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   http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2015-10-08   
      
   The ARRL Letter   
      
   October 8, 2015   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  Now, "Clarity on Parity" -- the Video!   
    *  Hamvention "Fully Committed" to Hold 2016 Show at Hara Arena   
    *  ARRL President Congratulates Hurricane Watch Net on its 50th Anniversary   
    *  ARRL Education & Technology Program Grant Application Deadline Looms   
    *  New ARRL Handbook , Antenna Book Editions Now Shipping   
    *  The Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund Established   
    *  Jamboree On The Air 2015 Stations Urged to Register, Report   
    *  ARRL Delegation to Attend IARU Region 3 Triennial Conference in   
       Indonesia   
    *  CEPT Conference Preparatory Group Adopts European Common Proposals for   
       WRC-15   
    *  In Brief   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
      
   Now, "Clarity on Parity" -- the Video!   
      
   In August, the ARRL acted to address objections and concerns being raised by   
   representatives of community and neighborhood associations regarding the   
   Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 -- H.R. 1301 and S. 1685. "Clarity on Amateur   
   Radio Parity" made it clear that the bill would not create new federal policy   
   with respect to outdoor amateur antennas, nor would it require homeowners   
   associations to approve huge radio towers. Now, a new video -- "The Amateur   
   Radio Parity Act of 2015 -- Separating Fact from Fiction" -- doubles down on   
   the arguments contained in the League's August statement. ARRL President Kay   
   Craigie, N3KN, said the video will be made available on Capitol Hill to make   
   sure that Members of Congress have correct information, instead of   
   misrepresentations.   
      
   "This short video is a companion piece to the 'Clarity on Parity' statement on   
   the ARRL website," President Craigie said. "The video not only explains what   
   H.R. 1301 and S. 1685 are all about but knocks down specific misinformation   
   that opponents have been circulating on Capitol Hill."   
      
   The nearly 6-minute video begins by explaining Amateur Radio -- especially its   
   public service role -- in layperson's terms. It includes video clips of FEMA   
   Administrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, who addressed the value of Amateur Radio   
   in emergencies when he spoke at the ARRL Centennial National Convention in   
   2014, and of Sen Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the sponsor of S. 1685, the   
   Senate bill.   
      
   As the presentation outlines, radio amateurs living in deed-restricted   
   neighborhoods may face "cookie-cutter prohibitions" on outdoor antennas. It   
   notes, however, that the FCC recognizes a strong federal interest in effective   
   Amateur Radio communication from residences and, in 1985, adopted the PRB-1   
   limited preemption of state and local regulation of Amateur Radio antennas. As   
   the statement -- and now the video -- point out, the Amateur Radio Parity Act   
   of 2015 would extend that limited preemption to private land-use restrictions.   
      
   The legislation "takes the time-tested 30-year-old reasonable accommodation   
   standard [in PRB-1] and applies it to deed-restricted communities," the video   
   states. "Unfortunately, there is a smear campaign against this legislation,   
   and we need to respond to these blatant lies."   
      
   The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 seeks common ground between radio   
   amateurs in antenna-restricted communities and homeowners associations.   
      
   The video stresses that neighborhood homeowners associations (HOAs) would have   
   the flexibility to reasonably accommodate amateur antennas in a manner that   
   best suits the particular community, although HOAs could not just say "no."   
   The legislation also does not take away any jurisdiction from community   
   associations, nor does it negate any private contracts, the video asserts.   
   "HOAs, not the hams, will decide on height and placement of radio antennas,"   
   it says. "Amateur Radio operators in these communities just want a seat at the   
   table to negotiate a reasonable accommodation from HOAs, but HOAs don't want   
   there to even be a table."   
      
   As the video concludes, "Opposing reasonable accommodation is just   
   unreasonable."   
      
   President Craigie suggested that League members could use the video at club   
   meetings to help their fellow hams understand the legislation and show why   
   it's so important to urge members of the US House and Senate to support the   
   bills, which have more than 100 supporters in both chambers. "If your club has   
   an e-mail reflector, Twitter feed, Facebook page, or newsletter, you could add   
   a link to the video to make it easy for people to find it online," she said.   
   Read more.   
      
      
   Hamvention "Fully Committed" to Hold 2016 Show at Hara Arena   
      
   Hamvention(R) General Chairman Jim Tiderman, N8IDS, is downplaying talk   
   arising from an October 2 television news report and a more extensive and   
   detailed October 3 Dayton Daily News article, that Hamvention might move from   
   Hara Arena as early as next year. Tiderman characterized the reports "all   
   speculation and rumor."   
      
   "In light of the Cox Media (Channel 7) television interview and the ensuing   
   Dayton Daily News article, I, as General Chairman of the 2015-2016 Dayton   
   Hamvention, want to assure all interested parties that the Dayton Hamvention   
   is fully committed to the 2016 Dayton Hamvention at Hara Arena and Exposition   
   Center," Tiderman stressed in a statement. "We still keep an open mind to   
   alternate plans, in case they become necessary. All successful businesses need   
   to do that, and Hamvention is no different in that respect." The Dayton   
   Amateur Radio Association (DARA) sponsors Hamvention.   
      
   The media reports said Dayton-area officials have been working together to   
   keep Hamvention in the Dayton vicinity, if not at Hara Arena in Trotwood,   
   where it has been held since 1964. Dayton TV station WHIO reported on October   
   2 that the Dayton/Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been in   
   discussion with the City of Dayton on a plan to ensure that the world's   
   largest Amateur Radio gathering at least remains in Montgomery County, should   
   Hamvention have to find another venue because of Hara Arena's financial   
   problems. According to Bureau President and CEO Jacquelyn Powell, this isn't   
   the first year that officials have considered "Plan B options," the WHIO and   
   Dayton Daily News reports indicated.   
      
   According to the media reports, representatives of the City of Dayton,   
   Montgomery County, Dayton Convention Center, and the Convention and Visitors   
   Bureau will meet this month to review options for Hamvention organizers in the   
   event a move from Hara Arena becomes necessary. Various alternative venues in   
   the Dayton area are reported to have been considered, including the Dayton   
   Convention Center and the Dayton Airport Expo Center, and the Dayton Daily   
   News report said Tiderman has toured both facilities. Also raised was the   
   possibility of holding the indoor exposition and the outdoor flea market at   
   separate locations in the area, and ferrying visitors back and forth with   
   shuttle buses.   
      
   The Dayton Daily News account said word of Hamvention's possible move from   
   Hara Arena stemmed from a July e-mail from Karen Wampler, director of   
   Marketing for Hara Arena, which the newspaper obtained through a public   
   records request. The Wampler family owns the 165,000 square foot, six-building   
   complex.   
      
   "We have shared the fate of the Trotwood/VenuWorks/Hara acquisition proposal   
   with the [Hamvention] Chairperson and select board members of Hamvention,"   
   Wampler wrote in the e-mail, according to the newspaper account. "While we   
   have kept them informed throughout the process, they are reeling. They have   
   much to lose with Hara's closing and, like us, believed we were close to   
   stabilizing Hara for future growth, rather than ending her nearly 60-year run."   
      
   Since last year, the Wampler family has been working with VenuWorks, which   
   specializes in restoring event venues, to rejuvenate the deteriorating   
   facility. Karen Wampler acknowledged last winter that Hara was facing   
   financial challenges, flagging revenues, and competition from other Dayton   
   area venues and was exploring "a new ownership model." By the time Hamvention   
   2015 took place last may, "Sneak Peak" posters in Hara Arena were advertising   
   "Renovations in 2016" and portraying conceptual sketches of what a refurbished   
   Hara might look like.   
      
   The newspaper account said that VenuWorks had recommended that the City of   
   Trotwood purchase Hara Arena, but the Trotwood officials turned down the idea.   
   That plan was the focus of Wampler's July e-mail, the Dayton Daily News   
   article said. Wampler subsequently told the newspaper that Hara Arena is in   
   better condition than it was when she drafted her July e-mail, and that the   
   event complex will not close any time soon.   
      
   Hamvention puts millions of dollars into the Dayton-area economy each year.   
   Last May, the show attracted some 25,000 visitors. Hamvention 2016 will take   
   place May 20, 21, and 22.   
      
   Tiderman told the Dayton Daily News that "something catastrophic" would have   
   to happen to cause Hamvention to move from Hara Arena.   
      
      
   ARRL President Congratulates Hurricane Watch Net on its 50th Anniversary   
      
   On behalf of the League, ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, has congratulated   
   the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) on the 50th anniversary of its founding by Jerry   
   Murphy, K8YUW.   
      
   "Thanks to the efforts of the Net's dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers   
   across 5 decades, Amateur Radio has played a key role in helping protect the   
   lives of a great many people in harm's way," President Craigie told HWN   
   Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, this week in an e-mail. "The Net demonstrates   
   how significantly Amateur Radio contributes to emergency preparedness and   
   promotes international goodwill. Please relay to the Net's members my   
   appreciation and respect for a half-century of outstanding service. Best   
   wishes for many more years of successful operation of the Hurricane Watch Net."   
      
   Graves replied, "It is an honor and pleasure to be a part of such a great   
   group of ham radio operators with a rich history. I will certainly share your   
   letter with our membership and, more importantly, with our founder, Jerry   
   Murphy, K8YUW." Murphy founded the HWN in 1965 during Hurricane Betsy as "an   
   informal group of radio amateurs who recognized a need to provide   
   communications to and from hurricane affected areas." The net now enjoys a   
   formal relationship with the National Hurricane Center and its WX4NHC amateur   
   station.   
      
   The HWN stood down on October 4 after activating more than once for Hurricane   
   Joaquin, at one point a dangerous Category 4 storm. Graves called the   
   activations "very successful in that we had many more reporting stations and   
   lots of data to forward to the National Hurricane Center in Miami." The HWN   
   had reactivated as Joaquin posed a threat to Bermuda after battering the   
   Bahamas with high winds and heavy rainfall. "Joaquin passed just to the west   
   [of Bermuda] as a Category 2 hurricane, sparing everyone from the extremely   
   damaging winds," Graves noted over the weekend after the net had shut down for   
   the last time. "For the most part, in addition to lots of heavy rain,   
   on-and-off power outages were reported throughout the day."   
      
   The HWN suspended its initial activation for Hurricane Joaquin on October 2,   
   after 3 days of near-continuous operation, only to reactivate on October 3.   
   Although the storm did not make landfall on the East Coast of the US, it   
   caused torrential rainfall and severe flooding in the Carolinas, and has been   
   blamed for more than a dozen deaths.   
      
   The HWN activates on 14.325 MHz whenever a hurricane is within 300 miles of   
   projected landfall or becomes a serious threat to a populated area.   
      
      
   ARRL Education & Technology Program Grant Application Deadline Looms   
      
   November 1 is the deadline for schools to apply for 2016 ARRL Education &   
   Technology Program ( ETP) grants.   
      
   The ETP offers two types of grants. School Station Grants are awarded to   
   schools providing a plan to use Amateur Radio as part of an enrichment program   
   and/or as part of in-classroom learning. ETP Progress Grants offer modest   
   support to teachers now using Amateur Radio as an instructional tool who need   
   additional resources for specific purposes. Progress grants are also available   
   for teachers who need resources to start teaching wireless technology and   
   electronics topics as part of a longer-range plan to involve Amateur Radio.   
      
   A primary ETP objective is to boost wireless technology literacy among US   
   students and educators through Amateur Radio.   
      
   "Amateur Radio provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn about   
   radio science!" said ARRL Educational Services Manager Debra Johnson, K1DMJ.   
   "We look for commitment from teachers and school administrators, a   
   well-conceived plan to use the resources to engage students, and a working   
   relationship with local ham radio volunteers who are willing to serve as   
   mentors," she explained.   
      
   Applicants should review and complete the ETP grant application form.   
   Submitted applications are evaluated on several criteria.   
      
   The ETP depends upon the sustaining support of the Amateur Radio community.   
   Since its inception in 2000, the program has grown to benefit more than 550   
   schools. The program welcomes your donation. For more information, contact   
   Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, at ARRL Headquarters.   
      
      
   New ARRL Handbook, Antenna Book Editions Now Shipping   
      
   The 2016 edition of The ARRL Handbook and 23rd edition of The ARRL Antenna   
   Book are now shipping. While supplies last, you can get the hardcover editions   
   at the softcover price. If there's ever a time to complete your Amateur Radio   
   bookshelf, this is the year. Filled with everything you need to stay immersed   
   in the radio art, this dynamic duo is a must-have for hobbyists and technical   
   professionals.   
      
   The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is the standard reference for   
   radio, electronics, and wireless communication. Since 1926, The Handbook has   
   kept radio amateurs, professionals, and experimenters immersed in applied   
   theory and do-it-yourself projects. It covers a wealth of information: The   
   fundamentals of electronics and radio signals, construction practices,   
   antennas and propagation, equipment and circuit design, and other useful   
   reference information. There are projects for all skill levels, from simple   
   accessories and small power supplies, to legal-limit amplifiers and high-gain   
   antennas.   
      
   The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications has everything you need to   
   design your own complete antenna system. Since 1939, The Antenna Book has   
   maintained its place at the forefront of Amateur Radio technology -- a single   
   resource covering antenna theory, design and construction, and practical   
   treatments and projects. Updated to reflect the latest advances and   
   technologies, this edition describes hundreds of antenna designs: wire,   
   vertical, portable and mobile, and new high-performance VHF/UHF Yagi designs.   
      
   The ARRL Handbook is available in hardcover and softcover editions from the   
   ARRL Store or your ARRL Dealer. Hardcover: ARRL Item No. 0420, ISBN   
   978-1-62595-042-0, $59.95 retail, special offer $49.95 while supplies last.   
   Softcover: ARRL Item No. 0413, $49.95 retail.   
      
   The ARRL Antenna Book is available in hardcover and softcover editions from   
   the ARRL Store or your ARRL Dealer. Hardcover: ARRL Item No. 0390, ISBN   
   978-1-62595-039-0, $59.95 retail, special offer $49.95 while supplies last.   
   Softcover: ARRL Item No. 0444, $49.95 retail.   
      
   To order call (860) 594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, (888) 277-5289. Contact   
   ARRL Publication Sales for more information.   
      
      
   The Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund Established   
      
   Through the generosity of Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW (SK), and the Stratford [CT]   
   Amateur Radio Club (SARC), the ARRL Foundation has established the Alan G.   
   Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will award $1000 each year   
   to an Amateur Radio licensee enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate program.   
   Thorpe, who died in 2011 at the age of 65, was a member and long-time   
   president of the SARC.   
      
   "It was my pleasure and honor to know Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, for 20 years,"   
   said fellow club member Bob Betts, N1KPR. "When he became a Silent Key, we   
   learned that Al had left a significant trust fund designated 'for the benefit   
   of Amateur Radio.'" Betts said Thorpe also made a separate bequest to the ARRL   
   in his will.   
      
   "Al believed in the basic tenets of our hobby: Education, promotion, and   
   community service, and he directed all his available efforts toward those   
   goals," Betts said. He noted that Thorpe had been involved in the Amateur   
   Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and served as an Emergency Coordinator in the   
   1990s. Thorpe "strongly believed in the many and varied activities of the   
   ARRL," Betts added.   
      
   The ARRL Foundation will administer the Thorpe Memorial Scholarship Fund.   
   Applicants must be US citizens. There are no requirements as to the field of   
   undergraduate study. The first scholarship from the fund will be awarded in   
   2016.   
      
   "We, the trustees of the Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial Scholarship Fund, are   
   very grateful to the ARRL for its help and guidance in achieving Alan's   
   wishes," Betts said.   
      
      
   Jamboree On The Air 2015 Stations Urged to Register, Report   
      
   As of October 1, more than 350 US stations had signed up to take part in the   
   2015 Jamboree On The Air (JOTA). The 58th annual event takes place October   
   16-18, and JOTA organizers are urging all who plan to participate to register,   
   so they can provide a list of participating stations and their locations. A   
   list of US-registered stations is available on the K2BSA website. JOTA is   
   aimed at fostering Scout-to-Scout communication across borders and is the   
   largest Scouting event in the world. Last year worldwide Scouting   
   participation included 1.1 million Boy Scouts and another 200,000   
   Girl Guides/Girl Scouts. In the US 13,326 Scouts and visitors took part in   
   JOTA 2014. The Boy Scouts also encourage participating stations to submit JOTA   
   reports and photos following this month's event.   
      
   "We need your report to demonstrate the success of JOTA to those in Scouting   
   and Amateur Radio," said Jim Wilson, K5ND, the national JOTA organizer. He   
   asked participating JOTA stations to note down the number of Scouts   
   participating, Amateur Radio licensees, and radios on the air, as well as the   
   total number of contacts and states and countries contacted.   
      
   "We would also like to see your best photos and hear some stories about your   
   event," Wilson said.   
      
   The K2BSA call sign will be in use for JOTA from every US call district as   
   well as from KH6 and KL7. Wilson suggested that JOTA groups consider obtaining   
   1 x 1 special event call signs for their operations.   
      
      
   ARRL Delegation to Attend IARU Region 3 Triennial Conference in Indonesia   
      
   Indonesia's International Amateur Radio Union member society ORARI (Organisasi   
   Amatir Radio Indonesia) will host the October 12-16 IARU Region 3 triennial   
   conference in Bali. IARU Region 3 includes the Asia-Pacific region. This marks   
   the 16th Region 3 conference and the second time the event has been held in   
   Indonesia.   
      
   "It's an exciting time for us, as we continue to grow and thrive, remaining   
   always adaptable, motivated, and responsive," said ORARI President Sutiyoso,   
   YB0ST. "The world of Amateur Radio is an exciting area in which to work and   
   play, and we'll continue to meet and bring inspired people together in forums   
   like this, to ensure IARU Region 3 remains at the cutting edge."   
      
   Heading the ARRL delegation to the conference will be International Affairs   
   Vice President Jay Bellows, K0QB, who also serves as an IARU Region 2   
   director. He will be assisted by ARRL Chief Executive Officer and Secretary   
   David Sumner, K1ZZ.   
      
   Among matters delegates to the conference will consider are those referred   
   from IARU Regions 1 and 2, and representatives from those regions will be on   
   hand, as well as a representative for the IARU Secretariat.   
      
   On the agenda are reports on topics that include the upcoming World   
   Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva in November, new digital modes, the   
   IARU's role in satellite launches, a UN push to lend heritage recognition to   
   Morse code, and band-planning issues.   
      
   IARU Region 3 coordinator reports also include ARDF, emergency communication,   
   the IARU Monitoring System (Intruder Watch), international beacons, Region 3   
   awards, and the Support to the Amateur Radio Service (STARS) program.   
      
   Conference documents are available on the IARU Region 3 website.   
      
   Special event station YB16IARU will be on the air during the conference. --   
   Thanks to Jim Linton, VK3PC, and IARU Region 3   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   CEPT Conference Preparatory Group Adopts European Common Proposals for WRC-15   
      
   The CEPT Conference Preparatory Group has held its final meeting leading up to   
   World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15). Delegates to the gathering,   
   which took place September 14-18 in Bergen, Norway, adopted the final European   
   Common Proposals for WRC-15 and agreed on possible agenda items for future   
   WRCs.   
      
   Of particular interest to the Amateur Service was the adoption of a European   
   Common Proposal for a 100 kHz allocation between 5350 and 5450 kHz. That   
   proposal represents the views of the majority of CEPT countries, with the   
   exception of Azerbaijan, France, Germany, Romania, and the Russian Federation.   
   The proposal will be included in the documents for discussion under Agenda   
   Item 1.4 at WRC-15, "where we anticipate long and drawn out arguments for and   
   against an allocation," a report by Colin Thomas G3PSM, predicted on the IARU   
   Region 1 website.   
      
   Two possible Region 1-specific items for inclusion on the agenda of a future   
   WRC are Agenda Item 1.2 -- to consider a primary allocation of 50-54 MHz to   
   the Amateur Service, and Agenda Item 1.4 -- to consider a possible harmonized   
   Amateur Service allocation in the band 1800-2000 kHz, based on studies   
   regarding Amateur Service spectrum requirements.   
      
   These proposals will be discussed in Committee 6 at WRC-15, "and we hope that   
   at least one will be considered for inclusion in the agenda for the next WRC,"   
   Thomas said in his report.   
      
   World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 takes place November 2-27.   
      
      
      
   In Brief   
      
   TX3X Chesterfield Island DXpedition Up and Running: The TX3X Chesterfield   
   Island DXpedition came on the air on October 1 and has been creating a lot of   
   excitement -- and possibly some exasperation -- on the bands. TX3X will   
   conclude on October 12. Strong winds and heavy rain have caused the team to   
   lose some time in setting up antennas. "While the 80 meter is antenna   
   installed, under these windy conditions we are unable to install the 160 or 6   
   meter antennas," the team said in an October 7 update. "Conditions are   
   erratic. Signals have been weak to moderate with some really strong openings."   
   A goal of the TX3X DXpedition is to offer an all-time new one (ATNO) to as   
   many DXers as possible. The 12-member TX3X team was hoping to log 80,000 to   
   100,000 contacts. Chesterfield Island is #21 on ClubLog's DXCC Most Wanted   
   List. Visit the TX3X website for further information. The ARRL DXCC Department   
   has approved the 2015 TX3X DXpedition for DXCC credit.   
      
      
   "DX Summit" in Rome to Pair with HV0A Vatican City Special Event: Francesco   
   Valsecchi, IK0FVC; Martti Laine, OH2BH, and Giordano Giordani, IK0XFD, are   
   organizing a "DX Summit" October 10-11 in Rome. During this event, HV0A will   
   be active both days on several bands, as conditions permit. The activity will   
   include a dinner party on October 10, featuring a presentation by OH2BH that   
   will highlight the challenges of making DXpedition traffic run smoothly. The   
   overall gathering will focus on areas of improvement that would be of interest   
   to DXers and DXpeditioners, and Laine said a centerpiece of the summit would   
   be the unveiling of "a new Q code [signal]." QSL HV0A via IK0FVC and LoTW.   
      
      
   Pope Francis Visit Amateur Radio Special Events Log More Than 26,000 Contacts:   
   Jim Nitzberg, WX3B, has reported that the recent multi-station special event   
   operation to commemorate the US visit of Pope Francis logged more than 26,000   
   contacts. Nitzberg announced the tally as he thanked operators for   
   participating "in this historic and fun event." The majority of contacts were   
   made on HF -- especially on 20 and 40 meters -- but several also took place   
   via satellites, moonbounce, repeaters, and even through IRLP and Echolink. "We   
   had participation from New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Maryland,   
   Pennsylvania -- including Philadelphia, where the World Meeting of Families   
   took place, Virginia, and Delaware," Nitzberg said. "Many thanks to all that   
   were involved in the various aspects of leading, organizing, and producing   
   this event. It truly was a team effort and an example of Amateur Radio   
   cooperation at its finest."   
      
      
   Former ARRL Chief Development Officer Recognized for Equipment Donation:   
   Marple Newtown Amateur Radio Club (MNARC) Vice President Walter Faust, N3FXR,   
   has presented retired ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, with   
   a Certificate of Appreciation for her donation of radio equipment to the   
   Pennsylvania club, which she recently joined. She gave the club an HF   
   transceiver and power supply plus other items. "The equipment is a greatly   
   appreciated donation from one of our newest members," said Dan Amoroso, W3DI,   
   who added that the gear would be used for Field Day and special events. Hobart   
   also received a "Weather Ready Nation (WRN)" coffee mug. Founded in 1987, the   
   MNARC is an ARRL Special Service club and a NOAA Weather Ready Nation   
   Ambassador. Weather Ready Nation Ambassadors strive to improve severe weather   
   readiness, and the club has run a daily Weather and Information Net on its   
   linked VHF/UHF repeater system for the past 25 years. -- Thanks to Dan   
   Amoroso, W3DI   
      
      
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot numbers and solar flux softened over   
   the past week, with the average daily sunspot number declining from 120.9 to   
   just 37, and average daily solar flux down from 122.7 to 93.8. These numbers   
   compare the October 1-7 activity with data from the previous 7 days.   
      
   The average planetary A index was way up -- from 5.1 to 24.3. The huge   
   planetary A index reading of 77 on October 7 indicated a strong geomagnetic   
   storm.   
      
   Predicted solar flux for the near term is 80 on October 8; 85 on October 9-10;   
   90 on October 11-12; 95 on October 13-14; 100 on October 15; 130 on October   
   16-18; 125 on October 19; and 120 on October 20-25. Solar flux is expected to   
   decline to 85 on November 1-3, then rise to 130 on November 12-14.   
      
   Predicted planetary A index is 48 on October 8; 18 on October 9; 12 on October   
   10-14; then 8, 10, and 12 on October 15-17 and again 8, 10, and 12 on October   
   18-20, followed by 8 on October 21-27.   
      
   Sunspot numbers for October 1 through 7 were 73, 58, 47, 18, 15, 24, and 24,   
   with a mean of 37. The 10.7 centimeter flux was 119.7, 107.4, 96.9, 88.3,   
   82.6, 81.4, and 80.5, with a mean of 93.8. Estimated planetary A indices were   
   11, 14, 11, 20, 18, 19, and 77, with a mean of 24.3. Estimated mid-latitude A   
   indices were 8, 9, 10, 16, 12, 11, and 44, with a mean of 15.7.   
      
   In the Friday bulletin, look for an updated forecast. Send me your reports and   
   observations.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
    *  October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint (CW, SSB, digital)   
    *  October 10 -- FISTS Fall Unlimited Sprint (CW)   
    *  October 10 -- Microwave Fall Sprint   
    *  October 10-11 -- Makrothen RTTY Contest   
    *  October 10-11 -- Oceania DX Contest (CW)   
    *  October 10-11 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest (SSB)   
    *  October 10-11 -- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (CW)   
    *  October 10-11 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)   
    *  October 10-11 -- Pennsylvania QSO Party (CW, SSB, digital)   
    *  October 10-11 -- Arizona QSO Party (CW, SSB, digital)   
    *  October 10-11 -- PODXS 160 Meter Great Pumpkin Sprint (digital)   
    *  October 11 -- UBA ON Contest (CW)   
    *  October 14 -- NAQCC CW Sprint   
    *  October 14 -- RSGB 80 Meter Club Sprint (CW)   
      
   See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
    *  October 9-10 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida   
    *  October 9-11 -- ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference, Arlington   
       Heights, Illinois   
    *  October 10-11 -- Pacific Northwest VHF Conference, Issaquah, Washington   
    *  October 16-18 -- Microwave Update Convention, San Diego, California   
    *  October 16-18 -- Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon), San Ramon,   
       California   
    *  October 17 -- Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin Rapids,   
       Wisconsin   
    *  October 18 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut   
    *  October 23-24 -- Arizona State Convention, Kingman, Arizona   
    *  October 23-24 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Ardmore, Oklahoma   
    *  November 7 -- Fall TechFest, Lakewood, Colorado   
    *  November 7-8 -- Georgia Section Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia   
    *  November 14 -- HamJam Convention, Alpharetta, Georgia   
    *  November 14-15 -- Indiana State Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana   
    *  December 11-12 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant City,   
       Florida   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
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   )\/(ark   
      
   ... Sure my system is secure - it just locked up again...   
   ---   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.73)