*************** The ARRL Letter Vol. 23, No. 27 July 2, 2004 *************** IN THIS EDITION: * +BPL trial cut short in Iowa * +League President takes comfort in UPLC swipe * +Two astro-hams, no waiting for ISS Field Day Qs * +ECHO satellite now in orbit! * +Ex-ham facing $10,000 fine * +ARRL looking to fund "Big Project" initiatives * +Team USA wants you for world direction-finding competition * IN BRIEF: This weekend on the radio ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration ARRL Emergency Communications course Level I Seats available! Field Day 2004 log submission "Entries Received" list +AMSAT-NA debuts Web site makeover +W1AW, NU1AW among headquarters stations for IARU event Amateur Radio and patriotism highlight Flag Day celebration +Available on ARRL Audio News =========================================================== NOTE: The ARRL Letter and ARRL Audio News are being made available a day early this week and will not be distributed Friday, July 9. The Solar Update by K7RA will be available on the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> and as a W1AW bulletin July 2 and July 9. The ARRL Letter and ARRL Audio News will return July 16. ARRL Headquarters will be closed for the Independence Day holiday Monday, July 5, and will reopen Tuesday, July 6, at 8 AM EDT. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. =========================================================== ==>UTILITY CUTS SHORT BPL TRIAL THAT WAS TARGET OF AMATEUR COMPLAINTS Alliant Energy has called an early end to its broadband over power line (BPL) pilot project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The "evaluation system" went live March 30, and plans called for keeping it active until August or September. Alliant shut it down June 25. Ongoing, unresolved HF interference from the system to retired engineer Jim Spencer, W0SR, and other amateurs prompted the ARRL to file a complaint to the FCC on Spencer's behalf demanding it be shut down and the utility fined. Alliant Energy's BPL Project Leader Dan Hinz says the ARRL complaint "certainly was a factor" in the utility's decision to pull the plug prematurely but "not the overriding factor." The main reason, he said, was that Alliant accomplished most of its objectives ahead of schedule. The primary purpose of the Cedar Rapids evaluation was to gain an understanding of BPL technology and what issues might be involved in a real-world deployment, Hinz explained. But, he added, regulatory uncertainty and other unspecified technical issues also factored into the choice to end the pilot early. Hinz said Alliant is "moshing the data" to compile a written evaluation of the Cedar Rapids pilot, but the company has no plans at this point to move forward with BPL. Alliant did not partner with a broadband services provider, and it has no other BPL test systems in operation. The system used Amperion BPL equipment. According to Spencer, five fixed Amateur Radio stations within proximity of the BPL evaluation system and two mobile stations formally reported BPL interference on HF. "The radio amateurs and Alliant Energy cooperated by sharing interference information," he said. "Alliant Energy turned the BPL evaluation system off twice to allow collection of extensive BPL frequency and signal level data--with and without BPL." He said Alliant and Amperion tried various "notching" schemes to rid amateur frequencies of the BPL interference with only limited success. The system included both overhead and underground BPL links to feed 2.4 GHz wireless "hot spots" for end user access. Hinz said the area's topography presented some challenges, especially with the wireless links. "I think in the end, we actually over-challenged ourselves with this specific pilot location," he said. And, despite "substantial progress" in mitigating interference, Alliant decided at this point that "it wasn't worth the extra effort" to resolve the thornier technical issues, Hinz added. As for any broader implications, Hinz says he's always viewed BPL as a "strategic deployment technology," not one a company could roll out just anywhere and expect to be competitive with existing broadband services such as cable and DSL. "At least that's how we were looking at it," he said. "You have to find the right areas with the right topography with the right concentration of certain types of customers," he said. "It's never been in my mind that BPL has to compete with the speeds of cable today," Hinz added. "It has to compete with the speeds of cable and the next best thing tomorrow as well, if it's going to be usable well into the future." He hinted that Alliant might want to take another look at BPL once the FCC has put BPL rules and regulations into place, and the technology has further evolved. The ARRL's formal complaint to FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief David H. Solomon called on the Commission not only to close down Alliant's BPL field trial system but to fine the utility $10,000 for violating the Communications Act of 1934 and FCC Part 15 rules. Commenting on the termination of the Cedar Rapids BPL trial, ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, pointed out that Alliant had tried for more than 12 weeks to fix the interference problem to a station 600 feet from its installation. "In the end," Sumner said, "the interference was not eliminated except by shutting down the BPL system. Could the case against BPL deployment be any clearer?" Spencer said he was happy with Alliant's decision, and he was gracious in expressing appreciation to the utility for working with him. "And thanks also to the ARRL and the Cedar Rapids BPL Steering Committee for their knowledge and efforts in making a truly professional evaluation," he added. Still outstanding are some chronic power line noise problems Spencer has experienced. For additional information, visit the "Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) and Amateur Radio" page on the ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/bpl>. To support the League's efforts in this area, visit the ARRL's secure BPL Web site <https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/bpl/>. ==>UPLC COMMENT SHOWS BPL CAMPAIGN STARTING TO PAY OFF, HAYNIE SAYS ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, says a remark the United Power Line Council (UPLC) made recently about Amateur Radio shows that the League's BPL message is getting through. In its reply comments on the FCC's BPL Notice of Proposed Rule Making in ET Docket 04-37, the UPLC's Brett Kilbourne claimed that members of the BPL industry are the real experts on the technology, "not a misinformed set of armchair amateurs that still use vacuum tube transmitters." A subsequent UPLC press release repeated the swipe, drawing a storm of protest from the amateur community. Haynie said this week that he took comfort rather than offense at the intended affront. "I thought that the comment was a good indicator that the work that the League has been doing on multiple fronts is beginning to pay off," Haynie said. The League's FCC filings, technical studies and information on BPL, he said, have made it "very embarrassing" for the BPL industry to keep insisting "that the emperor is wearing clothes," so it's resorted to name calling instead. Haynie said he remains puzzled that the BPL industry appears unwilling to support its claims that "the risk of interference from BPL is extraordinarily low, because it produces only minimal radio frequency energy at a few points in the system," as the UPLC's press release asserts. Any harmful interference that does occur, the UPLC claims, can be "mitigated" using a variety of techniques, "including frequency notching or frequency shifting." "Just saying 'We said it's not going to interfere' is not going to cut it," he said. Haynie challenged the BPL industry to sponsor independent, professional engineering evaluations of the technology's interference risk. "Let's see what they've got." Haynie said that while he found the UPLC's "armchair amateurs" remark amusing, its severe criticism of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Phase 1 BPL report and comments in the proceeding raised his eyebrows a bit. In its press release, the UPLC said "NTIA's recommendations and ARRL's naysaying are misguided" and that the UPLC has "forcefully replied" to interference concerns. "For Mr Kilbourne to come out and say they [NTIA] don't know what they're talking about, he might as well shoot himself in the foot," Haynie said, pointing out that the White House, which is promoting BPL, is putting a lot weight on the NTIA's recommendations. In its comments, the UPLC said the NTIA's approach was "fundamentally at odds with the Part 15 rules" and "unjustified" by BPL's interference potential. In response to the criticism leveled from the amateur community, the UPLC declared its "support for Amateur Radio remains unabated," but expressed concern for "uninformed armchair quarterbacking by a small number of amateurs." The UPLC also said it has "sought to work with ARRL," citing its offer to help resolve "a complaint in Cedar Rapids, Iowa." Alliant Energy prematurely shut down its BPL pilot system in Cedar Rapids June 25. Interference complaints from amateurs were a factor in the utility's decision. ==>ISS CREW PLEASES FIELD DAY CROWD WITH HAM RADIO "FIRST" For the first time, an astronaut and a cosmonaut were on the air simultaneously from both Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) operating positions. Astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, operated during Field Day 2004 as NA1SS, while Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, was on the air as RS0ISS. Between them, they racked up more than five dozen QSOs. "Mike Fincke and Gennady Padalka both participated on June 27 by making voice contacts with stations in the United States (including Alaska), Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil," said ISS Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO. "This was Mike's first time to make general contacts, and he did really well." Fincke was active during five US passes as well as during two over Central and South America. Fincke snagged some 60 contacts on 2 meters--some of them in Spanish--using the Ericsson handheld transceiver in the Zarya Functional Cargo Block or FGB. Padalka picked up four US contacts on 70 cm using the Kenwood D700E in the ISS Zvezda Service Module. The packet system now is back in operation. Fincke called the Field Day operation "a great experience!" and suggested he'll be on the air more frequently as a result. "Both Gennady and I were very happy to have 'met' so many different people in North, Central and South America," he said. "I know I will be using the ham radio more often, now that I could feel the warmth of the community." ARISS mentor Tim Bosma, W6MU (ex-W6ISS) said his Field Day crew worked Fincke on three consecutive passes. "He impressed a lot of scouts and hams here at our Field Day site and made a very positive impression for ARISS and AMSAT," he said on the SAREX reflector. Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, was one of the stations fortunate enough to work Padalka. "What an awesome signal on 70 cm!" he exclaimed. "Forty over S9. Speaking on behalf of the ARISS Team, Scott Stevens, N3ASA, expressed appreciation for the Field Day operation. "Thank you gentlemen for your time and outstanding effort in making the 2004 Field Day an excellent experience." ==>AMSAT-OSCAR ECHO SATELLITE LAUNCHED! A Russian Dnepr LV rocket carrying the AMSAT-OSCAR Echo Amateur Radio satellite and several other payloads launched on schedule June 29 at 0630 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Ground controllers made their first contact with Echo at 1452 UTC and collected some telemetry for analysis before shutting down the 435.150 MHz digital downlink transmitter. "This achievement is due to many individuals around the world, who have helped in the design, building, integration, testing and launching of this satellite," said AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH. "Also the members of AMSATs in many countries who have helped us by funding this 'electronic adventure.' Without your financial support the satellite could not have been completed and would never have been launched. Give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done." Jim White, WD0E, of the AO-Echo project team reports that an initial analysis of Echo's telemetry indicates everything is looking good. "The battery, solar panels and temperatures were all as expected," he said. Housekeeping software now is uploaded and running, and the transmitter was left on at a power level of 1.2 W. Earth stations should not attempt to transmit on the satellite's uplink until checkout and commissioning are complete and AO-Echo has been made available for general use. White says that won't happen for at least one week. AMSAT will release bulletins when the satellite becomes available. A telemetry decoding program, TLMEcho, is available for those who would like to view and report data from Echo. It may be downloaded from the "Echo Satellite User Software and Documentation page." AMSAT-NA requests that anyone recording Echo telemetry to send the CSV files to Mike Kingery, KE4AZN. A telemetry database has been established and will be tested over the next few days. When testing is complete it will be made available to directly upload telemetry files and query all data. AO-Echo's sun-synchronous orbit is some 800 km (nearly 500 miles) above Earth. Among other capabilities, the 10-inch-square microsat--equipped with a transmitter capable of up to 7 W output--will allow voice communication using handheld FM transceivers. Echo will feature V/U, L/S and HF/U operational configurations, with V/S, L/U and HF/S also possible. FM voice and various digital modes--including PSK31 on a 10-meter SSB uplink--also will be available. At last report, the AO-Echo project was still some $12,500 shy of its $110,000 fund-raising goal. AMSAT--a 501(c)(3) organization--welcomes additional donations to bridge the funding gap. Visit the AMSAT AO-Echo Web page for additional details.--AMSAT News Service ==>FCC PROPOSES $10,000 FINE FOR CALIFORNIA EX-HAM A new chapter has begun in the West Coast chronicle of Jack Gerritsen. The FCC now wants to fine Gerritsen $10,000 for violating the Communications Act because he doesn't have an Amateur Radio license yet continues to operate, despite an FCC notice that he no longer has authority to transmit and numerous complaints from Los Angeles-area amateurs. The Bell, California, man--who was very briefly KG6IRO in 2001--contends the FCC acted improperly in setting aside his Technician license. He claims he still holds a valid ham ticket until the Commission affords him a hearing to decide its fate. The FCC says otherwise. "Gerritsen's positing of arguments challenging the set-aside of his Amateur license does not give him any right to operate a radio station without a license issued by the Commission," the FCC said. It issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) June 15. On its own motion, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) set aside its November 7, 2001, license grant to Gerritsen a week after issuing it. Citing §1.113(a) of its rules, the FCC based its action on complaints about the operation of Gerritsen's station. It also said Gerritsen's 2000 conviction for interfering with police communications raised questions about his qualifications to be a Commission licensee. His Amateur Radio license application remains in pending status. FCC Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth, who wrote Gerritsen last November to tell him he no longer had authority to operate a radio transmitter, says the agency has quite often used §1.113 "to correct errors." The rule states: "Within 30 days after public notice has been given of any action taken pursuant to delegated authority, the person, panel, or board taking the action may modify or set it aside on its own motion." Gerritsen cites a different section of the FCC's rules to claim it cannot take away his operating authority without first granting him a hearing. He continues to use KG6IRO, although the call sign appears in the FCC's Universal Licensing System as "terminated." Gerritsen's history of radio-related problems extends back to 1999, when he was arrested and subsequently convicted in state court of interfering with police radio communications. Complaints about Gerritsen to the FCC resumed in 2003 after his release from jail after allegedly violating his parole by owning and operating radio transmitting equipment. Agents from the FCC's Los Angeles Office tracked 2-meter transmissions to Gerritsen's home and observed him holding a small portable radio transceiver. Gerritsen refused a request to inspect his radio equipment, the FCC said. In the NAL, the FCC said it continues to receive complaints of unauthorized operation of KG6IRO. Unconfirmed accounts allege that Gerritsen also may have transmitted on various public safety frequencies, although the NAL does not cite such allegations. Earlier this year, Gerritsen landed back behind bars for a month following a federal trespassing conviction. He received the maximum 30-day penalty plus a $2500 fine and court costs. It's not known if Gerritsen paid the forfeiture. Imposing a fine on Gerritsen is the next step in a case that eventually could lead to criminal prosecution. Amateurs and law officers--some of them also amateur licensees--already have expressed displeasure at the slow pace of progress in the Gerritsen case. Hollingsworth says Gerritsen's pending Amateur Radio application is back in the hands of the WTB, which also will decide the fate of Gerritsen's General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license. The Commission set aside that license last fall, basing its action on what it described as "continuing unlicensed operation and complaints of deliberate interference from transmitters you operate." A Hearing Designation Order for Gerritsen is still said to be slowly working its way through the FCC bureaucracy. ==>ARRL SEEKS TO FUND NEW EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM INITIATIVES The ARRL is seeking donations to equip ARRL Education and Technology Program (ETP) teachers to more effectively instruct students in wireless technology and to furnish them with activity kits that convey basic concepts. Instituted in 2001 as "The Big Project," the ETP now boasts nearly 100 participating schools, thanks to the generous support of ARRL members. In his travels around the US meeting with educators, Program Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME, has learned that Amateur Radio as a catalyst for teaching wireless technology works best in an after-school setting. He's also has discovered that many teachers have been trained to teach science but not wireless technology. In a June appeal, ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, explained that a lot of science teachers "are excited about what students can learn from Amateur Radio, but they are intimidated by this new world of wireless electronics. They want to learn how to teach wireless communications." ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, puts it another way. "For some schools," she said, "it's a giant leap to go from zero to ham radio station." The League has a two-pronged strategy to address the challenge. The first is to debut a pilot ARRL Teachers Institute in August. The week-long seminar will immerse teachers in a curriculum that will have them studying electronics, learning the basics of Amateur Radio and building projects. While generous donations have provided some funding for this initiative, Hobart says the program still needs additional money to make the Teachers Institute a reality. She hopes the ETP can find sufficient funding to keep the institute and the program itself operating through 2005, "so the progress to date doesn't go to waste." The second part of the plan is to provide participating teachers and schools with simple electronic activity kits that will give students hands-on experience as a stepping stone to deeper involvement in Amateur Radio and wireless technology. Each electronic project kit averages $350, and more than 60 of them have gone out to 30 teachers and schools. Up until now, their cost has been subsidized by donations from the Newington Amateur Radio League, the ARRL Foundation and individual donors. The project kits, Hobart says, have captured the imaginations of the students and teachers alike. "Next to defending our spectrum," she declared, "inspiring young people is supremely important to the future of Amateur Radio." Contributions can be made via the ARRL's secure donation Web site <https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/education/index.html>. For more information, contact Mary Hobart, K1MMH, 860-594-0397. ==>TEAM USA SEEKING PARTICIPANTS FOR 2004 ARDF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) Team USA is now forming for the ARDF 12th World Championship <http://www.wch2004ardf.com/>. The competition takes place September 7-12 near Brno in the Czech Republic. Every two years, hams from around the world gather to see who is best at on-foot hidden transmitter hunting. There are separate events on 80 and 2 meters, each with five transmitters scattered in a forest that can encompass 1000 acres or more. "The USA has been represented at every ARDF World Championships since 1988, and 2004 will be no exception," says ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV. He urges anyone interested in competing to act now. More than 200 participants representing two dozen or more countries are expected to turn out for the event. "Each country may send up to three competitors in each of nine age categories--five for males and four for females, in accordance with rules of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)," he said. Team members are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the Czech Republic. More than a dozen US ARDF enthusiasts already have expressed strong interest in attending. The categories for males between 40 and 59 years of age (as of December 31, 2004) already have three or more signups. Team USA selection in these categories will be made based on performances and standings in USA ARDF Championships last year and this year. Moell says openings remain for men under 40 and for all women's categories. "So it may be possible for inexperienced radio-orienteers in these age ranges to join the team," he said. "It is also possible to attend as a non-competing visitor, but all visitors must be listed as such on the national team roster." Moell asks anyone interested in traveling to the 2004 ARDF World Championships as a member of Team USA or a US visitor to contact him via e-mail <homingin@aol.com>. Include your full name and mailing address, home telephone number and date of birth. For more information on Team USA, radio-orienteering in the US and ARDF competitions, visit Moell's Homing In Web site <http://www.homingin.com/>. __________________________________ ==>IN BRIEF: * This weekend on the radio: The Venezuelan Independence Day Contest (SSB/CW), the World Lighthouse Contest, the DL-DX RTTY Contest, the Original QRP Contest and the DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest are the weekend of July 3-4. The Michigan QRP July 4th CW Sprint is July 4-5. The RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW) is July 5. The ARS Spartan Sprint is July 6. JUST AHEAD: The IARU HF World Championship, the UK DX Contest (RTTY), the FISTS Summer Sprint and the ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint are the weekend of July 10-11. The RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (SSB) is July 14. The Mid-Summer Six Club Contest, the VK/Trans-Tasman 160-Meter Contest, the North American QSO Party (RTTY), the CQ Worldwide VHF Contest and the RSGB Low Power Field Day are the weekend of July 16-17. The RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (Data) is July 22. See the ARRL Contest Branch page <http://www.arrl.org/contests/> and the WA7BNM Contest Calendar <http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/> for more info. * ARRL Certification and Continuing Education course registration: Registration for the ARRL RFI (EC-006) and Antenna Design and Construction (EC-009) courses remains open through Sunday, July 4. Classes begin Tuesday, July 13. Antenna Design and Construction students will, among other things, learn about basic dipoles and the ground planes and how to assemble combinations of these into more complex antennas. Students also learn about transmission lines, standing wave ratio, phased arrays and Yagis. Students participating in the RFI course will learn to identify various interference sources. Registration for Technician Licensing (EC-010) remains open through Sunday, July 11. Classes begin Tuesday, July 20. With the assistance of a mentor, students will learn everything they need to learn to pass the FCC Technician license class examination. To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web page <http://www.arrl.org/cce> or contact the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program Department <cce@arrl.org>. [CCE logo] * ARRL Emergency Communications course Level I Seats available! Registration opens Monday, July 5, 12:01 AM EDT (0401 UTC), for the on-line Level I Emergency Communications course (EC-001). Registration remains open through the July 10-11 weekend or until all available seats have been filled--whichever comes first. Class begins Tuesday, July 20. Thanks to our grant from United Technologies Corporation, the $45 registration fee paid upon enrollment will be reimbursed after successful completion of the course. To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education <http://www.arrl.org/cce/> Web page. For more information, contact Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG, <dmiller@arrl.org>; 860-594-0340. * Field Day 2004 log submission "Entries Received" list: The ARRL will post a twice-daily list of Field Day 2004 "Entries Received" <http://www.arrl.org/contests/claimed> via the Web-based "applet" program <http://www.b4h.net/cabforms/> by Bruce Horn, WA7BNM. But the list will not immediately include other electronic or paper Field Day submissions, all of which must be entered manually. "We will post a comprehensive list once all other paper and electronic logs have been entered, but this may take up to six weeks after the July 27 submission deadline," explained ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. "We will not be posting daily updates for manually entered logs." Those posting Field Day entries via the Web "applet" method do not have to submit a separate summary sheet--just the supporting documentation. The Web program creates and sends the required summary sheet to ARRL. All other submissions must include a summary sheet in the official format. Henderson requests those submitting Field Day entries via USPS mail or e-mail (ie, not via the WA7BNM Web site) to refrain from calling or e-mailing ARRL Headquarters to ask if their submissions arrived. "With hundreds of 'non-applet' submissions, we really don't have the resources to rummage through boxes of submissions to find a specific entry," Henderson said. Field Day entries sent to ARRL Headquarters via e-mail <fieldday@arrl.org> will be automatically acknowledged via return e-mail. Paper submissions go to Field Day Entries, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111. Participants mailing their entries may include a stamped, self-addressed reply post card that will be returned to the sender to confirm receipt. * AMSAT-NA debuts Web site makeover: AMSAT-NA introduced its new Web site design <http://www.amsat.org/> June 29 to coincide with the successful AMSAT-OSCAR Echo launch. The site has been available in "beta" form for a few weeks. "I must personally thank Emily Clarke for her excellent work in developing this new Web site," said AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH. "Judging by your comments, it already has your approval." The AMSAT-NA Web site makeover has been in the works for about a year under the management of AMSAT-NA Executive Vice President Rick Hambly, W2GPS. * W1AW, NU1AW among headquarters stations for IARU event: During the IARU World HF Championship July 10-11, ARRL Maxim Memorial Station W1AW and the IARU International Secretariat club station NU1AW will be on the air as "headquarters stations." W1AW/0 will operate from Colorado--mainly from the stations of K0RF and KV0Q. NU1AW will be on the air from Vermont, via the stations of K2LE and W2AX. * Amateur Radio and patriotism highlight Flag Day celebration: New York City Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members displayed their colors and showed the public what a valuable resource they have in Amateur Radio during a Flag Day celebration held June 12-14 on Ellis Island--within view of the Statue of Liberty. An Amateur Radio booth was open daily to inform visitors about the many services Amateur Radio has to offer. New York City ARES District Emergency Coordinator Mike Lisenco, N2YBB, organized the presentation. "Any time we can participate in an event that shows Amateur Radio in a positive light is a good thing," he said. "This is especially true when it shows our involvement in emergency communications and emergency response. It's good for the hobby, and it's good for the public." Lisenco arranged for representatives of all five New York City boroughs--Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx and Manhattan--to be on hand to answer questions about Amateur Radio for the many visitors, including numerous youngsters. The three-day event culminated with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduation ceremony. =========================================================== The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259; <http://www.arrl.org/>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President. The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of interest to active amateurs. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely, accurate, concise, and readable. Visit ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/> for the latest news, updated as it happens. The ARRL Web site <http://www.arrl.org/> offers access to news, informative features and columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a weekly "ham radio newscast" compiled from The ARRL Letter. Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League. ==>Delivery problems (ARRL member direct delivery only!): letter-dlvy@arrl.org ==>Editorial questions or comments: Rick Lindquist, N1RL, n1rl@arrl.org ==>ARRL News on the Web: <http://www.arrl.org/> ==>ARRL Audio News: <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> or call 860-594-0384 ==>How to Get The ARRL Letter The ARRL Letter is available to ARRL members free of charge directly from ARRL HQ. To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery: ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site <http://www.arrl.org/members/>. You'll have an opportunity during registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of The ARRL Letter, W1AW bulletins, and other material. To change these selections--including delivery of The ARRL Letter--registered members should click on the "Member Data Page" link (in the Members Only box). Click on "Modify membership data," check or uncheck the appropriate boxes and/or change your e-mail address if necessary. (Check "Temporarily disable all automatically sent email" to temporarily stop all e-mail deliveries.) Then, click on "Submit modification" to make selections effective. (NOTE: HQ staff members cannot change your e-mail delivery address. You must do this yourself via the Members Only Web Site.) The ARRL Letter also is available to all, free of charge, from these sources: * ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>. (NOTE: The ARRL Letter will be posted each Friday when it is distributed via e-mail.) * The QTH.net listserver, thanks to volunteers from the Boston Amateur Radio Club: Visit Mailing Lists@QTH.Net <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/letter-list>. (NOTE: The ARRL cannot assist subscribers who receive The ARRL Letter via this listserver.)