From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Sat Nov  2 08:39:49 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 08:39:49 -0400
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Smithsonian.com - Interesting article
	about the early days of Morse.
Message-ID: <5274F295.4050205@bellsouth.net>

How the Telegraph Went From Semaphore to Communication Game Changer...

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/design/2013/10/how-the-telegraph-went-from-semaphore-to-communication-game-changer/


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Sat Nov  2 13:03:48 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 13:03:48 -0400
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Solar Eclipse on Sunday, Nov. 3rd
In-Reply-To: <LYRIS-775776-1805634-2013.11.02-11.39.38--bmarx#bellsouth.net@www.spaceweather2.com>
References: <LYRIS-775776-1805634-2013.11.02-11.39.38--bmarx#bellsouth.net@www.spaceweather2.com>
Message-ID: <52753074.5000603@bellsouth.net>


Space Weather News for Nov. 2, 2013
http://spaceweather.com

SOLAR ECLIPSE: Early Sunday morning, Nov. 3rd, sky watchers along the east coast of North America might notice something missing--a piece of the sun. A partial solar eclipse will be underway at sunrise. In the United States, visibility stretches all the way from Maine to the southern tip of Florida. Later, the Moon will cover the entire sun producing a total eclipse over parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Africa.   Visit http://spaceweather.com for observing tips and more information.

DON'T MISS THE NEXT SOLAR FLARE: Lately, solar activity has been high. Would you like a call when solar flares are underway? X-flare alerts are available from http://spaceweathertext.com (text) and http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice).


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Sun Nov  3 13:16:44 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 13:16:44 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] SFDXA Meeting On November 7th,
	This Thursday Not Wednesday this month.
In-Reply-To: <526D26AD.9070601@bellsouth.net>
References: <526D26AD.9070601@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <5276930C.3080803@bellsouth.net>


On the Program:

John Troy, KI4YUM will be there to show us "Remote Base Operation," showing how your home station can be operated from Anywhere using the RemoteShack. Work DX and Ragchew from anywhere.

Sebastian Acosta, W4AS:  will tell us how to "Use WSJT-X to work DX on "Dead Bands," the latest digital modes can decode multiple signals and can alert you of
needed grids, states and countries.

Also nominations for Officers and Board of Directors for 2014.

So a great meeting is planned and hope you can be there. Everyone is Welcome...bring a friend.

Join us in the Hospital Cafeteria after 6 and a $7 donation to the club gets you dinner. Tell them you are going to the Radio Club Meeting. Carry it across the hall to the auditorium and Ragchew, Brag about your latest QSL cards, meet your friends and make new ones.

The Hospital is located on Oakland Park Blvd just east of the Turnpike.

Bill Marx W2CQ



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov  4 16:10:17 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:10:17 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Emergency Traffic That Happened Nov 3,
	2013 on the Winsystem
In-Reply-To: <a2b64.51bfbfb7.3fa93ec2@aol.com>
References: <a2b64.51bfbfb7.3fa93ec2@aol.com>
Message-ID: <52780D39.8000402@bellsouth.net>

 From Chuck W4ROA ARRL Assistant Director. (baldybaer at aol.com 
<mailto:baldybaer at aol.com>)
Hello, my name is Jim Frederick KF6QBW, and have been a Winsystem member 
since the mid to late 90's, and with out Shorty K6JSI (my Elmer) and the 
Winsystem and it's members, I would not have known what to do let alone 
been able to help, as I was just a link in this chain of events.
      I was monitoring the "system" as usual, and sometime before noon 
...I think is when I heard  "May-Day  May-Day hiker in distress" . I 
grabbed a charged battery for my VX-5 and the call came over the radio 
again "May-Day  May-Day hiker in distress" and I responded to the 
Emergency call.
   The reply was that KD0HFM Nathan, had miss-read the elevation on his 
topographical map and had gotten into a very steep and ruff area and 
had  his hand into a cactus and their was no safe way down. He said he 
was in the Red hills / mountain and then gave his GPS coordinates at N 
36?.6m.34.37s by W 115?.31m.16.24s. and had enough food and water for a 
day, but needed help off the mountain as he would not get down to his 
start point before dark and did not have enough GPS battery for the 
trip. KD0HFM stated that he did not take a conventional trail and was 
using a topographical map and GPS for guidance.

       I know from experience that a call direct to the Las Vegas search 
and rescue would expedite the process, so I made a call to any Las Vegas 
station that could make the call to the Las Vegas Police and very 
quickly KG7EWP James Freeman came back to me and I handed off the 
Emergency Traffic, and had search and rescue on the phone and was 
getting their needed info and with in 15 minutes had a rescue helicopter 
on the way ...ETA 1hour. I monitored the event until resolved in case 
any more info was needed from me.
       a few hours later I heard Nathan KD0HFM thanking James KG7EWP for 
all his time and every body else on the Winsystem for standing by.

   Thank you for listening
                                   Jim Frederick KF6QBW
                               Winsystem Affiliate Repeater
                                       Glendale Arizona

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Tue Nov  5 13:05:12 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 13:05:12 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] BBSO Solar Activity Warning
	05-NOV-2013 17:50:04 UT
Message-ID: <52793358.5000403@bellsouth.net>

BBSO Solar Activity Warning 05-NOV-2013 17:50:04 UT
Solar activity is moderate. Region NOAA 11890 produced an M2.5 flare at 
08:12 UT today and a C8.0 flare at 11:51 UT. Regions NOAA 11885, 11884 
and 11889 also produced C-class events today. Region NOAA 11890 has 
continued to grow and is now beta-gamma-delta class. An X-class flare is 
now possible in this region. M-class flares are likely as well. NOAA 
11890, S09 E39 (X=-603,Y=-202). Beta-gamma-delta region.

JV

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Nov  6 17:09:56 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 17:09:56 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] BBSO Solar Activity Warning
	06-NOV-2013 21:39:15 UT
In-Reply-To: <201311062141.rA6LfhiP022623@noisy.bbso.njit.edu>
References: <201311062141.rA6LfhiP022623@noisy.bbso.njit.edu>
Message-ID: <527ABE34.8070105@bellsouth.net>


Solar activity is high. An X3.3 flare was observed in the trailing portion
of region NOAA 11890 at 22:07 UT yesterday.  An M3.8 flare was observed
at 13:39 UT today in the same region. A number of C-class flares ware also
observed in this region.  Growth in NOAA 11890 has slowed but the region
remains potent.  M-class flare expected, X-class flare possible.
NOAA 11890, S11 E24 (X=-387,Y=-242). Beta-gamma-delta region.
Positions as of November 6, 2013 at 20:30 UT.

JV


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Nov  7 13:19:28 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 13:19:28 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] SFDXA Meeting Is Tonight! On November
	7th...
In-Reply-To: <5276930C.3080803@bellsouth.net>
References: <5276930C.3080803@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <527BD9B0.2050407@bellsouth.net>


On the Program:

John Troy, KI4YUM will be there to show us "Remote Base Operation," showing how your home station can be operated from Anywhere using the RemoteShack. Work DX and Ragchew from anywhere.

Sebastian Acosta, W4AS:  will tell us how to "Use WSJT-X to work DX on "Dead Bands," the latest digital modes can decode multiple signals and can alert you of
needed grids, states and countries.

Also nominations for Officers and Board of Directors for 2014.

So a great meeting is planned and hope you can be there. Everyone is Welcome...bring a friend.

Join us in the Hospital Cafeteria after 6 and a $7 donation to the club gets you dinner. Tell them you are going to the Radio Club Meeting. Carry it across the hall to the auditorium and Ragchew, Brag about your latest QSL cards, meet your friends and make new ones.

The Hospital is located on Oakland Park Blvd just east of the Turnpike.

Bill Marx W2CQ


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Fri Nov  8 15:37:25 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:37:25 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] The ARRL Letter for November 7, 2013
In-Reply-To: <20131107214118.B84432640F@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20131107214118.B84432640F@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <527D4B85.8020900@bellsouth.net>



Preview

If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2013-11-07

The ARRL Letter

November 7, 2013
Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME <mailto:ww1me 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/>

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&i=2013-11-07&t=t>

[ toc ]]

/Public Service/: Linked Ham Radio Repeater System Instrumental in Hiker 
Rescue

A hiker in distress in Nevada is thankful that he had his hand-held 
transceiver along when he found himself stranded in the hills near 
Henderson. Western Intertie Network (WIN <http://www.winsystem.org/>) 
System member Jim Frederick, KF6QBW, in Arizona reports he was 
monitoring the system November 3 around midday when he heard, "Mayday, 
Mayday. Hiker in distress!" from his WIN System repeater.

"I grabbed a charged battery for my VX-5, and the call came over the 
radio again," Frederick said. He responded, and the hiker on the other 
end, Nathan Rischling, KD?HFM, of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, told 
him he'd misread the elevation on his topographical map, had ended up on 
a very steep and rough area, had hurt his hand on a cactus, and could 
find no safe way out of his situation. He had a GPS, however, and was 
able to provide Frederick with his precise coordinates. Rischling said 
he had a day's worth of food and water but needed help getting off the 
mountain, as he would not get back to his starting point before sundown 
and, he didn't think his GPS battery would last out the trip.

"KD?HFM stated that he did not take a conventional trail and was using a 
topographical map and GPS for guidance," Frederick explained.

Frederick said he knew from experience that a call to the Las Vegas 
search and rescue would expedite the process, so he put out a call on 
the WIN System for any Las Vegas station that could make the call. James 
Freeman, KG7EWP, promptly came back, and Frederick handed off the 
emergency traffic. Freeman called 911 and spoke with search and rescue, 
and stood by until the situation was resolved. Within 15 minutes a 
rescue helicopter was on the way.

Frederick kept his ear to the radio until the event was resolved, in 
case someone needed more information from him, and a few hours later, he 
overheard Rischling thank KG7EWP for helping "and everyone else on the 
WIN System for standing by."

The WIN System is a series of 90 linked, or inter-tied, repeaters -- 
most on UHF (70 centimeters) -- that cover a substantial portion of 
California, 16 other states, and four countries around the world. It is 
owned and operated by Shorty Stouffer, K6JSI. KF6QBW is an affiliated 
repeater station with the WIN System.

"Without Shorty, K6JSI (my Elmer), and the WIN System and its members, I 
would not have known what to do, let alone been able to help, as I was 
just a link in this chain of events," Frederick said. /-- Thanks to 
Chuck Baer, W4ROA; Jim Frederick, KF6QBW; Shorty Stouffer, K6JSI, and 
Sean Kutzko, KX9X/

/Public Service/: Oregon OEM Needs More Hams!

Oregon Public Broadcasting reports 
<http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-office-of-emergency-management-seeking-amateur-radio-operators/> 
that when Oregon's Office of Emergency Management coordinated the 
largest-ever test of the state's emergency communications network, it 
found that some regions need more radio amateurs. "While the exercise 
was considered a success, it also shed light on one of the system's 
vulnerabilities -- a lack of qualified Amateur Radio operators east of 
the Cascades," the OPB story by David Nogueras said. The exercise 
scenario over the weekend of November 2-3 was a crippling cyber attack 
on the power grid that takes out telephone and Internet access. In such 
situations, emergency planners "have identified Amateur Radio as the 
fallback method of communication," the OPB story said.

Oregon Office of Emergency Management Communication Officer Fred 
Molesworth, AF7S (left), and Amateur Radio volunteer Patrick Lewis do a 
demonstration at the Oregon State Fair in August. [Cory E. Grogan, 
Oregon Office of Emergency Management, photo]

The broadcast story pointed out that while Oregon has some 700 ARES 
volunteers, most are in Western Oregon. Morrow, Grant, and Jefferson 
counties have no volunteers, however, and other counties have just one. 
"If we don't have active amateurs who know what to do in that kind of a 
situation and are part of the county organization, then we may not have 
any communications in those counties, and that's a real concern," Fred 
Molesworth, AF7S, with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, told 
Oregon Public Radio (and ARES/RACES Emergency Coordinator for the OEM 
unit). He asked would-be volunteers to contact 
<http://www.w7oem.org/contact-us/> the Oregon Office of Emergency 
Management.

Oregon ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator Vince Van Der Hyde, K7VV, said 
Oregon has ARES/RACES groups in about 25 of the state's 36 counties, and 
is trying to build groups in the counties with very low amateur 
populations. He says local radio clubs are natural places to look. "But, 
we are beginning to think that we should look more and more at those who 
are already involved in disaster related work and then recruit them into 
Amateur Radio," he added, such as those on CERT teams.

Van Der Hyde said ARES/RACES also sponsors a Hamfair flea market each 
October, and this year, for the first time, it was expanded into a 
disaster preparedness fair, with a series of seminars on both amateur 
and non-amateur disaster-related training, operations and equipment. "It 
appears to have gone well, and we'll expand that program in October 
2014," Van Der Hyde said.

"We're also pushing an individual training program for operators and a 
county unit certification program for each county ARES/RACES group," Van 
Der Hyde added. "All of which will take years to accomplish!"

/On the Air/: South American Ham Scores "Clean Sweep" in ARRL November 
Sweepstakes CW

Technology marches on and, any controversy aside, operating a remote 
station via the Internet has become more common in recent years. In the 
ARRL November Sweepstakes CW event last weekend, a ham who lives in 
Uruguay remotely operated a station in the US, making a clean sweep in 
the process. Tom Morton, K6CT/CX7TT, who lives near Montevideo, logged 
into one of the operating positions at K4VV in Virginia. Operating as 
W4YY at a distance of nearly 5200 miles, he managed a clean sweep.

"I don't know if this is a first, but it would seem to be. It also 
demonstrates the efficacy of remote contesting," said Mike Lonneke, 
W?YR, the K4VV Remote Contesting Project Manager. According to Lonneke, 
Morton served for many years as an airline pilot, and later was tapped 
to be a flight instructor. He's a DXpeditioner and contester.

The K4VV station during a multi-multi contest. The operators were in 
different states. [Mike Lonneke, W?YR, photo]

Lonneke says the operating experience from the remote end "is 
transparent." Several remote operators have run K4VV as a multiop, and 
W4GOV once operated K4VV -- the station of Jack Hammett, K4VV -- during 
Field Day 2013 from Saudi Arabia. The station has three positions for 
remote operators, who can control everything, including an impressive 
array of antennas. (For more information on K4VV, see "Contesting by 
Remote Control," by Mike Lonneke, W?YR, September/October 2013 /NCJ/).

In a turnabout situation, Tree Tyree, N6TR, remotely operated VY1EI in 
Yukon Territory, Canada, from his home in Oregon. Eric, the station 
owner, was also on hand as they logged 1288 QSOs and a clean sweep!

/But wait! There's more!/ Hal Offutt, W1NN, remotely operated his home 
station in Medina, Ohio, in this year's SS CW from Tokyo -- a distance 
of more than 6500 miles. No word on how he did.

The operator of a remote station must identify as transmitting at the 
remote station site and follow all of the rules and regulations in the 
country hosting the transmitting site. /-- Thanks to Mike Lonneke, W?YR, 
and/ /The ARRL Contest Update <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/>, K8BL /

/Ham Radio in Space: /All-Ham Contingent Carries Olympic Torch to ISS

With the arrival of Expedition 38 November 7, the ISS has nine 
crewmembers for the first time in 4 years. [NASA TV image]

NASA's Richard Mastracchio, KC5ZTE, Russia's Mikhail Tyurin, RZ3FT, and 
Japan's Koichi Wakata, KC5ZTA, arrived at the International Space 
Station November 7, expanding the ISS crew complement to nine members. 
The new crewmembers carried the torch that will be used to light the 
Olympic flame in Sochi, Russia, for the 2014 Winter Games.

The arrival of Mastracchio, Tyurin and Wakata brings the station's crew 
complement to nine, marking the first time since October 2009 that so 
many people have served together aboard the space station.

The crew will return to its normal complement of six on November 10, 
when Expedition 37 Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, RN3FI, NASA Astronaut 
Karen Nyberg, and European Space Agency Astronaut Luca Parmitano, 
KF5KDP, return to Earth, wrapping up a 166 day mission. Expedition 38 
begins upon their departure, with Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kotov at the helm.

Kotov, Russian Cosmonaut Sergey Ryazanskiy, and NASA's Michael Hopkins, 
KF5LJG, will return home next March. At that time, Wakata will become 
the first-ever Japanese commander of the station for Expedition 39. 
Mastracchio, Tyurin and Wakata will return to Earth next May. /-- NASA/

/Ham Radio in Space/: Massive Satellite "Cluster" Launch Set for November 21

A Dnepr launch

A /Dnepr/ launcher set to lift off from Dombarovsky, near Yasny, 
Russia,on November 21 will carry more than two dozen satellites from 13 
countries. Individual satellite teams are now in Yasny preparing their 
payloads for launch. Several of the satellites will carry Amateur Radio 
payloads, marking this as the largest single deployment of ham radio 
satellites. Paving the way for this month's event was the August 22 
/Dnepr/ launch of the KOMPSAT-5 satellite from Korea -- the first 
/Dnepr/ launch in 2 years. This month's launch had been postponed for 
more than a year to work the wrinkles out of the Dnepr program. The 
DubaiSat-2 <http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dubaisat-2.htm> 
Earth-imaging satellite will be the principal payload of this cluster 
mission.

Some of the satellites headed into orbit will be contained within the 
Italian UniSat-5 <http://amsat-uk.org/tag/unisat-5/> microsat package. 
UniSat-5 will include a pair of UHF transceivers operating 9k6 GMSK AX25 
protocol. From "PocketQube" launchers, UniSat-5 will deploy several 
smaller satellites, and one of the smaller satellites will release yet 
another satellite, reminiscent of decorative Ukrainian eggs within eggs. 
UniSat-5 will deploy Eagle-1 (BeakerSat-1), Eagle-2 ($50Sat), QubeScout 
S1 <http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/qubescout-s1.htm>, estar-2 (CW 
and 1k2 AFSK UHF downlink), Wren 
<http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/wren.htm>, and PUCP-Sat-1 
<http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pucp-sat-1.htm>, which in turn will 
disgorge Pocket-PUCP, a tiny spacecraft built by students in Peru that 
will carry four temperature sensors and transmit the data using a 10 mW 
CW UHF transmitter using 30 kHz FSK.

A model of the FUNcube-1 satellite [J.D. Heck, G3WGM, photo]

Scheduled to be among the other Amateur Radio-payload carrying 
satellites is FUNcube-1 <http://funcube.org.uk/>, a 1U CubeSat that is a 
collaboration between AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL. It will carry an 
"educational beacon" (1200 baud BPK -- daytime operation) and a 20 kHz 
wide U/V inverting SSB/CW transponder running 300 mW PEP (nighttime 
operation). A project begun in 2009, FUNcube-1 will provide a signal 
/directly/ to schools, with the "target audience" students at the 
primary and secondary levels.

FUNcube-1 is the middle 1U CubeSat of three sharing a 3U launch vehicle 
pod. The other two areZACUBE-1 
<http://amsat-uk.org/2012/08/25/14099-khz-cput-cubesat-to-launch-end-of-november/> 
-- the first South African satellite -- and HiNCube 
<http://www.hincube.com/> from Norway, which will identify and transmit 
housekeeping data in the 70 centimeter band in CCSDS 
<http://www.ccsds.org/> protocol. ZACUBE-1, in addition to carrying VHF 
and UHF communication equipment, has a 20 meter beacon that will 
transmit on 14.099 MHz.

Another Amateur Radio satellite, Delfi-n3Xt 
<http://www.lr.tudelft.nl/en/organisation/departments/space-engineering/space-systems-engineering/projects/delfi-n3xt-project-page/>, 
is a 3U CubeSat developed by the Technical University of Delft in the 
Netherlands. It will feature a 40 kHz wide U/V transponder that will be 
activated after other experiments are completed, as well as a high-speed 
S-band downlink.

Triton-1 and Triton-2 <http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/triton-1.htm> 
are 3U CubeSats each carrying a science mission and an Amateur Radio 
payload. Triton-1 includes two single-channel U/V FM-to-DSB 
transponders. Triton-2 will a single-channel U/V FM-to-DSB transponder 
and a single-channel U/S FM-to-FM transponder. The science mission is 
expected to last 3 months, after which the Amateur Radio payloads will 
be activated. Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/massive-satellite-cluster-launch-set-for-november-21>. 
/-- AMSAT-UK, AMSAT-NA, ///Gunter//'//s Space Page/ 
<http://space.skyrocket.de/>//, //Nader's Satellite Blog/ 
<http://st2nh-blogger.blogspot.com/>

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2013-11-07&p=0>
/Your League/: ARRL Atlantic Division to Hold Virtual Convention November 9

ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR

The ARRL Atlantic Division Convention on Saturday, November 9, will be a 
virtual convention with four webinar sessions, Atlantic Division 
Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, has announced. This marks the second year 
that the Atlantic Division is taking its convention to cyberspace. Edgar 
says the response was "great" last year, and no one missed the flea market.

"There is a lot to be said in face-to-face meetings, but this format 
permitted us to reach more members for the educational sessions," Edgar 
allowed. Those taking part will need to register for the individual 
sessions on GoToMeeting.com.

The first session will be "Welcome and Announcements." The winners of 
the Atlantic Division Awards -- Amateur of the Year, Keith Freeberg 
Educator of the Year, Technical Achievement, and The Grand Ol' Ham 
awards -- will be announced at this session. This session will be held 
from 9 until 9:20 AM. Participants need to register 
<https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/603857664> for this session.

The second session will be "The Boston Marathon and Amateur Radio." The 
presenter will be ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B. An 
Amateur Radio volunteer at the Boston Marathon in 2012, he will describe 
his thoughts and reactions about serving at an event where an act of 
terrorism occurred. This session will be held from 9:30 through 10:40 
AM. Participants need to register 
<https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/489381313> for this session.

The third session will be "Project Management for Amateur Radio 
Operators." Through his presentation, Paul Beeman, W2PB, will explain 
how to manage the project rather than have the project manage us. Every 
club should have officers and members listen in to this presentation. 
This session will be held from 10:50 AM through noon. Participants need 
to register <https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/814118272> for this 
session.

The fourth and final session will be "Modern Day NTS." Joe Ames, W3JY, 
will talk about the National Traffic System (NTS) and share his thoughts 
on why and how NTS remains very much relevant in today's Amateur Radio 
environment. This session will be held from 1 until 2:10 PM. 
Participants need to register 
<https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/816560328> for this session.

Director Edgar advises that if you are interested in attending any of 
these sessions to please register early!

/Your League: TQSL/ 2.0 Software Released for Logbook of The World

A new version of the /TQSL/ software for use with Logbook of The World 
(LoTW <http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world>) is available, and it 
has major changes. This latest update, /TQSL 2.0 
<http://www.arrl.org/tqsl-download>/, has been revamped to combine 
/TQSL-Cert/ and /TQSL/ into a single program, adds additional 
documentation for certificate operations, and includes a new, 
task-oriented user interface. Where previous versions had two icons on 
your desktop -- TQSL and TQSL Cert -- the new version has just one. 
You'll now be able to log onto your user account from /TQSL/. In 
addition, icons within the /TQSL/ user window are larger and easier to 
identify.

With v 2.0, you get auto-uploading of TQ8 log files and TQ5 certificate 
requests. In addition, there's automatic dupe checking to prevent 
previously uploaded QSOs from being uploaded again, saving LoTW server 
resources. /TQSL/ 2.0 will check for updates in the software and 
configuration files and notify the user.

Once the user approves the update request, /TQSL/ does the rest.

Individual station locations -- if you have more than one registered -- 
are managed in a folder tree format. /TQSL/ 2.0 also incorporates 
cross-checking to prevent users from entering invalid zones, states or 
provinces. /TQSL/ 2.0 will back up your call sign certificates, station 
locations and uploaded QSO log, so it's easy to move from one computer 
to another or recover from a hard disk failure.

It's easy to upgrade. Install /TQSL/ 2.0, and the installer will 
automatically uninstall older versions of /TQSL/ while preserving your 
configuration information. Several things will be obvious the first time 
you run the new /TQSL/ program. The user interface is completely 
different, with buttons to carry out major operations. It also provides 
tabs to access operations for Station Locations and Call Sign 
Certificates. The Station Location tab displays your station locations 
and associated call signs.

If you're new to LoTW, instructions <http://www.arrl.org/instructions> 
on the ARRL website explain how to participate. More than 60,000 radio 
amateurs use LoTW to confirm their contacts and to apply for awards, 
such as DXCC <http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-faq>. Nearly 78 million contact 
confirmations have resulted to date.

/Your League/: ARRL Frequency Measuring Test is November 13//

The annual Frequency Measuring Test (FMT 
<http://www.arrl.org/frequency-measuring-test>) will take place on 
November 13, at 0300 UTC. See page 88 
<http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/arrl/qst_201311/index.php#/92> of 
November 2013 issue of /QST/ for the schedule and full details. The FMT 
will employ a "roundtable" format, with all transmitting stations close 
to the same frequency.

The four test signal stations will be K5CM in Oklahoma, W8KSE in Ohio, 
W6OQI in California and WA6ZTY in California (40 meters only). The test 
will begin near 7055 kHz, then move to 80 meters near 3598 kHz 30 
minutes later, then to 1845 kHz 15 minutes later.

Participants may submit <http://www.b4h.net/fmt/fmtentry.php> their 
measurements and soapbox comments (by 0300 UTC on November 17) using the 
data entry website provided by Bruce Horn, WA7BNM. K5CM's website has 
more information <http://www.k5cm.com/> about frequency measuring 
techniques.

/Regulatory/: FCC Fines CBer for Operating Illegal Transmitter With 
Amplifier

Helping to alleviate concerns that it rarely polices the Citizens Radio 
Service (CB), the FCC has fined an Alaska CBer $500 for "willfully and 
repeatedly" operating a non-certificated CB transmitter with an RF 
linear amplifier which, the Commission said, violated federal law and 
its rules and "voided his authority to operate his CB station." In a 
/Forfeiture Order/ 
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-13-2083A1.pdf> 
released October 30, the FCC noted that the CB operator, Glenn S. 
Yamada, of Kenai, Alaska, did not deny the violations but stated that he 
"did not intend to violate" the Communications Act of 1934 or FCC rules.

Yamada also told the FCC that he was unable to pay the initial 
forfeiture of $12,500, imposed in a July 18, 2012, /Notice of Apparent 
Liability for Forfeiture/ (/NAL/). The Commission said its agents had 
identified Yamada as the source of a signal that the Commission's High 
Frequency Direction Finding Center "observed interfering with safety of 
life operations on the frequency of 21.965 MHz [sic]" in January and 
February 2012. The FCC said that based on financial documents Yamada 
provided, it found "sufficient basis" to reduce the fine to $500, and it 
gave Yamada 30 days to pay or have his case turned over to the US 
Department of Justice for enforcement of the forfeiture.

As required by the /NAL/, Yamada informed the FCC in writing in August 
2012 that he was still engaged in CB operations, using a certified 
transmitter that was not attached to a linear amplifier.

/Regulatory/: FCC Wireless Bureau Gets New Acting Chief

President Obama nominated Wheeler (R) to be FCC chairman last spring. 
[White House photo]

Sworn into office November 4, Tom Wheeler, the new FCC chairman, has 
named current Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief Ruth Milkman as 
his chief of staff. Replacing Milkman as acting Wireless Bureau chief 
will be Roger Sherman, a communications attorney with strong links to 
the Democratic Party. The WTB oversees Amateur Radio within the FCC.

Sherman previously served as the Democratic Chief Counsel to the House 
Committee on Energy and Commerce and as Democratic Staff Director to its 
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-wireless-bureau-gets-new-acting-chief>.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2013-11-07&p=1>
/Events/: Arecibo Observatory 50th Anniversary Special Event Set

Special event station KP4AO Arecibo Observatory 
<http://www.naic.edu/general/> in Puerto Rico will be on the air Sunday, 
November 10, 1230-2000 UTC.

"We will be on the air commemorating our 50th anniversary of Radio 
Astronomy Science," explains Angel M. Vazquez, WP3R, the head of 
telescope operations and RFI/spectrum manager at the facility.

"We will operate 20 meter phone only at around 14.250 MHz."

The observatory is inviting radio amateurs to operate the station. 
Vazquez says the KP4AO ops will be transmitting right from the control 
room of the William E. Gordon telescope, the world's largest and most 
sensitive radiotelescope, commissioned in November 1963.

The Arecibo radiotelescope [NAIC photo]

A commemorative certificate will be available for those who make 
contacts with KP4AO (include a SASE) as well for those who operate the 
station. QSL to Arecibo Observatory Radio Club, HC03, PO Box 53995, 
Arecibo, PR 00612.

The special event is sponsored by the Caribbean Amateur Radio Group and 
the Arecibo Observatory Radio Club. The National Astronomy and 
Ionosphere Center (Arecibo Observatory) is a facility of the National 
Science Foundation.

AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual Meeting is a Wrap

The 31st annual AMSAT <http://www.amsat.org/> Space Symposium and Annual 
Meeting took place November 1-3 in Houston. Just prior to the gathering 
the AMSAT Board of Directors met October 31 and elected senior officers 
for 2013-2014. Barry Baines, WD4ASW, will continue as AMSAT-NA 
President. Others elected included Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, Vice 
President Operations; Gould Smith, WA4SXM, Vice President User Services; 
Tony Monteiro, AA2TX, Vice President Engineering, and Frank Bauer, 
KA3HDO, Vice President of Human Spaceflight.

The gathering celebrated the 30th anniversary of Amateur Radio 
involvement in human spaceflight and the evolution of Amateur Radio into 
a successful program aboard the International Space Station through the 
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS 
<http://ariss.rac.ca/>) program that supports educational outreach and 
provides opportunities for informal contacts between 
astronauts/cosmonauts and Amateur Radio operators and students.

Bauer's ARISS presentation included in-depth discussions with retired 
NASA astronauts Owen Garriott, W5LFL, and Bill McArthur, KC5ACR, former 
AMSAT President Bill Tynan, W3XO; Lou McFadin, W5DID, and ARISS 
telebridge operator Tim Bosma, W6MU. Garriott was the first astronaut 
(on STS-9 in 1983) to use Amateur Radio to communicate with radio 
amateurs on Earth, leading to the past SAREX (Shuttle Amateur Radio 
EXperiment) and current ARISS programs.

Additional details <http://www.amsat.org/> about the symposium are on 
the AMSAT-NA website. /-- AMSAT News Service /

/DX/: Advice to Avoid DXpedition Confusion

/The Daily DX <http://www.dailydx.com/>/ Editor Bernie McClenny, W3UR, 
offers some basic recommendations to avoid problems when trying to work 
the "many juicy DXpeditions" that are active (see The Daily DX Calendar 
<http://www.dailydx.com/Calendar.htm>) this month.

"DXers do not depend on the cluster spots to tell you who is on what 
frequency," McClenny says. He notes that it's fine to use DX spots as a 
reference point, but to make sure you know for certain which station you 
are hearing/calling, so that you log the correct call sign. Don't assume.

Also, DXpeditions all work split and typically listen a few kilohertz 
up. Pay attention to your VFOs, and don't transmit on top of the DX 
station. "If someone /does/ transmit (calls) on top of a DXpedition, you 
are better off not getting involved and making things worse," McClenny 
advises. "Don't be a DX pileup policeman!"

He also has some advice for DXpedition operators. "DXpeditioners, before 
firing up on a frequency make sure your transmit frequency is clear. 
Listen around to make sure some other DXpedition is not too close to 
your transmit or receiving frequencies." And, he adds, "Please send your 
call sign often!"

McClenny says that ultimately the DXpedition operator is responsible for 
the pileup. "Remember it takes two to make a QSO, and we DXers at home 
and those on DXpeditions have certain responsibilities to keep the 
confusion at a minimum, especially with all the DXpeditions that will be 
QRV [on the air] during this month."

/Milestones/: Ohio Section Manager to Step Down

Citing increased job and family commitments, Ohio Section Manager Frank 
Piper, KI8GW, will step down from his position on January 1. Piper, of 
Pickerington, has been the Ohio Section Manager since July 2009, when he 
was tapped to complete the term of office after the death of Joe 
Phillips, K8QOE. Piper subsequently was elected as Section Manager in 
2010 and 2012.

Succeeding Piper will be Scott Yonally, N8SY, of Mansfield, who will 
complete the current term of office that ends on September 30, 2014. In 
accordance with ARRL Field Organization procedures, section manager 
vacancies between elections are filled by appointment. Membership and 
Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, in consultation with Great 
Lakes Division Director Jim Weaver, K8JE, appointed Yonally, who has 
been an assistant section manager since 2009.

Yonally also holds appointments as Official Relay Station and Official 
Emergency Station and previously served as Public Information 
Coordinator and District Emergency Coordinator within the Ohio Field 
Organization.

/Milestones/: Veteran Broadcast Engineer Richard Mertz, N3QJF, SK

Richard Mertz, N3QJF [Cavell Mertz photo]

Richard H. Mertz, N3QJF, of North Bethesda, Maryland, a noted broadcast 
engineer, died October 30 after a lengthy illness. He was 65. Mertz was 
well known in radio broadcasting circles, and he was a regular writer 
for /WorldRadio <http://www.worldradiomagazine.com/>./ He also presented 
technical papers at the NAB and IBC conventions. In 1994, Mertz joined 
the firm that became Cavell Mertz and Associates 
<http://www.cavellmertz.com/index.php?action=E&value=3> and served as 
its vice president. He spent more than 40 years in broadcast television 
and radio, cable television, and communications. He was a leading 
authority on TV re-banding and earlier had assisted television clients 
in making the transition from analog to digital. Mertz oversaw the 
installation of the South's first AM stereo facility at WBT. A graduate 
of Oglethorpe University, he was past chairman of Chapter 37 of the 
Society of Broadcast Engineers in Washington, DC. Services were November 
3. /-- Thanks to N7UR/The Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire/

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2013-11-07&p=2>
/Miscellany/: Team K3LR "In the Pink" for CQ World Wide Phone

Standing (L-R) WM2H, K3LA, AD1C, K3UA, N3GJ, K1DG, N2NT, N5UM, K1AR, and 
W2RQ. Seated (L-R) LU7DW, K3LR, and N2NC [Tim Duffy, K3LR, photo]

Top contester Tim Duffy, K3LR, reports that Team K3LR supported National 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month <http://www.nbcam.org/> by wearing their 
pink "Powered by Icom" shirts during the CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB) 
the weekend of October 26-27. "Last weekend the HF Amateur Radio world 
enjoyed some of the best DX conditions in many years," Duffy told ARRL. 
The K3LR team competed 
<http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/3830/2013-October/291577.html> in 
the Multi-Multi category, finishing on the top in that category for 
eight years in a row. "Pending final log checking it looks like 9 years 
in a row now, with a /new/ USA record," he added. If the claimed score 
holds up, Team K3LR will have topped its previous record, set in 2011, 
of 36.3 million points.

Getting It Right

In the article, "ARRL November Sweepstakes Marks 80 Years!" in the 
October 31, 2013, edition of /The ARRL Letter/, Halloween gremlins 
somehow got into the works (ie, your editor slipped up). The word below 
"A Sweepstakes Primer" describing the element following the sequential 
contact serial number in the ARRL November Sweepstakes exchange is 
"precedence."

Solar Update

Solar Sage Tad "Let the Sunspots In" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, 
reports: Solar activity eased off over the past week, with average daily 
sunspot numbers declining nearly 30 points from 161.6 to 131.7. Average 
daily solar flux was down more than 12 points from 158.3 to 146. 
Geomagnetic indicators were quiet. Still, activity remains strong. The 
last 3 days of the reporting week (November 4-6) had increasingly 
stronger sunspot numbers, all higher than the week's average. The same 
is true for solar flux values, with numbers over the past few days 
higher than the average for the week.

Recently we noted a near-term peak in *solar flux* at 155 predicted for 
November 22-25, but now that peak has moved, and values predicted for 
those dates are around 140. The new peak is predicted for the next few 
days, at 155 on November 7, 150 on November 8-9, 155 on November 10, 145 
on November 11-13, 140 on November 14-15, 135 on November 16, 130 on 
November 17-20, 135 on November 21-22, 140 on November 23-28, and 145 on 
November 29 through December 1.

*Predicted planetary A index* is 8 on November 7, 5 on November 8-10, 8 
on November 11-13, 5 on November 14 through December 2, 8 on December 
3-4, 5 on December 5-6, and 8, 10, 8 and 8 on December 7-10.

On Friday we will update the forecast and pass on observations from readers.

This Week in Radiosport

  *

    Nov 9-10 -- Worked All Europe DX Contest, digital

  *

    Nov 9-10 -- 10-10 Fall Digital QSO Party, digital

  *

    Nov 9-10 -- Japan International DX Contest, SSB

  *

    Nov 9-10 -- OK-OM DX Contest, CW

  *

    Nov 9-10 -- Straight Key Weekend Sprintathon, CW

  *

    Nov 9-10 -- Kentucky QSO Party, SSB+CW+digital

  *

    Nov 9-11 --CQ WE (Western Electric), SSB+CW+digital

  *

    Nov 13-14 -- CWops Monthly Mini-CWT Test

  *

    Nov 14 -- NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint, CW

  *

    Nov 16 -- Feld-Hell Turkey Shoot Sprint

  *

    Nov 16-17 ARRL EME Contest

  *

    Nov 16-17 -- LZ DX Contest, SSB+CW

  *

    Nov 16-17 -- All Austria 160 Meter Contest, CW

  *

    Nov 16-17 -- RSGB Second 1.8 MHz Contest, CW

  *

    Nov 16-18 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes, SSB

  *

    Nov 17 -- Homebrew and Oldtime Contest, CW

  *

    Nov 18 -- Run For The Bacon, CW

Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

  *

    November 8-9 -- Midwest Division Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/midwest-division-convention-1>,
    Lebanon, Missouri

  *

    November 9 -- Atlantic Division Virtual Convention
    <http://www.atldiv.org/convention.htm> (Webinar)

  *

    November 9 -- All-Ohio ARES Conference
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/all-ohio-ares-conference>,
    Reynoldsburg, Ohio

  *

    November 16-17 -- Indiana State Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/indiana-state-convention-fort-wayne-hamfest-and-computer-expo-1>,
    Fort Wayne, Indiana

  *

    December 6-7 -- West Central Florida Section Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-3>,
    Plant City, Florida

  *

    January 5 -- NYC/LI Section Convention
    <http://hamradiouniversity.org/>, Bethpage, New York

  *

    January 17-18 -- North Texas Section Convention
    <http://www.cowtownhamfest.org/>, Fort Worth, Texas

  *

    January 19-26 - Quartzfest Convention <http://www.quartzfest.org/>,
    Quartzite, Arizona

  *

    January 24-25 -- Mississippi State Convention
    <http://hamfest.msham.org/>, Jackson, Mississippi

  *

    January 25-26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention
    <http://www.arrlpr.org/>, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

  *

    January 31-February 1 -- Southern Florida Section Convention
    <http://hamboree.org/>, Miami, Florida

Find conventions and hamfests in your area <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 
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Listen to /ARRL Audio News/ <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news>, 
available every Friday.

Subscribe to...

/NCJ <http://www.ncjweb.com/>//-- National Contest Journal 
<http://www.ncjweb.com/>/. Published bi-monthly, features articles by 
top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint and QSO 
Parties.

/QEX <http://www.arrl.org/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 
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to the /ARES E-Letter/ (monthly public service and emergency 
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Find us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org>. Follow us on 
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may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their Member Data 
Page as described at http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/.

Copyright ? 2013 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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




From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Sun Nov 10 17:29:26 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 17:29:26 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] So you still have Doha (31 Dec 2013)
	IRC's. Now what?
In-Reply-To: <CA+Am858gfZyJJSKv_u1wwSrDPVxQYNv5Y3EhhCJUQon+qfn21g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CA+Am858gfZyJJSKv_u1wwSrDPVxQYNv5Y3EhhCJUQon+qfn21g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <528008C6.2060100@bellsouth.net>

 From Tony N2MFT:


    I've had Postal employees challenge me with a copy of THEIR postal
    regulations. Bring a copy with their URL so they can check it, and
    they will, themselves. You should receive stamps minus $0.01 of face
    value.


    380Supplemental Services


      381International Reply Coupons


        381.1Description

As of January 27, 2013, the U.S. Postal Service no longer sells 
internationalreply coupons. However, coupons previously sold by the U.S. 
Postal Servicecan still be used or exchanged (see381.2 
<http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc3_020.htm#ep392035>). The following 
standards apply tointernational reply coupons:

 1. The sender of a letter may prepay a reply by purchasing reply
    couponsthat are sold and exchangeable for postage stamps by
    participatingpostal administrations in member countries of the
    Universal PostalUnion.
 2. International reply coupons (in
    French,Coupons-ReponseInternationaux) are printed in blue ink on
    paper that has the letters?UPU? in large characters in the
    watermark. The front of each couponis printed in French. The reverse
    side of the coupon, which has textrelating to its use, is printed in
    German, English, Arabic, Chinese,Spanish, or Russian.


        381.2Previously Sold Coupons and Exchange Value

The following standards apply to the exchange of international replycoupons:

 1. International reply coupons sold by the United States Postal
    Serviceprior to January 27, 2013, are exchangeable in any other
    membercountry for a stamp or stamps representing the minimum postage
    onan unregistered air letter. Unused U.S. coupons (that is, those
    with theU.S. selling price stamped on them that are not ultimately
    redeemed byrecipients in other countries) may be exchanged only by
    the originalpurchaser for United States postage stamps at a discount
    of 1 centbelow the purchase price.
 2. With the exceptions noted in381.3
    <http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc3_020.htm#ep392047>d
    <http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc3_020.htm#ep392059>, international
    reply couponspurchased in foreign countries are exchangeable at U.S.
    Post Officefacilities toward the purchase of postage stamps and
    embossedstamped envelopes at the current maximum First-Class
    MailInternational 1-ounce, letter-size price, per coupon,
    irrespective of thecountry where they were purchased. SeeNotice 123
    <http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm>,/Price List/.


        381.3Processing Requests

The following standards apply when processing international reply coupons:

 1. Under Universal Postal Union?s regulations, participating
    membercountries are/not/required to place a control stamp or
    postmark on theinternational reply coupons that they sell.
    Therefore, some foreignissue reply coupons that are tendered for
    redemption may bear thename of the issuing country (generally in
    French) rather than theoptional control stamp or postmark. Such
    coupons are exchangeablefor U.S. postage as specified in381.2
    <http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc3_020.htm#ep392035>b
    <http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc3_020.htm#ep392045>.
 2. A Post Office facility redeeming an unused U.S. coupon must
    postmarkit in the unpostmarked circle. A Post Office facility
    exchanging a foreignreply coupon must postmark it. Post Office
    facilities must not acceptforeign coupons that already bear a United
    States Postal Servicepostmark.
 3. The only valid version of the international reply coupons printed by
    theUniversal Postal Union is Item Number 330800, which is
    approximately3.75 inches by 6 inches, has a barcode on the reverse
    side, and has anexpiration date of December 31, 2013.
 4. Reply coupons formerly issued by the Postal Union of the Americasand
    Spain are no longer valid. These coupons are printed in green inkand
    bear the captionCupon Respuesta America-Espanol. Customerspossessing
    any of these coupons should return them to theircorrespondents in
    the country of issue for redemption through theselling post office.
 5. Postmasters must process exchanged foreign and redeemed
    U.S.international reply coupons as prescribed in Handbook
    F-101,/Field//Accounting Procedures/,in section 11-6.6,
    ?International ReplyCoupons.?

http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc3_020.htm

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Tue Nov 12 16:09:52 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 16:09:52 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] From ARRL Please keep 7.095 MHz clear.
In-Reply-To: <98eb3.2571c65c.3fb3983d@aol.com>
References: <98eb3.2571c65c.3fb3983d@aol.com>
Message-ID: <52829920.5080303@bellsouth.net>


          We are all concerned about the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in
          the Philippines. ARRL has successfully sent faxes and email to
          Philippine Amateur Radio Association members in Manilla. 7.095
          MHz remains PARA's primary operating frequency into and out of
          the affected area; please keep that frequency clear and ask
          your friends worldwide to do the same.

          PARA is recommending Google Person Finder to request info
          about or post info about missing persons. You can find it here:
          http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda/
          <http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda/>

          For information on PARA's Ham Radio Emergency Operations
          (HERO) visit http://hero.para.org.ph/

          Again: Please keep 7.095 MHz clear.

          Thank you.  ARRL


          https://www.facebook.com/ARRL.org?hc_location=stream



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Nov 14 07:18:49 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 07:18:49 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] "Ride With the Mayors" Ham Operators
	Needed
In-Reply-To: <004f01cee0dc$2dade0c0$8909a240$@comcast.net>
References: <004f01cee0dc$2dade0c0$8909a240$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <5284BFA9.3050101@bellsouth.net>


"Ride With the Mayors" Ham Operators Needed.

I am short a few hams to provide communications on the "Ride With the 
Mayors" ride on Sunday, November 17^th out of Markham Park. We will have 
a 30 mile and a 50 mile route. We will have only 2 rest stops.  This 
event requires ham radio communications throughout both routes.  All you 
should need is an HT programed on 146.910 -600 PL 110.9

If you can work this event, please email with your  name, callsign and 
cellphone number and I will assign you a position. One rest stop is at 
Vista View park in Davie and the other is at Silver View Park in 
Pembroke Pines.

Please note:  If you are a  new ham and have never worked a 
communications event, please contact me and I will place you with a 
seasoned ham so you can learn what is communicated on a communications 
event.

Please pass this request on your nets.

Robin Terrill N4HHP
n4hhp at comcast.net <mailto:n4hhp at comcast.net>
954 249-5343 <tel:954%20249-5343>



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Thu Nov 14 09:12:27 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:12:27 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Upcoming local Free Flea's - Hamfests
In-Reply-To: <CAG2HKPhOgYGPRommvwjeVTXF4CcBjonnjWbdV-Wn8LSJ-x_swQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAG2HKPhOgYGPRommvwjeVTXF4CcBjonnjWbdV-Wn8LSJ-x_swQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <5284DA4B.5090505@bellsouth.net>


Upcoming local Free Flea's

Flamingo Net / UMARC Free Flea and more

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013: Flamingo Net / University of Miami
Free Flea. Starts at 7:00 AM in the Physics Parking Lot.
Talk-in on K4AG repeater, 147.150 PL 94.8. Come in from the
west on Miller Rd. (SW 56 St.) until you reach the circle at
the UM. Go 3/4 of the way  around it and come out northbound on San 
Amaro. Go 5 short blocks and the parking lot entrance is on your right.


Sat. Nov. 23, 2013: Cy Harris Memorial Free Flea. Starts at
6:00 AM in the Collins Center, Oakland Park.


Fri. Jan 31 and Sat. Feb. 1, 2014 (9:00AM to 6:00 PM): Miami
Hamfest / Hamboree. At the Youth Fair grounds. We will host
a 2m walking fox hunt from our booth on Saturday - bring
your hunting gear. Prize to first finder!

Hope to see you at all of these events - The Big Pink Bird.

from Bill wa4tej <mailto:wa4tej at juno.com>




From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 09:19:26 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:19:26 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Ham Radio in the Media
In-Reply-To: <52862EBF.9010407@optonline.net>
References: <52862EBF.9010407@optonline.net>
Message-ID: <528A21EE.808@bellsouth.net>



/Ham Radio in the Media/: TV Show Featuring Fictional Ham Sparks Crop of 
Real Hams

Tim Allen (L) as Mike Baxter, KA?XTT, sits in his ham shack with Flynn 
Morrison, who plays his grandson on the sitcom. [Photo courtesy of John 
Amodeo, NN6JA]

Fans of the ABC Television show "Last Man Standing 
<http://abc.go.com/shows/last-man-standing>" may be aware that its main 
character, "Mike Baxter" -- played by Tim Allen -- is supposed to be a 
radio amateur, KA?XTT. While it may come as no surprise that the 
sitcom's producer is a ham -- John Amodeo, NN6JA -- several radio 
amateurs also are on the production crew, and their number just 
increased, with help from the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group 
(GLAARG <http://glaarg.org/>) VEC. The show's *_"Thanksgiving" episode, 
which airs Friday, November 22 (8 PM ET), will feature a scene with 
"Baxter" in his basement ham shack_*. Amodeo said that for the first 
time in the series, Baxter will briefly talk on the radio. In response, 
viewers will hear a pileup created by using the voices of hundreds of 
real hams, sent in to the production company.

In the scene, the Mike Baxter character appears with his grandson 
"Boyd," played by Flynn Morrison. The episode was shot in mid-October. 
According to Amodeo, Mike heads to his basement ham shack to escape a 
houseful of guests waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be served. This 
episode of the show is only the second to include ham radio as a story 
element and the first in which Tim Allen's character is shown operating 
his ham station.






From k.siwiak at ieee.org  Mon Nov 18 10:01:12 2013
From: k.siwiak at ieee.org (Kai)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:01:12 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Ham Radio in the Media
In-Reply-To: <528A21EE.808@bellsouth.net>
References: <52862EBF.9010407@optonline.net> <528A21EE.808@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <528A2BB8.1000507@ieee.org>

... send in your QSL card to get a souvenir KA0XTT card.
-73
Kai, KE4PT


On 11/18/2013 9:19 AM, Bill wrote:
>
>
> /Ham Radio in the Media/: TV Show Featuring Fictional Ham Sparks Crop of Real 
> Hams
>
> Tim Allen (L) as Mike Baxter, KA?XTT, sits in his ham shack with Flynn 
> Morrison, who plays his grandson on the sitcom. [Photo courtesy of John 
> Amodeo, NN6JA]
>
> Fans of the ABC Television show "Last Man Standing 
> <http://abc.go.com/shows/last-man-standing>" may be aware that its main 
> character, "Mike Baxter" -- played by Tim Allen -- is supposed to be a radio 
> amateur, KA?XTT. While it may come as no surprise that the sitcom's producer 
> is a ham -- John Amodeo, NN6JA -- several radio amateurs also are on the 
> production crew, and their number just increased, with help from the Greater 
> Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group (GLAARG <http://glaarg.org/>) VEC. The show's 
> *_"Thanksgiving" episode, which airs Friday, November 22 (8 PM ET), will 
> feature a scene with "Baxter" in his basement ham shack_*. Amodeo said that 
> for the first time in the series, Baxter will briefly talk on the radio. In 
> response, viewers will hear a pileup created by using the voices of hundreds 
> of real hams, sent in to the production company.
>
> In the scene, the Mike Baxter character appears with his grandson "Boyd," 
> played by Flynn Morrison. The episode was shot in mid-October. According to 
> Amodeo, Mike heads to his basement ham shack to escape a houseful of guests 
> waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be served. This episode of the show is only 
> the second to include ham radio as a story element and the first in which Tim 
> Allen's character is shown operating his ham station.
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> QCWA69 mailing list
> SubScribe UNSubscribe or Info:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/qcwa69
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:QCWA69 at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 10:26:45 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:26:45 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial Free Flea
	this Saturday November 13
Message-ID: <528A31B5.7060704@bellsouth.net>

Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial Free Flea

Saturday November 13, 2013 Starting at 0700 EST Vendor set-up at 0600 EST

Collins Center near Wimberly Field Park
3900 NE 3 Ave
Oakland Park, FL 33334

Free to Buy and Sell

Talk in: 146.91 (-600) PL 110.9 Back-up repeater : 146.79 (-600)

Testing at 1000 EST VE testing (Tech, General, Extra)**

From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 10:40:47 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:40:47 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial Free Flea
	this Saturday November 23
In-Reply-To: <528A31B5.7060704@bellsouth.net>
References: <528A31B5.7060704@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <528A34FF.7060609@bellsouth.net>

23rd...yup operator error!


Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial Free Flea

Saturday November 23, 2013 Starting at 0700 EST Vendor set-up at 0600 EST

Collins Center near Wimberly Field Park
3900 NE 3 Ave
Oakland Park, FL 33334

Free to Buy and Sell

Talk in: 146.91 (-600) PL 110.9 Back-up repeater : 146.79 (-600)

Testing at 1000 EST VE testing (Tech, General, Extra)**
_


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 12:11:36 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:11:36 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] [SFDXA] Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial
 Free Flea this Saturday November 23
In-Reply-To: <528A34FF.7060609@bellsouth.net>
References: <528A31B5.7060704@bellsouth.net> <528A34FF.7060609@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <528A4A48.7000607@bellsouth.net>

Because the first post said 13...


On 11/18/2013 10:40 AM, Bill wrote:
> 23rd...yup operator error!
>
>
> Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial Free Flea
>
> Saturday November 23, 2013 Starting at 0700 EST Vendor set-up at 0600 EST
>
> Collins Center near Wimberly Field Park
> 3900 NE 3 Ave
> Oakland Park, FL 33334
>
> Free to Buy and Sell
>
> Talk in: 146.91 (-600) PL 110.9 Back-up repeater : 146.79 (-600)
>
> Testing at 1000 EST VE testing (Tech, General, Extra)**
> _
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> South Florida DX Assoc.
> SFDXA WebSite: http://www.SFDXA.com
> SFDXA Repeater 147.33+ 103.5 Tone
> To Post: mailto:SFDXA at mailman.qth.net
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or Subscribe:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 12:41:32 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 12:41:32 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Okeechobee Hamfest
In-Reply-To: <1384633330.56104.YahooMailBasic@web140206.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
References: <1384633330.56104.YahooMailBasic@web140206.mail.bf1.yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <528A514C.2030403@bellsouth.net>


  Hamfest In The Woods

HAMFEST/CONVENTION
11/30/2013	

Start Date: 11/30/2013
End Date: 11/30/2013
Location: Freedom Ranch
11655 US Highway 441 SE
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Website: http://www.flweather.com/oarc/
Sponsor: Okeechobee ARC
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.195 (PL 100.0)
Public Contact: Charles Whipple , W4PHD
32801 Highway 441 North, Lot 48 Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: 863-467-2487
Email: charles.whipple4 at gmail.com




From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 17:45:10 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:45:10 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] IMD Measuring
Message-ID: <528A9876.6010905@bellsouth.net>

I found this information on the RTTY list for those that might find it 
interesting...

IMD Measuring.
http://www.rsq-info.net/IMD-Measurement.html


*IMD Meter by KK7UQ
*http://www.navigator-interface.com/naviusa_010.htm
No connections to the radio - constantly monitor your IMD ans more.



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Mon Nov 18 18:59:37 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 18:59:37 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Interesting Webinars from the
	Northern California Contest Club
Message-ID: <528AA9E9.9040303@bellsouth.net>


Interesting Webinars from the Northern California Contest Club

Some of the files are pretty big, but you can delete them after viewing...

Previous Webinars

  * July 8, 2009: "How to set up a Microham keyer", Ira (K2RD) --
    Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/microham_k2rd_lo_res.wmv> (62 MB)
  * July 22, 2009: "Homebrewing a micro based (SO2R) station
    controller", Jack (KF6T) -- Recording available here
    <http://bit.ly/kf6t-lowres>
  * August 12, 2009: "N1MM: How To Configure And Operate", John (K6MM)
    -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/n1mm_webinar.wmv> (173 MB)
  * August 26, 2009:"WriteLog: How To Configure And Operate", Mark
    (K6UFO) -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/Writelog.wmv> (108 MB)
  * September 2, 2009: "A 160m Helically Wound Vertical", John (K6MM) --
    Recording available here <http://bit.ly/k6mm-160m-recording> (50 MB)
  * September 24, 2009: "Hints and Kinks for Using HFTA", Dean (N6BV) --
    Recording available here <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/HFTA.wmv> (137 MB)
  * October 14, 2009 (NCCC/PVRC Joint Webinar): "A 160m Helically Wound
    Vertical", John (K6MM) -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/160m_vertical.wmv> (95 MB)
  * December 9, 2009: "RTTY For Newbies", (Fred, K6DGW; John, K6MM;
    Dean, N6DE; Iain, N6ML) -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/rtty_webinar.wmv> (115 MB)
  * February 2, 2010: "How to Operate the CW Sprint", (Bob, N6TV) --
    Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/nasprint020210_%20N6TV.wmv> (38 MB)
  * June 7, 2010: "Tactical Use of Propagation Predictions for HF
    Contesting", (Dean, N6BV) -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/N6BV-2010JUN07-PVRC-Propagation.wmv> (83
    MB).  PDF version of the presentation available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/N6BV-2010JUN07-PVRC-Propagation.pdf>.
  * November 23, 2010: "HF Propagation and Sporadic-E, a Case Study:
    WRTC 2010", (Dean, N6BV) -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/N6BV-2010NOV23-PVRC-PROP-SPORADIC-E-WRTC-2010.wmv>
    (50 MB).  PDF version of the presentation available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/N6BV-PVRC-NCCC-HFPropSporadicE.pdf>.
  * August 30, 2011: "Improving Your CW Contest Speed", (Dean, N6DE) --
    Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/contest_cw_speed.mp4> (19 MB).
  * September 22, 2011: "Contesting Basics", (Bob, K6XX) -- Recording
    available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/ContestingBasics-20110922-K6XX.wmv> (137 MB).
  * October 18, 2011:"Antennas For Contesting", (Dean, N6BV) --
    Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/Antennas%20For%20Contesting.wmv> (185 MB).
  * October 25, 2011:"Logging Accuracy: Error Control For SS", (Tom,
    ND2T) -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/ErrorControl-ND2T.wmv> (130 MB).
  * November 15, 2011: "Recording & Using Voice Messages", (Jim, K9YC)
    -- Recording available here
    <http://www.nccc.cc/misc/RecordingVoiceMessages-K9YC.wmv> (340 MB)

http://www.nccc.cc/webinars.html



From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Nov 20 13:01:58 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:01:58 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] The ARRL Contest Update for November
	20, 2013
In-Reply-To: <20131120043339.71990242A4@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20131120043339.71990242A4@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <528CF916.4000203@bellsouth.net>


Preview

If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2013-11-20

The ARRL Contest Update

November 20, 2013
Editor: Ward Silver, N?AX <mailto:rate-sheet at arrl.org>
/Contest Update/ Archive <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/>
Contest Calendar <http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html>
ARRL Home Page <http://www.arrl.org/>
Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&i=2013-11-20&t=t>
IN THIS ISSUE

  * Code-a-palooza - CQ World Wide CW Contest <#Contests>
  * Unlimited Category in ARRL Contests <#News>
  * Pacific NW VHF Conference Proceedings Online <#Newsweek>
  * Engines Of A Different Sort <#Sights>
  * August UHF Results Online <#Results>
  * UHF Connectors - Revealed! <#Tech>
  * A Spitfire On the Airwaves <#Techweek>
  * Sweepstakes Abroad <#Conversation>

NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO

If you have a modest station, would like to put some DX in your log, and 
can handle a key or paddle, the CQ World Wide DX CW Contest is the only 
game in town this weekend. WW CW is usually on Thanksgiving weekend but 
due to the first of November falling on Friday this year, the contest 
comes /before/ the holiday. If contesting on a holiday weekend (in the 
U.S.) cramps your style, this is the once-every-few-years opportunity to 
have your turkey and contest, too!

BULLETINS

Received from Jojo DU1VHF, NTS Chairman and CFO for the Philippine 
Anateur Radio Association - please read and heed. "The much-awaited CQ 
WW CW Contest is nigh and everyone is chomping at the bit. However, here 
in the Philippines, our enthusiasm is a bit tempered by the recent 
events of a catastrophic typhoon which took thousands of lives and 
destroyed much of a region in the Southeastern portion of the country. 
As such, hams in the Philippines are using the frequencies 7.095, 7.119 
and 7.151 MHz for emergency operations. We hope that this could be given 
notice in order that QRM might be minimized and not hinder emergency 
operations." The subject is also addressed in this issue's Conversation 
section.

BUSTED QSOS

Perhaps characterizing the previous W5 win in CQ WW SSB as "never" was a 
bit strong! Rick K3OO recalls Jeff N5TJ winning SOHP in that contest 
around 1993 and coming in second with both scores in the range of 6 
million points. Jeff recalls there being a couple of other wins from the 
fifth district back in the 1960s, as well.

CONTEST SUMMARY

Complete information <#Contests> for all contests follows the 
Conversation <#Conversation> section

*23-24 November*

  * CQ World Wide CW Contest

*30-31 November*

  * SKCC Straight Key Sprint (Nov 27)
  * Top Band Sprint (Nov 28)
  * Full Day of Hell--Digital
  * SARL Digital Contest

NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST

Those awho asked for Single-Op Unlimited (SOU) categories in all ARRL 
contests are getting their wish. Beginning with the RTTY Roundup in 
January, SOU will be part of all ARRL HF contests. Watch for each 
contest's announcement as the details are worked out to add the 
category. The major contest logging software packages already do or will 
support SOU in RTTY Roundup but be sure you have upgraded to the latest 
version that supports submitting the log as an SOU entry.

If you had a good time in the Sweepstakes contest, jot down a note on 
the ARRL Soapbox <http://arrl.org/soapbox> web page and leave a photo or 
two. We'd love to hear your story!

One part of the special activities for the 80^th Sweepstakes is 
recognizing the octogenarian contesters among us - and there are more 
than you might expect. If you know one who made any QSOs in either 
weekend of Sweepstakes, make sure the ARRL knows about it at 
contests at arrl.org <mailto:contests at arrl.org>. After the contest, the 
soapbox and stories received will be totaled up on the Sweepstakes 
website <http://arrl.org/sweepstakes>. The honoree can have been 
licensed for a year, a decade, or longer - just be sure we get a chance 
to tip the Sweepstakes cap in their direction! While you're there, don't 
forget to download your 80^th Sweepstakes certificate and stickers.

A tip from the Volunteer Examiner community alerting us to be sure the 
study guides of our students are up to date. Hand-me-down copies and 
out-of-date books in libraries and stores can cause a lot of problems. 
The question pools <http://ncvec.org> are updated every four years. The 
dates for which the material is valid are usually printed on the cover - 
why not check what's available in your library and offer to update it if 
necessary?

Here's another anniversary - the WLS tower in Illinois has reached the 
advanced age of 75 years as described in this story from Radio World 
<http://www.radioworld.com/default.aspx?tabid=75&entryid=971>. Given the 
number of ice storms, such longevity is pretty amazing! (Thanks, Eric W3DQ)

The assembled Easy Rotor Control <http://easy-rotor-control.com/>card 
looks packs a lot of circuit onto a small board. Use it to build your 
station's automation capability.

Rotator control has another option with the products from 
Easy-Rotor-Control <http://easy-rotor-control.com/>. The controllers are 
standalone microprocessor-based products available with either RS-232 or 
USB interfaces. You can buy them as a kit or completely assembled. These 
interface with most rotators and look handy for remote control and 
automated station building.

With the invaluable help of Terry AB5K, Jose CT1BOH/CR3E reports that 
the algorithm behind the dynamic error-free RBN-Skimmer 
<http://lists.contesting.com/archives/html/CQ-Contest/2013-07/msg00138.html%3chttp:/lists.contesting.com/archives/html/CQ-Contest/2013-07/msg00138.html> 
is now in place at selected AR cluster nodes and the RBN AR-Cluster node 
found at arcluster.reversebeacon.net, port 7000. This is a great tool 
for to confirm that the spotted calls are OK and not busted or fake, and 
may also prevent some of the busted call pile-ups that generate a lot of 
dupes for running stations. This system tries to identify and flag 
busted spots, non-existent calls spotted on a particular frequency, and 
spots with unstable frequencies. The tool might also encourage Assisted 
users to confirm the call before calling blind - what a concept! Each 
spot sent out by an AR cluster or RBN cluster now has a spot quality tag 
next to it in the comment field to indicate whether the call sign has 
been judged valid or not and why. Jose shows how to use this feature in 
a series of online images <http://www.qsl.net/ct1boh/rbn/1.png> 
(substitute 2, 3, 4, etc for the number preceding ".png" in the URL to 
progress through all 8 images.)

Part 1 of an excellent article about amateur participation in the 
International Geophysical Year (1957-1958) was recently published by 
Phil K9PL in the /K9YA Telegraph 
<http://www.k9ya.org/articles/K9YA%20Telegraph%202013%20IGY_reprint.pdf>/. 
Amateurs were involved in a number of programs that supported scientific 
research around the world and still are, on occasion. As long as we're 
covering history, check out this IEEE story 
<http://theinstitute.ieee.org/technology-focus/technology-topic/the-four-incarnations-of-britains-royal-research-ship-discovery> 
about the four incarnations of Britain's royal research vessel, /Discovery/.

Your editor just received a renewal notice for his "Spot the Station 
<http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/index.cfm>" NASA alerting service to 
when the International Space Station will be visible. You can sign up 
for this free service and never miss another pass!

*Web Site of the Week* - Proceedings for the recent Pacific Northwest 
VHF Conference <http://www.pnwvhfs.org/conference/2013/proceedings.html> 
are available online instead of publishing a CD or printed book. 
Presentations on expeditions are available by W7GJ and K5QE along with 
noise measurement by N6OCN and solid-state amplifiers by W6PQL. (Thanks, 
PNW VHF Society Webmaster, Barry K7BWH)

WORD TO THE WISE

Lana Ctrelkova-Cerga operated as UR5NCC in a the United Teenager Contest 
<http://www.uarl.com.ua/tlum/index.htm> last January.

The motto of January's United Teenager Contest 
<http://www.uarl.com.ua/tlum/index.htm> is: "Participation is more 
important than the victory, and friendship is worth more than prizes." 
That link includes numerous enjoyable photos of young operators having 
fun in the contest. Rules in English are at the bottom of the page.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-11-20&p=0>
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Here is an interesting "cross-implementation 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhYEdD94vH0>" of a regular internal 
combustion engine that uses electronic components. A tutorial for a very 
simple "one-cylinder" equivalent solenoid engine 
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISZ_iVWcqeI> is also available.

Not quite the DXCC List set to Gilbert & Sullivan, but this geographical 
aria <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoaLSUKeGWw> will do. (Thanks, Norm 
W9VQ)

RESULTS AND RECORDS

ARRL Contest Branch Manager, Mike N1TA reports that the Extended Version 
of the results article for the August UHF Contest by K9JK is now online 
<http://www.arrl.org/contest-results-articles>.

CQ World Wide Director, Randy K5ZD reports a very small error in the raw 
score calculations for CQ WW SSB. Updated scores are now online 
<http://www.cqww.com/claimed.htm?mode=ph>.

Claimed scores for the 2013 Worked All Germany Contest 
<http://www.darc.de/referate/dx/contest/wag/archiv/2013/> are now 
published on the WAG website. Please check whether you are grouped into 
the correct category and whether your score differs much from what your 
software calculated. "We hope to have the results ready at the end of 
the year, but log checking will be a bigger workload than usual as we 
have a record number of >1900 logs." (Thanks, WAG Contest Manager, Chris 
DL8MBS)

Here are some of your Missouri multipliers enjoying themselves at the 
recent Midwest Division Convention in Lebanon, MO. Left to right are 
Bill K?DEQ, Paul K?JPL, and John K2VV. (Photo from K?JPL)

Extending the how-remote-is-remote list, Hal W1NN operated his home 
station in Medina, OH in this year's CW Sweepstakes remotely from Tokyo, 
Japan. Bob K8GL notes that Google Earth reports the distance as 6525 
miles city to city. That's quite a long keyer cable! We seemed to have 
reached the point at which there is sufficient network bandwidth to 
operate stations located nearly anywhere from nearly anywhere. Don't 
forget that local regulations apply and that contest and award rules 
require you to conduct the operation and submit the entry based on the 
location of the station.

OPERATING TIP

With CQ WW CW upon us, the subject of cut numbers ("N" for "9", "A" for 
"1", etc.) will no doubt come up. While K9NW refers to ARRL DX CW 
exchanges here, there is plenty that applies to WW and other contests.

Every time there's a "number" contest, the topic of cut numbers comes 
up, i.e., what you should log, etc. You can rest assured that the log 
checking team operates the contest and they know what this stuff means - 
and they have software that also knows what this stuff means. The 
easiest way to deal with cut numbers is to just learn them. There are 
only a few that are in regular use. You don't have to use them, you 
don't even have to like them. But you might as well accept that they're 
going to be used by others. No need to over-think this.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-11-20&p=1>
TECHNICAL TOPICS AND INFORMATION

Following some recent discussion about the performance of UHF-series 
connectors at VHF and UHF, Larry W?QE made some VNA measurements and has 
published them online 
<http://www.w0qe.com/Technical_Topics/uhf_connector_compensation.html>. 
He went further to determine how to compensate the observed impedance 
mismatches in the 500 MHz region verified them using the SimSmith 
software <http://www.ae6ty.com/Smith_Charts.html> by AE6TY.

Larry W?QE takes a /really/ close look at our favorite connectors in his 
online article 
<http://www.w0qe.com/Technical_Topics/uhf_connector_compensation.html>. 
(Photo by W?QE)

John N2NC reminds us of the nice weekly report available from NOAA's 
Space Weather Prediction Center, "The Preliminary Report and Forecast of 
Solar Geophysical Data, called "The Weekly 
<http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly/index.html>", summarizes a week of 
space weather activity and provides outlooks for solar and geophysical 
activity for the next solar rotation -- 27 days." And the price is 
certainly right!

Over the summer, Jim K9YC did extensive modeling (NEC) of vertical 
quarter-wave and vertical dipole antennas, comparing performance on the 
ground and at typical roof heights. A report 
<http://k9yc.com/publish.htm> on that work is available online in the 
form of PDF slides from the PowerPoint presentation Jim gave at the 
Pacificon convention in October. He notes in summary, "for all vertical 
antenna types and almost all soil quality, roof mounting outperforms 
ground mounting. The advantage of roof mounting is greatest for the 
poorest soil, varying from as much as 8 dB for very poor soil to a dB or 
so for extremely good soil."

The return of the vacuum tube 
<http://news.sciencemag.org/physics/2012/05/return-vacuum-tube> is 
making some news lately. While your stock of 807s and UV-201 is unlikely 
to suddenly fund your retirement, "field-emission devices" have their 
strong points and a hybrid of semiconductor and tube technology is 
attractive in certain applications. (Thanks, Art W?KG)

Roger K8RI notes, "when you see a white insulator in connectors, it is 
often High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and not Teflon. HDPE has very 
poor thermal characteristics and has a hot oil-like smell when heated." 
To test for HDPE, "Put the tip of a small, hot, soldering iron on Teflon 
and nothing happens, but on HDPE it quickly leaves a dent. Held side by 
side the Teflon is a whiter white while the HDPE is slightly darker and 
very smooth, almost slippery, to the touch."

Dan AC6LA has released TLDetails <http://ac6la.com/> to to plot Velocity 
Factor (VF) vs frequency for any of about a hundred different types of 
feed lines, including Bury-Flex. Sample plots 
<http://ac6la.com/tldplot2.png> show that the higher the loss, the more 
the VF drops off at lower frequencies. Jim K9YC notes that before 
cutting stubs for filters or matching, "determine VF for the coax you're 
using and don't count on the published value being right. Most solid 
dielectric coax is close to 0.66 and most foam is in the range of 0.75 - 
0.85."

VK4DD has created this amplifier control module display, showing it off 
along with several other interesting designs on his website 
<http://vk4dd.com/>.

Solid-state amp builders may be interested in the microprocessor-based 
amplifer controller from VK4DD <http://vk4dd.com/> Software is available 
for modification, too. The controller uses a PIC microprocessor and has 
a serial-interface LCD display. There are several other great projects 
on the site, as well. (Thanks Don K9AQ)

This "Rarely Asked Questions 
<http://www.analog.com/library/analogdialogue/archives/47-10/RAQ_98.html>" 
article from Analog Devices lists quite a number of online design tools 
and their associated support communities. These are useful to amateurs 
and professionals alike!

Matt KM5VI relays the important point about taking time to confirm the 
polarity of baluns in arrays. It is not unknown for two baluns from the 
same manufacturer with identical part numbers wired with the load side 
connections internally reversed with respect to the casing of the unit. 
A reversed connection would greatly alter the antenna's performance.

Wouldn't we all like to have this kind of control on our low-band 
antennas? Read how at DF9OX's Spitfire array website 
<http://www.df9ox.com/e_afu80mtxant_spitfire.html>.

*Technical Web Site of the Week* - Andr? DF9OX reports that "I am using 
the spitfire array now for 10 years on 80 meters, with a single center 
tower and 4 directional wires, switched as director/reflector. The array 
is ok, giving some dB gain, f/s and f/b mostly OK" He notes that the 
performance is a bit below a 4-square, but likes the performance of this 
wire array. Peter DF3KV has provided an online description 
<http://www.df9ox.com/e_afu80mtxant_spitfire.html> of the array, which 
will be updated as the array is used this winter.

CONVERSATION

Sweepstakes Abroad

What bombastic pageant
Plays beyond my night horizon
Distant artillery lighting up the sky

A grand chorus sings the exchange
Number, precedence, check, and section
The entire band's their stage resplendent

Voices great and small
Echoing ocean to ocean
Over the poles and beyond

I wonder at the multitude
In teeming competition
Unknowing of my distant presence

In listening to busy contests from other continents, I have often 
wondered what our truly large domestic contests sound like from far 
away. Sweepstakes doesn't stop at the North American continental shelf, 
of course, and I'm sure our friends around the world chafe a bit during 
these band-filling exercises. Fortunately for all, the "other" bands and 
modes are available if one is willing to make use of them.

Our Philippine friends need a bit of breathing room as described in the 
Bulletin section at the beginning of this newsletter. While their 
published emergency communications frequencies of 7.095, 7.119, and 
7.151 MHz are not right in the thick of the CW action during the CQ 
World Wide CW contest but 'phone and digital operators displaced by the 
high activity on CW might find themselves unintentionally interfering 
with operations on those frequencies.

This all comes about because of the unique nature of the shortwave bands 
that makes them planetary water holes at times. Most of the time, it's a 
feature, but when signals from the antipodes interfere with relief 
efforts, it's a bug. FCC rules are clear in that intentionally 
interfering with someone else's communications is not allowed but the 
FCC rules stop (mostly) at the border. That's where basic good operating 
practices have to be employed. Always. Not just on contest weekends.

I bet we'll be hearing this up-and-coming team of operators from the 
Ukraine's United Teenager Contest 
<http://www.uarl.com.ua/tlum/index.htm> on the air for many years to come!

Amateur radio is unique among the radio services in its flexibility. 
Let's put that to work. On the transmitting end, listen first and make 
sure you're not clobbering somebody before calling CQ, especially 
operating split from outside the US and listening in the US bands. Be 
willing to slide up a little or down a little as the need arises. And 
make sure your signal is clean by backing off the Mic Gain or 
compression and slowing your keying waveform rise and fall times.

Over on the receiving end, be prepared. If you have a regularly 
scheduled activity such as a net or a schedule, have a "plan B" with an 
alternate frequency, time, or even mode. Take a look at online calendars 
that list upcoming activities such as DXpeditions, contests, and special 
events. Know how to use your receiver to minimize overloading and noise 
- turn off preamps and noise blankers, for example. Back off the RF Gain 
just as you expect the "other guy" to back off the Mic Gain. You might 
be surprised at how much cleaner the band sounds under all circumstances.

Regardless of our best efforts, there will be QRM at times but don't let 
it get to you. I may be frustrated that a festival at my favorite park 
brings the crowds but I know next weekend they'll be gone and calm will 
return. In turn, I can also recognize that my own gatherings and games 
may crowd my neighbors a bit as well. But on the air I am willing to 
adjust, use my know-how, and make the most of things, even in the midst 
of bombastic pageants near and far.

*73, Ward N?AX*

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&t=i&i=2013-11-20&p=2>
CONTESTS

*20 November through 3 December 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*

CQ World Wide CW Contest--CW, from Nov 23, 0000Z to Nov 24, 2359Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28. Exchange: RST and CQ zone. Logs due: Nov 29. Rules 
<http://www.cqww.com>

SKCC Straight Key Sprint--CW, from Nov 27, 0000Z to Nov 27, 0200Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on the fourth Wednesday UTC. Exchange: RST, 
S/P/C, name, SKCC nr or power. Logs due: 5 days. Rules 
<http://www.skccgroup.com>

Top Band Sprint--Phone,CW, from Nov 28, 0000Z to Nov 28, 0600Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, ARCI number or Power. Logs due: 14 
days. Rules <http://www.qrparci.org/contests>

Full Day of Hell--Digital, from Nov 30, 0000Z to Nov 30, 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>

SARL Digital Contest--Digital, from Dec 1, 1300Z to Dec 1, 1600Z. Bands 
(MHz): 3.5-14. Exchange: RST and serial. Logs due: 7 days. Rules 
<http://www.sarl.org.za/Documents/SARL_Contest_Manual_2013_Issue_11.pdf>

*VHF+ CONTESTS*

SKCC Straight Key Sprint--CW, from Nov 27, 0000Z to Nov 27, 0200Z. Bands 
(MHz): 1.8-28, 50, Monthly on the fourth Wednesday UTC. Exchange: RST, 
S/P/C, name, SKCC nr or power. Logs due: 5 days. Rules 
<http://www.skccgroup.com>

LOG DUE DATES

*20 November through 3 December 2013*

  * November 20 - Illinois QSO Party
    <http://www.w9awe.org/ILQP%202013%20Rules.pdf>
  * November 21 - NRAU 10m Activity Contest
    <http://www.nrau.net/activity-contests/below-30mhz.html>
  * November 21 - QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * November 22 - EPC PSK63 QSO Party
    <http://www.epc-ru.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1434&Itemid=83>
  * November 23 - Feld Hell Sprint
    <https://sites.google.com/site/feldhellclub/Home/contests/sprint-rules>
  * November 23 - QRP Fox Hunt <http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm>
  * November 24 - High Speed Club CW Contest <http://www.highspeedclub.org/>
  * November 24 - Run for the Bacon QRP Contest <http://fpqrp.org/pigrun/>
  * November 24 - NCCC Sprint <http://www.ncccsprint.com/rules.html>
  * November 24 - EANET Sprint <http://www.fediea.org/news/?news=20131110>
  * November 24 - OK/OM DX Contest, CW
    <http://okomdx.crk.cz/index.php?page=english>
  * November 24 - NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint
    <http://naqcc.info/sprint201311.html>
  * November 25 - ARRL School Club Roundup
    <http://www.arrl.org/school-club-roundup>
  * November 25 - 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital
    <http://www.ten-ten.org/Forms/QSO%20Party%20Rules.pdf>
  * November 25 - SARL Field Day Contest
    <http://www.sarl.org.za/Documents/SARL_Contest_Manual_2013_Issue_11.pdf>
  * November 25 - WAE DX Contest, RTTY
    <http://www.darc.de/referate/dx/contest/waedc/en/rules/>
  * November 30 - W/VE Islands QSO Party
    <http://www.usislands.org/contest_rules.html>
  * November 30 - Himalayan Contest
    <http://arsi.info/contests/himalayan/rules>
  * November 30 - YO International PSK31 Contest
    <http://www.yo5crq.ro/Rules2013EN.htm>
  * December 1 - CQ-WE Contest <http://cqwe.cboh.org/rules.html>
  * December 2 - RSGB 2nd 1.8 MHz Contest, CW
    <http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/r2nd-160m-2013.shtml>
  * December 3 - Ukrainian DX Contest <http://urdxc.org/rules.php?english>
  * December 3 - ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB
    <http://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes>
  * December 3 - NA Collegiate ARC Championship, SSB
    <http://www.collegiatechampionship.org/rules/>

ARRL Information

Click here <mailto:ads at arrl.org> to advertise in this newsletter, space 
subject to availability.

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 bimonthly, 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 bimonthly, features technical 
articles, construction projects, columns and other items of interest to 
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/Free of charge to ARRL members:/ Subscribe 
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Reprint permission can be obtained by sending email to 
permission at arrl.org <mailto:permission at arrl.org> with a description of 
the material and the reprint publication.

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>.

	Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&i=2013-11-20&t=r&p=0>
Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=cu&i=2013-11-20&t=r&p=1>
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------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ARRL Contest Update is published every other Wednesday (26 times 
each year). ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by 
editing their Member Data Page as described at 
http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/.

Copyright ? 2013 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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




From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Nov 20 18:47:10 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:47:10 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARLB030 ARRL Files "Symbol Rate"
	Petition with FCC
In-Reply-To: <20131120183858.25BAB26E432@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20131120183858.25BAB26E432@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <528D49FE.1080206@bellsouth.net>


SB QST @ ARL $ARLB030
ARLB030 ARRL Files "Symbol Rate" Petition with FCC

ZCZC AG30
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 30  ARLB030
>From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  November 20, 2013
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB030
ARLB030 ARRL Files "Symbol Rate" Petition with FCC

The ARRL has asked the FCC to delete the symbol rate limit in
??97.307(f) of its Amateur Service rules, replacing it with a maximum
bandwidth for data emissions of 2.8 kHz on amateur frequencies below
29.7 MHz. The ARRL Board of Directors adopted the policy underlying
the petition initiative at its July 2013 meeting. The petition was
filed November 15.

"The changes proposed would, in the aggregate, relieve the Amateur
Service of outdated, 1980s-era restrictions that presently hamper or
preclude Amateur Radio experimentation with modern high frequency
(HF) and other data transmission protocols," the League's petition
asserted. "The proposed rule changes would also permit greater
flexibility in the choice of data emissions." Symbol rate represents
the number of times per second that a change of state occurs, not to
be confused with data (or bit) rate.

Current FCC rules limit digital data emissions below 28 MHz to 300
baud, and between 28.0 and 28.3 MHz to 1200 baud. "Transmission
protocols are available and in active use in other radio services in
which the symbol rate exceeds the present limitations set forth in
??97.307(f) of the Commission's Rules, but the necessary bandwidths
of those protocols are within the bandwidth of a typical HF single
sideband channel (3 kHz)," the ARRL's petition pointed out.

The League said that while bandwidth limitations are reasonable, the
symbol rate "speed limit" reflective of 1980s technology, prohibits
radio amateurs today from utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
Present symbol rate limits on HF "actually encourage spectrum
inefficiency," the League argues, "in that they allow data
transmissions of unlimited bandwidth as long as the symbol rate is
sufficiently slow." The League said eliminating symbol rate limits
on data emissions and substituting a "reasonable maximum authorized
bandwidth" would permit hams to use all HF data-transmission
protocols now legal in the Amateur Service as well as other
currently available protocols that fall within the authorized
bandwidth but are off limits to amateurs.

The League said it's been more than three decades - when the
Commission okayed the use of ASCII on HF - since the FCC has
evaluated symbol rate restrictions on radio amateurs as a regulatory
matter. "The symbol rate restrictions were created to suit digital
modes that are no longer in favor," the ARRL noted in its petition.
Modern digital emissions "are capable of much more accurate and
reliable transmissions at greater speeds with much less bandwidth
than in 1980."

As an example, the League pointed to PACTOR 3, which is permitted
under current rules, and PACTOR 4, which is not. Despite PACTOR 4's
greater throughput, both protocols can operate within the bandwidth
of a typical SSB transmission.

"If the symbol rate is allowed to increase as technology develops
and the Amateur Service utilizes new data emission types, the
efficiency of amateur data communications will increase," the ARRL
concluded.

ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, has emphasized that there is
no broader plan on the League's part to seek regulation by
bandwidth.

The FCC has not yet assigned an RM number and put the League's
petition on public notice for comments, and there is no way to file
comments until that happens.
NNNN
/EX





From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Fri Nov 22 08:28:19 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:28:19 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] Tomorrow Saturday! Cy Harris W4MAQ
 Memorial Free Flea this Saturday November 23
In-Reply-To: <528A34FF.7060609@bellsouth.net>
References: <528A34FF.7060609@bellsouth.net>
Message-ID: <528F5BF3.9020002@bellsouth.net>



Cy Harris W4MAQ Memorial Free Flea

Saturday November 23, 2013 Starting at 0700 EST Vendor set-up at 0600 EST

Collins Center near Wimberly Field Park
3900 NE 3 Ave
Oakland Park, FL 33334

Free to Buy and Sell

Talk in: 146.91 (-600) PL 110.9 Back-up repeater : 146.79 (-600)

Testing at 1000 EST VE testing (Tech, General, Extra)**


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Tue Nov 26 17:26:57 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 17:26:57 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] State of the art QRO
In-Reply-To: <5294B4D7.3040700@optonline.net>
References: <5294B4D7.3040700@optonline.net>
Message-ID: <52952031.9030803@bellsouth.net>

 From Bill NA2M:

Project Tsunami or 3 years of work due to a bet about a crate of 
Bitburger beer

Burkhard, DF5XV, www.classicbroadcast.de, owns a Monster-PA of R&S 
called VK20. The live weight of this PA amounts to 1.6 metric tons, it 
needs a big room on its own with a defined supply and exhaust air and 
its output reaches frightening 20 Kilowatts, even for RTTY. As a driving 
transmitter a R&S SK01 is required. Burkhard has an official permission 
of the BNA for 20 KW on shortwave for broadcast, although not for ham 
radio. Such enormous values of transmitting power challenge even the 
creativity of an experienced high frequency engineer. Well, three years 
ago, the author of this article placed a bet against Burkhard to build a 
power amplified with more than half the output power of the VK20 in SSB 
mode, yet would fit the trunk of a compact car as well as a manageable 
weight. Burkhard's answer: No way! So the race was on!...

Full Article:

http://www.dc9dz.de/en/tsunami.html


From bmarx at bellsouth.net  Wed Nov 27 13:39:02 2013
From: bmarx at bellsouth.net (Bill)
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:39:02 -0500
Subject: [QCWA Everglades Chapter #69] ARLP048 Propagation de K7RA
In-Reply-To: <20131127163852.3636C26E2CC@bmail.arrl.org>
References: <20131127163852.3636C26E2CC@bmail.arrl.org>
Message-ID: <52963C46.3000506@bellsouth.net>


SB PROP @ ARL $ARLP048
ARLP048 Propagation de K7RA

ZCZC AP48
QST de W1AW
Propagation Forecast Bulletin 48  ARLP048
>From Tad Cook, K7RA
Seattle, WA  November 27, 2013
To all radio amateurs

SB PROP ARL ARLP048
ARLP048 Propagation de K7RA

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, we have a shortened
bulletin two days early, and another one will follow on Monday,
December 2 which will contain the data for our regular reporting
week, which is November 21-27.

But being one day short of a full week of data, we can see that so
far, the average sunspot number for November 21-26 fell 131.8 points
to 61.5, and average daily solar flux declined from 166.9 to 130.2.
We all hope it comes back. Those numbers are compared to the
previous seven days reported in last week's bulletin, November
14-20.

The latest prediction has solar flux at 120 on November 27-30, 125
on December 1-2, 130 and 140 on December 3-4, 150 on December 5-6,
155 on December 7, 165 on December 8-14, then 160, 155 and 145 on
December 15-17 and 140 on December 18-19. Predicted planetary A
index is 8 on November 27, 5 on November 28 through December 3, 10
and 5 on December 4-5, then 15, 15 and 12 on December 6-8, 5 on
December 9-12, 10 and 8 on December 13-14, and 5 on December 15-21.

Jon Jones, N0JK of Lawrence, Kansas reported: "I corresponded with
Pat, WA5IYX about the November 9, 2013 opening.

"The November 9, 2013 6 meter F2 opening for North America to the
Caribbean and northern South America was unique as it is probably
the first morning F2 opening of Solar Cycle 24. There were a number
of these 'morning F2' openings in Solar Cycles 22 and 23. Most
frequent in the late fall and winter months, and often after or
during a geomagnetic storm. Pat, WA5IYX reminded me of a much bigger
opening like this on November 8-9, 1991. I recall working Africa,
Central and South America in the morning, followed by Hawaii then
Australia in the afternoon on 6 meters. The 2013 opening dissipated
before moving west to the South Pacific.

"Pat's log of the November, 1991 event can be found at,
http://www.qsl.net/wa5iyx/11081091.txt

"As for recent HF propagation, 10 meters was very good Sunday in the
ARRL Sweepstakes. Rare sections such as Northwest Territories
(VE8EV), Alaska, Canadian Maritime (VY2ZM), Puerto Rico and Virgin
Islands were loud."

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. More good
information and tutorials on propagation are at http://k9la.us/.

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.
NNNN
/EX





