[SFDXA] The ARRL Letter for June 20, 2013

Thu Jun 20 13:20:32 EDT 2013

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The ARRL Letter

June 20, 2013
Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME <mailto:ww1me at arrl.org>
ARRL Home Page <http://www.arrl.org/> 	
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  * Field Day 2013: June 22 and 23 <#toc01>
  * Trusted QSL Version 1.14.1 Released <#toc02>
  * /Enforcement/: FCC Citation Targets Online Retailer <#toc03>
  * /FCC News/: FCC Sets RF Exposure Reassessment Comments Deadlines
    <#toc04>
  * Rules Change Sought to Permit Encryption of Sensitive Emergency
    Communications <#toc05>
  * /International/: IARU Helps Raise Ham Radio Visibility in Ghana <#toc06>
  * /Youth/: Calvin Darula, KØDXC, Awarded 2013 Goldfarb Scholarship
    <#toc07>
  * ARRL Names New Media & Public Relations, Contest Branch Managers
    <#toc08>
  * Dayton Hamvention Attendance Holds Steady <#toc09>
  * Noted DXer, Contester Wilse Morgan, WX7P (ex-KL7CQ), SK <#toc10>
  * Renowned Storm Chaser Tim Samaras, WJØG, SK <#toc11>
  * Former ARRL Staffer Bernie Glassmeyer, W1QT (ex-W9KDR), SK <#toc12>
  * This Week in Radiosport/
    / <#toc13>
  * Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
    <#toc14>

Field Day 2013: June 22 and 23

The clocks are ticking down to the start of Field Day, one of the 
largest on-the-air Amateur Radio gatherings in the world. According to 
<http://www.arrl.org/quickstats>a QuickStats 
<http://www.arrl.org/quickstats> survey due to be published in the 
August issue of /Q//ST/, nearly 2/3 of all those surveyed indicated that 
they would be participating in Field Day. You'll find more helpful 
information in the Field Day section <http://www.arrl.org/field-day> of 
the ARRL website.

Trusted QSL Version 1.14.1 Released

Logbook of The World users will be pleased to know that the new Trusted 
QSL software is now available for downloading from the ARRL Logbook of 
The World page <http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world>.

/Enforcement/: FCC Citation Targets Online Retailer

The FCC has cited an Omaha, Nebraska based online retailer for marketing 
unauthorized RF devices, including high power 10 and 12 meter 
amplifiers, in violation of FCC rules. An FCC /Citation and Order/ 
<http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2013/db0606/DA-13-1316A1.pdf> 
released June 6 orders Enterprise Group Inc, doing business as 
ePowerAmps <http://www.epoweramps.com>, to immediately stop advertising, 
marketing and selling "all unauthorized radio frequency devices, 
specifically modified Citizens Band (CB) radios and non-certified radio 
frequency (RF) amplifiers for use in the 10 and 12 meter bands" or face 
possible fines and seizure of equipment.

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said it was reassuring to see evidence of 
the FCC's continuing commitment to enforcement relating to Amateur 
Radio. "It is gratifying to see the Commission's Enforcement Bureau 
taking action against flagrant violators," he commented. The Amateur 
Radio community has long complained about interference, mainly on 10 
meters, from unlicensed CBers and so-called "HFers." The FCC once banned 
the sale of amplifiers capable of operating above 24 MHz, a move that 
some considered misguided and punitive to Amateur Radio licensees.

An agent from the FCC's Kansas City office observed on ePowerAmps' 
website "illegally modified CB radios being offered for sale," as well 
as various modifications and upgrades. These included swapping out the 
original final amplifier for a higher powered replacement. Linear 
amplifiers offered for sale varied between 120 W and 8200 W, and the 
Commission said none of the 50 linears offered for sale appeared to have 
FCC certification.

The FCC gave ePowerAmps 30 days to confirm "in writing" that it has 
stopped marketing unauthorized RF devices and to provide certain 
information to the Commission.

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/FCC News/: FCC Sets RF Exposure Reassessment Comments Deadlines

The Amateur Radio community and other interested parties have until 
September 3 to file comments on an FCC proceeding to reassess the limits 
and policies governing exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic 
fields. The FCC released a /First Report and Order/, /Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking/ and /Notice of Inquiry/ 
<http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-06-04/pdf/2013-12713.pdf> in the 
proceeding (ET dockets 13-84 and 03-137) on March 27 and published in 
/The Federal Register/ June 4. The ARRL plans to submit comments this 
summer. The Commission will accept reply comments -- ie, comments on the 
comments filed in the proceeding by September 3 -- until November 1.

While the FCC proposals do /not/ alter existing RF exposure limits, they 
do call for the elimination of existing special evaluation exemptions 
spelled out in *Section 97.13(c)* 
<http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=5f5efcb4e7ffdde61c46b607ac756bb7&rgn=div8&view=text&node=47:5.0.1.1.6.1.157.7&idno=47> 
of the Commission's rules. Minor rules changes adopted in the /Report 
and Order/ section of the document take effect August 5.

Rules Change Sought to Permit Encryption of Sensitive Emergency 
Communications

The FCC is inviting public comments on a proposal from a Massachusetts 
ham to amend the Part 97 Amateur Service rules to permit the encryption 
of certain amateur communications during emergency operations or related 
training exercises. On June 7 the FCC accepted for filing a /Petition 
for Rulemaking/ <http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7022424684> 
(RM-11699) from Don Rolph, AB1PH, and put it on public notice. It will 
remain open for comment until July 8. Rolph petitioned the Commission in 
March to suggest an additional exception to §97.113, which currently 
prohibits "messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning."

"As such, encryption cannot be effectively supported by the Amateur 
Service," Rolph told the FCC in his /PRM/, "and this restriction has 
impacted the relationship of Amateur Radio volunteers and served 
agencies and significantly limited the effectiveness of amateurs in 
supporting emergency communications." He pointed out that Part 97 
already relaxes its encryption prohibitions with respect to satellite 
control link communications and model craft radio control.

In his petition Rolph suggested excepting "intercommunications when 
participating in emergency services operations or related training 
exercises which may involve information covered by HIPAA [medical 
privacy requirements /-- Ed/] or other sensitive data, such as 
logistical information concerning medical supplies, personnel movement, 
other relief supplies or any other data designated by Federal 
authorities managing relief or training efforts."

Commenters may use the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS 
<http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=r63ev>) to comment on 
RM-11699 online.

/International/: IARU Helps Raise Ham Radio Visibility in Ghana

The West African nation of Ghana may become less of a "rare one" in the 
future, thanks to an Amateur Radio Administration Course (ARAC) held 
earlier this month by International Amateur Radio Union (IARU 
<http://www.iaru.org>) representatives. The IARU offers ARACs in 
developing countries, primarily to train regulators or prospective 
regulators on the administration of the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite 
services.

"There were 28 students in total, 24 from the Ghana National 
Communications Authority <http://www.nca.org.gh> (NCA), three from 
Kenya, and one from South Sudan," said ARRL Chief Technology Officer 
Brennan Price, N4QX, one of the course instructors. "All were attentive, 
engaged, and inquisitive." IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel 
Timmerman, PB2T, also was an instructor. The NCA hosted the ARAC June 
3-7 in the capital of Accra. Speaking at the opening of the five-day 
session, NCA Director General Paarock Vanpercy stressed the need for 
Ghana to encourage Amateur Radio to develop an interest and awareness of 
technology among the country's youth. Price said there are only 10 
Ghanaian licensees on the books. Timmerman will continue working with 
the NCA as it publishes its Amateur Radio examination syllabus and 
conducts its first examinations in some time. Workshops addressed a 
range of topics, including the Nature of Amateur Radio Services, ITU 
Radio Regulations, Amateur Allocations, How Society Can Benefit from 
Amateur Radio, National Licensing and Regulations, Amateur Radio 
Examinations, and Emergency Communications. Price and Timmerman were 
granted licenses to operate from Ghana, and both did so "for 
instructional and recreational purposes," Price said. As 9G5AA, 
Timmerman logged more than 1000 QSOs (QSL via PB2T), while Price 
reported logging "dozens of contacts" as 9G5AB (QSL exclusively via 
Logbook of The World <http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world>).

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/Youth/: Calvin Darula, KØDXC, Awarded 2013 Goldfarb Scholarship

The ARRL Foundation 
<http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation><http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation> 
has awarded the 2013 William R. Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship to Calvin 
P. Darula, KØDXC, of St Bonifacius, Minnesota. A graduate of Waconia 
High School, he will attend St John's University to study business 
management and economics.

Darula is an avid and active Amateur Radio contester and a rising 
radiosport star. He was part of the K1LZ multioperator, two-transmitter 
teams that took top honors in the 2010 CQ World Wide WPX Contest (CW) 
and set the North American record in the 2011 CQ World Wide DX Contest 
(SSB). He has served as the ARRL Minnesota Youth Assistant Section 
Manager. In 2010, he was recruited as a team member to the USA High 
Speed Telegraphy Team. That year Darula spoke at the Dayton Hamvention^® 
contest forum on the topic "How To Become A 50 WPM CW Wizard."

The prestigious Goldfarb scholarship is the product of a generous 
endowment that William Goldfarb, N2ITP (SK), set up before his death in 
1997 in memory of his parents, Albert and Dorothy Goldfarb. Awarded to 
one high school senior each year, the Goldfarb Scholarship assists the 
recipient to receive a four-year undergraduate degree in engineering, 
science, medical or business-related fields. In addition to outstanding 
academic performance, scholarship applicants must demonstrate financial 
need and be significantly involved with Amateur Radio.

The applications window for all 2014 ARRL Foundation Scholarships opens 
October 1, 2013, and closes at midnight on January 31, 2014. More 
information <http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-program> is available online.

ARRL Names New Media & Public Relations, Contest Branch Managers

Sean Kutzko, KX9X, is the new ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager, 
succeeding Allen Pitts, W1AGP, who has retired. Kutzko has served as 
Contest Branch Manager since arriving at Headquarters in October 2007. 
An enthusiastic operator in contests and VHF weak signal work as well as 
a backpack QRPer, Kutzko holds a BA in communications from the 
University of Illinois at Springfield and has worked at several National 
Public Radio affiliates in the Midwest.

"After spending the past six years promoting radiosport to the Amateur 
Radio community, I'm looking forward to helping promote all of Amateur 
Radio and what we have to offer, both within our community and to the 
rest of the world," Kutzko said. "Amateur Radio isn't just a resource to 
our communities in time of need, it's also a lot of fun."

Succeeding Kutzko as Contest Branch Manager is Mike DeChristopher, N1TA. 
DeChristopher started at ARRL last year as a Logbook of The World 
specialist and Awards and Programs Assistant.

"I'm very excited to be taking over the Contest Branch and am looking 
forward to the new challenges this will bring," DeChristopher said. He 
is active in contesting from his home in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. 
Kutzko and DeChristopher began their new positions June 17.

Dayton Hamvention Attendance Holds Steady

The Dayton Hamvention website <http://www.hamvention.org> has announced 
that 24,542 people attended Hamvention^® 2013, approximately the same as 
lastyear's attendance. The Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA 
<http://www.w8bi.org>) has sponsored Hamvention since 1952. Originally 
called the Southwestern Ohio Ham-vention, the inaugural event, held in 
March in downtown Dayton, attracted 600 attendees -- twice the number 
anticipated. Hamvention attendance peaked at 33,669 in 1993, before the 
1996 change in date from April to May. While attendance has fluctuated 
over the years, Dayton Hamvention has grown to international 
proportions, attracting members of the worldwide Amateur Radio community 
each spring. On its website DARA already is counting down the days, 
hours and minutes until the next Dayton Hamvention, which takes place 
May 16, 17 and 18, 2014.

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Noted DXer, Contester Wilse Morgan, WX7P (ex-KL7CQ), SK

ARRL Life Member and CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Famer Wilse G. Morgan, 
WX7P, of Rice,Washington, died June 13. He was 82 and had been suffering 
from cancer. "Wilse was an avid contester, DXer, involved with public 
safety communications, a mentor, Volunteer Examiner, club president, 
Assistant SM, and much, much more," recalls ARRL Eastern Washington 
Section Manager Mark Tharp, KB7HDX. In a tribute on the Spokane DX 
Association <http://www.sdxa.org/> website, Steve Sala, K7AWB, said, 
"Wilse put Rice, Washington, on the map with his multioperator contest 
station, where it was more important to train new contesters than to win 
the contests." ARRL Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave 
Patton, NN1N, called Morgan "one of the operating world's fan favorites."

Morgan twice made the cover of /CQ/, first in September 1980 
<http://hamcall.net/cqcgi/?res=l&yr=1980&mo=09&pg=001> installing a 
large beam antenna with a hot air balloon and again in August 1984 
<http://hamcall.net/cqcgi/?res=l&yr=1984&mo=08&pg=001> doing the same 
thing using a helicopter. He spent 20 years in Alaska as KL7CQ, was that 
state's first VE and taught ham radio classes that produced hundreds of 
new licensees. "Wilse recognized the hobby has a social side, and he was 
a grand master at that level, and lots of people became hams because of 
it," said Rich Strand, KL7RA. Morgan's survivors include his wife 
Gimmie, AL7LB. /-- thanks to //The Daily DX/ 
<http://www.dailydx.com/>/and //SDXA/ <http://www.sdxa.org/>

Renowned Storm Chaser Tim Samaras, WJØG, SK

Professional storm chasers Tim Samaras, WJØG, his son Paul Samaras and 
fellow investigator Carl Young died May 31 near El Reno, Oklahoma, when 
an EF3 tornado suddenly changed paths and slammed into their vehicle, 
and they were unable to escape. In his biography on The Weather Channel 
website, Tim Samaras said that he always carried along Amateur Radio 
equipment when he chased storms. "I chase the most powerful storms on 
the planet," Tim Samaras said in a video on his personal website. "At 
times I have mixed feelings about chasing these storms. On one hand they 
are incredibly beautiful; on the other hand, these powerful storms can 
create devastating damage that change people's lives forever." The 
TWISTEX tornado research team that Tim Samaras founded has been featured 
on The Discovery Channel's "Storm Chasers."

Former ARRL Staffer Bernie Glassmeyer, W1QT (ex-W9KDR), SK

ARRL has learned of the death March 24 of former Headquarters staff 
member Bernard Glassmeyer, W1QT (ex-W9KDR), of Taylor Springs, Illinois. 
He was 80 years old and had been in ill health. Bernie Glassmeyer was on 
the ARRL HQ staff from 1978 until 1986, serving as the League's 
satellite coordinator and OSCAR operations manager. Glassmeyer continued 
his ham radio activities in retirement. He was a US Air Force veteran of 
the Korean War and served as a radio communications operator on 
sensitive SAC missions. Survivors include two daughters, a sister and a 
brother. Private services were held with honors at Camp Butler National 
Cemetery near Springfield, Illinois.

This Week in Radiosport/
/

  * June 22 -- His Majesty King of Spain Contest, SSB
  * June 22 -- Ukrainian DX DIGI Contest
  * June 22 -- Marconi Memorial DX Contest
  * *June 22 -- ARRL Field Day*

All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest Branch 
page <http://www.arrl.org/contests>, the ARRL Contest Update 
<http://www.arrl.org/The-ARRL-Contest-Update> and the WA7BNM Contest 
Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more 
information. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out 
the ARRL Special Event Stations web page 
<http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations>.

Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

  * June 28-30 -- ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/rocky-mountain-division-convention-hamcon-colorado-2013>,
    Estes Park, Colorado
  * July 6 -- ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/eastern-pennsylvania-section-convention-firecracker-hamfest-electronics-expo>,
    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
  * July 25-27 -- Central States VHF Society Conference
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/central-states-vhf-society-2013-conference>,
    Elk Grove Village, Illinois
  * July 26-27 -- ARRL Oklahoma State Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/oklahoma-state-convention-ham-holiday-1>,
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  * August 2-3 -- ARRL Texas State Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/texas-state-convention-austin-summerfest-2013>,
    Austin, Texas
  * August 2-4 -- Pacific Northwest DX Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/pacific-northwest-dx-convention-2>,
    Spokane Valley, Washington
  * August 17 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-virginia-state-convention-3>,
    Weston, West Virginia
  * August 17-18 -- ARRL Alabama State Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/alabama-state-convention-huntsville-hamfest-1>,
    Huntsville, Alabama
  * August 18 -- ARRL Kansas State Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/kansas-state-convention-3>, Salina, Kansas
  * August 25 -- ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
    <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/western-pennsylvania-section-convention-3>,
    New Kensington, Pennsylvania

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

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