***************
The ARRL Letter
Vol. 27, No. 23
June 13, 2008
***************

IN THIS EDITION:

* + Hams on Hand as Floods Sweep across Midwest US
* + "We Do That" with Amateur Radio
* + Look for the July Issue of QST in Your Mailbox
* + Get Ready to Ride the Waves during the 2008 ARRL Field Day
* + Spring Frequency Measuring Test (FMT) Results Announced
* + FCC Enforcement Actions
* Solar Update
* IN BRIEF:
This Weekend on the Radio
+ Firedrake Jammer on the Loose Again in Asia
+ New Extra Class License Manual Now Shipping
ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration
Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, Wins May QST Cover Plaque Award
ARRL Announces New DeSoto Cup Winner

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

================================================== =========
==Delivery problems: First see FAQ
http://www.arrl.org/members-only/faq.html#nodelivery, then e-mail

==Editorial questions or comments only: S. Khrystyne Keane,

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

== HAMS ON HAND AS FLOODS SWEEP ACROSS MIDWEST US

When severe thunderstorms started to threaten the Midwestern United
States with tornadoes, hail, severe lightning and rain starting on June
4, state agencies were quick to call on Amateur Radio operators for
assistance.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) activated ARES
members to help out with communication efforts, providing radios for
those amateurs who offered to help. ARRL Indiana Section Emergency
Coordinator Tony Langer, W9AL, said hams were instrumental in many ways,
including assisting in Emergency Operations Centers, sand bagging,
helping out in shelters and even aiding in rescue efforts.

This storm brought 12 confirmed tornadoes to 11 Indiana counties, with
some communities reporting up to 11 inches of water, Langer said; 20
counties were under a State of Emergency. On June 9, President Bush
declared 29 counties in central Indiana a major disaster area, opening
up the region to receive federal aid and FEMA assistance. Four people
perished in the storms.

In a call put out to Amateur Radio operators on June 8, IDHS said, "The
flood waters have impacted several counties here in Indiana severely.
Ham Radio operators have been operating continuously since activated and
are growing weary. Some counties do not have a vast amount of active
hams to relieve these tired operators." Specific areas needing amateur
assistance were overnight relief operators at the Bartholomew County
EOC, as well as the EOC and three shelters in Columbus County.

Marion County (Indiana) Emergency Coordinator Mike Palmer, N9FEB, called
on ARES members in his area to help out. "People might think, 'Why not
just use telephones or cell phones?' Well, many phones are not working
down there at this time. With the high waters, electric transformers are
out all over; even those servicing cell towers are out. Even with
today's technology, we find ourselves looking at ham radio to assist. If
you can spare a few hours or an entire evening, please consider
helping."

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels called in the United States Coast Guard
to assist in evacuations and rescues. The Coast Guard responded by
sending two helicopters to the state along with boats and personnel. The
Indiana National Guard was called out to assist in evacuation and direct
traffic and enforce road blocks on the many flooded roads.

Torrents of rain also brought flooding to Wisconsin. On June 9, five
counties had requested aid from Amateur Radio operators, ranging from
backup communications to disaster assessment and flooding
communications. One county called on ARES members to provide patrols of
the flooded areas overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to ARRL Wisconsin Section Emergency Coordinator Bill Niemuth,
KB9ENO, approximately 90 ARES members responded to the call for
assistance. "In Columbia County, ARES members provided dam monitoring
communications early in the flooding. These communications gave critical
information to public safety officials about two dams that were nearly
compromised. Due to falling water levels, this activity has been
discontinued, but hams remain on standby due to the threat of additional
heavy rain," Niemuth said.

Richland County ARES members remain activated, Niemuth said. "Hams are
providing a variety of services, including fielding information calls in
the County's Emergency Operations Center and providing specialized
communications for disaster assessment by hover craft and airplane.
These communications are in addition to providing traditional ham radio
communication links between the EOC and evacuation shelters."

On Thursday, June 12, more rains inundated the state and more counties
requested aid from area Amateur Radio operators. Niemuth said Winnebago
County ARES members are providing damage assessment assistance in the
county and in the City of Oshkosh, while hams in Fond du Lac are helping
out with shelter communications. ARES teams in Marquette and Outagamie
are providing back-up communications and flooding reports to their
respective Emergency Operations Centers. -- Information provided by
ARRL Indiana Section Emergency Coordinator Tony Langer, W9AL, and ARRL
Wisconsin Section Manager Don Michalski, W9IXG

== "WE DO THAT" WITH AMATEUR RADIO

The third ARRL Public Relations campaign -- "We Do That - with Amateur
Radio" -- celebrates the technology side of ham radio
http://www.hello-radio.org/wedothat/. According to ARRL Media and
Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP, Amateur Radio means many
things to many people. "What is it about Amateur Radio that arouses the
interest of people?" Pitts asked. "You have the fun, friendship and
hobby side. We showcased this side in 2006 with our 'Hello' campaign
http://www.hello-radio.org/hello/. You have the emergency service
side. We brought this valuable part of Amateur Radio to the public's eye
in 2007 with 'Emergency Radio -- Getting the Message through for Your
Family and Community' http://emergency-radio.org/. And now you have
the technology and creative side. In 2008, we are capitalizing on this
third prong, getting word out to the public that there is tons of stuff
you can do with Amateur Radio."

Unveiled at the 2008 Dayton Hamvention this past May, this new
coordinated public relations effort shows the world the technological
activities and creative imaginations that Amateur Radio's people love.
Like the previous public relations campaigns, Pitts said, this is a
campaign with several interlocking parts.

* Public Service Announcements
There are Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that commercial radio
stations can utilize, getting word out to the public about the benefits
that ham radio operators can provide. Check these out on the ARRL Public
Information Officer Web site http://www.arrl.org/pio/; more will be
coming out as the year unfolds. These mp3 files are easily downloaded
and can be taken to local radio stations. "Many radio stations have a
public service obligation they need to fulfill, and these PSAs are a
great way for them to do so, while showcasing the neat things we do as
hams," Pitts said.

* Brochures
ARRL has created an attractive brochure that celebrates ham technology
http://www.arrl.org/brochures/. This brochure shows hams doing many
exciting activities, from Green Radio -- Amateur Radio using renewable
energy sources -- to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)
through time and space itself. These brochures, in packs of 25, are
available at no cost except for a small shipping fee.

* WeDoThat-Radio.org
A new special Web site has been created just for this campaign.
"Maximizing the strong points of the Hello-Radio and Emergency-Radio Web
sites before it, WeDoThat-Radio.org http://www.wedothat-radio.org/
uses some of the newer technologies similar to the blog format, allowing
for easy topic additions and changes, even providing a place for
visitors to ask questions," Pitts said.

* Stickers
Let's admit it, hams and kids like free things and stickers are fun. So
we made up a bunch to share. If you happen to have a presentation to
students, it's a nice touch. These are "free while the supply lasts,"
Pitts said.

* "Talk on a Disk"
What began as an experiment in 2007 has since become a major success.
The ARRL's "Talk on a Disk" was quickly snatched up and used by people
making presentations to groups. This CD contains all the materials you
need to make a good PowerPoint presentation before a non-ham group,
including slides and supportive audio and video. "For 2008, we created a
brand new 'Talk on a Disk' highlighting the technology campaign and
coordinated with the brochures. It can make almost anyone look good in
front of a group. Just follow the script! Or, you can modify it to meet
local needs," said Pitts. If you have a presentation to make and want to
talk about the technology of ham radio, please e-mail Pitts about it
.

* "Swiss Army Knife for PIOs"
The 2008 "Knife," Pitts said, is actually a CD with all the basic forms
and information a Public Information Officer (PIO) should need -- all in
one place. "Last year, we produced more than 1000 of these and they were
all snatched up," Pitts said. With audio and video files, documents in
computer forms that PIOs can modify to meet local needs, as well as
hundreds of pointers and ideas, the "Swiss Army Knife for PIOs" has
become a mainstay for public relations work. Disks are available for
PIOs by sending Pitts an e-mail .

* Every Ham is a PIO
"There is a saying," Pitts said, "that all news is local -- and it is
true. If there is not a local or personal 'hook' to a story, it does not
make it into the news. Because of this, the Public Information Officers
in your area are critical to the local perception of Amateur Radio."
When PIOs take these materials and modify them for local use, it affects
everything from antenna regulations to club membership levels. But it is
not just up to the PIOs to achieve positive publicity for hams, Pitts
said. "There is another saying, 'Every ham is a PIO.' When people become
curious about Amateur Radio they turn to the first ham operator they
find and that conversation is crucial to the future. All the brochures,
TV ads, radio and news stories are of no benefit if that initial
conversation with a potential recruit is not positive. PIOs can only
'bring the fish to the boat.' It is up to every ham to be ready to bring
them in by taking the time and effort to make the initial one-on-one
contact a positive experience. In the end, 'It takes a ham to make a
ham.'"

* Need Help?
There is a wealth of materials available on the ARRL PIO Web site for
anyone to use http://www.arrl.org/pio/. Here you can find background
information handouts for media, as well as all sorts of helpful files
and tips. Each month, Pitts puts out "CONTACT!," an e-zine for ARRL PIOs
that contains ideas, information and timely materials. The ARRL Public
Relations Committee is also able to aid groups facing unusual problems
or situations. These PR veterans have a wealth of knowledge you can draw
upon. There is a public relations email reflector where PIOs from around
the country share their problems, ideas and successes with other PIOs.

* It's Up to You
The energies that your club -- and you as an individual -- put into
positive PR work will pay off for your radio future in many ways, Pitts
said. "Go show the world that 'It's not just your grandfather's radio
anymore.'"

== LOOK FOR THE JULY ISSUE OF QST IN YOUR MAILBOX

The July issue of QST is jam-packed with all sorts of things today's
Amateur Radio operator needs. From product reviews to experiments to
contesting, the upcoming issue of QST has something for just about
everyone.

John Stanley, K4ERO, discusses how looking at signals can improve our
ability to listen to them in the second of his two-part article "The
Beauty of Spectrum Analysis -- Part 2." Jack Morgan, KF6T, takes a look
at a two element 15 meter Yagi that works great in the field. ARRL News
Editor S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA, gives her impression on the sights,
sounds and smells of the 2008 Dayton Hamvention in her article "Dayton
Hamvention 2008: Wow, What a Show!"

Former ARRL Senior News Editor Rick Lindquist, WW3DE (ex-N1RL), reviews
FlexRadio System's FLEX-5000A HF/50 MHz transceiver. According to
Lindquist, "The FLEX-5000A builds on the success of the SDR-1000,
retaining the top-shelf radio performance and adding features. The
package is far less complicated, shedding the many wires, cables, boxes
and connectors that characterized the SDR-1000. Be prepared to
experiment with the software and settings to get the most from this
radio."

If it's July, it must be time for the IARU HF World Championships
http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2008/iaru.html. This is a great
opportunity to contact many stations all over the world, especially the
headquarters station of IARU Member Societies, including W1AW. ARRL
Contest Branch Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, takes a look at what you can
do in the "contest off-season" to spruce up your shack and get those
antennas and feed lines ready for the fall in "This Month in
Contesting." The results of the 2007 ARRL 10 Meter Contest, the 2008
ARRL RTTY Roundup and the 2008 ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes are in. Did
you top your score from last year? How did your closest rival do? Also,
find out about upcoming contests in Contest Corral.

Of course, there are the usual columns you know and love in July QST:
Hints & Kinks, The Doctor Is IN, How's DX, Old Radio, Technical
Correspondence, Hamspeak and more. Look for your July issue in your
mailbox. QST is the official journal of ARRL, the national association
for Amateur Radio. QST is just one of the many benefits of ARRL
membership. To join or renew your ARRL membership, please see the ARRL
Web page http://www.arrl.org/join.

== GET READY TO RIDE THE WAVES AT THE 2008 ARRL FIELD DAY

The 2008 ARRL Field Day http://www.arrl.org/fieldday will be here
before you know it, so now is the time to grab your rig, hang ten (a
dipole or two will do) and plan to Ride the Waves June 28-29. Field Day
packets can be downloaded from the ARRL Field Day Web site
http://www.arrl.org/contests/forms/fd-2008-packet.pdf.

ARRL Field Day Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, reminds clubs and groups
that the deadline to order exhibit kits is drawing near. "We need to
have all orders for kits and brochures no later than Tuesday, June 17.
If we have your order by then, we will be able to package your order and
get it to you in time for Field Day. Any orders received after June 17
will be fulfilled and may make it to recipients before Field Day," he
warned. Exhibit kits can be ordered online
http://www.arrl.org/brochures/ at no cost; there is a small shipping
and handling fee.

If you are looking for a Field Day site to attend, or are looking to
publicize your Field Day site, be sure to check out the Field Day Site
Locator http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php. For
more information on this new service, please check out the Locator Site
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Web page
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/06/03/10021/?nc=1. "More than
1100 Field Day sites have registered their sites on the Locator, with
more being added every day," Henderson said.


ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air operating event in Amateur
Radio. On the fourth full weekend in June, tens of thousands of Amateur
Radio operators gather for a public demonstration of our service. Field
Day is part educational event, part operating event, part public
relations event -- and all about fun!
Amateur Radio is about knowledge and growth. It is a hobby and service
that truly offers "something for everyone." Amateur Radio embraces both
the old and new. While CW may no longer be a testing element, it is
still a strong and favorite operating mode for many. Many operators are
embracing digital technologies -- from RTTY, to newer digital modes like
PSK31 and Olivia. Phone operation also has new frontiers to be explored
with digitized voice, VoIP and IRLP. And this is why Field Day -- the
largest annual on-the-air operating event -- is so exciting. It gives
all -- the old timer and the newcomer, the brass-pounder and the
computer-assisted operator -- the chance to share and teach the broad
range of modes and technologies we find in Amateur Radio.

Field Day is truly the time in which we bring Amateur Radio to Main
Street USA http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2006/03/01/1/. By setting
up in parking lots, malls, Emergency Operations Centers, parks and even
at home, Amateur Radio operators learn skills that will allow them to
better serve their communities. Setting up in these public venues gives
added public relations value -- their friends and neighbors can see and
experience the fun and public service capability that their "ham radio"
neighbors bring to the community.

== SPRING FREQUENCY MEASURING TEST (FMT) RESULTS ANNOUNCED

The results for the W1AW Frequency Measuring Test (FMT)
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/fmt/ held on May 21, 2008 are in
http://www.b4h.net/fmt/fmtresults200805.php. Announced and reported
completely online
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/04/29/10071/?nc=1, the spring
version of the exercise attracted 81 participants. The object was to
measure the frequency of an audio tone, given the frequency of the
transmitted signal's carrier. Since digital modes based on
frequency-shift keying (FSK) require precise tuning, being able to
measure frequency is an important skill.

The actual frequency of the tone was 1240.3 Hz for all of the W1AW
transmissions. The majority of the participants reported frequencies
within 1-5 Hz of the exact value, a 0.08 to 0.4 percent error.
Participants could use a variety of measurement techniques, some of
which are described in the November 2004 QST article announcing an FMT
with a similar focus
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/fmt/2004/04fmtsilver.pdf. The online results
include detailed descriptions from many stations of the methods and
equipment used to make the measurements.

W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, plans to run additional FMT
exercises on a regular basis, so watch the ARRL Web Site
http://www.arrl.org for future announcements. If possible, a West
Coast station will be added to future FMTs, improving signal quality for
participating stations in that region, particularly on the lower
frequency bands. Automated results collection and reporting will be
supported for all future FMT events.

== FCC ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

On March 1, Special Counsel in the FCC Spectrum Enforcement Division
Riley Hollingsworth sent a Warning Notice to Fredrick C. Severa, AH8I,
of Pago Pago, American Samoa, concerning Severa's out-of-band operation.


In the letter, Hollingsworth said he tried contacting Severa at his Pago
Pago address (his address of record) about the matter, but the letter
was returned unclaimed, as were other letters sent to him at an address
listed for the American Samoa DX Society in California; Severa is listed
as trustee for the organization. Hollingsworth said that the Commission
tried reaching Severa at another address for the American Samoa DX
Society in California -- this one in Juneau, Alaska -- but to no avail.

Finally, on March 27, Hollingsworth sent Severa a letter to a Chico,
California address. Severa replied to the letter, stating "that [Severa]
had operated out of band because it was 'dark in the vehicle and
apparently I experienced a problem with improper VFO selection of the
transceiver that I was using which caused me to transmit out of band.'"
Severa's letter failed to mention, Hollingsworth said, why Severa
"failed to respond to mail sent to your address of record."

Hollingsworth advised Severa "that future instances of out of band
operation will result in enforcement action against your license.
Additionally, you are requested to update your license records within 10
days indicating the address at which you will receive Commission mail.
Failure to respond to Commission mail sent to your address of record is
a separate violation of Commission rules."

Hollingsworth also sent a letter to residential owners in Phoenix,
Arizona, regarding Part 15 devices in their home causing RFI to a
licensed Amateur Radio operator.

Direct all questions concerning the Amateur Radio Service Enforcement
Actions Web postings via e-mail only to Riley Hollingsworth
in the FCC Spectrum Enforcement Division.

==SOLAR UPDATE

Tad "I swayed my leaves and flowers in the Sun" Cook, K7RA, this week
reports: Sunspot 998 emerged this week, another old Solar Cycle 23
sunspot near the Sun's equator. Daily sunspot numbers for June 10-12
were 14, 11 and 13. Last Sunday, June 8, had the lowest 10.7 cm solar
flux value I've ever seen -- 64.9 -- at the observatory in Penticton.
The noon reading is the official daily sunspot number; the value
observed that morning at 1700 UTC was actually a tiny bit lower at 64.8.
The only value this low I have in my records was almost a dozen years
ago near the last solar minimum, July 19, 1996. The 10.7 cm solar flux
is a measurement of energy at 2.8 GHz gathered by an antenna in British
Columbia. The facility is the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory
(DRAO) that sits 168 miles northeast of my Seattle location at
approximately 49.322 degrees north latitude, 119.621 degrees west
longitude. The solar flux value is a general indicator of solar
activity, but not as useful as sunspot numbers for predicting
propagation. Geophysical Institute Prague expects quiet conditions for
June 13, quiet to unsettled June 14, unsettled June 15-18 and quiet to
unsettled June 19. Sunspot numbers for June 5-11 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 14
and 11 with a mean of 3.6. The 10.7 cm flux was 66.4, 65.9, 65.6, 64.9,
66, 66.2, and 65.7 with a mean of 65.8. Estimated planetary A indices
were 2, 8, 12, 7, 5, 4 and 4 with a mean of 6. Estimated mid-latitude A
indices were 3, 7, 10, 5, 2, 1 and 3, with a mean of 4.4. NASA predicts
more of the same quiet conditions, with slight possible unsettled
conditions on June 18, with a planetary A index of 12. They expect solar
flux to stay below 70 until mid-July. For more information concerning
radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service
Propagation page http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. To
read this week's Solar Report in its entirety, check out the W1AW
Propagation Bulletin page http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/.

__________________________________

==IN BRIEF:

* This Weekend on the Radio: This weekend is the ARRL June VHF QSO Party
on June 14-16. Look for the NCCC Sprint Ladder and the Digital
Pentathlon on June 13. The Portugal Day Contest and Asia-Pacific Sprint
(SSB) are June 14. Look for the ANARTS WW RTTY Contest, the GACW WWSA CW
DX Contest, the REF DDFM 6 Meter Contest and the West Virginia QSO Party
on June 14-15. The Run for the Bacon QRP Contest is June 16, and the
RSGB 80 Meter Club Championship (SSB) is June 19. Next weekend, look for
the Digital Pentathlon on June 20. The Feld Hell Sprint and the AGCW
VHF/UHF Contest are June 22. The All Asian DX Contest (CW) and the SMIRK
Contest are June 21-22. On June 25, be sure to check out the SKCC Sprint
and the BCC QSO Party. All dates, unless otherwise stated, are UTC. See
the ARRL Contest Branch page http://www.arrl.org/contests/, the ARRL
Contest Update http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/ and the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/index.html for
more info.

* Firedrake Jammer on the Loose Again in Asia: Amateur Radio operators
throughout the United States have reported hearing an intruder signal --
dubbed Firedrake -- on 20 meters. ARRL Field and Regulatory
Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, said he has received reports from
Intruder Watch monitors in Texas, Montana, West Virginia, Massachusetts,
Colorado, Washington, Nevada and Pennsylvania hearing the jammer on
14.010 and 14.070 MHz. Hams in IARU Region 1 have heard the jammer on
14.000, 14.005, 14.010, 14.030, 14.050, 14.050 and 14.090; Uli
Bihlmayer, DJ9KR, Assistant Monitoring Coordinator for Region 1 (IARUMS)
http://www.iarums-r1.org/ said he has had reports of hearing the
jammer on three frequencies at the same time. Skolaut said he heard it
on 14.070 at 1500 EDT on June 6 from ARRL HQ, but has not confirmed
Firedrake on any other frequencies. "We have reported the jammer to the
FCC's High Frequency Direction Finding (HFDF) facility in Columbia,
Maryland. They have also heard the jammer and have sent a harmful
interference report to the Chinese government," Skolaut said. The FCC
has no authority to make intruder stations outside the US stop
transmitting on Amateur Radio frequencies; such situations typically are
dealt with through diplomatic channels. "All three IARU regions are
coordinating efforts to collect observations and forward them to the
proper authorities to follow up on this," Skolaut said. "As you probably
remember, this jamming occurred almost two years ago
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2006/08/17/2/ and was primarily heard
on 14.260 and 18.160 MHz." According to Bihlmayer, the jammer (whom
Region 1 monitors have dubbed Firedrake) plays oriental-type music
(click here to hear what Firedrake sounds like -
http://www.arrl.org/news/files/firedrake.mp3) and originates from the
Chinese government in an attempt to block out the Sound of Hope short
wave broadcasts http://sohnews.com/shortwave-broadcasts/. The Sound of
Hope refers to itself as "a Chinese language media network providing an
alternative to China's state controlled media with news and cultural
programming. Radio Free China (RFC) is Sound of Hope's project to reach
listeners in Mainland China with programming beyond the control of
China's omnipresent blockade of free information." Information on the
Intruder Watch program can be found in the June 2007 issue of QST.

* New Extra Class License Manual Now Shipping: The "ARRL Extra Class
License Manual" http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1352#top and "ARRL's
Extra Q&A" http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1379 are your tickets to
every privilege granted to Amateur Radio operators. Expert instruction
leads you through all of the knowledge you need to pass the exam,
including rules, specific operating skills and more advanced electronics
theory. Everything you need to know to pass the 50 question Extra class
exam is right at your fingertips -- both books contain the latest Extra
class question pool and answer key. Study the "ARRL Extra Class License
Manual" to understand the theory and applications needed to upgrade your
license. With more than 700 questions included in the question pool --
valid from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2012 -- reading the "ARRL's Extra
Q&A" is the best way to review for the exam with confidence. The Extra
class license is the highest of all three US Amateur Radio licenses. To
upgrade to Extra class you must already hold a General class license (or
have recently passed all of the exams required for a General class
license). Upgrading to an Extra license only requires passing a written
examination. As an Extra class licensee, you will have full privileges
on all frequencies authorized by the FCC for Amateur Radio.

* ARRL Continuing Education Course Registration: Registration remains
open through Sunday, June 22, 2008 for these online course sessions
beginning on Friday, July 4, 2008: Technician License Course (EC-010),
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Level 1 (EC-001), Radio Frequency
Interference (EC-006), Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009), Analog
Electronics (EC-012) and Digital Electronics (EC-013). Each online
course has been developed in segments -- learning units with objectives,
informative text, student activities and quizzes. Courses are
interactive, and some include direct communications with a
Mentor/Instructor. Students register for a particular session that may
be 8, 12 or 16 weeks (depending on the course) and they may access the
course at any time of day during the course period, completing lessons
and activities at times convenient for their personal schedule. Mentors
assist students by answering questions, reviewing assignments and
activities, as well as providing helpful feedback. Interaction with
mentors is conducted through e-mail; there is no appointed time the
student must be present -- allowing complete flexibility for the student
to work when and where it is convenient. To learn more, visit the CCE
Course Listing page http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html or contact
the Continuing Education Program Coordinator .

* Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, Wins May QST Cover Plaque Award: The winner of the
QST Cover Plaque Award for May is Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, for his article
"The TAK-40 SSB CW Transceiver." Congratulations, Jim! The winner of the
QST Cover Plaque award -- given to the author or authors of the best
article in each issue -- is determined by a vote of ARRL members on the
QST Cover Plaque Poll Web page
http://www.arrl.org/members-only/qstvote.html. Cast a ballot for your
favorite article in the June issue by Monday, June 30.

* ARRL Announces New DeSoto Cup Winner: The ARRL's DXCC Desk announced
June 3 that Fausto Minardi, I4EAT, is the winner of the 2007 DXCC
Challenge DeSoto Cup
http://www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc/DeSoto-Trophy-lrg.jpg. According to
ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, Minardi achieved this honor with
3129 band points. Bob Eshleman, W4DR, placed second with 3124 band
points; Leif Ottosen, OZ1LO, holds the third place spot with 3119. The
DeSoto Cup was first presented in 2000 to Eshleman; he has received the
award each year since. The 2007 race saw the closest point spread --
five points -- since the DeSoto Cup's inception in 2000. Moore said that
in 2006, Eshleman was leading the race, but Minardi briefly pulled
ahead; Eshleman recovered the lead in time to take the Cup for 2006. He
continued: "In 2007, the same thing happened with Eshleman leading the
pack, but Minardi pulled ahead again and kept the lead and took the
title away from Eshleman for the first time ever. I wonder who will take
the Cup in 2008." It looks to be another race this year, Moore said.
"Showing no mercy, Minardi recently increased his lead even more by
achieving a new level of 3139! Fifteen band points now separate the
number 1 and number 2 spots!" The DeSoto Cup is presented to the DXCC
Challenge leader as of December 31 each year
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2001/05/08/3/. The DeSoto Cup is
named for Clinton B. DeSoto, whose definitive article in October 1935
QST forms the basis of the DXCC award. Only one cup will be awarded to
any single individual. A medal will be presented to a repeat winner in
subsequent years. Medals will also be awarded to the second and third
place winners each year. The DXCC Challenge Award is given for working
and confirming at least 1000 DXCC band-entities made after November 15,
1945 on any of the amateur bands, 160 through 6 meters (except 60
meters).

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