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The ARRL Letter Vol. 27, No. 34 August 29, 2008

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IN THIS EDITION:

* Gulf Coast Prepares for Gustav

* The September/October QEX Is Here

* Check Out the September/October NCJ

* "The Doctor Is IN" the ARRL Letter

* Solar Update

* IN BRIEF:

This Weekend on the Radio

ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration

ARRL HQ to Close for Labor Day September 1

No ARRL Audio News August 29

ARRL Emergency Communications Level 3 Online Course to be Revised

New HF Digital Protocol to Debut at September Conference

FCC Vanity Call Sign Fees to Increase September 25

Hobby radio author Tom Kneitel, W4XAA, SK

ARRL and Citizen Corps Assist Schools with NOAA Emergency Radios

ARRL Applies for Expansion of 500-kHz Experimental License

==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ <http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail <letter-dlvy@arrl.org>

==>Editorial questions or comments only: S. Khrystyne Keane, <k1sfa@arrl.org>

==> GULF COAST PREPARES FOR GUSTAV

As of Friday, although Tropical Storm Gustav is still several days away from landfall on the US mainland, disaster preparations are being rolled out along the Gulf Coast. ARRL Leadership Officials, with the support of the ARRL Headquarters staff, are taking measures that will facilitate emergency communications among ham volunteers, among hams and served agencies such as the Red Cross, and among Leadership Officials during the expected emergency and in its aftermath. ARRL Section Managers in the Gulf Coast states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas are marshaling resources and setting up procedures that will take effect as the storm approaches the mainland.

Support from the ARRL Headquarters staff includes referrals from local and national media, shipment of Amateur Radio equipment via the Ham Aid program, Section Manager liaison and referral of inquiries from Amateur Radio operators. Two special Web sites are available for Amateur Radio operators looking for information and volunteer opportunities:

<http://www.arrl.org/gustav/> and <http://www.arrl.org/gustav/vol.html>.

In addition, news will be updated on the ARRL Web site over the weekend and early next week, as Gustav moves toward the Gulf Coast.

On Thursday, as Gustav was slamming into Haiti and heading toward Jamaica, WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio station at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, activated at 12 PM EDT (1600Z). The NHC requested all land based stations as well as ships at sea in the areas affected to send them weather data (measured or estimated) and damage reports.

A post to their Web site stated: "If you are in the affected area and normally monitor on a local Net on VHF, 40 or 80 meters, we would appreciate your checking into the HWN NET or EchoLink/IRLP Net once per hour to receive the latest Hurricane Advisories and to report your local conditions. Please do not venture outside during the hurricane to gather weather data."

In addition, the VoIP Hurricane Net activated Thursday at 11 AM EDT (1500Z), according to a post by Jim Palmer, KB1KQW, VoIP-WX Net Scheduler.

Also on Thursday, FEMA posted a news release that said, in part: "The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating plans and preparatory activities of numerous federal agencies in close communication with state, tribal and local officials as Tropical Storm Gustav threatens to return to hurricane strength prior to impacting Gulf Coast states. All residents in the region are encouraged to make personal preparations. Information is available at www.Ready.gov on how families and individuals can best prepare before the storm.

"FEMA and its federal partners are in close communications with states along its potential path in order to review plans, pre-station assets and personnel, and respond to any request for assistance. FEMA's work with states using a Gap Analysis tool to determine in advance of storms where federal assistance is most likely to be needed has helped federal and state agencies to develop pre-scripted mission assignments and other contingency plans to help improve response and recovery efforts."

The news release also provides details on preparations now underway by several other agencies, including the American Red Cross and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency for his state on Wednesday, and he activated 3000 National Guard troops, with more on call. The state of Mississippi declared a state of emergency on Thursday. Governor Haley Barbour stated, in part: "I urge all Mississippians to please take this storm seriously. One of the most important lessons we learned after Hurricane Katrina was that there is no substitute for awareness and self-help, especially in the days before the hurricane is predicted to hit."

==> THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER QEX IS HERE

The September/October issue of QEX is out, and it is full of theoretical and practical technical articles that you don't want to miss.

In this issue, Mark Spencer, WA8SME, describes a VLF receiver system that automatically logs received signal data so we can learn about some propagation conditions such as sudden ionospheric disturbances during Solar Cycle 24 in "SID: Study Cycle 24, Don't Just Use It." Phil Anderson, W0XI, gives us a detailed analysis of crystal set receiver circuitry in "A Great Teacher: The Crystal Set." Bertrand Zauhar, VE2ZAZ, brings us another great project that goes well beyond a simple battery charger with his "Rechargeable Battery Cycler."

Jim Kocsis, WA9PYH, presents "Press-n-Peel Circuit Boards," a simple, reliable way to make your own circuit boards using Techniks, Inc Press-n-Peel Blue etch-resist material. Henry J. Rech offers some thoughts about, "Receiver Performance Measurement and Front End Selectivity," and Frank Witt, AI1H, describes "Optimum Lossy Broadband Matching Networks for Resonant Antennas," in this reprint of an April 1990 "RF Design" article.

Would you like to write for QEX? It pays $50 per printed page. Be sure to check out the Authors Guide <http://www.arrl.org/qex/#aguide> for more information. If you prefer postal mail, please send a business-size self-addressed, stamped envelope to QEX Authors Guide, c/o Maty Weinberg, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111-1494.

QEX is edited by Larry Wolfgang, WR1B, and is published six times a year. The subscription rate for ARRL members in the US is $24. For First Class US delivery, the rate is $37 for members, $49 for nonmembers. For international delivery via air mail, including Canada, the subscription rate is $31 for members, $43 for nonmembers. Subscribe to QEX today <http://www.arrl.org/qex>.

==> CHECK OUT THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NCJ

NCJ, The National Contest Journal is what everyone interested in radiosport needs to have in their shack. Filled with the latest news from the contesting world, NCJ is the voice of radiosport. Whether you are new to contesting or are a seasoned pro (or somewhere in the middle), you will find something in NCJ just for you.

In the September/October issue, Stan Stockton, K5GO and Bob Wilson, N6TV, provide a dialogue on "CW Skimmer: Point/Counterpoint." To go along with this article, Pete Smith, N4ZR, talks about "So You Want to Skim? Practical Issues in Deploying CW Skimmer in a Contesting Environment." Eric Scace, K3NA, writes about "Distributing Receiving Antennas" in the first of a multi-part article. If you're a top-bander, you don't want to miss "A Simple 2-Element Vertical Array for 160 Meters" by John Barcroft, K6AM.

Dennis McAlpine, K2SX, takes a look at "The Wacky World of State QSO Parties," while Jon Platt, W0ZQ/m gives his take on "One Rover's View on Propagation during the 2008 Minnesota QSO Party." Bill Santelmann, N1AU, remembers his son in "A Tribute to my Son, Stuart, KC1F." Stu, a founding member and past president of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club, became a Silent Key in May of this year. ARRL News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, lets NCJ readers take a sneak peak at the October issue of QST in "October is Radiosport Month in QST."

Of course, there are all the regular columns and features you expect from NCJ: "Workshop Chronicles," by Don Daso, K4ZA; "Contest Tips, Tricks & Techniques," by Gary Sutcliffe, W9XT; "Propagation," by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA; "VHF-UHF Contesting," by Jon Jones, N0JK; "Contesting on a Budget," by Paul Schaffenberger, K5AF; "DX Contest Activity Announcements," by Bill Feidt, NG3K; "RTTY Contesting," by Don Hill, AA5AU; "Contesting 101," by Kirk Pickering, K4RO, and "Contest Calendar," by Bruce Horn, WA7BNM.

All this and more in the September/October issue of NCJ. NCJ is published six times a year by the ARRL; it is edited by Al Dewey, K0AD.

Subscribe today <http://www.arrl.org/ncj/>!

==> "THE DOCTOR IS IN" THE ARRL LETTER

This week, ARRL Letter readers are in luck! The ARRL's very own Doctor, author of the popular QST column "The Doctor Is IN," answers a question from his mailbag:

Question -- John Hoffman, KJ4GER, of Woodstock, Georgia, asks: I am reading the "ARRL General Class License Manual" <http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=9965>. In a few places, it mentions the 75 meter band. On my ARRL-provided "US Amateur Radio Bands" chart, it shows an 80 meter band and a 60 meter band, but no 75 meter band.

What is the 75 meter band, and why does it not show up on the official band chart?

The Doctor Answers -- John, 75 meters is an designation for the 3.6-4.0 MHz phone band, a portion of the 3.5-4.0 MHz 80 meter allocation. If you convert 4.0 MHz to wavelength (300/4) you will find that the top end of the band has a wavelength of 75 meters.

Historically, 75 meters refers to the voice portion of the "official" 80 meter band. The term 80 meters is often used to refer to the entire band. Most HF radios have a bandswitch position for 80 meters that covers the entire band, not one for 75 meters. Unlike any other band, you will rarely hear anyone refer to "80 meter phone." I cannot offer any logical explanation for the anomaly -- perhaps someone will fill us in on how this came to be.

If you know the answer to this question, send an e-mail to the Doctor <doctor@arrl.org>. Do you have a question or a problem? Send your questions via e-mail <doctor@arrl.org> or to "The Doctor," ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111 (no phone calls, please). Look for "The Doctor Is IN" every month in QST, the official journal of the ARRL.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Heat and haze of crimson sunsets" Cook, K7RA, this week reports:

Our Sun is still very quiet, but last week's bulletin mentioned a new sunspot emerging on August 21-22. Spaceweather.com showed the sunspot number on those days as 11, which is the smallest non-zero sunspot number. If we don't see any sunspots this weekend, Sunday will mark 42 consecutive days with no sunspots. This will also bring the 3-month moving average for daily sunspot numbers (that we present monthly) clear down to 1.76, the lowest on this side of cycle 23. This would be the three month average centered on July.

The forecast for the next week is a planetary A index of 5 on every day, indicating more of the same quiet and stable geomagnetic conditions. The prediction for September 5 is a planetary A index of 18, probably from a recurring coronal hole and associated solar wind.

Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet conditions August 29 to September 3, and quiet to unsettled September 4.

Sunspot numbers for August 21 through 27 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0 with a mean of 0. 10.7 cm flux was 67.1, 67.6, 67.9, 67.1, 66.6, 66.9, and 66.6 with a mean of 67.1. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 4, 2, 4, 2, 3 and 3 with a mean of 3.1. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1 and 2 with a mean of 2.

For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>. This week's "Tad Cookism" brought to you by Elizabeth Maua Taylor's "August."

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend, the NCCC Sprint on August 29.

The ALARA Contest, the SCC RTTY Championship and the YO DX HF Contest are all August 30-31. The SARL HF CW Contest is August 31 and the MI QRP Labor Day CW Sprint is September 1-2. Next weekend is the International G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest on September 5-7. On September 6, be sure to look for the Russian RTTY WW Contest, the NCCC Sprint, the Wake-Up! QRP Sprint and the AGCW Straight Key Party. The All Asian DX Contest (Phone), the RSGB SSB Field Day and the IARU Region 1 Field Day (SSB) are September 6-7. The North American Sprint (CW) and the DARC 10 Meter Digital Contest are September 7. The Tennessee QSO Party is September 7-8. All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL Contest Update <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out the ARRL Special Event Station Web page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html>.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains open through Sunday, September 7, 2008 for these online course sessions beginning on Friday, September 19, 2008: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 2 (EC-002); Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 3 (EC-003R2); Antenna Modeling (EC-004); HF Digital Communications (EC-005); VHF/UHF -- Life Beyond the Repeater (EC-008), and Radio Frequency Propagation (EC-011). Each online course has been developed in segments -- learning units with objectives, informative text, student activities and quizzes. Courses are interactive, and some include direct communications with a Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a particular session that may be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the course) and they may access the course at any time of day during the course period, completing lessons and activities at times convenient for their personal schedule. Mentors assist students by answering questions, reviewing assignments and activities, as well as providing helpful feedback. Interaction with mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is no appointed time the student must be present -- allowing complete flexibility for the student to work when and where it is convenient. To learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>.

* ARRL HQ to Close for Labor Day September 1: ARRL Headquarters will be closed Monday, September 1. Headquarters will reopen at 8 AM Tuesday, September 2. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

* No ARRL Audio News August 29: There will be no ARRL Audio News today, Friday, August 29; ARRL Audio News will resume production on Friday, September 5.

* ARRL Emergency Communications Level 3 Online Course to be Revised: New enrollments in the online Level 3 course will be suspended effective October 1 to allow us to update the course curricula. We expect the updated course to be available in the first quarter of 2009.

* New HF Digital Protocol to Debut at September Conference: WINMOR, an HF digital protocol designed for use with the Winlink 2000 network, will be unveiled at the upcoming ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference in Chicago September 26-28.

* FCC Vanity Call Sign Fees to Increase September 25: The FCC will increase the vanity call sign fee from $11.70 to $12.30, effective September 25, 2008.

* Hobby radio author Tom Kneitel, W4XAA, SK: Tom Kneitel, W4XAA (ex-K2AES), died August 22 at age 75. He was a prolific author of articles and books on monitoring, CB radio and building electronics projects.

* ARRL and Citizen Corps Assist Schools with NOAA Emergency Radios: ARRL and Citizen Corps are teaming up to offer assistance to local school districts in setting up and registering their NOAA Weather All Hazard Public Alert Radio.

* ARRL Applies for Expansion of 500-kHz Experimental License: On August 22, the ARRL applied to the FCC for expansion of the 500-kHz experimental license WD2XSH. If approved, this application will raise the total number of stations from 20 to 40. This will provide greater geographic coverage, including Alaska and Hawaii, and will provide more opportunities for ground-wave testing. Also included are requests for an expanded frequency band (495-510 kHz) and portable operation within 50 km. The current four modulation modes (CW, PSK-31, FSK-31, and MSK-31) are included. -- Fritz Raab, W1FR

The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American Radio Relay League: ARRL--the National Association for Amateur Radio, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259; <http://www.arrl.org>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential and general news of interest to active radio amateurs. Visit the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org> for the latest Amateur Radio news and news updates. The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> also offers informative features and columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a weekly "ham radio newscast" compiled and edited from The ARRL Letter. It's also available as a podcast from our Web site.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Letter/American Radio Relay League.

==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!): letter-dlvy@arrl.org

==>Editorial questions or comments: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, k1sfa@arrl.org

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==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

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The ARRL Letter Vol. 27, No. 33 August 22, 2008

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IN THIS EDITION:

* + ARRL Responds to Concerns Raised by California Repeater Owners Affected by PAVE PAWS

* + ARRL Director and Vice Director Elections Set for November

* + Hams Ready for Fay

* + New Tower, Antenna Modifications for W1HQ

* + Reunion Island, South Africa Connect on 2 Meters

* + New Section Managers to Take Office October 1

* Solar Update

* IN BRIEF:

This Weekend on the Radio

ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration

+ No ARRL Audio News August 29

+ Amateur Radio Exams, Licensing Return to Bangladesh

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

==> ARRL RESPONDS TO CONCERNS RAISED BY CALIFORNIA REPEATER OWNERS AFFECTED BY PAVE PAWS

Earlier this week, the ARRL responded to a series of concerns raised by repeaters owners regarding the ongoing PAVE PAWS interference mitigation project at Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento, California. In a lengthy e-mail dated August 20, ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, addressed a series of concerns raised by Tom Naso, N6MVT, of Lafayette, California; Naso is owner or trustee to several involved repeaters.

Naso's letter can be found here

<http://www.arrl.org/news/files/pavepaws_querry_2008aug20.pdf>.

Henderson's reply can be found here

<http://www.arrl.org/news/files/pavepaws_response_2008aug20.pdf>.

"Tom raised a series of thoughtful, valid concerns," Henderson stated.

"The ARRL's response to his queries, though lengthy, attempts to address them in detail. With Tom's permission, we are releasing both his original e-mail and the ARRL's response in order to get the most accurate and full information out to repeater owners and users as possible. It also gives us the opportunity to make sure a couple of other issues relating to the PAVE PAWS situation that have arisen are brought to the public's attention."

Henderson said that the biggest challenge the ARRL -- and through them the affected repeater owners -- continues to face is "the balance between not being able to know full technical details of the interference and the testing techniques and the desire/need to know information. It's a tough challenge. And while there have been a few errors in identifying call signs (because of errors in databases being used by the Air Force), there were actual measurements made of signals identified by the Air Force testing group."

Henderson pointed out that the ARRL continues to pursue valid concerns that can be based on fact and backed up with solid data that are raised by repeater owners. "We will continue to expect the FCC to perform its responsibilities. If a permanent shut-down order comes from the FCC, we expect that the licensee is given their full rights for due process."

==> ARRL DIRECTOR AND VICE DIRECTOR ELECTIONS SET FOR NOVEMBER

Responding to solicitations in the July and August issues of QST, ARRL members in the Atlantic, Dakota, Delta, Great Lakes and Midwest Divisions have nominated 14 candidates for the ten positions of Director and Vice Director of each of the five divisions. Seven incumbents have been re-elected without opposition, while there will be balloting for Director and Vice Director of the Delta Division and for Vice Director of the Great Lakes Division. Those elected will serve three-year terms beginning at noon on January 1, 2009.

The ARRL Ethics and Elections Committee has reviewed and confirmed the eligibility of all 14 candidates and has declared the following re-elected: Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, and Vice Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM; Dakota Division Director Jay Bellows, K0QB, and Vice Director Greg Widin, K0GW; Midwest Division Director Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, and Vice Director Cliff Ahrens, K0CA; and Great Lakes Division Director Jim Weaver, K8JE. The rules state that if a candidate is running unopposed, he or she shall be declared the winner without balloting. Members in the Great Lakes Division will elect a Vice Director, while Delta Division members will elect a new Director and new Vice Director.

Delta Division Director Henry Leggette, WD4Q, decided not to seek another term. Nominated to succeed him are current Vice Director Karl Bullock, WA5TMC, and former Louisiana Section Manager Mickey Cox, K5MC.

Seeking the post of Vice Director are Ariel Elam, K4AAL, of Tennessee, and Arkansas Section Manager David Norris, K5UZ.

In the Great Lakes Division, incumbent Vice Director Gary Johnston, KI4LA, is being challenged by former Kentucky Section Manager John Meyers, NB4K, and Michigan Section Affiliated Club Coordinator Daniel Romanchik, KB6NU.

The policies of the League are established by 15 Directors who are elected to the Board on a geographical basis to represent their divisions and constituents. These 15 Directors serve three year terms, with five standing for election each year. Vice Directors, who succeed the Director in the event of a mid-term vacancy and serve as Director at any Board meeting the Director is unable to attend, are elected at the same time.

Full members of the ARRL in the Delta and Great Lakes Divisions will be mailed ballots in late September. To receive a ballot you must be a member as of September 10. To be counted, ballots must be returned so as to be received at ARRL HQ no later than noon Eastern Standard Time on Friday, November 21. The count will be conducted on that date under the supervision of three tellers and a certified public accountant.

Absentee ballots are available to those ARRL full members licensed by the FCC but temporarily residing outside of the US. Members overseas who arrange to be listed as full members in an appropriate Division prior to September 10, 2008, will be able to vote this year where elections are being held. Even within the US, full members temporarily living outside the ARRL Division they consider home may have voting privileges by notifying the ARRL Secretary prior to September 10, 2008, giving their current QST address and the reason another Division is considered home.

==> HAMS READY FOR FAY

While Tropical Storm Fay made landfall over Key West, Florida at 3 PM EDT on August 18, Amateur Radio operators throughout Florida were prepared "just in case." As Fay crossed Key West, Florida Emergency Management officials noted that while "Fay is no Hurricane Charley," it is following the same general path as 2004's Charley, a Category 4 hurricane and one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history for the area; at least 13 people were killed in that storm.

All three of Florida's ARRL Section Managers are working cooperatively as Fay tracks through the state. After sweeping through the Keys, Fay next made landfall in Cape Romano at approximately 4:45 AM on Tuesday, August 19. Landfall on Florida's mainland was initially expected to hit more to the north..

Fay is edging west-northwestward and is about to make its third landfall at Flagler Beach, Florida and then will continue to migrate west-northwestward across northern Florida. The National Weather Service reports that Fay continues to produce torrential downpours and states flooding is the major concern now. Locations on Florida's eastern coast from Cocoa Beach to Melbourne to Fort Pierce have picked up 8 to 26 inches of rain as of August 21; a report of 26.2 inches of rain has been received near Melbourne, resulting in numerous reports of flooding around the area.

According to Julio Ripoll, WD4R, of WX4NHC <http://www.wx4nhc.org/>, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Fay came close to reaching hurricane strength "several times in her track through Cuba and Florida. The surface reports collected via ham radio continue to be very important, no matter how high or low the wind speed. They fill in gaps between governmental weather stations and give the hurricane forecasters a better idea of the wind field range and local flooding."

Plans are in place for several shelters to be opened and responses ready for issues relating to the flooding. ARRL HQ staff are following events closely and are in contact with members and ARES leaders in the affected areas.

==> NEW TOWER, ANTENNA MODIFICATIONS FOR W1HQ

On August 13, XX Towers installed a new 40 foot tower on top of the ARRL Headquarters building for use at W1HQ, the Laird Campbell Memorial HQ Operators Club. This new tower supports the 3 element SteppIR 20-6 meter Yagi antenna that was moved from the old tower; the antenna was placed on the old tower in November 2007. The antenna also received modifications, allowing operations on 30 and 40 meters. Both the antenna and the 30-40 meter modification kit were donated by Mike Mertel, K7IR, of SteppIR.

According to ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, XX Towers visits the League twice a year to inspect both the W1AW and W1HQ antenna systems: "This past May, XX Towers inspected the tower and found it was approaching poor condition due to its age and harsh environment. The new tower supports our 3 element SteppIR Yagi with a newly installed 40-30 meter Dipole Kit, recently donated by SteppIR Antenna Systems. HQ staff can now enjoy these additional bands and have peace of mind with the new tower."

ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, president of the W1HQ club, said, "I am pleased to report that the W1HQ tower replacement and installation of the 40-30 meter dipole element on the SteppIR antenna was successful. HQ hams may now enjoy a rotating dipole for these bands at the push of a button on the SteppIR controller. The crew from XX Towers did a fine job; thanks to his regular inspections, we were able to avoid a more costly removal of the 50 foot, 35 year old tower. ARRL Building Manager Greg Kwasowski, W1GJK, assisted with and arranged for the roofing company to remove part of the roof for the tower base and replacement after tower installation. ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, saved the day with the needed metric hardware. Many thanks to all involved for the successful replacement of the tower. Having a rotatable dipole on 30 and 40 meters is a very welcome addition to the station."

W1HQ provides ARRL employees who do not have an amateur station of their own a place to get on the air. "I'm thrilled to have this station here," said Kutzko. "I live in an apartment and can't put up antennas outside at home. W1HQ gives me a way to chase DX and be active in contests on both HF and VHF."

W1HQ boasts an IC-756PROIII for HF work and an IC-746PRO for 6 and 2 meters, recently donated by ICOM. Bob Heil, K9EID, of Heil Sound donated two new Pro Set 4 mic/headsets, a PR781 Proline microphone and a topless boom to the station. Nemal Electronics Inc and Times Microwave Systems jointly donated two 500 foot rolls of LMR-400.

==> REUNION ISLAND, SOUTH AFRICA CONNECT ON 2 METERS

On Thursday, August 14, Phil Mondon, FR5DN, on Reunion Island had a successful QSO with Glen Kraut, ZS2GK, in South Africa on 2 meters <http://www.astrorun.com/%7Efr5dn/radio/tropo/14aout2008/zs2gk_14august2008.html> . According to Dave Pedersen, N7BHC, this contact is "very likely the longest 2 meter QSO via tropospheric propagation for either country."

The 2008 ARRL Handbook <http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1018> defines tropospheric propagation as "radio waves [that] are refracted by natural gradients in the index of refraction of air with altitude, due to changes in temperature, humidity and pressure. Refraction under standard atmospheric conditions extends the radio horizon somewhat beyond the visual line of sight. Favorable weather conditions further enhance normal tropospheric refraction, lengthening the useful VHF and UHF range by several hundred kilometers and increasing signal strength. Higher frequencies are more sensitive to refraction, so its effects may be observed in the microwave bands before they are apparent at lower frequencies."

"Ducting takes place when refraction is so great that radio waves are bent back to the surface of the Earth. When tropospheric ducting conditions exist over a wide geographic area, signals may remain very strong over distances of 1500 km (930 miles) or more. Ducting results from the gradient created by a sharp increase in temperature with altitude, quite the opposite of normal atmospheric conditions. A simultaneous drop in humidity contributes to increased refractivity.

Useful temperature inversions form between 250 and 2000 meters (800-6500 feet) above ground. The elevated inversion and the Earth's surface act something like the boundaries of a natural open-ended waveguide. Radio waves of the right frequency range caught inside the duct will be propagated for long distances with relatively low losses. Several common weather conditions can create temperature inversions."

Kraut said that on the evening of August 13, he "went to bed at about 08:30 UTC leaving the rig on and antennas pointing toward Reunion. I woke up at 00:15 UTC and heard the beacon from my shack. I went over and saw that signals were low, even with the Masthead pre-amp on. I was running CWGeT to confirm hard copy of the signal, but it was not decoding. I switched off the pre-amp and returned to bed. About an hour later, I heard the beacon again but much stronger, so I went to the shack and saw the signal at almost 1 on the S-meter. Perfect hard copy from CWGeT. I contacted Phil on his cell phone, switched the linear and pre-amp on and we logged an SSB QSO and FM QSO on 144.200 and 144.400 at 01:39 UTC on August 14 with signal reports of 5/6 both ways."

Mondon added: "At 0135 UTC on August 14, Glenn is calling me on my cell phone. That means the beacon is heard strong enough to allow a QSO. It's 0535 local time here; I speak low and run into the shack, switch off the beacon and call on 144.200 to see Glenn's signal at 55/56 with the preamp. We decide to try FM and I have clear copy on him. Time goes fast-- we stop the QSO some 20 or 30 minutes later, but the band was still nicely open! The signal was crystal clear, almost no fading, if any on my side. Whooaaaa! The first bridge is now there between South Africa and Reunion Island."

Pedersen said that trans-oceanic ducting has long been suspected around South Africa: "While operating there as ZR2BI in the late 1970s, I heard an unidentified South American station on 2 meters. Since then, having moved to the US, I was not able to pursue it any further. This last January, I started e-mailing a lot of people in Southern Africa and St Helena, but found little activity pursuing the potential tropo.

Resorting to my old ways of using FM broadcast stations as beacons, I asked John Turner on St Helena Island to listen for African stations.

Within days, he reported stations from Angola, then Namibia and eventually as far south as Cape Town. One February day, he logged 25 South African FM broadcasters in 30 minutes. And that was with his car radio."

Pedersen said that Ian Coverdale, ZD8I, on Ascension reported that he can occasionally hear Cape Town Harbor radio on 156 MHz, 2770 miles away; Sted Stroud, ZD8S, reported that it is fairly commonplace for Ascension Islanders to listen to Brazilian FM stations. "All those reports led to Phil Mondon putting up the beacon," Pedersen said.

According to VHF guru and conductor of QST's "World Above 50 MHz" column Gene Zimmerman, W3ZZ, VHF amateurs have long been aware of long distance tropospheric ducting across stable ocean waters. "The best known such duct is the Hawaiian duct which links the West Coast of the US, especially California with the Big Island of Hawaii. But we have also known that other such ducts exist in different places around the world, although the ham populations in these areas are often so low that we hardly ever experience two way communications. The Indian Ocean is one such place. This outstanding contact between Phil Mondon, FR5DN, on Reunion Island and Glen Kraut, ZS2GK, in South Africa confirms the existence of a path between the mainland and islands in the Indian Ocean. It follows the detection of FM broadcast stations on similar paths in the South Atlantic Ocean between the island of St Helena and Angola, Namibia and Cape Town on the mainland, and reports of reception of Brazilian FM stations on Ascension Island in the South Atlantic."

Pedersen agreed: "Now that the path is proven, many South African hams are gearing up to increase the distance over the coming southern summer."

==> NEW SECTION MANAGERS TO TAKE OFFICE OCTOBER 1

On August 19, members of the ARRL's Membership and Volunteer Programs Department counted ballots for contested Section Manager races in Idaho and Western New York. Section Managers serve two year terms.

In Idaho, Edward Stuckey, AI7H, of Post Falls, was elected Section Manager of Idaho with 155 votes; Chuck Robertson, KX7ID, of Nampa, received 150 votes. Stuckey will be stepping into the office that has been held by Doug Rich, W7DVR, of Boise, since the fall of 2003; Rich decided not to run for another term of office. Stuckey, licensed since 1957, is a member of ARES/RACES organizations. He is currently active in the Kootenai Amateur Radio Society in Coeur d'Alene of which he is a past president.

In Western New York, current Section Manager Scott Bauer, W2LC, of Baldwinsville, was re-elected with 639 votes; challenger Kevin Romer, KC2MLC, of Trumansburg, received 273 votes. Bauer has served as Western New York Section Manager since 2000. He is active in many areas of Amateur Radio including the National Traffic System, ARES and SKYWARN, and serves as a volunteer examiner.

The ARRL North Dakota Section will also get a new Section Manager come October 1. Lynn Nelson, W0CQ, of Minot, will be taking over from Kent Olson, KA0LDG. Olson, who has served as Section Manager since 2001, did not run for another term of office.

The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers did not face opposition and were declared elected for the next two year terms of office beginning October 1, 2008: Betsey Doane, K1EIC (Connecticut); Skip Jackson, KS0J (Minnesota); Joe Phillips, K8QOE (Ohio); John Thomason, WB5SYT (Oklahoma); Roberto Jimenez, KP4AC (Puerto Rico); Sherri Brower, W4STB (Southern Florida), and John Ellis, NP2B (Virgin Islands). Lee Anne Allen, WY7DTW, of Devils Tower, has been appointed Section Manager of the Wyoming Section to complete the term of office that has been held by Chris Pritchard, WX7B, of Green River. Pritchard is moving out of the Section to take a new job. The present term of office continues through March 31, 2009. Dave Patton, NN1N, Manager of the Membership and Volunteer Programs Department, made the Section Manager appointment effective August 15 in consultation with Rocky Mountain Division Director Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT. Allen has been the Assistant Section Manager for Wyoming since the first of the year; she also serves as a local ARRL Emergency Coordinator. Allen served as the Wyoming Public Information Coordinator (PIC) for almost three years until earlier this year.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "I carry the Sun in a golden cup" Cook, K7RA, this week reports:

Another week of quiet Sun, but on Wednesday and Thursday -- August 20-21

-- a new spot seemed to be emerging, but there is no sign that it is anything other than an old Solar Cycle 23 spot. Sunspot numbers for August 14-20 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 0. The 10.7 cm flux was 65.9, 65.3, 66.2, 66.5, 66.2, 67.3 and 65.9 with a mean of 66.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 4, 5, 7, 23, 8 and 6 with a mean of 8.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4, 3, 4, 5, 15, 7 and 5 with a mean of 6.1. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>. This week's "Tad Cookism" brought to you by William Butler Yeats' "Those Dancing Days Are Gone."

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend, the NCCC Sprint is August 22.

The Hawaii QSO Party and Ohio QSO Party are August 23-24. The SKCC Sprint is August 27. Next weekend is the NCCC Sprint on August 29. The ALARA Contest, the SCC RTTY Championship and the YO DX HF Contest are all August 30-31. The SARL HF CW Contest is August 31 and the MI QRP Labor Day CW Sprint is September 1-2. All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL Contest Update <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out the ARRL Special Event Station Web page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html>.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains open through Sunday, August 24, 2008 for these online course sessions beginning on Friday, September 5, 2008: Technician License Course (EC-010); Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 1 (EC-001); Radio Frequency Interference (EC-006); Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009); Analog Electronics (EC-012), and Digital Electronics (EC-013).

Each online course has been developed in segments -- learning units with objectives, informative text, student activities and quizzes. Courses are interactive, and some include direct communications with a Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a particular session that may be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the course) and they may access the course at any time of day during the course period, completing lessons and activities at times convenient for their personal schedule. Mentors assist students by answering questions, reviewing assignments and activities, as well as providing helpful feedback. Interaction with mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is no appointed time the student must be present -- allowing complete flexibility for the student to work when and where it is convenient. To learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact the Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>.

* No ARRL Audio News August 29: There will be no ARRL Audio News on Friday, August 29; ARRL Audio News will resume production on Friday, September 5. The ARRL Letter will be distributed as usual.

* Amateur Radio Exams, Licensing Return to Bangladesh: Since 2004, Amateur Radio operators in Bangladesh have not been able to get an Amateur Radio license or sit for an examination. But thanks to the efforts of the Bangladesh Amateur Radio League (BARL) <http://www.barl.org/> -- that country's IARU Member-Society -- the Bangladeshi government will once again issue ham licenses; exams will also be given on a monthly basis beginning August 13, 2008. On July 21, representatives from BARL -- Belayet Robin, S21RB; Zahid Shipon, S21VA, and Saiful Huda, S21SH -- met with members of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in what Robin called "a very fruitful meeting <http://www.btrc.gov.bd/>. BARL had finally been able to make the concerned authorities understand the significance of ham operators in a country with frequent natural disasters like floods and cyclones." The Bangladeshi government has only allowed ham radio operations since 1991, though amateurs have received special permission on a case-by-case basis to set up Emergency Communications infrastructures during natural disasters such as cyclones, tidal waves and flooding. BARL was formed in 1979 as a way to promote Amateur Radio, but on-air operations were banned due to the political climate of the region. BARL will offer a class to prepare for the exam. Exams will be computer based with 35 multiple choice questions. In order to receive an Amateur Radio license, examinees must achieve 18 correct answers.

Examinees are given one hour to complete the test.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Letter/American Radio Relay League.

==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!): letter-dlvy@arrl.org

==>How to Get The ARRL Letter

The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from ARRL HQ. To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery:

(NOTE: HQ staff members cannot change your e-mail delivery address. You must do this yourself via the Members Only Web Site.)

The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these sources:

* ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.)

Return to the top

***************

The ARRL Letter Vol. 27, No. 32 August 15, 2008

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IN THIS EDITION (our first ever back-to-school issue):

* + Educators Go "Back to School" at ARRL's Teachers Institutes

* + ARRL's "Big Project" Makes a Big Impact on Youth

* + FCC to Raise Vanity Call Sign Fees

* + The ARRL VC and VCE Programs: Hams Helping Hams

* + ARRL Executive Committee Approves Nine Education & Technology Program Grants

* + ARISS Team Looking for Ground Stations

* Solar Update

* IN BRIEF:

This Weekend on the Radio

ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration

+ No ARRL Audio News August 29

+ Harry Mills, K4HU (SK)

+ Nebraska Ham Couple Killed at Home

ARRL Lab Manager to Serve as Technical Session Chair at IEEE EMC Conference

DXCC Yearbook Includes Corrected DXCC Honor Roll

Chinese Olympic Special Event Stations On the Air

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

==> EDUCATORS GO "BACK TO SCHOOL" AT ARRL'S TEACHERS INSTITUTES

During a record six ARRL Teachers Institutes this summer -- Tampa, Florida; Rocklin, California; Tucson, Arizona; Dayton, Ohio, as well as two sessions at ARRL HQ in Connecticut -- instructors and participants found new ways to bring the excitement of wireless technology to classrooms across the country <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ti.html>.

The ARRL Teachers Institute is a four day, in-service training opportunity for teachers to learn about wireless technology, including the science of radio, space technology, microcontrollers and basic robotics. It focuses on how to integrate these vital technologies into their regular classrooms. For the first time, the number of Teachers Institutes offered was expanded from four to six sessions that included 77 participants from 29 states. To help out with the expanded course load and number of sessions, two additional instructors were brought on board: Miguel Enriquez, KD7RPP, and Nathan McCray, K9CPO. According to Education and Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, "These new instructors will allow the program to continue to expand in coming years. They also bring new perspectives and talent to the instructional staff."

Enriquez was first licensed as a Novice in 1976 and learned about electronics by building a Heathkit; he upgraded to an Amateur Extra class license in 2002. He teaches mathematics, statistics and psychology at Pueblo High School in Tucson, Arizona, and has 10 years of experience teaching at the community college and university levels. In 2005, Enriquez established an Amateur Radio club at Pueblo High School.

Through donations of equipment and support from individuals and the ARRL, the club grew to 26 members and five licensed students exploring satellite communications, ATV, robotics, HF, EchoLink and weather satellite imagery.

McCray, a former sixth grade teacher in Zion, Illinois, starts the 2008 academic year as an assistant principal at West Elementary School in the same town. As a teacher, he integrated Amateur Radio, electronics and robotics into his science and math curriculum. He plans to start an Amateur Radio club in his new school and is looking forward to developing clubs in his district's junior high and high school. McCray's knowledge areas include electronics, computer programming, communications, Amateur Radio, computer systems, leadership and teaching; his background includes instruction at the community college level, as well experience as a senior instructor at a US Navy technical school. McCray has been licensed for 24 years and holds an Amateur Extra class license.

The teachers who participated in this year's Teachers Institutes came from very diverse backgrounds: 63 percent were hams. The gender mix included 64 percent males and 36 percent females. The participants came from schools across the grade levels: 17 percent were elementary, 39 percent middle school/junior high, 40 percent high school and 4 percent university level instructors. During the Institutes, 10 participants studied for and obtained either their first ham license or upgraded their existing ham tickets.

Spencer said that the Teachers Institute curriculum is always being refined and improved: "This year, a new robotics instructor's activity board was added to the robotics unit, and a 24-hour clock kit was added to the Soldering 101 unit. We also added a new, more flexible seismometer that can be used not only to study earthquakes, but also to control the movements of the robot the participants build during the class. This component was added to connect the Science of Radio unit to the Robotics unit. A radio telescope and a sudden ionospheric disturbance (SID) exploration resource were also added, expanding the Space Technology unit. The 24-hour clock kit was a very popular 'homework' assignment that was completed during the first day of the Institute."

Funding for the ARRL Teachers Institutes for Wireless Technology and for the ham radio station grants for schools are supported solely by contributions from ARRL members and others in the Amateur Radio community. According to ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, in 2008 the educational mission of ARRL has expanded to provide additional support for volunteer instructors and the development of additional online courses, as well as curricula and tools for teachers.

"If you are one of the thousands of hams who has helped ARRL expand its education horizons, thank you!" Hobart said. "You may wish to make your contribution to ensure a bright future for the next generation of radio amateurs. Please do so by phone or mail to ARRL Headquarters, or on the Web <http://www.arrl.org/education>. Your generosity will make a big difference."

==> ARRL'S "BIG PROJECT" MAKES A BIG IMPACT ON YOUTH

Since 2001 when the Education & Technology Program -- also known as the "Big Project" -- started, ARRL has expanded the scope of its educational outreach programs by providing grants of station equipment and instructional resources for professional development to more than 300 schools (with more schools added each year) <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/>. The Education & Technology Program has expanded the highly successful teacher development program in electronics, robotics and space -- the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ti.html>.

From humble beginnings in 2003, a single gathering of 12 educators came together at ARRL Headquarters to become the Teachers Institute, with the goal to promote wireless technology literacy. Since then, the Teachers Institute has provided teachers from elementary schools to the university level with the basic tools and teaching strategies to introduce the science of radio, space technology, weather, microcontroller basics and robotics in their classrooms. In 2008, the Teachers Institute program has expanded to six four-day sessions that now include ATV and radio astronomy, more hands-on instruction of project kits -- such as a seismometer, a 24-hour clock and A BOT Instructor's Board -- to enhance the teachers' ability to instruct basic robotics, a fox-hunt activity and satellite contacts.

Each year, the League receives gratifying reports from the schools that participate in the Education & Technology Program. The schools tell us that the resources we offer are bearing fruit -- both in terms of licensing students and teachers and engaging them in wireless technology, both in the classroom and in after-school activities.

"The Education & Technology Program is truly one of ARRL's most significant projects," said ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. "The contributions of ARRL members make a direct connection to teachers and their students, opening the door to Amateur Radio and other exciting areas of science."

==> FCC TO RAISE VANITY CALL SIGN FEES

On August 11, the FCC announced that the cost of an Amateur Radio vanity call sign will increase 60 cents, from $11.70 to $12.30 <http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-182A1.pdf>.

The fee will increase 30 days after notice of the increase is published in the Federal Register <http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html>; no date has yet been set for publication. The FCC is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, to collect vanity call sign fees to recover the costs associated with that program. The vanity call sign regulatory fee is payable not only when applying for a new vanity call sign, but also upon renewing a vanity call sign for a new 10 year term.

The vanity call sign fee has fluctuated over the 12 years of the current program -- from a low of $11.70 to a high of $50. The FCC said it anticipates some 15,000 Amateur Radio vanity call sign "payment units"

-- or applications -- during Fiscal Year 2009, collecting $184,734 in fees from the program.

The vanity call sign regulatory fee is payable not only when applying for a new vanity call sign, but also upon renewing a vanity call sign for a new term. The first vanity call sign licenses issued under the current Amateur Radio vanity call sign program that began in 1996 came up for renewal two years ago.

Those holding "personalized" call signs issued prior to 1996 are exempt from having to pay the vanity call sign regulatory fee at renewal, as Congress did not authorize the FCC to collect regulatory fees until 1993. Such "heritage" vanity call sign holders do not appear as vanity licensees in the FCC Amateur Radio database.

Amateur Radio licensees may file for renewal only within 90 days of their license expiration date. All radio amateurs must have an FCC Registration Number (FRN) before filing any application with the Commission. Applicants can obtain an FRN by going to the ULS and clicking on the "New Users Register" link <http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/>. You must supply your Social Security Number to obtain an FRN.

The ARRL VEC will process license renewals for vanity call sign holders for a modest fee. The service is available to ARRL members and nonmembers, although League members pay less. Routine, non-vanity renewals continue to be free for ARRL members. Trustees of club stations with vanity call signs may renew either via the ULS or through a Club Station Call Sign Administrator, such as ARRL VEC.

League members should visit the "ARRL Member Instructions for License Renewals or Changes" page <http://www.arrl.org/fcc/memberlicenseinstructions.html>, while the "Instructions for License Renewals or Changes" page covers general renewal procedures for nonmembers <http://www.arrl.org/fcc/licenseinstructions.html>. There is additional information on the "ARRL VEC's FCC License Renewals and ARRL License Expiration Notices" page <http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/renewals.html>.

License application and renewal information and links to the required forms are available on the "ARRL Amateur Application Filing FAQ" Web page. The FCC's forms page also offers the required forms <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/application-filing-faq.html> .

==> THE ARRL VC AND VCE PROGRAMS: HAMS HELPING HAMS

Invariably, when an amateur wants to erect a tower and more antennas, there will be questions about zoning and building ordinances. According to ARRL Regulatory Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, some questions are simple, while others may lead to a long battle with town officials.

"Rule number one in any of these cases," Henderson said, "is to make sure you know the legal landscape you are facing before you start any project."

Henderson said there are many tools to assist amateurs in navigating the perils of zoning and restrictions: "Among the most important resources are fellow amateurs who have stepped forward to serve as either an ARRL Volunteer Counsel (VC) or an ARRL Volunteer Consulting Engineer (VCE)."

ARRL VCs are fellow amateurs who are attorneys. They have agreed to provide a free initial consultation to hams facing town zoning issues related to the erection of Amateur Radio towers and antennas. ARRL VCEs are registered Professional Engineers (PE) who have likewise agreed to give hams an initial consultation when facing antenna support installation issues required by the town. Henderson notes that VCs and VCEs provide their initial consult for free: "If you do need to retain them further to help you navigate through the 'red tape,' you need to be prepared to pay them for their professional services, though many VCs and VCEs do provide discounted rates if they assist long term."

The role of the VC and VCE is to assist amateurs with antenna and zoning issues, but Henderson said that some provide advice on other topics, such as helping a club through the process of incorporating, or a VCE serving as an expert witness before a town zoning meeting. "When facing an antenna fight, remember that VCs and VCEs -- along with other resources -- are there to assist you, but their role is secondary to yours," Henderson advised. "The amateur seeking to erect the tower has to take the lead, making sure that all required information from the town is provided promptly and as required. This includes bearing any costs associated with the permitting process or legal fees. If you follow the steps required by the city or town, and you don't take any shortcuts and are reasonable in your approach, you should end up prevailing in the end."

The ARRL is looking for qualified and interested attorneys and registered Professional Engineers to step forward to serve as VCs and VCEs. "There is no better time to consider serving in these important but unsung volunteer positions than now," Henderson said. Right now, the ARRL has VCs in only 44 states and VCEs in 33 states. Applications for VCs <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/vcapp.html> and VCEs <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/vceapp.html> can be found online on the ARRL Web site. For more information on how you can assist as a VC or VCE, contact Henderson via e-mail <n1nd@arrl.org>.

If you need the services of a VC or VCE to help with your zoning problem, contact the Regulatory Information desk via e-mail <reginfo@arrl.org>. "We are happy to help you sort through the first steps or try to hook you up with a nearby VC or VCE. The ARRL VC/VCE programs are here to serve you, but we need your help."

==> ARRL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE APPROVES NINE EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM GRANTS

In May, the ARRL Executive Committee reviewed grant applications for the ARRL's Education & Technology Program (ETP), awarding nearly $14,000 to nine schools <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/>. More than 300 schools across the country have received support from the ETP in the form of grants for equipment, curriculum and resources, as well as teacher in-service training through the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ti.html>. The Executive Committee reviews applications for equipment and resource grants twice each year, in December and May.

The following schools recently received equipment grants:

* Hamburg High School, Hamburg, New York: The lead teacher for this program is a recent graduate of the ARRL Teachers Institute and has some experience with practically applying ham radio in her classroom.

* Pioneer High School, Yorkshire, New York: The program articulated in the grant application has an EmComm theme and is an extension of an existing program.

* Pell City High School, Pell City, Alabama: The lead teachers for this program were participants in this summer's Teachers Institute. The program articulated in the grant application was thought to be aggressive and far reaching, and is supported by the local ham community, as well as by long term financial commitments on the part of the State and local governments.

* Washington Technical Middle School, St Paul, Minnesota: The lead teacher for this program attended the Teachers Institute this summer.

The program in the grant application is supported by the local ham community, including a retired Vice Director, Twila Greenheck, N0JPH.

The school has already started on their program development by obtaining and using the Soldering 101 24-hour Clock Kit that is part of the ETP resource portfolio.

* Glenn Raymond School, Watseka, Illinois: The program suggested in this application is more broad and general, and suggests using ham radio as a support to other curricular areas. The Executive Committee felt this was a healthy approach to the use of ham radio and indicates a well thought out use of ham radio as a resource.

* Sayreville Memorial High School, Parlin, New Jersey: This application articulates a program that is based on setting up a ham radio station in the school that is part of an EmComm component of the school's county Office of Emergency Management.

The following schools received Progress Grants. These grants consist of resources, curriculum materials and instructional materials such as software or building kits:

* Egg Harbor Township High School, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey: The lead teacher for this program has taken a different approach to making the connection between the science of radio and robotics fundamentals by focusing on basic electronics. He requested the parts and pieces to make a robotic arm resource for use in his class.

* Emanuel County Institute, Twin City, Georgia: The lead teacher for this program is a recent Teachers Institute graduate. He wants to expand the use of the activity board resources he learned about during the Institute into his regular curriculum.

* Gateway Technical Community College, Sturtevant, Wisconsin: This applicant is requesting assistance in obtaining licensing resource materials for the college radio club. The resources obtained through this grant will be housed in a club library for multiple users.

ETP participants continue to sing the praises of the ARRL and the Education & Technology Program. Here is what a few of them had to say:

* The ARRL has made our year! Words cannot express the gratitude that we feel because of the ARRL grant so generously provided to us. On behalf of the Rambler Radio Club of LaFayette Middle School, thank you. By the way, we are hosting Field Day for our sponsor club (Tri-State ARC). This will be their first Field Day in three years. They plan to have a GOTA station to encourage more people to get involved. Thanks to you and the thousands of ARRL members who have made the entire year seem like Christmas for us!

* Today, I received a phone call from our calculus teacher who introduced me to one of our senior students. She has been accepted to the University of Arizona and will be taking courses for electrical engineering; her ultimate plan is to someday work for NASA and become one of the astronauts. She was excited when I told her about being able to talk to the space shuttle -- sounds like she came to the right place for the "right stuff." I happened to have the "Hello Radio" pamphlet available for her and also gave her an old copy of the Radio Amateurs Astronomy book. I wanted you to know how grateful I am to you and the ARRL for all you have done in helping Mohave High School get this off the ground, and as always, thank you for the great satellite images you send to us. One of the kids at school is using them to do an Independent Study course on weather.

* I just demonstrated the BOE-BOT's telemetry powers to my math students and BINGO! They were excited. One of them immediately demonstrated how the data on the spreadsheet could be graphed using three dimensional graphics, a lesson she had just had in her computer class last week.

Another student set up different barricades to test the BOT's ability to get out of the maze. The BOT did it and then they started accusing each other that the BOT was smarter than them. The radio club members in the math class wanted to know what the schematic looked like for the design.

The goal of the Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program is to improve the quality of education by providing an educationally sound curriculum focused on wireless communications. The project emphasizes integration of technology, math, science, geography, writing, speaking and social responsibility within a global society.

==> ARISS TEAM LOOKING FOR GROUND STATIONS

Do you want to be part of the international network of ground stations that help support Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) operations? ARISS is looking to add numerous ground stations capable of relaying ISS Amateur Radio sessions with schools and also serve as back-up communications relays should they be needed. Locations all over the world will be considered, but the greatest need for stations is in Central America, South America, Falkland Islands, Western Australia, Canada and Alaska.

The following are guidelines for stations wanting to be considered:

Third Party agreement with United States or waiver from their telecom agency; ability to speak and understand English; minimal horizon obstructions; 24/7 access and availability of station; operator(s) willing to support scheduled contacts at various times; phone patch; AZ/EL tracking satellite system, preferably an auto tracking system with the capability for manual override; multi-element Yagis for 2 meters and 70 cm (circular polarization preferred); pre-amps and transmit output greater than 70 W. If you can specify your station's EIRP and receive sensitivity (thereby taking into account cable losses, pre-amps and antenna gain), it would be greatly appreciated.

Stations that can support the following will be given special consideration, but these items are not required: Auto Doppler adjustment of frequencies; ability to speak and understand languages other than English; 1.2 and 2.4 GHz satellite hardware; Packet; SSTV; Digital ATV; redundant power system, and high-speed Internet.

If you or your club would like to be considered for selection as one of the new ARISS ground stations, send an e-mail to ARISS with details about your station and contact information <ARISS-telebridge@amsat.org>.

-- Information provided by Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chairman

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Under the light of five hundred Suns" Cook, K7RA, this week reports: Our Sun is still not producing any sunspots. As mentioned in previous bulletins, the peak of the last Solar Cycle was a double peak, so perhaps we are in the midst of an extended bottom. Sunspot numbers for August 7-13 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 0. The 10.7 cm flux was 66.1, 65.5, 65.5, 65.6, 65.7, 65.2 and 65.3 with a mean of 65.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 4, 18, 13, 7, 6 and 5 with a mean of 8.1. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 3, 3, 16, 9, 6, 6 and 3 with a mean of 6.6. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>. This week's "Tad Cookism" brought to you by Allen Ginsberg's "America."

==>IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend, be sure to check out the ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest on August 16-17. The NCCC Sprint is August 15. The Feld Hell Sprint and the ARCI Silent Key Memorial Sprint are August 16.

On the weekend of August 16-17, look for the SARTG WW RTTY Contest, the Russian District Award Contest, the Keyman's Club of Japan Contest and the North American QSO Party (SSB) to be on the air. The New Jersey QSO Party is August 16, 17 and 18. The Run for the Bacon QRP Contest is August 18. Next weekend, the NCCC Sprint is August 22. The Hawaii QSO Party and Ohio QSO Party are August 23-24. The SKCC Sprint is August 27.

All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL Contest Update <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out the ARRL Special Event Station Web page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html>.

* No ARRL Audio News August 29: There will be no ARRL Audio News on Friday, August 29; ARRL Audio News will resume production on Friday, September 5. The ARRL Letter will be distributed as usual.

* Harry Mills, K4HU (SK): Harry Judd Mills, K4HU, passed away Saturday, August 9 at the Cardinal Care Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina after a period of declining health. He was 100 <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/09/20/102/>. Mills was a resident of Hendersonville since his retirement in 1971 after a 30 year worldwide career with RCA as an engineer and manager. First licensed in 1922 as 8VHX, he was a 72 year member of the ARRL, a founder and past president of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) Chapter 76 of Hendersonville and a fellow of the Radio Club of America (RCA). Mills was active on the air up until his death. He could be heard twice weekly checking into the AM net on 3810 kHz, as well as the Chapter 76 QCWA SSB net on Saturday mornings on 3930 kHz. Mills credited a crystal receiver project from "The Boy Scout Handbook," given to him by his parents when he was 12, for his interest in wireless and radio. Featured on the NPR program "All Things Considered" in 2001, Mills had this to say about the magic of radio: "To me it is difficult to describe the fascination of it. I know I use it all the time. How does it happen? Can't see the fella. There are no wires going from here to there. But you can talk to him. It was a phenomenon that interested me from the beginning. I presume that it is safe to say I've never gotten over it"

<http://www.radiodiaries.org/transcripts/OtherDocs/conrad.html>.

ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, remembered Mills fondly: "I can't remember a time in Amateur Radio when I didn't know Harry. A visit to his shack was always a learning adventure. He could regale you with stories of his own hands-on experiences from spark gap to today's modern equipment. His shop was a veritable wonderland of learning. If you needed work done on your radio, he was the man.

Whenever Harry was the speaker at a radio club meeting, the attendance would always swell. You would never know what trinket or treasure he would bring with him. I have frequently said that Harry had forgotten more about radio and electronics than I ever knew. I will miss his knowledge and friendship. He was the best of the best." No memorial services are planned. An online register book is available for those wishing to express condolences <http://www.thosshepherd.com/>.

* Nebraska Ham Couple Killed at Home: Carolyn, N0LAL, and Steven Baily, N0US, were found dead in their home -- located in a rural area just north of Lincoln, Nebraska -- on Sunday, August 9 <http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10403953>. Police believe the deaths occurred after a string of home invasions; a suspect, Brandon Crago, is in custody on suspicion of murder. In a court appearance on August 14, a judge set Crago's bail at $5 million for robbery, use of a weapon to commit a felony and being a felon in possession of a firearm; murder charges are pending <http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10405594>. According to the "Omaha World-Herald," authorities believe Crago, a man with a history of drug abuse, acted alone. The Bailys, who helped found the Ashland Amateur Radio Club (AARC), served as storm spotters and helped out with club events; Steven maintained the club's repeater. Neighbor Linda Graham, KC0IOQ, told the ARRL, "We're going to be lost without Steve. He was our repeater guy. He had just bought a new power supply and ammeter for the repeater." The Bailys have two daughters, Jennifer and Heather, KL2AK. A memorial service is still being planned.

* ARRL Lab Manager to Serve as Technical Session Chair at IEEE EMC

Conference: ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, will chair a Technical Session at this year's Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) <http://www.emc2008.org/>. It will be held at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, August 18-22. Mark Steffka, WW8MS, a member of the ARRL EMC Committee <http://www.arrl.org/announce/reports-2008/july/>, invited Hare to chair the session due to Hare's involvement with a number of international committees on EMC standards. The session, covering the topic of EMC emissions and immunity, will take place on Thursday afternoon, August 21. Hare said he was pleased to receive the invitation: "ARRL has been an active and regular participant in a number of industry EMC committees, ensuring that Amateur Radio is represented and has a seat at the table. I've helped at most of the Symposium events held over the past few years, peer reviewing submitted papers and providing support to the ham radio luncheon that is held there every year." The IEEE EMC Society's Standards Development Committee (SDCom) is also meeting at the event on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Hare serves as the elected Secretary of SDCom. Hare said the event is not just meetings -- "There is a fun part of the event, too. The Motor City Radio Club <http://www.w8mrm.org/> will activate W8MRM August 19-21, giving Amateur Radio a special presence at this industry event. Look for them starting at 1500 UTC on 7.040, 7.240, 14.040 and 14.240 MHz."

* DXCC Yearbook Includes Corrected DXCC Honor Roll: According to DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, the 2007 Honor Roll list published in the August 2008 issue of QST was inadvertently produced from a "corrupted report feature" in the DXCC software. "Since the DXCC Honor Roll report is too large for a line-by-line review, random samplings [of the list] were checked and many [listings] were found to be okay," Moore said. "It was not until the complete report was published that we found the report had more errors than originally thought. Publishing a simple correction in an upcoming issue of QST is not possible. We have expanded the 2007 DXCC Yearbook to accommodate a complete reprint of the 2007 Honor Roll list. This is something many of you have suggested in previous years.

The 2007 Honor Roll list will also be published on the DXCC Web site and this list will be separate from the current 'live' online Honor Roll list. We regret any inconvenience caused by this and we appreciate your patience and understanding." The 2007 DXCC Yearbook is the largest ever, with an additional 16 pages, and features articles about the year's DXing activities, the Clinton B. DeSoto Cup and DXCC Challenge standings. The DXCC Yearbook is mailed free to all ARRL members who have submitted a DXCC application between January 1 and December 31 of the prior year or are current on the DXCC Honor Roll. Copies are also available for $5 plus postage. To get your issue, please send an e-mail to the ARRL DXCC desk <dxcc@arrl.org>.

* Chinese Olympic Special Event Stations On the Air: Special Event stations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began operating on May 18 and are scheduled to continue through September 17 <http://www.bj2008ses.com.cn/>. Five special calls -- representing the five official mascots of the 2008 Beijing Olympic games -- are on the

air: BT1OB, BT1OJ, BT1OH, BT1OY and BT1ON. The last letter of the call sign corresponds to the first letter of the name of each mascot -- Beibei (fish), Jingjing (panda), Huanhuan (flame), Yingying (Tibetan antelope) and Nini (swallow). A QSL card <http://www.bj2008ses.com.cn/bt1ox.jpg>, reserved for special use incorporating all five symbols, has also been designed. Zheng Feng, BA4EG, will be the QSL manager for all stations. QSLs can be sent either direct or via the bureau and will begin to be answered in October. A Web site supporting the Special Event stations include an online log search and QSL card received and sent status, as well as other information. An award for contacting each of the five stations on 10-160 meters a minimum of five times (using CW, SSB or RTTY, as well as SWL) is also available. The Games of the XXIX Olympiad began Friday, August 8 and run through Sunday, August 24. -- Thanks to Chris Parker, VE6PKR, and The Daily DX for some information

compiled and edited from The ARRL Letter. It's also available as a podcast from our Web site.

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Letter/American Radio Relay League.

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==>Editorial questions or comments: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, k1sfa@arrl.org ==>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org>

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***************

The ARRL Letter Vol. 27, No. 31 August 8, 2008

***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + ARRL Board of Directors Names 2007-2008 Award Recipients

* + NCVEC Holds Annual Conference via Telephone

* + Look for the September Issue of QST in Your Mailbox

* + Former ARRL HQ Staff Member Glenn Swanson, KB1GW (SK)

* + Station Manager Explains NN3SI's Silence

* + Fifth Annual National Preparedness Month Coming in September

* Solar Update

* IN BRIEF:

This Weekend on the Radio

ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration

+ New ARRL Section Manager Appointed in Nevada

+ Jack B. Morgan, KF6T, Wins July QST Cover Plaque Award

October is Radiosport Month in QST

Georgia Hams Meet with FEMA

AMSAT-UK Colloquium Lectures Now Online

International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2008

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/>

==> ARRL BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES 2007-2008 AWARD RECIPIENTS

The ARRL Board of Directors named six ARRL award recipients at its July 18-19 meeting in Windsor, Connecticut. The six awards conferred were the 2008 Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award; the 2007 Herb S.

Brier Instructor of the Year Award; the 2007 Hiram Percy Maxim Award; the 2007 Doug DeMaw, W1FB, Technical Excellence Award; the 2008 ARRL Technical Innovation Award, and the ARRL Technical Merit Award.

* The Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award <http://www.arrl.org/pio/mcgan/>

The recipient of the 2008 McGan Award is Walter Palmer, W4ALT, of Lewes, Delaware. Palmer, the ARRL Delaware Section Public Information Coordinator (PIC) <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/org/pic.html>, has demonstrated outstanding volunteer public relations success on behalf of Amateur Radio at both the local and state levels. Palmer wrote a television script for the Sussex County (Delaware) Emergency Operations Center, providing the public with an awareness of Amateur Radio and its relationship with Emergency Preparedness. This show was broadcast on the largest television station in the Delaware market. Through his positive messages and commitment to Amateur Radio, membership in the Sussex Amateur Radio Association increased almost 200 percent, gaining 69 new members; participation in ARES grew from just one lone member to 60.

The McGan award is named for Philip J. McGan, WA2MBQ (SK), the first chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee. After his death, friends in the New Hampshire Amateur Radio Association joined with the ARRL Board of Directors to pay a lasting tribute to the important contributions he made on behalf of Amateur Radio. The McGan Award goes to that ham who has demonstrated success in Amateur Radio public relations and best exemplifies the volunteer spirit of Phil McGan.

Public Relations activities for which the McGan Award is presented include efforts specifically directed at bringing Amateur Radio to the public's attention (and most often the media's) in a positive light.

This may include traditional methods, such as news releases, or non-traditional methods, such as hosting a radio show or being an active public speaker.

* Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/award/herb-tor.html>

The recipient of the 2007 Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award is Doug Loughmiller, W5BL, of McKinney, Texas. Since 2003, Loughmiller has worked to bring together the Fannin County Amateur Radio Club and the Fannin County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) by creating and teaching ongoing Amateur Radio classes. Loughmiller advertises the classes and recruits students; graduates of the classes usually end up joining both clubs. He mentors his many students about the wide-ranging facets of Amateur Radio, including high altitude balloon flights and real-world emergency response in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Loughmiller's classes are so popular, it is common for licensed amateurs to re-enroll or even take his class for a first time knowing they will walk away from it having learned something new.

Herb S. Brier, W9AD, long-time CQ Novice Editor, represented the spirit of effective, caring Amateur Radio instruction. The ARRL, in conjunction with the Lake County (Indiana) Amateur Radio Club, sponsors this award in his memory to recognize the very best in volunteer Amateur Radio instruction and recruitment.

* The Hiram Percy Maxim Award <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/awards/hpm.html>

The recipient of the 2007 Hiram Percy Maxim Award is Jim Fagan, KE7IDC, of Tucson, Arizona. Fagan, an ARRL Life Member, is the ARRL Arizona Assistant Section Manager for Youth; he also serves as secretary/treasurer of the Tucson Repeater Association. He is 13 years old. Fagan teaches the Radio and Electronics merit badges, as well as hands-on radio demonstrations and kit building in his Scouting activities. Outside of Boy Scouts, Fagan helps out with bike races, walkathons and Red Cross drills. He serves as the Tucson Repeater Council's representative to the Arizona Radio Council. Every month, he writes a Youth and Scouting article for the ARRL Arizona Section newsletter.

This award, given annually to a licensed radio amateur under the age of 21, takes into account the nominee's most exemplary nature of accomplishments and contributions to both the community of Amateur Radio and the local community.

* The Doug DeMaw, W1FB, Technical Excellence Award

The recipient of the 2007 Doug DeMaw, W1FB, Technical Excellence Award is John Stanley, K4ERO, of Rising Fawn, Georgia, for his article "Observing Selective Fading in Real Time with Dream Software" published in the January/February 2007 issue of QEX <http://www.arrl.org/qex>.

Stanley was first licensed as KN4ERO more than 50 years ago, gradually working his way up to Amateur Extra class. He graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering in 1962 and did six years of graduate studies in theology and foreign languages. With Ruth, WB4LUA, his wife of 40 years, Stanley has visited 62 countries and operated from about a dozen of them while working as a broadcast engineering consultant and educator. He has taught in several universities and has worked for all of the major religious broadcasters, but spent the majority of his time with HCJB in Quito, Ecuador where he oversaw the use of a 24-element quad antenna for broadcasting on the 21 MHz shortwave broadcast band. While at HCJB, Stanley designed and built several transmitters and did major work on the 20 kW unit presently used by HCJB for SSB and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) broadcasts.

Established in 1975 as the ARRL Technical Excellence Award, the name was changed in 1997 to honor the late Doug DeMaw, W1FB, a former ARRL Headquarters technical editor and well-known Amateur Radio author. The award consists of an engraved 9 inch pewter cup.

* The ARRL Technical Innovation Award

The recipient of the 2008 ARRL Technical Innovation Award is Dave Bernstein, AA6YQ, of Wayland, Massachusetts. Bernstein authored and published the DXLab suite of programs for radio amateurs <http://www.dxlabsuite.com/>; he has placed these programs in the public domain for free use and collaboration. Bernstein, an avid DXer, was one of the earliest logging program authors to investigate functions for ARRL's Logbook of The World (LoTW) <http://www.arrl.org/lotw>, as well as programs for other developers. His DXLab suite consists of eight programs that cover every aspect of station operation. Bernstein goes beyond simply supporting DXLab; he mentors users in other aspects of programming and Amateur Radio.

The ARRL Technical Innovation Award is granted annually to the licensed radio amateur or to individuals who are licensed radio amateurs whose accomplishments and contributions are of the most exemplary nature within the framework of technical research, development and application of new ideas and future systems in the context of Amateur Radio activities.

* ARRL Technical Merit Award

The ARRL Technical Merit Award, last given in 1976, is awarded to ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI. Since 2003, Hare has diligently and skillfully led the ARRL laboratory staff in studying the detrimental effects of Broadband over Powerline (BPL) usage on the Amateur Radio community <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/>. Going beyond the dictates of his job, Hare conducted field studies of geographically dispersed BPL deployments in his personal HF-equipped car, interfacing with amateurs in many different areas of the country to provide them with reliable and objective technical advice in identifying and addressing harmful interference from BPL systems.

Hare's extensive technical studies and solid factual data effectively supported ARRL's Court of Appeals submissions against the FCC, thus contributing substantially to the League's success in causing the FCC's flawed BPL rules to be remanded to the FCC. This action positively impacts ARRL membership and the whole amateur community.

Hare has earned the respect of technical representatives in the BPL industry and standards organizations, such as the IEEE P1775 BPL EMC Committee; the IEEE EMC Society Standards Development Committee (serving as Chairman of the BPL Study Project), and the ASC 63 EMC Committee (serving as Chairman of Subcommittee 5 -- Immunity and the Ad hoc BPL Working Group). Through these committees, Hare has contributed to the implementation of advancements in BPL technology, directly resulting in the capability of current generation BPL systems to reduce interference potential to acceptable levels.

==> NCVEC HOLDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE VIA TELEPHONE

On July 25, the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) held their annual meeting via teleconference. ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, and Assistant Manager Perry Green, WY1O, represented the ARRL VEC. Representatives from 12 of the nation's 14 VECs (either in person or via proxy), as well as the FCC's Bill Cross, W3TN, took part in the teleconference.

Elections

NCVEC held elections for 2008/2009. Moving up from vice chairman, Larry Pollock, NB5X, of W5YI VEC was elected Chairman, replacing Tom Fuszard, KF9PU, of the MRAC VEC; John Johnston, W3BE, of the LARC VEC, was elected as Vice Chairman. Roland Royal, K3RA, of LARC VEC, was elected as Chairman of the Question Pool Committee (QPC). The ARRL's Green, W5YI's Pollock, MRAC's Fuszard and Anchorage VEC's Jim Wiley, KL7CC, were appointed as members of the QPC; Royal, Green and Pollock are returning QPC members.

The following amateurs were re-elected to their position by acclimation:

Michelle Cimbala, WK3X, of LARC VEC, as Secretary and Custodian of Records; Gene Wright, WA6ZRT, of the GEARS VEC, as Assistant to the Custodian of Records; Ray Adams, W4CPA, of the WCARS VEC, as Treasurer; Willard Sitton, W4HZD, of WCARS, as Assistant to the Treasurer, and Fred Maia, W5YI, of W5YI VEC, as Rules Reporter.

Question Pool Committee

Wiley presented the QPC report. Wiley, who served as QPC Chair for 2007/2008, stated that the committee strived to make the questions in the Amateur Extra class license question pool easier to understand <http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=351>. A few changes were made after the release of the pool, and the implementations of those changes seem to be going smoothly, he said. He reminded the Conference that there will be no question pool releases in 2009.

Win Guin, W2GLJ, proxy for the GLAARG VEC, asked Wiley why the QPC released a second version of the Extra class pool. Wiley replied that the QPC sent a copy of the pool to VECs before its release; only a few VECs responded with comments. Only after the release of the pool to the public, Wiley said, did the QPC receive a substantial number of comments for corrections and changes.

Royal confirmed this, saying that most of the comments received after the release were not major, but there were a significant number of them.

The QPC carefully reviewed the comments, and the second release of the pool was seen as a way to clarify the way the questions were worded.

Pollock agreed, noting that only eight questions were removed from the pool, and about 12 typographical errors were corrected in the re-release.

FCC Matters

Bill Cross, W3TN, an analyst in the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau -- Mobility Division, told the Conference that from an FCC perspective, the VEC system was working quite well. He said they had received very few complaints about test sessions or the availability of test sessions.

Cross also notified the Conference that his office has received some complaints from hams who have let their licenses expire. These hams, Cross said, are upset that they have to take a new test after their two year grace period has expired.

Cross then spoke of items pending in Washington that may impact exam question pools. He mentioned a petition filed by the ARRL, asking the FCC to amend rules relating to the amount of RF power that stations may use when transmitting spread-spectrum emissions. Cross said this petition is being handled by the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET); he said a decision on this petition has the possibility to affect a few questions in the pools. He also told of a petition dealing with the 5 MHz (60 meter) band; the ARRL is requesting that a channel substitution be made. If approved, this would also change a few questions. Cross said that the Commission would need to solicit comments on both petitions before a decision is reached, and a Report and Order would need to be released if the rules are changed. He said he felt that no question pool changes would need to be made before next summer at the earliest.

Cross mentioned that his office has had some difficulties with club call sign applications. It seems, Cross said, that some hams are sending in applications requesting to change the trustee of a club station, but these hams are not authorized to change either the trustee or the station address. He called on Club Station Call Sign Administrators (CSCSA) to watch this carefully and try to head off any potential problems. He suggested that administrators get documentation that the person requesting the change is actually the new trustee of the club license and is acting with the authority of the club.

1x1 Call Signs

Royal said he was concerned about the possible misuse of 1x1 -- or special event -- call signs, saying that he had received reports of a large number of these special call signs showing up in radiosport contests. He said in looking at the Special Event Call Sign System guidelines -- posted on the NCVEC Web site <http://www.ncvec.org/1x1.php> -- he did not think contests fit the FCC's definition of a special event as something of general or widespread interest. He said that if the Conference decides that it is not in their purview to provide guidance on what should be a special event, the Conference should delete the definition from the NCVEC Web site.

Cross said that the NCVEC has no responsibility for the 1x1 call sign program. He told the Conference that when the FCC devised the 1x1 program, they left the definition of a special event -- an event of interest to the ham radio community -- vague on purpose. He said the Commission envisioned 1x1 call signs being used at open houses, fairs, parades, celebrations of anniversaries of local events and the like. He said a contest does not commemorate an event; rather, those with a 1x1 call sign in a contest have an advantage with a short call sign. He said contest sponsors could have a rule not allowing 1x1 call signs.

Pollock said that after the 1x1 database was developed, they had to find a place to host it; as a matter of convenience, it was placed on the NCVEC Web site. Somma, Green and Pollock urged that the 1x1 database and related Web pages be moved to its own site, with Pollock heading up this project. Somma said the FCC rules state that the database must be maintained, but does not state on what Web site it is to be maintained.

To clarify issues with the 1x1 call signs, language on the NCVEC Web site will be changed to reflect that the Conference has nothing to do with the 1x1 call sign program, and pages associated with the program will be moved to their own site as soon as possible.

The 2009 meeting of the NCVEC was tentatively set for July 24 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

==> LOOK FOR THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF QST IN YOUR MAILBOX

The September issue of QST -- our annual Emergency Communications issue -- is jam-packed with all sorts of things today's Amateur Radio operator needs, with a special focus on Public Service. From product reviews to experiments to contesting, the upcoming issue of QST has something for just about everyone.

Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, provides details on how hams can use APRS and GPS in Emergency Communications (and other applications) for more than simply tracking the position of another user in his article "Maximizing the Mobile Motorist Mission." William McMurray, K4SG, takes a look back at some resourceful young amateurs' radio EmComm and homebrewing adventures in his article "World War II Emergency Radio." Mike Kionka, KI0GO, tells about "Project 25 for Amateur Radio," an open digital standard used by many public service agencies.

ARRL Contributing Editor Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, reviews ICOM's IC-92AD dual band handheld transceiver. According to Pearce, "The IC-92AD is a very capable radio for analog and D-STAR digital VHF/UHF operation. It's expensive compared to analog-only dual-bRoyal, and you'll need to spend some time learning the digital features. In return, D-STAR offers many capabilities not available in the analog world."

Contest season is right around the corner, so ARRL Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, takes a look at his mailbag and answers a few questions he has received in "This Month in Contesting." The results of the 2008 ARRL DX Phone Contest are in. Did you top your score from last year? How did your closest rival do? Also, find out about upcoming contests in Contest Corral.

Of course, there are all the columns and features you know and love in September QST: Hints & Kinks, The Doctor Is IN, How's DX, Old Radio, Technical Correspondence, ARRL VEC and Emergency Communications Honor Rolls, Hamspeak and more. Look for your September issue in your mailbox.

QST is the official journal of ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio. QST is just one of the many benefits of ARRL membership.

To join or renew your ARRL membership, please see the ARRL Web page <http://www.arrl.org/join>.

==> FORMER ARRL HQ STAFF MEMBER GLENN SWANSON, KB1GW (SK)

Former ARRL Headquarters staffer, Glenn P. Swanson, KB1GW, of North Granby, Connecticut, died August 1 after a brief illness. He was 54. In the mid-1990s, Swanson was very active in contesting activities, and served a term as Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC) Connecticut Area Manager and was a contributor to the YCCC newsletter <http://www.yccc.org/>. Swanson was extremely interested in new Amateur Radio equipment and products -- especially transceivers -- and authored several QST product reviews.

First licensed in 1987 as a Novice, Swanson credited Peter Budnik, KB1HY - who became a fellow ARRL staffer -- for getting him involved in Amateur Radio. Swanson told then-QST Product Review Editor Rick Lindquist, WW3DE (ex-N1RL) in 1996 that "Peter was my best friend, and he was really into CB. I became involved, too. Later, when Peter decided to take an Amateur Radio licensing class, it was natural that I'd go along with my buddy and take the class, too!" Swanson said he and Budnik "climbed the licensing ladder together," from Novice to General. "And here we are years later, both Advanced class and both working at ARRL HQ -- in the same department."

Swanson first came to the ARRL in January 1993 as the Assistant to Bart Jahnke, KB9NM, then-ARRL VEC Manager. Two years later, Swanson moved to the former Educational Activities Department (EAD) -- later merged with Field Services -- for several years. In his role in EAD, Swanson was involved with the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX -- the predecessor to the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station ARISS), scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the ARRL Instructor of the Year Award.

"Glenn was an enthusiastic ARRL staff member and Amateur Radio operator," said Lindquist. "He would even stay after hours to assist me in the product review process, and he made me feel at home when I first arrived at ARRL HQ. In addition, he got me involved with YCCC and serious contesting. Glenn was a great guy." Swanson wrote more than a dozen articles and product reviews for QST between 1995 and 1997.

Former EAD Manager Rosalie White, K1STO, his former supervisor, said, "I always liked Glenn and was happy to have him in the department. His death was such a shock!"

Swanson left ARRL HQ in 1998, going to work for the West Hartford (Connecticut) public school system as a technology support specialist.

He was employed there at the time of his death. A memorial service was held August 7 in Granby, Connecticut.

==> STATION MANAGER EXPLAINS NN3SI'S SILENCE

ARRL has received numerous e-mails asking for information on why NN3SI <http://americanhistory.si.edu/events/programdetail.cfm?newskey=48>, the Amateur Radio station at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History (NMAH) was closed after more than 32 years of operation <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/07/30/10231/?nc=1>.

According to Hal Wallace, NN3SI Station Manager and Associate Curator for the Museum's electricity collections, there will be no appropriate place to house the sta