[CVRC] The ARRL Letter for October 11, 2012

Thu Oct 11 13:37:07 EDT 2012

********************************************
            The  ARRL Letter

Published by the American Radio Relay League
********************************************

October 11, 2012

Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA <k1sfa at arrl.org>

ARRL Home Page <http://www.arrl.org/>ARRL Letter Archive
<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>Audio News
<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> IN THIS ISSUE

- + FCC News: FCC Seeks to Change Amateur Radio Licensing Rules
- + FCC News: FCC Agrees with ARRL on Emission Designators, TDMA
- + On the Air: Scouts and Scouters Take to the Airwaves for the 55th
Jamboree on the Air
- The ARRL Offers Five New Books for Fall
- + IARU News: IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Meets in Curacao
- + ARRL Invites Nominations for 2012 International Humanitarian Award
- + At the Workbench: Attention Kit Builders -- The ARRL Wants to Hear
from You!
- Solar Update
- + ARRL Recognizes: MFJ's Martin F. Jue, K5FLU, Honored at ARRL Day in
the Park
- ARRL HQ Seeks Applicants for QST Technical Editor
- This Week in Radiosport
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

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

==> + FCC NEWS: FCC SEEKS TO CHANGE AMATEUR RADIO LICENSING RULES

   On October 2, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in WT
Docket No. 12-121 that seeks to change the Amateur Radio licensing
rules, especially as they concern former licensees. Acting upon an
April 2011 Petition for Rulemaking filed by the Anchorage VEC to give
permanent credit to radio amateurs for examination elements they have
successfully passed, the FCC proposes to revise Section 97.505 to
require that Volunteer Examiners (VEs) give examination credit to an
applicant who can demonstrate that he or she formerly held a particular
class of license. In addition, the Commission seeks to shorten the
grace period during which an expired amateur license may be renewed and
to reduce the number of VEs needed to administer an amateur license
examination. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-seeks-to-change-amateur-radio-licensing-rules-allow-additional-emission-types>.

==> + FCC NEWS: FCC AGREES WITH ARRL ON EMISSION DESIGNATORS, TDMA

   Part of WT Docket No. 12-121 (see above) included a response to a
March 2011 Petition for Rulemaking filed by the ARRL. Through the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC is seeking to amend the Amateur
Service rules to allow amateur stations to transmit additional emission
types in order to permit Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) in the
Amateur Service; however, it denied the League's request for a blanket
waiver pending the resolution of the rulemaking proceeding. The FCC
pointed out that one of the purposes of the Amateur Service is to
contribute to the advancement of the radio art: "Allowing amateur
stations to use communication technologies that are used in other radio
services, such as TDMA technologies, allows Amateur Service licensees
to experiment with and improve these technologies and, therefore, is
consistent with the basis and purpose of the Amateur Service. For this
reason, we agree with the ARRL that the current rules allowing the use
of multiple time-slot TDMA repeaters, but not permitting amateur
stations to transmit single-slot TDMA emissions, may be unnecessarily
impeding Amateur Radio operators in advancing the radio art." Read more
here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-seeks-to-change-amateur-radio-licensing-rules-allow-additional-emission-types>.

==> + ON THE AIR: SCOUTS AND SCOUTERS TAKE TO THE AIRWAVES FOR THE 55TH
JAMBOREE ON THE AIR

   Each year, more than 500,000 Scouts in more than 100 countries take
to the airwaves on the third full weekend in October -- and this year
on October 20-21, it will be no different. The Jamboree on the Air
(JOTA) is an annual Scouting and Amateur Radio event sponsored by the
World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all over the world
speak to each other via Amateur Radio. Since 1958 -- when the first
Jamboree on the Air was held -- millions of Scouts have met through
this event. Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pal
relationships and links between Scout troops that have lasted many
years. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/scouts-and-scouters-take-to-the-airwaves-for-the-55th-jamboree-on-the-air>.

==> THE ARRL OFFERS FIVE NEW BOOKS FOR FALL

   The ARRL has just released five new books that you are going to want
to have in your shack. This fall, two favorites have been re-released
and are chock-full of new information: hardcover and softcover editions
of The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications (90th edition), The ARRL
Operating Manual (10th edition). In addition, the ARRL is proud to
offer three new titles: The Amateur Radio Public Service Handbook, The
Care and Feeding of Transmission Lines by QST Technical Editor Joel
Hallas, W1ZR, and Antenna Modeling for Beginners by H. Ward Silver,
N0AX. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/the-arrl-offers-five-new-books-for-fall>.

==> + IARU NEWS: IARU REGION 2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS IN CURACAO

   The IARU Region 2 Executive Committee met in Curacao September
29-30. Led by Region 2 President Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AM, the meeting
was attended by Region 2 Officers and Area Directors; Area B Director
and ARRL International Affairs Vice President Jay Bellows, K0QB,
represented the United States. IARU Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD,
represented the IARU and IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel
Timmerman, PB2T, represented IARU Region 1. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/iaru-region-2-executive-committee-meets-in-curacao>.

==> + ARRL INVITES NOMINATIONS FOR 2012 INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN
AWARD

   Nominations are open for the 2012 ARRL International Humanitarian
Award. This 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 those radio amateurs who have used ham radio to
provide extraordinary service to others in times of crisis or disaster.
As one of the few telecommunication services that allow people
throughout the world from all walks of life to meet and talk with each
other, Amateur Radio spreads goodwill across political boundaries. The
ARRL International Humanitarian Award recognizes the Amateur Radio
Service's unique role in international communication and the assistance
amateurs regularly provide to people in need. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-invites-nominations-for-2012-international-humanitarian-award>.

==> + AT THE WORKBENCH: ATTENTION KIT BUILDERS -- THE ARRL WANTS TO
HEAR FROM YOU!

   The ARRL wants to hear from kit builders about simple, useful,
educational and exciting kits. These kits should have a high
probability for success and would serve as stepping stones for more
advanced projects. We are looking all sorts of kits, but RF detector
kits that work in the 380 MHz-2.5 GHz range are of special interest.
The kits should also have a "Wow, I built this and it works!" factor.
If you know of such a kit, please let us know by filling out a simple
form here <http://www.arrl.org/technology> by October 31.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad Cook, K7RA, reports: There was another decline in sunspot
activity this week, although activity may be making a slow recovery
based on recent activity over the past few days and projected solar
flux values. The average daily sunspot numbers dropped from 73 to 51.7,
a difference of 21.3 points. But the past two days saw sunspot numbers
(63 and 71) higher than the average -- and climbing. The average of
daily solar flux was off 23.8 points to 104.9, and like the sunspot
figures, the past two days saw solar flux values (106.2 and 112) higher
than the average for the week. The predicted solar flux from the
Wednesday, October 10 NOAA/USAF forecast is 115 on October 11-13, 120
on October 14-15, 115 on October 16-18, then 145, 150 and 145 on
October 19-21, 140 on October 22-23, and 135 on October 24-27. We then
see solar flux dip below 100 on November 4-8 and peak at 150 again on
November 16. The predicted planetary A index for October 11-17 is 10,
5, 5, 12, 12, 10 and 8, and then 5 on October 18-November 3, and then
rising to 18, 20, 12 and back down to 8 on November 4-7. We saw the
most geomagnetic activity on October 8-9 showed the most, with the
planetary A index at 35 and 42, the mid-latitude A index at 21 and 32
and the high latitude college A index at 66 and 54; this activity was
triggered by a coronal mass ejection on October 8. The predicted rise
in planetary A index to 12 on October 14-15 is due to a solar wind
spewing from a coronal hole, which should rotate into a geo-effective
position during that time. Look for more on the ARRL website on Friday,
October 12. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit
the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals>.

==> + ARRL RECOGNIZES: MFJ'S MARTIN F. JUE, K5FLU, HONORED AT ARRL DAY
IN THE PARK

   To celebrate 40 years in the Amateur Radio business, MFJ Enterprises
<http://www.mfjenterprises.com/> hosted ARRL Day in the Park
<http://www.mfjenterprises.com/dayinpark.php> in Starkville,
Mississippi, October 5-6. Martin F. Jue, K5FLU, started MFJ in October
1972 in a Starkville hotel room with one product: a CW filter kit that
sold for less than $10. Today, MFJ consists of six different ham radio
companies that manufacture more than 2000 products. ARRL Chief
Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, and ARRL Mississippi Section
Manager Malcolm Keown, W5XX, represented the League at MFJ's ARRL Day
in the Park. The two-day event brought 500 people to Starkville and
featured tours of the MFJ facilities (including the factory and metal
shop), tailgating, forums, demonstrations and lunch. Kramer presented
Jue with the ARRL Special Achievement Award, honoring Jue and MFJ for
their four decades of service, as well as the company's innovative
products, which have contributed to the enjoyment and effectiveness of
Amateur Radio all around the world. Tom Medlin, W5KUB, was at the event
and produced a video of the speeches and presentations, which can be
viewed here <http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25962423>.

==> ARRL HQ SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR QST TECHNICAL EDITOR

The League is currently looking to fill the position of QST Technical
Editor at ARRL Headquarters in Newington. Connecticut residency or the
ability to relocate to Connecticut is required. The QST Technical
Editor will provide leadership to the technical Amateur Radio community
by developing and promulgating a vision of the state of the Amateur
Radio art through the pages of QST.

Qualifications:

- Broad knowledge of and experience with Amateur Radio and electronics.
- Broad knowledge of and experience with the design and construction of
Amateur Radio equipment, antennas and accessories.
- Broad knowledge of and experience with Amateur Radio software.
- A bachelor or graduate college degree, preferably in a technical
field. Exceptional related work history can be substituted for a
degree.
- A minimum of three years of writing or editing experience.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with a
variety of people.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
- An Amateur Extra class license.

Click here <http://www.arrl.org/employment-opportunities> for more
information and an application. To apply, please send your cover letter
and resume via e-mail <mlevesque at arrl.org?subject=Technical20Position>,
or complete the application, print it out and mail it with your resume
and cover letter to Monique Levesque, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT
06111. You can also fax your application, cover letter and resume to
860-594-0298. Please include your salary history and salary
requirements. The ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- October 12 -- NCCC Sprint
- October 13 -- EU Autumn Sprint (CW); FISTS Fall Sprint
-  October 13-14 -- Arizona QSO Party; Pennsylvania QSO Party;
Makrothen RTTY Contest; Oceania DX Contest (CW); QRP ARCI Fall QSO
Party; Scandinavian Activity Contest (SSB)
- October 14 -- North American Sprint (RTTY); SKCC Weekend Sprintathon

Next week:

- October 15-19 -- ARRL School Club Roundup
<http://www.arrl.org/school-club-roundup>
- October 19 -- NCCC Sprint, MCG Autumn Sprint
- October 20 -- Iowa QSO Party; Feld Hell Sprint
- October 20-21 -- New York QSO Party; 10-10 International Fall Contest
(CW); Stew Perry Topband Challenge; JARTS WW RTTY Contest; Worked All
Germany Contest; Araucaria VHF Contest; 10-10 International Fall
Contest (CW); W/VE Islands QSO Party
- October 21 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint (CW); UBA ON Contest (2
meters)
- October 21-22 -- Illinois QSO Party
- October 22 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- October 24 -- SKCC Sprint
- October 24-25 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test

All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest
Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests>, the ARRL Contest Update
<http://www.arrl.org/The-ARRL-Contest-Update> and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more
information. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out
the ARRL Special Event Stations web page
<http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations>.

==> UPCOMING ARRL SECTION, STATE AND DIVISION CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS

- October 12-14 -- ARRL National Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-national-convention-pacificon-2012>,
Santa Clara, California
- October 13 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-state-convention-hamboree-2012>,
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- October 13-14 -- ARRL Florida State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/florida-state-convention-melbourne-hamfest-1>,
Melbourne, Florida
- November 3-4 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/georgia-state-convention-stone-mountain-hamfest-computer-expo-1>,
Lawrenceville, Georgia
- November 4 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-section-convention-41st-annual-drac-hamfest-computer-show'>,
Davenport, Iowa
- November 10 -- ARRL Alabama State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/alabama-state-convention-1>, Montgomery,
Alabama
- November 17-18 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-computer-expo-1>,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 1-2 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-2>,
Palmetto, Florida
- January 18-19 -- ARRL North Texas Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/north-texas-section-convention-cowtown-hamfest-1>,
Fort Worth, Texas
- January 19 -- ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southern-florida-section-convention-3>,
Fort Myers, Florida
- January 25-26 -- ARRL Mississippi State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/mississippi-state-convention-capital-city-hamfest>,
Jackson, Mississippi
- January 26-27 -- ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/puerto-rico-state-convention>, Hatillo,
Puerto Rico
- February 2 -- ARRL South Carolina State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/south-carolina-state-convention-2>, North
Charleston, South Carolina
- February 8-10 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southeastern-division-convention-orlando-hamcation-1>,
Orlando, Florida
- February 15-16 -- ARRL Arizona State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arizona-state-convention-yuma-hamfest-1>,
Yuma, Arizona
- March 8-9 -- ARRL Oklahoma Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/oklahoma-section-convention-green-country-hamfest-1>,
Claremore, Oklahoma
- March 30 -- ARRL North Carolina State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/north-carolina-state-convention-raleigh-hamfest-2>,
Raleigh, North Carolina
- April 20 -- ARRL Louisiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/louisiana-state-convention-northeast-louisiana-regional-ham-radiofest>,
Monroe, Louisiana
- April 26-28 -- ARRL Idaho State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/idaho-state-convention-3>, Boise, Idaho

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

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