From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Oct  6 17:13:51 2011
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu,  6 Oct 2011 17:13:51 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for October 6, 2011
Message-ID: <20111006215018.A839529C190@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

October 6, 2011

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

- + On the Air: 10 Meters Is Hot!
- + WRC-12: European Proposal for Amateur Secondary MF Allocation
Clears Important Hurdle
- + Every Radio Amateur Knows that Spectrum Defense Matters
- + Check Out the November Issue of QST
- At the Workbench: The Deadline for the Third ARRL Homebrew Challenge
Is Approaching
- + Public Service: Nominations Now Open for the George Hart
Distinguished Service Award
- ARRL in Action: What Have We Been Up to Lately?
- + Section News: New Section Manager Appointed in North Texas
- Committee Notes: Changes to ARRL Ethics and Elections Committee
- Solar Update
- + ARRL Recognizes: Robert Miller, KE6F , Wins September QST Cover
Plaque Award
- This Week on the Radio
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

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

==> + ON THE AIR: 10 METERS IS HOT!

   For the past few days, the solar flux has been hovering around 130.
While this is down from a peak of 190 -- the highest we've seen in
Solar Cycle 24 -- just 11 days ago, the higher HF bands are definitely
feeling the effect. Higher solar flux levels can mean higher sunspot
levels and this is good news for radio amateurs, especially
Technicians. The 10 meter band is the only HF band where Techs have
phone privileges. "Techs can get use their voice privileges from
28.300-28.500 MHz," explained W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q.
"If you don't have your own HF rig, find someone in your local radio
club who does or call your Elmer. Without a doubt, you don't want to
miss this opening. Who knows how long it will last or when it will come
back? So get on the air while you can and experience the magic of 10
meters." The solar flux is predicted to hit 140
<http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/latest/45DF.txt> on October 12 and
stay at that level for almost a week. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/attention-techs-10-meters-is-hot>.

==> + WRC-12: EUROPEAN PROPOSAL FOR AMATEUR SECONDARY MF ALLOCATION
CLEARS IMPORTANT HURDLE

In preparation for the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12
<http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/index.asp?category=conferences&rlink=wrc-12&lang=en>),
the CEPT Project Team C
<http://www.cept.org/ecc/groups/ecc/cpg/cpg-pt-c> approved a draft
European Common Proposal (ECP) for an 8 kHz-wide band between 472 and
480 kHz at its September meeting. The draft ECP will now go to CEPT's
Conference Preparatory Group for formal ratification in November. This
breakthrough -- at the 11th and final meeting of the project team --
occurred with the submission by the UK's Ofcom of an RSGB-drafted
compromise ECP proposal that is also supported by France and Sweden.

   Agenda Item 1.23 calls for WRC-12 delegations to consider an
allocation of about 15 kHz in parts of the band 415-526.5 kHz to the
Amateur Service on a secondary basis, taking into account the need to
protect existing services. "While an 8 kHz allocation does not fully
meet our objective of 15 kHz, having a European Common Proposal for an
amateur allocation is a major step toward possibly achieving one at
WRC-12," said ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ.

According to Colin Thomas, G3PSM, the prospect of an agreed CEPT
position is good progress, representing a 48 country block vote going
into next year's WRC-12. "It needs to be noted that the draft ECP comes
with significant caveats to avoid interference to the primary user, as
well as the existing secondary user services," he explained. "These are
the maritime and aeronautical radionavigation services, respectively.
As secondary users, we would also not be afforded any protection. It
should be acknowledged that we have had support from a number of Region
1 IARU Member-Societies in getting to this position." Thomas is the
CEPT Coordinator for this agenda item.

==> + EVERY RADIO AMATEUR KNOWS THAT SPECTRUM DEFENSE MATTERS

   The second edition for 2011 of Spectrum Defense Matters -- a
newsletter aimed at keeping ARRL members updated on issues related to
the protection of Amateur Radio frequencies -- was recently released on
the ARRL website. 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 2011 ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund.
Defending spectrum means protecting the way each of us chooses to enjoy
Amateur Radio. It is important to have VHF/UHF allocations when radio
amateurs are called upon to provide support during communications
emergencies. But Amateur Radio is primarily a personal radio service
where licensees have great latitude to develop their skills, experiment
to broaden their knowledge base, serve their communities and to simply
have fun. Click here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/every-radio-amateur-knows-that-spectrum-defense-matters>
to read about some of the Spectrum Defense items featured in this issue
of Spectrum Defense Matters.

==> + CHECK OUT THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF QST

The November issue of QST is jam-packed with all sorts of things that
today's Amateur Radio operator needs. From product reviews to
experiments to contesting, this issue of QST has something for just
about everyone.

Now that the colder months are here, thoughts turn to tinkering in the
shack. If your radio doesn't come with digital signal processing
capability, why not build a DSP speaker? DSP cuts out the unwanted
noise and gives you only the signal you want to hear, adapting to
changes in the signal's conditions. Allen Baker, KG4JJH, offers a
schematic for a DSP speaker in his article "Build Your Own DSP
Speaker." In designing a modern-day antenna, Dave Holdeman, N9XU,
recalls a "plumber's delight" from his Novice days in his article "A
160 or 80 Meter Downspout Vertical." Build a self-contained
multi-oscillator that allows for convenient and precise SSB transmitter
adjustment after you read "A Four Tone SSB Test Generator" by Dave
Lyndon, AK4AA.

   If you have an Android smartphone, you probably have a couple of
Amateur Radio-related apps on it. But how do you know which one is
right for you? William F. Vartorella, KJ4ORX, presents a handy guide in
"Android Apps for the Amateur." With so many insurance options
available, it can get confusing when looking for the best coverage for
your ham gear. In his article "Homeowners Insurance and Your Radio
Gear," Ray Fallen, ND8L, discusses how to purchase insurance for your
station.

ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, W5MPC, takes a look at
the Yaesu FT-450D HF and 6 meter transceiver in this month's Product
Review. He says that this rig "adds a standard internal antenna tuner,
new CW filter bandwidths and several ergonomic upgrades to the original
FT-450. These refinements make a popular, low-cost transceiver even
better." ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, checks out the
Elecraft XG3 RF signal source: "The Elecraft XG3 is a compact, accurate
signal source with a variety of uses in the Amateur Radio station or at
the workbench."

Of course, there are the usual columns you know and expect in the
November QST: Happenings, Hints & Kinks, The Doctor Is IN, How's DX,
Technical Correspondence, Vintage Radio and more. Look for your
November issue in your mailbox. QST is the official journal of ARRL,
the national association for Amateur Radio. QST is just one of the many
benefits of ARRL membership. To join or renew your ARRL membership,
please visit the ARRL web page <https://www.arrl.org/join>.

==> AT THE WORKBENCH: THE DEADLINE FOR THE THIRD ARRL HOMEBREW
CHALLENGE IS APPROACHING

   The ARRL has sponsored two Homebrew Challenges in the past, designed
to test our members' design and construction skills by making useful
amateur gear at low cost -- and sharing their results with our members.
Our first ARRL Homebrew Challenge, announced in QST for August 2006,
required the construction of a 40 meter, 5 W voice and CW transceiver
built for less than $50 of new parts. The Second Homebrew Challenge,
announced in February 2009, resulted in a number of creative designs of
low cost 50 W linear amplifiers to follow the transceiver -- two for
about $30, as well as a multiband amplifier with many features for
somewhat more. The deadline for the Third Homebrew Challenge is
Tuesday, November 1. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/the-deadline-for-the-third-arrl-homebrew-challenge-is-approaching>.

==> + PUBLIC SERVICE: NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE GEORGE HART
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The George Hart Distinguished Service Award may be presented by the
Board of Directors to the ARRL member whose service to the ARRL's Field
Organization is of the most exemplary nature. The Distinguished Service
Award is named in honor of George Hart, W1NJM, long-time Communications
Manager at ARRL Headquarters and chief developer of the National
Traffic System. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/nominations-now-open-for-the-george-hart-distinguished-service-award>.

==> ARRL IN ACTION: WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO LATELY?

   This feature is a concise monthly update of some of the things that
the ARRL is doing on behalf of its members. This installment -- which
covers the month of September -- takes a look at how the ARRL briefed
members of the White House staff on Amateur Radio's capabilities during
emergencies, how the ARRL Lab is investigating power line noise, the
upcoming Director elections in the ARRL's Atlantic, Delta and Midwest
Divisions, the search for a new ARRL Treasurer, recognizing radio
amateurs for technical excellence, reports from the Official Observer
Desk and more. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-in-action-what-have-we-been-up-to-lately-38>.

==> + SECTION NEWS: NEW SECTION MANAGER APPOINTED IN NORTH TEXAS

   Effective Wednesday, October 5, the ARRL North Texas Section has a
new Section Manager. Jay Urish, W5GM, of Flower Mound, stepped down for
personal reasons. He has served as North Texas Section Manager since
April 2009, and was re-elected to a second term in April 2011. Walt
Mayfield, KE5SOO, of Krum, has been appointed the North Texas Section
Manager, as of October 5, to fulfill the present term of office. ARRL
Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, made the
appointment in consultation with West Gulf Division Director David
Woolweaver, K5RAV. Mayfield has served as the North Texas Section
Emergency Coordinator and is the president of the Denton County Amateur
Radio Association. Mayfield's appointment continues through March 31,
2013.

==> COMMITTEE NOTES: CHANGES TO ARRL ETHICS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

There is a change in the composition of the ARRL Ethics and Elections
Committee. President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has accepted the resignation of
Southeastern Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, from the committee,
thanking him for his service as chairman for the past nine months.
Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, will serve on the
committee for the remainder of the one-year term. Committee member Tom
Frenaye, K1KI, Director of the New England Division, will serve as
chairman. Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio, W6RGG, also serves on
the committee. Sarratt will continue to serve as Director of the ARRL's
Southeastern Division.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "I wish the Sun would hide its head
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXrfQgbhVAw>" Cook, K7RA, reports: The
sunspot excitement continues, with photos of the Sun showing more and
more spots. The average daily sunspot numbers for the week were about
the same as the previous week, increasing from 96.1 to 96.7, while the
average daily solar flux dropped from 155.5 to 132.6. Our three month
moving average of sunspot numbers puts us into activity levels last
seen in mid-2004. The latest NOAA/USAF forecast shows solar flux at 125
on October 6-7, 130 on October 8-12, 125 on October 13 and 110 on
October 14-16. The planetary A index prediction shows 18 for October 6,
10 on October 7-8, 8 on October 9 and 5 on October 10-27. Look for more
information on the ARRL website on Friday, October 7. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals>. This week's "Tad
Cookism" is brought to you by Yellowcard's October Nights
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowcard>.

==> + ARRL RECOGNIZES: ROBERT MILLER, KE6F , WINS SEPTEMBER QST COVER
PLAQUE AWARD

The winner of the QST  Cover Plaque Award for September is Robert
Miller, KE6F , for his article "Yet Another Crystal Calibrator -- The
YACC 1-2-3. " Congratulations Robert! 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/cover-plaque-poll> . Cast a ballot for your
favorite article in the October issue today.

==> THIS WEEK ON THE RADIO

This week:

- October 7-9 -- YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest
- October 8 -- FISTS Fall Sprint; EU Autumn Sprint (CW)
- October 8-9 -- Arizona QSO Party; Pennsylvania QSO Party; Makrothen
RTTY Contest; Oceania DX Contest (CW); Scandinavian Activity Contest
(SSB)
- October 9 -- North American Sprint (RTTY); UBA ON Contest (CW)
- October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint
- October 12 -- NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint; NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint

Next week:

- October 15 -- Iowa QSO Party; Feld Hell Sprint
- October 15-16 -- New York QSO Party; 10-10 International Fall Contest
(CW); JARTS WW RTTY Contest; CQ SA Contest (SSB); QRP ARCI Fall QSO
Party; Worked All Germany Contest
- October 16 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint (CW)
- October 16-17 -- Illinois QSO Party
- October 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- October 17-24 -- ARRL School Club Roundup

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 8-9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/florida-state-convention-melbourne-hamfest>,
Melbourne, Florida
- October 9 -- ARRL Connecticut State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/connecticut-state-convention-1>,
Wallingford, Connecticut
- October 14-16 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/pacificon-2011>, Santa Clara, California
- October 21-22 -- ARRL West Gulf Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-gulf-division-convention-texoma-hamarama>,
Ardmore, Oklahoma
- October 22 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-state-convention-hamboree-2011>,
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- November 6 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-section-convention>, Davenport, Iowa
- November 19-20 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-and-computer-expo>,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 3-4 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-1>,
Palmetto, Florida

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

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From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Oct 13 16:22:53 2011
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:22:53 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for October 13, 2011
Message-ID: <20111013223144.A848326F830@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

October 13, 2011

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

- + US Amateurs Now 700,000 Strong!
- + On the Air: ISS to Be On the Air for JOTA This Weekend
- Get Ready for the 6th Annual ARRL On-Line Auction
- + Amateur Radio in Space: ARISSat-1 Team Announces Morse Code Contest
- + Amateur Radio in Space: AMSAT to Celebrate 50 Years in Space at
Annual Space Symposium
- + ARRL Marks 28th Year of Hosting USTTI ARAC Course
- Public Service: Nominations Now Open for the George Hart
Distinguished Service Award
- Solar Update
- This Week on the Radio
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

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

==> + US AMATEURS NOW 700,000 STRONG!

   As the third quarter of 2011 came to a close, ARRL VEC Manager Maria
Somma, AB1FM, began calculating the number of licensed Amateur Radio
operators in the US, as well as the number of new licensees. "At the
end of September, I saw that the number of hams in the US was high,"
she said. "When I started comparing that number with other years, I
found that it was an all-time high." For the first time, there are more
than 700,000 radio amateurs in the US.

"When looking at the three current license classes -- Technician,
General and Amateur Extra -- these numbers are impressive," Somma
explained. "The number of Technicians peaked in March 2011 at 342,572,
while in September 2011, we saw both Generals and Extras peak at
159,861 and 125,661, respectively. As new Technicians earn their
Amateur Radio licenses, and current Technician licensees move on to
General and Generals upgrade to Extra, this can cause up-and-down
fluctuations for these totals." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/us-amateurs-now-700-000-strong>.

==> + ON THE AIR: ISS TO BE ON THE AIR FOR JOTA THIS WEEKEND

   If you are planning on participating in this weekend's Jamboree On
the Air (JOTA
<http://www.arrl.org/news/scouts-to-take-to-the-airwaves-for-the-54th-jamboree-on-the-air>),
take note: Astronaut Mike Fossum, KF5AQG, is planning to participate in
JOTA from the International Space Station, using the call sign NA1SS.
According to the AMSAT website
<http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/index.php>, Fossum's schedule is
somewhat flexible on the weekends, but he will not be available for
every pass. The typical crew work periods are 0800-1930 UTC, but they
are sometimes available a bit later. When available, Fossum will be
operating on the standard ISS frequencies. In the US and elsewhere in
IARU Regions 2 and 3, the uplink is 144.49 MHz. In Region 1, the uplink
is 145.200 MHz. The worldwide downlink for NA1SS is 145.800 MHz.

==> GET READY FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL ARRL ON-LINE AUCTION

   The Sixth Annual ARRL On-Line Auction <http://www.arrl.org/auction>
will be open for preview at 10 AM (EDT) on Friday, October 14, and will
open for bidding at 10 AM (EDT) on Wednesday, October 19. According to
Advertising Manager and ARRL On-Line Auction Coordinator Deb Jahnke,
K1DAJ, there is a large assortment of ARRL Product Review items,
including a Yaesu FT-DX5000D HF and 6 meter transceiver, an Ameritron
ALS-1300 HF power amplifier, a Ten-Tec 599AT Eagle HF and 6 meter
transceiver, a Kenwood TS-590S HF and 6 meter transceiver and an
Elecraft P3 panadapter, as well as a wide assortment of books,
including ARRL Handbooks from the 1920s and 1930s. "If you are
interested in some great bargains and some great fun, you really need
to check this out," she said. Jahnke also encouraged visitors to visit
the site to pre-register and scope out those "must-have" items. The
2011 ARRL On-Line Auction runs through 11:59 PM (EDT) October 26.

==> + AMATEUR RADIO IN SPACE: ARISSAT-1 TEAM ANNOUNCES MORSE CODE
CONTEST

   ARISSat-1 -- the latest Amateur Radio satellite -- began its
education-based mission after deployment from the International Space
Station in August 2011. The ARISSat-1 mission is to provide a variety
of information through its many broadcast modes promoting STEM-based
education initiatives in the classroom. In an effort to help realize
this mission, the ARRISSat-1 Team is sponsoring a CW contest.

To participate, listeners need to copy and submit any six of the more
than 200 call signs transmitted during ARISSat-1's multiple satellite
passes. These call signs represent those radio amateurs who have made
significant contributions to the ARISS program or Amateur Radio as a
whole. They have been digitally stored on board ARISSat-1 and are being
transmitted in rotation using Morse code at 145.92 MHz. The call signs
can be heard between the RS01S CW identification and the CW telemetry
in the repeated code transmission sequence. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arissat-1-team-announces-morse-code-contest>.

==> + AMATEUR RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS IN SPACE AT
ANNUAL SPACE SYMPOSIUM

The AMSAT 2011 AMSAT Space Symposium will be held November 4-6 in San
Jose, California. This year's Symposium coincides with the celebration
of the 50th anniversary of OSCAR 1, the first Amateur Radio satellite.
The Symposium will feature presentations on amateur satellites,
operating techniques, news and plans from the amateur satellite world,
as well as an AMSAT General Meeting and a meeting of AMSAT's Board of
Directors.

   While the final schedule is still being worked out, AMSAT has
announced that Lance Ginner, K6GSJ, will be the speaker at the banquet.
Ginner helped build and develop OSCAR 1 and OSCAR 2. His involvement
with Amateur Radio spacecraft continued with OSCAR 3, OSCAR 4, OSCAR 5
(the first for the newly formed Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation in
1970), OSCAR 6, OSCAR 7 and OSCAR 8.

ARRL Laboratory Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, will also be
speaking at the Symposium, accompanied by a prototype of OSCAR 1. With
help from Ginner and other AMSAT members, Allison and W1AW Station
Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, refurbished the prototype, one of three made
by Project OSCAR. One of the satellites went into orbit in 1961, one is
on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
and the other, until recently, was sitting in a display case in the
downstairs hallway at ARRL Headquarters. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/amsat-to-celebrate-50-years-in-space-at-annual-space-symposium>.

==> + ARRL MARKS 28TH YEAR OF HOSTING USTTI ARAC COURSE

   Students from Ghana, Uganda and Trinidad and Tobago attended the
United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI
<http://ustti.org/>) Amateur Radio Administration Course (ARAC
<http://ustti.org/courses/display.php3?CourseID=332>) at ARRL
Headquarters October 3-7. ARRL Chief Technology Officer Brennan Price,
N4QX, coordinated the session and led the course. ARRL Assistant to the
Chief Executive Officer and Meeting Planner Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ,
coordinated ARRL's participation with USTTI. According to Price, the
students work in their respective government telecommunications offices
dealing with telecommunications and Amateur Radio testing, licensing
and monitoring. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-marks-28th-year-of-hosting-ustti-arac-course>.

==> PUBLIC SERVICE: NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE GEORGE HART
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The George Hart Distinguished Service Award may be presented by the
Board of Directors to the ARRL member whose service to the ARRL's Field
Organization is of the most exemplary nature. The Distinguished Service
Award is named in honor of George Hart, W1NJM, long-time Communications
Manager at ARRL Headquarters and chief developer of the National
Traffic System. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/nominations-now-open-for-the-george-hart-distinguished-service-award>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "Let the Sun run down right behind the hill
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sky37vMiFY>" Cook, K7RA, reports:
Strong solar activity continues. Check here <http://spaceweather.com/>
for daily images of the Sun, and you'll see it is full of spots. You
can also use the archive feature to view the position of sunspots for
previous days. The average daily sunspot number for the week (95.4) was
about the same as last week (96.7) and the week before (96.1). The
number hasn't stayed steady though, with a low of 82 and a high of 126
over the past two weeks. You can check here
<http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpmenu/forecasts/SRS.html> for daily updates
showing which numbered groups appeared and faded away, along with a
relative area for each. The latest forecast from USAF/NOAA has the
solar flux at 135 on October 13-15, 130 on October 16-19, and 125 on
October 20 through November 2. Predicted planetary A index is 5 on
October 13-14, 8 on October 15-17, 5 on October 18-27 and 8 on October
28-30. Click here <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25b1SJxnYPQ> for a
video of the Sun showing flares and other activity over several days,
with audio from Thomas Ashcraft's receiver in New Mexico, where he
records radio noise from our nearby star. Remember that the video and
the audio are not synced in real time. Look for more information on the
ARRL website on Friday, October 14. For more information concerning
radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service
Propagation page <http://www.arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals>. This
week's "Tad Cookism" is brought to you by James Taylor's October Road
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sky37vMiFY>.

==> THIS WEEK ON THE RADIO

This week:

- October 15 -- Iowa QSO Party; Feld Hell Sprint
- October 15-16 -- Jamboree On the Air (local time); New York QSO
Party; 10-10 International Fall Contest (CW); JARTS WW RTTY Contest; CQ
SA Contest (SSB); QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party; Worked All Germany Contest
- October 16 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint (CW)
- October 16-17 -- Illinois QSO Party
- October 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- October 17-21 -- ARRL School Club Roundup
<http://www.arrl.org/school-club-roundup>

Next week:

- October 22 -- FOC QSO Party, Microwave Fall Sprint (local time)
- October 22-23 -- ARRL EME Contest <http://www.arrl.org/eme-contest>;
Stew Perry Topband Challenge; W/VE Islands QSO Party; SYLRA Contest
- October 26 -- SKCC Sprint
- October 26-27 -- 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 14-16 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/pacificon-2011>, Santa Clara, California
- October 21-22 -- ARRL West Gulf Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-gulf-division-convention-texoma-hamarama>,
Ardmore, Oklahoma
- October 22 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-state-convention-hamboree-2011>,
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- November 6 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-section-convention>, Davenport, Iowa
- November 19-20 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-and-computer-expo>,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 3-4 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-1>,
Palmetto, Florida

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

ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information

Join or Renew Today! <http://www.arrl.org/join> ARRL membership
includes QST <http://www.arrl.org/qst>, Amateur Radio's most popular
and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox each month.

Subscribe to NCJ -- the National Contest Journal
<http://www.arrl.org/ncj>. Published bi-monthly, features articles by
top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint and QSO
Parties.

Subscribe to QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters
<http://www.arrl.org/qex>. 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: Subscribe
<http://www.arrl.org/myarrl-account-management#%21/edit-info-email_subscriptions>
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 Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org>. Follow us on
Twitter <http://twitter.com/arrl>.

ARRL offers a wide array of products <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-store>
to enhance your enjoyment of Amateur Radio

Donate <https://www.arrl.org/arrl-donation-form> to the fund of your
choice -- support programs not funded by member dues!

Click here <ads at arrl.org> 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 profile
<http://www.arrl.org/Users/edit#!/edit-info-email_subscriptions>.

 Copyright (c) 2011 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
Rights Reserved

 <http://www.arrl.org/>


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Oct 20 18:21:27 2011
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:21:27 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for October 20, 2011
Message-ID: <20111020225727.5CA3226D33B@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

October 20, 2011

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

- + Thai Amateurs Respond to Floods, Ask that 7.060-7.063 MHz Be Kept
Clear
- + ARRL Executive Committee Examines BPL Issues, Regulatory Matters,
Electronic Balloting, More
- + Newly Elected Section Managers to Converge in Newington
- The 6th Annual ARRL On-Line Auction Is Open for Bidding!
- + California Ham Killed in Shooting Spree
- Check Out the November/December Issue of QEX
- + Honor Professional Journalists: Nominate Them for the ARRL's
Leonard Award
- Solar Update
- + Postage Rates to Increase in January
- This Week on the Radio
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

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

==> + THAI AMATEURS RESPOND TO FLOODS, ASK THAT 7.060-7.063 MHZ BE KEPT
CLEAR

 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m84ZW1xH8s>	Authorities in Thailand
continue to battle the country's worst floods in decades, with the
death toll rising to almost 300. While Thai hams are mostly using 2
meters to communicate, IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee
Chairman Jim Linton, VK3PC, is asking all radio amateurs to keep
7.060-7.063 MHz clear from unnecessary traffic, as Thai hams are also
using 40 meters during the flooding that is affecting millions of
people in North and Central Thailand. "Amateur Radio has been assisting
with flood relief communications, helping victims in the affected
areas, said Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX, the Radio Amateur Society of
Thailand's (RAST) International Liaison Officer. "Operators are using
RAST's club station call sign HS0AC, and a special flood relief center
with the call sign HS0AB has been established at Bangkok's Don Mueang
Airport. Please be formally advised that Thai radio amateurs are
standing by on 144.900 MHz, 145.000 MHz and 144.9375 MHz, as well as on
frequencies of 7.060-7.063 MHz in the 40 meter HF band." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/thai-amateurs-respond-to-floods-ask-that-7-060-7-063-mhz-be-kept-clear>.

==> + ARRL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EXAMINES BPL ISSUES, REGULATORY MATTERS,
ELECTRONIC BALLOTING, MORE

   The ARRL Executive Committee (EC) held its second 2011 meeting
Saturday, October 1 in Dulles, Virginia. The EC administers the
League's affairs in between Board meetings. It consists of the
President (Kay Craigie, N3KN), five Directors elected annually by the
Board, and -- without vote - the First Vice President (Rick Roderick,
K5UR) and Chief Executive Officer (David Sumner, K1ZZ). For 2011 the
Director members are Tom Frenaye, K1KI (New England), Dick Isely, W9GIG
(Central), Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT (Rocky Mountain), Bob Vallio, W6RGG
(Pacific) and Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV (West Gulf). Also in
attendance at the meeting were Second Vice President Bruce Frahm, K0BJ,
International Affairs Vice President Jay Bellows, K0QB, and General
Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-executive-committee-examines-bpl-issues-regulatory-matters-electronic-balloting-more>.

==> + NEWLY ELECTED SECTION MANAGERS TO CONVERGE IN NEWINGTON

This weekend, five newly elected or appointed Section Managers will be
in Newington for an orientation workshop. The primary purposes of the
workshop sessions are to share ideas and to provide basic
administrative, management, leadership and motivational training.

"The Section Manager Workshop is an orientation and training event for
new Section Managers that have come on board within the last year or
so," said ARRL Field Organization Team Supervisor Steve Ewald, WV1X.
"The ARRL has conducted this training each year at HQ for the past
several years, and it has been well received by past participants. The
Membership and Volunteer Programs Department Staff and its Field
Organization Team are the lead coordinators of the event. We also cover
the responsibilities and functions of the Section Manager position, and
the SMs are able to visit with ARRL Headquarters staff members and
learn more about the many programs that the ARRL supports. The workshop
sessions are presented by several ARRL Headquarters staff members who
are experts in their respective areas."

The following five Section Managers are attending the orientation
workshop: Alabama Section Manager David Drummond, W4MD; Arkansas
Section Manager Dale Temple, W5RXU; Colorado Section Manager Jack
Ciaccia, WM0G; Western New York Section Manager Steve Ryan, N2ITF, and
West Texas Section Manager Bill Roberts, W5NPR. Drummond, Temple,
Ciaccia and Roberts began their terms in 2011, while Ryan began his
2010.

==> THE 6TH ANNUAL ARRL ON-LINE AUCTION IS OPEN FOR BIDDING!

   The Sixth Annual ARRL On-Line Auction <http://www.arrl.org/auction>
opened for bidding on Wednesday, October 19. There is a large
assortment of ARRL Product Review items, including a Yaesu FT-DX5000D
HF and 6 meter transceiver, an Ameritron ALS-1300 HF power amplifier, a
Ten-Tec 599AT Eagle HF and 6 meter transceiver, a Kenwood TS-590S HF
and 6 meter transceiver and an Elecraft P3 panadapter, as well as a
wide assortment of books, including ARRL Handbooks from the 1920s and
1930s. "If you are interested in some great bargains and some great
fun, you really need to check this out," Advertising Manager and ARRL
On-Line Auction Coordinator Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ said. The 2011 ARRL
On-Line Auction runs through 11:59 PM (EDT) October 26.

==> + CALIFORNIA HAM KILLED IN SHOOTING SPREE

   A gunman, apparently enraged over a custody dispute with his
ex-wife, walked into a hair salon in Seal Beach, California on October
12. Scott Evans Dekraai allegedly opened fire in the salon, killing
eight people, including his ex-wife. David Caouette, N6DAC -- who was
waiting outside the salon in his car -- was killed in the rampage. He
was 64. Ed Testa, KI6OJV, a longtime friend of Caouette's, told The
Orange County Register that Caouette "was in the wrong place at the
wrong time and had no way to defend himself. We are just in disbelief
that he could have been involved in this tragedy." Testa said that he
had heard that Caouette was visiting one of the restaurants next to the
salon where the shooting occurred. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/california-ham-killed-in-shooting-spree>.

==> CHECK OUT THE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER ISSUE OF QEX

   The November/December issue of QEX is coming soon, and it is full of
theoretical and practical technical articles that you won't want to
miss. QEX is the ARRL's "Forum for Communications Experimenters."
Published bimonthly, it features technical articles, columns and other
items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.
The mission of QEX is threefold: To provide a medium for the exchange
of ideas and information among Amateur Radio experimenters; to document
advanced technical work in the Amateur Radio field, and to support
efforts to advance the state of the Amateur Radio art. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/em-qex-em-the-november-december-2011-issue>.

==> + HONOR PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS: NOMINATE THEM FOR THE ARRL'S
LEONARD AWARD

   Television, radio, magazines, newspapers, blogs, Webcasts -- Amateur
Radio has been featured in all of them in 2011. Now it is time to
return the favor and thank the professional media people who made it
happen by nominating them for the Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional
Media Award. This national level annual award is sponsored by the ARRL
and honors three professional journalists whose outstanding coverage in
audio, video and print formats best reflect the enjoyment, importance
and public service value of the Amateur Radio Service. The deadline for
nominations is December 9. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/honor-a-professional-journalist-nominate-them-for-the-arrl-s-leonard-award>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "Blackbirds and the Sun of October
<http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poem/13299>" Cook,
K7RA, reports: The high solar activity -- relative to the past few
years -- continues. The average daily sunspot number rose more than 66
percent this week (October 13-19) over last week, to 158.6, while the
average daily solar flux for the same period rose more than 15 percent
to 144.2. With the geomagnetic indices this week below the previous
week, radio amateurs have frequently worked stations on other
continents as late as midnight on 10 meters. The bands are alive. The
latest forecast from USAF/NOAA shows solar flux from October 20-23 at
145, 150, 150 and 140, then 135 on October 24-28, and then 130 on
October 29-November 3. The planetary A index is predicted at 5 on
October 20-27, 8 on October 28-30 and 5 on October 31-November 2.
Geophysical Institute Prague shows quiet conditions October 21-13,
quiet to unsettled October 24 and quiet again October 25-27. Look for
more information on the ARRL website on Friday, October 21. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals>. This week's "Tad
Cookism" is brought to you by Dylan Thomas's Poem in October
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SCcm1CTjxQ>.

==> + POSTAGE RATES TO INCREASE IN JANUARY

   The US Postal Service has announced that as of January 22, 2012, the
cost to mail first class letters, postcards and packages within the US
will go up. The cost to mail a first class letter will be 45 cents, an
increase of 1 cent. According to the USPS, this is the first increase
since May 2009. The cost of mailing a postcard will be 32 cents, an
increase of 3 cents. This is the second increase for postcard postage
in less than a year; in April 2011, the USPS boosted the postcard stamp
price from 28 cents to 29 cents. You will also pay more to send letters
to Canada, Mexico and other international destinations. Click here
<http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2011/pr11_factsht_pricechng_1018.pdf>
for more information on all the postal increases.

==> THIS WEEK ON THE RADIO

This week:

- October 22 -- FOC QSO Party, Microwave Fall Sprint (local time)
- October 22-23 -- ARRL EME Contest <http://www.arrl.org/eme-contest>;
Stew Perry Topband Challenge; W/VE Islands QSO Party; SYLRA Contest
- October 26 -- SKCC Sprint
- October 26-27 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test

Next week:

- October 29-30 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB); 50 MHz Fall Sprint

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 21-22 -- ARRL West Gulf Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-gulf-division-convention-texoma-hamarama>,
Ardmore, Oklahoma
- October 22 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-state-convention-hamboree-2011>,
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- November 6 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-section-convention>, Davenport, Iowa
- November 19-20 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-and-computer-expo>,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 3-4 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-1>,
Palmetto, Florida

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

ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information

Join or Renew Today! <http://www.arrl.org/join> ARRL membership
includes QST <http://www.arrl.org/qst>, Amateur Radio's most popular
and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox each month.

Subscribe to NCJ -- the National Contest Journal
<http://www.arrl.org/ncj>. Published bi-monthly, features articles by
top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint and QSO
Parties.

Subscribe to QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters
<http://www.arrl.org/qex>. 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: Subscribe
<http://www.arrl.org/myarrl-account-management#%21/edit-info-email_subscriptions>
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 Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org>. Follow us on
Twitter <http://twitter.com/arrl>.

ARRL offers a wide array of products <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-store>
to enhance your enjoyment of Amateur Radio

Donate <https://www.arrl.org/arrl-donation-form> to the fund of your
choice -- support programs not funded by member dues!

Click here <ads at arrl.org> 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 profile
<http://www.arrl.org/Users/edit#!/edit-info-email_subscriptions>.

 Copyright (c) 2011 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
Rights Reserved

 <http://www.arrl.org/>


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Oct 27 16:03:55 2011
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:03:55 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for October 27, 2011
Message-ID: <20111027213229.0062A27CD8F@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

October 27, 2011

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

- + BPL: FCC Tightens BPL Interference Rules -- But Not By Enough
- + On the Air: 2011 ARRL CW Sweepstakes -- Are You Ready?
- + ARDF Update: New Mexico Hosts Successful Foxhunting Championships
- + DXCC Desk Offers Special "Paper Application Offer" for ST0R QSLs
- + ARRL Webinar Scheduled for November 3: Hams, Emergencies and the
News
- ARES?/NTS Study: ECAC Submits Interim Report
- Now You Know: The National Traffic System
- + FCC, FEMA, NOAA to Conduct First Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert
System
- Solar Update
- + Silent Key: Former ARRL Midwest Division Vice Director C. Richard
Dyas, W0JCP
- This Week on the Radio
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

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

==> + BPL: FCC TIGHTENS BPL INTERFERENCE RULES -- BUT NOT BY ENOUGH

On October 24, 2011, the FCC released the Second Report and Order in
its proceeding -- now in its 9th year -- to adopt rules for Access
Broadband over Power Line (BPL) systems. The Second Report and Order is
the final step in the Commission's effort to comply with the directives
of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit, which in April 2008 ordered the FCC to correct errors it had
committed in the course of adopting rules in 2004. The Court acted in
response to a Petition for Review filed by the ARRL.

   In July 2009, the FCC issued a Request for Further Comment and
Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in which it proposed slight
modification of measurement standards for determining whether a BPL
system is in compliance with the maximum allowable levels of radiated
emissions. In response, the ARRL argued that coupled with a
scientifically valid extrapolation factor for determining those levels,
mandatory notching of the amateur bands to a level 35 dB below the
general emission limit would reduce the likelihood of harmful
interference to amateur stations to a level that would permit any
remaining harmful interference to be remedied on a case-by-case basis.
The ARRL noted that its request for mandatory notching simply reflected
the best practices of the BPL industry.

In the Second Report and Order, the Commission decided not to adopt its
own proposal and also declined to adopt the ARRL's request for
mandatory notching. Instead, the Commission has increased the
requirement for BPL systems to be able to notch frequency bands to at
least 25 dB, an increase of 5 dB from the existing requirement of 20
dB. The Commission also made technical adjustments to its rules for
determining the distance between a power line and a measurement antenna
and for determining site-specific extrapolation factors. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-tightens-bpl-interference-rules-but-not-by-enough>.

==> + ON THE AIR: 2011 ARRL CW SWEEPSTAKES -- ARE YOU READY?

   Steeped in tradition and still as exciting as ever, the 78th Annual
ARRL Sweepstakes offers US and Canadian operators a fun-filled contest
opportunity again this fall. First up is CW Sweepstakes during the
weekend of November 5-7. "Last year's CW Sweepstakes provided some
great activity with a number of new regional and divisional records,"
said ARRL Sweepstakes Contest Manager Larry Hammel, K5OT. "But you
don't have to have a huge station with large antennas to have fun in
Sweepstakes. Maybe you have 100 W and a backyard dipole or vertical. Or
perhaps the challenge of a 5 W QRP effort hits your hot button this
year. You will be amazed at the number of stations you can work as you
trade exchanges all over the continent." ICOM is the Principal Awards
Sponsor for the ARRL November Sweepstakes. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/2011-arrl-cw-sweepstakes-are-you-ready>.

==> + ARDF UPDATE: NEW MEXICO HOSTS SUCCESSFUL FOXHUNTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

   Results of the USA's 11th national championships of Amateur Radio
Direction Finding (ARDF) are in the record books. Members of
Albuquerque Amateur Radio Club went all out to provide a top-notch
experience for fans of on-foot transmitter hunting, also called
radio-orienteering and foxtailing. They came from 10 states and four
other nations to see who would win medals by finding transmitters in
the forests of central and northern New Mexico. From September 14-18,
competitors took to the woods with directional antennas and receivers.
They navigated not with GPS sets, but with maps and compasses. Their
goal was to find all of their required transmitters and to get to the
finish line in the shortest elapsed time. For fairness, the organizers
didn't disclose the exact sites of the competition in advance. That
kept anyone from doing advance reconnaissance in person or via Google
Earth. Competitors boarded buses on Saturday and Sunday mornings, not
knowing where there were going. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/ardf-update-new-mexico-hosts-successful-foxhunting-championships>.

==> + DXCC DESK OFFERS SPECIAL "PAPER APPLICATION OFFER" FOR ST0R QSLS

   DXers around the world are now receiving QSL cards for the 2011 ST0R
operation from the new DXCC entity of South Sudan. With next year's
publishing deadline for 2011 results fast approaching on December 31,
2011, the ARRL DXCC Desk is offering a special reduced price option for
those DXCC participants who have already made at least one application
during 2011.

To take advantage of this offer, you must have already made a
submission in the 2011 calendar year via either Logbook of The World
(LoTW <http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world>) or via a traditional
paper application. If you have already made an application in 2011, you
may then submit a paper ST0R QSL (no other cards -- just the ST0R South
Sudan card) following these rules:

- Enclose $5 (check, money order, credit card number or cash at your
risk) for amateurs in the US.
- Enclose $6 (check, money order, credit card number or cash at your
risk) for amateurs who reside outside the US.
- Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of the ST0R
card.
- This special submission is only for the ST0R card.
- If any other card(s) are included, this will be considered a full
submission subject to full fees, even if you already submitted in 2011.
- These submission conditions apply only if you have already made a
submission in 2011 and this offer does not apply if you have not yet
made your 2011 submission. All DXCC fees are in effect, as you can
include this card with your regular submission.

This special offer expires on December 31, 2011 and will not be
extended into 2012. If you have any questions concerning these
procedures, please contact ARRL Awards Branch Manager Bill Moore, NC1L,
via e-mail <nc1l at arrl.org>.

==> + ARRL WEBINAR SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 3: HAMS, EMERGENCIES AND THE
NEWS

   ARES? and emergency groups have had their hands full in the past
months. Time and time again, Amateur Radio has been called upon to
provide emergency communications. In some places, the hams made the
news and were highly praised, while in other places, the community
never knew they were there because no one worked with the news media.
On November 3, The ARRL's national Public Relations Committee will
present a 90 minute webinar -- Hams, Emergencies and the News. Read
more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/special-arrl-webinar-scheduled-for-november-3-em-hams-emergencies-and-the-news-em>.

==> ARES?/NTS STUDY: ECAC SUBMITS INTERIM REPORT

   ARES? and the National Traffic System (NTS) exist as the League's
implementation of the basic principle stated in Part 97.1(a):
"Recognition and enhancement of the value of the Amateur Service to the
public as a voluntary non-commercial communication service,
particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.' The
ARRL Board of Directors' Programs and Services Committee (PSC) tasked
the League's Emergency Communications Advisory Committee (ECAC) to
recommend improvements to ARES? and NTS so that the Amateur Service can
better serve the public in providing emergency communications. Assigned
study topics include, but are not limited to, ARES? and NTS objectives
and organizational structures, integration between ARES? and NTS,
training, certification, and credentialing, and relationships with
served agencies. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/ares-nts-study-ecac-submits-interim-report>.

==> NOW YOU KNOW: THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM

The American Radio Relay League was founded in 1914 because Hiram Percy
Maxim could not get a message via wireless from Hartford, Connecticut
to Springfield, Massachusetts -- a distance of only about 30 miles. He
had to rely on another wireless operator in Agawam, Massachusetts to
relay his message to its intended recipient. This was the very
beginning of what is now the National Traffic System (NTS). But what is
the NTS?

The Public Service Communications Manual
<http://www.arrl.org/public-service-communications-manual> defines the
NTS as "a structure that allows for rapid movement of message traffic
from origin to destination and training amateur operators to handle
written traffic and participate in directed nets. These two objectives
are the underlying foundations of the NTS. It's a system that operates
daily, even continuously, with advanced digital links."

   The NTS consists of operators who usually participate for one or two
periods a week, and some who are active daily. The National Traffic
System is an organized effort to handle traffic in accordance with a
plan that is easily understood, and employs modern methods of network
traffic handling. The NTS is not intended as a deterrent or competition
for the many independently organized traffic networks. When
necessitated by overload or lack of outlet for traffic, the facilities
of such networks can function as alternate traffic routings where this
is indicated in the best interest of efficient message relay and/or
delivery.

One of the most important features of NTS is the system concept. No NTS
net is an independent entity that can conduct its activities without
concern for or consideration of other NTS nets. Each net performs its
function and only its function in the overall organization. If nets
fail to perform their functions or perform functions intended for other
nets, the overall system may be adversely affected. Nets may sometimes
find it necessary to adopt temporary measures to ensure the movement of
traffic.

According to ARES? E-Letter <http://www.arrl.org/ares-el> Editor Rick
Palm, K1CE, the best way to get to know the National Traffic System is
to hook up with a local NTS traffic net in your area where messages
(Radiograms) are entered and others are accepted for delivery by mail
or phone. Local clubs, repeater groups and ARES operators are all good
sources for local info on NTS activity.

==> + FCC, FEMA, NOAA TO CONDUCT FIRST NATIONWIDE TEST OF EMERGENCY
ALERT SYSTEM

   The FCC, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will
conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS)
at 2 PM EST (1900 UTC) Wednesday, November 9. According to FEMA, EAS
participants -- broadcasters, satellite and digital radio and
television providers, and cable and wireline video providers --
"provide a critical public service to the nation as the resilient
backbone of alert and warning when all other means of communication are
unavailable." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-fema-noaa-to-conduct-first-nationwide-test-of-emergency-alert-system>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "There has to be an invisible Sun
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OSIrJbkrPQ>" Cook, K7RA, reports: On
Friday, October 21, the daily sunspot number broke another record for
Solar Cycle 24 when it rose to 207. You have to look back to November
26, 2003 when it was two points higher - 209 -- to find a number at
least as high. Last Thursday, the daily sunspot number was 195, another
record until the following day. The average daily sunspot number for
the week was off by two points to 156.6, while the average daily solar
flux rose nearly 8 points to 151.8. Propagation on HF is quite exciting
right now, with 10 meters opening up worldwide daily. The predicted
solar flux is 130 on October 27-29, 125 on October 30-November 3, 120
on November 4-5, and then 125 and 130 for November 6-7 and 135 on
November 8-10. Flux values for the near term are expected to peak at
165 on November 17-18. The predicted planetary A index is 5, 7, 8 and
10 on October 27-30 and 5 on October 31-November 3, 8 on November 4-5
and 5 on November 6-10. Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet to
unsettled conditions October 28, unsettled October 29, quiet to
unsettled October 30 and quiet October 31 through November 3. Look for
more information on the ARRL website on Friday, October 28. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals>. This week's "Tad
Cookism" is brought to you by The Police's Invisible Sun
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_Sun>.

==> + SILENT KEY: FORMER ARRL MIDWEST DIVISION VICE DIRECTOR C. RICHARD
DYAS, W0JCP

Former Midwest Division Vice Director C. Richard Dyas, W0JCP, of
Oxford, Nebraska, passed away October 17. He was 90. Dyas -- a Charter
ARRL Life Member -- was first elected Vice Director in 1975 and began
his term on January 1, 1976. He resigned in 1985 to take care of his
wife. In 1987, when then-ARRL Midwest Division Vice Director Richard
Ridenour, KB0ZL, resigned, then-ARRL President Larry Price, W4RA,
appointed Dyas to serve Ridenour's unexpired term. Dyas was laid to
rest on October 21 with military honors by Oxford American Legion Post
219 in conjunction with the US Army National Guard Military Honors
Team.

==> THIS WEEK ON THE RADIO

This week:

- October 29-30 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB); 50 MHz Fall Sprint

Next week:

- November 5-6 -- Ukrainian DX Contest
- November 5-7 -- ARRL Sweepstakes Contest (CW)
<http://www.arrl.org/news/2011-arrl-cw-sweepstakes-are-you-ready>
- November 6 -- High Speed Club CW Contest; DARC 10 Meter Digital
Contest
- November 9-10 -- 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

- November 6, 2011 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-section-convention>, Davenport, Iowa
- November 19-20, 2011 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-and-computer-expo>,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 3-4, 2011 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-1>,
Palmetto, Florida
- January 8, 2012 -- ARRL New York/Long Island Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/new-york-long-island-section-convention-ham-radio-university-2012>,
Bethpage, New York
- January 27-28, 2012 -- ARRL Mississippi State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/mississippi-state-convention-capitol-city-hamfest-1>,
Jackson, Mississippi
- February 4, 2012 -- ARRL Virginia State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/virginia-state-convention-frostfest-2012>,
Richmond, Virginia; ARRL South Carolina State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/south-carolina-state-convention-1>,
Ladson, South Carolina
- February 10-12, 2012 -- ARRL Northern Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/northern-florida-section-convention-orlando-hamcation-1>,
Orlando, Florida
- February 17-18, 2012 -- ARRL Southwestern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southwestern-division-convention-1>,
Yuma, Arizona
- February 18, 2012 -- ARRL Arkansas Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arkansas-section-convention-1>, Hoxie,
Arkansas
- February 25, 2012 -- ARRL Vermont State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/vermont-state-convention-ham-con-2>,
South Burlington, Vermont

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

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