Amateur Radio part of VK Amber Alert System (Apr. 15 2005)

Australia's first Child Abduction or Amber Alert system is now in place across Queensland province and ham radio is expected to soon be a part of it.  As currently structured, if a child is kidnapped anywhere in Queensland the Child Abduction Alert can be activated.  This means that if a child goes missing the details can be broadcast almost instantly by local radio instead of waiting for the next scheduled news bulletin.

(ARNewsLine)

Cypress gets expanded 40 Metre Band  (Apr. 15 2005)

Hams in Cypress have been given more spectrum on 40 meters. This, with word that Cypriot amateurs may now use 7.100 to 7.200 MHz in addition to7.000 to 7.100 MHz they already had. 

With this action, amateurs in Cypress join those in the UK, Ireland, Croatia, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, San Marino and Iceland who already have access to 7.100 to 7.200 MHz.  The expansion of the 40 meter band is included in the Cyprus Department of Electronic Communications National Frequency Plan which has been posted on the Internet at www.tinyurl.com/528wx.  Its in Adobe pdf file format. (GB2RS)

(ARNewsLine)

Norweigan Club Stations get 5MHz (Apr. 15 2005)

Norway has granted club operations access to a number of 'channels' on 5 MHz.  effective at midnight Norwegian time on the 1st of April. At least two Norwegian stations were active from the outset.  They are LA2AB near Oslo and LA1K in Trondheim.  The LA2AB operators had a good opening night.  They worked two other Norwegian stations, five stations from the USA and numerous operators across the U-K. Eighteen club stations in Finland also have special licenses to operate on 5 MHz frequencies.  (GB2RS)

(ARNewsLine)

Solar flux and sunspot numbers continue their lull, although again this week their relative positions see-sawed. For last week's bulletin of April 22 (ARLP016), we reported average daily sunspot numbers up a little, and average daily solar flux down a bit. This change was noted when the numbers were compared to the data in the April 15 bulletin (ARLP015). This week the daily sunspot number on average dropped 25 points to 25.9, and the average daily solar flux increased a little over two points to 84. Nothing significant about any of this, which is common behavior as the solar cycle continues to decline.

This week on Sunday, April 24 the earth-facing sun was spotless, and the sunspot number was 0. But the next day a new sunspot appeared, number 756, and it is a big one. The spot is growing quickly, and the resulting sunspot numbers for April 26-28 were 20, 45 and 71. Solar flux is heading toward 100. Predicted solar flux values for this weekend, April 29-May 1 are 103 on all days. Flux values should rise above 105 by Monday, May 2.

Geomagnetic conditions have been nice and quiet, but this could change over the next week. The predicted planetary A index for April 29 through May 3 is 8, 8, 20, 40 and 15. A planetary A index of 40 indicates a major geomagnetic storm, which is expected from the reappearance of a recurring coronal hole and associated high velocity wind stream.

The predicted smoothed sunspot number drops in May from 22 to 19. It will continue to decline, with the predicted smoothed sunspot number at 10 for the end of 2005 and 5 for the end of 2006, the predicted bottom of the solar cycle. In 2007 solar activity should rebound, and around the end of that year the smoothed sunspot number should be back to where it is now, 18 for November and 21 for December 2007. In 2008, based on the behavior of past solar cycles, sunspots should make a strong return. That's only three years from now.

Robert Wilson, AL7KK wrote to say he worked for Voice of America and planned medium wave AM broadcasts that were around the 160 meter wavelength. He said that in 1989 he was using some propagation software that worked fine on 160 meters outside of the auroral zone. I've asked him to give us more detail, as the propagation programs I've used don't work below 3 MHz. I hope to have more information soon.

David Moore sent us a fascinating article from SpaceRef.com about the structure of coronal holes and the associated solar wind. The article talks about observations published in the April 22 edition of Science. You can read the SpaceRef article at http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=16721 .

If you would like to comment or have a tip, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service propagation page at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. An archive of past bulletins is found at http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/ .

Sunspot numbers for April 21 through 27 were 22, 34, 35, 0, 25, 20 and 45 with a mean of 25.9. 10.7 cm flux was 77.1, 77.2, 79.3, 82.3, 86, 90.9 and 95.3, with a mean of 84. Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 9, 6, 10, 11, 5 and 4 with a mean of 7. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 2, 7, 5, 5, 9, 2 and 1, with a mean of 4.4.

(ARRL News Service)

Apr. 30 2005  Solar and propagation report, 
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS,and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The Sun has had another quiet week, with just a handful of C-class flares that had little influence on propagation. The solar flux recovered from its recent low values, increasing from 77 to 105 and averaging 91. That was 12 points higher than the previous week.  The 90-day average was unchanged at 91.  The X-ray flux rose from an average A3.8 the previous week to an average B1.3 with little daily variation.  The geomagnetic field was initially quiet but became moderately active on the 24th and 25th. Quieter levels returned until the 28th, but higher levels returned on the 29th and continued through to the 30th.  Solar wind speeds were up to 600km/sec on the 23rd but declined to 321km/sec on the 28th.  Particle densities were in low single figures throughout.

For the most part, HF propagation maintained the pattern of recent weeks, with only 14, 18 and 21MHz consistently workable.  The high point of the week was strong sporadic-E on the morning of the 27th , with good signals from a wide swathe of southern and central Europe on both 28 and 50MHz. At times skip distances were particularly short for this stage of the season and the opening was sufficiently intense for Slovenia to be contacted from Central England on 70MHz. This should not be taken as an indicator that we are in for a better-than-average sporadic-E season, but the volume of activity did send a wake-up call to anyone who may have thought that these higher bands were closed.

What of the coming week?  We will have the more active side of the sun looking our way.  A very large sunspot group, which came into view a few days ago and is still developing, appears capable of generating the first M-class flare for several weeks.  The solar flux, having broken through the 100 mark for the first time since mid-March, should stay around the current level for another day or so.  However, it will probably turn slowly down by the end of the week. Recurring coronal hole activity, which made itself felt on the 30th, may well intensify on May 1st, bringing higher geomagnetic levels and degrading HF propagation. There is also a possibility of auroral working at VHF.  However, quieter conditions should have returned by midweek. On the quieter days MUFs at equal latitudes will reach 20MHz in the south and 17MHz in the north.  Darkness hour lows will be about 10MHz.  Again on the quieter days, paths to South America should have a maximum usable frequency of around 24MHz.  The optimum working frequency, where there should be propagation on most days, will be in the region of 19MHz.  The path should be best between 1600 and 2000 UTC. However, openings at 14MHz should start around midday.  Sporadic-E will occur from time to time at 28 and 50MHz, with occasional 70MHz openings also possible.

Report prepared by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

Ham-Astronaut Says Smaller ISS Crews Working Harder, Smarter (Apr 28, 2005)

International Space Station Expedition 9 crew member Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, told a US Senate subcommittee last week that two-person ISS crews such as his have been able to accomplish a lot. NASA cut back the ISS crew complement from three to two after it was forced to ground the space shuttle fleet following the 2003 Columbia disaster. Testifying April 20 before the US Senate Commerce Committee's Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on International Space Station research benefits, Fincke recounted his more than six months in space with Russian cosmonaut and crew commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT.

Full Story: www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/04/28/1/?nc=1

(ARRL News Service)

Expedition 10 Commander Racks up School QSO Record (Apr 26, 2005)

As he wrapped up his last successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school group contact before heading home, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, KE5BRW, also set a new ARISS record. Chiao's contact April 19 with youngsters at Schulhaus Feld 1 in Richterswil, Switzerland, marked his 23rd ARISS school group contact. That tops the previous record of 22 QSOs set by Expedition 3 Crew Commander Frank Culbertson, KD5OPQ, in 2001-2002. Chiao returned to Earth with crewmate Salizhan Sharipov and ESA Astronaut Roberto Vittorio, IZ6ERU, on April 24. During the contact between NA1SS and HB9IRM, Chiao told the eight, nine and ten-year-old youngsters that the ISS is still growing.

Full Story: www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/04/26/3/?nc=1

(ARRL News Service)

Ham-radio-in-space pioneer Tony England, W0ORE, to be ARRL EXPO guest (Apr 20, 2005)

Tony England, W0ORE, the second US astronaut to ever use Amateur Radio in space, will be a special guest of the League's at ARRL EXPO 2005 at Dayton Hamvention. Present plans call for England to be at the ARRL EXPO 2005 area in the Ballarena of the Hara Arena complex Friday, May 20, from 9:30 until 10 AM, and at the ARRL youth activities area from 10 until 10:30 AM. Visitors may want to have England autograph their Dayton Hamvention programs or ARRL Passports. During his NASA career, England served on the support staff for the Apollo 13 and 16 flights. In 1985, England flew the Space Amateur Radio EXperiment (SAREX) during the STS-51F Spacelab-2 mission. He retired from NASA in 1988 after logging 188 hours in space. England, 62, now is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the University of Michigan College of Engineering as well as a professor of electrical engineering and computer science and professor of atmospheric, oceanic and space sciences. 

(ARRL News Service)

NASA Scientists Confirm Earth's Energy is Out of Balance (Apr. 29 2005)

Scientists have concluded more energy is being absorbed from the sun than is emitted back to space, throwing the Earth's energy "out of balance" and warming the globe. 

Scientists from NASA, Columbia University, New York, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif. used satellites, data from buoys and computer models to study the Earth's oceans. They confirmed the energy imbalance by using precise measurements of increasing ocean heat content over the past 10 years. 

The study reveals Earth's energy imbalance is large by standards of the planet's history. The imbalance is 0.85 watts per meter squared. That will cause an additional warming of 0.6 degrees Celsius (1 degree Fahrenheit) by the end of this century. 

To understand the difference, think of a one-watt light bulb shining over an area of one square meter (10.76 square feet). Although it doesn't seem like much, adding up the number of feet around the world creates a big effect. To put this number into perspective, an imbalance of one-watt per square meter, maintained for the past 10,000 years is enough to melt ice equivalent to one kilometer (.6 mile) of sea level, if there were that much ice. 

"The energy imbalance is an expected consequence of increasing atmospheric pollution, especially carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and black carbon particles. These pollutants block the Earth's heat radiation from escaping to space, and they increase absorption of sunlight," said Jim Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York. He is the lead author of the new study, which is in this week's Science Magazine Science Express. 

As the Earth warms it emits more heat. Eventually the Earth will be back in balance, if the greenhouse gas emissions are kept at the same level of today. Scientists know it takes the ocean longer to warm than the land. The lag in the ocean's response has practical consequences. It means there is an additional global warming of about one degree Fahrenheit that is already in the pipeline. Even if there were no further increase of human-made gases in the air, climate would continue to warm that much over the next century. 

Warmer world-wide water temperatures also affect other things. "Warmer waters increase the likelihood of accelerated ice sheet disintegration and sea level rise during this century," Hansen said. Since 1993, sea levels have been measured by satellite altimeters. Data has shown they have risen by approximately 3.1 centimeters or 1.26 inches per decade. 

Although 3.1 centimeters is a small change, the rate of increase is twice as large as in the preceding century. There are positive feedbacks that come into play, as the area of ice melt increases. The researchers agree monitoring ice sheets and sea level is necessary to best ensure the system is in balance. 

For more information visit:www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/environment/earth_energy.html
 

(SpaceRef.com)

Radio Amateurs, ARES Group among NOAA's 2005 "Environmental Heroes"  (Apr. 28 2005)
 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recognized four Amateur Radio operators and an Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) group among its list of 2005 Environmental Heroes. Given in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations, Environmental Hero awards honor NOAA volunteers for their tireless efforts to preserve and protect the nation's environment.

"NOAA and the nation are fortunate to have such dedicated people volunteer so much of their time," said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr, undersecretary of Commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "They set a perfect example for others to follow in their communities. America needs more environmental heroes like them." Established in 1996, the Environmental Hero award is presented to individuals and organizations that volunteer their time and energy to help NOAA carry out its mission. 

Among this year's honorees are Charles T. Byars, W5GPO, and the Wichita County Amateur Radio Emergency Service of Wichita Falls, Texas. Byars is an ARES District Emergency Coordinator in the ARRL North Texas Section. For more 30 years, he and Wichita County ARES members have volunteered their time, expertise and resources to help the National Weather Service (NWS) detect and track dangerous storms. 

"Their tireless efforts, long hours and dedication to helping to protect the citizens of Wichita Falls and the surrounding area have led to more accurate and detailed weather information being disseminated, more timely warnings and quite possibly lives being saved," NOAA said in recognizing Byars and his ARES team. 

Wichita County Emergency Coordinator Dave Gaines, N5DHG, says the City of Wichita Falls will host an awards presentation on May 10. 

Three Florida radio amateurs also were recognized for their efforts as Amateur Radio net control operators for the NWS office in Ruskin, Florida, during hurricanes Charley and Frances. NOAA says Paul Toth, NA4AR, of Seminole, Robert M. Stanhope, W3RMS, of Valrico and Sean C. Fleeman, N4SCF, of New Port Richey volunteered a total of 125 hours during the two storms last year. 

"They gave up time with their families to gather real-time reports during the hurricanes to enhance NWS warnings and also provided up-to-the-minute weather information for recovery operations in west central and southwest Florida," NOAA said in commending the trio. 

Toth is a Technical Specialist in the ARRL West Central Florida Section. 

NOAA recognized 34 individuals and three organizations across the US as Environmental Heroes. The complete list of 2005 award recipients is on the NOAA Web site: www.noaa.gov/earthday

(ARRL News Service)

Celebrating our 54th show, May 20,21, & 22, 2005, Dayton Hamvention® is the world's largest amateur radio gathering and trade show. 

You are invited to attend: 

• our Forums where you can meet and hear authorities on all facets of amateur radio - Note: All Forums time slots are BOOKED in advance. We still have a few additional space or times available. Plenty of space for guests to attend. Seating is provided on a first come first served basis so plan to arrive early. 

• 500 inside exhibit spaces where the exhibitors are showing their latest equipment and are available to answer questions about their products 

• our HUGE 2500+ space Flea Market area! The largest of its kind! 

For full details visit the Dayton Hamvention website: www.hamvention.org/
 

This will be our 3rd year to broadcast live our drive to hamvention (550 miles) and then the 3 days outside in the fleamarket. This year we have a new addition.  We have the helmet cam which will let people around the world get a view of all the things we look at as we walk around. The streaming cam page also has its own chat room and hams from around the world watched, chatted, and enjoyed it the past 2 years. There are no pop-ups or advertisements. Just something we like to do each year and have fun.  It lets hams take part in ham radio if they are too far away to travel or health does not permit it. 

Streaming Webcast Schedule

We will be broadcasting from the beginning until the end of the show each day Friday May 20th through Sunday May 22th from our outside fleamarket spaces 3350-3351.  Please come by and say hello and wave to your loved ones back home. 

NEW THIS YEAR !! Watch for the "Helmet Cam". You will be able to see what we see as we walk around in the fleamarket. 

Also watch for us as we convoy from Memphis, Tn to Dayton, Oh. on WEDNESDAY May 18th and set up our fleamarket space on Thursday May 19th..  This is a 550 mile drive and will take us about 10 hours. We will depart Memphis about 8:00 am CST and arrive Dayton about 7:00 pm EST.  This will be our third year to broadcast the drive live. Chat with us on the chat screen as we drive.  Hams from around the world followed our trip and chatted with us last year.   Watch us and try to guess where we are. After hamvention, we will be broadcasting our drive back home. Watch for us Sunday May 22th from about 1:00 pm until about 9:00pm CST. 

This is the largest collection of Hamvention pictures on the world wide web. Dayton Hamvention

Thanks, Tom  WA5KUB

CNN International Features Ham Radio (Apr. 23 2005)

A reminder that the world-wide cable TV news channel CNN is featuring a segment on amateur radio operators' response to the 26 December tsunami and the March Indonesian earthquake. The segment focuses on the HF and Echolink operations of Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI, who served as the main contact point for amateur radio traffic in and out of India in the wake of the devastating tsunami. In Europe, the feature is broadcast on the ‘Global Challenges’ programme on the CNN International channel at 0230 and 2000UTC on 24 April and 1 and 8 May.

(RSGB2)

Guinness World Records Recognizes Radio Amateur (Apr.23 2005)

Guinness World Records Ltd has awarded a certificate to Finnish radio amateur Jukka Heikinheimo, OH2BR, for a record number of contacts made by an individual from one location in one year. Operating as VP6TR from Pitcairn Island, Jukka made 56,239 contacts between 25 January and 21 April 2000.

(RSGB2)

New "smart meters" set to make electric meter readers redundant (Apr. 30 2005)

New "smart meters" are set to make electric meter readers redundant, enable greater management of power networks and give consumers an increased ability to cut their power bills.  Here is Jim Linton VK3PC with a report on what it is all about.

"Power company Country Energy is conducting Australia's first trial of smart metering technology, involving 200 households in Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra in south-eastern New South Wales.

 The "smart meters" regularly send readings back to the power company enabling it to accurately monitoring of power distribution and consumption. The multi-tariff meters include a home energy monitor and display electricity prices that are available at different times of the day, making it easier for energy conscious households.

 The new technology also eliminates meter readers who now physically read each electric meter. Connections and disconnections can be done on-line. All this is made possible through the use of  PLC  or  Power Line Communications.

 After the trial, Country Energy, which sells power to 94 per cent of the New South Wales land mass will decide in 2006 whether to make smart metering available to its other customers. Power utilities and governments around Australia are closing watching this trial.

(Jim Linton VK3PC)

ARRL Field Day 2005 publicity information available (Apr 1, 2005)

Field Day 2005 is the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26. Per rule 7.3.2, 100 bonus points are available to FD stations in all classes for bona fide efforts to obtain publicity for your Field Day operation from local media. ARRL Field Day 2005 publicity information now available for public information officers and clubs includes sample news releases and information on publicizing your participation in Field Day 2005. The page also includes publicity information for "National Take your HT Radio to Work Day" June 21, when hams are encouraged to clip their handheld transceivers on their belts or place them on their desks to raise awareness and prompt inquiries about Amateur Radio from co-workers. Amateur Radio Week 2005 is June 19-26

(ARRL News Service) 

A REWARD OF 500 MICROFARADS IS OFFERED FOR  INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF THIS DESPERATE CRIMINAL 

THIS UNRECTIFIED CRIMINAL ESCAPED FROM A WESTERN PRIMARY CELL WHERE HE HAD BEEN CLAMPED IN IONS AWAITING THE GAUSS CHAMBER.

HE WAS CHARGED WITH THE INDUCTION OF AN 18 TURN COIL NAMED MILLIHENRY WHO WAS FOUND CHOKED AND ROBBED OF VALUABLE JOULES. HE IS ARMED WITH A CARBON ROD AND IS A POTENTIAL KILLER.  CAPACITY IS ALSO CHARGED WITH DRIVING DC MOTOR OVER A WHEATSTONE BRIDGE AND REFUSING TO LET THE BAND-PASS.

IF ENCOUNTERED, HE MAY OFFER SERIES OF RESISTANCE. THE ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE SPENT THE NIGHT SEARCHING FOR HIM IN A MAGNETIC FIELD, WHERE HE HAD GONE TO EARTH. THEY HAD NO SUCCESS AND BELIEVED HE HAD RETURNED OHM VIA A SHORT CIRCUIT.

HE WAS LAST SEEN RIDING A KILOCYCLE WITH HIS FRIEND EDDY CURRENT WHO WAS PLAYING A HARMONIC

Pet hams are so intelligent they often seem human, but they can be difficult to raise. Only someone with great patience should attempt it. In case you do, here is a guide to the basics.

Living Area -- A pet ham needs a private nest area, an entire room where it will not be disturbed. Your pet ham will spend many happy hours alone there with its treasures. -- boxes, wires, bits of metal, glass, paper, etc. that it will bring home whenever it ventures out. You will want to encourage your pet ham to confine its activity to this room to prevent the entire house from being subjected to noise, clutter and the boring of holes in the walls.

Expenses -- Keeping a pet ham is expensive, but, unlike most common pets, a pet ham can be trained to work outside the home for a few hours each day. It may even bring in enough money to offset its expenses.

Feeding -- A well-behaved pet ham will eat with the family occasionally, but it will feed more comfortable and secure taking its meals in the nest room. You must be sure your pet ham is well supplied with food and drink during the long periods it spends alone in there, even if it does not beg or whine.

Obedience Training -- A pet ham can be trained to perform simple tricks, the easiest and most common being "sit" and "speak" Do not be alarmed if it practices them for hours at a time in the nest room.

Health Problems -- The pet ham typically suffers lower back pain and minor throat irritations from too much sitting and speaking, but health maintenance costs tend to be minimal.

Travel -- Your ham pet will gladly travel with your family by car or even by air, if allowed to bring along certain familiar items from the nest room. Most pet hams enjoy trips to places where they can meet pet hams from other families.

Breeding -- If you plan to breed your pet ham, you should do so as soon as possible after you get it. As a pet ham matures, it becomes increasingly reluctant to engage in activities not associated with its nest room collection. 

(Thanks to Ron W5WWW)

MARAC County Hunters Contest--CW, sponsored by the Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club from 0000Z May 7-2400Z May 8. Frequencies (MHz): 3.575, 7.050, 14.050, 21.050, 28.050, work fixed stations once/band and mobiles once for each county and band. Categories: Mobile, Fixed. Exchange: RST, state, and county or DX. County line QSOs count as one QSO but separate multipliers. QSO points: Fixed stations in US --1 point, Mobile--15 points, DX--5 pts, one station must be in a US county. Score: QSO points × US counties counted only once. Mobiles sum score from each state. For more information:www.countyhunter.com. Logs due Jun 10 to aa8r@aol.com or Randy Hatt, 7878 W County Line Rd, Howard City, MI 49239. 

10-10 International Spring Contest--CW/Digital--from 0001Z May 7-2359Z May 8, logs due May 23 (see Feb QST, page 102, or www.ten-ten.org). 

Microwave Spring Sprint, 0600-1300 local, May 7 (see www.etdxa.org/vhf.htm). 

Indiana QSO Party--CW/SSB, sponsored by the Hoosier DX and Contest Club from 1600Z May 7-0400Z May 8. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.805 and 40 kHz above the band edge on 80-10 meters, SSB--1.845, 3.850, 7.230, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450, try 160 at 0200Z, no crossband QSOs. Categories: SOAB (HP, LP < 100 W, QRP <5 W, no spotting assistance), MS (incl SO using spotting assistance), Mobile, Portable. Exchange: RS(T) + S/P or IN county (DX stations send RS(T) only). QSO points: SSB--1 pt, CW-- 2 pts, contact stations once per band/mode and once per county. Score is QSO points × IN counties or S/P/C counted once per mode. Bonus for working W9UUU (call sign may change--check Web site). For more information:www.hdxcc.org/inqp. Logs due Jun 15 to inqp@hdxcc.org (Cabrillo format preferred) or HDXCC, c/o Mike Goode, N9NS, 10340 Broadway, Indianapolis, IN 46280-1344. 

ARI International DX Contest--CW/SSB/Digital--sponsored by ARI from 2000Z May 7-1959Z May 8. Frequencies: CW/SSB--160-10 meters; Digital--80-10 meters, change bands or mode no more than once per 10 min. Categories: SO-CW, SO-SSB, SO-Digital, SO-Mixed, MS-Mixed, SO-SWL-Mixed. Exchange: RST and Italian Province or serial number. QSO points: own country--0 pts (mult only), own continent--1 pt, different cont--3 pts, Italian stations-- 10 pts. Score: QSO points × Italian Provinces + DXCC entity (except I, IS0, IT9, IG9/IH9) counted once per band. For more information:www.qsl.net/contest_ari.Logs due 30 days after the contest to aricontest@kkn.net (Cabrillo format is encouraged) or to ARI Contest Manager c/o ARI, Via Scarlatti 31, 20124 Milano, Italy. 

New England QSO Party--CW/Phone--2000Z May 7-0500Z May 8 and 1300Z-2400Z May 8. New England is ME, NH, VT, MA, CT and RI. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.540, 7.035, 14.040, 21.040, 28.040; SSB--3.880, 7.280, 14.280, 21.380, 28.380; no crossmode or crossband QSOs, all CW QSOs in CW band segments. Categories: SOAB (HP, LP and QRP), MS (includes stations using any kind of spotting assistance), mobiles use same categories. Exchange: RS(T) and S/P (non-US/VE sends DX) or NE county/state. Work stations once per band/mode and mobiles in each county. County lines logged as two QSOs. QSO points: phone--1 pt, CW and Digital--2 pts. Score: Non-NE stations--QSO points × NE counties; NE stations--QSO points × S/P/C; mobiles total QSO points from all counties and count multipliers only once. For more information:www.neqp.org. Logs due 30 days after the contest to logs@neqp.org (Cabrillo format preferred) or NEQP, PO Box 3005, Framingham, MA 01705-3005. 

Oregon QSO Party--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Central Oregon DX Club from 1400Z May 7-0200Z May 8. Frequencies (MHz): 80-10 meters, CW--40 kHz above band edge, SSB--3.855, 7.255, 14.255, 21.355 and 28.455; no repeater QSOs. Exchange: Serial number and OR county or S/P/C. QSO points: SSB--1 pt, CW--2 pts. Score: QSO points × OR counties (OR stations add S/P/C) counted once on each mode. One extra multiplier for every 8 QSOs with the same county. 100 bonus points for working K7O. For more information: www.codxc.com. Logs due Jun 10 to oqp@codxc.org or to Oregon QSO Party, c/o CODXC, 61255 Ferguson Rd, Bend, OR 97702. 

Nevada QSO Party--CW/SSB/RTTY--sponsored by the Area 51 Contest Club from 0000Z May 7-0600Z May 8. Frequencies: 160-6 meters, CW 15 kHz and SSB 25 kHz above General class band edge. Categories: SO (QRP <5 W, LP, HP >100 W), MS, MM, and County DXpedition (all LP, HP), Rover. Exchange: RST and S/P/C or NV county. QSO points: SSB--1 pt, CW/RTTY-- 2 pts. Score is QSO points × NV counties or S/P/C counted only once. For more information: www.a51cc.com/announce.htm. Logs due Jun 1 to nk7c@cox.net or Pat Hess, NK7C, 759 Fairway Dr, Boulder City, NV 89005. 

North American Spring Meteor Scatter Rally--sponsored by the WSJT Group from 0000Z Apr 30 and ends 0700Z May 9 during the annual Eta Aquarids meteor shower. Please note that the annual Eta Aquarids is a morning shower, the radiant being in a good position from about 0500 to 1200 local time. For more information about operating meteor scatter as well as contest information: www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/Rally/NAHSMS.htm. 

Radio Club of America QSO Party--SSB, from 1700Z May 7-0700Z May 8. Exchange: RST, QTH, name, equipment used. RCA members sign their calls /RCA. Band changes throughout the day. For more information:www.radio-club-of-america.org. Logs to mrraide@cbs.com or Mike Raide, W2ZE, 21 Canandaigua St, Shortsville , NY 14548. 

Armed Forces Amateur/Military Crossband Communications Test--the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are cosponsoring the annual military/Amateur Radio communications tests in celebration of the 55th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day (AFD). The test is conducted one week earlier than Armed Forces Day (May 21) to avoid conflicting with the Dayton Hamvention. For complete information, including call signs and frequency lists: www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/af-day/AF-Day-2005-SKED.pdf. 

Mid-Atlantic QSO Party--SSB/FM/CW- Sponsored by the Independent Mid-Atlantic QSO Party Committee from 1600Z May 14-0400Z May 15 and 1100Z-2400Z May 15. Mid-Atlantic states include DE, MD-DC, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WV. Frequencies: 160-10 meters, 50 kHz from bottom of band segment for operating mode, 50, 144, 222 and 432 MHz. Categories: SO-LP and QRP (<5 W), MS/Club, Mobile, Rover, all classes except QRP max 200 W output. Exchange: serial number and QTH (Mid-Atl stations send 3-letter county and 2-letter state, US/VE send state or province, DX sends DX). QSO points: Phone--1 pt, CW--2 pts, Mobile--3 pts. Score: QSO points × Mid-Atl counties (Mid-Atl stations count S/P + 1 DX), all multipliers counted only once. For more information: www.qsl.net/maqso. Logs due 30 days after the contest to maqp_logs@yahoo.com or Mid-Atlantic QSO Party, Attn: Walter O'Brien, W2WJO, PO Box 4922, Clinton, NJ 08809. 

FISTS Spring Sprint--CW--sponsored by the FISTS International CW Club from 1700Z-2100Z May 14 (see Feb QST, page 102, or www.fists.org/sprints.html). 

Alessandro Volta RTTY DX Contest--sponsored by COMO and ARI from 1200Z May 14-1200Z May 15. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, MS, SWL. Exchange: RST, serial number, CQ Zone. QSO points: see table on Web site. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities + W/VK/VE/JA/ZL call areas × Total QSOs. For more information: www.contestvolta.com. Logs due Jul 31 to log@contestvolta.it or to Francesco Di Michele I2DMI, PO Box 55, I-22063 Cantu, Italy. 

50 MHz Spring Sprint, sponsored by the Eastern Tennessee DX Association from 2300Z May 14-0300Z May 15 (see www.etdxa.org/vhf.htm). 

EU EME Contest--any mode--sponsored by DUBUS and REF, 0000Z May 14-2400Z May 15. Frequencies: 144 MHz, 2.3, 3.4 GHz (see Apr QST, page 100). 

Portuguese Navy Day--CW/SSB/PSK31--sponsored by the Portuguese Navy Radio Amateurs from 0800Z May 14-2300Z May 15 (CW/SSB) and 1300Z May 21-1300Z May 22 (PSK31). Frequencies: 80-10 meters according to the IARU band plan. Exchange: RS(T) and serial number. QSO points: see Web site for table. Score: QSO points × multipliers. For more information:www.qsl.net/cq5mgp. Logs due May 31 to nura@netcabo.pt or Núcleo de Radioamadores da Armada, PO Box 226-E. C. Alfeite, 2811-501 Almada, Portugal. 

(ARRL News Service)

"Enigma machine" special event, reactivation set (May 7-8 2005)
 

As a tribute to the work of England's voluntary interceptors (VIs) during World War II, the Scarborough Special Events Group (SSEG) will operate special event station GB2HQ from GCHQ --Government Communications Headquarters--in Scarborough. VIs intercepted encrypted Enigma messages transmitted in Morse code; these were passed to code breakers at Bletchley Park who were attempting to crack the German Enigma code.

(ARRL News Service)

Beecher, IL: Hams of Beecher, W9B. 1600Z-2300Z Apr 30. Beecher Depot Railroad Convention. 28.340 14.270 14.040 7.270 144.49. Certificate. Gene Backlin, 26811 Greenbriar Dr, Monee, IL 60449. 

Paris, TN: Henry County Radio Society, KE4HC. 1500Z-2359Z Apr 30. Celebrating the 59th Annual World's Biggest Fish Fry. 21.350 14.250 7.250. Certificate. Barry Sandefer, 4715 Guthrie Rd, Paris, TN 38242. 

Toad Suck, AR: Faulkner County Amateur Radio Club, W5AUU. 1500Z-2200Z Apr 30. Toad Suck Daze Festival. 21.350 14.260 7.260. Certificate. Faulkner County ARC, PO Box 324, Conway, AR 72032. www.w5auu.org. 

Manitowoc, WI: USS Cobia Radio Club/ManCoRad Radio Club, N9BQV. 1400Z Apr 30-2100Z May 1. WWII USS Cobia AGSS-245 sub radio reactivation. 14.243 14.043 7.243 7.043. QSL. Fred Neuenfeldt, W6BSF, 4932 S 10th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220. www.qsl.net/w9dk. 

Various, International: Sub Vets Amateur Radio Association. 0000Z Apr 30-2400Z May 1. 9th annual Submarines On-the-Air. 2 6 10 15 20 40 80 m SSB and CW. Certificate. Jim Flanders, W0OOG, 1539 California Tr, Plano, TX 75023-4300. Certificate for contacting 4 submarines. w0oog.50megs.com/ . (QSLs from individual ships working event.) Bonham, TX: Fannin County Amateur Radio Club, K5FRC. 1500Z-2200Z Apr 16. Fannin County Emergency Response Fair. 14.270 7.275. QSL. Fannin County Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 684, Bonham, TX 75418. 

Mt Clemens, MI: Utica Shelby Emergency Communications Association, W8A. 1100Z-1700Z May 1. March of Dimes WalkAmerica 2005. 14.265 7.165. Certificate. USECA, PO Box 46331, Mt Clemens, MI 46046. 

West Mifflin, PA: Belle Vernon High School ARC, KB3BKW. 1500Z-2000Z May 6. Amusement Park Physics & Communications Day. 14.250. Certificate. Belle Vernon High School ARC, c/o T. Thompson, 425 Crest Ave, Belle Vernon, PA 15012. 

Brownsville, TX: Charro Amateur Radio Club, W5CRC. 1400Z-2000Z May 7. Last battle of the Civil War. 28.350. Certificate. Cric McClure, 49 Casa Grande, Brownsville, TX 78521. 

Caldwell, NJ: West Essex Amateur Radio Club, W2EF. 1400Z-1900Z May 7. Operating from the Grover Cleveland Birthplace. 28.350 21.330 14.250 7.250. Certificate. West Essex ARC, PO Box 54, Essex Fells, NJ 07021. www.wearc.org. 

Richmond, KY: Central Kentucky Amateur Radio Society, K4Y. 1400Z-2000Z May 7. Daniel Boone's discovery of Kentucky. 7.230. QSL. CKARS, 156 Norton Dr, Richmond, KY 40475. 

Fullerton, CA: Morse Telegraph Club, South California Chapter, W6MTC. 1500-2300Z daily May 7-8. Railroad Days of Fullerton. 14.025 7.025 CW only. Certificate and QSL. Morse Telegraph Club, 17371 Alta Vista Cir, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-6130. www.w6mtc.org. 

Grafton, WV: Mountaineer Amateur Radio Association, W8SP. 0000Z May 7-2400Z May 8. Commemorating the first official observance of Mother's Day from the International Mother's Day Shrine. Bottom portion of General 80 40 20 15 m SSB and CW; Novice 10 m SSB. Certificate. Charles T. McClain, K8UQY, Rte 4 Box 161, Grafton, WV 26354. 

New Orleans, LA: Jefferson Amateur Radio Club, W5D. 1400Z May 7-2400Z May 8. 60th Anniversary of V-E Day from the National D-Day Museum. 21.250 14.250 7.250. Certificate and QSL. W5GAD, PO Box 73665, Metairie, LA 70033. www.w5gad.org. 

Plymouth, MI: Plymouth Historical Society Amateur Radio Station, KC8SWR. 1400Z-2000Z daily May 7-May 8. VE Day 60th Anniversary Celebration. CW PSK 21.380 14.280 7.280. Certificate. Plymouth Historical Museum Amateur Station, 155 S Main St, Plymouth, MI 48170. www.qsl.net/kc8swr. 

Orillia, ON, Canada: The Wireless Set No. 19 Group, CF3VEDAY. 0001Z May 5-2359Z May 12. VE-Day+60 and opening of Canadian War Museum. 14.260 14.130 7.270 7.020 3.705. QSL. Bob Cooke, VE3BDB, 424 Homewood Ave, Orillia, ON L3V 3K8, Canada. www.qsl.net/cf3veday/. 

Southampton, Hampshire, England: Royal Signals ARS, GB6VIE. 0700Z May 8-2359Z Jul 5. 60th anniversary of victory in Europe. 21.056 14.070 14.056 7.027. Certificate. Mike Humphrey, G0SWY, 4 Bluebell Rd, Bassett, Southampton, England SO16 3LQ. www.rsars.org.uk. Please include $2 US for postage.

Cortlandt Manor, NY: Peekskill Cortlandt Amateur Radio Association, W2D. 1400Z-2100Z May 14. 100th Anniversary of completion of Croton Dam. 28.450 21.350 14.250 7.250. Certificate. PCARA, PO Box 146, Crompond, NY 10517. www.pcara.org. 

Ringwood, NJ: Ramapo Mountain Amateur Radio Club, W2L. 1500Z-2100Z May 14. 5th Anniversary of the Ringwood, NJ, Public Library. 21.360 14.260 7.260. Certificate. Ramapo Mountain ARC, PO Box 364, Oakland, NJ 07436. www.qsl.net/rmarc/. 

Washington, DC: Federal Bureau of Investigation ARA, K3FBI. 1300Z-2200Z May 14. Honoring National Police Week. 21.280 14.280 7.280. Certificate. Jay Chamberlain, 27 Fox Run La, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. 

Anaheim, CA: Anaheim Police Amateur Radio Club, W6APD. 0000Z May 14-2400Z May 22. National Police Week, honoring police and sheriffs. 28.450 21.350 18.150 14.250. QSL. Mark McMullin KM6HB, PO Box 27271, Santa Ana, CA 92799. www.qsl.net/w6apd. 

(ARRL)

2-metre Moonbounce Activity from the South Cook Islands  (May 5-30 2005)

News for VHF ‘Moonbounce’ enthusiasts. Between May 5 and 30th,  Bob, ZL1RS, will be active as ZK1EME from Rarotonga in the South Cook Islands on 2-metre moonbounce. There may also be some 6m EME activity. He will be operating from a location on the lagoon edge at the northern side of the island in locator BG08ct, so he says to expect some good ground gain on both moonrise and moonset during northerly declinations. His operation will be mostly on JT65b. Bob notes that the window to Europe is very limited, so he will be asking North American stations to stand by until moonset in Europe. Regular updates and information will be on Moon-Net during May.

(RSGB2)

Rockall Over the World  (Jun. 14-21 2005)

A new website has been set up by the radio amateurs who plan to put Rockall, the final never-activated IOTA island group in Europe, on the air next month. There is a link from the RSGB’s site at www.rsgb.org  It is planned that MS0IRC/P will be on the air from Rockall between about 14 and 21 June, weather permitting, operated by David Wood, MM0ALM, and James Cameron, MM0CWJ.

(RSGB2)

Mile High DX (Apr. 19 2005)

Tony Lord, G8DQZ, reports what was for him the most unusual DX contact so far. On 19 April at 1733UTC he made contact with KL1M/AM, flying at 30,000 feet in a Boeing 747-400 close to Indonesia. The operator, Mark, is the First Officer on the airliner. Tony comments that this was his first contact with an aeronautical mobile station and that he received a report of 59+20dB and gave 59. There’s nothing like an antenna 30,000 feet up to help the signals along! 

(RSGB2)

Mediterraneo DX Club News (Apr. 21 2005)

Having reached and gone beyond the 100th certificate issued, the Mediterraneo DX Club is now able to work on a few  statistics. The table at www.mdxc.org/antarctica/mostwanted.asp lists the "most wanted" Antarctica Award bases - the rarer ones are those which the 10% of current certificate holders have credited (bases credited to less than 10% of certificate holders have been omitted).

The chart showing issued certificates divided up by coutries can be found at www.mdxc.org/antarctica/reports.asp

IZ8CCW Ant
Mediterraneo DX Club  #004
www.mdxc.org

CQ announces annual "DX Marathon" (Apr 21, 2005)

CQ magazine has announced the revival of its long-dormant CQ DX Marathon, which last ran in 1948. The new CQ DX Marathon will essentially be a year-long DX contest, with stations competing to contact as many different countries ("entities") and CQ Zones of the World as possible over a full-year period, then starting again at zero at the beginning of the next year. 

The new CQ DX Marathon is aimed at reinvigorating DXing. CQ outlined the program April 16 at the International DX Convention in Visalia, California. CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, credits Bob Locher, W9KNI, with providing the inspiration to revive the activity, and Locher was on hand for the official announcement. "Many active DXers have noticed a drop-off in general DXing activity outside of contests and DXpeditions," Locher said. "I suggested that CQ start up an event that would promote activity all year long, would minimize geographic advantages and provide for simple scoring. It turns out that the CQ DX Marathon, which evolved after 1948 into the CQ World Wide DX Contest, was already based on the same concepts." 

Scoring will consist of the total number of DXCC entities and CQ zones contacted over the course of a year. There will be no multipliers, and each country/entity and zone counts only once. In the case of a tie, the station whose last qualifying contact came earliest in the year will be the winner. Complete details and rules for the new CQ DX Marathon will be on the CQ Web site and in the May issue of CQ magazine. The first running of the event will be in 2006. 

(ARRL News Service)

April 28 2005 ARRL  DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by HA0HW, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

ALGERIA, 7X.  A group of amateurs will be QRV as 7V2SI from the Sandja Islands, a new IOTA, from May 1 to 5.  Activity will be on all HF bands and modes, including the V/UHF bands and possibly ATV. QSL via operators' instructions.

GHANA, 9G.  Sigi is QRV as 9G5SP and has been active on 15 meters from around 1100 to 1200z.  QSL via DL7DF.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, A6.  Abdullah, A61Q has been QRV on 6 meters around 0700 to 1800z at various times.  QSL via EA7FTR.

CHINA, BY.  Fan, BA1RB/2 will be QRV from Ju Hua Island, IOTA AS-151, from May 1 to 4.  QSL via EA7FTR.

TURKMENISTAN, EZ.  Members of club station EZ7V in Turkmenabat are QRV as EZ60V until May 15 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.  QSL via RW6HS.

FRANCE, F.  Special event station TM380 is QRV until May 9 to celebrate the take-off of Airbus A380.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters, including 30 meters, using CW and SSB, and possibly the active satellites as well.  QSL via F5GNY.

ECUADOR, HC.  Rick, NE8Z is QRV from various locations as HC1MD/HC1, HC6 and HC7, from Mt. Pichincha, Banos and Sierrazul, respectively, until May 11.  QSL via K8LJG.

BULGARIA, LZ.  Special event station LZ8IARU is active until December 31 on all bands to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union.  QSL via LZ1BJ.

SEYCHELLES, S7.  Guenter, DL2AWG will be QRV as S79GG from April 30 to May 14.  Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using SSB, RTTY and PSK.  QSL to home call.  Meanwhile, Frederic, HB9CQK is QRV as S79QK until May 8.  Activity is on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters.  He intends to activate the Denis and Alphonse Islands, IOTA AF-024 and AF-033, respectively.  QSL to home call.

SUDAN, ST.  Fernando is QRV as ST2BF.  He is active only on 20, 15 and 10 meters.  QSL via W3HNK.

MOUNT ATHOS, SV/A.  Monk Apollo, SV2ASP/A has been QRV on the DX net on 14251 kHz between 2100 and 2200z.  QSL direct.

INDIA, VU.  Bob, W3YY is in Bangalore until May 5.  He may be QRV from the QTH of Miku, VU2WAP.  This is not a DXpedition, and his operating time may be limited to the availability of the station. QSL via operator's instructions.

ALBANIA, ZA.  Alfredo, IK7JWX will be QRV as ZA2/IK7JWX/p from the Fier and Cape Durres Lighthouse, from May 1 to 4.  Activity will be on all HF bands, including the newer bands, using SSB, RTTY and PSK31.  QSL to home call.

NIUE, ZK2.  Aki, JA1KAJ is QRV as ZK2QQ until May 8.  He has usually been active on 40 meters from 1745 to 1900z.  QSL to home call.

BULLETIN CORRECTION.  As reported in DX Bulletin ARLD015, a few members of the Radio Club Tivadar Puskas will be QRV as HB0/homecalls from May 14 to 21 from the Chalet Wanni.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters, including the newer bands, using CW and SSB.  They may try some WSJT on 2 meters.  QSL to home calls.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The 2 GHz and Up World Wide Club Contest, The EUCW/FISTS CW QRS Party, May CW Sprint and the AGCW QRP/QRP CW Party are all scheduled for this weekend.  Please see April 2005 QST, page 100 and May QST, page 98 for details.

(ARRL)

Two New IOTA Reference Numbers (Apr. 23 2005)

Two new Islands on the Air reference numbers have been added by the RSGB IOTA Manager following recent IOTA operations. These are OC-268 for the Laut Kecil Islands in Indonesia, and SA-094 for the Ultima Esperanza Province South group of Chile.

(RSGB2)

May 1-29 2005    I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

01/05/2005:  IOTA: New One!  7V2SI  SANDJA ISLAND -
Ivan, OM3CGN, and other operators will be active May 1-5th as 7V2SI from Sandja Island (IOTA New One, WW Loc. JM16PT), Bay of Algiers, Algeria. Team members so far include 7X2RO, 7X2RF, 7X0AD and OM3CGN. Sandja Island is part of the Mediterranean Sea Coast Centre group. Due to poor propagation, there will be no top band operation from Sandja Island. [Tnx DE0MST]

01/05/2005:  AS-151  BA1RB/2  JU HUA ISLAND -
Look for Fan, BA1RB, to be active May 1-4th as BA1RB/2 from Ju Hua Island (IOTA AS-151). QSL via EA7FTR. [Tnx OPDX]

01/05/2005:  DFCF:57008  F5NMK/P  LUTZELBOURG CASTLE -
Alain, F5NMK/p, will be QRV May 1st from the Castle of Lutzelbourg (DFCF reference 57-008 for the French Castles Award, DDCF 57-32, CP 57820), located in Departement de la Moselle (DDFM 57). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NMK]

01/05/2005:  DFCF:33153  F6LDW//P  FRENCH CASTLE -
Thierry, F6LDW/p, will be QRV May 1st from a new reference for the French Castles Award (DFCF 33-153), located in Departement de la Gironde (DDFM 33). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NMK]

01/05/2005:  EU-010  GMØGRC/P  GREAT BERNERA ISLAND -
G0RCI, MOCJW, G7SJX, G7DEH, 2E1ALF, G7KFW and G6SSN will be QRV May 1st as GM0GRC/p from Great Bernera Island (IOTA EU-010, IOSA HI-27, SCOTIA OH-12), Outer Hebrides. Activity will be on 40 and 20 meter SSB. QSL via G0RCI. [Tnx IOTW]

01/05/2005:  EU-029  OZ/DB3LSP  SJAELLAND ISLAND -
Stefan, DB3LSP, will be QRV May 1-14th as OZ/DB3LSP from Sjaelland Island (IOTA EU-029, DIA SJ-001 for the Danish Islands Award). Activity will be mainly CW, but he will also use SSB and PSK-31. QSL via home call. [Tnx DL2VFR]

01/05/2005:  RDA:PE-28  UA4FGG/P, UA4FKI/P  NEVERKINSKY AREA -
Gennady, UA4FKI, and Sergey, UA4FGG, will be active May 1st as UA4FKI/p and UA4FGG/p from the Neverkinsky Area (RDA reference PE-28 for the Russian Districts Award), Penzenskaya oblast (PE). QSL via home call. [Tnx RDA News]

01/05/2005:  RDA:RO-16  UE6LLL  KAMENSK-SHAHTINSKY CITY -
Special call UE6LLL will be active May 1-5th from Kamensk-Shahtinsky City (RDA reference RO-16 for the Russian Districts Award), Rostovskaya oblast (RO). QSL via RK6MP, direct or bureau. [Tnx RDA News]

01/05/2005:  ALB-002  ZA2/IK7JWX/P  CAPE DURRES LIGHTHOUSE -
Alfredo, IK7JWX, will be active as ZA2/IK7JWX/p from Fier and Cape Durres Lighthouse (ARLHS ALB-002), May 1-4th. Activity will be on HF, the WARC bands on modes SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via his home call, direct (QRZ.com) or bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

02/05/2005:  EU-059  9H3JAG  MALTA -
Karl, OE3JAG, will be active May 2-6th from Malta (IOTA EU-023) as 9H**, or if possible 9H3JAG. Intended is QRP with dipole or long wire mainly in CW, PSK and RTTY. QSL via homecall. See the information at www.qrz.com and www.oe3jag.com. [Tnx OE3JAG]

02/05/2005:  EU-059  GBØSK  ST. KILDA -
Some members of the Grantham ARC (http://www.garc.org.uk/) will be active May 2-6th as GB0SK from St. Kilda (IOTA EU-059, IOSA OL-02, SCOTIA DI-23). The team will consist of Alan G0RCI, Kevin G6SSN, Harry G7DEH, Brian G7SJX, ete 2E1ALF, John M0CJW, Tony G3ZPU, and G7KFW. Activity will be on 80-10m SSB. While en-route to and from St. Kilda they will be operating as GM0GRC/mm. All contacts will be confirmed from St. Kilda, only send QSL if you want one returned direct. QSL via G0RCI. [Tnx IOTW]

02/05/2005:  EU-057  H.C.'s/P  UMMANZ ISLAND -
Seven German operators (namely DL1APR, DL1APW, DL1NUF, DL5AOJ, DL7NFK, DL9NDS and DM3BJ) will be active May 2-8th from Ummanz Island (IOTA EU-057, O-06 for the German Islands Award). They will operate on all bands CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via home calls. [Tnx 425DXN]

02/05/2005:  RDA:KG  RV3DPM/3/M  RUSSIAN DISTRICTS -
Alex, RV3DPM/3/m, will be active May 2nd from the Spas - Demensky Area (RDA reference KG-24, for the Russian Districts Award) and the Barjatinsky Area (RDA KG-08), Kaluzhskaya oblast (KG). Look for him on 40 and 20 meter SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx RV3DPM]

02/05/2005:  EU-001  SV5/H.C.'s  RODOS ISLAND -
Wolf DL3DRN and Al DJ5AA will be vacationning on Rodos (aka Rhodes) Island (IOTA EU-001, MIA MGD-028) from May 2-16th. They will also activate the Nisos Rodos (Rhodes Island-main) lighthouse (WLOTA L-0045). QSL via operators instructions. [Tnx F5NQL]

02/05/2005:  OC-035  YJ  VANUATU -
YL operators Elizabeth VE7YL, and Gwen VK3DYL, will operate from Port Vila and Aore Island (IOTA OC-035) between May 2-19th. Their callsigns and detailed QSL information will be forthcoming at a later date. [Tnx OPDX]

02/05/2005:  OC-038  ZL7/KHØRR  CHATHAM ISLAND -
Yoshitake, JJ8DEN, plans to be QRV May 2-6th as ZL7/KH0RR from Chatham Island (IOTA OC-038). QSL via home call. [Tnx JI6KVR]

03/05/2005:  EU-023  9H3ZJ  GOZO ISLAND -
Mathias, DL4ZJ, will be active May 3-13th as 9H3ZJ from Gozo Island, Malta (IOTA EU-023). Look for him on CW and SSB. QSL via home call. [Tnx DL2VFR]

03/05/2005:  RDA:KG-22  RV3DPM/3/M  MOSAL'SKY AREA -
Alex, RV3DPM/3/m, will be active May 3-4th from the Mosal'sky Area (RDA reference KG-22, for the Russian Districts Award), Kaluzhskaya oblast (KG). Look for him on 40 and 20 meter SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx RV3DPM]

03/05/2005:  AF-033  S79QK  ALPHONSE ISLAND -
Frédéric, HB9CQK, will be active May 3-8th as S79QK from Alphonse Island (IOTA AF-033). Activity will be on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter SSB IOTA frequencies with a IC-706MKIIG, 100 watts, and a 40 meter delta loop antenna. The log will be uploaded to LoTW. If you want a QSL card, you can QSL via HB9CQK, direct or bureau. [Tnx HB9CQK]

03/05/2005:  EU-001  SV5/LY1DF  SYMI ISLAND -
Tomas, LY1DF, will be QRV May 3-4th as SV5/LY1DF Symi Island (IOTA EU-001, MIA MGD-030) and Kutsumpa Lighthouse (TWLH SV-051, ARLHS GRE-139). Activity will be on 80, 30, 20 and 17 meter CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx DL2VFR]

03/05/2005:  EU-169  ZA2  SAZAN ISLAND -
A group of operators from The Mediterraneo DX Club and the Salento DX Team will be active May 3-10th on all bands and modes from Albania with prefix ZA2. They plan to participate in the ARI International Contest and, if they get the authorization, to operate also from Sazan Island (IOTA EU-169). Further details to follow. [Tnx 425DXN]

04/05/2005:  EU-074  TM3OBI  BREHAT ISLAND -
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the twin cities of Itterswiller in Alsace and Brehat, operators Laurent, F5AEG, and Frederic (new French operator waiting for his licence), will be active as TM3OBI from Ile de Brehat (IOTA EU-074, DIFM MA-012) from May 4-8th. They will be active on SSB, RTTY and PSK31 on 80-10 meters. QSL via F5AEG. [Tnx OPDX]

05/05/2005:  AS-031  JD1BLW, JD1BLZ  OGASAWARA ISLANDS -
Nob JH1WCD and Joe JR1AGC will be active May 5-8th as JD1BLW and JD1BLZ respectively from the Ogasawara Islands (IOTA AS-031. Look for them on 80 through 6 meters, mainly SSB. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

05/05/2005:  RP3YGA/P  RUSSIAN PILOTS MEMORIAL -
Victor, RV3YR and other operators from the "Fifth Ocean" International Flight ARC (http://www.qsl.net/5ocean) will be active May 5-12th using the special call RP3YGA/p from the Russian Pilots memorial in Brjansk region. Activity will be on 160-10 meter SSB, CW and digital modes. They will also participate in the CQ-M International DX Contest (May 14-15th). QSL direct to RV3YR (Victor Borodin, P.O. Box 1, Bryansk, 241027 Russia). [Tnx 425DXN]

06/05/2005:  EU-052  SV8/H.C.'s/P  KERKYRA ISLAND -
Operators IK7JWX, IZ8EZP, IZ7AVU and IZ7ATN will be active as SV8/homecall/p from Kerkyra (aka Corfu) Island (IOTA EU-052, MIA MG-055) and several Lighthouses between May 6-9th. The lighthouses they plan to activate are as follows: Sideros (TWLH SV-081, ARLHS GRE-117), Akra Aikuterina (ARLHS GRE-156), Akra Anemomilos (ARLHS GRE-159), Akra Kosteri (ARLHS GRE-170) and Peristeres (ARLHS GRE-179). Activity will be on HF, the WARC bands on modes SSB/RTTY/PSK31. They will also particate in the ARI Contest (May 7-8th). QSL via the operator's instructions. [Tnx OPDX]

06/05/2005:  RDA:RO-64  UE6LLL  TSIMLJANSKY AREA -
Special call UE6LLL will be active May 6-10th from the Tsimljansky Area (RDA reference RO-64 for the Russian Districts Award), Rostovskaya oblast (RO). QSL via RK6MP, direct or bureau. [Tnx RDA News]

06/05/2005:  USA-319  W1ACT  GAY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE -
Look for W1ACT to be QRV May 6th from the Gay Head Lighthouse (ARLHS reference USA-319). Activity will be on 40, 30 meters between 1600-1900 UTC and 20 meters between 2100-2400 UTC. Call on hour and half hour, CW only. QSL via QRZ.com. [Tnx DL2VFR]

07/05/2005:  EU-129  DAØGLH  USEDOM ISLAND -
Ralf/DH7NO and Ric/DL2VFR will be QRV May 7-8th as homecall/p and DA0GLH from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129 GIA O-13) and the Karnin lighthouse (TWLH DL-014, ARLHS FED 274). Look for activity on all bands, SSB and CW. QSL via DL2VFR, direct or bureau. [Tnx DL2VFR]

07/05/2005:  ENGLAND  NATIONAL MILLS ON-THE-AIR -
The Havering & District Amateur Radio Club (G4HRC) will be putting no least than four mills on-the-air around the county of Essex during the National Mills weekend (May 7-8th). The windmill locations, and the call of the windmills, and operators are as follows: GB2UW, Upminster, Essex - this mill will be run by ops M0MAC, G3JSR, G3SVK, G0PIA, M3DOQ, M3DOV, and help from SWL Chris Lester; GB0MW, Mountnessing, Essex - this mill will be run by ops M0JKA, G4UNS, and G0BOF; GB2ARW, Aythorpe, Roding, Essex - this mill will be run by ops G3TPJ, and M1MOG; and GB5SW, Stock, Essex - this mill will be run by G3VOF, G3RJI, and M0BOB. In addition to the Denby Dale award, the Havering & District Amateur Radio Club will be running its own award programme for working the windmills run by the club. This will be the Essex Windmill Award. This award is offered not only in the UK, but to EU, and the rest of the world. For further information, visit http://www.haveringradioclub.co.uk/ [Tnx 425DXN]

07/05/2005:  USI-New!  NM5RC/P  USA ISLANDS, NINE STATES -
Ralph, NM5RC, on his way to Hamvention (May 7-18th) is hoping to activated new USIs in eight or nine states. Days and time subject to travel, weather and propagation. Generally in mornings when wind is calm since he will be using a small folding boat. If you are nearing USIA-WAS and need Kansas, email him and he will try to email you with more precise date info; also willing to try other than 20 meters if that would help. QSL cards will be sent to all contacts; if Ralph has yours, another is not needed. If you him, posting would be appreciated. [Tnx NM5RC]

07/05/2005:  EU-038  PA6WAD  AMELAND ISLAND -
Jeroen NL12339, and Will PE1OPM, will be active May 7-14th as PA6WAD from Ameland Island (IOTA EU-038). Activity will be on 80-10 meters, WARC bands included, using SSB and RTTY. QSL via PE1OPM (QRZ.com) or NL12339 (Jeroen Reijerkerk, P.O. Box 42, 4724 ZG Wouw, The Netherlands). [Tnx IOTW]

08/05/2005:  AS-076  JR5DPB/5, JE5HXL/5  TESHIMA ISLAND -
JR5DPB/5, JE5HXL/5 plan to be active May 8th from Teshima Island (IOTA AS-076, JIIA New), Kagawa prefecture. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx JI6KVR]

08/05/2005:  EU-015  SV9/OE1WWL/P  CRETE -
Wolfgang, OE1WWL, will be QRV May 8-13th as SV9/OE1WWL/p from the island of Crete (IOTA EU-015, MIA MGC-005). Activity will be on all bands, SSB only, with 10 watts and a longwire antenna. QSL to home call via the bureau. [Tnx OE1WWL]

08/05/2005:  CIsA NEW ONE!  CF3MAH & CG3TPZ -
Watch for James VE3TPZ and Mark VA3MAH on May 8th as they will be attempting to put a new Ontario Island on from 15:00-20:00 UTC using the callsigns CG3TPZ and CF3MAH respectively. This activation is weather dependent. In case of poor weather, they will try again May 14-15, 21-22-23 or 28-29. A photo QSL card will be issued for this activation. They will operate 40m-10m on the usual IOTA frequencies and also on 7270, 14260 kHz for their American Friends. QSL via the operators instructions. More information on the Canadian Island Awards and Maple Leaf Awards Programs can be found at http://www.qsl.net/ve3tpz . [Tnx VE3TPZ]

11/05/2005:  RDA:RO-16  UE6LLL  KAMENSK-SHAHTINSKY CITY -
Special call UE6LLL will be active May 11-15th from Kamensk-Shahtinsky City (RDA reference RO-16 for the Russian Districts Award), Rostovskaya oblast (RO). QSL via RK6MP, direct or bureau. [Tnx RDA News]

14/05/2005:  EU-016  9AØCI  LASTOVO ISLAND -
DE0MST (Fredy), DF9MV (Sven), DL5MFL (Mathias), 9A3KB (Boro), 9A2WJ (Daki) and 9A6AA (Emir) will be QRV May 14-21st from the island of Lastovo (IOTA EU-016, IOCA CI-051, MIA MC-196) and the lighthouse of Struga (TWLHD WLH 9A-065, ARLHS CRO-148, WLOTA LH-0815, ADLL E3544). They will use the special call 9A0CI and will be active on all bands. QSL via DE0MST, direct or bureau. [Tnx DE0MST]

14/05/2005:  EU-016  HBØ/H.C.'s  LIECHTENSTEIN -
Four members of the Radio Club Tivadar Puskas (HA5KHC) - namely Laci HA5MA, Pisti HA5OJ, Ed HA5BWW and Karl HA7PC - will operate on 160-10 meters as HB0/homecall from Masescha (1350m asl), Liechtenstein May 14-21st. QSL via their home callsigns (Bureau is OK). [Tnx 425DXN]

14/05/2005:  EU-114  MU/DF5AU  ISLE OF GUERNSEY -
Johannes, DF5AU, will be active May 14-15th as MU/DF5AU from the Isle of Guernsey (IOTA EU-114). Activity will be on 160-10 meters (no WARC bands) on CW and SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

15/05/2005:  AF-011  TO4Gx & TO4Gxx  GLORIOSO ISLAND -
POSTPONED until October or November, 2005
The DXpedition to the Glorioso Islands (AF-011) is expected to take place between May 15th and June 1st. A team of several French operators plans to be active with six stations (five for the HF bands and one for 6 meters). Operators mentioned are: Didier F5OGL (leader), Christian TZ6SA, Dany F5CW, Eric FM5JC, Pascal F5PTM, Freddy F5IRO, Yves F5MSR, Vicent F8UNF, Luc FR5IZ, Jean-Luc F5AEP, Olivier F1AAK and David F0CRS. The QSL via F5OGL direct (Didier Senmartin, Boîte postale 7, F-53320 Loiron, FRANCE) or via the REF bureau. [Tnx 425DXN & K1XN]

16/05/2005:  EU-048  F5JNE/P  BELLE ILE EN MER -
Francois, F5JNE/p will be QRV May 16-24th from Belle Ile en mer, (IOTA EU-048, DIFM AT-015). During his stay he has also scheduled to be active, on May 17th and May 19th, Poulains Island (IOTA EU-048, DIFM AT-089) and Pointe des Poulains Lighthouse (TWLH F-058, DPLF PB-066, ARLHS FRA-059, WLOTA L-0872). Main activity on 40, 20 meter CW and SSB. QSL via bureau or direct + Postage to Francois Robert, 4 rue d'Orbandelle, F89000 Auxerre, FRANCE. [Tnx F5NQL]

16/05/2005:  RDA:RO-14  UE6LLL  DONETSK CITY -
Special call UE6LLL will be active May 16-24th from Donetsk City (RDA reference RO-14 for the Russian Districts Award), Rostovskaya oblast (RO). QSL via RK6MP, direct or bureau. [Tnx RDA News]

20/05/2005:  AS-105  H.C.'s/P & D9ØHE/2  KUKHWA ISLAND -
Pyongtaek DX Club (D90HE) members Han DS2GOO, Lee 6K2CEW, Chae DS5BSX and Young 6K2ABX will be active May 20-22nd as homecall/p and D90HE/2 from Kukhwa Island (IOTA AS-105), Hwaseong City (KDN C027, WW Loc. PM37gc). Activity will be on 80-10 meter SSB and RTTY. QSL D90HE/2 via DS2GOO, others via home call (direct or bureau). [Tnx 425DXN]

21/05/2005:  EU-070  TMØL  LEVANT ISLAND -
Laurent F5MNK, Eric F5LOW, Fabrice F5NBQ, Jacky F5OIU, Bertrand F6HKA, Jean Philippe F4EEK and Christian F1SDQ will be active May 21-28th from Levant Island (IOTA EU-070, DIFM ME-12). They will use the special callsign TM0L (Tango Mike zero Lima). Look for them on 160 to 2 meter SSB, CW, RTTY and PSK-31. QSL via F5OIU. [Tnx F5NQL]

22/05/2005:  EU-014  TK/H.C.'s  CORSICA -
Laci HA0HW and Tomi HA4DX will be active as TK/HA0HW and TK/HA4DX from Corsica (ITOA EU-014, DIFM TK-001, MIA MCO-001) on May 22-29th. They plan to operate on all HF bands on CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31 with two radios, DunaX and home-made verticals, dipoles on 160/80m. If they find time to go out to one of the small coastal islands (EU-100, EU-104 or EU-164) to operate, they will do it. QSLs are "OK" via the HA QSL bureau or direct according to the details on QRZ.com. [Tnx OPDX]

23/05/2005:  OC-049/064  A35  TONGA -
YL operators Elizabeth, VE7YL and Gwen, VK3DYL will operate from Nuku'alofa (IOTA OC-049) and Vava'u (IOTA OC-064) between May 23rd and June 7th. Their callsigns and detailed QSL information will be forthcoming at a later date. [Tnx OPDX]

24/05/2005:  NA-062  NK4AA  KEY WEST -
Dave, N2NL, will be active May 24-31st as NK4AA from Key West (IOTA NA-062, USI FL-040S, Monroe county), Florida. He will also be participating in the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 28-29th). QSL via N2NL (QRZ.com). [Tnx N2NL]

25/05/2005:  RDA:RO-60  UE6LLL  TARASOVSKY AREA -
Special call UE6LLL will be active May 25-31st from the Tarasovsky Area (RDA reference RO-60 for the Russian Districts Award), Rostovskaya oblast (RO). QSL via RK6MP, direct or bureau. [Tnx RDA News]

26/05/2005:  NA-080  GM7CXM/C6A  GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND -
Duncan, EA5ON, will once again be active from Freeport, Grand Bahama Island (IOTA NA-080) as GM7CXM/C6A. His provisional dates are from May 26th to May 30th. As in previous years, this is a business trip, but he hope to be fairly active on 80-10 meters, mostly on SSB but also some digital, and perhaps participating a bit in the CQWW WPX CW Contest. QSL via EA7JX, direct or via the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

27/05/2005:  AF-004  EF8CID  CANARY ISLANDS -
The Canary Islands DX Society will be active May 27-30th as EF8CID to celebrate the Canary Islands Day. IOTA reference AF-004. Activity will be on 15 meters only. All of the QSOs will be confirmed automatically via bureau. Direct cards via EC8AUA. [Tnx 425DXN]

28/05/2005:  EU-055  EA8AH  CANARY ISLANDS -
Operators YL2KL, YL1ZF, YL2LY and ES1AJ will be active from the Canary Islands (IOTA AF-004) as EA8AH during the CQWW WPX CW Contest (May 28-29th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via YL2KL. [Tnx OPDX]

28/05/2005:  AS-017  JR2RKK/6  IZENA ISLAND -
JR2RKK/6 plans to be active May 28-29th from Izena Island (IOTA AS-017, JIIA AS-017-016), Okinawa prefecture. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx JI6KVR]

28/05/2005:  EU-055  LA/DL2VFR  HELLESOY ISLAND -
Look for Ric, DL2VFR, to be QRV May 28th to June 3rd as LA/DL2VFR from Hellesoy Island (IOTA EU-055). Activity will be mainly CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx DL2VFR]

29/05/2005:  TI/EA9CP  COSTA RICA -
EA9CP (Toño) will be in San José, Costa Rica, from May 29th to June 5th. Look for him on 20, 15 and 10 meters. His callsign has not yet been confirmed. QSL via EA9CP/1, bureau or direct. [Tnx F5NQL]

73 and Good Hunting!
Dave Raycroft - VA3RJ

Home of ICPO: www.qsl.net/va3rj
Mirror: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj
Join ICPO e-Group:  www.qsl.net/va3rj/icpo.html
E-mail: va3rj@rac.ca
________

Note: A complete list of  Prefixes assigned by International Telecommunications Union can be found on the Trans Provincial Website: www.tpn7055.ca/callsign.html

UPDATED: 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. Meeting April 9 in Denver, the panel adopted recommendations that 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. Nothing will be filed with the FCC until the ARRL Board of Directors 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.

Full Story: www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/04/13/1/?nc=1

(ARRL News Service)

ARLB012 Resolution Calls on FCC To Evaluate BPL Interference, Review Rules (Apr. 29 2005)

Rep Michael Ross, WD5DVR, of Arkansas, has introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives calling on the FCC to "conduct a full and complete analysis" of radio interference from broadband over power line (BPL). The resolution, H. Res 230, says the Commission should comprehensively evaluate BPL's interference potential incorporating "extensive public review and comment," and--in light of that analysis--to "reconsider and review" its new BPL rules, adopted last October. If approved by the full House, the non-binding resolution, introduced April 21, would express the requests as "the sense of the House of Representatives."

"We are grateful to Congressman Ross and his staff for taking a leadership position in recognizing that the BPL interference issue deserves more careful consideration than the FCC was willing to give it under former Chairman Powell," said ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ. The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, on which Ross serves.

The resolution's prime focus is on BPL's potential to disrupt critical public safety radiocommunication. It cites National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) studies that "have determined that broadband over power line creates a 'high risk' of radio wave interference, and that harmful interference to public safety mobile radio receivers can be expected at distances of 75 meters from the power line where broadband over power line is in operation, and at distances of up to 460 meters from fixed stations, such as VHF police or fire dispatch communications facilities."

The resolution notes that the same NTIA study determined that BPL interference to aeronautical and airline travel communications "could be expected at distances up to 40 kilometers from the center of the broadband over power line system, and that interference to outer marker beacons for airline instrument landing systems could be expected at great distances as well."

Many public safety agencies and support services, including emergency medical services, fire, and law enforcement, utilize
Low-Band VHF (30-50 MHz), the resolution points out. According to the resolution, at least 13 states--California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming--use the band for state police operations. It's the primary public safety radio band in nine states.

The resolution further notes that the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Inc (APCO), and the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC), have urged the FCC to withhold final action in the BPL proceeding for at least a year, pending a "conclusive determination" of BPL's potential to interfere with public safety and other licensed radio systems operating below 80 MHz. It also cites comments filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which uses a statewide radio system with more than 1400 Low-Band VHF users. The Missouri State Highway Patrol commented that
the overall effect of BPL implementation would be "a potentially significant increase in interference to the mission of critical
public safety communications," the resolution says.

The resolution recounts that the FCC has struggled for years to resolve widespread harmful radio interference to first responders on 800 MHz and "should not have proceeded with introduction of a technology which appears to have substantial potential to cause destructive interference to police, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety radio systems" without first conducting a comprehensive evaluation.

A copy of HRes 230 is available on the ARRL Web site in .PDF format at, www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/filings/hres230/HRes230.pdf

See the ARRL Web site, http://www.arrl.org, for more information.

(ARRL News Service)