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ARRL Letter

 

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 24, No. 15
April 15, 2005
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IN THIS EDITION:

* +ARRL Executive Committee spells out bandwidth proposals
* +Public funding questionable for New York BPL pilot project
* +School, students, local hams make space QSO a success
* +Science teachers' convention provides visibility for ham radio
* +South Carolina ARES trailer to have "the works"
* +Nominations for McGan Award due May 20
* +World Amateur Radio Day is April 18
*  Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF: 
     This weekend on the radio
     ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration
     Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course registration
    +ARES-RACES teams activate in wake of flooding
     ARRL Headquarters boasting five new Extras

+Available on ARRL Audio News

===========================================================
==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org
===========================================================

==>ARRL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE READIES BANDWIDTH RECOMMENDATIONS

Acting on the premise that the amateur bands must flexibly and comfortably
accommodate present and future operating modes and technologies over the
long haul, the ARRL Executive Committee has reached consensus on
recommendations to the ARRL Board of Directors for a regulation-by-bandwidth
proposal. The recommendations the panel adopted April 9 in Denver will form
the basis of a draft ARRL petition to the FCC seeking to govern the usage of
amateur spectrum by emission bandwidth rather than by mode. The proposals
remain only EC recommendations at this point, and the League will file
nothing with the FCC until the ARRL Board gives its go-ahead. Five of the 15
voting Directors sit on the EC. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, says a key
principle underlying the League initiative is that the amateur community
must shoulder the responsibility for resolving conflicts among potentially
conflicting modes and not expect--or wait for--the FCC to impose its own
solutions.

"We are in the early stages of a dramatic shift in amateur HF operating
patterns, and it's impossible to predict where this shift may lead," Sumner
said. "The FCC rules should not stand in the way of where technology takes
us in our fulfillment of the bases and purposes of Amateur Radio." The
bandwidth initiative is aimed in part at encouraging new digital modes, but
the primary emphasis is to avoid having to write a new rule every time a new
mode bursts onto the scene. The League's proposals will establish a
framework that creates an environment for change over the next decade--and
perhaps longer, Sumner concluded. The Board will consider the draft
petition, now on the drawing board, at its July meeting.

The EC recommendations abandon efforts to have the FCC segregate digital and
analog emissions by rule. As the EC sees it, the FCC rules should simply set
out band segments in which amateurs may employ bandwidths of up to 3 kHz,
with any further subdivision left up to amateur band planning. The EC
acknowledged a need to improve band planning mechanisms for this approach to
work well, however.

"Certainly there have to be mechanisms to minimize interference between
analog and digital stations, since they cannot compatibly share the same
frequency," Sumner explained. But, he says, using FCC rules to subdivide the
HF bands is the wrong approach, in part because they're too static and too
difficult to change.

Resolving two issues that have been hanging fire, the EC's proposals would
permit semi-automatic control (ie, with a control operator at the querying
station) throughout the amateur HF bands. Sumner says that while this
carries some risk of interference, the EC believes the amateur community can
manage it more effectively through a combination of technology and
respectful operating practices. Additionally, automatic control would
continue to be permitted at bandwidths of up to 3 kHz in narrow segments of
some HF bands.

The EC made no change to its earlier recommendation that the rules continue
to permit double-sideband, full-carrier AM and independent sideband (ISB) as
specific exceptions to the 3 kHz bandwidth limit--with restrictions of 9 kHz
and 6 kHz respectively--on all bands now allowing 'phone transmissions. (In
ISB, or independent sideband, each sideband of a double-sideband signal
carries information or data independent of the other.)

FCC rules now permit RTTY and data emissions throughout the HF CW subbands.
"It is only through compliance with 'gentlemen's agreements' that RTTY and
data signals are not heard in the parts of the band that are generally used
for CW," Sumner notes. The ARRL would propose limiting bandwidth in the "CW
subbands" to 200 Hz, which also will accommodate data modes such as PSK31.
In addition, the League's proposal would set bandwidth limits of either 500
Hz or 3 kHz in the rest of the bands below 29 MHz. The proposals would not
affect 60 or 160 meters.

"The objective is not to expand the phone bands to let robot stations run
roughshod over the phone bands, or to effect any other immediate change in
amateur operating practices," Sumner emphasized. For example, while the
3-kHz bandwidth segment of the 30-meter band theoretically could accommodate
voice, this is prohibited by international band plan agreements because the
band is so narrow. Additionally, the Amateur Service is secondary on 30
meters and must protect the primary fixed service from interference.

Sumner pointed out that there now is no effective bandwidth limit on HF
digital operation. The existing 500 Hz bandwidth limit applies only to
automatically controlled stations in semi-automatic operation. Band segments
limited to 200 Hz and 500 Hz respectively provide greater protection for
narrowband operations than exists today, Sumner stressed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the EC recommendations are available on
the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/bandwidth/bw-faq.html>. Direct
comments on these proposals via e-mail to <bandwidth@arrl.org>;.

==>PUBLIC FUNDING IN LIMBO FOR NEW YORK BPL PROJECT

Responding to a recent ARRL inquiry, the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority (NYSERDA) says it has not yet agreed to provide public
funds to promote the Briarcliff Manor, New York, BPL project. Under the
belief that NYSERDA was already providing money for the project, the League
copied the Authority on its fourth and latest request to the FCC to shut
down the BPL pilot operated by utility Consolidated Edison and BPL developer
Ambient Corporation. Gunnar Walmet, NYSERDA's director of industry research
and buildings, said March 28 that NYSERDA has been unable to reach a
contract agreement on the Briarcliff Manor BPL project and has no status in
it at this point. 

"On the other hand, no public money has been spent yet either," Walmet
continued. "It is still our hope to reach agreement, but this length of
unsuccessful negotiation is not particularly encouraging."

Last June, Con Ed and Ambient announced a funding award, pending final
contract negotiations, to enhance the BPL project. The ARRL promptly wrote
NYSERDA asserting that acknowledged interference from the Briarcliff Manor
installation violates the Communications Act of 1934 and questioning the
propriety of a public grant. According to the announcement, NYSERDA planned
to provide up to $200,000 of the project's $480,000 cost. Walmet said March
28 that NYSERDA's involvement, if any, would be limited to funding "aspects
of the project and monitoring the results."

"Our hope continues to be that solutions can be found for technical problems
with the use of PLC [BPL] and that innovative energy benefits can accrue to
New York utility customers," Walmet told ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ. "The
proposed project would illuminate and evaluate these potential benefits and
the critically important issue of whether PLC as practiced by Con Ed in
Briarcliff can be made fully FCC compliant."

In a reply April 1, Sumner reiterated that the reason for his original
letter last June was "to raise the question of whether a project that was in
willful violation of the Communications Act was deserving of public
funding." Sumner told Walmet that not only does the original question
remain, it's now joined by another: "whether corporations that make such
misrepresentations are qualified to receive public funding."

The ARRL has charged Ambient and the FCC with being unwilling or unable to
effectively deal with harmful interference stemming from the Briarcliff
Manor BPL pilot project. It's asked the Commission pull the plug on the
system until Ambient addresses interference complaints. Sumner assured
Walmet that the ARRL will continue to call ongoing violations in Briarcliff
Manor to the FCC's attention until the agency takes corrective action.

==>SCHOOL COMMUNITY COOPERATION, STUDENT ACTIVITIES ENHANCE SPACE QSO
EXPERIENCE

Even before a dozen third, fourth and fifth graders got to speak via ham
radio April 8 with the International Space Station, Flory Academy of
Sciences and Technology in Moorpark, California, was a beehive of activity
and excitement. Flory science teacher Pat Bachamp says everyone pitched in
beforehand to help make the QSO a memorable educational experience, and more
than 700 turned out at the school to witness the event.

"All of our students have been quite busy planning for this event," Bachamp
noted with just about two minutes to go until the ISS came into radio range
of ground station NN1SS in Greenbelt, Maryland. She described students
wearing NASA flight gear, holding models of shuttles, rockets and the ISS.
Adorning the stage was huge banner reading, "Beam us up, NASA!" Other
activities included space news, humor and even poetry, broadcast on the
school's low-power FM station, KFLR. 

Responding to one youngster's question, "Why do we want to explore space,
and why not leave some mysteries stay mysteries?" Expedition 10 Commander
Leroy Chiao, KE5BRW, said it's human nature to be curious.

"And so we always want to know what's on the other side of that mountain,
and that's what drives us, that's what sets us apart as a species," Chiao
said. "We can explore space, and I don't think we'll ever fully understand
it, so I don't think we'll have any problem still having some mysteries."

Replying to other questions, Chiao said that although his and crewmate
Salizhan Sharipov's duty tour is winding down, the crew is still involved in
some scientific research aboard the ISS, including a telemedicine
experiment. The ISS crew has been using an ultrasound device in space as
part of an effort to enable physicians on Earth to diagnose health problems
that might arise during long-term space ventures. Chiao also has been
serving as NASA ISS Science Officer during Expedition 10. In all, the
youngsters managed to get in 15 questions before the ISS went out of range
of NN1SS.

Handling ground station duties at NN1SS was Dave Taylor, W8AAS, while ARISS
Program Manager Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, moderated the event. The contact was
arranged by ARISS with assistance at the school from Ota Lutz, KD5UQZ, of
NASA's Aerospace Education Services Program, Flory Principal Pam Hill and
Bachamp. 

Providing onsite engineering and other assistance were members of the Conejo
Valley Amateur Radio Club, the Ventura County Amateur Radio Society and the
Simi Settlers Amateur Radio Club. MCI donated a teleconferencing link to
provide two-way audio between NN1SS and the school.

The Flory ARISS school group contact attracted media attention from at least
three TV stations and two newspapers from the Los Angeles area.

ARISS <http://www.rac.ca/ariss> is an international educational outreach,
with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.

==>ARRL REPRESENTS AMATEUR RADIO AT SCIENCE TEACHERS' CONVENTION

ARRL Education and Technology Program (ETP) Coordinator Mark Spencer,
WA8SME, represented Amateur Radio during the recent National Science
Teachers Association (NSTA) convention in Dallas, Texas. Some 14,000
teachers from across the US attended the gathering March 31-April 4.
Staffing a booth within the NASA area, Spencer did presentations on the
ETP--"the Big Project"--as well as on the Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station (ARISS) program in which ARRL, NASA and AMSAT are US partners.
Spencer says the underlying theme and concern among the teachers he spoke
with was educational standards.

"Even more so than in the past, teachers are overwhelmingly concerned about
teaching to the standards, and if material isn't specifically addressed in
the standards--word-for-word, concept-for-concept--they were not
particularly interested," he said. "This is an issue that we, as well as
NASA, will have to aggressively address if the wireless technology literacy
and space literacy curricular suggestions are going to have any hope of
gaining a foothold." Spencer said many teachers told him that all routine
instruction at their schools comes to a halt at this point in the school
year so students can focus on prepping for standardized tests.

The annual NSTA convention presents a valuable opportunity to encourage
teachers to attend one of the Big Project teachers institutes the League
sponsors, Spencer said. The League this summer will offer two weeklong
teachers institutes, which teach educators the basics of wireless technology
and electronics, at virtually no cost to attendees beyond their time and
effort.

Spencer took advantage of his stay in Texas to visit with an ETP
school--Lyndon Baines Johnson High School (LBJ) in Austin--to see a Big
Project program in action. Lead teacher Ronny Risinger, KC5EES, and his
students at LBJ have developed a model program, Spencer reports. 

Spencer said LBJ students he met talked of pursuing technical careers and
said participation in the Big Project had helped them to formulate their
goals. "Good things are happening at LBJ," he concluded, "because of the
teacher, the students, the local ham community and the resources provided by
the ETP grants."

==>HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FUNDS ARES TRAILER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The Aiken County, South Carolina, Office of Emergency Management has
received a $100,000 grant to fund a new Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES) trailer. The US Department of Homeland Security grant was distributed
via the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's Office of Homeland
Security Grants Administration. The project will provide a state-of-the-art
communications vehicle for ARES members to assist served agencies. ARRL
South Carolina Section Manager Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, says the project was the
brainchild of several radio amateurs, including ARRL members and Section
leadership. 

"Bob Besley, K4NJN, wrote the grant after participating in a statewide
homeland security drill in August 2004 and seeing a need for amateurs to
have equipment that becomes useful in the event of a large-scale disaster,"
he said. "This trailer is exclusively for Amateur Radio." 

The grant will enable the purchase of a new 28-foot air-conditioned
communications trailer loaded with HF, VHF and UHF radio gear as well as
packet capability, GPS, wireless Internet, live National Weather Service
reports, satellite TV and more. Boehner and Besley believe the grant marks
the first time the Department of Homeland Security has provided funding of
this magnitude for an Amateur Radio communications facility.

"A portable 2-meter repeater has been secured and will be available to
provide on-scene communications as needed," Boehner said. In addition, the
vehicle will be equipped with Winlink 2000 to enable Internet and e-mail via
HF. The State Emergency Operations Center also will have Winlink 2000
capability. 

Complementing the onboard TV facilities will be an innovative 3x4-foot
two-way projection screen at the rear of the vehicle. It will not only be
viewable inside from the six-person conference table but from outside to aid
in group briefings and video presentations. Separate 17-inch LCD screens
throughout the unit will have VCR/DVD capability. 

Powering the unit will be a 10 kW generator with an onboard diesel tank to
allow continuous operation for more than 24 hours before refueling. A
30-foot mast controllable from inside the trailer will provide antenna
support. 

Satellite communication, including high-speed Internet connections, will be
via an automatic roof-mounted dish antenna. A local area computer network
and router will complement several laptops at work stations. 

While the trailer will primarily be deployed within Aiken County, emergency
officials in neighboring counties may request its use as needed. "It is
intended to be a resource for the South Carolina Section, upon request of
the respective county or state Emergency Management Department and the
District Emergency Coordinator in that area," Boehner said. 

The trailer is now on order and set for delivery in early July, although
Boehner says it could arrive in time for ARRL Field Day June 25-26. Local
radio amateurs plan to cover the costs of the van's upkeep through swapfests
and other fundraisers.

==>ARRL SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2005 MCGAN MEMORIAL SILVER ANTENNA AWARD

Nominations are due May 20 for the 2005 ARRL Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver
Antenna Award <http://www.arrl.org/pio/mcgan/2005/mcgan-nom-2005.html>. This
annual League award recognizes and honors achieved success in public
relations on behalf of Amateur Radio at the local, state or national level.
ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, encourages and
invites nominations for this year's McGan Award of candidates who reflect
the high standard of achievement the award's namesake epitomized.

"Throughout the year ARRL Public Information Coordinators, Public
Information Officers and other public relations volunteers strive to keep
Amateur Radio visible in their communities by publicizing special events,
writing press releases and maintaining good relations with local
media--among many other valuable activities," Pitts says. "Their efforts
benefit us all."

The award's namesake, journalist Philip J. McGan, WA2MBQ (SK), served as the
first chairman of the ARRL's Public Relations Committee, which helped
reinvigorate the League's commitment to public relations. Unfortunately,
McGan never got to see the fruits of his efforts, but the award bearing his
name was established as a lasting tribute to his important contributions.

"The 2005 McGan award will go to a ham who has demonstrated success in
Amateur Radio public relations and who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit
of Phil McGan," Pitts said.

The McGan award is given only to an individual, and a candidate must be a
full ARRL member in good standing at the time of nomination. The nominee may
not be compensated for any public relations work involving Amateur
Radio--including payment for articles--and may not be a current officer,
director, vice director, paid staff member or member of the current
selection committee.

Pitts notes that some confusion persists between what constitutes public
relations as opposed to public service. "Public relations activities for
which the McGan Award is given include efforts specifically directed at
bringing Amateur Radio to the public's attention in a positive light,
typically via the news media--TV, radio or print publications," Pitts
explains. "This may include traditional methods like news releases or
less-traditional methods that could include such activities as hosting a
radio show or being an active public speaker."

Pitts points out that public service contributions such as emergency
communications, net leadership and other activities--while valuable--don't
fit the definition of public relations.

Anyone may make a nomination. Nominations must be on an official entry form,
available from the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/pio/mcgan/2005/Nom-form-05.pdf> or via mail from League
Headquarters from Allen Pitts, W1AGP, apitts@arrl.org; 860-594-0328.

A committee of PR-savvy Amateur Radio operators will screen eligible
nominations and forward its recommendation to the Volunteer Resources
Committee of the ARRL Board of Directors. The Board makes a final
determination at its July meeting.

Send the completed entry form and supporting materials to: Philip J. McGan
Memorial Silver Antenna Award, c/o Allen Pitts, W1AGP, ARRL, 225 Main St,
Newington, CT 06111. Nominations must be received at ARRL HQ in Newington by
5 PM on Friday, May 20, 2005. Nominations arriving after the deadline or
without an entry form cannot be considered.

==>WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY 2005 IS MONDAY, APRIL 18

The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and its member-societies
representing more than 150 countries around the globe celebrate World
Amateur Radio Day each year on April 18 to mark the anniversary of the
IARU's founding in 1925. The theme for this year's 80th anniversary
celebration is "Expanding the World of Wireless Communications." 

Amateur Radio operators have been the leaders in developing many of today's
electronic and communication marvels. The pioneering work in radio and
electronic technologies early amateurs first explored provided the
groundwork for the nearly ubiquitous "wireless" devices and digital
technology we often take for granted. Many leading electrical engineers have
drawn from their practical experience as Amateur Radio operators in
contributing to the development of modern radio and television technology,
two-way radios, adaptive antennas and many other innovations. 

That trend continue as today's radio amateurs explore new frontiers. Amateur
Radio experimenters are finding new ways to use frequencies at the fringes
of the radio spectrum, to merge radio and Internet technology and to
experiment with ultra-high-speed digital communication. Although they're not
compensated, ham radio operators are "amateurs" in name only, because their
skills and contributions to the world have been--and continue to be--of the
highest order. 

Since its inception, the IARU has been instrumental in coordinating and
representing Amateur Radio activities around the world. Learn more by
visiting the IARU Web site <http://www.iaru.org/>.

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Sol man Tad "I'll Follow the Sun" Cook, K7RA, Seattle, Washington, reports:
This week saw an insignificant rise in average daily sunspot numbers and
solar flux compared to the previous week. Average daily sunspot numbers were
up by a little more 1 point to 40.6. Average daily solar flux rose by more
than 5 points to 86.9.

There was a rise in geomagnetic activity due to a solar wind stream from a
coronal hole. The planetary A index numbers for April 12, 13 and 14 were 30,
26 and 19. We have moved out of the solar wind, and the prediction is for
quieter conditions. The predicted planetary A index for April 15, 16, 17 and
18 is 12, 10, 8 and 5. Sunspot counts and daily solar flux numbers are
expected to stay about the same--perhaps declining slightly after April 19.

Sunspot numbers for April 7 through 13 were 49, 56, 43, 42, 17, 32 and 45,
with a mean of 40.6. The 10.7 cm flux was 87.8, 87.7, 88.4, 88.3, 87.5, 84.9
and 83.5, with a mean of 86.9. Estimated planetary A indices were 8, 4, 4,
4, 10, 30 and 26, with a mean of 12.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were
4, 2, 2, 2, 6, 23 and 18, with a mean of 8.1.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: The Holyland DX Contest, the TARA Skirmish
Digital Prefix Contest, the ES Open HF Championship, the EU Spring Sprint
(CW), the Michigan and Ontario QSO parties, and the YU DX Contest are the
April 16-17 weekend. JUST AHEAD: The NAQCC Weeknight 40/80-Meter Sprint and
the 432 MHz Spring Sprint are April 20. The RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship
(Data) is April 21. The DX Colombia International Contest, the SP DX RTTY
Contest, the Helvetia Contest, and the Florida and Nebraska QSO parties are
the weekend of April 23-24. See the ARRL Contest Branch page
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar
<http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html> for more info.

* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration for the ARRL Antenna Modeling (EC-004) and Radio Propagation
(EC-011) on-line courses remains open through Sunday, April 17. Classes
begin Friday April 29. For EC-004, computer-modeling expert and noted author
L.B. Cebik, W4RNL, has combined the expertise of his long career as a
college professor with his love and antennas and antenna modeling to offer a
comprehensive, yet practical, course of study of antenna modeling.
Propagation students will study the science of RF propagation, including the
properties of electromagnetic waves, the atmosphere and the ionosphere, the
sun and sunspots, ground waves and sky waves, and various propagation
modes--including aurora and meteor scatter. To learn more, visit the ARRL
Certification and Continuing Education Web page <http://www.arrl.org/cce/>
or contact the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program
Department cce@arrl.org.

* Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course registration: Registration
for the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level III on-line course
(EC-003) opens Monday, April 18, at 1201 AM EDT and will remain open until
all available seats have been filled or through the April 23-24
weekend--whichever comes first. Class begins Friday, May 6. Thanks to our
grant sponsors--the Corporation for National and Community Service and the
United Technologies Corporation--the $45 registration fee paid upon
enrollment will be reimbursed after successful completion of the course. ACT
NOW! THIS IS THE FINAL YEAR OF THE GRANT-SUBSIDIZED CLASSES! Radio amateurs
age 55 and older are strongly encouraged to participate. During this
registration period, seats are being offered to ARRL members on a
first-come, first-served basis. To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification
and Continuing Education Web page <http://www.arrl.org/cce>. For more
information, contact Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller,
K3UFG, cce@arrl.org; 860-594-0340. 

* ARES-RACES teams activate in wake of flooding: ARES-RACES teams in
Pennsylvania and New York were among those activating after torrential
rainfall over the April 2-3 weekend caused rivers to overflow their banks.
In the Matamoras, Pennsylvania, area the Delaware River crested at nearly
4.5 feet above flood stage, reports Pike County Emergency Coordinator Tom
Olver, W2TAO, who lives just across the river in New York. He said nearly
200 houses were damaged, deemed uninhabitable or destroyed altogether. The
flooding also closed roads and even washed out some of them. ARES members
provided communication support at Red Cross shelters in Pike County,
Pennsylvania, and Orange County, New York. Not far away in Port Jervis and
Goshen, New York, Pike County ARES members assisted at emergency operation
centers. One radio amateur not affiliated with ARES who set up to provide
communication from a Red Cross shelter in Port Jervis earned praise from a
shelter worker for helping to keep the evacuees informed. Upward of two
dozen radio amateurs volunteered, reports Orange County EC Steve
Fleckenstein, N2UBP. In Columbia County in Central Pennsylvania, EC and
RACES Radio Officer Randy Kishbaugh, N3JPV, reports an ARES-RACES net was
activated when the Susquehanna and other rivers flooded. ARES provided Red
Cross shelter communications and reported river levels and road closures to
state and local emergency management agencies. "This was a truly great
effort by everyone," Kishbaugh said. He reported 20 net check-ins during
nine hours of operation. Members of the Endless Mountains Amateur Radio Club
in Wyoming County got some complimentary ink in the Wyoming County Press
Examiner after county Emergency Management Director Gene Dziak commended the
radio amateurs for helping to facilitate communication among various
agencies responding to the flooding.

* ARRL Headquarters boasting five new Extras: Shouts of joy and celebration
in the halls of ARRL Headquarters culminated an intense two months of
classes and studying and no small amount of blood, sweat and tears for five
ARRL Headquarters staff members who reached the top rung on the Amateur
Radio licensing ladder. Penny Harts, N1NAG; Rose Anne Lawrence, KB1DMW,
Carole Dimock, N1NAM, Debra Johnson, KB1LMT, and Mary Hobart, K1MMH, all
successfully passed Element 4 April 7 to upgrade to Amateur Extra. ARRL
Education and Technology Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME,
volunteered to conduct an after-hours class for the all-YL group. Class
members all agreed that Spencer did an extraordinary job, not only in his
thorough and patient approach to covering the material but in tailoring his
instruction to meet differing learning styles within the group. During a
reception, ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, addressed the new Extras by
speakerphone. "Congratulations to each and everyone of you," he said. "And
congratulations to Mark Spencer. I know you all put in a lot of hard work."

=========================================================== 
The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main St,
Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
<http://www.arrl.org/>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.

The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of interest
to active amateurs. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely, accurate, concise,
and readable. Visit ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/> for the latest news,
updated as it happens. The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> offers
access to news, informative features and columns. ARRL Audio News
<http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a weekly "ham radio newscast"
compiled from The ARRL Letter. 

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.

==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!):
letter-dlvy@arrl.org
==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@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

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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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