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Division and Section ARRL Leadership Prepared for Gustav
Posted: August 31st, 2008, 8:14pm EDT
During a Sunday evening conference call among ARRL leadership volunteers in the Delta, West Gulf and Southeastern Divisions and several members of the ARRL staff, Mississippi Section Manager Malcolm Keown, W5XX, reported: "We're as ready as we're ever going to be." -
Hurricane Watch Net Activates
Posted: August 31st, 2008, 5:52pm EDT
The National Hurricane Center's Hurricane Watch Net posted this information on August 31: -
Gulf State Sections Evoke Memorandum of Understanding to Facilitate Gustav Preparation and Response; Request to Keep Emergency Net Frequencies Clear
Posted: August 31st, 2008, 5:07pm EDT
As of 10:00 AM CDT August 30, the Louisiana, Mississippi, South Texas Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to emergency nets has been evoked. The West Gulf emergency net (WGEN) was activated at 6:00 AM CDT on Sunday, August 31. Operating frequencies are: -
National Hurricane Center Update: "Preparations to Protect Life and Property should be Rushed to Completion"
Posted: August 31st, 2008, 5:02pm EDT
As residents of New Orleans and other coastal communities in Mississippi and Louisiana were evacuating inland, a National Hurricane Center Public Advisory released at 10 AM CDT (1500 UTC) Sunday, August 31 reported that "Gustav continues northwestward over the central Gulf of Mexico with little change in strength." It continued: -
Mississippi Hams Prepare for Gustav
Posted: August 31st, 2008, 4:56pm EDT
Larry Wagoner, N5WLW, Public Information Coordinator, ARRL Mississippi Section, filed this report August 31: -
Now a Category 4 Hurricane, Gustav Expected to Strengthen Further as it Takes Aim on the US Gulf Coast
Posted: August 30th, 2008, 8:02pm EDT
At 5 PM EDT (2100Z), The National Hurricane Center issued a Hurricane Watch for the northern Gulf Coast from east of High Island, Texas eastward to the Alabama-Florida border, including the city of New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued along the Florida Panhandle coast from east of the Alabama-Florida border eastward to the Ochlockonee River. -
International Radio Emergency Support Coalition Active During Gustav Emergency
Posted: August 29th, 2008, 5:11pm EDT
The following is a News Release dated August 28, 2008: -
ARRL In Action: What Have We Been Up To Lately?
Posted: August 29th, 2008, 11:30am EDT
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. This installment covers the month of August. -
Preparing for Gustav: American Red Cross Services
Posted: August 29th, 2008, 10:49am EDT
The American Red Cross released this notice on the morning of August 28 -
CQ China
Posted: August 29th, 2008, 10:00am EDT
An inside view of Amateur Radio in China. -
Surfin': Opening Up APRS
Posted: August 29th, 2008, 8:00am EDT
This week, Surfin’ visits a Web site that exposes APRS every which way possible. -
ARRL to Close in Observance of Labor Day
Posted: August 28th, 2008, 5:00pm EDT
ARRL Headquarters will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1. ARRL Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, September 2 at 8 AM Eastern Daylight Time. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday weekend. -
Nets Activate, Gulf Coast Preparations Underway as Tropical Storm Gustav Heads Toward Jamaica
Posted: August 28th, 2008, 1:23pm EDT
John McHugh, K4AG, coordinator for Amateur Radio at the National Hurricane Center, WX4NHC, posted this message this morning: -
Check Out the September/October NCJ
Posted: August 28th, 2008, 8:19am EDT
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. -
Central American Organizations to Host Convention in October
Posted: August 27th, 2008, 4:05pm EDT
The Federación de Radioaficionados de Centroamerica, FRACAP (Federation of Radioamateurs of Central America), will host the XLVIII FRACAP 2008 Convention in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, October 3-5, 2008. FRACAP is a federation of six national Amateur Radio organizations from Central America: Club de radio aficionados de Guatemala (CRAG), Club de radio aficionados de El Salvador (CRAS), Federación de clubes de radioaficionados de Honduras (FEHDECRA), Club de radio experimentadores de Nicaragua (CREN), Radio club de Costa Rica (RCCR) and the Liga Panameña de Radioaficionados (LPR). -
Tropical Storm Gustav Soaking Haiti; Expected to Strengthen
Posted: August 27th, 2008, 2:00pm EDT
With maximum sustained winds of 90 mph/150 km per hour, Hurricane Gustav made landfall on the southwest peninsula of Haiti on the afternoon of August 26. Over the next few days, its path is projected to take it along Cuba's southern coast and then northwestward into the Gulf of Mexico. For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office. -
The Amateur Amateur: Doing It in the Street
Posted: August 27th, 2008, 1:47pm EDT
The St Louis County ARES® Emergency Coordinator had urged the group's members to participate in the National Night Out events in their local communities. He felt that it was a good opportunity to promote ARES and Amateur Radio in general. I live in Florissant, a suburb of St Louis, and I was fairly sure that at least a few events were planned there. When I heard that there was going to be a block party practically on my doorstep, I jumped at the chance. I dropped a note to the local Neighborhood Watch block captain and asked her if it would be all right for me to set up and demonstrate an emergency Amateur Radio station. I will admit to being a little surprised when she said yes. -
ARRL Emergency Communications Level 3 Course to be Revised
Posted: August 27th, 2008, 10:51am EDT
The ARRL Continuing Education Program offers Emergency Communications training courses to prepare radio amateurs to serve our communities in time of crisis when other communications systems fail. The ARRL Emergency Communications training program includes three levels of courses. In order to keep the material in the Level 3 course accurate and up to date, we will be revising the Level 3 curriculum. Dennis Dura, K2DCD, ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager, will be developing the new content. We expect the fully updated course to be available in the first quarter of 2009. -
ARRL Continuing Education Online Course Registration
Posted: August 27th, 2008, 8:40am EDT
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 Continuing Education course listing page or contact the Continuing Education Program Coordinator. -
FCC Vanity Call Sign Fees to Increase September 25
Posted: August 26th, 2008, 3:33pm EDT
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. Now that notice of the increase has been published in the Federal Register, the increase will take effect in 30 days, September 25, 2008. -
Hurricane Watch Net to Active as Gustav Threatens Hispaniola:
Posted: August 26th, 2008, 11:08am EDT
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) will activate Tuesday, August 26 at 0800 EDT/1200Z on 14.325 MHz as Hurricane Gustav approaches Hispaniola. We will be disseminating the latest weather bulletins from the National Hurricane Center and passing real time reports from the affected area to WX4NHC at the Center to assist forecasters in their tasks. Plans are to remain active until the band goes out. Operations on Wednesday and beyond will depend on Gustav’s status and path, but will be published on our Web site. HWN net intentions, the latest on Gustav and other weather information is always on the site. -- Dave Lefavour, W7GOX, Manager, Hurricane Watch Net -
Hurricane Watch Net to Activate as Gustav Threatens Hispaniola:
Posted: August 26th, 2008, 11:08am EDT
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) will activate Tuesday, August 26 at 0800 EDT/1200Z on 14.325 MHz as Hurricane Gustav approaches Hispaniola. We will be disseminating the latest weather bulletins from the National Hurricane Center and passing real time reports from the affected area to WX4NHC at the Center to assist forecasters in their tasks. Plans are to remain active until the band goes out. Operations on Wednesday and beyond will depend on Gustav’s status and path, but will be published on our Web site. HWN net intentions, the latest on Gustav and other weather information is always on the site. -- Dave Lefavour, W7GOX, Manager, Hurricane Watch Net -
New HF Digital Protocol to Debut at DCC
Posted: August 26th, 2008, 10:24am EDT
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. -
The September/October QEX Is Here
Posted: August 26th, 2008, 8:46am EDT
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. -
Prolific Author Tom Kneitel, W4XAA SK
Posted: August 25th, 2008, 4:16pm EDT
Tom Kneitel, W4XAA, better known to hams by his previous call sign K2AES, died August 22 at age 75. He lived in DeLand, Florida, where he and his wife Judy had moved in 2004. -
Ohio State Parks on the Air
Posted: August 25th, 2008, 10:16am EDT
POTA — a new contest for the radiosport fan. -
US Schools Receive Life-Saving NOAA Public Alert Radios
Posted: August 25th, 2008, 7:00am EDT
ARRL and Citizen Corps are teaming up to assist local school districts (if they need the help) to set up and register their NOAA Weather All Hazard Public Alert Radio. -
Arizona Hams Lend a Hand when Dam Fails
Posted: August 24th, 2008, 8:31am EDT
On Saturday August 16, a freak storm pounded the watershed above the remote village of Supai, Arizona in Coconino County with 3-6 inches of. This dramatic rainfall overwhelmed when the Redlands Dam -- an earthen dam on Cataract Canyon -- that failed late Saturday night sending a torrent of water down the canyon. ARRL Arizona Section Emergency Coordinator Rick Aldom, W7STS, said, "Area officials asked the American Red Cross Sunday to provide a shelter atop the canyon in the town of Peach Springs in Mohave County; Peach Springs is about 70 miles from Supai." -
MARS to Assist with Republican, Democratic National Conventions
Posted: August 23rd, 2008, 8:25am EDT
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has requested Army MARS support for the Democratic National Convention in Denver and the Republican National Convention in St Paul. "I find it hard to imagine a more challenging security operation than the upcoming Democratic and Republican National Conventions," said Army MARS Chief Stu Carter. "These climactic events, the first in Denver next week and the other a week later in Minneapolis, will gather hundreds of America's top leaders who will be exposed continuously to milling crowds of thousands. Just the thought of protecting all the converging aircraft and congested terminals is daunting enough for public safety planners." -
ARRL Audio News: Aug 22, 2008; Vol 27 Number 33
Posted: August 22nd, 2008, 9:12am EDT
ARRL Audio News--OPEN--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; ARRL Audio News ID--Satellite Update--BREAK; Hams Ready for Tropical Storm Fay; New Tower, Antenna Modifications for W1HQ; Reunion Island, South Africa Connect on 2 Meters; ARRL Audio News--News Briefs--CLOSE -
The K7RA Solar Update
Posted: August 22nd, 2008, 9:10am EDT
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. Spaceweather.com reported it with a sunspot number of 11 for August 21, but NOAA did not, reporting zero instead for Thursday. A late Thursday image suggests a spot in the northern hemisphere on the left side of the image. 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. -
Surfin': Batten Down the Hatches
Posted: August 22nd, 2008, 8:00am EDT
This week, Surfin’ visits a Web site devoted to hams providing communications to and from areas affected by hurricanes. -
ARRL Responds to Concerns Raised by California Repeater Owners Affected by PAVE PAWS
Posted: August 21st, 2008, 2:28pm EDT
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. -
Reunion Island, South Africa Connect on 2 Meters
Posted: August 20th, 2008, 2:41pm EDT
On Thursday, August 14, Phil Mondon, FR5DN, on Reunion Island had a successful QSO with Glen Kraut, ZS2GK, in South Africa on 2 meters. According to Dave Pedersen, N7BHC, this contact is "very likely the longest 2 meter QSO via tropospheric propagation for either country." -
Antenna Go-kits
Posted: August 20th, 2008, 2:30pm EDT
Are your portable antennas ready to go? -
ARRL Director and Vice Director Elections Set for November
Posted: August 20th, 2008, 8:57am EDT
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. -
ARRL Continuing Education Online Course Registration
Posted: August 20th, 2008, 8:01am EDT
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 Continuing Education course listing page or contact the Continuing Education Program Coordinator. -
New Idaho and North Dakota Section Managers to Take Office October 1
Posted: August 19th, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
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. -
New Tower, Antenna Modifications for W1HQ
Posted: August 19th, 2008, 2:06pm EDT
On August 13, Matt Strelow, KC1XX, and Andrew Toth of 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. -
Hams Ready for Fay
Posted: August 19th, 2008, 10:08am EDT
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. A tropical storm warning is still in effect for the Florida Keys and the majority of Florida's Atlantic coast. All hurricane warnings have been discontinued. -
ARRL Lab Manager to Serve as Technical Session Chair at IEEE EMC Conference
Posted: August 17th, 2008, 8:56am EDT
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). It will be held at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, August 18-22. Mark Steffka, WW8MS, a member of the ARRL EMC Committee, 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. -
ARRL Executive Committee Approves Nine Education & Technology Program Grants
Posted: August 16th, 2008, 8:40am EDT
In May, the ARRL Executive Committee reviewed grant applications for the ARRL's Education & Technology Program (ETP), awarding nearly $14,000 to nine schools. 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. The Executive Committee reviews applications for equipment and resource grants twice each year, in December and May. -
Amateur Radio Exams, Licensing Return to Bangladesh
Posted: August 15th, 2008, 2:04pm EDT
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) -- 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. -
ARRL Audio News: Aug 15, 2008; Vol 27 Number 32
Posted: August 15th, 2008, 1:58pm EDT
ARRL Audio News--OPEN--In this edition . . .; Educators Go "Back to School" at ARRL's Teachers Institutes; ARRL's "Big Project" Makes a Big Impact on Youth; ARRL Audio News ID--Satellite Update--BREAK; 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; ARRL Audio News--News Briefs--CLOSE -
The K7RA Solar Update
Posted: August 15th, 2008, 10:58am EDT
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. -
See You Next Year! 2008 ARRL Teachers Institutes a "Great Experience"
Posted: August 15th, 2008, 9:38am EDT
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 tried new ways of bringing the excitement of wireless technology to classrooms across the country. -
Surfin': Conferencing in the Center of the USA
Posted: August 15th, 2008, 8:00am EDT
This week, Surfin’ plugs the annual meeting of the movers and shakers of the digital Amateur Radio world. -
The Amateur Radio Crossword Puzzler
Posted: August 15th, 2008, 7:59am EDT
Alphas and IOTAs -
Nebraska Ham Couple Killed at Home
Posted: August 14th, 2008, 10:48am EDT
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. 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. 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. -
Harry Mills, K4HU (SK)
Posted: August 14th, 2008, 8:13am EDT
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. 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). -
ARRL Board of Directors Names 2007-2008 Award Recipients
Posted: August 12th, 2008, 8:16am EDT
The ARRL Board of Directors named four ARRL award recipients at their 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. -
FCC to Raise Vanity Call Sign Fees
Posted: August 11th, 2008, 2:15pm EDT
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. The fee will increase 30 days after notice of the increase is published in the Federal Register; 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. -
Fifth Annual National Preparedness Month Coming in September
Posted: August 10th, 2008, 8:56am EDT
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in July that more than 1200 national, regional, state and local businesses and organizations -- including several Amateur Radio groups -- have pledged their support and joined the 2008 National Preparedness Month Coalition. Sponsored by the department's Ready campaign, National Preparedness Month helps to raise awareness and promote action by Americans, businesses and communities on emergency preparedness. -
ARRL's "Big Project" Makes a Big Impact on Youth
Posted: August 9th, 2008, 8:31am EDT
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). The Education & Technology Program has expanded the highly successful teacher development program in electronics, robotics and space -- the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology. -
Chinese Olympic Special Event Stations On the Air
Posted: August 8th, 2008, 1:43pm EDT
Special Event stations for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began operating on May 18 and are scheduled to continue through September 17. 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, 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 begin Friday, August 8 and run through Sunday, August 24. -- Thanks to Chris Parker, VE6PKR, and The Daily DX for some information -
ARRL Audio News: Aug 8, 2008; Vol 27 Number 31
Posted: August 8th, 2008, 1:21pm EDT
ARRL Audio News--OPEN--In this edition . . .; ARRL Board of Directors Names 2007-2008 Award Recipients; NCVEC Holds Annual Conference via Telephone; ARRL Audio News ID--Satellite Update--BREAK; 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; ARRL Audio News--News Briefs--CLOSE -
The K7RA Solar Update
Posted: August 8th, 2008, 9:49am EDT
As mentioned in last week's report, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, is filling in for your regular reporter Tad Cook, K7RA. For the reporting period August 1-7, solar activity was at very low levels and the geomagnetic field was at quiet levels. Solar activity is expected to continue to be very low for the next several days. As for geomagnetic field activity, the Australian Space Forecast Centre issued a geomagnetic disturbance warning on August 6 for quiet to unsettled, and then unsettled to active conditions (with possible minor storm periods) on August 8 and August 9, respectively. -
Surfin': Dig Up Dead Web Sites
Posted: August 8th, 2008, 8:08am EDT
This week, Surfin’ finds Amateur Radio Web sites that are no more. -
AMSAT-UK Colloquium Lectures Now Online
Posted: August 7th, 2008, 12:30pm EDT
AMSAT-UK held their 23rd Annual International Space Colloquium July 25-27 at the University of Surrey in Guildford. This annual event is a chance to talk to satellite designers and builders, as well as a place to discover how to use Amateur Radio satellites. The British Amateur Television Club (BATC) streamed the Colloquium live on the Internet and has placed videos of nine lectures on their Web site. -
ARRL Internet Services Experience Network Problems
Posted: August 7th, 2008, 12:00pm EDT
Since around 8:30 AM EDT on August 7, many users have been unable to access the ARRL Web site and e-mail. According to ARRL Web/Software Development Manager Jon Bloom, KE3Z, "an inadvertent network configuration error" at the site's Internet Service Provider (ISP) was to blame. An issue with the Domain Name Servers (DNS) caused many users to be routed to the wrong Web site. The problem was quickly discovered and resolved; however, due to a lag in propagation, some users could be affected for up to 24 hours. Thanks to all the members who called in to report the outage. -
NCVEC Holds Annual Conference via Telephone
Posted: August 6th, 2008, 1:36pm EDT
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. -
Teach-in
Posted: August 5th, 2008, 2:50pm EDT
Will the introduction of newer technologies like the Internet really hijack interest in ham radio from kids? — only if we let it! -
N9GL's RF Safety Column: Hijacking Science
Posted: August 5th, 2008, 10:22am EDT
It appears that scientists who do not like the results produced by good scientific investigation are attempting to bypass accepted procedures to propagate the results that they believe should be shown. For a number of years, it has been apparent that certain scientists have strong beliefs that exposure to RF energy harms people. Unfortunately for them, well designed and performed scientific studies have not confirmed their beliefs; however, rather than accepting what science shows, these people stubbornly cling to their beliefs. Some of them have designed studies that are likely to have the results that they would like them to have. The latest and most disturbing occurrence is that these people are spreading rumors among their colleagues who accept the word of their trusted colleagues as truth and further propagate the mistruths. -
Glenn P. Swanson, KB1GW (SK)
Posted: August 4th, 2008, 1:53pm EDT
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. Swanson was extremely interested in new Amateur Radio equipment and products -- especially transceivers -- and authored several QST product reviews. -
Georgia Hams Meet with FEMA
Posted: August 4th, 2008, 1:45pm EDT
On July 30, representatives from the ARRL Southeastern Division and Georgia Section participated in the FEMA Region IV, Regional Emergency Communications Coordination (RECC) Working Group meetings near Atlanta. Southeastern Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK; Georgia Section Manager, Susan Swiderski, AF4FO, and Georgia Section Official Observer Coordinator Michael Swiderski, K4HBI, represented ARRL and Amateur Radio. -
Austrian Amateurs Celebrate UN World Environment Day
Posted: August 3rd, 2008, 6:38pm EDT
In 1972, the United Nations (UN) established World Environment Day to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. To celebrate this event in 2008, the Vienna International Amateur Radio Club, 4U1VIC, received permission from the UN to use 4U1WED -- World Environment Day -- as a special call sign for the entire month of June. Led by Rom Kieffer, OE1RKS, operators of the Austrian Amateur Radio society, Österreichischer Versuchssenderverband (OEVSV) -- Austria's IARU Member-Society -- together with radio amateurs of the United Nations in Vienna, operated as 4U1WED on SSB, CW and 70 cm. In total, more than 2500 contacts were logged. -
Jack B. Morgan, KF6T, Wins July QST Cover Plaque Award
Posted: August 3rd, 2008, 8:28am EDT
The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for July is Jack B. Morgan, KF6T, for his article "Portable Two Element 15 Meter Yagi." Congratulations, Jack! The winner of the QST Cover Plaque award -- given to the author or authors of the best article in each issue -- is determined by a vote of ARRL members on the QST Cover Plaque Poll Web page. Cast a ballot for your favorite article in the August issue by Sunday, August 31. -
"Turn About" Is Fair Play
Posted: August 2nd, 2008, 2:51pm EDT
We're all used to "multiple choice" quizzes, but I bet you haven't encountered one like this before! As in the TV game Jeopardy!, you get the answer first and then have to pick the right question from the four possibilities. It's a good thing your VEC doesn't use this format -- would you downgrade your license if you passed? -
International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2008
Posted: August 2nd, 2008, 8:32am EDT
More than 380 lighthouses in more than 51 countries -- from Argentina to Wales -- will be on the air for 2008 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW) organized by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group (AARG) in Scotland. The event, held for the tenth year in a row, takes place Saturday, August 16 0001 UTC-Sunday, August 17 2359 UTC. While not a contest, the ILLW is more of a QSO Party and Amateur Radio demonstration. The ILLW aims to raise public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the need for their preservation and restoration, promote Amateur Radio and foster international goodwill. Stations at more than 40 US lights are expected to be on the air for the event, and several stations will identify with special event call signs. Participating lighthouse/lightship stations do not have to be inside the structure or on the vessel itself; a Field Day-type setup at or adjacent to the light is sufficient. More information about the event, including a registration form, is available on the ILLW Web site. -
Station Manager Explains NN3SI's Silence
Posted: August 1st, 2008, 6:17pm EDT
ARRL has received numerous e-mails asking for information on why NN3SI, the Amateur Radio at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History (NMAH) was closed after more than 32 years of operation. 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 station once the Museum reopens this fall after undergoing an extensive renovation. -
ARRL Audio News: Aug 1, 2008; Vol 27 Number 30
Posted: August 1st, 2008, 1:38pm EDT
ARRL Audio News--OPEN--In this edition . . .; Amateur Station at Smithsonian QRT after 32 Years; German Radio Manufacturer Halts Transceiver Production; ARRL Audio News ID--Satellite Update--BREAK; HF Digital Voice Programs Once Again Available for Download; Dutch Amateur Radio Satellite Now Live; MARS Lends a Hand with Hurricane Dolly Operations; ARRL Audio News--News Briefs--CLOSE -
The K7RA Solar Update
Posted: August 1st, 2008, 9:52am EDT
July ended with no sunspots at all -- save for three days, July 18-20, when one weak sunspot group appeared and faded from view. Sunspot numbers for those days were 11, 12 and 11. Sunspot numbers for July 24-30 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 0. The 10.7 cm flux was 65.4, 65.8, 66.1, 66.3, 66.3, 66 and 66.5 with a mean of 66.1. Estimated planetary A indices were 11, 3, 5, 7, 7, 3 and 5 with a mean of 5.9. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 7, 2, 4, 4, 6, 2 and 4 with a mean of 4.1. -
ARRL In Action: What Have We Been Up To Lately?
Posted: August 1st, 2008, 9:19am EDT
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. This installment covers the month of July. -
Surfin': Amateur Radio When You Least Expect It
Posted: August 1st, 2008, 8:00am EDT
This week, Surfin’ finds Amateur Radio in motion pictures and other unexpected places. -
The Fifth Pillar
Posted: August 1st, 2008, 12:00am EDT
At the 2005 ARRL National Convention held in conjunction with the annual Dayton Hamvention® we unveiled ARRL EXPO, a greatly expanded exhibit area in which we highlighted the many facets of the ARRL diamond. ARRL EXPO was such a hit that it has become a recurring feature of the Hamvention and of the ARRL National Convention, wherever the latter is held.
