[SFDXA] The ARRL Letter for February 20, 2014

Fri Feb 21 08:45:29 EST 2014

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The ARRL Letter

February 20, 2014
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=2014-02-20&t=t>

  * /ARRL Centennial/: FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, to
    Keynote ARRL Centennial Banquet <#toc01>
  * /ARRL Centennial/: Orlando HamCation® "a Grand Success" as First
    ARRL Regional Centennial Convention <#toc02>
  * /ARRL Centennial/: W1AW Centennial Operations in Michigan, Florida
    Until February 26 <#toc03>
  * /Regulatory/: FCC Proposes to Fine Texas Radio Amateur $7000 for
    Malicious Interference <#toc04>
  * /Regulatory:/ FCC, Manufacturer Conclude Consent Decree on Marketing
    of Noncompliant Device <#toc05>
  * /Radiosport/: Make Your Voice Heard During the ARRL International DX
    Contest (Phone)! <#toc06>
  * /Clubs/: Arecibo Observatory Club to Establish New Amateur Radio
    Station <#toc07>
  * /Clubs/: ARRL Atlantic Division Adds Resources to Aid Amateur Radio
    Clubs <#toc08>
  * /Your League/: Two ARRL Sections Getting New Section Managers,
    Virginia SM Re-Elected <#toc09>
  * /Public Service/: Florida Panhandle County ARES Activates for Winter
    Storm <#toc10>
  * /Tower Safety/: Idaho Ham Seriously Injured in Tower Mishap <#toc11>
  * /Radio History: /A Century of Amateur Radio and the ARRL <#toc12>
  * The K7RA Solar Update <#toc13>
  * *In Brief
    * <#toc14>
  * Just Ahead in Radiosport <#toc15>
  * Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
    <#toc16>

/ARRL Centennial/: FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, to Keynote 
ARRL Centennial Banquet

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA <http://www.fema.gov/>) 
Administrator W. Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, will be the keynote speaker at 
the ARRL Centennial Banquet on July 18 in Hartford, Connecticut. The 
event is among the highlights of the ARRL Centennial Convention 
<http://ARRL2014.org> July 17-19 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

"We are fortunate that Director Fugate has agreed to serve as our 
keynote speaker," said ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. "Not only does 
he bring his wealth of experience in public service and emergency 
communications to the table, but as a licensee he has a good 
understanding of the value that the Amateur Radio Service can offer."

FEMA Adminstrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ

A native of Gainesville, Florida, Fugate has headed FEMA since 2009. 
Under his leadership, FEMA has promoted a "whole community" approach to 
emergency management to build sustainable and resilient communities. 
This tactic emphasizes collaboration with all levels of government as 
well as with external partners, including volunteer agencies, 
faith-based organizations, the private sector, and individuals.

Prior to coming to FEMA, Fugate served as Director of the Florida 
Division of Emergency Management. He was Florida's Coordinating Officer 
for 11 declared disasters that involved the management of some $4.5 
billion in federal disaster assistance. In 2004, Fugate managed the 
largest federal disaster response in Florida history as four major 
hurricanes -- Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne -- affected the state 
in quick succession. Additional disasters arose in 2005, as three more 
hurricanes -- Dennis, Katrina, and Wilma -- made landfall in the state. 
Fugate has been an Amateur Radio licensee since 2012.

ARRL Centennial Banquet tickets and advance convention registration are 
available through the ARRL Centennial Convention website 
<http://ARRL2014.org> <http://ARRL2014.org>. Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fema-administrator-craig-fugate-kk4inz-to-keynote-arrl-centennial-banquet>.

/ARRL Centennial/: Orlando HamCation® "a Grand Success" as First ARRL 
Regional Centennial Convention

Orlando HamCation <http://www.hamcation.com/>® -- the inaugural ARRL 
Regional Centennial Convention -- was "a grand success," according to 
ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN. She headed up the contingent 
representing the League at the February 7-9 event in Florida. The 68th 
HamCation was the first of six such regional events planned to mark the 
League's 100th anniversary celebration this year.

ARRL Circulation/Member Services Manager Yvette Vinci, KC1AIM (left), 
with ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, at the Orlando HamCation.

"There was a really good vibe among the people I met at this event, and 
it was a fine kick-off to the series of regional centennial 
conventions," said Craigie, who noted that this was her first visit to 
the Orlando ham radio gathering. She deemed attendance excellent. "The 
crowd was so thick on Saturday, especially, that I was reminded of my 
early visits to Dayton, when you could walk around inside the building 
and not be able to see your own feet for minutes at a time."

The ARRL President said the crowds around the ARRL both kept everyone 
busy. On hand from ARRL Headquarters were Chief Development Officer Mary 
Hobart, K1MMH; Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, and 
Circulation/Member Services Manager Yvette Vinci, KC1AIM.

Hobart agreed with Craigie's attendance assessment. "The attendance 
seemed very robust," she said, adding that the ARRL forum was packed. "I 
spent my time in the meet-and-greet area with Kay and other dignitaries, 
mostly handing out Centennial coins -- about 2000 of them! They are very 
much in demand."

W100AW/4 was on the air during the Orlando HamCation.

Craigie reported hearing "a lot of enthusiastic comments" regarding the 
ongoing W1AW portable operations. "Also, I met a number of people whom 
I've worked in the ARRL Centennial QSO Party 
<http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party>," she added. Special event 
station W100AW/4 was on the air from the event throughout the weekend. 
Both Craigie and Hobart said that many visitors told them they planned 
to be at the ARRL Centennial Convention <http://www.arrl2014.org> in 
Hartford this July.

"The mood was very upbeat," Hobart said, "and I hope it will be 
duplicated at the other regional conventions this year. As the first of 
the six, it was certainly a success."

President Craigie greets some visitors to the ARRL booth at Orlando 
HamCation.

HamCation 2014 Chairman Peter Meijers, AI4KM, estimated that some 12,000 
visitors attended the event, sponsored by the Orlando Amateur Radio Club 
(OARC <http://www.oarc.org>). "It was a great honor to host the first of 
the regional ARRL Centennial Events at HamCation," Meijers said. "In 
spite of bad weather throughout the US -- including Orlando -- 
attendance was nearly the same as last year's HamCation." Meijers 
thanked everyone "who worked hard all year to make HamCation 2014 a 
success."

The next ARRL Centennial Regional Convention will be at Dayton 
Hamvention <http://www.hamvention.org>® May 16-18. Sanctioning the 
regional Centennial conventions was aimed in part at taking the ARRL 
Centennial celebration to more radio amateurs across the US, encouraging 
greater awareness of the anniversary as well as participation by members 
who may not be able to attend the National Centennial Convention. The 
events also give greater visibility to the all-volunteer ARRL Field 
Organization, generating greater interest in League membership, program, 
services and publications, and helping to promote the ARRL's Second 
Century Campaign <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-second-century-campaign>.

The other upcoming ARRL Centennial Regional Conventions are:

SEA-PAC <http://www.seapac.org> -- Seaside, Oregon, June 6-8, 2014

Ham-Com <http://www.hamcom.org> -- Plano, Texas, June 13-14, 2014

Huntsville Hamfest <http://www.hamfest.org> -- Huntsville, Alabama, 
August 16-17, 2014

Pacificon <http://pacificon.org> -- Santa Clara, California, October 
10-12, 2014

/ARRL Centennial/: W1AW Centennial Operations in Michigan, Florida Until 
February 26

The ARRL Centennial "W1AW WAS 
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/On%20the%20Air/W1AW_2014_sked.pdf>" 
operations that are taking place throughout 2014 from each of the 50 
states are in Michigan (W1AW/8) and Florida (W1AW/4). They will remain 
in those states until 0000 UTC on Wednesday, February 26 (the evening of 
February 25 in US time zones), when they will relocate to Washington 
(W1AW/7) and Kansas (W1AW/0).

During 2014 W1AW will be on the air from every state (at least twice) 
and most US territories, and it will be easy to work all states solely 
by contacting W1AW portable operations.

In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the ARRL, the ARRL 
Centennial QSO Party <http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party> kicked 
off January 1 for a year-long operating event in which participants can 
accumulate points and win awards. The event is open to all, although 
only ARRL members and appointees, elected officials, HQ staff and W1AW 
are worth ARRL Centennial QSO Party points 
<http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party#Table>. Working W1AW/x from 
each state is worth 5 points per contact.

To earn the "Worked all States with W1AW Award," work W1AW operating 
portable from all 50 states. (Working W1AW or W100AW in Connecticut does 
/not/ count for Connecticut, however. For award credit, participants 
must work W1AW/1 in Connecticut.) A W1AW WAS certificate and plaque will 
be available.

/Regulatory/: FCC Proposes to Fine Texas Radio Amateur $7000 for 
Malicious Interference

The FCC has issued a /Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture/ 
(/NAL/ 
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-14-204A1.pdf>) to 
James R. Winstead, KD5OZY, of Coleman, Texas, after determining that 
Winstead "apparently willfully violated" FCC rules by interfering with 
Amateur Radio communications. The Commission proposed a $7000 fine. The 
action was in response to complaints from other radio amateurs of 
intentional interference on 7.195 MHz.

According to the /NAL/, released February 19, an agent from the 
Commission's Dallas Office on January 21 used direction-finding 
techniques to positively identify the source of the interfering 
transmissions as Winstead's address. After monitoring the transmissions 
from the station for about a half-hour, the agent heard Winstead, an 
Amateur Extra class licensee, "replay multiple times short sentences or 
conversations that had just been transmitted, and occasionally speak the 
word 'George.'"

"Mr Winstead replayed recorded conversations so frequently that other 
licensees were unable to complete their conversations," the /NAL/ 
stated. The agent estimated that Winstead disrupted approximately 20 
minutes of conversation over a 30 minute period by making up to 15 
minutes of short transmissions. The agent subsequently inspected 
Winstead's station, observing that his radio equipment was tuned to 
7.195 Mhz.

"During the inspection, Mr Winstead showed the agent how he recorded and 
retransmitted other amateur licensees' communications," the FCC said. 
"He also admitted that he intentionally interfered with amateur 
communications on 7.195 MHz and had an ongoing disagreement with another 
amateur licensee named George."

The FCC said the evidence in the case was sufficient to establish that 
Winstead had violated Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934 and 
Section 97.101(d) of the FCC Amateur Service rules. Both sections 
prohibit willful and malicious interference to radio communications. 
Citing its /Forfeiture Policy Statement/ and Section 1.80 of the rules, 
the FCC determined that Winstead was liable for a $7000 forfeiture. "We 
caution Mr Winstead, however, that future violations of this kind may 
result in significantly higher forfeitures," the FCC stressed. Winstead 
has 30 days to pay or contest the fine.

On his QRZ.com page <http://www.qrz.com/db/KD5OZY>, Winstead describes 
himself as "an electronics technician for about 27 years" and a ham for 
about 12 years.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2014-02-20&p=0>
/Regulatory:/ FCC, Manufacturer Conclude Consent Decree on Marketing of 
Noncompliant Device

The FCC and the manufacturer of a device that wirelessly reports propane 
tank levels have entered into a /Consent Decree/ 
<http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2014/db0207/DA-14-102A1.pdf> 
that concludes an investigation into whether the company had been 
marketing a noncompliant RF device. It also provides a window into how 
the Commission occasionally resolves certain enforcement proceedings. 
The EnerTrac "Big Drops System" operated as an unlicensed Part 15 
intentional radiator on 433 MHz; the manufacturer has since shifted to a 
licensed Part 90 frequency. According to the terms of the arrangement, 
EnerTrac will admit no wrongdoing, agree not to break the rules in the 
future, and make a "voluntary contribution" of $13,000 to the US 
Treasury. In return the FCC will drop the entire matter.

"After reviewing the terms of the /Consent Decree/ and evaluating the 
facts before us," the FCC said, "we find that the public interest would 
be served by adopting the /Consent Decree/ and terminating the 
investigation.

As the FCC pointed out in the /Consent Decree/, intentional radiators 
must first receive FCC certification before being marketed in the US. 
Part 15 rules prescribe the maximum field strength emission limits for 
"periodic operation of intentional radiators that transmit at certain 
frequencies, including frequencies in the 433 MHz band," the FCC 
explained. While the Amateur Service enjoys privileges on 70 centimeters 
on a secondary basis, many unlicensed Part 15 devices operate in the 
vicinity of 433 MHz on a non-interference basis.

Prior to marketing the Big Drops System, EnerTrac submitted relevant 
information and a sample device to the FCC's Office of Engineering and 
Technology (OET). The OET certified the device as being in compliance 
with Part 15 rules.

In July 2012, the FCC received a complaint that the Big Drops System was 
not operating within the terms of its authorization. The Commission 
issued a /Letter of Inquiry/ to EnerTrac, which reminded the FCC that 
the 433 MHz Big Drops System had been tested for compliance with Part 15 
rules and had been certified by the FCC. The OET tested the system, 
however, and determined that it exceeded Part 15 emission limits, 
suggesting that there may have been differences between the unit tested 
for certification purposes and the version that EnerTrac marketed.

Subsequently EnerTrac told the FCC that the devices it was marketing 
"had the same radio frequency characteristics as the device certified" 
and the device the OET tested. EnerTrac further reported that it had 
ceased marketing the 433 MHz Big Drops System in November 2012 and had 
begun marketing a new Part 90 (Private Land Mobile Radio Services) 
device to replace it.

In terminating its investigation, the FCC Enforcement Bureau agreed that 
"in the absence of new material evidence," it would not use facts 
developed in the investigation to institute a new proceeding or take 
action against EnerTrac concerning matters that were at the heart of the 
investigation. The bureau also said it would not use any of the findings 
of its investigation in determining EnerTrac's basic qualifications to 
hold FCC licenses or authorizations.

Among other stipulations, EnerTrac, in turn, agreed to pull its 433 MHz 
Big Drops System devices out of service by the end of 2017. The company 
would have to remove immediately any device that is the subject of a 
complaint of unlawful interference, however. Read more 
<http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-and-manufacturer-conclude-consent-decree-on-marketing-of-noncompliant-device>.

/Radiosport/: Make Your Voice Heard During the ARRL International DX 
Contest (Phone)!

The SSB weekend of the ARRL International DX Contest 
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx> is March 1-2 (UTC), and the DX will be 
looking for /you/! In this major event on the radiosport calendar, 
operators in the US and Canada work stations everywhere else in the 
world. It's not only an opportunity to pit your station and operating 
skills against those of your peers but to expand your knowledge of 
propagation on the HF and MF bands and tweak your contesting skills.

Bob Wood, W5AJ, was among the operators at P40P during the 2013 ARRL 
International DX Contest (phone).

W/VE amateurs work as many DX stations in as many DXCC entities as 
possible on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters, while DX stations work 
as many US and Canadian stations in as many of the 48 contiguous US 
states and Canadian provinces as possible. US and Canadian stations send 
a signal report and their state or province abbreviation. DX stations 
send a signal report and output power.

There are entry categories for individual operators and multioperator 
teams as well as a choice of power levels in each category, from QRP to 
full legal limit.

There's a place for Big Guns, Little Pistols and everyone in between in 
this contest. The excitement and enthusiasm levels will be high, and 
it's a terrific opportunity to boost DXCC totals too.//

/Clubs/: Arecibo Observatory Club to Establish New Amateur Radio Station

The Arecibo Observatory Amateur Radio Club (KP4AO) is setting up a new 
Amateur Radio station in the facility's Angel Ramos Visitor Center 
exhibition hall. Club President Angel Vazquez, WP3R, said the new 
station will offer an opportunity to showcase ham radio to the thousands 
who visit the observatory each year. Picture 
<https://exchange.arrl.org/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>The announcement 
came during a behind-the-scenes tour of the deep-space radiotelescope 
campus, held in conjunction with the recent ARRL Puerto Rico Section 
Convention in Hatillo.

On behalf of Yaesu, Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV, donated a new FTdx1200 
transceiver to the new KP4AO station, while the Caribbean Amateur Radio 
Group presented the club with a banner for the new station.

(L-R) ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN; Southeastern Division Assistant 
Director José "Otis" Vicéns, NP4G; José "Coki",Montijo, WP4OV, of the 
Caribbean Amateur Radio Group; Ángel Vázquez, WP3R, Director of 
Operations of the Arecibo Observatory and President of the KP4AO Amateur 
Radio Club, and Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV, of Yaesu, flank the new 
KP4AO banner.

Among those on hand to spin the dial on the new transceiver were ARRL 
President Kay Craigie, N3KN; Southeastern Division Director Doug Rehman, 
K4AC; Southeastern Division Assistant Director Jose Vicens, NP4G; 
Pacific Division Assistant Director John Bigley, N7UR; Puerto Rico 
Section Manage Rene Fonseca, NP3O, and others on the tour. The ARRL 
contingent presented the observatory station with a Centennial edition 
of /The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications/.

As for the convention, "Wow, what a weekend we had!" was the reaction of 
Angel Luis Santana, WP3GW, ARRL Public Information Coordinator for the 
Puerto Rico Section. "A great success!"

The Arecibo Observatory recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and 
KP4AO hosted a special event for the occasion. The new KP4AO station is 
expected to be completed in about 3 months.

/Clubs/: ARRL Atlantic Division Adds Resources to Aid Amateur Radio Clubs

The ARRL Atlantic Division leadership has created additional resources 
to assist clubs in such areas as growing and maintaining membership, 
club management, club newsletters, and meeting presentations. ARRL 
Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, said he'd heard from clubs 
in his division who were seeking resources aside from "the excellent 
club resources" the ARRL already offers.

ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR.

"To that end, we have created a number of Amateur Radio discussion 
forums and file libraries to help clubs with that process," Edgar said.

These forums are in the "Amateur Radio Forums" section of the BFDIN 
Forums <http://www.bfdinforums.net> site. Current Amateur Radio 
discussion forums include:

♦ *Amateur Radio Emergency Communications* -- Topics of interest to 
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) members and to other emergency 
communication/public service groups.

*♦ Amateur Radio Presentations* -- A forum where participants may upload 
programs on Amateur Radio-related topics to share with other clubs, who 
can download and use these presentations for their own meeting programs.

*♦ Club Management* -- Discussion of club management issues, such as 
meeting topics, elections, recruiting, classes, etc.

*♦ Club Newsletters* -- Discussion and sharing of club newsletter articles.

*♦ Digital Modes* -- Discussion of digital-mode topics and the sharing 
of macros and software.

*♦ Hamfest Management* -- Discussion of hamfest management topics.

*♦ NTS* -- Discussion of message handling and the National Traffic 
System (NTS).

On each forum are individuals knowledgeable in the forum topic who will 
help to moderate the discussion. Moderators also will assist in keeping 
the conversation flowing and on topic.

These forums are open at no cost to /all/ Amateur Radio operators -- 
regardless of ARRL Division -- who are club officers, club members, or 
interested in starting an Amateur Radio club. The BFDIN Forums site also 
includes an "Amateur Radio General Discussion" forum that is open to 
prospective radio amateurs.

Participants will be asked to create a user account by registering your 
first initial + last name or your call sign as your login. Once users 
create an account, they will be asked by e-mail to confirm their e-mail 
account and account setup.

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2014-02-20&p=1>
/Your League/: Two ARRL Sections Getting New Section Managers, Virginia 
SM Re-Elected

Karl Bowman, W4CHX, of Raleigh, is the new ARRL North Carolina Section 
Manager, effective on February 20. Outgoing SM Bill Morine, N2COP, of 
Wilmington, decided not to run for another term after serving since 
2010. Although his term did not end until April 1, Morine asked to step 
down early, due to business and personal commitments, and let Bowman 
step in. Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, 
reviewed Morine's recommendation and consulted with Roanoke Division 
Director Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, before making the appointment official.

In Louisiana, Jim Molan, KD5IGG, of Bunkie, will succeed Jim Coleman, 
AI5B, as Section Manager on April 1. Coleman decided not to run again 
after serving a 2 year term, and Molan was the only candidate. Molan 
brings to the office his experience as Assistant Section Manager, 
Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator, and District Emergency Coordinator.

In the only contested Section Manager race of this election cycle, 
Virginia Section Manager Carl Clements, W4CAC, was re-elected to a new 
term. He received 789 votes, and his opponent, Anthony Harbour, KG4YXP, 
of Ridgeway, polled 568 votes. Ballots were counted on February 18 at 
ARRL Headquarters.

Clements, who lives in Portsmouth, has been Section Manager continuously 
since 2008, and he served previously as SM from 2001 until 2006. His new 
2 year term begins on April 1.

The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers did not face opposition 
and were declared elected for new terms of office beginning on April 1: 
Pete Cecere, N2YJZ, Eastern New York; Robert B. Famiglio, K3RF, Eastern 
Pennsylvania; Bob Schneider, AH6J, Pacific; Steve Early, AD6VI, San 
Diego, and Chris Stallkamp, W0ADZ, South Dakota.

/Public Service/: Florida Panhandle County ARES Activates for Winter Storm

Winter storms may be rare in Florida, but icy conditions in late January 
prompted Escambia County Emergency Management to activate its emergency 
operations center (EOC). ARES also was called out and remained activated 
until January 30.

Rain on January 27 had turned to freezing rain, sleet, and snow, causing 
icy conditions on roads and bridges. All Interstate highways, most 
bridges, and many roads in the Pensacola area were closed due to 
hazardous icing.

Escambia County ARES was active for 61 hours during this weather event, 
with 46 Amateur Radio operators volunteering. Nine ARES members staffed 
the ARES room at the EOC at various times. Two shelters opened. An EMS 
need request was handled via Amateur Radio, and reports on weather and 
road conditions were sent in by operators in the affected area.

Amateurs also assisted motorists and truckers with road and bridge 
condition reports and directions on both a 2 meter amateur repeater and 
on CB radio. ARES operators submitted eight ARES situation reports.

ARES used HF voice via the Northern Florida ARES Net and Northern 
Florida Phone Net, and set up a tactical net on a VHF repeater. ARES 
operators also employed digital modes, including APRS, which was used to 
track at least one ARES member during travel to and from the EOC. Radio 
e-mail on HF via /Winlink/ and D-STAR were tested. CB radio was also 
used to give directions and reports to truckers navigating from 
Interstate 10 to US Route 90, which was open. -- /ARRL Northern Florida 
Section News via the /ARES E-Letter <http://www.arrl.org/ares-e-letter>

/Tower Safety/: Idaho Ham Seriously Injured in Tower Mishap

Robert "Bearpaw" Galindo, KE7ADT, of Athol, Idaho, was critically 
injured February 13 when the winching cable of his 40 foot crank-up 
tower snapped while he was working on the tower. Galindo, 52, a General 
class licensee and ARRL member, was reported trapped and dangling 20 
feet in the air when rescue crews arrived at his home. His wife, Gail 
Perry, KE7ADN, witnessed the accident and called 911. The mishap 
resulted in the loss of Galindo's right hand and several fingers of his 
left hand.

Timberlake Fire Protection District officials reported that rescuers had 
to raise the upper tower sections to extricate Galindo. He was 
transported by helicopter to a hospital in Coeur d'Alene, where he 
underwent surgery. Galindo was listed in critical condition following 
the surgery and was expected to remain hospitalized for several days. 
--/Thanks to John Bigley, N7UR, //Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire/ 
<http://www.nevadahamradio.com/>

/Radio History: /A Century of Amateur Radio and the ARRL

Following the resumption of Amateur Radio activities after World War I 
ensued a thundering herd of advances in the state of the Amateur Radio 
art. Here are some highlights from that period.

*April 1922* -- The first contact was made between California and 
Hawaii. *September 1922* -- 1CCZ worked every US call district in one 
night, the first time that had ever been accomplished. *November 1922* 
-- Another record-breaking relay was accomplished, from 1AW to 9AWM to 
Hawaiian 6ZAC and back to 1AW in 4 minutes 18 seconds.

*June 1923* -- The first expedition using Amateur Radio sailed. The 
schooner /Bowdoin/ (WNP) had Don Mix, 1TS, aboard as its operator. This 
and later /Bowdoin/ expeditions were searching for the land mass that 
was thought to exist at the North Pole. *September 1923* -- VK2CM 
contacted ZL4AA (a 1500 mile path), with VK2CM running 4 /milliwatts/ on 
CW! *November 1923* -- 1MO and 1XAM worked F8AB, the first transatlantic 
contact. *December 1923* -- 1EH made contacts with England, Italy, and 
Holland.

*May 1924* -- The first contact was made between New Zealand and 
Argentina, a new DX record of 6400 miles. The same month saw the first 
contact between North and South America. *July 1924* -- All previous 
shortwave work had required "experimental" licenses. After considerable 
groundwork by the ARRL, the government allowed shortwave work by all 
amateurs, with band assignments of 1.5 to 2.0, 3.5 to 4.0, 7.0 to 8.0, 
14.0 to 16.0, and 56.0 to 64.0 MHz. *September 1924* -- The first 
confirmed contact was made between California and New Zealand. *December 
1924* -- The first /daylight/ transcontinental signals were heard, from 
Connecticut to California, as John Reinartz, 1QP, made experimental 
transmissions on the new 20 meter band.

*April 1925* -- The first published article on the theory of shortwave 
propagation appeared in /QST/, authored by John Reinartz, 1QP. Also in 
April, the International Amateur Radio Union was formed at a conference 
in Paris, and Hiram Percy Maxim was elected as its first president. *May 
1925* -- The first contact was made between Australia and England, 
during daylight hours on 20 meters.

*April 1926* -- The Worked All Continents award was first offered; it 
garnered eight initial members.

*May 1927* -- The first annual ARRL DX Contest was held.

*March 1928* -- The 10 meter band was opened to Amateur Radio use.

These were just a few highlights from that wonderful era of advancement 
of the radio art by amateurs. Next week: On to the 1930s. /-- Al 
Brogdon, W1AB/

Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2014-02-20&p=2>
The K7RA Solar Update

Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports: Earth's geomagnetic field 
has been very active. On February 19 at 0234 UTC the Australian Space 
Forecast Centre issued this warning: "Increased geomagnetic activity 
expected for February 19." Then on February 20 at 0439 UTC, the Centre 
issued an identical warning for February 20. This was the result of two 
coronal mass ejections in 2 days.

[SOHO Image]

The planetary A index went to 47 on February 19, the result of K index 
readings of 5 and 6 over most of the day. The high latitude college A 
index in Alaska was 57, and two of the 3 hour College K index readings 
were 7.

Average daily solar flux decreased from 171.9 to 158.7 on February 
13-19, when compared to the previous seven days, February 6-12.

Over the same periods average daily sunspot numbers declined from 184.3 
to 140.4.

Predicted planetary A index is 10, 15 and 10 on February 20-22, 5 on 
February 23-24, 7 on February 25-27, 5 on February 28 through March 8, 
10 on March 9, then 5 and 8 on March 10-11, 5 on March 12-15, 12 on 
March 16, and 5 on March 17-23.

Predicted solar flux is 160, 165 and 170 on February 20-22, 175 on 
February 23-27, 170 on February 28 through March 2, 175 on March 3-6, 
then 170, 165, 160, 155 and 150 on March 7-11, 145 on March 12-15, 150 
and 145 on March 16-17, and 135 on March 18-20. Solar flux is expected 
to peak again at 175 on March 30 through April 7.

In Friday's bulletin we will have reader reports and observations from 
the recent ARRL International CW DX Contest and more, including a look 
at a new online tool from NOAA which does short term predictions of 
Northern Hemisphere aurora, in vivid real-time graphic format.

Send <mailto:k7ra at arrl.net> me your reports and observations!

*In Brief
*

♦ *Visalia International DX Convention to Include DX University* The DX 
University <http://www.dxuniversity.com/> will conduct a DXing session 
Friday, April 4, at the International DX Convention in Visalia, 
California. DX University faculty members include well-known DX 
luminaries. This DX University session will be in two parts. The morning 
session will consist of presentations aimed at less-experienced DXers. 
The afternoon session will be a seminar on more advanced DXing and 
DXpeditioning topics. Register 
<http://www.dxuniversity.com/classroom/scheduled.php> for the morning or 
afternoon session for $35 each or for the entire day for $55. /-- Thanks 
to Wayne Mills, N7NG///

*♦ Central States VHF Society Issues Call for Papers, Presentations*: 
The Central States VHF Society (CSVHFS <http://www.csvhfs.org/>) is 
soliciting <http://www.csvhfs.org/2014conference/2014callforpapers.html> 
papers, presentations, and poster displays for the 48th annual CSVHFS 
Conference <http://www.csvhfs.org/2014conference/>, July 25-27, 2014. 
These may pertain to all aspects of VHF and above Amateur Radio 
operating. Those submitting do not need to attend the conference nor 
present their papers to have them included in the /Conference 
Proceedings/. Posters will be displayed during the conference. For more 
information, visit the CSVHFS website or e-mail 
<mailto:csvhfs2014 at gmail.com> the organization. /-- Thanks to Tom Apel, 
K5TRA///

*♦ ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference Dates Set* The 33rd 
annual ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) will take place 
in Austin, Texas, September 5-7, at the Marriott South Hotel. More 
information will be posted to the TAPR DCC web page 
<http://www.tapr.org/conferences.html>. The ARRL and TAPR Digital 
Communications Conference is an international forum for radio amateurs 
to meet, publish their work, and present new ideas and techniques. /-- 
Thanks to Steve Bible, N7HPR, President, TAPR Conference Manager///

*♦ CAPE-2 CubeSat Designated as OSCAR-75* The University of Louisiana 
CAPE-2 <http://www.ulcape.org> (Cajun Advanced Picosatellite Experiment) 
CubeSat has been designated OSCAR-75 or LO-75, AMSAT OSCAR Number 
Administrator Bill Tynan, W3XO, has announced. CAPE-2 operates on 
145.825 MHz, with a CW beacon that identifies with the call sign W5UL. 
It also includes a digipeater, text-to-speech module, a simplex 
repeater, and e-mail and tweet functions. Ground station software is 
available <http://www.ulcape.org>. FUNcube 
<http://funcube.org.uk/2013/11/21/funcube-spacecraft-now-named-ao-73/> 
was recently designated OSCAR-73 or AO-73, while CubeBug-2 
<http://2.cubebug.org/> (aka "Manolito") has been designated as LO-74 
(see PE0SAT 
<http://www.pe0sat.vgnet.nl/satellite/cube-nano-picosats/cubebug-2/>)./-- AMSAT 
News Service and Bill Tynan, W3XO///

*♦ Special Belgian Call Signs Recognize Morse Code as Cultural Heritage 
*A special block of Belgian call signs has been designated for use from 
April 15 until May 14 to promote recognition of Morse Code as a cultural 
heritage. The call signs OS10M to OS19M will be on the air from 10 
locations on CW. Concentrated activity will occur on Heritage Day, April 
27, from 0900 until 1700 UTC. -- The Daily DX <http://www.dailydx.com>

*♦ Polish Hams Gain Bands at Opposite Ends of the Amateur Radio 
Spectrum* Hams in Poland this month will gain access to two new Amateur 
Radio bands at opposite ends of the spectrum -- 472 kHz and 122.25 GHz. 
The new 472-479 kHz and 122.250-123.000 GHz bands both are allocated to 
the Amateur Service on a secondary basis. They became available on 
February 18./-- PaweÅ‚ Zakrzewski, SP7TEV,**PZK IARU Liaison Office/

*♦ New Amateur Radio Bands Allocated in Bulgaria:* According to 
International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Bulgarian representative 
Panayot Danet, LZ1US, radio amateurs in Bulgaria now have access to new 
bands: 472-479 kHz, 5250-5450 kHz, and 70.0-70.5 MHz. In addition the 
160 meter band will be extended to 2.0 MHz. All of these bands will be 
on a secondary basis. /The Daily DX/ <http://www.dailydx.com> reported 
February 19 that several Bulgarian stations have been heard on 60 meters 
and worked by US stations. /-- IARU Region 1 /

*♦ Canada Formalizes Amateur Radio Access to 137 kHz Band:* Canada's 
telecommunications regulator Industry Canada 
<http://www.ic.gc.ca/%E2%80%8E> has included the 135.7-137.8 kHz sliver 
band in its newly updated RBR-4 
<http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf10650.html> /Standards 
for the Operation of Stations in the Amateur Radio Service/. Canadian 
radio amateurs gained access to the band, with conditions, in 2009, as a 
result of World Radiocommunication Conference 2007. In announcing the 
RBR-4 update, Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC <http://www.rac.ca>) 
reminded Canadian amateurs that the rules stipulate that stations in the 
Amateur Service using 135.7 to 137.8 kHz "shall not exceed a maximum 
radiated power of 1 W (EIRP) and shall not cause harmful interference to 
stations of the radionavigation service..." RAC invited reports of 
activity as well as operating tips and propagation information. In a 
2012 /Notice of Proposed Rule Making/ (ET Docket No. 12-338 
<http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1119/FCC-12-140A1.pdf>), 
the FCC proposed allocating the band to the Amateur Service in the US on 
a secondary basis./-- George Gosline, VE3YV, RAC International Affairs /

*♦ Three-Time WRTC Competitor Antal Hudanik, HA3OV, SK:* Antal "Anti" 
Hudanik, HA3OV, and his wife died February 13 as result of an auto 
accident. Hudanik was one of the HG6N operators and participated in 
three WRTCs -- in Slovenia, Finland, and Russia. He also was on the 1999 
E44/HA1AG team. -- The Daily DX <http://www.dailydx.com>

*♦ Kenwood Buys E.F. Johnson:* JVC Kenwood has purchased 
<http://www.efjohnsontechnologies.com/news_room/viewer?article_id=80633> 
E.F. Johnson Technologies. Johnson has been manufacturing radio gear for 
a long time and was a major player in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, it's 
not unusual to see hamfest vintage equipment tables loaded with Johnson 
Rangers, Vikings, and Thunderbolts, and many E.F. Johnson "Matchbox" 
antenna tuners are still doing the job. In more recent years, the 
company has become better known for its VHF and UHF public safety 
communication gear. /-- Thanks to /The//ARRL Contest Update 
<http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-contest-update>

*♦ ARDF Competitions to be Held in Kazakhstan, Ukraine* The Kazakhstan 
Federation of Radiosport and Radioamateur will host the 17th World 
Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) Championships 
<http://ardf2014.kz/>, September 6-13 in Burabay, Kazakhstan. Also, the 
Ukrainian Amateur Radio League (UARL) will host the 15th Youth IARU 
Region 1 ARDF Championships <http://ardf2014.blogspot.com/> June 12-16, 
2014. Competitors, fans, and friends are welcome at both events. /-- Kai 
Pastor, DG0YT, IARU Region 1/

Just Ahead in Radiosport

  *

    Feb 21-23 -- CQ World Wide 160 Meter Contest, SSB

  *

    Feb 22-23 -- REF Contest

  *

    Feb 22 -- SARL Youth Day Sprint

  *

    Feb 22-23 -- UBA Contest, CW

  *

    *Feb 22-23 -- North American QSO Party, RTTY*

  *

    Feb 23-24 -- North Carolina QSO Party

  *

    Feb 24 -- CQC Winter QSO Party

  *

    *Mar 1-2 --ARRL International DX Contest, SSB*

  *

    Mar 1 -- Open Ukraine RTTY Championship

  *

    Mar 2 -- OK1WC Memorial Contest

  *

    Mar 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint

  *

    Mar 4 -- YL CW Party

  *

    Mar 5 -- John Rollins Memorial DX Contest, CW

  *

    Mar 7 -- NS Weekly Sprint

Visit the Contest Corral 
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest%20Corral/Contest%20Corral%201403%281%29.pdf> 
for details.

Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events

  *

    February 22 -- Vermont State Convention <http://www.ranv.org/>,
    South Burlington, Vermont

  *

    March 1-2 -- Alabama Section Convention <http://birminghamfest.org/>
    (BirmingHAMfest 2014), Birmingham, Alabama

  *

    March 7-8 -- North Carolina Section Convention
    <http://www.charlottehamfest.org/> (Charlotte Hamfest), Concord,
    North Carolina

  *

    March 7-8 -- West Gulf Division Convention
    <http://greencountryhamfest.org/>, Claremore, Oklahoma

  *

    March 14-15 -- Delta Division Convention <http://www.w5ddl.org/>,
    Rayne, Louisiana

  *

    March 15 -- Nebraska State Convention
    <http://www.lincolnhamfest.org/>, Lincoln, Nebraska

  *

    March 15 -- West Texas Section Convention
    <http://hamfest.w5qgg.org/>, Midland, Texas

  *

    March 22 -- South Texas Section Convention
    <http://houstonhamfest.org/> (Greater Houston Hamfest), Rosenberg, Texas

  *

    March 22-23 -- Communications Academy <http://www.commacademy.org/>,
    Seattle, Washington

  *

    March 28-29 -- Maine State Convention <http://www.w1npp.org/>,
    Lewiston, Maine

  *

    March 29 -- Microhams Digital Conference
    <http://www.microhams.com/mhdc>, Redmond, Washington

  *

    April 4-6 -- International DX Convention
    <http://www.dxconvention.org/>, Visalia, California

  *

    April 19 -- Roanoke Division Convention
    <http://www.rars.org/hamfest>, Raleigh, North Carolina

  *

    April 25-27 -- Idaho State Convention
    <http://www.idahostateconvention.com/>, Boise, Idaho

  *

    April 26 -- Aurora '14 Conference <http://www.nlrs.org/>, White Bear
    Lake, Minnesota

  *

    May 3 -- South Carolina Section Convention <http://www.brars.org/>,
    Spartanburg, South Carolina

  *

    May 16-18 -- Dayton Hamvention <http://www.hamvention.org/> --
    Regional ARRL Centennial Event, Dayton, Ohio

Find conventions and hamfests in your area <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests>.

**

**

*
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