[SFDXA] The ARRL Letter for October 4, 2012

[Bill Marx]

> If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:
> http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2012-10-04
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> October 4, 2012Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
> ARRL Home Page		ARRL Letter Archive		Audio News
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> + IARU News: Peter Lake, ZL2AZ, Appointed Chairman of IARU Region 3
> + ARRL Invites Nominations for 2012 International Humanitarian Award
> + Check Out the November Issue of QST
> + Silent Key: Goran Savic, YT2A, Killed in Plane Crash
> + Public Service: The Weather Channel to Begin Naming Winter Storms
> ARRL in Action: What Have We Been Up to Lately?
> + At the Workbench: Attention Kit Builders -- The ARRL Wants to Hear from You!
> Solar Update
> + ARRL Recognizes: Thomas Schaefer, NY4I, Wins September QST Cover Plaque Award
> MFJ Celebrates 40th Anniversary
> ARRL HQ Seeks Applicants for QST Technical Editor
> This Week in Radiosport
> Amateur Radio Fun: New QuickStats Now Available on ARRL Website
> Amateur Astronomy Group Solicits Papers for New Mexico Conference
> Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
> + Available on ARRL Audio News.
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> + IARU News: Peter Lake, ZL2AZ, Appointed Chairman of IARU Region 3
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> The Directors in IARU Region 3 have voted to appoint Peter Lake, ZL2AZ, of Wellington, New Zealand, as the Chairman of IARU Region 3. He replaces Michael Owen, VK3KI, who passed away unexpectedly last month. Owen, who was also President of the Wireless Institute of Australia, had served as Region 3 Chairman since 2006. "I am extremely grateful to my fellow Directors for their support in this difficult time, and for the procedural work by [IARU Region 3] Secretary Ken Yamamoto, JA1CJP, to formalize an appointment," Lake said in a statement. "I will do my best to carry through all the work that we have in progress, much of it due to items and ideas put in place by Michael. It is my privilege to have the opportunity to serve you, the Member Societies and fellow amateurs in Region 3." Read more here.
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> + ARRL Invites Nominations for 2012 International Humanitarian Award
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> Nominations are open for the 2012 ARRL International Humanitarian Award. This award is conferred upon an amateur or amateurs who demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace and international understanding through Amateur Radio. The League established the annual prize to recognize those radio amateurs who have used ham radio to provide extraordinary service to others in times of crisis or disaster. As one of the few telecommunication services that allow people throughout the world from all walks of life to meet and talk with each other, Amateur Radio spreads goodwill across political boundaries. The ARRL International Humanitarian Award recognizes the Amateur Radio Service's unique role in international communication and the assistance amateurs regularly provide to people in need. Read more here.
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> + Check Out the November Issue of QST
> Ever since the dawn of civilization, man has looked to the heavens and pondered his existence. Thousands of years later, we still look to the stars, but with radio, the stars seem a little closer. The November issue of QST features a group of middle school students from Arizona who reached for the stars with a high-altitude balloon launch and a QSO with the International Space Station. Join them on their adventure as you delve into the latest issue of QST.
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> Kaci Heins, KF7RCV, is a sixth grade teacher in Flagstaff, Arizona. In addition to her teaching duties, she leads the Space Spartans, an after-school science club. In her article "Reaching for the Stars with Radio," Heins tells how she used Amateur Radio -- including a high-altitude balloon launch with a repeater and a radio telescope project -- to capture her students' imaginations, both in and out of the classroom. Many states have laws against using cell phones in your car, making it illegal to talk or text behind the wheel. But what about using your mobile rig while driving? In his article "Distracted Driving and Amateur Radio -- A Civil (Law) Perspective," ARRL Volunteer Counsel John Swartz, WA9AQN, points out that operating mobile isn't just a legislative issue.
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> Amateur Radio clubs are always looking for projects they can do together. In his article "A Club Project -- Automatic Mobile Power Control," Jim Cook, W8WKE, details a simple and inexpensive APRS group project to give hams a way to experience the thrill of the workbench. With the advent of computers with built-in sound cards, the digital modes have gained popularity. Thomas W. Brooks, KE1R, has always been fascinated -- and mystified -- by PSK31. In his article "PSK31 -- A Different View," Brooks found a way to not only hear the PSK31 tones, but to see them, too.
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> ARRL Contributing Editor H. Ward Silver, N0AX, takes a look at the Array Solutions AIMuhf vector impedance analyzer in this month's Product Review. He says this accessory "offers reflection and impedance-only measurements for dedicated and popular measurement functions. The host software creates easy-to-read displays and easy-to-use pre-programmed functions." ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, checked out the DZKit HT-7 40 meter AM handheld transceiver, saying that it "is a fully functional single channel, crystal controlled 40 meter AM handheld transceiver kit that is fun to build and fun to operate. Users must accept the challenges of making contacts with low power and limited antennas while portable."
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> Of course, there are the usual columns you know and have come to expect in the November QST: Happenings, Hints & Kinks, The Doctor is In, Short Takes, Technical Correspondence, Vintage Radio, How's DX? and more, including lots of new books and products. Look for your November issue in your mailbox. QST is the official journal of the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio. QST is just one of the many benefits of ARRL membership. To join, or to renew your ARRL membership, please see the ARRL web page.
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> + Silent Key: Goran Savic, YT2A, Killed in Plane Crash
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> Goran Savic, YT2A, was killed as he tried to redirect his aircraft from a residential neighborhood.
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> While on a routine training mission, Serbian Air Force Major Goran Savic, YT2A, was killed trying to direct his plane away from a residential area in Nova Pazova, Serbia. According to Nova Pazova Municipal President Dorde Radinovic, the plane crashed into the yard of a private house. Due to Savic's skill in maneuvering the aircraft, there were no casualties on the ground. "The aircraft went down between two structures, Radinovic explained to B92, a Serbian news outlet. "One pilot ejected, while the other made an effort until the last moment (before ejecting) not to hit a house in this residential area. Once the plane stopped, there was no explosion either." According to B92, Savic was found close to his plane and was in serious condition when medical teams reached him. He later died at the hospital. Savic's co-pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Tomislav Becagovic, managed to jump out of the aircraft before impact and survived the crash.
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> + Public Service: The Weather Channel to Begin Naming Winter Storms
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> Beginning this winter, The Weather Channel will begin naming what it calls "noteworthy winter storms." As The Weather Channel explained on its website, "[a] storm with a name is easier to follow, which will mean fewer surprises and more preparation. In addition to providing information about significant winter storms by referring to them by name, the name itself will make communication and information sharing in the constantly expanding world of social media much easier." Unlike the National Hurricane Center -- which has named tropical storms and hurricanes since the 1940s -- the National Weather Service does not name winter storms. Read more
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