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ARRL Letter

 

***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 26, No. 33
August 17, 2007
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

*   Hurricane Dean Slams Caribbean Islands 
*   Hawaii Hams Heed the Call of Hurricane Flossie 
*   September QST Hits the Streets 
*   ARISS Contact with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children 
*   Canadian Special Event Planned for September 
*   Upcoming Special Events 
*   Solar Update
*  IN BRIEF: 
      This Weekend on the Radio
      ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Course Registration
      Field Day Logs Received are Posted 
      First Chinese ARISS Contact Scheduled 
      Jim DeLoach, WU0I, wins July QST Cover Plaque Award 
      BPL Industry Representative Appointed to ARRL EMC Committee 
      International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2007 
      No ARRL Audio News This Week 
      Let Us Know What You Think


There is no ARRL Audio News this week. ARRL Audio News will return next
week, Friday, August 24.

===========================================================
==>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>;
===========================================================

==> Hurricane Dean Slams Caribbean Islands

The VoIP Hurricane Net activated Friday morning, August 17, at 2 AM
EDT/0600 UTC in response to Hurricane Dean's impact on St Lucia,
Dominica, Martinique and other surrounding Caribbean islands. Reports of
damage along with wind estimates and measurements were relayed to
WX4NHC, the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida.

"We've received reports of wind damage. The most significant damage
reports include the roof blown off of a children's hospital in Castries,
St Lucia, two homes with roofs blown off and a banana plantation
flattened in St Vincent. We've also had a few homes with steel roofs
blown off in Trafallgua, Dominica, and a measured wind gust out of the
East-Northeast of 68 knots at the Canefield Airport in Dominica," said
Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net. 

Clem James, J73CI, and Joseph Russell, J73RJ, on the island of Dominica
and Julien Deider, 9Z4FZ, on the island of Trinidad have been extremely
helpful in relaying reports from the affected area. They are obtaining
these reports through the 75 Meter Caribbean Weather Net and through
local repeater systems where operable and relaying them via EchoLink and
IRLP. "We owe them a huge gratitude. They have a lot going on in their
local areas yet they are relaying any information they can get to us for
the benefit of the National Hurricane Center and the mission to help
save lives," Macedo said.

Julio Ripoll, WD4R, Assistant WX4NHC Coordinator, manning the Amateur
Radio station at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida
reported that the Meteorological Office in Martinique had a measured
wind gust of 88 MPH before Hurricane Center forecasters lost the phone
connection to the Martinique weather office. "We need any stations that
have relays into Martinique by HF or any other means to get in touch
with someone there and relay reports of meteorological data and damage
to the Hurricane Center," Ripoll said.

Cell phone service was knocked out to portions of the western and
southern parts of Dominica as reported by Joe, J73RJ. Power and phone
outages were also reported in St Lucia.

Hurricane Dean will move away from the Caribbean islands and potentially
affect Jamaica and other parts of the Western Caribbean Islands. The
VoIP Hurricane Net and WX4NHC secured operations at Noon EDT as Dean
moved away from the islands.

"We expect to reactivate WX4NHC some time Sunday Morning for Dean as it
approaches Jamaica though things could change," said Ripoll. The VoIP
Hurricane Net is also preparing activation plans for Sunday. -- Thanks
to Rob Macedo, KD1CY

The Hurricane Watch Net has temporarily secured operations following 6
hours of net operations for Hurricane Dean on 14.325 MHz. According to
Net Manager Dave Lefavour, W7GOX, the net will resume at 2200 UTC on
Saturday, August 18, and remain on the air until the band closes as the
storm heads closer to Jamaica. On Sunday, the net will commence at 1200
UTC.

"We provided storm information to the affected area in the Windward
Islands and passed local weather conditions and initial damage reports
from the area to the National Hurricane Center in Miami as Dean moved
through the islands," Lefavour reported. 

"We appreciate the excellent cooperation of all amateurs in remaining
clear of the frequency and allowing us to communicate with those
stations in the path of Dean."

As of 1500 UTC, Friday, a hurricane warning remained in affect for
Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe, and a tropical storm warning
remained in effect for the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and a
number of islands in the Lesser Antilles. 

A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch has also been issued for
Haiti form the Haiti/Dominican Republic border to Port-Au-Prince. A
hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the
watch area and within 36 hours. 

Hurricane Dean was located near 14.6 North, 62.6 West and it was moving
toward the west at 18 knots with maximum sustained winds at 90 knots
with gusts to 110 knots.

==> Hawaii Hams Heed the Call of Hurricane Flossie 

The VoIP Hurricane Net activated as Hurricane Flossie approached Hawaii
August 14. Flossie was at one time a Category 2 hurricane that passed
75-100 miles offshore of the Big Island of Hawaii. On Tuesday, while
Flossie weakened and was downgraded to a tropical storm, tropical
storm-force winds spread over Hawaii around mid-morning local time
(1700-1900 UTC). If Flossie had deviated to the north, Hawaii would have
been at risk for hurricane force conditions, with a change of as little
as 50 miles north or south making a huge impact to the Big Island. The
other islands in Hawaii were not seriously impacted. 

The VoIP Hurricane Net assisted with obtaining reports from Hawaii
SKYWARN and RACES and fed it back to National Hurricane Center
Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, and his team at the National Hurricane
Center in Miami, Florida. The VoIP Hurricane Net uses the EchoLink
Conference WX-TALK Node 7203/IRLP Reflector 9219 for its operations. 

Connie McCurdy, NH7IE (using NWS Honolulu call sign KH6SW), acted as Net
Control for an informal SKYWARN Net that became more formal on Tuesday
as Flossie approached. "The Big Island has declared a State of
Emergency, all schools are closed and many roads have been closed. The
Coast Guard has ordered small vessels to return to harbor on the Big
Island and large ships over 200 tons to leave. We did have an earthquake
near the volcanoes, but no damage. Everything will be closed up
tomorrow; folks are hunkered down to ride out the storm. Also, nine
people from FEMA were sent over and arrived today just in case things
turn out bad for the Big Island," she said. 

She said an alert was sent out to Honolulu that high winds and rain were
expected on the Big Island. "We are advised to get supplies and stand by
to be called out to shelters if needed. A net will be set up on our
local repeater 146.880," she said. 

ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager and Assistant Director
of the VoIP Hurricane Net Dennis Dura, K2DCD, said on Tuesday: "We are
monitoring the activity of the VoIP Hurricane Net and the activities of
ARES and RACES is Hawaii. At this time, no assistance is needed, but we
will be prepared to assist the Amateur Radio community and the
government of Hawaii with any communication needs." 

A 5.3 earthquake also rocked the Big Island Monday evening at 7:38 local
time (0038 UTC Tuesday morning) centered about 25 miles south of Hilo,
according to a preliminary report from the US Geological Survey. There
were no reports of injuries, structural damage or a tsunami, although
the quake did cause a small landslide, according to Tom Brown, a
spokesman for Hawaii County Civil Defense. 

Island of Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim issued a state of emergency Monday
afternoon for the volcanic island's population of 160,000. "We're taking
this all very seriously," said Janet Snyder, Kim's press secretary. 

The VoIP Hurricane Net activates when a hurricane affects a land area
that has EchoLink and/or IRLP nodes in the affected area, and a request
to activate comes from local area served agencies such as an EOC, NWS
Forecast Office/SKYWARN program or the National Hurricane Center Amateur
Coordinators in Miami. You may listen to VoIP Hurricane Net on one of
the listen-only IRLP reflectors, which are New England IRLP Reflector
9129 and Australia IRLP Reflector 9508. The listen only EchoLink
Conference is VKEMCOMM node 270177. 

For more information on the VoIP Hurricane Net, visit the VoIP Hurricane
Net Web page <http://www.voipwx.net/>. -- Some information from Rob
Macedo, KD1CY 

==> September QST Hits the Streets 

If you haven't received the September issue of QST, just wait a bit,
because it's on its way! QST, the official journal of the ARRL, is the
members-only magazine featuring all the latest Amateur Radio news and
technology.

The September issue is our first-ever Emergency Communications issue.
Learn how the ARRL is promoting effective, coordinated responses to
emergencies. Look for an exciting article on D-STAR, a new way to
transmit digital voice and data at VHF and UHF. Have you ever wondered
just how emergency communications began? Read about its rich and varied
history in September QST. Learn how the Military Affiliate Radio System
(MARS) is now integrated into one unit that emphasizes digital
communication.

The ARRL Diamond Terrace is just about complete. Check out the progress
that has been made to this new must-see feature of ARRL Headquarters and
learn how you can become a lasting part of this great legacy.

On the technical side, the September issue offers articles on how to get
a maximum gain portable HF Yagi antenna and a remote power controller.
Be sure to read about a way to pack power to bring with you for
emergencies. Learn about a way of determining resonant frequency of a
tuned circuit. QST Product Review Editor Mark Wilson, K1RO, reviews the
Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX linear amplifier, ARRL Lab Test Engineer Mike
Tracy, KC1SX, reviews the Gamma Research HPS-1a switching power supply
and Rich Arland, W3OSS, reviews the Hendricks QRP Kits FireFly
transceiver.

If you're looking for upcoming operating events, don't miss Jamboree on
the Air and the 2007 Simulated Emergency Test, both of which are covered
in the September issue.

As in each and every QST, you will find a wide variety of articles and
columns for all hams, covering DXing, vintage gear and cutting edge
technology, public service, special events, as well as a schedule of
upcoming hamfests, conventions and contests. 

==> ARISS Contact with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children 

For 11 kids at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida,
July 17, 2007 was quite a memorable day. These children had the unique
opportunity of questioning astronaut Clay Anderson, KD5PLA, onboard the
International Space Station (ISS) via ham radio as it made a 9 minute 30
second pass over the United States. 

This Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
was made possible due to the initial efforts of John Rothert, KC4IYO.
After applying for the contact, John became ill and was unable to
continue helping. Through the sponsorship of the Lake Monroe Amateur
Radio Society and combined efforts of Northern Florida Section Public
Information Coordinator Mike Welch, KF4HFC; Bob Pollack, KF4IMF; Lou
McFadin, W5DID; the Child Life Department of Arnold Palmer Hospital and
many other supporters, the event went off without a hitch. 

Just prior to the ISS pass, the Child Life personnel established phone
contact with Will Marchant, KC6ROL, and Graham Lawton, G7EVY. These hams
helped prepare everyone for the contact and coordinated the telebridge
connection between the hospital and the ISS via W6SRJ, the host ground
station located at Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, California. 

At approximately 2:28 PM, Bill Hillendahl, the operator at W6SRJ, began
calling, "NA1SS, NA1SS, this is W6SRJ." Soon, applause erupted from the
hospital conference room as a voice over the speaker answered, "NA1SS,
over!" This began a lively 9 minute question-and-answer session between
eager children and Anderson. By the end of the pass, the children had
asked 33 questions, possibly setting a record for any ARISS contact. 

"We're very excited about ARISS bringing their program to our patients
as it will be a fun activity that will lift their spirits," said Sheri
Mosely, child life manager for the hospital. "Talking with an astronaut
is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and one we hope they'll
never forget."

Once the contact was finished, local media from three television
stations, one newspaper and one radio station began interviewing the
children and hospital personnel, adding greatly to the excitement of the
day. This was truly a successful ARISS contact that will not be soon
forgotten by the children at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, supported by the Arnold Palmer
Medical Center Foundation, is a 158-bed facility dedicated exclusively
to the needs of children. It offers comprehensive, specialized programs
and services for children including acute care, adolescent medicine, a
Congenital Heart Institute in partnership with Miami Children's
Hospital, pediatric intensive care, emergency medicine, nephrology,
neurology and trauma services. -- Some information from David Jordan,
AA4KN

==> Canadian Special Event Planned for September 

A demonstration of cooperation in emergency communications preparedness
between Canadian radio amateurs and those in the United States is
planned for September 29-30 with a special event station VO1ARES
<http://www.rac.ca/fieldorg/aresjointevent.htm>. It will be located at
the Marconi memorial station on historic Signal Hill, St John's,
Newfoundland, where reception of the first transatlantic wireless
transmission occurred in 1901. Sponsored by Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC),
the facilities are provided by Parks Canada and coordinated by the
Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs (SONRA).

The objectives of the special event are threefold: To highlight the
capabilities of Amateur Radio in providing emergency communications in
times of crisis, to illustrate the cooperation between Canada and the
United States on emergency preparedness within the context of the
Security and Prosperity Partnership signed by the President of the
United States and the Prime Minister of Canada in 2005, and to create a
database of communications "first responders" that the Government of
Canada could contact for emergency communications assistance in times of
crisis.

Radio amateurs from across Canada and the US are being invited to
participate in this first-time official activity, with opening
festivities scheduled September 29 from 1430-1730 UTC. In particular,
ARES units in both countries are encouraged to take part and to "talk
up" the value of Amateur Radio as a community resource. Officials from
the Canadian government have been invited, and ARRL Joel Harrison, W5ZN,
has confirmed his intention to attend. Operations will feature virtually
all transmission modes on most HF bands over the two-day period. Times
and frequencies are yet to be determined.

A commemorative QSL card will be issued. QSLs may be sent direct to
VO1ARES via VE9GLF, G. L. Friars, 35 Upper Quaco Rd, Baxters Corner, NB
E25 2S2, Canada. All replies from VO1ARES will be via the bureau. Those
wishing a direct reply, including Short Wave Listeners, must include an
envelope and sufficient postage. Within Canada, please send a
self-addressed stamped envelope. If outside of Canada, please include
sufficient International Reply Coupons (IRCs) to cover the cost of a
letter from Canada to your country. This is imperative in order to
receive a card directly; otherwise it will go via the bureau.

Listen for VO1ARES both before and after the special event. The call
sign will be active September 27-October 1.

Upcoming issues of RAC's The Canadian Amateur (TCA) magazine and the RAC
Web site <http://www.rac.ca/> contain further details of the event.  --
Information provided by Bob Cooke, VE3BDB

==> Upcoming Special Events 

Several upcoming Special Event operations were inadvertently left out of
the September 2007 QST "Special Events" column. They appear below, as
well as on the Special Events Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html>. 

Aug 15-Aug 26, 0000 UTC-0400 UTC, Columbus, Ohio. John D. Kraus Memorial
Amateur Radio Club, W8JK/WOW. 30th anniversary of the "WOW Signal."
7.045 14.045 7.200 14.250. QSL: Bruce Lerner, KC8VEB, 734 Suntree Dr,
Westerville, OH 43081 <http://www.w8jk.org/>. 

Aug 17-Aug 19, 0000 UTC-2359 UTC, Cheboygan, Michigan. Oakland County
ARPSC, K8S. Celebration of International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend.
7.270 14.270 21.270 28.370. Certificate: Gary Sklar, 7296 Green Farm Rd,
West Bloomfield, MI 48322. The event will be held in cooperation with
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, local Michigan Branch,
Mackinaw City, Michigan <k8ikw@aol.com>;. 

Aug 17-Sep 13, 1700 UTC-1700 UTC, Illinois River, Illinois. USS LST325
Radio Club, WW2LST. USS LST325 Summer Cruise Up Through the Illinois
Heartland. 14.300 14.040 7.040 3.540. QSL: USS LST325 Memorial Ship, 840
LST Dr, Evansville, IN 47713 <http://www.lstmemorial.org/>. 

Aug 27-Sep 1, 1600 UTC-2359 UTC, Woodstock, Connecticut. Eastern
Connecticut Amateur Radio Association, K1MUJ. 50th anniversary of the
founding of Eastern Connecticut ARA. 3.825 7.175 14.125 21.215. QSL:
ECARA, PO Box 63, Dayville, CT 06241 <http://www.qsl.net/K1MUJ>. 

Aug 28-Aug 29, 1400 UTC-0659 UTC, Sacramento, California. Amateur Radio
Emergency Communication Volunteers, N6S. California State Fair. 146.195
147.555 14.250 7.250. QSL: Patrick Schamun, N6ARO, 8237 Tiki Ln,
Sacramento, CA 95828 <n6arophrs@lanset.com>;. 

==>SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "We Had Joy, We Had Fun, We Had Seasons in the Sun(spot)" Cook,
K7RA, this week reports from the road in Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire, that solar activity continues low. The sun is currently
spotless, but sunspots may return around August 20. This week's average
daily sunspot numbers were down about a point from last week's, from
12.4 to 11.3. 

Expect quiet geomagnetic conditions over the next week, according to a
forecast from the US Air Force, which predicts planetary A index for
August 17-23 of 8, 5, 10, 5, 5, 10 and 8.  But Geophysical Institute
Prague has quite a different prediction for August 18.  They predict
quiet conditions for August 17, unsettled to active on August 18,
unsettled August 19, quiet August 20-21, unsettled August 22, and quiet
to unsettled August 23.

Sunspot numbers for August 9 through 15 were 14, 14, 13, 11, 13, 14 and
0 with a mean of 11.3. 10.7 cm flux was 67.4, 67.5, 67.6, 68.1, 67.7,
68.5, and 67.6, with a mean of 67.8. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 13, 12, 6, 3, 6 and 8 with a mean of 7.4. Estimated mid-latitude A
indices were 2, 10, 7, 5, 2, 3 and 6, with a mean of 5.

For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL
Technical Information Service Propagation page
<http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html>.

__________________________________

==>IN BRIEF:

* This weekend on the radio: This weekend, the ARRL 10 GHz and Up
Contest is on August 18-19. The NCCC Sprint (CW) is August 17 and 18.
The ARCI Silent Key Memorial Sprint is August 18, while the SARTG WW
RTTY Contest is August 18 and 19. The North American QSO Party (SSB),
the Keyman's Club of Japan Contest and the Russian District Award
Contest are August 18-19. The New Jersey QSO Party is August 18-19 and
August 19-20. The Run for the Bacon QRP Contest is August 20. Next week,
look for the CCC Sprint (CW) on August 24. The ALARA Contest, the Hawaii
QSO Party, the SCC RTTY Championship, the YO DX HF Contest and the Ohio
QSO Party are all on August 25-26. The SKCC Weekend Sprint and the SARL
HF CW Contest are both August 26. 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
information.

* ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration:
Registration remains open through Sunday August 19, for these on-line
courses beginning on Friday, September 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>;.

* Field Day Logs Received are Posted: All 2007 Field Day logs have been
received and posted to the Claimed Scores page on the ARRL Web site
<http://www.arrl.org/contests/claimed/>. They reflect all applications
sent from the b4h Web applet, as well as those received via the US
postal service and usable electronic submissions sent via regular e-mail
(non-Web applet submissions). According to Field Day Manager Dan
Henderson, N1ND, "In some cases we did not receive sufficient
information, and those entries are not allowed to be used at this time.
A follow-up e-mail was sent to those concerned that included a blank
summary sheet and a request to please complete the form and resubmit. In
cases where we have not heard back from those requests, the entries are
currently not on the list and can't be included until complete
information is received back by the ARRL." Those with missing entries,
who have questions or who find errors in their listing should contact
Henderson via e-mail <n1nd@arrl.org>; or by phone at 860-594-0236 after
Tuesday, August 28 when he returns from vacation. If you call before
that date, Henderson asks that you "please leave a message and please be
patient. I will work with you to resolve any problems." 

* First Chinese ARISS Contact Scheduled: ARRL ARISS Program Manager
Rosalie White, K1STO, reports that the first-ever Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) contact between China and the
International Space Station (ISS) will take place August 26. American
astronaut Clay Anderson, KD5PLA, will chat with students at the Nanjing
No. 3 High School in Nanjing, Jiangsu in the People's Republic of China.
The radio coordinator is Michael Chen, BD5RV. The school has been around
for more than 100 years and has 3000 students in 64 senior and junior
grade classes on three campuses. The school is well known for its
Amateur Radio club and its 6-time-national-winner women's volleyball
team. The Amateur Radio club has completed more than 20,000 QSOs with
other stations from all over the world. There have been a total of 308
school-to-ISS contacts to date.

* Jim DeLoach, WU0I, wins July QST Cover Plaque Award: The winner of the
QST Cover Plaque Award for July is Jim DeLoach, WU0I, for his article
"Balloon-Lifted Full-Wave Loop Antennas." Congratulations, Jim! The
winner of the QST Cover Plaque award -- given to the author or authors
of the best article in each issue -- is determined by a vote of ARRL
members on the QST Cover Plaque Poll Web page
<http://www.arrl.org/members-only/qstvote.html>. Cast a ballot for your
favorite article in the August issue by Friday, August 31. 

* BPL Industry Representative Appointed to ARRL EMC Committee: ARRL
President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, has appointed Brent Zitting, KB4SL, of
Huntsville, Alabama, to serve on ARRL's ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) Committee. Zitting, a 25-year ARRL member, is employed by IBEC, a
BPL manufacturer and integrator located in Huntsville, Alabama. The EMC
Committee, chaired by Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson, W4PWF,
consists of representatives from various industries that are interested
in helping ARRL effectively and appropriately work with industry on
interference issues. ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, said he is
pleased to see Zitting serve on the committee. "Brent has carried his
ham radio experience to the BPL industry, quietly working behind the
scenes to help it better understand Amateur Radio. Having his industry
occupy a seat at our table is a positive step that will improve
communication significantly." Zitting said he is enthusiastic about
serving as a member of the committee. "I look forward to helping the
ARRL on this committee. BPL technology has made great progress in its
ability to mitigate interference, which is good news for hams. I want to
help the ARRL more fully understand the BPL industry so that both can be
'good neighbors.' I am pleased to be part of the solution." 

* International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2007: More than 380
lighthouses in more than 48 countries -- from Argentina to Wales -- will
be on the air for 2007 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW)
organized by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group, Scotland. The event, held for
the ninth year in a row, takes place Saturday, August 18 0001
UTC-Sunday, August 19 2359 UTC. While not a contest, the ILLW is more of
a QSO Party and Amateur Radio demonstration. The ILLW aims to raise
public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the need for their
preservation and restoration, promote Amateur Radio and foster
international goodwill. Stations at more than 40 US lights are expected
to be on the air for the event, and several stations will identify with
special event call signs. Participating lighthouse/lightship stations do
not have to be inside the structure or on the vessel itself; a Field
Day-type setup at or adjacent to the light is sufficient. More
information about the event, including a registration form, is available
on the ILLW Web site <http://illw.net/2007_list.htm>. 

* No ARRL Audio News This Week: There will be no ARRL Audio News Friday,
August 17. Please adjust your calendars and programming accordingly. The
ARRL Audio News will return next week on Friday, August 24.

* 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
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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

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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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