SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC.

==> Hurricane Watch Net Seeks New Members for Net Control Stations - With the 2013 hurricane season approaching, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami and the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) are gearing up for what could be a very active storm season. In preparation for the upcoming season, the HWN is currently seeking new members who can serve as net control stations. The HWN provides on-the-ground, real-time weather data from Amateur Radio operators who volunteer their time to monitor their calibrated home weather stations. The stations report that data to the HWN, who in turn reports it to WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio station at the NHC. The HWN primarily operates on 14.325 MHz, but Graves said that given the current solar activity, the HWN is looking for new members who can help with net control station duties on the low end of the 40 meter phone band.  While HWN membership is required to serve as a net control station, radio amateurs do not need to be an HWN member in order to participate as an HWN reporting station that provides observed or measured weather reports, or relay assistance as required by HWN net control. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Hurricane Watch Net, please visit the Membership Information page on the HWN website at http://www.hwn.org/.

==> Changes to FCC Radiotelegraph Operator Certificates Coming  - Effective May 20, 2013, the FCC will no longer accept applications for First (T1), Second (T2) or Third Class (T3) Radiotelegraph Operator Certificates. In addition, the FCC has consolidated the T1 and T2 Radiotelegraph Operator Certificates into a new license class called the Radiotelegraph Operator License (T). According to the FCC, this change takes effect upon renewal: T1s and T2s that are renewed on or after May 20, 2013 will be renewed as Ts, but existing T1s and T2s will retain their current license class for the duration of the current license term. The Commission also consolidated theT3 with Marine Radio Operator Permits (MP); T3s renewed on or after May 20, 2013 will be renewed as MPs, but existing T3s will retain their current license class for the duration of the current license term.

==> Radio Amateurs Provide Communication Support in Boston Marathon Bombings - As has happened many times in years past, over 200 Amateur Radio operators participated in communications for the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2013. Unlike prior challenging situations such as very warm weather for the runners or other weather-related challenges, this year's marathon will be remembered for the bombings that took place at the finish line. Despite this heinous act, professional first responders, medical volunteers from the American Red Cross that staffed the route, and Amateur Radio operators performed magnificently in the face of adversity. Within minutes, cell phone systems became overloaded and making phone calls and text messages was difficult. Amateur Radio operators performed communication duties under duress and performed admirably. No Amateur Radio volunteers were injured on the course in this terrible act.

==> W1AW 2013 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule - The complete W1AW Operating Schedule for Spring and Summer may be found on the web at
http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule