*************** The ARRL Letter Vol. 28, No. 24 June 19, 2009 *************** IN THIS EDITION: * + Pacific Division Vice Director Steps Down; Appointment Fills Vacancy * + FCC Chairman Nominee Genachowski, Current Commissioner McDowell Face Confirmation Hearings * + W1AW, WA6ZTY to Conduct Dual-Tone Frequency Measuring Test in July * + Check Out the July/August NCJ * + ARRL Teachers Institutes Continue through Summer * + WX4NHC Announces On-the-Air Station Test Results * Solar Update * IN BRIEF: This Week on the Radio ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration + ARRL to Close in Observance of Fourth of July + ARRL Contest Update Offers Valuable Information for All Jim Tabor, KU5S (SK) Longtime ARRL Staffer Robert L. Lincoln Passes Away +Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> REMINDER: Be sure to check out the ARRL Field Day Locator for a Field Day site near you! You can find the Field Day Locator on the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php>. =========================================================== ==>Delivery problems: First see FAQ <http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery>, then e-mail <letter-dlvy@arrl.org> ==>Editorial questions or comments only: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA <k1sfa@arrl.org> =========================================================== ==> PACIFIC DIVISION VICE DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN; APPOINTMENT FILLS VACANCY Citing family and business reasons, ARRL Pacific Division Vice Director Andy Oppel, N6AJO, has submitted his resignation. President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, has appointed Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, of Oakland, California, to serve the remainder of the current term through the end of 2010. Oppel had served as Vice Director since being appointed in 2003 to complete the term of Bob Vallio, W6RGG, who became Director upon the death of Jim Maxwell, W6CF. In a message posted to the East Bay Section Web page, he commented: "I regret to inform you that family and work issues have forced me to resign as your ARRL Pacific Division Vice Director. I have enjoyed being able to serve you in that capacity for the past 6+ years and as East Bay Section Manager for 3 years prior to that. I very much appreciate the support and friendship offered by many of you and I hope I still get a chance to see many of you from time to time." First licensed in 1970 as WN9ELU, Tiemstra, an attorney, is an Amateur Extra class licensee. He has also held the call signs WB9ELU and N6OIK. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to serve an organization that I have been a member of for my entire Amateur Radio career," Tiemstra said. "I have known of and supported Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio's efforts at the League for many years, and look forward to the opportunity of working with him in those endeavors. I am deeply honored to be chosen to fill the vacancy left by Andy's resignation. Because Amateur Radio certainly has enriched and added value to many aspects of my life, I am elated to have the opportunity to contribute something back to the hobby. The future of Amateur Radio is at a critical crossroads that will involve our appeal to youth." Tiemstra told the ARRL that his favorite Amateur Radio activities are "contesting -- I seem to have more wallpaper than wall -- DXing with 300 confirmed entities and DXpeditions, a poor but adequate excuse for a vacation. I have operated as 3D2TJ, PJ2/K6JAT and KH6/K6JAT and from V26DX, but I have long been involved in the public service aspects of Amateur Radio." As a member of the Oakland ARES group, Tiemstra responded to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the 1991 Oakland Hills firestorm. He worked with Oakland area hams and city officials to gain RACES recognition and was instrumental in forging a formal Letter of Understanding <http://www.ww6or.com/LOU_Oakland_RACES.pdf>. In addition, he assisted Oakland ARES/RACES in successfully championing a proposal to use post-firestorm, bond Measure I funds to acquire and install Amateur Radio equipment in the Oakland's Emergency Operations Center and each of its 30 fire stations. This has been dubbed the Emergency Communication Ham Operation (ECHO) system. Tiemstra also served as Oakland's RACES Radio Officer for more than 14 years. In 1998, Tiemstra acted as the incorporator of the Oakland Radio Communication Association (ORCA) <http://www.ww6or.com/>, an ARRL affiliated club; he was a founding director and became its first president. He is a member of ORCA's board of directors and trustee of the club's call sign WW6OR. Tiemstra is a member of the Northern California Contest Club (NCCC) <http://www.nccc.cc/>, the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) <http://www.qcwa.org/> and 10-10 International <http://www.ten-ten.org/>. Tiemstra and his wife, Lilah, KE6EHD, have twin boys, Robert and Matthew, KI6IHP. ==> FCC CHAIRMAN NOMINEE GENACHOWSKI, CURRENT COMMISSIONER MCDOWELL FACE CONFIRMATION HEARINGS On June 16, Julius Genachowski -- the man President Barack Obama picked to head the Federal Communications Commission -- and current FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell appeared before the Senate's Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for their confirmation hearing. The Committee voted 24-1 to approve Genachowski's nomination and unanimously approved McDowell for his first full term as a Commissioner, sending their names to the full Senate to be confirmed. President Obama nominated Genachowski to lead the Commission on March 3, 2009 <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/03/03/10684/?nc=1>; the president renominated McDowell to his post on June 2 <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/06/03/10859/>. Genachowski is a Democratic nominee, while McDowell is a Republican. Only three Commissioners may be members of the same political party. At his confirmation hearing, the Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV) told Genachowski that he wants "an FCC that is transparent, that inspires confidence and that makes our digital infrastructure a model for the world. Tragically, this has not been the case for some time. Let me be very clear about the challenge before you. Fix this agency or we will fix it for you." Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) praised Genachowski for having the "perfect background" to run the FCC. He then added, "It seems to me that you will lead a rather unhealthy agency. We've been through a period of substantial secrecy." Senator Rockefeller noted that during former Chairman Kevin J. Martin's tenure, the FCC was under congressional investigation for mismanagement <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/12/12/10505> and the focus of criticism by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for its lack of transparency and potential misuse of data. Late last year, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce -- the congressional committee that oversees the FCC -- released its majority staff report "on the bipartisan investigation of the FCC's regulatory processes and management practices." The report -- "Deception and Distrust: The Federal Communications Commission under Chairman Kevin J. Martin" -- stated that the investigation was prompted "by allegations to the effect that [FCC] Chairman Kevin J. Martin has abused FCC procedures by manipulating or suppressing reports, data and information" <http://www.arrl.org/news/files/FCC_Report120908.pdf>. Genachowski assured the Committee that his career "inside and outside government has convinced [him] that the FCC can be a model for excellence in government, fighting for consumers and families, fostering investment and innovation, through open, fair, and data-driven processes -- a 21st century agency for the information age. The FCC should consult closely with Congress, and work effectively and efficiently for the American people." In his testimony, McDowell said the Commission should focus on attracting capital investment to the communications sector, adding that the wireless sector is becoming increasingly important. "I will work to support policies that will promote vigorous growth in the broadband markets to ensure that all Americans have access to the promise of high-speed Internet services and that the Internet remains robust, open and safe," he told the Committee. Sources on Capitol Hill have said that Genachowski should be confirmed by the time the Senate recesses for the July 4 holiday. For a video stream of the confirmation hearings, please visit the Web site of the Senate's Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee <http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.LiveStr eam&Hearing_id=bca080f3-15a0-4d05-8abd-77f5327a2cb7>. ==> W1AW, WA6ZTY TO CONDUCT DUAL-TONE FREQUENCY MEASURING TEST IN JULY The Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, W1AW, and WA6ZTY on the West Coast will conduct a summer Frequency Measuring Test (FMT) on July 1 at 9:45 PM EDT (0145 UTC on July 2) <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/fmt>. According to FMT Coordinator H. Ward Silver, N0AX, the format will be a "do-over" of the dual-tone test conducted in November 2008: "The timing glitches that occurred during the November test have been ironed out, so the format will be repeated to give everyone another opportunity to make measurements." Silver said that both stations will transmit on a carrier frequency of 3597.5 and 7095 kHz; these are the W1AW digital bulletin frequencies. Two audio tones between 2000 and 2500 Hz will be transmitted in an alternating sequence, with a shift between 100 and 500 Hz. This is similar to what is used for RTTY communication. Beginning on 80 meters, Tone 1 will be transmitted for 10 seconds, followed by Tone 2 for 10 seconds. The tones will then alternate until each tone has been transmitted six times, for a total transmission of 120 seconds. The transmitting station will then change to 40 meters -- after identifying in Morse code -- and repeat the two-tone sequence. All transmissions for announcing the test, identification and band changes will be in CW at 15 WPM (18 WPM character speed). CW transmissions will be on the carrier frequency, with each lasting more than one minute. Time Sequence for W1AW (begins at 9:45 PM EDT [0145 UTC July 2, 2009]): * QST and test announcement on 80 meters. * Repeat six times: 10 seconds of T1 followed by 10 seconds of T2. This is a total of 120 seconds of transmission. * ID and notice of QSY to 40 meters. * QST and test announcement on 40 meters. * Repeat six times: 10 seconds of T1 followed by 10 seconds of T2. This is a total of 120 seconds of transmission. * Announce conclusion of W1AW transmission and ID. Time Sequence for WA6ZTY (begins at 10 PM EDT [0200 UTC July 2, 2009]) * QST and test announcement on 80 meters. * Repeat six times: 10 seconds of T1 followed by 10 seconds of T2. This is a total of 120 seconds of transmission. * ID and notice of QSY to 40 meters. * There will be a pause of five minutes while WA6ZTY reconfigures for 40 meters. * QST and test announcement on 40 meters. * Repeat six times: 10 seconds of T1 followed by 10 seconds of T2. This is a total of 120 seconds of transmission. * Announce conclusion of WA6ZTY transmission and CW ID. According to Silver, the FMT has been run in the past where a modulated carrier or audio tones are held steady for a very long time. "This 'classic' carrier frequency FMT format will return in November," he said. "The new format addresses the growing importance of digital modes. The challenge of this format is to make quick, accurate measurements of the characteristics of a digital signal where the tones do not stay steady for a long period of time. It's not expected that the level of accuracy demonstrated for a long-tone test will be achieved for these short tone transmissions -- that's not the point." Silver said that he predicts there will be a future FMT that will conduct a true-FSK test. "In this future test, there would be four variables: Carrier frequency, Audio Tone 1, Audio Tone 2 and Shift," he said. "Given the value of any one of the variables in advance, two of the remaining variables would be measured and the final variable calculated or measured. The symbol rate (the number of transitions per second) would be representative of actual digital signals. For example, a 60 WPM RTTY signal." Silver said that this can present some challenges to FMT participants: "One of the reasons we conduct the FMTs goes back to FCC Part 97.1(c): '...advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the [radio] art.' We look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation of the measurement community applied to this new format" <http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/pdf/47cfr97.1.pdf>. Participants should send their FMT reports -- indicating their values of Tone 1, Tone 2 and Shift (the difference between the tones) -- via the Web data collection form <http://www.b4h.net/fmt/fmtentry.php> by July 8. The published results will evaluate error in Tone 1, Tone 2 and Shift. "Be sure to include the details of how you made the measurements, obstacles you faced and how you overcame them," Silver said. "It will make great reading and sharing in the best traditions of Amateur Radio. If you have pictures or diagrams, please send them <fmt@arrl.org> so that they can be posted on the FMT Web page" <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/fmt/>. ==> CHECK OUT THE JULY/AUGUST NCJ The July/August issue of NCJ, The National Contest Journal, is filled with the latest news from the contesting world. Whether you are new to contesting or are a seasoned pro -- or somewhere in the middle -- you will find something in NCJ just for you <http://www.arrl.org/ncj/>. If you're in the market for a new rig, you will want to check out "Choosing an HF Radio for Serious Contesting and DXing" by R. Scott Wright, K0MD. In the first of a multi-part article, John Barcroft, K6AM, takes a look at "A 3 Element Reversible Wire Yagi for 80 Meters." One year after the introduction of CW Skimmer, Pete Smith, N4ZR, gives his perspective in "CW Skimmer One Year Later." This issue also features "NCJ Profiles" and "NCJ Club Spotlight": Tom Menas, K3WT, introduces us to Dave Mueller, N2NL, of Key West, Florida, while Bob Nash, VE3KZ, takes us inside the Contest Club Ontario. If you've been waiting to see how you did in the January and February contests, you definitely don't want to miss this issue! Shelby Summerville, K4WW, give readers the rundown on the February 2009 NAQP RTTY Contest. Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, looks at the results of the January 2009 NAQP CW and SSB Contests. Jim Stevens, K4MA, gives his take on the February 2009 North American Phone Sprint and members of the Boring Amateur Radio Club ponder the February 2009 North American CW Sprint. Of course, there are all the regular columns and features you expect from NCJ: "Workshop Chronicles," by Don Daso, K4ZA; "Contest Tips, Tricks & Techniques," by Gary Sutcliffe, W9XT; "VHF-UHF Contesting," by Jon Jones, N0JK; "DX Contest Activity Announcements," by Bill Feidt, NG3K; "RTTY Contesting," by Don Hill, AA5AU, and "Contesting 101," by Kirk Pickering, K4RO. All this and more in the July/August issue of NCJ. NCJ is published six times a year by the ARRL; it is edited by Al Dewey, K0AD. NCJ is what every contester needs in their shack -- subscribe today <http://www.arrl.org/ncj/>. ==> ARRL TEACHERS INSTITUTES CONTINUE THROUGH SUMMER The second and third sessions of the ARRL's Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology of 2009 have wrapped up in Rocklin, California and Tucson, Arizona <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ti.html>. These two TIs mark the first time that the ARRL has offered simultaneous sessions of the popular summer program for teachers. According to Education and Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, the addition of two new TI instructors made it possible to hold two sessions at the same time. "With Miguel Enriquez, KD7RPP, and Nathan McCray, K9CPO, on board," Spencer said, "we are able to hold more sessions, and in turn, involve more teachers into learning how to bring wireless technology into their classrooms." In Tucson, Enriquez led a group of local teachers through the four day curriculum that includes basic electronics, the science of radio, space in the classroom, microcontroller programming and basic robotics. "The Tucson Teachers Institute went wonderfully," he told the ARRL. "I saw lots of smiles, heads nodding in understanding and teachers espousing intended commitment to provide a return on investment." Spencer led the other session group at the Parallax facility in Northern California. "This group was more geographically diverse," he said, "with teachers from nine states from coast to coast." McCray will lead a session in Michigan that begins on June 29. Each Teachers Institute session includes 12 teachers. According to Spencer, the curriculum is information packed and intensive. "This year," Spencer said, "we tried to connect the teachers in the Tucson session with the teachers in the California session via an AO-27 contact; satellites are part of the space in the classroom unit. Unfortunately, this was not successful due to unforeseen complications with accessing the satellite; however, a later attempt to demonstrate ham radio space technology was successful." The final day of the Teachers Institute is dedicated to basic robotics; this unit ties together all of the other content areas taught during the Teachers Institute. There are five more Teachers Institutes scheduled over the next two months. Spencer said that "the aggressive schedule and increased number of teachers participating this year -- 84 -- is testament to the success of this ARRL Educational and Technology program that is supported by the generous League donors who share a passion for education" <https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/education/2008/>. ==> WX4NHC ANNOUNCES ON-THE-AIR STATION TEST RESULTS WX4NHC <http://www.wx4nhc.org/>, the Amateur Radio station at the National Hurricane Center <http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/>, conducted its annual On-The-Air Station Test on Saturday, May 30, 2009 <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/05/15/10821/>. According to Assistant WX4NHC Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, the station conducted the test to promote awareness of the 2009 hurricane season <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/06/06/10862/?nc=1> and to verify station equipment performance on the many frequencies and modes that are used to communicate with other stations in affected areas during hurricanes. WX4NHC has been at the NHC for 29 years. Ripoll said that WX4NHC station was on the air for nine hours, making 154 contacts with stations in the US, the Caribbean, Central America, Canada, Australia, Europe and Africa. "Most contacts made on HF were done using phone (SSB) and on the Hurricane Watch Net <http://www.hwn.org/> frequency of 14.325 MHz, as well as 7.268 MHz in cooperation with the Waterway Net <http://www.waterwayradio.net/>," he said. "We also made contacts using HF and VHF APRS <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/aprs/>, and local VHF and UHF repeaters in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties." Ripoll said that the VoIP Hurricane Net <http://www.voipwx.net/> conducted a two hour simulated Hurricane Net on EchoLink (WX_TALK conference) and IRLP (node 9219) using the same methods of collecting and forwarding data to WX4NHC during hurricanes with great success: "We extend special thanks to Rob Macedo, KD1CY, and the VoIP Hurricane Net Controls for their dedication and continued support of WX4NHC." On behalf of the WX4NHC Coordinators and operators, Ripoll thanked all the Amateur Radio operators who participated in the WX4NHC Annual Station Test: "We look forward to your continued support during the hurricane season." For a QSL card from the test, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Julio Ripoll, WD4R, 14855 SW 67 Ln, Miami, FL 33193-2027. ==>SOLAR UPDATE Tad "Spread their wild hues to the sultry Sun" Cook, K7RA, this week reports: I bet you have this memorized: "Solar activity was very low throughout the reporting period, and geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels during most of the reporting period." Enough said? The first sunspot region of Solar Cycle 24 occurred on January 4, 2008. Since then, though, Solar Cycle 24 spots have been few and far between. A good summary of this solar minimum can be made in two statements. The first statement is that the duration of this solar minimum is unusual compared to the other solar minimums in our lifetime. That's because from the minimum between Solar Cycle 17 and 18 onward, solar minimums have been roughly two years. Thus we've only been exposed to "short" solar minimum periods. A look at all history shows a different story and brings us to the second statement. This solar minimum, which is going on three years now, is pretty much average in duration compared to all history. What this all says is the Sun has been highly variable throughout recorded history. Sunspot numbers for June 11-17 were 0, 12, 0, 0, 0 and 11 with a mean of 3.3. The 10.7 cm flux was 69.3, 69, 68.2, 68.1, 67.4, 68.3 and 67.8 with a mean of 68.3. The estimated planetary A indices were 3, 2, 4, 6, 4, 3 and 3 with a mean of 3.6. The estimated mid-latitude A indices were 2, 1, 3, 4, 4, 4 and 1 with a mean of 2.7. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page <http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>. To read this week's Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW Propagation Bulletin page <http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/>. This week's "Tad Cookism" brought to you by John Clare's "June" <http://johnclare.blogspot.com/2006/03/from-june-in-anticipation.html>. __________________________________ ==>IN BRIEF: * This Week on the Radio: This week, look for the ARRL Kids Day Contest on June 20. The NCCC Sprint Ladder and the Digital Pentathlon are June 19. The Feld Hell Sprint and the AGCW VHF/UHF Contest are June 20. On June 20-21, look for the West Virginia QSO Party and the All Asian DX Contest (CW). The Run for the Bacon QRP Contest is June 22 and the SKCC Sprint is June 24. Next week ARRL Field Day is on June 27-28 -- look for a Field Day site near you <http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php>. The NCCC Sprint and the Digital Pentathlon are on June 26. On June 27-28, check out the His Majesty King of Spain Contest (SSB), the Ukrainian DX DIGI Contest, the Marconi Memorial HF Contest and the ARCI Milliwatt Field Day. The SARL Digital Contest is June 28 and the RAC Canada Day Contest is July 1. All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the ARRL Contest Update <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info. Looking for a Special Event station? Be sure to check out the ARRL Special Event Station Web page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html>. * ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains open through Sunday, June 28, 2009, for these online course sessions beginning on Friday, July 10, 2009: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 1; Antenna Modeling; Radio Frequency Interference; Antenna Design and Construction; Ham Radio (Technician) License Course; Propagation; Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. Each online course has been developed in segments -- learning units with objectives, informative text, student activities and quizzes. Courses are interactive, and some include direct communications with a Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a particular session that may be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the course) and they may access the course at any time of day during the course period, completing lessons and activities at times convenient for their personal schedule. Mentors assist students by answering questions, reviewing assignments and activities, as well as providing helpful feedback. Interaction with mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is no appointed time the student must be present -- allowing complete flexibility for the student to work when and where it is convenient. To learn more, visit the CCE Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cep/student> or contact the Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>. * ARRL to Close in Observance of Fourth of July: ARRL Headquarters will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3. There will be no ARRL Audio News, W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions that day. The ARRL Letter will be posted a day early on Thursday, July 2. League Headquarters will reopen Monday, July 6 at 8 AM Eastern Daylight Time. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday weekend. * ARRL Contest Update Offers Valuable Information for All: Every two weeks, H. Ward Silver, N0AX, produces the ARRL Contest Update. Each issue is jam-packed with information for all operators -- be they involved in radiosport or not -- operating and technical tips, propagation information and a focus on a technical Web site each issue. Of course, everything you need to know about upcoming contests is right there at your fingertips. Since the ARRL Contest Update is available in HTML, there is a link to the rules for each individual contest listed, as well as pictures. ARRL members can subscribe the ARRL Contest Update on the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/about.html#get>. * Jim Tabor, KU5S (SK): Jim Tabor, KU5S, passed away at his home in Greenwood, Arkansas on May 27; he was 54. A longtime ARRL member, Tabor was head of Kangaroo Tabor Software <http://www.taborsoft.com/>, which published various programs for radio amateurs, such as the WinCAP propagation prediction software, GeoAlert-Extreme Wizard, Beacon-Time Wizard and ID Wizard. Dean Straw, N6BV, who edited several recent editions of The ARRL Antenna Book <http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=9876>, remembered Tabor fondly: "Over the course of about a dozen years, Jim provided ARRL with some of his most innovative propagation programs, and allowed us to include them on the CD-ROM accompanying The ARRL Antenna Book. I worked closely with Jim on several such projects, and he was always thorough and analytic in his approach to such collaborations. But more than that, Jim was simply a great guy to work with. I shall miss his unfailingly polite and down-home, gentle demeanor. Jim will remain in my memory a soft-spoken, gentle and talented man, a true gentleman." * Longtime ARRL Staffer Robert L. Lincoln Passes Away: Robert Lincoln, 94, of Westbrook, Connecticut, passed away at his home on June 13. After his retirement at age 65 from Addressograph Multigraph, Lincoln came to work at ARRL to run the League's in-house printing press. He retired from the ARRL in January 2007 at age 92 after 27 years of service <http://www.arrl.org/?artid=7140>. Around the ARRL HQ building, he was affectionately known as "Mr Lincoln," carrying out his various printing tasks largely out of the public spotlight. A memorial service is planned for June 18 at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. =========================================================== The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American Radio Relay League: ARRL--the national association for Amateur Radio, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259; <http://www.arrl.org/>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN, President. The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential and general news of interest to active radio amateurs. Visit the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> for the latest Amateur Radio news and news updates. The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> also offers informative features and columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a weekly "ham radio newscast" compiled and edited from The ARRL Letter. It's also available as a podcast from our Web site. Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Letter/American Radio Relay League. ==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!): letter-dlvy@arrl.org ==>Editorial questions or comments: S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, k1sfa@arrl.org ==>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org/> ==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call 860-594-0384 ==>How to Get The ARRL Letter The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from ARRL HQ. To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery: ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site <http://www.arrl.org/members/>. You'll have an opportunity during registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW bulletins, and other material. To change these selections--including delivery of The ARRL Letter--registered members should click on the "Member Data Page" link (in the Members Only box). Click on "Modify membership data," check or uncheck the appropriate boxes and/or change your e-mail address if necessary. (Check "Temporarily disable all automatically sent email" to temporarily stop all e-mail deliveries.) Then, click on "Submit modification" to make selections effective. (NOTE: HQ staff members cannot change your e-mail delivery address. You must do this yourself via the Members Only Web Site.) The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these sources: * ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.) * The QTH.net listserver, thanks to volunteers from the Boston Amateur Radio Club: Visit Mailing Lists@QTH.Net <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/letter-list>. (NOTE: The ARRL cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this listserver.) Copyright 2009 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved