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   http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2014-01-23   
      
   The ARRL Letter   
      
   January 23, 2014   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  Your League: Kay Craigie, N3KN, Wins Third Term as ARRL President   
    *  Your League: Oregon SM Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ, Named ARRL Northwestern   
       Division Vice Director   
    *  Your League: Repeater Owners Now May Submit Repeater Directory Updates   
       Directly to ARRL   
    *  Your League: New Guide Promotes FUNcube-1's Educational Value   
    *  Your League: February QST Delivery Delayed to Some Destinations   
    *  Awards: Yasme Foundation Announces Excellence Awards   
    *  DX: NCDXF Announces Grant to Tromelin Island DXpedition   
    *  DX: TT8ES, T6EU Operations Approved for DXCC Credit   
    *  International: Canada to Get Five 60 Meter Channels   
    *  International: AX for Australia Day   
    *  ARRL Centennial: W1AW Centennial Operations Now in New York and Oklahoma   
    *  ARRL Centennial: A Century of Amateur Radio and the ARRL   
    *  Apps: Library of Congress Releases Free Braille and Audio Reading App   
    *  Milestones: Retired ARRL Staff Member Walt Ireland, WB7CSL, SK   
    *  Milestones: Noted DXer Bruce Butler, W6OSP, SK   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events   
      
   Your League: Kay Craigie, N3KN, Wins Third Term as ARRL President   
      
   The ARRL Board of Directors has elected League President Kay Craigie, N3KN, to   
   a third two-year term. The Board met January 17 and 18 in the Hartford,   
   Connecticut, area for its annual meeting, and election of officers was at the   
   top of the business agenda. The League's 15th president, Craigie lives in   
   Blacksburg, Virginia, and has been in office since 2010, succeeding Joel   
   Harrison, W5ZN.   
      
   The Board also re-elected First Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR, to a new   
   two-year term. ARRL Northwestern Division Director Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, was   
   elected Second Vice President, succeeding incumbent Bruce Frahm, K0BJ.   
   Northwestern Division Vice Director Jim Pace, K7CEX, acceded to the Director's   
   chair.   
      
   Also elected to new two-year terms were International Affairs Vice President   
   Jay Bellows, K0QB, and Treasurer Rick Niswander, K7GM.   
      
   In addition the board chose ARRL Executive Committee members and ARRL   
   Foundation directors. Elected for one-year terms to the Executive Committee   
   were Central Division Director George R. "Dick" Isely, W9GIG; Pacific Division   
   Director Bob Vallio, W6RGG; Midwest Division Director Cliff Ahrens, K0CA;   
   Hudson Division Director Mike Lisenco, N2YBB, and West Gulf Division Director   
   Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV.   
      
   ARRL Foundation Board Director members elected for three-year terms were   
   Ahrens, Frahm, and Fenstermaker. Gene Hastings, W1VRK, retired from the   
   Foundation Board after many years of devoted service.   
      
   As the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) International Secretariat, the   
   ARRL, after consultation with the IARU Administrative Council, nominates   
   candidates for IARU President and Vice President. The Board instructed ARRL   
   Secretary David Sumner to vote to ratify the nominations of incumbent IARU   
   President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, and incumbent IARU Vice President Ole   
   Garpestad, LA2RR, for additional five-year terms.   
      
   Other Major Board Actions   
      
    *   
       Instructed the Public Relations Committee and ARRL staff to develop a   
       draft document appropriate for presentation to legislators and other   
       government officials to explain radio amateurs' contributions to the   
       public, and to develop a mechanism for collecting and making available   
       presentation materials for use by clubs in training and promotion.   
    *   
       Instructed the HF Band Planning Committee to reach out to the membership   
       regarding concerns pertaining to the increasing popularity of data   
       modes, and to investigate and suggest ways that these modes can coexist.   
    *   
       Instructed staff to prepare answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)   
       about the ARRL "symbol rate" Petition for Rule Making (PRM), RM-11708.   
    *   
       Received the final reports from three committees that had completed   
       their work: The Emergency Communications Advisory Committee (ECAC), the   
       Committee on Youth in the Second Century, and the Centennial Celebration   
       Committee. Consideration of the recommendations contained in the   
       extensive report of the ECAC is ongoing. The Board discharged all three   
       committees with thanks.   
    *   
       Bestowed the 2013 Joe Knight Distinguished Service Award for Section   
       Managers on longtime Mississippi Section Manager Malcolm P. Keown, W5XX.   
    *   
       Conferred 2013 George Hart Distinguished Service Award on Mark   
       Rappaport, W2EAG, for his work in and for the National Traffic System.   
    *   
       Scheduled the July Board meeting for July 21-22, immediately following   
       the ARRL Centennial National Convention in Hartford.   
      
   The ARRL Board of Directors met January 17-18 near Hartford, Connecticut, for   
   its annual meeting. [Steve Ford, WB8IMY, photo]   
      
   President Craigie announced committee appointments for the coming year,   
   including new chairmen of two standing committees: Dakota Division Director   
   Greg Widin, K0GW, as chairman of the Administration & Finance Committee, and   
   Rocky Mountain Division Director Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, as chairman of the   
   Programs & Services Committee.   
      
   The ARRL Board selected media professionals in Delaware and Michigan as   
   recipients of the 2013 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award.   
      
    *   
       For print excellence -- Kim Hoey (writer) and Gary Emeigh   
       (photographer), of The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, featured   
       aspects of the Delmarva Hamfest in their November story, "Calling Fans   
       Of Hams."   
    *   
       For TV/video excellence -- Rich Luterman, chief meteorologist at Fox 2   
       Television in Detroit, Michigan, presented the Oakland County Amateur   
       Radio Public Service Corps's efforts and mission during SKYWARN   
       Recognition Day.   
    *   
       For radio/audio excellence -- Bill Colley, afternoon host on WGMD-FM in   
       Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, discussed the club's upcoming Amateur Radio   
       license class with Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH, of the Sussex Amateur Radio   
       Association (SARA), "in a positive and engaging manner."   
      
   The official minutes of the annual meeting have been posted to the ARRL   
   website.   
      
   Your League: Oregon SM Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ, Named ARRL Northwestern Division   
   Vice Director   
      
   ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has tapped Oregon Section Manager Bonnie   
   Altus, AB7ZQ, of Sheridan, as the League's Northwestern Division Vice   
   Director, succeeding Jim Pace, K7CEX. Pace took over as ARRL Northwestern   
   Division Director after former director Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, was elected   
   ARRL Second Vice President at the ARRL Board of Directors annual meeting.   
      
   Licensed since 1997, Altus became interested in ham radio while working in   
   information systems and telecommunications for a hospital. She thought ham   
   radio would be beneficial in disaster communications, and she used what she   
   learned as a new licensee to write an emergency communications plan for the   
   hospital. She has served as president of the McMinnville Amateur Radio Club   
   and as an ARES assistant emergency coordinator and emergency coordinator. An   
   Amateur Extra class licensee, she is especially interested in digital modes.   
   Her husband Mark is AC7ZQ. Altus had served more than 7 years as Oregon   
   Section Manager, from July 2006 until January 2014.   
      
   ARRL Membership and Volunteer Programs Department Manager Dave Patton, NN1N,   
   announced the appointment of Everett "Ev" Curry, W6ABM, of Hillsboro, Oregon,   
   to fill the remainder of Altus's term as Oregon Section Manager. Patton   
   consulted with Pace in filling the SM vacancy. Curry will complete the current   
   term, which expires on June 30, 2014. Nominations for the next term of office   
   (starting July 1) for the Oregon SM are now being solicited.   
      
   Curry has been an Assistant Section Manager in Oregon since 2007, an Official   
   Observer since 2003, and the Official Observer Coordinator since 2008. In   
   addition he served as Public Information Coordinator for Oregon from 2002 to   
   2007. An ARRL Life Member, he is editor of The Oscillator, the monthly journal   
   of the Tualatin Valley Amateur Radio Club.   
      
   Your League: Repeater Owners Now May Submit Repeater Directory Updates   
   Directly to ARRL   
      
   Repeater owners now may submit updated information for use in the ARRL   
   Repeater Directory, TravelPlus and other products directly to the ARRL via the   
   League's website. Repeater owners or trustees can use the new web page to   
   notify the ARRL of changes to existing repeaters, such as new CTCSS   
   frequencies or call sign changes. The web page cannot be used to add new or   
   uncoordinated repeaters, however.   
      
   "This new capability is intended for repeaters that are already on the air, as   
   a means to keep our information as accurate as possible throughout the year,"   
   said Steve Ford, WB8IMY, ARRL Publications Manager. Ford was quick to point   
   out that sending information directly to the ARRL does not relieve repeater   
   owners of their obligation to communicate with their coordinators.   
      
   "We are simply collecting the most up-to-date information for use in books and   
   software, and only for those instances where something has recently changed,"   
   Ford stressed. "This isn't meant to be a substitute for notifying your   
   coordinator. It also isn't a substitute for formal coordination of a new   
   repeater. Only repeater coordinators can do that."   
      
   Your League: New Guide Promotes FUNcube-1's Educational Value   
      
   A new FUNcube guide developed by ARRL Education & Technology Program (ETP)   
   Director Mark Spencer, WA8SME, aims to maximize the educational focus of the   
   tiny AO-73 satellite. Spencer's Pragmatic Guide for Using the FUNcube (AO-73)   
   Materials Science Experiment in the Classroom prompts readers to dig beyond   
   AO-73's Amateur Radio transponder and telemetry uploads and downloads and   
   "take a closer look at what is really going on" as the satellite orbits Earth.   
   The diminutive spacecraft includes an AMSAT-UK-developed materials science   
   experiment (MSE). Spencer's guide helps teachers and students to analyze   
   telemetry and apply the laws of thermodynamics to examine how heat is radiated   
   into space from materials having different surface finishes.   
      
   "The primary mission of the FUNcube is education, and the MSE is the focus of   
   that mission," Spencer said. When it's not in educational mode the spacecraft   
   switches on an Amateur Radio SSB/CW inverting transponder (435.150-435.130 MHz   
   LSB up / 145.950-145.970 MHz USB down). "I know there is an ongoing discussion   
   of the value of cubesat telemetry when compared to transponder operations," he   
   said. "[Y]ou just might find that an occasional look at the telemetry will   
   help you better understand satellites and make you a better satellite   
   operator."   
      
   As Spencer explained, the FUNcube-1 MSE includes two separate experiments --   
   one using the thermally isolated aluminum bars mounted on one face of the   
   satellite, and the second using four aluminum bars that form part of the   
   satellite's body in the corners of the cube. MSE data are transmitted via a 2   
   meter downlink (145.935 MHz BPSK) and decoded and displayed by the AMSAT-UK   
   Dashboard software.   
      
   "Collecting the data is only part of the education mission," Spencer said.   
   "The other -- and more meaningful part -- is interpreting the data." That, he   
   explained, starts with a thermodynamics refresher. "In the broadest terms,   
   thermodynamics is the study of how heat moves from one place to another," he   
   continued. "The purpose of the FUNcube MSE is to allow students to witness   
   heat transfer by radiation firsthand in an environment -- space -- where   
   convection and conduction are not present."   
      
   Spencer called the FUNcube MSE "an exceptional educational resource," and he   
   praised AMSAT-UK's efforts. "It's now our turn to gain as much as we can from   
   their efforts, and I hope the Guide will help you get started."   
      
   The ARRL's Classroom Library: Satellite Communications page includes a link to   
   the new guide and has more information on bringing space into the classroom.   
      
   Your League: February QST Delivery Delayed to Some Destinations   
      
   Mail delivery of February QST may be delayed to some members.   
      
   Our printer has reported that all copies now are in transit, but there was a   
   delay of a few days with the February issue, as several of the printer's   
   Midwest divisions were shut down due to inclement weather.   
      
   Members who haven't yet received the February issue should get their copies   
   shortly. The digital version of the February issue is now available to ARRL   
   members.   
      
   Awards: Yasme Foundation Announces Excellence Awards   
      
   The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors has announced the nine recipients of   
   its Excellence Award for 2013. The Foundation said the award "honors   
   individuals who, through their own service, creativity, effort and dedication,   
   have made a significant contribution to Amateur Radio" -- technical,   
   operating, or organizational. The Yasme Excellence Award is in the form of a   
   cash grant and an engraved crystal globe. Recipients for 2013 are:   
      
    *   
       Tom Roscoe, K8CX, for his dedication to collecting and publishing   
       current and historical photos and other documents on his Hamgallery   
       website. Hamgallery is an excellent Amateur Radio resource provided free   
       of charge to the online community. He has an extensive collection of   
       vintage QSL cards.   
    *   
       Lee Sawkins, VE7CC, for his software, widely used to manage and filter   
       DX cluster spotting output. Without such filters, the output of the   
       spotting network would be overwhelming and unusable. His filtering   
       software enables logging programs to integrate with the spotting network   
       for contesting and general-purpose operation. He supports the local DX   
       and contesting community in British Columbia and will represent Canada   
       in WRTC-2014 as the team leader from the NA-12 region.   
    *   
       John Devoldere, ON4UN, for building one of the premier amateur stations   
       in the world and for his extensive contributions to the DXing community.   
       Beginning with 80 Meter DXing, published in 1978, his book expanded to   
       Low-Band DXing, which, in its fifth edition, has become the most widely   
       used handbook for operating and building antenna systems on the bands at   
       7 MHz and below. His book highlights important advances in HF amateur   
       technology and encourages operation on these bands.   
    *   
       Michael Carroll, N4MC; Eldon Lewis, K7LS; Dean Gibson, AE7Q, and Joseph   
       Speroni, AH0A, for their role in providing radio amateurs with   
       convenient access to information maintained in FCC databases. Before it   
       was discontinued earlier this year, N4MC's Vanity HQ site was the single   
       most popular resource for US amateurs seeking to obtain a desired call   
       sign. Carroll continues to maintain the National Silent Key Archive and   
       call sign history database. K7LS and AE7Q have created similar online   
       services. AH0A was a pioneer in providing useful summaries of licensing   
       information, including licensing statistics.   
    *   
       Ken Claerbout, K4ZW, for his work in support of the series of video   
       seminars and lectures produced in association with the Potomac Valley   
       Radio Club (PVRC). Initially focused on contesting, the scope has   
       broadened to include a variety of operating and technical topics. More   
       important, the videos have encouraged others to publish similar webinars   
       and archive them for viewing at any time.   
    *   
       Ashraf Chaabane, 3V/KF5EYY, for being an energetic representative on all   
       fronts of Amateur Radio in Northern Africa and globally, presenting a   
       positive role model for Amateur Radio throughout the Arab world with his   
       enthusiasm and competitive spirit. His mission is to see the day when   
       Tunisia issues to him that country's first individual Amateur Radio   
       license. Chaabane will represent Africa as the team leader for the   
       African team in WRTC-2014.   
      
   The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation, organized to conduct   
   scientific and educational projects related to Amateur Radio, including DXing,   
   and to the introduction and promotion of Amateur Radio in developing   
   countries. -- Thanks to Ward Silver, N0AX, Yasme Foundation President   
      
   DX: NCDXF Announces Grant to Tromelin Island DXpedition   
      
   The Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) has announced a $25,000 grant to   
   the FT5/T Tromelin Island DXpedition planned for October 30-November 10, 2014.   
   Tromelin is tenth on The DX Magazine's latest Most Wanted List. Tromelin is a   
   small, extremely environmentally fragile area, and strict limitations are in   
   place regarding the number of visitors and time allowed on the island.   
      
   "The team's antenna plans, pilot feedback plans, and enthusiasm should make   
   this entity available to many DXers," NCDXF President Glenn Johnson, W0GJ,   
   said in announcing the grant. "For the past 42 years the NCDXF has funded   
   major DXpeditions to many most-wanted entities. The credit for these large   
   grants goes to the NCDXF contributors, individuals and clubs, who make DX like   
   this possible."   
      
   Additional details are on the DXpedition website.   
      
   DX: TT8ES, T6EU Operations Approved for DXCC Credit   
      
   The ARRL DXCC Desk has approved the 2014 operation of TT8ES -- Chad -- and the   
   current operation (through May 3, 2014) of T6EU -- Afghanistan -- for DX   
   Century Club credit. This operation was previously approved for 2012 and 2013,   
   and the license has been extended through February 28, 2014. If a request for   
   DXCC credit for this operation has been rejected in a prior application,   
   contact ARRL Awards Branch Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, to be placed on the list   
   for an update to your record. Please note the submission date and/or reference   
   number of your application in order to expedite the search for any rejected   
   contacts.   
      
   DXCC is Amateur Radio's premier award that hams can earn by confirming   
   on-the-air contacts with 100 DXCC "entities," most of which are countries in   
   the traditional sense. You can begin with the basic DXCC award and work your   
   way up to the DXCC Honor Roll. Learn more. -- ARRL Awards Branch Manager Bill   
   Moore, NC1L   
      
   International: Canada to Get Five 60 Meter Channels   
      
   Industry Canada has granted Amateur Radio operators there the use of five 60   
   meter channels on a non-interference basis. The center-channel frequencies   
   harmonize with those available to US radio amateurs on 60 meters: 5332 kHz,   
   5348 kHz, 5358.5 kHz, 5373 kHz, and 5405 kHz.   
      
   "[G]iven that use of these frequencies was requested, in part, to allow for   
   cross-border communications in times of emergency," Industry Canada said,   
   "harmonization of the frequencies with the United States would facilitate such   
   communications between the Canadian and the US Amateur Radio communities."   
      
   Amateur stations will be restricted to USB, data, RTTY and CW modes, with a   
   maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz, and a maximum power output of 100 W ERP -- the   
   same as the US allows.   
      
   "Canadian amateur operations shall not cause interference to fixed and mobile   
   operations in Canada or in other countries," Industry Canada ruled, "and, if   
   such interference occurs, the Amateur Service may be required to cease   
   operations. The Amateur Service in Canada may not claim protection from   
   interference by the fixed and mobile operations of other countries."   
      
   Elsewhere, Uni¢n de Radioaficionados Espa¤oles (URE) General Secretary   
   Salvador Bernal, EA7SB, reported recently that Spain's telecommunications   
   regulatory agency has authorized the use of several 60 meter frequencies   
   through June 30, 2014. The authorized center frequencies are 5268, 5295, 5313,   
   5382, 5430, and 5439 kHz, with a power of 100 W PEP and a maximum bandwidth of   
   3 kHz. Center channels authorized for the US and Canada differ. The URE is   
   recommending that hams in Spain use USB on 60 meters, the mode employed in   
   most countries authorizing operation on 60 meters.   
      
   In the Czech Republic, up to 10 radio amateurs are being permitted to operate   
   on 60 meters on an experimental basis until the end of 2014. This experimental   
   phase of 5 MHz operation follows an initial trial that ended two years ago.   
   Czech Republic radio amateurs holding a special permit may use six channels   
   that are common to many current 5 MHz ham radio allocations. The USB dial   
   frequencies are 5288.5, 5330.5, 5366.5, 5371.5, 5398.5, and 5403.5 kHz.   
   Experimenters will be allowed to operate 100 W ERP on USB and CW (+1.5 kHz   
   from the USB dial frequency). -- Thanks to Industry Canada and Bryan Rawlings,   
   VE3QN, URE and Southgate ARC   
      
   International: AX for Australia Day   
      
   Australia Day is January 26, and all radio amateurs in Australia may use the   
   AX call sign prefix on that day, instead of VK. Australia Day marks the First   
   Fleet's arrival in 1788 at Sydney Cove, the establishment of a settlement at   
   Port Jackson, and the raising of the British flag by Admiral and   
   Governor-designate Arthur Phillip. On Australia Day many celebrate their   
   country and culture. This includes the granting of awards, honors, and the   
   welcoming to citizenship of many qualifying immigrants. Under a standing   
   agreement between the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the   
   Wireless Institute of Australia, use of the AX prefix is also available on   
   ANZAC Day, April 25, and on World Telecommunication and Information Society   
   Day, May 17. -- Thanks to Jim Linton, VK3PC   
      
   ARRL Centennial: W1AW Centennial Operations Now in New York and Oklahoma   
      
   The ARRL Centennial "W1AW WAS" operations taking place throughout 2014 from   
   each of the 50 states now are in New York (W1AW/2) and Oklahoma (W1AW/5).   
   During 2014 W1AW will be on the air from every state at least twice, and from   
   most US territories, and it will be easy to work all states solely by   
   contacting W1AW portable operations.   
      
   In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the ARRL, the ARRL Centennial QSO   
   Party kicked off January 1 for a year-long operating event in which   
   participants can accumulate points and win awards. The event is open to all,   
   although only ARRL members and appointees, elected officials, HQ staff and   
   W1AW are worth ARRL Centennial QSO Party points. Working W1AW/x from each   
   state is worth 5 points per contact.   
      
   To earn the "Worked all States with W1AW Award," work W1AW operating portable   
   from all 50 states. (Working W1AW or W100AW in Connecticut does not count for   
   Connecticut, however. For award credit, participants must work W1AW/1 in   
   Connecticut.) A W1AW WAS certificate and plaque will be available (pricing not   
   yet available).   
      
   ARRL Centennial: A Century of Amateur Radio and the ARRL   
      
   This week we'll look at early Amateur Radio as seen through the viewing port   
   of the December 1915 issue of QST -- the magazine's first issue -- whose cover   
   proclaims, "An Amateur Wireless Magazine ... Price 10 cents ... QST de The   
   American Radio Relay League."   
      
   The December "Radio Relay Bulletin" discusses the fact that the US and other   
   countries face a serious situation, with war clouds on the horizon. It was   
   obvious to the officers of the League that the service of its members as   
   operators could become quite important. Therefore, the League sent a letter to   
   the Secretary of the Navy, offering the services of its members in the event   
   of a national emergency.   
      
   For day-to-day operation, regular listening hours are suggested, to listen for   
   stations with messages on their hooks. Lists of members and information on   
   their stations had been circulated before that first issue; additions to that   
   list were published in the first QST and in subsequent issues,.   
      
   At that time, League membership and a subscription to QST were separate.   
   Membership was free, and a three-month trial subscription to QST cost 25   
   cents. Among the blanks on the membership application are, "Is your spark gap   
   rotary, fixed, or quenched?" "What tone has your spark?" and "Approximate wave   
   length?" That tells you much about the then-current state of the art.   
      
   The ads in that first issue touted the various parts available for radio   
   operators. These included the Jove Detector Holder, "for holding one or two   
   crystals and a cat-whisker" ($1); the Bunnell "renewable contact radio key"   
   ($7.50); a Stromberg-Carlson radio headset ($8.25), and the Chambers rotary   
   spark gap ($12.50): "Gives a tone similar to a flute, on 60 Cycles." Next   
   time: The art and science of radio advances by leaps and bounds.   
      
   Apps: Library of Congress Releases Free Braille and Audio Reading App   
      
   The Library of Congress Braille and Talking Book Program has a free Braille   
   and Audio Reading Download (BARD) app for iOS devices available via the iTunes   
   Store. QST is among the available publications that can use this app.   
      
   "People who are blind, visually impaired or have a physical disability may now   
   download audio and Braille books to their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, if they   
   are registered with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically   
   Handicapped (NLS) in the Library of Congress," the Library of Congress   
   announcement said. NLS is also working on a version of the app for Android   
   devices.   
      
   The program permits readers to download audio and Braille books from their NLS   
   BARD accounts. Access to BARD is provided through local cooperating libraries.   
   For QST the program describes every circuit. It lets users adjust speed and   
   tone, and it offers a quick rewind to replay the last few seconds or a minute   
   at a time, as well as fast forward, wind back by phrase, and other features.   
   Users can go directly to articles, skip from section to section within an   
   article, and jump from article to article. Read more.   
      
   Milestones: Retired ARRL Staff Member Walt Ireland, WB7CSL, SK   
      
   Retired ARRL Technical Relations Specialist Walter Ireland, WB7CSL, of   
   Henderson, Nevada, died January 20. He was 76. Ireland served for 11 years on   
   the staff of the League's Technical Relations Office (TRO) in Fairfax,   
   Virginia, retiring in 2008. Prior to arriving at ARRL in 1997, Ireland spent   
   37 years in a variety of roles working for the federal government, including   
   for the Voice of America (VOA), where he was involved with building HF   
   broadcast stations.   
      
   "Walt contributed to the ARRL's preparations for the World Radiocommunication   
   Conferences (WRCs) in 2000, 2003, and 2007," recalled ARRL CEO David Sumner,   
   K1ZZ. "His expertise in HF broadcasting was especially valuable prior to   
   WRC-03, where we gained a significant improvement in the 40 meter band."   
      
   At the request of the FCC, Ireland in 1997 accepted the chairmanship of US   
   Working Party 6E -- which dealt with HF broadcasting -- remaining through   
   WRC-07. Ireland was selected as vice chair of informal working groups of the   
   FCC WRC Advisory Committee in preparation for WRC-03 and WRC-07. In addition   
   to his involvement in shifting HF broadcasters out of a part of 40 meters, he   
   also took part in efforts to protect Amateur Radio frequencies from synthetic   
   aperture radar, broadband over power lines (BPL), and ultra-wide band (UWB)   
   systems.   
      
   During his ARRL tenure, Ireland served as the chief instructor for ARRL   
   Amateur Radio Administration Course for Regulators (ARAC), sponsored by the   
   United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI) and held at ARRL   
   Headquarters. He was an ARRL member and an alumnus of Central Michigan   
   University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Baltimore Technical   
   Institute.   
      
   After moving to Nevada, Ireland worked for several years with the Henderson   
   Police Department as a crime analyst.   
      
   Milestones: Noted DXer Bruce Butler, W6OSP, SK   
      
   Bruce W. Butler, W6OSP, of Napa, California, died January 16. He was 79.   
   Butler's father was a ham and inspired him to get his license, which he did in   
   1950, becoming W5PXN while a high school student in Albuquerque, New Mexico.   
   While serving in the Navy on Guam, he operated KG6AAY and was able to keep in   
   touch with his father. He got hooked on DX after operating from both sides of   
   a pileup.   
      
   A University of New Mexico graduate, he moved to California in the 1970s and   
   obtained W6OSP. In the 1980s he became a stockbroker and also rejuvenated his   
   ham radio activity. His primary activity was DXing. He served as president of   
   the Redwood Empire DX Association and was a member of the Northern California   
   DX Club and the Northern California Contest Club. He served on the board of   
   the Northern California DX Foundation and as its treasurer and president until   
   recently stepping down in retirement.   
      
   W6OSP was on DXpeditions from such locations as 3B9, 4O, A6, KH8, H40, HV,   
   KH4, PJ7 and ZF. NCDXF President Rusty Epps, W6OAT, remembers Butler's   
   "boundless" energy, and said he was always looking for ways to help activate   
   most-needed entities. "Amateur Radio, and the DX community in particular, has   
   lost a champion; I have lost a great friend," said Epps. -- Thanks to The   
   Daily DX and the NCDXF   
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, reports: Average daily sunspot numbers increased slightly this   
   week, from 111.4 to 113.3, but average daily solar flux declined by 22 points,   
   from 155.4 to 133.4. Although there seems to be no shortage of sunspots, they   
   seem anemic and not very magnetically complex. As a result, the radiation from   
   these sunspots is feeble, as indicated by lower solar flux values.   
      
   Predicted solar flux for the near term is 140 on January 23-24, 135 on January   
   25-26, 130 on January 27-28, 140 on January 29, 150 on January 30-31, 155 on   
   February 1-5, 160 on February 6-7, then 150, 140 and 135 on February 8-10, 125   
   on February 11-15, and 130 on February 16-20.   
      
   Predicted planetary A index is 8 on January 23, 5 on January 24-29, 8 on   
   January 30, 5 on January 31 through February 6, 8 on February 7-8, 5 on   
   February 9-16, and 8 on February 17.   
      
   Friday's bulletin will have an updated forecast, plus reports and from   
   readers. Readers may contact Tad Cook via e-mail.   
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
   Jan 24 -- NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint   
      
   Jan 24 -- QRP Fox Hunt   
      
   Jan 24 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder   
      
   Jan 24-26 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW   
      
   Jan 25 -- Worked All Britain 1.8 MHz Phone   
      
   Jan 25-26 -- REF Contest, CW   
      
   Jan 25-26 -- BARTG RTTY Sprint   
      
   Jan 25-26 -- UBA DX Contest, SSB   
      
   Jan 25-26 -- SPAR Winter Field Day   
      
   Jan 26 -- QRP ARCI Fireside SSB Sprint   
      
   Jan 26-27 -- Classic Exchange, CW   
      
   Jan 29 & 31 -- QRP Fox Hunt   
      
   Jan 31 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder   
      
   Feb 1 -- Triathlon DX Contest (RTTY, SSB, CW)   
      
   Feb 1 -- Minnesota QSO Party   
      
   Feb 1 -- AGCW Straight Key Party   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- Vermont QSO Party   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- 10-10 International Winter Contest, SSB   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- EPC WW DX Contest   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- Black Sea Cup International   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- British Columbia QSO Party   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- Delaware QSO Party   
      
   Feb 1-2 -- Mexico RTTY International Contest   
      
   Feb 2 -- North American Sprint, CW   
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events   
      
   January 24-25 -- Mississippi State Convention, Jackson, Mississippi   
      
   January 25 -- Georgia ARES Convention, Forsyth, Georgia   
      
   January 25-26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto Rico   
      
   January 31-February 1 -- Southern Florida Section Convention, Miami, Florida   
      
   February 1 -- Virginia State Convention (Frostfest), Richmond, Virginia   
      
   February 1 -- South Carolina State Convention, North Charleston, South   
   Carolina   
      
   February 7-9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention (Orlando HamCationr --   
   Regional ARRL Centennial Event), Orlando, Florida   
      
   February 14-15 -- Arizona Section Convention, Yuma, Arizona   
      
   February 22 -- Vermont State Convention, South Burlington, Vermont   
      
   March 1-2 -- Alabama Section Convention (BirmingHAMfest 2014), Birmingham,   
   Alabama   
      
   March 7-8 -- North Carolina Section Convention (Charlotte Hamfest), Concord,   
   North Carolina   
      
   March 7-8 -- West Gulf Division Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma   
      
   March 14-15 -- Delta Division Convention, Rayne, Louisiana   
      
   March 15 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska   
      
   March 15 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas   
      
   March 22 -- South Texas Section Convention (Greater Houston Hamfest),   
   Rosenberg, Texas   
      
   March 22-23 -- Communications Academy, Seattle, Washington   
      
   March 28-29 -- Maine State Convention, Lewiston, Maine   
      
   April 19 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina   
      
   April 25-27 -- Idaho State Convention, Boise, Idaho   
      
   April 26 -- Aurora '14 Conference, White Bear Lake, Minnesota   
      
   May 16-18 -- Dayton Hamvention, Dayton, Ohio   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
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