From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Sun Feb  3 16:09:35 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:09:35 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Strong Solar Radio Burst
In-Reply-To: <LYRIS-775776-1757404-2013.02.03-13.56.24--bmarx#bellsouth.net@www.spaceweather2.com>
References: <LYRIS-775776-1757404-2013.02.03-13.56.24--bmarx#bellsouth.net@www.spaceweather2.com>
Message-ID: <510ED20F.6090006@bellsouth.net>


Space Weather News for Feb. 3, 2003
http://spaceweather.com

SOLAR RADIO BURST: Solar activity has been low for weeks.  However, there was a break in the quiet this weekend when new sunspot AR1667 unleashed a strong burst of shortwave radio static.  The emissions were so loud, they overwhelmed the sounds of terrestrial voice transmissions in the loudspeakers of some shortwave radios on Earth.  A recording of the outburst is featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Feb  4 08:27:00 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:27:00 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Discussion Of Daily Solar Space And
	Geomagnetic Weather - NZ4O
In-Reply-To: <1B67EDD0241145F687407EB5C8ECACFE@Radio>
References: <1B67EDD0241145F687407EB5C8ECACFE@Radio>
Message-ID: <510FB724.8080608@bellsouth.net>


DISCUSSION OF DAILY SOLAR SPACE AND GEOMAGNETIC WEATHER-

Solar activity is moderate as far as the emergence of the number of new
sunspot groups. Currently there are 6 numbered and 1 new un-numbered sunspot
groups.

Solar activity is moderate (4 solar flares) as far as the number of new
solar flares and their magnitude. The largest solar flare in the past 24
hour period was a small C8.4.

The daily solar flux index (SFI) has been above 100 for 4 consecutive days,
currently at 112.5.

The daily sunspot number (SSN) has languished below 100 for 19 consecutive
days, currently at 79.

The geomagnetic field had been unsettled for 1 consecutive day with the Kp
(planetary) index as high as a 3, but is now quiet. Following are the 24
hour 3 hour Kp (planetary) intervals 21111111.

The Dst ranged between +46 and +28.

For the latest solar, space & geomagnetic weather data go to
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o2.htm .

To subscribe to the NZ4O Daily MF/HF/6M Radio Wave Propagation Forecast
Subscription Service go to http://www.wcflunatall.com/propagation.htm or
http://www.solarcycle24.org .


73 & GUD DX,
Thomas F. Giella, NZ4O
Lakeland, FL, USA
nz4o at tampabay.rr.com

NZ4O Daily MF/HF/6M Radio Wave Propagation Forecast Subscription Service:
http://www.solarcycle24.org
NZ4O Solar Space & Geomagnetic Weather Data Dashboard:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o2.htm
NZ4O Solar Cycle 24 Forecast Discussion & Archive:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o4.htm
NZ4O 160 Meter Radio Propagation Theory Notes:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o5.htm
NZ4O Solar Space Weather & Geomagnetic Raw Forecast Data Links:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o6.htm
Solar Cycle 24 Dot Org on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SolarCycle24org/139198369462931


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb  7 08:29:37 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:29:37 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] 2013 Winter Classic Exchange - For
 those with Older Ham Radio Boatanchors with Tubes ...
In-Reply-To: <BLU159-ds127EB69576A5A52C6476F2C4060@phx.gbl>
References: <BLU159-ds127EB69576A5A52C6476F2C4060@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <5113AC41.1040609@bellsouth.net>

For those with Older Ham Radio Boatanchors with Tubes ...

The AM - SSB - FM CX will run from 1400 UTC February 10 to 0800 UTC February 11, 2013.
(9 AM Eastern Time on Sunday to 3 AM Eastern Time Monday)
Call: "CQ Classic Exchange"

Suggested Frequencies -- plus/minus QRM
Listen up and down 5 to 10 Kc for crystal controlled stations
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME REQUENCIES HAVE CHANGED

AM 1.885 mc. 3.870 mc. 7.290 mc. 14.286 mc. 21.420 mc. 29.000 mc. 50.300 mc. 144.300 mc.
SSB 1.895 mc. 3.895 mc. 7.280 mc. 14.270 mc. 21.370 mc. 28.390 mc. 50.125 mc. 144.200 mc

Full details at www.classicexchange.org

Questions? E-mail me!
WB2AWQ at arrl.net
See ya Sunday.

Howie WB2AWQ/7


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb  7 08:34:42 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:34:42 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] For those with Older Ham Radio Boat
	Anchors with Tubes ...
Message-ID: <5113AD72.1070107@bellsouth.net>

For those with Older Ham Radio Boat Anchors with Tubes ...

2013 Winter Classic Exchange


The AM - SSB - FM CX will run from 1400 UTC February 10 to 0800 UTC 
February 11, 2013.
(9 AM Eastern Time on Sunday to 3 AM Eastern Time Monday)
Call: "CQ Classic Exchange"

Suggested Frequencies -- plus/minus QRM
Listen up and down 5 to 10 Kc for crystal controlled stations
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME FREQUENCIES HAVE CHANGED

AM 1.885 mc. 3.870 mc. 7.290 mc. 14.286 mc. 21.420 mc. 29.000 mc. 50.300 
mc. 144.300 mc.
SSB 1.895 mc. 3.895 mc. 7.280 mc. 14.270 mc. 21.370 mc. 28.390 mc. 
50.125 mc. 144.200 mc

Full details at www.classicexchange.org

Questions? E-mail me!
WB2AWQ at arrl.net
See ya Sunday.

Howie WB2AWQ/7

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb  7 16:23:32 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:23:32 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Still using paper logs?
In-Reply-To: <CA+Am858gU3kn0nzLpG6VaSofbi_249JB_R=Cbeff=HkvaG10Wg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CA+Am858gU3kn0nzLpG6VaSofbi_249JB_R=Cbeff=HkvaG10Wg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <51141B54.5030608@bellsouth.net>

 From Tony N2MFT

Thanks to Jack K4WSB

These are already laid out:

http://www.m0ukd.com/amateur_radio_printable_logbook/

Jack Hartley
K4WSB / VP2MSB
#1 DXCC Honor Roll
QCWA OOTC
/"Celebrating over 1/2 century in Ham Radio"/



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb  7 18:50:40 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:50:40 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Still using paper logs? NO
In-Reply-To: <1360272579.84569.YahooMailNeo@web181504.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
References: <CA+Am858gU3kn0nzLpG6VaSofbi_249JB_R=Cbeff=HkvaG10Wg@mail.gmail.com>
	<51141B54.5030608@bellsouth.net>
	<1360272579.84569.YahooMailNeo@web181504.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <51143DD0.50501@bellsouth.net>

I've had a computer in the shack for over 30 years. I still log on paper 
and transfer when I feel like it. Many do the same. And then lots of old 
timers still use paper. The fact that they have a computer doesn't mean 
they have an interest in a logging program. Note the site is from the U.K.

Bill Marx W2CQ


On 2/7/2013 4:29 PM, Norm Alexander wrote:
> Why would anyone in today,s world use a paper log?
>
> If the prospective user can see the PDF version being offered, then by 
> definition he has a computer.  Therefore no reason to not use 
> electronic logging even if all you do is create your own EXCEL spread 
> sheet version.
>
>  Maybe you are out in some remote area with no computer access, okay 
> info on the back of an envelope for a  few contacts will suffice, then 
> transfer to the computer log..
>
> Regards,
>
> Norm
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Bill <bmarx at bellsouth.net>
> *To:* aSFDXA <SFDXA at mailman.qth.net>; qcWA69 at mailman.qth.net
> *Sent:* Thursday, February 7, 2013 4:23 PM
> *Subject:* [SFDXA] Still using paper logs?
>
> >From Tony N2MFT
>
> Thanks to Jack K4WSB
>
> These are already laid out:
>
> http://www.m0ukd.com/amateur_radio_printable_logbook/
>
> Jack Hartley
> K4WSB / VP2MSB
> #1 DXCC Honor Roll
> QCWA OOTC
> /"Celebrating over 1/2 century in Ham Radio"/
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> South Florida DX Assoc.
> SFDXA WebSite: http://qsl.net/k4fk
> SFDXA Repeater 147.33+ 103.5 Tone
> To Post: mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net <mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net>
> Subscribe or UNSubScribe:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
> DX Net Wed 7:33 PM Repeater
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>


From npalex at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb  7 16:29:39 2013
From: npalex at bellsouth.net (Norm Alexander)
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2013 13:29:39 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Still using paper logs? NO
In-Reply-To: <51141B54.5030608@bellsouth.net>
References: <CA+Am858gU3kn0nzLpG6VaSofbi_249JB_R=Cbeff=HkvaG10Wg@mail.gmail.com>
	<51141B54.5030608@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <1360272579.84569.YahooMailNeo@web181504.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>

Why would anyone in today,s world use a paper log???? 

If the prospective user can see the PDF version being offered, then by definition he has a computer.? Therefore no reason to not use electronic logging even if all you do is create your own EXCEL spread sheet version.


?Maybe you are out in some remote area with no computer access, okay info on the back of an envelope for a? few contacts will suffice, then transfer to the computer log.. 


Regards,


Norm


________________________________
 From: Bill <bmarx at bellsouth.net>
To: aSFDXA <SFDXA at mailman.qth.net>; qcWA69 at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Thursday, February 7, 2013 4:23 PM
Subject: [SFDXA] Still using paper logs?
 
From Tony N2MFT

Thanks to Jack K4WSB

These are already laid out:

http://www.m0ukd.com/amateur_radio_printable_logbook/

Jack Hartley
K4WSB / VP2MSB
#1 DXCC Honor Roll
QCWA OOTC
/"Celebrating over 1/2 century in Ham Radio"/


______________________________________________________________
South Florida DX Assoc.
SFDXA WebSite: http://qsl.net/k4fk
SFDXA Repeater 147.33+ 103.5 Tone
To Post: mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
Subscribe or UNSubScribe:
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
DX Net Wed 7:33 PM Repeater

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From fishflorida at gmail.com  Thu Feb  7 16:43:21 2013
From: fishflorida at gmail.com (Mickey Baker)
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2013 16:43:21 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] [SFDXA] Still using paper logs? NO
In-Reply-To: <1360272579.84569.YahooMailNeo@web181504.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
References: <CA+Am858gU3kn0nzLpG6VaSofbi_249JB_R=Cbeff=HkvaG10Wg@mail.gmail.com>
	<51141B54.5030608@bellsouth.net>
	<1360272579.84569.YahooMailNeo@web181504.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <CAOB+T5Z0Jh+=NRsaqso6oXMdmm=xccWPNPi+G2Nbe6uzVuL73Q@mail.gmail.com>

I do the "out in the boonies, no computer, 8AA batteries" thing regularly.
I use HamLog on my phone. Easy. No paper. I think the app cost a dollar.

73,

Mickey N4MB


On Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 4:29 PM, Norm Alexander <npalex at bellsouth.net> wrote:

> Why would anyone in today,s world use a paper log?
>
> If the prospective user can see the PDF version being offered, then by
> definition he has a computer.  Therefore no reason to not use electronic
> logging even if all you do is create your own EXCEL spread sheet version.
>
>
>  Maybe you are out in some remote area with no computer access, okay info
> on the back of an envelope for a  few contacts will suffice, then transfer
> to the computer log..
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
> Norm
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: Bill <bmarx at bellsouth.net>
> To: aSFDXA <SFDXA at mailman.qth.net>; qcWA69 at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: Thursday, February 7, 2013 4:23 PM
> Subject: [SFDXA] Still using paper logs?
>
> From Tony N2MFT
>
> Thanks to Jack K4WSB
>
> These are already laid out:
>
> http://www.m0ukd.com/amateur_radio_printable_logbook/
>
> Jack Hartley
> K4WSB / VP2MSB
> #1 DXCC Honor Roll
> QCWA OOTC
> /"Celebrating over 1/2 century in Ham Radio"/
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> South Florida DX Assoc.
> SFDXA WebSite: http://qsl.net/k4fk
> SFDXA Repeater 147.33+ 103.5 Tone
> To Post: mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
> Subscribe or UNSubScribe:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
> DX Net Wed 7:33 PM Repeater
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> South Florida DX Assoc.
> SFDXA WebSite: http://qsl.net/k4fk
> SFDXA Repeater 147.33+ 103.5 Tone
> To Post: mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
> Subscribe or UNSubScribe:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
> DX Net Wed 7:33 PM Repeater
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>



-- 
Mickey Baker, N4MB
Fort Lauderdale, FL
*?Tell me, and I will listen. Show me, and I will understand. Involve me,
and I will learn.? *Teton Lakota, American Indian Saying.

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Fri Feb  8 18:24:08 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:24:08 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARLP006 Propagation de K7RA
In-Reply-To: <20130208154731.CE95F24F67@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20130208154731.CE95F24F67@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <51158918.8080407@bellsouth.net>



SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP006
ARLP006 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP06
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 6  ARLP006
>From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  February 8, 2013
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP006
ARLP006 Propagation de K7RA

Average daily sunspot numbers hardly changed from last week and the
week prior, but average daily solar flux bounced back to about the
level it was from two weeks ago.

Average daily sunspot numbers were down five points to 50.7, and
average daily solar flux was up 7.7 points to 106.4.

Predicted solar flux values are 105 on February 8-10, 110 and 105 on
February 11-12, 100 on February 13-14, 110, 115 and 110 on February
15-17, 115 on February 18-19, 110 on February 20-21, 105 on February
22, 115 on February 23-24, then 110, 105 and 100 on February 25-27,
95 on February 28 through March 2, 115 on March 3-4, 120 on March
5-6, and 125 on March 7-8.

The predicted planetary A index is 22, 15 and 10 on February 8-10, 5
on February 11-18, 8 on February 19, 5 on February 20-21, then 15,
10 and 8 on February 22-24, 5 on February 25-28, 10 and 8 on March
1-2, 5 on March 3-7, and 8 on March 8-9.

OK1HH says geomagnetic activity should be quiet to unsettled on
February 8, quiet to active February 9-10, quiet to unsettled
February 11-12, quiet to active February 13-14, quiet to February
15-16, quiet February 17-21, active to disturbed February 22-23,
quiet to unsettled February 24-25, quiet on February 26-27, mostly
quiet February 28, quiet to active March 1, quiet to unsettled March
2, and mostly quiet on March 3.

I've been looking at the predictions for planetary A index and solar
flux, and it is interesting to note how they change over time.  The
planetary A index prediction for February 3 for over a month was a
value of 5, until January 31, when it changed to 18. Then on
February 1 it was 15, and the same on February 2.  But on February
3, the actual value was 4.  A similar thing happened with the
February 4 prediction. It was 5 up until January 31, when it changed
to 15, then for March 1 and 2 it was 12, then it changed back to 15
on March 3.  The following day, March 4, the actual value was 4
again, just as it was the day earlier.

On February 7 the planetary A index prediction for February 8 is 22,
and on February 6 the prediction for February 8 was 8.  Prior to
that it was 5. We will see the actual value at the end of the day
today, February 8.

We heard from Fabrizio Valdirosa, a shortwave listener in Italy, who
inquired about the average sunspot number for all of 2011. We
mentioned recently that it was 29.9, but Fabrizio thought this was
too low while looking at the monthly averages at,
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/weekly/RecentIndices.txt.

I recalculated by again totaling all of the daily sunspot numbers
for 2011, which is 29,239. Divide that by 365 days, and we get an
average daily sunspot number for that year of 80.1. I have no idea
how 29.9 was previously calculated, except that I somehow came up
with a total for the year of 10,913 instead of 29,239 and it was my
own error. So the average yearly sunspot numbers for 2008-2012 were
4.7, 5.1, 25.5, 80.1 and 82.3.

Don Street, HS0ZEE wrote to ask about seasonal variations mentioned
in the bulletin, and asked, "Here in Asia, Spring and Fall are not
so well defined, perhaps for reader like me it would be helpful to
mention which month you refer to." We are just referring to the
seasons as the time between Equinox and Solstice, Solstice to
Equinox, etc.  This page gives the dates for the seasonal changes:

http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/longest-day/equinox-solstice-2010-2019.htm.

Don also likes the HAP charts for HF propagation produced by the
Australian government and notes, "I find the charts near to actual
band conditions. Unfortunately they are based on the previous hours
observed conditions, but still very useful."

Here is the link Don refers to:

http://www.ips.gov.au/HF_Systems/6/6/1.

Bill Bliss, W1WBB of Portsmouth, Rhode Island wrote: "Don't believe
I've seen these two new forecast products from the SWPC mentioned in
your weekly column, found via link on their home page:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/index.html

"They are issued twice daily and I've found them helpful as an
additional tool for predicting near-term propagation on the HF/MF
amateur bands.  Links for feedback on both the 3-Day Forecast and
the Forecast Discussion are also provided.  Positive feedback on
these 'experimental' products from the amateur community (accepted
up through Feb. 12) may help ensure they become a permanent part of
SWPC's Data and Products area."

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra at arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service web page at
http://arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals. For an explanation of the
numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere. An archive of past
propagation bulletins is at
http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation. Find more good
information and tutorials on propagation at
http://myplace.frontier.com/~k9la/.

Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve
overseas locations are at http://arrl.org/propagation.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of ARRL
bulletins are at http://arrl.org/bulletins.

Sunspot numbers for January 31 through February 6 were 47, 65, 54,
79, 30, 41, and 39, with a mean of 50.7. 10.7 cm flux was 102.7,
103.7, 111.8, 111.1, 106.7, 105.1, and 103.5, with a mean of 106.4.
Estimated planetary A indices were 1, 4, 9, 4, 4, 2, and 2, with a
mean of 3.7. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 1, 4, 9, 6, 3, 2,
and 2, with a mean of 3.9.
NNNN
/EX





From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Fri Feb  8 18:54:07 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:54:07 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Someone at VELVEETA must be a ham
In-Reply-To: <511455C0.5010500@verizon.net>
References: <511455C0.5010500@verizon.net>
Message-ID: <5115901F.8030608@bellsouth.net>

My Wife Barbara spotted this commercial last week. Now it is making the 
rounds.

*Someone on the marketing staff at VELVEETA must be a ham..............*

http://qrper.com/2013/02/amateur-radio-velveeta-cheese-make-television-debut/

Guess I will have to buy some!






From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Feb 11 08:38:28 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:38:28 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Discussion of Daily Solar Space and
	Geomagnetic Weather Conditions
In-Reply-To: <AC8A79A43CD34A009485CA44B1D4C023@Radio>
References: <AC8A79A43CD34A009485CA44B1D4C023@Radio>
Message-ID: <5118F454.10800@bellsouth.net>



DISCUSSION OF DAILY SOLAR SPACE AND GEOMAGNETIC WEATHER-
For Sunday February 10, 2013

Solar activity is high as far as the emergence of the number of new sunspot
groups. Currently there are 8 new un-numbered sunspot groups and 3 existing
numbered sunspot groups.

Solar activity is low as far as the number of new solar flares, 1 occurred.
The largest solar flare in magnitude was a very small in size B2.7,
associated with sunspot group #11670, located at approximately N17W05.

The daily solar flux index (SFI) has been above 100 for 11 consecutive days,
currently at 105.9.

The daily sunspot number (SSN) has languished below 100 for 26 consecutive
days, currently (NOAA) at 45.

The geomagnetic field has been quiet for 3 consecutive days with the Kp
(planetary) index in the 0-2 range. As collected by Potsdam Germany WDC the
3 hour Kp (planetary) intervals are 21110111. As collected by NOAA/SWPC the
3 hour Kp (planetary) intervals are 11110011.

The Dst ranged between +13 and -16. On the Kyoto web page the last 5 hours
of data was missing but I think that the available data is representative of
the day.

For the latest solar, space & geomagnetic weather data go to
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o2.htm . For an explanation of how the above
indices affect MF, HF and VHF radio wave propagation go to
http://www.wcflunatall.com/kn4lf5.htm .

To subscribe to the NZ4O Daily MF/HF/6M Radio Wave Propagation Forecast
Subscription Service go to http://www.wcflunatall.com/propagation.htm or
http://www.solarcycle24.org .

GENERAL GUIDELINES CONCERNING CORRELATION OF PROPAGATION INDICES TO ACTUAL
MF PROPAGATION CONDITIONS-

NOTE!!!  The propagation indices "interpretations" are my personal
intellectual property. Therefore the radio wave propagation indices
interpretations contained herein is copyrighted ? 1988-2013 by Thomas F.
Giella, NZ4O, all rights reserved. Reproduction of information herein is
allowed without permission in advance as long as proper credit is given.

1.) Dropping geomagnetic field indices numbers are better, Kp of 0 best.

2.) A daily sunspot number under 100, under 70 best.

3.) A daily sunspot number no higher then the 100 for routine stable
formation of the E Valley/F Layer ducting mechanism.

4.) Previous 24 hour Ap index under 10, fewer than 7 for several days
consecutively are best.

5.) Previous 3 hours Kp index fewer than 3 for mid latitude paths, fewer
than 2 for high latitude paths, 0 for several days consecutively is best.

6.) Energetic protons no greater than 10 MeV (10+0).

7.) Background x-ray flux levels of A0 for several days consecutively.

8.) No current STRATWARM alert.

9.) Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz with a (positive number) sign,
indicates a lesser chance of high latitude path aurora
absorption/unpredictable refraction or scattering of medium frequency RF
signals, when the Kp is above 3.

10.) A -20 or better towards a positive number Dst index during the recovery
time after a geomagnetic storm, as related to the equatorial ring current. A
positive number is best.

11.) Galactic cosmic rays decrease to -10 units below zero and trending
towards zero.

GENERAL GUIDELINES CONCERNING CORRELATION OF PROPAGATION INDICES TO ACTUAL
HF PROPAGATION CONDITIONS-

NOTE!!!  The propagation indices "interpretations" are my personal
intellectual property. Therefore the radio wave propagation indices
interpretations contained herein is copyrighted ? 1988-2013 by Thomas F.
Giella, NZ4O, all rights reserved. Reproduction of information herein is
allowed without permission in advance as long as proper credit is given.

1.) Dropping geomagnetic field indices numbers are better, Kp of 0 best.

2.) A daily sunspot number of 150 or higher, 200 or higher best.

3.) A daily sunspot number of greater than 100 for routine stable formation
of the E Valley/F Layer ducting mechanism.

4.) Previous 24 hour Ap index under 10, fewer than 7 for several days
consecutively are best.

5.) Previous 3 hours Kp index fewer than 3 for mid latitude paths, fewer
than 2 for high latitude paths, 0 for several days consecutively is best.

6.) Energetic protons no greater than 10 MeV (10+0).

7.) Background x-ray flux levels greater than B1 for several days
consecutively, greater than C1 best.

8.) No current STRATWARM alert.

9.) Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz with a (positive number) sign,
indicates a lesser chance of high latitude path aurora
absorption/unpredictable refraction or scattering of medium frequency RF
signals, when the Kp is above 3.

10.) A -20 or better towards a positive number Dst index during the recovery
time after a geomagnetic storm, as related to the equatorial ring current. A
positive number is best.

11.) Rising positive T index number. The T Index tracks with the F2 layer
critical frequency (foF2) and sunspot number (SSN) and indicates the
capability of the F2 layer to refract RF signals.

12.) Galactic cosmic rays decrease to -10 units below zero and trending
towards zero.


73 & GUD DX,
Thomas F. Giella, NZ4O
Lakeland, FL, USA
nz4o at tampabay.rr.com

NZ4O Daily MF/HF/6M Radio Wave Propagation Forecast Subscription Service:
http://www.solarcycle24.org
NZ4O Solar Space & Geomagnetic Weather Data Dashboard:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o2.htm
NZ4O Solar Cycle 24 Forecast Discussion & Archive:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o4.htm
NZ4O 160 Meter Radio Propagation Theory Notes:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o5.htm
NZ4O Solar Space Weather & Geomagnetic Raw Forecast Data Links:
http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o6.htm
Solar Cycle 24 Dot Org on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SolarCycle24org/139198369462931


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Feb 11 08:49:29 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:49:29 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Very Simple Stealth Solutions to HOA
	Problems
Message-ID: <5118F6E9.6060806@bellsouth.net>

Nothing sophisticated but simply "Just Do It..."


http://www.eham.net/articles/29676

http://www.eham.net/articles/29557

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Tue Feb 12 12:09:40 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:09:40 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Length of Exchanges in Contests
Message-ID: <511A7754.7090200@bellsouth.net>

For those of you that do contests there was much discussion on the RTTY 
list regarding the length of each exchange. In their quest to gain as 
many QSO's per hour they calculated the length of each actual exchange 
and how it varied. Someone calculated them and put it into a chart.

So here it is:
http://dwestbrook.net/projects/ham/rtty-length/

The discussion turned to CW and so that too was calculated:
http://dwestbrook.net/projects/ham/rtty-length/?mode=CW

PSK is also on the site.

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Feb 13 14:35:04 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:35:04 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] 160M under assault,
	have you commented?
In-Reply-To: <CA+Am85_-_EtrS0GyR9=z4tc-PugzDnKk3OLfTs-M7JxSvVRSuQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CA+Am85_-_EtrS0GyR9=z4tc-PugzDnKk3OLfTs-M7JxSvVRSuQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <511BEAE8.5070205@bellsouth.net>



Thanks to Norm W4QN


I am sure those who are 160 enthusiasts are well aware of this FCC 
issue. However many of us operate on that band for contests and pursuit 
of awards and may not be aware of this important issue, and I for one 
was not aware of the request for comment.  Comments on use of the upper 
part of the band by navigation aides (Loran again)is the issue.
Regards,
Norm
-------------------------------------------------------

160 Meters FCC Comments

Hi All: I grabbed this off of W3UR's daily bulletin. I was not aware of 
any of this, especially in that it appears that the top half of 160 is 
in play, unless I am reading it wrong. The fact that Frank Donovan seems 
concerned about a lack of comments caught my attention. I will study the 
proposal and file comments accordingly.  However, if you already filed 
comments on this, I'd appreciate a look at your submission so I have an 
idea on what I should focus my comments on. 73--Wally W9BEA
Topband
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __

W3LPL notes time is running out to file comments with the US FCC 
opposing changes to 1900-2000, the upper half of the current 160M band. 
  If radiolocation is allowed to move back into the 1900-2000 spectrum, 
it could force activity up there to squeeze back down into 1800-1900 kHz 
which, Frank says, could mean we ?kiss topband DXing goodbye.?  He 
notes, ?If you never experienced LORAN, it was a DISASTER, with S9+60 dB 
noise all over the band, 24/7!?  February 25 is the deadline.  Comments 
go to:
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment/view?id=6017162926 .

Additionally, Frank notes that so far the response from the amateur 
community has been disappointing.  ?Let?s not give the FCC the 
impression that few hams care about maintaining and preserving our top 
band.?  Here is another variant of the filing web address:
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view?name=12-338
and online instructions on how to file:
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/userManual/ecfsmanual.jsp.

As far as I know, there should be nothing preventing our international 
readers from also filing their views.  Perhaps we can get further 
clarification on this in the next day or two, from Frank, Bernie and others.

My own argument is that these bits of spectrum used by hams are 
tantamount to the ?national parks? (even ?international parks?), the 
bits preserved for the enjoyment of ordinary individuals.  The 
militaries, governments and commercial interests have their large 
?tracts.?  We have these little bits.  They should be preserved and kept 
?unpolluted,? as a global resource.

Relayed from the Topband reflector.


-----Original Message-----
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces@ <mailto:topband-bounces@> 
contesting. com] On Behalf Of Anthony Scandurra
Sent: February 09, 2013 14:38
To: k4eg at yahoogroups. com; PVRC; Frankford Radio Club; 
topband at contesting. com
Subject: Topband: Have you filed comments to FCC's proposed changes to 
1900-2000 kHz yet?

This is a rewrite of Don Chester' s excellent posting he made to the Top 
Bandreflector.  It contains simplified instructions for filing you own 
comments.
Thank you, Don, for reminding us all about this!!!

The deadline is the 25th of this month.  Just 16 more days left!

Even if you have zero interest on what goes on in the top half of our 
160 Meter band, its still crucial to get this passed.  In the unlikely 
event that radio location beacons will ever return, it would impact all 
users of
the band, with everyone trying to squeeze into the bottom 100 KHz. This 
may be our only window of opportunity to regain primary status across 
the entire band.

Here's how to file online.  It's really easy!

Click on this link:

http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view?name=12-338

You can view the comments others have filed by clicking on the blue 
circle with an "i" in it in the column on the left labelled "Recent 
Public Filings" .  If you need ideas about what to write, you can get 
them from filings made by other hams.

To submit your own filing, write a letter of your own in a word 
processor like WordPad (comes with every version of Windows since the 
early 90s), Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or AbiWord.  If your word 
processor supports it, save it in PDF format (Word, AbiWord and 
OpenOffice all do).

Then, go to this link:

http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/begin?procName=12-338&filedFrom=E

Fill out all of the required fields (the ones with red asterisks next to 
them - there are only five).  You can leave all the other fields blank. 
Attach your document using the "Choose File" button at the bottom.

Let's not give the FCC the impression that few hams care about 
maintaining and preserving Top Band.

73, Tony K4QE
____________ _____
Topband Reflector


From k2au at hotmail.com  Wed Feb 13 14:51:30 2013
From: k2au at hotmail.com (Mark Horowitz)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:51:30 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] [SFDXA] 160M under assault,
	have you commented?
In-Reply-To: <511BEAE8.5070205@bellsouth.net>
References: <CA+Am85_-_EtrS0GyR9=z4tc-PugzDnKk3OLfTs-M7JxSvVRSuQ@mail.gmail.com>
	<511BEAE8.5070205@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <BLU404-EAS166A4E9C817CC6B79B1A09482080@phx.gbl>

I know that most if not all 
Navigation with aircraft flying over large bodies of water use satellite . So if the Feds are using Loran as an excuse against 160 then they will have to regroup
I retired from a major airline and that was my job   to align the nav system and check for errors  before the plane went across the Atlantic .For comm they use Acars and HF ..  

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 13, 2013, at 2:35 PM, "Bill" <bmarx at bellsouth.net> wrote:

> 
> 
> Thanks to Norm W4QN
> 
> 
> I am sure those who are 160 enthusiasts are well aware of this FCC issue. However many of us operate on that band for contests and pursuit of awards and may not be aware of this important issue, and I for one was not aware of the request for comment.  Comments on use of the upper part of the band by navigation aides (Loran again)is the issue.
> Regards,
> Norm
> -------------------------------------------------------
> 
> 160 Meters FCC Comments
> 
> Hi All: I grabbed this off of W3UR's daily bulletin. I was not aware of any of this, especially in that it appears that the top half of 160 is in play, unless I am reading it wrong. The fact that Frank Donovan seems concerned about a lack of comments caught my attention. I will study the proposal and file comments accordingly.  However, if you already filed comments on this, I'd appreciate a look at your submission so I have an idea on what I should focus my comments on. 73--Wally W9BEA
> Topband
> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
> 
> W3LPL notes time is running out to file comments with the US FCC opposing changes to 1900-2000, the upper half of the current 160M band.  If radiolocation is allowed to move back into the 1900-2000 spectrum, it could force activity up there to squeeze back down into 1800-1900 kHz which, Frank says, could mean we ?kiss topband DXing goodbye.?  He notes, ?If you never experienced LORAN, it was a DISASTER, with S9+60 dB noise all over the band, 24/7!?  February 25 is the deadline.  Comments go to:
> http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment/view?id=6017162926 .
> 
> Additionally, Frank notes that so far the response from the amateur community has been disappointing.  ?Let?s not give the FCC the impression that few hams care about maintaining and preserving our top band.?  Here is another variant of the filing web address:
> http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view?name=12-338
> and online instructions on how to file:
> http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/userManual/ecfsmanual.jsp.
> 
> As far as I know, there should be nothing preventing our international readers from also filing their views.  Perhaps we can get further clarification on this in the next day or two, from Frank, Bernie and others.
> 
> My own argument is that these bits of spectrum used by hams are tantamount to the ?national parks? (even ?international parks?), the bits preserved for the enjoyment of ordinary individuals.  The militaries, governments and commercial interests have their large ?tracts.?  We have these little bits.  They should be preserved and kept ?unpolluted,? as a global resource.
> 
> Relayed from the Topband reflector.
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces@ <mailto:topband-bounces@> contesting. com] On Behalf Of Anthony Scandurra
> Sent: February 09, 2013 14:38
> To: k4eg at yahoogroups. com; PVRC; Frankford Radio Club; topband at contesting. com
> Subject: Topband: Have you filed comments to FCC's proposed changes to 1900-2000 kHz yet?
> 
> This is a rewrite of Don Chester' s excellent posting he made to the Top Bandreflector.  It contains simplified instructions for filing you own comments.
> Thank you, Don, for reminding us all about this!!!
> 
> The deadline is the 25th of this month.  Just 16 more days left!
> 
> Even if you have zero interest on what goes on in the top half of our 160 Meter band, its still crucial to get this passed.  In the unlikely event that radio location beacons will ever return, it would impact all users of
> the band, with everyone trying to squeeze into the bottom 100 KHz. This may be our only window of opportunity to regain primary status across the entire band.
> 
> Here's how to file online.  It's really easy!
> 
> Click on this link:
> 
> http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view?name=12-338
> 
> You can view the comments others have filed by clicking on the blue circle with an "i" in it in the column on the left labelled "Recent Public Filings" .  If you need ideas about what to write, you can get them from filings made by other hams.
> 
> To submit your own filing, write a letter of your own in a word processor like WordPad (comes with every version of Windows since the early 90s), Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or AbiWord.  If your word processor supports it, save it in PDF format (Word, AbiWord and OpenOffice all do).
> 
> Then, go to this link:
> 
> http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/begin?procName=12-338&filedFrom=E
> 
> Fill out all of the required fields (the ones with red asterisks next to them - there are only five).  You can leave all the other fields blank. Attach your document using the "Choose File" button at the bottom.
> 
> Let's not give the FCC the impression that few hams care about maintaining and preserving Top Band.
> 
> 73, Tony K4QE
> ____________ _____
> Topband Reflector
> 
> ______________________________________________________________
> South Florida DX Assoc.
> SFDXA WebSite: http://qsl.net/k4fk
> SFDXA Repeater 147.33+ 103.5 Tone
> To Post: mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
> Subscribe or UNSubScribe:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
> DX Net Wed 7:33 PM Repeater
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

From n8pr at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb 14 10:44:31 2013
From: n8pr at bellsouth.net (Pete Rimmel)
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:44:31 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Interesting info on the near-earth
	pass of Asteroid 2012 DA14
Message-ID: <3D2162C480DB41EDBEAE48B4A75C3011@PeteRGateway>

The related video at the bottom is excellent !

73,  PeteR



NASA Science News for Feb. 13, 2013 
On Friday, Feb. 15, NASA TV will provide commentary and images of near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 as it flies past Earth closer than many artificial satellites. 

FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/13feb_asteroidcoverage/ 

RELATED VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwidzVHvbGI

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Tue Feb 19 17:53:35 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:53:35 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] 756 Pro 3
References: <5123F733.40508@mindspring.com>
Message-ID: <72325551-BB27-4F73-9CCE-7242A31C6064@bellsouth.net>


> 
>                                   FOR SALE
>                            ICOM 756 PRO III
> 
> Excellent condition. All reasonable offers considered.
> Contact Irwin Wallace,N4IEW at n4iew at arrl.net
> Contact Irwin for additional information

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Feb 20 15:38:35 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:38:35 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Ham-Nation/85
References: <5124FC97.7030001@verizon.net>
Message-ID: <C80A5EA9-299C-4BF2-AEB9-D534AAB3F385@bellsouth.net>

Long but interesting...

> 
> :	
> 
> http://twit.tv/show/ham-nation/85
>  
> 

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Feb 20 19:35:36 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:35:36 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] PBC Hamfest coming March 9th 2013,
	Bringing Ham Radio into the 21st ...
References: <f365.46608225.3e56c1ca@aol.com>
Message-ID: <6779B7D8-64BA-4901-8967-F015BDBB9D3F@bellsouth.net>


> From: ki4ljm at mounlimited.com
> Ki4ljm 
> Marc Lonstein 
> Co. Chairman Of The Palm Beach County Ham Radio Festival on March 09, 2013 
> www.palmbeachradiofest.com
> Or
> 
> Check Out The New Smart Phone Web Site.  
> 
> http://m.palmbeachradiofest.com

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb 21 08:34:57 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:34:57 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] NASA Sees Monster Sunspot Growing
	Fast, Solar Storms Possible
Message-ID: <CCF3F676-72CC-4FFB-B2AD-AB86E4EC0C80@bellsouth.net>

NASA Sees Monster Sunspot Growing Fast, Solar Storms Possible

http://www.space.com/19892-monster-sunspot-photo-solar-flares.html

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Feb 21 10:59:18 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:59:18 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] NASA Sees Monster Sunspot Growing
	Fast, Solar Storms Possible
References: <1361458236.89472.YahooMailRC@web184404.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <7C1E2A33-D7FD-42F7-A16F-401C41C039BE@bellsouth.net>


From Richard Rosen K2RR

> Normally, though not always, that means that the F2 layer is going to be significantly enhanced and propagation on all bands and up, maybe even 6m is going to be exciting, thanks to the X-ray early arrival and geoeffectivity UNTIL the heavier particles start arriving 24 to 72 hours later. I have seen this occur many times since 1958. My guess is that the solar wind will be very high so the great to poor conditions will be a shorter period, maybe only 24 hours. 
> Best
> Rich

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Fri Feb 22 17:01:12 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:01:12 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARLP008 Propagation de K7RA
References: <20130222211349.838A026D0CC@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <6A60B363-77BA-40E1-9812-8D1FEEABF2F3@bellsouth.net>


> SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP008
> ARLP008 Propagation de K7RA
> 
> ZCZC AP08
> QST de W1AW  
> Propagation Forecast Bulletin 8  ARLP008
> From Tad Cook, K7RA
> Seattle, WA  February 22, 2013
> To all radio amateurs 
> 
> SB PROP ARL ARLP008
> ARLP008 Propagation de K7RA
> 
> Average daily sunspot numbers over the past seven days, February
> 14-20, rose modestly by 27 points to 78.3. Average daily solar flux
> was up marginally, only 1.6 points to 105.6. Geomagnetic indices
> rose also, with the planetary A index from 5.6 to 6.4, and the
> middle latitude A index from 5.1 to 6. This is compared to the
> previous seven days, February 7-13 reported in last week's bulletin.
> 
> There was a more substantial rise in both solar flux and sunspot
> numbers for a recent three days, at 104.7, 112.4 and 113.5 for solar
> flux, and 92, 117 and 106 for sunspot numbers. But that turned
> around when the sunspot number dropped from 106 to 75 on Thursday,
> February 21 and solar flux declined from 113.5 to 108.5.
> 
> The predicted solar flux is 105 on February 22-23, 100 on February
> 24, 95 on February 25-26, 100, 105 and 110 on February 27 through
> March 1, 100 on March 2-3, 95 on March 4-14, 100 on March 15-16, 115
> on March 17, and 120 on March 18-20, which represents a peak for the
> next 45 days.
> 
> The predicted planetary A index is 8 on February 22, 10 on February
> 23, 8 on February 24, 5 on February 25-28, 10 and 8 on March 1-2, 5
> on March 3-10, 7 on March 11-12, and 5 on March 13-27.
> 
> Over the next month we can look forward to improving HF conditions
> as we progress toward the Spring Equinox, which occurs on Wednesday,
> March 20 at 1102z.
> 
> Using a propagation prediction program such as W6ELprop gives us a
> rough idea of what the seasonal improvement might be. Running two
> instances of the program simultaneously, once for February 21 and
> the other on March 21, but with the same solar flux (I used 107)
> allows me to flip back and forth between the results. I did one for
> Seattle to Japan, and the 15 meter opening from 2200z to 0030z on
> February 21 shows up as a 2130-0500z opening on March 21. Similarly,
> a 17 meter opening from 2130-0230z on February 21 stretches to
> 2030-0500z on March 21.
> 
> OK1HH predicts the geomagnetic field as quiet to active on February
> 22, active to disturbed on February 23, mostly quiet February 24-25,
> quiet on February 26-28, quiet to unsettled March 1, quiet to active
> March 2, mostly quiet March 3, quiet to unsettled March 4, quiet
> March 5-6, mostly quiet March 7-8, quiet March 9, and quiet to
> active March 10.
> 
> Several news articles, such as
> http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2013/02/20/NASA-instrument-sees-giant-sunspot-forming/UPI-80691361403797/
> and
> http://www.science20.com/news_articles/giant_sun_spot_size_6_earths_grows_48_hours-104269
> mentioned a huge growing sunspot group 1678 that might spit out
> solar flares.  But this spot is way over on the western horizon
> (yes, the right side is referred to as "west" on the Sun) and about
> to slip away from view.  It is not geo-effective, which it would be
> if it appeared in the center of the visible solar disc.
> 
> Jon Jones, N0JK of Lawrence, Kansas (where I was born!) has long
> enjoyed working 6 meter E-skip and even DX using very modest and
> even compromised antennas. Jon reported on February 16: "Julian,
> XE2JS DL68 had a nice 6 meter Es opening to the Midwest Saturday
> evening (February 17 UTC). I worked Julian while I was mobile on
> highway 40 west of Lawrence, KS EM28 with 58 to 59 signals at 0135
> UTC. My 6 meter mobile antenna is a 2 meter 5/8 mag. mount whip
> (quarter-wave on 6 meters). Saw ZL1RS worked TI5/N5BEK earlier at
> 2254 UTC February 16."
> 
> Yes, Jon feeds that 2 meter whip directly on 6 meters, no change in
> loading or any modification. That distance between him and XE2JS is
> a little less than 1,000 miles.
> 
> On February 19, Jon reported: "The whip I currently use has a 1.1 to
> 1 SWR, as-is on 6 meters. Some 2 meter mag antennas don't match well
> on 6 and may need to be trimmed. ZL1RS later worked KD5PBR, N5DG,
> NW0W and a few other stations on 6 meters around 0230 UTC on Feb.
> 17. Likely an Es link on to TEP. (Jon means sporadic-E propagation
> linked to trans-equatorial propagation. See
> http://www.ips.gov.au/Category/Educational/Other%20Topics/Radio%20Communication/Transequatorial.pdf
> or
> http://www.amateur-radio-wiki.net/index.php?title=Trans-Equatorial_Propagation
> for info on TEP).
> 
> On February 21 Jon wrote, "Even better, I heard ZL1RS CW on February
> 20 at 2300 UTC on 50.087 MHz, about a 339 RST. This was on an attic
> dipole. I am sure I could have worked him with better antenna."
> 
> Jeff Hartley, N8II of Shepherdstown, West Virginia wrote on February
> 17: "I had limited time due to working 1700Z-0230Z over the weekend,
> but found conditions at least on 80, 15 and 10 meters to be
> excellent during the ARRL CW DX contest.
> 
> "In just a few hours on 80 meters around 0140-0440Z Saturday the
> February 16 and 0230-0400Z Sunday, I managed to work 270 QSOs and 67
> DXCC countries with a 1/4 wave ground plane. Conditions were overall
> the best to Europe I can ever remember in a contest. I was able to
> run a steady stream of callers at times, the best I have ever done
> on 80. I didn't make any QSOs with central Asia, but the well
> equipped big guns did work that area. I was called by C4N in Cyprus
> with a huge signal, and also a 4Z5 (Israel), and A65BP (United Arab
> Emirates). Russians were generally somewhat weaker than western
> Europe, but many had good signals all the way to the UA4 area. Big
> guns RU1A and RL3A were well over S9! ZS1EL also called me as well
> as about 3 or 4 five-watt European stations. At least 3 PY stations
> also called in from southern Brazil. The omni-directional antenna
> does have a few advantages. Activity from Europe was very good even
> the second night when traditionally it is very slow. I also noticed
> that some far western USA stations were working Europe as well.
> 
> "10 meters was very interesting with marginal conditions to Europe
> Saturday, but OH, LY, YL, and SM were logged. There were a few loud
> signals from LZ, F, and EA. Stations in the Caribbean at the same
> time were very loud as was CR2X, and Africans 6V7S, CR3A, 3V8BB, and
> EA9EU all had very good signals. 15 meters around 1530Z was wide
> open to Europe with booming signals. Solar flux was right around
> 100.
> 
> "Sunday, I arrived at the perfect time around 1400Z when 10 meters
> was just opening to Europe. East of Poland, propagation was almost
> nil except for a weak R7MM, and about 3 weak Ukrainians, but I ran a
> big pile-up with a huge number of Germans logged and strong signals
> even from SM and LA. All of Europe east of Poland had good
> conditions to here in West Virginia at least thru 1510Z when I had
> to QRT. Conditions were better than would be expected with a solar
> flux of only 103 and K index of 2-3, simply amazing that Europe was
> booming in."
> 
> On February 19 Jeff wrote: "Last night February 18 (but February 19
> based on universal time), T46RRC (Cuban IOTA NA-204) was on 80 and
> European signals calling them were down 15-20 db from the levels
> over the weekend. They were S9+25-30 dB on 160 Monday at 0230Z, a
> really awesome signal! They have been so loud that they have had no
> trouble putting a lot from 'mother Russia' into the log, the 17
> meter op in the mornings can be heard running stations in Russian,
> but will switch over to English when a loud station here QRMs the
> Europeans."
> 
> If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
> email the author at, k7ra at arrl.net.
> 
> For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
> Technical Information Service web page at
> http://arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals. For an explanation of the
> numbers used in this bulletin, see
> http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere. An archive of past
> propagation bulletins is at
> http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation. Find more good
> information and tutorials on propagation at
> http://myplace.frontier.com/~k9la/.
> 
> Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve
> overseas locations are at http://arrl.org/propagation.
> 
> Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of ARRL
> bulletins are at http://arrl.org/bulletins.
> 
> Sunspot numbers for February 14 through 20 were 25, 59, 75, 74, 92,
> 117, and 106, with a mean of 78.3. 10.7 cm flux was 99.5, 100.1,
> 103.2, 105.5, 104.7, 112.4, and 113.5, with a mean of 105.6.
> Estimated planetary A indices were 10, 4, 8, 8, 4, 6, and 5, with a
> mean of 6.4. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 11, 3, 6, 7, 4,
> 5, and 6, with a mean of 6.
> NNNN
> /EX

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Sat Feb 23 08:10:53 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 08:10:53 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Old QSL Cards
Message-ID: <984E2AB1-0589-4F7A-8563-C28185FCA871@bellsouth.net>

From the SFDXA Yahoo Group Members List:


What I found interesting besides the QSL cards are the Dates - 1938, and the countries that the cards are from.  This was a hot time in both the European theater and in Asia, yet hams are on the air from many of those effected countries in 1938.  Also using the Pause button ( | | ) take time to read some of the cards, note the call structure at that time.  Take note of the card from Pitcairn Is. and look for the transmitter line on the card from China.  Did you know in 1938 the prefix for China was XU? 
 
Regards,

Norm W4QN

====================================================
  Subject: 1930's DX QSL vid
  
Thought the group would enjoy the radio humor and old QSL cards
 
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=JcOlKD557gM
 
youtube dot com/watch?v= JcOlKD557gM


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Tue Feb 26 21:17:01 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:17:01 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] American Diabeties Association Bike
	ride this Sunday. I need hams for communications.
References: <007601ce1474$6d628ca0$4827a5e0$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <5D307B5B-5A13-4F4B-AE76-F731AF6CB620@bellsouth.net>

From Robin Broward Amateur Radio Club


> I am looking for 25 amateur radio operators to help make this American Diabetes Tour de Cure bike rides a huge success this year. I need your help in provide communication on March 3th 2013 in Broward County.  All the jobs consist of Rest Stops.  Please let me know if you are available.  I only have 2 rest stops covered.  
> 
> 100 Mile Century ? Check In - 6:00am / Start - 7:00am / Route Closes - 3:00pm ? 17 - 20 mph - Average Speed 
> 
> 62 Mile Metric Century ? Check In - 7:00am / Start - 8:00am / Route Closes - 3:00pm ? 15 - 17 mph - Average Speed 
> 
> 31 Mile Half Metric Century ? Check In - 8:00am / Start - 9:00am / Route Closes - 2:00pm ? 12 - 15 mph - Average Speed 
> 
> 10K Fun Ride ? Check In - 9:00am / Start - 10:00am / Route Closes - 12:30pm ? Any speed!
> 
> We have 10 rest stops that need communicators. If you are interested in providing safety communications for this event, please contact me ASAP for details and instructions.
> If you are a new Ham, I will pair you up with an experienced ham so you can learn the fundamentals of communications.
> I am sending this out email to multiple rosters.  Please disregard these emails if you receive more than one.
> Please call me on my cell 954 249-5343 or email me ASAP  the event is this Sunday.
> Robin N4HHP
>  

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Feb 27 14:38:27 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (William Marx)
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:38:27 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARLB005 FCC Proposes More Spectrum at
	5 GHz for Unlicensed Broadband
References: <20130227193133.D289F24A8E@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <931ACDA2-D11D-4402-A92C-C1E097738E48@bellsouth.net>


> SB QST @ ARL $ARLB005
> ARLB005 FCC Proposes More Spectrum at 5 GHz for Unlicensed 
> Broadband
> 
> ZCZC AG05
> QST de W1AW  
> ARRL Bulletin 5  ARLB005
> From ARRL Headquarters  
> Newington CT  February 27, 2013
> To all radio amateurs 
> 
> SB QST ARL ARLB005
> ARLB005 FCC Proposes More Spectrum at 5 GHz for Unlicensed 
> Broadband
> 
> On February 20, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
> (NPRM) in ET Docket No. 13-49, seeking to revise the Part 15 rules
> governing unlicensed national information infrastructure (U-NII)
> devices in the 5 GHz band. These devices presently operate in the
> frequency bands 5.15-5.35 GHz and 5.47-5.825 GHz. They use wideband
> digital modulation techniques to provide a wide array of high data
> rate mobile and fixed communications for individuals, businesses and
> institutions. Slightly different rules apply to 5.825-5.85 GHz.
> 
> Among the changes being proposed are two additional bands totaling
> 195 MHz for unlicensed operation: 5.35-5.47 GHz and 5.85-5.925 GHz.
> The Amateur Radio Service has a secondary allocation at 5.65-5.925
> GHz, including an Amateur Satellite Service uplink allocation of
> 5.65-5.67 GHz and a downlink allocation of 5.83-5.85 GHz.
> 
> The NPRM can be found on the web at,
> http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7022123531.
> 
> The FCC notes in the NPRM that since it first made available
> spectrum in the 5 GHz band for U-NII in 1997, it has gained "much
> experience" with these devices: "We believe that the time is now
> right for us to revisit our rules, and, in this NPRM, we propose to
> modify certain technical requirements for U-NII devices to ensure
> that these devices do not cause harmful interference and thus can
> continue to operate in the 5 GHz band and make broadband
> technologies available for consumers and businesses."
> 
> The NPRM also satisfies Section 6406 (a) of the Middle Class Tax
> Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 that required the FCC to begin a
> proceeding to modify the Part 15 rules to allow unlicensed U-NII
> devices to operate in the 5.35-5.47 GHz band, subject to
> consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information
> Administration (NTIA).
> 
> In response to the same legislation, the NTIA recently released an
> evaluation of the 5.35-5.47 GHz and 5.85-5.925 GHz bands that
> details the existing occupancy of these bands by federal and
> non-federal users and the potential risks of expanded unlicensed
> use.
> 
> The NTIA evaluation can be found on the web in PDF format at,
> http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_5_ghz_report_01-25-2013.pdf.
> 
> "The Amateur Radio Service has a good record as a spectrum partner
> with the other licensed services in the 5 GHz band," observed ARRL
> Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ. "The ARRL plans to
> respond to the NPRM by pointing out that meaningful access to the 5
> GHz band for amateur and amateur satellite operations continues to
> be in the public interest."
> 
> The FCC is accepting comments on its NPRM (due no later than 45 days
> after publication in the Federal Register), as well as reply
> comments (due 30 days later). No date has yet been set for the
> NPRM's publication in the Federal Register.
> NNNN
> /EX

From bogus@does.not.exist.com  Thu Feb 21 15:38:05 2013
From: bogus@does.not.exist.com ()
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:38:05 -0000
Subject: No subject
Message-ID: <mailman.472.1371665217.2532.qcwa69@mailman.qth.net>

Branch Manager, Sean KX9X, finds the going a little less exciting from 
FN45 in New Hampshire. (Photo by KX9X)


From bogus@does.not.exist.com  Thu Feb 21 15:38:05 2013
From: bogus@does.not.exist.com ()
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:38:05 -0000
Subject: No subject
Message-ID: <mailman.473.1371665217.2532.qcwa69@mailman.qth.net>

the link to the free propagation prediction software W6ELprop's 
installation file <http://www.qsl.net/w6elprop> is broken. Until it is 
restored you can obtain it by using FTP to download the file 
<ftp://150.214.111.198/pub/ham/propag/W6ELPropInst270.EXE> directly. If 
you have any trouble installing, try right-clicking the file and select 
"Run As Administrator". W6ELprop is Windows software that evaluates 
paths on any frequency between 3-30 MHz.

This year Dave W9PA (ex-W9ZRX) is back on his regular schedule of making 
VHF Super Check Partial <http://www.k3lr.com/w9zrx/> call sign database 
releases before the June, July, and September VHF Contests. He notes, 
"It's really important to get logs from geographically diverse areas 
this time because propagation was so unusual. To avoid an odd 
distribution of calls in the database, I need as many logs from as many 
regions as possible. The next release will be just before the July CQ 
VHF - when I hope we have unusually GOOD propagation!" Please send VHF+ 
Cabrillo logs for the VHF-specific SCP files to Dave by email 
<mailto:zephd at indy.rr.com>.

Here's a new resource for licensing and upgrading more hams: Icom 
America has announced their sponsorship for HamStudy.org 
<https://hamstudy.org/>, a new website that offers free learning tools 
for existing and potential amateur radio operators. The website was 
created by Richard Bateman (KD7BBC), Michael Stufflebeam (KV9G) and Rich 
Porter. The more learning tools we have, the better - thanks, Icom! 
(from QRZ DX <http://www.dxpub.com/qrz_dx_nl.html> for June 12, 2013)

It's probably a bit early to be practicing for the Dayton 2014 KCDXC CW 
Pile Up Competition but Chuck NO5W has made enhancements to the 
PileUpNet practice application that may prove useful in reviewing Dayton 
2012 and 2013 results. The new Replay feature lets you watch the "Morse 
Race" of any competitor against a variety of other scores. Rate Review 
goes deeper into the analysis of how many characters they copied 
correctly and when. These enhancements are available as Patch 180-02 
(you have to apply Patch 180-01 first) on the PileUpNet Practice 
<http://www.no5w.com/PileUpNetPractice.html> page. (Thanks, Chuck NO5W)

Recent Silent Key and long-time contest and DX presence in the Pacific 
Northwest, Wilse Morgan WX7P was the first VE by FCC appointment and 
held the well-known call KL7CQ for many years before returning to the 
lower 48 in 1989. He was instrumental in helping to organize and 
activate Alaska in major contests and achieved no small amount of 
notoriety by installing a beam atop a tower using a hot-air balloon. 
(See CQ Magazine for September 1980) This link to the Spokane DX 
Association's web page <http://www.sdxa.org/> contains more about Wilse, 
an amazing guy! (Thanks, Bill KL7BB and others)

The ARRL Foundation has awarded the 2013 William R. Goldfarb Memorial 
Scholarship 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/view/calvin-darula-k0dxc-awarded-2013-goldfarb-scholarship> 
to Calvin P. Darula, K??DXC, of St Bonifacius, Minnesota. A senior at 
Waconia High School, Cal made the Academic Honor Roll in his freshman 
and sophomore years; in his senior year, he served on the Student 
Council and came in second place in his school's VFW Voice of Democracy 
speech competition. Cal - the grandson of Gary K9MMS - is also an active 
contester and a fan of high-speed CW on the bands. He will attend St 
John's University where he will pursue studies in business management 
and economics.

*Web Site of the Week* - Les N1LF heartily endorses the VHF+ website 
<http://kb5wia.blogspot.com/> of David KB5WIA. You can read about 
David's experiments with a FunCube Dongle Pro, 2 Meter EME, operating in 
the QRP Portable category, antenna noise plotting, WSJT, and amateur 
satellites.

WORD TO THE WISE

/*Taking breaks*/ -- When you're in a long contest and your body says, 
"No mas!" it's time for a break. Sometimes just a short walk around the 
block or maybe a 15-minute catnap will do the trick. Taking a quick 
shower is also a time-honored tactic. But sometimes, you need shut-eye 
and that means a 90-minute sleep cycle or two. Do what it takes to keep 
your mind and body in the game, operating accurately, and optimizing 
your time on the air.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-06-19&p=0>
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Here's a website that makes you say "W??W <http://www.k0six.com/w0w/>" - 
literally. The recent expedition to rare grid EN48 was deemed a great 
success, even making a QSO with Alaska. More photos and information are 
on the way and a pair of videos (number 1 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbTizJCcggQ> and number 2 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCDs3m_f31M>) have been uploaded to 
YouTube. (Thanks to the K??SIX Group - K??MPP, K??SIX, KB??HNN, WA??VPJ, and 
K9MU)

Meet Mike DeChristopher N1TA - he's the new ARRL Contest Branch Manager! 
Learn more about Mike in this issue's Conversation section. (ARRL photo)

Moonbounce on 77 GHz is not for the faint of heart as this YouTube video 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2En_W2EaJFw> 
demonstrates. Hams are rapidly expanding our presence in the "millimeter 
wave" region of the spectrum and bouncing a signal off the Moon is quite 
an accomplishment! (Thanks, Zoli HA1AG)

When you operate from Dracula's Castle, can you still operate in the 
daylight? I suppose - this old QSL card 
<http://oldqslcards.com/oe3ah.pdf> documents the adventure by OE3AH, 
Anton Hapsburg (yes, /those/ Hapsburgs), also known by his formal title 
the Archduke of Austria. Anton even operated in the 1938 ARRL DX 
Contest. I wonder if he began his contacts with, "Good eeee-vening..."? 
Probably not. (Thanks, Danny K7SS)

RESULTS AND RECORDS

Online results packages were released this week for three 2013 ARRL 
contests <http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles>:

  * January VHF Contest - by John K9JK
  * RTTY Roundup - by Jan WS7I
  * ARRL DX CW - by Rick WW1ME

All told, the trio of write-ups offer more than 60 pages of analysis, 
interviews, commentary, photos, tables, and scores, scores, scores. The 
2012 ARRL 10 Meter Contest results by Scott K7ZO mentioned in the 
previous issue were unexpectedly delayed to correct an error in the PDF 
file but they are also online now - another 19 pages worth! Don't forget 
to drop a note of appreciation to the authors for their hours of hard 
work putting together an enjoyable package of reporting.

All-time ARRL November Sweepstakes records 
<http://www.arrl.org/contest-records> have been updated and posted 
through the 2012 contests. (Thanks, Sweepstakes Manager, Larry K5OT)

The raw scores <http://cqwpx.com/claimed.htm?mode=cw> before checking 
for WPX CW 2013 are now available and updated raw scores 
<http://cqwpx.com/claimed.htm?mode=ph> for WPX SSB 2013 are also online. 
(Thanks, Terry N4TZ,CQ WPX Contest Director)

The usual quick turnaround has the results of the 2013 7QP 
<http://www.7qp.org/> already on the contest's web page. Contest 
Manager, Dick K4XU expects certificates will be out by 1 July. Plaques 
will take a bit longer due to the engraving delay.

Here's one more photo of your previous ARRL Contest Branch Manager, 
preparing himself for the 2011 November Sweepstakes in Puerto Rico. 
Mmmm...donuts! (Photo by N??AX)

The results of the 2013 Wisconsin QSO Party 
<http://www.warac.org/wqp/wqp.htm> are available - check 'em out! 
Congrats to Valerie NV9L as she earned the top score of 33,197 for the 
Rookie category. Ryan KB9OWD repeated his dominance of the Single Op 
Fixed Location category, taking first place for his third consecutive 
year with 169,619 points from 319 CW QSOs and 351 on phone, along with 
114 mults. (Thanks, WIQP Team Members, Pat WW9R and Tom K9BTQ)

Why don't the QSOs and Multipliers in the downloadable CSV score data 
for ARRL contests combine to produce the final score reported for the 
station? What you are seeing are the total QSOs and Mults remaining in 
the log after log checking. The final score, however, is based on the 
QSO point total /after/ penalty points are removed for busted QSOs or 
other errors.

CQ World Wide Committee member Ken K1EA reports that there were 7,226 
logs submitted for the CQ WW SSB. After removing busted and other 
defective calls from the database, Ken estimates that there were about 
9,000 stations actually on the air in the contest. That leaves about 20% 
of stations participating in the contest not submitting their logs. His 
guess-timate is that about 15% of the total calls claimed were actually 
on the air or about 1/7^th of the calls in submitted logs, including 
unique calls that are likely bad.

OPERATING TIP

You sure don't want to open up the contest results and find that your 
score was a no-show! What if you send your log to the wrong email 
address? From CQ World Wide Committee member Bob W5OV, "The answer is 
that the sender has /total responsibility/ to send the email to the 
right address. The email robot will respond with a confirmation - 
usually within minutes if not sooner. If the sender does not get a 
confirmation that his log was received in good order, /the sender//alone 
has the responsibility/ to follow up on it. Here's how to do it right:

1) Check that you're sending to the right address

2) Send your properly formatted log

3) Watch for a confirmation from the robot

a) If you don't get a confirmation in a reasonable time:

1) Check YOUR SPAM folder/system to see if it's there

2) If not, then go back to step #1

b) If you do get a confirmation, you're all set.

In addition, CQ WW Director, Randy K5ZD notes, "Many contests offer a 
logs received page. Given the issues with email and spam filters, the 
sponsor's logs received page is your best bet for confirmation of log 
received." And as Zack W9SZ observes, "As an extra note, at least with 
the ARRL, if you don't get a confirmation e-mail right away there is no 
liability in sending your log again. You can submit your log several 
times and only the most recent will be used."

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-06-19&p=1>
TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

With all the summer travel coming up, what about transporting batteries 
by air? Here are some notes from veteran traveler, John K7HV, who 
frequently travels with radio equipment and batteries. "As far as 
traveling on airliners, gel-cell batteries are permitted 
<http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/173.159a> if they are labeled 
"non-spillable" in conformance with the international IATA/ICAO regs. 
All gel-cell batteries I own are labeled as such and some have a sticker 
referencing the IATA and ICAO regulations and the text "Not Restricted 
for Transport". They do /not/ have to be associated with wheelchairs." 
Other rules apply to wet cells but those are rarely transported by air. 
"Loose lithium batteries are restricted to carry-on only and may /not/ 
be larger than 100 W-hr (about 7 Ah for a 12 V battery, to be 
conservative). Lithium batteries installed inside a device like a laptop 
or cordless drill are permitted to be checked /if /there are precautions 
taken to keep the devices from turning on." If you do need to put 
gel-cells in checked luggage, John recommends:

  * Install and tape the terminal covers.
  * Print the battery data sheet and highlight compliance notices.
  * Protect the battery in some padding and place it inside a plastic
    bag with the data sheet.

    Do you think N1TA knows what he's getting himself into? Perhaps he
    should give W1YYM (now W1YL) a call for a few log-checking tips!

Cutting plastic tubing with a hacksaw leaves a pretty rough edge. Your 
editor's neighbor, Eugene Ohmes, passed along this tip: slip a dowel or 
solid rod into the tubing for support and you can use the regular tubing 
cutter with a sharpened wheel. This leaves a smooth, even edge every time!

Mike VE3GFN says, "This is the neatest idea to come down the pike in a 
long time! Sure wish I had a pair of these smart tweezers 
<http://www.smarttweezers.com/?gclid=CPvAyoiC0LcCFaYWMgod3hsA4Q>, back 
when I was doing my repairs of electronic instruments."

If you are interested in an inexpensive design for tri-band 144/222/432 
MHz cubical quad antenna for roving or portable VHF/UHF operation, Dave 
K8CC recommends this design 
<http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/woverbeck/vhfquad.htm> by Wayne N6NB. 
Several of these are in use around Southern California.

Lance W7GJ reports that he has just published the latest version of the 
popular VE7BQH VHF+ Antenna Comparison Charts 
<http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/6mTable.htm>.

*Technical Web Site of the Week* - Ned AA7A recently gave a talk Low 
Band Receiving Antennas on a City Lot 
<http://aa7a.net/Low_Band_Receiving_Antennas.pdf> at the 2013 
International DX Convention in Visalia 2013. He has also given the 
Waller Flag antennas <http://www.n4is.com/wf/NEW_WF.html> a try and has 
added the results of the construction and testing of that antenna in his 
back yard at the end of the presentation. (Thanks, Jim N7US)

CONVERSATION

Meet the Managers

As you have probably heard, there is a new Contest Branch Manager (CBM) 
at the ARRL. Sean Kutzko KX9X has filled the CBM chair since October of 
2007 and is moving up to become the new ARRL Media and Public Relations 
Manager. (A special note of thanks to Allen Pitts W1AGP who has been 
filling in for the PR position even after his formal retirement at the 
end of 2012.) The new CBM is Mike DeChristopher N1TA with whom you may 
have spoken to get help with your Logbook of the World 
<http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world> (LoTW) account.

First, a big tip of the contest community's cap is in order to Mr Kutzko 
who brought enthusiasm, humor, and contesting chops to the position. In 
particular, his background in VHF+ contesting helped tremendously (and 
will continue to help) as the needs and conditions encountered during 
those contests are so different from those of the traditional HF events. 
There have been many changes in the ARRL's contest program - both 
operational and administrative - that have occurred under Sean's 
management. That we all participate smoothly and effectively today 
certainly speaks well of his patience and persistence.

Next, who is this N1TA guy, anyway? Well, I decided to ask him: /When 
did you get hired by the ARRL and what has been your job(s) since then?/ 
- I was first hired in July 2012 as Awards and Program Assistant. In 
that role, I supported Logbook of The World and the Awards Branch, 
including the DXCC and WAS Awards.

/How did you get interested in contesting?/ My first taste of contesting 
was during Field Day with a local club. I was quickly hooked and began 
operating with other club members. I was fortunate enough to become a 
regular operator on K1TTT multi-multi teams and learned a great deal 
from Dave and his crew. I enjoy all types of competitive operating, but 
particularly DX contests.

/What's the most interesting part of contesting to you? /I find the 
science and technology aspect of contesting most interesting, and 
specifically station engineering. It's neat when everything works right!

/Anything in particular that you'd like to bring to the Contest Branch? 
/Sean has made great strides in modernizing the Contest Branch, and I 
look forward to continuing that process. I'm also excited to recruit new 
contesters and to provide support for the contesting community.

That last answer is probably where Mike can have a big impact as more 
and more of the contesting infrastructure goes "into the cloud" online. 
His experience with LoTW will certainly translate well to the 
increasingly database-driven world of radiosport.

Here are few of the folks listed in the chronology below. Taken in April 
1975, left-to-right are John W1DGL (now W1XX), Jim WA1STN (now K1TN), 
Ellen W1YL, and Rick WA1PID (now K7GM). Those were the days at ARRL HQ! 
(Photo from K1TN (thanks, Jim) taken by W1CW (SK))

Mike, though, is the latest in a long line of folks to hold the reins of 
the Contest Branch. A very long line with some very well-known call 
signs. I consulted with some folks "in the know" about such things and 
developed the following chronology of Contest Branch Managers throughout 
the years. Their current calls are in parentheses - recognize anybody?

  * 1950s and 1960s - Ellen White, W1YYM (W1YL)
  * 1950s - Ed Tilton, W1HDQ (SK) handled VHF/UHF contests
  * 1954-59 - Phil Simmons, W1ZDP
  * 1960 - John Lindholm, W1DGL (W1XX)
  * 1967-1969 - Bob Hill, W1ARR
  * 1970 - Al Noone, WA1KQM (N2GMT)
  * 1972 - Rick Niswander, WA1PID (K7GM)
  * 1975 - Jim Cain, WA1STN (K1TN)
  * 1977 (Aug-Oct) - Jim White, K1ZX (K4OJ, SK)
  * 1977 - Tom Frenaye, WB6KIL (K1KI)
  * 1981 - Mark Wilson, AA2Z (K1RO)
  * 1983 - Bill Jennings, K1WJ (SK)
  * 1984 - Mike Kaczynski, W1OD (SK)
  * 1987 - Billy Lunt, KR1R
  * 1998 - Dan Henderson, N1ND
  * 2006 - Tom Hogerty, KC1J
  * 2007 - Sean Kutzko, KX9X
  * 2013 - Mike DeChristopher, N1TA

And there you have it - thanks to Mark K1RO, Jim K1TN, Dave NN1N, Dave 
K1ZZ, Ellen W1YL, and John K??IO for this little spin down memory lane. 
Apologies in advance for the inevitable sins of omission and commission. 
If you do have corrections, drop an email to the address at the top of 
this newsletter. It would be a Good Thing to dig back even farther and 
make sure we have a proper accounting of who's been who in this 
important position.

Now that you've "met the managers", you have a little better idea of who 
will be answering your phone calls and emails and the history behind him 
or her. Remember that there is a whole lot of paddling going on below 
the waterline in support of your favorite on-the-air activities. We can 
all work together to make contesting better than how we found it.

73, Ward N??AX

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-06-19&p=2>
CONTESTS

*19 June through 2 July 2013*

An expanded, downloadable version of QST's Contest Corral in PDF format 
<http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar> is available. Check the sponsor's 
Web site for information on operating time restrictions and other 
instructions.

*HF CONTESTS*

ARRL Field Day--Phone,CW,Digital, from Jun 22, 1800Z to Jun 23, 2100Z. 
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50+. Exchange: Category, ARRL/RAC section or DX. 
Logs due: Jul 24. Rules <http://www.arrl.org/contests>

SARL Top Band QSO Party--Phone,CW, from Jun 20, 0000Z to Jun 24, 0000Z. 
Bands (MHz): 1.8. Exchange: RS(T) and province or country. Logs due: 7 
days. Rules <http://www.sarl.org.za>

NAQCC Milliwatt Sprint--CW, from Jun 20, 0030Z to Jun 20, 0230Z. Bands 
(MHz): 3.5-14. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, and NAQCC mbr nr or power. Logs 
due: 4 days. Rules <http://naqcc.info/sprint201306mw.html>

His Majesty King of Spain--Phone, from Jun 22, 1200Z to Jun 23, 1200Z. 
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RS, serial or EA province. Logs due: Jul 
15. Rules <http://www.ure.es>

Marconi Memorial HF Contest--CW, from Jun 22, 1400Z to Jun 23, 1400Z. 
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and serial number. Logs due: 30 days. 
Rules <http://www.arifano.it/contest_marconi.htm>

ARRL Field Day--Phone,CW,Digital, from Jun 22, 1800Z to Jun 23, 2100Z. 
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50+. Exchange: Category, ARRL/RAC section or DX. 
Logs due: Jul 24. Rules <http://www.arrl.org/contests>

Full Day of Hell--Digital, from Jun 29, 0000Z to Jun 29, 2359Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, Feld-Hell mbr nr, 4-char grid 
square. Logs due: 7 days. Rules <http://www.feldhellclub.org>

Canada Day Contest--Phone,CW, from Jul 1, 0000Z to Jul 1, 2359Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28, 50-144. Exchange: RS(T), Province/Territory or serial. 
Logs due: Jul 31. Rules <http://www.rac.ca/service/contesting>

Ten-Ten Spirit of 76 QSO Party--Phone,CW,Digital, from Jul 1, 0000Z to 
Jul 7, 2400Z. Bands (MHz): 28. Exchange: Call, name, member number, 
S/P/C. Logs due: 15 days. Rules <http://www.ten-ten.org>

*VHF+ CONTESTS*

ARRL Field Day--Phone,CW,Digital, from Jun 22, 1800Z to Jun 23, 2100Z. 
Bands (MHz): 1.8-28, 50+. Exchange: Category, ARRL/RAC section or DX. 
Logs due: Jul 24. Rules <http://www.arrl.org/contests>

Worldwide EME Contest--Phone,CW, from Jun 29, 0000Z to Jun 30, 2400Z. 
Bands (MHz): 3.4G. Exchange: TMO/RS(T) and "R". Logs due: Jun 25. Rules 
<http://www.dubus.org>

Canada Day Contest--Phone,CW, from Jul 1, 0000Z to Jul 1, 2359Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28, 50-144. Exchange: RS(T), Province/Territory or serial. 
Logs due: Jul 31. Rules <http://www.rac.ca/service/contesting>

LOG DUE DATES

*19 June through 2 July 2013*

  * June 19 - UA2 QSO Party <http://www.qrz.ru/contest/detail/382.html>
  * June 19 - RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/r80mcc.shtml>
  * June 20 - UN DX Contest
    <http://kw.kfrr.kz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=164%3Aundxc2013e&catid=37&Itemid=64>
  * June 20 - NRAU 10m Activity Contest
    <http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>
  * June 20 - NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint
    <http://naqcc-eu.org/sprints/rules/current.pdf>
  * June 22 - Feld Hell Sprint
    <https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprint-rules>
  * June 22 - HA3NS Sprint Memorial Contest
    <http://radioamator.honlapepites.hu/?PHPSESSID=e57dd37c356355de9489e83e42&p=1280>
  * June 23 - Run for the Bacon QRP Contest <http://fpqrp.org/pigrun/>
  * June 23 - NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint
    <http://naqcc.info/sprint201306mw.html>
  * June 26 - The Day of YLs <http://www.qrz.com/db/F5ISY>
  * June 27 - MI QRP Memorial Day CW Sprint
    <http://www.qsl.net/miqrpclub/contest.html>
  * June 27 - RSGB 80m Club Championship, SSB
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/r80mcc.shtml>
  * June 30 - EUCW Fraternizing CW QSO Party
    <http://www.agcw.org/eucw/eucwp.html>
  * June 30 - VOLTA WW RTTY Contest
    <http://www.contestvolta.com/47rules.pdf>
  * June 30 - IARU Region 1 Field Day, CW (see National Society websites)
  * July 1 - AGCW VHF/UHF Contest
    <http://www.agcw.org/en/?Contests_and_CW-activities:VHF-UHF_Contest>
  * July 1 - Alabama QSO Party
    <http://www.alabamaqsoparty.org/2013/2013Rules.pdf>
  * July 1 - Maritimes QSO Party
    <http://www.maritimecontestclub.com/images/2013_MQP_Rules.pdf>
  * July 1 - SEANET Contest
    <http://www5.big.or.jp/%7Eja1rju/flash_seanet-2013_doc-5.html>
  * July 1 - UKSMG Summer Contest <http://uksmg.org/contest/rules.php>
  * July 1 - VK Shires Contest
    <http://vkshires.vk2bo.com/vk-shires-contest-rules.html>
  * July 1 - QRP ARCI QRP Shootout
    <http://www.qrparci.org/contests/qrp-arci-contests/127-qrp-shoot-out>
  * July 1 - Stew Perry Topband Challenge <http://www.kkn.net/stew/>
  * July 1 - Ukrainian DX Classic RTTY Contest
    <http://urdxc.org/rtty/rules.php?english>

ARRL Information

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ARRL Contest Update wishes to acknowledge information from WA7BNM's 
Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal> and SM3CER's 
Contest Calendar <http://www.sk3bg.se/contest>.

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