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   http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2015-06-25   
      
   The ARRL Letter   
      
   June 25, 2015   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  League Continues Efforts to Secure Senate Sponsorship for Amateur Radio   
       Parity Act of 2015   
    *  States, Counties, Communities Recognize the Value of Amateur Radio   
    *  New World Distance Records Set on 2.3 and 3.4 GHz Ham Bands   
    *  OJ0B on Market Reef Logs Hundreds of 2 Meter Moonbounce, Meteor Scatter   
       Contacts   
    *  ARRL 2015 Hurricane Season Webinar Set for July 20   
    *  ARRL Offering 20 Percent Off on Select Antenna Publications   
    *  Ohio ARES "NVIS Antenna Day" Concludes: The Truth is Up There   
    *  EO-80 (QB50p2) FM Transponder Testing is Successful   
    *  AMSAT-NA Announces 2015 Board of Directors Candidates   
    *  ARRL NTS Confers Special Service Awards   
    *  In Brief...   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
      
   League Continues Efforts to Secure Senate Sponsorship for Amateur Radio Parity   
   Act of 2015   
      
   ARRL representatives are continuing efforts on Capitol Hill to secure   
   sponsorship for a Senate companion bill to the Amateur Radio Parity Act of   
   2015 -- H.R. 1301. ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, is   
   optimistic that Amateur Radio Parity Act legislation will be active in both   
   the US House and Senate this summer. The proposed legislation, which has   
   bipartisan support, would direct the FCC to extend its rules relating to   
   reasonable accommodation of Amateur Service communications to private land-use   
   restrictions.   
      
   "Progress has been made on a US Senate version of the bill," Henderson said   
   this week. "We've had some very positive feedback on the Senate side, and we   
   believe a companion bill will be submitted there soon."   
      
   Henderson stressed that when a companion US Senate bill is "dropped" --   
   submitted, in congressional parlance -- it will have a completely different   
   number than the current House bill, H.R. 1301. Once that happens, ARRL members   
   will be urged to contact their two US senators to encourage them to cosponsor   
   the Senate bill. Until then, he stressed, League members should refrain from   
   contacting any US Senators, because the only active bill is the one in the US   
   House -- H.R. 1301.   
      
   "You can't ask US Senators to cosponsor a bill in the US House," Henderson   
   said, "and you can't ask US House members to cosponsor a bill in the US   
   Senate."   
      
   Henderson has been sorting through letters from ARRL members for hand-delivery   
   to Capitol Hill. He advised that letter writers must include their name and   
   address on their correspondence, because members of Congress are interested in   
   voters. He said letters that are not signed, that don't include the   
   constituent's address, or that are directed to the wrong Member of Congress   
   cannot be used.   
      
   Henderson has spent a lot of his time recently meeting with congressional   
   staffers and occasional US House members, in an effort to gain additional   
   cosponsors for the bill. As of June 25, there were 79 cosponsors of H.R. 1301,   
   and Henderson said he anticipates a few more House members will sign onto the   
   bill soon.   
      
   The latest cosponsors of H.R. 1301 are Rep David Rouzer (NC) and Rep Janice   
   Hahn (CA).   
      
   "The bill is being well received," Henderson said, "and we anticipate a   
   mark-up session in the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and   
   the Internet after the August recess, and following that, hearings will be   
   scheduled." US Rep Greg Walden, W7EQI, chairs the subcommittee that will   
   consider the bill.   
      
   Henderson said the Congress's upcoming August recess would be a good time to   
   meet with lawmakers while they are in their home states and districts. He   
   suggested contacting a House member's local constituent office to arrange a   
   visit. "It is not too early," he added. "Perhaps you could convince the member   
   of Congress to visit your club meeting." He also recommended that those   
   interested in following the trajectory of H.R. 1301 should sign up to receive   
   the ARRL's free Legislative Update Newsletter.   
      
   ARRL members are encouraged to contact their member of Congress by writing   
   personalized, signed letters on paper, based on the sample letter available on   
   the ARRL HR 1301 web page. Letters should include the constituent's address.   
   Send letters to ARRL Headquarters for hand delivery to the appropriate House   
   members to: ARRL, ATTN HR 1301 Grassroots Campaign, 225 Main St, Newington CT   
   06111.   
      
      
   States, Counties, Communities Recognize the Value of Amateur Radio   
      
   Several US states, counties, and communities have taken the opportunity to   
   formally recognize the value of Amateur Radio and the occasion of ARRL Field   
   Day.   
      
   Connecticut Gov Dannel Malloy has proclaimed June 22-28 as Amateur Radio Week.   
   His proclamation noted that the ARRL is headquartered in Connecticut and has   
   been "promoting and advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of Amateur   
   Radio" for more than 100 years. Gov Malloy cited Amateur Radio's public   
   service contributions as well as its role in providing "a bridge between   
   peoples, societies, and countries."   
      
   Florida Gov Rick Scott has proclaimed June 21-27 as Amateur Radio Week in his   
   state. Scott cited Amateur Radio as a "critical communication link in the   
   event of a disaster," noting the services that Amateur Radio Emergency Service   
   volunteers provide in Florida's three ARRL sections. Gov Scott also expressed   
   appreciation for SKYWARN volunteers, many of them radio amateurs, who serve as   
   weather spotters to assist the National Weather Service.   
      
   Indiana Gov Mike Pence has declared June 22-28 as Amateur Radio Week in his   
   state. Indiana Section Public Information Coordinator Joe March, KJ9M, said   
   Field Day-oriented public service announcements are airing on radio stations   
   throughout the Hoosier State. Efforts have been under way in Indiana to   
   disseminate media releases on Field Day.   
      
   Iowa Gov Terry Branstad has proclaimed June 22-28 as Amateur Radio Field Week.   
   He cited Amateur Radio's contributions in times of emergency and natural   
   disaster, and its role in moving forward radio communication and the science   
   of electronics. His [ARRL%20Field%20Day%202015%20logo.gif] proclamation also   
   noted the role of many radio amateurs as volunteer weather spotters. Cedar   
   Rapids, Iowa, is the home of Rockwell Collins Radio Company, where employees   
   will take part in a "Take Your Radio to Work Day" on June 26, with tours of   
   the company's two Amateur Radio club stations, N0CXX and W0CXX.   
      
   Kansas Gov Sam Brownback has recognized June 27-28 as Kansas Amateur Radio   
   Field Day and encouraged all with an interest in Amateur Radio to visit a   
   Field Day site. The governor's proclamation cited the role of Field Day in   
   emergency preparedness.   
      
   New Hampshire Gov Maggie Hassan proclaimed June as Amateur Radio Month. She   
   cited Amateur Radio's role in serving as "a bridge between peoples, societies,   
   and countries by creating friendships and the sharing of ideas" as well as its   
   value in public service during emergencies and public events. She encouraged   
   New Hampshire citizens to recognize Field Day weekend as a "demonstration of   
   the radio amateur's skills and readiness to provide self-supporting   
   communications without further infrastructure required."   
      
   Oklahoma Gov Mary Fallin has proclaimed the week of June 21 as Amateur Radio   
   Week and urged all Oklahomans "to pay tribute to the Amateur Radio operators   
   of our state." Fallin's proclamation cites ham radio's "significant role in   
   the development of worldwide radio communication as well as its public service   
   contribution. It notes that Field Day "promotes the honing of radio amateurs'   
   emergency preparedness skills." Speaking with ARRL Oklahoma Section Manager   
   Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, Gov Fallin cited recent severe weather that Oklahoma has   
   experienced in recent months, including tornadoes and flooding.   
      
   Washington Gov Jay Inslee has proclaimed the week of June 21 as Amateur Radio   
   Week. He cited Amateur Radio's contributions to the public in times of   
   emergencies and disasters. "Amateur Radio operators deserve our recognition   
   and a salute for hundreds of jobs well done," the proclamation said.   
      
   Wisconsin Gov Scott Walker has proclaimed June 27-28 as Amateur Radio Week.   
   Gov Walker recognized Amateur Radio's public service role and Field Day as "a   
   24-hour emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration" of skill and   
   readiness to provide "self-supporting communication."   
      
   The Butts County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners has declared June 22-28 as   
   Amateur Radio Week in the county.   
      
   Crossville, Tennessee, Mayor James Mayberry has proclaimed the week of June   
   22-28 as Ham Radio Week, in advance of Field Day.   
      
   In Idaho, the Kamiah City Council has proclaimed the week of June 22-28 as   
   Amateur Radio Week. The Council also waived the fee for use of the city park   
   for the Three Rivers Amateur Radio Club's Field Day operation. Local   
   broadcasters are airing Amateur Radio promotional announcements.   
      
      
   New World Distance Records Set on 2.3 and 3.4 GHz Ham Bands   
      
   Two California radio amateurs -- one of them in Hawaii -- have set new world   
   distance records on the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz microwave amateur bands. Wayne   
   Overbeck, N6NB, operating from a radio-equipped rental car on the Big Island   
   of Hawaii, worked Gregory Campbell, W6IT, operating from Overbeck's own fixed   
   station near Orange, California, on both bands -- a distance of more than 4024   
   km (2495 miles). The contacts blew away records that had stood for more than   
   20 years, and more than doubled the previous distance records for a two-way   
   voice (SSB) contact at those frequencies, Overbeck said, adding that most   
   previous microwave distance records have been set using CW.   
      
   "Ours was the first-ever SSB contact between Hawaii and the mainland on 2304,"   
   Overbeck noted. He said Chip Angle, N6CA, and KH6HME (SK) made the first   
   transpacific SSB contact on 3.4 GHz in the 1990s.   
      
   The record-setting contacts occurred on June 19 (June 18 in Hawaii) on 2.3 GHz   
   at 0257 UTC and at on 3.4 GHz at 0300 UTC. W6IT was in grid square DM13cs,   
   while N6NB/KH6 was in BK29hq. According to the database of distance records   
   maintained by Al Ward, W5LUA, the old records were 3982 km, set on by N6CA and   
   KH6ME on July 14, 1994, on 2.3 GHz (CW) and on July 28, 1991, on 3.4 GHz (SSB).   
      
   Overbeck flew to Hawaii carrying gear for all bands from 144 MHz through 10   
   GHz "in two large suitcases, plus a roll-aboard and a backpack" -- weighing   
   about 150 pounds in all. In Hawaii, he rented a small SUV and built a   
   rover-style station that included a rotating roof platform, constructed using   
   parts obtained from a home improvement store.   
      
   Overbeck said that when a tropospheric duct formed that could convey signals   
   thousands of miles across the Pacific, he drove around the slopes of Mauna Loa   
   -- 13,000 feet up --and selected several promising sites for long-haul DX,   
   "not necessarily the highest possible sites," he added. "By Thursday, June 18,   
   the duct seemed to be peaking," he said.   
      
   W6IT activated N6NB's fixed station and quickly worked N6NB/KH6 on six bands,   
   including 2304 and 3456 MHz for world records. Overbeck said he also heard   
   W6IT on 902 MHz and 5.7 GHz, but local, non-amateur interference in California   
   -- likely from Part 15 Wi-Fi devices -- prevented W6IT from hearing N6NB/KH6   
   on those bands.   
      
   A video of the record-setting 2304 GHz contact between N6NB/KH6 and W6IT   
   (recorded from the Hawaii end of the circuit) is online.   
      
      
   OJ0B on Market Reef Logs Hundreds of 2 Meter Moonbounce, Meteor Scatter   
   Contacts   
      
   The recent Market Reef OJ0B expedition resulted in 462 contacts via 2 meter   
   Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) and meteor scatter activity with stations on all   
   continents. The activity this month was a somewhat belated 50th anniversary   
   celebration of the historic first 2 meter EME contact in 1964. More than 50   
   hams from the US and Canada were among those that worked OJ0B on 2 meter EME.   
   The OJ0B activity shut down on June 15 after making more than 8200 contacts on   
   all bands and modes.   
      
   Project leaders dedicated the activity to VHF pioneer Lenna Suominen, OH1NL   
   (SK), who had experimented with EME in the 1960s and made the first-ever 2   
   meter EME contact, as well as the first transatlantic (Europe-US) on any band   
   above 50 MHz, with Bill Conkel, W6DNG, in 1964. OJ0B used JT65B mode,   
   developed by Joe Taylor, K1JT. Former ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, was   
   one of the lucky US stations to work OJ0B, and Harrison served as one of the   
   pilots for the activity.   
      
   All contacts have been uploaded to ClubLog and OQRS.   
      
   Suominen, an early VHF pioneer, was deeply involved in the science of VHF   
   communication and strongly believed that 2 meter EME contacts -- dismissed by   
   experts as being out of reach for radio amateurs -- were indeed possible. His   
   2 meter EME contact with W6DNG in California proved the skeptics wrong,   
   scoring more than one VHF "first."   
      
   Market Reef (JP90nh) is located between Finland and Sweden. The Finnish   
   Lighthouse Society has been restoring the Market Reef Lighthouse there, which   
   is now fully automated. Dedicated quarters on the reef are available for   
   Amateur Radio operation, with power from generators and solar arrays. --   
   Thanks to Martti Laine, OH2BH, and Jarmo Jaakola, OH2BN   
      
      
   ARRL 2015 Hurricane Season Webinar Set for July 20   
      
   The ARRL will host a 2015 Hurricane Season webinar Monday, July 20, getting   
   under way at 8 PM EDT (July 21, 0000 UTC). The approximately 90-minute session   
   will address the role of Amateur Radio during the 2015 Hurricane Season.   
      
   Anyone interested in hurricane preparedness and response is invited to attend   
   this online presentation. Topics will include a meteorological overview of the   
   upcoming season; Amateur Radio station   
   WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center: Who We Are and What We Do; ARRL Media   
   and Public Relations; the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN); the VoIP Hurricane Net,   
   and ARRL coordination and interface.   
      
   The program will include presentations by representatives of the National   
   Hurricane Center and WX4NHC, the VoIP Hurricane Net, the HWN, the Canadian   
   Hurricane Centre, and the ARRL. Webinar registration is open to all, but   
   should be of particular interest to radio amateurs in hurricane-prone areas.   
   The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session.   
      
   Register online. -- Thanks to Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness   
   Manager   
      
      
   ARRL Offering 20 Percent Off on Select Antenna Publications   
      
   Summertime is antenna time! To celebrate, ARRL is rolling back prices on some   
   of the hottest antenna publications in Amateur Radio. Save 20 percent on   
   select ARRL antenna-themed publications when you order online through July 31,   
   2015. No coupon code is necessary to receive the savings, and discounted   
   titles may be combined with one coupon code offer.   
      
   For a complete list of discounted publications, visit ARRL's "Antenna Books   
   Price Rollback" page online.   
      
   ARRL publications are available from the ARRL Store or from your ARRL   
   Publication Dealer, or call 860-594-0355 (toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289)   
   to order. E-mail ARRL Publication Sales for more information.   
      
      
   Ohio ARES "NVIS Antenna Day" Concludes: The Truth is Up There   
      
   Ohio ARES NVIS Antenna Day on April 25 attracted participation from some 100   
   Buckeye State stations in an effort to determine which configurations of   
   near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) antenna offer the best results. ARRL   
   Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL, said that while the   
   results of the unscientific test were inconclusive, some configurations did   
   seem superior to others.   
      
      
   Delaware County ARES tried a number of different configurations, several of   
   them using the ubiquitous military mast sections for support: (L-R) Larry   
   Mittman, N9AUG; Emergency Coordinator Donn Rooks, K8AOK; Dave LeMay, WB2CWJ;   
   Dale Bauer, W8KTQ, and Joe Penzera, N8DRZ.   
      
   "The goal was simple: Try different antennas, see which worked," Broadway   
   explained. "Each station was responsible for providing accurate signal   
   reports, so performance could be evaluated. Results would be tallied and   
   digested in hopes of creating a short list of winners that ARES teams could   
   keep in their toolboxes."   
      
   Most operation was Field Day-style on 40 meters. "This was not a contest,"   
   Broadway pointed out, "so, groups gathered not only to test antennas, but to   
   cook out and enjoy each other's company." He said one group had so much fun   
   making contacts with their first dipole that they abandoned any further   
   antenna work and just had fun.   
      
   Groups most frequently deployed simple dipoles. End-fed and longwires were   
   popular too, as well as a handful of loops. A half-dozen antennas were based   
   on the military AS-2259 design -- crossed inverted Vs with about 10 feet of   
   elevation in the middle. Other designs included antennas erected above ponds,   
   inverted Ls, and even a Moxon aimed straight up.   
      
   "For our operation, there just wasn't that much difference between the more   
   specialized NVIS designs and any good antenna," Broadway concluded. The   
   longwire was among those at the bottom of the list, with signal reports   
   uniformly 2 or 3 S-units below other choices, according to Broadway. "But   
   contacts were made, and communication took place," he added. "It's a very   
   portable antenna, too."   
      
      
   The Shelby County ARES team fielded a 2259 military-type antenna that worked   
   very well. The center mast was inexpensive conduit, about 12 feet tall, with   
   each of the four legs anchored within a parking lot -- typical of what might   
   be set up in an emergency.   
      
   Determining the "best" antenna turned out to be harder. Dipoles -- flattops or   
   inverted Vs -- installed at lower heights in keeping with NVIS concepts,   
   provided reasonable reports, but erecting them at a low height didn't seem to   
   make much difference. If any antenna topped the list, it was those fashioned   
   after the AS-2259 configuration.   
      
   "These all performed very satisfactorily for their owners, and were uniformly   
   given good signal reports," Broadway said. "They weren't 40 dB above the   
   competition, but they were solid."   
      
   While the NVIS antenna experiment had inconclusive results, "we did prove that   
   our hobby can be a lot of fun, even for the old heads, when we get back to   
   some basics -- experimenting, equipment and team building, and trying our   
   stuff out," Broadway said. Concluded Jefferson County participant Gregory Day,   
   N8GD, "After 34 years, ham radio is still fun!"   
      
   Ohio ARES is planning an even bigger NVIS event next April, and will extend an   
   invitation to neighboring ARRL sections to join in.   
      
      
   EO-80 (QB50p2) FM Transponder Testing is Successful   
      
   AMSAT-Francophone has reported successful testing of the FM transponder on   
   EO-80 (QB50p2). Two 2U CubeSats, QB50p1 and QB50p2, launched in June of 2014   
   into a polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 420 miles. QB50p2 is   
   equipped with a secondary FM transponder payload developed by AMSAT-F.   
      
   On June 16, the primary ground control station in the Netherlands activated   
   the transponder on QB50p2 for one orbit. AMSAT-F reports that CW telemetry was   
   received at the �cole Polytechnique near   
   Paris, and the FM transponder, with an output of 1.5 W, was activated, with   
   strong signals heard on Earth.   
      
   Although the transponder was turned off at the end of that single orbit, it is   
   anticipated that it will be activated permanently within a few weeks, possibly   
   at the 500 mW or 1 W level.   
      
   EO-80 frequencies: 145.880 MHz, 1200 bps BPSK or CW telemetry; FM transponder,   
   435.080 MHz (210.7 Hz tone) uplink; 145.840 MHz downlink (also 9600 bps FSK   
   data).   
      
   QB50p1 (EO-79), also known as FUNcube-3, is equipped with a linear transponder   
   for SSB and CW. Initial testing was successfully completed in April, and its   
   transponder should also be enabled full-time in a few weeks. -- Thanks to   
   AMSAT News Service via Gerard Auvray, F6FAO, and AMSAT-UK   
      
      
   AMSAT-NA Announces 2015 Board of Directors Candidates   
      
   AMSAT-NA has announced the slate of candidates for the 2015 Board of Directors   
   election. The candidates are Barry Baines, WD4ASW; Jerry Buxton, N0JY; Steve   
   Coy, K8UD; Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA; Mark Hammond, N8MH; EMike McCardel,   
   KC8YLD; Bob McGwier, N4HY, and Bruce Paige, KK5DO.   
      
   This year AMSAT-NA members will elect four voting members of the Board of   
   Directors. These seats will go to the four candidates who receive the highest   
   number of votes received. Two alternates will be chosen, based on the next   
   highest number of votes received.   
      
   Ballots will be mailed to the AMSAT-NA members by July 15, 2015. Completed   
   ballots must be received at the AMSAT office by September 15, 2015, in order   
   to be counted.   
      
   Ballots sent to AMSAT members living outside North America will go by air   
   mail. If you have not received your ballot package within a reasonable period,   
   contact AMSAT.   
      
   AMSAT urges members to review the candidate statements that will accompany the   
   ballot and to vote. Members may choose up to four candidates. -- Thanks to   
   AMSAT News Service   
      
      
   ARRL NTS Confers Special Service Awards   
      
   The National Traffic System (NTS) conferred its prestigious Special Service   
   Award upon two radio amateurs at the 2015 Dayton Hamvention(R) in May. The   
   Special Service Award recognizes volunteers for outstanding, selfless, and   
   lengthy service to the National Traffic System. The Pacific, Central, and   
   Eastern Area NTS committees determine award recipients. Award winners receive   
   the Special Service Award Plaque. Jim Wades, WB8SIW, the editor of QNI -- An   
   NTS Newsletter, announced the award winners at Dayton. Honored were:   
      
   Kenneth W. Jacobs, KD6PGI, Hood River, Oregon, for technical supervision and   
   migration support of the NTS Digital Network BPQ32 Modernization Project. The   
   BPQ32 migration provides the NTS with a modern, multimode, packet-switching   
   environment capable of seamless integration with all AX.25 and IP-based   
   networks. According to the announcement, Jacobs "donated countless hours   
   consulting to NTS on BPQ32 migration strategy, environment installation,   
   operator support, and implementation of custom NTS functionality in   
   collaboration with developer John Wiseman, G8BPQ."   
      
   Joseph F. Tracey, KB3LNM, Finksburg, Maryland, for his development and rollout   
   of the NTSD Parser application, intended for use by ARES and other radio   
   operators originating messages to format ARRL Radiograms for submission into   
   the NTS Digital network via Winlink 2000. The software will generate   
   appropriate message headers and footers, based on address information in each   
   message, and place the messages in output files, sorted by precedence. An NTS   
   Winlink Target Station receives the messages and delivers them via RF paths,   
   typically within 1 hour.   
      
   Founded in 1949 by ARRL Communications Manager George Hart, W1NJM (SK), the   
   National Traffic System, more than 2000 traffic handlers strong, operates more   
   than 100 organized nets.   
      
      
   In Brief...   
      
   Work at ARRL Headquarters! ARRL has an opening for a receptionist at League   
   Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. The individual in this position is   
   responsible for handling incoming telephone calls and messages; greeting and   
   attending to visitors, members, and customers; overseeing the operation and   
   presentation of the lobby greeting area; data entry, and handling other   
   clerical duties as needed. Applicants should have a high school diploma or   
   GED, and be proficient in Microsoft Office for Windows software, especially   
   Word and Outlook. An experienced radio amateur is preferred, and foreign   
   language proficiency is a plus. The complete Job Description and application   
   information are on the ARRL website.   
      
   Amateur Radio Added to Maritime Incident Response Team: The Tri-State Maritime   
   Safety Association (TMSA) serving New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, has   
   added Amateur Radio to its Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT). TMSA is   
   teaming up with Audubon-Barrington (NJ) OEM Radio Club for Amateur Radio   
   support. The radio amateurs will use the TMSA MIRT bus, which features five   
   dispatch consoles, incident command area, and meeting area. Amateur Radio   
   operators not only will operate and maintain the vehicle for MIRT but will   
   have the chance to use it at Field Day and other public   
   events. It will make its Field Day debut at the club's Field Day site at the   
   Woodland School in Barrington, New Jersey. -- Thanks to Rick Tighe, N2PHI,   
   Camden County ARES PIO, via QRZ.com   
      
   Amateur Radio Volunteers to Support Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta: Amateur   
   Radio Volunteers will again support communication during the Peachtree Road   
   Race, an Atlanta 4th of July tradition for 46 years. More than 50 hams from   
   throughout the Atlanta area will provide radio communication before and during   
   the race to aid with organization and logistics. They will be stationed at the   
   start and finish areas and along the race route, providing the primary   
   communication network for race organizers and officials and supplementing the   
   public safety networks. The Atlanta Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)   
   unit will provide a command post net control station.   
      
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, in Seattle, reports: This was a very active week for solar   
   flares and aurora. On Monday and Tuesday, the planetary A index was 55 and 76,   
   indicating a geomagnetic storm.   
      
   It turns out that the magnetometer at Fredericksburg, Virginia, was knocked   
   out on 5 of the 7 days, so the mid-latitude A index we are reporting for June   
   18-21 and June 24 are approximations -- or actually wild guesses -- based on   
   magnetometers that were working.   
      
   Average daily sunspot numbers dropped from 99.9 during the week of June 11-17   
   to 71.6 a week later. Average daily solar flux decline from 135.9 to 130.8.   
   Average daily planetary A index rose from 12.1 to 24.4.   
      
   As Field Day looms, the current outlook from NOAA/USAF has solar flux at 100   
   on June 25-27; 105 on June 28-July 1; 115 on July 2, 125 on July 3-4; 120 on   
   July 5-6; 125 on July 7-10, and 130 on July 11-20.   
      
   Predicted planetary A index is 25 and 8 on June 25-26, 5 on June 27 through   
   July 4, then 25, 15 and 12 on July 5-7, then 10, 5 and 8 on July 8-10, 18, 12   
   and 8 on July 11-13, 5 on July 14-17, 8 on July 18-19, and 5 on July 20-31.   
      
   In Friday's bulletin look for reports from readers and an updated forecast.   
   Send me your reports and observations.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
    *  Jun 26 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint   
    *  June 26 -- NCCC Sprint   
    *  June 27-28 -- ARRL Field Day   
    *  June 27-28 -- His Majesty the King of Spain Contest (SSB)   
    *  June 27-28 -- Ukrainian DX DIGI Contest   
    *  Jun 28 -- 10-10 Int'l Spirit of 76 QSO Party (CW, SSB, digital)   
    *  July 1 -- Canada Day Contest (CW)   
    *  July 1-2 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test   
      
   See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
    *  July 4 -- Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Harrisburg,   
       Pennsylvania   
    *  July 10-11 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Milton, Florida   
    *  July 13-16 -- Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club Convention, The Villages,   
       Florida   
    *  July 17-19 -- Montana State Convention, East Glacier, Montana   
    *  July 23-26 -- Central States VHF Society Conference, Westminster,   
       Colorado   
    *  July 24-25 -- Oklahoma Section Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma   
    *  July 31-August 2 -- Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Bryce Canyon,   
       Utah   
    *  August 1 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Columbus, Ohio   
    *  August 7-8 -- South Texas Section Convention, Austin, Texas   
    *  August 7-9 -- New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico   
    *  August 7-9 -- Pacific Northwest DX Convention, Everett, Washington   
    *  August 15-16 -- Alabama State Convention, Huntsville, Alabama   
    *  August 16 -- Kansas State Convention, Salina, Kansas   
    *  August 21-23 -- New England Division Convention, Boxborough,   
       Massachusetts   
    *  August 22 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West Virginia   
    *  August 30 -- Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, New Kensington,   
       Pennsylvania   
    *  September 5-6 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Shelby, North Carolina   
    *  September 11-12 -- W9DXCC, Schaumburg, Illinois   
    *  September 11-13 -- Southwestern Division Convention, Torrance,   
       California   
    *  September 12 -- Virginia Section Convention, Virginia Beach, Virginia   
    *  September 26 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley, Washington   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
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   )\/(ark   
      
   ... The ghost in my machine is responsible for the typos.   
   ---   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.73)