[TCARC-NTX] Fw: The ARRL Letter, Vol 23, No 14

[Fred Muehlen]

> ***************
> The ARRL Letter
> Vol. 23, No. 14
> April 2, 2004
> ***************
>
> IN THIS EDITION:
>
> * +FEMA backs away from its "grave concerns" about BPL
> * +Spectrum Protection Act tops 90 House cosponsors
> * +ARRL offers non-technical BPL handout
> * +ZL, UA amateurs claim new LF QSO world record
> * +Logbook of the World numbers continue to rise
> * +W1AW/90 to mark League anniversary
> * +Work continues on Hawaii ham antenna bills
> *  Solar Update
> *  IN BRIEF:
>      This weekend on the radio
>      ARRL Emergency Communications course registration
>      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
>      Amateurs assisting Red Cross in Colorado fire
>      Nominate a deserving PR volunteer for the McGan Award today!
>      Wyoming gets new Section Manager
>     +First call for AMSAT-NA Symposium papers
>      Radio amateurs fill key NASA space flight positions
>      Gary Gordon, K6KV, wins QST Cover Plaque Award
>
> +Available on ARRL Audio News
>
> ===========================================================
> NOTE: ARRL Headquarters will be closed Friday, April 9. The April 9
editions of The ARRL Letter and ARRL Audio News will be distributed a
day early. There will be no W1AW code practice or bulletin transmissions
on April 9. ARRL Headquarters will reopen Monday, April 12, at 8 AM EDT.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
>
> ===========================================================
>
> ==>FEMA APPEARS TO BACKPEDAL IN BPL "CLARIFICATION" LETTER
>
> After expressing "grave concerns" to the FCC last fall about the
interference potential of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) systems, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) now appears to be backing
away from that strong stance. Now a part of the Department of Homeland
Security, FEMA filed comments December 4 in response to the FCC's April
2003 Notice of Inquiry in ET Docket 03-104. Many have cited those
remarks in their own comments opposing BPL deployment. In a January 8
letter that's now part of the BPL Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)
in ET Docket 04-37, Michael D. Brown, the US Department of Homeland
Security's under secretary for emergency preparedness and response, told
FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell that FEMA wanted to "clarify the record"
to ensure that its filing was not "misunderstood or misconstrued."
>
> "We have become aware that certain distinct approaches to BPL may have
the potential to cause interference to FEMA's high frequency radio
communications system," Brown said in his January letter. "However, we
continue to study the BPL proceeding and have not concluded that there
is a material interference problem or that all of the distinct
technological approaches to BPL pose a risk of interference."
>
> The FEMA official said his agency expects that there may be ways to
provide BPL's benefits "without compromising the emergency
communications capabilities available to FEMA."
>
> The January letter stands in stark contrast to FEMA's predictions last
December that "the introduction of unwanted interference from the
implementation of BPL technology into the high frequency radio spectrum
will result in significant detriment to the operation of FEMA radio
systems." Saying such interference could "directly impair the safety of
life and property," the agency also had recommended the FCC beef up its
Part 15 rules to ensure no increase in interference levels to existing
FCC or NTIA-licensed communication systems.
>
> "The purported benefits of BPL in terms of expanded services in
certain communications sectors do not appear to outweigh the benefit to
the overall public of HF radio capability as presently used by
government, broadcasting and public safety users," FEMA asserted last
December in comments filed on the agency's behalf by Chief Information
Officer Barry C. West.
>
> BPL also could render such "essential communications services" as the
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the Military Affiliate
Radio System (MARS) and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) useless, FEMA said.
FEMA and ARRL are signatories to a Memorandum of Understanding that
focuses on how Amateur Radio personnel may coordinate with the agency to
support emergency communications functions. FEMA's December comments
also referenced ARRL's "Interference to PLC systems from Amateur Radio
Operation."
>
> Brown's January letter conveys a much milder, conciliatory tone. "We
know that the FCC shares our appreciation for the importance of reliable
communications in the context of disaster recovery and are confident
that the Office of Engineering and Technology's technical assessment, as
well as the Commission's regulations implementing BPL, will be sensitive
to this issue," he concluded. "FEMA stands ready to assist in any way
the Commission might find helpful."
>
> The deadline to file comments in response to the FCC BPL NPRM is
Monday, May 3. Reply comments are due Tuesday, June 1. Interested
individuals and organizations may file comments via the Internet using
the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
<http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/>. The FCC asks that anyone filing comments
do so "only in the newly established ET Docket No 04-37."
>
> ==>BPL SPECTER LENDS ADDITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE TO SPECTRUM PROTECTION
ACT
>
> ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, says the specter of interference to
Amateur Radio bands from Broadband over Power Line (BPL) systems--if and
when they are widely deployed--serves as a reminder of the importance of
the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2003. While the legislation
would not grant added protection from BPL beyond what present and
proposed FCC regulations would provide, Haynie said the challenge of BPL
underscores the value of Amateur Radio's spectrum allocations and the
degree to which amateur access deserves protection. Identical House and
Senate versions of the measure, an ARRL initiative, are on their third
try in Congress. The cosponsor count on the House bill, HR 713, this
week rose to 94--more than double the number six months ago. The Senate
version, S 537, has eight cosponsors.
>
> "With BPL on the horizon, it becomes even more important that we all
get behind these bills and get them enacted," Haynie said this week. He
reiterated his call for more League members to take the effort to write,
call or e-mail their representatives and senators to explain the bills'
importance and encourage them to consider cosponsoring the measures.
"They cover all of our spectrum, not just a little," he added.
>
> The Spectrum Protection Act bills would require the FCC to provide
"equivalent replacement spectrum" to Amateur Radio if the Commission
were to reallocate primary amateur frequencies, reduce any secondary
amateur allocations, or make additional allocations within such bands
that would substantially reduce their utility to amateurs.
>
> The two bills do not directly address BPL interference. FCC rules
already provide regulatory mechanisms in Part 15 and in proposed
amendments to Part 15 that are specifically aimed at BPL "interference
mitigation."
>
> Among the latest House cosponsors to sign aboard HR 713 are
Representatives John Conyers (D-MI), Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Susan Davis
(R-CA), Charlie Norwood (R-GA), Norm Dicks (D-WA), Gene Taylor (D-MS),
Tim Holden (D-PA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Gene Green (D-TX) and Jeff Miller
(R-FL).
>
> Haynie says letters from constituents are a crucial factor in getting
the spectrum bills through Congress. "We can't get them into law without
membership support," he said.
>
> He urged members to contact their senators and representatives through
their Washington or district offices. A sample letter on ARRL's The
Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2003 Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/arspa.html> cites Amateur Radio's role
in public service activities, but Haynie invites members to personalize
their own correspondence as they see fit.
>
> The Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 2003 Web page also
contains information on how to identify and contact individual members
of Congress as well as links to the Thomas Web site
<http://thomas.loc.gov/>. Among other things, the Thomas Web site
includes links to the bills' text and a list of cosponsors. Those
writing their lawmakers on behalf of the Spectrum Protection Act are
asked to copy their correspondence to the League via e-mail
<specbill03@arrl.org>.
>
> Florida Republican Michael Bilirakis filed HR 713 in February 2003,
and it has been referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and
the Internet. Introduced by Idaho Republican Michael Crapo, S 537 has
been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
>
> ==>BPL HANDOUT AVAILABLE FROM ARRL
>
> ARRL has posted a two-page document
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/BPL-leave-behind.pdf> that
discusses Broadband over Power Line (BPL) in lay terms. "Broadband over
Power Line: Why Amateur Radio is Concerned about its Deployment" is
available for reprinting and use as a handout when, for example, dealing
with members of Congress, municipal officials, power utilities and the
news media.
>
> While emphasizing that hams do not oppose broadband services per se
and tend to be "early adopters" of new technology, the information sheet
outlines Amateur Radio's concern about BPL's potential to create
interference. Other broadband delivery methods "do not pollute the radio
spectrum as BPL does," the paper states.
>
> It also defines BPL, outlines its current deployment status, discusses
FCC regulations already in place and explains that BPL's interference
potential is real, not just theoretical. Finally, it lists "Others at
risk," including short-wave listeners, public safety agencies and
federal government radio systems.
>
> ==>NEW AMATEUR RADIO LF WORLD RECORD CLAIMED
>
> Amateur stations in New Zealand and Asiatic Russia are laying claim to
a new low-frequency world distance QSO record. Bob Vernall, ZL2CA, told
ARRL this week that ZM2E, near Wellington, New Zealand, and UA0LE, near
Vladivostok, Russia, completed a two-way contact during the night of
March 20 on 137.70 kHz.
>
> "The path length is estimated to be 10,311 km (6,392 miles), which is
claimed as a new world record between amateur stations on LF bands,"
Vernall said. "For several hours signals received at ZM2E were so strong
that they could be decoded 'by ear,' despite high peaks of QRN." By
noting tone-on and tone-off times and checking them against a
highly-accurate digital clock, the ZM2E operators at one point were able
to decode the very slow-speed (QRSS) CW without resorting to Argo DSP
software signal detection.
>
> The Wellington Amateur Radio Club station at Quartz Hill uses the
special ZM2E call sign for work in the 136-kHz band. A DXpedition
station, UA0LE obtained permission to support its LF antennas from a
90-meter (295.3 feet) broadcast mast.
>
> Vernall said UA0LE set up for a slow-speed CW beacon transmission on
137.7895 kHz using 60-second dits--known as QRSS60. "They used the
shortened form of 'UATLE' to save time in sending," he explained.
Because they need to be succinct, Vernall said, LF DX signal reports use
the same "O," "M" and "T" signal reports
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/78518.pdf> developed for moonbounce
and other weak-signal communication.
>
> On the big day, ZM2E started calling UA0LE at 0930 UTC--sunset in
Vladivostok. The first good UA0LE signals showed up on the computer
screen at 1030 UTC, Vernall said.
>
> The defining moment came when UA0LE confirmed reception of the "O"
report from ZM2E. "At 1650 UTC, we received 'ZM RO E,' and by
acknowledging our report to them it satisfied the minimum requirements
for claiming a two-way contact," Vernall said. The two stations
continued to "tie the ribbons" on the QSO for another hour or so.
>
> Vernall and Andrew Corney, ZL2BBJ, were the operators at ZM2E. The
operators in Vladivostok were Vlad Burakov, UA0LE; Vic Bondarev, UA9OC;
Andy Rodichev, RA0LGH, and Ed Lesnichy, RU6LA.
>
> ==>NUMBER OF LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD USERS CLIMBS
>
> Logbook of The World (LoTW), ARRL's electronic awards credit system,
is closing in on 40 million separate Amateur Radio contacts in its
secure database, said ARRL Special Assistant to the CEO David Patton,
NN1N.
>
> "Right now there are 39.6 million QSOs entered into Logbook, with 1.18
million matched contacts," he said. There are 7000 distinct registered
users of the system, holding 9000 authenticated certificates, Patton
added. Users may have more than one registered certificate, reflecting
operation from home, changing call signs, operations during DXpeditions,
or portable station operation each sporting a separate call sign.
>
> Patton, who helped create the concept for LoTW, noted that the number
of LoTW users continues to swell. Some 600 US hams have begun the
registration process, along with an additional 600 amateurs in other
countries, from whom ARRL is awaiting authentication documents. "The
learning curve for getting on the system has remained pretty steady," he
said. "It's pretty straightforward after you've been using it a while.
The key is taking your time and following the instructions."
>
> One reason numbers are continuing to grow is that more and more
computer logging programs are incorporating various levels of support
for LoTW. "Most of the major logging programs have it, with more
developers working to integrate support," Patton said. "These software
developers have worked really hard to make this happen."
>
> Also hard at work is ARRL Web and Software Development Manager Jon
Bloom, KE3Z, who is working on programming the much-anticipated "DXCC
awards module" for the QSO matching system. No rollout date had been set
for the DXCC module, Patton said, but it is currently being tested.
>
> The DXCC module will offer the user the ability to incorporate his/her
DXCC records straight from the DXCC desk into an LoTW account. LoTW will
be able to find needed credits automatically by comparing what's in the
database against the DXCC records on hand at ARRL.
>
> "This application for DXCC is what we envisioned for LoTW years ago,"
Patton said. "It will be really worth the users' wait and the time and
effort that Jon has put into the system."
>
> ==>W1AW/90 OPERATES THROUGH 2004
>
> Hiram Maxim Memorial Station W1AW at ARRL Headquarters will identify
using a "/90" designator through the end of 2004. The W1AW/90 call sign
reflects the 90th anniversary of the League's founding by Maxim and
Clarence Tuska in 1914. Operation as W1AW/90 begins April 3. W1AW
Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, said he'll encourage guest operators
to use as many modes as possible, including RTTY, PSK31, satellite and
even Hellschreiber.
>
> "Plus, we're going to try for SSTV Worked All States (WAS)," he added.
"It'll be tough, but we can do it." A special 90th anniversary QSL cards
will be available for W1AW/90 contacts.
>
> Self-addressed, stamped return envelopes should accompany all QSL
requests. In addition, all contacts with W1AW/90 will also be uploaded
to Logbook of The World <http://www.arrl.org/lotw>. For more information
on W1AW, visit the W1AW Web page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw.html>.
>
> ==>HAWAII AMATEUR ANTENNA BILLS UNDERGOING REVISION
>
> ARRL Pacific Section Manager Kevin Bogan, AH6QO, reports revisions are
under way on two bills in Hawaii, HB 2773 and HB 2774, that would allow
Amateur Radio antennas in restricted condominium regimes and in
subdivisions subject to homeowners' association covenants, conditions
and restrictions (CC&Rs) in that state. Bogan says the amendments and
revisions will enhance the bills' chances of passage.
>
> "After listening to the thoughts and sentiments of the legislature,
the Amateur Radio community and their neighbors," Bogan said, "the group
of volunteer Amateur Radio operators that has been instrumental in
propelling the bills first through the Hawaii State House of
Representatives and now into the Hawaii State Senate has developed
amended bills that may see passage."
>
> Now in the Hawaii Senate, the measures await a hearing date before the
Consumer Protection and Housing Committee. Bogan says many Hawaii hams
have contacted the committee's chair to request that a hearing be
scheduled. Bogan says that he hopes the revisions "will satisfy many of
the salient concerns made by Amateur Radio operators and others." The
proposed amendments would allow antennas in previously restricted areas
sufficient to perform necessary communication and allow amateurs to
negotiate better antenna accommodations, Bogan said.
>
> "While no compromise makes all parties content," he said, "it is hoped
that the proposed amended bills will allow antennas sufficient for
necessary communication and allow the associations to retain their
aesthetic look."
>
> ==>SOLAR UPDATE
>
> Sol man Tad "Staring at the Sun" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington,
reports: The third week of spring begins this weekend. HF conditions
have been good with moderate geomagnetic conditions prevailing. Average
daily sunspot numbers for the past week, March 25-31, were up more than
31 points to 123.9 compared to the previous week. Average daily solar
flux rose 11 points.
>
> On March 29, the sun showed several spots pointed earthward, including
one large spot, 582. The sunspot number that day was 169, the highest
since November 30, when it was 178. Geomagnetic conditions weren't bad
on March 29, with the planetary A index at 12 and mid-latitude A index
at 9.
>
> Over the next five days solar flux values should stay between 110-115.
Planetary A index for April 2-6 is predicted to be 8, 8, 20, 20 and 35.
The predicted rise in geomagnetic activity is because of a possible
solar wind for Sunday, April 4. Today, April 2, there is a slight chance
of Earth's magnetic field being hit by a coronal mass ejection (CME).
>
> __________________________________
>
> ==>IN BRIEF:
>
> * This weekend on the radio: The Kids Roundup, the SP DX Contest, the
EA RTTY Contest, the Montana and Missouri QSO parties, the QCWA QSO
Party and the RSGB RoPoCo 1 are the weekend of April 3-4. The 144 MHz
Spring Sprint and the RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW) are April 5.
The ARS Spartan Sprint is April 6. The DX YL to North American YL
Contest (CW) is April 7-9, and the Lighthouse Spring Lites QSO Party
(all modes) is April 10-18. JUST AHEAD: The ARCI Spring QSO Party, the
EU Spring Sprint (SSB), the Georgia QSO Party, the Japan International
DX Contest (CW), the CIS DX Contest (SSB), the UBA Spring Contest (SSB)
and the SARL Hamnet 40-Meter Simulated Emergency Contest are the weekend
of April 10-11. The Low Power Spring Sprint is April 12, the 222 MHz
Spring Sprint is April 13, the RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (SSB) is
April 14 and the DX YL to North American YL Contest (SSB) is April
14-16. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>
and the!
>  WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.
>
> * ARRL Emergency Communications course registration: Registration
opens Monday, April 5, 12:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time (0401 UTC), for
the on-line Level I Emergency Communications course (EC-001).
Registration remains open through the April 10-11 weekend or until all
available seats have been filled--whichever comes first. Class begins
Tuesday, April 20. Thanks to our grant sponsors--the Corporation for
National and Community Service and the United Technologies
Corporation--the $45 registration fee paid upon enrollment will be
reimbursed after successful completion of the course. During this
registration period, approximately 175 seats are being offered to ARRL
members on a first-come, first-served basis. Senior amateurs are
strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. To learn
more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/cce/> and the C-CE Links found there. For more
information, contact Emergency Communications Co!
> urse Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG, <dmiller@arrl.org>; 860-594-0340.
>
> * ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration for five technical courses is now open. Classes will begin
on April 13 for the ARRL RFI (EC-006) and ARRL Antenna Design and
Construction (EC-009) courses. Students participating in the RFI class
will learn to identify sources of interference. Antenna Design and
Construction students will become acquainted with antenna design and
construction techniques. Registration for Technician Licensing (EC-010)
will remains open through Sunday, April 11, and classes begin Tuesday,
April 20. With the assistance of a mentor, students will learn
everything they need to learn to pass the FCC Technician license class
test. To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing
Education (C-CE) <http://www.arrl.org/cce/> Web page or contact the ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education Program Department
<cce@arrl.org>.
>
> * Amateurs assisting Red Cross in Colorado fire: At week's end,
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members were supporting American
Red Cross shelter operations in northern Colorado, where a wildfire had
prompted voluntary evacuations of residents in a threatened subdivision.
ARRL Colorado Section Emergency Coordinator Rob Roller, N7LV, says the
latest word he has is that between six and eight amateurs per shift are
supporting the shelters. It's anticipated they'll continue that coverage
through the weekend and possibly longer. As of April 2, the
3500-acre-and-growing Fort Collins Picnic Rock Fire in the mountains
some 15 miles northwest of Fort Collins was only 15 percent contained,
according to the National Interagency Fire Center
<http://www.nifc.gov/>. "The fire season is starting very early this
year," said Roller. "March and April are normally our snowiest months,
but instead we have conditions that haven't been this dry in over 90
years." The Picnic Rock Fire got !
> its start March 30 when a residential yard fire went out of control,
and winds gusting to 35 MPH have helped spread the flames through the
timber-pocked brush and grassland area. More than 200 firefighters, air
tankers and helicopters were battling the flames, but no homes or
structures had been lost.
>
> * Nominate a deserving PR volunteer for the McGan Award today! The
deadline is May 21 to submit nominations for the 2004 Philip J. McGan
Memorial Silver Antenna Award. This award recognizes significant
contributions in the area of volunteer public relations on behalf of
Amateur Radio. The League's Public Relations Committee will review the
nominations, and the ARRL Board of Directors will vote on the
committee's recommendation during its July meeting. Those planning to
nominate someone for the 2004 McGan Award are encouraged to read
"Announcing the 13th Annual McGan Award"
<http://www.arrl.org/pio/mcgan/2004/hagy.pdf> from February 2004 QST.
The article highlights the significant differences between public
relations and public service including rules for nomination. A
nomination form
<http://www.arrl.org/pio/mcgan/2004/McGan-Nom-Form04.pdf> is available
on the ARRL Web site. Return completed entry forms and supporting
materials to Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Awar!
> d, c/o Jennifer Hagy, N1TDY, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.
Nominations must be received at ARRL Headquarters by 5 PM Eastern
Daylight Time on May 21, 2004.
>
> * Wyoming gets new Section Manager: Bill Edwards, WU7Y, of Gillette,
Wyoming, has been appointed as ARRL Wyoming Section Manager, effective
April 1, to complete the term of Jay Ostrem, W7CW, who has moved out of
the section. The present term expires March 31, 2005. Field and
Educational Services Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, made the appointment
in consultation Rocky Mountain Division Director Walt Stinson, W0CP, and
Vice Director Rev Morton, WS7W. Edwards is an ARRL Volunteer Examiner
and recently has been working to reactivate the local Amateur Radio
club. He was first licensed in 1957 but let his license lapse due to
school and family priorities. Relicensed in 1988, Edwards soon upgraded
to Amateur Extra. He puts a lot of importance on Amateur Radio emergency
communication. "It's why we have our ham privileges," he says.
>
> * First call for AMSAT-NA Symposium papers: AMSAT-NA has issued its
first call for papers for presentation during the 2004 AMSAT Space
Symposium and Annual Meeting this fall. The gathering will be held
October 8-10 in Arlington, Virginia, in conjunction with the ARISS
International meeting, October 10-13. Proposals for papers, symposium
presentations, and poster presentations are invited on any topic of
interest to amateur satellite enthusiasts. This year's focus is AMSAT's
educational outreach. In particular, AMSAT-NA seeks papers on these
topics: Students and education, the Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station (ARISS) program, Echo, Eagle and other satellite-related
topics. One-page abstracts are due by June 1, and final papers (hard
copy or electronic) are due by August 1 for inclusion in the printed
symposium Proceedings. Send abstracts and papers to Daniel Schultz,
N8FGV, 14612 Dowling Dr, Burtonsville, MD 20866 or via e-mail
<n8fgv@amsat.org>.
>
> * Radio amateurs fill key NASA space flight positions: Two veteran
astronauts and Amateur Radio licensees have been named to key space
flight posts at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston. Bob
Cabana, KC5HBV, who has flown on four shuttle flights, has been named
JSC Deputy Director. Ken Bowersox, KD5JBP, will replace Cabana as
director of flight crew operations. Cabana succeeds Brock "Randy" Stone,
who is retiring after 36 years with NASA that included work on the
Apollo lunar missions, Skylab, the space shuttle, and the International
Space Station. "These two appointments really enhance the strong team we
have leading us into the space shuttle's return to flight and continuing
space station operations," said NASA Associate Administrator for Space
Flight William Readdy. JSC Director Jefferson D. Howell Jr said Cabana
and Bowersox "bring a wealth of experience in human space flight and an
understanding of the importance of space exploration. Their leadership
will help!
>  us as we move forward in our journey of discovery." Cabana has logged
more than 1000 hours in space. Bowersox has flown on five space missions
and spent more than five months aboard the ISS as commander of
Expedition 6, where he participated from NA1SS during Amateur Radio on
the International Space Station (ARISS) school group and casual
contacts.
>
> * Gary Gordon, K6KV, wins QST Cover Plaque Award: The winner of the
QST Cover Plaque Award for March is Gary Gordon, K6KV, for his article
"Build a Puff-and-Sip Keyer." Congratulations, Gary! The winner of the
QST Cover Plaque award--given to the author--or authors--of the best
article in each issue--is determined by a vote of ARRL members. Voting
takes place each month on the QST Cover Plaque Poll Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/qstvote.html>. Cast a ballot for your
favorite article in the April issue of QST. Voting ends April 30.
>
> ===========================================================
> The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the
American Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur
Radio--225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax
860-594-0259; <http://www.arrl.org>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.
>
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listserver.)
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