The ARRL Letter
Published by the American Radio Relay League
********************************************
December 1, 2011
Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL Home Page ARRL Letter Archive
Audio News
IN THIS ISSUE
- + FCC News: FCC Grants Secondary Service Allocation to Wireless
Broadband Medical Micropower Networks
- + Amateur Radio in Space: AMSAT Announces End of OSCAR 51 Mission
- + On the Air: The ARRL 10 Meter Contest -- Get On While the Bands Are
Hot!
- + On the Air: 2012 Malpelo DXpedition to Be Extended
- ARRL In Action: What Have We Been Up To?
- + Logbook of The World: LoTW Processing Update
- Lauren Clarke Joins ARRL Staff as Individual Giving Manager
- Dayton Hamvention: Charles Kaiser, KD8JZR, Named Dayton Hamvention®
Assistant General Chairman
- Solar Update
- + ARRL Congratulates: Allen Baker, KG4JJH , Wins November QST Cover
Plaque Award
- Hams Listen to Mars Science Laboratory Signal
- + Amateur Radio Fun: The Night Before Christmas -- From a Ham's
Perspective
- This Week on the Radio
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
+ Available on ARRL Audio News .
> + FCC NEWS: FCC GRANTS SECONDARY SERVICE ALLOCATION TO WIRELESS
BROADBAND MEDICAL MICROPOWER NETWORKS
In their regular meeting on Wednesday, November 30, the four FCC
Commissioners unanimously agreed to allocate spectrum and adopt service
and technical rules for the utilization of new implanted medical
devices that operate on 413-457 MHz (70 cm). These devices will be used
on a secondary basis as part of the Medical Data Radiocommunication
Service in Part 95 of the FCC rules. The Amateur Radio Service also has
a secondary allocation on the 70 cm band. These new rules are the
result of a Notice of Proposed Rule Making that the FCC released in
March 2009. A Report & Order that will define these new rules is
expected soon.
According to the FCC, these devices would greatly expand the use of
functional electric stimulation to restore sensation, mobility and
function to those persons with paralyzed limbs and organs; they would
be implanted in a patient and function as wireless broadband medical
micropower networks (MMNs).
Calling the new rules an "advance[ment of] its mobile broadband
agenda," the FCC said this will create "a new generation of wireless
medical devices that could be used to restore functions to paralyzed
limbs. Medical Micropower Networks (MMNs) are ultra-low power wideband
networks consisting of multiple transmitters implanted in the body that
use electric currents to activate and monitor nerves and muscles." The
Commission also noted that its National Broadband Plan -- released in
2010 -- observed "that the use of spectrum-agile radios and other
techniques can significantly increase the efficient use of radio
spectrum to meet growing demand for this valuable resource. MMNs
illustrate how advanced technology can enable the more efficient use of
spectrum to deliver innovative new services." Read more here
.
> + AMATEUR RADIO IN SPACE: AMSAT ANNOUNCES END OF OSCAR 51 MISSION
AMSAT-OSCAR 51
-- the
popular FM repeater satellite -- has likely reached the end of its
operational lifespan. AMSAT-NA Vice President of Operations Drew
Glasbrenner, KO4MA, issued the following statement on November 29: "It
is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased transmission and
is not responding to commands. The last telemetry data indicated that
the third of six batteries was approaching failure to short, and
observations indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to
power the UHF transmitters. The IHU [internal housekeeping unit] may
continue to be operative. Initial tests with the S band transmitter
were also not positive, although more attempts are in order. We have
tried leaving the satellite in an expected state where if voltages
climb high enough, the 435.150 transmitter may possibly be heard. The
command team will regularly attempt communications with the satellite
over the coming months (and years). There is always the possibility
that a cell will open and we could once again talk to our friend while
illuminated. Thanks to all who helped fund, design, build, launch,
command, and operate AO-51. Its 7 year mission has been extraordinary."
> + ON THE AIR: THE ARRL 10 METER CONTEST -- GET ON WHILE THE BANDS
ARE HOT!
Ten meters -- in case you haven't heard, is alive in a big way! That
means that the ARRL 10 Meter Contest -- coming up the weekend of
December 10-11 -- is going to be the one of the best we've seen in
years! During this event, many propagation modes will be available:
Sporadic-E will help you work stateside stations, a touch of meteor
scatter in the morning will give you split-second chances to work
stations -- you'd better be quick, though! -- and DX stations will be
plentiful, thanks to the return of F2 propagation. ARRL Contest Branch
Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, said that he keeps hearing from numerous
hams who have been licensed only three or four years, telling him that
they've never experienced a 10 meter opening because they weren't
licensed during the last solar cycle peak: "A common phrase I'm hearing
is, 'Now I understand what all the Old-Timers in my club were talking
about -- 10 meters is great!' With a concentration of activity for the
contest, there will be an opportunity for the first time in several
years to experience the beauty of a wide-open 10 meter band. With so
much excitement worldwide over the great conditions, the 2011 ARRL 10
Meter Contest could see the highest level of participation in a very
long time!" Read more here
.
> + ON THE AIR: 2012 MALPELO DXPEDITION TO BE EXTENDED
The HK0NA DXpedition to Malpelo -- an island located approximately
235 miles from Colombia's Pacific coast -- is scheduled for early 2012.
Organized by the DX Radio Amateur Club out of Colombia, the DXpedition
boasts an international team of 16 operators from eight countries.
According to DXpedition leader Jorge Prieto, HK1R it is highly unlikely
that the various Colombian authorities will permit another DXpedition
to Malpelo anytime soon. With this in mind, he said that the dates of
the DXpedition will be extended by two to three days from the previous
12-14 day plan. The approximate dates of operations will be January
21-February 5/6, 2012. Operations are planned on 160-6 meters on CW,
SSB and Digital modes, including EME. Malpelo is currently #12 on DX
Magazine's 100 Most Needed Countries Survey. Read more here
.
> ARRL IN ACTION: WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?
Compiled by ARRL News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
This feature is a concise monthly update of some of the things that the
ARRL is doing on behalf of its members. This installment -- which
covers the month of November -- takes a look the 2011 Division
elections, the latest happenings at W1AW, microwave bandplanning,
freshman engineering students getting their Technician tickets, reports
from the Official Observer Desk and more. Read more here
.
> + LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD: LOTW PROCESSING UPDATE
Logbook of The World (LoTW
) is continuing to accept and
process logs, including logs from this past weekend's CQ World Wide CW
Contest. Before the contest, LoTW had just about caught up with the
backlog, but due to the high number of logs submitted after the
contest, is once again seeing delays. As of December 1, the processing
delay is at 22 hours -- down from 45 hours last week -- with
approximately 830,000 QSOs in 2500 logs still waiting to be processed.
If it has been more than 48 hours since you uploaded a log to LoTW and
your log has not yet been processed, please upload it again. Remember:
Do not send entire logs that contain previously uploaded QSOs -- use
the date range option when signing logs, selecting only those QSOs in a
specific date range to upload to LoTW. Thanks again for your patience.
> LAUREN CLARKE JOINS ARRL STAFF AS INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER
The ARRL is pleased to welcome Individual Giving Manager Lauren Clarke
to the Headquarters staff in Newington. Lauren -- who will be working
in the ARRL Development Office -- will be taking over the many funds in
the Development Office, such as the Diamond Club
, the Education & Technology
Fund , the Spectrum
Defense Fund and the W1AW
Endowment Fund . This will
allow ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, to shift her
focus to the ARRL Second Century Campaign
.
Though Lauren comes to the ARRL with more than 20 years of
experience in non-profit fundraising, this is her first experience with
a technology organization. "My background has been primarily focused on
the social services and arts side of the coin," she said. "I've worked
with the United Way, the Greater Hartford Arts Council and the
Wadsworth Athenaeum. I am very excited to be here at the ARRL. The
League does wonderful work and it is wonderful to see how our members
embrace it and Amateur Radio."
Lauren expressed her appreciation to the ARRL volunteers, members and
staff who have welcomed her here at ARRL Headquarters: "Everyone has
all been very welcoming and helpful as I learn about Amateur Radio and
work toward getting my Amateur Radio license. We are definitely a team
in the Development Office, and I hope to build on the hard work of Mary
and Development Associates Margie Bourgoin, KB1DCO, and Maryann
Macdonald to continue raising funds to support the ARRL's initiatives."
As she learns more about the ARRL and Amateur Radio, Lauren said she
finds that her primary interest is Emergency Communications and the
ARES® program. "With so many terrible storms and natural disasters that
have hit the US and other countries recently, I am proud to be
associated with an organization that supports the volunteers who
quickly step in to help people and their communities during these
disasters," she explained. "I am looking forward to the Dayton
Hamvention® in May and meeting many of our members and donors in
person."
"When Lauren joined the Development staff, she dove right in, working
on the departmental budget details and 2012 plan," Hobart said. "She
has taken a fresh look at some key fund raising programs and she is
adding value to whatever she does. The ARRL is very fortunate to have
in Lauren an experienced Development professional who shares our fund
raising philosophy and is building solid relationships with staff and
donors. I am confident that Lauren has a bright future at ARRL."
Lauren and her husband live in the Greater Hartford area. They have two
children: a daughter who is attending Tufts University and a son in
high school. Lauren and her family are active in the local Labrador
Retriever rescue organization and serve as foster parents for dogs
awaiting adoption. She also enjoys recreational rowing and gardening.
If you would like to discuss giving opportunities with the ARRL -- or
would just like to welcome Lauren to the ARRL family -- you can reach
her via e-mail or by phone at 860-594-0348.
> DAYTON HAMVENTION: CHARLES KAISER, KD8JZR, NAMED DAYTON HAMVENTION®
ASSISTANT GENERAL CHAIRMAN
On November 21, 2012 Dayton Hamvention® General Chairman Mike Kalter
W8CI, announced that Charles Kaiser, KD8JZR, would take over as
Assistant General Chairman of the largest hamfest in the US. Kaiser is
replacing Josh Long, KD8BVD, who stepped down due to work commitments.
"I am lucky to find someone who is as committed as Charles," Kalter
said. "He has served on a number of committees and knows Hamvention
well. I know he will be an excellent assistant." Kaiser, who is
retired, said that he considered the time requirements carefully before
accepting the position and is ready to devote as much time as needed to
ensure that the 2012 Hamvention is a success. Read more here
.
> SOLAR UPDATE
Tad "Like the Moon and the stars and the Sun
" Cook, K7RA, reports:
November conveniently ended on the last day of the data reporting
period for the upcoming bulletin, so we can now look at recent
averages. Solar Cycle 24 continues to turn up. We have a new high for
the trailing three month daily sunspot number average. Starting with
the three month period ending in December 2010 and going through
November 2011, they were: 30.1, 35.3, 55.7, 72.3, 74.4, 65.9, 61.5, 63,
79.6, 98.6 and 118.8. There hasn't been a three month period with
average daily sunspot numbers above 118.8 since way back in June, July
and August 2003, when the average was 121.9. The latest forecast from
NOAA/USAF has the solar flux on December 1-11 at 145, 140, 135, 135,
140, 135, 135, 145, 150, 150 and 155, and then at 160 on December
12-18. The planetary A index on December 1-10 at 8, 8, 7, 7, 5, 7, 5,
5, 8 and 8, and then 5 on December 11-22. In case you missed it, we had
an extra bulletin on Monday morning
, and last week's
bulletin was a day early
. Look for more
information on the ARRL website on Friday, December 2. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
. This week's "Tad
Cookism" is brought to you by John Lennon's Instant Karma! (And We All
Shine On) .
> + ARRL CONGRATULATES: ALLEN BAKER, KG4JJH , WINS NOVEMBER QST COVER
PLAQUE AWARD
The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for November is Allen
Baker, KG4JJH , for his article "Build Your Own DSP Speaker. "
Congratulations Allen! The QST Cover Plaque award -- given to the
author or authors of the best article in each issue -- is determined by
a vote of ARRL members on the QST Cover Plaque Poll Web page
. Cast a ballot for your
favorite article in the December issue today.
> HAMS LISTEN TO MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY SIGNAL
As NASA's Mars Science Laboratory was streaking away from Earth just
seven hours after its November 26 launch, amateurs using the AMSAT-DL
facility in Bochum,
Germany eavesdropped on its 10 GHz telemetry signals. At 21:45 UTC, the
spacecraft was about 70,000 miles from Earth, heading for a rendezvous
on the red planet in August 2012. James Miller, G3RUH, remotely
reconfigured the Bochum tracking and receiving system, aiming the 20
meter parabolic dish antenna toward the Mars Science Laboratory.
According to Miller, the signal had a spin-modulation of +/-3.5 Hz at
two revolutions per minute. The dish at Bochum is also used by AMSAT-DL
to automatically receive real-time solar data from the NASA STEREO A/B
satellites. The data is transmitted to a NOAA server in the US via the
Internet.
> + AMATEUR RADIO FUN: THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS -- FROM A HAM'S
PERSPECTIVE
Just in time for the Holidays, Gary Pearce, KN4AQ, has created a
video version of Clement Clark Moore's poem A Visit from St Nicholas --
more commonly known as The Night Before Christmas -- but Pearce's
version has a decidedly Amateur Radio twist. With a guitar
accompaniment by Don Mercz, WA3AYR, A Ham's Night Before Christmas
features QST magazine covers, Gil cartoons and Christmas-themed QST
advertisements from days gone by. Click here
to watch the video on the
ARRL YouTube channel.
> THIS WEEK ON THE RADIO
This week:
- December 2 -- NCCC Sprint
- December 2-4 -- ARRL 160 Meter Contest
- December 3 -- TARA RTTY Melee; Wake-Up! QRP Sprint
- December 3-4 -- TOPS Activity Contest
- December 4 -- 10 Meter RTTY Contest
- December 6 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
Next week:
- December 9 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- December 10-11 -- ARRL 10 Meter Contest
; CWops Mini-CWT Test; International
Naval Contest
- December 11 -- SKCC Weekend Sprint; CQC Great Colorado Snowshoe Run
- December 11-18 -- NA High Speed Meteor Scatter Winter Rally
- December 14 -- NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint; NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint
- December 14-15 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
- December 16 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder; Russian 160 Meter Contest;
AGB-Party Contest
- December 17 -- OK DX RTTY Contest; RAC Winter Contest; Feld Hell
Sprint
- December 17, 2011 -- January 1, 2012 -- Lighthouse Christmas Lights
QSO Party
- December 17-18 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge; Croatian CW Contest
All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest
Branch page , the ARRL Contest Update
and the WA7BNM Contest
Calendar for more
information. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out
the ARRL Special Event Stations Web page
.
> UPCOMING ARRL SECTION, STATE AND DIVISION CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS
- December 3-4, 2011 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
,
Palmetto, Florida
- January 8, 2012 -- ARRL New York/Long Island Section Convention
,
Bethpage, New York
- January 27-28, 2012 -- ARRL Mississippi State Convention
,
Jackson, Mississippi
- February 4, 2012 -- ARRL Virginia State Convention
,
Richmond, Virginia; ARRL South Carolina State Convention
,
Ladson, South Carolina
- February 10-12, 2012 -- ARRL Northern Florida Section Convention
,
Orlando, Florida
- February 17-18, 2012 -- ARRL Southwestern Division Convention
,
Yuma, Arizona
- February 18, 2012 -- ARRL Arkansas Section Convention
, Hoxie,
Arkansas
- February 25, 2012 -- ARRL Vermont State Convention
,
South Burlington, Vermont
To find a convention or hamfest near you, click here
.
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