Compiled by S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL News Editor
news@arrl.org

This feature -- including convenient web links to useful information -- is a concise monthly update of some of the things the ARRL is doing on behalf of its members. This installment covers the month of January.

The ARRL Board of Directors held its 2013 Annual Meeting January 18-19, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana, under the chairmanship of President Kay Craigie, N3KN. The minutes are available online.

At its meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors had the pleasure of bestowing the ARRL International Humanitarian Award, the George Hart Distinguished Service Award, and the Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award in the print and audio categories.

At the end of 2012, the number of radio amateurs in the US reached an all-time high of almost 710,000. The number of ARRL members also grew, reaching 160,278 at the end of 2012.

A new database server equipped with solid state drives for Logbook of The World (LoTW) was installed, decreasing processing times.

The ARRL Executive Committee reviewed grant applications for the ARRL’s Education & Technology Program, awarding equipment and resources valued at nearly $7000 to five schools.

The Boy Scouts of America announced a new Amateur Radio Operator rating strip that is to be worn on the right sleeve of the Scout uniform.

The ARRL Awards Branch announced an upswing for 2012 for the number initial award applications and endorsements, and the Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureaus.

Two new publications were released in January: Radios to Go! Getting the Most from Your Handheld Transceiver and 2012 ARRL Periodicals DVD.

ARRL RFI Engineer Mike Gruber, W1MG, completed a page on the ARRL website concerning grow lights and RFI. Gruber also completed work on an upcoming QST article about RFI from Part 15 (LED) and Part 18 (CFL) light bulbs.

The Dayton Hamvention® Awards Committee extended the deadline to nominate radio amateurs for their annual awards.

Development Update: ARRL Individual Giving Manager Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD, reported that the ARRL Diamond Club is at 9 percent of its 2013 goal (105 donors), the Spectrum Defense Fund is at 5 percent of its goal (109 donors) and the Education & Technology Fund is at 6 percent of its goal (19 donors). Click here to make your contribution to the fund of your choice.

Postage rates increased, costing hams more to send QSL cards direct.

DXCC Desk: The 2010-2011 XWPA operation and the current XW4XR operation in Laos were approved for DXCC credit.

A new Quick Stats Poll was posted to the ARRL website.

The winner of the January QST Cover Plaque award was Robert Nickels, W9RAN, for his article “Cheap and Easy SDR.”

The March print issue of QST was released to the printer and the digital edition was released to the digital publisher. The February digital edition of QST was made available to ARRL members.

Official Observer Desk: ARRL Field and Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, handled complaints concerning interference to an Idaho repeater, interference on 75 meters from a broadcast station, unidentified signals on 1.840 MHz, transmitting without identification, a Nevada linked repeater system, interference to a net in Kentucky, problems on a Wisconsin repeater. He also answered questions concerning operating overseas, singing music on repeaters, using AM and FM transmissions and amateurs operating outside their license privileges.

Member Contact: ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, attended the ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention; ARRL Field Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, attended the ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention.