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   http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2015-08-13   
      
   The ARRL Letter   
      
   August 13, 2015   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  AMSAT Echoes IARU Satellite Coordination Concerns   
    *  ARRL Teachers Institutes Chalk Up Another Successful Summer   
    *  World-Circling Danish Radio Amateur-Cyclist Now in the US   
    *  Joint Cuba-US DX Operation Planned; Will Include CQ World Wide SSB   
       Contest   
    *  Texas Club Donates $1000 to Support Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015   
       Campaign   
    *  ARRL Rookie Roundup RTTY is August 16   
    *  ARRL Logs Received Page Showing all 2015 Field Day Entries to Date   
    *  WWV's 25 MHz Signal is Back on Original Vertical Dipole   
    *  Rockwell Collins to End Mechanical Filter Production   
    *  Yasme Foundation Announces Excellence Awards   
    *  Central States VHF Society Honors Wayne Overbeck, N6NB; Lauren Libby,   
       W0LD   
    *  Katrina 10th Anniversary Mississippi Memorial Event Set   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
      
   AMSAT Echoes IARU Satellite Coordination Concerns   
      
   AMSAT-NA has joined the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in expressing   
   concern that some soon-to-be-launched satellites operating in Amateur Radio   
   bands could cause conflicts in some ITU regions. In an August 7 statement on   
   behalf of the IARU, Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD, said the IARU had become   
   aware of plans to launch a series of satellites, "where the frequencies   
   proposed appear to conflict with existing IARU band plans" in parts of the   
   world.   
      
   "IARU is investigating how this has arisen, and is discussing the issues with   
   the parties involved," Stafford said. AMSAT-UK has reported that the IARU   
   Satellite Coordinator was asked to look into the matter.   
      
   While Stafford did not name any specific satellites that may be of concern,   
   AMSAT-UK has said that some frequencies proposed for the Chinese Amateur Radio   
   Group (CAMSAT) XW-2/CAS-3 mission do not respect the internationally   
   agreed-upon 2 meter band plan for IARU Region 1.   
      
   AMSAT-NA President Barry Baines, WD4ASW, told the ARRL that AMSAT's initial   
   excitement regarding the pending CAMSAT launch of nine Amateur Radio   
   satellites has been tempered by concerns that some of the proposed amateur   
   frequencies may not have been properly coordinated.   
      
   "While these frequencies are within the spectrum allocated for the Amateur   
   Satellite Service, several will conflict with existing terrestrial   
   allocations, as well as with the normal voice and SSTV downlink from the ISS,"   
   Baines told ARRL. "We support the IARU's effort to determine how the lack of   
   coordination occurred, to mitigate the interference issues to the maximum   
   amount possible, and to ensure that future amateur satellites will be   
   coordinated in accord with established norms for the benefit of all."   
      
   In a related matter, also alluded to by Stafford, the operation of an existing   
   satellite -- the 14-year-old PCSAT (NO-44) -- recently became a problem over   
   Europe, when it began transmitting APRS on 144.390 MHz, due to technical   
   issues related to its age. APRS on that frequency is not compatible with the   
   Region 1 band plan. "[T]his unfortunate circumstance appears to be   
   unintentional," Baines allowed in his comments to ARRL. "There are lessons to   
   be learned in satellite design from this experience that will hopefully be   
   followed in the future to mitigate such potential problems," Baines added.   
   Users have been asked not to digipeat via PCSAT while the satellite is over   
   Europe.   
      
   With the support of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), IARU   
   volunteer satellite coordinators assign appropriate frequencies for satellites   
   designed to operate on Amateur Radio frequencies. Stafford said these efforts   
   have generally been successful, "allowing satellites to operate without undue   
   interference to each other and to other services using the bands in question."   
   -- Thanks to IARU, AMSAT, and AMSAT News Service   
      
      
   ARRL Teachers Institutes Chalk Up Another Successful Summer   
      
   Educators from several states expanded their electronic horizons this summer   
   in three ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology sessions. The 2015   
   ARRL Education & Technology Program (ETP) offered two introductory (TI-1) and   
   one advanced (TI-2) Teachers Institute sessions this summer.   
      
   "I am the only teacher in my building who teaches Ohm's Law and basic   
   electricity, along with breadboard circuits, because of what I learned at the   
   first TI," one advanced student commented afterward. "From this TI, I feel   
   like I have 'upped' my game."   
      
   The expenses-paid Teachers Institute sessions offer educators a professional   
   development opportunity that equips them with training and resources to   
   explore a variety of applications in radio science and wireless technology and   
   -- in the advanced seminar -- remote sensing and data-gathering techniques.   
      
   A 4-day introductory (TI-1) session in June at Parallax in Rocklin,   
   California, kicked off the series. An additional introductory course was held   
   in July at ARRL Headquarters. A 5-day advanced (TI-2) seminar, "Remote Sensing   
   and Data Gathering," took place in late July at ARRL Headquarters. The   
   advanced course is only open to those who have already completed the   
   introductory program; an Amateur Radio license is a prerequisite.   
      
   At the California TI-1 class, instructor Tommy Gober, N5DUX, plunged into some   
   hands-on radio activities, which included working a couple of stations via   
   SaudiSat 1-C (SO-50) and capturing part of a NOAA weather satellite pass.   
   Groups of class participants in both sessions also faced off in a   
   hidden-transmitter hunt -- a fox hunt.   
      
   The TI-1 students also learned computer programming to control Boe-Bot(R)   
   robots on wheels that they then run through a maze to check their coding skill.   
      
   In the TI-2 class, expanded to 5 days to cover applications for downloading   
   and using satellite telemetry as well as electronic sensors and their   
   deployment in a marine buoy. Participants also used a MAREA (Mars Lander   
   Amateur Radio Robotics Exploration Activity) transceiver to outfit their   
   Boe-Bots for packet control. The robot activity simulates how NASA scientists   
   use radio signals to control the Mars rovers. TI Instructor Matt Severin,   
   N8MS, demonstrated techniques to use satellite data in the classroom by   
   downloading telemetry from the FUNCube-1 (AO-73) educational spacecraft. TI-2   
   participants also were exposed to digital concepts, such as analog-to-digital   
   conversion.   
      
   Among the 22 attending the two TI-1 courses, 11 had Amateur Radio licenses,   
   while nine others indicated they intended to get their tickets. Ten radio   
   amateurs participated in the TI-2 class.   
      
   "We are all teachers and deal with a lack of time, money, and authorization   
   issues, but we do have the ability to integrate ideas that can profoundly   
   change the way students understand data and technology," TI Instructor Bill   
   Richardson, N5VEI, remarked.   
      
   ARRL Teachers Institute is open to grade 4-12 teachers as well as to   
   post-secondary educators. "We look for teachers who have a vision of how to   
   apply this wireless technology training to support STEM learning in their   
   classrooms," said ARRL Education Services Manager Debra Johnson, K1DMJ.   
      
      
   World-Circling Danish Radio Amateur-Cyclist Now in the US   
      
   Danish radio amateur Thomas Andersen, OZ1AA/K9DXX, has said he never wanted to   
   think back on things that he might have done during his lifetime, but did not.   
   That's why he decided to follow his dream and start cycling -- around the   
   globe. He's now completing the 5th year of his journey, and he's been meeting   
   many hams along the way. This month he's been working his way up the East   
   Coast of the US, more or less following US Route 1 from Florida.   
      
   "I have been staying with hams almost every day on the trip in the US!" the   
   32-year-old telecommunications engineer told ARRL this week. "Absolutely   
   amazing hospitality." He plans to end the North American leg of his trip in St   
   John's, Newfoundland. "From there I will be flying back to Denmark for a   
   3-month break," he explained. "Then my plan is to go to Africa and start   
   riding home from there."   
      
   Andersen said his bicycle adventure also stemmed from a desire to attempt   
   something that he was not entirely sure he could finish, but it's been an   
   opportunity to combine his favorite activities.   
      
   "Apart from ham radio I have been interested in cycling since I was a kid," he   
   said on his QRZ.com page. "I also love to travel, so it was somewhat natural   
   for me to combine my passions in life into a perfect match." Andersen has been   
   pedaling since leaving his homeland in 2010. His initial plan was to cycle   
   southeast and end his trip in Sydney, Australia.   
      
   "When I left Denmark I had enough money for 1 year of travelling (on a $20 a   
   day budget). That was enough to get me to Australia," he told ARRL. "I thought   
   I had to go back home from there, but I found work in Australia -- on a huge   
   cattle station out of Alice Springs -- so I could save up more money and   
   extend my trip to the Americas as well." He now hopes to complete his   
   circumnavigation back home in Denmark.   
      
   So far, he has not been carrying along any Amateur Radio gear, because of   
   weight concerns. "Even so, I have come to the conclusion that I would like to   
   add a small HF rig to my setup. Having a radio in my bag simply seems worth   
   it," he said on QRZ. Andersen said he thinks his adventure would not have been   
   possible without his being a radio amateur.   
      
   "I can't honestly think of any other hobby where you can show up in any town   
   in any part of the world and be welcomed like I have been. He said his non-ham   
   friends don't get it, though. "[B]ut all I can tell them is: Become a ham, and   
   you will have 1 million friends around the world as well." Read more.   
      
      
   Joint Cuba-US DX Operation Planned; Will Include CQ World Wide SSB Contest   
      
   In the wake of the recently announced normalization of diplomatic relations   
   between the US and Cuba, a joint US-Cuba operation is being planned for this   
   fall, to include the dates of the CQ World Wide SSB contest.   
      
   "The combined group will be operating under the call sign T42US between   
   October 21 and October 28, including during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest," the   
   announcement said. "There will be nine operators   
   from the USA and approximately the same number from Cuba. The T42US group will   
   operate 160-10 meters, SSB and CW."   
      
   The US Team leader is Jim Millner, WB2REM, and the Cuban Team Leader is Bob   
   Ibarra, CM2KL. Millner said the T42US operation will be among the first of its   
   kind in Cuba and will involve a joint effort between the US and Cuban teams.   
   Read more.   
      
   Texas Club Donates $1000 to Support Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 Campaign   
      
   The Temple Amateur Radio Club (TARC) has again generously supported the ARRL's   
   advocacy efforts, this year donating $1000 to the Legislative Issues Advocacy   
   Fund in support of the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015. In the past, the   
   Texas club has donated to the Spectrum Defense Fund, but this time it asked   
   specifically to put its gift toward the Parity Act campaign.   
      
   "The Temple Amateur Radio Club has been a long-time supporter of ARRL," said   
   ARRL Development Manager Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD. "Over the years, the club has   
   donated $8000 to the Spectrum Defense Fund to support ARRL advocacy efforts to   
   protect our frequencies. We are grateful to the members of TARC for their   
   continued support and generosity."   
      
   Representatives of the club presented a check to ARRL West Gulf Division   
   Director Dr David Woolweaver, K5RAV, and Vice Director John Stratton, N5AUS,   
   at the ARRL South Texas Section Convention -- the Austin Summerfest -- August   
   7-8. ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, who represented League   
   Headquarters at the event, said some 700 visitors turned out for the   
   convention, despite temperatures in excess of 100ø F.   
      
   During the ARRL Forum, attended by about 120 conventioneers, Inderbitzen said   
   Director Woolweaver encouraged those on hand to support the Amateur Radio   
   Parity Act grassroots effort to obtain additional cosponsors for the US House   
   and Senate bills.   
      
   TARC maintains two repeaters under its W5LM call sign, and actively   
   participates in public service events. The club sponsors the HamEXPO, held   
   this year on October 3 in Belton, Texas.   
      
      
   ARRL Rookie Roundup RTTY is August 16   
      
   The ARRL Rookie Roundup returns to RTTY Sunday, August 16, 1800 UTC through   
   2359 UTC. For the purposes of this operating event, a "Rookie" is any radio   
   amateur licensed within the current calendar year or in the previous 2   
   calendar years, regardless of license class. Rookie Roundup events take place   
   three times a year -- SSB in April, RTTY in August, and CW in December.   
      
   The goal of Rookie Roundup is to encourage recently licensed operators in   
   North America (including territories and possessions) to operate on the HF   
   bands and experience competitive Amateur Radio operating. Experienced   
   operators are encouraged to participate and help new operators -- either on   
   the air or in person. Old Timers may want to consider opening up their   
   stations to rookies and serving as contesting mentors. The more operators on   
   the air, the more fun the Roundup will be for everyone.   
      
   During the contest Rookies can work anyone, while veteran operators only work   
   Rookies. Single-Operator Rookie entrants can form teams, but teams must   
   register beforehand. A multioperator category is also available for stations   
   hosting more than one Rookie operator. Rookies call "CQ RR" (CQ Rookie   
   Roundup), while veteran ops call "CQ R" (CQ Rookies). Exchange the call sign   
   of the station you're working, your call sign, your first name, two-digit   
   number of the year first licensed, and your state, Canadian province, Mexican   
   call area, or DX.   
      
   Review the rules before the event, and get familiar with logging and log   
   submission processes too. Rookies exchange information with as many other   
   stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Before venturing forth,   
   Rookie entrants are encouraged to read "HF Contesting -- Good Practices,   
   Interpretations and Suggestions."   
      
   Contact ARRL Contest Branch Manager Matt Wilhelm, W1MSW, for more information.   
   Read more.   
      
      
   ARRL Logs Received Page Showing all 2015 Field Day Entries to Date   
      
   The ARRL "Logs Received" page now contains all 2015 ARRL Field Day entries   
   received to date (scroll to bottom of page). This includes entries submitted   
   via e-mail, web applet, or on paper. The date to submit entries for ARRL Field   
   Day 2015 has passed.   
      
   The ARRL Contest Branch requests that Field Day participants review the list   
   and contact ARRL Contest Branch Manager Matt Wilhelm, W1MSW, (860-594-0232) no   
   later than Midnight, August 21, if anything appears to be incorrect with their   
   entry information.   
      
      
   WWV's 25 MHz Signal is Back on Original Vertical Dipole   
      
   Time and frequency standard station WWV's resurrected 25 MHz signal -- now   
   back on the air for more than a year after going silent in 1977 -- is once   
   again transmitting on a vertical dipole from its original antenna and   
   location. The 25 MHz signal returned to the air on an "experimental basis" in   
   April 2014, and it's been transmitting ever since. The WWV vertical dipole is   
   not something you'd likely find in the average ham radio antenna farm.   
      
   "The antenna the 25 MHz [transmitter] is on right now is the original antenna   
   it was on in 1977," Matt Deutch, N0RGT, WWV's lead electrical engineer, told   
   ARRL. "When the 25 [MHz transmitter] was shut down [that year], the radiating   
   section was removed and tossed in the bone yard, and a new longer section put   
   on the tower to make it a 15 MHz stand-by antenna."   
      
   Deutch said that when WWV first reintroduced the 25 MHz broadcast in 2014, it   
   used a broadband monopole. It was later decided to use that antenna for WWV's   
   2.5 MHz stand-by transmitter, though. "So, we decided to rebuild the 25 MHz   
   antenna," he recounted. "A few weeks ago the boys dug the 25 MHz radiating   
   section out of the mud in the bone yard and rebuilt the 25 MHz antenna, so   
   that it looks identical to what it looked like in 1977."   
      
   Deutch said the 25 MHz WWV vertical dipole now is coupled to its own,   
   dedicated transmitter, radiating 2.5 kW "with near zero watts reflected," he   
   added, and modeling has showed that the dipole exhibits a lower angle of   
   radiation than the broadband monopole did. "There is no automatic backup   
   transmitter for 25 MHz at this time," Deutch added. The 25 MHz WWV signal had   
   been operating at about 1 kW for the past 16 months.   
      
   Deutch has said that WWV has received reports on the 25 MHz signal from across   
   the Atlantic. The 25 MHz transmission not only provides another option to   
   check your frequency calibration or the exact time, it also can serve to   
   indicate the state of propagation on 12 and 10 meters. The 25 MHz broadcast   
   includes the same information transmitted on all other WWV frequencies and at   
   the same level of accuracy.   
      
   Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, WWV is operated by the National Institute   
   of Standards and Technology (NIST). WWV has invited listeners' comments and   
   signal reports.   
      
      
   Rockwell Collins to End Mechanical Filter Production   
      
   As more and more communications equipment designs have adopted digital signal   
   processing techniques, Rockwell Collins has announced that it will stop   
   manufacturing its renowned mechanical filters. It did not provide a specific   
   date.   
      
   "Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic reduction in demand for   
   narrowband analog filters," the company said on its website. "Due to this and   
   other economic reasons, [Rockwell Collins] Filter Products will be   
   discontinuing its mechanical filter products in the near future."   
      
   Rockwell Collins makes two different types of mechanical filters, many of   
   which have found their way into Amateur Radio products and applications. In a   
   mechanical filter, input and output transducers convert the electrical signal   
   to and from resonant mechanical vibrations, respectively.   
      
   Collins has made mechanical filters for more than 6 decades, and their initial   
   application was in telephone circuits. The filters gained favor for Amateur   
   Radio use because of their excellent selectivity, especially in IF   
   applications. It is said to take about 12 weeks to manufacture a single unit.   
   Read more. -- Thanks to Mike Morris, WA6ILQ; Rockwell Collins   
      
      
   Yasme Foundation Announces Excellence Awards   
      
   The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors has announced the recipients of the   
   Yasme Excellence Award. The Award is presented to individuals who, through   
   their own service, creativity, effort, and dedication, have made a significant   
   contribution to Amateur Radio.   
      
   "The contribution may be in recognition of technical, operating, or   
   organizational achievement, as all three are necessary for Amateur Radio to   
   grow and prosper," the announcement said. The Yasme   
   Excellence Award is in the form of a cash grant and an individually-engraved   
   crystal globe.   
      
   The recipients are:   
      
    *  Mike Mertel, K7IR, for his revolutionary invention of a tunable Yagi   
       antenna that was later made available to the Amateur Radio community   
       under the brand name SteppIR.   
    *  Koos Fockens, PA0KDF, for his investigations, measurements, and   
       publications regarding noise in the Amateur Radio bands that played a   
       key role in the global fight against Broadband over Power Line (BPL)   
       interference.   
    *  James Ying, N2IW, for his creation of an online scheduling application   
       that was used by many W1AW/portable operations during the 2014 ARRL   
       Centennial and remains available without charge.   
      
   The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized to conduct   
   scientific and educational projects related to Amateur Radio, including DXing,   
   and the introduction and promotion of Amateur Radio in developing countries.   
      
      
   Central States VHF Society Honors Wayne Overbeck, N6NB; Lauren Libby, W0LD   
      
   The Central States VHF Society (CSVHFS) recently honored two radio amateurs   
   with awards. Wayne Overbeck, N6NB, was presented with the Society's 2015 John   
   Chambers Memorial Award, and Lauren Libby, W0LD, received the 2015 Wilson   
   Award. Kent Britain, WA5VJB, presented both honors on July 25 at the CSVHFS   
   annual conference in Denver.   
      
   The Chambers Award is given for technical contributions to VHF/UHF Amateur   
   Radio. Created in 1970, it honors the memory of John Chambers, W6NLZ, who   
   completed the first-ever 2 meter transpacific contact with Ralph "Tommy"   
   Thomas, KH6UK. The Wilson Award is given for outstanding service to the CSVHFS   
   or for service to VHF-UHF Amateur Radio in general. Introduced in 1982, it   
   honors the memory of Mel Wilson, W2BOC.   
      
   This marked the second time that Overbeck has won the Chambers Award, although   
   it's been a long time between awards; he previously won it in 1978.   
      
   Overbeck and Libby said they were pleased and surprised to be feted at the   
   conference. In presenting the awards, Kent Britain, WA5VJB, said Overbeck was   
   being honored for accomplishments since winning his previous Chambers Award in   
   1978, and primarily for his success in setting new world DX records on the 2.3   
   and 3.4 GHz bands. Libby received the Wilson Award for his longtime service to   
   the CSVHFS.   
      
      
   Katrina 10th Anniversary Mississippi Memorial Event Set   
      
   A special event operation from August 26 through September 2 will commemorate   
   the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the more than 230 people who   
   lost their lives as a result of Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and   
   points north.   
      
   "Many lost everything they owned and many lost their lives," said Larry   
   Morgan, AG5Z, who is spearheading the event. "We also want to honor the   
   hundreds of volunteers from all over the country that poured in to assist us   
   in our time of dire need."   
      
   Several stations along the Mississippi coast will use special event K (for   
   Katrina) prefix 1 x 1 call signs. Operation will begin on August 26 at 0000   
   UTC from home stations. On August 29 at 1300 -- the time of Katrina's impact   
   -- all stations will reduce power to 100 W, except for bonus stations K5M and   
   K5T. Reduced-power operation will continue until September 2 at 2359 UTC.   
      
   K5Z at "ground zero" will consist of a portable QRP station set up on the   
   beach using temporary antennas and emergency power.   
      
   Certificates will be available. See the Katrina 10th Anniversary Special   
   Memorial Event website for details. Send logs and QSLs to AG5Z. Morgan   
   expressed his appreciation to the 599 DX Association and the Hattiesburg   
   Amateur Radio Club. Read more.   
      
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity remains soft, although   
   sunspot numbers and solar flux both increased this week. Average daily sunspot   
   numbers for August 6-12 increased from 70.3 to 82.3, compared to the previous   
   7 days. Average daily solar flux went from 104.5 to 112.4. Geomagnetic   
   activity was moderate.   
      
   Predicted solar flux for the near term is 100 on August 13; 95 for August   
   14-15; 90 for August 16-21; 95 on August 22; 100 for August 23-26; 105 for   
   August 27-28; 110 for August 29-31, and then peaking at 115 for September 1-7.   
   Solar flux drops below 100 for September 13-18.   
      
   Predicted planetary A index is 5 for August 13-16; 14 on August 17; 10 on   
   August 18; 8 for August 19-20; 10 for August 21-22; 12 on August 23; 10 on   
   August 24; 5 for August 25-26; 12 on August 27; 10 for August 28-29; 5 for   
   August 30-September 1; 12, 22, and 15 for September 2-4; 20, 22, 12, and 8 for   
   September 5-8, and 5 for September 9-12.   
      
   In Friday's bulletin we will present a revised forecast, and any reports from   
   readers.   
      
   Send me your reports and observations.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
    *  August 15 -- SARTG WW RTTY Contest   
    *  August 15 -- Feld Hell Sprint   
    *  August 15-16 -- North American QSO Party, SSB   
    *  August 15-16 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest   
    *  August 15-16 -- Russian District Award Contest (CW, SSB)   
    *  August 15-16 -- Keyman's Club of Japan Contest   
    *  August 15-16 -- CVA DX Contest, CW   
    *  August 16 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY   
    *  August 16 -- SARL HF Digital Contest   
    *  August 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)   
    *  August 19 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test   
      
   See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
    *  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 Convention, Schaumburg, Illinois   
    *  September 11-13 -- Southwestern Division Convention, Torrance,   
       California   
    *  September 12 -- Virginia Section Convention, Virginia Beach, Virginia   
    *  September 19 -- San Joaquin Valley Section Convention, Fresno,   
       California   
    *  September 25-26 -- W4DXCC/SEDCO Convention, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee   
    *  September 26 -- Iowa State Convention, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa   
    *  September 26 -- North Dakota State Convention, West Fargo, North Dakota   
    *  September 26 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley, Washington   
    *  October 2-4 -- Mid-Atlantic States VHF Conference, Bensalem,   
       Pennsylvania   
    *  October 3 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware   
    *  October 9-10 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida   
    *  October 10-11 -- Pacific Northwest VHF Conference, Issaquah, Washington   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
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   )\/(ark   
      
   ... The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.   
   ---   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.73)