If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2010-03-04 March 4, 2010 Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA ARRL Home PageARRL Letter ArchiveAudio News ARRL Seeks Input for New IARU Region 2 Band Plan Public Service : Radio Club de Chile Active after Earthquake Public Service : Hawaii Hams Spurred to Action by Chilean Earthquake FCC News : FCC Seeks Comments for Blanket Waiver to Allow Amateur Radio in Hospital Emergency Drills FCC News : FCC Denies ARRL's Request for Declaratory Ruling FCC News : FCC Reaffirms Statement on ROS Public Service : Amateur Radio Operators Wrap Up Communications Support in Haiti ARRL In Action : What Have We Been Up to Lately? ARRL Executive Committee Meeting Agenda Now Available Amateur Radio in Space : A Close Encounter for AMSAT-OSCAR 51 W1AW Announces New Schedule for Digital Bulletin Transmissions Solar Update Silent Key : TAPR President Emeritus Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ (SK) This Week on the Radio ARRL Recognizes: Paul Christensen, W9AC, Wins February QST Cover Plaque Award ARRL Seeks Input for New IARU Region 2 Band Plan The International Amateur Radio Region 2 conference -- held later this year in El Salvador -- brings together delegations from the national Amateur Radio Societies in the Western Hemisphere. One of the topics on the agenda will be the Region 2 HF band plan. This band plan is "harmonized with" -- spectrum management-speak for "very similar to" -- the IARU Region 1 and Region 3 band plans. At this year's conference, the IARU Member-Societies will consider possible changes to the Region 2 band plan. The ARRL is cooperating with this procedure by inviting input to be sent to the ARRL Board of Directors' Band Planning Committee. The committee will review the existing Region 2 band plan, consider input from the amateur community and make recommendations to the ARRL Board for submission to IARU Region 2. Read more here. Public Service: Radio Club de Chile Active after Earthquake On Monday, March 1, IARU Region 2 President Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AMH, spoke via telephone with Radio Club de Chile (RCCH) President Dr Galdino Besomi, CE3PG, regarding the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation on Saturday, February 27. "He informed me that soon after the earthquake, an Emergency Net was activated in the whole country -- first on VHF and then on HF. All the RCCH Board and club members are actively working in close coordination with civil and military authorities," Leandro posted to the IARU Region 2 e-mail reflector. "Three days after the earthquake, the requests for news about people in the affected areas is one of the main activities occupying the Chilean radio amateurs." Public Service: Hawaii Hams Spurred to Action by Chilean Earthquake On Saturday, February 27 -- in reaction to a tsunami warning triggered by the Chilean earthquake -- 60 Amateur Radio operators participated in a tsunami radio net that operated throughout the island State of Hawaii. More than 25 real-time reports from observers around the state were relayed simultaneously to the State Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and the four county EOCs, providing timely information via Amateur Radio on sea level changes to emergency management officials. Read more here. FCC News: FCC Seeks Comments for Blanket Waiver to Allow Amateur Radio in Hospital Emergency Drills In February 2010, the American Hospital Association (AHA) filed a request with the FCC for a blanket waiver of Section 97.113(a)(3) of the Commission's Rules "to permit hospitals seeking accreditation to use Amateur Radio operators who are hospital employees to transmit communications on behalf of the hospital as part of emergency preparedness drills." On March 3, the FCC issued a Public Notice -- WP Docket 10-54 -- seeking comments if the Commission "should grant AHA's request for a blanket waiver of Section 97.113(a)(3) to permit amateur operators who are hospital employees to participate in emergency drills that are conducted by hospitals for accreditation purposes and that are not government-sponsored."Section 97.113(a)(3) specifically prohibits amateur stations from transmitting communications "in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer." Read more here. FCC News : FCC Denies ARRL's Request for Declaratory Ruling In 2005, after the State of Florida adopted statutes aimed at pirate broadcasters and making it a felony to make a radio transmission without Commission authorization or to interfere with a licensed public or commercial radio station, the ARRL -- through General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD -- filed a Request for Declaratory Ruling (Request) with the FCC, seeking a declaratory ruling on portions of that statute. The ARRL argued that the statute was written so broadly that one could infer that Commission-licensed Amateur Radio stations in Florida would be subject to felony prosecution if their transmissions interfered with broadcast or other radio receivers. In 2006, New Jersey adopted a similar statute and the ARRL's Request was modified to include that state. Five years and one day after the original Request was filed with the Commission, the FCC denied the Request. Read more here. FCC News: FCC Reaffirms Statement on ROS In mid-February, European amateurs first used a new, experimental digital mode known as ROS. On February 23, 2010 -- after FCC review of the original documents provided from the developer's Web site -- the FCC made a statement on ROS. The ARRL supports -- as one of the basic purposes of Amateur Radio -- the experimentation and advancing the technical skills of operators. The development and use of any new mode is exciting to many amateurs, and the League encourage amateurs to experiment within the parameters of the rules; however, the ARRL also reminds US licensees that according to Section 97.307, spread spectrum communications are only permissible in the US on frequencies above 222 MHz. Read more, including what the FCC had to say about ROS, here. Public Service : Amateur Radio Operators Wrap Up Communications Support in Haiti After the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti on January 12, many Amateur Radio operators asked how they could volunteer their time and service to assist with communications support. When Project Medishare -- a partnership between the University of Miami Medical School (UM) and physicians and health officials in Haiti -- needed help with their communications, Amateur Radio operators were quick to respond. According to Jack Satterfield, W4GRJ/AFA4DG, Medishare has constructed several health clinics in Haiti over the years -- all of which were destroyed in the earthquake. "Medishare was able to rapidly deploy medical teams and assets to begin the overwhelming task facing the post earthquake medical needs," he told the ARRL. WX4NHC Coordinator John McHugh, K4AG (seated), Dr Dale Botwin, KR4OR, and WX4NHC Assistant Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, helped to coordinated the Amateur Radio communications support in Haiti for Project Medishare. [Louis Cruz, N4LDG, Photo] "UM Vice President for Facilities and Operations Ron Bogue was the Director in Charge of the Haiti operations. His concern about the unreliable communications caused him to contact Julio Ripoll, WD4R, with whom he has worked for years as the architect for UM Medical facilities. Ron knew that Julio is a ham radio operator and very involved with the National Hurricane Center in Miami and its Amateur Radio station, WX4NHC. Ripoll then contacted ARRL to request help in soliciting volunteers. ARRL immediately sent down an HF Go Kit -- through the ARRL's Ham Aid Program -- and put Ripoll in touch with ARRL West Central Florida Section Emergency Coordinator and Navy MARS Florida State Deputy Director Neil Lauritsen, W4NHL/NNN0TFH. Read more here. ARRL In Action : What Have We Been Up to Lately? This feature -- including convenient Web links to useful information -- is a concise monthly update of some of the things ARRL is doing on behalf of its members, including holding elections for and appointing people to League leadership positions, preparing for WRC-12, legislative actions, providing equipment for communications support in Haiti through the ARRL's Ham Aid program, developing on-the-air events, investigating power line noise and more. This installment covers the month of February. Read more here.
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2010-03-04
March 4, 2010
Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL Home PageARRL Letter ArchiveAudio News
ARRL Seeks Input for New IARU Region 2 Band Plan
The International Amateur Radio Region 2 conference -- held later this year in El Salvador -- brings together delegations from the national Amateur Radio Societies in the Western Hemisphere. One of the topics on the agenda will be the Region 2 HF band plan. This band plan is "harmonized with" -- spectrum management-speak for "very similar to" -- the IARU Region 1 and Region 3 band plans. At this year's conference, the IARU Member-Societies will consider possible changes to the Region 2 band plan. The ARRL is cooperating with this procedure by inviting input to be sent to the ARRL Board of Directors' Band Planning Committee. The committee will review the existing Region 2 band plan, consider input from the amateur community and make recommendations to the ARRL Board for submission to IARU Region 2. Read more here.
Public Service: Radio Club de Chile Active after Earthquake
On Monday, March 1, IARU Region 2 President Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AMH, spoke via telephone with Radio Club de Chile (RCCH) President Dr Galdino Besomi, CE3PG, regarding the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation on Saturday, February 27. "He informed me that soon after the earthquake, an Emergency Net was activated in the whole country -- first on VHF and then on HF. All the RCCH Board and club members are actively working in close coordination with civil and military authorities," Leandro posted to the IARU Region 2 e-mail reflector. "Three days after the earthquake, the requests for news about people in the affected areas is one of the main activities occupying the Chilean radio amateurs."
Public Service: Hawaii Hams Spurred to Action by Chilean Earthquake
On Saturday, February 27 -- in reaction to a tsunami warning triggered by the Chilean earthquake -- 60 Amateur Radio operators participated in a tsunami radio net that operated throughout the island State of Hawaii. More than 25 real-time reports from observers around the state were relayed simultaneously to the State Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and the four county EOCs, providing timely information via Amateur Radio on sea level changes to emergency management officials. Read more here.
FCC News: FCC Seeks Comments for Blanket Waiver to Allow Amateur Radio in Hospital Emergency Drills
In February 2010, the American Hospital Association (AHA) filed a request with the FCC for a blanket waiver of Section 97.113(a)(3) of the Commission's Rules "to permit hospitals seeking accreditation to use Amateur Radio operators who are hospital employees to transmit communications on behalf of the hospital as part of emergency preparedness drills." On March 3, the FCC issued a Public Notice -- WP Docket 10-54 -- seeking comments if the Commission "should grant AHA's request for a blanket waiver of Section 97.113(a)(3) to permit amateur operators who are hospital employees to participate in emergency drills that are conducted by hospitals for accreditation purposes and that are not government-sponsored."Section 97.113(a)(3) specifically prohibits amateur stations from transmitting communications "in which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an employer." Read more here.
FCC News : FCC Denies ARRL's Request for Declaratory Ruling
In 2005, after the State of Florida adopted statutes aimed at pirate broadcasters and making it a felony to make a radio transmission without Commission authorization or to interfere with a licensed public or commercial radio station, the ARRL -- through General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD -- filed a Request for Declaratory Ruling (Request) with the FCC, seeking a declaratory ruling on portions of that statute. The ARRL argued that the statute was written so broadly that one could infer that Commission-licensed Amateur Radio stations in Florida would be subject to felony prosecution if their transmissions interfered with broadcast or other radio receivers. In 2006, New Jersey adopted a similar statute and the ARRL's Request was modified to include that state. Five years and one day after the original Request was filed with the Commission, the FCC denied the Request. Read more here.
FCC News: FCC Reaffirms Statement on ROS
In mid-February, European amateurs first used a new, experimental digital mode known as ROS. On February 23, 2010 -- after FCC review of the original documents provided from the developer's Web site -- the FCC made a statement on ROS. The ARRL supports -- as one of the basic purposes of Amateur Radio -- the experimentation and advancing the technical skills of operators. The development and use of any new mode is exciting to many amateurs, and the League encourage amateurs to experiment within the parameters of the rules; however, the ARRL also reminds US licensees that according to Section 97.307, spread spectrum communications are only permissible in the US on frequencies above 222 MHz. Read more, including what the FCC had to say about ROS, here.
Public Service : Amateur Radio Operators Wrap Up Communications Support in Haiti
After the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island nation of Haiti on January 12, many Amateur Radio operators asked how they could volunteer their time and service to assist with communications support. When Project Medishare -- a partnership between the University of Miami Medical School (UM) and physicians and health officials in Haiti -- needed help with their communications, Amateur Radio operators were quick to respond. According to Jack Satterfield, W4GRJ/AFA4DG, Medishare has constructed several health clinics in Haiti over the years -- all of which were destroyed in the earthquake. "Medishare was able to rapidly deploy medical teams and assets to begin the overwhelming task facing the post earthquake medical needs," he told the ARRL.
WX4NHC Coordinator John McHugh, K4AG (seated), Dr Dale Botwin, KR4OR, and WX4NHC Assistant Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, helped to coordinated the Amateur Radio communications support in Haiti for Project Medishare. [Louis Cruz, N4LDG, Photo]
"UM Vice President for Facilities and Operations Ron Bogue was the Director in Charge of the Haiti operations. His concern about the unreliable communications caused him to contact Julio Ripoll, WD4R, with whom he has worked for years as the architect for UM Medical facilities. Ron knew that Julio is a ham radio operator and very involved with the National Hurricane Center in Miami and its Amateur Radio station, WX4NHC. Ripoll then contacted ARRL to request help in soliciting volunteers. ARRL immediately sent down an HF Go Kit -- through the ARRL's Ham Aid Program -- and put Ripoll in touch with ARRL West Central Florida Section Emergency Coordinator and Navy MARS Florida State Deputy Director Neil Lauritsen, W4NHL/NNN0TFH. Read more here.
ARRL In Action : What Have We Been Up to Lately?
This feature -- including convenient Web links to useful information -- is a concise monthly update of some of the things ARRL is doing on behalf of its members, including holding elections for and appointing people to League leadership positions, preparing for WRC-12, legislative actions, providing equipment for communications support in Haiti through the ARRL's Ham Aid program, developing on-the-air events, investigating power line noise and more. This installment covers the month of February. Read more here.
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2010-02-25 February 25, 2010 Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA ARRL Home PageARRL Letter ArchiveAudio News FCC NEWS : FCC Allows Robotic Device in Amateur Band Public Service : Injured Colorado Skier Uses Amateur Radio to Summon Help Launch of New ARRL Web Site Delayed to "Get it Right" On the Air : ARRL DX Phone Contest Brings DX in Full Force to the HF Bands! Section News : ARRL Virginia Section Manager Election Results Amateur Radio Direction Finding : Foxes, Fitness and Fun in 2010 Solar Update This Week on the Radio FCC NEWS: FCC Allows Robotic Device in Amateur Band In January 2008, a company called ReconRobotics filed a request with the FCC for a waiver of Part 90 of the Commission's Rules with respect to the Recon Scout -- a remote-controlled, maneuverable surveillance robot designed for use in areas that may be too hazardous for human entry. A waiver is required to permit licensing of the Recon Scout because the device operates in the 430-448 MHz band, which is allocated to the Federal Government Radiolocation service on a primary basis, as well as the Amateur Radio Service and certain non-federal radiolocation systems on a secondary basis. More than two years later, the FCC granted the waiver request in the form of an Order (WP Docket No 08-63), subject to certain conditions. In its comments filed in May 2008, the ARRL called on the FCC to deny ReconRobotics waiver request, "either permanently or even temporarily." The FCC noted in the waiver that they had received more than 70 comments "generally consist[ing] of public safety and law enforcement entities supporting the waiver request, and amateur radio operators opposing it." In their initial waiver request, ReconRobotics asserted that even thought the device operates in a in an area allocated to other services, including Amateur Radio, the Recon Scout operates with only 1 W peak power and it is "unlikely to cause interference to these services." The FCC noted in the Order that they had received more than 70 comments "generally consist[ing] of public safety and law enforcement entities supporting the waiver request, and amateur radio operators opposing it." In their initial waiver request, ReconRobotics asserted that even though the device operates in an area allocated to other services, including Amateur Radio, the Recon Scout operates with only 1 W peak power and it is "unlikely to cause interference to these services." Read more here. Public Service: Injured Colorado Skier Uses Amateur Radio to Summon Help Steve Priem, N0YIV, shows off his handheld transceiver before a ski trip this past March. [Rick Casey, Photo] When Steve Priem, N0YIV, of Boulder, Colorado, decided to go backcountry skiing near Yankee Doodle Lake in the Guinn Mountain area of Colorado's Roosevelt National Forest on Friday, February 19, the 60 year old ham made sure he was well prepared: Not only did he take along a rescue whistle, he made sure his handheld transceiver was fully charged and in his pack. It's a good thing he did: When Priem was injured while skiing, he used his radio to summon help. According to ARRL Colorado Section Manager Jeff Ryan, K0RM, a ham more than 100 miles away in Colorado Springs answered Priem's call for help and called 911. Priem was able to provide GPS coordinates for his position. Read more here. Launch of New ARRL Web Site Delayed to "Get it Right" After meeting with ARRL staff on February 23 -- two days before the new ARRL Web site was to launch -- ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, made the decision to delay the unveiling of the Web site until late March. "Work on the new ARRL Web site has progressed at a frantic pace but there are still some potential 'bugs' that could affect members. We need to be sure we get it right," Kramer said. "Our members' security, information and ability to actually use of all the options on the new site outweigh any rush to meet an artificial deadline. It's just good customer service." The new Web site -- which will contain the online store, class registrations, audio, video, DXCC information, contest data, individualized member options and other 21st century opportunities for members -- is one of the largest technology upgrade activities that ARRL and Fathom, the company programming the site, have ever undertaken. "Reviewers have been unanimously impressed and are helping make sure we create the easiest, most enjoyable online experience possible," Kramer explained. According to ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, the current ARRL Web site is not only used by ARRL members, but is a prime reference source for engineers, hams and wireless technicians around the world, making it the premier place to find information about Amateur Radio, its activities and the sciences behind it. "The Web is our main face to the world, and the new Web site will be fantastic," he said. "Although we all regret the delay, I believe our members will appreciate our diligence about the ease of use, security and navigation for the new site." On the Air: ARRL DX Phone Contest Brings DX in Full Force to the HF Bands! Dave Robbins, K1TTT, of Peru, Massachusetts, works some DX on 15 meters in the ARRL International DX Contest. [Frandy Johnson, N1FJ, Photo] With the 2010 ARRL International DX CW Contest now history, the first weekend in March brings the next round of competition: the 2010 ARRL International DX Phone Contest. Like its CW predecessor, this event focuses on DX stations working all US states and Canadian provinces, while US and Canadian amateurs try to work as many DX countries as possible over the 48 hour contest period. Read more here. Section News: ARRL Virginia Section Manager Election Results In the only Section Manager race this winter, Carl Clements, W4CAC, was re-elected as the ARRL Virginia Section Manager. He received 855 votes; his opponent, Glen Sage, W4GHS, received 511 votes. Election ballots were counted February 23 at ARRL Headquarters. Clements, of Portsmouth, starts his new two year term of office on April 1, 2010. In North Carolina, Bill Morine, N2COP, of Wilmington begins his first term as Section Manager on April 1. Section Manager Tim Slay, N4IB, decided not to run again for another term of office, and Morine was the only nominee. Slay has served two terms as North Carolina's Section Manager. The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers did not face opposition and were declared elected for their next terms of office beginning April 1: Pete Cecere, N2YJZ, Eastern New York; Eric Olena, WB3FPL, Eastern Pennsylvania; Gary Stratton, K5GLS, Louisiana; Bob Schneider, AH6J, Pacific; Steve Early, AD6VI, San Diego, and Scott Rausch, WA0VKC, South Dakota. Amateur Radio Direction Finding: Foxes, Fitness and Fun in 2010 By ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV Click here to find out more about the 2010 ARDF USA Championships to be held this May in Ohio and the Wold Championships, scheduled for September in Croatia. "Geeks in the woods!" That's how Jay Hennigan, WB6RDV, of Goleta, California, describes Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF). Several times a year, Jay gets together with friends for a session of this international Amateur Radio sport -- also called foxtailing and radio-orienteering. As they set out, five 2 meter "foxes" are somewhere in the woods, transmitting for one minute each in sequence. Armed with a special ARDF set or just a handheld transceiver with a measuring-tape Yagi and attenuator, they see how fast they can run or walk from the start to each transmitter in optimum order and then back to the start, or perhaps to a separate finish point. To help them navigate, they carry compasses and special orienteering maps, but they aren't allowed to have GPS displays or other high-tech navigation aids. Standardized ARDF courses provide a good test of equipment performance and hunter skill. It's friendly competition combined with great exercise. It attracts "techies" and "jocks" of all ages who don't need a ham license to get started. And for some, it leads to medals at national and international competitions. Read more here. International News: Iceland Amateurs Receive New Privileges As of Friday, February 19, Iceland's Post and Telecom Administration (PTA) granted temporary experimental access to the 4 and 600 meter bands at least through the end of 2010, according to Islenzkir Radioamatorar (IRA) President Jonas Bjarnason, TF2JB; the ITA is Iceland's IARU Member-Society. After obtaining a special license from the PTA, Bjarnason said that TF stations with "N" or "G" class licenses may now operate between 493-510 kHz and 70.000-70.200 MHz running 100 W. Amate
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2010-02-25
February 25, 2010
FCC NEWS: FCC Allows Robotic Device in Amateur Band
In January 2008, a company called ReconRobotics filed a request with the FCC for a waiver of Part 90 of the Commission's Rules with respect to the Recon Scout -- a remote-controlled, maneuverable surveillance robot designed for use in areas that may be too hazardous for human entry. A waiver is required to permit licensing of the Recon Scout because the device operates in the 430-448 MHz band, which is allocated to the Federal Government Radiolocation service on a primary basis, as well as the Amateur Radio Service and certain non-federal radiolocation systems on a secondary basis. More than two years later, the FCC granted the waiver request in the form of an Order (WP Docket No 08-63), subject to certain conditions.
In its comments filed in May 2008, the ARRL called on the FCC to deny ReconRobotics waiver request, "either permanently or even temporarily." The FCC noted in the waiver that they had received more than 70 comments "generally consist[ing] of public safety and law enforcement entities supporting the waiver request, and amateur radio operators opposing it." In their initial waiver request, ReconRobotics asserted that even thought the device operates in a in an area allocated to other services, including Amateur Radio, the Recon Scout operates with only 1 W peak power and it is "unlikely to cause interference to these services."
The FCC noted in the Order that they had received more than 70 comments "generally consist[ing] of public safety and law enforcement entities supporting the waiver request, and amateur radio operators opposing it." In their initial waiver request, ReconRobotics asserted that even though the device operates in an area allocated to other services, including Amateur Radio, the Recon Scout operates with only 1 W peak power and it is "unlikely to cause interference to these services." Read more here.
Public Service: Injured Colorado Skier Uses Amateur Radio to Summon Help
Steve Priem, N0YIV, shows off his handheld transceiver before a ski trip this past March. [Rick Casey, Photo]
When Steve Priem, N0YIV, of Boulder, Colorado, decided to go backcountry skiing near Yankee Doodle Lake in the Guinn Mountain area of Colorado's Roosevelt National Forest on Friday, February 19, the 60 year old ham made sure he was well prepared: Not only did he take along a rescue whistle, he made sure his handheld transceiver was fully charged and in his pack.
It's a good thing he did: When Priem was injured while skiing, he used his radio to summon help. According to ARRL Colorado Section Manager Jeff Ryan, K0RM, a ham more than 100 miles away in Colorado Springs answered Priem's call for help and called 911. Priem was able to provide GPS coordinates for his position. Read more here.
Launch of New ARRL Web Site Delayed to "Get it Right"
After meeting with ARRL staff on February 23 -- two days before the new ARRL Web site was to launch -- ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, made the decision to delay the unveiling of the Web site until late March. "Work on the new ARRL Web site has progressed at a frantic pace but there are still some potential 'bugs' that could affect members. We need to be sure we get it right," Kramer said. "Our members' security, information and ability to actually use of all the options on the new site outweigh any rush to meet an artificial deadline. It's just good customer service."
The new Web site -- which will contain the online store, class registrations, audio, video, DXCC information, contest data, individualized member options and other 21st century opportunities for members -- is one of the largest technology upgrade activities that ARRL and Fathom, the company programming the site, have ever undertaken. "Reviewers have been unanimously impressed and are helping make sure we create the easiest, most enjoyable online experience possible," Kramer explained.
According to ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, the current ARRL Web site is not only used by ARRL members, but is a prime reference source for engineers, hams and wireless technicians around the world, making it the premier place to find information about Amateur Radio, its activities and the sciences behind it. "The Web is our main face to the world, and the new Web site will be fantastic," he said. "Although we all regret the delay, I believe our members will appreciate our diligence about the ease of use, security and navigation for the new site."
On the Air: ARRL DX Phone Contest Brings DX in Full Force to the HF Bands!
Dave Robbins, K1TTT, of Peru, Massachusetts, works some DX on 15 meters in the ARRL International DX Contest. [Frandy Johnson, N1FJ, Photo]
With the 2010 ARRL International DX CW Contest now history, the first weekend in March brings the next round of competition: the 2010 ARRL International DX Phone Contest. Like its CW predecessor, this event focuses on DX stations working all US states and Canadian provinces, while US and Canadian amateurs try to work as many DX countries as possible over the 48 hour contest period. Read more here.
Section News: ARRL Virginia Section Manager Election Results
In the only Section Manager race this winter, Carl Clements, W4CAC, was re-elected as the ARRL Virginia Section Manager. He received 855 votes; his opponent, Glen Sage, W4GHS, received 511 votes. Election ballots were counted February 23 at ARRL Headquarters. Clements, of Portsmouth, starts his new two year term of office on April 1, 2010. In North Carolina, Bill Morine, N2COP, of Wilmington begins his first term as Section Manager on April 1. Section Manager Tim Slay, N4IB, decided not to run again for another term of office, and Morine was the only nominee. Slay has served two terms as North Carolina's Section Manager.
The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers did not face opposition and were declared elected for their next terms of office beginning April 1: Pete Cecere, N2YJZ, Eastern New York; Eric Olena, WB3FPL, Eastern Pennsylvania; Gary Stratton, K5GLS, Louisiana; Bob Schneider, AH6J, Pacific; Steve Early, AD6VI, San Diego, and Scott Rausch, WA0VKC, South Dakota.
Amateur Radio Direction Finding: Foxes, Fitness and Fun in 2010
By ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV
Click here to find out more about the 2010 ARDF USA Championships to be held this May in Ohio and the Wold Championships, scheduled for September in Croatia.
"Geeks in the woods!" That's how Jay Hennigan, WB6RDV, of Goleta, California, describes Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF). Several times a year, Jay gets together with friends for a session of this international Amateur Radio sport -- also called foxtailing and radio-orienteering. As they set out, five 2 meter "foxes" are somewhere in the woods, transmitting for one minute each in sequence. Armed with a special ARDF set or just a handheld transceiver with a measuring-tape Yagi and attenuator, they see how fast they can run or walk from the start to each transmitter in optimum order and then back to the start, or perhaps to a separate finish point. To help them navigate, they carry compasses and special orienteering maps, but they aren't allowed to have GPS displays or other high-tech navigation aids. Standardized ARDF courses provide a good test of equipment performance and hunter skill. It's friendly competition combined with great exercise. It attracts "techies" and "jocks" of all ages who don't need a ham license to get started. And for some, it leads to medals at national and international competitions. Read more here.
International News: Iceland Amateurs Receive New Privileges
As of Friday, February 19, Iceland's Post and Telecom Administration (PTA) granted temporary experimental access to the 4 and 600 meter bands at least through the end of 2010, according to Islenzkir Radioamatorar (IRA) President Jonas Bjarnason, TF2JB; the ITA is Iceland's IARU Member-Society. After obtaining a special license from the PTA, Bjarnason said that TF stations with "N" or "G" class licenses may now operate between 493-510 kHz and 70.000-70.200 MHz running 100 W. Amate
Quote
YouTube - Cape May, NJ Blizzard of 2010
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2010-01-06 January 6, 2010 Editor: Ward Silver, NØAX Contest Update Archive Contest Calendar ARRL Home Page IN THIS ISSUE North American QSO Parties - Phone and CW HA DX, UK DX RTTY, and LZ Open Contests New Sweepstakes Manager - K1TO Yasme Excellence Awards for 2009 Marking LI2B's Passage DX Contest Results - EU HF, UBA, and UY Losing Dits Due To Contact Pits Creative Compendium NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO The upcoming North American QSO Parties are great contests for operators new to HF or contesting. All stations are limited to 100 watts (although you'll hear big signals from some of the larger antenna farms!) and 10 hours of operation during the contest's 12-hour period. The exchange is simple - your name and state, province, or DXCC entity. BULLETINS The QST version of Contest Corral shows the CQ WW 160 Contest starting on 30 Jan - the correct start date is 29 Jan. Don't get started late! BUSTED QSOS It may have come as news that Belden was making USB-to-serial adapters. They aren't - the manufacturer should have been Belkin. W8JK's last name was Kraus, not Krause, and to complete the trip-up triad, this is the direct link to VE7CC's "CC Cluster" software. (Thanks, Tom NØSS, Mike N6MZ, and Jim AD1C) CONTEST SUMMARY Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section January 9-10 070 PSKFest Hunting Lions In the Air MI QRP Club Jan QRP Contest--CW Midwinter Contest North American QSO Party--CW DARC 10 Meter Contest January 16-17 LZ Open Contest--CW UK DX RTTY Contest HA DX Contest North American QSO Party--Phone Feld-Hell Simpson's Sprint International United Teenager Contest NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST Stepping in to fill the big shoes of previous Sweepstakes Contest Manager, Ken Adams K5KA (SK) is long-time SS competitor and Radiosport Top Gun, Dan Street K1TO. (Photo by K1TO) Following the untimely passing of ARRL Sweepstakes Manager, Ken Adams K5KA, there is good news to report. Dan Street K1TO has volunteered to take the reins of the oldest domestic contest. Experienced contesters know his call sign well, especially his World Radiosport Championship three-peat with teammate N5TJ and two Sweepstakes wins from the "White House" QTH of W1YL, W1CW (SK), and K4OJ (SK). Over the next few months, he'll be getting ready for the 2010 edition. Perhaps some information about Dan is in order. "The contest bug bit hard early on as a teenager and continues to afflict me today. I've enjoyed a wide variety of contesting -- domestic and foreign, CW and SSB, long and short, 160 thru 10, guest operating and at home. Contesting has been a wonderful way to meet most of my life-long friends and to see a good bit of the world. Other than the Novice Roundup, SS was my first contest back in the early 1970s and I remember it well. Operating CW at the station of my Elmer, I took an off-time to announce my best ever rate of 7 QSOs in a 10 minute stretch!" He's the current president and a founder of the Florida Contest Group, working to promote and administer the Florida QSO Party. Regarding the future of Sweepstakes, "SS has a steep tradition that has developed over its 75+ years and it must be preserved and honored. As the first Contest Manager, K5KA contributed heavily to an increased growth rate in activity and to a shortened log deadline this year that will lead to results being published more quickly. Ken's shoes are impossible to fill, but I will certainly carry the torch for those goals and to continue to preserve the integrity of the competition which seems to get tighter each year." Welcome aboard, Dan! The Yasme Foundation's Yasme Excellence Awards for 2009 have been given to the following amateurs -- Here's WRTC-2010 North American Team #4 - Kevin K7ZS (L) and Mitch K7RL. Kevin and Mitch thought maybe pizza under the Pegasus in West Seattle, WA would peak their performance. (Photo by NØAX) Jamie Dupree, NS3T - For his creation of the Radiosport Web site, taking contest reporting into a new genre - the sports reporter. Jamie also created the Radio-Sport.Net World Rankings database that has been used by many contesters around the world. Bob Bruninga, WB4APR - For the invention of APRS and the continuing enhancement of its capabilities. Recently, Bob has expanded the messaging ability of the system to allow sending information in support of emcomm and other activities. Since APRS doesn't require the complexity of other systems, such as Winlink, APRS is a valuable addition to the amateur's tool kit. George Wallner, AA7JV and Tomi Pekarik HA7RY (award divided equally) - In 2009, George and Tomi completed DXpeditions to Mellish Reef, VK9GMW and the Chesterfield Islands, TX3A. These expeditions represent a somewhat unique and refreshing approach to DXpeditioning. They show that a small group can exchange time for equipment and mega-funds and come out ahead. By focusing on fewer bands for a longer period, they have been able to log more unique calls from smaller stations. Don Hill, AA5AU - Don has been a leader in RTTY contesting for many years. His persistent efforts have finally borne fruit as in recent years, RTTY/Digital contesting has grown at the fastest rate of any contest activity. His Web page is the first stop for all RTTY contesters, and he is well-known as the "RTTY Elmer" in digital contesting circles. Tursoon-Zadeh, EY8MM - Nodir has been a beacon from Central Asia on Topband as well as 6 meters. Not only technically and operationally skilled, Nodir has worked to establish a QSL Bureau for Tajikistan and is the Vice President of the Amateur Radio Society of Tajikistan. Rich Strand, KL7RA - Rich was the driving force behind the highly successful W1AW/KL7 and KL5O operations, both of which highlighted a resurgence in Alaskan contesting and DX activity over the past couple of years. Rich works hard to promote operating standards and educate the new contest and DX operators about good operating practices. On behalf of The Yasme Foundation, congratulations to the 2009 winners! (Thanks, Yasme President, Wayne Mills N7NG) Following the pizza feed, the team and their crackerjack consultants repaired to the lair of K7RI for a strategic discussion - CW from left are Danny K7SS, Brad K7ZSD, Tom K7RI, Mitch K7RL, and Kevin K7ZS. The Potomac Valley Radio Club announces another pair of its popular Webinar series: Jan 14 at 8 PM EST - K3LR on Contest University and Jan 20 at 10 PM EST - K9LA on 160 Meter Propagation. The hyperlinks will take you to the registration page for each free event. (Thanks, Ken K4ZW) The Southeastern VHF Society is calling for the submission of papers and presentations for the upcoming 14th Annual Southeastern VHF Society Conference to be held at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY on April 23rd and 24th, 2010. Papers and presentations are solicited on both the technical and operational aspects of VHF, UHF and Microwave weak signal amateur radio. Topics of interest to readers will include Station Design And Construction, Contesting, and Roving, plus many more. The submission deadline is 5 Feb 2010. (Thanks, Robin K4IDC) The annual CCF/OHDXF Contest and DX Contest will be held in Riga, Latvia this year on the 22nd-24th of January 2010. The program includes the CCF RTTY Contesting School and a focus on contesting in the Baltic countries. While you're visiting the site, read the latest edition of Pileup! Magazine. Doug, KR2Q, did some data mining in the CQ WPX survey results and the results are surprising! Would you believe your preferences might be determined by how many years of contesting experience you have? (Thanks, CQ WPX Director, Randy K5ZD) From the tunnels of a nearby data mine, the Contest Corral database for 2009, there were 328 different contests listed. Of those contests, 71% featured only HF activity, 9% only VHF+ activity, and 20% both HF and VHF+. 40% of contests allowed digital mode contacts, 56% phone, and 70% CW - not bad for a "dead" mode! Web Site of the Week - Fabian DJ1YFK is not only a hot contest operator, but a prolific programmer. Try his "Learn CW Online" program from the Web. It will teach to go a lot faster than you think you can! (Thanks, Dave NN1N) WORD TO THE WISE Ten - it's how far you should count before getting into an argument during a contest about operating techniques or frequency occupation. Life's too short and contests are even shorter! Instead of wasting calories, put them to work elsewhere on the bands to fill your log. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS Knut Haugland and Torstein Raaby working the radios on board the Kon-Tiki. (From the ARRL Web) As a boy, I read and re-read the tale of "Kon-Tiki" by Thor Heyerdahl -- perhaps my first exposure to ham radio was Knut Haugland's tiny radio transmitter in one corner of the raft's hut. Later I read more about Knut's contacts as LI2B with a cinematographer in Los Angeles to help the Kon-Tiki's crew develop their film in salt water. The story of Knut's accomplishments are nicely summarized in this New York Times article following his recent death and in an ARRL W
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2010-01-06
January 6, 2010
Editor: Ward Silver, NØAX
Contest Update Archive
Contest Calendar
ARRL Home Page
IN THIS ISSUE
NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO
The upcoming North American QSO Parties are great contests for operators new to HF or contesting. All stations are limited to 100 watts (although you'll hear big signals from some of the larger antenna farms!) and 10 hours of operation during the contest's 12-hour period. The exchange is simple - your name and state, province, or DXCC entity.
BULLETINS
The QST version of Contest Corral shows the CQ WW 160 Contest starting on 30 Jan - the correct start date is 29 Jan. Don't get started late!
BUSTED QSOS
It may have come as news that Belden was making USB-to-serial adapters. They aren't - the manufacturer should have been Belkin. W8JK's last name was Kraus, not Krause, and to complete the trip-up triad, this is the direct link to VE7CC's "CC Cluster" software. (Thanks, Tom NØSS, Mike N6MZ, and Jim AD1C)
CONTEST SUMMARY
Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section
January 9-10
January 16-17
NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST
Stepping in to fill the big shoes of previous Sweepstakes Contest Manager, Ken Adams K5KA (SK) is long-time SS competitor and Radiosport Top Gun, Dan Street K1TO. (Photo by K1TO)
Following the untimely passing of ARRL Sweepstakes Manager, Ken Adams K5KA, there is good news to report. Dan Street K1TO has volunteered to take the reins of the oldest domestic contest. Experienced contesters know his call sign well, especially his World Radiosport Championship three-peat with teammate N5TJ and two Sweepstakes wins from the "White House" QTH of W1YL, W1CW (SK), and K4OJ (SK). Over the next few months, he'll be getting ready for the 2010 edition. Perhaps some information about Dan is in order. "The contest bug bit hard early on as a teenager and continues to afflict me today. I've enjoyed a wide variety of contesting -- domestic and foreign, CW and SSB, long and short, 160 thru 10, guest operating and at home. Contesting has been a wonderful way to meet most of my life-long friends and to see a good bit of the world. Other than the Novice Roundup, SS was my first contest back in the early 1970s and I remember it well. Operating CW at the station of my Elmer, I took an off-time to announce my best ever rate of 7 QSOs in a 10 minute stretch!" He's the current president and a founder of the Florida Contest Group, working to promote and administer the Florida QSO Party. Regarding the future of Sweepstakes, "SS has a steep tradition that has developed over its 75+ years and it must be preserved and honored. As the first Contest Manager, K5KA contributed heavily to an increased growth rate in activity and to a shortened log deadline this year that will lead to results being published more quickly. Ken's shoes are impossible to fill, but I will certainly carry the torch for those goals and to continue to preserve the integrity of the competition which seems to get tighter each year." Welcome aboard, Dan!
The Yasme Foundation's Yasme Excellence Awards for 2009 have been given to the following amateurs --
Here's WRTC-2010 North American Team #4 - Kevin K7ZS (L) and Mitch K7RL. Kevin and Mitch thought maybe pizza under the Pegasus in West Seattle, WA would peak their performance. (Photo by NØAX)
On behalf of The Yasme Foundation, congratulations to the 2009 winners! (Thanks, Yasme President, Wayne Mills N7NG)
Following the pizza feed, the team and their crackerjack consultants repaired to the lair of K7RI for a strategic discussion - CW from left are Danny K7SS, Brad K7ZSD, Tom K7RI, Mitch K7RL, and Kevin K7ZS.
The Potomac Valley Radio Club announces another pair of its popular Webinar series: Jan 14 at 8 PM EST - K3LR on Contest University and Jan 20 at 10 PM EST - K9LA on 160 Meter Propagation. The hyperlinks will take you to the registration page for each free event. (Thanks, Ken K4ZW)
The Southeastern VHF Society is calling for the submission of papers and presentations for the upcoming 14th Annual Southeastern VHF Society Conference to be held at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY on April 23rd and 24th, 2010. Papers and presentations are solicited on both the technical and operational aspects of VHF, UHF and Microwave weak signal amateur radio. Topics of interest to readers will include Station Design And Construction, Contesting, and Roving, plus many more. The submission deadline is 5 Feb 2010. (Thanks, Robin K4IDC)
The annual CCF/OHDXF Contest and DX Contest will be held in Riga, Latvia this year on the 22nd-24th of January 2010. The program includes the CCF RTTY Contesting School and a focus on contesting in the Baltic countries. While you're visiting the site, read the latest edition of Pileup! Magazine.
Doug, KR2Q, did some data mining in the CQ WPX survey results and the results are surprising! Would you believe your preferences might be determined by how many years of contesting experience you have? (Thanks, CQ WPX Director, Randy K5ZD)
From the tunnels of a nearby data mine, the Contest Corral database for 2009, there were 328 different contests listed. Of those contests, 71% featured only HF activity, 9% only VHF+ activity, and 20% both HF and VHF+. 40% of contests allowed digital mode contacts, 56% phone, and 70% CW - not bad for a "dead" mode!
Web Site of the Week - Fabian DJ1YFK is not only a hot contest operator, but a prolific programmer. Try his "Learn CW Online" program from the Web. It will teach to go a lot faster than you think you can! (Thanks, Dave NN1N)
WORD TO THE WISE
Ten - it's how far you should count before getting into an argument during a contest about operating techniques or frequency occupation. Life's too short and contests are even shorter! Instead of wasting calories, put them to work elsewhere on the bands to fill your log.
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
Knut Haugland and Torstein Raaby working the radios on board the Kon-Tiki. (From the ARRL Web)
As a boy, I read and re-read the tale of "Kon-Tiki" by Thor Heyerdahl -- perhaps my first exposure to ham radio was Knut Haugland's tiny radio transmitter in one corner of the raft's hut. Later I read more about Knut's contacts as LI2B with a cinematographer in Los Angeles to help the Kon-Tiki's crew develop their film in salt water. The story of Knut's accomplishments are nicely summarized in this New York Times article following his recent death and in an ARRL W
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2009-12-23 December 23, 2009 Editor: Ward Silver, NØAX Contest Update Archive Contest Calendar ARRL Home Page IN THIS ISSUE Taste the Stew - Perry, That Is Ride Herd On the ARRL RTTY Roundup New - ARRL Antenna Designer's Notebook What's Your Favorite Color? 2009 ARRL Radiosport Wrap-up by KX9X ARRL 160 Multi-Op - A Dead Heat! RRTC-2009 - With English Subtitles USB-to-Serial Adapters for RTTY Oh, Spirit! NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO If you are hesitant to try your CW skills during a full-blown contest, how about a relaxed evening of straight key brass pounding? Before you head out for the night's jollity, fire up the rig and try a slow-speed CW QSO in the ARRL's annual Straight Key Night. BULLETINS I've received a few submissions for the Creative Compendium issue - keep those pencils sharp and to the point! See the 9 Dec issue for complete details! BUSTED QSOS In last week's item on ham radio license totals, the graph by WBØOEW was based on data from AH0A.org, not from the data in the eham.net article. CONTEST SUMMARY Complete information for all contests follows the Conversation section Dec 26-27 South Dakota QSO Party RAEM Contest--CW DARC Christmas Contest Stew Perry Top Band Distance Challenge--CW 070 Club QRP DX Scramble Jan 1 ARRL Straight-Key Night New Years Snowball Contest SARTG New Year RTTY Contest AGCW Happy New Year Contest--CW Jan 2-3 ARRL RTTY Roundup Kid's Day--Phone Original QRP Contest--CW EUCW 160 Meter Contest--CW ARS Spartan Sprint--CW NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST The C-pole, the FZ element, linear loading theory - these and other topics are all in this new book by Brian Cake, KF2YN. The ARRL has just published a new book on antennas by Brian Cake KF2YN, called "The ARRL Antenna Designer's Notebook -- An Exploration of the Art of Antenna Design". Your editor had the privilege of working as Brian's editor - I found the book fascinating not only because of interesting new designs, but because the whole story of development is presented, not just the final product. There are designs for HF as well as VHF+ opeation. An EZNEC model is presented for every antenna in the book on a companion CD, giving complete dimensions for the builder. Enjoy! Don't forget Kid's Day is coming on 3 Jan! If you want an extra challenge, why not try to make a satellite QSO? AMSAT-NA and the AO-51 Operations Group will have AO-51 configured with the straightforward FM voice 145.880 MHz uplink and 435.300 MHz downlink. Remember that the passes are short, but wouldn't a QSO though a "bird" be a memorable experience? AO-51 will also be available during Straight Key Night using 145.880 MHz USB for the uplink and 435.150 MHz FM for the downlink. While Saturday was a dull day in the ARRL's 10 Meter contest, Sunday was the opposite for many. Larry N7DF seems to have found an answer. "The surprising propagation that occurred on Sunday afternoon appears to have been the result of a major shift in the interplanetary magnetic field. All day Saturday the Earth-Sun flux path (Bz) was positive or north-oriented but it shifted about 0300Z allowing the solar wind to penetrate the northern hemisphere until about 2000Z when it began to "ring" creating sporadic bursts of high energy areas in the ionosphere. This was evidenced by the "spotlight" opening that many enjoyed with good runs into limited areas. This was one of the most clear-cut cause-and-effect examples I have ever seen. It probably would not have been evident if it had not been for all the contest activity." His closing point is especially good - if we just tune through the band and don't call CQ, we'll never know if something interesting is happening! "Early bird" registration is now open for the 4th Dayton ConTest University ("CTU") 2010. This will be the only Contest University held in the USA during 2010. CTU USA will be held in Dayton, Ohio on Thursday May 13, 2010 (classes last all day), just before the Dayton Hamvention. CTU is supported by flagship sponsor Icom America, as well as CQ Magazine, DX Engineering, Superbertha, International Radio, and Dave, W9ZRX. Based upon the tremendous attendance at Dayton CTU 2009, 2010 student registration slots are expected to fill up fast and space is limited. CTU will be held in the United Kingdom and Italy again in 2010. Watch for future announcements of additional European CTU locations. Thanks to Scott, KA9FOX and QTH.com for his hosting of the Contest University Web site! (Thanks, CTU Chairman Tim K3LR) Guy N7ZG has made all CQ World Wide contest logs from the last three years available as CSV spreadsheet files. Guy instructs, "There are two files. The first (CQWWCW-ENTRIES.txt.zip) consists of one row per submitted log. It contains the submitter's category of entry, claimed score, location, etc. The second file (CQWWCW-CONTACTS.txt.zip) contains the QSO data (10 million plus rows)." Trippy AC8EP writes about CQ100 Internet-based contest simulations. The next contest runs from 2300Z Jan 1 to 2300Z Jan 3 on the software's 80 through 10 meter bands, both voice and CW. CQ100's W/VE contest will run on Jan 29 - 31. They say it's not a Real Adventure if you enjoy it while you're having it, so Thayer WA3EFH's saltwater saga definitely qualifies! The life of a maritime radio officer sounds pretty good - lots of operating, spare time, fresh air - until you read a story like "A Ham Without a Country" on the ARRL Web site. I'm sure that one had a few of the old salts nodding in recognition! Web Site of the Week - You may have used the Vaisala Lightning Detection Network, but there is a new service online. David K1TTT recommends the new World Wide Lightning Location Network with automatic updates every 10 minutes and data viewed via Google Earth. (Thanks, Randy K5ZD) WORD TO THE WISE Soapbox - comments about the contest sent along with the log for the contest sponsors to read and publish. The ARRL has an online Soapbox page that can accept not only your stories, but your photos, too! Writeup authors often look through your comments and photos to get ideas and interesting stories for the results articles. If you report your Claimed Score via the 3830 Web site, you can also contribute soapbox comments there. If you choose to add comments to your Cabrillo-formatted log, use the SOAPBOX: tag - there is no limit on how much you can say. For some good reading, check out VK8AA's entry for the just-finished ARRL 10 Meter contest! SIGHTS AND SOUNDS You may have seen the RRTC-2009 video taken at this summer's Russian Radiosport Team Championship, but if you don't speak Russian, it's been subtitled in English. Thanks to Alex RX3AEX, Roger G3SXW and Nodir EY8MM for their efforts and translation! (Thanks, WRTC-2010 Committee, Harry RA3AUU) The next time you are working on the tower, fully clipped in and lanyarded, think of these fellows putting on a high-wire act on the high-tension lines and towers! (Thanks, David K1TTT) Wow - this Web site has quite a collection of images of old radios and tubes! You can spend hours at Jim Tripp's Antique Radio Museum looking for that "special" radio! The tube photos are particularly interesting. (Thanks, Tim W7TRH) I saw a bit of these videos on a recent newscast and I know my readers will find them fascinating. The University of Nottingham has produced a series called "The Periodic Table of Videos" with a feature on each and every one. Yes, there are explosions and vapors and fumes, but it's great education, too! 2009 Contest Wrap-Up by Sean KX9X, ARRL Contest Branch Manager This table shows how many logs were received for ARRL contests and operating events from 2005 - 2009. Wow, what a great year this has been for Radiosport here at the ARRL! Going with the premise that "more is better," we should all be quite happy with the numbers. Participation in ARRL events - and Radiosport in general - has been trending upward for over three years now. As Warner Wolf used to say, "Let's go to the videotape!" In this case, the spreadsheet: With a 36% increase in participation in the November Sweepstakes, 66% increase in the RTTY Roundup and a 25% increase in the ARRL DX contest over the last five years, the increase in interest is nothing short of phenomenal, especially when you factor in the prolonged lack of sunspots! How is your favorite contest doing? I still see those numbers slipping in the VHF+ events, except for the June VHF QSO Party when 6 me
If you are having trouble reading this message, you can see the original at:http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2009-12-23
December 23, 2009
If you are hesitant to try your CW skills during a full-blown contest, how about a relaxed evening of straight key brass pounding? Before you head out for the night's jollity, fire up the rig and try a slow-speed CW QSO in the ARRL's annual Straight Key Night.
I've received a few submissions for the Creative Compendium issue - keep those pencils sharp and to the point! See the 9 Dec issue for complete details!
In last week's item on ham radio license totals, the graph by WBØOEW was based on data from AH0A.org, not from the data in the eham.net article.
Dec 26-27
Jan 1
Jan 2-3
The C-pole, the FZ element, linear loading theory - these and other topics are all in this new book by Brian Cake, KF2YN.
The ARRL has just published a new book on antennas by Brian Cake KF2YN, called "The ARRL Antenna Designer's Notebook -- An Exploration of the Art of Antenna Design". Your editor had the privilege of working as Brian's editor - I found the book fascinating not only because of interesting new designs, but because the whole story of development is presented, not just the final product. There are designs for HF as well as VHF+ opeation. An EZNEC model is presented for every antenna in the book on a companion CD, giving complete dimensions for the builder. Enjoy!
Don't forget Kid's Day is coming on 3 Jan! If you want an extra challenge, why not try to make a satellite QSO? AMSAT-NA and the AO-51 Operations Group will have AO-51 configured with the straightforward FM voice 145.880 MHz uplink and 435.300 MHz downlink. Remember that the passes are short, but wouldn't a QSO though a "bird" be a memorable experience? AO-51 will also be available during Straight Key Night using 145.880 MHz USB for the uplink and 435.150 MHz FM for the downlink.
While Saturday was a dull day in the ARRL's 10 Meter contest, Sunday was the opposite for many. Larry N7DF seems to have found an answer. "The surprising propagation that occurred on Sunday afternoon appears to have been the result of a major shift in the interplanetary magnetic field. All day Saturday the Earth-Sun flux path (Bz) was positive or north-oriented but it shifted about 0300Z allowing the solar wind to penetrate the northern hemisphere until about 2000Z when it began to "ring" creating sporadic bursts of high energy areas in the ionosphere. This was evidenced by the "spotlight" opening that many enjoyed with good runs into limited areas. This was one of the most clear-cut cause-and-effect examples I have ever seen. It probably would not have been evident if it had not been for all the contest activity." His closing point is especially good - if we just tune through the band and don't call CQ, we'll never know if something interesting is happening!
"Early bird" registration is now open for the 4th Dayton ConTest University ("CTU") 2010. This will be the only Contest University held in the USA during 2010. CTU USA will be held in Dayton, Ohio on Thursday May 13, 2010 (classes last all day), just before the Dayton Hamvention. CTU is supported by flagship sponsor Icom America, as well as CQ Magazine, DX Engineering, Superbertha, International Radio, and Dave, W9ZRX. Based upon the tremendous attendance at Dayton CTU 2009, 2010 student registration slots are expected to fill up fast and space is limited. CTU will be held in the United Kingdom and Italy again in 2010. Watch for future announcements of additional European CTU locations. Thanks to Scott, KA9FOX and QTH.com for his hosting of the Contest University Web site! (Thanks, CTU Chairman Tim K3LR)
Guy N7ZG has made all CQ World Wide contest logs from the last three years available as CSV spreadsheet files. Guy instructs, "There are two files. The first (CQWWCW-ENTRIES.txt.zip) consists of one row per submitted log. It contains the submitter's category of entry, claimed score, location, etc. The second file (CQWWCW-CONTACTS.txt.zip) contains the QSO data (10 million plus rows)."
Trippy AC8EP writes about CQ100 Internet-based contest simulations. The next contest runs from 2300Z Jan 1 to 2300Z Jan 3 on the software's 80 through 10 meter bands, both voice and CW. CQ100's W/VE contest will run on Jan 29 - 31.
They say it's not a Real Adventure if you enjoy it while you're having it, so Thayer WA3EFH's saltwater saga definitely qualifies!
The life of a maritime radio officer sounds pretty good - lots of operating, spare time, fresh air - until you read a story like "A Ham Without a Country" on the ARRL Web site. I'm sure that one had a few of the old salts nodding in recognition!
Web Site of the Week - You may have used the Vaisala Lightning Detection Network, but there is a new service online. David K1TTT recommends the new World Wide Lightning Location Network with automatic updates every 10 minutes and data viewed via Google Earth. (Thanks, Randy K5ZD)
Soapbox - comments about the contest sent along with the log for the contest sponsors to read and publish. The ARRL has an online Soapbox page that can accept not only your stories, but your photos, too! Writeup authors often look through your comments and photos to get ideas and interesting stories for the results articles. If you report your Claimed Score via the 3830 Web site, you can also contribute soapbox comments there. If you choose to add comments to your Cabrillo-formatted log, use the SOAPBOX: tag - there is no limit on how much you can say. For some good reading, check out VK8AA's entry for the just-finished ARRL 10 Meter contest!
You may have seen the RRTC-2009 video taken at this summer's Russian Radiosport Team Championship, but if you don't speak Russian, it's been subtitled in English. Thanks to Alex RX3AEX, Roger G3SXW and Nodir EY8MM for their efforts and translation! (Thanks, WRTC-2010 Committee, Harry RA3AUU)
The next time you are working on the tower, fully clipped in and lanyarded, think of these fellows putting on a high-wire act on the high-tension lines and towers! (Thanks, David K1TTT)
Wow - this Web site has quite a collection of images of old radios and tubes! You can spend hours at Jim Tripp's Antique Radio Museum looking for that "special" radio! The tube photos are particularly interesting. (Thanks, Tim W7TRH)
I saw a bit of these videos on a recent newscast and I know my readers will find them fascinating. The University of Nottingham has produced a series called "The Periodic Table of Videos" with a feature on each and every one. Yes, there are explosions and vapors and fumes, but it's great education, too!
2009 Contest Wrap-Up by Sean KX9X, ARRL Contest Branch Manager
This table shows how many logs were received for ARRL contests and operating events from 2005 - 2009.
Wow, what a great year this has been for Radiosport here at the ARRL! Going with the premise that "more is better," we should all be quite happy with the numbers. Participation in ARRL events - and Radiosport in general - has been trending upward for over three years now. As Warner Wolf used to say, "Let's go to the videotape!" In this case, the spreadsheet:
With a 36% increase in participation in the November Sweepstakes, 66% increase in the RTTY Roundup and a 25% increase in the ARRL DX contest over the last five years, the increase in interest is nothing short of phenomenal, especially when you factor in the prolonged lack of sunspots!
How is your favorite contest doing?
I still see those numbers slipping in the VHF+ events, except for the June VHF QSO Party when 6 me