The 2012 ARRL National Convention at Pacificon

The ARRL National Convention – 2012Celebrate Amateur Radio in the Silicon Valley & Bay Area! Hosted by Pacificon and the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club:

October 12-14, 2012

Santa Clara, California

See Photos from the Convention (updated daily).

Pacificon is the well-established West Coast convention sponsored by members of the Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club.

Official Web site: Pacificon

Location: Santa Clara Marriott

Pacificon (official Web site, advance tickets, and other information)

ARRL National Convention Program (PDF)

ARRL EXPO floorplan (PDF)

See Photos from the Convention (updated daily)

Convention ad (PFD)

Apr 2012 QST: ARRL EXPO 2012 — Save the Dates! (PDF)

09/18/2012 | Find Out What’s In Store at the 2012 ARRL National Convention

09/10/2012 | ARRL Welcomes NASA Astronaut Lee Morin, KF5DDB, to 2012 National Convention

Special Guest Lee M.E. Morin, M.D., Ph.D. (Captain, USN), KF5DDB — NASA Astronaut

ARRL welcomes NASA astronaut, Captain Lee M. Morin, KF5DDB to the 2012 ARRL National Convention at Pacificon. Lee served as a mission specialist on the space shuttle Atlantis crew, STS-110, which launched April 8, 2002. During this 13th shuttle mission to visit the International Space Station, Lee performed 2 spacewalks. It was the first time the station’s robotic arm was used to maneuver spacewalkers around the station. You can meet and greet Lee in the ARRL exhibit area (times and locations will be posted). Lee has also been confirmed as a Pacificon forum presenter and Saturday night banquet speaker. Lee will share his experiences about spaceflight and his interests in Amateur Radio with convention attendees. Lee, KF5DDB is an ARRL member.

Banquet Speakers Announced

ARRL CEO Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

NASA Astronaut Lee Morin, KF5DDB 

ARRL-accredited Volunteer Examiners will offer the Amateur Radio license exams on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 12 noon. All examination levels will be offered: Technician, General and Extra Class. The license exam fee is $15 (convention registration is not required). Candidates are required to bring a photo ID, and will need to include their social security number on the application (including minors). If currently licensed, bring your original and a copy of your current or expired FCC Amateur Radio license. Also, if you have one, bring the original and copy of any CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of Exam). Further information can be found on the Pacificon website or see the following registered exam session listings on the ARRL website:

For additional questions, please contact ARRL VE Team liaison George Tickner, K6NHY, k6nhy@arrl.net.

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, welcomes members and friends to the 2012 ARRL National Convention, hosted by Pacificon. Here is a handy list of ARRL-sponsored activities, exhibits and program representatives. ARRL EXPO is a large exhibit area located in the exhibit hall.

ARRL EXPO floorplan (PDF)

Visit the HUGE ARRL bookstore to purchase popular ARRL publications, join or renew your ARRL membership, and pick up official ARRL merchandise.

FREE Gift when you join ARRL or renew your membership at ARRL EXPO.

FREE ARRL Antenna Book when you join or renew for 3 years. Best Deal!

FREE National Convention 2012 Button!

DXCC Card Checking – Personnel from the ARRL DXCC Branch will be on hand to check applications for all ARRL Award Programs. All cards will be eligible for checking, including old cards, cards for deleted countries and cards for 160-Meters. Applications will be limited to 101 cards (more cards will be checked as time and volunteer Card Checkers are available). Seewww.arrl.org/awards/dxcc for the latest program information and current forms. Use the new Online DXCC tool and save half on your application! Remember to bring with you to the convention a printout of your application, card list, and your cards in the order in which they are entered into the Online DXCC.

ARRL Contests and Awards – On-air competitions and award-hunting are great activities of Amateur Radio. These are effective ways to boost your technical knowledge and improve your radio operating skills—helping make you a better radio amateur. Ask us about the ARRL Award Program and upcoming ARRL Contests. VHF/UHF Century club ( VUCC) and Worked All States (WAS) award applications may also be checked at the convention.

QSL Bureau – ARRL members will be able to drop off their QSL cards to be sent through the ARRL Outgoing QSL Bureau. If you have QSLs that you would like to send through the ARRL Outgoing QSL Bureau (your QSLs going to foreign stations — no US-to-US QSLs, please), you can save the shipping cost to ARRL by bringing them to the convention and ARRL will transport your cards to the Bureau in Newington, Connecticut. In order to take advantage of this exciting benefit, all of the standard QSL Bureau rules must be followed: Cards must be sorted by DXCC country, they must go to countries where a bureau exists and you must be an ARRL member to use the Outgoing QSL Bureau. Cards do not have to be boxed, but should be wrapped with rubber bands.

Logbook of the World – Representatives from Logbook of the World will be giving demonstrations and answering your questions. See www.arrl.org/lotw for the latest program information.

ARRL Laboratory – Does your Handie-Talkie meet FCC Emission Standards? Meet an ARRL Test Engineer who will measure the spurious emission of your handie-talkie, using a state-of-the-art spectrum analyzer. Does your handheld have the potential to interfere with other radio services? Find out here! The ARRL Lab is best known for serving the Amateur Radio community with technical information services, trusted product-review testing, spectrum-protection engineering, and its RFI/EMC program.

Introducing the Digital Edition of QST – In May, all ARRL members were introduced to the new digital edition of QST—ARRL’s popular membership journal. The new online format offers several advantages including enhanced content, convenient access, and a more interactive experience. Drop by this exhibit to see a demonstration!

ARRL Development and ARRL Foundation – Learn how you can help strengthen ARRL’s work on behalf of Amateur Radio by participating in the Diamond Club, earning your way to the prestigious ARRL Maxim Society, contributing to the Spectrum Defense Fund, the Education & Technology Fund, the W1AW Endowment, the Historic Preservation Fund, and joining the Legacy Circle by including ARRL in your estate plans. Information will be available about The ARRL Foundation and its more than 75 annual scholarships and grants for Amateur Radio groups working to promote Amateur Radio and involve young people in Amateur Radio activities.

Emergency Communications & Public Service – Meet with program representatives for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) and the National Traffic System (NTS). Learn about opportunities to volunteer, and explore resources and training. Network with other public service volunteers.

ARRL Education Services –See displays of ARRL Education & Technology Program kits, projects, and other resources available to schools and teachers. Obtain information about the Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) and Amateur Radio licensing instruction.

ARRL Pacific Division – Visit with ARRL Pacific Division leadership, Section Managers and volunteers from East Bay, Nevada, Pacific, Sacramento Valley, San Francisco, San Joaquin Valley, and Santa Clara Valley. Find out how you can support the extensive ARRL Field Organization.

ARRL-Sponsored Insurance Program – ARRL has been providing opportunities for equipment insurance to its members for more than 25 years. A representative from Hays Affinity Group will be available to answer questions about the ARRL-sponsored Equipment Insurance and Club Liability Insurance plans. Enroll online at ARRLinsurance.com

Plan to get on-air using the world’s most recognized call sign. W1AW/6 will be located in a large tent in the outdoor display/swap area, 100 yards from the convention main entrance. Operating frequencies will be 3.870/3.550; 7.270/7.050; 10.110; 14.270/14.050; 21.370/21.050; 28.670/28.050 MHz; 146.49 MHz simplex. All frequencies are +/- QRM. QSL to ARRL W1AW/6, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111 (include a SASE). Special thanks to Steve Wagner, KA6SFT and Lauren Styles, WA6CIE for their help planning the special event station.

Saturday 11:45 PM – Marriott Santa Clara (site of the convention)

All ARRL Members are invited to attend the traditional midnight ceremony of the Royal Order of the Wouff Hong. Gather at the convention registration desk on Saturday at 11:45 PM (no admittance after midnight). The ceremony, steeped in mystery, will begin at midnight–and lasts nearly one hour. Attendees receive a special keepsake. A fun activity for all ages.

The following ARRL-sponsored presentations will be hosted by Pacificon. Please see the www.pacificon.org or the Pacificon program for a complete listing of forums, times and locations.

SATURDAY, October 13

Saturday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Sequoia Room

Law Seminar: Communications Law and 2012 Regulatory Update for Interested Lawyers and the Radio Amateur

Presenters: Bart Lee, K6VK, (xKV6LEE), an ARRL Volunteer Counsel and Government Liaison (San Francisco Section), and Chris Imlay, W3KD, ARRL General Counsel

This legal seminar is designed for both Amateur Radio operators facing zoning and other restrictions or interference issues, and practicing attorneys especially those who serve as ARRL Volunteer Counsel (VC). Members of the general public may also attend. The cost is $99 for attorneys seeking Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Accredited. Register via Bart Lee, K6VK, email kv6lee@gmail.com

[Photo of Bart Lee, photo credit: Paula Carmody, copyright Bart Lee, 2009]

Saturday, 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM – Newport Beach Room

FCC Update

Presenter: Laura Smith, FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Enforcement

At the invitation of ARRL, Laura Smith, FCC Special Counsel for the Spectrum Enforcement Division, will present an update on the latest Amateur Radio and enforcement news from the FCC and field questions.

Saturday, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Newport Beach Room

ARRL Emergency Preparedness Forum – Rethinking Emergency Communications

Moderator Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager

EmComm, public service, disaster communications; so what is it we really do? This forum will present a way of putting the role of the Amateur Radio operator who is interested in serving their community in perspective.

Saturday, 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM – Newport Beach Room

ARRL Wireless Technology Literacy in the Classroom

Moderator: Nathan McCray, K9CPO, ARRL Instruction and Resource Coordinator

The ARRL Education & Technology (ETP) Program supports resources to help integrate wireless technology into school curricula. The program uses a multi-technology approach that includes Amateur Radio, other wireless technologies and robotics. ARRL Instruction and Resource Coordinator Nathan McCray, K9CPO, will share his experiences of integrating wireless technology education into the classroom curriculum. His approach helps inspire students to pursue careers in high-tech industries and beyond. Learn also about the annually-sponsored ARRL Teachers Institute workshops.

Saturday, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Newport Beach Room

ARRL Arduino Programming Workshop

Moderator: Leigh L. Klotz Jr., WA5ZNU, author of ARRL’s upcoming publication The ARRL Arduino Ham Radio Cookbook.

Have you heard about the Arduino microcontroller, but were unsure how to get started using it for ham radio projects? Bring an Arduino, a laptop and maybe a friend to this hands-on workshop, and walk away an hour later able to write and use your own programs in the shack. Limited to 28 one or two-person groups.

Saturday, 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM – Newport Beach Room

ARRL Radiosport: Budget Pileups — Being rare DX without breaking the bank

Moderator Sean Kutzko, KX9X, ARRL Contest Branch Manager

You don’t need to go on a big DXpedition to work some great pileups. ARRL Contest Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X will talk about participating in contests, awards programs and other operating events that will get you on the Other Side of the Pileup without needing to take out a second mortgage.

Saturday, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Newport Beach Room

Getting Started in PIC Microcontroller Programming

Moderator: Mark Spencer, WA8SME, ARRL Education and Technology Program Director and author ofARRL’s PIC Programming for Beginners.

There has been an explosion if the number of articles highlighting the use of microcontrollers in ham radio and other DIY (do it yourself) electronic hobby projects. With your interest peaked, the questions are “what is it all about; why should I be interested; and, how do I get started?” This forum will give you some ideas about how microcontroller devices can enhance your operating experience. A few different approaches will be presented that you might take to get involved in this important and evolving aspect of our hobby from someone who has been there, done that, and continues to learn more and more each day…in a practical way.

SUNDAY, October 14

Sunday, 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM – Newport Beach Room

Impedance Matching 101

Presenter: Ward Silver, N0AX, Lead Editor – The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications

An overview of impedance matching at HF through UHF – what impedance matching is, why it is used, and common techniques for circuits and antennas.

Sunday, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM – Newport Beach Room

Exploring Our World through Remote Sensing and Ham Radio

Moderator: Mark Spencer, WA8SME, ARRL Education and Technology Program Director

Remote sensing, whether carried on high altitude balloons aloft, satellites in space, or afloat on water borne buoys, this is an evolving and fascinating facet of our hobby. Hurricane warnings, Tsunami alerts, predicting global climate change, or day to day weather observations for air traffic operations all have one thing in common; remote sensing from seaborne, air, or space borne buoys…but how does that work? During this forum, the discussion will center on how you can learn more about remote sensing, how you can do your own projects to study our environment, what others are doing, and the pivotal role that ham radio plays in connecting the users to the remote sensing platforms aloft or in the water. This forum will be of particular interest for school teachers and those interested in supporting STEM education in our schools (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Mark Spencer, WA8SME uses his experience in engineering remote sensor systems for US Department of Defense programs to support school STEM education efforts.

Sunday, 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM – Newport Beach Room

ARRL: Radio Clubs & Mentoring

Moderator: Norm Fusaro, W3IZ, Assistant Manager, ARRL Membership & Volunteer Programs Department

With all the new and exciting things going on in Amateur Radio, your local radio club should be the go-to place for mentoring. Learn some of the things that are working for other clubs and be prepared to share your success stories from your radio club.

Sunday, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Sedona Ballroom

ARRL Member Forum & Pacificon Awards, Prizes and Drawings

Moderator: Bob Vallio, W6RGG, ARRL Director–Pacific Division

ARRL is the largest national Amateur Radio association in the world. The organization has over 158,000 members worldwide, publishes the popular monthly journal QST, and coordinates an extensive all-volunteer field organization. Hear from local and national ARRL officials on key areas of membership interest. Find out how ARRL supports dozens of ways to get involved and get on the air. Members and prospective members are all welcome!