[CVRC] The ARRL Letter for October 1, 2009

Thu Oct 1 18:48:20 EDT 2009

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October 1, 2009
Editor: <mailto:k1sfa at arrl.org>S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
<http://www.arrl.org/>ARRL Home 
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    * + Regulatory: ARRL Board Adopts Guidelines 
and Recommendations on the Appropriate Use of Amateur Radio
    * + Operating: The 2010 ARRL Handbook : Our Biggest -- and Best -- Ever!
    * + Public Service: Nominations Now Being 
Accepted for 2009 ARRL Humanitarian Award
    * + Public Service: Ham Appointed Chief of Army MARS
    * + Operating: International Reply Coupons 
(IRCs): Out with the Old, In with the New
    * + On the Air: 4U1UN Celebrates UN General Assembly with Special Event
    * Solar Update
    * This Week on the Radio

+ Available on <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>ARRL Audio News
Welcome to the HTML ARRL Letter

<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>The ARRL 
Letter has been distributed via e-mail since 
January 1996, when the Internet was young and 
full of possibilities. One of those possibilities 
-- our weekly digest of Amateur Radio news -- has 
not changed all that much in 13-plus years. Until now.

The conversion to HTML is part of the effort to 
make all ARRL e-publications more attractive and 
easier to read -- and more 21st century.

In response to what ARRL members have told us, we 
have expanded the scope of The ARRL Letter. 
You'll find more of a variety of news and 
information -- the news, some enhanced technical 
content and other features we think you'll enjoy.

For those who prefer to receive The ARRL Letter 
in text format, that option remains available.

Please let us know what you think of The ARRL 
Letter by sending ARRL News Editor and ARRL 
Letter author S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, an 
<mailto:k1sfa at arrl.org>e-mail. -- Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE, Managing Editor, QST
+ Regulatory: ARRL Board Adopts Guidelines and 
Recommendations on the Appropriate Use of Amateur Radio

On Friday, September 25, the ARRL Board of 
Directors adopted guidelines on the appropriate 
use of Amateur Radio on behalf of commercial, 
non-profit and government entities, as well as 
recommendations for additional steps to be taken 
by the ARRL to educate radio amateurs and others 
on how to prepare and train for public service 
and emergency communications while complying with the current FCC Rules.

At its meeting in July 2009, the ARRL Board 
created an ad-hoc committee to study the issue 
and prepare suggested guidelines. The committee 
submitted its report to the ARRL Executive 
Committee, which reviewed and revised the 
document. After additional discussion among Board 
members by electronic mail and teleconference, 
the Executive Committee submitted the document to 
the Board for formal adoption.

Entitled 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/files/ARRL_AppropriateUseGuidelines.pdf>The 
Commercialization of Amateur Radio: The Rules, 
The Risks, The Issues, the document offers 
guidelines to assist radio amateurs and anyone 
wishing to utilize the capabilities of Amateur 
Radio in understanding the FCC Rules that 
prohibit communications in which the amateur has 
a pecuniary interest, including communications on 
behalf of an employer. While the FCC Rules in 
this regard have not changed in many years, there 
has been increasing discussion of the issue as 
growing numbers of employers and non-amateur 
organizations recognize the value of Amateur 
Radio as an emergency communications resource and 
encourage their employees to obtain amateur 
licenses. Also included are guidelines for 
evaluating the appropriateness of Amateur Radio 
volunteers providing communications services to 
commercial enterprises and other entities for 
which other communications systems are available.

"The guidelines are not intended to be the last 
word on the subject, and surely will not be," 
observed ARRL First Vice President Kay Craigie, 
N3KN, and chair of the ad-hoc committee. "The 
report includes several recommendations for 
additional steps that the ARRL needs to take to 
help amateurs and the organizations we serve to 
better understand the Rules and to ensure that 
what we do to prepare to be of service in 
emergencies is consistent with the current Rules."
+ Operating: The 2010 ARRL Handbook: Our Biggest -- and Best -- Ever!

With more than 60 authors and reviewers 
contributing over 70 percent of new or completely 
revised content, 
<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=NO-HB2010#top>The 
2010 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is 
the biggest Handbook ever. Since it was first 
published in 1926, the Handbook has been a 
mainstay for the radio electronics experimenter. 
A core resource for radio amateurs, hobbyists, 
engineers and scientists, the Handbook is the 
single most authoritative reference on practical 
communications topics. It is both reference book 
and tutorial, woven together with practical 
applications and solutions. The 2010 
Handbook<http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=NO-HB2010#top> 
-- the 87th edition -- is a useful introduction 
to radio communication, and featuring the most 
current material on electronics and Amateur Radio.

Check out the first few pages of The 2010 ARRL 
Handbook <http://www.arrl.org/news/files/Front_2010_Handbook.pdf>here.

For 2010, The ARRL Handbook for Radio 
Communications -- with more than 1250 pages -- 
has been reorganized into five major sections, 
making it easier than ever to find exactly what 
you are searching for: Fundamental Theory, 
Practical Design and Principles, Antenna Systems 
and Radio Propagation, Equipment Construction and 
Maintenance, and Station Assembly and Management. 
"Each chapter has been designed to be either an 
'encyclopedia' (providing descriptive overviews 
of current practices and technology) or 
'practical handbook' (focusing on techniques, 
designs and projects)," Handbook Co-editor H. 
Ward Silver, N0AX, explained. "In either case, 
Co-editor Mark Wilson, K1RO, and I tried to 
ensure that there was enough introductory 
material to get the newcomer started, as well as 
plenty of in-depth discussion the experienced 
amateur will expect." For a closer look inside 
the 2010 Handbook, click 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/09/30/11102/>here.<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2009-10-01&p=0>
+ Public Service: Nominations Now Being Accepted 
for 2009 ARRL Humanitarian Award

Nominations are open for the 
<http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/awards/humanitarian.html>2009 
ARRL International Humanitarian Award. The award 
is conferred upon an amateur or amateurs who 
demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace and 
international understanding through Amateur 
Radio. The League established the annual prize to 
recognize Amateur Radio operators who have used 
ham radio to provide extraordinary service to 
others in times of crisis or disaster. To learn 
more about the ARRL International Humanitarian 
Award, including submission criteria, click 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/09/28/11098/?nc=1>here.
Product Review: The ICOM IC-7600 HF and 6 Meter Transceiver

ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, offers a 
preview of the ICOM 7600 coming up in the November 2009 issue of QST.

Get a "first look" at the ICOM IC-7600 HF and 6 
meter transceiver! Featured in the November 2009 
QST Product Review, this rig -- reviewed by NCJ 
Managing Editor Rick Lindquist, WW3DE (ex-N1RL), 
and shown in this 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6N2jgzlbIk>video 
by ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM -- 
represents an integration of ICOM's popular 
PROIII and the IC-7700/7800 transceivers, both in 
style, features and capability. Check it out!
+ Public Service: Ham Appointed Chief of Army MARS

On September 25, veteran Army communicator Jim 
Griffin, KE7LJA, became Chief of the Army 
Military Affiliate Radio System 
(<http://www.netcom.army.mil/mars/>MARS). Major 
General Susan Lawrence, Commanding General of the 
9th Signal Command (Army), named Griffin to 
succeed Stuart Carter; Carter has held the 
Chief's post since December 2006. MARS, the 
Defense Department-sponsored organization of 
Amateur Radio operators who volunteer for 
communications support in emergencies, is a 
component of the 9th SC(A). As a uniformed member 
of the Signal Corps and subsequently a civil 
servant, Griffin has amassed 52 years in 
government service. Before Friday's appointment, 
he served for two years as Deputy Chief of Army 
MARS, tasked with the responsibility for 
construction of its new gateway communications 
station at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. For more 
information, click 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/09/26/11093/?nc=1>here.<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2009-10-01&p=1>
+ Operating: International Reply Coupons (IRCs): 
Out with the Old, In with the New
<http://www.upu.int/news_centre/2008/en/2008-08-08_irc.shtml>
It is now time to start dumping your old 
International Reply Coupons (IRCs). The 
"<http://www.dailydx.com/images/IRC-2007-100.jpg>Beijing 
Model No 2" must be redeemed before December 31, 
2009. The new IRC -- the 
<http://www.dailydx.com/images/2008-08-08_irc.jpg>Nairobi 
Model IRC -- has been available in the US since 
September 10 and elsewhere since July; the price 
is $2.10 each in the US. The Nairobi Model is due 
to expire in 2013. For more information, click 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/09/30/11103/?nc=1>here. 
Thanks to <http://www.dailydx.com/>The Daily DX for the information.
+ On the Air: 4U1UN Celebrates UN General Assembly with Special Event

To celebrate the <http://www.un.org/ga/>64th 
General Assembly of the United Nations, 
<http://www.qrz.com/callsign.html?callsign=4u1un>4U1UN 
-- the Amateur Radio station at the UN -- began 
operating as 
<http://www.qrz.com/callsign.html?callsign=4U64UN>4U64UN 
on September 22. According to 
<http://www.dailydx.com/>The Daily DX, 4U64UN 
will be on the air for 64 days on all bands and 
modes. QSL via Logbook of The World 
(<http://www.arrl.org/lotw>LoTW) or direct to 
Herbert Aeby, HB9BOU. Logs will be uploaded to 
LoTW once the event is over. QSL cards will be 
mailed out starting in December 2009.
+ "Hints and Kinks"

Do you have an idea or a simple project that has 
improved your operating? Maybe you've taken 
something commonly found around the home and 
developed a ham radio use for it? Why not share 
your hints with fellow hams in "Hints and Kinks," 
a monthly column in <http://www.arrl.org/qst>QST. 
If we publish your hint, you will receive $20. 
Send your hints via <mailto:h&k at arrl.org>e-mail 
or to ARRL Headquarters, Attn: "Hints and Kinks," 
225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Please include 
your name, call sign, complete mailing address, 
daytime telephone number and e-mail 
address.<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2009-10-01&p=2>
Solar Update

Tad 
"<http://englishhistory.net/keats/poetry/chapmanshomer.html>Much 
have I travell'd in the realms of gold" Cook, 
K7RA, this week reports: Sunspot 1026 has faded 
and 1027 is about to disappear over the Sun's 
western horizon. The strange thing is that 1027 
is still visible as a bright magnetic disturbance 
when viewed on the 
<http://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov>STEREO Web site, but 
it apparently isn't still visible as a sunspot. 
The equinox, significant sunspot activity and low 
geomagnetic indices made for good conditions this 
week. The 3-month moving average of sunspot 
numbers -- now including September's data -- is 
the same as last month's 3-month average, made up 
from sunspot numbers from June through August. It 
seems that both June and September had identical 
average sunspot numbers, so for the last reading, 
the June data was dropped and the September data 
was added, and the same 3-month average of 4.0 is 
the result! We will discuss this more in the 
Solar Update, available on the ARRL Web site on 
Friday, October 2. For more information 
concerning radio propagation, visit the 
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>ARRL 
Technical Information Service Propagation page. 
This week's "Tad Cookism" brought to you by John 
Keats' On First Looking into Chapman's Homer.
This Week on the Radio
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/>
This week, the California QSO Party and the Oceania DX

Dave Robbins, K1TTT, of Peru, Massachusetts, 
dials around on 15 meters in preparation for the 
2008 CQWW SSB Contest. Would you like to see 
yourself in The ARRL Letter? Send us a picture of 
you operating your rig -- tell us your name and 
call sign and what you're doing! Don't forget to 
tell us who took your picture; if they have a 
call sign, let us know. Send your pictures to 
ARRL News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, 
<mailto:k1sfa at arrl.org>K1SFA -- be sure to put 
"ARRL Letter Photos" in the subject line of your 
e-mail. [S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, Photo]

Contest are October 3-4. The Fall 432 MHz Sprint 
is October 7. Next week, the ARRL EME Contest is 
October 10-11. There's an NCCC Sprint October 9 
and the YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest is 
October 9-11. The 10-10 International 10-10 Day 
Sprint and the FISTS Fall Sprint are both October 
10. On October 10-11, check out the Pennsylvania 
QSO Party, the Arizona QSO Party and the Oceania 
DX Contest (CW). The North American Sprint 
(RTTY), the SKCC Weekend Sprint and the UBA ON 
Contest (SSB) are October 11. The NAQCC Straight 
Key/Bug Sprint is October 14. All dates, unless 
otherwise stated, are UTC. See the 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/>ARRL Contest 
Branch page, the 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/>ARRL 
Contest Update and the 
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html>WA7BNM 
Contest Calendar for more info. Looking for a 
Special Event station? Be sure to check out the 
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html>ARRL Special Event Station Web page.
ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration

Registration remains open through Sunday, October 
25, 2009, for these online course sessions 
beginning on Friday, November 6, 2009: Amateur 
Radio Emergency Communications Level 1; Antenna 
Modeling; Radio Frequency Interference; Antenna 
Design and Construction; Ham Radio (Technician) 
License Course; Propagation; Analog Electronics, 
and Digital Electronics. To learn more, visit the 
<http://www.arrl.org/cep/student>CCE Course 
Listing page or contact the 
<mailto:cce at arrl.org>Continuing Education Program 
Coordinator<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&i=2009-10-01&t=r&p=0>.

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