The ARRL Letter
Published by the American Radio Relay League
********************************************
August 30, 2012
Editor: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL Home Page ARRL Letter Archive
Audio News
IN THIS ISSUE
- + Public Service: Hams Heed the Call to Help As Isaac Makes Landfall,
Downgraded to Tropical Storm
- + On the Air: 2012 ARRL Field Day Logs Posted
- + On the Air: Get In on the VHF Fun in the 2012 ARRL September VHF
QSO Party
- + IARU Supports Proposal for .radio Domain Name
- + Youth and Amateur Radio: North Carolina Teen Named Recipient of
ARRL's 2011 Hiram Percy Maxim Award
- Solar Update
- + DXCC News: DXCC Desk Approves 1998 XU1A Cambodian DXpedition
- + ARRL Headquarters to Close in Observance of Labor Day
- This Week in Radiosport
- Upcoming ARRL Section, State and Division Conventions and Events
+ Available on ARRL Audio News .
> + PUBLIC SERVICE: HAMS HEED THE CALL TO HELP AS ISAAC MAKES
LANDFALL, DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL STORM
Seven years to the day that Hurricane Katrina smashed into New
Orleans, Hurricane Isaac came calling. But instead of making landfall
right at New Orleans like Katrina (a Category 3 storm) did on August
28, 2005, Isaac veered slightly to the west of the city. Through it
all, hams at WX4NHC -- the Amateur Radio station at the National
Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida -- and those supporting the
Hurricane Watch Net and the VoIP Hurricane Net, along with various nets
within the ARRL's Delta Division, relayed reports to their served
agencies on Isaac's progress and the damage the storm created in its
wake.
"Even though Isaac has made landfall and is currently tracking slowly
up Central Louisiana to Arkansas, hams in the Delta Division are not
done," explained ARRL Delta Division Director David Norris, K5UZ. "We
had quite a few nets running as Isaac came ashore, and some are still
going on, relaying damage reports and assisting with health-and-welfare
traffic. As the American Red Cross and other served agencies venture
out in the field within the next few days to assess the damage created
by Isaac, hams in the Delta Division are ready to assist these teams
with whatever communications support is necessary. Just because Isaac
itself is over, we know that storms like this can bring tornadoes,
power outages and other weather events in their wake, and we are
prepared to continue to provide any support that is needed." Read more
here
.
> + ON THE AIR: 2012 ARRL FIELD DAY LOGS POSTED
More than 2600 submissions have been received for the 2012 running of
ARRL Field Day . According to ARRL Field
Day Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, this is another great showing for the
number of entries received for what is one of Amateur Radio's most
popular on-the-air operating events. The combined list of Logs Received
for Field Day has been posted online
. The list includes all logs
submitted via the http://www.b4h.net/ website, as well as those
submitted via e-mail and US Mail.
Because Field Day is not a "Cabrillo-format" event, there is no
automated robot for processing entries. When you go to the website to
see if your submission was received, look near the bottom of the page
under "Other Reports." Click on the link to open the PDF for the 2012
listings. If you find your listing is missing, please contact Henderson
via e-mail or by phone at 860-594-0200. If you find a
typographical error in your listing -- or if your log is marked as a
"Checklog" -- please contact Kathy Allison, KA1RWY, via e-mail
. Logs marked as "Checklog" indicate that required
information is missing that is still needed to properly process your
entry. All problems must be resolved by Friday, August 31.
Henderson explained that the current list only shows general
categories; the various sub-categories are added when the data is
merged into the master database. Claimed scores or bonuses are also not
included, as these are not publicized until the results are officially
released. The results from the 2012 ARRL Field Day will be posted
online on or around November 1, as well as in the December issue of
QST. The 2013 ARRL Field Day is scheduled for June 22-23.
> + ON THE AIR: GET IN ON THE VHF FUN IN THE 2012 ARRL SEPTEMBER VHF
QSO PARTY
September is here -- and according to ARRL Contest Branch Manager
Sean Kutzko, KX9X, the VHF+ bands have been getting a workout: "If
you've never experienced the fun of VHF+ operating, the 2012 ARRL
September VHF QSO Party the weekend of September 8-10 is a great place
to start. With many HF radios now offering at least 6 meter SSB/CW
capabilities -- and some offering 2 meters and 70 cm as well -- any
amateur with a Technician class license or higher can experience
long-haul communication on the VHF bands."
Kutzko explained that September -- as opposed to June with its
sporadic-E openings -- is known for good tropospheric propagation. "In
the past week, there have been some good tropo openings in the mornings
on 2 meters along the Eastern seaboard and in the Midwest. There's even
been a touch of sporadic-E propagation on 6 meters this week, primarily
in the western half of the US. Couple the recent openings with talk
among the VHF Hopeful of some F2 propagation on 6 meters (due to the
upswing of Solar Cycle 24), and the potential for enhanced propagation
during the contest looks favorable." Read more here
.
> + IARU SUPPORTS PROPOSAL FOR .RADIO DOMAIN NAME
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has expressed public
support for a .radio top-level domain name. Under the proposal as put
forth by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), registration will be
available via the EBU to all eligible radio representative
organizations and broadcasters, Internet radios, radio amateurs, radio
professionals and their respective representative organizations, as
well as companies providing radio-specific products and services in
order to create a worldwide radio community. The proposal must be
approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN ); this organization is responsible for
the coordination of the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers
and, in particular, ensuring its stable and secure operation. Read more
here
.
> + YOUTH AND AMATEUR RADIO: NORTH CAROLINA TEEN NAMED RECIPIENT OF
ARRL'S 2011 HIRAM PERCY MAXIM AWARD
Derek Brown, W4DTB, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was named the
recipient of the 2011 Hiram Percy Maxim Award. Derek, who is 14, has
been licensed since 2010 and holds an Amateur Extra class license.
Derek first became interested in Amateur Radio after reading an
article in MAKE Magazine. "After I read the ARRL Ham Radio License
Manual, I went to the local club, the Orange County Radio Amateurs
(NCOCRA ) to take my Technician test," he told the
ARRL. "That same evening, I met my Elmer, Bruce Meier, N1LN, who
inspired me to finish the next two tests. He helped me build a station,
including my first radio that I bought at a swap meet. With his help, I
put up a vertical antenna in my backyard. Unfortunately, a tree knocked
down the antenna about two weeks ago and broke the mounting bracket, so
I'll be offline until after we get the replacement parts."
Meier recalled meeting Derek when he first came in to take his
Technician exam in September 2010: "Derek had just turned 14. He had
discovered Amateur Radio and was starting to get involved. His interest
quickly grew, and by November 2010, he had his General ticket and then
in March 2011, his Extra. In February 2011, Derek and his father went
to a hamfest and found his first rig. Since Derek lives in an
antenna-restricted area, he started to research different stealth
antennas. As he wanted to start to work on his WAS, DXCC and WAC
awards, and potentially get in involved in contesting (he got exposed
to contesting at my QTH), he wanted something beyond stealth. So
because of the woods behind his house, he was able to put up a vertical
antenna and not bother any of the neighbors. He was now on the air."
Meier told the ARRL that Derek started out with SSB, but because of his
skills in computers and computer programming, he became interested in
the digital modes. "Derek modified his radio (by himself) and connected
an interface board to enable the necessary control signals, wired up a
home brew soundcard interface and was then able to operate digital
modes," Meier explained. "He now operates PSK 31, RTTY PSK 63, Olivia
250, JT35 and even SSTV. Not bad for a 14 year old!" Derek is working
on his CW skills, and recently earned his DXCC Award and only needs
Vermont to complete his Worked All States Award. He also enjoys
operating on the satellite modes, as well as developing software for
his local HSMM Mesh.
Meier said that Derek competed with him and his team of operators in
the 2011 CQ WW SSB contest. "We operated as a Multi/Two entry and were
fortunate to place first in North America," he said. "Derek has also
operated from his own home in the CQ WPX SSB Contest, the ARRL Rookie
Roundup and several other contests."
Derek is also involved in public service activities. Meier's wife,
Laurie Meier, N1YXU, was the ARES Emergency Coordinator for Orange
County, North Carolina (she and Bruce are now Assistant Emergency
Coordinators). Through them, Derek became interested in public service
activities and started to take the various ICS courses. He has now
taken and passed ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 and IS-3. Meier said that Derek
is ready to help with ARES drills, public service events and ARES
activations.
Derek is an active member of NCOCRA and his local ARESŪ group. He has
worked with the club's public relations officer to revamp the club's
website. He is the founder of the Youth Amateur Radio Club of America
(YARCA ), which aims to further youths in
Amateur Radio; one of YARCA's initial target audiences is Scout troops.
The site includes license test training and a Boy Scout Radio Merit
Badge Workshop. Derek said he is currently planning for YARCA to hold a
Badge Day for local Boy and Cub Scouts. He is also an ARRL Public
Information Officer (PIO).
When not on the radio, Derek spends time as a Computer Science intern,
where he is creating computer programs in a variety of languages. He is
also a Lincoln-Douglas debater and will be traveling to tournaments
across the country this year. He will be entering his freshman year at
Durham Academy in Durham, North Carolina this fall.
The Hiram Percy Maxim Award
is given to an ARRL
member under the age of 18. It is intended to provide a tangible reward
to those deserving young amateurs who contribute their time, skills and
energies daily through their commitment to Amateur Radio. As models for
their peers, and inspirations to us all, these fine young people are
highly visible boosters of Amateur Radio awareness. The ARRL continues
to recognize and encourage their hard work and contributions at every
opportunity.
> SOLAR UPDATE
Tad "Everything under the Sun is in tune, but the Sun is eclipsed by
the Moon " Cook, K7RA,
reports: Although solar activity is quite low, there was an increase in
sunspot numbers and the solar flux over the past week. The average
daily sunspot numbers were up nearly 20 points -- about 36 percent --
to 74.1, while the average daily solar flux increased nearly 13 points
to 108.7. The latest forecast has activity over the next week a bit
lower than what forecasts predicted a few weeks ago: Expected solar
flux is 115 on August 30, 120 on August 31-September 2, 115 again on
September 3-8, 110 on September 9-10, 105 on September 11-12, 100 on
September 13-16, 95 on September 17-22, and then rising above 100 to a
peak of 125 on September 26-28. The predicted planetary A index is 5,
10 and 8 on August 30-September 1, 5 on September 2-7, 8 on September
8-9, 5 on September 10-14, 12 on September 15-16, 8 on September 17-18,
5 on September 19, 8 on September 20-21, 10 on September 22, and 8 on
September 23-25, followed by 5 on September 26 through the first few
days in October. Look for more on the ARRL website on Friday, August
31. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL
Technical Information Service Propagation page
. This week's "Tad
Cookism" is brought to you by Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon
(Brain Damage
/Eclipse
).
> + DXCC NEWS: DXCC DESK APPROVES 1998 XU1A CAMBODIAN DXPEDITION
After reviewing new information and documentation, the ARRL DXCC
Desk has concluded that the 1998 XU1A DXpedition to Cambodia will be
valid for DXCC credit. If you have had QSLs rejected for this
operation, please send a request via e-mail to be
placed on the list for update. If you remember the submission in which
you included the QSL, please note this in your e-mail, as it will
expedite the search for the rejected QSO.
> + ARRL HEADQUARTERS TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY
ARRL Headquarters will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday,
September 3. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice
transmissions that day.
ARRL Headquarters will reopen Tuesday, September 4 at 8 AM Eastern
Daylight Time. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday weekend.
> THIS WEEK IN RADIOSPORT
This week:
- August 31 -- NCCC Sprint Ladder
- September 1 -- Russian RTTY WW Contest; Wake-Up! QRP Sprint; AGCW
Straight Key Party
- September 1-2 -- Colorado QSO Party; All Asian DX Contest (Phone);
CWOps CW Open
- September 2 -- DARC 10 Meter Digital Contest
- September 2-3 -- Tennessee QSO Party
- September 3-4 -- Michigan QRP Labor Day CW Sprint
- September 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint
Next week:
- September 7-8 -- PODXS 070 Club Jay Hudak Memorial 80 Meter Sprint
(local time)
- September 8-9 -- Arkansas QSO Party; WAE DX Contest (SSB)
- September 8-10 -- ARRL September VHF QSO Party
- September 9 -- North American Sprint (CW); SKCC Weekend Sprintathon;
Swiss HTC QRP Sprint
- September 10 -- NAQCC-EU Monthly Sprint
- September 12-13 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
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
- September 14-15 -- W9DXCC Convention
, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois
- September 15 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention
,
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- September 22 -- ARRL Washington State Convention
,
Spokane Valley, Washington
- September 22-23 -- ARRL Illinois State Convention
,
Peoria, Illinois
- September 28-29 -- SEDCO/W4DXCC VIII Convention
, Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee
- October 12-14 -- ARRL National Convention
,
Santa Clara, California
- October 13 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention
,
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
- October 13-14 -- ARRL Florida State Convention
,
Melbourne, Florida
- November 3-4 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention
,
Lawrenceville, Georgia
- November 4 -- ARRL Iowa Section Convention
,
Davenport, Iowa
- November 10 -- ARRL Alabama State Convention
, Montgomery,
Alabama
- November 17-18 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention
,
Fort Wayne, Indiana
- December 1-2 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
,
Palmetto, Florida
To find a convention or hamfest near you, click here
.
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