Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been named the winner of The Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Award for the 2013. The ARRL Foundation selected Luetzelschwab at its January 21 meeting for his article “The Sun and the Ionosphere,” which appeared in the March 2013 issue of QST. Luetzelschwab won the March QST Cover Plaque Award last year for the same article. Luetzelschwab, who frequently writes on solar and propagation phenomena and trends, is the “Propagation” columnist for NCJ — National Contest Journal.

“I am honored to receive the William Orr Award from the ARRL,” Luetzelschwab said. “Orr's Radio Handbook (23rd ed) is one of my favorite references in my library because of its practical information.”

K9LA received his Novice license (WN9AVT) in 1961, upgrading to General (WA9AVT) the following spring. He obtained K9LA in the mid 1970s, when the FCC allowed Extras to select 1 × 2 call signs. His Amateur Radio interests include propagation, DXing, contesting (he is a past NCJ editor — 2002-2007), antennas and vintage equipment and has contributed many articles to Amateur Radio publications. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Purdue University. He recently retired after 41 years as an RF design engineer.

The Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Award is bestowed each year to the QST author who writes an outstanding QST article or series on new or existing technologies or on methods or means of amateur communication. Article must be written in an easily understood style, worthy of the Bill Orr "stamp of approval" and encourage interest and expand the knowledge and understanding of amateurs who may lack a strong technical background.

The QST editorial staff serves as the selection panel and recommends the winner from a review of the year's QST articles to the ARRL Foundation Board for final approval at its Annual Meeting. The award comprises an engraved plaque and $250, to be presented at an ARRL convention.

Established in 1973 by the ARRL, the ARRL Foundation is an independent IRS 501(c)(3) organization that administers programs to support the Amateur Radio community. The Foundation is funded entirely through the generosity of radio amateurs and friends. ARRL Foundation programs for Amateur Radio award scholarships for higher education, grants for Amateur Radio projects, and special Amateur Radio program grants for The Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program and The Jesse A. Bieberman Meritorious Membership Program.