Compiled by S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA
ARRL News Editor
k1sfa@arrl.org

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

More than 1200 radio amateurs respond to a request for comments by the ARRL in response to an FCC Public Notice that stemmed from a Congressional directive to prepare a study to assess Amateur Radio’s role in emergency and disaster communications and the impact of private land use regulations on the amateur community’s ability to provide such communications.

The ARRL cautioned radio amateurs to be aware of new radar systems in the 1240-1300 MHz (23 cm) band.

The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator saw a high level of Amateur Radio license exam sessions and an elevated influx of applications for new licensees.

The ARRL is seeking comments on a draft band plan for 33 cm (902-928 MHz).

Various IARU Member-Societies -- including the ARRL -- were on-the-air for World Amateur Radio Day.

In addition to the regular exhibits in the ARRL EXPO at the Dayton Hamvention, there will be an expanded DX/Radiosport section.

The ARRL’s Programs and Services Committee adopted new rules for ARRL field card checkers.

Field Day: The ARRL Public Relations Committee hosted a Field Day webinar. Register your Field Day site on the ARRL Field Day Locator.

The integration of CQ’s WPX Award into the ARRL’s Logbook of The World entered beta testing.

The 31st Annual ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference will be held September 21-23 in Atlanta.

The ARRL Maxim Society welcomed its 103rd member.

The deadline to sign up for the 2012 Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology is fast approaching.

The ARRL announced that US schools, museums, science centers and community youth organizations have until July 1 to host an ARISS contact.

The ARRL Rookie Roundup introduced new categories.

The ARRL’s Administration and Finance Committee met in Newington.

An FAQ was introduced for the upcoming digital edition of QST.

The ARRL released three new titles: Hints & Kinks for the Radio Amateur (18th edition), Short Antennas for 160 Meter Radio and Software Library for Hams CD-ROM (version 4.0).

The minutes from the March 2012 meeting of the ARRL Executive Committee are available.

For the 11th year, the ARRL has been approved to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign.

A new QuickStats poll was made available on the ARRL website.

The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for April is retired USCG Commander Richard Paton for his article “Radio’s Role in the Titanic Disaster.”

W1AW earned the 5 Band DXCC Award.

The June issue of QST and the May June issues of NCJ and QEX were released to the printer. The final version of the May digital edition of QST was approved. The Contest University Proceedings was also released to the printer.

Official Observer Desk: ARRL Field and Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, handled complaints regarding possible infractions on 60 meters, interference to nets, businesses using the amateur bands, interference from a local police station to an amateur station, foreign stations causing interference on 14.295 MHz and CODAR signals received on 20 meters. He also answered questions concerning APRS messaging, repeater call signs, antenna restrictions, foreign amateurs operating in the US, setting up a beacon on 10 meters, control operator responsibilities and operating overseas.

Member Contact: ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ; ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B; ARRL Chief Technical Officer Brennan Price, N4QX, and ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, attended the USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, DC. ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, attended the ARRL Idaho State Convention.