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 February.

Packets for the 2013 ARRL Field Day are now available.

The International Telecommunication Union is offering a free download of its International Radio Regulations.

The Universal Postal Union introduced a new International Reply Coupon that is valid July 2013-December 2017.

NASA announced it was accepting proposals to host an ARISS contact with astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

The ARRL solicited suggestions for a new IARU Region 2 HF band plan.

Three new “how to” videos were posted on the ARRL website.

The results of the ARRL spring Section Manager elections were announced.

The American Red Cross announced that it will phase out its Emergency Communications Response Vehicles.

Development Update: The ARRL Development Office will recognize almost 4000 members this year who have reached membership milestones of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years. Members who reach these milestones receive a certificate and a pin. ARRL Individual Giving Manager Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD, reported that the ARRL Diamond Club is at 13 percent of its 2013 goal (176 donors), the Spectrum Defense Fund is at 6 percent of its goal (173 donors) and the Education & Technology Fund is at 8 percent of its goal (23 donors). Click here to make your contribution to the fund of your choice.

The ARRL Foundation received 212 scholarship applications for the more than 80 scholarships it administers. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is reviewing these applications and awards will be announced in May.

ARRL Lab Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, completed testing of a legal limit HF and 6 meter RF amplifier. Afterwards, he used the amplifier as an RF source for testing a 30/300/3000 W power meter.

ARRL Chief Executive Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, received the Bringing It Home Award from the Connecticut Convention and Sports Bureau for booking the 2014 ARRL National Convention at the Connecticut Convention Center.

DXCC Desk: Three current operations -- 5X8C in Uganda (commencing in 2012) and the T6TJ (commencing in 2012) and T6BP (commencing in 2011) operations in Afghanistan --were approved for DXCC credit.

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

The winners of the February QST Cover Plaque award were John White, VA7JW, and Ken Tapping for their article “The Penticton Solar Flux Receiver.”

The March print issue of QST and the March/April issue of QEX and NCJ were released to the printer and the digital edition was released to the digital publisher. The March digital edition of QST was made available to ARRL members. Three new books -- Ham Radio for Arduino and PICAXE, Radio Science for the Radio Amateur and The ARRL Repeater Directory 2013-2014 (both pocket and desktop) -- were also released to the printer.

Official Observer Desk: ARRL Field and Regulatory Correspondent Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, handled complaints concerning hams operating in the Free Band segment between the amateur portion on 10 meters and the Citizens Band portion on 11 meters, repeater jamming, carriers reported on 3.920 MHz and a Citizens Band operator causing interference on 10 meters. He also answered questions concerning operating IRLP control, proper identification when using JT65, amateur transmissions, operating overseas and operating on 3.840 and 14.313 MHz.

Member Contact: ARRL Regulatory Information Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, attended the ARRL Arizona State Convention in Yuma, Arizona; ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B, and ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, attended the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention in Orlando, Florida.