Eric Nichols, KL7AJ, of North Pole, Alaska, has been named as the winner of the Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing Award for 2014. Nichols was recognized for his article “Using Your Grid Dip Meter Oscillator,” which appeared in the February 2014 issue of QST. The Orr 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. Articles must be written in an easy-to-understand style worthy of the Bill Orr “stamp of approval,” and they should encourage interest and expand the knowledge and understanding of amateurs who may lack a strong technical background.

“Eric’s article was chosen, because it did an outstanding job of explaining how to use a device — the grid dip oscillator — that has been somewhat forgotten by many amateurs,” said Steve Ford, WB8IMY, QST Editor in Chief and ARRL Publications Manager. “Eric did an excellent job of explaining why this device is still useful and how to put it to use.”

Licensed in 1972 as WN6TEE in California, Nichols is a former broadcast engineer who now works at Eielson Air Force Base. He has written many articles for various Amateur Radio publications over the past 30 years and describes himself as “a fanatic homebrewer and CW freak.” Nichols also works as a consultant to the High Power Auroral Stimulation (HIPAS) Observatory, operated by UCLA, and at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility. He is the author of Radio Science for the Radio Amateur (available from ARRL), Plasma Dreams, and The Opus of Amateur Radio Knowledge and Lore.

“It’s certainly an honor to receive the William Orr Technical Writing Award!” Nichols said. “Thanks for your vote of confidence!”

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 a separate 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.