*************** The ARRL Letter Vol. 24, No. 15 April 15, 2005 *************** 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 . Direct comments on these proposals via e-mail to . ==>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 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 . 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 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 . ==>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 and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar 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 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 . 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; . 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 for the latest news, updated as it happens. The ARRL Web site offers access to news, informative features and columns. ARRL Audio News 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: ==>ARRL Audio News: 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 . You'll have an opportunity during registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW bulletins, and other material. 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