From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Sep  6 13:32:30 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu,  6 Sep 2012 13:32:30 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for September 6, 2012
Message-ID: <20120906191124.6CCD826C90F@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

September 6, 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 Second Century: ARRL Plans Centennial Celebration in Hartford
in 2014
- + Public Service: VoIP Hurricane Net Provides Support During
Hurricane Isaac
- + Check out the October 2012 Issue of QST
- + ARRL in Action: What Have We Been Up to Lately
- Solar Update
- + ARRL Recognizes: Bob Bruninga, WB4APR,  Wins August QST Cover
Plaque Award
- + Amateur Radio Fun: 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>.

==> + ARRL SECOND CENTURY: ARRL PLANS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN
HARTFORD IN 2014

The ARRL has announced plans to hold its National Centennial Convention
in Hartford, Connecticut on July 17-20, 2014. The Convention will mark
100 years of the ARRL's founding in Hartford. ARRL President Kay
Craigie, N3KN, has also announced a theme for ARRL's Centennial year:
Advancing the Art and Science of Radio -- Since 1914.

   In May 1914, Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW -- a leading inventor and
industrialist in Hartford, Connecticut -- founded the American Radio
Relay League, together with Clarence Tuska, 1WD, the secretary of The
Radio Club of Hartford. Today, the ARRL serves almost 160,000 members,
mostly licensed radio amateurs, in the US and around the world.

The decision to hold the ARRL Centennial Convention in Hartford was
made by the ARRL Board of Directors at its July 2012 meeting. The
organization's headquarters has been maintained in the Hartford area
since its founding. ARRL's present headquarters is located on Main
Street in Newington, Connecticut, a suburb of Hartford, and is visited
by nearly 2000 groups and individuals each year. The site has been home
to The Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, W1AW, since 1938. Read more
here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-plans-centennial-celebration-in-hartford-in-2014>.

==> + PUBLIC SERVICE: VOIP HURRICANE NET PROVIDES SUPPORT DURING
HURRICANE ISAAC

   The VoIP Hurricane Net -- running on the *WX_TALK* EchoLink
conference node 7203/IRLP 9219 -- was active over a two day period from
August 28-29 as Hurricane Isaac pounded the Northern Gulf Coast with
high winds, extremely heavy rainfall, significant storm surge and river
and stream flooding. The VoIP Hurricane Net operated for more than 25
hours continuously during the US coast landfall. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/voip-hurricane-net-provides-support-during-hurricane-isaac>.

==> + CHECK OUT THE OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE OF QST

Have you ever wanted to go on a DXpedition, but lacked the time -- or
resources -- to make it happen? Never fear, because you can go on four
DXpeditions from the comfort of your armchair, thanks to the October
edition of QST! In our annual DXing issue, discover DXpeditions of lore
and legend as we take you to Malpelo, Rotuma, Navassa and the Mountains
of the Moon. So sit back and enjoy all the fun and challenges that come
with being in a remote part of the world, connected to civilization
only by radio waves racing through the ether.

   The cover of the October issue of QST features the 2012 HK0NA
DXpedition to Malpelo, an island located about 235 miles of the coast
of Colombia. In his article "Malpelo Island DXpedition 2012 -- HK0NA,"
Bob Allphin, K4UEE, recounts how 20 hams from six countries came
together to activate the #12 most-wanted DXCC entity earlier this year.
Travel with Paul S. Ewing, N6PSE, to Rotuma in his article "DXpedition
to the Future," and with J. Robert Eshleman, W4DR, to Navassa in "DX
Determination." Lots of hams depend on spotting networks to work DX.
Murray Green, K3BEQ, tells how DX spotting networks have advanced from
voice over 2 meter simplex to the Reverse Beacon Network in his article
"The Evolution of DX Spotting."

As many hams know, tubes can be expensive and hard to find. To overcome
this, James Klitzing, W6PQL, developed a compact linear amplifier. In
his article "Solid State 1 kW Linear Amplifier for 2 Meters," he shows
readers exactly what they need to build the amplifier. Arch Doty,
W7ACD, knows that there's more to cosmic and atmospheric noise than
meets the ear. In his article "Those Mysterious Signals," he explains
that while these signals may just sound like noise to us, they mean a
lot more to radio astronomers. ARRL Education and Technology Program
Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, shows how to control your VHF SSB
transceiver to simulate full duplex operation in his article "Satellite
CAT Interface for Working the Analog Birds."

ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, takes a look at the Alinco
DJ-V57T handheld dual-band transceiver in this month's Product Review.
He says the rig "offers a nice selection of basic features and good
transmit and receive performance at a reasonable price. The standard
battery pack is fine for casual use, but consider one of the optional
high capacity packs if you expect to transmit frequently." ARRL
Contributing Editor Rick Palm, K1CE, checked out the Kenwood TH-K20A
handheld 2 meter FM transceiver, saying that it "is solidly built and
easy to operate; it has a long battery life and great receiver
performance."

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

==> + 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 August -- takes a look at the upcoming Director and
Vice Director elections, the 2012 sessions of the ARRL's Teachers
Institute on Wireless Technology, the ARRL's perspective on the FCC's
Congressionally mandated study on Amateur Radio, Field Day logs,
changes for the upcoming November Sweepstakes, 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-49>.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T35WXFOmwI>" Cook, K7RA, reports:
There was a surprising jump in solar activity occurred this week: The
average daily sunspot numbers rose nearly 55 points (that's almost 74
percent) to 128.7, while the average daily solar flux values were up
more than 28 points to 136.9. A pair of coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
on September 3 and 4 excited Earth's geomagnetic field, causing A index
values to jump. The middle latitude A index on September 2-5 was 14,
23, 14 and 24, and the planetary A index on those dates was 12, 32, 13
and 28, while high-latitude college A index (Fairbanks, Alaska) was 48,
52, 39 and 49. Solar flux predictions show the flux values peaking on
September 6-7 at 130, then on September 8-12 the solar flux lowers to
125, 120, 115, 110 and 105. Solar flux on September 13-16 is predicted
at 100, then 95 on September 17-22, then 100, 110, 115, 120 and 125 on
September 23-27, and then peaking at 130 on September 28. The planetary
A index is predicted to be 10 and 8 on September 6-7, then 7 on
September 8-10, 5 on September 11-13, 10 on September 14-16, 5 on
September 17-19, 10 on September 20, 8 on September 21-23, and back
down to 5 on September 24-28. Look for more on the ARRL website on
Friday, September 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 James Taylor's Fire and Rain
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_and_rain>.

==> + ARRL RECOGNIZES: BOB BRUNINGA, WB4APR,  WINS AUGUST QST COVER
PLAQUE AWARD

   The winner of the August QST Cover Plaque award is Bob Bruninga,
WB4APR, for his article "Rethinking Electrical Power for the Ham."
Congratulations Bob! 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 September issue today.

==> + AMATEUR RADIO FUN: 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:

   - Will you be participating in the CW or Phone Sweepstakes contests
in November?
- Are you "fluent" in any computer programming languages?
- Does your HF transceiver have a DSP noise reduction feature?
-  Have you taken the new Amateur Extra (Element 4) exam that went into
effect on July 1?

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 December 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:

- 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

Next week:

- September 14 -- NCC Sprint Ladder
- September 14-16 -- FISTS Get Your Feet Wet Weekend
- September 15 -- Feld Hell Sprint
- September 15-16 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (local time)
<http://www.arrl.org/news/explore-the-upper-reaches-of-the-amateur-radio-spectrum-in-the-arrl-10-ghz-and-up-contest>;
South Carolina QSO Party; Washington State Salmon Run; Scandinavian
Activity Contest (CW); SRT HF Contest (SSB); QRP Afield
- September 16 -- North American Sprint (SSB); WAB 144 MHz QRO Phone
Contest
- September 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest; 144 MHz Fall Sprint
(local time)
- September 20 -- 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

- 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
- January 18-19 -- ARRL North Texas Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/north-texas-section-convention-cowtown-hamfest-1>,
Fort Worth, Texas
- January 19 -- ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southern-florida-section-convention-3>,
Fort Myers, Florida
- January 25-26 -- ARRL Mississippi State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/mississippi-state-convention-capital-city-hamfest>,
Jackson, Mississippi
- January 26-27 -- ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/puerto-rico-state-convention>, Hatillo,
Puerto Rico
- February 2 -- ARRL South Carolina State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/south-carolina-state-convention-2>, North
Charleston, South Carolina
- February 8-10 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southeastern-division-convention-orlando-hamcation-1>,
Orlando, Florida
- February 15-16 -- ARRL Arizona State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arizona-state-convention-yuma-hamfest-1>,
Yuma, Arizona

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
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 Copyright (c) 2012 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All
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 <http://www.arrl.org/>


From memberlist at www.arrl.org  Thu Sep 13 14:58:38 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:58:38 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for September 13, 2012
Message-ID: <20120913191600.7400226D5D5@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

September 13, 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 National Convention: ARRL Welcomes NASA Astronaut Lee Morin,
KF5DDB, to 2012 National Convention
- + Emergency Preparedness: Get Set for the 2012 Simulated Emergency
Test
- Amateur Radio in Space: Three Hams Return to Earth this Weekend;
Watch Live on NASA TV
- + Newly Elected Section Managers to Converge in Newington
- + Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY, Named QST Managing Editor
- Solar Update
- + ARRL to Welcome USTTI Students in October
- 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 NATIONAL CONVENTION: ARRL WELCOMES NASA ASTRONAUT LEE MORIN,
KF5DDB, TO 2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION

   NASA Astronaut Lee Morin, KF5DDB, will be a special guest at the
2012 ARRL National Convention at Pacificon -- held October 12-14 -- in
Santa Clara, California. Morin, an ARRL member, served as a Mission
Specialist on Atlantis for STS-110 that launched in April 2002. During
this 13th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, he
performed two extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) -- also known as
spacewalks -- the first time that the station's robotic arm was used to
maneuver spacewalkers around the station. Pacificon attendees will have
the chance to meet and greet Morin in the ARRL exhibit area. He will
also present a forum at Pacificon and will be the speaker at Saturday
night's banquet where he will share his experiences about spaceflight
and his interests in Amateur Radio. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-welcomes-nasa-astronaut-lee-morin-kf5ddb-to-2012-national-convention>.

==> + EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: GET SET FOR THE 2012 SIMULATED EMERGENCY
TEST

   Are you ready to respond to a local communications emergency? How
about within your area, state or beyond? The ARRL Simulated Emergency
Test (SET) -- an exercise that enables you and your local, District and
Section leaders to test equipment, modes, operating skills and
emergency deployment plans to see if everything is in place and ready
for an actual emergency event -- is October 6-7. The SET is one of the
premier events of the year that invites the Amateur Radio Emergency
Service, the National Traffic System, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Service, SKYWARN, members of the ARRL Field Organization and other
groups to work in concert together to practice and prepare. Read more
here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/get-set-for-the-2012-simulated-emergency-test>.

==> AMATEUR RADIO IN SPACE: THREE HAMS RETURN TO EARTH THIS WEEKEND;
WATCH LIVE ON NASA TV

   After spending 125 days in space, NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba,
KE5DAR, Expedition 32 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, and Flight
Engineer Sergei Revin, RN3BS (both of the Russian Federal Space
Agency), will begin their voyage home to Earth this weekend, marking
the end of Expedition 32 on the International Space Station. The trio
will undock their Soyuz TMA-04M spacecraft on Sunday, September 16 at
7:09 PM EDT (2309 UTC) for the flight home. They are scheduled to
arrive in Kazakhstan at the Baikonur Cosmodrome almost four hours later
at 10:53 PM EDT (0253 UTC on Monday, September 17). NASA will televise
the farewell ceremony, as well as the undocking of the Soyuz craft, its
launch and landing in Kazakhstan live on NASA TV. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/three-hams-return-to-earth-this-weekend-watch-live-on-nasa-tv>.

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

   This weekend, 12 newly elected or appointed Section Managers will be
in Newington at ARRL Headquarters for an orientation workshop. The
primary purposes of the three-day workshop sessions are to share ideas
and to provide basic administrative, management, leadership and
motivational training. The workshop provides an opportunity for the
Section Managers to chat among themselves or within the group, and to
share their views on various issues and exchange ideas. Through
training and orientation sessions conducted by ARRL staff members --
and by meeting with other Section Managers -- participants can explore
what works, as well as what does not, and bring home some fresh ideas
and some encouragement. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/newly-elected-section-managers-to-converge-in-newington>.

==> + BECKY SCHOENFELD, W1BXY, NAMED QST MANAGING EDITOR

   ARRL Book Editor Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY, has been promoted to QST
Managing Editor, the position formerly held by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE
(SK). A Connecticut native, Schoenfeld has more than two decades of
publishing experience. Prior to her employment at ARRL Headquarters,
she was Senior Editor at Teaching K-8 magazine, one of the most popular
magazines for childhood educators, and Senior Project Editor for
textbook publisher Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. In addition, she founded
Amaranth magazine, a successful poetry journal. She holds an MFA from
Emerson College and a BA from Fairfield University. Her Amateur Radio
activities include chasing grid squares in pursuit of her 6 meter VUCC
award and DX hunting on 10 meters.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "You'll find us chasing the Sun
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIyYMjI-xFg>" Cook, K7RA, reports:
Solar activity retreated this week, with the average daily sunspot
numbers off nearly 46 points -- about 35 percent -- to 83.1, while the
average daily solar flux declined 18 points to 118.9. Geomagnetic
conditions were quieter, with the planetary and mid-latitude A index
most days in the single digits; the average planetary A index declined
from 14.1 to 6.6. The predicted daily solar flux is 100 on September
13, 95 on September 14-16, 100 again on September 17-18, 105 on
September 19, 95 on September 20-21, 100 on September 22, 110 on
September 23-24, 115, 125 and 130 on September 25-27, and peaking at
140 on September 28-October 1. The predicted planetary A index on
September 13-17 is 5, 7, 10, 12 and 8, then down to 5 on September
18-19, 10 on September 20, 8 on September 21-23, 5 on September 24-28,
10 on September 29, and back down to 5 on September 30-October 2. Look
for more on the ARRL website on Friday, September 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 The Wanted's Chasing the Sun
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasing_the_Sun_%28song%29>.

==> + ARRL TO WELCOME USTTI STUDENTS IN OCTOBER

Next month -- October 1-5 -- the ARRL will welcome eight international
students who want to learn how to administer and regulate Amateur Radio
programs in their home countries. This course, offered by the United
States Telecommunications Training Institute for learners from
developing countries, will help the participants create, administer and
foster an Amateur Radio Service in their countries.

   ARRL staff instructors will help course participants discover the
ever-expanding universe of Amateur Radio communication, explaining why
Amateur Radio operators -- upwards of three million individuals in
virtually every country of the world -- have earned licenses to operate
stations in the Service and why they are recognized, both by their
governments and internationally, as a valuable voluntary
telecommunications resource. Course participants will also discover how
a telecommunications administration can bring the benefits of a healthy
Amateur Service to its nation.

Now in its 30th year, USTTI is a nonprofit venture involving leading
US-based communications and information technology corporations and
leaders of the federal government cooperating to provide tuition-free
management, policy and technical training for talented professionals
from the developing world. This is the 28th year that the ARRL has
participated in the program.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- September 14 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- September 14-16 -- FISTS Get Your Feet Wet Weekend
- September 15 -- Feld Hell Sprint
- September 15-16 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (local time)
<http://www.arrl.org/news/explore-the-upper-reaches-of-the-amateur-radio-spectrum-in-the-arrl-10-ghz-and-up-contest>;
South Carolina QSO Party; Washington State Salmon Run; Scandinavian
Activity Contest (CW); SRT HF Contest (SSB); QRP Afield
- September 16 -- North American Sprint (SSB); WAB 144 MHz QRO Phone
Contest
- September 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest; 144 MHz Fall Sprint
(local time)
- September 20 -- NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint

Next week:

- September 21 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- September 22 -- FOC QSO Party; AGCW VHF/UHF Contest
- September 23 -- BARTG Sprint 75
- September 24 -- QRP Homebrewer Sprint
- September 25 -- 222 MHz Fall Sprint (local time)
- September 26 -- SKCC Sprint
- September 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

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

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#!/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 Sep 20 15:08:32 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:08:32 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for September 20, 2012
Message-ID: <20120920205942.6B4C626723@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

September 20, 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 National Convention: Find Out What's In Store at the 2012 ARRL
National Convention
- + Looking Ahead to WRC-15
- + Silent Key: Sean Smith, KG4WSS, Killed in Consulate Attack
- + ARDF Update: A Baker's Dozen of Medals for ARDF Team USA
- Federal Employees Can Help Support ARRL through the 2012 Combined
Federal Campaign
- + On the Air: Last Man Standing Plans Special Event Station
- Solar Update
- + DXCC News: ARRL DXCC Desk Approves 11 Operations for DXCC Credit
- 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 NATIONAL CONVENTION: FIND OUT WHAT'S IN STORE AT THE 2012
ARRL NATIONAL CONVENTION

   On October 12-14, the ARRL will welcome members and friends to the
2012 ARRL National Convention in Santa Clara, California. Hosted by
Pacificon and sponsored by members of the Mount Diablo Amateur Radio
Club, this three-day event is sure to be jam-packed with excitement,
exhibits and, of course, the ever-popular ARRL EXPO. Use this handy
guide to find ARRL-sponsored activities and exhibits throughout the
event. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/find-out-what-s-in-store-at-the-2012-arrl-national-convention>.

==> + LOOKING AHEAD TO WRC-15

   From an Amateur Radio perspective, the 2012 World Radiocommunication
Conference (WRC-12) was very successful. According to IARU Secretary
Rod Stafford, W6ROD, the IARU Administrative Council will meet in the
next 45 days and will address the agenda items for the 2015 World
Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) with an eye to building the best
strategy for dealing with those items in a way that is most favorable
to the Amateur Radio Service. While the IARU will be watching all
agenda items in 2015, there is one agenda item that focuses on the
Amateur Radio Service, and another four that may have an effect the
Amateur Radio Service. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/looking-ahead-to-wrc-15>.

==> + SILENT KEY: SEAN SMITH, KG4WSS, KILLED IN CONSULATE ATTACK

   Sean P. Smith, KG4WSS, of Falls Church, Virginia, was killed when
the US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked on September 11. He
was 34. Smith was one of four Americans, including Chris Stevens -- the
US Ambassador to Libya -- who was killed in the attack. Smith, a native
of San Diego, enlisted in the Air Force in 1995 at age 17. He served
six years as a ground radio maintenance specialist, including a
deployment to Oman, before leaving the service in 2002 as a staff
sergeant. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. Smith, who
had worked at the State Department for 10 years, was in Libya on a
temporary assignment when he was killed. Prior to his temporary
assignment to Benghazi, Smith served for the State Department in
Brussels, Baghdad, Pretoria, Montreal and The Hague. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/sean-smith-kg4wss-killed-in-consulate-attack>.

==> + ARDF UPDATE: A BAKER'S DOZEN OF MEDALS FOR ARDF TEAM USA

By ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV

   As they packed their suitcases in preparation for the World
Championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), the members of
Team USA were eager, but they had no idea that they would return home
with 13 medals. Team USA has participated in these biennial
championships since 1998, and the most medals they had won any time so
far had been two, with no golds. This year, however, would be
different; their practice sessions and training camps would make them
better prepared than ever.

The sport of ARDF -- also called foxtailing, foxhunting and
radio-orienteering -- has undergone many changes since the first World
Championships in 1980, but the basics remain unchanged. A championship
course has five transmitters in a mapped area of rural and wooded
terrain, typically 1000 acres or more. When Fox #1 comes on the air,
contestants set out from the start as and try to be the fastest to
"punch in" at all required transmitters and then make it to the finish
line in another part of the forest. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/ardf-update-a-baker-s-dozen-of-medals-for-ardf-team-usa>.

==> FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CAN HELP SUPPORT ARRL THROUGH THE 2012 COMBINED
FEDERAL CAMPAIGN

   For the past 11 years, the US Office of Personnel Management has
designated the ARRL as a participant in the Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC). This campaign for federal government civilian employees, US
Postal Service workers and members of the military has generated almost
$192,000 for ARRL programs since it first became an option for federal
employees to donate to the League. The CFC provides an easy way to
support the ARRL's effort to represent its members and all radio
amateurs. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/federal-employees-can-help-support-arrl-through-the-2012-combined-federal-campaign>.

==> + ON THE AIR: LAST MAN STANDING PLANS SPECIAL EVENT STATION

The crew of the hit ABC comedy Last Man Standing
<http://www.arrl.org/news/em-ham-radio-in-hollywood-em-amateur-radio-makes-its-debut-on-em-last-man-standing-em>
is planning a radio event on Sunday, October 28 to kick off the show's
second season. Last Man Standing features Tim Allen as Mike Baxter,
KA0XTT. According to Last Man Standing Producer John Amodeo, NN6JA,
Mike's station is back this year with even more gear. In addition, all
the antennas that were in the catwalk last year have been relocated to
the studio's roof.

   Using special event call sign K6T, the show's crew will operate on
HF, VHF, UHF, D-STAR, EchoLink and IRLP to communicate with fans of the
show; 12 members of the Last Man Standing crew are licensed amateurs.
Members of the Los Angeles-based PAPA System <http://www.papasys.com/>
will assist the crew with running the event. The crew will use several
PAPA System repeaters to run analog VHF, UHF and D-STAR communications.
They will also be monitoring the Disney Amateur Radio Interconnect
repeater system, which has repeaters in New York City (W2ABC
<http://w2abc.org/index2.php>), Florida (WD4WDW
<http://www.wd4wdw.org/> and WD4WDW-B/D-STAR
<https://dstargw.wd4wdw.org/>) and California (KB6AJE
<http://www.qrz.com/db/wb6aje>), as well as EchoLink capability. A list
of frequencies and an operating schedule will be posted on the KA0XTT
Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/KA0XTT?ref=ts> and on Amodeo's
Twitter feed <https://twitter.com/nn6ja> in the next few weeks. A
special QSL card will be sent to all hams who contact K6T; hams do not
need to send a self-addressed, stamped envelope, nor do they need to
send postage or "green stamps."

Last Man Standing <http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/last-man-standing>
begins its second season on Friday, November 2 at 8/7 Central.

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "The summer Sun knows me by name
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaCCG7QkM_c>" Cook, K7RA, reports: The
average daily sunspot numbers dropped this week, from 83.1 to 56, while
the average daily solar flux declined from 118.9 to 101.4. The latest
forecast shows the predicted solar flux at 115 on September 20-22, 120
on September 23-25, then 125 and 130 on September 26-27, and rising to
140 on September 28-October 1. On October 2, it drops to 135, 130 on
October 3-5, and back down to 125 on October 6-7. The flux values then
dip below 100 on October 14-16, and peak again around 140 on October
25-28. The predicted planetary A index is 10 on September 20, 12 on
September 21-22, 10 on September 23 and 5 on September 24-28, 10 again
on September 29, and 5 on September 30-October 2. Look for more on the
ARRL website on Friday, September 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 The Brady Bunch's It's a
Sunshine Day <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Sunshine_Day>.

==> + DXCC NEWS: ARRL DXCC DESK APPROVES 11 OPERATIONS FOR DXCC CREDIT

   On September 19, the ARRL DXCC Desk approved the following 2012
operations for DXCC credit: 3B8/IW5ELA (Mauritius); E40VB (Palestine);
JY8VB (Jordan); 9A8VB (Croatia); E7/UA4WHX (Bosnia-Herzegovina); 4O7VB
(Montenegro); Z38VB (Macedonia); ZA/UA4WHX (Albania); YU9VB (Serbia);
EY8/UA4WHX (Tajikistan), and UN/UA4WHX (Kazakhstan).

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- September 21 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- September 22 -- FOC QSO Party; AGCW VHF/UHF Contest
- September 23 -- BARTG Sprint 75
- September 24 -- QRP Homebrewer Sprint
- September 25 -- 222 MHz Fall Sprint (local time)
- September 26 -- SKCC Sprint
- September 26-27 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test

Next week:

- September 29 -- Microwave Fall Sprint (local time)
- September 29-30 -- Texas QSO Party; CQ WW RTTY Contest
- October 2 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
- October 3 -- German Telegraphy Contest
- October 3 -- 432 MHz Fall Sprint (local time)

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

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#!/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 Sep 27 15:07:04 2012
From: memberlist at www.arrl.org (ARRL Web site)
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:07:04 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Letter-List] The ARRL Letter for September 27, 2012
Message-ID: <20120927205430.A1E0226CCB5@bmail.arrl.org>

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

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

September 27, 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: Hams From Five Countries Help Put Kosovo On the Air for
the First Time
- + Former AMSAT President Bill Tynan, W3XO, to Receive RCA's Goldwater
Award
- + Silent Key: IARU Region 3 Chairman Michael Owen, VK3KI (SK)
- + ARRL Executive Committee to Meet in Colorado This Weekend
- Federal Employees Can Help Support ARRL through the 2012 Combined
Federal Campaign
- + At the Workbench: Attention Kit Builders -- The ARRL Wants to Hear
from You!
- Solar Update
- ARRL HQ Seeks Applicants for QST Technical Editor
- + Silent Key:Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society Chairman Sid T. May,
ET3SID (SK)
- Silent Key: Everett Gracey, WA6CBA (SK)
- + Last Man Standing Producer Cancels Special Event
- 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: HAMS FROM FIVE COUNTRIES HELP PUT KOSOVO ON THE AIR
FOR THE FIRST TIME

   On September 12, the Autoriteti Rregullativ i Telekomunikacionit
(ART) -- Kosovo's telecommunications regulatory authority -- created
the necessary legal framework for the development of an Amateur Radio
Service in the Republic of Kosovo by approving its Regulation for
Amateur Radio Services. Although not formally assigned a prefix by the
International Telecommunication Union, Kosovo will use the Z6 prefix.
Currently, Kosovo does not count toward the ARRL's DXCC Award, as it
has not been assigned a prefix by the ITU (per DXCC rule II.1.a), nor
has it been recognized by the United Nations (per DXCC rule II.1.b).

Nigel Cawthorne, G3TXF, and Bob Barden, MD0CCE/N2BB -- members of the
Chiltern DX Club (CDXC) -- were part of a team of operators led by IARU
Region 1 President Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, that activated Z60K,
the first Amateur Radio station in the Republic of Kosovo. Along with
Cawthorne, Barden and Blondeel Timmerman, the team included the
following radio amateurs: Nik Percin, 9A5W; Emil Balen Zdravko, 9A9A;
Emir Mahmutovic, 9A6AA; Martti Laine, OH2BH; Jorma Saloranta, OH2KI,
and Pekka Holstila, OH2TA. Click here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/a-first-hand-look-at-the-z60k-activation-in-kosovo>
for Cawthorne's and Barden's account of the Z60K activation.

==> + FORMER AMSAT PRESIDENT BILL TYNAN, W3XO, TO RECEIVE RCA'S
GOLDWATER AWARD

   The Radio Club of America (RCA) has announced that William A. Tynan,
W3XO, of Kerrville, Texas, will receive its 2012 Barry Goldwater
Amateur Radio Award. First given in 1994, the Goldwater Award is given
to an RCA member who is also a licensed amateur, in recognition of a
long record of service to the public through the use of Amateur Radio.
Tynan -- an RCA Fellow and an ARRL Life Member -- will receive the
award at the RCA's 103rd annual awards banquet, held in New York City
on November 16. ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, also
an RCA Fellow, will be the banquet's keynote speaker. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/former-amsat-president-bill-tynan-w3xo-to-receive-rca-s-goldwater-award>.

==> + SILENT KEY: IARU REGION 3 CHAIRMAN MICHAEL OWEN, VK3KI (SK)

IARU Region 3 Chairman Michael Owen, VK3KI, passed away September 22.
He was 75. Owen, who was also President of the Wireless Institute of
Australia (WIA) -- that country's IARU Member Society -- was active in
the IARU and served as a member of the IARU Observer Team at a number
of World Radiocommunication Conferences. He is perhaps best remembered
for his work on Article 25 -- a package of revisions to the
international Radio Regulations that are specific to the Amateur and
Amateur-Satellite Services -- at WRC-03.

   Amateur Radio societies around the world have benefited from Owen's
enthusiasm and experience; he was passionately involved with the
Amateur Radio Service since the 1960s, and served as IARU Vice
President from 1989-1999.

"I am very saddened to hear about Michael's sudden passing," IARU
President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, told the ARRL. "I was only speaking to him
a few days ago and he was very enthused about leading the IARU Region 3
Conference in Ho Chi Minh City in a few weeks. Michael was a good
friend and mentor to many of us in IARU. His drafting skills were
second to none, and his ability to clearly articulate his position on a
number of issues was of immeasurable help to us. The IARU is indebted
to his work at WRCs and at many regional Asia Pacific
Telecommunications meetings." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/iaru-region-3-chairman-michael-owen-vk3ki-sk>.

==> + ARRL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO MEET IN COLORADO THIS WEEKEND

   The ARRL Executive Committee will meet Saturday, September 29 in
Denver, Colorado. ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, serves as Chairman
of the Executive Committee. Five Division Directors who are elected by
the ARRL Board of Directors are also on the committee: Midwest Division
Director Cliff Ahrens, K0CA; Northwestern Division Director Jim
Fenstermaker, K9JF; Central Division Director Dick Isely, W9GIG; Rocky
Mountain Division Director Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, and West Gulf
Division Director David Woolweaver, K5RAV. ARRL Chief Executive Officer
David Sumner, K1ZZ, and ARRL First Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR,
are non-voting members of the Executive Committee. ARRL General Counsel
Chris Imlay, W3KD, and Second Vice President Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, will
also attend the meeting. Click here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-executive-committee-to-meet-in-colorado>
for the meeting's agenda.

==> FEDERAL EMPLOYEES CAN HELP SUPPORT ARRL THROUGH THE 2012 COMBINED
FEDERAL CAMPAIGN

   For the past 11 years, the US Office of Personnel Management has
designated the ARRL as a participant in the Combined Federal Campaign
(CFC). This campaign for federal government civilian employees, US
Postal Service workers and members of the military has generated almost
$192,000 for ARRL programs since it first became an option for federal
employees to donate to the League. The CFC provides an easy way to
support the ARRL's effort to represent its members and all radio
amateurs. Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/federal-employees-can-help-support-arrl-through-the-2012-combined-federal-campaign>.

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

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

==> SOLAR UPDATE

   Tad "We all shine on, like the Moon and the stars and the Sun
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqP3wT5lpa4>" Cook, K7RA, reports: The
average daily sunspot numbers rose this week from 56 to 81.3, while the
average daily solar flux increased from 101.4 to 129.7. This increase
is expected to continue over the next few days, with the solar flux
peaking at 150 on September 28-29, then going to 145 on September
30-October 1, 140 and 135 on October 2-3, 130 on October 4-5, 125 on
October 6-7, 120 on October 8, 115 on October 9-10, 120 on October 11,
115 on October 12-13, and 120 on October 14-15. It is then expected to
rise to a peak of 150 on October 20 and 150 again on October 25-26,
with the average solar flux on October 21-24 around 141. The average
planetary A index declined from 7.4 last week to 4.3 this week. The
predicted planetary A index values are 5 on every day through October
2, then 10 on October 3, 8 on October 4-5, and 5 on October 6-11. Look
for more on the ARRL website on Friday, September 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 John Lennon's Instant Karma!
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_Karma!>

==> ARRL HQ SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR QST TECHNICAL EDITOR

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

Qualifications:

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

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

==> + SILENT KEY:ETHIOPIAN AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY CHAIRMAN SID T. MAY,
ET3SID (SK)

   Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society (EARS) Chairman Sid T. May,
ET3SID/G4CTQ/AB3OZ, passed away September 25. In 1993, May established
ET3AA, the first Amateur Radio club in Ethiopia. According to
Hailemelekot Negussie, AB3OX, of EARS (Ethiopia's IARU Member Society),
May taught Amateur Radio licensing classes in Ethiopia for more than 15
years. An accredited ARRL Volunteer Examiner, May administered the FCC
Amateur Radio license exam to prospective Ethiopian hams. He took part
in administering an FCC exam session in December 2011 where more than
50 Ethiopians received US call signs; May gave his last exam session on
September 10, with 18 sitting for the exam. "Sid was a teacher, a
mentor and a father to all of us at ET3AA," Negussie explained. "We
feel very saddened about the news, and extend our condolences to his
family and wish for his soul to rest in peace. Sid is survived by
hundreds of ambitious radio hams and engineers who will forever be
inspired by his humbleness and vision." Read more here
<http://www.arrl.org/news/ethiopian-amateur-radio-society-chairman-sid-t-may-et3sid-sk>.

==> SILENT KEY: EVERETT GRACEY, WA6CBA (SK)

Everett Gracey, WA6CBA, of Grass Valley, California, passed away on
August 26. He was 90. In 1979, Gracey -- along with Ken, K6HCP, and
Jacqui Holladay -- founded Mirage Communications in Gilroy, California.
After selling Mirage, Gracey founded RF Concepts in 1986. Both Mirage
and RF Concepts sold and manufactured VHF and UHF amplifiers. After
Gracey sold RF Concepts, he continued to lead the company's marketing
team for the next six years. In August 2000, Gracey joined forces with
LDG Electronics as its dealer representative and marking consultant.
Gracey was also responsible for bringing Alinco Electronics -- a radio
manufacturer in Osaka, Japan -- into the USA marketplace. Read more
here <http://www.arrl.org/news/everett-gracey-wa6cba-sk>.

==> + LAST MAN STANDING PRODUCER CANCELS SPECIAL EVENT

   Due to concerns over perceived violations of Section 97.113(a)(3)
<http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title47-vol5/pdf/CFR-2011-title47-vol5-sec97-113.pdf>,
Last Man Standing Producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, has cancelled the Last
Man Standing Special Event Station planned for October 28
<http://www.arrl.org/news/em-last-man-standing-em-plans-special-event-station>.
Amodeo had applied for and received a 1?1 call sign -- K6T -- to use
for the event that would have taken place on the show's set. Last Man
Standing stars Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT. "Although the intent
of the Special Event Station was to celebrate and promote ham radio, it
might be interpreted as promotion for the show and that cannot be
permitted," Amodeo explained. "While we are disappointed with the
cancelation of what would have been a fun, one-of-a-kind event, I know
that as a licensed amateur and producer of broadcast programs,
compliance with the FCC rules takes precedence. We will find other fun
ways to use our station and promote ham radio soon. Mike Baxter's
fictitious station, KA0XTT, will continue to appear on the set of Last
Man Standing, but the radios will remain silent." Last Man Standing
<http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/last-man-standing> begins its second
season on Friday, November 2 at 8/7 Central.

==> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT

This week:

- September 29 -- Microwave Fall Sprint (local time)
- September 29-30 -- Texas QSO Party; CQ WW RTTY Contest
- October 2 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
- October 3 -- German Telegraphy Contest
- October 3 -- 432 MHz Fall Sprint (local time)

Next week:

- October 5 -- NCCC Sprint
- October 5-7 -- YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest
- October 6 -- TARA PSK Rumble Contest; EU Autumn Sprint (SSB)
- October 6-7 -- ARRL EME Contest <http://www.arrl.org/eme-contest>;
California QSO Party; EPC Russia DX Contest; Oceania DX Contest (SSB);
WAB HF Phone Contest
- October 7 -- UBA ON Contest (SSB)
- October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint; NAQCC Straight
Key/Bug Sprint
- October 10-11 -- 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 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/sedco-w4dxcc-viii-convention>, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- October 7 -- ARRL Connecticut State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/connecticut-state-convention-nutmeg-hamfest>,
Meriden, Connecticut
- October 12-14 -- ARRL National Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-national-convention-pacificon-2012>,
Santa Clara, California
- October 13 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-state-convention-hamboree-2012>,
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- October 13-14 -- ARRL Florida State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/florida-state-convention-melbourne-hamfest-1>,
Melbourne, Florida
- November 3-4 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/georgia-state-convention-stone-mountain-hamfest-computer-expo-1>,
Lawrenceville, Georgia
- November 4 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/iowa-section-convention-41st-annual-drac-hamfest-computer-show'>,
Davenport, Iowa
- November 10 -- ARRL Alabama State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/alabama-state-convention-1>, Montgomery,
Alabama
- November 17-18 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-computer-expo-1>,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 1-2 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-2>,
Palmetto, Florida
- January 18-19 -- ARRL North Texas Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/north-texas-section-convention-cowtown-hamfest-1>,
Fort Worth, Texas
- January 19 -- ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southern-florida-section-convention-3>,
Fort Myers, Florida
- January 25-26 -- ARRL Mississippi State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/mississippi-state-convention-capital-city-hamfest>,
Jackson, Mississippi
- January 26-27 -- ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/puerto-rico-state-convention>, Hatillo,
Puerto Rico
- February 2 -- ARRL South Carolina State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/south-carolina-state-convention-2>, North
Charleston, South Carolina
- February 8-10 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/southeastern-division-convention-orlando-hamcation-1>,
Orlando, Florida
- February 15-16 -- ARRL Arizona State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arizona-state-convention-yuma-hamfest-1>,
Yuma, Arizona

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

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