated /MM from a number of ships 
during his Naval career. Hulick was buried with 
full military honors at Arlington National 
Cemetery. He is survived by his wife JoAnne, 
three sons, a daughter and several grandchildren.

* Des Moines Hamfest Location Update: The Des 
Moines Radio Amateur Association (DSMRAA) will 
hold their hamfest on April 27 at the 92.5 KJJY 
Event Center, located at 2100 NW 100th Street in 
Clive, Iowa. The April issue of QST inadvertently 
stated the hamfest would be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

* Belgian Satellite to Feature D-STAR Technology: 
Students at the Universite de Liege in Belgium 
have built OUFTI-1 
<http://www.leodium.ulg.ac.be/cmsms/>, a new 
Amateur Radio CubeSat featuring D-STAR 
digital-communication protocol that is used for 
control and telemetry. Amateur Radio operators 
from all over the world are able to listen in on 
the ON0ULG D-STAR repeater on 70 cm 
<http://www.jfindu.net/dstarlh.aspx?rptr=ON0ULG>; 
2 meters will be operational soon. The objective 
of this nanosatellite project is to provide 
hands-on experience to students in the design, 
construction and control of complete satellite 
systems, ultimately serving as the basis for a 
variety of space experiments. The first satellite 
in the series, OUFTI-1, is a CubeSat -- a 
10?10?10 cm cube weighing in at no more than one 
kilogram.  -- Information provided by the OUFTI Team

===========================================================
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 
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<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a 
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Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished 
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==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

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(NOTE: The ARRL cannot assist subscribers who 
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Copyright 2008 American Radio Relay League, Inc.
All Rights Reserved


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Apr 10 18:16:37 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Apr 10 18:25:01 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD016 DX news
Message-ID: <200804102216.m3AMGc5W001837@pop5.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD016
ARLD016 DX news

ZCZC AE16
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 16  ARLD016
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  April 10, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD016
ARLD016 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
LA7VK, 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.

AGALEGA AND SAINT BRANDON ISLANDS, 3B6.  Rachid, 3B8FQ will be QRV
as 3B6FQ from Agalega Island, IOTA AF-001, from April 14 to 17 while
on work assignment.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using
mostly SSB with some CW as time permits.  QSL via K5XK.

SENEGAL, 6W.  Witek, SP9MRO and Marian, SP9CTT will be QRV as 6V7K
and 6V7J, respectively, from April 17 to May 5.  Activity will be on
160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31.  There will be
emphasis on 160 and 30 meters.  Their activity includes an entry in
the upcoming Italian DX contest.  QSL 6V7K via SP9SX and 6V7K via
SP9CTT.

ALGERIA, 7X.  Team members 7X2RO, 7X2EB, 7X2HF, 7X2CF, 7X2DD, 7X2DF,
7X5JF, 7X5RS, 7X5ST, 7X0AD and 7X0RY will be QRV as 7Y3HM from Mount
Assekrem from April 11 to 14.  Activity will be on as many bands as
possible.  QSL via 7X2ARA.

QATAR, A7.  Bill, NM7H will be QRV as A7/G0MKT through the middle of
June.  Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using mainly CW with some
SSB and PSK31.  QSL to home call.

BAHRAIN, A9.  John, A92HB has been QRV on 17 meters around 1500 to
1700z.  QSL via GM6TVR.

PHILIPPINES, DU.  Look for DU9/PA3GZU to be QRV from Mindanao, IOTA
OC-130, from April to May 12.  Activity will be on 20 meters using
SSB and PSK31, holiday style.  QSL to home call.

IRAN, EP.  Pooyan, EP3PK has been active on 20 meters around 1400.
In addition, EP4HR has been active on 17 meters around 1330z.  QSL
via I2MQP.

ENGLAND, G.  Operators Robert, G8ATE and John, G7HIA will be QRV as
GB0CD to celebrate ''Cosmonautics Day'' on April 12th between 0800 to
2200z on satellites AO-7, AO-16, AO-27, SO-50, AO-51 and VO-52.
Other activity make take place during the next four weeks on HF
using SSTV and other digital modes.  QSL via operators instructions.

JERSEY, GJ.  Martin, G3ZAY and Michael, G7VJR are QRV as GJ3ZAY/p
and GJ7VJR/p, respectively, until April 13.  Activity is on the HF
bands using CW and SSB.  QSL via G7VJR.

SCOTLAND, GM.  Paul, 2E1EUB will be QRV as 2M1EUB from Cairngorms
National Park near Aberdeen on April 12.  Activity will be on all
satellites, including 160 and 80 meters.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA, HL.  Look for special event station HL0HQSC to be
QRV until April 30 in commemoration of the first YL Korean astronaut
Yi So-yeon, DS3SYL, during her mission on the International Space
Station.  QSL via HL2CFY.

DJIBOUTI, J2.  Jean-Claude, J28JA has been QRV on 15 meters around
1230z and then 20 meters around 1730z.  QSL via F5JFU.

NORWAY, LA.  Members of the Radio Club of Gardermoen are QRV as LN2G
until April 13 in conjunction with the Norwegian Hammeeting,
Activity is mostly on 40 and 20 meters using SSB, RTTY and PSK31.
QSL via LA2G.

MICRONESIA, V6.  JA1KJW, JA1JQY, JA8VE are QRV as V63JQ, V63JY and
V63VE until April 15.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB
and RTTY.  QSL V63JY and V63JQ to home calls and V63VE via JF1OCQ.

SYRIA, YK.  Roger, G3SXW, Nigel, G3TXF, Fred, G4BWP, Lionel, G5LP
and Rob, GM3YTS are QRV as YK9G from Damascus until April 15.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW with two stations.  QSL via
G3TXF.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The Japan International DX CW Contest,
YLRL DX-YL to NA-YL SSB Contest, NCCC Sprint CW Ladder, Radio
Maritime Day, PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest, EU Spring CW
Sprint, Georgia QSO Party, Yuri Gagarin International DX CW Contest,
SKCC Weekend CW Sprintathon, UBA Spring SSB Contest are all on tap
for this weekend.  The 222 MHz Spring Sprint is scheduled for April
15.  Please see April QST, page 82 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest
web sites for details.
NNNN
/EX


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Apr 11 13:37:25 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Apr 11 13:45:47 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP016 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <200804111737.m3BHbPWL010776@pop5.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP016
ARLP016 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP16
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 16  ARLP016
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  April 11, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP016
ARLP016 Propagation de K7RA

No sunspots for seven days, as of Thursday, April 10.  We may see
sunspots return around April 21-28.  This is based on recent
activity rotating out of view around the Sun and (we hope)
reappearing later this month.

If you look at,
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/forecasts/45DF/041045DF.txt, which
was Thursday's forecast, you see predicted solar flux remaining at
70 until April 20, when it reaches 75, then 80 on April 21.  The
predicted higher solar flux should correlate with the return of
sunspots.  This prediction is updated daily after 2100z.  After
2100z April 11 you can see the new prediction by changing
041045DF.txt at the end of the URL to 041145DF.txt.  You can also go
to, http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpmenu/forecasts/45DF.html to select a
daily forecast from the list, but frequently there is a delay before
the latest forecast is listed, and you can see it much sooner by
changing the date in the URL as shown above.

 From that same forecast you can see quiet geomagnetic conditions
predicted until April 22-24.  Geophysical Institute Prague predicts
quiet to unsettled conditions April 11, quiet April 12-13, quiet to
unsettled April 14, unsettled April 15, quiet to unsettled April 16,
and back to quiet on April 17.

Rob Steenburgh, KA8JBY sent some links useful for detecting sunspots
on the Sun's far side, using helioseismography.  See,
http://gong.nso.edu/data/farside/ and,
http://soi.stanford.edu/data/full_farside/ for images.  Note that
you can also animate these to see recent activity in motion.  The
technique is described at,
http://soi.stanford.edu/press/farside_Feb2006/web/index.html.

In Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP007 (see
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/2008-arlp007.html) in mid-February, we
mentioned an article in a daily business publication which spoke of
an upcoming Maunder Minimum.  In the article were fabricated quotes
from Dr. Kenneth Tapping, who works at the observatory in British
Columbia where we get our daily solar flux data.

I was surprised to see this same article in the monthly VHF column
in CQ Magazine recently.  But I saw it on March 31, and it was the
April issue.  I understand that this was really supposed to be some
sort of April Fools' jest, but it went awry, probably due to
miscommunication with the editor, who was already running a
traditional whimsical April item.  Once edited, it lost the April 1
flavor.

Of course there is a long tradition in amateur radio publishing
regarding strange and fantastic articles in the April issue.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell.  For instance, as a 12-year old
Novice I was unaware of this tradition, and was very interested to
read in an April QST about some new paint that could be applied to
towers.  It was supposed to "shift" reflected light "outside the
visible spectrum," and therefore render the structure invisible.
Well, nearly so.  It should still block light from passing through
it, but the article claimed the effect was some kind of fuzzy
non-image, a sort of visual void of uncertain nature.

I didn't realize that this was a joke until reading the Letters
section in the May issue.  Imaginative readers had a lot of fun with
this, and one woman wrote that her ham husband was trying out the
paint on a recent Saturday, and she hadn't seen him since.

Mike Schatzberg, W2AJI of Tryon, North Carolina wrote to report
conditions during the recent period when we actually had daily
sunspot activity.  He was mentioned previously in this bulletin, in
2006 in Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP047 (see
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/2006-arlp047.html).  He wrote again
about excellent conditions on 20 meters.

On April 4 Mike wrote, "I had to let you know about the unusual and
steady strong signals I have been working on 20 meters the past 3
days.  East coast propagation to the Far East and Indonesia have
been extraordinary.  Low power stations, less than 100 watts, and
with wire antennas abound, and I am able to read them with S5 to S9
signal strengths on my Orion II transceiver."

He continues, "Two Americans, HS0ZCX, Chuck, with only 100 watts,
and a wire beam antenna, and XU7ACY (NO2R), Peter, have been booming
into the East Coast with S9 signals.  They are heard during the
morning hours at about 13:00 Zulu, along with Ralph, HS0ZSC who is
also very strong.  YB0BCU, Yan, is always S9 from Jakarta during the
same time period."

Mike goes on to say, "The evening hours have also been a delight
into the Orient.  Propagation remains good into Japan for much of
the night.  But many lower power stations can also be worked on SSB,
from both China and Taiwan.  Last night, between 01:00 and 03:00
Zulu, once you steer around the many calling Asian Siberian
stations, Japan, China, and Taiwan were extremely active.  BD2QAF,
BU2AQ, JA2AXB, all had S5 or better signals with low power."

He says, "I should add that short path is again open in the evening
hours back into the South Pacific.  Todd, ZL2SP, was mobile, with
100 watts and a mobile whip, and he was S5 here.  VK signals were Q5
during this period also."

Mike continues, "It seems that many American stations are not aware
of the late evening openings as yet, and the bands are really quiet
while working the low power DX.  If this is just the beginning, and
we are still enjoying sunspots from Cycle 23, with little action
from new Cycle 24, how much better will things get? I guess I better
get my log periodic finished for the higher bands because 15 and 10
are already having their 'DX Moments!'"

He ends by saying, "I have been using my usual 20 meter monoband
Yagi, with 44 foot boom, at 75 feet for DXing.  It doesn't get much
better than this.  Strong signals and little QRM.  Enjoy."

Mike sure has some nice antennas in a great location.  See them at,
http://home.earthlink.net/~cherokeehillfarm/id2.html and
http://www.qrz.com/w2aji.  Note the last link shows he has been
looked up over 41,000 times on that site.  That indicates a very
active ham.  See also on his personal web site he has photos of
other stations and their antennas.  Don't miss VK3MO's photos at,
http://home.earthlink.net/~cherokeehillfarm/id3.html.

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 web page 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/.  Monthly
propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas
locations are at http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of this
bulletin are at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#email.

Sunspot numbers for April 3 through 9 were 14, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0
with a mean of 2.  10.7 cm flux was 76.4, 73, 71, 69, 69.1, 69.8,
and 68 with a mean of 70.9.  Estimated planetary A indices were 2,
11, 21, 18, 12, 9 and 12 with a mean of 12.1.  Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 2, 8, 9, 11, 9, 6 and 9, with a mean of
7.7.
NNNN
/EX


From dick at twohams.com  Sun Apr 13 09:35:41 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sun Apr 13 09:44:14 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804131335.m3DDZfO1024853@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
304 am PDT sun Apr 13 2008

...High wind watch in effect from Monday morning through Monday
evening...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a high wind
watch...which is in effect from Monday morning through Monday
evening.

Southwest winds are expected to increase to 25 to 35 mph Monday
morning and continue through the afternoon and early evening.
Gusts of 60 mph or higher are possible especially in wind prone
areas of western Nevada and eastern California. In the higher
elevations of the Sierra...gusts up to 100 mph may occur.

Unsecured outdoor items that could be moved or blown over by strong
winds should be brought indoors before the winds increase on
Monday. Travel will become difficult especially on Highway 395 and
Interstate 80 due to strong cross winds and possible local areas
of blowing dust.

A high wind watch means there is potential for strong damaging
winds to affect the area. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts
at weather.Gov/Reno.

Expires:140000 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.HW.A.0006.080414T1500Z-080415T0300Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Sun Apr 13 15:18:08 2008
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Sun Apr 13 15:26:43 2008
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter Vol. 27, No. 14 - April 11, 2008
Message-ID: <200804131918.m3DJI86A003562@pop5.greatbasin.net>



***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 27, No. 14
April 11, 2008
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + Ohio ARES Teams Lend Support to Hepatitis Vaccination Clinic
* + ARRL EXPO at Dayton Hamvention -- the Countdown Is On!
* + Kansas Becomes 26th State to Have PRB-1 Law
* + Special Events to Commemorate 96th Anniversary of Titanic Tragedy
* + 2008 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference: Call for Papers
* + FCC Enforcement Actions
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
       This Weekend on the Radio
       ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration
     + National Hurricane Center Director: Hams Give "Valuable" Reports
     + Zapping Cancer Cells at 13.56 MHz on 60 Minutes This Weekend
       ARRL VE Manual Now Available
       Ham to Hike Pacific Crest Trail
       William F. Buckley Meets Amateur Radio

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

===========================================================

==> OHIO ARES TEAMS LEND SUPPORT TO HEPATITIS VACCINATION CLINIC

When news of a hepatitis A outbreak alarmed residents of West Chester,
Ohio last month, local officials sprang into action to inoculate more
than 1200 people who had eaten at a local fast food restaurant; an
employee with a confirmed case of the virus worked at the restaurant in
March may have contaminated ice and other food items, health officials
said. Inundated with more people than expected, Butler County Health
Department and Emergency Management officials were overwhelmed with
traffic, communication problems and general logistics of the event. When
a second hepatitis A vaccination clinic was scheduled for April 5,
officials called on local Amateur Radio operators to assist with
communications, as well as traffic and crowd control.

"After the first vaccination clinic was swamped with people coming to
get their shots, both the Board of Health and the Emergency Management
Agency in Butler County realized they needed assistance," said ARRL Ohio
Section Emergency Coordinator Frank Piper, KI8GW. "They had the super
idea of bringing in the local ARES group and called on District
Emergency Coordinator Robert Spratt, N8TVU, to organize some hams to
come help out."

According to Spratt, officials at the first clinic could not communicate
on their cell phones due to lack of coverage in the area. "Officials had
only planned for about 800 people to show up to get inoculated. When
they had more than 1200 people show up, they tried using their cell
phones to call and get more vaccine, but they just wouldn't work." Calls
made to 911 for police back-up to deal with unruly persons also had
trouble getting through, Piper said.

Ohio has a statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless
communication for public safety and first responders in place -- MARCS
-- used by Emergency Management officials in times when traditional
communications systems fail. "When Butler County officials tried to use
it at the first clinic, the system displayed 'OUT OF RANGE' or 'NO
SIGNAL' messages on every channel," Piper said.

At the second clinic, eight hams from both Butler County and Hamilton
County were on site and ready to assist. The clinic, located at a
church, was scheduled to run from 10 AM-4 PM. The hams were ready for
early crowds; at the first clinic, people were standing in line more
than two hours before the doors opened.

"When the ARES team arrived, they established the parking lot area, the
traffic flow patterns into and out of the church area and set up the
required communications," Spratt said. "ARES members canvassing the
complex discovered several other events were ongoing at the facility,
including a funeral, fingerprinting for youth sports, a planning meeting
for a summer carnival and a planning meeting for the upcoming soccer
season. Soccer practice also added to the traffic and pedestrian
congestion."

More than 225 people received hepatitis A vaccinations at the second
clinic and ARES members directed more than 1200 cars to their correct
destinations on the property. The Butler County Health Department
officials, clinic staff, the Butler County Emergency Management Agency,
the West Chester Police Department and church officials thanked the ARES
team for a job well done, all without any reported incidents. Spratt
said that the Ohio District 4 ARES teams in Warren, Clermont, Hamilton
and Butler counties have had prior Volunteer Reception Center and
vaccination clinic operation training that "helped greatly in
understanding and knowing what would be needed in the way of
communications at the clinic, as well as security, traffic control and
crowd control."

Spratt said that people coming to get inoculations "asked about who we
were and who we were working for. We made some new friends in the
community and recruited three or four people for the upcoming Technician
classes. They thought what we were doing as volunteers was great and
they want to become part of the team."

Piper concurred with Spratt. "In the Ohio Section, we have the Ohio
Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP)
<http://www.trac-online.org/Docs/oserp.pdf>. This is a small document
compared to some ERPs I have seen. This document outlines how ARES is
activated in the Section, who reports to whom and how communication
flows. DEC Spratt and his team followed the OSERP pretty much to the
letter, and it worked well. Many ARES districts have participated with
their Regional Medical Response Systems in their assigned districts on
tabletop exercises, as well as actual call-up drills. In February,
District 3, under the command of ADEC Fred Stone, W8LLY, conducted a
Pandemic Flu activation that extended over several days in February,
including a real-time snow storm which affected the drill. This
vaccination clinic this past weekend proves to all of us that ARES is
vital to the emergency medical community."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, hepatitis A is a viral
infection that attacks the liver and is spread primarily by close
person-to-person contact or by consuming contaminated food.

==> ARRL EXPO AT DAYTON HAMVENTION -- THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

With just over a month to go, the final details for the ARRL EXPO at the
2008 Dayton Hamvention <http://www.hamvention.org/> are wrapping up and
the secrets are being let out! This year's EXPO is meant to not only
share in, but to embrace the Dayton Amateur Radio Association's (DARA)
-- host of Hamvention -- theme of "Amateur Radio + People = Fellowship"
<http://www.w8bi.org/>. With more open-air areas and interactive booths
within the ARRL EXPO, we hope to not only convey this message but
provide easier opportunities for fellowship within the EXPO, offering
more opportunities for interaction with the ARRL family. The Dayton
Hamvention will be held May 16-18 at Hara Arena.

ARRL Membership Manager Katie Breen, W1KRB, is overseeing the ARRL EXPO
at Hamvention. "A new area within the EXPO this year is the ARRL Movie
Room," she said. "We decided to try something a little different this
year and create a cozy area to sit back and relax and watch a movie on
the 10-foot screen. We are very pleased that Bob Allphin, K4UEE, Peter I
participant and producer of the DXpedition video, will be a featured
guest on Saturday in the movie room. This will be a unique opportunity
to come and meet Bob, listen to additional commentary on the many
DXpeditions he has been on and have some personal time to ask your
questions about going on a DXpedition." Allphin has visited 93 DXCC
entities, operated from 50 and been on 33 DXpeditions, of which 6 set
world records. He took 5th place at the 1996 WRTC with teammate James
Pratt, N6IG.

Breen said that the Youth Lounge, organized by 2007 Goldfarb Memorial
Scholarship recipient Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, will be up and running
again this year. "With a bevy of activity for our young hams, the youth
lounge is a full scale version of what every club and group can do to
entice young hams to their events. This is a perfect opportunity to
visit Andrea and the other volunteers in the areas and bring back ideas
to your home clubs."

The 2008 Youth Dinner will also be on Saturday night, but with one
change: Instead of being at a local restaurant, it will take place at
the DARA clubhouse. Breen said, "We're very excited by the generosity
the DARA Board of Directors has shown to us. They let me know that the
restaurant we've used the past couple of years for the youth dinner had
gone out of business. So while I was searching for a new location, the
DARA Board was meeting and decided to offer their clubhouse to the
kids." Hartlage said she was thrilled with this option this year. "Not
only can we enjoy a great pizza party at the clubhouse, but we can even
have time to get on the air together! I'm so thankful to DARA for
stepping up and helping us out in such a generous way."

Breen followed up, saying, "DARA's theme of fellowship extends into the
EXPO area with their partnership with us, including a new area within
EXPO that will be dedicated to the newer operators and future hams."

==> KANSAS BECOMES 26TH STATE TO HAVE PRB-1 LAW

After an unsuccessful attempt eight years ago to get a PRB-1
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/prb-1.html> type
bill signed in Kansas, radio amateurs in that state have succeeded in
becoming the 26th state with a PRB-1 law on the books. Kansas Governor
Kathleen Sebelius signed HB 2805
<http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/2805.pdf> into law on April 9.
The bill, written by Rep Arlen Siegfreid (R-15), passed unanimously in
both the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate. It takes effect
July 1, 2008.

Known as the "Kansas Emergency Communications Preservation Act," the new
law concerns federally licensed Amateur Radio Service communications.
According to the governor's office, the law "prohibit[s] a city or
county governing body from taking any action that precludes federally
licensed amateur radio service communications, or that does not conform
to federal regulations related to amateur radio antenna facilities."

The new law states that if a municipality takes any action that
regulates the placement, screening, number or height of a station
antenna structure, the action must "Reasonably accommodate federally
licensed amateur radio service communications; and constitute the
minimum regulation practicable to carry out the legitimate purpose of
the governing body." Antenna support structures constructed prior to the
bill's effective date "are exempted from subsequent changes in zoning
regulations...and may be repaired as required."

JD Spradling, KC0NYS, of Olathe, Kansas, is chairman of the committee
<http://www.hamsforkansas.org/> that led the charge to get a PRB-1 law
on the books in that state. He commented: "Many local zoning boards
don't give FCC regulations adequate consideration when making zoning
decisions and across the country amateurs have found that state laws are
a more effective tool for influencing local zoning regulations. So
beginning in the 1990s, amateurs began lobbying for legislation that
would place PRB-1-type language into their state laws."

Upon hearing the news that Governor Sebelius signed the bill into law,
Spradling said, "This venture has been successful because we have had a
great team effort all the way through the process, from all who stepped
up -- from our state and local representatives, to our subject matter
experts and the PRB-1 Committee members from Miami County, Kansas, as
well as everyone else who had been proactive in the 2008 Kansas
Legislative process for your fellow hams."

==> SPECIAL EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE 96TH ANNIVERSARY OF TITANIC TRAGEDY

Several Amateur Radio special event operations are scheduled to mark the
96th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The "unsinkable"
White Star Line passenger vessel was on its maiden voyage from
Liverpool, England, to New York City when it struck an iceberg and sank
early on April 15, 1912. More than 1500 people perished, while some 700
passengers in 19 lifeboats were rescued by the RMS Carpathia, whose
radio operator copied the frantic distress call (the still common "CQD"
signal, possibly coupled with the then-new "SOS") transmitted by MGY
radio operator Jack Phillips as the Titanic foundered.

Special event W0S <http://www.wzeros.com/W0S_Special_Event.html>, which
stands for "White Star Line," will be on the air from the Titanic Museum
in Branson, Missouri <http://www.titanicbranson.com/>. The W0S operation
will commence at 1300 UTC on Saturday, April 12, and conclude at 2400
UTC on Sunday, April 13. Members of the Nixa Amateur Radio Club and the
Southwest Missouri Amateur Radio Club (SMARC) will be among those at the
helm of W0S. Icom, Vibroplex, MicroLog, Rayfield Communications and MFJ
are corporate sponsors for the event.

Look for W0S on or around these frequencies: SSB, 3.850, 7.250, 14.250
and 21.350 MHz; CW, 3.550, 7.050, 14.050 and 21.050 MHz; PSK, 80 and 40
meters only. Operators will be listening 3 kHz up for calls. There will
also be activity on D-STAR, EchoLink and IRLP; please check the event's
Web page for information concerning these frequencies. Visitors are
welcome. E-mail the Nixa club for more information
<titanichams@wzeros.com>;.

Special event station W1MGY will be on the air from the Titanic
Historical Society Museum in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. Operation
will concentrate on 20 and 40 meters April 11-12 from 1400 UTC until
2030 UTC each day, although W1MGY may be on the air at other times,
bands and modes throughout the 96th anniversary weekend.

Look for W1MGY on or around: CW, 3.533, 7.033, 14.033, 18.099, 21.033
and 28.033 MHz; SSB, 3.860, 7.260, 14.260, 18.160, 21.360 and 28.336
MHz, conditions permitting.

To schedule a contact with W1MGY, contact Dave Isham, KB1MU
<kb1mu@charter.net>;, indicating a preferred date, time and frequency.
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with QSL requests to Titanic
Historical Society, W1MGY, PO Box 51053, Indian Orchard, MA 01151-0053.

==> 2008 ARRL/TAPR DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE: CALL FOR PAPERS

Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the 27th annual
ARRL/TAPR <http://www.tapr.org/> Digital Communications Conference
(DCC), Friday-Sunday, September 26-28, in Chicago, Illinois
<http://www.tapr.org/dcc.html>. Papers will also be published in the
Conference Proceedings. Authors do not need to attend the conference to
have their papers included in the Proceedings. The submission deadline
is July 31.

The ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference is an international
forum for technically minded radio amateurs to meet and present new
ideas and techniques. Paper/presentation topic areas include -- but are
not limited to -- software defined radio (SDR), digital voice, digital
satellite communication, digital signal processing (DSP), HF digital
modes, adapting IEEE 802.11 systems for Amateur Radio, Global
Positioning System (GPS), Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS),
Linux in Amateur Radio, AX.25 updates and Internet operability with
Amateur Radio networks.

Submit papers to Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT
06111 or via e-mail <maty@arrl.org>;. Papers will be published exactly as
submitted, and authors will retain all rights. ARRL will provide
additional information on the 2008 DCC as it becomes available.

==> FCC ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

Special Counsel in the FCC Spectrum Enforcement Division Riley
Hollingsworth sent a Warning Notice to Edward R. Drone, W0NYF, of
Sycamore Hills, Missouri alerting him that "the trustee of the St. Louis
and Suburban Radio Club repeaters K0STL (146.940 MHz), N0TYZ (146.910
MHz), W0FF (146.970 MHz) and W0SRC (146.850 MHz) has requested in
writing that you refrain from use of the repeaters." These requests, the
Commission, noted, were due to Drone's "failure to follow operational
rules set forth by the licensee/control operators of the repeaters for
their users." Hollingsworth reminded Drone about a past conversation
they had in which Drone "acknowledged that [he] had been directed to
stay off of the repeaters and stated that [he] would comply," but,
according to the Warning Notice, Drone "utilized the K0STL repeater on
March 31, 2008 and stated that [he] would not refrain from using it."
Drone was told he was expected "to abide by the request to stay off of
the above-listed repeaters and any other such request by a repeater
licensee, control operator or trustee." Drone was warned that the FCC
would initiate enforcement action against his license -- which could
include revocation, monetary forfeiture or a "modification proceeding to
restrict the frequencies on which [he] may operate W0NYF." Fines
normally range from $7500-$10,000.

Hollingsworth also sent a Warning Notice to David R. Henry, W2DRH, of
Cuddebackville, New York alerting him that "the K3TSA repeater system
operating on 145.350 MHz has requested in writing that you refrain from
use of the repeater." These requests, the Commission, noted, were due to
Henry's "failure to follow operational rules set forth by the
licensee/control operators of the repeater and FCC rules." Hollingsworth
reminded Henry that the trustees had "previously requested verbally [to
Henry that he] refrain from using the system, but [Henry has] apparently
ignored both verbal and written requests." Hollingsworth also noted that
Henry "complained that on February 13, 2008, the control operator of the
K3TSA repeater shut down the repeater while [he was] engaged in
emergency communications. [Henry] had previously been warned not to use
the repeater and, moreover, three of the five control operators of the
K3TSA repeater witnessed the communications and reported that there was
no emergency situation." Henry was warned that the FCC would initiate
enforcement action against his license -- which could include
revocation, monetary forfeiture or a "modification proceeding to
restrict the frequencies on which [he] may operate W2DRH." Fines
normally range from $7500-$10,000. Hollingsworth also pointed out that
Henry's Amateur Radio license was set to expire on April 21, 2009.
"Please be advised," Hollingsworth said, "that your license will not be
routinely renewed unless this matter is resolved."

Hollingsworth sent a Warning Notice to non-licensee residential owners
concerning interference from a flat screen television unit to a licensed
amateur in Edgewater, Florida.

Direct all questions concerning the Amateur Radio Service Enforcement
Actions Web postings via e-mail only to Riley Hollingsworth
<fccham@fcc.gov>; in the FCC Spectrum Enforcement Division.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Unless to see my shadow in the Sun" Cook, K7RA, this week reports:
As of Thursday, April 10, there have been no sunspots for seven days. We
may see sunspots return around April 21-28. This is based on recent
activity rotating out of view around the Sun and (we hope) reappearing
later this month. The predicted solar flux remains at 70 until April 20
when it reaches 75, then 80 on April 21. The predicted higher solar flux
should correlate with the return of sunspots. Geophysical Institute
Prague predicts quiet to unsettled conditions April 11, quiet April
12-13, quiet to unsettled April 14, unsettled April 15, quiet to
unsettled April 16 and back to quiet on April 17. For more information
concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information
Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's
Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin
page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend is the YLRL DX-YL to NA-YL
Contest (SSB) on April 11-13. The EU Spring Sprint (CW) is April 12. The
JIDX CW Contest, Radio Maritime Day and the Georgia QSO Party are April
12-13. Be sure to check out the SKCC Weekend Sprintathon and the UBA
Spring Contest (SSB) on April 13. The RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship
(SSB) is scheduled for April 16. The CQ WW WPX Contest (SSB) is March
29-30. Next weekend, look for the Holyland DX Contest, the TARA Skirmish
Digital Prefix Contest, the ES Open HF Championship, the Feld Hell
Sprint and the EU Spring Sprint (SSB) on April 19. The Michigan QSO
Party, the EA-QRP CW Contest, the Ontario QSO Party and the YU DX
Contest are April 19-20. The Run for the Bacon QRP Contest is April 21.
The SKCC Sprint is April 23 and the RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship
(Data) is April 24. See the ARRL Contest Branch page
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL Contester's Rate Sheet
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet/> and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more
info.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains
open through Sunday, April 20, 2008, for these online course sessions
beginning on Friday, May 2, 2008: Technician License Course (EC-010);
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). Each online
course has been developed in segments -- learning units with objectives,
informative text, student activities and quizzes. Courses are
interactive, and some include direct communications with a
Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a particular session that may
be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the course) and they may access the
course at any time of day during the course period, completing lessons
and activities at times convenient for their personal schedule. Mentors
assist students by answering questions, reviewing assignments and
activities, as well as providing helpful feedback. Interaction with
mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is no appointed time the
student must be present -- allowing complete flexibility for the student
to work when and where it is convenient. To learn more, visit the CCE
Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact
the Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>;.

* National Hurricane Center Director: Hams Give "Valuable" Reports:
Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) Bill Read, KB5FYA,
praised Amateur Radio at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando
earlier this month
<http://www.voipwx.net/local/Bill_Read_on_Ham_Radio_Hurricane_Conference
2008.wmv>. "Ham radio has always played a critical role in emergencies,"
Read said. "What goes out when you have a high wind event or major
flooding is the communications system, so you lose even cell phones,
landline phones, commercial radio and TV. In those cases, ham radio
operators that can put up emergency transmitters and antennas in the
wake of a storm can give us reports that are valuable. They also help in
the search and rescue efforts in the aftermath." The NHC has a dedicated
amateur station on-site -- WX4NHC -- and has worked closely with hams
for decades.  -- Thanks to Dan Musten, KD4RAA, and John Van Pelt, K4JVP,
for the information

* Zapping Cancer Cells at 13.56 MHz on "60 Minutes" This Weekend: John
Kanzius, K3TUP, of Erie Pennsylvania, has been working on an RF-based
treatment for cancer that is currently undergoing testing. According to
ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, Kanzius is
scheduled to be on the CBS news show "60 Minutes" on Sunday, April 13
(keep in mind that the line-up could change). "While there never is a
way to predict what shows and what ends up on the cutting room floor,
John gave as many plugs to his ham radio background as he could in being
the foundations of hands-on learning that led to his research and
invention," Pitts said. Kanzius, a very active Amateur Radio operator,
aided in the creation of the upcoming ARRL Technology and Amateur Radio
public relations campaign. Read more about Kanzius and his
ground-breaking idea to kill cancer cells with radio waves in the
February 2008 issue of QST.

* ARRL VE Manual Now Available: The ARRL VEC leads the way when it comes
to licensing amateurs, thanks to the excellent work of thousands of
volunteer examiners who give so generously of their time, energy and
skill. Whether you have ever thought about becoming a Volunteer Examiner
or you are a seasoned VE, the "ARRL VEC Volunteer Examiner Manual"
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1328> is the complete guide to the
ARRL Volunteer Examiner program. Packed with everything new and
experienced ARRL VEs need to know, this book is loaded with information,
including chapters on becoming a Volunteer Examiner, the Volunteer
Examiner Team, preparing for the test session, Form 605; conducting the
test session, session report and returning documents, FCC Part 97 Rules
and more. To learn more about becoming an ARRL Volunteer Examiner,
please see the ARRL VEC Web Page
<http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/become-a-ve.html>. Order your copy of the
"ARRL VEC Volunteer Examiner Manual" today.

* Ham to Hike Pacific Crest Trail: Bruce Prior, N7RR, a contributor to
QST, has announced plans to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) later
this month. The PCT is 2650 miles long, ranging from the
California-Mexico border all the way to the Canadian border and reaching
an altitude of 13,153 feet. On April 19, Prior will begin the journey
near Campo, California with hopes of reaching Manning Park, British
Columbia in late September or early October. Prior will bring along his
Elecraft KX1 with the 30 meter/80 meter module, as well as resonant
half-wavelength dipole antennas for the 80, 40, 30 and 20 meter bands.
While not planning to do any pedestrian-mobile contacts, Prior said he
will wait until he has set up camp for the evening before getting on the
air: "Occasionally I may decide to operate in the daytime, such as from
the summit of Mount Baden-Powell (9399 feet) or at the California-Oregon
border on the PCT." For more information on frequencies, times and nets
that Prior will be on, please visit his blog <http://www.n7rr.com/>.
According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), approximately
300 people attempt to hike the entire trail from end-to-end each year.
The trip usually takes between four and six months. Around 180 complete
the hike each year. The route is mostly through National Forest and,
where possible, protected wilderness areas. The trail avoids
civilization in favor of scenic and pristine mountainous terrain with
few roads, passing through the Laguna, San Jacinto, San Bernardino, San
Gabriel, Liebre, Tehachapi and Sierra Nevada ranges in California, and
the Cascade Range in California, Oregon and Washington.

* William F. Buckley Meets Amateur Radio: In a personal essay published
in the April 7, 2008 issue of "The National Review," the late William F.
Buckley Jr described a fascinating story involving himself, Senator
Barry Goldwater, K7UGA (SK), and of course ham radio. It seems that Mr
Buckley was part of a 12 man trip to Russia's Vostok station, a very
remote outpost at the magnetic South Pole. In addition to his brother,
Senator James Buckley, their old pal Barry Goldwater and his son Barry
Jr were also members of this expedition. Buckley described being in a
crowded Soviet igloo, entertained with "trays of caviar and tumblers of
vodka." After toasting his Russian host, he was suddenly taken aside by
Barry Jr. "Dad wants to see you" he said, pointing to the door. Buckley
was taken to another igloo, apparently the radio shack. "Thought you
might like to talk to your  wife," the senior Goldwater said. Buckley
describes the prideful look on Goldwater's face, having maneuvered the
Soviet radio to contact his wife back home in Arizona! Although he was a
man famous for his complete control of the English language, Bill
Buckley said he was "speechless" as he heard the telephone ringing and
his wife answering the telephone! He said, "It's me darling" and his
wife responded, "It's three o'clock in the morning!" Buckley exclaimed,
"I'm calling from the South Pole!" This story reminded me of the many
nights back in the late 1970s when I gladly helped with phone patches
from the US Navy base at McMurdo, Antarctica. Just as Senator Goldwater
did, I awakened many people in the wee hours of the morning with a phone
call from their loved ones on the bottom of the world!  -- Bruce
Jackson, KA5ELC, Cordova, Tennessee

===========================================================

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.

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.


From dick at twohams.com  Sun Apr 13 20:38:54 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sun Apr 13 20:47:30 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind WARNING for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804140038.m3E0csKb015518@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
309 PM PDT sun Apr 13 2008

...High Wind WARNING in effect from 11 am to 7 PM PDT Monday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a High Wind
Warning...which is in effect from 11 am to 7 PM PDT Monday. The
high wind watch is no longer in effect.

Southwest winds are expected to increase to 25 to 35 mph Monday
morning and continue through the afternoon and early evening.
Gusts of 60 mph or higher can be expected by the
afternoon...especially in the higher elevations and in wind prone
areas of western Nevada. Over the ridges...gusts up to 100 mph
are expected.

These winds will also cause rough chop on Lake Tahoe. Small boats
will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until
conditions improve.

Damage to trees...power lines and property is likely with winds
of this magnitude. Unsecured outdoor items that could be moved
or blown over by strong winds should be brought indoors before the
winds increase on Monday. Travel will become difficult especially
on Highway 395 and Interstate 80 due to strong cross winds and
possible local areas of blowing dust.

Check our website at weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather
Radio for updates on this situation.

Expires:141200 gmt
VTEC:/O.UPG.KREV.HW.A.0006.080414T1500Z-080415T0300Z/
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.HW.W.0004.080414T1800Z-080415T0200Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Mon Apr 14 09:57:40 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon Apr 14 10:06:19 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind WARNING for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804141357.m3EDve60021537@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
649 am PDT Mon Apr 14 2008

...High Wind WARNING now in effect until 7 PM PDT this evening...

The High Wind Warning is now in effect until 7 PM PDT this
evening.

Southwest winds are expected to increase to 25 to 40 mph this
morning and continue through the afternoon and early evening.
Gusts of 60 mph or higher can be expected...especially in the
higher elevations and in wind prone areas of western Nevada. Over
the ridges of the Sierra...gusts up to 100 mph are expected.

These winds will also cause very rough chop on Lake Tahoe. Small
boats will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake
waters until conditions improve.

Damage to trees...power lines and property could occur with winds
of this magnitude. Unsecured outdoor items that could be moved or
blown over by strong winds should be brought indoors. Travel will
become difficult especially on Highway 395 and Interstate 80 due
to strong cross winds and possible local areas of blowing dust.

Check our website at weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather
Radio for updates on this situation.

Expires:141800 gmt
VTEC:/O.EXT.KREV.HW.W.0004.080414T1500Z-080415T0200Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Mon Apr 14 21:47:37 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon Apr 14 21:56:20 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind WARNING for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804150147.m3F1lcK8005447@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
631 PM PDT Mon Apr 14 2008

...High Wind WARNING remains in effect until 10 PM PDT this
evening...

A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 10 PM PDT this
evening.

Southwest winds of 30 to 45 mph will continue through this
evening. Gusts of 70 to 80 mph or higher will occur...especially
in the higher elevations and in wind prone of western Nevada such
as Washoe Valley...Galena...and Carson Valley. Winds will gust to
100 mph over the Sierra ridges. The worst of the winds will
likely be through 8 PM PDT.

Damage to trees...power lines and property could occur with winds
of this magnitude. This is a serious situation! Travel will be
difficult especially on highways 50...395 and Interstate 80 due to
strong cross winds and areas of blowing dust. Travel is
discouraged for those in high profile vehicles.

Check our website at weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather
Radio for updates on this situation.

Expires:150500 gmt
VTEC:/O.CON.KREV.HW.W.0004.000000T0000Z-080415T0500Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Tue Apr 15 09:34:37 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Apr 15 09:43:25 2008
Subject: [CVRC] VE Exams, Saturday Morning, May 3, 2008
Message-ID: <200804151334.m3FDYbb9004758@pop5.greatbasin.net>

The Comstock Amateur Radio Association, W5YI VE Team, will hold 
Amateur Radio Examinations for Technician, General and Amateur Extra Class.

Place:  EMCOMMWEST, 2008, Circus Circus Hotel and Cas1no, Reno.

Date:   Saturday, May 3rd

Cost:   $14.00 (Cash or check payable to Comstock ARA)

Time:   10:00 a.m.

What:   Bring a picture ID, If currently licensed bring your original 
license and
         a copy.

Contact:  Phil Wells, Chief Examiner @ KL2P@arrl.net
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Thu Apr 17 18:08:17 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu Apr 17 18:17:18 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804172208.m3HM8IBY027754@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
250 PM PDT Thu Apr 17 2008

...High wind watch in effect from Saturday morning through
Saturday evening...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a high wind
watch...which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday
evening.

A strong cold front will reach the Reno...Carson City...Minden
area on Saturday. Along and ahead of the front southwest winds
will increase with gusts to 45 mph likely to affect most
locations. Gusts as high as 60 mph are possible...especially in
the foothills and wind prone areas along Highway 395.

A high wind watch means there is potential for strong damaging
winds to effect the area. Travel will be difficult for high
profile vehicles. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts at
weather.Gov/Reno.

Expires:181200 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.HW.A.0007.080419T1800Z-080420T0600Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Apr 17 19:12:39 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Apr 17 19:21:39 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD017 DX news
Message-ID: <200804172312.m3HNCdGJ032494@pop5.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD017
ARLD017 DX news

ZCZC AE17
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 17  ARLD017
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  April 17, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD017
ARLD017 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
IZ0FKE, MW0USK, N0AX, NC1L, OK1WCF, QRZ DX, 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.

SPRATLY ISLANDS.  Operators Halvard, LA7XK, Just, LA9DL and Erling,
LA6VM are QRV as 9M6/LA7XK, 9M6/LA9DL and 9M6/LA6VM, respectively,
from Layang Layang, IOTA AS-051, until April 25.  Activity is on the
HF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK.  QSL to home calls.

GERMANY, DA.  Operators Helmut, DL1ECU and Rolf, DK1DN will be QRV
as homecalls/p from Hallig Langeness, IOTA EU-042, from April 22 to
May 3.  This includes activity from lighthouse WLOTA LH-1245.  QSL
to home calls.

IRAN, EP.  Hamid, EP4HR has been QRV on 17 meters around 1500 to
1600z.  QSL via I2MQP.

FRANCE, F.  In celebration of the 150th birthday of German physicist
Max Planck, special event station TM2MP is QRV until May 1.  QSL via
F6KTN.

SAINT BARTHELEMY, FJ.  Juergen, FJ/DJ2VO will be QRV from April 19
to May 8.  Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters, and possibly 80
meters, using CW.  QSL to home call.

SAINT MARTIN, FS.  John, K9EL will be QRV as FS/K9EL from April 24
to May 4 while on vacation.  He will be active on 80 to 10 meters
using mainly CW and SSB, and possibly RTTY, in his spare time.  QSL
to home call.

GUERNSEY ISLAND, GU.  A group of operators from the Barry ARS will
be QRV as GB0U from April 19 to 26.  Activity will be on various
bands and modes.  QSL via GW0ANA.

ITALY, I.  Members of the Noantri Radio Club will be QRV as IE9N
from Ustica Island, IOTA EU-051, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, from
April 24 to May 1.  Activity will be on all bands and modes, with a
6-meter beacon active as IE9N/B.  QSL via IZ0FKE.

AMERICAN SAMOA, KH8.  Gavin, AH8/W9EYE will be QRV from Tutuila,
IOTA OC-045, from April 21 to 27, while on business.  Activity will
be in his spare time on 80 to 10 meters using SSB and RTTY.  QSL to
home call.

PUERTO RICO, KP4.  A group of operators will be QRV as KP4DJ from
Goats Island for both the U.S. Islands awards program and in
commemoration of ''World Amateur Radio Day'' on April 18.  Activity
will be on 20 to 10 meters and possibly 40 meters using SSB and
maybe PSK31.  Activity will be from 1300 to 2300z.  QSL via WP4F.

CZECH REPUBLIC, OK.  Special event call OL76CAV will be QRV from
various locations in the Czech Republic on April 20 to commemorate
the 76th anniversary of the founding of Czech-Moravian Transmitting
Amateurs.  Activity will be on all bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and
PSK.  QSL via OK1UU.

DENMARK, OZ.  Flemming, OZ5FM/p will be QRV from Sjaelland Island,
IOTA EU-029, on April 19 and will activate the lighthouses Roesnaes,
DEN-034, and Asnaes, DEN-121.  Activity will be on 20 meters using
SSB.  QSL to home call.

WESTERN SAHARA, S0.  Mohamed, S01MZ has been active on 20 meters
around 1700z.  QSL via EA1BT.

BANGLADESH, S2.  John, KX7YT is QRV as S21YV from Dhaka in his spare
time until April 21.  QSL to home call.

TUVALU, T2.  Udo, DL9HCU is QRV as T20HC. The length of his stay is
unknown.  He is generally active on 20 meters around 0500 to 0800z
and 17 meters around 0800 to 1000z.  QSL to home call

TURKEY, TA.  Special event station TC57A will be QRV from April 22
to 26 to commemorate the battle of Gallipoli, which took place in
1915 on the Dardanelles strait.  Activity will be on 40 to 15
meters.  QSL via TA1HZ.

MEXICO, XE.  In celebration of ''World Amateur Radio Day'' on April
18, DXXE members are QRV as XE83IARU until April 20.  Activity is on
160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY.  QSL via N7RO.

SYRIA, YK.  Saad, N5FF will be QRV as YK1BA from Damascus from April
21 to May 2.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and
RTTY mainly from 2000 to 2300 and then from 0200 to 0500z.  QSL to
home call.

ALBANIA, ZA.  Franck, ZA/F4DTO will be QRV from the city of Elbassan
from April 22 to May 3.  Activity will be on 20, 17 and 10 meters
using SSB.  QSL direct to home call.

OPERATIONS APPROVED FOR DXCC CREDIT.  The following operations are
approved for DXCC credit:  Uganda, 5X1NH, 2007 operation; Burundi,
9UXEV, 2008 operation; Saudi Arabia, HZ1PS; Western Sahara, S05A,
2007 operation; and Syria, YK9G, 2008 operation.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The EU SSB Spring Sprint, Holyland DX
Contest, TARA Skirmish Digital Prefix Contest, ES Open HF
Championship, Feld Hell Sprint, Michigan QSO Party, EA-QRP CW
Contest, Ontario QSO Party and the YU DX CW Contest are all
scheduled for this weekend.  The Run for the Bacon QRP CW Contest is
scheduled for April 21.  The SKCC CW Sprint and 432 MHz Spring
Sprint are both scheduled for April 23.  Please see April QST, page
82 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites for details.
NNNN
/EX


From dick at twohams.com  Fri Apr 18 10:12:43 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Apr 18 10:21:47 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804181412.m3IECijw010835@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
354 am PDT Fri Apr 18 2008

...High wind watch remains in effect from Saturday morning
through Saturday evening...

A high wind watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through
Saturday evening.

A strong cold front will reach the Reno...Carson City...Minden
area on Saturday afternoon. Along and ahead of the front
southwest winds will increase with gusts to 45 mph likely to
affect most locations. Gusts as high as 60 mph are
possible...especially in the foothills and wind prone areas along
Highway 395. Gusty winds will likely lead to areas of reduced
visibilities due to blowing dust and sand.

A high wind watch means there is potential for strong damaging
winds to effect the area. Travel will be difficult for high
profile vehicles. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts at
weather.Gov/Reno.

Expires:182300 gmt
VTEC:/O.CON.KREV.HW.A.0007.080419T1800Z-080420T0600Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Apr 18 13:49:22 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Apr 18 13:58:31 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP017 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <200804181749.m3IHnMQP009654@pop5.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP017
ARLP017 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP17
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 17  ARLP017
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  April 18, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP017
ARLP017 Propagation de K7RA

We saw a string of zero-sunspot days over the past couple of weeks,
but this week saw a brief but significant sunspot lasting only a
couple of days.  Sunspot 990 emerged as a tiny speck over April
14-15, but it was a real live solar Cycle 24 spot.  Not only was the
polarity of this region correct for the new cycle, but it was far
north above the Sun's equator, which is what we expect for a sunspot
from an emerging solar cycle.  The only previous Cycle 24 activity
was close to the solar equator.

For some unknown reason there were no mid-latitude geomagnetic
readings from the Fredericksburg Virginia magnetometer on April 10,
so I estimated the A index for that day as 6.  This was done by
looking at the Boulder Colorado readings for April 9-11 and the
Fredericksburg readings for both April 9 and April 11.

Fredericksburg is about 1500 miles east of Boulder, and about 2.4
degrees south in terms of latitude.  Each location produces a
mid-latitude K and A index.  The Fredericksburg numbers are reported
at the end of each ARRL Propagation Forecast Bulletin, and the
Boulder numbers are what you hear on WWV at 18 minutes after the
hour when they give the Geophysical Alert Message.

You can see the current message at,
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/latest/wwv.txt and look through an
archive of them at,
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpmenu/forecasts/wwv.html.  NOAA predicts
quiet geomagnetic conditions over the next few days, with
geomagnetic upset occurring on April 23.  The chance of returning
sunspots increases beginning April 20, and the best bet for more
spots is April 26-28.

Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet conditions April 18,
quiet to unsettled April 19, quiet April 20, quiet to unsettled
April 21, active April 22-23, and unsettled to active April 24.

Stan Whiteman, W1MDZ of Danforth Maine wrote to say he has set up a
telescope with the proper filters for viewing sunspots.  Of course,
now that he has it finally set up, there were no sunspots to see.
Danforth is a community in East Central Maine, across Grand Lake
from New Brunswick, Canada.  Stan turns 87 this year.  Stan didn't
mention this, but I happen to know that he was stationed in Japan
after World War II, and got to meet Dr. Hidetsugu Yagi, the
originator of the Yagi antenna.

Last week we mentioned the storm brewing a couple of months ago when
a daily business publication ran an article suggesting the Sun is on
the verge of a Maunder Minimum, a many decades long period with very
few sunspots.  They quoted Dr. Kenneth Tapping of Canada's Dominion
Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton British Columbia --
quotes that he says are incorrect and misleading.

Ken has produced a very good response, complete with graphs
demonstrating that this minimum we are currently experiencing
between cycles is nothing unusual.  You can get a copy via email by
sending a request to, SunspotMin@gmail.com.  Every email sent to
this address, no matter what the content, will receive a copy of Dr.
Tapping's report via return email.

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 web page 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/.  Monthly
propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas
locations are at http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of this
bulletin are at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#email.

Sunspot numbers for April 10 through 16 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 11, 12, and
0 with a mean of 3.3.  10.7 cm flux was 67.9, 67.1, 68.2, 69.3,
68.5, 69.2, and 69.5 with a mean of 68.5.  Estimated planetary A
indices were 8, 4, 11, 7, 2, 5 and 15 with a mean of 7.4.  Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 6, 3, 8, 6, 2, 3 and 9, with a mean of
5.3.
NNNN
/EX


From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Apr 18 20:10:41 2008
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Apr 18 20:19:49 2008
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 27, No 15 (Friday, April 19, 2008)
Message-ID: <200804190010.m3J0Af1r013004@pop5.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 27, No. 15
April 18, 2008
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + QST Contributing Editor H. Ward Silver, N0AX, Named Hamvention
"Amateur of the Year"
* + ARRL Teachers Institute off to a Great Start
* + ARRL Diamond Terrace Grows
* + Amateur Radio "Well Represented" at National Hurricane Conference
* + Forum Schedule Announced for Dayton Hamvention
* + International Marconi Day Event Is April 26
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
       This Weekend on the Radio
       ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration
     + New Apparel Items Now Available from ARRL
     + JARL Operating Award Checking Available at Hamvention
       Mexico Group On the Air for World Amateur Radio Day
       Notes from the DXCC Desk
       ARRL Discontinuing Web Classified Ads

+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: S. Khrystyne Keane,
<k1sfa@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==> QST CONTRIBUTING EDITOR H. WARD SILVER, N0AX, NAMED HAMVENTION
"AMATEUR OF THE YEAR"

The 2008 Dayton Hamvention Awards Committee has named QST Contributing
Editor and author H. Ward Silver, N0AX, as its 2008 Amateur of the Year.
The committee said Silver's "books and teaching materials have helped
many become hams." Tom McDermott, N5EG, will receive Hamvention's
Technical Achievement Award to recognize his technical contributions
that helped digital ham radio expand. Emery McClendon, KB9IBW, was named
the recipient of the Special Achievement Award for starting Amateur
Radio Military Appreciation Day (ARMAD) in 2003 as a way for Amateur
Radio to express support and appreciation for our service men and women.
The winners will be feted at a dinner held May 17 at the Marriott Hotel
in Dayton.

Silver, an ARRL Life Member, was first licensed at age 17 in 1972 as
WN0GQP and upgraded to Amateur Extra and changed his call sign to N0AX
in 1976. A contester and DXer, he is on the DXCC Honor Roll.

Silver's award nomination cited his "many contributions, including 'Ham
Radio for Dummies,' his first effort to show that becoming a ham does
not have to be a difficult challenge. His additional books, magazine
articles and his 'Hands On Radio' column in QST have all helped many
hams develop their knowledge and skills." Silver was awarded the ARRL's
Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Award in 2003. He is also the editor
of the ARRL's Contester's Rate Sheet and the ARRL Antenna Design Course.
Silver has also written feature articles and product reviews for QST and
compiles QST's "Contest Corral" column.

Silver, who lives on Vashon Island near Seattle, Washington, worked
closely with community leaders and the Vashon-Maury Island Radio Club
(W7VMI) to provide effective emergency communications. According to the
awards committee, radio club members, along with the fire district and
the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), have created one of the
"best local communications systems in the state of Washington."

Calling it "really, really nice and a complete honor" to be named
Amateur of the Year, Silver told the ARRL that "It's a humbling
experience to even be nominated, much less be chosen. To whomever is
responsible for the nomination and to the Hamvention Committee, thank
you. Receiving the award would be impossible without readers,
colleagues, mentors and friends -- so it's just as much for them as it
is for me. Being recognized will keep my fires lit to go on producing,
strive for better accuracy and clarity and figure out how to make it all
be fun, too. I'll just try to act like I deserve it -- most of the
time."

The Hamvention Technical Achievement Award goes to Thomas C. McDermott,
N5EG, for his "more than 20 years of involvement in projects which
further the development of Amateur Radio." According to the awards
committee, McDermott co-developed the TexNet packet switching network in
1986; based on datagram routing, it covered much of the South Central
United States in the 1990s.

McDermott, an ARRL Life Member, received ARRL's Doug DeMaw, W1FB,
Technical Excellence Award in 2004. Licensed for almost 40 years,
McDermott is a member of the IEEE and holds a bachelor's in electrical
engineering. His Amateur Radio interests lie in HF digital
communications, hardware and software design, and an occasional HF
contest.

McDermott was the founder of the Texas Packet Radio Society. As part of
that group, he designed the hardware and some of the protocols for the
TexNet packet switching network; he has been involved in numerous Tucson
Area Packet Radio (TAPR) projects and has written a textbook on wireless
communications. McDermott holds eight patents.

Emery McClendon, KB9IBW, is to receive the Hamvention award for Special
Achievement for his efforts in starting Amateur Radio Military
Appreciation Day (ARMAD) in 2003. He said he started ARMAD "as a way to
have Amateur Radio serve as a tool for the people of our communities to
be able to express 'live' support and appreciation for our troops,
veterans, retired military and first responders." McClendon, of Fort
Wayne, Indiana, became an Amateur Radio operator 16 years ago. His
interest in organizing Military Special Events derives from his four
years of service in the US Air Force and two years in the Indiana Air
National Guard.

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day has become a popular event,
spreading to other communities. Several military support groups have
developed an interest in having Amateur Radio as a part of their
activities. According to McClendon's award nomination, this has resulted
in introducing Amateur Radio "to thousands of people worldwide who
otherwise would have never known about our public service."

McClendon is active with two local Amateur Radio clubs; he also gives
presentations about Amateur Radio to community groups. His activities,
including ARMAD, have resulted in many TV, radio and media stories
during the past five years, giving exposure to the Amateur Radio
community.

Hamvention Chairman Carl Rose, K8CPR, praised the winners, saying: "On
behalf of the Dayton Amateur Radio Association and Hamvention 2008, it
is my pleasure to congratulate this year's award winners. I ask all hams
to join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions and the many
years of service the winners have given to the Amateur Radio Service."
The world's largest Amateur Radio gathering, Hamvention attracts more
than 20,000 people to the greater Dayton area each spring. Dayton
Hamvention is May 16-18 at Hara Arena near Dayton, Ohio.

==> ARRL TEACHERS INSTITUTE OFF TO A GREAT START

The first of six Teachers Institutes in 2008 -- hosted by the Museum of
Science & Technology in Tampa, Florida -- wrapped up April 10. The 11
participating teachers came away from the experience with a multitude of
ideas to improve their classroom instruction. According to Mark Spencer,
WA8SME, Director of the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology,
the four-day institute "focuses on the science of radio, bringing space
technology into the classroom, microcontroller basics and basic robotics
with emphasis not only on the basic concepts, but also teaching
strategies to bring those concepts into the classroom."

Spencer said the Teachers Institute curriculum is an ever-evolving
process; this year, a radio telescope project was added that can be used
to demonstrate the fundamentals of radio astronomy. The "Soldering 101"
unit was enhanced with the addition of a 24-hour clock kit that the
teachers construct and learn how to solder in the process. Finally, a
BOT Instructor's Board was added to enhance the teacher's ability to
instruct basic robotics. Spencer said he designed and developed the BOT
board to "tie all the different pillars of the Teachers Institute into
one umbrella activity that teachers can use to pull the school year
together. The board also can be used to instruct the individual
components of robotics, as well as instruct TV remote technology."
Spencer said he added an ATV component with the board: "There is a lot
of stuff going on with this particular resource."

The Teachers Institute isn't all inside classroom work. The teachers
participate in a fox-hunt activity, take part in ham satellite QSOs and
observe the collection of satellite imagery transmitted by NOAA
satellites -- just as they can do in their classrooms.

Here are a few of the comments from the first 2008 Teachers Institute
participants that summarize their experience:

"One of the other teachers in our Academy of Engineering and Design
Technology class has applied to attend the Teachers Institute in Dayton
this summer. She is excited about the class after hearing of it and
seeing my show-and-tell session."

"We are working on robots now in my class and will be well entrenched by
the end of this school year. Next year promises to be fun and exciting
for the students. The Teachers Institute was a great experience, and the
personal tutelage was responsible for making it so."

"Wonderful doesn't begin to describe it. I knew the basics of radio
communications and transmission through electromagnetic waves, but I now
understand it better than I ever have. The robot was very cool -- it
reinvigorated my love of programming. It only took me four attempts to
run the maze perfectly! I also made many contacts that I will use to
help throughout my teaching career!"

"The instructor is great, absolutely great -- proof that if you do what
you love, you'll love what you do!"

"Thanks again for the wonderful experience. I am looking forward to
implementing what I learned in the classroom. Please let me know if you
will be offering any follow up institutes."

The remaining Institutes for 2008 are just about filled to capacity,
Spencer said. "Though the application deadline is May 15, the available
seats filled up fast. If you are a teacher, or know of a teacher who
could benefit from the experience, don't wait to submit an application
for the few remaining seats. If you can't make it this year, perhaps
next year. We are adding two additional instructors in anticipation of
expanding the program in the future."

Five more Teachers Institutes are scheduled for 2008: June 16-19 in
Rocklin, California at the Parallax Facility; June 25-28 in Tucson,
Arizona at Pueblo Magnet High School; July 14-17 in Dayton, Ohio at P&R
Communications, and July 28-31 and August 4-7 in Newington, Connecticut
at ARRL Headquarters. Enrollment in these four-day expenses paid
sessions is limited to 12 participants each. Application deadline is May
15, 2008. Applicants must be an active teacher at elementary, middle or
high school level, or hold a leadership position in an enrichment or
after-school program; an Amateur Radio license is not required. For more
information, please visit the Teachers Institute Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ti.html>.

==> ARRL DIAMOND TERRACE GROWS

Spring is finally here and it's that time -- time to expand the Diamond
Terrace at ARRL. "We've been waiting all winter for the opportunity to
add new inscribed bricks and today's the day," said ARRL Chief
Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. "Since the last installation in
the fall of 2007, we've been accumulating bricks from Diamond Club
donors who have donated generously to honor their own call sign or that
of an Elmer, friend or family member." The 150 bricks were moved
Thursday, April 17 to the Terrace area in preparation for the masons to
arrive early Friday morning to begin work.

Hobart said this installation is not the end of the project: "The
Diamond Terrace project continues as long as members want to place
bricks -- or we run out of space! We continue to receive requests from
individuals as well as clubs to place bricks in the Terrace, so the
project is still growing. Now is the perfect time to renew or join the
Diamond Club -- or upgrade -- at the Brass Level so that we can install
bricks over the next six months or so."

The terrace ultimately will consist of 5000 bricks. "We hope it will be
a catalyst for growth, and that many members will support this effort,"
she said.

For a minimum donation of $250 to the ARRL Diamond Club, donors will
receive one personalized brick to be placed in the Diamond Terrace.
Donors may request up to three lines of 16 characters (spaces and
punctuation included) per line on each brick, although the more lines,
the smaller the characters. Legends may consist of a call sign or a name
-- or both -- or a club name and call sign and even a year. Diamond Club
members contributing $250 or more each year may add a new brick, or
bricks, to the terrace.

There is no limit to the number of bricks a Diamond Club member may
place on the Terrace. Brick requests will be accumulated throughout the
year and placed in the Diamond Terrace starting in late spring of each
year. Bricks will be set in sand and are treated to withstand a harsh
New England winter.

The Diamond Terrace recognizes donors wishing to venerate their own call
signs or to honor or memorialize the call sign of a family member, club
or "Elmer" (mentor) bricks. "I have heard wonderful stories from donors
who are honoring their Elmer or a family member, and clubs who are
honoring a founder or influential leader. There is no limit to the
reasons why bricks are placed to honor a call sign," Hobart said.

Especially generous donors may wish to donate a garden bench to The
Diamond Terrace at ARRL for an initial donation of $10,000. "Six garden
benches of Vermont granite, the capstone of the Terrace, have been
placed, thanks to the contributions of six incredibly generous hams,"
Hobart said. Bench donors include Frank Butler, W4RH; Larry Price, W4RA;
Dick Isely, W9GIG; Paul Rinaldo, W4RI; Mike Zak, W1MU, and the Hollywood
Hills QRP Contest Club.

"We had plans to refurbish the Headquarters entrance area, so this was
an ideal opportunity to invite our members to participate in the project
and supporting League programs at the same time," said Hobart. "We want
to grow the Diamond Club, which enables the ARRL to continue programs
that require revenue above and beyond what annual dues provide, ensuring
their long-term health and enabling the League to do more on behalf of
Amateur Radio."

When the ARRL Diamond Terrace was officially opened in July 2007, ARRL
Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, said, "All of us who work
here in Newington get to enjoy the Diamond Terrace every day when we
come to work. We get to walk through a greatly enhanced entrance that
sends the right message to staff and to our members, as well as
visitors, about the character and tradition of our organization."

ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, concurred: "When you talk to the
average ham out on the street, and you ask him what's important to him
in Amateur Radio, he will tell you, 'I want to go into my shack, I want
to turn on my radio and I want to get on the air. I want to enjoy
Amateur Radio. You take care of that for me. You are my organization,
the ARRL; you handle that for me.'"

Harrison continued that in order for that to happen, a lot of work takes
place behind the scenes. "With all that we have going on in Washington,
nationally, with all the attacks on Amateur Radio's resources, it takes
people like you in Newington, it takes people like we have on the Board
of Directors and most importantly, it takes people who donate to our
development program to make that all happen. The Diamond Terrace is just
one part of that, and it's a successful part. It adds a lot of meaning
to Amateur Radio and to the ARRL. From the bottom of my heart, I want to
say 'thank you' to every one of our donors."

Diamond Club enrollment ($75-$249 per year for regular members; $50
annually for Life Members) includes ARRL full-member benefits, including
QST. The Diamond Club now has more than 2000 members, and the
unrestricted funds it takes in support such ARRL activities as spectrum
defense, educational initiatives, field services, DXCC, publications,
contesting and the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator among others,
Hobart points out. "You pick an area that's near and dear to your heart,
and Diamond Club revenue is very likely supporting it."

The ARRL Diamond Terrace, built by Robert Antonello and Son, under the
watchful eye of ARRL Building Manager, Greg Kwasowski, W1GJK, and
Hobart, is a lasting tribute to Amateur Radio and the ARRL. "I hope that
those who are fortunate to visit ARRL Headquarters will enjoy the new
look of their Amateur Radio home. It has been a pleasure to work with
each Diamond Club donor to craft the engraving for their brick, and I
hope many can come and see the terrace personally," Hobart said.

Contact Hobart by telephone (860-594-0397) or e-mail <k1mmh@arrl.org> or
visit the ARRL Web site
<https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/diamondclub/diamond.ht
ml> to learn more or to sign up for your Diamond Club membership and
Diamond Terrace brick.

==> AMATEUR RADIO "WELL REPRESENTED" AT NATIONAL HURRICANE CONFERENCE

More than 2000 people attended the 30th Annual National Hurricane
Conference in Orlando, Florida March 31-April 4. Conference Chairman Max
Mayfield stated in his opening remarks that he was pleased to see such a
turnout, despite the fact that the 2007 hurricane season didn't impact
the United States as in past years. ARRL Emergency Preparedness and
Response Manager Dennis Dura, K2DCD, attended on behalf of the League.

According to Dura, Amateur Radio was well represented in the
pre-Conference training with a variety of presentations. The National
Hurricane Center (NHC) maintains a fully equipped and functional Amateur
Radio station at its headquarters, WX4NHC. Station coordinators John
McHugh, K4AG, and Julio Ripoll, WD4R, provided a comprehensive overview
of the activities of the NHC, emphasizing the interaction and importance
of Amateur Radio in the forecasting of tropical events. McHugh further
detailed the Caribbean Amateur Radio Meteorological Emergency Network
(CARMEN) program, discussing how the program in its current stage can
use revitalization and rebuilding to provide improved information to the
NHC.

Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net Rob Macedo, KD1CY,
presented a detailed overview of the system that integrates EchoLink and
the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP). "For the past few years,"
Dura said, "this operation has been building to become another reliable
source of information for the National Hurricane Center."

Dura and Macedo offered the final Amateur Radio presentation of the
Conference, "Disaster Intelligence and Situational Awareness Utilizing
Amateur Radio." This discussion went beyond the traditional uses of
Amateur Radio into the areas of damage assessment, infrastructure
monitoring, communications systems replacement and rapid situational
analyses, Dura said.

According to Dura, NHC Director Bill Read, KB5FYA, has had an active
past using Amateur Radio at NWS facilities. "He personally utilized ham
radio during SKYWARN activations dealing with severe weather. He
completely understands and acknowledges the vital role we play in
providing the National Hurricane Center through WX4NHC. He hopes to have
some time in his new role to actually get on the air with the hams of
WX4NHC and once again use our tremendous resource of information
gathering," Dura said.

During the Conference, Read praised Amateur Radio, saying, "Ham radio
has always played a critical role in emergencies. What goes out when you
have a high wind event or major flooding is the communications system,
so you lose even cell phones, landline phones, commercial radio and TV.
In those cases, ham radio operators that can put up emergency
transmitters and antennas in the wake of a storm can give us reports
that are valuable. They also help in the search and rescue efforts in
the aftermath."

==> FORUM SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR DAYTON HAMVENTION

One of the many highlights at Dayton Hamvention is the myriad of
educational and fun forums that take place the entire weekend at Hara
Arena. The Dayton Amateur Radio Association has coordinated 46 unique
programs that encompass nearly 80 hours of programs and activities for
the thousands of people expected to attend these programs. Hamvention,
the largest event of its kind, will be May 16-18 at Hara Arena in Dayton
Ohio. Please keep in mind that the schedule may change before
Hamvention.

Friday, May 16
9:15-10:45 AM - TAPR Digital Forum (Room 1)
9:15-10:15 AM - ARRL Public Relations -- Making It Work for You Locally
(Room 2)
9:15-10:15 AM - Lightning Protection for the Shack (Room 3)
9:15-10:15 AM - National Frequency Coordinators Council (Room 5)
10:30-11:30 AM - ARRL Member Forum (Room 2)
10:30-11:30 AM - Teachers Workshop (Room 3)
10:30-11:30 AM - SATERN -- Salvation Army Team Emergency Network (Room
5)
11 AM-1 PM - D-STAR Forum (Room 1)
11:45 AM-1 PM - Kit Building (Room 2)
11:45 AM-12:45 PM - The Evolution of the National Traffic System (Room
3)
11:45 AM-12:45 PM - SHARES Forum (Room 5)
1:15-2:15 PM - Balloon Forum (Room 1)
1:15-2:15 PM - APRS - Automatic Position Reporting System (Room 2)
1-2:30 PM - Ham Radio and the Law (Room 3)
1-2 PM - QRP Forum (Room 5)
2:15-3:15 - Young Ladies Radio League (Room 5)
2:30-3:45 PM - Drake Forum (Room 2)
2:45-3:45 - Gordon West -- Digital Signal Processing Speakers (Room 3)
3:30-5 PM - Test Equipment for Hams (Room 5)
4-5 PM - Amplitude Modulation Forum (Room 2)
4-5 PM - 10-10 International Forum (Room 3)

Saturday, May 17
9-10 AM - How Ham Radio Meets Boy Scouts, or Adventures with Elmer
Baden-Powell (Room 2)
9-10 AM - MARS Tri-Service Forum (Room 3)
9-11:30 AM - Software Defined Radio Forum (Room 1)
9-11:30 AM - AMSAT Forum (Room 5)
10:15-11:15 - Don't Tell Me It Can't Be Done! (Room 2)
10:15-11:15 AM - ARES Forum (Room 3)
11:30 AM-12:15 PM - ARRL Radiosport Forum (Room 2)
11:30 AM-1:45 PM - 2008 Ham Radio Town Meeting (Room 3)
11:45 AM-1:45 PM - ATV (Fast Scan Amateur Television) Forum (Room 5)
11:45 AM-2:15 PM - Contesting Forum (Room 1)
12:30-1:30 PM - RTTY Forum (Room 2)
1:45-2:45 PM - MIDCARS (Room 2)
2-3 PM - ARRL Technology Task Force (Room 5)
2-3:15 - FCC Forum with Riley Hollingsworth (Room 3)
2:30-5 PM - DX Forum (Room 1)
3-5 PM - UHF/VHF/Microwave Forum (Room 2)
3:15-5 PM - Youth in Amateur Radio Forum (Room 5)
3:30-5 PM - SSTV Forum (Room 3)

Sunday, May 18
9:15-10:15 AM - ARRL and the Mars Desert Research Station (Room 1)
9:15-10:15 AM - Collins Radio Forum (Room 2)
9:15-10:15 - The Role of Ham Radio in Red Cross Chapter Communications
(Room 3)
9:30-11:15 AM - Bicycle Mobile Forum (Room 5)
10:30-11:30 - ARRL Digital Forum (Room 1)
10:30-11:30 AM - Techniques of the Best Operators (Room 2)
10:30-11:30 AM - Ohio MARS Forum (Room 3)

For more information on forums at the 2008 Dayton Hamvention, please
visit the Dayton Hamvention Web site
<http://www.hamvention.org/hv2008/forums/index.html>.

==> INTERNATIONAL MARCONI DAY EVENT IS APRIL 26

Special event stations will be on the air Saturday, April 26 (UTC), to
mark International Marconi Day (IMD), a 24-hour Amateur Radio event
commemorating the birth of wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi on April
25, 1874.

Participants can qualify for awards by making contacts on 160 through 10
meters (CW, SSB and digital) with designated IMD stations operating on
or near a site where Marconi carried out experiments or where Marconi
equipment was used prior to his death in 1937. The sponsoring Cornish
Radio Amateur Club (CRAC) will operate GB4IMD from Pendennis Castle,
Falmouth, Cornwall, overlooking Falmouth Harbour where Marconi spent
some 10 days aboard his yacht in April 1923.

Additional IMD stations will be on the air from the UK, the US, Canada,
South America, Australia and Europe. The IMD Web site has a list of IMD
2008 award stations <http://www.gb4imd.org.uk/awardstns.htm>.

On the US side, the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club, KM1CC, will participate
at the Coast Guard Station on Coast Guard Beach in Eastham,
Massachusetts, just south of Marconi's original 1903 station on Cape
Cod.

If you would like to operate an IMD 2008 award station, register your
station prior to the event, providing full details
<webmaster@gb4imd.org.uk>. More information on International Marconi Day
can be found on the IMD Web site <http://www.gb4imd.org.uk/>.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Wild men who caught and sang the Sun in flight" Cook, K7RA, this
week reports: We saw a string of zero-sunspot days over the past couple
of weeks, but this week saw a brief but significant sunspot that lasted
only a couple of days. Sunspot 990 emerged as a tiny speck over April
14-15, but it was definitely a Solar Cycle 24 spot. Not only was the
polarity of this region correct for the new Cycle, but it was far north
above the Sun's equator, which is what we expect for a sunspot from an
emerging solar cycle. The only previous Cycle 24 activity was close to
the solar equator. Sunspot numbers for April 10-16 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 11,
12 and 0 with a mean of 3.3. The 10.7 cm flux was 67.9, 67.1, 68.2,
69.3, 68.5, 69.2 and 69.5 with a mean of 68.5. Estimated planetary A
indices were 8, 4, 11, 7, 2, 5 and 15 with a mean of 7.4. Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 6, 3, 8, 6, 2, 3 and 9, with a mean of 5.3.
Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet conditions April 18, quiet
to unsettled April 19, quiet April 20, quiet to unsettled April 21,
active April 22-23 and unsettled to active April 24. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's
Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin
page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend, look for the Holyland DX
Contest, the TARA Skirmish Digital Prefix Contest, the ES Open HF
Championship, the Feld Hell Sprint and the EU Spring Sprint (SSB) on
April 19. The Michigan QSO Party, the EA-QRP CW Contest, the Ontario QSO
Party and the YU DX Contest are April 19-20. The Run for the Bacon QRP
Contest is April 21. The SKCC Sprint is April 23 and the RSGB 80 Meter
Club Championship (Data) is April 24. Next weekend, the SP DX RTTY
Contest, the Helvetia Contest, the QRP to the Field contest and the
Florida QSO Party are all scheduled for April 26-27. See the ARRL
Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL
Contester's Rate Sheet <http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet/> and
the WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains
open through Sunday, May 4, 2008, for these online course sessions
beginning on Friday, May 16, 2008: 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). Each online course has been developed in
segments -- learning units with objectives, informative text, student
activities and quizzes. Courses are interactive, and some include direct
communications with a Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a
particular session that may be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the
course) and they may access the course at any time of day during the
course period, completing lessons and activities at times convenient for
their personal schedule. Mentors assist students by answering questions,
reviewing assignments and activities, as well as providing helpful
feedback. Interaction with mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is
no appointed time the student must be present -- allowing complete
flexibility for the student to work when and where it is convenient. To
learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the Continuing
Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>.

* New Apparel Items Now Available from ARRL: Show off your ham radio
pride with ARRL's new line of HAM apparel. The new shirt, sweatshirt and
ball cap feature the very popular oval Euro design with "HAM" emblazoned
in the center and the ARRL Web site address centered underneath it. The
T shirt is a pre-shrunk black Hanes beefy-T with white contrast
stitching. The HAM oval is screenprinted on the left chest. This trendy
T shirt comes in unisex sizes from small to 3X for only $12.95 each. The
heavyweight black sweatshirt features a quarter-zip neckline with a
brass metal zipper and leather pull. The HAM oval is embroidered on the
left chest. This sweatshirt is perfect for the still chilly nights of
spring and comes in unisex sizes from small to 3X for only $34.95 each.
The black ballcap features the HAM oval embroidered in the center of the
cap. With an adjustable Velcro tab closure, this cap is sure to fit just
about anyone. Get yours for only $12.95. Receive a free HAM Euro sticker
(a $2 value) <http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=9595> when you order one
of these three HAM items before May 31, 2008. Order your HAM items today
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=NO-HAM#top>.

* JARL Operating Award Checking Available at Hamvention: A
representative of the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) will be
available at Dayton Hamvention May 16-18 to check applications for JARL
awards and to issue certificates for certain awards (AJD, WAJA, JCC,
JCG, ADXA and ADXA-Half). Those with 10 JA QSL cards each of the 10 JA
districts can apply for the All Japan District Award (AJD) at
Hamvention. Former JARL executive director and renowned DXer Masa
Ebisawa, JA1DM, will be at Booth 484 in the Ballarena of Hara Arena,
near ARRL EXPO 2008. Applications for other JARL awards can be checked
at the JARL booth, and awards will be mailed from JARL headquarters.
Masa also will be ready to answer questions on JARL activities as well
as reciprocal licensing in Japan. Applicants do not need to present QSL
cards when applying for awards, but they must submit a QSL card list,
sign a declaration that they possess all necessary QSL cards and be able
to present any card at JARL's request. The QSL card list should include:
call sign, date, band, mode and entity (or other data required by each
award). Applicants may use a DXCC Record Sheet for their QSL card list.
The fee for each award is $14.

* Mexico Group On the Air for World Amateur Radio Day: Amateurs all over
the world are getting into the spirit of the 83rd World Amateur Radio
Day on April 18. Grupo DXXE <http://www.dxxe.org> of Mexico will be on
the air with a special call sign, XE83IARU, that day in honor of the
IARU and World Amateur Radio Day. For those pursuing the DXXE award,
organizers state this is a valid station for that award. Information on
the DXXE Award (in both Spanish and English) is available on the DXEE
Web site <http://www.dxxe.org/index6.html>. QSL via Richard Moen, N7RO,
2935 Plymouth Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225.

* Notes from the DXCC Desk: ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, has
announced that the following operations have been approved for DXCC
credit: the 2007 operation to Uganda, 5X1NH; the 2007 operation to
Western Sahara, S05A; the 2008 operation to Burundi, 9UXEV; the 2008
operation to Syria, YK9G, and the ongoing operation of HZ1PS in Saudi
Arabia. If you have cards rejected or have any questions concerning
these operations, please e-mail the DXCC Desk <dxcc@arrl.org>.

* ARRL Discontinuing Web Classified Ads: As of April 30, 2008, the ARRL
will discontinue the "Radios On-Line" section of the ARRL Web site.

===========================================================
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: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA,
k1sfa@arrl.org
==>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org>
==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call
860-594-0384

==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

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

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

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

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

Copyright 2008 American Radio Relay League, Inc.
All Rights Reserved


From dick at twohams.com  Sat Apr 19 09:50:06 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sat Apr 19 09:59:19 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804191350.m3JDo81l025211@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
316 am PDT Sat Apr 19 2008

...Wind Advisory remains in effect from 11 am this morning to
11 PM PDT this evening...

A Wind Advisory remains in effect from 11 am this morning to
11 PM PDT this evening.

Southwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts to
50 mph by midday today...and will continue through this evening.
These strong winds will produce areas of reduced visibility due to
blowing dust and sand. Visibility along portions of Interstate
80...highways 50...95 and alternate 95 may be reduced to 1 mile or
less at times. The worst blowing dust conditions will likely be
on Interstate 80 north and east of Lovelock.

Unsecured outdoor items that could be moved or blown over by
strong winds should be secured or brought indoors. Travel
conditions will become difficult for motorists...especially in
high profile vehicles. Use extra caution and remain alert for
sudden gusts or cross winds.

Expires:191830 gmt
VTEC:/O.CON.KREV.WI.Y.0011.080419T1800Z-080420T0600Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Tue Apr 22 19:31:33 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Apr 22 19:31:40 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804222331.m3MNVXes016470@pop5.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
358 PM PDT Tue Apr 22 2008

...Wind Advisory in effect from 11 PM this evening to 6 PM PDT
Wednesday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect from 11 PM this evening to 6 PM PDT Wednesday.

South to southwest winds are expected to increase to 15 to 30 mph
with gusts to 45 mph late this evening and continue overnight.
Gusts to 60 mph are possible in typical wind prone areas. Winds
may diminish somewhat from late this evening to early morning
Wednesday in some non-wind prone areas but should pick up again
Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday...winds gusts to 55 mph are expected as a cold front
moves through the area.

Motorists...especially in high profile vehicles...should use
caution and remain alert for sudden gusts or cross winds.  Check
our website at weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather Radio
for updates on this situation.

Expires:230700 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.WI.Y.0012.080423T0600Z-080424T0100Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Wed Apr 23 10:00:16 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed Apr 23 10:00:34 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804231400.m3NE0Get013313@pop4.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
407 am PDT Wed Apr 23 2008

...Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 PM PDT this
afternoon...

A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 PM PDT this afternoon.

South to southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph will increase to 15 to 30
mph with gusts to 50 mph by late morning. These winds will
continue through the afternoon before diminishing this evening.

Motorists...especially in high profile vehicles...should use
caution and remain alert for sudden gusts or cross winds.  Check
our website at weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather Radio
for updates on this situation.

Expires:240000 gmt
VTEC:/O.CON.KREV.WI.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-080424T0100Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Apr 24 18:29:24 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu Apr 24 18:29:47 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLD018 DX news
Message-ID: <200804242229.m3OMTP9a000334@pop4.greatbasin.net>

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD018
ARLD018 DX news

ZCZC AE18
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 18  ARLD018
 From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  April 24, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD018
ARLD018 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
NC1L, OE1HMC, 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.

UGANDA, 5X.  Michael, PA5M is QRV as 5X1DX while working for the UN
World Food Programme.  He is active in his spare time mainly in the
evenings or on the weekends.  QSL via PA7FM.

CROATIA, 9A.  Special event station 9A08P is QRV until December 31
in celebration of the city of Djurdjevac.  Activity is on all bands
and modes.  QSL via bureau.

NEPAL, 9N.  Kazu, JA8MWU will be QRV as 9N7WU from Kathmandu from
April 27 to May 5.  Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB in his
spare time.  QSL to home call.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF _CONGO, 9Q.  Georges, 9Q1EK and Philippe,
9Q1TB are active at various times.  QSL both calls via SM5DJZ.

CHINA, BY.  Members of the Zhuhai Radio Sports Association are QRV
as BY7KP from Miao Wan Island, IOTA AS-129, until April 27.
Activity is on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters using SSB, RTTY, SSTV and
PSK31.  QSL via bureau.

CUBA, CO.  A group of operators are QRV as T47C from Isla Cayo
Romano, IOTA NA-086, until April 27.  QSL direct to IZ8EBI.

PORTUGAL, CT.  In celebration of the 4th International Polar Year,
special event station CQ4IPY is QRV at various times throughout the
year.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV and
PSK31.  QSL via CT1BWW.

PHILIPPINES, DU.  Ram, DV8AIK is QRV as 4D75D from Mindanao Island,
IOTA OC-130, until the end of 2008 in commemoration of the 75th
anniversary of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association.  Activity
is on 20 and 15 meters using SSB.  QSL via bureau.

TAJIKISTAN, EY.  Jean is QRV as EY8/F4EOH from Dushanbe until the
end of August.  Activity is on 20 meters using SSB.  QSL via
operator's instructions.

SWITZERLAND, HB.  During the European Soccer Championship, a number
of stations are QRV with the special prefix HB2000 until June 30.
QSL via operators' instructions.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, HC8.  Operators Sergey, UX0HX, Max, UZ1HZ, Len,
UR3HR and Alex, UT5UY are QRV as HC8/homecalls until April 29.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK with two
stations.  QSL to home calls.

THAILAND, HS.  Stig, LA7JO is QRV as HS0ZGD until May 5.  QSL via
HS0ZGD.

ITALY, I.  Station IY0TC/P is QRV from Il Pirgo during International
Marconi Day and until April 27.  QSL via bureau.

AUSTRIA, OE.  During the European Soccer Championship, a number of
stations are QRV with the special prefix OE2000 until June 30.  QSL
via operator's instructions.  In addition, look for special event
callsign OE2008XQC to be active during International Marconi Day.
QSL via OE1WHC.

BRAZIL, PY.  In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the first
Japanese immigration to Brazil, special event station PY100JA is
active until December 2008.  Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using
all modes.  QSL via PY2PA.

CRETE, SV9.  Seppo, OH1VR is QRV as SV9/OH1VR until May 2.  QSL to
home call.

TURKEY, TA.  A group of operators will be QRV as YM0TA from Bogsak
Island, or possibly Dana or Kosrelik Island, all IOTA AS-123, from
April 30 to May 5.  Activity is on all bands using CW, SSB and
various digital modes with three stations.  QSL via TA1ED.

AUSTRALIA, VK.  Members of the Hornsby and Districts Amateur Radio
Club will be QRV as VK2IMD for International Marconi Day.  Activity
will be on all bands.  QSL via operators' instructions.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND, VK9X.  James, N1YC and Bert, PE7T are QRV as
homecalls/VK9X.  Activity is mostly on 40 to 15 meters using CW and
SSB.  Their length of stay is unknown.  QSL N1YC/VK9X via N5ID and
PE7T/VK9X to home call.

NEW ZEALAND, ZL.   Members of the Wellington Amateur Radio Club are
QRV as ZM80WB in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the club.
QSL via ZL2AOH.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The NCCC Sprint CW Ladder, SP DX RTTY
Contest, Helvetia Contest, QRP to the Field, Florida QSO Party and
the Nebraska QSO Party are all on tap for this weekend.  Please see
April QST, page 82 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites for
details.
NNNN
/EX


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Fri Apr 25 20:20:05 2008
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Fri Apr 25 20:20:37 2008
Subject: [CVRC] ARLP018 Propagation de K7RA
Message-ID: <200804260020.m3Q0K9YR023939@pop4.greatbasin.net>

SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP018
ARLP018 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP18
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 18  ARLP018
 From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  April 25, 2008
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP018
ARLP018 Propagation de K7RA

This week we had a couple of brief sunspot appearances, 991 and 992,
but they were both from old Cycle 23, and their emergence was
fleeting.  On Wednesday, April 23 the planetary A index rose to 32
due to a solar wind and south-pointing Interplanetary Magnetic Field
(IMF).  An explanation of IMF and the significance of it pointing
south are at, http://pluto.space.swri.edu/image/glossary/IMF.html.

Expect geomagnetic conditions to stabilize this weekend, but again
become active on May 2.

Walt Knodle, W7VS of Bend, Oregon pointed out politely that the line
"The only previous Cycle 24 activity was close to the solar equator"
from last week's Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP017 was
incorrect.  He sent a magnetogram link, http://tinyurl.com/697hho,
showing that in early January spot 981 was in fact high-latitude.

The Spring/Summer E-layer propagation season is beginning, and Art
Jackson, KA5DWI, has an interesting analysis that looks quite
useful.  You can get it from,
http://www.swotrc.net/ProbabilityEs.pdf.  Also check out his page on
last Fall's 10 meter sporadic-E season at,
http://www.swotrc.net/10MeterPropNet.htm.

There was a tremendous response this week from readers wanting a
copy of Ken Tapping's observations on the current sunspot minimum,
with over 300 requests over the weekend.  You can still get one
emailed to you by sending a blank email to, SunspotMin@gmail.com.
Any email sent to this address will get the same document.

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 Web page 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/.  Monthly
propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas
locations are at http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of this
bulletin are at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html#email.

Sunspot numbers for April 17 through 23 were 0, 0, 13, 12, 0, 13,
and 13 with a mean of 7.3.  10.7 cm flux was 69.2, 70.2, 71, 70.8,
70.9, 71.3, and 70.7 with a mean of 70.6.  Estimated planetary A
indices were 8, 6, 5, 4, 4, 5 and 32 with a mean of 9.1.  Estimated
mid-latitude A indices were 7, 5, 6, 1, 3, 4 and 17, with a mean of
6.1.
NNNN
/EX


From letter-dlvy at arrl.org  Fri Apr 25 20:25:40 2008
From: letter-dlvy at arrl.org (ARRL Letter Mailing List)
Date: Fri Apr 25 20:26:06 2008
Subject: [CVRC] The ARRL Letter, Vol 27, No 16 (Friday, April 25, 2008)
Message-ID: <200804260025.m3Q0PeEo025410@pop4.greatbasin.net>

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 27, No. 16
April 25, 2008
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + Court Finds FCC Violated Administrative Procedure Act in BPL
Decision
* + Counting Down to Dayton Hamvention
* + ARRL Lab Test Engineer Leaves HQ Staff
* + Antenna Expert L. B. Cebik, W4RNL (SK)
* + What's Coming Up in the May/June Issue of QEX
* + Get Ready for the 2008 Hurricane Season
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF:
       This Weekend on the Radio
       ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration
     + Hamvention Traffic Update
     + New Section Manager Appointed in New Hampshire
       ARRL to Discontinue Web Classifieds

+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: S. Khrystyne Keane,
<k1sfa@arrl.org>
===========================================================

==> COURT FINDS FCC VIOLATED ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT IN BPL
DECISION

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today
released its decision
<http://pacer.cadc.uscourts.gov/common/opinions/200804/06-1343-1112979.p
df> on the ARRL's Petition for Review of the FCC's Orders adopting rules
governing broadband over power line (BPL) systems. The Court agreed with
the ARRL on two major points and remanded the rules to the Commission.
Writing for the three-judge panel of Circuit Judges Rogers, Tatel and
Kavanaugh, Judge Rogers summarized: "The Commission failed to satisfy
the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act
('APA') by redacting studies on which it relied in promulgating the rule
and failed to provide a reasoned explanation for its choice of the
extrapolation factor for measuring Access BPL emissions."

The Court agreed with the ARRL that the FCC had failed to comply with
the APA by not fully disclosing for public comment the staff studies on
which it relied. The Court also agreed with the ARRL that the Commission
erred in not providing a reasoned justification for its choice of an
extrapolation factor of 40 dB per decade for Access BPL systems and in
offering "no reasoned explanation for its dismissal of empirical data
that was submitted at its invitation." The Court was not persuaded by
the ARRL's arguments on two other points, on which it found that the
Commission had acted within its discretion.

The conclusion that the FCC violated the APA hinges on case law. "It
would appear to be a fairly obvious proposition that studies upon which
an agency relies in promulgating a rule must be made available during
the rulemaking in order to afford interested persons meaningful notice
and an opportunity for comment," the Court said, adding that "there is
no APA precedent allowing an agency to cherry-pick a study on which it
has chosen to rely in part."

The Court continued, "The League has met its burden to demonstrate
prejudice by showing that it 'ha[s] something useful to say' regarding
the unredacted studies [citation omitted] that may allow it to 'mount a
credible challenge' if given the opportunity to comment." Information
withheld by the Commission included material under the headings "New
Information Arguing for Caution on HF BPL" and "BPL Spectrum Tradeoffs."
The Court concluded that "no precedent sanctions such a 'hide and seek'
application of the APA's notice and comment requirements."

With regard to the extrapolation factor, the Court ordered: "On remand,
the Commission shall either provide a reasoned justification for
retaining an extrapolation factor of 40 dB per decade for Access BPL
systems sufficient to indicate that it has grappled with the 2005
studies, or adopt another factor and provide a reasoned explanation for
it." The studies in question were conducted by the Office of
Communications, the FCC's counterpart in the United Kingdom, and were
submitted by the ARRL, along with the League's own analysis showing that
an extrapolation factor closer to 20 dB per decade was more appropriate,
as part of the record in its petition for reconsideration of the FCC's
BPL Order. The Court said that the FCC "summarily dismissed" this data
in a manner that "cannot substitute for a reasoned explanation." The
Court also noted that the record in the FCC proceeding included a study
by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration that
"itself casts doubt on the Commission's decision."

The briefs for the ARRL were prepared by a team of attorneys at
WilmerHale, a firm with extensive appellate experience, with assistance
from ARRL General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD. Oral argument for
the ARRL was conducted by Jonathan J. Frankel of WilmerHale. Oral
argument was heard on October 23, 2007; the Court's decision was
released more than six months later.

After reading the decision, General Counsel Imlay observed, "The
decision of the Court of Appeals, though long in coming, was well worth
the wait. It is obvious that the FCC was overzealous in its advocacy of
BPL, and that resulted in a rather blatant cover-up of the technical
facts surrounding its interference potential. Both BPL and Amateur Radio
would be better off had the FCC dealt with the interference potential in
an honest and forthright manner at the outset. Now there is an
opportunity to finally establish some rules that will allow BPL to
proceed, if it can in configurations that don't expose licensed radio
services to preclusive interference in the HF bands."

ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, added: "We are
gratified that the Court decided to hold the FCC's feet to the fire on
such a technical issue as the 40 dB per decade extrapolation factor. It
is also gratifying to read the Court's strong support for the principles
underlying the Administrative Procedure Act. Now that the Commission has
been ordered to do what it should have done in the first place, we look
forward to participating in the proceedings on remand, and to helping to
craft rules that will provide licensed radio services with the
interference protection they are entitled to under law."

ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, concluded: "I am very pleased that
the Court saw through the FCC's smoke screen and its withholding of
valid engineering data that may contradict their position that the
interference potential of BPL to Amateur Radio and public safety
communications is minimal. The remand back to the FCC regarding their
use of an inappropriate extrapolation factor validates the technical
competence of Amateur Radio operators and especially of the ARRL Lab
under the direction of Ed Hare, W1RFI. We are grateful for the work of
our legal team and especially for the unflagging support of the ARRL
membership as we fought the odds in pursuing this appeal."

==> COUNTING DOWN TO DAYTON HAMVENTION

With less than one month to go, everyone wants to know what's new in the
ARRL EXPO <http://www.arrl.org/expo> at the 2008 Dayton Hamvention
<http://www.hamvention.org>. Who's going to be there? What's happening
and when? We here at HQ are gearing up for an exciting time in the ARRL
EXPO in Ballarena Hall at Dayton's Hara Arena, and mixing up a bit of
the old and the new.

ARRL Membership Manager and ARRL EXPO Coordinator Katie Breen, W1KRB,
said, "We have many new publications and apparel items that we are proud
to introduce. A highlight is always in the annual release of the
'2008/2009 ARRL Repeater Directory' -- new to this year's edition are
the handy indexing tabs on the cover so you can quickly find the
listings you're looking for. The Directory has new easier-to-read
listings because the pocket-sized book is one-half inch bigger."

If you are interested in learning about more tools with which to enjoy
Amateur Radio, then the new "VHF Digital Handbook" or "HF Digital
Handbook" by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, should go home with you! If
you'd like a terrific resource of materials spanning a variety of
topics, then "Hands-On Radio Experiments" by H. Ward Silver, N0AX, is
right up your alley. "We here at ARRL are very proud of Ward's selection
as Hamvention's Amateur of the Year," Breen said. "Come meet him and
have him autograph your new book."

Breen said that new ARRL mugs and clothing items will be introduced at
Dayton this year: "Demonstrate your pride as a radio amateur in your
office or your shack. While you're at it, show off being a ham in our
new 'HAM' logoed apparel or 2008 Field Day apparel. And to top it all
off, it will all go home with you in our new environmentally friendly,
reusable bag." All those who purchase $10 or more in the ARRL EXPO will
receive a complimentary reusable eco-friendly bag that you can take home
and use when grocery shopping and more. All new and renewing ARRL
members will also receive this new bag, Breen said.

A new area within the ARRL EXPO this year is the interactive "Doctor Is
IN" booth. "You've read the column in QST for years and everyone always
wants to know who is behind the costume. Here's your chance to stop by
the booth, ask your question and have some one-on-one time with ARRL's
Technical Experts. You might even be able to submit a stumper and get it
published in QST," Breen added.

This year's Docs On Call will be QST Contributing Editor Ward Silver,
N0AX; QEX Editor Larry Wolfgang, WR1B; ARRL Senior Technical Editor Joel
Hallas, W1ZR; QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and ARRL RF Engineer Mike
Gruber, W1MG. On Saturday, automotive experts Mark Steffka, WW8MS, and
Don Hibbard, W8DBH, will be on hand to answer your questions. They will
be at the Doctor Booth, as well as providing an interactive session in
the ARRL Movie Room about mobile Amateur Radio and ignition systems.

Breen said that the Movie Room, a new feature of this year's ARRL EXPO,
will host a presentation on "40 Years of the Worked All Europe Contest"
presented by Jorg Jahrig, DJ3HW, and Dennis M. Haertig, DL7RBI, of
Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC), the German equivalent of ARRL. The
movie room will also host a variety of DXpedition videos, Breen said.
"The highlight of the video presentations will be with Bob Allphin,
K4UEE. Bob will host an interactive session during the viewing of the
video of the Peter I DXpedition to the Antarctic. Sit back, relax and
enjoy in the new ARRL Movie Room."

The 2008 Dayton Hamvention is May 16, 17 and 18 at the Hara Arena in
Dayton, Ohio. Find out about activities within and in conjunction with
Hamvention at the Dayton Hamvention's Web site
<http://www.hamvention.org>.

==> ARRL LAB TEST ENGINEER LEAVES HQ STAFF

After more than 17 years at ARRL, Laboratory Test Engineer Mike Tracy,
KC1SX, is leaving the HQ Family and moving to New Jersey to take on a
position with Synergy Microwave <http://www.synergymwave.com/>, a
company owned by Dr Ulrich Rohde, N1UL.

Tracy came to the League in 1991 as the night/weekend operator for W1AW.
It wasn't long before the W1AW Chief Operator recognized his talent for
more technical applications; when a position in the ARRL Lab opened up
in 1993, he recommended that Tracy apply. "I did, and was quickly
accepted as the new Technical Information Services Coordinator where I
handled many of the technical questions of members and referred others
to those more knowledgeable on particular subjects. I also developed
some databases and other resources to help in the process of answering
members' questions," Tracy said. In 1997 when the Lab Test Engineer Mike
Gruber, W1MG, stepped down, Tracy switched seats yet again, testing
Product Review equipment.

ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, said, "When Mike came to the ARRL Lab,
he was our Technical Information Coordinator where he helped maintain
the TIS Web pages <http://www.arrl.org/tis/>, as well as helping to
field technical questions for members. Over the years, Mike, as Lab Test
Engineer, helped modernize the test process through new test equipment,
new test software and new test methods. In between all that, he always
found the time somehow to write articles, watch over the technical
content of ARRL's advertising and help other staff more often than his
job may have required.

"One of the most pleasant parts of any manager's job is to hear good
things about his or her staff. When Mike was in the Lab, my job was
pleasant, as staff often told me about how he had helped them above and
beyond the call of duty," Hare said.

"Mike's shoes will be hard to fill," Hare said, "but we have hired Bob
Allison, WB1GCM, to do just that." Allison, a ham for almost 35 years,
most recently worked for a Hartford television station, WVIT, NBC 30,
for the past 28 years. Over those years, he has done a lot of things at
the station, from testing the television transmitter to day-to-day
maintenance of the studio facilities; this, said Hare, "has prepared him
to take over this important job in the Lab."

Allison, an ARRL member, has served as a volunteer tour guide at ARRL
<http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/08/07/2/>, offering members a
friendly and informative tour of HQ that they will remember for a long
time to come. "Although he is new at being an HQ employee, we all feel
that he has been part of the family for a while," said Hare. Allison and
his wife, Logbook of The World Specialist Kathy, KA1RWY, reside in
Coventry, Connecticut. Allison also enjoys sailing and working on Model
A Fords.

Allison said, "I have been active on the air since I was first licensed
as WN1TDN in 1974, where I enjoy operating, experimenting and meeting
people from around the world. I can't say what ham band I like best,
except all of them. While I enjoy restoring old radios, I very much
enjoy the new ones and digital modes such as PSK-31. I am honored and
humbled to be part of the ARRL Laboratory Staff and I'm looking forward
to serving our members and testing some really cool, new radios!"

Tracy, whose last day at ARRL is today, said, "The various
responsibilities I have held over 17 years at ARRL have taught me
volumes about the League's membership, Amateur Radio in general and
many, many different technical topics related to the Service. The
support I received from other HQ staff was invaluable, and I will long
remember my time here."

==> ANTENNA EXPERT L. B. CEBIK, W4RNL (SK)

L. B. Cebik, W4RNL, ARRL Technical Advisor and antenna authority, passed
away last week of natural causes. He was 68. An ARRL Life Member, Cebik
was known to many hams for the numerous articles he wrote on antennas
and antenna modeling. He had articles published in most of the US ham
journals, including QST, QEX, NCJ, CQ, Communications Quarterly, Ham
Radio, 73, QRP Quarterly, Radio-Electronics and QRPp. Larry Wolfgang,
WR1B, QEX Editor, called Cebik "probably the most widely published and
often read author of Amateur Radio antenna articles ever to write on the
subject."

Cebik lived in Knoxville, Tennessee and wrote more than a dozen books on
antennas for both the beginner and the advanced student. Among his books
are a basic tutorial in the use of NEC antenna modeling software and
compilations of his many shorter pieces. A teacher for more than 30
years, Cebik was retired, but served as Professor Emeritus of philosophy
at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Cebik served his country in
the US Air Force from 1957-1961, specializing in air traffic control.

One of Cebik's last articles for QST, "A New Spin on the Big Wheel,"
appeared in the March 2008 issue. The article, co-written with Bob
Cerreto, WA1FXT, looked at a three dipole array for 2 meters. This was a
follow-up to their article in the January/February issue of QEX that
featured omnidirectional horizontally polarized antennas. Cebik authored
the "Antenna Options" column for QEX.

Former ARRL Senior Assistant Technical Editor Dean Straw, N6BV, and
editor of "The ARRL Antenna Book," said: "LB will be greatly missed by
the thousands of hams he's helped through his incredibly prolific -- and
invariably proficient -- writing about antennas. LB helped me personally
in numerous ways while I worked on antenna matters at the League, always
communicating with a gentle, scholarly attitude and a real eye for
detail. I'm in shock at the news of LB's passing. May his soul rest in
peace."

Licensed since 1954, Cebik served as Technical Editor for "antenneX
Magazine" <http://www.antennex.com>. According to Jack L. Stone,
publisher of antenneX, he had not heard from Cebik for a few days and
became worried: "I called the Sheriff in Knoxville to go check on him
since I hadn't heard from him in over 5 days, either e-mail or phone,
which is highly unusual. The Sheriff [went to Cebik's house to check on
him and] called back to tell me the sad, devastating news. As his
publisher of books, monthly columns, feature articles and
software/models for more than 10 years, we communicated almost daily
during that span of time. Not hearing from him for that long was
unusual, causing my concern. He was like family to me and was loved and
respected by so many."


Cebik maintained a Web site <http://www.cebik.com>, a virtual treasure
trove to anyone interested in antennas. Besides a few notes on the
history of radio work and other bits that Cebik called "semi-technical
oddities," the collection contains information of interest to radio
amateurs and professionals interested in antennas, antenna modeling and
related subjects, such as antenna tuners and impedance matching. Cebik
said that his notes were "geared to helping other radio amateurs and
antenna enthusiasts discover what I have managed to uncover over the
years -- and then to go well beyond."

His Web site also contains information on antenna modeling. His book,
"Basic Antenna Modeling: A Hands-On Tutorial" for Nittany-Scientific's
NEC-Win Plus NEC-2 antenna modeling software, contains models in .NEC
format for over 150 exercises. "Since the principles in the book apply
to any modeling software," Cebik said, "I have also created the same
exercise models in the EZNEC format. For more advanced modelers using
either NEC-2 or NEC-4, I have prepared an additional volume,
"Intermediate Antenna Modeling: A Hands-On Tutorial," based on
Nittany-Scientific's NEC-Win Pro and GNEC. The volume includes hundreds
of antenna models used in the text to demonstrate virtually the complete
command set (along with similarities and differences) used by both
cores."

ARRL Contributing Editor H. Ward Silver, N0AX, said, "LB typified
generosity. He was always developing material that was published widely.
Furthermore, the quality of the articles and concepts was always high,
but the writing was such that an audience with a wide range of technical
backgrounds could understand it. His Web site is a Solomon's Treasure of
solid antenna information -- available to all."

Wolfgang remembered Cebik, saying, "L. B. was an ARRL Technical Advisor,
with expertise in antenna modeling and design. I learned that I could
count on L. B. to offer clear, concise comments on any submitted article
dealing with antennas. He was always a friendly voice on the other end
of my phone line when I needed to talk to an expert, and I came to
expect a quick e-mailed response to any antenna questions that I sent
him. L. B. was so much more than an antenna author, though. He was one
of the first ARRL Educational Advisors I ever had the pleasure of
working with when I became editor of the ARRL study materials. He played
a key role in helping develop the concept of online courses when ARRL
began to study the idea of the Continuing Education program
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html>; his Antenna Modeling course has
been one of the most popular offerings in the program. L. B. leaves a
legacy of friendly advice and Amateur Radio wisdom. I will miss him as a
friend and as an advisor."

Cebik's niece, Gina Robeson, also of Knoxville, told the ARRL that her
uncle "was amazing to me in a different way than hams viewed him. But he
was a legend to me and to the thousands of amateurs whose lives he
touched with his work. To me he was my uncle, teacher, friend and
confidant. He was a wonderful man, but his family did not really know
about the ham side of him."

Robeson said her family spent each Christmas with Cebik and his wife
Jean; Jean passed away in 2002 from cancer. "It was always the greatest
fun with all the food and family getting together. It did not matter if
we were getting together as a group or if it was just me and Uncle Roy,
he always had the time to listen and offer advice. He will be sorely
missed."

A memorial service for Cebik will be held Sunday, April 27 at 1 PM at
Mynatt Funeral Home, 2829 Rennoc Road in Knoxville. Cebik will be
cremated and his ashes scattered in his garden, the same place his
wife's ashes were scattered. "They will once more be together," Robeson
said.

==> WHAT'S COMING UP IN THE MAY/JUNE ISSUE OF QEX

The May/June issue of QEX is out, and it is full of theoretical and
practical technical articles that you don't want to miss.

In this issue, James Ahlstrom, N2ADR, describes his software defined
radio (SDR) transmitter in "An All-Digital SSB Exciter for HF." Juan
Jose de Onate, M0MWA, and Xavier R. Junque de Fortuny present a useful
accessory for software defined radios and analog receivers, with "A
Software Controlled Radio Preselector." Cornell Drentea, KW7CD,
concludes the series on his high performance "Star-10 Transceiver --
Part 3." After presenting schematic diagrams of the rest of the main
sub-assemblies, KW7CD describes the outstanding test-lab performance of
his radio.

James D. Hagerty, WA1FFL, updates his January 2002 QST project with "An
Advanced Direct-Digital VFO." Contributing Editor L. B. Cebik, W4RNL
(SK), looks at the physical operation of various antenna "reflectors" in
"Antenna Options," and Contributing Editor Raymond Mack, W5IFS, tells
about a new source for UHF and microwave semiconductors, unusual local
sources for meter fuses and magnet wire, and describes some new Atmel
microcontroller design tools in "Out of the Box."

Would you like to write for QEX? It pays $50 per printed page. Be sure
to check out the Author's Guide <http://www.arrl.org/qex/#aguide> for
more information. If you prefer postal mail, please send a business-size
self-addressed, stamped envelope to QEX Author's Guide, c/o Maty
Weinberg, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111-1494.

QEX is edited by Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, and is published six times a
year. The subscription rate for ARRL members in the US is $24. For First
Class US delivery, the rate is $37 for members, $49 for nonmembers. For
international delivery via air mail, including Canada, the subscription
rate is $31 for members, $43 for nonmembers. Subscribe to QEX today
<http://www.arrl.org/qex>.

==> GET READY FOR THE 2008 HURRICANE SEASON

It's that time of year when preparation for the hurricane season
ratchets up -- earlier this month, Orlando, Florida hosted the 30th
annual National Hurricane Conference, and state and county Emergency
Management Agencies are currently checking plans and assets for the
upcoming season. Rick Palm, K1CE, editor of the ARRL's ARES E-Letter,
said, "Now is the time for ARES members to assess their portfolio of
communications equipment and disaster response knowledge." Hurricane
season runs June 1-November 30.

Palm gives several tips for amateurs involved with hurricane operations:

* Monitor major HF hurricane networks during events this season. The
Hurricane Watch Net on 14.325 MHz, is one of several key players. It
serves either the Atlantic or Pacific during a watch or warning period
and coordinates with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
Frequent, detailed information is issued on nets when storms pose a
threat to the US mainland. In addition to hurricane spotting, local
communicators may announce that residents have evacuated from low-lying
flood areas. Other amateurs across the country can help by relaying
information, keeping the net frequency clear and by listening. See the
Hurricane Watch Net's Web site <http://www.hwn.org/> for more
information. The net works closely with the hams at the NHC's Amateur
Radio station WX4NHC <http://www.wx4nhc.com/>

* The SATERN Net (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) provides
emergency communication support to the Salvation Army and populations at
large. They also handle health-and-welfare traffic. SATERN holds high
profile nets on 20 meters (14.265 MHz) during major hurricanes and has a
long history of excellence, discipline and service. Refer to the SATERN
Web site <http://www.satern.org/> for more information.

* The Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) meets on 14.300 MHz and is
composed of hams who serve and assist those in need of communications on
the high seas. According to its Web site <http://www.mmsn.org/>, the
primary purpose of the net is for handling traffic from maritime mobile
stations. The network is recognized by the United States Coast Guard and
has an excellent working relationship with that agency. The MMSN has
handled hundreds of incidents involving vessels in distress and medical
emergencies in remote locations, as well as passing health and welfare
traffic in and out of affected areas. They also work closely with the
NWS and NHC by relaying weather reports from maritime stations.

* The VoIP SKYWARN and Hurricane Net operates by combining both the
EchoLink and IRLP linked repeater networks, while handling critical wide
area communications during major severe weather and tropical events.
These operations have gained national stature in recent years and
provide excellent service. Whenever tropical weather is imposing a
threat to the US mainland and certain other areas of interest, the VoIP
WX-NET will be fully operational. See the VoIP SKYWARN and Hurricane Net
Web site <http://www.voipwx.net/> for more information.

Palm said that during hurricane events, there are usually two or three
regional nets (usually on 40 or 20 meters) that spring to prominence as
major key assets to the disaster response on an ad hoc basis. "Watch for
these nets, as well as the nationally recognized networks described
above, this season. Don't transmit on their frequencies unless you are
absolutely sure you have something substantive to add, and then only
under the direction of the net control station," Palm advised.

If you are interested in Emergency Communications, please be sure to
check out the monthly ARES E-Letter. You can elect to receive this
newsletter via e-mail by going to the Member Data Page
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/memdata.html> on the ARRL Web site.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Great is the Sun, and wide he goes" Cook, K7RA, this week reports:
This week we had a couple of brief sunspot appearances -- 991 and 992 --
but they were both from Solar Cycle 23 and their emergence was fleeting.
On Wednesday, April 23, the planetary A index rose to 32 due to a solar
wind and south-pointing Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF). Expect
geomagnetic conditions to stabilize this weekend, but to again become
active on May 2. Sunspot numbers for April 17-23 were 0, 0, 13, 12, 0,
13 and 13 with a mean of 7.3. The 10.7 cm flux was 69.2, 70.2, 71, 70.8,
70.9, 71.3 and 70.7 with a mean of 70.6. Estimated planetary A indices
were 8, 6, 5, 4, 4, 5 and 32 with a mean of 9.1. Estimated mid-latitude
A indices were 7, 5, 6, 1, 3, 4 and 17, with a mean of 6.1. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's
Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin
page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend, the SP DX RTTY Contest, the
Helvetia Contest, the QRP to the Field contest, the Nebraska QSO Party
and the Florida QSO Party are all scheduled for April 26-27. The AGCW
QRP/QRP Party and the QRP Minimal Art Session are both May 1. Next
weekend is the NCCC Sprint Ladder on May 2. On May 3-4, be on the
lookout for the MARAC SSB QSO Party, the MARAC CW QSO Party, the 10-10
International Spring Contest (CW), the Microwave Spring Sprint, the 7th
Call Area QSO Party, the Portuguese Navy Day Contest, the Indiana QSO
Party, the ARI International DX Contest and the New England QSO Party.
The RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship (SSB) is May 5. All times listed are
UTC. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>,
the ARRL Contester's Rate Sheet
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet/> and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more
info.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains
open through Sunday, May 4, 2008, for these online course sessions
beginning on Friday, May 16, 2008: 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). Each online course has been developed in
segments -- learning units with objectives, informative text, student
activities and quizzes. Courses are interactive, and some include direct
communications with a Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a
particular session that may be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the
course) and they may access the course at any time of day during the
course period, completing lessons and activities at times convenient for
their personal schedule. Mentors assist students by answering questions,
reviewing assignments and activities, as well as providing helpful
feedback. Interaction with mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is
no appointed time the student must be present -- allowing complete
flexibility for the student to work when and where it is convenient. To
learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the Continuing
Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>.

* Hamvention Traffic Updates: With less than 20 days before the 2008
Dayton Hamvention, there is one small hitch, according to Hamvention
organizers: road construction, and lots of it. "One of the main surface
streets used by attendees of Hamvention every year is Needmore Road
since it is almost a straight shot from I-75 (exit 58) to Hara Arena,"
said Hamvention Talk-In Chairman Rob Lunsford, KB8UEY. "Unfortunately, a
rebuild project has begun on this roadway right in the travel path to
Hara; it will be down to one lane each way for during Hamvention." There
is also construction at the north end of the Downtown Dayton area (about
the 53 to 56 mile markers on Interstate 75), Lunsford said. "In this
area, the Ohio Department of Transportation has started a multi-year,
multi-phase reconstruction of I-75 in which there are lane restrictions,
bridge replacements and various other adjacent projects. These projects
are much overdue and will, in the long run, drastically improve travel
in the area. Unfortunately, for now we are faced with these projects in
high volume areas that are already prone to trouble from even the
slightest traffic issue. To assist everyone involved we are asking that
those attending Hamvention please try to avoid these areas if possible.
Our hope is that if we minimize our traffic in the area, and a problem
does occur, we do not make it worse with our increased traffic flow."
Lunsford said that individuals traveling on I-70 will not need to make
any changes from years past. For more information or if you have
questions feel free to contact Lunsford via e-mail
<talkin@hamvention.org>. Once in the Dayton area and you find you need
assistance, Lunsford advises tuning to 146.940- for further assistance.
Directions to Hara Arena can be found on the Dayton Hamvention Web site
<http://www.hamvention.org/hv2008/accommodations/directions08.htm>.

* New Section Manager Appointed in New Hampshire: Al Shuman, K1AKS, of
New Boston, New Hampshire, has been appointed Section Manager of the New
Hampshire Section, effective April 21. ARRL Membership and Volunteer
Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, in consultation with New England
Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, announced the appointment after
Sterling Eanes, AK1K, of Hollis, Section Manager since July 2005,
decided to step down due to mounting work responsibilities and other
commitments. Shuman served as New Hampshire Section Manager for two
previous terms: December 1992-June 1999 and October 2000-June 2005. His
term of office continues through June 30, 2009.

* ARRL to Discontinue Web Classifieds: As of April 30, ARRL will cease
listing classified ads in Radios On-Line, the classified ad section on
the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/RadiosOnline/>. According to ARRL
Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, the ARRL has experienced an
increased number of complaints by members and users regarding postings
and practices that do not conform to the Radios On-Line Web site's
original intent: "Despite our efforts to monitor the site regularly,
these problems persist. These have included postings for guns and
'personal' ads. Our staff that administers this service has deleted
items and notified the 'poster,' only to find the ad back two days
later, placed in every category. We are spending a disproportionate
amount of staff time dealing with this matter; it is no longer worth the
cost of maintaining the service when other online services have been
established to handle the specific need for online person-to-person
sales."

===========================================================
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
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<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a weekly "ham radio newscast"
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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.

==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
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==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call
860-594-0384

==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

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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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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
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Copyright 2008 American Radio Relay League, Inc.
All Rights Reserved


From dick at twohams.com  Mon Apr 28 19:33:49 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Mon Apr 28 19:34:33 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804282333.m3SNXnYa021382@pop3.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
351 PM PDT Mon Apr 28 2008

...Wind Advisory in effect from 10 am to 9 PM PDT Tuesday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect from 10 am to 9 PM PDT Tuesday.

Winds will increase across western Nevada by late Tuesday morning.
Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph are expected
through Tuesday evening. Locally stronger gusts to 70 mph are
likely in wind prone areas including Washoe Valley and the
foothills west of Reno and Carson City.

These winds will produce areas of blowing dust by Tuesday in
northwest Nevada...with visibility reduced to 2 miles or less at
times along portions of Highway 395 and Highway 50 east of Carson
City.

Expires:291130 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.WI.Y.0013.080429T1700Z-080430T0400Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


From dick at twohams.com  Tue Apr 29 10:29:00 2008
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Apr 29 10:29:49 2008
Subject: [CVRC] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <200804291429.m3TET0ld014474@pop3.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
401 am PDT Tue Apr 29 2008

...Wind Advisory remains in effect from 10 am this morning to
9 PM PDT this evening...

A Wind Advisory remains in effect from 10 am this morning to 9 PM
PDT this evening.

Winds will increase across western Nevada by late this morning.
Southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph are expected
through this evening. Locally stronger gusts to 70 mph are likely
in wind prone areas including Washoe Valley and the foothills west
of Reno and Carson City.

These winds will produce areas of blowing dust by this afternoon in
northwest Nevada...with visibility reduced to 2 miles or less at
times along portions of Highway 395 and Highway 50 east of Carson
City.

Expires:300000 gmt
VTEC:/O.CON.KREV.WI.Y.0013.080429T1700Z-080430T0400Z/
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
k7vc@arrl.org


