-
The Weekly ARRL Letter
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 10, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
January 9, 2020
* ARRL's New On the Air Magazine on its Way to Members
* Volunteer Monitor Program Coordinator Looks Forward to a Positive
2020
* ARRL CEO Challenges Members: "Dare to Imagine"
* So Now What? Podcast
* Strong Earthquake Shakes Puerto Rico; Generating Capacity Severely
Compromised
* Australian Bushfires Causing Major Telecommunication Outages, Hams
on Duty
* Radio Amateurs of Canada Announces a New Section
* China Telecoms Regulator Proposing to Delete Some Current Amateur
Allocations
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Ready for Launch to Space
Station
* CAMSAT Says CAS-6 Activation for Amateur Use Has Been Delayed
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL's New On the Air Magazine on its Way to Members
The premiere issue of ARRL's On the Air magazine has left the printer
and is on its way to member subscribers. The magazine should be in
mailboxes within the next 10 days.
On the Air is the newest ARRL member benefit to help new licensees and
beginner-to-intermediate radio communicators navigate the world of
amateur radio. Eligible US-based members can elect to receive On the
Air or QST magazine in print when they join or when they renew their
ARRL membership.
Delivered six times a year, the magazine will present articles and tips
on selecting equipment, building projects, and getting involved in
emergency communication. On the Air will also spotlight the experiences
of those involved in public service communication and casual operating.
All members will be able to access digital editions of On the Air
magazine. The first digital issue of On the Air will be available
beginning January 14, supported by a new version of ARRL's digital
magazine app. With one app, members will be able to access On the Air
and QST.
Volunteer Monitor Program Coordinator Looks Forward to a Positive 2020
In a holiday season message to ARRL leadership and to members of the
new ARRL Volunteer Monitor (VM) program, its coordinator, Riley
Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, expressed his gratitude to all involved for their
contributions to getting the program off to a solid start in January.
"It will be a good year," Hollingsworth said. "We will have fun, you
will enjoy it more than you probably think, and -- thanks to the talent
and generosity of one of our VMs -- a computer program will make your
reporting much easier (there will be no need for bi-monthly reports!),"
he wrote. "This is our opportunity to help amateur radio last another
hundred years and to pay forward this wonderful avocation that joyfully
occupies our lives. This could be our legacy if we do it with all the
energy and devotion that characterized the Official Observer (OO)
program for decades."
Hollingsworth said the success of the OO program convinced the FCC to
trust ARRL with the responsibilities now to be taken up by the
Volunteer Monitor program. "Those of you who are former OOs have an
extra reason to be proud, and amateur radio is grateful to you more
than you will ever know," Hollingsworth concluded. "Thank you. It will
be a privilege to work with you this new year."
Approved by the ARRL Board of Directors in 2018, the Volunteer Monitor
program supplants the venerable OO program. The VM program represents a
formal agreement between the FCC and ARRL in which volunteers trained
and vetted by ARRL will monitor the airwaves and collect evidence that
can be used to correct misconduct. The program also will recognize
exemplary on-air operation, something not done during the OO program.
Cases of flagrant violations will be referred to the FCC by ARRL for
action in accordance with FCC guidelines.
The FCC proposed the new program in the wake of several FCC regional
office closures and a reduction in field staff. It will give
enforcement priority to cases developed by the Volunteer Monitor
program without ARRL's having to refer cases through the FCC online
complaint process.
ARRL CEO Challenges Members: "Dare to Imagine"
In his January 2020 QST "Second Century" editorial, ARRL CEO Howard
Michel, WB2ITX, challenges members to imagine what ARRL and amateur
radio will look like in 5 years and beyond and to dare to imagine
change.
"Younger hams are not just younger versions of you or me," Michel
writes. "They have grown up in a different world." He points out that
75% of non-members hold Technician licenses. "But more than license
class, their interests are different. Their demographics are different.
They are different, and they want different things," he said. His
approach is to target specific interest groups, which he calls
"verticals," that will allow ARRL to provide individual members what
they want.
"We can try to mold the future generation of hams to our image, or we
can embrace new hams for what they are," Michel asserted. "ARRL needs
to do the latter."
In addition to initiatives such as the new On the Air magazine,
debuting this month in print and digital editions, and the Lifelong
Learning program to engage new licensees, Michel is proposing verticals
focusing on radiosport, experimentation, and emergency communication.
He's recommending a new family of "mini-magazines" to reach niche
membership interests. "To jump start the mini-mag revolution," he said,
"We will offer NCJ and QEX in digital form to everyone." ARRL also
plans to hire a national club coordinator this year.
"Our focus will be on developing ways, and an infrastructure, that
members can use to organize themselves in ways they want, to do things
that they consider meaningful," Michel said.
He has invited members' comments.
So Now What? Podcast
In the final episode of So Now What? hosts Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and
Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, will speak with ARRL VEC Assistant Manager Amanda
Grimaldi, N1NHL.
An archive of So Now What? episodes will remain on Blubrry and will be
accessible via the podcast's web page. Users can still direct questions
regarding the podcast via email.
Thank you to LDG Electronics for sponsoring the show and thanks to
everyone for listening!
Strong Earthquake Shakes Puerto Rico; Generating Capacity Severely
Compromised
ARRL Puerto Rico Section Manager Oscar Resto, KP4RF, says small tremors
continue on the island in the wake of the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that
struck the southwestern part of the island on January 7. A magnitude
5.8 quake struck a day earlier. The Puerto Rico Electric Power
Authority (PREPA) reported widespread power outages after generating
plants automatically activated protective shutdown systems following
the earthquake. But Resto told ARRL this week that considerable
generating capacity was lost due to earthquake damage, and that it will
take at least several days before replacement units can be brought back
on line. Only about 20% of the island has electric power at this point,
he estimated.
"We have a shortage of about 1,100 megawatts of power," Resto told
ARRL. "We normally need about 2,000 megawatts for the island."
Resto cited the largely operational telecommunications network as the
reason why no Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) activations have
been necessary. "We have cell phones all over the island working," he
said. Resto told ARRL that he's been working up a list of ready and
resilient amateur radio volunteers who would be able to muster if
needed to assist the American Red Cross, with which Puerto Rico ARES
has a memorandum of understanding. "We are in continuous communication
with the ARC in case we're needed."
Resto stressed that he wants to avoid situations where volunteers
activate only to be told they're not needed.
The worst-impacted cities were Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Yauco, and
Guánica. Resto said engineers have determined that 80% of the houses in
the earthquake's impact zone are uninhabitable. Residents are sleeping
outdoors, Resto said.
Puerto Rico Section Public Information Officer Angel Santana, WP3GW,
told ARRL that VHF and UHF repeaters with emergency power have carried
reports of power and water outages, the continuing aftershocks, and
other information on an informal basis. Bottled water and canned food
have been in high demand, he said. Santana said the PREMA Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) has been activated.
Resto earlier this week called the situation "scary, with houses,
schools, and roads collapsing." At least one death has resulted from
the earthquake. He said the earthquake disaster definitely was a
setback for the US territory as it continues its long recovery from
severe hurricane damage in 2017. But, he added, the restored
telecommunications infrastructure is more robust, to minimize damage in
future disasters.
Australian Bushfires Causing Major Telecommunication Outages, Hams on
Duty
Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) President Greg Kelly, VK2GPK,
says the bushfires in Australia have caused significant disruption of
telecommunication services in the states of Victoria and New South
Wales. Radio amateurs are supporting relief operations and
communication.
WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network) in New South Wales
reports it has been active assisting in a number of multi-agency
activities during the bushfire emergency, in its role as a support
squad of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) operations center
in Bega. WICEN teams in NSW and in the Australian Capital Territory
(ACT) have sent a team to Bega to help re-establish radio communication
services, disrupted by fire activity.
WICEN and other VRA squads continue to support the Rural Fire Service
(RFS) at various Fire Control Centers and the Bushfire Information
Line. Other WICEN members remain active with the RFS and the State
Emergency Service.
Kelley has asked radio amateurs in International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU) Region 3 to monitor the emergency communications frequencies,
per the IARU Region 3 band plan, whenever possible, as well as
repeaters. "Amateurs seeking to establish emergency communication
should use these EMCOMM frequencies in the first instance, or repeaters
if available," he said in a statement posted on the IARU Region 3
website.
"Radio amateurs who are volunteers for [WICEN and other emergency
communication organizations] should keep themselves updated," Kelley
advised. "Emergency communication is one of the main reasons radio
amateurs have access to RF spectrum. Please assist if and when you
can."
The IARU Region 3 emergency "center of activity" frequencies are 3.600,
7.110, 14.300, 18.160, and 21.360 MHz. These are not net frequencies,
but they are recommended as starting points for emergency traffic, and
activity may extend 5 kHz above or below the designated center
frequency.
South of NSW in the state of Victoria, WICEN VIC reports that the
amateur repeater network is largely off the air, possibly due to a lack
of power. "Some sites may have been directly affected by fire," WICEN
VIC said on January 4. "It could be some weeks until the sites can be
reached for inspection."
Radio Amateurs of Canada Announces a New Section
The number of Sections needed for a clean sweep in the ARRL November
Sweepstakes (SS) will rise to 84 in 2020, with the addition of a new
Prince Edward Island (PE) Section. Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) has
announced that the new Section will become effective on April 1.
Prince Edward Island has been in the Maritimes (MAR) Section. RAC said
its Prince Edward Island members have been working for some time to
create a separate Section for RAC ARES activities there. The provinces
of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick will remain in the Maritimes Section.
In addition to Field Day and Sweepstakes, the new Section in Canada
will affect the ARRL 160-Meter Contest but not the ARRL 10-Meter
Contest, which uses individual states/provinces for US and Canadian
multipliers. The change will mean that logging software developers will
have to update their software to include the PE Section as a valid
exchange element for any affected operating events.
RAC also announced an adjustment in two of its Ontario Sections.
Effective April 1, radio amateurs in the City of Hamilton and in the
Regional Municipality of Niagara will shift to the Greater Toronto Area
(GTA) Section from the Ontario South (ONS) Section.
China Telecoms Regulator Proposing to Delete Some Current Amateur
Allocations
China's telecommunications regulator has proposed amending the Measures
for the ministration of Amateur Radio Stations, and some amateur
bands are in danger of being eliminated. Lide Zhang, BI8CKU, told ARRL
that the proposal would prohibit amateur operation on the 2200-meter
band as well as on 146 - 148 MHz, 1260 - 1300 MHz, 3400 - 3500 MHz,
5650 - 5725 MHz, and all bands above 10 GHz.
Radio communications engineer and Chinese Amateur Satellite Group
(CAMSAT) CEO Alan Kung, BA1DU, told ARRL that government efforts to
eliminate some amateur bands are nothing new, but proposals that have
been aired for a while now are on the regulatory agency's schedule.
Kung said he does not anticipate that all of the bands proposed will be
taken away, but he conceded that the climate will "undoubtedly" become
increasingly more dangerous for China's amateur radio community.
"The attempt to crowd out the amateur radio bands has a long history
throughout the world," he said, "but it may never have become so urgent
for the amateur radio community as it is today. We all understand that
radio spectrum resources have become a bottleneck for further
development." He said today's radio communication industry "is working
hard to share spectrum resources."
Kung characterized spectrum as "the soil on which amateur radio
depends."
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots appeared recently, all
indicating that they belong to Cycle 25 due to their polarity, which is
just the opposite from Cycle 24 spots. Sunspots appeared December 24 -
26, and what appeared to be a new Cycle 25 spot showed up on January 1.
NOAA did not report it, but Spaceweather.com reported a sunspot number
of 11 for January 1.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is higher than in recent
forecasts: 72 on January 2-9; 70 on January 10-11; 72 on January 12-25;
70 on January 26 - February 7, and 72 on February 8-15.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on January 2-13; 12 on January 14-15;
5 on January 16-25; 8 on January 2-28; 5 on January 29 - February 9; 10
on February 10-11, and 5 on February 12-15.
Sunspot numbers for December 19-25 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 24, and 23, with
a mean of 6.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.9, 70, 70.6, 71, 72.6,
72.7, and 72.1, with a mean of 71.3. Estimated planetary A indices were
13, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, and 4, with a mean of 5.4. The middle latitude A
index was 12, 4, 4, 2, 2, 2, and 3, with a mean of 4.1.
Sunspot numbers for December 26 - January 1 were 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and
11, with a mean of 3.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 72.1, 72.4, 72.2,
72, 70.9, 70.5, and 71.8, with a mean of 71.7. Estimated planetary A
indices were 5, 3, 2, 2, 3, 4, and 3, with a mean of 3.1. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 2, 0, 0, 2, 4, and 3, with a mean of 2.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 11 -- YB DX Contest (Phone)
* January 11 -- Old New Year Contest (CW, phone)
* January 11 - 12 -- UBA PSK63 Prefix Contest
* January 11 - 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* January 11 - 12 -- North American QSO Party, CW
* January 12 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB, CW (separate events)
* January 12 -- DARC 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* January 12 -- RSGB AFS Contest, Data
* January 12 - 15 -- Classic Exchange (CW)
* January 13 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* January 16 -- NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Ready for Launch to Space Station
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) reports that
its first Interoperable Radio System (IORS) flight unit -- serial
number 1001 -- has been delivered to NASA's Johnson Space Center for
launch in early March. The IORS represents the first major upgrade in
ARISS equipment on the International Space Station since Amateur Radio
gained a permanent presence onboard the ISS in 2000. In December, ARISS
received approval from NASA Safety to launch the IORS on SpaceX CRS-20
and stow the radio system on the ISS for future installation.
"The IORS is a foundational element of the ARISS next-generation radio
system and is an incredible engineering achievement by the ARISS
hardware team," ARISS International President Frank Bauer, KA3HDO,
said. "This first element delivery will support easier radio mode
transitions and enable new, exciting capabilities for hams, students,
and the general public."
The new system includes a higher-power radio, an enhanced voice
repeater, and updated digital packet radio (APRS) and slow-scan
television (SSTV) capabilities for both the US and Russian space
station segments. The IORS consists of a custom-modified JVC Kenwood
TM-D710GA transceiver, an AMSAT-developed multi-voltage power supply,
and interconnecting cables.
The IORS set to launch in March will be installed in the ISS Columbus
module; a second flight unit is expected to be launched later this year
for installation in the Russian Service module. The ARISS hardware team
will assemble four flight units -- and 10 IORS units in all -- to
support onboard flight operations, training, operations planning, and
hardware testing.
ARISS International President Frank
Bauer, KA3HDO.
"Future upgrades and enhancements to the next-generation system are in
various stages of design and development," Bauer said. "These include a
repaired Ham Video system -- currently planned for launch in
mid-to-late 2020, L-band (uplink) repeater, ground command operations
capability, LimeSDR signal reception, a microwave 'Ham Communicator,'
and Lunar Gateway prototype experiment."
Bauer said a lot of "heavy lifting" remains to prepare the IORS for
operation on the space station. "ARISS has 92 engineering requirements
and our operations Phase III safety review to complete," he explained.
"The space agencies take a position of 'trust, but verify.' Thus, these
engineering and safety 'verifications' all need to be closed out before
the IORS can be unstowed and turned on. This will be the ARISS hardware
team's focus over the next few months."
Bauer reminded that ARISS is almost entirely run by volunteers and
encouraged donations for next-generation hardware developments,
operations, education, and administrative functions.
CAMSAT Says CAS-6 Activation for Amateur Use Has Been Delayed
Chinese Amateur Satellite Group (CAMSAT) CEO Alan Kung, BA1DU, told
ARRL this week that some problems with the precise attitude
determination of the newly launched CAS-6 amateur radio satellite have
delayed deployment of the antennas. The satellite was to have been put
into service within 3 days.
"If the V/UHF antennas are deployed now, additional torque may affect
determination of the satellite attitude," Kung said. "Engineers need to
modify and upload the software, which will take some time." He said
that taking into consideration the upcoming long Chinese New Year
holiday, the test work is planned to be completed sometime in late
February or early March. At that time, VHF/UHF antennas will be
deployed, and the amateur radio payload will be available for use.
Kung points out that the satellite's CW beacon has been turned on,
although the antenna has not yet been deployed. "If you have a 'big
ear,' you may be able to receive weak signal leaked from an undeployed
antenna on 145.910 MHz," he said. "A polyimide cover on the antenna
chassis can help to leak some RF signal."
CAMSAT has provided CAS-6 Satellite Digital Telemetry Description and
CW Telemetry Beacon Encoding Format documents. -- Thanks to Alan Kung,
BA1DU
In Brief...
ARRL San Joaquin Valley Section Manager Dan Pruitt, AE6SX, of Fresno,
California, died on December 27. He was 68 and had been hospitalized as
a result of a fall. First licensed in 1965, Pruitt had served as SJV SM
since 2009 and had begun a new 2-year term last year. Assistant SM John
Litz, NZ6Q, has been appointed to succeed him. Pruitt had previously
served as Fresno County Emergency Coordinator, and his focus has been
on improving emergency communication in his region, working with the
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the National Traffic
System, the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), the American Red
Cross, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the System for
ministration, Training, and Educational Resources for NASA. He had
also served as SJV Public Information Officer. Litz, an ARRL Life
Member from Stockton, California, was first licensed in 1974. He is
active in many facets of Amateur Radio, and has served as an Assistant
Section Manager in San Joaquin Valley for the past year.
Tickets for three traditional dinners held in association with the 2020
Dayton Hamvention^(R) in May are now available. The DX Dinner, the Top
Band Dinner, and the Contest Dinner. Inductees to the CQ DX and CQ
Contest Halls of Fame will be announced at the DX Dinner and Contest
Dinner, respectively. Hall of Fame nominations are due by March 1. Read
more.
ARRL West Central Florida Section Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this
Year The ARRL West Central Florida Section is marking its 20th
anniversary this year. The Section newsletter, the WCF Presser,
includes information on celebratory activities. A K4WCF special event
in January will activate all 10 of the Section's counties, with
additional K4WCF special events later in the year. The West Central
Florida Section website also has a new look for the 20th anniversary
celebration, its first since January 2015. West Central Florida was
ARRL's 71st Section. It includes Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands,
Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.
Darrell Davis, KT4WX, is the West Central Florida Section Manager.
Wolf Hadel, DK2OM, stepped down at year's end as coordinator of the
International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS).
IARU Region 1 President Don Beattie, G3BJ, announced in December that,
after many years of monitoring and tracking intruders on the amateur
bands, Hadel has been awarded the IARU President's Diamond Award in
recognition of his efforts. Hadel worked for the Deutscher Amateur
Radio Club (DARC) monitoring system for more than 30 years and has
coordinated IARUMS since 2005. IARUMS Region 1 Vice Coordinator Peter
Jost, HB9CET, will take over as coordinator for the time being. Read
more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
Texas
* January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
* January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois
* February 1 -- South Carolina State Convention, North Charleston,
South Carolina
* February 1 -- Virginia State Convention, Richmond, VA
* February 7 - 9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Orlando,
Florida
* February 14 - 15 -- Southwest Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 17, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
January 16, 2020
* ARRL On the Air Podcast Premieres January 16
* Leadership Elections to Highlight January 17 - 18 ARRL Annual Board
Meeting
* US Air Force Space Fence Nearing Operational Acceptance
* Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief Effort Continues, with Help from Ham
Radio
* 2019 ARRL Periodicals Available on DVD and via Download
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* YOTA Month Reported a Success in the Americas
* Nominations Solicited for Six ARRL Awards
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL On the Air Podcast Premieres January 16
ARRL's new On the Air podcast for those just getting started on their
amateur radio journey will debut this Thursday, January 16, with a new
episode posted each month. The podcast is a companion to the new
bimonthly On the Air magazine, which is already on its way to member
subscribers. On the Air magazine's Editorial Director Becky Schoenfeld,
W1BXY, will be the host of the new podcast. Both the podcast and the
magazine are aimed at offering new and beginner-to-intermediate-level
radio amateurs a fresh approach to exploring radio communication.
Listeners can find the On the Air podcast at Blubrry, Apple iTunes (or
by using your iPhone or iPad podcast app -- search for On the Air), and
Stitcher (or through the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android
devices). Episodes will be archived on the ARRL website.
Each On the Air podcast will take a deeper dive into the articles and
issues raised in the magazine, including advice and insight on topics
covering the range of amateur radio interests and activities: radio
technology, operating, equipment, project building, and emergency
communication.
Supplementing On the Air will be a new Facebook page for those who
share a love of radio communication and are looking to learn and
explore more about their interests.
The biweekly Eclectic Tech podcast for experienced radio amateurs will
launch on February 13. Hosted by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY,
Eclectic Tech will highlight topics involving amateur and non-amateur
technology, offer brief interviews with individuals involved in
projects of interest to amateurs, and include practical information of
immediate benefit to today's hams. Eclectic Tech will be available via
iTunes and Stitcher.
The ARRL Mags apps including QST and On the Air are now live on Apple
iTunes and Google Play. The digital edition of On the Air magazine is
also live and linked from the On the Air page on the ARRL website.
Leadership Elections to Highlight January 17 - 18 ARRL Annual Board
Meeting
Southeastern
Division
Director
Mickey
Baker, N4MB.
[Michelle
Patnode,
W3MVP,
photo]
The ARRL Board of Directors will elect officers when it meets for its
2020 annual meeting on January 17 - 18 in Windsor, Connecticut. The
Board will hear nominations and then vote, as necessary, for ARRL
president, first and second vice presidents, international affairs vice
president, secretary, treasurer, chief executive officer, and chief
financial officer. The Board will also choose members to serve on the
Executive Committee and on the ARRL Foundation. Successful candidates
will take office after the Board meeting adjourns.
Some new faces will be around the table. The ARRL Southeastern Division
has entirely new leadership.
Southeastern
Division Vice
Director James
Schilling,
KG4JSZ. [Michelle
Patnode, W3MVP,
photo]
In last year's elections, Mickey Baker, N4MB, defeated Greg Sarratt,
W4OZK, to become the new Southeastern Division Director, while James
Schilling, KG4JSZ, won a three-way race for Vice Director.
In the Southwest Division, new Vice Director Mark Weiss, K6FG, was the
sole candidate to succeed Ned Stearns, AA7A, who decided not to stand
for another term.
The Board will hear officers' reports and receive financial reports.
Members will also hear reports from ARRL's Washington Counsel, David
Siddall, K3ZJ, and from its Connecticut Counsel.
Southwestern
Division Vice
Director Mark
Weiss, K6FG.
[Michelle
Patnode, W3MVP,
photo]
The Board will also receive and consider reports and recommendations
from committees and coordinators.
ditionally, the Board will consider recommendations of the Standing
Committees, including the Executive Committee, the ministration and
Finance Committee, and the Programs and Services Committee and consider
additional recommendations as contained in reports.
The meeting will hear any motions that the 15 individual Directors may
offer for Board consideration.
US Air Force Space Fence Nearing Operational Acceptance
According to NASA's most recent Orbital Debris Quarterly News, the
space agency calculates about 17.6 million pounds of objects are in
earth orbit, a number that will grow as launches proliferate --
including thousands of small satellites -- presenting a huge problem.
The US Air Force Space Fence -- a second-generation space surveillance
system now nearing completion -- is expected to play a crucial role.
Space Fence is located on Kwajalein
Atoll in the Marshall Islands. [US
Army photo]
Using advanced solid-state S-band radar technology, Space Fence is
located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Such critical
space-based technologies as weather forecasting, banking, global
communications, and GPS navigation are under threat from space junk
orbiting Earth. Collisions already are frequent, and defunct satellites
and rocket boosters have increased the amount of space debris.
The Air Force Space Surveillance Network tracks about 25,000 objects.
When Space Fence comes online, the catalog will expand considerably,
and when fully operational, it will be the world's largest and most
advanced radar system, offering unprecedented space situational
awareness. Beyond cataloging objects, Space Fence will detect closely
spaced objects, breakups, maneuvers, launches, and more.
Contractor Lockheed Martin reported last spring that Space Fence was
able to detect debris from a microsatellite destroyed by India as part
of an anti-satellite test. It then was able to determine the orbit of
the remnants and predict when the space junk would pass through the
fence again.
Space Fence is expected to become fully operational this year. --
Thanks to AMSAT News Service via Milsat Magazine; Lockheed Martin
Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief Effort Continues, with Help from Ham
Radio
In Puerto Rico, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers
continue to operate from the American Red Cross distribution center in
Yauco -- one of the towns hit the hardest by the recent earthquakes and
ongoing aftershocks on the island. The Red Cross requested assistance
last week to identify undeclared refugee camps and to report on closed
or damaged roadways and bridges. ARES District 5
Volunteers Eduardo Hernandez, WP4RAF
(left), and Herb Perez, WP4ZZ.
[Photo courtesy of Oscar Resto,
KP4RF]
Emergency Coordinator Herb Perez, WP4ZZ, who is among those
volunteering for the Red Cross at Yauco, reported on January 14 that
he, Melvin Velazquez, WP4RAP, and Yolanda Garcia, WP4QZF, were on duty
there.
"Today, we were able to occupy our space with no major incident other
than the usual shaking of the entire structure. More than 10 per hour,"
Perez said. "One of our members, Jared Martinez, KP4LCO, was able to
search near his hometown of Lajas and was able to locate more than 10
unidentified campsites around the area." Perez said such reports enable
the Red Cross to provide necessary assistance to those left homeless as
a result of the earthquakes.
Perez said volunteers were able to collect food from a church-run food
pantry in Sabana Grande for isolated communities in the mountain
region. He said local members of the General Mobile Radio Service
(GMRS) and Citizens Band radio communities have been pitching in.
Operations from Yauco have been on VHF and UHF, although commercial
telecommunication services remain in operation for the most part.
Another station has been established at the Red Cross Headquarters in
the capital of San Juan, which is not in the earthquake zone. Puerto
Rico Section Manager Oscar Resto, KP4RF, said the stations are
operating as a backbone, in the event of new or stronger earthquakes.
HF equipment has been safely stowed if communications fail, Resto said.
Most of Puerto Rico now has power and water.
Puerto Rico Section Manager Oscar
Resto, KP4RF, installs an antenna at
Red Cross Headquarters in San Juan.
ARRL is shipping six VHF/UHF base/repeater antennas and six 50-foot
rolls of LMR-400 coax through the Ham Aid Fund. Resto said a new Red
Cross warehouse will be placed in Mayagüez, where he will install a
third station for backbone communication. "That is the reason for the
new antennas," he said. "We already have the radios. In case we need to
escalate to HF, we are ready with ARRL go-kits from Hurricane Maria."
A lot of seismic activity was reported on January 15. "Many more or
less 3.1 quakes were felt during the day," Perez said. That included a
magnitude 5.1 temblor that shook the facilities.
The ARES team in Yauco has also been handling health-and-welfare
traffic from the earthquake zone. Operations are running from 9 AM
until 5 PM each day.
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the southwestern part of Puerto Rico
on January 7, fast on the heels of a magnitude 5.8 tremor the day
before. The worst-impacted cities were Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Yauco, and
Guánica, where most homes are no longer habitable.
2019 ARRL Periodicals Available on DVD and via Download
The 2019 ARRL Periodicals DVD is now available and includes the
complete, fully searchable collection of three ARRL publications --
QST, the official membership journal of ARRL, QEX Forum for
Communications Experimenters, and National Contest Journal (NCJ). In
addition, the DVD includes source code for software projects and PC
board patterns; Section News, and the ever-popular Contest Soapbox and
Contest Results.
Search the full text of every article by entering titles, call signs,
or names. See every word, photo, drawing, and table in technical and
general-interest features, columns and product reviews, plus all
advertisements. Print what you see, or copy it into other applications.
System requirements: Microsoft Windows and Macintosh systems, using
obe Acrobat Reader software.
The 2019 ARRL Periodicals DVD is available from the ARRL Store or your
ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1274, ISBN: 978-1-62595-127-4, $24.95
retail, plus shipping. Call 860-594-0355 or toll-free in the US,
888-277-5289. 2019 ARRL Periodicals is also available as a download in
a Windows version (ARRL Item no. 1274_WD) and Mac/Linux version (ARRL
Item no. 1274_MLD).
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar Cycle 25 sunspots persisted on
January 9 - 10, with daily sunspot numbers of 14 and 11, respectively.
This brought the weekly average daily sunspot number from 8.4 last week
to 3.6 this week. Average daily solar flux edged up from 71.8 to 72.5.
The average daily planetary A index declined from 6.3 to 5.6, and the
average middle latitude A index went from 5.3 to 3.7.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 71 on January 16 - 18; 70
on January 19 - 23; 72 on January 24 - 25; 70 on January 26 - February
7; 72 on February 8 - 22, and 70 on February 23 - 29.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on January 16 - 18; 8 on January 19 -
20; 5 on January 21 - 31; 8 on February 1 - 2; 5 on February 3; 10 on
February 4 - 6; 5 on February 7 - 9; 10 on February 10 - 11; 5 on
February 12 - 22; 8 on February 23 - 24; 5 on February 25 - 27, and 8
on February 28 - 29.
Sunspot numbers for January 9 - 15 were 14, 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
a mean of 3.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74.4, 72.8, 73.5, 71.9,
71.5, 71.9, and 71.2, with a mean of 72.5. Estimated planetary A
indices were 12, 7, 6, 4, 3, 3, and 4, with a mean of 5.6. The middle
latitude A index was 8, 6, 4, 2, 2, 2, and 2, with a mean of 3.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 17 -- LZ Open Contest (CW)
* January 18 -- RSGB AFS Contest, SSB
* January 18 -- WAB 1.8 MHz Phone/CW
* January 18 - 19 -- Hungarian DX Contest (CW, phone)
* January 18 - 19 -- North American QSO Party, SSB
* January 18 - 19 -- NA Collegiate Championship, SSB
* January 18 - 19 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* January 18 - 20 -- ARRL January VHF Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* January 20 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* January 22 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* January 23 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
YOTA Month Reported a Success in the Americas
For several years now, Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) has sponsored YOTA
Month each December, primarily involving young radio amateurs in Europe
and Africa. In December, youth-operated amateur radio stations in the
Americas picked up the ball to contribute more than 12,000 contacts to
the worldwide event. Eighteen operators aged 25 or younger deployed
special event 1 * 1 call signs -- K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A -- to promote
youth in amateur radio. Fifteen young operators across the US took
turns using these call signs throughout December. They logged 10,474
contacts using those call signs on SSB, CW, digital modes, and
satellites. Some operators also aired the call signs during contests.
Participants in the Americas offered opinions on what made the event
special for them.
"Operating-wise, it was definitely the pileups...I love a good pileup,"
said Mason Matrazzo, KM4SII. "Apart from that, it was great getting to
be part of a group of youngsters that are all into the hobby. Even
though we weren't physically working together, we all got to be part of
the YOTA program over the air."
Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, also cited the on-air camaraderie. "My favorite
part of YOTA month was getting the wonderful experience of talking to
other youth all over the world and sharing our experiences," she said.
"It gives us hope to know the future of amateur radio is in the hands
of these great kids." Her brother Jack, KM4ZIA, also took part.
In Canada, David Samu, VE7DZO, signed VE7YOTA in December, making 458
contacts on CW. "My favorite part was seeing all the YOTA stations on
the air throughout December and seeing all the high energy youth
activity," he said.
YOTA Month in the Americas
Coordinator Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO,
at WRTC-2018.
Mathias Acevedo, CE2LR, activated XR2YOTA, and met another young
operator from Chile, Manu Pardo, CA3MPR, through YOTA month. Between
them, they put 1,535 contacts into the log on CW, SSB, and digital
modes.
Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, coordinated the efforts of the 17 participants
and the logs for the US stations. "I learned much during the month
about the importance of teamwork and communication...just like
baseball," Bryant said about his role as coordinator. "I think YOTA
month was a great success considering the short amount of time we had
to plan this all out. I had a lot of fun operating this event, but it
was even more rewarding to see other youth here in the Americas make
tons of QSOs during December."
The first Youth On The Air camp in the US will take place June 21 - 26
at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester
Township, Ohio. Read more.
Nominations Solicited for Six ARRL Awards
ARRL is inviting nominations for awards that recognize educational and
technological pursuits in amateur radio. Nominations are also open for
ARRL's premier award to honor a young licensee.
* The Hiram Percy Maxim Award recognizes a radio amateur and ARRL
member younger than age 21, whose accomplishments and contributions
are of the most exemplary nature within the framework of amateur
radio activities. Nominations for this award are made through ARRL
Section Managers, who will forward nominations to ARRL
Headquarters. The deadline is March 31, 2020.
* The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award honors an ARRL
volunteer amateur radio instructor or ARRL professional classroom
teacher who uses creative instructional approaches and reflects the
highest values of the amateur radio community. The award highlights
quality of and commitment to licensing instruction. Nominations are
due by March 16, 2020.
* The ARRL Microwave Development Award pays tribute to a radio
amateur or group of radio amateurs who contribute to the
development of the amateur radio microwave bands. The nomination
deadline is March 31, 2020.
* The ARRL Technical Service Award recognizes an individual radio
amateur or group of radio amateurs who provide amateur radio
technical assistance or training. The nomination deadline is March
31, 2020.
* The ARRL Technical Innovation Award is conferred on an individual
radio amateur or group of radio amateurs who develop and apply new
technical ideas or techniques in amateur radio. The nomination
deadline is March 31, 2020.
* The Knight Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional
contributions by a Section Manager to the health and vitality of
ARRL. The nomination deadline is April 30, 2020.
The ARRL Board of Directors selects award recipients, and winners are
typically announced following the Board's July meeting. More
information about these awards on the ARRL website, or contact Steve
Ewald, WV1X, telephone (860) 594-0265.
In Brief...
W1AW will be on the air for Winter Field Day. Members of the Warren
County (New York) Amateur Radio Club (W2WCR) will activate Maxim
Memorial Station W1AW for Winter Field Day 2020 over the January 25 -
26 weekend. Winter Field Day is sponsored by the Winter Field Day
Association (WFDA), which believes that emergency communication is
important throughout the year. Winter Field Day is open to radio
amateurs worldwide. The WFDA's goal is to help enhance operating skills
and to prepare participants for all environmental conditions. Winter
Field Day runs for 24 hours. Station set-up may start no earlier than
1900 UTC on the day before the event and may not take any longer than
12 hours in total. Expect activity on all amateur bands except 12, 17,
30, and 60 meters. All modes that can handle the required exchange are
welcome; this does not include FT8. Entry categories include indoor,
outdoor, and home. Full details are on the Winter Field Day website.
The free ARRL Events app, which will be featured at Orlando HamCation,
is now available for both Apple iOS and Android devices. A web-browser
version, optimized for nearly any browser or other mobile device type,
is also available to view. Orlando HamCation 2020 takes place February
7 - 9 and has been sanctioned as the 2020 ARRL Northern Florida Section
Convention. Hosted annually by the Orlando Amateur Radio Club,
HamCation is one of the largest annual amateur radio gatherings in the
US.
Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, will take over this spring as ARRL North
Carolina Section Manager. Hoffman, of Boone, was the sole nominee to
succeed incumbent Section Manager Karl Bowman, W4CHX, of Raleigh, who
decided not to run for a new term after serving since 2014. Because no
challengers came forward by the nomination deadline, no contested SM
elections took place during the winter election cycle. These incumbent
Section Managers will begin new terms in 2020: John Fritze, K2QY,
Eastern New York; George Miller, W3GWM, Eastern Pennsylvania; John Mark
Robertson, K5JMR, Louisiana; Joe Speroni, AH0A, Pacific; Dave
Kaltenborn, N8KBC, San Diego; Chris Stallkamp, KI0D, South Dakota, and
Joe Palsa, K3WRY, Virginia. New 2-year terms of office begin on April
1.
The fourth annual AM Rally operating event will take place February 1 -
3 (UTC). The annual AM Rally encourages all operators to explore
amateur radio's original voice mode by showcasing the various types of
AM equipment in use today, ranging from early vacuum-tube rigs to the
newest SDR-based transceivers. "Both new and experienced ops are
discovering that AM can sound quite good, enhancing the enjoyment of
contacts," said Clark Burgard, N1BCG, an enthusiastic promoter of the
event. "The AM Rally provides a great reason to give it a try." The AM
Rally is open to all radio amateurs capable of running full-carrier,
amplitude modulation (standard AM) using any type of radio equipment --
modern, vintage, tube, solid-state, software-defined, military, boat
anchor, broadcast, homebrew, or commercially manufactured -- are
encouraged to join in the AM fun on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6
meters. Details are on the AM Rally website or contact Burgard via
email. The AM Rally is sponsored by ARRL, Radio Engineering Associates,
and iNetRadio.
An international team of 10 operators will be active as W8S from Swains
Island from March 10 to March 25. The DXpedtion team will be active on
all HF bands on CW, SSB, FT8, and RTTY. Operation will be from two
separate camps on the island -- a Red Camp and a Blue Camp -- each with
two stations. The four stations will be on the air 24/7. The station
equipment complements are identical. Two stations will be dedicated for
160 and 80 meters. A WiFi network will link the Red and Blue camps to
network all logging laptops. Hans Griessl, DL6JGN, and Ronald Stuy,
PA3EWP, are co-leaders. Swains Island (Olohega) is an atoll in the
Tokelau chain. Swains is a US territory and considered part of American
Samoa. Swains Island is the 34th most-wanted DXCC entity, according to
Club Log.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
Texas
* January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
* January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois
* February 1 -- South Carolina State Convention, North Charleston,
South Carolina
* February 1 -- Virginia State Convention, Richmond, VA
* February 7 - 9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Orlando,
Florida
* February 14 - 15 -- Southwest Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox
each month.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 24, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
January 23, 2020
* Barry Shelley, N1VXY, is ARRL Interim CEO
* ARES Volunteers Establish "Plan B" Communication Network in Puerto
Rico
* Massachusetts Club Offers Support to Arecibo Observatory Following
Earthquakes
* New Book from ARRL: Amateur Radio Contesting for Beginners
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* IARU Region 1 Youngsters On The Air Summer Camp 2020 Will Be in
Croatia
* AMSAT: GOLF-TEE Initiative Meets Major Milestone
* ITU Development Sector Publication Highlights Amateur Radio's Role
in Emergency Communication
* ARISS Opens Window for ISS Ham Radio Contact Proposals on February
1
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Barry Shelley, N1VXY, is ARRL Interim CEO
At its January 17 - 18 meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors did not
elect Howard Michel, WB2ITX, as the ARRL Chief Executive Officer.
As of January 20, Barry Shelley, N1VXY, became interim CEO. Mr. Shelley
was ARRL's Chief Financial Officer for 28 years and CEO during 2018
before his retirement.
The Board has created a search committee to select the next CEO. More
details on this and other matters that took place at the Board meeting
will be released shortly.
ARES Volunteers Establish "Plan B" Communication Network in Puerto Rico
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) volunteers in Puerto Rico
continued over the weekend to report for daily duty at an American Red
Cross (ARC) distribution center in Mayagüez and at ARC Headquarters in
San Juan. The two sites are ready to provide a "Plan B" communication
backbone in the event the seismic situation worsens. A magnitude 6.4
earthquake struck southwestern Puerto Rico on January 7, fast on the
heels of a magnitude 5.8 tremor the day before, damaging homes in
Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Yauco, and Guánica. ARRL Puerto Rico Section
Manager Oscar Resto, KP4RF, told ARRL this week that the situation is
relatively "calm and quiet" for now and starting on January 22,
volunteers began monitoring from their homes or vehicles, permitting
most, including Resto himself, to get back to their jobs and homes.
ARES volunteers had been deployed to an ARC distribution center in
Yauco, but that part of the operation was shifted to Mayagüez over the
weekend, because it was considered safer there. An ARRL-provided
VHF/UHF radio and antenna have been set up at the Mayagüez facility.
Resto said a second operating position is being added at the San Juan
ARC Headquarters site.
Resto said Red Cross officials know that they can rely on amateur
radio, if the situation calls for it, but for now commercial
communications are fully operational, although aftershocks from the
January 7 quake persist. "In case the situation escalates, the ARES
team will immediately mobilize at the ARC sites and establish
communication (VHF/UHF or HF) as required," Resto said.
The ARRL Ham
Aid program
provided this
antenna,
installed in
Mayagüez.
[Oscar Resto,
KP4RF, photo]
Last week, the Red Cross had requested assistance from the ARES
volunteers as well as volunteers from the CB radio and GMRS
communities, to identify undeclared refugee camps and to report on
close or damaged roadways and bridges. Resto said the ARES volunteers
"did a marvelous job" that earned praise from Red Cross officials.
Resto said about two dozen volunteers have made themselves available in
the Mayagüez area. In the event they're needed, Resto said, he has
seven or eight HF radios and 15 VHF/UHF transceivers left over from the
Hurricane Maria emergency response. He said the HF equipment has been
safely stowed for use in case of another major earthquake, when they
might be needed.
He was expecting additional antennas and feed lines provided through
ARRL's Ham Aid program to show up this week.
Massachusetts Club Offers Support to Arecibo Observatory Following
Earthquakes
Although not in the hardest-hit earthquake zone, Puerto Rico's Arecibo
Observatory nonetheless has been affected by the recent spate of
earthquakes and aftershocks. The landmark Arecibo radio telescope and
ionospheric radar facility was a victim of the devastation wrought by
Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Members of the Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC) have stepped
up to assist in support and recovery efforts for the Arecibo
Observatory radio telescope and ionospheric radar facility. NVARC
members Phil Erickson, W1PJE; Rod Hersh, WA1TAC, and Jim Wilber, AB1WQ,
participated in daily scheduled radio contacts with Arecibo's lead
telescope operator and spectrum manager, Angel Vazquez, WP3R. Other
NVARC members volunteered to serve as back-up stations.
"All AO staff members are safe, and our technical teams have completed
preliminary visual analysis of the primary structure and have found no
immediate damage/issues, however a more detailed inspection needs to be
completed once the aftershocks subside," said Francisco Córdova,
Arecibo Observatory's director, at the University of Central Florida.
Site operations were suspended and access was limited to essential
personnel, according to the latest information available from the
Arecibo Observatory website.
Over several days, when commercial power and water were not available
near Arecibo, club members inquired about potential assistance.
Although conditions are slowly improving on the northern portion of the
island where the observatory is located, Vazquez noted that thousands
of people displaced from their homes in the hard-hit southern part of
the island had to camp outside, due to extensive structural damage and
ongoing aftershocks.
NVARC members were also able to provide messages of support from MIT's
Haystack Observatory in Westford, Massachusetts, and from program
officers at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Geospace Facilities
Division in Washington, DC. NSF funds the observation programs and
scientific research at Arecibo Observatory. NVARC said the radio
contacts would continue as the recovery proceeds.
New Book from ARRL: Amateur Radio Contesting for Beginners
Contesting is one of the most exciting aspects of amateur radio -- and
for some, it's their primary ham radio activity. Amateur Radio
Contesting for Beginners by contesting veteran Doug Grant, K1DG, offers
practical information and ideas that will help you get started in
contesting -- "radiosport" -- or to build your skills, if you're
already active.
Contesting tests station capability and operator skill, and it really
is a sport, with a typical objective of contacting as many stations and
multipliers -- ARRL Sections, states, grids, or DXCC entities, for
example -- within the contest period.
"Doug Grant has written the ideal guide for anyone interested in
contesting," said QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY.
Grant's book explains what equipment you need, typical contest formats,
details of some more popular events, operating techniques, how to
submit an entry, and how to improve your scores. No matter how modest
your station or experience, you can compete too!
Just ahead is Winter Field Day, January 25 - 26. See the ARRL Contest
Calendar for information on other events.
Amateur Radio Contesting for Beginners is available from the ARRL Store
or your ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1243, ISBN: 978-1-62595-124-3,
$27.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $24.95). Call 860-594-0355 or,
toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289. It's also available as an e-book for
the Amazon Kindle.
For more information about ARRL-sponsored contests, including rules and
results, and to view the contest photo gallery, visit the ARRL Contests
page.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots appeared over the January
16 - 22 reporting week. On January 22, Spaceweather.com reported the
consecutive period of spotless days is 11, but all recent sunspots have
had Cycle 25 polarity.
The average daily solar flux dipped from 72.5 to 71.2. The average
daily planetary A index went from 5.6 to 4.1, and the middle latitude A
index dropped from 3.7 to 3.
Predicted solar flux is 72 on January 23 - February 5; 71 on February 6
- 20; 72 on February 21 - March 3; 71 on March 4, and 70 on March 5 -
7.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on January 23 - 31; 10 on February 1 -
5; 5 on February 6 - 27; 10 on February 28 - March 3, and 5 on March 4
- 7.
When there are no sunspots, 160 meters seems to improve, probably
because of lower associated geomagnetic activity. The CW portion of the
CQ World Wide 160-Meter Contest takes place this weekend.
Sunspot numbers for January 16 - 22 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.8, 70.1, 71.3, 71.8, 71.2,
70.5, and 71.9, with a mean of 71.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
5, 3, 4, 3, 2, 6, and 6, with a mean of 4.1. Middle latitude A index
was 4, 2, 3, 2, 2, 4, and 4, with a mean of 3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 23 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* January 24 - 26 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest (CW)
* January 25 - 26 -- REF Contest (CW)
* January 25 - 26 -- BARTG RTTY Sprint
* January 25 - 26 -- UBA DX Contest, SSB
* January 25 - 26 -- Winter Field Day (CW, phone, digital)
* January 27 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* January 29 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
IARU Region 1 Youngsters On The Air Summer Camp 2020 Will Be in Croatia
The 10th annual Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) camp will be held this
summer in Karlovac, Croatia -- not far from the capital city of Zagreb
-- International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 Youth Working
Group Chair Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, has announced. The Croatian Amateur
Radio Association -- Croatia's IARU member-society -- will serve as
host of the August 8 - 15 event. Participation is aimed at young radio
amateurs living in IARU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, and the Middle East).
"In this YOTA Camp we will be continuing with our train-the-trainer
(TTT) program, which will be the main theme of the week," Leenders
said. "Participants will be working on the future of amateur radio and
will be involved in workshops where they gain skills to start similar
amateur radio youth events when they are back home. With this, we are
aiming to create a snowball effect, so there will be more and more YOTA
events all over the world. This also allows other youngsters and
newcomers to enjoy amateur radio."
Leenders said camp participants will also be able to enjoy getting on
the air, as well as building electronic kits.
Each IARU member-society in Region 1 is invited to sponsor teams of up
to four camp participants. Team members will be age 15 to 25 and not
have attended a previous YOTA camp. Overall participation is limited to
80 campers.
The inaugural Youth On The Air Camp in the Americas will take place
this June 21 - 26 at the National Voice of America Museum of
Broadcasting in West Chester Township, Ohio. For more information,
email Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, or call 812-327-0749.
AMSAT: GOLF-TEE Initiative Meets Major Milestone
AMSAT reports that an array of GOLF-TEE (Greater Orbit Larger Footprint
- Technology Evaluation Environment) satellite prototype boards
transmitted telemetry for the first time on January 14.
"The boards are laid out on a bench as a 'flat-sat,' with
interconnecting wires, bench power supplies, and a dummy load on the
transmitter," AMSAT said. The interconnected boards include an early
radiation-tolerant internal housekeeping unit (IHU, i.e., computer)
prototype; a control interface prototype, and a set of spare boards
from HuskySat-1 that act as prototypes for the legacy IHU and legacy
VHF/UHF RF components.
"Now that the development team has reached this point, it has RF to use
as a basis for developing a GOLF-TEE decoder for FoxTelem, the ground
telemetry receiver software," AMSAT said. "Thousands of hours of work
by many AMSAT volunteers have gone into the hardware and software that
got GOLF-TEE this far, with much work yet to be done before flight
units are ready."
GOLF-TEE is designed as a low-Earth orbit testbed for technologies
necessary for successful CubeSat missions to a wide variety of orbits,
including medium- and high-Earth orbits. "Higher is clearly better when
it comes to amateur radio satellites," AMSAT says on its website
explanation of the GOLF program. "The larger footprint, which brings
more DX opportunities and more good passes per day, also provides for a
longer orbital lifetime, and slower motion across the sky. This results
in longer pass durations and easier tracking." Higher orbits introduce
a new set of engineering challenges, AMSAT concedes, including higher
power and antennas with greater gain.
"GOLF is designed to continue the growth of AMSAT's CubeSat abilities,
incorporating new systems such as software-defined radios and
deployable solar panels into a 3U spaceframe." AMSAT explained. "GOLF
will also continue AMSAT's educational partnership outreach that takes
advantage of the synergies that amateur radio satellites and education
have to offer the public."
AMSAT has invited donations to further the project. It's also seeking
additional volunteers. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
ITU Development Sector Publication Highlights Amateur Radio's Role in
Emergency Communication
Amateur radio is featured in the publication ITU Guidelines for
national emergency telecommunication plans, published by the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Development Sector (ITU-D).
The publication notes that radio amateurs have supported communication
in emergency situations on a voluntary basis since the dawn of radio.
"They are experts in radio communications and have the equipment,
skills, and necessary frequencies allocated by ITU to deploy networks
in emergency events quickly and efficiently," the publication says.
ITU-D said amateur radio support offers "great coverage due to the
large number of amateur radio stations available;" training programs
and exercises that have been developed for emergency communication;
"qualified temporary volunteers who provide skills and experience
essential for emergency telecommunications;" problem-solving skills for
working with "often very limited resources," and the ability to work
with alternative power sources.
Past ARRL President and IARU Secretary Rod Stafford, W6ROD, represents
the International Amateur Radio Union at ITU-D meetings. -- Thanks to
Southgate Amateur Radio News; IARU
ARISS Opens Window for ISS Ham Radio Contact Proposals on February 1
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is once again
seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations --
individually or working together -- interested in hosting an amateur
radio contact with an International Space Station (ISS) crew member. A
window to accept proposals will open on February 1 for contacts that
would be scheduled between January and June 2021. The majority of ARISS
contacts involve schools and educational institutions. ARISS is looking
for organizations able to attract a large number of participants that
can integrate the contact opportunity into a well-developed education
plan.
"ARISS contacts afford education audiences the opportunity to learn
firsthand from astronauts what it is like to live and work in space and
to learn about space research conducted on the ISS," ARISS said in
announcing the proposal period. "Students will also have an opportunity
to learn about satellite communication, wireless technology, and radio
science."
Proposal information and documents are available on the ARISS website.
Two identical ARISS introductory webinars have been set for January 23
at 9 PM EST (0200 UTC on January 24) and for January 27 at 6 PM EST
(2300 UTC). Registration is required.
Contacts with ISS crew members run approximately 10 minutes in length
and allow students to interact with the astronauts through a
question-and-answer session. ARISS contacts are voice-only amateur
radio communication opportunities. Schools and organizations typically
work with a local amateur radio club to assist in handling the
technical aspects of carrying out a successful contact with the ISS.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman, KF5LKT, on
the air at NA1SS on board the ISS in
2014. [NASA, photo]
ARISS stresses that because of the nature of human spaceflight and the
complexity of scheduling activities aboard the ISS, schools and
organizations must be flexible in accommodating changes in radio
contact dates and times.
"Amateur radio organizations around the world with the support of NASA
and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe present
educational organizations with this opportunity," ARISS said. "The ham
radio organizations' volunteer efforts provide the equipment and
operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and
students around the world using amateur radio."
Proposal information and more details are available on the ARISS
website. Contact ARISS with any questions.
In Brief...
The ARRL Events app is available to use with Apple iOS and Android
devices. A web-browser version, optimized for most browsers and other
types of mobile devices, is also available. ARRL Events will be
featured at Orlando HamCation 2020, February 7 - 9, which has been
sanctioned as the 2020 ARRL Northern Florida Section Convention.
The Perseverance DX Group VP8PJ DXpedition to South Orkney has received
permission from the National Science Foundation to land and camp on the
Antarctic island. Receipt of the Antarctic Conservation Act Permit
culminates a months-long approval process involving several
governmental agencies. VP8PJ is expected to commence operation on
February 20 and continue until March 5. The DXpedition's equipment
container arrived by sea in Punta Arenas, Chile, on January 13, and the
MV Braveheart will transport the operating team and the gear from there
to the South Orkneys and back. Set-up on the island is expected to take
2 days. Contact the DXpedition for more information.
The Lagunaria DX Group is planning a "large-scale DXpedition" to
Timor-Leste (4W) in the October/November 2020 timeframe. "We currently
have one team member in Timor-Leste negotiating with different
ministries, companies, and accommodation facilities," said team member
Chris Janssen, DL1MGB. "Right now, we have positive feedback from all.
We even already have a confirmed reservation for two close-by lodges to
have enough space to host up to 10 stations." Janssen said the team
will consist of 18 operators and will participate seriously in both CQ
World Wide DX contests this fall. ditional details will be available
soon on the DXpedition website. Timor-Leste is the 67th most-wanted
DXCC entity, according to Club Log. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
A team of German DXers will operate as HU1DL from the Central American
country of El Salvador, starting in late January and continuing until
February 13. "Everything is well prepared. We are ready!" said an
announcement from Rolf Thieme, DL7VEE. The team will be transporting
its own equipment, which will include Elecraft K3 transceivers and
full-power amplifiers. Three stations will be on the air around the
clock on CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8, with a focus on the lower bands.
Thieme said HU1DL will operate mostly in FT8 fox/hound mode. HU1DL
plans to be active on 60 meters, CW, and FT8. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
Spanish radio amateurs may exchange their current longer-format call
signs for permanent 2 * 1 call signs, and some familiar Spanish call
signs are likely to be changing. Salva Moreno, EA5BB, told ARRL that
hams in Spain who decided to make the change are now awaiting the
official license documents, so they can use their new call signs on the
air. Moreno's new call sign will be EA5U. To be eligible, applicants
must have held a license issued by Spanish authorities without any
sanctions and have at least 15 years of experience in "international
amateur radio."
The 17th International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) High Speed Telegraphy
(HST) World Championship will take place August 20 - 24 in Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia. Europe's HST Cup and Balkan HST Championships will take place
May 8 - 12 in Elbasan, Albania. Although not an IARU-recognized event,
this international competition is widely accepted by the HST community
as an opportunity for top competitors to check their form before the
world championship, for teams to test new candidates for a national
team, and for those unable to participate at the World Championship to
still enjoy top-level competition. -- Thanks to IARU Region 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois
* February 1 -- South Carolina State Convention, North Charleston,
South Carolina
* February 1 -- Virginia State Convention, Richmond, VA
* February 7 - 9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Orlando,
Florida
* February 14 - 15 -- Southwest Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
* March 7 - Delta Division Convention, Russellville, Arkansas
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 - 15 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Perrysburg, OH
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, NE
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 31, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
January 30, 2020
* ARRL to Argue for Continued Access to 3 GHz Spectrum as FCC Sets
Comment Deadlines
* ARRL Expands Its Roster of Online Discussion Groups
* Yukon's VY1JA Plans to Be Back for 2020 ARRL November Sweepstakes
CW
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* New Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released
* HuskySat-1 With VHF/UHF Linear Transponder Set to Deploy Soon
* State QSO Party Challenge Announced
* Iowa State Parks on the Air 2020 Celebrates Centennial of Iowa
State Parks
* YOTA Camp 2020 in the Americas Donations Are Being Matched
* Past ARRL Southeastern Division Director H. Dale Strieter, W4QM, SK
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL to Argue for Continued Access to 3 GHz Spectrum as FCC Sets
Comment Deadlines
At its annual meeting on January 17 - 18, the ARRL Board of Directors
instructed Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, to prepare a strong
response to protect amateur access to spectrum in the 3 GHz range. In
its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in WT Docket 19-348, the FCC
proposed to relocate all non-federal operations, including amateur
uses, to spectrum outside the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band.
The ARRL Board met January 17 - 18
in Windsor, Connecticut. [Michelle
Patnode, W3MVP, photo]
The Commission anticipates auctioning this spectrum to expand
commercial use of 5G cellular and wireless broadband services, if
agreement can be reached on relocation of -- or sharing with -- the
federal incumbents that operate in the same band. Publication of the
NPRM in the Federal Register on January 22 established deadlines of
February 21 for comments and March 23 for reply comments.
The FCC has requested comment on the uses radio amateurs make of the
spectrum and appropriate relocation options. Complicating matters is
the fact that radio amateurs must consider the possibility that the
immediately adjacent 3.1 - 3.3 GHz band is included in the spectrum
that Congress has identified for similar study. FCC Commissioner
Michael O'Rielly, in a December statement, referenced the fact that the
lower band may also be considered for non-federal reallocation,
potentially limiting relocation possibilities.
Amateurs make substantial use of the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band that would be
hard to replicate elsewhere, and they had filed more than 150 comments
before the designated comment period even began. Among users looking at
options are those who use this spectrum for Earth-Moon-Earth
(moonbounce) communication, mesh networks, experiments with
communication over long distances, radiosport, and amateur television.
A portion of the band is also designated for use by amateur satellites
in ITU Regions 2 and 3 (the Americas and Asia/Pacific).
A report is due by March 23 from the National Telecommunications and
Information ministration (NTIA) evaluating the feasibility of having
federal users share all or part of the 3.1 - 3.55 GHz band with
commercial wireless services. This report is required by the Making
Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and
Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act. The results of the
NTIA report will impact how much spectrum ultimately may be
re-allocated for auction to wireless providers.
ARRL urges amateurs who comment to inform the FCC about the uses they
make of the 3 GHz spectrum. Short comments and longer statements may be
filed electronically. Visit the FCC "How to Comment on FCC Proceedings"
page for more information. Commenters should reference WT Docket
19-348.
ARRL Expands Its Roster of Online Discussion Groups
ARRL's Committee on Communication with Members has launched three new
online discussion forums as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance and
improve communication between ARRL leadership and members or
prospective members. The new forums, which focus on antenna law,
regulatory issues, and support for new amateur radio licensees, will go
live on Thursday, January 30, at 0400 UTC.
The committee launched the three new discussion groups on the basis of
requests from the amateur radio community, to support ARRL's efforts to
provide more resources for beginner-to-intermediate operators.
The online discussion program launched last fall with three forums --
contesting, awards, and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) --
all open to the amateur radio community. The program was based on the
success of the online ARRL-LoTW Group, which, for the past several
years, has served to answer questions and generate discussions about
ways to improve the service.
* ARRL New England Division Director and attorney Fred Hopengarten,
K1VR, will moderate the Antenna Law and Policy Forum. Hopengarten
is the author of Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur.
* ARRL Regulatory Affairs Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, will moderate
the Regulatory Affairs forum.
* QST Editor and ARRL Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will
moderate the New Hams forum.
ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK, worked with Groups.io to set up
the new groups. Those wishing to subscribe must use a Groups.io
username and password, if they have one, or create a Groups.io account
if they don't.
The new groups join an ARRL discussion forum lineup that already
includes:
* ARRL-Contesting, moderated by ARRL Contest visory Committee
Chairman Dennis Egan, W1UE.
* ARRL-Awards, moderated by ARRL Radiosport and Field Services
Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ.
* ARRL-IARU, moderated by IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ.
* ARRL-LOTW, moderated by ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK.
Everyone who subscribes to an ARRL Group is automatically subscribed to
"ARRL Groups," an administrative feature that allows ARRL to convey
routine announcements to subscribers of all ARRL groups, such as
planned system outages.
ARRL expects to create additional online groups that focus on other
areas of interest to radio amateurs, including ARRL activities,
services, initiatives, and policies.
ARRL currently hosts some "members-only" online forums that include the
topics of Awards and Contesting. While these forums will continue to
operate, participants are being encouraged to post new topics in the
new groups.
All questions will be welcome, no matter how many times they have
already been asked and answered, or how obvious the answers might be.
Neither personal attacks nor foul language will be tolerated. Violators
will immediately be placed on "moderated" status, meaning their
subsequent posts will require Moderator approval. Civility and courtesy
are expected, even when disagreeing.
The Committee believes that providing more opportunities for two-way
discussion between the organization's leaders and the entire ham radio
community will assist ARRL in truly serving the needs of this
community. -- Thanks to ARRL Communications Manager Dave Isgur, N1RSN
Yukon's VY1JA Plans to Be Back for 2020 ARRL November Sweepstakes CW
ARRL November Sweepstakes stalwart J. Allen, VY1JA, in Canada's Yukon
Territory, may not be off the air quite yet. Allen announced his
retirement from ham radio last November, but now says he plans to keep
a small station on the air "for as long as possible," leaving one
antenna tower in place. Allen told ARRL earlier this month that there's
a "strong likelihood" he'll return for the 2020 ARRL November
Sweepstakes CW in the Low Power category, using his own call sign.
For the past few years, the remotely operated VY1AAA, using equipment
and antennas located at VY1JA, has been among the precious few stations
handing out the Northern Territories multiplier in Sweepstakes. Gerry
Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, told ARRL that the remote equipment and high-power
amplifier have now been removed, along with the radio gear and antennas
from Allen's larger station, which will be sold. Allen, who has been
diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, says his current medication has
stabilized his condition, but he's been looking ahead to the day when
his wife, Ann, would face the task of dismantling and disposing of his
station equipment and antennas.
"Because I am concerned about what I will be like in a few years or so,
I wanted to sell out the station completely so that Ann would not have
a big problem on her hands removing poles, towers, cables, gear, and so
on," he explained.
Allen thanked Hull; Cary Rubenfeld, VE4EA; Chuck Cullian, K0RF, and
Tyson Schulz, VY1SLZ, for their assistance. Rubenfeld is handling the
sale of Allen's gear, while Schulz has pledged to assist in dismantling
and disposing of Allen's scaled-down station when the time comes.
Cullian has provided a transceiver for Allen, who no longer had an
operational radio on site.
"It means that, for as long as I remain functional, I intend to keep
VY1JA on the air, and especially to be there for as many ARRL
Sweepstakes as possible," Allen said.
Hull said he and others involved with the VY1AAA remote operations have
been looking for a new home for the VY1AAA remote gear and radio.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: This week, we finally saw the return
of sunspots over 6 of the last 7 days, January 24 - 29. The average
daily sunspot number rose from 0 to 11.1, while average daily solar
flux jumped from 71.2 to 72.9.
Geomagnetic indicators remained very quiet, signaling continued great
conditions on 160 and 80 meters. Predicted solar flux over the next
month and a half is 74 on January 30 - February 2; 70 on February 3 -
6; 71 on February 7 - 13; 72 on February 14 - 20; 73 on February 21 -
22; 74 on February 23 - 29; 72 on March 1 - 3; 71 on March 4 - 11, and
72 on March 12 - 14.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on January 30; 5 on January 31 -
February 24; 10 on February 25 - 26; 5 on February 27 - 29; 8 on March
1 - 3, and 5 on March 4 - 14.
On January 27, the total sunspot area was 100 millionth of the visible
solar disc. The total sunspot area hasn't been larger or even near that
size since May 18, 2019, when the area was 140 millionth of the visible
solar disk.
Sunspot numbers for January 23 - 29 were 0, 12, 14, 18, 12, 11, and 11,
with a mean of 11.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.8, 71, 72.7, 74.7,
72.9, 74.2, and 74.3, with a mean of 72.9. Estimated planetary A
indices were 5, 3, 3, 4, 3, 5, and 9, with a mean of 4.6. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 1, 3, 2, 2, 4, and 6, with a mean of 3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 1 -- Minnesota QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 1 -- FYBO Winter QRP Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
* February 1 -- AGCW Straight Key Party (CW)
* February 1 -- FISTS Winter Slow Speed Sprint (CW)
* February 1 -- Black Sea Cup International (CW, phone)
* February 1 - 2 -- Vermont QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 1 - 2 -- 10-10 International Winter Contest, SSB
* February 1 - 2 -- F9AA Cup, CW
* February 1 - 2 -- Mexico RTTY International Contest
* February 1 - 2 -- British Columbia QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 2 -- North American Sprint, CW
* February 3 -- 3.5 RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
* February 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* February 5 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* February 6 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* February 6 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
New Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released
The new Amateur Extra-class license examination question pool,
effective from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2024, has been released
and is available at the National Conference of Volunteer Coordinators
(NCVEC) website.
The 2020 - 2024 Extra-class pool incorporates significant changes
compared to the current 2016 - 2020 question pool, which expires on
June 30. The number of questions in the pool was reduced from 712 to
622. The result was 239 modified questions, 49 new questions, and 139
questions removed due to changes in what was felt to be an abundance of
outdated questions, while areas of new technology and subjects were
added.
In addition, an effort was made to balance the difficulty level,
removing or replacing some questions deemed too easy or too difficult
compared to the rest of the pool.
The 2020 pool has 10 diagrams, which have been renumbered because the
new question pool has two fewer than the 2016 question pool.
HuskySat-1 With VHF/UHF Linear Transponder Set to Deploy Soon
The University of Washington's HuskySat-1 3U CubeSat, launched November
2, 2019, is set to deploy on January 31 after the vehicle that carried
it to the International Space Station undocks. HuskySat-1 has remained
stowed aboard a Northrop Grumman Cygnus supply vehicle. Within 24 hours
after Cygnus' departure from the ISS, HuskySat-1 and SwampSat 2 will be
deployed into orbit.
University of Washington graduate
student Paige Northway with
HuskySat-1. She has been involved in
the project since its inception.
After deployment, HuskySat-1's 1,200 bps BPSK beacon on 435.800 MHz
should be active and decodable with the latest release of AMSAT's
FoxTelem software. HuskySat-1 is expected to carry out its primary
mission before being turned over to AMSAT for amateur radio operation.
HuskySat-1 features a 30 kHz wide V/U linear transponder for SSB and
CW. The uplink passband will be 145.910 - 145.940 MHz LSB/CW. The
downlink passband will be 435.840 - 435.810 MHz USB/CW (inverting).
Telemetry will be transmitted on 435.800 MHz, 1k2 bps BPSK with an
experimental downlink at 24.049 GHz. The "Fox-in-a-Box" FoxTelem
software has been updated for HuskySat-1 operation at its download
website. The new release now contains the SD card image,
FIAB-distro8-V1.08w.zip. This file, when unzipped and written to a 16
GB SD card, will provide the latest software for FoxTelem and will run
on a Raspberry Pi 4. The 1.08 versions can switch bands between
listening on VHF and UHF, based on which Fox and Husky satellites are
overhead at the time.
The linear transponder and telemetry system carried aboard AMSAT's
Fox-1E was designed for use in different CubeSats merely by adding an
interface adapter for connection to the host bus. Noting the prevalence
of CubeSats built and launched by universities and other organizations,
AMSAT adopted a goal of "amateur radio in every CubeSat."
ditional information is posted on the University of Washington Husky
Satellite Lab site. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via the HuskySat-1
Team, AMSAT Engineering, AMSAT Operations, the Fox Telemetry Team, and
NASA
State QSO Party Challenge Announced
The State QSO Party Challenge is a competition comprised of other
contests, namely state and provincial QSO parties. As explained on the
website, the annual cumulative score program is open to any radio
amateur who participates in any approved state QSO parties (SQPs).
Participants just need to submit their QSO party scores to
3830scores.com to enter the challenge.
Participants' cumulative scores will be calculated by totaling up the
number of reported contacts and multiplying by the number of SQPs
entered in the year to date. Periodic standings will be posted to
3830scores.com, the QSOParty Groups.io forum, and the StateQSOParty.com
website.
"Using the number of QSO parties entered as a multiplier is expected to
encourage radio amateurs to enter more state/province QSO parties," the
program's organizers said. "The first SQPs in 2020 are the Vermont,
Minnesota, and British Columbia QSO Parties in the first weekend of
February."
Entrants must make at least two contacts in a QSO party for it to count
as a multiplier. The full details are available on the State QSO Party
Challenge website.
Challenge sponsors expressed appreciation to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, for
developing the SQP Activity Tracker on 3830scores.com.
Iowa State Parks on the Air 2020 Celebrates Centennial of Iowa State
Parks
Iowa State Parks on the Air (IASPOTA-2020) is under way and will
continue through year's end. The event is sponsored by the Great River
Amateur Radio Club, with the support of Iowa ARRL Section Manager Lelia
Garner, WA0UIG, and the Iowa Division of Natural Resources (DNR).
According to Colin Wheatley, W9UPK, Iowa had the first state park
system in the nation, and Iowa's first state park, Backbone State Park,
was dedicated in 1920. Since then, the state park system has grown to
some 70 parks and recreational facilities, including 63 state parks.
Stations logging contacts with five of Iowa's state parks during the
year-long celebration can request a certificate by sending a legal-size
self-addressed, sealed envelope to IASPOTA-2020 c/o Great River Amateur
Radio Club, P.O. Box 1384, Dubuque, IA 52004.
YOTA Camp 2020 in the Americas Donations Are Being Matched
Youth on the Air (YOTA) 2020 Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, has
announced that, thanks to a generous radio amateur, a matching fund
drive is in progress through the end of February to help fund the 2020
YOTA Camp, June 21 - 26 at the National Voice of America Museum of
Broadcasting in West Chester, Ohio.
"From now until the end of February, every dollar donated to the Youth
on the Air Camp will be matched by Steve McGrane, KM9G, up to a total
of $4,000," Rapp said. "Your donations in support of this unique
opportunity for youth to share ham radio with their peers will count
double until the end of February."
Donations may be made via PayPal, GoFundMe, or a check. Rapp said
donations could make it possible to increase the number of campers from
20 to 30 to better meet demand.
"Our corporate and foundation sponsors have raised most of the funds,
but we need clubs and individuals to finish the job," he explained.
Rapp is an alumnus of the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless
Technology TI-1 and TI-2 courses.
Past ARRL Southeastern Division Director H. Dale Strieter, W4QM, SK
Past ARRL Southeastern Division Director Dale Strieter, W4QM
(ex-W4DQS), of Cocoa Beach, died on January 6. An ARRL Life Member, he
was 92 and a founding member of the Maxim Society. Strieter was ARRL
Southeastern Division Director from 1970 until 1973.
During World War II, he served as a US Maritime Service radio officer
in the Pacific. After the war, he received a BS in electrical
engineering from Michigan State. He got his amateur radio license in
1947. Strieter later earned an MSEE from Michigan State, and then
worked as an audio engineer.
In 1958, Strieter moved to Cocoa Beach to work for General Electric,
was a NASA contractor, and he served as the guidance engineer on the
Mercury and Gemini manned spaceflight missions.
Strieter was a prolific DXpeditioner. After 20 years with GE, he
returned to sea in 1979 as a radio officer in the US Merchant Marine on
a ship generally anchored at the Chagos Islands. As VQ9QM, Strieter
logged more than 200,000 contacts from nearby Diego Garcia Island,
between 1986 and 2001. He retired in 2002. -- Thanks to Tom Tenney,
W8OJM, and Don Karvonen, K8MFO
In Brief...
The W8S DXpedition team heading to Swains Island in the Pacific in
March reports, "All lights are green." Team members will leave from
home in early March, and all will convene in Pago Pago, American Samoa,
to board the vessel Manu Atele, which will transport everyone to the
atoll. The voyage will take 24 hours. Smaller vessels will carry the
operators and equipment to the island at high tide, which the update
called "a serious challenge." The ship will not remain offshore while
the DXpedition is under way, "hopefully picking the team up again after
14 days." An international team of 10 operators will be active from
March 10 to March 25 on all HF bands on CW, SSB, FT8, and RTTY.
Operation will be 24/7 from two separate camps on the island, each with
two stations. Visit the Swains Island 2020 DXpedition website for more
information.
Dayton Hamvention 2020 Web Portal Opens for Tickets, Exhibit Space
Online orders for Dayton Hamvention^(R) 2020 tickets, inside exhibit
spaces, and flea market spots can now be placed online. Those who
ordered online in 2019 should have their user IDs and passwords
available when placing orders. Hamvention's all-volunteer staff will
work as quickly as possible to respond to orders. If you encounter
difficulties, email the appropriate committee: Tickets, Inside
Exhibits, or Flea Market. Hamvention announced in December that it
would be increasing the cost of admission and its booth fees. General
admission is now $26 in advance or $31 at the gate for all 3 days. The
cost of flea market spots has risen by $5 per space, and inside
exhibitors will pay $30. Hamvention 2020 takes place May 15 - 17 at the
Greene County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center, 210 Fairground Road,
Xenia, Ohio.
The Northeast HamXposition -- formerly known as "Boxboro" -- is moving
and will take place this year July 24 - 26 in Marlborough,
Massachusetts. The new venue, the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and
Trade Center, is about 15 miles from Boxboro off Interstate 495 (Exit
24A). The Northeast HamXposition, which had been held in early
September in past years, hosts the ARRL New England Division
Convention. "The new venue offers us much-needed additional capacity
for forums, a larger flea market, and ample parking right in the
hotel's main lot," said Event Chairman Bob DeMattia, K1IW. We will
announce very soon when the hotel is accepting reservations." DeMattia
pointed out that the Marlborough location has a lot to offer, including
dozens of restaurants in the vicinity and the new Apex Entertainment
Center on Route 20, adjacent to the hotel.
The location of the W9DXCC ARRL Specialty Operating Convention has
changed. The event will take place September 11 - 12 at the Chicago
Marriott Hotel in Naperville, Illinois. Registration and hotel
reservations will open in the spring. W9DXCC is sponsored by the
Northern Illinois DX Association. This year's event will include a
Contest University and DX University. Saturday's events will include
forums, QSL card checking, a CW pileup contest, an evening reception,
and a banquet. For more information, visit the W9DXCC website. --
Thanks to Kermit Carlson, W9XA; The Daily DX
The Alexanderson alternator 2019 Christmas Eve transmission on 17.2 kHz
from SAQ in Grimeton, Sweden, was heard by more than 400 listeners. SAQ
reported conditions were very good, with clear, dry weather, and the
vintage transmitter functioned flawlessly. Lars Kålland, SM6NM, was at
the key to deliver his last Christmas message before he retired. SAQ
said it was "stunned" by the number of reports it received -- a total
of 426 from 32 countries, including the US and Canada.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* February 1 -- South Carolina State Convention, North Charleston,
South Carolina
* February 1 -- Virginia State Convention, Richmond, Virginia
* February 7 - 9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Orlando,
Florida
* February 14 - 15 -- Southwest Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
* March 7 - Delta Division Convention, Russellville, Arkansas
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 - 15 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Perrysburg, Ohio
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
* April 10 - 11 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
* April 11 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
* April 18 - Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox
each month.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 07, 2020 09:05:16
The ARRL Letter
February 6, 2020
* ARRL HF Band Planning Committee Seeks Comments on Recommendations
* "The Auroral Connection" to Be Focus of 2020 HamSCI Workshop
* Undersea Expedition Planned to Retrieve Titanic's Radio Gear
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, Elected AMSAT President
* ARISS Announces Hosts for Space Station Ham Radio Contacts
* 7X7X DXpedition Showcases Cooperation and Youth
* President Signs PIRATE Act to Combat Illegal Broadcasting
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL HF Band Planning Committee Seeks Comments on Recommendations
The ARRL HF Band Planning Committee is seeking comments and suggestions
from the amateur radio community on its report to the ARRL Board of
Directors. At the Board's January meeting, the committee presented its
specific recommendations in graphical form for each HF band and each US
license class, with the goal of increasing harmony on the HF bands,
particularly between CW and digital users.
"In general, the committee is of the opinion that there is
justification for additional space to become available for digital
modes, as well as for the operation of digital stations under automatic
control," the committee told the Board. "The very changes in spectrum
usage that have required our committee's resurgence indicate that
digital modes of communication are already increasing in popularity,
and the trend is expected to continue or even accelerate. To this end,
we have tried to ensure that digital allocations are sufficient for at
least a modicum of growth."
The committee also anticipates an increase in automatically controlled
digital stations (ACDS). The report further points to "significant use"
of modern data modes in emergency communication and said its
recommendations provide significant support for the evolution and
continued relevance of amateur radio. "Our failure to adapt to these
needs could consign amateur radio to the technological scrap heap," the
report said.
The committee was revived last summer to consider conflicts between FT
and JT modes and other modes. The panel's approach has been to
designate distinct assignments for CW, narrowband (NB) data <500 Hz,
wideband (WB) data <2800 Hz, and ACDS. For its work, the committee
presumed approval of three ARRL petitions to the FCC: RM-11708 (WT
Docket WT 16-239 -- "symbol rate" proceeding), RM-11759 (80/75 meter
allocations), and RM-11828 (enhanced Technician privileges). The
committee also assumed that users can agree to sharing arrangements
within a given allocation -- narrowband versus wideband sharing within
the ACDS allocation, for example. It also took into consideration how
mode usage is regulated or planned elsewhere in the world.
In terms of mode classes, the committee agreed on CW, NB data, WB data,
NB with ACDS, and WB with ACDS. The committee said it considered these
mode classes incompatible and that they should not have overlapping
allocations, with the exception of CW, which is authorized within any
amateur radio allocation. The committee's approach would maintain the
existing low-end 25 kHz CW-only sub-bands for exclusive use by Amateur
Extra-class licensees.
The panel encouraged CW identification and a listen-before-transmitting
protocol for ACDS, if feasible. It also decided that a single
allocation for ACDS without regard to bandwidth would be the best
approach. "We note that this will put responsibility on the digital
community to hold an effective dialog on the issue and to then
self-regulate the users of this segment to adhere to the eventual
agreement." A need for flexibility in allocations is desirable, the
committee said, and considered whether allocations might be time-of-day
or time-of-week dependent, for example.
"Modern amateurs must expect to adapt to this kind of fluid assignment
of spectrum to incompatible uses, using time-based sharing, rather than
only a single assignment," the committee said, expressing the hope that
as band plan/sharing agreements are reached that they consider the
advantage of "non-simultaneous sharing possibilities."
Reiterating the position ARRL has taken in recent FCC filings, the
committee said it sees encryption and open-source enforcement matters
as being outside the scope of the Band Planning Committee.
The Committee would like comments by February 19.
"The Auroral Connection" to Be Focus of 2020 HamSCI Workshop
Registration is open for the third annual HamSCI Workshop for amateur
radio operators and professional scientists, Friday and Saturday, March
20 - 21, at The University of Scranton. The theme of this year's
workshop is "The Auroral Connection," and will include addresses by
guest speakers, poster presentations, and demonstrations of relevant
instrumentation and software. All radio amateurs, scientists, and
anyone interested in ionospheric and space physics are welcome.
The workshop will serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space
Weather Station project, a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded
project awarded to University of Scranton physics and electrical
engineering professor Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF. The project seeks to
harness the power of a network of radio amateurs to better understand
and measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth's
atmosphere. Through the grant, Frissell, a space physicist, will lead a
collaborative team that will develop modular, multi-instrument,
ground-based space science observation equipment and data collection
and analysis software. He will also recruit multiple universities and
ham radio users to operate the network of Personal Space Weather
Stations developed.
In addition to Scranton, the Personal Space Weather Station project
includes participation from TAPR; the Case Western Reserve University
Amateur Radio Club, W8EDU; the University of Alabama; the New Jersey
Institute of Technology Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research; MIT
Haystack Observatory; Dartmouth College, and the ham radio community at
large.
Noted contester and DXer Tim Duffy, K3LR, will deliver the keynote
address. The chief operating officer and general manager at DX
Engineering, Duffy chairs Contest University, the Dayton Contest
Dinner, and the Top Band Dinner, as well as coordinates the Contest
Super Suite. He is the founder and moderator of the popular RFI
Reflector. Duffy serves on the ARRL Foundation Board of Directors as
well as on the board of the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation
(WWROF), and as chairman and president emeritus of the Radio Club of
America.
Other speakers at the workshop include Elizabeth MacDonald, the NASA
researcher who founded and leads the Aurorasaurus project. She will
discuss fundamentals of auroral physics, its optical signatures, and
the Aurorasaurus citizen science project. James LaBelle, a professor of
physics and astronomy at Dartmouth University and auroral radio
physicist, and David Hallidy, K2DH, a retired microwave engineer who is
also well-known for his work in auroral-mode propagation will also
speak.
ditional information on the conference is available on the HamSCI
Workshop 2020 website.
Undersea Expedition Planned to Retrieve Titanic's Radio Gear
The company with sole rights to salvage artifacts from the RMS Titanic
has gone to court to gain permission to carry out a "surgical removal
and retrieval" of the Marconi radio equipment on the ship, a Washington
Post article reports. The Titanic sank in 1912 on its maiden voyage
after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic. As the radio room
filled with water, radio operator Jack Phillips transmitted, "Come at
once. We have struck a berg. It's a CQD, old man," and other frantic
messages for help, using the spark transmitter on board. CQD was
ultimately replaced with SOS -- which Phillips also used -- as the
universal distress call. The passenger liner RMS Carpathia responded
and rescued 705 of the passengers.
A recreation of the Titanic radio
room.
As might be expected, the deteriorating Marconi equipment is in poor
shape after more than a century under water. The undersea retrieval
would mark the first time an artifact was collected from within the
Titanic, which many believe should remain undisturbed as the final
resting place of some 1,500 victims of the maritime disaster, including
Phillips. The wreck sits on the ocean floor some 2 1/2 miles beneath
the surface, remaining undiscovered until 1985.
A just-signed treaty between the UK and the US grants both countries
authority to allow or deny access to the wreck and to remove items
found outside the vessel. "This momentous agreement with the United
States to preserve the wreck means it will be treated with the
sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than
1,500 lives," British Transport and Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said
in a statement.
The request to enter the rapidly disintegrating wreck was filed in US
District Court in Eastern Virginia by RMS Titanic, Inc. of Atlanta,
Georgia, which said that it hopes to restore the Titanic radio
transmitter to operating condition, if it is allowed to go forward.
The company plans to use a manned submarine to reach the wreck and then
deploy a remotely controlled sub that would perforate the hull and
retrieve the radio equipment.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We saw a nice run of Cycle 24 and
Cycle 25 sunspots from January 24 through February 1. The daily sunspot
number reached a short-term peak of 18 on January 26.
Average daily sunspot numbers declined from the 11.1 reported last week
to 4.7 during the current reporting week, January 30 - February 5.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 70 on February 6 - 13; 72
on February 14 - 20; 73 on February 21 - 22; 74 on February 23 - 29; 72
on March 1 - 3; 71 on March 4 - 11; 72 on March 12 - 18; 73 on March 19
- 20, and 74 on March 21.
Predicted planetary A index is 12 and 8 on February 6 - 7; 5 on
February 8 - 24; 10 on February 25 - 26; 5 on February 27 - 29; 8 on
March 1 - 3, and 5 on March 4 - 21.
Sunspot numbers for January 30 through February 5 were 11, 11, 11, 0,
0, 0, and 0, with a mean of 4.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74.1,
73.9, 72.5, 72.2, 72.1, 70.3, and 70.6, with a mean of 72.2. Estimated
planetary A indices were 12, 8, 6, 6, 5, 5, and 5, with a mean of 6.7.
Middle latitude A index was 9, 6, 4, 4, 3, 5, and 4, with a mean of 5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 8 -- FISTS Winter Unlimited Sprint (CW)
* February 8 -- RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest (CW)
* February 8 -- Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint (CW)
* February 8 - 9 -- CQ World Wide RTTY WPX Contest
* February 8 - 9 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* February 8 - 9 -- KCJ Topband Contest (CW)
* February 8 - 9 -- Dutch PACC Contest (CW, phone)
* February 8 - 9 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* February 8 - 10 -- YLRL YL-OM Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* February 8 - 9 -- OMISS QSO Party (Phone)
* February 9 -- Balkan HF Contest (CW, phone)
* February 9 - 12 -- Classic Exchange, Phone
* February 10 -- CQC Winter QSO Party (CW)
* February 10 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* February 10 - 14 -- ARRL School Club Roundup (CW, phone)
* February 12 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* February 12 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (Digital)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, Elected AMSAT President
During a teleconference meeting this week, the AMSAT Board of Directors
elected Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, of Granbury, Texas, as AMSAT President.
Coleman had served as a member of the Board of Directors and as AMSAT
Secretary from 2017 until 2019, and he has volunteered in several other
capacities for AMSAT, including as chair of the 2016 AMSAT Space
Symposium. He succeeds Joe Spier, K6WAO, who resigned recently, citing
personal reasons, after being in office since October 2017.
Coleman was introduced to amateur radio in space through the SAREX
program -- the forerunner to ARISS -- and the Russian Mir space
station. His interest in setting up an AX.25 BBS and nodes in the early
1990s led him to try making contacts via the Mir Personal Message
System (PMS) and digipeater. In 2011, Coleman became interested in
OSCAR satellites and began chasing operating awards.
Coleman's focus as president will be working with members to improve
organizational processes and aligning them with strategic goals.
Professionally, Coleman works in the industrial process control sector
both as a consultant and business development manager.
AMSAT members will have an opportunity to meet Coleman at Orlando
HamCation on Saturday, February 8, when he will greet visitors at the
AMSAT booth from 9:30 - 10:30 AM and 2 - 3 PM. He will also speak at
the AMSAT Forum at 12:30 PM on Saturday in Room CS III at the Lakeside
Pavilion. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
ARISS Announces Hosts for Space Station Ham Radio Contacts
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced
the names of schools and organizations selected to host amateur radio
contacts with International Space Station crew members during the
second half of 2020.
Ten proposals were accepted to move forward in the selection process
and placed in a scheduling queue for an amateur radio contact between
July and December 2020. Although ARISS expects to schedule all 10
during this period, changes to NASA crew availability may force
postponement of some contact opportunities until the first half of
2021.
The schools and host organizations are:
* Estes Park Elementary School, Estes Park, Colorado
* Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, Green Bank, West Virginia
* Tecumseh Public School, Tecumseh, Oklahoma
* Regional School Unit 21, Kennebunk, Maine
* John F. Kennedy High School, Denver, Colorado
* Oregon Charter School, Mill City, Oregon
* Newcastle High School; Newcastle, Wyoming
* Tarwater Elementary School, Chandler, Arizona
* Kopernik Observatory and Science Center, Vestal, New York
* Salem-South Lyon District Library, South Lyon, Michigan
7X7X DXpedition Showcases Cooperation and Youth
A cooperative agreement the Algerian and Tunisian IARU member-societies
signed in 2014 to reinforce relations through joint activities bore
fruit with the 7X7X DXpedition to Algeria late last year. Preparations
began in late October 2019, with the goal of activating Algeria on the
low bands to benefit from the slump in the solar cycle.
Co-leader Ash Chaabane, 3V8SF/KF5EYY, said organizers wanted to take
advantage of the DXpedition to boost interest among younger hams. Four
young people were involved in the event as a result: Sarra, 7X2QV;
Lotfi Kara, 7X2QC; Marwa, 3V8CB, and Ahmed Boubaker, 3V1B/KG5OUE, who
are all in their 20s. Three of them have participated in Youngsters On
The Air (YOTA) events sponsored by the International Amateur Radio
Union (IARU). Chaabane said the youthful contingent was involved from
setup to tear down, in addition to operating.
In addition to Chaabane, the team included co-leader Afif Ben Lagha,
7X2RO; Brahim Mohamed, 7X3TL; Redha el Bahi, 7X5QB, and Abdelghani
Mesbah, 7X2TT/M0NPT. The Tunisian team flew from Tunis to Algiers,
arriving on December 28 in Bejaia to join the Algerian team. "We
immediately started putting up antennas," Chaabane said.
7X2TT kicked off the operation through the Es'hail satellite,
demonstrating for the benefit of the younger operators how ham radio
satellites work. The rest of the team built a nearly 40-foot tall
inverted L for 160 meters; a full quarter-wave vertical for 80 meters;
a two-element Fritzel Yagi for the high bands; a seven-element Yagi for
VHF; a K9AY receiving loop, and a ground plane for 30 meters, which
operated on 40 meters as well with the addition of a loading coil.
"We did our best to operate two stations at a time," Chaabane
recounted. "We had quite few technical issues, but we overcame them."
7X7X ended up logging 5,800 contacts in 4 days, and the operating
schedule was intentionally flexible.
The mode breakdown showed 38% CW, 55% SSB, and 7% FT8. "We had 1,121
QSOs on 160 and 798 on 80," Chaabane said, with 356 US and 30 JA
contacts on 160 meters.
One objective of the DXpedition was to bond and form a strong team
capable of larger operations in the future, Chaabane said.
The DXpedition team expressed its appreciation for the support from the
Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF), the Lone Star DX Association
(LSDXA), and the Mediterraneo DX Club (MDXC), as well as some
individual hams. "This support is a solid investment into the future of
the ham radio hobby," Chaabane said. "We urge all DXpeditioners to
involve youngsters in their future trips and do their best to make it
easy and least costly for them." -- Thanks to IARU
President Signs PIRATE Act to Combat Illegal Broadcasting
On January 24, President Donald Trump signed into law the "Preventing
Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act," or the PIRATE Act. The
measure, which amends the Communications Act of 1934, authorizes
enhanced penalties for violators. Under the new law, pirate radio
broadcasters would be subject to a fine of not more than $2 million,
and violators could be fined up to $100,000 for each day during which
an offense occurs. The new law stipulates that the FCC "shall not
decrease or diminish the regular enforcement efforts targeted to pirate
radio broadcast stations for other times of the year."
The FCC is to submit to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation a report
summarizing the implementation of this section and associated
enforcement activities for the previous fiscal year. The new law also
requires "annual sweeps," during which FCC personnel will be assigned
to "focus specific and sustained attention on the elimination of pirate
radio broadcasting within the top five radio markets identified as
prevalent for such broadcasts." The Commission also "shall conduct
monitoring sweeps to ascertain whether the pirate radio broadcasting
identified by enforcement sweeps is continuing and whether additional
pirate radio broadcasting is occurring."
Under the new law, the FCC will change its rules so that it proceeds
directly to issuance of a Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) without
first issuing a Notice of Unlicensed Operation (NOUO).
The FCC will develop and publish a database of all licensed AM and FM
broadcasters, accessible directly from the FCC home page. The FCC is
also required to publish a list of "all entities that have received a
Notice of Unlicensed Operation, Notice of Apparent Liability, or
forfeiture order," as well as "each entity...operating without a
Commission license or authorization."
The law defines pirate radio broadcasting as transmitting within the AM
and FM bands without an FCC license, but excluding unlicensed
operations in compliance with Part 15.
In Brief...
Brief Interruptions of ARRL Headquarters Systems are planned for
Thursday, February 13. The ARRL IT Department anticipates two short
interruptions to these Headquarters-based systems: Logbook of The
World; Online DXCC; International Grid Chase Archive; National Parks on
the Air Archive; Centennial QSO Party Archive, and the W1AW EchoLink
Conference Server. The interruptions should occur on Thursday, February
13, between 1200 - 2200 UTC. Each interruption should be less than 10
minutes in length.
Former ARRL East Bay Section Manager Ti-Michelle Connelly, NJ6T, of
Yuma, Arizona, died late last week. She served as SM from 2003 until
2007. An ARRL Life Member, she was 72. The California native also held
other Field Organization appointments, including Net Manager,
Affiliated Club Coordinator, Assistant Section Manager, and Official
Emergency Station. Connelly was also an ARRL VEC and W5YI VEC Volunteer
Examiner. "Her spirit and fun will be sorely missed by many of us this
year," said a friend, Kristen McIntyre, K6WX.
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has completed the makeover
of its main website and the three regional websites -- all with the
same basic design. The three regional sites can be accessed directly
from the IARU home page. All of the updated pages are organized to
broadly mirror the structure of the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) and its related regional telecommunication organizations.
The Region 2 web page is available in English or Spanish. Each page
offers a look at recent IARU news and events. -- Thanks to IARU
Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ
Amateur radio volunteers in Turkey supported the response to a powerful
magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck the province of Elazig on January
24. Radio amateurs affiliated with the national International Amateur
Radio Union member-society TRAC assisted in the response. Aziz Sasa,
TA1E, at TRAC Headquarters reported, "The affected area was very small
and the intensity limited; our involvement was also limited." He said
two TRAC branches in the affected area stepped in, assisting by
providing tactical communication in the affected area and supporting
the Ministry of Health by installing and getting their mountaintop
repeater operational. "Due to the relatively limited scale of the
disaster, foreign assistance was not needed," he told IARU Region 1
Emergency Communications Coordinator Greg Mossop, G0DUB. The earthquake
caused about 40 deaths and more than 1,600 injuries as well as
considerable property damage.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* February 7 - 9 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Orlando,
Florida
* February 14 - 15 -- Southwest Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
* March 7 - Delta Division Convention, Russellville, Arkansas
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 - 15 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Perrysburg, Ohio
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
* April 10 - 11 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
* April 11 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
* April 18 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox
each month.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 14, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
February 13, 2020
* ARRL Board of Directors Re-Elects President Rick Roderick, K5UR
* ARRL Board Grants Awards and Recognitions
* ARRL Creates New HF Band Planning Discussion Group
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* New ARRL Repeater Directory Now Shipping
* The ARRL International DX Contest (CW) Is Just Ahead
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* QRZ.com Ends Identity Verified Program
* Foundation for Amateur Radio Invites 2020 - 2021 Scholarship
Applications
* In Brief
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Headquarters Will Be Closed for Presidents Day, Monday, February
17. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions on
that day. Headquarters will reopen on Tuesday, February 18, at 8 AM
EST.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Board of Directors Re-Elects President Rick Roderick, K5UR
Meeting January 17 - 18 in Windsor, Connecticut, the ARRL Board of
Directors re-elected ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, to a third
2-year term. Roderick outpolled the only other nominee, Pacific
ARRL President Rick
Roderick, K5UR.
Division Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, 8 - 7. New England Division Vice
Director Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, was elected First Vice President,
succeeding Greg Widin, K0GW, who did not seek another term. Raisbeck
was the sole nominee. A successor will be appointed to fill the Vice
Director seat that Raisbeck has vacated. Bob Vallio, W6RGG, was
re-elected as Second Vice President as the only nominee.
On a 9 - 6 vote, the Board voted not to re-elect Howard Michel, WB2ITX,
as Chief Executive Officer. Michel was in the post for 15 months.
Former ARRL Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer Barry
Shelley, N1VXY, has come out of retirement to serve as interim ARRL
CEO. He also was elected as Secretary. Shelley was ARRL's CFO for 28
years and served as CEO during 2018 before his retirement, following
the departure of former CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF. The ARRL Board has
appointed a committee to spearhead the search for a new CEO. That panel
will screen suitable CEO candidates, presenting three to the Board for
consideration.
In other action, former ARRL President and IARU Secretary Rod Stafford,
W6ROD, was elected International Affairs Vice President, succeeding Jay
Bellows, K0QB, who did not seek another term. Also re-elected by the
Board were Treasurer Rick Niswander, K7GM, and Chief Financial Officer
Diane Middleton, W2DLM.
Elected as members of the Executive Committee were Atlantic Division
Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM; Central Division Director Kermit
Carlson, W9XA; Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU; New
England Division Director Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, and Great Lakes
Division Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK. The Executive Committee
addresses and makes decisions regarding ARRL business that may arise
between scheduled Board meetings.
Hudson Division Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, was elected as a member of
the ARRL Foundation Board for a 3-year term. Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Jim
Fenstermaker, K9JF, were elected to the Foundation Board for 3-year
terms as non-ARRL Board members.
Relief From Private Land-Use Restrictions
The Hoc Legislative vocacy Committee provided the Board with
drafts outlining three legislative approaches to address relief for
radio amateurs facing private land-use restrictions impacting outdoor
antennas. The Board signed off on the draft legislative approaches "as
presented and possibly modified" and directed the committee "to proceed
to obtain congressional sponsorship, employing any of these three
approaches and using its best judgment on any alterations or
modifications that our advisors or sponsors may require or suggest."
HF Band Planning
Outgoing chair of the HF Band Planning Committee Greg Widin, K0GW,
presented the panel's report and entertained questions. Board members
noted that staff turnover and funding limitations at the FCC might
impact ARRL's efforts to tweak the bands. The Board agreed that ARRL
would post the report and solicit comments from members on it.
Contests and Operating Awards
Radio Amateurs of Canada President
Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA (left), and
IARU President Tim Ellam,
VE6SH/G4HUA, conveyed greetings from
their respective organizations.
Seated behind them is ARRL Technical
Relations Specialist Jon Siverling,
WB3ERA. [Michelle Patnode, W3MVP,
photo]
The Board approved raising the maximum number of contacts a Field Day
GOTA station can make to 1,000. It amended the ARRL RTTY Roundup rules
to add Multi-Two and Multi-Multi categories and to permit multioperator
stations to operate for the entire contest period, and it divided entry
categories into RTTY only, Digital only (i.e., no RTTY), and Mixed
(both RTTY and digital).
Matt Holden, K0BBC, presented the DX visory Committee report, telling
the Board that the panel engaged in extensive discussion on a proposal
to change the 5-Band DXCC award from the current required band to offer
credit for any five bands. The committee unanimously rejected the
proposal.
ARRL Elections
The Board revised rules governing ARRL Division and Section Manager
elections to clarify some terminology, to extend the campaign period
from the call for nominations to the deadline for ballots received, and
to make other miscellaneous changes. Revisions will become effective by
February 15, 2020.
The Board elected Greg
Widin, K0GW, as an
ARRL Honorary Vice
President. [Rick
Lindquist, WW1ME,
photo]
In the interest of "openness and fairness," the Board also approved a
measure that would offer candidates and members an opportunity to be
present during the counting of ballots. Candidates may also designate
one ARRL member to attend as a surrogate if they're unable to observe
ballot counting, or to accompany them at the count. The Board further
approved an amendment to permit ARRL members, upon petition, to travel
at their own expense to witness the counting of ballots from their
Division.
The Board charged the Programs and Services Committee to consider
changes to the ARRL By-Laws that would give members, upon petition, the
opportunity to attend the public portion of the Annual Meeting in
January. The number of members permitted to attend would be subject to
available space and fire code regulations.
Public Service Enhancement Working Group Chair, Roanoke Division
Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU, reported that with field adoption of the
2019 ARES Plan now under way, the group is putting increased focus on
the National Traffic System, including plans for dialog with
representatives of Radio Relay International.
Reduced Dues for Younger Applicants
The Board
elected Jay
Bellows, K0QB,
as an ARRL
Honorary Vice
President.
The Board approved an amendment giving the CEO discretion to raise the
eligibility age for reduced full ARRL membership dues from 22 to 26,
provided the rate not be less than one-half of the established rate. In
addition, the Board approved the establishment of a reduced-rate,
revenue-neutral Life Membership for individuals age 70 or older, with
cumulative annual membership of 25 years or more, at an initial rate of
$750. Headquarters staff will work out the administrative details of
the program, subject to approval of the ministration and Finance
Committee.
The Board also agreed to allow for a "digital-only" access membership,
at the discretion of the CEO, discounted no more than 10% from the
established dues rate.
Other Business
In other business, the Board:
* Approved a grant of $500 to the Youth on the Air (YOTA) in the
Americas program, which is sponsoring a camp in June for young
radio amateurs. Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, a former ARRL Youth Coordinator,
is heading the initiative, which is funded through the non-profit
Electronic Applications Radio Service Inc.
* Authorized creation of an Emergency Management Director Selection
Committee, with its chair and members to be named by the president.
The minutes of the January Annual Meeting of the ARRL Board of
Directors are posted on the ARRL website.
ARRL Board Grants Awards and Recognitions
Meeting January 17 - 18, the ARRL Board of Directors bestowed several
honors, awards, and recognitions. The Board conferred:
* The ARRL President's Award to David H. Bernstein, AA6YQ, in
recognition of "exemplary, outstanding, and continuing service" to
ARRL and its members as part of the ARRL Logbook of The World team.
Bernstein was a charter member of the ARRL Logbook Committee and a
"founding, influential, and devoted member" of the Committee on
Communication with ARRL Members.
* The 2019 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award for Audio
Reporting to Roman Battaglia and the associated producer and staff
of Jefferson Public Radio in Oregon. Battaglia produced a feature
story on amateur radio emergency services in and around the
Jefferson Public Radio listening area.
* The 2019 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award for Print
Reporting to Zack Plair and the Columbus and Starkville Dispatch in
Mississippi. Plair wrote a feature for the paper describing how
amateur radio has proven fulfilling to various participants,
including new and experienced radio amateurs.
* The 2019 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award for Video
Reporting to reporter Jim Altman and affiliated producers and staff
of Fox 61 News in Hartford, Connecticut. Altman's report, "American
Radio Relay League Ready for Hurricane Season," focused on ARRL's
participation in a May 2019 emergency drill conducted in
association with the American Red Cross.
The Board recognized and thanked the Delaware Valley Radio Association
of New Jersey and the Clark County Amateur Radio Club of Vancouver,
Washington, for their 90 years of assistance in fulfilling the ARRL
mission of, "advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio
within their community."
The Board bestowed the honor of Honorary Vice President on John B.
"Jay" Bellows, K0QB, and on Greg Widin, K0GW, in recognition of their
outstanding contributions to ARRL and amateur radio.
ARRL Creates New HF Band Planning Discussion Group
ARRL has created a new HF Band Planning Discussion Group. HF Band
Planning Committee Chair Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, will moderate the group,
which will focus on the ARRL HF Band Planning Committee's
recommendations and other band-planning activities. Earlier this month,
the ARRL HF Band Planning Committee invited comments and suggestions
from the amateur radio community on its report to the ARRL Board.
At the Board's January meeting, the committee presented its specific
recommendations in graphical form for each HF band and US license
class, with the goal of increasing harmony on the HF bands,
particularly between CW and digital users.
Those responding to the initial call for comments and suggestions are
encouraged to cross-post their remarks to the new HF Band Planning
Discussion Group.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The second episode of ARRL's "On the Air" podcast is now available.
Topics focus on building the ground-plane antenna featured in the first
issue of On the Air magazine, a discussion of open-wire feed lines, and
an interview with a relatively new public service volunteer. New "On
the Air" podcast episodes are available each month.
The inaugural episode of ARRL's new "Eclectic Tech" podcast is now
available. The first episode includes a discussion of amateur radio
activity on the Qatar-OSCAR 100 satellite, an interview with Assistant
ARRL Lab Manager Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about handheld transceiver
testing at Dayton Hamvention and other conventions, and an interview
with Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, about propagation conditions.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
New ARRL Repeater Directory Now Shipping
The 2020 ARRL Repeater Directory^(R) is now shipping. It includes
"crowdsourced" listings contributed by users, repeater owners, and
volunteer frequency coordinators. This means more listings that are
updated more often. With 21,000 listings, it's the most complete
printed directory of on-the-air repeaters, covering repeater systems
throughout the US and Canada.
Repeater systems are listed by state/province, city, and operating
mode. Digital repeater systems included are System Fusion, D-Star, DMR,
NXDN, and P25 systems. It is available in one size -- 6 * 9 inches --
with a convenient lay-flat spiral binding. The cover includes space to
personalize your directory, so you can make it yours.
Pages of supplemental information include VHF/UHF and microwave band
plans, and repeater operating practices. For decades, The ARRL Repeater
Directory has been an invaluable source for locating repeater
frequencies while traveling. New hams often use the Repeater Directory
to find local activity after purchasing a new handheld radio, and
public service volunteers keep a copy nearby or in their emergency "go
kit."
Order the 2020 ARRL Repeater Directory from the ARRL Store, or find an
ARRL publication dealer. Order ARRL Item No. 1267, ISBN:
978-1-62595-126-7, $19.95 retail. For additional questions or ordering,
call 860-594-0355, or, toll free in the US, 888-277-5289.
Repeater listings appearing in The ARRL Repeater Directory(R) are
provided by RFinder Inc. If a repeater has been omitted, or if a
listing is inaccurate, contact RFinder directly.
The ARRL International DX Contest (CW) Is Just Ahead
The CW weekend of the always-exciting ARRL International DX Contest
kicks off this weekend, February 15 - 16 (UTC). This event is a huge
opportunity for new, casual, and seasoned radiosport enthusiasts to
enjoy the thrill of working some new DX entities.
The terrific part is that DX stations work only US and Canada and not
each other. So, the DX operators need your contact for points.
You don't need a powerhouse contest station to join in the fun. It's
possible to work DX with simple wire dipole antennas and 100 W.
Participating in the ARRL International DX Contest is a whole lot of
fun and can really help build your DXCC totals and QSL collections.
Complete details are available via the ARRL Contests web page. The ARRL
International DX Contest phone weekend is March 7 - 8 (UTC).
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots appeared during the
reporting week, February 6 - 12. Average daily solar flux declined by
more than 1 point to 71.1. Average planetary A index increased from 6.7
to 8.3.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 72 on February 13 - 20; 73
on February 21 - 22; 74 on February 23 - 29; 72 on March 1 - 3; 71 on
March 4 - 11; 72 on March 12 - 18; 73 on March 19 - 20; 74 on March 21
- 27, and 72 on March 28.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on February 13 - 16; 8 on February 17
- 20; 5 on February 21 - 24; 10 on February 25 - 26; 5 on February 27 -
29; 8 on March 1 - 3; 5 on March 4 - 22; 10 on March 23 - 24; 5 on
March 25 - 27, and 8 on March 28.
Sunspot numbers for February 6 - 12 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.3, 70.8, 72, 70.6, 70.2,
71.1, and 71.6, with a mean of 71.1. Estimated planetary A indices were
15, 15, 6, 7, 5, 6, and 4, with a mean of 8.3. Middle latitude A index
was 13, 11, 4, 5, 4, 6, and 4, with a mean of 6.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 14 -- PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint (Digital)
* February 15 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* February 15 - 16 -- ARRL International DX Contest (CW)
* February 15 - 16 -- Russian PSK WW Contest
* February 15 - 16 -- AWA Amplitude Modulation QSO Party
* February 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* February 19 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
QRZ.com Ends Identity Verified Program
The popular QRZ.com amateur radio website has dropped its verified
member program, which the site instituted last year in an effort to
combat fraud and password phishers. Termination of the program was due
to "a number of factors," the site's founder and president Fred Lloyd,
AA7BQ, explained in a post. Lloyd said the change will "transition our
online swapmeet rules to reflect more open policies." The site had
offered the option of establishing two-factor authentication (2FA) for
its registered users, which would secure a user's password on the site.
The site introduced two-factor authentication last June, and the
verified member program later.
"While two-factor authentication has worked very well, the identity
verified program hasn't worked as well as we'd hoped. There has been a
net decrease in swapmeet traffic, primarily due to members not wishing
to take the extra steps to get verified. The swapmeet did seem to get
safer, but also notably quieter. The forum has lost some of the
excitement that it used to be known for."
Lloyd said the identity verified program was designed to provide an
extra level of confidence to swapmeet participants, but "in practical
terms, its validation methods were not sustainable." Not only was it an
administrative burden, Lloyd explained, but the majority of its
participants were only complying reluctantly. "The bottom line is that
it's been unpopular," he said.
Lloyd said that by dropping the identity verified requirement, QRZ
expects to see an increase in equipment listings and greater
participation.
Individuals listing equipment will still need to provide photos of
actual items for sale, and photos must include the seller's call sign.
Only ham members -- those having a listed call sign page -- may sell in
the swapmeet. Those perusing the listings will generally be allowed to
post comments or questions about any listing, Lloyd said. Read more.
Foundation for Amateur Radio Invites 2020 - 2021 Scholarship
Applications
The Foundation for Amateur Radio Inc. (FAR) has invited applications
for the 2020 - 2021 academic year for the scholarships it administers.
Applications must be submitted via the online form. Several questions
ask for essay responses. The deadline for initial submissions is April
30, 2020. Applicants may amend their applications until May 7.
All applicants must hold a valid amateur radio license and be enrolled
or accepted for enrollment at an accredited university, college, or
technical school. Applicants attending school outside the US must
provide a brochure describing the school. Students do not apply for
specific scholarships; each application will be considered for all of
the scholarships for which the applicant is qualified. Quarter Century
Wireless Association (QCWA) scholarships and the Chichester Memorial
Scholarship all require recommendations to be awarded.
Data entered onto the application goes directly into an encrypted,
password-protected PDF file available only to the review committee. No
part of the application is stored online.
More information is available on the FAR website, or contact Dave
Prestel, W8AJR, telephone 443-812-4403.
In Brief
The FCC has invited comments on a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)
in WT Docket 19-138, which said the FCC would take "a fresh and
comprehensive look" at the rules for the 5.9 GHz band. The FCC proposes
to make 5.850 - 5.895 GHz available for unlicensed operations and to
authorize transportation-related communication technologies to use
5.895 - 5.925 GHz. The FCC is not proposing to delete or otherwise
amend the 5-centimeter secondary amateur radio allocation at 5.650 -
5.925 GHz, part of which includes the 75 megahertz under consideration.
Comments are due by March 6, and reply comments are due by April 6.
ARRL will be filing comments supporting no change to 5.850 - 5.925 GHz
for amateurs, as included in the FCC proposal.
Successful 47 GHz Amateur Radio Moonbounce Test Reported. Mitsuo Kasai,
JA1WQF, successfully decoded a 47 GHz signal bounced off the moon on
February 10 by Al Ward, W5LUA. More tests are planned. Ward posted news
of the achievement on the Moon-Net email reflector. "These were one-way
tests, with only me transmitting," he said in his post. "I started out
by sending single tones to Mitsuo, which he copied well, and then sent
several sequences of calls and grid. Mitsuo was able to decode calls
and my grid at 1146 UTC and 1234 UTC. Signal levels were -23 dB and -25
dB." Ward noted that the first EME (Earth-moon-Earth) contact on 47 GHz
took place in early 2005. "More 47 GHz tests are being run in the next
few days with Manfred Ploetz, DL7YC," he said. "We hope for similar
success."
Steve Waterman,
K4CJX (left),
and Phil
Sherrod, W4PHS.
[Photo courtesy
of Steve
Waterman,
K4CJX]
Two Winlink development team members were recently awarded the Military
Department of Tennessee jutant General's Distinguished Patriot Medal.
Steve Waterman, K4CJX, was awarded "for his distinguished patriotic
service as the Winlink Network ministrator," citing his "vision, hard
work, and dedication to emergency communication [that] contributed
significantly to the disaster readiness and communications
interoperability of the emergency responders across the United States
and the world." Phil Sherrod, W4PHS, was awarded the medal "for his
distinguished patriotic service as the lead developer for Winlink,"
with "technical skill, hard work, and dedication to emergency
communication [that] contributed significantly to the disaster
readiness and communications interoperability of the emergency
responders across the United States and the world."
US Marines with Information Group II Marine Expeditionary Force (II
MIG) participated in an amateur radio general licensing course. The
course was conducted on base January 27 - 31 as part of the group's
High Frequency Auxiliary Initiative. Members of the Brightleaf Amateur
Radio Club of Greenville, North Carolina, helped the Marines in the
class learn the principles of HF radio operations as a contingency
against a peer-to-peer adversary in real-world operations. During the
course, Marines learned ham radio theory, band allocations,
conventional and field-expedient antenna theory, and general ham radio
operation and control. II MIG Commanding Officer Colonel Jordan Walzer
created the High Frequency Auxiliary Initiative after recognizing the
need for additional options in combat environments. "Right now, our
adversaries are aggressively pursuing counter-space weapons to target
our satellites and ground stations," Walzer is quoted in the article.
"If our satellites get knocked out, what do we do then? [High
frequency] radio has been around for well over a century and is still
used today. Why? Because it's a reliable, low-cost alternative to
satellite communications. With the right training and education, a
Marine with a radio and some slash wire can communicate
over-the-horizon for long distances, even between continents."
Initial reports indicate considerable interest among amateurs in
tracking and capturing data from the newly deployed HuskySat-1. The
satellite, designed at the University of Washington, was launched to
the International Space Station last November and subsequently deployed
into a higher orbit from the ISS on January 31, and began telemetry
transmissions on 435.800 MHz. HuskySat-1's 1,200 bps BPSK beacon is
active and decodable with the latest release of AMSAT's FoxTelem
software. The HuskySat-1 CubeSat will demonstrate onboard plasma
propulsion and high-gain telemetry for low-Earth orbit that would be a
precursor for an attempt at a larger CubeSat designed for orbital
insertion at the moon. HuskySat-1 is expected to carry out its primary
mission before being turned over to AMSAT for activation of a 30 kHz
wide V/U linear transponder for SSB and CW. -- Thanks to AMSAT News
Service
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* February 14 - 15 -- Southwest Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
* February 22 -- Vermont State Convention, Colchester, Vermont
* March 7 -- Delta Division Convention, Russellville, Arkansas
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 - 15 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Perrysburg, Ohio
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
* March 29 -- Virginia Section Convention, Annandale, Virginia
* April 10 - 11 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
* April 11 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
* April 18 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 21, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
February 20, 2020
* Coronavirus Outbreak Postpones Swains Island W8S DXpedition
* VP8PJ South Orkney DXpedition Team Arrives
* KX9X Offers Five Tips on Satellite Operating Etiquette
* ARRL Podcast Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Emergency Communication Exercise Set in Northern Florida
* Mississippi ARES^(R) Emergency Coordinator Credits Training for
Effective Tornado Response
* Yasme Foundation Announces Grants and Excellence Awards
* New World Distance Record Claimed on 122 GHz
* FAA's Proposed Remote Identification Rules Would Affect Drones,
Hobby Planes
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Coronavirus Outbreak Postpones Swains Island W8S DXpedition
The W8S DXpedition to Swains Island in the Pacific, set to take place
in mid-March, has been postponed until September as a result of travel
restrictions imposed on individuals entering American Samoa, stemming
from the recent coronavirus outbreak. The Department of Health allows
non-residents to enter American Samoa only via Hawaii after a 14-day
mandatory quarantine, and the DXpedition was unable to accommodate that
requirement.
"Everything is prepared for our DXpedition, and we are eager to go, but
unfortunately the coronavirus outbreak is out of our control," the
DXpedition team said in announcing the delay. "Although this is a
disappointment for everyone, the W8S DXpedition is not cancelled, just
postponed for later this year."
The DXpedition said it would alert the DX community as soon as it has
new firm dates for the trip.
VP8PJ South Orkney DXpedition Team Arrives
The VP8PJ South Orkney DXpedition team, on board the Braveheart,
reached Signy Island in the South Orkneys just after 1000 UTC on
February 20. Team members are now preparing to land Zodiacs and
transfer equipment.
"We have ice to contend with regarding our planned landing area," the
DXpedition reported. "The ice was pushed in during the previous days,
but we are expecting the winds to change and blow the ice out. We are
currently looking for an alternate site to unload, then move the
equipment to the planned site. An alternative camp/operations area is
being considered as we evaluate current conditions."
The Perseverance DX Group-sponsored DXpedition was set to commence
operation on February 20 (UTC), but it appears that could be delayed.
Team members operated as ZL1NA/mm during their voyage, generating heavy
pileups, and they expect to continue doing so once they get set up as
VP8PJ.
Operation on CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8 (always fox/hound mode except on 60
meters) will continue until March 5 (UTC). Stations in Africa and
Oceania may call at any time, regardless of operators' directional
instructions.
The VP8PJ DXpedition is the recipient of an ARRL Colvin Award grant,
funded by an endowment established by Lloyd D. Colvin, W6KG (SK).
Heading the 14-member DXpedition team are Dave Lloyd, K3EL, and Les
Kalmus, W2LK.
South Orkney Islands is the 16th most-wanted DXCC entity, according to
Club Log.
The DXpedition advises that DXers wait until propagation and conditions
favor their location. VP8PJ will always operate split, and operators
will indicate where they are listening.
QSL via OQRS for direct or bureau, or direct via QSL Manager Tim
Beaumont, M0URX; log search will also be available. Read more. --Thanks
to The Daily DX for some information
KX9X Offers Five Tips on Satellite Operating Etiquette
Former ARRL Contest Branch Manager and Media and Public Relations
Manager Sean Kutzko, KX9X, shared "Five Tips on Etiquette and Good
Manners on the FM Ham Radio Satellites" on the DX Engineering blog, On
All Bands. Kutzko said the transient nature of satellite availability
can lead to "a natural sense of urgency" among operators trying to
operate through it.
"Satellite operating comes with several challenges, not the least of
which is that it is one of the ultimate shared resources in the hobby,"
Kutzko wrote. "While there are now several satellites to choose from, a
Sean Kutzko, KX9X.
given satellite is only above the horizon for a maximum of 15 minutes
or so. Lots of people trying to access a satellite during a short
window of opportunity can create problems, and that can bring out some
undesirable behavior."
In terms of operating etiquette for satellites, Kutzko advised that the
"big one," is "Don't transmit if you can't hear the satellite first."
He notes that whistling or saying such things as "hello" and "check
one-two" are bad form.
"If you don't hear other activity, you're probably not going to hear
yourself, either," Kutzko explained. "Blindly calling or whistling may
cause unintentional interference to other stations that can properly
hear the satellite."
Next on the list is to wait your turn. "Given the rapid nature of
satellite contacts, you shouldn't have to wait very long for your
chance during a pass," Kutzko wrote.
Kutzko also advised to always use phonetics when operating on the FM
satellites. "Phonetics help ensure your call [sign] is copied correctly
the first time and can save a lot of precious moments during a short
pass," he said.
Also, avoid making repeat contacts with a station you've worked
previously and resist the temptation to greet an old friend. "[E]ach
contact you make with a person you've already had several contacts with
prevents another person from making a contact," Kutzko pointed out.
Finally, he said, "It may be best to let the rare station have the pass
and try to work as many stations as they can. In some cases, the rare
station may only be audible for a portion of the pass you're on, with
the station moving out of the satellite's footprint before it moves out
of range for you," Kutzko recommended.
"Satellite activity is at an all-time high, with new sats being
launched on a regular basis and more operators discovering how much fun
there is to be had," he concluded. "By being mindful of others trying
to make contacts and thinking of others on the pass, we can all
contribute to a better satellite environment for everyone."
Kutzko won the June 2018 QST Cover Plaque Award for his article, "Get
on the Satellites for ARRL Field Day." He steered satellite newcomers
to his earlier blog posts to help them get started.
ARRL Podcast Schedule
ARRL's "On the Air" podcast's second episode (February 13) focuses on
building the ground plane antenna featured in the first issue of On the
Air magazine, a discussion of open-wire feed lines, and an interview
with a relatively new public service volunteer. New "On the Air"
podcast episodes are available monthly.
The first episode of the "Eclectic Tech" podcast (February 13) includes
a discussion of amateur radio activity on the Qatar-OSCAR 100
satellite, an interview with Assistant ARRL Lab Manager Bob Allison,
WB1GCM, about handheld transceiver testing at Dayton Hamvention and
other conventions, and an interview with Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA,
about propagation conditions. New episodes will be available biweekly.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: The most recent sunspot appearance
was on February 1, nearly 3 weeks ago.
The average daily solar flux over the past week declined just barely,
from 71.1 to 70.9. The average daily planetary A index changed from 8.3
to 7, and mid-latitude A index went from 6.7 to 5.1. Solar activity
remains very low.
Solar flux is projected to remain very low -- 70 on February 20 - 27,
and 71 on February 28 - April 4.
The predicted planetary A index is 18, 10, and 8 on February 20 - 22; 5
on February 23 - 25; 8 and 12 on February 26 - 27; 5 on February 28 -
March 3; 20, 15, and 8 on March 4 - 6; 5 on March 7 - 14; 10, 8, 10, 8,
and 5 on March 15 - 19; 10, 8, 5, 8, 12, and 10 on March 20 - 25; 5 on
March 26 - 30; 20 on March 31, and 15, 8, 5, and 5 on April 1 - 4.
Sunspot numbers for February 13 - 19 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.2, 71.3, 70.6, 70.5, 70.7,
71, and 71, with a mean of 70.9. Estimated planetary A indices were 3,
3, 5, 3, 7, 14, and 14, with a mean of 7. The middle latitude A index
was 1, 3, 4, 2, 5, 11, and 10, with a mean of 5.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 21 - 23 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB
* February 22 - 23 -- REF Contest, SSB
* February 22 - 23 -- UK/EI DX Contest (CW)
* February 23 -- SARL Digital Contest
* February 23 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
* February 24 - 25 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* February 26 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* February 26 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
* February 27 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Emergency Communication Exercise Set in Northern Florida
On Sunday, March 1, dozens of amateur radio volunteers from several
states will take part in a 3-hour exercise in the northern Florida city
of Gainesville. The exercise is designed to test and evaluate skills,
assets, and strategies for emergency communication, such as those that
might be needed in the aftermath of a hurricane. The exercise is being
organized by the North Florida Amateur Radio Club (NFARC) and the
Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (GARS), as part of the third annual
Amateur Radio Communications Conference, held on Saturday and Sunday,
February 29 - March 1.
This year's "Hot and Cold" exercise scenario is based on hypothetical
high-pressure natural gas pipeline ruptures and subsequent fires, as
well as a loss of electrical power during an extreme cold-weather
event. The sudden widespread event then caused telecommunications
failures in undersea cables to develop, with widespread communication
systems overloading and failing.
Exercise planners used the revised and just-released Homeland Security
Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) in planning the event. The
update incorporates feedback and input from exercise planners and
practitioners across the country and ensures that HSEEP doctrine, the
training course, and corresponding documents continue to best meet the
needs of communities.
Collaborating Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference
lecturers have created a more than 200-page manual for the multi-track
training sessions on Saturday. Participants will get to put what they
learned into practice the next day, as they fan out to seven assigned
simulated shelter locations and the Alachua County Emergency Operations
Center. The club says Alachua County Emergency Manager Hal Grieb is
supporting the volunteer-driven Homeland Security exercise and
evaluation program-based effort, and he and his staff will serve as
evaluators. Former FEMA ministrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, also plans
to be on hand.
For the past 3 years, NFARC has published the conference proceedings,
and last year, it also published the written report of its exercise.
Last year's exercise scenario focused on a new respiratory virus that
had crippled the nation.
With the release of the updated 2020 HSEEP document, FEMA will be
hosting webinars to provide information, highlights, and changes as a
result of the review process. Webinars will continue until mid-May.
Visit the HSEEP webpage for additional dates and times. -- Thanks to
Dr. Gordon Gibby, KX4Z; The ARES E-Letter
Mississippi ARES^(R) Emergency Coordinator Credits Training for
Effective Tornado Response
Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) volunteers in DeSoto
County, Mississippi, devoted a January weekend to assisting local
emergency managers in responding to tornado damage in the region.
Desoto County Emergency Coordinator Ricky Chambers, KF5WVJ; Assistant
EC Gene ams, KF5KVL; Tate County EC Brad Kerley, KG5TTU, and Andy
Luscomb, AG5FG, reported at 3 AM on January 11 to the DeSoto County
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to open a SKYWARN weather watch.
After a tornado warning was issued for DeSoto County, Chambers
activated an emergency net on a local repeater. Ten minutes into the
net, however, the repeater went down, and the net switched to simplex.
The net subsequently moved to another operational repeater.
Initial reports of downed trees blocking roadways and an eyewitness
report of a possible tornado southwest of Hernando came in just after 5
AM. The ARES team at the EOC began taking damage reports, answering the
telephone, and monitoring and taking calls from public safety
dispatchers. When the deputy EMA director requested traffic control in
Lewisburg, three of the ARES volunteers accompanied EMA director Chris
Olson to Lewisburg. Chambers and Kerley assumed traffic control, and
Olson asked that Chambers put out a call for ARES/RACES volunteers and
EMA reservists to report to the EOC. The ham radio volunteers also
handled welfare checks.
A dozen ARES/RACES and EMA reservists returned the next day to conduct
door-to-door damage assessment. For the next 10 days, Chambers
reported, the DeSoto County volunteers assisted in handling telephone
traffic in the EOC, freeing up first responders to do their primary
jobs.
"I attribute our effective response to the training we have conducted
on a monthly basis," Chambers said, noting that training included
recommended ARRL courses. "We were able to see how the Incident Command
System worked on a first-hand basis as the incident unfolded, based on
the ICS training courses we have taken. My group went from 0 to 110 MPH
in seconds, never missing a beat [and] everyone performed on a
professional level." -- Thanks to DeSoto County and EMA Reservist
Coordinator EC Ricky Chambers, KF5WVJ
Yasme Foundation Announces Grants and Excellence Awards
The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors announced several grants when
it met in Orlando, Florida, on February 9. Financial support will go
to:
* The SU8WRC/SU8X demonstration station at World Radiocommunication
Conference 2020 in Egypt.
* The Youth on the Air and HamSCI exhibits at Dayton Hamvention 2020.
* Contest University at Dayton Hamvention 2020, for audio/visual
equipment, student materials, and live internet streaming.
* The Croatian Amateur Radio Association (HRS) to support the
Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) 2020 Region 1 annual summer camp.
The Board also announced the individual and group recipients of the
Yasme Excellence Award, which recognizes significant contributions to
amateur radio through their service, creativity, effort, and
dedication. The award may recognize technical, operating, or
organizational achievement. The Yasme Excellence Award is in the form
of a cash grant and an individually engraved crystal globe.
The latest recipients of the Yasme Excellence Award are James Sarté,
K2QI, and rian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, for their efforts in combining the
latest state-of-the-art technology, diplomatic skills, persistence, and
leadership in reactivating United Nations Headquarters club station
4U1UN. ditional help with gathering equipment and logistical support
was provided by RA9USU, NT2Y, NT2X, K2LE, and N2UN (SK).
The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized to
support scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio,
including DXing and the introduction and promotion of amateur radio in
developing countries.
New World Distance Record Claimed on 122 GHz
A new world distance record of 139 kilometers (86.2 miles) is being
claimed by radio amateurs in northern California. This tops the record
Mike Lavelle, K6ML.
of 114 kilometers set in 2005 by WA1ZMS and W4WWQ, according to the
Distance Records on the ARRL website.
The February 17, 2020, contact was between Mike Lavelle, K6ML, on Mount
Vaca (CM88WJ75ON) at 835 meters (2,739.5 feet) above sea level, and
Oliver Barrett, KB6BA (at 1225 UTC), and Jim Moss, N9JIM (at 1250 UTC),
who were both on Mount Umunhum (CM97BD18VJ) at 1,016 meters (3333.3
feet) above sea level.
Lavelle reports the dew point was -11 °C, the air temperature was 15
°C, the path loss was about 225 dB, and atmospheric loss was
approximately 0.35 dB/kilometer.
"CW was used, 122 GHz signals were very weak (7 dB above the noise in
22 Hz; -13 in 2500 Hz equivalent) with [fading] down to the noise
floor," Lavelle told ARRL. "Dishes were aligned on 24 GHz (71 dB above
the noise) prior to [moving] to 122 GHz; we heard signals right away on
122 GHz." The stations employed 60-centimeter satellite TV dishes and
ran "somewhat less than half a milliwatt" on 122 GHz, Lavelle said.
FAA's Proposed Remote Identification Rules Would Affect Drones, Hobby
Planes
The Federal Aviation ministration (FAA) is proposing to require
remote identification of so-called "unmanned aircraft systems" (UAS),
which include drones and hobby aircraft. A growing number of radio
amateurs utilize camera-equipped drones for aerial photography
purposes, to examine antenna systems, and to operate hobby aircraft
remotely on amateur radio frequencies. Comments on the Notice of
Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in Docket FAA-2019-11, are due by March 2.
"The remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems in the airspace
of the United States would address safety, national security, and law
enforcement concerns regarding the further integration of these
aircraft into the airspace of the United States while also enabling
greater operational capabilities," the FAA said in proposing the new
requirements.
The FAA defines remote identification, or Remote ID, as the ability of
an in-flight unmanned aircraft "to provide certain identification and
location information that people on the ground and other airspace users
can receive." The FAA called the move "an important building block in
the unmanned traffic management ecosystem."
"For example, the ability to identify and locate UAS operating in the
airspace of the United States provides additional situational awareness
to manned and unmanned aircraft," the FAA said. "This will become even
more important as the number of UAS operations in all classes of
airspace increases. In addition, the ability to identify and locate UAS
provides critical information to law enforcement and other officials
charged with ensuring public safety."
The FAA said it envisions that the remote identification network "will
form the foundation for the development of other technologies that can
enable expanded operations."
With few exceptions, all UAS operating in US airspace would be subject
to the rule's requirements and would have to comply, "regardless of
whether they conduct recreational or commercial operations, except
those flying UAS that are not otherwise required to be registered under
the FAA's existing rules."
To comment, click on the "Submit a Formal Comment" button on the top of
the Federal Register page that includes the NPRM text.
In Brief...
A Down Under special event will use former Radio Australia
international broadcast antennas. Over the March 14 - 15 weekend,
members of the Shepparton and District Amateur Radio Club (SADARC) in
Australia will be on the air as VI3RA (Radio Australia), connecting
their transceivers to the curtain array and rhombic antennas at the
former Radio Australia site in Shepparton. Radio Australia ceased
transmitting from the site in 2017. VI3RA will operate on 40, 30, 20,
17, and 15 meters. "Local amateurs will be given the unique opportunity
to explore the use of high-gain antennas whilst giving amateurs
throughout the world a unique opportunity to contact a station using
such high-gain antennas," said SADARC President Peter Rentsch, VK3FPSR
(Australia's call sign structure accommodates four-letter suffixes).
"This is a rare opportunity for amateur radio operators, who are only
allowed a peak output power of 400 W in Australia when compared to 100
kW of Radio Australia transmitters to hopefully achieve some remarkable
communication outcomes. We expect to get a gain of 15 dB on the lower
frequencies and at least 20 dB on 21 MHz." The special event is being
conducted in cooperation with BAI Communications (Broadcast Australia).
More information is on the club's website.
AMSAT reports that the pioneering AMSAT-OSCAR 85 (AO-85) CubeSat, also
known as Fox-1A, has gone silent. "Having not been heard throughout the
most recent period of full illumination, it is reasonable to believe
the batteries have deteriorated to the point of no longer being able to
power the transmitter," AMSAT said this week. "Should some future event
cause a cell to open, it is possible the satellite may be heard again,
but for now, it is time to declare end-of-mission. AO-85 was conceived
as the first AMSAT CubeSat and designed to be a successor to the
popular AO-51 Microsat. AO-85 was launched on October 8, 2015. Its
success led to further Fox satellites AO-91, AO-92, AO-95, and
RadFxSat2/Fox-1E, which will be launched later this year. The Fox-1E
transponder was also spun off into a radio system now in orbit on board
HuskySat-1, and soon to be in several other university CubeSats. --
Thanks to AMSAT News Service
France has authorized use of 60-meter band. Telecommunications
regulator ARCEP has authorized the use of a 60-meter band -- as agreed
upon at World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 -- for French radio
amateurs. The formal announcement was published in the Official Journal
of the Republic of France (JORF) on February 13, IARU member-society
REF (Réseau des Émetteurs Français) has reported. The 5351.5 - 5.366.6
MHz band will be available at a maximum EIRP of 15 W.
ARISS radio telebridge stalwart Gerald Klatzko, ZS6BTD, has died. When
the International Space Station (ISS) orbit is not favorable for a
direct Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
with a particular school or location scheduled to speak with an
astronaut, ARISS radio telebridge stations bridge the gap. Gerald
Klatzko, ZS6BTD, of Parklands, South Africa, was one of the "regulars"
during the earlier years of the ARISS program. He died on February 1 at
age 95. Klatzko served as an ARISS radio telebridge station in South
Africa for many years until he retired. ARISS telebridge stations
establish the direct ham radio link and feed two-way audio into a
telebridge line for delivery to the contact site. John Sygo, ZS6JON,
described Klatzko as "always bright and cheerful and a great operator,"
who made major contributions to the amateur service. "He was one of the
first to experiment with slow-scan television," Sygo said. "For many
years, he assisted NASA to link astronauts with their families using
amateur radio links from Mir, the Space Shuttle, and the International
Space Station. For over 2 decades, he was the co-producer and presenter
of Amateur Radio Mirror International."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* March 7 - Delta Division Convention, Russellville, Arkansas
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 - 15 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Perrysburg, Ohio
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
* March 29 -- Virginia Section Convention, Vienna, Virginia
* April 10 - 11 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
* April 11 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
* April 18 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
* May 8 - 9 -- Utah State Convention, Orem, Utah
* June 6 - 7 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
* June 6 - 7 -- West Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox
each month.
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 28, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
February 27, 2020
* ARRL Seeks a New Chief Executive Officer
* ARRL Comments in Opposition to FCC Plan to Delete the 3.4 GHz Band
* AMSAT Cites Need for equate Spectrum in Opposing Deletion of 3.4
GHz Band
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Announces Interruptions to Online Services
* FCC Turns Down Amateur Licensee's Appeal
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Auxiliary Communications Training to Be Held in Conjunction with
Dayton Hamvention^(R)
* It's Never Too Late to Upgrade
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Seeks a New Chief Executive Officer
ARRL is seeking an experienced radio amateur to be Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) at its headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. The CEO is
the top compensated employee in ARRL's management structure and
oversees all operations in collaboration with the President and the
Board of Directors, in accordance with ARRL's Articles of Association,
Bylaws, and Board policies. The successful candidate will ensure
day-to-day management of ARRL, including fiscal operations and will
oversee and make certain that its fund-raising, marketing, human
resources, technology, advocacy, and governance strategies are
effectively implemented.
Essential CEO Functions Include:
* Leading the headquarters staff and field volunteers, in response to
Board policy, in the development and implementation of effective
programs for the promotion and growth of amateur radio and the
provision of services to members.
* Planning, developing, organizing, implementing, directing, and
evaluating ARRL's operational and fiscal performance.
* Providing leadership, directing headquarters staff, and maintaining
performance standards in headquarters operations.
* Participating, in collaboration with officers, Directors, and
staff, in developing ARRL's plans and programs.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a record of
significant amateur radio experience and a broad understanding of its
operational, technical, regulatory, and social facets. The CEO will be
responsible for effective financial and operational management and
oversight.
CEO candidates should possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent
(master's degree preferred), be an active radio amateur who has
initiated or led a significant amateur radio activity within the past
10 years, and have 10 years of management and supervisory experience.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate ability in providing effective
leadership and management of business operations.
The position is located at ARRL Headquarters, and the successful
candidate will be required to establish a residence in the Hartford,
Connecticut, area.
For More Information
The CEO Position Announcement includes details. Interested candidates
should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to ARRL Human
Resources Assistant Monique Levesque.
ARRL Comments in Opposition to FCC Plan to Delete the 3.4 GHz Band
ARRL has filed comments opposing an FCC proposal to delete the 3.3 -
3.5 GHz secondary amateur allocation. The comments, filed on February
21, are in response to an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
WT Docket 19-348 in which the FCC put forward a plan to remove
"existing non-federal secondary radiolocation and amateur allocations"
in the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band and relocate incumbent non-federal
operations. The FCC's proposal was in response to the MOBILE NOW
[Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive
and Needless Obstacles to Wireless] Act, enacted in 2018 to make new
spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. ARRL
noted that amateur radio has a long history of successful coexistence
with primary users of the band.
"There is no reason suggested by the Commission, or known to us, why
the secondary status for amateur radio operations should not be
continued for the indefinite future," ARRL said in its comments. "We
understand that secondary commercial users are less flexible than
amateur radio users and may desire to relocate to protect continued
provision of services and service quality. Radio amateurs, by contrast,
benefit from having technical knowledge and no customer demands for
continuous service quality, more flexibility to make adjustments, and
often have the technical abilities necessary to design and implement
the means to coexist compatibly with the signals of primary users."
ARRL pointed to amateur radio's "decades-long experience observing and
experimenting with radiowave propagation" in the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band
that includes mesh networks, amateur television networks, weak signal
long-distance communication, Earth-Moon-Earth (moonbounce)
communication, beacons used for propagation study, and amateur
satellite communications. In its comments, ARRL argued that it would be
"premature" to remove the current secondary amateur radio allocation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio amateurs have established extensive infrastructure for the
current band and are engaged in construction and experimentation that
includes innovative "mesh networks" and amateur television networks
that can be deployed to support public service activities.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"This spectrum should not be removed from the amateur radio secondary
allocation and left unused," ARRL told the FCC. "Only at a later time
may an informed assessment of sharing opportunities be made in the
specific spectrum slated for re-allocation.... This depends upon the
Congressionally mandated NTIA studies of sharing or relocation options
that have yet to be completed and, if all or part of this spectrum is
re-allocated, the nature and location of buildout by the non-federal
users." The National Telecommunications and Information ministration
(NTIA) oversees spectrum allocated to federal government users. ARRL
noted that radio amateurs have established extensive infrastructure for
the current band and are engaged in construction and experimentation
that includes innovative "mesh networks" and amateur television
networks that can be deployed to support public service activities.
With the NTIA report addressing the 3.1 - 3.55 GHz spectrum not
expected until late March, ARRL said, "we do not yet know how much
spectrum below and above the amateur secondary allocation may be
reallocated to non-federal users and what opportunities may exist or be
developed to share [that] spectrum" with new primary users and systems.
"Even if suitable new spectrum could be found for the existing amateur
uses -- which is difficult before the spectrum musical chairs activity
is concluded -- the costs to radio amateurs would be significant and be
borne with no countervailing public benefit," ARRL told the FCC.
"If the advent of new primary licensees forecloses some types of
secondary operations, the amateur community will reevaluate the
situation when some certainty exists," ARRL concluded.
AMSAT Cites Need for equate Spectrum in Opposing Deletion of 3.4 GHz
Band
AMSAT has commented on the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
WT Docket 19-348 that proposes to delete the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz (9
centimeter) amateur band and relocate incumbent non-federal operations.
The band includes the 3.40 - 3.41 GHz Amateur Satellite Service
allocation. In its remarks, AMSAT said it opposes deletion of the
allocation and stressed the necessity of having adequate microwave
spectrum available for future amateur satellite projects, including
AMSAT's GOLF program and the Lunar Gateway. AMSAT acknowledged that the
3.4 GHz Amateur Satellite Service allocation is not currently used by
any amateur satellites and that it is unsuitable for worldwide
communication because it is not available in ITU Region 1. AMSAT said a
number of potential future uses for the band remain, however, as
worldwide usage of other available allocations increases.
"These potential uses include a future amateur satellite in
geostationary orbit above the Americas," AMSAT said, explaining that
the segment could support uplink or downlink frequencies for such a
spacecraft without potential interference to worldwide activities
involving space stations in high-Earth or lunar orbit. The
most-desirable allocations for use as uplinks are between 2.4 GHz and
5.67 GHz -- 80 MHz in all, AMSAT told the FCC. "As many of the proposed
uses include amateur television and high-speed data transmission with
satellites in high-Earth orbit or lunar orbit, these allocations may
quickly become inadequate," AMSAT said.
AMSAT told the FCC the 3.40 - 3.41 GHz allocation could be utilized as
a command channel or secondary data downlink for AMSAT ground stations
in ITU Region 2 without interfering with the primary communications on
the other allocations or other satellites utilizing those segments.
AMSAT said several non-amateur satellites use the broader 3.3 - 3.5 GHz
amateur allocation, which also sees wide use for amateur radio mesh
networking, EME communications, and contesting.
"The Amateur Satellite Service continues to provide immense value to
the growing field of small satellites," AMSAT concluded. "Experiments
conducted by amateur satellites...continue to inform the development of
the commercial small satellite industry. ditionally, student
participation in amateur satellite projects provides both inspiration
for young men and women to pursue careers in the commercial satellite
industry and practical experience for those careers.
"A strong and robust Amateur Satellite Service will continue to benefit
the public interest and inspire future developments in satellite
technology," AMSAT said. "Continued progress in achieving these goals
requires adequate spectrum, especially in suitable microwave bands." --
Thanks to AMSAT News Service via AMSAT Executive Vice President Paul
Stoetzer, N8HM
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The February 13 episode of the On the Air podcast focuses on building
the hands-free soldering tool from the article, "Extend Your Handheld's
Range with a Simple Ground-Plane Antenna," seen in the January/February
2020 issue of On the Air magazine; a discussion of open-wire feed
lines, and an interview with a public service volunteer. New On the Air
podcast episodes are available monthly.
The new episode of Eclectic Tech podcast goes live February 27. Episode
2 touches on these topics: Most expensive home PC ever; Alexa and
amateur radio; solar activity's influence on whales, and a HamSCI
update from Ward Silver, N0AX.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
ARRL Announces Interruptions to Online Services
The ARRL website and other online services will be offline on Friday,
February 28, for up to 8 hours in order to conduct necessary
maintenance. The outage will begin at 0500 UTC and should end by 1300
UTC. It will affect the main ARRL website, the ARRL Store, and the ARRL
contesting-related pages, including the log submission page. Logbook of
The World (LoTW), email, and all ARRL Headquarters systems will not be
affected.
As part of ARRL Headquarters' transition to new internet service
providers, an interruption of internet access at ARRL Headquarters is
set for Wednesday, March 4, starting at 2300 UTC. The interruption will
last no longer than 4 hours. During the work period, these services
will be unavailable: Logbook of The World (LoTW), Online DXCC,
International Grid Chase Archive, National Parks on the Air Archive,
Centennial QSO Party Archive, W1AW Echolink Conference Server, and VPN
access to Headquarters. Email to Headquarters will remain online, and
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 06, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
March 4, 2020
* ARRL Foundation Announces ARDC Scholarship Matching Grant
* Dayton Hamvention Officials Keeping an Eye on Coronavirus Situation
* Henry Radio Los Angeles Founder Ted Henry, W6UOU, is 100!
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Dayton Hamvention Names 2020 Award Winners
* International Space Station Resupply Mission to Carry New ARISS Ham
Radio Gear
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* IARU Region 2 Seeks Young Hams to Help Reshape Amateur Radio
* Motorola Wins Multimillion Dollar Theft of Trade Secrets Case
Against Hytera
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Foundation Announces ARDC Scholarship Matching Grant
ARRL Foundation President Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV, announced this
week that the nonprofit Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has
generously agreed to award the ARRL Foundation a grant to match the
Foundation's 2020-2021 scholarships on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to
a total of $200,000.
"The ARRL Foundation Board is honored to partner with ARDC to award
ARDC's Amateur Radio Digital Communications' Brian H. Kantor, WB6CYT,
Memorial Scholarship grant for 2020," Woolweaver said. "These
scholarships, made possible by ARDC's generous contribution, will
assist many young amateur radio operators in their pursuit of education
at colleges, universities, and graduate schools."
Last July, ARDC announced it would use the proceeds from its sale of
some 4 million unused consecutive AMPRNet internet addresses to fund
its operations and to establish a program of grants and scholarships to
support communications and networking research -- with a strong
emphasis on amateur radio. ARDC has said that it intends to award "a
total of several million dollars in grants of varied amounts" to
qualified beneficiaries, to be used in accordance with ARDC's mission.
ARDC awarded grants in 2019 and so far in 2020 to several amateur
radio-related entities, including a generous award to the Amateur Radio
on the International Space Station (ARISS), the Foundation for Amateur
Radio scholarship program, the GNU Radio Project, TAPR, and the YASME
Foundation.
The ARRL Foundation and ARDC are negotiating the terms for ARDC's 2021
- 2022 academic year scholarship awards, which will consist of
scholarships separate from those the ARRL Foundation already
administers.
The winners of the ARRL and matching ARDC scholarship awards for the
upcoming school year will be announced in the September issue of QST.
Dayton Hamvention Officials Keeping an Eye on Coronavirus Situation
With Dayton Hamvention^(R) 2020 a little more than 10 weeks away,
Hamvention officials say they are closely following the coronavirus
(COVID-19) situation. Show organizers will post updates as the May 15 -
17 event nears, but they're optimistic that coronavirus will not be an
issue.
"At this time, the Hamvention Executive Committee has been in contact
with the Greene County Public Health Department, and we do not
anticipate any impact because of this issue," a March 3 Hamvention
statement said. The Greene County Public Health Department reports that
no cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Ohio.
"Greene County Public Health is working closely with the Ohio
Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and are prepared to respond, should there be a community
spread of COVID-19," the Hamvention statement noted. "The current risk
to the general public is very low. Travel advisories are in effect, and
can change anytime, so please see the CDC Travel visory web page
before traveling."
The Hamvention advisory pointed out the best ways to prevent becoming
infected or spreading the virus:
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
* Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
* Cover coughs/sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
* Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
* Stay home if you are ill and avoid close contact with others.
* Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy
immune system.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Ohio Department of Health also offers helpful information regarding
COVID-19.
Dayton Hamvention takes place May 15 - 17 at the Greene County
Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio.
Henry Radio Los Angeles Founder Ted Henry, W6UOU, is 100!
Henry Radio Los Angeles founder Ted Henry, W6UOU, turned 100 years old
on January 25. The fascinating Henry family history in amateur radio
marketing and manufacturing dates back to the late 1920s.
The original Henry Radio shop, started by Ted's brother Bob Henry,
W0ARA (SK), opened in 1927 in Butler, Missouri. It stayed in business
until Bob died in 1985. Ted and another brother, Walt, later W6ZN,
worked with Bob Henry during the early years and became fascinated with
ham radio. After Ted moved to Los Angeles in 1941, he opened a small
radio shop, which he operated while attending college at UCLA
Ted Henry, W6UOU, operating from
American Samoa in 1957.
with the intention of going into teaching. His shop survived the
suspension of amateur radio during World War II by purchasing gear from
hams and reselling it to MARS stations around the world, and by
manufacturing crystals (in Butler and Los Angeles) for Hallicrafters'
war production. The LA store grew quickly after the war, expanding to a
new location where it operated for nearly 35 years, becoming a
gathering spot for hams visiting from around the world.
Walt Henry opened a Henry Radio branch in Anaheim, California, in the
1960s, which closed in 1990, after his health declined.
In 1962, Ted Henry began manufacturing tube-type power amplifiers for
the ham radio market, starting with the original Henry 2K. Many of the
popular line of HF amplifiers remain in use today. The plant expanded
into the industrial RF equipment sector. In the 1970s, the company
developed its own line of solid-state amplifiers, which it still
manufactures for various services.
Henry Radio also became the first Kenwood dealer in the US, marketed
the Tempo line of ham gear, and is the oldest dealer for Bird RF test
equipment.The current store on South Bundy Drive in Los Angeles opened
in 1981.
Ted Henry retired from the business in 2005. -- Thanks to Marty Woll,
N6VI; Henry Radio
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest (February 13) episode of the On the Air podcast focuses on
building the hands-free soldering tool from the article, "Extend Your
Handheld's Range with a Simple Ground-Plane Antenna," seen in the
January/February 2020 issue of On the Air magazine; a discussion of
open-wire feed lines, and an interview with a public service volunteer.
A new On the Air podcast will become available on March 12.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast went live February 27.
Episode 2 touches on these topics: Most expensive home PC ever; Alexa
and amateur radio; solar activity's influence on whales, and a HamSCI
update from Ward Silver, N0AX.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Dayton Hamvention Names 2020 Award Winners
Dayton Hamvention^(R) has named five radio amateurs and one ham radio
club as the recipients of its 2020 awards.
Amateur of the Year
Yasuo "Zorro" Miyazawa, JH1AJT, was named Amateur of the Year. Licensed
in 1964 at age 15, Miyazawa became interested in DXing and, later in
his life, international humanitarian activities. He was inducted into
the CQ DX Hall of Fame in 2015. His many DXpeditions focus not just on
handing out contacts but cooperating with the local population to
implement needed humanitarian activities. In 2010 he established the
Foundation for Global Children (FGC). "His efforts have helped
revolutionize education in Japan by creating the learning systems for
children who had difficulties in ordinary schools because of dyslexia,
developmental disabilities, and other issues," the Hamvention Awards
Committee said.
Special Achievement Award
Jordan Sherer, KN4CRD, of Atlanta, Georgia, is the recipient of the
[IMG]Hamvention Special Achievement Award. A software engineer by day
and digital amateur radio operator by night, Sherer started his journey
into ham radio in 2017, exploring PSK31, JT65, and, later, FT8.
Fascinated by the ability to connect with others using low power, he
set about developing a protocol for weak-signal mesh networking and
communication. The result was JS8Call, a free, open-source platform
inspired by WSJT-X and fldigi. It allows for keyboard-to-keyboard,
store-and-forward, and network relay-based communication.
Technical Achievement Award
Hamvention bestowed its Technical Achievement Award on a group of three
radio amateurs who have become well-known for their development of the
WSJT-X digital software suite. The 2020 award recipients are Steve
Franke, K9AN; Bill Somerville, G4WJS, and Nobel Laureate Joe Taylor,
K1JT. Over the past 7 years, the trio has collaborated on all aspects
of WSJT-X -- in particular the digital protocol FT8 and its contesting
variant FT4. Introduced in July 2017, FT8 now accounts for a
significant portion of all HF ham radio activity.
Club of the Year
The South Canadian Amateur Radio Society (SCARS) of Norman, Oklahoma,
is the 2020 Club of the Year. An ARRL Special Service Club formed in
1977, the club has worked through its website, Facebook, YouTube
channel, and weekly newsletter to expand its reach to thousands of hams
from the local area to around the globe. The club takes emergency
communication very seriously. NWS SKYWARN training and weekly ARES nets
offer hams in central Oklahoma an opportunity to practice their skills
before the next weather emergency. The club also sponsors an "Elmer
Night" and monthly free license examination sessions, participates in
community public service events, and works closely with the American
Red Cross.
Awards will be presented during Hamvention, May 15 - 17, at the Greene
County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. Read more.
International Space Station Resupply Mission to Carry New ARISS Ham
Radio Gear
The scheduled March 7 (UTC) SpaceX CRS-20 mission to the International
Space Station (ISS) will include the initial Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) Interoperable Radio System (IORS)
flight unit, which is listed as a primary payload. The IORS is the
foundation of the ARISS next-generation amateur radio system on the
space station. Once at the space station, the IORS will be stowed for
later installation.
The ARISS hardware team built four flight units, and the first will be
installed in the ISS Columbus module. A second flight unit expected to
be launched on a later 2020 cargo flight will be installed in the
Russian Service Module. NASA contracts with SpaceX to handle ISS
resupply missions.
The IORS represents the first major upgrade of on-station ARISS
equipment. The package will include a higher-power radio, an enhanced
voice repeater, and updated digital packet radio (APRS) and slow-scan
television (SSTV) capabilities for both the US and Russian space
station segments. The IORS consists of a custom-modified JVCKenwood
TM-D710GA transceiver, an AMSAT-developed multi-voltage power supply,
and interconnecting cables.
The ARISS hardware team remains busy on IORS development and final
certification. While the initial unit has been certified for launch and
stowage on ISS, the team is still deep into the final certification of
the IORS for flight operations, and construction of a second flight
unit is in progress.
ARISS will mark 20 years of continuous amateur radio operation on the
space station in November.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Last week's Friday bulletin (ARLP009)
noted that NASA STEREO images showed two bright spots, magnetically
complex, about to rotate over the sun's eastern horizon and onto the
visible solar disc. I was hoping these might develop into sunspots, but
they just faded away, so currently we have seen no sunspots in more
than a month. Clearly, we are still at solar minimum.
Over the past week, average daily solar flux shifted from 70.5 to 70,
average daily planetary A index stayed the same at 6.7, while average
daily mid-latitude A index dipped from 5 to 4.6.
This period of low solar flux and very stable geomagnetic indicators is
great for 160-meter propagation, especially during the winter season,
when atmospheric noise is low. Predicted solar flux over the next 45
days is 70 on March 5 - 12, and 71 on March 13 - April 18.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on March 5 - 10; 8 on March 11 - 12; 5
on March 13 - 14; 10, 8, 10, and 8 on March 15 - 18; 5, 10, 8, and 5 on
March 19 - 22; 8, 12, 10, and 5 on March 23 - 26; 5 on March 27 - 30;
20, 15, and 8 on March 31 - April 2, and 5 on April 3 - 18.
Sunspot numbers for February 27 - March 4, 2020 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,
and 0, with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.9, 70.6, 70.1,
69.3, 69.3, 70, and 69.8, with a mean of 70. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 6, 11, 8, 5, 6, and 7, with a mean of 6.7. Middle
latitude A index was 2, 4, 8, 6, 4, 4, and 4, with a mean of 4.6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* March 7 - 8 -- ARRL International DX Contest (SSB)
* March 7 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
* March 7 - 8 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* March 7 - 8 -- Open Ukraine RTTY Championship
* March 7 - 15 -- Novice Rig Roundup (CW)
* March 8 -- UBA Spring Contest (CW)
* March 8 -- WAB 3.5 MHz Phone/CW
* March 9 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* March 11 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
* March 11 - 15 -- AWA John Rollins Memorial DX Contest (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
IARU Region 2 Seeks Young Hams to Help Reshape Amateur Radio
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 (R2, the Americas) is
looking for a few young hams interested in helping to remake amateur
radio for the 21st century.
"Frustrated that there are so few of your friends and age group that
are interested in ham radio? Frustrated that amateur radio is in a rut,
not doing more or different things with technology? Concerned that an
aging demographic means ham radio is dying? And that our frequencies
will be sold out to the highest bidder because there aren't enough hams
to show that we use them?" IARU Region 2 said in a March 3
solicitation. "So are we. And we want to do more than talk. We want to
do something about it."
According to the announcement, IARU R2 is looking for volunteers who
would brainstorm ideas and possible actions to make amateur radio more
attractive to a younger generation.
"We're not looking for a single magic approach. After all, amateur
radio means many things to many people. Rather, we're looking for
possible ways to target specific interests that are either part of ham
radio today or could be part of ham radio in the future to recruit and
retain new amateurs," the solicitation said. IARU R2 said it's looking
for radio amateurs between the ages of 18 and 35 who have been licensed
for more than 1 year. Applicants must be self-starters willing to take
initiative, exercise creativity, and volunteer their time.
If interested, contact IARU Region 2 Secretary George Gorsline, VE3YV,
telling why you are willing to volunteer, your current interests, and
your thoughts on solutions. "Ideally, we would like to have as many
parts of the Americas represented as possible," IARU R2 said in its
announcement.
"This is more than a think tank. We're prepared to provide funding to
try out some of the proposed ideas to see how well they work. We expect
that some ideas will work, others won't, and different things will work
in different parts of the Americas -- one size will not fit all. As
part of the work, IARU R2 would propose to send one person to the IARU
R1 YOTA youth camp to experience the camp, meet with the R1 youth
coordinators to learn about what they are doing in Europe and Africa,
to exchange ideas, and to explore what joint activities might be done."
-- Thanks to Joaquin Solana, XE1R, IARU Region 2
Motorola Wins Multimillion Dollar Theft of Trade Secrets Case Against
Hytera
A jury for the US District Court of the Northern District of Illinois
has awarded Motorola Solutions damages of $764.6 million in its theft
of trade secrets and copyright infringement lawsuit against Hytera
Communications of Shenzhen, China. In 2017, Motorola filed complaints
in federal court alleging that Hytera's digital mobile radio (DMR)
products employed techniques and systems that infringed on Motorola
Solutions' patents and trade secrets. Already known for its Land Mobile
Radio Service products, Hytera entered the amateur radio DMR market in
2016. Its ham products include the Hytera AR482Gi digital mobile radio.
Motorola alleged that proprietary and patented information was taken
illegally by three former company engineers who went to work for
Hytera, as "part of a deliberate scheme to steal and copy" its
technology. The company said it would seek a global injunction to
prevent Hytera from trade secret misappropriation and copyright
infringement, a Motorola spokesperson said following the verdict.
Motorola said technology features it developed started showing up in
Hytera products soon after Hytera began hiring former Motorola
engineers in 2008, according to the lawsuit.
In a statement, Hytera expressed disappointment and disagreement with
the verdict and said it would appeal. But, the company went on to say
that it has "enhanced its corporate governance and added new policies
and procedures related to intellectual property and the onboarding of
new employees." Hytera also said it's "engaged in an ongoing process of
removing the affected source code from the products at issue and has
been rolling out updated software to the marketplace."
In Brief...
The Yasme Foundation will present its Excellence Award on March 6 to
the individuals behind the reactivation of UN Headquarters club station
4U1UN. The project took more than 4 years to complete. As announced
earlier, those receiving the award are James Sarte, K2QI, and rian
Ciuperca, KO8SCA. The team used an innovative in-house remote concept:
the station is located on the 42nd floor of UN Headquarters in New York
City, while the control point is on the ground floor. Jointly
presenting the award will be ARRL Hudson Division Director Ria Jairam,
N2RJ, and Yasme Director Martti Laine, OH2BH. Capping the ceremony will
be the first-ever FT8 contacts from 4U1UN, with WSJT-X developer Joe
Taylor, K1JT, at the controls. Those making the first 25 contacts will
receive a certificate signed by Taylor. Following the presentation,
K2QI, G6CBR, N2RJ, OH2BH, KO8SCA, and VE7NY will activate 4U1UN for the
ARRL International DX SSB contest. QSL via HB9BOU. -- Thanks to Martti
Laine, OH2BH
Many radio amateurs around the world will celebrate Saint Patrick's Day
on the air as part of the St. Patrick Award. The 48-hour event will
take place from 1200 UTC on March 16 until 1200 UTC on March 18. Saint
Patrick's Day is March 17. Shortwave listeners are invited to take
part. Awards will be in five categories: SPD Station Award (for
registered stations); Fixed/Portable Station Award; Digital Station
Award; Mobile Station Award, and Short Wave Listener Award. Register to
be an official participating station. Visit the event's Facebook page.
-- Thanks to Bobby Wadey, MI0RYL
A special event to mark Maine's bicentennial will take place during
Statehood Week, March 16 - 21, with the on-air event extending to March
22. Volunteers around the state will be on the air with special event
call signs from the nine counties that existed in 1820, when Maine
became independent of Massachusetts: W1C (Cumberland); W1H Hancock; W1K
Kennebec; W1L Lincoln; W1O Oxford; W1P Penobscot; W1S Somerset; W1W
Washington, and W1Y York. Three other special event stations will be
K1J Jameson Tavern in Freeport; K1P Portland, and K1B Boston, in
recognition of their contributions to Maine's Statehood. CW, SSB, and
digital operation will be continuous on HF, VHF, and UHF for the
duration of the event. The event is sponsored by the Maine Bicentennial
Special Event Committee. Maine stations may sign up to participate as
special event stations. Certificates will be available. ditional
information is available on the event website. Email questions with the
subject line "Maine 200 Special Event."
Former CQ Magazine Awards Editor Eddie De Young, KS4AA, has passed
away. Weeks after stepping down due to health issues, CQ Amateur Radio
Magazine Awards Editor Eddie De Young, KS4AA (ex-VK4AN, KH6GLU, AE7AA),
of Clearwater, Florida, died on February 25, after a period of ill
health. He was an ARRL member. De Young had held the position for less
than a year, according to CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU. A ham since
1954, De Young migrated to Australia in 1974, earning Wireless
Institute of Australia (WIA) DXCC Honor Roll, 7-Band DXCC Award of
Excellence, and DXer of the Year. He served as WIA Awards Manager and
was an incoming QSL bureau manager in VK4. He returned to the US in
2012. De Young took part in several DXpeditions over the years.
Succeeding De Young at CQ will be Jim Houser, WA8JIM, of Bartlett,
Illinois.
The president of the River City Amateur Radio Communications Society in
California, Paul McIntyre, KC5JAX, was one of two individuals killed on
February 28 in a knife attack by a client at a recovery center.
McIntyre, a father of two, had been interning at the Wellness and
Recovery Center in Carmichael as part of his training to become a
social worker. He was 57. Two other victims survived the attack.
McIntyre's club reported that he was a longtime mentor and volunteer,
and he was passionate to help others learn and enjoy amateur radio. He
served for years as a club officer, on the Board of Directors, as net
coordinator, and was a regular Field Day participant. "He's a
wonderful, brave blind man who had no defense against what happened
here," a Fox40 KTXL news story quoted his wife Barbara. She told the TV
station that McIntyre interned at the wellness and recovery center 2
days a week. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral
costs. "When the screaming started, he ran towards the danger," Anissa
Kolda said on the GoFundMe page she set up on behalf of Barbara
McIntyre. "His act saved a life but cost him his own." -- Thanks to
ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Manager Carol Milazzo, KP4MD
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* March 6 - 7 -- Alabama Section Convention, Trussville, Alabama
* March 7 - Delta Division Convention, Russellville, Arkansas
* March 13 - 14 -- Louisiana State Convention, Rayne, Louisiana
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 - 15 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Perrysburg, Ohio
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
* March 29 -- Virginia Section Convention, Annandale, Virginia
* April 10 - 11 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
* April 10 - 11 -- Maine State Convention, Lewiston, Maine
* April 11 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
* April 18 -- Louisiana Section Convention, West Monroe, Louisiana
* April 18 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
* May 3 -- Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Bristol,
Pennsylvania
* May 8 - 9 -- Arizona State Convention, Prescott Valley, Arizona
* May 8 - 9 -- Utah State Convention, Orem, Utah
* May 15 - 17 -- Dayton Hamvention, Xenia, Ohio
* June 6 - 7 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
* June 6 - 7 -- West Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 12-13 -- HAM-CON, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 13, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
March 12, 2020
* Visalia International DX Convention, Other Events, Canceled Due to
Coronavirus Concerns
* Nominations Invited for 2020 McGan Silver Antenna Award for
Excellence in Public Relations
* "Team Exuberance" Aims to Lower the Average Age of Contesters
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Outer Space is Your Next Radio Frontier!
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* ARISS Celebrates Successful Launch Carrying Interoperable Radio
System to ISS
* International Group Reactivating the Legendary Yasme VP2VB Call
Sign
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Visalia International DX Convention, Other Events, Canceled Due to
Coronavirus Concerns
Concern over COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of the 2020
International DX Convention (IDXC) and of several other amateur
radio-related events here and abroad. The IDXC was to be held April 24
- 26 in Visalia, California.
"We send out our apologies to all our prospective patrons of the 2020
International DX Convention," IDXC Co-chairs Cathy Gardenias, K6VC, and
Kris Jacob, K6TOD, said on behalf of the convention committee. "Due to
concerns, health and well-being of our amateur radio family, our age
group, and possible compromised health issues, we are taking the side
of safety and canceling the convention." They conceded that, although
the number of COVID-19 cases remains low, it only takes one person to
pass the virus. IDXC is processing refunds.
On March 11, the Dayton Hamvention^A(R) Executive Committee, said, "As
of now we plan on holding Hamvention unless otherwise directed. It is
our intention to follow the orders of the State of Ohio and the Greene
County Health Department." On March 12, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
issued an executive order barring public participation in sporting
events and other large gatherings (defined as 100 or more attendees).
Ohio has reported four confirmed COVID-19 cases.
An in-person version of the HamSCI workshop, set for March 20 - 21 at
the University of Scranton, has been canceled because of the
coronavirus situation. HamSCI's Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, who's
organizing the event, said alternative plans are in play to hold a
virtual workshop.
The Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Club Spring Hamfest on March 14 and the
Great Lakes Convention on March and the March 15 Toledo Hamfest in Ohio
have been canceled. Also canceled: Communications Academy 2020, due to
be held in Seattle, Washington, April 24 - 26.
ARRL has created a URL that will search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention
Database for canceled events.
FCC Headquarters has barred the door to visitors, employees, and
contractors who have been in any country subject to a COVID-19-related
CDC Level 3 Travel Warning. It also has suspended until further notice
any FCC involvement in large, non-critical gatherings involving
national or international participants. Read more.
Nominations Invited for 2020 McGan Silver Antenna Award for Excellence
in Public Relations
The ARRL Public Relations Committee invites nominations for the Philip
J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award, presented annually to a radio
amateur who has demonstrated success in public relations efforts on
behalf of amateur radio and who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit
of Philip McGan, WA2MBQ (SK).
"ARRL Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other volunteers are
working hard every day to create greater awareness of all that amateur
radio has to offer," the Committee said in announcing the opening of
nominations for the award. "They are publicizing special events,
writing press releases, or doing interviews on radio and television or
in newspapers to highlight the service that amateur radio provides."
A journalist, McGan was the first chairman of ARRL's Public Relations
Committee, which helped reinvigorate ARRL's commitment to public
relations. To honor McGan, members of the New Hampshire Amateur Radio
Association joined with the ARRL Board of Directors to establish an
award that would pay lasting tribute to the important contributions he
made on behalf of amateur radio.
Activities for which the McGan Award is presented include those
specifically directed at bringing amateur radio to the media's and the
public's attention in a positive light. This may include such
traditional methods as news releases or interviews, or less traditional
methods, such as hosting a radio show or being an active public
speaker.
The ARRL Board of Directors will choose the award winner at its July
2020 meeting, based on recommendations from the ARRL Public Relations
Committee. The Committee has responsibility for reviewing the
nominations and supporting material.
Eligible nominees must be full ARRL members in good standing at the
time of nomination. The award is given only to an individual, and
nominees may not be current ARRL officers, directors, vice directors,
paid staffers, or members of the ARRL Public Relations Committee.
Nominees must not be compensated for any public relations work
involving amateur radio -- including payment for articles.
A nominee's efforts must fit the definition of public relations and
recognize the promotion of amateur radio to the non-amateur radio
community.
Nominations must be received at ARRL Headquarters by the close of
business on Friday, May 15, 2020. Nominations must be on an official
entry form. Anyone may make a nomination.
"Team Exuberance" Aims to Lower the Average Age of Contesters
Seven of the world's top youth CW operators will convene at the western
Pennsylvania superstation of Tim Duffy, K3LR, in late May, in an effort
to lower the average age of contest operators -- especially CW
operators. "Team Exuberance (TE)," comprised of teens and early
20-somethings, gained a reputation during the CQ WPX phone event in
2019. This year, they will tackle the CQ WPX CW contest on May 30 - 31.
The young operators have been raising money to minimize the cost of the
adventure for the participants and their families.
"The average age of today's CW operator is 67," the group asserted.
"Team Exuberance CW 2020 (TE CW 2020) is out once again to take a swing
at the radiosport establishment, disprove the adage that old
The 2019 Team Exuberance with
K3LR in the center.
age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance, and bring down
the average age of the contesting community." They also want to prove
"that youth contesters are legit contenders" in the radiosport arena.
Violetta Latham, KK8AT, led the first Team Exuberance contest
operation, which took first place in North America in the Multi-Two
category, racking up a score of 22 million points and logging 5,700
contacts. The team will stick to the Multi-Two format for the WPX CW
this year.
The TE CW 2020 team will include David Samu, VE7DZO; Marty Sullaway,
NN1C; Philipp Springer, DK6SP; Bruce Yang, KN8U/BH4EPL; Tomi Varro,
HA8RT; Mathias Acevedo, CE2LR, and Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO.
The team has mounted a GoFundMe campaign to raise the projected $8,000
necessary to cover airfare, hotel, transportation, and meals for the
duration of the contest. Any excess funds will be donated to the David
Kalter Youth DX venture.
"Your donation will not only help our team achieve the goal of
participating in the CQ WPX CW 2020 but also keep the momentum of
bringing more youth into the hobby and ultimately bring down the
average age," the team said in its pitch.
TE CW 2020 says its operators were handpicked for this contest and are
all highly skilled and experienced. Varro, who is 21, was the 2014
High-Speed Telegraphy (HST) competition champion, while Yang, also 21
and a student at Georgia Tech, was the World Rookie champion for the
2019 CQ WPX CW event.
"While amateur radio is not a mainstream hobby for today's youth,
finding skilled youth CW operators is even rarer," TE CW 2020 said in a
news release. "They do [CW] because it's fun and challenging."
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest (March 12) episode of the On the Air podcast focuses on how
to calculate feed line loss, real-world examples of how digital and
analog FM transceivers handle weak signals, and an interview with Rob
Macedo, KD1CY, Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service Boston/Norton
office. Rob will offer information about how hams can get involved with
SKYWARN.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 3) includes an
interview with JS8Call creator Jason Sherer, KN4CRD, revisiting SSTV,
and a discussion of arc-fault circuit breakers with Bob Allison,
WB1GCM.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Outer Space is Your Next Radio Frontier!
You can make contacts through amateur radio satellites, and even with
the International Space Station, using equipment you probably own right
now! All it takes is the right information, which you'll find in ARRL's
new book, Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners.
Dozens of spacecraft are in orbit just waiting for your signals, and
more are being launched every year. This book is your guide to a whole
new world of operating enjoyment. Inside you will be able to locate
satellites and determine when they will be available in orbit, gain
tips for building your own "satellite station, find a simple
step-by-step guide to making your first contacts, and discover
satellite antenna projects you can build at home.
"Even with just a dual-band FM transceiver and a mobile antenna, you
can make contacts through an amateur satellite!" said ARRL author and
QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY.
Building amateur radio satellites is difficult; communicating through
amateur satellites is not. Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners will
introduce you to new experiences that you may have thought were out of
your reach. Start reading and discover how easy it can be!
Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners is available from the ARRL Store
or your ARRL Dealer. ARRL Item no. 1304, ISBN: 978-1-62595-130-4,
$22.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $19.95. Call 860-594-0355 or,
toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289. It will also be available as an
e-book for the Amazon Kindle.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: I felt cheated this week when a
much-anticipated sunspot appeared only briefly, and after 2 days was
gone. Sunspot region AR2758 only appeared on March 8 - 9, with daily
sunspot numbers of 13 and 12, respectively. Some new activity is
visible over the solar horizon -- a very active and bright spot, but
this time in the sun's northern hemisphere.
Average daily sunspot numbers for the week rose from zero to 3.6, while
average daily solar flux barely increased, from 70 to 70.2. Average
daily planetary A index declined from 6.7 to 4.4, and average middle
latitude A index decreased from 4.6 to 3.6.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 71 on March 12 - 14; 70
on March 15 - 18; 72 on March 19 - 22; 70 on March 23 - April 4; 72 on
April 5 - 18, and 70 on April 19 - 25.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on March 12 - 18; 12 and 8 on March 19
- 20; 5 on March 21 - 26; 12 and 8 on March 27 - 28; 5 on March 29 -
April 5; 10 and 8 on April 6 - 7; 5 on April 8 - 13; 8, 12, and 8 on
April 14 - 16; 5 on April 17 - 22, and 12, 8, and 5 on April 23 - 25.
Sunspot numbers for March 5 - 11 were 0, 0, 0, 13, 12, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 3.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.5, 70, 69.9, 70.2, 70.8,
70.8, and 70.5, with a mean of 70.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, and 3, with a mean of 4.4. Middle latitude A index
was 3, 4, 5, 3, 5, 3, and 2, with a mean of 3.6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* March 14 -- AGCW QRP Contest (CW)
* March 14 - 15 -- RSGB Commonwealth Contest (CW)
* March 14 - 15 -- F9AA Cup, SSB
* March 14 - 15 -- South America 10 Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* March 14 - 15 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* March 14 - 15 -- Oklahoma QSO Party (CW, phone)
* March 14 - 15 -- TESLA Memorial HF CW Contest
* March 14 - 15 -- QCWA QSO Party (CW, phone)
* March 14 - 15 -- Idaho QSO Party (CW, phone)
* March 14 -- QRP ARCI Spring Thaw SSB Shootout
* March 15 -- North American Sprint, RTTY
* March 15 - 16 -- Wisconsin QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* March 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* March 17 -- CLARA Chatter Party (CW, phone)
* March 19 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
ARISS Celebrates Successful Launch Carrying Interoperable Radio System
to ISS
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is celebrating
the successful launch and docking of the SpaceX-20 commercial resupply
mission to the International Space Station (ISS). One payload on the
flight is the ARISS Interoperable Radio System (IORS), which ARISS
calls "the foundational element of the ARISS next-generation radio
system" on the space station. Amateur radio has been an integral
component of ISS missions since 2000. The Dragon cargo capsule docked
successfully with the space station on March 9. ARISS-US Delegate for
ARRL Rosalie White, K1STO, said hundreds of ARRL members contributed to
make the IORS project happen, and ARISS is celebrating the 4-year-long
project.
"ARISS is truly grateful to ARRL and AMSAT for their co-sponsorship and
support of ARISS since day one," White said. "ARISS greatly appreciates
the hundreds of ham radio operators who have stood by ARISS, sending
financial support and encouragement. A robust ham station is on its way
to replace the broken radio on the ISS, and tens of thousands of hams
will enjoy strong ARISS packet and ARISS SSTV signals as a result. In
addition, thousands of students will discover and use ham radio to talk
with a ham-astronaut. We hope to see the trend continue where more
ARISS teachers and local clubs set up school ham clubs." The new system
includes a higher-power radio, an enhanced voice repeater, updated
digital packet radio (APRS), and slow-scan television (SSTV)
capabilities for both the US and Russian space station segments.
White called the March 7 launch, "beautiful, flawless." ARRL President
Rick Roderick, K5UR, told ARISS that he had his fingers crossed for a
successful launch.
According to NASA Mission Control, it will take the three ISS crew
members up to a month to unload and stow the 4,300 pounds of cargo on
board the Dragon capsule, and the IORS is not a priority. The actual
ham equipment will be installed in the ISS Columbus module. Another
IORS unit is in line to be launched and installed in the Russian
segment of the ISS later this year.
The IORS consists of a custom-modified JVCKenwood TM-D710GA
transceiver, a multi-voltage power supply, and interconnecting cables.
The ARISS hardware team will assemble four flight units -- and 10 IORS
units in all -- to support onboard flight operations, training,
operations planning, and hardware testing. Future upgrades and
enhancements to the next-generation system are in various stages of
design and development. These include a repaired Ham Video system --
currently planned for launch in mid-to-late 2020, an L-band (uplink)
repeater, a microwave "Ham Communicator," and Lunar Gateway prototype
experiment.
International Group Reactivating the Legendary Yasme VP2VB Call Sign
On Tuesday, March 10, an international group set sail to the British
Virgin Islands and activated the VP2VB call sign of Yasme fame for 6
days, focusing on the low bands with two stations. VP2VB was the call
sign of the legendary Danny Weil, VP2VB, skipper of the Yasme series of
sailing vessels that carried the peripatetic adventurer as he traveled
from one DX location to another in the 1950s and early 1960s. His
activities provided the impetus to create The Yasme Foundation. For the
2020 "Yasme Memorial Expedition," operators will include rian
Ciuperca, KO8SCA; Martti Laine, OH2BH; Niko Halminen, OH2GEK, and
Sandro Nitoi, VE7NY. QSL via OH2BH.
A Briton, Weil was a watch and clock maker by trade, and had a sense of
adventure. His initial Yasme (often rendered as YASME) sailing voyage
was to the British Virgin Islands. Yasme derives from the Japanese word
"yasume," which means "to make tranquil." Another giant of ham radio
history, the legendary DXer Dick Spencely, KV4AA, became aware of
Weil's aspirations and suggested that he combine amateur radio with his
ambitious travel itinerary. Spencely taught Weil Morse code and helped
him secure the VP2VB call sign, which was to become famous around the
globe. Spencely secured the initial ham radio gear for the Yasme and
became a tireless fundraiser for The Yasme Foundation as well.
Ultimately, there were three Yasmes. From 1955 until 1962, Weil
operated from several ports of call in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
This latter-day VP2VB DXpedition will count toward Yasme awards and
marks the first activation of VP2VB in more than 60 years.
This month's VP2VB DXpedition will trace Weil's original route in the
British Virgin Islands under a special license authorization, to pay
homage to those early years of DXing and to honor the spirit he
embraced, which inspired a generation of DXers.
Weil retired from DXpeditioning and settled in Texas in 1963, resuming
his profession of a watch and clock maker and becoming a US citizen. He
was not to be heard on the air again -- although he kept an ear on the
bands. Weil died in 2003 at age 85.
In Brief...
The launch of the PSAT3 CubeSat, which was part of the DARPA Launch
Challenge, has been canceled. The Challenge offered a $10 million prize
for any launch provider that could deliver a rocket with only 30 days'
notice of what payloads they would have and where they would launch
from -- and then, to do it again only 30 days later. "We were on the
second launch," said PSAT3's Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, of the US Naval
Academy. "But on March 2, the third attempt by the launch provider was
scrubbed at T-9 minutes and was not resolved until the launch window
and DARPA Challenge deadline had passed. Therefore, the Challenge was
over. There was no winner, and we lost the launch." The US Naval
Academy project spacecraft remains available for a CubeSat
Poly-Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD) launch opportunity,
Bruninga said. He described PSAT3 as a follow-on opportunity to
duplicate the functionality of PSAT2 in a full-sized P-POD payload that
remains attached to the upper stage rocket body. The launch was to take
place from Kodiak, Alaska.
The founder of the annual Ham Radio University in New York, Phil Lewis,
N2MUN, of Lindenhurst, New York, died on March 5. An ARRL member, he
was 72. Lewis grew up on Long Island, attended RCA Institute, and
worked for Hazeltine and, later, BAE Systems in the aerospace industry.
Licensed in 1991, he was a member of Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club
(GSBARC), serving as a volunteer examiner and instructor and
participating in Field Day and special events. Lewis was GSBARC
President from 2000 to 2002. He was an active DXer and contester, and a
member of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC).
The Dominican Republic now has a 60-meter band. Following an Executive
Branch vote, Dominican Republic telecommunications regulator Indotel
has updated the country's National Frequency Allocation Plan, which
includes the allocation of a 60-meter segment of 5351.5â**-â**5366.5
kHz to amateur radio fixed and mobile stations (except for aeronautical
mobile stations). Stations may not exceed a maximum radiated power of
15 W EIRP. The Dominican Radio Club recommended adoption of the plan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
* March 13 - 14 -- Louisiana State Convention, Rayne, Louisiana
* March 13 - 14 -- North Carolina Section Convention, Concord, North
Carolina
* March 14 -- Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska
* March 14 -- West Virginia Section Convention, Charleston, West
Virginia
* March 21 -- West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
* March 29 -- Virginia Section Convention, Annandale, Virginia
* April 3 - 4 -- OzarkCon, Branson, Missouri
* April 10 - 11 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Claremore, Oklahoma
* April 10 - 11 -- Maine State Convention, Lewiston, Maine
* April 11 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Raleigh, North Carolina
* April 17-19 - Eastern VHF UHF Microwave Conference, Manchester,
Connecticut
* April 18 -- Louisiana Section Convention, West Monroe, Louisiana
* April 18 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
* April 25 - Aurora Conference , White Bear Lake, Minnesota
* May 3 -- Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Bristol,
Pennsylvania
* May 8 - 9 -- Arizona State Convention, Prescott Valley, Arizona
* May 8 - 9 -- Utah State Convention, Orem, Utah
* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020, Woodinville, Washington
* May 15 - 17 -- Dayton Hamvention, Xenia, Ohio
* June 6 - 7 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
* June 6 - 7 -- West Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 12-13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 20, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
March 19, 2020
* Dayton Hamvention Cancels 2020 Show
* ARRL Suspending Tours and Guest Visits to Headquarters, W1AW
* FCC Levies $18,000 Fine on Louisiana Amateur Radio Licensee
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Calls for Continued Coexistence in 3.4 and 5.9 GHz Bands
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Coronavirus May Impact Amateur Radio License Testing
* Errata to 2020 - 2024 Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released
* Georgia Institute of Technology CubeSat to Feature Amateur Radio
Robot Operation
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Dayton Hamvention Cancels 2020 Show
For the first time in its 68-year history, Dayton Hamvention^(R) will
not take place this year, due to concerns about the coronavirus
outbreak. The glum news was not entirely unexpected, given widespread
cancellations of public gatherings and a national state of emergency.
"The Hamvention Executive Committee has been monitoring the COVID-19
pandemic. We have worked very closely with our local and state health
departments. It is with a very heavy heart the Hamvention Executive
Committee has decided to cancel Hamvention for this year," Hamvention
General Chair Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, said in announcing the cancellation
on March 15. "This decision is extremely difficult for us, but with
around 2 months until the Great Gathering we felt this action
necessary. More specific details regarding the closure will soon be
posted. Thank you for your understanding in this time of international
crisis."
The Dayton Hamvention cancellation comes less than a week after the
International DX Convention in Visalia, California, called off this
year's show. The Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) sponsors
Hamvention.
Since 2017, Hamvention has been held each May at the Greene County
Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. The international gathering
attracted more than 32,000 visitors in 2019.
Hamvention's announcement has caused the cancellation of other
associated events. These include Contest University, the Contest
Dinner, and the Top Band Dinner. The QRP Amateur Radio Club
International's "Four Days in May" event has also been cancelled.
Presumably, the DX Dinner, sponsored by the SouthWest Ohio DX
Association (SWODXA) and AMSAT Academy have also been called off,
although no formal announcements have been made.
ARRL Suspending Tours and Guest Visits to Headquarters, W1AW
As part of efforts under way to help protect the health and safety of
ARRL Headquarters employees and volunteers from the impacts of the
coronavirus, ARRL suspended all tours and guest visits to Hiram Percy
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW and ARRL Headquarters, effective Monday,
March 16.
Out of an abundance of caution, this suspension will be in effect until
further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to
our members and their guests who had been planning to visit us in
Newington, Connecticut. We feel, however, that this is a necessary
precaution and is in keeping with the guidance being provided by
federal and local health professionals. We appreciate everyone's
patience and understanding as we all endeavor to deal with this
difficult public health situation.
FCC Levies $18,000 Fine on Louisiana Amateur Radio Licensee
In an enforcement case prompted by complaints filed in 2017, the FCC
has imposed an $18,000 forfeiture on Jerry W. Materne, KC5CSG, of Lake
Charles, Louisiana, for intentional interference and failure to
identify. The FCC had proposed the fine in a Notice of Apparent
Liability (NAL) in the case in July 2018, and, based on Materne's
response to the NAL, the agency affirmed the fine in a March 12
Forfeiture Order (FO).
As the FCC recounted in the FO, an FCC agent "observed Materne causing
intentional interference to a local repeater by generating digital
noise into an analog radio." The agent further reported that Materne
failed to transmit his call sign, as required.
Materne disputed the FCC's findings, arguing that the NAL should be
canceled because the agent "was mistaken in his determination that the
source of the interference was Materne's station" as his radio was not
capable of operating on the repeater frequency in question, the FCC
said in the NO. Materne also asserted that he is unable to pay the fine
and suggested in his response that the FCC should be able to access his
financial information.
The FCC countered that the radio the agent observed in Materne's
possession was capable of operating on the frequency in question. "We
therefore are unpersuaded...that the proposed forfeiture should be
canceled because, he alleges, he was not the party causing interference
to the repeater and the radio in his possession could not operate on
the frequency in question," the FCC said in affirming the findings of
the NAL. "We are also unpersuaded by Materne's argument that he lacks
the ability to pay the full $18,000 forfeiture." The FCC said Materne
failed to provide the FCC with proof of inability to pay, as required
by the NAL.
The FCC gave Materne 30 days to pay the fine, or face having the case
turned over to the US Department of Justice for enforcement.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest (March 12) episode of the On the Air podcast focuses on how
to calculate feed line loss, real-world examples of how digital and
analog FM transceivers handle weak signals, and an interview with Rob
Macedo, KD1CY, Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service Boston/Norton
office. In the interview, Rob offers information about how hams can get
involved with SKYWARN.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 3) includes an
interview with JS8Call creator Jordan Sherer, KN4CRD, revisiting SSTV,
and a discussion of arc-fault circuit breakers with Bob Allison,
WB1GCM.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
ARRL Calls for Continued Coexistence in 3.4 and 5.9 GHz Bands
In comments filed on March 9, ARRL said that while the FCC has not
proposed to alter the secondary amateur allocation at 5.850 - 5.925
GHz, changes the FCC has proposed for other users "will constrain
current and future amateur operations" in that band, if the proposals
are adopted. The Amateur Radio Service shares the 5.850 - 5.925 GHz
band on a secondary basis with Dedicated Short-Range Communications
(DSRC) systems. Amateur radio also shares the 5.850 - 5.875 GHz segment
with industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) applications. ARRL's
comments were in response to a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in
WT Docket 19-138, in which the FCC said it would "take a fresh and
comprehensive look" at the rules for the 5.9 GHz band and proposed to
make the lower 45 MHz of the band available for unlicensed operations
and to permit vehicle safety systems in the upper 30 MHz of the band.
"This proceeding is of concern to radio amateurs across the country,
because many of the operations carried out in this band are similar to
those conducted in the 3.4 GHz band, from which the Commission, in a
companion proceeding, is proposing to evict radio amateur operations,"
ARRL said.
ARRL urged the FCC "to consider holistically" its various spectrum
reallocation proposals for mid-range spectrum, including the 5.9 GHz
and 3.4 GHz proceedings as well as proposals in another proceeding that
would affect 5.925 - 7.125 GHz. Those proposals would dedicate up to
1.2 GHz of spectrum for various types of unlicensed devices.
"The spectrum must be managed carefully and additional shared spectrum
considered in order not to severely curtail amateur networks that often
are used in public service applications when similar capabilities are
not available to public service providers," ARRL said in its remarks.
ARRL noted the widespread use of 5.9 GHz in particular for amateur mesh
and amateur television networks and links that radio amateurs have
engineered into the band on a non-interference secondary basis, often
for public service purposes. "For decades, these radio amateur uses
have coexisted successfully with the primary users of the 5.9 GHz band
without harmful interference," ARRL pointed out.
"Because of the flexibility, knowledge, and dedication of many
individual radio amateurs, we can continue to operate and even grow, so
long as both the 3.4 and 5.9 GHz bands remain available for amateur
radio purposes on a secondary basis," ARRL said. "ditional sharing
opportunities also should be made available where doing so would not
interfere with primary operations and would employ otherwise unused
spectrum for public benefit purposes," ARRL added, referencing a
pending 3.1 - 3.3 GHz spectrum review by the National
Telecommunications and Information ministration (NTIA), which manages
spectrum used by the federal government.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On Wednesday, Spaceweather.com
reported a new emerging Solar Cycle 25 sunspot in the sun's northern
hemisphere, but it was not yet numbered. Last week, we reported
sunspots on just 2 days, March 8 and 9.
Average daily sunspot numbers over the March 12 - 18 reporting week
declined from 3.6 to zero, and daily solar flux values dipped from 70.2
to 70.1. Geomagnetic averages were quiet but higher, with planetary A
index changing from 4.4 to 5.9 and middle latitude A index from 3.6 to
4.1.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 72 on March 19 - 21; 70 on
March 22 - April 4; 72 on April 5 - 18; 70 on April 19 - May 1, and 72
on May 2.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on March 19; 5 on March 20 - 26; 12
and 8 on March 27 - 28; 5 on March 29 - April 5; 10 and 8 on April 6 -
7; 5 on April 8 - 13; 8, 12, and 8 on April 14 - 16; 5 on April 17 -
22; 12 and 8 on April 23 - 24, and 5 on April 25 - May 2.
We have been looking forward to the vernal equinox, which occurs at
0350 UTC on March 20 -- and now perhaps with a new emerging sunspot.
This is a favorable time for HF propagation, with both the northern and
southern hemispheres receiving an equal amount of solar radiation.
Space.com has some of the finer details on the beginning of spring
2020.
Sunspot numbers for March 12 - 18 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.9, 68.8, 68.1, 70.2, 69.8,
71.6, and 72, with a mean of 70.1. Estimated planetary A indices were
7, 7, 3, 5, 7, 6, and 6, with a mean of 5.9. Middle latitude A index
was 7, 6, 2, 3, 3, 4, and 4, with a mean of 4.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* March 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* March 21 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
* March 21 - 22 -- Russian DX Contest (CW, phone)
* March 21 - 22 -- Virginia QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* March 21 - 23 -- BARTG HF RTTY Contest
* March 22 -- UBA Spring Contest, SSB
* March 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* March 25 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
* March 26 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Coronavirus May Impact Amateur Radio License Testing
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM,
anticipates that the number of new and upgraded radio amateurs will
take a dip in March as VE teams cancel exam sessions due to coronavirus
social distancing guidelines. She cited FCC Universal Licensing System
(ULS) figures showing that new ham licenses granted for the first half
of March totaled 1,298, while another 296 licensees upgraded. Those
numbers are down from the 1,697 new ham licenses granted during the
same period last year, which also saw 467 upgrades.
"Some sessions are still going on, because they don't have bans in
place yet. Also, some teams that only test one or two candidates every
month may be able to continue, since that is well below the number of
people that most authorities are advising should gather," Somma said.
She anticipates a surge will come after bans on larger gatherings are
lifted, because examinees are eager to take the exams they have been
studying hard for.
Somma cautioned that, while March 2020 license numbers appear to be
trending downward, it's not possible to reliably predict how an entire
month will play out by extrapolating partial-month numbers. "March is
the beginning of the busy part of the year, but depending on how the
weekends fall and when licensing classes end, a month may peak at
different points or be busy the whole way through," she said. More than
764,000 US amateur radio licensees are in the FCC database.
ARRL VEC's March VE E-Newsletter assured Volunteer Examiners that their
health and safety are top priority and that the ARRL VEC is taking the
coronavirus outbreak very seriously. "We understand that with the
rapidly changing updates on restrictions and canceled or postponed
public events, our VE teams are in different locations and should do
what is best for them and their communities," Somma said. "We urge you
to stay informed, so you can make informed decisions based on your
local community's guidelines, as each community is unique. Then use
your best judgement when deciding whether or not to conduct, postpone,
or cancel an exam session."
Somma directed ARRL VEC VEs and teams to the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) website or to local health departments for the latest
information.
Errata to 2020 - 2024 Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released
The NCVEC Question Pool Committee has issued errata to the new (2020 -
2024) Amateur Extra-class question pool that goes into effect on July
1. Most changes are minor, involving typographical or style errors.
In the syllabus at the top of the pool:
* E1C -- Changed "bandwith" to "bandwidth"
* E3B -- In sub-element heading, deleted "grayline"
* E9D -- Changed "feedpoint" to "feed point"
In sub-element 3:
* Changed "41 questions" to "40 questions"
In the question pool:
* E1C13 -- In answer C, changed "Utilities Telecom Council" to
"Utilities Technology Council (UTC)"
* E1C14 -- In question, changed "Utilities Telecom Commission" to
"Utilities Technology Council (UTC)"
* E1D03 -- In answer, choices C and D, changed "earth" to "Earth"
* E2A02 -- In question, changed "inverted" to "inverting"
* E3B -- In sub-element heading, deleted "grayline"
* E3B08 -- Question withdrawn from pool and marked as deleted. The
remaining questions in E3B were not renumbered, leaving 11
questions.
* E5B04 -- In question, changed "220 microfarad" and "1 megohm" to
"220-microfarad" and "1-megohm"
* E7C09 -- In answer B, added a space between "1" and "kHz"
* E8C10 -- In question, changed "symbol" to "data"
* E9C02 -- In question, changed "1/4 wavelength" to "1/4-wavelength"
* E9C03 -- In question, changed "1/2 wavelength" to "1/2-wavelength"
* E9D -- in sub-element heading, changed "feedpoint" to "feed point"
* E9E09 -- Removed brackets after answer (C).
The Amateur Extra-class question pool will be updated to reflect these
changes. Submit feedback or questions to the Question Pool Committee.
Georgia Institute of Technology CubeSat to Feature Amateur Radio Robot
Operation
The Glenn Lightsey Research Group's Space Systems Design Lab at the
Georgia Institute of Technology is sponsoring a 1U CubeSat mission that
will include a digital robot. The primary function of the GT-1
satellite is to serve as an educational proof of concept and satellite
bus demonstrator.
Georgia Tech will use this mission as an opportunity for undergraduates
to get involved in all facets of a space mission, from design to
implementation and support. GT-1 will test a prototype deployable
antenna and solar panels, which can be used for future missions derived
from the same baseline design, and with inclusion of additional
experimental equipment. It will operate with AX.25 protocol telemetry.
In partnership with the W4AQL Georgia Tech Amateur Radio Club, the
satellite will also host a digital contact robot payload, inspired by
the earlier Russian RS-12 and RS-13 satellites of the early 1990s. GT-1
will collect contact information from stations that contact the robot
as it orbits.
The satellite will also function as a standard digipeater. Plans call
for a deployment from the International Space Station in October. --
Thanks to AMSAT News Service
In Brief...
One of two US VHF-UHF-microwave groups has canceled its 2020
conference, while another has postponed its event. The Southeastern VHF
Society (SVHFS) Board of Directors has announced the indefinite
postponement of the annual SVHFS Conference. "Because of the health and
safety concerns of our society members and the uncertainty of time of
our national emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the
Society's Board of Directors elected to postpone this year's conference
indefinitely," SVHFS announced. "The Board of Directors will be
discussing alternate solutions for this year's conference, including
the determination of registrations and the publishing of this year's
proceedings. The outcome of the Board's decisions will be posted as
soon as a determination has been made. For now, please stay healthy and
safe, and enjoy our wonderful hobby." The conference had been scheduled
for April 24 - 25 in Gainesville, Georgia. The co-chairs of the 2020
Eastern VHF-UHF-Microwave Conference sponsored by the North East Weak
Signal (NEWS) Group have announced the cancellation of the event,
"because of health and safety concerns for our attendees that has been
caused by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent state and federal
[states of] emergency." The conference had been scheduled for April 17
- 19 in Manchester, Connecticut.
The World Radiosport Team Championship 2022 (WRTC 2022) Organizing
Committee is, at least for now, staying on course. "We understand
[coronavirus] is disrupting travel and operating plans in ways that
affect different areas of the world unequally. However, it is not
realistic for us to predict the extent and evolution of the effects of
the pandemic. We have to wait and see how the situation develops,"
Carlo De Mari, IK1HJS, announced on the WRTC 2022 website. WRTC 2022
will stick with the qualifying events and schedule in the published
qualification rules and is considering various options. "No decisions
have been made at this time," the announcement said. "Please continue
with your plans as best you can for now." WRTC 2022 will be held in
July 2022 in Bologna, Italy.
Red Cross-affiliated radio amateurs from many states and Puerto Rico
are planning a nationwide Red Cross emergency communications drill for
May 30. The drill will consist of two parts. Part A will be a local
optional drill held on VHF for participants to practice passing voice
traffic with relay stations set up in local EOCs or via mobile stations
parked strategically between Red Cross HQ and suburban shelters. Part B
will be national in scope, with hams passing Red Cross forms using the
ARC Message Utility technique on Winlink RF. Messages will be marked
"DRILL" and will be sent to the Red Cross Safe & Well HQ in New York
City as a clearinghouse. For further information, or to express
interest in participating, contact Wayne Robertson, K4WK. -- Thanks to
The ARES E-Newsletter
IARU Region 2 Emergency Communication and Satellite workshops will be
held online. With travel restrictions and self-isolation requirements
in many countries due to COVID-19, the May 30 and 31 International
Amateur Radio Union Region 2 (IARU R2) Emergency Communication and
Satellite workshops will be online. The new format will be 3 hours for
each workshop and will be held on the same dates starting at 1800 UTC.
Access will be via Zoom, an easy-to-use online conference tool
available for several platforms. Attendees will get an agenda for each
workshop and information on how to participate in mid-May. -- Thanks to
George Gorsline, VE3YV, IARU Region 2 Secretary
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* April 18 -- Delaware State Convention, Georgetown, Delaware
* April 25 - Aurora Conference, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020, Woodinville, Washington
* June 6 - 7 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
* June 6 - 7 -- West Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 12 -- 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 27, 2020 09:05:32
The ARRL Letter
March 26, 2020
* ARRL Headquarters Closes, May QST Delivery is on Schedule
* Ham Radio Clubs Connect Amid Social Distancing
* Radio Amateurs Team Up to Help University Design Low-Cost
Ventilator
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* International Amateur Radio Union justing to COVID-19
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Major Florida Emergency Communication Conference and Exercise are a
Major Success
* Long Island CW Club Offering Free Online Code Instruction for
Homebound Youngsters
* Tower-Mounted Christmas Lights Cheer California Neighborhood
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Headquarters Closes, May QST Delivery is on Schedule
ARRL Headquarters has closed, in compliance with an executive order
from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont that all non-essential businesses
and not-for-profit entities reduce their in-person workforces by 100%.
ARRL has equipped as many Headquarters staffers as possible to work
offsite.
"ARRL remains operational, while our teams work remotely to abide by
Connecticut's Stay Home, Stay Safe policy, and most departments are
maintaining business as usual," ARRL Interim CEO Barry Shelley, N1VXY,
explained. "We are doing all we can under the circumstances and trying
to maintain operations in as normal a way as possible."
The print edition of the May issue of QST, now off the presses, will go
out in the mail next week, and the US Postal Service anticipates no
delivery disruptions. Digital QST and the pending digital debuts of QEX
and NCJ are expected to be posted on schedule. The May issue of QST
will include more details on the QEX and NCJ digital editions -- a new
member benefit -- as well as an intriguing cover article on "The
Lightbulb QSO Party."
ARRL also anticipates that The ARRL Letter, ARRL Audio News, the ARES
E-Letter, The ARRL Contest Update, and the Eclectic Technology podcast
will be available as usual.
Although ARRL Headquarters closed, W1AW continues operating, but on a
slightly altered transmission schedule. Morning code practice and
qualifying run transmissions have been suspended; evening
transmissions, including qualifying runs, will go on as usual. W1AW
remains closed to the public, however.
Operations at the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) will also
continue, and the best way to receive a timely response is via email,
as call volume has been heavy.
The ARRL warehouse is working with a reduced staff, so orders will be
delayed, and ARRL will not be able to respond to expedited shipping
orders.
Members should direct questions to ARRL via email.
"Thank you for your patience during this time of adjustment," Shelley
said.
Ham Radio Clubs Connect Amid Social Distancing
As college campuses have sent students home to finish their classes
online, members of the K7UAZ Amateur Radio Club in Tucson -- a student
organization at the University of Arizona -- have moved their radio
club meetings to the radio. K7UAZ Station Manager Curt Laumann, K7ZOO,
said that when the university largely shuttered its campus, club
President Ken Gourley, KM6BKU, immediately transitioned regular
meetings to an on-the-air format using the university repeater. The
club was already holding a weekly net on Monday nights, but the added
on-air club meetings offer another opportunity to get on the radio.
In recent months, in-person K7UAZ club meetings have hosted
presentations on such topics as EME (Earth-moon-Earth) communication
and an AMSAT CubeSat simulation. As meetings move on the air, Gourley
explained, he will send out a copy of meeting presentation slides so
members can follow along. "I will lead the net and start with
check-ins," he said. "We will work our way through the slides,
discussing previous events, upcoming activities, the treasurer's
report, projects, etc. I will take new check-ins every 5 - 10 minutes.
We will conclude with officer comments and general comments. Hopefully
it won't take more than 30 - 45 minutes."
ARRL staff member Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, who liaises for the ARRL
Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative (CARI), underscores the importance
that all radio clubs encourage on-the-air activity in this challenging
time. "While I know many businesses and schools have moved to online
meetings and learning, I can think of many advantages for a radio club
to move club meetings to on-air," Inderbitzen said. His list includes:
* Holding short meetings on the air will encourage individual club
members to practice their personal radio communication
capabilities. Station and skills readiness are tenets of the
Amateur Radio Service.
* Nets generally help new radio amateurs gain practical operating
experience. Think of this current challenge as an opportunity to
encourage your club's new hams to get on the air.
* As online fatigue and a feeling of isolation will inevitably creep
into our "new normal," being on-air will introduce variety into our
communication practices. As many of us are now homebound working or
studying, turning on a radio to connect with your ham radio peers
will be welcome respite!
At K7UAZ, experienced club members provide instruction for members to
access the K7UAZ ARC repeater from 2 meters and via EchoLink. The club
also offers members the opportunity to borrow handheld radios or to be
patched in via HF or videoconferencing, if they live too far away from
the repeater.
ARRL is encouraging university radio clubs to network with other clubs
and students via ARRL's CARI Facebook group. "Keeping our campus radio
clubs going will ensure we are, together, advancing the art, science,
and enjoyment of amateur radio. It's our collective mission,"
Inderbitzen said.
Radio Amateurs Team Up to Help University Design Low-Cost Ventilator
Amateur radio volunteers from around the world have volunteered to
assist University of Florida Professor Sam Lampotang and his
engineering team in their quest to rapidly develop an open-source,
low-cost patient ventilator that can be built anywhere from such
commonly available components as PVC pipe and lawn-sprinkler valves.
The amateur radio volunteers are developing Arduino-based control
software that will set the respiratory rate and other key parameters in
treating critically ill coronavirus victims.
Multiple volunteers responding to a call for help from Gordon Gibby,
MD, KX4Z, include noted software developer Jack Purdum, W8TEE, and
uBITX transceiver maker Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE. University of Florida
physicians are working to address the critical legal aspects as the
design moves closer to fruition. The ventilator's valves would
precisely time compressed oxygen flow into patient breathing circuits
under Arduino control, allowing exhausted patients with "stiff" lungs
impacted by viral pneumonia to survive until their body can clear the
infection.
The software design team is also adding simple features such as an LCD
display, encoders to choose parameters, and watchdog safety features.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest (March 12) episode of the On the Air podcast focuses on how
to calculate feed line loss, real-world examples of how digital and
analog FM transceivers handle weak signals, and an interview with Rob
Macedo, KD1CY, Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service Boston/Norton
office. Rob offers information about how hams can get involved with
SKYWARN.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 4) includes an
interview with Eric Knight, KB1EHE, updating the RF-based Alzheimer's
therapy featured in QST, and an interview with Robert Dixon, W8ERD,
about the "Wow!" signal and SETI. Dixon was the Big Ear project
director when the Wow! signal was received.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
International Amateur Radio Union justing to COVID-19
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has reported on how it's
addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, given the various restrictions in
place to slow the spread of the virus. IARU said the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters in Geneva remains off limits
to visitors until April 17 at the earliest. ITU has cancelled some
meetings, postponed others, and converted others into online
gatherings. IARU representatives are adjusting plans accordingly and
following a similar pattern.
While Dayton Hamvention has canceled its 2020 show, Europe's largest
amateur radio gathering, HAM RADIO in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is
still on schedule for June 26â**-â**28.
IARU Region 2 Emergency Communications and Satellite Communications
workshops set for May 30 - 31 in Trinidad and Tobago will now be held
online. IARU reports that interest and registrations have surged since
the announcement. These workshops will be held in English, but
preparations are under way for workshops in Spanish to be held later.
IARU Region 3 has canceled its first Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) Camp
that had been planned for early October in Rayong, Thailand.
World Amateur Radio Day on April 18 this year celebrates the 95th
anniversary of the IARU's founding. IARU has allowed that amateur radio
"is the best way to practice social distancing."
IARU Region 1 (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) has asked
member-societies to "reconsider their position" on Field Day events
over the next few months.
"Field Days bring radio amateurs together and, therefore, represent an
environment where social distancing is difficult to achieve," IARU
Region 1 President Don Beattie, G3BJ, said. "We must recognize that
many radio amateurs are in the older, higher-risk age groups." IARU
will not sponsor the Region 1 HF CW Field Day in June but said national
societies have to make their own decisions as to whether their Field
Day events will go forward.
Beattie said single-operator contests "remain a great way for those
forced to stay at home to enjoy the magic of amateur radio."
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We saw another week with no sunspots,
which were last seen just briefly more than 2 weeks ago on March 8 - 9.
Spaceweather.com reports that, so far in 2020, the percentage of days
without sunspots (76%) is about the same as all of 2019, when it was
77%.
Average daily solar flux inched up from 70.1 to 71.1. Geomagnetic
indicators remain quiet, with average planetary A index at 7.7, a
little higher than the previous week's 5.9 average. Average
mid-latitude A index was also 5.9, up from 4.1 last week.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 71 on March 26 - April 2;
70 on April 3 - 4; 72 on April 5 - 18; 70 on April 19 - May 1, and 72
on May 2 - 9.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on March 26 - 29; 12 on March 30 - 31;
8 on April 1; 5 on April 2 - 5; 10 and 8 on April 6 - 7; 5 on April 8 -
13; 8, 12, and 8 on April 14 - 16; 5 on April 17 - 22; 12 and 8 on
April 23 - 24; 5 on April 25 - May 2; 10 and 8 on May 3 - 4, and 5 on
May 5 - 9.
Sunspot numbers for March 19 - 25 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 72.1, 71.7, 70.8, 70.2, 70.4,
71.2, and 71.2, with a mean of 71.1. Estimated planetary A indices were
12, 7, 8, 7, 12, 4, and 4, with a mean of 7.7. Middle latitude A index
was 7, 5, 5, 7, 10, 4, and 3, with a mean of 5.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
* March 28 -- FOC QSO Party (CW)
* March 28 - 29 -- CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB
* March 30 - 31 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* April 2 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* April 2 -- SARL 80-Meter QSO Party (Phone)
* April 2 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* April 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
Major Florida Emergency Communication Conference and Exercise are a
Major Success
Radio amateurs and communications professionals from several states
convened over the February 29 - March 1 weekend in Gainesville,
Florida, for a training conference and exercise to test new skills
learned along with basic radio communication skills and protocols. The
Alachua County Emergency Manager and staff served as exercise
evaluators. Former FEMA ministrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, also
attended and served as an exercise player on Sunday. The weekend's
programs and exercise were developed by Gordon Gibby, KX4Z, who also
conducted the optional ARRL EC-001 Introduction to Emergency
Communications course on Friday.
"Overall, the exercise was positively reviewed by both the participants
and the professional evaluators," reported Rick Palm, K1CE, who edits
the ARES E-Letter and took part in the activity. "For the participants,
a few of the more-challenging objectives were documentation on the ICS
forms, and establishing HF voice/Winlink connections, which were
ultimately achieved successfully," he recounted. "Some participants
were unclear on some procedures and instructions. Set-up and getting HF
antennas erected resulted in delay, leaving some message traffic backed
up." These stumbling blocks were discussed in an after-exercise
debriefing, Palm said.
"More easily accomplished was setting up radio equipment, using VHF
packet, and addressing the issues presented [by the exercise
moderators]. Group relationships were dynamic and positive. Units were
able to check into the command net with little difficulty," Palm added.
The conference featured a basic track for individuals needing basic or
advanced skill improvement, and a leadership track for ARES^A(R)
leaders who need to design and execute exercises while growing local
groups. The day kicked off with a review of amateur radio disaster
response, with discussion focused on service to main stakeholders,
including government agencies, NGOs, and disaster survivors. Topics
covered the importance of communications when "lives are really at
stake" and the value of exercises.
Good weather prevailed for the Sunday exercise with a large and
enthusiastic group of radio amateurs on hand to put lessons learned the
previous day into practice by playing out the Homeland Security
Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)-compliant exercise dubbed
Former FEMA ministrator
Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, also
attended and served as a Hot
& Cold exercise player.
2020 Hot & Cold. The scenario was a malfunction of high-pressure
natural gas pipelines with telecommunications failures. Resources
required included VHF/UHF/HF voice and digital equipment and
capabilities; the Winlink system, and the NTS/RRI networks.
The Incident Command post and shelters for area residents were staffed
and set up with both long-haul, regional, and local radio communication
capabilities. The overall exercise mission was "response."
Players worked to meet several objectives, which included joining the
command net, using alternative antennas (such as a long wire to replace
a Yagi), employing emergency power sources and alternatives in the
event of failures, checking into an HF voice net for message handling,
using Winlink to access gateways and make connections, practicing voice
net control procedures, drafting ICS-213 message forms and
transmitting, receiving, and relaying messages, composing and
transmitting situation reports to the Incident Command Post via the
command net, and completing required documentation.
Participant surveys indicated that those taking part felt that the best
features of the exercise were testing equipment, learning how to
complete the ICS forms, having the ICS-205 frequency plan ahead of the
exercise, antennas, and power source testing.
Surveys and comments indicated that some participants wished they had
studied the exercise plan missions and objectives more in advance;
understood the forms they had access to better in Winlink; were more
familiar with Winlink, local frequencies, and digital modes in general;
tested their equipment before leaving home, and had advance practice
with the packet mode.
"[These are] all good learning opportunities that will result in
greater efficiency in next year's exercise, and, of course, the real
thing, should that occur," Palm said.
Long Island CW Club Offering Free Online Code Instruction for Homebound
Youngsters
The Long Island CW Club in New York is offering free online Morse code
instruction for the "many youngsters at loose ends as a result of
school closings due to COVID-19 concerns." The club's co-founder,
Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, pointed out that learning Morse code is "a
fun and educational activity for children of all ages that can fill
part of the gap left by the current unfortunate situation that has
closed so many schools across the country."
Ongoing classes will take place Monday through Friday, specifically for
school-agers anywhere across the country or overseas, via Zoom online
video conferencing.
A computer equipped with a microphone and camera is required. Classes
for elementary schoolers run 30 minutes starting at 1600 UTC, followed
by 45-minute classes for middle- and high school-aged students,
starting at 1645 UTC. Parental permission is required through advance
registration.
Contact class instructor Rob Zarges, K2MZ, by e-mail or call
508-831-8248. -- Thanks to Mel Granick, KS2G, ARRL New York City-Long
Island Section Public Information Coordinator
Tower-Mounted Christmas Lights Cheer California Neighborhood
According to media reports, some Southern California residents have
been turning their Christmas lights back on to bolster the mood of the
neighborhood during the coronavirus pandemic.
"That caught my eye," Chip Margelli, K7JA, of Garden Grove, told ARRL.
"Every year, I put lights up on my 70-foot fixed tower, turning it into
the tallest Christmas tree in Garden Grove; it is quite a beacon in the
neighborhood."
Because of knee replacement surgery last December, Margelli had not yet
taken down his Christmas lights, so he re-lit them and put an
announcement on the local Neighborhood Watch Facebook page. Margelli
said a lot of positive comments indicated his neighbors would follow
suit.
"So, hams everywhere can use amateur radio to do something to increase
the cheer factor in their neighborhoods, even though it's not over the
air," Margelli suggested. "Spreading goodwill like this can surely only
improve our image in the community." -- Thanks to Chip Margelli, K7JA
In Brief...
Refunds are available for canceled Dayton Hamvention-associated social
events. These include Contest University, the Contest Dinner, and the
Top Band Dinner. Each event has its own procedures. Those who signed up
for the DX Dinner will be able to obtain refunds via PayPal. An email
to all registrants will provide details. -- Thanks to Tim Duffy, K3LR,
SWODXA
Club Log is contributing 100% of its computing resources to the
Folding@Home Project. The project simulates the dynamics of COVID-19
proteins to hunt for new therapeutic opportunities. Club Log's Michael
Wells, G7VJR, said he's assigned a higher priority to the Folding@Home
work, so radio amateurs may experience slightly longer upload times.
"You can help, too, by contributing your own computer to the project,"
Wells said. "If you have a recent home computer with a good graphics
card, and if a lot of people make a contribution, it will make a
significant difference to the research, potentially reducing decades of
work to a far shorter time frame that will make a practical difference
this year." He cautions that computers involved in the project will be
operating at 100% CPU, when not otherwise in use. Club Log's
Folding@Home team number is 246763.
The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) HF and VHF Contest committees
will no longer accept multioperator contest entries. The ban, in
accordance with UK social distancing policies, is in effect until the
end of June and applies to all RSGB-sponsored contests. Single-operator
entries from shared stations also will not be accepted, unless the
station is being shared by family members at the same address. The HF
Contest Committee has canceled the RSGB HF NFD (Field Day) for 2020,
but is okaying portable operation by single operators, "because of the
potential mental health benefits associated with engaging in hobbies,
as well as the lack of person-to-person contact in normal
single-operator contesting." RSGB is encouraging all to follow UK
government guidelines regarding social distancing and unnecessary
travel and will decide in early June if the VHF NFD, the IOTA Contest,
and SSB NFD events can go ahead as planned.
Sean Kutzko, KX9X, is AMSAT's new Volunteer Coordinator. AMSAT
President Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, announced the appointment this week.
Licensed since 1982, Kutzko served for 10 years on the ARRL
Headquarters staff as Contest Branch Manager and as Media and Public
Relations Manager. "It's an honor to be able to volunteer for AMSAT,"
Kutzko said. "AMSAT is a great organization and helping find good
volunteers who are willing to help all areas of AMSAT's growth and
development is the least I could do for the organization that has given
me a lot of enjoyment and technical skill." An active HF and VHF
contester, DXer, and backpack QRP enthusiast, Kutzko started working
satellites in 2011. He's written instructional articles on satellite
operating for the AMSAT website and for QST, and he blogs regularly on
satellite topics on DX Engineering's On All Bands. -- Thanks to AMSAT
News Service
Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow, KA1FZQ, and his wife ele
have tested positive for COVID-19. "We started experiencing symptoms on
Sunday -- first coughs, then fevers, chills, and muscle aches -- and
contacted our doctors on Monday," Bacow related in a March 10 message
to the Harvard University community. "We were tested yesterday and just
received the results a few minutes ago. We wanted to share this news
with all of you as soon as possible." Bacow said neither he nor his
wife knows how they contracted the virus and have been working from
home and limiting contact with others. "This virus can lay anyone low,"
Bacow added. "We all need to be vigilant and keep following guidelines
to limit our contact with others."
President Donald Trump has nominated FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly
for another 5-year term on the Commission. The nomination was sent to
the US Senate on March 18. O'Rielly was initially appointed to the FCC
in 2013 by President Barack Obama. "During my tenure at the Commission,
I have advocated for preserving and advancing American free market
principles to develop common sense regulation and eliminate unnecessary
rules that hurt consumers," O'Rielly said in a statement, expressing
appreciation to President Trump. If the Senate confirms O'Rielly's
nomination, the new term would date retroactively to last July and end
in 2024.
The FCC will hold its March 31 open meeting by teleconference. "Due to
the current COVID-19 pandemic and related agency telework and
headquarters access policies, this meeting will be in a wholly
electronic format and will be open to the public on the internet via
live feed from the FCC web page and on the FCC YouTube channel," the
Commission announced this week. Agenda items are expected to be voted
on circulation prior to the meeting. Live audio and video and open
captioning will be provided on the video as well as a text only version
on the FCC website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020, Woodinville, Washington
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 6 - 7 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
* June 6 - 7 -- Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, April 03, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
April 2, 2020
* FCC Grants Temporary Emergency Authority to WISPs Operating in 5.8
GHz Band
* HamSCI 2020 Workshop Successfully Reworked as a Virtual Event
* ARRL Field Day 2020 -- A Time to apt
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Canceled Ohio ARES State Conference Morphs into Statewide
Communication Exercise
* Contest Entry Features Multiple Operator Locations and Remote
Transmitter-Receiver Site
* To All ARRL Members and ARRL VEC Accredited Volunteer Examiners
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Western Pennsylvania ARES Group Conducts District-Wide Simplex
Drill
* COVID-19 Affects Space Station Crew Transition
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FCC Grants Temporary Emergency Authority to WISPs Operating in 5.8 GHz
Band
The FCC has granted temporary permission to wireless internet service
providers (WISPs) in rural portions of 29 states and the US Virgin
Islands to operate in the 5.8 GHz band (5.850 - 5.895 GHz). The
authorization, to help meet the temporary surge in demand for
residential fixed broadband services during the COVID-19 pandemic, was
one of multiple waivers issued in the past week that grant temporary
access to a variety of bands in response to the uptick in residential
broadband demand.
The 5.8 GHz grants were effective on March 26. Each grant is for 60
days, provided individual WISPs file STA applications within 10 days of
March 26. Amateur radio shares this spectrum on a secondary basis with
Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) systems and industrial,
scientific, and medical (ISM) applications, and that status remains
unchanged.
"[E]ach applicant is independently responsible for complying with the
conditions of its grant," the FCC's Keith D. Harper, Associate Chief of
the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Mobility Division, wrote in
granting the request. "Applicants are advised that this includes
ensuring proper protection of incumbents in the 5.8 GHz band." The
Commission noted that WISPs are responsible for ensuring that they do
not cause interference to existing licensees.
According to the request, each of the WISPs provides fixed wireless
broadband service in rural areas, primarily relying on unlicensed
spectrum for last-mile connections to end users. "Many of the WISPs'
customers have no other alternative to terrestrial broadband services,"
the request said.
The Commission's emergency grant explicitly requires that the WISP
operations be conducted on a non-interference basis. Read more.
HamSCI 2020 Workshop Successfully Reworked as a Virtual Event
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the March 20 - 21 HamSCI Workshop
went on as scheduled, moving to a free, all-digital webinar workshop.
The theme of the 2020 workshop was "The Auroral Connection -- How does
the aurora affect amateur radio, and what can we learn about the aurora
from radio techniques?" Organizer and
Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF,
moderated the online
conference.
University of Scranton professor Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, told ARRL
that he was quite happy with the outcome, after the in-person workshop
had to be called off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"In some ways, it was good for us," Frissell said. "We actually got
many more participants than had we just held it in person."
Expectations for the live event were for about 100 participants.
Online, Zoom -- the webinar platform used for the workshop -- reported
290 unique logins from 24 countries. After cancellation of the
in-person workshop, Frissell had to scramble to make the virtual event
a reality.
"I had the webinar running in practice mode for about 2 or 3 days
before the workshop, and I let presenters log in whenever they wanted
to test things out," Frissell said.
Another hurdle to overcome was figuring out how to convert poster
presentations to electronic format. "The Aurorasaurus group really
helped out with that," Frissell said, noting that Aurorasaurus Project
manager Laura Brandt came up with a method for presenting the posters
electronically and made sure the poster session ran smoothly.
In a blog post, Brandt called the workshop "the first of its kind in
heliophysics." The Aurorasaurus Project theme is "Reporting Auroras
from the Ground Up."
"The annual HamSCI Workshop provided the perfect opportunity to
introduce citizen scientists and scientists from the aurora and ham
radio communities and build connections for future collaboration,"
Phil Erickson, W1PJE,
of MIT's Haystack
Observatory was among
the presenters and
participants.
Brandt said. "Both aurora and ham radio citizen scientists work closely
with the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere, but while aurora folks tend
to think about how what we see reveals aspects of the ionosphere, ham
radio operators tend to think about what radio waves can tell us about
the ionosphere."
Oral presentations were delivered as originally scheduled and in the
same format as if they were being delivered at the in-person workshop.
The workshop served as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space
Weather Station project that's funded by a National Science Foundation
(NSF) grant to Frissell as its principal investigator. The project
seeks to harness the power of a network of radio amateurs to better
understand and measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of
Earth's atmosphere.
Workshop presentations are being archived. Read more.
ARRL Field Day 2020 -- A Time to apt
Many individuals and groups organizing events for ARRL Field Day 2020
have been contacting ARRL for guidance on how to adapt their planned
activities in this unprecedented time of social distancing and
uncertainty.
"Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an
opportunity for you, your club, or your group to try something new,"
ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. "Field Day isn't about
doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and
employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances."
Social distancing and state and local requirements very likely will
impact just how -- and even whether -- you are able to participate in
Field Day this year. ARRL continues monitoring the coronavirus
situation, paying close attention to information and guidance offered
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If social
distancing means that Class A with a 30-member team set up in a city
park won't work this year, then it's time for a Plan B. Part of the
Field Day concept has always been adapting your operation to the
situation at hand. At its heart, Field Day is an emergency
communication demonstration. Field Day rules are flexible enough to
allow individuals and groups to adjust their participation and
strategies in a way that still addresses their needs while being fun.
Some possibilities include:
* Encouraging club members to operate from their home stations on
emergency power (Class E).
* Using the club's repeater as a means for individual participants to
keep in touch during the event.
* Setting up a portable station in the backyard with a temporary
antenna for family members interested in operating Field Day, who
are now unable to participate as part of a larger group.
One big impact this year will be a decline in public visibility and any
interaction with the visitors. Prudence may dictate dispensing with the
ham radio PR table to attract passersby, should you set up in a more
public location. It's okay not to score all the bonus points you may
have attempted in the past. Local and served agency officials may be
unwilling to visit, which is understandable under the circumstances. Do
be sure to reach out to them as part of your preparations and remind
them that you look forward to continuing your working relationship with
them in the future.
The impact will differ from place to place, so ARRL recommends that all
amateur radio clubs participating in Field Day stay in regular contact
with local or state public health officials for their advice and
guidance on hosting Field Day activities.
"With any emergency preparedness exercise, it's not about adapting the
situation to your operation; it's about adapting your operation to the
situation that presents itself," Bourque said. "Try something
different." Read more. -- Thanks to Paul Bourque, N1SFE, and Dan
Henderson, N1ND
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest (March 12) episode of the On the Air podcast focuses on how
to calculate feed line loss, real-world examples of how digital and
analog FM transceivers handle weak signals, and an interview with Rob
Macedo, KD1CY, Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
and SKYWARN Coordinator for the National Weather Service Boston/Norton
office. Rob offers information about how hams can get involved with
SKYWARN.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 4) includes an
interview with Eric Knight, KB1EHE, updating the RF-based Alzheimer's
therapy featured in QST, and an interview with Robert Dixon, W8ERD,
about the "Wow!" signal and SETI. Dixon was the Big Ear project
director when the Wow! signal was received.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Canceled Ohio ARES State Conference Morphs into Statewide Communication
Exercise
Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) canceled the Ohio ARES
State Conference set for April 4 due to the coronavirus pandemic and
repurposed the date for a statewide communication exercise, with an
emphasis on communicating from home.
"Ohio has a high-profile station at the state Emergency Operations
Center (EOC), with regular weekly EOC nets," ARES Section Emergency
Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL, said. "But with the national emphasis
on staying home, we turned the vacated day into a 2-hour series of nets
designed to have amateur operators check in using their home stations."
The exercise was the brainchild of Assistant SEC Tim Price, K8WFL, who
suggested it would be a great way to showcase amateur radio's
capabilities for state and community leaders. The Ohio HF Emergency Net
will take check-ins on 40 and 80 meters (SSB), with the Ohio Digital
Emergency Net (OHDEN) operating on 80 meters. Then, around 1 PM ET, a
linked digital radio system will be brought into play, using DMR's Ohio
talk group linked to the Fusion "Ohio Link" group. Broadway said
stations will simply check in; no traffic will be handled. "It's just
designed to prove we can communicate from home, while locked down, and
still get the job done," he told ARRL.
"This is the same network topology used for the Ohio Watch Desk
Project, providing statewide reporting during such events as the
Memorial Day tornado outbreak last spring," Broadway said. The reports
are fed directly to the watch desk at Ohio's state EOC, to enhance
situational awareness for state emergency managers. "We plan to video
an operator on the State House steps, talking statewide using a small
handheld," Broadway said. "This demonstration can be used to enhance
our discussion of amateur radio with local and state officials."
Broadway said HF can be problematic most of the time if storms are
moving across, producing static, and digital modes fill in the gap.
Read more. -- Thanks to Stan Broadway, N8BHL
Contest Entry Features Multiple Operator Locations and Remote
Transmitter-Receiver Site
Restrictions on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic recently
prompted a novel approach to multioperator/multi-transmitter operation.
The WW2DX entry in the CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest over the March 28
- 29 weekend featured 10 operators, each at separate locations around
the US and in Europe, all operating via a
Connor Black, W4IPC.
single remote site on the coast of eastern Maine. WW2DX entered in the
Multioperator, High Power category, racking up a claimed score of
32,026,176 points. NR6O operated from the west coast with a smaller
complement of remote operators in the Multioperator, High Power
category.
"It was so much fun to work this contest," one of the WW2DX operators,
17-year-old Connor Black, W4IPC, said. "This was the most fun I've had
in a contest ever. We had no equipment failures and pulled off,
hopefully, a new US record."
In soapbox comments on the 3830scores.com website, Lee Imber, WW2DX,
expressed his belief that this year's contest would be viewed as a
turning point in multioperator contesting. Participants had nothing but
a web browser and a USB headset to operate, with the closest team
partner some 625 miles away. "No radio, no hardware, no traveling, and
no external logger," he noted.
What the WW2DX operators saw.
Team members brainstormed various configurations. Rock Schrock, WW1X,
custom-engineered the requisite software. In addition to Black, the
team included a few other young -- but experienced -- contesters:
13-year-old Charles Hoppe, AA4LS; 17-year-old Mason Matrazzo, KM4SII,
and 21-year-old Tucker McGuire, W4FS. The more senior team members were
K1LZ, K3JO, W1ADI, W2RE, WW1X, and WW2DX.
"We also used Slack and created a channel for the team to stay
connected over the weekend, and this ended up being half the fun,"
Imber said. Another feature included the "multi bell," which would
chime whenever a new multiplier was logged. He said it was "awesome
having seasoned pro operators sharing and mentoring these young
contesters."
"The world is experiencing something on a whole new level," he
observed. Read more.
To All ARRL Members and ARRL VEC Accredited Volunteer Examiners
We know many examiners have canceled amateur radio license exam
sessions to meet the requirements and recommendations of national and
local government and of health officials. The health and safety of
examinees and our Volunteer Examiners (VEs) is first and foremost in
any decision-making process. The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator
(VEC) does not offer video-supervised online amateur radio licensing
exams at the present time. We are aware, however, that some VE teams
are exploring alternative formats on a local basis. Please use ARRL's
License Exam Search to find scheduled exam sessions in your area and
verify with the local exam team that the session is still being held.
The ARRL VEC is continuing to process license examination materials
from VEs who have completed exam sessions, although some delays may
occur under the circumstances. The ARRL VEC electronically forwards all
required data to the FCC for qualified examinees.
We understand that some examination candidates are continuing their
studies toward new amateur radio licenses and license upgrades. We also
know some will be frustrated that, at this time, the ARRL VEC does not
offer online licensing exams. Amateur radio is not alone in this
challenge, though.
While each of us continues to respond to the immediate evolving crisis,
we also know that we must keep an eye on the future. Throughout its
decades of service, the VEC system has served the FCC as a shining
example of the successes of a privatized system. The ARRL VEC and our
VEs are recognized throughout the Amateur Radio Service for our
integrity and efficiency. apting our all-volunteer license
examination administration will be a challenge, but it's a challenge we
are committed to undertake in order to advance the program and improve
service.
While we face unprecedented challenges, opportunities also await. We
are grateful to support radio amateurs in our common pursuit of skill,
service, and discovery. ARRL and the ARRL VEC remain steadfast in
serving the amateur radio community. We will provide updates as they
become available.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: A new sunspot appeared on the last
day in March and the first day in April, with daily sunspot numbers of
12 and 13, respectively. Prior to this, no sunspots had been seen since
earlier in March, when daily sunspot numbers were 13 and 12, on March 8
- 9.
Average daily solar flux this week (March 26 - April 1) declined from
71.1 to 69.4. Average daily geomagnetic indicators were identical to
the previous week, with planetary A index at 7.7 and middle latitude A
index at 5.9.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 70 on April 2 - 7; 69, 68,
and 68 on April 8 - 10; 70 on April 11 - 22; 68 on April 23 - May 7,
and 70 on May 8 - 16.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on April 2 - 3; 5 on April 4 - 14; 10
on April 15; 8 on April 16 - 19; 5 on April 20 - 25; 12 on April 26 -
27; 8 on April 28 - 29; 5 on April 30 - May 11; 10 on May 12, and 8 on
May 13 - 16.
Sunspot numbers for March 26 - April 1 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 12, and 13,
with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.2, 69.4, 69.2, 68.8,
69.3, 69.9, and 69.2, with a mean of 71.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 5, 5, 5, 7, 11, 15, and 6, with a mean of 7.7. Middle
latitude A index was 5, 4, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 4, with a mean of 5.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* April 4 -- LZ Open 40-Meter Sprint Contest (CW)
* April 4 - 5 -- PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest
* April 4 - 5 -- Nebraska QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* April 4 - 5 -- Louisiana QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* April 4 - 5 -- Mississippi QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* April 4 - 5 -- Missouri QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* April 4 - 5 -- Florida State Parks on the Air (CW, phone, digital)
* April 4 - 5 -- SP DX Contest (CW, phone)
* April 4 - 5 -- EA RTTY Contest
* April 5 -- North American SSB Sprint
* April 5 -- RSGB RoLo SSB
* April 6 - 12 -- All IQRP Quarterly Marathon (CW, phone, digital)
* April 6 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, CW
* April 6 -- 144 MHz Spring Sprint (CW, phone)
* April 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Western Pennsylvania ARES Group Conducts District-Wide Simplex Drill
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Western Pennsylvania Southwest
District, which includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette,
Greene, Indiana, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, conducted a
district-wide simplex practice drill on March 21. The exercise lasted
about 4 hours, with all participants meeting on their local ARES county
repeaters. Each county Emergency Coordinator served as net control
stations, and all stations kept logs, which were to be sent to their
local Emergency Coordinator for forwarding to the District Emergency
Coordinator.
All stations were asked to stay on their county simplex frequency for
at least 15 minutes before going to other county simplex frequencies.
After checking in on the repeater, all stations switched to their
county-assigned simplex frequencies, to test the capabilities of
operators and stations and their simplex operating range. In all, 162
operators participated in the drill.
"We have received so many great comments about the drill that I plan on
running it again sometime after the Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
drill on April 4," Western Pennsylvania Southwest District Emergency
Coordinator Terry Nemitz, KA3UTD, said. "I also heard a lot of comments
about operators wanting to improve their stations. A good thing."
COVID-19 Affects Space Station Crew Transition
International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 62 crew is readying its
Soyuz MS-15 vehicle for an April 17 departure back to Earth. Expedition
62 members are NASA Flight Engineer Jessica Meir; Flight Engineer
Andrew Morgan, KI5AAA, and Commander Oleg Skripochka, RA0LDJ. The
Expedition 63 crew members who are to replace them are nearing an April
9 launch aboard the Soyuz MS-16 vehicle.
NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly
Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner arrived this week at the Baikonur Cosmodrome
in Kazakhstan for final training. The
(L - R) NASA astronaut Chris
Cassidy, KF5KDR, Russian Soyuz
commander Anatoly Ivanishin, and
flight engineer Ivan Vagner during
training in Star City, Russia.
[Andrey Shelepin/Gagarin Cosmonaut
Training Center, photo]
Expedition 63 trio is scheduled to live aboard the station for a little
longer than 6 months, with Cassidy as commander. Because of travel
limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cassidy's family will watch
from home when he blasts off on April 9. Launch day at Baikonur is
usually a festive affair.
"But it'll be completely quiet," Cassidy said in a Spaceflight Now
satellite interview from Star City, Russia. "There won't be anybody
there. A NASA protocol has long been in place to prevent astronauts
from carrying disease microbes into space." NASA said it "will continue
to evaluate and augment this plan, in coordination with its
international and commercial partners," if needed.
Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos has shut down all media
activity surrounding the Soyuz launch, barring journalists from
covering the mission in person. Russia will still livestream the
launch; NASA typically carries all of its crewed launches online via
its NASA TV channel.
SpaceX will launch its Crew Dragon capsule with NASA astronauts Bob
Behnken, KE5GGX, and Doug Hurley aboard the spacecraft, "no earlier
than mid-to-late May," NASA said, marking the first crew launch from
the US since 2011. This is the final flight test of the system before
SpaceX is certified to carry out operational crew flights to and from
the ISS for NASA.
Pending the outcome of the demonstration test, SpaceX hopes to send its
first operational crew of astronauts to the ISS aboard its Crew Dragon
capsule later this year. Read more. -- Thanks to NASA, AMSAT News
Service
In Brief...
Former ARRL DXCC Manager Don Search, W3AZD, of Davie, Florida, died on
March 26. Search was widely known throughout the DXing community and
was a fixture at many hamfests and conventions, including the Dayton
Hamvention^(R), where he checked cards for years. An ARRL Life Member,
he was 80. A skillful DXer, Search was on the DXCC Honor Roll with 378
entities confirmed on phone. He and his partner Hope Smith, WB3ANE,
were early members of the National Capitol DX Association (NCDXA) --
traveling from Florida to attend monthly meetings as recently as 2018.
He also belonged to the Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC). According to
reports, Search had struggled with health issues related to a fall last
December in which he struck his head. Search worked as an electronics
technician in Maryland before serving for about 15 years as ARRL DXCC
Manager from the late 1970s until the early 1990s.
USA Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships Canceled The ARRL
ARDF Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 20th USA
ARDF Championships, which were set to be held this summer. Contact the
ARRL ARDF Committee for more information on ARDF and on attending,
participating in, or hosting ARDF competitions. ARDF participants do
not need an amateur radio license. For more information on Amateur
Radio Direction Finding, visit the Homing In website of Joe Moell,
K0OV. -- Thanks to USA ARDF Co-Coordinator Charles Scharlau, NZ0I
International Marconi Day (IMD) ham radio operating event has been
canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The annual 24-hour
amateur radio event celebrates the birth of Marconi on April 25, 1874.
Sponsored by the Cornish Radio Amateur Club, which operates as GB4IMD,
International Marconi Day features participating stations operating at
sites that have a personal connection to Marconi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020, Woodinville, Washington
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 6 - 7 -- Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon
* June 6 - 7 -- Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, April 10, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
April 9, 2020
* World Amateur Radio Day on April 18 Celebrates 95th Anniversary of
the IARU
* COVID-19 Guidelines Could Affect Some IARU HF World Championship
Participation
* Hamvention QSO Party Set for Saturday, May 16
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* New TQSL Version 2.5.2 Provides Better LoTW Rover Support, Other
Improvements
* Circuit Board for Bare-Bones Ventilator Moves Toward Production
with Radio Amateurs' Help
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Several Countries Authorize COVID-19 visory Suffixes
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
World Amateur Radio Day on April 18 Celebrates 95th Anniversary of the
IARU
Saturday, April 18, is World Amateur Radio Day (WARD), this year
marking the 95th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU). Around the world, amateur radio special event stations -- most
sponsored by IARU member-societies -- will mark the event on the air,
starting on April 18 at 0000 UTC and continuing until April 19 at 0000,
honing skills and capabilities while enjoying global friendship with
other amateurs worldwide. The theme for WARD is "Celebrating Amateur
Radio's Contribution to Society." IARU President Tim Ellam,
VE6SH/G4HUA, notes that the COVID-19 pandemic casts the event in a
different light than in years past.
"A few short weeks ago, many of us could not imagine the levels of
isolation that we are now dealing with and the sacrifices of many on
the front lines of the pandemic," Ellam said. "As we have done in past
challenges to our society, amateur radio will play a key part in
keeping people connected and assisting those who need support."
Ellam said he's coming off his own 14-day isolation after returning
from overseas. "I am touched by the kindness of strangers who assisted
me when I was unable to leave my house," he said. "It strikes me
amateur radio operators, who give so much during these times of crisis
are not limited to assisting over the air. Amateurs are true
volunteers, and I would encourage everyone to assist in the community
as they are able to."
On April 18, 1925, the IARU was formed in Paris, with ARRL cofounder
Hiram Percy Maxim, 1AW, in attendance. Radio amateurs were the first to
discover that shortwave spectrum could support worldwide propagation,
and in the rush to use these shorter wavelengths, amateur radio found
itself "in grave danger of being pushed aside," as IARU history puts
it. Two years later, at the International Radiotelegraph Conference,
amateur radio gained allocations still recognized todayâ**--â**160, 80,
40, 20, and 10 meters. From an initial 25 countries, the IARU has grown
to include 160 member-societies in three regions.
How to Participate
* Get on the air! WARD events are listed on the WARD web page. To
list a World Amateur Radio Day event, contact IARU Secretary David
Sumner, K1ZZ.
* Promote your personal World Amateur Radio Day activity on social
media by using the hashtag #WorldAmateurRadioDay on Twitter and
Facebook.
* Create and hold a special net on World Amateur Radio Day to draw
attention to the event and allow hams to start talking about our
hobby.
* Spread the word. If you're responsible for club publicity, send a
press release and do public relations outreach to highlight the
event. Use the poster and flyer that IARU provides in publicizing
the event, amateur radio, and your group or club.
World Amateur Radio Day is not a contest but an opportunity to talk
about the value of amateur radio to the public and our fellow amateurs.
It is also a great opportunity to talk about your club and amateur
radio in local media.
In this time of social isolation, amateur radio continues to remain
relevant in bringing people together through radio while providing
essential communication in the service of communities.
"My wish for this World Amateur Radio Day is for everyone to stay safe,
follow the advice of medical professionals, and use amateur radio and
your skills to help us through this crisis," Ellam said.
COVID-19 Guidelines Could Affect Some IARU HF World Championship
Participation
The IARU HF World Championship is just over 2 months away -- July 11 -
12. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) says that it's
essential to take the global COVID-19 pandemic into account when
planning participation, including by IARU member-society Headquarters
(HQ) station teams. Multioperator and IARU member-society HQ station
operations must adhere strictly to the regulations and
physical-distancing guidelines issued by the responsible health
authorities and the World Health Organization in effect at the time of
the event -- even if observing those guidelines is not legally required
at their locations. This requirement also applies to single-operator
stations, and especially to those hosting guest operators.
"This may reduce participation, but it is vital that the IARU, its
member-societies, and individual radio amateurs behave as responsible
members of the global community," the IARU said. "Radio amateurs should
always look for opportunities to address communications challenges
through the application of technology."
The IARU points out that a growing number of stations, including
multioperator stations, can be operated remotely, and it encourages
their participation in the HF World Championship wherever national
regulations permit.
The objective of the IARU HF World Championship is "to support amateur
self-training in radiocommunications including improving amateur
operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and
intercommunicating with other amateurs around the world, especially
IARU member-society headquarters stations." The event takes place on
160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.
The special rules governing IARU member-society HQ stations allow
multiple sites to be used, again subject to national regulations. HQ
stations will still be able to participate, but possibly not at their
usual level.
Plans are being developed for IARU Headquarters station NU1AW to be
operated entirely remotely. W1AW will also be on the air as an HQ
station, although arrangements are still being finalized.
Hamvention QSO Party Set for Saturday, May 16
The Hamvention QSO Party, a sort of virtual Dayton Hamvention^A(R),
will take place on the HF bands on May 16, which would be the Saturday
of the now-canceled event.
"Let's celebrate the many years we have all had at the Great Gathering
we call Hamvention," said an announcement over the signatures of Tim
Duffy, K3LR, and Michael Kalter, W8CI. "We also want to remember Ron
Moorefield, W8ILC, who never missed a Hamvention and contributed to our
club until his recent death. Let's light up the airwaves with our
remembrances of Hamventions of the past! See you on the air!"
The Hamvention QSO Party will be a 12-hour event, from 1200 UTC until
2400 UTC on May 16. Operate CW or SSB on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10
meters, exchanging signal reports and the first year you attended
Hamvention. If you have never attended Hamvention, send "2020."
Designated members of Hamvention's host, the Dayton Amateur Radio
Association (DARA), will activate DARA's W8BI. Participants can add 10
points for each band/mode contact with W8BI (12 available).
Post scores (number of contacts) to 3830scores.com within 5 days of the
event. An online certificate will be available to print. No logs will
be collected.
N1MM Logger+ has provided a user-defined contest module for the event.
More information is on the N1MM Logger+ website.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 4) focuses how to
create a family emergency communications plan and includes an interview
with Dino Papas, KL0S, about attaching coaxial connectors with crimping
tools.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 5) includes an
interview with ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, about wireless
power transfer technology, as well as a discussion of digital meteor
scatter and an interview with Michael Lavelle, K6ML, about the new
distance record at 122 GHz.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
New TQSL Version 2.5.2 Provides Better LoTW Rover Support, Other
Improvements
The latest version of TrustedQSL (TQSL), version 2.5.2, offers improved
Logbook of The World (LoTW) support for operations from several
locations, as well as the ability to detect uploads that contain
incorrect location data. The primary new feature in TQSL 2.5.2 allows
logging programs, in conjunction with TQSL, to avoid incorrect contact
uploads, while adding mechanisms to allow easy uploading of logs for
roving stations. LoTW had required rovers to identify each location
used as a separate location in TQSL. The new version of TQSL allows
these operations to be handled much more smoothly by using information
from the station's logging program.
When a log is signed by TQSL, the station details -- call sign, DXCC
entity, grid square, and other location details provided by the
selected station location (and call sign certificate) -- are compared
with the details in the log. If the US state and station location in a
log do not agree, TQSL 2.5.2 will reject the contact, detecting errors
in instances when an incorrect station location has been chosen. This
feature will necessitate changes in many logging programs, because it
requires that the log provide station details previously not used by
TQSL. Once a logging program supplies these (MY_STATE, MY_DXCC,
MY_CQ_ZONE, etc.), then TQSL will validate them against the log.
Currently, Cabrillo logs use the CALLSIGN field to verify that the
contacts are for the correct call sign.
Optionally, a station performing roaming operations (e.g., from
multiple grid squares) can choose to have TQSL assume that the log is
correct. When call sign or home station are provided with the log, TQSL
will automatically update the details on the upload. Select "Override
Station Location with QTH Details from your Log" on the "Log Handling"
preference page to enable this feature.
This release also includes an update to the most recent TQSL
configuration file. -- Thanks to Rick Murphy, K1MU
Circuit Board for Bare-Bones Ventilator Moves Toward Production with
Radio Amateurs' Help
Radio amateurs continue to play key roles in developing the electronic
control system for an open-source/architecture, modular, low-cost human
patient ventilator. The device itself was designed by researcher Sem
Lampotang and his team at University of Florida Health -- the school's
academic health center -- using such commonly available components as
PVC pipe and lawn-sprinkler valves. The idea is to create a bare-bones
ventilator that could serve in the event of a ventilator shortage.
"The way I looked at it is, if you're going to run out of ventilators,
then we're not even trying to reproduce the sophisticated ventilators
out there," Lampotang said. "If we run out, you have to decide who gets
one and who doesn't. How do you decide that? The power of our approach
is that every well-intentioned volunteer who has access to Home Depot,
Ace, Lowe's, or their equivalent worldwide can build one."
His team is working on adding safety features to meet regulatory
guidelines, then they will run engineering tests to determine safety,
accuracy, and endurance of the machine, which can be built for as
little as $125 to $250.
Dr. Gordon Gibby, KX4Z -- a retired associate professor of
anesthesiology at the University of Florida and an electrical engineer
-- is among those involved in the project, developing control-system
prototypes. He reports that a trial printed circuit board is being
created, populated, and tested prior to large-scale fabrication. "This
should lead to a documented open-source design that can be replicated
or
Dr. Gordon Gibby, KX4Z.
[University of Florida
photo]
improved upon by any interested manufacturer," Gibby said, noting that
the board could be built anywhere in the world, based on the Arduino
Nano microcontroller.
"A huge amount of work has gone on in the design of the circuit
boards," Gibby told ARRL. "We have at least two, maybe three designs,
ready for fabrication." Current design specifications and a video of
prototypes have been posted online. The Arduino-based control software
will set the respiratory rate and other key parameters in treating
critically ill coronavirus victims. Other radio amateurs involved in
the control system aspect of the project include Jack Purdum, W8TEE,
and uBITX transceiver maker Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE.
Using a Groups.io forum, up to 140 volunteers have been studying or
working to push the project to completion. Software is being created by
multiple volunteers, with amateur radio operators involved in that
phase as well.
The ventilator's valves will precisely time the flow of compressed
oxygen into a patient with lungs weakened by viral pneumonia in order
to extend life and allow time for the body to clear the infection. Read
more.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: After 5 days of new Solar Cycle 25
sunspot activity, sunspots vanished. The average daily sunspot number
rose from 3.6 last week to 5.1 this time. The average daily sunspot
number over the days sunspots were visible -- March 31 - April 4 -- was
12.2, but these observations straddle two reporting weeks.
Average daily solar flux rose from 69.4 to 70.2. Geomagnetic indicators
remain quiet, with the average planetary A index declining from 7.7 to
6.6, and the average mid-latitude A index slipping from 5.9 to 5.3.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 70 on April 9 - 13; 68 on
April 14 - 23; 70 on April 24 - May 7; 68 on May 8 - 20, and 70 on May
21 - 23.
Predicted planetary A index is 5, 8, and 8 on April 9 - 11; 5 on April
12 - 14; 10 on April 15; 8 on April 16 - 19; 5 on April 20 - 25; 10 on
April 26 - 27; 5 on April 28 - May 6; 8 on May 7-8; 5 on May 9 - 11; 10
on May 12; 8 on May 13 - 16; 5 on May 17 - 22, and 10 on May 23.
Sunspot numbers for April 2 - 8 were 12, 13, 11, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 5.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.8, 69.9, 70.1, 71.2, 69.9,
69.9, and 70.4, with a mean of 70.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
7, 9, 5, 5, 3, 4, and 13, with a mean of 6.6. Middle latitude A index
was 7, 7, 4, 4, 2, 3, and 10, with a mean of 5.3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* April 11 -- QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party (CW)
* April 11 - 12 -- JIDX CW Contest
* April 11 - 12 -- OK/OM DX Contest, SSB
* April 11 - 12 -- F9AA Cup, PSK
* April 11 - 12 -- FTn DX Contest (Digital)
* April 11 - 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* April 11 - 12 -- New Mexico QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* April 11 - 12 -- North Dakota QSO Party (CW, phone)
* April 11 - 12 -- Georgia QSO Party (CW, phone)
* April 11 - 12 -- Yuri Gagarin International DX Contest (CW)
* April 12 -- WAB 3.5/7/14 MHz Data Modes
* April 12 -- International Vintage Contest HF (CW)
* April 12 -- Hungarian Straight Key Contest (CW)
* April 13 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* April 14 -- 222 MHz Spring Sprint (CW, phone)
* April 15 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* April 15 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Several Countries Authorize COVID-19 visory Suffixes
A growing number of countries have authorized selected radio amateurs
or organizations to identify with suffixes that propagate the advice to
stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A60STAYHOME/# call signs are
on the air from the United Arab Emirates, while the Kuwait Amateur
Radio Society's 9K9STAYHOME; TC1STAYHOME, in Turkey, and the Saudi
Amateur Radio Society's HZ1STAYHOME are among these stations spreading
the word from that part of the world.
In Canada, Michael Shamash, VE2MXU, is using VC2STAYHOM "to raise
awareness for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic." Canada
limits call sign suffixes to seven characters. On the air from
Indonesia is 8A1HOME; Indonesia limits suffixes to four characters.
Australia has permitted the Radio Amateur Society of Australia (RASA)
to use the special call sign VI2020STAYHOME, which, at 14 characters,
may set a record for world's longest call sign.
SRAL, Finland's IARU member-society, is sponsoring the Global Amateur
Radio Network special event, with "messenger stations" on the air with
STAYHOME suffixes, such as OH5STAYHOME. The event runs through July 8.
The Global Messenger Award and the Stay Home Award are available, with
credit for working "STAY HOME" stations in other countries and at least
five of the Finnish stations.
Also in Finland, the Amateur Radio Club of Lahti, OH3AC, has been
authorized to use OH0PYSYKOTONA and nine others in that series with a
different number in the prefix. "Pysy kotona" is Finnish for "stay
home." Contacts will be confirmed via LoTW with paper cards via OH3AC.
An award is available for working all 10 in the series.
CR2STAYHOME will be on the air from Sao Miguel, one of the nine islands
in the Azores, while operators in Bosnia and Herzegovina will transmit
the alert as E7STAYHOME (QSL via E77E and E73Y or LoTW). R3STAYHOME is
another special call sign (QSL via the bureau to R3KEE). Also, listen
for 5B4STAYHOME from Cyprus, operated by Norman Banks, 5B4AIE (no
QSLs).
Finland's SRAL has suggested the new Q signal QSH for "stay happy and
healthy," while N3ADF is encouraging the use of QWH for "wash hands."
FCC Part 97 Amateur Radio Service rules do not provide for amateur call
sign suffixes longer than three characters, but a potential workaround
exists. As AS:97.119(c) of the FCC's Amateur Radio Service rules
states: "One or more indicators may be included with the call sign.
Each indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark
(/) or by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an
indicator is self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both
before and after, the call sign. No self-assigned indicator may
conflict with any other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with
any prefix assigned to another country."
While ARRL has no plans to sponsor or support a stay home related
event, US radio amateurs may do so as a one-off stay-at-home event.
In Brief...
ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, has appointed Edward J. "Ned"
Stearns, AA7A, of Scottsdale, Arizona, as ARRL Southwestern Division
Vice Director. He succeeds Mark Weiss, K6FG, who resigned. This will
mark the third time Stearns has held the post. He served as
Southwestern Division Vice Director for 2005 - 2006 and again for 2017
- 2019. A retired electrical engineer, Stearns has been licensed since
1963 and is active on all bands from 160 meters through 23 centimeters.
His principal interests are DXing, contesting, VHF, moonbounce, antenna
design, and homebrewing.
The annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test has been postponed, due to
the ongoing COVID-19 response and mitigation actions. The 2020 Armed
Forces Day (AFD) Crossband Test was scheduled to be held on Saturday,
May 9. Because it's uncertain just when stay-at-home orders will be
lifted across the US, AFD planners chose to postpone this year's event,
because the government stations that typically support this event may
not be available. Armed Forces Day Crossband Test planners are
considering scheduling a November event in honor of Veteran's Day,
depending on COVID-19 mitigation actions. During the AFD Crossband
Test, military stations in various locations transmit on selected
military frequencies and announce the specific ham frequencies they are
monitoring to work radio amateurs. -- Thanks to US Army MARS Program
Chief Paul English, WD8DBY
Past ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bernard E. "Bernie" Fuller, N3EFN,
of Saegertown, Pennsylvania, died on April 2. He was 86. Fuller moved
into the Atlantic Division Director's position in 2000, after the ARRL
Board elected then-Atlantic Division Director Kay Craigie, WT3P (now
N3KN), as a Vice President. He served as an ARRL Director until 2006. A
US Army veteran, Fuller retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel
after 22 years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Following his retirement, he taught languages at the former Alliance
College. Fuller was a member of the QRP Amateur Radio Club
International and the Eastern Pennsylvania QRP Club. He belonged to the
Military Officers Association and was a certified National Rifle
Association instructor. A member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association, Fuller authored e-books on RVing and hunting and was the
publisher of the Outdoors32News newsletter.
Past ARRL Treasurer James E. "Jim" McCobb, Jr., K1LU (ex-K1LLU, W1LLU),
died on April 1. An ARRL Life Member, he was 77. McCobb, of West
Newbury, Massachusetts, served as ARRL Treasurer, a volunteer post, for
nearly 32 years, from 1980 until 2012, when he was succeeded by current
ARRL Treasurer Rick Niswander, K7GM. An active DXer and contester,
McCobb was active from Belize, where he held the call sign V31JR.
McCobb was a US Air Force veteran and spent most of his professional
career as a banker. First licensed at age 16, McCobb was very active on
HF -- especially on 40, 20, and 17 meters, primarily on SSB, although
he operated CW during contests. He also enjoyed listening to amateur
and shortwave bands, DXing, ragchewing, contesting, and "doing just
about any kind of antenna work," he said in his QRZ.com profile. His
other hobbies included Alpine skiing, listening to music, and
collecting stereo equipment from the mid-to-late 1970s.
Japan is set to expand access to 160 meters. Yoshi Shoji, JG7AMD,
reports that Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
that the expansion will permit SSB on that band. The current 160-meter
band in Japan consists of 1810 - 1825 kHz (CW) plus 1907.5 - 1912.5 for
CW and data. Japan will allocate 1800 - 1810 kHz and 1825 - 1875 kHz
for all amateur radio modes. An effective date has not yet been
announced.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020, Woodinville, Washington
* June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
* June 6 - 7 -- Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Prospect,
Pennsylvania
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, April 17, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
April 16, 2020
* Remotely ministered Amateur Exam Systems Showing Promise
* New Volunteer Monitor Program is Up and Running
* Greater LoTW Database Accuracy is the Goal of TQSL Update(s)
* ARRL Announces New Benefits for Members
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* ARRL Rookie Roundup SSB Edition Considers Social Distancing
* HAM RADIO in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Announces Cancellation of
2020 Show
* ARISS Altering its Approach in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Remotely ministered Amateur Exam Systems Showing Promise
Facing a growing demand for amateur radio exam sessions in a time of
social distancing and stay-at-home orders, sponsors of some Volunteer
Examiner (VE) teams have risen to the challenge and are developing
systems to remotely proctor test sessions.
"Many of our VEs and VE Teams have been working on remotely proctored
exam session ideas, employing both video and in-person components --
following social distancing protocols," ARRL Volunteer Examiner
Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said. "We have been
receiving interesting and innovative suggestions, and we appreciate the
dedication and ingenuity our examiners have shown."
The Spalding County Amateur Radio Club in Georgia is among those that
have come up with plans to remotely administer amateur exams while
complying with ARRL VEC testing standards during COVID-19 stay-home
mandates and social distancing guidelines. Current systems leverage
Zoom video-teleconferencing technology, the "Fill & Sign" feature of
obe PDFs, reliable email, appropriate computer equipment and internet
connection, and no volunteer examiners (VEs) present at individual
remote test sites. The Georgia club collaborated and shared ideas with
the Emergency Amateur Radio Club (EARC) in Hawaii, which has
successfully conducted sessions since 2011 with its own remote testing
system, initially with paper exams with a proctor on site and now with
fillable PDFs, with no on-site proctor.
The Georgia club obtained ARRL VEC approval to administer
video-supervised exams. "We have started with testing just one
candidate at a time, but are planning to ramp up to multiple candidates
-- probably two or three -- simultaneously," club member David
Robinson, K4WVZ, told ARRL. "Before we do that, we want a few more
single sessions under our belt and a few more Video VEs trained."
The club's procedures entail a pre-exam video interview with candidates
to ensure they understand all the requirements and procedures.
Following the exam, the VEs score the test and sign off on the
paperwork, with the VE Team Leader submitting the application online
and by mail, per ARRL VEC instructions.
New England Amateur Radio Inc (NE1AR), an affiliate of New England
Sci-Tech, (NESciTech), has taken it one step further, Somma said. It
got the approval of ARRL VEC to begin trials of what it describes as
"completely online testing with strict rules and protocols for
maintaining the integrity of the testing environment." NE1AR is
limiting candidates to one exam per session, due to the current
candidate backlog and the "difficulty of administering exams online."
Candidates must agree to a list of protocols, which include a
cell-phone camera scan of the entire room and exam area "to show that
there are no materials or people [in the room] that could aid in taking
the exam."
"We began a series of trials on April 1 under ARRL VEC review and have
now been asked to help train more VE teams on the process," NE1AR
President Bob Phinney, K5TEC, told ARRL. "We have now tested 12
applicants and are still working on streamlining the process. We are
working with the software developer of the exam delivery system to help
them adapt the system for video-supervised testing."
With pressure continuing to build to provide testing compatible with
COVID-19 guidelines and stay-home orders, ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma
has asked the amateur radio community to be patient. "Please remember
that with the introduction of significant new processes such as these,
that there should be proof of concept, establishment of protocols and
procedures, and beta testing, before expanding to a larger audience,"
she said this week. Somma said video-supervised exam sessions require a
different skillset than in-person exam administration, and not all
teams will be equipped to deliver video exams right away.
"ARRL is pleased to be one of the leaders in providing an opportunity,
although limited initially, for video-supervised exams in this time of
social distancing and isolation required by the current health
situation," Somma said. Read more.
New Volunteer Monitor Program is Up and Running
After kicking off on January 1, the new Volunteer Monitor Program has
ramped up to operational status. A "soft rollout" of the program began
on February 1, designed to familiarize Volunteer Monitors (VMs) with
issues on the bands and to put into practice what to report -- and what
to ignore, based on their training. The VMs will not only be looking
for operating discrepancies, but for examples of good operating. The VM
program has, at least for the moment, put Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH,
back in the center of amateur radio enforcement as the Volunteer
Monitor Coordinator (VMC). He was brought aboard to get the program up
and running, and ARRL will eventually take over the VMC function.
Hollingsworth is using a system called VMTRAC -- developed by a VM --
to measure the work of VMs and determine instances that qualify for
good operator or discrepancy notices, referral to the FCC, or follow-up
with FCC requests to the VM program. Hollingsworth reported that during
March, the 165 active VMs logged upward of 2,300 hours of monitoring on
HF, and nearly 2,000 hours on VHF-UHF and other frequencies.
"I am extremely pleased with the number of hours devoted to monitoring
this early in the program," Hollingsworth said. No stone is being left
unturned. Two VMs constantly monitor FT8 watering holes and have
developed programs that alert them if a licensee is operating outside
of privileges accorded to that license class or if a license has
expired. "We have 30 open cases, five of which are good operator
cases," Hollingsworth said. "Regarding open cases relating to rule
violations, none have yet had to be referred to the FCC." He said he's
experimented with letters, telephone calls, or emails to the subjects
of
Riley Hollingsworth,
K4ZDH.
discrepancy reports where they could be identified. While he's still
waiting for replies to his written correspondence, he has received
responses to his calls and emails, and the violations have either
stopped or were explained. "They were violations such as expired
licenses, Technicians operating on General frequencies, unauthorized
use of a call sign, and deliberate interference," he said.
One case "being groomed for FCC referral," he said, involves
long-standing interference to a repeater in the Philadelphia area by
someone using an unauthorized call sign. Hollingsworth said he worked
with net control operators of nets on 75 and 40 meters that had been
suffering serious interference, and so far the solutions are working.
"It is becoming apparent that if informal contact can be made by the
VMC with a known offender, the problem can sometimes be stopped,"
Hollingsworth said. "We do not want to call upon the FCC unless
absolutely necessary." Read more.
Greater LoTW Database Accuracy is the Goal of TQSL Update(s)
The recently released TQSL version 2.5.2 application for uploading logs
to Logbook of The World (LoTW) tightens requirements for data
consistency, with the goal of improving the integrity of the LoTW
database. Starting with TQSL version 2.5.2, discrepancies in submitted
logs are now flagged, especially when it comes to the Amateur Data
Interchange Format (ADIF) files frequently uploaded to LoTW. This has
prompted questions and concerns, however, when the system fails to
accept a user's uploaded contact or log.
ADIF exists precisely to help ensure the accuracy of "data interchange"
among amateur radio applications -- different logging programs, for
example. TQSL uses ADIF file data for cross-checks that help to keep
inaccurate or incomplete information from contaminating the LoTW
database, and that's where some user issues have arisen. For example,
the OPERATOR field, which should be a call sign, sometimes shows up as
a name. Occasionally, operators have reversed their ITU and CQ zones.
Another issue is in the MY_STATE field, which should show a US Postal
Service two-letter state abbreviation. Anything else is a problem.
"The value of the checks added to TQSL is that it lets operators know
when the data they're handling in their computer-based logs is
correct," said TQSL Developer Rick Murphy, K1MU. "It's important to
make sure that when a ham submits a log to LoTW that the content of
that log accurately captures the details."
Some help is on the way. Murphy will soon release TQSL version 2.5.3,
which, among other things, skips over the OPERATOR field check. "We
have found that some of the checking performed for TQSL 2.5.2 was
incomplete in some cases -- for example, allowing incorrect zone
information to pass, and overly strict in other cases -- for example,
the STATION_OWNER tag," Murphy said. "We've made great strides in
improving the way logs are checked to ensure that checking is more
complete while not raising false alarms."
The problem is not always with the user. The initial implementation of
cross-checks in TQSL 2.5.2 revealed that not all logging applications
conform to the ADIF standard. TQSL 2.5.2 has offered support for
operations from several locations, as well as the ability to detect
uploads that contain incorrect location data.
"Operators have a right to insist that the logging applications they
use conform to the standards agreed upon by the ADIF collective," said
Greg Widin, K0GW, the chair of the ARRL LoTW Committee. "Those who find
that their logger is out of conformance should demand an update." Read
more.
ARRL Announces New Benefits for Members
ARRL members will now receive digital access to four ARRL magazines
beginning with their May/June issues. Joining QST and On the Air
magazines on a digital platform will be the bimonthly editions of QEX
-- The Forum for Communications Experimenters and NCJ -- National
Contest Journal. QEX includes articles, columns, and other features
ranging from construction projects to more advanced technical
information in radio theory and practice. NCJ, published since 1973,
targets radio amateurs active in radiosport. NCJ includes scores,
technical articles, contributions from top contesters, and advice for
beginners and seasoned radiosport enthusiasts alike.
"Feedback from ARRL members and our readership surveys has shown that
our magazines are one of the most valued member benefits," said ARRL
Publications Manager Steve Ford, WB8IMY. "Our investment in digital
access provides another channel through which we can deliver content to
our members across the expanse of interests and activities in amateur
radio. All members can enjoy specialized content and a high-quality
reading experience whether at their desk or on the go. Offering this
suite of digital magazines is an opportunity for us to give members
more of what they want while adding value to ARRL membership."
ARRL's digital magazine editions provide replicas of the printed
editions with added functionality, allowing users to fully search
issues, enlarge pages, share articles, and more. The free ARRL
Magazines app also supports downloading complete issues onto your
mobile device or tablet for offline reading.
Members who have elected to receive a printed QST or On the Air as part
of their membership benefits will continue to have this service.
Members may not substitute a print subscription of QEX or NCJ as their
delivered magazine member benefit. Print subscriptions of QEX and NCJ
will continue to be available at additional cost for those who want to
receive them.
All four magazines are easily accessed through any web browser from
members-only links. The free ARRL Magazines app is available for iOS
and Android in the Apple App Store and Google Play. If you're already
an ARRL member and previously created an arrl.org website account, your
username and password will provide you access to the digital editions,
whether online or in the app. Members who have not previously
registered will need to create a new account. If you've forgotten your
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, April 24, 2020 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
April 23, 2020
* ARRL, AMSAT Seek "Relatively Minor Changes" In FCC Orbital Debris
Mitigation Proposals
* ARRL Suggests Taking a Creative Approach to Field Day 2020
* Ballot Counting Postponed in Four Section Manager Elections
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Nomination Deadline Extended for Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver
Antenna Award
* 2020 Youth on the Air in the Americas Camp is Canceled
* FCC Seeking World Radiocommunication Conference visory Committee
Members
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* NOAA Updates Solar Cycle 25 Prediction
* Japan's Radio Amateurs Gain Expanded Access to 160 and 80 Meters
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL, AMSAT Seek "Relatively Minor Changes" In FCC Orbital Debris
Mitigation Proposals
On April 8, ARRL Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, and AMSAT-NA
Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, discussed with senior FCC
International Bureau staff by telephone the FCC's draft Report & Order
(R&O) on mitigation of orbital debris (IB Docket No. 18-313). The
amateur representatives told the FCC staff that "two aspects of the
draft regulations are of particular concern... and would seriously
hinder amateur radio's future operations in space, if adopted as
proposed without the relatively minor changes that we propose."
First, ARRL and AMSAT requested a revision to proposed language that
otherwise would allow only private individual licensees to indemnify
the US for the operations of an amateur space satellite. ARRL and AMSAT
requested that satellite owners be added to that provision. The amateur
representatives, noting that amateur radio licensees may only be
individuals under the amateur rules, stated that "[i]n no other service
would an individual be required to personally make a similar
indemnification" and that "it would be difficult to impossible to find
an individual amateur radio licensee willing to bear that risk."
Second, ARRL and AMSAT asked the FCC to delay by 3 years the proposed
effective date of April 23, 2022, for a rule that would require
satellite operators to certify that space stations "be designed with
the maneuvering capabilities sufficient to perform collision avoidance"
for spacecraft designed to operate above 400 kilometers in altitude.
Citing the long lead times to design and construct amateur satellites,
ARRL and AMSAT suggested that a more reasonable date would be April 23,
2025 and noted that, based on recent past years, only an estimated
threeamateur satellites likely would be launched during the extra
period.
"We do not disagree with the purpose of this requirement," they told
the FCC staff, but "the proposed effective date is unreasonable in the
case of amateur radio satellites." The new effective date "would allow
time for amateur spacecraft designers to adapt to this new
requirement," they said.
Citing the value of amateur satellites to the development of the
commercial small satellite industry, and student participation in such
projects, ARRL and AMSAT said a strong and robust Amateur Satellite
Service will help inspire future developments in satellite technology.
The requested changes to the draft R&O would help ensure that amateur
radio continues to have a future in space and contribute to the public
interest on an educational, non-pecuniary basis.
The FCC was expected to consider the R&O at its April 23 open meeting.
House Leaders Request that FCC Delay Action
Members of the US House Science, Space, and Technology Committee asked
the FCC to delay action on the "Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New
Space Age" rulemaking proceeding. Science Committee members raised
several concerns, including the timing of the action during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
"Given the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 crisis,
the immense effort undertaken to recover from the pandemic, and the
potential for the FCC's proposal to exacerbate impacts on US industry
and international competitiveness at a critical period in our nation's
history, we hope that you will agree to postpone future action," the
letter reads.
The lawmakers' letter also raises concerns with the rule itself, with
the rulemaking process, and with the potential for regulatory and
legislative inconsistency, noting significant stakeholder concerns.
"The proposal contradicts Executive Branch policy and is inconsistent
with existing and proposed legislative action," the letter states.
"Regulatory action by the FCC at this time, without clear authority
from Congress, will at the very least create confusion and undermine
the Commission's work, and at worst, undermine US economic
competitiveness and leadership in space."
The letter also suggested that FCC action could duplicate efforts now
under way by the Department of Commerce.
ARRL Suggests Taking a Creative Approach to Field Day 2020
This year, ARRL Field Day promises to be a unique iteration of this
annual event, with many individuals and groups coming up with new and
interesting ways to adjust their approach. As an event, Field Day is
structured to be versatile and can be adapted for any situation.
Many groups have asked how they can adjust their Field Day planning to
address social-distancing guidelines that may be in effect in many
areas of the country, as gathering at their traditional Field Day site
may not be feasible or safe. Instead of participating in a group event
this year, consider operating as a Class B, C, D, or E station,
utilizing your own call sign.
ARRL will include club names for all participating stations in the
published results, so the efforts of your club's members can be
acknowledged. While we will not publish an aggregate club score, seeing
the name of your club associated with various individual member's
results is certainly a way to highlight your club's activity.
Myriad opportunities are possible in this year's Field Day setting. A
few options are as follows:
* Consider having an intra-club competition among members, seeing who
can make the most contacts during the event. You can award prizes
or distribute certificates at a club meeting. This can be a fun way
to bolster the activities of individual club members, even though
they cannot all gather together at the same location this year.
* Set up a Field Day Challenge with rival clubs in neighboring
communities. See how many members of each club get on the air from
their own stations and participate in the event. In addition to
"bragging rights," perhaps certificates to the top-scoring
individual entries in each category can be presented as part of
this inter-club camaraderie.
One club is planning to conduct its Field Day as a 4A club group, with
participants spaced to comply with social distancing guidelines within
the required 1,000-foot-diameter circle and operating individual
stations. This club also plans to set up a "Get on the Air" (GOTA)
station. The club's plan is to have the GOTA coach at the Field Day
site, while GOTA operators participate via remote link.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL invites your stories about the interesting and creative ways
you're planning to use to adapt your Field Day operation. Share these
on the ARRL Field Day Facebook page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Another club is planning to set up a remote-controlled station at its
usual Field Day site, with club members taking turns controlling the
station from their homes. The club is developing a schedule that
outlines when each member of the club will be at the helm via the
remote link.
Whatever approach you take to this year's Field Day, keep up to date
with the current guidelines issued by local and state health agencies
that may impact your proposed operation.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Field Day webpage. -- Thanks
to ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE
Ballot Counting Postponed in Four Section Manager Elections
During these unprecedented times of social distancing and staying at
home, the ARRL Ethics and Elections Committee (E&E) has postponed
ballot counting for four contested Section Manager elections.
Since March 23, ARRL Headquarters staff has been working remotely under
the Governor of Connecticut's mandate, which is currently in effect
through May 20 and may be extended into June. The ballots for the
Section Manager races in Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, and Maine were
scheduled to be counted on Tuesday, May 19 as directed by the ARRL
rules and regulations for Section Manager elections. Due to the
circumstances, ARRL Interim CEO Barry Shelley, N1VXY, asked the E&E
Committee for an extension that would allow ballot counting to happen
as soon as practicable before mid-June.
Although this extension was granted, it does not change the Friday, May
15, 2020 deadline for ballots to be received at ARRL HQ. Standard
operating practice dictates that any ballots received after this
deadline will not be counted. The Governor's mandate and social
distancing practices do not affect this section of the election rules.
Terms for election winners are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2020. ARRL
hopes to see the Governor's restrictions relaxed in time to have a team
of tellers inside HQ to count the ballots and publish the elections'
results in enough time that the terms of office will not change. The
E&E Committee will have to decide the course of action, should any
unforeseen circumstances not allow the ballots to be counted by
mid-June.
The safety of our staff and members remains the highest priority as we
work through these difficult times. Thank you for your understanding.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 4) focuses how to
create a family emergency communications plan and includes an interview
with Dino Papas, KL0S, about attaching coaxial connectors with crimping
tools.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 6) includes an
interview with ARRL Assistant Laboratory Manager Bob Allison, WB1GCM,
about key clicks and a discussion with NCJ editor Scott Wright, K0MD,
about artificial intelligence software and amateur radio.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom.
Both podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as
well as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Nomination Deadline Extended for Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver
Antenna Award
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the ARRL Public Relations
Committee has extended the nomination deadline for the Philip J. McGan
Memorial Silver Antenna Award until Monday, June 15, 2020.
The Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award is presented annually
to a radio amateur who has demonstrated success in his or her public
relations efforts on behalf of amateur radio and who best exemplifies
the volunteer spirit of the award's namesake, journalist Philip McGan,
WA2MBQ (SK). McGan was the first chairman of the ARRL Public Relations
Committee, which helped reinvigorate ARRL's commitment to public
relations. To honor McGan, members of the New Hampshire Amateur Radio
Association joined with the ARRL Board of Directors to establish an
award that would pay lasting tribute to the important contributions he
made on behalf of amateur radio.
Public relations activities for which the McGan Award is presented
include efforts specifically directed at depicting amateur radio in a
positive light in the media and for the general public. This may
include traditional methods, such as issuing news releases or arranging
interviews, or by less-traditional methods, such as hosting a radio
show or serving as an active public speaker.
The ARRL Board of Directors will choose the award winner at its July
2020 meeting, based on recommendations from the ARRL Public Relations
Committee. The Committee has responsibility for reviewing the
nominations and supporting material.
Eligible nominees must be full ARRL members in good standing at the
time of nomination. The award is given only to an individual, and
nominees may not be current ARRL officers, directors, vice directors,
paid staffers, or members of the ARRL Public Relations Committee.
Nominees must not be compensated for any public relations work
involving amateur radio -- including payment for articles.
A nominee's efforts must fit the definition of public relations and
recognize the promotion of amateur radio to the non-amateur radio
community.
Nominations must be received at ARRL Headquarters by the close of
business on Monday, June 15, 2020. Nominations must be on an official
entry form. Anyone may make a nomination.
For more information, contact ARRL Public Relations Committee Chair Sid
Caesar, NH7C, or send an email to the ARRL Headquarters Public
Relations mailbox.
2020 Youth on the Air in the Americas Camp is Canceled
The inaugural camp for radio amateurs in the Americas aged 15 through
25 has been put off until next year. It was set to take place June 21 -
26 at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West
Chester Township (North Cincinnati, Ohio). It has been rescheduled for
July 2021. Campers accepted to the 2020 camp will have the first chance
to register for next year's camp. The daily schedule and plan for the
2020 camp will be the same for the 2021 camp as much as possible. The
committee found that July was a more accessible date for the widest
range of campers to attend.
The committee is also looking at ideas for a shortened, virtual camp
this summer, so that campers can participate in limited activities from
home. The camp was meant to focus on building peer and mentor
relationships and taking amateur radio to the next level.
While many sponsors and donors have already expressed support for
holding over funds received for 2020 to use in 2021, refunds of
donations made to the camp are being offered. Groups or individuals
wishing to receive a refund should contact director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.
Less than $350 of the money spent thus far went to items that may not
be usable in 2021, Rapp said.
More information about YOTA in the Americas can be found at
YouthOnTheAir and on YOTAregion2 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
YouTube.
FCC Seeking World Radiocommunication Conference visory Committee
Members
The FCC has announced that it's looking for individuals or entities to
serve on its World Radiocommunication Conference visory Committee.
The committee will provide advice, technical support, and recommended
proposals in the run-up to World Radiocommunication Conference 2023
(WRC-23). In particular, the committee will focus on international
frequency spectrum issues identified on the WRC-23 agenda. The
committee will be charged with gathering data and information necessary
to formulate meaningful recommendations for these objectives.
The FCC seeks applications from interested individuals, organizations,
institutions, or other entities in both the public and private sectors.
Selection will be based on factors such as expertise and diversity of
viewpoints necessary to effectively address the questions before the
committee.
Applicants should describe both their specific interests and their
expertise or experience as it relates to the questions before the
committee, including such matters as wireless communications
infrastructure and equipment, telecommunications, fixed, mobile,
broadcasting, satellite, and other radiocommunication services,
consumer advocacy, and underserved populations. It's anticipated that
the committee will meet in Washington, DC, up to three times per year
in preparation for WRC-23.
Submit nominations, including contact information and the statement of
qualifications, by email no later than May 29, 2020.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: The last day with a visible sunspot
was April 4.
Over the April 16 - 22 reporting week, the average daily solar flux was
69, down 0.5 point from the previous week's average of 69.5.
Average daily planetary A index was 7.3, while the mid-latitude A index
was 7, up from 6.1 and 5, respectively, mainly due to the first
geomagnetic storm of 2020, which pushed the planetary A index to 18 on
April 19.
Recent solar flux numbers have been soft, with averages over recent
weeks of 71.1, 69.4, 70.2, 69.5, and now 69. Lower solar flux probably
means less radiation that might excite the ionosphere. Predicted solar
flux is 71 on April 23 - 30 and 69 on May 1 - June 6.
The predicted planetary A index is forecast at 10 on April 23; 5 on
April 24 - 29; 8 on April 30; 5 on May 1 - 4; 12 on May 5; 5 on May 6 -
16; 12, 10, 8, and 10 on May 17 - 20; 5 on May 21 - 23; 10, 5, 5, and 8
on May 24 - 27; 5 on May 28 - 31; 12 on June 1, and 5 on June 2 - 6.
Sunspot numbers for April 16 - 22 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.5, 67.9, 69.8, 68.6, 68.2,
69.1, and 70.7, with a mean of 69. Estimated planetary A indices were
5, 4, 4, 3, 18, 9, and 8, with a mean of 6.1. The middle latitude A
index was 5, 4, 4, 2, 16, 8, and 10, with a mean of 5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* April 25 - 26 -- 10-10 International Spring Contest, Digital
* April 25 - 26 -- SP DX RTTY Contest
* April 25 - 26 -- Helvetia Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* April 25 - 26 -- Florida QSO Party (CW, phone)
* April 26 -- BARTG Sprint 75 (Digital)
* April 27 - 28 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* April 29 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
NOAA Updates Solar Cycle 25 Prediction
Frank Donovan, W3LPL, notes that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
ministration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has
published its official updated prediction of Solar Cycle 25 in new,
interactive Solar Cycle Progression graphs. The updated prediction is
based on the results of NOAA's Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel.
"SWPC forecasts a solar maximum between 105 and 125, with the peak
occurring between November 2024 and March 2026," Donovan said. "There
is broad consensus that solar minimum is ongoing this year -- or may
have already occurred -- and that Cycle 25 will have no major change in
the level of solar activity compared to Cycle 24."
As Donovan explained, for many years the SWPC's solar cycle predictions
have used the Royal Observatory of Belgium's International Sunspot
Number. SWPC's official solar cycle prediction now uses the SWPC
sunspot number. The International Sunspot Number is typically about
one-third lower than the SWPC sunspot number.
"While this is SWPC's official Cycle 25 prediction, it's important to
note there is still divergence among various forecasting methods and
members of the space weather forecasting community," Donovan said.
"Most forecasts and forecasters agree that the Cycle 25 peak is likely
to be within ±20% of Cycle 24 and is likely to occur between 2024 and
2027."
More information is on the Springer Nature website. -- Thanks to The
Daily DX
Japan's Radio Amateurs Gain Expanded Access to 160 and 80 Meters
Effective on April 21, Japanese radio amateurs have new privileges on
160 and 80 meters. The new allocations are 1800 - 1810, 1825 - 1875,
3575 - 3580, and 3662 - 3680 kHz.
ARRL Life Member Kenji Rikitake, JJ1BDX/N6BDX, said the new regime
allows Japanese radio amateurs to operate FT8 on 80 meters (3574 ~ 3577
kHz), and on 160 meters (1840 ~ 1843 kHz) as well as WSPR (1836.6 kHz).
On 160 meters, the allocations are:
* 1800 - 1810: All modes (new assignment)
* 1810 - 1825: CW only
* 1825 - 1875 kHz: All modes (as secondary service, new assignment)
* 1907.5 - 1912.5: CW and data (A1A, F1B, F1D, G1B, and G1D)
On 80 meters, the allocations are:
* 3500 - 3520: CW (A1A) only
* 3520 - 3535: CW and data (A1A, F1B, F1D, G1B, and G1D)
* 3535 - 3575: CW, phone, and image, and data only permitted for
making contacts with non-JA amateurs
* 3575 - 3580: All modes (as secondary service, new assignment)
* 3599 - 3612: CW, phone, image, and data
* 3662 - 3680: All modes (as secondary service, new assignment)
* 3680 - 3687: CW, phone, and image
* 3702 - 3716, 3745 - 3770, and 3791 - 3805: CW, phone, and image (no
data).
ditional details are on the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL)
website.-- Thanks to Kenji Rikitake, JJ1BDX/N6BDX
In Brief...
The ARRL 2020 Teachers Institute sessions have been canceled. The
landscape of education in the US has been greatly affected by the
current pandemic. As K - 12 school systems and universities have been
forced to move entirely to remote learning, teachers and students have
had to make dramatic adjustments to their teaching and learning
methods. After considering these educational challenges, along with
travel restrictions and restraints on the ability to gather in groups,
ARRL leadership feels it is appropriate and necessary to cancel the
2020 Teachers Institute. We look forward to bringing back this
important program in 2021, so that we can continue promoting amateur
radio in the classroom through our Education and Technology Program
(ETP). ARRL will communicate directly with those who have already
applied, and they will receive a full refund. Please direct questions
to
EAD@arrl.org.
The Medical Net, a special COVID-19 net, is running Wednesdays, 0130
UTC, on 7.222 MHz. The net deals with correct data on COVID-19
epidemiology care, care issues, and more. Net control will be Dr. Harry
Przekop, WB9EDP, a past president of the Medical Amateur Radio Council
Organization (MARCO) and now a director at large. Przekop is a
specialist in infectious diseases and biomedical physics and is
board-certified as an expert in HIV care. Participants do not need to
be physicians or medical providers to check in, ask questions, and
otherwise take part, but no diagnoses can be rendered. The regular
MARCO Grand Rounds Net is held on Sundays, 1500 UTC, on 14.342 MHz.
Contest University (CTU) 2020 will be online and free. Tim Duffy, K3LR,
has announced that CTU USA 2020 will be held online via Zoom on
Thursday, May 14, starting at 1245 UTC. CTU 2020 is free. The CTU
course outline has been posted online. Connection details to the CTU
Zoom bridge will be posted on the Contest University site 1 week prior
to CTU. Sessions will be recorded for viewing any time after May 14.
Slide decks will be posted on the CTU website as well. At the end of
CTU 2020, Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, will present the 2020 CQ Contest Hall of
Fame awards.
A Welsh radio amateur copied the Titanic distress call, but authorities
did not believe him. April 15 marked the 108th anniversary of the
Titanic disaster. As the passenger vessel was going down, frantic
shipboard radio operators transmitted repeated distress calls. Arthur
"Artie" Moore, MNX, near Pontllanfraith, Wales, heard one of the calls
for help: "CQD CQD SOS de MGY Position 41.44N 50.24W. Require immediate
assistance. Come at once. We have struck an iceberg. Sinking." At that
time, operators used "CQD" (come quickly, distress) and "SOS"
interchangeably. MGY was the RMS Titanic's call sign. The then
26-year-old Moore picked up the distress calls from the stricken ship
thousands of miles away, and, as recounted in The South Wales Argus
newspaper, he raced to inform police about what he'd heard, but the
authorities would not believe him. It wasn't until a day or two later
that the grim news reached the shores of Great Britain. More than 1,500
people died in the tragedy, including some prominent individuals, on
the voyage from England to the US on the Titanic's maiden voyage.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020 (Virtual Event)
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, May 01, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
April 30, 2020
* Emergency Ventilator Designed and Constructed by Hams Going to FDA
* ARISS Experiments with School Contacts Using "Multipoint
Telebridge" Approach
* Resolving Sunspot Number Confusion
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Radio Amateur Finds Another "Zombie Satellite"
* Frequency Measuring Test Results Posted
* Hams in India Provide Communication Assistance during COVID-19
Pandemic
* Garmin Seeks FCC Ruling or Waiver to Obtain Certification for Part
95/Part 25 Device
* RSGB Aims to Promote Health and Well-Being within the Amateur Radio
Community
* Announcements
* Getting It Right
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Emergency Ventilator Designed and Constructed by Hams Going to FDA
Radio amateurs have succeeded in providing a complete, working
ventilator system to University of Florida researchers who are in the
process of applying to the Food and Drug ministration for an
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). A successful submission would blaze
the way for volunteers and manufacturers around the world to create
low-cost, highly functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or
anesthesia-care ventilators that offer many of the features of modern
Airway components of the emergency
ventilator. [Photo courtesy of
Gordon Gibby, KX4Z]
ventilators at a fraction of the typical cost. Dr. Gordon Gibby, KX4Z,
who is associated with the project, said efforts to further improve the
device are ongoing.
"We made a stunning improvement in accuracy of the system and measuring
volumes last night at about 1 AM," he told ARRL. "Accuracy of that
particular alarm measurement went from about 300%, down to about 10%.
The FDA submission is being readied, but we keep making engineering
improvements."
Gibby credited some of the primary volunteers. "Bob Benedict, KD8CGH,
has provided incredible volunteer testing, now exceeding 1.6 million
cycles on one crucial valve and 300,000 on another. Jack Purdum, W8TEE,
is the main 'code-cleaner' for one of multiple teams building software,
following the initial lead of Marcelo Varanda, VA3MVV. Ashhar Farhan,
VU2ESE, not only created the ventilator controller schematic but the
printed circuit board layout that will be part of an expected
University of Florida submission." Farhan was among the founding code
writers of what we now know as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Other hams worked on mechanical designs for flow measurements and
retooled potential manufacturing capabilities otherwise used to produce
transceivers. In another example of ham radio ingenuity, Marc
Winzenried, WA9ZCO, modified a readily available lawn sprinkler to
serve as a durable expiratory valve. This development enabled the
ventilator to go more than 1 million breaths before significant valve
issues developed, and the part can be replaced for less than $15.
The ventilator controller circuit
board, designed by Michael
Stapleton, WD4LHT. [Courtesy of
Gordon Gibby, KX4Z]
The completed prototype in Florida was built using typical tools by a
radio amateur, and assembled boards provided by LifeMech, a
manufacturer working with the project. Farhan crafted an extendable
menu structure for the Arduino Nano-based controller, and gas-flow
measurements are made every few milliseconds by an I2C-based
differential pressure transducer that can measure down to tiny PSI
fractions, allowing the design to accurately track patient-induced
variations in the volume of delivered gasses.
"Using Wenzenried's expiratory valve, electronic on-off control at the
rate of 30 Hz allows modulation of the valve to set the continuous
airway pressure used to keep the patient's lung alveoli open against
virus-induced water-logging of the connective tissue," Gibby explained.
"Perhaps the most surprising development was the addition of the
ability to sense patient effort to take a breath and immediately switch
to assisting the patient with that breath, known as 'assist-control'
ventilation," Gibby said. "This is expected to allow far lighter
sedation of patients -- potentially even no sedation." Read more.
ARISS Experiments with School Contacts Using "Multipoint Telebridge"
Approach
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is hoping to
adopt a concept it's calling the "multipoint telebridge contact via
amateur radio" that will allow stay-at-home students to take part in
amateur radio contacts with members of the space station crew. Its
initial success on an April 30 contact with youngsters in Northern
Virginia should provide some impetus for the initiative.
ARISS has used telebridge stations in the past to enable contacts at
times when the ISS orbit does not pass overhead to permit a direct
radio contact with the school or other location. In a conventional
ARISS telebridge contact, an amateur station ground station in a
favorable location for an ISS pass on the scheduled day makes the
contact and handles two-way audio between the station and the contact
site. ARISS said its new multipoint telebridge approach permits
simultaneous reception by families, school faculty, and the public.
"During the last several weeks, efforts to contain the spread of the
COVID-19 virus have resulted in massive school closures worldwide,"
ARISS said this week in a news release. "In addition, the stay-at-home
policies invoked by authorities initially shut down opportunities for
ARISS school contacts for the near future."
The April 30 event involved 5-to-10-year old pupils. Fred Kemmerer,
AB1OC, in Hollis, New Hampshire, who served as the telebridge ground
station, linked with a ISS crew member via radio. Homebound students
and their teacher were able to take part individually via the
telebridge network. Under the teacher's direction, each at-home student
was to take a turn to ask the astronaut one question on a prepared
list, although unrelated technical issues aboard the ISS curtailed the
contact.
"This approach is a huge pivot for ARISS, but we feel it is a great
strategic move," said ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO.
"In these times of isolation due to the virus, these ARISS connections
provide a fantastic psychological boost to students, families,
educators, and the public. And they continue our longstanding efforts
to inspire, engage, and educate students in STEAM [science, technology,
engineering, the arts, and mathematics] subjects and encourage them to
pursue STEAM careers." -- Thanks to ARISS
Resolving Sunspot Number Confusion
Recently, well-known contester and DXer Frank Donovan, W3LPL, reviewed
NOAA's official updated solar cycle prediction. Noted propagation
authority Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, followed up.
In his discussion, Donovan commented that the International Sunspot
Number is typically about one-third lower than the Space Weather
Prediction Center (SWPC) sunspot number. There's a good reason for this
discrepancy, and it should be resolved in the near future. Let's look
at how we got into this confusing situation, and what the solution is.
The Space Weather Prediction Center.
We have sunspot records back to Solar Cycle 1 (and even earlier). The
official sunspot number originally came out of Zurich, but now
originates from the Royal Observatory of Belgium. In 1848, Rudolf Wolf
devised the equation for the sunspot number. It involves the number of
sunspot groups, the total number of individual spots in all the groups,
and a variable scale factor. We were happy with this until 2011, when
the first of four workshops were held to review the sunspot data due to
concerns that the scale factor may have been skewing the data. The
result of the four workshops was an entirely new sunspot record.
The biggest difference is the scale factor of 0.6 that had been used
and is no longer considered valid, based on corroborating data. This
change raised the revised (Version 2.0) data over the former (Version
1.0) data by 1/0.6. The Royal Observatory of Belgium started reporting
Version 2.0 sunspot numbers on July 1, 2015. Keep in mind that the V2.0
record all the way back to Cycle 1 changed, too). Now, if we go to the
Table of Recent Solar Indices (Preliminary) of Observed Monthly Mean
Values' in the data tab, we'll see the following SWPC predictions.
Columns 1 and 2 are the year and month. Columns 3, 4, and 5 are the
monthly mean sunspot numbers per Space Weather Operations (with the
SWPC), per the Royal Observatory of Belgium (RI is also known as the
International Sunspot Number), and the ratio between the two. Columns 6
and 7 are the smoothed sunspot numbers per SWO and per the Royal
Observatory of Belgium (RI). Note that the [IMG]smoothed sunspot
numbers are 6 months behind the monthly mean sunspot numbers. That's
because of how the smoothed sunspot number is determined.
So, the discrepancy that W3LPL talked about is between the SWO values
and the RI values; the SWO group never applied the 0.6 scale factor to
its sunspot count, and thus the SWO values are essentially the Royal
Observatory of Belgium Version 2.0 data. The RI values reported by SWO
are the Royal Observatory of Belgium Version 1.0 data. In the graph,
the V1.0 data is in blue and the V2.0 data is in orange. The SWO data
(in gray) indeed follows the V2.0 data, and the RI data, in yellow,
follows the V1.0 data.
To resolve this discrepancy going forward, SWO plans to change RI to
V2.0 data at solar minimum, when the V1.0 data should be equal, or
extremely close, to the V2.0 data. So, the SWO data, for all intents
and purposes, will be equal to the RI data. That should resolve the
confusion with sunspot numbers, except for the fact that our old
sunspot numbers, to which our propagation predictions were correlated,
now are deemed incorrect. -- Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 4) focuses how to
create a family emergency communications plan and includes an interview
with Dino Papas, KL0S, about attaching coaxial connectors with crimping
tools.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 6) includes an
interview with ARRL Assistant Laboratory Manager Bob Allison, WB1GCM,
about key clicks and a discussion with NCJ editor Scott Wright, K0MD,
about artificial intelligence software and amateur radio.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Several sunspots put in appearances
this week. Sunspot numbers on April 25 - 29 were 11, 14, 12, 0, and 24,
for a weekly average of 8.7. Average daily solar flux barely moved --
from 69 to 69.2.
Geomagnetic activity remains quiet, with average daily planetary A
index declining from 7.3 to 5.6.
Predicted solar flux is 70 on April 30 - May 6; 69 on May 7 - 16; 70 on
May 17 - 31; 69 on June 1 - 12, and 70 on June 13.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on April 30 - May 2; 5 on May 3 - 17;
10 and 8 on May 18 - 19; 5 on May 20 - 23; 8 on May 24 - 27; 5 on May
28 - 31; 12 on June 1, and 5 on June 2 - 13.
Sunspot numbers for April 23 - 29 were 0, 0, 11, 14, 12, 0, and 24, for
a mean of 8.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.7, 69.7, 68.9, 69.2, 69,
69, and 69.9, for a mean of 69.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 4,
8, 5, 6, 7, 6, and 3, with a mean of 5.6. Middle latitude A index was
4, 6, 5, 5, 6, 6, and 4, with a mean of 5.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* May 1 -- AGCW QRP/QRP Party (CW)
* May 2 -- RCC Cup (CW, phone)
* May 2 -- Microwave Spring Sprint (CW, phone)
* May 2 -- FISTS Spring Slow Speed Sprint (CW)
* May 2 - 3 -- 7th Call Area QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- Indiana QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- Delaware QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- New England QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- Araucaria World Wide VHF Contest (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- 10-10 International Spring Contest (CW)
* May 2 - 3 -- SBMS 2.3 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- ARI International DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* May 4 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
* May 4 - 5 -- MIE 33 Contest (CW, phone)
* May 5 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* May 7 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone)
* May 7 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Radio Amateur Finds Another "Zombie Satellite"
British Columbia radio amateur Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, has found another
"zombie satellite," as he calls them. This time, he tracked and
identified radio signals from the experimental UHF military
communication satellite LES-5. Tilley says he found the satellite in
what he called a geostationary "graveyard" orbit after noting a
modulated carrier on 236.7487 MHz.
"Most zombie satellites are satellites that are no longer under human
control, or have failed to some degree," Tilley told National Public
Radio (NPR) earlier this month. It's not clear whether LES-5 is still
capable of receiving commands.
LES-5 was built by MIT's Lincoln Laboratory and launched in 1967 as
part of the military's Tactical Satellite Communication Program. It was
supposed to shut down in 1972, but it continues to operate as long as
its solar panels are facing the sun.
What intrigued Tilley about LES-5 was that it might be the oldest
functioning geostationary satellite in space. After British Columbia
went on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tilley found himself
with a lot of free time for such a search. He located LES-5 on March
24.
LES-5 under construction.
From his home in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Tilley, an amateur
astronomer, routinely scans the skies for radio signals from classified
objects orbiting Earth. Since he started, he's located dozens of secret
or unlisted satellites.
In 2018, while hunting for an undisclosed US government spacecraft lost
in a launch mishap, he spotted the signature of IMAGE (Imager for
Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration), a NASA spacecraft believed
to have died in December 2005. The discovery delighted space
scientists. NASA and another ham in the UK confirmed his finding.
Launched in 2000 on a mission to monitor space weather, IMAGE mapped
plasma patterns around Earth.
Frequency Measuring Test Results Posted
The results of the spring 2020 Frequency Measuring Test (FMT),
conducted on April 24, have been posted. Coming in at the top of the
list for stations entering readings of both the 40-meter and 80-meter
frequencies was Steve Cerwin, WA5FRF. His average error rate was
0.004902 parts per million (ppm). The Top 10 looked like this, with
average error rates in ppm. Bill De Carle, VE2IQ, has posted a ranked
list of participants who submitted readings for both frequencies.
+-----------------------------------------------------+
|1. |WA5FRF |0.004902 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|2. |WA2IKL |0.005584 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|3. |N7WS |0.005636 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|4. |N9CIF |0.006999 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|5. |NJ0U |0.007051 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|6. |N8OBJ |0.007655 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|7. |AD5MT |0.008415 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|8. |KB3UMD |0.008415 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|9. |WB6RJH |0.008492 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|10 |AB4RS |0.009174 |
+-----------------------------------------------------+
Today's FMTs are conducted completely online, with no manual
log-checking or intervention. Connie Marshall, K5CM, provides Bruce
Horn, WA7BNM, with the precise actual frequencies, participating
individuals submit their measurements, and machines handle the rest.
Ninety-eight radio amateurs took part in the April 2020 FMT. The next
FMT will take place in November.
Taking part in the FMT does not require special laboratory equipment.
Modern HF transceivers can measure frequency quite accurately, and
SDR-based receivers and available software can enable precise frequency
measurements. Today's FMT leaders are able to accurately measure beyond
the number of decimal places (out to five) that a typical transceiver
will display, however.
Some information on how to measure the frequency of a carrier is
available on Marshall's website, as well as in past articles in QST.
Visit the FMT-Nuts discussion group on groups.io. Read more.
Hams in India Provide Communication Assistance during COVID-19 Pandemic
According to a report in The New Indian Express, amateur radio
operators in Kerala have joined the fight against COVID-19. The
newspaper said the district administration has enlisted radio amateurs
to improve important communication between departments and offices.
Over 20 hams, organized into teams, are involved. Radio Amateur Society
of Ananthapuri President Dr. Zakheer Hussain, VU3OOH, said using ham
radio during the time of crisis would help coordinate crucial
communication.
"We have assigned our teams at the district medical office and taluk
[administrative subdivision] offices," Hussain told the paper. "We have
a team at the district administration, which is the center of all
action." He said help lines now in operation receive many calls,
including distress calls. "If anyone is in need of emergency medical
care, we immediately inform the respective taluk office and the
ambulance desk, so that help reaches in time," he said.
The Times of India reports that a radio amateur in West Bengal drove 98
kilometers (61 miles) to deliver medicine to an elderly resident of
Rahara. "We have been providing assistance to people ever since the
lockdown was announced," said Raju Biswas, VU2JFA, the secretary of the
West Bengal Radio Club.
The Telegraph newspaper in India reported an anecdote regarding a
homeless woman who showed up when Swaraj Ghosh, VU3URP, was
distributing food for people on the streets. He contacted Biswas, who,
in turn, got in touch with radio amateurs in the woman's hometown. They
were able to contact her father, who had been looking for her.
Garmin Seeks FCC Ruling or Waiver to Obtain Certification for Part
95/Part 25 Device
The FCC is seeking public comment on an April 24 request by Garmin
International for a declaratory ruling or a rules waiver to obtain
equipment certification for a handheld unit that combines a low-power,
terrestrial Part 95 Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) transmitter and a
Part 25 emergency satellite communication module in the same device.
Section 95.2761(c) precludes combining MURS transmitting capabilities
in equipment that is also capable of transmitting in another service,
with the exception of Part 15 unlicensed services.
Garmin's proposed product is a handheld unit that will include two
transmitters: a low-power MURS transmitter for short-range terrestrial
communication, and a previously certified Part 25 module that will
allow emergency communication via the Iridium satellite system under a
blanket license held by Iridium. End users would have to subscribe to
the Iridium service.
Garmin argues that the purpose of the original equipment authorization
restriction was "to prevent consumer confusion with other terrestrial
services that either had different licensing regimes or were for
different types of communications" and that it is inappropriate in this
case. Garmin asserts that a waiver would serve the public interest
because "the certified Part 25 module in the MURS unit would allow
emergency communications to the outside world at the push of a button."
The FCC seeks comment on the waiver request.
Comments are due by May 28, with reply comments due by June 13.
Interested parties may file short comments via the FCC's Electronic
Comment Filing Service (Express). Visit the FCC's "How to Comment on
FCC Proceedings" page for information on filing extended comments.
RSGB Aims to Promote Health and Well-Being within the Amateur Radio
Community
The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has launched a major campaign
-- "Get on the air to care" (GOTA2C) -- in association with the UK
National Health Service (NHS) to help promote health and well-being
within the amateur radio community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Now, more than ever, we need to optimize all modes of communication to
help reduce loneliness and isolation within communities," said Paul
Devlin, of the NHS England Emergency Care Improvement Support Team.
"Amateur radio provides a wonderful, unprecedented opportunity to help
make this a reality." The RSGB is urging radio amateurs in the UK and
around the globe to get on the air to chat and "support each other
across the airwaves."
Radio amateurs can "get on the air to care" with a simple handheld
transceiver.
RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB, said, "We want this campaign
to inspire even more to get involved and also to use #GOTA2C when they
share photos, videos, and news of what they're doing on social media."
Devlin said that GB1NHS, the UK's National Health Service ham station,
gives the NHS "the ability to reach communities anywhere in the world,
regardless of geographic location or connection to domestic power
supplies, land lines, cell phone, or internet services. It will be on
the air as part of this campaign, so listen out for it!"
ARRL has been promoting its "Stay Safe and Stay on The Air" initiative
in some of its media outlets, using the hashtag #StayOnTheAir, as a way
to counter online fatigue and social isolation. Read more. -- Thanks to
Heather Parsons, RSGB Communications Manager
Announcements
* The 2020 Central States VHF Society (CSVHFS) conference, set for
July, has been put off until next year -- July 30 - 31, 2021. The
conference hotel is not yet ready to accept 2021 reservations.
* Contest University (CTU), a staple of Dayton Hamvention week, will
take place online this year through the Zoom video platform, and
all sessions will be free. Visit the CTU website to register. Live
CTU sessions via Zoom will get under way on Thursday, May 14, 1245
UTC, and will be recorded and archived. -- Thanks to CTU Chair Tim
Duffy, K3LR
* The ARRL New England Division Convention, hosted by the Northeast
HamXposition at its new location in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has
been postponed until November 6 - 8 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show had been scheduled for July.
* Icom has announced that delivery of its new IC-705 HF - 430 MHz
all-mode 10 W transceiver, scheduled for release last month, has
been pushed back to later this year because the coronavirus
pandemic has delayed the delivery of some components.
* The Vienna International Center in Austria has authorized the call
sign 4U2STAYHOME for use by the UN Amateur Radio Contest DX Club,
4U1A, to promote amateur radio goodwill and over-the-air social
networking. QSL cards go to UA3DX. Contacts with 4U2STAYHOME count
for both CMA and SHA awards. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
Getting It Right
The news brief "Welsh Radio Amateur Heard Titanic Distress Call, But
Authorities Did Not Believe Him" in the April 23 edition of The ARRL
Letter repeated a myth regarding the now-obsolete CQD distress signal.
It was not an acronym for "come quickly, distress."
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* May 9 -- MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020 (Virtual Event)
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, May 08, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
May 7, 2020
* FCC Providing Flexibility to Volunteer Examiners in Developing
Remote Testing Methods
* Socially Distanced In-Person Exam Sessions Held in US and Norway
* NASA CubeSat Array to Study Causes of Giant Solar Particle Storms
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* May/June Issue of ARRL's On the Air Magazine Now Available
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* IARU Region 2 Online Emergency Communication Workshops Under Way
* Russian DOSAAF-85 (RS-44) Amateur Radio Satellite Transponder Now
Active
* Announcements
* Top Band Stalwart Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ, SK
* In Brief...
* Getting It Right!
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FCC Providing Flexibility to Volunteer Examiners in Developing Remote
Testing Methods
In response to questions from the amateur radio community, the FCC has
clarified that nothing in its rules prohibits remote amateur radio
testing, and no prior approval is needed to conduct remote exam
sessions.
"The Commission provides flexibility to volunteer examiners and
coordinators who wish to develop remote testing methods or to increase
remote testing programs already in place," the FCC said in an April 30
news release. "We recognize that some volunteer examiner coordinators
may not have the immediate capacity for widespread remote testing. We
expect those volunteer examiner coordinators with limited remote
testing capacity to work closely with those requesting such testing to
prioritize any available remote testing slots."
In a tweet the next day, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called the announcement
"Good news for aspiring amateur radio operators."
The FCC opened the door to remotely administered examinations in a June
5, 2014, FCC Report and Order, noting that, since the VE system was
established, "remote testing methods have been developed, including
audio and video links, either hard-wired to a site or available through
internet or satellite technologies, which would allow a VE team to
observe an examinee from afar." The FCC ruled that allowing VEs and
VECs the option of administering examinations remotely was warranted.
The FCC declined to incorporate any specific requirements or conditions
for remote testing into the rules, and made it clear that VECs and VEs
were not required to offer remote testing.
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said
she's gratified to see that the FCC appreciates the need for remote
testing. "Many of our VEs and VE teams have been employing remotely
proctored exam sessions with both video and in-person components, and
following social-distancing protocols, where necessary," she said.
"Some ARRL VE teams have shown great promise in administering exams
remotely." Somma also said that as states begin to lift restrictions,
the possibility exists to restart in-person amateur radio exam
opportunities.
"We urge our VE teams to keep up to date so they can make informed
decisions based on local community guidelines, as each community is
unique," she said. "Our volunteers should use their best judgement when
deciding whether or not to begin conducting in-person exam sessions. It
is important to us that you feel confident when choosing your course of
action, because the health and safety of our VEs and the examinees is
the top priority. VE teams that choose to conduct in-person sessions
should restart consistent with local restrictions and guidelines."
To find amateur radio license exam sessions in your area, visit the
ARRL website. Candidates should verify with their VE teams that the
exam session is being held and if any special procedures are required
to attend.
Socially Distanced In-Person Exam Sessions Held in US and Norway
With some states starting to relax restrictions on events and
activities, the Grant County, Oregon, Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES^(R)) held an in-person exam session on April 26 in the town of
John Day that adhered to social distancing recommendations.
The open-air exam session in Grant
County, Oregon. [Courtesy of Steve
Fletcher, K7AA]
Exam organizers held the gathering to within Oregon's 10-person limit
for gatherings, keeping everyone 6 feet apart and requiring all
participants to wear face masks. The exam session was held outdoors
under a car port.
"We had an exceptionally successful test session with candidates
passing exams at every amateur radio level," said Ed Ellesson, AF7YX,
the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Liaison for the Grant County Amateur Radio
Club. Grant County Emergency Coordinator Steve Fletcher, K7AA, noted
that many clubs had canceled their planned sessions due to the
coronavirus pandemic. "Grant County decided to approach the problem by
obeying all the restrictions but still holding the exam," he said. "As
a result, we had people come here from all over the state."
In Oklahoma, the Mid-Del Amateur Radio Club, W5MWC, administered an
open-air exam session on April 25 that held to social distancing
guidelines. Over the course of the 3-hour session, 16 candidates
tested, and all were successful. One candidate passed all three exam
elements to come away with his Amateur Extra-class license.
Another open-air amateur exam session took place recently in Norway.
The LA3F radio amateur club, south of Oslo, had just completed its
annual course for prospective radio amateurs, and three candidates were
ready to take their exam when Norway began shutting down activities and
gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Three candidates sit for their
amateur radio exams in chilly
spring weather in Norway.
Not to be deterred, International Amateur Radio Union Vice President
Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, arranged with Norwegian regulatory authorities to
hold an outdoor exam session compatible with social distancing and
other safety guidelines in place. Garpestad met with the three
candidates in the forest outside a local scout cottage, and, with
candidates seated at tables at least 5 meters (about 16 feet) apart, he
administered the exam. With the temperature at around 10 °C (about 50
°F), everyone dressed warmly. Garpestad reported that all three
candidates passed, and LA5EUA, LB8QI, and LB8RI were welcomed to the
world of amateur radio. -- Thanks to Steve Fletcher, K7AA, and Don
Beattie, G3BJ, via IARU Region 1
NASA CubeSat Array to Study Causes of Giant Solar Particle Storms
A new NASA mission making use of a half-dozen CubeSats will study how
the sun generates and releases giant space weather storms -- known as
solar particle storms -- into planetary space.
"Not only will such information improve understanding of how our solar
system works, but it ultimately can help protect astronauts traveling
to the moon and Mars by providing better information on how the sun's
radiation affects the space environment they must travel through," NASA
said of the new Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment
NASA's SunRISE mission will study
what drives solar particle storms.
[NASA, image]
(SunRISE) project. The mission will involve an array of six CubeSats
operating as one very large radio telescope. NASA has awarded $62.6
million to design, build, and launch SunRISE as early as mid-2023.
NASA chose SunRISE in August 2017 as one of two Mission of Opportunity
proposals to conduct an 11-month mission concept study. In February
2019, the agency approved a continued formulation study of the mission
for an additional year. SunRISE is led by Justin Kasper at the
University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and managed by NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.
"We are so pleased to add a new mission to our fleet of spacecraft that
help us better understand the sun, as well as how our star influences
the space environment between planets," said Nicola Fox, director of
NASA's Heliophysics Division. "The more we know about how the Sun
erupts with space weather events, the more we can mitigate their
effects on spacecraft and astronauts."
The six solar-powered CubeSats will simultaneously observe radio images
of low-frequency emissions (0.1 - 25 MHz) from solar activity and share
them via NASA's Deep Space Network. The constellation of CubeSats would
fly within 6 miles of each other. The CubeSats will create 3D maps to
pinpoint where giant particle bursts originate on the Sun and how they
evolve as they expand outward into space. This, in turn, will help
determine what initiates and accelerates these giant jets of radiation.
The six individual spacecraft will also work together to map -- for the
first time -- the pattern of magnetic field lines reaching from the sun
out into interplanetary space.
NASA's Missions of Opportunity pair new, relatively inexpensive
missions with previously approved host launches.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 4) focuses on how
to create a family emergency communications plan and includes an
interview with Dino Papas, KL0S, about attaching coaxial connectors
with crimping tools.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 7) debuts
Thursday, with a discussion of HF aeronautical radio, the NCDXF beacon
system, SpaceX's new Starlink satellites, and "Folding@home," a system
that uses distributed computing to search for a COVID-19 cure (among
other things).
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
May/June Issue of ARRL's On the Air Magazine Now Available
The May/June digital edition of ARRL's On the Air magazine is now
available. Read it and other ARRL digital publications by browsing to
the ARRL Magazines page. In this issue:
* Tips for better repeater operating
* Understanding modulation
* Go-kit basics
* Building a portable antenna mount
* Shopping for a mobile radio
...and much more!
You can also read the issue on your Apple, Android, or Kindle device by
using the ARRL Magazines app.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We haven't seen a sunspot since
Thursday, April 30, when the daily sunspot number was 35 -- a
relatively high sunspot number. In fact, the daily sunspot number has
not been that high since March 21, 2019, when it hit 49. Prior to that,
we'd need to look back to June 22, 2018, when the daily sunspot number
was 41. This, and the fact that last week's sunspots showed new Solar
Cycle 25 polarity, gives me reason for optimism. I expect solar
activity to increase, and with it HF propagation.
The average daily sunspot number for last week was 5, down from 8.7 the
previous 7 days. The average daily solar flux rose from 69.2 to 69.5.
The average daily planetary A index declined from 5.6 to 5.1, and
average middle latitude A index slipped from 5.1 to 5.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 70 from May 7 until June
20. The predicted planetary A index is 5 on May 7 - 11; 8 on May 12; 5
on May 13 - 17; 10 and 8 on May 18 - 19; 5 on May 20 - 23; 8 on May 24
- 27; 5 on May 28 - 30; 8, 10, and 8 on May 31 - June 2; 5 on June 3 -
13; 10 and 8 on June 14 - 15, and 5 on June 16 - 20.
So, there you have it: A nice steady solar flux above the 60s for the
next month and a half, and stable geomagnetic conditions too.
In this week's bulletin, expect a report from Jon Jones, N0JK,
concerning his 6-meter MSK144 mode contacts during the recent meteor
shower.
Sunspot numbers for April 30 through May 6 were 35, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and
0, for a mean of 5. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.8, 70.2, 69.2,
68.7, 69.3, 69.3, and 69.8, with a mean of 69.5. Estimated planetary A
indices were 2, 6, 5, 5, 6, 6, and 6, with a mean of 5.1. Middle
latitude A index was 1, 5, 3, 5, 8, 7, and 6, with a mean of 5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* May 9 - 10 -- SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest
* May 9 - 10 -- CQ-M International DX Contest (CW, phone)
* May 9 - 10 -- VOLTA WW RTTY Contest
* May 9 - 10 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* May 9 - 10 -- Arkansas QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 9 - 10 -- FISTS Spring Unlimited Sprint (CW)
* May 9 - 10 -- 50 MHz Spring Sprint (CW, phone)
* May 10 -- WAB 7 MHz Phone/CW
* May 11 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* May 13 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, Data
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
IARU Region 2 Online Emergency Communication Workshops Under Way
International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 (IARU R2) virtual emergency
communication workshops got under way on April 29, when the first of
the programs in English and Spanish, "What is Winlink and its
Importance during Emergency Communications," was presented in Spanish.
Workshop presenter Alfonso Tamez, XE2O, of the Mexican Federation of
Radio Amateurs, offered insights into the usefulness and application of
WinLink during emergencies, based on his ample experience, offering
participants an understanding of the importance of having such a tool
available during an emergency.
Signups for the workshops have been brisk, with more than 180
participants from at least 18 IARU Region 2 countries registered. A
question-and-answer session followed the formal April 29 presentation,
conducted using the Zoom web-conferencing platform as well as through
IARU Region 2's YouTube Workshops channel. The workshops are free of
charge.
Workshop participants expressed their satisfaction as well as a desire
to continue with more workshops as soon as possible. An
English-language presentation of the same workshop took place on May 6.
Signing up for future workshops must be done online and not via email.
The IARU-R2 Executive Committee appointed Augusto Gabaldoni, OA4DOH, as
workshops coordinator to set up processes for the initial group of
workshop sessions and to develop and manage ongoing workshops for radio
amateurs in IARU-R2.
Here is the schedule for the remaining workshops:
* Wednesday, May 13, 2300 UTC (tentative): EmCom -- Winlink 101 in
English, targeting US and Canadian radio amateurs. Instructors are
Mike Burton, N6KZB, and Jason Tremblay, VE3JXT.
* Wednesday, May 20, 2300 UTC (tentative): Satellite Communications
101 in Spanish, aimed at radio amateurs in Latin America and the
Caribbean. Instructors are Matias Graino, LU9CBL, and Guillermo
Guerra, XQ3SA.
* Wednesday, May 27, 2300 UTC (tentative): Satellite Communications
101 in English, targeting radio amateurs in the US, Canada, and the
Caribbean. Instructor will be announced.
Contact Gabaldoni with requests for future workshop topics, volunteer
speakers, or other comments or suggestions.
Russian DOSAAF-85 (RS-44) Amateur Radio Satellite Transponder Now
Active
The amateur radio linear transponder (SSB/CW) on the Russian DOSAAF-85
(RS-44) has been activated. Dmitry Pashkov, R4UAB, explains that RS-85
is a small scientific satellite built by specialists at Information
Satellite Systems and students at Siberian State Aerospace University
(SibSAU). The satellite's name commemorates the 85th anniversary of the
Voluntary Society for the Assistance to the Army, Aviation, and Navy
(DOSAAF), the organization responsible for the military training of
Soviet youth.
This is the third satellite created by the specialists of ISS-Reshetnev
and is based on the Yubileyniy platform, which features a hexagonal
prism structure with body-mounted solar cells. It was launched into
orbit last December 26 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome and is in an
elliptical orbit with a perigee of 1,175 kilometers (729 miles), an
apogee of 1,511 kilometers (937 miles), and an inclination of 82.5°.
Transmitter power is 5 W, and the beacon is on 435.605 MHz (identifying
as RS-44).
The transponder is inverting, with uplink centered at 145.965 MHz ±30
kHz, and downlink centered at 435.640 MHz ±30 kHz. Logbook of The World
(LoTW) accepts DOSAAF-85 contacts under "RS-44."
Announcements
* Ham-Com Cancels 2020 Show Ham-Com will not take place in 2020, due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments made to Ham-Com for the 2020
event for general admission, vendor booths, and flea market tables
will be rolled to the 2021 event.
* AMSAT-NA has opened a new membership portal. In addition, a
full-color PDF version of the March/April 2020 The AMSAT Journal is
now available to all, because AMSAT's Headquarters office is closed
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and The AMSAT Journal was not printed
and mailed. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
* An update of the popular MMSSTV slow-scan television (SSTV)
software is now available. Eugenio Fernández, EA1ADA, has given the
revamped MMSSTV program the nickname of YONIQ. It is available in
English and Spanish. The software offers several improvements.
Download YONIQ by clicking on the link "Descarga de MMSSTV 1.13
YONIQ" on the Grupo Radio Galena website.
Top Band Stalwart Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ, SK
A fixture on 160 meters, Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ, of Christiansted,
Virgin Islands, died on April 29. An ARRL member, he was 84. Licensed
in 1954 as W0VXO, Schoenbohm became KV4FZ after relocating to the US
Virgin Islands to further his career as a sales representative for
broadcast equipment manufacturers on the international market,
primarily in Latin America.
A regular participant in 160-meter contests, Schoenbohm -- especially
during his early years in the Virgin Islands -- provided many DXers
with a new DXCC entity, as that band opened up to routine operation in
the wake of government restrictions to protect the LORAN navigation
system in that region of the spectrum. Schoenbohm was among the first
top-band operators to earn DXCC on 160 meters, and his signal
frequently served as a beacon from the Caribbean during contests. He
was also active in emergency communications and earned praise for his
efforts during hurricane disasters affecting the Virgin Islands,
receiving a Governor's Medal in 1990 for supporting communication after
Hurricane Hugo.
Schoenbohm ran afoul of the FCC in 1994, when the Commission designated
his license renewal application for a hearing following a 1992 felony
conviction on federal fraud charges. The FCC subsequently denied his
renewal in 1998, the US Appeals Court upheld the decision in 2000, and
the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case later that same year. He
applied for a new license in 2001, and an FCC ministrative Law Judge
cleared the way for Schoenbohm's return to ham radio.
Schoenbohm was active in Republican Party politics, representing the US
Virgin Islands at the Republican National Convention from 1980 until
2012, and serving as a member of the Platform Committee in 2008 and
2012.
He retired following a 30-year career working for the government of the
US Virgin Islands.
In Brief...
The FCC has adopted a new official seal. The redesigned seal is the
product of an agency-wide contest that solicited proposals from
employees and contractors. The winning design was selected by a vote of
the agency's employees and contractors. The revised design incorporates
several elements: communications technologies currently transforming
our world; four stars on the outer seal border, drawing from the legacy
of the predecessor Federal Radio Commission seal; 18 stars on the
shield, recognizing the current number of bureaus and offices, and the
eagle and shield, identifying the FCC as a federal government agency.
The FCC will incorporate the new seal on official stationery, business
cards, publications, and other materials, including on its website and
throughout its new Headquarters. Official use of the new seal will
begin following completion of the agency's move to its new
Headquarters. The date of the move is up in the air, delayed due to
COVID-19. -- FCC news release
AMSAT is soliciting candidate nominations for the 2020 Board of
Directors Election set for later this year. Successful candidates will
fill the seats of three incumbent Directors whose 2-year terms expire
in 2020: Tom Clark, K3IO; Mark Hammond, N8MH, and Bruce Paige, KK5DO.
AMSAT members may further elect up to two Alternate Directors for
1-year terms. Valid Director nominations must be in writing and require
either one "member-society" or five current individual members in good
standing to nominate an AMSAT member. Send written nominations -- in
electronic form, including email, or electronic image of a paper
document -- including the nominee's name, call sign, and contact
information, as well as the nominators' names, call signs, and contact
information, to AMSAT Secretary Brennan Price, N4QX, 300 Locust St. SE,
Unit E, Vienna, VA 22180-4869, with a copy to AMSAT Manager Martha
Saragovitz. Fax transmissions cannot be accepted, because the AMSAT
office is closed. Petitions must be received no later than June 15.
Several special event stations are on the air to mark 75 years since
the end of World War II. In the UK, GB4VVV ("V for victory"), and G0SFJ
will operate through May 11. Listen for GB75VET through May 28. The
Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is operating GU75LIB May 6 - 12 to mark
the liberation of Guernsey in World War II. The RSGB Contest Club will
field special call signs GB1945PE, GB1945PJ, and GB75PEACE through May
and again during August 1 - 31 to mark victory in Europe and Japan.
From Norway, LI8MAI celebrates the end of World War II in Europe on May
8, 1945. Operation will continue through the end of May. From Israel,
4Z75V and 4X75V will be on the air until May 10. From Serbia, listen
for YT5DP until May 31. Many Russian stations will use special prefix
RP75 until May 9. The letter P stands for "pobeda," which means
"victory." This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of special
event stations marking the end of World War II. -- Thanks to The Daily
DX
The Virginia Tech camera on AO-92 has taken stunning photos of Earth.
With additional passes planned, the Virginia Tech camera onboard AO-92
(Fox-1D) has been activated on at least two passes over North America.
Several photos were taken, captured by amateur stations running
FoxTelem, and uploaded to the AMSAT website. All of the photos taken by
AO-92 can be viewed on the AMSAT website at the link. The Virginia Tech
camera remains active for 45 minutes after being enabled by a ground
station. Stations in the US, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and
South America are encouraged to set their stations up to receive and
upload high-speed telemetry in FoxTelem. -- Thanks to AMSAT News
Service via AMSAT Vice President-Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
Well-Known VHF/UHF/Microwave enthusiast and mentor Dick Knadle, K2RIW,
of Dix Hills, New York, has died. An ARRL Life Member, he was 80.
Knadle was revered as a technical resource and mentor for the
VHF/UHF/microwave community and was the 2010 ARRL Technical Achievement
Award winner. His antenna and amplifier designs were widely copied.
Knadle was a member of the Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club
(LIMARC) for nearly 40 years. He held a bachelor's degree in electrical
engineering for RF communications from Pratt Institute and was Senior
Staff Engineer at Airborne Instrument Labs from 1964 to 2000. For many
years, he served as the net control station for the Tech Net on the
LIMARC repeaters.
Getting It Right!
The number of participants was not correctly stated in the news article
"Frequency Measuring Test Results Posted," in the April 30 edition of
The ARRL Letter. The article should have reflected that 140 individuals
took part, and 98 of them submitted readings for both the 80- and
40-meter frequencies to better than 1 ppm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* May 9 -- MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020 (Virtual Event)
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
* July 4 - Pennsylvania State Convention, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
* July 16 -19 - Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 - Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, May 15, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
May 14, 2020
* ARRL Announces New Life 70+ Membership
* ARRL Seeks Clarification of Amended Amateur Service RF Safety Rules
* Choosing FTx Transmit and Receive Frequencies in Crowded Contest
Bands
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* "ARRL at Home Hamvention" Weekend of Specials Set
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* New WSJT-X Beta Version Offers Significant FT4 and FT8 Upgrades
* ARISS Sets Second Test of New Multipoint Telebridge Contact System
* Two New Chinese Ham Satellites Expected to Launch in September
* Announcements
* Amateur Radio Gains Significant Boost in UK by Connecting People
During Lockdown
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Announces New Life 70+ Membership
The ARRL Board of Directors recently voted to create a special Life
Membership opportunity for individuals who are at least 70 years old.
Starting on June 1, the Life 70+ Membership will be available to
individuals who have turned 70 and have a combined 25 years of paid
annual ARRL membership.
Life 70+ Members receive all benefits of an annual membership,
including their choice of print magazine delivery (QST or On the Air),
and digital access to these publications, plus the digital versions of
QEX and National Contest Journal (NCJ). In addition, each Life 70+
Member will receive a Life Member pin and a window decal and may
purchase an exclusive Life Member plaque.
Qualifying members selecting this level of membership will enjoy the
convenience of having to make a single payment for their entire tenure
as an ARRL Member and not be subject to any future ARRL dues increase.
To apply for Life 70+ membership, individuals must complete the special
Life 70+ Member application -- available on June 1 -- and submit proof
of date of birth, if this information is not already on file with ARRL.
The Life 70+ membership fee must be made in a single payment. Past
membership dues payments will not apply toward Life 70+ Membership, but
a credit will be applied for applicants who paid their dues in full
between April 1 and May 31, 2020.
Life 70+ Membership Dues Rates
* $750 US Life 70+ Membership
* $750 International Digital Life 70+ Membership
* $1,515 International Life 70+ Membership with a Print Subscription
* $250 Family Life 70+ Membership as an add-on to a paid Life 70+
membership
ARRL reserves the right to change or substitute the benefits, products,
or services associated with a member's original Life 70+ Member package
at any time during the membership. Dues are non-refundable.
Life 70+ membership applications will be available for download
beginning on June 1.
ARRL Seeks Clarification of Amended Amateur Service RF Safety Rules
ARRL has filed a Petition for Clarification addressing two issues
arising from amended FCC RF safety rules that go into effect on June 1
for the Amateur Service and other FCC-regulated services. Licensees
will have 2 years to determine if an RF safety evaluation is now
required under the new rules and to perform an evaluation and implement
any needed mitigation measures. Current rules already require amateur
stations to meet RF exposure limits, but more radio amateurs will have
to evaluate their stations under the new rules. The revised final
rules, adopted last November, appeared in the April 1 edition of The
Federal Register.
"For applicants and licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, we
substitute our general exemption criteria for the specific exemption
from routine evaluation based on power alone in S:97.13(c)(1) and
specify the use of occupational/controlled limits for amateurs where
appropriate," the FCC said. While radio amateurs have always had to
comply with RF exposure limits, certain stations have been exempted
from having to conduct evaluations based upon power and frequency.
On May 8, ARRL asked the FCC to clarify that using maximum permissible
exposure (MPE) limits be permitted in the Amateur Service for required
RF safety evaluations of 2200-meter operations, just as they are
elsewhere in the amateur spectrum. Removal of the exemption for
amateurs resulted in a requirement to use specific absorption rate
(SAR) limits for amateur frequencies between 100 and 300 kHz.
"Near-field calculation of a uniform field applied to a transmitter and
antenna operating at 1 W EIRP on 2200 meters would result in a very
conservative estimate of specific absorption rate (SAR) and is a valid
measurement for determining safety of operation," ARRL told the FCC.
"We request clarification that the rules do not intend to preclude the
use of MPE as a surrogate for SAR to evaluate amateur operations in the
2200-meter band."
ARRL also wants the FCC to clarify that its amended rules permit the
use of near-field regression rates, using the MPE table to compare
against the maximum field strength that may occur from a handheld
portable device, instead of using the SAR. In its filing, ARRL
maintained that SAR data is not available for amateur equipment, as it
is for equipment used in other services. Before the rules were amended,
mobile and portable transmitters generally were exempt from the
requirement to perform routine environmental evaluations.
Under S:97.13(c)(1) as amended, effective on June 1, amateur licensees
must ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements spelled out in
sections 1.1307(b), 2.1091, and 2.1093 of the FCC rules, where
applicable. The rule directs radio amateurs to OET Bulletin 65,
Supplement B for methodologies and guidance to evaluate amateur radio
operation.
The FCC has provided 2 years -- until May 31, 2022 -- for licensees to
determine if evaluations are now required, to perform such evaluations
where necessary, and to implement any needed mitigation measures.
The FCC did not amend the actual RF exposure limits that were adopted
in 1996. Read more.
Choosing FTx Transmit and Receive Frequencies in Crowded Contest Bands
Here's how to pick FT-mode transmit and receive frequencies in crowded
contest bands. First, pick an audio offset frequency greater than 500
Hz, but less than the suggested frequency intervals (e.g., 2 kHz). In
crowded band conditions, the "base" transmit frequencies for FT4 or FT8
are suggested to be at 2 kHz intervals. For example, some stations may
set their radio's frequency to 14.130 MHz, while others are at 14.132
or 14.134 MHz. Under these conditions, it makes sense to choose a
transmit frequency offset greater than 500 Hz, but less than 2 kHz.
Here's the reasoning: If the CQing station chooses 14.130.0 with an
offset of 2.4 kHz, then a listening station's radio tuned to 14.132.0
will "see" that station at 400 Hz. Many radios have audio passbands of
between 500 Hz and 3,000 Hz. Frequencies outside that range are not
received as well. A reduced sensitivity at 400 Hz can make the
difference in decoding successfully.
The station answering the CQ (radio at 14.132.0 MHz) should likely pick
a frequency at or near the CQ frequency, since the operator doesn't
know whether the CQing station's frequency is at 14.130 or 14.132. If
the receiving station chooses, say, 1.5 kHz, this would be at 14.133.5.
A CQing station set to 14.130 may not be decoding all the way to 3.5
kHz from the radio's offset frequency. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest
Update
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 5) focuses on the
various types of modulation and tips on go kits. The On the Air podcast
is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 7) includes a
discussion of HF aeronautical radio, the NCDXF beacon system, SpaceX's
new Starlink satellites, and "Folding@Home," a system that uses
distributed computing to search for a COVID-19 cure (among other
things).
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
"ARRL at Home Hamvention" Weekend of Specials Set
For the first time in its 68-year history, Dayton Hamvention^(R) will
not take place, due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. ARRL
understands that many members will miss going to Hamvention, which is
always an occasion to catch up with friends, explore new products, and
connect with ARRL via our Expo in the exhibit area.
While we can't be together in Dayton in 2020, ARRL has put together a
weekend of specials to bring a bit of the Hamvention spirit and
excitement to members during what would have been Dayton Hamvention
weekend, May 14 - 17. On the ARRL at Home Hamvention page, members will
find a special message from ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR; new
membership premiums; the latest products; clearance merchandise, and
our "ARRL at Hamvention" button. All who make weekend purchases will
receive a free ARRL button with their order, while supplies last.
Visit the ARRL at Home Hamvention page to check out all the offerings.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots appeared last week. The
previous 7 days had only one big sunspot group on one day, and the
sunspot number was 35. Over the 7-day period, this averaged out to a
sunspot number of 5, so average daily sunspot numbers declined from 5
to 0 this week. The average daily solar flux also declined, from 69.5
to 68.5.
Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, with average daily planetary A index
declining from 5.1 to 4.1, and mid-latitude A index from 5 to 4.7.
Predicted solar flux is 70 on May 14 - 31; 68 on June 1 - 13, and 70 on
June 14 - 27. Predicted planetary A index is 5 on May 14 - June 8; 8 on
June 9 - 10; 5 on June 11 - 13; 10 and 8 on June 14 - 15, and 5 on June
16 - 27.
Sunspot numbers for May 7 - 13 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.7, 67.9, 71, 67.9, 66.2,
68.9, and 68.8, with a mean of 69.5. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 4, 3, 5, 5, 4, and 4, with a mean of 5.1. Middle latitude A index
was 5, 4, 3, 5, 7, 5, and 4, with a mean of 5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* May 16 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* May 16 -- UN DX Contest (CW, phone)
* May 16 - 17 -- NZART Sangster Shield Contest (CW)
* May 16 - 17 -- His Majesty King of Spain Contest, CW
* May 16 - 17 -- Aegean RTTY Contest
* May 16 - 18 -- Portuguese Navy Day Contest (CW, phone)
* May 17 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* May 18 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* May 21 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* May 21 -- QRP Minimal Art Session (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
New WSJT-X Beta Version Offers Significant FT4 and FT8 Upgrades
A new beta version of the WSJT-X software suite has been released,
which includes the first updates to the popular FT8 and FT4 protocols
since last fall. Co-Developer Joe Taylor, K1JT, said the "candidate
release" WSJT-X version 2.2.0-rcl incorporates significant program
upgrades to FT8, FT4, and other protocols. The beta version will be
valid for a month.
"This candidate release is your first chance to test the new features
and provide feedback to the WSJT Development Group," Taylor advised. A
list of program changes since WSJT-X 2.1.2 is available in the
cumulative Release Notes and in the updates WSJT-X 2.2.0 User Guide.
The latest beta version corrects bugs that prevented AP decoding and/or
multi-pass decoding in some circumstances. The algorithm for AP
decoding has been improved and extended. FT8 decoding is now spread
over three intervals -- starting at 11.8 seconds into a receive
sequence -- typically yielding around 85% of the possible decodes for
the sequence. "You, therefore, see most decodes much earlier than
before," the Release Notes explain. A second processing step starts at
13.5 seconds, and a final step at 14.7 seconds.
"Overall decoding yield on crowded bands is improved by 10% or more,"
the Release Notes say, although systems with receive latency greater
than 0.2 seconds will experience smaller improvements, even while
seeing many decodes sooner.
Other changes:
* The "contest mode" FT4 protocol always uses "RR73" for the TX4
message.
* The status bar now displays the number of decodes in the most
recent receive sequence.
Release candidate WSJT-X 2.2.0-rcl will be available for 1 month
(starting on May 10). A general availability release of WSJT-X 2.2.0 is
anticipated for June 1.
Installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh are available
on the WSJT-X Development Group page. Scroll down to "Candidate
release: WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc1." The packages are also available from
SourceForge.
The WSJT-X Development Group request those using the new beta version
of WSJT-X to alert the developers and to report any bugs or
improvements they have implemented, using instructions included in the
User Guide. Read more.
ARISS Sets Second Test of New Multipoint Telebridge Contact System
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is hoping to
refine its new Multipoint Telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio system
for handling scheduled ham radio contacts between International Space
Station crew members and schools or organizations on Earth. On May 15
at 1510 UTC, it will conduct a second test of the new protocol by
connecting students in Alberta, Canada, with an astronaut on the ISS.
The COVID-19 pandemic eliminated conventional opportunities for ARISS
contacts that typically involved large numbers of students and faculty
gathering at a school or educational institution for the event. The
ARISS multipoint telebridge system works around the issue by employing
distance learning within distance learning, as many schools around the
world have gone over to conducting classes remotely via
teleconferencing, and students are physically separated.
Under the multipoint telebridge concept, an amateur station in the
footprint of a space station pass at the time a contact has been
scheduled serves as an Earth station, making direct contact with NA1SS
onboard the ISS. A telebridge network then delivers two-way audio from
the Earth station to each student taking part in the contact. For the
May 15 contact, John Sygo, ZS6JON, near Johannesburg, South Africa,
will operate the Earth station.
The students' families, faculty members, and even members of the public
will be able to listen in as each student at Airdrie Space Science Club
in Alberta -- a youth model rocket building and astronomy club -- takes
a turn asking a question of astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR. One
question on the list: "How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you while
you are in space?"
Brian Jackson, VE6JBJ, is a club leader. "During this pandemic, our
opportunities to develop kids' interest in space have been
interrupted," Jackson said. "This ARISS contact gets them looking back
up, towards the sky, and imagining themselves as an astronaut one day."
Members of the public may view a livestream of the contact via YouTube.
ARISS is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio
societies, including ARRL and AMSAT in the US, and space agencies
around the world that support the International Space Station.
Two New Chinese Ham Satellites Expected to Launch in September
Two new Chinese amateur radio satellites are expected to launch on
September 15. CAS-7A and CAS-7C follow in the wake of numerous amateur
radio satellites put into space by CAMSAT. CAS-7A, a 27-kilogram
microsat, will carry several transponders, including a
15-meter-to-10-meter (H/t) linear transponder, and a
2-meter-to-70-centimeter (H/u) linear transponder. CAS-7A also will
include a V/u (2 meters to 70 centimeters) FM voice transponder.
According to the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) satellite
coordination site, CAS-7A is planned to have CW beacons on both 10
meters and 70 centimeters, 4.8k or 9.6k GMSK telemetry on 70
centimeters, and a 1 Mbps GMSK image data downlink on 3 centimeters for
an onboard camera.
CAS-7C is a 2U CubeSat carrying a V/u linear transponder and a CW
beacon. IARU has not yet coordinated frequencies for CAS-7C, which is
to deploy a 1,080-meter (3,543 feet) long, 1-millimeter carbon fiber
rope.
The two satellites will launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
into a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 98°.
Some specifics, according to coordination information:
* CAS-7A will offer 30 kHz-wide uplink and downlink passbands for all
linear transponders. The H/t uplink passband will be 21.245 -
21.275 MHz, and the downlink will be 29.435 - 21.465 MHz. The CW
beacon will be on 29.425 MHz.
* The CAS-7A H/u linear transponder uplink passband will be 21.3125
MHz - 21.3275 MHz, and the downlink will be 435.3575 MHz - 435.3725
MHz. A CW beacon will transmit on 435.430 MHz.
* The CAS-7A V/u transponder uplink passband will be 145.865 MHz -
145.895 MHz, with a downlink passband of 435.385 MHz - 435.415 MHz.
A CW beacon will transmit on 435.430 MHz.
* CAS-7A V/u FM transponder will uplink on 145.950 MHz and downlink
on 435.455 MHz, with a 4.8k/9.6k GMSK telemetry downlink at 435.480
MHz. The 1 Mbps GMSK image data will downlink at 10.460 GHz.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The older ARRL Magazines app for Amazon Kindle was failing to
display the new QEX and NCJ offerings. This problem appears to have
been fixed in the latest update. Kindle users may have to do a
manual update. None of this affects iOS or Android users.
* The CWops' CW Academy (CWA) offers free, remote Morse code classes
at four separate levels -- beginner through advanced, running from
not knowing the code at all to reaching 25 WPM. CWOps also provides
a CWOps Test (CWT), an hour-long event every Wednesday at 1300 and
1900 UTC, and Thursdays at 0300 UTC. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest
Update
* The Hamvention QSO Party is on Saturday, May 16. No need to submit
logs; post scores on 3830scores.com within 5 days of the event.
* The 10th edition of the Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) Summer Camp,
which was to have been hosted by the Croatian Amateur Radio
Association (HRS) August 8 - 15, has been called off for this year,
but will take place in 2021 at the same location. Also put off
until next summer is the first Youth On The Air in the Americas
Summer Camp, which had been set for June 21 - 26 in Ohio.
* The new, 1-hour World Wide Sideband Activity Contest exchange
includes age and sex, in these distinc: OM, YL, Youth YL (YYL), or
Youth (Y). Winners in the Single Operator and Single Operator
Overlay categories can download certificates. Plaques will be
awarded for the highest overall cumulative (1-year) score for each
single operator and single operator overlay category.
* The 2020 IARU World Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF)
Championships in Serbia and the 2020 IARU World Youth ARDF
Championships in Slovenia have been canceled due to the COVID-19
pandemic. These will be rescheduled in 2021. Details are on the
IARU Region 1 website.
* The Rebel DX Group has postponed its planned DXpedition to Banaba
Island and Tuvalu due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers remain
hopeful of resuming plans to activate Bouvet Island (3Y0I) late
this year.
* Special event P*75FREE/FREEDOM stations are marking the liberation
of The Netherlands by Allied Forces, ending World War II. The Dutch
celebrate the end of WW II each year on May 5. Ten different
special call signs, such as PA75FREE, will be active until the end
of May, sponsored by the YNOMY DX Group. Awards are available.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio Gains Significant Boost in UK by Connecting People During
Lockdown
A recent BBC news feature has outlined how ham radio has gotten a
significant boost by connecting people during the COVID-19 lockdown in
the UK. The article, by Vanessa Pearce, quotes the Radio Society of
Great Britain (RSGB) -- the UK's IARU member-society -- as saying that
many former hams are now returning to the hobby. Mark Rider, G3VHJ -- a
retired engineer who lives alone in North Warwickshire -- said that
after the lockdown restricted his occasional trips to the pub,
rehearsing with musician friends, and visiting his wife in a nursing
home, he decided to dust off his ham radio equipment "to seek out
Mark Rider, G3VHJ.
some other social interaction." Rider said that ragchewing has become
one of the highlights of his day. "Just speaking to somebody else in
the same situation is very rewarding," he said. The 67-year-old told
BBC News that keeping in touch with others has been more important
since his wife suffered a stroke.
RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB, said the society has
experienced a three-fold increase in license examination applications
since social distancing rules were put into place. The UK has about
75,000 amateur licensees.
Eleven-year-old Anne-Marie Rowland, 2E0RUX, of Cornwall, worked with
the Cornish Amateur Radio Club to conduct informal twice-weekly nets to
help keep people in touch. "We have some regulars, but also
Ann-Marie Rowland, 2E0RUX.
some new people join in," she told the BBC. Her father, Bill, M0NXF,
runs a net that has attracted older radio amateurs who are
self-isolating, to help them feel connected.
The RSGB recently instituted its "Get on the Air to Care" (#GOTA2C)
campaign in conjunction with the National Health Service and its GB1NHS
amateur station to promote amateur radio use during the pandemic
lockdown. Some stations have been adding /NHS to their call signs to
support the effort, which aim to support the emotional health and
wellbeing of the amateur radio community.
The RSGB introduced remote administration of entry-level
Foundation-class amateur radio exams in mid-April. Pete Sipple, M0PSX,
told BBC News that he's seen a "massive" surge in demand for training
courses and exam session and has had to up the number of course
offerings.
In Brief...
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a record number of recent orders, ARRL
is currently experiencing delays in the fulfillment of orders. Combined
with excessive demands on many shipping carriers, our members and
customers should expect a 1 - 3 week delay in the delivery of their
orders over the next few weeks. State of Connecticut safety
requirements limit the number of employees allowed within the warehouse
at one time to ensure their health and safety, further contributing to
the fulfillment slowdown. Warehouse personnel are utilizing all
available resources to get customers their products as quickly as
possible and anticipate that the standard 3 - 7 day US delivery time
will be restored sometime in June, once the state mandate has relaxed.
ARRL remains committed to making sure that all customers get their
orders as quickly as possible. We greatly appreciate everyone's
patience and understanding during this time and thank you for your
continued support of amateur radio and ARRL.
The transponder on HuskySat-1 has been activated and is open for use
and testing, AMSAT Vice President - Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA,
reports. "It's fairly sensitive, and 5 - 10 W is plenty most of the
time. There are some fades due to satellite orientation, and some
passes are definitely better than others. Strong signals may impact the
beacon strength." HuskySat-1 is the first CubeSat from the Husky
Satellite Lab at the University of Washington and the first mission
with AMSAT's linear transponder module (LTM-1), a V/u transponder and
integrated telemetry beacon and command receiver. University
researchers recently completed their Part 5 (Experimental) operations
and have opened up the amateur radio transponder, which is available
for use in educational CubeSat missions that are willing to enable the
transponder for worldwide use. The HuskySat-1 V/u transponder is
inverting, with an uplink passband of 145.910 - 145.940 MHz, and a
downlink passband of 435.810 - 435.840 MHz. The 1200-baud BPSK
telemetry beacon is at 435.800 MHz.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 4 - Pennsylvania State Convention, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
* July 16 - 19 - Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 - Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, May 22, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
May 21, 2020
* Amateur Radio Gearing Up for Predicted "Above Average" Atlantic
Hurricane Season
* Director, Vice Director Nominations Invited in Five ARRL Divisions
* Planning Your ARRL Field Day 2020 Operation
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Invites Applications for Awards and Programs Assistant
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* ARISS Multipoint Telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio Concept
Proving Successful
* Federal Judge Okays Retrieval of Titanic Marconi Wireless Equipment
* Announcements
* Venerable AO-7 Satellite Continues to Deliver
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio Gearing Up for Predicted "Above Average" Atlantic
Hurricane Season
Long-range forecasts for the 2020 Atlantic Basin hurricane season,
which begins on June 1 and extends until November 30, anticipate
above-normal activity. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) 2020 outlook
calls for a season about 140% more active than average, with four
Category 3 to Category 5 hurricanes. The 2019 season saw three major
hurricanes (out of six).
"The above-average prediction is largely due to the hot Atlantic and
Caribbean waters and lack of a substantial El NiA±o in the Pacific,"
the NHC explained, noting that the combination of a busy hurricane
season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could create a nightmare
scenario for affected areas. FEMA and local emergency management
agencies are already issuing COVID-19 guidelines for hurricane
shelters, which include face masks and social distancing.
The NHC Annual Station Test -- to check readiness of amateur radio
stations and operators -- takes place on Saturday, May 30, 1300 - 2100
UTC. The NHC's WX4NHC will be on the air, marking its 40th year of
public service at the NHC. Julio Ripoll, WD4R, the Assistant Amateur
Radio Coordinator at the NHC, said the event offers an opportunity for
radio amateurs worldwide to exercise the sorts of communications
available during severe weather. "We will be making brief contacts on
many frequencies and modes, exchanging signal reports and basic weather
data -- sunny, rain, temperature, etc.) with any station in any
location," Ripoll said.
Operation will be on HF, VHF, UHF, APRS, and Winlink. WX4NHC will
center its activity on the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) frequencies of
14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz, depending on propagation, but will operate
elsewhere as conditions dictate. WX4NHC will also operate on the VoIP
Hurricane Net from 2000 until 2100 UTC.
Dr. Philip J. Klotzbach et al of the Colorado State University (CSU)
Department of Atmospheric Science cite a variety of factors that led
them to conclude this hurricane season could get serious. Pointing to
the "somewhat above normal" tropical Atlantic sea-surface temperatures,
the scientists estimate "about eight hurricanes," four of them major,
during the 2020 season.
"I must say, I'm not liking what I'm seeing," reacted Hurricane Watch
Net Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, pointing to additional extended
forecasts posted by Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), the University of
Arizona, and North Carolina State University. The TSR forecast calls
for three major hurricanes, while the University of Arizona and North
Carolina State predict between three and five major hurricanes.
"Since 2014, the Hurricane Watch Net has been very busy," Graves told
ARRL. "We've had 20 net activations for 19 hurricanes and one tropical
storm. Since 2015, we've worked nine major land-falling hurricanes,
including four land-falling Category 5 storms."
Graves pointed out that the past six hurricane seasons not only were
busy and historic but very deadly, and he's hoping the 2020 hurricane
season will not turn in a repeat performance.
Director, Vice Director Nominations Invited in Five ARRL Divisions
Nominations are being invited in five ARRL Divisions for the volunteer
positions of Director and Vice Director, for 3-year terms that start
January 1, 2021. Affected Divisions are Atlantic, Dakota, Delta, Great
Lakes, and Midwest. A nominee must be at least 21 years old, hold a
valid amateur radio license, and have been a full ARRL member for a
continuous term of at least 4 years immediately preceding nomination.
Nominees will be asked to provide information concerning employment,
ownership, investment interests, and other financial arrangements to
ensure compliance with the Conflict of Interest Policy spelled out in
the ARRL Articles of Association and Bylaws.
The incumbent Directors and Vice Directors in the affected Divisions
are:
* Atlantic: Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM; Vice Director Bob
Famiglio, K3RF
* Dakota: Director Matt Holden, K0BBC; Vice Director Lynn Nelson,
W0ND
* Delta: Director David Norris, K5UZ; Vice Director Ed Hudgens,
WB4RHQ
* Great Lakes: Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK; Vice Director Thomas
Delaney, W8WTD
* Midwest: Director Rod Blocksome, K0DAS; Vice Director Art
Zygielbaum, K0AIZ
Prospective candidates or those planning to nominate an individual
should obtain an official nominating petition form, available to any
full member living in an affected Division. Send a written request to
ARRL to
ceo@arrl.org, by noon EDT on August 14, 2020. Using only the
official form, a candidate must obtain the signatures of at least 10
full members of the Division and provide information required to
determine eligibility. Petitions must reach the ARRL Secretary by noon
EDT on Friday, August 21, 2020. The Secretary will notify each
candidate of the name and call sign of other candidates for the same
office. Candidates will have until Friday, September 4, to submit a
300-word statement and a photo for distribution with the election
ballots.
If only one eligible candidate is nominated for an office, he or she
will be declared elected by the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Balloting in Divisions where more than one candidate qualifies to stand
for election as Director or Vice Director will take place this fall,
with ballots counted on November 20. The formal "Call for Nominations
for ARRL Director and Vice Director" appears on page 69 of the July
2020 issue of QST.
Planning Your ARRL Field Day 2020 Operation
For most of us, ARRL Field Day 2020 is going to look quite different
than it has in past years. Considering the impact of social distancing
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many radio clubs and large groups will
not be gathering in their usual Field Day locations this year. Here are
some tips and suggestions to help participate in amateur radio's
largest annual on-air event under these unusual circumstances.
Don't Forget 6 Meters
Field Day is a non-adjudicated operating event and not a "full speed
ahead" contest. It is also not just an HF event. All amateur radio
bands above 50 MHz may be used during the event too.
This includes 6 meters, which often offers significant propagation
enhancements around the time of Field Day weekend. The band is
available to amateurs holding a Technician-class license or higher. If
you have an HF/VHF/UHF multi-mode transceiver, try making SSB, CW, or
digital contacts on 6 meters. Even a simple vertical or dipole will
allow you to experience the "magic band."
Activities for Techs
One suggestion for clubs to consider in order to increase participation
among their Technician-class members is to schedule specific times when
these club members will monitor designated VHF and UHF simplex
frequencies for Field Day activity. (Avoid published national FM
simplex calling frequencies; repeaters are prohibited for Field Day
contacts.) This way, members having equipment capable of VHF/UHF-only
operation may be able to participate from home or a vehicle. Clubs can
choose a list of frequencies and schedule times in advance.
On HF, Technician-class licensees have CW privileges on 80, 40, and 15
meters, as well as RTTY/data and SSB phone privileges on 10 meters. If
you aren't a CW operator, try calling CQ on 10-meter SSB in the late
afternoon and early evening on Saturday to see if conditions are
favorable for long-distance communications. Try experimenting with a
simple wire antenna for 10 meters. You might discover that the band can
offer plenty of unexpected propagation.
Set Up for Digital Modes
You might want to explore using FT4/FT8 (or other) digital modes on 10
meters, 6 meters, or even on VHF/UHF. These modes offer an opportunity
to make weak-signal contacts when band conditions often do not support
voice communication. There have been reports of some great 6-meter
openings in recent weeks, and these are likely to occur more frequently
as summer approaches.
Setup is relatively straightforward. You'll need a computer and a
digital interface to connect the radio to the computer, and you'll need
to download one of the digital mode software packages, such as the free
WSJT-X suite, which incorporates FT8 and FT4. Software should support
the ARRL Field Day exchange (WSJT-X version 2.0 or later, for example).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Field Day rules place a premium on "developing skills to meet the
challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the general
public with the capabilities of amateur radio." Field Day 2020 is June
27 - 28.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Excitement of Ham Satellites
Another area to explore is satellite operation. Many hams have had
success making contacts via the FM satellites with just a VHF/UHF
handheld radio and a small handheld directional antenna. You'll need a
multi-mode VHF/UHF transceiver for the linear (SSB and CW) satellites.
To determine when a satellite will be making a pass over your location,
visit AMSAT's Online Satellite Pass Prediction page.
An Opportunity for Learning
ARRL Field Day 2020 may be the year you decide to participate solo, or
with other members of your household. You may want to focus on
expanding your knowledge base and experiment with new modes or bands
that you never thought of using before. If you're a mentor to a newer
ham, Field Day can be an opportunity to share some of your knowledge
with them, as well as for you to expand your own operating horizons.
This might be the year to leave your Field Day comfort zone and try
something new!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 5) focuses on the
various types of modulation and tips on go-kits. The On the Air podcast
is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 8) includes a
discussion of 10-meter FM and an interview with Pascal Villeneuve,
VA2PV, about "hotspots" for DMR, D-STAR, and Yaesu System Fusion.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
ARRL Invites Applications for Awards and Programs Assistant
ARRL is inviting applications to fill the position of Awards and
Programs Assistant at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. This
is a full-time, non-exempt opening in the Radiosport and Field Services
Department. The pay range is from $16.08 to 19.30 per hour.
The Awards and Programs Assistant will help with all Radiosport and
Field Services Department activities, with an initial priority on
Logbook of The World (LoTW) support. Other duties may involve
supporting DXCC and other awards programs, W1AW station operations, and
contest program and field service support. This individual would also
handle special projects that may be assigned and represent ARRL in
public forums worldwide.
The successful candidate will possess a well-rounded knowledge of
amateur radio, an Amateur Extra-class license, and 2 years of operating
experience; the ability to quickly understand and explain software
functionality, and proficiency in keyboarding and data entry. This
individual should have attained DXCC, regularly submit contest logs to
sponsors, use LoTW, and be able to resolve issues efficiently.
A bachelor's degree is preferred. The ideal candidate will have
excellent interpersonal, telephone, and listening skills and be
proficient in public presentations. Some overnight travel may be
required.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume via mail, email, or fax to
ARRL, c/o Monique Levesque, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (fax
860-594 -0298). For complete position information, visit ARRL
Employment Opportunities and scroll down to "Awards and Programs
Assistant."
ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Still no sunspots to report.
Spaceweather.com reported on May 20 that the current stretch of days
with no sunspots has now reached 18, and with that, the 2020 percentage
of days with no sunspots has risen to 77% -- equal to 2019. Until May
15, that statistic stood at 76%.
Average daily solar flux for the week rose to 69 from last week's
average of 68.5. The average planetary A index declined from 4.1 to
3.7, while the average mid-latitude A index shifted from 4.7 to 4.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 70 -- every day from May
21 through July 4. Predicted planetary A index is 5 on May 21 - June
14; 8 on June 15 - 16, and 5 on June 17 - July 4.
In this Friday's bulletin, look for multiple reports heralding the
start of E-skip season.
Sunspot numbers for May 14 - 20 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 67.6, 67.8, 69.4, 69.6, 70.2,
68.7, and 69.6, with a mean of 69. Estimated planetary A indices were
3, 4, 4, 3, 4, 5, and 3, with a mean of 3.7. Middle latitude A index
was 3, 4, 4, 3, 5, 6, and 3, with a mean of 4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* May 23 - 24 -- Baltic Contest (CW, phone)
* May 25 -- QRP ARCI Hootowl Sprint (CW)
* May 25 - 26 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* May 27 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* May 28 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
ARISS Multipoint Telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio Concept Proving
Successful
Judging by the outcome of two tests so far, the new Amateur Radio on
the International Space Station (ARISS) Multipoint Telebridge Contact
via Amateur Radio concept appears to be a winner. ARISS completed the
second test of the new-style radio contact, called Multipoint
Telebridge Contact via Amateur Radio, on May 15, when Airdrie Space
Science Club members in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada, interviewed
International Space Station Commander Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, via ham
radio.
"What makes this contact a little different from the usual ARISS
contact is [that] everyone involved will be speaking from their homes
in Canada, as we all shelter in place," said the contact moderator,
John Kludt, K4SQC, in introducing the event. The multipoint telebridge
concept was developed to make it possible for students -- now at home
and engaged in distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- to
take part in scheduled ARISS contacts. An ARISS telebridge ground
station operated by John Sygo, ZS6JON, near Johannesburg, South Africa,
made direct contact with NA1SS onboard the ISS, which was passing
overhead. Sygo then patched two-way audio into the telebridge network
for distribution to each student's home by telephone.
ISS Commander
Chris Cassidy,
KF5KDR. [NASA,
photo]
Each student then took turns asking questions of Cassidy, and their
families, faculty members, and the public could also listen from home.
One of the participants, Lucas, wanted to know how the COVID-19
pandemic has affected life aboard the space station.
"The pandemic has affected us because it's affected our families,"
Cassidy responded. "Our daily life here on the space station is largely
the same, with or without the pandemic."
The initial multipoint telebridge contact earlier this month, while
successful, suffered from some issues on the space station that were
unrelated to the new multipoint system. During the more-than 11-minute
contact on May 15, some of the students got to ask more than one
question.
Prior to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Canadian students had engaged in lessons about space and radio
communication, such as launching balloons carrying ham radio payloads
and building model rockets to launch. -- Thanks to ARISS
Federal Judge Okays Retrieval of Titanic Marconi Wireless Equipment
A US federal judge in Virginia has given permission to retrieve the
ill-fated RMS Titanic's Marconi wireless gear, which transmitted
distress calls from the sinking ocean liner during its maiden voyage.
Judge Rebecca Beach Smith of the US District Court in Norfolk ruled
that the radio gear is historically and culturally important and could
soon be lost within the rapidly decaying wreck. The Titanic sank in
1912 some 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland after striking an
iceberg.
"The Marconi device has significant historical, educational,
scientific, and cultural value as the device used to make distress
calls while the Titanic was sinking," Judge Smith wrote in her ruling.
She said the company would be permitted "minimally to cut into the
wreck" to access the radio room.
David Concannon, a lawyer for R.M.S Titanic Inc., which the court has
recognized as the steward of the vessel's artifacts, said the company
would try to avoid cutting into the ship, noting that the radio room
may be reachable via a skylight that was already open. More legal
wrangling may lie ahead. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
ministration (NOAA) contends that the retrieval expedition is still
prohibited under US law and under an international agreement between
the US and the UK.
R.M.S Titanic has said the radio transmitter could unlock some of the
secrets about a missed warning message and distress calls sent from the
ship.
"It tells an important story," Concannon said. "It tells of the heroism
of the operators that saved the lives of 705 people. They worked until
water was lapping at their feet."
A recreation of the Titanic
Radio Room.
In an April court filing, NOAA argued against the salvage effort,
saying that any benefit to be realized from cutting into the vessel to
recover the Marconi equipment would not be "worth the cost to the
resource and not in the public interest."
RMS Titanic sought permission to carry out what it called a "surgical
removal and retrieval" of the Marconi radio equipment. As might be
expected, the deteriorating Marconi equipment is in poor shape after
more than a century under water. The undersea retrieval would mark the
first time an artifact was collected from within the Titanic, which
many believe should remain undisturbed as the final resting place of
some 1,500 victims of the maritime disaster. The wreck sits on the
ocean floor some 2 1/2 miles beneath the surface, and remained
undiscovered until 1985. R.M.S. Titanic said it plans to use a manned
submarine to reach the wreck and then deploy a remotely controlled sub
to retrieve the radio equipment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The ARRL Headquarters staff will be enjoying a holiday on Memorial
Day, Monday, May 26.
* The W9DXCC DX Convention has been canceled for 2020, due to the
coronavirus pandemic. The Northern Illinois DX Association sponsors
the annual event, and plans are already under way to book
accommodations for the 2021 convention.
* CQ has announced the 2020 inductees to its three halls of fame. The
magazine named three new members to its Contest Hall of Fame, seven
new members to its Amateur Radio Hall of Fame, and two new members
to its DX Hall of Fame. Read more.
* Icom has announced that it will start shipping its new IC-705
all-mode portable HF/VHF/UHF transceiver for the Japan domestic
market starting in mid-June. IC-705 shipments for international
markets will depend on equipment certifications in each region.
* The Southwest Ohio DX Association (SWODXA) has named the February
2020 Cocos Island TI9A DXpedition as "DXpedition of the Year."
* Marking the pending start of hurricane season and the 15th
anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Larry Morgan, AG5Z, has organized
the Gulf Coast Hurricane Special Event 2020, May 27 - 29. Special
event stations for the five states most often impacted by Gulf
Coast hurricanes will operate on 3.862, 7.240, 14.255, and 21.300
MHz.
* Dustin Thomas, N8RMA, is polling radio amateurs around the world
for his fourth annual State of the Hobby Survey.
* The West Bengal Radio Club in Kolkata, India, is using the special
call sign AU2AC for emergency communication during Cyclone Amphan,
which struck the West Bengal coast this week.
* On April 29, EI4GNB in Ireland completed an FT8 contact with LY2YR
on 40.220 MHz, marking the first contact between any two countries
on the 8-meter band. More information is on the EI7GL blog.
* The OK-90 campaign commemorating the 90th anniversary of amateur
radio in Czechoslovakia continues through the end of May. The event
recognizes the issuance of the first amateur radio licenses in
Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia). Unsanctioned
ham radio experiments took place in the early 20th century, but
amateur radio did not become official until 1930, when the first
exams were given. -- Thanks to ARRL Member Jan Å varc, OK1UU
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Venerable AO-7 Satellite Continues to Deliver
The nearly 46-year-old AO-7 amateur satellite made a remarkable contact
possible on May 4 between Diego Feil, LW2DAF, in Buenos Aires,
Argentina (GF05rk), and Tom Ambrose, ZS1TA, in Cape Town, South Africa
(JF95fx). The contact spanned 4,329 miles across the South Atlantic,
with both stations aiming at only 2 or 3 degrees above the horizon.
Both stations had been watching orbital predictions for several weeks,
and the times they could "see" AO-7 at the same time occurred only
occasionally. Electrical noise, particularly in Cape Town, had hampered
earlier efforts, but on the morning of May 4, noise levels were low,
and a perfect contact was possible with a full exchange of call signs
and reports.
In 2016, Dave Swanson, KG5CCI, in Arkansas, and Eduardo Erlemann,
PY2RN, in Brazil, achieved a distance milestone on AO-7, completing a
scheduled contact that covered a calculated distance of just over 4,979
miles, which Swanson at the time said was "way beyond the theoretical
range of AO-7" and a feat that "the math said shouldn't be possible."
-- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 - Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 - Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, May 29, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
May 28, 2020
* Temporary Rule Waivers Announced for 2020 ARRL Field Day
* Social Distancing Exam Sessions Demonstrate Pent-Up Demand for
Testing
* Global COVID-19 Radio Event Set for June 6 - 7
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Another New Beta Version of WSJT-X is Available
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Announcements
* Moonbounce Contact via FT8 Could be a First
* Rocky Mountain Vice Director Resigns to Accept Appointment as
Colorado Section Manager
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Temporary Rule Waivers Announced for 2020 ARRL Field Day
With one month to go before 2020 ARRL Field Day, June 27 - 28, the ARRL
Programs and Services Committee (PSC) has adopted two temporary rule
waivers for the event:
1) For Field Day 2020 only, Class D stations may work all other Field
Day stations, including other Class D stations, for points.
Field Day rule 4.6 defines Class D stations as "Home stations,"
including stations operating from permanent or licensed station
locations using commercial power. Class D stations ordinarily may only
count contacts made with Class A, B, C, E, and F Field Day stations,
but the temporary rule waiver for 2020 allows Class D stations to count
contacts with other Class D stations for QSO credit.
2) In addition, for 2020 only, an aggregate club score will be
published, which will be the sum of all individual entries indicating a
specific club (similar to the aggregate score totals used in ARRL
affiliated club competitions).
Ordinarily, club names are only published in the results for Class A
and Class F entries, but the temporary rule waiver for 2020 allows
participants from any Class to optionally include a single club name
with their submitted results following Field Day.
For example, if Podunk Hollow Radio Club members Becky, W1BXY, and
Hiram, W1AW, both participate in 2020 Field Day -- Hiram from his Class
D home station, and Becky from her Class C mobile station -- both can
include the radio club's name when reporting their individual results.
The published results listing will include individual scores for Hiram
and Becky, plus a combined score for all entries identified as Podunk
Hollow Radio Club.
The temporary rule waivers were adopted by the PSC on May 27, 2020.
ARRL Field Day is one of the biggest events on the amateur radio
calendar, with over 36,000 participants in 2019, including entries from
3,113 radio clubs and emergency operations centers. In most years,
Field Day is also the largest annual demonstration of ham radio,
because many radio clubs organize their participation in public places
such as parks and schools.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many radio clubs have made decisions to
cancel their group participation in ARRL Field Day this year due to
public health recommendations and/or requirements, or to significantly
modify their participation for safe social distancing practices. The
temporary rule waivers allow greater flexibility in recognizing the
value of individual and club participation regardless of entry class.
ARRL is contacting logging program developers about the temporary rule
waivers so developers can release updated versions of their software
prior to Field Day weekend.
Participants are reminded that the preferred method of submitting
entries after Field Day is via the web applet. The ARRL Field Day rules
include instructions for submitting entries after the event. Entries
must be submitted or postmarked by Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
The ARRL Field Day web page includes a series of articles with ideas
and advice for adapting participation this year.
Social Distancing Exam Sessions Demonstrate Pent-Up Demand for Testing
A recent in-person "social-distancing" amateur radio exam session in
Indiana and a "drive-in" session in California are representative of
those that are relieving some of the pent-up demand for testing. As the
COVID-19 pandemic continues, in-person exam sessions have begun to
resume across the US and elsewhere in the world.
"With in-person sessions starting up again around the country, we are
hearing the same story from volunteer examiner (VE) teams everywhere,"
said ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Maria Somma, AB1FM.
"Large numbers of candidates who have been waiting to test are
contacting teams and are thankful for the opportunity to sit for an
exam. So far, we've heard mostly positive results. Candidates are very
prepared, as they've had extra time to study. VE teams and candidates
are following CDC and state guidelines for social distancing."
Anderson (IN) Repeater Club VE Team Liaison Steve Riley, WA9CWE, told
ARRL earlier this month that his club has been conducting test sessions
every month since 2011, typically serving four or five candidates each
session, but the May 19 session attracted 14 individuals.
"We were unable to test in April, but were able to get back in for the
May session," Riley said. "Several candidates were from Central
Indiana, and we had a fellow drive down from Chicago, a couple from the
Dayton, Ohio, area, and also from Fort Wayne, Indiana." The team
limited participation until it could conduct the trial run.
VEs and examinees alike wore face masks, and the test room was
configured to accommodate the necessary spacing between individuals.
"We questioned everyone entering with the usual health questions," he
added.
"Our VE paperwork became a serial flow for grading instead of our prior
'huddle' of the three VEs over the answer sheet," Riley recounted. "As
a result, things were a bit slower than in the past. The tables,
pencils, and pens were disinfected."
The result for the session was 11 new radio amateurs and three
upgrades. "All went well, although we identified a couple improvements
in paperwork flow for next month's test," Riley added.
"There is quite a pent-up demand for new amateur licenses and upgrades
as a result of the number of test sessions that have been canceled," he
continued. "I hope that as sessions resume, they have the success that
we had." Riley said he's already been contacted by six people who plan
to sit for the exam in June.
In California, VE Larry Loomer, KI6LNB, told the ARRL VEC that his team
conducted a successful drive-in license testing session on May 16 at
the Concord Bay Area Rapid Transit Station.
Loomer explained that candidates fill out their paperwork in their
cars. "I have circled in pencil all of the boxes on [Form] 605, the
answer sheet, and the CSCE (Certificate of Successful Completion of
Exam) that the candidates need to fill in, to minimize the face-to-face
time." Once paperwork is completed, candidates take a test booklet and
answer sheet on a clipboard and sit in a chair in front of their cars,
taking the test in front of the VEs.
Completed tests go into a box on the VE table, and candidates back
their cars into a holding area, to let other cars park by the testing
chairs. Once a test is scored and signed, the CSCE goes to the waiting
candidate, who may then drive away.
"I'm seeing videos of remote test-taking sessions, and they still look
labor intensive to me," Loomer said. "We are sticking with the drive-in
format for the present time."
Somma said, "Our VE teams are doing a great job! I'm impressed with
their attention to safety, their professionalism, and their innovative
tactics."
Global COVID-19 Radio Event Set for June 6 - 7
Stations bearing call signs that promote the "stay-at-home" message and
the value of social distancing and isolation have sprung up during the
COVID-19 pandemic, with some 150,000 messages of support shared around
the world. An on-air gathering over the June 6 - 7 weekend will offer a
further opportunity for stay-at-home stations and radio amateurs to
share greetings in a contest-like framework, looking toward the day
that restrictions will ease, eventually making the stay-at-home
injunction obsolete. The patron of the STAYHOME radio campaign is
Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, and the worldwide activity
has the endorsement of International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, and the United Nations Amateur Radio
Club.
"Amateur radio operators across the world are experiencing something we
have never seen before, with the current COVID-19 pandemic," Ellam
said. "In times like this, on-the-air activities can benefit our
communities and ourselves. Events such as this are important to improve
operating skills. It is also encouraging us to get on the air and keep
active, as well as promoting social distancing." Ellam expressed thanks
to the national regulators in more than three dozen countries that made
special stay-at-home-suffix call signs available for amateur use.
Sponsoring the event and campaign are the Finnish Amateur Radio League
(SRAL), in cooperation with Araucaria DX Group (ADXG) of Brazil, and
Radio Arcala (OH8X) in Finland.
UN Amateur Radio Club President James Sarte, K2QI, has said that 4U1UN
will be on the air to support of the global STAY HOME movement, as will
sister stations 4U1GSC (operated as 4U9STAYHOME) and 4U1A (operated as
4U2STAYHOME).
Special event station W2I/STAYHOME, helmed by Ria Jairam, N2RJ, and
Peter Dougherty, W2IRT, will also be on the air, operating CW, SSB, and
FT8 simultaneously. (Jairam is ARRL Hudson Division Director.)
The STAYHOME event gets under way at 1000 UTC on Saturday, June 6,
concluding 24 hours later. Bands will include 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10
meters, with CW, SSB, and digital (FT4/FT8 only). Exchange is a signal
report and operator age, except for FT4/FT8 reports. Awards and
certificates in the various operating categories will be available.
Email for more information.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 5) focuses on the
various types of modulation and tips on go-kits. The On the Air podcast
is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 8) includes a
discussion of 10-meter FM and an interview with Pascal Villeneuve,
VA2PV, about "hotspots" for DMR, D-STAR, and Yaesu Fusion.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Another New Beta Version of WSJT-X is Available
A new beta ("release candidate"), WSJT-X version 2.2.0-rc2, is now
available for downloading from the WSJT-X website, along with a list of
new features. The WSJT-X development team has also published additional
FT8 "overflow" frequencies, as the WSJT-X 2.2.0-rc2 Release Notes
explain.
"Increasing FT8 usage on 40, 30, and 20 meters means that the default 3
kHz subbands are often wall-to-wall with signals. Overcrowding
encourages some to turn on their amplifiers, which only makes things
worse. On a trial basis, and in response to numerous suggestions from
around the world, we have added a second set of suggested dial
frequencies for FT8 on three HF bands and also on 6 meters...7.071,
10.133, 14.071, and 50.310 MHz.
"These frequencies will appear in your dropdown band-selector list
after you go to the 'Settings | Frequencies' tab, right-click on the
frequency table, and select 'Reset.' Alternatively, you can add the new
FT8 frequencies manually. When the conventional FT8 subband on 6, 20,
30, or 40 meters seems too full, please try moving your dial frequency
down 3 kHz! [A]s currently implemented, WSJT-X will set your dial to
the lowest frequency for the selected mode and band, when you switch
bands."
The latest "general availability" (GA) release is WSJT-X 2.1.2.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No significant solar activity over
the past week, and still no sunspots observed since the end of April.
According to Spaceweather.com, the percentage of spotless days in 2020
has inched up to 79%. The percentage of days showing no sunspots for
all of 2019 was 77%.
Average daily solar flux for last week was 69.6, up from 69 during the
previous week. Average mid-latitude A index was 5.7, it was 4 during
the previous week, and average planetary A index was 4.6, up from 3.7
during the previous 7 days.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days sits at 70, on every day,
just as it did in last week's forecast. Predicted planetary A index is
5 on May 28; 8 on May 29 - 31; 5 on June 1 - 14; 8 on June 15 - 16, and
5 on June 17 - July 11.
On May 27, Spaceweather.com pointed toward an active region, possibly a
sunspot, just over our sun's eastern horizon. You can see it via the
STEREO observatory. In solar images, east is toward the left, from
Earth's perspective. It is expected to come over the horizon and begin
to point toward Earth on May 29.
Sunspot numbers for May 21 - 27 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.2, 70.8, 69.1, 68.8, 70.3,
69.7, and 68, with a mean of 69.6. Estimated planetary A indices were
5, 6, 4, 5, 5, 4, and 3, with a mean of 4.6. The middle latitude A
index was 8, 7, 4, 5, 7, 3, and 6, with a mean of 5.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* May 29 - 31 -- PODXS 070 Club 3-Day Weekend Contest (Digital)
* May 30 - 31 -- CQ World Wide WPX Contest (CW)
* June 1 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (Digital)
* June 2 -- ARS Spartan Sprint CW
* June 4 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* June 4 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The 2019 ARRL DXCC Yearbook is now available for viewing and
downloading.
* Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, is maintaining a "Compendium of online
amateur radio club meetings," which effectively makes any radio
club meeting easy to "attend." It's suggested to secure an
invitation from the club rather than just showing up.
* Citing public health concerns, DX Engineering has canceled its
second annual DXE Hamfest, which was to be held on August 8 at its
headquarters near Akron, Ohio. This year's event was planned in
conjunction with ARRL's Ohio Section Convention. The logistics of
safely managing an anticipated large crowd played a role in DX
Engineering's decision.
* The MicroHAMS Digital Conference (MHDC) was held virtually this
year, offering an opportunity to reach out to speakers who might
otherwise been unable to attend. Typical attendance at the
in-person conference is around 100 people. The virtual event
attracted between 300 and 500 viewers actively watching the
livestream. The 2,000 unique views during the conference indicated
that some only attended a portion of the day or specific sessions.
The 13th annual MHDC is available on the MicroHAMS website.
* According to a reader report in The Daily DX, a signal on various
20-meter frequencies has been jamming "everything for about 10 kHz"
with a strong signal. The signal is believed to be that of a
Chinese over-the-horizon radar. The signal has been centered on
14.174, 14.193, 14.240, and 14.267, "moving around."
* David Cripe, NM0S, is the new president of the QRP-Amateur Radio
Club International (QRP-ARCI). He succeeds Preston Douglas, WJ2V,
who had served as the club's president for more than 3 years.
Moonbounce Contact via FT8 Could be a First
FT8 codeveloper Joe Taylor, K1JT, has reported what is possibly the
first FT8 contact via moonbouce (Earth-Moon-Earth or EME) on May 21
between Paul Andrews, W2HRO, in New York, and Peter Gouweleeuw, PA2V,
in the Netherlands. The contact was made possible using the currently
available beta-release candidate of WSJT-X, version 2.2-rc1.
"Why might you want to use FT8 instead of 'Old Reliable JT65' for EME
QSOs?" Taylor asked in a subsequent Moon-Net post. "FT8 is about 4 dB
less sensitive than JT65, but with 15-second T/R [transmit/receive]
sequences it's four times faster, and it doesn't use Deep Search," he
said, answering his own question.
The FT8 protocol included in the beta version of WSJT-X has an optional
user setting to work around the 2.5-second path delay. "For terrestrial
use, the FT8 decoder searches over the range -2.5 to +2.4 seconds for
clock offset DT between transmitting and receiving stations," Taylor
explained. "DT" represents the difference between the transmission time
and actual time. "When 'Decode after EME delay' is checked on the
WSJT-X 'Settings' screen, the accessible DT range becomes -0.5 to +4.4
seconds. Just right for EME."
As Taylor explained in his post, FT8 uses 8-GFSK modulation with tones
separated by 6.25 Hz. At the time of the contact, the expected Doppler
spread on the W2HRO - PA2V EME path was 8 Hz, which would cause some
additional loss in sensitivity. Despite the path losses, however, copy
between W2HRO and PA2V was "solid in both directions," Taylor said.
Taylor said that when he was active in EME contests on 144 MHz, he was
always frustrated that, even with reasonably strong signals, the
maximum JT65 contact rate is about 12 per hour. "With FT8, you can do
40 per hour, as long as workable stations are available," he said.
As for using FT8 for EME contacts on 1296 MHz, Taylor said it "might
sometimes work, but Doppler spread will probably make standard FT8 a
problem." Given sufficient interest, however, he said the WSJT-X
development team could design an FT8B or FT8C with wider tone
Joe Taylor, K1JT. [Bob
Inderbitzen, NQ1R, photo]
spacing. He encouraged the use of FT8 for moonbounce on 144, 432, and
1296 MHz and asked users to report their results to the development
team.
"A 'slow FT8' mode is indeed a sensitivity winner on suitable
propagation paths," he said in a later Moon-Net post. "We are busy
implementing such a mode, but with particular emphasis on its use on
the LF and MF bands."
Taylor said FT8 has the operational advantage of putting all users in
one (or a few) narrow spectral slices on each band. "So, it's easy to
find QSO partners without skeds or chat rooms," he said. "Everything is
done over the air, with no 'side channels' needed."
Taylor also remarked in response to posts from those who, like him,
"love CW."
"I agree it's a thrill to hear your own lunar echo, and to make CW EME
QSOs," he said. "Sometimes I pine for the bygone world of commercial
sailing ships, which happen to be very much a part of my family's
history," Taylor concluded. "But I know that technologies evolve, and
the world does not stand still."
Rocky Mountain Vice Director Resigns to Accept Appointment as Colorado
Section Manager
ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Vice Director Robert Wareham, N0ESQ, has
stepped down from that post to accept appointment as Colorado Section
Manager. Wareham would succeed veteran Colorado SM Jack Ciaccia, WM0G,
who resigned effective on June 1 after serving since 2011.
Robert Wareham, N0ESQ.
"Jack will be moving to the East Coast to be closer to family and I
wish him only the best as he transitions to this next phase of his
life," ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Director Jeff Ryan, K0RM, said in a
message to his Division. "At the same time, I am sorry to lose such an
outstanding leader, who has been instrumental in the creation and
maintenance of the vibrant amateur radio community that exists across
Colorado today. Jack has been a personal friend and advisor to me for
many years and I shall miss his thoughtful guidance and his quick
humor."
Ciaccia, who is relocating to New Hampshire, said his decision was
bittersweet. "I am really proud of our accomplishments in the Colorado
Section during the past 9 years," he said. "I will miss the hams I have
met here in Colorado and their friendship. I am looking forward to now
being able to just spend the rest of my days continuing with the
satisfaction and enjoyment that ham radio has given me over the past 63
years."
Wareham would complete Ciaccia's current term, which runs until
September 30, 2021. An ARRL Life Member, Wareham served as Colorado
Section Emergency Coordinator since 2011, prior to his appointment as
Rocky Mountain Vice Director in 2018. He previously served in the Field
Organization as Colorado's State Government Liaison and as Public
Information Officer. An attorney, Wareham assisted in drafting the bill
that created the Colorado Auxiliary Emergency Communications Unit
(AuxComm) in 2016.
Ryan said that, while he's sorry to lose Wareham's counsel as Vice
Director, "I'm certain he will provide for a virtually seamless
transition."
A new Rocky Mountain Division Vice Director will be appointed.
In Brief...
Islands On The Air (IOTA) users may now obtain contact credits via
ARRL's Logbook of The World (LoTW). "Islands On The Air (IOTA) Ltd. is
delighted to announce the implementation of the ARRL application, which
allows the use of QSO-matching via LoTW," IOTA's Roger Balister, G3KMA,
said. ARRL Director of Operations Norm Fusaro, W3IZ, points out that
LoTW has, for years, allowed award sponsors access to a utility that
lets them verify contacts in LoTW. "The IOTA folks have begun using
this utility, but still check the QSOs against known IOTA operations,"
he explained, noting that applicants cannot apply for IOTA awards
through LoTW. See Instructions for LoTW QSO Matching for details.
Direct correspondence to the IOTA Support Desk. Read more.
Several satellite operators have reported that the FM repeater on the
vintage AO-27 satellite recently has been active for brief intervals.
When commanded on by control operators, the transponder is active for
about 2 minutes before it reverts to telemetry transmission only.
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, points out that AO-27 was never designed to
be an FM satellite; it lacks the audio filtering typically used in an
FM receiver, since AO-7's uplink receiver was going to be used for
data. With the lack of audio filtering on the uplink receiver, AO-27
was used for tests with D-STAR radios. (The Wayback Machine has
captures of the former ao27.org website, detailing how those tests were
done. Two radios were used for those D-STAR contacts -- one for uplink
and the other for downlink.) Many hope that control stations will
eventually be able to recover the satellite sufficiently to provide
more regular FM operation. In the meantime, if you hear the satellite
active, make your contacts quickly! -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via
Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK
A pre-hurricane season exercise was carried out on May 16 for radio
amateurs and the National Weather Service (NWS) in the southeastern US.
The scenario was a Category 3 - 4 storm making landfall at Panama City
on Florida's panhandle, and moving through Alabama and Georgia. The
Tallahassee NWS Office asked amateur radio operators for weather and
storm damage reports. Exercise nets opened on HF and on a VHF repeater
(HF turned out to be a disappointment), with stations using Winlink for
reporting. Stations' weather observations were submitted to the NWS via
the nets using the NWSChat utility. The Atlantic Hurricane Season
starts on June 1. -- Thanks to The ARRL ARES E-Letter
AMSAT has spelled out its GOLF program objectives. AMSAT says the aim
of its developing "Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint" (GOLF) satellite
program is to place amateur radio transponders in low-Earth orbit
(LEO), medium-Earth orbit (MEO), and eventually high-Earth orbit (HEO).
"The goal of the GOLF program is to work by steps through a series of
increasingly capable spacecraft to learn skills and systems for which
we do not yet have any low-risk experience. Among these are active
attitude control, deployable/steerable solar panels, radiation
tolerance for commercial off-the-shelf components in higher orbits, and
propulsion," AMSAT explained. "The first step is to be one or more LEO
satellites similar to the existing AO-91 and AO-92, but with
technologies needed for higher orbits." AMSAT says the eventual goal is
an HEO satellite similar to AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40, "but at a
currently affordable cost combined with significantly enhanced
capabilities."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, June 05, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
June 4, 2020
* -------------------------------------------------------------------
Spring 2020 Section Manager Election Results Announced
* Dan Grady, N2SRK, Appointed as New Rocky Mountain Division Vice
Director
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* WSJT-X Version 2.2.0 is Now in General Release
* KN6EQU Balloon Wins Cross-Country Educational Challenge Race
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Six Meters Recently Running Hot
* IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Meets in Videoconference
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Spring 2020 Section Manager Election Results Announced
Three incumbent ARRL Section Managers were returned to office, while
one challenger outpolled an incumbent Section Manager (SM) in contested
elections this spring. Section Manager ballots were counted on Monday,
June 1, at ARRL Headquarters. Three other incumbent Section Managers
were unopposed and will continue with new terms of office, while one
candidate was declared elected as the only nominee for the volunteer
position.
In Illinois, incumbent SM Ron Morgan, AD9I, edged out a win over two
challengers. Morgan received 605 votes, while Thomas Beebe, W9RY,
garnered 600 votes, and Scott DeSantis, KB9VRW, of Crystal Lake, picked
up 288 votes. Morgan, of East Peoria, has been Illinois Section Manager
since February 2017.
In Maine, challenger Robert Gould, N1WJO, of Casco, topped incumbent SM
Bill Crowley, K1NIT, of Farmingdale, 196 votes to 179 votes. Crowley
has served as Maine's Section Manager since 2014.
In Indiana, incumbent SM Jimmy Merry, KC9RPX, was re-elected with 515
votes to 384 for his challenger Brian Jenks, W9BGJ, of Fort Wayne.
Merry, of Ellettsville, has been Section Manager since July 2018.
In Oregon, David Kidd, KA7OZO, was re-elected over challenger Kevin
Fox, KU0L, of Damascus, 728 votes to 386 votes. Kidd, of Oregon City,
has been Section Manager since 2018.
Bill Ashby, AA6FC, of San Jose, California, was the only nominee for
the Santa Clara Valley Section Manager position. He will succeed
Brandon Bianchi, NI6C, who decided not to run for a new term after
serving since 2012.
Several sitting Section Managers were the only nominees in their
respective sections and were declared re-elected. Kevin Bess, KK4BFN
(Northern Florida); Paul Gayet, AA1SU (Vermont), and Patrick Moretti,
KA1RB (Wisconsin).
All new terms of office begin on July 1.
Dan Grady, N2SRK, Appointed as New Rocky Mountain Division Vice
Director
ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, has appointed Dan Grady, N2SRK, of
Aurora, Colorado, as the new Rocky Mountain Division Vice Director.
Grady will succeed Robert Wareham, N0ESQ, who has stepped down from
that post to accept appointment as Colorado Section Manager (SM),
taking the reins from SM Jack Ciaccia, WM0G, who resigned effective on
June 1 to relocate.
"I am delighted to welcome Dan to the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division
team," Rocky Mountain Division Director Jeff Ryan, K0RM, said. "His
strong leadership skills and his boundless enthusiasm for amateur radio
will be a great benefit to the members of ARRL, as well as the amateur
radio community at large."
Grady credited Ryan and the Division's Section Managers for keeping the
Division healthy and strong. "I am humbled and honored to be working
with Division Director Jeff Ryan as well as the Section Managers
throughout Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah," he said. "I am
equally excited to be working for and serving ARRL members in this
leadership role. To join the ranks of these exceptional people is an
honor, and I can assure our membership that the Rocky Mountain Division
will continue to set many amazing standards for the amateur radio
community in the years to come."
A native of southern New Jersey, Grady was licensed in 1992, after a
middle-school technology teacher inspired his curiosity about ham
radio. He served in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and
Office of Emergency Management communication support teams in southern
New Jersey and in the Philadelphia areas in the 1990s. After relocating
to Colorado in 2014, he helped to found and now serves as president of
the Parker Radio Association -- a 150-member ARRL-affiliated club.
Grady enjoys chasing DX on HF and contesting, as well as digital modes.
He is a vice president and executive team member for a sheet metal
manufacturing, fabrication, and wholesale company headquartered in
Denver and is a state chapter board member for a national sheet metal
contractor association.
Grady holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix and
pursued religious studies at Seton Hall University.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 5) focuses on the
various types of modulation and tips on go-kits. The On the Air podcast
is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 9) includes a
discussion of CW decoding software, intermodulation distortion, and
blockchain technology.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
WSJT-X Version 2.2.0 is Now in General Release
WSJT-X version 2.2.0 is now in general availability release, after a
short period in beta (or release candidate) status. WSJT-X version 2.2
offers 10 different protocols or modes -- FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65,
QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, WSPR, and Echo. The first six are designed for
reliable contacts under weak-signal conditions, and they use nearly
identical message structure and source encoding. JT65 and QRA64 were
designed for EME ("moonbounce") on VHF/UHF bands, but have also proven
very effective for worldwide very low-power communication on HF bands.
"FT8 is operationally similar but four times faster (15-second T/R
[transmit-receive] sequences) and less sensitive by a few decibels,"
developer Joe Taylor, K1JT, explains in the version 2.2.0 User Guide.
"FT4 is faster still (7.5-second T/R sequences) and especially well
suited for contesting."
Taylor noted that even with their shorter transmit-receive sequences,
FT4 and FT8 are considered "slow modes," because their message frames
are sent only once per transmission. "All fast modes in WSJT-X send
their message frames repeatedly, as many times as will fit into the
[transmit] sequence length," he explained.
Compared with FT8, FT4 is 3.5 dB less sensitive and requires 1.6 times
the bandwidth, but it offers the potential for twice the contact rate.
New in WSJT-X version 2.2.0: FT8 decoding is now spread over three
intervals, the first starting at 11.8 seconds into a receive sequence
and typically yielding around 85% of the possible decodes. This means
users see most decodes much sooner than with previous versions. A
second processing step starts at 13.5 seconds, and a third at 14.7
seconds.
"Overall decoding yield on crowded bands is improved by 10% or more,"
Taylor said.
Other changes: Signal-to-noise (SNR) estimates no longer saturate at
+20 dB, and large signals in the passband no longer cause the SNR of
weaker signals to be biased low. Times written to the ALL.TXT
cumulative journal file are now correct, even when decoding occurs
after the T/R sequence boundary.
KN6EQU Balloon Wins Cross-Country Educational Challenge Race
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) partner
ISS-Above inventor Liam Kennedy, KN6EQU, of Pasadena, California, has
been declared the winner of a mid-altitude cross-continent educational
challenge balloon race. His balloon was one of four launched on June 1
from the west coast with the goal of being the first to reach the
Eastern Time Zone.
Joanne Michael, KM6BWB.
Coming in second was the balloon of Ted Tagami, KK6UUQ, from ARISS
partner Magnitude.io.
It all began when educator Joanne Michael, KM6BWB -- a science coach at
the Wiseburn Unified School District in Los Angeles -- challenged
another ARISS partner group to a mid-altitude, cross-continent balloon
race. Michael has led her students in several balloon launch attempts
from the Los Angeles area. Given the disruption caused to schools by
the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael wanted to shake things up a bit and give
students worldwide a unique distance-learning treat that could safely
be accomplished during the pandemic. She challenged Tagami, and he
accepted. On May 31, a fourth team joined in the competition: Steve
Potter, K7HAK, and Trevor Macduff of Washington.
Tagami launched his balloon from Oakland, California. Kennedy got wind
of the idea and also came on board, launching from Pasadena,
California. Michael set her balloon aloft in Los Angeles, while Potter
and Macduff's balloon lifted off from southern Washington.
ARISS, Magnitude.io, and ISS-Above are ISS National Lab Space Station
Explorer (SSE) partners that work to inspire, engage, and educate
students in science technology engineering, arts, and mathematics
(STEM) topics and to pursue careers in those fields.
The story caught fire on social media, inspiring one teacher to figure
out how to initiate a launch from her school. "Let's get planning and
get your thoughts and ideas, and let's make this happen for the
students," she said in a post.
Students can still track each balloon's location, altitude, and
temperature, which are fed automatically via the Automatic Packet
Reporting System (APRS). The call signs are KM6BWB-9, KK6UUQ-8,
KN6EQU-2, and K7HAK-11.
ARISS said the race initiative gave students the opportunity to tally
and track the states each balloon traveled through and plot altitude
versus temperature (and other parameters). Also, by researching weather
patterns, students could make assumptions from their own data. This
could include speed variations due to weather. They could also predict
each balloon's flight path and when each might cross the finish line.
For more information on the balloon launch, lesson plans, and the
livestream video link, visit the ARISS Mid-Altitude Balloon Race page.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Two new sunspots emerged this week,
with a 1-day gap on Tuesday with no sunspots. Average daily sunspot
numbers rose from 0 last week to 3.3 this week, May 28 - June 3.
It seems odd, but the average daily solar flux of 69.6 was unchanged
from the previous 7 days. Average daily planetary A index rose from 4
to 6, but average middle latitude A index remained at 5.7, the same as
last week.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 70 on June 4 - 20; 71 on
June 21 - July 4; 70 on July 5 - 17, and 71 on July 18.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on June 4 - July 18. That's right:
Quiet with an A index of 5 on every single day over the next six and a
half weeks.
Sunspot numbers for May 28 - June 3 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 11, 0, and 12,
with a mean of 3.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 67.5, 69.6, 70, 70.8,
69.2, 70.4, and 70, with a mean of 69.6. Estimated planetary A indices
were 4, 3, 14, 4, 6, 7, and 4, with a mean of 4. Middle latitude A
index was 2, 4, 13, 4, 7, 7, and 3, with a mean of 5.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* June 5 -- HA3NS Sprint Memorial Contest (CW)
* June 6 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
* June 6 - 7 -- PVRC Reunion (CW, phone)
* June 6 - 7 -- 10-10 International Open Season PSK Contest
* June 6 - 7 -- DigiFest (Digital)
* June 6 - 7 -- VK Shires Contest (CW, phone)
* June 6 - 7 -- UKSMG Summer Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* June 6 - 7 -- Kentucky QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* June 6 - 7 -- Dutch Kingdom Contest (CW, phone)
* June 6 - 7 -- RSGB National Field Day (CW)
* June 7 -- Cookie Crumble QRP Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* June 10 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* June 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, CW
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Six Meters Recently Running Hot
In recent days, 6 meters has been living up to its nickname -- "the
magic band." On May 30 at around 1200 UTC, Rich Zwirko, K1HTV, in
Virginia, worked Nicolas Sinieokoff, TT8SN, in Chad, who answered his
CQ on FT8. After the quick exchange, K1HTV alerted several local
6-meter DXers, who were also able to snag the rare contact. TT8SN was
able to work into the US mid-Atlantic and Arkansas as well as West
Virginia on FT8 before switching to CW at about 1300 UTC and then
alternating between the two modes over the next hour. Yves Collet,
6W1TA, in Senegal also showed up on the band, and K1HTV and other
stations were able to put him in the log as well.
"So the 6-meter E-skip season has begun," Zwirko remarked. "Who knows
what kind of magic the band will serve up?"
What's being called a historic opening on 6 meters occurred on May 31,
when David Schaller, W7FN, in the Pacific Northwest saw the band open
at about 1430 UTC and stay open for a couple of hours. W7FN worked 12
DXCC entities on FT8 (on 50.323 MHz); other stations had similar
success. Schaller said longtime 6-meter DXers from his area reported
never having experienced a 6-meter opening to Europe like the one on
May 30.
On May 28, Bill Steffey, NY9H, just south of Pittsburgh in western
Pennsylvania, reported working three European stations on FT8 at around
2200 UTC. "Six [meters] has been great this week," Steve Fetter,
WA8UEG, in eastern Pennsylvania, observed after working stations in the
Caribbean and in Europe.
From Greenland, Bo Christensen, OX3LX, has been showing up on 6 meters
on FT8 between 2230 and 0000 UTC. He's been reported working into the
mid-Atlantic stations with a good signal. Mark Murray, W2OR, in
Florida, took advantage of an opening to Japan on the evening of May
22. Two Florida stations each worked 20 or more Japanese stations, and
one was said to have had 40 stations in Japan. W2OR said it was "an
incredible number for an opening that did not last." On the previous
evening, a similar opening occurred from Wisconsin and other parts of
the upper midwest.
Jim Reisert, AD1C, reported that stations in Wisconsin and Minnesota
were able to work Hawaii on 6 meters starting around 2300 UTC on May
24, using FT8. John Sweeney, K9EL, in Illinois, worked three Hawaiian
stations from 2240 - 2250 UTC. He called it "the best 6-meter opening
to Hawaii from W9 that I have seen."
Kev Hewitt, ZB2GI, in Gibraltar, made his first 6-meter contact of the
season, working K1TOL, in Maine. ZB2GI said the band sounded dead,
except for K1TOL's signal. Read more. -- Compiled from reports in The
Daily DX
IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Meets in Videoconference
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 Executive
Committee (EC) held its quarterly meeting on May 28 via
videoconference. In addition to routine business, the panel was briefed
by IARU R2 Workshops Coordinator Augusto Gabaldoni, OA4DOH. He reported
that, as of the meeting date, nearly 400 have subscribed and more than
2,800 have viewed the first four workshops, either live on Zoom or on
YouTube. Participants have been from almost every country in the
Americas, as well as some from Asia, Europe, and other parts of the
world. Feedback has been very positive, Gabaldoni said, both from
participants and from Region 2 member-societies, with a common theme:
"When are you doing another one?"
All IARU R2 workshops are free and open to anyone interested. They are
available live on Zoom and on YouTube, where they are recorded and
available for future access. The introduction to each workshop explains
what IARU is and the role of member-societies in representing their
country's amateurs to their regulator and other organizations.
Participants are encouraged to join and support their IARU
member-society, if they are not already members.
High demand exists for additional workshops in both English and Spanish
-- especially for more advanced Winlink workshops, amateur satellites,
digital operations, and other topics for additional future workshops.
Gabaldoni told the EC he will be scheduling more sessions in the near
future. These will be announced on the IARU Region 2 website under
"Events," with a new online registration system, courtesy of webmaster
Christian Buenger, DL6KAC, whom Gabaldoni thanked for his quick
response and support.
Other EC business included an amendment to the IARU R2 Standard
Operating Procedures to formalize the approval process for changes to
the Region 2 Band Plan between General Assemblies. In the past, changes
could only be approved at a session of the General Assembly, which
meets only every 3 years. When the next General Assembly meeting is
more than 6 months in the future, the new process provides for the Band
Planning Committee to recommend changes to the Executive Committee for
consideration.
If the Executive Committee agrees with the changes, member-societies
are informed and have 60 days to object, if they disagree. If only one
objection is received, the changes are approved and will be
incorporated into the R2 Band Plan and reported at the next General
Assembly. -- Thanks to IARU Region 2 Secretary George Gorsline, VE3YV
In Brief...
The 2020 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) has issued a
call for papers. Technical papers are being solicited for presentation
at the ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC), September 11
- 13. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year's conference will be
held online. Papers will also be published in the Conference
Proceedings. Authors do not need to participate in the conference to
have their papers included in the Proceedings. The submission deadline
is August 15, 2020. Submit papers via e-mail to Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB.
Papers will be published exactly as submitted, and authors will retain
all rights.
[IMG]The Yasme Foundation has announced grants of $5,000 each to the
Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) and to ARRL scholarship programs for
2020. The Foundation Board also named Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB, as a
recipient of the Yasme Excellence Award. This honor recognizes
individuals and groups who, through their own service, creativity,
effort, and dedication, have made a significant contribution to amateur
radio. The Yasme Excellence Award is in the form of a cash grant and an
individually engraved crystal globe. The Yasme Foundation recognized
Eisenberg for "his contributions to amateur radio through his
kit-building seminars, as seen at the Dayton Hamvention and other ham
gatherings. He is also editor of the 'Kit-Building' column for CQ
magazine. Joe exemplifies the 'give back' and 'self-teaching' spirit of
ham radio, especially in training youngsters," the Foundation said in
granting the award. -- Thanks to Ward Silver, N0AX, President, The
Yasme Foundation
Puerto Rico SM Oscar
Resto, KP4RF, at his
solar-powered emergency
exercise setup.
A May 30 nationwide American Red Cross communication exercise engaged
participants across the country. The drill simulated the types of
message traffic typical during a national disaster response, such as a
hurricane or wildfire. Among those involved in the drill were members
of the ARRL Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley Sections. More
than 30 northern California radio amateurs took part, passing 35 voice
messages via California Amateur Radio Linking Association (CARLA)
repeaters, and 66 digital messages using both HF and VHF gateways to a
simulated Red Cross operations center, and receiving 101 messages. In
Puerto Rico, ARRL Puerto Rico Section Manager Oscar Resto, KP4RF,
fielded a well-appointed solar-powered station for HF, VHF, and UHF, as
well as a laptop and external monitor. At both locations, participants
received advance email messages to be transmitted, using flmsg, fldigi,
and Winlink. The Red Cross said it would put some changes into effect
immediately as a result of the drill.
The SEA-PAC QSO Party is standing in for the canceled convention. Along
with many other ham radio events, SEA-PAC 2020, which was to host the
ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, fell victim to the COVID-19
pandemic. Standing in for this year's live event will be the SEA-PAC
QSO Party on Saturday, June 6, starting at 1600 UTC and continuing
until June 7 at 0400 UTC. "We may not be able to be with our 2,000+
fellow amateur radio friends this year on this day, but we can still
have a ham-tastic time on the airwaves," the event's organizers said.
The event will offer categories for HF and VHF-UHF stations, with all
modes and high-power, low-power, and QRP categories (greater than 50 W
and less than 50 W on VHF-UHF). Participants will exchange a signal
report and the first year they attended SEA-PAC, or "2020" for those
who have never attended. Awards will be available. Submit a report
form; no logs are required. For more information, contact Ron O'Connor,
KD7VIK.
The 2020 Huntsville Hamfest has been canceled due to the COVID-19
pandemic, the event's Board of Directors has announced. The Huntsville
Hamfest was sanctioned as the 2020 ARRL Southeastern Division
Convention. Full refunds to prepaid commercial and flea market vendors
will be processed via the mode in which payment was made. Online ticket
purchases will be credited to PayPal accounts. Embassy Suite Hotel
reservations only will be automatically canceled. -- Thanks to Hamfest
Chairman Mark Brown, N4BCD
The Frankford Radio Club Scholarship will join the growing list of
scholarships administered by the ARRL Foundation. The Frankford Radio
Club (FRC) is a very active contesting club centered in Alburtis,
Pennsylvania, dedicated to increasing operating skill and technical
expertise through radiosport. The club's motto is "Proficiency Through
Competition." The scholarship will be $1,500, with the first
scholarship expected to be awarded in 2020. Applicants must be a US
citizen and hold a valid FCC-issued amateur radio license. The
scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates,
and US military veterans. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in
electronics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related
fields at any accredited college, university, or trade school that has
established programs in the field of study. Preference will be given to
applicants residing within 175 miles of Alburtis, Pennsylvania. The
ARRL Foundation will determine award recipients after evaluating all
applications and disburse the award funds directly to the chosen
institution of higher learning.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, June 12, 2020 09:05:16
The ARRL Letter
June 11, 2020
* ARRL Contest Program Issues Field Day 2020 FAQ
* ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program Recognizes Good Operators
* UK Special Events to Recognize Historic Marconi Factory Radio
Broadcast
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* ARRL Announces Updated Features on Contest Portal
* Deadline is June 15 for 2020 McGan Silver Antenna Award Nominations
* ARISS Establishes Itself as an Independent Organization
* Announcements
* Youth Working Group in IARU Region 1 Inaugurates YOTA Online
* Indian Amateur Radio Volunteers Support Communication During
Cyclones
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Contest Program Issues Field Day 2020 FAQ
The ARRL Contest Program has released some Frequently Asked Questions
related to the temporary rule waivers for Field Day. On May 28, the
ARRL Programs and Services Committee (PSC) adopted these provisions
only for the June 27 - 28, 2020, event: (1) Class D stations may work
all other Field Day stations, including other Class D stations, for
points, and (2) an aggregate club score will be published, which will
be the sum of all individual entries that indicate a specific club.
Contact the ARRL Contest Program with any questions related to Field
Day 2020.
Q: Several of our club members are going to operate independently and
wish to attribute their scores to the aggregate club score. What call
sign should they use?
A: Participants should use their own call signs. Except for Class C
(mobile) entries, all transmitters, receivers, and antennas located
within a 1,000-foot-diameter circle may operate using a single call
sign. This prohibits the use of a single call sign from more than one
location. Under the 2020 waiver, those operating from home, including
backyard operations, must use their own station call signs. Multiple
home stations operating with a club call sign or modified club call
sign, such as W1AW-1, W1AW-2, W1AW-3, etc., are not allowed.
Q: How does my club submit an aggregate club score? Does the club need
to add up each participating member's scores and submit a club entry
with the aggregate score under the club call sign?
A: Each participant will submit his or her own independent entry under
his or her call sign. ARRL will calculate the aggregate score based
upon the club name entered on the official Field Day entry form via the
web applet (preferred method) or on the paper Field Day entry form. In
order for results to be tabulated correctly, all club participants must
enter the club's official name exactly the same, avoiding abbreviations
or acronyms. This is important!
Q: Our group is still planning to operate at the usual Field Day site,
but some members do not feel comfortable gathering in a large group
this year. Can we still submit an entry using the club call sign, as
well as have members operating from home using their own call signs?
A: Yes. If your club is still hosting a group Field Day effort, it will
submit an entry as usual, using the club call sign. Club members
operating at home will submit separate entries with their own call
signs and will enter the club name on the entry form for club aggregate
scoring.
Q: Can a club member operate from home using the club call sign?
A: Yes, but the call sign may only be used in one location. The member
must receive permission from the trustee of the club call sign.
Q: Our club normally enters Field Day in Class A. If we operate from
our home stations, in which class should individual members enter in
order to be included in the aggregate club score?
A: Each member will operate independently and will submit the entry
using whatever class applies to their operation. Typically, home
stations running on commercial ac power are Class D, while home
stations running on battery, solar, generator, or the like (i.e., not
from ac mains) are Class E. When the results are published, each club
member will be listed in the results under the class in which they
operated. For 2020 only, aggregate club scores will be listed by the
club name in a separate listing. Read more.
Refer to the complete rules to determine eligibility for bonus points.
-- Thanks to ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE,
ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program Recognizes Good Operators
Volunteer Monitor Program Coordinator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, said
the program has recognized numerous radio amateurs with Good Operator
Notices.
"One facet of the ARRL and FCC agreement that set up the Volunteer
Monitor Program calls for ARRL to recognize especially good amateur
radio behavior, in order to encourage compliance with FCC rules and
further the efficiency of the Amateur Radio Service," Hollingsworth
said. "Seventeen operators in 15 states received Good Operator Notices
in the first quarter of 2020. The Good Operator Notices went to veteran
operators as well as newcomers, including a 13-year-old in North
Carolina for CW operation during the Youth on the Air Special Event,
and a 14-year-old in Wyoming for SSB operation."
Hollingsworth also said that a 2-meter repeater operator received a
Good Operator Report for establishing and managing a COVID-19 net in
Pennsylvania, while other operators of various license classes received
notices for everyday SSB and CW operation on the HF bands. Recipients
were nominated on the basis of operation observed by Volunteer Monitors
(VMs).
According to Hollingsworth, Volunteer Monitors reported 2,035 hours
monitoring on HF, and 2,856 hours monitoring on VHF/UHF and other
frequencies during May.
After kicking off on January 1, the new Volunteer Monitor Program
ramped up to operational status earlier this spring, starting with a
"soft rollout" that started on February 1, designed to familiarize VMs
with issues on the bands and to put into practice what to report and
what to ignore, based on their training.
Hollingsworth uses a system called VMTRAC -- developed by a VM -- to
measure the work of VMs and determine instances that qualify for good
operator or discrepancy notices, referral to the FCC, or follow-up with
FCC requests to the VM program. -- Thanks to Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH
UK Special Events to Recognize Historic Marconi Factory Radio Broadcast
Two special events in June will mark the centennial of the first
entertainment radio broadcast. England's Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society (CARS) will operate special event GB100MZX on June 13 - 20, and
Wales' Dragon Amateur Radio Club will operate special event GB0MZX on
June 12 - 21. Both will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the live
radio recital by well-known Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba, on
June 15, 1920. These special events open the door to some interesting
radio history.
MZX was the call sign at Marconi's
factory on New Street in Chelmsford.
MZX was the call sign at Marconi's second Chelmsford radio factory on
New Street, built in 1912. A CARS history recounts that after 1913, all
G- and M-prefix call signs were allocated to the UK, with the M prefix
being associated with Marconi. The Marconi factory received a general
experimental license in late 1919 with the MZX call sign.
According CARS, in order to test transmitters manufactured in the new
plant, it became common practice to power them into an antenna and
invite people to read "railway timetables or similar mundane material"
over the air.
Listeners who wrote Marconi suggested that he air more enlightening
material, so some locals were informally invited into the factory to
tell stories or even sing from a makeshift studio. Two 750-foot towers
at the factory supported wire antennas for MZX, which by the time of
the historic broadcast was running a 15 kW transmitter.
Dame Nellie Melba. [BBC archive]
Sensing a potential profit, The Daily Mail newspaper paid Dame Nellie
Melba to travel to Chelmsford by train, where she was picked up in a
chauffeur-driven car and taken the long way around Chelmsford on a
route advertised beforehand to waving crowds before arriving at the
studio in New Street, just a few hundred meters away.
The CARS account continues, "Her historic performance was very well
received, although she realized that possibly future (paid) public
performances may suffer if she was often 'on the radio,' [and] she
never made a radio broadcast again.
"The Postmaster-General was not amused by such trivial use and withdrew
the license in November 1920 on 'interference grounds,' in particular
with Croydon airfield. The public clamor for reinstatement was
substantial, and due to pressure from the Wireless Society of London
and the House of Commons, the Post Office eventually relented."
The Wireless Society of London eventually became the Radio Society of
Great Britain (RSGB), the International Amateur Radio Union
member-society.
ditional history of Marconi's manufacturing and broadcasting in the
UK appears on the CARS website.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots made a solid reappearance
over the June 4 - 10 reporting week, with average daily sunspot number
rising from 3.3 to 14. As expected, the average 10.7-centimeter solar
flux rose from 69.6 to 71.3.
The average daily planetary A index dipped from 6 to 5.1, while average
daily middle latitude A index changed from 5.7 to 6.1.
The outlook for the next 45 days has solar flux at 72 on June 11; 70 on
June 12 - 17; 68 on June 18 - 24; 70 on June 25 - 26; 72 on June 27 -
July 11; 70 on July 12 - 13; 68 on July 14 - 21; 70 on July 22 - 23,
and 72 on July 14 - 25.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on June 11 - July 3, then 8 and 12 on
July 4 - 5, and 5 on July 6 - 25.
Sunspot numbers for June 4 through 10 were 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 14, and
11, with a mean of 14. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.1, 71.1, 71.6,
71.6, 71, 72.4, and 71, with a mean of 71.3. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 4, 3, 9, 4, 5, and 7, with a mean of 5.1. The middle
latitude A index was 5, 4, 2, 10, 6, 5, and 11, with a mean of 6.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* June 13 -- Asia-Pacific Sprint (SSB)
* June 13 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
* June 13 - 14 -- DRCG WW RTTY Contest
* June 13 - 14 -- SMIRK Contest (CW)
* June 13 - 14 -- Portugal Day Contest (CW, phone)
* June 13 - 14 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* June 13 - 14 -- GACW WWSA CW DX Contest
* June 13 - 14 -- REF DDFM 6 Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* June 13 - 15 -- ARRL June VHF Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* June 15 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* June 15 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* June 16 -- SARL Youth Sprint (Phone)
* June 17 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
ARRL Announces Updated Features on Contest Portal
The much-anticipated updated features at the ARRL Contest portal are
here! These web-based tools provide an updated interface to contest
data for all ARRL-sponsored contest events, including:
* Contest Score viewer, including a searchable call history and
records
* Submitted logs and raw scores for recent events
* Downloadable Comma Separated Values (CSV) files of contest results
* Club Competition scores, including total and individual scores
* Soapbox page for posting and viewing contest stories, photos, and
other media
* Downloadable, printable certificates suitable for framing
* Log Checking Reports (LCRs)
* Access to public logs
* Contest results articles and line scores
ARRL Contest portal users will notice other minor changes to the site,
as some functions have been moved on the page for better functionality
and flow. The ARRL Contest portal is now a one-stop shop for all
ARRL-sponsored contests. From the site, you can access everything, from
the start time of a contest to your post-event certificate of
accomplishment. All ARRL contest information is now conveniently
located in one centralized location. Contact the Contest Program
Manager for more information on the updated features and on ARRL
contests in general.
Deadline is June 15 for 2020 McGan Silver Antenna Award Nominations
The deadline is Monday, June 15, to submit nominations for the 2020
Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award, presented annually to a
radio amateur who has demonstrated success in public relations on
behalf of amateur radio and who best exemplifies the volunteer spirit
of Philip McGan, WA2MBQ (SK).
A journalist, McGan was the first chairman of the ARRL's Public
Relations Committee, which helped reinvigorate ARRL's commitment to
public relations, and he served as ARRL PIO for the New Hampshire
Section.
Activities for which the McGan Award is presented include those
specifically directed at bringing amateur radio to the media's and the
public's attention in a positive light. This may include such
traditional methods as news releases or interviews, or less traditional
methods, such as hosting a radio show or being an active public
speaker. Nominees must be ARRL members.
The ARRL Board of Directors will choose the award winner at its July
2020 meeting.
Nominations must be received at ARRL Headquarters by the close of
business on Friday, June 15, 2020. Nominations must be on an official
entry form. Anyone may make a nomination. Read more.
ARISS Establishes Itself as an Independent Organization
Going forward, the US arm of the Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station International working group will be known as ARISS-USA,
an independent organization. ARISS serves as the intermediary to
arrange contacts between schools and organizations on Earth and ISS
crew members. ARISS-USA incorporated as a non-profit entity in Maryland
in late May. The move will allow ARISS-USA to work independently,
soliciting grants and donations. ARISS-USA will continue promoting
amateur radio and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
(STEAM) goals within schools and educational organizations. ARISS-USA
lead Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, noted that the scope and reach of what ARISS
accomplishes has grown significantly since its modest start in 1996.
"Our working group status made it cumbersome to establish partnerships,
sign agreements, and solicit grants," Bauer said. "These can only be
done as an established organization."
The move toward becoming an independent organization has been discussed
for quite a while, ARISS-USA said in announcing the change.
"ARISS-USA will maintain its collaborative work with ARISS
International as well as with US sponsors, partners, and interest
groups," the announcement said. "The main goal of ARISS-USA remains as
connecting educational groups with opportunities to interact with
astronauts aboard the [space station]. ARISS-USA will expand its human
spaceflight opportunities with the space agencies beyond low-Earth
orbit, starting with lunar opportunities including the Lunar Gateway.
ARISS-USA will continue to review and accept proposals for ISS contacts
and expand its other educational opportunities to increase interest in
space sciences and radio communications."
AMSAT President Clayton Coleman, W5PFG, said AMSAT would work with
ARISS-USA to ensure a smooth transition for operations and funding.
"Many of AMSAT's members are an integral part of the ARISS team," he
said. "The human spaceflight element of AMSAT's vision has been
realized through these contributions."
ARISS-USA can accept tax-deductible contributions via AMSAT-NA through
the ARISS website. Read more.
Announcements
* The 38th Annual AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual General Meeting
in-person event set to be held in Bloomington, Minnesota, in
October will be shifted to a virtual, online platform, in response
to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
* Astronaut Kate Rubins, KG5FYJ, in mid-October will head to the ISS
for a 6-month mission as a flight engineer. She will launch with
Cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov.
* The FCC has announced a $5 million settlement with
voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) telephone service provider
magicJack regarding the company's failure to report its interstate
revenues and to contribute to the Universal Service Fund.
* Kylee Shirbroun, KE0WPA, of Worthington, Minnesota, has posted a
portion of the science fair video she made about amateur radio
satellites.
* China's Harbin Institute of Technology has released a short cartoon
video, Longjiang-2: Journey to the Moon, which tells the story of
LO-94, the world's smallest spacecraft, which entered lunar orbit
independently. The video is narrated in Chinese with English
subtitles.
* The 2020 edition of AMSAT's Getting Started with Amateur Satellites
is now available for download on the AMSAT store.
Youth Working Group in IARU Region 1 Inaugurates YOTA Online
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 Youth Working
Group inaugurated YOTA (Youngsters on the Air) Online in late May. The
program is an opportunity for young radio amateurs from Region 1
(Europe, Africa, and the Middle East) to gather online each month. For
each session, a YOTA team will present various topics; the initial
session focused on the Youth Contesting Program (YCP) in Region 1, in
which young radiosport enthusiasts operate from well-equipped contest
stations for various events. The sessions, which are open to all and
conducted in English, also offer the opportunity for participants to
get answers to questions addressed to the online community. Each
session wraps up with a prize raffle.
Region 1 Youth Working Group chair Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, moderated the
May 28 gathering. She said the YOTA Online approach evolved because a
lot of activities fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond that,
she said, YOTA Online provides an interactive venue for those who might
be unable to attend even in-person activities. The inaugural YOTA
Online session ran about 1 hour. In addition to social media platforms
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch, Leenders said the session was
streamed on Amateur Television via the Es'hail QO-100 geostationary
satellite from a location in Belgium, with good reports.
Lisa Leenders, PA2LS,
moderated the YOTA Online
inaugural session.
"A huge thanks to everyone watching the first YOTA Online session,"
Leenders said. "The successful session gathered more than 600 unique
viewers from all continents except Oceania and Antarctica, as far as we
could track. Considering this, we can say that the event was indeed
taking place worldwide."
YOTA Online was created by a team of young hams from six European
countries. The first event involved dozens of hours of planning, with
several team sessions held in advance to make the free YOTA broadcast
available around the world.
Leenders asked all who watched the event or viewed it after the fact
for any feedback. The form also gives viewers a chance to suggest
topics for future YOTA Online gatherings. The second YOTA Online
session is set for Thursday, June 25, at 1800 UTC.
Indian Amateur Radio Volunteers Support Communication During Cyclones
News media in India report that amateur radio volunteers came to the
aid of district officials during Cyclone Nisarga. The storm made
landfall on India's west coast on June 3, leaving at least one person
dead, but sparing the densely populated city of Mumbai.
"As all modes of communication collapsed in less than half an hour
after severe Cyclone Nisarga made landfall, a group of nine independent
ham radio operators using wireless communication became the eyes and
ears for the district administration," The Hindustan Times reported.
The paper said hams were on duty until the evening of June 5, when
mobile networks returned in some areas. Hams were able to relay
information regarding deaths, injuries, evacuations, and damage. The
storm was reported to be the worst in decades.
In May, The Hindu reported that radio amateurs worked hand in hand with
the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) ahead of Cyclone Amphan.
"Amphan tested what we had learnt from a simulation of a real-life
situation during calamity on an uninhabited island without power and
conventional telecommunication in Chilika Lake in 2019 and 2020," said
Gurudatta Panda, VU3GDP, a member of the Amateur Radio Society of
Odisha (ARSO).
ARSO members told the newspaper that the Odisha government should
support and promote amateur radio to increase preparedness at the time
of communication failure. ARSO has 25 members who regularly update
their technology and operating skills, the paper said.
In early May during Cyclone Fani, ARSO members provided support to the
public in Puri, when conventional telecommunications were cut after the
storm made landfall. The hams were even able to set up an internet
connection via ham radio to reach out to social media.
ARSO said an increase in the amateur population in Odish would benefit
the government and the public in the cyclone- and flood-prone state.
"Educated youths, retired communication experts, and non-government
organizations in all parts of Odisha can be motivated to take up
amateur radio as a hobby to help their own community at the time of
need," ARSO President Chandra Sekhar Patnaik, VU2CSF, said.
In Brief...
Richard Budd, W0TF, has been appointed as North Dakota ARRL Section
Manager. He succeeds Nancy Yoshida, K0YL, who resigned on June 2 after
serving since January 2018. Yoshida will become the vice president of
the YL International Single Sideband System this year and felt she
could not do justice to both leadership roles. Budd, who lives in York,
will complete the remainder of Yoshida's term, which extends through
September 30. Because Budd was also the only nominee to submit a
petition to run for the next term of office as the North Dakota Section
Manager by the June 5 deadline, he will continue as Section Manager for
the 2-year term that starts on October 1, 2020. A ham since 1980, Budd
had served as a North Dakota Assistant Section Manager since 2019, was
Section Emergency Coordinator in 2018, and previously served as North
Dakota's Official Observer Coordinator. ARRL Radiosport and Field
Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the appointment after
consulting with ARRL Dakota Division Director Matt Holden, K0BBC.
The Yasme Foundation has made a supporting grant to the Open Research
Institute (ORI). The grant will enable completion of ORI's Phase 4
Ground Station Project. ORI is a non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) research and
development organization that provides all of its work to the general
public under the principles of open source and open access to research.
The Phase 4 Ground Station Project is an open-source satellite ground
station for the amateur satellite service. Phase 4 would provide
designs and equipment for future 5 GHz uplink and 10 GHz downlink
satellites -- the so-called "five and dime" paradigm that AMSAT has
embraced for its future microwave satellites. Michelle Thompson, W5NYV,
leads the Phase 4 Ground project.
The IARU has developed a paper addressing increasing noise from digital
devices. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) specialists Tore Worren, LA9QL, and Martin Sach,
G8KDF, submitted the paper to the International Special Committee on
Radio Interference (CISPR) concerning the increasing impact of multiple
digital devices on noise levels in the radio spectrum. The paper was
considered at the CISPR Steering Committee in late May, and it was
adopted for circulation to the CISPR National Committee for comment as
a Committee Draft, with a view toward its becoming a CISPR Report.
"IARU hopes that the result of this will be amendments to the way in
which standards are developed to recognize the need to properly
consider the cumulative impact of multiple devices," said IARU Region 1
President Don Beattie, G3BJ, in an IARU news brief. -- Thanks to IARU
Region 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, June 19, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
June 17, 2020
* More Amateur Radio Exam Sessions Engineering In-Person, Remote
Solutions
* Visalia DX Convention to be Refashioned as Two Virtual Events in
2021
* Field Day 2020: Balancing Tradition and Safety in the COVID-19 Era
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Support ARRL as You Shop AmazonSmile for Father's Day
* Youth on the Air in the Americas Announces At-Home Bonus Summer
Activities
* Kids Day in the Age of COVID-19
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Announcements
* Tennessee Court of Appeals Affirms Contempt Ruling Against Radio
Amateur
* Amateur Radio Discussed at CEPT Meeting
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
More Amateur Radio Exam Sessions Engineering In-Person, Remote
Solutions
As some states further relax restrictions imposed to minimize the
spread of the COVID-19 virus, additional teams of ARRL Volunteer
Examiner Coordinator (VEC) volunteer examiners (VEs) have conducted
successful sessions. On June 13 at the Clark Township Municipal
Building, the Electronic Technology Society of New Jersey (ETSNJ) held
its first exam session since February, with help from several other
clubs. With COVID-19 precautions in place, the June session was held
outdoors.
"We had to have two sessions, because we had 20 candidates on our
waiting list," said Larry Makoski, W2LJ, a member of the Piscataway
Amateur Radio Club. Drew Moore, W2OU, was the ARRL VEC liaison. "We had
the candidates line up their vehicles on one side of the parking lot.
Directly across from them were the vehicles of the VEs. They were given
the option of taking the exam inside their vehicle, or if they wanted,
they could bring a chair and clipboard and take the exam in front of
their vehicle. Each vehicle was checked for compliance as we collected
exam fees and checked photo IDs."
Makoski said social distancing was maintained, and face coverings and
gloves or hand sanitizer were the order of the day. "We communicated
with the candidates via a low-power FM transmitter tuned to 88.7 MHz or
thereabouts, and they could hear us on their FM broadcast receivers
inside their vehicles," he explained.
All went smoothly, and the weather cooperated. "Everyone who came
walked away -- or should I say, drove away -- with either a new
Technician-class license or an upgrade," Makoski said. A vacant seat
was left for VE Bobby Cure, W2REC (SK), who had succumbed to COVID-19.
"We tried to honor his memory by making him present in spirit," Makoski
said.
VE teams from the Tri-County Radio Club, the Raritan Valley Radio Club,
the South Plainfield Amateur Radio Club, the New Providence Amateur
Radio Club, and the Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club pitched in to help.
On the same Saturday in Florida, Doug Wiles, WF4B, reports that the St.
Augustine Amateur Radio Society (SAARS) VE team held its first exam
session in 6 months. The session took place in an outdoor pavilion, and
test areas were disinfected prior to the candidates' arrival. Face
masks were distributed and social distancing was practiced during the
session, Wiles said. All three candidates passed.
On June 14 in Georgetown, Kentucky, VE Ron Malinowski, WX4GPS, with the
Scott County Amateur Radio Club said 14 candidates passed their tests
during an indoor session held there. "We took temperatures at the door,
gave masks to anyone who came without, and we wiped down all seating
areas after the attendee left," he said.
ARRL VE Team Liaison Janet Crenshaw, WB9ZPH, in Garland, Texas, told
ARRL that a trucker signed up for a recent remote exam session.
"He had a Wi-Fi hotspot in the cab of his truck, so he found a parking
space, pulled out his iPad and iPhone, and we had our Zoom test right
there," she told ARRL VEC. "The world certainly has changed, and I've
been encouraging people to realize that the world of ham radio has to
change with it."
Visalia DX Convention to be Refashioned as Two Virtual Events in 2021
There will be a Virtual Visalia in 2021. Organizers announced this week
that the newly renamed International DX and Contesting Convention
(IDXCC) in Visalia, California, will span two weekends next April. Each
will be a "unique 3-day event" without duplication. Registration will
begin early next year. The former International DX Convention was
canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visalia sponsors said
the event's new name better reflects what the convention had become
over the years -- a gathering of avid DXers and contesters from around
the US and the world. Sponsors said the challenge for planning next
year's event was whether to prepare for an in-person convention or a
virtual gathering.
"Everyone wants to hold out hope for a face-to-face meeting next year,
but we have to ask, 'What will our new normal lifestyle be like next
April, and can we guarantee a COVID-free environment for our
attendees?'" an announcement on the IDXCC website explained. "After
consultation with a few medical experts, epidemiologists, and longtime
attendees of IDXCC, we have concluded that for 2021, the right choice
-- and the safest choice -- is to have a virtual convention instead of
an in-person meeting."
Visalia Part 1 will take place on April 16 - 18, 2021, and Part 2 on
April 23 - 25. The program will include forums, technical talks,
DXpedition reports, and award presentations.
Visalia 2021 co-chairs John Miller, K6MM, and Rich Seifert, KE1B,
invite questions and suggestions via email. Read more.
Field Day 2020: Balancing Tradition and Safety in the COVID-19 Era
The fourth full weekend of the month (June 27 - 28) promises to be
different for many amateurs, as the annual ARRL Field Day operating
event will be held under unique circumstances. Somehow, the traditions
of the weekend must be balanced against the exigencies of the current
need to operate safely, in an appropriate social-distancing
environment. Most groups have had to adjust their plans to ensure that
the physical health of their members is protected.
But that's one of the great things about amateur radio in general and
Field Day in particular. There is no one single way to approach the
event, and no single goal that defines the success of the weekend. Fun
still awaits the tens of thousands of participants. "Business as
usual!" for many this year becomes, "How do we address these unique
challenges?"
An important fact to recognize is the disappointment many will feel at
not being able to congregate at their tried-and-true operating location
to do their "usual" thing. Groups in some states face fewer
restrictions than others -- and that's okay, as Field Day isn't a
competition. Most groups will not be able to host the traditional
social aspects of the weekend. The covered-dish extravaganza that
accompanies a club Field Day may be canceled this year. The interaction
of sharing amateur radio with the general public as they wander over to
your setup may be non-existent for many groups. The opportunity to test
your club's interface with your various served agencies may have to be
put off for another time. Your annual teaching session with local youth
groups -- scouts, school clubs, CAP cadets -- may have to be revisited
down the road, after the situation stabilizes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember: If you operate as a Class D station (home station on
commercial power), you may work all other stations, including other
Class D stations, for contact credit. All Field Day 2020 entries
wishing to have their individual scores credited to their club to be
aggregated for a "club score" should add the club name to their summary
sheet. Use the Field Day Web Submission Form to turn in your log.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, things are going to look and feel different in 2020. But when it
comes to the basic activity of Field Day, the event doesn't have to
sound different. CW signals will still "light up" the ether. Stations
calling "CQ Field Day" on phone will still fill the bands. The unique
"warbles" of tried and true -- as well as new and exciting -- digital
modes will still beckon the experienced operator and the curious
newcomer, inviting them to reach out and make contact in this unique
year of social distancing.
Over the past few weeks, several articles have been posted to the ARRL
website with some suggestions on how groups and individuals may vary
their participation in Field Day 2020 from previous years. The theme
running through them is one that's familiar to amateurs --
adaptability.
Read more on the ARRL Field Day web page. -- Thanks to Dan Henderson,
N1ND
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 6) details
everything you need to know about ARRL Field Day, thanks to an
interview with ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE. Learn
how to create a simple station setup as a less-experienced operator.
The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine,
ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 10) will
discuss sporadic-E propagation, antenna modeling, a new approach to
spray-on antennas, and an unusual form of computer espionage.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Support ARRL as You Shop AmazonSmile for Father's Day
Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. If you're looking for the perfect
gift, we invite you to shop at AmazonSmile and choose American Radio
Relay League Inc. (ARRL) as your charity of choice. With every purchase
you make at AmazonSmile, Amazon will make a contribution that will help
to extend ARRL's reach in public service, advocacy, education,
technology, and membership. So far in 2020, ARRL has received $2,030,
for a total of $40,613. The ARRL Foundation has received $316 this
year.
Amazon has the perfect gifts including electronics, apparel, ham radio
gear, and more. Get something extra special for Dad this year, while
supporting his favorite hobby. Bookmark the ARRL link and support
amateur radio and ARRL every time you shop online. AmazonSmile
customers can now support ARRL in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and
Android mobile phones.
Follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating
donations:
* Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device.
* Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app
* Tap Settings, choose AmazonSmile, and follow the onscreen prompts
to complete the process.
Click here for instructions on updating your Amazon Shopping app.
Youth on the Air in the Americas Announces At-Home Bonus Summer
Activities
Youth on the Air in the Americas is planning additional home-based
activities for this summer, due to the postponement of its inaugural
summer camp at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in
West Chester Township, Ohio. Virtual YOTA Day will take place on
Wednesday, June 24. Activities will include a series of youth-led
forums and some competitions that can be done from home -- even without
a radio. Virtual YOTA Day begins at 1800 UTC on June 24 and continues
until 2400 UTC.
Those who had been selected to attend YOTA camp 2020 will be able to
meet on Zoom for a day of learning and fun, plus a chance to win
prizes, but anyone interested will be able to get in on Virtual YOTA
Day via the official Youth on the Air YouTube channel and play along at
home. Some activities will include learning how to track down the
location of a transmitter without leaving your chair, sharpening
contesting skills, and more.
During the week of June 21 - 26, when the camp was to take place,
special event station W8Y will be on the air on all bands and modes.
Those selected to attend YOTA Camp 2020 will take turns operating as
W8Y throughout the week from the station of their own choosing. Campers
should contact Marty Sullaway, NN1C, to be added to the schedule.
Youth on the Air will operate Field Day using a remote station in
southwestern Ohio. Logging will be done by remote desktop. Campers can
sign up at YouthOnTheAir.org for a time slot on the remote station
provided by Jay Slough, K4ZLE. Contact Chris Brault, KD8YVJ, with
questions.
Youth on the Air will be a club choice for Field Day score submissions.
Participating operators age 25 or younger choosing to operate Field Day
from a home station can contribute their scores to an aggregate club
score for this year only. Enter "Youth on the Air" as the club name on
the Field Day entry.
More information about YOTA in the Americas can be found at
YouthOnTheAir.org and on YOTAregion2 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
and YouTube.
Kids Day in the Age of COVID-19
Under normal circumstances, Kids Day on Saturday, June 20, would offer
an opportunity for individual radio amateurs or clubs to introduce the
next generation to amateur radio. This year, however, Kids Day is
likely to look a bit different, due to precautions -- both advised and
in place -- during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARRL recommends that mentors
and young operators adhere to prescribed COVID-19 guidelines in these
difficult times.
"We encourage you to take the advice of your local and regional health
officials as to whether it's wise to gather in groups and what
precautions are necessary," ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque,
N1SFE, allowed. "If inviting individual youngsters or groups into your
shack is not advisable, look instead into other ways of mentoring
youngsters."
One possibility, Bourque said, is mentoring over social media, via
Zoom, or using other non-contact means. "This year might not be the
time to invite youngsters into your shack, but that doesn't mean that
you cannot encourage the next generation of amateur radio operators,"
he said. "Of course, if you have kids at home you've been trying to
interest in ham radio, Kids Day offers the perfect framework, and
COVID-19 precautions would not be necessary."
Kids Day gets under way on Saturday, June 20 at 1800 UTC and concludes
at 2359 UTC. Sponsored by the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, the
suggested exchange is first name, age, location, and favorite color.
Beyond that, contacts can be as long or as short as each participant
prefers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Look for activity on these frequencies: 10 meters: 28.350 - 28.400 MHz;
12 meters: 24.960 - 24.980 MHz; 15 meters: 21.360 - 21.400 MHz; 17
meters: 18.140 - 18.145 MHz; 20 meters: 14.270 - 14.300 MHz; 40 meters:
7.270 - 7.290 MHz, and 80 meters: 3.740 - 3.940 MHz. Repeater contacts
are okay with permission of the repeater owner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
As with any on-the-air activity that includes unlicensed individuals,
control operators must observe third-party traffic restrictions when
making DX contacts. ditional details are on the ARRL website.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We just experienced a nearly 2-week
period of daily sunspots! It's been quite some time since we've
witnessed a continuous string of activity like this. January 24 -
February 1 were 9 consecutive days with sunspot activity, but you'd
have to go back to May 3 -18 of last year to find a longer period. This
is a possible indication that we've moved past the sunspot minimum.
Average daily sunspot number for the June 11 - 17 reporting week was
7.9, down from 14 over the previous 7 days. Average solar flux slipped
from 71.3 to 70.
The planetary A index went from 5.1 to 3.9, and middle latitude numbers
dipped from 6.1 to 4.9. The predicted planetary A index is 4 from June
18 - August 1. This is unusual, since predicted A index values have
never been lower than 5.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 70 on June 18-25, abruptly
jumping to 77 from June 26 - August 1, also unusual.
Sunspot numbers for June 11 - 17 were 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 0, and 0, for
a mean of 7.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.5, 70.5, 69.4, 70.2,
70.4, 69.3, and 68.8, for a mean of 70. Estimated planetary A indices
were 4, 4, 3, 2, 4, 5, and 5, for a mean of 3.9. Middle latitude A
index was 4, 6, 4, 3, 5, 7, and 5, for a mean of 4.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* June 20 -- Kids Day (Phone)
* June 20 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* June 20 -- Battle of Carabobo International Contest (Phone)
* June 20 - 21 -- All Asian DX Contest, CW
* June 20 - 21 -- Ukrainian DX Classic RTTY Contest
* June 20 - 21 -- IARU Region 1 50/70 MHz Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* June 20 - 21 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* June 20 - 21 -- West Virginia QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* June 21 -- WAB 50 MHz Phone
* June 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* June 24 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* June 25 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW) 2020 will take
place over the August 22 - 23 weekend, a week later than usual to
avoid conflicting with special events that may be on the air to
commemorate the 75th anniversary of the cessation of World War II
hostilities in the Pacific.
* Astronauts Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, and Robert Behnken, KE5GGX, will
conduct spacewalks on June 27 and July 1 outside the International
Space Station. The activities will begin the process of replacing
batteries for one of the power channels on the orbiting laboratory.
* A June 13 SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle launch placed another 58 Starlink
satellites into orbit, bringing the total of the internet service
satellites to 540. SpaceX has applied to the FCC to put upward of
30,000 Starlink spacecraft into orbit. "Starlink is designed to
deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has
been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable," SpaceX
said. "Private beta testing is expected to begin later this summer,
followed by public beta testing, starting with higher latitudes."
* In a video, "The Last Active Morse Code Station in the US," Shannon
Morse, KM6FPP, of Richmond, California, visits coast station KPH,
which provided ship-to-shore communication using Morse code.
Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) volunteers have preserved
and maintain the station and keep it on the air (along with the
associated amateur station K6KPH). The COVID-19 pandemic has put
KPH off the air "for the duration."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee Court of Appeals Affirms Contempt Ruling Against Radio
Amateur
A Tennessee Court of Appeals has affirmed a radio amateur's liability
for a 30-day jail sentence for violating a court directive to refrain
from contacting another radio amateur who had filed a temporary order
of protection. The appeals court's June 11 determination upheld a lower
trial court ruling that found Michael J. Mgrdichian, ex-N2FUV, of
Kodak, in criminal contempt for violating the order by contacting Jamie
Faucon, N3FA (ex-AA3JF) of Knoxville via ham radio on three separate
occasions. Mgrdichian appealed, primarily asserting that the lower
court lacked jurisdiction over the case, because amateur radio is
regulated by the FCC, a federal agency.
Faucon claimed that Mgrdichian had "stalked, threatened, and harassed"
her on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2019, claiming that the
threats were made via ham radio after Faucon had asked Mgrdichian to
cease his actions. Faucon claimed that problems between her and
Mgrdichian began after she complained to the FCC, alleging that
Mgrdichian was using racially abusive language on the air. That matter
was not at issue in the appeals court ruling.
The trial court had issued a temporary protection order for Mgrduchian
to cease contacting Faucon, "either directly or indirectly, by phone,
email, messages, mail, or any other type of communication or contact."
Mgrdichian attempted to have the lower court case dismissed by arguing
that state courts do not have jurisdiction over any communication
involving amateur radio. The trial court maintained, however, that it
did have jurisdiction based on an alleged violation of the temporary
protection order.
"The [temporary restraining] order did not prohibit [Mgrdichian] from
using amateur radio; it did not attempt to establish a permitted level
of interference; and it did not originate from, or result in, a
nuisance claim," the appeals court reasoned in its ruling. "Instead,
the subject matter of this case primarily rests on [Mgrdichian]
violating the [temporary restraining] order by contacting [Faucon] on
amateur radio. A party's radio usage -- whether it be commercial or
amateur -- does not automatically preempt the case from being heard by
a state court."
The appeals court determined that the trial court had jurisdiction to
find Mgrdichian in criminal contempt of court when he violated the
temporary restraining order by contacting Faucon via amateur radio.
The appeals court upheld findings that Mgrdichian was in contempt of
the trial court's order on three occasions, each calling for 10 days in
jail and a fine.
Amateur Radio Discussed at CEPT Meeting
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region1 reports the 96th
virtual meeting of the European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications ministrations (CEPT) Frequency Management Working
Group (FMWG) June 8 - 12 dealt with several amateur radio matters.
According to IARU Region 1, the European Common Allocation Table (ECA)
was reviewed, resulting in a revised version for consultation with
stakeholders. IARU was able to amend the 241 - 250 GHz band entry to
correct some errors. The state of the 50 - 52 MHz band in CEPT
countries was also updated to take WRC-19 decisions into account. Last
year, Ukraine requested that it be included in CEPT ECC Recommendation
T/R 61-02, the recommendation that defines the Harmonized Amateur Radio
Examination Certificate (HAREC), and this was agreed.
Romania had contacted the FMWG chairman concerning the possibility of
introducing electronic amateur radio licensing. This idea been passed
to CEPT's Radio Amateur Forum Group for further discussion and possible
action.
The meeting also discussed developing a regulatory framework for
wireless power transfer (WPT) going forward, and attendees agreed that
the CEPT Spectrum Engineering Working Group should continue to study
the full range of WPT applications and emissions and that no regulatory
steps would be taken until that work is complete. Meeting documents are
available.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Find conventions and hamfests in your area
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, July 03, 2020 09:05:16
The ARRL Letter
July 2, 2020
* Prominent Radio Amateur Helps to Lead US Convalescent Plasma
COVID-19 Expanded Access Study
* IARU Appoints New Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Coordinator
* Researchers Use 200 Years of Sunspot Observations to Create "Sun
Clock"
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* New Extra Class License Manual and Extra Q&A Now Available
* ARRL Illinois Section Has a New Section Manager
* MARS Announces HF Skills Exercise
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Annual 13 Colonies Event Now Under Way
* Announcements July 2
* Ham Radio Reconnects Boyhood Friends after 60 Years
* In Brief...
* Getting It Right!
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
COVID-19 Impact & News
Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Prominent Radio Amateur Helps to Lead US Convalescent Plasma COVID-19
Expanded Access Study
Well-known contester, DXer, and National Contest Journal (NCJ) Editor
Scott Wright, K0MD, has been "substantially" stepping back from ham
radio while offering his expertise to the US convalescent plasma
COVID-19 Expanded Access Program. The study began in early April under
the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Michael Joyner, MD, of the
Mayo Clinic; Dr. Peter Marks, MD, PhD -- who is AB3XC -- and Dr. Nicole
Verdun, MD, of the US Food and Drug ministration; Dr. Arturo
Casavedall, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University, and Wright, who is
with the Mayo Clinic.
"The US Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program is a collaborative
project between the US government and the Mayo Clinic to provide access
to convalescent plasma for patients in the US who are hospitalized with
COVID 19," Wright told ARRL. The work has been referenced during White
House press briefings and in congressional testimony. The US
government-supported study collects and provides blood plasma recovered
from COVID-19 patients, which contains antibodies that may help fight
the disease. The Mayo Clinic is the lead institution for the program.
"My role was to organize the infrastructure and the research approach,
and to help lead the set-up of the data collection and of the website
teams, while overseeing the study conduct and regulatory compliance,"
Wright explained.
According to a June 18 Washington Post article, "A large study of
20,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received transfusions of
blood plasma from people who recovered found the treatment was safe and
suggests giving it to people early in the disease may be beneficial."
An initial safety report on 5,000 patients appeared in May in the
Journal of Clinical Investigation. The safety study on 20,000 subjects
referenced in the Washington Post article was published earlier this
month in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Wright said most scientific studies of this magnitude take months to a
year with planning and execution to get under way. In this case, the
study team went from zero to 60 in a few short weeks.
"We started in less than a week. Most studies recruit 2,500 - 5,000
patients," Wright said. "We have recruited over 30,000 patients in 10
weeks, exceeding all expectations."
Hospitals in all 50 states and several US territories are
participating, Wright said, and more than 8,000 physician-scientists
are working with the team as investigators at their hospitals. "We also
helped manage the start-up of collection of convalescent plasma by the
large blood organizations, such as the American Red Cross, by
strategically connecting donor pools and people willing to donate with
the blood collection centers."
Wright's study responsibilities, which are on top of his regular day
job, have required him to work daily, including weekends, for all of
April, most of May, and all of June. "It has been intense," he said.
Wright said an FDA announcement on the benefit of convalescent plasma
was expected soon. The FDA has been inviting donations of convalescent
plasma from individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19.
Wright will be the keynote speaker at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
August 8 - 9 to discuss the study, its results, and, he said, "linking
it to skills acquired through ham radio. Read more.
IARU Appoints New Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Coordinator
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) ministrative Council has
appointed Martin Sach, G8KDF, as global Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) Coordinator, succeeding Tore Worren, LA9QL.
"EMC is a major challenge for all radiocommunication services," the
IARU noted. "Radio amateurs are experiencing increased interference
caused by unwanted radio frequency emissions from a wide variety, and
rapidly growing number, of electronic devices."
The EMC Coordinator's mission is to ensure that the concerns and needs
of radio amateurs are effectively addressed in international standards
bodies -- particularly the International Special Committee on Radio
Interference (CISPR) and the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU) -- as well as in regional telecommunication organizations and at
national levels through IARU member-societies. Assisting in the effort
is a network of volunteers with expertise in the field of EMC.
IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, said, "The IARU ministrative Council
is grateful for Tore's leadership and for his willingness to continue
contributing to this vital work. We are fortunate that someone as
qualified as Martin is willing to take the reins. He has already
represented the IARU effectively at important international meetings
and we look forward to working even more closely with him."
Radio amateurs throughout the world support the work of the IARU
through membership and involvement in their national IARU
member-societies. The IARU needs qualified volunteers in this and other
fields.
New IARU Video
The video "What is IARU?" is now available on the International Amateur
Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 website.
"This video explains the mission and roles of IARU to represent,
develop, and defend frequencies for amateur radio around the world,"
IARU Region 2 explains. "It also describes the regional organizations
and the critical roles of its more than 160 member-societies." The
English-language presentation was developed by the IARU ministrative
Committee and approved at its meeting last October in Lima, Peru.
The short video, available in English and Spanish, was produced by IARU
Region 2 Director Carlos Beviglia, LU1BCE, and Fernando Gomez Rojas,
LU1ARG. The videos are available in MP4 format.
IARU Region 2 encourages member-societies and radio clubs to use the
videos to explain the role and mission of IARU to amateurs, regulators,
and others.
Researchers Use 200 Years of Sunspot Observations to Create "Sun Clock"
Researchers in the UK and the US have developed a new "sun clock" that
quantifies extreme space weather and pinpoints distinct on/off times of
high solar activity and space weather. The sun clock will assist in
planning to protect space and ground-based infrastructure that is
sensitive to space weather. The study, "Quantifying the solar cycle
modulation of extreme space weather," was published in Geophysical
Research Letters. It explains that the sun clock uses the daily sunspot
number record available since 1818 to map solar activity over 18 solar
cycles to a standardized 11-year cycle or "clock."
"Extreme space weather events can significantly impact systems such as
satellites, communications systems, power distribution, and aviation,"
a Warwick University news release said, noting that these events are
driven by solar activity. "By devising a new, regular 'sun
Multiple solar cycles are mapped
onto a regular solar cycle clock
with increasing time reading
clockwise. Circles indicate the
cycle maxima (red), minima (green),
and terminators (blue). The
10.7-centimeter solar flux (blue)
and GOES satellite X-, M-, and
C-class solar flare occurrence is
plotted. Extreme space weather
events on Earth seen in the aa
geomagnetic index are shown as black
dots arranged in concentric circles.
clock', researchers have found that the switch on-and-off of periods of
high solar activity is quite sharp."
The researchers' analysis shows that while extreme events can happen at
any time, they are much less likely to occur during quiet intervals.
The sun clock is aimed at helping scientists to determine more
precisely when the risk for solar storms is highest and to plan the
impact of space weather on space infrastructure. This gains importance
as Solar Cycle 25 is imminent.
According to the researchers, no two solar cycles are the same, but
using a mathematical technique known as the Hilbert transform, they
were able to standardize the solar cycle for the first time. The clock
revealed sharp transitions between quiet and active periods of solar
activity.
"Once the clock is constructed from sunspot observations, it can be
used to order observations of solar activity and space weather," the
university said. This includes the occurrence of solar flares and the
10.7-centimeter solar flux that tracks solar coronal activity.
The researchers determined that once past on/off times are obtained
from the clock, the occurrence rate of extreme events when the sun is
active or quiet can be calculated.
"Scientists spend their lives trying to read the book of nature," lead
author and Professor Sandra Chapman of the University of Warwick's
Centre for Fusion, Space, and Astrophysics, said. "Sometimes, we create
a new way to transform the data, and what appeared to be messy and
complicated is suddenly beautifully simple."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 6) details
everything you need to know about ARRL Field Day, with Contest Program
Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE. Learn how to create a simple station setup
as a less-experienced operator. The On the Air podcast is a monthly
companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 11), available
on Thursday, July 2, will cover Shortwave Radiogram, web-based remote
receivers, and PSKreporter.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
New Extra Class License Manual and Extra Q&A Now Available
Go all the way to the top! ARRL has everything you need to pass the
Amateur Extra-class license exam with confidence.
[IMG]The ARRL Extra Class License Manual for Ham Radio is your ticket
to every privilege granted to amateur radio operators -- all
frequencies, operating modes, and power levels. It has all the
questions and answers, with detailed explanations, for examinations
taken between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2024.
Use this book with ARRL Exam Review for Ham Radio online to review the
material. You can even take practice exams, so there are no surprises
on exam day!
When you've successfully passed the exam, The ARRL Extra Class License
Manual will serve as your reference as you explore your new privileges!
If you're looking for a more direct route to studying for the exam,
[IMG]ARRL's Extra Q&A contains all exam questions and the answers.
To upgrade to Amateur Extra class, you must already hold a
General-class license (or have recently passed all of the exam elements
required for a General-class license).
The ARRL Extra Class License Manual new 12th edition spiral bound (ARRL
Item No. 1311, ISBN: 978-1-62595-131-1, $32.95 retail) and ARRL's Extra
Q&A new 5th edition (ARRL Item No. 1335, ISBN: 978-1-62595-133-5,
$19.95 retail) are now shipping. Order from the ARRL Store, or find an
ARRL publication dealer. For additional questions or ordering, call
860-594-0355 (toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289). Both The ARRL Extra
Class License Manual and ARRL's Extra Q&A are available as an e-book
for the Amazon Kindle.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Illinois Section Has a New Section Manager
Thomas Beebe, W9RY, has been appointed as the Illinois Section Manager,
effective July 1. He succeeds Ron Morgan, AD9I, who stepped down due to
health concerns that became apparent just as he was ready to start a
new term. Morgan was re-elected in the spring Section Manager election
cycle and had served as SM since February 2017. Beebe, who lives in
Marion, will fulfill the 2-year term that extends through June 30,
2022.
Beebe was one of three candidates who ran for the post in the spring SM
election. He has served as an Assistant Section Manager, Official
Emergency Station, and a Field Instructor and Field Examiner. Beebe has
been a ham for more than 50 years.
ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the
appointment after consulting with ARRL Central Division Director Kermit
Carlson, W9XA.
MARS Announces HF Skills Exercise
Members of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) will conduct an
HF skills exercise July 20 - 24 to hone their operating skills and
messaging-handling capabilities. MARS members will be reaching out to
the amateur radio community via the 60 meters Channel 1 Net (5330.5 kHz
dial) twice a day, the SATERN HF net (14.265 MHz), and by contacting
various stations via HFLink throughout the exercise.
Participating MARS members will be requesting assistance with
collecting county status information as well as airport weather
information, called METARs. MARS members will also be passing ICS 213
messages to numerous Department of Defense (DoD), federal, and amateur
radio addressees.
This exercise will be announced via WWV at 00:10 and via WWVH at 00:50
starting on or about July 13. WWV and WWVH listeners will be asked to
take an online listener survey. This HF radio training event will not
impact regular communications.
A Department of Defense program, MARS organizes and trains amateur
radio volunteers to operate in military radio networks to support HF
radio contingency communications. Among other missions, MARS provides
communication support to civil authorities and assists in establishing
normal communication under emergency conditions. -- Thanks to Paul
English, Chief, Army MARS
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots this week.
Spaceweather.com reported a couple of weak, barely emerging spots
(never numbered) but, judging by their magnetic polarity, were from new
Solar Cycle 25. We rely on NOAA for official sunspot numbers, and the
most recent one reported was 11 on June 15.
Average daily solar flux over the June 25 - July 1 reporting week
averaged 68.6, up from 67.7 over the previous 7 days. The average daily
planetary A and the average middle latitude A indices both were 5.5.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 68 each day from July 2
until August 15 -- hardly a promising outlook. Even with no sunspots,
it would be nice to see solar flux values north of 70.
The predicted planetary A index is 5 on July 2 - 26; 8 on July 27 - 28;
5 on July 29 - August 1; 8 on August 2 - 3, and 5 on August 4 -15.
Sunspot numbers for June 25 - July 1 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.9, 67.8, 68.9, 69.2, 68.7,
68.1, and 68.9, with a mean of 68.6. Estimated planetary A indices were
3, 6, 7, 4, 3, 4, and 6, with a mean of 5.5. Middle latitude A index
was 2, 6, 6, 4, 4, 5, and 6, with a mean of 5.5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* July 4 -- FISTS Summer Slow Speed Sprint (CW)
* July 4 - 5 -- DL-DX RTTY Contest
* July 4 - 5 -- Marconi Memorial HF Contest (CW)
* July 4 - 5 -- Original QRP Contest (CW)
* July 4 -5 -- PODXS 070 Club 40-Meter Firecracker Sprint (Digital)
* July 4 - 5 -- YBDXC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* July 6 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* July 6 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Annual 13 Colonies Event Now Under Way
The annual 13 Colonies special event kicked off on July 1 at 1300 UTC
and will continue until July 8 at 0400 UTC. Stations representing the
original 13 British colonies, plus two bonus stations, will be on the
air with 1 * 1 call signs.
The event sponsor stresses that participants do not need to work all 13
colony stations to obtain a certificate and do not need to work the two
bonus stations for a clean sweep. All HF bands will be in play, with
the exception of 60 meters, and simplex on 2 and 6 meters is
encouraged. All modes of operation may be represented.
This year will mark the 12th occurrence of the event. Look for:
* K2A, New York
* K2B, Virginia
* K2C, Rhode Island
* K2D, Connecticut
* K2E, Delaware
* K2F, Maryland
* K2G, Georgia
* K2H, Massachusetts
* K2I, New Jersey
* K2J, North Carolina
* K2K, New Hampshire
* K2L, South Carolina
* K2M, Pennsylvania
Bonus station WM3PEN will be in Philadelphia (the call sign
commemorates the Pennsylvania colony's founder, William Penn). The
other bonus station will be GB13COL in the UK.
Announcements July 2
* ARRL member Wayne Rash, N4HCR, authored a June 30 Forbes magazine
article, "Thousands Of Radio Operators Band Together To Practice
For The Worst," about ARRL Field Day 2020.
* Radio amateurs and others may listen for ham radio activity from
the International Space Station (ISS) by monitoring 145.800 MHz.
* Ken Opskar, LA7GIA, has announced the Jan Mayen 2021 DXpedition,
using the call sign JX0X, in September of 2021, with an emphasis on
160 - 30 meters.
* Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the announced W8S Swains Island
DXpedition has been postponed until spring 2021 at the earliest.
* CQ has named Tim Shoppa, N3QE, of Bethesda, Maryland, as the
magazine's contesting editor. He succeeds Dave Siddall, K3ZJ.
* AMSAT has designated China's CAS-6 (TQ-1) microsatellite as
TQ-OSCAR 108 (TO-108). Reports indicate that the transponder is
active only for intervals of about 2 seconds, but, AMSAT says,
"With patience, and quick transmissions, QSOs have been completed."
* To commemorate the third anniversary of the FT8 Digital Mode Club,
special event stations will be on air during the month of July for
FT8DMC Activity Days. All call signs will have FTDMC or FTDM
suffixes.
Ham Radio Reconnects Boyhood Friends after 60 Years
Two radio amateurs who were in school together in Austria decades ago
have reconnected via VoIP ham radio. One of the two had moved to the
US, and they lost touch. On June 15, Arnold Huebsch, OE1IAH, heard a
call via Echolink from Albin Ennsthaler, KK9HAM, near Spokane.
"At first, I did not want to respond as I was working on a program. But
Arnold Huebsch, OE1IAH.
as I know that usually nobody responds here to calls in English, I
answered," recounted Huebsch, who is also KN6EYB and fluent in English.
As it turned out, they chatted for some 20 minutes. Because each was
familiar with the geography on both sides of the contact, they had a
lot to talk about. Huebsch learned that Ennsthaler was born in Austria
and had relocated to the US years earlier. "He pronounced the local
city names in perfect German but asked to run the QSO in English, as he
felt more comfortable to do so," Huebsch said.
A few minutes after the contact ended, Huebsch turned his attention to
serving as the net control station of a daily net on a local repeater
in Vienna. "I mentioned the contact with KK9HAM and noted that his name
was Albin, a name not common in Austria. That caught the ear of one of
the locals, Gerhard Weissenboeck, OE1WED, who recalled someone named
Albin from school in Styria about 60 years ago, but had lost touch with
him. Weissenboeck wondered if it could be the same person.
"I initiated contact via email between them, as I knew Albin had come
from that area of Austria," Huebsch said. "They found out that they had
shared a desk in school." KK9HAM and OE1WED arranged a sked via
Echolink for a few days later.
"It was an intense, very emotional, funny QSO in a wild mixture of
English and German," Huebsch said. "Without our hobby, these two former
school friends would never have had a chance to meet again."
Ennsthaler later emailed Huebsch. "I am still speechless about this
get-together with Gerhard and Fahrdienstleiter [traffic controller]
Arnold and other members of the group," he said. "What a memorable
day."
In Brief...
Intrepid-DX Group Announces Youth Essay Contest The Intrepid-DX Group,
a US-based IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes amateur
radio in developing countries, has announced its first Youth Essay
Contest. The prize is a new Icom IC-7300 transceiver, which the winner
must agree to keep and use for 1 year. Participants will submit a
two-page essay answering these questions: (1) What are your amateur
radio goals? and (2) What can we do to attract more youth to amateur
radio? The competition is open to US amateur radio licensees aged 19 or
younger. Submit essays in text or MS Word attachment by July 31, 2020,
or mail to The Intrepid-DX Group, 3052 Wetmore Dr., San Jose, CA 95148,
postmarked by July 31, 2020. The winner will be announced on August 10
on the Intrepid-DX Group website and on its Facebook page. Email for
more information. The Intrepid-DX Group hopes to make the Youth Essay
Contest an annual event.
SAQ Announces Annual Alexanderson Day Transmission The vintage SAQ
Alexanderson alternator in Sweden will conduct its annual Alexanderson
Day transmissions on 17.2 kHz on Sunday, July 5. Startup and tuning
will begin at 0830 UTC, with the transmission commencing at 0900 UTC.
Startup and tuning for the second transmission will begin at 1130 UTC,
with the message transmission at 1200 UTC. Both events will be
broadcast live via the Alexderson Association SAQ YouTube channel. QSO
via the reception report form. Amateur radio station SK6SAQ will
operate on 7.035 and 14.035 MHz (CW) and on 3.755 MHz SSB. Send
reception reports via email. Two stations will be on the air most of
the time. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no visitors will be allowed
into the radio station. More details are on the Alexanderson
Association website.
National Hurricane Center's WX4NHC Annual Station Test is Successful On
May 30, operators at WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center (NHC),
working from home, conducted the annual readiness check of the station
and of other amateur radio stations and operators around the country
and world. WX4NHC is marking its 40th year of public service in 2020.
Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator at the NHC Julio Ripoll, WD4R,
reported that five WX4NHC operators made 146 contacts with US and
Caribbean stations. Despite poor HF propagation, operators made
contacts with stations as far north as Maine and as far south and west
as Aruba and Curacao, Puerto Rico, and Texas. Operators also made many
contacts using digital modes, including Winlink as well as Florida's
statewide SARNET UHF repeater network that connects 27 repeaters from
Key West to Tallahassee. -- Thanks to the ARES E-Letter
Getting It Right!
The article, "Rescued Radio Amateur Says, 'Ham Radio Saved My Life'" in
the June 25 issue of The ARRL Letter cited a report in the Bennington
Banner. The newspaper's name was incorrect in the article.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
* August 7 - 9 -- Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Parker,
Colorado
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, July 10, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
July 9, 2020
* IARU HF World Championship is Major Mid-Year Event for Everyone
* Maritime Mobile Service Network Comes to the Aid of Vessel in
Distress
* Newer Solar Cycle 25 Forecast Runs Counter to Consensus
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Announces Full Lineup of Speakers
* Announcements July 9
* ARRL Seeks Awards and Programs Assistant
* Washington Club Conducts Outdoor Amateur Exam Session
* Annual KPH "Night of Nights" Canceled
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
IARU HF World Championship is Major Mid-Year Event for Everyone
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) HF World Championship over
the July 11 - 12 weekend offers an opportunity for operators to put
their stations to the test ahead of the fall-winter contest season.
Casual contesters are welcome. This everybody-works-everybody event
kicks off at 1200 UTC on Saturday, July 11, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and
10 meters and continues for the next 24 hours. Despite rather dismal HF
conditions recently, the competition is expected to keep the bands
hopping on both phone and CW; participants may operate either or both
modes. Highlighting the activity will be the IARU headquarters (HQ)
stations and officials on the air from around the world, although, as
the IARU notes, HQ stations may not be active at typical levels.
Carol Milazzo, KP4MD, competed with
her low-power portable setup in the
2019 IARU HF World Championship.
Participating stations send a signal report and ITU zone (or IARU
member-society abbreviation). The IARU HF Championship web page
includes ITU zone borders for the US and Canada.
"It is essential that the global COVID-19 pandemic be taken into
account, including by IARU member-society HQ station teams," the IARU
said in announcing this year's event. The IARU stressed that
multioperator and IARU member-society HQ stations "must adhere strictly
to the regulations and social distancing guidelines in effect issued by
the responsible health authorities and the World Health Organization,
even if observing the guidelines is not legally required in their
locations." This requirement also applies to single-operator stations
and especially to stations hosting guest operators.
The objective of the IARU HF World Championship is "to support amateur
self-training in radiocommunications including improving amateur
operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and
intercommunicating with other amateurs around the world, especially
IARU member-society headquarters stations." Special rules governing
IARU member-society HQ stations permit using multiple sites, if
national regulations permit.
The Vakarel broadcast
transmitter tower and two
smaller antennas. HQ station
LZ0AA will use this for an
80-meter antenna.
The HQ list includes ARRL. Members of the Tennessee Contest Group (TCG)
will operate as ARRL HQ station W1AW/4, while IARU HQ Station NU1AW
will be operated remotely by a team of operators using WW2DX facilities
on the coast of Maine.
In addition to HQ stations, members of the IARU ministrative Council
(AC) and the three IARU regional executive committees will send AC, R1,
R2, and R3, as appropriate. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, will be
active for a limited period, giving out the AC multiplier. IARU
HQ/official stations and ITU zones are multipliers, which count per
band but not per mode, but contacts count per mode per band. Contacts
with IARU member-society HQ stations and officials do not count as zone
multipliers.
Listen for this one: In Bulgaria, the Vakarel broadcast transmitter has
been off the air since 2015. The antenna, erected in 1937, is 215
meters (705 feet). During the IARU contest, the Bulgarian Federation of
Radio Amateurs (BFRA) HQ station will use the antenna on 80 meters as
LZ0AA. After the contest, the antenna will be taken down. -- Thanks to
The Daily DX for some information
Maritime Mobile Service Network Comes to the Aid of Vessel in Distress
The Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) on 14.300 MHz came to the
assistance of a sailing vessel in distress on June 25. MMSN control
operator Steven Carpenter, K9UA, took a call on 20 meters from Ian
Cummings, KB4SG, the skipper of the Mystic Lady, then some 40 miles
east of Florida. Cummings reported that his engine had failed as he was
attempting to return to his home port of Stuart, Florida. He not only
had insufficient wind, but a strong current was carrying the vessel out
to sea.
Cummings had been unable to reach any station via his VHF marine radio,
because he was too far from the coast. Assisting in the call was Robert
Wynhoff, K5HUT, also an MMSN net control operator. Cummings said his
vessel, with one passenger on board, was drifting northwest toward the
South Carolina coast.
"A major concern was that the vessel was heading directly towards a lee
shore," the MMSN reported. "Lee shores are shallow, dangerous areas
which are a hazard to watercraft. Vessels could be pushed into the
shallow area by the wind, possibly running aground and breaking up."
Carpenter contacted Cummings' family, who had already called the Sea
Tow marine towing service. Sea Tow advised Carpenter to tell the
captain to head closer to shore by sailing west, if possible. Carpenter
told Cummings that if he was unable to get nearer to shore, he would
notify the US Coast Guard, which was already monitoring the situation.
As the MMSN reported, "The Mystic Lady was able to make some headway,
but it was very slow. Members of the MMSN made additional calls via
landline to the captain's family as to the ongoing status of those on
board. The family was concerned but relieved that communication was
established and that all were well."
Several hours later, the captain advised that the wind had picked up,
allowing him to head close enough to shore for Sea Tow to reach the
vessel and take it back to port.
The Pacific Seafarers' Net, which monitors 14.300 MHz from the West
Coast after the MMSN secures at 0200 UTC, kept in touch with the Mystic
Lady into the night while it was under tow.
The tired, grateful captain later messaged the net, "A million thanks
to everyone last night who helped rescue us on 14.300. Everyone chipped
in as we drifted north in the Gulf Stream 60 miles headed to a lee
shore. The MMSN net control and several others stayed with us for
hours, phoned people, and were immensely helpful. The situation on
board was dangerous. We are now safely under tow home. You folks are
amazing!"
In operation since 1968, the MMSN monitors 14.300 MHz 70 hours a week
to assist vessels and others in need of assistance. -- Thanks to MMSN
Net Manager Jeff Savasta, KB4JKL
Newer Solar Cycle 25 Forecast Runs Counter to Consensus
Scientists associated with the National Center for Atmospheric
Research, the University of Maryland, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center,
and other institutions are offering a "bold prediction" on how Solar
Cycle 25 will play out. In a paper, "Overlapping Magnetic Activity
Cycles and the Sunspot Number: Forecasting Sunspot Cycle 25 Amplitude,"
they assert that the next sunspot cycle will be of major proportions.
The forecast stands in stark contrast to the consensus of forecasters
who predict that the magnitude of the nascent Cycle 25 may not be much
different from the current unremarkable solar cycle, which appears to
have reach its low point.
"From the dawn of modern observational astronomy, sunspots have
presented a challenge to understanding -- their quasi-periodic
variation in number, first noted 160 years ago, stimulates
community-wide interest to this day," the abstract points out. "A large
number of techniques are able to explain the temporal landmarks,
(geometric) shape, and amplitude of sunspot 'cycles,' however,
forecasting these features accurately in advance remains elusive."
Monthly sunspot numbers since
1749. The data values are
represented by dots, and the
12-month running average values
are illustrated as a red shaded
area. Vertical blue dashed lines
signify the magnetic activity
cycle termination times that
trigger the rapid growth of
sunspot activity.
The paper notes that recent studies have illustrated a relationship
between the sun's 22-year Hale magnetic cycle and the production of
sunspot cycle landmarks and patterns, but not the amplitude of the
cycle.
"Using discrete Hilbert transforms on 270 years of monthly sunspot
numbers to robustly identify the so-called 'termination' events --
landmarks marking the start and end of sunspot and magnetic activity
cycles -- we extract a relationship between the temporal spacing of
terminators and the magnitude of sunspot cycles," the abstract
explains. "Given this relationship and our prediction of a terminator
event in 2020, we deduce that Sunspot Cycle 25 will have a magnitude
that rivals the top few since records began. This outcome would be in
stark contrast to the community consensus estimate of Sunspot Cycle 25
magnitude."
NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory
captured this image of a sunspot,
with a core larger than Earth.
According to the paper, low-amplitude solar cycles appear to correspond
with widely separated terminators, while larger-amplitude cycles
correspond to more narrowly separated terminators.
"[O]ur best estimate for the [sunspot number] amplitude of Solar Cycle
25 is 233 spots, with a 68% confidence that the amplitude will fall
between 204 and 254 spots," the paper posits. "We predict with 95%
confidence that the Cycle 25 amplitude will fall between 153 and 305
spots."
The researchers concede that their forecast is outside of the
scientific consensus, based on different paradigms. "Over the coming
months, as [Solar Cycle] 25 matures, it will become evident which of
these paradigms is most relevant," the paper says. "Very early
indications of the spot pattern are appearing at higher-than-average
latitudes (â*¼40A°). Historically, high-latitude spot emergence has
been associated with the development of large amplitude sunspot cycles
-- only time will tell."
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 7) features tips
for soldering a PL-259 connector onto the end of a coaxial cable, and
information on beginner courses for hams who want to serve their
communities during disasters and other incidents. The On the Air
podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine
for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 11), available
on Thursday, July 2, will cover Shortwave Radiogram, web-based remote
receivers, and PSKreporter.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We saw a new sunspot on July 4, but
it was from the declining Solar Cycle 24 and lasted only through the
next day. Sunspot numbers were 12 and 11, for an average daily sunspot
number of 3.3 for the week. Prior to July 4, no sunspots had been
observed since June 15.
The average daily solar flux was 68.5; the previous week, it was 68.6.
The average daily planetary A index inched up from 4.7 to 5.1, and the
average daily middle latitude A index shifted from 4.7 to 6.4.
The 45-day outlook for solar flux does not look promising, with no
values predicted at 70 or above. Predicted solar flux is 68 on July 9 -
24; 69 on July 25 - August 8; 68 on August 9 - 20, and 69 on August 21
- 22.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on July 9; 5 on July 10 - 12; 8 on
July 13; 5 on July 14 - 26; 8 on July 27 - 28; 5 on July 29 - 30; 12,
10, 8, and 8 on July 31 - August 3, and 5 on August 4 - 22.
Sunspot numbers for July 2 - 8 were 0, 0, 12, 11, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 3.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68, 69.3, 69.5, 69.4, 68.5,
67.7, and 67.2, with a mean of 68.5. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 4, 7, 10, 5, 4, and 2, with a mean of 5.1. Middle latitude A index
was 5, 5, 9, 13, 6, 5, and 2, with a mean of 6.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* July 11 -- FISTS Summer Unlimited Sprint (CW)
* July 11 - 12 -- IARU HF World Championship (CW, phone)
* July 11 - 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* July 12 -- QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint (CW)
* July 13 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* July 15 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
* July 16 -- NAQCC CW Sprint CW
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Announces Full Lineup of Speakers
The first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, which takes place the weekend of
August 8 - 9, has confirmed what it's calling "a packed lineup of over
70 great speakers" for the ARRL-sanctioned event. Attendance is free
and registration is open.
Presentations will cover a range of topics, with two tracks focused on
providing hands-on, practical advice for those just getting started in
amateur radio. Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, will demonstrate basic soldering
techniques for repairing equipment and building projects. Marcel
Stieber, AI6MS, will offer an overview of common battery types,
discussing the pros and cons of each -- including battery chemistry,
common uses and misuses, and everyday application tips.
For experienced operators, topics will cover new techniques, equipment
upgrading, 3D printing, and more. Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, will attempt to
answer the question, "Is 3 dB Worth a Divorce?" and cover a wide range
of antenna topics. Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, will explain how to build a QRP
radio. In his presentation, "The Slot Antenna -- Undiscovered Country
for Most Hams," John Portune, W6NBC, will demonstrate how a satellite
TV dish can be "slotted" to make an effective outdoor 2-meter or UHF
antenna for use in antenna-restricted neighborhoods.
Prominent youth educator Carole Perry, WB2MGP, will moderate a lineup
featuring amateur radio's future leaders. Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, will
speak on "Getting Girls Involved in STEM, Specifically Amateur Radio!",
while hot-air ballooning will be the focus of a talk by Jack McElroy,
KM4ZIA, "Highly Flying Kids with HAB."
QSO Today's Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, says that one challenge to any ham radio
convention, whether in person or virtual, is keeping the content of
presentations from becoming overly complicated and overwhelming. "For
our inaugural virtual Expo, we've made sure that there are great
speakers for both beginners and experienced hams," Guth said. "We've
asked all of our speakers to be laser focused on their topics while
providing hands-on, practical advice." Each presentation will wrap up
with a live question-and-answer session.
For more information or to register, visit the QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo website. Attendance is free, and there are early bird prize
incentives for registering by July 24.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements July 9
* NEAR-Fest in Deerfield, New Hampshire, has been canceled for 2020
due to the coronavirus pandemic. The popular regional hamfest and
swap meet plans to return April 30 - May 1 and October 12- 13,
2021.
* Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) is offering to host websites for its
affiliated clubs on the RAC server at little or no cost, depending
on how the club's domain is set up.
* The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) reports "record numbers"
of ham radio exam candidates, with more than 800 candidates
successfully completing the online Foundation on June 26, and more
than 650 booked for future dates.
* On June 27, a new KiwiSDR web software-defined radio became
operational in Iceland. The new receiver is located in BlA¡fjAP:ll
at an altitude of 690 meters (about 2,298 feet). It uses a
horizontal dipole for 80 and 40 meters and covers from 10 kHz to 30
MHz, AM, FM, SSB, and CW. Up to eight users can be logged on at the
same time. -- Thanks to Icelandic Radio Amateurs
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Seeks Awards and Programs Assistant
ARRL has invited applications for the position of Awards and Programs
Assistant at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. This is a
full-time, non-exempt opening in the Radiosport and Field Services
Department. The pay range is from $16.08 to 19.30 per hour.
The Awards and Programs Assistant assists with all Radiosport and Field
Services Department activities, with an initial priority on Logbook of
The World (LoTW) support. Other duties may involve supporting DXCC and
other awards programs, W1AW operations, and contest program and field
service support. This individual also may be assigned special projects
and would represent ARRL in public forums worldwide.
The successful candidate should have a well-rounded knowledge of
amateur radio, an Amateur Extra-class license, and 2 years of operating
experience; the ability to quickly understand and explain software
functionality, and proficiency in keyboarding and data entry. This
individual should have attained DXCC, regularly submit contest logs to
sponsors, use LoTW, and be able to resolve issues efficiently.
A bachelor's degree is preferred. The ideal candidate will have
excellent interpersonal, telephone, and listening skills and be
proficient in public presentations. Some overnight travel may be
required.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume via mail, email, or fax to
ARRL, c/o Monique Levesque, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (fax
860-594 -0298). For complete position information, visit ARRL
Employment Opportunities and scroll down to "Awards and Programs
Assistant."
ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington Club Conducts Outdoor Amateur Exam Session
Parking lots may be replacing community centers, schools, and
clubhouses as convenient locations to conduct amateur radio examination
sessions. On June 20, the Mike and Key Amateur Radio Club in Washington
took over a Boeing parking lot to administer tests under the ARRL
Volunteer Examination Coordinator (ARRL VEC). Volunteer Examiner Scott
Robinson, AG7T, said his team had been unable to administer exam
sessions since early March.
"Based upon King County and Washington State COVID guidance, we thought
we could give an outdoor session using one of Boeing's parking lots in
Renton," Robinson told ARRL. "That required a lot of work to organize."
Volunteer examiners at the June 20
session included K7PIA, AG7T, KL7WM,
KD7IQL, KF7RWA, W7GIL, and K7CMW.
[K7CMW, photo]
Robinson said the team developed a COVID-19 mitigation plan that
detailed how the examiners would address several major areas. These
included health screening of VEs and exam candidates, social distancing
in all aspects of the session, sanitation in setting up the test area
and in session processes, and contact tracing.
"With those details agreed to, an information document was produced for
the examinees that listed a set of requirements each of them needed to
meet," Robinson said. "For example, no carpooling to the session. Each
examinee who agreed to the requirements was then registered for the
session." Candidates had to register in advance via email, at which
time they would receive directions to the exam session location and
requirements.
A custom set of test booklets were produced for single use and then
disposed of. "We used plastic sheet protectors to ensure minimal
handling of examinees' documents by the VEs," Robinson explained.
"These were also thrown away."
Examinees parked in every other parking spot, facing the VE area in the
center of the lot. This allowed the VEs to supervise those taking exams
by looking through car windows.
"We had 24 examinees at the session and gave 29 exams, leading to 14
Technicians, seven Generals, and two Amateur Extras," Robinson said,
noting that an additional 10 candidates are on the waiting list. "We
are going to do this again on the third Saturday in July."
Annual KPH "Night of Nights" Canceled
The Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) and the National Park
Service have announced that the annual KPH Night of Nights has been
canceled due to COVID-19 precautions. This would have been the 21st
such event, which commemorates what is believed to be the last
commercial Morse transmission in the US.
Maritime Radio Historical Society
founder Richard Dillman, W6AWO,
keyed the initial commemorative
broadcast during Night of Nights XX
while volunteer engineer Roy
Henrichs, WB6OVV, read the message
aloud to attendees.
While KPH, KFS, and K6KPH will not be on the air for Night of Nights
XXI, MRHS members will be active from home. Members will use their own
call signs on the usual K6KPH frequencies of 3550, 7050, and 14,050 kHz
starting at 0001 UTC on July 13 (the evening of July 12 in North
American time zones) and will send the Night of Nights opening message
traditionally transmitted via KPH. They will then stand by for calls or
will call "CQ NON" or "CQ Night of Nights."
Listen for WB6OVV, N6BBF, WB6UZX, AA6IF, N6AD, W6AWO, W6DHM, and
possibly others.
In Brief...
AMSAT has announced the 2020 Board of Directors slate of candidates.
The following candidates for seats on the AMSAT-NA Board of Directors
have been found to have their membership in good standing and their
nomination credentials in order: Howard DeFelice, AB2S; Mark Hammond,
N8MH; Jeff Johns, WE4B; Robert McGwier, N4HY; Bruce Paige, KK5DO, and
Paul Stoetzer, N8HM. AMSAT will elect three voting members of the Board
this year, with seats going to the three candidates receiving the
greatest number of votes. Two alternates will be chosen, based on the
next highest number of votes received. Ballots will be mailed to AMSAT
members by July 15. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via AMSAT Secretary
Brennan Price, N4QX
ARRL Central Division Director Kermit Carlson, W9XA, points out that a
new Indiana "hands-free" driving law carves out an exception for ham
radio mobile operation. "The hands-free law applies to electronic
communications devices which includes cell phones, tablets, and
smart-watches," a Q&A on the law explains. "Amateur radio, two-way
radio, and citizens band (CB) may be used under the hands-free law, but
drivers are required to do so in a safe manner." The Q&A notes that
"holding a smartphone or tablet while driving is a significant factor
in crashes caused by distracted driving."
A special event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Vanuatu's
independence On July 30, 1980, the Republic of Vanuatu gained its
independence. France and the UK claimed parts of the archipelago, and
in 1906, they agreed on a framework for jointly managing it as the New
Hebrides. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of independence, all
three members of the Vanuatu Amateur Radio Society (VARS) will operate
special event station YJ40IND during the month of July. Activity will
be according to the individual operators' schedules, but is expected to
occur mostly during late afternoons and evenings (0600 - 1000 UTC). A
greater emphasis will be made over weekends and on Independence Day,
July 30. Operators should look for activity on 40, 20, and 15 meters,
where propagation is expected. On FT8 (normal or as the Fox) will be
Rod, YJ8RN. On SSB will be Estelle, YJ8ED. On CW, listen for Colin,
YJ8CW. Operators will be running 100 W. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
* August 7 - 9 -- Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Parker,
Colorado
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, July 17, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
July 16, 2020
* AMSAT-DL Submits Lunar Lander Proposal to European Space Agency
* DXCC Entities in Play as US Rejects China's Significant South China
Sea Claims
* Field Day 2020 is Shaping Up to be One for the Record Books
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Radio Amateurs Respond to Flooding in Indonesia
* Russian-Ukrainian Radio War May be Escalating
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Announcements
* AMSAT VP Says Husky-1 CubeSat Project Helped Pave the Way for
Future Missions
* In Brief...
* Getting It Right
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
AMSAT-DL Submits Lunar Lander Proposal to European Space Agency
Germany's amateur satellite organization AMSAT-DL has submitted a
comprehensive proposal to the European Space Agency (ESA) for its Lunar
Amateur Radio Transponder (LunART) lunar lander -- a communications
platform on the Large European Lander to support communication and
payload experiments. AMSAT-DL's Peter Guelzow, DB2OS, and Matthias
Bopp, DD1US, say that a LunART (called "LunaART" in the AMSAT-DL
proposal) would support direct communication with Earth via amateur
radio, support university and student payloads and offer direct access
to their experiments, and expand the reach of radio science. It could
also provide backup communication capability and capacity during an
emergency, or when the ESA network is busy.
The comprehensive radio platform would use the European frequency
protocol of 2.4 GHz up and 10.45 GHz down (approximately 100 W),
pioneered in the QO-100 satellite, the first geosynchronous amateur
radio payload. The platform would also include a VHF/UHF transponder.
AMSAT-DL would develop and build the necessary hardware and software
and provide ground station support via the 20-meter dish at AMSAT-DL
headquarters in Bochum, Germany. They envision developing a smaller
ground station with an approximately 1-meter dish to support groups,
including schools and universities. Low-power beacons would transmit on
various frequencies from VHF (145 MHz) through SHF (up to 24 GHz or
even 47 GHz), AMSAT-DL's proposal says.
"This transponder would also be an ideal platform to develop new
transmission schemes with novel modulation and coding techniques
optimized for long-distance communications with the corresponding high
latency (long delays)," AMSAT-DL said. "This would provide essential
knowledge in preparation of a future Mars mission." In addition, LunART
could include the capability to transmit still or slow-scan television
images and video to schools "from cameras attached to the lander
monitoring the moon surface and perhaps the Earth in the background
[which] would be ideal stimuli for getting school kids and STEM
organizations further interested in space."
The proposal is on open access at the ESA website and is now being
evaluated. AMSAT-DL's LunART follows the Lunar Amateur Radio
Interaction Experiment (LARIE) proposal from Andy Thomas, G0SFJ. Both
refer to weak signal modes and suggest the same frequency bands. Thomas
said he welcomes LunART as a well-developed proposal and hopes ESA will
support it as well. -- Thanks to Southgate Amateur Radio News
DXCC Entities in Play as US Rejects China's Significant South China Sea
Claims
To radio amateurs, Scarborough Reef or the Spratly Islands are DX
locations, occasionally activated to provide needy DXers with "a new
one." The Spratlys are #53 on the Club Log DXCC Most-Wanted List, but
Scarborough Reef -- a much more difficult piece of real estate to
access -- is #4. These South China Sea Islands are once again in the
news, as the US has begun putting heat on China by rejecting nearly all
of its significant land claims in the region. Secretary of State Mike
Pompeo this week said that the US now regards virtually all Chinese
maritime claims outside of its internationally recognized waters to be
illegitimate.
"The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its
maritime empire," Pompeo said. "America stands with our Southeast Asian
allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore
resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under
international law. We stand with the international community in defense
of freedom of the seas and respect for sovereignty and reject any push
to impose 'might makes right' in the South China Sea or the wider
region."
A 2016 ruling from an international tribunal discounted China's claims
with respect to Scarborough Reef -- also known as Scarborough Shoal --
and the Spratlys, but it did not rule on the matter of sovereignty. In
addition to China's claim, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the
Philippines have asserted ownership of the Spratlys. Scarborough Reef
is claimed by China, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The Permanent Court
of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in a
dispute with China over Scarborough Reef. The tribunal said that
although navigators and fishermen from China and other states have
historically made use of South China Sea Islands, there was no evidence
that China had historically exercised exclusive
Bob Vallio, W6RGG, was one of the
operators on the 2007 BS7H
Scarborough Reef DXpedition.
control over the waters or resources. The tribunal said China had
violated the Philippines' sovereign rights and had caused "severe harm
to the coral reef environment" by building artificial islands and an
air strip.
In 2015, a Chinese naval vessel "harassed a Philippine Air Force patrol
flight in the Spratlys," one news account reported, by firing an
illumination round. The incident postponed a Philippine Navy flight
that was to evacuate an ailing participant of the then-just-ended DX0P
DXpedition. The Chinese Navy has also warned off private aircraft. DX0P
was issued by the Philippines. Last week, China complained about the US
conducting joint exercises with two US aircraft carrier groups in the
region.
A May 2007 DXpedition to Scarborough Reef used the call sign BS7H,
granted by China. DXpedition team members operated from wooden
platforms mounted atop each of the reef's four rocks that were exposed
during high tide. The ARRL Board of Directors voted in 1996 to add
Scarborough Reef to the ARRL DXCC List.
Field Day 2020 is Shaping Up to be One for the Record Books
ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, reported this week
that ARRL has received more than 8,700 online Field Day entries, and
paper-only entries have started arriving too.
"As many participants chose to operate from home this year, and given
the 2020 rules waivers, we have seen a tremendous increase in entries
over last year's event," Bourque said. "Most of the entries received
have been through the online web app, and Headquarters staffers have
begun processing the paper entries this week." The 2020 waivers allowed
individual club members to attribute their scores to their clubs.
Participants who submitted entries online are encouraged to check the
Field Day entries received page to verify that their entries are marked
as complete, and that the club name entered is correct. Entries with a
status of "pending" are incomplete entries that are missing one or more
items, and these need to be completed for an official entry.
Share your stories and photos using the ARRL soapbox page or via social
media, such as on the ARRL Field Day Facebook group.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 7) features tips
for soldering a PL-259 connector onto the end of a coaxial cable, and
information on beginner courses for hams who want to serve their
communities during disasters and other incidents. The On the Air
podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine
for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 12), available
on Thursday, July 16, will feature a discussion with Bob Allison,
WB1GCM, about low-frequency activities, plus an update on the status of
NextGen TV.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Radio Amateurs Respond to Flooding in Indonesia
Indonesia's International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society
ORARI and the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space of Indonesia
(LAPAN) have activated the IO-86 amateur radio satellite to facilitate
emergency communication in the South Sulawesi province in the wake of
flooding on July 13. The disaster has affected nearly 5,000 families,
according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB).
Heavy rains early this week swelled rivers and sent floodwaters, mud,
and debris across roads and into thousands of homes, submerging many of
them. IARU Region 3 Disaster Communication Coordinator Dani Halim,
YB2TJV, reports an emergency post was established near the scene of the
flooding. Some traffic is being handled on HF, and radio amateurs in
Region 3 are asked to keep 7.110 MHz free for emergency communications.
Repairs to the power grid are under way. Local emergency managers and
the Indonesian Red Cross have conducted a quick assessment in the
field. The provincial road is covered in mud, preventing access to the
main command post and the affected location.
As of July 15, at least 16 people died, and 46 other individuals are
missing. ORARI Local Soroako participated in activating the Masamba
flash flood disaster relief program and proceeded directly to the
disaster site. Carrying out communication support at the disaster site,
ORARI Local Soroako -- with Andi Baharuddin, YC8BR, who had first
headed for the disaster site -- and ORARI Local Luwu Utara were
establishing emergency communication.
Russian-Ukrainian Radio War May be Escalating
The June newsletter of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1
Monitoring System (IARUMS) reports that what's being called "the
Russian-Ukrainian radio war" continues apace.
"The Russian-Ukrainian radio war remained on a high escalation level
also in June," IARUMS Region 1 Coordinator Peter Jost, HB9CET, said.
"Almost every day, we heard the massive spiteful and provocative
broadcasts. In June, they used more frequencies than before, affecting
our bands very hard. It is a great annoyance and a big shame!"
Jost points out that the IARU Monitoring System has little opportunity
to stop the on-the-air conflict. "Only national authorities can
hopefully do something against international complaints," he said. "It
is very important and very helpful that many other [IARU]
member-societies also observe these frequencies and make complaints to
their regulators. We have to coordinate this well within IARU and act
together. This is the only way we have a certain power."
In May, Jost reported that the radio war has raged "for years" at 7055
kHz LSB (as well as on 7050 or 7060 kHz). Jost also reported continued
daily transmissions from the Russian over-the-horizon radar known as
"Contayner" in the 40- and 20-meter amateur bands and elsewhere. The
Chinese "V" has been reported on 20 meters, from 14,246 to 14,256 kHz.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Over the July 9 - 15 reporting week,
we only saw sunspot activity on July 10, when the daily sunspot number
was 12. The sunspot was designated as number 2766, returning for a
second appearance from Solar Cycle 24. From last week to this, the
average daily sunspot number declined from 3.3 to 1.7, but average
daily solar flux remained at 68.5.
Predicted solar flux remains low, further evidence of this long, deep
solar minimum. All flux values for the next 45 days are predicted to
stay below 70. The predicted 10.7-centimeter solar flux is 69 on July
16 - 22; 68 on July 23 - 24; 69 on July 25 - August 1, 68 on August 2 -
20; 69 on August 21 - 28, and 68 on August 29.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on July 16 - 30; 8 and 10 on July 31 -
August 1; 5 on August 2 - 8; 8 on August 9 - 10; 5 on August 11 - 26; 8
on August 27 - 28, and 5 on August 29.
George Hall, N2CG, in Northern New Jersey reported an extensive 6-meter
opening, which we will cover in Friday's bulletin.
Sunspot numbers for July 9 - 15 were 0, 12, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 1.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.7, 68.8, 68.7, 67.6, 68.2,
68.9, and 68.4, with a mean of 68.5. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 3, 3, 3, 6, 11, and 5, with a mean of 5. Middle latitude A index was
4, 3, 2, 3, 7, 9, and 6, with a mean of 4.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* July 18 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* July 18 -- Russian Radio Team Championship (CW, phone)
* July 18 -- Trans-Tasman Low-Bands Challenge (CW, phone)
* July 18 - 19 -- North American QSO Party, RTTY
* July 18 - 19 -- CQ Worldwide VHF Contest (CW, phone)
* July 19 -- RSGB Low Power Contest (CW)
* July 19 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* July 19 -- CQC Great Colorado Gold Rush (CW)
* July 22 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* July 23 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, Data
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The ARRL Board of Directors will meet July 17 - 18 in virtual
session for its second regular meeting of the year. The Board will
hear reports from committees, including the CEO Search Committee,
chaired by Central Division Director Kermit Carlson, W9XA; consider
committee reports and recommendations, and proposals for amendments
to the Articles of Association and Bylaws.
* ARRL has a new way to let members know when the digital editions of
QST and other publications are available. Distributed via email,
The ARRL Current offers a monthly overview of ARRL publications and
member benefits. The inaugural edition launched in June. Subscribe
now to receive each issue going forward. Manage your email
preferences from your ARRL account (members must first be
registered on the ARRL website). Go to the Edit Email Subscriptions
page, select The ARRL Current, and then click Save.
* Volunteer Monitor (VM) program coordinator Riley Hollingsworth,
K4ZDH, reported that monitoring hours increased significantly from
the first quarter to the second quarter of the year. VMs logged
first-quarter HF hours at 3,533, and VHF/UHF/Other hours at 2,258.
They logged second-quarter HF hours at 5,930, and VHF/UHF/Other at
7,478.
* "The Uncertain Future of Ham Radio" is the title of an IEEE
Spectrum article by Julianne Pepitone that addresses a range of
topics, from ARRL to spectrum allocation and ham radio
demographics. The author interviewed both young and old radio
amateurs to glean their individual perspectives on how to grow
amateur radio and keep it alive for future generations.
* The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a new video, "How to
get pictures from the International Space Station via Amateur
Radio." The video features radio amateur David Honess, 2E0XDO
(ex-M6DNT). An article on the same topic, "Pictures from space via
ham radio," appeared last year in The MagPi, the Raspberry Pi
magazine.
* The first DX Engineering (DXE) Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy takes
place on Saturday, July 25, Both virtual events are free. Register
for the Zoom platform presentations or watch live on the DXE
YouTube channel. The DXE hamfest starts at 9 AM. The DX Academy
starts at 1 PM. Visit the DXE Facebook page or On All Bands blog
for more information.
* Brazil's IARU member-society LABRE has released an analysis of
radio amateurs by numbers, class, and state. With a population of
212 million, Brazil boasted 39,539 radio amateurs (36,919 men and
2,620 women) in 2019. By way of comparison, the UK, with a
population of 67 million, is believed to have some 78,000
individual amateur licensees as of mid-July 2020.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT VP Says Husky-1 CubeSat Project Helped Pave the Way for Future
Missions
AMSAT Vice President of Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, said that while
it was disappointing that the amateur transponder on HuskySat-1
(HO-107) was not available any longer, following the satellite's
science missions, the overall HuskySat-1 project and mission "were
quite beneficial for our partner and for AMSAT." The linear transponder
module (LTM) on HuskySat-1 was operational for more than 3 months,
failing during or just after a period of full sun when LTM temperatures
topped 80 °C (176 °F). HuskySat-1 was the first CubeSat from the Husky
Satellite Lab at the University of Washington (UW) and the first
mission with AMSAT's LTM V/u transponder onboard. University
researchers conducted their work using an FCC Part 5 Experimental
license.
"The HuskySat-1 team was able to command their satellite and
experiments and receive the telemetry they sought, and AMSAT was able
to work through the extensive process of making a new design for a
'black box' radio module that can be integrated into a non-AMSAT
spacecraft and fly in the space environment," Buxton said in a recent
post to the AMSAT-BB reflector. "While licensed and operated as an
amateur radio satellite by AMSAT during the transponder use, some facts
set HO-107 apart from our Fox-1 CubeSats and other AMSAT satellites,"
Buxton explained, pointing out that HuskySat-1 was not an AMSAT
satellite.
"We have no control and may not have any insight into how a partner
actually uses the LTM," he said. "While we see the LTM temperatures and
many of the other typical data fields that we downlink to FoxTelem
regarding LTM health, data such as temperature of the host environment
as well as other specific information like power and the state of the
other systems in a host satellite may or may not be available to us.
Whether LTM is operated within design limits is entirely up to the
host."
Buxton said the HuskySat team and AMSAT cooperated smoothly on the
mission. The HuskySat-1 team is processing and studying its data for
use in their thesis and classes and preparing it for release "in a
specific way typical of such an institution today," he said. "AMSAT is
generally more forthcoming with information about our missions, but
what we can and have said about this mission is determined by UW."
Buxton said the LTM concept is now becoming available for other
non-AMSAT CubeSats to fly amateur radio on their mission.
"HO-107 is the pilot production of LTM and was developed in partnership
with UW HuskySat-1," Buxton explained. "It was the first CubeSat radio
module designed and built by AMSAT for use in other host CubeSats, and
UW was key in working with us through the design and processes needed
to provide such a module. They did not buy it as such, nor did we give
it to them as an 'off-the-shelf' product, as we plan to for future LTM
production."
LTM was developed from the Fox-1E linear transponder design. "Overall,
the HuskySat-1 team was quite happy with the telemetry and command
performance, even with the LTM anomalies showing up toward the end of
their experiments," Buxton said. "In the process of getting HuskySat-1
to orbit, several students became interested in amateur radio, and we
have already had preliminary discussions of future joint mission
plans."
"There is no doubt that HO-107 was a success in many ways beyond the
operational life of the transponder," Buxton added. -- Thanks to AMSAT
News Service
In Brief...
Former North Texas Section Manager Tom Blackwell, N5GAR, of Dallas,
Texas, died on May 14. An ARRL Life Member, he was 65. Blackwell served
as North Texas SM from 2005 until 2009. Blackwell graduated from the
University of Texas at Austin in the College of Business
ministration. He attended graduate school at the University of Texas
at Dallas. He was an original petitioner in the Petition for Rule
Making that resulted in a new FCC rule that allowed radio amateurs who
are employees of public safety agencies and other entities, such as
hospitals, to participate in drills, tests, and exercises in
preparation for such emergency situations and to transmit messages on
behalf of their employers during such drills and tests under "certain
limited conditions." During his tenure as Section Manager, Blackwell
served as State Government Liaison, Public Information Officer, and
Technical Specialist.
International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend is on track for 2020.
Registrations for this year's popular International Lighthouse
Lightship Weekend (ILLW) appear to have been largely unaffected by the
current COVID-19 pandemic. The event will take place this year over the
August 22 - 23 weekend. By mid-July, more than 200 entries had been
received, and some 400 are expected to have signed up by the event
weekend. New to this year's event is Corsica at Phare d'Alistro, which
for ILLW purposes carries the French number of FR0030. Two lighthouses
in Ghana will be on the air for the first time, as well as Buck Island
Lighthouse in the US Virgin Islands (VI0001). Germany is well in the
lead with 54 entries, followed by Australia with 29 entries, and the US
with 27 entries. This event is designed as a fun weekend to encourage
exposure to amateur radio and lighthouses to the visiting public, and
ILLW stresses that contacts should be more than just an exchange of
signal reports. All participants are urged to observe local COVID-19
safety guidelines. --Thanks to Kevin Mulcahy, VK2CE
The Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) will gain 15 new nodes, thanks to a
Yasme Foundation supporting grant. These new nodes will be added in
regions where there is a need for reception reports to support amateur
radio operation and where those reports will also have scientific value
for geophysical research. Yasme was assisted in this effort by
supporting grants from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) and
by scientific advice from HamSCI researchers. Node locations will be
available after a final list of hosts is available.
Getting It Right
In the July 9 edition of The ARRL Letter, a "slight" miscalculation in
an announcement about a new KiwiSDR in Iceland led to an incorrect
metric-to-English conversion. The item should have said, "at an
altitude of 690 meters (about 2,298 feet)."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(now a free Zoom-based online event)
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free Zoom-based online event)
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, July 24, 2020 09:05:16
The ARRL Letter
July 23, 2020
* ARRL Members to Lead New 30-Minute Amateur Radio Webinar Series
* More than 12,000 Register Early for QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
* Winlink Developers Use Arduino-Based Simulator to Evaluate Digital
Modes
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* High School Marine Buoy Transmitter Now Active on 20-Meter WSPR
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Radio Amateurs Help Air Ambulance
* Announcements
* Chris Brault, KD8YVJ, is 2020 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of
the Year
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Members to Lead New 30-Minute Amateur Radio Webinar Series
ARRL is launching a new webinar series to help introduce more members
to the variety of activities and opportunities that radio amateurs
enjoy. The ARRL Learning Network will offer live presentations by
member-volunteers, for members. Like hamfest forums and radio club
presentations, the webinars are intended to help participants get more
active, involved, and engaged in amateur radio.
Presentations are 30 minutes each, making them easy to fit into a lunch
break or as a short evening activity. A 15-minute question-and-answer
period follows each presentation for those who can participate longer.
The webinars will be hosted initially using GoToWebinar. Webinars will
be recorded, and some presentations will be available for future
viewing by members and ARRL-affiliated radio clubs as part of an ARRL
Learning Network library.
A running list of upcoming live presentations is available. The web
page is the place to register to attend each webinar and requires
members to log onto the ARRL website. Some presentations:
Relay Stations and the Art of Traffic Handling
Aaron Hulett, K8AMH, Section Traffic Manager for ARRL North Texas
Section
Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Fun with Digital Signal Modes FT4 and FT8
Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Thursday, July 30, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
HF Wire Antennas
George Cooley, NG7A, ARRL Life Member
Thursday, August 6, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
Introduction to Digital FM Modes
Korey Chandler, Sr., WA5RR
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Wednesday,
August 12)
Introduction to Computer Logging
Steven Lott Smith, KG5VK
Thursday, August 13, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
Capture the Magic of 6 Meters
Jim Wilson, K5ND
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
The Sport of Finding Hidden Transmitters on Foot
Robert Frey, WA6EZV, ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Committee
Thursday, August 20, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
The webinars continue a string of new ARRL benefits introduced in 2020
that has included On the Air magazine, expanded member access to all
ARRL digital magazines, and the new On the Air and Eclectic Tech
podcasts.
"The ARRL Learning Network puts experienced member-volunteers at the
forefront as a regular source of knowledge-sharing in amateur radio,"
ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC, said. "We hope
members participating in the ARRL Learning Network, including
presenters, will find it particularly rewarding to share experiences
and learning that will motivate more of our community toward lifelong
journeys as radio amateurs."
Members who would like to be considered for future ARRL Learning
Network webinars should have experience in delivering presentations,
including familiarity with online webinar technology, live video, and
screen sharing. Prospective presenters may complete a Call for Speakers
form.
More than 12,000 Register Early for QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
More than 12,000 have registered to attend the first QSO Today Virtual
Ham Expo, August 8 - 9, QSO Today host Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, said this
week.
"Since the Expo is a completely new experience for the ham radio
community, it's great that so many people are excited and already
registered," he said. "And with almost 3 weeks before the event, the
number of registrants continues to increase." Attendance is free and
there are early-bird prize incentives for registering by July 24.
More than a typical web meeting, the Expo is built on a live virtual
platform commonly used by Fortune 500 companies and major universities.
The platform simulates a convention experience with an exhibit hall and
booths staffed by live attendants, a speaker auditorium, and even a
lobby. Attendance just requires an internet connection and a computer,
tablet, or smartphone.
The Expo will offer four separate speaker tracks focusing on a range of
topics. Speakers will also be able to provide related material, such as
slides and white papers, that attendees can download. Every session
will have a Q&A where attendees can submit questions in real time via
chat.
More than 30 booths will be open for attendees to visit, and exhibitors
will have different options to engage with attendees. Exhibitor booths
can provide downloadable content, such as videos, spec sheets, and
manuals, and attendees can save content in a virtual briefcase to read
later. Visitors will also be able to interact one-on-one with booth
representatives, using a Skype-like system.
"The experience of a virtual expo is not meant to replace in-person
conventions," Guth said. "However, I strongly believe that virtual
events in our community are here to stay. Given COVID-19 and its likely
lasting impact on travel, especially given our demographic, this
virtual expo enables the ham community to continue coming together to
learn and engage."
Guth said that younger hams who have grown up with the internet will
feel comfortable with the Expo platform, "making it easier for them to
participate and find their place in this remarkable hobby."
Access to all speaker presentations and exhibitor booth content will
remain on the Expo site for 30 days following the event.
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is an ARRL-sanctioned hamfest.
Winlink Developers Use Arduino-Based Simulator to Evaluate Digital
Modes
Winlink development team members Rick Muething, KN6KB, and Tom Lafleur,
KA6IQA, have evaluated various digital modes using the Teensy IONOS
Simulator, which is based on the Arduino Teensy. A summary of the study
by Thomas Whiteside, N5TW, indicates steady improvements in performance
as software algorithms have evolved.
"Simulator testing is important for creating and evaluating digital
mode performance in a consistent, repeatable way that simply cannot be
done with over-the-air testing where conditions are always changing,"
Whiteside said in the study's overview. "These simulators have been
quite expensive in the past, typically costing thousands of dollars.
With today's single-chip micros and DSP libraries, Rick and Tom were
able to create this simulator with a total parts cost of less than
$200."
The simulator was used to evaluate digital modes supported on the
Winlink system over statistically standardized channels of white
Gaussian noise and multipath, with noise cases across a range of
signal-to-noise values.
For HF, both wideband (>2 kHz) modes (PACTOR 3, PACTOR 4, VARA 2300,
ARDOP 2000, and WINMOR 1600) and 500 Hz modes (PACTOR 2, ARDOP 500,
WINMOR 500, and an all-new VARA 500 mode) were tested. For VHF,
AX.25-based packet, FX.25-based packet, and VARA FM were tested.
Muething and Lafleur said that their Teensy IONOS Simulator offers a
wide variety of HF multipath test cases. "In the real world, all
signals experience some degree of multipath distortion, whether it is a
local VHF/UHF signal arriving directly, as well as reflections off
various objects, or an HF signal experiencing different effects from
the ionosphere and/or arriving via different headings," the study
notes.
The simulator has four levels of multipath models: good conditions,
moderate conditions, poor conditions, and disturbed conditions. The
19-page report includes signal-to-noise graphs of the various modes
simulated under a variety of these scenarios.
"No simulator can create all the band conditions, [interference from
other stations], aurora, and other effects we can encounter, but these
results should be a good comparison of performance over a wide range of
conditions," the study's authors advised.
Whiteside concluded, "I believe the Teensy IONOS Simulator is a useful
tool for evaluating the various digital modes in use today and adds
depth perception to over-the-air experience. For digital mode
developers, this tool would be quite useful for evaluating new versions
and experiments to supplement on-the-air testing. Specifically, I think
the data presented here is a useful comparison of the various digital
modes in use with the Winlink system today."
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 7) features tips
for soldering a PL-259 connector onto the end of a coaxial cable, and
information on beginner courses for hams who want to serve their
communities during disasters and other incidents. The On the Air
podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine
for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 12) features a
discussion with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about Low-Frequency activities,
plus an update on the status of NextGen TV.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
High School Marine Buoy Transmitter Now Active on 20-Meter WSPR
Phil Karn, KA9Q; Randy Standke, KQ6RS, and members of the Mount Carmel
High School Amateur Radio Club (MCHSARC) in San Diego have constructed
and deployed an amateur radio marine buoy in the Pacific. The buoy,
which transmits WSPR on 14.0956 MHz USB, has already been heard around
the continental US, Brazil, Hawaii, Japan, Costa Rica, Australia, and
South Africa.
"Over the past year, Randy and I have mentored the MCHSARC in designing
and constructing a simple marine buoy that was deployed from the RV
Sally Ride [on July 16], about 700 kilometers off the coast of southern
California," Karn said in a post on the AMSAT Bulletin Board. "It is up
and transmitting WSPR on 20 meters using the call sign KQ6RS, and is
being received all over the US and into Canada and Brazil." Karn is
blogging about the project with updates.
The electronics are the 20-meter WSPR version of the WB8ELK "pico
tracker" that has been flown on long-duration balloons. "We removed the
solar panels and substituted 21 ordinary alkaline D cells, wired to
supply 4.5 V," Karn explained. "We estimate battery lifetime will be 6
months."
Karn said that the project made use of everyday hardware. The buoy --
essentially a spar buoy -- was constructed using a 5-foot section of
4-inch PVC pipe, with sufficient ballast in one end of the pipe to
permit it to float vertically in the water. The top is closed using a
sewer pressure test plug, which has a bolt in the center that acts as a
convenient feed-through and antenna mounting point. The antenna is a
stainless-steel CB whip with a matching network.
"We use the sea as a counterpoise, but to avoid direct metal/sea water
contact, we lined the inside of the pipe with copper tape to form a
capacitive connection," Karn said.
During initial flotation testing, the project team found that the
ballasted pipe alone was remarkably stable in pitch, roll, sway, and
surge, but oscillated a lot in heave -- i.e., up and down movement.
Cross arms were at the water line to add drag in the vertical
direction, to counter the issue. Because sea water was required to tune
the antenna, Standke floated the buoy off a dock in Mission Bay.
"We tried to make this thing as rugged as we could," Karn recounted,
offering his favorite saying to the students: "The sea always wins in
the end, but we can delay that long enough to be useful."
Deployment was to be from a NOAA vessel in April, but the trip was
canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Standke secured a trip on the RV
Sally Ride, a research vessel operated by Scripps Institute of
Oceanography.
The first reception report was on July 16 at 12:52:30 UTC from grid
square CL89eu, although the current carried the buoy east into CL89fu
at 20:32:30 UTC. The buoy (KQ6RS-1) can be tracked on the APRS and
WSPRnet sites.
Karn said the project team is already planning its second buoy, which
may include two-way links, satellite tracking, and sensors.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Another Solar Cycle 25 sunspot (AR
2767) appeared this week, with a minimum non-zero sunspot number of 11
on July 21 - 22. The average daily sunspot number for the July 16 - 22
reporting week was 3.1, up from 1.7 over the previous 7 days.
Geomagnetic indicators remain very quiet, with average daily planetary
A index declining from 5 to 3.9.
This sunspot cycle minimum remains surprisingly inactive. I keep
expecting it to perk up, but all indicators remain quiet.
Predicted solar flux, which roughly correlates to sunspot activity,
also looks quite dull. The 45-day outlook predicts the solar flux won't
hit 70. Predicted flux values are 69 on July 23 - August 1; 68 on
August 2 - 20; 69 on August 21 - 28, and 68 on August 29 - September 5.
Predicted planetary A index is 8, 8, 12, and 8 on July 23 - 26; 5 on
July 27; 8 on July 28 - 29; 5, 8, and 10 on July 30 - August 1; 5 on
August 2 - 18; 8 on August 19 - 20, and 5 on August 21 - September 5.
Spaceweather.com reports a possible coronal mass ejection impact this
week. The faint CME left the sun on July 19 and may cause a minor
disturbance on July 24 - 25. This is reflected in the planetary A index
forecast.
Wade Blake, N7LGK, shared this Solar Cycle Progression graph from NOAA.
Sunspot numbers for July 16 through 22 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 11, and 11,
with a mean of 3.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.7, 69, 67.8, 68.9,
69.3, 69.8, and 70, with a mean of 69.1. Estimated planetary A indices
were 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, and 3, with a mean of 3.9. Middle latitude A
index was 4, 5, 4, 4, 3, 5, and 5, with a mean of 4.3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* July 25 - RSGB IOTA Contest (CW, phone)
* July 26 -- ARS Flight of the Bumblebees (CW)
* July 27 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* July 27 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* July 28 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio Amateurs Help Air Ambulance
Peru's Radio Club Peruano (RCP) reports that Guillermo Guerra,
OA4DTU/XQ3SA, and the Peruvian Relief Net MHz assisted an air ambulance
en route to Easter Island on July 9 after its satellite communication
equipment failed. The aircraft was about 1,000 nautical miles from the
continent, so the pilot tuned to the Peruvian Relief Net on 7100 kHz.
Net control station OA4DTU and Giancarlo Passalacqua, OA4DSN, were
still on frequency, and communication was established with the
aircraft. The pilot detailed its tenuous connection and requested
support to communicate via telephone with Ocean Air Control, a service
of the Directorate General of Aeronautics of Chile, which watches over
32 million square kilometers of air space off the Chilean coast in the
Pacific. Authorities were already on alert for the aircraft because of
the communication loss, plus the HF at the Easter Island tower was
inoperative.
About 10 phone calls were made to point out the aircraft's position and
route schedule, as well as any additional information needed. Other
hams in Peru were listening in and standing by. Guerra remained in
contact with the aircraft until he was sure that it would reach its
destination. At approximately 2330 UTC, the pilot reported making VHF
contact with the Easter Island control tower for landing instructions.
-- Thanks to Radio Club Peruano
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The ARRL Foundation has announced its 2020 scholarship recipients.
There were 103 awards this year, totaling $144,450. The non-profit
Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has generously awarded
a grant to the ARRL Foundation to match each scholarship award
dollar-for-dollar, lifting the grand total of scholarships awarded
to $288,900.
* ARRL Field Day entries are due by Tuesday, July 28. Entries must
include any documentation for bonus points.
* The Radio Club of America (RCA) has announced its 2020 award
recipients and fellows, several of whom are radio amateurs.
Recipients and fellows will be celebrated at RCA's 111th Banquet &
Awards Presentation on Friday, November 20, in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
* Winlink developer Phil Sherrod, W4PHS, has delivered a Zoom
presentation on how to use Winlink on June 6.
* The YASME Foundation has announced a supporting grant to the
Greenlandic Amateur Radio Club's OX3NUK, in Nuuk, Greenland, for
upgrading equipment. The station promotes amateur radio through
outreach to local schools and Scouts during Jamboree on the Air
(JOTA) each fall.
* The Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) has announced the
cancellation of Tokyo Ham Fair 2020, which was scheduled to be held
October 31 - November 1. JARL said it could not guarantee the
safety of attendees during the coronavirus pandemic. -- Thanks to
Ken Yamamoto, JA1CJP
* The 10th annual New England SDR Group's NEWSDR 2020 conference will
be online on August 12. NEWSDR 2020 welcomes both experienced SDR
enthusiasts and individuals interested in getting started with SDR.
The conference is free, but registration is required by August 9.
* According to The Daily DX, D1- and DO/-prefix stations are said to
be located in the Donetsk Republic -- a pro-Russian separatist
organization operating from within Donetsk, Ukraine. Contacts with
these stations do not count toward DXCC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Brault, KD8YVJ, is 2020 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the
Year
Christopher "Chris" Brault, KD8YVJ, of Liberty Township, Ohio, has been
selected as the 2020 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio
Newsline Young Ham of the Year (YHOTY). The son of Jocelyn, KD8VRX, and
Kimberly Brault, Chris, 18, was the recipient of the 2015 ARRL Hiram
Percy Maxim Award. A ham since 2014, he credits his father for being
his guide into amateur radio, recalling watching and listening to his
dad operating mobile.
"We would be on a road trip somewhere," Chris said. "We'd be talking to
people along the way, it seemed like fun." Chris is a member of the
Dayton Amateur Radio Association, the West Chester Amateur Radio
Association, and the Ohio Valley Experimenters Club.
A senior and honor student at Saint Xavier High School in Cincinnati,
Chris helped restart the school's amateur radio club, W8GYH. He has
also been recognized as the 2017 ARRL Great Lakes Division Young
Amateur of the Year, and he took part in the 2017 Dave Kalter Youth DX
venture to Costa Rica with other up-and-coming young radio amateurs.
In 2017, he was a Youth Forum presenter at Dayton Hamvention^(R) and
HamCation in Orlando.
Chris serves as social media director for the Youth on the Air
organization and is a contesting mentor for young hams involved in its
programs. He is a tour guide for the National Voice of America Museum
of Broadcasting in West Chester, Ohio, and assists in mentoring young
operators at its ham station, WC8VOA. He participates with his dad in
Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) each October.
The YHOTY award is traditionally presented during the Huntsville
Hamfest in August, but the event was canceled this year because of the
COVID-19 pandemic. The Young Ham of the Year Award was established in
1986 by Newsline editor Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, who died in 2015. --
Thanks to CQ Communications
In Brief...
A July 9 Nature Communications article describes the
Longjiang-2/Lunar-OSCAR 94 (LO-94) spacecraft, which carried the first
amateur radio communication system into lunar orbit. "Design and flight
results of the VHF/UHF communication system of Longjiang lunar
microsatellites" recounts how, as part of China's Chang'e-4 lunar far
side mission, two lunar microsatellites for low-frequency radio
astronomy, amateur radio, and education -- Longjiang-1 and Longjiang-2
-- were launched as secondary payloads on May 20, 2018, along with the
Queqiao L2 relay satellite. Five days later, Longjiang-2 successfully
inserted itself into an elliptical lunar orbit of 357 * 13,704
kilometers (221 * 8,496 miles) to become the smallest spacecraft to
enter lunar orbit with its own propulsion system. The satellite carried
a VHF/UHF SDR, designed for operation with small ground stations. The
article describes and evaluates the design of the VHF/UHF radio and the
modes used. Flight results of the VHF/UHF radio are also presented,
including operation of the radio, performance analysis of downlink
signals, and the first lunar orbit UHF very-long-baseline
interferometry (VLBI) experiment.
The Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) reported unauthorized
transmissions in the 144 MHz satellite segment of the 2-meter amateur
radio primary allocation. DARC said that signals from illegal
transmitters in the 144.010 to 144.020 MHz range are coming from "water
vitalizers" or "water energizers." The manufacturer specifies 144.015
MHz as the transmit frequency in its product description. The DARC
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Department seeks further details
and location information in preparation to file a complaint. "The
devices apparently generate fields with considerable field strength and
a long range," DARC said. "The signals appear increasingly in the
morning or in the evening. The illegal transmitters are typically in
operation from 5 to 60 minutes (in multiples of 5 minutes). The signal
is generally very stable in frequency, but occasionally shows
short-term fluctuations of up to a few hundred hertz." The carrier is
not modulated. The 144.000 - 146.000 MHz band is allocated globally to
the Amateur Radio and Amateur Satellite Services on a primary basis,
and is the only globally harmonized amateur radio VHF band. DARC has
posted a video of the unauthorized transmission.
An EME SSTV Party could become an annual event. Many stations are
reported to have made Earth-moon-Earth (EME) SSTV transmissions on last
year's 50th anniversary celebration of the moon landing. "We could only
do it on the exact date 50 years later, and EME conditions were not
very good last year," said Jan van Muijlwijk, PA3FXB, of the PI9CAM
team at Dwingeloo Astronomic Observatory. "[W]e saw many stations
joining the SSTV party, and we were surprised to see what is possible
even with small dishes. Because of that, we would like to try to make
it an annual EME SSTV party." A lunar landing EME SSTV party is set for
July 26. "Moon conditions will be better than last year," van Muijlwijk
said. "The moon is not very high in the northern hemisphere but much
closer than last year, so we expect stronger signals and better images.
The PI9CAM team will transmit several lunar landing and space-related
images on 1296.110 MHz using Martin 2 mode.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* September 18 - 20 -- New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New
Mexico
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, July 31, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
July 30, 2020
* ARRL Board Meets in Remote Session
* Traffic-Handling Webinar Launches Ham Radio Learning Series
* Propagation as a Matter of Life or Death
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Hurricane Watch Net Activates for Hurricane Hanna
* FCC Fines HobbyKing Nearly $3 Million for Marketing Unauthorized
Drone Transmitters
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Nomination Signatures Sent via Email or Mail May Be Submitted for
ARRL Offices
* Announcements
* AMSAT Partners with University of Maine WiSe-Net Lab to Develop
State's First CubeSat
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Board Meets in Remote Session
Due to travel and gathering restrictions in place because of the
coronavirus pandemic, the ARRL Board of Directors met on Friday, July
17, in a remote session, using the Zoom videoconferencing platform.
During this session, the Board took the following actions:
* Accepted the final recommendations of the Band Planning Committee.
Committee chair and ARRL First Vice President Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF,
introduced the motion to adopt the plan. An earlier draft of the
plan was introduced at the Board's in-person January meeting. After
the January Board meeting, the Committee received and considered
hundreds of comments from interested amateurs. The final band plan
can be viewed on the ARRL website.
* Voted, in anticipation of hiring a new Emergency Management
Director, to modify the charter of the search committee to study
and, if appropriate, prepare a report on the implementation of a
new Standing Committee of the Board to emphasize emergency
communications and provide advice to the CEO in these matters. The
report is expected to be delivered to the Board by November 24.
* Created a Standing Order that gives the Programs and Services
Committee authority to approve, by vote, proposed rule changes for
contests and awards.
* Accepted the financial reports from the Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer on the finances and investment portfolio of the
organization.
* Modified the composition of the ARRL Legal Defense and Assistance
Committee and the guidelines for what activities will be funded by
ARRL.
* Amended ARRL By-Law #18 to conform with changes made at the January
Board meeting regarding the election period for Division elections.
* Approved the recipients of several awards, including the Hiram
Percy Maxim Memorial Award.
* Acknowledged the efforts of ARRL Headquarters staff in dealing with
and maintaining operations during the pandemic.
* Discussed personnel matters in a Committee of the Whole.
The meeting ended with the Board recessing until a future,
as-yet-undetermined date, when the meeting will be concluded. That is
expected to be in 4 to 5 weeks, depending on circumstances and the
ability to arrange a suitable meeting site. Minutes will be released
once the meeting is concluded.
Traffic-Handling Webinar Launches Ham Radio Learning Series
A live presentation from ARRL North Texas Section Traffic Manager Aaron
Hulett, K8AMH, inaugurated the new ARRL Learning Network on Tuesday,
July 28. The webinar series features 30-minute presentations from
experienced members covering a variety of amateur radio topics and
interests. Hulett's webinar, "Relay Stations and the Art of Traffic
Handling," introduced techniques and skills practiced by radio amateurs
like himself who relay messages during emergencies, disasters, and
other incidents that interrupt conventional telecommunications,
including the internet. Through an overview of the ARRL National
Traffic System, Hulett shared examples of preparing a radiogram and
resources for finding traffic nets and other volunteers.
"Aaron hit a home run," said Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, ARRL Product
Development Manager and moderator for Hulett's webinar. "His
presentation was the perfect balance of knowledge-sharing and
enthusiasm that will surely motivate other members to try their hand at
traffic handling." A recording of the webinar is available for members
to view.
The webinars are hosted using GoToWebinar. Members are invited to ask
questions during each webinar, and a 15-minute Q&A period follows each
presentation for those who can participate longer. A running list of
upcoming live presentations is available below and on the ARRL Learning
Network web page. Prospective attendees may register on that same page.
ARRL members must first log into the ARRL website.
Inderbitzen encourages other members to be considered for future ARRL
Learning Network webinars by inviting them to complete a Call for
Speakers form. "It's all about members helping members. What better way
to grow greater participation in amateur radio!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Schedule of Upcoming Webinars
Fun with Digital Signal Modes FT4 and FT8
Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Thursday, July 30, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
HF Wire Antennas
George Cooley, NG7A, ARRL Life Member
Thursday, August 6, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
Introduction to Digital FM Modes
Korey Chandler, Sr., WA5RR
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Wednesday,
August 12)
Introduction to Computer Logging
Steven Lott Smith, KG5VK
Thursday, August 13, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
Capture the Magic of 6 Meters
Jim Wilson, K5ND
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
The Sport of Finding Hidden Transmitters on Foot
Robert Frey, WA6EZV, ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Committee
Thursday, August 20, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
Propagation as a Matter of Life or Death
On May 25, 1928, the airship Dirigible Italia crashed on pack ice
northeast of the Svalbard Islands on the return leg of a trip to survey
the North Pole with 16 passengers and crew on board. At impact, one
person was killed, and the cabin carrying nine people separated from
the hydrogen-filled airframe. Six crew members on the dirigible
structure were never seen again, after the airship again became
airborne. The survivors on the icepack turned to their 5 W wireless
set, a one-tube Hartley oscillator, to put out a call for help, but it
was only after 9 days of trying that they were able to get the
attention of a radio amateur 1,900 kilometers (1,178 miles) away.
The recently published article, "The Shipwreck of the Airship
Dirigibile Italia in the 1928 Polar Venture: A Retrospective Analysis
of the Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Conditions," provides the gripping
historical context and tries to explain why it was so difficult to
establish communication for a rescue. Drawing from sources of
geophysical data collected at the time, and using modern theories of
propagation -- including some directly derived from amateur radio
observations -- the authors present data including sunspot count,
magnetic flux, and F2 layer height, and take the reader through an
analysis of the sky-wave and ground-wave paths.
Ultimately, the authors suggest, ground-wave path losses likely
exceeded 100 dB, leaving only skywave as a potential link. In the first
few days after the crash, the ionospheric path was impossible at the
frequencies being used -- 9.1 and 9.4 MHz -- due to disturbed
conditions. It was only after conditions had settled that communication
became possible, and it only became reliable when a lower frequency was
chosen.
Even after communication was established, 15 rescuers were lost in the
search and recovery operations, including Roald Amundsen, Norway's
famed polar explorer. Finally, on July 12, 1928, 48 days after the
initial crash, a Russian icebreaker was able to reach and rescue the
survivors. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest Update
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 7) features tips
for soldering a PL-259 connector onto the end of a coaxial cable, and
information on beginner courses for hams who want to serve their
communities during disasters and other incidents. The On the Air
podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine
for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 13), available
on Thursday, July 30, will feature discussions about Hellschreiber,
wireless charging on the fly, and an interview with Paul Denisowski,
KO4LZ, about the state of amateur Automatic Link Establishment (ALE).
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Hurricane Watch Net Activates for Hurricane Hanna
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated on July 25 for Hurricane Hanna,
the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season. When the net
activated, the storm was poised to make landfall along the Gulf of
Mexico as a Category 1 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 75 MPH.
After it came ashore on the Texas coast, extensive property damage was
reported in the Rio Grande Valley, the brunt of it south of Corpus
Christi, which experienced storm-surge flooding and tropical storm
winds. Areas to the south saw sustained hurricane-force winds.
"The year 2020 has been a strange year in every way, and the weather is
no different," HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said last weekend.
"Just a few hours ago, it looked as though we would be activating for
Hurricane Gonzalo. Well, that storm had other ideas. The same can be
said for what had been Tropical Storm Hanna in the Gulf of Mexico. All
along, it looked as though this storm would make landfall as a tropical
storm."
The net activated on 14.325 MHz -- its primary net frequency -- and
operated simultaneously on 7.268 MHz. The HWN remained active for
several hours, working in cooperation with WX4NHC at National Hurricane
Center (NHC).
HWN volunteers gather observed ground-truth weather data from the
affected area. "We are also available to provide backup communication
to official agencies such as emergency operations centers, Red Cross
officials, and storm shelters in the affected area," Graves added. In
addition, the HWN collects and reports significant damage and storm
surge data to forecasters and FEMA officials stationed at the National
Hurricane Center.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, WX4NHC operators worked from their homes.
FCC Fines HobbyKing Nearly $3 Million for Marketing Unauthorized Drone
Transmitters
The FCC has issued a Forfeiture Order (FO) calling for HobbyKing to pay
a fine of $2,861,128 for marketing drone transmitters that do not
comply with FCC rules. An FCC Enforcement Bureau investigation stemmed
in part from a 2017 ARRL complaint that HobbyKing was selling drone
transmitters that operated on amateur and non-amateur frequencies, in
some instances marketing them as amateur radio equipment. The fine
affirms the monetary penalty sought in a June 2018 FCC Notice of
Apparent Liability (NAL).
The FCC said its investigation found that dozens of devices marketed by
the company transmitted in unauthorized radio frequency bands and, in
some cases, operated at excessive power levels. "Such unlawful
transmissions could interfere with key government and public safety
services, like aviation systems," the FCC said. The ARRL EMC Committee
and Lab also determined that potential interference to the secondary
(transponder) air traffic control radar system on 1030 - 1090 MHz could
occur.
"We have fully considered HobbyKing's response to the NAL, which does
not contest any facts and includes only a variety of legal arguments,
none of which we find persuasive," the FCC said in the FO. "We
therefore adopt the $2,861,128 forfeiture penalty proposed in the NAL."
The FCC pointed out in the FO that it has previously made clear that
"[d]evices used in the Amateur Radio Service do not require
authorization prior to being imported into the United States, but
devices for other services, including the CB service, require
Commission approval." The FCC investigation found that 65 models of
devices marketed by HobbyKing should have had FCC certification.
Responding to the NAL, HobbyKing claimed to have ceased marketing the
65 models the FCC identified, but promised only to make "best efforts"
not to market other noncompliant RF devices. Read more.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots finally have returned!
Currently, two sunspots are visible, both from new Solar Cycle 25. The
daily sunspot number was 11 on July 21 - 27 and is currently 22. We've
noticed an improvement in propagation recently, due to seasonal
sporadic-E activity.
Average daily sunspot numbers rose from 3.1 to 14.1 this week, and
average daily solar flux changed from 69.1 to 71.1.
Total sunspot area covered 80 millionths of the solar disc on July 21,
120 millionths on July 22 -- 26, and the coverage on the following 3
days was 70, 50, and 85.
Geomagnetic indicators were a bit more active, with average daily
planetary A index rising from 3.9 to 6.7, while average daily
mid-latitude indicators rose from 4.3 to 8.7.
Predicted solar flux is 72 on July 30 - August 6; 68 on August 7 -- 22;
69 on August 23 -- 28, and 68 on August 29 - September 7.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on July 30 - August 23; 8 on August 24
-- 25, and 5 on August 26 - September 7.
Sunspot numbers for July 23 - 29 were 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 22, and 22,
with a mean of 14.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.3, 69.5, 70.4,
71.4, 71.4, 71.8, and 72.6, with a mean of 71.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 11, 15, 3, 4, 5, and 5, with a mean of 6.7. Middle
latitude A index was 4, 13, 27, 3, 5, 5, and 4, with a mean of 8.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* August 1 -- European HF Championship (CW, phone)
* August 1 - 2 -- North American QSO Party (CW)
* August 1 - 2 -- ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest (CW, phone)
* August 1 - 2 -- 10-10 International Summer Contest, SSB
* August 2 -- SARL HF Phone Contest
* August 4 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* August 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* August 5 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* August 6 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone)
* August 6 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Nomination Signatures Sent via Email or Mail May Be Submitted for ARRL
Offices
The ARRL Ethics & Elections Committee has announced that it will be
acceptable in pending and future ARRL Director/Vice Director and
Section Manager elections to submit nomination signatures that have
been sent via email or mail, under these guidelines:
* Petition copies must be made from the original form supplied by
ARRL.
* Forms must be exactly the same on both sides (i.e, autobiographical
information should appear exactly the same on all copies).
* All forms/copies must be submitted at the same time.
Candidates may use any available electronic signature platform such as
DocuSign, HelloSign, or signed PDF. While existing "by mail"
procedures/policies continue in place, electronic signature platforms
offer an alternative electronic option to submit a Section Manager
nominating petition.
The packet that is sent to ARRL Headquarters must be complete. Multiple
file or emails for a single petition will not be accepted.
A valid Section Manager nominating petition must contain the signatures
of five or more full ARRL members residing in the Section concerned.
ARRL advises having a few more than five signatures on each petition.
SM nominating petitions may be made by facsimile or electronic
transmission of images, provided that, upon request by the Field
Services Manager, the original documents are received by the manager
within 7 days of the request.
For a valid Director/Vice Director nomination, the original copy of a
nominating petition form, as provided by the Secretary, must name a
full member of the Division as a candidate and be signed by 10 or more
full members. The form must be filed with the Secretary no later than
noon Eastern Time on the third Friday of August of that year. The
submission may be made by facsimile or electronic transmission of
images, provided that, upon request by the Secretary, the original
documents are received by the Secretary within 7 days of the request.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* Technical papers are solicited for presentation at the ARRL/TAPR
Digital Communications Conference (DCC), September 11 - 13. Due to
the coronavirus pandemic, this year's conference will be held
online. Papers will be published in the Conference Proceedings;
authors do not need to participate. Submit papers by August 15 via
email to Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB.
* The Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) has introduced what it's calling
"RBN Map Data," an open-source world map of spots with each trace
color-coded by band. RBN Developer Pete Smith, N4ZR, says the map
feature may be offline from time to time as developers continue to
work on it, and he'd like to hear from users. -- Thanks to The
Daily DX
* AMSAT-UK has announced the OSCAR Satellite QSO Party, aimed at
encouraging radio amateurs around the world to get on the air and
make contacts via satellite during summer in the Northern
Hemisphere. While points are given per contact, AMSAT-UK says the
OSCAR Satellite QSO Party is not a contest. The event starts at
0000 UTC on August 1 and continues until 2359 UTC on September 22.
-- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
* W5KUB's high-altitude balloon went down around July 21 between
Greenland and Norway after 72 days aloft and more than three trips
around Earth. "It got stuck in the Arctic for several weeks, making
loops," Tom Medlin, W5KUB, said. "We are getting ready to launch
W5KUB-21, an SBS-13 balloon with lithium polymer (LiPo) battery.
Testing on ground is showing that we are getting 24-hour tracking.
We hope to launch that in the next week or two."
* A 3-day forecast of the planetary Kp index -- updated every 3 hours
-- is now available from the Helmholtz-Centre Potsdam GFZ German
Research Centre for Geosciences. The planetary Kp index is a proxy
measurement of the energy input from the solar wind to Earth. --
Thanks to Frank Donovan, W3LPL
-------------------------------------------------------------------
AMSAT Partners with University of Maine WiSe-Net Lab to Develop State's
First CubeSat
The University of Maine Wireless Sensing Laboratory (WiSe-Net Lab) and
AMSAT have signed an agreement to collaborate on building and operating
MESAT1, Maine's first small satellite. Carrying an amateur radio
payload in addition to science payloads, MESAT1 is set to launch
sometime in the next 3 years under NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative
(CSLI), which provides opportunities for nanosatellite science and
technology payloads built by universities, schools, and nonprofits to
ride-share on space launches. AMSAT President Clayton Coleman, W5PFG,
celebrated the announcement.
"This is a great day for AMSAT and UMaine's WiSe-Net Lab," Coleman
said. "This partnership is a true win-win for both education and the
amateur radio community. The collaborative effort under AMSAT's
engineering and operations teams has once again succeeded to bring
another opportunity to AMSAT."
MESAT1 will be one of 18 small research satellites selected by NASA to
carry auxiliary payloads into space between 2021 and 2023. The CubeSat
is being developed in partnership with the University of Maine (UMaine)
and the University of Southern Maine (USM), along with a trio of K - 12
schools. UMaine graduate students and USM undergraduates will
collaborate on CubeSat design, development, integration, and testing.
Established in 2005, UMaine's WiSe-Net Lab is involved in aerospace and
space research. The lab was founded by Ali Abedi, KB1VJV, Assistant
Vice President for Research and Director of the Center for
Undergraduate Research at the university's main campus in Orono. Lab
researchers have developed the first wireless sensor network for NASA's
lunar habitation project and launched wireless leak detection to the
International Space Station.
The MESAT1 initiative will enable K - 12 students and teachers in Maine
to access space data for educational and research purposes and
encourage students to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering,
and math) careers. MESAT1 was awarded $300,000 from NASA. The project
also received $150,000 in NASA Maine Space Grant Consortium funding for
graduate student research. Folding in additional funding from UMaine
and USM to support undergraduate student research brings the total
funding to $522,000 over 3 years.
AMSAT will provide a linear transponder module (LTM) along with
integration and operational support for MESAT1. AMSAT's LTM
incorporates a VHF/UHF telemetry beacon, command receiver, and linear
transponder. It will be available for worldwide amateur radio use once
the satellite is commissioned. -- Thanks to AMSAT and the University of
Maine
In Brief...
The ARRL Foundation has awarded a grant to the University of Alabama in
Huntsville. The grant of $510 went to the school's Center for
Cybersecurity Research and Education. The grant will be used to get
university students licensed, and then integrate amateur radio
communication protocols into extant models used for cybersecurity
testing for industrial system controls. Analysis will be done on how
well these protocols operate in this setting, their security, and their
feasibility for use in real-world industrial situations. An independent
IRS 501(c)(3) entity, the ARRL Foundation administers programs to
support the amateur radio community, including scholarships for higher
education, award 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.
Ham radio assisted a pedestrian in distress in the ARRL Maryland-DC
Section. A Baltimore radio amateur has an alert member of the Anne
Arundel Radio Club (AARC) in Maryland to thank for responding to his
call for help on July 22. The man, who has not been identified,
apparently became overcome by the heat while out for a walk. Not
feeling well and with his cell phone dead, he reached for his handheld,
which he fortunately had taken with him, and put out a call on the
W3VPR 147.075 MHz repeater. An AARC member, who was operating mobile at
the time, responded promptly, gathering the pertinent information to
relay to a 911 operator. Within minutes, the Baltimore man was
receiving treatment and was able to report that everything was okay a
short time later. W3VPR repeater transmissions are linked to a
"Broadcastify" feed, so that hams out of local range or away from their
radios can still monitor the repeater online. -- Thanks to Maryland-DC
Section Manager Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to complicate amateur radio license
testing. ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) VE Jim Rinehart,
K9RU, reported having to break a July 11 test session at the Salvation
Army EDS Center in Indianapolis into two 90-miniute segments in order
to meet COVID-19 guidelines, requiring the additional step of having to
notify applicants as to which test session they belonged. For the split
session, one member of the testing team checked applicants'
temperatures, while three VEs signed them in, checked their paperwork
and calculators, and collected the exam session fee. "We have a packet
for each applicant with the test and answer sheet prepared, and we go
over it with them," Rinehart told ARRL VEC. "To minimize the handling
of paperwork, we have the applicant turn in the answer sheet to the VE
graders and throw away the exam booklets." Rinehart said exam session
tables are disinfected between test sessions. Face masks and social
distancing are required.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* October 3 -- Kentucky State Convention, Bowling Green, Kentucky
* Nov 6 - 8 -- New England Division Convention, Marlborough,
Massachusetts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, August 07, 2020 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
August 6, 2020
* Amateur Radio Volunteers Go on Alert for Isaias
* ARRL 2020 Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Scheduled for October 3 -
4 Weekend
* German Satellite Demonstrates Orbit Control on a 1U CubeSat
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Meet Up with ARRL Virtually August 7 - 9 at QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo
* New England Division Convention Canceled Due to COVID-19
* Radio Amateur Takes Part in Historic First Commercial Human
Spaceflight to ISS
* Announcements
* SAQ Alexanderson Day in the Age of COVID-19
* Lost Video Archive from 1997 Heard Island VK0IR DXpedition Found
* In Brief...
* Getting It Right
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Amateur Radio Volunteers Go on Alert for Isaias
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers along the eastern
seaboard were on alert this week to support needed communication as
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaias worked its way north. The storm is now
in Canada after first making landfall in North Carolina as a Category 1
hurricane. High wind, rain, and the possibility of coastal flooding
were considered the most likely dangers, but tornadoes broke out in the
middle Atlantic states, triggering extensive damage, flooding, and
knocking out power to more than 3 million homes and businesses. The
storm caused at least five deaths. Southern New Jersey Section
Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Tom Devine, WB2ALJ, was among several SECs
who said their Sections were on alert but not activated for tropical
storm winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes.
"All county teams are prepared, and SKYWARN teams are requested to
provide key severe weather data to the regional National Weather
Service (NWS) Office," Devine told ARRL, adding that other SECs from
the middle Atlantic states were in communication.
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated twice for Isaias -- on July 31
and on August 1. The initial activation ran 41 hours, the second about
12 hours. HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, reported "very poor to
nonexistent propagation" for the second activation, but he noted that a
few members remained on the air to assist as needed.
"Throughout this short 12-hour activation for this second activation
for Isaias, members of HWN collected and forwarded many surface reports
from the coastal areas of South Carolina and North Carolina to the
National Hurricane Center by way of WX4NHC [at the National Hurricane
Center]," Graves said.
Tornadoes, flooding caused by heavy rainfall, and falling trees
accounted for most of the fatalities. The storm tracked into eastern
Pennsylvania as well as through the New York City-Long Island area.
ARRL 2020 Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Scheduled for October 3 - 4
Weekend
The 2020 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) will take place October 3
- 4. The annual, nationwide exercise provides Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES) volunteers the chance to test personal
emergency-operating skills and communication readiness in a simulated
emergency deployment. ARRL is asking participants to adhere to Center
for Disease Control (CDC) and local health department COVID-19
guidelines by staying home, maintaining safe distances when around
people, and following recommended cleaning and disinfecting practices.
Ed Compos, K5CRQ (left), and Bart
Pickens, N5TWB, serve as net control
operators from the Tulsa County
Emergency Operations Center during
the 2019 SET in Tulsa County,
Oklahoma. [Paul Teel, WB5ANX, photo]
ARRL Field Organization leadership at the Section and local levels --
as well as many other volunteers who are active in public service and
emergency communication -- are developing emergency scenarios with a
variety of agencies and organizations they've partnered with in the
past during real emergencies and disasters.
Given the ongoing pandemic, an in-person emergency exercise may not be
possible this year, but volunteers are encouraged to adapt to the
circumstances. Station and skills readiness are tenets of the Amateur
Radio Service. Any time we spend on the air will contribute to
developing and practicing our personal radio communication capability.
Volunteers with ARES, the National Traffic System (NTS), the Radio
Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), SKYWARN^â*¢, Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT), Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio
Network (SATERN), and other allied groups and public service-oriented
amateur radio groups are among those eligible to participate in the SET
to practice emergency operation plans, nets, and procedures.
ARRL has long-standing relationships with several national
organizations including the American Red Cross, the National Weather
Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Salvation
Army, among others.
This year's SET can be a chance to reach out to these partners -- at a
safe distance and/or via online meetings and teleconferences -- to
establish or review plans and develop working relationships.
ARRL Field Organization leaders have the option of conducting local or
Section-wide SETs on dates other than the October 3 - 4 focal-point
weekend, but no later than the end of the calendar year. Contact your
local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net Manager or ask your Section
Manager.
ditional information about SET and the reporting forms are available
on the ARRL website.
German Satellite Demonstrates Orbit Control on a 1U CubeSat
The University of Wuerzburg Experimental Satellite 4 (UWE-4)
successfully used its propulsion system in order to conduct orbit
control. The 1-unit (1U) CubeSat is equipped with an electric
propulsion system called NanoFEEP, developed by the Technical
University in Dresden. This marks the first time in CubeSat history
that a 1U CubeSat has changed its orbit using an onboard propulsion
system. Several maneuvers were performed within 11 days, between June
23 and July 3, lowering the CubeSat's altitude by more than 100 meters
(328 feet), compared to an average of 21 meters (69 feet) with natural
orbital decay.
Coincidentally, on July 2, the UWE-4 team received a "conjunction data
message" from the US Air Force, indicating a potential safety threat
from a non-operational Iridium satellite, although UWE-4 was already
below the Iridium satellite at the projected time of conjunction.
Lowering the altitude of a spacecraft in low-Earth orbit (LEO) has the
negative effect of reducing its lifetime, because low-Earth-orbiting
(LEO) satellites usually burn up during re-entry. "Thus, this
experiment is a concept demonstration of a deorbiting maneuver shown at
the smallest class of spacecraft in LEO," the university said.
While satellites are not yet required to carry propulsion systems to
facilitate a planned deorbiting, such an obligation is under serious
discussion, due to the vastly increasing number of satellites in mega
constellations. "The experiment of UWE-4 presents a deorbiting solution
for the fraction of space debris of operational, but unused, satellites
of today and for the mega constellations of tomorrow," the university
said. AMSAT notes that US regulations make the ability to deorbit a
requirement for high-Earth-orbit amateur satellites in the future.
The first activation of the NanoFEEP thruster on UWE-4 took place in
early 2019. UWE-4 transmits telemetry on 435.600 MHz.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 7) features tips
for soldering a PL-259 connector onto the end of a coaxial cable, and
information on beginner courses for hams who want to serve their
communities during disasters and other incidents. The On the Air
podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine
for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 13) features
discussions about Hellschreiber, wireless charging on the fly, and an
interview with Paul Denisowski, KO4LZ, about the state of amateur
Automatic Link Establishment (ALE).
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot Cycle 25 is under way! We saw
one new spot on July 28 and two new ones on August 2 and 3. The August
daily sunspot numbers were 22 and 23 on the dates of their appearance,
and the total sunspot area grew on Wednesday to 160 millionths of the
visible solar disc. The sunspot area has not been as large since May
2019, when it ranged from 140 to 410 millionths of the solar disc over
a 2-week period.
The average daily sunspot numberfor July 30 to August 5 was 19.6, up
from 14.1 over the previous 7 days. Average daily solar flux rose from
71.1 to 72.8 over the same period.
The planetary A index increased slightly, from 6.7 to 7, and the
mid-latitude A index declined slightly, from 8.7 to 7.4.
Predicted solar flux is 73 on August 6 - 8; 71 on August 9 - 13; 69 on
August 14 - 17; 71 on August 18 - 25; 73 on August 26 - 30; 71 on
August 31 - September 7; 69 on September 8 - 13, and 71 on September 14
- 19.
The planetary A index forecast is 5 on August 6 - 7; 8 on August 8; 5
on August 9 - 23; 8 on August 24 - 25; 5 on August 26 - 28; 12, 8, and
8 on August 29 - 31, and 5 on September 1 - 19.
Frank Donovan, W3LPL, noted this week that August 5 marked "the longest
stretch of consecutive days with sunspots since September 2017, when
there were 56 consecutive days. The next Solar Cycle 25 milestone will
be an energetic sunspot region that increases the adjusted SFI to 80 or
higher."
WJ5O has an interesting history of 10-meter sporadic E and info on
beacons.
Sunspot numbers for July 30 - August 5 were 22, 23, 22, 22, 23, 12, and
13, with a mean of 19.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.3, 72.3, 72,
72.7, 72.7, 73, and 73.4, with a mean of 72.8. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 4, 3, 9, 16, 8, and 5, with a mean of 7. Middle
latitude A index was 5, 5, 3, 9, 15, 9, and 6, with a mean of 7.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* August 8 - 9 -- WAE DX Contest (CW)
* August 8 -- QRP ARCI European Sprint (CW)
* August 8 - 9 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* August 8 - 9 -- Maryland-DC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* August 10 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* August 10 -- SARL Youth Sprint (Phone)
* August 11 - 13 -- MMMonVHF 144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint (CW, phone,
digital)
* August 12 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* August 12 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Meet Up with ARRL Virtually August 7 - 9 at QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
ARRL will be a virtual exhibitor at the all-online QSO Today Virtual
Ham Expo, Friday - Sunday, August 7 - 9. ARRL staffer Bob Inderbitzen,
NQ1R -- a familiar face at many in-person hamfests and conventions for
nearly 30 years -- will be among the more than 21,000 registered to
attend.
"The many hamfest cancellations due to COVID-19 have been difficult for
everyone this year," Inderbitzen said. "I'm really looking forward to
this unique online experience and connecting with friends, old and new,
from throughout the amateur radio community."
Inderbitzen will join a handful of ARRL staff members supporting the
organization's virtual booth throughout the event. Exhibitors will also
include major amateur radio manufacturers and equipment dealers, and
there will opportunities to text and video chat with representatives.
In addition to the exhibit hall, five fully interactive lecture halls
will feature speakers and presentations spanning the range of ham radio
interests and activities.
"I hope many members and other attendees will 'drop by' the ARRL booth
to say hello," Inderbitzen said. "Visit us to learn about the many
initiatives and new benefits introduced to ARRL members this year.
We'll also have incentives to join ARRL and the Diamond Club, renew
your membership, and some publication purchase specials."
As ARRL's Product Development Manager, Inderbitzen collaborates with
other staff and member-volunteers to develop and improve membership
services, programs, and products. This year, ARRL has introduced a
string of new membership benefits that includes On the Air magazine,
expanded member-access to all four ARRL digital magazines including
QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ, and the ARRL Learning Network, a new
member-led webinar series. ARRL has also added additional programs to
its podcast offerings, which now include On the Air, Eclectic Tech, and
ARRL Audio News.
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is an ARRL-sanctioned event.
Registration is free. A complete schedule and list of exhibitors and
speakers is available on the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo website. Read
more.
New England Division Convention Canceled Due to COVID-19
Initially scheduled for July, the Northeast HamXposition, host of the
2020 ARRL New England Division Convention, was moved back to November
because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the in-person event is off
until next summer, although some activities will take place online this
year. Renamed before the 2019 show, the Northeast HamXposition has
succeeded the long-running annual Boxboro hamfest in Boxborough,
Massachusetts. As announced early this year, the next HamXposition will
take place in a new location -- Marlborough, Massachusetts.
"Large indoor gatherings such as our convention are currently
prohibited by Massachusetts state law," Northeast HamXposition Chair
Bob DeMattia, K1IW, said over the weekend. "This is highly unlikely to
change by November. Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold a
physical convention this year."
The W1A special event station will still be on the air over the weekend
of October 31 - November 1 from operators' home stations. A virtual
banquet on November 7 will feature a guest speaker. Afterward, virtual
break-out rooms will be available for you to converse with your
"table."
The Nashua Area Radio Society will run an online version of its "Ham
Bootcamp." This multi-session program covers various amateur radio
activities.
Radio Amateur Takes Part in Historic First Commercial Human Spaceflight
to ISS
Bob Behnken, KE5GGX, was one of two NASA astronauts who made
spaceflight history over the weekend. Behnken and Doug Hurley were the
first astronauts since the 1970s to make a water landing, after their
Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday. On
May 30, the pair made history as the first live crew to be launched
Bob Behnken, KE5GGX (left), and Doug
Hurley after splashdown. [NASA,
photo]
into space in a commercial vehicle, for a stay on the International
Space Station (ISS), marking the return of human spaceflight to US soil
for the first time in nearly a decade.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle carried the crew into orbit from Cape
Canaveral. The so-called "Demo-2" was the last major test for SpaceX's
human spaceflight system, to be certified by NASA for operational crew
missions to and from the ISS. Four huge parachutes carried the Crew
Dragon capsule to a safe splashdown near Pensacola, Florida, on Sunday,
August 1.
"On behalf of the SpaceX and NASA teams, welcome back to planet Earth,"
SpaceX Engineer Michael Heiman radioed to the crew after their landing.
"And thanks for flying SpaceX."
NASA ministrator Jim Bridenstine proclaimed that the US was entering
a new era of human spaceflight, noting that NASA was no longer the only
option for US space travel. "We are going to be a customer," he said.
NASA has contracted with two companies -- SpaceX and Boeing -- to ferry
astronaut crews to and from the ISS.
While part of the space station crew for 2 months, Behnken and
Astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, the sole American onboard when their
Endeavour capsule docked, carried out four spacewalks to install new
batteries on the ISS.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle was designed for short-term missions,
and Behnken and Hurley's mission had only been expected to last a week.
As a result, Behnken did not receive Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station (ARISS) training on the ISS ham radio gear so he could
take part in school contacts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* NZART -- New Zealand's IARU member-society -- has reported that the
New Zealand 60-meter trial, which was to end on July 24, has been
extended for another 3 months, until October 24. -- Thanks to Paul
Gaskell, G4MWO, Editor, The 5 MHz Newsletter
* The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has made
some changes to amateur radio call sign policies, including
provision for a call sign for life for all licensees. All
Australian amateurs may obtain three-letter-suffix call signs, but
Foundation licensees may keep their four-letter suffix call signs
if they wish. Full details are spelled out on the ACMA website.
* AMSAT-NA Secretary Brennan Price, N4QX, has announced that Board of
Directors election packages have been mailed to members of record
as of July 1. Members who need a replacement ballot package should
contact Price no later than August 12. Completed ballots should be
returned in the return envelopes provided and arrive at the
designated Post Office box in Vienna, Virginia, by 5 PM on
September 15.
* The Ohio QSO Party on August 22 has announced some rule changes.
First, 160 meters has been added to the list of bands for the
contest. Second, more than one call sign may be used at one
station. -- Thanks to the Portage County Amateur Radio Service
(PCARS) RADIOGRAM
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SAQ Alexanderson Day in the Age of COVID-19
Despite mid-summer conditions, at least seven US listeners, most of
them radio amateurs, were able to copy the 17.2 kHz signal from the SAQ
Alexanderson alternator at the World Heritage Grimeton Radio Station in
Sweden. The July 5 transmission from the vintage electro-mechanical
transmitter commemorated the annual Alexanderson Day. All told, more
than 600 reception reports were received -- a new record.
"The odds were not optimal this year, with the ongoing coronavirus
pandemic, and early Sunday morning, the rain was pouring down, and
heavy wind gusts made it hard to even take a peek at the
Kai Sundberg, SA6KSU, at the helm of
SAQ in a radio uniform dating back
to the 1960s.
antennas outdoors," the report from SAQ said. "The transmitter hall was
empty except for five members of the Alexander Association."
Dating from the 1920s, the Alexanderson alternator -- essentially an ac
alternator run at extremely high speed -- can put out 200 kW, but is
typically operated at less than half that power level. Once providing
reliable transatlantic communication, it is now a museum piece and only
put on the air on special occasions.
The transmitter was developed by Swedish engineer and radio pioneer
Ernst Alexanderson, who was employed at General Electric in
Schenectady, New York, and was chief engineer at the Radio Corporation
of America.
Two Alexanderson Day transmissions were made. "On the first
transmission, the rainy weather was making it hard at first to reach
good output to the antenna, but after a few minutes with the 'VVV VVV
VVV de SAQ' loop, the system started to dry, and the amps [antenna
current] increased. Skies cleared for the second transmission later in
the day, and, according to the report, the antenna current rose to 60
A, which 'is optimal,'" the report said.
The occasion marked the inaugural transmission by Kai Sundberg, SA6KSU,
at the helm of SAQ in a radio uniform dating back to the 1960s.
An article about Alexanderson Day, "The Legacy of Radio at Grimeton
Station, SAQ," appears on page 66 of the July 2019 issue of QST.
Lost Video Archive from 1997 Heard Island VK0IR DXpedition Found
The VK0IR DXpedition to Heard Island took place in January and February
of 1997. Co-Leader (with Peter Casier, ON6TT) Robert Schmieder, KK6EK,
shot a lot of video during the amateur radio adventure, but lost track
of it afterward. During the VK0IR DXpedition, DXers from around the
world were astounded that signals from the subantarctic Indian Ocean
could be heard at the bottom of the solar cycle. A team of 20 operators
carried out the massive, expensive, then-high-tech, and very successful
DXpedition, making a remarkable 80,673 contacts. The VK0IR story was
told in detail in the September 1997 issue of QST.
VK0IR operator Willy Reusch, HB9AHL.
"Recently, I discovered about 6 hours of video that I had shot during
the expedition, but which had never been seen -- not even by me!"
Schmieder told The Daily DX. "I divided the collection into six parts,
which I have posted to YouTube." Schmieder offered his introductions to
each segment:
"On 11 January 1997, 20 men landed on one of the most remote places in
the world: Heard Island, located in the Southern Ocean, almost to
Antarctica. They set up a village with all life support, including
accommodations, light and power, galley, and a huge array of radios,
antennas, and satellite communications gear.
"Over the next 2 weeks, using the call sign VK0IR, the team logged
80,673 contacts with radio operators worldwide, a new world record for
self-supported expeditions. The team also made daily explorations
around the island to document the rocks, glaciers, rivers, plants,
birds, and seals that are the dominant residents of this live volcano.
Many of you will remember this expedition, and quite a few of you made
significant contributions.
"The expedition was documented in numerous articles, presentations, and
professional videos, and received many awards, including a 2020 poll
that ranks it #1 among all such expeditions of the past 30 years.
"Unnoticed at the time, [I] shot 6 hours of video of all aspects of the
project. Unfortunately, these videos were lost until mid-2020, 23 years
later. No one, including [me], had ever viewed these videos. Upon
finding them, [I] divided the material into six separate parts. Other
than separation into the parts, the videos needed little editing. They
contain almost all of the material that was shot in 1997, and most of
it is in exactly the order it was shot."
* Part 1: Preparation (22:28)
* Part 2: Outbound (28:11)
* Part 3: Landing/Setup (52:38)
* Part 4: Operations (43:45)
* Part 5: Environment (52:14)
* Part 6: Departure (38:21)
These videos, which might offer an entertaining club presentation, are
also available by searching "Robert Schmieder Heard Island" on
YouTube.com. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
In Brief...
ARRL Volunteer Monitors recognized 13 operators in 10 states with Good
Operator letters during the second quarter of 2020. Among the operators
recognized were CW and SSB operators on 20 and 40 meters, outstanding
net operators on 2 meters (including a net control of the Central
Indiana SKYWARN Net), and an operator on 40 meters who demonstrated
exemplary courtesy and assistance to amateurs with technical issues.
Nearly 19,000 took part in the COVID-19 Communication Event earlier
this year. In the final tally, the international on-air
STAYHOME/STAYSAFE event logged 18,838 participants (with a median age
of 62) in 181 DXCC entities, who used CW, SSB, and FT8 to share
greetings during the 24-hour contest-like event. Thirty-nine registered
STAYHOME/STAYSAFE stations, many with STAYHOME suffixes, were on the
air from all continents, logging 120,181 contacts during the June 6 - 7
event. World winners were RG9A on CW; PP5JR on SSB; YO9HP on the
digital modes, and LY9A on multiple modes. The STAYHOME/STAYSAFE events
were organized jointly by Radio Arcala of Finland and Araucaria DX
Group of Brazil. -- Thanks to the COVID-19 Radio Communication Event
Organizing Committee
Getting It Right
An item in "Announcements" in the July 9 edition of The ARRL Letter
contained a metric-to-English conversion. A sentence should have said,
"The new receiver is located in BlA¡fjAP:ll at an altitude of 690
meters (about 2,298 feet)."
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* October 3 -- Kentucky State Convention, Bowling Green, Kentucky
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, August 14, 2020 09:05:12
The ARRL Letter
August 13, 2020
* ARRL Welcomes Paul Z. Gilbert, KE5ZW, as Director of Emergency
Management
* ARRL Board Confers Awards
* Arecibo Observatory Reflector Dish Damaged When Cable Snaps
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo to Become Twice-Yearly Event
* US Department of Defense to Share 3450 - 3550 MHz with 5G
Commercial Operations
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Campus Radio Clubs Face an Altered Fall Landscape
* Announcements
* Russia-Ukraine "Radio War," HF Radars are Most Frequently Reported
Ham Band Intrusions
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Welcomes Paul Z. Gilbert, KE5ZW, as Director of Emergency
Management
As another step in ARRL's increased focus on strengthening its
emergency communications capabilities and long-standing working
relationships with federal and state agencies and private emergency
response organizations, ARRL has hired Paul Z. Gilbert, KE5ZW, of Cedar
Park, Texas, as its first Director of Emergency Management.
Gilbert brings more than 30 years of experience in public service in
both his professional and amateur radio endeavors. Beginning with his
appointment as Emergency Coordinator in 1987, he has held multiple
positions in the ARRL Field Organization. Currently in his second term
as South Texas Section Manager, he has also served for more than a
decade as the West Gulf Division's Assistant Director for Public
Service, acting as liaison between Division leadership and local,
state, and federal emergency management organizations.
Professionally, Gilbert most recently was Radio Officer, HQ Staff, for
the Texas State Guard, where for the past 6 years he has been
responsible for planning and implementation of the organization's
communications capabilities. Previously, he was a Public Safety Radio
Coordinator for a Texas agency, charged with overseeing that
organization's large-scale disaster communications response and
identifying and eliminating in-state interoperability issues.
Gilbert, who has an Amateur Extra-class license, is a member of Army
MARS, and holds numerous DHS certifications, including COML, COMT, COMT
Instructor, and AUXCOM Communicator. He is a member of the FEMA
Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Group (RECCWG),
a graduate of the FEMA Emergency Management Institute's Exercise Design
Course, and was a founding member of the Texas Division of Emergency
Management Communications Coordination Group.
In his new role, Gilbert will manage a team responsible for supporting
ARRL Emergency Communications (EmComm) programs and services, including
the Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) and National Traffic
System (NTS), as well as lead the continued modernization of those
programs in consonance with the future emergency communications needs
of the public and ARRL's key partners.
ARRL Board Confers Awards
Meeting in virtual session July 17 - 18, the ARRL Board of Directors
conferred three major awards.
The Hiram Percy Maxim Award
The ARRL Board conferred the 2020 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Award on Jacob
M. Nagel, AD0JA, of Wright City, Missouri. Licensed since 2012, the
Board cited Nagel for exemplifying the spirit of amateur radio by
learning new technologies, providing community service, and helping
with emergency communication. ARRL's top youth honor, the Hiram Percy
Maxim Memorial Award is given annually to a radio amateur and ARRL
member under the age of 21. The award consists of a $1,500 stipend and
an engraved plaque, to be presented at an ARRL convention or event.
The Board cited Nagel's involvement in providing technical assistance
to the Okaw Valley Amateur Radio Club and the Egyptian Radio Club of
Illinois for the installation and upgrading of their club repeaters;
advising the Germantown, Illinois, Fire Department on upgrading its
communication systems; speaking at the 2016 Dayton Hamvention^(R) Youth
Forum; sharing his expertise in online forums, and active involvement
in projects that allow him to integrate his amateur radio knowledge
with other technical ventures in electronics.
Knight Distinguished Service Award
The Board named veteran ARRL Rhode Island Section Manager Robert G.
"Bob" Beaudet, W1YRC, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, as the recipient of
the Knight Distinguished Service Award, given to an ARRL Section
Manager. Beaudet has been Rhode Island SM since 2002.
The Board cited Beaudet's active promotion of ARRL activities in his
Section, including visiting hundreds of Field Day operations;
participating in many Volunteer Examiner test sessions; attending
countless club meetings; staying active as a contester, DXer, and
mentor, and serving as a model to other Section Managers. The Board
said, "Beaudet's leadership of the ARRL Rhode Island Section Field
Organization has led to a strong working cadre of volunteers within the
Section."
Doug DeMaw, W1FB, Technical Excellence Award
The Board named Al Rabassa, NW2M, of Rockville, Maryland, as the
recipient of the Doug DeMaw, W1FB, Technical Excellence Award.
The Board cited Rabassa's frequent contributions to the QST "Hints &
Hacks" column and his QST technical articles, including "The Basics of
Fan Cooling." The Board also noted that Rabassa has served as a
subject-matter expert on the Yaesu FT-101 transceiver, maintaining a
website devoted to the technical aspects of the vintage transceiver
series.
Arecibo Observatory Reflector Dish Damaged When Cable Snaps
An auxiliary cable that helps to support a metal platform above the
Arecibo Observatory radio telescope's reflector dish in Puerto Rico
snapped in the early morning hours of August 10, causing a 100-foot
gash in the reflector dish. Operations at the world-famous observatory,
which is managed by the University of Central Florida (UCF), have been
halted until repairs can be made. When the 3-inch cable fell, it also
damaged about a half-dozen panels in the Gregorian dome above the dish
and twisted the platform used to access the dome. The cause of the
cable break is not yet clear.
The main collecting dish at Arecibo
is among the world's largest
single-dish radio telescopes. The
reflective dish is 1,000 feet in
diameter, 167 feet deep, and covers
an area of about 20 acres.
"We have a team of experts assessing the situation," Observatory
Director Francisco Cordova said. "Our focus is assuring the safety of
our staff, protecting the facilities and equipment, and restoring the
facility to full operations as soon as possible, so it can continue to
assist scientists around the world."
UCF manages the National Science Foundation (NSF) facility under a
cooperative agreement with Universidad Ana G. Méndez and Yang
Enterprises Inc. Home to one of the most powerful telescopes on the
planet, the facility is used by scientists around the world to conduct
research in the areas of atmospheric sciences, planetary sciences,
radio astronomy, and radar astronomy. Arecibo is also home to a team
that runs the Planetary Radar Project supported by NASA's Near-Earth
Object Observations Program in NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination
Office, through a grant awarded to UCF.
The facility has endured many hurricanes, tropical storms, and
earthquakes since it was built 50 years ago. Repairs from Hurricane
Maria in 2017 are ongoing. Through it all, the facility has continued
to contribute to significant breakthroughs in space research in the
area of gravitational waves, asteroid characterization, planetary
exploration, and more.
The largest single-dish radio telescope in the world for decades,
Arecibo was bumped into second place in 2016 by the Five-hundred-meter
Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) in China.
The Arecibo Observatory Radio Club operates KP4AO at the site, mostly
on special occasions. -- Thanks to UCF and other sources
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 8) features an
interview with brothers Andy, KK4LWR, and Tony, KD8RTT, Milluzzi about
the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative. The On the Air podcast is
a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 14) deals with
interference isssues and features a chat with David Hodge, N6AN, about
his work at Caltech with the radio astronomy team.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo to Become Twice-Yearly Event
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo over the August 8 - 9 weekend appears to
have been an unmitigated success, so much so that another virtual event
will be held next March.
[IMG]"It was far better than we expected," Virtual Ham Expo Dhair Eric
Guth, 4Z1UG/WA6IGR, told ARRL. "We had over 26,000 registered and over
14,000 on the platform both days."
Guth said event sponsors and exhibitors that he's heard from so far
"are thrilled with the turnout, engagement, and responses that they
received." He said they're also enthusiastic about the second QSO Today
Virtual Ham Expo, set for March 13 - 14, 2021. "Our plan is to offer
this twice a year," Guth added.
The show, an ARRL-sanctioned event, was developed on the vFairs virtual
conference platform, and cleverly re-created the atmosphere of a
typical large hamfest, with several tracks of forum sessions on a wide
array of topics. Those who had registered but did not log into the live
event can see it all on demand until September 9.
"All of the services, except the chat, are running," Guth noted. "The
doors are still open."
Dozens of video presentations are available to replay, including the
keynote given by the Editor of ARRL's National Contest Journal, Dr.
Scott Wright, K0MD, "COVID-19: Amateur Radio's Impact on Problem
Solving to Create a Global Response to the Pandemic." Presentations
from other ARRL member-volunteers span technical and operating
interests, including "Everything you need to know about Lithium
Batteries" with Marcel Stieber, AI6MS, and an introduction to creating
Arduino-based projects for home and ham radio, with Glen Popiel, KW5GP.
Presentations highlighting young ham involvement and development
include "Youth in Ham Radio," moderated by Carole Perry, WB2MGP, with
six youth presenters.
Guth said a poll would be sent to determine what visitors enjoyed most.
"However, my guess will be that the speakers were fantastic, along with
the moderators for the live Q&A afterwards," he said. Exhibitors will
also be polled for their post-show impressions.
[IMG]Icom, a principal sponsor of the event, had team members from
around the globe staff their exhibits. Icom America Senior Sales
Manager Ray Novak, N9JA, said the event supported their new product
launches including Icom's new IC-705 HF - 430 MHz all-mode 10-W
transceiver, which just received FCC certification.
"We really enjoyed the virtual event," said Novak. "It is our goal to
see this grow and to have hams from the various countries attend in
anticipation of this becoming a multilingual event as we all are
starving for ham radio events during this pandemic."
Kevin Zanjani, KI6DHQ, of Bioenno Power, also gave the virtual event
high marks. The show, he said, "was quite exciting and a great platform
to interact with customers and the entire ham radio community during
these times." Bioenno Power, based in Southern California, is a
provider of Lithium-Polymer (LiPo) batteries and solar-power devices.
Zanjani said the chatroom was very effective to engage with customers.
"Many also dropped by to say hello as well, so we found that nice."
Product Development Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, was among the ARRL
representatives engaging with event attendees using text and video
chat. He described the experience as having some similarities and some
differences from an in-person convention.
"Our team answered questions about ARRL membership programs and
services, amateur radio licensing, and even had some fun challenging
visitors to our booth with ham radio trivia," he said. Physically
located at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut, Inderbitzen
treated more than 500 visitors to live, online tours from inside Hiram
Percy Maxim Memorial Station W1AW.
"It was fun to see a screen full of smiling faces, and to answer
questions in real time. The experience had an on-air feel," Inderbitzen
said. A short welcome video greeted visitors at the ARRL booth.
Guth said the organizers' challenge going forward is to reduce the
workflow in putting the show together. "But all in all, it was a lot of
work, I have a great team, the volunteer speakers and moderators were
out of this world, and I am grateful to our sponsors and exhibitors for
footing the bill," he added. Read more.
US Department of Defense to Share 3450 - 3550 MHz with 5G Commercial
Operations
The FCC will auction sharing rights to the upper 50 MHz of the 3300 -
3500 MHz secondary amateur radio allocation to commercial 5G interests
in the wake of the Department of Defense (DoD) agreement to share
spectrum at 3450 - 3550 MHz. The entire band currently supports a
variety of military operations, and amateur radio has a long history of
peaceful coexistence with the Department of Defense as a secondary user
of this spectrum.
Late last year, the FCC proposed to delete the amateur 3300 - 3500 MHz
secondary allocation as well as the amateur-satellite allocation at
3400 - 3410 MHz. The FCC could auction the 100 MHz of spectrum in early
2022. This latest move makes a contiguous band of spectrum from 3450 -
3980 MHz available for commercial 5G networks.
"For a number of years, the National Telecommunications and Information
ministration (NTIA) and FCC have focused on the 3450 - 3550 MHz band
as the spectrum most conducive to sharing with commercial users," said
ARRL Washington Counsel David Siddall, K3ZJ. "Monday's statements
announced that a framework for sharing has been worked out."
In December 2019, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) in WT Docket 19-348 proposing to delete the 3300 - 3500 MHz
secondary amateur band. ARRL strongly opposed the move in its comments
on the NPRM, which put forward the FCC's plans to remove "existing
non-federal secondary radiolocation and amateur allocations" in the
3300 - 3500 MHz band and to consider options for relocating incumbent
non-federal operations.
Siddall said the spectrum below 3450 MHz presents a more difficult
government/commercial sharing scenario, and that future sharing there
remains uncertain. "We continue to argue that the amateur secondary
allocation should not be deleted in this band," he said. "We recognize
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
that our access is secondary, and ask only to be given a chance to use
our considerable technical skills to work around whatever future uses
may be implemented in this spectrum."
"Together with the spectrum being made available for 5G in the C-band
as well as the 3.5 GHz band, we are now on track to have a
530-megahertz swath of mid-band spectrum available for 5G from 3.45 to
3.98 GHz," FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a statement. "The FCC looks
forward to moving quickly to adopt service rules for the 3.45 GHz band
and then hold an auction to bring this prime mid-band spectrum to
market." Read more.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: New Sunspot Cycle 25 continues to
make a strong showing. Sunspots have appeared every day over the past 3
weeks. Average daily sunspot numbers for the week slipped a bit from
19.6 to 14.3 this week, but average daily solar flux increased from
72.8 to 73.8. Geomagnetic indicators remain quiet. Both the average
daily planetary and mid-latitude A index were 3.7.
Predicted solar flux for the next 6 weeks is 74 on August 13 - 15; 72
on August 16 - 27; 73 on August 28 - 29; 75 on August 30 - September 9;
73 on September 10 - 11; 72 on September 12 - 23; 73 on September 24 -
25, and 75 on September 26. This is a welcome change from recent
forecasts, which saw predicted solar flux consistently below 70.
Predicted planetary A index forecasts continued quiet geomagnetic
conditions, at 5 on August 13 - 23; 8 on August 24 - 25; 5 on August 26
- 28; then 8, 16, and 8 on August 29 - 31; 5 on September 1 - 19; 8 on
September 20 - 21; 5 on September 22 - 24, and 8 and 16 on September 25
- 26.
Sunspot numbers for August 6 - 12 were 14, 14, 11, 13, 12, 12, and 24,
with a mean of 14.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.1, 74, 74.7, 73.9,
74.2, 73.5, and 73.1, with a mean of 73.8. Estimated planetary A
indices were 5, 4, 5, 3, 3, 3, and 3, with a mean of 3.7. Middle
latitude A index was 4, 5, 5, 3, 3, 3, and 3, with a mean of 3.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* August 15 - 16 -- SARTG World Wide RTTY Contest
* August 15 - 16 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* August 15 - 16 -- Russian District Award Contest (CW, phone)
* August 15 - 16 -- Keyman's Club of Japan Contest (CW)
* August 15 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* August 15 - 16 -- North American QSO Party SSB
* August 15 - 16 -- CVA DX Contest, CW
* August 16 -- SARL HF Digital Contest
* August 16 -- NJQRP Skeeter Hunt (CW, phone)
* August 16 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup RTTY
* August 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
Campus Radio Clubs Face an Altered Fall Landscape
Many colleges and universities are preparing incoming students for fall
classes, amid a complex landscape of re-entry plans due to COVID-19.
Schools are pursuing a variety of instructional modalities, including
live and asynchronous online classes, reduced-size or no in-person
classes, and hybrid classes with some mix of it all. At schools where
in-person attendance is allowed, the emphasis is on classes. Related
student activities, such as sports, clubs, and so on may be nonexistent
or extremely limited, due to the demands of social distancing and the
need to repurpose facilities and rooms for lower densities. As
institutions are forced to make hard choices, it's going to be more
important than ever for school amateur radio clubs to find ways to
continue, even if in-person meetings are impossible.Some campus radio
clubs continue to sponsor training and testing of new hams by using
videoconferencing and asynchronous communications to offer instruction
and support.
ARRL's Instructor Discount Program includes reduced-price self-study
license manuals, including the popular ARRL Ham Radio License Manual.
The discount program is ordinarily offered to ARRL-registered
instructors, but ARRL has temporarily extended the program to any
in-school students who call to order ARRL License Manuals by
referencing their school radio club or their ARRL-registered
instructor. Call toll-free (888) 277-5289, Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM
Eastern Time.
Club instructors can download free instructional resources for use with
The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, including PowerPoint slides,
syllabus, and study review questions. Some college clubs are providing
scheduled online license tests. For example, the Columbia University
Amateur Radio Club in New York City and the MIT Radio Society in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, have scheduled online license examinations.
To make club resources available when in-person gatherings are not
possible, some college clubs have remote-enabled their radio stations.
California Polytechnic (Cal Poly) recently shared the details of the
monthly ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative (CARI) web conference
in July. The monthly online conferences continue into the fall.
The Collegiate QSO Party is planned for September 19 - 20. The QSO
Party is an operating event focused on amateur radio clubs at colleges
and universities around the world. Each fall, the Collegiate QSO Party
provides an opportunity for clubs to demonstrate amateur radio to new
members, engage with alumni, and promote activity throughout college
and university communities. Read more. -- Thanks to Bob Inderbitzen,
NQ1R
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The Duga-2 was one of three Soviet Russian over-the-horizon radar
(OTHR) sites, now just outside the Chernobyl exclusion zone. In
operation from 1976 until 1986, it was dubbed the "Russian
Woodpecker" by radio amateurs for the widespread havoc it wrought
on the HF bands. BBC Reel has posted a short video about it, in
Russian and English, with English subtitles.
[IMG]
The Russian Woodpecker Duga-2 site.
[BBC Reel, image]
* The GQRP Club has released a detailed agenda for its Online
Convention 2020, Saturday and Sunday, September 5 - 6. The online
event, which replaces the club's annual GQRP convention at Telford
due to current COVID-19 restrictions, is open to existing members.
A special rate for non-members will include GQRP Club membership
until January 2022.
* The Antique Wireless Association (AWA) 2020 Virtual Conference
presentations are available on YouTube. New videos will be added
daily through August 14. -- Thanks to Mark Erdle, AE2EA
* David Burger, K3HZ/VK2CZ, has pointed out a couple of online
Engineering and Technology History Wiki articles regarding the
manufacture of transmitting tubes that make interesting reading.
One discusses Eimac, and the other Heintz and Kaufman.
* ARRL Volunteer Historical Archivist Michael Marinaro, WN1M, is the
recipient of the Antique Wireless Association Bruce Kelley Award
for his historical article, "Early Wireless -- Magazines, Clubs,
and War."
* The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has released its Board
proceedings for January to April 2020. They include mention of a
possible new UK Beginners amateur radio license.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Russia-Ukraine "Radio War," HF Radars are Most Frequently Reported Ham
Band Intrusions
The Russia-Ukraine "radio war" and the Russian over-the-horizon radar
(OTHR) "Contayner" were the most frequently reported amateur band
intruders during July, according to the International Amateur Radio
Union Monitoring System (IARUMS). IARUMS characterized the ongoing
broadcast radio war transmissions between the neighboring nations as
"spiteful and provocative." Clandestine stations have appeared on
7.055, 7.090, and 7.110 MHz. IARUMS has determined
The Russian OTHR "Contayner" signal
on 40 meters last fall.
that the heavy harmful interference from the Contayner Russian OTHR is
coming from a location east of Moscow. Contayner OTHR signals have been
monitored on various frequencies on 40, 20, and 15 meters, with a
typical occupied bandwidth of about 12 kHz.
"Sometimes, we also found the 20 kHz wide OTHR from the UK base in
Cyprus, but less than in previous years," reported IARUMS Region 1
Coordinator Peter Jost, HB9CET, in the July newsletter. "Due to some
band openings at 10 meters, some of us [also] heard several driftnet
fishing buoys."
Owing to vagaries in ITU Radio Regulations footnotes that relate to
amateur radio frequencies, however, not every signal classified as an
intruder is actually an intruder. It could be a signal that complies
with the regulations, Jost pointed out to readers.
"The numerous footnotes of the ITU Radio Regulations must always be
taken into account," Jost said. "For example, the 14,250 - 14,350 kHz
range is primarily assigned to the fixed service in some [countries].
Since we cannot determine the origin of signals with absolute
certainty, they are usually recorded as intruders, even if there is the
possibility of an exception, due to a footnote."
The latest IARU-R1 Monitoring System newsletter includes reports from
German radio amateurs on the large number of fishery buoys operating on
10 meters, where amateur radio is primary.
Listeners outside of Region 1 can monitor the HF online using one of
the many web-based SDR receivers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* October 3 -- Kentucky State Convention, Bowling Green, Kentucky
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, August 21, 2020 09:05:16
The ARRL Letter
August 20, 2020
* IARU Announces HF Digital Mode Band Plan Review
* Amateur Radio Stood Ready for Isaias Throughout Storm's East Coast
Visit
* New Smartphone App Can Identify Unknown Data Modes
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Rene Fonseca, NP3O, Elected as Puerto Rico Section Manager
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* New Contest for Portable Stations to Debut
* Technology and Technique Making Ham Radio Testing Possible During
Pandemic
* Intrepid-DX Group Announces Winners of Youth "Dream Rig" Essay
Contest
* Announcements
* Past Puerto Rico Section Manager Victor Madera, KP4PQ, SK
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
IARU Announces HF Digital Mode Band Plan Review
An International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) working group has been
formed to develop solutions to reduce congestion within very popular
mode segments while preventing mutual interference between
"incompatible modes" as much as possible. The working group includes
representatives of the three regional band-planning committees, marking
the first time the three IARU regions have joined together to directly
coordinate band-planning efforts.
"Because frequency allocations and amateur radio operating interests
vary in different parts of the world, the development of band plans --
voluntary guidelines on the use of the spectrum that is available to
radio amateurs -- is a responsibility of the three IARU regional
organizations," the IARU explained in announcing the working group.
"Each of the three regions has a band-planning committee to focus on
this work."
The IARU says this approach to band planning has generally kept pace
with the evolution of amateur radio operating, but the explosive growth
in HF digital modes, particularly FT8, has led to perceived
overcrowding of HF digital-mode band segments.
The new working group has already had fruitful discussions with the
WSJT Development Group headed by Joe Taylor, K1JT. ditional
discussions including other HF stakeholders will be held as part of a
fundamental review of the different HF digital modes, and how they can
best be categorized and arranged to share the limited spectrum
available.
In recent years, moves have been made to bring the regional band plans
into alignment wherever possible. Final approval of any band plan
revisions typically occurs during regional conferences of IARU
member-societies, held every 3 years on a rotating basis.
Due to recent administrative changes, however, revisions can be
implemented without having to wait for the regional conferences.
Amateur Radio Stood Ready for Isaias Throughout Storm's East Coast
Visit
In a hurricane season now predicted to be worse than originally
thought, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaias was an opportunity for amateur
radio volunteers along the US eastern seaboard to exercise their
preparedness. The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) initiated two sessions,
totaling more than 50 hours to track Isaias as it approached landfall.
In Southern Florida, Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) John Wells,
W4CMH, said Indian River County Amateur Radio Emergency Service had
operators at three shelters, and a few clients housed overnight on
August 1. St. Lucie County went to Level 1 (full activation) on August
1, but no shelters were opened, and no ARES members were deployed. "St.
Lucie County ARES was operational from a remote location, although they
were prepared to staff the radio room at the Emergency Operations
Center (EOC)," Wells said.
Northern Florida ARES was never called up, but members did monitor the
situation. "We are still early in the season, and I hope it will be a
quiet year, but time will only tell," said Northern Florida SEC Karl
Martin, K4HBN.
"The New York City-Long Island Section had a lot of downed trees and
wires across the whole island," NYC-Long Island Section Manager Jim
Mezey, W2KFV, reported. "ARES was in standby mode for the Red Cross and
other served agencies. Many clubs had information nets helping people
to find needed supplies." Power was lost for a time in some areas.
"All is well for the most part in Southern New Jersey," Section Manager
Tom Preiser, N2XW, reported. "We were inundated with power outages. We
activated SKYWARN and made reports to NWS-Mount Holly. Many trees and
tree limbs are down, and there was a great deal of activity on the
repeaters."
Delaware SEC Dave Scott, KC3BEJ, reported nearly 5 inches of rain in
the northern part of the state. "Areas of central Delaware -- around
Dover Air Force Base and southern New Castle County -- got a good punch
in the nose, with several confirmed tornadoes," he said. Several
tractor trailer trucks tipped over on Route 1 in southern New Castle
County and some 60,000 people statewide lost power. "There was no call
for amateur radio assistance from any state, county, or municipal
emergency management authorities," Scott said. "Most of our regular
repeaters remained fully operational." An emergency frequency of 3.905
MHZ allowed good communication with southern Delaware.
"Storm Isaias moved rapidly through the Eastern and coastal areas of
Maryland," Maryland-DC (MDC) Section Manager Marty Pittinger, KB3MXM,
told ARRL. "From onset to conclusion, tropical storm conditions lasted
approximately 12 hours." Two Maryland counties more than 100 miles
apart received tornado damage, while high wind-driven rain soaked much
of the region. Pittinger reported, "The MDC Section was in touch with a
regional Red Cross representative and state emergency managers, and our
ARES [volunteers] maintained awareness." Hospitals and the health
department in Prince George County were advised that ARES was on
standby for them.
Eastern New York saw Isaias as a tropical storm that came directly up
the Hudson Valley from the Greater New York City area, said Section
Emergency Coordinator Dave Galletly, KM2O. On August 4, the NWS in
Albany issued a tornado watch for mid- and upper-Hudson River Valley
counties, and a SKYWARN net was initiated on a regional repeater. Two
more tornado warnings, several flash flood warnings, and high wind
advisories were issued before the net shut down. Radio amateurs filed
multiple reports of flash flooding, road closures, and wind damage.
"Record-setting rainfall was reported across the forecast area,"
Galletly added.
ARES volunteers in the Eastern Massachusetts Section supported the
NWS-Norton office's SKYWARN program, with winds gusting to 70 MPH,
leading to downed trees and power lines. "Just to our west, conditions
were significantly worse," Eastern Massachusetts SEC Rob Macedo, KD1CY,
reported. The NWS-Norton SKYWARN program encompasses neighboring ARRL
New England Sections. "Connecticut had a top-five event for total
number of power outages," Macedo said, noting some 700,000 customers
without power. ARES/SKYWARN teams in Connecticut and Rhode Island
collaborated on damage assessment.
ARES members in Vermont, a state not typically associated with tropical
cyclones, initiated VHF and HF nets to share information on conditions.
"Participation by ARES and RACES members was high," reported SEC Cathy
James, NQ1B. "It was clear that storm conditions were not as bad as
predicted." [Editor's note: This article represents a select summary of
amateur radio activities during the passage of Isaias.]
New Smartphone App Can Identify Unknown Data Modes
An incredible number of digital-mode radio signals occupy the spectrum,
and it's not always possible to identify the particular mode of
operation. CW, PSK31, and FT8 are pretty easy, but how about CIS405,
STANAG, or CHIP64? A new smartphone app can simplify things. SignalID
can recognize about 20 signal modes (more may be on the way), in just 5
seconds of recording time. The app is open source and free.
Using it is simple. Once the frequency and bandwidth have been set, the
user places the cell phone's microphone near the receiver's speaker,
presses the large button, and waits for 5 seconds. The quieter the
external environment is, the fewer errors.
"The algorithm is based on frequency, [so incorrect tuning] will result
in an erroneous detection. The recording is limited to 5 seconds, for
practical reasons. Mode recognition may require several attempts, the
developer, Tortillum, said, and upgrades are already in the works. "The
easiest way to try [it] is RTTY or STANAG," the developer added.
The very few comments so far from users suggest some further work may
be needed, but they praised the concept. The developer invites
additional comments.
The application, which includes a complete list, could prove a valuable
tool in determining the types of emissions that may stray into amateur
radio bands. A demonstration video is available. -- Thanks to Southgate
Amateur Radio News via Stephen Walters, G7VFY
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 8) features an
interview with brothers Andy, KK4LWR, and Tony, KD8RTT, Milluzzi about
the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative. The On the Air podcast is
a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 14) deals with
interference issues and features a chat with David Hodge, N6AN, about
his work at Caltech with the radio astronomy team.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Rene Fonseca, NP3O, Elected as Puerto Rico Section Manager
Rene Fonseca, NP3O, has been elected as ARRL Puerto Rico Section
Manager (SM), defeating two other candidates, including incumbent Oscar
Resto, KP4RF. Fonseca, of Fajardo, received 85 votes; Juan Sepulveda
Mercado, KP3CR, garnered 48 votes, and incumbent Section Manager Oscar
Resto, KP4RF, got 31 votes. Resto has been Puerto Rico's Section
Manager since 2016. An ARRL Life Member, Fonseca is returning as SM,
having served previously from 2012 to 2016.
The Puerto Rico SM election was the only contested election in the
summer round of voting. Ballots were counted on August 18 at ARRL
Headquarters.
* In Minnesota, Bill Mitchell, AE0EE, of Minneapolis, will become the
new Section Manager this fall. Mitchell was the only nominee when
the nomination deadline arrived in early June. Incumbent Skip
Jackson, KS0J, chose not to run for a new term after a 16-year run
that began in 2004.
* In North Dakota, Richard Budd, W0TF, will begin a full 2-year term
of office after being appointed in June to succeed Nancy Yoshida,
K0YL. She stepped down to become vice president of the YL
International Single Sideband System.
The following incumbent SMs ran unopposed and were considered elected.
Chuck Motes, K1DFS (Connecticut); Dan Marler, K7REX (Idaho); Scott
Yonally, N8SY (Ohio); Kevin O'Dell, N0IRW (Oklahoma); Barry Porter,
KB1PA (Southern Florida); Fred Kleber, K9VV (Virgin Islands), and Laura
Mueller, N2LJM (Western New York).
All new terms begin on October 1.
James Armstrong, NV6W, Named Santa Clara Valley SM
James Armstrong, NV6W, of San Jose, California, was appointed as Santa
Clara Valley (SCV) Section Manager following the untimely death on July
28 of incumbent Bill Ashby, AA6FC, just 4 weeks after he took office.
An ARRL Life Member, Ashby, also of San Jose, was 66 and the only
nominee for the position when nominations closed in March. Ashby had
earlier served as the Affiliated Club Coordinator from 2007 to 2010.
Armstrong will fulfill the remainder of the term, which expires on June
30, 2022.
His appointment by ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager Bart
Jahnke, W9JJ, followed consultation with ARRL Pacific Division Director
Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT. Armstrong served as an Assistant SM in the SCV
Section since 2013. A ham for more than 40 years, Armstrong also holds
a Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator certificate, a General
Radiotelephone Operator license, and a GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer
license, all with ship radar endorsements.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots disappeared on 4 days of the
past week, but then returned. The average daily sunspot number declined
from 14.3 to 5.4, while average daily solar flux went from 73.8 to 71.
Geomagnetic indicators remain quiet. Average daily planetery A index
increased from 3.7 to 4.4.
Predicted solar flux is 70 on August 20 - 26; 71 on August 27; 72 on
August 28 - 29; 73 on August 30 - September 5; 72 on September 6 - 9;
71 on September 10 - 11; 70 on September 12 - 19; 71 on September 20 -
23; 72 on September 24 - 25; 73 on September 26 - October 2, and 72 on
October 3.
Predicted planetary A index is 16, 8, and 5 on August 20 - 22; 8 on
August 23 - 25; 5 on August 26 - 28; 8, 16, and 8 on August 29 - 31; 5
on September 1 - 14; 10 on September 15 - 16; 5 on September 17 - 24;
then 8, 16, and 8 on September 25 - 27, and 5 on September 28 - October
3.
Sunspot numbers for August 13 - 19 were 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, 12, and 15,
with a mean of 5.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 72.3, 70.8, 70.6,
70.9, 70.8, 71.3, and 70.5, with a mean of 71. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 7, and 6, with a mean of 4.4. Middle
latitude A index was 5, 3, 3, 5, 3, 7, and 9, with a mean of 5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* August 22 - 24 -- Hawaii QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* August 22 - 23 -- Ohio QSO Party (CW, phone)
* August 22 - 23 -- CVA DX Contest (Phone)
* August 22 - 23 -- 50 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
* August 26 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
New Contest for Portable Stations to Debut
A new amateur radio contest for portable operators -- the Fox Mike
Hotel Portable Operations Challenge (POC) -- will debut October 3 - 4.
The event is aimed at leveling the competitive playing field between
fixed stations and portable stations. Scoring for the POC, based upon a
kilometers-per-watt metric, will be handicapped in favor of the
portables. The contest is the brainchild of Frank Howell, K4FMH.
Sponsors include National Contest Journal (NCJ) -- an ARRL publication
-- but the POC will not be an official NCJ or ARRL contest.
"NCJ's role is to encourage hams who don't contest to give it a try,"
NCJ Editor Dr. Scott Wright, K0MD, said. "It will encourage activity by
operators who are limited by real estate and do not have a full-blown
contest station. Events like this stimulate more interest in
contesting, and this will have an international scope to give chances
to snare some new DXCC entities."
The contest rules say scoring will be calculated using the distance
between stations (Maidenhead grid squares) in kilometers divided by
power output in watts. Fixed (QTH) stations will compete against
portable (P) stations on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Allowable modes
include phone, CW, and digital.
The exchange is call sign, station class (P or Q), consecutive serial
number, and four-character grid square.
Contact Howell for more information. Read more.
Technology and Technique Making Ham Radio Testing Possible During
Pandemic
Amateur radio license testing continues during the pandemic, with a
combination of remote Volunteer Examiner (VE) test sessions and careful
in-person session planning. In Hawaii, VE Team leader and Section
Manager Joe Speroni, AH0A, said he and his team passed the
100-candidate mark on August 10 for video-supervised remote test
sessions. Speroni said the most recent session administered exams to 10
candidates simultaneously.
"Candidates from all Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US
military bases in Okinawa have had an opportunity to sit for licenses,"
he told the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator. "The high pass rate of
95% is most likely due to candidates having had time to prepare for the
exam." Speroni also said his VEs' willingness to contribute their time
has made the program a success and available to a wide geographical
range.
"Zoom meeting video lends itself to handling three candidates per
session, and each requires three VEs," Speroni explained. "The 1:1
ratio of candidates to VEs makes planning important. Fortunately, the
team of 15 VEs has volunteers from Oahu, Maui, the Big Island,
California, and the Pacific. Often, hams from Okinawa and Guam are
helping to license and upgrade hams in Hawaii."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected licensing numbers as well as testing
protocols. ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, reports that through
the end of July, overall FCC license activity was down by 15% compared
to the same period last year. New amateur licenses are down by 12% so
far in 2020, with 15,849 new licensees compared to 17,947 in 2019.
"Upgraded licenses are down by a staggering 23% -- 6,501 versus 4,984,"
Somma said. "The year-end prediction of 7,500 upgrades is much lower
than in previous years, which have averaged around 9,500."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
On the other side of the US, Rhode Island Section Manager and VE Bob
Beaudet, W1YRC, reports his club, the Blackstone Valley Amateur Radio
Club, conducted a "pandemic-compliant" open-air test session on August
8.
"Our governor in Rhode Island has directed citizens not to congregate
in groups greater than 15 outdoors," Beaudet said, estimating that
group size remained at around that number at any given time as
candidates arrived and left. "Some came early and left as new people
arrived," he said. "Also, we were rather widely spread out in the
parking lot." Everyone wore masks and observed appropriate social
distancing. The VEs grading and processing applications were also
spread widely apart. "We planned to keep applicants a car width apart
from one another, but many applicants came in rather large trucks,"
Beaudet recounted. "That changed our parking pattern a little."
The session accommodated one candidate who was severely vision impaired
and successfully upgraded to a General-class license, with a VE reading
the questions and recording his answers. -- Thanks to Joe Speroni,
AH0A, and Bob Beaudet, W1YRC
Intrepid-DX Group Announces Winners of Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest
The Intrepid-DX Group has announced the winners of its first annual
Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest. "We received over 60 essays from young
amateurs from all over the world," said Intrepid-DX Group President
Paul Ewing, N6PSE. "The essays were unique in thought and very
well-articulated. Extra points were given for proper grammar,
punctuation, and spelling. Most of the essays gave unique perspectives
on how to reach out and connect with the youth of today. We will be
sharing those ideas in subsequent postings."
The first-place winner and recipient of an Icom IC-7300 transceiver is
Faith Hannah Lea, KD3Z. She will also receive a vertical flagpole
antenna from Greyline Performance Antennas, a deluxe headset from Heil
Sound, a Powerwerx switching power supply donated by Steve Jones, N6SJ,
and a QRP Nano Morse Key-25-811P from GigaParts.
In second place was Charlie Meadows, N4VTI, who received a Yaesu FT-65
handheld transceiver donated by Ewing. In addition, he'll get a $50 DX
Engineering gift card from David Jorgensen, WD5COV.
Patrick Gawthrop, W9GGG, was the third-place winner and recipient of a
BaoFeng BF-F8HP handheld transceiver donated by Ewing. He will also
receive a $50 DX Engineering gift card from Jorgensen.
"Having read over 60 essays this week, we can tell you that our youth
are full of great ideas and they are brimming with enthusiasm to keep
our hobby alive well into the future," Ewing said. The Intrepid-DX
Group will publish several of the essays on its Facebook page. Read
more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The Japan Telecommunications Ministry (MIC) announced that
effective August 20 all stations permitted to transmit on Japan's
160-meter allocation may now use SSB. The current Japan Amateur
Radio League (JARL) band plan suggests 1848 - 1875 kHz carrier
frequency for LSB. -- Thanks to Kenji Rikitake, JJ1BDX/N6BDX
* Veteran QRZ.com moderator Glen E. Zook, K9STH, of Richardson,
Texas, has died. QRZ.com president and founder Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ,
said Zook had been a content moderator on the popular site for at
least 20 years.
* The Radio Club of America (RCA) is inviting leadership nominations
for 2021. The nomination application is online. Individuals may
self-nominate by completing the form and emailing it to the
executive secretary. The nomination deadline is September 8. Direct
questions to Chip Cohen, W1YW.
* The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) website
has had a makeover. The facility, operated by the University of
Alaska Fairbanks, can light up the ionosphere with 3.6 MW between
2.7 and 10 MHz and has been the subject of numerous conspiracy
theories. In this vein, HAARP "Area 49" T-shirt and glassware sales
support research. -- Thanks to Ward Silver, N0AX, via The ARRL
Contest Update
* Australian telecommunications regulator ACMA has approved the
issuance of 2 * 1 contest call signs with VJ, VK, and VL prefixes
to vanced-class licensees and to club stations for contest
operation only.
* Despite civil unrest in Mali, Jeff Dorsey, TZ4AM, reported on
August 17 that he was safe and very active on the air. He's been
spotted on 40, 20, and 17 meters, CW and SSB. Dorsey had reported
gunfire in his neighborhood. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Past Puerto Rico Section Manager Victor Madera, KP4PQ, SK
Victor Madera, KP4PQ, who served as Puerto Rico's Section Manager from
2000 until 2007, died on July 23. An ARRL Life Member, he was 90 years
old. Madera was instrumental in translating amateur radio study guides
and test materials into Spanish. Upon his retirement as Section
Manager, Madera was awarded the Knight Distinguished Service Award in
recognition of his outstanding service as a Section Manager.
First licensed in 1951, Madera served in the US Army Signal Corps
during the Korean War. He held a Bachelor's degree in electrical
engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, later
serving as the director of manufacturing for Westinghouse in Puerto
Rico and Haiti. He retired early due to health issues.
Madera held several ARRL Field Organization appointments over the
years, including Official Observer, Public Information Officer, State
Government Liaison, and Assistant Director for the ARRL Southeastern
Division. He served as team liaison/coordinator for the ARRL Volunteer
Examiner team in Puerto Rico and was International Amateur Radio Union
Region 2 auxiliary monitor.
Madera was a member of the Radio Club of America (RCA), the Quarter
Century Wireless Association (QCWA), and the Puerto Rico Amateur Radio
Club -- Federación de Radio Aficionados de Puerto Rico. He was the
founder and first president and secretary of the Puerto Rico Amateur
Radio League (PRARL) -- an ARRL Special Service Club. Read more.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* October 3 -- Kentucky State Convention, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
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* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Andre Robitaille@1:154/70 to
Sean Dennis on Friday, August 21, 2020 09:05:47
On 21 Aug 2020, Sean Dennis said the following...
The ARRL Letter
The Intrepid-DX Group has announced the winners of its first annual
Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest. "We received over 60 essays from
The first-place winner and recipient of an Icom IC-7300 transceiver
is Faith Hannah Lea, KD3Z. She will also receive a vertical flagpole
I'm so annoyed by this. Her essay was just the usual "show youth how fun it
is to make DX contacts" nonsense. Of course that's what OMs and the Intrepid group wants to hear, so the family of beggars wins again.
Problem is that when you talk to actual youth, they don't care at all about ragchewing with OMs or DX contacts or contesting. I hope they publish all the essays, because certainly there must be some good ideas in the sixty submissions.
- Andre, WT9X
--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A45 2020/02/18 (Raspberry Pi/32)
* Origin: Runaan BBS (1:154/70)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, August 28, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
August 27, 2020
* Board of Directors Elects New ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA
* Amateur Radio Volunteers Ready as Deadly Hurricane Laura Makes
Landfall
* NASA's THEMIS Mission Investigates Aurora Mysteries
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Candidates Set for 2020 ARRL Division Elections
* ARRL Seeks National Club Coordinator
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Ham-Astronauts to Crew Boeing, SpaceX Commercial Missions for NASA
* Announcements
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Board of Directors Elects New ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA
The ARRL Board of Directors has elected David Minster, NA2AA, of Wayne,
New Jersey, as ARRL's new Chief Executive Officer, starting on
September 28. Minster is currently Managing Partner at Talentrian
Partners, a management consulting firm serving the consumer goods and
luxury goods industries.
Minster began his career as a software engineer, moving into management
at Unilever, as a Chief Information Officer of this globally recognized
portfolio of brands that includes Elizabeth Arden Company,
Chesebrough-Ponds Canada, Thomas J. Lipton Co., and others. From there,
he moved to fine jewelry manufacturer and retailer David Yurman, where
he served as COO and CIO. More recently, Minster served as CEO of
jewelry brands Scott Kay and Judith Ripka.
"Building a culture of accomplishment and accountability is what I do
best," he said. "My initial focus will be working with the Board on
establishing strategic goals and concrete plans to navigate ARRL
through the digital transformation required for the coming decades of
its Second Century. This includes exciting and innovative ways to be
engaged in amateur radio, while growing activity and membership."
Minster got his Novice license, WB2MAE, in 1977, when he was in his
teens. He progressed from vanced to Amateur Extra and, after a stint
as NW2D, he settled on the vanity call sign NA2AA in the 1990s as a way
to honor a mentor, N2AA, and the contest station that he used to
frequent, K2GL, in Tuxedo Park, New York.
Minster's ham radio pursuits have ranged far and wide over the years.
His background includes National Traffic System training and
participation in public service events, as well as contesting from
home, club stations, and contest stations in the Caribbean --
particularly on Bonaire, where he is a member of PJ4G. Primarily a CW
operator, Minster collects unique and vintage bugs and keys.
Minster earned a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from The
Ohio State University and has a special interest in satellites, digital
communications, remote operation, and ham radio computing and software.
He has written keyer software for the commercial market, and contest
logging, packet, and satellite telemetry software for personal use.
In addition to being an ARRL member, Minster is a member of AMSAT, the
Frankford Radio Club, the Straight Key Century Club, CWops, and the
North American QRP CW Club.
"I spend every day of my life, one way or another, engaged in amateur
radio. It is more than just a hobby for me; it is my community. It is
where I live; where I have built lifelong friendships, and friendships
that span the globe. Amateur radio allows me to dream and to
experiment. I can't wait to bring my energy and boundless enthusiasm in
service to ARRL."
ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, said, "We are excited to welcome
David as our new CEO, and look forward to his progressive leadership.
His experience in management and operations, plus his activities in
amateur radio, will serve our organization and members well."
Minster will succeed Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY, who was CEO in 2018, and
who has been serving as ARRL's Interim CEO since January 2020. Shelley
had been ARRL's Chief Financial Officer since January 1992.
Amateur Radio Volunteers Ready as Deadly Hurricane Laura Makes Landfall
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) teams along the Gulf Coast
were ready to assist as needed after Hurricane Laura made landfall as a
powerful and deadly Category 4 storm along the Texas-Louisiana border
with sustained winds of 150 MPH. The National Hurricane Center (NHC)
predicted "unsurvivable storm surge" was in the vicinity of 20 feet or
greater, driving Gulf waters inland into waterways and lowlands. More
than a half-million people in Louisiana and Texas were told to evacuate
ahead of the storm, but not everyone did -- or was able to leave.
Widespread power outages were reported. By Thursday morning, the
Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) had ratcheted its alert level up to 5 --
Catastrophic Response Mode -- and remained in operation even after the
hurricane hit.
"Once Laura has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, we will focus on
helping to gather any post-storm reports from the areas that had been
hit," HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said. "This includes the
relaying of any emergency or priority traffic."
At mid-week, ARRL South Texas Section Emergency Coordinator Jeffery
Walter, KE5FGA, said, "We have begun nightly Zoom meetings with North
Texas, South Texas, and ARRL Delta Division leadership. The areas
directly in the path of the storm may call for mutual aid support." He
assured that volunteers would be vetted and provided with necessary
information and a plan put in place to define their deployment period.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The FCC has granted an ARRL request for a 30-day waiver to facilitate
relief communications in the wake of Hurricane Laura. The waiver
temporarily permits amateur data transmissions at a higher symbol rate
than currently permitted under the FCC's rules. ARRL pointed out in its
request that Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members would be
working with federal, state, and local emergency management officials
to assist with disaster relief and may use radio modems capable of both
PACTOR 3 and PACTOR 4 emissions. The higher data rates PACTOR 4 offers
are critical to sending hurricane relief communications, including
lists of needed and distributed supplies. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
At 1200 UTC on Thursday, the NHC was reporting damaging winds and
flooding rainfall overspreading inland areas in western and central
Louisiana. "Life-threatening storm surge continues along much of the
Louisiana coastline," the report added. The storm was still packing 100
MPH winds. Laura was moving toward the north and that motion was
expected to continue through the day. A northeastward to
east-northeastward motion was expected Thursday night and Friday. Laura
was predicted to move across southwestern Louisiana Thursday morning,
and then continue northward across the state through the afternoon,
with the storm's center forecast to move over Arkansas Thursday night,
the mid-Mississippi Valley on Friday, and the mid-Atlantic states on
Saturday.
Voice over Internet Protocol Weather Net (VoIP-WX) Manager Rob Macedo,
KD1CY, was interviewed on The Weather Channel on Thursday morning.
In Louisiana and Texas, ARES teams were in standby status for local
emergency managers or served agencies, such as the Red Cross, to
request activation. Louisiana Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) James
Coleman, AI5B, said earlier this week that activations would happen on
a parish-by-parish or on a regional basis as support is needed. The
Louisiana ARES Emergency Net activated on Wednesday on 3.878 and/or
7.255 MHz. The Delta Division Emergency Net was on standby Thursday.
Ham Aid emergency communication kits from ARRL Headquarters have been
pre-positioned in Louisiana for such situations since last year.
ARRL South Texas Section Manager -- and incoming ARRL Director of
Emergency Management -- Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, was among those
participating in an August 26 ARRL Headquarters Emergency Response Team
(HQERT) Zoom meeting that also included Section leadership in Louisiana
and Mississippi. ARES members were advised to stay in touch with
Section Emergency Coordinators as well as district and local emergency
coordinators for any activation plans, but consensus of those at the
session was that volunteers would be needed. Gilbert stressed that ARES
volunteers should not self-deploy.
"Most staff members, including the HQERT, are working from home and
communicating with each other via email and Microsoft Teams," ARRL
Assistant Emergency Preparedness Manager Ken Bailey, K1FUG, said,
adding that W1AW was ready if needed.
NASA's THEMIS Mission Investigates Aurora Mysteries
According to a NASA report, a special type of aurora, draped
east-to-west across the night sky like a glowing pearl necklace, is
helping scientists to better understand the science of auroras. Known
as auroral beads, these lights often show up just before large auroral
displays, which are caused by electrical storms in space called
substorms. Previously, scientists weren't sure if auroral beads were
somehow connected to other auroral displays as a phenomenon in space
that precedes substorms, or if they are caused by disturbances closer
to Earth's atmosphere.
But powerful new computer models combined with observations from NASA's
Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms --
THEMIS -- mission have provided the first strong evidence of the events
in space that lead to the appearance of these beads, and demonstrated
the important role they play in our near space environment.
"Now we know for certain that the formation of these beads is part of a
process that precedes the triggering of a substorm in space," said
Vassilis Angelopoulos, principal investigator of THEMIS at UCLA. "This
is an important new piece of the puzzle."
A THEMIS Spacecraft.
By providing a broader picture than can be seen with the three THEMIS
spacecraft or ground observations alone, the new models have shown that
auroral beads are caused by turbulence in the plasma -- a fourth state
of matter, made up of gaseous and highly conductive charged particles
-- surrounding Earth. The results, recently published in Geophysical
Research Letters and Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics,
will ultimately help scientists better understand the full range of
swirling structures seen in the auroras.
"THEMIS observations have now revealed turbulences in space that cause
flows seen lighting up the sky as of single pearls in the glowing
auroral necklace," said Evgeny Panov, lead author on one of the new
papers and THEMIS scientist at the Space Research Institute of the
Austrian Academy of Sciences. "These turbulences in space are initially
caused by lighter and more agile electrons, moving with the weight of
particles 2,000 times heavier, and which theoretically may develop to
full-scale auroral substorms."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 8) features an
interview with brothers Andy, KK4LWR, and Tony, KD8RTT, Milluzzi about
the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative. The On the Air podcast is
a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 15) features a
chat with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about HF transceiver shopping -- getting
the best performance for the money.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Candidates Set for 2020 ARRL Division Elections
The candidates for the 2020 ARRL Division elections are now official.
ARRL members will choose between two candidates for Director in the
Dakota and Great Lakes Divisions in this year's election cycle, and
from among three candidates for Vice Director in the Great Lakes
Division and between two candidates in the Midwest Division. In the
Atlantic and Delta Divisions, incumbents are unopposed for both
Director and Vice Director. In the Dakota Division, the sitting Vice
Director is running unopposed, while in the Midwest Division, the
current Vice Director is the only candidate for Director.
Declared Elected Without Opposition
* In the Atlantic Division, Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, who has
held the seat since 2015, and Vice Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF,
elected to a 3-year term (2015 - 2018) and then appointed in 2019
to fill a vacancy when the incumbent stepped down.
* In the Dakota Division, Vice Director Lynn Nelson, W0ND, in office
since 2018.
* In the Delta Division, Director David Norris, K5UZ, who's served in
that office since 2012, and Vice Director Ed Hudgens, WB4RHQ,
appointed in 2013.
* In the Midwest Division, current Vice Director Art Zygielbaum,
K0AIZ, will become the new Director in January, succeeding
incumbent Rod Blocksome, K0DAS, who is not seeking a new term.
Zygielbaum has been Vice Director since 2014.
Contested Seats
* In the Dakota Division, incumbent Director Matt Holden, K0BBC, in
office since 2018, is being challenged by Vernon "Bill" Lippert,
AC0W.
* In the Great Lakes Division, incumbent Director Dale Williams,
WA8EFK, who has held the seat since 2014, will face off against
Michael Kalter, W8CI, who is treasurer of the Dayton Amateur Radio
Association.
* In the Great Lakes Division, members will choose from among three
candidates to succeed incumbent Vice Director Thomas Delaney,
W8WTD, who is not running for another term. They are current Ohio
Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY; Jim Hessler, K8JH, who is vice
president of the Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association, and Frank
Piper, KI8GW, Yonally's predecessor as Ohio Section Manager.
* In the Midwest Division, members will choose between Dave Propper,
K2DP, a current Assistant Director, and Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, a
past Oklahoma Section Manager, to fill the Vice Director's chair
that Zygielbaum is vacating.
Balloting for contested seats will take place this fall. Votes will be
counted, and successful candidates announced, in November.
ARRL Seeks National Club Coordinator
ARRL is seeking a National Club Coordinator who will act as the primary
point of contact for Section Affiliated Club Coordinators. Section
Affiliated Club Coordinators work with clubs to foster and coordinate
activities to promote recruiting and training of new radio amateurs,
endorse ARRL membership, and impart a positive image of amateur radio
within the community.
In addition to maintaining lines of communication with Section
Affiliated Club Coordinators, the National Club Coordinator will
develop presentations for in-person audiences and electronic media. The
National Club Coordinator will also maintain affiliated club records
and provide information and support to Affiliated Club Coordinators so
they can assist clubs in keeping the ARRL affiliated club database
current. This individual will also process applications from clubs
seeking ARRL affiliation.
The National Club Coordinator will design, write, and produce a
newsletter and contribute content for QST, the ARRL website, and social
media venues. The incumbent will also represent ARRL at amateur radio
events, deliver presentations on the work of ARRL and the value of
membership, and interact with members on behalf of the organization.
The successful candidate will be able to conduct business in a
professional manner, effectively represent ARRL at amateur radio
events, and maintain productive working relationships and open
communication between staff and the Field Organization. He or she will
have at least 3 years of similar or related experience; past service as
a club officer is a plus.
Applicants should have a 2- or 4-year college degree or possess
job-specific skills acquired through on-the-job training or an
apprenticeship.
The ideal candidate will exhibit courtesy, tact, and diplomacy on the
job and be able to build relationships and solicit cooperation both
within and outside the organization. Other skills include a working
knowledge of Microsoft Office, desktop applications, online
videoconferencing tools, and managing social media platforms.
For complete information on this opening, see the full job description,
which includes instructions on how to submit a resume.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Our closest star seems to have
quieted again. We have now experienced 6 consecutive days with no
sunspots at all.
The average daily sunspot number dropped from 5.4 to 1.9 this week, and
average daily solar flux declined from 71 to 70.4. Geomagnetic
indicators increased marginally, with average daily planetary A index
going from 4.4 to 5.1, and average middle latitude A index from 5 to 6.
Predicted solar flux is 70 on August 27 - September 2; 71 on September
3; 72 on September 4 - 9; 71 on September 10 - 16; 70 on September 17 -
27; 71 on September 28 - 30; 72 on October 1 - 6, and 71 on October
7-10.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on August 27 - 28; 10, 12, and 12 on
August 29 - 31; 8 on September 1; 5 on September 2 - 17; 8 on September
18 - 19; 10, 15, and 10 on September 20 - 22; 5, 10, 12, and 18 on
September 23 - 26; 15 on September 27 - 28; 12 on September 29, and 5
on September 30 - October 10.
Sunspot numbers for August 20 - 26 were 13, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
a mean of 1.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.9, 70.9, 70, 70.6, 70.3,
70.6, and 70.4, with a mean of 70.4. Estimated planetary A indices were
3, 4, 8, 7, 3, 4, and 7, with a mean of 5.1. Middle latitude A index
was 4, 5, 13, 7, 3, 3, and 7, with a mean of 6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* August 29 -- Kentucky State Parks on the Air (CW, phone, digital)
* August 29 - 30 -- ALARA Contest (CW, phone)
* August 29 - 30 -- W/VE Islands QSO Party (CW, phone)
* August 29 - 30 -- SCC RTTY Championship
* August 29 - 30 -- YO DX HF Contest (CW, phone)
* August 29 - 30 -- World Wide Digi DX Contest
* August 29 - 30 -- Kansas QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* August 30 -- SARL HF CW Contest
* August 31 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
Ham-Astronauts to Crew Boeing, SpaceX Commercial Missions for NASA
Ham-astronauts abound among crew members assigned to pioneering
commercial space missions by Boeing and SpaceX. Jeanette Epps, KF5QNU,
is the latest astronaut assigned to the Boeing Starliner-1, a
four-passenger vehicle that will undertake its first mission to the
International Space Station (ISS) in 2021. Others on the crew will
include veteran Sunita Williams, KD5PLB, and Josh Cassada, KI5CRH.
Another crew member is yet to be named.
Jeanette Epps, KF5QNU.
[NASA, photo]
Epps, Williams, and Cassada will spend 6 months on the ISS. The flight
will follow NASA certification after a successful uncrewed Orbital
Flight Test-2 and Crew Flight Test with astronauts. The spaceflight
will be the first for Epps and Cassada and the third for Williams, who
spent long-duration tours on the ISS for Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33.
NASA assigned Williams and Cassada to the Starliner-1 mission in August
2018.
Four veteran astronauts are preparing to launch this fall on the SpaceX
Crew 1 mission. They are Victor Glover, KI5BKC; Mike Hopkins, KF5LJG;
Shannon Walker, KD5DXB, and Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP, of the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Boeing Starliner 1 crew
members Josh Cassada, KI5CRH,
and Sunita Williams, KD5PLB.
NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than October 23 for the first
operational flight with astronauts of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and
Falcon 9 rocket as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program. The
SpaceX Crew-1 mission will be the first regular rotational mission to
the space station following completion of NASA certification.
Astronauts Bob Behnken, KE5GGX, and Doug Hurley traveled to the ISS on
a SpaceX Crew Dragon in late May, marking the first time that humans
traveled aloft via a commercial spacecraft.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-1 crew members in
the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft
during training. From left to right:
Shannon Walker, KD5DXB; Victor
Glover, KI5BKC; Mike Hopkins,
KF5LJG, and Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP.
[SpaceX, photo]
NASA's Commercial Crew Program is working with the US aerospace
industry as companies develop and operate a new generation of
spacecraft and launch systems capable of carrying crews to low-Earth
orbit and to the space station. Commercial transportation to and from
the station will provide expanded utility, additional research time,
and broader opportunities for discovery on the orbital outpost, NASA
says.
"As commercial companies focus on providing human transportation
services to and from low-Earth orbit, NASA will concentrate its focus
on building spacecraft and rockets for deep-space missions," the space
agency said.
Some of the ham-astronauts will be available for ham radio contacts
from the ISS with schools and educational groups via the Amateur Radio
on the International Space Station (ARISS) program.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) has announced the
election of 22-year-old Philipp Springer, DK6SP, to its Board of
Directors, effective immediately. Springer is a member of the IARU
Region 1 Youth Working Group and the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club
(DARC), where he is responsible for leading activities for the
Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) Team Germany program. He was a
competitor at World Radio Team Championship (WRTC) 2018. At the
same time, WWROF announced the departure of veteran board member
Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV.
* The Arizona Radio Council of Arizona (ARCA) has conferred awards
and scholarships during an online meeting attended by 41 member
clubs. Selected as Arizona Ham of the Year award was Angie
Buchanan, N7EMB. The ARCA Young Ham of the Year Award went to
Annika Smith, KE7JOY, who was 17 when she won the award. ARCA also
awarded a $2,500 scholarship to Charles Loftus, Jr., KI7DUV, who
will be pursuing a degree in engineering. -- Thanks to ARCA Chair
Steve Miller, W6SDM
* The Titan Missile Museum in Sahuarita, Arizona, has been closed due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure includes the original 80-foot
Collins discage antenna, which has been maintained by the Green
Valley Amateur Radio Club (GVARC) for use by visiting amateurs,
access to which has now been restricted -- Thanks to Ray Soifer,
W2RS
* Australian telecommunications regulator ACMA has announced it's
analyzing submissions to its paper, "Possible use of the 5351.5 -
5366.5 kHz band by the amateur service," in which the agency will
examine sharing issues between existing and potential amateur uses
of the band and seek comments on a range of options.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
Derecho Takes Down 1,200 Feet of Tower and 35 Yagis The popular contest
station of Tony Radebaugh, N0NI, in Rippey, Iowa, lost some 1,200 feet
of tower and 35 Yagis in the August 10 derecho event. Winds of 140 MPH
or greater caused extensive property damage in some areas. "Trees
falling on guy wires is what did me in," Radebaugh said. "Everything
outside of the trees stayed up, including a three-element full-size
40-meter Yagi at 196 feet. A two-element 40-meter XM240 on the same
tower snapped." The violent, fast-moving storm complex raked a 700-mile
path from Nebraska to Indiana. Winds of more than 70 MPH hit Chicago,
and more than 300,000 lost power. Iowa was the hardest-hit state, with
some 10 million acres of corn and soybean crops wiped out. Residents
had little or no warning before the so-called "land hurricane" struck.
Shorter Call Signs Popular with Australian Foundation Licensees
Australian Foundation-class licensees attempting to swap call signs
under a new plan are encountering delays. Foundation licensees may now
shed their seven-character call signs (VK#Fxxx) for standard
six-character call signs. Australian regulator ACMA announced the
change in July. Its contractor, the Australian Maritime College (AMC),
has been unable to meet the overwhelming demand, so processing times
have been extended. The Wireless Institute of Australia reports that it
is updating its "Publicly Available Callsigns Database" to match the
new call sign template.
Veteran Incoming QSL Bureau Manager Dick Maylott, W2YE, SK Dick
Maylott, W2YE, of Leesburg, Virginia, who managed the ARRL Incoming QSL
Bureau for fourth-district two-letter prefix call signs since 1993,
died unexpectedly on August 23. He was 83. Licensed in 1954, Maylott
was a member of the Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club, which sponsors
the QSL Bureau; the Potomac Valley Radio Club; the Loudoun Amateur
Radio Group; the Quarter Century Wireless Association, and the National
Capitol DX Association.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 14 - 15 -- Central Division Convention, Fort Wayne,
Indiana
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, September 04, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
September 3, 2020
* FCC Proposes to Institute Amateur Radio Application Fees
* First Element of ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Installed and
Operating on ISS
* Solar Minimum Most Likely Occurred in December 2019
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Hurricane Watch Net Logs More than 29 Hours of Continuous Operation
for Laura
* Historic Winlink Gateway KH6SP Ceases Operation
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Launch of Satellites Carrying Ham Radio Payloads Postponed Again
* Announcements
* 2016 ARRL International Humanitarian Award Co-Recipient Richard
Darling, AH7G, SK
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
FCC Proposes to Institute Amateur Radio Application Fees
Amateur radio licensees would pay a $50 fee for each amateur radio
license application if the FCC adopts rules it proposed last week.
Included in the FCC's fee proposal are applications for new licenses,
renewal and upgrades to existing licenses, and vanity call sign
requests. Excluded are applications for administrative updates, such as
changes of address, and annual regulatory fees.
The FCC proposal is contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
in MD Docket 20-270, which was adopted to implement portions of the
"Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services
Act" of 2018 -- the so-called "Ray Baum's Act."
The Act requires that the FCC switch from a Congressionally-mandated
fee structure to a cost-based system of assessment. In its NPRM, the
FCC proposed application fees for a broad range of services that use
the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS), including the Amateur Radio
Service that had been excluded by an earlier statute. The new statute
excludes the Amateur Service from annual regulatory fees, but not from
application fees.
"[A]pplications for personal licenses are mostly automated and do not
have individualized staff costs for data input or review," the FCC said
in its NPRM. "For these automated processes -- new/major modifications,
renewal, and minor modifications -- we propose a nominal application
fee of $50 due to automating the processes, routine ULS maintenance,
and limited instances where staff input is required."
The same $50 fee would apply to all Amateur Service applications,
including those for vanity call signs. "Although there is currently no
fee for vanity call signs in the Amateur Radio Service, we find that
such applications impose similar costs in aggregate on Commission
resources as new applications and therefore propose a $50 fee," the FCC
said.
The FCC is not proposing to charge for administrative updates such as
mailing address changes, and amateur radio will remain exempt from
annual regulatory fees. "For administrative updates [and]
modifications, which also are highly automated, we find that it is in
the public interest to encourage licensees to update their [own]
information without a charge," the FCC said.
The FCC also proposes to assess a $50 fee for individuals who want a
printed copy of their license. "The Commission has proposed to
eliminate these services -- but to the extent the Commission does not
do so, we propose a fee of $50 to cover the costs of these services,"
the FCC said.
The FCC dropped assessment of fees for vanity call signs several years
ago, but the Ray Baum's Act does not exempt filing fees in the Amateur
Radio Service.
ARRL is reviewing the matter and intends to file comments in
opposition.
Deadlines for comments and reply comments will be determined once the
NPRM appears in the Federal Register. File comments by using the FCC's
Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), posting to MD Docket No.
20-270. This docket is already open for accepting comments, even though
deadlines have not yet been set.
First Element of ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Installed and
Operating on ISS
The initial element of the Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS) next-generation radio system has been installed onboard
the ISS, and operations using the new gear are now under way. The first
element, dubbed the InterOperable Radio System (IORS), was installed in
the ISS Columbus module. The IORS replaces the Ericsson radio system
and packet module originally certified for spaceflight in mid-2000.
"Finally! It's been a scramble the last few days with coordination over
the weekend and yesterday with astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR,"
ARISS-US Delegate for ARRL Rosalie White, K1STO, said. "But the new
ARISS radio system is now installed, set up, and functioning. What a
long road we've traveled over the past 5 years!"
Part of the ARISS InterOperable Radio
System -- the multi-voltage power supply
-- being put through its paces during one
of its many NASA tests. [Photo courtesy of
ARISS]
Initial operation of the new radio system is in FM cross-band repeater
mode using an uplink of 145.99 MHz (CTCSS 67 Hz) and a downlink of
437.800 MHz. Special operations will continue to be announced, ARISS
said.
Launched from Kennedy Space Center last March, the IORS consists of a
"space-modified" JVC-Kenwood D710GA transceiver, an ARISS-developed
multi-voltage power supply, and interconnecting cables. The design,
development, fabrication, testing, and launch of the first IORS
culminated a 5-year engineering effort by the ARISS hardware team of
volunteers.
ARISS says the new system offers a higher-power radio, voice repeater,
digital packet radio (APRS) capabilities, and a Kenwood VC-H1 slow-scan
television (SSTV) system.
A second IORS will undergo flight certification for later launch and
installation in the Russian Service Module. "Next-gen development
efforts continue," ARISS said. "For the IORS, parts are being procured
and a total of 10 systems are being fabricated
to support flight, additional flight spares, ground testing, and
astronaut training." Follow-on next-generation radio system elements
include L-band repeater uplink capability -- currently in development
-- and a flight Raspberry Pi, dubbed "ARISS-Pi," still in the design
phase. The ARISS-Pi promises operations autonomy and enhanced SSTV
operations, ARISS explained.
This year, ARISS marks 20 years of continuous amateur radio operations
on the ISS. The largely volunteer organization welcomes donations to
the ARISS program for next-generation hardware development, operation,
education, and administration. Read more.
Solar Minimum Most Likely Occurred in December 2019
Sunspot Index and Long-Term Solar Observations (SILSO) in Belgium said
this month that the minimum between Solar Cycles 24 and 25 "most
probably" took place last December. SILSO, a part of the Royal
Observatory of Belgium and formerly known as SIDC, cited as evidence
the January 2020 increase in the 13-month smoothed sunspot number --
the first upswing since the Cycle 24 maximum in April 2014.
"[F]or now, this latest smoothed value in January 2020 is the very
first point indicating a rise of the activity. So, the date of the
minimum still needs a full confirmation over the coming months," SILSO
said on its website. "For now, preliminary smoothed values, limited to
less than 13 months, hint at increasing values over coming months. If
the rising trend indeed continues, this [December 2019] date will
become fully definitive."
SILSO said another indication of the transition between the two solar
cycles can be drawn from counting individual sunspot groups that belong
to either the old or new solar cycle. "While most sunspot groups
belonged to the last solar cycle [Cycle 24] until September 2019, the
dominance switched to groups of the new cycle in November 2019," SILSO
said.
SILSO said that in terms of the number of active regions, the minimum
between Cycle 24 and Cycle 25 falls in October 2019. "This is close to
December 2019," SILSO said. It attributes the difference to three
factors:
The sunspot number also takes into account the total number of spots,
and the size of the emerging active regions.
The time of the minimum depends on the respective trends of the
declining phase of the past cycle, and of the rising phase of the new
cycle, over the 12 months surrounding the minimum.
The date of the minimum has a significant uncertainty range. Near
minimum, activity hardly varies and is close to minimum for a few
months. "The date of the minimum is thus always less sharply defined
than the date of the maximum of the cycles, which are more sharply
peaked," SILSO explained.
SILSO noted "a steady stream" of small, active regions since last
December, but that activity stagnated at a constant low level.
"However, since July -- and even more in the course of August 2020 --
the activity seems to truly take off, with at least one sunspot group
visible on almost all days. Such a level of activity had not been
reached since early 2019."
"This late-breaking upward trend is now expected to accelerate over the
coming months," SILSO predicted. "So be prepared for a more eruptive
and interesting sun!"
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 8) features an
interview with brothers Andy, KK4LWR, and Tony, KD8RTT, Milluzzi about
the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative. The On the Air podcast is
a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for
beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 15) features a
chat with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about HF transceiver shopping -- getting
the best performance for the money.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Hurricane Watch Net Logs More than 29 Hours of Continuous Operation for
Laura
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) logged 29.5 hours of continuous operation
in advance of Hurricane Laura, beginning at 1300 UTC on August 26. One
primary function of the HWN is to obtain real-time ground-level weather
conditions and initial damage assessments from amateur radio operators
in the affected area and relay that information to the National
Hurricane Center (NHC) by way of WX4NHC.
"Since Laura had become a Major Hurricane (Category 3) overnight, well
ahead of earlier forecasts, we opened our net on both 14.325 MHz and
7.268 MHz," said HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV. "We did this for two
reasons. HF propagation was horrible on both bands, and we wanted to
make sure anyone trying to contact us would be able to do so." Graves
said it strained resources, but the net was able to get its job done.
The HWN remained in continuous operation until Thursday, August 27, at
1830 UTC, well after Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana, near
the Texas border.
"In many ways, Laura seemed similar to Hurricane Michael in 2018, as it
rapidly intensified close to landfall, nearly becoming a Category 5
hurricane," Graves said. "ditionally, with major hurricanes, you
normally have a few eye-wall replacement cycles. I don't recall there
ever being one [with Laura], and meteorologists I know agree."
Graves noted that on Wednesday afternoon, forecasters at the NHC used a
phrase not typically heard, in order to get a point across --
"unsurvivable storm surge." The ominous prediction certainly caught on
with the media and was widely repeated.
"Given the terrain for the projected impact of Laura, the storm surge
was expected to move well inland, as far as 40 miles, with depths as
high as 15 to 20 feet in some areas," he said.
Throughout its more than 29 hours of operation, the HWN collected and
forwarded numerous surface reports to the NHC. Graves said that
Emergency Management in Louisiana checked in with the net on 14.325 MHz
to announce its presence on 7.255 MHz.
"After Laura was downgraded to a tropical storm, we shifted gears and
began asking for post-storm reports from those affected by Laura,"
Graves recounted. "We also called for emergency or priority traffic."
Graves expressed his appreciation to other stations for moving aside
for the net to use 14.325 and 7.268 MHz.
Graves noted that the forecast for this year's hurricane season is
reminiscent to that of 2005, when Hurricane Katrina struck. "It is
forecast to be a very busy season," he said. "When it comes to
hurricane seasons, never drop your guard." Families should have plans
in place ahead of a major storm, and factor the COVID-19 pandemic into
those plans, he advised. Read more.
Historic Winlink Gateway KH6SP Ceases Operation
The last amateur radio digital gateway -- KH6SP -- at the Navy site in
Wahiawa, Hawaii, went silent on August 1. The site housed two amateur
radio gateways donated by a group of Hawaii amateurs led by Thomas
Overman, W2AIT -- KH6UL and KH6SP. For more than 8 years, Overman
maintained the Winlink software running them. The system had high-gain
log-periodic arrays with low-angle radiation that provided the maritime
community with email service across the Pacific and later handled
inter-island traffic. Station trustee Gus MacFeeley, NH7J, introduced
and demonstrated the stations to local amateur radio operators 5 years
ago, pointing to the future of amateur radio digital mode emergency
communications in the Pacific Section. MacFeeley handled necessary
on-site work. The multi-node operation provides continuous
Winlink/Winmor service across the Pacific Ocean for many maritime
mobile stations that have come to rely on it as their critical link to
the world.
The US Department of Homeland Security took possession of the site a
few years ago and is now extending its intergovernmental use. All of
the antenna quadrants are now needed by the government, including
SHARES Winlink.
Since MacFeeley introduced the Hawaii amateur radio community to
Winlink, the Hawaii network has grown to five HF gateways providing
inter-island communication, and 18 VHF gateways serving local
communities. More are planned. During the past few years, the cost of
interfacing amateur equipment to Winlink has dropped significantly with
the development of PC software sound card modems, which can rival the
performance of PACTOR modems.
"We can expect to see an explosion of applications in the future making
amateur radio increasingly relevant to our communities," said ARRL
Pacific Section Manager Joseph Speroni, AH0A, as he bid "a fond
farewell to KH6UL and KH6SP and the group of amateurs that started this
revolution in Hawaii." -- Thanks to ARRL Pacific Section Manager Joe
Speroni, AH0A
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots have appeared for the
past 12 days. We're all hoping for more sunspots, and I'm sure they'll
return soon. The trends for this newly awakening solar cycle seem to
favor it. The autumnal equinox on September 22 should favor worldwide
HF propagation.
Average daily solar flux declined over the August 27 - September 2
reporting week, from 70.4 to 69.6.
Geomagnetic indicators showed quite a bit more activity than they have
in some time now. Average daily planetary A index rose from 5.1 to
13.1. The most active day was August 31, when the planetary A index
reached 26. The cause was a vigorous solar wind spewing from holes in
the solar corona.
A solar flux of 70 is forecast for every one of the next 45 days. The
predicted planetary A index is 10 on September 3; 5 on September 4 -
17; 8 on September 18 - 19; 5 on September 20 - 22; 8, 10, and 14 on
September 23 - 25; 10 on September 26 - 27; 12 and 10 on September 28 -
29, and 5 on September 30 - October 17.
Sunspot numbers for August 27 - September 2 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and
0, with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70, 70.1, 70.2, 70,
69.2, 69.5, and 68.3, with a mean of 69.6. Estimated planetary A
indices were 8, 10, 14, 9, 26, 16, and 9, with a mean of 13.1. Middle
latitude A index was 7, 8, 14, 8, 19, 16, and 8, with a mean of 11.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* September 5 -- CWOps CW Open
* September 5 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
* September 5 - 6 -- All Asian DX Contest (Phone)
* September 5 - 6 -- Colorado QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 5 - 6 -- IARU Region 1 Field Day, SSB
* September 5 - 6 -- RSGB SSB Field Day (Phone)
* September 5 - 6 -- IARU Region 1 145 MHz Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* September 5 - 6 -- PODXS 070 Club Jay Hudak Memorial 80-Meter
Sprint (Digital)
* September 5 - 7 -- AGCW Straight Key Party
* September 6 -- WAB 144 MHz QRO Phone
* September 6 - 7 -- Tennessee QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 7 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, SSB
* September 7 - 8 -- MI QRP Labor Day CW Sprint
* September 8 -- ARS Spartan Sprint CW
* September 9 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Launch of Satellites Carrying Ham Radio Payloads Postponed Again
The scheduled September 2 launch of three satellites carrying amateur
radio payloads from the European Space Agency Spaceport in Korou,
French Guiana, was postponed again because a typhoon was threatening a
tracking station in South Korea. The launch of the Arianespace Vega
vehicle will be rescheduled for later this month. The Vega is set to
carry a total of 53 satellites into orbit. AMSAT-France Chair
Christophe Mercier said in an AMSAT-BB post that the AmicalSat,
UPMSat-2, and TTU100 satellites will carry ham radio payloads.
AmicalSat
The AmicalSat CubeSat was built by students at the Grenoble University
Space Center (CSUG). "The measurements made by the satellite will be
available to all," Mercier said. "They will allow radio amateurs to use
them for propagation predictions." He said AMSAT-F supported the
AmicalSat project. Software for Linux and Windows platforms is
available for decoding the telemetry and posting it to the SatNOGS
database.
According to the AmicalSat website, the CubeSat will focus on space
weather, monitoring the auroral oval, and photographing the aurora.
"Scientifically, the data will be used to reconstruct the flux of
particles coming into the atmosphere, especially the electrons in the
range of 20 eV - 10 keV," the website said.
AmicalSat will transmit 1,2k AFSK on 436.1 MHz (as RS17S), and 1,000k
GFSK on 2.415.3 MHz. Reports are welcome via email.
UPMSat-2, a project of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, will
transmit 1,2k AFSK on 437.405 MHz (as UPMST2). TTU100 (Hämarik), a
project of Tallinn (Estonia) University of Technology, will transmit
1,2k and 9,6k AFSK and CW on 435.450 MHz (primary) and 62.5 kbs and 20
Mbs OQPSK on 10,465 MHz (secondary).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* A ham radio special event during November will celebrate the 100th
anniversary of Pittsburgh's KDKA as the first commercial radio
broadcast station. Using both temporary call sign 8ZZ and KDKA
(because the KDKA license had not arrived in time), the station
broadcast the 1920 presidential election results. Many Pittsburgh
area amateur radio clubs will participate. Look for special event
call signs K3K, K3D, W8XK, and K3A (check QRZ.com for QSL
information).
* September 1 marked the 161st anniversary of the so-called
"Carrington Event," when a massive coronal mass ejection from the
sun disrupted telegraph systems and generated auroral displays into
tropical latitudes. It's said that the light generated during that
1859 event was nearly as bright as daylight. According to Frank
Donovan, W3LPL, the Carrington Event took place less than 4 years
after solar minimum and 1 year before solar maximum.
* Over the next 6 years, GB5ST will celebrate 54 years of the Star
Trek TV show, spinoffs, and movies. This event will take place
until the series' 60th anniversary in 2026. QSL direct or via the
RSGB bureau.
* The YASME Foundation Board of Directors has awarded a grant to
DokuFunk of Austria, a research and documentation center for the
history of radio communications and electronic media. The funds
will support DokuFunk's hosting of the Lloyd and Iris Colvin
DXpedition materials and develop a presentation from photos, video,
and audio. YASME also will fund the HZ1AB QSL collection transfer
and provide support for amateur exams by the Seychelles Amateur
Radio Association (SARA).
* NASA's Johnson Space Center has produced a video of an Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact between a
Canadian student group and astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, last
May.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2016 ARRL International Humanitarian Award Co-Recipient Richard
Darling, AH7G, SK
The co-recipient of the 2016 ARRL International Humanitarian Award
Richard Darling, AH7G, of Keaau, Hawaii, died on August 19. An ARRL
Life Member, he was 86 and had been a radio amateur for 67 years.
Richard and his wife Barbara, NH7FY, shared the 2016 ARRL International
Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award was
conferred on the couple for having provided support in the form of
money and materials that included books, food, clothing, sanitary
supplies, and equipment such as hardware, antennas, and solar panels
sent to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The couple also
regularly purchased, packed, and mailed "care packages" to Yap,
containing food, clothing, medical supplies, diapers, and other items
not otherwise easily available to FSM islanders.
Richard Darling attended Newark College of Engineering in New Jersey
and Capital Radio Engineering Institute, and then joined IBM as an
electronics technician. During a duty tour in the US Army, he was in
the Nike missile program and spent a lot of time on the air from Fort
Bliss, Texas. He later worked for Lockheed.
Over the years, Richard and Barbara provided weather warnings prior to
several typhoons, most recently Maysak and No'ul, keeping
communications going in the aftermath of storms. -- Thanks to Assistant
Hawaii Section Manager Bob Schneider, AH6J
In Brief...
The 2020 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) on September
11 - 12 will be streamed live on YouTube. No registration is needed;
the URL will be announced via the TAPR website. The preliminary
schedule has been posted. The 39th Annual ARRL/TAPR DCC will employ the
Zoom video communications and YouTube video-sharing platforms.
Registered DCC attendees participating via Zoom will be able to
interact with presenters and other attendees via a chatroom, as well as
raise "a virtual hand" to ask questions, TAPR said. Non-registered DCC
attendees may watch the livestream on YouTube, but won't be able to ask
questions or chat. DCC registration is free for TAPR members and $30
for non-members, who will receive a 100% discount at checkout.
Non-members who would like to join TAPR and receive the free DCC pass
can simply add TAPR membership and DCC registration to their shopping
carts. After checkout, they will receive the free DCC pass when their
membership is processed.
Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet
(JOTI) will be held this year on October 16, 17, and 18. Register
online as an individual or as a group. Jamboree on the Air is the
largest Scouting event in the world. In a typical year, more than 1
million Scouts participate in JOTA, with over 11,000 stations operated
by 20,000+ young radio amateurs from 150+ countries around the world.
JOTA details are available on the K2BSA website. The website menu will
direct users to additional supporting information. K2BSA's Jim Wilson,
K5ND, says many locations are already offering virtual radio merit
badge classes "and no doubt will be using similar approaches for
Jamboree on the Air."
4U1UN has been active and ready to make contacts on 60 meters (5357
kHz). Some 400 contacts in about 30 DXCC entities were made on FT8 on 5
MHz earlier this week. Pending unforeseen events, such as equipment
failure or difficulties accessing the station, activity on 60 meters
will continue, said rian Ciuperca, KO8SCA. 4U1UN is running about 35
W on 60 meters on FT8. 4U1UN may also operate CW on 5373 kHz. Activity
could start around 2300 UTC. QSL via HB9BOU. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 14 - 15 -- Central Division Convention, Fort Wayne,
Indiana
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, September 11, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
September 10, 2020
* Preparations Continue for World Radiocommunication Conference 2023
* Ham Radio Wireless Network Camera Detects Washington Wildfire
* Hams Provide Situational Awareness as Severe Weather Hits
Maryland-DC Section
* Air Force Research Laboratory Tracks Sporadic E
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* NCVEC Holds Its Annual Meeting via Teleconference
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* North American CW Sprint is Great Practice for Fall Contesting
* K1USN Radio Club Announces New Weekly Slow-Speed CW Contest
* Announcements
* Maine Radio Amateur Dies after Fall from Tower
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Preparations Continue for World Radiocommunication Conference 2023
As preparations for World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23)
go forward, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) continues its
efforts to protect amateur and amateur-satellite allocations. The
international conferences, sponsored by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), typically take place every 4 years.
IARU participated in the first online meeting of Project Team A (PTA)
of the WRC-23 CEPT Conference Preparatory Group (CPG), reporting this
week that "a good start was made on items of interest to the amateur
and amateur-satellite services."
Agenda Item 1.12 addresses studies stemming from WRC-19 that are now
under way to consider a new secondary allocation to the Earth
Exploration-Satellite (active) Service (EESS active) for spaceborne
radar sounders in the 40 - 50 MHz range, taking into account the
protection of incumbent services (including in adjacent bands), which
would include 6 meters. A handful of countries have also allocated
secondary amateur bands in the vicinity of 40 MHz.
The WRC-19 Resolution (Res. 656), which ordered the studies, noted that
spaceborne-active RF sensors can provide unique information on physical
properties of the Earth, and that spaceborne-active remote sensing
requires specific frequency ranges depending on the physical phenomena
to be observed. Spaceborne radars are intended to operate only in
uninhabited or sparsely populated areas with particular focus on
deserts and polar ice fields, between the hours of 3 AM and 6 AM local
time.
Agenda Item 1.14 addresses the Earth Exploration-Satellite (passive)
Service (EESS passive) in the range 231.5 â** 250 GHz. The amateur and
amateur-satellite services have a primary allocation at 248â**-â**250
GHz, and a secondary allocation at 241â**-â**248 GHz.
Agenda Item 9.1 will consider and approve the Report of the Director of
the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau on its activities since WRC-19. This
includes a review of the Amateur Service and the Amateur Satellite
Service allocations in the frequency band 1.240 - 1.300 GHz to
determine if additional measures are required to ensure protection of
the radionavigation-satellite (space-to-Earth) service (RNSS) operating
in the same band.
The 1.240 - 1.300 GHz band is allocated worldwide to the Amateur
Service on a secondary basis, and the Amateur Satellite Service
(Earth-to-space) may operate in the band 1.260 - 1.270 GHz. The primary
concern is the potential for interference to the Galileo Global
Navigation Satellite System (GPS) in ITU Region 1 (Europe, the Middle
East, and Africa). Read more.
Ham Radio Wireless Network Camera Detects Washington Wildfire
Nigel Vander Houwen, K7NVH, reported on September 8 that some HamWAN
users in the Puget Sound region of Washington, who were viewing the
network's camera feeds, spotted a large brush fire.
"They reported it to the DNR [Department of Natural Resources], which
thanked them for the first report they'd gotten on the fire, and
they've sent a team to try and keep it small and under control," Vander
Houwen said. "It's estimated currently at around 50 acres, southeast of
Enumclaw, along Highway 410." The fire was not said to be threatening
any homes. State Route 410 was reported closed between Enumclaw and
Greenwater, and drivers heading to Mount Rainier National Park were
advised to take another route.
A frame from video via a HamWAN camera of an air
tanker dropping water on the
fire.(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ1X4VvRFWY)
HamWAN is a nonprofit organization developing best practices for
high-speed amateur radio data networks. It runs the Puget Sound Data
Ring. So far, HamWAN networks have been used for such applications as
low-latency repeater linking (including DMR), real-time video feeds,
APRS internet gateways (I-gates), providing redundant internet access
to emergency operations centers, and more.
Amateur radio licensees in the HamWAN service area can connect directly
to the network with a modest investment in equipment and no recurring
costs. The HamWAN Puget Sound Data Ring has cells deployed at numerous
wide-coverage sites, interconnected with 5 GHz radios. The HamWAN
technical team has been installing remotely controllable cameras at
HamWAN link sites, and one of these was used for the wildfire report.
Hams Provide Situational Awareness as Severe Weather Hits Maryland-DC
Section
Amateur radio volunteers provided the ARRL Maryland-DC Section with
situational awareness and breaking information on September 3, as
severe weather, including at least one tornado, hit the region around
the nation's capital. ARRL Maryland-DC Section Manager Marty Pittinger,
KB3MXM, said Section staff and hams across Maryland joined a
Section-wide EchoLink *WASH_DC* node and linked repeaters to report
situational awareness as the eastern half of the state and Washington,
DC, were hit hard.
"Hams began reporting severe weather, sharing local situations across
several 2-meter SKYWARN^A(R) nets -- including W3ICF/R near Frederick,
Maryland, and KA2JAI/R in Anne Arundel County," Pittinger said. "These
repeaters were also linked through *WASH_DC* to extend reach of
critical information." For more than 3 hours, nets reported on wind
damage, power outages, flooding, and the impact to traffic across six
Maryland counties.
Several Maryland county emergency management agencies were at
heightened activation levels; Section-wide ARES^A(R) was in
monitoring-mode, and no ARES activations were requested by served
agencies. Bill Feidt, NG3K, in Kensington, said his town was under a
tornado watch for several hours.
"At one point, it went to a warning -- 'a tornado is headed your way,'"
said Feidt. "I suspect the cell that we were warned about was a
rotating wall cloud and a funnel never
Most of the severe weather took
place within an area that included
DC and Baltimore.
reached the ground, since there was little appreciable damage in our
immediate area. But that system was definitely a nail-biter."
The storms traveled more than 80 miles across Maryland with one passing
north of DC, spawning a brief tornado in Edgemere, not far from the US
Naval Academy. Another storm crossed over Baltimore. Earlier that day,
the Maryland-DC Section and ARES leadership collaborated to plan a
course of action. Section Emergency Coordinator Jim Montgomery, WB3KAS,
notified ARES teams of approaching storms. Section leadership released
information via social media and email.
"The timeliness, wide-area coverage, interoperability with selected VHF
and UHF repeaters, coupled with numerous hams in affected areas,
provided the best ground-truth," Pittinger said.
Air Force Research Laboratory Tracks Sporadic E
Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in New Mexico
have discovered a new way to track and characterize sporadic E, which
occurs when large structures of dense plasma form naturally in the
upper atmosphere. These plasma structures, which occur at mid-latitude
locations around the world, can affect radio wave propagation in both
positive and negative ways. VHF enthusiasts frequently take advantage
of sporadic-E propagation (or E-skip) to work stations outside of their
local area.
The Long Wavelength Array at
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
is capable of imaging the entire sky
at once, allowing AFRL scientists to
track and characterize sporadic E.
The facility consists of 256
dual-polarization dipoles. [Ken
Obenberger, photo]
"Previous methods to observe these structures were insufficient for
identifying and tracking these structures over large regions," said Ken
Obenberger, a research physicist at AFRL. "It would be advantageous to
actively identify where these structures are, where they are going, and
how dense they are. And we thought we could find a better way."
The new method, developed by Obenberger and collaborators at AFRL and
the University of New Mexico, leverages unintentional RF emissions from
power lines. Using the broadband radio noise, they can map and track
dense sporadic-E structures.
"Since power lines are widespread, we can observe sporadic E over a
very large region surrounding our observatory, the Long Wavelength
Array (LWA), an asset of our collaborators at the University of New
Mexico," Obenberger said. "This technique could be used anywhere in the
world where there is an electrical grid and an instrument similar to
the LWA, and we are lucky because there are not many."
Climatology of sporadic E can provide a probability that it will occur,
but the actual presence of sporadic E can only be determined through
trial-and-error observations.
Chris Fallen, KL3WX, one of Obenberger's collaborators at AFRL, said,
"Ken's technique basically provides weather radar for sporadic E, only
using radio noise from power lines as the radar transmitter."
Having accurate "now-casting" of sporadic E could prove critical during
disaster situations, where hams may play a key role in supporting
communication of vital information. Read more. -- Thanks to Joanne
Perkins, Air Force Research Laboratory
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 9) features a
discussion on how to tune HF signals and use transceiver tools to
enhance reception. The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On
the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham
radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 16) features a
chat about the 222 MHz band, with QST's "The World Above 50 MHz"
columnist Jon Jones, N0JK. Also, Steve Ford, WB8IMY, offers some tips
on shopping for coaxial cable.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
NCVEC Holds Its Annual Meeting via Teleconference
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM,
reports that the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators
(NCVEC) held its annual meeting via teleconference on August 21. Somma
is the NCVEC Vice Chair. NCVEC Chair Larry Pollock, NB5X, presided at
the 35th annual meeting. The NCVEC functions to facilitate
communication between the FCC and VECs. Representatives of all 14
FCC-certified VECs took part in the conference, while nine FCC staff
members were on hand.
FCC Enforcement Bureau (EB) Special Counsel Laura Smith advised VEC
delegates that the FCC has been on lockdown since March and that staff
members will be teleworking indefinitely. This includes staff at FCC
Headquarters in Washington, DC; the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania location,
and the other field offices. Smith said field engineers aren't going
out unless the issue involves safety or if lives are in danger.
FCC Mobility Division (MD) Deputy Chief Tom Derenge explained that one
of his areas of responsibility is processing paperwork for applicants
answering "yes" to the basic qualification question (BQQ) that asks if
they've ever been convicted of a felony. Derenge said that paperwork
from his office goes to the FCC General Counsel and the Investigations
and Hearings Division (IHD). Those divisions are responsible for
resolution in non-compliant conduct. Paperwork in these instances may
take a while to be processed, Derenge said.
Derenge recommended that VECs make it clear to applicants that their
address will be public information when the new license is issued. He
pointed out that once an address is in the FCC database, it's nearly
impossible to be permanently removed.
Dorothy Stifflemire, the Associate Division Chief of the WTB
Technologies Systems and Innovation Division, told VECs that new
license applicants should create an FCC user account and register their
Social Security number (SSN) in the FCC Commission Registration System
(CORES) before attending exam sessions. Registrants will be assigned a
Federal Registration Number (FRN), which will be used in all license
transactions with the FCC.
She explained that auto-registration in CORES at exam sessions using a
Social Security number will be going away. In addition, because no mail
is being sent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants will not receive
their auto-created password and FRN and will not be able to access the
Universal Licensing System (ULS), the FCC license records database.
Going forward, she said, VECs should make sure all applicants have an
FRN before exam day.
Remote administration of amateur radio exam sessions was the hot topic
of discussion, Somma said. Since April 1, ARRL VEC, W5YI-VEC, and the
Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group VEC (GLAARG) have remotely
tested more than 4,000 applicants using videoconferencing and online
examinations. Proof-of-concept and procedural information were
discussed for the benefit of other VECs that might be interested in
pursuing remote testing. Exam candidates can search for upcoming remote
online examination dates on the HamStudy website.
Somma and Assistant ARRL VEC Manager Amanda Grimaldi, N1NHL,
represented ARRL at the virtual gathering. Read more.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: An extended lull in solar activity
persists. The smoothed sunspot minimum occurred last December, but the
flurry of moderate sunspot activity in August has not continued.
When the autumnal equinox occurs at 1330 UTC on Tuesday, September 22,
we should see a seasonal improvement in HF propagation around that
date. This is because the northern and southern hemispheres are bathed
in roughly equal solar radiation, enhancing north-south propagation.
Wednesday, September 9, was the 19th consecutive day with no sunspots,
but Spaceweather.com reported that a small sunspot with a Solar Cycle
25 magnetic signature may be forming in the sun's southeastern
quadrant.
Average daily solar flux barely budged, moving from 69.6 to 69.7.
Geomagnetic indicators were very quiet, with average daily planetary A
index declining from 13.1 to 4.4.
As with last week's forecast, predicted solar flux is 70 on every day
over the next 45 days, September 10 - October 24.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on September 10 - 17; 8 on September
18 - 19; 5 on September 20 - 22; 8, 10, and 15 on September 23 - 25;
10, 25, 15, and 10 on September 26 - 29; 5 on September 30; 8 on
October 1; 5 on October 2 - 14; 8 on October 15 - 16; 5 on October 17 -
19, and 8, 10, 15, 10 and 25 on October 20 - 24.
Frank Donovan, W3LPL, forwarded a video about big solar events of 3
years ago.
Sunspot numbers for September 3 - 9 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, for a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70, 69.7, 69.2, 69.5, 70.2,
69.9, and 69.7, with a mean of 69.7. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 8, 6, 4, 4, 4, and 1, with a mean of 4.4. Middle latitude A index
was 3, 9, 7, 5, 5, 4, and 1, with a mean of 4.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* September 12 -- Ohio State Parks on the Air (Phone)
* September 12 -- Russian RTTY WW Contest
* September 12 - 13 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* September 12 - 13 -- WAE DX Contest, SSB
* September 12 - 13 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* September 12 - 13 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* September 12 - 13 -- Texas QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 12 - 13 -- Alabama QSO Party (CW, phone)
* September 12 - 13 -- Russian Cup Digital Contest
* September 12 - 14 -- ARRL September VHF Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* September 13 -- North American Sprint (CW)
* September 14 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* September 16 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
* September 17 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* September 17 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 18 -- AGB NEMIGA Contest (CW, phone, digital)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
North American CW Sprint is Great Practice for Fall Contesting
The September edition of the North American CW Sprint, sponsored by
National Contest Journal (NCJ), is this weekend. The often-frantic
4-hour event gets under way on Sunday, September 13, at 0000 UTC
(Saturday, September 12 in North American time zones). CW Sprints take
place twice a year, in September and February; RTTY Sprints are in
March and September.
"The CW Sprint can seem intimidating, particularly the first couple of
times with its loud signals and high code speed, but there are some
secrets to getting the hang of things," said veteran contester and
contest manager Ward Silver, N0AX. A unique feature of the CW Sprint is
the "QSY rule," which rewards operating agility as much as signal
strength. Larger stations can't sit on a single frequency racking up
contacts, and more modest stations can make that work in their favor.
"Participation in the year's CW contests has been on the upswing, as
people are staying home due to the pandemic," Silver added, noting that
the September contest offers some solid practice ahead of the various
fall contests, especially ARRL November Sweepstakes.
Silver notes that band conditions during the September Sprint are an
incentive for operators to put more emphasis on 20 meters than in the
February Sprint, because sunset is much later in September. "We will
also be just a week from the equinox, a time when conditions are
usually pretty good on 20 and 40 meters," he pointed out. Eighty meters
will be less noisy than in mid-summer, and if the thunderstorms take a
day off, we can expect coast-to-coast activity."
Silver urged Sprint veterans to encourage fellow hams and club members
to give it a try. "Teams are fun, too, especially for new contesters
and contest club members," he noted. Teams do not have to be associated
with formal clubs.
The QSY rule can be daunting for newcomers. In short, a station calling
CQ on a new, clear frequency may work one responding station on that
frequency and then must move at least 5 kHz before calling CQ again,
and at least 1 kHz before initiating another contact, either by calling
CQ or by responding to another station. The responding station inherits
the initial frequency.
The exchange is both call signs, a consecutive serial number, name, and
state/province/DX. Listening stations can tell which station in a
contact to call by listening to call sign placement in the exchange, as
Silver describes in "Conversation: Having Fun in the North American CW
Sprint," in the September 2 issue of the ARRL Contest Update. Read
more.
K1USN Radio Club Announces New Weekly Slow-Speed CW Contest
The K1USN Radio Club in Massachusetts is launching a new weekly,
hour-long, slow-speed contest, the K1USN SST. The inaugural session
will be on Monday, September 14, from 0000 - 0100 UTC (Sunday,
September 13, in North American time zones). K1USN trustee Pi Pugh,
K1RV, said the decision to embark on sponsorship of a new operating
event involved surveying some 2,000 radio amateurs to gauge their
enthusiasm for such an event. Pugh said the club worked with a group of
CWops members within the club, with the blessing of the CWops CW
Academy visor Group. CWops is not involved in sponsoring the K1USN
SST.
The 800 who responded indicated an overwhelming need for some sort of
slow-speed activity as a follow-up to CW Academy, Pugh told ARRL. "It
was a lot of work, but we hope this will prove to be a valuable tool
within the CW community," Pugh said.
Although predicated on the desires of the CW Academy community, Pugh
stressed that the weekly activity will be open to all looking to
improve their CW skills. It can also provide a more comfortable entry
point for those just getting started in CW contesting.
"The weekly 20 WPM or slower SSTs can build confidence to find open
frequencies and begin calling CQ," Pugh suggested. Participants are
advised to be patient, supportive, and willing to slow down as
necessary.
Suggested frequencies are 3.532 - 3.539 on 80 meters; 7.032 - 7.039 MHz
on 40 meters, and 14.032 - 14.039 MHz on 20 meters. Stations exchange
name and state/province/country. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The WA2NYC 9/11 special event commemorates the World Trade Center
attack 19 years ago, when more than 2,900 lost their lives. WA2NYC
will be on the air from September 10 until September 14. Operation
will center on or near 28.450, 21.350, 14.300, and 7.238. QSL cards
are available with an SASE to the club address. Contacts will be
uploaded to Logbook of The World (LoTW).
* Comments are being accepted on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(NPRM) in MD Docket 20-270, which proposes application fees for
radio amateurs. Formal deadlines for comments and reply comments
will be determined once the NPRM appears in the Federal Register.
Comments may be filed now, however, by using the FCC's Electronic
Comment Filing System (ECFS), posting to MD Docket No. 20-270.
* The Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club will sponsor its 21st "Route 66
on the Air" special event September 12 - 20, with 21 stations, each
with a 1 A* 1 call sign -- W6A through W6U -- from cities along the
highway. Route 66 is famous in American history as a major highway
from the midwest to the west coast and is associated with American
car culture as well as with the vintage Route 66 television program
in the early 1960s.
* To celebrate their club's 50th anniversary, members of the Texas DX
Society (TDXS) will operate K5DX/50 September 14 - October 13 on
CW, SSB, and FT8 on 1.8 - 28 MHz.
* During September, VE3NOO will operate special event station XM3A to
commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
* Members of the London [Ontario] Amateur Radio Club (LARC) are using
the call sign VE3LON100 through September to mark the centennial of
LARC, one of Canada's oldest amateur radio clubs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Maine Radio Amateur Dies after Fall from Tower
James Larner, N1ATO, of Bangor, Maine, died on Wednesday, September 2,
after apparently falling a reported 80 feet from an amateur radio tower
in the rural Knox County town of Union. The incident happened just
before 1 PM local time. Said to have been a tower professional who had
done a lot of work for many Maine broadcasters, Larner, an ARRL member,
was 74.
According to news accounts, Larner was disassembling an antenna on a
tower located on Olson Farm Lane. The Knox County Sheriff's Office and
Union Fire and Rescue responded, and the rescue squad pronounced Larner
dead at the scene. The deceased was equipped with a harness and
carabiner, a close friend on the scene told authorities.
Larner worked part-time as an engineer at News Center Maine's outlet in
Bangor. A News Center Maine article paid tribute to Larner. "Jim was a
lot of fun, always happy to talk, share a story. A smart, hard-working,
real Maine guy," said News Center reporter Don Carrigan. "One of those
people the audience never sees, but whose work was critical to them
being able to watch TV for many, many years."
The Occupational Safety and Health ministration was contacted and
will conduct a follow-up investigation along with the Maine Medical
Examiner's office. -- Thanks to the Bangor Daily News, News Center
Maine, the Rockland Courier-Gazette, and to Norman Blake, W1ITT
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, September 18, 2020 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
September 17, 2020
* Storms Generate Busy Times for ARES and the Hurricane Watch Net
* ARRL to Seek Changes in FCC Draft Decision on Amateur 9-Centimeter
Band
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Analysis Determines We Are in Solar Cycle 25
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* International Telecommunication Union Releases 2020 ITU Radio
Regulations
* Announcements
* Ham Radio Exams are Not Going Away in Brazil After All
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Storms Generate Busy Times for ARES and the Hurricane Watch Net
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated on Sunday, September 13, on
both 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz as Hurricane Paulette was predicted to
make landfall on Bermuda the next day as a Category 2 storm. That tour
melded into an extended activation in anticipation of Hurricane Sally,
which came ashore on the Gulf coast in Alabama on September 16. The
slow-moving storm, which diminished to a tropical storm not long after
landing, at mid-week was causing "catastrophic and life-threatening
flooding" over portions of the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.
The HWN stood down at mid-week after 71 hours of continuous operation.
HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said it seem long activations such as
these are happening all too often. "I suppose Mother Nature hasn't been
getting the attention she desires," Graves quipped.
Northern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Karl Martin, K4HBN,
reported on September 17 that Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
teams in his Section were standing down. "We had a total of 4 counties
affected by Sally," he said. "The hardest hit was Escambia county,
located at the Alabama/Florida border. The Atlantic is still very busy,
but I hope the rest of the season is quiet."
ARES teams went on alert in other Sections in the region.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on Tuesday
that two 60-meter channels had been made available for interoperability
between US government stations and US amateur radio stations involved
in emergency communications related to the wildland firefighting
response in California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as to Hurricane
Sally. The interoperability
channels will remain active until the need for them no longer exists:
* Channel 1 -- primary voice traffic 5332 kHz channel center, 5330.5
kHz USB voice
* Channel 2 -- digital traffic 5348 kHz channel center, 5346.5 kHz
USB with 1.5 kHz offset to center of digital waveform
Frequencies may be modified or added to by FEMA Region 10 for their
area or operations due to existing 5 MHz/60-meter interoperability
plans for their region.
Amateur radio is secondary on the 5 MHz band and must yield to
operational traffic related to wildland firefighting and hurricane
response. Although the intended use for these channels is
interoperability between federal government stations and licensed US
amateur radio stations, federal government stations are primary users
and amateurs are secondary users.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The FCC has granted ARRL's request for a temporary waiver to permit
amateur data transmissions at a higher symbol rate than currently
permitted by section 97.307(f) of the FCC amateur service rules. The
FCC acted to facilitate hurricane and wildfire relief communications
within the US and its territories.
ARRL sought the waiver for amateur radio licensees directly involved
with hurricane and wildfire relief via HF using PACTOR 4 modems for
communication within the US and its territories, relative to several
impending hurricane situations and wildfires in the western US. ARRL's
petition noted that Section 97.307(f) of the amateur rules prevents the
use of PACTOR 4, a data protocol that permits relatively high-speed
data transmission. ARRL also noted that past FCC temporary waivers have
allowed this protocol during similar events. The waiver is limited to
60 days.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is following FEMA's lead on
the interoperability channel designations for the wildfire and
hurricane response. Army MARS Program Manager Paul English, WD8DBY,
says he has alerted all MARS members of the FEMA channel designations
and MARS members are prepared to support response efforts as needed.
WX4NHC at the NHC also activated on Sunday in advance of Paulette,
monitoring and gathering reports from the HWN on 14.325
and 7.268 MHz and via the VoIP-WX Net on EchoLink WXtalk 7203
Conference and IRLP 9219.
The Caribbean Basin has more in store during this hurricane season. "We
are now keeping a close eye on Hurricane Teddy," Graves said, noting
that Bermuda could be affected by another hurricane by late Sunday
night or early Monday morning. "Also, we are keeping a close eye on a
system that seems to be getting better organized in the southwestern
Gulf of Mexico."
The next named storm will be Wilfred, and after that storms will be
designated using the Greek alphabet, starting with Alpha. "If we reach
Alpha, it will be the second time in history to use that name," Graves
pointed out. "The first was in 2005."
ARRL to Seek Changes in FCC Draft Decision on Amateur 9-Centimeter Band
ARRL efforts are under way to preserve amateur radio access to the 3.3
- 3.5 GHz (9-centimeter) band. In an 80+ page draft Report and Order
and Further Notice of Proposed Rulelmaking (R&O) in WT Docket 19-348,
the FCC announced its intention to delete the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz amateur
secondary allocation, subject to a phased withdrawal tied to its
licensing of new primary users. According to the FCC, the 3.450 - 3.550
GHz spectrum will be put up for auction as early as December 2021.
Incumbent users will be permitted to continue operating in the band
until licensing to commercial interests -- presumably 5G -- begins.
That's estimated to be about 3 months after the spectrum auction
concludes, or around mid-2022. No alternative spectrum was proposed to
replace the 9-centimeter spectrum for amateur radio operations. In an
associated Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC said it seeks
comment "on whether it is in the public interest to sunset amateur use
in the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band in two separate phases," -- first above 3.4
GHz, and later below 3.4 GHz.
"We find that removing the existing secondary non-federal allocations
from the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band and clearing these non-federal operations
from the band is in the public interest, and therefore, we adopt this
proposal," the draft R&O says. "Because the [Department of Defense and
the National Telecommunications and Information Agency] agree that
commercial users operating pursuant to flexible use licenses can be
accommodated in the 3.45 - 3.55 GHz band at full power, and given
continued interest in the 3.3 - 3.45 GHz band for future sharing for
flexible-use licenses, we find that retaining the secondary non-federal
allocations across this spectrum would hinder the Commission's ability
to offer flexible-use licensing in the future and would undermine the
intensive and efficient use of valuable mid-band spectrum."
"Further, to prevent adjacent-channel issues and to preserve the
possibility of additional clearing for flexible use licensing below
3.45 GHz, we find that sunsetting the secondary amateur allocation from
the entire 3.3 -- 3.5 GHz portion of the band is in the public
interest," the FCC said.
Last February, ARRL filed comments opposing the FCC's proposal to
delete the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz secondary amateur allocation, pointing to
amateur radio's long history of successful coexistence with primary
users of the band.
The absolute deadline to submit additional comments on the draft R&O
and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking via the Electronic Comment
Filing System (ECFS) or to contact FCC staff on this issue is
Wednesday, September 23 -- 7 days before the full Commission's
consideration of the draft for final adoption -- in order to comply
with FCC "Sunshine Rules."
In August, the White House and the Department of Defense announced
plans to allow for commercial 5G systems to operate in the 3.45 - 3.55
GHz band throughout almost all of the contiguous US. The plan would
leave radio amateurs to "individually determine appropriate alternate
spectrum from existing available spectrum allocations."
The 3.45 - 3.55 GHz segment would be teed up for a spectrum auction
that's expected to commence by the end of 2021. This would mean
amateurs would have to cease all operations at 3.45 GHz and above by
the middle of 2022 at the earliest, based on an FCC estimate.
The 3.3 - 3.45 GHz segment is not immediately available for
reallocation and auction, because more work is needed to accommodate
the Department of Defense. Under the rules as proposed, amateur
operations will be permitted to continue in this spectrum until
sometime in the future, when FCC rulemakings establish new rules and
conduct a spectrum auction and commercial licensing.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 9) features a
discussion on how to tune HF signals and use transceiver tools to
enhance reception. The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On
the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham
radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 16) features a
chat about the 222 MHz band, with QST's "The World Above 50 MHz"
columnist Jon Jones, N0JK. Also, Steve Ford, WB8IMY, offers some tips
on shopping for coaxial cable.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Analysis Determines We Are in Solar Cycle 25
It's now official. The solar minimum between Solar Cycles 24 and 25 --
the period when the sun is least active -- occurred in December 2019,
when the 13-month smoothed sunspot number fell to 1.8. This is
according to the Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, co-chaired by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric ministration (NOAA) and the National
Aeronautics and Space ministration (NASA). We are now in Solar Cycle
25, with peak sunspot activity expected in 2025, the panel said. The
panel expressed high confidence that Solar Cycle 25 will break the
trend of weakening solar activity seen over the past four cycles.
[IMG]"We predict the decline in solar cycle amplitude, seen from Cycles
21 through 24, has come to an end," said Lisa Upton, panel co-chair and
solar physicist with Space Systems Research Corporation. "There is no
indication we are approaching a Maunder-type minimum in solar
activity."
At 11 years, Solar Cycle 24 was of average length and had the
fourth-smallest intensity since regular record-keeping began in 1755,
with what is considered Solar Cycle 1. It was also the weakest cycle in
a century. At solar maximum in April 2014, sunspots peaked at 114 for
the cycle, well below the 179 average.
Solar Cycle 24's progression was unusual. The sun's northern hemisphere
led the sunspot cycle, peaking more than 2 years ahead of the southern
hemisphere sunspot peak. This resulted in fewer sunspots at solar
maximum than if the two hemispheres were in phase.
For the past 8 months, activity on the sun has steadily increased,
indicating that we have transitioned to Solar Cycle 25, forecast to be
a fairly weak cycle -- about the same as Solar Cycle 24. Solar Cycle 25
is expected to peak in July 2025, with a predicted 115 sunspots.
"How quickly solar activity rises is an indicator on how strong the
solar cycle will be," said Doug Biesecker, the NOAA-NASA panel co-chair
and a solar physicist at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
"Although we've seen a steady increase in sunspot activity this year,
it is slow."
"While we are not predicting a particularly active Solar Cycle 25,
violent eruptions from the sun can occur at any time," Biesecker added.
An artist's rendering of the Space
Weather Follow-On L-1 observatory.
Before Solar Cycle 25 peaks in 2024, NOAA is slated to launch a new
spacecraft dedicated to operational space weather forecasting. The
Space Weather Follow-On L-1 observatory (SWFO-L1) will be equipped with
instruments that sample the solar wind, provide imagery of coronal mass
ejections, and monitor other extreme activity from the sun in finer
detail than before. NOAA's next Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellite (GOES-U) is also scheduled to launch in 2024. GOES-U will
carry three solar monitoring instruments, including the first compact
coronagraph, which will help detect coronal mass ejections. Enhanced
observations of the sun from these satellites will help improve space
weather forecasting.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: As detailed elsewhere in this edition
of The ARRL Letter (see Analysis Determines We Are in Solar Cycle 25),
this week's big news was that scientists have pinned down the Solar
Cycle 24 minimum to December 2019 -- and the start of Solar Cycle 25.
The reason behind the delay in announcing this is the nature of moving
averages, which, in this case, is a smoothed sunspot number derived
from arithmetical averaging of sunspot numbers over 1 year -- i.e.,
half the numbers before December, and half after December -- to derive
a mid-point average.
Recent news stories, such as this article from SpaceRef, give
predictions for the next cycle.
Over the September 10 - 16 reporting week, the average daily solar flux
was 69.2 -- no significant difference from the previous week. Average
daily planetary A index was 5.3, up from 4.4 the previous week. Average
daily mid-latitude A index went from 4.9 to 5.4.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days (September 17 - October 31)
remains 70, the same as reported in recent bulletins.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on September 17 - 22; 8, 10, 15, 10,
25, 15, and 10 on September 23 - 29; 5 on September 30 - October 14; 8
on October 15 - 16; 5 on October 17 - 19; then, as earlier, 8, 10, 15,
10, 25, 15, and 10 on October 20 - 26,and back to 5 on October 27 - 31.
Sunspot numbers for September 10 - 16 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, for
a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.3, 68.7, 69.3, 69.8, 68.9,
68.8, and 69.5, with a mean of 69.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 7, and 3, with a mean of 5.3. Middle latitude A index
was 2, 2, 6, 7, 10, 8, and 3 with a mean of 5.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* September 19 -- QRP Afield (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 -- Wisconsin Parks on the Air (Phone)
* September 19 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* September 19 -- VHF FOC QSO Party (CW)
* September 19 - 20 -- Collegiate QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest
* September 19 - 20 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest (CW)
* September 19 - 20 -- All Africa International DX Contest (CW,
phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- Iowa QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- New Jersey QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- New Hampshire QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- Washington State Salmon Run (CW, phone,
digital)
* September 20 -- North American Sprint, RTTY
* September 20 -- BARTG Sprint 75 (Digital)
* September 20 - 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* September 21 -- 144 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
* September 23 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* September 24 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, Data
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
International Telecommunication Union Releases 2020 ITU Radio
Regulations
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has published the 2020
ITU Radio Regulations -- the international treaty governing the global
use of RF spectrum and satellite orbits. The publication contains the
complete texts of the Radio Regulations adopted during World
Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), held last year in Sharm El
Sheikh, Egypt. Available in all six of ITU's official languages, the
2020 ITU Radio Regulations are in effect for all signatory parties on
January 1, 2021. Electronic versions are free, and the "traditional
four-volume boxed set," as well as a multilingual DVD, will be
available for purchase in the coming weeks, the ITU said.
"The publication of the Radio Regulations is the culmination of the
hard work and intense deliberations that took place during WRC-19,"
said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "Efficient and economical use
of the naturally limited radio-frequency spectrum is key to ensuring we
bring the benefits of connectivity and digital transformation to people
everywhere. The ITU Radio Regulations are a vital vehicle for this
endeavor."
The ITU said that, when it comes to allocating radio frequencies,
including sharing and harmonizing their use for different purposes, the
Radio Regulations are the ultimate tool. "They ensure the use of the RF
spectrum is rational, equitable, efficient, and economical, all while
aiming to prevent harmful interference between different radio
services," the ITU said.
The Radio Regulations govern 40 radiocommunication services, and are
designed to protect existing radio services while enabling the
introduction of new and enhanced services.
Announcements
* CQ World Wide Contest Director John Dorr, K1AR, has announced some
rule changes effective with this fall's contests. Multi-Single,
Multi-Two, and Multi-Multi will be the standard entry category
names; amplifiers will be included in the 500-meter diameter circle
of the station location, and logs must be uploaded online.
* The Fox Mike Hotel Portable Operations Challenge on October 3 - 4
permits operation as a portable station from backyard, garden, or
patio, using portable equipment.
* The FCC has announced that the Anchorage Amateur Radio Club VEC has
joined the list of authorized Club Station Call Sign ministrators
(CSCSAs).
* Radio Amateurs of Canada has announced that it will hold its Annual
General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, September 20. It will be a virtual
event.
* The Collegiate QSO Party this weekend provides bonus points for
alumni working their alma maters, or an alumnus/alumna working
other alumni. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, rules have been
relaxed to allow a campus radio station to be operated remotely by
college club members, some entry classes have been changed, and
scoring has been modified.
* [IMG]Weatheradio Canada has announced that it's considering
shutting down 48 of its 230 VHF weather information transmitters
across the country -- about 20% of the network. The Canadian
government says most of the sites are in urban areas with ample
access to other sources of weather information. -- Thanks to The
SWLing Post
Ham Radio Exams are Not Going Away in Brazil After All
Amateur radio examinations are not being eliminated in Brazil. A notice
that the country's telecommunications regulator ANATEL released
recently was intended to prompt discussion and elicit comment on the
idea, but it prompted confusion too. On September 10, ANATEL responded
to a letter from Brazil's national amateur radio society, LABRE, that
expressed concern regarding the proposal to scrap amateur radio exams.
ANATEL told LABRE that no such change is in the works, although the
regulator did say that some rules and regulations will be revised and
modernized in due course.
"With respect to the merit presented in the correspondence, this will
be analyzed and considered by the technical team of this agency [i.e.,
ANATEL] in the finalization of the regulatory impact analysis report
and the respective regulatory proposal, if any," ANATEL told LABRE.
Henrique Gravina, PU3IKE, contacted ARRL to offer his take on the
confusion. He said many people have complained to ANATEL over the years
about amateur exams. When ANATEL considers that a particular issue
raised represents a problem area, it selects a complaint to use as a
starting point for discussion. This is akin to a Petition for
Rulemaking (PRM) that the FCC might "put on notice" to invite comment
after a suggested change in the rules.
"Portuguese is a difficult language, even for natives, and it gets
worse when we speak and write in legal terms and in bureaucratic
processes that are very complicated," Gravina allowed. "Hams who are
not law students or lawyers read the [proposal] and did not understand
what was happening."
LABRE has said it was satisfied with ANATEL's response and will
continue to collaborate with the agency to help modernize the
regulatory framework that governs amateur radio in Brazil. ANATEL said
it's considering extending the deadline for public comment on the group
of proposals that included the suggestion to eliminate ham radio exams.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some changes have already come about in
the form of online exams for two license classes -- A and C. Brazil
retains a 5 WPM Morse code requirement for the class B license, and
that has not been made available online. Applicants must have 1 year of
experience as a class B licensee to sit for the class A exam. The Morse
code exam can only be taken at an ANATEL agency office, available in
most Brazilian states. -- Thanks to Henrique Gravina, PU3IKE
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
The ARRL Board of Directors has named James W. Brown, K9YC, as the
recipient of the 2019 ARRL Technical Service Award. The Board cited
Brown's frequent contributions to -- and presentations at -- amateur
radio forums at conventions including Dayton Hamvention^(R), Pacificon,
and the International DX and Contesting Convention in Visalia,
California. Brown, of Santa Cruz, California, has also collaborated
with the ARRL Lab, contributed to various ARRL publications, including
The ARRL Handbook, The ARRL Antenna Book, and others, and shared his
technical and educational expertise in the fields of audio engineering,
RFI, and other aspects of electronics and engineering. He shares his
knowledge and expertise with the amateur radio community via his
informational website. The Board said, "Brown continues to provide his
expertise as a means of 'giving back' to the amateur community, in the
spirit of the amateurs that worked with him when he was first licensed
at the age of 13."
Former Federal Emergency Management ministration (FEMA) ministrator
Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, recently encouraged the use of mesh networking.
He said mesh networking can empower volunteers during natural
disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. Fugate was the keynote
speaker for the International Wireless Communications Expo's (IWCE)
virtual event. "By building these types of networks, you can put people
back into communication and put people to work where they're needed,"
he said. He encouraged public safety agencies to work with local
amateur radio groups and commercial providers to create solutions that
can build these mesh networks when the main network goes down. --
Thanks to The ARES Letter
Past New England Division Director Bill Burden, WB1BRE, of Strafford,
Vermont, died on July 29. An ARRL Life Member, he was 84. Burden served
as ARRL New England Division Director from 1992 to 1996. Prior to that,
he was New England Division Vice Director (1991 - 1992) and New
Hampshire Section Manager (1985 - 1991). He served as the emergency
management director for the Town of Strafford. A graduate of Lowell
Tech with a degree in electrical engineering, Burden worked for
Lockheed-Sanders, retiring in 1991.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 14 - 15 -- Central Division Convention, Fort Wayne,
Indiana
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, September 25, 2020 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
September 24, 2020
* MARS Communications Exercise to Involve Amateur Radio Community
* Venerable AO-7 Satellite Approaching a Return to Full Solar
Illumination
* FCC Grants Waiver Permitting Garmin to Market a Combination Part
95/Part 25 Device
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* IARU Region 1 President Sounds Alarm on Wireless Power Transfer for
Vehicles
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Hams Help Find Kids by Monitoring FRS Channel
* "Foghorn" is Back on the Bands, IARU Monitoring Service Reports
* Announcements
* Phil Temples, K9HI, Appointed as New England Division Vice Director
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
MARS Communications Exercise to Involve Amateur Radio Community
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) volunteers will take part in the
Department of Defense (DOD) Communications Exercise 20-4, starting on
October 3 and concluding on October 26. The MARS focus is
interoperability with ARRL and the amateur radio community.
"Throughout the month of October, MARS members will interoperate with
various amateur radio organizations that will be conducting their
annual simulated emergency tests with state, county, and local
emergency management personnel," said MARS Chief Paul English, WD8DBY.
"MARS members will send a DOD-approved message to the amateur radio
organizations recognizing this cooperative interoperability effort."
MARS members will also train with the ARRL National Traffic System
(NTS) and Radio Relay International (RRI) to send ICS 213 general
messages to numerous amateur radio leaders across the US.
"This exercise will culminate with MARS Auxiliarists sending a number
of summary messages in support of a larger DOD communications exercise
taking place October 20 - 26," English added. Throughout the month of
October, MARS stations will operate on 60 meters, and WWV/WWVH will
broadcast messages to the amateur radio community. English assures no
disruption to communications throughout the month-long series of
training events.
Venerable AO-7 Satellite Approaching a Return to Full Solar
Illumination
AMSAT-OSCAR 7 (AO-7), the oldest amateur radio satellite still in
operation, is nearing a return to full illumination by the sun, which
should take place around September 25 and continue until around
December 26. AMSAT's vice president of operations Drew Glasbrenner,
KO4MA, says that during this period, AO-7 likely will switch between
modes A (2 meters up/10 meters down) and B (70 centimeters up/2 meters
down) every 24 hours. He reminded users to use only the minimum
necessary power and to avoid "ditting" to find their signals in the
passband, which can bounce the entire passband up and down and
sometimes even cause the transponder to reset to mode A.
"Try to find yourself with very low power, or on SSB, or best, with
full Doppler control," Glasbrenner said. "If you have to use high power
to find yourself, your receive antenna and system probably needs
improvement."
Last May, the nearly 46-year-old AO-7 made possible a contact between
Argentina and South Africa -- a distance of more than 4,300 miles. Both
stations were aiming just 2A° or 3A° above the horizon. AO-7 only works
when it's receiving direct sunlight and shuts down when in eclipse.
Launched in 1974, AO-7 surprised the amateur satellite community by
suddenly coming back to life in 2002 after being dormant for nearly 30
years and periodically re-emerging. AMSAT considers AO-7
"semi-operational." Theory is that AO-7 initially went dark after
several years of operation when a battery shorted, and it returned to
operation when the short circuit opened. With no working batteries,
AO-7 now only functions when it's receiving direct sunlight, and it
shuts down when in eclipse.
Built by a multinational team under AMSAT's direction, AO-7 carries a
non-inverting Mode A transponder (145.850 - 950 MHz up/29.400 - 500 MHz
down) and an inverting Mode B (432.180 - 120 MHz up/145.920 - 980 MHz
down) linear transponder. AO-7 has beacons on 29.502 and 145.975 MHz,
used in conjunction with Mode A and Mode B/C (low-power mode B),
respectively. A 435.100 MHz beacon has an intermittent problem,
sometimes switching between 400 mW and 10 mW.
FCC Grants Waiver Permitting Garmin to Market a Combination Part
95/Part 25 Device
The FCC has granted the request of Garmin International for a waiver of
Section 95.2761 of the FCC's rules, permitting it to obtain equipment
certification for a handheld unit that combines a low-power,
terrestrial Part 95 Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) transmitter and a
Part 25 emergency satellite communication module in the same device.
The FCC responded to Garmin's request in an Order released on September
21. Section 95.2761(c) precludes combining MURS transmitting
capabilities in equipment that is also capable of transmitting in
another service, with the exception of Part 15 unlicensed services.
The FCC said it determined that it would be in the public interest to
waive Section 95.2761(c), so that Garmin may obtain authorization to
produce its proposed handheld device.
"We find here that Garmin's proposed device contains an important
public safety feature, which would not be brought to market if we were
to strictly enforce the rules in this case. As Garmin noted in its
request, the certified Part 25 module in the MURS unit would allow
emergency communication to the outside world at the push of a button."
Garmin's proposed product would include two transmitters: a low-power
MURS transmitter for short-range terrestrial communication, and a
previously certified Part 25 module that would allow emergency
communication via the Iridium satellite system under a blanket license
held by Iridium. End users would have to subscribe to the Iridium
service.
Garmin argued in its petition that the purpose of the original
equipment authorization restriction was "to prevent consumer confusion
with other terrestrial services that either had different licensing
regimes or were for different types of communications" and that it is
inappropriate in this case.
"We agree with Garmin that its device's intended use does not flout the
purpose of Section 95.2761(c)," the FCC said in its Order. "Garmin
maintains that the Part 95 MURS transmitter and the Part 25 module
operate on different frequencies and will not operate simultaneously.
Provided the device is constructed in this manner, we are persuaded
that its dual purposes will be well segregated."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 9) features a
discussion on how to tune HF signals and use transceiver tools to
enhance reception. The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On
the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham
radio operators.
The latest episode of Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 17) features a
discussion of how RSID is used to identify HF digital modes, and a chat
with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about mysterious Long Delayed Echoes.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IARU Region 1 President Sounds Alarm on Wireless Power Transfer for
Vehicles
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 President Don
Beattie, G3BJ, wants to raise greater awareness regarding the
interference potential of Wireless Power Transfer for Electric Vehicles
(WPT-EV). He is urging IARU member-societies to contact national
regulators to make them aware of the technology's potential for "RF
pollution." Beattie notes that WPT-EV chargers can run as much as 20
kW.
WPT-EV was on the agenda for World Radiocommunication Conference 2019
(WRC-19). The International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) conducted studies to
assess the impact of WPT-EV on radiocommunications and suitable
harmonized frequency ranges. Those ITU-R studies identified the 19 - 25
kHz band, as well as bands in the 50 kHz and 60 kHz range, for
high-power WPT-EV, and the 79 - 90 kHz band for medium-power WPT-EV.
The consensus of WRC-19 delegates was to make no changes in the ITU
Radio Regulations with respect to WPT-EV.
The Netherlands' IARU member-society VERON has posted the text
(translated into Dutch) of Beattie's remarks on the subject.
"The discussions about WPT-EV have reached a point where they are
moving from the technical to the political arena," Beattie said.
"Discussions with a national regulator indicate that we must now take
action at the national level. The amateur service, but also other
telecommunication services, will experience the consequences of
WPT-EV."
Beattie urged member-societies in Region 1 to contact national
regulators, preferably in person, to explain why radio amateurs are so
concerned. He pointed out that long charging times in populated areas
could generate harmonics that make radio communication very difficult.
"Models show that this also applies to the wider environment of a
WPT-EV installation," Beattie said. "Broadcasters, stationary, and
[IMG]mobile services share these concerns" and provided input to CEPT
Electronic Communications Committee Report 289.
Beattie noted that the WPT-EV discussion has been going on for a long
time. The technology is similar to that used for wireless charging of
cell phones.
"The wireless charging of electric cars is done with large coils," he
explained. "One of them on the ground under the vehicle, the second in
the car. Typically, about 22 kW is transferred wirelessly through those
coils. This is done using frequencies between 79 and 90 kHz. Technical
and operational standards for WPT-EV are under development."
WPT-EV developers are seeking noise level limits that are some 30 - 45
dB above current noise levels, Beattie said. "Limits that have a
serious negative effect on the radio spectrum," he asserted.
"In the interests of the future of amateur radio, we need to get the
attention of national regulators," Beattie concluded. "This is about
the future of amateur radio!"
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Up until September 23, we saw 32
consecutive days with no sunspots. Then new sunspot group AR2773 came
into view, with a magnetic signature indicating that it's part of new
Solar Cycle 25. According to Spaceweather.com, AR2773 is a weak sunspot
group and may not persist for long. The daily sunspot number for
September 23 was 13, indicating three sunspots visible in that group.
Average daily solar flux rose from 69.2 to 71.1 over the reporting week
of September 17 - 23. Geomagnetic indicators were about the same, with
average daily planetary A index declining from 5.3 to 5.1.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 73 on September 24 -
October 1, and 70 on October 2 - November 2.
Predicted planetary A index is 12, 15, 12, 25, and 15 on September 24 -
28; 8 on September 29 - 30; 5 on October 1 - 10; 10 on October 11; 5 on
October 12 - 19; 10, 12, 16, 28, 18, and 10 on October 20 - 25; 5 on
October 26 - November 6, and 10 on November 7.
The SciTechDaily article "How NASA & Scientists Around the World Track
the Solar Cycle" is an interesting read.
Sunspot numbers for September 17 - 23 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 13,
with a mean of 1.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.7, 69.9, 70.6,
70.2, 71.3, 72.4, and 73.3, with a mean of 71.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 5, 3, 4, 3, 6, and 11, with a mean of 5.1. Middle
latitude A index was 5, 4, 4, 4, 3, 5, and 10, with a mean of 5.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* September 26 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
* September 26 - 27 -- Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY
* September 26 - 27 -- Maine QSO Party (CW, phone)
* September 28 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* September 29 -- 222 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
* September 30 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
Hams Help Find Kids by Monitoring FRS Channel
Late on the afternoon of September 16, the police department in Post
Falls, Idaho, received a 911 call that two juveniles -- ages 9 and 11
-- were missing from a Post Falls residence for about an hour.
According to the report, the pair had left home intending to play in
the neighborhood with some Family Radio Service (FRS) radios. Several
patrol cars were dispatched to the area to conduct a visual search, and
detective Neil Uhrig, K7NJU, responded as officer in charge due to his
training and experience with missing persons investigations. The
initial search focused on a 2-mile radius from the missing kids'
residence.
One officer received information from witnesses that the pair was
probably using FRS Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz). An officer returned to
police headquarters to retrieve some FRS radios for distribution to the
patrol officers, in the event they might be able to hear the youngsters
talking.
Uhrig, meanwhile, pulled out his VHF/UHF handheld with the thought of
setting up FRS Channel 1 as an auxiliary frequency, but without the
manual at hand, he wasn't able to execute the channel setup. But Uhrig
did hear the Northwest Traffic Net (NWTN) that had begun at 6:30 PM on
the local 2-meter repeater.
Checking into the net at about 6:45 PM, Uhrig explained the missing
persons situation to net control station Shannon Riley, KJ7MUA, and
asked if net participants in the Post Falls area with FRS capability
could listen for the youngsters talking.
A number of stations promptly checked in to say they had FRS radios and
were monitoring FRS Channel 1. It was assumed that only stations
located near the missing youngsters would hear them, given the limited
range of FRS radios.
Not long after 7 PM, Jim Hager, KJ7OTD, reported hearing children
talking on FRS Channel 1. Uhrig went to Hager's home to confirm his
observation, and the patrol units were redirected to the new search
vicinity. A short time later, the missing pair was found safe and
returned home.
Uhrig said the most remarkable thing about the incident was that the
missing youngsters turned out to be some distance from the original
search area, and in the opposite direction from where they were thought
to have been headed.
Net Manager Gabbee Perry, KE7ADN, said, "I'm so proud of what a
superior job NWTN NCS Shannon [KJ7MUA] and all the operators did last
Wednesday. It was a very unusual situation, but everyone had excellent
focus and used their resourcefulness to help quickly find the missing
kids." -- Thanks to ARRL Assistant Idaho Section Manager Ed Stuckey,
AI7H
"Foghorn" is Back on the Bands, IARU Monitoring Service Reports
The Chinese "Foghorn" over-the-horizon radar (OTH-R) is once again
showing up in the logs of the International Amateur Radio Union
Monitoring Service (IARUMS) in IARU Region 1 (Europe, the Middle East,
and Africa). While the reports reflect what's being heard by stations
primarily in Europe, the same interference can and does affect other
parts of the world, often depending upon the time of day. Named by
former IARUMS Region 1 Coordinator Wolf Hadel, DK2OM, because of its
sound, the Foghorn was first reported in 2017 operating in amateur
bands. The signal is frequency modulation on pulse (FMOP) with 66.66
sweeps-per-second bursts.
"In August, we found significantly more OTH radars from the Far East,
especially the system known as 'Foghorn,'" said IARUMS Region 1
Coordinator Peter Jost, HB9CET, noting that the Foghorn facilities
Chinese "Foghorn" signal waveform.
[Wolf Hadel, DK2OM]
generate a signal with a bandwidth of 10 kHz. "But also, the notorious
Russian 'Contayner' radar still contaminated our bands, especially 20
meters, daily."
The Foghorn was being heard on 40 meters, in the vicinity of 7113 -
7123 kHz and 7165 - 7175 kHz. Other OTH-R signals tracked to, or
believed to be in, China are showing up elsewhere on the band with
equally broad signals. Some international broadcasters have also set up
shop on amateur bands, including Voice of Broad Masses 1 on 7140 kHz,
and Voice of Broad Masses 2 on 7180 kHz, both with 9 kHz-wide AM
signals. China Radio International has been transmitting at the very
bottom edge of 20 meters, its signal slopping over into the amateur
band. Chinese OTH-R signals were also monitored at various places on 20
meters.
Russian "Contayner" OTH-R signals were spotted on several 20-meter
frequencies in August. An idling signal on 14,221 kHz is believed to be
coming from Kazakhstan, showing up every evening. A Foghorn OTH-R has
been appearing in the 14,338 - 14,348 kHz range.
A radio war between Russia and Ukraine has generated signals on 40
meters (Russia on 7055 and Ukraine on 7060 kHz), airing what the
monitor called "very loud" and persistent signals every day, with
"plenty of abuse," propaganda, profanities, and agitation being passed
back and forth.
AM radars with "huge signals" were reported to be taking up segments on
40 and 20 meters. A "monster" F1B signal has been heard on 14,301 kHz.
The role of IARUMSâ**--â**monitoring the amateur bands to search and
identify transmissions sent by intrudersâ**--â**is important, because
the amount and variety of intruders is rapidly growing, IARU said. "A
number of national monitoring coordinators and volunteers have been
watching our bands for many years. But more needs to be done to raise
awareness of societies and countries where no national monitoring team
exists. Also, existing groups can still help by sharing detailed
information worldwide with others. 'Monitoring is Teamwork!'"
IARU said it's also very important that as many member-societies as
possible file interference complaints with national regulators when
intruders are heard.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The ARES E-Letter, ARRL's email newsletter for monthly public
service and emergency communications news, has been renamed, The
ARES Letter. Members can subscribe to The ARES Letter by visiting
their member preferences page and selecting the "Edit Email
Subscriptions" tab.
* The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo has announced that all Expo
presentations are available by clicking on "August Speaker
Presentations" on the right-hand side of the Expo home page.
Topping the list is keynote speaker Scott Wright, K0MD, the editor
of NCJ, who spoke on "Amateur Radio's Impact on Problem Solving to
Create a Global Response to the Pandemic." Presentations spanned
topics from "Portable Operating" by John Jacobs, W7DBO, to
"Everything you need to know about Lithium Batteries" by Marcel
Stieber, AI6MS, and individual presentations given by young hams
organized by Carole Perry, WB2MGP. The next QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo is set for March 13 - 14, 2021.
* Mark Aaker, K6UFO, suggested the ScienceDaily article, "Miniature
antenna enables robotic teaming in complex environments." The
researchers used a 1/50-wavelength antenna with a "modular active
matching network" to obtain a three-fold increase in the antenna's
3 dB bandwidth and a 10 dB improvement in efficiency, compared to a
similarly sized, unmatched antenna.
* [IMG]TM82ALC will be active during October to commemorate the 290th
anniversary of the death in 1730 of Antoine de Lamothe-Cadillac,
founder of the City of Detroit, Michigan, event sponsors say. He
also once served as the governor of Louisiana. The Detroit
Automobile Company was renamed the Cadillac Automobile Company in
his honor and adopted the Lamothe-Cadillac coat of arms as its
product logo.
* November 15 will mark the 75th anniversary of the post-war ARRL
DXCC program. The first post-war list of DXCC Countries appeared in
the February 1947 edition of QST and contained some 257 countries.
* SmallSat 2020 Conference Proceedings are available online. The 34th
annual conference was a virtual event that attracted 8,100
participants over 3 days. The conference theme was "Space Mission
Architectures - Infinite Possibilities."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Temples, K9HI, Appointed as New England Division Vice Director
ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, has appointed Phil Temples, K9HI,
of Watertown, Massachusetts, as New England Division Vice Director. He
succeeds Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, who was elected earlier this year as
ARRL First Vice President. President Roderick made the appointment
after consulting with New England Division Director Fred Hopengarten,
K1VR, and the region's Section Managers.
"I want to thank all of those who forwarded their recommendations to
Director Hopengarten," Temples said. "Mike Raisbeck left some big shoes
to fill. I look forward to working with Fred, and to advise and assist
him with various tasks and board committee assignments. One task I'm
especially eager to tackle is launching a New England Division
website."
An ARRL Life Member, Temples has been licensed for 50 years, initially
as WN9EAY in Indiana. He has written articles for QST and contributed
articles for the ARRL website. He also co-authored a chapter in the
Amateur Radio Public Service Handbook.
Temples served three terms as Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager and
now is an Assistant SM and an Assistant New England Division Director.
He's also held ARRL field appointments as Affiliated Club Coordinator
and Public Information Officer and currently serves as program chair
for the Northeast HamXposition.
Temples has been active in MARS, the National Traffic System, and as an
Emergency Coordinator, and he enjoys CW. He holds a degree in
electrical engineering from Purdue University.
Temples has actively promoted instruction and licensing and is a
Volunteer Examiner under the ARRL, W5YI, and Greater Los Angeles ARG
Volunteer Examiner Coordinators. He's currently involved with New
England Amateur Radio, Inc. in administering remote exam sessions
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Temples is employed at Boston College as a computer systems
administrator.
In Brief...
After counting the ballots, AMSAT has announced its Board of Directors.
In order of votes received, Mark Hammond, N8MH (707); Paul Stoetzer,
N8HM (703), and Bruce Paige, KK5DO (667), were elected as AMSAT
Directors for terms ending in 2022. Stoetzer, a former Board member and
current Executive Vice President, fills the seat being vacated by AMSAT
veteran Tom Clark, W3IO. Howie DeFelice, AB2S (550), was elected as
first alternate director, and Bob McGwier, N4HY (534), as second
alternate director for terms ending in 2021. Jeff Johns, WE4B, received
429 votes. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
Radio Amateurs of Canada has announced that videos from its Annual
Conference and General Meeting earlier this month are now available.
All presentations may be viewed on the new RAC YouTube Channel. ARRL
President Rick Roderick, K5UR, addressed the meeting. Presentation
topics include "Getting Started with Amateur Radio Satellites,"
"Amateur Radio and Youth," and "Contesting: Remote Operating." --
Thanks to Radio Amateurs of Canada
Former West Virginia Section Manager Karl Thompson, K8KT, died on July
28. He was 80. Thompson, of Charleston, served as West Virginia Section
Communications Manager (SCM) from 1979 until 1983, and, after the
position was renamed, as Section Manager (SM) from 1984 until 1994.
Thompson subsequently served the Section as an Assistant Section
Manager and Technical Coordinator. Current West Virginia SM, Dan
Ringer, K8WV, said in a message to members, "Karl was one of the
best-known amateurs in West Virginia. He represented all of the best of
the amateur community." A ham from the age of 15, Thompson was employed
by the telephone company (C&P, Bell Atlantic, and Verizon), retiring
after 28 years of service. He was president of the West Virginia State
Radio Council for several years and was honored with the ARRL Roanoke
Division Amateur of the Year award in 1983. He received the ARRL
Roanoke Division Service Award that same year. Thompson played guitar,
autoharp, and piano and was a member of several singing groups over the
years. He co-hosted the Old Time Country Music Hour on WZAC-FM for 4
years.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, October 02, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
October 1, 2020
* Get Ready for the 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction!
* Pandemic-Delayed ARRL 2019 Annual Report Released
* Former Dayton Hamvention Venue Hara Arena is Being Demolished
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* HF Station Grounding and Arduino Microcontroller Projects are Next
ARRL Webinar Topics
* Special Pricing on ARRL 5-Band WAS and Triple Play WAS Award Plaque
Applications
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* WSJT-X Beta Release Introduces Digital Protocols Designed for LF
and MF Bands
* Announcements
* Chinese Amateur Radio Satellite Launches Delayed
* Sterling Mann, N0SSC, Named IARU Region 2 Liaison for Youth
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Get Ready for the 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction!
The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction will open for an "early bird"
preview and registration on Thursday, October 8, and will open for
bidding at 10 AM EDT (1400 UTC) on Thursday, October 15. The auction is
sponsored by GigaParts. The 2020 ARRL Online Auction includes a large
assortment of ARRL Product Review items, including an SPE Expert
1.5K-FA HF amplifier, ACOM 120S 160 - 6- meter linear amplifier, Yaesu
FTDX101D HF + 6-meter transceiver, and an Icom IC-9700 VHF/UHF
multi-mode transceiver.
The ARRL Online Auction also features a wide assortment of vintage
books, including The ARRL Handbook, Radio for Everybody, and CQ Ghost
Ship.
This year, bidders will find a large variety of equipment, vintage
books, novelty items, ARRL bundle packs, and a number of special items
donated by the cast and crew of Fox Television's Last Man Standing,
starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT.
In order to place a bid, you must register on the ARRL Online Auction
website. You may browse the website and scope out those "must-have"
items without being a registered bidder, and you can register at any
time during the auction. If you are interested in some great bargains
-- and some great fun -- check out the 2020 ARRL Online Auction, which
concludes on October 25 at 10 PM EDT (0200 UTC on October 26 in North
America). Registration begins on October 8 at 10 AM EDT (1400 UTC)
during the auction preview.
Proceeds from the Online Auction benefit ARRL education programs,
including activities to license new hams, strengthen Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) training, offer continuing technical and
operating education, and create instructional materials.
Pandemic-Delayed ARRL 2019 Annual Report Released
The 2019 ARRL Annual Report is now available in print and online. The
publication's release was delayed as a consequence of the coronavirus
pandemic. Print copies for members who are interested will be available
soon. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, called 2019 "an exciting year
for ARRL," with several new initiatives moving through planning and
development for rollout in 2020.
"Two of them -- On the Air magazine and the ARRL Online Learning Center
-- signify steps taken toward the 'new generation of hams' that I've
been talking about in the past few Annual Reports," President Roderick
said. "They've been asking ARRL for help finding their way in amateur
radio for so long, wanting to know everything from how to serve their
communities, how to integrate the ham radio hobby and service with all
the demands that modern life makes upon them, and even simply how to
determine which parts of ham radio interest them."
President Roderick also cited the development in 2019 of the ARRL
Online Learning Center -- an array of online courses that will at first
serve new hams and later expand to courses and materials for hams at
all skill levels. The Online Learning Center is expected to launch in
early 2021.
"2019 was more than busy for ARRL -- it was productive and
constructive," President Roderick concluded. "We're growing and
ARRL President Rick
Roderick, K5UR.
changing, and we do it all for you, the members, with an eye on our
mission: to advance the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio."
ARRL membership was essentially flat from 2018 at 156,755 -- likely a
result of the membership dues increase in 2019, but still slightly
above projections.
The ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program was developed in 2019, replacing the
Official Observers program. The new VM Program is a formal agreement
between the FCC and ARRL in which trained volunteers will monitor the
bands and collect evidence that may be used both to correct misconduct
and to recognize exemplary on-the-air operation.
The Report summarizes a raft of responses to emergencies and disasters
by Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) volunteers. ARES
membership grew by 3,130 in 2019, and a new ARES Comprehensive Plan was
introduced.
Financially, ARRL had a particularly good year in 2019, producing a
$596,000 gain from operations, along with strong investment markets
resulting in an overall net asset gain of $3.75 million. Read more.
Former Dayton Hamvention Venue Hara Arena is Being Demolished
Hara Arena, the former venue for Dayton Hamvention^(R) and myriad
sports, entertainment, and other presentations over the years, will
soon be history. In the wake of a failed attempt to revitalize the
tornado-damaged complex, officials in the city of Trotwood, Ohio --
where Hara Arena is located -- announced plans last week to raze the
complex and rezone the property from commercial recreation to light
industrial.
"The complex suffered extensive damage during the 2019 Memorial Day
tornado outbreak," a city news release recalled on September 25, taking
note of hopes to salvage the complex. "However, redeveloping the
property would be a challenge due to the extent of the damage, so the
decision was made...to demolish the legendary venue."
The city said the zoning change will allow manufacturing, distribution
centers, and call centers to establish their businesses in the area.
"We are excited for what the future holds for this property," Trotwood
Mayor Mary McDonald said.
"This is going to create some momentum for redevelopment," City Manager
Quincy Pope told the Dayton Daily News.
According to the Dayton Daily News, the property's owners have said the
iconic marquee spelling out "Hara Arena" atop the main arena will be
preserved and auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to charity.
The Hara complex and the surrounding real estate occupy some 128 acres.
Co-owner Corey Heitz told the Dayton Daily News that it will take up to
6 months to tear down the buildings completely, and he hopes to have
"something" there in the next 12 months.
Hara Arena had served as the venue for Dayton Hamvention from 1964
until 2016. Hamvention announced in July 2016 that Hara Arena would be
closing but that Hamvention would continue. The show is now held at the
Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center.
Over its six-decade history, Hara Arena hosted concerts by performers
that included the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead; it was also
where hockey legend Wayne Gretzky played his first professional hockey
game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 9) features a
discussion on how to tune HF signals and use transceiver tools to
enhance reception. The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On
the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham
radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 17) features a
discussion of how RSID is used to identify HF digital modes, and a chat
with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about mysterious long-delayed echoes (LDEs).
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
HF Station Grounding and Arduino Microcontroller Projects are Next ARRL
Webinar Topics
Two well-known ham radio authors and speakers will share their
expertise with members in October during ARRL Learning Network
webinars. ARRL Contributing Editor Ward Silver, N0AX, will present
"Grounding & Bonding for Home HF Stations" on Tuesday, October 6, at 10
AM PDT/1 PM EDT/0500 UTC. Popular ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP, will
present "Welcome to the World of Arduino" on Thursday, October 15, at 5
PM PDT/8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, October 16). Members must log in
to the ARRL website to register for each webinar.
Silver authored the ARRL book Grounding and Bonding for the Radio
Amateur in 2017 as a practical guide to building a station that
incorporates effective grounding and bonding techniques for electrical
safety, lightning protection, and RF management. Radio amateurs often
cite the title for demystifying an often misunderstood or intimidating
topic.
During his webinar, Silver will define grounding and bonding, cover the
benefits and requirements, and share useful references and guides for
hams to apply these techniques in their home HF stations.
In his presentation, Popiel -- the author of several ARRL books,
including Arduino for Ham Radio, More Arduino Projects for Ham Radio,
and High Speed Multimedia for Amateur Radio -- will cover the
open-source, electronic-prototyping Arduino platform, which is widely
popular among electronics hobbyists and radio amateurs. The webinar
will include examples of how to put Arduinos to use in building ham
radio projects and practical station gear.
Live question-and-answer periods will follow each 30-minute
presentation.
All webinars are recorded, so members and radio clubs can view previous
presentations. Join ARRL to take advantage of this new member benefit.
Read more.
Special Pricing on ARRL 5-Band WAS and Triple Play WAS Award Plaque
Applications
Beginning October 1, ARRL will offer a 10% discount on all applications
for 5-Band Worked All States (5B WAS) wall plaques and Triple Play
(TPA) wall plaques. The discount will be deducted from the total charge
(i.e., application fee, plaque fee, and shipping).
This special is good for first-time applicants, as well as for those
who have been awarded TPA or 5B WAS and want to display their
achievement with an attractive, colorful wall plaque.
Submit contacts via Logbook of The World (LoTW) and indicate in the
comments section of the payment page that you want the wall plaque.
Discounts will be applied during processing.
Apply online with the order forms available to order plaques for the
Triple Play or 5Band WAS. This offer is good until the close of
business at ARRL Headquarters on December 31, 2020, so if you need some
contacts to complete your 5-Band WAS or Triple Play awards, the
November Sweepstakes or ARRL 160- or 10-Meter contests are good
opportunities to fill those empty slots on your scorecard.
Uploading your contacts to LoTW provides quick contact confirmation and
makes it easy to apply for these awards.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar wind disturbed HF conditions
over the September 24 - 30 reporting week.
Average daily planetary A index rose from 5.1 to 22, while average
middle latitude A index went from 5 to 15.6. Average daily sunspot
number declined from 1.9 to 1.6; a weak sunspot appeared on only 2
days, September 23 and 25, with sunspot numbers of 13 and 11,
respectively. Average daily solar flux was on the increase, edging up
from 71.1 to 73.4.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 74 on October 1 - 3; 72 on
October 4; 70 on October 5 - 18; 72 on October 19 - 31, and 70 on
November 1 - 14.
Predicted planetary A index is 15 and 10 on October 1 - 3; 5 on October
3 - 10; 10 on October 11; 5 on October 12 - 19; 10, 18, and 20 on
October 20 - 22; 24, 16, 38, and 38 on October 23 - 26; 26, 15, and 10
on October 27 - 29; 5 on October 30 - November 6; 10 on November 7, and
5 on November 8 - 14.
W6MVT in southern California was pleasantly surprised on September 28
after erecting a new vertical. His first catch was E51JD in the
Southern Cook Islands at 0022 UTC. This was his first SSB DX on 15
meters in many years, although the opening vanished as quickly as it
came.
Sunspot numbers for September 24 - 30 were 0, 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0,
with a mean of 1.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.6, 73.4, 72.6,
74.1, 73.9, 72.8, and 73.3, with a mean of 73.4. Estimated planetary A
indices were 19, 20, 27, 24, 33, 16, and 15, with a mean of 22. Middle
latitude A index was 11, 17, 18, 16, 21, 14, and 12, with a mean of
15.6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* October 3 -- German Telegraphy Contest (CW)
* October 3 -- FISTS Fall Slow Speed Sprint
* October 3 - 4 -- TRC DX Contest (CW, phone)
* October 3 - 4 -- RTTYOps WW RTTY
* October 3 - 4 -- Russian WW Digital Contest
* October 3 - 4 -- All YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest (CW, phone)
* October 3 - 4 -- International HELL-Contest
* October 3 - 4 -- California QSO Party (CW, phone)
* October 3 - 4 -- SKCC QSO Party (CW)
* October 4 -- RSGB DX Contest (CW, phone)
* October 4 -- UBA ON Contest, SSB
* October 4 -- Peanut Power QRP Sprint (CW, phone)
* October 5 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, CW
* October 6 -- ARS Spartan Sprint CW
* October 7 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* October 7 -- 432 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
* October 7 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
WSJT-X Beta Release Introduces Digital Protocols Designed for LF and MF
Bands
The latest beta release of the WSJT-X digital software suite includes
digital protocols particularly designed for communication on LF and MF
bands, such as 2200 meters and 630 meters, and its developers say that
during its first few months of testing, contacts have spanned
intercontinental paths "many times" on those bands. New protocols FST4
and FST4W are included in WSJT-X version 2.3.0-rc1 (release candidate
1). FST4 is for two-way contacts, while FST4W is for "quasi-beacon"
style WSPR-type transmissions. Both modes offer a range of options for
T/R-sequence lengths and threshold decoding sensitivities extending
well into the -40 dB range, developers said.
"On these bands, their fundamental sensitivities are better than other
WSJT-X modes with the same sequence lengths," the WSJT-X development
team. "FST4 and FST4W do not require the strict, independent
time-synchronization and phase-locking of modes like EbNaut," a
protocol for VLF and LF communication.
The WSJT-X development team said operators familiar with the software
suite will find using FST4 and FST4W straightforward.
The new modes use 4-GFSK modulation and share common software for
encoding and decoding messages. FST4 offers T/R sequence lengths of 15,
30, 60, 120, 300, 900, and 1,800 seconds, while FST4W omits the lengths
shorter than 120 seconds.
Message payloads contain either 77 bits -- as in FT4, FT8, and MSK144
-- or 50 bits for the WSPR-like messages of FST4W.
WSJT-X version 2.3 offers 12 different protocols: FST4, FT4, FT8, JT4,
JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, WSPR, FST4W, and Echo.
The WSJT-X 2.3 User Guide and the Release Notes include additional
information. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet
take place October 16 - 18. Groups or individuals can register on
the World JOTA-JOTI site. ditional information about JOTA 2020 is
on the K2BSA website. The K2BSA site offers COVID-19 guidance
during radio scouting activities
* ARRL Life Member Mark Persons, W0MH, of Brainerd, Minnesota, has
been recognized with the 10th Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Lifetime Achievement Award. He was SBE Engineer of the Year for
2018. -- Thanks to Rob Atkinson, K5UJ
* The California QSO Party (CQP) has announced some changes for 2020.
All multioperator stations (multi-single and multi-multi) must
register before the contest. Logs from multioperator stations not
registered in advance will be considered as check logs. The 55th
running of the CQP takes place October 3 - 4.
* Want to know what hams live in your neighborhood? Check out Amateur
Radio License Map. You may have hams nearby you never knew about.
* The United Nations Amateur Radio Contest DX Club at the Vienna
International Center in Austria will operate as 4U75A, in
celebration of the UN's 75th anniversary. The UN Headquarters
Amateur Radio Club (UNARC) will use 4U75UN, although no set
schedule is in place.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Chinese Amateur Radio Satellite Launches Delayed
CAMSAT says the CAS-7A launch has been postponed until next May, and
CAS-5A until next June.
"Because of COVID-19, many things have been delayed," CAMSAT's Alan
Kung, BA1DU, told ARRL. He said an announcement would be made next
spring.
CAMSAT had said that CAS-7A would launch in mid-September; the launch
has been postponed multiple times since first announced. CAS-5A was
predicted to launch in October. Both satellites will carry two
transponders that include HF, in a configuration similar to that of the
Russian RS satellites decades ago.
CAS-7A will be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination
of 98° at 500 kilometers above Earth. The transponders will have a
bandwidth of 30 kHz. The HF/HF linear transponder will uplink on 15
meters and downlink on 10 meters. A CW beacon will transmit on 10
meters. The HF/UHF transponder CW beacon transponder will transmit on
70 centimeters.
The CAS-5A nanosatellite, with a 6U form factor, carries two HF
transponders and two VHF/UHF transponders. While in orbit, it will
deploy the tiny CAS-5B femtosatellite, weighing just half a
kilogram.
The array of CAS-5A linear transponders will include HF/HF, HF/UHF, and
VHF/UHF with 30 kHz passbands (except 15 kHz for the HF/UHF
transponder).
CAS-5A will include CW telemetry beacons on HF and UHF. The HF CW
beacon will be on 10 meters, and a UHF telemetry beacon will be on 70
centimeters. Other beacons include the HF/HF transponder beacon on 10
meters, and the HF/UHF and VHF/UHF transponder beacons on 70
centimeters. Telemetry will be transmitted on 70 centimeters. Read
more.
Sterling Mann, N0SSC, Named IARU Region 2 Liaison for Youth
Sterling Mann, N0SSC, has been named as the International Amateur Radio
Union (IARU) Region 2 Liaison for Youth, the IARU Region 2 Executive
Committee (EC) has announced. With the support of IARU Region 2, the
Liaison for Youth will reach out to young hams throughout the Americas
and their member-societies to develop and promote interest in amateur
radio on the part of young hams through self-sustaining groups and
activities.
"Our first set of tasks primarily revolves around collecting
information to identify strong leaders and points of contact throughout
IARU Region 2 member-societies," Mann told ARRL. "Ideally, these
leaders are young hams who are willing to help drive the initiative
forward by performing various roles." One of those, he said, is to come
up with and put into action methods to "get ham radio into the public
view in a positive and engaging way." The initiative will also
coordinate and collaborate with other communities with similar goals.
On-the air activities, online meetups, workshops, competitions and
mini-contests, brainstorming sessions, and speaking invitations are all
envisioned as future events.
"Amateur radio is often viewed as a passion of an earlier generation.
Features that attracted many current hams, such as providing a
real-time social network, have been supplanted by advances in
technology virtually available to anyone anywhere," the EC said.
"Wireless communication is an important aspect of modern life, with
amateurs having the opportunity to experience it in a unique and
personal way. Developing and promoting this experience is key
to...ensuring the future of amateur radio."
The Liaison for Youth implements a "Young Ham Action Plan" to connect
with, engage, inspire, and mentor young hams throughout the Americas.
Mann's role is to be a point of contact for building links to and among
the many groups already developing organically via internet discussion
platforms, on-the-air nets, and virtual clusters of interest -- even
before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The liaison will help to set up, develop, and grow self-sufficient
communities of young hams connected through common cultural, lingual,
and geographic backgrounds, assisted by IARU Region 2 and its
member-societies. This initiative builds on the successful examples of
other youth groups, such as Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) in IARU Region
1, Youth on the Air -- a youth ham radio camp in the Americas, the
Young Amateurs Radio Club -- a large online community of young hams,
and several others. Contact Mann via email or Twitter (@r2youth). Read
more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
[IMG]Applications for the 2021 ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program will
be accepted between October 1 and December 31, 2020. All applicants
must be FCC-licensed radio amateurs, and many scholarships have other
specific requirements, such as intended area of study, residence within
a particular ARRL Division, Section, or state, and license class.
Applicants should review the scholarship descriptions and check off the
ones for which they are eligible. If you complete an online
application, you must also email a PDF of academic transcripts from
your most recently completed school year by January 11, 2021. Some
scholarships require additional documents to be submitted (e.g., letter
of recommendation from an officer of an ARRL-affiliated club).
Applications not accompanied by transcripts and additional documents,
where applicable, will not be considered. The ARRL Foundation
Scholarship Committee will review all applicants for eligibility and
award decisions. Scholarship recipients will be notified in May 2021
via USPS mail and email. For more information, visit the ARRL
Foundation Scholarship Program page.
Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX, has been appointed ARRL South Texas Section
Manager. He succeeds Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, of Cedar Park, who has
stepped down as Section Manager to become ARRL Director of Emergency
Management. Wolfe, of Rockdale, Texas, will complete the remainder of
Gilbert's term. Wolfe's appointment as Section Manager begins on
October 1 and extends until September 30, 2021. ARRL Radiosport and
Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the appointment after
consulting with ARRL West Gulf Division Director John Robert Stratton,
N5AUS, and receiving recommendations from Gilbert, West Gulf Division
Vice Director Lee Cooper, W5LHC, and others in the South Texas Section.
Stuart Wolfe currently serves as South Texas ARRL Affiliated Club
Coordinator and Emergency Coordinator. He is the founding member and
President of the Milam Amateur Radio Club. He is also active as a
Volunteer Examiner and teacher of amateur radio licensing classes.
ARRL Member Chuck Butzin, K0BBQ, used ham radio on September 26 to
assist a motorist in need. Butzin came upon a vehicle that went off the
roadway. Fortunately, no one was injured, but a tow truck was needed to
get the vehicle back on the highway. Butzin was beyond cell phone
coverage, so he used the Terry Peak repeater to make a priority call on
the SDLINK repeater system for assistance. On the other end of the
state, Matt Holden, K0BBC, heard the call and relayed location details
via 911. Dispatcher Denny Warrick, W0DGW, used the GPS coordinates that
Butzin provided to pin down the incident location and call in the
closest law enforcement agency. The Pennington County Sheriff sent a
patrol car and summoned a tow truck. Pennington County ARES Emergency
Coordinator Bob Ewing, W0RE, monitored the repeater until law
enforcement arrived, and K0BBQ cleared the scene. SDLINK is a series of
12 repeaters that connect South Dakota radio amateurs along Interstates
29 and 90. Holden advises radio amateurs to keep an ear on your local
repeaters. "They may be quiet, but you never know when a call for
assistance from a fellow amateur radio operator might be heard." --
Thanks to Matt Holden, K0BBC
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, October 09, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
October 8, 2020
* FCC Orders Amateur Access to 3.5 GHz Band to "Sunset"
* ARRL National Convention and Orlando HamCation^(R) Postponed to
February 2022
* Hurricane Delta Prompts Net Activations
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARISS to Celebrate 20 Years of Ham Radio on the International Space
Station
* IARU Region 2 Releases 2020 Revision of its Band Plan
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* British Columbia Radio Amateur Hears Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
* Announcements
* Solar Physicist Predicts a Slightly Better Solar Cycle 25
* New England ARES Academy Set
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
FCC Orders Amateur Access to 3.5 GHz Band to "Sunset"
Despite vigorous and continuing opposition from ARRL and others, the
FCC has ordered the "sunsetting" of the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz amateur radio
secondary spectrum allocation. The decision allows current amateur
activity on the band to continue, "grandfathering" the amateur
operations subject to a later decision. The FCC proposed two deadlines
for amateur operations to cease on the band. The first would apply to
the 3.4 - 3.5 GHz segment, the second to 3.3 - 3.4 GHz. The FCC will
establish the dates once it reviews additional comments.
"We adopt our proposal from the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to remove
the amateur allocation from the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band," the FCC said in
its Report and Order. "[W]e adopt changes to our rules today that
provide for the sunset of the secondary amateur allocation in the band,
but allow continued use of the band for amateur operations, pending
resolution of the issues raised in the Further Notice."
The Report and Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in
WT Docket No. 19-348 adopted on September 30
followed a 2019 FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in which the
FCC proposed re-allocating 3.45 - 3.55 GHz for "flexible-use service"
and auctioning the desirable "mid-band" spectrum (generally defined as
between 1 GHz and 6 GHz) to 5G providers. These and other recent
spectrum-repurposing actions stem from the MOBILE NOW Act, enacted in
2018, in which Congress directed the Commission to make additional
spectrum available to auction for mobile and fixed wireless broadband.
In the run-up to the Commission's decision, ARRL met with the FCC's
professional staff to explain its concerns and to answer questions. In
subsequent meetings with the wireless advisors to the FCC Chairman and
two Commissioners, ARRL reiterated that continued secondary status for
amateurs will not impair or devalue use of this spectrum by primary
licensees intending to provide 5G or other service. ARRL noted amateur
radio's long history of successful coexistence with primary users of
the 9-centimeter band, sharing this spectrum with the federal
government users and secondary, non-federal occupants.
ARRL pointed out that vital links in amateur television and amateur
radio high-speed mesh networks using the band have been especially
valuable during such emergency situations as the wildfires currently
raging on the west coast. Deleting the amateur secondary allocation
will result in lost opportunities for experimentation and public
service with no countervailing public interest benefit, ARRL said.
The FCC action means that amateur radio will lose access to the 3.5 GHz
secondary allocation even where commercial operations do not exist.
ARRL has argued that amateur operations should be permitted until and
unless an actual potential for interference exists.
Deletion of the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz secondary amateur allocation will become
effective on the effective date of the FCC's order, but amateur radio
operation as of that date may continue while the FCC finalizes rules to
license spectrum in the 3.45 - 3.55 GHz band and establishes deadlines
for amateur operations to cease. Read more.
ARRL National Convention and Orlando HamCation^(R) Postponed to
February 2022
ARRL and the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC) have announced that the
ARRL National Convention and Orlando HamCation^(R) -- which was to host
the convention -- have been postponed until February 10 - 13, 2022. The
convention had been set for next February.
"The joint decision came after considering the national public health
emergency including the health and safety of all participants, the
uncertainty that continues to impact our organizations, and the
reluctance to travel to, and attend, large events," said ARRL CEO David
Minster, NA2AA. "We regret the disruption to the hard work already
completed by so many volunteers preparing for the ARRL National
Convention and HamCation."
"While postponing was a difficult decision, our top priority is
delivering a safe and successful HamCation experience for everyone,
including our attendees, dedicated volunteers, exhibitors, and service
partners," said HamCation General Chairman Michael Cauley, W4MCA.
OARC President John Knott, N4JTK, noted that holding the convention in
2022 will mark the 75th anniversary of HamCation -- one of the largest
annually held gatherings of radio amateurs in the US. The published
gate figure for 2020 was 24,200 for all 3 days.
"We want our diamond anniversary show to be an exciting, five-star
event," said Knott. "We look forward to seeing you in Orlando in 2022,
and hope that you and your loved ones remain safe in the months to
come."
A full day of National Convention programming and training sessions was
previously scheduled to precede HamCation. That will be rescheduled for
Thursday, February 10, 2022. HamCation will host the rest of the
convention on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 11 -13, 2022 at
the Central Florida Fairgrounds & Expo Park in Orlando.
Cauley said HamCation may organize some online presentations and
programs for what would have been HamCation 2021 next February. A QSO
party is also under consideration. The HamCation website will soon post
details, including information for anyone seeking refunds and other
options for pre-purchased tickets and exhibit space. You can follow
HamCation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Further details and any
changes will be shared via the 2022 ARRL National Convention and
Orlando HamCation websites.
Hurricane Delta Prompts Net Activations
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN), WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center
(NHC), The Salvation Army's SATERN, and the Louisiana Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) HF Net -- with support from the ARRL Delta
Division and the Arkansas Section -- announced activations on October 7
for Hurricane Delta. The HWN has activated on 14.325 MHz. WX4NHC
monitors the same frequency to gather "ground truth" reports from radio
amateurs that may assist NHC forecasters.
"Hurricane Delta continues to advance on the Gulf Coasts of Texas,
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama," said ARRL Emergency Management
Director Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW. "It is following mostly the same track
that Hurricane Laura did."
The NHC forecast Delta to become a Category 3 storm before making
landfall in the early evening of Friday, October 9, near Vermilion Bay,
Louisiana.
The NHC predicted hurricane conditions and life-threatening storm surge
to begin along portions of the northern Gulf Coast on Friday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FEMA has announced that Channels 1 and 2 of the 60-meter (5-MHz) band
will be available, as necessary, starting on October 9, for
interoperability between US Government stations and US amateur radio
stations involved in Hurricane Delta emergency communication. The
interoperability status will remain active until after the storm has
passed, and the need for these channels no longer exists. These
frequencies will be used: Channel 1 -- primary voice traffic, 5332 kHz
channel center, 5330.5 kHz USB voice; Channel 2 -- digital traffic,
5348 kHz channel center, 5346.5 kHz USB with 1.5 kHz offset to center
of digital waveform. Stations should yield to operational traffic
related to Hurricane Delta. Although the intended use for these
channels is interoperability between federal government stations and
licensed US amateur radio stations, federal government stations are
primary users and amateurs are secondary users.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Gilbert pointed out that the region is still recovering from Hurricane
Laura. "As a result, many of the regular Louisiana net control
operators and stations are still not operational, or may be placed in
mandatory evacuations," he said. Plans call for activating the
Louisiana ARES HF Net at mid-day on Friday on 7.255 MHz ±10 kHz during
daylight hours and on 3.878 MHz (±3 kHz) at night.
The HWN suspended operations at 1800 UTC on October 7, but plans to
resume operations on Friday at 1200 UTC on 14.325 MHz.
WX4NHC has been active on both HWN frequencies, as well as on the VoIP
Hurricane Net, requesting surface reports from stations in the affected
area "with or without weather data for use by NHC forecasters,"
Assistant WXNHC Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, said. WX4NHC also has
an online Hurricane Report Form.
"NHC appreciates all the surface reports from the affected area during
hurricanes as they fill in gaps of not just weather data, but also give
a real-time, first-person perspective of what is actually happening on
the ground," Ripoll said.
The International SATERN SSB Net (14.265 MHz, alternate 14.312 MHz) and
the Southern Territory SATERN SSB Net (7.265 MHz) plan to activate
Thursday through Saturday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On The Air podcast (Episode 10) will include
an interview with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
about ARRL's new "Learning Network" webinars.
The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 18) features
discussions of a revolutionary new RF-shielding material; storing
software in the Arctic, and the importance of fan cooling with Al
Rabassa, NW2M.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
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ARISS to Celebrate 20 Years of Ham Radio on the International Space
Station
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) will soon
celebrate 20 years of continuous ham radio operations on the
International Space Station (ISS). NASA is commemorating the milestone
with a newly produced infographic highlighting the
Jordan was among the participating
students at Celia Hays Elementary
School in Rockwall, Texas, late last
February, who were excited to have
their ARISS contact with Astronaut
Drew Morgan. More than 190 students
sat on the gym floor while another
680 on campus listened via the
school's inter-communication system.
educational contacts via amateur radio between astronaut crew members
aboard the ISS and students. Over its 20 years, ARISS has supported
nearly 1,400 scheduled ham radio contacts with schools, student groups,
and other organizations.
Planning for ARISS began in 1996 as a cooperative venture among
national amateur radio and amateur satellite societies, with support
from their respective space agencies. The ARISS ham radio gear actually
arrived on the station before the Expedition 1 crew, headed by
Commander Bill Shepherd, ex-KD5GSL. The FCC issued ham radio call sign
NA1SS for ISS operations. After Expedition 1 arrived on station, some
initial tests with ARISS ham radio ground stations and individual hams
confirmed the ham gear was working properly. The first ARISS school
contact was made with students at Luther Burbank Elementary School in
Illinois on December 21, 2000, with Shepherd at the helm of NA1SS on
the ISS.
NASA produced a video of students talking with astronaut Chris Cassidy,
KF5KDR, during an ARISS contact in May 2020.
Before and during scheduled ham radio contacts, students, educators,
parents, and communities learn about space and related technologies,
and radio communication using amateur radio.
ARISS relies on a large network of amateur radio operator volunteers,
many associated with radio clubs in the communities where students and
groups participating in the contact reside. ARISS volunteers support
satellite ground stations, serve as technical mentors, and provide
additional help in the areas of education, community outreach, and
public relations.
While student-to-astronaut radio contacts are a primary objective for
ARISS, the capability has also inspired further experimentation for
amateur radio in space and the evaluation of new technologies. In
September, ARISS announced that the initial element of its
next-generation ham radio system had been installed in the ISS Columbus
module. The new radio system replaces equipment originally certified
for spaceflight in mid-2000. The onboard ham station also provides a
contingency communications system for the ISS crew. Several astronauts
have also enjoyed using NA1SS to make casual contacts with -- and
delighting -- earthbound members of the ham radio community.
In the US, ARISS sponsors include ARRL, AMSAT, and NASA, the ISS
National Lab-Space Station Explorers, and NASA's Space Communications
and Navigation program.
Students at Kittredge Magnet School
near Atlanta, Georgia, took part in
an ARISS contact with Astronaut Drew
Morgan, KI5AAA. Morgan answered 15
student questions. The students have
their own radio club, Kittredge
Magnet School Amateur Radio Club,
KQ4KMS.
The next proposal window for US schools and educational organizations
to host an amateur radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS
opened on October 1 for contacts that would take place from July
through December 2021.
Proposal information and more details, including expectations, proposal
guidelines, and proposal forms, and dates and times of informational
webinars, are on the ARISS website. Send questions to
ariss.us.education@gmail.com.
Like many educators who have coordinated ARISS radio contacts for their
students, teacher Rita Wright, KC9CDL, an ARRL member, described the
first ARISS school contact as inspirational and having a lasting impact
on their community. Five months after their contact, nearly 500
students greeted Bill Shepherd when he visited Luther Burbank School.
Wright said it was "like tossing a pebble into a stream."
"The ripple effects are still occurring, and I suspect will continue to
occur for a long time," she said. Read more.
IARU Region 2 Releases 2020 Revision of its Band Plan
IARU Region 2 (IARU R2) -- the Americas -- has released the September
2020 revision of its Band Plan and made procedural changes to shorten
the time to reflect future adjustments. The Band Plan includes a change
approved at the October 2019 General Assembly to add an Amateur
Satellite uplink subband, 21.125 to 21.450 MHz, on a non-exclusive
basis. This matches similar changes in the Region 1 and Region 3 band
plans.
A number of administrative changes have been made to the text, although
the Band Plan itself has not been modified. These changes include:
* Modifications to the wording of the Band Plan to ensure that
national regulators understand it is a voluntary document, and that
countries may depart from the plan based on national requirements.
* Definition additions: Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF),
primary service, secondary service, and several acronyms.
* Inclusion of information detailing the primary and secondary users
in each amateur radio allocation band.
* Correction of minor typographical errors.
At its May 2020 meeting, the IARU R2 Executive Committee added text to
the Standard Operating Procedures that provides a process for the Band
Plan to be updated in a more timely manner. Prior to this change, Band
Plan modifications could only be approved at a General Assembly, held
once every 3 years. Under the new provision, the Band Planning
Committee may circulate proposed changes to member-societies with the
approval of the Executive Committee. "Should no more than one objection
be received within a 60-day period, the change shall be deemed accepted
and reported as such at the next conference," the Band Planning
Committee's terms of references state.
The IARU R2 Band Planning Committee has a member from each of the seven
areas in Region 2, and one of those members also serves as the
committee's chair. The current Committee Chair is Alphonse Penney,
VO1NO/VA1AVR. -- Thanks to IARU Region 2 Secretary George Gorsline,
VE3YV
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Geomagnetic activity quieted over the
October 1 - 7 reporting week. Compared to the previous 7 days, average
daily mid-latitude A index declined from 15.6 to 6, and average
planetary A index slipped from 22 to 7.1.
There were no sunspots this week and only one in the previous 7 days.
Average daily solar flux went from 73.4 to 71.8.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 71 on October 8 - 15; 70
on October 16 - 18; 72 on October 19 - 31; 70 on November 1 - 14, and
72 on November 15 - 21.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on October 8 -- 19, then 10, 18, 20
and 24 on October 20 -- 23, then 16, 38 and 38 on October 24 -- 26,
then 26, 15 and 10 on October 27 -- 29, then 5 on October 30 through
November 6, 10 on November 7, 5 on November 8 -- 15, then 10, 18, 20
and 24 on November 16 -- 19, and 16 on November 20 -- 21.
Sunspot numbers for October 1 - 7 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 72.8, 72.2, 71.8, 71.2, 72.3,
71.7, and 70.7, with a mean of 71.8. Estimated planetary A indices were
11, 9, 6, 4, 8, 7, and 5, with a mean of 7.1. Middle latitude A index
was 11, 6, 5, 3, 7, 6, and 4, with a mean of 6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
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Just Ahead in Radiosport
* October 10 -- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (CW)
* October 10 -- FISTS Fall Unlimited Sprint (CW)
* October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint (CW, phone,
digital)
* October 10 - 11 -- Makrothen RTTY Contest
* October 10 - 11 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* October 10 - 11 -- Nevada QSO Party (CW, phone)
* October 10 - 11 -- Oceania DX Contest (CW)
* October 10 -- Microwave Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
* October 10 - 11 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB
* October 10 - 11 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* October 10 - 11 -- Arizona QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* October 10 - 11 -- Pennsylvania QSO Party (CW, phone)
* October 10 - 11 -- South Dakota QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* October 10 - 11 -- PODXS 070 Club Great Pumpkin Sprint
* October 11 -- UBA ON Contest (CW)
* October 11 -- UBA ON Contest, 6 Meters (CW, phone)
* October 12 -- 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* October 14 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* October 14 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* October 14 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening (CW)
* October 14 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (Digital)
British Columbia Radio Amateur Hears Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
According to a Spaceweather.com report, Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, in
British Columbia, Canada, received a signal from the NASA Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), flying just 274 kilometers (about 170
miles) above the red planet's surface. The signal was an X-band carrier
containing no data or telemetry.
"Its purpose is to allow for Doppler tracking," Tilley explained. "The
rapid change in pitch of the signal is caused by the relative motion of
the satellite and the observer." He used a homemade satellite dish to
hear the orbiter.
Scott Tilley, VE7TIL used this
homebrew dish antenna to hear
signals from NASA's Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter. [Scott
Tilley, VE7TIL, photo]
Tilley enjoys tracking down signals from "dead" satellites, zombie
satellites, and spy satellites, but the MRO was a first for him. "MRO's
signal is weak, but it is one of the louder signals in Mars orbit," he
said. "The spacecraft has a large dish antenna it uses as a relay for
other Mars missions. With the proximity of Mars these days, it was the
perfect time to try."
In 2018, Tilley saw the "signature" of the Imager for
Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE), a NASA spacecraft
believed to have died in 2005. That discovery delighted space
scientists.
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Announcements
* Registration and the "Early Bird" preview for the 15th Annual ARRL
Online Auction are now open. Bidding will begin in a week, starting
at 10 AM EDT (1400 UTC) on Thursday, October 15. The Auction is
sponsored by GigaParts. You may browse the without being a
registered bidder; register on the ARRL Online Auction website
anytime during the auction. Auction proceeds benefit ARRL education
programs, including activities to license new hams, strengthen
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) training, offer continuing
technical and operating education, and create instructional
materials.
* The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Republican FCC
member Michael O'Rielly for a second term on the Commission.
President Donald Trump had nominated O'Rielly for another 5-year
term on the Commission last March. No reason was given for
withdrawing the O'Rielly nomination, who was initially appointed to
the FCC in 2013 by President Barack Obama. The White House has
nominated Nathan Simington in O'Rielly's stead. The FCC has five
members.
* CWops has announced two recipients for its annual award for
advancing the art of CW. The award recognizes individuals, groups,
and organizations that "have made the greatest contribution(s)
toward advancing the art or practice of radio communication by
Morse code." The recipients are The Essex (UK) CW Club and Stephen
C. Phillips. "The Essex CW Club was cited for providing a focus for
CW interests, and then starting boot camps where day-long intensive
CW teaching takes place," CWops said. Phillips wrote and maintains
the CWops Morse Academy trainer.
* The call sign HS10A was granted on September 24 to Thailand's King
Vajiralongkorn. National telecoms regulator NBTC and RAST, the
national amateur radio society, presented the vanced-class
license and amateur radio equipment -- including HF and VHF/UHF
transceivers, antennas, and peripherals.
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Solar Physicist Predicts a Slightly Better Solar Cycle 25
Solar physicist Leif Svalgaard of the W.W. Hansen Experimental Physics
Laboratory at Stanford University has predicted a maximum sunspot
number of 128 ±10, slightly better than Solar Cycle 24.
"The overall average is 132 ±47 (median 124)," he said. "None of these
numbers are substantially different, so one could perhaps just go
Graph from Svalgaard's paper:
Smoothed monthly maximum sunspot
numbers for Solar Cycles 21 - 24
averaged over 3 years before solar
minimum (blue symbols) and over 2
years (violet symbols). The
prediction for Cycle 25 is shown
with red diamonds.
with the 'wisdom of the crowd.' All predictions that we consider have
the underlying assumption that the sun has not changed its behavior
(its 'spots,' so to speak) on a timescale of a few centuries (the
Maunder Minimum may be a possible violation of that assumption), and
that there will be no such changes in the near future, in spite of
speculative suggestions." Those included one of his own in 2013.
Svalgaard characterized the science of solar cycle prediction to be
still in its infancy, "borne out by the extreme range of predictions of
Cycle 25." -- Thanks to Frank Donovan, W3LPL
New England ARES Academy Set
The first-ever New England ARES Academy, originally scheduled for the
ARRL New England Division Convention at the Northeast HamXposition in
November, will instead take place October 13 - 31 via the Zoom
conferencing platform. The presentations are available to all, and the
Zoom URL will be sent to all who register via the New England ARES
Academy web page.
Five basic-track classes will aim at those just getting started in
ARES, and more advanced classes and workshops will target those already
familiar with the basics.
Hour-long classes will be held on weeknights starting at 7:30 PM EDT
(2330 UTC), and 2-hour workshop sessions will be held Saturday mornings
from 9:00 to 11:00 AM EDT (1300 - 1500 UTC).
Topics covered include:
* Go Kits
* Hardening Your Station or Repeater
* Expedient Training & Utilization of Volunteers
* Working with Served Agencies (Panel Discussion).
Participants will be able to ask questions and interact with
instructors via chat.
Other New England HamXposition events just ahead include the
HamXposition Virtual Banquet (November 7), Ham Bootcamp (November 7),
and the W1A special event (November 6 - 8). Attendance for all events
is free.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
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Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
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* October 9 - 10 -- Southern Florida Section Convention, Melbourne,
Florida
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
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ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, October 16, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
October 15, 2020
* ARRL Comments in Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding
* IARU ministrative Council dresses Wide-Ranging Agenda in
Virtual Meeting
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction is Open!
* 2021 Edition of The ARRL Handbook and New Microcontroller Projects
Book Available
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* While FCC Plans to Delete 3.5 GHz Band, Canadian Privileges Will
Remain
* Announcements October 15
* Recording Industry Pioneer Jac Holzman, ex-K2VEH, Marks a Milestone
* In Brief....
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Comments in Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding
In comments to the FCC, ARRL targeted two specific areas of concern
regarding a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in IB Docket
18-313 -- mitigation of orbital debris in the new space age. In an
earlier phase of the proceeding, ARRL filed comments and met with FCC
staff to discuss the proposed rules. In comments filed on October 9,
ARRL focused on the areas of indemnification and
maneuverability/propulsion. Indemnification places the liability for
any possible damage from a satellite on an individual or entity. ARRL
reiterated its assertion that, as a practical matter, an
indemnification requirement "would seriously impair the ability of
amateur and university experimenters to launch and operate satellites
under US auspices" due to the potential liability and high insurance
cost.
ARRL's comments cited a letter from University Small Satellite
Researchers, submitted on behalf of 24 named professors last April,
contending that the requirement "would effectively preclude a large
proportion of academic SmallSat missions because public universities
typically cannot legally enter into indemnification arrangements."
ARRL argued that if the FCC does adopt an indemnification requirement,
it should allow either the owner or the licensee of an amateur space
station to provide indemnification. In the Amateur Satellite Service, a
licensee can only be an individual. An individual licensee is unlikely
to accept liability for a satellite, but a satellite owner might. In
its own comments, AMSAT similarly asked for language that would allow
satellite owners as well as licensees to indemnify the US for the
operation of an amateur radio satellite.
The FCC proposal also would require that all space stations deployed in
low-Earth orbits higher than 400 kilometers (about 250 miles) be able
to maneuver with the use of some sort of onboard propulsion system.
ARRL urged adoption of an exception for "a limited number of amateur
and similar experimental satellites" that are below a specified size
and mass and either standalone spacecraft or in a constellation of no
more than four or five individual satellites.
"This would accommodate the types of small satellites most often used
for experimental purposes by radio amateurs," ARRL told the FCC. "Such
satellites are small in number [and] have limited to no capacity to
implement maneuverability using current technology due to their small
size," yet provide valuable platforms for experimentation and student
experience.
Alternatively, ARRL asked the FCC to consider increasing the
400-kilometer low-Earth orbit limit, because satellites placed into
orbit from the ISS and from ISS service vehicles "often are in higher
orbits but share the same characteristics as those that orbit below 400
kilometers." Doing so would help to preserve the educational and
experimental benefit of such satellites, ARRL said, provided "such
vehicles are shown to pose no risk to the International Space Station
and will return to Earth within the specified time limit."
In concluding its remarks, ARRL asked for "reasonable accommodation,"
given the public benefit of the Amateur Satellite Service, rather than
lumping small experimenters and researchers with large corporate
entities. Read more.
IARU ministrative Council dresses Wide-Ranging Agenda in Virtual
Meeting
The International Amateur Radio Union ministrative Council (AC) met
in a virtual session on October 8 - 10. Consisting of the three IARU
international officers and two representatives from each of the three
IARU regional organizations, the council is responsible for IARU policy
and management. The meeting, which had been set to take place in Novi
Sad, Serbia, was conducted via the internet because of coronavirus
pandemic travel restrictions.
Recently appointed EMC Coordinator Martin Sach, G8KDF, reported on work
being done to address the need for reasonable standards to limit the
proliferating threat of radio spectrum pollution from digital devices
and wireless power transmission.
IARU Beacon Project Coordinator Peter Jennings, AB6WM/VE3SUN, reported
on the status of the NCDXF/IARU beacon network, explaining recent and
planned upgrades, as well as the network's many applications.
In his report, Satellite visor Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T,
described the work of the Satellite Frequency Coordination Panel. He
reported that steps are being taken to address the growing number of
non-amateur satellites that use amateur satellite spectrum.
Special visor for Emergency Communications Rod Stafford, W6ROD,
explained his work representing the IARU in the ITU Development Sector
(ITU-D), particularly with regard to disaster communications, and
preparations for the World Telecommunication Development Conference
next month. He highlighted an opportunity to promote amateur radio in
ITU-D as a training platform for youth.
Preparations are already under way for World Radiocommunication
Conference 2023 (WRC-23) of the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU), currently expected to be held in 2023. A team of some 20 IARU
volunteers from all continents is engaged in the preparatory processes
of the ITU and the regional telecommunications organizations. The AC
reviewed a draft of IARU's positions on WRC-23 agenda items of concern.
A committee was formed in 2019 to address growing pressure on amateur
spectrum, particularly secondary allocations, at 144 MHz and above. The
panel reported on its work to date in defining present and future
spectrum requirements. ditional information will be sought from the
amateur community on how this spectrum is being utilized.
Taking note of the many ways that the global amateur radio community
has responded positively to challenges posed by the pandemic, the AC
agreed to develop a related theme for World Amateur Radio Day next
April 18.
The council expressed the hope that an in-person meeting can be held in
October 2021. Read more.
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ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 10) includes an
interview with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
about ARRL's new "Learning Network" webinars.
The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 18) features
discussions of a revolutionary new RF-shielding material; storing
software in the Arctic, and Al Rabassa, NW2M, on the importance of fan
cooling.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
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The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction is Open!
The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction is open for registration and
bidding. The 2020 ARRL Online Auction includes a large assortment of
QST "Product Review" items, including an SPE Expert 1.5K-FA HF
amplifier, an ACOM 120S 160 - 6 meter linear amplifier, a Yaesu
FTDX101D HF + 6-meter transceiver, an Icom IC-9700 multimode VHF/UHF
transceiver, and a RigExpert Stick 230 antenna and cable. Some vintage
gear is also up for bid.
The ARRL Online Auction also features a wide assortment of vintage
books, including past editions of The ARRL Handbook, Radios for
Everybody, CQ Ghost Ship, and the 1909 "Electricity" volume -- in
souvenir condition -- from the How Does It Work Series.
The Auction is sponsored by GigaParts.
Bidders will also find a large variety of novelty items, ARRL Lab
"Mystery Junque Boxes," ARRL-branded gear and clothing, and items
donated by the cast and crew of Fox Television's Last Man Standing,
starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT.
You must be registered to place a bid, but you may browse the website
and scope out those "must-have items" without registering, and you may
register at any time during the auction.
If you're on the lookout for some great bargains -- and some great fun
-- check out the 2020 ARRL Online Auction. The auction concludes at 10
PM EDT on October 22.
Auction proceeds benefit ARRL education programs, including activities
to license prospective radio amateurs, strengthen Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) training, offer continuing technical and
operating education, and create instructional materials.
Visit the ARRL Online auction website for more information.
2021 Edition of The ARRL Handbook and New Microcontroller Projects Book
Available
It's here! The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2021 -- your
complete guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and innovation --
is now available. The Handbook is written by radio amateurs for
everyone who has a desire to advance the pursuit of wireless
technology. It's available in three formats: Traditional softcover, a
six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included), and eBook
digital editions.
The 2021 Handbook features new projects and tools, including an
FET-controlled power switch, transmitting tube tester, 432 MHz utility
Yagi, off-center-fed dipoles, a loop for 30 and 40 meters, RF sniffer
construction, RFI loop antenna, and more. This invaluable resource
offers new material on the behavior of RF chokes; circuits for
PIN-diode RF switching; adding SDR panadapters to older radios; digital
modes FT4, FT8, and MSK144; care and feeding of power grid tubes; new
feed line chokes for receive and transmit; ac power connector types and
wiring, and more.
The Handbook Six-Volume Book Set, ARRL Item No. 1403, ISBN
978-1-62595-140-3, is $59.95 retail. The Handbook Softcover Book, ARRL
Item No. 1397, ISBN 978-1-62595-139-7, is $49.95 retail. Order from the
ARRL Store, from your ARRL Dealer, or call (860) 594-0355 or, toll-free
in the US, (888) 277-5289.
A new bookshelf resource, Microcontroller Projects for Amateur Radio by
Jack Purdum, W8TEE, and Albert Peter, AC8GY, has all the information
you need to build fascinating projects using the Arduino, STM32 ("Blue
Pill"), ESP32, and Teensy 4.0 microcontrollers.
Some practical, hands-on projects featured include a Morse code tutor,
CW messenger, mini dummy load, and "double-double" magnetic loop
antenna.
Microcontroller Projects for Amateur Radio is available from the ARRL
Store or your ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1284, ISBN:
978-1-62595-128-4, $39.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $34.95).
Call 860-594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289.
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ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network website to register for upcoming
sessions and to view previously recorded session. The schedule is
subject to change.
Welcome to the World of Arduino: ARRL Author Glen Popiel, KW5GP
Thursday, October 15, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday,
October 16)
Your First SOTA Activation: Brian Betz, W7JET
This presentation of Summits on the Air (SOTA) will focus on selecting
a summit, planning the activation, organizing the gear, figuring out a
log, getting on the summit, operating and closing it out. It will be a
fun informative session.
Thursday, October 22, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
How to Get Started in Amateur Radio Contesting: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Why do hams contests? How would I benefit from contesting? What do I
need to get started in Contesting? What are good contests for
beginners? Where can I learn more? This session will answer all of
these questions and more.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT (0900 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code or "CW" is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots returned on October 9 - 12,
with sunspot numbers of 24, 26, 15, and 15. Prior to October 9, no
sunspots appeared for 2 weeks. No sunspots appeared on October 13, but
late Wednesday, Spaceweather.com reported a new emerging Solar Cycle 25
spot on the sun's southeastern limb and a daily sunspot number of 12.
The NOAA Space Environment Center did not report this.
Average daily sunspot number increased from 0 to 13.1, while average
daily solar flux went from 71.8 to 73.1.
Geomagnetic indicators were lower, with planetary A index dropping from
7.1 to 2.7 and middle latitude A index from 6 to 1.9.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 75 on October 15; 73 on
October 16 - 17; 72 on October 18 - 31; 70 on November 1 - 7; 73 on
November 8 - 10; 72, 71, and 71 on November 11 - 13; 70 on November 14
- 23; 72 on November 24 - 27, and 73 on November 28.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on October 15 - 19; 10, 18, 20, and 24
on October 20 - 23; 16, 38, and 38 on October 24 - 26; 26, 15, and 10
on October 27 - 29; 5 on October 30 - November 6; 10 on November 7; 5
on November 8 -15; 10, 15, and 18 on November 16 - 18; 20 on November
19 - 20; 24, 14, and 10 on November 21 - 23; 8 on November 24 - 25, and
5 on November 26 - 28.
Sunspot numbers for October 8 - 14 were 0, 24, 26, 15, 15, 0, and 12,
with a mean of 13.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.6, 73.1, 73.6,
72.9, 73.8, 72.3, and 74.5, with a mean of 73.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 2, 2, 3, 4, 3, and 2, with a mean of 2.7. Middle
latitude A index was 2, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, and 0, with a mean of 1.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* October 17 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* October 17 -- Argentina National 7 MHz Contest (Phone)
* October 17 - 18 -- Araucaria World Wide VHF Contest (CW, phone)
* October 17 - 18 -- JARTS WW RTTY Contest
* October 17 - 18 -- 10-10 International Fall Contest, CW
* October 17 - 18 -- New York QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* October 17 - 18 -- Worked All Germany Contest (CW, phone)
* October 17 - 18 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* October 18 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint, CW
* October 18 -- RSGB RoLo CW
* October 18 - 19 -- Illinois QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* October 18 - 19 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* October 18 - 21 Classic Exchange, Phone
* October 19 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* October 19 - 20 -- Telephone Pioneers QSO Party (CW, phone,
digital)
* October 19 - 23 -- ARRL School Club Roundup (CW, phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
While FCC Plans to Delete 3.5 GHz Band, Canadian Privileges Will Remain
Although the FCC has announced plans to delete the secondary amateur
radio 3.3 - 3.5 GHz allocation, that amateur allocation will remain in
place right across the northern US border. Radio Amateurs of Canada
(RAC) said this week that the FCC action has raised concerns among
Canadian amateurs.
"This FCC action does not directly affect Canadian amateurs, who
continue to have a secondary allocation on this band," RAC stressed.
As RAC explained in a bulletin, Canadian regulator ISED published
Gazette Notice SLPB-001-19: Decision on Revisions to the 3500 MHz Band
to Accommodate Flexible Use and Preliminary Decisions on Changes to the
3800 MHz Band.
"In that document, ISED announced changes to the primary allocations to
the Radiolocation, Fixed, and Mobile services at 3450 - 3500 MHz,
removing Radiolocation, maintaining the Fixed services (used primarily
for rural internet), and adding Mobile to 3450 - 3475 MHz, in line with
its policy objective to 'foster innovation, investment, and the
evolution of wireless networks by enabling the development and adoption
of 5G technologies.'" RAC said this was the latest step in realigning
allocations in the band that began with changes announced in December
2014. "At that time, as in the June 2019 announcement, the secondary
allocation to amateur radio was not changed," RAC noted.
"As the 5G rollout advances, maintaining compliance with the 'no
interference, no protection' requirement for secondary services is
likely to impose increasingly severe restrictions on the ability of
amateurs to use this band, even as the secondary allocation to the
Amateur Service remains in place [in Canada]," RAC pointed out.
World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) will include an
agenda item to consider worldwide allocations to mobile internet
services in several bands, among them 3.3 - 3.4 GHz and 10.0 - 10.5
GHz. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has announced its
intention to vigorously defend amateur interests in both bands at
WRC-23, "and RAC representatives in Canadian working groups preparing
the Canadian positions for WRC agenda items will be doing likewise,"
RAC said. -- Thanks to Radio Amateurs of Canada
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements October 15
* The FCC has announced that Axel Rodriguez is the new Enforcement
Bureau Field Director, "leading the Bureau's field office staff in
its work combatting harmful interference to authorized uses of the
airwaves, supporting restoration of communications after disasters,
and investigating rule violations and other illegal activities,"
the FCC said, calling its field agents "the eyes and ears of the
Commission."
* Frank Donovan, W3LPL, recently presented The History of
Trans-Atlantic Radio Communications for the Redwood Empire DX
Association. The video is posted on the club's YouTube channel.
* To celebrate the Abraham Accords treaty of peace, diplomatic
relations, and normalization between the United Arab Emirates and
Israel, special event stations 4X0AAP and 4Z0AAP will be activated
by members of the Israel Amateur Radio Club, while members of the
Emirates Amateur Radio Society will operate A60AAP, October 16,
2020 - January 11, 2021.
* SU8J will be on the air October 16 - 18 as part of Scouting's
Jamboree on the Air from the Wadi Degla Protectorate in the
northern part of Egypt's Eastern Desert. Modes will include SSB,
FT4, and FT8 (F/H).
* Special event PA5150EVH is a tribute to rock guitarist Eddie van
Halen, who died on October 6. Van Halen was born in Amsterdam in
1955 and lived in Nijmegen for several years as a child before his
family moved to the US. PA5150EVH will be on the air at least until
the end of January 2021.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Recording Industry Pioneer Jac Holzman, ex-K2VEH, Marks a Milestone
A recent online Rolling Stone magazine article chronicled the career of
Jac Holzman, ex-K2VEH, a recording industry and technology pioneer.
Seventy years ago, Holzman co-founded Elektra Records, a label best
known for folk and blues fare, and he signed such diverse acts as The
Doors and Judy Collins.
"He helped launch both the CD format and home video, and sat on the
board of Atari, which revolutionized home entertainment in 1977 with
the Atari 2600 game console. He also set up the pilot program that
became MTV, and held executive roles at Pioneer Electronics and
Panavision," Rolling Stone's Tim Ingham wrote. Holzman was also behind
the Authentic Sound Effects albums that became popular with radio and
TV producers and helped pull Elektra out of debt.
Holzman, now 89, retired relatively young, moving to Hawaii and
building himself a home there. But it wasn't long before he was back at
Warner, which bought Elektra, as its chief technologist. Holzman never
credits amateur radio directly for contributing to his success on the
technology side, but he did create and publish The Elektra Code Course
in 1956 (currently unavailable on Amazon, but listed nonetheless).
Curiously, the Rolling Stone editors captioned the photo accompanying
the article of a young Jac Holzman to say that he was in his "home
studio." To the better-trained eye, though, Holzman is sitting,
headphones on and right hand on a key, in front of a desk laden with
now-vintage ham gear. Spotting the article, ARRL Contest Update Editor
Brian Moran, N9ADG, emailed to ask, "Tell me this guy is not a ham."
The image does capture a professional tape machine, however, so it's
possible that Holzman's ham shack and home studio were one and the
same. A WRL-print QSL card -- visible in the background and a bit hard
to see -- displays Holzman's call sign, K2VEH. It's not known how long
Holzman was a radio amateur, but judging from the stack of equipment in
front of him in the photo, he must have fired up that Globe Scout once
in a while, when not building the Elektra label.
The article, "Five Crucial Lessons from Jac Holzman, Who Founded
Elektra Records and Signed The Doors," appears in the October 12 online
edition of the magazine.
In Brief....
New Section Managers have been appointed in Northern New Jersey and in
Delaware. Bob Buus, W2OD, has been named as Northern New Jersey Section
Manager to succeed Steve Ostrove, K2SO (SK), who stepped down on
September 22 due to failing health. Buus will serve out the current
term of office, which concludes on June 30, 2021. Mark Stillman,
KA3JUJ, was appointed as ARRL Delaware Section Manager. He succeeds
Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH, who moved out of the Delaware Section after
serving since 2014.
This weekend is JOTA weekend! Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and
concurrent Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) will be held Friday, October
16, through Sunday, October 18. A new US JOTA-JOTI website has details.
Participants can register as individuals or as a group on the World
JOTA-JOTI website. The page includes a directory of all who have
already registered. "We would love to receive pictures and videos of
you and your Scouts participating in the events this coming weekend,"
said JOTA Coordinator Jim Wilson, K5ND. Photos may be posted on the
International BSA Facebook page. Participants are asked to complete the
feedback form after JOTA. Best practices and information on preparing
an event report are on the K2BSA web page.
SAQ has scheduled a UN Day transmission. VLF Alexanderson alternator
station SAQ at the Grimeton World Heritage Site in Sweden will transmit
a CW message to commemorate United Nations Day on October 24, on 17.2
kHz at 1500 UTC. The event and a following concert will be available
via the SAQ YouTube Channel. Reception reports are welcome via the SAQ
online form. Amateur radio station SK6SAQ will be active on 7.035 and
14.035 MHz CW and on 3.755 MHz SSB. Reports are welcome via email or
the QSL Bureau.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, October 23, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
October 22, 2020
* Colorado ATV Group Transmits Images from CalWood Fire
* Nationwide Red Cross Emergency Communications Drill Set for
November 14
* Active LF Operator Offers vice on New FST4 and FST4W Protocols
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* FCC Headquarters Relocates
* IARU Official Challenges Member-Societies to Focus on "Tomorrow"
Issues
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* Robert Bankston, KE4AL, is New AMSAT President
* 2021 Hamvention^(R) Award Nominations Open on November 1
* WSJT-X Developer Expresses Puzzlement over FT8 Contest Use
* Japan's "Experience Stations" Enable Contacts Between Two
Unlicensed Girls
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Colorado ATV Group Transmits Images from CalWood Fire
Radio amateurs in Colorado took advantage of amateur television (ATV)
to observe recent forest fires. Boulder ATV repeater W0BTV has been
transmitting views of the CalWood fire, considered 26 percent contained
as of mid-week. The camera is at KH6HTV, southeast of Boulder and 13 -
15 miles from the fire. Using a telephoto lens, the KH6HTV TV camera
was able to view the fire along the Front Range as it approached the
first ridge of the Rocky Mountain foothills. TV images are being
received at the Boulder [IMG]County ARES (BCARES) command post in the
Boulder County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), where they are
displayed on a large-screen monitor.
California and Oregon have been experiencing major forest fires for the
past couple of months. Fire hit Boulder County on October 17, when the
CalWood fire broke out northwest of Boulder. By mid-week, the fire had
consumed some 10,000 acres of forest, sparked a prairie fire outbreak,
and destroyed more than 2 dozen homes.
The W0BTV repeater video is being streamed live over the British
Amateur Television Club (BATC) server in the UK. The right audio
channel carries live audio from the BCARES 2-meter repeater, with the
emergency net traffic.
Not much was to be seen on the ATV repeater's video image at mid-week,
as a cold front had rolled in, bringing light rain and fog, helping to
suppress the fire.
The Boulder ATV club has installed a new 5.9 GHz FM-TV beacon
transmitter on a government building for the purposes of encouraging
microwave experimentation, to get hams to try ATV (especially with
low-cost FM-TV gear now available for drones), to use as a known signal
source for testing antennas and receivers, and to increase usage of the
microwave bands, which are under threat. -- Thanks to the Boulder
Amateur Television Club Repeater
Nationwide Red Cross Emergency Communications Drill Set for November 14
The nationwide American Red Cross Emergency Communications Fall Drill,
a joint exercise with ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R))
groups, is set to take place on November 14. This exercise evolved from
the highly successful spring drill that attracted hundreds of
participants from some 40 states and Puerto Rico.
The fall drill will be a Winlink-specific event with these goals: (1)
pass traditional American Red Cross (ARC) forms from as many states and
as many radio amateurs as possible to one of six division
clearinghouses, and (2), bring as many radio operators as possible up
to a "basic" level of Winlink proficiency. A series of Winlink
Workshops is held each Thursday at 0100 UTC on Zoom.
Winlink Proficiency Goals have been drafted, a Winlink technical
support team has been formed, and Metrics for Drill Success have been
developed. The proficiency goals are established as a training
guideline and references online training resources. Many hams new to
Winlink may find these resources helpful.
More than 300 radio amateurs have signed up for the event, and some 100
volunteers showed up for a pre-drill briefing call earlier this month.
Another briefing call will be held in early November.
This event is open to all radio amateurs.
For more information, contact Mike Walters, W8ZY, with ARES-related
questions, or Wayne Robertson, K4WK, with Red Cross-related topics. --
Thanks to The ARES Letter
Active LF Operator Offers vice on New FST4 and FST4W Protocols
The recent beta release WSJT-X version 2.3.0-rc1 (release candidate 1)
digital software suite includes two new protocols, FST4 and FST4W. FST4
is for two-way contacts, while FST4W is for "quasi-beacon" style
transmissions. Both modes offer a range of options for T/R-sequence
lengths and threshold decoding sensitivities extending well into the
-40 dB range, developers said, as well as a wide variety of parameters
that can be tweaked, such as transmission time, bandwidth, and so
forth. On the WSJT-X development reflector, Paul Kelley, N1BUG,
discussed whether the wide variety of options are really necessary or a
stumbling block to two uncoordinated stations attempting a contact.
Kelley said he understands the concern regarding the transmission
times, but, as a "very active" 2200-meter operator, he advises that the
new protocols were developed with the LF and MF bands in mind.
"LF and MF are not HF," Kelley said. "There is no one-size-fits-all for
these bands. On HF, you may be able to work the whole world with one
relatively fast speed. It is not so down here."
Kelley pointed out that MF operators are limited to 5 W EIRP on 630
meters and a mere 1 W EIRP on 2200 meters. Working "real DX" requires
some specialized modes, plus determination and patience.
"One would probably not want to use anything slower than 120 seconds
for QSOs with well-equipped stations at 1,000 kilometers (620 miles)
distance," he said. "It would be very boring and waste a lot of time.
But for some DX paths on 2200 meters, only 1,800- or 900-second periods
would offer any hope for success. It's not so boring when you are about
to set a new world record or make a personal best DX QSO. We need this
flexibility."
Kelley predicts that some new conventions will emerge over time -- for
example, 900- and 1,800-second periods might not see much use on 630
meters, while most of the faster choices probably will. "On 2200
meters, I think all four FST4W speeds will be quite useful," he said.
"It may be that the fastest FST4 options won't see a lot of use on 2200
meters, but it may be too early to know for sure." -- Thanks to the
ARRL Contest Update
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 10) includes an
interview with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
about ARRL's new "Learning Network" webinars.
The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 19) will
discuss radiosondes and how hams can receive their telemetry, in
addition to a discussion about power supplies with Bob Allison, WB1GCM,
of the ARRL Lab.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots appeared on every day of the
past reporting week, and the average daily sunspot number increased
from 13.1 to 15.1. Average daily solar flux rose from 73.1 to 74.5.
Geomagnetic indicators were up slightly, with average daily planetary A
index going from 2.7 to 5, and middle latitude A index from 1.9 to 4.1.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 75 on October 22 - 27; 72
on October 28 - 31; 70 on November 1 - 7; 73 on November 8 - 10; 72 on
November 11; 71 on November 12 - 13; 70 on November 14 - 23; 72 on
November 24 - 27, and 73 on November 28 - December 5.
Predicted planetary A index is 18 and 20 on October 22 - 23; 15 on
October 24 - 26; 12 on October 27; 10 on October 28 - 29; 5 on October
39 - November 6; 10 on November 7; 5 on November 8 - 15; 10, 15, and 18
on November 16 - 18; 20 on November 19 - 20; 24, 14, and 10 on November
21 - 23; 8 on November 24 - 25, and 5 on November 26 - December 5.
Sunspot numbers for October 15 - 21 were 14, 14, 15, 28, 12, 11, and
11, with a mean of 15. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.8, 75.3, 73.1,
75.9, 74.8, 74.7, and 73.7, with a mean of 74.5. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 4, 5, 3, 6, 4, and 10, with a mean of 5. Middle
latitude A index was 2, 4, 5, 3, 5, 3, and 7, with a mean of 4.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* October 24 - 25 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB
* October 28 -- SKCC Sprint CW
* October 28 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest CW
* October 29 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, SSB
* October 30 -- Zombie Shuffle (CW)
* October 31 - November 1 -- Russian WW MultiMode Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* October 31 - November 1 -- UK/EI DX Contest, SSB
* November 1 -- North American SSB Sprint
* November 1 -- Silent Key Memorial Contest (CW)
* November 1 - 4 Classic Exchange, CW
* November 1 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
* November 2 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test CW
* November 2 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, Data
* November 3 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* November 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* November 4 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* November 4 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* November 5 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* November 5 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FCC Headquarters Relocates
FCC Headquarters has moved. The new address is 45 L St. NE, Washington,
DC 20554. The change is effective immediately. The FCC announced plans
to move last spring, but the transition was delayed by the COVID-19
pandemic.
The FCC, like many federal agencies, has its own ZIP code, so there
will be no disruption in mail delivery sent by USPS to the former
address. The FCC still prohibits the delivery of hand-carried
documents, and all COVID-19 restrictions or instructions regarding
access to FCC facilities remain in place at the new location.
"The FCC continues to balance its efforts to be accessible to the
public with the need for heightened security and health and safety
measures and encourages the use of the Commission's Electronic Comment
Filing System (ECFS) to facilitate the filing of applications and other
documents when possible," the FCC said in an October 15 Public Notice.
Due to the pandemic, the move was accomplished by professional movers
without the presence of any employees, all of whom had been working
from home. An attempt was made during the summer to let employees back
into headquarters for a day to pack up their offices and remove
personal belongings, but that plan had to be scrapped after several
employees tested positive for COVID-19.
Most FCC staff continue to work from home and are not expected to be
physically present in their new offices before next June.
In anticipation of the planned move, the FCC last spring also announced
the adoption of a new FCC seal. The redesign is the product of an
agency-wide contest that solicited proposals from employees and
contractors.
IARU Official Challenges Member-Societies to Focus on "Tomorrow" Issues
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 President Don
Beattie, G3BJ, urged member-societies attending the virtual Region 1
General Conference on October 16 to keep an eye on future issues
affecting amateur radio and IARU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, and the
Mideast). In closing the 6-day meeting, Beattie said he looked forward
to the planned in-person workshop on the future of amateur radio, set
for next year, and expressed the hope that the COVID-19 situation would
allow the event to go forward as early as possible.
Beattie also challenged member-societies to increase their focus on
"'tomorrow' issues -- tomorrow's people, tomorrow's technologies,
tomorrow's activities, and tomorrow's ways of communicating with those
we represent." He also asked member-societies to communicate with their
younger members and "take account of their views to help reshape their
societies for the future."
The week-long virtual assembly included discussion of papers submitted
by member-societies, the Executive Committee, and other IARU
components. This resulted in some 50 recommendations to the Final
Plenary Meeting in areas of finance, HF, VHF, EMC, youth, and IARU
Region 1 governance. Some 120 delegates were present for the Plenary,
and heads of national delegations considered and voted on these
recommendations, which will result in actions and policy changes in
IARU Region 1.
Some new appointments were made in IARU Region 1, to succeed people who
were retiring from their roles. The new appointments were:
* Dick Harms, PA2DW, chair, IARU Region 1 VHF Committee
* Wolf Mahr, OE1MHZ, chair, IARU Region 1 EMC Committee
* Barry Lewis, G4SJH, chair, IARU Spectrum and Regulatory Liaison
Committee
* Philipp Springer, DK6SP, chair, IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group
* Gaspar Miró, EA6AMM, IARU Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS)
Coordinator
Beattie thanked those retiring and recognized their contributions.
"Looking back on our first Virtual General Conference, delegates agreed
that it was different from General Conferences held in the past,"
Beattie said. "Although we did not have opportunities for social
interaction between delegates, we can look back on a successful and
very effective meeting. We are already looking forward to our hopefully
in-person workshop in Novi Sad, Serbia, in 2021."
Papers discussed at the conference are available for download. --
Thanks to IARU Region 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
ARRL members may visit the Learning Network website to register for
upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded sessions. The
schedule is subject to change.
How to Get Started in Amateur Radio Contesting: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Why do hams contest? How would I benefit from contesting? What do I
need to get started in contesting? What are good contests for
beginners? Where can I learn more? This session will answer all of
these questions and more.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 10 AM PST/1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST/8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* VLF Alexanderson alternator station SAQ at the Grimeton World
Heritage Site in Sweden will transmit a CW message to commemorate
United Nations Day on October 24, on 17.2 kHz at 1500 UTC. The
event and a following concert will be available via the SAQ YouTube
Channel. Reception reports are welcome via the SAQ online form.
Amateur radio station SK6SAQ will be active on 7.035 and 14.035 MHz
CW and on 3.755 MHz SSB. Reports are welcome via email or the QSL
Bureau.
* The 22nd Annual Wisconsin ARES/RACES Virtual Conference 2020 takes
place on Saturday, October 24. "Seating" is unlimited, and
registration is free, although you will be asked to create an
account.
* The Stillwater Amateur Radio Association (SARA) will commemorate
the sinking in Lake Superior of the Edmund Fitzgerald during a
storm on November 10, 1975. Listen for W0JH and W0F November 6 - 8.
More special events.
* Members of the Radio Club de Copiapo are active as XR33M until
November 13. The event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the
successful rescue of 33 miners from the San José mine in Chile.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Bankston, KE4AL, is New AMSAT President
Robert Bankston, KE4AL, of Dothan, Alabama, is the new president of
AMSAT. The AMSAT Board of Directors elected Bankston at its annual
meeting on October 18, to succeed Clayton Coleman, W5PFG. Bankston has
served as Treasurer and Vice President of User Services. He is a life
member of both ARRL and AMSAT. He volunteered to develop and launch
AMSAT's online member portal and chaired the 2018 AMSAT Space
Symposium.
Bankston is active on the satellites and enjoys operating portable from
remote grid squares.
For his part, Coleman said that it had been "both a joy and a
privilege" to serve as AMSAT president during 2020, which he called "a
rather difficult year" for many in amateur radio.
"With the talented and capable individuals sitting on AMSAT's new Board
and its officers, I am confident in a bright future ahead for AMSAT and
the Amateur Radio Satellite Service."
Other officers elected included Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, as Executive Vice
President; Jerry Buxton, N0JY, as Vice President of Engineering; Drew
Glasbrenner, KO4MA, as Vice President of Operations; Jeff Davis, KE9V,
as Secretary; Steve Belter, N9IP, as Treasurer; Martha Saragovitz as
Manager; Alan Johnston, KU2Y, as Vice President of Educational
Relations, and Frank Karnauskas, N1UW, as Vice President of
Development. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
2021 Hamvention^(R) Award Nominations Open on November 1
Nominations for the 2021 Hamvention Awards will open on November 1.
Dayton Hamvention^(R) will grant awards in the categories of technical
achievement, special achievement, amateur radio operator of the year,
and amateur radio club of the year.
* The Technical Achievement Award recognizes important contributions
toward technical excellence in the world of radio. Examples are
inventions, processes, discoveries, experiments, or any other
outstanding technical achievements that contributed to amateur
radio.
* The Special Achievement Award goes to a radio amateur who has made
an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the radio art
and/or science. This award is typically conferred upon a respected
amateur who has spearheaded a single, significant project.
* The Amateur of the Year Award honors a radio amateur who has made a
long-term commitment to the advancement of amateur radio. This
individual will usually have a history of giving back to ham radio
contributions and exhibits dedication to service, professionalism,
and a desire to advance amateur radio.
* The Club of the Year recognizes a club's involvement in varied
aspects of amateur radio for the greater good of the community
and/or the nation.
These awards are conferred annually. Nominations close on February 15,
2021. Nomination forms are available. ditional information may be
included as attachments. Provide a means to contact the nominee. Submit
forms by email or US mail to Hamvention, Attn: Awards Committee, P.O.
Box 964, Dayton, OH 45401-0964.
Since 1955, Dayton Hamvention has honored many radio amateurs and clubs
for their dedication and contributions to amateur radio and to society.
WSJT-X Developer Expresses Puzzlement over FT8 Contest Use
WSJT-X co-developer Joe Taylor, K1JT, recently expressed puzzlement
over the use of FT8 in contests -- rather than FT4, which was designed
for contesting.
"I fail to understand why anyone who uses FT8 in a contest would fail
to use FT4 for much of the time," Taylor said. "FT4 is about 3 dB less
sensitive than FT8, but it's twice as fast."
Taylor offered the comment in the Mt. Airy VHF Society's October 2020
Cheese Bits, regarding the September ARRL VHF Contest. Taylor said a
large fraction of stations that are worked with FT8 are much more than
3 dB above the FT4 decoding threshold.
"With FT4, you can still work anyone that can be worked with CW, and
near the CW threshold, you'll do it faster using FT4," he said. "And
with FT4, you can work stations that are far weaker (by ~20 dB) than
what's necessary for SSB. When I did work other stations with FT4, I
did it by transmitting the FT8 message 'K1JT FT4 318.'" Taylor said
he'd then move to 50.318 MHz FT4, and several contesters followed him
there. "Many more would have made it much more fruitful," he said.
"For speed, flexibility, and ease of running the bands, yes, you should
use SSB and CW when there are stations to work," Taylor said in
summary. "When you run out of those, use FT8 and especially FT4."
Taylor also remarked, "In my 80th year, I can no longer call on my past
stamina for contesting."
Japan's "Experience Stations" Enable Contacts Between Two Unlicensed
Girls
What is believed to be the first ham radio contact in Japan between two
unlicensed individuals took place on October 11 between "Experience
Stations" 8J1YAB/1 and 8J3YAA/3. Both were licensed through the 7-CALL
Amateur Radio Club.
"Today is my first amateur radio," one young girl said, as she wielded
the mic. "Me too," the girl on the other end replied. The contact, on
40-meter SSB, was between Tokyo and Osaka. Licensed individuals were on
both ends of the contact to serve as control operators. One operator
reported, "There was applause at the Osaka venue."
"Congratulations on your first attempt and great success," Toshiaki
Tsunashima, JA4DLF, tweeted.
Satoshi Yamaguchi, 7M4VQJ, the President of 7-CALL Amateur Radio Club,
called CQ and made initial contact with with Yasuyuki Suzuki, JJ0RHL,
from the "sister station" 8J2YAB/1 in Tokyo. The licensed supervisor of
8J3YAA/3 in Osaka was Sam Yoshida, JS3CEQ.The Experience Stations are
licensed under special permission, allowing unlicensed people to
operate the station under the supervising of a licensed amateur. The
idea is to promote experience with wireless communication technology.
Before the noteworthy contact, the first contact by an unlicensed guest
operator was made with 8J1JARL, a Japan Amateur Radio League special
event station hosted by the Kanto Region Society of JARL, and operated
by Yamaguchi Takahiko, JL1USZ.
Puntoshi, JN1VVR, remarked on Twitter, "Thank you for your hard work.
It is necessary and important to prepare and experiment so that
[unlicensed] people can feel the excitement of 'something amazing'
while watching the operation. This [Experience Station] operation has
just begun, and the know-how that will be accumulated for the future is
important."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, October 30, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
October 29, 2020
* ARRL Urges Members to Join in Strongly Opposing FCC's Application
Fees Proposal
* It's a Wrap for Hurricane Watch Net, ARES Teams Stand Down
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Guidelines Issued for ARRL DX Contest Multioperator Stations
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* New Zealand Radio Amateurs Lose Access to 60 Meters
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Fldigi Could be a Tool in the November Frequency Measuring Test
* Announcements
* Radio Amateurs in Western Pennsylvania to Commemorate KDKA
Broadcasting Centennial
* Oldest Known US Radio Amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, SK
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Urges Members to Join in Strongly Opposing FCC's Application Fees
Proposal
ARRL will file comments in firm opposition to an FCC proposal to impose
a $50 fee on amateur radio license and application fees. With the
November 16 comment deadline fast approaching, ARRL urges members to
add their voices to ARRL's by filing opposition comments of their own.
The FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) MD Docket 20-270 appeared
in the October 15 edition of The Federal Register and sets deadlines of
November 16 to comment and November 30 to post reply comments, which
are comments on comments already filed. ARRL has prepared a Guide to
Filing Comments with the FCC which includes tips for preparing comments
and step-by-step filing instructions. File comments on MD Docket 20-270
using the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).
"We encourage all members to use the ARRL Guide to file comments
opposing the imposition of the proposed $50 application fee," ARRL
President Rick Roderick, K5UR, said. "Let's highlight amateur radio's
long history of public service."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
From Our Members...
Please accept my thanks for the October 27, 2020, special edition of
The ARRL Letter, "ARRL Urges Members to Join in Strongly Opposing FCC's
Application Fees Proposal." I appreciate ARRL notifying members of the
proposal and especially the guidance on submitting a comment. --
Charles F. Gottlieb, KM4NTD, Miami, Florida
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the proposal, amateur radio licensees would pay a $50 fee for
each amateur radio application for new licenses, license renewals,
upgrades to existing licenses, and vanity call sign requests. The FCC
has also proposed a $50 fee to obtain a printed copy of a license.
Excluded are applications for administrative updates, such as changes
of address, and annual regulatory fees. Amateur Service licensees have
been exempt from application fees for several years.
The FCC proposal is contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
in MD Docket 20-270, which was adopted to implement portions of the
"Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services
Act" of 2018 -- the so-called "Ray Baum's Act." The Act requires that
the FCC switch from a congressionally-mandated fee structure to a
cost-based system of assessment.
The FCC NPRM proposes application fees for a broad range of services
that use the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS), including the
Amateur Radio Service. The 2018 statute excludes the Amateur Service
from annual regulatory fees, but not from application fees. The
proposal affects all FCC services and does not single out amateur
radio. As the FCC explained in its NPRM, Congress, through the Ray
Baum's Act, is compelling regulatory agencies such as the FCC to
recover from applicants the costs involved in filing and handling
applications. Read more and visit ARRL's summary page for the
proceeding.
It's a Wrap for Hurricane Watch Net, ARES Teams Stand Down
After an activation that lasted more than 9 hours, the Hurricane Watch
Net (HWN ) suspended operations on October 29 at around 0130 UTC.
"Although Zeta was still a hurricane just east of Hattiesburg,
Mississippi, moving to the northeast at about 30 MPH, we hated to close
operations, but propagation on 20 and 40 meters was totally gone," HWN
Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said. "The turnout of reporting stations
was great, but we can always use more. Meteorologists love weather
data. So, we do our best to collect and forward as much as we can."
Zeta left some 2 million
customers without power. [City
of New Orleans Twitter photo]
ARES teams in Louisiana went on standby status on October 27, ready to
activate at the request of local emergency management officials or
served agencies. At midday on Wednesday, the Louisiana Emergency Net
was placed on active standby status on 3.878 and 7.255 MHz, concluding
operations at 2100 UTC on Wednesday.
The Northern Florida ARES Net convened October 28 on 3.950 MHz for
about 12 hours in anticipation of tropical storm winds and a risk of
tornado activity. "Our HF net shut down this morning," Northern Florida
Section Emergency Coordinator Karl Martin, K4HBN, said. "The counties
closed shelters and had their ARES groups stand down soon after."
Martin said operators did cover three shelters. "We had challenges due
to HF conditions, and one of the ARES groups lost a repeater and had to
go to a back-up plan."
In George County, Mississippi, ARES Emergency Coordinator General
Dailey, KD4VVZ, suspended routine net traffic to take storm-related
reports such as weather data, property damage, and power status. Daily
said repeater net would remain active for 12 hours, and the information
would be relayed to weather forecasters. The net prepared to carry
occasional digital traffic.
"As the sun comes up, damage assessments are still ongoing," the George
County Sheriff's office announced on the George County ARES Facebook
page. "Currently a majority of the county is without power." The
sheriff reported many downed trees and power lines and advised against
nonessential travel.
WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami activated at
1600 UTC on October 28, monitoring HWN's frequencies of 14.325 and
7.268 MHz as well as the VoIP Hurricane Net (VoIP WX) and other
resources. The net funnels "ground truth" reports to NHC forecasters.
Ham Aid emergency communication kits from ARRL had been pre-positioned
in Louisiana in preparation for this event. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 10) includes an
interview with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
about ARRL's new "Learning Network" webinars.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 19) discusses radiosondes
and how hams can receive their telemetry, in addition to a discussion
about power supplies with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, of the ARRL Lab.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Guidelines Issued for ARRL DX Contest Multioperator Stations
ARRL has issued guidelines for multioperator stations competing in the
ARRL DX Contest (CW and phone). With the global pandemic continuing to
impose restrictions on social gatherings, multioperator contest
stations may not be able to operate normally while still adhering to
local social distancing guidelines. ARRL has decided to make temporary
accommodations for a multioperator station to participate in these
popular ARRL contests, under these guidelines:
* Team members may operate from their home stations in conjunction
with the multioperator station.
* Their home station must be located within a radius of 100
kilometers (62 miles) of the multioperator contest station.
* Their home station must be located within the same DXCC entity as
the multioperator contest station. In the case of US and Canadian
stations, all team member stations must be in the same US state or
Canadian province.
* All team member stations must use the same call sign and exchange
as the multioperator contest station for the duration of the
contest.
* Logging software must be networked, so that all team member
stations are using a common log.
* Individual operators may not work the multioperator contest station
or other team member stations using a personal call sign or other
call sign.
* All multioperator rules, such as band changes and number of signals
on a band, still apply. See the full contest rules for details.
* The team must determine and control band assignments, ensuring that
no more than one team station is transmitting on any given band at
a time.
The multioperator contest station may be staffed at less than full
capacity while maintaining safe practices, so operating with a
combination of team members at home stations and team members at the
contest station is permissible.
The CW contest takes place on the third full weekend in February
(February 20 - 21, 2021). The phone contest takes place on the first
full weekend in March (March 6 - 7, 2021).
For questions, contact the ARRL Contest Branch.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Our sun is finally waking up. The
average daily sunspot number rose from 15 to 17, which is nothing
remarkable, but the reporting week ended on Wednesday with a daily
sunspot number of 36. Average daily solar flux rose from 74.5 to 76.9.
Predicted solar flux is 88 on October 29 - 31, which is remarkable; 82,
78, 75, and 72 on November 1 - 4; 74 on November 5 - 7; 75 on November
8 - 12; 72 on November 13; 70 on November 14 - 21; 74 and 72 on
November 22 - 23; 70 on November 24 - 26; 72 on November 27; 74 on
November 28 - December 4; 75 on December 5 - 9; 72 on December 10, and
70 on December 11 - 12.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on October 29; 5 on October 30 - 31;
12 and 8 on November 1 - 2; 5 on November 3 - 6; 10 on November 7; 5 on
November 8 - 16; 10, 8, and 12 on November 17 - 19; 18, 15, and 20 on
November 20 - 22; 15, 10 and 8 on November 23 - 25; 5 on November 26 -
27; 8 on November 28; and 5 on November 29 - December 12.
Sunspot numbers for October 22 - 28 were 11, 11, 11, 11, 17, 22, and
36, with a mean of 17. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74.9, 72, 72.1,
74.2, 75, 82.4, and 87.6, with a mean of 76.9. Estimated planetary A
indices were 6, 12, 17, 15, 15, 9, and 12, with a mean of 12.3. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 10, 16, 9, 15, 7, and 9, with a mean of 9.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* November 1 -- North American SSB Sprint Contest
* November 1 -- Silent Key Memorial Contest (CW)
* November 1 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
* November 1 - 4 -- Classic Exchange (CW)
* November 2 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test CW
* November 2 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (Digital)
* November 3 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* November 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* November 4 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* November 4 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* November 5 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* November 5 -- SKCC Sprint Europe CW
New Zealand Radio Amateurs Lose Access to 60 Meters
Radio amateurs in New Zealand no longer have access to 60 meters,
effective on October 24. Use of the band by radio amateurs in New
Zealand was provisional, allowing hams there to use two frequencies in
the band -- 5353.0 kHz and 5362.0 kHz -- as part of a "trial."
New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART), the national
amateur radio organization, said the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
advised the organization that it was not willing to approve another
renewal of the 5 MHz trial allocation. NZART has indicated that it will
continue to work with telecoms regulator RSM to see if other ways may
be available to provide access to 5 MHz.
As in the US, the federal government and military are primary on the 5
MHz band. According to NZART, the decision was not made lightly by
NZDF, but said access to that part of the HF spectrum is necessary to
support NZDF's new platforms, tactical radio equipment, and updated HF
site equipment in the delivery chain.
"ditionally, access to HF is a key part of their communications plans
both in New Zealand and to support our forces overseas," NZART
explained. "While this is a disappointing outcome, NZART would like to
thank NZDF for allowing us to take part in the trial, and we look
forward to working with them in the future on matters of common
interest." -- Thanks to Paul Gaskell, G4MWO/The 5 MHz Newsletter
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network website (a members-only benefit) to
register for upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded session.
The schedule is subject to change.
How to Get Started in Amateur Radio Contesting: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Why do hams participate in on-air contests? How would I benefit from
contesting? What do I need to get started in contesting? What are good
contests for beginners? Where can I learn more? This session will
answer all of these questions and more.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Amateur Radio's Role at the Boston Marathon Bombing: Steve Schwarm,
W3EVE
Amateur radio has played a significant role in public service
communications for the Boston Marathon for several decades. That role
was put to the test in 2013, when two bombs were exploded near the
finish line. This presentation will describe the role that ham radio
played at the marathon and how that role changed due to the bombing.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
Fldigi Could be a Tool in the November Frequency Measuring Test
A new frequency-measuring test mode added to the digital communication
program Fldigi -- developed by Dave Freese, W1HKJ -- makes the program
useful for the Frequency Measuring Test (FMT) on November 13. The new
test mode replaces frequency analysis mode, making Fldigi useful for
FMT participants. Fldigi can still measure an unknown frequency to
three decimal places (i.e., to 1 mHz), but it can also use a reference
frequency to correct the unknown calculation for inaccuracies of the
receiver. (An article by Bob Howard, VE3YX, details the use of Fldigi
in the FMT.)
Very little equipment is necessary to participate in the FMT. A
software-defined radio (SDR) accessed by the internet will work; check
out the GPS-stabilized SDRs Kiwi SDRs. A hardware cable or a virtual
cable can connect SDR audio to the Fldigi input. Calibration will be
required.
While older rigs can be used, Fldigi works best with a rig that can be
controlled by a serial or USB connection from the PC to set the VFO
with 1 Hz resolution. Some rigs display frequency to 1 Hz. Others only
display to 10 Hz but can be set by the PC to 1 Hz. Most rigs dating
from about 1995 and later will work well. Fldigi needs to know the
frequency that the radio thinks it is tuned to or the frequency that
you think it is tuned to.
The new FMT modem works best with a reference signal injected along
with the FMT transmitted signal -- the FMT's unknown signal. The
reference signal must have some accurately known frequency that can be
set near the unknown frequency (within 1 kHz or so). The reference can
be a signal generator stabilized by a GPS Disciplined Oscillator
(GPSDO) that can easily be set to output a useful frequency. Using
Fldigi's new FMT modem without a reference can still provide good
results, but requires careful calibration.
ARRL sponsored earlier FMTs. The first ARRL FMT took place in 1931.
Back then, it was required that Official Observers participate and meet
certain standards.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The CW weekend of the ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) takes place
November 7 - 9. The hallmark of this very popular operating event
is its challenging and lengthy exchange, which has its origins in
the National Traffic System (NTS) message format. The ARRL November
Sweepstakes SSB weekend is November 21 - 23.
* CQ Magazine has announced that Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator
Stan Broadway, N8BHL, has been named as the magazine's Emergency
Communications Editor. Licensed for more than 40 years, Broadway
first was attracted to ham radio by listening to a VHF severe
weather net in Ohio and to the Hurricane Watch Net, for which he
currently serves as a board member and net control operator.
* Organizers of the 2021 Jan Mayen JX0X DXpedition have announced the
cancellation of the operation, due to "too many uncertainties
involved in this project." The JX0X team said it will refund all
PayPal donations.
* "Pre-pre Frequency Measuring Test" (ppFMT) practice sessions will
be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 30 and 40 meters.
[IMG]Schedule and frequency information is on the FMT-nuts page on
Groups.io. The FMT takes place on November 13.
* The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are reminding those who took part
in the recent Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) to complete the feedback
form. Photos and videos are welcome via the content portal.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio Amateurs in Western Pennsylvania to Commemorate KDKA Broadcasting
Centennial
Pittsburgh radio station KDKA will celebrate 100 years of radio
broadcasting in November, and Pennsylvania radio amateurs will honor
that milestone in a multi-station special event. KDKA dates its
broadcasting history to the airing of the Harding-Cox presidential
results on November 2, 1920, and the station has been on the air ever
since. The special event, which will involve the operation of four
stations, will run through the entire month of November.
"More than 100 years ago, many experimenters started delving into a new
technology known as wireless, or radio," said Bob Bastone, WC3O, Radio
Officer for the Skyview Radio Society in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
Bastone explained that many of those early pioneers were radio
amateurs. "One hundred plus years later, many amateur radio operators
are still contributing to wireless technology, while also serving their
communities and enhancing international goodwill. Congratulations to
KDKA Radio, also known in the early years as amateur radio stations
8XK, 8ZZ, and W8XK."
Special event stations K3K, K3D, K3A, and W8XK will set up and operate
at several locations in Pennsylvania during November. Stations will
determine their own modes and schedules. Visit the W8XK profile on
QRZ.com for information on certificates and QSLs.
What became KDKA initially began broadcasting in 1916 as amateur radio
station 8XK, licensed by the Federal Radio Commission (FRC), the
predecessor to the FCC. At the time, amateurs were not prohibited from
broadcasting. The small station was operated by Dr. Frank Conrad, who
was Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company assistant chief
engineer. The transmitter ran 75 W, and the broadcasts gained some
popularity in Pittsburgh. The first transmissions of KDKA originated in
a makeshift studio on the roof of Westinghouse K Building in East
Pittsburgh.
Westinghouse Lodge Building in the
1920s. Some KDKA personnel are
wearing hats that bear their ham
radio call signs.
Ham radio clubs participating in the centennial special event include
the North Hills Amateur Radio Club in Pittsburgh -- which is planning
to operate from KDKA's 1930s transmitter site, where an original tower
pier still stands. A 1920s transmitter site, in Forest Hills, will
serve as another operating location. Other clubs will take part.
Individual radio amateurs will operate from their own stations, and a
small group of hams is planning a portable operation from South Park in
suburban Pittsburgh.
"We amateur radio operators look forward to contacting thousands of
other hams around the world to celebrate this huge milestone in the
commercial broadcasting industry," said Bastone. Contact him for more
information. Read more. -- Thanks to ARRL Public Information Officer
and Allegheny County ARES Emergency Coordinator Bob Mente, NU3Q, for
providing the information for this story.
Oldest Known US Radio Amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, SK
Charles Clifford "Cliff" Kayhart, W4KKP, of White Rock, South Carolina,
died on October 26, a few days past his birthday. An ARRL member, he
was 109 and the oldest known US radio amateur and possibly the oldest
ham in the world.
Last November, Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU; Vice
Director Bill Morine, N2COP, and South Carolina Section Manager Marc
Tarplee, N4UFP, jointly presented Kayhart with ARRL's Centurion Award,
which honors centenarian members who have at least 40 years of ARRL
membership. On that occasion, Hippisley interviewed Kayhart.
First licensed in 1937 as W2LFE in New Jersey, he also held W9GNQ.
According to his obituary, Kayhart built his first radio at the age of
nine. After working for New York Telephone Company as a young man, he
became enamored with engineering, so he headed off to Tri-State
University in Indiana, graduating with a degree in aeronautical
engineering. Afterward, he went to work for RCA in New Jersey, becoming
a quality control manager. Positions followed at Philco Radio and
Bendix Aviation.
During World War II, Kayhart joined the US Army Signal Corps, which
sent him off to school to study radar. He was assigned to the US Army
Air Corps in Georgia and then sent to Hawaii to become part of a Signal
Service Battalion. He served at Iwo Jima, shortly after the US victory
there, setting up equipment for long-range radio communication and
broadcasting, with rhombic antennas in four directions.
Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, spoke with
Roanoke Division Director Bud
Hippisley, W2RU, last November.
In 1946, Kayhart left the Army with the rank of captain, joining
Magnavox the following year as its first field engineer; at the time,
Magnavox was about to launch a line of television sets. Eventually, he
was transferred to the Customer Acceptance Department in Tennessee.
Kayhart traveled to Japan in 1963 in search of Japanese television
sets. He retired from Magnavox in 1976.
In the 1970s, while living in Tennessee, he spearheaded a project that
installed a 2-meter FM repeater on the summit of Camp Creek Bald, still
in operation on the Tennessee/North Carolina border.
After Kayhart moved into an assisted living facility in 2017, he had an
HF station in his room, courtesy of the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Group,
to which he belonged, and the Columbia Amateur Radio Club. Kayhart
remained active on the air until shortly before he died. Read more.
In Brief...
ARRL Logbook of The World has harmonized the designation of FST4
Protocol. The Logbook of The World (LoTW) Committee worked with WSJT-X
developer Joe Taylor, K1JT, to harmonize the designation of FST4 among
WSJT-X, the ADIF standard, and LoTW. At present, FST4 is only supported
in a recently released beta version of WSJT-X. The action was to avoid
the sort of confusion that cropped up among LoTW users logging contacts
in FT4 when that protocol was first included in WSJT-X. The update
should help users avoid difficulties and obtain the maximum number of
contact matches. The ADIF standard has been updated to support FST4 as
a sub-mode of MFSK, and configuration file CONFIG.xml for LoTW has been
updated to version 11.13, accordingly, to support FST4. Users will be
offered the update when they run TQSL. -- Thanks to Greg Widin, K0GW
The FCC has adopted a Report and Order that allows AM radio stations to
operate using all-digital broadcast signals. "AM broadcasters will be
able to voluntarily choose whether and when to convert to all-digital
operation from their current analog or hybrid analog/digital signals,"
the FCC said. "All-digital broadcasting offers AM listeners
significantly improved audio quality and more reliable coverage over a
wider listenable area than analog or hybrid digital broadcasts. It also
allows broadcasters to provide additional services to the public, such
as song title and artist information."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, November 06, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
November 5, 2020
* ARRL Comments on FCC Draft WRC-23 Recommendations
* ARRL Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, SK
* New NIST System Detects Ultra-Faint Signals Using Quantum Physics
Principles
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* A Sweepstakes "Clean Sweep" Means Working 84 Sections This Year
* Neutron-1 CubeSat Deployed from ISS; Other Sats Pending
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Meets in Multiple Virtual
Sessions
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Comments on FCC Draft WRC-23 Recommendations
ARRL has submitted comments on two draft recommendations approved in
October by the FCC's World Radiocommunication Conference visory
Committee (WAC). The comments focus on draft recommendations for World
Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) Agenda Item (AI) 1.2. AI
1.2 will consider the identification of frequencies in the 3.3 - 3.4
GHz and 10.0 - 10.5 GHz bands, among others, "for International Mobile
Telecommunications (IMT), including possible additional allocations to
the mobile service on a primary basis," in accordance with WRC-19
Resolution 245. ARRL urged no change to the 3.3 - 3.4 GHz international
secondary allocation to the Amateur Service in ITU Regions 2 (the
Americas) and
3 (Oceania), and no change to the 10.0 - 10.5 GHz worldwide secondary
amateur and amateur-satellite allocation.
"Radio amateurs make substantial use of both bands," ARRL said in its
comments. "They have conducted experiments and designed systems that
protect primary users. The lack of interference complaints is evidence
that they have been successful in doing so. In this manner, new
spectrum horizons are explored and new techniques are developed that
put spectrum to productive use that otherwise would represent lost
opportunities and waste of the natural resource."
ARRL stressed that the WAC preliminary views make no suggestion that
the international secondary allocations to the Amateur Service should
not continue in both bands. ARRL said it wanted to reaffirm that these
secondary allocations continue to be important and useful and that
WRC-23 should not consider changing either secondary allocation.
"Sharing between primary users and secondary amateur radio users has
been highly successful, and the US domestic Table reflected the
International allocations until this year," ARRL said. In September,
however, the FCC adopted an Order to delete the secondary amateur and
amateur-satellite allocations in the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band. Amateur radio
operations may continue on a secondary basis, subject to decisions to
be made on issues raised in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in
the proceeding, WT Docket 19-348.
ARRL maintained that amateur radio should remain secondary in the
international allocations at 3.3 - 3.4 GHz "until more is known about
the technical characteristics of equipment that will be used by new
services and the extent of geographic build-out."
With regard to 10.0 - 10.5 GHz, ARRL noted that it has been used for
many amateur terrestrial experiments and tests that have helped to
develop the technical characteristics of the band. The band is also
heavily used throughout much of the world as the downlink for the
Qatari amateur satellite Es'hail-2 (QO-100).
ARRL noted that radio amateurs utilizing the secondary spectrum at 3.3
- 3.4 GHz and 10.0 - 10.5 GHz "have developed and honed their equipment
and capabilities to share with the existing services."
"The Amateur Service has earned its reputation for making careful and
non-preclusive use of its secondary allocations and will continue doing
so," ARRL concluded. "Therefore, we respectfully request that the
Amateur Service and Amateur-Satellite Service be continued as secondary
services in the above bands."
ARRL Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, SK
ARRL Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, of Oakland,
California, died October 30. An ARRL Life Member, he was 65.
Tiemstra was ARRL Pacific Division Vice Director from 2009 through
2017, sitting on the ministration and Finance, and Programs and
Services Committees of the Board. He became ARRL Pacific Division
Director in January 2018. He was a member of the ministration and
Finance Committee, the Legal Structure Review Committee, chair of the
Legislative vocacy Committee, and an advisor to the Amateur Radio
Legal Defense and Assistance Committee, among other Board assignments.
Licensed in 1970 as WN9ELU in Chicago, Tiemstra was the president of
his high school radio club in Illinois. Early on, he built most of his
own gear from Heathkits. In 1977, he married Lilah Greene, KE6EHD, and
they moved to California, where Tiemstra became N6OIK, later choosing
K6JAT as a vanity call sign. He'd also held V26JAT and 3D2TJ and had
operated from Curacao and Hawaii.
Primarily a contester and DXer, Tiemstra had been a DXpedition member
and had long been involved in the public service aspects of the hobby.
As a member of the Oakland Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
group, he was among those responding to the Loma Prieta earthquake in
1989 and the Oakland Hills firestorm in 1991, receiving a Certificate
of Appreciation from the American Red Cross. He championed the
Emergency Communication Ham Operation (ECHO) proposal to install
amateur radio equipment in his city's Emergency Operations Center and
in each of its 30 fire stations.
Tiemstra worked with his ARES group to gain RACES recognition, wrote
the RACES Operations Manual, and was instrumental in forging a formal
Letter of Understanding with the City of Oakland. He served as
Oakland's RACES Radio Officer for more than 14 years, was on the
mayor's Emergency Management Council, and was ARRL East Bay Section
Emergency Coordinator. In 2002, he was recognized by the Oakland Fire
Department as Community Volunteer of the Year.
Tiemstra retired in 2018 as a federal practitioner in the private
practice of law. Read more.
New NIST System Detects Ultra-Faint Signals Using Quantum Physics
Principles
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) have devised and demonstrated a system that could dramatically
increase the performance of communication networks while enabling
record-low error rates in detecting even the faintest of signals. This
has the potential to cut the total amount of energy required for
state-of-the-art networks by a factor of 10 to 100. The
proof-of-principle system consists of a novel receiver and
corresponding signal-processing technique, entirely based on the
The incoming signal (red, lower
left) proceeds through a beam
splitter to the photon detector,
which has an attached time register
(top right). The receiver sends the
reference beam to the beam splitter
to cancel the incoming pulse, so
that no light is detected. The
receiver uses exact times of photon
detection. The combination of
recorded detection times and the
history of reference beam
frequencies is used to find the
frequency of the incoming signal.
properties of quantum physics and able to handle extremely weak signals
with pulses that carry many bits of data.
"We built the communication test bed using off-the-shelf components to
demonstrate that quantum-measurement-enabled communication can
potentially be scaled up for widespread commercial use," said Ivan
Burenkov, a physicist at the Joint Quantum Institute, a research
partnership between NIST and the University of Maryland. Burenkov and
his colleagues reported the results in Physical Review X Quantum.
"Our effort shows that quantum measurements offer valuable, heretofore
unforeseen advantages for telecommunications leading to revolutionary
improvements in channel bandwidth and energy efficiency," Burenkov
added.
Modern communications systems work by converting information into a
laser-generated stream of digital light pulses in which information is
encoded -- in the form of changes to the properties of the light waves
-- for transfer and then decoded when it reaches the receiver. The
train of pulses grows fainter as it travels along transmission
channels, and conventional electronic technology for receiving and
decoding data has reached the limit of its ability to precisely detect
the information in such attenuated signals.
The signal pulse can dwindle until it is as weak as a few photons -- or
even less than one on average. At that point, inevitable random quantum
fluctuations, called "shot noise," make accurate reception impossible
by normal ("classical," as opposed to quantum) technology because the
uncertainty caused by the noise makes up such a large part of the
diminished signal. As a result, existing systems must amplify the
signals repeatedly along the transmission line, at considerable energy
cost, keeping them strong enough to detect reliably.
The NIST team's system can eliminate the need for amplifiers because it
can reliably process even extremely feeble signal pulses: "The total
energy required to transmit one bit becomes a fundamental factor
hindering the development of networks," said Sergey Polyakov, senior
scientist on the NIST team. "The goal is to reduce the sum of energy
required by lasers, amplifiers, detectors, and support equipment to
reliably transmit information over longer distances."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 10) includes an
interview with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
about ARRL's new "Learning Network" webinars.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 20) features an interview
with ARRL Emergency Preparedness Director Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, about
the future of amateur radio technology in public service, and will also
cover a new power source that uses diamonds and nuclear waste.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A Sweepstakes "Clean Sweep" Means Working 84 Sections This Year
The ever-popular ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) weekends are upon us --
one for CW and the other for SSB. This year, participants will have to
search out an additional Section. The CW event takes place November 7 -
9 (UTC), and the SSB event is from November 21 - 23 (UTC). Each
Sweepstakes leg begins at 2100 UTC on Saturday and runs through 0259
UTC on Monday. Stations may operate 24 of the available 30 hours. An SS
Operating Guide package, available via the SS web page, explains how to
participate in Sweepstakes. Clubs or public service teams that are
considering participating in SS will find
the guide to be a useful source for information. This year marks the
79th SS event, which attracts more than 3,000 entries each fall for
both weekends.
The number of ARRL and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Sections rose to
84 earlier this year with the addition of Prince Edward Island (PE) as
a separate entity. The objective of SS -- or "sweeps" -- is to work as
many stations in as many of the 84 Sections as possible within 24 hours
of operating. The number of Sections worked is a score multiplier, and
working all of them -- a "clean sweep" in SS terminology -- is the goal
of many SS aficionados, who qualify for a clean sweep coffee mug.
Hardcore SS operators try to run up the contact and multiplier counts
by operating for the allowed 24 hours.
Some multipliers are rarer and/or harder to work, and these can vary
from year to year. For many years, the most difficult SS multiplier was
considered to be Northern Territories (NT) in Canada, where J. Allen,
VY1JA, in Yukon Territory, was often the only station available. Allen
has stepped back from amateur radio, however, owing to health issues.
Making a clean sweep also requires working Alaska and Hawaii (or
another station in the Pacific Section), as well as
Newfoundland/Labrador (NL) and Prince Edward Island (PE) in the other
direction. On the rarer side, finding -- and working -- stations in
Alberta (AB), North Dakota (ND), Northern New York (NNY), US Virgin
Islands (VI), Wyoming (WY), and Delaware (DE) has proven vexing for
some SS operators.
Nonetheless, even stations with modest equipment and antennas can
enjoy success. Many stations like to operate in the QRP category (with
an output of 5 W or less), although that challenge has been more
daunting at this point in the solar cycle.
ARRL November Sweepstakes is the oldest domestic radiosport event (the
first was in 1930). The SS contest exchange has deep roots in
message-handling protocol and replicates a radiogram preamble. In SS,
stations exchange:
* A consecutive serial number (NR). Operators do not have to add
zeros ahead of numbers less than 100.
* Operating category (Precedence) -- Q for Single Operator, QRP; A
for Single Operator, Low Power (up to 150 W output); B for Single
Operator, High Power (greater than 150 W output); U for Single
Operator, Unlimited, regardless of power; M for Multioperator,
regardless of power, and S for School Club.
* Your call sign.
* Check (CK) -- the last two digits of the year of first license for
either operator or station.
* Section -- ARRL/RAC Section.
Full contest rules and an Operating Guide that includes examples of log
formatting are available on the Sweepstakes web page. The deadline to
submit CW entries is November 16. The deadline to submit phone entries
is November 30.
Direct questions to the ARRL Contest Program.
Neutron-1 CubeSat Deployed from ISS; Other Sats Pending
The Neutron-1 3U CubeSat was deployed from the International Space
Station (ISS) on November 5 at 10:40 UTC. For the satellite's first
month and during its commissioning phase, the Neutron-1 beacon will
transmit 1,200 bps BPSK telemetry every 60 seconds on 435.300 MHz.
Developed by the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL) at the
University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), the satellite's payload includes a
VU FM amateur radio repeater during available times and according to
the spacecraft's power budget. The Neutron-1 science mission is spelled
out in a formal paper, Neutron-1 Mission: Low Earth Orbit Neutron Flux
Detection and COSMOS Mission Operations Technology Demonstration.
HSFL operates and maintains a satellite UHF, VHF, and L/S-band amateur
radio ground station at Kauai Community College.
The primary mission of Neutron-1 is to measure low-energy neutron flux
in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The science payload, a small neutron detector
developed by Arizona State University, will focus on measurements of
low-energy secondary neutrons -- a component of the LEO neutron
environment.
A number of other amateur radio satellites are expected to launch or be
deployed in the next few months. AMSAT's RadFxSat-2 (Fox-1E) is
expected to go into orbit by year's end on Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne
vehicle. RadFxSat-2 carries a 30 kHz wide VU linear transponder.
The Tevel Mission -- a series of eight Israeli 1U CubeSats, each
carrying a UV FM transponder -- is expected to launch from India on a
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in December. Also from the Herzliya Science
Center is a 3U CubeSat called Tausat-1, which is scheduled to launch on
a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) ISS resupply mission in
February for subsequent deployment. Tausat-1 carries an FM transponder.
AMSAT-Spain (AMSAT-EA) reports that its PocketQubes, EASAT-2 and HADES,
have been integrated for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in December, while
GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N have been integrated for launch on Firefly's
Alpha rocket. Read more. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On November 4, the solar flux density
reached 88.1, its highest level since October 14, 2016, when, during a
waning solar cycle, it was 92.8, with an average daily flux for that
week of 76.9, and average daily sunspot number of 18.7, similar to what
we're seeing now.
The average daily planetary A index this week was 6.3, down from 12.3
last week. The average daily mid-latitude A index was 4.9, down from
9.9 last week.
Spaceweather.com reported on November 3 that the new sunspot group
produced a minor solar flare, and a pulse of UV radiation "briefly
ionized Earth's upper atmosphere, causing a low-frequency radio
blackout over the Indian Ocean." Check the STEREO satellite images:
360° view | Conventional format. A large, new sunspot group, AR2781, is
the largest so far in new Solar Cycle 25, according to
Spaceweather.com. It should be geo-effective (facing Earth) over the
next 10 days.
Predicted solar flux is 88 on November 5 - 10; 83 on November 11;
dropping to 75, 74, and 75 on November 12 - 14; 76 on November 15 - 21;
75 on November 22 - 27; 74 on November 28 - 29; 72 on November 30 -
December 5; 74 on December 6 - 10; 75 on December 11; 76 on December 12
- 18, and 75 on December 19.
Predicted planetary A index is 5, 8, and 8 on November 5 - 7; 5 on
November 8 - 16; 10, 5, 10; and 15 on November 17 - 20; 12 on November
21 - 22; 8, 10, and 12 on November 23 - 25; 5 on November 26 - 27; 10
on November 28; 5 on November 29 - December 13; then 8, 5, and 8 on
December 14 - 16; 12 on December 17, and 10 on December 18 - 19.
Sunspot numbers for October 29 - November 4 were 35, 32, 26, 12, 11,
15, and 18, with a mean of 21.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 84.6,
79.6, 76.8, 77.3, 81.6, 82.9, and 88.1, with a mean of 81.6. Estimated
planetary A indices were 14, 5, 6, 10, 3, 3, and 3, with a mean of 6.3.
Middle latitude A index was 11, 4, 6, 8, 2, 2, and 1, with a mean of
4.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* November 7 -- IPARC Contest (CW)
* November 7 - 8 -- Ukrainian DX Contest (CW, phone)
* November 7 - 8 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* November 7 - 9 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (CW)
* November 7 - 15 -- AWA Bruce Kelley 1929 QSO Party (CW)
* November 8 -- IPARC Contest (SSB)
* November 8 -- EANET Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
* November 9 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW)
* November 9 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* November 10 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* November 11 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity
* November 11 -- 3.5 RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (SSB)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network website (a members-only benefit) to
register for upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded
sessions. The schedule is subject to change.
Amateur Radio's Role at the Boston Marathon Bombing: Steve Schwarm,
W3EVE
Amateur radio has played a significant role in public service
communications for the Boston Marathon for several decades. That role
was put to the test in 2013 when two bombs were exploded near the
finish line. This presentation will describe the role that ham radio
played at the marathon and how that role changed due to the bombing.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* Club Log has updated its DXCC Most Wanted list. The Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) -- North Korea (P5) -- still tops
the list, with Bouvet Island (3Y/B), Crozet Island (FT5/W),
Scarborough Reef (BS7H), and San Felix Islands (CE0X) rounding out
the top five entities.
* Radio Amateurs of Canada has established a new "Rookie" category
for both the RAC Canada Day and RAC Canada Winter contests. The
Canada Winter Contest will take place on December 19. A Rookie is
defined as a single operator first licensed less than 3 years
before the contest.
* In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Miller-DX-Club,
special event stations with call signs such as R2020DX, RA30DX,
RC30DX, RD30DX, RG30DX, RJ30DX, RK30DX, RL30DX, RQ30DX, RT30DX,
RU30DX, RV30DX, RW30DX, RX30DX, RY30DX, and RZ30DX will be active
November 16 - 29. QSL via the bureau or RQ7L.
* Author and filmmaker Don Keith, N4KC, has announced that his new
film, Colors of Character, will debut in selected theaters
nationwide on November 11. The film follows young African-American
artist Steve Skipper, who was frustrated at every turn. Keith also
wrote a biography of Skipper, titled Dream On: A Journey to
Deliverance.
* Raw scores for the recent CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB) have been
posted, Contest Director John Dorr, K1AR, has announced.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Meets in Multiple Virtual Sessions
The International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 (IARU-R2) Executive
Committee (EC) held its fourth meeting of the year via Zoom in three
parts, replacing an in-person meeting not possible due to the pandemic.
In the first session on October 21, Region 2 President Ramón Santoyo,
XE1KK, reviewed the year since the October 2019 Lima General Assembly,
highlighting the new initiatives Region 2 has undertaken. These
included the appointment of a youth liaison and the
introduction of workshops, as well as the work of the Band Planning
Committee to coordinate with Regions 1 and 3 on a number of issues,
especially the explosive growth in digital modes. Region 2 also took
part in a Future Committee, which will develop a strategy and plans for
"updating the IARU organization to be more effective in dealing with
the challenges of the rapidly evolving telecommunications ecosystem,"
an IARU Region 2 news release said. Secretary George Gorsline, VE3YV,
presented a proposed 2021 strategic plan for discussion.
Session 2 on October 24 was Coordinators Day. Each R2 coordinator was
invited to give a presentation on their function and recent activity.
With 12 coordinators, ranging from CITEL/ITU to beacon coordination,
the 4-hour session reviewed the breadth of amateur radio activities in
R2. The presentations will be posted on the IARU Region 2 website.
The third and final session on October 28 continued the discussion on
planning and budget for FY 2021. "The pandemic has created considerable
disruption this year, and how long that may continue is uncertain," an
EC news release said. "With these challenges are also opportunities
created by the rapid acceptance of virtual meetings for improved
outreach to broaden participation by member-societies and all amateurs
in the Americas. A special session to approve the finalized budget will
be scheduled later in the year."
In Brief...
The German town of Bad Bentheim is seeking nominations for the Golden
Antenna Award. For 50 years, the town has hosted
Deutsch-Niederländische Amateurfunker Tage (DNAT), or German-Dutch
Amateur Radio Days, during which the town stresses the importance of
amateur radio as a public service. Nominations (in PDF) are open until
April 1, 2021. A committee headed by the mayor of Bad Bentheim will
choose the winner. The recipient will be invited to Bad Bentheim to
receive the award, which will be presented on August 28, 2021. The
award recognizes an individual radio amateur or a group for outstanding
humanitarian performance. "In 2021, we would favor candidates who did
something special related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but other
candidates are welcome," said Jan G. Stadman, PA1TT/DJ5AN, who chairs
the DNAT. Send nominations to Stadt Bad Bentheim, P.O. Box 1452,
D-48445 Bad Bentheim, Germany, or submit via email.
IEEE Region 1 has selected Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, as the recipient of the
2020 IEEE Region 1 Technological Innovation (Industry or Government)
Award. The selection was made by the Region 1 Awards and Recognition
Committee and approved by the Region 1 Board of Governors. The award
recognizes "pioneering research and leadership in signal processing."
The Technological Innovation (Industry or Government) Award cites
"significant patents, discovery of new devices, development of
applications, or exemplary contributions to industry or government
fitting Dr. Rohde's accomplishments in our industry." A partner of
Rohde & Schwarz, Rohde has published more than 300 scientific papers
and written several books and book chapters. He holds several dozen
patents.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, November 13, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
November 12, 2020
* ARRL Petitions FCC for Reconsideration of Order Removing 3.4 GHz
Amateur Allocation
* Red Cross Fall Emergency Communication Drill Set for November 14
* Low-Band Titan John Devoldere, ON4UN, SK
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Low-Frequency Station SAQ Broadcasts UN Day Message of Unity in
Face of COVID-19
* "Black Swan" Exercise Offers Opportunity to Demonstrate IPAWS via
HF
* Announcements
* Australian Space Communications Station Will Feature Optical Data
Transfer
* In Brief...
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Petitions FCC for Reconsideration of Order Removing 3.4 GHz
Amateur Allocation
ARRL has petitioned the FCC to reconsider its order removing the
secondary amateur allocation at 3.3 - 3.5 GHz and requiring that
amateur operations in the 3.450 - 3.500 GHz band cease "on a date
consistent with the first possible grant of flexible use authorizations
to new users."
"The amateur services in this band long have been operated on a
secondary allocation status, functionally similar to the de facto
secondary status of Part 5 experimental licenses, whose continued
operation was (correctly) approved in the same proceeding," ARRL told
the FCC. "Continued operation of amateur stations similarly should be
permitted in the vacant portions of this spectrum that otherwise will
go unused."
ARRL said the public interest is in using the spectrum, not in leaving
it vacant waiting for some future application. "The Commission's
decision in this proceeding undermines its long-standing policy
objective to provide for and encourage more intensive use of spectrum,"
ARRL said.
"The Commission's decision to remove the amateur secondary allocation
throughout the 3300 - 3500 MHz band," ARRL said, "appears to be based
upon a mistaken conclusion that amateur secondary 'sharing' of this
spectrum is equivalent to the type of 'sharing' that occurs with
primary government and other primary commercial users, when in fact
amateur secondary operations are quite different in usage, scope, and
signal range."
ARRL outlined a number of ways radio amateurs use the band.
ARRL said that weak-signal point-to-point amateur communication often
applies new technologies, methodologies, and coding to improve the
communications capability of equipment. "Since the purpose of this type
of activity is to hear or decode weak signals, operators use every
possible means to avoid frequencies with other signals."
Amateurs also operate radio beacons to study propagation, contributing
to a better understanding of propagation in the 3.4 GHz range, ARRL
said. "Amateur beacons are fixed and low power, and therefore
relatively easy to engineer into the environment if other users
initiate operations, or to relocate or shut down if they cannot be
'engineered in.'"
ARRL's petition also cited moonbounce as another aspect of amateur
operation. "This field of activity has led to a chain of improvements
in antennas and equipment design in the 3.4 GHz spectrum," ARRL
asserted, and is extremely unlikely to interfere with terrestrial
services.
Amateur satellites could also use the 3.4 - 3.41 GHz band with minimal
likelihood to present interference concerns due to the signals' low
power and narrow antenna beamwidths. ditionally, uplinks employ
antennas that point skyward, further minimizing any possible area of
concern. "Other frequencies will not necessarily be available when
needed, and this limitation threatens to constrain future experiments
with space communications technologies as the number of amateur
satellite experiments increase in number and purpose," ARRL said.
The 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band also is used for digital high-speed data mesh
networks and for amateur TV repeaters. "Design of and work with mesh
networks has attracted an ongoing stream of computer-literate youth to
the amateur ranks," ARRL contended. "The networks themselves are
commonly employed for digital experimentation with a wide range of
technologies and services, with a bedrock purpose of emergency
readiness and availability during actual emergencies. ARRL noted that
the greater the number of available band choices, the more likely that
a suitable link could be engineered for a specific path.
ARRL said that these and other amateur experimental activities make
good use of the spectrum, "and should be permitted to continue on a
secondary basis unless and until a new primary licensee is ready to
operate in a geographic area where interference would result."
Red Cross Fall Emergency Communication Drill Set for November 14
The fall 2020 nationwide Red Cross Emergency Communication Drill will
take place on Saturday, November 14, in conjunction with ARRL Amateur
Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) groups. The focus of the exercise is
sending messages from local sites to a group of divisional clearing
houses to simulate and demonstrate amateur radio's capability to relay
information in emergencies and disasters. The drill will get under way
at 0900 until 1800 local time in each time zone. The scenario is a
major weather event that has caused outages and created hazardous
conditions across the country.
The drill will use Winlink as the primary method of delivering
pre-formatted messages. The goal is to encourage more operators to
become familiar with Winlink and its message templates -- primarily
ARC-213. This format permits sending standardized messages. The drill
aims to bring as many radio operators as possible up to a "basic" level
of Winlink proficiency.
A series of Winlink Workshops is held each Thursday at 0100 UTC on
Zoom. Join the SEC-ARES group for announcements and discussions.
Include name and call sign when registering.
Winlink proficiency goals have been drafted, a Winlink technical
support team has been formed, and metrics for drill success have been
developed. The proficiency goals are established as a training
guideline and reference online training resources. Many hams new to
Winlink may find these resources helpful.
Several hundred radio amateurs have already signed up for the event.
This event is open to all radio amateurs.
Low-Band Titan John Devoldere, ON4UN, SK
A giant in the field of low-frequency DXing and contesting, John
Devoldere, ON4UN/AA4OI, of Merelbeke, Belgium, died on November 9. An
ARRL Life member, he was 79 and had been in failing health. In addition
to his enthusiasm for operating, Devoldere may be best known as the
author of the popular book ON4UN's Low Band DXing,
published by ARRL, as well as other books, including Ethics and
Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur, which he co-authored with
Mark Demeuleneere, ON4WW. The book is hosted on the International
Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 website.
"Ham radio, and especially low-band DXing, were my father's lifelong
passions and always had a strong presence in our house," his daughter,
Marleen, said in announcing her father's passing. "Though I don't have
a call sign, I very much feel a part of the big radio family and always
will."
The Royal Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs (UBA) President Claude van
Pottelsberghe de la Potterie, ON7TK, said Devoldere was "a radio
amateur in heart and soul" who will always be remembered. "We are
grateful for his contribution to [amateur radio] and for his efforts
within the UBA," he said. He was a member of the HF Committee from 1983
to 2016. In 1994, he became Provincial President of East Flanders. Two
years later, he joined the national board of the UBA, and from 1998 to
2007 he became chairman and was at the basis of many reforms within the
UBA. Devoldere retired in 2016.
According to his QRZ.com profile, he became interested in radio at the
age of 11 and built his first single-tube transmitter the following
year. His uncle, ON4GV, got him interested in amateur radio. Devoldere
was licensed in 1961, at the age of 20. He built much of his station
gear and got into contesting, winning the UBA CW Contest in 1962. At
about the same time, he got interested in low-band operating. He worked
364 DXCC entities on 80 meters, lacking only North Korea.
Belgium didn't gain access to160 meters until 1987, and a few years
later he erected a full-size quarter-wave vertical for top band (160
meters). By 2018, he had 325 DXCC entities on 160 meters. He authored
the 80-Meter DX Handbook for Ham Radio magazine. ARRL approached him
about writing a book on low-band operating, and the first edition of
Low Band DXing came out in 1987, and updated editions followed.
He built a competitive multi-single contest station and operated in
some 80 international contests -- including the ARRL International DX,
the CQ World Wide DX, Stew Perry Topband Challenge, and others. The
walls in his ham shack hold more than 50 first-place contest plaques.
He was elected to the CQ Contest Hall of Fame in 1997 and the CQ DX
Hall of Fame in 2007. He received the Yasme Excellence Award in 2013.
Marleen Devoldere said she is planning a digital farewell ceremony on
Saturday, November 21. The family invites condolences via email.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 11) discusses how
to choose the right antenna for your station, considering several
aspects that go beyond cost and complexity.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 20) features an interview
with ARRL Emergency Preparedness Director Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW,
about the future of amateur radio technology in public service. Also: A
new power source that uses diamonds and nuclear waste.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network website (a members-only benefit) to
register for upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded
sessions. The schedule is subject to change.
Amateur Radio's Role at the Boston Marathon Bombing: Steve Schwarm,
W3EVE
Amateur radio has played a significant role in public service
communications for the Boston Marathon for several decades. That role
was put to the test in 2013 when two bombs were exploded near the
finish line. This presentation will describe the role that ham radio
played at the marathon and how that role changed due to the bombing.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-Frequency Station SAQ Broadcasts UN Day Message of Unity in Face of
COVID-19
On United Nations Day, October 24, the Alexanderson alternator station
SAQ in Sweden transmitted a message on 17.2 kHz urging unity in the
face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The message transcript follows.
"CQ CQ CQ DE SAQ SAQ SAQ This is Grimeton Radio/SAQ in a transmission
using the Alexanderson 200 kW alternator on 17.2 kHz. The global
COVID-19 pandemic challenges people and nations to unite to minimize
the negative consequences for individuals and societies, and to uphold
the advancements in public health made in recent decades. Good health
and wellbeing is a prerequisite for a peaceful and sustainable global
development, and health equity cannot be achieved without peace and
human security."
The message was signed by Anders Tegnell, chief epidemiologist of
Sweden's Public Health Agency. SAQ notes that QSL information is on the
Alexanderson alternator website.
SAQ received some 400 listener reports from all over the world, with
just 20 reporting they were unable to copy the message.
"As usual, we have received very many reports from north, central, and
eastern Europe," the SAQ report said. "We also have received reports
from the US and some from Russia and Japan. The farthest reports comes
from Tasmania, south of Melbourne, approximately 16,000 kilometers
(9,942 miles) from Grimeton, Sweden."
The entire transmission event was also broadcast on the SAQ YouTube
channel, with some technical problems experienced.
Following the United Nations Day transmission, singer Anna Louise Ekman
performed a concert in the transmitter hall with songs in Swedish and
Italian. She was accompanied by her pianist, Oscar Johansson, and her
sister, violinist Åsa Grimberg.
"Black Swan" Exercise Offers Opportunity to Demonstrate IPAWS via HF
The SHARES HF program recently brought the FEMA Integrated Public Alert
& Warning System (IPAWS) and the Winlink HF email development team
together to demonstrate that an IPAWS message could be delivered by HF
in the event of an internet outage. IPAWS is FEMA's nationwide local
alert system that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving
information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless
Emergency Alerts, to radio and television via the Emergency Alert
System, and on NOAA Weather Radio. The recent Ohio Military Reserve
"Black Swan" exercise provided the opportunity to demonstrate the
ability to deliver an IPAWS message via HF.
Ideally, a SHARES Winlink station would be at the location where the
IPAWS message originated. Because this wasn't possible within the time
and budget constraints, the internet was used to get IPAWS messages
from the point of origination to the SHARES HQ program office in
Arlington, Virginia, where custom software written by Winlink
Development Team Chief Programmer Phil Sherrod, W4PHS, detected the
IPAWS message, and forwarded it by Winlink HF email to exercise
participants in Ohio.
The messages were relayed automatically from FEMA through the SHARES
Winlink Hybrid HF Radio Email Network, with no human intervention. Due
to COVID-19 restrictions, no station personnel were present in the HQ
SHARES radio station building. Messages were then retrieved by SHARES
operators over SHARES Winlink, and the messages handed off to radio
amateurs, who manually relayed them to county and city emergency
management agencies. Involved were the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES^(R)), the ARRL National Traffic System (NTS), and
amateurs involved through the government's AUXCOMM program.
Exercise messages were sent each day at various times to demonstrate
that the Winlink system gets the message through under varying radio
conditions. The project was coordinated by Scott Johnson of Sawdey
Solutions, a FEMA contractor, and Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, the SHARES HF
Radio Program Manager, of the Cybersecurity and Information Security
Agency (CISA) of DHS.
The SHARES Hybrid Winlink Radio Email Network is provided to the
federal government at no cost by the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation,
Inc. -- Thanks to Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, SHARES HF Radio Program Manager
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The FCC will hold an Open Meeting on Wednesday, November 18, at
10:30 AM EST (1530 UTC). Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and
related agency telework and headquarters access policies, this
meeting will be in a wholly electronic format and will be open to
the public on the internet via live feed from the FCC website and
on the FCC's YouTube channel.
* The Israel Amateur Radio Club has announced that special call signs
will be on the air during the week of Chanukah, December 10 - 19.
Their one-letter suffixes spell "Chanukah" -- 4X1C, 4X2H, 4Z3A,
4X4N, 4X5U, 4X6K, 4Z7A, 4X8H, and 4X0NER ("ner" means "candle" in
Hebrew). The call sign number represents the number of the candle
lit that day, with one added to the menorah each day.
* David Vowell, N3NTV, has announced the Santa Watch Net on Christmas
Eve, December 24, hosted by the DoDropIn Echolink node 355800,
getting under way at 1800 UTC.
* The Radio Club of America will celebrate the 100th anniversary of
KDKA on November 17 at 9 PM EST, by hosting a conversation with the
station's program manager, Jim Graci. RCA President Emeritus Tim
Duffy, K3LR, and Graci will take a walk down memory lane. The event
is free, but advance registration is required.
* "Pre-pre Frequency Measuring Test" (ppFMT) practice sessions are
held on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 30 and 40 meters. Schedule and
frequency information is on the FMT-nuts page on Groups.io. The FMT
takes place on November 13.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian Space Communications Station Will Feature Optical Data
Transfer
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is set to install an optical
communications station capable of receiving high-speed data
transmissions from space. The communications station will be able to
receive data from spacecraft from anywhere between low-Earth orbit
(between 100 miles and 620 miles above Earth's surface) to as far away
as the surface of the moon -- some 240,000 miles away.
Astrophotonics Group Leader Dr. Sascha Schediwy at UWA and the
International Centre for Radio Astronomy (ICRAR) said optical
Optical telescope at the University
of Western Australia.
communications are an emerging alternative to radio waves and are
expected to drastically improve data transfer capabilities from space.
"Most current space communications rely on radio waves -- it's the same
technology that brought us the voice of Neil Armstrong when the Apollo
11 mission landed on the moon in 1969," Schediwy said. "Free-space
optical laser communications has several advantages over radio,
including significantly faster data rates and hack-proof data transfer.
It's the next generation of space communications, and it's likely to be
how we'll see high-definition footage of the first woman to walk on the
moon."
The $535,000 ground station will use a 0.7-meter observatory-grade
optical telescope donated to ICRAR, which will be fitted with
atmospheric noise suppression technology developed at the university.
The Western Australian ground station will be a joint venture between
the UWA Astrophotonics Group, the ARC Centre of Excellence for
Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), and UK industry partner Goonhilly
Earth Station, which handles data traffic and supports secure
communications links for major satellite operators including Intelsat,
Eutelsat, and SES Satellites.
Data from the station will be fed to Goonhilly's supercomputer data
center in Cornwall, England by high-speed fiber. It will form part of a
larger Australasian network of optical stations, led by the Australian
National University and supported by partners in South Australia and
New Zealand.
EQUS Director Andrew White said the Western Australian ground station
could be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and have
additional applications in research in different fields.
Goonhilly Chief Executive Ian Jones said the initiative is driving
satellite communications into the next generations of systems and
technologies needed to support the "enormous" data volumes produced by
space missions. "This data arises from science and other missions and,
in the future, will come from lunar and Mars missions that involve
remote operations, robotics, and AI," Jones said. The ground station is
expected to be operational from early 2021 and open for business later
that year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, of Fremont, California, has assumed the office
of ARRL Pacific Division Director following the recent vacancy in the
office. She will serve as Director for the remainder of the current
term, which expires on December 31, 2022. McIntyre was appointed as the
Division's Vice Director in 2018, and was unopposed as a candidate for
the position in 2019. She has served as ARRL Technical Coordinator for
the East Bay Section. First licensed in the late 1970s while a student
at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she let her license expire,
later re-licensing and obtaining her Amateur Extra-class license.
McIntyre also is licensed in Japan, her second home, as JI1IZZ. She is
president of the Palo Alto Amateur Radio Club and is a senior software
engineer at Apple.
A new IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinator has been appointed. The
International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 (IARU-R2) Executive
Committee has named Carlos A. Santamaria, CO2JC, as the new Region 2
Emergency Coordinator (EMCOR). He succeeds Cesar Pio Santos, HR2P, who
retired after 12 years of service. Santamaria has extensive experience
serving as Federacion de Radioaficionados de Cuba (FRC) National
Emergency Network Coordinator. He oversaw the network's activities
during hurricanes and earthquakes, maintaining contact with emergency
coordinators in other Caribbean countries to protect emergency
frequencies. He also advises the Cuban headquarters of the United
Nations Organization on emergency communications during disasters. The
IARU Region 2 Executive Committee credited Santos' success in dealing
with emergency committees and telecom authorities. The EC called him "a
key player" in ensuring that Central America benefited from an ITU
pilot plan for an operational Winlink system in the region, including
the provision of equipment, installation, and training. The EC also
credited Santos with presenting emergency communications workshops.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: The last time we experienced a day
with no sunspots was October 13. Prior to that, we had no sunspots on
September 26 - October 8, September 24, and August 21 - September 22.
Cycle 25 is clearly under way and going strong.
Average daily sunspot number over the November 5 - 11 reporting week
was 31.3, up from 21.3 over the previous 7 days. Average daily solar
flux increased from 81.6 to 90.
Geomagnetic indicators were very quiet, with average daily planetary A
index dropping from 6.3 to 4.4, and middle latitude A index (based on
readings from a single magnetometer on Wallops Island, Virginia) from
4.9 to 2.7.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 88 on November 12 - 14; 86
on November 15; 84 on November 16 - 19; 78 on November 20 - 25; 80 and
82 on November 26 - 27; 86 on November 28 - December 5; 90, 88, 86, and
84 on December 6 - 9; 82 on December 10 - 11; 80 on December 12; 78 on
December 13 - 22; 80 and 82 on December 23 - 24, and 86 on December 25
- 26.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on November 12 - 19; 15, 12, and 15 on
November 20 - 22; 8, 10, and 12 on November 23 - 25; 5 on November 26 -
December 2; 8 on December 3 - 4; 5 on December 5 - 8; 8 and 10 on
December 9 - 10; 5 on December 11 - 13; 10, 5, and 10 on December 14 -
16; 15, 12, and 15 on December 17 - 19; 8, 10, and 12 on December 20 -
22, and 5, 5, 8, and 5 on December 23 - 26.
An article in EarthSky discusses the recent increase in solar activity.
Sunspot numbers for November 5 - 11 were 28, 35, 37, 40, 27, 27, and
25, with a mean of 31.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 90.7, 93.8, 90.6,
90, 90, 86.8, and 88.1, with a mean of 90. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 8, 7, 5, 1, 2, and 4, with a mean of 4.4. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 7, 4, 3, 0, 0, and 2, with a mean of 2.7.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* November 14 - 15 --Worked All Europe (WAE) DX Contest, RTTY
* November 14 - 15 -- 10-10 International Fall Contest (Digital)
* November 14 - 15 -- JIDX Phone Contest
* November 14 - 15 -- SARL VHF/UHF Analog Contest (CW, phone)
* November 14 - 15 -- OK/OM DX Contest, CW
* November 14 - 16 -- PODXS 070 Club Triple Play Low Band Sprint
(Digital)
* November 14 - 16 -- CQ-WE Contest (CW, phone)
* November 15 -- Homebrew and Oldtime Equipment Party (CW)
* November 15 - 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* November 16 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW -- maximum 20 WPM)
* November 16 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* November 17 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* November 19 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* November 21 - 23 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (Phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, November 20, 2020 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
November 19, 2020
* ARRL Seeks Waiver of Proposed FCC Amateur Application Fees
* Arizona Congresswoman Introduces National Amateur Radio Operators
Day Resolution
* International Broadcast Station Interference Overwhelms Hurricane
Watch Net
* Academic Paper Predicts Sunspot Cycle 25 Could be Among the
Strongest Ever
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* SpaceX Dragon Capsule Resilience Ferries Four Radio Amateurs to the
ISS
* SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020 justs for COVID-19
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* Time to Try for an SS "Clean Sweep" on Phone
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The ARRL Letter will not be published on November 26 because of
the Thanksgiving holiday, and ARRL Audio News will be on hiatus. The
ARRL Letter will return on December 3, and ARRL Audio News on December
4. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Seeks Waiver of Proposed FCC Amateur Application Fees
ARRL has urged the FCC to waive its proposed $50 amateur radio
application fee. The Commission proposal was made last month in a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD 20-270. The proposal has
already drawn more than 3,200 individual comments overwhelmingly
opposed to the plan. The fees, directed by Congress and imposed on all
FCC-regulated services, are to recover the FCC's costs of handling and
processing applications.
"Amateur radio applications were not listed when the Congress adopted
its 1985 fee schedule for applications, and therefore amateur license
applications were excluded from the collection of fees," ARRL said on
November 16 in its formal comments on the proposal. "Similarly, a
decade later when regulatory fees were authorized, the Amateur Service
was excluded, except for the costs associated with issuing vanity call
signs." The new statutory provisions are similar. Amateur radio license
applications are not addressed in the application fees section and
explicitly excluded from regulatory fees," ARRL said, and there is "no
evidence of any intent by Congress to change the exempt status of
amateur applications and instead subject them to new fees."
ARRL argued that the FCC has explicit authority to waive the fees if it
would be in the public interest, and should do so for the Amateur Radio
Service. Unlike other FCC services, the Amateur Radio Service is all
volunteer and largely self-governing, with examination preparation,
administration, and grading handled by volunteers, who submit licensing
paperwork to the FCC, ARRL pointed out.
"Increasingly, the required information is uploaded to the Commission's
database, further freeing personnel from licensing paperwork as well as
[from] day-to-day examination processes," ARRL said.
The Communications Act, ARRL noted, also permits the FCC to accept the
volunteer services of individual radio amateurs and organizations in
monitoring for rules violations. In 2019, ARRL and the FCC signed a
memorandum of understanding to renew and enhance the ARRL's Volunteer
Monitor program, relieving the Commission of significant time-consuming
aspects of enforcement.
These volunteer services lessen the regulatory burden -- including the
application burden -- on the Commission's resources and budget in ways
that licensees in other services do not, ARRL said.
Amateur radio's role in providing emergency and disaster communication,
education, and other volunteer services also justifies exempting radio
amateurs from FCC application fees.
ditionally, amateur radio has also motivated many students to develop
critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
skills. ARRL noted that the Amateur Radio Service contributes to the
advancement of the radio art, advances skills in communication and
technology, and expands the existing reservoir of trained operators,
technicians, and electronics experts -- all expressed bases and
purposes of the Amateur Radio Service.
"Accomplishing these purposes entails working with young people, many
of whom may have difficulty paying the proposed application fees," ARRL
said.
ARRL concluded that the FCC should exercise its authority to exempt
amateur radio from application fees generally. If the FCC cannot see
its way clear to waive fees altogether, it should waive them for
applicants age 26 and younger. Read more.
Arizona Congresswoman Introduces National Amateur Radio Operators Day
Resolution
US Representative Debbie Lesko of Arizona has introduced a resolution
to designate April 18, 2021, as National Amateur Radio Operators Day,
to recognize the important contributions of amateur radio operators.
"Amateur radio operators are critical in times of crisis and our
communities are safer thanks to their dedication to sharing important
information with the public," Lesko said. She was approached to
introduce the resolution by 12-year-old Raymond, N7KCB, from Peoria,
Arizona.
"I started Long Distance Responders so I can help prepare the community
for emergencies with amateur radio," said Raymond. "There might be a
price for a radio, but the ability and knowledge to help someone is
truly priceless."
As Lesko's resolution notes, World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) is
celebrated annually on April 18 to commemorate the founding of the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) in 1925, and she said her
resolution recognizes the amateur radio community with a national day
in the United States in 2021. The resolution cites the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES^A(R)) for providing "invaluable emergency
communications services following recent natural disasters, including
but not limited to helping coordinate disaster relief efforts following
Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, and Maria and other extreme weather
disasters."
International Broadcast Station Interference Overwhelms Hurricane Watch
Net
As Category 4 Hurricane Iota neared landfall in Central America on
November 16, the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) was forced to suspend
operations at 0300 UTC because of what HWN Manager Bobby Graves,
KB5HAV, described as "deafening interference from a foreign AM
broadcast station that came out of nowhere at 0200 UTC." At the time,
the net had shifted to its 40-meter frequency of 7.268 kHz, collecting
real-time weather and damage reports via amateur radio.
"This was heartbreaking for our team, as the eyewall of Iota was just
barely offshore," Graves said. "The storm had weakened slightly to a
Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 MPH." After activating
at 1300 UTC, the net was able to collect and forward reports from
various parts of Nicaragua and Honduras via WX4NHC throughout the day
for relay to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Iota was the most powerful storm on record to make landfall this late
in the hurricane season.
Graves said the very strong AM signal was on 7.265 MHz. "From my
location, it was S-9," he told ARRL. "You could not hear anything but
the BC station." Graves noted that other foreign broadcast stations
were heard from 7.265 to 7.300 MHz and splattering close by.
The offending signal appeared to be from a 500 kW broadcaster in
Turkey. Graves said the HWN has a long history on 7.268 MHz, but that
the net is now considering a 40-meter frequency below 7.2 MHz.
Stations handling emergency traffic during the response to Category 5
Hurricane Iota had requested clear frequencies on November 16 to avoid
interfering with the HWN and with WX4NHC, as well as with a Honduran
emergency net operation on 7.180 MHz and a Nicaraguan emergency net
operating on 7.098 MHz. It's not known if those nets were also affected
by interference from the numerous broadcasters on 40 meters.
"Thank you to all who allowed us a clear frequency," Graves said on
behalf of the HWN.
Academic Paper Predicts Sunspot Cycle 25 Could be Among the Strongest
Ever
A research paper, "Overlapping Magnetic Activity Cycles and the Sunspot
Number: Forecasting Sunspot Cycle 25 Amplitude," by Scott W. McIntosh,
Deputy Director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in
Boulder, et al., has concluded that Solar Cycle 25 could be among the
strongest sunspot cycles ever observed, and will almost certainly be
stronger than the just-ended Solar Cycle 24 (sunspot number of 116).
The scientists say it will also most likely be stronger than Solar
Cycle 23 (sunspot number of 180). As the abstract explains:
Sunspot cycle graph dating to 1700.
[SILSO Graphic]
"The sun exhibits a well-observed modulation in the number of spots on
its disk over a period of about 11 years. From the dawn of modern
observational astronomy, sunspots have presented a challenge to
understanding -- their quasi-periodic variation in number, first noted
175 years ago, stimulates community-wide interest to this day. A large
number of techniques are able to explain the temporal landmarks,
(geometric) shape, and amplitude of sunspot 'cycles;' however,
forecasting these features accurately in advance remains elusive.
"Recent observationally motivated studies have illustrated a
relationship between the sun's 22-year magnetic cycle and the
production of the sunspot cycle landmarks and patterns, but not the
amplitude of the sunspot cycle. Using (discrete) Hilbert transforms on
more than 270 years of (monthly) sunspot numbers, we robustly identify
the so-called 'termination' events that mark the end of the previous
11-year sunspot cycle, the enhancement/acceleration of the present
cycle, and the end of 22-year magnetic activity cycles. Using these, we
extract a relationship between the temporal spacing of terminators and
the magnitude of sunspot cycles.
"Given this relationship and our prediction of a terminator event in
2020, we deduce that Sunspot Cycle 25 could have a magnitude that
rivals the top few since records began. This outcome would be in stark
contrast to the community consensus estimate of Sunspot Cycle 25
magnitude."
McIntosh's recorded presentation of the paper is available. Use
passcode z7qCn@3G.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 11) discusses how
to choose the right antenna for your station, considering several
aspects that go beyond cost and complexity.
The latest episode of Eclectic Tech (Episode 21) features a discussion
about undersea homes for data servers, and a chat with Nigel Vander
Houwen, K7NVH, about HamWAN networks.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SpaceX Dragon Capsule Resilience Ferries Four Radio Amateurs to the ISS
A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying four radio amateurs autonomously
docked on November 17 at 0401 UTC with the International Space Station
(ISS). A SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher carrying the precious payload went
into space on Sunday, November 15, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
They comprise the ISS Expedition 64/65 crew.
"Well, the ISS is loaded with hams now," Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS) US Delegate for ARRL Rosalie White,
K1STO, said on Tuesday. "These four arrived very early this
From left to right: Shannon Walker,
KD5DXB; Victor Glover, KI5BKC; Mike
Hopkins, KF5LJG, and Soichi Noguchi,
KD5TVP.
morning Eastern Time: NASA astronauts Victor Glover, KI5BKC; Mike
Hopkins, KF5LJG, and Shannon Walker, KD5DXB, as well as Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP." This marks
Glover's first time in space. The others all are ISS veterans.
Earlier this year, NASA ISS Ham Project Coordinator Kenneth Ransom,
N5VHO, held amateur radio licensing study sessions for Glover, who
passed the Technician-class exam on August 20.
The four will remain on station until next spring. They joined
Expedition 64 Commander Sergey Ryzhikov and Flight Engineer Sergey
Kud-Sverchkov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, on the ISS.
White said all but Noguchi likely will take part in ARISS contacts with
schools. White said the first school contact is tentatively scheduled
for
Three members of the Expedition
64/65 crew on board Resilience.
December 4 with Tecumseh High School in Oklahoma, home of the Tecumseh
High School Amateur Radio Club, K5THS. She said the students have
earned their ham licenses, and the club has built an antenna and is
learning about satellites and circuits. Members of the South Canadian
Amateur Radio Society of Norman, Oklahoma, are providing support and
mentoring assistance.
The Sunday launch from Kennedy Space Center marked only the second
crewed-flight for the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which became the first
commercial vehicle to put humans into orbit when astronauts Doug Hurley
and Bob Behnken, KE5GGX, launched in May, and NASA gave SpaceX the go
for future such launches.
"The return of human spaceflight to the United States with one of the
safest, most advanced systems ever built is a turning point for
America's future space exploration," SpaceX claimed, "and it lays the
groundwork for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond."
SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020 justs for COVID-19
Since 1999, the annual SKYWARN^â*¢ Recognition Day (SRD) has celebrated
the long relationship between the amateur community and the National
Weather Service (NWS). SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020 will take place
from 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC on December 5. Amateur radio operators
comprise a large percentage of SKYWARN volunteers across the country.
The purpose of the event is to recognize amateurs for the vital public
service they perform during times of severe weather and to strengthen
the bond between radio amateurs and local NWS offices. The event is
cosponsored by ARRL and the NWS.
Normally, each year, radio amateurs participate from home stations and
from stations at NWS forecast offices with the goal of making contact
with as many offices as possible. This year, due to COVID-19
restrictions, participation from NWS forecast offices is expected to be
minimal, so the focus will shift this year to contacting as many
trained SKYWARN spotters as possible.
During the event, operators are encouraged to exchange their name, home
station, SRD number, and current weather conditions with other
participating stations. The event website provides complete operating
guidelines.
Radio amateurs may sign up for a SKYWARN Recognition Day number by
completing a participant sign-up form. A SKYWARN Recognition Day
Facebook page has been created and will host a variety of live and
recorded segments throughout the day.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network website (a members-only benefit) to
register for upcoming sessions and to view previously recorded
sessions. The schedule is subject to change.
Amateur Radio's Role at the Boston Marathon Bombing: Steve Schwarm,
W3EVE
Amateur radio has played a significant role in public service
communications for the Boston Marathon for several decades. That role
was put to the test in 2013 when two bombs were exploded near the
finish line. This presentation will describe the role that ham radio
played at the Marathon and how that role changed due to the bombing.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* ARISS has posted a special anniversary message and a video
celebrating its 20th anniversary on the ARISS website.
* Open Research Institute (ORI) has announced that it will formally
sponsor M17, an open-source digital radio protocol, code, voice
codec, and hardware project. The designs and technology are highly
useful for digital radio uplinks for a wide variety of amateur
satellite projects.
* The FCC has announced that funding through the Connect USVI Fund
Stage 2 Competitive Process will bring 1 Gbps fixed broadband
service to all locations in the US Virgin Islands. All of Puerto
Rico will now have access to fixed voice and broadband service with
speeds of at least 100 Mbps as a result of Stage 2 of Uniendo a
Puerto Rico Fund, with nearly one-third of locations to have access
to fixed broadband at speeds of at least 1 Gbps.
* [IMG]HamSCI is looking for radio amateurs around the world to help
collect propagation data during the December 14 eclipse. Data
collection requires an HF radio connected to a computer.
Twenty-four-hour practice runs will be on November 21 and December
5. The data recording will run from December 9 until December 16.
Details of the HamSCI 2020 Eclipse Festival of Frequency
Measurement are on the HamSCI website. Those interested may sign up
online, or contact Kristina Collins, KD8OXT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Time to Try for an SS "Clean Sweep" on Phone
The ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) phone weekend is upon us, and this
year, participants will have to search out an additional Section. The
SSB event is from November 20 - 22 (UTC), getting under way at 2100 UTC
on Saturday and continuing through 0259 UTC on Monday. Stations may
operate 24 of the available 30 hours. The SS Operating Guide package,
available for download, includes all rules and examples of log
formatting. The deadline to submit SS phone entries is November 29.
The number of ARRL and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) sections rose to
84 earlier this year with the addition of Prince Edward Island (PE) as
a separate entity. The objective of SS -- or "sweeps" -- is to work as
many stations in as many of the 84 sections as possible within 24 hours
of operating. The number of sections worked is a score multiplier, and
working all of them is a "clean sweep."
The SS contest exchange has deep roots in message-handling protocol and
replicates a radiogram preamble. In SS, stations exchange:
* A consecutive Serial Number. Operators do not have to add zeros
ahead of numbers less than 100.
* Operating category (Precedence) -- Q for Single Op, QRP; A for
Single Op, Low Power (up to 150 W output); B for Single Op, High
Power (greater than 150 W output); U for Single Op, Unlimited,
regardless of power; M for Multioperator, regardless of power, and
S for School Club.
* Your call sign.
* Check -- the last two digits of the year of first license for
either operator or station.
* Section -- ARRL/RAC Section.
Direct questions to the ARRL Contest Program.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity declined dramatically
over the past week, with average daily sunspot numbers going from 31.3
to 12. On November 15 and 16, no sunspots appeared, greatly affecting
the decline in this week's average. Solar flux weakened from a weekly
average last week of 90, to 79.8 this week.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is also relatively weak, at
75 on November 19 - 21; 73 on November 22; 70 on November 23 - 26; 72
on November 27; 75 on November 28 - December 8; 72 on December 9 - 10;
70 on December 11 - 12; 75, 72, and 72 on December 13 - 15; 70 on
December 16 - 22; 72 on December 23 - 24, and 75 on December 25 -
January 2, 2021.
Predicted planetary A index is 5, 8, 12, and 8 on November 19 - 22; 5
on November 23 - December 2; 8 on December 3 - 4; 5 on December 5 - 17;
8, 12, 8, 10, and 12 on December 18 - 22; 5 on December 23 - 29; 8 on
December 30 - 31, and 5 on January 1 - 2, 2021.
Sunspot numbers for November 12 - 18 were 27, 24, 11, 0, 0, 11, and 11,
with a mean of 12. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 85.1, 81.9, 80.2, 78.7,
76.6, 79.1, and 77.3, with a mean of 79.8. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, and 4, with a mean of 3.1. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 2, 2, 2, 0, 3, and 3, with a mean of 2.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
A new "Multi-Transmitter Distributed" category is being added to the CQ
World Wide WPX contests. The change is to better accommodate operators
who wish to compete as a team without all operators being in the same
physical location. According to CQ WPX Contest Directors Bud Trench,
AA3B, and Ed Muns, W0YK, the new category will permit up to six
separate stations in different locations (but all within the same DX
entity and CQ zone) to operate as a single contest entry. This was
inspired by innovations being made in response to the coronavirus
pandemic, but the new category will be permanent. In addition,
contact-alerting assistance will now be permitted in all
single-operator categories except for the Classic categories, which
must be unassisted. Classic overlay stations will now have a maximum
operating time in each contest of 24 hours, rather than 36 hours. The
rule changes take effect with the 2021 running of the WPX contests:
RTTY on February 13 - 14; SSB on March 27 - 28, and CW on May 29 - 30.
Colorado ARES Group Thanked for Wildfire Support Boulder County,
Colorado, Director of the Office of Emergency Management Mike Chard
thanked Boulder County ARES (BCARES) for its contributions in support
of the recent wildfire emergency response. Chard told BCARES Emergency
Coordinator Allen Bishop, K0ARK, that with the fire's lack of expansion
and the fact that the snow has significantly lowered the fire danger,
he feels BCARES can take a breath for the foreseeable future. As
temperatures begin to return to normal and with the possibility of
winds increasing, however, the danger has not gone away, and the need
for BCARES services may return at any time. -- Thanks to Boulder
Amateur Television Club TV Repeater's Repeater
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* November 20 -- YO International PSK31 Contest
* November 21 -- All Austrian 160-Meter Contest (CW)
* November 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* November 21 -- RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest (CW)
* November 21 - 22 -- REF 160-Meter Contest (CW)
* November 21 - 22 -- LZ DX Contest (CW, phone)
* November 21 - 23 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (SSB)
* November 23 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW Max 20 WPM)
* November 24 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* November 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* November 25 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
* November 26 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
* November 29 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* November 28 - 29 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest (CW)
* November 30 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW Max 20 WPM)
* December 1 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
* December 2 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* December 3 -- QRP ARCI Topband Sprint (CW)
* December 3 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* December 3 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
* December 4 - 6 -- ARRL 160-Meter Contest (CW)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, December 04, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
December 3, 2020
* ARRL Announces Director, Vice Director, Section Manager Election
Results
* ARRL Asks FCC to Allow 3.4-GHz Operation until Spectrum is Occupied
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* December is YOTA Month
* Arecibo Observatory Suffers a Fatal Blow as Instrument Platform
Falls
* Announcements
* FCC to Require Email dresses on Applications
* WX1AW and WX4NHC will be On the Air for SKYWARN Recognition Day
2020
* Yasme Foundation Announces Excellence Awards
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Announces Director, Vice Director, Section Manager Election
Results
The ARRL Dakota Division will have a new Director, and the Great Lakes
and Midwest Divisions will have new Vice Directors on January 1. The
results of four contested elections for Director and Vice Director in
three ARRL Divisions were announced on November 20, after ballots were
tallied at ARRL Headquarters.
In the Dakota Division, incumbent Matt Holden, K0BBC, lost his re-
Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, of the ARRL
Headquarters staff was among those
helping to count ballots on November
20. [Eric Casey, KC2ERC, photo]
election bid to challenger Vernon "Bill" Lippert, AC0W. The vote was
982 to 485. Holden had served as Director since 2018.
In the Great Lakes Division, incumbent Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK,
retained his seat in a challenge from Michael Kalter, W8CI. The vote
was 1,840 to 1,398. In a three-way contest for Great Lakes Division
Vice Director, Ohio Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY, received 1,670
votes to outpoll Jim Hessler, K8JH, with 975 votes, and Frank Piper,
KI8GW, who received 611 votes. Incumbent Vice Director Tom Delaney,
W8WTD, did not run for another term.
In the Midwest Division, Dave Propper, K2DP, will become the new Vice
Director in January. He received 1,164 votes to 623 votes for
challenger Lloyd Colston, KC5FM.
Declared Elected without Opposition
In the Atlantic Division, Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, who has held
the seat since 2015, and Vice Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF, elected to a
3-year term (2015 - 2018) and then appointed in 2019 to fill a vacancy
when the incumbent stepped down.
* In the Dakota Division, Vice Director Lynn Nelson, W0ND, in office
since 2018.
* In the Delta Division, Director David Norris, K5UZ, who's served
since 2012, and Vice Director Ed Hudgens, WB4RHQ, appointed in
2013.
* In the Midwest Division, current Vice Director Art Zygielbaum,
K0AIZ, will become the new Director in January. He was unopposed to
succeed incumbent Rod Blocksome, K0DAS, who is stepping down.
Zygielbaum has been Vice Director since 2014.
All newly elected officials take office at noon on January 1, 2021.
New York City-Long Island Section Manager Re-Elected
New York City-Long Island Section Manager Jim Mezey, W2KFV, has been
re-elected in the fall election cycle. Mezey, of Carle Place, received
527 votes to 136 for challenger Donnie Katzovicz, W2BRU. The race for
NYC-LI SM was the only contested election. Mezey begins a new 2-year
term of office on January 1, 2021. He has served as New York City-Long
Island Section Manager since 2013.
In the West Central Florida (WCF) Section, Michael Douglas, W4MDD, of
Wauchula, Florida, will become Section Manager starting on January 1,
2021. He was the only nominee for the post. Douglas is currently
Affiliated Club Coordinator, a Technical Specialist, and an Official
Emergency Station. Incumbent WCF Section Manager Darrell Davis, KT4WX,
did not run for a new term after serving for the past 6 years.
These incumbent Section Managers were the only candidates for
re-election and will begin new terms of office on January 1: Tom Walsh,
K1TW (Eastern Massachusetts); Cecil Higgins, AC0HA (Missouri); Matt
Anderson, KA0BOJ (Nebraska); Thomas Dick, KF2GC (Northern New York);
Marc Tarplee, N4UFP (South Carolina); Tom Preiser, N2XW (Southern New
Jersey), and Joe Shupienis, W3BC (Western Pennsylvania).
ARRL Asks FCC to Allow 3.4-GHz Operation until Spectrum is Occupied
In comments to the FCC, ARRL has argued that radio amateurs be allowed
to continue shared operation in the 3.4 GHz band until 5G licensees who
purchase the spectrum when the FCC puts it up for auction initiate
incompatible operations. In its Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(FNPRM) in WT Docket 19-348, the FCC had proposed to sunset the band
for amateur radio in two phases, governed by when new licenses are
issued rather than when the new licensees begin to use the spectrum. In
the FNPRM, the FCC solicited comments on whether alternatives exist to
its proposal.
"Amateur activities further the public interest and should be permitted
to continue on a secondary basis unless and until a new primary
licensee is ready to occupy the spectrum in a preclusive manner," ARRL
told the FCC. "At a minimum, amateur operations should be permitted to
continue indefinitely in the 3.3 - 3.45 GHz spectrum, where no new
flexible licenses are under immediate consideration. The Commission
could consider whether a registration or other mechanism similar to
that found in Section 97.303(g) would facilitate avoiding
interference." Section 97.303(g) contains specific frequency-sharing
requirements for the 2200- and 630-meter amateur bands.
"Amateurs often select the 3.4-GHz spectrum precisely because other
spectrum choices are sub-optimum or simply not available. Amateurs also
are only secondary users on most of the other spectrum suitable for
similar purposes," ARRL said. "Links must be carefully engineered
because of that secondary status, which applies to most of the 2.4- and
all of the 5.8-GHz bands available to amateurs. ARRL emphasized the
importance of allowing amateurs to continue to use the 3.4 - 3.45 GHz
portion in particular.
ARRL pointed out that in many geographic areas it could be years before
the 3 GHz spectrum is actually put into use by commercial users, and
argued that amateur radio should be allowed to continue to operations
on a secondary, non-interference basis as it has done for decades with
federal primary users, until new uses actually begin, rather than when
licenses are issued. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network web page to register for upcoming
sessions and to view previously recorded session. The schedule is
subject to change.
Amateur Radio's Role at the Boston Marathon Bombing: Steve Schwarm,
W3EVE
Amateur radio has played a significant role in public service
communications for the Boston Marathon for several decades. That role
was put to the test in 2013 when two bombs were exploded near the
finish line. This presentation will describe the role that ham radio
played at the Marathon and how that role changed due to the bombing.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code or "CW" is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
QSLing in an Online World: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Learn all about the changing methods of QSLing in Amateur Radio,
including traditional paper QSL cards, and electronic QSLing, such as
Logbook of The World and eQSL.
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
December is YOTA Month
The month of December has been designated as YOTA month. The annual
initiative sponsored by Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) initially focused
on International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 (Europe, the
Mideast, and Africa), with young radio amateurs taking to the air with
YOTA-suffix call signs.
YOTA (Youth on the Air) in Region 2 (the Americas) is following step,
and K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A will be on the air from the US. The
overarching idea is to demonstrate amateur radio to youth to encourage
them to get licensed and for younger radio amateurs to get active.
YOTA-suffix stations have been on the air from the annual summer camp
and other subregional camps in Region 1, but the COVID-19 pandemic
sidelined those gatherings in 2020. All radio amateurs can support this
effort by contacting participating stations. An awards program is
available.
During YOTA month 2019, 47 participating YOTA stations racked up nearly
130,000 contacts. Follow YOTA via Twitter: @hamyota and
@hamyota_official. All young radio amateurs (up to age 26) are
encouraged to participate. Direct questions via email to
info@ham-yota.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Arecibo Observatory Suffers a Fatal Blow as Instrument Platform Falls
The 900-ton instrument platform of the 305-meter radio telescope at
Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico fell some 400 feet Tuesday morning,
crashing into the huge, already-damaged dish below, the National
Science Foundation (NSF) reported in a December 1 Tweet. "No injuries
were reported," NSF said, adding that it is still assessing the
situation. "Our top priority is maintaining safety." The calamity not
only was a final and fatal blow for the observatory but for the people
of Puerto Rico.
Before the fall: Arecibo Observatory
in better days.
Head of Telescope Operations Angel Vazquez, WP3R, called December 1
"indeed a sad day." Vazquez was in the Observatory's control room at
the time, salvaging important instruments when he heard a loud noise.
"At around 7:55 AM, the platform collapsed due to the extra stress on
the existing cables because of the main cable failure in November.
Strands were starting to pop all weekend long, and it was just a matter
of time," he told ARRL. "It came off the easternmost tower (T4) and
took about 15 seconds. The azimuth arm that housed the dome came off
the track, fell into the dish a little north of center and the triangle
was pulled by the other existing cables to the northwestern part of the
dish. The tops of the towers broke as well. This was a 900-ton
platform, and the dome was smashed like an eggshell."
Vazquez said the Observatory still has a 12-meter dish that will be
used for radio astronomy, as well as a LIDAR Lab and an Optical Lab
with photometers. "The site by no means is closed and it wasn't the
intent of NSF to close the facility, he said. "They did want us to
stabilize the platform, so it could be lowered safely. We are looking
into rebuild possibilities."
On August 10, an auxiliary cable that helped to support the platform
snapped and fell, causing a 100-foot gash in the reflector dish. After
an extensive evaluation, NSF announced on November 19 that the damaged
radio telescope -- in service for nearly 60 years -- was beyond repair
and would be decommissioned due to safety concerns.
The iconic dish has served as a backdrop for several science fiction
movies. The Arecibo Observatory Amateur Radio Club, KP4AO, is
headquartered at the Observatory, and several other radio amateurs are
employed there in addition to Vazquez. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced that he intends to leave the
Commission on January 20, 2021, as the Biden ministration comes
into office. The FCC chairman is appointed by the president.
* AMSAT-EA President Felix Paez, EA4GQS, has announced that the
EASAT-2 and HADES nanosats, flying with SpaceX, are set to launch
on January 14, 2021. The satellites have been configured as FM
voice and FSK data repeaters, not as linear transponders initially
planned. They are believed to be the smallest satellites with these
functions.
* An IEEE Spectrum magazine article says, "For richness, drama, and
sheer brilliance, few technological timelines can match the
116-year (and counting) history of the vacuum tube," author and
"tube guy" Carter M. Armstrong wrote. The article lists vacuum tube
devices that, over the past 60 or 70 years, have changed the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
FCC to Require Email dresses on Applications
Amateur radio licensees and candidates will have to provide the FCC
with an email address on applications, effective in mid-2021. If no
email address is included, the FCC may dismiss the application as
defective. The FCC is fully transitioning to electronic correspondence
and will no longer print or provide wireless licensees with hard-copy
authorizations or registrations by mail. A Report and Order (R&O) on
"Completing the Transition to Electronic Filing, Licenses and
Authorizations, and Correspondence in the Wireless Radio Services" in
WT Docket 19-212 was adopted on September 16. The new rules will go
into effect 6 months after publication in the Federal Register, which
hasn't happened yet, but the FCC is already strongly encouraging
applicants to provide an email address. When an email address is
provided, licensees will receive an official electronic copy of their
licenses when the application is granted.
Under Section 97.21 of the new rules, a person holding a valid amateur
station license "must apply to the FCC for a modification of the
license grant as necessary to show the correct mailing and email
address, licensee name, club name, license trustee name, or license
custodian name." For a club or military recreation station license, the
application must be presented in document form to a club station call
sign administrator who must submit the information to the FCC in an
electronic batch file.
Under new Section 97.23, each license will have to show the grantee's
correct name, mailing address, and email address. "The email address
must be an address where the grantee can receive electronic
correspondence," the amended rule will state. "Revocation of the
station license or suspension of the operator license may result when
correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the
grantee failed to provide the correct email address."
WX1AW and WX4NHC will be On the Air for SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020
The annual SKYWARN^â*¢ Recognition Day (SRD) takes place on Saturday,
December 5, 1300 - 2300 UTC. Cosponsored by ARRL and the National
Weather Service (NWS), SRD recognizes radio amateurs for the vital
public service they provide during severe weather. Amateur radio
operators comprise a large percentage of SKYWARN volunteers.
Begun in 1999, the event's purpose is to test amateur radio operations
and equipment between NWS Offices nationwide, and it is open to all
stations. Participants exchange signal reports and basic weather
information (e.g., "sunny," "cloudy," "rain") with stations at NWS
Offices and elsewhere. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions,
operation from NWS forecast offices is expected to be minimal, so the
focus will shift to contacting as many participating trained SKYWARN
spotters as possible.
WX1AW will be on the air for SRD 2020. Volunteers from the ARRL staff
will take part from their home stations as WX1AW/portable. WX1AW will
be available on various HF frequencies and modes.
As it has done in the past, WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center
(NHC) will be on the air for SRD, marking its 22nd year of
participation and its 40th year of public service at the NHC.
A SKYWARN Recognition Day Facebook page has been created and will host
a variety of live and recorded segments throughout the day. An SRD
resource page is on the ARRL website.
Yasme Foundation Announces Excellence Awards
The Yasme Foundation has announced the latest recipients of the Yasme
Excellence Award. They are Brett Ruiz, PJ2BR, and Helena Ruiz, PJ2ZZ;
Bob Wilson, N6TV; Jari PerkiAP:mACURki, OH6BG, and Jim Brown, K9YC. The
Yasme Excellence Award recognizes individuals and groups who, through
their own service, creativity, effort, and dedication, have made a
significant contribution to amateur radio. This may be a technical,
operating, or organizational achievement.
Brett and Helena Ruiz have been active leaders of the VERONA Radio
Club, CuraAS:ao's International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
member-society, for more than 20 years. Their participation has
included technical activities, disaster preparedness and relief, and
training of potential radio amateurs. They serve as liaisons to
government and international organizations, and contribute to important
events, such as the Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Conference (GAREC) and IARU conferences and meetings. Brett Ruiz is
also active in long-distance VHF propagation and digital communication.
Yasme recognized Bob Wilson, N6TV, for his technical support to
hundreds of hams through various radio manufacturers' user groups and
logging software communities, and for assistance to Reverse Beacon
Network (RBN) hosts in keeping their equipment configured and running.
He also provides invaluable support to traveling hams worldwide. "Along
with being technically talented, he is exceptionally selfless in using
that talent to help others; quick to encourage others in many areas,"
the Yasme Foundation said in announcing the awards.
Jari PerkiAP:mACURki, OH6BG, has volunteered to support the online
VOACAP software and website for nearly 20 years, making world-class HF
propagation prediction and modeling services available to any radio
amateur. "He believes in teamwork, acknowledging the contributions and
ideas from the ham community for further development of the service,
but especially from James Watson, M0DNS/HZ1JW, and Juho Juopperi,
OH8GLV," Yasme said. PerkiAP:mACURki estimates that VOACAP online
serves thousands of users from more than 100 countries every month,
including integration with the DX Summit and Club Log services.
Jim Brown, K9YC, was cited for his extensive contribution to amateur
radio regarding ferrite materials and their use in combating RF
interference, feed-line applications, and transformers. "His efforts to
improve transmitter performance and operating practices are also
greatly appreciated, as are the extensive set of personal publications
available to the public and performing reviews of technical material
for amateur radio publishers," Yasme said. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot Cycle 25 is a year old, and
solar activity continues to increase. Last week, the average daily
sunspot number was 27.9. This week it's 57.6. The highest daily sunspot
number of the past week was 84 on November 29. Solar flux also peaked
that day at 116.3, pushing the week's average to 108.1, up from 90.1
the previous week.
Geomagnetic indicators were moderate. A solar flare on November 29 was
the most powerful solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) in the
new solar cycle -- a sure sign of increasing activity. It was not
Earth-directed, however.
Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 105 on December 3 - 4;
103, 95, and 90 on December 5 - 7; 85 on December 8 - 9; 80 on December
10; 85 on December 11 - 12; 82 on December 13 - 16; 85, 90, and 100 on
December 17 - 19; 105 on December 20 - 21; 108 on December 22; 110 on
December 23 - 25; 115 on December 26 - 27; 113 on December 28 - 30; 110
on December 31; 105 and 103 on January 1 - 2; 95 on January 3 - 4; 92
and 88 on January 5 - 6; 85 on January 7 - 8; 82 on January 9 - 12, and
85, 90, 100 and 105 on January 13 - 16.
Planetary A index is predicted at 5 on December 3 - 17; 12, 20, and 8
on December 18 - 20; 5 on December 21 - 22; 8, 10, and 8 on December 23
- 25; 5 on December 26 - January 13, and 12, 20, and 8 on January 14 -
16.
Sunspot numbers for November 26 - December 2 were 43, 60, 67, 84, 62,
46, and 41, with a mean of 57.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 105.8,
106.3, 109.6, 116.3, 109.4, 104.1, and 104.9, with a mean of 108.1.
Estimated planetary A indices were 7, 8, 10, 6, 8, 2, and 4, with a
mean of 6.4. Middle latitude A index was 5, 7, 9, 6, 6, 2, and 4, with
a mean of 5.6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
A new contest plaque has been announced for the ARRL 160-Meter Contest
taking place December 4 - 6 UTC. The ARRL Programs and Services
Committee -- on behalf of the ARRL Board of Directors -- will award a
new "John Devoldere, ON4UN, Memorial Plaque" each year to the
Single-Operator, High-Power (SOHP) winner. A giant in the field of
low-band DXing and contesting, Devoldere died on November 9. An ARRL
Life member, Devoldere may be best known outside of his 160-meter
activity as the author of the popular ON4UN's Low-Band DXing, published
by ARRL, as well as other books, including Ethics and Operating
Procedures for the Radio Amateur (co-authored with Mark Demeuleneere,
ON4WW). The initial award will be made for the 2020 edition of the ARRL
160-Meter Contest. This is a CW-only event.
"The Gathering" will be the theme for the 2021 Dayton Hamvention^A(R).
Hamvention General Chair Rick Allnutt, WS8G, said the theme reflects
what has been missing from our lives most of this year. "We have spent
the last 6 months being bound to our houses and small groups," he said.
"We are very optimistic that when May arrives, we will be allowed to
get together." Allnut, a medical doctor with a master's degree in
public health, said Hamvention management is closely following the
coronavirus situation and believes it will improve enough by May that
government restrictions on travel and large groups will be relaxed. The
Hamvention team will continue to follow developments. Hamvention 2021
will be held May 21 - 23 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo
Center in Xenia, Ohio.
[IMG]RadioShack^A(R) is back as an online retailer of electronics. It
is offering some parts in its inventory that largely consists of
radios, batteries, telephone gear, drones, computer accessories, and
even cameras. The iconic company was recently purchased from General
Wireless by Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV). No plans are in place to
reopen RadioShack-owned stores, although some 400 brick-and-mortar
outlets are operated by franchisees.
[IMG]Universal Radio closed on November 30. All existing orders will be
filled, and the Universal Radio website will remain open to sell off
remaining stock,. Owners Fred Osterman, N8EKU, and Barbara Osterman,
KC8VWI, are retiring. The new mailing address for Universal Radio is
752 N State St. Unit 222, Westerville, OH 43082, telephone (614)
866-4267.
Former West Virginia Section Manager Ann Rinehart, KA8ZGY, of South
Charleston died on November 20 of COVID-19 complications. An ARRL
Member, she was 85. ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine,
N2COP, said, "She was one of our Division's pioneering women --
consistently gracious, yet firm in her efficient management of the
Section." Rinehart served as West Virginia Section Manager from 2005
until 2013. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* December 4 - 6 -- ARRL 160-Meter Contest (CW)
* December 5 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
* December 5 - 6 -- UFT Meeting (CW)
* December 5 - 6 -- PRO CW Contest
* December 5 - 6 -- FT Roundup (Digital)
* December 5 - 6 -- EPC Ukraine DX Contest (Digital)
* December 8 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* December 9 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* December 9 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* December 12 - 13 -- ARRL 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly
contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much
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* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, December 11, 2020 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
December 10, 2020
* Launch Window for AMSAT's RadFxSat-2 / Fox-1E CubeSat Opens on
December 19
* Nathan Simington Confirmed as Newest FCC Member
* Lee Finkel, KY7M, is New National Contest Journal Editor
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Announces New Book Releases
* First Solar Image from Hawaii Observatory Shows Sunspot Close-Up
* ARRL 10-Meter Contest is this Weekend
* IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Approves Dues Reductions for
Member-Societies
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Announcements
* Australian Radio Amateurs Denied Access to 60 Meters
* Transatlantic Tests Mark 99th Anniversary
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Launch Window for AMSAT's RadFxSat-2 / Fox-1E CubeSat Opens on December
19
The launch that will carry AMSAT's RadFxSat-2/Fox-1E CubeSat into orbit
could come as early as this month. Virgin Orbit has announced that the
launch window for its LauncherOne Launch Demo 2 mission, which will
carry the AMSAT spacecraft into orbit, opens on December 19. RadFxSat-2
is the fifth and final Fox-1 satellite built by AMSAT.
Like RadFxSat/Fox-1B (now AMSAT-OSCAR 91) the RadFxSat-2/Fox-1E CubeSat
is a partnership opportunity between Vanderbilt University and AMSAT
and will carry a similar radiation effects experiment, studying new
FinFET technology.
The RadFxSat-2 spacecraft bus is built on the Fox-1 series, but Fox-1E
features a linear transponder upgrade to replace the standard FM
transponder in the Fox-1A - Fox-1D projects. In addition, the uplink
and downlink bands are reversed from the previous Fox satellites in a
mode V/u (J) configuration using a 2-meter uplink and 70-centimeter
downlink.
The telemetry downlink will be 435.750 MHz. The inverting linear
transponder uplink will be 145.860 MHz - 145.890 MHz. The inverting
linear transponder downlink will be 435.760 MHz - 435.790 MHz.
The telemetry downlink features a 1,200 bps BPSK channel to carry the
Vanderbilt science data, in addition to a 30 kHz wide transponder for
amateur radio use. Telemetry and experiment data can be decoded using
FoxTelem version 1.09 or later.
"Participation in telemetry collection by as many stations in as many
parts of the world as possible is essential, as AMSAT Engineering looks
for successful startup and indications of the general health and
function of the satellite as it begins to acclimate to space," AMSAT
said in announcing the possible launch window. "AMSAT will send a
commemorative 3D-printed QSL card to the first station capturing
telemetry from RadFxSat-2." -- Thanks to AMSAT
Nathan Simington Confirmed as Newest FCC Member
On a 49 - 46 vote, the US Senate on December 9 confirmed Nathan
Simington to be a Commissioner at the FCC. Simington previously served
as a senior advisor at the US Department of Commerce. Earlier, he was a
legal associate at various law firms, often specializing in finance.
Upon being sworn in, he will take the seat of Commissioner Michael
O'Rielly, whose renomination was pulled by President Donald Trump last
summer, shortly before it was to go to the Senate floor.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced that he will step down on January
20, opening a seat for incoming President Joe Biden to appoint a new
commissioner to form a new 3 - 2 Democratic majority. Biden then could
either designate that new commissioner as chairman, or select one of
the two sitting Democrats already on the Commission, Jessica
Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks. Biden could also designate one of the
two sitting Democrats as Acting Chairman to manage the FCC until his
new pick has been confirmed by the Senate and sworn in. Until that
happens, the FCC will have a 2 - 2 party split.
Lee Finkel, KY7M, is New National Contest Journal Editor
Lee Finkel, KY7M, of Phoenix, Arizona, will begin his tenure as Editor
of National Contest Journal (NCJ) with the magazine's January/February
issue. An ARRL publication, NCJ is in its 48th year. Finkel, the 17th
Editor, takes over the reins from Scott Wright, KO/MD, a noted and
regular amateur radio contester, who has helmed NCJ since January 2017.
"My hope is that I will be able to build on Scott Wright's hard work
and that of my other predecessors, the very supportive ARRL staff, and
the impressive cadre of columnists and other writers, to continue
making NCJ a valuable resource for the contesting community," Finkel
said. Most contesters will recognize his call sign from his regular
contest activity. He's also been a contributing writer for NCJ and
other publications. A retired lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, and
educator, he and his family have lived in Arizona since 1981.
Licensed as WN9EBT in 1962 in Chicago, Finkel said it wasn't long
before he discovered contesting. His participation in the now-defunct
ARRL Communications Department (CD) Parties whetted his appetite for
contesting. He also discovered DX contests and his "still-favorite CW
Sweepstakes."
Finkel is a member of the First-Class CW Operators' Club (FOC) and
CWops, past Central Arizona DX Association (CADXA) president, and a
member of the Arizona Outlaws Contest Club (AOCC). He serves on the
Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) Board of Directors. He
frequently operates the Top Band Club of Arizona remote station, NA7TB,
originally built by Milt Jensen, N5IA (SK). Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 12) will feature
a discussion about storm spotting and SKYWARN, with Mike Corey, KI1U,
co-author of Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio, now in its third
edition.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 22) describes how some
companies are experimenting with gravity as a means of generating
electricity. Then, a discussion with ARRL Assistant Laboratory Manager
Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about how modern transceivers compare to vintage
models.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Announces New Book Releases
ARRL has released new editions of two books, Antenna Physics, and Storm
Spotting and Amateur Radio.
The second edition of Antenna Physics: An Introduction bridges the gap
between basic theory and graduate-level engineering texts. This latest
edition includes new material to help readers to better understand the
complexities of antenna theory.
The author is world-recognized antenna technology authority Robert J.
Zavrel, Jr., W7SX. This edition provides a guide to grasping a deeper
understanding of how antenna systems function. Zavrel clearly
communicates the theory and mathematics that form the foundations upon
which all antenna designs depend.
The second edition of Antenna Physics: An Introduction is available
from the ARRL Store or your ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1359, ISBN:
978-1-62595-135-9, $34.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $29.95.)
Call 860-594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289. It will also
be available for the Amazon Kindle.
The third edition of Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio is also now
available from ARRL. Storm spotting gives radio amateurs another way to
offer a public service by using their skills as communicators. In an
average year, the US experiences more than 10,000 severe thunderstorms,
5,000 floods, and more than 1,000 tornadoes. During these weather
events, ham radio volunteers provide real-time information to partners
such as emergency managers and National Weather Service forecasters.
New in this edition are lessons learned and response reports from the
2017 hurricane season, among other things. Co-authors are University of
Mississippi Professor of Emergency Management Michael Corey, KI1U, and
former Embry Riddle Aeronautical University meteorology professor
Victor Morris, AH6WX, with Contributing Editor Rob Macedo, KD1CY.
The third edition of Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio is available from
the ARRL Store or your ARRL Dealer. ARRL Item no. 1410, ISBN:
978-1-62595-135-9, $22.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $19.95.)
Call 860-594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289. Also available
in Amazon Kindle format.
First Solar Image from Hawaii Observatory Shows Sunspot Close-Up
The world's largest solar observatory, National Science Foundation
(NSF) Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawaii, has released its
first image of a sunspot, capturing the phenomenon in striking detail.
The image, taken last January, is among the first solar images of the
new Solar Cycle 25. The telescope's 4-meter primary mirror will give
the best views of the sun from Earth throughout Solar Cycle 25. The
image was released along with the first of a series of Inouye-related
articles featured in the Solar Physics journal. As radio amateurs know,
sunspots and other solar activity can affect HF radio
The first sunspot image taken on
January 28, 2020 by the NSF's Inouye
Solar Telescope's Wave Front
Correction context viewer. The
sunspot is sculpted by a convergence
of intense magnetic fields and hot
gas boiling up from below.
[NSO/AURA/NSF, photo]
propagation, among other things, and they are where coronal mass
ejections (CMEs) and solar flares originate. The Inouye telescope is in
its final stages of construction.
"While the start of telescope operations has been slightly delayed due
to the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic, this image represents
an early preview of the unprecedented capabilities that the facility
will bring to bear on our understanding of the sun," said David
Boboltz, NSF Inouye Solar Telescope Program Director. Solar Cycle 25 is
predicted to peak in mid-2025.
"With this solar cycle just beginning, we also enter the era of the
Inouye Solar Telescope," said Matt Mountain, President of the
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), the
organization that manages the National Solar Observatory and the Inouye
Solar Telescope. "We can now point the world's most advanced solar
telescope at the sun to capture and share incredibly detailed images
and add to our scientific insights about the sun's activity."
During the peak of Solar Cycle 24, 120 sunspots were tracked. Some 115
sunspots are predicted for the peak of Solar Cycle 25.
The new image encompasses an area on the sun's surface of some 10,000
miles across -- just a tiny part of the sun, but large enough to fit
Earth inside, the Inouye Solar Telescope said in its statement. Read
more. -- Thanks to the National Solar Observatory and news media
reports
ARRL 10-Meter Contest is this Weekend
The 2020 ARRL 10-Meter Contest is just ahead, December 12 - 13. Whether
you're new to the hobby or a seasoned operator, this event offers
something for radio amateurs of all experience levels, from Technician
to Amateur Extra.
If you're a recently licensed ham or a Technician-class licensee who
wants to get their first taste of HF contesting, remember that
Technicians have CW privileges from 28.0 to 28.3 MHz and SSB phone
privileges from 28.3 to 28.5 MHz.
This contest relies in part on winter E-skip, so propagation may favor
higher activity during daylight hours. Be on the lookout for unexpected
band openings and favorable propagation. Many operators have noticed
improved conditions in recent months.
The contest runs from 0000 UTC on December 12 and concludes at 2359 UTC
on December 13. Contest logs are due by 2359 UTC on December 20.
Complete rules and more information are on the ARRL website.
IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Approves Dues Reductions for
Member-Societies
The International Amateur Radio Union Region 2 (IARU R2) Executive
Committee (EC) approved dues reductions and holidays for
member-societies in Region 2 (the Americas). The action came as the R2
EC held its fifth and final virtual meeting of the year on November 18
to complete outstanding business from its three October sessions and to
approve the 2021 operating budget.
"Recognizing that the pandemic created many hardships for
member-societies and all amateurs in the Americas, the R2 EC approved a
1-year dues reduction for 2021," the EC said. Member-societies with
annual dues lower than $150 will get a dues holiday next year, while
larger societies will get a 50% dues reduction. The R2 EC said it's
able to allow the discounts because 2021 expenses are expected to be
lower, "primarily as travel restrictions have moved meeting attendance
to being held virtually."
The other major item of business was to review the Future Committee's
proposal to the IARU ministrative Council (AC). The committee was
formed to study and propose how IARU should be structured "to become
far more nimble and able to respond quickly to changes in the
telecommunications ecosystem," the EC said. Representing Region 2 at
the Executive Committee session were Committee Chair Ramón Santoyo,
XE1KK, and Secretary George Gorsline, VE3YV.
The very popular R2 workshops will be given a reboot in the new year,
focusing more on the needs of member-societies as well as on emergency
communication. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check for upcoming webinars, and view previously recorded sessions. The
schedule is subject to change.
HF, VHF, and UHF Antennas for SOTA: Brian Betz, W7JET
What antenna should you use for activations? We will discuss and show
the different types of antennas used by activators, and show the pros
and cons of each type. The goal of the presentation is to help
activators make a good, informed antenna choice that suits them best.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
QSLing in an Online World: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Learn all about the changing methods of QSLing in amateur radio,
including traditional paper QSL cards, and electronic QSLing, such as
Logbook of The World and eQSL.
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Amateur Radio Logging: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Discover the advantages of keeping an electronic amateur radio log.
Find out why you may need more than one software program for
logging-contesting, digital modes, special events, and so on. Learn
about using one full-featured logging program to pull everything
together, interface with outside databases, handle electronic QSLing,
and more. The discussion will include file formats, importing and
exporting data between programs, submitting contest logs online, and
safe backup of data.
Thursday, January 14, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The schedule is subject to change.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity quieted this week. The
average daily sunspot number declined from 57.6 to 28.9, and average
daily solar flux from 108.1 to 91.9. Average daily planetary A index
went from 6.4 to 4.4, and average daily middle latitude A index went
from 5.6 to 3.1.
Predicted solar flux for the next month is 82 on December 10 - 11; 84
on December 12 - 13; 80 on December 14 - 16; 82 and 88 on December 17 -
18; 92 on December 19 - 24; 94 on December 25 - 28; 96, 94, and 92 on
December 29 - 31; 90 on January 1 - 4; 88 on January 5 - 7, and 86 on
January 8 - 11.
The forecast for planetary A index shows 40 and 25 on December 10 - 11;
8 on December 12 - 13; 5 on December 14 - 17; 12, 20, and 8 on December
18 - 20; 5 on December 21 - 22; 8, 10, and 8 on December 23 - 25; 5 on
December 26 - January 5; 10 and 8 on January 6 - 7, and 5 on January 8
- 13.
A coronal mass ejection on December 7 was expected to spark a
geomagnetic storm on December 10 -- 11, which explains why the
planetary A index is predicted at 40, 25, 8, and 8 on December 10 --
13.
The ARRL 10-Meter Contest this weekend is much anticipated because of
recent increased solar activity. I'm hoping for the best!
Sunspot numbers for December 3 - 9 were 40, 38, 42, 25, 35, 11, and 11,
with a mean of 28.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 102.9, 95.8, 99.9,
90.9, 89.5, 82.4, and 82.1, with a mean of 91.9. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 2, 5, 6, 3, 5, and 7, with a mean of 4.4. Middle
latitude A index was 1, 1, 4, 4, 2, 4, and 6, with a mean of 3.1.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has announced a Get on
the air for Christmas (GOTA4C) initiative, shared on social media
with the hashtag #GOTA4C, December 19 - January 9. "[I]t will
bring together a few activities that radio amateurs can participate
in over the holiday period," RSGB said.
* The FCC, in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission and the
US Postal Service, will host a webinar about current COVID-19 scams
on Wednesday, December 16, starting at 1 PM EST (1800 UTC). It will
be streamed live.
* ON5AU has created a web page devoted to the memory of John
Devoldere, ON4UN (SK), an icon of low-band DXing, who died on
November 9.
* Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) says its
InterOperable Radio System (IORS), launched in March, has now been
in space about 6,655 hours and traveled some 116.5 million miles,
according to the Arduino-based Space Radio clock by Kerry Banke,
N6IZW, of the ARISS Hardware Team.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Australian Radio Amateurs Denied Access to 60 Meters
After considering several options for a 5 MHz amateur allocation, the
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has come down in
favor of national government interests. Following a consultation, ACMA
decided not to permit ham operation on the 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz band.
The 15 kHz-wide band was allocated to the amateur service on a
secondary basis in 2017, ACMA says, "unresolved sharing issues" have
prevented ham radio use of the band, used by more than 500 other
licensed services as well as by the Australian military."
"The ACMA recognizes the high level of interest shown by the amateur
community in adding this band and understands there will be
disappointment," the agency said.
Australia's International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society,
the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), argued for amateur access to
5351.5 - 5365 kHz as a compromise. The WIA pointed out that more than
80 countries have been granted access to the band.
Radio amateurs in New Zealand lost access to 60 meters in late October.
Use of this band by radio amateurs there was provisional, allowing hams
to use two frequencies in the band -- 5353.0 kHz and 5362.0 kHz -- as
part of a trial.
In the US, ARRL proposed amateur access to a new, contiguous secondary
band at 5 MHz in a 2017 Petition for Rule Making. ARRL also asked the
FCC to retain shared access to four of the current five 60-meter
channels (one would be within the new band) as well as current
operating rules, including the 100 W PEP effective radiated power (ERP)
limit. The federal government is the primary user of the 5 MHz spectrum
in the US. Read more. -- Thanks to The 5 MHz Newsletter Editor Paul
Gaskell, G4MWO, for some information.
Transatlantic Tests Mark 99th Anniversary
On December 11, 1921, radio history was made when a signal from amateur
station 1BCG in Greenwich, Connecticut, was heard in Ardrossan,
Scotland, marking the first successful transatlantic radio transmission
using shortwave frequencies. Between 1921 and 1924, radio amateurs
experimented with transmitting across the Atlantic. Sponsored by ARRL,
the Transatlantic Tests aimed to prove that shorter wavelength
frequencies could propagate long distances using transmitters running
less than 1 kW. The initial run of the Transatlantic Tests was a
failure. For the second Transatlantic Tests, ARRL dispatched receiver
designer Paul Godley, 2ZE, considered one of the best of operators the
day, to Europe to listen for participating stations. His nine-tube
receiver employed the latest superheterodyne technology.
In one of those historical coincidences, during his voyage to England,
Godley met Harold Beverage, who convinced him to use a specially
designed, highly sensitive, directional 1,300-foot antenna, still
referred to as the Beverage antenna.
During a pre-event dinner arranged by his British hosts, Godley also
met wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi.
Over the course of the test period, more than two dozen stations were
heard between 230 and 235 meters, roughly 1.3 MHz in what is now the AM
broadcast band. Some utilized spark-gap transmitters, others employed
vacuum-tube CW transmitters. The one heard most consistently was the
1BCG CW transmitter operated by six members of the Radio Club Of
America -- Ernest Amy, 2VK; Edwin Armstrong; George Burghard, 2SS;
Minton Cronkhite, 1BCG; John Grinan, NJ2PZ, and Walker Inman, 2BGM.
From 1BCG, they transmitted their message at 2152 UTC (then GMT) on
December 11, 1921:
"No.1 de 1BCG. W-12 [Words 12], New York, Date 11/12-21, To Paul
Godley, Ardrossan, Scotland, Hearty Congratulations, Burghard, Inman,
Grinan, Armstrong, Amy, Cronkhite"
Reporting on the accomplishment, ARRL Secretary Kenneth B. Warner, 1EH,
declared, "Excelsior!" Read more. -- Thanks to Clark Burgard, N1BCG,
and Mike Marinaro, WN1M
In Brief...
Tennessee Centenarian Receives ARRL Centurion Award Elizabeth "Betty"
Oakberg, N4LZL, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, recently received the ARRL
Centurion Award. Now 102, Oakberg started in radio as a shortwave
listener (SWL) and earned her Novice-class license in the late 1970s,
when she neared retirement as an elementary school teacher. She
subsequently upgraded to her Amateur Extra-class license. During her
more active hamming years, she earned Worked All States (WAS), made the
DXCC Honor Roll, received the Austrian OE-100 Award, and contacted the
Mir space station, among other achievements. A longtime member of the
Oak Ridge Amateur Radio Club, she served as an officer for several
years and regularly participated in ARRL Field Day. She was also a
frequent check-in with the American Foreign Service Net. Oakberg
received the ARRL Centurion Award plaque in November, and once pandemic
restrictions ease, a formal presentation will be arranged. -- Thanks to
John Oakberg, NK4N
Neutron-1 CubeSat Signals Received Following the 3U Neutron-1 CubeSat's
deployment from the ISS on November 5, no signals were initially
received, but thanks to SatNOGS and the efforts of the amateur radio
community, several beacons were eventually received and decoded, AMSAT
News Service reports. The Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL) team
has concluded that the satellite was in a normally charging deep-sleep
mode. The team is working to decode the .wav files it's received. The
satellite's payload includes a V/U FM repeater during available times
and according to the spacecraft's power budget. The Neutron-1 science
payload, a small neutron detector developed by Arizona State
University, will focus on measurements of low-energy secondary neutrons
-- a component of the low-Earth-orbit neutron environment. -- Thanks to
AMSAT News Service via the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* December 12 - 13 -- ARRL 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* December 12 - 14 -- PODXS 070 Club Triple Play Low Band Sprint
(Digital)
* December 12 - 13 -- TRC Digi Contest
* December 12 - 13 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* December 12 - 13 -- International Naval Contest (CW, phone)
* December 13 -- QRP ARCI Holiday Spirits Homebrew Sprint (CW)
* December 13 -- CQC Great Colorado Snowshoe Run (CW)
* December 14 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* December 16 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, December 18, 2020 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
December 17, 2020
* SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020 Deemed A Success
* SSTV Event to Help ARISS Mark 20 Years of Continuous Ham Radio
Operation in Space
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Oregon ARRL VEC Testing Group Offers Testing from the Comfort of
Your Car
* Announcements
* The ARRL RTTY Roundup is January 2 - 3
* SAQ Alexanderson Alternator Christmas Eve Transmission Cancelled
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Reverse Beacon Network Leveraging Yasme Foundation Grant for
Expansion
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* Due to severe winter weather, ARRL Headquarters is closed on
Thursday, December 17 for the safety of our staff. Headquarters
management expects that things will be back to normal on Friday,
December 18.
* Because of the holidays, this will be the final edition of The ARRL
Letter for 2020. The ARRL Letter will return on January 7. ARRL
Audio News will be available on December 18, and then go on hiatus
until January 8.
* Logbook of The World (LoTW), ARRL's online QSO confirmation system,
will undergo scheduled maintenance beginning Monday, December 21,
at 2300 UTC (6 PM EST) for approximately 6 hours. LoTW will be
offline and unavailable while the system's server is upgraded to
new hardware. Thank you for your understanding.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SKYWARN Recognition Day 2020 Deemed A Success
Judging by the list of more than 700 registered participants,
SKYWARN^(R) Recognition Day (SRD) on December 5 was a success.
Cosponsored by ARRL and the National Weather Service (NWS), SRD
recognizes radio amateurs for the vital public service they provide
during severe weather. Participants ranged from NWS offices, radio
amateurs, non-amateur radio spotters, and non-SKYWARN spotters. Radio
amateurs -- the first SKYWARN volunteers -- comprise a large percentage
of SKYWARN volunteers across the country, providing vital communication
between the NWS and emergency management in the event that
telecommunication systems are knocked out.
The NWS Milwaukee Forecast Office reported more than 150 contacts
logged across 35 states. The NWS office in Springfield, Missouri,
tweeted, "What would SKYWARN Recognition Day be without a special
thanks to the net control operators?" The NWS office in Chicago
tweeted, "SKYWARN Recognition Day has come to an end; thanking everyone
for attending and to all of our spotters across the nation."
SKYWARN Recognition Day planner and organizer Michael Lewis, KG4KJQ,
who is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist in the northern Indiana
NWS Forecast Office, expressed appreciation to the SRD Planning Team
and the Facebook livestream presenters for helping to make the event a
success. The NWS Forecast Office in northern Indiana registered 34
radio amateurs. The office serves 37 counties in northern Indiana,
southwest lower Michigan, and northwest Ohio.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, SRD was handled a little differently than
in the past. Normally, radio amateurs participate from their home
stations and from stations at NWS forecast offices, with the goal of
contacting as many NWS forecast offices as possible. This year,
participation from NWS forecast offices was minimal, and the focus
shifted to contacting as many SKYWARN trained spotters as possible. New
this year, SRD was opened to all SKYWARN spotters, and a SKYWARN
Recognition Day Facebook page was created, hosting a variety of live
and recorded segments throughout the day. -- Thanks to the ARRL ARES
Letter
SSTV Event to Help ARISS Mark 20 Years of Continuous Ham Radio
Operation in Space
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) will continue
its year-long 20th anniversary celebration of continuous ham radio
operation from the ISS this month, with a slow-scan television (SSTV)
event over the holidays. The first ARISS school contact took place in
December 2000, not long after the first ISS crew arrived on station a
month earlier and had made test contacts. The commemorative
late-December SSTV event will be held December 24 through December 31,
although dates are subject to change. The frequency will be 145.800
MHz, using SSTV PD-120 mode. Over its 20 years, ARISS has supported
nearly 1,400 scheduled ham radio contacts with schools, student groups,
and other education organizations.
"ARISS would not be the complex and growing program of education,
operations, and hardware were it not for ARRL, AMSAT, NASA, and the ISS
National Lab (INL)," said Rosalie White, K1STO, ARISS-US Delegate
representing ARRL. "For these past 20 years and for the years to come,
when we grow into lunar ham radio opportunities and more, the ARISS
team will continue to be grateful to ARRL and all our sponsors. We
could not do it without you!"
The ARISS ham radio gear, for what would become NA1SS on board the
station, arrived ahead of the Expedition 1 crew, headed by Bill
Shepherd, KD5GSL. Shepherd made the first ARISS school contact with
students at Luther Burbank Elementary School in Illinois on December
21, 2000. NASA has marked the ARISS milestone with an infographic
highlighting the educational contacts via amateur radio between
astronaut crew members aboard the ISS and students.
ARISS will continue to sponsor various commemorative events through
November 2021, including more of the very popular ARISS SSTV sessions.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of ham radio on the space
station, ARISS took part in the ISS Research and Development Conference
(ISSRDC) panel session, "20 Years of STEM Experiments on the ISS." A
video developed for the session describes the program, conveys some key
lessons learned over the past 20 years, and describes the ARISS team's
vision for the future.
"Twenty years of continuous operations is a phenomenal accomplishment,"
said ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, who's been with the
program from the start. "But what makes it even more extraordinary is
that ARISS has achieved this through hundreds of volunteers who are
passionate in paying it forward to our youth and ham radio community.
On behalf of the ARISS International team, I would like to express our
heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who has made ARISS such an amazing
success over the past 20 years. Your passion, drive, creativity, and
spirit made it happen."
In September, ARISS announced that the initial element of its
next-generation Interoperable Radio System (IORS) had been installed in
the ISS Columbus module, replacing outmoded and problematic station
gear.
A helpful addition to the ARISS website is a "Current Status of ISS
Stations," which reports the present or coming operating mode of ARISS
radios in the Columbus and Service modules. Click on "General Contacts"
and then "Current Status of ISS Stations" on the drop-down menu of the
ARISS website to access the reports.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 12) features a
discussion about storm spotting and SKYWARN, with Mike Corey, KI1U.
The latest episode of Eclectic Tech (Episode 23) includes a story about
6th-generation wireless networking, and a discussion with W1AW Station
Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, about the technology in use at W1AW.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Oregon ARRL VEC Testing Group Offers Testing from the Comfort of Your
Car
Volunteer Examiners in Grant County, Oregon, affiliated with the ARRL
Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC), put their heads together to
overcome adversity and hold a safe and secure drive-in exam session
that took pandemic precautions into account. Current health regulations
in Oregon precluded both indoor and outdoor gatherings, so the Grant
County Amateur Radio Club, the local ARES Group, and the Grant County
Emergency Radio Infrastructure Coalition (ERIC) combined forces to
offer five candidates the chance to obtain their first license or to
upgrade their existing license, all from the comfort of their vehicles.
"Many amateur radio clubs have experimented with exams via the
internet," said Steve Fletcher, K7AA, who is the ARES Emergency
Coordinator for Grant County. "In eastern Oregon, with the cooperation
of the County Roads Department, we chose to hold a 'drive-up' exam
session on Saturday, December 12. Under the circumstances, we used four
ARRL VEs for the exam instead of the required three." Wheeler County
ARES loaned Stuart Bottom, K7FG, to help as the third required Amateur
Extra-class Volunteer Examiner.
Fletcher reports three new Technician-class licensees and two new
General-class radio amateurs resulted from the session.
Required ARRL VEC forms contained pre-printed data -- including the FCC
Registration Number (FRN) -- were given to the candidates on a
clipboard. Each candidate took the exam in the front seat of their own
vehicle. Cell phones, papers, and anything not required for the exam
were removed.
"Everyone dressed warmly, and most candidates had their heaters
running," Fletcher reported. A camper owned by Ronda Metler, KB5LAX,
and a communications van owned by Fletcher served as sites to check
results and sign forms.
The Grant County Roads Department loaned its parking area for the exam
session. Thanks to Steve Fletcher, K7AA; photos courtesy of Thomas
Dekany
Announcements
* The summer/autumn edition (No. 25) of The 5 MHz Newsletter is now
available for download in PDF. A newsletter archive is maintained.
-- Thanks to editor Paul Gaskell, G4MWO
* CWops is accepting award nominations for the 2021 CWops Award for
vancing the Art of CW. The award recognizes individuals, groups,
or organizations that have made the greatest contribution toward
advancing the art or practice of radio communications by Morse
code. More details are on the ARRL website.
* As he has done each December for the past few years, Brian Justin,
WA1ZMS, of Forest, Virginia, will transmit a program on 486 kHz,
under authority of his FCC Part 5 Experimental License WI2XLQ, to
commemorate wireless pioneer Reginald Fessenden's accomplishments.
Justin will transmit for at least 24 hours starting at around 1800
UTC on December 24. Fessenden claimed to have made his first voice
-- and music -- broadcast on Christmas Eve in 1906 from Brant Rock,
Massachusetts, although his account is disputed.
* The WINTERHEAT VHF/UHF simplex event will take place during
January. The event is open to participants in Illinois, Michigan,
Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. -- Thanks to
Jesse Hunter, W9ABS
* HamAlert will notify you when a desired station appears on the DX
cluster, the Reverse Beacon Network, or PSK Reporter. Alerts are
available via email, push notification, text message, or URL
GET/POST. Registration is free.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL RTTY Roundup is January 2 - 3
The 2021 ARRL RTTY Roundup on January 2 - 3 features two new
multioperator categories: multi-two (M2) and multi-multi (MM). Because
M2 and MM are new categories, there are no existing records, so the
high scores for these categories will, by default, become the new
records. High scores are kept by US call area, ARRL Division, ARRL
Section, Canadian Province, and DX entity. Visit the ARRL Contest web
page to see the current ARRL RTTY Roundup all-time records.
If you're new to RTTY or digital modes, in the RTTY Roundup, operators
worldwide contact and exchange QSO information with other amateurs
using Baudot RTTY, PSK, FT8/FT4, ASCII, AMTOR, and Packet. Automated
operation is not permitted; each claimed contact must include
contemporaneous direct initiation by the operator on both sides of the
contact.
If you have to look outside your immediate household for M2 or MM
operators and you're already set up for RTTY or FT8/FT4, consider
staying safe and letting other team members access your station
remotely via AnyDesk or another sharing technology. The key to making
this easy and frustration-free for all involved is that all aspects of
your station's operation be controllable from your logging computer's
desktop, and that the RTTY audio be audible to the remote operator (if
using RTTY) via the sharing software.
It is possible to do RTTY without listening to the receiver and just by
watching the decode and X - Y or waterfall, but it's not recommended.
Many, if not most, RTTY operators prefer low-level audio to signal when
other stations are transmitting. For those using FTx modes, all you
really need is the screen display.
Contacts must be made on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Any station may
work any other station. Stations may be worked once per band,
regardless of mode. The ARRL RTTY Roundup begins at 1800 UTC on January
2 and wraps at 2359 UTC on January -- Thanks to Brian Moran, N9ADG, and
Paul Bourque, N1SFE
SAQ Alexanderson Alternator Christmas Eve Transmission Cancelled
There will be no Christmas Eve transmission from SAQ, the Alexanderson
Alternator transmitting station in Sweden. The Grimeton World Heritage
Foundation and Alexander GVV Friends Association cited "prevailing
circumstances in our society" for the event cancellation.
"We find it sad to have to make this decision, but see it as a
necessary measure to protect everyone involved," the announcement
continued. Past SAQ transmission events are chronicled on YouTube. "We
truly regret this and hope for your understanding of the situation and
continued support for the business. We hope that 'our old lady' can
soon be heard on the air again," the announcement concluded.
The vintage Alexanderson Alternator provided an electromechanical means
of transmitting message traffic. It dates back to the early 1920s.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The schedule is subject to change.
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code, or "CW," is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
QSLing in an Online World: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Learn all about the changing methods of QSLing in amateur radio,
including traditional paper QSL cards, and electronic QSLing methods,
such as Logbook of The World and eQSL.
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Amateur Radio Logging: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Discover the advantages of keeping an electronic amateur radio log.
Find out why you may need more than one software program for
logging-contesting, digital modes, special events, and more. Learn
about using one full-featured logging program to pull everything
together, interface with outside databases, handle electronic QSLing,
and so on. The discussion will include file formats, importing and
exporting data between programs, submitting contest logs online, and
safe backup of data.
Thursday, January 7, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
VHF/UHF Contesting and SOTA; A Perfect Match: Brian Betz, W7JET
Explore the challenge of VHF UHF contesting and the success of the
large-scale participation of SOTA Summit activators in Arizona for the
January VHF contest.
Thursday, January 14, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Emergency Communications: Why Train? North Texas Section Emergency
Coordinator Greg Evans, K5GTX
Why should we train? Utilizing amateur radio operators in an emergency
communication situation is a key function that can save lives. We must
be able to respond to the needs of our served agencies quickly and
responsibly. Topics covered include: Incident Command System and its
relevance; building on consistent training; interoperability with
multiple communication providers; interoperability with VOAD and
partners, and Mission One: Get the information delivered.
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Reverse Beacon Network Leveraging Yasme Foundation Grant for Expansion
The Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) is taking advantage of a grant from
the Yasme Foundation, in cooperation with Amateur Radio Digital
Communications (ARDC), to add 15 more nodes. RBN is a global system of
software-defined radio receivers that monitor amateur radio bands and
report CW, RTTY, and FT4/FT8 signals to a central, searchable database.
In October, a Yasme-funded node was successfully installed in Tunisia,
bolstering RBN representation in northern Africa. ditional nodes are
planned for Algeria and Libya. The success of this small program led to
the global 15-node project to expand the RBN into such
under-represented areas as the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Central
Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Selections were guided by the
research community at HamSCI, whose website provides a forum for
researchers and amateurs to interact and conduct studies and
experiments.
"By adding stations in these areas, the network's data quality and
coverage are improved to allow better analysis of events and openings
beyond what was previously available," Yasme Foundation President Ward
Silver, N0AX, said. "This large and growing database of records
supports scientific research and allows hams to be more effective on
the air and in planning operations and station design."
Silver said researchers are particularly interested in the RBN data
because it covers such a wide area with so many stations, a capability
unusual in research. Silver also noted that the RBN project has
resulted in many volunteers working together around the globe. "The RBN
team deserves a lot of credit for creating an important asset that
combines amateur radio and science in the best traditions of both," he
said. "We look forward to helping keep that spirit alive and well." --
Thanks to Ward Silver, N0AX, and DX Engineering
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity has declined recently,
with average daily sunspot numbers slipping in recent weeks from 57.6
to 28.9 and then 17.4 over this past week. Solar flux averages also
slipped from 108.1 to 91.9 to 82.1 over the past week.
The latest solar flux prediction also appears soft, with predicted
values over the next 45 days at 82 on December 17 - 23; 83 on December
24; 86 on December 25 - 28; 85, 84, and 83 on December 29 - 31; 82 on
January 1 - January 10; 83, 83, and 84 on January 11 - 13; 85 on
January 14 - 20; 86 on January 21 - 24; 85, 84, and 83 on January 25 -
27, and 82 on January 28 - 30.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on December 17; 5 on December 18 - 20;
12, 8, 8, 5, and 8 on December 21 - 25; 5 on December 26 - January 4;
10 on January 5 - 6; 5 on January 7 - 12; 8 on January 13; 5 on January
14 - 16; 10, 12, and 10 on January 17 - 19; 8 on January 20 - 21, and 5
on January 21 - 30.
The National Science Foundation has published an article, "New sunspot
cycle could be one of the strongest on record."
Sunspot numbers for December 10 through 16 were 11, 11, 24, 14, 25, 25,
and 12, with a mean of 17.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 81.5, 83.3,
81.8, 80.6, 83, 82.9, and 81.9, with a mean of 82.1. Estimated
planetary A indices were 8, 7, 4, 5, 3, 3, and 3, with a mean of 4.7.
Middle latitude A index was 6, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, and 3, with a mean of
3.3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit VOACAP Online for Ham Radio.
Share your reports and observations.
In Brief...
During the 3rd Quarter of 2020, ARRL Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program
volunteers spent more than 6,100 hours poring over the amateur bands.
The VM Program issued 15 Good Operator Letters. "Volunteers are in the
chair monitoring, recognizing exemplary operators and admonishing those
who need to pay closer attention to their operating practices," said
Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, the VM Program Coordinator. The VM Program
referred two cases to the FCC while accepting two cases from the FCC
for investigation. Developed in partnership with the FCC, the VM
Program routinely maintains contact with the FCC and took part in three
meetings during the 3rd Quarter with FCC Enforcement Bureau personnel.
You Shop, Amazon Gives! Thank you for shopping smile.amazon.com. With
your help, Amazon has donated more than $45,870 to ARRL since 2014,
helping ARRL to extend its reach in public service, advocacy,
education, technology, and membership. With just a few shopping days
left, as you shop for those final gifts, we invite you to continue to
choose ARRL as your charity of choice. Bookmark ARRL's link and support
amateur radio and ARRL the remainder of this holiday season and every
time you shop.
Contest University to Host Propagation Summit Several radio propagation
experts will share their knowledge during a Propagation Summit via
Zoom, sponsored by Contest University (CTU). The event is scheduled for
January 23, 2021. The presentation schedule includes: "Update on the
Personal Space Weather Station Project and HamSCI Activities for 2021"
with Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, at 11 AM EST (1600 UTC); "Solar Cycle
25 Predictions and Progress" with Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, at noon
(1700 UTC); "Maximizing Performance of HF Antennas with Irregular
Terrain" with Jim Breakall, WA3FET, at 1 PM EST (1800 UTC), and "HF
Ionospheric Propagation" with Frank Donovan, W3LPL, at 2 PM EST (1900
UTC). Registration is free. An Icom IC-705 will be raffled off as a
door prize. The winner must be present on Zoom to win. -- Thanks to CTU
Chair Tim Duffy, K3LR
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* December 18 -- AGB-Party Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* December 18 -- Russian 160-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* December 19 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* December 19 -- OK DX RTTY Contest
* December 19 -- RAC Winter Contest (CW, phone)
* December 19 - 20 -- Croatian CW Contest
* December 20 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW
* December 20 - 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* December 23 -- SKCC Sprint CW
* December 26 -- Gedebage CW Contest
* December 26 -- DARC Christmas Contest (CW, phone)
* December 26 - 27 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* December 27 -- RAEM Contest (CW)
* December 31 -- Bogor Old and New Contest (Phone)
* January 1 -- Straight Key Night
* January 1 -- AGB New Year Snowball Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* January 1 -- SARTG New Year RTTY Contest
* January 1 -- QRP ARCI New Years Sprint (CW)
* January 2 -- PODXS 070 Club PSKFest
* January 2 - 3 -- PMC Contest (CW, phone)
* January 2 - 3 -- Original QRP Contest (CW)
* January 2 -- ARRL Kids Day (Phone)
* January 2 - 3 -- ARRL RTTY Roundup
* January 2 - 3 -- EUCW 160-Meter Contest (CW)
* January 5 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* January 6 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* January 6 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* January 6 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* January 6 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* January 6 - 10 -- AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest
* January 7 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* January 7 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* January 7 -- SKCC Sprint Europe
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* January 9 -- Ham Radio University NLI Section Convention (online)
* January 29 - 31 -- Puerto Rico State Convention
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 08, 2021 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
January 7, 2021
* FCC Reduces Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fee to $35
* FCC to Require Email dress with Applications and on File
* QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Returning in March
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL ARES Volunteers Were Ready to Assist in Wake of Nashville
Blast
* Christmas Eve Forecast Calls ARES/RACES/SKYWARN into Action
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* Amateur Radio in the News
* The K7RA Solar Update
* ARRL Member Designs New Ham Radio License Plate for Kentucky
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
FCC Reduces Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fee to $35
The FCC has agreed with ARRL and other commenters that its proposed $50
fee for certain amateur radio applications was "too high to account for
the minimal staff involvement in these applications." In a Report and
Order (R&O), released on December 29, the FCC scaled back to $35 the
fee for a new license application, a special temporary authority (STA)
request, a rule waiver request, a license renewal application, and a
vanity call sign application. All fees are per application.
ministrative updates, such as a change of mailing or email address,
are exempt.
ARRL had filed comments opposing the FCC's $50 fee and application fees
and urged its members to follow suit.
As the FCC noted in its R&O, although some commenters supported the
proposed $50 fee as reasonable and fair, "ARRL and many individual
commenters argued that there was no cost-based justification for
application fees in the Amateur Radio Service." The fee proposal was
contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD Docket
20-270, which was adopted to implement portions of the "Repack Airwaves
Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act" of 2018 -- the
so-called "Ray Baum's Act."
"After reviewing the record, including the extensive comments filed by
amateur radio licensees and based on our revised analysis of the cost
of processing mostly automated processes discussed in our methodology
section, we adopt a $35 application fee, a lower application fee than
the Commission proposed in the NPRM for personal licenses, in
recognition of the fact that the application process is mostly
automated," the FCC said in the R&O. "We adopt the proposal from the
NPRM to assess no additional application fee for minor modifications or
administrative updates, which also are highly automated."
The FCC turned away the arguments of some commenters that the FCC
should exempt amateur radio licensees. The FCC stated that it had no
authority to create an exemption "where none presently exists." The FCC
also disagreed with those who argued that amateur radio licensees
should be exempt from fees because of their public service contribution
during emergencies and disasters.
"[W]e are very much aware of these laudable and important services
amateur radio licensees provide to the American public," the FCC said,
but noted that specific exemptions provided under Section 8 of the
so-called "Ray Baum's Act" requiring the FCC to assess the fees do not
apply to amateur radio personal licenses. "Emergency communications,
for example, are voluntary and are not required by our rules," the FCC
noted. "[W]hile the value of the amateur service to the public as a
voluntary noncommercial communications service, particularly with
respect to providing emergency communications, is one of the underlying
principles of the amateur service, the amateur service is not an
emergency radio service.'"
The Act requires that the FCC switch from a Congressionally mandated
fee structure to a cost-based system of assessment. The FCC proposed
application fees for a broad range of services that use the FCC's
Universal Licensing System (ULS), including the Amateur Radio Service,
which had been excluded previously. The 2018 statute excludes the
Amateur Service from annual regulatory fees, but not from application
fees.
The effective date of the fee schedule has not been established. Read
more.
FCC to Require Email dress with Applications and on File
Effective on June 29, 2021, amateur radio licensees and candidates must
provide the FCC with an email address on all applications. If no email
address is included, the FCC may dismiss the application as
"defective." On September 16, the FCC adopted a Report and Order (R&O)
in WT Docket 19-212 on "Completing the Transition to Electronic Filing,
Licenses and Authorizations, and Correspondence in the Wireless Radio
Services," which appeared on December 29 in the Federal Register. The
FCC has already begun strongly encouraging applicants to provide an
email address and will email a link to an official electronic copy of
the license once it's granted.
While many, if not most, amateurs already have provided an email to the
FCC, this also will become a requirement. Under Section 97.21 of the
new rules, as amended, the holder of a valid amateur radio station
license "must apply to the FCC for a modification of the license grant
as necessary to show the correct mailing and email address, licensee
name, club name, license trustee name, or license custodian name." For
a club or military recreation station license, the application must be
presented in document form to a club station call sign administrator
who must submit the information to the FCC in an electronic batch file.
Under new Section 97.23, as amended, each license must show the
grantee's correct name, mailing address, and email address. "The email
address must be an address where the grantee can receive electronic
correspondence," the revised rule will state. "Revocation of the
station license or suspension of the operator license may result when
correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable because the
grantee failed to provide the correct email address."
Licensees can log into the ULS License Manager System with their FRN
and password to update their FCC license record, including adding an
email address. For questions or password issues, call the CORES/FRN
Help Line, (877) 480-3201 (Monday - Friday, 1300 - 2300 UTC) or reset
the password on the FCC website. Read more.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Returning in March
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will return March 13 - 14 for a full 48
hours, QSO Today host Eric Guth, 4Z1UG/WA6IGR, announced this week.
ARRL is a QSO Today Expo Partner. Guth said the inaugural QSO Today
Expo last August attracted more than 16,000 attendees, and he
anticipates that the March 2021 event will be even more successful.
The upcoming QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will feature new speakers and
presenters, panel discussions, and kit-building workshops among other
activities. Guth pointed out that attendees can log in from anywhere.
While he anticipates a good turnout by those who typically attend such
ham radio events, the virtual Expo also offers an opportunity for those
concerned about pandemic travel restrictions as well as for those who
don't typically attend in-person events.
"At our last Expo, we found that 60% of attendees don't go to in-person
national conferences, and 40% don't attend state or local events," Guth
said, noting that distance and the high cost of travel and lodging were
the most oft-cited reasons.
Registration is required, and to help cover the costs of staging this
event, there will be a charge to attend. vance tickets are $10
($12.50 at the "door") and include entry for the live, 2-day show as
well to the 30-day on-demand period. At the Expo, visitors can:
* Learn from a line-up of such well-known ham radio personalities as
Bob Allphin, K4UEE, on "My Favorite DXpeditions to DXCC Top 10 Most
Wanted;" Michael Foerster, W0IH, on "Using the Arduino in Your
Shack," and Ron Jones, K7RJ, on "3D Printer Basics."
* Take part in live virtual kit-building workshops. (Kits will be
available for purchase and delivered to attendees in time for the
Expo.)
* Walk through the virtual exhibit hall to visit an array of amateur
radio vendors and see live demonstrations of the latest equipment.
This show will leverage newer video technology to provide a better
experience for attendees to engage with exhibitors.
Those planning to attend the Expo may take advantage of new speaker
calendar technology to create their own calendar of presentations in
their time zones, which can be saved to a Google or Outlook calendar.
Registrants may return over the 30 days following the live event to
catch speakers and presentations missed during the live period, as well
as to explore and re-engage exhibitor offerings.
"The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo has all of the familiar hallmarks of an
in-person hamfest, including opportunities to connect and learn," ARRL
Product Development Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, said. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 12) features a
discussion about storm spotting and SKYWARN, with Mike Corey, KI1U.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 24) discusses solid-state
hard drive failures and features a chat with Scott Tilley, VE7TIL,
about receiving signals from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
ARRL ARES Volunteers Were Ready to Assist in Wake of Nashville Blast
ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES(R)) volunteers went on
alert, ready to deploy in Williamson County, Tennessee, in the
aftermath of an apparently intentional explosion early on Christmas Day
in front of an AT&T switching facility in downtown Nashville. The blast
injured several people and killed the individual believed responsible
for the blast. It also damaged buildings, broke water mains, and
disrupted telecommunications.
ARRL Vice Director and Williamson County Emergency Coordinator Ed
Hudgens, WB4RHQ, who lives in Nashville, monitored the situation.
"The explosion did a lot more damage than was originally thought,"
Hudgens said in the immediate aftermath. "Since about 0730 yesterday,
we have had monitoring nets up and running on the local analog
repeaters and DMR repeaters. We have mainly been answering questions as
best we can." Hudgens said his ARES group was among those that stood
ready to deploy to the Williamson County PSC to assist with
communications for various county offices.
The Middle Tennessee Emergency Amateur Repeater System (MTEARS) held
nets on its DMR repeater system several times a day. The main repeater
at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) site was affected
by the outage. Hudgens said it was fortunate that two DMR repeaters had
gone online recently in Williamson County, and all communications went
going through them.
WCARES held a continuous net on its five-repeater linked system to
assist hams as needed. The net also relayed news updates from AT&T and
county governments and assisted callers on AT&T to implement wireless
calling on their phones. In addition to the WCARES net, a net activated
in Davidson County in Middle Tennessee.
"A big thanks to those monitoring and providing updates!" Don Williams
said in a post to the MTEARS Facebook page. "I was able to turn on my
HT, locate a good frequency, and get up-to-date information. This was a
great help in keeping my house calm with updated info as to the AT&T
outage, as both our cell and internet were affected..."
ARRL Headquarters reached out to Tennessee Section Manager David
Thomas, KM4NYI, to offer assistance.
Christmas Eve Forecast Calls ARES/RACES/SKYWARN into Action
ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)), RACES, and SKYWARN
volunteers in Upstate New York were called upon on the morning of
December 24 to provide current snowpack amounts, future rainfall
amounts, and river and stream gauge levels to the National Weather
Service (NWS).
"Our ARES groups got a request from two local county emergency managers
in the Catskill District of New York -- Chenango and Otsego counties,"
said Otsego County Emergency Coordinator Cory Telarico, KD2HXE. "The
reason for concern and activation was the December 16 - 17 snowstorm
that dumped between 17 and 41 inches of snow on the area, compounded
with forecast rain for Christmas Eve into Christmas Day and the
potential for serious localized flooding."
Between the two county ARES groups, which included members of the
Chenango Valley Amateur Radio Association out of Norwich and the
Oneonta Amateur Radio Club in Otsego County, the volunteers were able
to run nets on December 24 at 10 AM with 10 check-ins and at 7 PM with
9 check-ins, as well as a Christmas morning net at 7 AM with 8
check-ins.
"I observed the Susquehanna River rise in the City of Oneonta between
4.5 and 5.5 feet in a matter of about 6 hours while on duty as a New
York State Park Police Officer, Telarico said. "All of our reports were
forwarded to the National Weather Service as well as the two county
emergency managers."
Telarico said the event demonstrated "the true dedication of our
members in the field in taking time away from their families during the
holiday for the goal of public service." The groups received a
complimentary email from Otsego County Emergency Services Coordinator
Arthur Klingler, Jr. "Your team's dedication is greatly appreciated,"
he said.
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The schedule is subject to change.
Amateur Radio Logging: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Discover the advantages of keeping an electronic amateur radio log.
Find out why you may need more than one software program for
logging-contesting, digital modes, special events, etc. Learn about
using one full-featured logging program to pull everything together,
interface with outside databases, handle electronic QSLing, and more.
The discussion will include file formats, importing and exporting data
between programs, submitting contest logs online, and safe backup of
data.
Thursday, January 14, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Emergency Communications: Why Train? -- North Texas Section Emergency
Coordinator Greg Evans, K5GTX
Why should we train? Utilizing amateur radio operators in an emergency
communication situation is a key function that can save lives. We must
be able to respond to the needs of our served agencies quickly and
responsibly. Topics covered include the Incident Command System and its
relevance; building on consistent training; interoperability with
multiple communication providers; interoperability with VOAD and
partners, and Mission One: Get the information delivered.
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Easy Helical Copper Tape and PVC 2-Meter Vertical Antenna -- John
Portune, W6NBC
Here's how to quickly build from hardware-store copper tape and PVC
pipe an 18-inch, continuously loaded, light weight portable or base
station 2-meter omnidirectional vertical with performance and
efficiency comparable to a 5-foot J-pole. The cost is roughly $10. It's
an easy afternoon project, ideal for the new ham but equal to the
serious ham's needs. It is great for events like bike-a-thons. It also
makes an excellent ham radio club hands-on building project, and the
design is adaptable to other bands.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The agenda for the January 15 - 16, 2021, Annual Meeting of the
ARRL Board of Directors has been posted.
* The FCC has announced that the Technological visory Council (TAC)
January 14, 2021, 10 AM - 12 noon EST, videoconference will be
available to the public. TAC membership includes several radio
amateurs.
* Category 1 licensees in Uzbekistan now have permission to operate
on 60 meters in a secondary allocation of 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz, 100
W maximum power. -- Thanks to Paul Gaskell, G4MWO, Editor, The 5
MHz Newsletter
* AMSAT is transitioning to a virtual office and now will communicate
primarily via email via a contact form on the AMSAT website, or
direct email. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
* ARRL Amateur Radio North America Map cartographer Curt Roseman,
K9AKS, of Moline, Illinois, died in December. He was 79. An active
VHFer, he once served as the "VHF-UHF Contesting!" editor for NCJ
* The RAC Canada Day Contest 2020 results and soapbox are now
available. The more than 735 participants counted among the best
turnouts in recent years.
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with ARRL.
* Balloon Launched by Pella Students Makes 3rd Trip Around the Globe.
KNIA-KRLS Radio (Iowa), December 28, 2020.
* Living in space can get lonely. What helps? Talking to random
people over ham radio. Los Angeles Times, December 23, 2020.
* Amateur Radio Crews Celebrate Local Legend with Car Parade. WHEC-10
News (New York), December 21, 2020
* Tecumsuh Students Call Space Station. Countywide Sun (Oklahoma),
December 10, 2020
* Ramona Amateur Radio Club Links Elementary School Students to Space
Station Astronaut. Ramona Sentinel (California), December 9, 2020.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots disappeared after January 2,
so the average daily sunspot number dropped from 27.1 last week to 10
for the December 31 - January 6 reporting week. Of course, average
daily solar flux declined as well, from 86.4 to 78.6.
Geomagnetic indicators remain quiet, with planetary A index changing
from 6.9 to 5.1, and middle latitude numbers from 5 to 4.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days looks depressed -- far
different from the high 80s we saw around Christmas. Solar flux is
expected at 74 on January 7 - 13; 76 on January 14; 80 on January 15 -
16; 82 on January 17 - 27; 80 on January 28 - 31, and 78 on February 1
- 5. Flux values rise to 82 around mid - February.
Planetary A index is predicted at 8 on January 7; 5 on January 8 - 9; 8
on January 10 - 11; 5 on January 12 - 16; 10 on January 17 - 20; 5 on
January 21 - 24; 8 on January 25 - 26; 5 on January 27 - 31; 10, 10,
and 8 on February 1 - 3, and 5 on February 4 - 5. A index rises back to
10 on February 13 - 16.
Sunspot numbers for December 31 - January 6 were 25, 23, 22, 0, 0, 0,
and 0, with a mean of 10. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 81.2, 80.4,
81.5, 80.4, 77.6, 75.1, and 74.1, with a mean of 78.6. Estimated
planetary A indices were 3, 4, 2, 2, 3, 11, and 11, with a mean of 5.1.
Middle latitude A index was 2, 3, 1, 1, 3, 9, and 9, with a mean of 4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Member Designs New Ham Radio License Plate for Kentucky
A ham radio license plate designed by ARRL member Matt Makaveli,
KY4GPD, of Georgetown, Kentucky, has received the approval of the
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). His design was one of four
options, which included retaining the current license plate design. The
ham radio community in the Bluegrass State picked Makaveli's design
with a 41% plurality.
"It just hasn't sunk in," Makaveli told the Georgetown News-Graphic.
"I'm just amazed that it actually went. Somebody in the state
government must've liked the idea."
The lengthy approval process involved some footwork on the part of the
ARRL Field Organization in Kentucky. After the polling ended, ARRL
Kentucky Section State Government Liaison Jack Hedges, KY4TPR, met with
the KYTC for final approval on Makaveli's design.
"If there's ever an example of what the ARRL organization can do for
the ham radio community, this would be it," Hedges told the newspaper.
The new license plate will not available until the current stock of
plates is depleted, which is anticipated to be next summer.
ARRL Kentucky Section Manager Steve Morgan, W4NHO, told the newspaper
that a ham radio license plate is important to build awareness of
amateur radio. "The amateur radio license plate is sort of like a
billboard saying you're from Kentucky and you're a ham radio operator,"
Morgan said. Makaveli agreed, saying he thought the current design had
become stale and did not stand out.
A ham for 6 years, Makaveli is a certified SKYWARN storm spotter and an
assistant Emergency Coordinator for Scott County, Kentucky. "I heard
some people already said they like the new design and are going to
switch when it comes out," Makaveli told the newspaper.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
Tom Sly, WB8LCD, was named as Ohio Section Manager, effective on
January 1. He assumed the seat that Scott Yonally, N8SY, vacated when
he became Great Lakes Division Vice Director, after serving as Ohio's
SM since 2014. Sly was appointed by ARRL Radiosport and Field Services
Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, after consulting with Great Lakes Division
Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, to serve the remainder of Yonally's
term, which extends through September 30, 2022. A radio amateur since
1968, Sly is an ARRL Life Member and has served as Ohio Section
Affiliated Club Coordinator since 2017.
After 41 years, Ham-Com has decided to close its doors. Ham-Com
President Bill Nelson, AB5QZ, cited difficulties caused by the COVID-19
pandemic and the rising costs of putting on a show. "The decision was
not made lightly, but the safety and wellness of our volunteers,
vendors, clubs, presenters, and attendees is our paramount concern,"
Nelson said on the Ham-Com website. Ham-Com has been held each June at
the Plano Event Center in Plano, Texas. "We sincerely thank each and
every person for their support over the past years."
SEA-PAC Cancels In-Person Convention SEA-PAC, designated as the 2021
ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, will not take place as an
in-person gathering this June. "The SEA-PAC Executive Committee has
been closely monitoring the continuing COVID-19 pandemic situation and
has determined that the safest course of action for all is to cancel
the 2021 in-person event," SEA-PAC 2021 Chair John Bucsek, KE7WNB,
announced this week. "This decision was based on the uncertainties of
more COVID outbreaks, vaccine availability to all, and the probable
social distancing requirements. But most important, it is based on our
genuine concern for the health and safety of you, the attendees,
vendors, and presenters. We firmly believe that providing our ham radio
community with a safe and quality convention experience is paramount."
Bucsek said the SEA-PAC Committee is exploring alternative online and
on-air activities.
NA Contest Logging Software Developer Dave Pruett, K8CC, died on
December 29. An ARRL member, he was 66. After obtaining the source code
for the CT contest logger, Pruett wrote new code, and "his NA software
breathed new life into the program," expanding it to accommodate
multiple contests, said contester Jim Cain, K1TN. He was a log checker
for the ARRL 10-Meter and 160-Meter Contests, chaired the Michigan QSO
Party, and was a longtime member of the Mad River Radio Club. He served
as editor of National Contest Journal (NCJ) for several years when
contester Randy Thompson, K5ZD, was the publisher and later, after ARRL
assumed publication of the magazine. "He was a guy who got things
done," Thompson said in a post to the CQ-contest reflector. Pruett was
a participant in the 1996 World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC)
with Stan Stockton, K5GO, who called him "an inspiration."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 9 -- YB DX Contest (Phone)
* January 9 -- Old New Year Contest (CW, phone)
* January 9 - 10 -- UBA PSK63 Prefix Contest
* January 9 - 10 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* January 9 - 10 -- North American QSO Party, CW
* January 10 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB
* January 10 -- DARC 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* January 10 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest, CW
* January 11 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test CW (20 WPM max)
* January 11 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* January 13 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* January 9 -- Ham Radio University NLI Section Convention (online)
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
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The ARRL Letter
January 14, 2021
* Dayton Hamvention Cancels 2021 Show
* FCC Invites Comments on Expanding the Number of Volunteer Examiner
Coordinators
* WSJT-X 2.4.0 to Introduce New Digital Protocol Q65
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Seeks Nominations for Seven Awards
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* ARRL Life Member Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, is 2021 Carole Perry Educator
of the Year
* Seven US Schools Move Forward in ARISS Selection Process
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Dayton Hamvention Cancels 2021 Show
Dayton Hamvention^(R) has been canceled for the second year.
"Unfortunately, several setbacks in the recovery from the COVID-19
pandemic make necessary the difficult decision to cancel Hamvention
2021," a January 11 announcement from the Hamvention Executive
Committee said. Sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association
(DARA), Hamvention was set to take place May 21 - 23 in Xenia, Ohio.
"Hundreds of volunteers have been working to do everything necessary to
bring this Hamvention to the many amateur radio enthusiasts and vendors
who support the Dayton Hamvention," the committee continued. "Vaccine
distribution both in the United States and around the world is lagging
behind what was planned. In addition, the emergence of a more
communicable form of the COVID-19 virus increases the potential for
further public health problems in the next few months. We make this
difficult decision for the safety of our guests and vendors." Tickets
deferred last year will be deferred again until 2022.
The Hamvention Committee hinted at a QSO party for Hamvention weekend.
In November, Hamvention had announced that "The Gathering" would be the
theme for the 2021 show.
Hamvention is the largest annual amateur radio gathering in the US, and
was the host of the ARRL National Convention for its last event, held
in 2019. The ARRL Hamfest and Convention Calendar includes a searchable
database that includes other canceled in-person events.
FCC Invites Comments on Expanding the Number of Volunteer Examiner
Coordinators
In a January 5 Public Notice, the FCC requested comments on whether the
current 14 Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) are sufficient to
facilitate the efforts of their accredited Volunteer Examiners (VEs) in
administering amateur radio examinations, or whether it should
authorize up to five additional VECs. Comments are due by February 5,
and reply comments are due by February 19. After Congress authorized it
to do so, the FCC adopted rules in 1983 to allow volunteers to prepare
and administer amateur radio examinations, and it established the
system of VECs and VEs. The ARRL VEC is the largest of the 14 VECs in
the US.
"VECs introduced consistency into the volunteer examiner program by
centralizing accreditation of volunteer examiners, coordinating the
dates and times for scheduling examinations, and managing the various
administrative tasks arising from examinations," the FCC said.
Authorized VECs may operate in any of the 13 VEC regions, but must
service at least one region. The FCC pointed out that some VECs now
offer remote examinations.
"The Commission has long maintained 14 VECs and now seeks to consider
whether they continue to serve the evolving needs of the amateur
community, or whether there are unmet needs that warrant considering
expanding the number of VECs," the FCC said.
The FCC Public Notice provided questions for framing comments:
* Are the existing 14 VECs sufficient to coordinate the efforts of
Volunteer Examiners in preparing and administering examinations for
amateur radio operator licenses, or are additional VECs needed?
* What needs are currently being met, and which needs, if any, are
not?
* If the FCC were to allow additional VECs, how many more would be
needed to satisfy existing Amateur Radio Service license
examination needs? (The FCC indicated that it would likely cap the
number of additional VECs at five.)
* Given that VECs use a collaborative process to create examination
question pools and volunteer examination administration protocols,
would additional VECs enhance or hinder this process?
* How would increasing the number of VECs address the unmet needs, if
any, of the amateur radio community, and what obstacles or
complications could result from increasing the number of VECs?
Interested parties may file short comments on WT Docket No. 21-2 via
the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing Service (Express). Visit the FCC's
"How to Comment on FCC Proceedings" page for information on filing
extended comments.
WSJT-X 2.4.0 to Introduce New Digital Protocol Q65
WSJT-X version 2.4.0 will introduce a new digital protocol called Q65,
which, according to the Quick Start Guide, is designed for "minimal
two-way QSOs over especially difficult propagation paths." The Guide
said, "On paths with Doppler spread more than a few hertz, the
weak-signal performance of Q65 is the best among all WSJT-X modes. Q65
is particularly effective for tropospheric scatter, ionospheric
scatter, and EME on VHF and higher bands, as well as other types of
fast-fading signals."
The new protocol uses 65-tone frequency-shift keying and builds on the
demonstrated weak-signal strengths of QRA64, introduced in 2016. User
messages and sequencing are identical to those in FT4, FT8, FST4, and
MSK144. Q65 employs a "unique tone" to sync time and frequency. "As
with JT65, this 'sync tone' is readily visible on the waterfall
spectral display," the Guide said.
"Unlike JT65, synchronization and decoding are effective even when
meteor pings or other short signal enhancements are present.
Transmit/receive sequence lengths of 15, 30, 60, 120, and 300 seconds
are available. According to the Guide, "Q65 will enable stations with a
modest Yagi and 100 W or more and to work one another on 6 meters at
distances up to ~1,600 kilometers at most times, in dead-band
conditions."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On The Air podcast (Episode 13) features a
discussion with Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, about his success in boosting
activity at the University of Arizona amateur radio club.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 25) will discuss extreme
magnetic fields and also feature a chat with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, on
the topic of hunting down and resolving interference.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
ARRL Seeks Nominations for Seven Awards
ARRL invites nominations for awards that recognize excellence in
amateur radio educational, technological, and public relations
pursuits. Nominations are also open for the Hiram Percy Maxim Award,
ARRL's premier award to honor a young licensee.
The Hiram Percy Maxim Award
The Hiram Percy Maxim Award is the premier honor for a radio amateur
and ARRL member younger than 21 whose accomplishments and contributions
are of the most exemplary nature within the framework of amateur radio
activities. Nominations must be made through your ARRL Section Manager,
who will forward nominations to ARRL Headquarters by March 31, 2021.
Nomination forms and supporting information should document as
thoroughly as possible the nominee's amateur radio achievements and
contributions during the previous calendar year.
The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award
This award honors an ARRL volunteer amateur radio instructor or
professional classroom teacher who uses creative instructional
approaches and reflects the highest values of the amateur radio
community. The award highlights quality of -- and commitment to --
licensing instruction. Nominations are due by March 15, 2021.
Technical Awards
The ARRL Microwave Development Award pays tribute to a radio amateur or
group of radio amateurs who contribute to the development of the
amateur radio microwave bands. The nomination deadline is March 31,
2021.
The ARRL Technical Service Award recognizes a radio amateur or group of
radio amateurs who provide amateur radio technical assistance or
training to others. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2021.
The ARRL Technical Innovation Award commends a radio amateur or group
of radio amateurs who develop and apply new technical ideas or
techniques in amateur radio. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2021.
The Knight Distinguished Service Award
The Knight Distinguished Service Award honors exceptional contributions
by an ARRL Section Manager to the health and vitality of ARRL. The
nomination deadline is April 30, 2021. It was named for Joe T. Knight,
W5PDY (SK), who was commended for his exemplary service not only as
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager for more than a quarter-century, but
for his willingness to share his knowledge and leadership skills.
The Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award
The ARRL Public Relations Committee invites nominations for the Philip
J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award. This award recognizes and
honors the efforts of an ARRL member-volunteer who demonstrates success
in amateur radio public relations and creates greater awareness and
understanding for amateur radio through efforts focused on the media
and general public. The nomination deadline is May 14, 2021.
The ARRL Board of Directors makes the final determination of award
recipients. Winners typically are announced following the Board's July
meeting. More information about these awards is on the ARRL website, or
contact Steve Ewald, WV1X, at ARRL Headquarters (telephone
860-594-0265).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
International Amateur Radio Union Preparing for WRC-23
Preparations are under way by the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU) to represent the interests of the amateur and amateur-satellite
services at World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) sponsors WRCs, typically
every 4 years, to consider revisions to the international Radio
Regulations that define frequency allocations for various radio
services.
"As an incumbent radio service with allocations at intervals throughout
the radio spectrum, the amateur service faces challenges at every WRC,"
IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, said. "Successfully defending our
existing access to the spectrum is a significant accomplishment at any
WRC, but sometimes it is possible also to improve our existing
allocations. WRC-19 resulted in major improvements in 50 MHz
allocations in Region 1. Without any doubt, this could not have
happened without the concerted efforts of dozens of IARU volunteers
over the course of several years."
The next WRC is expected to be held in 2023. Under the direction of
IARU Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, 20 IARU volunteers have been
participating in virtual meetings of ITU working parties and
preparatory committees of regional telecommunications organizations
(RTOs) as they address WRC-23 agenda items of particular concern to
amateur radio. Potentially affected bands are 50 - 54 MHz (a new
service has been proposed in an adjacent band); 1240 - 1300 MHz; 3300 -
3400 MHz; 10.0 - 10.5 GHz, and 241 - 250 GHz. In addition, studies are
being conducted to identify protection requirements for space weather
sensors that operate in frequency bands from 13 kHz to at least 15 GHz.
The participation of IARU member-societies in preparations at the
national level is an important contribution to amateur radio's eventual
success at a WRC, Sumner said.
The IARU ministrative Council has chosen "Amateur Radio: Home but
Never Alone" as the theme for World Amateur Radio Day on Sunday, April
18, 2021. With the pandemic driving adoption of physical isolation to
reduce the spread of the virus, the worldwide amateur radio community
has responded positively to overcome the resulting social isolation.
On-air activity was at an unprecedented level throughout the remainder
of 2020, with record-breaking numbers of entries in the major contests,
Sumner said. "This theme offers the opportunity for our
member-societies to tailor meaningful messages to the general public
about the values of the global amateur radio community."
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The schedule is subject to change.
Emergency Communications: Why Train? -- North Texas Section Emergency
Coordinator Greg Evans, K5GTX
Utilizing amateur radio operators in an emergency communication
situation is a key function that can save lives. We must be able to
respond to the needs of our served agencies quickly and responsibly.
Topics covered include the Incident Command System and its relevance;
building on consistent training; interoperability with multiple
communication providers; interoperability with VOAD and partners, and
Mission One: get the information delivered.
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Easy Helical Copper Tape and PVC 2-Meter Vertical Antenna -- John
Portune, W6NBC
Here's how to quickly build a tiny, 18-inch, continuously loaded
lightweight portable or base station 2-meter omnidirectional vertical
antenna with performance and efficiency comparable to a 5-foot J-pole.
The antenna is built from hardware store copper tape and PVC pipe, and
the cost is roughly $10. It's an easy afternoon's homebrew project,
ideal for the new ham but equal to the experienced ham's needs. It's
great for events like bike-a-thons. It also makes an excellent ham
radio club hands-on building project, and the design is adaptable to
other bands.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting -- Rob Macedo,
KD1CY
One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as
the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center (NHC),
and emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS
SKYWARN program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories
about how amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property
and why this is an important amateur radio activity.
Thursday February 11, 2021 @ 8 pm EST (0100 UTC on Friday, February 12)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The Reverse Beacon Network has announced some enhancements. Pete
Smith, N4ZR, said, "Thanks to Mark Glenn, K7MJG, the RBN beta
site's world map now displays currently and recently active RBN
nodes, along with spots. Red dots denote nodes that have made at
least one spot in the last 30 minutes."
* The Fédération des clubs radioamateurs du Québec (RAQI) is marking
the 70th anniversary of RAQI in 2021 with Quebec Parks On The Air
(QcPOTA). The event will take place from April 1 to December 31,
2021.
* The ebook, Capture the MAGIC of Six Meters, by Jim Wilson, K5ND, is
available for free download. It covers propagation, equipment,
software, antennas, awards, and contesting, as well as assistance
in finding the magic, Wilson says.
* Tom Roscoe, K8CX, has 149 "rare DX MP3 sound clips" on his
Hamgallery.com site. Some of the nearly 3,000 classic clips go back
to the 1960s.
* CQ has announced that Steve Molo, KI4KWR, of Madison, Alabama, is
the magazine's Awards Editor.
* The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has announced that it will target
property owners and managers who "knowingly tolerate pirate
broadcasting on their properties." The FCC said it would be
exercising its new authority under the recently enacted PIRATE Act.
ARRL Life Member Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, is 2021 Carole Perry Educator of
the Year
Orlando HamCation^(R) has announced that ARRL Life Member Neil Rapp,
WB9VPG, of Bloomington, Indiana, is the 2021 recipient of the Carole
Perry Educator of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding
individual contribution in educating and advancing youth in amateur
radio. It was first awarded in 2018 to its namesake, Carole Perry,
WB2MGP, in honor of her work as an educator teaching students about ham
radio. Rapp was ARRL 2004 Professional Educator of the Year. He's an
Assistant Central Division Director and an ARRL VEC certified examiner.
An educational professional for more than 28 years, Rapp currently
teaches chemistry at Bloomington High School South. He's also the
school's amateur radio club sponsor and has introduced 3,600 students
and parents to amateur radio through his involvement in the
organization. Among his educational achievements, he was able to send
an experiment involving protein crystallization to the International
Space Station (ISS). He also mentored 2013 Amateur Radio Newsline Young
Ham of the Year and ARRL William R. Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship
recipient Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS.
Rapp got his license when he was 5 years old, and, at the time, was
touted as the world's youngest ham. Now 50, he's the host and founder
of the amateur radio podcast Ham Talk Live! He's also a member of AMSAT
and was the youngest person to both join and be eligible for membership
in the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA). He is the editor of
the "Next-Gen Contesters" column for NCJ.
Seven US Schools Move Forward in ARISS Selection Process
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced
that seven schools or host organizations selected for the July -
December 2021 contact window have moved forward in the processes of
planning to host a scheduled amateur radio contact with a space station
crew member. ARISS' primary goal is to engage young people in science,
technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) activities and raise
their awareness of space communications, radio communication, space
exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities.
The schools/organizations are:
* Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University in
Nashville, Tennessee
* Tarwater Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona
* Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse, New York
* SpaceKids Global and Girl Scouts of Citrus in Winter Park, Florida
* Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol in St. Charles, Illinois
* Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC
* Savannah River Academy in Grovetown, Georgia
ARISS is now working with hosts to complete acceptable equipment plans
that demonstrate their ability to carry out a ham radio contact. Once
their equipment plan is approved by the ARISS Technical Mentors, the
final list of host schools/organizations will be scheduled as their
availability and flexibility match up with contact opportunities
offered by NASA.
This year, ARISS celebrates 20 years of continuous amateur radio
operations on the ISS.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar Cycle 25 seemed well under way,
but no new sunspots emerged since December 23. The last time any
sunspot was visible was January 2.
Average daily solar flux declined from 78.6 to 73.8. Geomagnetic A
index remained quiet. Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 73,
73, and 74 on January 14 - 16; 75 on January 17 - 19; 73 and 75 on
January 20 - 21; 78 on January 22 - 27; 77 on January 28 - 31; 75 on
February 1 - 6, and 74 on February 7 - 12. Solar flux is expected to
peak at 78 again after February 14.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on January 14 - 16; 10, 12, 10, and 8
on January 17 - 20; 5 on January 21 - 24; 8 on January 25 - 26; 5 on
January 27 - 31; 10 on February 1 - 2, and 5 on February 3 - 12.
Peering at the STEREO spacecraft, I see a promising bright spot a few
days from now in our sun's southern hemisphere, so perhaps that
indicates a new sunspot over the solar horizon.
Space Weather Woman Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW, has posted this video
discussing the lack of sunspots and the latest space weather news.
Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, gave an excellent talk on propagation for the
Madison DX Club on January 12. The video will be posted soon. Until
then, you can watch a presentation on Solar Cycle 25 by Douglas
Biesecker of NOAA via the same link.
Sunspot numbers for January 7 - 13 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74.6, 75.2, 74.2, 73.1, 73.2,
72.8, and 73.2, with a mean of 73.8. Estimated planetary A indices were
6, 2, 3, 3, 14, 9, and 4, with a mean of 5.9. Middle latitude A index
was 4, 1, 2, 3, 10, 8, and 3, with a mean of 4.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
The ARRL January VHF Contest is on tap for the weekend of January 16 -
18. While using the FT modes, if the indicated dB signal level
approaches or exceeds 0 dB, conditions are likely good enough for CW or
SSB (FT4 mode can provide faster contacts than FT8). Contacts using
those modes can be made more quickly under those conditions. More fun:
The North American Collegiate Championship (NACC), sponsored by the
Society of Midwest Contesters, returns this year starting with the
North American QSO Party SSB (NAQP) on January 16. The NACC is a
competition between colleges and university amateur radio stations
using the "contest-within-a-contest" format during the NAQP SSB and
NAQP RTTY events. Teams must register in advance. Contest sponsors are
aware that spring terms may be delayed due to the pandemic. NACC will
use the Contest Online ScoreBoard. More information is on the NACC
page. -- Thanks to the ARRL Contest Update
The 2021 AM Rally is set for the first weekend in February. The popular
event takes place from 0000 UTC on Saturday, February 6 to 0700 UTC on
Monday, February 8. The annual AM Rally operating event encourages all
operators to explore amateur radio's original voice mode by showcasing
the various types of amplitude modulation equipment in use today,
ranging from early vacuum-tube radios to the latest SDR-based
transceivers. "Participation in the AM Rally has continued to grow over
the past 5 years, as more operators explore the mode," said Clark
Burgard, N1BCG. "The AM Rally is a great way to beat the winter and
COVID-19 blues." The AM Rally is open to all radio amateurs capable of
operating on AM using any type of radio equipment from vintage to
modern, vacuum tube to solid state. The AM Rally will use the 160-,
80-, 40-, 20-, 15-, 10-, and 6-meter bands. "Those who have never tried
AM mode will find plenty of help, if needed," Burgard assured. An AM
Rally 2021 promotional video is available. Contact Burgard for more
information.
Northernmost Reverse Beacon Net Node in Europe Launched Thanks to a
grant from the Yasme Foundation, the northernmost Reverse Beacon Net
(RBN) node in Europe went online on December 22. It was made possible
by a Yasme Foundation initiative to provide additional Reverse Beacon
Network nodes in underserved areas. The latest node to become active is
hosted by Radio Arcala, OH8X, very close to the Lapland region. At and
above the Arctic Circle during hours of darkness, polar path
propagation offers a footprint covering all of North America for many
hours, even for stations within the auroral oval, and stations in the
far north have been able to take advantage. The OH8X RBN node would
further help the study of the polar path mode, in which Radio Arcala
will be cooperating with the northern scientific community. The RBN
node receiver is currently located at the Radio Arcala station at
65-11-03N and 26-14-53E, but may later be moved even farther north to
be into the heart of the auroral region of the Arctic Circle. -- Thanks
to Radio Arcala
New Amateur VLF Transatlantic Record Set Very low frequency (VLF)
enthusiast Joe Craig, VO1NA, reports that Stefan Schaefer, DK7FC,
copied his 50-character message transmitted from Newfoundland on 8.271
kHz, with a radiated power of 10 mW. "This is a new record for amateur
transatlantic VLF," Craig told ARRL. "The mode used was EbNaut by Paul
Nicholson. EbNaut is a synchronous coherent BPSK mode for use at VLF
and LF. Craig's tower supports a VLF RL (rotated L) 10-meter (33 feet)
average height and 100 meters (328 feet) long. VLF is the ITU
designation for radio spectrum in the range of 3 - 30 kHz,
corresponding to wavelengths from 100 to 10 kilometers, respectively.
"Since VLF waves can penetrate at least 40 meters (131 feet) into
saltwater, they are used for military communication with submarines,"
Craig noted.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 16 -- WAB 1.8 MHz (CW, phone)
* January 16 - 17 -- Hungarian DX Contest (CW, phone)
* January 16 - 17 -- PRO Digi Contest
* January 16 - 17 -- North American QSO Party, SSB
* January 16 - 17 -- NA Collegiate Championship, SSB
* January 16 - 17 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* January 16 - 18 -- ARRL January VHF Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* January 17 - 18 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* January 18 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW -- 20 WPM max)
* January 21 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 22, 2021 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
January 21, 2021
* Orlando HamCation Announces QSO Party, Special Edition Virtual
Presentations
* Eastern Iowans Rely On Ham Radio When Severe Weather Strikes
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* HamSCI Issues Call for Abstracts for March Virtual Workshop
* Contest University to Host Propagation Summit on January 23
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Radio Amateur is Co-Leader of Just-Published Blood Plasma Research
Study
* Announcements: January 21
* Amateur Radio in the News
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Orlando HamCation Announces QSO Party, Special Edition Virtual
Presentations
Orlando HamCation has announced it will sponsor the HamCation QSO Party
over the February 13 - 14 weekend (UTC), "to create a fun way for
amateurs to celebrate the Orlando HamCation experience over the air."
The HamCation QSO Party will be a 12-hour event on HamCation weekend.
HamCation 2021 was to host the ARRL National Convention, which now will
take place in 2022.
"The QSO party will replicate the camaraderie and social experience of
attending HamCation and provide a way to have fun on the radio, since
HamCation 2021 will not be held due to COVID-19," the HamCation QSO
Party Committee said. The HamCation QSO Party will run from 1500 UTC on
February 13 until 0300 UTC on February 14. It will be a CW and SSB
operating event on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. Any station may work
any other station.
Categories will be High Power (more than 100 W output), Low Power (100
W output or less, but greater than 5 W), and QRP (5 W output or less).
All participants will be single operators; there is no multioperator
category. The exchange will be your name and state/province/country,
and the outside temperature at your location. "We are including
temperature at your QTH as a way of highlighting Orlando's mild
February weather," the committee said.
Nine HamCation special event stations with 1 * 1 call signs will be on
the air with combined suffixes spelling out HamCation (e.g., K4H, W4A,
K4M, etc). Each contact will count as one point, and stations may be
worked once on each band and mode. Entrants will report their scores on
www.3830Scores.com; no logs are required. Final results will be based
on the information submitted to the website.
Station guest operators must use their own call signs and submit their
scores individually. Plaques and certificates will be awarded.
Virtual HamCation Set
The Orlando HamCation Special Edition online event over the February 13
- 14 weekend will take the place of what would have been the HamCation
2021 in-person show.
The online event will include youth, technology, contesting, and vendor
webinar tracks. ARRL will also present two webinars on Saturday,
February 13. They are:
* ARRL Member Forum at 1 PM EST, moderated by ARRL Southeastern
Division Director Mickey Baker, N4MB.
* Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) presentation at 3 PM
EST, moderated by ARRL Director of Emergency Management Paul
Gilbert, KE5ZW. The ARES presentation will include panelists from
ARRL Section Emergency Coordinators in Florida.
Live, online prize drawings are also scheduled during the HamCation
Special Edition online event.
Eastern Iowans Rely On Ham Radio When Severe Weather Strikes
A derecho with winds of 80 to 100 MPH struck eastern Iowa last August,
disrupting power and telecommunications for some 400,000 residents.
But, as ARRL member and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R))
volunteer Scott Haney, N0GUD, recently explained to The Gazette in
Cedar Rapids, that's when amateur radio shines.
Haney, the president of the Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club (CVARC),
was the focus of the January 19 feature, "2nd-largest per-capita group
of amateur radio operators in the world calls Eastern Iowa home," by
Molly Rossiter.
"For some people, [amateur radio is] merely a hobby, but for a lot of
us, it's much more than that," Haney said. "Ham radio operators are
involved in emergency management, in large event management, in a large
variety of things. A lot of times people don't know we're there, but
we're actually a large part of planning and carrying out many events
and gatherings," he said. "People don't realize, especially in weather
events like hurricanes, [that] amateur radio is a huge part of getting
people in and out of dangerous areas. We've been doing that for
decades."
As the article notes, the fact that Collins Aerospace (formerly Collins
Radio and Rockwell Collins) calls Cedar Rapids home is believed to be
the reason that the second-highest population density of hams in the
world reside in Eastern Iowa.
Haney retired in 2019, after 30 years with Rockwell Collins and Collins
Aerospace. He's been licensed for more than 40 years.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 13) features a
discussion with Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, about his success in boosting
activity at the University of Arizona amateur radio club.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 25) will discuss extreme
magnetic fields and also feature a chat with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, on
the topic of hunting down and resolving interference.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
HamSCI Issues Call for Abstracts for March Virtual Workshop
HamSCI has issued a call for abstracts for its virtual workshop March
19 - 20, hosted by the University of Scranton and sponsored by the
National Science Foundation.
"The primary objective of the HamSCI workshop is to bring together the
amateur radio community and professional scientists," said HamSCI
founder Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF. The theme is midlatitude ionospheric
physics, "which is especially important to us because the vast majority
of hams live in the midlatitude regions," Frissell said.
Invited tutorial speakers will be Mike Ruohoniemi of the Virginia Tech
SuperDARN initiative and Joe Dzekevich, K1YOW. Elizabeth Bruton, of the
Science Museum in London, will be the keynote speaker.
Submit abstracts by February 15. The March conference will also serve
as a team meeting for the Personal Space Weather Station project.
Frissell said he will coordinate with respective teams for their
abstracts.
The HamSCI workshop welcomes abstracts related to development of the
Personal Weather Station, ionospheric science, atmospheric science,
radio science, spaceweather, radio astronomy, and any science topic
"that can be appropriately related to the amateur radio hobby."
Submissions related to the workshop theme of midlatitude ionospheric
physics are encouraged.
Abstracts will be reviewed by the Science/Program Committee, and
authors will be notified no later than March 1. Virtual poster
presentations are welcome, but due to time constraints, requests for
oral presentation slots may not be guaranteed.
Contest University to Host Propagation Summit on January 23
Contest University (CTU) is holding a Virtual Propagation Summit on
Saturday, January 23. The Zoom-platform event will get under way at
1600 UTC with introductory remarks from Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Ray Novak,
N9JA.
* At 1605 UTC, Scott Jones, N3RA, and George Fremin, K5TR, will
moderate a session titled "Update on the Personal Space Weather
Station Project & HamSCI activities for 2021" with Nathaniel
Frissell, W2NAF.
* At 1700 UTC, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, will discuss "Solar Cycle 25
Predictions & Progress."
* At 1800 UTC, Bill Fehring, W9KKN, and Marty Sullaway, NN1C, will
moderate a session, "Maximizing Performance of HF Antennas with
Irregular Terrain," with Jim Breakall, WA3FET.
* At 1900, the pair will moderate a presentation, "HF Propagation:
What to Expect During the Rising Years of Solar Cycle 25," with
Frank Donovan, W3LPL.
A drawing for an Icom IC-705 transceiver will be held. The winner must
be present on Zoom in order to win. Visit the 2021 Propagation Summit
registration page to sign up. ditional information will be posted on
the CTU website. -- Thanks to CTU Chair Tim Duffy, K3LR
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The schedule is subject to change.
Emergency Communications: Why Train? -- North Texas Section Emergency
Coordinator Greg Evans, K5GTX
Utilizing amateur radio operators in an emergency communication
situation is a key function that can save lives. We must be able to
respond to the needs of our served agencies quickly and responsibly.
Topics covered include the Incident Command System and its relevance;
building on consistent training; interoperability with multiple
communication providers; interoperability with VOAD and partners, and
mission one: get the information delivered.
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Easy Helical Copper Tape and PVC 2-Meter Vertical Antenna -- John
Portune, W6NBC
Learn how to quickly build a tiny, 18-inch continuously loaded
lightweight portable or base station 2-meter omnidirectional vertical
with performance and efficiency comparable to a 5-foot J-pole. All you
need is copper tape and PVC pipe from the hardware store, and the cost
is roughly $10. It's an easy afternoon's homebrew project, ideal for
the new ham but equal to the experienced ham's needs. It is great for
events like bike-a-thons. It also makes an excellent ham radio club
hands-on building project, and the design is adaptable to other bands.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting -- Rob Macedo,
KD1CY
One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as
the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center, and
emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS SKYWARN
program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories about how
amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property and why this
is an important amateur radio activity.
Thursday February 11, 2021 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday,
February 12)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio Amateur is Co-Leader of Just-Published Blood Plasma Research
Study
Scott Wright, K0MD -- a well-known amateur radio contester and past
editor of the National Contest Journal (NCJ) -- was a co-principal
investigator of a research project into the use of convalescent plasma
to treat COVID-19 patients. The study, Convalescent Plasma Antibody
Levels and the Risk of Death from COVID-19, appeared in the January 13
edition of the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
The study began early last April under the co-leadership of Wright and
Dr. Michael Joyner, MD, both of the Mayo Clinic; Dr. Peter Marks, MD,
PhD, Dr. Nicole Verdun, MD, of the US Food and Drug ministration, and
Dr. Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Marks
is AB3XC. The Mayo Clinic was the lead institution for the program.
Initially heading up one segment of the study, the Mayo Clinic asked
him to formally step in as co-principal investigator and to assume the
forward face with the media.
"We report a 6.3% absolute reduction in mortality for those who
received high-titer convalescent plasma, and a 36% relative risk
reduction in mortality for those who received it while not on a
ventilator," Wright summarized briefly. "We are hopeful it will have an
impact globally where more advanced -- and expensive -- therapies may
not be available."
The US Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program was a collaborative
project between the US government and the Mayo Clinic to provide access
to convalescent plasma for patients in the US who were hospitalized
with COVID-19. The government-supported study collected and provided
blood plasma recovered from COVID-19 patients containing antibodies
that, it was theorized, could help these individuals fight the disease.
Wright said that in contrast with most studies, the investigators
designed and carried out the research without help from National
Institutes of Health (NIH). "It was an enormous project, not to mention
that over 105,000 people enrolled in the study," Wright said. "The NEJM
paper is a subset analysis of 3,000 or so subjects. We did a lot of
innovative things with the FDA's permission to make this a study that
quickly enrolled patients, physicians, and hospitals."
Wright said the study participants cooperated with all but five
hospital systems in the US and had sites in all US territories overseas
and military facilities. "Our physicians locally at the sites enrolled
twice as many minority subjects as any randomized clinical trial ever,"
Wright said, and we had about half men and half women as subjects --
something most trials struggle with."
The study has attracted some media attention. Wright was interviewed by
NBC News. "We were happy to have some media interest, especially given
the other news in Washington, DC, that overshadows this naturally," he
said. "It is just a great feeling to have it published and peer
reviewed."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements: January 21
* [IMG]Winter Field Day is January 30 - 31, sponsored by the Winter
Field Day Association (WFDA), "a dedicated group of amateur radio
operators who believe that emergency communications in a winter
environment is just as important as the preparations and practice
that is done each summer, but with some additional unique
operational concerns." CW and SSB only.
* Bob Witte, K0NR, has proposed that Summits on the Air (SOTA) and
similar programs designate 146.48 MHz as the "North America
venture Frequency" (NAAF) FM simplex channel on 2 meters. This is
to avoid the national calling frequency of 146.52, which can be
busy; those using 146.52 MHz are expected to move to another
frequency after making contact.
* Madison DX Club President Bob Urban, W9EWZ, has announced that the
presentation "Understanding and Applying Solar Indices," by Carl
Luetzelschwab, K9LA, is available on the Madison DX Club YouTube
channel.
* Radio amateurs in Australia may use the prefix AX on Australia Day,
January 26. The day commemorates the arrival of the first fleet in
1788, the raising of the British flag, and the establishment of
European settlements. The annual day celebrates Australian history
and culture.
* To celebrate Peru's 200 years as a republic, the Peruvian Radio
Club will field some special call signs throughout 2021. Listen for
OC200P, OC200E, OC200R, and OC200U. The single-letter suffixes
spell "PERU." Only one of the commemorative call signs will be on
the air at a time -- OC200P in January, May, and September; OC200E
in February, June, and October; OC200R in March, July, and
November, and OC200U in April, August, and December. QSL to OA4O.
* The free English-language AMSAT-EA January newsletter features an
article by Carlos Flores, EA3HAH, about his experiences using FT4
on the linear (SSB) amateur satellites. He reports good results
with 1 - 2 W and was able to decode without problems "on almost all
calls."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
2nd-largest per-capita group of amateur radio operators in the world
call Eastern Iowa home
The Gazette, January 19, 2021
Irish Students Get to Chat with International Space Station
Euro Weekly News (online), December 9, 2020
Ham Radio Operators Honor Legacy of Mars Hill Company
The Citizen-Times (North Carolina), December 9, 2020
Happy SKYWARN Recognition Day
WDRB.com (Kentucky), December 5, 2020
Liftoff: Sea Road School Students to Chat with Space Station Astronaut
Kennebunk Post (Maine), December 4, 2020
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We just witnessed 12 consecutive days
with no sunspots, which many of us found a bit unsettling. But
fortunately Solar Cycle 25 activity returned with a new sunspot on
January 15.
Average daily sunspot numbers increased from zero last week to 14.7 in
the January 14 - 20 reporting period.
Average daily solar flux rose from 73.8 to 76.1, and geomagnetic
indicators sank to very quiet levels. Average daily planetary A index
dropped from 5.9 to 4, and average daily middle latitude A index from
4.4 to 3.
The outlook for the next month looks good. Predicted daily solar flux
for the next 30 days is 80 on January 21 - 28; 75 on January 29 -
February 3; 76 for February 4 - 10; 77 for February 11 -17, and 76 on
February 18 - 19.
Predicted planetary A index is 14, 10, and 8 on January 21 - 23; 5 on
January 24 - 25; 8 on January 26 - 28; 5 on January 29 - 31; 10 on
February 1 - 2; 5 on February 3 - 13; 10, 10, 12, and 10 on February 14
- 17, and 5 on February 18 - 19.
Sunspot numbers for January 14 - 20 were 0, 13, 15, 23, 13, 14, and 25,
with a mean of 14.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.6, 73.4, 77.7,
77.2, 75.3, 78.1, and 77.2, with a mean of 76.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 6, and 6, with a mean of 4. Middle latitude
A index was 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 6, and 5, with a mean of 3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
Over-the-horizon radars (OTH-R) continue to clutter 40 and 20 meters.
The International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Monitoring Service
(IARUMS) reports that OTH-Rs have increasingly been finding spectrum on
17 and 15 meters. "Above all, the Russian OTH-R 'Contayner,' as well as
OTH-Rs from China affect amateur radio more and more, sometimes quite
massively," said IARUMS newsletter Editor Peter Jost, HB9CET, said in
the December edition, with three or four such signals showing in the
same band. Significantly fewer FSK transmissions as well as the
characteristic CIS12 signals from the Commonwealth of Independent
States were to be found. "For some time now, a broadcast station is
active every day at 1100 - 1258 UTC at 7200 kHz," Jost said, adding
that the signal appears to be coming from Taiwan. "The broadcast
station 'Voice of Broad Masses' from Eritrea can be heard daily on 7140
kHz (VOBM1) and increasingly also on 7180 kHz (VOBM2)," he added.
Occasionally, better conditions during November 2020 revealed fishing
buoy signals and an Iranian OTH-R on 10 meters. The Chinese OTH-R
nicknamed "Foghorn" "was and is a daily troublemaker," Jost reported in
November.
The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius plans to launch MIR-SAT1
(Mauritius Imagery and Radio - Satellite 1) in 2021. The project was
the first winner of the 2018 round of the United Nations Office for
Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
(JAXA) KiboCUBE Program. The CubeSat will carry an amateur radio V/U
digipeater (a downlink of 436.925 MHz has been coordinated). It's
expected that JAXA will launch MIR-SAT1 to the International Space
Station (ISS) in February for deployment in May or June, according to
Space in Africa. The 1U nanosatellite was designed by a team of
Mauritian engineers and an experienced radio amateur from the Mauritius
Amateur Radio Society in collaboration with experts from AAC Clyde
Space UK.
Two new member-societies have been proposed for IARU membership. The
Amateur Radio Union of the Kyrgyz Republic (ARUKR) and the Bahrain
Amateur Radio Society (BARS) have been proposed for approval by the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) as member-societies. Before
taking up the BARS application, the status of Amateur Radio Association
of Bahrain (ARAB), whose membership rights were suspended in 2016, had
to be determined. "Following an investigation, both the Region 1
Executive Committee and the IARU ministrative Council are satisfied
that ARAB no longer exists," IARU said. Member-societies proposed for
membership are subject to a vote by current member-societies.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 23 - 24 -- BARTG RTTY Sprint
* January 23 - 24 -- UK/EI DX Contest (CW)
* January 25 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM max)
* January 27 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* January 27 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest
* January 28 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, January 29, 2021 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
January 28, 2021
* QSO Today Expo to Include Speaker Track on Amateur Radio Satellites
* Ham Radio's SuitSat Returns in Short Horror Film
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* President Biden Taps Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC
Chair
* CHESS CubeSat Constellation to Carry FUNcube Transponders
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* YOTA Month a Success in the Americas and Around the World
* Announcements
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Getting It Right
* In Brief...
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
QSO Today Expo to Include Speaker Track on Amateur Radio Satellites
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on March 13 - 14 will devote a speaker
track to AMSAT and the world of amateur radio satellites.
The expo is in "full planning mode" and promises "many exciting new
things" for the upcoming event, which will include a world-class lineup
of more than 60 speakers and workshops for beginners to experts.
Presenters at nine AMSAT sessions will discuss the broad spectrum of
ham radio satellites, including:
* Introduction to Amateur Radio Satellites (Douglas Quagliana,
KA2UPW)
* Getting on the Air with Satellites (Clint Bradford, K6LCS)
* How to Enjoy Amateur Radio Contacts with the International Space
Station (Frank Bauer, KA3HDO)
* Implementation of LDPC Encoder on FPGA (Anshul Makkar)
* Debris Mitigation in Earth's Orbit (Anshul Makkar)
* Digital Multiplexing Transponder from the Open Research Institute
(Michelle Thompson, W5NYV)
* Solving the ITAR and EAR Problem for the Amateur Radio Satellite
Service (Michelle Thompson, W5NYV)
* Remote Labs for P4XT Engineering Development (Paul Williamson,
KB5MU)
Thompson, an AMSAT Board Member, said working satellites is one of the
most rewarding privileges of holding an amateur radio license.
"There has never been a better time to be involved in amateur radio
satellites, since some long-standing regulatory burdens have been
lifted and advanced technology has never been more affordable and
accessible," Thompson remarked. "We have opportunities now that were
not available as of even a few years ago. AMSAT is fortunate to
contribute to the expo by showcasing the truly amazing work going on
around the world in the amateur satellite scene. And the Expo is an
ideal partner to show it off to the wider ham audience."
AMSAT will have a booth at the expo, where attendees can talk to
experts, enthusiasts, operators, and technicians and obtain contact and
membership information for the 30 AMSAT societies around the world.
Early-bird tickets are $10 (to help cover the cost of this event) and
$12.50 "at the door." That includes entry for the live, 2-day event as
well as access during the 30-day on-demand period following the event.
Register on the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo website.
ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner.
Ham Radio's SuitSat Returns in Short Horror Film
SuitSat makes an appearance in a new video short sci-fi thriller,
called Decommissioned. "Inspired by true events," the video short
resurrects the 2006 spacesuit/satellite that transmitted messages on 2
meters as it circled Earth. The original SuitSat-1 project, conceived
by an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team,
repurposed a decommissioned Russian Orlan spacesuit to function as a
free-floating amateur radio transmit-only satellite.
"ARISS designed and built an antenna and radio gear that got approved
for installation into the suit, and cosmonaut Valeri Tokarev and
Commander Bill McArthur, KC5ACR, put SuitSat-1 into orbit at the start
of a spacewalk," ARISS-US Delegate for ARRL Rosalie White, K1STO,
recounted. SuitSat-1 transmitted a voice message, "This is SuitSat-1
RS0RS!" in several languages, plus telemetry and a slow-scan TV image
on an 8-minute cycle as it orbited Earth.
In the 6-minute film, a SuitSat returns in the future to haunt
International Space Station Commander Diaz, played by Joey Vieira. Diaz
is seen taking photos from inside an observation dome on the ISS when
he spies some distant space debris and radios Houston to express
concern.
"If there was any cause for alarm, you know we'd see it too," Houston
assures him.
As the object closes in, an increasingly anxious Diaz recognizes the
"debris" as SuitSat. "This is SuitSat," comes a voice on the ham radio.
"Houston, you're not gonna believe this. We're picking up transmissions
on the ham radio that sound identical to the SuitSat experiment," he
tells a skeptical mission control. "It's SuitSat! I'm seeing SuitSat!"
"SuitSat re-entered the atmosphere and burned up years ago," mission
control responds. "It's impossible."
Decommissioned was produced by Perception Pictures and directed by
Australian filmmaker Josh Tanner. He told Gizmodo that he
The real SuitSat in 2006.
[NASA, photo]
produced the video "using the Unreal Engine technology that The
Mandalorian used, albeit old-school rear projection, as opposed to the
fancy LED wall tech they used."
A short video shows how Decommissioned was made.
SuitSat-1 -- called Radioskaf or Radio Sputnik in Russian -- was so
successful that another unneeded Orlan spacesuit was subsequently
refitted as SuitSat-2.
As an interesting sidebar with respect to the real SuitSat, White
explained, "After the ARISS engineers calculated SuitSat-1's orbit and
spin characteristics, they knew the legs and arms would have to be
filled with something, so they asked the crew to stuff dirty laundry
inside."
The original SuitSats were deorbited to burn up in Earth's atmosphere
after their useful lives ended.
ARRL is a partner in the ARISS program, which has kept amateur radio on
the air from the International Space Station for 20 years. A hallmark
of the ARISS program is the scheduled ham radio contacts between ISS
crew members and earthbound schools and student groups.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 13) features a
discussion with Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, about his success in boosting
activity at the University of Arizona amateur radio club.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 26) discusses synchronous
AM reception and includes an interview with Dave Tipping, NZ1J, about a
novel approach to boost foxhunt participation.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
President Biden Taps Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC
Chair
This week, President Joseph Biden designated FCC Commissioner Jessica
Rosenworcel as acting chair of the FCC. She succeeds, at least
temporarily, former FCC chair Ajit Pai, who resigned effective on
January 20.
"I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal
Communications Commission by President Biden," Rosenworcel said in a
statement. "I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency
with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to
serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach
of communications opportunity in the digital age."
Prior to joining the FCC, she served as Senior Communications Counsel
for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation. Before entering public service, she practiced
communications law in Washington, DC.
The newest FCC commissioner, Nathan Simington, a Republican appointee,
said Rosenworcel "brings deep knowledge and experience and highly
informed judgment to her new position." He expressed appreciation that
the Biden ministration acted promptly to establish FCC leadership by
"selecting such a distinguished public servant for this vital role."
Fellow Democrat Geoffrey Starks said Rosenworcel "has been a passionate
advocate for bringing the benefits of broadband to all Americans --
particularly our children." He said her designation as acting chair
"comes at a critical juncture for the Commission, as COVID-19 has made
bold action to end internet inequality more vital than ever."
The Commission's other Democratic appointee, Brendan Carr, called
Rosenworcel "a talented and dedicated public servant, as evidenced by
her 8 years of distinguished service on the FCC."
Rosenworcel has also been appointed as Defense Commissioner. Among
other duties and responsibilities, the Defense Commissioner represents
the FCC in interagency matters pertaining to public safety, homeland
security, national security, emergency preparedness, disaster
management, and defense and related matters, including those pertaining
to continuity of essential FCC functions under emergency conditions.
CHESS CubeSat Constellation to Carry FUNcube Transponders
In 2020, a project between AMSAT-UK, AMSAT-NL, and Swiss universities
got under way with the aim of equipping two Swiss satellites with
linear amateur radio transponders. Linear transponders permit several
CW or SSB contacts to take place simultaneously within a prescribed
passband. The satellites also include features for classroom
demonstrations and experiments.
The CHESS (Constellation of High Energy Swiss Satellites) project
includes two satellites, which will be built simultaneously and later
launched as a constellation.
"The main science objective is to improve the understanding of the
upper atmosphere by in-situ measurements...taking advantage of a
constellation of identical nanosatellites to study the composition of
the terrestrial atmosphere and its density," the CHESS website
explains. The first satellite will have a nearly circular orbit at an
altitude of 400 kilometers. The second will have an elliptical orbit
with an altitude of 350 * 1,000 kilometers.
The amateur radio payload is a joint project of AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL.
A successful review of system requirements was completed in December.
Launch will not take place until the fourth quarter of 2022. The
satellites themselves are a project of the École polytechnique fédérale
de Lausanne (EPFL), with support from several other schools. -- Thanks
to AMSAT News Service via AMSAT-UK
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and view previously recorded sessions. The
schedule is subject to change.
Easy Helical Copper Tape and PVC 2-Meter Vertical Antenna: John
Portune, W6NBC
Learn how to quickly build a tiny, 18-inch continuously loaded
lightweight portable or base station 2-meter omnidirectional vertical
with performance and efficiency comparable to a 5-foot J-pole. All you
need is some hardware-store copper tape and PVC pipe, and the cost is
roughly $10. It's an easy afternoon's homebrew project, ideal for the
new ham but equal to the experienced ham's needs. It is great for
events like bike-a-thons. It also makes an excellent ham radio club
hands-on building project, and the design is adaptable to other bands.
Tuesday February 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Interesting Stories About Ham Radio & Weather Spotting: Rob Macedo,
KD1CY
One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as
the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center, and
emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS SKYWARN
program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories about how
amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property and why this
is an important amateur radio activity.
Thursday February 11, 2021 @ 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday, February 12)
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW Tour: Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, W1AW Station
Manager
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW, located in Newington, Connecticut, was
established to honor the memory of ARRL's co-founder and first
president, Hiram Percy Maxim. Although the first radio station of the
ARRL was actually located in Hartford, Connecticut and active as W1MK,
W1AW in Newington is known worldwide and considered the radio station
most associated with Hiram Percy Maxim. Formally established in 1938 -
nearly 2 years after the death of Hiram Percy Maxim - W1AW has
consistently been on the air, save for the time when the station was
ordered off the air by the FCC due to World War II. This guided tour
will provide an inside look at W1AW and will be led by Station Manager
Joe Carcia, NJ1Q.
Thursday February 18, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Talking to Astronauts: An Elementary School's Exciting ARISS
Experience: Diane Warner, KE8HLD
This is a story about Tallmadge Elementary School's participation in a
once-in-a-lifetime ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station) school contact. You'll learn about their amazing journey
leading up to the amateur radio contact with an astronaut on the
International Space Station. The excitement of the entire experience
was shared not just by the students, but included faculty, parents, the
community, and local amateur radio operators. You will also learn how
to begin the process of submitting your own ARISS contact proposal.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Visit the ARRL Learning Network for more information.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
YOTA Month a Success in the Americas and Around the World
December YOTA Month 2020 was a great success in the Americas.
Youth-operated amateur radio stations, operating under the Youth on the
Air (YOTA) banner in the Western Hemisphere, contributed more than
14,600 contacts to the annual worldwide event, which celebrates youth
in amateur radio. Two dozen operators under the age of 26 used special
event call signs to promote youth in amateur radio in the Americas.
During December YOTA Month in the US, four 1 * 1 special event call
signs -- K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A -- were on the air, rotating among
participating operators. This marks an 11.3% increase in contacts from
the 2019 total of nearly 12,500. Some operators used the 1 * 1 call
signs during various operating events.
"My favorite part of YOTA Month was running five radios at once," said
Michael Lippert, W3MLJ, a Pennsylvania teenager. "They were all on
digital modes. Running the big FT8 pileups was very fun, and to see the
rate of the contacts being logged was really cool." Fifth-grader Calin
Rismiller, K8MTJ, commented, "In general, I liked making a bunch of
QSOs in a short period of time. In particular, I had a really nice
conversation with Erich, KC9CUK, on 40 meters. I also got a kick out of
working ZR1ADI in South Africa, on 20-meter FT8."
"Using lessons from YOTA Month 2019 made organizing more streamlined
and flexible for our operators this year," said Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO,
who coordinated the efforts of the 24 operators and their logs. As part
of his responsibilities, he also managed Logbook of The World (LoTW)
accounts for US stations, the QRZ.com profiles for all the call signs,
maintained an operator schedule, worked with YOTA Month Manager Tomi
Varro, HA8RT, and reported to the YOTA camp committee in the Americas.
December YOTA Month served as a prelude for the first-ever youth ham
camp hosted in the Western Hemisphere. The event is tentatively
scheduled for July 11 - 16, 2021.
Globally, more than 137,000 YOTA Month contacts were logged under the
46 call signs that hams younger than 26 put on the air. That surpassed
last year's record number of 129,029. The US placed second, behind
Croatia, in the total number of contacts made during the event. More
than 2,100 operators of all ages received awards based on the number of
YOTA contacts made.
Unclaimed awards can be downloaded. ditional statistics are also
available. All YOTA Month QSL cards should be requested via OQRS on the
Club Log website (registration required). More information about YOTA
in the Americas can be found on the Youth on the Air website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The RadFXSat-2 Fox 1-E satellite beacon on 435.750 MHz has not been
heard, and AMSAT asks the worldwide amateur satellite community to
listen for the BPSK telemetry. Visit AMSAT for more information.
RadFXSat-2 was launched on January 17.
* Randy Payne, K4EZM, of Sebring, Florida, has been named the 2020
White Award recipient. Established in 2016 in honor of retired,
long-time ARRL Headquarters staffer and current Florida resident
Ellen White, W1YL, the White Award is given to the radio amateur
who has made the greatest contribution to amateur radio in the ARRL
West Central Florida Section.
* During the CQ World Wide WPX RTTY Contest, members of the Contest
Group Du Quebec will be operating XM2X as a
"multi-multi-distributed station." QSL via LoTW.
* Japanese Antarctica Research Expedition (JARL) station 8J1RL will
be active from February 2021 to January 2022 with Takumi, JG3PLH,
at the helm. 8J1RL is located at the Japanese Syowa Station on East
Ongul Island in eastern Antarctica. Activity will be on SSB, CW,
and FT8, 7 - 28 MHz.
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
Reaching for the Stars: RSU 21 Students Contact Astronaut in Space
Portsmouth Herald (New Hampshire), January 22, 2021
In Quiet, Remote U.P., Ham Radio Helps Michiganders Connect From
Confines of Home
Detroit Free Press (Michigan), January 21, 2021
Ham on Hog 3: Icom IC-705 Transceiver Meets Harley-Davidson
Ultimate Motorcycling, January 12, 2021
Balloon Launched by Pella Students Makes 3rd Trip Around the Globe
KNIA-KRLS Radio (Iowa), December 28, 2020
Passion and Purpose featuring Toby Papas, KL0SS, President of the
Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club
Williamsburg's Next Door Neighbors (Virginia), February 2021
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Getting It Right
Due to a typographical error, the incorrect "North America venture
Frequency" (NAAF) FM simplex channel on 2 meters appeared among the
Announcements in the January 21 edition of The ARRL Letter. The correct
frequency is 146.58 MHz.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
YouTube recordings and PDF files from the 2021 Propagation Summit
hosted on January 23 by Contest University are available. More than
1,000 logged in for the sessions. Each presentation begins
approximately on the hour. You can advance the video to the
presentation you wish to view. 11 AM - "Update on the Personal Space
Weather Station Project and HamSCI Activities for 2021" by Dr.
Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF; 12 Noon - "Solar Cycle 25 Predictions and
Progress" by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA; 1 PM - "Maximizing Performance
of HF Antennas with Irregular Terrain" by Jim Breakall, WA3FET, and 2
PM - "HF Propagation: What to Expect During the Rising Years of Solar
Cycle 25," by Frank Donovan, W3LPL. Slides decks are available for each
presentation in PDF format: Frissell; Luetzelschwab; Breakall, and
Donovan.
2021 is the centennial of the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL). The
special anniversary call sign OH100SRAL is being used throughout the
year. Working at least 100 Finnish stations during 2021 qualifies the
operator for an award. The SRAL's OH0W call sign will be on the air
from the Aland Islands from January 29 - February 3 for the CQ World
Wide 160-Meter Contest (CW) and a few days afterward. Operators will
include Niko Halminen, OH2GEK; Martti Laine, OH2BH, and Pertti
Simovaara, OH2PM.
The Intrepid-DX Group is seeking nominations for the individual or
group that most displayed their "Intrepid spirit" in 2020. For the
purposes of this award, "an Intrepid spirit is bold, courageous,
dedicated, innovative, fearless, generous, resolute, and visionary in
their approach to amateur radio," the organization says. "We want to
recognize those individuals or groups that activated the rare,
difficult, and dangerous places" in 2020, exhibiting "an unshakable
commitment to the amateur radio DX community." Submit nominations via
email by February 15, 2021. The Board of Directors of the Intrepid-DX
Group will evaluate the nominations, and the award will be presented in
May 2021. -- Thanks to Paul Ewing, N6PSE, president and founder of the
Intrepid-DX Group
The February 6 NCJ-sponsored North American Sprint (CW) and the March
13 RTTY Sprint will begin 1 hour earlier. The sprints will get under
way at 2300 UTC instead of 0000 UTC, and end at 0259 UTC. Moving the
start earlier will give participants in the north and east a larger
window for 20-meter activity. The new start times in February and March
are provisional and will be evaluated after the contests. The September
North American Sprint start times will not change. The log submission
deadline is 7 days from the end of the contest. Submit logs via the
uploader app. The North American Sprint web page includes rules,
results, team registration, and other information. A "how-to" article
by Jim George, N3BB, is available under "Tips" at the lower right-hand
side of the Sprint web page. -- Thanks to CW Sprint Manager Ward
Silver, N0AX
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity increased this week.
We saw no spotless days, and the average daily sunspot number rose from
14.7 to 28.1. Average daily solar flux was up from 76.1 to 77.2.
Average daily planetary A index rose from 4 to 9.4, due to a minor
geomagnetic storm on Monday. On that day, Alaska's High Latitude
College A index was 33.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 76 on January 28 - 29; 74
on January 30 - February 1; 72, 70, and 73 on February 2 - 4; 76 on
February 5 - 10; 77 on February 11 - 20; 76 on February 21 - 24, 75 on
February 25 - 26.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on January 28 - 31; 18, 12, and 8 on
February 1 - 3; 5 on February 4 - 6; 10 on February 7 - 8; 5 on
February 9 - 19; 8, 12 and, 12 on February 20 - 22, and 5 on February
23 - 26.
Sunspot numbers for January 21 - 27 were 26, 39, 34, 23, 26, 23, and
26, with a mean of 28.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 77.6, 78.2, 77.9,
77.6, 77.1, 75.7, and 76.3, with a mean of 77.2. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 4, 5, 5, 17, 21, and 11, with a mean of 9.4. Middle
latitude A index was 2, 3, 3, 4, 14, 9, and 9, with a mean of 6.3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* January 29 - 31 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest (CW)
* January 30 - 31 -- REF Contest (CW)
* January 30 - 31 -- UBA DX Contest, SSB
* January 30 - 31 -- Winter Field Day
* February 1 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM max)
* February 1 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
* February 2 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* February 2 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* February 2 -- RTTY OPS Weeksprint
* February 3 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* February 3 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* February 3 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* February 3 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* February 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* February 4 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone)
* February 4 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 05, 2021 09:05:22
The ARRL Letter
February 4, 2021
* ARRL Board Confers Awards on Skip Jackson, KS0J, and Josh Nass,
KI6NAZ
* ARRL Board of Directors to Reconsider the Use of Electronic
Balloting
* ARISS and Partners Investigating Ham Radio Anomaly Following
Spacewalk
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* RadFxSat-2 Satellite Signals Detected, AMSAT Engineering Continues
to Assess Status
* The K7RA Solar Update
* FT8 and the Other WSJT-X Digital Modes are "Tools," K1JT Says
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Plans to Retrieve Titanic Wireless Equipment Put on Indefinite Hold
* Announcements
* ARISS is Seeking Hosts for Ham Radio Contacts with the Space
Station
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Getting It Right
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Board Confers Awards on Skip Jackson, KS0J, and Josh Nass, KI6NAZ
During its Annual Meeting on January 14 - 15, the ARRL Board of
Directors announced recipients of the ARRL Knight Distinguished Service
Award and the 2020 ARRL Bill Leonard Professional Media Award. The
Board also recognized several ARRL-affiliated clubs.
Minnesota ARRL Section
Manager Skip Jackson,
KS0J.
ARRL Minnesota Section Manager Richard "Skip" Jackson, KS0J, is the
recipient of the ARRL Knight Distinguished Service Award. During his
16-year tenure, Jackson "has actively promoted ARRL activities in his
Section, including visiting hundreds of Field Day operations over the
years, represented the League at numerous hamfests, and attended
countless club meetings in his state, promoting the League," the
Board's resolution read. The Board credited Jackson's leadership for
developing "a strong working cadre of volunteers" in the Section,
calling him "a model to ARRL Section Managers across the country as a
strong supporter of ARRL and its activities."
The Award's namesake is longtime veteran New Mexico Section Manager Joe
T. Knight, W5PDY, who was the first recipient of the award in 2003. The
Award carries a $250 honorarium and a plaque.
The Board also approved, as recommended by the ARRL Public Relations
Committee, Josh B. Nass, KI6NAZ, as the winner of the 2020 Bill Leonard
Professional Media Award for Video Reporting. The
Josh Nass, KI6NAZ.
Board cited Nass "for his outstanding YouTube channel, 'Ham Radio Crash
Course,' which has garnered almost 170,000 subscribers." The Board
resolution observed that Nass generated "productions of high levels of
content -- and effective and entertaining instruction of that content."
The resolution also cited Nass for his use of "new modes of learning
and information conveyance that enhance further education of amateur
radio operators everywhere." The Leonard Award includes a $250
honorarium and a plaque.
The Board approved a change to the timing of the Philip J. McGan
Memorial Silver Antenna Award and the Bill Leonard Professional Media
Award. The nomination deadline for both awards has been changed to
March 31 each year. This brings the cycle of the two media awards into
alignment with five other prominent ARRL awards -- the Hiram Percy
Maxim Award; the ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award; the
ARRL Microwave Development Award; the ARRL Technical Service Award, and
the ARRL Technical Innovation Award. Nominations for these awards will
cover the previous calendar year. The change is effective with the
March 31, 2022 nomination application, covering the period January 1 -
December 31, 2021.
The Board also recognized:
* The 70th anniversary of the Garden State Amateur Radio Association
(W2GSA). The Board resolution cited the club's "outstanding record
of learning and education programs, including youth programs."
* The 105th anniversary of the Amateur Radio Club of the University
of Arkansas (ARCUA), W5YM, formed in 1916.
* The 50th anniversary of the Boeing Employees Amateur Radio
Society-St Louis, which became an ARRL affiliated club in 1971.
Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Board of Directors to Reconsider the Use of Electronic Balloting
The ARRL Board of Directors will look into the use of electronic
balloting systems "to augment paper balloting for ARRL elections." The
Board instituted a hybrid paper and electronic balloting process in the
fall of 2012, which was popular among those who took advantage of it,
but overall voter participation declined significantly. In 2015, the
Board's Ethics and Elections Committee decided to return to using
solely paper ballots. The Ethics and Elections Panel said continuing
changes in technology, the acceptance of remote meetings, and
significant advancements in voting processes since then have made
electronic balloting worth a second look.
"Electronic balloting is now in common use among professional
organizations," the Board said. "Using electronic balloting would be of
benefit to members who find paper ballots difficult to use. Providing
electronic balloting as an alternative to paper balloting may result in
a cost savings to the organization and decrease delays and potential
conflicts over delays of paper ballots. It is likely, also, that the
use of online balloting will be attractive to younger members who are
more accustomed to online transactions."
The Board directed its ministration & Finance Committee to
investigate the state, cost, and availability of commercial electronic
balloting services as a member-selected alternative to paper ballots
distributed and collected via the postal service. The committee will
report back to the Board within a year.
ARISS and Partners Investigating Ham Radio Anomaly Following Spacewalk
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) and its
partners are troubleshooting what's keeping the NA1SS amateur station
off the air. ARISS became aware of the problem after an attempted
contact with a school in Wyoming, between ON4ISS on Earth and astronaut
Mike Hopkins, KF5LJG, at NA1SS, had to abort when no downlink signal
was heard. ARISS has determined that the problem is not with the radio
equipment on board the ISS Columbus module.
ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, explained that during a
January 27 spacewalk to install exterior cabling on the ISS Columbus
module, the coax feed line installed 11 years ago was replaced with
another built by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus. It
included two additional RF connectors to support the Bartolomeo
payload-hosting platform installed last spring on Columbus.
"On January 26, prior to the EVA [extravehicular activity], our
Columbus next-generation radio system was shut off and the ISS-internal
coaxial cable to the antenna was disconnected from the ARISS radio as a
safety precaution for the EVA," Bauer said. During the spacewalk, an
external four-connector coax feed line replaced one with two RF
connections.
"This change was made to allow ESA to connect ARISS and three
additional customers to Bartolomeo, as compared to ARISS and one
additional RF customer," Bauer explained.
With the spacewalk completed, the ISS crew restarted the ISS ham radio
station on January 28, but no voice repeater or automatic packet
repeater system (APRS) downlink reports were heard, and no downlink
signal was heard during an attempted scheduled school contact either.
Bauer said that because the exterior cable is not an ARISS cable, ARISS
is working with ESA and NASA on a way forward. "NASA has opened a
Payload Anomaly Report on this issue. We have talked to both the NASA
and ESA representatives," Bauer said. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 13) features a
discussion with Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, about his success in boosting
activity at the University of Arizona amateur radio club.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 26) discusses synchronous
AM reception and includes an interview with Dave Tipping, NZ1J, about a
novel approach to boost foxhunt participation.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
RadFxSat-2 Satellite Signals Detected, AMSAT Engineering Continues to
Assess Status
AMSAT reports that it's continuing to assess the status of the
RadFxSat-2 / Fox-1E amateur radio CubeSat after a ham in Nevada
reported hearing his CW signal weakly via the spacecraft's transponder
on January 27. AMSAT Engineering and Operations was able to confirm the
reports from Brad Schumacher, W5SAT, and determined that RadFxSat-2 is
partially functioning, although signals are extremely weak.
"We also appreciate those who joined in determining whether they could
detect their own or other signals in recent passes today," AMSAT said
in a January 28 bulletin. "Please do not attempt to transmit through
the transponder until further notice. This is very important to the
next steps we are taking now."
AMSAT Vice President - Engineering Jerry Buxton, N0JY, said on January
29 that the beacon still has not been heard, and AMSAT has enlisted the
aid of some "big gun" stations. "We have asked everybody to listen," he
said. The beacon transmits 1200 bps BPSK telemetry on 435.750 MHz, ±
Doppler, upper sideband (USB). Use FoxTelem to capture any telemetry,
and set FoxTelem to "Upload to Server" so that AMSAT will receive the
telemetry data. Recordings are welcome, with a detailed description.
AMSAT stressed that keeping the RadFxSat-2 / Fox-1E transponder clear
"is essential to putting all power and attention to the beacon
telemetry." Read more.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We just witnessed 5 days in a row
with zero sunspots, but on February 2 a small sunspot group (2801)
appeared in our sun's northwest limb. It should soon rotate off the
sun's visible area. Perhaps we will see a few more days of no sunspots,
but a return after February 11 is possible when increased solar flux is
forecast.
Average daily sunspot numbers declined from 28.1 last week to 3.3 this
week. Average daily solar flux dropped from 77.2 to 74.2.
Average daily planetary A index went from 9.4 to 6.7.
Solar flux over the next 30 days is predicted at 74 and 72 on February
4 - 5; 70 on February 6 - 11; 76 on February 12 - 16; 78 on February 17
- 22; 76 on February 23 - 25; 74 on February 26; 73 on February 27 -
March 1, and 72 on March 2 - 7.
Predicted planetary A index is 8, 5, and 5 on February 4 - 6; 16 and 10
on February 7 - 8; 5 on February 9 - 20; 20, 16, and 12 on February 21
- 23; 5 on February 24-27; 18, 12, and 8 on February 28 - March 2, and
5 on March 3 - 5.
Jon Jones, N0JK, reported, "Had some sporadic-E on 50 MHz the evening
of February 1 (February 2 UTC). XE2TT (DL44) in on 50.313 MHz, 0205
UTC. Was on Saturday night for a couple of hours January 31 UTC for the
CQ 160-Meter CW Contest. Band noisy due to snow and high winds in
eastern Kansas. Made over 50 contacts with 5 W and a rain gutter
antenna."
Sunspot numbers for January 28 - February 3 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 12, and
11, with a mean of 28.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 75.6, 75.5, 73.7,
73.4, 73.7, 72.9, and 74.3, with a mean of 77.2. Estimated planetary A
indices were 5, 3, 2, 1, 5, 17, and 14, with a mean of 9.4. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 2, 2, 0, 4, 11, and 10, with a mean of 6.3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
FT8 and the Other WSJT-X Digital Modes are "Tools," K1JT Says
According to WSJT-X software co-developer Joe Taylor, K1JT, the very
popular FT8 and the other digital modes in the software suite "are
tools, freely available to hams who want to use them. They are very
good at some things, not so good at others." Nonetheless, FT8 -- and,
by extension, its contest-mode variation, FT4 -- especially have become
game-changers on the HF bands, although, as Taylor has explained, FT8
"was explicitly designed" for making contacts during weak, multi-hop,
sporadic-E openings on 6 meters.
"It's extremely good at that," he added, and noted that
transcontinental and intercontinental DX on 6 meters has greatly
benefited from the use of FT8 over the past several years. Developed in
2017, FT8 is named after its developers -- Taylor, and Steven Franke,
K9AN. The numeral designates the mode's eight-frequency shift-keying
format.
Taylor said that while the development team knew that FT8 would be very
useful for weak-signal DXing on HF as well as on 6 meters, it did not
foresee that it would have the sort of impact it's had on HF operating.
Taylor agreed that FT8 is "a mature mode," with the protocol's details
published in QEX. "Details of message structure, in particular, will
not change in a way that is not backward compatible," he said.
Although some FT8 fans may feel the mode is running out of room on some
bands, Taylor said that as far as he and his fellow WSJT-X developers
are concerned, the 3 kHz slices of spectrum suggested for FT8 use are
just that -- suggestions.
"There is no reason why additional slices should not be used when
over-occupancy requires it," he told ARRL. "We don't attempt to dictate
such usage patterns; band planning is best done by committees created
for that purpose."
Many radio amateurs are taking advantage of the FT8 and FT4 modes all
the time. FT8 watering holes are sometimes the only places to find
signals on bands that otherwise might be considered dead.
The WSJT Development Group this week announced the general availability
release of WSJT-X Version 2.3.0. It includes a new Q65 mode but does
not involve any changes to the FT8 protocol. A summary of new features
can be found in the WSJT-X 2.3 User Guide. The Release Notes offer
additional information, including a list of important program changes
since the WSJT-X 2.2. Upgrading from earlier versions of WSJT-X should
be seamless. Installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh
are available.
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting -- Rob Macedo,
KD1CY
One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as
the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center, and
emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS SKYWARN
program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories about how
amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property, and why
this is an important amateur radio activity.
Thursday, February 11, 2021 @ 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday, February
12)
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW Tour -- Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, W1AW Station
Manager
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW, located in Newington, Connecticut was
established to honor the memory of ARRL's co-founder and first
president, Hiram Percy Maxim. Although ARRL's first station was
actually located in Hartford, Connecticut and active as W1MK, W1AW in
Newington is known worldwide and considered the radio station most
associated with Hiram Percy Maxim. Formally established in 1938 --
nearly 2 years after the death of Hiram Percy Maxim -- W1AW has
consistently been on the air, save for the time when the station was
ordered off the air by the FCC because of World War II.
Thursday, February 18, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Talking to Astronauts: An Elementary School's Exciting ARISS Experience
-- Diane Warner, KE8HLD
This is a story about Tallmadge Elementary School's participation in a
once-in-a-lifetime Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) school contact. Learn about their amazing journey leading up to
the amateur radio contact with an astronaut on the International Space
Station. The excitement of the entire experience was shared not just by
the students, but included faculty, parents, the community, and local
amateur radio operators. You will also learn how to begin the process
of submitting your own ARISS contact proposal.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Plans to Retrieve Titanic Wireless Equipment Put on Indefinite Hold
RMS Titanic, Inc., (RMST) the company that owns salvage rights to the
Titanic shipwreck, has indefinitely put off its plans to retrieve the
vessel's radio equipment for exhibit. The company cited the coronavirus
pandemic for the delay, according to a January 29 court filing. The
Atlanta-based company said its plans have faced "increasing difficulty
associated with international travel and logistics, and the associated
health risks to the expedition team." RMST's primary source of revenue
comes from its exhibits of its vast collection of Titanic relics, which
have been closed or seen only limited attendance due to virus-related
restrictions.
RMST -- a subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions and the
"salvor-in-possession" of the Titanic wreck site -- said its planned
expedition to recover the ship's wireless station equipment remains a
top priority, however, and will "take place as soon as reasonably
practicable." The Marconi-equipped station transmitted the distress
calls after the Titanic (on its maiden voyage) struck an iceberg some
370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland in 1912 and began sinking. The
transmissions, heard by some nearby vessels, have been credited with
helping rescue some 700 passengers in lifeboats deployed from the
Titanic, but about 1,500 passengers were lost.
The bow of the Titanic on the
ocean's bottom. [NOAA/IFE/URI Photo]
RMST has been in an ongoing legal battle with the US government over
whether the recovery operation would be legal. In May 2020, a US
federal judge in Virginia gave permission to retrieve the wireless
gear, ruling that the company would be permitted "minimally to cut into
the wreck" to access the radio room.
RMST has said the radio room may be reachable via an already-open
skylight. But, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric ministration
(NOAA) has contended that the retrieval expedition is still prohibited
under US law and under an international agreement between the US and
the UK.
The wreck, some 2 1/2 miles beneath the surface, remained undiscovered
until 1985. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* Students at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, New Jersey, launched
two picoballoons as a high school STEM project. Teacher Dave
Snyder, KD2VGT, said the students did all the work. The balloons'
APRS transmitters identify as KD2VGT-1 and KD2VGT-2.
* Jim Breakall, WA3FET, will speak at the February 5 meeting of the
Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA). His topic will be
Innovative Wideband Techniques in Antennas: A New OWA Concept and
Other Interesting Antenna Tidbits. The Zoom meeting begins at 6:45
PM EST (0400 UTC on February 6 UTC). The meeting ID is 817 3345
6763. The passcode is 088132.
* Opportunities that may appeal to AM enthusiasts are just ahead. The
annual AM Rally is February 6 - 8. The AM classic provides award
certificates, including one for "most clip leads used in the
transmitter" and "highest weight to power." The AWA Amplitude
Modulation QSO Party takes place over the February 13 - 14 weekend.
* The NCVEC Question Pool Committee (QPC) has announced the
withdrawal of one question from the General-class pool and two
questions from the Amateur Extra-class pool. Question G1E11 is
being removed from the 2019 General-Class Question Pool because it
does not have a correct answer. Questions E1C05 and E6B06 are being
removed from the 2020 Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool because
question E6B06 has two correct answer choices, and E1C05 has an
inaccurate question.
* A past DX editor at CQ Magazine, Urb LeJeune, W1UL (ex-W2DEC), of
Tuckerton, New Jersey, died on January 22. An ARRL member, he was
90. LeJeune served as CQ's DX editor for 6 years in the 1960s.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARISS is Seeking Hosts for Ham Radio Contacts with the Space Station
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is seeking
formal and informal educational institutions and organizations,
individually or working together, to host amateur radio contacts with
an International Space Station (ISS) crew member. Contacts would likely
be scheduled between January 1 and June 30, 2022. These voice radio
contacts are approximately 10 minutes long and in a question-and-answer
format.
Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine the exact dates. ARISS is
looking for organizations that can draw large numbers of participants
and integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan.
Organizations must demonstrate flexibility to accommodate changes in
dates and times of the radio contact. The deadline for proposals is
March 31, 2021.
Visit the ARISS website for more details and a proposal form.
ARISS has operated amateur radio from the ISS for 20 years, and
scheduled ham radio contacts between ISS crew members and schools and
student groups around the world are a hallmark of the ARISS program.
The ham radio stations onboard also are available for crew members to
use and serve as back-up communications capability.
In the US, ARISS is sponsored by NASA, the ISS National Laboratory,
ARRL, and AMSAT. Read more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
Passion and Purpose
Next Door Neighbors Magazine (Virginia), February 2021
McAuliffe's Legacy is Alive and Well in RSU 21
Portsmouth Herald (New Hampshire), January 28, 2021
Amateur Radio Operators Serve as Eyes and Ears
The Hoosier Responder (Indiana), February 2021
In Quiet, Remote U.P., Ham Radio Helps Michiganders Connect From
Confines of Home
Detroit Free Press (Michigan), January 21, 2021
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Getting It Right
An In Brief item in the January 14 edition of The ARRL Letter
incorrectly reported the power level that very low frequency (VLF)
enthusiast Joe Craig, VO1NA, used to transmit a 50-character message
from Newfoundland to Europe on 8.271 kHz. The radiated power was 10
microwatts.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Brief...
Organizers of the NCJ-Sponsored North American Sprint (CW and RTTY)
have leveraged the US Postal Service to drum up participation. "Some
'friends of sprint' have mailed postcards to stations in rare
multipliers on occasion in the past," said Ward Silver, N0AX. He
located a print-and-mail service that would send promotional cards to a
list of addresses the contest sponsors compiled. "I was hoping it would
get noticed [and] I guess it did!" Silver said. "There are a lot of
short contests these days, so we need to remind folks of the sprints
that started it all!" The mailing list was modified from a list of call
signs that included past sprinters and participants in the ARRL
November Sweepstakes (CW) and the North American QSO Party (NAQP), also
sponsored by NCJ. The postcard calls attention to the earlier 2300 UTC
start times for the February 6 - 7 CW and March 13 - 14 RTTY sprints.
First-time sprinters would be wise to consult the rules. The time shift
is to encourage more 20-meter activity in the east and north.
IARU has received the gift of the hamradio.org domain. Andrew J.
Wolfram, KI7RYC, has donated the hamradio.org domain to the
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) for non-profit educational use
to promote the amateur and amateur satellite services. In accepting
this gift, IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, said, "The hamradio.org
domain offers a unique opportunity for which we are deeply grateful to
Andrew. It is our intention to develop a website that can serve as a
focal point for anyone, anywhere, who may be seeking information on
amateur radio, which is better known as 'ham radio' by the general
public." The IARU is the global federation of national amateur radio
organizations with member-societies in more than 160 countries and
separate territories. Since its founding in 1925, the IARU has
successfully defended and expanded access to the radio spectrum by
radio amateurs internationally.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 5 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
* February 5 -- NCCC CW Sprint
* February 6 -- Mexico RTTY International Contest
* February 6 -- Minnesota QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 6 -- FYBO Winter QRP Sprint (CW, phone)
* February 6 -- FISTS Saturday Sprint (CW)
* February 6 -- AGCW Straight Key Party (CW)
* February 6 -- EurAsia HF Championship (CW, phone)
* February 6 - 7 -- Vermont QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 6 - 7 -- 10-10 International Winter Contest, SSB
* February 6 - 7 -- KCJ Topband Contest (CW)
* February 6 - 7 -- F9AA Cup, CW
* February 6 - 7 -- British Columbia QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 6 - 7 -- North American Sprint (CW)
* February 8 - 12 -- ARRL School Club Roundup (CW, phone, digital)
* February 10 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* February 10 -- FT8 Activity Contest
* February 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, Data
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 12, 2021 09:05:04
The ARRL Letter
February 11, 2021
* ARRL to Extend Field Day Rule Waivers from 2020, d Class D and E
Power Limit
* Orlando HamCation Special Edition Online Event and QSO Party Set
for February 13 - 14
* ARRL to FCC: ditional Volunteer Examiner Coordinators Not Needed
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* RadFxSat-2/Fox-1E Designated AMSAT-OSCAR 109 as Troubleshooting
Continues
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* IARU Agrees On Preliminary WRC-23 Positions
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Article: Ham Radio Forms a Planet-Sized Space Weather Sensor
Network
* Announcements
* A "Perfect Coronal Mass Ejection" Could Be a Nightmare
* Club Gets Double Duty from Minnesota QSO Party 2021 Operation
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Headquarters will be closed on Monday, February 15, for Presidents
Day and will re-open on Tuesday, February 16, at 8 AM EST.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL to Extend Field Day Rule Waivers from 2020, d Class D and E
Power Limit
The COVID-19 pandemic-modified ARRL Field Day rules from 2020 will
continue this June with the addition of a power limit imposed on Class
D (Home Stations) and Class E (Home Stations-Emergency Power)
participants. The news from the ARRL Board's Programs and Services
Committee comes as many clubs and groups are starting preparations for
Field Day in earnest. Field Day 2021 will take place June 26 - 27.
"This early decision should alleviate any hesitancy that radio clubs
and individual Field Day participants may have with their planning for
the event," said ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE.
For Field Day 2021, Class D stations may work all other Field Day
stations, including other Class D stations, for points. This year,
however, Class D and Class E stations will be limited to 150 W PEP
output.
For Field Day 2021, an aggregate club score will be published -- just
as it was done last year. The aggregate score will be a sum of all
individual entries that attributed their score to that of a specific
club.
ARRL Field Day is one of the biggest events on the amateur radio
calendar. Last summer, a record 10,213 entries were received.
"With the greater flexibility afforded by the rules waivers,
individuals and groups will still be able to participate in Field Day,
while still staying within any public health recommendations and/or
requirements," Bourque said.
The ARRL Field Day web page contains complete rules and entry forms, as
well as any updated information as it becomes available. Join the ARRL
Field Day Facebook group. Read an expanded version.
Orlando HamCation Special Edition Online Event and QSO Party Set for
February 13 - 14
The Orlando HamCation Special Edition online event and QSO Party will
take place this weekend, February 13 - 14. The online event will
include youth, technology, contesting, and vendor webinar tracks via
Zoom. ARRL will also present two webinars on Saturday, February 13.
The ARRL Member Forum at 1 PM EST, will be moderated by ARRL
Southeastern Division Director Mickey Baker, N4MB. Presenters include
ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, and ARRL Director of Emergency
Management Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW.
Gilbert also will be the moderator for an Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES^(R)) presentation at 3 PM EST. The ARES presentation will
include ARRL Northern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Karl
Martin, K4HBN, and Southern Florida SEC John Wells, W4CMH.
The HamCation QSO Party -- a 12-hour on-air event, will also take place
this weekend. Nine HamCation special event stations with 1 * 1 call
signs will be on the air with combined suffixes spelling out HamCation
(e.g., K4H, W4A, K4M, etc). Scores will be posted on www.3830Scores.com
-- no logs are required.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL to Offer Weekend of Specials for Hams Missing Orlando
HamCation^(R) 2021. This weekend, February 13-14, was supposed to be
the ARRL National Convention at Orlando HamCation. While members will
have to wait until next year for our National Convention, ARRL will be
hosting a special "At Home Expo" this weekend. Enjoy a special video
from ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR; ARRL staff, and the HamCation
committee. Look for limited offers including membership premiums,
latest publications and products, 2021 Field Day gear, and our
exclusive sheet full of ARRL logo stickers. All who make a weekend
purchase or renew their membership will receive a free sticker sheet
with their order, while supplies last. Visit our ARRL at Home page to
check out all the offerings.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL to FCC: ditional Volunteer Examiner Coordinators Not Needed
ARRL has told the FCC that no additional Volunteer Examiner
Coordinators (VEC) are needed to oversee the administration of amateur
radio exams by Volunteer Examiners (VEs). Examination opportunities
have continued to be widely available throughout the US -- except for a
couple of months during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic -- and
adding VECs to the 14 now in place would "have no effect" on the number
of available exams, ARRL said. ARRL's comments on February 4 were in
response to a January 5 FCC Public Notice in WT Docket 21-2 seeking
input on possible expansion of the VEC pool.
"We found that even though 10 of the 12 months for calendar year 2020
were times of severe disruption throughout the nation, including for
FCC and ARRL Headquarters staff, amateur examination opportunities and
numbers were strong," ARRL told the FCC.
"Instead of increasing the number of VECs, we would encourage
volunteers to become accredited as VEs and to volunteer to help the
current VECs wherever possible," ARRL said. "Many of the VECs would
welcome help." ARRL said VEs, not VECs, are responsible for
administering amateur radio exams.
The number of new and upgraded licenses has been in line with earlier
years, "with noticeable increases in the 4 months following the
lockdown that occurred in many areas in the early spring," ARRL pointed
out.
ARRL said, "Increasing the number of VECs would expand the complexity
of VEC coordination and management, increase demand on FCC resources to
interface with additional organizations, and raise the potential for
abuse and fraud." Read an expanded version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 14) takes a
deeper dive into the subject of HF antenna tuners, including some
shopping tips.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 27) features a discussion
of virtual audio cables, plus a chat with Clint Turner, KA7OEI, about
extremely slow CW, otherwise known as QRSS.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
RadFxSat-2/Fox-1E Designated AMSAT-OSCAR 109 as Troubleshooting
Continues
Launched on January 17, the RadFxSat-2/Fox-1E CubeSat has been
designated as AMSAT-OSCAR 109 (AO-109). The satellite, which carries a
telemetry beacon and a linear transponder, along with radiation effects
experiments, is a joint mission of AMSAT and the Institute for Space
and Defense Electronics at Vanderbilt University. While the telemetry
beacon has not yet been heard, the transponder is partially operational
at reduced signal strength.
"Work continues to recover the telemetry beacon and characterize the
transponder with the goal of opening it for general use," AMSAT said
this week. "Testing and characterization of RadFxSat-2/AO-109
continues." On January 27, a ham in Nevada reported weakly hearing his
CW signal via the spacecraft's transponder.
AMSAT engineering and operations teams made the official AO-109
designation after confirmation that the linear transponder was
functional, although with a low-level downlink signal. Read an expanded
version. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via Mark Hammond, N8MH
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting -- Rob Macedo,
KD1CY
One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as
the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center, and
emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS SKYWARN
program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories about how
amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property and why this
is an important amateur radio activity.
Thursday, February 11, 2021 @ 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday, February
12)
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW Tour -- Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, W1AW Station
Manager
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW, located in Newington, Connecticut, was
established to honor the memory of ARRL's co-founder and first
president, Hiram Percy Maxim. Although the first radio station of ARRL
was actually located in Hartford, Connecticut and active as W1MK, W1AW
in Newington is known worldwide and considered the radio station most
associated with Hiram Percy Maxim. Formally established in 1938 --
nearly 2 years after the death of Hiram Percy Maxim -- W1AW has
consistently been on the air, save for the time when the station was
ordered off the air by the FCC because of World War II.
Thursday, February 18, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Talking to Astronauts: An Elementary School's Exciting ARISS Experience
-- Diane Warner, KE8HLD
This is a story about Tallmadge Elementary School's participation in a
once-in-a-lifetime ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station) school contact. Learn about their amazing journey leading up
to the amateur radio contact with an astronaut on the International
Space Station. The excitement of the entire experience was shared not
just by the students, but included faculty, parents, the community, and
local amateur radio operators. You will also learn how to begin the
process of submitting your own ARISS contact proposal.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
IARU Agrees On Preliminary WRC-23 Positions
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has agreed on its
preliminary positions for World Radiocommunication Conference 2023
(WRC-23), according to Barry Lewis, G4SJH, Chair of IARU Region 1
Spectrum Affairs.
"The preparatory work for WRC-23 has started across all [three] regions
in both the ITUâ**R [Radiocommunication Sector] and the Regional
Telecommunications Organizations (RTOs)," Lewis said. "The IARU has
representatives in these RTOs, and the ITUâ**R contributing to the
studies and helping to develop the regional positions on all the WRC
agenda items. It is vital that the amateur community presents its views
in a consolidated and consistent manner on each WRC agenda item across
all the regions."
Lewis said the IARU ministrative Council has agreed on initial
preliminary positions covering the six most important agenda items for
the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services.
The preliminary IARU positions:
* Agenda Item 1.2 -- oppose the identification of 10.0 - 10.5 GHz for
International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in Region 2 (the
Americas), as well as the introduction of a mobile service
allocation in the region.
* Agenda Item 1.12 -- support studies that include the need to
protect the incumbent amateur service in the adjacent 50 - 54 MHz
band. The agenda item calls for studies to establish a possible new
secondary allocation for spaceborne radar sounders within a range
of frequencies around 45 MHz.
* Agenda Item 1.14 -- support retaining the 248 - 250 GHz primary and
the 241 - 248 GHz secondary Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services
allocations.
* Agenda Item 1.18 -- support retention of the amateur secondary
allocation of 3300 - 3400 MHz in Regions 2 and 3.
* Agenda Item 9.1, Topic A -- The IARU said, "In considering
potential new regulatory provisions for the recognition of space
weather systems, additional constraints on incumbent services
including the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services must be
avoided."
* Agenda Item 9.1 Topic B -- The IARU said, "Radio amateurs have
successfully co-existed and innovated in the frequency range of
1240 - 1300 MHz for many years, and IARU believes that the
regulatory status of the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services in
this range is already clear."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
Ham Radio Forms a Planet-Sized Space Weather Sensor Network
Eos, February 9, 2021
Mississippi Valley Amateur Radio Holds Training in WXOW's Parking Lot
ABC News 19 (Minnesota/Wisconsin), February 6, 2021
When Scoutmasters Got Trained to be Amateur Radio Operators
Net News Ledger (Canada), February 5, 2021
Concord Student Wins Congressional App Challenge
Patch News (California), February 4, 2021
Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Article: Ham Radio Forms a Planet-Sized Space Weather Sensor Network
The article "Ham Radio Forms a Planet-Sized Space Weather Sensor
Network," which appeared on February 9 in Eos, Earth & Space Science
News, sprang from a project by the Ham Radio Science Citizen
Investigation (HamSCI), founded by Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, of the
University of Scranton, one of the paper's authors. The other authors
are Kristina Collins, KD8OXT, who led the project, and David Kazdan,
AD8Y, both of Case Western Reserve University (W8EDU). The article
posits that, with their experience dealing with ionosphere-influenced
propagation, radio amateurs have an empirical knowledge of space
weather and offer a ready-made volunteer science community.
The article covers the methods and research being used to monitor the
effects of solar activity on Earth's atmosphere, telecommunications,
and electrical utilities -- and the valuable data being crowdsourced
from amateur radio signals.
"To fully understand variability on small spatial scales and short
timescales, the scientific community will require vastly larger and
denser sensing networks that collect data on continental and global
scales," the article asserts. "With open-source instrumentation cheaper
and more plentiful than ever before, the time is ripe for amateur
scientists to take distributed measurements of the ionosphere -- and
the amateur radio community is up for the challenge."
"The reach of these crowdsourced systems, and the support of the
amateur community, offers tremendous opportunities for scientific
measurements," the article notes.
The research acknowledges a handful of HamSCI collaborators -- from
organizations and universities -- and is supported by National Science
Foundation grants. HamSCI's Personal Space Weather Station initiative
aims to develop a network of specially equipped amateur stations that
will allow amateurs to collect useful data for space science
researchers. Ham radio operators and researchers, through HamSCI, are
designing hardware for a distributed network of personal space weather
stations, the article explains.
The 2021 HamSCI virtual workshop will take place March 19 - 20. Read an
expanded version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* CQ has announced that Trent Fleming, N4DTF, of Germantown,
Tennessee, has been named CQ magazine's VHF-Plus Editor. He
succeeds Tony Emanuele, K8ZR. Fleming's first column will appear in
the April 2021 issue of CQ.
* Michel Godart, F8GGZ, plans to celebrate United Nations World Radio
Day, February 13, with special call sign TM23JMR (Journee Mondiale
de la Radio). Activity will be on 1.8 through 14 MHz, SSB and CW.
* Tom Callas, KC0W, has announced that he's activated Saipan (KH0)
for the first time on 60 and 160 meters FT8. "The 160-meter pileups
have been massive," he reports. Do not call on his transmit
frequency.
* Members of the West Bengal Radio Club (VU2WB) in India are
celebrating United Nations World Radio Day, February 13, with the
special call sign AT2WRD. Operation will continue until February
20.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A "Perfect Coronal Mass Ejection" Could Be a Nightmare
A new study in the research journal Space Weather considers what might
happen if a worst-case coronal mass ejection (CME) hit Earth -- a
"perfect solar storm," if you will.
In 2014, Bruce Tsurutani of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Gurbax
Lakhina of the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism introduced the "perfect
CME." It could create a magnetic storm with intensity up to the
saturation limit, a value greater than the Carrington Event of 1859,
the researchers said. The interplanetary shock would arrive at Earth
within about 12 hours, the shock impingement onto the magnetosphere
would create a sudden impulse of around 234 nanoteslas (nT), and the
magnetic pulse duration in the magnetosphere would be about 22 seconds.
Orbiting satellites would be exposed to "extreme levels of flare and
interplanetary CME (ICME) shock-accelerated particle radiation," they
said. The event would follow an initial CME that would "clear the path
in front of it, allowing the storm cloud to hit Earth with maximum
force."
The CME's 12-hour travel time would allow little margin for
preparation. The CME would hit Earth's magnetosphere at 45 times the
local speed of sound, and the resulting geomagnetic storm could be as
much as twice as strong as the Carrington Event. Power grids, GPS, and
other services could experience significant outages.
More recent research led by physicist Dan Welling of the University of
Texas at Arlington took a fresh look at Tsurutani and Lakhina's
"perfect CME," and given improvements in spaceweather modeling, he was
able to reach new conclusions.
Welling's team found that geomagnetic disturbances in response to a
perfect CME could be 10 times stronger than Tsurutani and Lakhina had
calculated, especially at latitudes above 45 to 50°. Read an expanded
version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Club Gets Double Duty from Minnesota QSO Party 2021 Operation
The Mississippi Valley Amateur Radio Association (MVARA) fielded a team
to the parking lot of a local TV station to take part in the Minnesota
QSO Party over the February 7 - 8 weekend. Not only did the group get
some emergency exercise training but garnered positive publicity for
amateur radio from the station's news team. Using special event call
sign W0M, 10 radio amateurs -- including one newly minted
Scott Neader, KA9FOX (left), and
Bill Kleinschmidt, N9FDE, on the
air.
General-class ham who's still awaiting his call sign -- pitched in. The
operation took place in an emergency communications bus, with
everything set up like a Field Day operation, although in the Minnesota
winter.
"MVARA recently acquired a full-sized emergency communications bus that
needed some TLC," said Scott Neader, KA9FOX -- one of the operators.
"The club has been refurbishing it over the last year and was looking
for an opportunity to operate from the bus to test out some of the
recent improvements, as well as to test our ability to set up a viable
HF communications center in less-than-ideal conditions."
"As a bonus to operating at the TV station, the news department
couldn't resist checking out what we were doing, and we wound up being
a part of the 10 PM news broadcast," Neader said.
Judging from the statistics the club posted on 3830.com, the operation
was a great success. "We had a blast and are looking forward to more
operations like this, as well as being able to use the communications
bus as a mobile tool to educate students and the general public about
amateur radio...and to support our communities with any emergency
communication needs, as they may arise," Neader said.
The W0M team claimed 203,392 points, with 908 (392 CW + 516 SSB)
contacts in 57 US states and Canadian provinces and 54 out of 87
Minnesota counties in 10 hours of operating. Read an expanded version.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots are gone, with none seen
since February 2 and 3. Spaceweather.com reports that a small
proto-sunspot "is struggling to form" at the edge of the sun's
southeast quadrant near the eastern horizon. They also report that 56%
of the days so far in 2021 have been spotless. For all of 2020, 57% of
the days were spotless.
Average daily solar flux was 72.8 over this reporting week, down from
74.2 last week. Average planetary A index increased from 6.7 to 7.7,
and average daily middle latitude A index rose from 4.6 to 6. These are
still low, quiet numbers, quite favorable for conditions on 80 and 160
meters, particularly during winter.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 72 on February 11 - 18; 78
on February 19 - 22; 76 on February 23 - 25; 74 on February 26; 73 on
February 27 - March 1; 72 on March 2 - 7; 74 on March 8 - 10, and 76 on
March 11 - 12. Flux values may rise to 78 again after the middle of
March.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on February 11 - 15; 10 on February 16
- 18; 5 on February 19 - 20; 20, 16, and 12 on February 21 - 23; 5 on
February 24 - 28; 18 and 14 on March 1 - 2; 5 on March 3 - 4; 8, 20,
and 10 on March 5 - 7, and 5 on March 8 - 12.
Sunspot numbers for February 4 - 10, 2021 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0,
with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.9, 72.8, 72.5, 73.2,
73.6, 70, and 73.7, with a mean of 72.8. Estimated planetary A indices
were 7, 6, 7, 21, 6, 4, and 3, with a mean of 7.7. Middle latitude A
index was 7, 3, 4, 18, 6, 3, and 1, with a mean of 6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
In Brief...
ARRL Member Sean Donelan, KM6NGN, of Concord, California, is the winner
of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for California's 11th
District, according to an announcement from US Representative Mark
DeSaulnier (CA-11). Donelan, a 9th grader at Northgate High School,
designed and created NetHam: The Public Service Event Coordinator's
Third Hand. "My app is a radio that partially automates the more
arduous and monotonous tasks of being the main operator of an amateur
radio voice net. These tasks include automated sign-in of operators,
easy tracking of participants without lengthy radio conversations, and
an operator attention-keeper/attention-caller," Donelan told ARRL. "The
point of these features is to allow a radio net control station to
focus on the more important task of relaying pertinent information
around a radio network, rather than focusing on constantly reciting and
editing operator and event participant rosters."
A scientific paper has linked Jupiter with solar cycles. The paper,
published in Solar Physics, predicts that the Solar Cycle 25 maximum
will take place in 2026 and reach an amplitude similar to that of Solar
Cycle 24. "This article deals with the prediction of the upcoming solar
activity cycle, Solar Cycle 25. We propose that astronomical ephemeris,
specifically taken from the catalogs of aphelia of the four Jovian
planets, could be drivers of variations in solar activity, represented
by the series of sunspot numbers (SSN) from 1749 to 2020," the abstract
reads. "We conclude with a prediction of Solar Cycle 25 that can be
compared to a dozen predictions by other authors: The maximum would
occur in 2026.2 (± 1 year) and reach an amplitude of 97.6 (± 7.8),
similar to that of Solar Cycle 24."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 13 -- Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW
* February 13 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* February 13 -- RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest (CW)
* February 13 - 14 -- The HamCation QSO Party
* February 13 - 14 -- CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest
* February 13 - 14 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* February 13 - 14 -- Dutch PACC Contest (CW, phone)
* February 13 - 14 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* February 13 - 15 -- YLRL YL-OM Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* February 13 - 14 -- OMISS QSO Party (Phone)
* February 13 - 14 -- AWA AM QSO Party
* February 14 -- PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint
* February 14 -- Balkan HF Contest (CW, phone)
* February 15 -- CQC Winter QSO Party (CW)
* February 15 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* February 15 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* February 17 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening
* February 20 - 21 -- ARRL International DX Contest (CW)
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* February 13 - 14 -- Orlando HamCation Special Edition (online)
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 19, 2021 09:05:00
The ARRL Letter
February 18, 2021
* ARES Volunteers Respond to Severe Weather
* ARRL Board Considers Plan to Cover New $35 FCC Fee for Some Young
Applicants
* Innovator Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, Donates Sophisticated Vector Signal
Generator to ARRL
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* South Coast ARES Joins South Coast CERT in California Evacuation
Operation
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* British Columbia Radio Amateur Copies Signal from Mars-Orbiting
Satellite
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Fatten Your DXCC Total in the ARRL International DX Contest (CW)
This Weekend
* Former ARRL Southwestern Division Director Art Goddard, W6XD, SK
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Getting It Right
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARES Volunteers Respond to Severe Weather
Weather gone wild might be an apt description of the conditions in many
parts of the US, with sub-freezing temperatures, snow, and ice in areas
not prepared for those sorts of thing. Aberrant weather is happening
across many US regions, causing power and telecommunication outages.
The National Weather Service (NWS) advised at mid-week, "Over 100
million Americans are under Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Storm
Watches, or Winter Weather visories as another round of impactful
winter weather tracks from the Southern Plains to the East Coast,"
adding that a developing winter storm is expected to produce heavy snow
and treacherous ice accumulations from the South Central US to the
Mid-Atlantic.
ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) volunteers in southern
Texas have been called up by served agencies to help fill the resulting
communication gap. ARRL Emergency Response Director Paul Gilbert,
KE5ZW, who lives in the Austin, Texas, area, reports that ARES members
"have been very, very, very busy" with storm-related traffic. "The
Williamson County ARES team has been activated by the Williamson County
Emergency Manager," he reported earlier in the week.
A net to address power outages, vehicle accidents, health and welfare,
power outages, and weather updates was running around the clock. Two
repeaters in Gilbert's area are down due to power and generator
outages, he said. Electrical power in his area has been up and down,
but his cell service has mostly been working.
Gilbert reported 4 - 8 inches of snow on the ground and "lots of ice,"
with temperatures dipping into record-setting single digits. "The roads
are very treacherous, and emergency services have not been able to
respond to all calls as a result," he said.
Volunteers with Williamson County ARES (Wilco ARES) were able to help
one ham who had no heat, a car out of gas, and 18° F in the house to
find shelter for him and his dog.
The ARES net is tracking the rolling blackouts as the local provider
grid becomes overwhelmed by increased demand. "Some water shortages
were reported, as pumping stations failed from lack of power," he said.
Elsewhere, North Texas SEC Greg Evans, K5GTX, reported that the Grayson
County ARES team has activated to staff warming shelters, and the
emergency operations center (EOC) in Hill County was activated on
February 15.
New Mexico Section Emergency Coordinator Jay Miller, W5WHN, reports
that southeastern New Mexico is experiencing rolling power blackouts
due to high demand. "The stations checking in via HF and repeaters are
having frozen water pipe problems," Miller said. "Most of the New
Mexico ARES stations have backup power."
Miller said the rest of New Mexico is digging out of three storms'
worth of snow accompanied by frigid temperatures and impassable roads,
especially in the mountains.
Jim Tucker, KB0QNW, reported from southeast New Mexico, "We continue to
experience rolling blackouts. I continue to monitor local and regional
repeaters and systems, as well as the 7290 Traffic Net, should any need
arise. I [passed] a message from Bowie, Texas, to Clovis, New Mexico."
Read an expanded version.
ARRL Board Considers Plan to Cover New $35 FCC Fee for Some Young
Applicants
At its Annual Meeting in January, the ARRL Board of Directors
considered a motion to offer a new service that would pay the new but
not-yet-implemented $35 FCC application fee for a limited number of new
radio amateurs younger than age 18 who, at the time of testing,
belonged to an ARRL-affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable organization and
passed their tests through an ARRL VEC-sponsored exam session. The
proposal called for reducing the VEC fee for these candidates to $5.
The initial proposal came from ARRL Southeastern Division Director
Mickey Baker, N4MB. Other Board members offered subsidiary motions.
Supporters said the purpose behind the motion was to ameliorate the
potential financial hardship the pending FCC application fee posed on
certain minors applying for their first license, and to encourage new
youth membership.
Consideration of the motion, which was subject to considerable
discussion, was deferred to an ad hoc committee composed of the members
of the ministration & Finance Committee, two Members of the Programs
& Services Committee, and ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA (or his
designated representative). The Board directed the panel to review and
more fully develop the proposal and report back to the Board by the end
of March with a recommendation as to whether such a program should be
adopted and, if adopted, how it should be implemented.
Supporters expressed the belief that recruitment and training of young
radio amateurs "is a necessary and proper mission of the ARRL" and that
subsidizing the $35 fee "will reduce the number of new amateurs that
otherwise would be lost from these groups."
In December, the FCC agreed with ARRL and other commenters that the
initially proposed $50 fee for certain amateur radio applications was
"too high to account for the minimal staff involvement in these
applications." In a Report and Order (R&O), the FCC scaled the fee back
to $35 for a new license application, a special temporary authority
(STA) request, a rule waiver request, a license renewal application,
and a vanity call sign application. All fees are per application. There
will be no fee for administrative updates, such as a change of mailing
or email address. Read an expanded version.
Innovator Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, Donates Sophisticated Vector Signal
Generator to ARRL
ARRL Life Member Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, has donated a Rohde & Schwarz
SMBV100A vector signal generator to the ARRL Laboratory. The device
offers internal signal generation for all major digital radio
standards. "That is absolutely fabulous news and extremely generous,"
ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, told Rohde.
ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, said the instrument will be a
valuable addition to the Lab's testing capabilities.
"We will be able to do more comprehensive tests on modern radios,
almost all of which use software-define radio technology," Hare said.
"We will also be able to add testing of receivers' digital capability.
The flexibility of this generator will serve the Laboratory for years
to come."
Hare said he was looking forward to learning more about the SMBV100A
once it's installed at the Lab. "The potential is really exciting," he
said. "As always, we appreciate the support that Ulrich Rohde has given
to the Lab over the past several decades."
Rohde said vector signal generators are the logical successors to the
older AM/FM modulation-capable signal generators and have practically
unlimited capability. "For some of the tests required to characterize a
software-defined radio (SDR), we need different test equipment," he
said. Rohde noted that the SMBV100A has a built-in arbitrary waveform
generator capable of operating up to 6 GHz, with "many complex signals
in it library, and also has the familiar AM/FM simple mode"
Ulrich Rohde, N1UL.
Going from analog to digital SDRs, large-signal behavior is best
determined with special multi-carrier signals, Rohde said. Instead of a
two-tone test signal for, say, measuring IF characteristics, the
SMBV100A can generate up to 30 discrete tones. Rohde said the SMBV100A
can produce any signal "as long as you can describe it mathematically,"
even an FT8 signal. The bottom line is a more realistic test result.
Rohde said that in 1982, while he headed the Department of Defense
Radio Division at RCA, he and his engineering group "invented what is
now called the software-defined radio," which was considered classified
military information at the time.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 14) takes a
deeper dive into the subject of HF antenna tuners, including some
shopping tips.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 27) features a discussion
of virtual audio cables, plus a chat with Clint Turner, KA7OEI, about
extremely slow CW, otherwise known as QRSS.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
South Coast ARES Joins South Coast CERT in California Evacuation
Operation
In California, the SC4ARES group, part of the SC4 Amateur Radio Club of
La Honda, Loma Mar, Pescadero, San Gregorio, and South Skyline in the
ARRL Santa Clara Valley Section (south of San Francisco in northern
California), joined with South Coast CERT members in late January. The
groups performed a joint exercise to notify residents in the CZU
Lightning Complex fire areas of mandatory evacuations in front of a
moderate atmospheric river event that had the potential to cause debris
flows in those burn-scarred areas.
Atmospheric rivers are columns of vapor that move with the weather,
carrying an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average
flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. When atmospheric
rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form
of rain or snow.
Fire Chief Ari Delay of La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade -- a SC4ARES
served agency -- called together ARES and CERT leaders on January 24 to
evaluate the areas to be evacuated and assess who hadn't already left
the area. Angelo Dragone, N6QAD; Bob Smith, W6RES, and Peter Chupity,
KI6FAO, used Radio Mobile to assess likely relay spots in the
mountainous terrain of the areas of Whitehouse Creek, Gazos Creek,
Butano Creek, Dearborn Park, and Loma Mar. They tested these areas
using UHF as a stand-in for the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
radios that CERT members would be using for the actual exercise.
On January 26, the CERT and SC4ARES members met at Pescadero High
School to deploy teams to warn evacuees and leave literature describing
the nature of the incoming weather. The CERT members communicated with
the ARES team, and the ARES team kept in contact with the temporary
operations center at the high school. In Whitehouse Creek canyon, all
CERT members were also hams, so no GMRS radios were needed. CERT/ARES
participants communicated with KI6FAO, perched on a hilltop to relay to
the operations center.
The operation was a success, and the hourly rainfall rate didn't reach
the threshold to trigger debris flows in any of the areas. -- Thanks to
Lisa Short Chupity, W6LSC, PIO, SC4ARC/ARES; ARRL Santa Clara Valley
Section News
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
Talking to Astronauts: An Elementary School's Exciting ARISS Experience
-- Diane Warner, KE8HLD
This is a story about Tallmadge Elementary School's participation in a
once-in-a-lifetime ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station) school contact. Learn about their amazing journey leading up
to the amateur radio contact with an astronaut on the International
Space Station. The excitement of the entire experience was shared not
just by the students, but included faculty, parents, the community, and
local amateur radio operators. You will also learn how to begin the
process of submitting your own ARISS contact proposal.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Technicians: Life Beyond Repeaters -- Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Maybe you just received your Technician-class license, or perhaps you
have had it for a while and burned out on sparse FM repeater contacts.
Take a new look at the possibilities available to you beyond repeaters.
Explore Tech HF and 6-meter privileges for SSB, CW, and digital modes
such as FT8, RTTY, and PSK31 to expand your operating modes and your
station's outreach. Explore other VHF/UHF uses, including SSB,
satellites, FM simplex, digital modes, contesting, and more.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE
Ultra-portable operation, or being able to carry your radio over
distances (e.g., in a backpack), is quickly growing in popularity.
Whether it's for SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending
time in nature, learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and
rewarding experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, will cover
the basics of ultra-portable operating for both the new and experienced
ham operator.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EST (0100 UTC on Friday, April 7)
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* Antarctic Activity Week (AAW), February 20 - 28, aims to promote
interest in Antarctica. Listen for OE18AAW, OE88WAP, OE89ANT,
OE90AAW, LZ18ANT, TM18AAW, IB2ANT, II2ANT, II3BOVE, II5ANT, II8WAP,
IR1ANT, PA6ANT, PF88ANT, EH8ANT, EM25VER, K0ANT, K4A, and K4C,
among others.
* S55ZMS is the call sign of the new 8-meter beacon from Slovenia. It
transmits both CW and PI4 -- a digital mode designed for beacons --
on 40.670 MHz, running 7 W into a dipole.
* "Mini-Visalia" organizers Jim Neiger, N6TJ, and Dick Norton, N6AA,
have announced that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event, set
for March 19 - 21 in Visalia, has been postponed. .
* Special call sign prefixes -- SX200, SY200, and SZ200 -- will be on
the air through 2021 to celebrate the bicentennial of the 1821
Greek Revolution. -- Thanks to RAAG
* The European Radio Amateurs' Organization (EURAO) has announced a
QSO party for February 20 - 21, 0000 - 2400 UTC, using the theme
"with a simple dipole" on all HF modes and bands. Call "CQ EURAO
Party."
* Plans for a DXpedition to Sable Island (CY0) have been reset, with
a target of October 2021. Sponsors say they are "cautiously
optimistic."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
British Columbia Radio Amateur Copies Signal from Mars-Orbiting
Satellite
As reported on Spaceweather.com, Canadian radio amateur Scott Tilley,
VE7TIL, of Roberts Creek, British Columbia, has snagged another signal
from deep space. His latest conquest has been to copy the signal from
China's Tianwen-1 (pronounced "tee-EN-ven") probe, which went into
orbit around Mars on February 10. Tilley told Spaceweather.com that the
probe's X-band signal was "loud and audible."
"It was a treasure hunt," Tilley told Spaceweather.com. He explained
that while the spacecraft did post its frequency with the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), it was too vague for precise tuning (X
band is between 8 GHz and 12 GHz).
Launched last July, Tianwen-1 represents China's first Mars mission. It
consists of an orbiter and a rover, which will land on the Martian
surface in May or June 2021. It is able to photograph the planet's
surface while in orbit.
Finding signals from deep space is a sub-hobby for Tilley, who seeks
what he calls "zombie satellites" among other signal sources. In 2020,
he tracked and identified signals from the experimental UHF military
communication satellite LES-5.
In 2018, while hunting for an undisclosed US government spacecraft lost
in a launch mishap, he spotted the signature of IMAGE (Imager for
Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration), a NASA spacecraft believed
to have died in December 2005.
Tilley has also picked up signals from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance
Orbiter, and the United Arab Emirates Hope probe, both orbiting Mars
some 124 million miles away.
He uses a homemade 60-centimeter dish and relies on software-defined
radios (SDRs) to accomplish the task.
Radio amateurs have been listening for signals from space since the
1957 launch of Sputnik 1, which transmitted at around 20 MHz. Read an
expanded version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
* Ham Radio Signals from Mars -- Spaceweather.com, February 17, 2021
* FEMA on Twitter: A big #worldradioday shout out to Ham radio
operators! -- Twitter, February 13, 2021
* World Radio Day: How Heroic Ham Operators Use Radio Waves to Carry
Out Post-Disaster Rescue Ops -- The Weather Channel, February 12,
2021
* Students in Tustin Grill an Astronaut 254 Miles Over Their Heads --
Orange County Register (California), February 10, 2021
Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fatten Your DXCC Total in the ARRL International DX Contest (CW) This
Weekend
It's the US and Canada against the world in the 2021 ARRL International
DX Contest (CW), which takes place this weekend, February 20 - 21. Join
thousands of amateurs worldwide as they compete in this exciting
international event.
Whether you're a casual operator just looking for DX contacts, an
awards chaser, or working on your DXCC, this contest offers something
for everyone.
US and Canadian operators work as many DX stations in as many DXCC
entities as possible on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. DX stations
work as many US and Canadian stations in as many of the 48 contiguous
states and provinces as possible. This means the DX will be looking for
you!
For 2021, ARRL has issued temporary accommodations for multioperator
stations in the contest, allowing them to adhere to local social
distancing guidelines. This will open the door for many DX operators to
participate in the contest while keeping their team members safe.
Visit the ARRL Contests web page for rules and complete details.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Former ARRL Southwestern Division Director Art Goddard, W6XD, SK
Former ARRL Southwestern Division Director Art Goddard, W6XD, of Costa
Mesa, California, died on February 13. An ARRL Life Member, he was 78.
First licensed in 1956, Goddard was an electrical engineering graduate
of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Montana State University. He
worked for Collins Radio and later for Boeing, from which he retired as
an executive.
After several years working with local governments in southern
California on proposed antenna ordinances, he was elected ARRL
Southwestern Division Vice Director in 1995, serving two terms before
being elected Director in 2001. After retiring from the ARRL Board, he
continued to follow ARRL affairs and advocate for stronger public
relations on behalf of amateur radio.
Goddard was active on the air from HF through microwaves. A member of
the Southern California Contest Club, he took part in contest
DXpeditions to locations ranging from subarctic to tropical, operating
the CQ World Wide DX Contest in 26 of the 40 CQ zones. He also headed
teams of VHF/UHF/microwave contest rovers.
Goddard was heavily involved with the Costa Mesa Historical Society and
was co-author of two books on Costa Mesa history.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: This stretch of days with zero
sunspots has continued for 2 weeks now. Wednesday evening, though,
while viewing the STEREO spacecraft image, I saw a very bright spot on
the sun's northeast horizon. Spaceweather.com reported, "A new active
region is hiding just behind the sun's northeastern limb. It might be a
sunspot."
Average daily solar flux dipped from 72.8 to 72 this week. Average
daily planetary A index was unchanged from last week at 7.7.
Cracks reported on Tuesday in Earth's magnetic field allowed solar wind
to pour in, sparking aurora around the Arctic Circle. Alaska's College
A index jumped to 45, after the K index hit 7 at 0600 and 0900 UTC.
This is from a single magnetometer near Fairbanks, Alaska.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 72 on February 18 - 25;
74, 73, and 74 on February 26 - 28; 73, 74, and 74 on March 1 - 3; 73
on March 4 - 6; 74, 70, and 74 on March 7 - 9; 76, 72, and 71 on March
10 - 12, and 72 on March 13 - 19. Flux values may rise to 76 again on
March 23 - 24.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on February 18 - 19; 16, 12, 8, and 8
on February 20 - 23; 5 on February 24 - 28; 18, 15, and 8 on March 1 -
3; 5 on March 4 - 5; 15 on March 6; 5 on March 7 - 11; 18, 10, 8, and 8
on March 12 - 15, and 5 on March 16 - 19.
Sunspot numbers for February 11 through 17 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and
0, with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 75.8, 72.1, 71.3,
71.4, 69.6, 71.5, and 72.4, with a mean of 72. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 5, 13, 4, 5, 15, and 8, with a mean of 7.7. Middle
latitude A index was 2, 4, 10, 3, 3, 11, and 6, with a mean of 5.6.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
In Brief...
The latest issue of the free publication ITU News Magazine highlights
World Radio Day (observed each year on February 13). The issue features
two articles on amateur radio. Articles in the magazine include the
evolution of radio throughout the ages, ham radio and emergency
communications, and remarks by International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, regarding why World Amateur Radio Day
(celebrated each year on April 18) is important to highlight crucial
services.
Ham Radio in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is tentatively on for 2021. The
show was canceled last year because of the pandemic. Organizers for
Europe's International Amateur Radio Exhibition this week expressed
optimism that the 45th Ham Radio, sponsored by the Deutscher Amateur
Radio Club (DARC), will be able to take place June 25 - 27. "We are
watching the situation closely, of course," a message from
Friedrichshafen Fairgrounds CEO Klaus Wellmann said. "At the moment, we
are assuming that we will be able to hold Ham Radio in accordance with
an extensive, tried-and-proven safety and hygiene concept and are
looking forward to seeing everyone again at Europe's most important
trade fair for amateur radio."
The former president of Argentina, Carlos Menem, ex-LU1SM, died on
February 14. He was 90. Menem took office in 1989, serving for 10
years. Menem was active on the air in the 1980s and 1990s. He had
earlier served as regional governor. Menem served as a senator from
2005 until 2019. According to the New York Times, "Menem was
hospitalized in December with kidney failure and had been put in a
medically induced coma."
Getting It Right
The story "ARRL Board Confers Awards on Skip Jackson, KS0J, and Josh
Nass, KI6NAZ," in the February 4 edition of The ARRL Letter includes
incorrect information. The recipient of the Knight Award receives a
plaque. The recipient of the Leonard Award receives a plaque and a $250
contribution to a charity designated by the recipient.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 20 - 21 -- ARRL International DX Contest (CW)
* February 20 - 21 --20 -- Russian PSK World Wide Contest
* February 21 -- FISTS Sunday Sprint (CW)
* February 21 - 22 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* February 24 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* February 24 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
* February 22 - 25 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, February 26, 2021 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
February 25, 2021
* ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, to Keynote QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo
* ARES and Red Cross Cooperate to Assist Storm-Affected Residents in
Texas
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* "Whirlwind Boom" Emergency Communications Exercise Set
* Amateur Radio Helping to Fill Earthquake Report "Donut Holes"
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements: February 25
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Hams Participate in Winter Yellowstone VHF Radio Rally
* ARRL Interview Explains Background of Ham Radio in Space Film Short
* In Brief...
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, to Keynote QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, will keynote the QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo March 13 - 14 weekend. Minster's talk -- part of an 80+ speaker
lineup -- will begin at 2000 UTC (3 PM EST) on March 13. His appearance
will highlight ARRL's featured role at the expo, which will also
include "Ask The ARRL Lab." ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Partner.
Minster, who assumed the ARRL Headquarters leadership position last
September, has launched major projects and assembled teams to foster
innovation and individual skill development in radio technology and
communications. In his keynote, Minster will share his enthusiasm for
advancing amateur radio and highlight current ARRL initiatives to
engage and inspire the current generation of hams. His presentation
topics will include:
* ARRL's digital transformation, which promises to bring new value to
ARRL members. An all-in digital approach will improve the way
members access and engage with content, programs, and systems.
* The ARRL Learning Center, a hub for members to discover the many
facets of amateur radio and develop practical knowledge and skills.
* Increasing video content, opening opportunities for amateur radio
content creators and member-volunteers to learn, stay informed, and
keep connected.
* Improving training and tools to engage radio clubs, emergency
communication volunteers, and students.
The ARRL expo booth will feature "Ask The ARRL Lab," where Lab staffers
will answer questions live. Attendees can come into the booth lounge
and ask the Lab's technical wizards for tips about projects or
[IMG]suggestions to address various station installations and problems.
Attendees can also learn about Product Review equipment testing, see a
presentation on how the Lab can help hams with RFI problems, and tour
W1AW virtually.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Chairman Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, also announced
four live group kit-building workshops. Workshop instructors will guide
participants through building a variety of kits, which will be
available for purchase and delivered prior to the expo so attendees can
build them at home. Early-bird discount tickets and links to purchase
kits can be found at the QSO Today Expo website. Read an expanded
version.
ARES and Red Cross Cooperate to Assist Storm-Affected Residents in
Texas
ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) and American Red Cross
volunteers joined forces in Texas under the ARRL/Red Cross memorandum
of understanding in responding to the situation resulting from
unseasonably frigid weather. Kevin McCoy, KF5FUZ, said the Red Cross
formally requested an ARES activation in Texas to address the effects
of the natural disaster, which included a lack of drinking water, power
outages, fuel shortages, and frozen plumbing. Red Cross in Central
Texas supported more than 60 warming shelters at the request of
governmental agencies.
"We made a special effort to use Winlink email over radio to get
reports of infrastructure problems and unmet needs [and to] communicate
information about warming centers," McCoy said, adding that Winlink
operators provided the most valuable contribution in the disaster
response. Several teams deployed to support emergency operations
centers (EOCs) in Bexar, Brazos, Kerr, Travis, and Williamson counties,
he added.
"Our effort in the start of the activity was to focus on folks with
medical needs who required power, and to get those folks to safety,"
McCoy said. "Reports from operators were passed to Disaster Program
Power outages have dropped
considerably since the publication
of this February18 status map, and
damage assessment is under way.
Managers and Disaster Action Teams and to Red Cross Disaster Mental
Health personnel for evaluation. Government partners and citizens
provided transportation and Red Cross provided hotel rooms in areas
with reliable power to keep these citizens safe while following
COVID-19 protocols."
On February 20, the Red Cross made a formal stand-down request to Texas
ARES sections from the Central and South Texas Red Cross Region.
"Transportation, communication, and internet had restored sufficiently
to allow for that change of status," McCoy said. "We did let all
Winlink operators know that we would still monitor the tactical
addresses until the disaster recovery was over."
Key issues remaining include the prolonged power outage and the
freezing weather that left Texas with damaged water infrastructure.
"Things are improving rapidly," McCoy said on February 22. Read an
expanded version.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 14) takes a
deeper dive into the subject of HF antenna tuners, including some
shopping tips.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 28) features a discussion
on grabbing NOAA weather satellite images at 137 MHz and a chat with
Nigel Vander Houwen, K7NVH, about how he has combined rockets and
high-altitude ballooning with amateur radio.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whirlwind Boom" Emergency Communications Exercise Set
The amateur radio communications team of Florida Baptist Disaster
Relief has created a multi-site radio communications exercise dubbed
"Whirlwind Boom," designed to bring together volunteers and local
agencies across northern Florida and throughout the southeastern US.
The 2-hour drill is set for Friday, March 19. Invitations have gone out
to Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) groups, county-level
emergency managers, state communications experts, and federal SHARES HF
Radio Program volunteers, and volunteers taking part in the 2021
Florida Baptist Disaster Relief on-site training the following day.
The exercise scenario involves a swarm of tornadoes coupled with the
terrorist bombing of the telephone system, and large numbers of
displaced residents seeking shelter. Only radio remains. During the
exercise, volunteers will practice transmitting formal reports about
the utility, water, and safety situations in their counties (Incident
Action Plan). Many participants will communicate using portable radio
gear powered by battery or generator. Simulated outbound survivor
messages to friends and family will also be sent. Participating groups
will receive secret messages advising them of unexpected handicaps that
mimic what might happen during an actual disaster -- complicating their
tasks.
These exercises are structured in accordance with Department of
Homeland Security training guidelines. For more information, contact
Gordon Gibby, KX4Z. Read an expanded version.
Amateur Radio Helping to Fill Earthquake Report "Donut Holes"
An article describing how radio amateurs can help fill the information
"donut hole" by providing post-earthquake "Did You Feel It" (DYFI)
reports via Winlink HF radio email appeared on February 22 in the
American Geophysical Union (AGU) magazine Eos. As the article points
out, "Ham radio networks gear up to provide real-time, on-the-ground
information about earthquake shaking and damage when other
communication pathways are knocked out of commission." Authors of the
article were David J. Wald of the US Geological Survey (USGS), Vincent
Quitoriano, and Oliver Dully, K6OLI.
As the article explains, DYFI uses a questionnaire to gather
individuals' experiences and observations, and USGS uses the
information to evaluate the shaking intensity at that person's
location. DYFI has been in operation since 1999 in the US and 15 years
around the world, during which the USGS has gathered more than 5
million individual DYFI intensity reports.
The article notes that a potential problem is that "public access to it
may be compromised as a result of strong earthquake shaking," with
affected individuals experiencing power and communication outages or
may be distracted by more immediate priorities.
"USGS and other global seismic network operators have witnessed felt
report 'donut holes' in areas of strong shaking due to loss of internet
communication," the article said, "most recently during the
magnitude-5.7 earthquake that hit near Salt Lake City in March 2020."
The article suggested that "alternative pathways" of communication are
needed to "gather important ground-truth shaking data with minimal
delay." And this is where amateur radio groups come into play.
"We now expect to sample the donut hole with the help of amateur radio
groups worldwide," the article's authors said. "These groups can
mobilize a significant number of licensed radio operators after a
strong earthquake, especially near large population centers, ensuring a
baseline level of macroseismic intensity reporting even in heavily
affected areas."
As the article explains, USGS has partnered with Winlink, a radio email
platform with more than 28,000 users worldwide, and with ARRL Amateur
Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) members. Winlink adapted the USGS
DYFI questionnaire to its platform, and this version is now available
to all radio amateurs, the article said. Read an expanded version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
Talking to Astronauts: An Elementary School's Exciting ARISS Experience
-- Diane Warner, KE8HLD
This is a story about Tallmadge Elementary School's participation in a
once-in-a-lifetime Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) school contact. The excitement of the entire experience was
shared not just by the students, but included faculty, parents, the
community, and local amateur radio operators. You will also learn how
to begin the process of submitting your own ARISS contact proposal.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Technicians: Life Beyond Repeaters -- Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
This presentation takes a new look at the possibilities available to
Technician-class operators beyond repeaters. Explore Tech HF and
6-meter privileges for SSB, CW, and digital modes such as FT8, RTTY,
and PSK31 to expand your operating modes and your station's outreach.
Explore other VHF/UHF uses, including SSB, satellites, FM simplex,
digital modes, contesting, and more.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE
Whether for SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending time in
nature, learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and rewarding
experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, will cover the basics
of ultra-portable operating for both the new and experienced ham radio
operator.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, April 7)
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
Announcements: February 25
* The W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention is on for September 24 - 25 in
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
* Jerry Burke, the primary author of the antenna-modeling software
NEC, died on February 14. He had been suffering from cancer. NEC
(numerical electromagnetics code) evolved out of a program called
BRACT, which Burke and others developed in 1967. The most common
public version is NEC-2. -- Thanks to Jim Breakall, WA3FET
* The Board of Directors of The Yasme Foundation has announced grants
of $5,000 each to the ARRL Foundation and Foundation for Amateur
Radio (FAR) 2021 scholarship programs.
* Registration for official stations is open for the 2021
International Marconi Day (IMD), April 24 - 26, sponsored by the
Cornish Radio Amateur Club. The annual event commemorates the
birthday of wireless pioneer Guglielmo Marconi in 1874.
* 2Tone, the popular RTTY software by David Wicks, G3YYD, has been
updated and is available on the RTTY Contesting website.
* The 2021 Southeastern VHF Society Conference scheduled to be held
in April has been canceled due to the pandemic. The Southeastern
VHF Society Board of Directors will consider alternative solutions
for future conferences. SVHFS has published the 2020 Southeastern
VHF Society Technical Journal containing all the papers that had
been scheduled for presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
* Over Neighbors' Objections, Shelburne Operator Gets the Green Light
for Ham Radio Towers -- Burlington Free Press (Vermont), February
19, 2021
* Amateur Radio Users Want to Be of Service When Modern Technology
Fails -- Nashville Scene (Tennessee), February 18, 2021
* FEMA on Twitter: A big #worldradioday shout out to Ham radio
operators! -- Twitter, February 13, 2021
* World Radio Day: How Heroic Ham Operators Use Radio Waves to Carry
Out Post-Disaster Rescue Ops -- The Weather Channel, February 12,
2021
Hams Participate in Winter Yellowstone VHF Radio Rally
Wyoming and southern Montana hams belonging to the North Yellowstone
Amateur Radio Club and Park County (Montana) Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES^(R)) took to the wilderness in late January during heavy
snow to take part in an emergency preparedness exercise. The groups
have about 15 members in all; many more bison and elk roam the roads
than do hams.
The critical winter duty for North Yellowstone radio amateurs is
Electric Peak in Yellowstone.
deployment to remote locations of winter emergencies. To train for
these responses, the members devised the VHF Radio Relay, a radio
scavenger hunt designed to get members out to remote road locations
where winter emergencies may require radio communications support. The
group uses the Eagle's Nest repeater located at 8,000 feet on Electric
Peak southwest of Gardiner, Montana -- the north entrance to
Yellowstone National Park. The repeater covers the northern one-third
of the vast park and southern half of Park County, Montana.
Participants received two pages of instructions. The first contained
directions for completing their call-out assignment and listed 15
locations that required hams to deploy to the far reaches of the radio
coverage area. The second page consisted of a map. Only three roads are
in the area, and conditions on one dirt road are typically difficult.
Each route had five locations along the way to the terminal checkpoint.
The 15 widely spaced locations guaranteed that no operator could visit
all of them. Locations were chosen such that hams needed to plan their
route strategy -- ideally before leaving the starting point, where
odometer readings were recorded.
Bison on northern Yellowstone roads.
[Reve Susan Carberry, KX4LZ, photo]
Each location was assigned a tactical call sign, and communicators had
to use GPS to verify that they were in their precise positions. At all
locations, hams radioed net control to have their location verified
before moving to the next location.
At the last check-in point, participating hams had to call in and were
given instructions on how to find a code word hidden in an interpretive
sign to verify their location -- for example, the seventh word in the
third paragraph -- and relay it to net control. Each participant had a
different code word.
Directions included a safety warning about bison and elk on the road,
and bad driving conditions due to snow. All departed at 9 AM and were
to be back at the starting point at 11:30 AM. A prize was awarded to
the ham who visited the most locations with the lowest mileage. First
place went to Doug MacCartney, K7GRZ, and second place to Reve
Carberry, KX4LZ. Jim Halfpenny, K9YNP, served as net control. -- Thanks
to Park County Emergency Coordinator and ARRL PIO Jim Halfpenny, K9YNP
ARRL Interview Explains Background of Ham Radio in Space Film Short
Josh Tanner, the Australian filmmaker who produced the thriller
Decommissioned by Perception Pictures, has explained how he came up
with the idea to develop the movie short. In the approximately 6-minute
film, SuitSat returns in the future to haunt International Space
Station commander "Diaz," played by Joey Vieira, who spots SuitSat, the
surplus Russian Orlan spacesuit that Amateur Radio on the International
Space Station (ARISS) turned into an amateur radio satellite several
years ago .
An exclusive ARRL video interview premiering on Saturday, February 27,
brings together Tanner, who directed the sci-fi horror film about an
eerie ham-radio-in-space reencounter, and ARISS-International Chair
Frank Bauer, KA3HDO. In the interview, conducted by ARRL volunteer Josh
Nass, KI6NAZ, of the popular YouTube channel Ham Radio Crash Course,
Tanner described the uniquely creative and technical aspects of the
filmmaking involved in Decommissioned and its connection with the
real-life SuitSat-1.
"My wife, Jade, who is also a co-writer of this short film, and I are
both really obsessed with space, and we discovered SuitSat on
Wikipedia," Tanner said in the interview. "It was an initial sort of
two-pronged reaction. One, this is genius. It's amazing that they did
this; I'd never heard this before. And the second one was, this is
kinda creepy...that they had what looks like a stranded, dead astronaut
floating around the Earth...and there were voices of children being
transmitted from it."
SuitSat-1 transmitted a voice message, "This is SuitSat-1 RS0RS!", in
several languages, plus telemetry and a slow-scan TV image on an
8-minute cycle as it orbited Earth.
Tanner said a lot of the films he produces involve "pieces of history
that are rather quite odd or interesting that maybe a lot of people
don't know about."
Bauer described the background of the 2006 SuitSat project, which
involved ARISS's relationship with Sergey Samburov, RV3DR. Samburov was
"the initial brainchild" behind the SuitSat-1 concept, and ARISS ran
with it, Bauer recounted.
"We had 3 weeks to pull it all together and get it ready for launch,"
Bauer said, and that included getting safety approvals. SuitSat-1
operated for about 2 weeks, and a contest of sorts evolved to guess
when it would burn up in the atmosphere, which wasn't until about 6
months later. A SuitSat-2 was launched from the ISS several years
later.
Tanner said the Decommissioned script was written about 3 years ago,
but creating the realistic atmosphere and sets involved a number of
complexities, which was "very expensive," he revealed. A big push
toward using video game engine technology in feature-film development
made it possible. Decommissioned was produced using a game engine
called Unreal Engine, which was also used to produce the TV show The
Mandalorian.
[IMG]Grab your popcorn and avoid a spoiler. ARRL recommends viewing the
short film before watching the 45-minute interview. The interview
premieres on ARRL's YouTube channel, Saturday, February 27, at 1600
UTC.
ARRL reminds interested schools and educational organizations in the US
that the latest window to submit proposals to host scheduled ham radio
contacts with an ISS crew member opened on February 15. Contacts would
be scheduled January 1 - June 30, 2022. Proposals are due to ARISS by
0759 UTC on April 1.
In the US, ARRL is a partner in the ARISS program, along with AMSAT,
NASA, and the ISS National Lab, which has kept amateur radio on the air
from the International Space Station for 20 years.
In Brief...
Plans remain up in the air for the Youth on the Air (YOTA) in the
Americas summer camp. The camp, tentatively set for July 11 - 16, would
take place in West Chester, Ohio. "We know that changes in the COVID-19
pandemic status between now and July will have an impact on our
decision to host the camp," 2021 YOTA Americas Camp Director Neil Rapp,
WB9VPG, said. "At this time, we are still hopeful that hosting the camp
safely July 11 - 16, 2021 will be possible. Should we not be able to
host the camp, we will let everyone know with as much notice as
possible and postpone it to 2022. Our plan is to make the final
decision in the month of April." Registration will continue until
February 28 for campers accepted to the camp for the 2020 session to
attend in 2021. At that point, Rapp said, he will evaluate how many
positions remain for additional campers from across the Americas in
order to fill out the roster of 30 campers and take applications in
March for the remaining slots.
Former ARRL Teachers Institute instructor Miguel Enriquez, KD7RPP, of
Tucson, Arizona, died on February 7 as a result of COVID-19. His death
came just 3 weeks after that of his wife, Wendy, also a COVID-19
victim. Miguel was 72 years old. His wife was 68. Between 2001 and
2008, Miguel Enriquez taught sessions of the introductory TI-1 course
in Arizona. A February 14 Arizona Daily Star feature, "How Tucson
Schools are Helping Kids, Staff Cope with COVID-19 Deaths," includes a
photo of Miguel Enriquez when he was conducting an amateur radio
demonstration in 2006 at Pueblo High School, where he taught
mathematics. "He is a fitting example of our teachers who have braved
the pandemic to continue to teach our youth," said Frank Karnauskas,
N1UW, AMSAT Vice President-Development.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots have returned, and solar
activity increased on every day over this reporting week.
The average daily sunspot number shot up from zero to 19.6, while the
average daily solar flux rose from 72 to 75.7. Geomagnetic activity was
also higher, with average daily planetary A index increasing from 7.7
to 16, and average daily mid-latitude A index rose from 5.6 to 12.4.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 82 on February 25 - 28; 78
on March 1; 74 on March 2 - 4; 73 on March 5 - 6; 74, 70, 74, and 76 on
March 7 - 10; 72, 71, 72, and 70 on March 11 - 14; 71, 72, 71, 73, 76,
and 75 on March 15 - 20; 72 on March 21 - 22; 76 on March 23 - 24, and
74 and 73 on March 25 - 26.
Predicted planetary A index is 12 on February 25; 5 on February 26 -
March 1; 15 and 12 on March 2 - 3; 5 on March 4 - 5; 15 on March 6; 5
on March 7 - 11; 15, 10, and 5 on March 12 - 14; 15, 5, 8, and 18 on
March 15 - 18; 20 on March 19 - 20; 10 and 8 on March 21 - 22, and 5 on
March 23 - 26. Geomagnetic activity is expected to increase by March
28.
Sunspot numbers for February 18 through 24 were 12, 12, 12, 11, 26, 31,
and 33, with a mean of 19.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.1, 72.9,
76.4, 75.3, 75.9, 78.1, and 80.5, with a mean of 75.7. Estimated
planetary A indices were 5, 17, 20, 20, 17, 12, and 21, with a mean of
16. Middle latitude A index was 2, 13, 15, 18, 13, 10, and 16, with a
mean of 12.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* February 26 - 28 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB
* February 27 - 28 -- REF Contest, SSB
* February 27 - 28 -- FTn DX Contest
* February 27 - 28 -- UBA DX Contest, CW
* February 27 - 28 -- South Carolina QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* February 27 - 28 -- North American QSO Party, RTTY
* February 27 - 28 -- NA Collegiate Championship, RTTY
* February 28 - March 3 -- Classic Exchange, CW
* February 28 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
* February 28 - March 1 -- North Carolina QSO Party (CW, phone,
digital)
* March 1 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM max)
* March 1 -- OK1WC Memorial (MWC) (CW)
* March 1 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (Digital)
* March 2 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
* March 2 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* March 2 -- RTTYOPS Weeksprint
* March 2 -- AGCW YL-CW Party
* March 3 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (1300 - 1400 and 1900 - 2000 UTC)
* March 3 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* March 3 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
* March 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
* March 4 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* March 4 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
* March 6 - 7 -- ARRL International DX Contest, SSB
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
.
.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
* Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
newsletter), Division and Section news alerts -- and much more!
* Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
and registered guests may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing
their profile.
Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for
non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other
purposes require written permission.
--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost
BBS@bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 05, 2021 09:05:20
The ARRL Letter
March 4, 2021
* Approaches to Tackle Noise Problems Vary, Remedies Elusive
* ARISS, NASA, and ESA Continue to Probe Amateur Radio Problems on
ISS
* Quantum Receiver Can Detect Huge Swath of the RF Spectrum
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Moldova Peace Corps ARISS Contact is Successful
* North Carolina Radio Amateurs apt Tailgating Hamfest to the
COVID-19 Pandemic
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Army MARS Volunteers Recognized with Gold-Level President's
Volunteer Service Award
* Announcements
* AMSAT-DL Operators Track Mars Probes
* January 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
* Video Documents Removal, Preservation of 250 kW Voice of America
Transmitter
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Approaches to Tackle Noise Problems Vary, Remedies Elusive
RF noise is a frequent discussion topic among radio amateurs. A
proliferation of electronics has cluttered and complicated the noise
environment; it's not just power lines anymore. Unless isolated from
civilization, most hams experience RF interference (RFI) and spectrum
scopes on modern transceivers can make it much more apparent. Various
approaches to address the apparently worsening noise floor have been
taken around the world, some addressing lax regulation.
"We all want to enhance our ability to copy the weak ones by increasing
our signal-to-noise ratio," Alan Higbie, K0AV, said in his March/April
NCJ article, "Tracking RFI with an SDR One Source at a Time." He
suggests practical methods for individual radio amateurs to improve
their own noise environment. "We can do that by reducing the noise on
each band that we operate. Lowering the noise floor increases the
relative strength of weak signals. Those who live in typical
residential environments find that locating and eliminating RFI sources
is a never-ending process. It is much like weeding a garden."
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) warns against complacency.
"Radio amateurs cannot sit back, because even if the desired noise
limits are agreed, there are many rogue manufacturers
Small household "wall warts" are
typically noisy switching power
supplies.
and dealers who will happily sell noise-generating devices, leaving out
filter circuits to cut costs," IARU said. The IARU has urged
member-societies to get involved.
The FCC Technological visory Council (TAC) -- a Commission advisory
group -- initiated an inquiry in 2016 looking into changes and trends
to the radio spectrum noise floor to determine whether noise is
increasing and, if so, by how much. The TAC had encouraged the FCC to
undertake a comprehensive noise study in 1998, and cautioned the FCC
against implementing new spectrum management techniques or initiatives
without first concluding one. In 2017, the FCC Office of Engineering
and Technology (OET) invited comments on a series of (TAC)
spectrum-management questions. ARRL, in its comments, took the
opportunity to strongly urge the FCC to reinstate the 2016 TAC noise
floor study, which, ARRL asserted, was terminated before it even got
started. ARRL urged the FCC to "depart from the traditional regulatory
model" that placed limits only on transmitters and called for "a
'holistic' approach to transmitter and receiver performance."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
* ARRL offers a wide range of information on RFI on its website.
* Paul Giancolo, W1VLF, will offer "Finding and Fixing RFI" as part
of the ARRL Learning Network webinar series, on Tuesday, April 20,
at 1700 UTC.
* ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz, W7VO, will offer "HF
Noise Mitigation" as part of the ARRL Learning Network webinar
series, on Thursday, April 22, at 1930 UTC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Greg Lapin, N9GL, represents ARRL on the TAC and chairs the ARRL RF
Safety Committee. "Perhaps the best result that we obtained was an
indication that illegal devices, mainly LED lights, were in
circulation, and the Enforcement Bureau agreed to look into it," he
told ARRL. "We never heard what they found out, but recently, I was
buying some LED bulbs over the internet from a site in Texas, and they
were selling non-FCC approved lights -- and didn't seem to care." Lapin
said his complaint went nowhere, and the TAC's focus has been nudged in
the direction of addressing 5G issues.
The Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) has been working on developing
a noise-measurement system that approximates methods used by the
International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunication Sector
(ITU-R). DARC reported that 35 of these electrical noise area
monitoring systems (ENAMS) have been delivered, and it's seeking
another 20 locations as part of the effort to monitor noise
interference on the HF bands. DARC said the ENAMS can help to make
scientifically reliable statements about interference levels.
IARU sees wireless power transmission (WPT) as an impending major noise
threat, especially from WPT electric vehicle (WPT-EV) charging systems.
"For the amateur service, given the planned density of WPT-EV systems,
it is calculated that there will be a widespread and serious impact in
the vicinity of WPT systems" from spurious emissions, said a 2019 EE
Publishers article, written by "Amateur radio societies concerned about
the HF noise floor." The article also said, "To ensure a low
probability of harmful interference to radiocommunication services,
further study is required." Read an expanded version.
ARISS, NASA, and ESA Continue to Probe Amateur Radio Problems on ISS
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International
Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, reports that the ARISS team worked closely
with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) this week to identify
what may have caused what ARISS is calling a "radio anomaly" on January
27. The net result has been an inability to use the NA1SS ham station
gear in the ISS Columbus module. For the time being, ARISS school and
group contacts with crew members have been conducted using the ham
station in the ISS Service Module. The radio issues came in the wake of
a January 27 spacewalk, during which astronauts installed new cabling
to support the commissioning of the Bartolomeo attached-payload
capability mounted on the Columbus module. The job involved re-routing
the antenna cabling to the ARISS radio system onboard Columbus.
Bauer said NASA, ESA, and ARISS would conduct a set of APRS (automatic
packet radio system) tests to determine the operational status of the
ARISS radio in Columbus through employment of three different cabling
configurations. The tests would use the station's APRS capability on
145.825 MHz, with the crew periodically shutting down the radio and
swapping cables. The tests were expected to wrap up by March 3. No
results had been reported by March 4.
"We cannot guarantee that these troubleshooting tests will resolve the
radio issue," Bauer said.
Bauer said that if the tests are unsuccessful, "a contingency task" has
been green-lighted for a March 5 spacewalk (EVA). "This EVA task would
return the ARISS cabling to the original configuration prior to the
January 27 EVA," he explained, noting that a contingency task will only
be performed if time allows.
"If you definitely hear the packet system working or are able to
connect through it, let us know the date, time, and grid square of the
occurrence," he added.
Quantum Receiver Can Detect Huge Swath of the RF Spectrum
US Army researchers have built a so-called "quantum sensor," which can
analyze the full RF spectrum and real-world signals, a report on
Physics.org says. The quantum sensor -- technically a Rydberg sensor --
can sample the RF spectrum from 0 to 20 GHz and is able to detect AM
and FM radio signals, as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other RF
communication protocols. The peer-reviewed Physical
A Rydberg receiver and spectrum
analyzer detects a wide range of
real-world radio frequency signals
above a microwave circuit including
AM radio, FM radio, Wi-Fi, and
Bluetooth. [US Army, illustration]
Review Applied published the researchers' findings, "Waveguide-coupled
Rydberg spectrum analyzer from 0 to 20 Gigaherz," coauthored by Army
researchers Drs. David Meyer, Paul Kunz, and Kevin Cox.
"The Rydberg sensor uses laser beams to create highly excited Rydberg
atoms directly above a microwave circuit, to boost and hone in on the
portion of the spectrum being measured," the article explains. "The
Rydberg atoms are sensitive to the circuit's voltage, enabling the
device to be used as a sensitive probe for the wide range of signals in
the RF spectrum."
Cox, a researcher at the US Army Combat Capabilities Development
Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory, called the development "a
really important step toward proving that quantum sensors can provide a
new and dominant set of capabilities for our soldiers, who are
operating in an increasingly complex electromagnetic battlespace."
Cox said earlier demonstrations of Rydberg atomic sensors were only
able to sense small and specific regions of the RF spectrum, but "our
sensor now operates continuously over a wide frequency range for the
first time." The technology uses rubidium atoms, which are excited to
high-energy Rydberg states. These interact strongly with the circuit's
electric fields, allowing detection and demodulation of any signal
received into the circuit.
Researchers use a Rydberg spectrum
analyzer experimental apparatus at
the DEVCOM Army Research Lab. [US
Army, illustration]
The report says the Rydberg spectrum analyzer has the potential "to
surpass fundamental limitations of traditional electronics in
sensitivity, bandwidth, and frequency range."
According to Meyer, "Devices that are based on quantum constituents are
one of the Army's top priorities to enable technical surprise in the
competitive future battlespace. Quantum sensors in general, including
the one demonstrated here, offer unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy
to detect a wide range of mission-critical signals." Read an expanded
version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 14) takes a
deeper dive into the subject of HF antenna tuners, including some
shopping tips.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 28) features a discussion
on grabbing NOAA weather satellite images at 137 MHz and a chat with
Nigel Vander Houwen, K7NVH, about how he has combined rockets and
high-altitude ballooning with amateur radio.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Moldova Peace Corps ARISS Contact is Successful
A March 3 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
contact between young people in Moldova with an International Space
Station (ISS) crew member was a success. The Moldova Peace Corps (MPC)
was the hosting organization, and 90 students (aged 10 - 18) from a
consortium of educational institutions, rural schools, and libraries
from nine Moldovan villages participated.
MPC promotes economic and civic development with a particular focus on
developing local resources in rural and suburban communities. Another
focus of MPC is to provide youth in Moldovan villages with access to
STEM opportunities and build capacity among local teachers/librarians
to implement STEM activities in their curricula.
During the multipoint telebridge contact, students took turns asking
questions of astronaut Mike Hopkins, KF5LJG. ARISS team member David
Payne, NA7V, in Oregon served as the relay amateur radio station.
In support of this contact, the MPC partnered with the staff at the
Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies within the
Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the US Peace Corps Volunteer
Coordinator, and the participating schools and libraries. The contact
was livestreamed via the MPC and UTM Facebook pages.
ARRL is a partner in the ARISS program, which has kept amateur radio on
the air from the ISS for 20 years. A hallmark of the ARISS program is
the scheduled ham radio contacts made by ISS crew members with schools
and student groups around the world.
North Carolina Radio Amateurs apt Tailgating Hamfest to the COVID-19
Pandemic
With many in-person hamfests canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
some radio amateurs in Raleigh, North Carolina, have come up with a way
to adapt with a tailgate hamfest in an unused shopping center parking
area. The event grew out of the so-called Ham Radio Taco Thursdays,
begun many years ago by ARRL Life Member Alan Pitegoff, AB4OZ.
Pitegoff had to put his event on hold when the pandemic erupted. It was
suggested that hams could gather and socialize at a safe distance by
having a Taco Thursday with the taco truck outside in an adjacent empty
parking lot. That event was a success, with participants remaining at
their vehicles and bringing their own chairs. That success inspired
holding a tailgate hamfest in the same spot, and it's now turned into a
monthly event, called the AB4OZ Hamfest.
Pitegoff said Taco Thursday started collecting more people -- up to 15
or so -- and when Taco Bell closed due to the pandemic, the event moved
to a Thursday on-the-air net, with one requirement -- that participants
could not talk about COVID-19.
The tailgate hamfest was established at the new location and held once
a month on Saturday at 10 AM.
"I think this is a great, uplifting, and positive experience for all of
us hams to get out and socialize," participant Charles Murray, KI4DCR,
said. "We might not be able to have a big hamfest, but these micro
tailgate hamfests might be the future for a good while. I've met a lot
of good people. There's a lot of cool stuff out here. The weather's
great, you know, and there's plenty of space for everybody to be
socially distanced. I think it's fantastic." -- Thanks to Martin
Brossman, KI4CFS
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
Technicians: Life Beyond Repeaters -- Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Maybe you just received your Technician-class license, or perhaps you
have had it for a while and are burned out waiting for sparse FM
repeater contacts. Take a new look at the possibilities available to
you beyond repeaters. Explore Tech HF and 6-meter privileges for SSB,
CW, and digital modes such as FT8, RTTY, and PSK31 to expand your
operating modes and your station's outreach. Explore other VHF/UHF
uses, including SSB, satellites, FM simplex, digital modes, contesting,
and more.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE
Ultra-portable operation, or being able to carry your radio over
distances (e.g., in a backpack), is quickly growing in popularity.
Whether for SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending time in
nature, learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and rewarding
experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, will cover the basics
of ultra-portable operating for both the new and experienced ham radio
operator.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, April 7)
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
* Estes Park Elementary School Students Speak with Astronaut Aboard
ISS -- Yahoo News, February 28, 2021
* Craig Fugate on Twitter: @Wired Also Points Out the Role Amateur
Radio Can Play in Disasters -- Twitter, February 22, 2021
* Amateur Radio Operators Help Fill Earthquake Donut Holes -- Eos
Magazine, February 22, 2021
* Over Neighbors' Objections, Shelburne Operator Gets the Green Light
for Ham Radio Towers -- Burlington Free Press (Vermont), February
19, 2021
* Amateur Radio Users Want to Be of Service When Modern Technology
Fails -- Nashville Scene (Tennessee), February 18, 2021
Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Army MARS Volunteers Recognized with Gold-Level President's Volunteer
Service Award
A dozen US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) volunteers have
been honored with gold-level recognition for the President's Volunteer
Service Award for 2020. They are:
* Bob Mims, WA1OEZ
* Ron Tomo, KE2UK
* Mark Bary, N4EOC
* Billy Pearson, KO4XT
* Dave Bock, W8OHS
* Bob Baker, K5LLF
* John Monson, WB0PLW
* Gary Geissinger, WA0SPM
* Brian Handy, W8JBT
* Bliss Wheeler, W7RUG
* Jim Hamilton, K4QDF
* Daniel Wolff, KA7AGN
Each award recipient receives a letter signed by the President of the
United States, a certificate of achievement, and a presidential
volunteer service lapel pin.
Volunteer awards are based on the certifying organization's
recommendation and the number of documented volunteer hours for the
year. Gold-level volunteers must accrue a minimum of 500 hours
volunteer time supporting the organization. Silver awardees must
achieve 300 hours and bronze must achieve a minimum of 100 hours
volunteer time.
Army MARS Chief Paul English, WD8DBY, was to conduct a virtual awards
presentation on Thursday, March 4. -- Thanks to Paul English, WD8DBY
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* The Amateur Radio Contest DX Club (ARCDXC) will activate the C7A
call sign during March, with activity SSB, CW, and digital modes on
all HF bands, 1.8 - 28 MHz. C7A counts for Austria for DXCC
purposes.
* The ARRL International DX Phone Contest is March 6 - 7 (UTC), and
the DX will abound. It's a chance even for modest stations to snag
a few new contacts. In this major event on the radiosport calendar,
the DX will be looking for you! Operators in the US and Canada work
stations everywhere else in the world. It's not only an opportunity
to pit your station and operating skills against those of your
peers but to expand your knowledge of propagation on the HF and MF
bands and tweak your contesting skills.
* R125PR is a special event call sign to mark 125 years since the
reputed "world's first radiogram." Sponsors say that historic event
took place in 1896 when Alexander Popov at the Russian Physical and
Chemical Society of Saint-Petersburg Imperial University sent the
two words "Heinrich Hertz" a distance of 250 meters.
* The Radio Society of Kenya (RSK) and the South African Radio League
(SARL) have signed a formal memorandum of understanding. The SARL
will assist RSK with the amateur radio examinations and administer
the technical aspects of the examination on RSK's behalf and assist
with training materials.
* Members of the Northern Corridor Radio Group in Australia plan to
activate Cocos (Keeling) Island -- VK9C (not to be confused with
Cocos Island -- TI9). Cocos (Keeling) is #70 on the Club Log Most
Wanted DXCC List. The vacation-style operation will take place
March 16 - 23, using the call sign VK9CE. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
AMSAT-DL Operators Track Mars Probes
Members of Germany's AMSAT organization, AMSAT-DL, in cooperation with
the Sternwarte Bochum Institute in Bochum, Nordrhein-Westfalen,
Germany, have been using the institute's 20-meter (65.6-foot) diameter
dish antenna to listen directly to signals from probes in Mars orbit.
Signals have been copied from the Chinese Tianwen-1 and the Hope
Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) spacecraft now orbiting Mars and
transmitting in the 8.4 GHz band.
Recordings of the signals can be heard on YouTube with regular updates
by following @amsatdl on Twitter.
In 2003, radio amateurs added phase-locked receivers in the 2.3, 5.8,
and 10.4 GHz amateur bands, as well as an 8.4 GHz receiver. There is
also an S-band 2.4 GHz amateur transmitter running 250 W PEP (peak
envelope power).
In 2006, the dish was used to copy signals from Voyager 1 at a distance
of nearly 15 billion kilometers (9.3 billion miles). -- Thanks to AMSAT
News Service
January 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
and the FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service.
In January 2021, Volunteer Monitors reported 2,277 hours monitoring the
HF frequencies and 2,162 hours monitoring VHF frequencies and above.
The Volunteer Monitor Coordinator issued 11 visory Notices. An
visory Notice is an attempt to resolve rule violation issues
informally before FCC intervention:
* Operators in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Centralia, Washington; Edmond,
Oklahoma; Fontana, California, and Orleans, Massachusetts, received
advisories concerning operation outside their license class.
* An operator in Thorn Hill, Tennessee, received an advisory
concerning interference.
* An operator in Ridgely, Tennessee, received an advisory regarding
excessive bandwidth.
* Operators in Miami, Florida; Friendly, West Virginia; Collinsville,
Illinois, and Keansburg, New Jersey, received advisories concerning
station ID issues.
* An operator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received an advisory
regarding improper use of a linear amplifier.
ARRL had two meetings in January with FCC Enforcement Bureau personnel.
-- Thanks to Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, VM Program ministrator
Video Documents Removal, Preservation of 250 kW Voice of America
Transmitter
With the former Voice of America Delano relay site in Central
California scheduled for eventual demolition for resale, the Collins
Collectors Association (CCA), in association with the Antique Wireless
Association (AWA), came up with a plan in 2014 (working, among others,
with past ARRL Midwestern Division Director Rod Blocksome, K0DAS, a
former Collins engineer) to retrieve one of the Collins 821A-1 250 kW
HF transmitters from the site and put it on display at the AWA museum
in Bloomfield, New York.
The Delano site went on the air in 1944 with a 170-foot rhombic
antenna. The Collins 821 A-1 transmitter was autotuned and could shift
frequencies between 3.95 and 26.5 MHz in 20 seconds. The transmitter
and its associated components represent an era when equipment was large
and heavy.
The Delano site, now owned by the General Services ministration
(GSA), remains with antennas still standing and buildings in place and
demolition on hold, because it was discovered to be the habitat for an
endangered species of shrew.
A video presentation featuring Dennis Kidder, W6DQ, describes and
illustrates the entire removal and relocation effort, and offers some
background on the VOA. On the continental US, the only remaining VOA
site is the Edward R. Murrow Greenville Transmitting Site in North
Carolina.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Monday was the only day with no
sunspots over the reporting week, so average daily sunspot numbers
declined slightly from 19.6 to 18.9. Two new sunspot groups appeared on
the following day. Average daily solar flux edged up from 75.7 to 76.7.
Average daily planetary A index softened from 16 to 14.7, and the
middle latitude average went from 12.4 to 10.4. Geomagnetic indicators
remained somewhat active due to persistent solar wind. On Monday,
Alaska's high-latitude College A index reached 34.
Spaceweather.com reported a G2 class geomagnetic storm on March 1.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days appears anemic: 74 on March
4; 75 on March 5 -- 10; 73, 71, 72, and 70 on March 11 -- 14; 71, 72,
71, and 73 on March 15 -- 18; 76, 75, 76, and 78 on March 19 -- 22; 81,
80, 80, and 79 on March 23 -- 26; 78 and 73 on March 27 -- 28; 74 on
March 29 -- 30; 73 on March 31 - April 1, and 74 on April 2 -- 3.
Predicted planetary A index is 12, 8, 10, 20 and 15 on March 4 -- 8; 10
on March 9 -- 10; 8, 15, 10, and 5 on March 11 -- 14; 15, 8, 5, and 18
on March 15 -- 18; 20 on March 19 -- 20; 18, 12, and, 8 on March 21 --
23; 5 on March 24 -- 27; 20, 15, and 10 on March 28 -- 30; 5 on March
31 - April 1; 12 on April 2, and 5 on the following 5 days.
Sunspot numbers for February 25 - March 3 were 31, 16, 14, 13, 0, 28,
and 30, with a mean of 18.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 80.1, 80.1,
79.2, 77.7, 71, 74.7, and 74.2, with a mean of 76.7. Estimated
planetary A indices were 13, 11, 4, 6, 26, 20, and 23, with a mean of
14.7. Middle latitude A index was 13, 8, 3, 4, 16, 14, and 15, with a
mean of 10.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* March 5 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
* March 5 -- NCCC CW Sprint
* March 6 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
* March 6 - 7 -- ARRL International DX Contest (Phone)
* March 6 - 7 -- Open Ukraine RTTY Championship
* March 7 -- UBA Spring Contest (CW)
* March 7 -- NSARA Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* March 7 -- WAB 3.5 MHz Phone
* March 10 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* March 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
* March 10 - 14 -- AWA John Rollins Memorial DX Contest (CW)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
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Copyright (c) 2021 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 12, 2021 09:05:02
The ARRL Letter
March 11, 2021
* ARRL to Have Two Exhibits at this Weekend's QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo
* Registration Now Open for HamSCI Workshop 2021
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* News Conference Details ARISS Efforts to Return ISS Ham Station to
the Air
* Plans Proceeding for Fall 2021 Willis Island DXpedition
* The 23-Centimeter Band in Region 1 Under Discussion Ahead of WRC-23
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* February 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
* Monster Dipole Can Deliver Monster Signal
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Announcements
* In Brief...
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL to Have Two Exhibits at this Weekend's QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo takes place this weekend, March 13 --
14, 2021. Thousands have already registered to participate.
ARRL, a QSO Today Expo Partner, will have two exhibits at the show. One
will offer opportunities to meet ARRL Lab engineers, who will answer
questions and share tips on an array of topics. ARRL CEO David Minster,
NA2AA, will deliver the Expo's keynote address at 2000 UTC on Saturday,
March 13.
The Expo has a packed lineup of 87 speakers and workshops spread across
10 different virtual theaters. March 13 and 14 sessions start at 1600
UTC. Presentation topics will appeal to amateur radio newcomers and
veterans alike. Because it's impossible to watch all the live
presentations of interest, attendees can return to the platform any
time through April 12 to see any presentations.
A full-day track on "Amateur Space Radio" will cover beginner to
advanced levels. The Expo's Youth Forum on Sunday morning will be
organized by Carole Perry, WB2MGP. vanced presentation topics will
include "Pipeline Type Radio Wave Propagation" and "Double Inverted HF
Delta Skeleton Slot Antenna." Less-experienced hams may want to watch
such presentations as "Getting Started in Remote HF Operating" and "An
Overview of Parks on the Air."
Other Expo features include:
* Live kit-building workshops.
* A tour through the virtual exhibit hall, which will be filled with
popular amateur radio manufacturers and suppliers.
* Live demonstrations of the latest gear.
* New video technology, to provide a better experience for attendees
to engage with exhibitors.
* Virtual lounges, where you can meet fellow hams via the latest
video technology.
* A number of exhibitors conducting prize drawings.
Those who want to explore the Virtual Ham Expo offerings in advance of
the show should check out the several podcasts starting at 0200 UTC on
Saturday (Friday, March 12, in US time zones) from the Podcasting
Pavilion, as well as a Techno Dance Party After Hours from the Amateur
Space Radio Auditorium.
Visit the QSO Today Ham Expo website for more information about the
expo and tickets. There's still time to get early-bird discounted
tickets ($10); the price of admission increases to $12.50 on March 12.
Registration Now Open for HamSCI Workshop 2021
Registration is now open for the 2021 HamSCI Workshop, Friday and
Saturday, March 19 - 20. The theme of this year's workshop is
midlatitude ionospheric science. The University of Scranton will serve
as host for the Zoom virtual event, sponsored by the National Science
Foundation (NSF). The program will include guest speakers, poster
presentations, and demonstrations.
The workshop will also serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal
Space Weather Station project, funded by an NSF grant to University of
Scranton physics and electrical engineering professor Nathaniel
Frissell, W2NAF. The project seeks to harness the power of an amateur
radio network to better understand and measure the effects of weather
in the upper levels of Earth's atmosphere.
The workshop's keynote address on the "History of Radio" will be given
by Elizabeth Bruton, curator of technology and engineering at the
Science Museum of London. She will discuss the history, science,
technology, and licensing of radio amateur communities from the early
1900s to the present, exploring how individuals and communities
contributed to "citizen science" long before the term entered popular
usage in the 1990s. Bruton has been a non-licensed member of Oxford and
District Amateur Radio Society since 2014 and has served as the
society's web manager since 2015.
J. Michael Ruohoniemi, a professor of electrical and computer
engineering at Virginia Tech and principal investigator of the Virginia
Tech SuperDARN Initiative, will review the physics of the midlatitude
ionosphere and discuss ways in which the amateur radio community can
contribute to advancing scientific understanding and technical
capabilities.
Joe Dzekevich, K1YOW, will present "Amateur Radio Observations and The
Science of Midlatitude Sporadic E." Read an expanded version. --
University of Scranton news release
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 15) features a
conversation with propagation expert Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, about
what to expect in the new solar cycle.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 29) is a chat with
Kristina Collins, KD8OXT, about how amateurs have participated in
ionospheric research during recent solar eclipses.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
News Conference Details ARISS Efforts to Return ISS Ham Station to the
Air
At a March 10 news conference, Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS) reported that, so far, all efforts to determine what's
keeping the ham station in the ISS Columbus module off the air have
been unsuccessful. It appears that the radio equipment is working, but
no signal appears to be reaching the external ARISS antenna. The
station, typically operated as NA1SS, has not been usable since new RF
cables were installed during a January 27 spacewalk (EVA) to support
the commissioning of the Bartolomeo payload hosting platform installed
last spring. During the January EVA, the coax feed line installed 11
years ago was replaced with another built by the European Space Agency
(ESA) and Airbus. Responding to a question during the news conference,
ARISS International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, did not rule out a fault
in the radio equipment.
"There is still that possibility that there might be a problem with the
radio," he said. Bauer listed three possible problem areas: The HMU-898
cable inside the cabin may have a break due to a previous tight turn, a
connector may be installed improperly, or an HMU-601 cable installation
or workmanship anomaly. During the January 27 EVA, the HMU-601 cable
was installed in series with the ARISS antenna cable.
During a March 13 spacewalk (EVA), astronauts Mike Hopkins, KF5LJG, and
Victor Glover, KI5BKC, plan to return the ARISS antenna feed line
cabling to its configuration prior to the January 27 spacewalk.
The news conference covered details of the cable troubleshooting
already conducted. Bauer said the ARISS team has been working closely
with NASA and the ESA to identify what may have caused the "radio
anomaly" keeping the ISS Columbus module ham station off the air. He
thanked ARISS-Russia's Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, for allowing ARISS to
use the ham station in the service module to continue its contact
schedule.
This past week, astronauts on the ISS performed troubleshooting tests
on all four new feed lines installed on the Columbus module. One cable
was earmarked for the ARISS station, while the other three are for
Bartolomeo. ARISS reported over the weekend, however, that it was
unable to establish communication using any of the feed line cables
connected to the ARISS radio system, which was tested in APRS mode.
The plan to return the ARISS cabling to its original configuration was
a "contingency task" for a March 5 spacewalk, but the astronauts ran
out of time.
ARISS became aware of the station problem after a contact with a school
in Wyoming, between ON4ISS on Earth and Hopkins at NA1SS, had to abort
when no downlink signal was heard. For the time being, ARISS school and
group contacts with crew members have been conducted using the ham
station in the ISS service module.
Plans Proceeding for Fall 2021 Willis Island DXpedition
The team from the Hellenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia
(HARAOA) that's planning a November 3 - 13 DXpedition to Willis Island
(VK9HR) has expanded by one, and the DXpedition planning is on
schedule. A vessel to take the team to Willis Island has been chartered
to leave Australia on November 3, returning on November 13. Willis
ranks #38 on Club Log's DXCC Most Wanted List. The group announced
earlier that it had put off plans to include a stint from Mellish Reef,
last activated in 2017. The ham radio team will be just in time to
celebrate the centennial of the island's meteorological facility.
"With time away from jobs a consideration for the operators, Mellish is
being put off to 2022," said team leader John Chalkiarakis, VK3YP.
While the call sign VK9HR is expected to be renewed in August,
Chalkiarakis is trying to get VK9W. "VK9IR will be an additional call
sign to be allocated," he said. VK9IR and VK9HR were used for HARAOA's
2011 DXpedition to Lord Howe Island.
Team members for this fall's DXpedition will hail from Australia and
New Zealand. They're in the process of obtaining a permit from Parks
Australia, which is "required to 'camp' at these Australian Coral Sea
marine parks." Chalkiarakis said the most important document is the
landing permit, also from Parks Australia. No permit is required to
visit these coral sea islands for non-commercial purposes, but a permit
application is needed to set up a campsite and to stay overnight on the
island.
The now eight-operator team plans to use verticals on 160, 80, 40, and
30 meters, while VDAs (vertical dipole arrays) will be used on 20, 17,
15, 12, and 10 meters. Operation on 6 meters is under consideration.
Activity is expected on SSB, CW, and FT8 on 160 through 10 meters. The
equipment complement is expected to be Kenwood TS-590S and Icom IC-7300
transceivers with amplifiers on all.
A DXpedition website and logo are in the works. Home to a
meteorological station, Willis Island is in the Coral Sea, off the
northeast coast of Australia.
Chalkiarakis also said that he and some friends have been trying to
obtain a landing permit for Macquarie Island (VK0M), which is #12 on
Club Log's DXCC Most Wanted List, but he conceded that it's nearly
impossible to get permission from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife
Service because Macquarie is a protected nature reserve. -- Thanks to
The Daily DX
The 23-Centimeter Band in Region 1 Under Discussion Ahead of WRC-23
In advance of World Radiocommunication Conference 23 (WRC-23), the
amateur radio allocation at 1240 - 1300 MHz (23 centimeters) remains in
the spotlight in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Region 1
(Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). Chair of International Amateur
Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 Spectrum Affairs Barry Lewis, G4SJH,
reported that preparatory work continued during the February 15 - 19
meeting of ITU-R Working Party 4C. Also representing the IARU was Ole
Garpestad, LA2RR, with other IARU members present within national
delegations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, and the US. The
23-centimeter WRC agenda item has initiated technical studies focusing
on coexistence between the amateur services and the Galileo GPS (radio
navigation satellite service, or RNSS). The IARU took part in the
meeting, presenting key information on amateur activities in this
microwave band.
"This information is vital to ensure the amateur services are
realistically represented in the studies as they move forward," Lewis
said. "It remains vital that national amateur communities present their
views on the importance of this band to their national regulators in a
consolidated and consistent manner." To assist, IARU Region 1 is
developing supporting material that member societies can refer to when
addressing the topic with national regulators.
Work on this topic will continue throughout the year and beyond, both
in ITU-R and in the Regional Telecommunications Organizations (RTOs).
The Summary Meeting Report for the Working Party 4C meeting says, "The
only administration that can be considered supportive toward proper
treatment of the Amateur Services in this work is Germany." It
encouraged support from outside Europe. Working Party 4C will meet
again in July. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service and AMSAT-UK
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE
Ultra-portable operation, or being able to carry your radio over
distances (e.g., in a backpack), is quickly growing in popularity.
Whether for SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending time in
nature, learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and rewarding
experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, will cover the basics
of ultra-portable operating for both the new and experienced ham radio
operator.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, April 7)
Finding and Fixing RFI -- Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF
RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) has been a problem for ham radio
operators and shortwave listeners since the radio hobby began.
Interference can come from both natural sources (QRN) and manmade
sources (QRM). Things have changed in the last 20 years with the advent
of widespread solar power, LED lightning, grow lights, digital
computing devices, and so on. Learn all about finding and fixing RFI in
today's world.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
February 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
and the FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service.
To date, Volunteer Monitors during February reported 1,762 hours
monitoring the HF frequencies and 2,158 hours monitoring VHF
frequencies and above. The Volunteer Monitor Program ministrator
issued 10 visory Notices. An visory Notice is an attempt to resolve
rule violation issues informally before FCC intervention.
* Operators in Holdenville, Oklahoma; Luzerne, Michigan; Miami,
Florida, and Merrick, New York, received visories concerning
operation outside their license class.
* Operators in Magalia, California; Jefferson, Georgia, and Redway,
California, received visories concerning interference to repeater
systems and HF net operations.
* An operator in Mansfield, Arkansas, received an visory regarding
failure to properly identify.
* An operator in Charlottesville, Virginia, received an visory
concerning improper bandwidth that resulted in interference.
* A desert racing association in Odessa, Texas, received a warning
about the use of amateur 2-meter frequencies for racing events.
The Volunteer Monitor Program ministrator had two meetings during
February with FCC Enforcement Bureau personnel. -- Thanks to Riley
Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, VM Program ministrator
Monster Dipole Can Deliver Monster Signal
A video shows how Gary Watson, ZL3SV, in Nelson, New Zealand, installed
an enormous all-band dipole with each leg extending 320 meters (about
1,050 feet). The antenna is multiple wavelengths on HF, and on 20
meters it has a gain of more than 16 dB, Watson says. It hears quite
well, too.
A huge 12:1 balun resembling a utility pole power step-down transformer
converts the impedance from 50 ohms unbalanced to 600 ohms balanced.
The wire he uses for each leg is aluminum-wrapped, power-line cable
(10-millimeter cable with wrap), and he uses power-line fittings,
because they're designed to handle the wire. The line has a 60-ton
breaking strength.
Watson said he made the 600 ohm ladder line himself and he uses the
antenna on all bands, typically running only 200 W. The coaxial feed
line goes to his house down a slope from the antenna via a conduit. His
home is entirely off the grid, powered by solar power. The noise level
is very low at his location, with power lines some distance away,
although his solar power system's inverter is nearby.
Watson says he can copy stations with the "monster" antenna that remain
undetectable with a half-wave dipole.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
* Portland Man Connects Kids to International Space Station From His
Home -- KGW8 ABC (Oregon), March 5, 2021
* Radio Gaga -- The Star (Malaysia), March 6, 2021
* Separted by Distance -- and a Pandemic -- Puget Sound's Amateur
Radio Enthusiasts are Connecting with Even Greater Frequency --
Seattle Times (Washington), March 3, 2021
* Estes Park Elementary School Students Speak with Astronaut Aboard
ISS -- Yahoo News, February 28, 2021
Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Announcements
* ARRL Life Member Bob Leo, W7LR, of Bozeman, Montana, turned 100
years old on February 26. He has been a radio amateur for 88 years
and is well known as a DXer and DXpeditioner. He has detailed his
biography and ham radio exploits on his QRZ.com profile.
* Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, has purchased AF4K Crystals and plans to
reopen it soon. AF4K Crystals was a source for vintage and modern
radio crystals for nearly 2 decades. The company will fill a gap
for those seeking to buy quartz crystals for various projects.
* The dates have been posted for the four Stew Perry Top Band
Distance Challenge events on 160 meters. This year's main Stew in
December will occur 1 week earlier than usual -- on December 18 --
to avoid a conflict with Christmas. The schedule for this year is:
March 13 (this weekend), June 19, October 23, and December 18.
* "Tips on How to Be a Better Contester" was the topic of the HAM-CON
Vermont Ham Radio Convention presentation of Randy Thompson, K5ZD,
who has a long list of contesting bona fides. More HAM-CON videos
have been posted.
* The preliminary results of the North American CW Sprint are
available. The full results article should be available online no
later than mid-March and will be excerpted in the May/June issue of
NCJ.
* Results of the 2020 California QSO Party are now available. Many
new records were set and 57 plaques awarded. Visit the CQP website
for details and to download certificates.
In Brief...
Results Available for ARRL Contests The full results of the 2020 ARRL
November CW Sweepstakes have been published on the ARRL Contests web
page. The full results article, a searchable database of all scores,
line scores, certificates, and log-checking reports are available
there. Also available on the ARRL Contests web page: The full results
of the 2020 10 GHz and Up Distance Contest, and the raw scores for the
2021 ARRL International DX CW Contest. Raw scores are the scores before
any log-checking has been performed and are based on the contents of
the submitted logs before any adjudication has been done. Participants
should check the raw scores to ensure that their entries are submitted
in the correct category. Email with any questions.
Ham Bootcamp Program to Be Offered in April The Nashua Area Radio
Society (NARS) will again offer its popular Ham Bootcamp program on
Saturday, April 24. Bootcamp is free and includes demonstrations and
tutorials designed to help newly licensed Technician-, General-, and
Amateur Extra-class hams get on the air. It is also a great opportunity
for prospective radio amateurs to learn what the hobby has to offer.
Bootcamp additions include "Learning Morse Code." Registration and more
information is on the Ham Bootcamp web page. -- Thanks to NARS
President Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC
Spring Red Cross Emergency Communications Drill Set The spring 2021 Red
Cross Nationwide Emergency Communications Winlink Drill will be held on
May 8, which is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2021. Details and
instructions are available. Sign up for email updates. Ahead of the May
nationwide exercise, the American Red Cross (ARC) Emergency
Communications training group will continue its Winlink Thursdays
training sessions on March 11 and April 8.
Chattanooga-Area Hams Seek Community During Pandemic The Chattanooga
Times Free Press reports that in the wake of the deaths of two radio
amateurs, the Lone Ranger Wellness Net was established to check on
members each evening. The system of nightly radio checks gives affected
hams a way to signal if they need help. The net meets every evening at
7 PM local, 7 days a week. Jim Gifford, KM4MPF, a 44-year-old
Chattanooga businessman, said the Lone Ranger Net was established after
one elderly radio operator died of natural causes and another died at
his home due to an accident. In both cases, their deaths were not
immediately known to friends and family members, he told the newspaper.
"Now, if someone in the Lone Ranger Net fails to check in on any given
night, they get a text, a phone call, or even a knock on the door to
make sure all is okay," Gifford said.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Although solar activity remains low
lately, as a sunspot rotates to the west off the visible solar disc, a
new one will emerge in the east. Sunspot group 2807 will soon move over
the sun's western horizon, but on March 9 new sunspot group 2808 moved
over the eastern horizon.
Average daily sunspot numbers this week hardly changed, from 18.9 to
18.4. Average daily solar flux shifted from 76.7 to 78.9.
Solar wind has slackened, so average daily planetary A index went from
14.7 to 7.6, and the middle latitude numbers changed from 10.4 to 6.1.
Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 79 on March 11 - 13; 78 on
March 14 - 18; 76, 75, 76, 78, and 81 on March 19 - 23; 80 on March 24
- 25; 78 and 76 on March 26 - 27; 75 on March 28 - April 1; 78 on April
2 - 3, and 70, 74, 76, 72, 71, and 72 on April 4 - 9. After April 18,
solar flux may rise again above 80.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on March 11 - 12; 10, 20, and 10 on
March 13 - 15; 5 on March 16 - 18; 20 on March 19 - 20; 18, 12, and 8
on March 21 - 23; 5 on March 24 - 27; 25, 20, 20, and 10 on March 28 -
31; 5, 15, and 8 on April 1 - 3; 5 on April 4 - 7, and 18 and 12 on
April 8 - 9. An active region may rotate into a geo-effective position
on April 15 - 16 and another around April 24 - 25.
Aurora season has returned in Colorado.
Sunspot numbers for March 4 - 10, 2021 were 32, 14, 23, 14, 12, 23, and
11, with a mean of 18.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 81.4, 73.2, 77,
77.5, 79.9, 83.7, and 79.4, with a mean of 76.7. Estimated planetary A
indices were 11, 5, 16, 10, 6, 3, and 2, with a mean of 14.7. Middle
latitude A index was 11, 5, 11, 7, 5, 2, and 2, with a mean of 10.4.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* March 13 -- YB DX RTTY Contest
* March 13 - 14 -- SARL VHF/UHF Analogue Contest (CW, phone)
* March 13 - 14 -- RSGB Commonwealth Contest (CW)
* March 13 - 14 -- F9AA Cup, SSB
* March 14 - 14 -- South America 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
* March 13 - 14 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* March 13 - 14 -- AGCW QRP Contest (CW)
* March 13 - 14 -- Oklahoma QSO Party (CW, phone)
* March 13 - 14 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* March 13 - 14 -- EA PSK63 Contest
* March 13 - 14 -- Tesla Memorial HF CW Contest
* March 13 - 14 -- QCWA QSO Party (CW, phone)
* March 13 - 14 -- Idaho QSO Party (CW, phone)
* March 13 - 14 -- North American Sprint, RTTY
* March 14 - 17 -- Classic Exchange, Phone
* March 14 - 15 -- Wisconsin QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* March 15 -- 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* March 15 -- Bucharest Digital Contest
* March 15 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* March 16 - 21 -- CLARA Chatter Party (CW, phone)
* March 18 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* March 18 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
* March 13 - 14 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
Amateur Radio News and Information.
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
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* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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--- SendMsg/2
--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
-
From
Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to
All on Friday, March 19, 2021 09:05:18
The ARRL Letter
March 18, 2021
* QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Experiences Technical Issues, On-Demand
Access Opens
* Dayton Hamvention^(R) Announces 2021 Award Winners
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Incumbent Section Managers Begin New Terms in April
* ARISS Ham Station in Columbus Module Is Once Again Operational
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Amateur Radio in the News
* YOTA Region 1 Taking Cautious Approach to COVID-19 and YOTA Camps
* Plans Continue for In-Person Friedrichshafen HAM RADIO Event
* Ham Radio Satellite Returns from the Dead
* Announcements
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Getting It Right!
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Experiences Technical Issues, On-Demand
Access Opens
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo attracted thousands of participants over
the March 13 - 14 weekend. Taking a different tack than it did for its
inaugural event last August, the expo leveraged the capabilities of two
virtual event platforms to increase interaction among attendees,
speakers, and exhibitors. All did not go smoothly, however.
"Unfortunately, we had many technical issues with the Airmeet
presentations and the integration of the vFairs and Airmeet platforms,"
expo chairman Eric Guth, 4Z1UG/WA6IGR, explained afterward in a message
to participants. All recorded presentations are available for attendees
during the expo's 30-day on-demand access period, which ends April 16.
ARRL, a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner, enjoyed virtual visits from
attendees to its two exhibits. One included staff representatives for
Member Services, Radiosport, ARRL Field Day, and Field Services. The
other exhibit highlighted the expertise of ARRL Laboratory personnel,
who offered technical and practical advice to those stopping by. On the
team were Senior Test Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, who streamed from
inside the Lab's screen room where QST "Product Review" testing is
conducted, and RFI Engineer Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF, who helped
participants deal with pesky noise and interference issues. W1AW
Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, conducted virtual tours of the Hiram
Percy Maxim Memorial Station all weekend.
All told, 16 staff members worked in rotating shifts at ARRL
Headquarters, greeting visitors through livestreaming video and audio.
Several members of the ARRL Board of Directors were on the platform
too.
CEO David Minster, NA2AA, delivered the event's keynote address.
Minster, who arrived in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic last year,
said ARRL would become a bigger player in the digital age.
"A major part of the digital transformation at ARRL has to do with
taking our excellence in content development and editing, and bringing
it to video," Minster said. "You are seeing more activity from us on
YouTube, the Learning Network (webinar series), and then later this
year the launch of our Learning Center." Video, Minster pointed out, is
always available and easy to pause and refer back to.
Amateur radio manufacturers and vendors including FlexRadio, Elecraft,
Connect Systems, and Quicksilver Radio Products welcomed visitors and
answered their questions on a one-to-one basis.
Guth apologized for the poor experience many participants had in
accessing and navigating the event.
"I attempted to integrate a number of systems together in order to make
a better user experience," he explained. "It was a noble idea, because
I wanted the convention like last August, with the lounge tables of
Airmeet to make it more interactive. We failed on this platform for
many of you. I am very sorry."
"One of the things that we've stressed in all of our communications is
that the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo team is committed to constantly
learning and improving what we do," Guth said in a statement. "Virtual
conventions of this magnitude are new territory. We believe that
there's a place for a virtual ham expo to serve the needs of the very
large amateur radio community, especially those that don't attend
in-person national or regional events (or even local events). We are
committed to making that happen."
The expo announced on Wednesday, March 17, that 80 presentations had
already been added to the platform for on-demand viewing.
Dayton Hamvention^(R) Announces 2021 Award Winners
Dayton Hamvention^(R) has announced its 2021 award winners. Hamvention
Awards Committee Co-Chairs Michael Kalter, W8CI, and Frank Beafore,
WS8B, said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hamvention committee
elected to go forward in announcing its selection of outstanding radio
amateurs and predicted that Hamvention will return in 2022.
Amateur of the Year
Angel M. Vazquez, Jr., WP3R, the head of telescope operations and
Puerto Rico Coordination Zone Spectrum Manager for Puerto Rico's famous
Arecibo Observatory, was cited as Amateur of the Year for "his
unswerving and diligent support of amateur radio throughout the entire
territory of Puerto Rico and worldwide."
Although he was born in Puerto Rico, Vazquez grew up in Brooklyn, New
York, and returned to Puerto Rico after college in 1977, taking a job
at the Arecibo Observatory. Vazquez earned his amateur radio license in
1993, and headed the 2010 moonbounce effort from the observatory, as
well as multiple special events using the KP4AO club call sign.
Vazquez helped to provide communication support in the wake of
Hurricane Maria. He was named Amateur of the Year in Puerto Rico in
2018 and received the Yasme Excellence Award in 2019. He's also a
Volunteer Examiner and inaugurated the first virtual/online bilingual
testing program as part of the Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group
(GLAARG) VEC.
Technical Achievement
Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW, is well-known as the Space Weather Woman. Calling
her "a real space pioneer," the Awards Committee said those who have
seen her space weather forecasting shows will agree that she is
energetic and excited about her work.
A credentialed space weather forecaster, Skov's forecasting work is
widely known on social media and has been featured in publications and
on TV. Her weekly space weather video podcasts are frequently featured
on www.qrz.com. Skov said she specifically got her ham license in 2018
to better understand and serve the needs of the amateur radio
community.
Professionally, Skov is a research scientist for The Aerospace
Corporation. She also teaches the art of space weather forecasting to
meteorologists at Millersville University and is working with ARRL and
HamSCI to create educational materials.
Special Achievement
Wesley Lamboley, W3WL, was nominated by his peers for his lifelong,
high-energy support for the science and art of amateur radio. "Not only
has he supported youth coaching, membership recruiting, and technical
problem assistance, he always does it with a smile and great humor,"
the Awards Committee said. Lamboley spent 40 years in the aerospace
industry as a technical writer, electrical and systems engineer, and
manager. Introduced to amateur radio in 1955 when a friend invited him
to Field Day, Lamboley credits ham radio for much of his success.
"Many mentors helped me and I try to pay it forward as best I can,
especially for young people," he said. He's also participated in
several DXpeditions, and five SouthWest Ohio DX Association "DXpedition
of the Year" plaques adorn his ham shack.
Club of the Year
The Hamvention Awards Committee named the ARRL-affiliated Vienna
Wireless Society (VWS), K4HTA, in Virginia as the Club of the Year. The
committee noted that the club's 280 members focus on youth education
and public service, and promote the growth of ham radio. The club is
now the largest and most active in the Washington, DC, area.
The club offers licensing classes, workshops, and four educational
programs a month at its meetings, and these are archived for broader
use. Their annual Winterfest is host to the ARRL Virginia Section
Convention. The Vienna Wireless Society operates two repeaters in the
DC area, and actively supports public service communications. Read an
expanded version.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 15) features a
conversation with propagation expert Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, about
what to expect in the new solar cycle.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 29) is a chat with
Kristina Collins, KD8OXT, about how amateurs have participated in
ionospheric research during recent solar eclipses.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Incumbent Section Managers Begin New Terms in April
Eight incumbent ARRL Section Managers who were unopposed for
re-election in the winter election cycle will begin new terms on April
1.
They are Rick Paquette, W7RAP (Arizona); James Ferguson, N5LKE
(Arkansas); Lelia Garner, WA0UIG (Iowa); Steve Morgan, W4NHO
(Kentucky); Malcolm Keown, W5XX (Mississippi); Paul Stiles, KF7SOJ
(Montana); Steven Lott Smith, KG5VK (North Texas), and Rick Breininger,
N1TEK (Wyoming).
Because no nominating petitions were received from the ARRL Orange
Section by the December 4, 2020 deadline, candidates for the office of
Orange Section Manager will be re-solicited. Notices will appear in the
April and May issues of QST to elicit candidates for an 18-month term
starting October 1, 2021.
Incumbent Orange Section Manager Carl Gardenias, WU6D, has decided not
to run for another term after serving since 2003.
ARISS Ham Station in Columbus Module Is Once Again Operational
Some 6 weeks after going silent following a spacewalk that installed
new antenna cabling, the Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS) ham station in the Columbus module is once again
operational. The Columbus station, which typically uses the call sign
NA1SS, is the primary ARISS amateur radio station used for school
contacts and other activities. The problem arose after a January 27
spacewalk replaced a coax feed line installed 11 years ago with another
built by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus.
While the specific cause of the problem has not yet been determined, a
March 13 spacewalk that restored the antenna cabling to its original
configuration provided the cure. The plan to return the ARISS cabling
to its original configuration had been a "contingency task" for a March
5 spacewalk, but the astronauts ran out of time. The ARISS work was
appended to the to-do list for astronauts Mike Hopkins, KF5LJG, and
Victor Glover, KI5BKC, to complete a week later.
During the weekend spacewalk, Hopkins swapped out a cable for the
Bartolomeo commercial payload-handling platform that had been installed
in series with the ARISS VHF-UHF antenna feed line, returning the ARISS
system to its pre-January 27 configuration. Hopkins raised a question
concerning a sharp bend in the cable near a connector, but no further
adjustments were possible.
On March 14, ARISS was able to confirm the operation's success when
Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) signals on 145.825 MHz were
heard in California, Utah, and Idaho as the ISS passed overhead. ARISS
team member Christy Hunter, KB6LTY, was able to digipeat through NA1SS
during the pass. With additional confirmation from stations in South
America and the Middle East, ARISS declared the radio system
operational again.
Work during the March 13 spacewalk also made Bartolomeo operational.
"Yesterday was a great day for all!" Bauer said. " astra!" Read an
expanded version.
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ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Wednesday, April 7)
Ultra-portable operation is quickly growing in popularity. Whether for
SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending time in nature,
learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and rewarding
experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, covers the basics for
new and experienced ham radio operators.
Finding and Fixing RFI -- Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
RFI (radio frequency interference) -- from natural and manmade sources
-- has been a problem for hams and shortwave listeners since the radio
hobby began. Things have changed in the last 20 years with the advent
of widespread solar power, LED lighting, grow lights, and computers.
The technology boom has enhanced our daily lives, but at what price?
Learn all about finding and fixing RFI in today's world.
HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz,
W7VO
Thursday April 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
An educational seminar to help new and experienced amateurs who are on
HF and finding themselves plagued with noise. We'll learn what "noise"
is, talk about the various noise sources, and discuss how to mitigate
those noises using a variety of techniques.
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
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Amateur Radio in the News
* Inside the Summit-Obsessed World of Ham Radio Outside Magazine,
March 14, 2021
* Portland Man Connects Kids to International Space Station From His
Home KGW8 ABC (Oregon), March 5, 2021
* Radio Gaga The Star (Malaysia), March 6, 2021
* Separated by Distance -- and a Pandemic -- Puget Sound's Amateur
Radio Enthusiasts are Connecting with Even Greater Frequency
Seattle Times (Washington), March 3, 2021
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
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YOTA Region 1 Taking Cautious Approach to COVID-19 and YOTA Camps
The IARU Region 1 (IARU-R1) Youth Working Group has said no youth
events will take place before mid-June, and that it will review those
scheduled for later in the year as the pandemic situation evolves. The
group said these events make social distancing difficult, and it
doesn't believe it would be possible for them to take place safely.
Other 2021 events will remain on the calendar for the time being.
"The position on the [COVID-19] pandemic remains serious and
unpredictable," the group said. "Governments everywhere struggle with
balancing the health of their economies with the health of their
populations. The vaccine rollout seems likely to take most of this year
and even then, the impact of mutant strains of the virus and national
quarantine requirements are difficult to predict."
IARU Region 1 has planned several in-person events for 2021 in the
Youth, amateur radio direction finding (ARDF), and high-speed
telegraphy competition (HST) areas. A workshop for member-societies is
also on the calendar. Whether these will take place as scheduled
remains up in the air.
IARU-R1 has said it will review the forecast evolution of the pandemic
sufficiently before each event to decide whether it will take place.
"Generally, this will be 4 months prior to the scheduled date," IARU-R1
said. "[That way,] those planning to attend should have sufficient time
to make the necessary travel arrangements."
IARU Region 1 said it wants to make sure that any events taking place
do so in an environment that respects national requirements for
pandemic control and does not place the health and well-being of
participants at risk.
Plans Continue for In-Person Friedrichshafen HAM RADIO Event
The 45th HAM RADIO event in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is still planned
for June 25 - 27, but the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) concedes
that the COVID-19 pandemic is making planning "exceedingly difficult."
The DARC is the event's sponsor, while the venue, the Friedrichshafen
Fairgrounds (Messe Friedrichshafen) and local authorities have the last
word. Planning under way includes appropriate hygienic and physical
distancing policies. "With all those measures in place, HAM RADIO 2021
will obviously be a much smaller and different event than usual," DARC
said.
Local authorities will follow the course set by the federal government,
but, DARC said, there is slow progress with Germany's vaccination
program and some uncertainty regarding virus mutations, and it's not
clear if and when approval will be given. Visitors from outside Germany
may be subject to quarantine or testing, DARC said. "The safety,
health, and comfort of our international visitors is our utmost
priority, and hence, we want to advise you to plan your trip to
Friedrichshafen bearing in mind that the in-person event still might
get canceled." DARC said it's planning a "state-of-the-art online
conference event" in parallel with the arrangements under way for the
in-person event. It's contacting international amateur radio
organizations to provide presentations in video or other formats.
Ham Radio Satellite Returns from the Dead
After 7 years of silence, the Delfi-n3Xt satellite is again
transmitting a signal. The 3U Delfi-n3Xt nanosat, launched by Delft
University of Technology (TU Delft), has not been heard since 2014, and
its sponsors were surprised to learn that it was transmitting again.
Delfi-n3Xt carries a linear amateur radio transponder. It was the
second satellite launched by TU Delft, as part of the Delfi Program,
which develops very small satellites. The first Delfi satellite,
Delfi-C3, is still working as well. Now that Delfi-n3Xt is transmitting
again, steps are being taken to further its mission. The Delfi-n3Xt
project started in 2007, and the satellite was launched in November
2013. The satellite operated successfully for 3 months, achieving
mission success. Contact with the satellite was lost in late 2014 after
an experiment with the linear transponder.
When functioning properly, the Delfi-n3Xt satellite transmits telemetry
on 145.870 MHz and 145.93 MHz, and high-speed data on 2405 MHz. The
inverting SSB/CW transponder has an uplink passband of 435.530 -
435.570 MHz LSB and a downlink passband of 145.880 - 145.920 MHz USB.
The ham transponder was a last-minute addition to the project.
On February 9, an automatic email notification was received from the
satellite's ground station, indicating that a signal from the
Delfi-n3Xt had been picked up. Student and ground station operator Nils
von Storch said he'd programmed the ground station software so that it
would continue to track Delfi-n3Xt and notify him if it ever came back
to life. Relevant checks and analysis of telemetry frames prove the
satellite is transmitting again. The reason it stopped transmitting has
not yet been determined, and the big question now is how it was able to
resume operation.
Hypotheses include a bit flip in the software or a short circuit, given
the extreme conditions in space.
"Of course, in the past, we have looked for all kinds of explanations,
and we also had theories about how the contact could ever come back,"
nanosatellite program manager Jasper Bouwmeester, PC4JB, said. "But
after so long, I hadn't counted on it anymore." Bouwmeester, who has
been managing the mission since 2007, expressed confidence that the
satellite can still be of use to science.
"But I am sure that we will be able to find solutions," operations
manager Stefano Speretta said. "If we don't lose the signal again,
there are interesting times ahead." -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service and
Delft University of Technology
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Announcements
* Radio amateurs in Europe recently were able to grab and decode some
portions of a recent telemetry transmission from the second stage
of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher while in orbit. "The data was in a
somewhat standard format, but decoding still required some custom
tools to extract the bitstream," says presenter Scott Manley. The
video includes images not available in the SpaceX public video
stream.
* The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has
announced that its WWVB transmission system is being upgraded to
improve signal reliability. Many rely on the 60 kHz WWVB signal to
synchronize specially equipped clocks and watches. NIST says the
WWVB signal may operate on a single antenna at approximately 30 kW
radiated power for several days, with periodic outages. Upgrades
are expected to be complete by April 9.
* North Carolina ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Brown, N4TAB,
has been awarded the ARRL Roanoke Division Service Award. Brown
contributes to the North Carolina Emergency Management Agency
initiative as the COMC and AuxComm Coordinator, which involves and
promotes the use of amateur radio. -- Thanks to Steve Waterman,
K4CJX
* Starting on March 22, the Massachusetts-Rhode Island Slow Net
(MARISN) will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at
8:30 PM EDT on 3598 kHz.
* Fiji has a new ham. Joanna "JK" Korczak, 3D2ZK, has announced plans
to be active from 3D2/C (Conway Reef), 3D2/R (Rotuma Island), and
several rare islands around Fiji starting in May.
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The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: The average daily sunspot number rose
just a little this week, from 18.4 to 19, and average daily solar flux
edged down from 78.9 to 78.1. Solar activity remains low. The vernal
equinox occurs at 0937 UTC on March 20. The southern and northern
hemispheres will be bathed in approximately equal amounts of solar
radiation, which has a positive effect of HF propagation.
Average daily planetary A index rose from 7.6 to 10.3, and average
daily middle-latitude A index increased from 6.1 to 7.3. Solar wind on
March 14 drove the planetary A index to 25, and Alaska's College A
index was 37.
The latest forecast predicts solar flux at 78 on March 18 - 19; 76 on
March 20 - 25; 78 on March 26; 76 on March 27; 75 on March 28 - April
1; 78 on April 2 - 3; 70, 74, 76, and 72 on April 4 - 7; 71, 72, and 70
on April 8 - 10; 71, 72, and 71 on April 11 - 13; 73, 76, and 75 on
April 14 - 16. Solar flux is expected to hit a high of 81 on April 19.
Predicted planetary A index is 5, 12, and 24 on March 18 - 20; 20, 15,
12, and 8 on March 21 - 24, 5 on March 2 - 27; 25 on March 28; 20 on
March 29 - 30; 10, 5, 15, and 8 on March 31 - April 3; 5 on April 4 -
7; 15, 18, 20, and 15 on April 8 - 11; 8, 5, and 8 on April 12 - 14,
and 20 on April 15 - 16. The A index may peak at 25 again on April 24.
Sunspot numbers for March 11 - 17 were 23, 15, 12, 24, 24, 23, and 12,
with a mean of 19. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 78.2, 76.9, 81.1, 78,
74.8, 79.2, and 78.2, with a mean of 78.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 4, 12, 17, 25, 7, 4, and 3, with a mean of 10.3. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 9, 13, 17, 5, 2, and 2, with a mean of 7.3.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
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Getting It Right!
It's ohms, not watts in the item "Monster Dipole Can Deliver Monster
Signal," which appeared in the March 11 edition of The ARRL Letter. A
font "translation" problem converted the omega symbol for ohms back to
a capital W for watts. In the same article, some took issue with
ZL3SV's unsubstantiated claim of 16 dB gain on 20 meters. After
modeling the antenna, one reader said the peak gain would be in the
vicinity of 11 dB, but only at a very low takeoff angle.
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Just Ahead in Radiosport
* March 18 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
* March 18 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* March 20 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest CW
* March 20 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* March 20 - 21 -- Russian DX Contest (CW, phone)
* March 20 - 21 -- Virginia QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* March 21 -- UBA Spring Contest, SSB
* March 20 - 22 -- BARTG HF RTTY Contest
* March 21 - 22 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* March 24 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* March 25 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
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Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on the
ARRL website.
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
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* Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)