[CVRC] The ARRL Letter for December 16, 2010

Thu Dec 16 23:38:39 EST 2010

If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:
<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2010-12-16>http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2010-12-16

December 16, 2010
Editor: <mailto:k1sfa at arrl.org>S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
<http://www.arrl.org/>ARRL Home 
Page<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>ARRL 
Letter<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/> 
Archive<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>Audio 
News<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&i=2010-12-16&t=t>

    * + FCC News : New Rules Governing Vanity, 
Club Station Call Signs to Take Effect February 14, 2011
    * + Spectrum Defense : What Role Can You Play 
to Defend Our Amateur Radio Spectrum?
    * + Amateur Radio Fun : Be a Star! Enter the ARRL Video Contest
    * ARRL Publications : New Edition of ON4UN's Low-Band DXing Now Shipping
    * + On the Air : 2010 a Banner Year for DXCC, Incoming/Outgoing QSL Bureau
    * + Support ARRL : ARRL Receives $1 Million Gift to the ARRL Endowment
    * Support ARRL : ARRL Thanks Donors with Publication Gift Certificates
    * + ARRL Headquarters Closed for Christmas, New Year's Holidays
    * Solar Update
    * + New QuickStats Poll Now Available on ARRL Web Site
    * This Week on the Radio
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

+ Available on <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news>ARRL Audio News
+ FCC News: New Rules Governing Vanity, Club 
Station Call Signs to Take Effect February 14, 2011

On Wednesday, December 15, new rules affecting 
vanity and club station call signs within the 
Amateur Radio Service were 
<http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-31349.pdf>published 
in the 
<http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-31349.pdf>Federal 
Register. These new rules will go into effect on 
February 14, 2011. Thirteen months ago, the 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-looks-to-revise-clarify-vanity-call-sign-rules>FCC 
announced its intention to modify Part 97 as it 
applies to the vanity call sign system and club 
station call signs, aligning the rules to prior 
Commission decisions. Last month, the 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-issues-em-report-and-order-em-on-vanity-and-club-station-call-signs>Commission 
released a 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-issues-em-report-and-order-em-on-vanity-and-club-station-call-signs>Report 
and Order (R&O), outlining its decision. Along 
with the changes to the call sign rules, the FCC 
made "certain minor, non-substantive amendments" to portions of Part 97.
+ Spectrum Defense: What Role Can You Play to 
Defend Our Amateur Radio Spectrum?

The third edition of Spectrum Defense Matters -- 
a newsletter aimed at keeping ARRL members 
updated on issues related to the protection of 
Amateur Radio frequencies -- has just been 
released on the ARRL Web site. This newsletter 
covers both domestic and international topics 
related to the Amateur Radio spectrum. Your 
financial support is vital to continue the ARRL's 
work to protect your operating privileges. You 
can help protect these privileges by contributing 
generously to the 2010 ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund before December 31.

"The coming year will see the completion of 
preparations for the next World 
Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12 ), to be 
held in Geneva in January and February 2012," 
said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, 
K1ZZ. " We hope for favorable outcomes on the 
agenda items we care about -- but that will not 
be the end of it. This WRC will recommend an 
agenda for the next one, later in the decade. 
Will that agenda pose serious threats to amateur 
spectrum? Will it include the possibility of new 
or expanded amateur allocations? The answers will 
depend in part on work being done on your behalf 
today, in Geneva and within regional 
telecommunications organizations that cover the globe."

This edition of Spectrum Defense Matters includes 
articles on how the IARU works with the world's 
six regional telecommunications organizations, a 
look at how the FCC's National Broadband Plan 
could affect the Amateur Radio Service and a 
message from ARRL Chief Technology Officer 
Brennan Price, N4QX, outlining many of the ways 
the ARRL advocates for the defense of your 
spectrum. Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/what-role-can-you-play-to-help-defend-our-amateur-radio-spectrum>here.
+ Amateur Radio Fun: Be a Star! Enter the ARRL Video Contest

If you've ever wanted a way to show the world how 
exciting Amateur Radio can be, here's your 
chance: The ARRL is sponsoring its 
<http://www.arrl.org/video-contest>first-ever 
video contest! We are looking for ARRL members to 
shoot and submit videos that showcase how fun and 
electrifying our hobby is; extra points will be 
awarded for a video showing someone, young or 
old, licensed or not, making their first contact. 
Videos will be judged on overall quality and 
composition, and prizes will be awarded. The 
video author/producer must be an ARRL member; 
however, the people who appear in your video can 
be non-members. This contest is intended for 
amateur videographers. If you are a professional, 
please do not apply. Check out all the details -- 
including the fine print -- on the 
<http://www.arrl.org/video-contest>ARRL Video 
Contest Rules and Guidelines Web 
page.<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2010-12-16&p=0>
ARRL Publications: New Edition of ON4UN's Low-Band DXing Now Shipping

The fifth edition of ON4UN's Low-Band DXing: 
Antennas, Equipment and Techniques for DXcitement 
on 160, 80 and 40 Meters by John Devoldere, 
ON4UN, features new and updated material. This is 
a book -- with CD-ROM included -- that every fan 
of 40 meters through Top Band needs in the shack. 
It is loaded with everything you need to succeed 
on the low bands. It's been 25 years since 
Devoldere published the original Low Band DXing, 
sharing his knowledge of techniques for success 
on 160, 80 and 40 meters. Over the years, the 
book has evolved to keep pace with the growing 
knowledge of propagation, equipment, operating 
techniques and receiving and transmitting 
equipment for the low bands. This edition is no 
different, with significant new additions and 
updates throughout the book. Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/new-edition-of-em-on4un-s-low-band-dxing-em-now-shipping>here.
+ On the Air: 2010 a Banner Year for DXCC, Incoming/Outgoing QSL Bureau

The Outgoing QSL Bureau at ARRL Headquarters. 
More than 1 million QSL cards passed through the 
Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureaus in 2010. [S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, Photo]

With the coming of more sunspots, comes more DX. 
And when more amateurs are working DX, that means 
the ARRL's Membership and Volunteer Programs 
Department -- especially the DXCC desk and the 
ARRL Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureaus -- goes into high gear.

"Compared to 2009, 2010 saw a dramatic increase 
in the number of cards we received from ARRL 
members that were sent to foreign QSL bureaus, as 
well as the number of cards we sent out to the 
bureaus," said DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L. "In 
addition, the number of DXCC applications -- 
including those for initial awards and 
endorsements -- also increased." Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/2010-a-banner-year-for-dxcc-incoming-outgoing-qsl-bureaus>here.
+ Support ARRL: ARRL Receives $1 Million Gift to the ARRL Endowment

Dr Charles Mathias, W8KGD, and his wife Iona 
bequeathed $1 million to the ARRL.

In October 2010, the ARRL received word that that 
it is a beneficiary of the Charles and Iona 
Mathias Joint Trust. Dr Mathias, W8KGD, became a 
Silent Key in 2008 at the age of 93; Iona, his 
wife of 62 years, passed away in June 2010. The 
ARRL is one of five beneficiaries of the Trust 
that has an estimated value in excess of $8 
million. Each beneficiary is scheduled to receive 
a 20 percent share of the residual after other 
distributions are completed. The ARRL first 
learned of the Trust upon Dr Mathias' passing.

"The generosity of Dr and Mrs. Mathias is a 
shining example of how individuals can make a 
continuing impact on the organizations that 
influenced their lives," said ARRL Chief 
Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. "The 
Mathias' generosity to the ARRL during their 
lifetime -- and through the Charles and Iona 
Mathias Joint Trust -- is an example of 
commitment to the work of the ARRL, even after 
their passing." Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-receives-1-million-gift-to-the-arrl-endowment>here.<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2010-12-16&p=1>
Support ARRL: ARRL Thanks Donors with Publication Gift Certificates

The end of 2010 is fast approaching and ARRL is 
poised to close the books on December 31! Many 
members wait to make contributions at the end of 
the year -- these contributions are important to 
the ARRL funds that are not supported by member dues.

But wait! There's more! When you make a 
contribution of $30 or more before December 31, 
you'll receive a complimentary $10 gift 
certificate* on your next publication sales 
purchase with the ARRL. You can make your gift on 
our <http://www.arrl.org/donate>secure Web site, 
by mail or by phone at 860-594-0397 and we'll 
send your $10 gift certificate right away.

You may designate your contribution to one or more of the following funds:
    * 
<http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-diamond-club>The 
ARRL Diamond Club (to renew your ARRL membership and make a contribution!)
    * <http://www.arrl.org/spectrum-defense-fund>The Spectrum Defense Fund
    * 
<http://www.arrl.org/education-and-technology-fund>The 
Education & Technology Fund
    * The Lab Fund
    * 
<http://www.arrl.org/historic-preservation-fund>The Historic Preservation Fund
    * The ARRL General Fund.

You may decide to make a monthly credit card 
contribution of $10 or more on the ARRL Web site 
to support one of the areas listed above. For 
more information, contact ARRL Chief Development 
Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, via 
<mailto:mhobart at arrl.org>e-mail or by phone at 
860-594-0397. Your year-end contribution is tax 
deductible to the extent allowed by law. ARRL is 
an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization holding 
tax identification number 06-6000004.

* About ARRL Gift Certificates: After making your 
contribution of $30 or more, your $10 ARRL Gift 
Certificate will be promptly mailed to you. 
Certificates must be redeemed by April 30, 2011. 
It is easy to redeem your certificate online, by 
mail or phone. This offer is valid on all sale 
and regular-priced ARRL publications.
+ ARRL Headquarters Closed for Christmas, New Year's Holidays

ARRL Headquarters will be closed Friday, December 
24 and Friday, December 31 in observance of 
Christmas and New Year's Day. There will be no 
<http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule>W1AW 
bulletins or code practice transmissions those 
days. There will be no 
<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>ARRL Letter or 
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news>ARRL Audio 
News on Thursday, December 23 and 30; both the 
Letter and Audio News will return on January 6, 
2011. We wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2011.
Solar Update

The Sun, as seen on Thursday, December 16, 2010 
from 
<http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/realtime-update.html>NASA's 
SOHO Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope. This 
image was taken at 304 Angstrom; the bright 
material is at 60,000 to 80,000 Kelvin.

Tad 
"<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZtJWJe_K_w>The 
windows are illuminated by the evening Sun" Cook, 
K7RA, reports: The average daily sunspot numbers 
for this week declined more than 7 points from 
the previous week to 27.6. The solar flux stayed 
about the same, up less than a point. The 
predicted planetary A index for the next five 
days -- December 16-20 -- is 8, 5, 8, 8 and 5. 
The solar flux for the same days is predicted at 
87, 86, 84, 86 and 86. Flux values are expected 
to meander between 86 and 88 until the end of the 
month, when they are expected to hit 90 around 
December 29-January 1. Look for more information 
-- including information on JHelioviewer, a free 
visualization program for examining the millions 
of images from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory 
-- on the ARRL Web site on Friday, December 17. 
For more information concerning radio 
propagation, visit the 
<http://www.arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals>ARRL 
Technical Information Service Propagation page. 
This week's "Tad Cookism" is brought to you by 
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZtJWJe_K_w>Our 
House.<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2010-12-16&p=2>
+ New QuickStats Poll Now Available on ARRL Web Site

Four new poll questions have just been published 
on the <http://www.arrl.org/quickstats>QuickStats 
page on the ARRL Web site. Let your voice be heard!

Questions in this month's QuickStats poll include:
    * Do you use CW on a regular basis?
    * If your out-of-warranty transceiver failed, what would you do?
    * Do you own a tablet computer?
    * Does your ARESÂ® group use the ARRL 
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public%2520Service/fsd157.pdf>Public 
Service Activity Report form to document SKYWARN activity?

Visit the 
<http://www.arrl.org/quickstats>QuickStats page 
and be sure to bookmark it in your browser. 
Results from this QuickStats poll will be 
published in the March 2011 issue of QST on the 
QuickStats page, located in the rear advertising 
section of the magazine. Along with monthly poll 
results, QST QuickStats offers colorful charts 
and graphs that highlight interesting Amateur Radio statistics.
This Week on the Radio

This week:
    * December 17 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder; Russian 
160 Meter Contest; AGB-Party Contest
    * December 18 -- OK DX RTTY Contest; RAC Winter Contest
    * December 18-January 2 -- Lighthouse Christmas Lights QSO Party
    * December 18-19 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge; Croatian CW Contest
    * December 19 -- 
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>ARRL Rookie 
Roundup (CW); ARCI Holiday Spirits Homebrew Sprint
    * December 20 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
    * December 22 -- SKCC Sprint

Next week and beyond:
    * January 1 -- 
<http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night>ARRL 
Straight Key Night; SARTG New Year RTTY Contest; 
AGCW Happy New Year Contest; AGCW VHF/UHF Contest
    * January 1-2 -- Original QRP Contest
    * January 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
    * January 7 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
    * January 8 -- Midwinter Contest (CW)
    * January 8-9 -- 
<http://www.arrl.org/rtty-roundup>ARRL RTTY 
Roundup; North American QSO Party (CW); Michigan 
QRP January (CW); Contest Hunting Lions in the 
Air Contest; EUCW 160 Meter Contest; WW PMC Contest
    * January 9 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest (CW); 
Midwinter Contest (Phone); NRAU-Baltic Contest (SSB)
    * January 12-13 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test

All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See 
the <http://www.arrl.org/contests>ARRL Contest 
Branch page, the 
<http://www.arrl.org/The-ARRL-Contest-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/special-event-stations>ARRL 
Special Event Stations Web page.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
    * January 8, 2011 -- 
<http://www.selarc.org/selarchamfest.htm>ARRL 
Delta Division Convention, Hammond, Louisiana
    * January 9, 2011 -- 
<http://www.hamradiouniversity.org/>ARRL New 
York-Long Island Section Convention, Bethpage, New York
    * January 15, 2011 -- 
<http://fmarc.net/hamfest_2011.htm>ARRL Southern 
Florida Section Convention, Fort Myers, Florida
    * January 28-29, 2011 -- 
<http://www.msham.org/hamfest.php>ARRL 
Mississippi State Convention, Jackson, Mississippi

To find a convention or hamfest near you, click 
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests>here.

ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information
    * <http://www.arrl.org/join>Join or Renew 
Today! ARRL membership includes 
<http://www.arrl.org/qst>QST , Amateur Radio's 
most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox each month.
    * Subscribe to 
<http://www.arrl.org/ncj>NCJ<http://www.arrl.org/ncj> 
-- the National Contest Journal . Published 
bi-monthly, features articles by top contesters, 
letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint and QSO Parties.
    * Subscribe to 
<http://www.arrl.org/qex>QEX<http://www.arrl.org/qex> 
-- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. 
Published bi-monthly, features technical 
articles, construction projects, columns and 
other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.
    * Free of charge to ARRL members: 
<http://www.arrl.org/myarrl-account-management#%21/edit-info-email_subscriptions>Subscribe 
to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and 
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest 
Update (bi-weekly contest newsletter), Division 
and Section news alerts -- and much more!
    * Find us on <http://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org>Facebook!
    * ARRL offers a wide array of 
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-store>products to 
enhance your enjoyment of Amateur Radio
    * 
<https://www.arrl.org/arrl-donation-form>Donate 
to the fund of your choice -- support programs not funded by member dues!

Click 
<mailto:ads at arrl.org>here<http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&i=2010-12-16&t=r&p=0> 
to advertise in this newsletter.

----------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times 
each year. ARRL members and registered guests may 
subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing 
their <http://www.arrl.org/Users/edit#!/edit-info-email_subscriptions>profile.