The ARRL Letter
Published by the American Radio Relay League
********************************************
May 17, 2012
Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL Home Page ARRL Letter Archive
Audio News
IN THIS ISSUE
- ARRL Centennial Celebration: ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN,
Invites Input for 2014 ARRL Centennial
- Regulatory: ARRL Responds to FCC Request for Comments on Impediments
to Amateur Radio Communications
- Regulatory: New "PRB-1" Law Now in Effect in Ohio
- Hamvention: Dayton Hamvention Starts May 18
- FCC News: Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai Sworn in As FCC
Commissioners
- On the Air: ARRL Microwave Band Planning Committee Releases Draft
Band Plans
- QST: Get Ready for the Launch of the Digital Version of QST
- Nominations Invited for 2012 Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna
Award
- Solar Update
- No ARRL Audio News on May 17, Will Return May 24
- This Week in Radiosport
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
> ARRL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: ARRL PRESIDENT KAY CRAIGIE, N3KN,
INVITES INPUT FOR 2014 ARRL CENTENNIAL
The ARRL will celebrate its centennial in 2014, and is already making
plans to commemorate the highlights of the League's first century and
looking forward to what the second century may bring. But it's your
League and your centennial. ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN,
invites all ARRL members to provide suggestions to help make this
once-in-a-lifetime event truly special. "Centennial theme publications
and special sections of regular publications are in the works," Craigie
noted, "as is an operating event that all members can participate in.
We will have centennial merchandise in the ARRL store and artwork you
can use to design items for yourself and your club. We'll be drawing on
the ARRL's historical collection and the memories of living amateurs."
Read more here
.
> REGULATORY: ARRL RESPONDS TO FCC REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON
IMPEDIMENTS TO AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the ARRL filed comments in response to the
FCC's Public Notice seeking comments on Emergency Communications by
Amateur Radio and impediments to Amateur Radio communications. Known as
Docket 12-91, the Commission is soliciting comments from the public as
it writes the report they were directed to present to Congress as part
of Public Law No. 112-96
.
At the direction of ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, and the ARRL
Board's Executive Committee, the document was drafted by ARRL General
Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, assisted by ARRL Regulatory Information
Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, as well as ARRL Chief Technology Officer
Brennan Price, N4QX and several ARRL Headquarters staff members.
Over 1500 e-mails were received at ARRL from amateurs, sharing the
details of their various deed restrictions. An additional 350-plus
e-mails were also received detailing actual Emergency Communications
participation in various events from almost every state in the US as
well as several US territories.
"The information provided to the ARRL by its members has provided a
strong statement of how the various deed restrictions have negatively
impacted the ability of Amateur Radio licensees to maximize their
participation in disaster and emergency support communications," said
Henderson. "The information provided by the membership not only helps
us make the best case to the FCC in this docket, but also begins to lay
a good foundation for considering possible rule changes that would
enhance Amateur Radio communications beyond this proceeding. I want to
thank the hundreds of concerned amateurs who made the effort to provide
the ARRL with the facts of their personal set of circumstances. What
you shared with us has helped us make a strong argument to present to
the Commission," he added.
A copy of the ARRL's filing
to the FCC may
be found on the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System website.
> REGULATORY: NEW "PRB-1" LAW NOW IN EFFECT IN OHIO
On May 15, Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a bill into law
granting comprehensive rights to Amateur Radio operators in that state.
Several key players in the successful effort to enact a "PRB-1" law in
Ohio were present for the signing, including Section Manager Frank J.
Piper, KI8GW; Rick Swain, KK8O; Bill Carpenter, AA8EY; Steve Katz,
N8WL,
and Constance Barsky, WD8ODC. ARRL Great Lakes Division Director
James Weaver, K8JE, was also at the signing.
Ohio SM Frank Piper provided some background:
"In the past three years, we have had four versions of this bill in the
Ohio Statehouse. In the last State Assembly, these bills died in
Committee. In this current Assembly, everything lined up for us, and
House Bill 158 made the entire journey from Introduction to the
Governor Kasich's signature.
"We had to make a few revisions to HB 158 during its travels through
committee hearings, but in the end we finished with an Act that places
the full language of CFR 47, Part 97.15 into the Ohio Revised Code. In
addition, language at the end of the law states: 'Any legislative
authority that denies an application for approval of an amateur station
antenna structure shall state the reasons for the denial and shall, on
appeal, bear the burden of proving that the authority's actions are
consistent with this section.' This language removes the burden of
proof from the Amateur Radio operator and places it on the legislative
authority.
"State Government Liaison Nick Pittner, K8NAP, did a tremendous job
over the past several years, staying on top of the status of bills that
were running their course on both sides of the Statehouse. Nick knew
when to call in key people to testify to Committees, and was
instrumental in the process of negotiating the required revisions when
requested.
"My thanks go out to all the Amateur Radio operators in the Ohio
Section who called, wrote and e-mailed their State Representatives and
Senators to support this legislation. Without their grass roots work,
this victory would not have been possible."
> HAMVENTION: DAYTON HAMVENTION STARTS MAY 18
Thousands of ham radio operators from around the world are converging
on Dayton, Ohio for this weekend's Hamvention. The theme:
Internationally Connected.
> FCC NEWS: JESSICA ROSENWORCEL AND AJIT PAI SWORN IN AS FCC
COMMISSIONERS
On Monday, May 14, Jessica Rosenworcel, and Ajit Pai, were sworn in
by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski as FCC Commissioners. For the
first time in almost a year, the Commission is once again at full
strength. Rosenworcel, a Democrat, fills the seat vacated by Michael
Copps who retired from the Commission earlier this year; her term runs
through June 30, 2015. Pai, a Republican,
replaces Meredith Attwell Baker, who left the FCC in June 2011; his
term runs through June 30, 2016. Read more here
.
> ON THE AIR: ARRL MICROWAVE BAND PLANNING COMMITTEE RELEASES DRAFT
BAND PLANS
The ARRL UHF-Microwave Band Plan Committee has released for comment its
draft band plan for 13 cm (2.3/2.4 GHz) and welcomes comments on it.
The amended draft band plan for 902-928 MHz (33 cm) has also been
released. Read more here
.
> QST: GET READY FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE DIGITAL VERSION OF QST
We are excited about being able to offer ARRL members access to a
brand-new digital edition of QST. We expect to launch the digital
edition on or about May 23. If you have checked the Notification box on
your Member Profile, you will be notified by e-mail as soon as the
digital edition becomes available. As a bonus, ARRL members will also
have access to the digital archive -- the digital editions beginning
with the January 2012 issue. Our thanks to those who have beta tested
the digital edition. Your input has been invaluable as we have worked
to improve and enhance the digital edition. For more information,
please see the Digital Edition FAQ
.
> NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR 2012 PHILIP J. MCGAN MEMORIAL SILVER
ANTENNA AWARD
The ARRL is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Philip J. McGan
Memorial Silver Antenna Award .
This annual honor goes to a radio amateur who has demonstrated success
in Amateur Radio public relations and best exemplifies volunteer spirit
of the award's namesake, Phil McGan, WA2MBQ (SK). As the first chairman
of the ARRL Public Relations Committee, McGan helped to reinvigorate
the League's commitment to public relations. Nominations are due at
ARRL Headquarters by May 25, 2012.
"Throughout the year, ARRL Public Information Coordinators (PIC
s), Public
Information Officers (PIO
s) and other public
relations volunteers strive to keep Amateur Radio visible in their
communities," explained ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen
Pitts, W1AGP. "They do this by publicizing special events, writing
press releases and maintaining good relations with local news media.
Their efforts benefit us all. Nominating someone -- and recognizing his
or her public relations achievements -- is "the perfect way to say
'thank you' for promoting Amateur Radio."
The McGan Award honors achievement in public relations. Pitts pointed
out the distinction between public relations -- essentially getting
Amateur
Radio's message to the public -- and public service, which is
Amateur Radio activity on behalf of the public, such as supporting
emergency communication. "If you're considering nominating someone in
your area for the McGan Award, please ask yourself if your candidate's
work fits the public relations definition," he said.
The McGan Award recognizes those Public Relations activities that
include efforts specifically directed at bringing Amateur Radio to the
public's attention (and most often to the news media's) in a positive
light. These may include traditional methods such as news releases, or
less-traditional methods such as hosting a radio show or being an
active public speaker.
Unfortunately, McGan never got to see how well his own PR efforts paid
off. In his honor, his friends in the New Hampshire Amateur Radio
Association joined with the ARRL Board of Directors to pay a lasting
tribute to the important contributions he made on behalf of Amateur
Radio by establishing this annual award. A committee of volunteers
knowledgeable about Amateur Radio public relations will pick the
winner, subject to approval by the ARRL Board of Directors. All McGan
Award nominees must be a full ARRL member -- not a group -- in good
standing and may not be regularly compensated for public relations work
involving Amateur Radio, including payment for articles. Nominees may
not be a current officer, director, vice director or paid staff member,
or a member of the current selection committee.
Nominations must be received at ARRL Headquarters by 5 PM Eastern Time
on May 25, 2012. The committee will not consider nominations that
arrive after the deadline or without an entry form. Complete details
and an official nomination form on McGan Award eligibility and how to
nominate someone are available on the ARRL website
. Completed entry forms and
supporting materials should be mailed to Philip J. McGan Memorial
Silver Antenna Award, c/o Allen Pitts, W1AGP, ARRL, 225 Main St,
Newington, CT 06111.
> SOLAR UPDATE
Tad "Unspeakable high processions of Sun and Moon and countless stars
above " Cook, K7RA,
reports: If you look at Spaceweather.com and use their archive feature
(check the three drop-down field on the upper right), you can step
day-by-day through the past week and see the progression of a
considerable number of sunspots in the Daily Sun image on the left side
of the page. There was one new sunspot group on
May 10, two on May 11, four more on May 13 and another on May 15.
Average daily sunspot numbers for the past week rose nearly 25 points,
or about 27 percent, to 117.3. The big day was Monday, May 14, when the
daily sunspot number jumped to 156. This was one day after four new
sunspot groups, 1481 through 1484 appeared for the first time. Average
daily solar flux rose 12 points to 131, an increase of 10 percent. For
the near term, predicted solar flux is 130 on May 17-24, 115 on May
25-31, 120 on June 1, 125 on June 2-3, 130 on June 4, 135 on June 5-9
and 130 on June 10-12. Projected planetary A index is 5 on May 17-22, 8
on May 23, 5 on May 24 through June 4, then 8, 12, 18, 10 and 5 on June
5-9.
Look for more on the ARRL website on Friday, May 18. For more
information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical
Information Service Propagation page
. This week's "Tad
Cookism" is brought to you by Ralph Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony
(IV The Explorers), taken
from Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass
(Book XXVI
, Passage to
India, verse 5).
> NO ARRL AUDIO NEWS ON MAY 17, WILL RETURN MAY 24
Due to staff travel to the Dayton Hamvention, there will be no ARRL
Audio News on Thursday, May 17.
ARRL Audio News will return on May 24.
> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT
This week:
- May 19 -- Feld Hell Sprint
- May 19-20 -- His Majesty King of Spain Contest (CW); EU PSK DX
Contest; Baltic Contest
- May 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
- May 21-22 -- Aegean RTTY Contest
- May 23-24 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
Next week:
- May 25 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- May 26-27 -- CQ WW WPX Contest (CW)
- May 27 -- QRP ARCI Hootowl Sprint (local time); SARL Digital Contest
- May 27-28 -- Michigan QRP Memorial Day CW Sprint
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
- May 18-20 -- Dayton Hamvention
, Dayton, Ohio
- June 1-3 -- ARRL Northwestern Division Convention
,
Seaside, Oregon
- June 2 -- ARRL Georgia Section Convention
,
Marietta, Georgia
- June 8-9 -- ARRL West Gulf Division Convention
,
Plano, Texas
- June 9 -- ARRL Arkansas State Convention
, Rogers,
Arkansas; ARRL Tennessee State Convention
, Knoxville,
Tennessee
- June 30 -- ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention
,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- July 20-22 -- ARRL Montana State Convention
,
East Glacier, Montana
- July 26-28 -- Central States VHF Society Conference
,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- July 27-28 -- ARRL Oklahoma Section Convention
,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- July 27-29 -- ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention
,
Bryce Canyon, Utah
- August 3-4 -- ARRL Texas State Convention
,
Austin, Texas
- August 3-5 -- Pacific Northwest DX Convention
,
Portland, Oregon
- August 4 -- ARRL Ohio State Convention
, Columbus, Ohio
- August 10-12 -- RAC National Convention 2012
, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
- August 18 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention
,
Weston, West Virginia
- August 18-19 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
,
Huntsville, Alabama
- August 19 -- ARRL Kansas State Convention
, Salina,
Kansas
- August 24-26 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
,
Boxboro, Massachusetts
- August 26 -- ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention
,
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
To find a convention or hamfest near you, click here
.
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