[SFDXA] The ARRL Letter for October 8, 2015
Bill
bmarx at bellsouth.net
Fri Oct 9 11:31:21 EDT 2015
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The ARRL Letter
October 8, 2015
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=2015-10-08&t=t>
* Now, "Clarity on Parity" -- the Video! <#toc01>
* Hamvention "Fully Committed" to Hold 2016 Show at Hara Arena <#toc02>
* ARRL President Congratulates Hurricane Watch Net on its 50th
Anniversary <#toc03>
* ARRL Education & Technology Program Grant Application Deadline Looms
<#toc04>
* New /ARRL Handbook/ , /Antenna Book/ Editions Now Shipping <#toc05>
* The Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund Established
<#toc06>
* Jamboree On The Air 2015 Stations Urged to Register, Report <#toc07>
* ARRL Delegation to Attend IARU Region 3 Triennial Conference in
Indonesia <#toc08>
* CEPT Conference Preparatory Group Adopts European Common Proposals
for WRC-15 <#toc09>
* In Brief <#toc10>
* The K7RA Solar Update
<#toc11>
* Just Ahead in Radiosport <#toc12>
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events
<#toc13>
Now, "Clarity on Parity" -- the Video!
In August, the ARRL acted to address objections and concerns being
raised by representatives of community and neighborhood associations
regarding the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015
<http://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-parity-act> -- H.R. 1301 and S. 1685.
"Clarity on Amateur Radio Parity
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Clarity%20on%20Parity.pdf>"
made it clear that the bill would /not/ create new federal policy with
respect to outdoor amateur antennas, nor would it require homeowners
associations to approve huge radio towers. Now, a new video
<https://youtu.be/AMY-5U1cJ6E> -- "The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015
-- Separating Fact from Fiction" -- doubles down on the arguments
contained in the League's August statement. ARRL President Kay Craigie,
N3KN, said the video will be made available on Capitol Hill to make sure
that Members of Congress have correct information, instead of
misrepresentations.
"This short video is a companion piece to the 'Clarity on Parity'
statement on the ARRL website," President Craigie said. "The video not
only explains what H.R. 1301 and S. 1685 are all about but knocks down
specific misinformation that opponents have been circulating on Capitol
Hill."
The nearly 6-minute video begins by explaining Amateur Radio --
especially its public service role -- in layperson's terms. It includes
video clips of FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, who addressed
the value of Amateur Radio in emergencies when he spoke at the ARRL
Centennial National Convention in 2014, and of Sen Roger Wicker of
Mississippi, the sponsor of S. 1685, the Senate bill.
As the presentation outlines, radio amateurs living in deed-restricted
neighborhoods may face "cookie-cutter prohibitions" on outdoor antennas.
It notes, however, that the FCC recognizes a strong federal interest in
effective Amateur Radio communication from residences and, in 1985,
adopted the PRB-1 limited preemption of state and local regulation of
Amateur Radio antennas. As the statement -- and now the video -- point
out, the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 would extend that limited
preemption to private land-use restrictions.
The legislation "takes the time-tested 30-year-old reasonable
accommodation standard [in PRB-1] and applies it to deed-restricted
communities," the video states. "Unfortunately, there is a smear
campaign against this legislation, and we need to respond to these
blatant lies."
*The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 seeks common ground between radio
amateurs in antenna-restricted communities and homeowners associations.*
The video stresses that neighborhood homeowners associations (HOAs)
would have the flexibility to reasonably accommodate amateur antennas in
a manner that best suits the particular community, although HOAs could
not just say "no." The legislation also does not take away any
jurisdiction from community associations, nor does it negate any private
contracts, the video asserts. "HOAs, not the hams, will decide on height
and placement of radio antennas," it says. "Amateur Radio operators in
these communities just want a seat at the table to negotiate a
reasonable accommodation from HOAs, but HOAs don't want there to even
/be/ a table."
As the video concludes, "Opposing reasonable accommodation is just
unreasonable."
President Craigie suggested that League members could use the video at
club meetings to help their fellow hams understand the legislation and
show why it's so important to urge members of the US House and Senate to
support the bills, which have more than 100 supporters in both chambers.
"If your club has an e-mail reflector, Twitter feed, Facebook page, or
newsletter, you could add a link to the video to make it easy for people
to find it online," she said. Read more
<http://www.arrl.org/news/now-clarity-on-parity-the-video>.
Hamvention "Fully Committed" to Hold 2016 Show at Hara Arena
Hamvention^® General Chairman Jim Tiderman, N8IDS, is downplaying talk
arising from an October 2 television news report
<http://www.whio.com/news/news/local/fear-of-hamvention-relocation-prompts-meeting/nns94/>
and a more extensive and detailed October 3 /Dayton Daily News/ article
<http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/local/alternative-sites-for-hamvention-proposed/nns5c/>,
that Hamvention might move from Hara Arena <http://www.haracomplex.com/>
as early as next year. Tiderman characterized the reports "all
speculation and rumor."
"In light of the Cox Media (Channel 7) television interview and the
ensuing /Dayton Daily News/ article, I, as General Chairman of the
2015-2016 Dayton Hamvention, want to assure all interested parties that
the Dayton Hamvention is fully committed to the 2016 Dayton Hamvention
at Hara Arena and Exposition Center," Tiderman stressed in a statement.
"We still keep an open mind to alternate plans, in case they become
necessary. All successful businesses need to do that, and Hamvention is
no different in that respect." The Dayton Amateur Radio Association
(DARA <http://www.w8bi.org>) sponsors Hamvention.
The media reports said Dayton-area officials have been working together
to keep Hamvention in the Dayton vicinity, if not at Hara Arena in
Trotwood, where it has been held since 1964. Dayton TV station WHIO
reported on October 2 that the Dayton/Montgomery County Convention and
Visitors Bureau <http://www.daytoncvb.com/> has been in discussion with
the City of Dayton on a plan to ensure that the world's largest Amateur
Radio gathering at least remains in Montgomery County, should Hamvention
have to find another venue because of Hara Arena's financial problems.
According to Bureau President and CEO Jacquelyn Powell, this isn't the
first year that officials have considered "Plan B options," the WHIO and
/Dayton Daily News/ reports indicated.
According to the media reports, representatives of the City of Dayton,
Montgomery County, Dayton Convention Center, and the Convention and
Visitors Bureau will meet this month to review options for Hamvention
organizers in the event a move from Hara Arena becomes necessary.
Various alternative venues in the Dayton area are reported to have been
considered, including the Dayton Convention Center and the Dayton
Airport Expo Center, and the /Dayton Daily News/ report said Tiderman
has toured both facilities. Also raised was the possibility of holding
the indoor exposition and the outdoor flea market at separate locations
in the area, and ferrying visitors back and forth with shuttle buses.
The /Dayton Daily News/ account said word of Hamvention's possible move
from Hara Arena stemmed from a July e-mail from Karen Wampler, director
of Marketing for Hara Arena, which the newspaper obtained through a
public records request. The Wampler family owns the 165,000 square foot,
six-building complex.
"We have shared the fate of the Trotwood/VenuWorks/Hara acquisition
proposal with the [Hamvention] Chairperson and select board members of
Hamvention," Wampler wrote in the e-mail, according to the newspaper
account. "While we have kept them informed throughout the process, they
are reeling. They have much to lose with Hara's closing and, like us,
believed we were close to stabilizing Hara for future growth, rather
than ending her nearly 60-year run."
*At Hamvention 2015 "Sneak Peak" posters in Hara Arena promised
"Renovations in 2016."*
Since last year, the Wampler family has been working with VenuWorks
<http://venuworks.com/>, which specializes in restoring event venues, to
rejuvenate the deteriorating facility. Karen Wampler acknowledged last
winter that Hara was facing financial challenges, flagging revenues, and
competition from other Dayton area venues and was exploring "a new
ownership model." By the time Hamvention 2015 took place last may,
"Sneak Peak" posters in Hara Arena were advertising "Renovations in
2016" and portraying conceptual sketches of what a refurbished Hara
might look like.
The newspaper account said that VenuWorks had recommended that the City
of Trotwood purchase Hara Arena, but the Trotwood officials turned down
the idea. That plan was the focus of Wampler's July e-mail, the /Dayton
Daily News/ article said. Wampler subsequently told the newspaper that
Hara Arena is in better condition than it was when she drafted her July
e-mail, and that the event complex will not close any time soon.
Hamvention puts millions of dollars into the Dayton-area economy each
year. Last May, the show attracted some 25,000 visitors. Hamvention 2016
will take place May 20, 21, and 22.
Tiderman told the /Dayton Daily News/ that "something catastrophic"
would have to happen to cause Hamvention to move from Hara Arena.
ARRL President Congratulates Hurricane Watch Net on its 50th Anniversary
On behalf of the League, ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has
congratulated the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN <http://www.hwn.org/>) on the
50th anniversary of its founding by Jerry Murphy, K8YUW.
"Thanks to the efforts of the Net's dedicated and knowledgeable
volunteers across 5 decades, Amateur Radio has played a key role in
helping protect the lives of a great many people in harm's way,"
President Craigie told HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, this week in an
e-mail. "The Net demonstrates how significantly Amateur Radio
contributes to emergency preparedness and promotes international
goodwill. Please relay to the Net's members my appreciation and respect
for a half-century of outstanding service. Best wishes for many more
years of successful operation of the Hurricane Watch Net."
Graves replied, "It is an honor and pleasure to be a part of such a
great group of ham radio operators with a rich history. I will certainly
share your letter with our membership and, more importantly, with our
founder, Jerry Murphy, K8YUW." Murphy founded the HWN in 1965 during
Hurricane Betsy as "an informal group of radio amateurs who recognized a
need to provide communications to and from hurricane affected areas."
The net now enjoys a formal relationship with the National Hurricane
Center and its WX4NHC amateur station.
The HWN stood down on October 4 after activating more than once for
Hurricane Joaquin, at one point a dangerous Category 4 storm. Graves
called the activations "very successful in that we had many more
reporting stations and lots of data to forward to the National Hurricane
Center in Miami." The HWN had reactivated as Joaquin posed a threat to
Bermuda after battering the Bahamas with high winds and heavy rainfall.
"Joaquin passed just to the west [of Bermuda] as a Category 2 hurricane,
sparing everyone from the extremely damaging winds," Graves noted over
the weekend after the net had shut down for the last time. "For the most
part, in addition to lots of heavy rain, on-and-off power outages were
reported throughout the day."
The HWN suspended its initial activation for Hurricane Joaquin on
October 2, after 3 days of near-continuous operation, only to reactivate
on October 3. Although the storm did not make landfall on the East Coast
of the US, it caused torrential rainfall and severe flooding in the
Carolinas, and has been blamed for more than a dozen deaths.
The HWN activates on 14.325 MHz whenever a hurricane is within 300 miles
of projected landfall or becomes a serious threat to a populated area.
Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2015-10-08&p=0>
ARRL Education & Technology Program Grant Application Deadline Looms
November 1 is the deadline for schools to apply for 2016 ARRL Education
& Technology Program (ETP
<http://www.arrl.org/education-technology-program>) grants.
The ETP offers two types of grants. School Station Grants are awarded to
schools providing a plan to use Amateur Radio as part of an enrichment
program and/or as part of in-classroom learning. ETP Progress Grants
offer modest support to teachers now using Amateur Radio as an
instructional tool who need additional resources for specific purposes.
Progress grants are also available for teachers who need resources to
start teaching wireless technology and electronics topics as part of a
longer-range plan to involve Amateur Radio.
A primary ETP objective is to boost wireless technology
<http://www.arrl.org/wireless-technology-literacy> literacy among US
students and educators through Amateur Radio.
"Amateur Radio provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn
about radio science!" said ARRL Educational Services Manager Debra
Johnson, K1DMJ. "We look for commitment from teachers and school
administrators, a well-conceived plan to use the resources to engage
students, and a working relationship with local ham radio volunteers who
are willing to serve as mentors," she explained.
Applicants should review and complete the ETP grant application**form
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/ETP%20Grant%20App%27s/ETP%20GRANT%20Application-2015.doc>.
Submitted applications are evaluated
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/ETP%20Grant%20App%27s/ETP%20Grant%20Rubric.pdf>
on several criteria.
The ETP depends upon the sustaining support of the Amateur Radio
community. Since its inception in 2000, the program has grown to benefit
more than 550 schools
<http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ETP/ETP%20Schools%20Sept-2014.pdf>. The
program welcomes your donation
<http://www.arrl.org/education-and-technology-fund>. For more
information, contact Debra Johnson <mailto:djohnson at arrl.org>, K1DMJ, at
ARRL Headquarters.
New /ARRL Handbook/, /Antenna Book/ Editions Now Shipping
The 2016 edition of /The ARRL Handbook /and 23rd edition of /The ARRL
Antenna Book /are now shipping <http://www.arrl.org/shop/What-s-New/>.
While supplies last, you can get the hardcover editions at the softcover
price. If there's ever a time to complete your Amateur Radio bookshelf,
this is the year. Filled with everything you need to stay immersed in
the radio art, this dynamic duo is a must-have for hobbyists and
technical professionals.
/The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications/ is /the/ standard reference
for radio, electronics, and wireless communication. Since 1926, /The
Handbook/ has kept radio amateurs, professionals, and experimenters
immersed in applied theory and do-it-yourself projects. It covers a
wealth of information: The fundamentals of electronics and radio
signals, construction practices, antennas and propagation, equipment and
circuit design, and other useful reference information. There are
projects for all skill levels, from simple accessories and small power
supplies, to legal-limit amplifiers and high-gain antennas.
*//*/The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications/ has everything you
need to design your own complete antenna system. Since 1939, /The
Antenna Book/ has maintained its place at the forefront of Amateur Radio
technology -- a single resource covering antenna theory, design and
construction, and practical treatments and projects. Updated to reflect
the latest advances and technologies, this edition describes hundreds of
antenna designs: wire, vertical, portable and mobile, and new
high-performance VHF/UHF Yagi designs.
/The ARRL Handbook/ is available in hardcover and softcover editions
from the ARRL Store <http://www.arrl.org/shop> or your ARRL Dealer
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-publication-dealers>. Hardcover
<http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2016-Hardcover-Edition/>: ARRL
Item No. 0420, ISBN 978-1-62595-042-0, $59.95 retail, special offer
$49.95 while supplies last. Softcover
<http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Handbook-2016-Softcover-Edition/>: ARRL
Item No. 0413, $49.95 retail.
/The ARRL Antenna Book /is available in hardcover and softcover editions
from the ARRL Store <http://www.arrl.org/shop> or your ARRL Dealer
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-publication-dealers>. Hardcover
<http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Antenna-Book-23rd-Hardcover-Edition/>:
ARRL Item No. 0390, ISBN 978-1-62595-039-0, $59.95 retail, special offer
$49.95 while supplies last. Softcover
<http://www.arrl.org/shop/ARRL-Antenna-Book-23rd-Softcover-Edition/>:
ARRL Item No. 0444, $49.95 retail.
To order call (860) 594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, (888) 277-5289.
Contact <mailto:pubsales at arrl.org> ARRL Publication Sales for more
information.
The Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund Established
Through the generosity of Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW (SK), and the Stratford
[CT] Amateur Radio Club (SARC <http://www.qsl.net/w1ors/>), the ARRL
Foundation <http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundation> has established the
Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will award
$1000 each year to an Amateur Radio licensee enrolled in a 4-year
undergraduate program. Thorpe, who died in 2011 at the age of 65, was a
member and long-time president of the SARC.
"It was my pleasure and honor to know Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, for 20
years," said fellow club member Bob Betts, N1KPR. "When he became a
Silent Key, we learned that Al had left a significant trust fund
designated 'for the benefit of Amateur Radio.'" Betts said Thorpe also
made a separate bequest to the ARRL in his will.
*Al Thorpe, K1TWM, at the SARC W1ORS Field Day station in 2008.*
"Al believed in the basic tenets of our hobby: Education, promotion, and
community service, and he directed all his available efforts toward
those goals," Betts said. He noted that Thorpe had been involved in the
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and served as an Emergency
Coordinator in the 1990s. Thorpe "strongly believed in the many and
varied activities of the ARRL," Betts added.
The ARRL Foundation will administer the Thorpe Memorial Scholarship
Fund. Applicants must be US citizens. There are no requirements as to
the field of undergraduate study. The first scholarship from the fund
will be awarded in 2016.
"We, the trustees of the Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship
Fund, are very grateful to the ARRL for its help and guidance in
achieving Alan's wishes," Betts said.
Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2015-10-08&p=1>
Jamboree On The Air 2015 Stations Urged to Register, Report
As of October 1, more than 350 US stations had signed up to take part in
the 2015 Jamboree On The Air (JOTA <http://www.scouting.org/jota.aspx>).
The 58th annual event takes place October 16-18, and JOTA organizers are
urging all who plan to participate to register
<http://www.scouting.org/jota/station_registration.aspx>, so they can
provide a list of participating stations and their locations. A list
<http://www.k2bsa.net/registered-stations/> of US-registered stations is
available on the K2BSA website. JOTA is aimed at fostering
Scout-to-Scout communication across borders and is the largest Scouting
event in the world. Last year worldwide Scouting participation included
1.1 million Boy Scouts and another 200,000 Girl Guides/Girl Scouts. In
the US 13,326 Scouts and visitors took part in JOTA 2014. The Boy Scouts
also encourage participating stations to submit JOTA reports and photos
following this month's event.
"We need your report to demonstrate the success of JOTA to those in
Scouting and Amateur Radio," said Jim Wilson, K5ND, the national JOTA
organizer. He asked participating JOTA stations to note down the number
of Scouts participating, Amateur Radio licensees, and radios on the air,
as well as the total number of contacts and states and countries contacted.
"We would also like to see your best photos and hear some stories about
your event," Wilson said.
The K2BSA call sign will be in use for JOTA from every US call district
as well as from KH6 and KL7. Wilson suggested that JOTA groups consider
obtaining 1 × 1 special event call signs <http://www.1x1callsigns.org/>
for their operations.
ARRL Delegation to Attend IARU Region 3 Triennial Conference in Indonesia
Indonesia's International Amateur Radio Union member society ORARI
<http://orari.web.id/wp/>**(Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia) will host
the October 12-16 IARU Region 3 triennial conference in Bali. IARU
Region 3 includes the Asia-Pacific region. This marks the 16th Region 3
conference and the second time the event has been held in Indonesia.
"It's an exciting time for us, as we continue to grow and thrive,
remaining always adaptable, motivated, and responsive," said ORARI
President Sutiyoso, YB0ST. "The world of Amateur Radio is an exciting
area in which to work and play, and we'll continue to meet and bring
inspired people together in forums like this, to ensure IARU Region 3
remains at the cutting edge."
Heading the ARRL delegation to the conference will be International
Affairs Vice President Jay Bellows, K0QB, who also serves as an IARU
Region 2 director. He will be assisted by ARRL Chief Executive Officer
and Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ.
Among matters delegates to the conference will consider are those
referred from IARU Regions 1 and 2, and representatives from those
regions will be on hand, as well as a representative for the IARU
Secretariat.
On the agenda are reports on topics that include the upcoming World
Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva in November, new digital modes,
the IARU's role in satellite launches, a UN push to lend heritage
recognition to Morse code, and band-planning issues.
IARU Region 3 coordinator reports also include ARDF, emergency
communication, the IARU Monitoring System (Intruder Watch),
international beacons, Region 3 awards, and the Support to the Amateur
Radio Service (STARS) program.
Conference documents
<http://iaru-r3.org/16th-triennial-conference-of-the-iaru-r3-documents/>
are available on the IARU Region 3 website.
Special event station YB16IARU will be on the air during the conference.
/-- Thanks to Jim Linton, VK3PC, and IARU Region 3/
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CEPT Conference Preparatory Group Adopts European Common Proposals for
WRC-15
The CEPT Conference Preparatory Group has held its final meeting leading
up to World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15). Delegates to
the gathering, which took place September 14-18 in Bergen, Norway,
adopted the final European Common Proposals for WRC-15 and agreed on
possible agenda items for future WRCs.
Of particular interest to the Amateur Service was the adoption of a
European Common Proposal for a 100 kHz allocation between 5350 and 5450
kHz. That proposal represents the views of the majority of CEPT
countries, with the exception of Azerbaijan, France, Germany, Romania,
and the Russian Federation. The proposal will be included in the
documents for discussion under Agenda Item 1.4 at WRC-15, "where we
anticipate long and drawn out arguments for and against an allocation,"
a report by Colin Thomas G3PSM, predicted on the IARU Region 1 website.
Two possible Region 1-specific items for inclusion on the agenda of a
future WRC are Agenda Item 1.2 -- to consider a primary allocation of
50-54 MHz to the Amateur Service, and Agenda Item 1.4 -- to consider a
possible harmonized Amateur Service allocation in the band 1800-2000
kHz, based on studies regarding Amateur Service spectrum requirements.
These proposals will be discussed in Committee 6 at WRC-15, "and we hope
that at least one will be considered for inclusion in the agenda for the
next WRC," Thomas said in his report.
World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 takes place November 2-27.
Ad <http://www.arrl.org/nladclick.php?n=al&t=i&i=2015-10-08&p=2>
In Brief
*TX3X Chesterfield Island DXpedition Up and Running:* The TX3X
<http://www.tx3x.com/> Chesterfield Island DXpedition came on the air on
October 1 and has been creating a lot of excitement -- and possibly some
exasperation -- on the bands. TX3X will conclude on October 12. Strong
winds and heavy rain have caused the team to lose some time in setting
up antennas. "While the 80 meter is antenna installed, under these windy
conditions we are unable to install the 160 or 6 meter antennas," the
team said in an October 7 update. "Conditions are erratic. Signals have
been weak to moderate with some really strong openings." A goal of the
TX3X DXpedition is to offer an all-time new one (ATNO) to as many DXers
as possible. The 12-member TX3X team was hoping to log 80,000 to 100,000
contacts. Chesterfield Island is #21 on ClubLog's DXCC Most Wanted List
<http://www.clublog.org/mostwanted.php>. Visit <http://www.tx3x.com/>
the TX3X website for further information. The ARRL DXCC Department has
approved the 2015 TX3X DXpedition for DXCC credit.
*"DX Summit" in Rome to Pair with HV0A Vatican City Special Event:*
Francesco Valsecchi, IK0FVC; Martti Laine, OH2BH, and Giordano Giordani,
IK0XFD, are organizing a "DX Summit" October 10-11 in Rome. During this
event, HV0A will be active both days on several bands, as conditions
permit. The activity will include a dinner party on October 10,
featuring a presentation by OH2BH that will highlight the challenges of
making DXpedition traffic run smoothly. The overall gathering will focus
on areas of improvement that would be of interest to DXers and
DXpeditioners, and Laine said a centerpiece of the summit would be the
unveiling of "a new Q code [signal]." QSL HV0A via IK0FVC and LoTW.
*Pope Francis Visit Amateur Radio Special Events Log More Than 26,000
Contacts:* Jim Nitzberg, WX3B, has reported that the recent
multi-station special event operation to commemorate the US visit of
Pope Francis logged more than 26,000 contacts. Nitzberg announced the
tally as he thanked operators for participating "in this historic and
/fun/ event." The majority of contacts were made on HF -- especially on
20 and 40 meters -- but several also took place via satellites,
moonbounce, repeaters, and even through IRLP and Echolink. "We had
participation from New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Maryland,
Pennsylvania -- including Philadelphia, where the World Meeting of
Families took place, Virginia, and Delaware," Nitzberg said. "Many
thanks to all that were involved in the various aspects of leading,
organizing, and producing this event. It truly was a team effort and an
example of Amateur Radio cooperation at its finest."
*Former ARRL Chief Development Officer Recognized for Equipment
Donation:* Marple Newtown Amateur Radio Club (MNARC
<http://www.mnarc.org/>) Vice President Walter Faust, N3FXR, has
presented retired ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH,
with a Certificate of Appreciation for her donation of radio equipment
to the Pennsylvania club, which she recently joined. She gave the club
an HF transceiver and power supply plus other items. "The equipment is a
greatly appreciated donation from one of our newest members," said Dan
Amoroso, W3DI, who added that the gear would be used for Field Day and
special events. Hobart also received a "Weather Ready Nation (WRN)"
coffee mug. Founded in 1987, the MNARC is an ARRL Special Service club
and a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador. Weather Ready Nation
Ambassadors strive to improve severe weather readiness, and the club has
run a daily Weather and Information Net on its linked VHF/UHF repeater
system for the past 25 years. /-- Thanks to Dan Amoroso, W3DI /*
*
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot numbers and solar flux
softened over the past week, with the average daily sunspot number
declining from 120.9 to just 37, and average daily solar flux down from
122.7 to 93.8. These numbers compare the October 1-7 activity with data
from the previous 7 days.
The average planetary A index was /way/ up -- from 5.1 to 24.3. The huge
planetary A index reading of 77 on October 7 indicated a strong
geomagnetic storm.
Predicted solar flux for the near term is 80 on October 8; 85 on October
9-10; 90 on October 11-12; 95 on October 13-14; 100 on October 15; 130
on October 16-18; 125 on October 19; and 120 on October 20-25. Solar
flux is expected to decline to 85 on November 1-3, then rise to 130 on
November 12-14.
Predicted planetary A index is 48 on October 8; 18 on October 9; 12 on
October 10-14; then 8, 10, and 12 on October 15-17 and again 8, 10, and
12 on October 18-20, followed by 8 on October 21-27.
Sunspot numbers for October 1 through 7 were 73, 58, 47, 18, 15, 24, and
24, with a mean of 37. The 10.7 centimeter flux was 119.7, 107.4, 96.9,
88.3, 82.6, 81.4, and 80.5, with a mean of 93.8. Estimated planetary A
indices were 11, 14, 11, 20, 18, 19, and 77, with a mean of 24.3.
Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 8, 9, 10, 16, 12, 11, and 44, with
a mean of 15.7.
In the Friday bulletin, look for an updated forecast. Send
<mailto:k7ra at arrl.net> me your reports and observations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
*
October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint (CW, SSB, digital)
*
October 10 -- FISTS Fall Unlimited Sprint (CW)
*
October 10 -- Microwave Fall Sprint
*
October 10-11 -- Makrothen RTTY Contest
*
October 10-11 -- Oceania DX Contest (CW)
*
October 10-11 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest (SSB)
*
October 10-11 -- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (CW)
*
October 10-11 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
*
October 10-11 -- Pennsylvania QSO Party (CW, SSB, digital)
*
October 10-11 -- Arizona QSO Party (CW, SSB, digital)
*
October 10-11 -- PODXS 160 Meter Great Pumpkin Sprint (digital)
*
October 11 -- UBA ON Contest (CW)
*
October 14 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
*
October 14 -- RSGB 80 Meter Club Sprint (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar <http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar> for
more information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events
*
October 9-10 -- Florida State Convention <http://www.pcars.org/>,
Melbourne, Florida
*
October 9-11 -- ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference
<https://www.tapr.org/dcc.html>, Arlington Heights, Illinois
*
October 10-11 -- Pacific Northwest VHF Conference
<http://pnwvhfs.org/>, Issaquah, Washington
*
October 16-18 -- Microwave Update Convention
<http://ham-radio.com/sbms/mud2015/mud_index.html>, San Diego,
California
*
October 16-18 -- Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon)
<http://pacificon.org/>, San Ramon, California
*
October 17 -- Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/wisconsin-ares-races-conference-1>,
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
*
October 18 -- Connecticut State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/connecticut-state-convention-nutmeg-hamfest-3>,
Meriden, Connecticut
*
October 23-24 -- Arizona State Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arizona-state-convention-2>, Kingman,
Arizona
*
October 23-24 -- Oklahoma State Convention
<http://www.texomahamarama.org/>, Ardmore, Oklahoma
*
November 7 -- Fall TechFest <http://na0tc.org/>, Lakewood, Colorado
*
November 7-8 -- Georgia Section Convention
<http://www.stonemountainhamfest.com/>, Lawrenceville, Georgia
*
November 14 -- HamJam Convention <http://hamjam.info>, Alpharetta,
Georgia
*
November 14-15 -- Indiana State Convention
<http://www.fortwaynehamfest.com/>, Fort Wayne, Indiana
*
December 11-12 -- West Central Florida Section Convention
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/west-central-florida-section-convention-tampa-bay-hamfest-5>,
Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests>.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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