From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Aug  2 16:01:47 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu,  2 Aug 2012 16:01:47 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for August 2, 2012
Message-ID: <20120802201453.DB6DF23DE4@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

August 2, 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

- + ARRL Board of Directors: ARRL Southeastern Division Vice Director
Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, Announces Resignation
- + ARRL Board of Directors: Minutes of 2012 Second Meeting Now
Available
- ARRL in Action: What Have We Been Up to Lately?
- + FCC News: FCC Denies Petition Seeking to Designate Nationwide
Emergency Calling Frequency
- + FCC News: FCC Upholds $7000 Forfeiture Order to California CB
Operator
- + Ivica Dacic, YU1YU, Elected Prime Minister of Serbia
- On the Air: Special Event Stations in London and Wales On the Air for
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Solar Update
- Silent Key: Noted QST Author Steve Powlishen, K1FO (SK)
- + ARRL Recognizes: Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA,	Wins July QST Cover
Plaque Award
- + W1AW: W1AW's EchoLink and IRLP Nodes Back in Service
- 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>.

==> + ARRL BOARD OF DIRECTORS: ARRL SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION VICE DIRECTOR
ANDREA HARTLAGE, KG4IUM, ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION

   ARRL Southeastern Division Vice Director Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM,
announced that she has resigned her position from the ARRL Board of
Directors, effective August 1. Hartlage -- who graduated from the
Georgia Institute of Technology in May -- will be moving to the
Washington, DC area to begin her career. The ARRL Articles of
Association require that a Director or Vice-Director must reside in the
Division. ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has appointed James
Millsap, WB4NWS, of Acworth, Georgia, to fill the vacancy, also
effective August 1. Millsap, who has a background serving in the ARRL's
Georgia Field Organization, currently serves as the ARRL Metro Atlanta
District Emergency Coordinator.

"I want to make it clear that while I will no longer be a member of the
Southeastern Division or a Board member, I plan to remain involved in
ham radio and to continue serving the Amateur Radio community,"
Hartlage told Southeastern Division amateurs. "I will continue to be an
active member of the Youth in the Second Century Committee, will
continue to help the ARRL staff and Board in any way possible and look
forward to becoming an active member of the Roanoke Division." Read
more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/james-millsap-wb4nws-appointed-vice-director-of-the-arrl-southeastern-division>.

==> + ARRL BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MINUTES OF 2012 SECOND MEETING NOW
AVAILABLE

The ARRL Board of Directors met
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-board-plans-for-2014-centennial-celebration-at-2012-second-meeting>
July 20-21 in Windsor, Connecticut for its 2012 Second Meeting. The
Minutes of that meeting have now been posted
<http://www.arrl.org/board-meetings> on the ARRL website.

==> 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 July -- takes a look at the 2012 Second Meeting of
the ARRL Board of Directors, an ARRL-sponsored webinar on hurricane
response, an interview on ham radio with an astronaut, W1AW services,
integration of the ARRL's LoTW program with CQ's WPX Award, 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-48>.

==> + FCC NEWS: FCC DENIES PETITION SEEKING TO DESIGNATE NATIONWIDE
EMERGENCY CALLING FREQUENCY

Saying that it believes that the Amateur Radio Service "allows
flexibility to provide emergency communications in a way that takes
into account channel availability and other local conditions," the FCC
denied a Petition for Rulemaking on July 31 that sought to create a
nationwide emergency calling frequency. The Petition -- filed by Bryan
Boyle, WB0YLE, of Morrisville, Pennsylvania, and Jim Dixon, WB6NIL, of
Alhambra, California -- called upon the FCC to designate 146.550 MHz as
a "non-exclusive nationwide Amateur Radio Service emergency
communications channel using FM wideband modulation." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-denies-petition-seeking-to-designate-nationwide-emergency-calling-frequency>.

==> + FCC NEWS: FCC UPHOLDS $7000 FORFEITURE ORDER TO CALIFORNIA CB
OPERATOR

   After a Merced, California man refused to let FCC investigators
inspect his Citizens Band (CB) radio station, the FCC issued -- and
upheld -- a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) for $7000
for not allowing the inspection. In issuing the NAL in March 2011, the
FCC found that Ira Jones "apparently willfully and repeatedly" violated
Section 303(n) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and
Section 95.426(a) of the Commission's rules (CB Rule 26) by failing to
permit the inspection. Jones responded to the NAL, but the FCC upheld
the forfeiture amount, saying that Jones' arguments were "irrelevant"
and "unpersuasive." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-upholds-7000-forfeiture-order-to-california-cb-operator>.

==> + IVICA DACIC, YU1YU, ELECTED PRIME MINISTER OF SERBIA

Former Serbian Internal Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic, YU1YU
<http://sps.org.rs/en/president/>, was elected as that country's newest
Prime Minister on July 27. He succeeds Mirko Cvetkovic, who served as
Serbia's Prime Minister from 2008-2012. Dacic is the leader of the
Socialist Party of Serbia; from 2008 until his election as Prime
Minister, he served as First Deputy Prime Minister, as well as Minister
of Internal Affairs. In March 2012, Serbia became a candidate for
membership in the European Union (EU <http://europa.eu/index_en.htm>).

   Dacic is a member of the Amateur Radio Union of Serbia (SRS
<http://www.yu1srs.org.rs/>), Serbia's IARU Member-Society and is said
to be a member of his local club,  YU1AAV
<http://www.yu1fjk.org/yu1aav/>. The club was founded in 1978 as one of
nine sections of the Novi Beograd (New Belgrade) Amateur Radio Club,
YU1FJK <http://www.yu1fjk.org/yu1aav/>. According to its website,
YU1AAV's primary goal has been to teach kids Morse code and Amateur
Radio Direction Finding skills: "The 1990s brought us war, sanctions
and social crises, but it also brought the good opportunity to move
kids from the streets to learn ham radio. These were the years when the
most kids from the neighborhood finished the course to get their basic
ham license."

Boban Kojic, YT9A, told ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner,
K1ZZ, that he was "happy that Ivica had become a ham and had passed his
telegrapher's class. It is exciting that today's Prime Minister passed
his second class exam in high school and has supported his club
throughout the years. I first met Ivica at the 2005 Region 1 ARDF
Championships in Tara, when I was SRS President. He helped to gather
funds for the event, and together, we went from ministry to ministry in
search of financial support. Ivica himself called the president of
Bajina Ba?ta [a town located in the western mountains of Serbia where
the opening ceremony would be held] and sought his assistance to fund
the opening ceremony. Now this wasn't a small amount of money; it was
money for the buses from Tara to Bajina Ba?ta and back, the renting of
a stadium, cleaning and decorating, organization of about 15-20 minutes
of cultural and arts programs and cocktails for representatives of the
national associations, as well as gift bags for each and every one of
them."

   In another e-mail to Sumner, Ivan Mastilovic, YU1LA, said that while
he has not heard Dacic on the bands, "it is probably because his job
takes all his free time. I have met him a few times with the SRS and he
is a very nice young man with a real interest in Amateur Radio. No
doubt that when his political career ends, he will be on the air more
with a true love for ham radio. Now, as our Prime Minster, I'm sure he
can help our ham radio community."

Prior to his election as Prime Minister, Dacic served as the spokesman
for the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS <http://sps.org.rs/en/>) from
1992-2000; he has served as president of the SPS since December 2006.
He holds a degree in political science from the University of Belgrade.
According to the SPS, Dacic, 46, is fluent in both Russian and English,
is married and the father of two children.  -- Thanks to ARRL MVP
Associate Sanijela Zanovic for providing translating services

==> ON THE AIR: SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS IN LONDON AND WALES ON THE AIR
FOR 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES

   Two British special event call signs have been activated to
celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: 2O12L from
London, England and 2O12W from Barry, Wales. Both stations will be on
the air for the duration of the Games -- July 25-August 12 -- and
continuing through September 9. Organizers hope to make at least 80,000
contacts during the seven weeks that 2O12L and 2O12W are on the air.
Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/special-event-stations-in-london-and-wales-on-the-air-for-2012-olympic-and-paralympic-games>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "I'm up before the Sun
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6o1vuNQmIo>" Cook, K7RA, reports: The
average sunspot numbers this week were up more than 47 points to 99.3,
while the average daily solar flux rose nearly 35 points to 131.7. The
solar flux jumped from 139.8 on Tuesday, July 31 to 150.1 on Wednesday,
August 1. The predicted solar flux is 155 on August 2-3, 150 on August
4, 145 on August 5-6, 140 on August 7, 135 on August 8-9, 140 and 130
on August 10-11, and back down to 120 on August 12-13. The solar flux
is expected to drop below 100 on August 16-21. The predicted planetary
A index is 10 and 8 on August 2-3, 5 on August 4-19, 8 on August 20-21,
5 on August 22-23, and then 8, 8, 12 and 8 on August 24-27. Look for
more on the ARRL website on Friday, August 3. 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 DEVO's Working in a Coal Mine
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devo>.

==> SILENT KEY: NOTED QST AUTHOR STEVE POWLISHEN, K1FO (SK)

   Steve Powlishen, K1FO, of Madison, Connecticut, passed away July 28
due to complications from cancer. He was 60. An ARRL Life Member,
Powlishen was best known for his antenna designs for weak signal work.
His company, Lunar-Link Systems -- founded by Powlishen in 1994 --
manufactured and sold high-performance amplifiers that allowed more
amateurs to experience Earth-Moon-Earth (EME), often called
"Moonbounce," on 432 MHz. Powlishen -- who had 613 unique contacts on
70 cm EME -- penned more than 10 articles for QST, QEX and Ham Radio
Magazine on weak signal operation. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/noted-em-qst-em-author-steve-powlishen-k1fo-sk>.

==> + ARRL RECOGNIZES: CARL LUETZELSCHWAB, K9LA,  WINS JULY QST COVER
PLAQUE AWARD

   The winner of the July QST Cover Plaque award is Carl Luetzelschwab,
K9LA, for his article "Our Recent Solar Minimum and Sunspot Cycle 24
Progress." Congratulations Carl! 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 August issue today.

==> + W1AW: W1AW'S ECHOLINK AND IRLP NODES BACK IN SERVICE

With the recent upgrades
<http://www.arrl.org/news/disruptions-possible-as-arrl-reconfigures-internet-services>
to the ARRL's Internet system completed, the W1AW EchoLink Conference
Server W1AWBDCT and W1AW's IRLP Node 4292
<http://www.arrl.org/echolink-irlp> are now back in service. Amateurs
are able to once again listen to code practice transmissions and
digital bulletins via the W1AW EchoLink Conference Server.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- August 3 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 4 -- TARA Grid Dip Shindig; European HF Championship
- August 4-5 -- ARRL UHF Contest
<http://www.arrl.org/news/the-bands-heat-up-for-the-2012-arrl-august-uhf-contest>;
North American QSO Party (CW); 10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB)
- August 5 -- RSGB RoPoCo CW; SARL HF Phone Contest
- August 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
- August 8 -- NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint
- August 8-9 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test

Next week:

- August 10 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 11-12 -- Maryland-DC QSO Party; WAE DX Contest (CW)
- August 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon; Feld Hell Sprint
- August 15 -- NAQCC Straight Key/Bug 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

- August 3-4 -- ARRL Texas State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/texas-state-convention-austin-summerfest-2>,
Austin, Texas
- August 3-5 -- Pacific Northwest DX Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/pacific-northwest-dx-convention-1>,
Portland, Oregon
- August 11 -- ARRL Ohio State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/ohio-state-convention>, Columbus, Ohio
- August 18 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-virginia-state-convention-2>,
Weston, West Virginia
- August 18-19 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southeastern-division-convention-huntsville-hamfest>,
Huntsville, Alabama
- August 19 -- ARRL Kansas State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/kansas-state-convention-2>, Salina,
Kansas
- August 24-26 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/new-england-division-convention-1>,
Boxboro, Massachusetts
- August 26 -- ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/western-pennsylvania-section-convention-2>,
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
- September 14-15 -- W9DXCC Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/w9dxcc-convention-2>, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois
- September 15 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/virginia-section-convention-virginia-beach-hamfest>,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- September 22 -- ARRL Washington State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/washington-state-convention-36th-annual-spokane-hamfest>,
Spokane Valley, Washington
- September 22-23 -- ARRL Illinois State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/illinois-state-convention-peoria-superfest-2012>,
Peoria, Illinois
- September 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sedco-w4dxcc-viii-convention>, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- 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

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 Aug  9 15:22:26 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu,  9 Aug 2012 15:22:26 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for August 9, 2012
Message-ID: <20120809195436.EA87A27C8DB@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

August 9, 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

- + On the Air: Perseids Should Be Fun for Meteor Scatter Enthusiasts
and Viewers Alike
- + Mars Rover Curiosity Successfully Lands on Red Planet
- + On the Air: ITU Assigns New Prefix for Niue: E6A-E6Z
- On the Air: Explore the Upper Reaches of the Amateur Radio Spectrum
in the ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest
- + On the Air: RAC Announces New Ontario Section Boundaries,
Abbreviations
- + FCC News: Vanity Call Sign Fee to Increase September 4
- + FCC News: FCC Denies California Ham's Petition Regarding Vanity
Call Sign
- + NCVEC Holds 2012 Annual Meeting
- Solar Update
- New QuickStats Poll Now Available on ARRL Website
- 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>.

==> + ON THE AIR: PERSEIDS SHOULD BE FUN FOR METEOR SCATTER ENTHUSIASTS
AND VIEWERS ALIKE

On the night of Saturday, August 11 and well into the next day, Earth
will make its annual passage through the bulk of the debris shed by a
comet known as Swift-Tuttle
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/109P/Swift-Tuttle>. Much of the debris is
composed of dust-sized grains, but when these fragments come plunging
into our atmosphere they can create a dazzling meteor display. Not only
are the meteors fascinating to watch, they also leave short-lived
streams of ionized gas in their wake. As hams have known for years,
these meteor trails are excellent reflectors of radio waves. The
Swift-Tuttle meteor showers are known as the Perseids
<http://www.amsmeteors.org/2012/08/viewing-the-2012-perseid-meteor-shower/>
because they appear to come from a point in the sky that lies within
the constellation Perseus.

   This year's Perseid meteor shower occurs when the Moon is at a
waning crescent phase, which means bright moonlight won't diminish the
number of visible meteors. According to Spacedex.com
<http://www.spacedex.com/perseids/>, the lack of bright moonlight means
that the fainter meteors should not be concealed from view: "It is
advisable to observe the meteor shower during the predawn hours on the
mornings of August 11, 12 and 13. With up to 60-100 meteors per hour
predicted, observers may catch plenty of bright meteors streaking along
in the light of the Moon." As an added treat, the Moon will be sweeping
past Venus and Jupiter in the eastern predawn sky.

While the meteors are certainly bright, they are typically not much
larger than a grain of sand; however, as they travel at immense speeds,
these tiny particles put on an impressive show. Due to the way the
comet's orbit is tilted, dust from the Swift-Tuttle falls on Earth's
northern hemisphere. Unfortunately, this leads to extremely low
visibility for those in Australia, New Zealand and portions of South
America.

Amateur Radio and the Perseids

If you own a 6 or 2 meter SSB/CW transceiver, you can get in on the
action, bouncing your signals off Perseid meteor trails and making
quick meteor scatter <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_scatter>
contacts over hundreds of miles, and possibly even as much as 1200
miles. Meteor scatter operation is particularly easy on 6 meters where
100 W and an omnidirectional antenna will do the job. On 2 meters, a
directional antenna (such as a multielement Yagi) usually yields better
results.

   Some meteor scatter operators prefer to use SSB, making rapid
exchanges of signal reports and grid squares. In recent years, digital
meteor scatter has been increasing in popularity. With the free
sound-card-based WSJT <http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/>
software suite by Joe Taylor, K1JT, it is possible to make digital
meteor scatter contacts almost any time of the day or night, not just
during annual showers. Most WSJT scatter operators use a mode known as
FSK441 and center their activities on calling frequencies 50.260 and
144.140 MHz. They also announce their availability by using Web sites,
such as N0UK's Ping Jockey Central
<http://www.pingjockey.net/cgi-bin/pingtalk>.

Watching the Perseids

To get the most enjoyment while watching for Perseids, find a dark spot
with an open sky view, bundle up thoroughly in blankets or a sleeping
bag and lie back in a reclining chair. Spacedex.com
<http://www.spacedex.com/perseids/> recommends that once you have
settled down at your observation spot, look approximately half way up
the sky toward the northeast: "This way you can have the Perseids'
radiant within your field of view. Looking directly up at the sky or
into the radiant is not recommended since this is just the point in
which they appear to come from. You are more likely to see a trail when
looking slightly away from this point." Just gaze into the stars and be
patient. Any light pollution will cut down on the numbers, as will the
radiant's lower altitude earlier in the night. But the brightest few
meteors shine right through light pollution, and the few that happen
when the radiant is low are especially long, skimming the upper
atmosphere and flying far across the sky.

   Not all the meteors in the sky are Perseids. In addition to
occasional random, sporadic meteors, the weaker Delta Aquarid shower
<http://meteorshowersonline.com/showers/delta_aquarids.html> is also
active during Perseid season. The Delta Aquarids are slower, often
yellower and track away from a radiant point in eastern Aquarius.
Weaker still are the Kappa Cygnids
<http://www.astronomia.org/shower?la=en&s=KCG>, identifiable by their
flight direction away from Cygnus in an altogether different part of
the sky.

==> + MARS ROVER CURIOSITY SUCCESSFULLY LANDS ON RED PLANET

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) confirmed that the rover Curiosity,
after a 36 week space flight, landed successfully on Mars at 10:32 PM
PDT on August 5 (0532 UTC August 6). Built by JPL and launched on
November 26, 2011, the 2000 pound machine features something on its
wheels that radio amateurs are sure to appreciate: Morse code.

   If you look carefully at Curiosity's wheels, you might notice that
along with treads, there are square and rectangular holes that have an
interesting pattern. According to JPL Rover Mechanical Engineering Team
Manager Richard Rainen, these holes actually have a purpose: odometer
markers. "We will be looking at the visual odometer markers that we
have on the wheels," he explained in a video. "There are asymmetric
patterns, actually holes, inside the wheels of the rover that will
leave an imprint on the surface of Mars. We're going to be looking at
these imprints and verifying that it has traversed the distance it
expects to traverse. If it looks like it's not traversing, even though
the wheels are going, that is an indication that the vehicle is getting
stuck and it will stop and call back home." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/mars-rover-em-curiosity-em-successfully-lands-on-red-planet>.

==> + ON THE AIR: ITU ASSIGNS NEW PREFIX FOR NIUE: E6A-E6Z

   On August 3, the ITU updated its Table of International Call Sign
Series <http://www.itu.int/online/mms/glad/cga_callsign.sh?lng=E> to
reflect a call sign change for Niue. The island will now have the
entire E6 prefix block. Niue -- an island located approximately 1700
miles northeast of New Zealand -- is a self-governing island nation
that has been in free association with New Zealand since 1974. Prior to
the change, the island used ZK2. According to the CIA World Factbook
<https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ne.html>,
Niue is about 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC, and has a
population of almost 1300 people.

==> ON THE AIR: EXPLORE THE UPPER REACHES OF THE AMATEUR RADIO SPECTRUM
IN THE ARRL 10 GHZ AND UP CONTEST

   If you enjoy the technical side of Amateur Radio and being on the
cutting edge, you might want to take a look at the microwave bands. The
weekends of August 18-19 and September 15-16 give you a perfect chance
to explore this portion of the radio spectrum with the 2012 ARRL 10 GHz
and Up Contest. The contest period for both weekends starts at 6 AM
local time on Saturday and runs until midnight local time on Sunday.
Points are awarded based on the distance of each QSO, and operating
from several locations during the contest period is not only allowed,
it's encouraged. According to ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko,
KX9X, most participants use SSB, although some choose to operate using
CW. "Power levels are relatively low compared to HF," he explained.
"Most stations only run several hundred milliwatts, and a station
running just a few watts is considered a 'big gun.' Antennas are
usually dishes, such as those used for receiving satellite TV." Read
more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/explore-the-upper-reaches-of-the-amateur-radio-spectrum-in-the-arrl-10-ghz-and-up-contest>.

==> + ON THE AIR: RAC ANNOUNCES NEW ONTARIO SECTION BOUNDARIES,
ABBREVIATIONS

   In March 2012, the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) announced that it
would split its Ontario Section into four new Sections "to create a
management model that better communicates with, and represents the
interests of, the overall Ontario amateur population." The new Section
boundaries go into effect as of September 1, 2012. On August 8, RAC
Chief Field Services Officer Doug Mercer, VO1DTM/VO1DM, announced the
new Section boundaries, names and abbreviations. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/rac-announces-new-ontario-section-boundaries-abbreviations>.

==> + FCC NEWS: VANITY CALL SIGN FEE TO INCREASE SEPTEMBER 4

On August 3, the FCC announced via a Final Rule in the Federal Register
that the cost of an Amateur Radio vanity call sign will increase 80
cents, from to $14.20 to $15. The new fees take effect 30 days after
publication, making September 4, 2012, the first day the new fee is in
effect. Earlier this year, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking and Order, seeking to raise the fee for Amateur Radio vanity
call signs. The vanity call sign regulatory fee is payable not only
when applying for a new vanity call sign, but also upon renewing a
vanity call sign for a new 10 year term. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/vanity-call-sign-fee-to-increase-september-4>.

==> + FCC NEWS: FCC DENIES CALIFORNIA HAM'S PETITION REGARDING VANITY
CALL SIGN

Two years after Marvin Gin, W6VM, passed away on January 13, 2010, his
call sign became available in the FCC's vanity call sign system and
eligible for reassignment to those radio amateurs who hold an Amateur
Extra class license. According to the FCC
<http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0808/DA-12-1281A1.pdf>,
Mario Vesnaver, W6EX, of Laguna Niguel, California, Steven Greathouse,
AC6EA, of Akron, Ohio, and others "filed timely applications requesting
modification of [their] amateur licenses to reflect call sign W6VM."
Greathouse's application was randomly selected and granted on February
4, 2012.

According to paragraph 32 in a 2006 Report and Order (WT Docket 04-140
<http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=6518531249>), whenever the
FCC receives an application from more than one amateur on the same day
requesting a vanity call sign, the FCC uses a lottery mechanism to
select the first application to be processed. Via this method,
Greathouse's application was the first one selected and he received
W6VM.

   Vesnaver filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the FCC,
requesting that the Commission review its decision regarding its
assignment of W6VM. "When an amateur is initially licensed, the
Commission assigns the station the next available call sign based on
the licensee's geographic region and license class [as affirmed in WT
Docket 09-209 <http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7021755180>]"
the FCC stated in denying Vesnaver's Petition. "You argue that Mr
Greathouse's application should not have been granted because, at the
time he requested call sign W6VM, he lived in Ohio, which is in the
sequential call sign system's 8th call sign district."

The FCC stated that when it adopted the rules for the vanity call sign
system, it addressed whether a vanity call sign applicant should be
limited to requesting only those call signs for the region where the
licensee resides. The FCC chose not adopt such a restriction, noting in
PR Docket 93-305
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-94-343A1.pdf>
that "'the applicant's choice of vanity call signs would be reduced to
ten percent or less of the call signs that would otherwise be
assignable to the station. A limitation based upon the person's place
of residence, moreover, could easily be circumvented by using a mailing
address in another call sign region.' Other than a call sign in Alaska,
Hawaii, the Caribbean Insular Areas and the Pacific Insular areas, the
licensee of an amateur station with a mailing address in the United
States may apply for any available call sign corresponding to an
appropriate license class."

Based upon its procedures, the FCC concluded that its assignment of
W6VM was "proper" and denied Vesnaver's Petition.

==> + NCVEC HOLDS 2012 ANNUAL MEETING

   Larry Pollock, NB5X, Chairman of the National Conference of
Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, presided over the NCVEC's 27th annual
meeting, held via teleconference on July 20. The meeting offered an
opportunity for representatives of the VECs to discuss issues facing
the volunteer examination program and interact with FCC staff members.
Representatives from 13 of the nation's 14 VECs took part in the
teleconference. ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, and ARRL VEC
Assistant Manager Perry Green, WY1O, represented the ARRL VEC. Read
more here <http://www.arrl.org/news/ncvec-holds-2012-annual-meeting>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "Sunrise, sunset <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLLEBAQLZ3Q>"
Cook, K7RA, reports: The average daily sunspot numbers rose more than
20 points this week -- or about 20 percent -- to 119.4, while the
average daily solar flux was up 3 points to 134.7. Geomagnetic activity
was quiet, with unsettled conditions around August 2. The NOAA/USAF
prediction has solar flux at 130 on August 9-10, 125 on August 11-13,
then 115, 110, 105, 90 and 95 on August 14-18, back up to 100 on August
19-20, then 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140 and 145 on August 21-28,
then 140 on August 29-31. The predicted planetary A index is 10 on
August 9, 5 on August 10-18, 8 on August 19-20, and 5 on August 21-23,
and 8 on August 24-25, and 12 on August 26. Look for more on the ARRL
website on Friday, August 10. 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 Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddler_on_the_Roof>.

==> NEW QUICKSTATS POLL NOW AVAILABLE ON ARRL WEBSITE

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

   Questions in this month's QuickStats poll:

- How often do you use EchoLink or IRLP?
- What is your favorite HF band?
- How many Amateur Radio books do you own?
- Do you prefer to send paper QSLs to your DX contacts directly or via
the QSL Bureau system?

Visit the QuickStats page <http://www.arrl.org/quickstats> and be sure
to bookmark it in your browser. Results from this QuickStats poll will
be published in the November 2012 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 IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- August 10 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 11-12 -- Maryland-DC QSO Party; WAE DX Contest (CW)
- August 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon; Feld Hell Sprint
- August 15 -- NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint

Next week:

- August 17 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 18-19 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (local time)
<http://www.arrl.org/10-ghz-up>; SARTG Worldwide RTTY Contest; North
American QSO Party (SSB)
- August 19 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup (RTTY)
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>
- August 20 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- August 22 -- SKCC Sprint
- August 22-23 -- 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

- August 11 -- ARRL Ohio State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/ohio-state-convention>, Columbus, Ohio
- August 18 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-virginia-state-convention-2>,
Weston, West Virginia
- August 18-19 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southeastern-division-convention-huntsville-hamfest>,
Huntsville, Alabama
- August 19 -- ARRL Kansas State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/kansas-state-convention-2>, Salina,
Kansas
- August 24-26 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/new-england-division-convention-1>,
Boxboro, Massachusetts
- August 26 -- ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/western-pennsylvania-section-convention-2>,
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
- September 14-15 -- W9DXCC Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/w9dxcc-convention-2>, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois
- September 15 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/virginia-section-convention-virginia-beach-hamfest>,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- September 22 -- ARRL Washington State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/washington-state-convention-36th-annual-spokane-hamfest>,
Spokane Valley, Washington
- September 22-23 -- ARRL Illinois State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/illinois-state-convention-peoria-superfest-2012>,
Peoria, Illinois
- September 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sedco-w4dxcc-viii-convention>, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- 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%27>,
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

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

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 Copyright (c) 2012 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
Rights Reserved

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


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Aug 16 14:31:47 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:31:47 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for August 16, 2012
Message-ID: <20120816183147.C91DE2DC5B3@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

August 16, 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

- + Amateur Radio in the Classroom: ARRL Teachers Institute Offers
Instructors Wireless Technology Skills for the Classroom
- + NOAA Updates 2012 Hurricane Season Outlook
- + On the Air: RYRY Rookies -- The 2012 RTTY Rookie Roundup Is Here!
- + Digital Edition of September QST Now Available
- Solar Update
- + Silent Key: VHF Pioneer Paul Lieb, KH6HME (SK)
- + On the Air: International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2012
- 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>.

==> + AMATEUR RADIO IN THE CLASSROOM: ARRL TEACHERS INSTITUTE OFFERS
INSTRUCTORS WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY SKILLS FOR THE CLASSROOM

   This summer, the ARRL offered teachers the opportunity to learn
about ways to incorporate wireless technology into their classroom
curriculum through its Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology (TI).
Since 2004, the ARRL has sponsored TI sessions as part of its
educational outreach to schools. This professional development training
is offered at no cost to the teachers, but is funded through grants and
donations <http://www.arrl.org/education-and-technology-fund> to the
ARRL's Education & Technology Program.

The Teachers Institute has provided teachers from elementary school to
the university level with tools and strategies to introduce basic
electronics, the science of radio, space technology and satellite
communications, as well as weather science, introduction to
micro-controllers and basic robotics in their classrooms. The
curriculum is designed for motivated teachers and other school staff
who want to learn more about wireless technology and bring that
knowledge to their students.

   In 2012, the ARRL offered two sessions of the basic TI course (TI-1)
-- held at Parallax in Rocklin, California (led by Tommy Gober, N5DUX,
of Longview, Texas) and at ARRL Headquarters in Newington (led by ARRL
Education and Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, of
Gales Ferry, Connecticut) -- and one session of the advanced course
(TI-2), held in Dayton, Ohio (led by Matt Severin, N8MS, of Eau Claire,
Michigan) and sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association. This
year, 26 teachers from 17 states and a Department of Defense school in
Korea participated in the TI-1 courses. At the TI-2 course, there were
eight teachers from seven states. To date, almost 450 teachers have
participated in the ARRL's Teachers Institute. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-teachers-institute-offers-instructors-wireless-technology-skills-for-the-classroom>.

==> + NOAA UPDATES 2012 HURRICANE SEASON OUTLOOK

   According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season has been "busy," with six
named storms since the season began June 1. In May 2012, NOAA
forecasters originally indicated a 50 percent chance for a near-normal
season in 2012, and predicted the chances for an above-normal season at
25 percent and a below-normal season at 25 percent. But on August 9,
NOAA revised the chances for an above-normal season -- upping the odds
to 35 percent -- while saying that the chances for a below-normal
season have decreased to 15 percent. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/noaa-updates-2012-hurricane-season-outlook>.

==> + ON THE AIR: RYRY ROOKIES -- THE 2012 RTTY ROOKIE ROUNDUP IS HERE!

On Sunday, August 19, the digital modes return to the Rookie Roundup
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>. Created to give the budding
operator a place to learn about contesting at an easier pace, the
Rookie Roundup is a six hour contest open for all amateurs who have
been licensed for three years or less; if you were licensed in 2010,
2011 or 2012, you qualify as a Rookie. The Rookie Roundup is run three
times per year: SSB in April, RTTY in August and CW in December.

By popular request, a multioperator category has been created for the
Rookie Roundup. Several Rookies can operate from one location as a
group. You use the same call and name in the exchange, regardless of
which operator is at the keyboard. This category is perfect for clubs
wanting to help their newer members get more active.

   A team competition has also been created: Up to five single operator
Rookies -- each operating from their own location -- can band together
as a team and combine their scores. Team members are also recognized
for their individual efforts, too. Multioperator entries and
non-Rookies are not permitted to be on a team. Register your team
<http://www.b4h.net/arrlrr/index.php> up to 15 minutes before the start
of the contest.

Old Timers have a place in the Rookie Roundup, as well. Elmering is a
critical component of the Rookie Roundup, and Old Timers are encouraged
to not only get on and work the Rookies, but to host a Rookie and
assist them with learning how to participate. Rookies can work anybody,
but non-Rookies can only work Rookies. The contest exchange is easy:
just send both call signs, your first name and your location (this is
either your US state, Canadian province, Mexican call area or "DX" if
you're not in the US, Canada or Mexico).

Getting on RTTY has never been easier -- all you need is a PC,
soundcard interface and some RTTY software to start making contacts.
Veteran RTTY contester and CQ Contest Hall Of Fame member Don Hill,
AA5AU, has a website <http://www.aa5au.com/rtty.html> geared toward the
beginning RTTY op that is a wealth of info.

You can log the contest using paper forms provided on the Rookie
Roundup web page <http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>, or use the
real-time web site at www.inthelog.com <http://www.inthelog.com/>. Once
the contest is over and you've calculated your score, visit the WA7BNM
Rookie Roundup page <http://www.b4h.net/arrlrr/index.php> to submit
your score. All official entries must use this form:
http://www.b4h.net/arrlrr/index.php. But don't dally -- you only have
three days to submit your score summary. All score summaries must be
received by 2359 UTC Wednesday, August 22, 2012.

The 2012 ARRL RTTY Rookie Roundup runs from 1800 UTC through 2359 UTC
Sunday, August 19, 2012. Complete rules and score submission
information can be found at the ARRL Rookie Roundup website
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>. For more information, contact
ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, via e-mail
<kx9x at arrl.org>.

==> + DIGITAL EDITION OF SEPTEMBER QST NOW AVAILABLE

The digital version of the September QST is now available
<http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/arrl/qst_201209/> to ARRL members. The
digital version includes many features not available in the print
version, such as:

 <http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/arrl/qst_201209/>   - A video
overview of the YouKits HB-1B transceiver.
- A video interview with AMSAT's Gould Smith, WA4SXM, about the
upcoming Fox-1 satellite.
- Three classic QST articles by master humorist and author Jack
Troster, W6ISQ.
- Extended results for the 2012 ARRL DX Phone Contest.

Every issue of QST is filled with the news and features you need to
keep active in Amateur Radio. The September issue of QST is our annual
Public Service/Emergency Preparedness issue.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "You shone like the Sun
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLKiMbC6s2k>" Cook, K7RA, reports:
There was a big drop in solar activity over the past week, with the
average daily sunspot numbers declining nearly 42 points to 77.6, and
average daily solar flux down 20 points to 114.7. The solar flux has
dropped down to 100, where it is expected to remain through August 17.
NOAA/USAF is predicting the solar flux on August 18 to be 95, then 90
on August 19-22, then 105, 125 and 130 on August 23-25, and then back
up to 135 on August 26-29. It is expected to drop below 100 again on
September 12-15. The predicted planetary A index is 10 on August 16-17,
14 on August 18, 12 on August 19-20, then 8 on August 21, 5 on August
22-23, 8 on August 24-25, 12 on August 26, followed by 5 on August
27-September 7, then 8 on September 8-10, and down to 5 on September
11-14. This week Russ Mickiewicz, N7QR, of Portland, Oregon (and later
reader David Moore) sent information on a new method for predicting
solar flares <http://phys.org/news/2012-08-solar-flares-advance.html>
that tracks decay rates in gamma radiation from radioactive elements.
Look for more on the ARRL website on Friday, August 17. 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 Pink Floyd's Shine On You Crazy Diamond
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shine_On_You_Crazy_Diamond>.

==> + SILENT KEY: VHF PIONEER PAUL LIEB, KH6HME (SK)

   Paul Lieb, KH6HME, of Hilo, Hawaii, passed away July 16. He was 84.
Lieb -- an ARRL Life Member -- was best known for his VHF work and his
radio beacon on the slopes of Mauna Loa where he worked the famous
trans-Pacific tropo duct to the West Coast. Lieb achieved many tropo
ducting distance records up through 5760 MHz and received the Dayton
Hamvention Special Achievement Award in 1999 for "his pioneering and
record-setting work in tropospheric ducting and VHF, UHF and microwave
communications." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/vhf-pioneer-paul-lieb-kh6hme-sk>.

==> + ON THE AIR: INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHIP WEEKEND 2012

   More than 400 lighthouses in almost 50 countries and territories --
from Argentina to Wales -- will be on the air for 2012 International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW <http://illw.net/>), organized by
Scotland's Ayr Amateur Radio Group (AARG <http://www.gm0ayr.org/>). The
event, held for the 15th year in a row, takes place Saturday, August 18
0001 UTC through Sunday, August 19 2359 UTC. While not a contest, the
ILLW is more of a QSO Party and Amateur Radio demonstration. The ILLW
aims to raise public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the
need for their preservation and restoration, promote Amateur Radio and
foster international goodwill. Stations at more than 50 US lights are
expected to be on the air for the event, and several stations will
identify with special event call signs. Participating
lighthouse/lightship stations do not have to be inside the structure or
on the vessel itself; a Field Day-type setup at or adjacent to the
light is sufficient. More information about the event, including a
registration form <http://illw.net/index.php/entry-form> and list of
all lights scheduled to be on the air
<http://illw.net/index.php/entrants-list-2012>, is available on the
ILLW website <http://illw.net/>. The ILLW also has a Facebook page
<https://www.facebook.com/ILLWeekend>.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- August 17 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 18-19 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (local time)
<http://www.arrl.org/10-ghz-up>; SARTG Worldwide RTTY Contest; North
American QSO Party (SSB)
- August 19 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup (RTTY)
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>
- August 20 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- August 22 -- SKCC Sprint
- August 22-23 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test

Next week:

- August 24 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 25 -- QRP ARCI Welcome to QRP
- August 25-26 -- Hawaii QSO Party; Kansas QSO Party; Ohio QSO Party;
SCC RTTY Championship; YO DX HF Contest; CVA DX Contest (SSB)
- August 26 -- SARL HF CW Contest

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

- August 18 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-virginia-state-convention-2>,
Weston, West Virginia
- August 18-19 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southeastern-division-convention-huntsville-hamfest>,
Huntsville, Alabama
- August 19 -- ARRL Kansas State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/kansas-state-convention-2>, Salina,
Kansas
- August 24-26 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/new-england-division-convention-1>,
Boxboro, Massachusetts
- August 26 -- ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/western-pennsylvania-section-convention-2>,
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
- September 14-15 -- W9DXCC Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/w9dxcc-convention-2>, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois
- September 15 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/virginia-section-convention-virginia-beach-hamfest>,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- September 22 -- ARRL Washington State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/washington-state-convention-36th-annual-spokane-hamfest>,
Spokane Valley, Washington
- September 22-23 -- ARRL Illinois State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/illinois-state-convention-peoria-superfest-2012>,
Peoria, Illinois
- September 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sedco-w4dxcc-viii-convention>, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- 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%27>,
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

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>
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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) 2012 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
Rights Reserved

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


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Aug 23 18:38:03 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:38:03 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for August 23, 2012
Message-ID: <20120824013709.45E6227E767@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

August 23, 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 Releases Congressionally Mandated Study on Amateur
Radio
- + ARRL Members Nominate Candidates for Director, Vice Director
- + Silent Key: QST Managing Editor Joel Kleinman, N1BKE (SK)
- + Summer Section Manager Election Results Announced
- Solar Update
- + Silent Key: Vic Poor, W5SMM (SK)
- + Silent Key: George Varvitsiotes, K6SV (SK)
- + ARRL Headquarters to Close in Observance of Labor Day
- "Early Bird" Hotel Reservation Deadline Approaching for ARRL/TAPR
Digital Communications Conference
- 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 RELEASES CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED STUDY ON AMATEUR
RADIO

On August 20 -- in response to a Spring 2012 Congressional directive --
the Federal Communications Commission released its findings on the Uses
and Capabilities of Amateur Radio Service Communications in Emergencies
and Disaster Relief: Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 6414 of the
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.

   This report contains the FCC's " review of the importance of
emergency Amateur Radio Service communications relating to disasters,
severe weather and other threats to lives and property in the United
States; and recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary
deployment of Amateur Radio operators in disaster and emergency
communications and disaster relief efforts; and recommendations for
improved integration of Amateur Radio operators in the planning and
furtherance of initiatives of the federal government." It also required
"that the study identify impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service
communications and provide recommendations regarding the removal of
such impediments."

"There are many positive things included in the FCC report to
Congress," said ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson,
N1ND. "We are pleased that the Commission highlighted the existing
Amateur Radio infrastructure to provide disaster and time-critical
communications. They also recognized the flexibility of the Amateur
Service in working with federal, state, local and tribal emergency
service agencies to supplement existing communications. The affirmation
of the value that Amateur Radio brings to the communities across the
country is underscored by the suggestion that 'DHS work with state,
local, and tribal authorities so they may develop disaster area access
or credentialing policies for trained amateur operators, including a
means for documenting their qualifications...'"

While the FCC did hold Amateur Radio in a positive light in its
discussion of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications, the FCC
report was not as favorable in the portion of the study that addressed
impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications. In the
comments provided to the FCC as they prepared the study, the ARRL -- as
well as numerous individuals -- cited the proliferation of specific
land-use restrictions, such as deed restrictions and homeowners
associations covenants, that prohibit the erection of even modest
Amateur Radio antennas. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-releases-congressionally-mandated-study-on-amateur-radio>.

==> + ARRL MEMBERS NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR, VICE DIRECTOR

   In response to solicitations in the July and August issues of QST,
ARRL members in the Central, Hudson, New England, Northwestern and
Roanoke Divisions have nominated 14 candidates for the 10 positions of
Director and Vice Director. This year, there will be three contested
elections: The Director positions in the Hudson and Northwestern
Divisions, and the Vice Director position in the Northwestern Division.

Seven incumbents have been declared elected without opposition; per
ARRL By-Law 19, if there is only one eligible candidate for an office,
he or she will be declared elected by the Ethics and Elections
Committee. If there is more than one eligible candidate for an office,
the full members in that division (who are in good standing as of
September 10, 2012) will have the opportunity to cast ballots.
Balloting will begin no later than October 1, 2012 and will conclude at
noon (EST) Friday, November 16, 2012. The candidate receiving the most
votes will be declared the winner. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-members-nominate-candidates-for-director-vice-director-2>.

==> + SILENT KEY: QST MANAGING EDITOR JOEL KLEINMAN, N1BKE (SK)

QST Managing Editor Joel P. Kleinman, N1BKE, of Meriden, Connecticut,
died from injuries received during a house fire on August 18. He was
64. Kleinman was responsible for the coordination, organization,
control and completion of all aspects of QST's editorial content each
month. Kleinman's wife Jayne survived the fire, but is currently in the
intensive care unit of a local hospital.

   "Joel was obsessed with making QST the best Amateur Radio magazine
it could be, but he pursued that obsession with uncommon dignity and
kindness," said QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY. "He was the quiet man
behind the scenes, shouldering much of the burden that comes with
creating 164 pages of new content every month. Joel set a high standard
for all who may follow him."

After graduating from the University of Montana with an MA in
Journalism, Kleinman came to ARRL's Club and Training Department in
June 1976 to lead a program aimed at introducing students to space
science using Amateur Radio satellites. It was in this capacity that he
contributed to the five-part series "Getting to Know OSCAR from the
Ground Up <http://p1k.arrl.org/pubs_archive/69443>" that was published
in QST in 1977. Less than year later, Kleinman moved over to the ARRL's
Production Department as an Editorial Assistant before becoming the
ARRL Features Editor, then Editorial Supervisor, then
Editorial/Production Supervisor. In 1988, he became Book Team
Supervisor, where he was responsible for the development and editorial
integrity of ARRL books and other media. He was named as QST Managing
Editor in April 2001.

Kleinman was not licensed prior to beginning his career at ARRL
Headquarters: "When I came on board, I didn't know much about ham
radio," he remarked in a "Behind the Diamond
<http://p1k.arrl.org/pubs_archive/72989>" feature in the June 1979
issue of QST. "But it was made very clear to me that I soon would --
and I did!" Before long, Kleinman had written such QST articles as "The
Lure of 2 Meters -- Part 1 <http://p1k.arrl.org/pubs_archive/71031>,"
the OSCAR articles and "Network Hams: A Hobby Becomes a Career
<http://p1k.arrl.org/pubs_archive/70658>," which focused on hams who
worked at ABC, CBS and NBC: "It's not often that a person gets to go on
behind-the-scenes tours of the headquarters of all three broadcast
networks in two days," Kleinman remarked. [Editor's note: You must be
an ARRL member and logged in to the ARRL website to access the linked
articles.]

"With the passing of Joel Kleinman, N1BKE, we have lost not only a
respected professional colleague, but also a friend," said ARRL
President Kay Craigie, N3KN. "The shocking circumstances of his death
sharpen the sadness we feel. The ARRL sends our deepest sympathy to all
of Joel's friends and family. I would like to thank the many amateurs
who have expressed condolences through social media and by other means.
Although you may not have known Joel personally, you feel his loss as a
member of the extended Amateur Radio family. Your kindness and words of
comfort are sincerely appreciated."

"Joel was a gifted writer and editor," said ARRL Chief Executive
Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ. "Amateur Radio is the richer today because
he chose to devote his talents to the work of the ARRL."

Kleinman was a former president of the Newington Amateur Radio League
(NARL <http://www.narl.net/>) and a member of the Quarter Century
Wireless Association (QCWA <http://www.qcwa.org/>). Funeral
arrangements are pending. The ARRL is collecting condolence messages to
forward on to Joel's family. If you would like to send a message,
please submit it here <news at arrl.org>.

==> + SUMMER SECTION MANAGER ELECTION RESULTS ANNOUNCED

   Two Section Manager elections this summer were decided by member
balloting: ARRL Connecticut Section Manager Betsey Doane, K1EIC, was
re-elected, and John Mueller, K2BT, was elected as the new ARRL Western
New York Section Manager. New terms of office start October 1, 2012.
Ballots were counted at ARRL Headquarters on Tuesday, August 21. Puerto
Rico will be getting a new Section Manager beginning October 1: Rene
Fonseca, NP3O, of Fajardo, will be taking over from Roberto Jiminez,
KP4AC, who has served as Section Manager since 2007; Jiminez decided
not to run for another term of office. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/summer-section-manager-election-results-announced>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "In the dark of the Sun, we will stand together
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXekIfSPOH4>" Cook, K7RA, reports: The
weak solar activity continues: The average daily sunspot numbers for
August 16-22 were down 23 points -- or 30 percent -- to 54.6, while the
average daily solar flux dropped a little more than 16 percent -- or
18.7 points -- to 96. These figures offer a comparison between August
9-15 and the latest reporting period of August 16-22. Solar flux is
expected to rise above 100 soon, with the predicted flux values from
NOAA/USAF at 95 on August 23, 100 on August 24-25, 105 on August 26-27,
and then peaking at 130 at month's end on August 31 and September 1.
The next peak is expected in the three days following the autumnal
equinox, with flux values at 135 on September 23-25. Look for more on
the ARRL website on Friday, August 24. 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 Tom Petty and the
Heartbreakers' In the Dark of the Sun
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Petty_and_the_Heartbreakers>.

==> + SILENT KEY: VIC POOR, W5SMM (SK)

   Victor (Vic) Poor, W5SMM, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away Friday,
August 17, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 79. Just
last month, Poor -- an ARRL member -- received the ARRL President's
Award for his contributions to the development of digital
communications systems in the Amateur Radio Service. Poor was also
known for his work in the development of one of Intel's first
commercial microprocessors. Poor -- who also held the calls KH6AXV,
W6JSO and K3NIO -- developed an active interest in ham radio while
still in high school and became W6JSO in 1951. He quickly developed an
affinity for RTTY and later, other Amateur Radio digital modes, and was
instrumental in the development of many hardware and software
innovations that are at the heart of modern day computing and
communications technology, used both in Amateur Radio and in industry.
Read more here <http://www.arrl.org/news/vic-poor-w5smm-sk>.

==> + SILENT KEY: GEORGE VARVITSIOTES, K6SV (SK)

   Ham Radio Outlet (HRO <http://www.hamradio.com/>) Vice President
George Varvitsiotes, K6SV (ex-WB6DSV), passed away August 21 due to
complications from cancer. He was 57. An ARRL member, Varvitsiotes
began his career at HRO in September 1976 as a salesman in the
company's Burlingame, California store. "While at HRO, George did just
about everything," recalled HRO Owner and President Robert Ferrero,
W6KR. "As Vice President, George did all the purchasing for the entire
company. He was a technician, a salesman, a store manager. He loved our
hobby top-to-bottom. George lived ham radio." A memorial service for
Varvitsiotes is planned for August 28 at Resurrection Greek Orthodox
Church in Castro Valley, California.

==> + ARRL HEADQUARTERS TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY

ARRL Headquarters will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday,
September 3. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice
transmissions <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule> that day.
ARRL Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, September 4 at 8 AM Eastern
Daylight Time. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday weekend.

==> "EARLY BIRD" HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR ARRL/TAPR
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE

   A reminder that this coming Monday -- August 29 -- is the deadline
for discounted room rates for the 31st Annual ARRL/TAPR Digital
Communications Conference (DCC <http://www.tapr.org/dcc>), scheduled
for September 21-23 in Atlanta at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Atlanta
Airport. Click here
<https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1204204404&key=CC59C>
to make your hotel reservations before the rates go up.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- August 24 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- August 25 -- QRP ARCI Welcome to QRP
- August 25-26 -- Hawaii QSO Party; Kansas QSO Party; Ohio QSO Party;
SCC RTTY Championship; YO DX HF Contest; CVA DX Contest (SSB)
- August 26 -- SARL HF CW Contest

Next week:

- August 31 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- September 1 -- Russian RTTY WW Contest; Wake-Up! QRP Sprint; AGCW
Straight Key Party
- September 1-2 -- Colorado QSO Party; All Asian DX Contest (Phone);
CWOps CW Open
- September 2 -- DARC 10 Meter Digital Contest
- September 2-3 -- Tennessee QSO Party
- September 3-4 -- Michigan QRP Labor Day CW Sprint
- September 4 -- ARS Spartan 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

- August 24-26 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/new-england-division-convention-1>,
Boxboro, Massachusetts
- August 26 -- ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/western-pennsylvania-section-convention-2>,
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
- September 14-15 -- W9DXCC Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/w9dxcc-convention-2>, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois
- September 15 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/virginia-section-convention-virginia-beach-hamfest>,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- September 22 -- ARRL Washington State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/washington-state-convention-36th-annual-spokane-hamfest>,
Spokane Valley, Washington
- September 22-23 -- ARRL Illinois State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/illinois-state-convention-peoria-superfest-2012>,
Peoria, Illinois
- September 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sedco-w4dxcc-viii-convention>, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- 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%27>,
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

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) 2012 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
Rights Reserved

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


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Aug 30 15:08:42 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:08:42 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for August 30, 2012
Message-ID: <20120830200409.2B04D23F6B@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

August 30, 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

- + Public Service: Hams Heed the Call to Help As Isaac Makes Landfall,
Downgraded to Tropical Storm
- + On the Air: 2012 ARRL Field Day Logs Posted
- + On the Air: Get In on the VHF Fun in the 2012 ARRL September VHF
QSO Party
- + IARU Supports Proposal for .radio Domain Name
- + Youth and Amateur Radio: North Carolina Teen Named Recipient of
ARRL's 2011 Hiram Percy Maxim Award
- Solar Update
- + DXCC News: DXCC Desk Approves 1998 XU1A Cambodian DXpedition
- + ARRL Headquarters to Close in Observance of Labor Day
- 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>.

==> + PUBLIC SERVICE: HAMS HEED THE CALL TO HELP AS ISAAC MAKES
LANDFALL, DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL STORM

   Seven years to the day that Hurricane Katrina smashed into New
Orleans, Hurricane Isaac came calling. But instead of making landfall
right at New Orleans like Katrina (a Category 3 storm) did on August
28, 2005, Isaac veered slightly to the west of the city. Through it
all, hams at WX4NHC -- the Amateur Radio station at the National
Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida -- and those supporting the
Hurricane Watch Net and the VoIP Hurricane Net, along with various nets
within the ARRL's Delta Division, relayed reports to their served
agencies on Isaac's progress and the damage the storm created in its
wake.

"Even though Isaac has made landfall and is currently tracking slowly
up Central Louisiana to Arkansas, hams in the Delta Division are not
done," explained ARRL Delta Division Director David Norris, K5UZ. "We
had quite a few nets running as Isaac came ashore, and some are still
going on, relaying damage reports and assisting with health-and-welfare
traffic. As the American Red Cross and other served agencies venture
out in the field within the next few days to assess the damage created
by Isaac, hams in the Delta Division are ready to assist these teams
with whatever communications support is necessary. Just because Isaac
itself is over, we know that storms like this can bring tornadoes,
power outages and other weather events in their wake, and we are
prepared to continue to provide any support that is needed." Read more
here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/hams-heed-the-call-to-help-as-isaac-makes-landfall-downgraded-to-tropical-storm>.

==> + ON THE AIR: 2012 ARRL FIELD DAY LOGS POSTED

More than 2600 submissions have been received for the 2012 running of
ARRL Field Day <http://www.arrl.org/fieldday>. According to ARRL Field
Day Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, this is another great showing for the
number of entries received for what is one of Amateur Radio's most
popular on-the-air operating events. The combined list of Logs Received
for Field Day has been posted online
<http://www.arrl.org/logs-received>. The list includes all logs
submitted via the http://www.b4h.net/ website, as well as those
submitted via e-mail and US Mail.

   Because Field Day is not a "Cabrillo-format" event, there is no
automated robot for processing entries. When you go to the website to
see if your submission was received, look near the bottom of the page
under "Other Reports." Click on the link to open the PDF for the 2012
listings. If you find your listing is missing, please contact Henderson
via e-mail <n1nd at arrl.org> or by phone at 860-594-0200. If you find a
typographical error in your listing -- or if your log is marked as a
"Checklog" -- please contact Kathy Allison, KA1RWY, via e-mail
<ka1rwy at arrl.org>. Logs marked as "Checklog" indicate that required
information is missing that is still needed to properly process your
entry. All problems must be resolved by Friday, August 31.

Henderson explained that the current list only shows general
categories; the various sub-categories are added when the data is
merged into the master database. Claimed scores or bonuses are also not
included, as these are not publicized until the results are officially
released. The results from the 2012 ARRL Field Day will be posted
online on or around November 1, as well as in the December issue of
QST. The 2013 ARRL Field Day is scheduled for June 22-23.

==> + ON THE AIR: GET IN ON THE VHF FUN IN THE 2012 ARRL SEPTEMBER VHF
QSO PARTY

   September is here -- and according to ARRL Contest Branch Manager
Sean Kutzko, KX9X, the VHF+ bands have been getting a workout: "If
you've never experienced the fun of VHF+ operating, the 2012 ARRL
September VHF QSO Party the weekend of September 8-10 is a great place
to start. With many HF radios now offering at least 6 meter SSB/CW
capabilities -- and some offering 2 meters and 70 cm as well -- any
amateur with a Technician class license or higher can experience
long-haul communication on the VHF bands."

Kutzko explained that September -- as opposed to June with its
sporadic-E openings -- is known for good tropospheric propagation. "In
the past week, there have been some good tropo openings in the mornings
on 2 meters along the Eastern seaboard and in the Midwest. There's even
been a touch of sporadic-E propagation on 6 meters this week, primarily
in the western half of the US. Couple the recent openings with talk
among the VHF Hopeful of some F2 propagation on 6 meters (due to the
upswing of Solar Cycle 24), and the potential for enhanced propagation
during the contest looks favorable." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/get-in-on-the-vhf-fun-in-the-2012-arrl-september-vhf-qso-party>.

==> + IARU SUPPORTS PROPOSAL FOR .RADIO DOMAIN NAME

   The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has expressed public
support for a .radio top-level domain name. Under the proposal as put
forth by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), registration will be
available via the EBU to all eligible radio representative
organizations and broadcasters, Internet radios, radio amateurs, radio
professionals and their respective representative organizations, as
well as companies providing radio-specific products and services in
order to create a worldwide radio community. The proposal must be
approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN <http://www.icann.org/>); this organization is responsible for
the coordination of the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers
and, in particular, ensuring its stable and secure operation. Read more
here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/iaru-supports-proposal-for-b-radio-b-domain-name>.

==> + YOUTH AND AMATEUR RADIO: NORTH CAROLINA TEEN NAMED RECIPIENT OF
ARRL'S 2011 HIRAM PERCY MAXIM AWARD

Derek Brown, W4DTB, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was named the
recipient of the 2011 Hiram Percy Maxim Award. Derek, who is 14, has
been licensed since 2010 and holds an Amateur Extra class license.

   Derek first became interested in Amateur Radio after reading an
article in MAKE Magazine. "After I read the ARRL Ham Radio License
Manual, I went to the local club, the Orange County Radio Amateurs
(NCOCRA <http://ncocra.org/>) to take my Technician test," he told the
ARRL. "That same evening, I met my Elmer, Bruce Meier, N1LN, who
inspired me to finish the next two tests. He helped me build a station,
including my first radio that I bought at a swap meet. With his help, I
put up a vertical antenna in my backyard. Unfortunately, a tree knocked
down the antenna about two weeks ago and broke the mounting bracket, so
I'll be offline until after we get the replacement parts."

Meier recalled meeting Derek when he first came in to take his
Technician exam in September 2010: "Derek had just turned 14. He had
discovered Amateur Radio and was starting to get involved. His interest
quickly grew, and by November 2010, he had his General ticket and then
in March 2011, his Extra. In February 2011, Derek and his father went
to a hamfest and found his first rig. Since Derek lives in an
antenna-restricted area, he started to research different stealth
antennas. As he wanted to start to work on his WAS, DXCC and WAC
awards, and potentially get in involved in contesting (he got exposed
to contesting at my QTH), he wanted something beyond stealth. So
because of the woods behind his house, he was able to put up a vertical
antenna and not bother any of the neighbors. He was now on the air."

Meier told the ARRL that Derek started out with SSB, but because of his
skills in computers and computer programming, he became interested in
the digital modes. "Derek modified his radio (by himself) and connected
an interface board to enable the necessary control signals, wired up a
home brew soundcard interface and was then able to operate digital
modes," Meier explained. "He now operates PSK 31, RTTY PSK 63, Olivia
250, JT35 and even SSTV. Not bad for a 14 year old!" Derek is working
on his CW skills, and recently earned his DXCC Award and only needs
Vermont to complete his Worked All States Award. He also enjoys
operating on the satellite modes, as well as developing software for
his local HSMM Mesh.

Meier said that Derek competed with him and his team of operators in
the 2011 CQ WW SSB contest. "We operated as a Multi/Two entry and were
fortunate to place first in North America," he said. "Derek has also
operated from his own home in the CQ WPX SSB Contest, the ARRL Rookie
Roundup and several other contests."

Derek is also involved in public service activities. Meier's wife,
Laurie Meier, N1YXU, was the ARES Emergency Coordinator for Orange
County, North Carolina (she and Bruce are now Assistant Emergency
Coordinators). Through them, Derek became interested in public service
activities and started to take the various ICS courses. He has now
taken and passed ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 and IS-3. Meier said that Derek
is ready to help with ARES drills, public service events and ARES
activations.

Derek is an active member of NCOCRA and his local ARES? group. He has
worked with the club's public relations officer to revamp the club's
website. He is the founder of the Youth Amateur Radio Club of America
(YARCA <http://www.yarca.org/>), which aims to further youths in
Amateur Radio; one of YARCA's initial target audiences is Scout troops.
The site includes license test training and a Boy Scout Radio Merit
Badge Workshop. Derek said he is currently planning for YARCA to hold a
Badge Day for local Boy and Cub Scouts. He is also an ARRL Public
Information Officer (PIO).

When not on the radio, Derek spends time as a Computer Science intern,
where he is creating computer programs in a variety of languages. He is
also a Lincoln-Douglas debater and will be traveling to tournaments
across the country this year. He will be entering his freshman year at
Durham Academy in Durham, North Carolina this fall.

The Hiram Percy Maxim Award
<http://www.arrl.org/hiram-percy-maxim-award> is given to an ARRL
member under the age of 18. It is intended to provide a tangible reward
to those deserving young amateurs who contribute their time, skills and
energies daily through their commitment to Amateur Radio. As models for
their peers, and inspirations to us all, these fine young people are
highly visible boosters of Amateur Radio awareness. The ARRL continues
to recognize and encourage their hard work and contributions at every
opportunity.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "Everything under the Sun is in tune, but the Sun is eclipsed by
the Moon <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoD_SEoDPzc>" Cook, K7RA,
reports: Although solar activity is quite low, there was an increase in
sunspot numbers and the solar flux over the past week. The average
daily sunspot numbers were up nearly 20 points -- about 36 percent --
to 74.1, while the average daily solar flux increased nearly 13 points
to 108.7. The latest forecast has activity over the next week a bit
lower than what forecasts predicted a few weeks ago: Expected solar
flux is 115 on August 30, 120 on August 31-September 2, 115 again on
September 3-8, 110 on September 9-10, 105 on September 11-12, 100 on
September 13-16, 95 on September 17-22, and then rising above 100 to a
peak of 125 on September 26-28. The predicted planetary A index is 5,
10 and 8 on August 30-September 1, 5 on September 2-7, 8 on September
8-9, 5 on September 10-14, 12 on September 15-16, 8 on September 17-18,
5 on September 19, 8 on September 20-21, 10 on September 22, and 8 on
September 23-25, followed by 5 on September 26 through the first few
days in October. Look for more on the ARRL website on Friday, August
31. 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 Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon> (Brain Damage
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_Damage_%28song%29>/Eclipse
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse_%28song%29>).

==> + DXCC NEWS: DXCC DESK APPROVES 1998 XU1A CAMBODIAN DXPEDITION

   After reviewing new information and documentation, the ARRL DXCC
Desk has concluded that the 1998 XU1A DXpedition to Cambodia will be
valid for DXCC credit. If you have had QSLs rejected for this
operation, please send a request via e-mail <bmoore at arrl.org> to be
placed on the list for update. If you remember the submission in which
you included the QSL, please note this in your e-mail, as it will
expedite the search for the rejected QSO.

==> + ARRL HEADQUARTERS TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY

ARRL Headquarters will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday,
September 3. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice
transmissions <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule> that day.
ARRL Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, September 4 at 8 AM Eastern
Daylight Time. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday weekend.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- August 31 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- September 1 -- Russian RTTY WW Contest; Wake-Up! QRP Sprint; AGCW
Straight Key Party
- September 1-2 -- Colorado QSO Party; All Asian DX Contest (Phone);
CWOps CW Open
- September 2 -- DARC 10 Meter Digital Contest
- September 2-3 -- Tennessee QSO Party
- September 3-4 -- Michigan QRP Labor Day CW Sprint
- September 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint

Next week:

- September 7-8 -- PODXS 070 Club Jay Hudak Memorial 80 Meter Sprint
(local time)
- September 8-9 -- Arkansas QSO Party; WAE DX Contest (SSB)
- September 8-10 -- ARRL September VHF QSO Party
<http://www.arrl.org/september-vhf>
- September 9 -- North American Sprint (CW); SKCC Weekend Sprintathon;
Swiss HTC QRP Sprint
- September 10 -- NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint
- September 12-13 -- 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

- September 14-15 -- W9DXCC Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/w9dxcc-convention-2>, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois
- September 15 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/virginia-section-convention-virginia-beach-hamfest>,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- September 22 -- ARRL Washington State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/washington-state-convention-36th-annual-spokane-hamfest>,
Spokane Valley, Washington
- September 22-23 -- ARRL Illinois State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/illinois-state-convention-peoria-superfest-2012>,
Peoria, Illinois
- September 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sedco-w4dxcc-viii-convention>, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- 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

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

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