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   http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2016-02-11   
      
   The ARRL Letter   
      
   February 11, 2016   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  US House Subcommittee to Consider Amateur Radio Parity Act   
    *  New ARRL President Happy to be Part of "Exciting Times for Amateur   
       Radio"   
    *  Matt Holden, K0BBC, Tapped as ARRL Dakota Division Vice Director   
    *  National Parks on the Air Update   
    *  ARRL Signs New Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross   
    *  Army and Air Force MARS Communications Exercise Set for February 12   
    *  Severe Weather Cuts Short South Georgia VP8SGI DXpedition   
    *  VHF Groups Join Forces to Sponsor "Super Conference"   
    *  QCWA Honors ARRL President Emeritus Harry Dannals, W2HD   
    *  ARRL 2016 International DX Contest (CW) is February 20-21   
    *  Icom America Donates IC-9100 Transceiver to ARRL Headquarters Station   
       W1HQ   
    *  Hamvention Extends Awards Nominations Deadline to March 1   
    *  North American "RST" Stations on the Air Activity Set for February and   
       March   
    *  University Radio Club Donates Vintage J-37 Key to B-29 Radio Position   
       Restoration Project   
    *  IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Honors Ulrich Rohde, N1UL   
    *  In Brief...   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
      
   US House Subcommittee to Consider Amateur Radio Parity Act   
      
   The Amateur Radio Parity Act, H.R. 1301, was among three bills that the US   
   House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology considered in a Thursday,   
   February 11 "markup" session. Subcommittee members voted to send the measure   
   to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration.   
      
   The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology is chaired by Rep Greg   
   Walden, W7EQI (R-OR), who, during a January 12 Subcommittee hearing on H.R.   
   1301, called the measure "a commonsense bill" and urged his colleagues'   
   support. Subcommittee members submitted in advance any amendments they might   
   have to any of the bills being considered in the February 11 markup.   
      
   The House bill's sponsor, Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), also spoke in favor of   
   H.R. 1301 at the January 12 hearing, explaining that hams in some   
   neighborhoods "are outright prohibited" from erecting antennas on their   
   properties. He cited Amateur Radio's role in emergency communication support,   
   and said his bill's "reasonable accommodation standard" would not mandate   
   placement, size, or aesthetics regarding an outdoor antenna, leaving ham radio   
   operators and homeowners associations to decide those issues.   
      
   Reps Walden and Kinzinger made impassioned statements at the markup session,   
   in favor of the bill. Representative Anna Eshoo also spoke and recognzied the   
   work all parties are doing to insure the passage of the bill in the House.   
      
   H.R. 1301 would direct the FCC to extend its rules relating to reasonable   
   accommodation of Amateur Service communications to private land-use   
   restrictions, such as deed covenants, conditions, and restrictions. The bill   
   has attracted 120 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle. An identical US   
   Senate measure, S. 1685, has attracted three cosponsors. It cleared the Senate   
   Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation last November.   
      
   At the ARRL National Convention February 12-14 at the Orlando HamCation, ARRL   
   representatives will be on hand to help visitors to generate letters of   
   support to members of Congress. More information about the legislation is on   
   the ARRL Amateur Radio Parity Act web page.   
      
      
   New ARRL President Happy to be Part of "Exciting Times for Amateur Radio"   
      
   Making his inaugural ARRL National Convention appearance this week as ARRL   
   President, Rick Roderick, K5UR, said he's looking forward to meeting many   
   League members in person at Orlando. The 2016 ARRL National Convention on   
   February 12-14, is hosted by the Orlando HamCation(R), which is celebrating   
   its 70th anniversary this year.   
      
   "We are embarking on a new era at ARRL as the second century begins,"   
   President Roderick said. "I'm thrilled to be part of these exciting times for   
   Amateur Radio."   
      
   Over his term, President Roderick said, his emphasis will be on implementing   
   the 5 year Strategic Plan that the ARRL Board of Directors adopted at its   
   annual meeting in mid-January. Roderick said the plan "will help grow and   
   advance Amateur Radio, and make the League stronger and more responsive to our   
   members."   
      
   He also said he'll put forth a major effort to secure passage of the Amateur   
   Radio Parity Act, as well as improved enforcement by the FCC.   
      
   President Roderick, 63, is the ARRL's 16th president, succeeding Kay Craigie,   
   N3KN, who served for three terms as the League's president. An ARRL Life   
   Member, he has been a radio amateur for 48 years and lives in Little Rock,   
   Arkansas.   
      
   A complete ARRL National Convention program guide is available.   
      
      
   Matt Holden, K0BBC, Tapped as ARRL Dakota Division Vice Director   
      
   ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, has appointed Matt Holden, K0BBC, to serve   
   as Dakota Division Vice Director, effective February 4. Holden, an ARRL Life   
   Member who lives in Bloomington, Minnesota, succeeds former Vice Director Kent   
   Olson, KA0LDG. Olson became the Dakota Division Director when former Director   
   Greg Widin, K0GW, was elected as ARRL First Vice President at the ARRL Board   
   of Directors' Annual Meeting in mid-January. Holden, 46, will serve out the   
   remainder of the current term of office, which ends on January 1, 2017.   
      
   Holden serves as the president of the Bloomington Amateur Radio Association.   
   He is ARES Emergency Coordinator for the City of Bloomington and a Minnesota   
   Section Public Information Officer. He is an information technology   
   professional with Delta Air Lines.   
      
   Holden is active with the Bloomington Communications Group, the Twin Cities DX   
   Association, the Minnesota Wireless Association, and the Northern Lights Radio   
   Society. Read more.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   National Parks on the Air Update   
      
   Congratulations to Gary Stone, N5PHT, who just wrapped up 10 days of operating   
   at Chickasaw National Recreation Area (RC05) in Oklahoma. From January 29 to   
   February 8, Gary made 1718 contacts with 1361 unique call signs. He worked all   
   50 states and just missed WAS on CW (no Wyoming).   
      
   Look for NPOTA Managers Sean, KX9X, and Norm, W3IZ, at the ARRL National   
   Convention, hosted by Orlando HamCation. They'll have an NPOTA booth and will   
   talk about NPOTA during a forum on Friday, February 12, at 11:15 AM.   
      
   Thirty-two NPOTA activations are scheduled between February 11-17, including   
   Chaco Culture National Historic Park (HP07) by W5IL.   
      
   Details about this and other upcoming activations can be found on the NPOTA   
   Activations calendar.   
      
   Keep up with the latest NPOTA news on Facebook. Follow NPOTA on Twitter   
   (@ARRL_NPOTA).   
      
      
   ARRL Signs New Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross   
      
   The ARRL and the American Red Cross have signed a new Memorandum of   
   Understanding (MoU). The document, signed in January, succeeds the one agreed   
   to in 2010; it will remain in place for the next 5 years. The MoU spells out   
   how League Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers will interface   
   with the Red Cross in the event that ARES teams are asked by the Red Cross to   
   assist in a disaster or emergency response.   
      
   "Whenever there is a disaster requiring the use of Amateur Radio   
   communications resources and/or facilities, the local Red Cross region or   
   chapter may request the assistance of the local ARES organization responsible   
   for the jurisdiction of the scene of the disaster," the MoU provides. Such   
   assistance would include mobilization of ARES personnel in accordance with a   
   prearranged plan, and the establishment of communication as necessary during a   
   disaster or emergency.   
      
   Generally, the MoU sets the parameters of the partnership between the ARRL and   
   the Red Cross to provide assistance to communities affected by disasters. It   
   calls upon both organizations to encourage and maintain open lines of   
   communication at the state and local levels, sharing current data regarding   
   disasters, situational and operational reports, changes in policy or   
   personnel, and any information pertaining to disaster preparedness, response,   
   and recovery.   
      
   For its part, the League will encourage ARES units to engage in discussions   
   with local Red Cross entities to develop plans for local response or disaster   
   relief operations. The Red Cross will encourage its field units to engage in   
   discussions with the ARRL Field Organization to develop plans for local   
   response or disaster relief.   
      
   Facilitating this is a Statement of Cooperation to provide methods of   
   cooperation between the two organizations on the local level in providing   
   services to communities during or after a disaster event, "as well as other   
   services for which cooperation may be mutually beneficial." The ARRL signatory   
   is either the appropriate ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency   
   Coordinator.   
      
   The new MoU also clarifies that ARES volunteers assisting the Red Cross but   
   not registered as Red Cross volunteers do not have to undergo a prior   
   background check. Radio amateurs who register as Red Cross volunteers, though,   
   must abide by the Red Cross's background check requirement. Read more.   
      
      
   Army and Air Force MARS Communications Exercise Set for February 12   
      
   The first quarterly Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) US Department of   
   Defense communications exercise of 2016 (COMEX 16-1) is set for February 12.   
   The scenario will be a loss of electrical power, landline telephone and cell   
   service, and Internet. The exercise will get under way at 1200 UTC and run for   
   12 hours. Individual radio amateurs and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)   
   groups will be encouraged to participate.   
      
   "The purpose of this exercise is to focus on individual MARS operator skills,   
   refine our joint operations procedures between Army and Air Force volunteer   
   leaders, and to continue to develop the working relationships at the local   
   level between MARS operators and individual Amateur Radio operators as well as   
   ARES and other Amateur Radio groups," Army MARS Program Manager Paul English,   
   WD8DBY, told ARRL. "MARS is continuing to develop new techniques for how to   
   make better use of Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capabilities and will   
   use this exercise to continue to refine how we integrate ALE."   
      
   At some point in the exercise, MARS stations will be requested to contact   
   local radio amateurs for a condition report. MARS stations will collect   
   information from hams and ARES groups only via radio.   
      
      
   Severe Weather Cuts Short South Georgia VP8SGI DXpedition   
      
   Stormy weather that plagued the final days of the South Georgia VP8SGI   
   DXpedition visit eventually led to the operation being cut short to ensure the   
   safety of the team. Chief Pilot Toni Gonzalez, EA5RM, reported on February 7   
   that the DXpeditioners had returned to the R/V Braveheart "for security   
   reasons." VP8SGI had planned to shut down South Georgia operations the   
   following day, after a little longer than 9 days there. "VP8SGI is now QRT,"   
   he concluded.   
      
   Apparent pirates signing "VP8SGI" and "VP8SGI/mm" showed up briefly on the   
   DXpedition's announced frequencies after the DXpedition team's retreat.   
      
   The DXpedition team was able to later return to South Georgia to retrieve its   
   gear. The crew now is back on board the Braveheart and heading back to the   
   Falkland Islands, where the team will operate as VP8IDX.   
      
   On the South Sandwich leg of the DXpedition, VP8STI logged 54,642 contacts   
   during its weather-shortened stay on Southern Thule Island. From South   
   Georgia, VP8SGI logged 82,847 contacts, topping its 80,000 contact goal.   
      
      
   VHF Groups Join Forces to Sponsor "Super Conference"   
      
   The Southeastern VHF Society (SVHFS), North East Weak Signal Group (NEWS), and   
   Mount Airy VHF Radio Club (Pack Rats) are cosponsoring a VHF Super Conference,   
   hosted by the Grid Pirates Contest Group (K8GP) and Directive Systems and   
   Engineering. The conference will take place April 15-17 in Sterling, Virginia.   
      
   Early registration discounts are available. Conference Proceedings in printed   
   and digital form will be available after the event. Sign up when registering.   
   All registrations include lunch and all-day beverages.   
      
   The event will feature an array of forums and workshops, a test lab, and a   
   conference banquet. A microwave loop Yagi workshop will be offered during the   
   weekend at an additional fee. The workshop will explain how loop Yagis work,   
   how to adjust them, and how to build one. Free shuttle service will be   
   available to the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum.   
      
   A second call for papers and presentations for the VHF Super Conference has   
   been issued. The conference sponsors are seeking presentations or papers   
   dealing with all aspects of VHF, UHF, microwave, and higher. Topics may   
   include operating, contesting, homebrewing, software, EME, surplus, antennas,   
   test equipment, amplifiers, and SDR. Photos are encouraged.   
      
   Steve Kostro, N2CEI, and Paul Wade, W1GHZ, are coordinating Proceedings.   
   Direct submissions and questions to them via e-mail.   
      
      
   QCWA Honors ARRL President Emeritus Harry Dannals, W2HD   
      
   The Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) has honored ARRL President   
   Emeritus Harry Dannals, W2HD, for his 70 years as a radio amateur. QCWA   
   Chapter 155 in Charlottesville, Virginia -- where Dannals lives -- hosted a   
   celebratory luncheon for Dannals on February 3.   
      
   Dannals served as ARRL President from 1972 to 1982, and as President of the   
   QCWA from 1989 to 1994 -- the only person to have been president of both   
   organizations. While serving as ARRL President, he was also a Commander in the   
   US Naval Reserve. Now in his late 80s, Dannals is the oldest living former   
   ARRL President.   
      
   In a letter, QCWA President Ken Oelke, VE6AFO, commended Dannals'   
   contributions to Amateur Radio. Luncheon attendees also included QCWA Past   
   President John Johnston, W3BE, and ARRL Past President Kay Craigie, N3KN. Both   
   commented on Dannals' devoted service to the ARRL and the QCWA. Craigie said   
   that Dannals has set an example of "cheerfulness and enthusiasm, and   
   friendliness to all hams, whether they qualify for QCWA twice over or are so   
   new that they haven't memorized their call signs yet."   
      
   Craigie said the luncheon was a complete surprise to Dannals.   
      
      
   ARRL 2016 International DX Contest (CW) is February 20-21   
      
   No contest season is complete without the running of our annual ARRL   
   International DX Contest. The CW event is February 20-21; the phone event is 2   
   weeks later on the weekend of March 5-6.   
      
   Whether you're new to DXing, new to HF, or even new to CW, this contest offers   
   an easy way for you to join in and have a lot of fun! The contest exchange is   
   short and simple, and many participants here and abroad will patiently help   
   you work your way toward success -- whether your goal is DXCC, working "a new   
   one," or just getting accustomed to the rhythm of CW contesting.   
      
   While the HF bands have been challenging during this period of declining   
   sunspot activity, many dedicated DXers and DXpedition groups have activated   
   some rare DXCC entities. On his website, Bill, NG3K, keeps up to date with DX   
   operations scheduled to operate during the ARRL International DX weekends as   
   well as during other operating events. (Check the page regularly for any   
   updates.)   
      
   There have been some bright spots in this HF contest season. If you're   
   unfamiliar with HF propagation, this event is an excellent opportunity to   
   experience how bands open or close, the changes in MUF, the movement of the   
   grayline (the Sun's illumination boundary as it moves around the Earth), and   
   other exciting forms of HF band conditions.   
      
   Whether you are a newcomer or a contest veteran, this contest is not all about   
   high power or large antennas. The event offers several participation   
   categories ranging from QRP (5 W or less), Low Power (150 W or less) and, of   
   course, High Power (up to maximum legal limit). A respectable score is   
   possible even with simple wire antennas or verticals.   
      
   Complete rules and forms are on the ARRL website.   
      
      
   Icom America Donates IC-9100 Transceiver to ARRL Headquarters Station W1HQ   
      
   Icom America has donated an IC-9100 transceiver for installation at W1HQ, the   
   ARRL Headquarters station that's used by staff and volunteers. The transceiver   
   was provided courtesy of Icom America Senior Sales Manager, Ray Novak, N9JA,   
   and it includes the optional 1.2 GHz module.   
      
   The IC-9100 is an HF through 1200 MHz multimode transceiver that offers two   
   independent receivers. It received an excellent review in the April 2012 issue   
   of QST. The IC-9100 will be primarily used to enhance W1HQ's satellite   
   capabilities, although it has many other applications.   
      
   ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, praised Icom for its   
   generosity. "Thanks to Icom and Ray Novak, we are going to enjoy an enormous   
   update to W1HQ's capabilities," Kramer said. "The staff is eager to put the   
   '9100 on the air!"   
      
      
   Hamvention Extends Awards Nominations Deadline to March 1   
      
   Dayton Hamvention(R) has extended the deadline to March 1 to accept   
   nominations for its 2016 awards program.   
      
   "Get that special person you know the recognition they deserve," suggested   
   2016 Dayton Hamvention General Chairman Jim Tiderman, N8IDS. "Look at the   
   clubs around you, and look at their promotion of our great hobby and give them   
   the recognition they deserve."   
      
   Awards include Amateur of the Year, Special Achievement, Technical Excellence,   
   and Club of the Year. All Amateur Radio operators/clubs are eligible, with   
   winners recognized at Hamvention(R) 2016, May 20-22 at Hara Arena near Dayton.   
      
   Additional details and nomination forms are available on the Dayton Hamvention   
   website. Send nominations via e-mail, or mail to Dayton Hamvention Awards, PO   
   Box 964, Dayton, OH 45401-0964. -- Thanks to Henry Ruminski, W8HJR   
      
      
   North American "RST" Stations on the Air Activity Set for February and March   
      
   The "RST" stations will take to the airwaves in February and March from   
   several locations in Alaska, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and   
   Nunavut, with members of the North Country DX Association (NCDXA) at the helm.   
   All call signs will have "RST" suffixes: KL7RST, VY1RST, VE8RST, and VY0RST.   
   The idea is to further promote Amateur Radio in that part of the world.   
      
   The event gets under way on February 15 at 0001 UTC, and it continues through   
   March 27 at 2359 UTC. Exchange signal report and state/province. (The NCDXA   
   RST stations will send town or city.)   
      
   All modes on 160 through 6 meters will be used, and SWLs are welcome to   
   participate. The object is to work or log (SWL) as many NCDXA "RST" stations   
   as you can from their different locations. Work/log each "RST" station only   
   once per QTH/band and mode. Cross-band, cross-mode, or remote operating is   
   permitted.   
      
   As wildcards, portable "RST" stations will also participate and are worth 3   
   points each/mode and band, but they must be one of the four "RST" stations.   
   The portable stations must be outside their own prefix area to count -- for   
   example, KL7RST/VY1, but not KL7RST/KL7.   
      
   Plans call for having stations on the air from Whitehorse, Yellowknife,   
   Anchorage, Fairbanks, Rankin Inlet, a Canadian research station near the North   
   Pole on Ellesmere Island, a diamond mine in Northwest Territories, an Alaskan   
   bush school and many other communities, possibly including an Alaskan glacier   
   or two. Read more.   
      
      
   University Radio Club Donates Vintage J-37 Key to B-29 Radio Position   
   Restoration Project   
      
   The Amateur Radio Club of the University of Arkansas (W5YM), which celebrates   
   its centennial this year, has donated a J-37 telegraph key to be used in a   
   radio position under restoration on board "Fifi," a World War II vintage B-29   
   Flying Fortress. Members of the Rockwell-Collins [J-37%20Key.JPG] Amateur   
   Radio Club have been recreating a radio operator's position on the aircraft.   
      
   "It's a grand addition to 'Fifi's' restored radio operating position," the   
   restoration team noted on its website. "Many thanks to the 100-year-young   
   University of Arkansas Amateur Radio Club, W5YM, and Dan Puckett, K5FXB, for   
   facilitating this most thoughtful, generous, and historic commemorative   
   donation."   
      
   The J-37 was nicknamed the "Mae West" key after the 1930s-1940s comic actress   
   for its unusual base with its curvy indentations, designed for wrapping the   
   key's lead for storage. The J-37 will be a component of the Smith-Erwin   
   Memorial Radio Operator Position on board the still-flying B-29 aircraft.   
      
      
   IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Honors Ulrich Rohde, N1UL   
      
   Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, has been honored with the 2016 Microwave Application Award   
   by the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society. He was credited with   
   "Significant contributions to the development of low-noise oscillators." The   
   Microwave Application Award recognizes an individual, or a team, for an   
   outstanding application of microwave theory and techniques that have been put   
   into practice within the past decade.   
      
   Rohde will receive the award at the annual IEEE MTT-S International Microwave   
   Symposium Awards banquet this May in San Francisco.   
      
   In 2015 Rohde was named by the IEEE to receive the prestigious I. I. Rabi   
   Award, recognizing outstanding contributions related to the fields of atomic   
   and molecular frequency standards, and time transfer and dissemination. Rohde   
   is the author of some 200 scientific papers and books, and has written   
   articles for QST and QEX.   
      
      
   In Brief...   
      
   Visalia 2016 Top Band Dinner Set for April 15: The Top Band Dinner at the   
   International DX Convention in Visalia, California, will take place on April   
   15 in the ballroom of the Marriott hotel adjacent to the Visalia Convention   
   Center. Craig Thompson, K9CT, will present, "Top Band from Palmyra, K5P."   
   Check-in for the buffet dinner starts at 6:30 PM. Complete details and   
   registration information are on the Top Band Dinner website.   
      
      
   DX Dinner Set for May 20 in Conjunction with Hamvention: The SouthWest Ohio DX   
   Association (SWODXA) will sponsor the 31st DX Dinner, held in conjunction with   
   the 2016 Dayton Hamvention(R), on Friday, May 20, at the Dayton Marriott. A   
   social hour will get under way at 5:30 PM, with dinner served at 7 PM. In   
   addition to door prizes, the DXpedition of the Year will be announced. Details   
   and reservation information are on the SWODXA website. Click on the "Purchase   
   Tickets Today!" banner.   
      
      
   Dayton 2016 Top Band Dinner Set: Reservations are invited for the 27th annual   
   Dayton Top Band Dinner, Friday, May 20, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown   
   Dayton. A social hour will start at 6 PM, with dinner to follow at 7 PM. Larry   
   "Tree" Tyree, N6TR, will be the keynote speaker. Those planning to attend may   
   make reservations online by credit card or PayPal. Tickets are $36. -- Thanks   
   to Southgate Amateur Radio News via Tim Duffy, K3LR   
      
      
   North Coast Contesters Announce 24th Annual Dayton Contest Dinner: Tickets now   
   are available for the 24th annual Dayton Contest Dinner, Saturday, May 21, in   
   the Presidential Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, next to the Convention   
   Center in downtown Dayton. The event is sponsored by the North Coast   
   Contesters. Master of ceremonies is CQ Contest Hall of Fame member and World   
   Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) Chairman, John Dorr, K1AR. The 2016 CQ   
   Contest Hall of Fame inductees will be announced during the banquet. The event   
   gets under way with a social hour at 5:30 PM, followed by the dinner at 6:30   
   PM. No tickets will be available at the door. Details are on the Dayton   
   Contest Dinner website.   
      
      
   Registration Open for Dayton Contest University: Student registration is still   
   open for 2016 Dayton Contest University (CTU), to be held all day on Thursday,   
   May 19, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Dayton, Ohio. This is the day   
   before Dayton Hamvention(R). Register at the CTU website. The 2016 Dayton CTU   
   will be the 10th in a row.   
      
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports:   
      
   All four of the indices we track rose over the past week, with average daily   
   sunspot number rising from 50.6 to 86.6, average daily solar flux up from   
   105.4 to 117.4, average daily planetary A index increasing from 7.3 to 9.4,   
   and average daily mid-latitude A index up from 5.6 to 6.4.   
      
      
   Predicted solar flux for the near term is 112, 110, and 105 on February 11-13,   
   100 on February 14-17, 105, 115, and 110 on February 18-20, 115 on February   
   21-23, then 110 and 112 on February 24-25, 115 on February 26-27, 112 on   
   February 28-29, then 110, 105, 100, 105, and 100 on March 1-5, 115 on March   
   6-7, then 118, 115, and 112 on March 8-10, 110 on March 11-14, and 112 on   
   March 15-16.   
      
      
   Predicted planetary A index is 9, 15, 10, 6, and 5 on February 11-15, then 8,   
   16, 12, 10, and 8 on February 16-20, 5 on February 21-29, then 15, 10, 12, 8,   
   and 5 on March 1-5, 18 on March 6-7, 8 on March 8, 10 on March 9-10, and 5 on   
   March 11-14.   
      
      
   Sunspot numbers for February 4 through 10 were 95, 113, 71, 84, 82, 79, and   
   82, with a mean of 86.6. 10.7 cm flux was 123.3, 119.7, 117.1, 117.1, 115.2,   
   117.3, and 112.2, with a mean of 117.4. Estimated planetary A indices were 6,   
   12, 8, 8, 17, 10, and 5, with a mean of 9.4. Estimated mid-latitude A indices   
   were 5, 8, 5, 6, 11, 8, and 4, with a mean of 7.4.   
      
      
   In this Friday's bulletin, look for an updated forecast and reports from   
   readers, including 6 meter info from N0JK and HF reporting from N8II and   
   others.   
      
      
   This weekly Solar Update in The ARRL Letter is a preview of the Propagation   
   Bulletin issued each Friday. The latest bulletin and an archive of past   
   propagation bulletins is on the ARRL website at   
   http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation.   
      
   Please send your reports and observations to k7ra@arrl.net.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
    *  February 13 -- Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint (CW)   
    *  February 13 -- FISTS Winter Unlimited Sprint (CW)   
    *  February 13 -- RSGB 1st 1.8 MHz Contest (CW)   
    *  February 13-14 -- CQ World Wide RTTY WPX Contest   
    *  February 13-14 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)   
    *  February 13-14 -- Dutch PACC Contest (CW, phone)   
    *  February 13-14 -- KCJ Topband Contest (CW)   
    *  February 13-14 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)   
    *  February 13-14 -- OMISS QSO Party (phone)   
    *  February 13-14 -- New Hampshire QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)   
    *  February 14 -- PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint (digital)   
    *  February 14-17 -- Classic Exchange (phone)   
    *  February 17 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key   
    *  February 18 -- RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship (CW)   
      
   See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth reporting on   
   Amateur Radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest Update via your ARRL   
   member profile e-mail preferences.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events   
      
    *  February 12-14 -- ARRL National Convention, Orlando, Florida   
    *  February 13 -- Georgia ARES Convention, Forsyth, Georgia   
    *  February 19-20 -- Southwestern Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona   
    *  February 20 -- Arkansas State Convention, Hoxie, Arkansas   
    *  February 27 -- WCF Section Technical Conference, Tampa, Florida   
    *  February 27 -- New Mexico TechFest, Albuquerque, New Mexico   
    *  February 27 -- Vermont State Convention, S. Burlington, Vermont   
    *  March 4-5 -- Alabama Section Convention, Birmingham, Alabama   
    *  March 11-12 -- Louisiana State Convention, Rayne, Louisiana   
    *  March 18-19 -- South Texas Section Convention, Rosenburg, Texas   
    *  March 19 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas   
    *  March 19 -- MicroHAMS Digital Conference, Redmond, Washington   
    *  March 25-26 -- Maine State Convention, Lewiston, Maine   
    *  April 2 -- Delta Division Convention, Fort Smith, Arkansas   
    *  April 2 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina   
    *  April 8-9 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma   
    *  April 9-10 -- Communications Academy, Seattle, Washington   
    *  April 15-17 -- International DX Convention, Visalia, California   
    *  April 15-17 -- VHF Super Conference, Sterling, Virginia   
    *  April 16 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware   
    *  April 22-24 -- Idaho State Convention, Boise, Idaho   
    *  April 23 -- Aurora '16 Conference, White Bear Lake, Minnesota   
    *  April 23 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska   
    *  April 29-May 1 -- Nevada State Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
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   The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 48 times each year. ARRL members may   
   subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their Member Data Page as   
   described at http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/.   
      
   Copyright (C) 2016 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved   
      
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   )\/(ark   
      
   Always Mount a Scratch Monkey   
      
   ... I only have one vice, and a good chili-dog is it!   
   ---   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.73)