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   http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2016-05-05   
      
   The ARRL Letter   
      
   May 5, 2016   
   Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME   
      
    *  FCC Action Anticipated on ARRL's "Symbol Rate" Petition for Rule Making   
    *  ARRL Contest Advisory Committee Conducting Youth in Amateur Radiosport   
       Survey   
    *  Deadline is June 1 for US Radio Amateurs to Submit IARU Region 2 HF Band   
       Plan Suggestions   
    *  ARRL EXPO at Dayton Hamvention(R) to Incorporate International Interests   
    *  ARRL Aims to Connect Engineers, Educators, Students at IEEE   
       International Microwave Symposium   
    *  The Doctor Will See You Now!   
    *  National Parks on the Air Update   
    *  Carole Perry, WB2MGP, to Moderate Hamvention(R) Forums Focusing on Youth   
    *  No Need for Panic Regarding Synthetic Aperture Radars on 70 Centimeters,   
       ARRL CTO Says   
    *  RFinder -- The Worldwide Repeater Directory Now Lets Users File Jamming   
       Reports   
    *  Romania Puts Toe in the 5 MHz Waters with Scheduled Amateur Radio   
       Testing   
    *  In Brief...   
    *  The K7RA Solar Update   
    *  Just Ahead in Radiosport   
    *  Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions   
      
      
   FCC Action Anticipated on ARRL's "Symbol Rate" Petition for Rule Making   
      
   The FCC has put "on circulation" its decision on the ARRL's Petition for Rule   
   Making (RM-11708), seeking to change the Amateur Service Part 97 rules to   
   delete the symbol rate limit in ?97.307(f) and replace it with a maximum   
   bandwidth for data emissions of 2.8 kHz on amateur frequencies below 29.7 MHz.   
   Proceedings on circulation are pending action by the full Commission, although   
   there is a current backlog, and FCC action is not likely in the near future.   
   ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, said the League has remained patient.   
      
   "While we had hoped for more responsive handling, it is understood that the   
   large number of comments from radio amateurs on the Petition took some time to   
   sort out," he said. "It was good to note that the Wireless Telecommunications   
   Bureau has circulated a draft of what we presume to be a Notice of Proposed   
   Rule Making responsive to our Petition to the Commissioners for their   
   consideration. We hope to see the proposal released soon."   
      
   In its petition, the League asserted that the changes proposed would "relieve   
   the Amateur Service of outdated, 1980s-era restrictions that presently hamper   
   or preclude Amateur Radio experimentation with modern high frequency (HF) and   
   other data transmission protocols" and would "permit greater flexibility in   
   the choice of data emissions."   
      
   Symbol rate represents the number of times per second that a change of state   
   occurs, and should not be confused with data (or bit) rate. Current FCC rules   
   limit digital data emissions below 28 MHz to 300 baud, and between 28.0 and   
   28.3 MHz to 1200 baud. At one point, the 2013 petition topped the FCC's list   
   of "Most Active Proceedings," attracting hundreds of comments.   
      
      
   ARRL Contest Advisory Committee Conducting Youth in Amateur Radiosport Survey   
      
   The ARRL Contest Advisory Committee (CAC) has been looking into how to attract   
   more youngsters and youth into Amateur Radio contesting, and it has invited   
   all hams, and especially young people, whether or not they're already radio   
   amateurs, to take the Youth in Amateur Radiosport Survey.   
      
   "Please spread the word about the survey among your ham friends and local   
   radio and contest clubs," said CAC Chair George Wagner, K5KG, adding that the   
   CAC would like to see more young people engaged in "the thrill and challenge   
   of competitive ham radio contesting -- also called 'radiosport.'" Wagner and   
   fellow CAC member Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, plan to hand out survey announcement   
   cards at Dayton Hamvention(R) -- Johnson at the NCDXF booth and Wagner at   
   Carole Perry's, WB2MGP, Youth Forum and at the ARRL Youth Rally.   
      
   As an initial step, the CAC is gathering information about where and how young   
   people are currently involved in radiosport. It's contacting ham radio clubs,   
   contest clubs, private schools, international youth ham radio organizations,   
   and the general public. The committee is using surveys, focus groups, and even   
   face-to-face meetings to check "the lay of the land" about youth and   
   radiosport in today's world, Wagner said.   
      
   Radio contests grew out of attempts in the early 1900s to transmit and receive   
   signals across the Atlantic, essentially the beginning of the use of the   
   "short waves" to span such long distances. Contests have allowed hams to   
   practice message handling -- used during emergency communication -- as well as   
   to gauge their own operator proficiency and their station's performance. Over   
   time, contests grew and flourished to the point where many hams today pursue   
   contests as their primary ham activity.   
      
   "For those who participate in radiosport, it provides a thrill that's often   
   compared to roller coaster rides or video gaming or big game hunting,"   
   commented CAC member Don Daso, K4ZA. "There's just something about contacting   
   a great number of people all over the world as fast as possible, or talking to   
   someone -- just like yourself, at a station like your own -- on the opposite   
   side of the world, and doing it without using a giant infrastructure or even a   
   huge outlay of money."   
      
   Like many types of competitions, this "sport," Daso said, can be addictive.   
      
   The survey will continue to accept input until August 31. Visit the online   
   survey to participate.   
      
      
   Deadline is June 1 for US Radio Amateurs to Submit IARU Region 2 HF Band Plan   
   Suggestions   
      
   US radio amateurs have until June 1 to submit suggestions to the ARRL Board of   
   Directors' HF Band Planning Committee regarding possible changes to the   
   International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 Band Plan. That band plan   
   and other significant Amateur Radio spectrum issues will be on the agenda for   
   the IARU Region 2 General Assembly in Chile this fall. The ARRL joins other   
   IARU member societies in the Americas in seeking input from the amateur   
   community on the Region 2 HF Band Plan. The HF Band Planning Committee will   
   review the current plan, consider comments from US radio amateurs, and   
   recommend any changes to the ARRL Board for submission to IARU Region 2.   
      
   "The ARRL HF Band Planning Committee wants to stress that the IARU Region 2   
   Band Plan is a voluntary guideline and does not supersede FCC regulations   
   related to spectrum usage," Committee Chairman and ARRL Second Vice President   
   Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, noted. He also pointed out two other issues for radio   
   amateurs to consider.   
      
    *  Most Region 2 countries outside the US do not have the sort of detailed   
       subband regulations contained in the FCC's Part 97. For radio amateurs   
       in these countries, the Region 2 Band Plan may serve as the only source   
       of guidance on spectrum usage.   
    *  The designation of a calling frequency or band segment for a particular   
       purpose or mode in any IARU band plan does not convey any special rights   
       or exclusivity of use. On the other hand, the absence of a calling   
       frequency or band segment associated with a particular purpose or mode   
       should not suggest that these have been overlooked or are viewed   
       negatively.   
      
   The Committee urges US radio amateurs who are considering suggesting revisions   
   to the IARU Region 2 Band Plan first to study the existing IARU Region 2 Band   
   Plan. They then should formulate a clear statement of any proposed changes,   
   including a brief explanation of why each particular change would benefit all   
   IARU Region 2 spectrum users. Participants should include their name and call   
   sign.   
      
   Submit input via e-mail by June 1, 2016. Messages will be automatically   
   acknowledged.   
      
      
   ARRL EXPO at Dayton Hamvention(R) to Incorporate International Interests   
      
   ARRL EXPO -- the ARRL's "show within a show" -- at Dayton Hamvention(R) 2016   
   will incorporate the interests of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)   
   and of several IARU Member Societies. These will include the Japan Amateur   
   Radio League (JARL), which will be accepting applications for JARL awards; the   
   Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC); the Qatar Amateur Radio Society (QARS),   
   and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). Hamvention takes place May   
   20-22 at Hara Arena, near Dayton, Ohio.   
      
   Visitors also may have cards checked to qualify for various JARL awards, and,   
   once you've completed an application, JARL representatives can issue some   
   popular JARL awards (AJD, WAJA, ADXA) on the spot. JARL also will be accepting   
   applications for the IARU Region 3 Operating Award. Certificates will be   
   mailed to applicants after Hamvention.   
      
   ARRL staff and DXCC volunteer card checkers will offer DXCC card checking and   
   award application processing. Use the Online DXCC tool and save money on your   
   application! Bring a printout of your application, card list, and cards -- in   
   the order entered into the Online DXCC. ARRL members also may drop off their   
   QSL cards to be sent through the ARRL Outgoing QSL Bureau. Sort cards by DXCC   
   entity.   
      
   Greeting visitors on behalf of the IARU will be President Tim Ellam,   
   VE6SH/G4HUA; and Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD; IARU and ARRL President   
   Emeritus Larry Price, W4RA, and technical representative Peter Chadwick, G3RZP.   
      
   ARRL International Affairs Vice President Jay Bellows, K0QB, will also be on   
   hand at ARRL EXPO.   
      
   Hamvention will host an International Relations booth within ARRL EXPO's   
   international row to welcome and greet convention visitors from abroad.   
      
   For full details about ARRL activities and programs at Hamvention 2016, visit   
   the ARRL EXPO web page.   
      
      
   ARRL Aims to Connect Engineers, Educators, Students at IEEE International   
   Microwave Symposium   
      
   For the fourth consecutive year, the ARRL will be represented at the IEEE   
   International Microwave Symposium (IMS). The theme of the May 23-27 event in   
   San Francisco is, "Connecting Minds. Exchanging Ideas." The IEEE Microwave   
   Theory and Techniques Society sponsors the conference and hosts meetings of   
   its various technical committees. Dubbed "The World Series of RF," the IMS   
   annually attracts some 10,000 wireless industry professionals, university   
   educators, and STEM students. Hundreds of companies exhibit RF-related   
   products. The IMS features 3 days of technical presentations along with   
   continuous mini-presentations on the exhibit floor, including a panel session   
   on Amateur Radio in Education at the university level. The League is   
   encouraging industry professionals to visit the ARRL booth in the University   
   area.   
      
   "This is an opportunity to share ideas on encouraging students and educators   
   to become involved in Amateur Radio to further their personal and professional   
   development," ARRL Contributing Editor Ward Silver, N0AX, said.   
      
   "At the IMS, there is a student design competition with a wide variety of   
   challenges, ranging from wideband baluns to computer-aided design for   
   microwave semiconductors," Silver pointed out. "Students also have paper and   
   poster presentations. Universities have booths that present information on   
   their wireless and RF programs." Silver will be managing the ARRL booth at IMS   
   and helping to represent Amateur Radio.   
      
   A Ham Radio Social will be held on Tuesday, May 24. "It's a great opportunity   
   to make connections and explore ideas after a busy day on the convention   
   floor," Silver said. He invited IMS attendees to visit the ARRL booth to   
   contribute their ideas and suggestions. Contact Silver if you're willing to   
   assist at the ARRL booth. Read more.   
      
      
   The Doctor Will See You Now!   
      
   "Open Wire Feed Lines" is the focus of the current (May 5) episode of the   
   "ARRL The Doctor is In" podcast. Listen...and learn!   
      
   Sponsored by DX Engineering, "ARRL The Doctor is In" is an informative   
   discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or   
   smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!   
      
   Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor in Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and the   
   Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of technical   
   topics. You can also e-mail your questions to doctor@arrl.org, and the Doctor   
   may answer them in a future podcast.   
      
   Enjoy "ARRL The Doctor is In" on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or iPad   
   podcast app (just search for "ARRL The Doctor is In"). You can also listen   
   online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required, or browse the   
   site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android   
   devices.   
      
   If you've never listened to a podcast before, download our beginner's guide.   
      
      
   National Parks on the Air Update   
      
   ARRL has an opportunity for those traveling to Dayton Hamvention(R) who want   
   to activate an NPS unit for National Parks on the Air (NPOTA)! ARRL has   
   secured an operating permit with the Dayton Aviation Heritage National   
   Historic Park in downtown Dayton. The special NPOTA activity will be available   
   for visiting operators to enjoy activating an NPOTA unit without having to   
   bring their own gear. The event will run from Friday, May 20, until Sunday,   
   May 22, at the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center. Operations will be from 9   
   AM-5 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9 AM-noon on Sunday.   
      
   ARRL Ohio Section Affiliated Club Coordinator John Myers, KD8MQ, is   
   coordinating on-site operations for the event. He is looking for volunteers on   
   Friday and Saturday who would be able to help visiting operators and/or   
   explain NPOTA and Amateur Radio to non-ham park visitors. Even an hour or two   
   of time as a volunteer would be helpful. Contact John Myers to volunteer or to   
   sign up for a 15-minute operating slot. All slots are available on a   
   first-come, first-served basis and all operators are limited to one slot, to   
   make this opportunity available to as many visitors as possible.   
      
   There are 47 activations scheduled for May 5-12, including the first-ever   
   activation of Buck Island Reef National Monument in the US Virgin Islands, and   
   the George Rogers Clark National Historic Site in Indiana.   
      
   Details about these 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).   
      
      
   Carole Perry, WB2MGP, to Moderate Hamvention(R) Forums Focusing on Youth   
      
   Noted Amateur Radio teacher and mentor Carole Perry, WB2MGP, will once again   
   moderate Dayton Hamvention(R) forums focusing on youth and youth activities.   
   She will lead the League's Instructors' Forum on Friday, May 20, 10:30 AM-12   
   PM, and the Youth Forum on Saturday, May 21, 9:15 AM-12 PM. Among the Youth   
   Forum presenters will be 9-year-old Hope Lea, KM4IPF, who will talk about her   
   experiences in satellite work in "Talking Through the Birds."   
      
   "The Youth Forum is where we showcase our best and brightest young hams,"   
   Perry said. "Eleven young hams will give presentations about their   
   accomplishments and the fun they have in a variety of ham radio venues and   
   experiences. Come support the future of our hobby and service! This is where   
   young people will get to meet with other youngsters."   
      
   One young speaker, 17-year-old ARRL member Maria Lysandrou, KD9BUS, will   
   appear at both the Youth Forum and the Instructors' Forum, but will deliver   
   her "Attracting Females into Ham Radio" presentation -- about getting more   
   women and girls interested in ham radio -- only at the Instructors' Forum.   
      
   "This year I have a record-breaking 11 young presenters at the Youth Forum,"   
   Perry explained. "So, in the interest of time, Maria has consented to speak at   
   the Instructors' Forum and to be recognized along with the others at the Youth   
   Forum."   
      
   Other Youth Forum speakers will include:   
      
    *  Kelsey Seymour, K3LSY, 17: "Preparing Yourself: An In-Depth Look at   
       Go-Kits for Emergencies"   
    *  Brandon Geik, WA9REV, 16: "ARISS Contact" and "Cell Phones Down and   
       Radios Up"   
    *  Eli Musgrave, KM4HFZ, 15, and Zach Haidari, KM4QIV, 14: "Discover the   
       Fun and Magic of Digital Radio Communications"   
    *  Skyler Fennell, KD0WHB, 17: "Home Brewing on a Budget"   
    *  Jacob Nagel, AD0JA, 16: "Programming New Radios"   
    *  Marty Sullaway, KC1CWF, 14: "Home Brewing Fun"   
    *  William Ferguson, KJ4EYZ, 14: "Setting up a Radio Station to Chase DX"   
    *  Dhruv Rebba, KC9ZJX, 11: "Helping Communities in US and India with Radio   
       Communications"   
      
   Perry said the Instructors' Forum is the meeting place for teachers,   
   instructors, scoutmasters, youth club leaders, and others to network and share   
   ideas about working with young people and ham radio.   
      
   Instructors' Forum speakers will include:   
      
    *  Bob Roschewsk, KA2PBT, "How to Advance Amateur Radio in the School   
       System."   
    *  Lukas Purasson, KD2ISB, and Nick Roschewsk, KD2HBR, "Antennas and the   
       Engineering Design Competition."   
    *  Sam Rose, KC2LRC, "Advantages of College Ham Radio Clubs."   
      
   A past Hamvention Ham of the Year, Perry has moderated the Dayton Youth Forum   
   for 29 years.   
      
      
   No Need for Panic Regarding Synthetic Aperture Radars on 70 Centimeters, ARRL   
   CTO Says   
      
   A recent BBC news article regarding a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) contract   
   award for operation within the 70 centimeter band has raised some concern   
   within the Amateur Radio community. The contract to Airbus Space would involve   
   determining the density of Earth's forests using a P-band (432-438 MHz) SAR.   
   That band segment was allocated for use by the Earth Exploration Satellite   
   (Active) Service (EESS Active) at World Radiocommunication Conference 2003   
   (WRC-03). ARRL Chief Technology Officer Brennan Price, N4QX, said SAR activity   
   has not been found to be a significant problem to Amateur Radio activity on   
   the 70 centimeter band. Both EESS (Active) and Amateur Radio are secondary on   
   the band in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regions 2 and 3   
   (Amateur Radio is co-primary with the Radiolocation Service in ITU Region 1),   
   and Price said SAR operation is subject to significant constraints.   
      
   "The interference potential from one orbiting SAR to one fixed Amateur Radio   
   station is on the order of less than 1 minute over an orbital period of more   
   than 10 days," Price said. "Practically speaking, nearby electrical lines and   
   Part 15 devices are more likely to be bothersome."   
      
   Price said news items in articles aimed at the general public are "often   
   notoriously short" on technical details. ITU-R Recommendation RS.1260-11 --   
   incorporated by reference in the ITU Radio Regulations and binding on EESS   
   (Active) stations -- spells out the WRC-03 consensus on SARs operating at 70   
   centimeters. Among other things, RS.1260-1 states that EESS (Active)   
   instruments operation profile "shall be campaign-oriented, targeted to   
   specific geographical areas and shall limit the instrument active time to the   
   minimum required to achieve the campaign objectives."   
      
      
   RFinder -- The Worldwide Repeater Directory Now Lets Users File Jamming Reports   
      
   RFinder, the creator of a web and app-based directory of Amateur Radio   
   repeaters worldwide, now includes the ability to report radio jamming   
   anywhere. This feature is already available in RFinder's Android app and   
   should be available for iOS devices by the time of Dayton Hamvention(R). Those   
   without a device or subscription can file reports online. Individuals or   
   entities responsible for coordinating anti-jamming activities can also request   
   access to view jamming reports for their area.   
      
   "Repeater jamming is a problem worldwide, [and] we've created a way of   
   organizing anti-jamming activities worldwide," says Bob Greenberg, W2CYK,   
   creator of RFinder. "We are evaluating some automated monitoring technology to   
   integrate in the near future. This new feature just extends RFinder's social   
   features even further."   
      
   RFinder includes more than 60,000 repeaters in some 170 countries around the   
   globe. RFinder is integrated directly with EchoLink on both Android and iPhone   
   and provides the ability to share repeater check-ins on Facebook, Twitter, and   
   APRS. RFinder is integrated with RT Systems and CHIRP radio programmers and   
   has a routing feature, where users can find repeaters worldwide over a given   
   route. Video demos of RFinder features are available on YouTube.   
      
   In February, ARRL announced it had established an agreement with RFinder to be   
   its preferred online resource of repeater frequencies. Subscribe to RFinder   
   from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, or from your Android smartphone or   
   tablet. The annual $9.99 subscription provides access to repeater data   
   worldwide through RFinder's collection of apps for Android and Apple devices,   
   and from nearly any web browser. RFinder will have an exhibit in the ARRL EXPO   
   at Dayton Hamvention, May 20-22.   
      
      
   Romania Puts Toe in the 5 MHz Waters with Scheduled Amateur Radio Testing   
      
   Romania has tentatively joined the group of countries making a band at 5 MHz   
   -- as opposed to a set of discrete channels -- available to Amateur Radio. It   
   has granted radio amateurs access to 5 MHz on a scheduled testing basis for   
   approximately 1 year. Tests are aimed at ascertaining whether propagation is   
   favorable for emergency communication. For now, the band is just 3 kHz wide --   
   5363.5 to 5366.5 kHz. Permissible modes are CW, PSK, RTTY, and WSJT, at a   
   maximum EIRP of 15 W. Romanian hams must register for the testing program.   
   Initial testing in the sliver allocation will take place on Thursdays at   
   around 1600 UTC.   
      
   Belgium recently made available to radio amateurs a 60 meter band that   
   conforms with the allocation determined by World Radiocommunication Conference   
   2015 (WRC-15) -- 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz (15 kHz) with an effective isotropic   
   radiated power (EIRP) of up to 15 W, and all modes allowed.   
      
   Spain has renewed its temporary authorization at 5 MHz, which had ended last   
   November, allowing the use of 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz until the end of 2016, with   
   a maximum EIRP of 15 W, CW and SSB only. The band supplants six channels   
   authorized previously.   
      
   Just days after WRC-15, the Netherlands opened a 100 kHz band for Amateur   
   Radio use. Hams there may use 5350-5450 MHz at up to 100 W PEP. Article 4.4 of   
   the ITU Radio Regulations ?lets countries authorize frequency assignments   
   contrary to the international Table of Allocations only on a non-interference,   
   non-protected basis.   
      
   The new 15 kHz worldwide band will not be available for use in the US until   
   the FCC institutes a rule making proceeding and establishes operating   
   parameters for the band. A set of five dedicated 5 MHz channels remains   
   available to US radio amateurs.   
      
      
   In Brief...   
      
   Digital Ops Invited to Take Part in 2016 Most Wanted DXCC Entities Survey:   
   Digital mode operators are invited to participate in the 2016 Digital Mode   
   Most Wanted Survey -- previously known as the "RTTY Most Needed DXCC Entities   
   Survey." More than 350 digital mode operators took part in the last survey,   
   conducted in 2011. Participants should read the "How to use the 2016 Digital   
   Mode DX Most Wanted Survey" at the top of the survey web page. The survey will   
   be open until 2359 UTC on Friday, May 13, and results could be available prior   
   to Dayton Hamvention(R). A new "Resume Later"   
   feature has been added to the 2016 survey.   
      
      
   "Zorro" Miyazawa, JH1AJT, Receives "Intrepid Spirit Award" at Visalia: The   
   Intrepid-DX Group has named noted DXer and DXpeditioner Yasuo "Zorro"   
   Miyazawa, JH1AJT, as the recipient of its 4th annual Intrepid Spirit Award.   
   The award recognizes his efforts in activating Eritrea, Myanmar, and   
   Bangladesh. "We recognize Zorro's unselfish acts to activate these challenging   
   and much needed entities," Intrepid-DX Group President Paul Ewing, N6PSE,   
   said. "We acknowledge Zorro's pursuit of operating excellence and his quest to   
   activate the rare and often difficult entities." The Intrepid Spirit Award was   
   presented on April 16 at the International DX Convention in Visalia,   
   California. -- Thanks to Paul S. Ewing, N6PSE   
      
      
   Meet the Author of Contact Sport at Dayton: Jim George, N3BB, the author of   
   Contact Sport, which details the New England-based 2014 World Radiosport Team   
   Championship -- sometimes called "the Olympics of Ham Radio" -- will be at   
   Dayton Hamvention. George will be available to sign copies of his book,   
   subtitled a Story of Champions, Airwaves, and a One-Day race around the World.   
   Look for   
   him at the Dayton Contest Dinner as well. A review of Contact Sport appears in   
   the May 2016 issue of QST. Buy the book at the ARRL Store.   
      
      
   The K7RA Solar Update   
      
   Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity increased last week -- one of   
   those occasional upticks on the way down from the solar cycle peak.   
      
   Average daily sunspot numbers increased from 43.3 to 74.7, and average daily   
   solar flux increased by 10 points to 91.9. The average planetary A index rose   
   from 9.4 to 11.3, and the average mid-latitude A index went from 11.6 to 10.7.   
      
   The latest forecast has solar flux at 95 on May 5; 100 on May 6-9; 95 on May   
   10-15; 90 on May 16; 82 on May 17-22, and 85 on May 23. Solar flux is forecast   
   to rise above 100 on May 31 through June 6.   
      
   The predicted planetary A index is 5 on May 5-6; 12 and 15 on May 7-8; 25 on   
   May 9-10; then 20, 15, 5, and 12 on May 11-14; 5 on May 15-18, and 12, 15, 12,   
   and 8 on May 19-22,   
      
   Sunspot numbers for April 28 through May 4 were 84, 82, 82, 76, 75, 57, and   
   67, with a mean of 74.7. The 10.7 centimeter flux was 94.9, 92.4, 94, 92.2,   
   89.8, 90, and 90.1, with a mean of 91.9. Estimated planetary A indices were 5,   
   4, 7, 16, 31, 11, and 5, with a mean of 11.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices   
   were 6, 3, 9, 16, 26, 11, and 4, with a mean of 10.7.   
      
   Send me your reports and observations.   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Just Ahead in Radiosport   
      
    *  May 5 -- NRAU 10 Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)   
    *  May 7 -- Microwave Spring Sprint (CW, phone, digital)   
    *  May 7 -- FISTS Spring Slow Speed Sprint (CW)   
    *  May 7-8 -- 7th Call Area QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)   
    *  May 7-8 -- Delaware QSO Party (CW, phone)   
    *  May 7-8 -- Indiana QSO Party (CW, phone)   
    *  May 7-8 -- New England QSO Party (CW, phone)   
    *  May 7-8 -- 10-10 International Spring Contest (CW)   
    *  May 7-8 -- ARI International DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)   
    *  May 7-8 -- F9AA Cup (PSK)   
    *  May 7-8 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)   
    *  May 11 -- RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship (digital)   
    *  May 12 -- NAQCC CW Sprint   
      
   ____________________________________________________________________________   
      
      
   Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions   
      
    *  May 7 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Spartanburg, South Carolina   
    *  May 13-15 -- Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Keystone, Colorado   
    *  May 14 -- Iowa State Convention, Boone, Iowa   
    *  May 20-22 -- Dayton Hamvention, Dayton, Ohio   
    *  June 3-5 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon   
    *  June 4 -- Georgia Section Convention, Marietta, Georgia   
    *  June 5 -- Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,   
       Pennsylvania   
    *  June 10-11 -- West Gulf Division Convention, Irving, Texas   
    *  June 18 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee   
    *  July 2 -- Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Harrisburg,   
       Pennsylvania   
    *  July 8-9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Milton, Florida   
    *  July 8-9 -- Utah State Convention, Sandy, Utah   
    *  July 22-23 -- Oklahoma Section Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma   
    *  July 29-31 -- Central States VHF Conference, Rochester, Minnesota   
      
   Find conventions and hamfests in your area.   
      
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   )\/(ark   
      
   Always Mount a Scratch Monkey   
      
   ... A hard man is good to find.   
   ---   
    * Origin:  (1:3634/12.73)