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ARRL Letter

 

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 26, No. 44
November 2, 2007
***************

IN THIS EDITION:
 
* + WRC-07 So Far
* + ARRL Foundation Announces New Scholarship Opportunities 
* + Going, Going, Gone! The Second Annual ARRL Auction Comes to a
Successful Close 
* + Are You Ready for ARRL Sweepstakes This Weekend? 
* + ARRL and MFJ Team Up to Offer 40 Meter Transceiver Kits 
* + FCC Enforcement Actions 
*   Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF: 
      This Weekend on the Radio
      ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration
    + Hollingsworth to Stay Put at FCC 
    + Special Offer ARRL for Diamond Club Members 
      ARRL DXCC Desk Approves 9U0A Operation 
      ARRL DXCC Desk Approves D2DX Operation 
      Problems Receiving "The ARRL Letter"? 
      Let Us Know What You Think 

+Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> 

===========================================================

==>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@arrl.org>;

===========================================================

==> WRC-07 SO FAR

The end of the second week of the four-week 2007 World
Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07) is drawing near, but -- at least
as far as the amateur services are concerned -- the International
Amateur Radio Union (IARU) WRC-07 team reports there is not much as of
yet in the way of firm conclusions. Here is a report prepared by IARU
Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ. 

An unexpected highlight of the opening plenary was the announcement by
Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure, at the end of his prepared remarks,
that he had earned his Amateur Radio license. We seldom, if ever, have
received such prominence during the opening ceremonies of a conference.
Dr Toure's call sign is HB9EHT. He left for the Connect Africa Summit in
Kigali immediately after the conference opening, but is expected to be
back in Geneva next week. 

The Amateur Services have been quite visible at the conference in other
ways: 

* The special WRC-07 issue of ITU News includes an article under Larry
Price's byline setting out Amateur Radio's aspirations for the
conference. 

* An Amateur Radio emergency communications trailer brought from Germany
was on display during the first 10 days of the conference, parked
strategically on the walkway between the conference center and the
adjacent ITU building. A full-color explanation of Amateur Radio's
emergency communications capabilities and an invitation to visit the
trailer was distributed in the delegates' pigeonholes by the ITU
Radiocommunication Bureau, as well as some additional information about
the Amateur Services, resulting in a steady stream of visitors. 

* The IARU WRC-07 pin is a popular collectible and is being displayed on
many lapels and lanyards around the conference center. 

* The IARU hosted a very successful reception for 200 key delegates on
the evening of October 31 in the ITU cafeteria. 

* The International Amateur Radio Club (IARC) station, 4U1ITU, is
operating under the special call sign 4U1WRC. The station is sporting
new antennas that were erected especially for the conference; afterwards
they have to be removed temporarily to make way for repairs to the roof
of the building. 

* The IARC has invited delegates to take part, on the last Sunday of the
conference, in an excursion to the Swiss National Museum of Sound and
Image in Montreux. 

Progress on the agenda items of interest to the Amateur Services has
been slow. The 4-10 MHz issue is bogged down, with opponents of HF
broadcasting expansion holding fast to a position of "no change." HF BC
proponents are not nearly as numerous as in 2003 and are mainly in
Europe; they have backed off from an initial position of 350 kHz of
expansion down to 200 kHz, but there has not yet been any movement from
the other side. 

In the meantime work on the other 4-10 MHz issues, including the
possibility of a 5-MHz secondary amateur allocation (which so far is
supported by the European BC proponents), cannot progress. Even if the
HF BC allocation could be settled quickly, which seems unlikely at this
point, time is running out to complete work on the rest of these issues.
Meetings will continue over the weekend and well into next week. 

Early this week it appeared that the issue of a 135.7-137.8 kHz
secondary allocation to the Amateur Service had been settled favorably;
however, it turned out that the concerns of some Arab administrations
had not been fully satisfied and more work needed to be done. On Friday
morning, November 2, the allocation was approved at the Working Group 4C
level with two footnotes, one of which limits power to 1 W EIRP and a
second that allows countries in Region 1 to opt out of the allocation if
they wish. Saudi Arabia repeated its opposition to the allocation and
requested that this be noted in the Working Group's report to Committee
4. The allocation still has to be approved by Committee 4 and the
Plenary. The next meeting of Committee 4 is scheduled for Tuesday
afternoon, November 6. 

The process of identifying possible frequency bands for future
international mobile telecommunications (cell phones and beyond) is very
contentious. One frequency range being examined is 2.3-2.4 GHz, which of
course is of concern to us although there is no immediate cause for
alarm. 

Prior to every WRC we look for opportunities to clean up so-called
"country footnotes" that allow individual administrations to depart from
the regional or international allocations that are in the body of the
Table of Frequency Allocations. It is gratifying that several countries
have agreed to remove themselves from footnotes that apply to parts of
160 and 80 meters, 6 meters and (in some European countries) parts of 70
cm. 

With regard to agenda items for future WRCs, discussions will begin in
earnest on Saturday, November 3. Proposals have been offered for agenda
items dealing with possible amateur allocations around 500 kHz, 5 MHz
and (in Region 1) 50 MHz; of course, 50 MHz is already allocated to the
Amateur Service in Regions 2 and 3. There are more than 40 proposals for
future agenda items, which is at least twice as many as are likely to be
approved, so the fate of "our" future agenda items remains to be
determined. The IARU team is following other proposed agenda items
closely to determine (and minimize, to the extent we are able) their
potential impact on the Amateur Services. 

The initial core IARU team consisted of IARU President Larry Price,
W4RA; Ken Pulfer, VE3PU; IARU Region 2 President Reinaldo Leandro,
YV5AMH, and Paul Rinaldo, W4RI. Hans Zimmermann, HB9AQS, was here to
help out with the German trailer. IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ,
arrived on October 24 and IARU Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, arrived
on October 30. Some team members will be leaving before the end of the
conference. 

We also have considerable help from amateur representatives on other
national delegations and from Tafa Diop, 6W1KI, who is here for the
first half of the conference representing the African Telecommunications
Union. National delegates, a few of whom are here part-time, include:
Jim Dean, VE3IQ (Canada); Ole Garpestad, LA2RR (Norway); Hans Blondeel
Timmerman, PB2T (Netherlands); Jay Oka, JA1TRC (Japan); Peter Lake,
ZL2AZ (New Zealand); Keith Malcolm, VK1ZKM (Australia); Colin Thomas,
G3PSM (UK); Walt Ireland, WB7CSL (USA); Jonathan Siverling, WB3ERA
(USA), and Joong-geun Rhee, HL1AQQ (Republic of Korea). Other members of
national delegations, both licensed and unlicensed, are being of
considerable assistance; their support and cooperation is deeply
appreciated. 

==> ARRL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

With 60 scholarships awarded in 2007, the ARRL Foundation is pleased to
announce the addition of two new scholarships for 2008. The scholarship
application period runs from October 1, 2007 to February 1, 2008.
Applicants for any ARRL Foundation scholarship must arrange for current
transcripts to be provided as a part of the application process. 

The David W. Misek, N8NPX, Memorial Scholarship, endowed through the
generosity of Nancy Makley, administrator of the David W. Misek Estate,
honors Misek, a resident of Xenia, Ohio and long-time ARRL Life Member.
Misek was a strong advocate of Amateur Radio education as highlighted by
his many years of teaching licensing classes, mentoring new hams and
actively participating in public service activities. His lifelong
dedication to Amateur Radio was dedicated to building awareness of
Amateur Radio and introducing the magic to new hams. Beginning in 2008,
the Misek Scholarship will award a $1500 scholarship to a current
resident of Greene, Montgomery, Champaign, Darke, Preble, Miami, Clark,
Butler or Warren County in Ohio.

The Scholarship of the Morris Radio Club of New Jersey is endowed by a
$31,671 gift from the Morris Radio Club. Starting in 2008, a $1000 award
will be made to a qualified candidate without regard to geographic area
or course of study. Led by the efforts of Trustee Ron Levy, K2CD, the
Morris Radio Club presented the gift to the ARRL Foundation at the
Sussex Hamfest in New Jersey. Attending the presentation were ARRL
Hudson Division Director and Foundation Trustee Frank Fallon, N2FF; Vice
Director Joyce Birmingham, KA2ANF, and ARRL Chief Development Officer
and Foundation Secretary Mary Hobart, K1MMH.

Information for each of the ARRL Foundation scholarships, including
application instructions and forms, may be found on the ARRL Foundation
Web site <http://www.arrl.org/arrlf/scholgen>. 

==> GOING, GOING, GONE! THE SECOND ANNUAL ARRL AUCTION COMES TO A
SUCCESSFUL CLOSE 

The Second Annual ARRL On-Line Auction
<http://arrl.auctionanything.com/> came to a close today. This year's
Auction had more than 180 items to gawk at, gaze on and drool over. ARRL
Business Services Manager Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ, said that she was thrilled
with the responses the Auction received during its 10 day run. The 181
items offered on the Auction received more than 1100 bids. She said she
was surprised at "the vastly increased number of diverse donation items
we've received from our members. These donations were greatly
appreciated and added to the flavor of the event." 

Items in this year's Auction included a 1971 ARRL publication "Operating
an Amateur Radio Station," which had an opening bid of $3 and went for
$11, to an ICOM IC-7800 HF and 6 Meter Transceiver with an opening bid
of $6865, eventually going for $8830 in 11 bids. 

There were many one-of-a-kind items in the auction. Joe Walsh, WB6ACU,
guitarist for the rock band the Eagles, donated an autographed copy of
the new Eagles album, "Long Road Out of Eden"; each member of the band
will autograph the album cover. This is the Eagles' first album of all
new material since 1979. The album had an opening bid of $50 -- 24 bids
later, it sold for $980. Another rock-and-roll legend was part of this
year's Auction: Peggy Sue Gerron, K5PSG, the "Peggy Sue" from the famous
Buddy Holly song. This item, a framed 45 RPM record of "Peggy Sue,"
signed by the real Peggy Sue, had a starting price of $50, and sold for
$477. 

One of the most popular items from last year's ARRL On-Line Auction made
another appearance this year -- the famous ARRL Lab Junque Boxes. These
boxes had a starting bid of $50 and have almost anything you could ever
possibly imagine in them. No one except the ARRL Lab staff knows what
exactly is inside each box, but each is guaranteed to be full of things
that the Lab staff consider valuable (but keep in mind that they collect
just about anything). Together, these five Junque Boxes raised $800 in
the Auction.

John Dilks, K2TQN, author of QST's "Old Radio" column, donated a
Tuned-Grid Tuned-Plate 75 W Transmitter that eventually sold for $575.
This is truly a collector's piece with its restored new knobs, new 52
tube, tube socket and new trim moldings -- even the transmitter has been
restored. You can download the November 2007 "Old Radio" column
<http://www.arrl.org/public/prodrev/pdf/oldrad.pdf> to read about this
great piece of vintage equipment. 

If you are interested in Emergency Communications, then the ARRL On-Line
Auction had a great deal for you: Emergency Starter Go Kits. These kits
include an abundance of everything today's amateur needs when heading
out to assist served agencies. Each kit contains an ICOM IC-V82 Sport
handheld transceiver, package of six AA batteries, a black tote bag to
hold all your gear, a reflective vest, an "ARRL Repeater Directory" and
an "ARES Field Resources Manual." Opening bids for each of the 13 kits
was $105, and together raised $1941. 

A lucky bidder won the chance for a little DX with the vacation spot on
St Croix, donated by Vicky Thorland Oster and George Oster, NP2N (air
and ground transportation not included). This premier Amateur Radio
station is equipped with multiple transmitters/receivers, amplifiers,
antennas and on-site electrical generation capability and is located
about 100 meters above sea level with wonderful antenna views to EU, USA
and Asia. There are three operating stations with a triband beam for 10,
15 and 20 meters, and a dipole on 40, 80 and 160 meters. Internet access
is available, so feel free to bring your laptop. The "Pro Station" is a
station for the serious operator and contesters; it features an ICOM 757
and Ameritron AL1280. The "DX Station" is a fun station for the operator
who wants ease of operation, combined with the fun of operating as DX
and features a Kenwood TS-440. The "Fun Station" features an Alinco DX70
and is the place to be if you just want to have fun, try out QRP from a
DX location or spend as many hours as you wish rag chewing around the
world. 

==> ARE YOU READY FOR ARRL SWEEPSTAKES THIS WEEKEND? 

This weekend is the 74th running of the ARRL CW Sweepstakes.
Sweepstakes, or "SS," is the premier domestic contest, bringing in
thousands of amateurs throughout all 80 ARRL Sections in the United
States and Canada. The object is to make as many two-way contacts in as
many of the 80 ARRL Sections as possible, on 10, 15, 20, 40, 80 and 160
meters. Sweepstakes has the reputation of having the longest "exchange"
of any other contest around: a consecutive serial number, power class,
your call sign, the year you were first licensed and your ARRL section.
This goes way back to the beginning of the event. Sweepstakes used to be
a test of passing traffic; in order to get contest credit for working a
station in "The January Contest," as it was called in the December 1929
QST, each station had to successfully pass a message consisting of 10 or
more words to another station. The contest period was from January
18-31, a two full weeks.

While that format has left us, the long exchange has stayed as a
testament and tribute to the handling of traffic. Another aspect of "The
January Contest" that remains is the overall strategy. F. E. Handy, the
A.R.R.L. Communications Manager back then, wrote in the December 1929
QST that "[S]tations count, but this is primarily a question of
operating skill. The best equipment made is only as useful as the
ingenuity of the man behind the key can make it." Even then, contests
were recognized as a sure-fire way to improve on-air operating skill.

The 2007 ARRL CW Sweepstakes begins at 2100 UTC on Saturday, November 3
and will go until 0300 UTC Monday, November 5. Pins are available from
the ARRL for making 100 contacts in the CW Sweepstakes; participants who
work all 80 sections -- known as a Clean Sweep -- are eligible to
purchase a Sweepstakes coffee mug highlighting their accomplishment. For
complete rules and entry forms, please see the ARRL Sweepstakes Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2007/novss.html>.

==> ARRL AND MFJ TEAM UP TO OFFER 40 METER TRANSCEIVER KITS 

Earlier this fall, ARRL introduced the third edition of its "Low Power
Communication" book, written by Rich Arland, W3OSS. This new edition
includes the complete assembly manual for a 40 meter transceiver kit
produced by MFJ Enterprises. 

"ARRL has also bundled the book with the kit, giving readers a firsthand
experience at project-building and operating," said ARRL Sales and
Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. This is the first time ARRL has
offered a publication bundled with a radio kit. Inderbitzen said orders
for the kit have been brisk. "We're delighted that MFJ agreed to
collaborate with us on this unique publication and product undertaking.
The initial surge of interest exceeded our expectation, and we've
already gone back to MFJ a couple of times for more units." With such a
high demand for these kits, the ARRL has experienced a large number of
orders and the League regrets any inconvenience with order delays.

The kit selected for this offering is the MFJ 40 Meter CW Cub
Transceiver Kit. The project includes some pre-assembled parts such as
surface mounted components. Kit builders get to solder on connectors,
inductors, trimmer capacitors and potentiometers. It takes only a few
hours to complete the kit and get it on the air. "Building the kit is a
natural application for someone enjoying this book," said Inderbitzen.
"ARRL is committed to developing active radio amateurs. I can't think of
a better way to encourage more hams to experience low-power operating,
and to help grow the community of active QRPers." Visit the ARRL on-line
catalog <http://www.arrl.org/catalog> for more information about "ARRL's
Low Power Communication--third edition," the Cub Transceiver Kit and
other new publications. 

==> FCC ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS 

On November 1, the FCC released information regarding enforcement
actions against six radio amateurs: Stanley S. Gillette, W4TYW, of
Comer, Georgia; Charles K. Caprio, AD8Q, of Bullhead City, Arizona; Todd
E. Dougherty, N9OGL, of Taylorville, Illinois; Robert C. Moldenhauer,
W9CQ, of Middleton, Wisconsin; James D. Ogden, N7KPU, of Prescott
Valley, Arizona, and Anthony M. Amato, KR4UQ, of Chester, Virginia.

Gillette was issued a "Request for Information" concerning alleged
complaints "received by the Commission concerning the operation of your
Amateur Radio station. The complaint alleges various rule violations on
3.843 MHz including broadcasting, music, failure to identify, deliberate
interference and rebroadcast of police communications. The information
contained in the complaint, if true, raises serious questions regarding
your qualifications to retain an Amateur license," the Request said.
Gillette was directed to "support your response with a signed and dated
affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury, verifying the truth
and accuracy of the information submitted in your response." He was
given 20 days to respond to the FCC and warned that the information he
provided would determine " what, if any, enforcement action is warranted
in this matter. Such action may include license revocation, suspension
of your operator privileges or monetary forfeiture (fine). Fines
normally range from $7500 to $10,000."

Caprio was issued a "Warning Notice" and a "Request for Information" by
the Commission regarding complaints alleging "deliberate interference,
recording and transmission of telephone calls, operation on unauthorized
frequencies and threats made to licensees. The information contained in
the complaints, if true, raises serious questions regarding your
qualifications to retain an Amateur license." The FCC gave Caprio 20
days to answer 14 questions regarding his operating practices, including
the make, model and serial number of all transmitting equipment he uses.
Caprio was warned that the FCC "will use all relevant information before
it, including information that you disclose in your reply, to determine
what, if any, enforcement action is warranted in this matter. Such
action may include license revocation, suspension of your operator
privileges or monetary forfeiture (fine). Fines normally range from
$7500 to $10,000."

Dougherty received a "Warning Notice" and a "Request for Information"
from the FCC, advising him of "[i]nformation before the Commission
indicates that you are operating an unlicensed radio station on, among
other frequencies, 6.950 and 13.556 MHz. The information indicates that
the signal strength of these transmissions exceed the power limit of
Part 15 of the Commission's rules for unlicensed transmitters. That
limit is 30uV/M at 30 Meters." The letter also stated that "Commission
radio direction finding signals indicate that such transmissions were
made from your location on 13.556 MHz at various dates in November 2006.
This information raises serious questions regarding your qualifications
to retain an Amateur license." The FCC gave Dougherty 20 days to answer
8 questions regarding his operating practices, including wanting to know
if he has used the name Todd O'Dochartaigh, N9OGL, and if so, asked him
to describe the circumstances under which he used it and the dates.
Dougherty was warned that the FCC "will use all relevant information
before it, including information that you disclose in your reply, to
determine what, if any, enforcement action is warranted in this matter.
Such action may include license revocation, suspension of your operator
privileges or monetary forfeiture (fine). Fines normally range from
$7500 to $10,000."

Moldenhauer received a "Warning Notice" from the FCC regarding his
vanity call sign W9CQ. On April 21, 2007, Moldenhauer "requested and
received the call sign W9CQ as a 'close relative' of the former holder
of that call sign. We are unable to find documentation that you were a
close relative of the former holder of W9CQ, Paul Kent," the
Commission's letter read. In August and September 2007, the FCC asked
Moldenhauer to respond to their inquiries regarding W9CQ, to "provid[e]
documentation that you were a close relative of the former holder of
W9CQ prior to your April 21, 2007 grant." As of October 3, 2007,
Moldenhauer has not responded to the FCC. "Failure to respond to
Commission correspondence is a separate violation of Commission rules
and will lead to enforcement sanctions." Moldenhauer was advised to
contact Riley Hollingsworth, Special Counsel for the FCC's Enforcement
Bureau if he had any question in this matter.

Ogden received notification from the FCC regarding his responsibility to
coordinate his N7KPU repeater. "On August 8, 2007, we wrote you
enclosing a complaint from the licensee of coordinated repeater KB7OBJ,
with supporting documentation, alleging that your N7KPU repeater is
operating without coordination on 447.350/442.350 MHz and causing
harmful interference. The complaint indicates that you have been
contacted numerous times about this problem but have declined to address
it. In your response received September 25, 2007, you provided a copy of
a coordination document that is unsigned and undated, but appears to be
approximately 15 years old. You provided no current coordination
document. Furthermore, your repeater N7KPU is not listed in the commonly
used Repeater Directory published by the ARRL." The FCC advised Ogden
that when there is interference between a coordinated and an
uncoordinated repeater, "the licensee of the uncoordinated repeater has
primary responsibility to resolve the interference. Therefore, since you
cannot document coordination, you are primarily responsible for
alleviating the interference to KB7OBJ." Ogden was given 20 days to
respond to the Commission detailing a plan "to cure interference to
KB7OBJ."

Amato received notification that the FCC was closing out the inquiry to
his 17 club call signs. "On February 16, 2005, we notified you that our
licensing records indicate that you have at least 17 club call signs in
your name as trustee, all licensed to Virginia RACES clubs. We requested
information related to the club stations and have reviewed the
information you provided in various responses over the past two years.
Although the number of such club licenses appears more than necessary,
we have accepted your responses." The FCC went on to warn Amato that "in
view of the fact that the above licenses are for club stations listing
you as trustee, and were granted as club stations, you are responsible
for the proper control of each station, and each club must at all times
be composed of at least four persons, have a name, document of
organization, management and a primary purpose devoted to Amateur
activities consistent with Section 97 of our rules," and that he may be
"periodically requested to document that these club stations comply with
the above rules."

The FCC Enforcement Bureau now posts Amateur Radio enforcement-related
correspondence and documents -- with some exceptions -- on its own Web
site <http://www.fcc.gov/eb/AmateurActions/Welcome.html>. Direct all
questions concerning the Amateur Radio Service Enforcement Actions Web
postings via e-mail only to Riley Hollingsworth <fccham@fcc.gov>; in the
FCC Spectrum Enforcement Division

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "Just Enjoy this Ride on My Trip around the Sun" Cook, K7RA, this
week reports: The average for August, September and October (centered on
September) at 5.4 is the lowest yet for this side of Cycle 23. This
number was derived by adding together all the daily sunspot numbers for
those three months, then dividing the sum (492) by the number of days,
which is 92. The straight monthly sunspot number averages for this year,
January through October, are 28.2, 17.3, 9.8, 6.9, 19.8, 20.7, 15.6,
9.9, 4.8 and 1.3. October's average is lower than September and October
of 2006, during the minimum between Cycles 22 and 23. The monthly
averages for August through November, 1996 were 20.7, 2.9, 2.3 and 25.6.
Sunspot numbers for October 25 through 31 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0
with a mean of 0. The 10.7 cm flux was 67.1, 67.5, 67.1, 67.5, 67.1,
67.2 and 67.1 with a mean of 67.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
20, 14, 10, 7, 14, 10 and 4 with a mean of 11.3. Estimated mid-latitude
A indices were 10, 10, 8, 4, 8, 10 and 3 with a mean of 7.6. 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/>. 

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: This weekend, The ARRL Sweepstakes (CW) is
November 3-5. The IPARC Contest (CW).The Ukrainian DX Contest and the NA
Collegiate ARC Championship (CW) are November 3-5. The IPARC Contest
(SSB), High Speed Club CW Contest and the DARC 10 Meter Digital Contest
are November 4. The ARS Spartan Sprint is November 6. Next week, be sure
to check out the WAE DX Contest (RTTY), the JIDX Phone Contest, the
OK/OM DX Contest (CW) and the Kentucky QSO Party, all November 10-11.
The CQ-WE Contest is November 10-12 and the SKCC Sprint is November 14.
See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/>, the
ARRL Contester's Rate Sheet <http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet/>
and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* ARRL Continuing Education course registration: Registration remains
open through Sunday, November 18 for these online courses beginning on
Friday, December 7: Technician License Course (EC-010), Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications Level 1 (EC-001), Radio Frequency Interference
(EC-006), Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009), Analog Electronics
(EC-012) and Digital Electronics (EC-013). To learn more, visit the CCE
Course Listing page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html> or contact
the Continuing Education Program Coordinator <cce@arrl.org>;.

* Hollingsworth to Stay Put at FCC: Riley Hollingsworth, Special Counsel
for the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, has decided not to retire; he had
announced last week that he would leave the FCC in January 2008. "After
spending the entire weekend thinking about the decision [to retire], it
became more and more clear to me that it just isn't the right decision
for me right now. There are several issues on the table that I want to
continue to work through with the amateur community." The Enforcement
Bureau is the primary organizational unit within the Federal
Communications Commission that is responsible for enforcement of
provisions of the Communications Act, the Commission's rules, Commission
orders and terms and conditions of station authorizations, as well as
enforcement of Amateur Radio rules (Part 97).

* Special Offer for ARRL Diamond Club Members: ARRL Chief Development
Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, reminds League members that now is a great
time to join the Diamond Club or renew your Diamond Club membership.
"For Diamond Club contributions of $100 or more before December 31, you
will receive a 2008 ARRL calendar. This offer is good for new and
renewing Diamond Club members. Please keep the Diamond Terrace in mind
as you plan your year-end giving. There is still plenty of room for your
personalized brick in the Terrace -- what a great legacy for yourself or
a friend or loved one." Those who join the ARRL Diamond Club at the
Brass level ($250) or higher, will receive a brick (with engraving up to
three lines) placed in the ARRL Diamond Terrace. For more information,
please be sure to check out the ARRL Diamond Club Web page.
<https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/diamondclub/index.html
>

* ARRL DXCC Desk Approves 9U0A Operation: ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore,
NC1L, reports that the 2007 9U0A DXpedition to Burundi has been approved
for DXCC credit. "If you had cards rejected for this operation, please
send an e-mail to the ARRL DXCC Desk <DXCC@arrl.org>; and you will be
placed on the list for update," Moore said. 

* ARRL DXCC Desk Approves D2DX Operation: ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore,
NC1L, reports that the 2007 D2DX DXpedition to Angola has been approved
for DXCC credit. "If you had cards rejected for this operation, please
send an e-mail to the ARRL DXCC Desk <DXCC@arrl.org>; and you will be
placed on the list for update," Moore said. 

* Problems Receiving "The ARRL Letter"?: ARRL has been hearing from more
and more members who are not receiving "The ARRL Letter," W1AW/ARRL
bulletins, membership renewal reminders and other automatically
delivered e-mail products they have subscribed to. More often than not,
the problem is on the recipient's end, not at ARRL's. For example,
members with new e-mail addresses must update this information via their
Member Data Page <http://www.arrl.org/members-only/memdata.html> (users
must first be logged onto the ARRL Web site). Click on "Modify
Membership Data." While on the Member Data Page, make sure you are
subscribed to the e-mail products you want and that you have not
inadvertently checked the box "Temporarily disable all automatically
sent email." ARRL has determined that another culprit is spam filtering
or software employed by the user's Internet Service Providers (ISP) or
installed on the user's computer. Some ISPs have been known to block or
trap all messages from ARRL as suspected spam. If you're no longer
receiving e-mail products or notices from ARRL that you've signed up
for, a call to the ISP's customer service department may reveal that the
League's e-mail messages have indeed been delivered to the ISP's mail
server but not to the member's mailbox. Request the ISP to permit your
account to receive e-mail messages from ARRL. Subscribers to "The ARRL
Letter" should e-mail ARRL at <letter-dlvy@arrl.org>; if the problem
persists. Report other e-mail delivery problems to ARRL Headquarters
<webmaster@arrl.org>;. 

* Let Us Know What You Think: What's your favorite part of The ARRL
Letter? What kind of stories would you like to see in the Letter? Would
you prefer the Letter in an HTML format? This is your Letter and your
chance to let your voice be heard. Please send your suggestions to ARRL
News Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, at k1sfa@arrl.org, with the
subject line "ARRL Letter Suggestions." All messages will be read and
discussed, and we look forward to implementing positive suggestions into
the ARRL Letter.

=========================================================== 

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.) 

 

The ARRL Letter

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly summary of essential news of interest to active amateurs that is available in advance of publication in QST, our official journal. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely, accurate, concise and readable.

Much of the ARRL Letter content is also available in audio form in ARRL Audio News.

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 and The American Radio Relay League.

Back issues published since 2000 are available on this page. If you wish to subscribe via e-mail, simply log on to the ARRL Web site, click on Edit Your Profile at the top, then click on Edit Email Subscriptions. Check the box next to The ARRL email newsletter, the ARRL Letter and you will receive each weekly issue in HTML format. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!): letter-dlvy@arrl.org

Editorial questions or comments: John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, at news@arrl.org.

Plain-Text

The ARRL E-Letter e-mail is also available in plain-text version:

Outlook Express

1. From the Inbox view, select the Tools menu and the Options selection.

2. Click the Read tab

3. Check the Read All Messages In Plain Text box.  When you open the e-mail, it will be in plain text without images. Other e-mail programs may be able to make a Mail Rule for e-mail received from the address memberlist@www.arrl.org so that the plain-text-only display is selected automatically.

Outlook 2007

Use the same procedure as for Outlook Express, although the global option is under "Tools/Trust Center/E-mail Security".

Thunderbird

Use the menu item "View/Message Body As/Plain Text" or "View/Message Source" options.

OS X Mail (Mac)

Use the "View/Message/Plain Text Alternative" menu item.

GMail

Use the "Message text garbled?" link in the drop-down menu at the upper right of the displayed message block. pine, alpine Set "prefer-plain-text" in your ~/.pinerc configuration file: feature-list=..., prefer-plain-text, ...

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