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Ham Radio Online		Energy Scavenging		Virtual Hamfest CLOSED
Magnetic Loop Design Software		ARRL Letter #20		AA9PW Amateur Radio Exam Practice Page

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What's Old Sol up to today?

WWV Propagation Forecast.		WWDX Propagation Service Center (PSC)

Ham Radio Online

Y'know, darn if I can see exactly why I decided to review HRO again. Not that it's not a fine, informative publication, worthy of regular reading! It's just that I somehow failed to scribble in my little notebook exactly what I was impressed with! Senior moment? Hope not!!! Actually, I think I was cross-checking the article reviewed below, which I believe was first reported on HRO. Unfortunately, I don't see any ref. to it in the HRO archive. At any rate, take the time to scan over HRO today. Things look a bit bleak on the technology front at the moment, but that's not really news is it? But, some of the pieces in today's features (today being August 13 as I write this) are at the least a bit sobering. One interesting feature is the report on falling traffic accidents/injuries as compared to cellular phone usage. This is well worth your attention. I'd suggest that you print the piece and post it where you can refer to it frequently. As you might expect, the figures don't bear out all the hullabaloo concerning cell use and accidents. You might bring the piece to the attention of your local and legislative representatives; might just save your mobiling rights!!! Always a good read. Check out Ham Radio Online.

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Energy Scavenging with Shoe-Mounted Piezoelectrics

Talk about interesting technology applicable to amateur applications! This piece is absolutely amazing in its opening worlds of potential resources for amateur equipment. Although the piece is lengthy, I think you'll start to see how the technology may well fit in with our gear. In fact, the more creative minds may just start to doodle on the notepad as they read. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of this stuff appearing in the amateur publications in the near future. Just imagine, charging that HT's battery pack as you jog. Heck, you might even design something similar whereby your HT is charged by driving down bumpy roads...... I know, that is a bit far-fetched......or is it? Been down some of our local roads lately, HI!

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Virtual Hamfest CLOSED

Well, not much to write about here. Sad to say, the Virtual Hamfest is no more. Yep, the 'fest closed up shop and left the web. Unfortunate, but it seems that author/editor Steve, W7SJK says he's run out of steam. More to the point, he's run out of patience and the desire to hand-hold, not to mention "threats of lawsuits." Steve does leave us with a legacy of some 14 sites that now carry comparable fare. 73 Steve! We're glad you passed by this way.

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Magnetic Loop Design Software

I followed the link listed in the August QST, New Products (p. 76). Sounded interesting, so I jumped on over there. Now, this link is a bit unusual, as it leads to an FTP site rather than to a web page. Just follow the directions on the page to download the software (zipped @ 11 Kb; unzipped, it runs at 44Kb). Not a memory hog, that's for sure! Once you unzip the file and place it in the folder of your choice, all you need to do to run the program (antenna.exe) is double click on its icon. I'd suggest that you click on the Help button first, just to read the brief intro. It'll only take a minute at most to read. If you're in the market for a really super array, you just might want to consider using Glenn's program here. And, Glenn is responsive to emails. I dropped him a note right after I downloaded the program and had a reply next morning. I can't get my kids to reply that fast!!! HI! The only suggestion I made was to add a display of input impedance, which Glenn says he'd gladly do once he gets the algorithm in place. And, best of all, this program is freeware, so go ahead and run it and run it.......

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The ARRL Letter Vol. 20, No. 32 August 10, 2001

August Emergency Communications Level I on-line course registration: August registration for the Level I-Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications on-line course (EC-001) opens Monday, August 13, at 4 PM Eastern Time. Two classes of 50 students will be processed during the week, and the on-line classes will begin the following week. After 4 PM Monday, the registration form can be found on the ARRL Course Registration page, until all seats are filled. The ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Home page and the C-CE FAQ page should answer most typical questions. For more information, e-mail Dan Miller, K3UFG, cce@arrl.org. Registration for Level II--Intermediate Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (EC-002) will open Monday, August 27.

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73 for this time, de K3LBP

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