[HCRA] Logbook of the World

[Jim Mullen]

I'm sure everyone is aware of the Logbook of the World. It was unveiled by
ARRL on September 15th and very well covered by Dan at the last meeting.

Well, after a few hiccups I have been able to upload 5139 QSO's to the
database, under both of my calls. Overall it was pretty painless. So far I
have 63 QSL records on the ARRL website.

This is a very ambitious program from ARRL and is a great way for new hams
to get into DXCC without the cost of getting QSL cards mailed. It will also
be much quicker! In order for it to really be effective it's important that
everyone with their logbook in electronic format upload data to ARRL. You
don't have to be a member to upload. Even if you are not interested in the
awards your log could help someone else get theirs. Much more information
can be found at the ARRL website at: http://www.arrl.org/lotw/. It's really
not that difficult. Overall I would say it took me about an hour to
accomplish the task, and I was being careful because I didn't want to screw
up my log.

Other news:
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The next meeting is this coming Friday, October 3rd. There has been a slight
change in the guest speaker. Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF had double booked the
date. He has rescheduled for January 2004. However, Tom Frenaye has agreed
to fill in for Mike and will be covering much of the same topics Mike had
scheduled. Tom is the New England Division Director for ARRL, an ARRL board
member that is always soliciting information from members and an active
contester. This should be an interesting meeting so bring yourself and your
opinions. Here is a great chance for your voice to be heard at the League
about what is important to you as an amateur.

Friday will also be your last chance to join or renew your HCRA membership
and get a free chance in the Icom HT raffle. Be sure to fill out your
application and get it in to either the PO box by Friday or at the meeting
that evening. Some lucky HCRA member will be leaving happy I'll bet. And as
always, coffee, donuts, raffle prizes and good company.

The bands are open a bit today. Have fun, work some new ones and I'll see
you Friday.

Jim, KK1W