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   The ARRL Letter   
      
   March 19, 2015   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  ARRL President: H.R. 1301 is All About Fairness   
    *  FCC, Regulatory Issues Dominate ARRL Executive Committee Meeting Agenda   
    *  Colorado Governor Signs Amateur Radio Antenna Bill into Law   
    *  Emergency Communication Lacking in Vanuatu Cyclone Recovery Effort   
    *  National Hurricane Conference Will Include Amateur Radio Sessions   
    *  Dayton Hamventionr Names 2015 Award Winners   
    *  IARU Emergency Telecommunications Guide Available Online   
    *  Deadline Extended to Apply for Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR)   
       Scholarships   
    *  ITU Symposium Endorses Small Satellite Regulation and Communication   
       Systems Declaration   
    *  LoTW, Other ARRL Web Services to be Out on March 23-24 (UTC)   
    *  In Brief...   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
   ARRL President: H.R. 1301 is All About Fairness   
      
   The push is on to convince Congress to pass The Amateur Radio Parity Act of   
   2015 -- H.R. 1301, which was introduced in the US House early this month   
   with bipartisan support and now has 22 cosponsors. The full text of the bill   
   now is available. If approved and signed by President Obama, the measure   
   would direct the FCC to extend its rules relating to reasonable   
   accommodation of Amateur Service communications to private land use   
   restrictions -- also known collectively as "deed covenants, conditions, and   
   restrictions" or CC&Rs. In the March issue of the ARRL Legislative Update,   
   ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, said the bill is "simple and sensible,"   
   and she urged all radio amateurs -- whether or not they are affected by   
   CC&Rs -- to join the effort to gain cosponsors for the measure. A regularly   
   updated H.R. 1301 page on the ARRL website includes key "talking points" and   
   other information for Amateur Radio delegations or individuals to use when   
   approaching US House members for their support.   
      
   "Private land use restrictions that prohibit antennas are growing at an   
   alarming rate all over the country," President Craigie said in stressing the   
   urgency of the current campaign. "This is not just a problem in cities,   
   suburbs, and gated communities. It is everywhere." Part of the problem, she   
   explained, is the uneven application of Amateur Radio antenna regulation   
   from the public to the private sphere. While President Craigie's Virginia   
   county has what she called "a very satisfactory antenna ordinance," similar   
   accommodations do not extend to developments where homeowners associations   
   and private land-use regulations hold sway.   
      
   "In our rural and small-town county, every new development must have a   
   homeowners association, and they all prohibit antennas with cookie-cutter   
   language," she said.   
      
   As President Craigie sees it, H.R. 1301 is all about fairness. "H.R. 1301   
   seeks regulatory parity -- not a blank check, not the heavy hand of the   
   federal government, but simply the opportunity to negotiate reasonable   
   accommodation," she said. "It seeks a level playing field."   
      
   President Craigie said she successfully reached out to her Member of   
   Congress to support H.R. 1301, and she encouraged other radio amateurs to do   
   the same.   
      
   "If private land-use restrictions do not affect you, please stand up for   
   your fellow amateurs," she urged. "Please stand up for the youth we all want   
   to attract into Amateur Radio. What is the point of helping youth get their   
   licenses if they cannot go on to develop the skills of Amateur Radio because   
   they cannot have antennas in their neighborhoods?"   
      
   At present, PRB-1 only applies to state and local zoning laws and   
   ordinances. The FCC has been reluctant to extend the same legal protections   
   to private land-use agreements without direction from Congress.   
      
   H.R. 1301 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Rep   
   Greg Walden, W7EQI (R-OR), chairs that panel's Communications and Technology   
   Subcommittee, which will consider the measure.   
      
   FCC, Regulatory Issues Dominate ARRL Executive Committee Meeting Agenda   
      
   When the ARRL Executive Committee (EC) meets on March 21 in Dulles, Virginia   
   -- in the shadow of the nation's capital -- it will confront a raft of   
   FCC-related and regulatory issues. The continued evaluation of strategies   
   for improving the FCC Amateur Radio enforcement program heads the list. The   
   ARRL learned recently that the FCC Enforcement Bureau will recommend to the   
   full Commission significant cutbacks in Field Office sites and personnel,   
   due to tighter budgets.   
      
   Other topics include a February FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making and   
   Reconsideration Order (NPRM&RO) in ET Docket 15-26 that could lead to   
   expanded spectrum for various radar applications in the 76-81 GHz band,   
   which Amateur Radio shares with other services. The ARRL plans to file   
   comments in the proceeding. Other matters [ARRL%20logo%20type.jpg] include a   
   Part 5 Experimental license issued to a Massachusetts company, MITRE   
   Corporation, which plans to conduct experimental transmissions over wide   
   portions of the HF spectrum. The ARRL asked the company in February either   
   to avoid Amateur Radio allocations or to announce the times and frequencies   
   of their transmissions in advance. So far, MITRE has not responded. Among   
   other matters, the EC will discuss strategies to address HF Experimental   
   licenses and Special Temporary Authority (STAs) going forward.   
      
   The EC will hear an updated status report on the FCC planned adjudication of   
   the 2013 ARRL Petition for Rule Making (RM-11708), asking the FCC to delete   
   the symbol rate limit in 97.307(f) of its Amateur Service rules and to   
   replace it with a maximum data emission occupied bandwidth of 2.8 kHz on   
   frequencies below 29.7 MHz.   
      
   The committee also will be briefed on the progress of the ARRL's Petition   
   for Rule Making to create a new Amateur Service allocation at 472-479 kHz,   
   as well as other allocation issues, including a possible 135.7-137.8 kHz   
   band and upgrading 1900-200 kHz to primary.   
      
   Topping the list of legislative matters is the status of congressional   
   advocacy on behalf of the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 (H.R. 1301) and   
   efforts to obtain a companion bill in the US Senate. The EC will also   
   consider strategies to raise lawmakers' awareness of Amateur Radio during   
   the 114th Congress.   
      
   Colorado Governor Signs Amateur Radio Antenna Bill into Law   
      
   Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for Colorado hams, as Gov John   
   Hickenlooper signed into law an Amateur Radio antenna bill that mirrors the   
   PRB-1 federal pre-emption policy. The signing brings the number of states   
   that have similar Amateur Radio antenna laws in place to 32. The Colorado   
   General Assembly, without amendment, passed Senate Bill 15-041, sponsored by   
   Sen Chris Holbert and Rep Kevin Van Winkle. The new legislation, introduced   
   in early January, specifies that no local government "shall enact or enforce   
   an ordinance or resolution regulating Amateur Radio antennas that fails to   
   conform" with PRB-1's "reasonable accommodation" provisions.   
      
   "There was absolutely no opposition from anyone at any time for this bill,"   
   ARRL Colorado Section Manager Jack Ciaccia, WM0G, enthused. "This was truly   
   a bi-partisan bill, and we had terrific support from both sides of the aisle   
   in both chambers. For junior House member Kevin Van Winkle, this was his   
   first bill ever presented, supported, and passed. He was thrilled to get his   
   first bill-signing pen."   
      
   The three-part PRB-1 federal policy states that local regulation of Amateur   
   Radio antenna installations be based on health, safety, or aesthetic   
   considerations; be crafted to reasonably accommodate Amateur Radio   
   communications, and represent the minimum practicable regulation to   
   accomplish the legitimate purpose of the local government.   
      
   Ciaccia said that the testimony of Colorado State Government Liaison Robert   
   Wareham, N0ESQ, offered "an excellent opportunity to sell Amateur Radio and   
   ARES" to the lawmakers.   
      
   "[T]he politicians had lots of glowing remarks, because Colorado hams have   
   been very much involved with emergency communications in many of their   
   communities for many years now, during just about every wildfire," Ciaccia   
   said. He pointed out that hams had also impressed Colorado's lawmakers by   
   providing emergency communication during the 2013 flood evacuations in   
   isolated areas.   
      
   Following the bill signing, Ciaccia recounted, Gov Hickenlooper took another   
   15 minutes out of a busy day to meet with the ham contingent on hand and to   
   personally thank the Amateur Radio community for its public service role.   
      
   Wareham aided in getting the legislation drafted and introduced by Sen   
   Holbert and Rep Van Winkle, and he also testified on behalf of the measure   
   while it was being heard in committee. ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay,   
   W3KD, provided legal expertise and case precedents and consulted directly   
   with Wareham, also an attorney, as the bill made its way through the General   
   Assembly.   
      
   Ciaccia thanked all Colorado ARRL members and radio amateurs "who provided   
   grassroots support for this legislation."   
      
   Emergency Communication Lacking in Vanuatu Cyclone Recovery Effort   
      
   With the telecommunications and electrical power infrastructure in Vanuatu   
   knocked out by the Category 5 Cyclone (hurricane) Pam, which struck the   
   Pacific archipelago over the weekend, no organized   
   emergency communication system has   
   stepped in to fill the gap. Many locations have not been heard from since   
   the storm hit. The extreme storm, with winds in excess of 155 MPH, caused   
   severe damage throughout Vanuatu's 60 islands, devastating many communities,   
   including the capital of Port Vila. The number of deaths is unclear, but the   
   storm displaced thousands of residents, and recovery is expected to take a   
   very long time. There are few Amateur Radio operators in Vanuatu, which has   
   a population of approximately 250,000. Rod Newell, YJ8RN, who lives on Efate   
   Island and is a member of the IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications   
   Committee, has not been heard from since the storm struck. Over the years   
   the idyllic location has been a haven for tourists and DXpeditioners   
   (Vanuatu is number 102 on ClubLog's Most Wanted DXCC List). No communication   
   has been heard from many of Vanuatu's islands, but relief teams and supplies   
   have begun arriving from Australia and elsewhere.   
      
   Ironically, Vanuatu President Baldwin Lonsdale was in Japan at the UN World   
   Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction when the cyclone struck his country.   
   He made an emotional plea for humanitarian assistance and has since returned   
   to Vanuatu. The BBC has reported that residents of some stricken regions   
   have taken to drinking seawater, since no fresh water is available, and   
   people have been scavenging for food. Drinking salt water can lead to   
   dehydration and death. Formerly known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is one of   
   the region's poorest nations.   
      
   Conference Addresses Preparedness, Ham Radio Role in Disasters   
      
   During the UN conference, held in Sendai, International Amateur Radio Union   
   Region 3 (IARU R3) was represented on a panel organized by the International   
   Telecommunication Union Development (ITU-D) Sector. The panel also included   
   delegates from Japan, the Philippines, and Uganda.   
      
   IARU Region 3 Secretary Ken Yamamoto JA1CJP, explained   
   how Amateur Radio can contribute to Disaster Risk Reduction. He stated that   
   radio amateurs can convey warnings and/or rescue requests in the early phase   
   of a disaster and can provide grassroots communication between evacuation   
   shelters and disaster relief organizations. He said Amateur Radio was a good   
   resource of trained communicators.   
      
   Nicolas D. Ojeda Jr, the Philippines' Deputy Executive Director, Information   
   and Communications Technology Office, Department of Science and Technology,   
   told the panel that Amateur Radio was very helpful in maintaining   
   communication between communities and disaster relief organizations   
   following Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.   
      
   Japan's Vice Minister for Policy Coordination, Ministry of Internal Affairs   
   and Communications Yasuo Sakamoto expressed appreciation for the   
   international cooperation in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and   
   tsunami and for mobile phones that provided voice/data communication.   
      
   Vanuatu's remote location and lack of aircraft landing sites has made relief   
   efforts difficult. Port Vila is more than 1100 miles northeast of Brisbane,   
   Australia, and some 1400 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand.-- Thanks to   
   Jim Linton, VK3PC, Chairman, IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications   
   Committee; news media accounts   
      
   National Hurricane Conference Will Include Amateur Radio Sessions   
      
   Amateur Radio will again be represented at the 2015 National Hurricane   
   Conference, March 30-April 2 in Austin, Texas. The conference theme is   
   improving hurricane preparedness. All Amateur Radio sessions are free and   
   will take place Tuesday, March 31.   
      
   The primary goal of the National Hurricane   
   Conference is to improve hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, and   
   mitigation in order to save lives and property in the US and in the tropical   
   islands of the Caribbean and the Pacific. The conference also serves as a   
   national forum for federal, state, and local officials to exchange ideas and   
   recommend new policies to improve emergency management.   
      
   There will be two Amateur Radio-oriented sessions. In the first, from 1:30   
   until 3:10 PM, National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb will discuss   
   the importance of Amateur Radio weather spotter surface reports during   
   severe weather events, Rob Macedo, KD1CY, will explain WX4NHC operations at   
   the National Hurricane Center on behalf of the WX4NHC team, and Bob   
   Robichaud, VE1MBR, will talk about Canadian Hurricane Centre operations.   
   Macedo is Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net and ARRL ARES   
   Eastern Massachusetts Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator.   
      
   In the second session, from 3:30 until 5 PM, Hurricane Watch Net Manager   
   Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, will discuss the Hurricane Watch Net, which celebrates   
   its 50th anniversary this year. Macedo will discuss the VoIP Hurricane Net   
   and Hurricane Sandy Operations, followed by a presentation on SKYWARN, an   
   update by ARRL representatives, and a question-and-answer session.   
      
   All Amateur Radio presentations will be recorded and   
   streamed live (voipwx.net) (nsradio.org).   
      
   The Austin Amateur Radio Club will host National Hurricane Conference   
   Amateur Radio presenters that evening, to review the afternoon   
   presentations. South Texas Section Manager Lee Cooper, W5LHC, is   
   coordinating the meeting.   
      
   The National Hurricane Conference is the nation's forum for education and   
   professional training in hurricane preparedness. Averaging 2000 attendees   
   from around the country, the conference covers all major aspects of   
   hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery.   
      
   Visit the 2015 National Hurricane Conference website to register and for the   
   complete schedule.   
      
   Dayton Hamventionr Names 2015 Award Winners   
      
   Dayton Hamventionr has named its 2015 award winners. Three radio amateurs   
   and a club will be honored during the annual ham radio gathering, which   
   takes place May 15-17. Named as Amateur of the Year was elite contester and   
   ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section   
      
   Manager Tim Duffy, K3LR. Hamvention's Special Achievement Award will go to   
   webcaster Tom Medlin, W5KUB, and QRP icon and author The Rev George Dobbs,   
   G3RJV, will receive the Technical Excellence Award. Hamvention will pay   
   tribute to the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC) as Club of the Year. The   
   club sponsors the annual Orlando HamCationr, the second-largest ham radio   
   gathering in the US.   
      
   "On behalf of the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) and Hamventionr   
   2015, I would like to congratulate this year's award winners," Hamventionr   
   Chairman Jim Tiderman, N8IDS, said. "Their outstanding contributions and   
   many years of devotion to the Amateur Radio Service are recognized and   
   appreciated."   
      
   The world's largest Amateur Radio gathering, Hamvention is expected to   
   attract more than 25,000 visitors to the greater Dayton area this year. More   
   information is on the Dayton Hamvention website. Read more.   
      
   IARU Emergency Telecommunications Guide Available Online   
      
   The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Emergency Telecommunications   
   Guide is now available for download from the IARU website. The guide was   
   developed to provide the IARU member-societies with materials suitable for   
   training radio amateurs to participate in emergencies.   
   It also was designed to provide guidance to individual Amateur Radio   
   operators with little or no experience in handling emergency communications   
   but desire to enhance their ability to participate in such events or to   
   simply have a better understanding of the process. The IARU Administrative   
   Council meeting approved the Guide at its 2014 meeting.   
      
   "IARU member-societies are encouraged to distribute this guide among its   
   membership and, if necessary, to provide a translation into a language used   
   within their own country," an IARU media release said. "This guide can also   
   be used in conjunction with other training materials by leaders within the   
   emergency communication community to train radio operators in the basic   
   theory and practice of handling emergency communications traffic."   
      
   The IARU International Secretariat has invited feedback, comments, or   
   suggestions regarding the Guide.   
      
   Deadline Extended to Apply for Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR)   
   Scholarships   
      
   The non-profit Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) has given individuals   
   another couple of weeks to apply for the 2015-2016 academic year   
   scholarships it administers. The application deadline has been extended to   
   April 15. Individuals and Amateur Radio clubs across the US sponsor these   
   academic awards, and the FAR scholarship application process is open to   
   Amateur Radio licensees worldwide. Applicants must hold a valid Amateur   
   Radio license and be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an accredited   
   university, college, or technical school.   
      
   FAR's scholarship program is one of the largest   
   for Amateur Radio licensees in the US. The organization's purpose is to   
   further Amateur Radio in all of its various facets.   
      
   For the 2015-16 academic year, FAR will administer 67 scholarships worth   
   $125,500 in all. The list includes 36 Quarter Century Wireless Association   
   (QCWA) scholarships worth a total of $77,000 for 2015 (these require a   
   recommendation from a QCWA member). Individual awards range from $500 to   
   $5000.   
      
   The preferred application method is the electronic form on the FAR website.   
   Information entered on the form goes directly into an encrypted,   
   password-protected PDF file that is available only to the review committee.   
   Raw data are not stored online. Applicants will have an opportunity to print   
   their applications and to edit them. The application cannot be downloaded   
   and completed offline, however.   
      
   Applicants who are unable or unwilling to use the online application should   
   contact Dave Prestel, W8AJR. FAR may be able to provide an alternate   
   application form.   
      
   Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted but are not required; it   
   is preferred that these documents be scanned into PDF files, if they are to   
   be submitted via e-mail. Schools that prefer to mail paper copies should   
   send them to FAR Scholarships, PO Box 911, Columbia, MD 21044.   
      
   Visit the FAR Scholarship Information page or contact FAR, if you have   
   questions about the 2015 scholarship application process.   
      
   ITU Symposium Endorses Small Satellite Regulation and Communication Systems   
   Declaration   
      
   International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) representatives were in Prague   
   earlier this month to join discussions on the regulatory aspects of orbits   
   and spectrum usage for nanosatellites and picosatellites. On hand for the   
   International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Symposium and Workshop March 2-4   
   were IARU Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, and former IARU Region 1   
   President Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T. In particular, discussions centered   
   on the application of the ITU Radio Regulations. The symposium concluded   
   with the unanimous endorsement of the "Prague Declaration on Small Satellite   
   Regulation and Communication Systems."   
      
   "The symposium provided a unique opportunity for experts to examine the   
   procedures for notifying space networks and consider possible modifications   
   to enable the deployment and operation of small satellites," said ITU   
   Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "'The Prague Declaration' represents an   
   important step in this direction."   
      
   The Declaration urges the the small satellite community "to comply with the   
   applicable international and national laws, regulations and procedures,   
   indispensable to guarantee the long-term sustainability of small satellite   
   projects, the avoidance of harmful interference, and proper management of   
   space debris."   
      
   More than 160 participants from some 40 countries attended the symposium.   
   The gathering is being considered an important step in preparing for the   
   2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) in Geneva on November   
   2-27.   
      
   Delegates discussed challenges facing small satellite development, including   
   aspects related to national and international legal and regulatory issues,   
   frequency management, and radiocommunication standardization. Participants   
   stressed the importance of implementing national regulatory frameworks that   
   clearly define the rights and obligations of all stakeholders, in   
   conformance with international laws, regulations, and procedures established   
   by the UN General Assembly, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful   
   Uses of Outer Space, and the ITU.   
      
   These regulatory issues relate to the registration of objects launched into   
   outer space, frequency coordination, and the registration of satellite   
   networks, as well as compliance with the space debris mitigation guidelines.   
      
   ITU Radiocommunication Bureau Director Fran‡ois Rancy, said the ITU, in   
   partnership with key players, including academe, is addressing newly   
   emerging requirements by various industry sectors to place small   
   communication satellite systems in orbit. "We are examining the regulatory   
   aspects of the use of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits to   
   facilitate the launch and operation of a new generation of small   
   satellites," he said.   
      
   LoTW, Other ARRL Web Services to be Out on March 23-24 (UTC)   
      
   The ARRL Logbook of The World (LoTW) service will be down   
   briefly for maintenance from Monday, March 23 at 2300 UTC until Tuesday,   
   March 24 at 0200 UTC.   
      
   Also offline during that period will be the Online DXCC Application, the   
   Centennial QSO Party Awards page, and the ARRL E-Store.   
      
   E-mail to @arrl.org addresses at League Headquarters will be queued for   
   later delivery. The remainder of the ARRL website will not be affected. We   
   apologize for any inconvenience.   
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   In Brief...   
      
   E30FB Eritrea DXpedition Wraps Up on March 17:   
   The E30FB DXpedition to Eritrea shut down on March 17 at 0900 UTC after   
   logging some 62,500 contacts and providing many DXers with an all-time new   
   one. "The E30FB team really enjoyed bringing you this rare activation of   
   Eritrea," a team announcement said. "Murphy was a constant companion on this   
   DXpedition and impacted our antennas and computers. We beat Murphy back each   
   time with skill and determination. You will be surprised to know that almost   
   all CW was sent by hand keys." The QSL manager for E30FB is M0URX. -- Thanks   
   to The Daily DX via the E30FB DXpedition team   
      
   Vibroplex Purchases Bencher Amateur Radio Product   
   Line: Bencher Inc has announced the sale of its Amateur Radio product line   
   to Vibroplex LLC of Knoxville, Tennessee, owned by Scott Robbins, W4PA.   
   "This sale ends Bencher's presence in the Amateur Radio field, thus allowing   
   the principals, Jere Benedict, President, and Bob Locher, W9KNI, to move   
   towards retirement," the announcement said. Product lines included in the   
   sale include the Bencher BY series of iambic paddles as well as the ST   
   series of single-lever paddles, the Bencher Hex Paddle, the N2DAN Mercury   
   Paddle, and the Bencher RJ series hand keys. The sale also includes the HK-1   
   Universal Hook-up kit and the YA-1 Low Pass Filter. Vibroplex has agreed to   
   honor the manufacturer's warranties and to provide parts and support, and it   
   will continue offering Bencher products through existing marketing channels.   
   Benedict and Locher expressed "gratitude to the Amateur Radio community for   
   its interest and support since the sale of the first Bencher Amateur Radio   
   products in the early 1970s."   
      
   Irish Radio Transmitters Society Seeks Award Nominees:   
   The Irish Radio Transmitters Society (IRTS) Awards Committee is seeking   
   nominations for its "Awards for Services to the Society or to Amateur Radio"   
   and "Awards to IRTS members for Other Achievements." Details are available   
   on the IRTS website under the "Awards" section. Nominations should be sent   
   to Awards Manager Jim Holohan EI4HH.   
      
   Austin Amateur Radio Supply Closes its Doors:   
   Austin Amateur Radio Supply has closed its doors. Started by Johnny Paul,   
   WA5BGO, SK, more than 45 years ago, Austin Amateur Radio Supply had   
   continued to advertise in major Amateur Radio publications. Following Paul's   
   death in late 2013, his family took over the operation of Austin Amateur   
   Radio Supply.   
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On Tuesday, March 17, a coronal mass   
   ejection (CME) struck Earth, producing the largest geomagnetic storm of the   
   current solar cycle. Aurora borealis was visible all the way down to the   
   central US. The planetary A index for the day was 117, an incredibly high   
   number. It looks like the greatest impact was in the second half of the day   
   (UTC), when the planetary K index in the four 3-hour periods was 8, 8, 7,   
   and 8.   
      
   The average daily sunspot number for this week   
   rose from 32 to 59.1, and average daily solar flux declined from 127.8 to   
   114.8. The latest prediction has solar flux at 115 on March 19, 110 for   
   March 20-21, 105 and 100 for March 22-23, 95 for March 24-25, 105 on March   
   26, and 110 for March 27-28. Flux values are expected to peak at 120 --   
   which is not very high -- for April 3-5, and a bottom out at 95 for April   
   17-18.   
      
   Predicted planetary A index is expected at 25, 18, and 8 for March 19-21, 20   
   for March 22-23, 10 on March 24, 5 for March 25-26, then 15, 30, and 25 for   
   March 27-29, then 12, 10, and 8 for March 30 through April 1.   
      
   This weekly "Solar Update" in The ARRL Letter is a preview of the   
   "Propagation Bulletin" issued each Friday. The latest bulletin and an   
   archive of past propagation bulletins is on the ARRL website.   
      
   For Friday's bulletin, look for an updated forecast and reports from   
   readers. Send me your reports and observations. -- Tad Cook, K7RA   
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
    *   
      
       March 21 -- Oklahoma QSO Party   
    *   
      
       March 21 -- Virginia QSO Party   
    *   
      
       March 21 -- Feld-Hell Leprechaun Sprint   
    *   
      
       March 21-22 -- BARTG HF RTTY Contest   
    *   
      
       March 21-22 -- Russian DX Contest (CW, SSB)   
    *   
      
       March 28-29 -- FOC QSO Party   
    *   
      
       March 28-29 -- CQ WPX SSB Contest   
    *   
      
       March 28-29 -- Worldwide EME Contest   
      
   See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information.   
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
    *   
      
       March 20-21 -- Louisiana State Convention, Rayne, Louisiana   
    *   
      
       March 21 -- MicroHAMS Digital Conference, Redmond, Washington   
    *   
      
       March 21 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska   
    *   
      
       March 21 -- Southern Florida Section Convention, Stuart, Florida   
    *   
      
       March 21 -- Wisconsin State Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin   
    *   
      
       March 27-28 -- Maine State Convention, Lewiston, Maine   
    *   
      
       March 28 -- Texas State Convention, Rosenberg, Texas   
    *   
      
       April 4 -- West Central Florida Technical Conference, Sebring, Florida   
    *   
      
       April 4 -- North Carolina State Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina   
    *   
      
       April 4 -- Arkansas State Convention, Fort Smith, Arkansas   
    *   
      
       April 11 -- Delta Division Convention, Bartlett, Tennessee   
    *   
      
       April 11-12 -- Communications Academy, Seattle, Washington   
    *   
      
       April 17-19 -- International DX Convention, Visalia, California   
    *   
      
       April 17-19 -- Eastern VHF-UHF-Microwave Conference, Manchester,   
       Connecticut   
    *   
      
       April 24-25 -- Southeastern VHF Society Conference, Morehead, Kentucky   
    *   
      
       April 25 -- Aurora Conference, White Bear Lake, Minnesota   
    *   
      
       May 1-3 -- Nevada State Convention, Verdi, Nevada   
    *   
      
       May 2 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Spartanburg, South Carolina   
    *   
      
       May 15-17 -- Dayton Hamventionr, Dayton, Ohio   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
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   )\/(ark   
      
   If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until   
   you hire an amateur.   
      
   --- FMail/Win32 1.60   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.71)