• The Weekly ARRL Letter

    From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Aug 23 17:32:48 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    August 22, 2019

    * Candidates for ARRL Directors and Vice Directors Announced
    * FCC Dismisses ARRL, AMSAT Requests in Small Satellite Proceeding
    * Ending the Great Radio Silence after "The Great War"
    * So Now What? Podcast
    * WWV Centennial Committee to Conduct Trial Run of WW0WWV Special
    Event
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * ARRL Contest and DXCC Rules Now Prohibit Automated Contacts
    * Radio Amateurs in India Support Rescue and Relief Operations in the
    Face of Flooding
    * 2-Meter Sharing Proposal is on CEPT Conference Preparatory Group
    Agenda
    * Questions Raised About Current Process for Awarding the E.T.
    Krenkel Medal
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Candidates for ARRL Directors and Vice Directors Announced

    Two races for the office of ARRL Director and one contest for Vice
    Director are set for this fall. In the Southeastern Division, incumbent
    Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, faces a challenge from Mickey Baker,
    N4MB. A three-way race is set for the office of Southeastern Division
    Vice Director, with incumbent Joseph Tiritilli, N4ZUW, facing James
    Schilling, KG4JSZ, and Jeff Stahl, K4BH.

    In the West Gulf Division, incumbent John Stratton, N5AUS, faces a
    challenge from Madison Jones, W5MJ. Seats for Director and Vice
    Director in three other ARRL Divisions are unchallenged, with
    incumbents running for election in all but one case: In the
    Southwestern Division, Mark Weiss, K6FG, is running unopposed for the
    seat being vacated by Ned Stearns, AA7A. All candidates having no
    opposition have been declared elected.

    The candidates are:

    Pacific Division

    Director

    Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT

    Vice Director

    Kristen McIntyre, K6WX

    Rocky Mountain Division

    Director

    Jeff Ryan, K0RM

    Vice Director

    Robert Wareham, N0ESQ

    Southeastern Division

    Director

    Greg Sarratt, W4OZK

    Mickey Baker, N4MB

    Vice Director

    James Schilling, KG4JSZ

    Jeff Stahl, K4BH

    Joseph Tiritilli, N4ZUW

    Southwestern Division

    Director

    Richard Norton, N6AA

    Vice Director

    Mark Weiss, K6FG

    West Gulf Division

    Director

    John R. Stratton, N5AUS

    Madison Jones, W5MJ

    Vice Director

    Lee Cooper, W5LHC

    In Divisions where more than one candidate is seeking the same
    position, full members in that Division in good standing as of
    September 10, 2019, will have the opportunity to cast ballots. Official
    paper ballots and candidates' statements will be mailed no later than
    October 1, 2019, to members who are eligible to vote.

    Completed ballots must be received at the address on the envelope
    provided by noon Eastern Time on Friday, November 15, 2019, when
    ballots will be counted at ARRL Headquarters and successful candidates
    announced.
    FCC Dismisses ARRL, AMSAT Requests in Small Satellite Proceeding

    An FCC Report and Order (R&O) released August 2 in the so-called "small
    satellite" rulemaking proceeding, IB Docket 18-86, failed to address
    concerns expressed by ARRL and AMSAT. Both organizations filed comments
    on the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the proceeding last
    year, seeking changes in the FCCs interpretations and procedures
    affecting satellites operating on Amateur Satellite Service
    frequencies.

    "These comments address topics outside the scope of this proceeding,
    and we decline to adopt any of the requested rule modifications or
    updates at this time," the FCC said in the R&O. The FCC did mention
    amateur satellites in its 2018 NPRM, explaining what they are and
    describing the documentation and authorization process, but it did not
    solicit comments.

    "The Commission did not seek comment in the NPRM on any modifications
    or updates to the rules governing Experimental or amateur satellite
    licensing. The streamlined Part 25 small satellite process adopted in
    the Order is an alternative to existing license processes and does not
    replace or modify the authorization procedures for satellites currently
    contained in Parts 5, 25, or 97 of the Commission's rules," the FCC
    explained. "Nevertheless, we received a number of comments in response
    to the NPRM, particularly regarding the rules applicable to amateur
    satellite operations, suggesting that aspects of those rules be
    improved or clarified."

    In its 2018 NPRM, the FCC had said, "Because the type of operations
    that qualify as amateur [is] narrowly defined, an amateur satellite
    authorization will not be appropriate for many small satellite
    operations."

    In its 2018 comments, ARRL said it wanted the FCC to preclude
    exploitation of amateur spectrum by commercial small-satellite users
    authorized under Part 5 Experimental rules and suggested that the FCC
    adopt a "a bright line test" to define and distinguish satellites that
    should be permitted to operate under Amateur Satellite rules.

    ARRL's position was to support and encourage college and university
    Amateur Radio experiments where the sponsor of the experiment is a
    licensed radio amateur and all operation in amateur spectrum is
    compliant with Part 97. Part 5 Experimental authorizations for
    satellites intended to operate in amateur allocations by non-amateur
    sponsors should be discouraged, absent a compelling show of need, ARRL
    told the FCC. AMSAT's comments reflected many of the same concerns that
    ARRL had expressed. Read more. -- Thanks to Ray Soifer, W2RS, for his
    assistance.

    Ending the Great Radio Silence after "The Great War"

    Practical wireless was still in its infancy at the turn of the 20th
    century and unregulated experimentation rampant. Chaos reigned on the
    airwaves. Given the technology of the day -- spark gap transmitters
    that emitted very, very broad signals -- interference was a problem. As
    Al Brogdon, W1AB, explains in "The World War I Shutdown," in the
    September 2019 issue of QST (p. 70), hams, passenger ships, and the US
    Navy were the main users of wireless, and the Navy went to Congress in
    an unsuccessful effort to wrest control over radio and, effectively,
    abolish ham radio in the US. Radio amateurs opposing the bill had an
    ally in the Marconi Company.

    When the US in 1917 joined the European conflict that became World War
    I, the federal government ordered hams to disassemble their stations,
    lower their antennas, and not use transmitters or receivers. Many hams
    who joined the military took their own radio gear along, because, as
    Brogdon explains, "the military didn't have enough radio equipment."

    The end of the war did not mean the resumption of Amateur Radio. Hams
    were allowed to use their receivers again but not transmit. The Navy
    was still in charge of all US radio communications, and another bill
    introduced in Congress proposed handing over ongoing control of all
    radio to the Navy.

    ARRL First President Hiram Percy
    Maxim, W1AW.

    Publication of QST also ceased during the war, and many hams had let
    their ARRL memberships lapse for the duration. ARRL officers and key
    members dug into their own wallets to thwart the bill, mailing a
    "Little Blue Card" to members urging them to ask their congressional
    representatives to oppose the Navy proposal. ARRL President Hiram Percy
    Maxim went to Washington to speak against the bill, which died in
    committee.

    It was not until 1919 -- amid another Navy effort to gain control over
    radio that was stalled by opposition from hams and others -- that the
    transmitting ban was lifted by an act of Congress. As Brogdon explains,
    "Maxim went to Washington again and found a sympathetic ear in
    Massachusetts Congressman William Greene, who ultimately introduced the
    successful House Joint Resolution 217, which asked the Navy 'to remove
    the restrictions on the use and operation of Amateur Radio stations
    throughout the United States.'"

    Hams were back on the air by the fall of 1919 -- 100 years ago!
    So Now What? Podcast

    "Contesting," with ARRL Contest Program Manager, Paul Bourque, N1SFE,
    will be the focus of the new (August 22) episode of the So Now What?
    podcast for Amateur Radio newcomers.

    If you're a newly licensed Amateur Radio operator, chances are you have
    lots of questions. This biweekly podcast has answers! So Now What?
    offers insights from those who've been just where you are now. New
    episodes will be posted every other Thursday, alternating new-episode
    weeks with the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.

    So Now What? is sponsored by LDG Electronics, a family owned and
    operated business with laboratories in southern Maryland that offers a
    wide array of antenna tuners and other Amateur Radio products.

    ARRL Communications Content Producer Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and ARRL
    Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, co-host the podcast. Presented as a
    lively conversation, with Patnode representing newer hams and Carcia
    the veteran operators, the podcast will explore questions that newer
    hams may have and the issues that keep participants from staying active
    in the hobby. Some episodes will feature guests to answer questions on
    specific topic areas.

    Listeners can find So Now What? on Apple iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher
    (free registration required, or browse the site as a guest) and through
    the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. Episodes
    will be archived on the ARRL website.

    WWV Centennial Committee to Conduct Trial Run of WW0WWV Special Event

    The WWV Centennial Committee will conduct a trial run of special event
    station WW0WWV over the August 24 - 25 weekend in advance of the event
    a little more than a month away. WW0WWV will be set up adjacent to the
    WWV transmitter site in Fort Collins, Colorado. WWV turns 100 years old
    on October 1.

    "We'll be testing band and notch filtering, in an attempt to reign in
    the extreme RF environment created by WWV and WWVB," said Dave Swartz,
    W0DAS, of the Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club (NCARC). The special
    event is being organized in conjunction with the WWV Amateur Radio Club
    and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which
    operates WWV/WWVH/WWVB. The special event site is within 1/3 of a mile
    of all six WWV transmitters and the 50 kW WWVB transmitter.

    "On-air tests will start Saturday afternoon, August 24, and run through
    Sunday, August 25," Swartz said.

    Greg Ella, N0EMP, uses a 10 MHz loop
    to monitor the broadcast signal of
    WWV at the site of the special event
    station. He was able to measure the
    drift of a GPS disciplined
    oscillator (GPSDO) to about 1 Hz in
    90 seconds against the 10 MHz WWV
    carrier.

    The WWV Centennial special event is set to run from September 28
    through October 2, and round-the-clock operation will take place on CW,
    SSB, and digital modes. Operations will shift among HF bands following
    typical propagation and will include 160 meters as well as satellites
    (SO-50, AO-91, and AO-92) and 6-meter meteor scatter. Up to four
    stations will be on the air for routine operations. A fifth station
    will schedule contacts with schools, universities, and museums, as well
    as conducting unscheduled contacts. The additional station will
    periodically broadcast an AM carrier from a radio locked with WWV's 10
    MHz signal.

    Members of the Amateur Radio industry have contributed equipment,
    including radios, amplifiers, and antennas. Visit the WWV Centennial
    Committee website to see how you can contribute or get involved. Read
    more.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Spotless days continue this week,
    with the count of consecutive days without sunspots standing at 15 days
    as of August 21, according to Spaceweather.com. Note that 1954 had more
    spotless days than 2018, and it was just prior to Cycle 19, the biggest
    in recorded history.

    Average daily solar flux was virtually unchanged -- from 67.4 last week
    to 67.5 this week. Average daily planetary A index edged lower, from
    6.3 to 4.4. Predicted solar flux looks to remain steady: 67 on August
    22 - September 11; 68 on September 12 - 21, and 67 on September 22 -
    October 5.

    The planetary A index forecast: 5 on August 22 - 26; 8 on August 27 -
    28 and 5 on August 29 - 31. Then, with a recurring coronal hole, 38 and
    14 on September 1 - 2; 5 on September 3 - 5; 8 on September 6 - 7; 5 on
    September 8 - 15; 7 on September 16 - 17; 6 on September 18; 5 on
    September 19 - 21; 8 on September 22 - 24 and 5 on September 25 - 27.
    With the return of that coronal hole, 38 and 14 on September 28 - 29; 5
    on September 30 - October 2; 8 on October 3 - 4, and 5 on October 5.

    Sunspot numbers for August 15 - 21 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with a
    mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 67.6, 67.5, 68, 67.5, 67.7,
    67.3, and 66.8, with a mean of 67.5. Estimated planetary A indices were
    4, 5, 4, 6, 4, 4, and 4, with a mean of 4.4. Middle latitude A index
    was 4, 6, 6, 7, 4, 7, and 5, 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. Monthly charts offer
    propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.

    Share your reports and observations.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * August 24 - 25 -- ALARA Contest (CW, phone)
    * August 24 - 25 -- W/VE Islands QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 24 - 25 -- SCC RTTY Championship
    * August 24 - 25 -- YO DX HF Contest (CW, phone)
    * August 24 - 25 -- Kansas QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 24 - 25 -- YARC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 24 - 25 -- Ohio QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * August 24 - 25 -- CVA DX Contest, SSB
    * August 24 - 25 -- 50 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 24 - 26 -- Hawaii QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 25 -- SARL HF CW Contest
    * August 28 -- 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.
    ARRL Contest and DXCC Rules Now Prohibit Automated Contacts

    ARRL has incorporated changes to the rules for all ARRL-sponsored
    contests and DXCC, prohibiting automated contacts and requiring that an
    actual operator is initiating and carrying out a contact. These changes
    also apply to Worked All States (including Triple Play and 5-Band WAS),
    Fred Fish W5FF Memorial, and VUCC awards. The changes are effective
    immediately and affect the rules for both HF contests, and VHF/UHF
    contests as well as DXCC.

    A resolution at the July ARRL Board of Directors meeting pointed to
    "growing concern over fully automated contacts being made and claimed"
    for contest and for DXCC credit. The rules now require that each
    claimed contact include contemporaneous direct initiation by the
    operator on both sides of the contact. Initiation of a contact may
    either be local or remote.

    Radio Amateurs in India Support Rescue and Relief Operations in the
    Face of Flooding

    Radio amateurs in at least three western Indian states along the coast
    of the Arabian Sea are pitching in to support communication for rescue
    and relief operations following heavy rainfall and flooding. In Kerala,
    Shyam Kumar, VU2JLE, told The Hindu newspaper that he and 15 other
    radio amateurs belonging to the Wayanad Hams (WHAMS) group have been
    closely monitoring to help the government rescue and relief teams get
    to marooned localities. News accounts say more heavy rain is expected
    in many parts of India, bringing with it the threat of flooding.
    Monsoon rains have been falling for weeks, and more than 270 people
    have died, about half of them in Kerala.

    In Maharashtra, Amateur Radio and drones have been supplementing relief
    and rescue teams dealing with heavy flooding there. Rescue teams were
    reported to be using ham radio to pass information into a network. Some
    hams have come in from outside the region to assist. Members of the
    National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the military have been
    transporting supplies to some 5,000 people stranded in various
    locations.

    In the northern part of Karnataka state, radio amateurs from the Indian
    Institute of Hams (IIH) in Bengaluru (Bangalore) and a ham radio club
    consisting of postal department workers were reported to have helped
    rescue and relief operations on August 12.

    IIH Director Shankar Sathyapal, VU2FI, said three radio-equipped
    vehicles fanned out across the region. "This is the second line of
    communication," Sathyapal explained for a report in The Hindu. "Relief
    officers will be provided with walkie-talkies, while each vehicle can
    cover about a radius of around 10 - 15 kilometers, depending on the
    topography." -- Thanks to Southgate Amateur Radio News and media
    reports
    2-Meter Sharing Proposal is on CEPT Conference Preparatory Group Agenda

    The final European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications
    ministrations (CEPT) Conference Preparatory Group (CPG) meeting prior
    to World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) gets under way on
    August 26. Action at that gathering will determine whether a French
    proposal to have WRC-23 study the sharing of 144 - 146 MHz with the
    Aeronautical Mobile Service (AMS) will be adopted as a CEPT WRC-19
    position. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) experts will be
    present at the CPG to explain the IARU position on this and other
    topics. The French proposal, raised on short notice at a CEPT meeting
    in June, has riled the Amateur Radio community worldwide and prompted
    petitions to prevent its passage. The proposed 144 - 146 MHz segment
    would be part of a broader consideration of spectrum allocated to the
    Aeronautical Mobile Service.

    IARU has asked its member-societies to explain the Amateur Service's
    concerns over the French proposal to their telecommunications
    regulators, and it has submitted a basic technical analysis showing the
    impracticality of such a proposal. IARU has said much more appropriate
    parts of the spectrum are available to study for non-safety AMS
    applications.

    Another issue addressed during the June CEPT meeting concerned the
    sharing of the Amateur Radio 1240 - 1300 MHz band with Europe's Galileo
    GPS system. IARU has asked its member-societies to discuss with
    regulators the best way to resolve concerns regarding a few cases of
    Amateur Radio interference to the Galileo navigation system specific to
    its E6 subband at 1260 - 1300 MHz.

    Documents for the CEPT Conference Preparatory Group meeting are
    available via the CEPT website. Read more.
    Questions Raised About Current Process for Awarding the E.T. Krenkel
    Medal

    Questions about how the E.T. Krenkel Medal is being awarded, including
    whether recipients have to pay a fee to get the medal, have been
    brought to ARRL's attention.

    In the past, several prominent radio amateurs and organizations --
    including QST -- have been awarded and received the medal without any
    advance notice and without having to provide any information or
    payment.

    ARRL has been advised that in recent months "nominees" have been
    invited essentially to complete their own nomination forms and asked to
    forward a fee for the cost of obtaining the medal, which some nominees
    said they have not received. Regulations for the E.T. Krenkel Medal,
    issued by "LLC Russian Traveler and National Academy of Researches and
    Discoveries," states that the cost of a medal is to be paid by the
    sponsor (individual or organization) nominating a medal recipient. Some
    evidence suggests that sponsor and recipient may now be one and the
    same.

    A small tourism enterprise, LLC Russian Traveler, was reportedly
    liquidated in January but is believed to be operated by a Russian radio
    amateur. A form attached to the Regulations that's designed for an
    organization or individual to nominate an honoree is the one now being
    sent to individuals who have been told they were nominated.

    ARRL takes no official position regarding the current status of E.T
    Krenkel Medal nominations, LLC Russian Traveler, or anyone connected
    with either. ARRL does, however, want to ensure that members are aware
    of the issues that have been called to its attention.
    In Brief...

    Reminder: The Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday Celebration gets under way on
    Saturday, August 31, and wraps up on Monday, September 8. The 9-day
    operating event commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of ARRL
    cofounder and first president Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW (HPM) -- born on
    September 2, 1869 -- and is open to all radio amateurs. The objective
    is to work as many participating stations as possible. W1AW and all
    ARRL members will append "/150" to their call signs during this event
    (DX operators who are ARRL members may operate as <call sign>/150, if
    permitted by their country of license.) Stations will exchange a signal
    report and ARRL/RAC Section. A total of 84 multipliers are available.
    DX stations will send a signal report and "DX." All Amateur Radio bands
    except 60, 30, 17, and 12 meters are available. Contacts may be made on
    CW, phone, and digital modes. Incentives are available for using
    different modes, operating portable, and using social media, among
    others. Logs will be scored, and downloadable certificates will be
    available. An announcement and complete rules appear in the September
    issue of QST, p. 86.

    A message on WWV is prompting listeners to take a survey about the
    service. Through Saturday, August 24, WWV and WWVH will transmit a US
    Department of Defense (DOD) message in conjunction with the COMEX 19-3
    interoperability exercise in Tennessee. The broadcast also urges
    listeners to complete a survey on WWV/WWVH listenership and listening
    habits. The messages are broadcast on WWV at 10 minutes past the hour
    and on WWVH at 50 minutes past the hour. WWV and WWVH transmit on 2.5,
    5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 MHz. Following a proof of concept this year, DOD
    anticipates making use of the WWV/WWVH broadcast time slot full time,
    all year. Read more.

    Joseph
    Areyzaga,
    K1JGA.

    A close friend of a radio amateur who died in a recent tower-related
    accident has contacted ARRL with additional observations. Joseph
    Areyzaga, K1JGA (photo), died in the July 27 incident, and the tower's
    owner was seriously injured. The individual reported that Areyzaga and
    Mike Rancourt, K1EEE -- the tower's owner -- were in the process of
    lowering one of the antennas when the tower tipped over. The friend
    said the tower was genuine Rohn 25, with a genuine Rohn BPH25 hinge
    plate, and that the apparent -- but not proven -- failure point was not
    obvious while the tower was still standing. All three pier posts on the
    hinge plate broke off, with the tower section bolts still intact and in
    place, he reported. No official determination has been made as to the
    specific cause of the failure. Rancourt, who was seriously injured in
    the incident, remains hospitalized but is said to be recovering well.

    Ulrich L. Rohde, N1UL, has been named as an Honorary Fellow of India's
    Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE). The
    IETE's Governing Council bestowed the honor on the noted researcher.
    The IETE is a prominent professional society in the field of
    electronics, telecommunication computer science/engineering,
    broadcasting, information technology, and related areas. The Honorary
    Fellowship is accorded to an eminent individual in the fields of
    science, technology, education, and industry. A presentation ceremony
    will be held during the 62nd annual IETE Convention in late September
    in India.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * August 24 -- Society of Midwest Contesters Specialty Convention,
    Normal, Illinois
    * August 23 - 25 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
    Virginia
    * September 6 - 7 -- Arkansas State Convention, Mena, Arkansas
    * September 6 - 7 -- Wyoming State Convention, Gillette, Wyoming
    * September 6 - 8 -- New England Division Convention, Boxborough,
    Massachusetts
    * September 7 -- Virginia Section Convention, Virginia Beach,
    Virginia
    * September 13 - 14 -- W9DXCC 2019, St. Charles, Illinois
    * September 21 - 22 -- New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New
    Mexico
    * September 27 - 28 -- Central Division Convention, Milwaukee,
    Wisconsin
    * September 28 -- Dakota Division Convention, West Fargo, North
    Dakota
    * September 28 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley,
    Washington
    * October 6 -- Iowa State Convention, West Liberty, Iowa
    * October 11 - 12 -- PNWVHFS Conference and Meeting, Issaquah,
    Washington
    * October 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
    * October 13 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
    * October 18 - 20 -- Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon,
    California
    * October 19 -- 21st Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin
    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina

    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 Fri Sep 13 09:05:14 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    September 12, 2019

    * ARRL and IARU President Emeritus Larry Price, W4RA, SK
    * FCC Proposes to Make All Universal Licensing System Filings
    Electronic
    * Unraveling the Mystery of 1 * 1 Call Signs
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * Hurricane Watch Net Sets New Activation Record during Dorian
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Dayton Hamvention Signs 5-Year Contract with Greene County Expo
    Center
    * UN Headquarters' 4U1UN Making Slow but Steady Progress in Returning
    to Air
    * YOTA 2019 Summer Camp in Bulgaria Spawns Subregional Camps
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL and IARU President Emeritus Larry Price, W4RA, SK

    ARRL and International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) President Emeritus
    Larry E. Price, W4RA, of Statesboro, Georgia, died on September 10. An
    ARRL Life Member, he was 85. Price was licensed in 1951 at age 16 as
    WN5TIA, one of the first Novice licenses issued in the US. A US Army
    veteran, Price held BSEE, MBA, and doctoral degrees. He spent most of
    his career as a professor of finance and economics at Georgia Southern
    University.

    Elected as ARRL Southeastern Division Vice Director in 1973, Price
    became Director later that year and was elected as an ARRL Vice
    President by the Board of Directors in 1980. In 1983 he became First
    Vice President following the death of ARRL President Vic Clark, W4KFC,
    and was elected President by the Board the following year.

    He served as ARRL President for 8 years, serving simultaneously as IARU
    Secretary from 1989 until 1992, and continuing as IARU Secretary and
    ARRL International Affairs Vice President until his election as IARU
    President in 1999, a post he held for 10 years. The IARU ministrative
    Council named him President Emeritus upon his retirement in 2009. The
    ARRL Board named him ARRL President Emeritus in 2011.

    "His accomplishments as President of ARRL and the IARU are too many to
    list, but neither organization would be what it is today without his
    vision, dedication, and hard work," said former ARRL CEO David Sumner,
    K1ZZ, who now serves as IARU Secretary. "We all owe a great debt to
    Larry and his family for their many sacrifices on our behalf."

    IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, recalled his many years of association
    with Price. "Amateur Radio...has lost a valued colleague today," Ellam
    said. "Larry Price was the dean of the IARU, and under his leadership
    the organization not only achieved great success for the Amateur Radio
    services but the respect of those we work with in the International
    Telecommunication Union (ITU). His work and tenacity on a number of
    issues gave the IARU the admiration of many administrations and senior
    leadership at the ITU, which we continue to enjoy today."

    In 2014, Dayton Hamvention^(R) honored Price as Amateur of the Year. At
    the ARRL Centennial Convention that same year, Price was awarded the
    ARRL Medal of Honor. Read more. -- Thanks to David Sumner, K1ZZ
    FCC Proposes to Make All Universal Licensing System Filings Electronic

    The FCC is seeking comment on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
    that is part of an overall plan to transition completely to electronic
    filing, licenses, authorizations, and correspondence. The notice
    proposes to make all filings to the Universal Licensing System (ULS)
    electronic, expand electronic filing and correspondence elements for
    related systems, and require applicants to provide an email address on
    the FCC forms related to these systems. Although much of the FCC's ULS
    filings are already electronic, the changes suggested in the NPRM (in
    WT Docket No. 19-212) would require all Amateur Radio Service
    applications to be filed electronically. Under current rules, Amateur
    Radio applications may still be filed manually, except those filed by
    Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs).

    "Given the drastic changes that have occurred with regard to the
    ubiquity of the internet and increased personal computer access, we
    find it unlikely that electronic filing remains infeasible or
    cost-prohibitive for the previously exempted types of filers, or that
    they lack resources to file electronically," the FCC said in the NPRM,
    released on September 6. "We therefore propose to eliminate Section
    1.913's exemptions to mandatory electronic filing."

    The FCC said that while the vast majority of ULS applications today are
    submitted electronically, some are still manually filed, largely from
    exempted filers, such as radio amateurs. Last year, the FCC received
    some 5,000 manually filed applications out of a total of some 425,000.
    The FCC is seeking comment on whether its underlying assumptions about
    the ease of electronic filing for previously exempted filers are valid.

    This NPRM also seeks comment on additional rule changes that would
    further expand the use of electronic filing and electronic service. The
    FCC stopped providing printed Amateur Radio license documents in 2015.

    "Together, these proposals will facilitate the remaining steps to
    transition these systems from paper to electronic, reducing regulatory
    burdens and environmental waste, and making interaction with these
    systems more accessible and efficient for those who rely on them," the
    FCC said.

    Comments are due within 30 days of the NPRM's release.

    Unraveling the Mystery of 1 * 1 Call Signs

    The 1 * 1 Special Event Call Signs system offers a way for clubs,
    groups, or even individuals to use a short call sign of special
    significance to the amateur community. These 1 * 1 call signs are
    reserved in advance for use in conjunction with short-term special
    events and commemorative operations. The FCC does not assign 1 * 1 call
    signs, so they are not "official."

    On the matter of special event call signs, the FCC says, in Section
    97.3(a)(11)(iii) of the Amateur Service rules: "The call sign is
    selected by the station licensee from a list of call signs shown on a
    common database coordinated, maintained and disseminated by the amateur
    station special event call sign data base coordinators. The call sign
    must have the single letter prefix K, N, or W, followed by a single
    numeral 0 through 9, followed by a single letter A through W or Y or Z
    (for example K1A). The special event call sign is substituted for the
    call sign shown on the station license grant while the station is
    transmitting."

    The FCC also says in Section 97.119 (d): "ditionally, the station
    must transmit its assigned call sign at least once per hour during such
    transmissions." This requirement tends to be widely flouted, however.

    A 1 * 1 Special Event Call Sign aids other radio amateurs by calling
    attention to the special event or other occasion. 1 * 1 call signs may
    be used for a variety of purposes, such as conventions, festivals,
    dedications, anniversaries, commemorations, and ARRL Field Day. Even
    local events qualify.

    There are 750 1 * 1 Special Event Call Sign possibilities, and radio
    amateurs of any license class may reserve one as far as a year in
    advance to use for up to 15 days. Of course, 1 * 1 Special Event Call
    Signs are recycled. It's first come, first served. See the Frequently
    Asked Questions page for more information.

    The FCC has selected coordinators to approve and post 1 * 1 Special
    Event Call Sign reservations to a searchable database. -- Thanks to The
    Radiogram (Portage County Amateur Radio Society newsletter)
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Coaxial Cable Connectors" is the topic of the new (September 12)
    episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    Hurricane Watch Net Sets New Activation Record during Dorian

    Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) volunteers set a new record for total hours
    activated during a single storm. The net was active for 157 hours --
    139 hours of which were continuous. HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV,
    said the continuous activation record stands at 151 hours for Hurricane
    Matthew in 2018.

    "During this marathon activation, members of the Hurricane Watch Net
    collected and forwarded countless surface reports to the National
    Hurricane Center in Miami," Graves noted.

    After devastating Abaco and Grand Bahama islands with winds clocked at
    200 MPH or more, Dorian made its way slowly toward Florida, before
    sliding up the southeastern US coast and making a second landfall on
    Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It wasn't over, however. Dorian veered
    out into the Atlantic, affecting New England before hitting Maritime
    Canada, where it knocked out power and downed trees.

    During its lengthy initial activation, the HWN attempted on numerous
    occasions to raise stations in the Bahamas but was unable to contact
    anyone in the most-affected area.

    The HWN activated for the last time during Hurricane Dorian last
    Saturday, as the storm was, by then, speeding up the east coast of the
    US as a Category 1 storm. Poor propagation plagued net operations
    throughout the activation, even right up to the end. At one point,
    propagation was lost between net members and Nova Scotia on 40 meters,
    although the net continued for a while longer on 20 meters.

    Early on, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) volunteers went on
    alert along the US east coast, preparing for the worst. The major
    problem was storm surge-related flooding. Evacuations were ordered
    ahead of the storm.

    The ARRL Headquarters Emergency Response Team convened early on to
    monitor the situation closely. ARRL officials were in regular
    communication with partner agencies, particularly FEMA and the
    Department of Homeland Security. W1AW, which had already planned to be
    in operation for the Hiram Percy Maxim 150th birthday special event,
    remained ready to assist with emergency communications.

    The VoIP Hurricane Net activated over the weekend in conjunction with
    WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center to keep on top of ground-truth
    weather information.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots this week. The average
    daily sunspot numbers declined from 3.4 to 0. At the same time, the
    average daily solar flux rose from 67.4 to 69.4.

    Geomagnetic activity quieted, with the average daily planetary A index
    declining from 19.9 to 8.9, while the average daily mid-latitude A
    index went from 16.7 to 7.7.

    Predicted solar flux is 68 on September 12 - 22; 69 on September 23 -
    October 5; 68 on October 6 - 19; 69 on October 20 - 24; 68 on October
    25, and 69 on October 26.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on September 12 - 22; 8 on September
    23; 5 on September 24 - 25; 10, 35, 45, 20, and 10 on September 26 -
    30; 8, 10, and 8 on October 1 - 3; 5 on October 4 - 19; 8 on October
    20; 5 on October 21 - 22; 8, 25, 30, and 18 on October 23 - 26.

    Sunspot numbers for September 5 - 11, 2019 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and
    0, with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.3, 68.9, 73.9,
    67.5, 68.8, 70, and 68.1, with a mean of 69.4. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 14, 8, 7, 10, 14, 4, and 5, with a mean of 8.9. Middle
    latitude A index was 11, 9, 6, 9, 11, 4, and 4, with a mean of 7.7.

    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
    * September 14 -- FOC QSO Party (CW)
    * September 14 - 15 -- Worked All Europe DX Contest (SSB)
    * September 14 - 15 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 14 - 15 -- All Texas QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 14 - 15 -- Alabama QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * September 14 - 15 -- Russian Cup Digital Contest
    * September 14 - 16 -- ARRL September VHF Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 15 -- North American Sprint (RTTY)
    * September 15 - 18 -- Classic Exchange (CW)
    * September 15 -- BARTG Sprint 75 (Digital)
    * September 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * September 18 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
    * September 19 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
    * September 20 -- 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.

    Dayton Hamvention Signs 5-Year Contract with Greene County Expo Center

    The Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) has signed a 5-year
    agreement to keep Dayton Hamvention^(R) at the Greene County Expo
    Center. The agreement was announced on September 9 by Hamvention
    General Chairman Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT.

    "It has been a wonderful experience working with the Expo Center team
    in the development of this agreement," Gerbs said. "With the 5-year
    agreement signed, the Expo Center and Hamvention can move forward with
    additional enhancements to the facilities."

    Dayton Amateur Radio Association President Ron Cramer, KD8ENJ, said the
    DARA Board, in approving the contract, noted that the relationship with
    the Expo Center and Greene County, the City of Xenia, and Xenia
    Township "has proven especially rewarding." Cramer said, "They all have
    worked hard to make Hamvention a success over the last 3 years. We look
    forward to a great relationship over the next 5 years and beyond."
    Hamvention's 2019 attendance was 32,472 -- the highest recorded since
    the move to the Exposition Center in Xenia in 2017, which was
    coordinated by Cramer, the Hamvention General Chairman in 2017 and
    2018.

    The largest Amateur Radio show in the US, Dayton Hamvention is held the
    third full weekend in May. The dates for 2020 are May 15 - 17.

    UN Headquarters' 4U1UN Making Slow but Steady Progress in Returning to
    Air

    Responding to inquiries noting the lack of 4U1UN activity, the United
    Nations Amateur Radio Club (UNARC) indicated on its Facebook page this
    week that it's making slow but steady progress in its efforts to get a
    station back on the air from UN Headquarters. The main difficulties in
    getting 4U1UN up and running again following its displacement by
    renovations at UN Headquarters have been administrative and
    organizational, the UNARC team said. The club explained that as a
    result of UN Headquarters renovation, the room on the 41st floor
    housing the 4U1UN radio equipment was reallocated to the UN Broadcast
    and Conference Support Section (BCSS) and is now off limits.

    "After the successful activity of 4U70UN back in 2015, with the support
    of the UN ministration, we were able to secure a tiny 20-square-foot
    room for the club's needs on the ground floor of the building," the
    club said in its post. With no opportunity to run a feed line from the
    ground floor to the top of the building and the tenuous hold even on
    the tiny, bottom-floor shack space, the club is in the process of
    installing a remotely controlled station on the 41st floor.

    Over a recent weekend, several UNARC members, representatives of UN
    services, and guests had an opportunity to continue equipment
    configuration. An assembled 19-inch rack and part of the equipment were
    disconnected during delivery to the 41st floor so that BCSS personnel
    could hand-carry the equipment up several flights of stairs to the top
    floor. "After 4 hours of work, the connections of the SteppIR BigIR
    vertical antennas were restored, a new SDA-100 controller was
    installed, and a RemoteRig 1216H was connected for easy remote access,"
    the club post said. "The antenna was tested and configured."

    UNARC says remote access from the 1st floor now works, thanks to a
    separate Ethernet cable run up the entire height of the building for
    UNARC's use. Operation of the ACOM-2000A amplifier also was tested with
    an antenna.

    "We really hope that in the very near future, after debugging and
    setting up all the equipment, we will finally be able to proudly look
    at the work done and begin to appear steadily on the bands," the club
    said.
    YOTA 2019 Summer Camp in Bulgaria Spawns Subregional Camps

    Most of those attending the recent Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) summer
    camp in Bulgaria were first-timers, observed Monty Schebesta, OE3VVU, a
    participant this year. Some 80 young radio amateurs from 27 countries
    convened near Sofia August 11 - 17 to, as he put it, "connect and learn
    from each other." Monty said the successful 2019 summer camp
    demonstrated that YOTA is growing quickly, noting too that 40% of the
    YOTA Summer Camp attendees were young women.

    During the week, campers engaged in a variety of workshops that
    included such activities as building VHF and HF antennas and assembling
    electronic kits, which, for many, meant learning how to solder. Monty
    said the focus of the activities and presentations involved learning
    from each other.

    "YOTA is shifting more and more towards a 'youngsters for youngsters'
    approach, where youngsters teach each other, rather than relying on
    older generations for input," he said. "The main goal of the YOTA
    summer camp is to give youngsters the ideas, knowledge, and experiences
    they require to go back to their home country at the end of the week
    and start their own youth activities."

    Monty said the practical workshops are the mostly easily reproducible,
    so that young radio amateurs could use them to introduce new young
    people into the hobby. "For example," he said, "youngsters might do a
    kit building workshop at a local school or use the antenna built at the
    camp to do a [Summits On The Air] activation together with some new
    youngsters."

    Subregional camps such as those held in Finland, Italy, and Germany in
    recent years are becoming more common in Region 1, with the next set
    for late September in the Czech Republic (OL19CAMP), followed closely
    by a camp in the Netherlands in December.

    He anticipates many other youth teams will want to stage subregional
    YOTA camps of their own. "What the participants learned at the YOTA
    summer camp will be an invaluable resource for organizing subregional
    camps and youth activities on any scale," he concluded.

    Bulgaria's International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society,
    BFRA, sponsored the 2019 YOTA Summer Camp.
    In Brief...

    The IARU recently attended an ITU Inter-Regional Workshop. As part of
    its strategy to support topics related to Amateur Radio at World
    Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), the International Amateur
    Radio Union (IARU) was on hand at the third inter-regional workshop in
    Geneva, Switzerland, this past week. The workshop, attended by member
    states and other International Telecommunication Union (ITU) sector
    members, considered and discussed the positions of the six Regional
    Telecommunication Organizations (RTO) on the main WRC-19 agenda items.
    Attendees also considered how differing regional positions might be
    reconciled during WRC to arrive at consensus. The ITU said the meeting
    would "provide participants with the opportunity to exchange views and
    have a better understanding of the common views, positions and/or
    proposals of the concerned entities." The third ITU Inter-regional
    Workshop on WRC-19 Preparation took place September 4 - 6. Documents
    can be downloaded from the ITU website.

    The roster of presentations and speakers for the 2019 ARRL-TAPR Digital
    Communications Conference (DCC) is now posted on the TAPR website. The
    DCC takes place September 20 - 22 at the Detroit Metro Airport Marriott
    Hotel. Bill Brown, WB8ELK, father of Amateur Radio ballooning and noted
    experimenter and engineer, will be the DCC Saturday evening banquet
    speaker. The Sunday Seminar topic will be "Learn to build and operate
    your own SatNOGS ground station," presented by Dan White, AD0CQ, and
    Corey Shields, KB9JHU. The seminar will be a hands-on, progressive
    tutorial, starting with the basics of a SatNOGS (Satellite Networked
    Open Ground Station) and ending with the development of telemetry
    decoders. Participants should gain an understanding of how SatNOGS
    applications work, how to use them, and a basic familiarity with the
    technologies behind the scenes, should they wish to contribute to the
    development of the project. Participants should bring a laptop and sign
    up for a free account. A room will be set aside for demonstrations,
    experiments, and show-and-tell projects. Tables and power strips will
    be provided.

    Former ARRL Iowa Section Manager Bob McCaffrey, K0CY, of Boone, Iowa,
    died on September 2. An ARRL Life Member, he was 77. McCaffrey served
    twice as Iowa Section Manager -- first, from 1980 until 1986, and again
    from 2013 until 2019, after he declined to run for another term. He
    served in other Iowa ARRL Field Organization positions as well.
    McCaffrey was licensed in 1955 as KN0EJZ. He taught entry-level Amateur
    Radio classes within adult education and served as a Volunteer
    Examiner. He was an AMSAT and Quarter Century Wireless Association
    member and an enthusiastic ARRL Field Day participant. McCaffrey was a
    past president of the Des Moines Radio Amateur Association and of the
    Boone Amateur Radio Club.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * September 13 - 14 -- W9DXCC 2019, St. Charles, Illinois
    * September 21 - 22 -- New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New
    Mexico
    * September 27 - 28 -- Central Division Convention, Milwaukee,
    Wisconsin
    * September 28 -- Dakota Division Convention, West Fargo, North
    Dakota
    * September 28 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley,
    Washington
    * October 6 -- Iowa State Convention, West Liberty, Iowa
    * October 11 - 12 -- PNWVHFS Conference and Meeting, Issaquah,
    Washington
    * October 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
    * October 13 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
    * October 18 - 20 -- Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon,
    California
    * October 19 -- 21st Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin
    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana

    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
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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) 2019 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 Argos@1:135/383 to Sean Dennis on Fri Sep 13 10:34:04 2019
    Thank you for posting ... It is about time this message sub got some traffic.

    ---

    Rocket Town BBS - Telnet: rtbbs.ddns.net
    fsxNET: 21:1/203 FidoNET:1:135/383 - Titusville, FL. NASA SPACE Coast

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/03 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Rocket Town BBS (1:135/383)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Argos on Fri Sep 13 17:50:12 2019
    Thank you for posting ... It is about time this message
    sub got some traffic.

    That's an automated posting, by the way.

    Also, if there isn't any traffic, make some. ;)

    73 DE KD5COL,
    Sean
    HAM Moderator


    --- Maximus/2 3.01
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:2304 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Argos on Fri Sep 13 17:51:42 2019
    BTW, this echo is set to real names only. If your BBS can't/won't allow you to
    toggle between real names and aliases, just use your name when closing out the message.

    Thanks!

    73 DE KD5COL,
    Sean


    --- Maximus/2 3.01
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:2304 (1:18/200)
  • From Argos@1:135/383 to Sean Dennis on Sat Sep 14 08:05:11 2019

    Also, if there isn't any traffic, make some. ;)


    ahh ... good point!

    ---

    Rocket Town BBS - Telnet: rtbbs.ddns.net
    fsxNET: 21:1/203 FidoNET:1:135/383 - Titusville, FL. NASA SPACE Coast

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/03 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Rocket Town BBS (1:135/383)
  • From Argos@1:135/383 to Sean Dennis on Sat Sep 14 08:06:52 2019

    BTW, this echo is set to real names only. If your BBS can't/won't allow you to toggle between real names and aliases, just use your name when closing out the message.

    I use Mystic .. i will check the Message setting to see if I have Real Names Only selected and make that change

    ---

    Rocket Town BBS - Telnet: rtbbs.ddns.net
    fsxNET: 21:1/203 FidoNET:1:135/383 - Titusville, FL. NASA SPACE Coast

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/03 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Rocket Town BBS (1:135/383)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Sep 20 09:05:16 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    September 19, 2019

    * ARRL Renews Request for FCC to Replace Symbol Rate with Bandwidth
    Limit
    * Hoc Legislative vocacy Committee to Meet with Lawmakers
    * A Radio on Your Belt -- 1930s Style
    * So Now What? Podcast
    * Amateur Radio Digital Communications Announces Grant to ARISS
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Festival of Frequency Measurement Set to Honor WWV Centennial
    * Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club Assisting in Restoring Fire-Damaged
    Repeaters
    * Well-Known Yukon Ham J Allen, VY1JA, is Stepping Away from Amateur
    Radio
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Renews Request for FCC to Replace Symbol Rate with Bandwidth Limit

    In ex parte comments filed on September 17 in WT Docket 16-239, ARRL
    renewed its request that the FCC delete symbol rate limits below 29.7
    MHz for data transmissions in the Amateur Service rules. As it did in
    its initial filing, ARRL asked the FCC to couple the removal of the
    symbol rate limits with the adoption of a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit. In
    response to ARRL's 2013 ARRL Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11708), the
    FCC proposed deleting the symbol rate limits but declined to replace
    them with the 2.8 kHz bandwidth that ARRL wanted.

    "This proceeding addresses an update to the Commission's rules that is
    needed because a limitation in the rules unintentionally is inhibiting
    US amateurs from employing the latest improvements to some of the
    digital modes," ARRL said in its remarks. "Data signals commonly used
    for daily communications as well as in disaster situations have
    bandwidths in the range of 2.5 kHz and must co-exist with other modes
    that use bandwidths as narrow as 50 Hz."

    ARRL said the 1980s-era symbol rate limits today inhibit the use of
    some efficient data modes. Repealing the symbol rate limit, ARRL
    contended, would "allow shortened transmission times for the same
    amount of data without increasing the bandwidth occupied by the signal.
    Other Amateurs would benefit by the resulting reduction in potential
    interference."

    Other Issues

    ARRL's remarks also addressed issues raised by other parties.
    "Discussion by commenters in this proceeding delve into subjects well
    beyond its scope," ARRL said, noting that it had attempted to broker
    consensus among "some of the most active commenters" with an eye toward
    exploring possible areas of agreement for the FCC's consideration. ARRL
    noted that the parties to the ARRL-arranged talks declined to forward
    to the FCC "joint recommendations on which conditional agreement had
    been reached."

    One of those issues involves Automatically Controlled Digital Stations
    (ACDS). Commenters' concerns focused on interference that could occur
    with a move away from symbol-rate criteria. ACDS with signals wider
    than 500 Hz below 29.7 MHz are confined to specific subbands. ARRL
    recommended that the FCC consider rules changes that would have all
    ACDS stations and digital stations with bandwidths greater than 500 Hz
    share identified subbands.

    ARRL said if additional signals are added to the ACDS subbands, as
    recommended, that it would strongly support expanding the HF ACDS
    subbands. But, the League added, "changing the subband boundaries
    requires study and careful consideration of trade-offs, because any
    changes will affect multiple user interests." ARRL referred subband
    reformulation issues to its HF Band Planning Committee for study and
    recommendations.

    Some commenters also raised the issue of obscure and encrypted
    messages. ARRL pointed out in its ex parte remarks that it remains
    opposed to encryption in the amateur bands, but disagreed "with
    commenters who argue that the digital modes being used by radio
    amateurs around the world are per se 'obscured' or 'encrypted.'" Read
    more.
    Hoc Legislative vocacy Committee to Meet with Lawmakers

    ARRL's Hoc Legislative visory Committee will meet with several
    members of Congress later this month in Washington to introduce new
    Committee members, reacquaint the lawmakers with Amateur Radio's
    most-pressing issues, seek their input on the best ways to achieve
    ARRL's objectives in Congress, and request their continuing support.
    Committee members have completed a comprehensive analysis of Amateur
    Radio Parity Act deficiencies for dissemination to Amateur Radio's
    backers on The Hill. The panel now is following up on this process with
    the meetings later this month.

    The Committee has contracted with The Keelen Group to provide advice
    and recommendations regarding ARRL's legislative relationships. Keelen
    Group advisors also will aid in organizing and guiding the meetings
    between ARRL representatives and key congressional allies in support of
    Amateur Radio initiatives.

    On June 12, the Legislative visory Committee held the first of a
    series of meetings in DC with ARRL Washington Counsel David Siddall,
    K3ZJ, The Keelen Group, and a small contingent of radio amateurs
    associated with various governmental and nongovernmental partners to
    solicit their perspectives and assistance in charting a future course
    of action. Pacific Division Director and Committee Chair Jim Tiemstra,
    K6JAT, described these individuals a "critical allies in ARRL's efforts
    to achieve its legislative objectives."

    The process of analyzing and clarifying ARRL's aims began when the
    Committee was reconstituted with new members at the ARRL Board of
    Directors' January meeting. The Board had determined a need to "review,
    reexamine, and reappraise the ARRL's regulatory and legislative policy
    with regard to private land-use restrictions," with the aim of
    renewing, continuing, and strengthening ARRL's effort to achieve relief
    from such restrictions.

    "There seems to be no countervailing policy that could justify
    arbitrary conditions, covenants and restrictions," Tiemstra said.
    "Indeed, public policy should clearly favor the needs of the Amateur
    Radio operator."

    Amateur Radio's role in public service and emergency communication will
    be the Committee's strongest argument in seeking relief from private
    land-use restrictions that limit amateurs' ability to operate
    effectively.

    The Committee will analyze the outcomes of this month's meetings and
    draft a report with recommendations for the ARRL Executive Committee to
    review and consider at its October 12 meeting. The full Board is
    expected to take up the issue at its January 2020 meeting.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    A Radio on Your Belt -- 1930s Style

    Since the advent of wireless technology, efforts have aimed at
    condensing the size of the necessary equipment to permit ease of
    transport, mobile installation, and radios that could be hand carried,
    slipped into a pocket or -- in this case -- carried on the belt. Hugo
    Gernsback's Radio-Craft for December 1936 included the article, "How to
    Make the World's Smallest 3-Tube Radio Set" by Arthur Miller (likely
    not the playwright). It details how a clever radio crafter could
    construct a set worn on a belt around the waist and -- in this case --
    with the antenna worn on the head in the manner of an old-time banker's
    eyeshade. The individual wearing such equipment today likely would not
    only have to endure considerable pointing and laughing but would raise
    the alert level at any airport TSA checkpoint.

    Vacuum tubes of the day were not too sensitive, required separate
    voltage sources for filament and plate, and were pretty hard on
    batteries. The filaments for the three tubes came from "a liquid
    unspillable storage cell" (i.e., rechargeable) to supply the necessary
    2 V. The article says this battery should last from 7 to 10 hours and
    came "with an oiled silk bag and fits in the hip pocket." This was the
    sort of futuristic innovation that Gernsback typically featured in his
    publications, and the entire December 1936 issue of Radio-Craft is
    worth perusing.

    "When using this 'Belt-Radio' the wearer is quite unmindful that the
    latest news or dance music is coming from an ultra-midget receiver
    which is actually being worn on the belt!" the article exults. "And it
    takes only a minute to put the whole equipment on -- and less to take
    it off!"

    According to Miller's article, building the three-tube set was easy.
    "The loop aerial is wound on a cardboard disc 13 ins. in dia," it
    explains. "Litz wire is used and 22 turns are interlaced around the 9
    ribs." No mention of gauging hat size.

    The article concedes just to "one disadvantage" in having to wear the
    antenna on one's head. "The 4-ft. cable connecting it with the receiver
    acts as a capacity and restricts the tuning range of the set," it
    explains.

    The set tuned the AM broadcast band, and with the antenna on the head,
    directionality was less of an issue. While it might look silly to us
    now, project ideas such as this helped advance the radio art toward the
    technology we use and enjoy today.
    So Now What? Podcast

    "Demystifying the Language of Morse Code" is the focus of the new
    (September 19) episode of the So Now What? podcast for Amateur Radio
    newcomers.

    If you're a newly licensed Amateur Radio operator, chances are you have
    lots of questions. This biweekly podcast has answers! So Now What?
    offers insights from those who've been just where you are now. New
    episodes will be posted every other Thursday, alternating new-episode
    weeks with the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.

    So Now What? is sponsored by LDG Electronics, a family owned and
    operated business with laboratories in southern Maryland that offers a
    wide array of antenna tuners and other Amateur Radio products.

    ARRL Communications Content Producer Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and ARRL
    Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, co-host the podcast. Presented as a
    lively conversation, with Patnode representing newer hams and Carcia
    the veteran operators, the podcast will explore questions that newer
    hams may have and the issues that keep participants from staying active
    in the hobby. Some episodes will feature guests to answer questions on
    specific topic areas.

    Listeners can find So Now What? on Apple iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher
    (free registration required, or browse the site as a guest) and through
    the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. Episodes
    will be archived on the ARRL website.

    Amateur Radio Digital Communications Announces Grant to ARISS

    Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has announced what's being
    called "a very generous grant" to Amateur Radio on the International
    Space Station (ARISS) to help fund its next-generation Interoperable
    Radio System (IORS) and associated infrastructure improvements and
    enhancements. ARISS said the IORS will replace the aging amateur
    stations on the ISS to ensure the continuation of its primary program
    that lets students speak to ISS crew members via Amateur Radio. ARDC
    said it believes ARISS helps to engage students with Amateur Radio and
    science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in general "by
    providing exciting capabilities that don't exist" on cell phones or the
    internet. A dollar figure was not made public.

    "This was fantastic news!" said ARISS International Chair Frank Bauer,
    KA3HDO, who expressed appreciation for ARDC's generosity. Bauer said
    the ARDC gift would go a long way toward covering the considerable cost
    of making the IORS a reality.

    ARISS said its next-generation IORS will "enable new, exciting
    capabilities for hams, students, and the general public." It also plans
    additional enhancements, which would include:
    * New Amateur Radio communication and experimentation capabilities,
    including an enhanced voice repeater and updated digital packet
    radio
    * APRS capability
    * Two-way slow-scan television (SSTV) in both the US and Russian ISS
    segments
    * HamTV-2
    * A new multi-voltage power supply that will support present and
    future Amateur Radio capabilities and enable wireless
    experimentation

    The ARISS International team has already begun planning for an Amateur
    Radio role for NASA's Lunar Gateway initiative. Some ARDC board members
    have expressed an interest in ARISS's future plans involving the Lunar
    Gateway program, ARISS said.

    The donation to ARISS is the first since ARDC announced its grant
    program earlier this summer. ARISS invites contributions via its
    website. Read more.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots again this week, and as
    of Wednesday, we've seen 15 spotless days in a row. This is the solar
    minimum. The current Cycle 24 is expected to end by year's end.

    The average daily solar flux dipped from 69.4 to 68.1, while average
    daily planetary A index declined slightly from 8.9 to 8.3, while the
    average daily mid-latitude A index rose from 7.7 to 8.

    Predicted solar flux is 68 on September 19 - 26; 69 on September 27 -
    October 6; 70 on October 7; 68 on October 8 - 19, and 69 on October 20
    - November 2.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on September 19 - 21; 8 on September
    22 - 23; 5 on September 24 - 26; 35, 45, 20, and 10 on September 27 -
    30; 8, 10, and 8 on October 1 - 3; 5, 5, and 12 on October 4 - 6; 5 on
    October 7 - 9; 8, 5, and 8 on October 10 - 12; 5, 8, and 10 on October
    13 - 15; 5 on October 16 - 19; 8, 5, and 5 on October 20 - 22; 8, 25,
    30, and 18 on October 23 - 26; 8, 5, and 8 on October 27 - 29; 5 on
    October 30 - November 1, and 12 on November 2.

    Sunspot numbers for September 12 - 18 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0,
    with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.4, 68.3, 68.6, 67.7,
    68.7, 67.5, and 66.3, with a mean of 68.1. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 7, 8, 6, 8, 11, 9, and 9, with a mean of 8.3. Middle
    latitude A index was 7, 8, 7, 8, 10, 8, and 8, with a mean of 8.

    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
    * September 20 -- AGB NEMIGA Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * September 21 -- QRP Afield (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
    * September 21 - 22 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- All Collegiate QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest
    * September 21 - 22 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW
    * September 21 - 22 -- All Africa International DX Contest (CW,
    phone, digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- All Iowa QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- New Jersey QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- New Hampshire QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 21 - 22 -- Washington State Salmon Run (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 22 - 25 -- Classic Exchange, Phone
    * September 23 -- 144 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * September 25 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
    * September 26 -- 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.
    Festival of Frequency Measurement Set to Honor WWV Centennial

    HamSCI and the Case Amateur Radio Club of Case Western Reserve
    University (W8EDU) will sponsor a "Festival of Frequency Measurement"
    on the day of WWV's centennial, October 1, from 0000 to 2359 UTC
    (starting on Monday evening, September 30, in the Americas). The event
    invites radio amateurs, shortwave listeners, and others capable of
    making high-quality frequency measurements on HF to participate and
    publish their data to the HamSCI community on the Zenodo open-data
    sharing site.

    "Changes in ionospheric electron density caused by space weather and
    diurnal solar changes are known to cause Doppler shifts on HF ray
    paths," the event announcement says. "HamSCI's first attempt at a
    measurement of these Doppler shifts was during the August 2017 total
    solar eclipse. We plan a careful measurement during the 2024 eclipse."

    Some of the questions the research event is hoping to answer include
    how WWV's 5 MHz propagation path varies over a given calendar day, and
    how various measurement techniques for understanding the path
    variations compare. The objectives are to measure Doppler shifts caused
    by the effect of space weather on the ionosphere, and to use a
    specified measurement protocol available to Amateur Radio operators and
    other citizen-scientists. The experiment will use August 1, 2019 (UTC)
    as a control date.

    "The recordings in this experiment are expected to show formations of
    the D-layer at stations' local sunrise and other daily events of the
    ionosphere," the announcement said. "Space weather varies day to day
    and some features may be prominent. We'll see what we get!"

    Full information is on the Festival of Frequency Measurement website.

    Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club Assisting in Restoring Fire-Damaged
    Repeaters

    The Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club (MDARC) Disaster Recovery Program
    for the 2018 Carr and Camp Fires has made a $1,000 grant to the
    California Amateur Radio Linking Association (CARLA) toward the cost of
    rebuilding one of its destroyed sites. The CARLA network of repeaters
    provides coverage across California and western Nevada to provide
    reliable communication during significant local, regional, and
    wide-area incidents.

    "We are extremely pleased and honored to have been the recipient of
    MDARC's generosity through this initiative," said Tom Naso, N6MVT, one
    of the founders of CARLA. "Our loss of CARLA system 25 in the Redding
    area was a huge hit for us. Not only was it a high-level repeater site
    that covered a lot of territory, but it was also a north-south relay
    site that connected our primary Bay Area hub to our Shasta Area hub, so
    it was a big deal on many levels when it went down that fateful day."

    Naso said CARLA, based in the Bay Area, has systems throughout
    California and parts of Nevada. The MDARC grant will make "a
    considerable dent in the outlay of cash in procuring new equipment to
    replace what burned," he said. "We don't have insurance on the
    equipment because of how many sites we have. It just becomes cost
    prohibitive."

    The MDARC Board of Directors has established a fund to assist
    organizations that have suffered ham system losses as a result of the
    Carr and Camp Fires, and it continues to seek additional clubs with
    fire-damaged systems that may require financial aid to rebuild. MDARC
    recognizes that many of these repeater systems are in critical areas
    that otherwise have very little Amateur Radio or cellular coverage and
    are vital in providing important disaster traffic. Contact the club for
    more information. -- Thanks to ARRL East Bay Section Manager Jim
    Siemons, W6LK, and Tom Naso, N6MVT
    Well-Known Yukon Ham J Allen, VY1JA, is Stepping Away from Amateur
    Radio

    Well-known Canadian radio amateur J Allen, VY1JA, of Whitehorse, Yukon
    Territory, has announced that he's retiring from ham radio, citing
    long-term health issues and hearing loss. The familiar VY1JA call sign
    also has been retired. Allen will begin dismantling his station and
    antennas as early as this weekend. His last contact was with KA4UPI on
    September 14. He has uploaded his logs to Logbook of The World (LoTW)
    and sent copies to his QSL managers.

    "After approximately 30 years of operation and over 110,000 contacts,
    the station VY1JA has gone QRT for operator health reasons effective
    2019-09-14," Allen said on his QRZ.com profile. "All gear and antennas
    are for sale."

    For years, VY1JA was an eagerly sought-after multiplier in the ARRL
    November Sweepstakes and other events, as well as a needed zone in DX
    contests. In recent years, as Allen has begun to step away from regular
    on-the-air appearances, his station has been operated remotely as
    VY1AAA by a team of Canadian-licensed operators located in the US.
    Allen said VY1AAA operation would cease on September 22.

    Gerry Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, who has coordinated VY1AAA operations, told
    ARRL that he's been searching over the past 6 months for another
    Northern Territories station that would be willing to host remote
    operation.

    "The VY1AAA team is greatly saddened by this turn of events," Hull
    said. "Hams around the world will surely miss J and the VY1AAA team on
    the bands. J has been an incredible friend and mentor. Now it is time
    for us to help him off the air." Hull said that over the past 4 years,
    the remotely operated station has logged more than 35,000 contacts, and
    QSL requests will continue to be honored. He invited inquiries via
    email.

    Allen thanked Hull for "his tireless efforts to keep YT/NT/VY1 on the
    air throughout the years of his operation and direction of remote
    operations." Read more.
    In Brief...

    Until October 1, WWV and WWVH are broadcasting a US Department of
    Defense message to mark the centennial of WWV and to announce the
    WW0WWV special event. The message will air at 10 minutes past the hour
    from September 28 until October 2 from the WWV transmitter site near
    Fort Collins, Colorado. Kevin Utter, N7GES, a member of the WW0WWV
    Centennial Committee, recorded the audio track for the announcement.
    Utter has been an integral part of the Committee and is a highly
    respected member of the Northern Colorado Amateur Radio community. --
    Thanks to Paul English, WD8DBY

    A CubeSat with an FM-to-Codec-2 transponder has been launched. The
    Taurus-1 (Jinniuzuo-1) CubeSat carrying an Amateur Radio FM-to-Codec-2
    transponder was launched on September 12 from China's Taiyuan Satellite
    Launch Center. The CubeSat was developed by Aerospace System
    Engineering Research Institute of Shanghai for youth education and
    Amateur Radio. The transponder is similar to that used on the
    LilacSat-1 (LO-90) CubeSat and can use the same software, once
    frequencies are changed, receiving FM with 67 Hz CTCSS on 145.820 MHz
    and retransmitting it as Codec-2 9,600 bps BPSK digital voice on
    436.760 MHz. The telemetry downlink is 435.840 MHz. In addition to the
    transponder, the satellite also carries a drag sail. For more
    information on the transponder type, see "Digital Voice on Amateur
    Satellites: Experiences with LilacSat-OSCAR 90," which appeared in the
    January/February edition of The AMSAT Journal. -- Thanks to AMSAT News
    Service

    North Korea is said to be testing digital broadcasting on 80 meters.
    Radio World reports that the People's Democratic Republic of Korea
    (North Korea) has resumed testing digital radio broadcasting on the
    80-meter amateur band after a 2-year absence. North Korea is
    transmitting with the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) protocol. The latest
    transmissions on 3.560 MHz began in mid-August. "It appears unclear at
    this time, however, whether the current series of transmissions will
    soon end or be the start of a regular service," Radio World said.
    "According to radio enthusiasts in the region, the signal has been
    clear and very audible." Radio World says Voice of Korea, the North
    Korean international broadcasting service, has conducted DRM trials off
    and on since 2012.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * September 21 - 22 -- New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New
    Mexico
    * September 27 - 28 -- Central Division Convention, Milwaukee,
    Wisconsin
    * September 28 -- Dakota Division Convention, West Fargo, North
    Dakota
    * September 28 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley,
    Washington
    * October 6 -- Iowa State Convention, West Liberty, Iowa
    * October 11 - 12 -- PNWVHFS Conference and Meeting, Issaquah,
    Washington
    * October 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
    * October 13 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
    * October 18 - 20 -- Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon,
    California
    * October 19 -- 21st Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin
    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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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) 2019 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 Fri Sep 27 09:05:18 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    September 26, 2019

    * ARRL Thanks Official Observers as Volunteer Monitor Program is Set
    to Debut
    * ARRL Sets Facebook Live Event for Collegiate Amateur Radio Clubs
    * Nine Schools and Organizations Make the Cut for Ham Contacts with
    ISS Crew
    * 1921 Solar Event May Have Been Bigger than Carrington Event
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * WWV Centennial Celebration and Special Event Kick Off this Weekend
    * Amateur Radio CubeSats among 15 Set to Launch on October 21
    * "Storm Area 51" Event Attracts Modest Crowd, Following ARES/RACES
    Deployment
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Thanks Official Observers as Volunteer Monitor Program is Set to
    Debut

    As the September 30 date for the closing of the Official Observer (OO)
    program nears, ARRL has expressed deep appreciation to the hundreds of
    volunteers who gave their time as Official Observers to help preserve
    the integrity of the Amateur Radio bands.

    The Official Observer program has served the Amateur Radio community
    and assisted the FCC Enforcement Bureau for more than 85 years. The OO
    program is giving way to the new Volunteer Monitor (VM) program,
    established as part of a formal partnership between ARRL and the FCC.
    ARRL and the FCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier
    this year that establishes the Volunteer Monitor program as a successor
    to the Official Observers. The first Volunteer Monitors should be in
    place and ready to begin their duties this fall.

    "Thank you for your dedication and service," ARRL Regulatory
    Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, said. "It was the good work of
    the OOs over many years that laid the foundation for the FCC to
    recommend this new agreement for enforcement." The FCC proposed the
    program following the closures of several FCC regional offices and a
    reduction in field staff.

    Last February, Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, who once handled Amateur
    Radio enforcement for the FCC, was named to oversee the development and
    implementation phases of the Volunteer Monitor program.

    Under the new VM program, volunteers trained and vetted by ARRL will
    monitor the airwaves and gather evidence that could be used to correct
    misconduct as well as to recognize exemplary on-air operation. ARRL
    will refer instances of flagrant violation to the FCC for action, in
    accordance with FCC guidelines, and the FCC will give priority to
    enforcement cases developed by the VM program.

    Official Observers were invited to apply to become Volunteer Monitors,
    and many did. The requirements for being a Volunteer Monitor include:
    * Ability to utilize state-of-the-art receiving equipment and to
    access no-cost remote receive sites; strong writing and
    communication skills
    * An understanding of the importance of thorough documentation
    * Basic word processing and data entry skills
    * The ability to send such information, including recordings, to ARRL
    electronically. Applicants must also be ARRL members, have no
    history of FCC enforcement action, hold a Technician-class or
    higher license, and been licensed for at least 3 years.

    Applicants underwent a training and certification program administered
    by ARRL and were vetted by ARRL through at least one oral interview and
    a preliminary evaluation by ARRL staff. Volunteer Monitors will serve
    3-year terms at the pleasure of ARRL.

    The objectives of the Volunteer Monitoring Program include improving
    and promoting knowledge and compliance of FCC Amateur Radio Service
    rules, extending and preserving the tradition of self-regulation and
    self-administration of the Amateur Radio Service by volunteers, and
    enabling the FCC Enforcement Bureau "to more efficiently and
    effectively utilize its resources in enforcing the Communications Act
    and Commission rules," according to the MOU.
    ARRL Sets Facebook Live Event for Collegiate Amateur Radio Clubs

    ARRL is inviting campus radio clubs to join a Facebook Live Event on
    Wednesday, October 16, at 6:30 PM PDT and MST; 7:30 PM MDT; 8:30 PM
    CDT, or 9:30 PM EDT. The University of Arizona Amateur Radio Club
    (K7UAZ) is hosting the event.

    ARRL staff member Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, and students from the radio
    club will discuss topics involving Amateur Radio clubs at colleges and
    universities, including how to recruit student members, popular
    activities for campus radio clubs, and Amateur Radio as a springboard
    for career connections, networking, and practical experience. Your
    ideas and questions are welcome, and student radio club members and
    advisors may participate.

    This event will stream live on the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio
    Initiative (CARI) Facebook group, where collegiate radio clubs may
    share information, techniques, and resources. The ARRL Collegiate
    Amateur Radio Initiative is sponsored in part by the W1YSM Snyder
    Family Collegiate Amateur Radio Endowment Fund.

    Nine Schools and Organizations Make the Cut for Ham Contacts with ISS
    Crew

    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced
    that nine schools and organizations have been selected to host Amateur
    Radio contacts with International Space Station crew members during the
    first half of 2020. The selected host organizations must now complete
    an equipment plan that demonstrates their ability to execute the ham
    radio contact. Once a plan is approved, the final selected
    schools/organizations will have contacts scheduled as their
    availability matches up with the opportunities offered by NASA.

    The schools and host organizations are: Celia Hays Elementary School,
    Rockwall, Texas; Golden Gate Middle School, Naples, Florida; J.P.
    McConnell Middle School, Loganville, Georgia; Kittredge Magnet School,
    Atlanta, Georgia; Maple Dale Elementary School, Cincinnati, Ohio;
    Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville,
    Tennessee; Oakwood School, Morgan Hill, California; Ramona Lutheran
    School, Ramona, California, and River Ridge High School, New Port
    Richey Florida.

    The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in
    science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) activities and
    raise their awareness of space communication, radio communication,
    space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities.
    1921 Solar Event May Have Been Bigger than Carrington Event

    Scientific American reports that, according to new data, the "New York
    Railroad Storm" of 1921 may have surpassed the intensity of the famous
    Carrington Event of 1859. In his paper published in the journal Space
    Weather, Jeffrey Love of the US Geological Survey and his colleagues
    reexamined the intensity of the 1921 event in greater detail than
    previously.

    Although different measures of intensity exist, geomagnetic storms are
    often rated on an index called disturbance storm time (D_st) -- a way
    of gauging global magnetic activity by averaging out values for the
    strength of Earth's magnetic field measured at multiple locations.
    Earth's baseline D_st level is about -20 nanoteslas (nT), with a
    "superstorm" condition occurring when levels fall below -250 nT.
    Studies of the very limited magnetic data from the Carrington Event peg
    its intensity at anywhere from -850 to -1,050 nT. According to Love's
    study, the 1921 storm came in at about -907 nT.

    Peter Ward in his 2017 New York History Blog article "Strange
    Phenomena: The New York Railroad Storm" recounted that theatre-goers in
    New York City "marveled at the spectacle" of an iridescent cloud that
    was brighter than the moon. "On the roof of the Times Building,
    reporters, having discovered the telegraph lines to be curiously
    blocked, gathered to watch the aerial kaleidoscope," he wrote.

    As with the earlier Carrington Event, telegraph operators experienced
    wild fluctuations in the current on their circuits, while wireless
    propagation was enhanced. "The next day, papers reported that the
    Central New England railroad station (also home to the telegraph
    switchboard) had burned to the ground." Railroad officials later blamed
    the fire on the aurora.

    According to Ward's article, the lights were visible in New York,
    California, and Nevada. Especially in rural areas, "the lights were
    said to be brighter, appear closer to the ground, and even move with a
    swishing sound."

    Railroad and telegraph service were restored the following week,
    although one Western Union transatlantic cable showed signs of damage.
    "Delays and damage lead to some referring to it as the New York
    Railroad Storm," Ward wrote.

    A dramatic description of the event on the SolarStorms.org website
    said, "At 7:04 AM on May 15, the entire signal and switching system of
    the New York Central Railroad below 125th Street was put out of
    operation, followed by a fire in the control tower at 57th Street and
    Park Avenue."

    The short article said a telegraph operator reported being driven away
    from his station by flames that enveloped his switchboard and set the
    building on fire. "In Sweden a telephone station was reported to have
    been 'burned out,' and the storm interfered with telephone, telegraph,
    and cable traffic over most of Europe," the article said.

    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Keeping Water out of Coaxial Cables" is the topic of the new
    (September 26) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.
    Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sorry, still no sunspots.
    Spaceweather.com reported on September 25 that the sun has been
    spotless for more than 3 weeks -- 23 consecutive days -- and with 89%
    spotless days this summer. So far in 2019, 72% of the days have been
    spotless, equal to what it was in the last solar minimum in 2008 and
    2009.

    We transitioned through the fall equinox this week. This is a good time
    for HF propagation, even with low solar activity, whether you are in
    Northern Hemisphere's fall or Southern Hemisphere's spring.

    Over the September 19 - 25 reporting week, the average daily solar flux
    shifted marginally from 68.1 to 67.3, while average daily planetary A
    index reflected quiet geomagnetic conditions, dipping from 8.3 to 5.4.
    The mid-latitude index went from 8 to 4.6.

    Predicted solar flux is 67 on September 26 - October 3, and 68 on
    October 4 - November 9.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8, 28, 45, 24, and 12 on September 26 -
    30; 12 and 8 on October 1 - 2; 5 on October 3 - 5; 12 on October 6; 5
    on October 7 - 9; 8, 5, 8, 10, 8, and 8 on October 10 - 15; 5 on
    October 16 - 19; 12 and 8 on October 20 - 21; 5 on October 22 - 24; 25,
    18, 10, 5, and 8 on October 25 - 29; 5 on October 30 - November 1; 10
    on November 2; 5 on November 3 - 5, and 8, 5, 8, and 10 on November 6 -
    9.

    The planetary A index forecast of 28, 45, and 24 for September 27 - 29
    is due to solar wind spewing from a large coronal hole, the same one
    that gave us planetary A indices of 38 and 45 on August 31 and
    September 1 -- now after making a trip around the sun. Look for it
    again on October 25 - 26.

    Sunspot numbers for September 19 - 25 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0,
    with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 67.1, 67.2, 67.7, 68.3,
    66.1, 67.1, and 67.5, with a mean of 67.3. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 4, 3, 7, 4, 3, 13, and 4, with a mean of 5.4. Middle
    latitude A index was 4, 3, 7, 2, 2, 11, and 3, 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
    * September 28 - 29 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY
    * September 28 - 29 -- Maine QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * September 30 - October 1 -- QCX Challenge (CW)
    * October 1 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * October 1 -- 220 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 1 - 7 -- IQRP Quarterly Marathon (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 2 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (phone)
    * October 3 -- German Telegraphy Contest (CW)
    * October 3 -- SARL 80-Meter QSO Party (phone)
    * October 3 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 3 -- 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.
    WWV Centennial Celebration and Special Event Kick Off this Weekend

    The culmination of months of planning will come to a head this weekend
    as the WWV Centennial Celebration and the related WW0WWV Amateur Radio
    special event get under way. WW0WWV will begin operation on Saturday at
    0000 UTC and continue through October 2 at 0000 UTC. The National
    Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Northern Colorado
    Amateur Radio Club (NCARC), and the WWV Amateur Radio Club have teamed
    up to organize 100th anniversary events. WW0WWV will be active around
    the clock on 160 - 6 meters on CW, SSB, and digital modes (FT8
    operation will be Fox and Hound, except on 160 meters). WW0WWV will
    operate from the challenging RF environment at the WWV site near Fort
    Collins, Colorado. Logs will be streamed live to Club Log, and all logs
    will be uploaded to Logbook of The World (LoTW) after the event ends.

    WW0WWV committee member Dave Swartz, W0DAS, said he's been addressing
    last-minute details and putting out "many little fires." Swartz is
    camping out at the WWV site ahead of the special event.

    A c1920 WWV transmitter, built by
    National Bureau of Standards staff
    and coupled with a hand-crank
    record player. [Photo courtesy of
    WWV/NIST]

    WWV is reputed to be among the oldest -- if not the oldest --
    continuously operating radio stations in the world. It started out as
    an experimental station that eventually became a time and frequency
    standard, and WWV often broadcast music in its early years. WWV served
    as a beacon for Amateur Radio pioneers, who may only have had a rough
    idea of where they were transmitting. When they began, early time
    announcements were in CW. Voice announcements did not start until 1950.
    Time announcements used to be every 5 minutes, but WWV switched to
    announcing the time every 60 seconds in 1971.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    W3V East Coast Special Event Will Also Mark WWV Centennial

    An unrelated east coast special event, W3V in Maryland, will also
    celebrate the 100th anniversary of WWV. Originally an
    experimental/demonstration radio station, WWV was licensed to what then
    was called the National Bureau of Standards -- today NIST -- on October
    1, 1919. The transmitter site, initially in the Washington, DC,
    suburbs, moved to the grounds of the Agricultural Research Center
    (BARC) in Beltsville, Maryland, in the 1930s, before relocating to
    Colorado in 1966.

    The WWV Beltsville, Maryland, home
    of WWV from 1943 until 1966. [Photo
    courtesy of WWV/NIST]

    The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) also was located on the
    BARC campus, and the Goddard Amateur Radio Club (GARC) will host the
    W3V special event September 28 - October 2 at the GARC club station,
    just north of the old WWV site. It will use the former WA3NAN space
    shuttle HF retransmission frequencies -- 3.860, 7.185, 14.295, 21.395,
    and 28.650 MHz -- as well as amateur satellites. For many years, the
    GARC retransmissions used 100-foot wooden antenna poles that it
    inherited from WWV.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    As part of the WWV centennial, HamSCI and the Case Amateur Radio Club
    of Case Western Reserve University (W8EDU) invites all radio amateurs
    and others capable of making highly accurate HF measurements to
    participate in the WWV Centennial Festival of Frequency Measurement.
    The event will take place on WWV's centennial, October 1, from 0000 to
    2359 UTC (starting on Monday evening, September 30, in the Americas).
    Participants are requested to share their data with the HamSCI
    community on the Zenodo data-sharing site.

    Amateur Radio CubeSats among 15 Set to Launch on October 21

    AMSAT reports that an Antares II launch vehicle will carry 15 CubeSats
    into orbit on October 21 from Wallops Island as part of NASA
    Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) Mission 25. Some will
    carry Amateur Radio payloads.
    * TJ REVERB, developed by students at Thomas Jefferson High School in
    Alexandria, Virginia, will carry a 145.825 MHz APRS digipeater.
    * HuskySat, a University of Washington - Seattle project, will be
    boosted into a 500-kilometer (approximately 310-mile) orbit via the
    Cygnus external deployment device. HuskySat will carry a V/U linear
    transponder provided in cooperation with AMSAT.

    [IMG]Other satellites announced for the ELaNa 25 launch include Argus
    (St. Louis University), 437 MHz telemetry; AzTechSat-1 (NASA Ames
    Research Center) 437 MHz telemetry; CySat (Iowa State University) 436
    MHz telemetry; Phoenix (Arizona State University) 437 and 2400 MHz
    telemetry; RadSat-U (Montana State University) 437 MHz telemetry; SPOC
    (University of Georgia) 437 and 2400 MHz telemetry, and SwampSat II
    (University of Florida) 437 and 2400 MHz telemetry. -- Thanks to AMSAT
    News Service
    "Storm Area 51" Event Attracts Modest Crowd, Following ARES/RACES
    Deployment

    The much-heralded "Storm Area 51" event that started out as a joke on
    social media, prompted states of emergency in two Nevada counties

    A "Storm Area 51" publicity poster.
    [Photo courtesy of Alien Research
    Center]

    and spurred an Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R))/Radio Amateur
    Civil Emergency Service (RACES) deployment. As do many storms, this one
    failed to live up to its hype. No one stormed anything, and no
    extraterrestrials were sighted, beyond variously costumed earthlings
    embracing the vibe. The Storm Area 51 weekend of September 20 - 22
    instead morphed into a music festival and other events along a 50-mile
    stretch of highway running through the Nevada desert known as
    Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada Highway 375).

    At the core of the whole concept was a call urging people to storm the
    mysterious US Air Force Facility known as Area 51 in the Nevada Test
    and Training Range to see if extraterrestrial life forms said to have
    been recovered by the US military following UFO sightings in the 1950s
    were being held there. The military issued stern warnings to stay away,
    and the FAA was reported to have closed the airspace above the area.

    Some 2 million initially indicated they were game for the event, but
    attendance predictions subsequently were tempered considerably.
    Ultimately, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 visitors heeded the call, and
    only a hundred or so even made it to the main gate. A couple of people
    were arrested.

    The so-called Extraterrestrial
    Highway in Nevada, during quieter
    times. [Photo courtesy of
    TravelNevada.com]

    A major concern was that a horde of visitors to the small towns of
    Rachel and Hiko would come ill prepared for the desert environment and
    overwhelm the few available facilities available. With virtually no
    local infrastructure and faced with the possibility of being overrun by
    visitors, officials in Lincoln and Nye counties declared states of
    emergency. The town of Rachel, in Lincoln County, has just 50
    inhabitants, and virtually all of the land is owned by the federal
    government. The county has just 20 law enforcement officers. No serious
    problems were reported. ARES teams planned to staff and support six
    incident-specific locations along Extraterrestrial Highway.

    Multiple Facebook sites opened to promote the "Alienstock" music
    festival in Rachel, and an Area 51 Basecamp in Hiko. Other UFO-inspired
    events popped up along desolate Extraterrestrial Highway. Law
    enforcement and medical personnel were posted, along with the Nevada
    National Guard. Visitors came from as far away as Australia.
    In Brief...

    [IMG]Orlando HamCation is accepting nominations for its Carole Perry
    Educator of the Year Award through November 1. This award goes to an
    individual who has made an outstanding contribution educating and
    advancing youth in Amateur Radio. The inaugural award in 2018 went to
    its namesake, Carole Perry, WB2MGP, in recognition of her work in
    teaching students about ham radio. Submit nominations via email or on
    the Orlando HamCation website. Nominations also may be mailed to
    Orlando HamCation, PO Box 574962, Orlando, FL 32857. Downloadable
    nomination forms are available. For more information, contact the
    Awards Committee. The 74th Orlando HamCation will take place February 7
    - 9, 2020.

    AMSAT has announced the results of its 2019 Board election. After
    ballots were tallied, Jerry Buxton, N0JY; Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA;
    Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK and Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, were elected by
    the AMSAT membership to serve for 2 years. The First Alternate is
    Brennan Price, N4QX. The Second Alternate is Howie Defelice, AB2S. Both
    will serve 1-year terms. Total number of votes cast was 1,052 (892
    electronic plus 160 paper), with the tally as follows: Michelle
    Thompson, W5NYV, 675 votes; Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, 585 votes; Jerry
    Buxton, N0JY, 526 votes, and Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, 515 votes;
    Brennan Price, N4QX, 480 votes; Howie DeFelice, AB2S, 435 votes; Paul
    Stoetzer, N8HM, 399 votes, and Jeff Johns, WE4B, 366 votes. -- Thanks
    to AMSAT Secretary Clayton Coleman, W5PFG

    Former long-time ARRL Headquarters staffer John Nelson, K0IO, has died.
    Nelson, of Kellogg, Iowa, was an ARRL Life Member. He was 72. Nelson
    previously held W1GNC and W0DRE. Over his 25 years (1970 - 1995) on the
    Headquarters staff, Nelson served as circulation manager, deputy
    publications manager, and planning and financial analysis manager. He
    curated the former ARRL lobby display of vintage radio artifacts. In an
    article published last year about the 80th anniversary of the Newton
    (Iowa) Amateur Radio Association, Nelson told the Newton Daily News
    that he first became interested in ham radio when he was in sixth
    grade. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Nelson was vice
    president of the Newton Amateur Radio Association, and an active storm
    spotter. "Ham radio was truly his passion," his sister Ellen Pierson,
    said. After retiring, he pursued a second career publishing books
    related to the history of the Rock Island Railroad. "John was always
    there to help, in his relatively soft-spoken way," said ARRL Radiosport
    and Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, who had worked with
    Nelson.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * September 27 - 28 -- Central Division Convention, Milwaukee,
    Wisconsin
    * September 28 -- Dakota Division Convention, West Fargo, North
    Dakota
    * September 28 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley,
    Washington
    * October 6 -- Iowa State Convention, West Liberty, Iowa
    * October 11 - 12 -- PNWVHFS Conference and Meeting, Issaquah,
    Washington
    * October 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
    * October 13 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
    * October 18 - 20 -- Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon,
    California
    * October 19 -- 21st Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin
    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section 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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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Fri Oct 4 09:05:16 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    October 3, 2019

    * Bidding in ARRL Online Auction Begins on October 17
    * IARU ministrative Council Steps Up Efforts to Combat Radio
    Spectrum Pollution
    * Ten Teams to Compete in Spectrum Collaboration Challenge
    Championship Event
    * So Now What? Podcast
    * The Weather Channel Cites "Old School Tech" Amateur Radio as Storm
    Resource
    * ARISS Invites Proposals to Host Ham Radio Contacts with Space
    Station Crew
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Belarus Team Dominates 16th IARU High-Speed Telegraphy World
    Championship
    * Radio Club of America (RCA) Announces its 2019 Award Recipients and
    Fellows
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Bidding in ARRL Online Auction Begins on October 17

    More than 230 items will go on the block as bidding begins on Thursday,
    October 17, at 10 AM EST (1400 UTC) for the 14th Annual ARRL Online
    Auction. The auction will continue through Thursday, October 24,
    closing at 10 PM EST. An auction preview opens on Monday, October 14.

    The 2019 auction includes lab-tested QST "Product Review" gear, vintage
    books, used equipment, and one-of-a-kind items, plus the ARRL Lab team
    has contributed four of its very popular "Mystery Junque Boxes."

    Some premier "Product Review" items up for bid include the Elecraft KPA
    1500 legal-limit HF and 6-meter linear amplifier, the Icom IC-7610 HF
    and 6-meter transceiver, the Palstar LA-1K 160 - 6 meter amplifier, the
    FlexRadio Systems FLEX-6400M HF and 6-meter SDR transceiver, the
    Kenwood TS-890S HF and 6-meter transceiver, and many more.

    The auction will also offer items donated from the popular television
    series Last Man Standing, starring Tim Allen, an actual radio amateur
    who portrays the fictional Mike Baxter, KA0XTT, in the show, which has
    featured ham radio in some episodes.

    Among book offerings in the auction are the sold out 2019 Handbook
    Boxed Set, a special defense edition of The Radio Amateur's Handbook
    from 1942, and a 1949 ARRL Antenna Book.

    Proceeds from the annual Online Auction benefit ARRL education
    programs. These include activities to license new hams, strengthen
    Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) training, offer continuing
    technical and operating education, and create instructional materials.

    All bidders must register (your arrl.org user ID and password will not
    work on the auction site). If you have registered for a previous ARRL
    Online Auction, you may use the same login information. If you have
    forgotten your user ID or password, click the "Help" tab for
    instructions on how to retrieve these credentials. Make sure your
    correct address and other information are up to date. The auction site
    only accepts Visa and MasterCard.
    IARU ministrative Council Steps Up Efforts to Combat Radio Spectrum
    Pollution

    The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) ministrative Council
    (AC) met on September 28 and 29 in Lima, Peru, to conduct a final
    review of IARU preparations for the International Telecommunication
    Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19). The
    Council's annual meeting took place just ahead of the triennial IARU
    Region 2 (IARU R2) General Assembly. Responsible for IARU policy and
    management, the Council consists of the three IARU international
    officers and two representatives from each of the three IARU regional
    organizations.

    WRC-19's lengthy agenda includes items of direct interest to the
    Amateur Service, including consideration of improvements to the 50 MHz
    amateur allocation in Region 1, protection of existing amateur
    allocations, and development of the agenda for the next WRC in 2023.
    IARU volunteers and member-societies have been working for the past 4
    years -- since WRC-15 -- to influence proposals from national
    telecommunications administrations and regional telecommunications
    organizations (RTOs) that will be considered at WRC-19, which gets
    under way late this month in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

    "IARU efforts have reduced the number of potentially damaging proposals
    that otherwise might have been offered for consideration, but several
    challenges remain," IARU said in a news release. "A small team of IARU
    observers will attend WRC-19 and will work with amateurs and friends on
    national delegations to reach the best possible outcomes."

    Front: Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AM; IARU
    Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR;
    Don Beattie, G3BJ; Ken Yamamoto,
    JA1CJP; Wisnu Widjaja, YB0AZ. Rear:
    Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T; IARU
    President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA;
    David Sumner, K1ZZ; Ramn Santoyo,
    XE1KK, and George Gorsline, VE3YV.

    Looking beyond WRC-19, the AC plans to increase its commitment to
    influencing the work of standards organizations, particularly the
    International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) and its
    participating national committees. IARU cited "the rising level of
    radio spectrum pollution caused by unnecessary and unwanted emissions
    from electronic devices, such as wireless power transfer for the
    recharging of electric vehicles (WPT-EV), is a serious threat to
    radiocommunication services including the Amateur Service."

    Council participants engaged in an extensive discussion to identify the
    principal challenges facing Amateur Radio and how the IARU and its
    member-societies might better address them. Upgrading of the current
    websites of the IARU and its three regional organizations is under way
    and should be completed in the coming months. The AC also adopted a
    Brand Guide to ensure a common identity across the IARU organization.

    The Council's next in-person meeting will take place in October 2020,
    just prior to the IARU Region 1 Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia. Virtual
    AC meetings are also planned beginning in December 2019 and January
    2020. Read more. -- Thanks to IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ

    Ten Teams to Compete in Spectrum Collaboration Challenge Championship
    Event

    Ten teams of academic, industry, and entrepreneurial technologists are
    set to compete in the Spectrum Collaboration Challenge (SC2)
    championship on October 23 at the Mobile World Congress in Los Angeles.
    The Defense vanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) -- a US
    Department of Defense agency -- announced the qualifiers in September.
    SC2 is a 3-year contest to unlock the potential of the RF spectrum
    using artificial intelligence (AI). The teams' radio designs will go
    head to head during a live competition, and the first-, second-, and
    third-place winners will walk away with $2 million, $1 million, and
    $750,000 in prizes, respectively.

    "These teams have fought long and hard for their chance to compete in
    SC2's Championship Event," SC2 Program Manager Paul Tilghman said in a
    news release. "After 3 years of competition, this final roster reflects
    some of the best minds working at the intersection of AI and wireless
    communications."

    Teams representing Drexel University; the University of Florida;
    Northeastern University; Vanderbilt University; a group from Ghent
    University, the University of Antwerp, and Rutgers University will
    compete in this month's event, along with teams of independent
    researchers.

    "Since its beginning in 2016, SC2 has challenged teams to merge recent
    advances in AI and machine learning with the expanding capacities of
    software defined radios (SDR) to create radio networks capable of
    autonomously collaborating on ways to best utilize the spectrum
    moment-to-moment," the news release said. "Some teams employ
    rule-based, or 'first wave' AI approaches that attempt to capture all
    possible moves or scenarios a radio could face and then define a
    corresponding response. Others are using more advanced AI and machine
    learning, or 'second wave' approaches that exploit pattern recognition
    to help their radios avoid interfering with their wireless neighbors
    while skillfully navigating to open spectrum. A few teams use a
    combination of the two approaches."

    The aim of SC2 is to determine if AI-enabled radios can autonomously
    navigate the wireless spectrum, eliminating the need for rigid,
    human-managed spectrum bands or traditional spectrum allocation.

    "The novel approaches developed by our competitors could enable us to
    make more efficient use of the spectrum we currently have available,
    and possibly forestall spectrum scarcity that threatens future
    performance as more and more devices come online," Tilghman said.

    DARPA says that SC2 began with more than 30 teams that either submitted
    a proposal or successfully completing technical hurdles developed by
    SC2 organizers. A championship play-in round was held in early
    September to determine the final 10 teams that would compete in the
    Championship Event.

    Grant Imahara, known for his work on the Discovery series MythBusters
    and Netflix series White Rabbit Project, will serve as the master of
    ceremonies. He will provide commentary with DARPA's Tilghman and GNU
    Radio Foundation President Ben Hilburn, KJ4DDR. The finale is free to
    attend and open to all MWC 2019 Los Angeles attendees as well as the
    general public. Those without a 3-day pass may email to request a free
    1-day pass to the SC2 Championship Event.
    So Now What? Podcast

    "You're not 'Just' a Tech" -- featuring Andy Milluzzi, KK4LWR -- will
    be the focus of the new (October 3) episode of the So Now What? podcast
    for Amateur Radio newcomers.

    If you're a newly licensed Amateur Radio operator, chances are you have
    lots of questions. This biweekly podcast has answers! So Now What?
    offers insights from those who've been just where you are now. New
    episodes will be posted every other Thursday, alternating new-episode
    weeks with the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.

    So Now What? is sponsored by LDG Electronics, a family owned and
    operated business with laboratories in southern Maryland that offers a
    wide array of antenna tuners and other Amateur Radio products.

    ARRL Communications Content Producer Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and ARRL
    Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, co-host the podcast. Presented as a
    lively conversation, with Patnode representing newer hams and Carcia
    the veteran operators, the podcast will explore questions that newer
    hams may have and the issues that keep participants from staying active
    in the hobby. Some episodes will feature guests to answer questions on
    specific topic areas.

    Listeners can find So Now What? on Apple iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher
    (free registration required, or browse the site as a guest) and through
    the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. Episodes
    will be archived on the ARRL website.

    The Weather Channel Cites "Old School Tech" Amateur Radio as Storm
    Resource

    Julio Ripoll, WD4R, Amateur Radio Assistant Coordinator of WX4NHC at
    the National Hurricane Center (NHC) explained Amateur Radio's role
    during severe weather situations to interviewers from The Weather
    Channel (TWC). In a September 16 segment headlined, "Using Old School
    Tech During a Storm," Ripoll -- seated at WX4NHC -- told Weather
    Channel interviewers Rick Knabb and Mike Bettes, that information NHC
    forecasters receive via Amateur Radio volunteers and spotters
    "sometimes fills in gaps they can't get from satellites or
    reconnaissance."

    Knabb recounted an occasion when he was trying to pin down information
    about a storm system in Central America. "The only way I was able to
    accurately document what happened with that system in Central America
    was because of data through the ham radio operators that relayed it,"
    he told Ripoll.

    Ripoll cited the WX4NHC volunteer staff of approximately 30 radio
    amateurs who gather and essentially screen information gathered via
    Amateur Radio for weather data that may be of use to forecasters.

    Over the weekend, Ripoll expressed appreciation to WX4NHC, Hurricane
    Watch Net, and VoIP Hurricane Net volunteers for the time they donate
    during hurricanes and the reports they send to WX4NHC.

    "Sometimes, we sit for hours listening to static. Sometimes, we receive
    many reports that are unremarkable. Sometimes, we receive very few
    reports. But then there are those times that one or two reports make a
    difference," Ripoll said. He noted that NHC Hurricane Specialist Stacy
    Stewart cited Amateur Radio in a Hurricane Humberto advisory.

    The advisory noted, "An Amateur Radio operator at Ports Island near the
    southern end of Bermuda reported a sustained wind of 75 MPH and a gust
    to 104 MPH during the past hour. An Amateur Radio operator in Somerset
    Village recently reported a sustained wind of 70 MPH and a gust to 89
    MPH." -- Thanks to Julio Ripoll, WD4R
    ARISS Invites Proposals to Host Ham Radio Contacts with Space Station
    Crew

    The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is
    seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations --
    individually or working together -- to host an Amateur Radio contact
    with a member of the International Space Station crew. The deadline to
    submit a proposal is November 30. Proposal information and documents
    are on the ARISS website.

    ARISS anticipates that contacts would take place between July 1 and
    December 31, 2020. Crew scheduling and ISS orbits will determine
    specific contact dates. To make the most of these radio contact
    opportunities, ARISS is looking for organizations that will draw large
    numbers of participants and integrate the contact into a well-developed
    education plan.

    Crew members aboard the International Space Station routinely conduct
    scheduled Amateur Radio contacts throughout the year. These contacts
    are approximately 10 minutes long and allow students to interact with
    the astronauts through a question-and-answer session.

    Amateur Radio organizations around the world -- with the support of
    NASA and space agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe -- make
    these contact opportunities available to educational organizations. An
    ARISS contact is a voice-only communication opportunity via Amateur
    Radio between astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the space station and
    classrooms to educate students about what it is like to live and work
    in space and to learn about space research conducted on the ISS.
    Students will also have an opportunity to learn about satellite
    communication, wireless technology, and radio science.

    Amateur Radio organization volunteers provide the equipment and
    operational support to enable communication between crew on the ISS and
    students around the world using Amateur Radio.

    Because of the nature of human spaceflight and the complexity of
    scheduling activities aboard the ISS, organizations must demonstrate
    flexibility to accommodate changes in contact dates and times.

    Proposal information and more details, including expectations, proposal
    guidelines, proposal forms, and dates and times of informational
    webinars, are on the ARISS website.

    Please direct any questions to ariss.us.education@gmail.com.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: A new sunspot from old Cycle 24
    appeared on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, with the sunspot number
    at 11 on both days. Average daily solar flux rose only slightly from
    67.3 to 67.6. Geomagnetic indices were higher. Average planetary A
    index rose from 5.4 to 14.4, and average mid-latitude A index increased
    from 4.6 to 11.

    Predicted solar flux is 68 for the next 45 days, October 3 - 16.
    Predicted planetary A index is 12 and 8 on October 3 - 4; 5 on October
    5 - 9; 8, 5, 8, and 12 on October 10 - 13; 8 on October 14 - 15; 5 on
    October 16 - 20; 12, 5, and 5 on October 21 - 23; 18, 25, 12, and 10 on
    October 24 - 27; 8, 8, and 12 on October 28 - 30; 8, 8, and 12 on
    October 31 - November 2; 5 on November 3 - 5; 8, 5, 8, 10, 8, and 8 on
    November 6 - 11, and 5 on November 12 - 16.

    Sunspot numbers for September 26 - October 2 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 11,
    and 11, with a mean of 3.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 67.1, 66.4,
    67.3, 67.4, 67.9, 68.7, and 68.3, with a mean of 67.6. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 4, 21, 27, 13, 15, 13, and 8, with a mean of
    14.4. Middle latitude A index was 2, 15, 21, 10, 11, 11, and 7, with a
    mean of 11.

    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
    * October 5 -- FISTS Fall Slow Speed Sprint (CW)
    * October 5 - 6 -- California QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * October 5 - 6 -- TRC DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 5 - 6 -- Oceania DX Contest, Phone
    * October 5 - 6 -- Russian World Wide Digital Contest
    * October 5 - 6 -- International Hell Contest (Digital)
    * October 5 - 6 -- SKCC QSO Party (CW)
    * October 5 - 7 -- YLRL DX/NA YL Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 6 -- RSGB DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 6 -- UBA ON Contest, SSB
    * October 6 -- Peanut Power QRP Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 9 -- 432 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint (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.

    Belarus Team Dominates 16th IARU High-Speed Telegraphy World
    Championship

    The team from Belarus dominated the 16th High-Speed Telegraphy (HST)
    World Championship in mid-September, sponsored by the International
    Amateur Radio Union (IARU). Belarus came away with

    Stanislau
    Haurylenka,
    EW8GS.

    more than two-thirds of the medals, with several other countries' teams
    sharing the rest. Representatives of 19 countries participated in the
    championship, which took place in Albena, Bulgaria, sponsored by the
    Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs.

    Belarus team member Stanislau Haurylenka, EW8GS, ran up a score of
    291,597 points, to top the old world record of 288,671 in the male
    RufzXP category. The top speed achieved during the attempt was 943
    characters/minute or 195 WPM. Teodora Karastoyanova, LZ2CWW, set a new
    female record in the same event, with 293,877 points and a maximum
    speed of 943 characters/minute or 195 WPM. Last May, she set an
    official female record in the Romanian Championships with 286,944
    points.

    Teodora
    Karastoyanova,
    LZ2CWW.

    In all, 60 male and 30 female competitors took part in the events,
    which included reception of five letter/figure/mixed groups for a
    period of 1 minute according to the software provided, transmission of
    five letter/figure/mixed groups for a period of 1 minute, and "radio
    amateur practicing tests," using RufzXP software for call sign
    receiving, and Morse Runner software for pileup receiving.

    The HST competition also includes entry categories for "young" males
    and females (age 16 and younger) and "junior" males and females (up to
    age 21). Official results as well as the world record list are
    available online.

    The 17th IARU HST World Championship will take place in 2020 in
    Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. -- Thanks to IARU Region 1
    Radio Club of America (RCA) Announces its 2019 Award Recipients and
    Fellows

    The Radio Club of America (RCA) has announced its 2019 award recipients
    and fellows. Many of those being recognized are radio amateurs.
    Honorees will be feted at RCA's 110th Banquet & Awards Presentation on
    Saturday, November 23, in New York City.

    Awards

    Armstrong Medal: Thomas Marzetta, for outstanding achievements and
    lasting contributions to the radio arts and sciences and wireless
    communications.

    Fred M. Link Award: George R. Stoll, WA0KBT, for notable achievements
    in land mobile radio communications.

    RCA Special Recognition Award: PMC Associates, in recognition of
    dedicated service to the Radio Club of America.

    Radio Club of America Service Award: David Bart, KB9YPD, in recognition
    of dedicated service to the Radio Club of America.

    US Navy Captain George P. McGinnis Memorial Award: CTM2 Michael Lee
    Heenan, USN (posthumously), in recognition of service and dedication to
    the advancement and preservation of US Navy Cryptology.

    The Vivian A. Carr Award: Margaret Lyons, in recognition of an
    outstanding woman's achievements in the wireless industry.

    Jay Kitchen Leadership Award: Jay Kitchen (posthumously), in
    recognition of achievement of a high level of success leading a
    wireless association.

    Lee de Forest Award: Frederick M. Baumgartner, K0FMB, for significant
    contributions to the advancement of radio communications.

    Barry Goldwater Amateur Radio Award: Martin F. Jue, K5FLU, for unique
    contributions to the field of Amateur Radio.

    Lifetime Achievement: Henry Richter, W6VZA, for significant
    achievements and a major body of work that has advanced the art and
    science of wireless technology.

    Frank A. Gunther Award: Robert Strickland, for dedication to the field
    of military communications.

    Alfred H. Grebe Award: Bob Heil, K9EID, for significant achievements
    and demonstrated excellence in the engineering and manufacturing of
    radio equipment.

    RCA President's Award: Chester "Barney" Scholl, Jr., K3LA, for service
    and dedication to the Radio Club of America.

    DeMello Award: Chief Barry Luke, for demonstrating the highest level of
    personal and professional conduct and performance in Public Safety
    Communications.

    2019 RCA Fellows

    Elevation to Fellow is made by nomination of members in good standing
    for at least the previous 5 years, in recognition of contributions to
    the art and science of radio communications, broadcast, or the Radio
    Club of America.
    * Louis T. Fiore, W2LTF
    * Dana B. Hanford, Jr., KC7SDD
    * Don Root, K6CDO
    * Alan Spindel, AG4WK
    * Lee A. Ward, K0LW
    * Holly Wayt

    A complete listing of RCA Awards and previous recipients is on the RCA
    website.
    In Brief...

    The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW) will hold its
    23rd annual operating event in 2020 a week later than usual. The event
    is usually held on the third full weekend in August, but this year,
    that date coincides with the 75th anniversary of the cessation of
    hostilities in the Pacific during World War II. "The organizers of the
    event have decided it would be inappropriate to hold the ILLW event on
    the third full weekend of August next year, as many stations will be
    involved in commemorating the important anniversary of VP day,
    especially those bordering and within the Pacific Rim," said ILLW
    Organizer and Webmaster Kevin Mulcahy, VK2CE. "We trust this temporary
    move to August 22 - 23 will not inconvenience anyone." Mulcahy said
    this year's 22nd annual event "was again very successful," with 426
    stations in 50 countries, plus others who did not register
    participating. "Several new countries and lighthouses were listed this
    year," he reported.

    Australian Regulator Reinstates US Amateur Radio License Reciprocity
    The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) reports Australia's
    communications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media
    Authority (ACMA) is reinstating the reciprocal arrangement for US
    Amateur Radio license holders. "The reinstatement follows a period of
    suspension of reciprocity precipitated by a complainant objecting to
    the granting of [Australian] licenses," a WIA statement read. "The WIA
    believes that irrespective of the motivations of the complainant to
    raise their objections, the impact of the suspension was only to
    increase barriers to entry to Amateur Radio in Australia, and was most
    unhelpful." The WIA expressed its pleasure that the restriction was
    lifted. A reciprocal license is valid only for 12 months from the date
    of issue and cannot be renewed or extended unless the holder passes the
    local regulations examination.

    Former ARRL North Texas Section Manager Phil Clements, K5PC, of Ben
    Wheeler, Texas, died on September 23. An ARRL Life Member, he was 79.
    Clements served as ARRL North Texas Section Communications
    Manager/Section Manager from 1979 until 1989. (ARRL changed the
    position title to Section Manager in 1984.) Clements was a pilot for
    Braniff Airways and Airborne Express.

    IARU Region 3 Provides for Satellite Uplinks on 15 Meters International
    Amateur Radio Union Region 3 (Asia, Pacific) has approved a modified
    interim band plan that provides Amateur Satellite uplink frequencies
    between 21.125 - 21.450 MHz. The IARU Region 1 and 2 band plans do not
    provide for Amateur Satellite usage. "In all cases of conflict between
    a band plan and the national regulations of a country, the latter shall
    prevail," the band plan states. "However, it is not recommended to use
    frequencies outside of the band plan for the Amateur Satellite Service,
    and it should be noted that the IARU cannot coordinate Amateur
    Satellite usage of frequencies outside of the band plan." The Region 3
    directors met in Tokyo on September 2 - 3. -- Thanks to AMSAT

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * October 6 -- Iowa State Convention, West Liberty, Iowa
    * October 11 - 12 -- PNWVHFS Conference and Meeting, Issaquah,
    Washington
    * October 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
    * October 13 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
    * October 18 - 20 -- Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon,
    California
    * October 19 -- 21st Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin
    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section 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! ARRL membership includes QST, Amateur Radio's
    most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox
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    Subscribe to...
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    articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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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
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
    * Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
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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) 2019 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 Fri Oct 11 09:05:16 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    October 10, 2019

    * FCC Proposes Fining New York Radio Amateur $17,000 for Alleged
    Deliberate Interference
    * ARRL Public Relations Committee Invites Nominations for Bill
    Leonard Award
    * US Coast Guard Airs Proposal to End MF Navigational Telex (NAVTEX)
    Broadcasts
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * Hawaii Contest Station and Winlink Leveraged for 2019 Simulated
    Emergency Test
    * Ohio Sheriff Observes and Participates in ARES Simulated Emergency
    Test
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * FCC Dismisses Three Petitions for Rule Making Filed by Radio
    Amateurs
    * Milwaukee Radio Amateurs' Club Celebrates Centennial of ARRL
    Affiliation
    * Anna Brummer, N2FER, Feted on her 105th Birthday
    * Lynyrd Skynyrd Founding Member Larry Junstrom, K4EB, SK
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    FCC Proposes Fining New York Radio Amateur $17,000 for Alleged
    Deliberate Interference

    Harold Guretzky, K6DPZ, of Richmond Hill, New York, is facing a $17,000
    FCC fine for allegedly causing intentional interference on a local
    repeater and preventing other radio amateurs from using it. The FCC
    issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) on October
    3.

    "Given his history as a repeat offender, this violation warrants a
    significant penalty," the FCC said in the NAL.

    The NAL recounted numerous complaints alleging that Guretzky was
    deliberately interfering with a repeater in Glen Oaks, New York. In
    June of 2017, the FCC issued a Warning Letter to Guretzky, advising him
    of the nature of the allegations against him and directing him to stop
    using the repeater going forward. Nonetheless, additional complaints
    were filed. In April 2018, agents from the FCC New York Enforcement
    Bureau office drove to Richmond Hill to investigate and to advise him
    in writing that he was prohibited from using the local repeater.

    After the FCC received further complaints, an Enforcement Bureau agent
    monitored the VHF repeater's input and output frequencies and, after
    observing deliberate interference to other stations, used
    direction-finding techniques to identify the source of the transmission
    as Guretzky's station.

    "The agent monitored and recorded the transmissions emanating from
    Guretzky's station for several hours that afternoon and heard him
    interfering with the local repeater," the NAL said. "Later, the agent
    heard Guretzky making threatening comments toward other amateur
    operators." The following month, FCC Regional Director David Dombrowski
    spoke with Guretzky by telephone, noting the continued complaints and
    and cautioning him against using the repeater.

    In the NAL, the FCC said Guretzky demonstrated "a deliberate disregard
    for the Commission's authority and the very spirit of the Amateur Radio
    Service by continuing to interfere with the local repeater" despite
    having been warned. Read more.
    ARRL Public Relations Committee Invites Nominations for Bill Leonard
    Award

    The ARRL Public Relations Committee is seeking ARRL members' assistance
    in recognizing print, radio, and television/multimedia news stories
    that have best showcased Amateur Radio this year. Nominations are open
    for the 2019 Bill Leonard Award, which honors professional journalists
    or journalistic teams whose outstanding coverage highlights the
    enjoyment, importance, and public service value of the Amateur Service.
    The award honors its namesake, the late CBS News President Bill
    Leonard, W2SKE (SK), who was an avid radio amateur and advocate.

    Awards are presented in each of three categories -- print/digital,
    audio, and visual. Nominations are judged by members of the ARRL Public
    Relations Committee, and the ARRL Board of Directors will make the
    final decision on award recipients at its January 2020 meeting. The
    award winner in each category, either an individual or a group, will
    receive an engraved plaque, and a $250 contribution will be made in
    each winning entry's name to the charitable organization of their
    choice.

    To be considered:
    * Nominees must be professional journalists or professional
    journalistic teams in print, electronic media, or multimedia.
    * A nominee's work must have appeared between December 1, 2018 and
    November 29, 2019, in English in a commercially published book,
    recognized general-circulation (non-trade) daily or weekly
    newspaper, general or special interest magazine (except
    publications predominantly about Amateur Radio), commercial or
    public radio or television broadcast (including services delivered
    via cable), a website operated by a generally-recognized
    journalistic organization (e.g., newspaper, magazine, broadcast
    station, or network), or multimedia format intended for and readily
    accessible to the general public within the US.
    * The scope of the work nominated may be a single story or series.
    * Stories must be truthful, clear, and accurate, reflecting high
    journalistic standards.
    * Submission may be by the author of the work or on his or her behalf
    by another individual who believes the work merits the award.

    Entries must be received at ARRL Headquarters, c/o Communications
    Manager, ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111, by 5 PM on November
    29, 2019.

    For more information, contact ARRL Communications Manager David Isgur,
    N1RSN (telephone 860-594-0328). Visit the award web page for award
    rules. Scroll down the page for a link to a downloadable nomination
    form.

    US Coast Guard Airs Proposal to End MF Navigational Telex (NAVTEX)
    Broadcasts

    The US Coast Guard is seeking comments on a proposal that it may stop
    broadcasting medium-frequency (MF) Navigational Telex (NAVTEX). The
    service says it first will ensure that the information contained in
    NAVTEX broadcasts is available via International Maritime
    Organization-recognized satellite services. Interested parties may
    submit comments online by November 12. The proposal is docket
    USCG-2019-0702. Comments should include the docket number, specific
    section of the document to which each comment applies, and a reason for
    each suggestion or recommendation. Comments may be anonymous.

    "Current MF NAVTEX equipment is in dire need of replacement. The
    equipment is antiquated, and essential replacement parts are difficult
    to find and expensive, placing overall operation of MF NATEX at risk,"
    the Coast Guard said. "Any approved GMDSS satellite terminal will be
    able to receive this information."

    NAVTEX is an international automated service for radio delivery of
    navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts, as well as
    urgent maritime safety information. It provides a low-cost means of
    broadcasting this information to ships out to approximately 100
    nautical miles offshore. NAVTEX is part of the Global Maritime Distress
    and Safety System (GMDSS) which has been incorporated into the Safety
    of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty, to which the US is a party. The US Coast
    Guard operates the system nationwide.

    System coverage is reasonably continuous in the east, west, and Gulf
    coasts of the US, as well as the area around Kodiak, Alaska; Guam, and
    Puerto Rico. The US has no coverage in the Great Lakes, although
    coverage of much of the Lakes is provided by the Canadian Coast Guard.
    The US Coast Guard originally only installed NAVTEX at sites where
    Morse code messages had been previously transmitted, and some coverage
    gaps exist.

    "We believe the transition from terrestrial broadcast to satellite will
    provide for more reliable delivery of NAVTEX information and allow
    better, more cost-effective products in the future," the Coast Guard
    said.
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Antenna EnTRAPment! All about Traps" is the topic of the new (October
    10) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    Hawaii Contest Station and Winlink Leveraged for 2019 Simulated
    Emergency Test

    ARES volunteers in Hawaii took the opportunity of the 2019 Simulated
    Emergency Test (SET) on October 6 (UTC) to test Winlink radio messaging
    to the US mainland, using the KH6YY (KH6J) contest station on O'ahu.
    One of the premier contest stations in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,
    KH6YY offers a commanding propagation path over an expanse of
    saltwater.

    "You have to start with digital modes somewhere," ARRL Pacific Section
    Manager Joe Speroni, AH0A, said.

    A view from above: The KH6YY (KH6J)
    contest station.

    A group of radio amateurs has developed a robust Winlink system in the
    Hawaiian Islands to help support communication in a natural disaster.
    The Amateur Radio email system is well known for its role in emergency
    and disaster relief communications, providing the ability for users to
    exchange email with attachments, photos, position reporting, weather,
    and information bulletins.

    KH6YY sports eight antennas, most on 90-foot towers, and nine operator
    positions. For the SET, the station was configured to receive traffic
    on 7,100 kHz (dial frequency) in PACTOR, WINMOR, ARDOP, and VARA modes.
    The four-element 40-meter beam was aimed at Hilo. Simulating an
    internet outage, the setup was used to pass received traffic to a
    second 20-meter gateway on 14,100.5 kHz and forwarded to a mainland
    gateway with internet access.

    Incoming message traffic on 40 meters would be automatically forwarded
    to the mainland on 20 meters. Most of the traffic went to gateways in
    Mexico and Texas for forwarding to the internet. One user reported
    receiving email confirmation that a message was received within
    minutes. Read more. -- Thanks to Stacy Holbrook, KH6OWL
    Ohio Sheriff Observes and Participates in ARES Simulated Emergency Test

    One public official in Ohio not only observed the ARES Simulated
    Emergency Test (SET) this month but participated in it with Greene
    County ARES (GCARES). Greene County Sheriff Gene Fischer, KX8GCS
    ("Greene County Sheriff"), checked in when the Resource Net Control,
    Bob Baker, N8ADO, called for volunteers. Although the suggested
    scenario called for only using simplex, GCARES employed the Xenia
    Amateur Radio Weather Net (XWARN) repeater to reach out for as many
    volunteers as possible. Volunteers then switched to a simplex tactical
    net to communicate with the GCARES Command Center.

    Greene County Sheriff Gene
    Fischer, KX8GCS.

    Before the SET, Fischer let Greene County ARES Emergency Coordinator
    Henry Ruminski, W8HJR, know that he planned to participate in the SET
    to determine how well his handheld radio would perform in an emergency
    situation. While he found it okay for getting into the resource net, it
    was less than adequate for effective simplex operation.

    Sheriff Fischer had an intense introduction to ham radio in the spring
    of 2017 when the Dayton Hamvention^(R) moved to Xenia, and his
    department dealt with traffic control and other issues created by the
    influx of more than 25,000 visitors. At the urging of several hams,
    Fischer subsequently got his license, and his wife became relicensed.
    Fischer has since upgraded to General.

    Ruminski said the SET was "relatively successful." Signals could have
    been better from some locations, but most stations were able to
    communicate with command, he said. Lessons learned will be used to
    improve future emergency communication plans.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    No sunspots appeared over the past week, and in the prior week there
    were only two days with sunspots, so the average daily sunspot number
    declined from 3.1 to 0.

    Average daily solar flux nudged higher, but just barely, from 67.6 to
    67.8.

    Geomagnetic indicators were much lower this week, with average daily
    planetary A index retreating from 14.4 to 6.3, while the mid-latitude
    average went from 11 to 5.3.

    Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 68. That's correct -- on
    every day for the next month and a half, October 10 through November
    23, the solar flux is forecast to be 68.

    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
    * October 12 -- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (CW)
    * October 12 -- FISTS Fall Unlimited Sprint (CW)
    * October 12 -- Microwave Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 12 - 13 -- Makrothen RTTY Contest
    * October 12 - 13 -- Nevada QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * October 12 - 13 -- Oceania DX Contest, CW
    * October 12 - 13 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB
    * October 12 - 13 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * October 12 - 13 -- Pennsylvania QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 12 - 13 -- Arizona QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 12 - 13 -- South Dakota QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 12 - 13 -- PODXS 070 Club 160-Meter Great Pumpkin Sprint
    (Digital)
    * October 13 -- UBA ON Contest, CW
    * October 13 -- UBA ON Contest, 6 Meters (CW, phone)
    * October 14 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 14 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
    * October 17 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening (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.

    FCC Dismisses Three Petitions for Rule Making Filed by Radio Amateurs

    The FCC has dismissed petitions for rule making filed in 2018 by three
    radio amateurs. All of the petitions were put on public notice earlier
    this year and comments invited.

    Edward C. Borghi, KB2E, of Farmington, New York, and Jeffrey Bail,
    NT1K, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, submitted very similar
    petitions seeking changes in how the FCC grants Amateur Radio vanity
    call sign applications. Borghi's Petition (RM-11834), would have
    prohibited vanity applicants from requesting call signs not designated
    for the applicant's geographical region, with some exceptions. He
    complained that applicants had to compete with "out-of-area people for
    the few 1 * 2 or 2 * 1 or catchy 2 * 3 call signs available in their
    area of residence."

    Bail's Petition (RM-11835) asked the FCC to give residential preference
    in competing applications to applicants whose listed FCC address is
    within the same district/region as the applied call sign. He cited
    limited availability and increased demand for 1 * 2 and 2 * 1 call
    signs. The FCC dismissed both petitions in a single letter.

    "When the Commission established the vanity call sign system in 1995,
    it rejected a proposal to restrict vanity call sign applicants to call
    signs designated for the region in which the applicant resides," the
    FCC wrote, because it would restrict a given applicant's choice of
    vanity call signs to 10% or less of those otherwise assignable.

    The FCC concluded that no need exists to require vanity call signs to
    correspond to a licensee's mailing address, "given that call signs do
    not automatically change when a licensee moves, and a licensee's
    mailing address is not necessarily the location from which he or she is
    transmitting." The FCC said it rejected similar proposals in the past
    for the same reasons.

    The FCC also turned away a Petition (RM-11833) from Jerry Oxendine,
    K4KWH, of Gastonia, North Carolina, who asked the FCC to clarify that
    states and localities should have no authority to regulate Amateur
    Radio with respect to enacting "distracted driving" statutes. Oxendine
    argued that such statutes violate FCC rules on scope and operation of
    equipment by licensees; violate the intent of the FCC and Congress with
    respect to Amateur Radio's role in disasters, and hinder emergency
    operations using mobile equipment.

    In denying the request, the FCC took issue with Oxendine's assertion
    that the strong federal interest in promoting Amateur Radio
    communication should preempt distracted driving laws.

    "Laws that prohibit talking on handheld communications devices while
    driving do not preclude or unreasonably obstruct mobile use of handheld
    two-way radios," the FCC said in denying Oxendine's petition. "These
    laws apply to the use of handheld devices while driving. A driver can
    comply with these laws by using a hands-free attachment or by parking
    the vehicle prior to using a handheld device, both of which are
    contemplated by our rules regarding two-way radios."

    The FCC said, "The record before us does not demonstrate that state and
    local laws that prohibit talking on handheld devices while driving
    stand as an obstacle to amateur communications or actually conflict
    with federal law in any way." Read more.
    Milwaukee Radio Amateurs' Club Celebrates Centennial of ARRL
    Affiliation

    Members of the Milwaukee Radio Amateurs' Club (MRAC) on September 28
    celebrated the radio club's 100th anniversary of ARRL affiliation
    during the 2019 ARRL Central Division Convention, held September 27 -
    28. The convention, held during the HRO Superfest, was hosted by Ham
    Radio Outlet at its Milwaukee location.

    MRAC was formed in January 1917. In 1919, after World War I, ARRL
    introduced the concept of having local radio clubs officially affiliate
    with ARRL to formalize a network for relaying message traffic from
    coast to coast. MRAC was granted ARRL affiliation on December 5, 1919,
    as one of a group of 10 clubs. In 1970, MRAC was recognized as the only
    one of that first group of clubs that was still active, making it the
    oldest ARRL-affiliated club.

    ARRL CEO Howard Michel, WB2ITX
    (left), presented a plaque to MRAC
    Club President David Schank, KA9WXN,
    on behalf of the ARRL Central
    Division.

    MRAC sponsored the first-ever ARRL Central Division Convention in 1928,
    and it organized an ARRL National Convention in 1948. The club produced
    a video in 2017 that recounts its rich history.

    MRAC today has a full calendar of annual activities that include
    regular club meetings featuring speakers and presentations covering a
    variety of topics. The club participates in ARRL Field Day each June,
    conducts regular license exam sessions, and holds an annual swapfest. A
    group of club members are currently developing an Amateur Satellite
    station and related resources, which they plan to use to support a
    local school as part of an educational outreach program. Club members
    are also Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) volunteers,
    supporting public service communication for events throughout the
    region and during emergencies.
    Anna Brummer, N2FER, Feted on her 105th Birthday

    When she turned 80, Anna Brummer, N2FER, of Fort Edward, New York,
    predicted she would live to be 100. On September 27, she topped her own
    forecast by 5 years, as she celebrated her birthday at the Fort Hudson
    Nursing Center, surrounded by family and friends. The only thing she
    wanted was a drink of Scotch whiskey, and the nursing home obliged,
    along with a slice of cake. Unit Manager Donna Hopkins told Post Star
    newspaper reporter Gretta Hochsprung that she didn't attempt to put 105
    candles on Brummer's cake because it would have been a fire hazard.
    Brummer told Hochsprung that the secret to longevity is being nice to
    people.

    "Keeps you young when everything's going smooth," she told the
    reporter.

    Anna Brummer was a latecomer to Amateur Radio. In 1984, her son
    Richard, K2JQ (ex-K2REB), got his mom and his dad, Edwin, interested in
    Amateur Radio, and Anna obtained her Technician license when she was 69
    years old. Edwin Brummer, who died in 1996, was N2FEQ, and held a Tech
    Plus ticket. They were married for 56 years.

    No official records are kept, but Anna Brummer is among a small circle
    of centenarian radio amateurs in the US and may be the oldest woman
    holding a license. Read more.
    Lynyrd Skynyrd Founding Member Larry Junstrom, K4EB, SK

    Southern Rocker Larry "LJ" Junstrom, K4EB, died on October 6. He was
    reported to be 70. Junstrom was a founding member and bassist of Lynyrd
    Skynyrd, although he left the group before it recorded its first album.
    He's better known as a member of another Southern Rock band, 38
    Special, with which he performed from 1977 until retiring in 2014.

    "The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us," a statement on the 38
    Special website said. "He rocked arenas all over the world and
    succeeded in living his dream. He was truly one of a kind, a congenial
    traveling companion and a great friend to all with a humorous slant on
    life that always kept our spirits high -- a kind man with a big heart
    for everyone who crossed his path."

    Licensed in 1962 as WN2LKF, later becoming WA4LKF, he was a regular
    attendee of Orlando HamCation. Junstrom was inactive in Amateur Radio
    during his busy years on the road but picked up the hobby again in 1990
    and became an avid DXer with 347 entities in mixed DXCC. He was a
    frequent check-in to the Musicians' Net on 40 meters.

    After retiring, Junstrom worked in real estate in north central
    Florida.
    In Brief...

    The ARRL Board of Directors' Executive Committee (EC) will meet on
    October 12 in Denver, Colorado. The meeting agenda includes legal,
    legislative, and organizational matters as well as reports from ARRL
    President Rick Roderick, K5UR; ARRL CEO Howard Michel, WB2ITX, and
    Washington Counsel David Siddall, K3ZJ. The EC will consider an ex
    parte filing on ARRL's petition for rule making (RM-11785) to the FCC
    to create a new, contiguous secondary Amateur Service band at 5 MHz,
    filed in January of 2017. In its petition, ARRL asked the Commission to
    keep four of the current five 60-meter channels -- one would be within
    the new band -- as well as the current operating rules, including the
    100 W PEP effective radiated power (ERP) limit.

    The Tokelau Islands ZK3A DXpedition has ceased operation early. Due to
    the illness of an Island resident, the ZK3A Tokelau Islands DXpedition
    shut down a couple of days ahead of schedule. "ALL TEAM MEMBERS ARE
    FINE!" said an announcement on the ZK3A website. "A person on the
    island is ill. So, they have sent the boat there early to get this
    person medical help. The team has ceased operations and [is] packing up
    all equipment to get on that boat, because there will not be another
    boat for 10 days." As of October 8, ZK3A had logged approximately
    50,000 contacts in 7 days of operation on CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, and EME,
    as well as 10 contacts on slow-scan TV. The DXpedition had been set to
    conclude on October 11.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * October 11 - 12 -- PNWVHFS Conference and Meeting, Issaquah,
    Washington
    * October 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida
    * October 13 -- Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, Connecticut
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
    * October 18 - 20 -- Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon,
    California
    * October 19 -- 21st Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference, Wisconsin
    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section 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! ARRL membership includes QST, Amateur Radio's
    most popular and informative journal, delivered to your mailbox
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
    * Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to SEAN DENNIS on Mon Oct 14 08:04:00 2019
    Sean,

    The ARRL Letter
    October 10, 2019

    * FCC Proposes Fining New York Radio Amateur $17,000 for Alleged
    Deliberate Interference

    I have to wonder at the stupidity of some of these hams who do such
    flagrant violations.

    Daryl, WX4QZ


    * OLX 1.53 * NO CARRIER -- but I've got some warships and F-15's.
    --- SBBSecho 3.10-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)
  • From Ricky DeLuco@1:135/383 to Daryl Stout on Wed Oct 16 07:41:28 2019

    * FCC Proposes Fining New York Radio Amateur $17,000 for Alleged
    Deliberate Interference

    I have to wonder at the stupidity of some of these hams who do such flagrant violations.

    Daryl, WX4QZ


    I read the full article and also referenced the ARRL section on this. This person was asked, warned, visited and asked again. Then was issues a warning letter. What was next ... "pretty please" ... He is getting exactly what he deserves.

    Ricky, K4JTT

    ---

    Rocket Town BBS - Telnet: rtbbs.ddns.net
    fsxNET: 21:1/203 FidoNET:1:135/383 - Titusville, FL. NASA SPACE Coast

    --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/03 (Windows/32)
    * Origin: Rocket Town BBS (1:135/383)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Oct 18 09:05:02 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    October 17, 2019

    * ARRL to Launch New On the Air Magazine
    * ARRL Online Auction Bidding is Now Open
    * Report Causes Concern and Confusion in California's Amateur Radio
    Ranks
    * NASA Spacecraft Launches on Mission to Explore Frontier of Space
    * So Now What? Podcast
    * Next School Club Roundup Set for October 21 - 25
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * PACTOR Developer SCS Announces Monitoring Software
    * AMSAT Goal: "Amateur Radio in Every CubeSat"
    * Homebrew Heroes Award for 2019 in Amateur Radio Announced
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    ARRL to Launch New On the Air Magazine

    ARRL is launching a new magazine, On the Air, in January 2020. To be
    published on a bimonthly basis, On the Air will offer new and
    beginner-to-intermediate-level radio amateurs a fresh approach to
    exploring radio communication. Each issue will include advice and
    insights on topics from the variety of Amateur Radio interests and
    activities: radio technology, operating, equipment, project building,
    and emergency communication. The goal of this new magazine is to be a
    vital resource in helping new and newer radio amateurs get active and
    involved in radio communications.

    "On the Air responds to the brand-new and not-so-brand-new radio
    amateur seeking ideas and answers," said QST Managing Editor Becky
    Schoenfeld, W1BXY. Schoenfeld is part of the ARRL staff team that
    developed the new magazine. The planning included an extensive
    national-level study of new Amateur Radio licensees, identifying their
    motivations for getting licensed and their experiences of getting
    started. A focus group responded positively to a trial sample edition
    of the magazine.

    "Too many new licensees never take the next step," says Schoenfeld.
    "We're excited to introduce a new Amateur Radio magazine for this
    audience, aimed at getting them active, getting them involved, and
    getting them on the air."

    The first issue of On the Air will be published in January 2020
    (January/February issue) and will be introduced as a new ARRL
    membership benefit. Effective November 1, when eligible US radio
    amateurs join ARRL or renew their memberships, they will be prompted to
    select the print magazine of their choice -- On the Air or QST. Current
    members receiving the print edition of QST, upon renewal, may choose to
    continue receiving the print edition of QST (monthly) or the print
    edition of On the Air (bimonthly).

    All ARRL members, including international members, will be able to
    access digital editions of both QST and On the Air. Members who already
    access QST on the web or from the mobile app will be able to access QST
    and On the Air starting in January.
    ARRL Online Auction Bidding is Now Open

    Bidding began today, October 17, on more than 230 items on the block in
    the 14th annual ARRL Online Auction. Bidding got under way at 10 AM EST
    (1400 UTC), and the auction will continue through Thursday, October 24,
    closing at 10 PM EST (Friday, October 25, at 0200 UTC).

    The 2019 auction includes lab-tested QST "Product Review" gear, vintage
    books, used equipment, and one-of-a-kind items. Some premier "Product
    Review" items up for bid include the Elecraft KPA1500 legal-limit HF
    and 6-meter linear amplifier, the Icom IC-7610 HF and 6-meter
    transceiver, the Palstar LA-1K 160 - 6 meter amplifier, the FlexRadio
    Systems FLEX-6400M HF and 6-meter SDR transceiver, and the Kenwood
    TS-890 HF and 6-meter transceiver.

    Among book offerings in the auction are the "sold out" 2019 Handbook
    Boxed Set, a special defense edition of The Radio Amateur's Handbook
    from 1942, and a 1949 ARRL Antenna Book.

    Proceeds from the annual Online Auction benefit ARRL education
    programs. Bidders must register (your arrl.org user ID and password
    will not work on the auction site). If you have registered for a
    previous ARRL Online Auction, you may use the same login information
    this year.

    Report Causes Concern and Confusion in California's Amateur Radio Ranks

    By all credible and reliable accounts, the State of California has not
    turned its back on Amateur Radio as an emergency communication
    resource, nor have established repeater owners been asked to remove
    their equipment from state-owned sites unless they pay sizable fees.
    The California controversy, inflamed by a viral YouTube video, stemmed
    from a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
    communication telling a repeater owner or group that Amateur Radio
    equipment would have to be removed from a state-owned site or "vault"
    if the owner(s) determined the cost was too great to proceed with a
    formal application to keep it there.

    "I do understand and appreciate all of the service you have provided in
    the past," CAL FIRE's Lorina Pisi, told the unknown repeater owner(s)
    or group(s) last month. "However, with constantly changing
    technological advances, there is no longer the same benefit to State as
    previously provided. Therefore, the Department no longer financially
    supports HAM operators [sic] radios or tenancy. If you desire to enter
    into a formal agreement to operate and maintain said equipment, you
    must complete and submit attached collocation application along with
    fee as outlined on page one of application. There is cost associated
    with getting an agreement in place."

    It's not clear to whom Pisi's memo was addressed, because any name or
    names were redacted from the version of the memo that is being
    circulated. ARRL reached out to Pisi but has not heard back.

    ARRL officials who have also looked into the situation agree that it's
    been blown out of proportion by parties with their own agendas.

    "The State of California has not made any determination we can find
    'that Ham Radio [is] no longer a benefit,'" Pacific Division Director
    Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, is quoted on the Sacramento Valley Section
    website. "What happened is that CAL FIRE has transferred responsibility
    for its communications sites to its property management department.
    That department has the task of evaluating each site, its condition,
    use, and tenants. If a repeater not known to be associated with the
    emergency management function of a local jurisdiction is found in a CAL
    FIRE vault, the default action is to move it out or subject it to
    commercial rental rates."

    ARRL Southwestern Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA, has been
    responding to inquiries with the same message. Read more.
    NASA Spacecraft Launches on Mission to Explore Frontier of Space

    NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) spacecraft is in orbit
    for a first-of-its-kind mission to study a region of space where
    changes can disrupt communications and satellite orbits, and even
    increase radiation risks to astronauts. ICON was launched on October 11
    after a Stargazer L-1011 aircraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
    in Florida carried it to about 39,000 feet. Then, a Pegasus rocket
    fired the roughly refrigerator-sized ICON into space.

    +----------------------------------+
    |An artist's rendering of NASA's |
    |ICON spacecraft, which was |
    |launched into space last week at |
    |39,000 feet from a L-1011 |
    |Stargazer aircraft. [NASA image] |
    +----------------------------------+

    The spacecraft's solar panels successfully deployed, indicating it has
    power with all systems operating, NASA reported. ICON will start
    sending back its first science data in November.

    ICON will study changes in the ionosphere, where, in addition to
    affecting radio signal propagation, space weather can prematurely decay
    spacecraft orbits and expose astronauts to radiation-borne health
    risks. "Historically, this critical region of near-Earth space has been
    difficult to observe," NASA explained. "Spacecraft can't travel through
    the low parts of the ionosphere and balloons can't travel high enough."
    ICON's orbit around Earth places it at a 27 inclination at an altitude
    of about 360 miles, from which it can observe the ionosphere around the
    equator.

    Nicola Fox, Director for Heliophysics at NASA Headquarters in
    Washington, said that ICON will be the first mission to simultaneously
    track what's happening in Earth's upper atmosphere and in space to see
    how the two interact, causing the kinds of changes that can disrupt
    radio communication. ICON will employ four instruments to explore the
    connections between the neutral atmosphere and the electrically charged
    ionosphere. Three of these rely on the phenomenon called airglow, which
    is created by a process similar to that which causes aurora -- gas is
    excited by radiation from the sun and emits light. By way of airglow,
    ICON can observe how particles throughout the upper atmosphere are
    moving. ICON's fourth instrument provides direct measurements of the
    ionosphere around it.

    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) veteran Will
    Marchant, KW4WZ (ex-KC6ROL), is part of the ICON team.

    So Now What? Podcast

    "Ham Lingo" will be the focus of the new (October 17) episode of the So
    Now What? podcast for Amateur Radio newcomers.

    If you're a newly licensed Amateur Radio operator, chances are you have
    lots of questions. This biweekly podcast has answers! So Now What?
    offers insights from those who've been just where you are now. New
    episodes will be posted every other Thursday, alternating new-episode
    weeks with the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.

    So Now What? is sponsored by LDG Electronics, a family owned and
    operated business with laboratories in southern Maryland that offers a
    wide array of antenna tuners and other Amateur Radio products.

    ARRL Communications Content Producer Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and ARRL
    Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, co-host the podcast. Presented as a
    lively conversation, with Patnode representing newer hams and Carcia
    the veteran operators, the podcast will explore questions that newer
    hams may have and the issues that keep participants from staying active
    in the hobby. Some episodes will feature guests to answer questions on
    specific topic areas.

    Listeners can find So Now What? on Apple iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher
    (free registration required, or browse the site as a guest), and
    through the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices.
    Episodes will be archived on the ARRL website.
    Next School Club Roundup Set for October 21 - 25

    ARRL's twice-yearly School Club Roundup (SCR) gets under way on Monday,
    October 21, at 1300 UTC, and runs through Friday, October 25, at 2359
    UTC. Stations may operate for up to 24 hours during the entire contest
    and for 6 hours during any single 24-hour period. Any mode -- SSB, CW,
    or digital -- is allowed for the event.

    Stations will participate in five categories: Elementary/Primary,
    Middle/Intermediate/Junior High School, Senior High School,
    College/University Club, and Non-School Club. There is also a category
    for Individuals to participate.

    The most popular time for younger students to be on the air is during
    after-school hours, but older students may be on the air at any time.
    Groups are limited to one transmitter on the air at any given time.
    Stations exchange signal report, category (School, Club, or
    Individual), and state, province, or DXCC entity. Stations can be
    worked once per band and mode. Participants will now be able to make up
    to three contacts with a station on each band using CW, voice, and
    digital modes.

    The School Club Roundup is co-sponsored by ARRL and the Long Island
    Mobile Amateur Radio Club (LIMARC), and results appear in QST as well
    as online. The top three entries in each category -- Elementary,
    Middle/Intermediate/Junior High School, Senior High School
    College/University -- will receive an award certificate. Non-school
    clubs or multioperator groups and individuals are also eligible for
    certificates.

    Submit scores and logs via the SCR score entry website. Scores and logs
    may be entered from the time the contest begins through the log
    submission deadline. Paper logs are acceptable as well. Logs for the
    October SCR are due by November 9.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity remains very low. At
    the bottom of the sunspot cycle, any sunspot activity is fleeting.
    Another week has passed with no sunspots at all. Spaceweather.com
    reports no sunspots for the past 2 weeks, and the total number of
    spotless days this year is now 213, or 73%, which matches the
    percentage of spotless days in 2008 -- 11 years ago.

    Average daily solar flux during the week of October 10 - 16 was 67.3,
    down insignificantly from 67.6 during the previous week.

    The average daily planetary A index was 6.4, down from 14.4 over the
    previous week, and the average daily mid-latitude A index declined from
    11 to 5.1.

    The predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 68, through the end of
    November.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on October 17 - 20; 12, 8, 5, 18, 25,
    12, 10, and 8 on October 21 - 28; 5 on October 29 - November 9; 8 on
    November 10 - 11; 5 on November 12 - 16; 15 on November 17; 5 on
    November 18 - 19; 15, 20, 10 and 8, on November 20 - 23, and 5 on
    November 24 - 30.

    Rick Tucker, W0RT, of Parsons, Kansas, was listening for HZ1TT (Saudi
    Arabia) on October 14 on 21.023 MHz at 1045 UTC. The band sounded dead,
    but at 1115 UTC he copied several European stations calling and working
    the Saudi station. Tucker said he never heard HZ1TT, but HZ1TT was
    spotted by a station in New Brunswick, Canada.

    Sunspot numbers for October 10 - 16 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 3.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 67.5, 68.5, 68.3, 67.2,
    66.2, 67.2, and 66.3, with a mean of 67.3. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 13, 8, 5, 2, 6, 5, and 6, with a mean of 6.4. Middle
    latitude A index was 10, 6, 4, 1, 5, 5, and 5, 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
    * October 18 -- Zombie Shuffle (CW)
    * October 19 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * October 19 -- Argentina National 7 MHz Contest (Phone)
    * October 19 - 20 -- Araucaria World Wide VHF Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 19 - 20 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 19 - 20 -- JARTS WW RTTY Contest
    * October 19 - 20 -- 10-10 International Fall Contest (CW)
    * October 19 - 20 -- All New York QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 19 - 20 -- Worked All Germany Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 19 - 20 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
    * October 20 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint (CW)
    * October 20 -- UBA ON Contest, 2 Meters (CW, phone)
    * October 20 - 21 -- Illinois QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 20 -- RSGB RoLo CW
    * October 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * October 21 - 25 -- ARRL School Club Roundup (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 21 - 22 -- Telephone Pioneers QSO Party (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * October 23 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * October 23 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (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.

    PACTOR Developer SCS Announces Monitoring Software

    SCS, the company that created PACTOR, has unveiled software that offers
    the ability to monitor the content of PACTOR 1, 2, and 3 transmissions
    over the air. The free PMON software runs under the Linux operating
    system. A software version to monitor PACTOR 4 is scheduled to become
    available next year. PMON will offer "thorough observation and
    documentation of all presently available PACTOR 1, 2, and 3
    transmissions," SCS said.

    "PMON covers all PACTOR levels with the appropriate speed levels and
    packet variations," SCS said. "PMON will read in parallel PACTOR 2 and
    PACTOR 1. The very wide receiving range (frequency offset 200 Hz), as
    well as automatic sideband recognition, ease routine operation of PMON
    with PACTOR 2 and PACTOR 3 considerably."

    According to SCS, only minimal hardware is required to use PMON. The
    equipment complement includes a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (minimum)
    computer and a USB sound device. SCS noted in an October 11 news
    release that all SCS PACTOR hardware modems include a command to allow
    PACTOR monitoring on the fly. The German company says PMON now makes
    this possible without a modem and adds the ability to decode
    B2F/LZHUF-compressed messages -- Winlink email and others.

    "This exciting new software development for Raspberry Pi complements
    and surpasses previously released SCS software that leveraged PACTOR
    modems' ability to monitor PACTOR to read Winlink for meaning," SCS
    said. The company also said the new software permits modem-less
    monitoring of all kinds, something that would be useful for monitoring
    Winlink email traffic.

    The Winlink Development Team called the new software a "welcome
    contribution to the Amateur Radio community."

    The issue of message encryption arose in recent months with respect to
    renewed attention to ARRL's so-called "symbol rate" petition for
    rulemaking (RM-11708) and the accommodation of automatically controlled
    digital stations (ACDS) -- many of which employ Winlink. Some
    commenters on ARRL's petition have asserted incorrectly that PACTOR
    facilitates de facto message encryption, which would violate FCC
    Amateur Service rules.

    AMSAT Goal: "Amateur Radio in Every CubeSat"

    AMSAT wants to see Amateur Radio in every CubeSat, and it's partnering
    with non-Amateur Radio partners to make that happen. In the "Apogee
    View" editorial for the September/October issue of The AMSAT Journal,
    Executive Vice President Paul Stoetzer, N8HM, wrote, "[W]e continue to
    support a stream of LEO satellites. RadFxSat-2/Fox-1E is ready for
    launch no earlier than December 1, 2019, on the ELaNa XX mission. The
    linear transponder and telemetry system carried aboard Fox-1E was
    designed for use in different CubeSats by merely adding an interface
    adapter for connection to the host bus."

    +-----------------------------+
    |AMSAT Executive Vice |
    |President Paul Stoetzer, |
    |N8HM. |
    +-----------------------------+

    Stoetzer said CubeSat programs interested in launching an Amateur Radio
    payload may partner with AMSAT to carry a Fox-1E module on their
    spacecraft. "By providing Amateur Radio capability, the CubeSat program
    gets a worldwide ground station network to receive their telemetry and
    experiment data while the Amateur Radio community gets a transponder to
    use in orbit," he pointed out.

    Stoetzer said the first such partnership will be with the Husky
    Satellite Lab at the University of Washington. Its 3U CubeSat --
    HuskySat-1 -- is set to launch on the ELaNa XXV mission from Wallops
    Island, Virginia, no sooner than November 2. A Northrop Grumman Cygnus
    spacecraft will carry HuskySat-1 to the International Space Station,
    and after completing its mission there, Cygnus will continue to an
    orbit of approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) to deploy HuskySat-1.

    "After a 30-day mission to complete tests of its experimental payloads
    -- a pulsed plasma thruster, and a K-band (24 GHz) communications
    system -- the satellite will be turned over to AMSAT, and the linear
    transponder will be made available to the Amateur Radio community,"
    Stoetzer said.

    AMSAT will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its 2019 Board of
    Directors meeting and AMSAT Space Symposium October 18 - 20 in
    Arlington, Virginia. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service
    Homebrew Heroes Award for 2019 in Amateur Radio Announced

    The Homebrew Heroes Award Program has announced its first annual
    recipient. He is Hans Summers, G0UPL, of East Sussex in the UK. The
    annual award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations who help
    define the frontiers of Amateur Radio technology through the
    long-standing tradition of constructing their own equipment.

    +-------------------------------+
    |Homebrew Hero Hans Summers, |
    |G0UPL. |
    +-------------------------------+

    "Our Steering Committee sought the advice of an anonymous selection
    committee that surveyed the landscape of known homebrew designers in
    Amateur Radio," Steering Committee member Frank Howell, K4FMH, said in
    an October 13th news release. "There are indeed many very deserving
    ones! But only one can be chosen each year." Other Steering Committee
    members are Martin Butler, M1MRB, and Colin Butler, M6BOY -- all
    affiliated with the ICQ Podcast.

    For his part, Summers said he was humbled and "just blown away by it
    all" to be the first recognized with the Homebrew Heroes Award. Summers
    said he's been sharing his homebrew work and that of his company QRP
    Labs through his website for years. "To have these efforts publicly
    recognized in this way is so personally gratifying," Summers said.

    Martin Butler said that Summers "has continually demonstrated to all
    with at least one eye open that the traditional homebrew craft and
    science is alive and well."

    "I've watched Hans Summers continue to innovate in his design of
    terrific homebrew kits and products that have made a fantastic impact
    on the Amateur Radio marketplace," Colin Butler added. "As publisher of
    the ICQ Podcast, I am delighted for us to serve as the official
    promotional partner of this awards program." Read more.
    In Brief...

    Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) takes place this weekend. The
    largest Scouting event in the world, with an estimated half-million
    participants, JOTA links Scouts and hams across the nation and around
    the world via Amateur Radio. Typical exchanges may include name,
    location, Scout rank, age, and hobbies. JOTA officially starts Friday
    evening during the "JOTA Jump Start" and runs through Sunday evening.
    The event will be competing for band spectrum with the popular Worked
    All Germany (WAG) contest. JOTA participants seeking contacts with
    stations in Europe should note that the WAG rules define contest-free
    segments, so the two events can operate at the same time with minimal
    problems. -- Thanks to Boy Scouts of America and Geert Jan de Groot,
    PE1HZG

    The legendary Radio Corporation of America (RCA) incorporated on this
    date, October 17, in 1919. RCA negotiated patent cross-licensing
    agreements with other industry leaders, paving the way for the
    explosive development of American radio in the early 1920s. In 1921,
    WCC in Chatham, Massachusetts, became the first RCA coastal station
    equipped with tube sets offering 2 kW on 600 and 2200 meters. The WCC
    Amateur Radio Association (WCCARA) continues its year-long celebration
    of the RCA centennial as WA1WCC/100RCA. -- Thanks to Ed Moxon, K1GGI,
    trustee, WCC commemorative station WA1WCC

    Two separate groups took advantage of the Amateur Radio Emergency Data
    Network (AREDN) to monitor wildfires in California. The Mariposa Area
    Amateur Radio Organization (MAARO) used the Amateur Radio mesh to
    stream -- via microwave -- video from the Briceburg Fire near Yosemite
    National Park. The Pleasant Valley Amateur Radio Club (PVARC) employed
    the AREDN mesh to stream video from the Saddle Ridge Fire near Los
    Angeles from a repeater site overlooking San Fernando Valley. The
    Briceburg and Saddle Ridge fires are now under control, but archived
    streams are still available. This is the same network that was used to
    stream video from the Thomas and Woolsey fires in 2017 and 2018,
    respectively. -- Thanks to Ben Kuo, AI6YR

    A mail delivery problem has affected delivery of West Gulf Division
    Board election ballots. Recent flooding has affected some US Postal
    Service distribution centers in the Houston area, damaging some sorting
    machines. This is delaying delivery to many members in that area. They
    are processing mail, but there are delays in processing bulk mail,
    which include the ballots. If you still do not receive your ballot by
    Monday, October 21, 2019, please send a request for a new ballot. ARRL
    Headquarters will process replacement requests on Tuesday, October 22,
    2019, via first-class mail and daily as later requests come in. Read
    more.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * October 18 - 19 -- Delta Division Convention, East Ridge, Tennessee
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    California
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    Rapids, Wisconsin
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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    City, Florida
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    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference (Winterfest), Collinsville,
    Illinois

    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 Fri Oct 25 09:05:16 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    October 24, 2019

    * ARRL Creates New Online Groups for Members to Communicate with
    Leadership
    * New ARRL Handbook and ARRL Antenna Book Editions Available in Your
    Favorite Format
    * New Antenna Concept Uses Saltwater and Plastic Instead of Metal
    Conductor
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, Offers Amateur Radio Perspective
    on WRC-19
    * Pitcairn Island VP6R DXpedition Proving Popular; Injured Operator
    Evacuated
    * FCC Turns Down Petition to Amend Amateur Radio Identification Rules
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * MARS Members to Work with Radio Amateurs during SET and DOD COMEX
    19-4
    * Arizona Club Takes vantage of Low Bands to Support 100-Mile
    Endurance Run
    * Getting It Right!
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Creates New Online Groups for Members to Communicate with
    Leadership

    ARRL's Committee on Communication with ARRL Members has opened new
    online forums where all radio amateurs -- ARRL members and non-members
    alike -- can discuss issues and topics in two-way conversation with
    ARRL leadership. The new groups are aimed at enhancing communication
    among ARRL leadership, staff, members, and prospective members, in a
    manner that enables timely updates and collegial discussion.

    This project was based on the success over the past several years of
    the ARRL-LoTW (Logbook of The World) Group in responding to Amateur
    Radio operators' questions and generating discussion on ways to improve
    that program. "The LoTW initiative has clearly demonstrated the
    effectiveness of online Groups as a means of achieving the desired
    interaction," ARRL said in announcing the new groups.

    ARRL has added three online groups:
    * 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 Dave Sumner, K1ZZ.

    The existing ARRL-LOTW group, which has about 4,750 members, remains
    hosted by Groups.io but has moved.

    Everyone who subscribes to an ARRL Group is also automatically
    subscribed to the "ARRL Groups" group. This administrative feature will
    allow ARRL to convey routine announcements relevant to subscribers of
    all ARRL groups.

    ARRL IT Manager Michael Keane, K1MK, worked with Groups.io to set up
    the new groups. Since these new groups are hosted on a Groups.io
    platform, 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.

    In the months ahead, the Committee envisions creating more online
    groups to support two-way communication focusing on areas of additional
    interest to radio amateurs, including ARRL activities, services,
    initiatives, and policies.

    ARRL currently hosts members-only online forums that include Awards and
    Contesting. While these forums will continue to operate, participants
    will be encouraged to post new threads in the appropriate new groups.

    Participants will be expected to adhere to some basic ground rules:
    * All questions are welcome, no matter how many times they have
    already been asked and answered, or how obvious the answers might
    be in the documentation.
    * 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 until the
    Moderator's trust has been regained.
    * Individuals posting are reminded that these forums are open to
    everyone, including prospective hams and operators who are not ARRL
    members but may be thinking about joining. Civility and courtesy
    are expected, even when you may take issue with a post or thread
    topic. Read more.
    New ARRL Handbook and ARRL Antenna Book Editions Available in Your
    Favorite Format

    Now shipping, the latest editions of The ARRL Handbook for Radio
    Communications and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications are
    available in formats that best suit your needs. The 2020 edition of the
    Handbook offers three choices -- traditional softcover, a six-volume,
    shrink-wrapped book set (not a boxed set), and eBook digital editions.
    The 24th edition of the Antenna Book now is available as a four-volume
    boxed set, in addition to the traditional softcover version, and eBook
    digital editions. The Handbook and the Antenna Book also are available
    in Kindle editions.

    The 2020 Handbook

    The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications limited-edition six-volume
    set is workbench friendly. Grab the volume you need without having to
    retrieve the entire Handbook. Volumes are divided by major topic areas.

    ARRL introduced the first edition of The Radio Amateur's Handbook in
    1926. Ever since, the Handbook has been recognized as a benchmark for
    radio communications learning and applied knowledge. This 97th edition
    is a complete guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and
    innovation.

    New Handbook projects and content include an analysis of Solar Cycle
    24, and discussion of what we can expect from Cycle 25; an
    easy-to-build RF choke that can squelch the line noise from your ac
    generator; a guide to compare rotator ratings and how to choose,
    install, and maintain rotators; an annual transceiver survey (don't buy
    your next radio before reading it), and supplemental content, such as a
    high-voltage switching power supply, a tunable RF preamplifier, a 10 W
    audio amplifier, and more, available for download.

    Both Handbook formats include a unique code so you can download and
    install a fully searchable digital edition of the printed book, as well
    as expanded supplemental content, software, PC board templates, and
    other support files.

    The Handbook six-volume book set, ARRL Item No. 1137, ISBN
    978-1-62595-113-7, is $59.95 retail. The Handbook softcover edition,
    ARRL Item No. 1076, ISBN 978-1-62595-107-6, 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. The Handbook Kindle edition comes in
    six separate volumes, automatically delivered to your Kindle, for $9.99
    per volume (Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4, Vol 5, Vol 6).

    The ARRL Antenna Book, 24th Edition

    ARRL introduces the limited-edition Antenna Book as a four-volume boxed
    set, divided into manageable volumes and including a hard slipcase for
    easy storage and access. Just reach for the volume you need without
    having to retrieve the entire Antenna Book. The four volumes are
    divided by major topic areas.

    Showcasing 80 years of antenna know-how, this 24th edition of the
    Antenna Book represents persistent pioneering development by radio
    amateurs, for radio amateurs. You'll find new and time-tested antenna
    projects for nearly any conceivable circumstance.

    New Antenna Book projects and content include info about the highly
    popular HF transmitting loops; an all-new chapter on VHF/UHF antennas;
    some new MF, HF, and 6-meter antennas; the importance of ground and
    bonding; how to troubleshoot your antenna tuner quickly and easily;
    getting the most out of your antenna analyzer, and designing a
    high-performance "Band-Optimized Log Periodic Dipole Array."

    Both editions of the Antenna Book include a unique code that lets you
    download and install a fully searchable digital edition of the printed
    book and offers expanded supplemental content, software, PC board
    templates, and other support files.

    The Antenna Book four-volume boxed set, ARRL Item No. 1144, ISBN
    978-1-62595-114-4, is $64.95 retail. The Antenna Book softcover
    edition, ARRL Item No. 1113, ISBN 978-1-62595-111-3, is $49.95 retail.
    The Antenna Book eBook edition, ARRL Item No. 1113MLD for Mac/Linux or
    ARRL Item No. 1113WD for Windows is $49.95. Order from the ARRL Store,
    from your ARRL Dealer, or call 860-594-0355 or toll-free in the US,
    888-277-5289. The Antenna Book Kindle edition comes in four separate
    volumes, automatically delivered to your Kindle, for $9.99 per volume
    (Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4). Read more.

    New Antenna Concept Uses Saltwater and Plastic Instead of Metal
    Conductor

    A new antenna that uses saltwater and plastic instead of metal could
    make it easier to build VHF and UHF networks, an IEEE Spectrum article
    asserts.

    Michelle Hamson says, "Being able to focus the energy of a radio signal
    toward a given receiver means you can increase the range and efficiency
    of transmissions," in her article, "New Antenna Uses Saltwater and
    Plastic to Steer Radio Beams." According to the article, beam-steering
    or beamforming on a large scale is one of the key underlying mechanisms
    behind the rollout of 5G networks. The configuration of the saltwater
    antenna allows 360 beam-steering and works for frequencies between 334
    and 488 MHz.

    In a recent publication in IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation
    Letters, Lei Xing and her colleagues at the College of Electronic and
    Information Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and
    Astronautics in China have proposed a new saltwater-based antenna that
    achieves 12 directional beam-steering states, and one omnidirectional
    state.

    "The proposed design consists of a circular ground plane, with 13
    transparent acrylic tubes that can be filled with (or emptied of) salt
    water on demand. One tube is located in the center to act as a driven
    monopole. Surrounding it are 12 parasitic monopoles," the article
    explains. "The 12 remaining monopoles, when filled with water, work
    together to act as reflectors and give the broadcasted signal
    direction."

    "The attractive feature of using water monopoles is that both the water
    height and activating status can be dynamically tuned through
    microfluidic techniques, which has a higher degree of design
    flexibility than metal antennas," explains Xing.

    One limitation of salt water-based antennas, she notes, is that that
    the permittivity of salt water -- i.e, how it interacts with electrical
    fields -- is sensitive to temperature variations.
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Beverage Antennas" is the topic of the new (October 24) episode of the
    ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, Offers Amateur Radio Perspective on
    WRC-19

    Writing in a special World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19)
    edition of ITU News Magazine, International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
    Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, offers an overview of conference agenda
    items and issues pertaining to amateur radio in his article, "Views of
    the International Amateur Radio Union on WRC-19 Agenda Items." WRC-19
    gets under way on October 28 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and continues
    until November 22.

    Sumner noted that the IARU has participated in ITU conferences since
    1927 and is a member of the ITU Radiocommunication and Development
    sectors. According to Sumner, the IARU's overall objectives for WRC-19
    are global harmonization of the amateur 50 - 54 MHz allocation;
    maintenance of existing spectrum access for amateurs, and strengthening
    protections for radiocommunication services against interference from
    other RF generators.

    "When new technology is developed that generates radiofrequency energy,
    it is essential that adequate protection of radiocommunication services
    be included in the system design," Sumner said. He concluded by noting,
    "No future agenda items for new or harmonized spectrum allocations for
    the amateur services are being sought at WRC-19. This position does not
    preclude seeking specific allocations in the unallocated spectrum above
    275 GHz, if allocations to other services are considered. IARU is
    carefully monitoring proposals for future agenda items that may impact
    existing amateur and amateur-satellite allocations." Read more.
    Pitcairn Island VP6R DXpedition Proving Popular; Injured Operator
    Evacuated

    At mid-week, the Pitcairn Island VP6R DXpedition reported some 35,000
    contacts in the log, including what team leader Glenn Johnson, W0GJ,
    called "a lot of activity" on 12 and 10 meters. VP6R also has been
    taking advantage of FT8 digital protocol, operating in fox/hound (F/H)
    mode. The team arrived at the South Pacific island on October 17 and at
    the home of Andy Christian, where the DXpedition's equipment had been
    shipped well in advance.

    The team is down to 12 operators after one individual fell and suffered
    several fractures. "Our evacuated team member has made it to the
    hospital in Papeete, French Polynesia," Johnson said in a mid-week
    update. "DXpeditions to remote places are not without risk, and medical
    care is quite limited at best," he pointed out in an earlier report.
    The injured operator is not being identified for privacy reasons.

    By Saturday, the DXpedition team had settled into its operating routine
    from two sites -- one at Christian's home and the other at an old radio
    station site that is serving as VP6R's primary low-band site. "Pitcairn
    has power from 8 AM until 10 PM," Johnson explained. "After 10 PM, we
    switch to generators until morning. The 'radio site' is 100% generator
    powered."

    Johnson stressed that those attempting to work VP6R on FT8 in F/H mode
    must use a frequency above 1,000 Hz; the DXpedition is transmitting
    somewhere below 500 Hz. "The software will move your transmit frequency
    down automatically when your turn comes up in the queue, if you have
    F/H mode set up properly," he said. "If you see your FT8 contact
    confirmed with 'RR73,' you can be assured that you are in the log."

    VP6R is active around the clock on 20 meters on more than one mode. The
    DXpedition team will be on all bands during the CQ World Wide DX phone
    contest, October 25 - 26. The VP6R logs are periodically uploaded to
    Club Log.

    Third-graders at Dorothy Grant Elementary School in Fontana,
    California, and their teacher Bev Matheson, WA6BK, are following the
    Pitcairn Island DXpedition teams travels and amateur radio operation,
    using the school's club station, K6DGE. They will talk with DXpedition
    team members and learn about Pitcairn Island, some geography, a bit
    about early explorers, navigation, the oceans, ecology, different
    customs and heritages, and communication skills. "We are thrilled to
    have these kids following us and expanding their world through amateur
    radio," the VP6R team said on its website.

    FCC Turns Down Petition to Amend Amateur Radio Identification Rules

    The FCC has denied a Petition for Rule Making (PRM) to amend Part 97
    station identification rules to better accommodate and simplify station
    identification during emergency nets, drills, or activations. ARRL
    member Robert A. Dukish, KK8DX, of Canfield, Ohio, had sought a change
    to Section 97.119(a) of the rules to allow a single point of
    transmission for station ID on those occasions. He proposed permitting
    a net control station or other designated participant to announce the
    call signs of every station taking part in the net or exercise, when
    tactical call signs often are in use, at 10-minute intervals, using
    automatic CW identification.

    In turning down Dukish's petition, Scot Stone, the Deputy Chief of the
    Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Mobility Division, said commenters
    overwhelmingly opposed the proposal.

    "They argue that the current rule strikes the appropriate balance
    between the need to identify the source of transmissions and ease of
    communication," Stone wrote. "Commenters state that, in their years of
    experience with amateur emergency communications, the station
    identification requirement has not proven to be a burden or obstacle,
    and that the current procedure actually contributes to efficient
    operations by providing a clear indication that a communication has
    ended and the channel is available."

    Stone said some commenters asserted that Dukish's proposed procedure
    would be unworkable and cause confusion, while others characterized his
    proposal as a solution in search of a problem.

    "The purpose of the station identification requirement is to make the
    source of transmissions clearly known to those receiving those
    transmissions," Stone wrote. "Separating the call sign from each
    transmission would defeat this purpose." Moreover, he said there's no
    evidence that the current station ID requirements have hindered amateur
    radio emergency communications.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On Monday, October 21, the
    10.7-centimeter solar flux sank to its lowest level in recorded
    history. The solar flux was 64, just slightly lower than the 64.4 flux
    value recorded on July 2, 1954, at the start of Solar Cycle 19, which
    was by far the biggest solar cycle ever recorded. I understand that the
    solar flux dipped to 64.2 in 1906.

    Over the October 17 - 23 reporting week, the average daily solar flux
    was 65.3 -- 2 points lower than last week. The average daily planetary
    A index dropped from 6.4 to 4.7, while the average daily mid-latitude A
    index declined from 5.1 to 3.1. And, of course, no sunspots showed up.

    Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 66 on every day from
    October 24 through December 7.

    The predicted planetary A index is 22 and 30 on October 24 - 25; 15 on
    October 26 - 28; 8 on October 29; 5 on October 30 - November 16; 15, 8,
    and 5 on November 17 - 19; 20 and 24 on November 20 - 21; 15 on
    November 22 - 23; 12 and 8 on November 24 - 25, and 5 on November 26 -
    December 7.

    Sunspot numbers for October 17 - 23 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, for a
    mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 66.1, 66.1, 66, 65, 64, 65.6,
    and 64.5, for a mean of 65.3. Estimated planetary A indices were 6, 6,
    5, 6, 5, 3, and 2, with a mean of 4.7. The middle latitude A index was
    4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 2, and 1, with a mean of 3.1.

    A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted on 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
    * October 26 - 27 -- CQ World Wide DX Contest, SSB
    * October 30 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
    * October 31 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, 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.
    MARS Members to Work with Radio Amateurs during SET and DOD COMEX 19-4

    During October and corresponding with the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test
    (SET), Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) members will be reaching
    out to the amateur radio community to continue building working
    relationships and improving interoperability. As part of this effort,
    MARS will be promoting the use of a serial phase-shift keying protocol,
    Military Standard 188-110 (M110), on the 60-meter interoperability
    channels. Radio amateurs are authorized to use this digital mode on the
    five 60-meter interop channels, although M110 exceeds the allowable
    symbol rate that radio amateurs may use on all other HF bands.

    Starting on November 2 and continuing until November 17, the MARS
    community will be executing Department of Defense (DOD) Communications
    Exercise (COMEX) 19-4. MARS members will use the exercise to continue
    training and refining their operator skills to provide situational
    awareness information, such as county status reports and weather
    observations.

    To announce the kickoff of the exercise, WWV and WWVH will broadcast
    voice announcements starting on or about October 31. WWV will transmit
    the announcements at 10 minutes past the hour, while WWVH will transmit
    them at 10 minutes before the hour.

    The communication exercise will culminate on the evening of November 16
    with military stations sending M110 messages to the amateur community
    on 60-meter channel 1 (5330.5 kHz USB).
    Arizona Club Takes vantage of Low Bands to Support 100-Mile Endurance
    Run

    The Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) provided safety and coordination
    communications for the 100-mile Stagecoach Line Run over the September
    21 - 22 weekend. This 31-hour endurance run from Flagstaff to the Grand
    Canyon takes place every September. Supporting the event requires
    planning and commitment. Because of the geographical coverage required,
    the club's amateur radio support even took advantage of 160 meters,
    which is not a band typically associated with public service
    communication.

    The Hull Cabin checkpoint, south of
    the Grand Canyon, with Bill Smith,
    KQ1S, and Hannah Seidler on duty.
    [Photo courtesy of Bill Smith,
    KQ1S]

    "Because we are in a solar minimum, a combination of bands and
    communication methods were required in order to track and maintain
    contact with the numerous stations," said Dan Shearer, N7YIQ, the
    club's Public Information Officer. "What worked well at 3 o'clock in
    the afternoon was not going to work at 2 in the morning." The club's
    communication infrastructure required a combination of HF and VHF/UHF
    equipment that included setting up portable repeaters and stations
    powered by generators and other power sources.

    "When you add in the cold weather of the high desert in September and
    the possibility of rain and snow, this becomes a test of what Amateur
    Radio may be called upon to do to support a disaster somewhere in the
    nation," Shearer said.

    CARC members invested more than 300 hours of their time in planning and
    supporting the race, helped by a few additional volunteers from
    Glendale and Prescott. Nineteen club members staffed eight sites, where
    volunteers set up camps and kept vigil through the night to track and
    make sure runners were accounted for throughout the race.

    A typical race checkpoint. This one
    was north of Flagstaff. [Scott
    Downard, N7SMD, photo]

    In addition to tracking runners into and out of each aid station, net
    control entered these times into an online spreadsheet as they
    progressed through the race, allowing runners to be located easily in
    case they did not make it to the next checkpoint.

    During the event, CARC members helped locate two missing runners and
    helped save the life of another who developed severe asthma. Medical
    care and treatment during these types of extreme events poses a
    significant challenge, as EMS responses are delayed. "Much of the area
    between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon is US Forest Service land, and
    travel through these areas by vehicles is slow," Shearer explained.
    "Severe emergencies can only be handled by aircraft, if conditions
    permit."

    During the race, 75 meters worked well during the day, but 160 meters
    was put into play after dark. Cross-band repeaters were placed at
    remote sites to allow access to existing repeaters. Although VHF and
    UHF were used, these links at times became unusable, and alternate
    forms and bands were required to maintain contact.
    Getting It Right!

    The item, "PACTOR Developer SCS Announces Monitoring Software," which
    appeared in the October 17 edition of The ARRL Letter, included some
    inaccurate language. The story should have said, "The issue of message
    transparency arose in recent months with respect to renewed attention
    to ARRL's so-called 'symbol rate' petition for rulemaking (RM-11708)
    and the accommodation of automatically controlled digital stations
    (ACDS) -- many of which employ Winlink. Some commenters on ARRL's
    petition have asserted incorrectly that PACTOR facilitates de facto
    message encryption, which would violate FCC Amateur Service rules."
    (Neither Winlink nor PACTOR are encrypted.)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * October 26 -- South Carolina Section Convention, Conway, South
    Carolina
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference (Winterfest), Collinsville,
    Illinois

    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 Fri Nov 1 09:05:18 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    October 31, 2019

    * World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 Opens in Egypt
    * Congressional Champion of Amateur Radio Greg Walden, W7EQI,
    Announces Retirement
    * Taking vantage of Coaxial Cable Capacitance
    * So Now What? Podcast
    * ARRL November Sweepstakes Offers Two Weekends of Fun
    * ARRL Headquarters Welcomes New Section Managers for Orientation
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Revised AMSAT-NA Website in Development
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 Opens in Egypt

    World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) is under way in Sharm
    el-Sheikh, Egypt. More than 3,500 delegates from 193 member-states
    around the world are attending the month-long gathering, sponsored by
    the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which opened on
    Monday, October 28. WRC-19 delegates will discuss changes to the ITU
    Radio Regulations. Amateur radio issues are but a small part of the
    conference agenda. The ITU is characterizing the aim of the conference
    as forging pathways for future digital communications.

    "WRC-19 [is] to manage scarce radio-frequency spectrum for rapidly
    evolving terrestrial and space-based communication technologies," ITU
    said in a news release, describing WRC-19 as an "international
    treaty-making conference governing the global management of scarce
    radio-frequency spectrum as well as geostationary-satellite and
    non-geostationary-satellite orbits." UN Secretary-General Antnio
    Guterres addressed WRC-19 by video.

    The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) and its member-societies
    are representing the Amateur and Amateur Satellite Services with a team
    of 14 people from 10 countries. Agenda Items of particular interest to
    IARU are:
    * Agenda Item 1.1, to allocate spectrum in the 50 - 54 MHz Region in
    Region 1 to the Amateur Service.
    * Agenda Item 1.13, to consider new spectrum for International Mobile
    Telecommunications, which could potentially impact amateur spectrum
    at around 47 GHz.
    * Agenda Item 1.16, which could impact amateur spectrum at 5 GHz.
    * Agenda Item 9.1.6, addressing Wireless Power Transmission (WPT),
    where harmonics of WPT systems could negatively impact the MF/HF
    radio spectrum.
    * Agenda Item 10, to consider WRC-23 agenda items that could impact
    the Amateur Service, including the 1240 - 1300 MHz band.

    "This meeting is the culmination of 4 years' work by IARU in ITU and
    regional telecommunications organizations to protect and enhance
    Amateur Service frequency allocations," IARU said.

    At WRC-19 this week, the official document on IARU WRC-19 positions on
    various current agenda items and views on future proposals that may
    impact the Amateur Service was released. Also released was the detailed
    50 MHz study report that provides the basis for the consideration of
    Agenda Item 1.1. In addition to classical narrow-band analog usage, the
    study considers wider-bandwidth digital systems.

    IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, reported on the ITU
    Radiocommunication Assembly (RA) that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh
    just ahead of WRC-19.

    "Last week, the RA met to approve standards developed during the 2015 -
    2019 cycle of work in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector and to begin
    planning the work for the next 4 years," Sumner said in a post to the
    ARRL IARU Group. Sumner said Brazilian delegation member Flavio
    Archangelo, PY2ZX, with the support of several other administrations,
    pressed for greater attention to the growing problem of radio noise.

    "There is tight security around the conference center and the official
    hotels," Sumner reported.
    Congressional Champion of Amateur Radio Greg Walden, W7EQI, Announces
    Retirement

    One of amateur radio's strongest supporters in the US House of
    Representatives, Oregon Republican Greg Walden, W7EQI -- the top
    Republican on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee -- said
    this week that he will not seek another term in 2020. Walden, 62, who
    will have served for 22 years in the US House at the end of his current
    term, championed the Amateur Radio Parity Act as the chair of the
    Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. He went on to chair the
    US House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 115th Congress, and has
    served as the panel's ranking member since the Democratic Party gained
    control of the House.

    "I will close the public service chapter of my life, thankful for the
    friends I've made and the successful work we've done together," Walden
    said in a statement.

    In 2014, the ARRL Board of Directors voted to confer the first Barry
    Goldwater, K7UGA, Achievement Award "in recognition of many years of
    exceptional contributions to the strength and vitality of the Amateur
    Radio Service in the United States."

    In 2002, Walden was an original cosponsor of H.R. 4720, the Amateur
    Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act, which aimed to provide
    relief to amateurs faced with private deed covenants, conditions, and
    restrictions -- CC&Rs -- in erecting antennas by requiring private
    land-use regulators, such as homeowners' associations, to "reasonably
    accommodate" amateur radio communication

    In 2003, he cosponsored H.R. 713, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection
    Act, and during a hearing on the bill, Walden called for a halt to the
    "astonishing" erosion of amateur radio spectrum.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Despite [ham radio's] widespread use and importance in times of
    emergencies, land-use restrictions in some areas have prioritized
    esthetics over the rights of hams. -- US Representative Greg Walden,
    W7EQI

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2004, Walden wrote the FCC chairman, seeking to have the Commission
    defer action on the Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) rulemaking until
    the release of a National Telecommunications and Information
    ministration (NTIA) study and an opportunity for public comment. That
    same year, during a hearing on telecom convergence, Walden grilled a
    BPL industry representative about interference.

    In 2010, Walden cosponsored H.R. 2160, the Amateur Radio Emergency
    Communications Enhancement Act -- a subsequent bill addressing the
    issue of private land-use constraints on amateur radio antennas.

    In 2011, ARRL was invited to testify before Walden's subcommittee on
    "Creating an Interoperable Public Safety Network," offering an
    opportunity to defend 420 - 440 MHz against reallocation.

    During a 2016 Capitol Hill hearing, Walden called the Amateur Radio
    Parity Act (H.R. 1301) "a commonsense bill" and urged his colleagues to
    support it.

    "As a ham radio operator, I'm acutely aware of the passion that amateur
    radio operators have for their service," Walden told the subcommittee.
    "Despite [ham radio's] widespread use and importance in times of
    emergencies, land-use restrictions in some areas have prioritized
    esthetics over the rights of hams. H.R. 1301 seeks to ensure that
    amateur radio operators get a fair shake and protection from
    unnecessary bans on their equipment by instructing the FCC to adopt
    rules to this end."

    Taking vantage of Coaxial Cable Capacitance

    Jeff Blaine, AC0C, had a bad capacitor in the 15-meter filter section
    of his 5B4AGN multiband band-pass filter, because as he puts it, "they
    have been treated terribly over the years." One way to damage a filter
    is to use power levels at the limit of the filter into a load that
    presents a high SWR -- especially a high duty cycle mode like RTTY. He
    didn't have the required small 14 pF capacitor, so he trimmed a piece
    of

    Jeff, AC0C, used a small length of
    RG58 coaxial cable to replace a
    failed low-value capacitor in a
    bandpass filter. [Jeff Blaine, AC0C,
    photo]

    RG-58 to the required value - coaxial cable exhibits a certain amount
    of capacitance per unit length.

    "The repaired 15-meter filter runs 1.10:1 or better SWR across the band
    with an insertion loss of about 0.65 dB," he reports. Blaine advises
    that the RG-58 "can be coiled up and secured with some tie wraps" and
    that it should be kept away from the toroid to minimize interaction --
    a half-inch is probably sufficient. This approach may work well for
    other applications where a low-value capacitor is difficult to obtain
    and space is available.

    Blaine uses an L/C meter to measure the capacitance as the piece of
    cable is trimmed to approach the target value, and he leaves the cable
    about a quarter of an inch, then trims the braid back to increase the
    distance between it and the center conductor. He puts shrink wrap over
    the end, and measures the passband of the filter section with the
    chassis cover in place. -- Thanks to the ARRL Contest Update
    So Now What? Podcast

    "A Halloween and Throwback Special with QST Senior Editor, Jen Glifort,
    KC1KNL," will be the focus of the new (October 17) episode of the So
    Now What? podcast for amateur radio newcomers.

    If you're a newly licensed amateur radio operator, chances are you have
    lots of questions. This biweekly podcast has answers! So Now What?
    offers insights from those who've been just where you are now. New
    episodes will be posted every other Thursday, alternating new-episode
    weeks with the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.

    So Now What? is sponsored by LDG Electronics, a family owned and
    operated business with laboratories in southern Maryland that offers a
    wide array of antenna tuners and other amateur radio products.

    ARRL Communications Content Producer Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and W1AW
    Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, co-host the podcast. Presented as a
    lively conversation, with Patnode representing newer hams and Carcia
    the veteran operators, the podcast will explore questions that newer
    hams may have and the issues that keep participants from staying active
    in the hobby. Some episodes will feature guests to answer questions on
    specific topic areas.

    Listeners can find So Now What? on Apple iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher
    (free registration required, or browse the site as a guest), and
    through the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices.
    Episodes will be archived on ARRL's website.

    ARRL November Sweepstakes Offers Two Weekends of Fun

    The ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) weekends again loom large on the
    amateur radio contest horizon. The CW weekend is November 2 - 4 -- this
    weekend -- while the phone weekend is November 16 - 18. Both events
    begin on Saturday at 2100 UTC and conclude on Monday at 0259 UTC. An
    Operating Guide that relates some of the history and evolution of these
    North American contests is available. SS offers operating categories
    for every preference. The goal for many seasoned SS operators is to
    complete a "clean sweep" by working all 83 ARRL and Radio Amateurs of
    Canada (RAC) Sections. Some may just want to dabble. Others enjoy
    trying to make a clean sweep by working one station in each section.
    Most SS operators, though, simply try to run up the contact and
    multiplier counts, staying in the chair for the full 24 (out of 30)
    allowable hours.

    Some multipliers are much rarer than others, although these can shift
    from one event to the next. Stations in Puerto Rico and the Virgin
    Islands have been absent in recent years after hurricanes devastated
    those areas. Northern Territories (NT) is often the most difficult, and
    for a while, it looked as though the NT mainstay, VY1AAA (at the Yukon
    Territory station of J. Allen, VY1JA), might not be on the air this
    month. Allen has stepped away from amateur radio, and his station was
    supposed to have been dismantled already. But circumstances changed,
    the VY1JA station is still intact, and Gerry Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, says
    he'll be making the NT multiplier available to the SS multitude.

    "100% I will be on with guns blazing, CW and SSB," Hull told ARRL this
    week. "The big 'if' was getting J's Alpha 9500 back in working order,
    and that happened last Friday. After that, we are done. So, a sweep
    will be possible."

    Hull will operate VY1AAA remotely from New Hampshire. He said that for
    the CW event this weekend, he'll either stay very low in the band --
    the bottom 5 kHz -- or operate above 40 kHz to avoid interference. And
    while he's a snappy CW operator, he promises to slow down for anyone.

    "The trick will be finding my own Section," Hull added. "Let's see if
    the propagation gods are with us. I hope so, for this swan song."

    Once the VY1JA station is finally dismantled, VY1AAA will also be off
    the air, unless Hull is able to secure another station. Hull told ARRL
    earlier this year that he's been searching for several months for
    another Northern Territories station that would be willing to host
    remote operation.

    Allen cited long-term health issues and hearing loss for his decision
    to retire from ham radio, and his familiar VY1JA call sign will retire
    with him.

    Gerry Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, operates
    VY1AAA remotely during ARRL Field
    Day.

    "The VY1AAA team is greatly saddened by this turn of events," Hull
    said. "Hams around the world will surely miss J and the VY1AAA team on
    the bands. J has been an incredible friend and mentor." Over the past 4
    years, VY1AAA has logged more than 35,000 contacts, and QSL requests
    will continue to be honored.

    Operators with limited time to get on the air may want to raise the
    excitement level by "running" -- i.e, calling CQ -- a lot of stations
    or by operating later in the contest, when the SS regulars will be on
    the lookout for call signs they have not yet encountered.

    For both the CW and phone events, stations exchange a sequential serial
    number (no leading zeros needed), an operating category (precedence),
    call sign, the last two digits of the year of first license for either
    operator or station (check), and ARRL/RAC Section.

    Many areas of the US change from daylight saving time to standard time
    at 2 AM local time on November 3 by moving clocks back 1 hour. UTC is
    not affected. -- Thanks to Gerry Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, and The ARRL Contest
    Update
    ARRL Headquarters Welcomes New Section Managers for Orientation

    Back row (L - R): Rick Breininger,
    N1TEK (Wyoming); Tom Preiser, N2XW
    (Southern New Jersey); John
    Gotthardt, K1UAF (New Hampshire);
    Dan Marler, K7REX (Idaho), and
    Lelia Garner, WA0UIG (Iowa).
    Bottom row (L - R): Paul Stiles,
    KF7SOJ (Montana), Steve Ewald,
    WV1X (ARRL Field Services
    Manager), Steve Smith, KG5VK
    (North Texas). [Michelle Patnode,
    W3MVP, photo]

    Newly elected ARRL Section Managers were at ARRL Headquarters October
    11 - 13 for the 2019 New Section Manager Workshop. Attendees got a
    detailed tour through ARRL Headquarters to meet and talk with staff
    leaders and staff members, participated in various training and
    orientation presentations and discussions, and enjoyed the chance to
    operate W1AW. Attending were Tom Preiser, N2XW (Southern New Jersey);
    Paul Stiles, KF7SOJ (Montana); Steven Lott Smith, KG5VK (North Texas);
    Dan Marler, K7REX (Idaho); Rick Breininger, N1TEK (Wyoming); John
    Gotthardt, K1UAF (New Hampshire), and Lelia Garner, WA0UIG (Iowa). --
    Thanks to Steve Ewald, WV1X

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Still no sunspots, but average daily
    solar flux rose this week from 65.3 to 68.5 -- yet there have been
    surprising reports of HF stations heard and worked over long distances.

    On Friday and Saturday, a coronal hole let loose a solar wind stream,
    causing geomagnetic instability, and the average daily planetary A
    index rose from 4.7 to 16.4.

    Predicted solar flux has increased recently, with values of 70 on
    October 31 - November 7; 66 on November 8-23; 70 on November 24 -
    December 6, and 69 on December 7-14.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8 on October 31 - November 1; 5 on
    November 2-4; 8 and 10 on November 5-6; 5 on November 7-16; 15, 8, and
    5 on November 17-19; 20 and 24 on November 20-21; 15 on November 22-23;
    12 on November 24; 5 and 15 on November 25-26; 12 on November 27-28,
    and 5 on November 29 - December 14.

    Sunspot numbers for October 24 - 30 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 65, 68.6, 68.6, 68.8, 69.4,
    69.2, and 69.7, with a mean of 68.5. Estimated planetary A indices were
    18, 29, 25, 15, 11, 8, and 9, with a mean of 16.4. Middle latitude A
    index was 12, 29, 17, 11, 8, 8, and 6, with a mean of 13.

    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
    * November 1 -- Silent Key Memorial Contest (CW)
    * November 2 -- IPARC Contest (CW)
    * November 2 - 3 -- Ukrainian DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * November 2 - 4 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (CW)
    * November 3 -- IPARC Contest (SSB)
    * November 3 -- EANET Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 3 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
    * November 4 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
    * November 5 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * November 6 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * November 7 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 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.

    Revised AMSAT-NA Website in Development

    AMSAT Treasurer and Vice President of User Services Robert Bankston,
    KE4AL, has announced that the AMSAT Board has approved his
    recommendations for an internet-based membership management system, the
    transition to a digital full-color edition of AMSAT Journal, and a
    complete overhaul of the AMSAT-NA website.

    "I have been putting together these proposals for several months and
    thank the Board of Directors for the permission to move these projects
    forward," Bankston said at the conclusion of the 2019 AMSAT Symposium
    and Annual General Meeting over the weekend. He said the improvements
    will modernize how AMSAT serves its members and that the new membership
    management system will give members control over their membership
    accounts, allowing them to update contact information, pay dues, and
    register for events. He did not indicate when the updated website would
    be up and running.

    Bankston said the new website will aim to make navigating the site more
    intuitive with portals for members and friends in the AMSAT community,
    how-to guides on getting started in amateur radio satellites, and
    information about current satellites and what is needed to work them.

    "In addition, the program will automatically push out reminders,
    newsletters, and a digital copy of the AMSAT Journal," Bankston
    explained. "Transitioning to a digitally delivered AMSAT Journal will
    allow us to provide a full-color magazine without raising the cost of
    membership. In addition, we will have the opportunity to provide
    member-only content on our website and to include back issues of our
    AMSAT Journal."

    AMSAT is marking its 50th anniversary in 2019. -- Thanks to AMSAT News
    Service
    In Brief...

    Results and certificates from the Hiram Percy Maxim (HPM) Birthday
    Celebration August 31 - September 8 are now available. The 9-day
    operating event commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of ARRL
    cofounder and first president Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW. Amateurs from 57
    ARRL/RAC Sections and four countries submitted more than 25,000
    contacts over the course of the event. Results of the event and
    downloadable certificates are on the ARRL Contests Page. A special HPM
    150 QSL card is available for stations that worked W1AW/150 during the
    event. To receive a card, send your QSL with an SASE to W1AW, 225 Main
    St., Newington, CT 06111.

    The ARRL Foundation has announced for additional recipients of
    scholarships that it manages. The Albemarle Scholarship was awarded to
    Dalton Southerland, W1DGS, of Louisburg, North Carolina; the Atlanta
    Radio Club Scholarship was awarded to Emily Wilbourn, KM4JXB, of
    Buford, Georgia; the Cordel Scholarship was awarded to Collin Pike,
    KJ4AXB, of Roanoke, Alabama, and the Winscot Scholarship was awarded to
    Anna Grogen Pike, KD4PCU, of Roanoke, Alabama.

    More than 50 Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) and Auxiliary
    Communication Service (ACS) volunteers supported the MCAS Miramar Air
    Show. They donated some 500 hours of their time to support public
    safety at the largest show of its type in the US over the September 27
    - 29 weekend in San Diego, California. Miramar served as the shooting
    location for the 1986 film Top Gun. Performances by the US Navy Blue
    Angels and the British Royal Air Force Red Arrows drew large crowds
    that strained anxious public safety services at the annual event.
    Working daily 12-hour shifts, ARES operators continuously patrolled the
    crowds looking for air show guests in distress with heat exhaustion or
    lost family members, while ACS hams liaised with law enforcement
    agencies and kept information flowing between agencies. High noise
    levels from low-flying aircraft were challenging. During a barbecue
    break, volunteers compared notes about whose noise-cancelling
    headphones worked best, as well as how to secure the transceiver
    connections and to avoid open mics. -- Thanks to Dave Kaltenborn,
    N8KBC, via The ARRL ARES E-Letter

    Louisiana and Mississippi amateur radio volunteers supported the "Bike
    MS: Dat's How We Roll" Event. Over the October 5 - 6 weekend, 32
    amateur radio volunteers from the Southeast Louisiana Amateur Radio
    Club (SELARC), the Southwest Mississippi Amateur Radio Club (SMARC),
    and Southeast Louisiana ARES supported the "Bike MS: Dat's How We Roll"
    event. The tour provided 267 volunteer hours in support of the annual
    multiple sclerosis bike ride from Hammond, Louisiana, to Percy Quin
    Park, Mississippi, and back. The hams used the SELARC VHF repeater and
    the LWARN UHF repeater system to provide communication for safety,
    logistics, and medical teams along the route on the back-country roads
    of Louisiana and Mississippi. Event sponsors, staffers, and friends and
    families of the cyclists as well as the cyclists themselves expressed
    their appreciation for the work of the ham radio volunteers and were
    impressed with the capabilities of amateur radio, Communications
    Coordinator Bob Priez, WB5FBS, said.

    [IMG]The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors has approved a supporting
    grant of $4,000 to Club Log and Club Log Author Michael Wells, G7VJR.
    The grant will support capital improvements, needed to take the system
    into the future with improved resiliency, enhanced performance, and the
    hardware needed for continued innovation, such as an interface to other
    online services like CloudLog. Club Log caters to DXers and DXpedition
    hosting. Yasme's association with Club Log began with a grant in 2012,
    when the system hosted 67 million contacts with 7,300 users. Today,
    Club Log boasts some 70,000 active users and some 590 million contacts.
    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.

    Eric Tichansky, NO3M, and Roger Crofts, VK4YB, are claiming a new world
    distance record on 630 meters. They worked each other on October 14 at
    1032 UTC using JT9 mode. Tichansky said the contact represented the
    culmination of 2 years of effort around every equinox since September
    2017. "Hopes were wearing thin as we were moving away from the recent
    equinox on September 23," he said. "Even when the path may have been
    open over the past 3 weeks, either end would be plagued with QRN." He
    said that while the opening that facilitated the record-breaking
    contact was not comparably as strong as past openings, "something
    special was obviously at play." The contact covered 9,307.5 miles
    (14,979 kilometers), topping the previous record of 8,351.9 miles set
    by Roger Crofts, VK4YB, and Kenneth Roberson, K5DNL, by nearly 1,000
    miles. Tichansky said his transmit antenna is a 67-foot top-loaded
    vertical, and the receive antenna is a full-sized eight-circle array
    comprised of short verticals. The transmit/receive at VK4YB is a
    linear-loaded vertical. -- Thanks to Eric Tichansky, NO3M

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * November 2 - 3 -- Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference (Winterfest), Collinsville,
    Illinois

    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 Fri Nov 8 09:05:02 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    November 7, 2019

    * IARU Reports Early Progress, Contention on Difficult Issues Mark
    First Week of WRC-19
    * Pitcairn Island DXpedition Logs More Than 80,000 Contacts
    * MARSRADIO is Keeping the Phone Patch Alive
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * W1AW to Commemorate 98th Anniversary of First Amateur Radio Signals
    to Span the Atlantic
    * SKYWARN Recognition Day Celebrates 20 Years on December 7
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Preparations Resume for 3Y0I Bouvet Island DXpedition
    * France Gives its Highest Honor to The Secret Wireless War Author
    Geoffrey Pidgeon
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    IARU Reports Early Progress, Contention on Difficult Issues Mark First
    Week of WRC-19

    The first week of World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) saw
    agreement reached on several issues on which discussions prior to the
    conference had revealed consensus. Those were the easy ones; the rest
    will be more difficult, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
    said. The conference is in its second week in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
    The IARU said the early agreements were only possible because of
    countless hours of work conducted within the ITU Radiocommunication
    Sector and the six regional telecommunications organizations (RTOs)
    since WRC-15. Three of those decisions were on issues of interest to
    the IARU.
    * The band 47.0 - 47.2 GHz was allocated solely to the Amateur and
    Amateur Satellite Services by the 1979 World ministrative Radio
    Conference (WARC-79). Commercial wireless broadband interests had
    expressed some interest in the band being designated for
    International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), and there was some
    concern that such a proposal might be made at WRC-19. The fact that
    none was forthcoming was due in part to the work of the IARU at the
    Conference Preparatory Meeting earlier this year and in the RTOs.
    The WRC has agreed to "no change" (NOC) at 47.0 - 47.2 GHz.
    * Another NOC decision that avoided impact on the Amateur Service
    applies to the band 5850 - 5925 MHz, an amateur secondary
    allocation in Region 2. Consideration of proposals involving other
    parts of spectrum in the 5 GHz range will take much longer,
    according to the IARU.
    * Consideration of a 50 MHz allocation in ITU Region 1 (Europe,
    Africa, and the Mideast) to harmonize the allocations in the three
    regions was the subject of spirited debate in a Sub Working Group
    chaired by Dale Hughes, VK1DSH, of the Australian delegation. The
    four RTOs in Region 1 made disparate proposals to the conference,
    and a small group of administrations proposed no change. For 3
    days, there was no progress toward a consensus solution, but that
    changed on Friday morning. An agreement was made, subject to
    confirmation by the regional groups, that will provide
    administrations in Region 1 with flexibility in how to accommodate
    their radio amateurs.

    The WRC agreed to make no frequency allocations or other changes to the
    Radio Regulations to accommodate wireless power transmission for
    electric vehicles (WPT-EV). "Much more work remains to be done on an
    urgent basis in the ITU and other standards organizations if

    IARU President Tim Ellam,
    VE6SH (right), chats with
    IARU Secretary David Sumner,
    K1ZZ, on the way to a WRC-19
    session. [Jon Siverling,
    WB3ERA, photo]

    radiocommunication services are to be adequately protected from harmful
    interference that may be generated by WPT-EV, both at the fundamental
    frequency and from unwanted emissions," the IARU said.

    One of the most difficult issues facing WRC-19 is to develop an agenda
    for WRC-23. Dozens of proposals for agenda items have been suggested,
    and they cannot all be accommodated within available ITU resources.

    Delegates have been warned to expect more intensive use of weekend and
    evening hours as the conference proceeds toward its conclusion on
    November 22. -- Thanks to the IARU
    Pitcairn Island DXpedition Logs More Than 80,000 Contacts

    The VP6R DXpedition to Pitcairn Island shut down at 1800 UTC on
    November 1, reporting 82,700 contacts. They reported excellent weather
    for the teardown and got everything packed and aboard the Braveheart,
    which is taking them to Mangareva. According to their update, the
    oldest resident of Pitcairn Island died on November 1, and the VP6R
    team attended the funeral the next day. The individual was buried next
    to Tom Christian, VP6TC, who gave many radio amateurs their first
    Pitcairn contacts.

    During their stay on the island, VP6R team members helped two local
    radio amateurs to get on the air -- Meralda Warren, VP6MW, and Mike
    Warren, VP6AZ.

    The entire VP6R log will be posted to Logbook of The World (LoTW), and
    stations may QSL via K9CT.

    "On behalf of the team, our off-island support members, and our
    sponsors, may I say thank you to our DX audience for your interest,
    support, and of course, the QSOs," Ralph Fedor, K0IR, said. "To the
    kids at the Dorothy Grant Elementary School, thank you for taking part
    in this great adventure with us through ham radio. You brightened our
    path."

    The DXpedition reported high spirits, big pileups, and good
    propagation, giving out "many all-time new ones" during its stay. "We
    had fun with this," Fedor said. "We hope you did too."

    VP6R operated from two sites on the island. During their stay, the team
    took part in the CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB). A DXpedition veteran,
    Fedor had to pull out of the Pitcairn Island trip due to health issues,
    but maintained a support role.

    MARSRADIO is Keeping the Phone Patch Alive

    A military plane over the North Atlantic suddenly experiences rapid
    decompression. A call goes out to MARSRADIO, explaining the emergency
    and requesting a phone patch to the aircraft's command post. Over the
    next few hours, a MARSRADIO volunteer handles many phone patches to
    help resolve the situation. An adjunct within the Air Force Military
    Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), MARSRADIO is reminiscent of an era when
    MARS facilitated hundreds of troop morale phone patches each night
    between soldiers deployed in Vietnam and their families and loved ones
    back home.

    Today, MARS is more oriented to official Department of Defense (DoD)
    communication, but the venerable phone patch remains viable within
    MARSRADIO, a special MARS operations group that provides primary
    service and a backup system that handles requests for official and
    morale phone patches, weather forecasts, informal messages, selective
    calling tests, and radio checks. Membership in MARSRADIO is open to
    both Army and Air Force MARS members, and it is seeking additional
    volunteers.

    MARSRADIO members have advanced station capabilities, put in many hours
    of participation, and operate under more stringent requirements than
    the standard MARS program does. These include the ability to monitor
    two frequencies simultaneously; an amplifier; a directional antenna
    (i.e., Yagi) for operation above 13 MHz; dipoles for use below 13 MHz;
    internet access; at least 36 hours of participation per quarter, and no
    digital requirement, if MARSRADIO is the station's primary assignment.

    "MARSRADIO" is the net call sign for the 11th Air Force MARS MARSRADIO
    Squadron (11AFMS) under the 1st AFMARS Special Operations Group
    (1AFMSOG). MARSRADIO net members guard frequencies as much as possible,
    and the net is authorized 24/7/365. MARSRADIO serves as a backup to US
    Defense Department communication, including the US Air Force Global
    System, handling an average of 2,500 requests each year for assistance
    -- from providing estimated times of arrival to communications
    involving medical or mechanical emergencies.

    MARSRADIO has evolved into a DoD asset that's noteworthy for its
    volunteer support, and interest is rising as HF regains importance.
    Volunteers handle communication for all branches of the military and
    for other US government users. All types of DoD aircraft and ground
    units may request support to complete their missions, and the net is
    open to US allies.

    MARSRADIO is not for every ham or every MARS member, but those
    interested in service would be working with real-time traffic on a
    daily basis. A fast-track program is in place to bring well-qualified
    operators directly into MARSRADIO. While today's MARS is highly digital
    and encrypted, the phone patch is a totally different animal. Members
    of MARSRADIO do not need digital capability. They don't even need a
    landline. A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connection via the
    internet will provide the phone line needed to run a patch.

    More information on MARSRADIO is available.
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Antenna Switches" is the topic of the new (November 7) episode of the
    ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    W1AW to Commemorate 98th Anniversary of First Amateur Radio Signals to
    Span the Atlantic

    December 11 marks the 98th anniversary of the success of ARRL's
    Transatlantic Tests in 1921, organized to see if low-power amateur
    radio stations could be heard across the Atlantic using shortwave
    frequencies (i.e., above 200 meters). On that day, a message
    transmitted by a group of Radio Club of America members at 1BCG in
    Greenwich, Connecticut, was copied by Paul Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland.

    While the first two-way contact would not take place until 1923, the
    1921 transatlantic success marked the beginning of what would become
    routine communication between US radio amateurs and those in other
    parts of the world -- the birth of DX.

    To commemorate this amateur radio milestone, Maxim Memorial Station
    W1AW will be on the air through the day on December 11 with volunteer
    operators. The goal is to encourage contacts between radio amateurs in
    the US and Europe while showcasing the significance of the
    transmissions that pioneered global communication and laid the
    groundwork for technology widely used today.

    The event will run from 1300 until 0000 UTC. Some details are still
    being worked out, but operation will focus on 40 and 20 meters (SSB).

    Contact Clark Burgard, N1BCG, for more information.
    SKYWARN Recognition Day Celebrates 20 Years on December 7

    SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) will mark its 20th anniversary on
    December 7, 0000 to 2400 UTC. This is the day each year when radio
    amateurs operate from National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices
    across the country, celebrating the long relationship between the
    amateur radio community and the National Weather Service SKYWARN
    program. The purpose of the event is to recognize amateur radio
    operators for the vital public service they perform during times of
    severe weather and to strengthen the bond between radio amateurs and
    their local NWS offices.

    Developed in 1999, SRD is cosponsored by ARRL and the NWS.
    Traditionally, radio amateurs have assisted the mission of the NWS
    through providing near real-time reports of severe weather and storm
    development. Reports received from radio amateurs have proven
    invaluable to NWS forecasters.

    During SRD, participants exchange contact information with as many NWS
    stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 meters, plus 70
    centimeters. Contacts via repeaters are permitted. Stations should
    exchange call signs, signal reports, and locations, plus a quick
    description of the weather at your location (e.g., sunny, partly
    cloudy, windy, rainy, etc.). EchoLink and IRLP nodes, including the
    Voice over Internet Protocol Weather Net (VoIP-WX), are expected to be
    active as well.

    WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center will also be on the air for
    SRD, 1300 - 1700 UTC, for its 21st year of SRD participation.

    Event certificates are electronic and printable from the main website
    at the conclusion of SRD. To learn more, visit the SKYWARN Recognition
    Day website.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Two new sunspot groups appeared this
    week on two consecutive days, each lasting for only a day, with a daily
    sunspot number of 11 and 13 last Friday and Saturday, just in time for
    the ARRL November Sweepstakes CW weekend. Both sunspot groups had a
    magnetic polarity signature indicating Solar Cycle 25 and appeared
    after 4 weeks of no sunspots.

    [IMG]Spaceweather.com reported both appearances as region AR2750, while
    NOAA reported a new sunspot group on each day.

    Solar flux was higher over the October 31 - November 6 reporting week,
    with average daily solar flux rising from 68.5 to 70.4. Geomagnetic
    indicators were low, with average daily planetary A index declining
    from 16.4 to 4.1, and average mid-latitude A index softening from 13 to
    2.7.

    Predicted solar flux is 70 on November 7; 68 on November 8 - 14; 67 on
    November 15 - 19; 68 and 70 on November 20 - 21; 71 on November 22 -
    30; 70 on December 1 - 6; 69 on December 7 - 19, and 70 on December 20
    - 21.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8 on November 7; 5 on November 8 - 10; 8
    on November 11 - 12; 5 on November 13 - 19; 15, 25, 18, 12, and 10 on
    November 20 - 24; 8 on November 25 - 26; 5 on November 27 - December
    16, and 15, 20, 18, 12, and 12 on December 17 - 21.

    Even during days with no sunspots, there was notable HF propagation
    recently, with the just-ended VP6R Pitcairn Island DXpedition making HF
    contacts across the Americas, even on 10 meters.

    Sunspot numbers for October 31 - November 6 were 0, 11, 13, 0, 0, 0,
    and 0, with a mean of 3.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.2, 70.7,
    70.7, 69.4, 70.8, 70.4, and 69.3, with a mean of 70.4. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 7, 4, 2, 2, 4, 5, and 5, with a mean of 4.1.
    The middle latitude A index was 5, 2, 1, 1, 4, 2, and 4, 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. Monthly charts offer
    propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.

    Share your reports and observations.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * November 9 - 10 -- WAE DX Contest RTTY
    * November 9 - 10 -- 10-10 International Fall Contest (Digital)
    * November 9 - 10 -- JIDX Phone Contest
    * November 9 - 10 -- SARL VHF/UHF Analogue Contest (CW, phone)
    * November 9 - 10 -- OK/OM DX Contest (CW)
    * November 9 - 10 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * November 9 - 11 -- CQ-WE Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 9 - 11 -- PODXS 070 Club Triple Play Low Band Sprint
    (Digital)
    * November 9 - 17 -- AWA Bruce Kelley 1929 QSO Party (CW)
    * November 10 -- North American SSB Sprint Contest
    * November 11 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * November 11 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (Digital)
    * November 15 -- YO International PSK31 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.

    Preparations Resume for 3Y0I Bouvet Island DXpedition

    Another attempt to activate Bouvet Island is in the planning stages,
    according to the 3Y0I website. Efforts are under way to secure the
    necessary funds.

    "As you probably know, our first attempt to reach the island of Bouvet
    in March 2019 failed," the news update said. "Despite complex
    preparations and training received in Cape Town, South Africa, our
    vessel got hit by a big storm so badly that we had no choice but to
    sail back to Cape Town to reshuffle our plans. We were so close -- just
    63 nautical miles offshore!" The 3Y0I sponsors estimate that a second
    attempt would cost around $170,000. "[W]e have already secured half of
    the required budget to go back to Bouvet," the announcement said,
    adding that it's beyond the capacity of the DXpedition team members to
    cover the entire cost, so they are trying to collect $85,000 to fund
    the second attempt.

    The 3Y0I team has a GoFundMe page, set up by 3Y0I team leader Dom
    Grzyb, 3Z9DX. No time frame was given for the second attempt by Grzyb's
    team, and it's not known if Grzyb has obtained operating permission
    from the Norwegian government. The 19-square-mile subantarctic island
    is a Norwegian dependency.

    "Our intentions are clear: If we don't reach our fundraising goal, we
    won't receive nor spend a single cent you donate and it would be
    returned to your GoFundMe account for withdrawal, or to support any
    other GoFundMe project of your choice," the announcement says.

    "The future of amateur radio expeditions, especially in terms of
    activating entities placed across cold high-latitude seas, isn't
    bright," the 3Y0I statement says. "Apart from the uncertainty of future
    solar cycles' strength that may badly reflect radio propagations, there
    are still very few of us who realize that visiting remote cold islands
    may become very seldom or even almost impossible."

    According to Club Log's DXCC Most Wanted List, Bouvet Island is number
    2, right behind North Korea. The unrelated 3Y0Z DXpedition attempt to
    land on Bouvet in early 2018 failed after the vessel transporting the
    team developed engine issues as it lay just offshore. The last
    successful Bouvet activation was 3Y0E, during a scientific expedition
    over the winter of 2007 - 2008. -- Thanks to Southgate Amateur Radio
    News via OPDX
    France Gives its Highest Honor to The Secret Wireless War Author
    Geoffrey Pidgeon

    The author of The Secret Wireless War, Geoffrey Pidgeon, recently
    became the 6,000th veteran to receive the French Legion of Honor
    (Legion d'Honneur). Through his undercover work in British
    intelligence, Pidgeon, now 93, played a pivotal role in the D-Day
    landings. His book, which recounts the important role of the

    Geoffrey Pidgeon. [Forces TV]

    Communications Division of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)
    during World War II, has long been a favorite among hams.

    "There never was, in the whole history of wireless, a bigger role for
    the amateur wireless enthusiast," says Pidgeon. "This is an
    extraordinary story that includes hams among those patriots that
    undoubtedly helped the Allied war effort."

    Pidgeon said he was "somewhat overwhelmed" by the turnout for the award
    presentation by French Ambassador to the UK Catherine Colonna. UK
    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace also attended. The event attracted news
    media as well. Reports included one from Forces TV. Pidgeon also was
    interviewed by London's The Sunday Times.

    "They made a fuss of me today," Pidgeon told Forces TV.

    The Secret Wireless War offers a history of the SIS, its growing use of
    wireless in the 1930s, its involvement in the dissemination by wireless
    of Enigma (Ultra) intelligence, and a whole range of secret uses of
    wireless as part of the successful prosecution of the war.

    The book documents the personal tales of those who were part of this
    most secret of units, and events that helped to win the war: Secret
    agents abroad, wireless operators handling Ultra and agents' traffic,
    wireless engineers, interceptors, and administrators; the story of
    Churchill's personal wireless operator; a fleet of 70+ Packard motor
    cars and converted Dodge ambulances used as mobile wireless stations;
    and hams listening to the German secret service and the Gestapo.

    Pidgeon's memoir of his days in MI6 Communications during World War II
    is distributed in the US by ARRL.
    In Brief...

    The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC) will operate special
    event station N9V on Veterans Day, November 11. The club's headquarters
    station, K9TAL, will anchor the N9V Veterans Day operations, joined by
    several TALARC stations around the US, for its annual national salute
    to veterans. The American Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary
    this year. Operation will be from 1800 to 0000 UTC on or about 7.285,
    14.285, and 21.285 MHz. Certificates will be available to all sending a
    QSL card. More information is on the N9V profile page on QRZ.com. --
    Thanks to Jim Harris, W0EM, and The National Legion Amateur Radio Club

    University of Washington
    doctoral candidate Paige
    Northway with a HuskySat
    engineering model.
    [Courtesy of UW News]

    A Cygnus cargo spacecraft carrying the University of Washington's
    student-built HuskySat-1 CubeSat has been successfully launched. The
    Cygnus docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on November 4.
    It then is scheduled to depart the ISS on January 13, 2020, and raise
    its orbit to approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles), where HuskySat-1
    and SwampSat will be deployed. After deployment, HuskySat-1's 1,200 bps
    BPSK beacon on 435.800 MHz should be active and decodable with the
    latest release of FoxTelem. HuskySat-1 is expected to run its primary
    mission for 30 days -- testing a pulsed plasma thruster and
    experimental 24 GHz data transmitter -- before being turned over to
    AMSAT for amateur radio operation. HuskySat-1 features a 30 kHz wide
    145 to 435 MHz linear transponder for SSB/CW. "Usually people buy most
    of the satellite and build one part of it," said Paige Northway, a
    doctoral student who's been involved with the project since inception.
    "We built all the parts. It was a pretty serious undertaking." For more
    information about HuskySat-1's development and its science, read the UW
    News article, "Washington's first student-built satellite preparing for
    launch." -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via SpaceNews.com; Paul
    Stoetzer, N8HM, and UW News

    The FCC is looking for a telecommunications specialist to work at the
    HF Direction Finding Center in Columbia, Maryland. This is a full-time
    position with a competitive salary. The incumbent would perform "watch
    duty" and serve as a technical authority, providing technical
    assistance and guidance to communication systems users to resolve radio
    interference complaints and problems. The telecommunications specialist
    collects radio signal analysis information using equipment deployed
    throughout the US to collect, correlate, and analyze characteristics of
    radio signals involved in interference problems, distress, or
    safety-related signals, or other radio signals involved in other
    high-priority activities, such as law enforcement or national defense.
    This individual analyzes complaints, inquiries, and comments from
    multiple sources; investigates compliances with FCC rules and
    regulations, and determines appropriate actions, utilizing the FCC's
    remote HF network of radio direction finders and radio signal analysis
    equipment. For additional information, see the full job description.

    The FCC has solicited comments on a Petition for Declaratory Ruling
    clarifying Amateur Service rules governing encrypted or encoded
    messages. Filed on behalf of New York University (NYU), the Petition
    seeks to clarify that Section 97.113(a)(4) of the Amateur Service rules
    prohibits the transmission of "effectively encrypted or encoded
    messages, including messages that cannot be readily decoded
    over-the-air for true meaning." Comments are due by December 2, with
    reply comments (comments on comments already filed) due on December 17.
    The FCC has requested that all filings refer to WT Docket No. 16-239,
    which grew out of an ARRL Petition for Rule Making requesting
    elimination of symbol rate limitations on the amateur bands and is
    unrelated to the wider encryption issue. The NYU Petition contends that
    some communication modes incorporating dynamic compression techniques
    "by extension, effectively encrypt or encode the communications."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference (Winterfest), Collinsville,
    Illinois

    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 Fri Nov 15 09:05:02 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    November 14, 2019

    * HamSCI Founder Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, Wins $1.3 Million
    Ionosphere Study Grant
    * World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 Enters Its Third Week
    * RF-Seismograph Gets Traction in Hackaday
    * So Now What? Podcast
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * More Than 1 Million Contacts Logged During 2019 ARRL Field Day
    * AMSAT Says HuskySat-1 is Paving the Way for Further Cooperation
    * IARU and Amateur Radio Are Reaching "An Inflection Point"
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    HamSCI Founder Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, Wins $1.3 Million Ionosphere
    Study Grant

    Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, now a University of Scranton physics and
    electrical engineering professor, has won a $1.3 million National
    Science Foundation (NSF) grant to study weather effects in the
    ionosphere by leveraging a network of amateur radio stations. Frissell
    is perhaps best known within the amateur radio community as the founder
    of HamSCI, the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation initiative. The
    Distributed Arrays of Small Instruments (DASI) project will be
    implemented over 3 years. As principal investigator, Frissell -- a
    space physicist -- will head a collaborative team that will develop
    ground-based space science observation instruments and software. His
    research effort will recruit multiple universities and radio amateurs
    to operate a network of personal space weather stations.

    "I'm very excited," Frissell told ARRL. "This grant is extremely
    exciting for both ham radio and ionospheric research. Perhaps more than
    the money, it means that the NSF is recognizing the good work that we,
    as hams, are doing and the contribution we can make in the future."

    Frissell said the grant demonstrates that the scientific community is
    taking amateur radio seriously. "This is great for ham radio, as it
    provides yet another avenue for us to contribute to the art and science
    of radio in a meaningful way," he said.

    The space weather equipment will be developed at two levels of
    sophistication -- one at a low-cost, easy-to-use level for radio
    amateurs, and another, more complex version for university partners
    that will allow the collection of additional data.

    "The equipment and network allows us to measure and characterize
    ionospheric and geomagnetic short-term, small-scale variability on a
    large geographic scale in order to understand the response of the
    ionosphere to sources from above (space weather) and below (atmospheric
    forcing)," Frissell explained in his grant proposal. "By designing
    personal space weather station variants at multiple price points, open
    sourcing the hardware and software, and directly engaging with the ham
    radio community, this project maximizes the chances of widespread
    adoption of this system." Frissell intends to focus his recruitment
    efforts through HamSCI and TAPR. Read more.
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 Enters Its Third Week

    Intense discussions of the most contentious agenda items marked the
    second week of World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), but
    very little was resolved.

    "It is clear that long days and nights are ahead in the last 2 weeks,"
    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ,
    observed earlier this week. Representatives of the IARU and its
    member-societies -- 14 in all -- are attending all or part of the
    conference. IARU is admitted in a non-advisory capacity. Those
    representing IARU may attend meetings but may not participate unless
    asked by the chairman to provide information. Sumner reported on where
    issues affecting the amateur services stand at the midway point of the
    conference.

    50 MHz in Region 1: While a couple of details remain to be worked out
    as to how other existing services in Region 1 (Europe, Africa, and the
    Middle East) will be protected from interference, there is agreement
    that the amateur service should gain entry at 50 MHz in the
    international Table of Frequency Allocations for Region 1. The present
    6-meter allocations in Regions 2 and 3 will be unchanged. Region 1
    administrations came to the conference holding disparate views on this
    agenda item, ranging from a 4 MHz primary allocation to no allocation
    at all. Sumner said a delicate compromise led to a positive outcome.

    "While it is too early to celebrate, we are cautiously optimistic that
    the compromise will hold," Sumner reported. In a separate report, Radio
    Amateurs of Canada Special visor Bryan Rawlings, VE3QN, said that
    hammering out a 6-meter Region 1 allocation "has been a long and
    frustrating process," and that a 4 MHz primary allocation similar to
    that available in Regions 2 and 3 is an unlikely outcome.

    IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ
    (left), gives an encouraging thumbs
    up at WRC-19. On the right is IARU
    Region 1 representative Dave Court,
    EI3IO. [Photo courtesy of the Radio
    Society of Great Britain]

    Future Agenda Items: The IARU is not seeking any agenda items for
    future WRCs at this conference. With the spectrum from 8.3 kHz to 275
    GHz fully allocated and some bands above 275 GHz already identified for
    particular uses, any proposal for new allocations involves sharing with
    one or more incumbent services.

    "The pressures for spectrum access to accommodate new uses for
    commercial purposes are intense; for an established service such as
    ours, any WRC that does not reduce our own useful spectrum access is a
    success," Sumner said.

    The notion of including 144 - 146 MHz in a study of non-safety
    aeronautical mobile service applications has not resurfaced at WRC-19.
    The IARU is, however, concerned about a proposed item for WRC-23,
    "Review of the amateur service and the amateur-satellite service
    allocations to ensure the protection of the radionavigation-satellite
    service (space-to-Earth) in the frequency band 1240 - 1300 MHz." A
    single, well-documented and quickly resolved case of interference to a
    Galileo (GPS) receiver 5 years ago prompted the proposed agenda item.

    "The IARU recognizes the concern and does not want the amateur service
    to affect the operation of the Galileo system in any way," Sumner said.
    WRC-19 will conclude on November 22. Read more.

    RF-Seismograph Gets Traction in Hackaday

    Alex Schwarz, VE7DXW, has theorized for some time now that his
    RF-Seismograph, initially aimed at indicating band openings, seemed to
    also act as a real seismograph of sorts, with effects of earthquakes
    affecting HF noise levels and -- going out on a limb -- actually
    briefly enhancing HF propagation (click on image). Schwarz has some
    support from Professor Kosuke Heki of Hokkaido University in Japan, who
    has been researching whether changes occur in the ionosphere as a
    result of an earthquake.

    [IMG]The work of both citizen scientist Schwarz and space geodesy
    expert Heki caught the attention of Hackaday, the online publication
    with a stated goal of promoting "the free and open exchange of ideas
    and information." A November 12 Hackaday article, "HF Propagation and
    Earthquakes," outlines the observations of both men. According to the
    article, Heki "knew that changes in the ionosphere can affect GPS and
    GNSS receivers on the ground, and with Japan's vast network of
    receivers to keep track of the smallest of movements of the Earth's
    crust, he was able to spot an anomalous buildup of electrons directly
    above the devastating 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake that preceded the
    earthquake by 40 minutes."

    Heki's theory is along these lines: Chemical bonds in the rock --
    specifically peroxy bonds between two oxygen atoms -- are broken by
    microfractures, leaving one side of the peroxy bond with excess
    electrons and the other with a positive hole. "These holes tend to
    migrate from high stress to unstressed areas of the rock, which leads
    them to eventually reach the surface, leaving it with a net positive
    charge," the Hackaday piece says. "As stress in the rock below
    increases, the number of positive holes reaching the surface rapidly
    multiplies, drawing electrons from the atmosphere to balance the
    charge. The moving charges generate an enormous electromagnetic field
    that can reach all the way up to the ionosphere, creating just the kind
    of anomalies that Professor Heki observed."

    Alex Schwarz, VE7DXW, spoke at
    the 2015 ARRL-TAPR Digital
    Communications Conference.
    [Photo courtesy of
    HamRadioNow]

    This week, Schwarz reported that the US Geological Survey recorded nine
    "significant earthquakes" on November 11, eight of which also were
    recorded by his RF-Seismograph. According to Schwarz, several small
    quakes early in the morning "opened the 40-meter band slightly, but the
    precursor of the quake [in Neiafu, Tonga] created a disturbance
    starting 4 hours prior to the quake and a total radio blackout between
    0330 UTC and 0550 UTC. The quakes in late morning did not have a great
    effect on the local propagation. The one from Vanuatu created 80-meter
    propagation for 10 minutes only. At 2340 UTC, another quake from
    Indonesia opened the 30-meter band again," Schwarz said.

    The Hackaday article concludes, "Clearly, the RF-Seismograph is not yet
    ready to claim to have a solid predictive ability for earthquakes. For
    that matter, Dr. Heki's space-based observations aren't ready to stake
    that claim either. But it certainly looks like ionospheric changes can
    be correlated to earthquakes, both in time and space..."
    So Now What? Podcast

    "Navigating the Nets," with guest Steve Ewald, WV1X, ARRL Field
    Services Supervisor, will be the focus of the new (November 14) episode
    of the So Now What? podcast for amateur radio newcomers.

    If you're a newly licensed amateur radio operator, chances are you have
    lots of questions. This biweekly podcast has answers! So Now What?
    offers insights from those who've been just where you are now. New
    episodes will be posted every other Thursday, alternating new-episode
    weeks with the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast.

    So Now What? is sponsored by LDG Electronics, a family owned and
    operated business with laboratories in southern Maryland that offers a
    wide array of antenna tuners and other amateur radio products.

    ARRL Communications Content Producer Michelle Patnode, W3MVP, and ARRL
    Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, co-host the podcast. Presented as a
    lively conversation, with Patnode representing newer hams and Carcia
    the veteran operators, the podcast will explore questions that newer
    hams may have and the issues that keep participants from staying active
    in the hobby. Some episodes will feature guests to answer questions on
    specific topic areas.

    Listeners can find So Now What? on Apple iTunes, Blubrry, Stitcher
    (free registration required, or browse the site as a guest) and through
    the free Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. Episodes
    will be archived on the ARRL website.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: With little to no solar activity,
    it's amazing how many HF DX contacts are possible, even without taking
    advantage of so-called weak-signal modes such as FT8. Recent
    DXpeditions, such as the ones on Pitcairn Island and the Marquesas, had
    little trouble piling up the contacts, even on 10 meters. It helps that
    fall is upon us.

    No sunspots over the past week, and average daily solar flux was about
    the same as last week, 70.3 compared to 70.4. Geomagnetic indices were
    still quiet, with average daily planetary A index at 4 (last week was
    4.1) and middle latitude A index at 3 (compared to 2.7).

    Predicted solar flux is 71 on November 14 - December 3; 70 on December
    4 - 18; and 71 on December 19 - 28.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on November 14 - 15; 12 and 8 on
    November 16 - 17; 5 on November 18 - 19; 18, 25, 18, 12, and 10 on
    November 20 - 24; 8 on November 25 - 26; 5 on November 27 - December
    16; 15, 25, 18, 12, and 10 on December 17 - 21; 8 on December 22 - 23,
    and 5 on December 24 - 28.

    Sunspot numbers for November 7 - 13 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.8, 70.2, 69.6, 70.8, 69.5,
    70.8, and 71.1, with a mean of 70.4. Estimated planetary A indices were
    5, 3, 4, 3, 7, 4, and 2, with a mean of 4.1. Middle latitude A index
    was 3, 2, 3, 2, 7, 3, and 1, 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. Monthly charts offer
    propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.

    Share your reports and observations.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * November 15 -- YO International PSK31 Contest
    * November 16 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * November 16 -- All Austrian 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * November 16 -- RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest (CW)
    * November 16 - 17 -- REF 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * November 16 - 17 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 16 - 17 -- LZ DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * November 16 - 18 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (Phone)
    * November 17 -- Homebrew and Oldtime Equipment Party (CW)
    * November 18 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * November 19 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
    * November 20 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (Phone)

    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.

    More Than 1 Million Contacts Logged During 2019 ARRL Field Day

    ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, reports that nearly
    1.1 million contacts were made during the 2019 ARRL Field Day -- the
    most popular operating event in North America. Bourque reported the
    2019 ARRL Field Day results, which are available starting on page 64 of
    the digital edition of the December 2019 issue of QST. Bourque says in
    his article that more than 36,000 radio amateurs took part in 2019
    Field Day across all 83 ARRL/Radio Amateurs of Canada Sections, up
    slightly from the 35,250 reported last year. The total number of
    contacts was down by about 7% from 2018's 1.18 million contacts.

    The Williamsburg Area Amateur
    Radio Club (WAARC) operated Field
    Day 2019 from Virginia using the
    club's call sign K4RC. GOTA
    Station operator Solana Stevenson
    beams, with her mother Mari Ann
    Stevenson in back at the left and
    grandfather Randy Altona, KM4YSN,
    in back at the right, with GOTA
    Coach Chuck White, AI4WU. [Dan
    Ewart, WG4F, photo]

    "This year, 3,113 entries were received from local clubs and emergency
    operations centers (EOCs), as well as individual portable, mobile, and
    home stations," Bourque wrote in QST. Most entries were in Class A --
    club or non-club groups of three or more.

    Of the nearly 1.1 million contacts, approximately 46% were made on
    phone, and 456,000 (42%) of contacts were made on CW. The remaining
    138,000+ (12%) of the contacts were made on digital modes, such as FT8
    and RTTY.

    "This is a substantial increase compared to 2018, when total QSOs on
    the digital modes numbered just over 56,000," Bourque reported. "With
    the late 2018 release of WSJT-X (which now supports Field Day
    exchanges), many participants made use of FT8's ability to communicate
    when band conditions weren't being cooperative."

    Top 10 scores ranged between W3AO's Class 14A entry from Maryland-DC,
    with 32,356 points, to W1NVT's 14,876-point Class 2A entry from
    Vermont.

    Bourque said that 95% of the 3,113 entries received came through the
    Field Day web applet.

    "Not only is ARRL Field Day an opportunity to sharpen operating skills
    in temporary and portable locations, it's also an occasion to showcase
    amateur radio to the local community," Bourque wrote.

    Soapbox comments for Field Day 2019 are available on the ARRL website.
    ARRL Field Day 2020 will take place June 27 - 28.
    AMSAT Says HuskySat-1 is Paving the Way for Further Cooperation

    AMSAT says it had to maneuver some regulatory challenges in
    establishing its partnership with the University of Washington to share
    the just-launched HuskySat-1. The satellite went into space on November
    2 aboard a Cygnus cargo vessel, which docked to the International Space
    Station. HuskySat-1 will be boosted into a higher orbit and deployed in
    January, and once it completes its primary mission, it will be turned
    over to AMSAT for operation of its linear transponder sometime in the
    second quarter of 2020. AMSAT Vice President-Engineering Jerry Buxton,
    N0JY, explained this week that the AMSAT-UW partnership presented some
    regulatory challenges, but has paved the way for similar partnerships
    in the future.

    "The [FCC] Part 97 license that AMSAT will operate under does not
    include or allow the use of any of the experiments on board," Buxton
    explained. "As those experiments were not able to conform to Part 97's
    so-called 'educational exemption,' including the K-band radio, two
    licenses were required." UW obtained a Part 5 Experimental license to
    cover the telemetry downlink of the AMSAT transponder module, but the
    transponder must remain off during that operation. The AMSAT
    transponder module will operate under an FCC Part 97 Amateur Service
    license.

    "This was the first partnership with an educational institution where
    an AMSAT radio was flown on a non-AMSAT (UW in this case) CubeSat,"
    Buxton said. "In the process of working with the FCC and NASA to obtain
    a single Part 97 license that was not complicated or restricted by
    'pecuniary interest,' the experience developed an understanding with
    FCC as to how a mission such as HuskySat-1 could be fully licensed
    under Part 97."

    AMSAT Vice President-Engineering
    Jerry Buxton, N0JY.

    Buxton said delays and difficulties encountered in executing all of the
    requirements to qualify under Part 97 ultimately bumped up against the
    mission deadline to have a license in hand, so the CubeSat could be
    integrated on the launch vessel. "The only way forward at that time, in
    order for UW to make the launch, was to do the separate licensing,"
    Buxton said.

    "I thank and commend our partners at University of Washington as well
    as the FCC for their work to make it happen, and our friends at NASA
    for giving us the opportunity to push for a path to amateur radio
    licensing for more of the CubeSat launches they sponsor," Buxton
    remarked. "I believe that it has resulted in a known path toward fully
    Part 97-licensed educational (e.g., university) CubeSats. That should
    in turn offer more opportunities for AMSAT radios to fly as the
    communications package for a mission as well as an operating amateur
    radio satellite, in the same way as the CubeSats we produce."

    After deployment, HuskySat-1's 1,200 bps BPSK beacon on 435.800 MHz
    should be active and decodable with the latest release of FoxTelem.
    HuskySat-1 is expected to run its primary mission for 30 days --
    testing a pulsed plasma thruster and experimental 24 GHz data
    transmitter -- before being turned over to AMSAT for amateur radio
    operation. HuskySat-1 will feature a 30 kHz-wide 145-435 MHz linear
    transponder for SSB/CW. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service

    IARU and Amateur Radio Are Reaching "An Inflection Point"

    Participants at the 45th meeting of the International Amateur Radio
    Union (IARU) ministrative Council (AC) in late September discussed
    the organization's role in advancing amateur radio. The IARU released a
    summary record of the meeting last week. IARU President Tim Ellam,
    VE6SH/G4HUA, who chaired the AC meeting in Lima, Peru, observed that
    the IARU and amateur radio are reaching what he called "an inflection
    point." He asserted that amateur radio is changing, but the IARU and
    its member-societies are not.

    Ellam's remarks prefaced a wide-ranging discussion of the challenges to
    be overcome if the IARU and amateur radio itself are to remain
    relevant. After several hours of discussion, AC participants agreed on
    four top-level headings to identify the challenges that must be faced:
    * What is amateur radio?
    * The roles of IARU and its member-societies
    * Recruitment into amateur radio
    * IARU finances

    The AC also agreed that it is essential to involve younger people from
    outside the Council in determining how to address these challenges, and
    the three IARU regions were asked to identify individuals who "could
    take ownership of these topics."

    A small working group was named, consisting of IARU Region 2 Vice
    President Ramn Santoyo, XE1KK; Region 2 Area A Director George
    Gorsline, VE3YV, and IARU Region 1 President Don Beattie, G3BJ. Using
    topics discussed to develop a starting point, the panel will aim to
    have a draft version of a plan by mid-December to address the
    challenges that would serve as a basis for further discussion.

    IARU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, and the Middle East) has been a leader
    in marshalling interest among next-generation radio amateurs,
    sponsoring Youngsters On The Air (YOTA), and other youth-related
    activities, including an annual summer camp attended by young radio
    amateurs from around Region 1. IARU Region 3 noted at the Council
    meeting that it plans a Youth on the Air activity in Thailand next
    October and expressed the hope that Regions 1 and 2 can participate.

    To keep informed on IARU happenings, subscribe to the ARRL-IARU online
    group, moderated by IARU Secretary Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. Read more.
    In Brief...

    There's still time to work TX7T in the Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas
    TX7T DXpedition, sponsored by the CAN-AM DXpedition Group, moved onto
    Hiva Oa on November 6. The team will head home on November 19.
    Typically, three or four stations are on the air on CW, SSB, and FT8 on
    all of the 160 - 10 meter bands. Europe is a key target area, and
    "every attempt will be made to take advantage of propagation," the
    DXpedition has indicated. The DXpedition is mostly funded by the
    operators themselves, but contributions are welcome and will go toward
    freight and shipping costs. The Marquesas Islands rank #59 on the Club
    Log DXCC Most Wanted list. The TX7T logs are available on OQRS.

    A spectrogram
    of the Russian
    "Contayner"
    OTHR. [Image
    courtesy of
    Wolf Hadel,
    DK2OM]

    OTH Radar is now reported to be "everywhere." The latest International
    Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS) newsletter
    reports the Russian "Contayner" over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) has been
    active in the 7, 10, 14, and 18 MHz amateur radio allocations (amateur
    radio is primary on 40, 20, and 17 meters). The OTHR transmissions have
    been 40 sweeps/second, FM on pulse, and 12 kHz wide. ditionally,
    IARUMS reports a significant increase in Russian military traffic using
    F1B, PSK, and orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) on 40, 30,
    20, and 15 meters. IARUMS on November 13 reported an OTHR in northern
    Iran on 6.078 - 7.022 MHz, AM on pulse, 81 sweeps/second, 44 kHz wide.

    Access to 60 meters continues to expand. According to the latest
    edition of The 5 MHz Newsletter, regulatory agencies in an expanding
    list of countries have granted amateur radio access to a 60-meter band.
    A secondary allocation of 5.351.5 - 5.366.5 MHz was released to radio
    amateurs in Kuwait, where they will adhere to the World
    Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) allocation, permitting a
    maximum power of 15 W EIRP. Indonesian and Greek hams recently gained
    access to the same allocation. Meanwhile, Israel has extended
    authorization of 5 MHz amateur permits to the end of December 2023 and
    added a Channel 0 to the existing eight channels, where hams may run
    100 W PEP on several modes, depending upon the channel. Still under
    discussion is ham radio access to a 5 MHz secondary band in Australia,
    where the band is used by some emergency services and law enforcement.
    Nearly 80 countries offer some level of amateur access to the 5 MHz
    band. In the US, ARRL petitioned the FCC shortly after WRC-15 to
    allocate a secondary 60-meter band and to permit 100 W PEP, as already
    authorized on the existing channels there.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * November 16 -- Indiana Section Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference (Winterfest), Collinsville,
    Illinois

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Fri Nov 22 09:05:18 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    November 21, 2019

    * ARRL Legislative vocacy Committee Drafting New Bill dressing
    Antenna Restrictions
    * WRC-19 Delegates Reach Agreement on 6-Meter Band in ITU Region 1
    * Radio Amateur's "Tribute to a Century of Broadcasting" Video Debuts
    on YouTube
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * Melissa Stemmer Joins ARRL Headquarters Staff as Development
    Manager
    * Youth on the Air Camp Coming to the Americas
    * Southern California Hams Support Major Terrorist Attacks Response
    Drill
    * Dayton Hamvention^(R) Invites 2020 Award Nominations
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Alaska and Tennessee Getting New Section Managers
    * Why Propagation Repeats About Every 27 Days
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Headquarters will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 and
    29, for Thanksgiving. The ARRL Letter and ARRL Audio News will not be
    available on those days. The next editions will be on December 5 and 6,
    respectively. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Legislative vocacy Committee Drafting New Bill dressing
    Antenna Restrictions

    The ARRL Board of Directors Legislative vocacy Committee is in the
    process of drafting a new bill to address the issue of private land-use
    restrictions on amateur radio antennas. The proposed legislation would
    be the successor to the Amateur Radio Parity Act. The Legislative
    vocacy Committee, chaired by Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra,
    K6JAT, will report to the Board soon, once plans are fleshed out.
    Tiemstra told the ARRL Executive Committee (EC) on October 12 in
    Aurora, Colorado, that vocacy Committee members have traveled to
    Washington to meet on multiple occasions with members of Congress and
    their staffs to inform them of the committee's plans.

    ARRL Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, told the EC last month that
    he understands the conditional exemption of amateur radio licensees
    from the RF exposure measurement requirements in the FCC's Part 97
    Amateur Service rules is proposed to be removed. A Report and Order in
    FCC Docket WT 13-84 is making the rounds that, if adopted, would make
    amateur licensees subject to the same requirements as all other FCC
    licensees. The Report and Order is expected to be released before
    year's end.

    Siddall also reported to the EC that the FCC is poised to address the
    60-meter band amateur allocation adopted at World Radiocommunication
    Conference 2015 (WRC-15). The National Telecommunications and
    Information ministration (NTIA), on behalf of US government primary
    users of the band, has insisted that the maximum permitted power for
    radio amateurs must not exceed that agreed to at WRC-15 -- 15 W
    effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) or 9.1 W ERP -- despite the
    fact that Canada has authorized its amateur licensees to use 100 W, and
    eliminate the current discrete channels, which ARRL's petition proposed
    to retain. NTIA oversees federal government frequency allocations and
    users.

    Minutes of the October 12 Executive Committee meeting were posted this
    week on the ARRL website.
    WRC-19 Delegates Reach Agreement on 6-Meter Band in ITU Region 1

    World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) has approved a
    6-meter allocation for International Telecommunication Region 1
    (Europe, Africa, the Middle East). The decision came after more than 2
    weeks of strenuous negotiations to reconcile widely disparate views of
    Region 1 administrations.

    "The result is a dramatic improvement in the international Radio
    Regulations for amateurs in Region 1," the International Amateur Radio
    Union (IARU) said in announcing the agreement.

    When the Final Acts take effect, 44 countries in Region 1 will have a
    primary allocation of at least 500 kHz, including 26 countries with a
    primary allocation of the 50 - 54 MHz. The entire region will have an
    amateur secondary allocation of 50 - 52 MHz, except in Russia, whose
    administration opted for only 50.080 - 50.280 MHz on a secondary basis.

    Provisions will be in place to protect other existing services using
    the band in Region 1 and in neighboring countries in Region 3. The
    existing primary allocation of 50 - 54 MHz in Regions 2 and 3 is
    unaffected.

    The decision on WRC-19 agenda item 1.1 is the culmination of years of
    effort by the IARU and its member-societies.

    Delegates this week faced a daunting workload as they tried to reach
    consensus on several remaining issues, including the agenda for the
    next WRC. The final session of the conference plenary to approve texts
    for inclusion in the Final Acts of the conference was set to wrap up on
    November 21.

    As of the end of last week, no choices had been made as to which of
    more than three dozen proposed topics will end up on the agenda for
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2023. Each proposed agenda item
    would require studies to be conducted between 2020 and 2023, but
    International Telecommunication Union (ITU) resources will not
    accommodate more than about half of the proposals. Some face strong
    opposition, while others remain ill-defined even at this late stage of
    the conference.
    * Short Duration Satellites: No agreement has been reached on how to
    protect existing services and uses of the uplink frequency band
    proposed for telemetry, tracking, and command of these "simple"
    satellites.
    * 5725 - 5850 MHz: This part of the amateur secondary allocation,
    which includes an amateur-satellite downlink at 5830 - 5850 MHz, is
    the subject of an unresolved conflict over parameters for wireless
    access systems, including radio local area networks.
    * Frequencies above 275 GHz: This upper frequency range is not
    allocated, but several bands are identified for passive
    (receive-only) use, and administrations are encouraged to protect
    them from harmful interference. With that in mind, WRC-19 has
    identified other bands above 275 GHz for the implementation of land
    mobile and fixed service applications. The use of these bands for
    applications in other services, including amateur experimentation,
    is not precluded.

    With the 50 MHz issue settled, the IARU team devoted most of its energy
    to explaining why the proposed Radionavigation Satellite Service (RNSS)
    agenda item for 1240 - 1300 MHz is unnecessary and undesirable. At
    issue is compatibility between radio amateurs, who are secondary on
    1240 - 1300 MHz, with Galileo RNSS (GPS) system receivers. The amateur
    community has advocated that this matter be dealt with through existing
    ITU processes rather than the 4 years of study that an agenda item
    would entail. Read more.

    Radio Amateur's "Tribute to a Century of Broadcasting" Video Debuts on
    YouTube

    Art Donahue, W1AWX, of Franklin, Massachusetts, has posted his "Tribute
    to a Century of Broadcasting" video in recognition of the centennial of
    formal radio broadcasts. The video features a complete scan of the AM
    broadcast band (530 - 1700 kHz), with station IDs for all 118 AM radio
    channels.

    Donahue told ARRL he recorded these off the air using two long-wire
    antennas in the trees. Each slide highlights one station on each
    frequency with call sign, location, power, day/night/gray-line
    reception, distance, and year of first broadcast, accompanied by audio
    of an actual station identification.

    "If you ever spent evenings when you were a kid trying to hear
    long-distance radio stations on your AM radio, this video has what they
    all sound like today," Donahue said. "I wanted to do something in honor
    of the KDKA broadcasting centennial next year and thought I'd try to
    get every single channel recorded. It took a lot of time, patience, and
    good luck. You'll hear a lot of surprises on the video."

    Donhaue added, "It was a fun project to work on."
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Big Wire Antennas" is the topic of the new (November 21) episode of
    the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    Melissa Stemmer Joins ARRL Headquarters Staff as Development Manager

    Connecticut native Melissa Stemmer has joined the ARRL Headquarters
    staff as Development Manager. Born and raised in Waterbury, Stemmer
    earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of
    Connecticut in 1998, and she worked in that field for more than 15
    years. After deciding that a career change was in order, Stemmer went
    back to school, earning a master's in organizational leadership in 2015
    from Quinnipiac University.

    "I am so excited to be on this journey at ARRL, and I am looking
    forward to getting to know everyone," Stemmer said.

    Before coming to ARRL, she was the development director at Seven Angels
    Theatre in Waterbury. In September 2015, Stemmer signed on as
    coordinator of the theatre's annual High School Halo Awards -- the
    largest high school theatre award program in Connecticut.

    During her tenure at Seven Angels Theatre, Stemmer was an active member
    of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and the Waterbury Exchange Club. She
    served on the executive committee and governing council of the Arts and
    Culture Collaborative of the Waterbury Region and was a member of the
    Young Professionals Task Force of the Waterbury Region.
    Youth on the Air Camp Coming to the Americas

    The Electronic Applications Radio Service (EARS) has announced that the
    first Youth On The Air (YOTA) camp in the US is set to take place in
    June. Sponsors hope the camp will become an annual event.

    The inaugural summer camp will take place June 21 - 26 at the National
    Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester Township, Ohio.
    The West Chester Amateur Radio Association (WC8VOA) will host the
    event. EARS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to
    wireless technologies and activities.

    According to the announcement, the camp will focus on building peer and
    mentor relationships and taking amateur radio "to the next level."
    Campers will learn and exercise on-the-air skills at special event
    station W8Y.

    For more information, email Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, or call
    (812) 327-0749. (Read more.)

    Southern California Hams Support Major Terrorist Attacks Response Drill

    Seventy southern California amateur radio volunteers deployed to 30
    local hospitals, clinics, and city emergency operations centers on
    November 6 to support public safety and emergency medical functions
    during a mock terrorist response drill that tested law enforcement and
    medical treatment facilities in San Diego County.

    The scenario was a coordinated attack at two locations 50 miles apart
    that resulted in mass casualties and inundated local emergency
    departments with 1,000 volunteer actors suffering from simulated
    injuries and frantic families (also actors) trying to locate loved
    ones. One simulated attack occurred at California's LEGOLAND theme
    park, which closed for a half day to support the exercise. The other
    simulated attack occurred at a 20,000-seat amphitheater. During the
    5-hour exercise, hams relayed hundreds of formal ICS 213 messages via
    Winlink and voice nets from hospital to hospital and from hospitals to
    the County Medical Operations Center.

    Participants included hams aboard the 1,000-bed US Navy Hospital Ship
    USNS Mercy and those who checked in via HF from across the southwestern
    US.

    Hospitals used this full-scale exercise to fulfill their annual
    accreditation training requirement. Recent changes in California
    hospital regulations require smaller medical clinics to conduct annual
    certification drills, and that expansion of clinic participation has
    led to a flood of requests for trained radio operators at hundreds of
    day surgery clinics and group homes not covered previously by ARES.
    Because demand far exceeds the availability of ARES operators for
    mid-week daytime drills, ARRL San Diego Section Manager Dave
    Kaltenborn, N8KBC, has encouraged smaller clinics and medical networks
    to consider developing their own internal amateur radio capabilities.
    Several people involved at the smaller clinics have taken classes and
    training provided by ARES.

    The exercise included cross-border participation by members of Club de
    Radio Experimentadores de Baja California (CREBC) at Tijuana General
    Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. CREBC hams maintain an extensive Winlink
    and repeater network used by amateurs on both sides of the border. --
    Thanks to ARRL San Diego Section Manager Dave Kaltenborn, N8KBC
    Dayton Hamvention^(R) Invites 2020 Award Nominations

    Dayton Hamvention^(R) is inviting nominations for its 2020 awards.
    Nominations are due by February 15, 2020. Awards will be granted for
    Amateur of the Year, Club of the Year, Technical Achievement, and
    Special Achievement.
    * The Amateur of the Year Award is given to a radio amateur who has
    made a long-term commitment to the advancement of amateur radio.
    This individual will have a history of ham radio contributions and
    demonstrated dedication to service, professionalism, and the
    advancement of the avocation of amateur radio.
    * [IMG]The Club of the Year will be honored for clearly demonstrating
    its involvement in varied aspects of amateur radio for the greater
    good of their community and/or nation.
    * The Technical Achievement Award recognizes a radio amateur who has
    achieved technical excellence in the world of amateur radio.
    Examples are inventions, processes, discoveries, experiments, and
    other technical accomplishments or achievements that contributed to
    amateur radio.
    * The Special Achievement Award recognizes a radio amateur who has
    made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the radio
    art and/or science. This award is usually given to a respected
    amateur who spearheaded a single significant project.

    Nomination forms are specific to the award. At a minimum, each form
    should be completed with the information indicated. Provide contact
    information for the person making the nomination. Submit forms via
    email or via USPS to Hamvention, Attention: Awards Committee, Box 964,
    Dayton, Ohio 45401-0964.

    The Awards Committee will make its selections and announce the
    recipients along with details on their accomplishments. An honors
    convocation and award presentation will be held on the Saturday evening
    of Hamvention. Award presentations will also take place at Hamvention
    on Sunday afternoon, prior to the prize award activity.

    For more information, contact the Dayton Hamvention Awards Committee.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Still no sunspots since November 2.
    Average daily solar flux during the reporting week dipped slightly from
    70.3 to 69.9. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet, with the average daily
    planetary A index dipping from 4 to 3.6, and the average mid-latitude A
    index going from 3 to 2.3.

    Predicted solar flux is 70 on November 21 - 22; 68 on November 23; 67
    on November 24 - 27; 69 on November 28 - December 8; 70 on December 9 -
    22, and 69 on December 23 - January 4.

    The predicted planetary A index is 20, 16, and 10 on November 21 - 23;
    8 on November 24 - 25; 5 on November 26 - December 12; 6 on December
    13; 5 on December 14 - 15; 8, 15, 20, 18, and 10 on December 16 - 20; 8
    on December 21 - 23, and 5 on December 24 - January 4.

    Sunspot numbers for November 14 - 20 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.9, 70, 69.7, 70.1, 70.4,
    69.2, and 70.2, with a mean of 69.9. Estimated planetary A indices were
    4, 4, 6, 5, 2, 2, and 2, with a mean of 3.6. The mid-latitude A index
    was 3, 2, 5, 3, 1, 1, and 1, with a mean of 2.3.

    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
    * November 23 - 24 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest (CW)
    * November 27 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * November 27 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
    * November 28 -- 3.5 RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
    * December 1 -- Russian WW MultiMode Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * December 5 -- 1.8 QRP ARCI Topband Sprint (CW)
    * December 5 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 5 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
    * December 6 - 8 -- ARRL 160-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.
    Alaska and Tennessee Getting New Section Managers

    Two new Section Managers (SMs) have been declared elected in the
    just-concluded fall election cycle. Ballots for the Alaska and
    Tennessee Section Manager elections were counted on November 19 at ARRL
    Headquarters. Eight incumbent Section Managers ran without opposition
    during this election cycle. All terms of office start on January 1.

    In a very close race in Alaska, David Stevens, KL7EB, received 98
    votes, and his opponent, Lara Baker, AL2R, received 88 votes. Both are
    from Anchorage. Stevens served previously as Alaska's SM, from 1984
    until 1985; from 1998 until 1999, and from 2002 through 2007. Stevens
    takes over as Section Manager from Ray Hollenbeck, KL1IL, of Wasilla,
    who has led the Alaska Section for the past 4 years.

    In Tennessee, David Thomas, KM4NYI, of Knoxville, outpolled Charles
    Talley, KJ4KVC, of Lyles, 557 to 417. An active member of the Radio
    Amateur Club of Knoxville, Thomas serves on the club's Repeater
    Committee as a hands-on technician for the club's repeater suite. He
    enjoys restoring tube-type ham gear, operating HF, 6 meters, and
    digital modes.

    Thomas will be taking the reins of the Tennessee Field Organization
    from Keith Miller, N9DGK, of Rockvale, who decided not to run for a new
    term. Miller has served as Section Manager since 2012.

    These incumbent Section Managers were the only candidates in their
    respective sections and have been declared elected. JVann Martin, W4JVM
    (Alabama); Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH (Delaware); Jim Siemons, W6LK (East
    Bay); Ron Cowan, KB0DTI (Kansas); Jim Kvochick, K8JK (Michigan); Bill
    Mader, K8TE (New Mexico); John Kitchens, NS6X (Santa Barbara), and Ray
    Lajoie, KB1LRL (Western Massachusetts).
    Why Propagation Repeats About Every 27 Days

    The sun rotates in about 27 days, but different solar latitudes rotate
    with different periods. This is why propagation repeats roughly every
    27 days, as NASA explains.

    The sun's rotation was first detected by observing the motion of
    sunspots. The sun's rotation axis is tilted by about 7.25 from the
    axis of Earth's orbit, so we see more of the sun's north pole in
    September and more of its south pole in March. Because the sun is a
    ball of gas/plasma, it does not have to rotate rigidly, as solid
    planets and moons do. In fact, the sun's equatorial regions rotate
    faster -- taking only about 24 days -- than the polar regions, which
    rotate once every 30+ days.

    The source of this "differential rotation" is an area of current
    research in solar astronomy. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest Update and
    NASA
    In Brief...

    OH2BH to Be On the Air from Myanmar The government in Myanmar has given
    limited amateur operating privileges to Martti Laine, OH2BH. He will
    use XZ2D. Laine reports that authorities in the Southeast Asian nation
    have only permitted him to operate on 15 meters and higher, but he is
    hoping to obtain permission to operate on a spot frequency on 20
    meters. "Getting 14.065 kHz temporarily for the duration of 48 hours
    would be magic," Laine said. Members of the world-wide amateur
    community wrote the Myanmar government to support Laine. "As Radio
    Arcala, OH8X remains at their Climate Park with more than 110,000
    mangroves planted," he continued. "[O]ur dream remains to activate the
    Union of Myanmar from our own site from the noise-free Ayeyarwady
    Region of Myanmar." The XZ2D license is valid until April 17. Laine
    said he has been setting up his station and should be on the air on
    November 21. According to Club Log's DXCC Most Wanted list, Myanmar is
    #48.

    Happy 45th Birthday, AMSAT-OSCAR 7! The world's longest-lived
    satellite, AO-7, turned 45 years old this month. It was launched on
    November 15, 1974, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After
    nearly 7 years of service, AO-7 was thought to have reached the end of
    its life in June 1981 due to battery failure, and a premature obituary
    appeared in the AMSAT Satellite Report. In an interesting footnote,
    although AO-7 was thought to be nonfunctional after 1981, it's been
    reported that the Polish Solidarity movement used AO-7 to pass messages
    in 1982, while Poland was under martial law. Twenty years later, on
    June 21, 2002, G3IOR reported hearing "an old-style CW beacon" from an
    unknown OSCAR near 145.970 MHz. It didn't take long to identify the
    satellite as AO-7, which remains operational and well-used while it's
    in sunlight. To celebrate AO-7's 45th birthday, AMSAT plans to auction
    a set of gold-plated AO-7 cufflinks and a 50th Anniversary AMSAT lab
    coat (size 42R). The auctions are now live on eBay and will conclude
    shortly after 0200 UTC on November 26, 2019. AMSAT reports that 100% of
    the proceeds will go toward Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. -- Thanks
    to AMSAT News Service

    ARRL Self-Guided Emergency Communication Course EC-001-S is Now
    Available On Demand ARRL's EC-001-S online "Introduction to Emergency
    Communication" course is now available to students in an on-demand
    format, allowing students to register for the course and begin work at
    any time. This course is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools
    for any emergency communications volunteer. In response to the great
    course demand and to expand access to EC-001, ARRL developed a
    self-guided version of the course, EC-001-S, which launched in June.
    This version of the course is designed for those who prefer to work
    independently and who do not need guidance from an online mentor.
    EC-001-S was previously offered only during specific sessions along
    with the traditional mentored version. The course opened for general
    enrollment on November 6. Visit the ARRL Online Course Registration
    page for more information and to register.

    Florida and Georgia Amateur Radio Volunteers Support the Spaghetti 100
    Bicycle Ride Two dozen amateur radio volunteers from the Tallahassee
    Amateur Radio Society (TARS) in Florida and the Thomasville Amateur
    Radio Club (TARC) in Georgia provided communication support for the
    Capital City Cyclists' 35th annual Spaghetti 100 Bicycle Ride on
    November 9. The Spaghetti 100 funds the Kids on Bikes program, which
    teaches hundreds of elementary schoolers how to ride a bicycle safely
    and helps to support the Trips for Kids chapter, which takes
    disadvantaged youth on bike rides on local trails. The hams used one of
    the TARS VHF repeaters to provide communication for safety and
    logistics, as well as for the medical and mechanical teams. Cell phone
    coverage is very sparse along the 100-mile route on back-country roads
    in northern Florida and southern Georgia. Communications Coordinator
    Stan Zawrotny, K4SBZ, said the importance of ham radio's traditional
    role in filling communication gaps was brought home to him when the
    land line at the ride's headquarters was out for several hours, leaving
    amateur radio as the only communication for some areas. "In addition to
    the thanks given by most of the bicyclists as they passed by, event
    sponsors expressed their appreciation for the work of the ham radio
    volunteers and were impressed with the capabilities of amateur radio,"
    Zawrotny said.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

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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) 2019 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 Fri Nov 29 09:05:16 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    November 21, 2019

    * ARRL Legislative vocacy Committee Drafting New Bill dressing
    Antenna Restrictions
    * WRC-19 Delegates Reach Agreement on 6-Meter Band in ITU Region 1
    * Radio Amateur's "Tribute to a Century of Broadcasting" Video Debuts
    on YouTube
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * Melissa Stemmer Joins ARRL Headquarters Staff as Development
    Manager
    * Youth on the Air Camp Coming to the Americas
    * Southern California Hams Support Major Terrorist Attacks Response
    Drill
    * Dayton Hamvention^(R) Invites 2020 Award Nominations
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Alaska and Tennessee Getting New Section Managers
    * Why Propagation Repeats About Every 27 Days
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Headquarters will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 and
    29, for Thanksgiving. The ARRL Letter and ARRL Audio News will not be
    available on those days. The next editions will be on December 5 and 6,
    respectively. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Legislative vocacy Committee Drafting New Bill dressing
    Antenna Restrictions

    The ARRL Board of Directors Legislative vocacy Committee is in the
    process of drafting a new bill to address the issue of private land-use
    restrictions on amateur radio antennas. The proposed legislation would
    be the successor to the Amateur Radio Parity Act. The Legislative
    vocacy Committee, chaired by Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra,
    K6JAT, will report to the Board soon, once plans are fleshed out.
    Tiemstra told the ARRL Executive Committee (EC) on October 12 in
    Aurora, Colorado, that vocacy Committee members have traveled to
    Washington to meet on multiple occasions with members of Congress and
    their staffs to inform them of the committee's plans.

    ARRL Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, told the EC last month that
    he understands the conditional exemption of amateur radio licensees
    from the RF exposure measurement requirements in the FCC's Part 97
    Amateur Service rules is proposed to be removed. A Report and Order in
    FCC Docket WT 13-84 is making the rounds that, if adopted, would make
    amateur licensees subject to the same requirements as all other FCC
    licensees. The Report and Order is expected to be released before
    year's end.

    Siddall also reported to the EC that the FCC is poised to address the
    60-meter band amateur allocation adopted at World Radiocommunication
    Conference 2015 (WRC-15). The National Telecommunications and
    Information ministration (NTIA), on behalf of US government primary
    users of the band, has insisted that the maximum permitted power for
    radio amateurs must not exceed that agreed to at WRC-15 -- 15 W
    effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) or 9.1 W ERP -- despite the
    fact that Canada has authorized its amateur licensees to use 100 W, and
    eliminate the current discrete channels, which ARRL's petition proposed
    to retain. NTIA oversees federal government frequency allocations and
    users.

    Minutes of the October 12 Executive Committee meeting were posted this
    week on the ARRL website.
    WRC-19 Delegates Reach Agreement on 6-Meter Band in ITU Region 1

    World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19) has approved a
    6-meter allocation for International Telecommunication Region 1
    (Europe, Africa, the Middle East). The decision came after more than 2
    weeks of strenuous negotiations to reconcile widely disparate views of
    Region 1 administrations.

    "The result is a dramatic improvement in the international Radio
    Regulations for amateurs in Region 1," the International Amateur Radio
    Union (IARU) said in announcing the agreement.

    When the Final Acts take effect, 44 countries in Region 1 will have a
    primary allocation of at least 500 kHz, including 26 countries with a
    primary allocation of the 50 - 54 MHz. The entire region will have an
    amateur secondary allocation of 50 - 52 MHz, except in Russia, whose
    administration opted for only 50.080 - 50.280 MHz on a secondary basis.

    Provisions will be in place to protect other existing services using
    the band in Region 1 and in neighboring countries in Region 3. The
    existing primary allocation of 50 - 54 MHz in Regions 2 and 3 is
    unaffected.

    The decision on WRC-19 agenda item 1.1 is the culmination of years of
    effort by the IARU and its member-societies.

    Delegates this week faced a daunting workload as they tried to reach
    consensus on several remaining issues, including the agenda for the
    next WRC. The final session of the conference plenary to approve texts
    for inclusion in the Final Acts of the conference was set to wrap up on
    November 21.

    As of the end of last week, no choices had been made as to which of
    more than three dozen proposed topics will end up on the agenda for
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2023. Each proposed agenda item
    would require studies to be conducted between 2020 and 2023, but
    International Telecommunication Union (ITU) resources will not
    accommodate more than about half of the proposals. Some face strong
    opposition, while others remain ill-defined even at this late stage of
    the conference.
    * Short Duration Satellites: No agreement has been reached on how to
    protect existing services and uses of the uplink frequency band
    proposed for telemetry, tracking, and command of these "simple"
    satellites.
    * 5725 - 5850 MHz: This part of the amateur secondary allocation,
    which includes an amateur-satellite downlink at 5830 - 5850 MHz, is
    the subject of an unresolved conflict over parameters for wireless
    access systems, including radio local area networks.
    * Frequencies above 275 GHz: This upper frequency range is not
    allocated, but several bands are identified for passive
    (receive-only) use, and administrations are encouraged to protect
    them from harmful interference. With that in mind, WRC-19 has
    identified other bands above 275 GHz for the implementation of land
    mobile and fixed service applications. The use of these bands for
    applications in other services, including amateur experimentation,
    is not precluded.

    With the 50 MHz issue settled, the IARU team devoted most of its energy
    to explaining why the proposed Radionavigation Satellite Service (RNSS)
    agenda item for 1240 - 1300 MHz is unnecessary and undesirable. At
    issue is compatibility between radio amateurs, who are secondary on
    1240 - 1300 MHz, with Galileo RNSS (GPS) system receivers. The amateur
    community has advocated that this matter be dealt with through existing
    ITU processes rather than the 4 years of study that an agenda item
    would entail. Read more.

    Radio Amateur's "Tribute to a Century of Broadcasting" Video Debuts on
    YouTube

    Art Donahue, W1AWX, of Franklin, Massachusetts, has posted his "Tribute
    to a Century of Broadcasting" video in recognition of the centennial of
    formal radio broadcasts. The video features a complete scan of the AM
    broadcast band (530 - 1700 kHz), with station IDs for all 118 AM radio
    channels.

    Donahue told ARRL he recorded these off the air using two long-wire
    antennas in the trees. Each slide highlights one station on each
    frequency with call sign, location, power, day/night/gray-line
    reception, distance, and year of first broadcast, accompanied by audio
    of an actual station identification.

    "If you ever spent evenings when you were a kid trying to hear
    long-distance radio stations on your AM radio, this video has what they
    all sound like today," Donahue said. "I wanted to do something in honor
    of the KDKA broadcasting centennial next year and thought I'd try to
    get every single channel recorded. It took a lot of time, patience, and
    good luck. You'll hear a lot of surprises on the video."

    Donhaue added, "It was a fun project to work on."
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "Big Wire Antennas" is the topic of the new (November 21) episode of
    the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    Melissa Stemmer Joins ARRL Headquarters Staff as Development Manager

    Connecticut native Melissa Stemmer has joined the ARRL Headquarters
    staff as Development Manager. Born and raised in Waterbury, Stemmer
    earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of
    Connecticut in 1998, and she worked in that field for more than 15
    years. After deciding that a career change was in order, Stemmer went
    back to school, earning a master's in organizational leadership in 2015
    from Quinnipiac University.

    "I am so excited to be on this journey at ARRL, and I am looking
    forward to getting to know everyone," Stemmer said.

    Before coming to ARRL, she was the development director at Seven Angels
    Theatre in Waterbury. In September 2015, Stemmer signed on as
    coordinator of the theatre's annual High School Halo Awards -- the
    largest high school theatre award program in Connecticut.

    During her tenure at Seven Angels Theatre, Stemmer was an active member
    of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and the Waterbury Exchange Club. She
    served on the executive committee and governing council of the Arts and
    Culture Collaborative of the Waterbury Region and was a member of the
    Young Professionals Task Force of the Waterbury Region.
    Youth on the Air Camp Coming to the Americas

    The Electronic Applications Radio Service (EARS) has announced that the
    first Youth On The Air (YOTA) camp in the US is set to take place in
    June. Sponsors hope the camp will become an annual event.

    The inaugural summer camp will take place June 21 - 26 at the National
    Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in West Chester Township, Ohio.
    The West Chester Amateur Radio Association (WC8VOA) will host the
    event. EARS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to
    wireless technologies and activities.

    According to the announcement, the camp will focus on building peer and
    mentor relationships and taking amateur radio "to the next level."
    Campers will learn and exercise on-the-air skills at special event
    station W8Y.

    For more information, email Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, or call
    (812) 327-0749. (Read more.)

    Southern California Hams Support Major Terrorist Attacks Response Drill

    Seventy southern California amateur radio volunteers deployed to 30
    local hospitals, clinics, and city emergency operations centers on
    November 6 to support public safety and emergency medical functions
    during a mock terrorist response drill that tested law enforcement and
    medical treatment facilities in San Diego County.

    The scenario was a coordinated attack at two locations 50 miles apart
    that resulted in mass casualties and inundated local emergency
    departments with 1,000 volunteer actors suffering from simulated
    injuries and frantic families (also actors) trying to locate loved
    ones. One simulated attack occurred at California's LEGOLAND theme
    park, which closed for a half day to support the exercise. The other
    simulated attack occurred at a 20,000-seat amphitheater. During the
    5-hour exercise, hams relayed hundreds of formal ICS 213 messages via
    Winlink and voice nets from hospital to hospital and from hospitals to
    the County Medical Operations Center.

    Participants included hams aboard the 1,000-bed US Navy Hospital Ship
    USNS Mercy and those who checked in via HF from across the southwestern
    US.

    Hospitals used this full-scale exercise to fulfill their annual
    accreditation training requirement. Recent changes in California
    hospital regulations require smaller medical clinics to conduct annual
    certification drills, and that expansion of clinic participation has
    led to a flood of requests for trained radio operators at hundreds of
    day surgery clinics and group homes not covered previously by ARES.
    Because demand far exceeds the availability of ARES operators for
    mid-week daytime drills, ARRL San Diego Section Manager Dave
    Kaltenborn, N8KBC, has encouraged smaller clinics and medical networks
    to consider developing their own internal amateur radio capabilities.
    Several people involved at the smaller clinics have taken classes and
    training provided by ARES.

    The exercise included cross-border participation by members of Club de
    Radio Experimentadores de Baja California (CREBC) at Tijuana General
    Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. CREBC hams maintain an extensive Winlink
    and repeater network used by amateurs on both sides of the border. --
    Thanks to ARRL San Diego Section Manager Dave Kaltenborn, N8KBC
    Dayton Hamvention^(R) Invites 2020 Award Nominations

    Dayton Hamvention^(R) is inviting nominations for its 2020 awards.
    Nominations are due by February 15, 2020. Awards will be granted for
    Amateur of the Year, Club of the Year, Technical Achievement, and
    Special Achievement.
    * The Amateur of the Year Award is given to a radio amateur who has
    made a long-term commitment to the advancement of amateur radio.
    This individual will have a history of ham radio contributions and
    demonstrated dedication to service, professionalism, and the
    advancement of the avocation of amateur radio.
    * [IMG]The Club of the Year will be honored for clearly demonstrating
    its involvement in varied aspects of amateur radio for the greater
    good of their community and/or nation.
    * The Technical Achievement Award recognizes a radio amateur who has
    achieved technical excellence in the world of amateur radio.
    Examples are inventions, processes, discoveries, experiments, and
    other technical accomplishments or achievements that contributed to
    amateur radio.
    * The Special Achievement Award recognizes a radio amateur who has
    made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the radio
    art and/or science. This award is usually given to a respected
    amateur who spearheaded a single significant project.

    Nomination forms are specific to the award. At a minimum, each form
    should be completed with the information indicated. Provide contact
    information for the person making the nomination. Submit forms via
    email or via USPS to Hamvention, Attention: Awards Committee, Box 964,
    Dayton, Ohio 45401-0964.

    The Awards Committee will make its selections and announce the
    recipients along with details on their accomplishments. An honors
    convocation and award presentation will be held on the Saturday evening
    of Hamvention. Award presentations will also take place at Hamvention
    on Sunday afternoon, prior to the prize award activity.

    For more information, contact the Dayton Hamvention Awards Committee.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Still no sunspots since November 2.
    Average daily solar flux during the reporting week dipped slightly from
    70.3 to 69.9. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet, with the average daily
    planetary A index dipping from 4 to 3.6, and the average mid-latitude A
    index going from 3 to 2.3.

    Predicted solar flux is 70 on November 21 - 22; 68 on November 23; 67
    on November 24 - 27; 69 on November 28 - December 8; 70 on December 9 -
    22, and 69 on December 23 - January 4.

    The predicted planetary A index is 20, 16, and 10 on November 21 - 23;
    8 on November 24 - 25; 5 on November 26 - December 12; 6 on December
    13; 5 on December 14 - 15; 8, 15, 20, 18, and 10 on December 16 - 20; 8
    on December 21 - 23, and 5 on December 24 - January 4.

    Sunspot numbers for November 14 - 20 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.9, 70, 69.7, 70.1, 70.4,
    69.2, and 70.2, with a mean of 69.9. Estimated planetary A indices were
    4, 4, 6, 5, 2, 2, and 2, with a mean of 3.6. The mid-latitude A index
    was 3, 2, 5, 3, 1, 1, and 1, with a mean of 2.3.

    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
    * November 23 - 24 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest (CW)
    * November 27 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * November 27 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
    * November 28 -- 3.5 RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
    * December 1 -- Russian WW MultiMode Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * December 5 -- 1.8 QRP ARCI Topband Sprint (CW)
    * December 5 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 5 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
    * December 6 - 8 -- ARRL 160-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.
    Alaska and Tennessee Getting New Section Managers

    Two new Section Managers (SMs) have been declared elected in the
    just-concluded fall election cycle. Ballots for the Alaska and
    Tennessee Section Manager elections were counted on November 19 at ARRL
    Headquarters. Eight incumbent Section Managers ran without opposition
    during this election cycle. All terms of office start on January 1.

    In a very close race in Alaska, David Stevens, KL7EB, received 98
    votes, and his opponent, Lara Baker, AL2R, received 88 votes. Both are
    from Anchorage. Stevens served previously as Alaska's SM, from 1984
    until 1985; from 1998 until 1999, and from 2002 through 2007. Stevens
    takes over as Section Manager from Ray Hollenbeck, KL1IL, of Wasilla,
    who has led the Alaska Section for the past 4 years.

    In Tennessee, David Thomas, KM4NYI, of Knoxville, outpolled Charles
    Talley, KJ4KVC, of Lyles, 557 to 417. An active member of the Radio
    Amateur Club of Knoxville, Thomas serves on the club's Repeater
    Committee as a hands-on technician for the club's repeater suite. He
    enjoys restoring tube-type ham gear, operating HF, 6 meters, and
    digital modes.

    Thomas will be taking the reins of the Tennessee Field Organization
    from Keith Miller, N9DGK, of Rockvale, who decided not to run for a new
    term. Miller has served as Section Manager since 2012.

    These incumbent Section Managers were the only candidates in their
    respective sections and have been declared elected. JVann Martin, W4JVM
    (Alabama); Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH (Delaware); Jim Siemons, W6LK (East
    Bay); Ron Cowan, KB0DTI (Kansas); Jim Kvochick, K8JK (Michigan); Bill
    Mader, K8TE (New Mexico); John Kitchens, NS6X (Santa Barbara), and Ray
    Lajoie, KB1LRL (Western Massachusetts).
    Why Propagation Repeats About Every 27 Days

    The sun rotates in about 27 days, but different solar latitudes rotate
    with different periods. This is why propagation repeats roughly every
    27 days, as NASA explains.

    The sun's rotation was first detected by observing the motion of
    sunspots. The sun's rotation axis is tilted by about 7.25 from the
    axis of Earth's orbit, so we see more of the sun's north pole in
    September and more of its south pole in March. Because the sun is a
    ball of gas/plasma, it does not have to rotate rigidly, as solid
    planets and moons do. In fact, the sun's equatorial regions rotate
    faster -- taking only about 24 days -- than the polar regions, which
    rotate once every 30+ days.

    The source of this "differential rotation" is an area of current
    research in solar astronomy. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest Update and
    NASA
    In Brief...

    OH2BH to Be On the Air from Myanmar The government in Myanmar has given
    limited amateur operating privileges to Martti Laine, OH2BH. He will
    use XZ2D. Laine reports that authorities in the Southeast Asian nation
    have only permitted him to operate on 15 meters and higher, but he is
    hoping to obtain permission to operate on a spot frequency on 20
    meters. "Getting 14.065 kHz temporarily for the duration of 48 hours
    would be magic," Laine said. Members of the world-wide amateur
    community wrote the Myanmar government to support Laine. "As Radio
    Arcala, OH8X remains at their Climate Park with more than 110,000
    mangroves planted," he continued. "[O]ur dream remains to activate the
    Union of Myanmar from our own site from the noise-free Ayeyarwady
    Region of Myanmar." The XZ2D license is valid until April 17. Laine
    said he has been setting up his station and should be on the air on
    November 21. According to Club Log's DXCC Most Wanted list, Myanmar is
    #48.

    Happy 45th Birthday, AMSAT-OSCAR 7! The world's longest-lived
    satellite, AO-7, turned 45 years old this month. It was launched on
    November 15, 1974, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. After
    nearly 7 years of service, AO-7 was thought to have reached the end of
    its life in June 1981 due to battery failure, and a premature obituary
    appeared in the AMSAT Satellite Report. In an interesting footnote,
    although AO-7 was thought to be nonfunctional after 1981, it's been
    reported that the Polish Solidarity movement used AO-7 to pass messages
    in 1982, while Poland was under martial law. Twenty years later, on
    June 21, 2002, G3IOR reported hearing "an old-style CW beacon" from an
    unknown OSCAR near 145.970 MHz. It didn't take long to identify the
    satellite as AO-7, which remains operational and well-used while it's
    in sunlight. To celebrate AO-7's 45th birthday, AMSAT plans to auction
    a set of gold-plated AO-7 cufflinks and a 50th Anniversary AMSAT lab
    coat (size 42R). The auctions are now live on eBay and will conclude
    shortly after 0200 UTC on November 26, 2019. AMSAT reports that 100% of
    the proceeds will go toward Keeping Amateur Radio in Space. -- Thanks
    to AMSAT News Service

    ARRL Self-Guided Emergency Communication Course EC-001-S is Now
    Available On Demand ARRL's EC-001-S online "Introduction to Emergency
    Communication" course is now available to students in an on-demand
    format, allowing students to register for the course and begin work at
    any time. This course is designed to provide basic knowledge and tools
    for any emergency communications volunteer. In response to the great
    course demand and to expand access to EC-001, ARRL developed a
    self-guided version of the course, EC-001-S, which launched in June.
    This version of the course is designed for those who prefer to work
    independently and who do not need guidance from an online mentor.
    EC-001-S was previously offered only during specific sessions along
    with the traditional mentored version. The course opened for general
    enrollment on November 6. Visit the ARRL Online Course Registration
    page for more information and to register.

    Florida and Georgia Amateur Radio Volunteers Support the Spaghetti 100
    Bicycle Ride Two dozen amateur radio volunteers from the Tallahassee
    Amateur Radio Society (TARS) in Florida and the Thomasville Amateur
    Radio Club (TARC) in Georgia provided communication support for the
    Capital City Cyclists' 35th annual Spaghetti 100 Bicycle Ride on
    November 9. The Spaghetti 100 funds the Kids on Bikes program, which
    teaches hundreds of elementary schoolers how to ride a bicycle safely
    and helps to support the Trips for Kids chapter, which takes
    disadvantaged youth on bike rides on local trails. The hams used one of
    the TARS VHF repeaters to provide communication for safety and
    logistics, as well as for the medical and mechanical teams. Cell phone
    coverage is very sparse along the 100-mile route on back-country roads
    in northern Florida and southern Georgia. Communications Coordinator
    Stan Zawrotny, K4SBZ, said the importance of ham radio's traditional
    role in filling communication gaps was brought home to him when the
    land line at the ride's headquarters was out for several hours, leaving
    amateur radio as the only communication for some areas. "In addition to
    the thanks given by most of the bicyclists as they passed by, event
    sponsors expressed their appreciation for the work of the ham radio
    volunteers and were impressed with the capabilities of amateur radio,"
    Zawrotny said.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Fri Dec 6 09:05:02 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    December 5, 2019

    * ARRL to Oppose Proposal to Eliminate 3.3 - 3.5 GHz Amateur
    Allocation
    * President Rick Roderick, K5UR, Heads ARRL Group on FCC Visits
    * Oldest Known US Ham Receives ARRL Centurion Award
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * Past ARRL Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, SK
    * Election will Result in ARRL Southeastern Division Leadership
    Changes
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * YOTA Month Expanding into the Americas
    * ITU Posts Provisional WRC-19 Final Acts
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL to Oppose Proposal to Eliminate 3.3 - 3.5 GHz Amateur Allocation

    At its December 12 open meeting, the FCC will consider adopting a
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that proposes to remove the
    amateur radio 9-centimeter allocation at 3.3 - 3.5 GHz. ARRL plans to
    comment in opposition to the proposed action. According to an FCC "Fact
    Sheet," the proceeding WT Docket 19-348, "Facilitating Shared Use in
    the 3.1 - 3.55 GHz Band," is a follow-on from the MOBILE NOW Act,
    approved by the 115th Congress, which requires the FCC and the US
    Department of Commerce to make available new spectrum for mobile and
    fixed wireless broadband use. It also requires the FCC to work with the
    National Telecommunications and Information ministration (NTIA) to
    evaluate whether commercial wireless services and federal incumbents
    could share spectrum between 3.1 and 3.55 GHz. NTIA manages spectrum
    allocated to federal government users.

    "This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would propose to remove the
    existing non-federal allocations in the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band as a step
    towards potential future shared use between federal incumbents and
    commercial users," the FCC Fact Sheet explains. "By taking the initial
    step needed to clear the band of allocations for non-federal
    incumbents, the Commission furthers its continued efforts to make more
    mid-band spectrum potentially available to support next generation
    wireless networks."

    The NPRM proposes to clear the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band of existing
    non-federal users by removing non-federal secondary radiolocation and
    amateur allocations [emphasis added] in the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band and to
    relocate incumbent non-federal users out of the band. The FCC would
    seek comment on relocation options and "transition mechanisms" for
    incumbent non-federal users, either to the 3.1 - 3.3 GHz band or to
    other frequencies.

    Regarding the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service allocations, the
    FCC NPRM asks whether existing amateur spectrum in other bands might
    support operations currently conducted in the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band. The
    3.40 - 3.41 GHz segment is designated for amateur satellite
    communication. "We seek comment on the extent to which the band is used
    for this purpose, whether existing satellites can operate on other
    amateur satellite bands, and on an appropriate timeframe for
    terminating these operations in this band," the FCC NPRM says.

    Also at its December 12 meeting, the FCC will consider another NPRM in
    WT Docket 19-138 that would "take a fresh and comprehensive look" at
    the rules for the 5.9 GHz band. The amateur radio 5-centimeter
    allocation is 5650.0 - 5925.0 MHz, and the NPRM, if approved, would
    address the top 75 MHz of that amateur secondary band. ARRL will also
    file comments opposing any changes affecting the 5-centimeter amateur
    allocation.

    Both draft FCC proposals are subject to change prior to a vote at the
    December 12 FCC meeting. Read more.
    President Rick Roderick, K5UR, Heads ARRL Group on FCC Visits

    President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and members of the ARRL Board's
    Executive Committee undertook a round of visits to FCC Headquarters in
    Washington on November 4 and 5. Topics focused on a number of pressing
    amateur radio-related issues. In addition to Roderick, members of the
    ARRL contingent included Atlantic Division Director Tom Abernethy,
    W3TOM; New England Division Director Fred Hopengarten, K1VR; Roanoke
    Division Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU; West Gulf Division Director John
    Robert Stratton, N5AUS, and ARRL Washington Counsel David Siddall,
    K3ZJ.

    Digital Data Symbol Rate Proceeding

    The ARRL delegation emphasized the overwhelming support for and need to
    remove symbol rate limits from the amateur rules, contending that the
    limits are outdated, no longer serve their original purpose of limiting
    signal bandwidth, and inhibit experimentation and development of
    digital communications techniques. Removing these limitations would
    also allow US radio amateurs to join those in other countries in using
    methods not permitted in the US.

    In 2016, the FCC had responded to ARRL's petition for rulemaking
    (RM-11708) by proposing no bandwidth limit. The ARRL delegation
    reiterated that adopting a 2.8 kHz maximum bandwidth in place of the
    symbol rate limit would promote sharing and experimentation below 30
    MHz.

    (L - R) Atlantic Division Director
    Tom Abernethy, W3TOM; ARRL President
    Rick Roderick, K5UR; West Gulf
    Division Director John Robert
    Stratton, N5AUS; Roanoke Division
    Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU; New
    England Division Director Fred
    Hopengarten, K1VR, and ARRL
    Washington Counsel David Siddall,
    K3ZJ.

    The ARRL representatives also discussed issues that some have raised --
    and on which the FCC did not request comment -- alleging that certain
    types of digital signals are "encrypted" because they are digitally
    compressed or otherwise can be difficult to receive over the air. The
    ARRL group pointed out that the FCC addressed the use of new digital
    techniques in 1995, amending its rules to authorize new digital
    techniques without prior FCC approval, as long as these were publicly
    documented consistent with three techniques specifically approved at
    the time. Since then, multiple digital methods have been developed and
    deployed without substantive complaints of insufficient documentation,
    the ARRL team noted.

    The prohibition on encryption is a provision of the ITU Radio
    Regulations and applies worldwide. The FCC regulation prohibiting
    "messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning" comes
    directly from the ITU Radio Regulations, language adopted at World
    Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03) to replace a provision that
    limited amateur communications to "plain language." option of this
    change made clear that amateur communications encoded for digital
    transmission are authorized internationally as long as they're not
    encrypted. It was noted that techniques some commenters have targeted
    are widely used by amateurs around the world.

    60-Meter Band Allocation

    ARRL petitioned the FCC in RM-11785 to implement provisions adopted at
    WRC-15 that provide for a secondary amateur allocation at 5351.5 -
    5366.5 kHz. ARRL also proposed that 100 W ERP be permitted on the new
    band, consistent with that authorized for the current five 60-meter
    channels.

    The National Telecommunications and Information ministration (NTIA)
    has proposed in a letter to delete the existing four channels and
    substitute a secondary band allocation at a maximum permitted power of
    15 W EIRP (9.1 W ERP), as approved at WRC-15. The ARRL delegation
    expressed concern that NTIA's proposal would require relocation of
    existing channelized amateur activity to a 15 kHz band at a fraction of
    the power now authorized, despite an absence of any reported
    interference on the current channels. ARRL also expressed concern that
    9.1 W ERP would hamper emergency communication on the band, especially
    during hurricane season, when noise levels are usually high.

    The FCC is expected to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
    December or early next year addressing 60 meters and inviting comments.

    Amateur Radio Enforcement

    ARRL Executive Committee members met with FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief
    Rosemary Harold and her senior staff to discuss amateur enforcement.
    The delegation updated progress in setting up the Volunteer Monitoring
    Program pursuant to the FCC/ARRL Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
    signed last March. The program is in the final stages of training
    volunteers and is expected to be brought online in early 2020. Read
    more.

    Oldest Known US Ham Receives ARRL Centurion Award

    The oldest known US radio amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, received his
    ARRL Centurion Award plaque in November. The award

    (L - R) Roanoke Division Director
    Bud Hippisley, W2RU; Cliff Kayhart,
    W4KKP; Roanoke Division Vice
    Director Bill Morine, N2COP, and
    South Carolina Section Manager Marc
    Tarplee, N4UFP.

    recognizes hams who have achieved centenarian status. Kayhart, who
    lives in White Rock, South Carolina, is 108. The ARRL Board of
    Directors conferred the award on Kayhart at its July 2019 meeting.

    At the November meeting of the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Group in Little
    Mountain, South Carolina, ARRL Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley,
    W2RU, headed an ARRL delegation that presented the Centurion Award
    plaque to Kayhart, who was first licensed as W2LFE in 1937 (he's also
    held W9GNQ). With Hippisley for the presentation were Roanoke Division
    Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, and South Carolina Section Manager
    Marc Tarplee, N4UFP.

    Kayhart served in Iwo Jima during World War II, shortly after the US
    victory there, setting up long-range radio communication from the
    island to Tokyo to arrange for the eventual surrender by Japan.

    Kayhart remains active, checking into several nets from his assisted
    living facility. Centurion Award recipients have their annual ARRL
    membership fees waived while continuing to receive QST and other ARRL
    member benefits. Kayhart was profiled in the June 2018 issue of QST.
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "VHF/UHF propagation" is the topic of the new (December 5) episode of
    the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
    the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
    technical topics. You can also email your questions to doctor@arrl.org,
    and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    Past ARRL Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, SK

    A titan of amateur radio, past ARRL Chief Technology Officer Paul L.
    Rinaldo, W4RI, of Burke, Virginia, died on November 29 after a period
    of failing health. An ARRL Life Member, Rinaldo was 88.

    "This is really sad news," ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, remarked
    upon learning of Rinaldo's passing. "I worked with Paul on a number of
    things, and he amazed me with his knowledge and the different ways to
    consider issues. Smart. Highly respected. He sure helped us through the
    years in so many ways."

    First licensed in 1949 as W9IZA, Rinaldo's focus was always in the
    arena of technical experimentation. He studied radio engineering at
    Valparaiso Technical Institute in Indiana. Rinaldo was a cofounder and
    served as president of the Amateur Radio Research and Development
    Corporation (AMRAD). His first association with ARRL was an article,
    "Amateur Radio in the Computer Age," for the September 1979 edition of
    QST. Subsequently, he served in volunteer roles, among them as the
    first editor of QEX: The ARRL Experimenters' Exchange.

    In 1983, Rinaldo succeeded Doug DeMaw, W1FB, as ARRL Technical
    Department Manager and Senior Technical Editor. His efforts led to his
    appointment as Publications Manager and, 5 years later, as Manager of
    Technical Development with responsibility for preparing for the 1992
    World ministrative Radio Conference. This led to Rinaldo's supporting
    role in the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), and he attended
    IARU ministrative Council (AC) meetings from 1996 to 2008.

    Rinaldo also took part in several International Telecommunication Union
    (ITU) conferences and served on numerous working parties and task
    groups. IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, said amateur radio's
    successes at the just-ended WRC-19 were, in large part, because of
    Rinaldo's good work over the years.

    In 1992, Rinaldo established ARRL's Technical Relations Office in the
    Washington, DC, area. In 2004, the ARRL Board of Directors elected
    Rinaldo as ARRL's first Chief Technology Officer, a post he held until
    his retirement in 2008. "For the past 16 years, Paul has been the face
    and voice of amateur radio in the technical circles of the federal
    government and one of our most visible representatives at the ITU,"
    Sumner said at the time.

    Murphy Funeral Homes of Falls Church, Virginia, is handling
    arrangements. Read more.
    Election will Result in ARRL Southeastern Division Leadership Changes

    A new ARRL Director and Vice Director will take office on January 1 in
    ARRL's Southeastern Division. The vote count in contested Division
    races at ARRL Headquarters on November 15 saw Mickey Baker, N4MB,
    defeating incumbent Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, 2,132 votes to 1,739
    votes. In addition, challenger James Schilling, KG4JSZ, received 1,356
    votes to win a three-way race for Vice Director, outpolling incumbent
    Joseph Tiritilli, N4ZUW, who received 1,209 votes, and challenger Jeff
    Stahl, K4BH, who received 1,281 votes. In 2016, Sarratt was the lone
    candidate for office, regaining the Director's seat after being
    narrowly unseated in 2013 when he stood for re-election. Tiritelli was
    the only candidate to fill the vacant Southeastern Division Vice
    Director's chair that same year.

    In the only other contested race, incumbent West Gulf Division Director
    John Robert Stratton, N5AUS, defeated challenger Madison Jones, W5MJ,
    for re-election, by a vote of 2,498 to 1,405. Stratton moved into the
    Director's seat last January after past Director David Woolweaver,
    K5RAV, stepped down. West Gulf Division Vice Director Lee Cooper,
    W5LHC, was unopposed for a full term after being appointed earlier this
    year to succeed Stratton.

    Seats for Director and Vice Director in three other ARRL Divisions were
    unchallenged, and candidates were considered re-elected. These included
    Pacific Division Director Jim Tiemstra, K6JAT, and Vice Director
    Kristen McIntyre, K6WX; Rocky Mountain Division Director Jeff Ryan,
    K0RM, and Vice Director Robert Wareham, N0ESQ, and Southwestern
    Division Director Richard Norton, N6AA. Mark Weiss, K6FG, ran unopposed
    for the Southwestern Division Vice Director's seat, being vacated by
    Ned Stearns, AA7A.

    The ARRL Board of Directors next meets in January.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots again this week. This run
    of zero sunspots has gone on for more than 3 weeks.

    Average daily solar flux for the November 28 - December 4 reporting
    week was 70.2. The predicted solar flux for every one of the next 45
    days is 70. The predicted planetary A index is 5 on December 5 - 7; 8
    on December 8 - 9; 5 on December 10 - 12; 6 on December 13; 5 on
    December 14 - 17; 12, 10, 8, and 8 on December 18 - 21; 5 on December
    22 - 29; 8 on December 30 - 31; 5 on January 1 - 3; 8 on January 4; 5
    on January 5 - 8; 6 on January 9; 5 on January 10 - 13; 12, 10, 8, and
    8 on January 14 - 17, and 5 on January 18.

    Spaceweather.com pointed out the Geminid meteor shower will peak
    December 13 - 14, just in time for the ARRL 10-Meter Contest December
    14 - 15. Ionized meteor trails may enhance 10-meter propagation.

    Sunspot numbers for November 28 - December 4 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and
    0, with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.2, 69.8, 70.4,
    71.2, 70.4, 69.9, and 69.6, with a mean of 70.4. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 4, 5, 4, 4, 2, 2, and 3, with a mean of 8.3. Middle
    latitude A index was 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, and 2, 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
    * December 6 - 8 -- ARRL 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * December 7 -- Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW)
    * December 7 - 8 -- UFT Contest (CW)
    * December 7 - 8 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * December 7 - 8 -- International Naval Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 7 - 8 -- PRO CW Contest
    * December 7 - 8 -- FT8 Roundup
    * December 7 - 8 -- EPC Ukraine DX Contest (Digital)
    * December 8 -- QRP ARCI Holiday Spirits Homebrew Sprint (CW)
    * December 9 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * December 11 -- 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 Expanding into the Americas

    December is Youth on the Air (YOTA) Month, when stations operated by
    young radio amateurs around the world will get on the air to celebrate
    youth in amateur radio. YOTA Month began a few years ago in
    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1, and the concept has
    now taken root in the Americas as YOTA Month in the Americas.

    During YOTA Month, radio amateurs aged 25 and younger will be on the
    air as special event stations during December on various bands and
    modes. In the US, look for K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A. Elsewhere in the
    Americas, VE7YOTA will be on the air from Canada. XR2YOTA in Chile has
    been added to the list of youth stations in the Americas for YOTA
    Month. Young hams in other countries may also join in. Listen for other
    YOTA Month stations with "YOTA" suffixes.

    For more information about YOTA in the Americas, contact YOTA Month in
    the Americas Coordinator Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO, or YOTA in the
    Americas Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.

    Participants earn certificates by working the various YOTA-suffix
    stations on the air throughout December. Not a contest, the event is
    aimed at getting as many youngsters on air from as many countries as
    possible. The event takes place from 0000 UTC on December 1 until 2359
    UTC on December 31.

    Other special call signs planning to be on the air include 5B19YOTA,
    7X2YOTA, 7X3YOTA, 9A19YOTA, DH0YOTA, E71YOTA, EF4YOTA, EG2YOTA,
    EI0YOTA, EM5YOTA, EM6YOTA, ET3YOTA, GB19YOTA, HA6YOTA, HB9YOTA,
    HG0YOTA, II4YOTA, II8YOTA, LY5YOTA, OH2YOTA, OL19YOTA, ON4YOTA,
    PA6YOTA, PD6YOTA, SH9YOTA, TC19YOTA, TC3YOTA, TM19YOTA, YO0YOTA,
    YT19YOTA, ZL6YOTA, and ZS9YOTA.

    Most will put their logs on Logbook of The World (LoTW) with paper
    cards available through Club Log OQRS. QSL direct via M0SDV. -- Thanks
    to YOTA and YOTA in the Americas
    ITU Posts Provisional WRC-19 Final Acts

    The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has posted the
    provisional Final Acts of World Radiocommunication Conference 2019
    (WRC-19) on its website as a 567-page PDF. Sponsored by the ITU,
    WRC-19, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, wrapped up on Friday,

    WRC-19 participants (L - R) Hans
    Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T; Bryan
    Rawlings, VE3QN; Dave Court, EI3IO;
    Ulrich Mueller, DK4VW; David Sumner,
    K1ZZ; Dale Hughes, VK1DSH, and
    Murray Niman, G6JYB. [Ulrich
    Mueller, DK4VW, photo]

    November 22. The month-long event was the largest ever, with some 3,300
    delegates in attendance. The WRC-19 Final Acts will take effect on
    January 21, 2021.

    During the last week of the conference, meetings often ran into the wee
    hours in an effort to get work completed on schedule. The prime amateur
    radio agenda item involved agreement on a 6-meter band allocation for
    ITU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, and the Middle East). When the Final Acts
    take effect, 44 countries in Region 1 will have a primary allocation of
    at least 500 kHz, including 26 countries with a primary allocation of
    50 - 54 MHz. The entire region will have an amateur secondary
    allocation of 50 - 52 MHz, except Russia, whose administration opted
    for only 50.080 - 50.280 MHz on a secondary basis.

    The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) called the 6-meter outcome
    "a dramatic improvement in the international Radio Regulations for
    amateurs in Region 1." The next WRC will be in 2023.
    In Brief...

    [IMG]Orlando HamCation^(R) 2020 visitors in February will be able to
    navigate the convention with ARRL's free mobile event app, ARRL Events.
    First introduced for the Dayton Hamvention^(R) in May 2019, the app
    received extremely positive reviews from users. ARRL has partnered with
    Orlando HamCation and Dayton Hamvention to re-introduce the app for
    these 2020 events. "The user-friendly event app will help
    convention-goers find exhibits and forums, follow prize drawings, and
    connect with other attendees," said ARRL Convention and Event
    Coordinator Eric Casey, KC2ERC, who has been working with Orlando
    HamCation Committee members to help ready the app for the 2020 event.
    The free ARRL Events app will be available in late December for both
    Apple iOS and Android devices, along with a web-browser version.
    Orlando HamCation 2020 takes place February 7 - 9 and has been
    sanctioned as the 2020 ARRL Northern Florida Section Convention. Visit
    the HamCation website to purchase tickets.

    [IMG]Dayton Hamvention^(R) is increasing the cost of admission and its
    booth fees. Hamvention General Chair Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, announced this
    week that general admission would rise by $4 per ticket to $26 in
    advance or $31 at the gate. The cost of flea market spots will go up by
    $5 per space, and inside exhibitors will pay $30 more. "Hamvention has
    always strived to produce a very high-quality event for amateur radio
    enthusiasts from around the globe," Gerbs said. "We have always felt it
    is imperative that we give back to amateur radio at many levels. We
    have been very generous in our support over the years." He cited "the
    economic pressures to present a show like Hamvention" as the reason for
    the price increases.

    ARRL is inviting listeners of the So Now What? podcast for amateur
    radio newcomers to take a brief survey about the bi-weekly podcast. The
    survey will close on December 13. -- Thanks to Michelle Patnode, W3MVP,
    ARRL Communications Content Producer

    Just after announcing the release of WSJT-X version 2.1.1, the WSJT
    Development Group issued a second bug-fix release, version 2.1.2.
    WSJT-X is the free software suite that includes the FT4 and FT8
    protocols. According to the developers, an error in the code broke the
    WSJT-X rig control features for certain Icom radios. The Release Notes
    detail program changes made since WSJT-X 2.1.0. The WSJT-X 2.1 User
    Guide has also been updated. Upgrading from earlier versions of WSJT-X
    should be seamless, with no need to uninstall previous versions or move
    any files. Links to installation packages are available. The WSJT
    Development Group asks those using the code to let the developers know,
    as well as to report bugs or suggest improvements to the code.

    AMPRNet Cofounder Brian Kantor, WB6CYT, of San Diego, California, has
    died unexpectedly. He retired 2 years ago after 47 years of service on
    staff at the University of California, San Diego. Kantor and Phil Karn,
    KA9Q, founded AMPRNet -- the TCP/IP over amateur radio network -- in
    the 1980s, and Kantor continued to manage it until his death. He
    recently created and served as chair and CEO of Amateur Radio Digital
    Communications (ARDC), a charitable foundation funded by the sale of
    unused AMPRNet IPv4 addresses. ARDC promotes STEM education and amateur
    radio digital development through scholarships and by funding the
    development of open-source hardware and software. It recently announced
    its first grant, to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
    (ARISS). Kantor was also a key player in AMSAT's early internet
    presence.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois

    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
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    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
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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Fri Dec 13 09:05:02 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    December 12, 2019

    * FCC Amending Amateur Radio RF Exposure Safety Rules
    * ARRL Asks FCC to Dismiss Petition Seeking Declaratory Ruling on
    Encoded Message Rule
    * A 600 W Broadband HF Amplifier Using Economically Priced LDMOS
    Devices
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * NOAA/NASA Panel Concurs that Solar Cycle 25 will Peak in July 2025
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Collegiate QSO Party 2018 and 2019 Plaque Recipients Announced
    * Melissa Pore, KM4CZN, is 2020 Carole Perry Educator of the Year
    Award Recipient
    * In Brief...
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    FCC Amending Amateur Radio RF Exposure Safety Rules

    The FCC is amending its Part 97 Amateur Service rules relating to RF
    exposure safety. In a lengthy document in ET Docket 19-226 released on
    December 4 and addressing a broad range of RF safety issues, the FCC
    said current amateur radio RF exposure safety limits will remain
    unchanged, but that the amateur-specific exemption from having to
    conduct an RF exposure evaluation will be replaced by the FCC's general
    exemption criteria. Radio amateurs have always had to comply with RF
    exposure limits, but certain stations have been exempt from having to
    conduct evaluations based only upon power and frequency. The Commission
    indicated that, by and large, if an RF source was "categorically
    excluded" from routine evaluation under the old rules, it will most
    likely still be exempt under the new rules, which are expected to take
    effect in the next couple of months.

    "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 Section 97.13(c)(1) and
    specify the use of occupational/controlled limits for amateurs where
    appropriate," the FCC said.

    "The sky is not falling here," ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI,
    commented. "The major aspects of the rules will not impose major new
    burdens on the Amateur Radio Service. As in all regulatory matters,
    though, the devil may be in the details, so the ARRL technical staff,
    legal staff, and the experts on the ARRL RF Safety Committee are
    carefully evaluating this FCC document."

    Under the revised Section 97.13(c)(1), "In lieu of evaluation with the
    general population/uncontrolled exposure limits, amateur licensees may
    evaluate their operation with respect to members of his or her
    immediate household using the occupational/controlled exposure limits
    in Section 1.1310, provided appropriate training and information has
    been accessed by the amateur licensee and members of his/her
    household," the amended rule says.

    An FCC OET Bulletin 65 illustration
    of how to determine exposure
    distances.

    "RF exposure of other nearby persons who are not members of the amateur
    licensee's household must be evaluated with respect to the general
    population/uncontrolled exposure limits. Appropriate methodologies and
    guidance for evaluating Amateur Radio Service operation is described in
    the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Bulletin 65, Supplement
    B," the revised rule concludes.

    The FCC said it was not persuaded by ARRL's argument in its comments
    that the routine evaluation exemption for amateur radio stations
    operating below a certain power threshold should be maintained.
    "Amateur radio licensees operate a variety of installations of
    different size, power, and frequency, which can be located in close
    proximity to people, giving rise to various RF exposure concerns," the
    FCC noted.

    In a meeting with FCC OET Chief Julius Knapp and senior staff in early
    November, ARRL asked the FCC to make available on the internet a
    calculator to facilitate making the correct calculations the rules
    require. ARRL said that would be preferable to unofficial third-party
    calculators, the results from which might not be accorded the same
    degree of deference in local disputes. Several software programs were
    suggested as models.

    The FCC did not single out amateur radio in drafting its latest RF
    exposure rules. The rules affect multiple services, and exemptions for
    many other services were also deleted as part of a broader policy
    driven by a proliferation of RF devices, some resulting in situations
    where gain antennas are sited much closer to people than was expected
    in 1996 when the rules were last revised.
    ARRL Asks FCC to Dismiss Petition Seeking Declaratory Ruling on Encoded
    Message Rule

    ARRL has asked the FCC to dismiss a Petition for Declaratory Ruling
    filed by New York University (NYU), that in ARRL's view proposes a new
    interpretation of the rule -- Section 97.113(a)(4) -- prohibiting
    "messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning." In its
    December 2 filing, ARRL said NYU's call to "clarify" the rule's meaning
    to prohibit "effectively encrypted or encoded messages, including
    messages that cannot be readily decoded over the air for true meaning,"
    is not only vague but could weaken the prohibition against encryption.

    ARRL pointed out that the FCC rule prohibiting "messages encoded for
    the purpose of obscuring their meaning," is essentially the same as
    what appears in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio
    Regulations applying to all countries. ARRL made clear that it
    continues to support rules prohibiting encrypted messages on the
    amateur bands, even for limited emergency communication purposes, and
    the ARRL Board reiterated that opposition last July.

    In its comments, ARRL said that NYU's request that the FCC adopt its
    suggested language would introduce ambiguity and confusion in the
    application of a rule that's clearly understood to prohibit encrypted
    messages. ARRL noted that Morse code is encoded and would fall within
    the prohibition as proposed by NYU. "The very fact that messages sent
    in CW are 'encoded' by any definition of the term starkly demonstrates
    the problem with this proposal," ARRL said.

    ARRL said that adding the word "effectively" would make the definition
    even more vague by including all encoded messages plus an additional
    set of undefined messages, the extent of which is unknown. Similarly,
    ARRL maintained, it is "unclear and undetermined what the petitioner
    may mean by 'effectively encrypted.'" Encryption is a binary
    proposition, ARRL pointed out, and the meaning either is hidden from
    all but the intended recipient(s) or it is not; a message cannot be
    considered "encrypted" if the means to enable non-recipients to
    understand the message are generally available.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    "The Commission has addressed amateur use of digital signals in
    multiple proceedings [and] there has been no showing that the current
    regulatory scheme is deficient in prohibiting encrypted messages," ARRL
    concluded.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    "ding the modifier 'effectively' to 'encrypted' converts clear
    meaning into vague uncertainty," ARRL asserted. FCC rules explicitly
    authorize radio amateurs to use new digital techniques on the condition
    that the techniques be described adequately and available publicly,
    ARRL said, pointing to multiple filings in the FCC record from
    individuals who have successfully used the public descriptions to
    decode the digital techniques with which NYU has expressed concern.

    NYU has not presented any information to demonstrate that the FCC's
    current rule is not being complied with by digital innovators, ARRL
    said, and adoption of NYU's petition would create more questions for
    the FCC than it would be able to answer if called upon to apply the
    petition's vague language in specific cases.

    "We are unaware of any enforcement case in which the Commission is
    experiencing difficulty in understanding and applying the prohibition
    against encrypted messages," ARRL maintained.

    What the petitioner regards as violations "augurs against its proposal
    to interpret in some new fashion the international and domestic
    prohibition," ARRL said. "For example," ARRL continued, "the petitioner
    asserts, without any basis in fact, that dynamic compression techniques
    effectively encrypt or encode communications." Such techniques are
    widely recognized ways to increase the efficiency of digital
    transmissions," ARRL noted that comments in the record clearly state
    that signals using dynamic compression are being decoded by third-party
    listeners.

    "The Commission has addressed amateur use of digital signals in
    multiple proceedings [and] there has been no showing that the current
    regulatory scheme is deficient in prohibiting encrypted messages," ARRL
    concluded. "To the contrary, adoption of the petitioner's proposals
    would add confusion -- rather than clarity -- and diverge from the
    international consensus on prohibiting encrypted messages while
    fostering vibrant experimentation with digital techniques."

    A 600 W Broadband HF Amplifier Using Economically Priced LDMOS Devices

    Razvan Fatu, M0HZH/YO9IRF, has designed and built a 600 W broadband HF
    amateur radio amplifier that uses a pair of low-cost MRF300 LDMOS
    (laterally diffused metal-oxide semiconductor) MOSFET devices. LDMOS
    devices are widely used in RF power amplifiers. Fatu's model A600, now
    at version 1.2, was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of MRF300s
    as linear broadband devices in the 2 - 50 MHz range.

    "The announcement of the MRF300 and MRF101 transistors by NXP in 2018
    has generated quite a spark of interest in the amateur radio community,
    and as soon as I learned about them, I wanted to get some on my
    workbench," Fatu said. He has entered his project in the NXP Homebrew
    RF Design Challenge 2019.

    "To achieve the target of 600 W output while also minimizing the level
    of even-number harmonics, a push-pull configuration of two transistors
    is used," he explains. "Luckily, the manufacturer made it easy to
    design the PCB layout for such a thing by offering two versions -- the
    MRF300AN and MRF300BN -- that have mirrored pinouts." The individual
    transistors are specified at 330 W output and come in a TO-247 package,
    with the source connected to the tab. The recommended supply range is
    30 - 50 V dc. "By studying the specifications, it looks like with
    correct broadband matching and some operational safety margin, we can
    get close to 600 W output at a voltage of around 45 V across a
    reasonably large bandwidth; the aim is to cover 1.8 to 54 MHz," Fatu
    said. "Main challenges when designing this amplifier are related to
    achieving good input and output matching over the entire frequency
    range as well as maintaining high and flat gain. Good linearity and a
    low level of harmonic products are mandatory. As the TO-247 is not a
    package specifically designed for high-power RF, there are some
    challenges with thermal design and PCB layout as well."

    "This is a homebrew project, so the
    test setup is pretty typical of a
    hobbyist's test bench," Fatu said.
    "Most of the equipment is not of
    lab-grade precision, but still
    accurate enough for amateur radio."

    The circuit uses a 4:1 transformer at the input.

    He used surface-mount devices wherever possible, to minimize stray
    inductance, and designed the circuit board power traces to be thick
    enough to support the high current. Traces also were sized for the
    right trace impedance where possible, he explained. Fatu installed an
    intermediary 3-millimeter-thick copper plate between the transistors
    and the aluminum heatsink. He used a liquid metal product called
    Galinstan which, he said, offers exceptional thermal and electrical
    conductivity and doesn't require much pressure to achieve best
    performance.

    During testing, he found that the amplifier will put out about 580 W at
    3.7 MHz and works most efficiently in the higher bands. "The highest
    output power I've measured was 840 W in the 10-meter band, but the wave
    was distorted and the harmonic levels were high," Fatu said.

    He has posted a video in addition to an online article.
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    "VHF/UHF Propagation" is the topic of the current (December 5) episode
    of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    ARRL The Doctor is In features your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve
    Ford, WB8IMY, and the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, discussing a
    broad range of technical topics.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    NOAA/NASA Panel Concurs that Solar Cycle 25 will Peak in July 2025

    The NOAA/NASA-co-chaired international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel has
    released its latest forecast for the coming Solar Cycle 25. The panel's
    consensus calls for a peak in July 2025 (8 months), with a smoothed
    sunspot number of 115. The panel agreed that Cycle 25 will be of
    average intensity and similar to Cycle 24. The panel additionally
    concurred that the solar minimum between Cycles 24 and 25 will occur in
    April 2020 (6 months). If the solar minimum prediction is correct,
    this would make Solar Cycle 24 the seventh longest on [IMG]record at
    11.4 years. In its preliminary forecast released last April, the
    scientists on the panel forecast that Solar Cycle 25 would likely be
    weak, much like the current Cycle 24.

    "Solar Cycle 25 may have a slow start, but is anticipated to peak with
    solar maximum occurring between 2023 and 2026, and a sunspot range of
    95 to 130. This is well below the average number of sunspots," the
    panel said last spring, adding with "high confidence" that Cycle 25
    "should break the trend of weakening solar activity seen over the past
    four cycles." The panel said the expectation that Cycle 25 would be
    comparable in size to Cycle 24 suggests that the steady decline in
    solar cycle amplitude seen from Cycle 21 through Cycle 24 has ended and
    that there is no indication of an approaching "Maunder-type" minimum.
    Cycle 24 peaked in April 2014 with an average sunspot number of 82.

    The Solar Cycle Prediction Panel forecasts the number of sunspots
    expected for solar maximum, along with the timing of the peak and
    minimum solar activity levels for the cycle. It is comprised of
    scientists representing NOAA, NASA, the International Space Environment
    Services, and other US and international scientists.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Spaceweather.com says that Wednesday,
    December 11, was the 28th consecutive day of no sunspots. To date in
    2019, 77% of days had no sunspots. Compare this to the previous solar
    minimum: In 2008, 73% of days were spotless, and in 2009, 71% of days
    had no sunspots.

    The average daily solar flux for the December 5 - 11 reporting week was
    70.7, up marginally from the previous week's 70.2.

    At the bottom of the solar cycle, hardly any geomagnetic activity
    occurs, with average daily planetary A index at 3.7 and average middle
    latitude A index at 1.9. This is very quiet and is favorable to
    propagation on 160 meters.

    As was the case in last week's bulletin, the predicted solar flux is 70
    on each of the next 45 days -- until January 25.

    The predicted planetary A index is 5, 8, and 8 on December 12 - 14; 5
    on December 15 - 17; 12 on December 18; 10 on December 19 - 21; 5 on
    December 22 - January 4; 8 on January 5; 5 on January 6 - 8; 8 on
    January 9 - 10; 5 on January 11 - 13; 12 on January 14; 10 on January
    15 - 17, and 5 on January 18 - 25.

    Sunspot numbers for December 5 - 11 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.7, 70.3, 70.2, 71.6, 70.7,
    70.6, and 70.7, with a mean of 70.7. Estimated planetary A indices were
    3, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4, and 6, with a mean of 3.7. Middle latitude A index
    was 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, and 3, 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. Monthly charts offer
    propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.

    Share your reports and observations.

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * December 14 - 15 -- ARRL 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 14 - 15 -- TRC Digi Contest (Digital)
    * December 14 - 16 -- PODXS 070 Club Triple Play Low Band Sprint
    (Digital)
    * December 15 -- CQC Great Colorado Snowshoe Run (CW)
    * December 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * December 18 -- 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.
    Collegiate QSO Party 2018 and 2019 Plaque Recipients Announced

    The ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative has announced plaque
    winners from the 2018 and 2019 rounds of the Collegiate QSO Party. They
    are:

    K4FAU Florida Atlantic University Amateur Radio Club, 2018 First Place,
    High Power; W0QQQ Amateur Radio Club at Kansas State University, 2018
    Second Place, High Power; W0YQ University of Colorado Boulder Amateur
    Radio Club, 2018 First Place, Low Power; W0EEE Missouri S&T Amateur
    Radio Club, 2018 Second Place, Low Power; K1EEE, Michael R. Rancourt,
    2018 First Place, Employee, High Power; W4ATL, Sherman Banks, 2018
    First Place, Alumni, High Power; W2RS, Ray Soifer, 2018 First Place,
    Alumni, Low Power; N8FM, Charles S. Romick, 2018 Second Place, Alumni,
    Low Power; K4VBM, Robert G. Hensey, Jr., 2018 First Place, Individual,
    Low Power; N1SOH, Ethan Handwerker, 2018 Second Place, Individual, Low
    Power, and 2019 First Place, Individual (N1SOH, W1FM, ops).

    W1RMC Middlebury College Amateur Radio Club, 2019 First Place, High
    Power; W8LT Student Radio Club of The Ohio State University, 2019 First
    Place, Low Power, and KN4WZX Augusta University Amateur Radio Club,
    2019 Second Place, Low Power.

    Thanks to organizers Andy Milluzzi, KK4LWR, and Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT.
    The plaques are sponsored by ARRL and the W1YSM Snyder Family
    Collegiate Amateur Radio Endowment Fund, established in 2017. The
    Collegiate QSO Party will return in September 2020.

    Melissa Pore, KM4CZN, is 2020 Carole Perry Educator of the Year Award
    Recipient

    Melissa Pore, KM4CZN, of Vienna, Virginia, is the 2020 recipient of the
    Carole Perry Educator of the Year Award, Orlando HamCation has
    announced. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in
    educating and advancing youth in amateur radio, was first awarded last
    year to its namesake, Carole Perry, WB2MGP, in honor of her work
    teaching students about ham radio. Pore is an Amateur Radio on the
    International Space Station (ARISS) Education Committee member and an
    ambassador for the ARISS program.

    An educational professional for more than 20 years, Pore is on the
    staff at Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia,
    the site of a November 2018 ARISS contact. In addition to teaching
    engineering and computer science, she is involved in the school's
    amateur radio and engineering clubs. While she was a teacher at St.
    Thomas More Elementary School, Pore was associated with the STMSAT-1
    project. The Earth-observation CubeSat, built entirely by students at
    the school, was launched in 2015 but failed to transmit any images. It
    was the first satellite constructed by elementary schoolers.

    Pore was a cofacilitator of a workshop at the 2019 Space Port Area
    Conference for Educators. Last year, she and her students presented
    during Innovation Day at National Air and Space Museum's Steven F.
    Udvar-Hazy Center. She is a member of AMSAT and the NASA Goddard
    Amateur Radio Club. As an ambassador for the ARISS Education Team, her
    talks and educational outreach have showcased ARISS and the STEM
    activities of her students, several of whom are radio amateurs. She
    assisted with the Dayton Hamvention 2019 ARISS booth and helped staff
    the exhibit at the Space Explorers Education Conference last February
    in Houston, where she's set to present a workshop in 2020.

    At the 2019 Space Port Area Conference for Educators at Cape Kennedy,
    Pore received a plaque from the ISS National Lab Space Station Explorer
    Program citing her "service, commitment, and desire to push the
    boundaries of STEM Education."
    In Brief...

    The theme for the 2020 Dayton Hamvention^(R) will be "Amateur Radio,
    The Future." Hamvention General Chair Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT, invited
    Hamvention attendees to celebrate amateur radio's past, present, and
    future. "As amateur radio operators, we enjoy many modes of operating,"
    Gerbs said. "We also enjoy challenges such as satellite communications,
    moonbounce, meteor scatter, and more. What truly excites me about our
    hobby is the diversity of these modes and the fact that, as we move to
    the future, we still enjoy the technologies of the past." Gerbs noted
    that Hamvention has long been a place to find vintage parts and gear
    and to see the latest technology. "The theme acknowledges the role that
    amateur radio has always played and will continue to play in future
    communication developments," Hamvention said, acknowledging the
    contributions of the many hams who actively work on new ideas,
    equipment designs, and software to improve electronic communication.
    Hamvention 2020 takes place May 15 - 17 at the Greene County
    Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio.

    Massachusetts has settled on a one-hand-on-the-wheel rule for mobiles.
    The Bay State's two ARRL Section Managers report they have received
    confirmation that the Commonwealth's distracted driving law does not
    apply to two-way mobile radio operation. The new law "permits use of a
    federally licensed two-way radio, provided that one hand remains on the
    steering wheel at all times," except as provided in sections 8M, 12A,
    and 13B of the law. -- Thanks to Western Massachusetts SM Ray Lajoie,
    KB1LRL, and ARRL Eastern Massachusetts SM Tom Walsh, K1TW

    The Boy Scouts say JOTA station participation was up in 2019. The
    Scouts report that, although overall Jamboree On the Air (JOTA) 2019
    participation was down slightly from 2018, "our calculations show that
    each station averaged an additional 13 people in attendance over 2019.
    This shows an aggregate increase of 24% attendance per station, even
    with our reported stations being down from 266 in 2018 to 201 in 2019."
    The Scouts reported that 13,783 individuals took part in JOTA 2019,
    down from 14,708 in 2018.

    A year-long special event will honor Beethoven. German special event
    station DL250BTHVN will be active between December 16, 2019, and
    December 17, 2020, to honor the 250th anniversary of the birth of famed
    composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The Beethoven anniversary year will take
    place under the auspices of Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter
    Steinmeier. Beethoven was born in December 1770 in Bonn, Germany, and
    lived there for the first 22 years of his life. The anniversary event
    is aimed in part at highlighting Beethoven's extensive oeuvre as a
    composer and to boost Bonn's reputation as a "Beethoven city." QSL via
    direct or by the bureau.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * December 13 - 14 -- West Central Florida Section Convention, Plant
    City, Florida
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
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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) 2019 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 Fri Dec 20 09:05:02 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    December 19, 2019

    * ARRL Reshapes Podcast Offerings for 2020
    * FCC Formally opts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3 GHz Band, Invites
    Comments
    * FCC Proposes Largest-Ever Fine for Unlicensed Broadcasting
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * AztechSat-1 CubeSat to Demonstrate Intra-Satellite Communication
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Volunteers Celebrate 98th Anniversary of ARRL Transatlantic Tests
    at W1AW
    * NTIA Spectrum Manager Stephen Veader, N4DXS, SK
    * Bar Code Lead Developer George Laurer, K4HZE, SK
    * In Brief...
    * Getting It Right!
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    To Our Readers: This is the final edition of The ARRL Letter for 2019.
    The newsletter will be on a holiday hiatus until January 9, 2020. ARRL
    Audio News will be on break until January 10, 2020. ARRL Headquarters
    will be closed on December 25 and on January 1, and there will be no
    W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions on those days. A reminder
    that Straight Key Night (SKN) is January 1, 2020 (UTC) -- starting on
    New Year's Eve in North American time zones. We wish everyone a safe
    and enjoyable holiday season.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Reshapes Podcast Offerings for 2020

    In conjunction with the launch of its new On the Air magazine, which is
    aimed at those just beginning their journey in amateur radio, ARRL is
    reconfiguring its podcast lineup.

    Heading up the new schedule will be a free companion podcast to the
    bimonthly On the Air magazine. The monthly On the Air podcast will take
    a deeper look into select features and projects from the magazine. Each
    month, host and On the Air Editorial Director Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY,
    will offer additional resources, techniques, and hints to help
    less-experienced radio amateurs to get the most from the magazine's
    content.

    In addition to the podcast, ARRL Product Development Manager Bob
    Inderbitzen, NQ1R, will curate a free On the Air blog featuring content
    from the communicators and makers who are the driving force of amateur
    radio today. The blog will highlight opportunities and activities
    available to new licensees. The On the Air blog is intended as an entry
    point into the world of amateur radio for those seeking original voices
    and perspectives. Readers will be invited to take part in the
    conversation by sharing their stories and experiences.

    ARRL's current So Now What? podcast will cease production in January,
    as the full complement of On the Air content is rolled out. The catalog
    of So Now What? episodes is available for listening or downloading.

    In addition, The Doctor is In podcast, which has served
    more-experienced amateurs since 2016, will conclude its 4-year run with
    its December 19 episode. Eclectic Tech, a new biweekly podcast designed
    to appeal to experienced amateurs, will launch in February.

    Hosted by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, Eclectic Tech will highlight
    technical 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.

    The Doctor is In co-host Joel Hallas, W1ZR, is selecting some of his
    favorite podcast episodes for re-broadcast in the interim between the
    end of production for The Doctor is In and the debut of Eclectic Tech.
    The complete The Doctor is In archive is available on the ARRL website.
    Hallas will continue to answer questions about amateur radio in QST's
    "The Doctor is In" column.

    The ARRL Audio News podcast will continue to provide a weekly summary
    of news and activities within the amateur radio community.
    FCC Formally opts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3 GHz Band, Invites
    Comments

    The FCC's 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 already has begun drawing fire. The
    Commission formally adopted the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
    WT Docket 19-348 on December 12 and invited comments on appropriate
    "transition mechanisms" to make the spectrum available for mobile and
    fixed wireless broadband use. ARRL plans to oppose the move. The
    amateur 9-centimeter allocation is 3.3 - 3.5 GHz.

    "By proposing to delete the existing non-federal secondary allocations
    from the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band, we are taking an important initial step
    towards satisfying Congress's directives and making as much as 250
    megahertz of spectrum potentially available for advanced wireless
    services, including 5G," the FCC said in the Introduction to its NPRM.

    Some comments arrived before formal adoption of the NPRM, which was
    circulated ahead of the December meeting. Kevin Milner, KD0MA, the
    secretary/treasurer of the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club in Colorado,
    argued that the club's equipment cannot be re-channeled below 3.4 GHz,
    and the club is seeking relocation costs. Devin Ulibarri, W7ND, told
    the FCC that amateur networks in the current band cannot move easily
    into other amateur allocations because there is no readily available
    commercial equipment to support the bandwidth, the FCC said in a
    footnote.

    Currently, the entire 3.1 - 3.55 GHz band is allocated for both federal
    and non-federal radiolocation services, with non-federal users
    operating on a secondary basis to federal radiolocation services.

    With respect to amateur operations, the FCC invited comments on whether
    sufficient amateur spectrum exists in other bands that can support the
    operations currently conducted at 3.3 - 3.5 GHz. The 3.40 - 3.41 GHz
    segment is earmarked for amateur satellite communication. The FCC said
    if non-federal licensees are relocated to the 3.1 - 3.3 GHz band, it
    proposes to have them continue to operate on a secondary basis to
    federal operations, consistent with current band allocations.

    Also at its December 12 meeting, the FCC considered another NPRM in WT
    Docket 19-138 that would "take a fresh and comprehensive look" at the
    rules for the 5.9 GHz band and propose, among other things, to make the
    lower 45 MHz of the band available for unlicensed operations and to
    permit "cellular vehicle-to-everything" (C-V2X) operations in the upper
    20 MHz of the band. The FCC is not proposing to delete or otherwise
    amend the 5-centimeter amateur 5.650 - 5.925 GHz allocation, which
    would continue as secondary. The NPRM, if approved, would address the
    top 75 MHz of that amateur secondary band. Although no changes are
    proposed to the amateur allocation, an anticipated increase in primary
    use could restrict secondary amateur use.

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) has offered its voice
    in challenging the FCC proposals on both 9 and 5 centimeters, saying
    their adoption would "eliminate our use of the most-effective resource
    hams have to build its networks."

    "The AREDN Project is able to leverage low-cost commercial devices
    solely because they are designed to operate on adjacent allocations,"
    AREDN said on its website. "Moving to other allocations would be
    difficult if not impossible without a complete redesign, manufacture,
    purchase, and installation of new custom amateur hardware and
    software...raising the price out of reach for the typical ham."

    FCC Proposes Largest-Ever Fine for Unlicensed Broadcasting

    The FCC has proposed fining an alleged pirate broadcaster in the
    Boston, Massachusetts area more than $450,000. According to the FCC,
    Gerlens Cesar, who operated Radio TeleBoston, used three separate
    transmitters for his broadcasting enterprise, resulting in three
    separate violations of the law.

    "The Commission proposed imposing the statutory maximum forfeiture
    amount for each of these three apparent violations," the FCC said in a
    Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) released on December 12. Under the
    Communications Act, it is illegal to transmit above certain low-power
    levels, defined within FCC Part 15 rules, without an FCC license.

    "Such pirate radio broadcasting can interfere with licensed
    communications including public safety transmissions," the FCC said.
    The FCC said Cesar apparently simulcasts Radio TeleBoston on three
    unauthorized transmitters on two different frequencies. "His operation
    thus had the potential to cause interference in various locations in
    and around Boston and at different channels on the FM dial," the FCC
    said. "As a result of the scale of this operation, its potential
    impacts, and its continuous nature, the Commission proposed the maximum
    penalty for all three transmitters."

    The FCC reported receiving complaints from Boston-area residents of an
    illegal station operating at both 90.1 and 92.1 MHz. One complaint
    identified Cesar as the operator of Radio TeleBoston. The FCC said it
    had issued multiple warnings. -- FCC Media Release
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    The Doctor will open the mailbag for the last time in the final
    (December 19) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. "Best of
    The Doctor is In" episodes will be released every other week until a
    new podcast, Electic Tech," debuts in February.

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks since 2016, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford,
    WB8IMY, and the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, have discussed a
    broad range of technical topics and answered listeners' questions.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    AztechSat-1 CubeSat to Demonstrate Intra-Satellite Communication

    The AztechSat-1 CubeSat, which traveled to the International Space
    Station (ISS) earlier this month on the 19th Space-X Commercial
    Resupply Services (CRS-19) mission for NASA, will listen for emergency
    messages in the 439 MHz range and retransmit them for amateur radio
    operators to copy on its 437.300 MHz downlink using the Winlink
    protocol, once the CubeSat has been placed into orbit. The satellite is
    a project of Mexico's Universidad Popular Autnoma del Estado de Puebla
    (UPAEP). Aztechsat-1 is set for deployment from the ISS in late
    January.

    "The primary objective of the project is to establish communication
    with the commercial GlobalStar satellites in order to improve data
    transmission to Earth," a UPAEP news release said. AztechSat-1 will
    create a saturation map of 435 - 438 MHz by listening for the whole
    orbit and returning captured data to the ground station on the 437.300
    MHz amateur radio downlink (9k6 GMSK or FSK) plus a 1600 MHz GlobalStar
    link. Emergency messages received via Globalstar to the AztechSat-1
    ground station will be shared on the project's website.

    A certificate will be available for amateur stations receiving the
    emergency message(s) and reporting these for confirmation by the
    AztechSat-1 team.

    Details are on the AztechSat-1 website and on the IARU Amateur Radio
    Satellite Communication page.

    The project is part of NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, which offers
    universities, high schools, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity
    to fly small satellites. "Innovative technology partnerships keep down
    the cost, providing students a way to obtain hands-on experience
    developing flight hardware," a NASA report said.

    NASA explained, "The investigation demonstrates communication within a
    satellite network in low-Earth orbit. Such intra-satellite
    communication could reduce the need for ground stations, lowering the
    cost and increasing the number of data downloads possible for satellite
    applications."
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: It's been 36 consecutive days with no
    sunspots. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet until a minor solar wind
    stream hit on December 18, driving the planetary A index to 13 from the
    low single digits earlier in the week.

    The average planetary A index for December 12 - 18 rose to 4.6, from
    3.7 over the previous 7 days, while mid-latitude A index increased from
    1.9 to 4. Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 70. The
    predicted planetary A index is 10, 8, and 8 on December 19 - 21; 5 on
    December 22 - January 4; 8 on January 5; 5 on January 6 - 8; 8 on
    January 9 - 10; 5 on January 11 - 13; 12 on January 14; 10 on January
    15 - 17; 5 on January 18 - 31, and 8 on February 1.

    Because of weak solar activity, the ARRL 10 Meter Contest last weekend
    was rather slow. QST's "The World Above 50 MHz" editor Jon Jones, N0JK,
    in Kansas said he encountered a strong opening to Argentina and Chile
    on Sunday. He said the propagation mechanism appeared to be sporadic E.
    More details in the weekly bulletin on December 20.

    Sunspot numbers for December 12 - 18 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.5, 68.9, 70.3, 71, 70,
    70.5, and 70.2, with a mean of 70.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
    4, 4, 3, 5, 1, 2, and 13, with a mean of 4.6. Middle latitude A index
    was 3, 3, 2, 5, 1, 2, and 12, 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
    * December 20 -- AGB-Party Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 20 -- Russian 160-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * December 21 -- OK DX RTTY Contest
    * December 21 - 22 -- Padang DX Contest (Phone)
    * December 21 - 22 -- Gedebage CW Contest
    * December 21 - 22 -- Croatian CW Contest
    * December 22 -- RAEM Contest (CW)
    * December 22 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW
    * December 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * December 26 -- DARC Christmas Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 28 -- RAC Winter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 28 - 29 -- 1.8 Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
    * December 28 - 29 -- Original QRP Contest (CW)
    * December 30 - 31 -- QCX Challenge (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 -- AGCW Happy New Year Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- QRP ARCI New Year's Sprint (CW)
    * January 1 -- 3.5 UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * January 2 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
    * January 4 -- ARRL Kids Day (Phone)
    * January 4 -- PODXS 070 Club PSKFest (Digital)
    * January 4 -- RSGB AFS Contest, CW
    * January 4 - 5 -- WW PMC Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 4 - 5 -- ARRL RTTY Roundup
    * January 4 - 5 -- EUCW 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * January 6 - 12 -- All IQRP Quarterly Marathon (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * January 8 - 12 -- AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW 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.
    Volunteers Celebrate 98th Anniversary of ARRL Transatlantic Tests at
    W1AW

    A group of radio amateurs gathered on December 11 at W1AW to mark the
    98th anniversary of the successful ARRL Transatlantic Tests. On
    December 11, 1921, a message transmitted by a group of Radio Club of
    America members at 1BCG in Greenwich, Connecticut, was copied by Paul
    Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland. Reporting on the accomplishment, ARRL
    Secretary Kenneth B. Warner, 1EH, declared "Excelsior!" Clark Burgard,
    N1BCG -- who lives in Greenwich and styles his call sign as "n1BCG" to
    honor the original 1BCG -- was among those on hand at the Maxim
    Memorial Station.

    Those pitching in to take part in
    the day-long anniversary celebration
    included (L-R) Michael Pfaeffle,
    K3FEF; Lisa Kress; Brian Kress,
    KB3WFV; Bob Allison, WB1GCM; Blaine
    Morin, N1GTU, and Clark Burgard,
    N1BCG. Not shown are Chris Codella,
    W2PA; Glenn Cooper, W2BK, and Greg
    Fiozzo, KD2HRD.

    "We completed a successful special event yesterday at W1AW
    commemorating the 98th anniversary of the Transatlantic Tests," Burgard
    recounted. "This was particularly important historically to amateur
    radio as it was originally organized by ARRL in 1921 to determine if
    low-power amateur radio stations using shortwave frequencies could
    actually be heard in Europe. Until then, it was thought impossible."

    Burgard pointed out that the 1921 event changed radio history, was
    covered in three issues of QST, and opened the door to the first
    two-way transatlantic tests a couple of years later. The 1921
    transatlantic success marked the beginning of what would become routine
    communication between US radio amateurs and those in other parts of the
    world -- literally the birth of DX.

    NTIA Spectrum Manager Stephen Veader, N4DXS, SK

    Stephen Veader, N4DXS, of Dale City, Virginia, a major
    behind-the-scenes player in the effort that led to creation of amateur
    radio's 60-meter band in the US, died on November 5. An ARRL Life
    Member, he was 67.

    As a spectrum manager for the National Telecommunications and
    Information ministration (NTIA), Veader was deeply involved on the
    behalf of NTIA in the effort to secure a new amateur band at 5 MHz.
    According to Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, when it became clear that a proposal
    for a 15 kHz band would not be approved, Veader was instrumental in
    fashioning the compromise that led to the authorization of the five
    discrete secondary channels radio amateurs have today, and other
    countries copied that template for their 5 MHz amateur allocations.
    Today, these spot frequencies serve as "interoperability channels" for
    federal and amateur stations to share in emergencies and exercises.

    Veader was active within the SHARES HF radio community as the
    representative for NTIA. A native of Boston, Veader was a US Air Force
    veteran. During his years at NTIA, he also provided regulatory guidance
    on the use of SHARES for federal and non-federal radio users.

    "Steve was a good friend to SHARES and to amateur radio," Merlin said.
    Veader was also an avid RTTY enthusiast and was active in many contests
    throughout the year. A service was held on November 15. -- Thanks to
    Ross Merlin, WA2WDT
    Bar Code Lead Developer George Laurer, K4HZE, SK

    The lead developer of the bar code system that became the
    now-ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC), George Laurer, K4HZE, of
    Wendell, North Carolina, died on December 5. He was 94. While an
    electrical engineer with IBM in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park
    in the early 1970s, Laurer led the effort to develop the bar code
    system. The UPC, composed of 30 unique black bars and a 12-digit
    number, allows retailers to identify products and prices as they are
    scanned. It was used for the first time in a retail setting in 1974.

    Laurer also later patented one of the first handheld UPC scanners,
    according to his obituary. As The Washington Post reported, "The
    bar-code concept had originated in the 1940s, when N. Joseph Woodland
    designed a bull's eye-shaped system of concentric circles, inspired by
    the dots and dashes of Morse code." Woodland became a colleague of
    Laurer's at IBM, and Laurer considered him "the father of the
    supermarket scanning system."

    A native of New York, Laurer served in the US Army during World War II
    after being drafted while he was still a junior in high school. He
    graduated from the University of Maryland in 1951 and spent 3 decades
    working for IBM. Accounts describe Laurer as an inveterate tinkerer,
    even up to his final years.

    IBM never patented the bar code system, but made it publicly available
    in order to sell the associated hardware.
    In Brief...

    Kids Day is Saturday, January 4 The first Saturday in January is Kids
    Day -- the time to get youngsters on the air to share in the joy and
    fun that amateur radio can provide. Kids Day gets under way on
    Saturday, January 4, at 1800 UTC and concludes at 2359 UTC. Sponsored
    by the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, this event has a simple
    exchange, suitable for younger operators: First name, age, location,
    and favorite color. After that, the contact can be as long or as short
    as each participant prefers. Kids Day is the perfect opportunity to
    open your shack door and invite kids over to see what amateur radio has
    to offer. Details are on the ARRL website.

    ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager to Keynote Ham Radio University 2020 in
    January ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC, will be the
    keynote speaker at Ham Radio University 2020 (HRU 2020). The annual
    event, now in its 21st year, will take place on Saturday, January 4, in
    the Hillwood Commons Student Center at Long Island University-Post, 720
    Northern Blvd., Brookville, New York. HRU 2020 is billed as, "A day of
    education to share ideas, experiences, knowledge, and fellowship among
    amateur radio operators." Doors open at 7:30 AM. A Newcomer's Meeting
    and HRU Orientation, geared toward first-time visitors, gets under way
    at 8:30 AM. Thirty forums are on the schedule, with topics such as
    typical HF antennas, ham radio logging programs, satellite operation,
    and more. Hands-on workshops will cover such topics as cables and
    connectors and electronic test equipment. mission is free, although a
    $5 donation is suggested. Special event station W2HRU will be on the
    air. Amateur radio license examinations will be given starting at 1:30
    PM. Food and refreshments will be available.

    SAQ, Sweden's Alexanderson Alternator, Announces Scheduled Christmas
    Eve Transmission SAQ, the call sign of the 1920s vintage Alexanderson
    transmitter in Grimeton, Sweden, is set to be on the air for its annual
    Christmas Eve transmission. SAQ transmits CW with up to 200 kW on 17.2
    kHz. Tune-up is scheduled to begin at around 0730 UTC, with the holiday
    message transmitted at 0800 UTC. SAQ will livestream the event. SAQ has
    introduced a new reception report form for listeners and has asked
    listeners not to send SAQ reception reports via email. The SK6SAQ
    amateur radio station will be active on 7.035 kHz and 14.035 MHz CW or
    3.755 MHz SSB, with two stations on the air most of the time. Given its
    age, the Alexanderson alternator does not always function as intended.
    The transmitter experienced a failure during its scheduled UN Day
    transmission on October 24.

    FCC Invites Comments on Digital AM Broadcasting Proposal The FCC has
    invited comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), that would
    allow AM broadcasters to transmit an all-digital signal using the HD
    Radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode, known as MA3.1. "We tentatively
    conclude that a voluntary transition to all-digital broadcasting has
    the potential to benefit AM stations and provide improved AM service to
    the listening public," the FCC said. "We seek comments on proposed
    operating standards for all-digital stations and the impact of such
    operations on existing analog stations and listeners." The proceeding
    was initiated by a March 2019 Petition for Rulemaking (Petition) filed
    by Bryan Broadcasting Corporation. "This proceeding continues the
    Commission's efforts to improve and update the AM radio service to
    provide a better listening experience for consumers and enhanced
    service offerings, as part of our continuing effort to revitalize AM
    broadcasting," the FCC said in the introduction to the NPRM. Comments
    are due 60 days after the NPRM appears in The Federal Register.
    Getting It Right!

    In the article, "Collegiate QSO Party 2018 and 2019 Plaque Recipients
    Announced," the 2018 second-place alumni low-power winner was
    incorrect. The winner was Frank J. Maynard, NF8M.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
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    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
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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Fri Jan 3 09:05:02 2020
    The ARRL Letter
    December 19, 2019

    * ARRL Reshapes Podcast Offerings for 2020
    * FCC Formally opts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3 GHz Band, Invites
    Comments
    * FCC Proposes Largest-Ever Fine for Unlicensed Broadcasting
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * AztechSat-1 CubeSat to Demonstrate Intra-Satellite Communication
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Volunteers Celebrate 98th Anniversary of ARRL Transatlantic Tests
    at W1AW
    * NTIA Spectrum Manager Stephen Veader, N4DXS, SK
    * Bar Code Lead Developer George Laurer, K4HZE, SK
    * In Brief...
    * Getting It Right!
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    To Our Readers: This is the final edition of The ARRL Letter for 2019.
    The newsletter will be on a holiday hiatus until January 9, 2020. ARRL
    Audio News will be on break until January 10, 2020. ARRL Headquarters
    will be closed on December 25 and on January 1, and there will be no
    W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions on those days. A reminder
    that Straight Key Night (SKN) is January 1, 2020 (UTC) -- starting on
    New Year's Eve in North American time zones. We wish everyone a safe
    and enjoyable holiday season.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Reshapes Podcast Offerings for 2020

    In conjunction with the launch of its new On the Air magazine, which is
    aimed at those just beginning their journey in amateur radio, ARRL is
    reconfiguring its podcast lineup.

    Heading up the new schedule will be a free companion podcast to the
    bimonthly On the Air magazine. The monthly On the Air podcast will take
    a deeper look into select features and projects from the magazine. Each
    month, host and On the Air Editorial Director Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY,
    will offer additional resources, techniques, and hints to help
    less-experienced radio amateurs to get the most from the magazine's
    content.

    In addition to the podcast, ARRL Product Development Manager Bob
    Inderbitzen, NQ1R, will curate a free On the Air blog featuring content
    from the communicators and makers who are the driving force of amateur
    radio today. The blog will highlight opportunities and activities
    available to new licensees. The On the Air blog is intended as an entry
    point into the world of amateur radio for those seeking original voices
    and perspectives. Readers will be invited to take part in the
    conversation by sharing their stories and experiences.

    ARRL's current So Now What? podcast will cease production in January,
    as the full complement of On the Air content is rolled out. The catalog
    of So Now What? episodes is available for listening or downloading.

    In addition, The Doctor is In podcast, which has served
    more-experienced amateurs since 2016, will conclude its 4-year run with
    its December 19 episode. Eclectic Tech, a new biweekly podcast designed
    to appeal to experienced amateurs, will launch in February.

    Hosted by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, Eclectic Tech will highlight
    technical 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.

    The Doctor is In co-host Joel Hallas, W1ZR, is selecting some of his
    favorite podcast episodes for re-broadcast in the interim between the
    end of production for The Doctor is In and the debut of Eclectic Tech.
    The complete The Doctor is In archive is available on the ARRL website.
    Hallas will continue to answer questions about amateur radio in QST's
    "The Doctor is In" column.

    The ARRL Audio News podcast will continue to provide a weekly summary
    of news and activities within the amateur radio community.
    FCC Formally opts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3 GHz Band, Invites
    Comments

    The FCC's 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 already has begun drawing fire. The
    Commission formally adopted the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
    WT Docket 19-348 on December 12 and invited comments on appropriate
    "transition mechanisms" to make the spectrum available for mobile and
    fixed wireless broadband use. ARRL plans to oppose the move. The
    amateur 9-centimeter allocation is 3.3 - 3.5 GHz.

    "By proposing to delete the existing non-federal secondary allocations
    from the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band, we are taking an important initial step
    towards satisfying Congress's directives and making as much as 250
    megahertz of spectrum potentially available for advanced wireless
    services, including 5G," the FCC said in the Introduction to its NPRM.

    Some comments arrived before formal adoption of the NPRM, which was
    circulated ahead of the December meeting. Kevin Milner, KD0MA, the
    secretary/treasurer of the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club in Colorado,
    argued that the club's equipment cannot be re-channeled below 3.4 GHz,
    and the club is seeking relocation costs. Devin Ulibarri, W7ND, told
    the FCC that amateur networks in the current band cannot move easily
    into other amateur allocations because there is no readily available
    commercial equipment to support the bandwidth, the FCC said in a
    footnote.

    Currently, the entire 3.1 - 3.55 GHz band is allocated for both federal
    and non-federal radiolocation services, with non-federal users
    operating on a secondary basis to federal radiolocation services.

    With respect to amateur operations, the FCC invited comments on whether
    sufficient amateur spectrum exists in other bands that can support the
    operations currently conducted at 3.3 - 3.5 GHz. The 3.40 - 3.41 GHz
    segment is earmarked for amateur satellite communication. The FCC said
    if non-federal licensees are relocated to the 3.1 - 3.3 GHz band, it
    proposes to have them continue to operate on a secondary basis to
    federal operations, consistent with current band allocations.

    Also at its December 12 meeting, the FCC considered another NPRM in WT
    Docket 19-138 that would "take a fresh and comprehensive look" at the
    rules for the 5.9 GHz band and propose, among other things, to make the
    lower 45 MHz of the band available for unlicensed operations and to
    permit "cellular vehicle-to-everything" (C-V2X) operations in the upper
    20 MHz of the band. The FCC is not proposing to delete or otherwise
    amend the 5-centimeter amateur 5.650 - 5.925 GHz allocation, which
    would continue as secondary. The NPRM, if approved, would address the
    top 75 MHz of that amateur secondary band. Although no changes are
    proposed to the amateur allocation, an anticipated increase in primary
    use could restrict secondary amateur use.

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) has offered its voice
    in challenging the FCC proposals on both 9 and 5 centimeters, saying
    their adoption would "eliminate our use of the most-effective resource
    hams have to build its networks."

    "The AREDN Project is able to leverage low-cost commercial devices
    solely because they are designed to operate on adjacent allocations,"
    AREDN said on its website. "Moving to other allocations would be
    difficult if not impossible without a complete redesign, manufacture,
    purchase, and installation of new custom amateur hardware and
    software...raising the price out of reach for the typical ham."

    FCC Proposes Largest-Ever Fine for Unlicensed Broadcasting

    The FCC has proposed fining an alleged pirate broadcaster in the
    Boston, Massachusetts area more than $450,000. According to the FCC,
    Gerlens Cesar, who operated Radio TeleBoston, used three separate
    transmitters for his broadcasting enterprise, resulting in three
    separate violations of the law.

    "The Commission proposed imposing the statutory maximum forfeiture
    amount for each of these three apparent violations," the FCC said in a
    Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) released on December 12. Under the
    Communications Act, it is illegal to transmit above certain low-power
    levels, defined within FCC Part 15 rules, without an FCC license.

    "Such pirate radio broadcasting can interfere with licensed
    communications including public safety transmissions," the FCC said.
    The FCC said Cesar apparently simulcasts Radio TeleBoston on three
    unauthorized transmitters on two different frequencies. "His operation
    thus had the potential to cause interference in various locations in
    and around Boston and at different channels on the FM dial," the FCC
    said. "As a result of the scale of this operation, its potential
    impacts, and its continuous nature, the Commission proposed the maximum
    penalty for all three transmitters."

    The FCC reported receiving complaints from Boston-area residents of an
    illegal station operating at both 90.1 and 92.1 MHz. One complaint
    identified Cesar as the operator of Radio TeleBoston. The FCC said it
    had issued multiple warnings. -- FCC Media Release
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    The Doctor will open the mailbag for the last time in the final
    (December 19) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. "Best of
    The Doctor is In" episodes will be released every other week until a
    new podcast, Electic Tech," debuts in February.

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks since 2016, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford,
    WB8IMY, and the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, have discussed a
    broad range of technical topics and answered listeners' questions.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    AztechSat-1 CubeSat to Demonstrate Intra-Satellite Communication

    The AztechSat-1 CubeSat, which traveled to the International Space
    Station (ISS) earlier this month on the 19th Space-X Commercial
    Resupply Services (CRS-19) mission for NASA, will listen for emergency
    messages in the 439 MHz range and retransmit them for amateur radio
    operators to copy on its 437.300 MHz downlink using the Winlink
    protocol, once the CubeSat has been placed into orbit. The satellite is
    a project of Mexico's Universidad Popular Autnoma del Estado de Puebla
    (UPAEP). Aztechsat-1 is set for deployment from the ISS in late
    January.

    "The primary objective of the project is to establish communication
    with the commercial GlobalStar satellites in order to improve data
    transmission to Earth," a UPAEP news release said. AztechSat-1 will
    create a saturation map of 435 - 438 MHz by listening for the whole
    orbit and returning captured data to the ground station on the 437.300
    MHz amateur radio downlink (9k6 GMSK or FSK) plus a 1600 MHz GlobalStar
    link. Emergency messages received via Globalstar to the AztechSat-1
    ground station will be shared on the project's website.

    A certificate will be available for amateur stations receiving the
    emergency message(s) and reporting these for confirmation by the
    AztechSat-1 team.

    Details are on the AztechSat-1 website and on the IARU Amateur Radio
    Satellite Communication page.

    The project is part of NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, which offers
    universities, high schools, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity
    to fly small satellites. "Innovative technology partnerships keep down
    the cost, providing students a way to obtain hands-on experience
    developing flight hardware," a NASA report said.

    NASA explained, "The investigation demonstrates communication within a
    satellite network in low-Earth orbit. Such intra-satellite
    communication could reduce the need for ground stations, lowering the
    cost and increasing the number of data downloads possible for satellite
    applications."
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: It's been 36 consecutive days with no
    sunspots. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet until a minor solar wind
    stream hit on December 18, driving the planetary A index to 13 from the
    low single digits earlier in the week.

    The average planetary A index for December 12 - 18 rose to 4.6, from
    3.7 over the previous 7 days, while mid-latitude A index increased from
    1.9 to 4. Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 70. The
    predicted planetary A index is 10, 8, and 8 on December 19 - 21; 5 on
    December 22 - January 4; 8 on January 5; 5 on January 6 - 8; 8 on
    January 9 - 10; 5 on January 11 - 13; 12 on January 14; 10 on January
    15 - 17; 5 on January 18 - 31, and 8 on February 1.

    Because of weak solar activity, the ARRL 10 Meter Contest last weekend
    was rather slow. QST's "The World Above 50 MHz" editor Jon Jones, N0JK,
    in Kansas said he encountered a strong opening to Argentina and Chile
    on Sunday. He said the propagation mechanism appeared to be sporadic E.
    More details in the weekly bulletin on December 20.

    Sunspot numbers for December 12 - 18 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.5, 68.9, 70.3, 71, 70,
    70.5, and 70.2, with a mean of 70.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
    4, 4, 3, 5, 1, 2, and 13, with a mean of 4.6. Middle latitude A index
    was 3, 3, 2, 5, 1, 2, and 12, 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
    * December 20 -- AGB-Party Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 20 -- Russian 160-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * December 21 -- OK DX RTTY Contest
    * December 21 - 22 -- Padang DX Contest (Phone)
    * December 21 - 22 -- Gedebage CW Contest
    * December 21 - 22 -- Croatian CW Contest
    * December 22 -- RAEM Contest (CW)
    * December 22 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW
    * December 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * December 26 -- DARC Christmas Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 28 -- RAC Winter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 28 - 29 -- 1.8 Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
    * December 28 - 29 -- Original QRP Contest (CW)
    * December 30 - 31 -- QCX Challenge (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 -- AGCW Happy New Year Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- QRP ARCI New Year's Sprint (CW)
    * January 1 -- 3.5 UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * January 2 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
    * January 4 -- ARRL Kids Day (Phone)
    * January 4 -- PODXS 070 Club PSKFest (Digital)
    * January 4 -- RSGB AFS Contest, CW
    * January 4 - 5 -- WW PMC Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 4 - 5 -- ARRL RTTY Roundup
    * January 4 - 5 -- EUCW 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * January 6 - 12 -- All IQRP Quarterly Marathon (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * January 8 - 12 -- AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW 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.
    Volunteers Celebrate 98th Anniversary of ARRL Transatlantic Tests at
    W1AW

    A group of radio amateurs gathered on December 11 at W1AW to mark the
    98th anniversary of the successful ARRL Transatlantic Tests. On
    December 11, 1921, a message transmitted by a group of Radio Club of
    America members at 1BCG in Greenwich, Connecticut, was copied by Paul
    Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland. Reporting on the accomplishment, ARRL
    Secretary Kenneth B. Warner, 1EH, declared "Excelsior!" Clark Burgard,
    N1BCG -- who lives in Greenwich and styles his call sign as "n1BCG" to
    honor the original 1BCG -- was among those on hand at the Maxim
    Memorial Station.

    Those pitching in to take part in
    the day-long anniversary celebration
    included (L-R) Michael Pfaeffle,
    K3FEF; Lisa Kress; Brian Kress,
    KB3WFV; Bob Allison, WB1GCM; Blaine
    Morin, N1GTU, and Clark Burgard,
    N1BCG. Not shown are Chris Codella,
    W2PA; Glenn Cooper, W2BK, and Greg
    Fiozzo, KD2HRD.

    "We completed a successful special event yesterday at W1AW
    commemorating the 98th anniversary of the Transatlantic Tests," Burgard
    recounted. "This was particularly important historically to amateur
    radio as it was originally organized by ARRL in 1921 to determine if
    low-power amateur radio stations using shortwave frequencies could
    actually be heard in Europe. Until then, it was thought impossible."

    Burgard pointed out that the 1921 event changed radio history, was
    covered in three issues of QST, and opened the door to the first
    two-way transatlantic tests a couple of years later. The 1921
    transatlantic success marked the beginning of what would become routine
    communication between US radio amateurs and those in other parts of the
    world -- literally the birth of DX.

    NTIA Spectrum Manager Stephen Veader, N4DXS, SK

    Stephen Veader, N4DXS, of Dale City, Virginia, a major
    behind-the-scenes player in the effort that led to creation of amateur
    radio's 60-meter band in the US, died on November 5. An ARRL Life
    Member, he was 67.

    As a spectrum manager for the National Telecommunications and
    Information ministration (NTIA), Veader was deeply involved on the
    behalf of NTIA in the effort to secure a new amateur band at 5 MHz.
    According to Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, when it became clear that a proposal
    for a 15 kHz band would not be approved, Veader was instrumental in
    fashioning the compromise that led to the authorization of the five
    discrete secondary channels radio amateurs have today, and other
    countries copied that template for their 5 MHz amateur allocations.
    Today, these spot frequencies serve as "interoperability channels" for
    federal and amateur stations to share in emergencies and exercises.

    Veader was active within the SHARES HF radio community as the
    representative for NTIA. A native of Boston, Veader was a US Air Force
    veteran. During his years at NTIA, he also provided regulatory guidance
    on the use of SHARES for federal and non-federal radio users.

    "Steve was a good friend to SHARES and to amateur radio," Merlin said.
    Veader was also an avid RTTY enthusiast and was active in many contests
    throughout the year. A service was held on November 15. -- Thanks to
    Ross Merlin, WA2WDT
    Bar Code Lead Developer George Laurer, K4HZE, SK

    The lead developer of the bar code system that became the
    now-ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC), George Laurer, K4HZE, of
    Wendell, North Carolina, died on December 5. He was 94. While an
    electrical engineer with IBM in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park
    in the early 1970s, Laurer led the effort to develop the bar code
    system. The UPC, composed of 30 unique black bars and a 12-digit
    number, allows retailers to identify products and prices as they are
    scanned. It was used for the first time in a retail setting in 1974.

    Laurer also later patented one of the first handheld UPC scanners,
    according to his obituary. As The Washington Post reported, "The
    bar-code concept had originated in the 1940s, when N. Joseph Woodland
    designed a bull's eye-shaped system of concentric circles, inspired by
    the dots and dashes of Morse code." Woodland became a colleague of
    Laurer's at IBM, and Laurer considered him "the father of the
    supermarket scanning system."

    A native of New York, Laurer served in the US Army during World War II
    after being drafted while he was still a junior in high school. He
    graduated from the University of Maryland in 1951 and spent 3 decades
    working for IBM. Accounts describe Laurer as an inveterate tinkerer,
    even up to his final years.

    IBM never patented the bar code system, but made it publicly available
    in order to sell the associated hardware.
    In Brief...

    Kids Day is Saturday, January 4 The first Saturday in January is Kids
    Day -- the time to get youngsters on the air to share in the joy and
    fun that amateur radio can provide. Kids Day gets under way on
    Saturday, January 4, at 1800 UTC and concludes at 2359 UTC. Sponsored
    by the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, this event has a simple
    exchange, suitable for younger operators: First name, age, location,
    and favorite color. After that, the contact can be as long or as short
    as each participant prefers. Kids Day is the perfect opportunity to
    open your shack door and invite kids over to see what amateur radio has
    to offer. Details are on the ARRL website.

    ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager to Keynote Ham Radio University 2020 in
    January ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC, will be the
    keynote speaker at Ham Radio University 2020 (HRU 2020). The annual
    event, now in its 21st year, will take place on Saturday, January 4, in
    the Hillwood Commons Student Center at Long Island University-Post, 720
    Northern Blvd., Brookville, New York. HRU 2020 is billed as, "A day of
    education to share ideas, experiences, knowledge, and fellowship among
    amateur radio operators." Doors open at 7:30 AM. A Newcomer's Meeting
    and HRU Orientation, geared toward first-time visitors, gets under way
    at 8:30 AM. Thirty forums are on the schedule, with topics such as
    typical HF antennas, ham radio logging programs, satellite operation,
    and more. Hands-on workshops will cover such topics as cables and
    connectors and electronic test equipment. mission is free, although a
    $5 donation is suggested. Special event station W2HRU will be on the
    air. Amateur radio license examinations will be given starting at 1:30
    PM. Food and refreshments will be available.

    SAQ, Sweden's Alexanderson Alternator, Announces Scheduled Christmas
    Eve Transmission SAQ, the call sign of the 1920s vintage Alexanderson
    transmitter in Grimeton, Sweden, is set to be on the air for its annual
    Christmas Eve transmission. SAQ transmits CW with up to 200 kW on 17.2
    kHz. Tune-up is scheduled to begin at around 0730 UTC, with the holiday
    message transmitted at 0800 UTC. SAQ will livestream the event. SAQ has
    introduced a new reception report form for listeners and has asked
    listeners not to send SAQ reception reports via email. The SK6SAQ
    amateur radio station will be active on 7.035 kHz and 14.035 MHz CW or
    3.755 MHz SSB, with two stations on the air most of the time. Given its
    age, the Alexanderson alternator does not always function as intended.
    The transmitter experienced a failure during its scheduled UN Day
    transmission on October 24.

    FCC Invites Comments on Digital AM Broadcasting Proposal The FCC has
    invited comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), that would
    allow AM broadcasters to transmit an all-digital signal using the HD
    Radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode, known as MA3.1. "We tentatively
    conclude that a voluntary transition to all-digital broadcasting has
    the potential to benefit AM stations and provide improved AM service to
    the listening public," the FCC said. "We seek comments on proposed
    operating standards for all-digital stations and the impact of such
    operations on existing analog stations and listeners." The proceeding
    was initiated by a March 2019 Petition for Rulemaking (Petition) filed
    by Bryan Broadcasting Corporation. "This proceeding continues the
    Commission's efforts to improve and update the AM radio service to
    provide a better listening experience for consumers and enhanced
    service offerings, as part of our continuing effort to revitalize AM
    broadcasting," the FCC said in the introduction to the NPRM. Comments
    are due 60 days after the NPRM appears in The Federal Register.
    Getting It Right!

    In the article, "Collegiate QSO Party 2018 and 2019 Plaque Recipients
    Announced," the 2018 second-place alumni low-power winner was
    incorrect. The winner was Frank J. Maynard, NF8M.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
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    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
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    Copyright (c) 2019 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 Fri Dec 27 09:05:18 2019
    The ARRL Letter
    December 19, 2019

    * ARRL Reshapes Podcast Offerings for 2020
    * FCC Formally opts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3 GHz Band, Invites
    Comments
    * FCC Proposes Largest-Ever Fine for Unlicensed Broadcasting
    * The Doctor Will See You Now!
    * AztechSat-1 CubeSat to Demonstrate Intra-Satellite Communication
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Volunteers Celebrate 98th Anniversary of ARRL Transatlantic Tests
    at W1AW
    * NTIA Spectrum Manager Stephen Veader, N4DXS, SK
    * Bar Code Lead Developer George Laurer, K4HZE, SK
    * In Brief...
    * Getting It Right!
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    To Our Readers: This is the final edition of The ARRL Letter for 2019.
    The newsletter will be on a holiday hiatus until January 9, 2020. ARRL
    Audio News will be on break until January 10, 2020. ARRL Headquarters
    will be closed on December 25 and on January 1, and there will be no
    W1AW bulletin or code practice transmissions on those days. A reminder
    that Straight Key Night (SKN) is January 1, 2020 (UTC) -- starting on
    New Year's Eve in North American time zones. We wish everyone a safe
    and enjoyable holiday season.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Reshapes Podcast Offerings for 2020

    In conjunction with the launch of its new On the Air magazine, which is
    aimed at those just beginning their journey in amateur radio, ARRL is
    reconfiguring its podcast lineup.

    Heading up the new schedule will be a free companion podcast to the
    bimonthly On the Air magazine. The monthly On the Air podcast will take
    a deeper look into select features and projects from the magazine. Each
    month, host and On the Air Editorial Director Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY,
    will offer additional resources, techniques, and hints to help
    less-experienced radio amateurs to get the most from the magazine's
    content.

    In addition to the podcast, ARRL Product Development Manager Bob
    Inderbitzen, NQ1R, will curate a free On the Air blog featuring content
    from the communicators and makers who are the driving force of amateur
    radio today. The blog will highlight opportunities and activities
    available to new licensees. The On the Air blog is intended as an entry
    point into the world of amateur radio for those seeking original voices
    and perspectives. Readers will be invited to take part in the
    conversation by sharing their stories and experiences.

    ARRL's current So Now What? podcast will cease production in January,
    as the full complement of On the Air content is rolled out. The catalog
    of So Now What? episodes is available for listening or downloading.

    In addition, The Doctor is In podcast, which has served
    more-experienced amateurs since 2016, will conclude its 4-year run with
    its December 19 episode. Eclectic Tech, a new biweekly podcast designed
    to appeal to experienced amateurs, will launch in February.

    Hosted by QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, Eclectic Tech will highlight
    technical 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.

    The Doctor is In co-host Joel Hallas, W1ZR, is selecting some of his
    favorite podcast episodes for re-broadcast in the interim between the
    end of production for The Doctor is In and the debut of Eclectic Tech.
    The complete The Doctor is In archive is available on the ARRL website.
    Hallas will continue to answer questions about amateur radio in QST's
    "The Doctor is In" column.

    The ARRL Audio News podcast will continue to provide a weekly summary
    of news and activities within the amateur radio community.
    FCC Formally opts Proposals to Remove Amateur 3 GHz Band, Invites
    Comments

    The FCC's 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 already has begun drawing fire. The
    Commission formally adopted the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
    WT Docket 19-348 on December 12 and invited comments on appropriate
    "transition mechanisms" to make the spectrum available for mobile and
    fixed wireless broadband use. ARRL plans to oppose the move. The
    amateur 9-centimeter allocation is 3.3 - 3.5 GHz.

    "By proposing to delete the existing non-federal secondary allocations
    from the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band, we are taking an important initial step
    towards satisfying Congress's directives and making as much as 250
    megahertz of spectrum potentially available for advanced wireless
    services, including 5G," the FCC said in the Introduction to its NPRM.

    Some comments arrived before formal adoption of the NPRM, which was
    circulated ahead of the December meeting. Kevin Milner, KD0MA, the
    secretary/treasurer of the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club in Colorado,
    argued that the club's equipment cannot be re-channeled below 3.4 GHz,
    and the club is seeking relocation costs. Devin Ulibarri, W7ND, told
    the FCC that amateur networks in the current band cannot move easily
    into other amateur allocations because there is no readily available
    commercial equipment to support the bandwidth, the FCC said in a
    footnote.

    Currently, the entire 3.1 - 3.55 GHz band is allocated for both federal
    and non-federal radiolocation services, with non-federal users
    operating on a secondary basis to federal radiolocation services.

    With respect to amateur operations, the FCC invited comments on whether
    sufficient amateur spectrum exists in other bands that can support the
    operations currently conducted at 3.3 - 3.5 GHz. The 3.40 - 3.41 GHz
    segment is earmarked for amateur satellite communication. The FCC said
    if non-federal licensees are relocated to the 3.1 - 3.3 GHz band, it
    proposes to have them continue to operate on a secondary basis to
    federal operations, consistent with current band allocations.

    Also at its December 12 meeting, the FCC considered another NPRM in WT
    Docket 19-138 that would "take a fresh and comprehensive look" at the
    rules for the 5.9 GHz band and propose, among other things, to make the
    lower 45 MHz of the band available for unlicensed operations and to
    permit "cellular vehicle-to-everything" (C-V2X) operations in the upper
    20 MHz of the band. The FCC is not proposing to delete or otherwise
    amend the 5-centimeter amateur 5.650 - 5.925 GHz allocation, which
    would continue as secondary. The NPRM, if approved, would address the
    top 75 MHz of that amateur secondary band. Although no changes are
    proposed to the amateur allocation, an anticipated increase in primary
    use could restrict secondary amateur use.

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) has offered its voice
    in challenging the FCC proposals on both 9 and 5 centimeters, saying
    their adoption would "eliminate our use of the most-effective resource
    hams have to build its networks."

    "The AREDN Project is able to leverage low-cost commercial devices
    solely because they are designed to operate on adjacent allocations,"
    AREDN said on its website. "Moving to other allocations would be
    difficult if not impossible without a complete redesign, manufacture,
    purchase, and installation of new custom amateur hardware and
    software...raising the price out of reach for the typical ham."

    FCC Proposes Largest-Ever Fine for Unlicensed Broadcasting

    The FCC has proposed fining an alleged pirate broadcaster in the
    Boston, Massachusetts area more than $450,000. According to the FCC,
    Gerlens Cesar, who operated Radio TeleBoston, used three separate
    transmitters for his broadcasting enterprise, resulting in three
    separate violations of the law.

    "The Commission proposed imposing the statutory maximum forfeiture
    amount for each of these three apparent violations," the FCC said in a
    Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) released on December 12. Under the
    Communications Act, it is illegal to transmit above certain low-power
    levels, defined within FCC Part 15 rules, without an FCC license.

    "Such pirate radio broadcasting can interfere with licensed
    communications including public safety transmissions," the FCC said.
    The FCC said Cesar apparently simulcasts Radio TeleBoston on three
    unauthorized transmitters on two different frequencies. "His operation
    thus had the potential to cause interference in various locations in
    and around Boston and at different channels on the FM dial," the FCC
    said. "As a result of the scale of this operation, its potential
    impacts, and its continuous nature, the Commission proposed the maximum
    penalty for all three transmitters."

    The FCC reported receiving complaints from Boston-area residents of an
    illegal station operating at both 90.1 and 92.1 MHz. One complaint
    identified Cesar as the operator of Radio TeleBoston. The FCC said it
    had issued multiple warnings. -- FCC Media Release
    The Doctor Will See You Now!

    The Doctor will open the mailbag for the last time in the final
    (December 19) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. "Best of
    The Doctor is In" episodes will be released every other week until a
    new podcast, Electic Tech," debuts in February.

    Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
    discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet, or
    smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!

    Every 2 weeks since 2016, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford,
    WB8IMY, and the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, have discussed a
    broad range of technical topics and answered listeners' questions.

    Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone or
    iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can also
    listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration required,
    or browse the site as a guest) and through the free Stitcher app for
    iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never listened to a podcast
    before, download our beginner's guide.

    AztechSat-1 CubeSat to Demonstrate Intra-Satellite Communication

    The AztechSat-1 CubeSat, which traveled to the International Space
    Station (ISS) earlier this month on the 19th Space-X Commercial
    Resupply Services (CRS-19) mission for NASA, will listen for emergency
    messages in the 439 MHz range and retransmit them for amateur radio
    operators to copy on its 437.300 MHz downlink using the Winlink
    protocol, once the CubeSat has been placed into orbit. The satellite is
    a project of Mexico's Universidad Popular Autnoma del Estado de Puebla
    (UPAEP). Aztechsat-1 is set for deployment from the ISS in late
    January.

    "The primary objective of the project is to establish communication
    with the commercial GlobalStar satellites in order to improve data
    transmission to Earth," a UPAEP news release said. AztechSat-1 will
    create a saturation map of 435 - 438 MHz by listening for the whole
    orbit and returning captured data to the ground station on the 437.300
    MHz amateur radio downlink (9k6 GMSK or FSK) plus a 1600 MHz GlobalStar
    link. Emergency messages received via Globalstar to the AztechSat-1
    ground station will be shared on the project's website.

    A certificate will be available for amateur stations receiving the
    emergency message(s) and reporting these for confirmation by the
    AztechSat-1 team.

    Details are on the AztechSat-1 website and on the IARU Amateur Radio
    Satellite Communication page.

    The project is part of NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, which offers
    universities, high schools, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity
    to fly small satellites. "Innovative technology partnerships keep down
    the cost, providing students a way to obtain hands-on experience
    developing flight hardware," a NASA report said.

    NASA explained, "The investigation demonstrates communication within a
    satellite network in low-Earth orbit. Such intra-satellite
    communication could reduce the need for ground stations, lowering the
    cost and increasing the number of data downloads possible for satellite
    applications."
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: It's been 36 consecutive days with no
    sunspots. Geomagnetic conditions were quiet until a minor solar wind
    stream hit on December 18, driving the planetary A index to 13 from the
    low single digits earlier in the week.

    The average planetary A index for December 12 - 18 rose to 4.6, from
    3.7 over the previous 7 days, while mid-latitude A index increased from
    1.9 to 4. Predicted solar flux over the next 45 days is 70. The
    predicted planetary A index is 10, 8, and 8 on December 19 - 21; 5 on
    December 22 - January 4; 8 on January 5; 5 on January 6 - 8; 8 on
    January 9 - 10; 5 on January 11 - 13; 12 on January 14; 10 on January
    15 - 17; 5 on January 18 - 31, and 8 on February 1.

    Because of weak solar activity, the ARRL 10 Meter Contest last weekend
    was rather slow. QST's "The World Above 50 MHz" editor Jon Jones, N0JK,
    in Kansas said he encountered a strong opening to Argentina and Chile
    on Sunday. He said the propagation mechanism appeared to be sporadic E.
    More details in the weekly bulletin on December 20.

    Sunspot numbers for December 12 - 18 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, with
    a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.5, 68.9, 70.3, 71, 70,
    70.5, and 70.2, with a mean of 70.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
    4, 4, 3, 5, 1, 2, and 13, with a mean of 4.6. Middle latitude A index
    was 3, 3, 2, 5, 1, 2, and 12, 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
    * December 20 -- AGB-Party Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * December 20 -- Russian 160-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * December 21 -- OK DX RTTY Contest
    * December 21 - 22 -- Padang DX Contest (Phone)
    * December 21 - 22 -- Gedebage CW Contest
    * December 21 - 22 -- Croatian CW Contest
    * December 22 -- RAEM Contest (CW)
    * December 22 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW
    * December 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * December 26 -- DARC Christmas Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 28 -- RAC Winter Contest (CW, phone)
    * December 28 - 29 -- 1.8 Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
    * December 28 - 29 -- Original QRP Contest (CW)
    * December 30 - 31 -- QCX Challenge (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 -- AGCW Happy New Year Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- QRP ARCI New Year's Sprint (CW)
    * January 1 -- 3.5 UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * January 2 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
    * January 4 -- ARRL Kids Day (Phone)
    * January 4 -- PODXS 070 Club PSKFest (Digital)
    * January 4 -- RSGB AFS Contest, CW
    * January 4 - 5 -- WW PMC Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 4 - 5 -- ARRL RTTY Roundup
    * January 4 - 5 -- EUCW 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * January 6 - 12 -- All IQRP Quarterly Marathon (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 7 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * January 8 - 12 -- AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW 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.
    Volunteers Celebrate 98th Anniversary of ARRL Transatlantic Tests at
    W1AW

    A group of radio amateurs gathered on December 11 at W1AW to mark the
    98th anniversary of the successful ARRL Transatlantic Tests. On
    December 11, 1921, a message transmitted by a group of Radio Club of
    America members at 1BCG in Greenwich, Connecticut, was copied by Paul
    Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland. Reporting on the accomplishment, ARRL
    Secretary Kenneth B. Warner, 1EH, declared "Excelsior!" Clark Burgard,
    N1BCG -- who lives in Greenwich and styles his call sign as "n1BCG" to
    honor the original 1BCG -- was among those on hand at the Maxim
    Memorial Station.

    Those pitching in to take part in
    the day-long anniversary celebration
    included (L-R) Michael Pfaeffle,
    K3FEF; Lisa Kress; Brian Kress,
    KB3WFV; Bob Allison, WB1GCM; Blaine
    Morin, N1GTU, and Clark Burgard,
    N1BCG. Not shown are Chris Codella,
    W2PA; Glenn Cooper, W2BK, and Greg
    Fiozzo, KD2HRD.

    "We completed a successful special event yesterday at W1AW
    commemorating the 98th anniversary of the Transatlantic Tests," Burgard
    recounted. "This was particularly important historically to amateur
    radio as it was originally organized by ARRL in 1921 to determine if
    low-power amateur radio stations using shortwave frequencies could
    actually be heard in Europe. Until then, it was thought impossible."

    Burgard pointed out that the 1921 event changed radio history, was
    covered in three issues of QST, and opened the door to the first
    two-way transatlantic tests a couple of years later. The 1921
    transatlantic success marked the beginning of what would become routine
    communication between US radio amateurs and those in other parts of the
    world -- literally the birth of DX.

    NTIA Spectrum Manager Stephen Veader, N4DXS, SK

    Stephen Veader, N4DXS, of Dale City, Virginia, a major
    behind-the-scenes player in the effort that led to creation of amateur
    radio's 60-meter band in the US, died on November 5. An ARRL Life
    Member, he was 67.

    As a spectrum manager for the National Telecommunications and
    Information ministration (NTIA), Veader was deeply involved on the
    behalf of NTIA in the effort to secure a new amateur band at 5 MHz.
    According to Ross Merlin, WA2WDT, when it became clear that a proposal
    for a 15 kHz band would not be approved, Veader was instrumental in
    fashioning the compromise that led to the authorization of the five
    discrete secondary channels radio amateurs have today, and other
    countries copied that template for their 5 MHz amateur allocations.
    Today, these spot frequencies serve as "interoperability channels" for
    federal and amateur stations to share in emergencies and exercises.

    Veader was active within the SHARES HF radio community as the
    representative for NTIA. A native of Boston, Veader was a US Air Force
    veteran. During his years at NTIA, he also provided regulatory guidance
    on the use of SHARES for federal and non-federal radio users.

    "Steve was a good friend to SHARES and to amateur radio," Merlin said.
    Veader was also an avid RTTY enthusiast and was active in many contests
    throughout the year. A service was held on November 15. -- Thanks to
    Ross Merlin, WA2WDT
    Bar Code Lead Developer George Laurer, K4HZE, SK

    The lead developer of the bar code system that became the
    now-ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC), George Laurer, K4HZE, of
    Wendell, North Carolina, died on December 5. He was 94. While an
    electrical engineer with IBM in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park
    in the early 1970s, Laurer led the effort to develop the bar code
    system. The UPC, composed of 30 unique black bars and a 12-digit
    number, allows retailers to identify products and prices as they are
    scanned. It was used for the first time in a retail setting in 1974.

    Laurer also later patented one of the first handheld UPC scanners,
    according to his obituary. As The Washington Post reported, "The
    bar-code concept had originated in the 1940s, when N. Joseph Woodland
    designed a bull's eye-shaped system of concentric circles, inspired by
    the dots and dashes of Morse code." Woodland became a colleague of
    Laurer's at IBM, and Laurer considered him "the father of the
    supermarket scanning system."

    A native of New York, Laurer served in the US Army during World War II
    after being drafted while he was still a junior in high school. He
    graduated from the University of Maryland in 1951 and spent 3 decades
    working for IBM. Accounts describe Laurer as an inveterate tinkerer,
    even up to his final years.

    IBM never patented the bar code system, but made it publicly available
    in order to sell the associated hardware.
    In Brief...

    Kids Day is Saturday, January 4 The first Saturday in January is Kids
    Day -- the time to get youngsters on the air to share in the joy and
    fun that amateur radio can provide. Kids Day gets under way on
    Saturday, January 4, at 1800 UTC and concludes at 2359 UTC. Sponsored
    by the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, this event has a simple
    exchange, suitable for younger operators: First name, age, location,
    and favorite color. After that, the contact can be as long or as short
    as each participant prefers. Kids Day is the perfect opportunity to
    open your shack door and invite kids over to see what amateur radio has
    to offer. Details are on the ARRL website.

    ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager to Keynote Ham Radio University 2020 in
    January ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC, will be the
    keynote speaker at Ham Radio University 2020 (HRU 2020). The annual
    event, now in its 21st year, will take place on Saturday, January 4, in
    the Hillwood Commons Student Center at Long Island University-Post, 720
    Northern Blvd., Brookville, New York. HRU 2020 is billed as, "A day of
    education to share ideas, experiences, knowledge, and fellowship among
    amateur radio operators." Doors open at 7:30 AM. A Newcomer's Meeting
    and HRU Orientation, geared toward first-time visitors, gets under way
    at 8:30 AM. Thirty forums are on the schedule, with topics such as
    typical HF antennas, ham radio logging programs, satellite operation,
    and more. Hands-on workshops will cover such topics as cables and
    connectors and electronic test equipment. mission is free, although a
    $5 donation is suggested. Special event station W2HRU will be on the
    air. Amateur radio license examinations will be given starting at 1:30
    PM. Food and refreshments will be available.

    SAQ, Sweden's Alexanderson Alternator, Announces Scheduled Christmas
    Eve Transmission SAQ, the call sign of the 1920s vintage Alexanderson
    transmitter in Grimeton, Sweden, is set to be on the air for its annual
    Christmas Eve transmission. SAQ transmits CW with up to 200 kW on 17.2
    kHz. Tune-up is scheduled to begin at around 0730 UTC, with the holiday
    message transmitted at 0800 UTC. SAQ will livestream the event. SAQ has
    introduced a new reception report form for listeners and has asked
    listeners not to send SAQ reception reports via email. The SK6SAQ
    amateur radio station will be active on 7.035 kHz and 14.035 MHz CW or
    3.755 MHz SSB, with two stations on the air most of the time. Given its
    age, the Alexanderson alternator does not always function as intended.
    The transmitter experienced a failure during its scheduled UN Day
    transmission on October 24.

    FCC Invites Comments on Digital AM Broadcasting Proposal The FCC has
    invited comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), that would
    allow AM broadcasters to transmit an all-digital signal using the HD
    Radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode, known as MA3.1. "We tentatively
    conclude that a voluntary transition to all-digital broadcasting has
    the potential to benefit AM stations and provide improved AM service to
    the listening public," the FCC said. "We seek comments on proposed
    operating standards for all-digital stations and the impact of such
    operations on existing analog stations and listeners." The proceeding
    was initiated by a March 2019 Petition for Rulemaking (Petition) filed
    by Bryan Broadcasting Corporation. "This proceeding continues the
    Commission's efforts to improve and update the AM radio service to
    provide a better listening experience for consumers and enhanced
    service offerings, as part of our continuing effort to revitalize AM
    broadcasting," the FCC said in the introduction to the NPRM. Comments
    are due 60 days after the NPRM appears in The Federal Register.
    Getting It Right!

    In the article, "Collegiate QSO Party 2018 and 2019 Plaque Recipients
    Announced," the 2018 second-place alumni low-power winner was
    incorrect. The winner was Frank J. Maynard, NF8M.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * January 4 -- New York City-Long Island Section Convention,
    Brookville, New York
    * January 17 - 18 -- North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill,
    Texas
    * January 19 - 25 -- Quartzfest, Quartzsite, Arizona
    * January 24 - 26 -- Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, Puerto
    Rico
    * January 25 -- ARRL Midwest Conference, Collinsville, Illinois

    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 Fri Jan 10 09:05:02 2020
    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, Peuelas, Yauco, and
    Gunica. 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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Fri Jan 17 09:05:18 2020
    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 Mayagez, 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, Peuelas, Yauco, and
    Gunica, 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.

    .

    .
    * 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 Fri Jan 24 09:05:02 2020
    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 Mayagez 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, Peuelas, Yauco, and Gunica. 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 Mayagez over the
    weekend, because it was considered safer there. An ARRL-provided
    VHF/UHF radio and antenna have been set up at the Mayagez 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
    Mayagez.
    [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 Mayagez 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 Crdova,
    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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
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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 Fri Jan 31 09:05:02 2020
    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 Klland, 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
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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 Fri Feb 7 09:05:16 2020
    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
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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 Fri Feb 14 09:05:18 2020
    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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri Feb 21 09:05:02 2020
    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 Sart,
    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 (Rseau des metteurs Franais) 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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Sat Feb 22 16:07:12 2020
    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 Sart,
    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 (Rseau des metteurs Franais) 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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri Feb 28 09:05:18 2020
    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 Fri Mar 6 09:05:18 2020
    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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    --- SendMsg/2

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Mar 13 09:05:18 2020
    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 5351.5**-**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.

    .

    .
    * 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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    --- SendMsg/2

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Mar 20 09:05:18 2020
    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
    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
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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 Fri Mar 27 09:05:32 2020
    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 26**-**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...
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    articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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    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 Fri Apr 3 09:05:02 2020
    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
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Apr 10 09:05:18 2020
    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 today**--**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.

    .

    .
    * 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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    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...
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    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,
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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 * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Apr 24 09:05:20 2020
    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.

    .

    .
    * 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.

    Subscribe to...
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    Free of charge to 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 Fri Apr 17 09:05:18 2020
    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 Fri May 1 09:05:02 2020
    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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri May 8 09:05:18 2020
    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 Fernndez, 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
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
    * 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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    --- SendMsg/2

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri May 15 09:05:18 2020
    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.

    .

    .
    * 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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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri May 22 09:05:18 2020
    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 NiAo 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 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.

    .

    .
    * 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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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri May 29 09:05:18 2020
    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

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

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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 Fri Jun 12 09:05:16 2020
    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

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri Jun 19 09:05:02 2020
    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

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri Jul 3 09:05:16 2020
    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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    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 Fri Jul 10 09:05:18 2020
    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 (*40A). 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 BlAfjAP: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.

    .

    .
    * 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
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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 Fri Jul 17 09:05:18 2020
    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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Fri Jul 24 09:05:16 2020
    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
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri Jul 31 09:05:02 2020
    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.

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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 Fri Aug 7 09:05:20 2020
    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^*, 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 BlAfjAP: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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Aug 14 09:05:12 2020
    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. Mndez 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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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 Fri Aug 21 09:05:16 2020
    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 Mayagez, 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 -- Federacin 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
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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
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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 Andre Robitaille@1:154/70 to Sean Dennis on Fri Aug 21 09:05:47 2020
    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 Fri Aug 28 09:05:02 2020
    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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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 Fri Sep 4 09:05:18 2020
    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 (Hmarik), 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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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 Fri Sep 11 09:05:18 2020
    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 ** 250 GHz. The amateur and
    amateur-satellite services have a primary allocation at 248**-**250
    GHz, and a secondary allocation at 241**-**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.

    .

    .
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Sep 18 09:05:20 2020
    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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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 Fri Sep 25 09:05:20 2020
    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 IARUMS**--**monitoring the amateur bands to search and
    identify transmissions sent by intruders**--**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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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 Fri Oct 2 09:05:18 2020
    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
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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 Fri Oct 9 09:05:02 2020
    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    * 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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
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    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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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
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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 Fri Oct 16 09:05:18 2020
    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    .

    .
    * 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 Fri Oct 23 09:05:02 2020
    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 Mir, 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 Jos 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
    communications professionals.

    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
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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
    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 Fri Oct 30 09:05:02 2020
    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...
    * 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
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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
    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 Fri Nov 6 09:05:18 2020
    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 Ramn 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-Niederlndische 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
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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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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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    Copyright (c) 2020 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 Fri Nov 13 09:05:18 2020
    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 sa 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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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 Fri Nov 20 09:05:18 2020
    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^* 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
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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
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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 Fri Nov 27 09:05:02 2020
    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^* 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
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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    Copyright (c) 2020 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 Fri Dec 4 09:05:02 2020
    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^* 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
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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
    * Subscribe to the ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
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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 Fri Dec 11 09:05:20 2020
    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 Ramn 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.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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
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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 Fri Dec 25 09:05:04 2020
    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,
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
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    communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
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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 Fri Jan 1 09:05:20 2021
    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
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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 Fri Dec 18 09:05:02 2020
    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
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
    * Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
    communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
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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
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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 Fri Jan 8 09:05:20 2021
    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
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
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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
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    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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    --- 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 Fri Jan 15 09:05:04 2021
    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 Fdration des clubs radioamateurs du Qubec (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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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 Fri Jan 22 09:05:02 2021
    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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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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
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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 Fri Jan 29 09:05:02 2021
    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 cole polytechnique fdrale
    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.

    .

    .
    * Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Feb 5 09:05:22 2021
    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...
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    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 50 times each year. ARRL members
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    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 Fri Feb 12 09:05:04 2021
    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 ITU**R [Radiocommunication Sector] and the Regional
    Telecommunications Organizations (RTOs)," Lewis said. "The IARU has
    representatives in these RTOs, and the ITU**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.

    .

    .
    * 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
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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) 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 Fri Feb 19 09:05:00 2021
    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
    articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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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
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
    * Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
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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
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    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 Fri Feb 26 09:05:02 2021
    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
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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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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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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) 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 Fri Mar 5 09:05:20 2021
    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.

    .

    .
    * 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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    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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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
    bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
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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
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    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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    --- 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 Fri Mar 12 09:05:02 2021
    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.

    .

    .
    * 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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    * 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
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    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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    --- 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 Fri Mar 19 09:05:18 2021
    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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...
    * Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
    communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
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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) 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 Fri Mar 26 09:05:02 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    March 25, 2021

    * FCC Not Yet Collecting $35 Application Fee
    * FCC Agrees with ARRL and Allows Partial Reprieve on 3.5 GHz
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * The New ARRL Repeater Directory is Now Shipping
    * Cooperative Effort Under Way to Resolve Potential 70-Centimeter
    Interference Issue
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Announcements
    * NCVEC Question Pool Committee Seeks Input for Updated Technician
    Question Pool
    * "Radio in a Box" Concept Could Ease DXpedition Access
    * In Brief...
    * Getting It Right!
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    FCC Not Yet Collecting $35 Application Fee

    The majority of the FCC's revised Part 97 rules (adopted in December
    2020) establishing new application fees become effective on April 19,
    but the new amateur radio application fees will not become effective on
    April 19. The FCC announced on March 19 that the amateur radio
    application fees, including those associated with Form 605 filings,
    would not become effective until the "requisite notice has been
    provided to Congress, the FCC's information technology systems and
    internal procedures have been updated, and the Commission publishes
    notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such
    rules."

    The $35 fee, when it becomes effective, would apply to new,
    modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and
    vanity call sign applications, as well as applications for a special
    temporary authority (STA) or a rule waiver. All fees will be per
    application. ministrative updates, such as a change of mailing, email
    address, or name, are exempt.

    It is expected that such fees will not become effective before summer
    2021. The FCC has stated that amateurs will have advance warning of the
    actual effective date, because it will publish such date in the Federal
    Register.

    ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM,
    said VECs and Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not have to collect
    the $35 fee at exam sessions. Once the FCC application fee takes
    effect, new and upgrade applicants will pay the $15 exam session fee to
    the VE team as usual, and pay the $35 application fee directly to the
    FCC via the Fee Filer System or License Manager System. Somma said this
    information was provided in a VE Newsletter distributed this past week.
    "Further news and instructions will follow when we have them," she
    said.
    FCC Agrees with ARRL and Allows Partial Reprieve on 3.5 GHz

    Pending future FCC action, amateur radio secondary use of the 3.3 -
    3.45 GHz band segment may continue indefinitely. The FCC, as part of a
    lengthy Second Report and Order (R&O) for commercial licensing of 3.45
    - 3.55 GHz adopted on March 17, agreed with ARRL that continued access
    by amateur radio to 3.3 - 3.45 GHz should be allowed until
    consideration of the 3.1 - 3.45 GHz spectrum in a later proceeding. The
    FCC action in WT Docket 19-348 represents a partial -- and temporary --
    reprieve from the FCC's December 2019 proposal to remove amateur radio
    from the entire band, and it makes available an additional 50 MHz than
    an FCC proposal last fall to allow amateur temporary use of 3.3 - 3.4
    GHz.

    Amateur secondary operation in the 3.45 - 3.50 GHz band must cease 90
    days after public notice that the spectrum auction has closed and
    licensing has begun. That is expected to happen early in 2022. The FCC
    announced the opening of 3.45 - 3.55 GHz for auction to commercial 5G
    interests on March 17.

    The FCC stated that "While we adopt our proposal to bifurcate the band,
    we adjust our proposal and set 3450 MHz as the frequency at which the
    band will be split." It agreed "with the ARRL's assessment that the
    guard band is not necessary from a technical standpoint. We also
    recognize that the nature of amateur equipment realities makes the 50
    MHz at 3400 - 3450 MHz particularly valuable to amateur operators
    because it means existing equipment can continue to operate in the band
    for the time being."

    This allows "amateur operations to continue in the lower portion of the
    band while the [FCC and federal government users] continue to analyze
    whether that spectrum can be reallocated for flexible use," the FCC
    said. The FCC had proposed splitting the band at 3.4 GHz, permitting
    amateur use in 100 MHz of spectrum "while also providing a buffer to
    protect flexible-use operations at the lower edge of the 3.45 GHz
    band."

    "We therefore allow secondary amateur operations to continue in the 3.4
    - 3.45 GHz portion of the band," the FCC said. "We emphasize, however,
    that amateur licensees remain secondary users, and those that operate
    on frequencies close to the 3450 MHz band edge must do so with
    particular caution to avoid causing harmful interference to
    flexible-use licensees in the 3.45 GHz Service, which hold primary
    status. In light of these considerations, while amateur operations
    between 3450 MHz and 3500 MHz must cease within 90 days of the public
    notice announcing the close of the auction for the 3.45 GHz Service, as
    specified in the Report and Order; amateur operations may continue
    between 3300 MHz and 3450 MHz while the Commission, NTIA, and the DoD
    continue to analyze whether that spectrum can be reallocated for
    commercial wireless use."

    "There is no expectation that such operations will be accommodated in
    future planning for commercial wireless operations in this spectrum, or
    that amateur operators will receive more than a short period of notice
    before their operations must cease," the FCC said.

    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 30) features a
    conversation with Clark Burgard, N1BCG, about the current state of AM
    in 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 New ARRL Repeater Directory is Now Shipping

    The 2021 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 24,000 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 such as System Fusion, D-STAR, DMR,
    NXDN, and P25 are included. Pages of supplemental information include
    VHF/UHF and microwave band plans, and repeater operating practices. It
    features a convenient lie-flat spiral binding.

    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.

    The 2021 ARRL Repeater Directory is available from the ARRL Store or an
    ARRL publication dealer. Order ARRL Item No. 1434, ISBN:
    978-1-62595-143-4, $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 are provided
    by RFinder Inc. If a repeater has been omitted or a listing is
    inaccurate, contact RFinder directly.

    Cooperative Effort Under Way to Resolve Potential 70-Centimeter
    Interference Issue

    ARRL, the FCC, and the US Department of Defense are cooperating in an
    effort to eliminate the possibility of amateur radio interference on 70
    centimeters to a future missile control system at White Sands Missile
    Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The Defense Department's Regional Spectrum
    Coordinator contacted the FCC in March, seeking information on whom to
    contact regarding amateur transmissions operational on 70-centimeter
    frequencies slotted for use on the new control system. The FCC, in
    turn, asked ARRL to oversee the coordination efforts. It is to be noted
    that the Amateur Radio Service is a secondary service on the band.

    Investigation revealed that the potential problem was not with
    individual operators or repeaters, but with RF control links at 420 -
    430 MHz used to establish a linked repeater system within New Mexico.
    "Based on the investigation, and with the support of the FCC, the
    owners of the RF control links being used in the 420 - 430 MHz portion
    of the amateur allocation within a certain proximity to WSMR are being
    asked to re-coordinate the link frequency to a new one above 430 MHz,"
    explained ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND.

    ARRL enlisted the assistance of the state's designated repeater
    frequency coordinator for information on specific links in that part of
    the band. New Mexico Repeater Frequency Coordinator Bill Kauffman,
    W5YEJ, agreed to work with the control link operators to find new
    frequencies that will meet the needs of the link operators.

    "Time is a factor in this request," Henderson said. "The new WSMR
    systems are in advanced testing and will become fully operational by
    early summer 2021." The negotiated deadline for the affected control
    links to change frequencies is set for May 31, 2021.

    "It appears a total of 32 control links will have to be addressed,"
    Henderson said. ARRL has mailed letters to each of the RF control link
    operators, based on the record keeping of the frequency coordinator, to
    advise them of the DoD's request. "Any links with the potential to
    affect the identified control systems at WSMR still in operation after
    May 31, 2021 will be subject to action by the FCC."

    Henderson said the changes should have no direct impact on the use of
    any local repeater, but until all the affected RF control links are
    transitioned to new frequencies, certain links may be temporarily
    inoperative. Links unable to be relocated by May 31 will have to be
    shut down until the situation can be resolved. ARRL will maintain
    contact with the FCC to advise it of the status of the coordination
    efforts.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Friday, 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, RFI Engineer, ARRL
    Laboratory / 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.
    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Announcements
    * The Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL) is celebrating its 100th
    anniversary. Special event stations will be on the air, and award
    certificates are available for working 100 Finnish stations (50
    OH-prefix and 50 OF-prefix) and 10 special event Finnish stations.
    Submit log extracts via email in January 2022.
    * The FCC has announced that it will start collecting firsthand
    accounts on broadband availability and service quality directly
    from consumers, as part of its Broadband Data Collection program. A
    new web page explains the program and provides direct links to
    consumer resources, including a new "share your broadband
    experience" option. -- FCC News Release
    * A week-long KA6LMS "Last Man Standing" radio special event started
    Wednesday, March 24 and runs through 2359 UTC on March 30 -- the TV
    show's final day of shooting. The Great South Bay Amateur Radio
    Club website has details for certificates and QSL information.
    * The Ogden Amateur Radio Club (OARC) in Utah is celebrating its
    100th anniversary as an organized club. In May of 1921, Dr. W.G.
    Garner, W7EW, and five others gathered to establish the club, and
    Garner was elected president. OARC now uses the last call sign he
    held, W7SU, as a memorial club station call sign. OARC has been an
    ARRL-sanctioned club since 1937.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    NCVEC Question Pool Committee Seeks Input for Updated Technician
    Question Pool

    The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC)
    Question Pool Committee (QPC) is requesting input from the

    amateur radio community on new or modified questions for the 2022 -
    2026 FCC Element 2 (Technician pool), which goes into effect on July 1,
    2022. This may include suggestions for new questions, changes to
    current examination topic areas, or changes to existing questions in
    the current Technician question pool.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The QPC said it's seeking input that focuses on:
    * Topics and subjects that enhance public interest and understanding
    and use of amateur radio, or focus on STEM hands-on learning and
    education.
    * Questions on new technology, digital modes, station setup and
    operation, antennas, and emergency and non-emergency operation.

    To submit suggested questions for QPC review, the committee asks that
    questions have no more than two 70-character lines, including spaces.
    Distractors should be no more two 70-character lines long, and shorter
    if possible. Each multiple choice question must be accompanied by four
    possible distractors and only one correct answer. The answer choices
    may be in any order, but the correct answer must be indicated by the
    letters A, B, C, or D at the beginning of the question. Those
    submitting suggestions should provide the resource information that
    supports the correct answer or the FCC Part 97 rule.

    The QPC will accept question comments, revisions, and submissions from
    the amateur radio community via email through June 30, 2021. This email
    address is a bulk forwarding mailbox, so no acknowledgement will be
    sent by return email. The NCVEC QPC will take all comments into
    consideration as it updates the Technician question pool for 2022 -
    2026.

    "Radio in a Box" Concept Could Ease DXpedition Access

    Leaving a small footprint on sensitive natural areas can be a challenge
    for DXpeditions. George Wallner, AA7JV, who will be operating as C6AGU
    from Deep Water Cay in the Bahamas until March 30, including during the
    CQ World Wide WPX SSB weekend, will be testing a DXpedition setup that
    may be more amenable to the concerns of environmental protection
    agencies that oppose camping on protected land.

    Radio gear in a weatherproof box is
    installed on land, along with
    antennas.

    In some places, landing permits (rather than the cost of a DXpedition)
    are the biggest obstacle. Often, overnight stays are not allowed,
    especially hindering 160-meter operation.

    The approach is "Radio in a Box" (RIB) -- a complete station in a
    weatherproof Pelican case containing a FLEX-6700 transceiver and an
    amplifier, along with cooling and control systems. The box, antennas,
    and generators would be on land and operated remotely from a nearby
    vessel. The RIB is seen as addressing that issue, and Wallner believes
    this lower-profile approach will become the standard for future
    DXpeditions to sensitive areas. The Northern California DX Foundation
    and FlexRadio have provided financial support. C6AGU operators this
    month will include W6IZT,

    Operators contest from the vessel's
    flybridge.

    W8HC, KN4EEI, and AA7JV. Emailed signal reports are invited.

    This team has been testing the RIB concept for a year now. The November
    2020 operation involved operation from a small, privately owned island
    in the Bahamas, with the gear on shore and the operators on board,
    running stations during the CQ World Wide DX Contest from the comfort
    of the vessel's flybridge. This particular operation deployed four
    individual RIBs, connected to a common network. The ship-to-shore link
    was carried out on 900 MHz with a Ubiquiti data bridge. The test was
    considered very successful.

    Hal Turley, W8HC, has produced a PowerPoint of the November 2020 test
    operation. He presented it at the February 6 virtual meeting of the
    West Virginia DX Association (WVDXA), telling his audience that
    operation with six RIBs on shore is considered possible. The passcode
    is ZycM!+s1.
    In Brief...

    World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) 2021 is Sunday, April 18. On that day in
    1925, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was formed in Paris.
    Today, the IARU is a worldwide federation of national amateur radio
    organizations. The IARU has chosen "Amateur Radio: Home but Never
    Alone" as its WARD 2021 theme, acknowledging the many ways throughout
    the COVID-19 pandemic that amateur radio has remained a welcome respite
    for its variety of activities and opportunities -- even helping
    overcome online fatigue and social isolation. ARRL has information to
    help all radio amateurs start planning for World Amateur Radio Day.

    The 2021 Comm Academy April 10 - 11 is 2 days of training, talks, and
    information on emergency communications and amateur radio. This year's
    theme is Disasters Here, There, and Everywhere -- Are We Ready?
    Registration is free and required to gain access to the complete
    schedule and academy materials. The academy is entirely virtual and
    hosted online. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Comm Academy is
    attended and supported by organizations including the Amateur Radio
    Emergency Service (ARES^(R)); Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
    (RACES); Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS); EOC Support Teams;
    Civil Air Patrol; Coast Guard Auxiliary; REACT, and CERT, among others.
    Anyone interested in emergency and amateur radio communications are
    welcome to network and share experiences. The event focuses on
    education for communications leaders, volunteers, and professionals.

    A video demonstrates 60-meter interoperability between amateur and
    non-amateur stations. The Ohio Section National Traffic System (NTS)
    Buckeye Net had check-ins from two non-amateur stations during the
    Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) COMEX-21 exercise on February
    27. During the call-up, Steve Judd, WB8YLO, Department of Defense MARS,
    and Department of Homeland Security SHARES stations checked in on SSB
    and exchanged traffic using digital modes, supported by amateur
    operators. The net session offers a clear demonstration of
    interoperability between amateur and non-amateur stations on 60 meters
    and would make an interesting club program (the video runs just over 28
    minutes). Ohio Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator Matthew Curtin,
    KD8TTE, said the Buckeye Net typically operates on 60 meters during
    Cycle Two, because that provides the best quality circuit for stations
    in Ohio. -- Thanks to Ohio ASEC C. Matthew Curtin, KD8TTE

    Years ago, a mysterious signal dubbed "the ditter" showed up on 20
    meters. The transmissions turned out to be unintentional. Now, the IARU
    Region 1 Monitoring System February newsletter reports that mysterious
    groups of dashes -- sometimes five, sometimes 16, sometimes continuous
    -- are being transmitted over long periods daily at or around 7075 kHz,
    a segment of 40 meters typically occupied by FT8 operators. So far, no
    one's been able to pinpoint the source of the transmissions. The
    "dasher" aside, over-the-horizon radars (OTHRs) continue to be the
    biggest source of interference in the HF amateur bands. A "numbers
    station" continues to be heard Wednesdays on 7062 kHz and 14280 kHz.
    The voice is female, speaking Russian. The signal is believed to belong
    to the Ukraine Security Service. The broadcasting stations Voice of
    Broad Masses (VOBM1 and VOBM2) from Eritrea continue to cause
    interference daily at 7140 and 7180 kHz. Another station at 7200 kHz --
    believed to be National Unity Radio -- also broadcasts daily from 1100
    to 1300 UTC. -- Thanks to IARU Region 1 Monitoring System

    Law enforcement agencies in France seized the equipment of an
    unidentified radio amateur in late 2020, alleging "insults and threats
    on the airwaves." The action by federal and local authorities began
    after complaints erupted within the amateur radio community regarding
    "inappropriate behavior on the airwaves, punctuated by offensive
    remarks and death threats." After confirming the source of the
    transmissions, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) agents discovered
    that the licensee had failed to declare his radio installation to the
    ANFR, which is required in France. The oversight provided an immediate
    legal basis to seize the individual's radio equipment. -- Thanks to
    Southgate Amateur Radio News
    Getting It Right!

    The video associated with the article, "Monster Dipole Can Deliver
    Monster Signal" in the March 11 edition of The ARRL Letter, was
    produced by Roly Runciman, ZL1BQD. We neglected to credit him.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * March 25 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
    * March 27 -- VHF FOC QSO Party (CW)
    * March 27 - 28 -- CQ World Wide WPX Contest, SSB
    * March 31 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On March 21 and 22, two new sunspot
    groups, 2811 and 2812, appeared. Average daily sunspot number this week
    faded a bit from 19 to 17.9, but average daily solar flux went from
    78.1 to 78.6. Neither change was significant.

    We haven't seen a day with no sunspots since March 1, so that brought
    the percentage of spotless days so far this year to 38%, down from 57%
    for 2020, and 77% in 2019.

    Geomagnetic activity was steady throughout this week, with average
    daily planetary A index rising from 10.3 to 13.3, and average middle
    latitude A index from 7.3 to 10.4.

    But geomagnetic conditions were disturbed at higher latitudes. Alaska's
    College A index, measured near Fairbanks, was 40 and 45 on March 20 -
    21. This was reflected in a report from N6QEK/KL7 in North Pole, Alaska
    (a town southeast of Fairbanks, not at the north pole), who wrote, "HF
    frequencies here in the interior of Alaska were wiped out for the BARTG
    RTTY Contest. FT8 signals were almost nonexistent as well."

    Saturday was the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and
    fall in the Southern Hemisphere, which can benefit HF propagation.

    Predicted solar flux over the next month is 80 on March 25 - 27; 75 on
    March 28 - April 1; 79, 80, and 81 on April 2 - 4; 82 on April 5 - 7;
    81 on April 8; 80 on April 9 - 10; 78 and 76 on April 11 - 12; 75 on
    April 13 - 14; 76 on April 15; 77 on April 16 - 17; 76 on April 18 -
    20; 77 on April 21, and 78 on April 22 - 28. Solar flux is expected to
    rise to 82 on May 2 - 4.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8 on March 25; 5 on March 26 - 27; 25 on
    March 28; 20 on March 29 - 30; 12 on March 31; 8, 15, and 8 on April 1
    - 3; 5 on April 4 - 7; 15, 18, and 20 on April 8 - 10; 5 on April 11 -
    15; 25, 22, 20, 15, 8 on April 16 - 20; 5 on April 21 - 23, and 25 on
    April 24.

    Sunspot numbers for March 18 - 24 were 12, 14, 12, 12, 23, 26, and 26,
    with a mean of 17.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.4, 73.5, 80.3,
    77.1, 80.4, 81.8, and 83.6, with a mean of 78.6. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 4, 6, 29, 24, 8, 11, and 11, with a mean of 13.3. Middle
    latitude A index was 4, 6, 20, 17, 6, 9, and 11, 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.
    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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,
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
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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
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    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 Fri Apr 2 09:07:10 2021
    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Sat Apr 3 01:43:00 2021
    Sean,

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)

    Looks like echomail QRN, QRM, and QSB, wiped out the post (hi hi).

    Daryl, WX4QZ

    ... I CQ. Therefore, I HAM. -- DE WX4QZ
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Daryl Stout on Sat Apr 3 11:40:24 2021
    Looks like echomail QRN, QRM, and QSB, wiped out the post (hi hi).

    The event ran while I was offline so yeah, it drew a blank. :)

    73,
    Sean KS4TD


    --- Maximus/2 3.01
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Sat Apr 3 13:37:00 2021
    Sean,

    Looks like echomail QRN, QRM, and QSB, wiped out the post (hi hi).

    The event ran while I was offline so yeah, it drew a blank. :)

    I had a similar deal with one of the bulletins from W1AW. I had updated
    the batchfile for it, but there was no textfile to go with it. So, the
    program didn't even post it.

    Daryl, WX4QZ

    P.S. How was the hamfest??

    ... Windows is a Pickled System...full of Dilled Files (DLLs).
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Daryl Stout on Sat Apr 3 18:02:04 2021
    Daryl Stout wrote to Sean Dennis <=-

    P.S. How was the hamfest??

    It went well. Picked up a few small items and it was nice to get out of the house.

    Later,
    Sean

    ... How is it possible to have a civil war?
    ___ MultiMail/Win v0.52

    --- Maximus/2 3.01
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Sat Apr 3 21:04:00 2021
    Sean,

    P.S. How was the hamfest??

    It went well. Picked up a few small items and it was nice to get out
    of the house.

    I know you would've liked to have won something. :)

    The Hoxie Hamfest in northeast Arkansas was postponed due to COVID-19,
    but with the lifting of the mask mandate, I'm not sure yet when they'll
    have it.

    Russellville and Fort Smith were canceled this year. For now, the Mena Hamfest is still on...and Little Rock stopped doing one 5 years ago.

    Daryl, WX4QZ

    ... Press any key to continue or any other key to quit...
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (1:19/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Apr 9 09:05:02 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    April 8, 2021

    * Florida Emergency Communications Exercise Combines Hams, Agencies,
    State, and NGOs
    * IARU and CEPT Nudge WRC-23 Preparations Forward
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * March 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Oklahoma SM Kevin O'Dell, N0IRW, Stepping Down; Mark Kleine, N5HZR,
    Appointed as Oklahoma SM
    * Announcements
    * MARS is a Not Always an Obvious Resource in Emergencies
    * ARISS USA Gets IRS 501(c)(3) Recognition
    * YOTA Announces New Three-Times-a-Year Contest
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Florida Emergency Communications Exercise Combines Hams, Agencies,
    State, and NGOs

    A 2-hour emergency communications exercise on March 19 in Florida was
    deemed "wildly successful," while resulting in 21 specific suggestions
    for improvement of issues recognized. Sponsored by Florida Baptist
    Disaster Relief, a non-governmental (NGO) "served organization," the
    exercise simulated a combined disaster of multiple tornadoes crossing
    north-central Florida closely followed by a terrorist attack on
    telecommunications, which took down large chunks of internet and
    telephone service.

    Pop-up situations, called "injects" by event planners, simulated
    multiple dire situations and hinted at even larger attacks, designed to
    create possible rumor issues. Multiple counties arranged for volunteers
    to help with the simulation, working in shelters and transmitting
    status reports of individualized disaster scenarios to county emergency
    operations centers (EOCs). Volunteers directed by actual or simulated
    EOC officials aggregated situational awareness and formulated status
    and resource request messages, sent by voice or digital mode to a
    volunteer from the actual Florida agency that handles disaster
    communications. Appropriate responses were sent back by radio.

    The exercise picked up additional support from multiple out-of-state
    volunteers, who relayed traffic from voice to email and vice versa.
    Amateur radio also conveyed simulated outbound welfare messages from
    survivors in stricken cities and counties.

    Lee County, Texas, Emergency
    Coordinator Marida Favia del
    Core Borromeo, KD5BJ, took part
    in the exercise.

    All told, 431 messages zipped through the airwaves within the 2-hour
    simulation, including 53 to the state and 31 replies. Messages were
    passed using digital email or radiogram.

    Two of the seven exercise goals addressed interoperability between
    agencies and volunteers. Agency emergency management and communications
    groups participating included Florida Division of Emergency Management,
    Florida Baptist Disaster Relief, the federal SHARES Southeast Regional
    Net, Alachua, Columbia, Flagler, Madison, and Taylor Counties, as well
    as Homestead City.

    Volunteer communications groups included the Northern Florida ARES Net,
    Northern Florida Phone Net, North Florida Phone Traffic Net, and
    ARES^A(R) groups from Alachua, Columbia, Flagler, Madison, Marion,
    Santa Rosa, Suwanee, and Volusia Counties. Madison corralled volunteers
    from several surrounding counties to expand situational awareness.

    Multiple county emergency managers injected their own specific plans
    and overlay exercises, as provided by the open-exercise design. Ross
    Merlin, WA2WDT, director of the federal SHARES program, arranged for a
    60-meter interoperability channel to be made available, and leaders
    from the SHARES Southeast Regional Net provided coverage that resulted
    in formal message transfer. Florida net trainer Dave Davis, WA4WES,
    rounded up volunteers to staff multiple voice nets, and he supervised a
    PSK31 net. Northern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Karl Martin,
    K4HBN, also took part.

    Exercise planning was carried out as much as possible in accordance
    with DHS Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
    protocols.

    Post-exercise feedback -- both through a 1-hour Zoom "hotwash" session
    and an anonymous feedback form -- were very positive and also suggested
    possible improvements. All are included in the detailed and candid
    After-Action Report/Improvement Plan.
    IARU and CEPT Nudge WRC-23 Preparations Forward

    The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) continued preparing for
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) by attending the
    second meeting of the European Conference of Postal and
    Telecommunications ministrations (CEPT) Conference Preparatory Group
    (CPG) Project Team A on March 23 - 25. IARU Region 1 Spectrum Affairs
    Chair Barry Lewis, G4SJH, said that Project Team A develops the CEPT
    WRC briefs for several WRC scientific and regulatory agenda items of
    particular interest to the amateur community. Specific attention is
    being paid to WRC-23 agenda items 1.12, 1.14, and 9.1a.

    IARU put forward its agreed preliminary positions for these agenda
    items at the meeting. Lewis said IARU's overall objective is to
    safeguard the allocations to the Amateur and Amateur Satellite Services
    in co-located and adjacent frequency bands within the scope of each
    agenda item. The CEPT briefs include a special section in which the
    views of all recognized international and regional organizations can be
    placed, and IARU's views are now in this section of the draft briefs
    for each of these agenda items:
    * Agenda Item 1.12 -- Earth exploration-satellite service (EESS)
    (active) for spaceborne radar sounders within the range of
    frequencies around 45 MHz. IARU's position is to ensure that
    adjacent-band 50 MHz Amateur Services are protected. CEPT has not
    voiced a position yet.
    * Agenda Item 1.14 -- Possible new primary frequency allocations to
    EESS (passive) in the frequency range 231.5 ** 252 GHz. IARU's
    position is no change to the 248 - 250 GHz primary allocations and
    the 241 - 248 GHz secondary allocations. CEPT supports the EESS
    proposal.
    * Agenda Item 9.1A -- Radio service designations for space weather
    sensors. IARU 's position is to avoid additional constraints on
    Amateur Services. CEPT's position is not yet defined.

    The IARU Spectrum and Regulatory Liaison Committee (SRLC) continues to
    be active in Project Team A and in all CEPT project teams dealing with
    WRC-23 preparations. CEPT Conference Preparatory Group Project Team A
    will also consider agenda item proposals to be put forward at WRC-27.
    CPG Project Team A meeting documents are available on the CEPT website.

    Visit the IARU Region 1 web page for more information on WRC-23
    preparations.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 16) focuses on
    Parks on the Air (POTA), one of the most popular activities taking
    place in amateur radio today. We chat with Audrey Hance, KN4TMU, a
    relatively new ham who recently operated from Panther Creek State Park
    in Tennessee.

    The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 31) finds the
    PSK31 digital mode alive and well, with many amateurs using it to
    rediscover the joys of real keyboard-to-keyboard conversation. Also,
    QST and QEX author Phil Salas, AD5X, discusses the revolution taking
    place in small, inexpensive vector network analyzers, or VNAs.

    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.
    March 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.

    The FCC delayed action on the renewal application of a General-class
    licensee in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in order to review allegations of
    repeated transmission of obscenities and failure to properly identify.

    The Volunteer Monitor Coordinator issued 14 visory Notices. An
    visory Notice is an attempt to resolve rule violation issues
    informally before FCC intervention:
    * An visory Notice was sent to the owner of a remote amateur
    station in California, advising him that he is responsible for
    deliberate interference transmitted by any station over his remote
    facility.
    * An visory Notice was sent to a radio amateur in Ripley,
    Tennessee, regarding deliberate interference and failure to
    properly identify on 75 meters.
    * An visory Notice was sent to a radio amateur in Jefferson,
    Georgia, regarding failure to properly identify on 40 meters.
    * visory Notices were sent to radio amateurs in Tiburon, Petaluma,
    and Manteca, California, and Grants Pass, Oregon, concerning
    interference on 75 meters.

    General visories were sent to operators in West Virginia, Michigan,
    Iowa, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin concerning
    operation on 7.200, 3.927, and 3.860 MHz.

    A Good Operator Commendation was sent to a husband-and-wife team in
    Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, recognizing excellent net and 2-meter
    operations.

    VM representatives had two meetings with FCC officials. -- Thanks to
    Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, Volunteer Monitor Program ministrator

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    Finding and Fixing RFI -- Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF, on Tuesday, April 20,
    2021 at 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

    Radio frequency interference (RFI) has been a problem for ham radio
    operators and SWLs (shortwave listeners) since the radio hobby began.
    Noise has gotten worse over the last 20 years or so with the advent of
    widespread solar power, LED lightning, grow lights, and digital
    devices. Learn all about finding and fixing RFI in today's world.

    HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz,
    W7VO, on Thursday, May 6 at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    An educational seminar to help both new and experienced HF operators
    who find themselves plagued with noise. We'll learn what "noise" is,
    discuss the various noise sources, and talk about how to mitigate those
    noises using a variety of techniques.

    W1AW Antenna Farm -- W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q; Date To Be
    Determined

    Experience a bird's-eye view and description of the antennas used by
    W1AW for the station's scheduled transmissions and visiting operator
    activity. All the antennas used at W1AW are single-band Yagis. Viewers
    will also see the 5 GHz sector antennas that are part of W1AW's AREDN
    system.

    These Learning Network presentations are sponsored by Icom.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    Oklahoma SM Kevin O'Dell, N0IRW, Stepping Down; Mark Kleine, N5HZR,
    Appointed as Oklahoma SM

    Kevin O'Dell, N0IRW, Oklahoma's long-serving Section Manager (SM) --
    serving two terms from 2010 to 2014 and again serving since 2016 -- has
    decided to step down effective April 9, 2021. Although he is stepping
    down as Oklahoma SM, O'Dell will continue to serve amateur radio and
    ARRL as a member of ARRL's Public Relations Committee. Prior to
    becoming SM, O'Dell served as both a Public Information Officer and as
    the Public Information Coordinator for the Oklahoma Section for many
    years.

    Mark P. Kleine, N5HZR, a resident of Norman, Oklahoma, has been
    appointed to replace O'Dell as Oklahoma Section Manager effective April
    9, and will serve out the balance of O'Dell's term, which extends to
    September 30, 2022.

    Kleine has been a very active member of the Oklahoma amateur radio
    community for many years, currently serving as an Oklahoma Assistant
    Section Manager, a leader of the South Canadian Amateur Radio Society
    (SCARS), and as President of the Central Oklahoma Radio Amateurs
    (CORA), a group of nine amateur radio clubs that host the Oklahoma City
    Hamfest "Ham Holiday." An ARRL Life Member, Kleine is also an amateur
    radio license class instructor and Volunteer Examiner for three
    different Volunteer Examiner Coordinators.

    ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the
    appointment based on the recommendations of ARRL West Gulf Division
    Director John Robert Stratton, N5AUS; O'Dell, N0IRW; West Gulf Vice
    Director Lee Cooper, W5LHC, and leaders of the Oklahoma Section.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Announcements
    * Dayton Hamvention^A(R) has information about online activities over
    Hamvention weekend, May 20 - 22. Visit the Hamvention website for
    details.
    * Kanga Kits has closed, as its owners are retiring and putting the
    business up for sale.
    * The Radio Club of America has announced that it will interview Ken
    Claerbout, K4ZW, on April 13, 2021, at 9 PM EDT (April 14 at 0100
    UTC). He is acting chief of the Broadcast Technologies Division for
    Global Media (USAGM). RCA President Tim Duffy, K3LR, will
    facilitate the free event. vance registration is required.
    * Complete results of the 2020 ARRL November Phone Sweepstakes and
    the 2020 160-Meter Contest have been posted. The full results
    articles, a searchable databases of all events, line scores,
    certificates, and log-checking reports are available too.
    * Mark Driscoll, W5MED, will operate KC4USV at Antarctica's McMurdo
    Station for World Amateur Radio Day. Look for him at 14.243 MHz SSB
    and 14.070 (FT8), April 17, 2330 - April 18, 0230 UTC, and April
    18, 0600 - 0800 UTC. He'll participate in the ARRL Rookie Roundup,
    April 18, 2100 - 2359.
    * Solar physicist Scott McIntosh of the National Center for
    Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will present an update to the Cycle 25
    Solar forecast at 0200 UTC on Friday, April 9 (Thursday evening,
    April 8, in the continental US and Canada). The Zoom meeting link
    will open 30 minutes prior to the presentation to give participants
    time to set up cameras, microphones, and chat.
    MARS is a Not Always an Obvious Resource in Emergencies

    The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is a US Department of
    Defense adjunct comprised of radio amateurs that's not always the first
    resource that comes to mind in an emergency, even within the military.
    In a recent article in SIGNAL, US Marine Corps Major Brian Kerg exhorts
    the brass to more fully exploit amateur radio in general, and MARS in
    particular, for use in times of distress.

    "As future threats continue to evolve, day-to-day communications
    architectures will become more unreliable in times of crisis," Kerg
    concludes. "It is imperative that joint communications planners turn to
    amateurs to remain experts. By building awareness of how to employ MARS
    and training military radio operators in ham radio technique, leaders
    will ensure their planners are proactively leveraging the organic
    amateur communications networks that abound across the globe."

    In his article, Kerg -- who does not appear to be a radio amateur --
    attempts to raise the amateur radio consciousness level of military
    planners who are deciding how to address an emergency. He characterizes
    ham radio as a robust and readily available communications resource
    when things go south.

    "And they are often every bit the expert as professional military
    communicators and signalmen. The term 'amateur' refers not to their
    technical acumen but to the private, nonbusiness use of allocated radio
    bands by those possessing amateur radio licenses," Kerg points out. He
    notes that while voice communication may be the most common ham radio
    mode, operators are skilled at sending and receiving text, images, and
    data.

    With MARS, the Defense Department has a mechanism employing amateur
    radio operators who can actively support military operations. "Notably,
    military aircrews remain capable of using MARS phone patches through
    high-frequency radios when satellite communications are unavailable,"
    he writes.

    Kerg says the downside is that the use of MARS "remains a largely
    unknown or niche capability, one that is usually stumbled upon by
    planners in the moment of crisis and then poorly implemented." He said
    awareness of MARS was not helped when the Navy and Marine Corps MARS
    were shuttered in 2015, leaving only Army and Air Force MARS.

    Military planners should focus on raising awareness of MARS and of
    amateur radio by making it available through training and other
    activities, Kerg said. Contesting could be a component. "The wide
    variety of annual amateur radio competitions can further incentivize
    military operators to improve their amateur radio skills while
    inevitably improving proficiency in their mission-essential tasks," he
    wrote.

    Kerg currently serves as the fleet amphibious communications officer,
    US Fleet Forces Command.

    ARISS USA Gets IRS 501(c)(3) Recognition

    ARISS-USA, a Maryland not-for-profit corporation, has earned
    recognition from the US Internal Revenue Service as a Section 501(c)(3)
    charitable, scientific, and educational organization. ARISS-USA is the
    US segment of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
    (ARISS) international working group. With this IRS determination,
    ARISS-USA may solicit donations and grants, and donations to ARISS-USA
    become tax-deductible in the US, retroactive to May 21, 2020.

    "The educational scope and reach of what ARISS accomplishes has grown
    significantly since our beginnings in 1996, said ARISS-USA Executive
    Director Frank Bauer, KA3HDO. "We are actively working to extend
    students' reach even further. This, through the pursuit of potential
    student opportunities on human spaceflight missions beyond low-Earth
    orbit, is part of our Amateur Radio Exploration (AREx) Program. First
    AREx destination: the moon!"

    ARISS-USA says it will continue to promote student involvement with the
    astronauts on the ISS via amateur radio. Working with educational
    organizations, ARISS provides opportunities to inspire, engage, and
    educate our next generation of space explorers through STEAM (science,
    technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities and content.

    ARISS-USA will continue to collaborate with ARISS International and US
    sponsors, partners, and interest groups. ARISS' sponsors are NASA Space
    Communication and Navigation (SCaN) and the ISS National Lab (INL).
    Donations to ARISS-USA are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
    YOTA Announces New Three-Times-a-Year Contest

    "Team YOTA" of Youngsters on the Air in IARU Region 1 has announced it
    will sponsor a new contest, the YOTA Contest. Open to all radio
    amateurs, it takes place three times a year and runs for just 12 hours.
    YOTA said the aim is to boost on-the-air activity by younger radio
    amateurs and to support YOTA. The contest will take place on different
    12-hour windows on three Saturdays.

    The opening event will be on May 22, 0800 - 1959 UTC. The other two in
    2021 will be July 17, 1000 - 2159 UTC, and December 30, 1200 - 2359
    UTC.

    YOTA has established eight different operating categories, which
    include sub-categories for operators age 25 and younger, but operators
    of all ages may participate. Covering 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters,
    the allowable modes will be CW and SSB.

    The contest exchange will be the age of the participating operator.
    Different ages serve as score multipliers during the contest. Stations
    may work the same station once per band mode.

    Contacts between the station's own continent are worth 1 point, while
    working DX is worth 3 points. The most points will be achieved by
    working the youngest operators. "The younger the operator, the more
    points one will get for the QSO," YOTA said.

    The IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group is working with Hungary's IARU
    member-society MRASZ, the Hungarian Amateur Radio Society. MRASZ is
    providing a contest log robot, among other things.

    Submit Cabrillo logs only. Contest winners will be announced once logs
    received have been checked in the various categories. Winners will be
    awarded with a YOTA Contest plaque.

    The contest committee consists of the IARU Region 1 Youth Working
    Group: Philipp, DK6SP, chair; Markus, DL8GM, vice chair, and members
    Csaba, HA6PX, and Tomi, HA8RT.

    Contact the YOTA Contest Committee with any questions or further
    information.
    In Brief...

    Online Comm Academy 2021 is set for April 10 - 11. The 2021 Comm
    Academy is 2 days of training, talks, and information on emergency
    communications and amateur radio. This year's theme is Disasters Here,
    There, and Everywhere -- Are We Ready? Registration is free and
    required to gain access to the complete schedule and academy materials.
    The Academy is entirely virtual and hosted online. Headquartered in
    Seattle, Washington, Comm Academy is attended and supported by
    organizations including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service
    (ARES^A(R)); Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES); Auxiliary
    Communications Service (ACS); EOC Support Teams; Civil Air Patrol;
    Coast Guard Auxiliary; REACT, and CERT, among others. All interested in
    emergency and amateur radio communications are welcome to network and
    share experiences. The event focuses on education for communications
    leaders, volunteers, and professionals.

    The 10th anniversary of Maritime Radio Day (MRD) will take place from
    1200 UTC on April 14 to 2200 UTC on April 15. The annual event
    commemorates nearly 90 years of wireless service for seafarers. Radio
    amateurs and shortwave listeners are welcome and should register in
    advance. Stations such as coastal radio stations and ships may
    participate only if operated by former commercial or Navy operators, or
    by radio technicians who worked on the installation and/or maintenance
    of naval equipment. Former Merchant Marine Radio Operators or former
    Ship's Electronic Technicians are encouraged to participate. All
    traffic must occur around the following international naval frequencies
    on amateur radio bands: 1824 kHz; 3520 kHz; 7020 kHz; 10,118 kHz;
    14,052 kHz; 21,052 kHz, and 28,052 kHz. The primary working frequency
    is 14,052 kHz. There is no power limit. Operators should submit an
    email or letter detailing stations worked to Rolf Marschner, DL9CM,
    Narzissenweg 10 53359, Rheinbach, Germany.

    Antenna Designer Floyd Koontz, WA2WVL, of Lecanto, Florida, died on
    March 18. An ARRL Life Member, he was 85. Koontz may best be identified
    in the ham radio community with the EWE receiving antennas. EWE came
    from the fact that the antenna looked like an inverted U. Licensed in
    1955 as WN9JQA, Koontz was an engineering graduate of Rose Hulman
    Institute of Technology. He was a prolific QST author, with antenna
    articles appearing between 1993 and 2006. He spent most of his career
    working for the Harris Corporation and held several antenna design
    patents.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots were only visible on 4 days
    of the current reporting week -- on April 3 - 6. As a result, the
    average daily sunspot number declined from 11.9 last week to 6.4.
    Average daily solar flux also dropped from 77.4 to 73.4, and the
    average daily planetary A index declined from 8.9 to 6.6.

    Predicted solar flux for the next month is 74 on April 8; 72 on April 9
    - 20; 74 on April 21 - 26; 73 on April 27 - May 1; 72 on May 2 - 5, and
    70 on May 6 - 10.

    Predicted planetary A index is 10, 8, 12, and 8 on April 8 - 11; 5 on
    April 12 - 15; 20, 18, 8, and 8 on April 16 - 19; 5 on April 20 - 21; 8
    on April 22 - 24; 5 on April 25 - May 1; 8 on May 2 - 4, and 5 on May 5
    - 12.

    In April 1989, daily sunspot numbers ranged from 134 to 161.

    Sunspot numbers for April 1 - 7 were 0, 0, 12, 11, 11, 11, and 0, with
    a mean of 6.4. 10.7-centimeter flux was 77.9, 72.1, 72.8, 70, 71.9,
    73.6, and 75.7, with a mean of 73.4. Estimated planetary A indices were
    8, 6, 4, 3, 5, 3, and 17, with a mean of 6.6 middle latitude A index
    was 8, 4, 2, 2, 5, 3, and 15, 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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * April 10 -- QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party (CW)
    * April 10 - 11 -- JIDX CW Contest (CW)
    * April 10 - 11 OK/OM DX Contest (SSB)
    * April 10 - 11 -- FTn DX Contest
    * April 10 - 11 -- IG-RY World Wide RTTY Contest
    * April 10 - 11 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * April 10 - 11 -- Nebraska QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * April 10 - 11 -- New Mexico QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * April 10 - 11 -- Georgia QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * April 10 - 11 -- North Dakota QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * April 10 - 11 -- Yuri Gagarin International DX Contest (CW)
    * April 11 -- WAB 3.5/7/14 MHz (digital)
    * April 11 -- Hungarian Straight Key Contest (CW)
    * April 11 -- RSGB RoLo SSB
    * April 11 - 12 -- DIG QSO Party (CW)
    * April 12 -- 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * April 12 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
    * April 14 -- 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.
    * August 13 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama

    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 Fri Apr 16 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    April 15, 2021

    * Updated Radio Frequency Exposure Rules Become Effective on May 3
    * St. Vincent Radio Amateurs on Alert During Volcano Emergency
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * National Science Foundation Funds Creation of Research Lab at
    Alaska's HAARP
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Intrepid-DX Group Joins Forces with LA7GIA in Bouvet Island Attempt
    * Announcements
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * In Brief...
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    World Amateur Radio Day is April 18

    ARRL wishes all of our members and friends a very happy World Amateur
    Radio Day, Sunday, April 18! Join us in celebrating the global
    community of radio amateurs who explore, develop, and enjoy radio
    communication. Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station W1AW will be on the
    air on April 18 from ARRL Headquarters in Connecticut. World Amateur
    Radio Day celebrates the 1925 founding of the International Amateur
    Radio Union (IARU), which has chosen "Amateur Radio: Home but Never
    Alone" as its theme for this year's anniversary.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Updated Radio Frequency Exposure Rules Become Effective on May 3

    The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019
    Report and Order (R&O) governing RF exposure standards go into effect
    on May 3, 2021. The new rules do not change existing RF exposure (RFE)
    limits but do require that stations in all services, including amateur
    radio, be evaluated against existing limits, unless they are exempted.
    For stations already in place, that evaluation must be completed by May
    3, 2023. After May 3 of this year, any new station, or any existing
    station modified in a way that's likely to change its RFE profile --
    such as different antennas or placement, or greater power -- will need
    to conduct an evaluation by the date of activation or change.

    "In the RF Report and Order, the Commission anticipated that few
    parties would have to conduct reevaluations under the new rules and
    that such evaluations will be relatively straightforward," the FCC said
    in an April 2 Public Notice. "It nevertheless adopted a 2-year period
    for parties to verify and ensure compliance under the new rules."

    The Amateur Service is no longer categorically excluded from certain
    aspects of the rules, as amended, and licensees can no longer avoid
    performing an exposure assessment simply because they are transmitting
    below a given power level.

    "For most amateurs, the major difference is the removal of the
    categorical exclusion for amateur radio, which means that ham station
    owners must determine if they either qualify for an exemption or must
    perform a routine environmental evaluation," said Greg Lapin, N9GL,
    Chair of the ARRL RF Safety Committee and a member of the FCC
    Technological visory Council (TAC).

    "Ham stations previously excluded from performing environmental
    evaluations will have until May 3, 2023, to perform these. After May 3,
    2021, any new stations or those modified in a way that affects RF
    exposure must comply before being put into service," Lapin said.

    The December 2019 RF R&O changes the methods that many radio services
    use to determine and achieve compliance with FCC limits on human
    exposure to RF electromagnetic fields. The FCC also modified the
    process for determining whether a particular device or deployment is
    exempt from a more thorough analysis by replacing a service-specific
    list of transmitters, facilities, and operations for which evaluation
    is required with new streamlined formula-based criteria. The R&O also
    addressed how to perform evaluations where the exemption does not
    apply, and how to mitigate exposure.

    Amateur radio licensees will have to determine whether any existing
    facilities previously excluded under the old rules now qualify for an
    exemption under the new rules. Most will, but some may not.

    "For amateurs, the major difference is the removal of the categorical
    exclusion," Lapin said, "which means that every ham will be required to
    perform some sort of calculation, either to determine if they qualify
    for [IMG]an exemption or must perform a full-fledged exposure
    assessment. For hams who previously performed exposure assessments on
    their stations, there is nothing more to do."

    The ARRL Lab staff is available to help amateurs to make these
    determinations and, if needed, perform the necessary calculations to
    ensure their stations comply. ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI,
    who helped prepare ARRL's RF Exposure and You book, explained it this
    way. "The FCC did not change any of the underlying rules applicable to
    amateur station evaluations," he said. "The sections of the book on how
    to perform routine station evaluations are still valid and usable,
    especially the many charts of common antennas at different heights."
    Hare said ARRL Lab staff also would be available to help amateurs
    understand the rules and evaluate their stations.

    RF Exposure and You is available for free download from ARRL. ARRL also
    has an RF Safety page on its website.

    The ARRL RF Safety Committee is working with the FCC to update the
    FCC's aids for following human exposure rules -- OET Bulletin 65 and
    OET Bulletin 65 Supplement B for Radio Amateurs. In addition, ARRL is
    developing tools that all hams can use to perform exposure assessments.

    St. Vincent Radio Amateurs on Alert During Volcano Emergency

    Donald de Riggs, J88CD, on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, says
    that on April 13, the 42nd anniversary of the 1979 eruption of the La
    Soufrire volcano, island residents were awakened to another column of
    volcanic ash creating a thick blanket obscuring part of the eastern sky
    as the volcano continues to erupt violently.

    Elna Michael, J88NEK, reported
    strong tremors in Fancy, St.
    Vincent, before being evacuated from
    the Red Zone just ahead of the
    explosive phase.

    "Almost all residents in the Red Zone have been evacuated, save for a
    few diehards who will not move, for reasons unknown," he said.

    Since the effusive eruption began last December, local hams have been
    in a state of readiness via 2-meter networks and regional networks via
    HF. A 24-hour regional HF network and vigil has been active since
    violent eruptions resumed earlier this month to provide communication
    support should telephone service be disrupted by the volcanic hazard.
    This includes a twice-daily link-up on HF with the Caribbean Disaster
    Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). There is also a 2-meter gateway
    via EchoLink on the J88AZ node. The other active VHF repeater is the
    main resource for domestic communications.

    The Grenada repeater, which is linked to St. Lucia and Barbados, is
    also accessible by hams in Tobago, Trinidad, and St. Vincent and the
    Grenadines. Frequencies being used for disaster-related communications
    may include 3.815, 7.188, or 7.162 MHz. Volcanic ash is also falling in
    Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada.

    The La Soufrire volcano on St. Vincent began its most recent series of
    explosive eruptions on April 9, sending clouds of hot ash some 20,000
    feet into the air, blanketing much of the island in ash and causing
    water and power outages. The volcano is "a constant threat," according
    to CDEMA. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 16) focuses on
    Parks on The Air (POTA), one of the most popular activities taking
    place in amateur radio today. We chat with Audrey Hance, KN4TMU, a
    relatively new ham who recently operated from Panther Creek State Park
    in Tennessee.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (episode 30) discusses the
    continued use of the PSK31 digital mode, and how many amateurs are
    using it to "rediscover" the joys of real keyboard-to-keyboard
    conversation. Also, QST and QEX author Phil Salas, AD5X, discusses the
    revolution taking place in small, inexpensive vector network analyzers,
    or VNAs.

    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.

    National Science Foundation Funds Creation of Research Lab at Alaska's
    HAARP

    A 5-year, $9.3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant will
    allow the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Geophysical Institute to
    establish a new research observatory at the High-frequency Active
    Auroral Research Program (HAARP). A former military facility, HAARP is
    now operated by UAF and is home to HAARP Amateur Radio Club's KL7ERP.
    The new Subauroral Geophysical Observatory for Space Physics and Radio
    Science will be dedicated to exploring Earth's

    A section of the HAARP antenna array
    field at sunset with Mount Drum in
    the background.

    upper atmosphere and geospace environment. The facility's 33-acre
    Ionospheric Research Instrument will be the centerpiece of the
    observatory.

    "This NSF support will provide the scientific community increased
    access to the instruments at the observatory and, hopefully, grow the
    scientific community," said Geophysical Institute Director Robert
    McCoy, the project's principal investigator.

    A second NSF-funded project will add a Light Detection and Ranging
    (LiDAR) instrument at the site, which will allow the study of other
    regions of the upper atmosphere. UAF hopes to add additional
    instruments over time at the Gakona, Alaska, research site.

    The research grant will allow scientists to investigate how the sun
    affects Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere to produce changes in
    space weather. Their work will help fill gaps in knowledge about the
    region, which is important because ionospheric disturbances, if severe
    enough, can disrupt communication systems and damage the power grid.

    Research at the observatory is initially expected to include the study
    of various types of aurora and other occurrences in the ionosphere.

    The Gakona facility is a prime location for the study of the ionosphere
    and magnetosphere because of its location in relation to one of Earth's
    magnetic field lines that reaches deep into the magnetosphere.

    "Amateur radio will clearly benefit with an improved understanding of
    ionospheric propagation and space weather physics, and providing
    improved HF propagation prediction modeling data," HAARP Research
    Station Chief Engineer and ARRL Life Member Steve Floyd, W4YHD, told
    ARRL. He said, "Radio science experiments will also provide a valuable
    data set to encourage development of new radio technologies and
    modulation methods."

    Floyd is the trustee for KL7ERP, which, he says, is available "to
    demonstrate amateur radio to visiting scientists and students, to
    maintain contact with Alaska hams, and to provide visiting hams with an
    opportunity to operate from this unique Alaska location." 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.

    Finding and Fixing RFI -- Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF, on Tuesday, April 20,
    2021 at 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

    Radio frequency interference (RFI) has been a problem for ham radio
    operators and shortwave listeners (SWLs) since the radio hobby began.
    Noise has gotten worse over the last 20 years or so with the advent of
    widespread solar power, LED lightning, grow lights, and digital
    devices. Learn all about finding and fixing RFI in today's world.

    HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz,
    W7VO, on Thursday, May 6 at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    An educational seminar to help both new and experienced HF operators
    who find themselves plagued with noise. We'll learn what "noise" is,
    discuss the various noise sources, and talk about how to mitigate those
    noises using a variety of techniques.

    W1AW Antenna Farm -- W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, on Tuesday,
    May 18, at 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

    Experience a bird's-eye view and description of the antennas used by
    W1AW for the station's scheduled transmissions and visiting operator
    activity. All the antennas used at W1AW are single-band Yagis. Viewers
    will also see the 5 GHz sector antennas that are part of W1AW's AREDN
    system.

    These Learning Network presentations are sponsored by Icom.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Archive of Marconi Papers and Correspondence Acquired by California
    Museum

    The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San
    Marino, California, has acquired an archive of papers and
    correspondence to, from, and about wireless pioneer and Nobel Laureate
    Guglielmo Marconi. Among the more than 200 pages of correspondence are
    31 letters from Marconi to his Chief Engineer, Richard Vyvyan, written
    between 1902 and 1909, regarding the construction and successful
    implementation of a transatlantic telegraph system. The collection also
    includes Vyvyan's extensive manuscript overview of wireless technology,
    "Notes on Long Distance Wireless Telegraphy and the Design and
    Construction and Working of High Power Wireless Stations," written
    between 1900 and 1904.

    "Marconi transformed the speed and effectiveness of telecommunication
    through wireless telegraphy," said Daniel Lewis, who is responsible for
    the Huntington Library's history of science and technology holdings
    from 1800 to the present.

    Marconi was relentless in his attempts to improve on his radio work, as
    reflected in this archive. "Working very hard to try and find out what
    are the somewhat occult causes which make signals good one night and
    unobtainable the next," he wrote to Vyvyan in 1907. "I believe I have
    found, if not very clearly, the cause of the effects noticed."

    Vyvyan was largely responsible for the construction and operation of
    the transmitting station at Poldhu in Cornwall, from where the
    first-ever transatlantic signal was sent to Newfoundland on December
    12, 1901. He was also in charge of the Cape Breton Island station the
    following year, when the first signal was sent in the opposite
    direction. 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. Share
    any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
    * How Geeky Charm Turned a WWII Maneuver Into a Competitive Sport /
    Inverse Magazine, April 7, 2021
    * Equinox Balloon Launch Connects Educators Around the Globe / KHQ6
    NBC (Washington), March 21, 2021
    * 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 NBC (Oregon), March 6, 2021
    * Radio Gaga / The Star (Malaysia), March 6, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Intrepid-DX Group Joins Forces with LA7GIA in Bouvet Island Attempt

    The Intrepid-DX Group has teamed with DXpeditioner Ken Opskar, LA7GIA,
    in its quest to activate Bouvet Island, the second-most-wanted DXCC
    entity according to Club Log. The 3Y0J DXpedition is planned for
    January through February 2023. A dependency of Norway, Bouvet is a
    sub-Antarctic island in the South Atlantic. The last Bouvet activation
    was 3Y0E, during a scientific expedition over the winter of 2007 -
    2008.

    "There's a lot to do, and we have a big financial mountain to climb,"
    DXpedition co-leader Paul Ewing, N6PSE, said in a recent interview
    [IMG]with Tim Duffy, K3LR. Ewing will share leadership duties with
    Opskar in the amateur radio adventure.

    "The cost of the Braveheart charter is enormous, but we've got some
    experience under our belt doing South Sandwich and South Georgia back
    in 2016. That was perfect preparation for Bouvet. We'll have a very
    difficult landing, so we're prepared for that."

    A 2018 DXpedition to Bouvet was scuttled after severe weather and an
    engine problem forced the team -- with Bouvet already in view -- to
    turn back.

    The plan calls for the 3Y0J team of 14 to board the marine vessel
    Braveheart in Capetown, South Africa, for "the treacherous voyage to
    Bouvet," Ewing said. "We will plan to spend 20 days at Bouvet and,
    weather permitting, we plan to have 14 to 16 good days of radio
    activity."

    "This will be an arduous and expensive mission. Our budget is $764,000,
    and the 3Y0J team will fund much of this mission. We desperately need
    the global DX community to support our mission and help us make this
    important activation of the second-most-wanted DXCC entity. It is only
    through this kind of support that we can achieve our mission of making
    100,000 contacts or more from Bouvet."

    The Northern California DX Foundation and the International DX
    Association have already stepped up to the plate.

    "We plan to make best use of propagation and modes on 10 - 160 meters,"
    Ewing said in the announcement. Operation will be on SSB, CW, and
    digital modes. "But I want to make it clear," Ewing told Duffy.
    "There's no doubt. We are going!"

    Follow the Intrepid-DX Group's 3Y0J plans via Facebook. Visit the 3Y0J
    website for more information and to make a donation. Read an expanded
    version.

    Announcements
    * Special event station GB1PPP marks the April 9 death of Prince
    Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at age 99. A World War II Naval
    officer, he was the patron of the Radio Society of Great Britain
    (RSGB).
    * Members of the newly formed Seychelles Amateur Radio Association
    (SARA) will celebrate World Amateur Radio Day on Sunday, April 18.
    They plan to operate the club's call sign, S77SARA, for the first
    time. Activity is expected around 1100 - 1300 UTC.
    * Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) has announced its Get on the Air on
    World Amateur Radio Day event. World Amateur Radio Day, on April
    18, celebrates the formation of the International Amateur Radio
    Union (IARU) on April 18, 1925. The object is to contact as many
    RAC-suffix stations as possible.
    * The winner of the Amateur Radio Software Award for 2021 is Jordan
    Sherer, KN4CRD, for his JS8Call project. The annual Amateur Radio
    Software Award recognizes software projects that enhance and adhere
    to the spirit of amateur radio by being innovative, free, and open.
    It includes a monetary stipend.
    * The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has announced a new
    Friendship Award, designed to celebrate the friendship of amateur
    radio over the airwaves. The award also incorporates the IARU's
    chosen theme for World Amateur Radio Day on Sunday, April 18,
    "Amateur Radio: Home, But not Alone."
    * Expedition 64 Flight Engineer Kate Rubins, KG5FYJ, and Russian
    cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov will depart the
    International Space Station (ISS) on April 16. NASA TV will cover
    the departure and landing. NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, KD5DXB,
    will take over as commander of the ISS.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: On April 12, new sunspot group AR2814
    appeared following 5 days of no sunspots at all. Daily sunspot numbers
    on the following 3 days were 16, 16 and, 17 taking the average daily
    sunspot number for the April 8 - 14 reporting week to 7, up from 6.4
    last week. So far in 2021, 39% of the days had no sunspots.

    Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, with average daily planetary A index
    declining slightly from 6.6 to 5.1. Likewise, middle latitude A index
    changed from 5.6 to 4.1.

    On April 14, Spaceweather.com reported a high-speed stream of solar
    wind from a hole in the sun's Southern Hemisphere. This could produce a
    minor geomagnetic storm on April 17.

    At 2338 UTC on April 14, the Australian Space Forecast Centre issued
    this Geomagnetic Disturbance Warning: "Geomagnetic activity is expected
    to increase to active levels with a chance of an isolated minor storm
    period from late April 16, due to coronal hole effects."

    Predicted solar flux is 74 on April 15 - 19; 72 on April 20 - 21; 75 on
    April 22 - May 8, and 72 on May 9 - 17.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8, 18, 20, and 16 on April 15 - 18; 12,
    8, 5, and 10 on April 19 - 22; 8 on April 23 - 24; 5 on April 25 - 26;
    10 and 8 on April 27 - 28; 5 on April 29 - May 3; 15 on May 4; 5 on May
    5 - 7; 8 on May 8; 5 on May 9 - 10; 8 on May 11 - 12; 5 on May 13, and
    20 on May 14.

    Frank Donovan, W3LPL, delivered a presentation on "HF Ionospheric
    Propagation" for the Central Arizona DX Association.

    Sunspot numbers for April 8 - 14 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 16, 16, and 17, with
    a mean of 7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74, 77.8, 70.4, 72.9, 82.8,
    72.8, and 74.4, with a mean of 75. Estimated planetary A indices were
    5, 3, 5, 6, 5, 5, and 7, with a mean of 5.1. Middle latitude A index
    was 3, 2, 3, 5, 4, 5, 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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    The SSB ARRL Rookie Roundup is Sunday, April 18, 1800 - 2359 UTC. The
    Rookie Roundup is aimed at hams licensed for 3 years or less. Rookies
    make as many contacts as possible during this 6-hour event. Rookies
    work everyone, and non-Rookies work only Rookies. Stations exchange
    each other's call signs, first names, a two-digit year, and state (US
    or Mexican), Canadian province, or DX. Rookies can enter as a Single
    Operator or invite Rookie friends over and operate as Multioperator. Up
    to five Single Operator Rookies can also enter from their individual
    stations and submit their total score as a team. This is a great way
    for clubs to get newer members on the air, and the perfect opportunity
    to be a mentor to new licensees. Seasoned operators can join in the fun
    by calling "CQ Rookies." This year, the Rookie Roundup takes place
    during World Amateur Radio Day. Use the opportunity to wish
    participants "Happy World Amateur Radio Day" on the air. Logs are due
    on April 21 (within 72 hours after the event). No late entries will be
    accepted. Complete rules, logging sheets, and links for submitting your
    score are on the Rookie Roundup web page.

    Researcher and innovator Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, has been awarded the Cross
    of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was nominated by Markus
    Sder, president of the German state of Bavaria and member of the
    Bavarian Parliament. Sder said that Rohde's work as a scientist,
    university lecturer, developer, and entrepreneur in the fields of radio
    frequency and microwave technology "has made a significant contribution
    to our country's technological advances, prosperity, and security." The
    Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as the
    Federal Cross of Merit, is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of
    Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation. Federal
    President Theodor Heuss established the Order in 1951 on the second
    anniversary of the founding of the Federal Republic.

    Over the Horizon (OTH) radars in ham bands may be too numerous to
    count. The IARU Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS) March newsletter
    reported that the seemingly ubiquitous Over the Horizon Radars (OTH-Rs)
    made up about 60% of all interference observations, to the point that
    "one cannot even count them anymore." The IARUMS presumes that only a
    few stations are transmitting on often-changing frequencies. In
    contrast to the past, however, these are more frequently burst systems,
    which typically transmit for just a few seconds before changing
    frequency. IARUMS said that only the "Contayner" and "Pluto" systems
    transmit on a single frequency for longer periods.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * April 16 - 17 -- Holyland DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * April 17 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * April 17 -- ES Open HF Championship (CW, phone)
    * April 17 - 18 -- Worked All Provinces of China (CW, phone)
    * April 17 - 18 -- YU DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * April 17 - 18 -- CQMM DX Contest (CW)
    * April 17 - 18 -- All Texas State Parks on the Air (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * April 17 - 18 -- Michigan QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * April 17 - 18 -- EA-QRP CW Contest
    * April 17 - 18 -- Ontario QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * April 18 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB
    * April 18 - 19 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * April 21 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, 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.
    * August 13 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama

    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
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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) 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

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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Apr 23 09:05:02 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    April 22, 2021

    * ARRL, American Red Cross Renew Memorandum of Understanding
    * Camp for Young Radio Amateurs in the Americas is a Go for this
    Summer
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * FCC Issues Enforcement visory
    * National Hurricane Conference Set for June 14 - 17
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Yasme Foundation Releases Chronicles of Amateur Radio DX History
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Radio Amateur Helps Rescuers to Locate Lost Hiker
    * Woody Brem, K3YV, is the 2020 Bill Orr, W6SAI, Technical Writing
    Award Winner
    * Announcements April 22
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * In Brief...
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL, American Red Cross Renew Memorandum of Understanding

    ARRL and the American Red Cross (ARC) have renewed their long-standing
    Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for another 5 years. The MOU spells
    out how ARRL and the American Red Cross will work cooperatively during
    a disaster response.

    "We are pleased to extend our partnership with the American Red Cross,"
    ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, said. "This agreement details how
    ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES) volunteers will
    interface with Red Cross personnel within the scope of their respective
    roles and duties whenever the Red Cross asks ARES volunteers to assist
    in a disaster or emergency response."

    The MOU calls on both parties to maintain open lines of communication
    and to share information, situation, and operation reports, as allowed
    to maintain confidentiality. They will also share "changes in policy or
    personnel relating to this MOU and any additional information pertinent
    to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery." ARRL and the
    American Red Cross also will encourage their respective units to
    discuss local disaster response and relief plans. They may further
    cooperate in joint training exercises and instruction. The Red Cross
    will encourage regions or chapters to participate in ARRL Field Day,
    the Simulated Emergency Test (SET), and other emergency exercises.

    "This agreement keeps in place the strong and mutually beneficial bond
    between ARRL and the ARC," said ARRL Director of Emergency Management
    Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW. "The Red Cross is a primary served agency for ARES
    teams, and it's important that we be able to work together toward
    common goals when responding to an emergency."

    The agreement points out that any ARRL volunteers who are interested in
    also becoming Red Cross volunteers should understand that a background
    check is a requirement. Although ARES has no background check
    requirement, radio amateurs who register as Red Cross volunteers must
    abide by the Red Cross's background check requirement.

    ARRL and the Red Cross may also cooperate in the sharing of equipment.

    A Statement of Cooperation between the two organizations at the local
    level may be developed separately from the MOU to spell out the role of
    each in providing services to communities during or after a disaster
    event.

    The new MOU was signed by Trevor Riggen, Senior Vice President,
    Disaster Cycle Services, American Red Cross, and by ARRL President Rick
    Roderick, K5UR.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Career and Talent Opportunities at ARRL

    The digital transformation at ARRL is under way. A significant
    commitment of talent and investment is being made to develop a dynamic
    and responsive digital enterprise in areas of amateur radio innovation
    and member engagement. This initiative is opening opportunities for
    experienced amateur radio enthusiasts to make ARRL the next stop in
    their careers. "ARRL is where vocation and avocation collide," said
    ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA. "We are looking for people with passion,
    energy, drive, and talent to take ARRL to the next level."


    --- SendMsg/2

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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Apr 30 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    April 29, 2021

    * Amateur Radio Credited with Rescue of Back-Country Hiker in
    Tennessee
    * ARRL Awards Colvin Grant to 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition in 2023
    * [IMG]Career Opportunities Available at ARRL Headquarters
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Support ARRL When Shopping for Mother's Day
    * ARRL Executive Committee Nominates Joel Harrison, W5ZN, to be Next
    IARU Secretary
    * ARISS-USA Seeks Volunteers to Further its Mission
    * Announcements
    * Annual Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Test Set for May 7 - 8
    * Bill Introduced to Designate April 18, 2022, as National Amateur
    Radio Operators Day
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * ARISS Contact with Australian School Proves Educational on More
    Than One Continent
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * In Brief...
    * * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Amateur Radio Credited with Rescue of Back-Country Hiker in Tennessee

    A back-country hiker was rescued from Great Smoky Mountains National
    Park with assistance from amateur radio after she became exhausted on
    the trail and possibly dehydrated. A member of the hiking group on the
    park's Little River Trail, Tim Luttrell, KA9EBJ, put out a call on the
    evening of April 11 via the W4KEV linked VHF repeater in Gatlinburg,
    Tennessee, requesting assistance in extricating the injured member. No
    cell phone service was available at the location, and Luttrell's signal
    was spotty at times, owing to the mountainous terrain.

    Responding was David Manuel, W5DJR, who obtained more information and
    called 911, which routed the call to Great Smoky Mountains National
    Park Emergency Medical Service (GSMNP EMS). The national park EMS
    relayed through Manuel a request for the group to continue down the
    trail as far as possible to shorten the rescue time.

    A medic with the Park Service search-and-rescue team subsequently
    reached Manuel by telephone, who served to relay questions to Luttrell.
    Manuel contacted members of the hiker's family after Luttrell provided
    contact numbers. Manuel was asked to relay information for the family
    to arrange to meet in Cherokee, North Carolina, and be prepared to
    transport the distressed hiker's vehicle to her home.

    Manuel got a call from Luttrell indicating "all clear" shortly after 2
    AM.

    The injured hiker was hospitalized and required surgery and
    rehabilitation. ARRL Tennessee Section Manager Dave Thomas, KM4NYI,
    told ARRL that he'd learned another hiker in the same group was close
    to hypothermia by the time they were rescued.

    Thomas will recognize each of the radio amateurs involved in the rescue
    with a Certificate of Merit during the ARRL Tennessee State Convention
    in Knoxville on June 19. Read an expanded version.
    ARRL Awards Colvin Grant to 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition in 2023

    ARRL has awarded a Colvin Grant of $5,000 to the Intrepid-DX Group to
    help in funding its 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island, scheduled for
    January to February 2023. ARRL Life Member Paul Ewing, N6PSE, and ARRL
    member Ken Opskar, LA7GIA, will share leadership for the 14-person
    multinational team. A dependency of Norway, Bouvet is a sub-Antarctic
    island in the South Atlantic. It is the second-most-wanted DXCC entity,
    behind North Korea. The last Bouvet activation was 3Y0E in 2007 - 2008.
    Ewing has said that the team began planning for the Bouvet DXpedition
    on the heels of its successful 2016 VP8STI and VP8SGI efforts. The
    announced budget for the 2023 DXpedition is $764,000. The Northern
    California DX Foundation and the International DX Association are major
    sponsors.

    The Colvin Award is funded by an endowment established by the legendary
    DX couple Lloyd Colvin, W6KG, and Iris Colvin, W6QL, both now deceased.
    The Colvin Award is intended to support amateur radio projects that
    promote international goodwill in the field of DX. Grantees must be
    groups with a favorable DX track record and with experience directly
    related to the proposed enterprise.

    Ewing said in a recent interview that the 2016 VP8STI and VP8SGI
    DXpedition provided perfect preparation for the Bouvet DXpedition that
    lies ahead. A 2018 DXpedition to Bouvet by another team had to be
    scuttled -- with Bouvet Island already in view -- after encountering
    severe weather and an engine problem.

    The plan calls for spending 20 days on Bouvet with "14 to 16 good days
    of radio activity." Ewing has called on the DX community for support in
    achieving its mission of 100,000 or more contacts from Bouvet.

    Follow the Intrepid-DX Group's 3Y0J plans via Facebook. Visit the 3Y0J
    website for more information and to make a donation.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Career Opportunities Available at ARRL Headquarters

    ARRL continues to have employment openings for energetic and motivated
    professionals with a passion for ham radio. Positions, which include
    full-time employment at ARRL Headquarters in Connecticut, and
    consulting or contract opportunities, are posted at
    --- SendMsg/2

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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri May 7 09:05:18 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    May 6, 2021

    * Ham-Firefighter Rescues Drowning Man from River
    * Returning Four-Ham ISS Crew Makes First Nighttime Splashdown Since
    1968
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * "A Clear Signal of Resilience:" Europe's HAM RADIO Goes Virtual
    Again This Year
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * IEEE Committee Webinar "RF Exposure in the Time of Conspiracies"
    Set for May 12
    * Announcements
    * Wireless Institute of Australia Committee Seeks More HF Ham Radio
    Spectrum
    * IARU Region 1 Seeks Opinions on the Future of Amateur Radio
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Russian Robinson Club Announces Activation of Rare IOTA Islands in
    the Aleutians
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Ham-Firefighter Rescues Drowning Man from River

    ARRL member and Edmonson County Emergency Coordinator Tim Skees, K9KSP,
    a firefighter in Brownsville, Kentucky, was among those responding to
    an April 23 fire dispatch call he heard on his ham station scanner
    reporting a possible drowning in the Green River. Radio traffic
    indicated that the potential victim was a 40-year-old male.

    "After assessing the information provided by family members at the
    scene, [I] went downriver approximately 300 yards, located the victim
    in water, washed up on a shallow rock shoal in the river," Skees told
    ARRL. "[I] waded out to the victim, dragged him to the riverbank, and,
    as other responders showed up and came to where the victim was, he was
    pulled up the bank of the river. He was suffering exposure/hypothermia
    from being in the cold water for hours."

    Skees said the man's family had at first called in the incident as a
    confirmed drowning. The man was first taken to the vehicle of Edmonson
    County Emergency Management Director Terry Massey and warmed up until
    an ambulance could arrive. Massey told local media that the local
    dispatcher paged the Brownsville Fire Department around 2 AM after a
    caller had reported a possible drowning at the Brownsville boat ramp.

    Massey said he and Skees arrived at the area and saw two unoccupied
    vehicles. "In just a minute, we could hear some yelling down at the
    river and could tell it was downstream a good ways," he told The
    Edmonson Voice. Massey said he and Skees followed the commotion and
    found the man in about a foot of water, lying on his side, and Skees
    waded in to retrieve him. Massey said that according to others on the
    scene, the man had fallen into the water while trying to retrieve some
    fishing gear.

    "I submit this as a testament to the need of hams to get involved with
    emergency services and foster good working relationships with
    [emergency managers] and local agencies," Skees said.
    Returning Four-Ham ISS Crew Makes First Nighttime Splashdown Since 1968

    The International Space Station SpaceX Crew-1 mission with astronauts
    Michael Hopkins, KF5LJG; Victor Glover, KI5BKC; Shannon Walker, KD5DXB,
    and Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP, splashed down safely in the Gulf of Mexico
    on May 2. It marked NASA's first nighttime splashdown since 1968, the
    first ever from the ISS, and the first operational mission for SpaceX.
    Launched last November to carry the crew to the ISS, the Crew Dragon
    spacecraft Resilience returned the crew to Earth. Crew-1 is the first
    of six crewed missions NASA and

    (L - R) Expedition 64 Flight
    Engineers and SpaceX Crew-1 members
    Michael Hopkins, KF5LJG; Victor
    Glover, KI5BKC; Shannon Walker,
    KD5DXB, and Soichi Noguchi, KD5TVP.
    [Photo courtesy of NASA]

    SpaceX will fly as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program, which
    worked with the US aerospace industry to return rockets, spacecraft,
    and launches with astronauts to the US.

    "We welcome you back to planet Earth, and thanks for flying SpaceX,"
    SpaceX mission control official Michael Heiman told the astronauts.
    "For those of you enrolled in our frequent flier program, you have
    earned 68 million miles on this voyage."

    In advance of departure from the space station, Crew-1 astronaut and
    Station Commander Walker handed over command of the station to
    astronaut and Crew-2 member Akihiko Hoshide last week during a change
    of command and farewell event.

    The Crew Dragon undocked and departed the space station autonomously.
    In addition to the crew, Resilience will also return important and
    time-sensitive research to Earth.

    While still in space, some of the returning astronauts had hosted
    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts with
    schools. ARRL is an ARISS sponsor.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 16) focuses on
    Parks On The Air (POTA), one of the most popular activities taking
    place in amateur radio today. We chat with Audrey Hance, KN4TMU, a
    relatively new ham who recently operated from Panther Creek State Park
    in Tennessee.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 33) features a discussion
    of station troubleshooting with W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q.

    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 Clear Signal of Resilience:" Europe's HAM RADIO Goes Virtual Again
    This Year

    The annual HAM RADIO show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will once again
    be held virtually. The June event is sponsored by the Deutscher Amateur
    Radio Club (DARC), in cooperation with Friedrichshafen Fair (Messe
    Friedrichshafen).

    "Under the current circumstances, HAM RADIO can no longer take place in
    June, as planned," said Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann. He
    said to remedy the situation -- and send a clear signal of resilience
    -- the virtual "Ham Radio World" will take place from June 25 until
    June 27, the original show dates. mission and participation will be
    free.

    The annual ham radio gathering, known popularly as simply
    "Friedrichshafen," typically draws between 15,000 and 17,000 visitors
    from all over Europe and around the world. ARRL has traditionally sent
    a contingent to staff a booth at HAM RADIO each summer.

    This is the second virtual presentation of HAM RADIO due to the
    COVID-19 pandemic. "This year, Ham Radio World will offer a completely
    new virtual world in 2D, and its unique live character will be
    impressive," DARC said.

    DARC Chair Christian Entsfellner, DL3MBG, said the live character of
    the event's virtual environment will be recreated in great detail,
    opening up new possibilities and offering plenty of space for community
    networking and virtual meetings, in addition to an online lecture
    program and commercial offerings.

    To allow participants a more personal experience, individual hams
    represented as customizable avatars "will move around the virtual
    exhibition grounds and video chat with each other," explained Messe
    Friedrichshafen Project Manager Petra Rathgeber. Messe Friedrichshafen
    and DARC are working closely together "to ensure that a diverse line-up
    of ham radio products, trends, and innovations will await our visitors
    at the 3-day digital event," she said.

    Ham Radio World will offer presentations and discussions on ham radio
    topics, as well as a program presented on DARC's virtual stage. Further
    details are forthcoming.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz,
    W7VO / Thursday, May 6, at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    An educational seminar to help both new and experienced HF operators
    who find themselves plagued with noise. We'll learn what "noise" is,
    discuss the various noise sources, and talk about how to mitigate those
    noises using a variety of techniques.

    W1AW Antenna Farm -- W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q / Tuesday,
    May 18, at 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

    Experience a bird's-eye view and description of the antennas used by
    W1AW for the station's scheduled transmissions and visiting operator
    activity. All the antennas used at W1AW are single-band Yagis. Viewers
    will also see the 5 GHz sector antennas that are part of W1AW's AREDN
    system.

    The above Learning Network presentations are sponsored by Icom.[IMG]

    Ask the Lab: How ARRL's Technical Information Service Can Help You --
    ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI / Tuesday, June 8, at 1 PM EDT
    (1700 UTC)

    Learn all about the ARRL Technical Information Service (TIS) and the
    expert ARRL Laboratory staff who answer thousands of questions each
    year from members. Get tips about projects, suggestions to address
    various station installations, and help for some of your most pressing
    ham radio questions. You'll discover how to search ARRL's extensive
    Periodicals Archive, find helpful articles, read test reports, access
    technical forums, and find answers to technical questions.

    This Learning Network presentation is sponsored by PreppComm.

    [IMG]

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    IEEE Committee Webinar "RF Exposure in the Time of Conspiracies" Set
    for May 12

    The IEEE Committee on Man and Radiation (COMAR) has issued an
    invitation to its webinar, "RF Exposure in the Time of Conspiracies."
    The 1-hour event is set to get under way at 1800 UTC on Wednesday, May
    12. COMAR is a group of experts on health and safety issues related to
    electromagnetic fields, from power line through microwave frequency
    ranges. Its primary focus is on biological effects of non-ionizing
    electromagnetic radiation.

    [IMG]"The real idea behind the webinar is to highlight some of the news
    articles, comments, etc. that purport to declare the hazardous nature
    of exposure to weak RF fields, such as those posed by new 5G wireless
    communications base stations, explain how they are not scientifically
    based and, possibly, some ideas on how to better communicate what we
    really know about potential health effects," said COMAR chair Ric Tell,
    K5UJU.

    Presenters are professional engineer Matt Butcher, KC3WD, and Jerrold
    Bushberg, a clinical professor of radiology and radiation oncology at
    the University of California-Davis School of Medicine. He is an expert
    on the biological effects, safety, and interactions of ionizing and
    nonionizing radiation; a specialist in risk communication, he holds
    multiple radiation detection technology patents. Both are COMAR
    members. Butcher and Tell are also members of the ARRL RF Safety
    Committee.

    Tell said that Webex, the platform on which the webinar will be held,
    imposes a limit of 1,000 simultaneous connections. Those interested may
    check in at 1730 UTC, a half-hour before the webinar is scheduled to
    start.

    ARRL RF Safety Committee Chair Greg Lapin, N9GL, said the committee
    devotes a lot of time examining the science to help keep people safe,
    but, he added, "there remains considerable fear in our society about
    that exposure. It would be to our benefit to understand what people are
    thinking."

    ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, said radio amateurs are often asked by
    neighbors about their stations -- either out of curiosity, or concern
    that the antennas may pose a safety hazard. "This webinar will help
    amateurs and the public understand why radio energy at exposure levels
    found in standards and regulations is safe," Hare said.

    Topics on the COMAR webinar agenda include "What is RF?" and "What are
    the applicable exposure standards?" as well as discussing how to
    address concerns on the part of the general public, and how to improve
    communication.

    COMAR is a technical committee of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and
    Biology Society. The webinar is free.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Announcements
    * NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, KG5GNP, is scheduled to make a ham
    radio contact from the ISS on Friday, May 7, at 12:36 UTC, with
    students at Green Bank Elementary School, in the shadow of Green
    Bank Observatory in West Virginia via Amateur Radio on the
    International Space Station (ARISS). Follow the live stream via
    Facebook or Zoom starting around 30 minutes before the scheduled
    contact.
    * Bringing attention to National Police Week to Honor All Law
    Enforcement's Fallen Heroes, K3FBI will be on the air from multiple
    US call districts May 9 - 15.
    * Icom America has named Senior Sales Manager of its Amateur Division
    Ray Novak, N9JA, to also lead its Marine and Avionics Divisions. In
    its news release, Icom added, "Ray has an extensive background in
    the amateur radio industry spanning 32+ years... Throughout his
    tenure at Icom America, he has managed and worked across multiple
    divisions and maintains a close working relationship with teams at
    Icom Japan." Novak is an ARRL Life Member.
    * The 2020 ARRL 160 Meter Contest results reflect more than a
    half-million contacts across nearly 1,700 logs, despite the fact
    that conditions were "down."
    * The ARRL November Sweepstakes Phone Results show that entries were
    up by from 1,600 in 2019 to more than 2,000 logs last fall, and the
    contact count was up by some 81,000. Prince Edward Island (PEI), a
    new multiplier in 2020, was rare. The single log submitted by VY2NA
    had 260 contacts, although at least two PEI stations showed up in
    other logs.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Wireless Institute of Australia Committee Seeks More HF Ham Radio
    Spectrum

    The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Spectrum Strategy Committee
    has called for more amateur radio spectrum in the 3 - 12 MHz range. The
    committee raised the issue in its response to regulator ACMA's Five
    Year Spectrum Outlook 2021.

    "Global demand for HF amateur spectrum has grown, particularly since
    the start of the COVID-19 pandemic," the panel said. "Congestion
    (particularly on the 7 MHz band) from both legitimate and unauthorized
    illegal transmissions is often severe during times of increased
    ionospheric propagation." The committee pointed out that heightened
    global tensions have increased the use of high-power HF radars, "which
    frequently disrupt HF amateur communications across large segments of
    spectrum, particularly on the lower-frequency bands."

    The committee said increasing HF spectrum access is vital to support
    sufficient frequency agility, "so that communications can be maintained
    when large amounts of spectrum are suffering interference from
    international radar-based intruders."

    The WIA -- Australia's IARU member-society -- intends to seek
    expansions to amateur bands in the 3 - 12 MHz segment over the next 5
    years, at least for Australian amateurs, in alignment with
    international allocations, although the WIA acknowledges that this is a
    lower priority than other items it has proposed.

    The 3 - 12 MHz spectrum is already home to four amateur allocations:
    80/75 meters, 60 meters, 40 meters, and 30 meters.
    IARU Region 1 Seeks Opinions on the Future of Amateur Radio

    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 (Europe, Africa,
    Mideast, and Northern Asia) is encouraging radio amateurs everywhere to
    express their opinions on the future of amateur radio.

    [IMG]A survey is under way in advance of an IARU Region 1 Workshop on
    the subject later this year. The workshop will urge Region 1
    member-societies to formulate their views on the future direction for
    amateur radio and the programs needed to ensure that amateur radio
    develops successfully.

    "As a first step, work is already under way to develop an understanding
    of the current state of amateur radio in each country," IARU said. "The
    input of the amateur community is vital for the success of the
    workshop."

    Watch the short video, "What do YOU think about the future of Amateur
    Radio?" with Raisa Skrynnikova, R1BIG.

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * 2016 quakes lead to disaster relief network of ham radio operators
    / The Asahi Shinbun (Japan), April 30, 2021
    * An Important Line of Communication / Searcy Living (Searcy,
    Arkansas), Issue 2, Volume 21
    * 8-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Ham Radio Operator in Montour County /
    The Daily Item (Pennsylvania), April 25, 2021
    * Hamming It Up / Oklahoma Living Magazine, April 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Russian Robinson Club Announces Activation of Rare IOTA Islands in the
    Aleutians

    The Russian Robinson Club (RRC) has resumed its plans to activate rare
    Kiska Island (IOTA NA-070) and ak Island (IOTA NA-039) in Alaska's
    Aleutian Islands chain in July for Islands On The Air (IOTA)
    enthusiasts. Plans to activate these islands in 2020 were called off
    because of COVID-19 concerns.

    The uninhabited Kiska Island (52.06 N, 177.57 E) lies in the North
    Pacific's treacherous Bering Sea, which RRC calls one of the most
    intense patches of ocean on Earth and where strong winds, freezing
    temperatures, and icy water are the norm. The island also features the
    prominent conical Kiska volcano. Kiska Island is a National Historic
    Landmark and part of the Aleutian Islands World War II National
    Monument and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR).
    Permission to visit is required from both Alaska's Maritime National
    Wildlife Refuge and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

    The KL7RRC team plans to have a minimum of two stations on the air on
    40 - 6 meters, SSB, CW, and FT8. Operators will place special emphasis
    on the difficult trans-polar path to Europe.

    The 56-foot aluminum sailing vessel Seal will make the 1,000-mile
    journey along the Aleutians to Kiska with a stop at Dutch Harbor to
    pick up Tim, NL8F, and the gear sent in advance to his location. The
    team will continue sailing west to ak Island, where some team members
    will activate ak Island on June 30 - July 3. The SV Seal will pick up
    the entire crew there, which will have flown in by July 3. Then, they
    hope to arrive at Kiska and be on the air as KL7RCC on July 7 - 12,
    before the return sail to ak and flights home. ditional KL7RRC
    activity may take place from ak July 14 - 16.

    Donations are welcome. QSLs for KL7RRC (Kiska Island NA-070) and KL7RRC
    (ak Island NA-039) are via N7RO. All donors will receive direct QSLs.

    Updates will be posted on the Russian Robinson Club website. -- Thanks
    to Hal Turley, W8HC, via The Daily DX

    A slot is open for a fifth operator. Contact team leader Yuri, N3QQ, if
    interested.
    In Brief...

    Members of the Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC) will activate the
    historic NSS call sign on Saturday, May 8, during the 2021 Armed Forces
    Day Cross-Band Test. For more than 60 years, military and amateur
    stations have taken part in this exercise, during which military
    stations transmit on military frequencies and listen for radio amateurs
    on adjacent amateur bands. It will take place May 7 - 8, 2021. NSS
    operation will be from the location of the former US Navy High-Power
    Radio Station at Greenbury Point in Annapolis, Maryland. NSS began
    operation in 1918 on VLF, using a pair of Federal Telegraph Company 500
    kW Poulson arc transmitters and four 600-foot towers. NSS began
    operations on HF in the 1920s, and operations there continued until
    1976. NSS was dismantled in 1999, but three of its 600-foot towers
    remain on Greenbury Point. A commemorative NSS QSL card is available
    via K3LU (SASE appreciated). -- Thanks to Frank Donovan, W3LPL

    The semiannual Radio Club of America (RCA) QSO Party takes place on May
    8. "Band conditions are still not their best, but we still expect
    plenty of QSOs," RCA Executive Vice President Chip Cohen, W1YW, said.
    "Come join the fun and contact other club hams and the club's station,
    W2RCA. All are welcome." The QSO party is open to RCA members and
    non-members and is SSB only. Activity begins at 1800 UTC and continues
    until Sunday, May 9, at 0300 UTC. Suggested frequencies are 14.280,
    7.240, and 3.800 MHz.

    Former Dayton Hamvention Venue Hara Arena is now a pile of rubble Hara
    Arena originated as a ballroom in 1956. Dayton Hamvention began using
    Hara Arena in 1964, when the main 5,500-seat arena was built. Six
    buildings were added later. Over the years, Hara Arena was home to
    sports teams, concerts, conventions, and social activities. It closed
    in August 2016, due to ongoing financial issues and a 20-year-long
    legal fight over the unresolved estate of founder Harold Wampler.
    Eventually a new owner was found. In May 2019, Hara was severely
    damaged by a tornado and considered not worth rebuilding. The
    building's iconic logo as well as bricks from the structure were to be
    auctioned for charity. The site has since been cleared for
    redevelopment, and only piles of rubble remain of the original Hara
    Arena facility.

    Ham Census is inviting all radio amateurs to take part in a unique
    [IMG]survey. The project's organizers are hoping to hear from hams in
    the US, Canada, and around the world. Survey questions deal with
    operating preferences, gear, your shack, views on regulations, clubs
    and associations, and the future of amateur radio. Cemil "Jim" Alyanak,
    K3MRI, the co-administrator of Ham Census and Ham Community, says the
    aim of the census is to give operators a louder voice to better inform
    club leaders, associations, manufacturers, and regulators. "We all want
    the amateur radio community to grow organically and collaboratively,
    and for that, we need to know what operators are thinking," he said.
    Divided into six parts, Ham Census runs year-round, delivering constant
    updates. Taking and using the survey is free, but only those completing
    all six sections get access to the complete results.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Our sun seems to have fallen back
    into a very quiet phase, far different from the way it looked in
    November 2020. Sunspots disappeared after May 1, and solar flux
    naturally declined as well.

    Sunspots were visible only for the first 3 days of the April 29 - May 5
    reporting week, so average daily sunspot number declined from 47.6 last
    week to 11.9 in the current period. Average daily solar flux slipped by
    7 points from 79.2 to 72.2. It's odd, but both the average daily
    planetary and middle latitude A index remained the same for both weeks,
    10.7 and 9.9, respectively.

    Predicted solar flux for the next month appears listless: 72 on May 6 -
    7; 74 on May 8 - 9; 76 on May 10 - 11; 75 on May 12 - 13; 77 on May 14;
    79 on May 15 - 17; 77 on May 18 - 21; 75 on May 22 - 24; 74 on May 25 -
    26; 72 on May 27; 70 on May 28 - 31, and 72 on June 1 - 4.

    The planetary A index projection shows 5 on May 6 - 11; 8, 20, and 30
    on May 12 - 14; 15, 15, and 12 on May 15 - 17; 5 on May 18 - 19; 15 and
    10 on May 20 - 21; 5 on May 22 - 29; 12 on May 30 - 31; 10 on June 1,
    and 5 on June 2 - 6.

    Contester Frank Donovan, W3LPL, says about twice as many geomagnetic
    storms occur during March and April, as compared to June and July. The
    ratio of severe (Kp = 8 or 9) storms is much greater. But, he points
    out, the end of "geomagnetic storm season" doesn't mean the end of
    geomagnetic storms; two of the most severe (Kp = 8+) geomagnetic storms
    during Solar Cycle 24 occurred on June 22 and 23, 2015.

    Sunspot numbers for April 29 through May 5 were 37, 35, 11, 0, 0, 0,
    and 0, with a mean of 11.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 76.9, 72.9,
    71.6, 72, 71.6, 70.6, and 69.5, with a mean of 72.2. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 5, 15, 10, 20, 14, 8, and 3, with a mean of
    10.7. Middle latitude A index was 4, 15, 10, 16, 12, 8, and 4, 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
    * May 7 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
    * May 7 -- NCCC Sprint (CW)
    * May 7 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, maximum 20 WPM)
    * May 8 - 9 -- Day of the YLs Contest (CW, phone)
    * May 8 - 9 -- SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest
    * May 8 - 9 -- CQ-M International DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * May 8 - 9 -- VOLTA WW RTTY Contest
    * May 8 - 9 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * May 8 - 9 -- Arkansas QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * May 8 - 9 -- 50 MHz Spring Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * May 9 -- WAB 7 MHz Phone/CW
    * May 10 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * May 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (SSB)
    * May 12 -- 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.
    * May 15 - 16 -- The International DX Convention (online)
    * May 20 - 22 -- Dayton Hamvention (online)
    * June 5 -- ARRL Northwestern Division Convention (SEA-PAC; online)
    * August 13 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama

    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,
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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) 2021 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 Fri May 14 09:05:18 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    May 13, 2021

    * First-Time Exam Applicants Must Obtain FCC Registration Number
    Before Taking Exam
    * Wooden Satellite to Launch by Year's End
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * April 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report Released
    * AMSAT's GOLF-TEE CubeSat Manifested for Launch
    * PSAT2 (NO-104) Satellite VHF Transceiver is Alive with Innovative
    Mode
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Intrepid-DX Group ds Second Physician for Trip to "Cold and
    Inhospitable" Bouvet Island
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * In Brief...
    * Announcements
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    First-Time Exam Applicants Must Obtain FCC Registration Number Before
    Taking Exam

    Beginning May 20, 2021, all amateur examination applicants will be
    required to provide an FCC Registration Number (FRN) to the Volunteer
    Examiners (VEs) before taking an amateur exam. This is

    necessary due to changes the FCC has made to its licensing system.

    Amateur candidates who already have an FCC license, whether for amateur
    radio or another service, and already have an FRN may use the same
    number. All prospective new FCC licensees, however, will be required to
    obtain an FRN before the examination and provide that number to the
    volunteer examiners on the Form 605 license application. An FCC
    instructional video provides step-by-step instructions on how to obtain
    an FRN through the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES).

    The FRN is required for all new applicants to take an amateur exam and
    is used afterward by the applicant to download the license document
    from the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS), upgrade the license,
    apply for a vanity call sign, and to submit administrative updates
    (such as address and email changes) and renewal applications.

    In addition, after June 29, all applications will be required to
    contain an email address for FCC correspondence. Applicants will
    receive an email directly from the FCC with a link to the official
    electronic copy of their license whenever a license is issued or
    changed. ARRL VEC suggests that those without access to email should
    use the email address of a family member or friend. Licensees will be
    able to log in to the ULS using their FRN and password to download the
    latest version of their license at any time. The FCC no longer provides
    paper license documents.
    Wooden Satellite to Launch by Year's End

    The WISA Woodsat project, being sponsored by plywood supplier WISA in
    an unconventional PR initiative, is poised to place a wooden satellite
    into orbit by the end of the year. The idea is to test the suitability
    of treated wood as a low-cost and widely available material for space
    applications. The IARU posting for Woodsat indicates that several
    amateur radio experiments will be on board as well as photo
    downlinking, including selfies.

    The wooden satellite is based on a basic, versatile CubeSat format,
    Kitsat, which is designed with educational use in mind. It retails for
    just $1,500. Based in Finland, the Woodsat project began with students
    across the country contributing parts to a CubeSat launched by balloon.
    The satellite will be a 10-centimeter cube weighing 1 kilogram, covered
    on all sides by coated birch plywood from WISA Plywood. Nine small
    solar cells will power the satellite, which will orbit at an altitude
    of 500 - 550 kilometers.

    As the sponsor explained, "WISA Woodsat will go where no wood has gone
    before. With a mission to gather data on the behavior and durability of
    plywood over an extended period in the harsh temperatures, vacuum, and
    radiation of space in order to assess the use of wood materials in
    space structures."

    Once in orbit, Woodsat will be able to extend a selfie stick to capture
    photographs of the wooden box as it hurtles through space at 40,000
    kilometers (24,800 miles) per hour. This will allow the mission leaders
    to monitor the impact of the environment on the plywood.

    The satellite would downlink its telemetry and images from two cameras
    using amateur radio frequencies.

    "The wooden satellite with a selfie stick will surely bring laughter
    and goodwill," added mission manager Jari Mkinen of Arctic
    Astronautics. "Essentially, this is a serious science and technology
    endeavor. In addition to testing plywood, the satellite will
    demonstrate accessible radio amateur satellite communication; host
    several secondary technology experiments; validate the Kitsat platform
    in orbit, and popularize space technology."

    An April 23 Engineering and Technology article has more information. --
    Thanks to AMSAT News Service via JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM; E&T, and the
    IARU

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 17) is a
    discussion with Ward Silver, N0AX, of the importance of station
    grounding.

    The latest episode of Eclectic Tech (Episode 33), features W1AW Station
    Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, diagnosing and treating several troublesome
    "patients" at ham radio's most famous station.

    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.
    April 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report Released

    The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
    and the FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service.

    A General-class renewal applicant withdrew his application after FCC
    notice that the renewal application would be held up pending review of
    Volunteer Monitor complaints. As a consequence, the Quakertown,
    Pennsylvania, applicant has no operating privileges.

    Twenty-one operators in 14 states received visories because of their
    operation in the March CQ World Wide DX Contest. While making contacts
    with VC3T and VC2W, their LSB signals extended below 7.125 MHz, which
    is the lower limit of the 40-meter amateur phone band.

    Volunteer Monitors participated in a nationwide training program on
    April 7 that was conducted by ARRL and the FCC.

    The Volunteer Monitor Coordinator had two meetings in April with FCC
    Enforcement Bureau personnel.

    The totals for VM monitoring in March were 1,394 hours on HF
    frequencies and 2,515 hours on VHF and above frequencies. -- Thanks to
    Volunteer Monitor Coordinator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH

    AMSAT's GOLF-TEE CubeSat Manifested for Launch

    GOLF-TEE -- the first satellite in AMSAT's "Greater Orbit, Larger
    Footprint" (GOLF) program -- has been put on the manifest for NASA's
    Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) mission 46. AMSAT says the
    goal of the GOLF program is to work by steps through a series of
    increasingly capable spacecraft in learning to develop systems and
    skills needed to achieve successful high-orbit missions. Among these
    are active attitude control and the ability to command attitude
    changes, deployable/steerable solar panels, radiation tolerance for
    commercial, off-the-shelf components in higher orbits, and propulsion.

    "The eventual goal of the GOLF program is a satellite in highly
    elliptical orbit (HEO) similar to AO-10, AO-13, and AO-40, but at an
    affordable cost, combined with significantly enhanced capabilities,
    allowing the use of much less complex ground stations," AMSAT said.

    GOLF-TEE will be a fully-functional low-Earth-orbit VHF/UHF amateur
    satellite, carrying a linear transponder similar to the one flown on
    AO-109.

    The "TEE" in GOLF-TEE stands for "Technology Exploration Environment."
    It reflects GOLF-TEE's mission of testing two primary systems needed
    for higher orbits. First, an attitude determination and control (ADAC)
    system will be tested to allow active pointing of the satellite's
    antennas, which will have significant gain. The other primary goal of
    GOLF-TEE is to gain initial orbit and space radiation exposure for
    radiation event-induced fault tolerant systems designed using
    off-the-shelf components.

    GOLF-TEE will carry an integrated housekeeping unit (IHU)/command
    transceiver designed using the Hercules line of ARM architecture-based
    microcontrollers.

    GOLF-TEE will also evaluate a low-cost, deployable, fixed attitude,
    solar panel array design as part of AMSAT Engineering's exploration of
    fixed panel arrays that allow for outfitting a variable number of
    "wings" in order to best match the power requirements of various
    CubeSat missions.

    ditionally, GOLF-TEE will carry a modified commercial
    software-defined radio (SDR), the Ettus E310, as an experimental
    package to test a high-speed 10 GHz data downlink.

    Donations to the AMSAT GOLF program are welcome. -- Thanks to AMSAT
    PSAT2 (NO-104) Satellite VHF Transceiver is Alive with Innovative Mode

    Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, says the PSAT2 VHF transceiver awoke from an
    8-month slumber on April 26. "We have no idea why. Its telemetry looks
    fine," Bruninga said.

    Voltage is between 6.2 and 7.0 V and exterior temperatures are between
    -18 and 22 C. PSAT2 will not be in Automatic Packet Reporting System
    (APRS) mode, but in a brand-new experimental mode for dual-tone
    multi-frequency (DTMF) uplink (145.980 MHz) and voice downlink.

    "You pre-load your grid and call sign into a 16-digit DTMF memory in
    your radio, and when the satellite hears this it will assign a QSO
    number and QSL the grid by voice and then generate an APRS packet,"
    Bruninga explained.

    There's even a way to send back a DTMF QSL, so you can make it a
    two-way DTMF contact. Successful DTMF grids and messages will appear on
    a special URL on the PSAT2 page.

    To QSL, key in that station's 2-digit QSL number and then dump your
    pre-loaded QSL DTMF message. Bruninga adds, "Read the docs and be sure
    you know what you are doing." A PSAT2 Users Operations Manual is
    available on the PSAT2 web page. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via
    Bob Bruninga, WB4APR

    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.

    W1AW Antenna Farm -- W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q / Tuesday,
    May 18, at 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

    Experience a bird's-eye view and description of the antennas used by
    W1AW for the station's scheduled transmissions and visiting operator
    activity. All the antennas used at W1AW are single-band Yagis. Viewers
    will also see the 5 GHz sector antennas that are part of W1AW's AREDN
    system.

    This Learning Network presentation is sponsored by Icom.

    Ask the Lab: How ARRL's Technical Information Service Can Help You --
    ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI / Tuesday, June 8, at 1 PM EDT
    (1700 UTC)

    Learn all about the ARRL Technical Information Service (TIS) and the
    expert ARRL Laboratory staff who answer thousands of questions each
    year from members. Get tips about projects, suggestions to address
    various station installations, and help for some of your most pressing
    ham radio questions. You'll discover how to search ARRL's extensive
    Periodicals Archive, find helpful articles, read test reports, access
    technical forums, and find answers to technical questions.

    This Learning Network presentation is sponsored by PreppComm.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    Intrepid-DX Group ds Second Physician for Trip to "Cold and
    Inhospitable" Bouvet Island

    "Bouvet is like the Mount Everest of DXCC entities," 3Y0J DXpedition
    co-leader Paul Ewing, N6PSE, said. "It is among the most challenging
    entities to activate due to significant transportation costs and
    personal sacrifices required by the team to make the 42-day round trip.
    Fortunately, Bouvet is not our first mountain." The DXpedition's
    website describes Bouvet as, "a cold and inhospitable place." At 54 S,
    Bouvet Island, a sub-Antarctic island in the South Atlantic and a
    dependency of Norway, is the most remote place on Earth.

    Ewing announced recently that Mike Crownover, AB5EB, a veteran
    emergency room physician, has joined the 3Y0J DXpedition team to pair
    with ER doctor Bill Straw, KO7SS. The DXpedition is set for January -
    February 2023, but the planning stage to activate the
    second-most-wanted DXCC entity is well under way, with the team
    researching polar-quality tents and equipment and discussing antenna
    specifications with various manufacturers.

    "We will make careful choices to help us meet the demand for Bouvet
    contacts," Ewing said. The 3Y0J team has set a goal of making at least
    100,000 contacts from Bouvet. "3Y0J will be a DXpedition with a focus
    on good, fast, and accurate operating. QSO rates will be very high,"
    Ewing said. "We have assembled a team of strong operators who will
    strive to work everyone. We will focus on CW/SSB/digital for the 10 -
    160 meter bands. Our goal is to match our VP8STI/VP8SGI achievement
    with 135,000 contacts made."

    Ewing said that in the later stages of the DXpedition, operators will
    use "proven techniques" to work the weakest of callers. "We will also
    use techniques to work the youth in our audience," he added.

    No real-time log search will be available, but 3Y0J will upload to Club
    Log and to M0OXO Log Search each day, Ewing said.

    The DXpedition has an estimated budget of $764,000, with each team
    member contributing a minimum of $20,000 each. In April, ARRL awarded a
    Colvin Grant of $5,000 to the Intrepid-DX Group to help in funding the
    3Y0J DXpedition. Ewing and ARRL member Ken Opskar, LA7GIA, will share
    DXpedition leadership duties.

    Follow the DXpedition plans from the DXpedition website and Facebook
    page.

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Radio Hams Will Celebrate Minnesota's 163rd Birthday / The Gazette
    (Minnesota), May 7, 2021
    * Local Amateur Radio Club Receives National Award / The Highland
    County Press (Ohio), May 9, 2021
    * Amateur Radio Operators Are Still In High Demand / WTHI-TV NEWS 10
    (Indiana), May 7, 2021
    * One Group's Post-Pandemic Travel Plan: Get As Far Away As Possible
    / The Wall Street Journal, May 6, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    The Amateur Radio Legal Defense and Assistance Committee (ARLDAC) is
    considering hosting a half-day workshop for attorneys at the ARRL 2022
    National Convention in Orlando. This would be for attorneys only, and
    attendees would be eligible to earn continuing legal education (CLE)
    credit in their respective states. It would be held on the afternoon of
    February 10, as part of the Thursday training track sessions for the
    2022 convention. ARLDAC is gauging interest to see if it can come up
    with a core number to make it worthwhile. Interested attorneys should
    email ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, by May
    31, 2021.

    Radio Frequency Interference Seminar Set for May 19 via Zoom ARRL
    Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, will hold a Radio Frequency
    Interference (RFI) seminar via Zoom on Wednesday, May 19, at 2000 UTC.
    His 30-minute slide presentation offers an overview of politics,
    personalities, and technical issues involved in electromagnetic
    interference (EMI) control, as well as causes and cures. A
    question-and-answer session will follow the slide presentation. The
    IEEE EMC Society is sponsoring the event. The link will be posted on
    the IEEE EMC Society website.

    The campaign to save MIT Amateur Radio Club W1MX has succeeded. After a
    years-long process involving countless hours of meeting, writing,
    negotiating, and planning across half a dozen entities within MIT, and
    after an intense, large-scale fundraising campaign to save the W1MX
    station atop the Green Building roof on campus, the club will get to
    keep and improve its station. ditionally, a new radome has been
    installed around the 18-foot "big dish" on the roof. Helping in a big
    way to make this possible was a $1.6 million grant from Amateur Radio
    Digital Communications (ARDC), as well as private donations from
    alumni, members of the MIT community, and friends of amateur radio.
    "Together, we made this happen," MIT ARC President Milo Hooper, AI1XR,
    said. "For this, I can only say thank you!" More information about this
    effort is available on the MIT news website.

    Hams in New Zealand again have access to 60 meters. The New Zealand
    Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) announced recently that
    negotiations with regulator RSM were successful in accommodating
    60-meter operation for New Zealand radio amateurs. Following the end of
    the two-channel 60-meter "trial" in New Zealand during 2020, hams there
    will now have access to a WRC-15 Amateur Secondary Allocation of 5351.5
    - 5366.5 kHz with a maximum allowable power of 15 W EIRP (about 9.14 W)
    by applying for a sub-license. An FAQ on the new licensing system for
    60 meters has been posted. Scan and email your completed form to NZART
    Headquarters. Once acknowledged by return email, applicants may begin
    operation. This trial will be for 12 months, to allow RSM to assess if
    any interference issues arise. If none do, then NZART will negotiate
    with RSM to have the 60-meter band added to the General User Radio
    Licence, eliminating any need for a sub-license in the future. --
    Thanks to Paul Gaskell, G4MWO, Editor, The 5 MHz Newsletter

    A Very High Speed Club special event is active during May. Special
    event call sign OZ60VHSC will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the
    founding of the Very High Speed Club (VHSC) on May 1, 1961. Leading the
    group at its founding were PA0LXL, DL1XA, and DJ4KW, who sought
    operators who could copy at 40 WPM solid for at least 30 minutes,
    encouraging CW traffic in general and QRQ (high-speed) traffic in
    particular. Members sponsor new membership candidates. Some of the 29
    original VHSC members are still active. They include PA0LXL, DJ4KW,
    DJ5ZN, DJ3VY, N9SW, and G3KMQ.

    The W4DXCC DX and Contest Convention is set for September 24 - 25 in
    Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Anyone planning to attend is urged to register
    now. Call the hotel at (865) 428-8350 and indicate that you are
    attending W4DXCC by SEDCO to get a special room rate. (No online hotel
    reservations available.) Purchase convention and banquet tickets
    online. Friday is Ham Radio Bootcamp, for new and experienced hams
    alike. Saturday is the day for the convention and presentations. A ham
    station will be set up for attendees.

    ARRL Life Member Lynn Lamb, W4NL, of Maryville, Tennessee, died on May
    10 following a lengthy illness. He was 83. Lamb co-founded SEDCO W4DXCC
    DX and Contest Convention in 2005. Licensed in 1954, Lamb retired from
    a career with the US Department of Defense (US Navy and Air Force). He
    was a founding member of the National Capitol DX Association (NCDXA)
    and belonged to Potomac Valley Radio Club, the International DX
    Association, and other amateur radio organizations. He was 339/371 in
    the DXCC standings. Lamb was a member of the CQ DX and University of
    Tennessee Amateur Radio Club Halls of Fame. Survivors include his wife
    Rosie, KA4S. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
    (WTISD) on May 17 is "Accelerating Digital Transformation in
    challenging times." The event commemorates the founding of the
    International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the
    first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. Special event
    call signs on the air to mark WTISD include A91WTIS from Bahrain
    and HZ1WTIS in Saudi Arabia, both active May 13 - 17.
    * The Neutron-1 CubeSat team seeks radio amateurs to help
    troubleshoot its satellite. The team theorizes that the satellite
    goes into safe mode intermittently, making communication difficult.
    The satellite has had an operational beacon since deployment, but
    its operation is irregular. Details are on the AMSAT-South Africa
    website.
    * "Legacy" records of single-operator scores before the merging of
    Single Operator and Single Operator Assisted categories for the CQ
    WPX Contest are now available.
    * Steve Babcock, VE6WZ, was one of six presenters at the Contest Club
    of Ontario 2021 Midwinter Zoom virtual meeting. His video of the
    presentation shows how he designed and built his station from
    scratch. It includes many photos and a description of his 160-meter
    transmit array, and his 160-meter receive system, as well as
    station control and switching.
    * A virtual event, "The Senator was a Ham: Barry Goldwater and
    Amateur Radio," will take place Wednesday, May 19, 1800 - 1900
    Arizona/Pacific Time. Registration is requested. Arizona State
    University Professor of History Eric Nystrom will discuss the
    history of Arizona's most famous radio amateur, US Senator Barry
    Goldwater, K7UGA. He was a prime mover among volunteers who
    connected service members stationed in Vietnam with their families
    via ham radio.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity returned last Friday
    and has held steady since. Average daily sunspot numbers rose from 11.9
    to 21.1, and average daily solar flux was up 2.1 points to 74.3.

    Geomagnetic activity was quiet until Wednesday, when the planetary A
    index went to 41, as the result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that
    blasted out of the sun on May 9. It was not expected to be very strong,
    but when it struck on May 12 it sparked a G3-class geomagnetic storm --
    the strongest in the current solar cycle.

    The planetary A index rose to 41, far above an average of 3.8 on the
    previous 6 days. The average daily planetary A index for the May 6 - 12
    reporting week was 9.1, and average middle-latitude A index was 7.4.

    Predicted solar flux over the next month is 76 and 78 on May 13 - 14;
    80 on May 15 - 18; 78 and 77 on May 19 - 20; 79 on May 21 - 22; 80, 79,
    78, 77, and 73 on May 23 - 27; 72 on May 28 - 30; 70 on May 31 - June
    1; 71 and 75 on June 2 - 3; 76 on June 4 - 5; 74 on June 6 - 7; 75 on
    June 8 - 9; 77 on June 10, and 79 on June 11 - 13.

    Predicted planetary A index is 22 and 10 on May 13 - 14; 5 on May 15 -
    16; 16, 14, 8, 10, and 8 on May 17 - 21; 5 on May 22 - June 5; 8, 5,
    and 8 on June 6 - 8, and 8, 5, 12, and 18 on June 9 - 12.

    Electronics Notes included an item recently about Using Sporadic E, Es
    Propagation for Amateur Radio. Also check out this useful online
    sporadic E tool.

    Sunspot numbers for May 6 - 12 were 0, 15, 17, 18, 36, 31 and 31, with
    a mean of 21.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 70.8, 74.5, 71.6, 75.9,
    76.5, 76.1, and 74.7, with a mean of 74.3. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 4, 3, 3, 4, 6, 3, and 41, with a mean of 9.1. Middle
    latitude A index was 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 4, and 25, 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
    * May 15 - 16 -- NZART Sangster Shield Contest (CW)
    * May 15 - 16 -- His Majesty King of Spain Contest (CW)
    * May 15 - 16 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * May 16 -- FISTS Sunday Sprint (CW)
    * May 16 - 17 -- 28 Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * May 19 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (Digital)
    * May 20 -- 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.

    * May 15 - 16 -- The International DX Convention (online)
    * May 20 - 22 -- Dayton Hamvention (online)
    * June 5 -- ARRL Northwestern Division Convention (SEA-PAC; online)
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama

    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
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    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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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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    Free of charge to ARRL members...
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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
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    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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    --- 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 Fri Jul 2 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    July 1, 2021

    * FCC Reaffirms Nearly $3 Million Fine for Marketing Unauthorized
    Drone Transmitters
    * New Section Managers Appointed in Orange and Eastern Washington
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * WISA Woodsat Successfully Completes Stratospheric Test Flight
    * Russian Woodpecker Antenna Array Now a Cultural Heritage Site
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Youth on the Air Camp 2021 to be On the Air and Streaming Selected
    Events Online
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Headquarters will be closed on Monday, July 5, for the
    Independence Day holiday. There will be no W1AW bulletin or code
    practice transmissions. ARRL HQ will reopen on Tuesday, July 6, at 8 AM
    EDT. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    FCC Reaffirms Nearly $3 Million Fine for Marketing Unauthorized Drone
    Transmitters

    In a Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) released June 17, the FCC
    denied a Petition for Reconsideration filed by HobbyKing of a
    $2,861,128 fine for marketing noncompliant RF equipment and for failing
    to respond to FCC orders in its investigation of the company's
    practices. In the same step, the FCC enforced its equipment marketing
    rules. The fine resulted from an FCC investigation initiated by ARRL's
    January 2017 complaint that the HobbyKing equipment was "blatantly
    illegal at multiple levels."

    A representative of the ARRL Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee
    (ECC) stated, "The Forfeiture Order is the final chapter of a story
    that started with a report to the ARRL Board by the EMC Committee in
    2017, as a result of the discovery that aerial drone TV transmitting
    equipment was being imported and marketed without proper FCC
    authorization under FCC Part 15 rules."

    The Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee was credited in the
    complaint with calling attention to the issue and prompting ARRL's
    action.

    As spelled out in ARRL's 2017 complaint, the ARRL Laboratory had
    documented that the operating frequencies of these drone TV
    transmitters near the 1.3 GHz amateur band were dip-switch selectable
    for frequencies internationally assigned for use by Aeronautical
    Navigation, GPS, GLONASS L1, ATC Mode "S," as well as to both the
    interrogation and reply frequencies used for Air Traffic Control
    Air-Route Surveillance "transponder" radar systems.

    ARRL's complaint noted that given the channel configuration, these
    units would not have a legitimate amateur radio use, and that the
    marketing was directed at drone enthusiasts and not to licensed radio
    amateurs. "ARRL Laboratory tests did prove that only one of the seven
    available channels was within the 1.3 GHz amateur band," the ECC
    representative said.

    "This is another example of ARRL not only affirmatively acting to
    protect our members' interests, but also acting to protect the safety
    and security of vital services and the general public," the ECC
    representative said.

    HobbyKing had denied that it was marketing its drone transmitters to US
    customers, but as the ARRL January 2017 complaint pointed out, ARRL
    Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, was able to purchase two drone
    transmitters from HobbyKing for testing in the ARRL Lab. "The FCC noted
    that amateur radio equipment used to telecommand model craft are
    limited to 1 W (1,000 mW), but three transmitters included in the FCC
    investigation operated at significantly higher power levels of 1,500 mW
    and 2,000 mW," ARRL said.

    HobbyKing had told the FCC that it had no notice of the Commission's
    authorization requirements; that the Fifth Amendment relieved HobbyKing
    of its duty to respond; that the forfeiture amount was inappropriate
    because its parent company, Indubitably, Inc., lacked the ability to
    pay to the Forfeiture Order; and that the Commission was time-barred
    from taking action against ABC Fulfillment Services LLC because it was
    not part of HobbyKing's business.

    "Upon review of HobbyKing's Petition for Reconsideration and the entire
    record, we find no basis for reconsideration because the petition fails
    to present new information warranting reconsideration," the FCC said in
    the MO&O.

    HobbyKing is the trade name of two US-based companies that include ABC
    Fulfillment Services LLC and Indubitably, Inc. Read an expanded
    version.
    New Section Managers Appointed in Orange and Eastern Washington

    Carl Gardenias, WU6D, of Perris, California, is retiring as ARRL Orange
    Section Manager (SM) after serving in the position since 2003. His term
    of office had expired at the end of March, but he agreed to continue
    serving as SM until a successor was chosen.

    A re-solicitation for Section Manager nominations in the Orange Section
    was issued this past spring. The only nominee responding by the June 4
    deadline was Bob Turner, W6RHK, also of Perris, California. Turner's
    elected 2-year term of office does not officially begin until October
    1, and Gardenias has said he wished to step down as Section Manager at
    the end of June.

    In accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the ARRL Field
    Organization, ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY, has
    appointed Turner to start his term of office as the Orange Section
    Manager earlier than scheduled, with the appointment effective July 1.
    Walters made his decision after consulting with ARRL Southwestern
    Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA, and Gardenias. Turner has been the
    Section Emergency Coordinator for the past 10 years.

    ARRL Eastern Washington Section Manager Jack Tiley, AD7FO, will be
    stepping down early from his term of office that concludes on September
    30, 2021. Tiley, of Spokane Valley, has been Section Manager for 2 and
    a half years.

    Jo Whitney, KA7LJQ, was the only nominee when the June 4 nomination
    deadline arrived, and she was declared elected. Whitney was initially
    scheduled to start her term of office on October 1, but because Tiley
    is stepping down before the end of his term, Walters -- after
    consulting with ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz, W7VO --
    has appointed Whitney to start her term of office on July 1

    Whitney, of Yakima, has been an ARRL Emergency Coordinator since 2003,
    and she served as a District Emergency Coordinator in 2018 and 2019.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    Check out the May episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 17)
    features a discussion with Ward Silver, N0AX, about the importance of
    station grounding.

    The latest episode of Eclectic Tech (Episode 37) features a discussion
    about the mysterious Schumann Resonances and a chat with Grant Connell,
    WD6CNF, about an interesting Morse sending and receiving application he
    has created for Windows.

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    WISA Woodsat Successfully Completes Stratospheric Test Flight

    The world's first wooden CubeSat successfully completed a test flight
    into the stratosphere earlier this month. WISA Woodsat is constructed
    using birch plywood panels in a 1U configuration measuring 10
    centimeters squared. Nine small solar cells will power the satellite,
    which will orbit at an altitude of 500 - 550 kilometers. The novel
    spacecraft will carry several amateur radio experiments, as well as
    photo downlinking, including selfies. A goal of the project is to
    determine how well wood products will perform in space.

    During the recent test, a functional model of the WISA Woodsat climbed
    19 miles into the sky tethered to a weather balloon. The satellite's
    camera captured a selfie video of the balloon bursting. A parachute
    deployed to take the nanosatellite back to Earth, where it was
    recovered intact, lodged in a spruce tree.

    The test satellite and a duplicate "spare" version, were manufactured
    at UPM Plywood's Savonlinna, Finland, factory. The company sells its
    construction-grade panels under the WISA trademark. The panels were
    thermo-vacuum dried and processed on a CNC machining center.

    The wooden satellite is based on a basic, versatile CubeSat format,
    Kitsat, which is designed with educational use in mind.

    As the sponsor quipped, "WISA Woodsat will go where no wood has gone
    before. With a mission to gather data on the behavior and durability of
    plywood over an extended period in the harsh temperatures, vacuum, and
    radiation of space in order to assess the

    The WISA Woodsat balloon bursts as
    the satellite reaches its maximum
    altitude. The image was taken using
    the spacecraft's selfie stick.

    use of wood materials in space structures."

    Once in orbit, Woodsat will be able to extend its selfie stick to
    capture photographs of the wooden box as it hurtles through space at
    40,000 kilometers per hour (24,800 miles per hour). This will allow the
    mission leaders to monitor the impact of the environment on the
    plywood.

    The satellite would downlink its telemetry and images from two cameras
    using amateur radio frequencies. In addition to testing plywood, the
    satellite will demonstrate accessible radio amateur satellite
    communication; host several secondary technology experiments; validate
    the Kitsat platform in orbit, and popularize space technology.

    Russian Woodpecker Antenna Array Now a Cultural Heritage Site

    The massive Duga-1 antenna array that transmitted the obnoxious and
    infuriating "Russian Woodpecker" HF signal from the 1970s until the
    late 1980s is now a cultural heritage site. The array, located near
    Chernobyl in Ukraine, was part of an over-the-horizon radar (OTH-R)
    system designed to detect and offer early warning of incoming ballistic
    missiles from the US. A complementary receiver site was located some 40
    miles away. While the system was operating, its broad rat-a-tat signal,
    typically at a 10 Hz rate, caused severe interference in the amateur
    bands. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster and the end of the
    Cold War preceded the end of the system and the interference it caused.
    NATO military intelligence discovered and photographed the structure,
    which it dubbed "Steel Yard."

    Nearly 2,300 feet long and more than 450 feet tall, the steel beams of
    the radar array are in the Chernobyl exclusion zone tower above the
    surrounding forest. Seen from a distance, it appears to be a massive
    wall or the start of a cage. As Vice recently reported, the Association
    of Chernobyl Tour Operators was the first to announce that Ukraine had
    made Duga-1 a protected heritage site. The Russian Interfax news
    service later reported the official designation.

    "Our heritage is not only the area around the power plant but also the
    buildings located on its territory," Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukraine's
    Minister of Culture and Information Policy, said in a Telegram thread
    about the announcement. "So now we are working on identifying other

    A Duga array seen from a distance.
    [Ingmar Runge photo]

    objects that should be part of the list of monuments. Our goal is to
    prevent destruction when possible."

    The Soviet Union deployed two similar OTH-R installations -- known and
    Duga-1 and Duga-2 -- the one near Chernobyl and another in eastern
    Siberia. Transmitter power levels were rumored to be in the 10-megawatt
    EIRP range.

    Duga-1 was the focus of a 2015 documentary, The Russian Woodpecker, by
    Chad Gracia. The film includes interviews with Duga Commander Vladimir
    Musiets and others involved in building and operating the OTH-R system.
    The production was a 2015 Sundance Film Festival winner in the
    documentary category. In recent years, the Duga-1 radar has also played
    a role in other films, as well as in various video games and novels.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    Designing Coiled Coax "Ugly" Baluns -- John Portune, W6NBC / Thursday,
    July 8, 2021 @ 8 pm EDT (0000 UTC on Friday July 9)

    Coiled coax baluns are familiar, but not many hams know how to design
    them for maximum efficiency. The many designs available online can be
    confusing, so this presentation will help you learn the following: (1)
    The main function of a balun; (2) Calculating, and not guessing, at the
    amount of coax needed; (3) Self-resonance and frequency limitations.
    The presenter is the February 2021 QST Cover Plaque Award winner for
    his article "Create Your Own 1:1 Coax Choke Balun." Sponsored by
    PreppComm.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Learning with High-Altitude Balloons -- Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and
    Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN / Thursday, July 22, 2021 @ 3:30 pm EDT (2030
    UTC)

    Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, talk about their
    experiences with high-altitude balloons, explain how others can get
    involved in high-altitude balloons, and discuss launching it
    successfully. Their discussion will include how high-altitude balloons
    are a great way to involve more youth in ham radio and how they can be
    a fantastic learning experience for students.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.
    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Youth on the Air Camp 2021 to be On the Air and Streaming Selected
    Events Online

    The first Youth on the Air (YOTA) camp for young radio amateurs in
    North, Central, and South America begins on July 11 in West Chester,
    Ohio. Among other activities, campers will be operating special event
    station W8Y from both the National Voice of America Museum of
    Broadcasting in West Chester Township and from the camp hotel. The camp
    will run until July 16.

    "We are at 23 campers," said Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG. "We are
    very excited to finally bring this program to the Americas. Our young
    people are bringing an incredible lineup of hands-on sessions for their
    peers. We hope this pilot gives us the information we need to replicate
    this camp over multiple locations for years to come. We also hope this
    brings a more robust community of young hams into amateur radio."

    The long-awaited summer camp for up to 30 hams aged 15 through 25 had
    been set to take place in June 2020, but it had to be rescheduled until
    summer 2021 because of COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The camp for young
    hams in the Americas took its cue from the summer Youngsters on the Air
    camps held for the past few years in various IARU Region 1 countries.

    W8Y will be on the air as campers complete projects, between sessions,
    and during free time. Dedicated operating times on HF will be Monday,
    July 12, 0100 - 0330 UTC; Tuesday, July 13, 0000 - 0330 UTC and 1800 -
    2130 UTC. Dedicated satellite station operating times will be Thursday,
    July 15, 1400 - 1700 UTC, and Friday, July 16, 1500 - 1700 UTC.

    An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact is
    currently set for either Wednesday, July 14, at 1503 UTC, or

    KM4BUN operates as K8O
    during YOTA Month 2020.

    Thursday, July 15, at 1416 UTC. It will be streamed live on the Youth
    on the Air YouTube channel. The camp opening observance on Sunday, July
    11, 2100 - 2230 UTC, will feature keynote speaker Tim Duffy, K3LR. The
    hour-long closing ceremony on Friday, July 16, will get under way at
    1700 UTC. The YouTube channel will also feature a daily video
    highlighting the activities of the previous day.

    ARRL and The Yasme Foundation donated project kits for the campers. X
    Tronics provided temperature-controlled soldering stations. The
    brochure on the Youth on the Air website includes more details about
    the camp. For additional information, contact Camp Director Neil Rapp,
    WB9VPG.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity is strong. Average
    daily sunspot number rose from 14 to 34.7, and average daily solar flux
    increased from 79.3 to 86.9. Both figures represent a dramatic increase
    in solar activity.

    Planetary A index went from 5.3 to 6.1, while average daily middle
    latitude A index held steady at 6.1.

    Predicted solar flux is 94 on July 1 - 7; 90 on July 8; 85 on July 9 -
    11; 82 on July 12 - 14; 80 on July 15 - 18; 82 on July 19; 85 on July
    20 - 24; 88 on July 25; 90 on July 26 - 28; 92 on July 29 - August 1;
    90 on August 2, and 85 on August 3 - 7.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12, 8, 12, 8, and 10 on July 1 - 5; 5 on
    July 6 - 8; 8 on July 9 - 10; 5, 15, and 12 on July 11 - 13; 5 on July
    14 - 20; 8 on July 21; 5 on July 22 - 26; 10 on July 27; 5 on July 28 -
    30; 12 on July 31; 5 on August 1 - 4, and 8 on August 5 - 6.

    W9NY reported on June 28:

    "The propagation on 20 meters between my Dune Acres, Indiana, station
    and much of Europe and Asiatic Russia beginning last night at 11 PM and
    continuing for about 2 hours was absolutely amazing. It reminded me of
    10 meters at the peak of prior sunspot cycles. And today there was a
    fair amount of activity on 10 and 6 meters." More details in the Friday
    K7RA Solar Update.

    Sunspot numbers for June 24 - 30 were 11, 25, 16, 32, 50, 56, and 53,
    with a mean of 34.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 80.6, 83.4, 82.4, 87,
    88.6, 92.5, and 94.1, with a mean of 86.9. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 5, 7, 4, 4, 4, 5, and 14, with a mean of 6.1. Middle
    latitude A index was 6, 8, 5, 4, 4, 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 this 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.

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Amateur Radio Club holds two-day event at USS Kidd / The vocate
    (Louisiana) June 27, 2021
    * Amateur radio operators key during Hugo, host field day to practice
    skills / News 19 - WLTX (South Carolina) June 27, 2021
    * Ham operators prepare for hurricane season with field day / Clay
    Today (Florida) June 23, 2021
    * Searching For a 'Fox' in Jackson Park / Times-News (North Carolina)
    June 22, 2021
    * Ham Radio Operators Provide Vital Information When Storms Disrupt
    Communications / Spectrum News Channel 13 (Florida) June 22, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * The Canadian American Net (CANAM) aims to unite hams in the Eastern
    US and Canada. Some 40 amateurs from Canada and the US typically
    check in for each session, and the net accommodates CW and SSB. The
    Canadian-American Net operates 7 days a week on 7.153 MHz, with
    check-in starting at 1300 UTC.
    * The next meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors' Executive
    Committee meeting is July 7 at 11 AM EDT. The ARRL Board of
    Directors will meet July 16 - 17 for its second meeting of the
    year. The agenda for the full Board meeting is available on the
    ARRL website.
    * Radio amateurs in Australia soon will be able to obtain and use 2 *
    1 call signs. Regulator ACMA (Australian Communications and Media
    Authority) will release a bulletin concerning implementation plans.

    * Novice stations in the Netherlands (PD-prefix licensees) may now
    operate with 100 W, instead of 25 W, on 40, 20, and 10 meters. They
    also have access to the entire 40- and 20-meter bands. In addition,
    the Netherlands no longer imposes a minimum age to get a Novice or
    Full License in the Netherlands.
    * EZ Hang has changed ownership. The new proprietor is Chris Fox,
    NI4L, Antennas & Electronics LLC, 3861 Mount Olive Church Rd,
    Moravian Falls, NC 28654. (828) 855-8869.
    * International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 has announced the
    release of an HF band plan and annex incorporating changes agreed
    at the General Conference in October.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    Field Day entries are arriving fast and furious. Three days into the
    Field Day entry submission period (June 30), entries already have
    topped 3,000. ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, says
    201 of these are three-or-more-operator club entries (Class A); 385 are
    one- or two-person club or group entries (Class B); 33 are mobile
    entries (Class C), and 34 entered as EOC stations (Class F). "2,414
    entrants operated from home stations -- 1,831 as Class D (commercial
    power) and 583 as Class E (emergency power)," Bourque said. "Last year,
    there were 10,213 total entrants -- 611 as Class A; 1,086 as Class B;
    134 Class C; 6,318 Class D; 1,980 Class E, and 84 Class F. In 2019,
    before the pandemic, there were 3,113 total entries." -- Thanks to ARRL
    Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE

    The third QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will take place August 14 - 15,
    with presentations available on demand for 30 days. Sponsors promise "a
    flawless experience" that will expose visitors to new ideas, equipment,
    and practical techniques via the vFairs platform used successfully in
    the first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo in August 2020. Some 80 speakers
    have been lined up to offer expert knowledge and information for
    amateurs at all experience levels. A live roundtable video will allow
    attendees to interact with each other and with exhibitors. ARRL is a
    QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner. Registration is now under way, and
    full registration "early bird" tickets are $10. Full registration
    includes access to the entire Expo, including presentations and the
    30-day on-demand period. Free registration includes access to
    exhibitors, prizes, general lounge, and lobbies. Those who registered
    for the March Expo already have a free registration for the August
    Expo.

    Moonbounce enthusiast Steve McDonald, VE7SL, wanted to determine a
    back-to-basics equipment complement for making 2-meter EME contacts. He
    came up with a nine-element Yagi, a 120 W amplifier, and an antenna
    position-control system that offered azimuthal rotation but not
    elevation. The time available to make EME contacts was less than if
    he'd had elevation control. His blog recounts his experience with
    single-Yagi moonbounce. His advice, "If you haven't given single-Yagi
    EME a try, I would encourage you to test it out, as you might be
    surprised at your results." The next ARRL EME Contest weekend is
    October 23 - 24, 2021.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * July 2 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
    * July 2 -- NCCC Sprint (CW)
    * July 3 - 4 -- DL-DX RTTY Contest
    * July 3 - 4 -- Marconi Memorial HF Contest (CW)
    * July 3 - 4 -- Original QRP Contest (CW)
    * July 3 - 4 -- PODXS 070 Club 40-Meter Firecracker Sprint (digital)
    * July 5 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, maximum 20 WPM)
    * July 5 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (CW)
    * July 6 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
    * July 6 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * July 6 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * July 7 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
    * July 7 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * July 7 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW)
    * July 8 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW)
    * July 8 -- RTTYops Weeksprint

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 25 - ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest), West
    Fargo, North Dakota

    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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 Fri Jul 9 09:05:24 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    July 8, 2021

    * First X-Class Major Solar Flare of Solar Cycle 25 Blacks Out HF on
    July 3
    * Amateur Radio Volunteers Prepared for and Tracked Elsa
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * June 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report Released
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Young Caribbean Nation Formalizing Amateur Radio Guidelines and
    Standards
    * [IMG]Announcements
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Registrations Strong for 24th Annual International Lighthouse
    Lightship Weekend
    * NRRL Receives Grants to Support Online Learning, Emergency
    Preparedness
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    First X-Class Major Solar Flare of Solar Cycle 25 Blacks Out HF on July
    3

    For a brief time on July 3, a lot of radio amateurs were wondering,
    "Where did the bands go?" as the first X-class solar flare in 4 years
    blacked out HF propagation for a time.

    "I was on 20-meter FT8, and my waterfall display went from solid red
    signals to solid nothing in the blink of an eye," Scott Craig, WA4TTK,
    told "K7RA Solar Update" Editor Tad Cook, K7RA. "It lasted about 10
    minutes." Craig was not alone.

    "Many American radio amateurs reported sudden HF propagation blackouts
    on Saturday morning, July 3, when solar active region 12838 produced an
    X1.5 major solar flare that reached maximum intensity at 1429 UTC, the
    first X-class solar flare of Solar Cycle 25 and the first since 2017,"
    said Frank Donovan, W3LPL. "HF propagation blackouts are caused when
    x-ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation from X-class solar flares
    strongly ionizes the absorbing D-region in the Earth's sun-facing dense
    lower ionosphere," he explained.

    In this instance, it caused what NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center
    (SWPC) calls an R3-level or "strong" radio blackout (on a scale of R1 -
    R5). An R3 incident can cause a "wide-area blackout of HF radio
    communication [and] loss of radio contact for about an hour on [the]
    sunlit side of Earth. Low-frequency navigation signals degraded for
    about an hour."

    Donovan said that X-class major solar flares are necessary consequences
    of steadily increasing Solar Cycle 25 activity. "95% of all X-class
    solar flares occur when the solar flux index is 90 or greater. The
    remaining 5% can occur any time during the solar cycle," he points out.
    "X1-class major solar flares typically degrade HF propagation for only
    an hour or two at mid and high latitudes, only on Earth's sunlit side."

    X-class major flares are measured on an open-ended scale. The strongest
    one ever recorded was an X28 flare in 2003, hundreds of times more
    powerful than the July 3 X1.5 solar flare. X10-class and stronger solar
    flares typically have effects that last for most of a day and affect
    the entire sunlit side of the Earth. Fortunately, X10-class solar
    flares occur only about once every 20 years or more.

    "Much more severe and long-lasting HF propagation degradations are
    often caused by the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) often associated with
    -- but not caused by -- major solar flares," Donovan explained. "HF
    propagation degradation caused by CMEs typically begins about 2 days
    after the effects of the associated solar flare, the duration of the
    delay depending on interactions between the CME and the solar wind."

    The CME associated with the July 3 X1.5 solar flare is likely to have
    little to no effect on HF propagation going forward, because the active
    region was very close to the western edge of the visible solar disk
    when the CME erupted. Region 12838 rotated off the visible disk on
    Sunday, July 4.

    Solar flares have no significant effect on VHF ionospheric propagation,
    but can degrade satellite communications passing through the
    ionosphere. More frequent, less powerful M-class medium solar flares
    produce short-duration degradation at high latitudes. Very frequent,
    much weaker A-, B-, and C-class solar flares do not degrade HF
    propagation. -- Thanks to Frank Donovan, W3LPL
    Amateur Radio Volunteers Prepared for and Tracked Elsa

    The weather event known as Elsa, a tropical storm that also achieved
    Category 1 hurricane status, prompted actions by ARRL, the Amateur
    Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) as
    the storm set its sights on Florida this week. The storm made landfall
    along the Gulf Coast of northern Florida on July 7, before weakening
    significantly.

    As Tropical Storm Elsa moved up the East Coast, the Eastern New York
    (ENY) and New York-Long Island (NLI) Sections received a request from
    the American Red Cross (ARC) Greater New York Region to have ARES
    groups put on alert from July 9 through July 15.

    "As of now, it's just preliminary planning with no definite plans for
    opening shelters or service delivery sites," Phil Nelson, N2PN,
    Regional Field Communications Manager of ARC Greater New York said on
    July 7.

    "Please stay aware of developing conditions," Eastern New York Section
    Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Dave Galletly, KM2O, urged. "I ask that
    groups in the ENY Southern District prepare for possible deployment in
    support of ARC as of Friday, July 9. Groups in the Central and Northern
    Districts should also keep in touch with weather developments and stand
    by for possible mid to long-term support of Southern District groups."

    On July 6, Northern Florida SEC Karl Martin, K4HBN, activated the ARES
    Net on 3.950 kHz. An open net was activated on SARnet -- a UHF-linked
    repeater network. As the evening developed, the Section saw six
    emergency operations centers and many shelters open. The Northern
    Florida Section stood down from a Level III monitoring activation on
    July 7.

    "ARRL Headquarters and the ARRL Emergency Management Department are
    monitoring the storm's progress and will be ready to assist Sections
    affected by Elsa," ARRL Emergency Management Director Paul Gilbert,
    KE5ZW, assured as the storm approached.

    The Hurricane Watch Net initially activated for Elsa on July 2, after
    it became a Category 1 hurricane.

    "Because the storm was extremely close to Barbados, St. Lucia, and St.
    Vincent, we went into operation to collect and forward weather data to
    the National Hurricane Center in Miami," Net Manager Bobby Graves,
    KB5HAV, said. The HWN reactivated for several hours on July 6, standing
    down after about 8 hours.

    Elsa has produced some wind damage, but the major hazard from the storm
    so far appears to be heavy rain, flooding, and storm surge. Some
    suspected tornadoes have been reported. Elsa is expected to move across
    the southeastern and mid-Atlantic US.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 18) features a
    discussion with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
    about the launch of the new ARRL Learning Center later this month.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 37) features a discussion
    about the mysterious Schumann Resonances and a chat with Grant Connell,
    WD6CNF, about an interesting Morse sending and receiving application he
    created for Windows.

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    June 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report Released

    The June 2021 activity report of the Volunteer Monitoring (VM) Program
    has been released. The VM Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
    and the FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service.
    * The FCC was requested to review a vanity call sign application
    filed by a Georgia licensee because of an apparently false answer
    to the question regarding a felony conviction.
    * A licensee in Massachusetts received an visory Notice concerning
    obscenity and harassment on 160 meters. The FCC will hold for
    review any renewal application filed by this licensee.
    * A General-class licensee in San Antonio, Texas, received an
    visory Notice for operation in the Amateur Extra-class portion of
    the 20-meter band.
    * Licensees in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia
    received visory Notices concerning failure to identify and other
    possible violations as part of a general audit of complaints about
    licensee conduct on 1.938, 3.860, 3.895, and 3.927 MHz.
    * In May, Volunteer Monitors logged 1,514 hours on HF frequencies and
    2,072 hours on VHF frequencies and above.

    The Volunteer Monitor Program ministrator had one meeting with the
    FCC, and two cases were referred to the FCC for further action. One
    case involves a taxi company in Alaska operating on 2 meters. -- Thanks
    to Volunteer Monitor Program ministrator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    Learning with High-Altitude Balloons -- Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and
    Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN / Thursday, July 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930
    UTC)

    Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, talk about their
    experiences with high-altitude balloons and explain how hams can get
    involved in successfully launching balloons. They'll also talk about
    how to make high-altitude balloons a fantastic learning experience for
    students who may want to be involved in ham radio.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    Young Caribbean Nation Formalizing Amateur Radio Guidelines and
    Standards

    With a population just north of 71,000, the Caribbean island of
    Dominica (J7) boasts a modest but active ham radio population. Given
    Dominica's vulnerability to hurricanes, the ham radio emphasis often
    focuses on emergency communications support. In 2017, after Hurricane
    Maria hit the tiny island, ham radio filled a huge telecommunications
    gap. Now the country's telecommunications regulator is asking hams to
    help formulate new amateur radio guidelines and standards. Dominica's
    National Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (NTRC) is collecting
    comments until July 12 from radio amateurs participating in a
    "consultation" (what the US FCC would call a "proceeding") that could
    lead to a formal and better-documented set of rules and regulations.

    "There is limited guidance for those who seek to utilize the
    telecommunications media for their own personal use, enjoyment, and
    fulfillment as [a] hobby, as in the case of amateur radio," the NTRC
    said in the consultation document. "Generally, [amateur radio] is
    self-regulating, and so the involvement of the telecommunications
    regulator is minimized. Though the amateur radio clubs generally do
    their best to provide some level of guidance and support to existing
    and prospective operators, there is great need for a formal and
    comprehensive set of guidelines and standards for the operation of
    Amateur Radio Services in Dominica."

    Resources used in developing the draft proposals included ARRL, the
    FCC's Part 97 amateur radio rules, and the International
    Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    "A primary source for this document was the Code of Federal Regulations
    (Title 47, Part 97), due to its comprehensiveness and its informal
    adoption in certain parts by the local amateur radio fraternity," the
    NTRC said. Specific ARRL resources included The ARRL FCC Rule Book; The
    ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs, and The ARRL Handbook for
    Radio Communications. The regulators also

    Joseph Raymond, J73RJ, during an
    emergency preparedness exercise.

    looked at Canada's and Australia's amateur radio rules. The proposals
    would provide for three license classes -- Novice, General, and
    vanced -- as well as licensing procedures for each.

    The NTRC held a public meeting via Zoom in mid-June to "highlight and
    clarify important issues" regarding the consultation. NTRC personnel
    later met with amateur radio club representatives at the NTRC's office.
    Under Telecommunications Act No. 8 of 2000 and its associated
    regulations, the NTRC oversees compliance with all telecommunication
    rules in Dominica, including amateur radio. The NTRC also manages
    amateur radio spectrum.

    Following the initial comment period, the NTRC will review the comments
    and subsequently submit the Revised Draft Amateur Radio Guidelines and
    Standards document for comments on the initial comments received. The
    NTRC will also review those comments and finalize the policy document,
    taking all views into consideration, to adopt and publish the Amateur
    Radio Guidelines and Standards document.

    Announcements
    * The Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) has posted a complete
    copy of Where Do We Go Next by Martti Laine, OH2BH.
    * The IARU Region 2 Executive Committee has released a report of its
    May 26 meeting. The EC meets quarterly to discuss items of
    importance to the Americas.
    * Bill Leal, VE3ES, in Windsor, Ontario, is now active as VE3VACCINE
    until July 15. The activity is to encourage people to get
    vaccinated against COVID-19. Operations have been on 30, 20, 10,
    and 6 meters using SSB and FT8/FT4.
    * am Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ, has been elevated to a Senior Member of
    IEEE. "This is a great recognition for a professional career which
    spanned nearly 40 years," Farson said.
    * IARU Region 1 Vice President Faisal al-Ajmi, 9K2RR/W2RRR, has died
    following a prolonged hospitalization with COVID-19. Faisal was
    Region 1 Vice President since 2014 and was described by IARU as "an
    energetic and active supporter of amateur radio in the Arab world
    and globally. He was also an accomplished and successful
    contester."
    * The RV Braveheart, which has provided maritime transportation for
    numerous DXpedition teams over the years, is up for sale. The
    asking price is $250,000.

    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 operator earns society's Lifetime Achievement Award /
    Monroe Journal (Mississippi) July 6, 2021
    * American Radio Relay League is planning a Rededication of
    Operations / New Britain Herald (Connecticut) July 1, 2021
    * Poway amateur radio enthusiasts hold 24-hour event / San Diego
    Union-Tribune (California) June 30, 2021
    * Bouncing signals off the moon: Amateur Radio Club draws young and
    experienced 'ham' operators / The Dispatch (Mississippi) June 29,
    2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    Registrations Strong for 24th Annual International Lighthouse Lightship
    Weekend

    Set for August 21 - 22, the 24th annual International Lighthouse
    Lightship Weekend (ILLW) will be back, despite the disruption of the
    global COVID-19 pandemic. Each year, typically on the third weekend of
    August, participants set up portable stations at or near lighthouses
    and lightships around the world. Last year, prospects for the event
    were looking dim, but "regular supporters wanted the event to be a
    beacon of hope," the event's sponsor said. More than 360 registrations
    from 43 countries backed up their belief. As of July 8, this year's
    registration tally had already topped 200, with 25 participants signed
    up to activate lighthouses or lightships in the US. The ILLW typically
    attracts entries for some 500 lighthouses in more than 40 countries.
    The event has few rules and is not a typical contest-type event. The
    ILLW will begin at 0001 UTC on August 21 and continue through 2400 UTC
    on August 22.

    Each station's operators decide how they will operate their station
    with respect to modes and bands. There are no power restrictions or
    entry classes and no scores.

    "We wish operators to enjoy themselves and have fun while making
    contact with as many amateur radio stations as possible," ILLW said in
    the event announcement. "We request that stations take time to work
    other lighthouses or lightships, as well as the slow operators or newly
    licensed or QRP stations." Participants contact the relevant
    authorities to obtain permission to operate. It is within the
    guidelines of the event to move operations from a lighthouse to a
    museum for historic reasons. In any case, the lighthouse should be
    visible to, and visited by, the public wherever possible.

    Visit the ILLW website for more detailed information.
    NRRL Receives Grants to Support Online Learning, Emergency Preparedness

    The Norwegian Radio Relay League (NRRL) has recently received two
    substantial grants that will further its education and emergency
    preparedness programs. NRRL was given nearly $81,500 from the Research
    Council of Norway for the development of teaching material for amateur
    radio. According to NRRL, the grant will fund measures that "strengthen
    children's and young people's digital competence through leisure
    activities." NRRL will develop online learning material for amateur
    radio and other activities over the course of the 2-year project.

    "Voluntary efforts from NRRL members will also be an important input
    factor in the project," NRRL said. "We hope that many will take an
    active part in this work, which will be important for the future of
    amateur radio in Norway."

    NRRL has also received a grant of nearly $94,000 from the Gjensidige
    Foundation that will further support its emergency preparedness and
    response initiatives. The funds will specifically enable NRRL to
    develop and produce new tracking units that NRRL will use in its rescue
    service to locate volunteer teams on a map and in real time. In
    addition, the funds will support much-needed equipment and joint
    exercises and skills development.

    "Volunteer rescue crews have been a critical part of the Norwegian
    rescue service for more than 50 years," said NRRL's Liaison Service
    head, Henrik Solhaug, LA6ETA. "In close cooperation with the police and
    the Main Rescue Center, they have, over the years, searched for and
    found thousands of missing individuals and saved hundreds of lives.
    These are tasks that the public sector itself does not have the
    capacity to perform, and volunteers have largely covered the costs
    themselves." -- Thanks to NRRL
    In Brief...

    To keep member records up to date, ARRL emailed Life Members on June
    16. A follow-up email will be sent in the next few days, asking them to
    verify their mailing address. Be assured that it is a legitimate
    request sent from ARRL. Thank you to all those who responded. If you
    need to update your address information, call (860) 594-0200, email
    membership@arrl.org, or respond to the email you received. If your
    email client does not recognize the text as a link, you will need to
    cut and paste it into a web browser to access the verification web
    page.

    The QSO Recorder Indexing Service lets you hear your contacts.
    Developed by Vasiliy Gokoyev, K3IT, the QSO Recorder Indexing Service
    (QSORDEX) allows radio amateurs to share their contest and DXpedition
    contact audio recordings. Users then can search the site to retrieve
    them by call sign. Audio files are in .mp3 format, saved according to
    the system's naming convention, and then uploaded to the Dropbox.com
    file-hosting service. The site itself does not store any files; it only
    indexes them. To add your own contacts, register at Dropbox.com and
    download and install the Dropbox PC client. A free 2 GB Dropbox account
    can store approximately 12,000 contacts, although users may purchase
    additional space above what is provided with a free account. See the
    QSOrder website for additional details.

    The CHESS CubeSats will not carry amateur radio payloads. It was
    announced in January that two CHESS CubeSats set for launch in 2022
    would carry amateur radio linear transponders. The project sponsors
    announced on June 10, however, that neither CHESS satellite would
    include an amateur radio payload. Citing funding constraints, CHESS
    project management had to move the project toward a purely scientific
    program using a commercial CubeSat platform, which has less space for
    the planned ham radio transponders. CHESS project management also will
    not use frequencies allocated to the Amateur Satellite Service, but
    will use Earth exploration or experimental UHF and X-band frequencies.
    "The ham community, which assured the funding of the transponder, is
    very disappointed by this decision but must accept it," the project
    team said in a news release. "Such projects always carry risks of one
    partner changing its mind. That is what happened here. Many thanks to
    all who have actively supported the transponder project, especially the
    AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL team."

    A filing extension has been granted in the FCC space launch proceeding
    The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology has granted a 30-day
    extension for filing comments and reply comments on the Further Notice
    of Proposed Rulemaking in the Non-Federal Space Launch, Federal Earth
    Stations, and Federal Space Station proceedings (ET Docket 13-115).
    Comments will now be due by August 11, and reply comments will be due
    by September 9. As announced in June, the FCC is soliciting a second
    round of comments on whether to authorize commercial space entities to
    obtain licenses for frequencies used exclusively during space launch
    activities. The proposals include parts of the 70-centimeter (420 - 430
    MHz) and 5-centimeter (5650 - 5925 MHz) bands.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports:

    Solar activity continues to increase. The average daily sunspot number
    was 34.7 last week; this week it jumped to 55.6. Average daily solar
    flux increased from 86.9 to 88.9.

    Despite solar flare activity pushing a sudden ionospheric disturbance
    and a dramatic HF radio blackout (see "First X-Class Major Solar Flare
    of Solar Cycle 25 Blacks Out HF on July 3"), at least the average daily
    planetary A index for the week was only 5.7, down from 6.1 last week.
    The average middle latitude A index was also 6.1 last week, and it was
    6.3 this week.

    The flare was an X1.5-class event, the biggest since September 2017 and
    the only X-Class solar flare since then. Events such as this can be so
    dramatic that some may initially assume a hardware or antenna failure.
    Fortunately, these are rare.

    Predicted solar flux is 76 on July 8; 74 on July 9 - 11; 72 on July 12
    - 13; 70 and 74 on July 14 - 15; 82 on July 16 - 18; 84 on July 19; 88
    on July 20 - 22; 90 on July 23 - 28; 88 on July 29 - August 2; 84 on
    August 3; 82 on August 4 - 5, and 80 on August 6 - 11.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5, 8, 12, 8, 12, 16, and 8 on July 8 -
    14; 5 on July 15 - 17; 15, 12, and 10 on July 18 - 20; 5 on July 21 -
    31; 10 and 8 on August 1 - 2; 5 on August 3 - 5; 15 and 12 on August 6
    - 7, and 5 on August 8 - 13.

    Sunspot numbers for July 1 - 7 were 56, 72, 81, 60, 43, 52, and 25,
    with a mean of 34.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 94.1, 94.9, 93.7,
    91.1, 89.4, 83.2, and 76, with a mean of 86.9. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 7, 5, 4, 3, 7, 8, and 6, with a mean of 6.1. Middle
    latitude A index was 7, 6, 4, 4, 9, 8, and 6, 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 this 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 10 - 11 -- IARU HF World Championship (CW, phone)
    * July 10 - 11 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * July 11 -- QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint (CW)
    * July 12 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * July 14 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * July 14 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
    * July 15 -- 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.
    * August 7 -- Pacific Northwest DX Convention (Virtual on Zoom)
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 25 - ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest), West
    Fargo, North Dakota

    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
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    editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.

    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Jul 16 09:05:02 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    July 15, 2021

    * ARRL Headquarters Holds Rededication Ceremony
    * Most 2021 Field Day Participants Entered in Class D
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Youth on the Air Campers Enjoy Successful ISS Contact, Busy with
    Other Activities
    * Announcements
    * Next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo to Offer Nearly 100 Speakers, 18
    Topic Tracks
    * 40th Annual ARRL-TAPR Digital Communications Conference Set
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * In Brief...
    * Getting It Right!
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Headquarters Holds Rededication Ceremony

    On Thursday, July 15, at 10 AM EDT, ARRL Headquarters in Newington,
    Connecticut, hosted a rededication ceremony, recognizing ARRL's
    commitment to all radio amateurs who enhance the communications
    capability and security of the nation. The event

    The ARRL ceremony was kicked off by
    18-year-old Jacob Gionfriddo,
    KC1LYP, a 2021 ARRL Foundation
    Scholarship winner and recent
    graduate of Newington High School.
    He will be attending Central
    Connecticut State University this
    fall to study electronics and
    technology.

    coincided with the attendance of ARRL's all-volunteer Board of
    Directors, who had traveled in from across the country for in-person
    committee and Board meetings this week.

    "Associations advance America," ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR,
    said in his remarks. "Associations bring people together around a
    common purpose. For ARRL and our members, that purpose is amateur
    radio... Over the last year, I have witnessed the extraordinary
    dedication of ARRL members, our staff, and our Board of Directors.
    Without skipping a beat, we have worked together to equip our members
    with the opportunities they need to serve an active and vibrant Amateur
    Radio Service for our country." Roderick also recognized members of
    ARRL's Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) for serving their
    communities with essential communications When All Else Fails^(R).

    US Congressman John B. Larson (left)
    presents ARRL CEO David Minster,
    NA2AA, with a Congressional
    Recognition for "the dedicated and
    phenomenal service that the ARRL and
    its members" provide.

    In his remarks, ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, reflected on the
    commitment made to maintain the organization's operations for the
    benefit of its members during the pandemic. "That we were able to
    continue proudly and passionately serving our members and our nation
    through these challenges speaks to the resilience of our organization,
    and the commitment of our volunteers and staff."

    The event also included remarks by Connecticut District 1 US
    Congressman John B. Larson; Connecticut State Senator Matt Lesser, and
    Glenn A. Field, KB1GHX, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the
    National Weather Service Boston/Norton office in Massachusetts. Also in
    attendance were representatives of the American Red Cross; the
    Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection; the
    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU); Radio Amateurs of Canada;
    Connecticut General Assembly; the Town of Newington, and ARRL Officers,
    Board members, and staff.

    A video of the rededication ceremony is posted on ARRL's YouTube
    channel.
    Most 2021 Field Day Participants Entered in Class D

    In the second ARRL Field Day (FD) with rule waivers in place, some
    4,815 entries were received at ARRL Headquarters by July 13 -- the
    majority in Class D (Home Stations). Last year saw more than 10,213
    entries and 18,886 participants. Before the pandemic, in 2019, 3,113
    entries were submitted, with 36,420 total participants.

    "It appears that larger groups were more the norm in pre-pandemic
    times, as expected," ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE,
    observed. "From the discussions I've been having with participants,
    even though some groups gathered in larger numbers this year, many
    participants chose either to gather in smaller groups or to operate
    solo from home as Class D or Class E stations. Although I don't think
    we'll see the number of entries that we did last year, we're close in
    terms of the number of participants."

    With about 2 weeks to go until the entry submission deadline, the tally
    of participants reported is 16,166. They made just north of 1 million

    Andy Goss, AA5JF, took part in
    the first Field Day for the
    Augusta University Amateur
    Radio Club (WA4AUG), which set
    up in the Georgia school's
    Critical Event Preparedness
    and Response (CEPaR) Center.

    total contacts.

    "FD was already a success on Saturday, with the stations working
    smoothly, and lots of local visitors dropping by," said Andy Goss,
    AA5JF, at Augusta University Amateur Radio Club's WA4AUG. "An hour
    after sunrise on Sunday, we were counting our points, when Darby,
    KK4PEQ, announced he had just worked a station on 6-meter phone -- just
    playing around on 50 MHz using the 20/15/10 tribander," Goss said. "He
    stayed on 6 [meters] for five QSOs, but we quickly [moved] to 10 and
    15, finding those bands were open to just about everywhere, and we
    doubled our score in just 3 hours. What a rush!"

    FD Entries are Due Soon

    There's still time to submit your 2021 Field Day entry. Most of this
    year's Field Day entries have been submitted via the online web app
    (worth 50 bonus points!), although some 50 paper logs have been mailed
    in. Participants can check the Entries Received page to make sure their
    entries were received and complete. If the entry status indicates
    "Pending documents," either the required dupe sheet (or in lieu of
    that, a Cabrillo log file), or supporting documentation of claimed
    bonus points is missing. Bourque said some 250 entries fall into that
    category right now. Participants can add documentation or edit their
    entries by following the link provided in the confirmation email sent
    to the email

    Scott Hanley, WA9STI, operated in
    the Los Padres National Forest from
    a site at 7,400 feet elevation.

    address provided upon entry, up until the entry submission deadline.
    Field Day entries must be submitted online or postmarked no later than
    2059 UTC on July 27, 2021.

    The breakdown of Field Day entries by class, as of July 13, showed
    4,815 total entries, with 613 in Class A, 582 in Class B, 57 in Class C
    (Mobile), 2,619 in Class D, 858 in Class E, and 86 in Class F.

    For his 2021 Field Day, Scott Hanley, WA9STI, took to the woods -- the
    Los Padres National Forest -- at a site some 7,400 feet elevation in
    the mountains overlooking California's Central Valley. He operated as
    WA6LE in Class 1B. He put 358 contacts in the log on CW and phone --
    short of his 400-contact goal. "Almost all activity was on 20, 40, and
    75/80 meters to a G5RV or end-fed 20-meter dipole," Hanley said. "Six
    meters did not open, so I only had two local SSB contacts and only
    three contacts on 2-meter FM."

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 19) features a
    discussion with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
    about the launch of the new ARRL Learning Center later this month.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 38) features a discussion
    with Dr. Brian Callahan, AD2BA, about his work in sending binary data
    via Morse code. The episode also includes a brief discussion of the
    pros and cons of leaving your station computer powered up for prolonged
    periods.

    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 (a members-only benefit) to register,
    check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.

    Learning with High-Altitude Balloons -- Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and
    Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN / Thursday, July 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930
    UTC)

    Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, discuss their
    experiences with high-altitude balloons and explain how others can
    launch them successfully. The discussion will also focus on using
    high-altitude balloons to engage youth in ham radio and create learning
    experiences for students.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Youth on the Air Campers Enjoy Successful ISS Contact, Busy with Other
    Activities

    The first Youth on the Air (YOTA) camp for young radio amateurs in the
    Americas is under way in West Chester, Ohio. Among other activities,
    the campers have been operating special event station W8Y from both

    Opening ceremony of the Youth on
    the Air (YOTA) camp.

    the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting and from the camp
    hotel. The camp wraps up with an hour-long closing ceremony on Friday,
    July 16.

    "Things are going really well," said Camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG.
    The earlier launch of a balloon carrying a ham radio payload was
    successful, he said, and -- after pinpointing where the payload landed
    some 3 hours away -- the campers were able to retrieve the package,
    thanks to some understanding landowners. Rapp said the balloon reached
    approximately 100,000 feet.

    Rapp said that campers have gotten along well from the first day, and
    problems in general have been few and minor.

    Several of the approximately two dozen campers got to ask questions of
    ISS crew member Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI, during a Tuesday Amateur Radio
    on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. Responding to a
    query posed by Graham, KO4FJK, Hoshide said the most interesting things
    he's seen from space included flying through an aurora and looking down
    at shooting stars from the ISS. He also said the ISS crew was able to
    view a partial lunar eclipse from space.

    Another camper, am, KD9KIS, wanted to know how often the ISS crew
    members use the onboard ham station.

    Leah, KD9LFZ, asks a question of
    astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI,
    at NA1SS on the ISS.

    Hoshide said individual crew members may get on the radio every couple
    of weeks or so, or as the opportunity arises.

    "This ARISS contact is intended to inspire these young hams to learn
    more about communication using amateur satellites and making ARISS
    radio contacts," ARISS said in announcing the contact date. ARISS team
    member John Sygo, ZS6JON, in South Africa, served as the telebridge
    relay station for the late-morning event, which was streamed live via
    YouTube.

    Rapp said he's hoping this pilot camp venture will provide the
    information needed to replicate the camp over multiple locations for
    years to come. "We also hope this brings a more robust community of
    young hams into amateur radio," he added.

    The long-anticipated summer camp for up to 30 hams, aged 15 through 25,
    was set for last June, but it had to be rescheduled until summer 2021
    because of COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The camp for young hams in the
    Americas took its cue from the summer Youngsters on the Air camps held
    for the past few years in various IARU Region 1 countries.

    The Region 2 camp is aimed at helping participants to take their ham
    radio experience to the next level by exposing them to a variety of
    activities and providing the opportunity to meet other young hams.
    Activities include kit building, antenna building, transmitter hunting
    and

    Kit building.

    direction finding, operating with digital modes, and launching a
    high-altitude balloon. Amateur satellite operation is one of the
    workshops provided. Others include effective radio communication, local
    ham radio history, and using amateur radio during emergencies. The
    YouTube channel features daily highlight videos.

    W8Y has been on the air as campers complete projects, between sessions,
    and during free time, although some late-evening slots have been on the
    schedule.

    The camp's opening observance on Sunday featured keynote speaker Tim
    Duffy, K3LR, who told the campers, "Amateur radio is the best hobby in
    the world."

    Campers also saw a video presentation by International Amateur Radio
    Union Region 1 Youth Working Group chair Philipp Springer, DK6SP.

    ARRL and The Yasme Foundation donated project kits for the campers.
    XTronics provided temperature-controlled soldering stations. The
    brochure on the Youth on the Air website includes more details about
    the camp. -- Thanks to ARISS for some information

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * [IMG]Fedor Konyukhov, R0FK, recently left Murmansk on an
    icebreaker, and when he reaches the North Pole, he will be on a
    drifting polar ice station for 10 days, conducting scientific
    research. Listen for him on 14.333 MHz, starting at 0400 UTC.

    * The Canadian American Net (CANAM) aims to unite hams in the eastern
    US and Canada. Some 40 amateurs from Canada and the US typically
    check in for each session, and the net accommodates CW and SSB. The
    Canadian-American Net operates 7 days a week on 7.153 MHz, with
    check-in starting at 1300 UTC.
    * Rudy Bakalov, N2WQ, of Westport, Connecticut, has been appointed to
    the ARRL Contest visory Committee (CAC). Licensed in his early
    teens as LZ1KBD, Bakalov developed his enthusiasm for contesting at
    LZ1V. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the
    Technical University of Sofia (Bulgaria). He attended the MBA
    program at Wake Forest University.
    * Roy Lewallen, W7EL, says that after 31 years of "developing,
    selling, and supporting EZNEC and its predecessor, ELNEC," he is
    retiring. Starting on January 1, 2022, EZNEC Pro/2 will be free,
    and may be copied and distributed. He will no longer support the
    software.


    Next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo to Offer Nearly 100 Speakers, 18 Topic
    Tracks

    The third QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is a month away. The live event
    takes place over the August 14 - 15 weekend, and presentations will
    remain available on demand for 30 days. Sponsors predict that the event
    will be "a great experience" for those wanting to improve their
    knowledge of amateur radio as well as of cutting-edge ham radio
    technology and practical techniques. ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham
    Expo partner.

    "At the Expo, you can listen and engage with almost 100 internationally
    recognized ham radio luminaries on approximately 18 different topic
    areas -- there is something for everyone," the sponsors say. "Topics
    include antennas and transmission lines; build-a-thons; contesting/DX;
    controllers; digital voice mode; emergency communications; filters and
    tuned circuits; the future of amateur radio; ham history; HF digital
    modes; new licenses; power amplifiers; propagation; radio astronomy;
    software and services; space and satellites; test and measurement, and
    youth in amateur radio."

    A complete list of speakers at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is posted
    on the event's website. These are some examples:
    * In the "Antennas and Transmission Lines" presentation, August
    Hansen, KB0YH, will focus on such topics as small transmitting loop
    design and STLcalc, an open-source design aid for STL and magnetic
    loop antennas that can respond to user's changing needs and design
    goals.
    * Geoffrey Mendenhall, W8GNM, will address the topic, "Compromise
    Beverage Antennas Hear Better Than You Think." The presentation
    focuses on overcoming non-ideal terrain and space limitations.
    * "Fun with HF QRP Pedestrian Mobile," with Peter Parker, VK3YE, will
    offer a look at two antennas for HF pedestrian mobile, and the
    results possible with such an operation.
    * Ham radio author Don Keith, N4KC, will present "Top 5
    Get-On-The-Air-Quick Antennas," which offers recommendations for
    the simplest, most effective antennas to consider.
    * Within the "New License -- Now What" track, the presentation "HF
    Noise Mitigation" will describe various noise sources and how to
    mitigate noise using a variety of techniques.
    * Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, will discuss "Technician Licensees, Life
    Beyond Local Repeaters." Participants will explore the world of
    activities, modes, and bands available outside of repeater
    operation.

    There's no limit on the number of topics and tracks that QSO Today
    Virtual Ham Expo visitors may view. Return any time within 30 days to
    (re)view any presentation, as well as to explore exhibitor offerings.

    "Early bird" tickets are $10 ($12.50 "at the door"). Access to only the
    exhibitor area is free.
    40th Annual ARRL-TAPR Digital Communications Conference Set

    The 40th annual ARRL-TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) will
    be held online September 17 - 18. Registered DCC attendees
    participating via Zoom will be able to interact with presenters and
    other attendees via a chat room and have the option to "raise a virtual
    hand" to ask questions. You may register to attend, but non-registered
    participants can view the livestream on YouTube at no cost, as well as
    chat and ask questions via the moderator monitoring the channel.

    Registration is free for TAPR members and $30 for non-members. (Members
    receive a 100% discount at checkout.) Non-members who would like to
    join TAPR and receive the free DCC pass can add TAPR membership and DCC
    registration to their shopping carts. After checkout, they will receive
    the free DCC pass when their membership is processed.

    The DCC is soliciting technical papers for presentation and for
    publication in the Conference Proceedings. Authors do not need to
    participate in the conference to have their papers included in the
    Proceedings. The submission deadline for papers is August 15. Submit
    papers via email to Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB. Papers will be published
    exactly as submitted, and authors will retain all rights.

    Conference papers will be distributed as PDFs to participants. Printed
    copies of the papers will be available for sale at Lulu (URL to be
    determined).

    Speakers are invited to deliver presentations on topics of interest
    without submitting papers for the Conference Proceedings.

    All speakers and presenters should contact Steve Bible, N7HPR, to
    reserve a slot for a presentation. Indicate whether you need a 15- or
    30-minute slot, and whether you need to present on a specific day. A
    pre-recorded presentation may be submitted in lieu of a live virtual
    presentation.

    Paper and presentation topic areas include, but are not limited to,
    software-defined radio (SDR), digital voice, digital satellite
    communication, digital signal processing (DSP), HF digital modes,
    adapting IEEE 802.11 systems for amateur radio, Global Positioning
    System (GPS), Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), Linux in
    amateur radio, AX.25 updates, internet operability with amateur radio
    networks, TCP/IP networking over amateur radio, mesh and peer-to-peer
    wireless networking, emergency and homeland defense, and backup digital
    communications using amateur radio.

    hoc "lightning talks" on various topics of interest will be
    announced throughout the conference, and registered attendees will be
    able to participate in any lightning talk that interests them. Hardware
    and software demonstrations will be conducted during the DCC by means
    of Zoom's breakout room feature. -- Thanks to Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Amateur (Ham) Radio Field Day: Testing Readiness for Emergencies /
    Soundings Magazine (California) July 8, 2021
    * 'Goal-oriented' 86-year-old Minnesota twin sisters have mastered
    everything from computers to canoeing / StarTribune (Minnesota)
    July 6, 2021
    * American Radio Relay League is planning a Rededication of
    Operations / New Britain Herald (Connecticut) July 1, 2021
    * Poway amateur radio enthusiasts hold 24-hour event / San Diego
    Union-Tribune (California) June 30, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity declined this week --
    by a lot. Average daily sunspot number plummeted from 55.6 to 21.3, and
    average daily solar flux slid from 88.9 to 72.9.

    Geomagnetic indicators were about the same, with average daily
    planetary A index at 6.6, although the daily value increased to 14 on
    Wednesday, July 14, due to increasing solar wind.

    Predicted solar flux is 72 on July 15; 75 on July 16 - 21; 78 on July
    22; 79 on July 23 - 28; 77 on July 29 - August 1; 75 on August 2; 74 on
    August 3 - 9; 73 on August 10 - 11; 75 on August 12 - 15, and 79, 81,
    and 79 on August 16 - 18.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8 on July 15; 5 on July 16 - August 1; 8
    on August 2; 5 on August 3 - 7; 12, 16, and 12 on August 8 - 10; 8 on
    August 11 - 12, and 5 on August 13 - 31.

    In Friday's bulletin, look for reports of sporadic-E openings on 10, 6,
    and 2 meters.

    Sunspot numbers for July 8 - 14 were 23, 23, 24, 23, 22, 11, and 23,
    with a mean of 21.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.4, 73.8, 74, 73.6,
    71.6, 72, and 72.1, with a mean of 72.9. Estimated planetary A indices
    were 5, 5, 6, 4, 7, 5, and 14, with a mean of 6.6. Middle-latitude A
    index was 5, 7, 8, 4, 7, 7, and 10, with a mean of 6.9.

    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 this 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 next Youngsters on the Air Contest is July 18. Following the
    success of the first Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) Contest in May, the
    second event is this Sunday, July 18, 1000 - 2200 UTC. Organizers say
    100 YOTA logs showed up for the inaugural round from operators 25 years
    old or younger. Including veteran hams, 700 logs were submitted by the
    deadline. The scores are posted on the YOTA Contest website. YOTA
    Contests are held three times a year, each lasting just 12 hours, with
    the idea of increasing on-the-air activity and awareness of the YOTA
    program. The contest exchange is operator age, with each age worked
    counting as a different multiplier. The younger the operator you work,
    the more points that contact is worth. Email for more information.

    The Summer 2021 AM QSO Party is set for this weekend. The Amplitude
    Modulation Amateur Radio Society and the AM Amateur Radio Europe
    Facebook group have announced the Summer 2021 AM QSO Party will take
    place from 1800 UTC on July 16 until 1800 UTC on July 18. While this is
    primarily an event for European hams, all are welcome.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Getting It Right!

    A sentence in the article "First X-Class Major Solar Flare of Solar
    Cycle 25 Blacks Out HF on July 3," in the July 8 edition of The ARRL
    Letter, incorrectly characterized the mechanism of the phenomenon. HF
    propagation blackouts are caused when x-ray and extreme ultraviolet
    radiation from X-class solar flares strongly ionizes the absorbing
    D-region in Earth's sun-facing dense lower atmosphere. The top layer of
    the atmosphere is not involved.

    The article "Amateur Radio Volunteers Prepared for and Tracked Elsa,"
    in the July 8 edition of The ARRL Letter, busted the title of Eastern
    New York Section Emergency Coordinator Dave Galletly, KM2O.

    The RV Braveheart is a better deal that we thought. The $250,000 price
    tag cited in an "Announcements" item in the July 8 edition of The ARRL
    Letter was in New Zealand dollars, which works out to about $175,000 in
    US dollars. -- Thanks to Ned, KH7JJ

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * July 17 -- Russian Radio Team Championship (CW, phone)
    * July 17 -- Trans-Tasman Low-Bands Challenge (CW, phone)
    * July 17 -- YOTA Contest (CW, phone)
    * July 17 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * July 17 - 18 -- North American QSO Party, RTTY
    * July 17 - 18 -- CQ Worldwide VHF Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * July 18 -- RSGB Low Power Contest (CW)
    * July 18 -- CQC Great Colorado Gold Rush (CW)
    * July 18 - 19 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * July 22 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship (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.
    * August 7 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention (Cedar Valley ARC Techfest),
    Central City, Iowa
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 25 - ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest), West
    Fargo, North Dakota

    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...
    * Subscribe to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency
    communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest
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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) 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 Fri Jul 23 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    July 22, 2021

    * Board Creates Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee
    * Amateur Radio Responds to Flooding in Western Europe
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * ARRL 2020 Annual Report Now Available to Download
    * FCC Investigating Alleged Jamming on 40 Meters
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * ARRL Announces Leadership Changes in the Central Division
    * Massachusetts Court Okays Amateur Radio Tower, Citing Board of
    Appeals' Error
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Board Creates Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee

    At its just-concluded July 2021 meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors
    approved By-Law changes creating a third Standing Committee that joins
    the existing ministration and Finance Committee and Programs and
    Services Committee. The charter of the new Emergency Communications and
    Field Services Committee (EC-FSC) is to develop and recommend new or
    modified Board policy and programs for emergency communications through
    the Amateur Radio Emergency Service^A(R) (ARES^A(R)) and National
    Traffic System* (NTS*) entities.

    The committee also will offer enhanced support for its Field
    Organization leadership volunteers, including Section Managers, and an
    increased focus on ARRL-Affiliated Clubs.

    Further, the EC-FSC will provide guidance to the CEO in translating
    Board policy into prioritized tasking, funding, and staffing of
    programs, services, and training in support of amateur radio emergency
    communications, Field Organization volunteers, and recruitment and
    retention of new and existing members through assistance to Affiliated
    and Special Service Clubs.

    The EC-FSC will have the additional responsibility of monitoring and
    assessing trends in emergency communications technology and participant
    skills worldwide, and for identifying "best practices" for voluntary
    emergency communications provided by ARES and NTS, coordinating and
    cooperating with other amateur radio national societies as appropriate.
    -- Thanks to The ARES Letter
    Amateur Radio Responds to Flooding in Western Europe

    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 Emergency
    Communications Coordinator Greg Mossop, G0DUB, reported over the
    weekend that amateur radio volunteers have responded in the wake of
    widespread flooding in Germany, Belgium, and the

    A man in Germany photographs the
    flooding with his cell phone. [Klaus
    Baerwinkel photo]

    Netherlands. The flooding, resulting from unprecedented heavy rainfall,
    has claimed more than 120 lives. Hundreds more remain unaccounted for.

    The Dutch Amateur Radio Emergency Service (DARES) was on standby since
    July 14, as the first reports of flooding came in. An initial attempt
    to establish a point-to-point link from the provincial capital of
    Maastricht to the north of Limburg province was halted due to heavy
    traffic, as residents evacuated low-lying areas. DARES volunteers were
    in contact with members of the Belgian Emergency Amateur Radio Service
    (B-EARS) to coordinate their efforts.

    The European Civil Protection Mechanism was activated, and emergency
    groups across the region reported that their governments were sending
    extra assistance and supplies to the areas where damage was worst. The
    floodwater surge continued to make its way north, leading to further
    evacuations, and amateur radio emergency groups focused on requests for
    assistance. B-EARS was asked to provide a backup VHF link between the
    emergency call center in Brussels and the province of Hainaut, while
    DARES had four stations active in the Limburg area ready to respond if
    needed.

    Marc Lerchs, ON3IBZ, Information Director of the Walloon Brabant Crisis
    Centre, told Crisis Response Journal that the police building in Wavre,
    including its TETRA antenna and computers, was left

    High water in Kordel,
    Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. [CHZ
    photo]

    completely underwater. Some 30 ham radio volunteers deployed in the
    region to support communication for fire and ambulance stations,
    hospitals and emergency medical vehicles, the main command post in
    Wavre, and 112 ("911") dispatch in Mons.

    The greatest loss of life and damage has occurred in Germany, where
    more than 1,000 residents remain unaccounted for. The loss of mobile
    telecommunication networks has slowed the effort to locate people,
    while many others are without power or homes. The emergency
    communications unit of the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) has been
    handling inquiries for amateur radio support in the worst-hit areas,
    but members in the area have been flood victims as well, losing
    equipment or their homes.

    "Amateur radio clubs have been in contact with relevant authorities,
    but there is currently no need for operational support from radio
    amateurs," the DARC reported. A mutual aid arrangement exists among
    amateur radio organizations in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
    Mossop said emergency communications groups in the affected and
    surrounding regions are ready to respond to requests and have been
    coordinating their efforts as needed.

    "This emergency will last for some time as infrastructure is repaired
    and the threat from damaged dams and more rainfall is reduced," Mossop
    said.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 19) features a
    discussion with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
    about the launch of the new ARRL Learning Center later this month.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 38) features a discussion
    with Dr. Brian Callahan, AD2BA, about his work in sending binary data
    via Morse code. The episode also includes a brief discussion of the
    pros and cons of leaving your station computer powered up for prolonged
    periods.

    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 2020 Annual Report Now Available to Download

    The ARRL 2020 Annual Report has been posted and is available to
    download. The report summarizes ARRL program and fiscal activity for
    the year.

    In his introductory remarks, ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, said
    that 2020 was a difficult and challenging year for ARRL. "The
    coronavirus pandemic changed everything, from the way we socialized, to
    the way we worked, to the way students learned," Roderick wrote.
    "Events we look forward to every year were canceled and the future
    seemed uncertain. Hamfests, club meetings, and other gatherings looked
    different, as videoconferencing became the new way to conduct business
    and get together."

    Roderick said ARRL remained determined to overcome any obstacles in
    order to serve its members. "Due to the pandemic and state-imposed work
    restrictions, ARRL Headquarters closed and employees suddenly had to
    adjust to working remotely," he recounted. "ARRL staff banded together
    and kept things running for our members. I'm proud of our staff for how
    quickly they adapted and worked together as a team. They made the shift
    to working from home as seamless as possible, and they continued to
    develop new products and services." He went on to explain that these
    new services "included things like the ARRL Learning Network webinars,
    allowing members to expand their radio knowledge from home through
    video seminars from industry experts, and the At Home virtual events
    held by the Marketing department, providing ARRL staff with an
    opportunity to engage with members and give video tours of W1AW through
    a new online platform. They did a remarkable job!"

    ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, who came aboard in 2020, said he feels
    ARRL's new ideation process is proving successful. "Stemming from an
    authentic interest and need to become more inclusive as a community,
    especially to newly licensed hams, our members have great ideas about
    how ARRL could be doing things better," Minster said. "To expand upon
    that culture of collaboration, we now have a web page and email address
    where members can send their thoughts and well-formatted ideas about
    changes to ARRL programs and services to the management team for
    consideration. This process has enjoyed early success, and we look
    forward to much greater interaction with members in the future."

    Two major initiatives came to fruition -- in January with the
    introduction of On the Air magazine, and in February with the
    inauguration of the ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program. 2020 marked the
    first time when both QEX and NCJ were available digitally.

    The 56-page Annual Report recounts and summarizes the activities of all
    ARRL departments and includes a complete 2020 fiscal report. ARRL ended
    2020 with 158,494 members, which was ahead of its goal for the year.

    FCC Investigating Alleged Jamming on 40 Meters

    Reports suggest that jamming stations have been deployed on the lower
    portion of 40 meters. The jamming appears to be coming from Cuba. The
    signals, spaced at regular intervals, exhibit a squishy, popping noise.
    The apparent jamming showed up after anti-government protesters took to
    the streets in Cuba, followed by a government crackdown. So far,
    there's no proven connection between the jamming and the protests, as
    evidence has been circumstantial. DX spots suggest that Cuban hams are
    on the air on SSB but do appear rare on 40 meters. A lot of Cuban spots
    point to FT8 activity. The jamming issue has drawn the attention of the
    FCC, which is looking into the matter, according to one tech
    publication.

    "Too many people around the world are fighting uphill battles to be
    able to use technology to expand economic opportunity, express
    themselves, and organize without fear of reprisal," an FCC spokesperson
    told Motherboard. "The FCC is committed to supporting the free flow of
    information and ensuring that the internet remains open for everyone.
    We are assessing these reports in conjunction with our field agents and
    communicating with the Department of State as this issue develops."

    Josh Nass, KI6NAZ, of the YouTube channel, Ham Radio Crash Course
    (HRCC), is calling the interference "The Cuban Rum Runner," an oblique
    reference to the "Russian Woodpecker" of yesteryear.

    Outside of ham radio, the ability to connect with some social media
    sites and even with the internet inside Cuba has been reportedly
    tricky. Connecting to the FederaciA^3n de Radioaficionados de Cuba
    (FRC) website (Cuba's IARU member-society) from outside of Cuba has
    been unreliable. This week, users attempting to do so -- at least those
    in the US -- got a shrugging cartoon character and the legend, "Acceso
    Denagado" -- access denied. The FRC Facebook page is accessible, but
    links to the FRC website are blocked. FRC had warned of "possible
    outages" more than a week ago, attributing the problem to maintenance
    being done in the data center where FRC is housed.

    Well-known amateur radio contester and DXer Fred Laun, K3ZO, pointed
    out in a July 17 post to the Potomac Valley Radio Club reflector that
    typical ham radio contacts with Cuba "are not normally about politics,
    though I suppose in the wake of recent events they may have become so."

    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 (the Americas)
    President RamA^3n Santoyo, XE1KK, said no complaints had been received
    by July 20.
    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.

    Learning with High-Altitude Balloons -- Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and
    Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN / Thursday, July 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930
    UTC)

    Jack McElroy, KM4ZIA, and Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, discuss their
    experiences with high-altitude balloons and explain how others can
    launch them successfully. The discussion will also focus on using
    high-altitude balloons to engage youth in ham radio and create learning
    experiences for students.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice -- Tim Deagan, K8UJ / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    An introductory overview of digital voice (DV) technologies for ham
    radio. This presentation will focus on DMR with notes on System Fusion,
    D-STAR, and more. There will be a description of DV architecture and
    components, and the interesting opportunities, as well as challenges,
    that DV presents.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    ARRL Announces Leadership Changes in the Central Division

    ARRL Central Division Director Kermit Carlson, W9XA, has stepped down
    as Central Division Director, making the announcement at the July 2021
    Board of Directors meeting this past weekend. Vice Director Carl
    Luetzelschwab, K9LA, has acceded to the Director's chair, and

    Brent Walls, N9BA, during a
    visit to W1AW.

    ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, has appointed Brent Walls, N9BA, to
    succeed Luetzelschwab as the Central Division Vice Director.

    An ARRL Life Member, Walls served as Indiana Section Manager from 2016
    until 2018. Active in ARES, he is a former ARRL Indiana Section
    Emergency Coordinator and also served as Marion County, Indiana,
    Emergency Coordinator. He is an ARRL VEC Volunteer Examiner.

    Carlson served both as Vice Director and then Director of the Central
    Division for a total of 12 years. He said his resignation stemmed from
    "an intractable conflict" between Board and family obligations that
    would impinge upon his travel on behalf of ARRL. "It would be
    impossible to maintain the level of in-person engagement with the
    Members that I believe is essential," Carlson said.

    Carlson said his "most challenging and rewarding experiences" include
    11 years as Chair of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee (EMC)
    and his recently concluded term as the chair of the ARRL CEO Search
    Committee. He will continue to chair the EMC.
    Massachusetts Court Okays Amateur Radio Tower, Citing Board of Appeals'
    Error

    A judge in the Massachusetts Land Court has ruled that the Zoning Board
    of Appeals in the City of Framingham "erred" in revoking a building
    permit for an 80-foot ham radio tower as an accessory use. The Building
    Commissioner in Framingham had granted ARRL member Mikhail "Misha"
    Filippov, KD1MF, a building permit for the tower, and Filippov had
    begun pouring concrete for the tower footings. Neighbors complained,
    however, and the Zoning Board of Appeals revoked the permit, citing the
    setback requirements of the city's wireless communications facilities
    (WCF) special permit bylaw. Land Court Judge Howard Speicher reversed
    the Zoning Board of Appeals' decision and ordered the town building
    commissioner to reinstate the permit.

    "The City of Framingham has provided, for the benefit of amateur radio
    operators, exemptions from its zoning requirements from the
    construction of radio antenna towers for amateur radio operators," the
    court noted. This case was not settled on the basis of PRB-1
    considerations, but strictly on which setback requirements should
    apply. PRB-1 requires local governments to reasonably accommodate
    amateur radio installations.

    The Zoning Board of Appeals had argued that Filippov's project plans
    failed to meet setback zoning requirements, but the Land Court
    determined that the board could not enforce this, because of an
    exception that exempts structures, including amateur radio towers, from
    these requirements as long as a building permit is issued.

    The court ruled the Zoning Board of Appeals "erred in overturning the
    decision of the Building Commissioner to issue a building permit for
    the erection of the proposed radio antenna tower." 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.
    * Nonprofit Spotlight: Houma-Thibodaux amateur radio group plays key
    role after storms / Houma Today (Louisiana) July 19, 2021
    * How A Group Of Dedicated Volunteers Are Keeping California's
    Wildfires At Bay / NPR (California) July 16, 2021
    * Amateur (Ham) Radio Field Day: Testing Readiness for Emergencies /
    Soundings Magazine (California) July 8, 2021
    * 'Goal-oriented' 86-year-old Minnesota twin sisters have mastered
    everything from computers to canoeing / Star Tribune (Minnesota)
    July 6, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors has announced an additional
    grant to the Maranyundo Girls School in Rwanda and its Makerspace
    program. This grant provides access to material from ARRL's
    Teachers Institute and funds to purchase material and supplies for
    classroom experiments. In June, the Yasme Foundation supplied the
    school with amateur radio-related books for classroom use.
    * The third annual World Wide Digi DX Contest is set for August 28 -
    29. See the website for details. -- Thanks to Ed Muns, W0YK
    * The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Board of Directors has
    announced the appointments of Scott Williams, VK3KJ, as WIA's new
    President, and Lee Moyle, VK3GK, continuing as Vice President. The
    Board thanked outgoing President Greg Kelly, VK2GPK, for his
    commitment and contributions to the WIA; he will continue to serve
    as a WIA board member.
    * A group of US radio amateurs has fielded special event operation
    W4C "to raise awareness about the current humanitarian crisis
    affecting the island of Cuba. Instead of taking to the streets, we
    realized that our efforts will be more efficiently utilized by
    getting on the air and making a special event out of it." W4C will
    be on the air until the end of July.
    * The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) has amended the
    Cabrillo file standard to include a new "YOUTH" CATEGORY-OVERLAY,
    at the request of several contest sponsors who want to encourage
    and recognize youth participation. The Cabrillo v3 header
    specification has been updated to reflect this change. Details are
    on the WWROF website.
    * After months of negotiations with the new Coral Island Management
    Authority, the HARAOA VK9HR DXpedition to Willis Island planned for
    this November has been canceled, says Ed Durrant, VK2JI, Publicity
    Officer. The problem was a combination of new rules banning the
    installation of any structures on the islands by the new authority
    and the fact that COVID-19 has now spread to four Australian
    states.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    AMSAT-NA has issued its first call for papers for the 39th Annual AMSAT
    Space Symposium. The event is set for October 29 - 31, 2021, at the
    Crowne Plaza AiRE hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. Proposals for
    symposium presentations are invited on any topic of interest to the
    amateur satellite community. A tentative presentation title is
    requested, with final copy submitted by October 18 for inclusion in the
    symposium Proceedings. Send abstracts and papers to Dan Schultz, N8FGV.

    Over-the-horizon radars are operating with impunity in ham radio
    allocations. In its June newsletter, the International Amateur Radio
    Union (IARU) Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS) said over-the-horizon
    radars (OTHRs) have not yielded their dominance as ham band intruders.
    "The number of observations varies slightly but is always within a
    similar range," the newsletter said. "The same is true for other radio
    systems (such as CIS-12, etc). With summer propagation (including
    sporadic E), numerous driftnet radio buoys and other fishing gear were
    again being heard on 10 meters, illegally serving to mark fishing nets
    at sea, the newsletter said. These typically operate in the 28.000 -
    28.450 MHz segment. Transmissions are short but frequent throughout the
    day. These often identify in CW, transmitting from one to three
    letters, although buoys with a constant carrier are also observed. GPS
    buoys transmit short bursts in FSK (F1B) with their positions
    scrambled. Monitors regularly encounter "pirates" operating without any
    identifier.

    Many stations will take to the airwaves August 2 - 15 to celebrate the
    4th anniversary of FT8. All stations will use call signs with "FTDMC"
    or "FTDM" in the suffix. The activity also celebrates the 2nd
    anniversary of the FT8 Digital Mode Club. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW
    and eQSL. QSL cards will be available. Stations planning to participate
    include: 4J8FTDM, OZ8FTDMC, RO3FTDM, 9K8FTDMC, A60FTDMC, DQ8FTDMC,
    GB0DMC, HZ8FTDMC, and many others. A certificate will be available with
    bronze, silver, gold, and platinum levels for working them. -- Thanks
    to The Daily DX

    AO-109 (RadFxSat-2/AMSAT Fox-1E) is now open for amateur use. AMSAT's
    Engineering and Operations Teams advise operators to use efficient
    modes for making contacts, such as CW or FT4, because issues with the
    satellite make SSB voice contacts "challenging at best." An article in
    the May/June 2021 issue (Vol. 44, No. 3) of The AMSAT Journal details
    the various attempts to characterize AO-109 and its apparent problems.
    -- Thanks to Jerry Buxton, NO/JY, and Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA

    DX Engineering has acquired Top Ten Devices. The new owner will
    manufacture and distribute three of Top Ten Devices' signature products
    under the Top Ten Devices brand -- the A/B Station Selector, the Op
    Swapper, and the Band Aide Band Decoder. Formed by Dave Hawes, N3RD,
    and George Cutsogeorge, W2VJN, in 1991, Top Ten Devices built a strong
    reputation for producing high-performance and affordable equipment for
    the amateur radio community. "DX Engineering is excited for the
    opportunity to carry on the legacy that the innovators at Top Ten
    Devices have built over the past 3 decades," said DX Engineering CEO
    Tim Duffy, K3LR.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: It is exciting to observe increasing
    sunspot activity. Recently, Solar Cycle 25 has produced new sunspots
    frequently, and I watch them pop up every day on Spaceweather.com. New
    sunspots appeared on July 14, 16, 17, 19, and 20, and two new ones
    appeared on July 21.

    Average daily sunspot numbers more than doubled from 21.3 last week to
    48.9 during the July 15 - 21 reporting week. Average daily solar flux
    jumped from 72.9 to 81.3.

    Geomagnetic numbers held steady, with both the middle latitude and
    planetary A index averages at 6.4.

    Predicted solar flux is 94 and 92 on July 22 - 23; 90 on July 24 -
    August 1; 85 on August 2; 75 on August 3 - 12; 78, 80, and 80 on August
    13 - 15; and 85 on August 16 - 21. Flux values may rise to 90 or more
    during the last week of August.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8, 18, 16, and 8 on July 22 - 25; 5 on
    July 26 - 27; 8 on July 28; 5 on July 29 - August 1; ?? August 2; 5 on
    August 3 - 9; 12 and 10 on August 10 - 11; 5 on August 12 - 16; 8 on
    August 17 - 18, and 5 on August 19 - 28.

    Sunspot numbers for July 15 - 21 were 22, 35, 53, 42, 45, 59, and 86,
    with a mean of 48.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.5, 75, 77.4, 80.4,
    82.6, 87, and 93.5, with a mean of 81.3.. Estimated planetary A indices
    were 10, 4, 4, 4, 7, 10, and 6, with a mean of 6.4. Middle latitude A
    index was 12, 5, 4, 5, 4, 9, and 6, 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 this 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 24 - 25 -- RSGB IOTA Contest (CW, phone)
    * July 25 -- ARS Flight of the Bumblebees (CW)
    * July 26 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
    * July 28 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * July 31 - August 1 -- Russian WW MultiMode Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * July 31 - August 1 -- Missouri QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 1 -- SARL HF Phone Contest
    * August 2 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, maximum 20 WPM)
    * August 3 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
    * August 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * August 3 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * August 4 -- Phone Weekly Test - Fray
    * August 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
    * August 4 -- UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * August 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
    * August 5 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
    * August 5 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * August 5 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 5 -- EACW Meeting (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * August 7 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention (Cedar Valley ARC Techfest),
    Central City, Iowa
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota
    * August 27 - 29 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention, Sutton, West
    Virginia

    * September 3 - 5 -- ARRL North Carolina Section Convention (Shelby
    Hamfest), Shelby, North Carolina
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

    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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    editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.

    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

    Subscribe to...
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    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
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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 Fri Jul 30 09:05:00 2021
    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Jul 30 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    July 29, 2021

    * MARS HF Net Participants Aid in Response to Fatal Maritime Disaster
    * FCC to Re-Establish Technological visory Council, Solicits
    Membership Nominations
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * QSO Today Offering Platform Preview
    * More Slow-Scan TV Transmissions from RS0ISS Scheduled
    * ITU-R Working Party Considers Preliminary Studies on 23-Centimeter
    Band
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * 8-Meter Experimental Station on the Air from the US
    * Announcements
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Amateur Radio Activities to be a Part of Missouri's State
    Bicentennial Celebration
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    MARS HF Net Participants Aid in Response to Fatal Maritime Disaster

    On July 6, an evening Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) HF
    practice net in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 2
    (New York and New Jersey) was interrupted by several "mayday" distress
    calls on the channel, which is shared with the maritime service. Net
    control station Ron Tomo, KE2UK, immediately halted training and
    attempted (without success) to establish radio communication with the
    station in distress. Tomo then directed two other net members who heard
    the distress call -- John Hoover, K2XU, and Wayne Gearing, K2WG -- to
    attempt to establish communication and offer assistance.

    While the other net members were attempting to contact the vessel by
    radio, Tomo contacted the US Coast Guard (USCG) station at Jones Beach
    Island in New York, which alerted the USCG Sector Command at Long
    Island Sound to join the MARS operators on frequency. MARS operators
    remained on frequency to assist the USCG in listening for the distress
    call.

    Several hours later, the fishing vessel Falling Star was identified as
    missing with 15 individuals on board, all from Honduras. Ten days
    later, the USCG confirmed that 10 of the passengers survived in a skiff
    and were rescued by a passing commercial oil tanker -- the MTM

    Surviving crew members from the
    Falling Star spent 10 days in a
    skiff.

    Amsterdam -- which spotted their small craft. Tragically, the skipper
    of the Falling Star died 1 day before the survivors were found, and was
    buried at sea.

    The vessel was en route from Jamaica to Guatemala when it was reported
    to have rolled over without warning on July 6, just before midnight.

    MARS volunteers alerted the USCG to the vessel in distress several
    hours before the Falling Star was identified and confirmed as missing.
    While 10 of those aboard Falling Star were rescued, five others didn't
    make it home after this tragic event.

    The Jamaica Defence Force (JFD) Coast Guard collaborated with
    counterparts from the US, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, Cuba, and the
    Cayman Islands in the search for the vessel.
    FCC to Re-Establish Technological visory Council, Solicits Membership
    Nominations

    The FCC is seeking nominations for a chairperson and members of the
    Technological visory Council (TAC). In a July 21 Public Notice, the
    Commission announced that it intends to re-establish the TAC for 2
    years by August 20, 2021. It's anticipated that the renewed panel could
    hold its first meeting in October.

    The TAC provides technical advice to the FCC and makes recommendations
    on the issues and questions presented to it. The panel typically has
    several radio amateurs among its members. Greg Lapin, N9GL, has
    represented ARRL on the TAC.

    Among other issues, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will ask
    the TAC to start looking beyond 5G and conceptualize 6G. In addition,
    she'll ask the TAC to study advanced spectrum-sharing techniques,
    implementation of artificial intelligence, and machine learning to
    improve the utilization and administration of spectrum and other
    emerging technologies.

    All organizational or individual members appointed to the Council or
    its working groups are subject to an ethics review by the Commission's
    Office of General Counsel. Council members receive no compensation for
    their service. Nominations for membership must be submitted to the FCC
    by August 20.

    Procedures for submitting nominations are spelled out in the Public
    Notice, which includes details on membership qualifications and
    obligations.

    The FCC said it's particularly interested in receiving nominations and
    expressions of interest from individuals and organizations in these
    sectors:
    * Communications service providers and organizations representing
    communications service providers.
    * Manufacturers of communications equipment and organizations
    representing manufacturers of communications equipment.
    * Providers of internet applications or cloud-based services.
    * Scientists and engineers from academia or independent consultants
    who are recognized experts in their field.
    * Qualified representatives of other stakeholders and interested
    parties with relevant expertise.

    "Members will be selected to balance the expertise and viewpoints that
    are necessary to effectively address the issues to be considered by the
    Council," the FCC said.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 19) features a
    discussion with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
    about the launch of the new ARRL Learning Center.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 39) begins with a chat
    about "rediscovering" receive audio filters. This is followed by a
    conversation with Bryant Julstrom, KC0ZNG, about his ac dummy load that
    appeared in "Hints & Hacks" in the July issue of QST.

    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 Offering Platform Preview

    The next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, on August 14 - 15, is offering a
    platform preview of the show. From 1500 UTC on August 1 through 2400
    UTC on August 3, 2021, anyone can preview the expo platform at no
    charge. The fully functioning preview will allow prospective
    participants to gain comfort with the platform layout and navigation,
    including the virtual lobby, auditorium, exhibit hall, and meeting
    lounges.

    In addition, five speaker presentations from the last expo will be
    available, as well as a small exhibit area featuring fully functional
    booths from FlexRadio and QSO Today.

    Early-bird tickets for the third QSO Today Expo are $10 until August 8
    and $12.50 after that. Register on the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
    website.

    ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner.
    More Slow-Scan TV Transmissions from RS0ISS Scheduled

    Friday and Saturday, August 6 - 7, Russian cosmonauts on board the
    International Space Station (ISS) will transmit slow-scan television
    (SSTV) images from the station on 145.800 MHz FM. They will use

    An SSTV image received in June 2021
    by Cherciu Neculai, YO4ESB.

    SSTV mode PD-120.

    The transmissions are part of the Moscow Aviation Institute SSTV
    experiment (MAI-75) and will be sent via RS0ISS, the ham station in the
    Russian Zvezda (Service) module using a Kenwood TM-D710 transceiver.

    The announced schedule is August 6, 1050 - 1910 UTC; August 7, 0950 -
    1555 UTC. Dates and times are subject to change. For stations in the
    ISS footprint, the RS0ISS signal should be easy to copy on a handheld
    transceiver and a quarter-wave whip. Use 25 kHz channel spacing, if
    available.

    Free ISS software is available to download. Pass predictions are
    available from AMSAT. Representative images from prior ISS SSTV events
    are available in the ARISS SSTV Gallery.
    ITU-R Working Party Considers Preliminary Studies on 23-Centimeter Band

    WRC-2 preparatory work for Agenda Item 9.1b continued July 5 - 13 in
    ITU-R Working Party 4C (WP4C), with a focus on coexistence between the
    23-centimeter amateur allocation (1240 - 1300 MHz) and
    satellite-navigation systems. IARU member representatives from
    Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Norway, the UK, and the US
    participated in the meeting and delivered additional information on
    amateur activities in this key microwave band.

    This Agenda Item is relevant to ITU Region 1 (Europe, Africa, the
    Middle East, and northern Asia), where one channel of the Galileo GPS
    system in the Radio Navigation Satellite Services (RNSS) received
    interference from amateur radio.

    Preliminary studies from France were based on the ongoing CEPT
    (European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications ministrations)
    effort to provide initial estimates of separation distances required
    between Galileo receivers and a sample of amateur emissions. The
    European Commission Galileo team provided a set of observations
    pertaining to an RNSS interference event in northern Italy.

    "The IARU is working to ensure the amateur services are realistically
    represented in the studies as they move forward," said Barry Lewis,
    G4SJH, of the IARU. "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. The work will
    continue throughout the year and beyond both in ITU-R and in the
    regional telecommunications organizations, and the IARU is committed to
    ensure every group hears the amateur position on this important
    microwave band."

    More information is on the IARU page. -- Thanks to the IARU and Barry
    Lewis, G4SJH

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice -- Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    An introductory overview of digital voice (DV) technologies for ham
    radio. This presentation will focus on DMR with notes on System Fusion,
    D-STAR, and more. Included will be a description of DV architecture and
    components, and the interesting opportunities and challenges that DV
    presents.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    8-Meter Experimental Station on the Air from the US

    WL2XUP is an FCC Part 5 Experimental station operated by Lin Holcomb,
    NI4Y, in Georgia. It's licensed to operate with up to 400 W effective
    radiated power (ERP) between 40.660 MHz to 40.700 MHz.

    John Desmond, EI7GL, reports that as of mid-July, WL2XUP was
    intermittently transmitting on Weak-Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR)
    on 40.662 MHz (1500 Hz) for 2 minutes out of every 10, with an output
    power of 20 W ERP into an omnidirectional antenna. For FT8 check-ins
    and tests, an ERP of 100 W may be used. The band is affected by several
    propagation modes, including tropospheric ducting, sporadic E,
    transequatorial propagation (TEP), and F2 propagation. As Desmond
    notes, the 40 MHz band will open a lot earlier than 50 MHz and could be
    a useful resource for stations monitoring the transatlantic path.

    A 2019 Petition for Rulemaking (RM-11843) asked the FCC to create a new
    8-meter amateur radio allocation on a secondary basis. The Petition
    suggests the new band could be centered on an
    industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) segment somewhere between 40.51 and
    40.70 MHz. The spectrum between 40 and 41 MHz is currently allocated to
    the federal government and, as such, within the purview of the National
    Telecommunications and Information ministration (NTIA).

    ARRL member Michelle Bradley, KU3N, of Maryland, filed the petition on
    behalf of REC Networks, which she founded and described in the Petition
    as "a leading advocate for a citizen's access to spectrum," including
    amateur radio spectrum.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * Prominent Summits on the Air (SOTA) activator Tom Read, M1EYP, has
    begun a gig as a musician on board the cruise ship Spirit of
    venture. He's taken a small transceiver and a compact loop
    antenna and, with the skipper's enthusiastic approval, will be on
    the air until mid-November from the vicinity of the UK and Ireland,
    the Baltic, the Mediterranean, the riatic, and the Canary Islands
    on 40 - 10 meters, CW, SSB, and FT4/FT8.
    * The third annual World Wide Digi DX Contest is set for August 28 -
    29. See the website for details. -- Thanks to Ed Muns, W0YK
    * The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Board of Directors has
    announced the appointments of Scott Williams, VK3KJ, as WIA's new
    President, and Lee Moyle, VK3GK, continuing as Vice President. The
    Board thanked outgoing President Greg Kelly, VK2GPK, for his
    commitment and contributions to the WIA; he will continue to serve
    as a WIA board member.
    * A voice on morning radio for generations of Vermonters, Ernie
    Farrar, W1EF, died on July 7. He was 78. Farrar, of St. Albans
    City, Vermont, began his radio career in his hometown in the 1960s,
    before jumping to WVMT in Burlington in 1967, where he remained
    until 2018. Farrar's other career was in boxing, as the longtime
    director of the Vermont Golden Gloves Tournament. He was a member
    of the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. -- Thanks
    to New England Radio Watch
    * Zorro Miyazawa, JH1AJT, has been named to the GADX Hall of Fame,
    which recognizes radio amateurs "who have made major contributions
    to the ham radio community at large, mainly for DX and contesting."
    * A cofounder of the ARRL RTTY Roundup, Hal Blegen, K7IRA, died on
    July 27. He was 77. Blegen created the RRU with Jay Townsend, WS7I.
    He was described as "a force to be reckoned with in RTTY contests
    back in the day."


    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Sigel woman recalls working amateur radio work during 1996 flood /
    The Courier Express (Pennsylvania) July 22, 2021
    * Young ham lends a hand / Hermiston Herald (Oregon) July 20, 2021
    * Nonprofit Spotlight: Houma-Thibodaux amateur radio group plays key
    role after storms / Houma Today (Louisiana) July 19, 2021
    * How A Group Of Dedicated Volunteers Are Keeping California's
    Wildfires At Bay / NPR (California) July 16, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio Activities to be a Part of Missouri's State Bicentennial
    Celebration

    The Missouri First Capitol State Historic Site in St. Charles will host
    an amateur radio event on August 10, in association with this year's
    celebration of the Missouri State Bicentennial. The original capitol
    building on the west bank of the Missouri River served as the state's
    capitol from 1821 to 1826. The site is part of the St. Charles Historic
    District in the city's Riverfront neighborhood and is adjacent to
    Frontier Park, from which Lewis and Clark launched their Corps of
    Discovery Expedition in August 1803.

    Members of the St. Charles Amateur Radio Club (SCARC) will use the
    special event call sign K0B at the site of the First Capitol on August
    10. The First Capitol site also qualifies for the Parks on the Air
    program (POTA) with the identifier K-3349. ditional POTA-style
    activations from both the First Capitol site and from the adjacent
    Frontier Park are listed as "possible" on other dates, depending on
    weather and operator availability.

    K0B will be active on SSB, CW, and FT8 on 80 - 6 meters, as well as on
    2-meter FM. K0B will also be active from the annual SCARC hamfest and
    flea market in O'Fallon on August 8 and from SCARC member stations at
    various times on August 7 - 15. An operating schedule will be posted on
    the SCARC Facebook page.

    Contacts will be uploaded to Logbook of The World (LoTW). A paper QSL
    and a downloadable PDF certificate will be available.

    Members of the Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club will use the special event
    call sign W0M August 7 - 10, and other Missouri clubs may also be
    active to commemorate the bicentennial.

    The Missouri QSO Party on July 31 - August 1 will also feature special
    call signs and the activation of rare counties. Typically, the event is
    held in April.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    [IMG]The Daily DX Editor Bernie McClenny, W3UR, has offered a
    suggestion for calling DX while using FT8. He advises that FT8 users
    avoid the "Generated Std Msgs (TX 1)" field when attempting to call DX
    on FT8. "You can turn it off by double clicking on it," he said. "When
    the band opens up, serious DXers want to get in and get out as quickly
    as possible. We don't know how long the opening will last, [and] the DX
    station does not care about your grid locator. You want to get your
    call sign and report to the DX station as quickly as possible, so you
    don't miss the opening. When you are calling a DX station, set the FT8
    software to go to message 2 (e.g., TZ4AM KZ3ZZZ -14). Then you want to
    get the "RR73." That is all you need for a valid contact. During
    contests where the grid locator is needed, by all means, send it."

    A Michigan club is considering establishing a common email address for
    members lacking internet access. Big Rapids Area Amateur Radio Club
    (BRA-ARC) in Michigan is hoping to establish a common email address so
    that members lacking a valid email address may receive messages. The
    impetus for this was the recent FCC requirement that all licensees have
    an email address on file. "One of our members is in a nursing home,
    and...we are her family," said the club's secretary, Bruce Werner,
    WB8TVD. "One of our board members suggested club-sponsored personal
    email, which is forwarded, similar to what is offered by ARRL." Werner
    said the club is planning to work out something to accommodate members
    who have no, or limited, internet access. As ARRL VEC Manager Maria
    Somma, AB1FM, notes, the FCC simply requires a valid and current email
    address where the licensee can receive electronic correspondence. She
    told Werner, "The good news is that it doesn't matter whose email
    address is used, as long as the FCC can reach the licensee." The box
    would be periodically checked by a club officer, who would contact the
    member personally.

    Swiss radio amateurs are facing a fee to use the QO-100 Satellite. In
    what might be a first, Switzerland's telecommunications regulator OFCOM
    is charging the equivalent of $76.25 to issue special permits to radio
    amateurs to use the QO-100 (Es'hail-2) amateur satellite transponders.
    According to a post on the website for the USKA -- Switzerland's IARU
    member-society -- the regulator wishes to protect license-exempt users
    in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band, and
    OFCOM reserves the right to withdraw the special permit if problems
    arise. The special permit entitles the holder to use a transmitter with
    a maximum output of 100 W PEP for a satellite uplink in the 2400 - 2410
    MHz band. As part of their application, radio amateurs must provide
    coordinates, antenna gain in dBi, antenna height above ground, antenna
    direction, and a telephone number where the radio amateur can be
    reached while operating, in addition to the usual name and call sign
    information.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity slowed this week. The
    average daily sunspot number declined from 48.9 last week to 33.9 this
    week (July 22 - 28). Wednesday, July 28, saw no sunspots at all.

    Average daily solar flux went from 81.3 to 83.

    Geomagnetic indicators held steady, with average daily planetary A
    index at 6.4 both last week and this week. Average daily middle
    latitude A index went from 6.4 last week to 6.3 this week.

    Predicted solar flux is 80 on July 29; 78 on July 30 - 31; 76 on August
    1; 74 on August 2 - 3; 75 on August 4 - 12; 78, 80, 82, and 85 on
    August 13 - 16; 90 on August 17 - 18; 85 on August 19 - 20; 80 on
    August 21, and 82 on August 22 - 28.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12, 8, 10, and 8 on July 29 - August 1;
    5 on August 2 - 9; 12 and 10 on August 10 - 11; 5 on August 12 - 15; 10
    and 8 on August 16 - 17; 5 on August 18 - 23; 12, 12, and 8 on August
    24 - 26, and 5 on August 27 - September 6.

    KC0V reported a big 2-meter sporadic-E opening this week from DN70 in
    LaPorte, Colorado, to stations across the midwest, 2216 - 2235 UTC.

    Sunspot numbers for July 22 - 28 were 77, 46, 35, 24, 25, 25, and 0,
    with a mean of 33.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 89, 87.4 83.9, 81.6,
    80.8, 79.6, and 78.8, with a mean of 83. Estimated planetary A indices
    were 11, 4, 4, 3, 4, 6, and 13, with a mean of 6.4. Middle latitude A
    index was 9, 3, 5, 5, 3, 6, and 13, 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 this 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 31 - August 1 -- Russian World Wide MultiMode Contest (CW,
    phone, digital)
    * July 31 - August 1 -- Missouri QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 1 -- SARL HF Phone Contest
    * August 2 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, maximum 20 WPM)
    * August 3 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
    * August 3 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * August 3 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * August 4 -- Phone Weekly Test -- Fray
    * August 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
    * August 4 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * August 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW)
    * August 5 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW)
    * August 5 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * August 5 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 5 -- EACW Meeting (CW)
    * August 5 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * August 7 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention (Cedar Valley ARC Techfest),
    Central City, Iowa
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota
    * August 27 - 29 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention, Sutton, West
    Virginia
    * September 3 - 5 -- ARRL North Carolina Section Convention (Shelby
    Hamfest), Shelby, North Carolina
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

    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
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    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
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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 Fri Aug 6 09:05:00 2021
    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Aug 6 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    August 5, 2021

    * Bouvet Island DXpedition Negotiating with New Charter Vessel,
    Planning Begins Anew
    * ARRL Now Provides Free RF Exposure Calculator
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * New Release: More Arduino for Ham Radio
    * Utah Amateur Radio Club Receives Nearly $18,000 Grant to Introduce
    and Engage Youth
    * AMSAT is Looking Forward and Dreaming Big
    * CQ World Wide DX Contests to Include Youth Overlay
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * Faith Hannah Lea, KD3Z, is Amateur Radio Newsline 2021 Young Ham of
    the Year
    * In Brief...
    * Getting It Right!
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Bouvet Island DXpedition Negotiating with New Charter Vessel, Planning
    Begins Anew

    The Intrepid-DX Group's plans for a 2023 DXpedition to Bouvet Island
    are on the front burner again. In a brief announcement to the "global
    DX community," DXpedition co-leader Paul Ewing, N6PSE, said this week
    that a new charter vessel contract is in the offing. The 3Y0J
    DXpedition has refunded all donations to its earlier announced plan,
    advanced before losing its contract with the charter vessel Braveheart,
    and Ewing conceded, "there was a high degree of uncertainty that we
    could move forward." Braveheart captain Nigel Jolly, K6NRJ, told the
    DXpedition in June that the Braveheart was being put up for sale, and
    he was canceling its contract for the 3Y0J voyage.

    Ewing said this week that the team has found a suitable and affordable
    vessel whose skipper is willing to take a group of a dozen DXers to
    Bouvet, and they are negotiating the terms of that charter contract at
    present.

    "We have submitted a new application to the Norwegian Polar Institute,"
    Ewing said. The team leadership has been revised. David Jorgensen,
    WD5COV, will be a co-leader, responsible for operations and antennas,
    while Kevin Rowett, K6TD, will be a co-leader, responsible for
    systems/networks, procurement, and logistics, and Ewing as a third
    co-leader, will oversee planning, public relations, tents, and
    logistics.

    "Together, this leadership team will assemble 12 operators to make this
    vision a reality," Ewing said. "We are revising our website, and soon,
    we will begin fundraising for this renewed effort." He expressed
    gratitude for all past sponsors of the Bouvet Island DXpedition
    initiative and said he hopes they can support the renewed effort as
    well. A new website is under construction.

    A dependency of Norway, Bouvet is a subantarctic volcanic island in the
    South Atlantic.
    ARRL Now Provides Free RF Exposure Calculator

    The FCC has adopted guidelines and procedures for evaluating
    environmental effects of RF emissions.

    Under the new FCC rules, some amateurs need to perform routine station
    evaluations to ensure that their stations comply with the RF exposure
    rules. This can be as simple as running an online calculator to
    determine the minimum safe distance between any part of your antenna
    and areas where people might be exposed to RF energy from your station.
    Although amateurs can make measurements of their stations, evaluations
    can also be done by calculation.

    The FCC guidelines already incorporate two tiers of exposure limits
    based on whether exposure occurs in an occupational or "controlled"
    situation, or whether the general population is exposed or exposure is
    in an "uncontrolled" situation.

    To make this easy for amateurs, ARRL now provides an RF exposure
    calculator on its RF Exposure page. To use the calculator, enter your
    transmit peak-envelope power (PEP) and operating mode, and answer the
    questions about the maximum amount of time you might be transmitting.
    The calculator will give you the minimum distance people must be from
    your antenna and human exposure.

    You can print the results and keep them in your station records. There
    is no requirement to send your results to the FCC.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 19) features a
    discussion with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
    about the launch of the new ARRL Learning Center.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 39) begins with a chat
    about "rediscovering" receive audio filters. This is followed by a
    conversation with Bryant Julstrom, KC0ZNG, about his ac dummy load that
    appeared "Hints & Hacks" in the July 2021 issue of QST.

    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 Release: More Arduino for Ham Radio

    The new book More Arduino for Ham Radio by popular author and
    experimenter Glen Popiel, KW5GP, builds on the success of his two
    previous titles, Arduino for Ham Radio and More Arduino Projects for
    Ham Radio.

    More Arduino for Ham Radio introduces many of the new Arduino boards
    and add-on modules, followed by an overview of the software, tools, and
    techniques needed to bring projects to life. These concepts are put to
    work in 10 practical projects that showcase a wide variety of
    applications and include detailed descriptions of how the software
    "sketches" work. Each is complete as-is, with ideas for adding your own
    personal touches or creating your own projects using the techniques and
    modules presented.

    That's part of the fun of the Arduino and open-source communities --
    building on the work of others, and then sharing your designs and
    innovations for others to learn, modify, and improve.

    More Arduino for Ham Radio is available from the ARRL Store or your
    ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item No. 1472), ISBN: 978-62595-147-2, $39.95
    retail, special ARRL Member Price $34.95). Call (860) 594-0355 or,
    toll-free in the US, (888) 277-5289.
    Utah Amateur Radio Club Receives Nearly $18,000 Grant to Introduce and
    Engage Youth

    The Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club in northern Utah has received a
    nearly $18,000 grant from the nonprofit Amateur Radio Digital
    Communications (ARDC) to fund the club's initiatives to engage and
    educate youth in amateur radio through hands-on space science
    activities.

    "This grant and our Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club demonstrate the
    important role amateur radio can play in furthering STEM education,
    which is critical to continuing Utah's high-tech economy," said Utah
    Section Manager Pat Malan, N7PAT, who came into office on July 1. Malan
    said prime movers behind the grant initiative included Jason Peterson,
    K7EM; Club President Ted McArthur, AC7II, and Club Secretary Kevin
    Reeve, N7RXE. Malan just appointed Reeve as the Section Youth
    Coordinator.

    In July 2019, ARDC announced that 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.

    Bridgerland ARC has set out an 18-month timeline of proposed
    activities, which would include an Amateur Radio on the International
    Space Station (ARISS) contact between students in a local school and a
    member of the ISS crew, hands-on workshops to build and launch a
    high-altitude balloon and amateur radio payload, and youth-oriented
    hands-on operating events.

    "Where local schools do not have the equipment to make this a
    possibility, the Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club is prepared to set up
    and maintain a portable ground station and provide the expertise to
    help [schools] make ISS contacts." The initiative would also provide
    educational and enjoyable hands-on activities.

    A component of this initiative would include training local radio
    amateurs to use the ground station equipment to prepare them to mentor
    students and apply the necessary skills to help run the activities.

    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. Numerous amateur radio
    organizations and projects have benefited from ARDC's largesse. In
    2021, these included nearly $82,000 to W8EDU at Case Western Reserve
    University for tower replacement, some $88,400 to the Oregon HamWAN
    backbone project, and $23,600 to ARESLAX, Inc. for sophisticated RF
    interference location equipment. In 2020, the ARRL Foundation received
    a $200,000 scholarship-matching grant.
    AMSAT is Looking Forward and Dreaming Big

    Earlier this year, the AMSAT Board of Directors adopted a set of
    strategic satellite objectives and organizational goals for 2021 -
    2035. The plan, adopted in early June and published for members to see
    in the May/June 2021 edition of The AMSAT Journal, establishes what
    AMSAT describes as "a long-term, multi-faceted vision that includes big
    dreams, a continued presence in space, and a development path for the
    scientists, engineers, and operators of tomorrow."

    "Anything this ambitious will undoubtedly challenge our limited human
    and fiscal resources," remarked AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL.
    "We must parallel our new plan with new ways to manage and

    AMSAT President Robert Bankston,
    KE4AL.

    fund projects. AMSAT has a pool of very talented volunteers, but there
    will be times when we require skills beyond our current capabilities.
    Recruitment, partnerships, collaborative efforts, and even outsourcing
    are options that will help us fill in the gaps."

    The list of long-range satellite objectives includes putting amateur
    radio spacecraft into highly elliptical orbit (HEO). According to The
    AMSAT Journal, this entails developing and deploying "a series of
    satellites capable of providing wide-area and continuous coverage from
    highly elliptical and geostationary transfer orbits." This means
    satellites in HEO will be readily accessible, or at least accessible
    for longer periods.

    The GOLF (Greater Orbit, Larger Footprint) initiative has a similar,
    but less lofty, objective. The GOLF program intends to field a series
    of increasingly capable spacecraft "through a program to learn skills
    and systems for which we do not yet have the necessary low-risk
    experience, including active attitude control, deployable/steerable
    solar panels, [and] radiation tolerance for commercial off-the-shelf
    components in higher orbits and propulsion."

    As an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) partner,
    AMSAT would work with ARISS and ARISS-USA "to advance amateur radio's
    presence aboard the International Space Station" and beyond, to the
    Deep Space Gateway and Artemis missions, which would provide
    opportunities to engage with astronauts in lunar and deep-space
    operations.

    AMSAT will continue to embrace low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite
    projects. AMSAT's strategic plan calls for the organization to support
    "a stream of LEO satellites developed in cooperation with the
    educational community and other amateur radio satellite groups." FM
    voice 1U CubeSats in LEO would continue to be a part of the mix.

    Other objectives call on AMSAT to develop a plug-and-play
    communications solution for educational and other amateur radio CubeSat
    programs, providing a VHF/UHF telemetry beacon, command receiver, and
    linear transponder or FM repeater communications module.

    AMSAT also aims to support science, technology, engineering, and
    mathematics (STEM) initiatives and training programs for satellite and
    ground system designers and operators. In the same vein, AMSAT hopes to
    develop an educational outreach program that encourages youth to pursue
    STEM interests in space science and communication technology, continue
    development of AMSAT's CubeSat Simulator Program, and develop a program
    to support and sponsor the use of amateur radio in high-altitude
    balloon (HAB) launches.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    CQ World Wide DX Contests to Include Youth Overlay

    Effective this fall, the CQ World Wide DX Contests (CQ WW) will offer a
    new Youth overlay, available to all competitors who are 25 years old or
    younger, as of the dates of the events. The Cabrillo overlay format
    will be CATEGORY-OVERLAY: YOUTH. To support this change, Youth overlay
    entries will be highlighted in the results, as is now done in the case
    of Classic and Rookie entries. Plaques will be available for winners in
    this category.

    CQ WW has also established a new Explorer category to allow amateurs to
    participate in the CQ WW Contest while experimenting creatively with
    internet-linked stations and other developing technologies. The goal is
    to encourage innovation in operating strategies, station design, and
    technology adaptation.

    CQ WW Contest Director John Dorr, K1AR, reminds participants that audio
    recordings may be requested for your entry as part of the log-checking
    process. Any single operator entrant competing for a top five finish at
    the world, continent, or US levels -- including Classic Overlay -- must
    record the transmitted and received audio, as heard by the operator for
    the duration of the contest operation. Failing to respond to this
    request may result in your log being reclassified or disqualified.

    "The combination of embracing new technology as well as recognizing the
    youth community among us is going to make CQ WW an even more popular
    event," Dorr said. "My thanks go out to the CQ WW Contest Committee and
    others who helped make this happen."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice -- Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    An introductory overview of digital voice (DV) technologies for ham
    radio. This presentation will focus on DMR with notes on System Fusion,
    D-STAR, and more. Included will be a description of DV architecture and
    components, and the interesting opportunities and challenges that DV
    presents.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    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.
    * Emergency Management trains with old-school methodology for
    innovative communications backup during disasters / Palm Coast
    Observer (Florida) August 2, 2021
    * Amateur radio operator bags another award / The Hindu (India)
    August 2, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    Announcements
    * NCJ's North American QSO Parties will recognize Youth entries in
    the Single Operator category. Beginning with the NAQP CW (August 7
    - 8) and the NAQP SSB (August 21 - 22), a Youth checkbox will be
    added on 3830 Scores and on the NAQP log upload app. Operators aged
    25 and younger may "self-certify" when checking the box. Youth
    scores will be included with the regular Single Operator scores,
    and in a separate table of their own in the results.
    * Amateur radio volunteer registration for the annual Boston Marathon
    has been extended until Friday, August 6, at 5 PM EDT. New
    volunteers should visit the Volunteer Registration Page and follow
    the instructions. Returning volunteers should already have received
    an email with a direct link. New and returning volunteers must set
    up an account via the BAA Athletes' Village. Contact the Boston
    Marathon Communications Committee for more information. -- Thanks
    to Rob Macedo, KD1CY
    * Kev Richardson, G0PEK, and his daughter, Lauren, 2E0HLR, have set
    out on a 1,640-kilometer (about 1,017-mile) bicycle and radio
    expedition from the south of England to the north of Scotland --
    Lands End to Cape Wrath and John o' Groats. During their 28-day
    adventure they will use APRS, WSPR, VHF and UHF FM, and HF QRP.
    They will use the call sign MX0KRO when at camp locations.
    * Special event station HS18IARU is now active on all bands.
    Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
    (NBTC) granted the call sign to promote the 18th International
    Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 3 Conference September 20 - 23,
    hosted by the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand. An online log is
    available.

    Faith Hannah Lea, KD3Z, is Amateur Radio Newsline 2021 Young Ham of the
    Year

    ARRL member Faith Hannah Lea, KD3Z, of Palm Coast, Florida, has been
    selected as the 2021 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio
    Newsline Young Ham of the Year. Faith Hannah comes from an all-ham
    family. She is the daughter of James Lea, WX4TV, and Michelle Lea,
    N8ZQZ. Her brother and two sisters are also hams. She credited her
    parents with being the biggest influences in her entry into amateur
    radio at the age of 10 in 2014. Just 18 months after being licensed,
    Faith Hannah was invited to join the 2016 Dave Kalter Memorial Youth DX
    team, which operated from the Saba station of Jeff Jolie, as PJ6/NM1Y.

    "And that's when I realized especially that DXing is amazing, because I
    absolutely love those huge pileups and getting to talk to all of those
    different people," she explained.

    Among her PJ6 achievements was a satellite contact that broke the SO-50
    distance world record. Her account of the event appeared in the
    March/April 2017 issue of The AMSAT Journal.

    In August 2018, Faith Hannah took part in the week-long Youngsters on
    the Air (YOTA) camp in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she
    participated in kit building, antenna projects, satellite operation,
    and a high-altitude balloon launch. An article about her experiences in
    South Africa appeared in CQ Magazine.

    On the way to South Africa, Faith Hannah and her father had a 22-hour
    layover in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. While there, they were
    invited by the Emirates Amateur Radio Society to visit and operate A62A
    and A60YOZ.

    In December 2018, Faith Hannah, her younger sister, Hope, ND2L, and
    their father organized a 36-hour mini DXpedition to the Dry Tortugas in
    the Gulf of Mexico, off the southwest coast of Florida, where they
    operated as N4T. The family team put 1,970 HF contacts and 100
    satellite contacts into the log. CQ published Faith Hannah's account of
    the N4T operation, and she and Hope shared the April 2019 cover of the
    magazine.

    Faith Hannah earned an associate degree from Daytona State College at
    age 15 and currently attends Stetson University in Deland, Florida,
    where she is a member of the junior class. She maintains a 4.0 grade
    point average while working toward two separate bachelor's degrees --
    in molecular and cellular biology and business administration. She is
    considering two possible career tracks -- medicine or law, or possibly
    both.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    Electronics Notes has begun to develop a virtual museum and directory
    of various vintage radios. It may include everything from crystal sets
    to early tube radios, government and military gear, and ham radio
    equipment up to the early solid-state era. Each radio gets a
    description, details of the specification, and a circuit where
    possible. Some already in the database include: the Philco 111
    superheterodyne (1931); some of the EKCO Art Deco round radio sets from
    the 1930s - 1940s; a selection of government surplus radios such as the
    AR88, Marconi CR100, and 150; some ham radio equipment, and a Tandberg
    radio from the 1970s. "As you can imagine, this is very much a 'work in
    progress,' so we will be adding more as time permits so we can end up
    with a useful selection of radios that people will find interesting to
    browse and read about," the website said.

    FEMA, in coordination with the FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of
    the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
    this month. The national test will consist of two segments, to test EAS
    and WEA. Both tests are set to begin at 1820 UTC on Wednesday, August
    11. The WEA portion of the test will be directed only to consumer cell
    phones where the subscriber has opted to receive test messages. The EAS
    portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will
    mark the sixth nationwide EAS test. The purpose of the August 11 test
    is to ensure that the EAS and WEA systems continue to be effective
    means of warning the public about emergencies.

    Getting It Right!

    An item in the July 29 edition of The ARRL Letter, "ITU-R Working Party
    Considers Preliminary Studies on 23-Centimeter Band," should have said
    the issue primarily concerns ITU Region 1.

    The item in the July 29 edition of The ARRL Letter, "More Slow-Scan TV
    Transmissions from RS0ISS Scheduled," should have said that free SSTV
    software is available for download.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: During the July 29 - August 4
    reporting week, solar activity went into a sharp decline.

    Sunspots were gone July 28 - August 1, so the average daily sunspot
    number dropped from 33.1 last week to 6 this week. The average daily
    solar flux slipped from 83 to 74.8.

    Predicted solar flux is 72 on August 5 - 6; 70 on August 7 - 12; 75 on
    August 13 - 14; 76 on August 15 - 16; 75 and 74 on August 17 - 18; 72
    on August 19 - 31; 74 on September 1, and 75 on September 2 - 10.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8, 12, 8, and 8 on August 5 - 8; 5, 10,
    and 8 on August 9 - 11; 5 on August 12 - 15; 10, 8, and 8 on August 16
    - 18; 5 on August 19 - 22; 8, 12, and 8 on August 23 - 25; 5 on August
    26 - 31; 12 and 10 on September 1 - 2, and 5 on September 3 - 11.

    Sunspot numbers for July 29 - August 4 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 13, 15, and 14,
    with a mean of 6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 75.8, 75.5, 75.9, 74.9,
    74.6, 75.9, and 70.8, with a mean of 74.8. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 8, 6, 6, 4, 17, 10, and 5, with a mean of 8. Middle
    latitude A index was 12, 6, 6, 4, 13, 15, and 5, 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 this 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 6 -- QRP Fox Hunt (CW)
    * August 6 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
    * August 6 -- NCCC Sprint CW
    * August 6 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW -- 20 WPM maximum)
    * August 7 -- European HF Championship (CW, phone)
    * August 7 -- Two-Meter Classic Sprint (CW, phone)
    * August 7 -- FISTS Saturday Sprint (CW)
    * August 7 - 8 -- North American QSO Party, CW
    * August 7 - 8 -- ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * August 7 - 8 -- Batavia FT8 Contest
    * August 7 - 8 -- 10-10 International Summer Contest, SSB
    * August 7 - 8 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * August 9 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * August 11 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
    * August 11 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * August 11 - 13 -- MMMonVHF 144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint (CW, phone,
    digital)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * August 7 -- ARRL Iowa State Convention (Cedar Valley ARC Techfest),
    Central City, Iowa
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * August 27 - 29 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention, Sutton, West
    Virginia
    * September 3 - 5 -- ARRL North Carolina Section Convention (Shelby
    Hamfest), Shelby, North Carolina
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota

    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 Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Fri Aug 6 16:41:00 2021
    Sean,

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)

    The first attempt must've been encrypted with invisible ink. <G>

    Daryl

    ... Free Idiot Test. Insert $5 to begin.
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Aug 13 09:05:00 2021
    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Aug 13 09:05:18 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    August 12, 2021

    * Visit with ARRL at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo
    * Bouvet Island DXpeditions Are in Planning Stages for 2021, 2022,
    and 2023
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * July Volunteer Monitor Program Report Released
    * AMSAT Continues Efforts to Debug AO-109
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Announcements
    * Mines on the Air (MOTA) Promoted as an Activity Similar to Summits
    on the Air (SOTA)
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Journalist, Archivist, and Broadcaster Wolf Harranth, OE1WHC, SK
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Visit with ARRL at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo

    The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday,
    August 14 - 15. Register now and visit the ARRL booth to connect with
    ARRL staff representatives in the video lounges on Saturday, 1500 -
    2300 UTC, and Sunday, 1500 - 1800 UTC. There will be in-booth drawings
    and special offers for the ARRL online store and for joining or
    renewing membership.

    On Sunday, 1500 UTC (8 AM PDT / 11 AM EDT), ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed
    Hare, W1RFI, will present, "How to Comply with FCC RF Exposure Rules,"
    in the virtual auditorium.

    "Amateur radio has had rules regulating RF exposure for decades," Hare
    explains. "The FCC recently announced changes to those rule that change
    the ways that all radio services determine whether they need to do an
    evaluation of RF exposure or are exempt from that need. I put together
    this presentation to explain the rules changes and to answer the most
    common questions hams have about the rules and what is expected of
    them."

    ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner.
    Bouvet Island DXpeditions Are in Planning Stages for 2021, 2022, and
    2023

    Parallel planning is under way by three entities for DXpeditions to
    Bouvet Island in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The remote volcanic, glacial
    sub-Antarctic island in the South Atlantic is the second-most-wanted
    DXCC entity, according to Club Log. In June, the Intrepid-DX Group
    canceled its 3Y0J DXpedition, planned for 2023, after the RV Braveheart
    was put up for sale. Not long after, the Intrepid-DX Group revived its
    plans and was seeking a suitable vessel.

    On August 8, a DXpedition using the 3Y0J call sign announced the
    signing of a contract with the expedition vessel Marama, a 101-foot
    sailing ketch with "a proven track record and experienced polar crew."
    Co-leaders for the November 2022 effort are Ken Opskar, LA7GIA; Rune
    O/ye, LA7THA, and Erwann Merrien, LB1QI. Opskar, who holds the 3Y0J
    license, split from the Intrepid-DX Group DXpedition effort he headed
    with co-leader Paul Ewing, N6PSE.

    In a brief announcement on August 3, Ewing had said that a Bouvet
    DXpedition team under "revised leadership" had found "a
    suitable/affordable vessel willing to take us to Bouvet," and was
    negotiating the terms of that charter contract. Ewing's co-leaders
    would be David Jorgensen, WD5COV, and Kevin Rowett, K6TD. The
    Intrepid-DX Group now must secure a new license and landing permission
    from the Norwegian Polar Institute.

    Meanwhile, Polish radio amateur Dom Grzyb, 3Z9DX, says planning
    continues for a second expedition on Bouvet Island in late 2021, using
    the call sign 3Y0I. "As you probably know, our first attempt to reach
    the island of Bouvet in March 2019 failed," Grzyb says on the
    DXpedition's website. "We were so close -- just 63 nautical miles off
    the shore of Bouvet Island."

    The reconstituted 3Y0J group under the LA7GIA/LA7THA/LB1QI triumvirate
    said in its August 8 announcement that it planned to begin fundraising
    "immediately." It would field a team of 12 operators for a 20-day stay
    "around Bouvet." They would set up at Cape Fie at the southeastern part
    of the island, which they called "the only feasible part where a
    DXpedition can safely set up camp on rocky ground; we will not set [up]
    camp on the glacier."

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 20) features a
    discussion with Oliver Dully, K6OLI, who describes how amateurs use the
    Winlink network for various public service applications. He also
    discusses the equipment and software necessary to access Winlink.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 40) describes how NASA is
    using rockets to study Very Low Frequencies. It also discusses a new
    Universal Serial Bus standard that allows higher voltages and currents.
    Topping things off will be a chat with Dr. Dan Fay, KG5VBY, about
    QMesh, an innovative way to send digital voice communications using
    inexpensive LoRa transceivers.

    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.
    July Volunteer Monitor Program Report Released

    The July 2021 activity report of the Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program has
    been released. This program is a joint initiative between ARRL and the
    FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service.
    * Technician-class licensees in Spring Valley, Smith River, and
    Nipomo, California; Oneonta, New York; Idaho Falls, Idaho, and
    Center, Texas, received visory Notices concerning FT8 operation
    on frequencies not authorized to Technician licensees.
    * General-class licensees in Marco Island and Arcadia, Florida, as
    well as in Maryland, received visory Notices for operation in the
    Amateur Extra-class portion of the 20-meter band.
    * A licensee in Parks, Arizona, received an visory Notice
    concerning failure to abide by a request to stay off a repeater.
    The matter will be referred to the FCC for enforcement action.
    * A General-class licensee in Acworth, Georgia, received an visory
    Notice concerning failure to identify properly and for repeated
    communications with unlicensed stations on 3.895 MHz.
    * An Amateur Extra-class licensee in Keansburg, New Jersey, received
    an visory Notice concerning on-the-air threats directed at
    another operator on 3.844 MHz.
    * The final totals for VM monitoring in July were 1,736 hours on HF
    frequencies and 2,185 hours on VHF and UHF frequencies.

    The IT staff at ARRL Headquarters has begun work on the automated
    system for Volunteer Monitors to report monthly monitoring hours and
    Incident Reports. -- Thanks to Volunteer Monitor Program ministrator
    Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH

    AMSAT Continues Efforts to Debug AO-109

    In mid-July, AMSAT announced that AO-109 (RadFxSat-2/AMSAT Fox-1E) was
    being opened for amateur use. AMSAT advised operators to use efficient
    modes for making contacts, such as CW or FT4, because issues with the
    satellite make SSB voice contacts "challenging at best."

    After soliciting telemetry reports from the satellite, the AMSAT
    Engineering and Operations team is continuing its efforts to "debug"
    AO-109. "First, the telemetry we have received confirms what we
    inferred from our earlier experiments," AMSAT announced over the
    weekend. It said antennas are open, AO-109 is in transponder mode, and
    the spacecraft "does receive commands successfully, especially from a
    strong command station." The team has also determined that the onboard
    telemetry is working, but the transmitter output is very low -- between
    6 and 8 mW. "You can compare this to our pre-launch testing, which
    showed power output of somewhat over 100 mW, as designed," AMSAT said.
    It's hypothesizing that one of the dual-power amplifier chips has
    failed. Efforts to command higher output from the telemetry modulator
    into the mixer and power amplifier resulted in no change. "It may imply
    that 8 mW is the highest to expect from the transponder as well," AMSAT
    said.

    AMSAT said "some data" for the Vanderbilt University
    commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radiation experiment have been
    retrieved. Vanderbilt funded AO-109. Conceding that its Earth stations
    will require more robust receiving capabilities, it continues to
    solicit telemetry from AO-109.

    "Both for Vanderbilt University and for our own engineering testing, we
    would really appreciate even a few frames of telemetry that any
    stations can receive," AMSAT said.

    AMSAT provides a web page that reports on the health of AO-109. --
    Thanks to AMSAT News Service
    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.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice -- Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 at 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)

    This webinar serves as an introductory overview of digital voice (DV)
    technologies for ham radio. This presentation focuses on DMR with notes
    on System Fusion, D-STAR, and more. Included will be a description of
    DV architecture and components, and the interesting opportunities and
    challenges that DV presents.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Announcements
    * [IMG]Qualification standings for the World Radiosport Team
    Championship 2022 (WRTC-2022) have been updated. No change requests
    will be accepted after August 31. Because of the global pandemic,
    the WRTC-2022 event has been postponed to July 2023.
    * WSJT-X rev 2.5.0-rc5 "release candidate" is now available. These
    releases are intended for beta testers -- individuals interested in
    testing the program's new features and providing feedback to the
    WSJT Development Team. This is the fifth candidate release for
    WSJT-X 2.5.0, offering several enhancements and bug fixes. On
    Windows platforms, it includes MAP65 3.0.0-rc5, a wideband
    polarization-matching tool intended primarily for EME.
    * MFJ Enterprises Production Manager Michael W. Enis, KB5YJF, died on
    August 6. He was 53. He was considered the world expert for
    Ameritron amplifiers.
    * Jazz musician Bob Ringwald, K6YBV, died on August 3. He was the
    father of actor Molly Ringwald. Ringwald also worked as a radio
    host for KCSN-FM, presenting "Bob Ringwald's Bourbon Street
    Parade."
    * Members of Switzerland's IARU member-society (USKA) with support
    from the Radio Amateur Club Swissair (HB9VC) will celebrate the
    60th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty with special event station
    HB60ANT until the end of 2021. QSL via Club Log OQRS (no QSL
    needed).

    Mines on the Air (MOTA) Promoted as an Activity Similar to Summits on
    the Air (SOTA)

    Many hams enjoy getting out of the house to operate, engaging in such
    activities as Summits on the Air (SOTA), Parks on the Air (POTA), or
    Islands on The Air (IOTA). Now it's time to try Mines on the Air (MOTA)
    -- but banish any thoughts of underground operating. The spark plug for
    this activity is John "JohnnyF" Fuller, WJ0NF, in Colorado.

    "I decided to start...the MOTA project because mines are everywhere in
    my area, and I was already checking them out and researching their
    history," Fuller explained on the MOTA website. He got into ham radio
    after losing "internet, cell, and landline service for the fourth time
    in 2016."

    MOTA aims to see operators get out of the shack, enjoy the hobby, and
    take others (spotters) along for the ride. "It is meant to promote the
    hobby, enjoy the world around us, and bring a bit of history into our
    lives," Fuller said. "I encourage Activators to document their
    adventure with photos and videos that they can share with everyone --
    either via this site, their own sites, or YouTube videos."

    He continued, "I would also encourage activators to bring back part of
    the enjoyment via QSL cards. If you have the means, spend a few
    dollars, and create one-of-a-kind, limited-edition QSL cards for the
    spotters that couldn't be there."

    Fuller said he's planned on limited runs of 20 - 30 cards for each
    activation, each card bearing an image of the relevant mine.

    "We are just starting out, and I am sure things will change as the
    project grows," Fuller said. "For now, I would like to create a form
    where MOTA Activators can fill out the relevant information and submit
    it for addition to the database. Once the project grows past a critical
    point, we will have to move to a more interactive site where you can

    John "JohnnyF" Fuller, WJ0NF.

    search through the database and upload information on your own."

    Fuller said to activate a mine and have it added to the database will
    just include information describing where the site is located and
    photographic proof that the operator was there. If a link to a website
    for the mine is available, he'd like that included too. Fuller's
    Activation Requirements page has more details.

    Fuller has one important caveat: activating a mine for MOTA "is not
    meant for people to risk their health or lives by exploring unsafe
    locations. No more than SOTA or IOTA. In each activity, you need to use
    common sense. Stay out of these old mines and be safe."

    He notes that not all mine sites are open to the public. "Make sure you
    know ahead of time what legal access you have to the location," he
    said.

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Pittsburgh amateur radio group celebrates 80 years of providing
    emergency communications during disasters / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    (Pennsylvania) August 9, 2021
    * Local Amateur Radio Club works with Estes Park Schools / Estes Park
    Trail Estate (Colorado) August 9, 2021
    * Hurricane Maria cut off a Puerto Rican town. An amateur radio
    operator found a way out / Miami Herald (Florida) August 8, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Journalist, Archivist, and Broadcaster Wolf Harranth, OE1WHC, SK

    Wolf Harranth, OE1WHC/OE3WHC, of Vienna, Austria, died on August 3
    after a brief illness. He was 79. His work as a journalist and
    broadcaster focused on electronic media and computing. For many years,
    he worked for Radio Austria International (ROI), where he hosted
    several programs of interest to shortwave listeners (SWLs) and radio
    amateurs. These included the German-language Kurzwelle Panorama --
    later Medienpanorama and, finally, Intermedia.

    He was also the founder of the Dokumentationsarchiv Funk (DokuFunk) --
    the radio documentary archive. What began as a QSL card collection is
    now a considerable archive on the history of radio and the Amateur
    Radio Service, with many contemporary historical documents. The archive
    now holds some 9 million items, including the legendary Yasme/Colvin
    collection and more recently the HZ1AB QSL collection, making it the
    world's largest institution with archival records and collections of
    any kind on the history of radio, with a focus on broadcasting and
    amateur radio." The holdings are accessible free of charge and are
    constantly being added to.

    Less well known is Harranth's work as a literary translator. He was
    awarded the Austrian State Prize for Literary Translation and the
    international Astrid Lindgren Translation Prize, among others, for this
    work. He translated classics such as The Jungle Book and The ventures
    of Huckleberry Finn.

    In 2017, Harranth received the Roy Stevens, G2BVN, memorial award,
    International Amateur Radio Union Region 1's highest recognition for
    excellence in amateur radio, for his decades of effort and work on the
    DokuFunk archive. -- Thanks to The Daily DX and IARU Region 1 HF
    Manager Tom Kamp, DF5JL
    In Brief...

    ARRL member and professional engineer Les Kramer, WA3SGZ, of Longwood,
    Florida, will be among the 2020 inductees into the Florida Inventors
    Hall of Fame on November 5. The Hall of Fame at the University of South
    Florida in Tampa recognizes approximately seven Florida inventors every
    year for significant contributions to technology and society. Kramer
    holds 17 US patents and two overseas patents, spanning lower limb
    prosthetic devices to advances in electric power generation, IED
    detection, optical coatings for industrial processes, and dynamic
    electronic tagging using a sticky polymer. "One of my primary
    inventions is a prosthetic foot that returns energy to both the heel
    and the toe of the amputee, thereby giving the user a very lifelike
    feeling and natural control of the foot," said Kramer, who is Vice
    President of Engineering and Manufacturing at TaiLor Made Prosthetics,
    LLC, in Orlando. The prosthetic foot is used by some 3,000 people
    worldwide, including two Boston Marathon bombing victims. Kramer said
    amateur radio has played a key role in his success as an inventor. He
    has been a ham since 1959 and an ARRL member for more than 50 years.

    The Intrepid-DX Group has Announced its Essay Contest Winners Faith
    Hannah Lea, KD3Z, is the first-place winner of the Intrepid-DX Group
    First Annual Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest. She'll take home an Icom
    IC-7300 transceiver, a vertical flagpole antenna from Greyline
    Performance Antennas, a Heil Sound headset, a Powerwerx power supply,
    and a Morse QRP Nano Morse Code Key-25-811-P. Second-place winner
    Charlie Meadows, N4VTI, is the recipient of a Yaesu FT-65R radio and a
    $50 DX Engineering gift card. Patrick Gawthrop, W9GGG, was the
    third-place winner. He received a BaoFeng BF-F8HP radio and a $50 DX
    Engineering gift card. "We received over 60 essays from all over the
    world," Intrepid-DX President Paul Ewing, N6PSE, said. "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. [W]e can tell you that our youth are full of great ideas and
    brimming with enthusiasm to keep our hobby alive well into the future."
    The Intrepid-DX Group plans to publish several of the essays on its
    Facebook page.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity continues to be very
    weak, and the latest 45-day outlook seems to show more of the same.
    Sunspots only appeared on 3 out of the 7 days of our August 5 - 11
    reporting week, and these appearances were not consecutive.

    Average daily sunspot numbers actually rose a little, from 6 to 9.9.
    Average daily solar flux softened from 74.8 to 73.7. Average daily
    planetary A index went from 8 to 6.3, while middle latitude averages
    were 7, down from 8.7 last week.

    Predicted solar flux over the next few weeks shows a predicted maximum
    of only 75 on just one day, September 11. The solar flux forecast from
    USAF and NOAA shows 74 on August 12 - 14; 72 on August 15 - 19; 73 on
    August 20; 74 on August 21 - September 1; 73, 72, 72, 74, and 74 on
    September 2 - 6; 73 on September 7 - 10; 75 on September 11, and 72 on
    September 12 - 15.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8 on August 12; 5 on August 13 - 14; 8
    on August 15 - 16; 5 on August 17 - 22; 8, 12, and 8 on August 23 - 25;
    5 on August 26 - September 1; 8 and 12 on September 2 - 3; 8 on
    September 4 - 6; 5 on September 7 - 11; 12, 10, 10, and 5 on September
    12 - 15.

    Sunspot numbers for August 5 - 11 were 36, 0, 0, 11, 0, 0, and 22, with
    a mean of 9.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74.3, 74.4, 73.7, 73.5, 73,
    73.3, and 73.8, with a mean of 73.7. Estimated planetary A indices were
    3, 7, 11, 5, 5, 7, and 6, with a mean of 6.3. Middle latitude A index
    was 3, 9, 9, 6, 6, 9, and 7, with a mean of 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 this 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 14 -- QRP ARCI European Sprint (CW)
    * August 14 -- SARL Youth Sprint (phone)
    * August 14 -- Kentucky State Parks on the Air (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 14 - 15 -- WAE DX Contest (CW)
    * August 14 - 15 -- Maryland-DC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 14 - 15 -- 50 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 15 -- SARL HF Digital Contest
    * August 15 -- NJQRP Skeeter Hunt (CW, phone)
    * August 15 -- FISTS Sunday Sprint (CW)
    * August 15 - 16 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * August 14 - 15 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo (online)
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * August 27 - 29 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention, Sutton, West
    Virginia
    * September 3 - 5 -- ARRL North Carolina Section Convention (Shelby
    Hamfest), Shelby, North Carolina
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota

    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 Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Fri Aug 13 21:06:00 2021
    Sean,

    Sean Dennis wrote to All <=-

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)

    Another encryped message with invisible ink <j/k><G>.

    Daryl

    ... Have you thanked your Sysop or Echo Moderator today??
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Daryl Stout on Sat Aug 14 15:01:14 2021
    Daryl Stout wrote to Sean Dennis <=-

    Another encryped message with invisible ink <j/k><G>.

    There is an unknown issue that I haven't bothered to fix with the program I use to post messages from files.

    -- Sean

    ... Live better, electrically.
    ___ MultiMail/Win v0.52

    --- Maximus/2 3.01
    * Origin: Outpost BBS (1:18/200)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:19/33 to Sean Dennis on Sat Aug 14 22:24:00 2021
    Sean,

    Another encryped message with invisible ink <j/k><G>.

    There is an unknown issue that I haven't bothered to fix with the
    program I use to post messages from files.

    No problem...I figured you were aware of it.

    All I can think of is the title of the cartoon from "The Ant And The Aardvark"...where the aardvark builds this "computer" to try to catch
    the ant. Well, like Wile E. Coyote and Acme (that's probably who made
    that computer <G>), "it was a smashing failure".

    So, at the end of the cartoon, the exchange goes like this:

    Aardvark: "As a computer, you stink!!"
    Computer: "Who said I was a computer?? I'm an automatic pop-up toaster!!
    And, I'll prove it!!"

    <computer spouts out about 100 pieces of toast>

    Aardvark (now buried under the toast), "Anybody got a pound of butter??" <G>

    The title of the cartoon: "Technology, Phooey!!" <G>.

    Daryl

    ... "Oh, Bother!!" said Pooh, as he corrupted his tagline collection.
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:19/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Aug 20 09:05:00 2021
    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Aug 20 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    August 19, 2021

    * Hurricane Watch Net Scratches Reactivation as Grace Makes Landfall
    * Radio Club of Haiti President Reports Significant Structural Damage
    from Earthquake
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * FCC Application Fees Unlikely to Go into Effect Until 2022
    * ARRL Learning Network
    * IARUMS Intruder Watch Reports "Burst Signal" from China
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * SAQ Reports "an Incredible Number" of Listeners for July 4
    Transmissions
    * Sailing Vessel with Ham Radio History Marks 100 Years
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Hurricane Watch Net Scratches Reactivation as Grace Makes Landfall

    After activating on Wednesday, August 18, the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN)
    scrapped plans to reactivate the next morning as Hurricane Grace made a
    pre-sunrise landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula, bringing strong winds
    and heavy rain, before moving out over the Gulf of Mexico.

    The HWN announced plans to activate Wednesday, August 18, and Friday,
    August 20, after Tropical Storm Grace attained Category 1 hurricane
    status. Air Force Reserve and NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft determined
    that Grace became a hurricane just west of Grand Cayman Island.

    "We still expect Grace to make another landfall late Friday evening or
    early Saturday morning," HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said.

    "Looking ahead to the final landfall, unless something drastically
    changes, we will plan to activate Friday afternoon [at 2100 UTC on
    14.325 MHz]," Graves said. After moving over the southwestern Gulf of
    Mexico early Friday, Grace is expected to make its second landfall
    somewhere between Txpam and Veracruz, Mexico, just before sunrise on
    Saturday.

    "This storm could make as many as three landfalls," Graves noted, if
    Grace hits the island of Cozumel before reaching the mainland of
    Mexico. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Yucatan Peninsula from
    Cancun to Punta Herrero, including Cozumel.

    "Observed, ground-truth" weather data from amateur radio volunteers in
    affected areas can aid forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.

    The National Hurricane Center was predicting that Hurricane Grace would
    follow a west to northwest to westward motion for the next several
    days. Some additional strengthening was expected before the storm's
    center reached the eastern Yucatan Peninsula before weakening over
    land. Grace was expected to regain strength as it moves over the
    southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Friday. Hurricane-force winds extend
    outward up to 25 miles from the storm's center, and
    tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.

    This is a developing news story. It will be updated on the ARRL website
    as new information becomes available.
    Radio Club of Haiti President Reports Significant Structural Damage
    from Earthquake

    Radio Club of Haiti President Jean-Robert Gaillard, HH2JR, was among
    those reporting significant structural damage in the wake of a
    magnitude 7.2 earthquake on August 14 near Les Cayes. A request has
    been posted to keep these primary International Amateur Radio Union
    (IARU) Region 2 emergency frequencies clear: 3750 kHz, 7150 kHz, and
    14,330 kHz. At this time, it is not known if amateur radio volunteers
    have had a role in the recovery effort.

    The 1229 UTC quake occurred some 20 miles east-northeast of Les Cayes
    and 7 miles northeast of Saint-Louis-du-Sud on the end of Hispaniola
    that's closest to Cuba. The quake was about 80 miles west of Haiti's
    capital, Port au Prince.

    "We will stay alert," said IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinator Carlos
    Alberto Santamara Gonzlez, CO2JC. There's been no word of any amateur
    radio role in the recovery.

    Haiti also found itself in the direct path of then-Tropical Depression
    Grace, which dumped heavy rain spreading westward across southern
    Haiti, with a threat of flash flooding and mudslides in Hispaniola to
    continue through Tuesday.

    Bill Hoops, K3WJH, an ARRL member in Pennsylvania who is with Southern
    Baptist Disaster Relief, reported that the US Coast Guard is flying
    injured people to hospitals that are open. Some radio amateurs
    volunteer with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, which has been working
    through red tape to gain permission to assist in Haiti. Hoops said he
    continues patiently monitoring HF in Pennsylvania but had not been
    hearing anything from Haiti.

    The US has sent a search-and-rescue team to Haiti to help locate
    victims. The island nation of 11 million, which shares Hispaniola with
    the Dominican Republic, has yet to fully recover from a disastrous
    earthquake in 2010 that devastated much of Port au Prince.

    Patience already was wearing thin when the quake hit, with Haitians
    struggling with the coronavirus, gang violence, grinding poverty, and
    the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Mose. Media report that
    upward of 1,900 have been killed in western Haiti, and thousands more
    have been injured. Survivors sought shelter in tents, while
    search-and-rescue teams continue to dig through rubble for survivors
    and additional victims. Medical care and even basic supplies have been
    reported scarce in the quake zone, and some injured survivors have been
    airlifted to Port au Prince.

    Seismologists say the quake occurred 6 or 7 miles below ground and was
    felt as far away as Jamaica, some 200 miles distant.

    This is a developing news story. It will be updated on the ARRL website
    as new information becomes available.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 20) features a
    discussion with Oliver Dully, K6OLI, who describes how amateurs use the
    Winlink network for various public service applications. He also
    discusses the equipment and software necessary to access Winlink.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 40) describes how NASA is
    using rockets to study Very Low Frequencies. It also discusses a new
    Universal Serial Bus standard that allows higher voltages and currents.
    Topping things off is a chat with Dr. Dan Fay, KG5VBY, about QMesh, an
    innovative way to send digital voice communications using inexpensive
    LoRa transceivers.

    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.
    FCC Application Fees Unlikely to Go into Effect Until 2022

    The previously announced schedule of FCC amateur radio application fees
    likely will not go into effect before 2022. FCC staff confirmed during
    a recent virtual meeting with Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs)
    that the agency is still working on the necessary changes to the
    Universal Licensing System (ULS) software and other processes and
    procedures that must be in place before it starts collecting fees from
    amateur applicants. Earlier this year, the FCC said it would not start
    collecting fees from amateur applicants before this summer. The new
    estimate is that the fees won't go into effect until early next year.

    Once it's effective, a $35 application fee will apply to new,
    modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and
    vanity call sign applications. All fees will be per application.
    ministrative update applications, such as those to change a
    licensee's name, mailing, or email address, will be exempt from fees.
    ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams
    will not face the burden of collecting the $35 fee.

    "Once the FCC application fee takes effect, new and upgrade applicants
    will pay the exam session fee to the VE team as usual, but they'll pay
    the $35 application fee directly to the FCC using the FCC Pay Fees
    system," she explained. When the FCC receives the examination
    information from the VEC, it will email a link with payment
    instructions to each successful candidate, who then will have 10 days
    from the date of the email to pay.

    After the fee is paid and the FCC has processed an application,
    examinees will receive a second email from the FCC with a link to their
    official license. The link will be good for 30 days. Licensees also
    will be able to view, download, and print official license copies by
    logging into their FCC ULS account. The FCC no longer provides printed
    licenses.

    Licensees can log into the ULS with their 10-digit FRN (FCC
    Registration Number) and password at any time to view and manage their
    license and application, print their license, and update anything in
    their FCC license record, including adding an email address.

    Read an expanded version of this story.

    ARRL Learning Network

    Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
    check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice by Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 @ 3:30 pm EDT (1930 UTC)

    An introductory overview of Digital Voice (DV) technologies for ham
    radio. Focus on DMR with notes on System Fusion, D-STAR, etc.
    Description of DV architecture, components, and the interesting
    opportunities, as well as challenges, it presents amateur radio
    operators.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    IARUMS Intruder Watch Reports "Burst Signal" from China

    The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 Monitoring System
    (IARUMS) reports that in addition to the already well-known intruders,
    some new or rarely heard signals have been spotted, including a burst
    signal from an over-the-horizon radar (OTH-R) in China. The IARUMS July
    newsletter reported that this signal -- in 3.8-second bursts -- was
    encountered repeatedly on different 40-meter frequencies as well as on
    20 meters.

    NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) military systems were more
    active in various amateur bands using a variety of modes, such as
    MIL188-110A, LINK 11 CLEW and SLEW, STANAG 4285, STANAG 4481-FSK, and
    MIL188-14A ALE.

    FSK-ARQ and PSK-ARQ emissions with typical 600 baud, 600 Hz, or even
    1200 Hz, have been conspicuous for some time. These are known as DPRK
    600 and 1200, respectively, and are attributed to North Korea.

    For many days, a LINK 11 CLEW station was active on 7159.0 kHz in DSB
    mode (double sideband, 6 kHz wide), at times causing heavy
    interference.

    Predominant over-the-horizon radars monitored included the Russian
    Contayner, as well as the British PLUTO system from Cyprus, generating
    annoying interference. On 14301.9 kHz, an orthogonal frequency division
    multiplexing (OFDM) 60 signal could be found occasionally.

    Some broadcasters interfere regularly. Radio France Internationale on
    7205 kHz splatters down to 7186 kHz, 2100 - 2200 UTC. The Voice of
    Broad Masses is regularly found on 7140 and 7180 kHz. China Radio
    International is often found on 14000 kHz, and Sound of Hope from
    Taiwan is sometimes audible if conditions permit, but the signal is
    often jammed.

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * California Man Gets Alarming Call from Friend on Ham Radio -- and
    Jumps into Action to Save His Life, People magazine, August 16,
    2021
    * How A Group Of Dedicated Volunteers Are Keeping California's
    Wildfires At Bay, NPR, July 16, 2021
    * Amateur Radio Club keeps USS Kidd legacy alive with Morse code
    transmissions, The vocate (Louisiana), July 9, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * The Intrepid-DX Group has announced its second annual Youth Essay
    Contest. The prize is an Icom IC-7300. The contest aims to gather
    views and suggestions of young people involved in amateur radio.
    The Intrepid-DX Group Facebook page has details.
    * The Asheville Radio Museum in Asheville, North Carolina, which
    houses a ham and vintage radio collection, marks its 20th
    anniversary this summer. The museum will host a public celebration
    from 12 until 3 PM on Saturday, September 11. For details, visit
    the club's anniversary page.
    * Radio Amateurs from the Amateurs Radio Algeriens (ARA) assisted in
    the government's response to forest fires in Ouacif (Tizi-Ouzou),
    where 65 people lost their lives. Communication networks in place
    were having trouble conveying emergency needs between the mobile
    station at Ouacif and the crisis unit in Tamda, via the ARA HQ
    station. The ARA volunteers completed their work on August 13.
    * Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service Founding Director Mark
    Sheppard, N7LYE, of Seattle, Washington, died in May. Sheppard
    founded the Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) in 1993
    to organize ham radio operators in assisting the City's Office of
    Emergency Management during emergencies. In 2000, Sheppard
    organized Comm Academy, a 2-day conference offering training for
    hams involved in emergency communications that drew up to 500
    attendees. In 2021, he took Comm Academy online.
    * Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont ordered flags flown at half-staff
    to commemorate Colin McFadden, KB1YYG, a 26-year-old Bristol
    firefighter and EMT. McFadden died on August 10 after becoming ill
    while battling a fire, fire officials said. McFadden was an ARRL
    member and the vice president of the ARRL-affiliated Bristol Radio
    Club. Club President Dan Wall, W1ZFG, called McFadden "a very
    committed volunteer."

    SAQ Reports "an Incredible Number" of Listeners for July 4
    Transmissions

    The Alexander Grimeton Friendship Association reports "an incredible
    number" of listener reports -- 524 in all -- for its July 4
    Alexanderson Day transmissions from SAQ, the Alexanderson alternator
    very-low-

    frequency (VLF) station in Sweden. SAQ transmits on 17.2 kHz.

    "We are overwhelmed by all the fantastic feedback we have received,
    from all of you around the world, in listener's reports and on our
    YouTube channel," the association said.

    "The weather on Alexanderson Day was sunny, with temperatures around 25
    C. Some approaching thunderstorms could be seen on the horizon," the
    report said. "For the first time since the pandemic started, we were
    able to have a limited, seated audience in the transmitter hall --
    fantastic! The Alexander Grimeton Friendship Association managed to
    carry out two successful transmissions to the world from the old
    Alexanderson alternator SAQ."

    The first transmission was initiated at 0830 UTC, with the startup and
    tuning of the Alexanderson alternator. The message was sent out a
    half-hour later, and the transmission event was livestreamed via
    YouTube. A second transmission was made at 1200 UTC.

    Amateur station SK6SAQ, which operates from the SAQ site, was on the
    air for Alexanderson Day. "On Alexanderson Day, HF conditions were not
    optimal, but the radio amateurs reached 169 QSOs with 21 countries,
    mostly in Europe and a few from the US," the report continued. "Two
    stations were in operation, with both SSB and CW."

    The Alexanderson alternator is an electro-mechanical radio transmitter
    that dates to the 1920s.

    Jay Rusgrove, W1VD, in Burlington, Connecticut, was among the US
    listeners who submitted a report. "The first transmission was a washout
    due to high QRN," he recounted. "The second transmission had somewhat
    lower QRN levels. Reception was not as good as some years' summer
    transmissions, which turn out to be unexpectedly good."

    Rusgrove posted a brief audio file from the second transmission tune-up
    and message transmission. (Listen closely for the clean CW signal
    beneath the noise.)
    Sailing Vessel with Ham Radio History Marks 100 Years

    The schooner Bowdoin is a century old this year. Now owned by the Maine
    Maritime Academy (MMA) as a training vessel, the ham radio history of
    the 88-foot (LOA) Bowdoin is often neglected. Constructed in Maine
    specifically for Arctic exploration, the vessel relied on amateur radio
    for communication during explorer Donald B. MacMillan's Arctic
    Expedition of 1923 and on the MacMillan-McDonald-Byrd Expedition of
    1925 -- thanks in part to ARRL co-founder Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW. The
    venerable vessel, the official vessel of the State of Maine and the
    flagship of Maine Maritime Academy's Vessel Operations and Technology
    Program, recently underwent a complete hull restoration and refitting
    and has done a little touring to mark its centenary. Its home port is
    Castine, Maine.

    The longwave transmitters MacMillan used on his earlier missions had
    proved "unable to penetrate the screen of the aurora borealis," ARRL
    historian Michael Marinaro, WN1M, explained in his article, "Polar
    Exploration," in the June 2014 issue of QST. In 1923, MacMillan turned
    to ARRL for help in outfitting his next expedition with better wireless
    gear. Marinaro recounted, "It was enthusiastically provided." Maxim and
    the ARRL Board recruited Donald H. Mix, 1TS, of Bristol, Connecticut,
    to accompany the crew as its radio operator.

    M.B. West, an ARRL Board member, designed the gear, which was then
    built by amateurs at his firm, Zenith Electronics. The transmitter
    operated on the medium-wave bands of 185, 220, and 300 meters, running
    100 W to a pair of Western Electric "G" tubes. Earlier exploratory
    missions had used gear that operated on longwave frequencies. The
    shipboard station on board the Bowdoin was given the call sign WNP --
    Wireless North Pole.

    "WNP transmitted weekly 500-word press releases and listings of
    stations worked and heard," Marinaro said. "Once received by amateur
    stations, these reports were delivered to local affiliated newspapers
    of the North American Newspaper Alliance; from there, they were
    distributed syndicate-wide by telegraph."

    MacMillan's subsequent attempt at the North Pole centered around
    wireless. The objectives supported by the Navy and the National
    Geographic Society were to determine the full capabilities of radio
    north of the auroral belt and to explore the northern reaches by air.
    The outstanding accomplishment of the 1925 expedition was in the sphere
    of radio. Utilizing shortwaves, the expedition was in consistent
    contact with the outside world throughout the journey, to the delight
    of the amateurs who were able to work them. The phenomenal success
    proved to the Navy that shortwaves were definitely superior to the
    longwaves and ultra longwaves that fleets had been using.
    In Brief...

    The president of OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Cliff Peoples, KE8QR,
    of Clayton, Ohio, died on August 5. An ARRL member, he was 81. Peoples
    got licensed in 1969 after returning from service in Vietnam. He served
    4 years in the US Navy and more than 18 years in the US Air Force,
    where he was a master sergeant. Peoples held a degree in avionics
    systems (aircraft electronics) and taught electronic engineering and
    robotic design at the high school and college levels before retiring in
    2006. Peoples' family has requested memorial donations to the OMIK
    Scholarship Fund.

    Roland "Rol" Anders, K3RA, has announced the starting date for this
    year's free Technician licensing class. Sessions will be held online
    via Zoom. Classes start on Thursday, September 9, and run for seven
    sessions. Anders has been holding these popular classes from the
    National Electronics Museum for many years. He chairs the National
    Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool
    Committee. Anders has been following up his Technician exam class
    sessions with classes for prospective General-class and Amateur
    Extra-class licensees. Classes, which are available worldwide, have
    been recorded for later viewing. Contact Anders via email. -- Thanks to
    The Daily DX
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Weak solar activity persists, but
    with just one spotless day in the current August 12 - 18 reporting week
    -- Friday, August 13. Last week, we reported 4 days with no sunspots
    over the previous 7 days. The average daily sunspot number increased
    from 9.9 last week to 17.7 this week. Solar flux was the same, with the
    average inching from 73.7 to 73.8.

    Geomagnetic indicators were also stable. Average planetary A index was
    6.1, compared to 6.3 last week. Average middle latitude A index moved
    from 7.6 to 7.

    Predicted solar flux is 75 on August 19 - 20; 73 on August 21 - 23; 72
    on August 24 - 26; 73 on August 27 - 29; 74 on August 30 - September 1;
    73 on September 2 - 11; 74 on September 12; 73 on September 13 - 17; 72
    on September 18, and 73 on September 19 - 25.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on August 19 - 20; 8, 8, 12, 14, 12,
    and 8 on August 21 - 26; 5 on August 27 - September 1; 8 and 12 on
    September 2 - 3; 5 on September 4 - 10; 8 on September 11 - 13; 5 on
    September 14 - 18; 8, 12, and 8 on September 19 - 21, and 5 on
    September 22 - 28.

    On August 14, Spaceweather.com reported no sunspots and that, so far in
    2021, there have been 56 days with no spots. "That might sound like a
    lot, but it is in fact a sharp reduction from hundreds of spotless days
    observed in 2019 and 2020. Despite today's blank sun, solar activity is
    intensifying compared to previous years," Spaceweather.com observed.

    Sunspot numbers for August 12 - 18 were 11, 0, 47, 23, 14, 13, and 16,
    with a mean of 17.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.6, 72.9, 72.6,
    74.6, 74.4, 73.1, and 75.3, with a mean of 73.8. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 4, 6, 5, 10, 7, 5, and 6, with a mean of 6.1. Middle
    latitude A index was 6, 9, 4, 13, 8, 7, and 6, with a mean of 7.6.

    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 this 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 21 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 21 - 22 -- North American QSO Party, SSB
    * August 22 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY
    * August 21 - 22 -- Russian District Award Contest (CW, phone)
    * August 21 - 22 -- Keyman's Club of Japan Contest
    * August 21 - 22 -- SARTG World Wide RTTY Contest
    * August 25 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * August 21 - 22 -- ARRL Southeastern Division Convention (Huntsville
    Hamfest), Huntsville, Alabama
    * August 28 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention (online)
    * September 3 - 5 -- ARRL North Carolina Section Convention (Shelby
    Hamfest), Shelby, North Carolina
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota

    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
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    Subscribe to...
    * NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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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) 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 Fri Aug 27 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    August 26, 2021

    * Grace and Henri Keep Amateur Radio Weather Spotters Busy
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Huntsville Hamfest Hosts 2021 ARRL Southeastern Division Convention
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Newspaper Article Boosts Interest in Net Aimed at Visually
    Impaired, Disabled Amateurs
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Registration Now Open for AMSAT Space Symposium
    * Announcements
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Grace and Henri Keep Amateur Radio Weather Spotters Busy

    Hurricane Grace and Hurricane Henri drew the attention of weather
    spotters over the past week. The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN), which
    tracked both storms to gather weather data for the National Hurricane
    Center (NHC), was able to secure operations at 1800 UTC on August 22
    after watching Grace make two landfalls in Mexico.

    "Things got busy -- and fast!" said HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV.
    "Just before activating at 1200 UTC [on Sunday], Henri was downgraded
    from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm. Normally, we -- HWN --
    don't activate for tropical storms. However, given the wind speed at
    the time of activation was just shy of being a hurricane, there was a
    slim possibility Henri could regain Category 1 status." And, Graves
    noted, the storm was headed into the densely populated northeastern US.
    The rainfall generated by Henri, some of it record-breaking, caused
    heavy flooding in some areas, including New York City. That storm came
    ashore near Westerly, Rhode Island.

    Over the weekend, Eastern Massachusetts ARES^(R) Section Emergency
    Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, who also manages the VoIP Hurricane Net,
    announced plans for the Commonwealth in advance of Henri's arrival.
    These included coordination with ARES^(R) and SKYWARN teams in the
    region and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

    All told, the HWN racked up a combined total of 27 hours on the air --
    with two activations for Hurricane Grace and two for Hurricane Henri.
    Graves said only one station reported from Mexico, but the net remained
    available to assist in any capacity needed.

    It was another story for Henri. "We were not lacking reporting
    stations, and that's a good thing," Graves said. "While maybe not as
    many as we would like, we certainly had a good number checking in and
    forwarding their data."

    He said conditions, while improved over the past few years as Solar
    Cycle 25 ramped up, got tough. "At times, we would experience one-way
    propagation. For example, on Sunday, the NCS on duty was being heard by
    a station in the affected area but could not hear the reporting
    station," Graves recounted. "His relay was able to hear the reporting
    station, but that station could not hear the relay. So, the NCS asked
    the questions, and the relay received the report. This is what's called
    'teamwork.'"

    Graves is grateful that Henri was not as bad as it could have been. "It
    never really got itself organized, unlike storms such as Sandy in 2012
    and Bob back in 1991," he said. "Had Henri been another Sandy, the
    outcome would have been much worse."

    On the other hand, Grace, which made landfall in the Mexican state of
    Veracruz, just south of Txpam, as a Category 3 hurricane with
    sustained winds of 125 MPH, caused several fatalities. "Grace tied a
    record (with Karl in 2010) of being the strongest hurricane ever
    recorded in the Bay of Campeche," Graves pointed out. Once it hit land,
    though, Grace quickly dissipated over mainland Mexico, while its
    remnants later reformed into Tropical Storm Marty in the Eastern
    Pacific early Monday morning.

    Julio Ripoll, WD4R, at the National Hurricane Center, praised members
    of the VoIP Hurricane Net for being extremely supportive of WX4NHC at
    the National Hurricane Center. "They are a vital part of the WX4NHC
    team and part of our elite group we call 'Hurricane Hams.'"

    Trees such as this one in
    Charlestown, Rhode Island, were
    toppled around southern New England
    as a result of Henri. [Courtesy of
    Mike Lill, WD1N]

    Ripoll said the NHC and WX4NHC rely heavily on the work of the
    hurricane nets and appreciate the time and effort that goes into
    gathering surface reports from stations in the affected areas. "These
    surface reports are vital to NHC, as they paint a picture of ground
    level physical conditions in real time," he said. "We all work as a
    team with a common goal to help NHC, which will help those in the
    affected areas and hopefully help save lives."

    NHC Senior Hurricane Specialist Stacy Stewart singled out the VoIP
    Hurricane Net and the HWN for praise, calling the amateur radio reports
    "extremely helpful." Read an expanded version.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 20) features a
    discussion with Oliver Dully, K6OLI, who describes how amateurs use the
    Winlink network for various public service applications. He also
    discusses the equipment and software necessary to access Winlink.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 41) features a
    conversation with Lin Holcomb, NI4Y, about experiments he is conducting
    on 8 meters with his recently issued FCC Part 5 Experimental license,
    WL2XUP, from Georgia.

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Huntsville Hamfest Hosts 2021 ARRL Southeastern Division Convention

    The annual Huntsville Hamfest, held on August 21 - 22, served as host
    for the 2021 ARRL Southeastern Division Convention. Convention visitors
    were able to meet with many ARRL officials and staff, including
    President Rick Roderick, K5UR; Chief Executive Officer

    2021 Alan G. Thorpe, K1TMW, Memorial
    Scholarship winner Kaleb Ruddle,
    KN4JGJ, of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
    (L), with ARRL President Rick
    Roderick, K5UR, at the 2021 ARRL
    Southeastern Division Convention.
    [Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, photo]

    David Minster, NA2AA; Director of Membership, Marketing, and
    Communications Kathleen Callahan, KC1MBY, and Product Development
    Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. Also on hand at the ARRL booth were many
    Southeastern Division officials, Section Managers, and Field
    Organization volunteers.

    The convention, held annually at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville,
    had to be canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "For many of
    us, this was our return to a large in-person convention after nearly 18
    months," Inderbitzen said. "The crowds were big, but the organizers had
    spread out the exhibits and widened the aisles, allowing for plenty of
    physical distancing. It was nice to have eyeballs on so many members
    and friends I've missed seeing."

    Amateur Radio on the International
    Space Station (ARISS) team members
    at Huntsville included (L - R) ARISS
    Chairman and ARISS-USA Executive
    Director Frank Bauer, KA3HDO;
    ARISS-USA Director of Education
    Kathy Lamont, KM4TAY, and Dave
    Jordan, AA4KN, for ARISS Public
    Relations. [Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R,
    photo]

    ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP, presented a forum on the Arduino and
    various ham radio applications using this microprocessor prototyping
    platform. Popiel's recent book, More Arduino for Ham Radio, is now
    available from ARRL and its dealers. Other forums included an update
    from principals for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
    (ARISS), an ARRL Membership Town Hall, and an opportunity to hear from
    ARRL Alabama Section leaders regarding key areas of volunteer activity,
    including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R).

    Volunteers from the North Alabama DX Club (NADXC) hosted a sold-out
    banquet on Saturday night that included a presentation from
    DXpeditioner rian Ciuperca, KO8SCA. He shared stories and photos from
    his 2019 DXpedition to Bhutan, where he operated as A50BOC, A50BPC, and
    A5B. Just ahead on his travel agenda, Ciuperca will be a member of
    DXpedition teams to Swains Island and Bouvet Island in 2022. NADXC
    members were also on hand throughout the convention to help check
    applications for DXCC and other ARRL Awards.

    ARRL members Barbara Shafer, KE5QAT,
    and Steve Shafer, WA7RC, of Slidell,
    Louisiana, were among the visitors
    to the ARRL booth at the ARRL
    Southeastern Division Convention in
    Huntsville. [Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R,
    photo]

    A Youth Lounge at the Convention included opportunities for young hams
    and future hams to listen and get on the air. There were also
    demonstrations of robotics, 3D printing, and activities that included a
    radio direction-finding foxhunt and kit building.

    ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, and ARRL Instructional Designer Steve
    Goodgame, K5ATA, organized a YouTube Meet Up with many content
    producers for popular ham radio-themed YouTube channels -- an
    opportunity to thank the community for its part in nurturing active
    radio amateurs with information and learning.

    ARRL has produced a YouTube video chronicling the convention.
    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.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice by Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 @ 3:30 pm EDT (1930 UTC)

    An introductory overview of digital voice (DV) technologies for ham
    radio, focusing on DMR with notes on System Fusion, D-STAR, etc. The
    session includes a description of DV architecture and components, as
    well as the interesting opportunities and challenges it presents
    amateur radio operators.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Newspaper Article Boosts Interest in Net Aimed at Visually Impaired,
    Disabled Amateurs

    In June, Gerald Gaule, KE7GGV, of Vancouver, Washington, announced that
    he was launching a new net in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver,
    Washington Metro Area for the visually impaired, blind, and disabled.
    The net runs on the fourth Sunday of each month at 8 PM Pacific Time on
    the W7RAT repeater on 440.400 MHz. Some publicity about Gaule and the
    net in The Columbian, a regional newspaper, has boosted attendance,
    Gaule said, as well as a request for help.

    "Within a few minutes after the article came out, a mom approached me
    about helping her son, who is visually impaired and autistic, and
    interested in becoming a ham," Gaule said. "I am planning to help him
    every step of the way, even becoming a mentor after he gets his
    license." Gaule said that ARRL Western Washington Section Manager Monte
    Simpson, W7FF, was providing material and working to come up with a
    plan involving the 25-year-old's parents that would help get him
    licensed.

    "He's a very nice young man and very confident in himself," said Gaule.
    "We had a 2-hour meeting yesterday at a local coffee shop. I've offered
    my help to read the material and get him the right sources to get him
    on the way to becoming a successful amateur radio operator."

    Earlier this year, Simpson appointed Gaule as an Assistant Section
    Manager for Inclusivity.

    As a result of the newspaper article, Gaule reports receiving more than
    50 calls from amateur radio operators, as well as people who are
    interested in amateur radio. He's also gotten more than 100 emails
    about the story -- all positive.

    As the newspaper article explained, "Gaule, who was disabled in 2007,
    said he worked for commercial radio stations for many years and has
    been a ham operator for about 20 years. He decided a few months ago to
    try to include more blind and disabled people in ham radio because it
    is versatile, educational, and entertaining."

    Gaule serves as the Public Information Officer for Region 4 ARES/RACES
    in Western Washington.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Operators Helping Family Members Locate Caldor Fire
    Evacuees / CBS13 News (California) August 19, 2021
    * East Greenbush Amateur Radio Association meet up to celebrate radio
    operators / 6News WRGB (New York) August 21, 2021
    * California Man Gets Alarming Call from Friend on Ham Radio -- and
    Jumps into Action to Save His Life, People magazine, August 16,
    2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Registration Now Open for AMSAT Space Symposium

    Registration is now open for the 39th AMSAT Space Symposium and Annual
    General Meeting, Friday through Sunday, October 29 - 31, at the Crowne
    Plaza AiRE in Bloomington, Minnesota, adjacent to the Minneapolis-St.
    Paul International Airport. General registration is $75, and student
    registration is $40. Registration for the Saturday evening Symposium
    Banquet is an additional $55. Registration includes a digital copy of
    the 2021 AMSAT Symposium Proceedings and admission to the Symposium
    presentations and exhibits.

    The AMSAT Board of Directors will meet Thursday and Friday, October 28
    - 29. AMSAT Space Symposium presentations will start at 1 PM CDT on
    Friday and continue until 5 PM. The AMSAT Reception is set for 7 PM on
    Friday. AMSAT Space Symposium presentations will continue on Saturday,
    October 30, 8 AM - 3 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break at noon). The AMSAT
    General Meeting begins at 3 PM on Saturday. The banquet will begin at 7
    PM, preceded by a reception at 6 PM. The 3-day event wraps up with the
    AMSAT Ambassadors' Breakfast on Sunday at 7 AM.

    Attendees may make reservations by calling the hotel directly at (952)
    854-9000 or (877) 424-4188 (toll free) or online at
    crowneplazaaire.com. The group name is Amateur Satellite Group.
    Platinum and Titanium members of the AMSAT President's Club receive
    free admission to the Symposium and a complimentary lunch with the
    President on Saturday afternoon. Email members@amsat.org to arrange
    registration.

    Presenters are invited to participate at the Symposium and/or submit a
    paper to the Symposium Proceedings. The Call for Papers includes more
    information.
    Announcements

    After 8 decades of providing emergency backup communication on a
    volunteer basis during storms and disasters, the Steel City Amateur
    Radio Club has hosted a special event station, W8O, sharing the news of
    their 80th anniversary with the rest of the world. The Steel City ARC
    is an ARRL-affiliated club.

    John Desmond, EI7GL, reported on a transatlantic opening on 144 MHz
    between the Canary Islands and the Caribbean on August 20. Distances in
    excess of 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) were achieved, with EA8CXN
    contacting both Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.

    The AMSAT-EA GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N satellites may launch as early as
    September 2 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The
    satellites were designed and built by AMSAT-EA in collaboration with
    university students. The GENESIS satellites are CW and amplitude shift
    keying (ASK) digital repeater satellites, 145.875 MHz up and 436.875
    down for GENESIS-L and 145.888 MHz up, 436.888 MHz down for GENESIS-N.

    KN4VKW and
    KC4LRR

    ARRL member Ryan Pearson, KN4VKW, of Brentwood, Tennessee, took part in
    this month's Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport,
    Pennsylvania. Wearing #7, he is a pitcher and a shortstop. Ryan, along
    with his brother, Blake, KN4VKY; his dad, Andrew, KN4VKX, and his ham
    radio mentor RJ, KC4LRR, all upgraded to Amateur Extra class last
    summer.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sun watchers saw no days without
    sunspots this week. Average daily sunspot numbers rose from 17.7 last
    week to 21.7 over the August 19 - 25 reporting week. Average daily
    solar flux increased from 73.8 to 78.5.

    Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, with average daily planetary A index
    declining from 6.1 to 4.7, and average daily middle latitude A index
    dropping from 7.6 to 5.7.

    We are less than 1 month away from the autumnal equinox in the Northern
    Hemisphere on Wednesday, September 22. That's when both hemispheres
    will be bathed in equal measures of solar radiation -- always good for
    HF propagation.

    Predicted solar flux is 84 on August 26 - 27; 85 on August 28 -
    September 1; 78 on September 2; 73 on September 3 - 11; 74 on September
    12 - 15; 76 on September 16 - 18; 77 on September 19 - 20; 76 on
    September 21, and 75 on September 22 - 29.

    Predicted planetary A index is 15, 18, 12, 10, and 8 on August 26 - 30;
    5 on August 31 - September 2; 12 on September 3; 5 on September 4 - 10;
    10 and 8 on September 11 - 12; 5 on September 13 - 18; 8 on September
    19 - 20; 15 and 10 on September 21 - 22; 7 on September 23 - 24; 5 on
    September 25 - 28, and 8 and 12 on September 29 - 30.

    Sunspot numbers for August 19 - 25 were 25, 14, 25, 16, 14, 29, and 29,
    with a mean of 21.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 74.9, 77.7, 77.1,
    77.1, 78.1, 80.9, and 83.6, with a mean of 78.5. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 4, 5, 3, 3, 4, 5, and 9, with a mean of 4.7. Middle
    latitude A index was 5, 6, 4, 4, 8, 5, and 8, 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 this 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 28 - 29 -- ALARA Contest (CW, phone)
    * August 28 - 29 -- W/VE Islands QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 28 - 29 -- YO DX HF Contest (CW, phone)
    * August 28 - 29 -- World Wide Digi DX Contest
    * August 28 - 29 -- Kansas QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 28 - 29 -- Ohio QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * August 28 - 30 -- Hawaii QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * August 29 -- SARL HF CW Contest
    * September 1 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * September 1 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * September 1 - 3 -- G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest (CW)
    * September 2 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * August 28 -- ARRL West Virginia State Convention (online)
    * September 3 - 5 -- ARRL North Carolina Section Convention (Shelby
    Hamfest), Shelby, North Carolina
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Arkansas State Convention, Queen
    Wilhelmena Hamfest, Mena, Arkansas
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota
    * September 25 -- ARRL Washington State Convention (Spokane Hamfest),
    Spokane Valley, Washington
    * October 2 -- ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention (Vette City
    Hamfest), Bowling Green, Kentucky
    * October 2 -- ARRL South Carolina Section Convention (Rock Hill
    Hamfest), Rock Hill, South Carolina
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention (Melbourne Hamfest),
    Melbourne, Florida
    * October 8 - 9 --ARRL Louisiana State Convention (Slidell EOC
    Hamfest), Slidell, Louisiana
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Wyoming State Convention (WY HamCon 2021),
    Cheyenne, Wyoming
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California
    * October 16 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin ARES/RACES
    Conference)

    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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
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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) 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 Fri Sep 3 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    September 2, 2021

    * Hurricane Watch Net, VoIP Hurricane Net Reports Valuable to
    Forecasters During Ida
    * FEMA Announces HF Interoperability Activity on 60-Meter Channels 1
    and 2
    * FCC Grants 60-Day Waiver of Part 97 Data Rate Rules for Hurricane
    Relief Traffic
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Katherine Forson, KT5KMF, Receives the 2021 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim
    Memorial Award
    * ARRL Board Establishes Program to Cover Initial FCC License Fee for
    Young Applicants
    * Three-Way Races for Director Set in New England and Roanoke
    Divisions
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Hurricane Watch Net, VoIP Hurricane Net Reports Valuable to Forecasters
    During Ida

    The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) and the VoIP Hurricane Net (VoIP WX) were
    busy gathering ground-truth weather observations from

    radio amateurs as Hurricane Ida slammed into the Louisiana Gulf Coast
    on August 29 as a powerful Category 4 storm. ARRL Amateur Radio
    Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) teams in Mississippi activated. Ida
    wrought extensive damage, especially in Louisiana and Mississippi, and
    left some 1 million customers in New Orleans and elsewhere without
    power -- and some communities without water. Downgraded to a tropical
    depression, Ida continued its path up the eastern seaboard, causing
    further flash flooding and damage and even spawning a few tornadoes in
    the mid-Atlantic states. The storm shut down New York City's subways as
    well as rail and air traffic in New Jersey before moving into New
    England. At least 10 people died in the region as a result of the
    storm.

    For the HWN, it was all hands on deck on Sunday, August 29, as the net
    resumed operation on both 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz. "We had

    a great number of reporting stations throughout the day and well into
    the evening," HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said. "Unfortunately,
    there were times in which propagation completely disappeared."

    All told, the HWN was activated for 26 hours over the weekend, fielding
    reports ranging from mild winds to very high winds and torrential
    rainfall.

    The VoIP Hurricane Net activation for Hurricane Ida wrapped up on
    Monday, August 30 after handling dozens of reports from stations in the
    affected area of Hurricane Ida that were sent to WX4NHC, the National
    Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station.

    VoIP Hurricane Net Manager Rob Macedo, KD1CY, said radio amateurs on
    the N5OZG repeater system "provided constant ground truth from areas in
    and around New Orleans," with N5OZG relaying numerous reports of damage
    to trees, power poles, and structures, as well as flooding. "Many other
    amateurs on the N5OZG repeater system provided ground truth into the
    VoIP Hurricane Net despite dealing with direct and significant impacts
    to their communities and property," Macedo said. "All of these reports
    were also sent to WX4NHC, the amateur radio station at the National
    Hurricane Center, as well." Net control stations across the US also
    assisted with reporting and monitoring.

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) in Mississippi
    activated on August 29 with several nets. Southeast Mississippi
    District Emergency Coordinator Justin Gleason, KF7DLW, was contacted by
    WDAM-TV in Moselle, Mississippi, to set up a station that would be
    available to help keep WDAM personnel updated on Ida's progress through
    HWN and VoIP traffic, state traffic, and digital nets in the event of a
    power or internet outage at WDAM.

    On Sunday, August 29, VHF ARES nets were activated around the state for
    the purpose of passing weather reports, health-and-welfare traffic, and
    damage reports as needed.

    Both the Mississippi ARES Emergency Net and the Mississippi Winlink Net
    activated on August 29. The Winlink Net operated until 1800 on August
    30, passing 80 messages, which were copied to KM5EMA, the Winlink
    station at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

    "While Mississippi avoided major catastrophe, the ARES teams were well
    equipped and prepared to provide the communication support that we
    count on them for," Mississippi Public Information Coordinator Caleb
    Rich, K5RFL, said. Read an expanded version.
    FEMA Announces HF Interoperability Activity on 60-Meter Channels 1 and
    2

    Channels 1 and 2 on 60 meters will be available starting on August 30
    for interoperability between US government and US amateur radio

    stations involved in Hurricane Ida emergency communications. This
    situation will remain in place until the storm has passed and the need
    for these channels no longer exists, or on September 6, whichever comes
    first.

    These frequencies will be used: Channel 1 Primary voice traffic 5332
    kHz channel center, 5330.5 kHz USB voice; and Channel 2 digital traffic
    5348 kHz channel center, 5346.5 kHz USB with 1.5 kHz offset to center
    of digital waveform.

    Stations on 60 meters are asked to yield to operational traffic related
    to Hurricane Ida. The federal government is primary on 60 meters, and
    amateur radio is secondary, on a non-interference basis.

    FCC Grants 60-Day Waiver of Part 97 Data Rate Rules for Hurricane
    Relief Traffic

    In an August 30 Order, the FCC granted a temporary waiver sought by
    ARRL to facilitate relief communications related to Hurricane Ida. The
    waiver also applies to relief communications directly related to any
    future hurricane within the next 60 days. The waiver permits radio
    amateurs handling hurricane relief communications on HF to use any
    protocol that would comply with the FCC's rules but for the symbol rate
    limits.

    In its request, ARRL said that Section 97.307(f) of the FCC's Amateur
    Service rules prevents the use on HF of certain protocols capable of
    higher data rate emissions that many amateur stations are capable of
    using while active in emergency communications preparedness. ARRL
    asserted that higher data rates can be critical to timely transmission
    of relief communications, such as lists of needed and distributed
    supplies. ARRL noted that radio amateurs are working with federal,
    state, and local emergency management officials to assist in the
    communications efforts.

    On August 28, the FCC orally granted ARRL's request to immediately
    facilitate relief communications related to Hurricane Ida. The FCC has
    granted temporary waivers in the past to allow faster protocols to be
    used for disaster relief communications, including Hurricane Laura,
    Hurricane Maria, typhoon relief communications in Hawaii, and Hurricane
    Dorian.

    The Commission noted that the waivers are necessary because Section
    97.307(f) limits the symbol rate at which the carrier waveform
    amplitude, frequency, and/or phase is varied to transmit information
    for HF amateur radioteletype (RTTY)/data transmissions to 300 baud for
    frequencies below 28 MHz (except on 60 meters), and 1,200 baud on 10
    meters: "The digital code used to encode the signal being transmitted
    must be one of the codes specified in section 97.309(a) of the FCC's
    rules, but an amateur station transmitting a RTTY or data emission
    using one of the specified digital codes may use any technique whose
    technical characteristics have been publicly documented, such as
    CLOVER, G-TOR, or PACTOR."

    "We conclude that granting the requested waiver is in the public
    interest," the FCC said. "Hurricane Ida has caused significant damage,
    including disruption to electricity and communications services. Thus,
    to accommodate amateur radio operators assisting in the recovery
    efforts, we grant ARRL's waiver request for the period of 60 days from
    the date of this Order. The waiver is limited to amateur radio
    operators in the US and its territories using publicly documented data
    protocols that are compatible with FCC rules, with the exception of the
    data rate limit waived here, for those directly involved with HF
    hurricane relief communications."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 20) features a
    discussion with Oliver Dully, K6OLI, who describes how amateurs use the
    Winlink network for various public service applications. He also
    discusses the equipment and software necessary to access Winlink.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 41) features a
    conversation with Lin Holcomb, NI4Y, about experiments he is conducting
    on 8 meters with his recently issued FCC Part 5 Experimental license,
    WL2XUP, from Georgia.

    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.

    Katherine Forson, KT5KMF, Receives the 2021 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim
    Memorial Award

    Increasing the interest and participation in amateur radio of those
    younger than 21 remains a primary effort of ARRL. Underscoring that
    focus is ARRL's annual bestowing of its premier award, the Hiram Percy
    Maxim Memorial Award, on a young member whose contributions to both
    amateur radio and her local community embody the ideals of the Amateur
    Radio Service.

    The recipient of the 2021 Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award is Katherine
    M. Forson, KT5KMF, of Plano, Texas. A Technician in 2013 at the age of
    9, a General in 2017, and an Amateur Extra in 2018, Katherine's
    enthusiasm resulted in her appointment as the North Texas Section Youth
    Coordinator in 2019.

    She is an active member of the Plano Amateur Radio Klub and Collin
    County RACES, and a trained National Weather Service SKYWARN Storm
    Spotter; she has been profiled as a QST "Member Spotlight,"
    participates as an amateur radio operator in public service events,
    such as the Plano Balloon Festival, and is currently working with
    several other female members of the ARRL North Texas Section to help
    build a female-friendly area of the ARRL NTX Section website.

    When not on the radio, Katherine is active in her school and community.
    A senior at Plano West Senior High School, she carries a 4.46
    grade-point average and is a member of the National Honor Society, the
    Spanish Honor Society, and her high school band. She won second place
    in the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and placed second
    in the physics and astronomy category at the Texas State Science and
    Engineering Fair. She serves as a children's lector at her church, and
    is a Dallas Meals on Wheels volunteer.

    The Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award consists of a $1,500 cash award
    and an engraved plaque. West Gulf Division Director John Robert
    Stratton, N5AUS, and North Texas Section Manager Steven Smith, KG5VK,
    will present Katherine with her award at the September 20, 2021 meeting
    of the Plano Amateur Radio Klub.
    ARRL Board Establishes Program to Cover Initial FCC License Fee for
    Young Applicants

    The ARRL Board of Directors has formally endorsed a proposed program
    calling on ARRL to cover the $35 application fee for license candidates
    younger than 18 years old. The FCC is not expected to implement the $35
    application fee schedule until sometime in 2022. The Board approved the
    "Youth Licensing Grant Program" at its July meeting in Windsor,
    Connecticut. The program concept, first raised at the Board's annual
    meeting in January, was reviewed by an ad-hoc committee, which expanded
    the scope of the original motion by ARRL Southeastern Division Director
    Mickey Baker, N4MB.

    Goals of the program include expanding the reservoir of trained
    operators, technicians, and electronics experts within the amateur
    radio community, and removing a financial obstacle to young people who
    wish to acquire an amateur radio license, as a means of encouraging
    potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

    Under the program, ARRL would cover a one-time $35 application fee for
    each qualified candidate who passes one or more amateur radio exams
    taken on the same day at a single examination session. Tests would have
    to be administered by a Volunteer Examiner (VE) team working under the
    auspices of the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). Qualified
    candidates would also pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL
    VEC.

    The new program would also "enhance ARRL's position as the leader in
    volunteer testing," the Board motion said. "The Board believes that the
    recruitment and training of young amateur radio operators is a
    necessary mission of ARRL, and that subsidization of the $35 fee will
    reduce the number of new amateurs that otherwise would be lost from
    these groups," the Board said.

    The Board said ARRL Headquarters staff would determine the method of
    qualifying applicants and instruct VE teams, giving the teams
    flexibility to determine that a candidate is eligible for reimbursement
    in the absence of documented proof. The Board envisioned that the VEC
    would pay the FCC directly. The new program would initially serve up to
    1,000 new license applicants younger than 18 years old.

    The motion gave ARRL staff "complete latitude" to determine how payment
    is delivered to the FCC or to reimburse eligible applicants. This
    program length is indefinite; it may be renewed or terminated by the
    ministration and Finance Committee or by the Board of Directors. The
    motion carried with applause from Board members.

    Three-Way Races for Director Set in New England and Roanoke Divisions

    ARRL members in the New England and Roanoke Divisions will choose among
    three candidates running for Director in each Division. The candidates
    include two incumbents. Those are the only contested races in this
    year's election cycle for Director and Vice Director.

    In the New England Division, the candidates for Director are the
    incumbent, Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; Tom
    Frenaye, K1KI, of West Suffield, Connecticut, and Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC,
    of Hollis, New Hampshire.

    New England Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, of Watertown,
    Massachusetts, was uncontested and has been declared elected.

    In the Roanoke Division, the candidates for Director are the incumbent,
    George "Bud" Hippisley, W2RU, of Penhook, Virginia, and challengers Dr.
    James Boehner, N2ZZ, of Aiken, South Carolina, and Marvin Hoffman,
    WA4NC, of Boone, North Carolina.

    No one challenged Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, of
    Wilmington, North Carolina, and he has been declared elected for a new
    term.

    Incumbent Directors and Vice Directors in the ARRL Central, Hudson, and
    Northwestern Divisions also had no challengers and have been declared
    elected. In the Central Division, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, of Fort
    Wayne, Indiana, and Vice Director Brent Walls, N9BA, of Greenfield,
    Indiana, will continue in their respective posts.

    In the Hudson Division, Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, of Sussex, New
    Jersey, and Vice Director Bill Hudzik, W2UDT, of Gillette, New Jersey,
    are unchallenged in this election cycle and have been declared elected.
    In the Northwestern Division, Director Mike Ritz, W7VO, of Scappoose,
    Oregon, and Vice Director Mark Tharp, KB7HDX, of Yakima, Washington,
    also faced no challengers in their re-election bids.

    Full ARRL members of the New England and Roanoke Divisions who are in
    good standing as of September 10, 2021, will be mailed a ballot no
    later than October 1, 2021. Completed ballots must be received at the
    designated P.O. Box in the envelope provided by noon Eastern Time
    Friday, November 19, 2021.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Amateur ham radio operators help LAFD keep residents safe during
    emergencies / Spectrum News 1 (California) September 2, 2021
    * West Monroe ham radio operator provides assistance for those
    affected by Hurricane Ida / KTVE 10 KARD (Louisiana) August 31,
    2021
    * Ham radio operators make a difference in disaster, ready if called
    for Ida / NewsChannel 8 KTUL (Oklahoma), August 31, 2021
    * Highland Lakes Amateur Radio Club hams it up for conversations,
    competitions, community / DailyTrib.com (Texas) August 30, 2021
    * Ham radios lead to a crazy coincidence and a unique Little League
    World Series friendship / NorthCentralPA.com (Pennsylvania) August
    26, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    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.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice by Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
    September 9, 2021 @ 3:30 pm EDT (1930 UTC)

    An introductory overview of digital voice (DV) technologies for ham
    radio, focusing on DMR with notes on System Fusion, D-STAR, etc. The
    session includes a description of DV architecture and components, as
    well as the interesting opportunities and challenges it presents
    amateur radio operators.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * The Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club's 22nd Route 66 on the Air
    special event September 11 - 19 will deploy 22 stations, including
    two rovers, with call signs W6A through W6V, from cities along the
    highway. W6V will be a new station this year, located in Kingman,
    so there will be two stations in Kingman. Route 66 is famous in
    American history as the major road from the east to the west coast
    and is connected with American car culture.
    * Randy Gawtry, K0CBH, has departed HRD Software, leaving Michael
    Carper, WA9PIE, as the sole owner, effective on July 31. Gawtry is
    seeking to focus on new commercial interests with his company,
    Timewave. HRD Software publishes the Ham Radio Deluxe suite of
    amateur radio software.
    * A SpaceX Dragon/Falcon 9 Resupply Service mission headed for the
    International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, August 29, carrying
    several CubeSats, including the first satellite from Puerto Rico,
    PR-CuNaR2 (CubeSat NanoRocks2), developed by Inter American
    University in Bayamn, where Amilcar Rincn-Charris, WP4POG, heads
    up the project. The satellite will be stowed on board the ISS for
    future deployment into orbit. -- Thanks to Angel Santana, WP3GW
    * Special event call sign SX021IEEE will be on the air from the 26th
    IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications (ISCC) 2021, in
    Athens, Greece, September 5 - 8. The station will be on the air
    September 1 - 15.
    * The permanent amateur radio special event station GB2RAF at the RAF
    Air Defence Radar Museum in Norfolk, England, has shut down, but
    the museum remains open. The station cited new RF exposure
    regulations, a lack of operators, lack of public interest, and high
    noise levels. The station had been on the air for 20 years.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio^(R) has the following
    employment opportunities at ARRL Headquarters in Newington,
    Connecticut. Qualified candidates are invited to email a cover letter
    and resume to ARRL Human Resources. Visit the ARRL Employment
    --- 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 Fri Sep 10 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    September 9, 2021

    * 20th Anniversary of 9/11
    * Louisiana ARES Returning to Normal Status in Storm-Affected
    Parishes
    * ARRL Board of Directors Bestows Awards
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * GENESIS Satellites among Payloads Lost in Launch Failure
    * August 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
    * California Club Assists Animal Rescue Group with Communication
    Support
    * Announcements
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, Awarded $481,260 NASA Research Grant
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    20th Anniversary of 9/11

    ARRL The national association for Amateur Radio^(R) honors the memories
    of those who died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, at
    the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania,
    including these radio amateurs:

    Steven A. "Steve" Jacobson, N2SJ, 53, of New York City (WTC); William
    V. "Bill" Steckman, WA2ACW, 56, of West Hempstead, New York (WTC);
    Michael G. Jacobs, AA1GO, 54, an ARRL member from Danbury, Connecticut
    (WTC); Lt. Robert D. "Bob" Cirri, Sr., KA2OTD, 39, an ARRL member from
    Nutley, New Jersey and Port Authority police officer who was helping to
    evacuate workers from the building when it collapsed; William R. "Bill"
    Ruth, W3HRD, 57, of Mt. Airy, Maryland (Pentagon); Gerard J. "Rod"
    Coppola, KA2KET, 46, of New York City (WTC); and Winston A. Grant,
    KA2DRF, 59, of West Hempstead, New York (WTC). An assembly of articles,
    stories, and messages from the November 2001 issue of QST magazine is
    available at tinyurl.com/ARRL-QST-9-11.

    Several special events will commemorate the attacks of September 11,
    2001, and honor the victims.
    * Saturday, September 11, 1200 - 2359 UTC, the Somerset County
    Amateur Radio Club and Nittany Amateur Radio Club will activate
    N3M. Frequencies: 14.293, 7.293, and 3.993 MHz. QSL c/o Nittany
    Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 614, State College, PA 16801.
    * Saturday, September 11, 1400 - 1900 UTC, the Harrisburg (PA) Radio
    Amateurs Club (HRAC) will operate W3M. Frequencies: 7.265 and
    14.265 MHz. For a certificate, visit www.w3uu.org/w3mqsl/.
    * Saturday, September 11, 1200 - 2400 UTC, the Pentagon Amateur Radio
    Club (PARC) will sponsor special event station K4P. Operation will
    be in the General-class portions of 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters
    on CW and RTTY. There will be a special QSL card available via
    PARC, P.O. Box 2322, Arlington, VA 22202. For more information,
    contact Gary Sessums, KC5QCN.
    * Saturday, September 11, 1400 UTC - 2400 UTC, members of the Great
    South Bay Amateur Radio Club (GSBARC), and the Northeast Wireless
    Radio Club will activate special event call sign W2T.
    * Through September 13, 1600 - 0200 UTC, members of the American
    Legion Post 10 Amateur Radio Club, Albany, Oregon, will be active
    as N7F. QSL with SASE to American Legion Post 10, 1215 Pacific
    Blvd. SE, Albany, OR 97321. Email for more information.
    * Through September 13, 0000 - 0003 UTC, the Wireless Association of
    New York City, Staten Island, will activate WA2NYC. Frequencies:
    28.450, 21.350, 14.340, and 7.238 MHz. D-STAR Reflector XLX020B
    will be monitored at the top of the hour QSL to Wireless
    Association of New York City, 233 Wolverine St., Staten Island, NY
    10306. Email for more information.
    * Through September 14, N3U will be on the air from Pennsylvania to
    remember all victims of 9/11. QSL via W3PN. Operation will be
    mostly on SSB and CW, with some digital activity.

    Search the Special Events calendar on the ARRL website for more details
    on these operations.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Louisiana ARES Returning to Normal Status in Storm-Affected Parishes

    Louisiana ARES Section Emergency Coordinator James Coleman, AI5B, said
    this week that ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R))
    teams in his Section "should now be on normal status, with the affected
    parishes' status as appropriate for local conditions." Emergency
    Coordinators in some hard-hit parishes have activated volunteers for
    relief and recovery operations. More than 30 parishes were affected by
    the storm, although cell telephone outages in the affected area now
    stand at 3.7% as of September 8 and recovering rapidly. All 911 systems
    were reported operational as of September 8.

    The Louisiana ARES Emergency Net is now on standby. "If it becomes
    necessary, the net will be active from 2 PM to 6 PM CDT on 7.255 MHz,
    and from 6 PM to 10 PM CDT on 3.878 MHz," Coleman's report said. The
    Louisiana Traffic Net is operating 7 days a week at 6 PM CDT on 3.910
    MHz.

    ARRL Headquarters shipped Ham Aid kits to Louisiana Region 3 for use
    during recovery efforts. Region 3 District Emergency Coordinator (DEC)
    Miriam Barrett, KG5BNH, and St. Mary Parish's Emergency Coordinator
    Jacki Price, KA5LMZ, have coordinated their efforts to assist the
    Council on Aging in Terrebonne Parish. The Ham Aid kits include
    equipment for HF, VHF, and UHF, including handheld transceivers and
    "base-station antennas.

    The W5RAR VHF repeater (146.805 MHz) was in use over a four-parish area
    -- La Fourche, St. Charles, St. John, and Terrebonne -- that suffered
    significant wireless system damage as well as a 911 system outage in
    St. John Parish. The St. Charles Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was
    transmitting requests via the Livingston Wide Area Repeater Network
    (LWARN) 440 MHz linked repeater system to WB5LHS.

    A communications team in support of Florida Baptist Disaster Relief
    established operations in a communications trailer at the Metairie
    Baptist Church. The Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
    with DEC Nick Frederick, W4NDF, and the City of Kenner EOC with Mary
    Vernoy, WB5IOE, assisting maintained a VHF net. Kenner's fiber optic
    cable that provided internet was cut by Entergy so it could access one
    of its lines for repair. That left "two erratic cellphones and a VHF
    net" as the only communications Kenner had with Jefferson Parish.
    Vernoy had to climb onto the roof of the EOC to pick up the 2-meter
    antenna that had been knocked down by the wind. She was cheered by the
    arrival of the Baptist team from Florida.

    Gordon Gibby, KX4Z, reported that Metairie was hard-hit, with power
    outages and boil water notices, although the areas around hospitals
    have had power restored. "Hams can be a big benefit by partnering with
    organizations like Florida Baptist and work to meet their specific
    communications needs," said Gibby, who has connections with the Florida
    group that drove from Florida to help out. He said hams were embedded
    within the volunteer organization.

    A report from Tangipahoa Parish said that as weather conditions
    deteriorated on August 29 -- the day Hurricane Ida made landfall --
    local repeaters lost power and went on battery backup. Two repeaters
    were lost when a tower collapsed. Formal weather nets were not
    conducted to conserve power for emergency transmissions only. As of
    September 6, both the WB5NET and W5TEO repeaters remained on battery
    backup power and conserving power. Read an expanded version. -- Thanks
    to Louisiana ARES Section Emergency Coordinator James Coleman, AI5B

    ARRL Board of Directors Bestows Awards

    The ARRL Board granted several awards at its July 2021 meeting.
    * The ARRL Doug DeMaw, W1FB Technical Excellence Award went to Steve
    Franke, K9AN; Bill Somerville, G4WJS, and Joe Taylor, K1JT, for
    their July/August 2020 QEX article, "The FT4 and FT8 Communications
    Protocols." The DeMaw award honors the author of an article or
    article series judged to possess the highest degree of technical
    merit in ARRL periodicals for the past year.
    * John Levo, W8KIW, of Hillsboro, Ohio, was designated as the
    recipient of the 2021 ARRL Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna
    Award. This award honors a Public Information Officer who
    successfully promotes all aspects of amateur radio that enhance the
    understanding of amateur radio's contributions to education, public
    safety, and recreation. The Board said Levo's efforts over time
    have captured "the many avenues of opportunities of amateur radio
    as a hobby, an education tool, and a service for public safety."
    * The 2021 ARRL Technical Service Award 2021 award recipient is James
    Baxter, K0UA, of Branson, Missouri. The Board said Baxter
    "exemplifies the spirit of this award due to his diligent work
    assisting hundreds of hams to get on the air, particularly with
    FT8, and by spending countless hours on web sessions with them to
    work out their configuration issues, show them best practices, and
    to help track down RFI issues."
    * The Board bestowed the 2021 ARRL Technical Innovation Award on
    Steve Haynal, KF7O; Wojciech Kaczmarski, SP5WWP, and Roger Clark,
    VK3KYY. Haynal was cited as the instrumental and driving force
    behind the Hermes Lite 5 W HF SDR transceiver as a fully
    open-source hardware and software project. Kaczmarski was
    recognized for developing the open-source digital radio
    communication protocol M17, leading to the development of
    DROID-Star (an Android application) by Doug McLain, AD8DP. Clark
    was cited for spearheading a successful effort to augment a
    low-cost handheld radio for use by visually impaired operators,
    significantly lowering the cost of entry for such amateurs.
    * The 2021 Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award went to David
    Ritter, ND4MR. ARRL sponsors this award in conjunction with the
    Lake County Indiana Amateur Radio Club in Brier's memory to
    recognize superior amateur radio instruction and recruitment. An
    ARRL Member for nearly 40 years, Ritter is an ARRL Registered
    Instructor and a full-time faculty member at Wilkes Community
    College in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, where he's been the
    lead -- and sole -- Technician licensing course instructor since
    2010.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 21) features a
    chat with Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, about the new edition of The ARRL
    Handbook and how it can be useful to new hams.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 42) features a
    conversation with ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, about the changes to
    the FCC RF exposure rules.

    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.

    GENESIS Satellites among Payloads Lost in Launch Failure

    The GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N ham radio satellites were among several
    carrying amateur radio payloads lost following the failure of the
    Firefly Alpha rocket during its first launch on September 2 from the
    Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This was sad news for
    AMSAT-EA (Spain), as GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N were the first satellites
    they had built themselves.

    According to the AMSAT-EA website, the GENESIS satellites were
    destroyed after the Firefly Alpha vehicle presented an anomaly as it
    hit a velocity of Mach 1 and reached Max Q, a point of maximum
    aerodynamic pressure on the vehicle. The launch had been halted a few
    seconds before takeoff, but the countdown was subsequently resumed.

    GENESIS-L and GENESIS-N were to conduct a series of
    telecommunications-related experiments, while a ground-station analysis
    of the received signals would try to attain Doppler variations in order
    to perform orbit determination and satellite identification from radio
    amateur stations around the world. Read an expanded version.
    August 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report

    The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
    and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enhance compliance
    in the Amateur Radio Service.
    * Licensees in Pawcatuck, Connecticut; Wamego, Kansas; Valley
    Cottage, New York; Long Valley, New Jersey; Columbia, South
    Carolina, and Maryville, Tennessee, were sent visory Notices
    concerning operation on frequencies that were set aside for Haiti
    earthquake emergency communications by the International Amateur
    Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 Emergency Coordinator.

    * Licensees in Prineville, Winston, Silver Lake, and Roseburg,
    Oregon; Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Houston, Texas, were sent
    visory Notices concerning failure to identify, as required by
    Section 97.119(a) of the FCC Amateur Radio Service, pursuant to a
    nationwide rule compliance review of operations on 3.819 MHz and
    3.953 MHz.
    * A former licensee in Seabrook, Texas, was sent an visory Notice
    concerning operation with an expired license.
    * An FT8 operator in Orion, Michigan, was sent to an visory Notice
    reminding him of the 200 W power limit on 30 meters.
    * A licensee in New Caney, Texas, was sent a final notice that his
    case was being referred to the FCC for license revocation or
    deletion of voice privileges from his license.
    * A Good Operator commendation was sent to an operator in Roseville,
    California, for Exemplary Amateur Procedure on May 21, 2021, during
    the 40-meter California Rescue Communications Net.

    The revised total for VM monitoring in July was 5,746 hours -- the
    highest number of hours monitored since the inception of the VM
    Program.

    The IT staff at ARRL Headquarters completed work on an automated system
    for Volunteer Monitors to report monthly monitoring hours and Incident
    Reports. -- Thanks to Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, Volunteer Monitor
    Program ministrator

    The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
    and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enhance compliance
    in the Amateur Radio Service.

    California Club Assists Animal Rescue Group with Communication Support

    The El Dorado County Amateur Radio Club (EDCARC) has been providing
    radio communication support for small and large animal rescue efforts
    during the Caldor Fire. Members of the South County Large Animal Rescue
    (SCLAR) group, El Dorado County Animal Services, and other volunteers
    have been addressing the need. Many of the EDCARC volunteers are also
    members of the Club's Neighborhood Radio Watch program.

    Caldor Fire: Horses being fed by
    Folsom Police [Jordan Heichman,
    WC6J, photo]

    As the California Caldor Fire destroyed the community of Grizzly Flats,
    threatened Lake Tahoe, and caused evacuations in dozens of communities
    throughout the county, thousands of area residents were forced to flee
    their homes without having time to round up their pets and livestock.

    "We desperately love our animal companions, whether big or small, and
    being separated and unable to care for them in the midst of a disaster
    is truly heart-wrenching," said Alan Thompson, W6WN, the club's Public
    Information Officer. "Because of the mountainous terrain, many of our
    neighborhoods already had little or no cell or internet communication,
    and the fire only made things worse."

    Thompson said the club quickly deployed its Mobile ARRL Amateur Radio
    Emergency Services (ARES^(R)) Communications Center, maintained by Jay
    Harmor, KE6GLA, which is in service as central net operations. Several
    members stepped up, including Dale Dennis, KJ6HHY, from Yolo ARES, and
    Tom Newman, NN6H, from Alameda County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
    Service (RACES^(R)) and part of the Alameda County Sheriff's
    Communications Team. They volunteered their time and radios to
    accompany the animal rescue teams dispatched into impacted areas.

    Joel Wiley, WB6GUY (left), and Cara
    Kulas, Senior Humane Officer with
    the Hayward Police Department, feed
    goats. [Jason Heichman, WC6J, photo]

    Teams of SCLAR members, Animal Services personnel, public employees,
    and radio communications staff have been conducting daily animal rescue
    missions and welfare checks throughout the impacted areas. Until
    residents are permitted to return, these teams are providing food,
    water, and care to abandoned animals.

    Thompson said those seeking an animal evacuation or welfare check
    should contact El Dorado County Animal Services -- western slope, (530)
    621-5795 or the shelter at (530) 621-7631. In the South Tahoe area,
    call (530) 573-7925.

    SCLAR will respond as directed by El Dorado County Animal Services.
    They cannot self-deploy or respond directly to phone calls for
    assistance, Thompson said.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, is the banquet speaker at the W9DXCC
    Convention on September 10 - 11, hosted by the Northern Illinois DX
    Association, at the Marriott in Naperville, Illinois. Presentation
    topics will include the South Orkney Island VP8PJ DXpedition,
    transceiver performance for contesting and DXing, solid-state
    amplifiers, and an ARRL member forum.
    * The ARRL-TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) will take
    place as a virtual event, September 17 - 18. Tentative schedule.
    Registration.
    * Special event stations mark 200 years since all of Central America
    gained independence from Spain; the region had been a single
    country, the Federal Republic of Central America, split into five
    entities -- Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and
    El Salvador. Radio clubs from all five entities will field stations
    containing 200 and the letter "I" in the suffix. Listen for YS200I,
    TI200I, YN200I, TG200I, HP200I, and HQ200I. Some participants may
    operate from their home stations. Operation will continue at least
    through September on SSB, CW, and satellites.
    * The venerable AO-7 satellite entered a period of full illumination
    on September 9 that will last until April 11, 2022. While in full
    illumination, the satellite's 24-hour timer will automatically
    switch between Mode A (145 MHz up, 29 MHz down) and Mode B (432 MHz
    up/145 MHz down). The Mode A transponder (145.850 - 145.950
    MHz/29.400 - 29.500 MHz down) is non-inverting; the Mode B
    transponder is inverting. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service

    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.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    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.
    * In Your town: Summits on the Air / WRCBtv (Tennessee) September 1,
    2021
    * Emergency radio operators help bring in damage reports / WDAM7
    (Mississippi) August 30, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, Awarded $481,260 NASA Research Grant

    Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation HamSCI founder Nathaniel
    Frissell, W2NAF -- an assistant professor in The University of
    Scranton's Physics and Engineering Department -- has been awarded a
    $481,260 grant through the NASA Space Weather Applications Operations
    Phase II Research Program. Frissell will serve as principal
    investigator for a research project entitled, "Enabling Space Weather
    Research with Global Scale Amateur Radio Datasets." He'll collaborate
    with Philip Erickson, W1PJE, of the Massachusetts Institute of
    Technology Haystack Observatory and Bill Engelke, AB4EJ, at the
    University of Alabama.

    "This grant includes significant funding for participation of Scranton
    undergraduate students in this research, as well as support for new
    computation resources," Frissell said. He explained that the grant will
    fund "the development of an empirical model for the prediction of
    traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) in high-frequency radio
    communications while investigating the geophysical drivers of these
    disturbances." The grant will cover 2 years of work.

    Frissell said that the predictive, empirical TID models will be
    developed using data collected by the Reverse Beacon Network, WSPR, and
    PSKReporter -- automated, global-scale radio communication observation
    networks operated by the amateur radio community. Undergraduate
    students will help the faculty researchers to create algorithms used
    for the model development.

    This new NASA award complements a 5-year National Science Foundation
    grant of more than $616,000 that Frissell received in 2020. That
    investigation aims to understand the source of TIDs observed in amateur
    radio and other scientific datasets.

    In 2019, Frissell received a $1.3 million National Science Foundation
    grant to fund a 3-year initiative to measure modulations produced in
    the Earth's upper atmosphere.

    This is Frissell's second NASA grant. Read an expanded version.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity increased
    dramatically this week. Sunspot numbers peaked at 87 on September 8,
    and on September 7, solar flux was 101.2.

    Average daily sunspot numbers rose by 14, to 64.6, while average daily
    solar flux increased from 88 to 92.9. New sunspots appeared on
    September 2 and 3, and three new sunspot groups arrived on September 4.
    Another new one appeared on September 8, and on that day the total
    sunspot area was 1,000 micro-hemispheres.

    Both the daily planetary and middle latitude A index reached a high of
    14 on September 8. The averages were 7 and 7.7, down from 9.6 and 10.7
    last week.

    Predicted solar flux looks quite promising, at 100 on September 9 - 11;
    98 on September 12; 95 on September 13 - 16; 85 on September 17 - 18;
    88 on September 19 - 23; 90 on September 24 - 28; 88 on September 29 -
    October 1; 86 on October 2; 90 on October 3 - 6; 92 and 90 on October 7
    - 8, and 85 on October 9 - 15. Flux values may rise to 90 again after
    October 20.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8 on September 9; 5 on September 10 -
    20; 8 on September 21; 5 on September 22 - October 1; 8 on October 2 -
    3, and 5 on October 4 - 17.

    On Sunday September 5, Spaceweather.com reported, "The sudden profusion
    of so many sunspots is a sign of strength for young Solar Cycle 25. The
    solar cycle is actually running ahead of schedule. NOAA and NASA
    predicted that it will peak in the year 2025. Outbreaks like this one
    support the idea that solar max could come a year early."

    On September 8, Spaceweather.com reported a shortwave blackout over the
    Pacific Rim caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) on September 8 at
    1736 UTC.

    Sunspot numbers for September 2 - 8 were 33, 33, 68, 66, 80, 85, and
    87, with a mean of 64.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 85.8, 83.8, 86.5,
    93.3, 99.5, 101.2, and 100.4, with a mean of 92.9. Estimated planetary
    A indices were 4, 6, 5, 6, 6, 8, and 14, with a mean of 7. Middle
    latitude A index was 3, 6, 5, 8, 8, 10, and 14, with a mean of 7.7.

    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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 11 -- Ohio State Parks on the Air (phone)
    * September 11 -- FOC QSO Party (CW)
    * September 11 - 12 -- WAE DX Contest (SSB)
    * September 11 - 12 -- SARL Field Day Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 11 - 12 -- YB7-DX Contest (phone)
    * September 11 - 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * September 11 - 12 -- Alabama QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * September 11 - 12 -- Russian Cup Digital Contest
    * September 11 - 13 -- ARRL September VHF Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 12 -- North American Sprint, CW
    * September 13 -- Four State QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * September 15 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)
    * September 16 -- NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)
    * September 16 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone)

    For more information, visit the ARRL Contest Calendar.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Illinois Section Convention (2021 W9DXCC
    Convention), Naperville, Illinois
    * September 10 - 11 -- ARRL Arkansas State Convention, Queen
    Wilhelmena Hamfest, Mena, Arkansas
    * September 10 - 12 -- ARRL New England Division Convention
    (Northeast HamXposition), Marlborough, Massachusetts
    * September 12 -- ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota
    * September 25 -- ARRL Washington State Convention (Spokane Hamfest),
    Spokane Valley, Washington
    * October 2 -- ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention (Vette City
    Hamfest), Bowling Green, Kentucky
    * October 2 -- ARRL South Carolina Section Convention (Rock Hill
    Hamfest), Rock Hill, South Carolina
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention (Melbourne Hamfest),
    Melbourne, Florida
    * October 8 - 9 --ARRL Louisiana State Convention (Slidell EOC
    Hamfest), Slidell, Louisiana
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California

    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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 Fri Sep 17 09:05:18 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    September 16, 2021

    * Next SpaceX Commercial Crew to ISS Comprised of Radio Amateurs
    * The 2021 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is Just Ahead
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * VoIP Weather Net Handles Reports for Hurricane Larry
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * ARRL Awards Colvin Grant to Latest Bouvet Island DXpedition
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * ARRL Seeks New Treasurer
    * AMSAT Shifts to Virtual Format for 2021 Symposium and Annual
    Meeting
    * ARISS Receives Recognition from NASA Mission Directorate
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Next SpaceX Commercial Crew to ISS Comprised of Radio Amateurs

    Four radio amateurs will head to the International Space Station (ISS)
    aboard a commercial flight, thanks to Amateur Radio on the
    International Space Station (ARISS). They are Raja Chari, KI5LIU; Tom
    Marshburn, KE5HOC; Kayla Barron, KI5LAL, and Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH, a
    European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut. The targeted launch date is no
    sooner than October 31, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The
    launch will mark the third SpaceX Crew

    The SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts
    (L-R) Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH;
    Thomas Marshburn, KE5HOC; Raja
    Chari, KI5LIU, and Kayla Barron,
    KI5LAL, during pre-flight
    training at SpaceX headquarters
    in Hawthorne, California.

    Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket launch combination as part of
    NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which provides transportation to and
    from the ISS. The crew is scheduled for a 6-month stay aboard the
    orbiting laboratory, living and working as part of what's expected to
    be a seven-member crew.

    The launch will be the first spaceflight for Chari, Barron, and Maurer,
    and the third for Marshburn.

    NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 will be the third crew rotation mission to the ISS
    with astronauts on a US rocket and spacecraft and the fourth flight
    with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight in 2020, the Crew-1
    mission in 2020 - 2021, and the ongoing Crew-2 flight as part of the
    Expedition 65 crew.

    Crew-3 astronauts plan to arrive at the station to overlap with NASA
    Astronauts Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD, and Megan McArthur; Japan Aerospace
    Exploration Agency (JAXA) Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI, and ESA
    Astronaut Thomas Pesquet, KG5FYG, who flew to the station as part of
    the agency's SpaceX Crew-2 mission in April 2021.

    Mission teams have a target launch date of no earlier than April 15,
    2022, for the launch of the SpaceX Crew-4 mission. "NASA's Commercial
    Crew Program is working with industry through a public-private
    partnership to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective
    transportation to and from the International Space Station, which will
    allow for additional research time and will increase the opportunity
    for discovery aboard humanity's testbed for exploration," NASA said.
    "The space station remains the springboard to space exploration,
    including future missions to the moon and Mars."

    For launch coverage and more information about the mission, visit the
    NASA website.
    The 2021 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is Just Ahead

    The weekend of October 2 - 3 is designated for holding the annual ARRL
    Simulated Emergency Test (SET), although local and Section-level
    exercises may take place throughout the fall.

    The SET is ARRL's primary national emergency exercise and is designed
    to assess the skills and preparedness of Amateur Radio Emergency
    Service (ARES^A(R)) volunteers, as well as those affiliated with other
    organizations involved in emergency and disaster response. It
    encourages maximum participation by all radio amateurs, partner
    organizations, and national, state, and local officials who typically
    engage in emergency or disaster response.

    In addition to ARES volunteers, those active in the National Traffic
    System (NTS^*), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES),
    National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN^A(R), Community Emergency
    Response Team (CERT), and a variety of other allied groups and public
    service-oriented radio amateurs are needed to fulfill important roles
    in this nationwide exercise.

    The SET offers volunteers an opportunity to test equipment, modes, and
    skills under simulated emergency conditions and scenarios. Individuals
    can use the time to update a go-kit for use during deployments and to
    ensure their home station's operational capability in an emergency or
    disaster.

    To get involved, contact your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net
    Manager.
    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 21) features a
    discussion with Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, about the new edition of The
    ARRL Handbook and how it can be useful to new hams.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 42) features a
    conversation with Ed Hare, W1RFI, about the changes to the FCC RF
    exposure rules.

    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.

    VoIP Weather Net Handles Reports for Hurricane Larry

    Amateur radio volunteers on the Voice over Internet Protocol Weather
    Network (VoIPWX), joined linked systems in Newfoundland, Canada, to
    collect ground-truth weather data for relay to the National Hurricane
    Center (NHC) and Environment Canada, as Hurricane Larry hammered the
    Canadian province on September 11. The Category 1 storm, with maximum
    sustained winds of 85 MPH, was predicted to bring hurricane-force
    winds, dangerous storm surge, heavy seas, and heavy rainfall.

    Scores of reports, including damage to schools and homes, power
    outages, and evacuations, were sent by a squad of hams that included
    Aaron Abbott, VO1IV, and Gareth Rowberry, VE3GJR.

    More than 40 personnel hours of operation by Canadian and US radio
    amateurs were involved in providing the reports received on both
    systems.

    Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations for the VoIP Hurricane Net,
    said, "Through the exemplary efforts of VO1IV...and a number of amateur
    radio operators across Newfoundland and one amateur operator in Ontario
    who relayed a report from a non-amateur radio CANWARN Spotter [a
    volunteer organization of ham radio operators reporting severe weather
    to Environment Canada] in St. John's, Newfoundland, reports of damage
    to trees, power lines, power outages (including roof damage to a school
    and a home) were relayed from amateurs in the region."

    The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated on September 10 on 20 and 40
    meters.
    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.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    ARRL Awards Colvin Grant to Latest Bouvet Island DXpedition

    ARRL has awarded a Colvin Grant of $5,000 to Amateur Radio DXpeditions
    (ARD), the Norwegian nonprofit organization that is sponsoring the 3Y0J
    DXpedition to Bouvet Island in fall 2022. Co-leaders for the effort are
    Ken Opskar, LA7GIA; Rune O/ye, LA7THA, and Erwann Merrien, LB1QI. A
    Colvin Grant in the same amount was returned after the Intrepid-DX
    Group had to drop its plans for an early-2023 Bouvet DXpedition that
    would have used the same call sign.

    The multinational team plans to activate Bouvet in November 2022. A
    dependency of Norway, Bouvet is a sub-Antarctic island in the South
    Atlantic and the second-most-wanted DXCC entity, behind North Korea.
    The last Bouvet activation was 3Y0E, during a scientific expedition
    over the winter of 2007 - 2008.

    Amateur radio DXpeditions would field a team of 12 operators for a
    20-day stay on Bouvet, setting up at Cape Fie in the southeastern part
    of the island, which the DXpedition organizers called "the only
    feasible part where a DXpedition can safely set up camp on rocky
    ground." The DXpedition has set a goal of 120,000 contacts during its
    stay.

    The Colvin Award is funded by an endowment established by the legendary
    DX couple Lloyd Colvin, W6KG, and Iris Colvin, W6QL, both now deceased.
    The Colvin Award is intended to support amateur radio projects that
    promote international goodwill in the field of DX. Grantees must be
    groups with a favorable DX track record and with experience directly
    related to the proposed enterprise. The proposed project must have as a
    goal a significant achievement in the field of DX. Preference is given
    to multinational groups, all of whom are members of their own national
    IARU member-societies.

    In August, the Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) donated
    $100,000 to the 3Y0J DXpedition, set for late 2022. The NCDXF is now
    the DXpedition's lead sponsor.

    "We wish to recognize and thank the Northern California DX Foundation
    as the lead sponsor for our 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet," the 3Y0J team
    said. "Without the support of the NCDXF, operations to the world's
    rarest entities would be difficult."

    On September 11, the 3Y0J DXpedition announced a donation of *10,000
    (approximately $11,815) from the German DX Foundation (GXDF).

    The 3Y0J team said that with its overall budget of $650,000, this
    DXpedition to Bouvet will be the most expensive ever.

    Visit the 3Y0J DXpedition website or Facebook page for more information
    or to donate.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * FREE WECA Tech (entry level) Ham Radio License Class! / The Patch,
    White Plains, New York, September 15
    * Richmond's radio geeks offering courses to tempt newcomers /
    Richmond News, Ontario, Canada, September 14, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Seeks New Treasurer

    After 10 years of distinguished service to ARRL as its volunteer
    Treasurer, Frederick "Rick" Niswander, K7GM, has decided to step down
    when his current term expires in January 2022. ARRL is seeking
    qualified candidates from among its membership. The Board of Directors
    elects the Treasurer and other officers at its annual meeting in
    even-numbered years.

    The Treasurer is a non-voting member of the Board of Directors and must
    be a licensed radio amateur and a full member of the ARRL for 4
    continuous years prior to nomination. The ARRL Bylaws define the role
    of the Treasurer as follows:
    * In consultation with and subject to the general supervision of the
    ministration and Finance Committee, provides for the investment
    and reinvestment of the surplus funds of the League in any bonds,
    stocks, or other securities, as would be selected by a trustee with
    the care of a prudent investor.
    * Provides reports to and attends all regular meetings of the Board
    of Directors.
    * Serves as a member of the ministration and Finance Committee and,
    if assigned, subcommittees of the Board or ministrative and
    Finance Committee.

    The position is unpaid; however, necessary expenses, including travel
    to meetings, are reimbursable. For further information, see the full
    position description.

    A search committee has been established to recommend one or more
    candidates for Treasurer to the Board. Qualified members are invited to
    submit a statement of interest and qualifications via email to
    TreasurerSearch@arrl.org. The deadline is November 12, 2021.
    AMSAT Shifts to Virtual Format for 2021 Symposium and Annual Meeting

    The AMSAT 39th Space Symposium and Annual Meeting, planned as an
    in-person event, will now be a virtual event on October 30, due to the
    lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an opportunity for
    amateur-radio-in-space enthusiasts from around the world to learn more
    about AMSAT's Strategic Plan, the GOLF program, the CubeSat Simulator,
    and other exciting developments in the amateur satellite world.

    AMSAT President Robert Bankston, KE4AL, said AMSAT members had voiced
    concern over the continued COVID-19 pandemic and the risks associated
    with long-distance travel, as well as attendance at large group
    gatherings.

    "In the interest of everyone's comfort and safety, we have made the
    difficult decision to return to a virtual meeting platform," Bankston
    said. "[W]e know that last year's virtual Symposium event was well
    received and that we have the opportunity to repeat its success this
    year."

    Those who have already registered for the Symposium will automatically
    receive refunds. dress questions regarding the Symposium to
    info@amsat.com.

    AMSAT will host its 2021 AMSAT Virtual Space Symposium and Annual
    General Meeting via Zoom on Saturday, October 30, 1400 UTC - 2200 UTC.
    It will be available to the general public on AMSAT's YouTube channel
    at no cost. The event will be a combination of pre-recorded video
    segments along with live question-and-answer sessions.

    Final papers for the Symposium Proceedings must be submitted by October
    18. Send these to Dan Schultz, N8FGV. Symposium presentations should
    be limited to 15 minutes of pre-recorded video and be submitted by
    October 18 to Paul Stoetzer, N8HM. AMSAT asks that presenters be
    available to take questions via Zoom following their pre-recorded
    presentations. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service

    ARISS Receives Recognition from NASA Mission Directorate

    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received
    recognition from NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission
    Directorate (HEOMD) for its accomplishments in promoting science,
    technology, electronics, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives through
    amateur radio. The HEOMD provides leadership and management of NASA
    space operations, such as developing rockets and spacecraft, that will
    contribute to human exploration in and beyond low-Earth orbit.

    Astronauts Shannon Walker,
    KD5DXB, and Soichi Noguchi,
    KD5TVP, at NA1SS during an ISS
    contact with Hisagi Junior
    High School in Zushi, Japan.

    "NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) networks enable NASA
    to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers
    -- even from 350 kilometers above Earth," said Kathryn Lueders, NASA
    Associate ministrator for Human Exploration and Operations, in a
    LinkedIn post. "In addition to connecting the science community on
    Earth with the groundbreaking research studies and experiments aboard
    the International Space Station, SCaN enables the space station to act
    as a unique platform for global STEM outreach and education efforts.
    For over 20 years, the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
    (ARISS) program, a nonprofit supported by SCaN, has connected
    classrooms on Earth with astronauts aboard the space station, allowing
    students to engage directly with astronauts in real time."

    Working with an amateur radio club on the ground, the ham radio
    stations on board the ISS enable students to ask the crew questions
    about life in space and what it takes to become an astronaut. In
    preparation for their ARISS contact, tudents explore a variety of STEM
    activities through space exploration, radio communication, and wireless
    technologies.

    "With tens of thousands of student participants each year, the ARISS
    program plays an important role in inspiring the Artemis Generation and
    encouraging students to pursue STEM careers," Lueders said.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * On September 6, Paul Ewing, N6PSE, announced that Nigel Jolly,
    K6NRJ, has sold the SV Braveheart to a new owner who will make her
    available for amateur radio DXpeditions. The Braveheart's new home
    port will be Ushuaia, Argentina, the "gateway to Antarctica." The
    vessel is now in New Zealand.
    * ARRL Headquarters will be closed from 11 AM until 3 PM ET (1500 -
    1900 UTC) on Friday, September 17, for a staff appreciation picnic.
    * North American QSO Party (NAQP) events in 2022 will add a
    Single-Operator Assisted category. The 2022 rules are posted on the
    NCJ website.
    * WSJT-X revision 2.5.0-rc6 (release candidate 6) is now available on
    the WSJT-X website. Microsoft Windows users may need to consult the
    Release Notes to install OpenSSL, one of its dependencies.
    * Seattle's Emergency Communication Hubs and The Seattle Auxiliary
    Communications Service (ACS) radio amateurs will respond to
    simulated earthquakes on two Saturdays in September. The "Double
    Trouble" exercise will run 9 AM - 1 PM PT on September 18 and again
    on September 25.
    * K4MIA will be on the air to mark National POW/MIA Recognition Day
    on September 17. Look for K4MIA (or K4MIA/5, K4MIA/7 and K4MIA/8)
    on SSB, CW, FT8, and other digital modes.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, of Batesville, Mississippi, has joined the staff
    at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. He will serve as
    manager of the Education and Learning Department (formerly the Lifelong
    Learning Department). He had consulted for the department as an
    instructional designer and was instrumental in the implementation of
    ARRL's Learning Network webinars. Goodgame teaches middle school
    computer science and is in his second year of teaching amateur radio to
    students at his school. "I have been teaching ham radio in some form
    for 20 years," he said. "Over the past 3 years, we have had close to 60
    middle and high school students earn their licenses, and several have
    upgraded." Goodgame's favorite ham radio activity is activating parks
    in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program with his daughter Jherica,
    KI5HTA. His wife, Cyndi, is K5CYN. Steve hosts the K5ATA Ham Radio
    YouTube channel. He is a Volunteer Examiner and a volunteer
    firefighter.

    The Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL) has announced the cancellation of
    Tokyo Ham Fair 2021 October 2 - 3. "We were hopeful to have Ham Fair
    2021 with possible preventative measures against COVID-19, but another
    wave of infection came in this summer," said the announcement from Ken
    Yamamoto, JA1CJP. "Considering the worse-than-expected COVID situation,
    JARL reluctantly decided to cancel Ham Fair 2021. We hope that Tokyo
    Ham Fair can come back in 2022 under safer conditions."

    Radio station WBZ in Boston (1030 kHz) is celebrating its 100th
    anniversary in 2021. It is the oldest broadcast station in New England
    and one of the oldest stations in the US. The Billerica Amateur Radio
    Society and the Hampden County Radio Association will commemorate the
    anniversary with a special event, starting on September 17 at 1300 UTC
    and wrapping up on September 20 at 0359 UTC. Look for W1W, W1B, W1Z,
    and WB1Z on all bands, SSB, AM, CW, and digital modes. New England
    operators interested in operating one of the special event stations
    should contact Larry Krainson, W1AST.

    RTTY Service Station K6KPH, operating from the Maritime Radio
    Historical Society (MRHS), is officially back on the air. K6KPH also
    transmits W1AW Qualifying Run texts and the W1AW Field Day Bulletin.
    The station was off the air due to COVID-19 restrictions and antenna
    damage. Repairs to the transmitter site in Bolinas, California, were
    performed under a US National Park Service grant and support from the
    MRHS. Years of damage from decaying poles, failing crossarms, and
    falling trees necessitated the repairs, MRHS said. The next West Coast
    Qualifying Run to be transmitted from K6KPH is scheduled for Saturday,
    September 25, 2021, at 2100 UTC on 3581.5, 7047.5, 14047.5, 18097.5,
    and 21067.5 kHz.

    In cooperation with the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL), the
    Finland Museum of Technology in Helsinki hosted an exhibition of
    equipment built by radio amateurs. The exhibit, "A Spark Started it --
    100 years of Finnish radio amateur construction," ran through August.
    SRAL co-designed the exhibit as part of its 100th anniversary
    celebration. "At the Finnish Museum of Technology, we are particularly
    excited about the exhibition, because experimenting with new forms of
    cooperation is rewarding," the museum said. "As a national special
    museum in the field of technology, we are able to provide a good
    setting for the exhibition and a wide audience that might not otherwise
    find its way to the topic." SRAL centenary special event station
    OH100SRAL will be on the air through year's end.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot numbers started strong at 124
    on this reporting week, September 9 - 15, but ended at 0. Average daily
    sunspot numbers went from 64.6 to 58.3. Average daily solar flux
    declined from 92.9 to 87.4.

    Geomagnetic indicators remained moderate, with last week's average
    daily planetary A index unchanged at 7, and average daily middle
    latitude A index changed from 7.7 to 6.9.

    Predicted solar flux is much lower than last week's report. Solar flux
    is predicted at 75 on September 16 - 23; 76 on September 24 - 26; 78,
    80, and 82 on September 27 - 29; 86 on September 30 - October 10; 82 on
    October 11 - 12; 80 on October 13; 78 on October 14 - 17, and 76 on
    October 18 - 23. Solar flux is expected to rise to 89 by the end of
    October.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on September 16; 15 on September 17 -
    18; 8 on September 19 - 20; 5 and 8 on September 21 - 22; 5 on
    September 23 - October 3; 8 and 12 on October 4 - 5; 5 on October 6 -
    17; 8 on October 18, and 5 on October 19 through the end of the month.

    Marty, KB0QZ, in Tulsa called CQ on 28.040 at noon on September 12 on
    an apparently dead band. LU4HK came back, and they exchanged 599
    reports both ways over the 5,094-mile path. He continued to tune the
    band and call CQ through the afternoon with nothing else heard.

    There's a great solar image in this local California newspaper (page
    down).

    Sunspot numbers for September 9 - 15 were 124, 99, 93, 47, 32, 13, and
    0, with a mean of 58.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 99.7, 96.3, 91.8,
    87.7, 83.3, 78.1, and 75.2, with a mean of 87.4. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 6, 9, 7, 6, 9, 6, and 6, with a mean of 7. Middle latitude
    A index was 7, 9, 8, 6, 7, 5, and 6, with a mean of 6.9.

    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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA

    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 16 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
    * September 16 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 17 -- AGB NEMIGA Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 18 -- QRP Afield (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 18 -- Wisconsin Parks on the Air (CW, phone)
    * September 18 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * September 18 -19 -- All Collegiate QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 18 - 19 -- SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest
    * September 18 - 10 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 18 - 19 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest (CW)
    * September 18 - 19 -- Iowa QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 18 - 19 -- Texas QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 18 - 19 -- New Jersey QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 18 -19 -- All New Hampshire QSO Party (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 18 - 19 -- Washington State Salmon Run (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * September 19 -- North American Sprint, RTTY
    * September 19 -- BARTG Sprint PSK63 Contest
    * September 19 - 20 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * September 20 -- 144 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * September 22 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * September 23 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (digital)

    For more information, visit the ARRL Contest Calendar.
    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota
    * October 2 -- ARRL South Carolina Section Convention (Rock Hill
    Hamfest), Rock Hill, South Carolina
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention (Melbourne Hamfest),
    Melbourne, Florida
    * October 8 - 9 --ARRL Louisiana State Convention (Slidell EOC
    Hamfest), Slidell, Louisiana
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

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    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Sep 24 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    September 23, 2021

    * ARRL, RSGB Announce Joint Events to Celebrate Centenary of Ham
    Radio Transatlantic Success
    * Clear Frequencies Requested for Possible Nicaragua Earthquake
    Traffic
    * Radio Amateurs on Standby Following Volcanic Eruption in the
    Canaries
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Registration Opens for US Amateur Radio Direction Finding
    Championships
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Open-Source Amateur Satellite Work Not Subject to Export
    ministration Regulation
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * IARU Region 3 Considers Significant Expansion of HF Digital
    Segments
    * Announcements
    * AWA Video: SSB was Slow to Catch On as a Ham Radio Mode
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL, RSGB Announce Joint Events to Celebrate Centenary of Ham Radio
    Transatlantic Success

    ARRL and the Radio Society of Great Britain will jointly sponsor events
    to celebrate the achievement of transatlantic communications by radio
    amateurs 100 years ago.

    In December 1921, ARRL sent Paul F. Godley, 2ZE, as its representative
    to listen for amateur signals from North America during the Second
    Transatlantic Tests. Setting up his listening station in Ardrossan, on
    the west coast of Scotland, Godley received the signals of more than 2
    dozen US amateur radio stations, the first on December 12 (UTC) from
    1BCG in Connecticut, operated by members of the Radio Club of America.
    The message read: "Nr 1 NY ck 12 to Paul Godley, Ardrossan, Scotland.
    Hearty Congratulations. (Signed) Burghard Inman Grinan Armstrong Amy
    Cronkhite."

    These successful transatlantic tests and the ones that followed spurred
    technological advances and new global wireless distance records.
    Several amateur radio operating events this year and next will
    commemorate the centenary of these significant milestones that heralded
    the dawn of two-way international amateur radio communication.

    ARRL and RSGB will activate special event stations for 6 hours (0200 -
    0800 UTC) on December 12 for the 160-meter Transatlantic Centenary QSO
    Party. RSGB will activate GB2ZE from Scotland, with a team of stations
    from the GMDX Group sharing operating duties. ARRL will activate W1AW.
    The stations will operate only on CW. If transatlantic propagation
    holds up, the stations may continue to operate beyond 0800 UTC.

    Paul Godley, 2ZE

    The GMDX Group of Scotland will award a quaich -- a traditional
    Scottish drinking cup representing friendship -- to the first stations
    in North America and the UK to complete contacts with both W1AW and
    GB2ZE during the QSO party. A commemorative certificate will be
    available for download.

    RSGB and ARRL are also organizing an international amateur radio
    marathon on the HF bands to commemorate transatlantic tests held
    between 1921 and 1923. The Transatlantic Centenary Marathon will take
    place in December 2022. The objective will be to mark these historic
    events by encouraging all radio amateurs to get on the air. Event
    details are pending.

    ARRL and RSGB have assembled a list of stations and groups that are
    also organizing events and activities to celebrate 100 years of amateur
    radio transatlantic communication. For more information, visit
    arrl.org/transatlantic and rsgb.org/transatlantic-tests. The sites also
    include links to many previously published articles and presentations
    covering the historic tests.

    ditional events and commemorations include:
    * Radio Club of America (RCA) Transatlantic QSO Party, 1200 UTC on
    November 13 to 0400 UTC on November 14, 2021 (16 hours total). The
    QSO party commemorates the contribution of members of the Radio
    Club of America who constructed and operated the 1BCG transmitter
    site in Greenwich, Connecticut, that sent the first message
    received by Paul Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland.
    * W1AW Commemorative Transatlantic QSL Card. Stations making contact
    with the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, W1AW, between December
    11, 2021, and December 31, 2022, qualify to receive a commemorative
    W1AW QSL card. US stations should QSL with a self-addressed,
    stamped envelope; international stations should QSL via the Bureau.
    * The 2021 ARRL 160-Meter Contest, 2200 UTC on December 3 - 1559 UTC
    on December 5. This 42-hour, CW-only contest is most similar to the
    original Transatlantic Tests of the early 1920s. Stations in the US
    and Canada work each other as well as DXCC entities. RSGB is
    planning to activate one of the original call signs used in the
    Transatlantic Tests, with up to seven different prefixes from the
    UK and Crown Dependencies. Look for G6XX (England); GD6XX (Isle of
    Man); GI6XX (Northern Ireland); GJ6XX (Jersey); GM6XX (Scotland);
    GU6XX (Guernsey), and GW6XX (Wales).
    * Special Event GB1002ZE, December 1 - 26, 2021. The Crocodile Rock
    Amateur Group (CRAG) based near Ardrossan, Scotland, will activate
    the special event station GB1002ZE to commemorate the successful
    reception of amateur transatlantic signals by Paul Godley, 2ZE, in
    1921. The RSGB encourages stations in the UK and Crown Dependencies
    to append the suffix "/2ZE" to their station's normal call sign
    throughout the period, as authorized by UK regulator Ofcom.

    Clear Frequencies Requested for Possible Nicaragua Earthquake Traffic

    IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinator Carlos Alberto Santamara Gonzlez,
    CO2JC, has requested that radio amateurs in Central America avoid 7098
    and 7198 kHz in the wake of an earthquake at 0957 UTC Wednesday in
    Nicaragua.

    The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the magnitude 6.5 earthquake has
    also affected Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
    The earthquake was followed by another 4.0 temblor and other
    aftershocks of less intensity, as confirmed by Juan de la Cruz
    Rodrguez Prez, YN1J, President and National Emergency Coordinator of
    the Club de Radioexperimentadores de Nicaragua (CREN). CREN is the
    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society for Nicaragua.

    The earthquake occurred offshore some 60 miles from Chinandega and
    approximately 52 miles southwest of the resort town of Jiquilillo,
    Nicaragua. The USGS said the quake occurred in the North Pacific at a
    depth of approximately 20 miles.

    According to the Nicaraguan Institute for Territorial Studies, the
    event was related to the tectonic processes of the collision between
    the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates.

    Emergency communicator Juan de la Cruz, YN1J, requested the frequency
    protection.

    No tsunami warning has been issued, and there have been no immediate
    reports of damage.

    According to the USGS, "Little or no landsliding is expected, but some
    landslides could have occurred in highly susceptible areas." And, "The
    number of people living near areas that could have produced landslides
    in this earthquake is low, but landslide damage or fatalities are still
    possible in highly susceptible areas. This is not a direct estimate of
    landslide fatalities or losses."

    Radio Amateurs on Standby Following Volcanic Eruption in the Canaries

    The Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands erupted
    for the first time in 50 years on Sunday, September 19, following an
    increase in seismic activity over the previous 7 days. The lava flow
    has triggered the evacuation of more than 6,000 people so far.
    Authorities have deployed all the resources of the Canary Islands
    Government, as well as military support from the mainland, to manage
    the situation. In order to facilitate communication into and out of the
    area, EMCOM-SPAIN has asked that the IARU Emergency Center of Activity
    Frequencies be kept clear in case the situation worsens: 3.760 MHz;
    7.110 MHz; 14.300 MHz, and 21.360 MHz. -- Thanks to IARU Region 1
    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 21) features a
    chat with Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, about the new edition of The ARRL
    Handbook and how it can be useful to new hams.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 43) debuts on Thursday,
    September 23. It is a chat with Glen Popiel, KW5GP, about his new ARRL
    book More Arduino for 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.

    Registration Opens for US Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships

    Registration is now open for the 2021 US and IARU Region 2
    Championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), set for
    October 13 - 17. Competition venues will be near Asheboro, North
    Carolina. Postponed from 2020, these championships will be conducted in
    accordance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines.

    "The US ARDF Championships are an ideal opportunity to watch and learn
    from the best radio-orienteers in the US," said ARRL ARDF
    Co-coordinator Charles Scharlau, NZ0I. "Winners who qualify by
    citizenship or residence may be selected for positions on ARDF Team US,
    which will travel to Serbia for the 2022 ARDF World Championships."

    Wednesday, October 13, will be a model event for equipment testing and
    a competitor briefing. Thursday, October 14, will be devoted to the
    Sprint championship, a short course with 12-second fox transmissions
    instead of the usual 60 seconds.

    Classic 2-meter and 80-meter competitions will take place on Friday and
    Sunday. Between the days of classic competitions will be Foxoring, a
    combination of radio direction-finding and classic orienteering, held
    on Saturday morning. An outdoor pizza picnic will be held on Saturday
    evening. Presentation of medals for foxoring, sprint, and Friday's
    classic event take place at the picnic. Awards for Sunday's Classic
    competition will be presented immediately after the competition.

    Postponed in 2020, the 2021 ARDF USA
    Championships will take place
    October 13 - 17 in North Carolina.

    Three optional practice days are planned for Sunday through Tuesday,
    October 10 - 12, just prior to the championships. A practice event on
    Sunday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, will provide the experience of a
    full ARDF course in a friendly environment, with the clock as the only
    opponent. The practices on Monday and Tuesday will be held in Durham,
    North Carolina, and will offer informal sessions in which the
    participants help with setting the transmitters in the woods.

    Experienced radio orienteers and event organizers from the Backwoods
    Orienteering Klub (BOK) will organize the 2021 US and IARU Region 2
    Championships. An email reflector is available for questions and
    answers with the organizers, as well as for coordinating transportation
    and arranging equipment loans. -- Thanks to Joe Moell, K0OV 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.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Open-Source Amateur Satellite Work Not Subject to Export ministration
    Regulation

    CEO Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, reports that Open Research Institute
    (ORI) received an advisory opinion from the US Commerce Department
    Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on September 2, confirming that
    public internet posts regarding open-source amateur satellite
    communications work are not subject to the Export ministration
    Regulation (EAR). ORI was founded in March 2018 by Bruce Perens, K6BP,
    in order to provide a formal structure for open-source satellite work.
    Prior work by ORI established that open-source amateur satellite
    communications work was free of International Traffic in Arms
    Regulations (ITAR).

    "This is a significant regulatory success for open-source amateur
    satellite work and open source in general," Thompson said. In a later
    post on the ORI site, Thompson said ITAR and EAR have had a dramatic
    effect on both commercial and amateur satellite work since the 1990s.
    "The regulations are blamed for a significant decline in US market
    share for satellite systems and halted highly successful international
    amateur collaborations," she wrote.

    ORI CEO Michelle
    Thompson, W5NYV.

    Open-source work that is published as it is created and is freely
    available to the general public at no cost is not subject to ITAR or
    EAR, Thompson said.

    ORI's work was funded by ARDC, with legal assistance provided by
    Thomsen and Burke LLP. All documents and links to presentations about
    the work are available.

    "Thank you to those who have supported and assisted ORI during the many
    stages of this successful regulatory endeavor," Thompson said. "ORI
    will build upon this work to advance the aims and purposes of
    open-source amateur satellites."

    Visit the ORI website's "Getting Started" page to get involved. 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.
    * The Quietest Place in America / Green Bank, West Virginia from
    LethbridgeNewsNow (Alberta, Canada) September 21, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    IARU Region 3 Considers Significant Expansion of HF Digital Segments

    The IARU Region 3 (Asia) online conference hosted by Thailand's IARU
    member-society RAST wraps up on September 23. One topic discussed was a
    proposed HF band plan. Among the problems the planners seek to address
    is the use of bandwidth as a defining transmission characteristic.
    Following the revision of the tools used to describe HF amateur band
    plans, a joint tri-region IARU committee developed a proposal for
    revision of the data segments of the HF amateur band plans.

    The changes proposed include a significant expansion of digital mode
    segments. These revisions address several areas, including global HF
    amateur band plan segment harmonization.

    Other factors include:
    * separation of "conversational" and time-synchronized digital
    activity
    * band plan segment expansions in support of time-synchronized
    transmission mode capacity demands (mostly trading with now lesser
    used RTTY subbands)
    * more effective separation of voice and data modes on 40 meters
    * relocation of the IARU Region 3 EmComm SSB frequency from 3600 to
    3680 kHz
    * relocation of the global 20-meter slow-scan TV (SSTV) frequency
    from 14,230 kHz to 14,330 kHz
    * relocation of Japan's domestic 40-meter FT8 frequency from 7041 to
    7037 kHz (dial) to provide for a global narrowband conversational
    modes (e.g., PSK) segment between 7040 and 7044 kHz in alignment
    with existing Region 1 arrangements to replace the 7070 - 7074 kHz
    segment in Region 2, and recognition of 7040 - 7060 plus 7065 -
    7080 kHz as the new 40-meter data segment with voice operation,
    reduced to secondary status between 7060 and 7070 kHz.

    Documents are available from the Region 1 Conference website. Special
    event station HS18IARU was on the air during the conference.
    Announcements
    * The International DX Association (INDEXA) will support the 3Y0J
    DXpedition to Bouvet Island in November-December 2022 with a grant
    of $15,000.
    * PACIFICON 2021, which will host the ARRL Pacific Division
    Convention, is set for October 15 -17, sponsored by Mount Diablo
    Amateur Radio Club. The event will take place at the San Ramon
    Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, California.
    * The Arizona Association for Summits on the Air (SOTA) will host the
    4th annual 10-Point s2s Madness event on Saturday, October 2, 1400
    - 2359 UTC. In this event, multiple hams simultaneously operate
    mountaintop portable on 10-point summits. Hams can participate as
    activators or chasers; add your information to the Alerts section
    on the SOTA website if you plan to activate. The same website will
    display the spots on the day of the event, if you are a chaser. In
    the past, 25 - 30 activators are on a 10-point summit at the same
    time. For more information, contact Pete Scola, WA7JTM, or search
    social media for the hashtag #TenPointMadness.
    * The Central Arizona DX Association will have the call sign K7UGA on
    the air October 4 - 8. K7UGA was the call sign of Arizona US
    Senator Barry Goldwater, who was also the 1964 Republican Party
    presidential candidate. K7UGA will be on all bands and modes. QSL
    via K7BHM with an SASE.
    * Lance Collister, W7GJ, will undertake a 6-meter DXpedition to the
    Austral and Marquesas Islands. He'll spend October 15 - 24 as
    FO/W7GJ on the Australs, and October 28 - November 7 as TX7MB on
    the Marquesas. He is planning to use the Q65-60A for all 6-meter
    moonbounce activity and FT8 for terrestrial contacts.
    * Members of the Russian Robinson Club will celebrate the 60th
    anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty signing with special call signs
    R60ANT, RA60ANT, RB60ANT, RC60ANT, RG60ANT, RJ60ANT, RK60ANT,
    RL60ANT, RN60ANT, RT60ANT, RU60ANT, RZ60ANT, and RI60ANT, between
    October 1 and December 31.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    AWA Video: SSB was Slow to Catch On as a Ham Radio Mode

    Hams are often early adopters of new technology, such as FT8, but this
    was not the case with single sideband (SSB) amplitude modulation. First
    referenced in Major General George Squier's 1911 patent that had
    nothing to do with RF applications, SSB didn't really catch on as a
    popular ham radio phone mode until the 1960s.

    Antique Wireless Association (AWA) museum curator Ed Gable, K2MP,
    recounted "The History of Single Sideband" as part of the inaugural
    "AWA Shares" program, presented on August 19. Gable described Squier as
    an "early idea man" in the history of SSB at a time when hams had
    hardly adopted AM in any form.

    As Gable explained, John Renshaw Carson built on Squier's patents to
    define the principles of SSB radio transmission theory, using a
    balanced modulator and filters. AT&T went all in with SSB, basing its
    first long-haul telephone system on the technology. Its SSB voice
    service to Europe, which kicked off in 1923, lasted for more than 3
    decades. A receiving site in Scotland took advantage of Beverage
    antennas put in place for the ARRL transatlantic tests.

    Gable credited Robert M. Moore, W6DEI, with introducing SSB to the ham
    radio community, through an article in R9 Magazine in the early 1930s.
    The technology remained more of a curiosity, however, in part because
    of the Great Depression, cost, and technical difficulty. Besides, hams
    of that era saw no real advantage to narrowband modes, since bands were
    not that crowded.

    The mood began to change after World War II, though. In 1948, Oswald
    Villard, W6QIT, engineered the airing of SSB signals via Stanford
    University's W6YX, re-introducing the mode to a burgeoning and more
    technically savvy post-war ham community that included a lot of
    veterans. A 1950 GE Ham News article by Don Norgaard, W2KUJ, described
    plans for a 5 W, three-tube SSB transmitter he dubbed "The SSB Jr."

    The Central Electronics Model 20A.

    Expanding on this, Central Electronics' Wes Schum, W9DYV, built the
    first SSB exciter, the 10A, in 1952, and it became the company's first
    product, spawning a series of successor products that included a VFO
    based on a modified BC-458 military surplus transmitter, an "SSB
    slicer" for receiving, and even a linear. SSB equipment was neither
    inexpensive nor accessible, however.

    "Cheap and Easy S.S.B." by Anthony Vitale, W2EWL, which appeared in QST
    in 1956, spoke to hams' attitudes, helping to advance the adoption of
    SSB among radio amateurs. Byron Goodman, W1DX, addressed receiver
    improvements with his QST article, "The Product Detector."

    The Collins KWM-1 is considered the
    first "true" transceiver, sharing
    receive and transmit circuitry.

    In the same decade, General Curtis LeMay, K3JUY/K4RFA, promoted the
    advantages of SSB to the military, heralding a phase-out of AM as the
    dominant voice technology. Many hams were not convinced of SSB's
    advantages, deriding the signals as sounding like Donald Duck. option
    didn't really take off until the Collins KWM-1 came along in 1957. It
    was the first SSB transceiver to share receiver and transmitter
    circuitry. Heathkit, Viking, and B&W produced SSB adapters for use with
    current AM gear.

    Other manufacturers including National and Swan came along to further
    boost adoption of the mode, and it wasn't that many years before SSB
    eclipsed AM as the predominant voice mode on the HF bands.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Last week, we reported a big increase
    in solar activity with the daily sunspot number reaching 124, but by
    the end of that week, all the sunspots had disappeared. The sun was
    blank for several days, but then, sunspots returned on September 19.

    Average daily sunspot numbers were 28.7 this week, below the 58.3
    average reported a week earlier. Average daily solar flux was down by
    nine points, from 87.4 to 78.4.

    Geomagnetic indicators were higher, with the highest activity on
    September 17, when the planetary A index was 24 due to a minor
    geomagnetic storm triggered by a weak coronal mass ejection (CME).
    Average daily planetary A index for the week increased from 7 to 9.1,
    and average middle-latitude A index went from 6.9 to 8.4.

    Predicted solar flux for the next month is 90 on September 23; 95 on
    September 24 - 25; 98 and 95 on September 26 - 27; 90 on September 28 -
    29; 84 on September 30 - October 5; 82 on October 6; 80 on October 7 -
    8; 78 on October 9 - 11; 75 on October 12 - 20; 80 on October 21 - 22;
    82 on October 23 - 25; 84 and 82 on October 26 - 27, and 84 on October
    28 - November 1.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12, 8, and 15 on September 23 - 25; 8 on
    September 26 - 27; 12 on September 28; 10 on September 29 - 30; 5 on
    October 1 - 3; 8 and 12 on October 4 - 5; 5 on October 6 - 9; 12 on
    October 10; 5 on October 11 - 17; 8 on October 18 - 19; 10, 8, and 12
    on October 20 - 22; 10 on October 23 - 24, and 5 on October 25 - 30.

    The northern autumnal equinox occurred at 1920 UTC on September 22,
    which means Earth is bathed in approximately equal amounts of solar
    radiation over the Northern and Southern hemispheres, always a good
    sign for HF propagation.

    Here is a new forecast from Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW.

    Sunspot numbers for September 16 through 22 were 0, 0, 11, 13, 51, 50,
    and 76, with a mean of 28.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.2, 73.4,
    73.7, 75, 80, 84.9, and 88.5, with a mean of 78.4. Estimated planetary
    A indices were 3, 24, 11, 3, 3, 8, and 12, with a mean of 9.1. Middle
    latitude A index was 3, 19, 14, 2, 4, 6, and 11, with a mean of 8.4.

    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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 23 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (digital)
    * September 25 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
    * September 25 -- Masonic Lodges on the Air (phone)
    * September 25 - 26 -- CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY
    * September 25 - 26 -- Maine QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * September 27 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
    * September 28 -- MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
    * September 29 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)

    For more information, visit the ARRL Contest Calendar.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * September 25 -- ARRL Dakota Division Convention (RRRA Hamfest),
    West Fargo, North Dakota
    * October 2 -- ARRL South Carolina Section Convention (Rock Hill
    Hamfest), Rock Hill, South Carolina
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention (Melbourne Hamfest),
    Melbourne, Florida
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Louisiana State Convention (Slidell EOC
    Hamfest), Slidell, Louisiana
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California

    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
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    they renew their membership. All members can access digital
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    * Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    Subscribe to...
    * NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
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    * QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published
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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) 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 Fri Oct 1 09:05:18 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    September 30, 2021

    * Deaf Pupils Set to Speak with ISS Crew Member in a World-First
    Event
    * Amateur Radio Volunteers Assist in Major US Cycling Event
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Past AMSAT President and Director, and Amateur Satellite Pioneer
    Tom Clark, K3IO, SK
    * Georgia Gets a New Section Manager; Re-Elected SMs Begin New Terms
    on October 1
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * ARISS Seeks Hosts for Ham Radio Contacts with Space Station Crew
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Many Ham Radio Organizations Represented at 2021 ARRL New England
    Division Convention
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Deaf Pupils Set to Speak with ISS Crew Member in a World-First Event

    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) will offer a
    group of pupils at the Mary Hare School for deaf children in Berkshire,
    England an opportunity to speak with an astronaut via amateur radio.
    The contact is expected to take place sometime during October 10 - 17.
    Mary Hare School, with Pippa Middleton as its Ambassador, is the
    largest school for the deaf in the UK. The event will mark the first
    time an ARISS contact has been arranged with a school for deaf youth.

    "It is a very exciting event -- a world first for deaf pupils," said
    Alex Ayling, a science teacher at the school. "I think it is very
    important to our deaf pupils, as it shows whatever your challenges with
    communication, there is no limit to what you can achieve. The sky is
    not the limit."

    Ciaran Morgan, M0XTD, ARISS operations lead for the UK, said that
    technical aspects of the radio contact are being handled by the
    ARISS-UK team. The Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society (NADARS)
    will provide "the amateur radio experience" for the students, through
    ham radio events and activities at the school. Lessons related to ARISS
    include a crystal radio, electricity and circuits, forces, energy,
    sound, electromagnetism, space and space exploration, the ISS, and
    rocketry.

    During September, the school has been conducting a competition,
    inviting students to enter questions from one of five categories --
    science in space, space technology, living in space, space
    communication, and Earth from space. The school staff will pick the 10
    best questions, and those students will be invited to ask their
    questions. The astronaut's response will then be rendered as text for
    the students.

    At the school, an expected audience of 250 socially distanced
    spectators will be able to see the radio contact firsthand. The
    remaining students and audience members will be linked in via a web
    feed.

    Amateur radio equipment has been on board the ISS for more than 20
    years, and most astronauts hold ham radio licenses. A live web feed
    will be available.

    Mary Hare School educates some 240 profoundly and severely deaf
    children, aged 5 - 19, each year.

    In the US, ARISS is sponsored by NASA, the ISS National Laboratory,
    ARRL, and AMSAT. -- Thanks to UK News
    Amateur Radio Volunteers Assist in Major US Cycling Event

    Some 115 amateur radio volunteers from five states turned out on
    September 11 to support communication for the longest single-day
    US-sanctioned cycling event, LoToJa, now in its 39th year. Starting in
    Logan, Utah, the 203-mile course ends in Jackson Hole, Wyoming --
    taking cyclists through northeastern Utah, southeastern Idaho, and
    western Wyoming in the process. The race attracts thousands of
    applicants, and upward of 2,000 of them are selected to compete. Some
    1,700 competed in this year's LoToJa. The event's cyclists and sponsors
    have contributed more than $2 million for Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
    Hams from multiple ARRL-affiliated clubs in Utah, including Golden
    Spike, OARC, and UVARC, participate. The group does "neutral wheel"
    support (which substitutes wheels and equipment in the event of a
    failure) as well as first aid, as needed, and provides communications
    from start to finish. The race deploys four command centers and
    multiple repeaters.

    "This year's race will have 600 course volunteers, which includes 150
    ham radio operators [and helpers] from the Bridgerland Amateur Radio
    Club. They provide uninterrupted communication throughout LoToJa's
    mountainous and remote terrain," Race Director Brent Chambers told the
    Cache Valley Daily.

    "We take two portable repeaters to the top of mountains, and we deploy
    multiple APRS digipeaters," explained Kevin Reeve, N7RXE, the
    coordinator of amateur radio operators and communication systems for
    LoToJa. "All ham vehicles run APRS, and we have APRS and a radio
    operator with the race director and race official. Our goal is to help
    the cyclists, support crews, and families have a safe and enjoyable
    event."

    Ted McArthur, AC7II, heads the communication infrastructure team for
    the LoToJa hams. In all, nine repeaters and several simplex frequencies
    are used throughout the event, and APRS plays an important role.

    "With [an increased] number of mobile vehicles needed to meet a growing
    event, Net Control stations were spending a lot of radio time asking
    for position reports," McArthur said. "We needed the air time for real
    traffic, like helping cyclists, emergencies, and other critical
    traffic."

    "LoToJa is such a great event for amateur radio operators to
    participate in," said Tyler Griffiths, N7UWX. "It is the ARES [Amateur
    Radio Emergency Service^(R)] radio operator's dream event. We know
    where it starts, we know where it ends, but everything that happens in
    between is different from year to year."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 21) features a
    discussion with Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, about the new edition of The
    ARRL Handbook and how it can be useful to new hams.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 43) features a chat with
    Glen Popiel, KW5GP, about his new ARRL book More Arduino for 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.
    Past AMSAT President and Director, and Amateur Satellite Pioneer Tom
    Clark, K3IO, SK

    AMSAT-NA Past President and ham radio satellite and digital pioneer Tom
    Clark, K3IO (ex-W3IWI), of Columbia, Maryland, died on September 28
    after a short illness and hospital stay. An ARRL Life Member and ARRL
    Maxim Society and Diamond Club member, he was 82. Clark's
    accomplishments are legendary, and he left a lasting footprint on the
    worlds of amateur radio satellites and digital techniques.

    "His longtime technical achievements, mentoring to others, and
    technical leadership will be missed by his many peers and friends the
    world over," said Bob McGwier, N4HY.

    To honor Clark, AMSAT has rebranded its upcoming annual gathering as
    The 2021 AMSAT Dr. Tom Clark, K3IO, Memorial Space Symposium and Annual
    General. It will take place on October 30 via Zoom. (AMSAT members may
    register to attend via AMSAT's Member Portal.) The event will be
    livestreamed on AMSAT's YouTube channel.

    A founding member of Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR), Clark was a
    cofounder of the TAPR/AMSAT DSP Project, which led to software-defined
    radio. He was a leader in the development of the AX.25 packet radio
    protocol. Clark served as AMSAT's second president, from 1980 until
    1987. He also served on the AMSAT and TAPR Boards.

    In concert with McGwier, Clark developed the first amateur DSP
    hardware, including a number of modems. He developed the uplink
    receivers and the spacecraft LAN architecture used on all the Microsats
    (Oscars 16, 17, 18, 19, 26, 27, and 31). McGwier said it was Clark who
    convinced him in 1985 that the future lay in DSP.

    "We started the TAPR/AMSAT DSP project, and it was announced in 1987,"
    McGwier recounted. "We showed in our efforts that small stations with
    small antennas could bounce signals off the moon, and using the power
    of DSP, we could see the signals in our computer displays." This led to
    the software-defined transponder (SDX) for satellite work, including
    ARISSat and AMSAT's Phase 3E.

    Clark received a doctorate in astro-geophysics from the University of
    Colorado. He went on to serve as Chief of the Astronomy Branch at NASA
    Marshall Space Flight Center and was a Senior Scientist at NASA Goddard
    Space Flight Center, where he was principal investigator for the Very
    Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) activity.

    In 2005, he became the first non-Russian to be awarded the Special
    Medal of the Russian Academy of Sciences for his contributions to the
    international VLBI network. He is a member of the 2001 class of CQ
    Magazine's Amateur Radio Hall of Fame.

    In 2016, ARRL awarded Clark with its President's Award, to recognize
    his 60 years of advancing amateur radio technology. On that occasion,
    McGwier said, "There would be no AMSAT to inspire all of this work
    without Tom Clark. Tom...saved the organization and inspired all of us
    to look to the future and aim for the stars," McGwier said.

    Clark was a Fellow of the American Geophysical Society and the
    International Association of Geodesy.

    Georgia Gets a New Section Manager; Re-Elected SMs Begin New Terms on
    October 1

    Jim Millsap, K9APD, will become the ARRL Georgia Section Manager (SM)
    on Friday, October 1. Millsap, of Acworth, was the only candidate who
    applied by the June 4 nomination deadline. Millsap has been an ARRL
    Emergency Coordinator and District Emergency Coordinator. He also
    served as the ARRL Southeastern Division Vice Director from 2012 to
    2014. Outgoing SM David Benoist, AG4ZR, of Senoia, decided not to run
    for a new term after serving since November 2016.

    These incumbent SMs faced no challengers in the summer election cycle
    and will also begin new 2-year terms of office on October 1: Robert
    Wareham, N0ESQ (Colorado); Diana Feinberg, AI6DF (Los Angeles), Carol
    Milazzo, KP4MD (Sacramento Valley); Bill Hillendahl, KH6GJV (San
    Francisco); Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX (South Texas); Monte Simpson, W7FF
    (Western Washington), and Dan Ringer, K8WV (West Virginia).

    Eastern Washington Section Manager Jo Whitney, KA7LJQ, was also the
    only nominee when the June 4 nomination deadline arrived. Whitney, of
    Yakima, was initially scheduled to start her elected term of office on
    October 1. However, she was appointed to start her term of office on
    July 1 after outgoing SM Jack Tiley, AD7FO, stepped down before the
    completion of his term.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
    October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
    Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
    will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
    sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
    contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
    presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
    techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
    advantage.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    ARISS Seeks Hosts for Ham Radio Contacts with Space Station Crew

    Starting on October 1, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
    (ARISS) will accept applications from US schools, museums, science
    centers, and community youth organizations (individually or working
    together) interested in hosting amateur radio contacts with crew
    members on the International Space Station (ISS). Contacts will be
    scheduled between July 1 and December 31, 2022. Crew scheduling and ISS
    orbits will determine the exact contact dates. ARISS is looking for
    organizations that will draw a sizeable number of participants and
    integrate the contact into a well-developed education plan.

    The deadline to submit is November 24. Proposal information and more
    details, including expectations, proposal guidelines, and a proposal
    form are on the ARISS-US website. An ARISS introductory webinar session
    will be held on October 7 at 8 PM ET (2400 UTC). Sign up for the
    webinar via Eventbrite.

    Each year, ARISS provides tens of thousands of students with
    opportunities to learn about space technologies and communications
    through amateur radio. Crew members aboard the ISS will participate in
    scheduled amateur radio contacts. These contacts are approximately 10
    minutes long and allow students to interact with the astronaut through
    a question-and-answer session.

    The program offers learning opportunities by connecting students to
    orbiting astronauts through a partnership that includes ARRL, AMSAT,
    and NASA, as well as other amateur radio organizations, and space
    agencies in Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe. The program's goal is to
    inspire students to pursue interests and careers in science,
    technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as amateur
    radio.

    "Educators overwhelmingly report that student participation in the
    ARISS program stimulates interest in STEM subjects and in STEM
    careers," ARISS said in their announcement regarding the contact
    opportunities. ARISS says enthusiasm sparked by a school contact may
    also lead to an interest in ham radio among students and to the
    creation of ham radio clubs in schools. Some educators have even become
    radio amateurs after experiencing a contact with an ISS crew member.

    ARISS is celebrating 20 years of continuous amateur radio operations on
    the ISS. Contact ARISS-US for additional information.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Simulated Emergency Test Saturday for local ham radio operators /
    The Monroe News (Michigan) September 28, 2021
    * Amateur radio group marks 80 years of community service during
    disasters / Star vertiser (Pennsylvania) September 28, 2021
    * Volunteer Radio Operators Are A Lifesaver During Emergencies In The
    San Bernardino National Forest / LAist (California) September 22,
    2021
    * The Quietest Place in America (Greenbank, West Virginia) /
    LethbridgeNewsNow (Alberta, Canada) September 21, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    Many Ham Radio Organizations Represented at 2021 ARRL New England
    Division Convention

    This year's Northeast HamXposition drew about 1,200 attendees to its
    new location in Marlborough, Massachusetts, during September 10 - 12.
    The event hosted the ARRL New England Division Convention, and was
    formerly held about 15 miles away in Boxborough, Massachusetts. This
    was the first year the convention was held at this location because the
    event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Event proceeds
    go to the New England FEMARA Scholarship fund, which helps students
    attend a college or trade school of their choice. Scholarships are
    administered by the ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program.

    HamXposition Chairman Bob DeMattia, K1IW, and his committee said they
    were pleased with the turnout, given last year's cancellation and this
    year's new venue. The event was held at the Best Western Royal Plaza
    Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough. Although there were some
    last-minute cancellations from a handful of exhibitors and presenters,
    W1 QSL Bureau Co-Manager Eric Williams, KV1J, believed that there was
    "remarkably good attendance," despite the concerns of COVID-19. The W1
    QSL Bureau team included ARRL Director of Operations Bob Naumann, W5OV,
    who checked DXCC and other ARRL award applications throughout the
    convention.

    Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society
    (STARS) hosted a hands-on activity.
    [Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, photo]

    In addition to ARRL Vice President Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, and New
    England Division Director Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, the 2021 ARRL
    convention team included New England Division Vice Director Phil
    Temples, K9HI; Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY; Senior Member
    Services Representative Kim McNeill, KM1IPA; Director of Operations Bob
    Naumann, W5OV, and Public Relations and Innovation Director Bob
    Inderbitzen, NQ1R. Several Section Managers and other Field
    Organization volunteers also supported the convention. Raisbeck and
    Temples also served as the convention's Vice Chair and Program Chair,
    respectively.

    The Nashua Area Radio Society (NARS) of New Hampshire demonstrated a
    variety of activities to encourage new licensees to become "radio
    active." NARS was among several radio clubs and organizations that
    staffed visitor booths at the event.

    Members of the Women Radio Operators of New England (WRONE) hosted an
    exhibit for the Young Ladies' Radio League (YLRL), represented by
    District 1 YL Barbara Irby, KC1KGS, and Anne Manna, WB1ARU. These
    organizations encourage and assist women entering the Amateur Radio
    Service.

    Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) of New England Sci-Tech in
    Natick, Massachusetts, offered a hands-on exhibit and conducted a youth
    panel. STARS is hosted by the STEM Education Center and Makerspace at
    New England Sci-Tech.

    ARRL members Mark Stenning, AA1AC
    (left), of Newport, Rhode Island,
    and Christopher Stenning, K1XHX, of
    East Greenwich, Rhode Island, were
    among those operating from special
    event station W1A, organized for the
    convention by members of the Yankee
    Clipper Contest Club. [Bob
    Inderbitzen, NQ1R, photo]

    DXCC and Contest Dinner speaker rian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, recapped the
    DXpedition and IARU Contest activities and activations from Market Reef
    and land Islands. On Saturday, the banquet speaker was Philip J.
    Erickson, W1PJE, of Haystack Observatory, operated by Massachusetts
    Institute of Technology (MIT). Erickson discussed HamSCI's latest
    ionospheric science investigations, supported in partnership with radio
    amateurs and scientists from Haystack Observatory and other
    institutions.

    The ARRL leadership team hosted an ARRL Membership Forum on Saturday.
    ARRL Washington Counsel Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, was among the attendees.

    Inderbitzen's keynote address on Saturday morning included a tribute to
    the September 11 attacks and a color guard supported by the local Boy
    Scouts of America. He also attended the youth panel and met with many
    young hams, parents, and their advisors throughout the event, including
    Olin College of Engineering undergraduate Zachary Sherman, KC1NXK, who
    exhibited for Olin Collegiate Amateur Radio Club, KC1LHR. -- Thanks to
    Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, ARRL Public Relations and Innovation Director

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * WSJT-X 2.5.0 is now in general release and is available on the
    WSJT-X website. New features are described in the WSJT-X User Guide
    and in the Release Notes. If you will use the new Q65 mode, read
    the Quick-Start Guide to Q65.
    * Yasutaka Narusawa, JR2XEA, of the Komaki Amateur SATCOM Club has
    announced that Z-Sat is set to launch on October 1. Radio amateurs
    are asked to listen for the CW beacon on 145.875 MHz and forward
    reports.
    * The 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition team will implement a new feature
    on its website where you can get the latest news, discuss
    [IMG]topics with the team, get feedback and hints, interact with
    operators, and more.
    * WW0WWV from the WWV Amateur Radio Club is a special event call sign
    to mark WWV's 102 years. WW0WWV will be on the airwaves September
    30 - October 3.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    The AO-92 and FalconSAT-3 satellites have been shut down. AO-92
    (Fox-1D) had started to change its behavior after a number of weeks of
    being powered on. In particular, the integrated housekeeping unit (IHU)
    switched to safe mode. This was likely due to low voltage during
    eclipse, which is when it should be drawing very little power if no one
    uses it. Mark Hammond, N8MH, also reported that he was turning off
    FalconSAT-3's transmitter, due to low voltage. -- Thanks to Burns
    Fisher, WB1FJ, AMSAT Engineering Team, via AMSAT News Service

    The IARU Region 1 Monitoring System finds Radio France International
    splatter "untenable." The International Amateur Radio Union Region 1
    Monitoring System (IARUMS) August newsletter reports that Radio France
    International was active daily between 2100 and 2200 UTC on 7205 kHz.
    The report says splattering appeared "massively" down to 7186 kHz,
    which IARUMS called "an untenable condition." IARUMS said that the
    "especially well-known intruders" included Voice of Broad Masses (VOBM)
    on 7140 and 7180 kHz from Eritrea. "From time to time, China Radio
    International was heard on 14,000 kHz (and intermodulation of 13,855
    kHz and 13,710 kHz)." The usual players among the over-the-horizon
    radar (OTH-R) systems also were active almost daily. Intruding signals
    heard in IARU Region 1 may be causing problems elsewhere in the world.

    Pocket calculator inventor and home computing pioneer Sir Clive
    Sinclair died at his home on September 16 following a long illness. He
    was 81. Sinclair may have been best known for popularizing the home
    computer. Leaving school at 17, he worked for 4 years as a technical
    journalist to fund Sinclair Radionics and created the Sinclair Spectrum
    and the first computer, the Sinclair ZX-81. Many modern-day titans of
    the games industry got their start on one of his ZX models. Back in the
    day, the gamer's computer of choice was either the ZX Spectrum 48K or
    its rival, the Commodore 64. Among his other inventions was a
    coin-sized radio. Despite his computer background, Sinclair declined to
    use the internet, email, or even computers.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity was up over the past
    week, with the average daily sunspot number rising from 28.7 to 59.4,
    and average daily solar flux up 11.4 points to 89.8.

    The noon 10.7-centimeter solar flux was 101.6 on Wednesday, September
    29, the highest value since December 3, 2020, when it was 102.9.

    Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, with average daily planetary A index
    values declining from 9.1 to 7.3, and average middle latitude A index
    from 8.4 to 6.3.

    Predicted solar flux is 100, 105, 110, and 105 on September 30 -
    October 3; 95, 90, and 85 on October 4 - 6; 74 on October 7 - 9; 78 on
    October 10 - 12; 80 on October 13; 84, on October 14 - 15; 86 on
    October 16 - 17; 88 on October 18 - 22; 86 on October 23 - 25; 84 on
    October 26; 80 on October 27 - 29; 78 on October 30 - 31; 76 on
    November 1, and 74 on November 2 - 5.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12, 24 and 10 on September 30 - October
    2; 5 on October 3 - 9; 12 on October 10; 5 on October 11 - 17; 10, 12,
    10, and 8 on October 18 - 21; 5 on October 22 - 23; 18, 15, and 12 on
    October 24 - 26; 5 on October 27 - 30; 8 on October 31; 12 on November
    1, and 5 on November 2 - 5.

    Sunspot numbers for September 23 - 29 were 75, 75, 38, 67, 30, 57, and
    74, with a mean of 59.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 89.7, 88.4, 88.4,
    86.3, 85.3, 88.9, and 101.6, with a mean of 89.8. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 11, 8, 7, 3, 7, 10, and 5, with a mean of 7.3. Middle
    latitude A index was 10, 6, 7, 2, 6, 9, and 4, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 29 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
    * October 2 -- German Telegraphy Contest
    * October 2 -- Oceania DX Contest (phone)
    * October 2 -- Two-Meter Classic Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 2 - 3 -- California QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * October 2 - 3 -- TRC DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 2 - 3 -- Russian WW Digital Contest
    * October 2 - 3 -- International Hell Contest
    * October 2 - 3 -- SKCC QSO Party (CW)
    * October 3 -- RSGB DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 3 -- UBA ON Contest (SSB)
    * October 3 -- Peanut Power QRP Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 4 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (CW)

    For more information, visit the ARRL Contest Calendar.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * October 2 -- ARRL South Carolina Section Convention (Rock Hill
    Hamfest), Rock Hill, South Carolina
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention (Melbourne Hamfest),
    Melbourne, Florida
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Louisiana State Convention (Slidell EOC
    Hamfest), Slidell, Louisiana
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California

    Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for
    Amateur Radio News and Information

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    Subscribe to...
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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 Fri Oct 8 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    October 7, 2021

    * ARRL Continues Its Efforts to Preserve Amateur Radio Secondary Use
    of the 3 GHz Band
    * 16th Annual ARRL Online Auction Kicks Off on Friday, October 8
    * ARDC Grant Provides ARESLAX with Sophisticated Noise Location
    Capabilities
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * The Premiere of NIGHT, the Movie
    * Radio Amateurs Invited to Participate in the Antarctic Eclipse
    Festival in December
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Announcements
    * ARRL Seeks New Treasurer
    * Microsoft Releases Windows Version 11
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Continues Its Efforts to Preserve Amateur Radio Secondary Use of
    the 3 GHz Band

    ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, in a written statement on the newly
    filed H.R.5378 before the US House Commerce Communications and
    Technology Subcommittee on Wednesday, urged Congress to direct the FCC
    to preserve amateur radio's secondary use of the 3-GHz band. President
    Roderick's statement was the result of a quick, well-organized response
    by ARRL to counter the continuing threat to amateur radio's secondary
    use of the 3 GHz band.

    Approximately 10 days ago, ARRL became aware of a provision in the $3.5
    Billion Budget Reconciliation Bill that would have required that
    approximately 200 MHz of the 3.1 - 3.45-GHz band be reallocated to the
    use of 5G vendors. Moving swiftly, the ARRL Executive Committee
    authorized ARRL's Washington Counsel to begin preparations to respond.
    But, confronted with the probable delay of the Reconciliation Bill and
    an uncertain future for the 3 GHz provisions, Subcommittee Chairman
    Michael Doyle (D-PA-18) and Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA-6)
    introduced similar reallocation language on September 29 as H.R.5378
    (117th Congress, 1st Session) and scheduled hearings on it and related
    communications bills for October 6.

    The Executive Committee and the Legislative vocacy Committee
    immediately set efforts in motion in Washington to obtain support for
    ARRL's position. Meetings were held on short notice to request support
    with the offices of Subcommittee members including Representatives am
    Kinzinger (R-IL-16) and Tim Walberg (R-MI-7), as well as with
    Representatives John Larson (D-CT-1) and Joe Courtney (D-CT-2).

    In addition, ARRL Atlantic Division Vice Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF,
    and ARRL Washington Counsel David Siddall, K3ZJ, met with Chairman
    Doyle's Chief of Staff on October 1, to explain why it's important that
    amateur radio continue to be permitted to operate in the 3.3 - 3.45-GHz
    band.

    ARRL President Rick
    Roderick, K5UR.

    In his written statement to the Subcommittee in conjunction with the
    hearing, President Roderick emphasized that permitting Amateur Radio to
    continue to have use of the 3.3 - 3.45-GHz band on a strictly
    secondary, non-interfering basis will provide full protection to
    commercial licensees with exclusive licenses and further the public
    interest in providing a means for continued technological innovation.

    Despite vigorous opposition from ARRL and others, the FCC in 2020
    ordered the "sunsetting" of the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band in order to auction
    the spectrum to commercial 5G providers. The Commission allowed amateur
    operations to continue in the lower 150 megahertz of the band, 3.3 -
    3.45 GHz, until it acts in a future rulemaking to address that
    spectrum. Amateur operations were allowed to continue in the upper 50
    megahertz, 3.45 - 3.5 GHz, only until 90 days after the auction
    including that spectrum has closed. The auction began this week; it is
    likely that operations will have to cease in February or March, 2022.

    "A core standard of spectrum policy should be to maximize use of this
    valuable but finite spectrum resource," President Roderick told the
    panel. "The [FCC] in earlier proceedings adopted a variety of methods
    to share and maximize use of the spectrum by radio amateurs and others,
    but in its latest 3 GHz proceeding it did not do so, despite hundreds
    of comments filed by radio amateurs."

    President Roderick said that if the current policy continues, existing
    spectrum at 3 GHz being addressed in H.R.5378 "will be cleared
    indiscriminately," leaving "significant spectrum resources vacant into
    the foreseeable future while radio amateur experimentation and
    operation will be forced to cease for no reason except regulatory
    myopia. It need not be so."

    President Roderick pointed out that in earlier proceedings, the FCC
    adopted methods to ensure unencumbered spectrum access by primary users
    while accommodating secondary users on a non-interference basis. "These
    methods work well and remain effective without complaint in other
    frequency bands, and also should be applied to the 3 GHz band," he
    said.

    Primary commercial users "would rarely use all of their licensed
    spectrum throughout their entire licensed service areas," President
    Roderick said. In its recent 3 GHz proceeding, however, the FCC "went
    beyond merely prohibiting amateur operations in areas and at times when
    primary Commission licensees might use the spectrum," ruling instead
    that all amateur operation in the subband being auctioned must
    terminate within 90 days of the auction's close. President Roderick
    told the FCC that it is not logical for the Commission to leave
    spectrum unused before licensees start using it.

    He said there is no technical basis for removing amateur secondary
    operations from the 3 GHz band where radio amateurs "long have used the
    bits and pieces of unused spectrum for technological innovation."

    H.R.5378 is not yet law, and ARRL's efforts to preserve amateur radio
    access to 3.3 - 3.45 on a secondary basis will continue. Read an
    expanded version.
    16th Annual ARRL Online Auction Kicks Off on Friday, October 8

    Get ready to bid and support ARRL education programming when the 16th
    Annual ARRL Online Auction begins on Friday, October 8, at 10 AM EDT
    (1400 UTC). The auction continues through Thursday, October 14.
    GigaParts is sponsoring this year's ARRL Online Auction. A preview of
    the items that will be up for bid began on Tuesday, October 5. This
    year's auction features ARRL Product Review and vintage equipment,
    classic books, novelties, and the ever-popular ARRL Lab "Mystery"
    boxes.

    Visit the Auction website, register to bid, and check out details on
    the items available, so you'll be ready to place a bid on your
    favorites. Plus, keep an eye on the ARRL Facebook page for featured
    products and auction highlights throughout the event.

    Prospective bidders must register and create an account. Your arrl.org
    user ID and password will not work on the auction site. Registration is
    a one-time action. If you have previously registered for the ARRL
    Online Auction, you can use the same username and password to sign into
    this year's auction. (If you have forgotten your username or password,
    click on the "Help" tab for assistance.)

    It's not necessary to register to browse the items for sale on the
    site, and you can register at any time during the auction.

    [IMG]ARRL's Annual Online Auction is an important fundraiser and a
    critical means of support for ARRL educational programming. Auction
    proceeds ensure the continuation of programs that support the licensing
    of new hams, as well as ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R))
    training, and enhancements to technical and operating education for all
    ARRL members and the greater amateur radio community.

    If you don't want to bid but would still like to contribute to the ARRL
    Education and Technology Fund, visit arrl.org/donate.

    For more information about the ARRL Auction, contact Lisa Tardette,
    KB1MOI.

    ARDC Grant Provides ARESLAX with Sophisticated Noise Location
    Capabilities

    ARESLAX, an arm of the ARRL Los Angeles Section, has used a $23,600
    grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) to purchase
    equipment that will help Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R))
    team members to locate and eliminate sources of radio frequency
    interference (RFI) that could hinder their operations.

    "ARESLAX is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting emergency
    communication initiatives of the Los Angeles Section's ARES program,"
    ARRL Los Angeles Section Manager Diana Feinberg, AI6DF, explained.
    "Earthquakes and wildfires are the primary disaster threats this region
    faces. Because these incidents occur without any advance warning,
    disaster communication groups in the Los Angeles Section must maintain
    a high degree of readiness."

    Thanks to the grant, Feinberg said, last spring ARESLAX purchased a
    Fluke ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager, which combines ultrasonic
    detection with visual techniques to pinpoint an interference source,
    such as power line noise, and produce photographic evidence. At the
    same time, ARESLAX used its own funds to purchase a Radar Engineers 243
    RFI Locator and spent the summer familiarizing itself with the
    sophisticated equipment.

    "By combining these two purchases with our preexisting equipment, ARRL
    Los Angeles Section Technical Specialist Chris Parker, AF6PX, believes
    the Los Angeles Section now has EMI/RFI locating capabilities exceeding
    those of area utility companies and their contractors," Feinberg said.

    This image from the Fluke ii910
    pinpoints the source of power line
    noise.

    "For an increasing number of Los Angeles Section hams, EMI or RFI
    issues have made the HF bands difficult or impossible to use for DXing,
    contesting, emergency communication, or casual operating," Feinberg
    said. She pointed out that the network of overhead power lines that
    expanded with the county from 1940 through 2010 has now deteriorated,
    resulting in arcing. "ditionally, our urban noise floor is rising
    from the millions of electrical devices used by consumers and
    businesses, including solar charging controllers and grow lights,"
    Feinberg said.

    RFI complaints can go unresolved for years, and tracking down
    interference sources has been the focus of a corps of technical
    volunteers. The new equipment makes that job far less time-consuming
    and more successful, ARESLAX said. Read an expanded version.
    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 21) features a
    discussion with Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, about the new edition of The
    ARRL Handbook and how it can be useful to new hams.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 44) features Steve Allen,
    KC1SA, and a discussion about the current electronics parts shortage
    and what it may mean for amateurs.

    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 Premiere of NIGHT, the Movie

    During the Edmond (Oklahoma) Amateur Radio Society's ARRL Field Day
    2021, Marcus Sutliff, N5ZY, spoke with visitors from John D'Aquino's
    Young Actors Workshop (YAW) and learned of their plans to make a short
    film in which amateur radio plays a role, and that they needed some
    help. The filming was to take place in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and they
    needed someone with film or video experience and someone who could
    serve as a technical advisor. Kevin O'Dell, N0IRW -- a member of the
    ARRL Public Relations Committee -- became involved in the project, and
    in short order, he was able to assemble radios and props, consult on
    the script, and get ready for a long day of filming.

    Ham radio provides a tenuous link to
    the outside world in the film
    mystery. (Note Kevin O'Dell's,
    N0IRW, QSL card at the upper left.)

    The film's purpose is to give aspiring young actors a chance to hone
    their craft in a real movie environment. Thanks to the Oklahoma Film
    and Music Office, they were able to shoot three movie shorts in
    Oklahoma. In the Camp Hollywood 2021 film NIGHT, the young actors
    mature as the movie progresses.

    The story begins on a day when the sun mysteriously has failed to rise.
    One character mentions firing up grandpa's ham radio. His younger
    brother reminds him that he once called ham radio "the dinosaur's
    internet," but now it could be one source of help or information. The
    actual internet is down, along with power, telephones, and apparently
    satellites. All the adults are conveniently absent. The ending will
    leave you hoping for NIGHT 2. The movie premiered recently and is now
    available on YouTube as a 34-minute short.

    O'Dell stars as the ham radio voice of Colonel. He and Sutliff appear
    in the credits, so stay through the end.

    O'Dell got a shout-out from ARRL Oklahoma Section Manager Mark Kleine,
    N5HZR. "Thanks, Kevin, for putting a great light on amateur radio," he
    said.
    Radio Amateurs Invited to Participate in the Antarctic Eclipse Festival
    in December

    The HamSCI Antarctic Eclipse Festival in December is seeking amateur
    radio participation. As the shadow of the moon passes across Antarctica
    on December 4, it will generate traveling ionospheric disturbances that
    will, in turn, affect radio propagation. The unusual geometry of this
    year's eclipses will give researchers an opportunity to investigate
    complicated ionospheric dynamics over the poles as the long daytime of
    polar summer is briefly interrupted by the eclipse.

    During this and other HamSCI eclipse festivals, hams and
    citizen-scientists are asked to collect Doppler-shift data from
    time-standard stations, such as WWV. All that's needed is an HF radio
    connected to a computer. A GPS-disciplined oscillator is helpful for
    collecting data, but it is not required. Data collection will run from
    December 1 through December 10, and the results will be made available
    for scientific analysis.

    A QSL card image of the HamSCI
    Antarctic Eclipse Festival. [Zo
    Linker image]

    All radio amateurs and shortwave listeners are invited to join in, even
    those located far from the path of totality. In 2020, more than 100
    individuals from 45 countries took part in eclipse festivals.The
    instructions are available in multiple languages.

    HamSCI is an initiative of ham radio operators and geospace scientists
    dedicated to advancing scientific research and understanding through
    amateur radio activities. Eclipse festivals are pilot campaigns for the
    Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS), HamSCI's flagship project. The
    PSWS team seeks to develop a global network of citizen-science
    stations. Participants monitor the geospace environment to deepen
    scientific understanding and enhance the radio art.

    For more information on the Antarctic Eclipse Festival and how to
    participate, visit the HamSCI website. -- Thanks to Kristina Collins,
    KD8OXT

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Midland sisters earn amateur radio licenses / Midland Daily News
    (Michigan), October 5, 2021

    * Radio operators demonstrate how to communicate when disaster
    strikes / WEEK, Peoria County, Illinois, October, 2, 2021
    * It takes a village; OC100 gets ready to support runners once again
    / The Titusville Herald (Pennsylvania), September 30, 2021
    * Fremont first responders get hazardous material training experience
    / Pioneer Amateur Radio Club's ARES^(R) group is part of an
    integrated agencies effort that supports local training for
    hazardous incident scenarios. Fremont Tribune (Nebraska), September
    24, 2021
    * Student scientists tracking satellite in space / WVLT (Tennessee),
    September 17, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

    Using the Raspberry Pi with Ham Radio / Presented by Jason Oleham,
    KM4ACK, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 @ 1:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

    Computers have become an important part of amateur radio. The Raspberry
    Pi is a low-cost yet powerful computer that can be used for many
    amateur radio tasks. Jason Oleham, KM4ACK, an avid YouTube content
    creator, discusses how to use the Pi, why he started using it, and why
    he developed Build-a-Pi, a script that gets hams up and running
    quickly.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Announcements
    * The Nashua (NH) Area Radio Society (NARS) in New Hampshire will
    again offer its popular Ham Bootcamp online on Saturday, November
    13. 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 be introduced to a variety of ham
    radio activities. Bootcamp is free and includes demonstrations and
    tutorials introducing a variety of ham radio activities. Email for
    registration instructions.
    * The Grayson County (Texis) Amateur Radio Club, K5GCC, will be
    commemorating the birthday of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower
    with a special event activity, October 9 - 17, using 10 1 * 1 call
    signs W5E, W5I, W5S, K5E, W5N, W5H, W5O, W5W, N5E, and W5R.
    Activity will be on 80 - 2 meters, CW, SSB, digital, and FM.
    * The Portage County Amateur Radio Service (PCARS) RADIOGRAM was the
    winner of the Joseph Phillips, K8QOE, Newsletter Award in the ARRL
    Great Lakes Division. The editor is Tom Parkinson, KB8UUZ.
    * The overall winner of the 2021 Fox Mike Hotel Portable Operations
    Challenge (POC) on September 4 - 5 was Jack Haefner, NG2E, of
    Herndon, Virginia. Running 1 W on 20 meters, Haefner's most distant
    contact was with F4WBN in France. That was also the most efficient
    contact at 6,340 kilometers per watt.

    ARRL Seeks New Treasurer

    After 10 years of distinguished service to ARRL as its volunteer
    Treasurer, Frederick "Rick" Niswander, K7GM, has decided to step down
    when his current term expires in January 2022. ARRL is seeking
    qualified candidates from among its membership. The Board of Directors
    elects the Treasurer and other officers at its annual meeting in
    even-numbered years.

    The Treasurer is a non-voting member of the Board of Directors and must
    be a licensed radio amateur and a full member of the ARRL for 4
    continuous years prior to nomination. The ARRL Bylaws define the role
    of the Treasurer as follows:
    * In consultation with and subject to the general supervision of the
    ministration and Finance Committee, provides for the investment
    and reinvestment of the surplus funds of the League in any bonds,
    stocks, or other securities as would be selected by a trustee with
    the care of a prudent investor.
    * Provides reports to and attends all regular meetings of the Board
    of Directors.
    * Serves as a member of the ministration and Finance Committee and,
    if assigned, subcommittees of the Board or ministrative and
    Finance Committee.

    The position is unpaid; however, necessary expenses including travel to
    meetings are reimbursable. For further information see the full
    position description.

    A search committee has been established to recommend one or more
    candidates for Treasurer to the Board. Qualified members are invited to
    submit a statement of interest and qualifications via email to
    TreasurerSearch@arrl.org. The deadline is November 12, 2021.
    Microsoft Releases Windows Version 11

    The official release date for the new Windows 11 operating system is
    October 5, Microsoft has announced, but it will be a slow reveal. Radio
    amateurs may be eager to learn if it will run the station software
    they're running under Windows 7 or Windows 10, and if they'll need new
    device drivers.

    "We are not too concerned," said Tom Wagner, N1MM, of the widely
    popular, free logging software that bears his call sign -- N1MM
    Logger+. "One member of the team and one end user has tested with
    Windows 11 and not reported issues. We will fix them if they arise."

    The WSJT-X Development Group is similarly unconcerned. "A few WSJT-X
    users have been running on the beta Windows 11 release without any
    issues," said Bill Somerville, G4WJS. "This seems to be reasonable
    evidence that there should be no serious problems."

    Microsoft said that the free upgrade to Windows 11 has begun rolling
    out to eligible Windows 10 PCs, and PCs that come pre-loaded with
    Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase on October 5. A
    prompt to upgrade to Windows 11 will come to newer devices first, with
    all eligible devices to receive their updates by next summer, according
    to Gear Patrol.

    Windows 11 has higher technical requirements than Windows 10, which
    will be deprecated in 2025. Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7 or
    earlier iterations. Machines will need to have a 64-bit CPU, 4 GB of
    RAM, 64 GB of storage, and have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version
    1.2 or later enabled.

    Aaron Woodman, General Manager of Windows Marketing at Microsoft, told
    The Verge, "We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free
    upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022."

    Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025.
    Read an expanded version.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots were visible every day this
    week, but numbers were lower. Average daily sunspot numbers declined
    from 58.4 to 30.7, and average daily solar flux was down 2.9 points to
    86.9.

    Geomagnetic activity was a little higher, with average daily planetary
    A index going from 7.3 to 8.1, and average daily middle latitude A
    index from 6.3 to 6.7.

    Friday, October 1 was affected by a solar flare from sunspot group
    AR2871, driving the planetary A index to 15. This had a greater effect
    at higher latitudes, with Alaska's College A index hitting 30 and 31 on
    Friday and Saturday. In the middle of the UTC day on Saturday, the
    College K index hit 7 -- a high number.

    Predicted solar flux is 82 on October 7 - 9; 80 on October 10 - 13; 75
    on October 14 - 16; then 80, 85, 88, and 90 on October 17 - 20; 88 on
    October 21 - 22; 85 on October 23 - 24; 90, 100, 95, and 90 on October
    25 - 28; 88 on October 29 - November 5; 85 and 80 on November 6 - 7,
    and 75 on November 8 - 12.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on October 7; 8 on October 8 - 10; 12
    and 8 on October 11 - 12; 5 on October 13 - 17; 10, 12, 10, and 8 on
    October 18 - 21; 5 on October 22 - 24; 10 on October 25; 5 on October
    26 - 31; 8 on November 1 - 2; 5 on November 3; 8 on November 4 - 5, and
    5 on November 6 - 13.

    Sunspot numbers for September 30 - October 6 were 46, 28, 25, 38, 29,
    27, and 22, with a mean of 30.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 94.6,
    90.5, 87, 86, 83.5, 81.7, and 84.8, with a mean of 86.9. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 9, 15, 8, 6, 6, 5, and 8, with a mean of 8.1.
    Middle latitude A index was 6, 13, 6, 6, 4, 6, and 6, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 8 - 9 -- YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * October 9 -- QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party (CW)
    * October 9 -- Microwave Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 9 -10 -- Makrothen RTTY Contest
    * October 9 - 10 -- Nevada QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * October 9 - 10 -- Oceania DX Contest (CW)
    * October 9 - 10 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest (SSB)
    * October 9 - 10 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * October 9 - 10 -- Arizona QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 9 - 10 -- Cosack's Honor VHF/UHF Contest (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * October 9 - 10 -- Pennsylvania QSO Party (CW, phone)
    * October 9 - 10 -- South Dakota QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 9 - 10 -- 160-Meter Great Pumpkin Sprint (digital)
    * October 10 -- 10-10 International 10-10 Day Sprint (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * October 10 -- UBA ON Contest (CW)
    * October 11 -- 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * October 13 -- NAQCC CW Sprint
    * October 13 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * October 13 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, Data (digital)

    For more information, visit the ARRL Contest Calendar.
    Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Florida State Convention (Melbourne Hamfest),
    Melbourne, Florida
    * October 8 - 9 -- ARRL Louisiana State Convention (Slidell EOC
    Hamfest), Slidell, Louisiana
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California
    * November 6 - 7 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention (Stone Mountain
    Hamfest), Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 13 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin
    ARES/RACES Conference) -- Online
    * November 13 - 14 -- ARRL Central Division Convention (Fort Wayne
    Hamfest & Computer Expo), Fort Wayne, Indiana

    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
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    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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
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    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 Fri Oct 15 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    October 14, 2021

    * Students at UK School for Deaf Youngsters Enjoy Space Chat
    * Scouting's Jamboree-on-the-Air Takes Place this Weekend, October 15
    - 17
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * ARDC Grant to Benefit High School Computer Science Students
    * September 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * New England Parks On The Air Event Set for Mid-October
    * Announcements
    * UN Day Transmission from Sweden's SAQ Set for October 24
    * Author, QRP Enthusiast Rich Arland, K7SZ, SK
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Students at UK School for Deaf Youngsters Enjoy Space Chat

    Ten students at the Mary Hare School for deaf children in the UK took
    part in what appears to have been a world-first event for Amateur Radio
    on the International Space Station (ARISS). Facilitating the
    late-morning direct contact with astronaut Mark Vande Hei, KG5GNP, at
    NA1SS were ARISS-UK volunteers and members of the Newbury and District
    Amateur Radio Society (NADARS).

    Mary Hare School student Jacob asks
    his question during the Mary Hare
    School contact with astronaut Mark
    Vande Hei, KG5GNP, on the ISS.

    The ground station used the call sign GB4MHN. ARISS-UK volunteers
    handled the technical aspects, while NADARS members provided students
    with the "amateur radio experience" through events and activities.

    Students asked their questions orally, and the astronaut's replies --
    as well as questions and answers posed by the audience before the
    contact began -- were displayed in closed caption format beneath a huge
    video screen.

    The Mary Hare School is an aural school for the deaf that teaches
    students to develop lip-reading skills and to make use of technology.
    Students range in age from 5 through 19 years old. An enthusiastic
    audience of some 250 individuals was in the auditorium, where the
    contact took place, while another 600 students at other locations in
    the school observed the contact via a web feed.

    Leading up to the contact, students at the school learned about radio-
    and space-related topics that touched on physics, chemistry, and
    biology. Student activities have included designing and flying model
    rockets, making astronomical observations, and observing authentic
    spacesuits.

    Students wanted to know if the astronauts used sign language in space
    in case something goes wrong, how the ISS would be evacuated in the
    event of a fire, and whether mobile devices such as cell phones work in
    space.

    "You made my day!" Vande Hei said after all the questions had been
    asked and the students had applauded.

    Thanks to ARISS, Amateur radio equipment has been on board the ISS for
    more than 20 years, and most astronauts hold ham radio licenses. ARRL
    The National Association for Amateur Radio is an ARISS sponsor.

    A livestream was available and has been archived.
    Scouting's Jamboree-on-the-Air Takes Place this Weekend, October 15 -
    17

    Scouting's largest event in the world -- Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) --
    takes place October 15 - 17. During JOTA, Scouts and hams around the
    world, around the nation, and in your own community meet on the air via
    amateur radio. All types of Scouts may participate, from Cub Scouts to
    Boy Scouts and Venturers. The participating Scouts often gather at a
    station made available by a volunteer, or at one set up just for JOTA.
    Communication typically involves SSB or FM voice, but it's also
    possible that other modes, such as video or digital, will be employed
    -- or even repeater or satellite communication.

    Scouts typically exchange such information as name, location, Scout
    rank, and hobbies, and it's expected that many participating Scouts
    will be amateur radio licensees. Contacts may take place across town,
    across the country, or even around the world. The World Scout Bureau
    reported that more than 1.5 million Scouts from some 160 countries took
    part in JOTA/JOTI (Jamboree-on-the-Internet) in 2017. With no
    restrictions on age or on the number of participants, and at little or
    no expense, JOTA allows Scouts to meet and become acquainted with each
    other by ham radio.

    JOTA officially starts on Friday evening during the JOTA Jump Start and
    continues through Sunday evening. Any amateur mode of operation may be
    used such, as CW, SSB, PSK, SSTV, FM, and satellite. JOTA is not a
    contest.

    Two Scouts take part in JOTA 2019
    from WN7BSA in Arizona.

    To learn what JOTA activity is planned for a given area, contact the
    local or regional Scout council, a local ham radio operator, or a local
    amateur radio club. Your local club may be able to direct you to
    planned JOTA activities. These can include ham stations set up at
    camporees or other events. If no activities are planned, work with them
    to get something set up or arrange to visit a local radio operator's
    ham shack at a scheduled time to participate in JOTA.

    If nothing is currently planned, you can work with the council or a
    local unit (pack, troop, crew) to set up a JOTA station or arrange for
    visits to your ham shack. You can also participate just by making
    contacts with the many JOTA stations that will be on the air. A good
    resource for finding a local Scout unit is the Be-A-Scout website.

    Since the first JOTA in 1958, millions of Scouts have become acquainted
    with each other through this event. Many JOTA contacts have resulted in
    relationships between Scout troops and individual Scouts that have
    lasted many years.
    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 22) features a
    discussion with Chris Plumblee, W4WF, about contesting and what this
    activity has to offer new amateurs.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 44) features Steve Allen,
    KC1SA, and a discussion about the current electronics parts shortage
    and what it may mean for amateurs.

    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.

    ARDC Grant to Benefit High School Computer Science Students

    Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is helping computer science
    students at California High School in San Ramon, California, to become
    makers by providing a grant to purchase Raspberry Pi computers and
    Arduino microcontrollers. Computer science AP teacher Sean Raser said
    he believes that a hands-on approach is the most effective way for
    students to learn and retain knowledge. The class would aim to
    accomplish this through encouraging students to invent their own
    systems using the Raspberry Pis and Arduinos. By combining these
    devices with sensors, motors, other electronics, and computer code,
    students would have the opportunity to learn complex technical concepts
    first hand.

    Raser's challenge has been acquiring enough hardware for all students
    in his class. With limited resources, his program has been limited to a
    small number of students, however.

    A $9,950 ARDC grant hopes to change that by allowing Raser to give all
    of his students the opportunity to participate. The funds will allow
    him to provide students with Raspberry Pi and micro:bit computers,
    Arduinos, and the other components.

    Raser plans to transform part of his classroom into a makerspace that
    is accessible to all students at California High School, located in San
    Ramon.

    "The results have been extraordinary. The students' creativity and
    passion for learning truly thrive as a result of being able to bring
    their own ideas to life," Raser said. One student, for example, is
    using a

    California High School in San Ramon,
    California. [California High School
    photo]

    Raspberry Pi Zero and a variety of sensors to record flight data during
    a model rocket launch. Another has built an automated attendance taker
    using a Raspberry Pi and RFID sensors. Raser's hope is that these
    experiences will nudge these students into careers as engineers and
    scientists.

    ARDC is a California-based foundation with roots in amateur radio and
    internet technology. In 2019, ARDC announced the sale of some 4 million
    consecutive unused AMPRNet internet addresses, with the proceeds to
    establish a program of grants and scholarships in support of
    communications and networking research with a strong emphasis on
    amateur radio. ARDC, which manages AMPRNet, said it planned to provide
    monetary grants to organizations, groups, projects, and scholarships
    that have significant potential to advance the state of the art of
    amateur radio and of digital communications.
    September 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report

    The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between the
    ARRL and FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service. This
    is the VM Program report for September 2021.
    * Technician-class operators in Mansfield, Ohio; Avon Park, Florida,
    and Pulaski, Tennessee, received visory Notices after making
    numerous FT8 contacts on 20 meters. Technician-class licensees do
    not have operating privileges on 20 meters.
    * A Volunteer Monitor in Mission Viejo, California, received a
    Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard
    Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in locating a defective
    transmitter on Marine Radio Channel 16 that was blocking emergency
    communications on that channel.
    * A former licensee in Durham, North Carolina, received an visory
    Notice for operating under a call sign and license cancelled by the
    FCC.
    * An operator in White Pine, Tennessee, received an visory Notice
    regarding operation on 7.137 MHz, a frequency not authorized under
    his General-class license.
    * Operators in Swannanoa, North Carolina, and New Albany, Indiana,
    received Good Operator Notices for exemplary operation during 2021
    and for regularly assisting other operators with transmitter
    adjustments and amateur radio procedures.
    * The VM Program made one recommendation to the FCC for case closure.

    VM Program statistics for August showed 2,008 hours on HF frequencies
    and 2,642 hours on VHF frequencies and above, for a total of 4,650
    hours. -- Thanks to Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, ministrator,
    Volunteer Monitor Program

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Amateur radio operators hear about their role in a major earthquake
    / West Kentucky Star, Kentucky, October 11, 2021
    * Dialed In: Owensboro Amateur Radio Club going strong /
    Messenger-Inquirer, Kentucky, October 11, 2021

    * Hundreds take part in Burlingame's Drill. Residents joined by
    police, fire and Ham radio operators / Patch, California, October
    10, 2021
    * Ham radio operators provide valuable community service in
    emergencies / Palestine Herald-Press, Texas, September 9, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    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.

    Using the Raspberry Pi with Ham Radio / Presented by Jason Oleham,
    KM4ACK, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

    Computers have become an important part of amateur radio. The Raspberry
    Pi is a low-cost yet powerful computer that can be used for many
    amateur radio tasks. Jason Oleham, KM4ACK, an avid YouTube content
    creator, discusses how to use the Pi, why he started using it, and why
    he developed Build-a-Pi, a script that gets hams up and running
    quickly.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    New England Parks On The Air Event Set for Mid-October

    The inaugural Autumn New England Parks On The Air (NE POTA) event will
    take place on Saturday, October 16, 0000 - 2359 UTC, the K1USN Radio
    Club has announced. The goal is to have one group or individual
    operator at as many Parks On The Air^(R) as possible. The K1USN Radio
    Club hopes this will become an annual event. This is a recreational
    radio event, not a contest, so no logs will be required to participate.
    Summaries of activity are encouraged, however, and a post-event link
    will be available.

    "This began as a reaction to the widespread local interest in the Parks
    On The Air (POTA) program here in New England. Last year, Ohio had a
    successful Ohio-wide POTA weekend, and Wisconsin is now doing something
    similar," said K1USN Radio Club President Pi Pugh, K1RV. "Autumn is a
    special time in New England, and I figured the event might generate
    some extra interest before winter. Perhaps this can become an annual
    New England event or, better yet, an annual nationwide or worldwide
    event."

    ARRL New England Division Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, is hoping
    the event will give the public a chance to learn a bit more about
    amateur radio. He encouraged those who plan to participate to promote
    the event with informational handouts.

    Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA), the largest Scouting event in the world,
    also occurs during the weekend of October 15 - 17, and NE POTA
    participants are encouraged to reach out to local Scouting groups.

    A spreadsheet has been created to keep track of individuals and clubs
    that register.

    Contact Pugh for more information.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * [IMG]NEAR-Fest XXX begins at 9 AM EDT on Friday, October 15, as a
    hybrid event. The live activity takes place at the Deerfield
    Fairgrounds in New Hampshire. A Town Meeting will feature the
    candidates for ARRL New England Division Director. NEAR-Fest
    continues through Saturday, October 16. Thanks to Mike, W1RC, and
    the New England Amateur Radio Festival, Inc.
    * The government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has
    proposed to delegate the administration of amateur radio licenses
    to the Falkland Island regulator and to issue amateur radio call
    signs with the prefix VP0, rather than VP8, with an initial suffix
    letter of either an S or G, as appropriate. VP0 is also the prefix
    of the British Antarctic Territories.
    * After more than 2 years of inactivity, Robert, 3B9FR, is again
    active from Rodrigues Island, an ARRL DXCC entity. He is mainly a
    CW operator but does occasionally get on SSB and FT8.
    * France's youngest ham is 10-year-old Florian Barret, FR4UG, who
    lives on Reunion Island.
    * On October 16, 0800 - 1600 UTC, HV0A in Vatican City (#112 on Club
    Log's Most-Wanted DXCC list) station will be active OSCAR 100 in CW
    and SSB. This will mark the first activation of a Vatican station
    on the OSCAR 100 satellite.
    * ARRL Audio News^(c) is available free each Friday, providing a look
    at the week's ham radio news happenings. Contact ARRL Audio News
    with questions and comments. The webcast is available on the ARRL
    website as well as on Blubrry and may be transmitted freely via
    repeater at no cost.

    UN Day Transmission from Sweden's SAQ Set for October 24

    On United Nations Day, Sunday, October 24, the vintage and historical
    Alexanderson alternator in Grimeton, Sweden, with call sign SAQ, is
    scheduled to send out a message to the world on 17.2 kHz CW. The events
    of the day will be livestreamed on YouTube starting at 14:25 UTC.
    Transmitter startup and tuning will begin at 1430 UTC, with the message
    transmission to follow at 1500 UTC.

    An operator at SAQ with the
    Alexanderson Alternator in the
    background.

    This year's message was drafted by Swedish human rights lawyer and
    sustainability expert Parul Sharma.

    SAQ will conduct some test transmissions on October 22, 1100 UTC - 1400
    UTC and will be on air for short periods during this interval. Comments
    are welcome to info@alexander.n.se.

    For a guaranteed e-QSL, use the online report form, which will be open
    October 24 - November 14.

    Dating from the 1920s, the Alexanderson alternator -- essentially an ac
    generator run at extremely high speed -- can put out 200 kW but
    typically is operated at less than one-half that power level. Once used
    to provide 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.

    Six 400+ foot towers with 150 foot crossarms support a multi-wire
    antenna for SAQ. The actual signal radiates from a vertical wire, one
    from each tower.

    Amateur radio station SK6SAQ will be active on these frequencies: 3.535
    MHz CW, 7.035 MHz CW, 14.035 MHz CW, 3.755 MHz SSB, and 7.140 MHz SSB.
    QSL SK6SAQ via email to info@alexander.n.se, via the bureau, or direct
    to Alexander - GVV, Radiostationen Grimeton 72 SE-432 98, Grimeton,
    Sweden. Two stations will be on the air most of the time.

    For a guaranteed e-QSL, use the online report form, which will be open
    October 24 - November 14.
    Author, QRP Enthusiast Rich Arland, K7SZ, SK

    Richard H. "Rich" Arland, K7SZ, of Dacula, Georgia, died on October 7.
    An ARRL member, he was 75. In addition to other books, Arland was the
    author of Low-Power Communication and other ARRL publications, and he
    was an avid QRP enthusiast and experimenter. Arland had been a radio
    amateur since 1963. He volunteered in the ARRL Field Organization as a
    Technical visor and as an Official Emergency Station since 1990.

    From 2000 until 2003, Arland contributed the "QRP Power" column for
    QST. He has written for several other radio publications, including CQ,
    Popular Communications, WorldRadio, and Monitoring Times.

    He entered amateur radio as a broadcast band and shortwave listener. A
    US Air Force veteran, Arland worked for 20 years in Wilkes-Barre,
    Pennsylvania. He and his wife Patricia, KB3MCT, relocated to Georgia in
    2008.

    In addition to QRP, Arland had an abiding interest in vintage "boat
    anchor" gear and had been restoring a Drake 2B and a Heathkit HR-10
    receiver. He had planned to install a Hallicrafters SR-160 transceiver
    and matching power supply/speaker as his primary HF SSB radio.

    Arland was also a collector and restorer of military communications
    radio equipment. His collection included a TRC-77A special ops HF radio
    and four ARC-5 Command Set receivers, complete with dynamotors. He
    procured an AN/GRC-109 CIA/Special Forces portable HF "spy radio" used
    extensively in Vietnam for backup communications. He held an FCC
    General Radiotelephone Operator's License (GROL).

    Arland also enjoyed experimenting with antennas, building and using QRP
    gear, SWLing, and CW operating.
    In Brief...

    The Intrepid-DX Group has extended the submission deadline for this
    year's Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest to November 15, 2021. The winner
    of the 2021 contest will be announced on December 1. Those who
    submitted an essay last year are invited to submit again. The prize is
    an Icom IC-7300 transceiver. Entry rules: (1) Write and submit a
    two-page essay that answers the question, "How can amateur radio evolve
    to remain relevant in the age of the internet? (2) Be a US amateur
    radio licensee aged 19 or younger. (3) Promise to keep the radio for 1
    year and to use it on the air. (4) Send your essay in text or MS Word
    attachment by November 15, 2021 (no Google documents, please) (5)
    Alternatively mail it to The Intrepid-DX Group, 3052 Wetmore Dr, San
    Jose, CA 95148, USA, postmarked by November 15, 2021. All submissions
    become the property of the Intrepid-DX Group and may be published.
    Contact Paul Ewing, N6PSE, and visit The Intrepid-DX Group Facebook
    page for more information.

    OG2Y is the new Youth call sign for Finland. The IARU member-society
    Finnish Radio Amateur Association (SRAL) has announced that OG2Y is the
    new call sign for all youth activities there. OH2YOTA, the call sign by
    which young radio amateurs in Finland are best associated, is only
    available for events sponsored by the IARU Youth Working Group.
    However, OG2Y may be used freely for any youth project. It will also be
    available for amateur radio contests. The youth section of the SRAL
    website has more details.

    The Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in Africa has become a
    popular spot for DXpeditions. Three operations are planned for October
    and one for November 2021. 3DA0RU, fielded by a Russian DXpedtion team,
    will be active on October 22; 3DA0WW, by a team from Latvia, will be
    active on October 12 - 26; Romeo Vega, 3W3RR, has announced he will be
    active as 3DA0RR on October 14 - 16, and 3DA0LP, by Lionel DuPlessis,
    ZS6DPL, will operate on a limited schedule as 3DA0LP on October 11 -
    15. Eswatini is the 120th most-wanted DXCC entity, according to Club
    Log. -- Thanks to OPDX

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Although we saw sunspots on every day
    of the October 7 - 13 reporting week, solar activity declined a bit.
    Average daily sunspot number went from 30.7 to 23.6, and average daily
    solar flux from 86.9 to 85.6. Geomagnetic indicators were higher, with
    the average daily planetary A index rising from 8.1 to 12.4, and the
    average daily middle latitude A index from 6.7 to 10.3.

    The sunspot numbers and middle latitude A index for October 13 are
    preliminary, but should be resolved by October 15. The same is true for
    the solar flux forecast, which is actually a day late, so we present
    the numbers from Tuesday's forecast instead of Wednesday.

    On Saturday, October 9, Spaceweather.com reported a strong
    Earth-directed M1.6-class solar flare, with CME erupting at 0640 UTC
    and causing an HF radio blackout over the Indian Ocean. This caused the
    planetary A index on October 12 to hit 45 and Alaska's College A index
    to read 60.

    Predicted solar flux is 82 on October 14 - 15; 80 on October 16 - 20;
    88 on October 21 - 22; 85 on October 23 - 24; 90, 100, 95, and 90 on
    October 25 - 28; 88 on October 29 - 30; 85 on October 31 - November 5;
    88 on November 6; 85 on November 7 - 13; 88 on November 14 - 15; 90 on
    November 16, and 88 on November 17 - 18.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 and 8 on October 14 - 15; 5 on October
    16 - 17; 12 on October 18; 8 on October 19 - 21; 5 on October 23 - 24;
    10 on October 25; 5 on October 26 - November 1; 8 on November 2; 5 on
    November 3 - 5; 10 on November 6 - 7; 8 on November 8 - 9; 5 on
    November 10 - 12, and 10, 12, 12, 10, and 8 on November 13 - 17.

    Sunspot numbers for October 7 - 13 were 13, 13, 14, 38, 35, 26, and 26,
    with a mean of 23.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 85.7, 92.4, 81, 84.5,
    88.5, 83.5, and 83.5, with a mean of 85.6. Estimated planetary A
    indices were 5, 4, 5, 9, 13, 45, and 6, with a mean of 12.4. The middle
    latitude A index was 3, 3, 4, 9, 15, 32, and 6, with a mean of 10.3.

    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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 16 - 17 -- JARTS WW RTTY Contest
    * October 16 - 17 -- 10-10 International Fall Contest (CW),
    * October 16 - 17 -- New York QSO Party (CW phone, digital)
    * October 16 - 17 -- Worked All Germany Contest (CW, phone)
    * October 16 -- Feld Hell Sprint
    * October 16 -- Argentina National 7 MHz Contest (phone)
    * October 17 -- RSGB RoLo CW
    * October 17 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint (CW)
    * October 17 -- UBA ON Contest, 2 Meters (CW, phone)
    * October 17 - 18 -- Illinois QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 17 - 18 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
    * October 18 -- ARRL School Club Roundup (CW, phone)
    * October 18 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
    * October 20 -- AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening (CW)

    For more information, visit the ARRL Contest Calendar.
    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * October 15 - 17 -- ARRL Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon),
    San Ramon, California
    * November 6 - 7 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention (Stone Mountain
    Hamfest), Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 13 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin
    ARES/RACES Conference) -- Online
    * November 13 - 14 -- ARRL Central Division Convention (Fort Wayne
    Hamfest & Computer Expo), Fort Wayne, Indiana

    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 * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Oct 22 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    October 21, 2021

    * Enjoy Two Weekends of Fun During the ARRL November Sweepstakes
    * ARDC Grants to Fund Amateur Radio Project Expansions
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Hams Support Chicago Marathon
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Golden Globe Sailing Race Entrants Banned from Using Amateur Radio
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Enjoy Two Weekends of Fun During the ARRL November Sweepstakes

    The ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) weekends loom large on the amateur
    radio contest horizon. The CW weekend is November 6 - 8, while the
    phone weekend is November 20 - 22. Both events begin on Saturday at
    2100 UTC and conclude on Monday at 0259 UTC.

    The SS offers operating categories for every preference. The goal for
    many seasoned SS operators is to complete a "clean sweep" by contacting
    all 84 ARRL and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Sections. Canada's
    Prince Edward Island province joined the list last year. Most SS
    operators try to run up the contact and multiplier counts and stay in
    the chair for the full 24 (out of 30) allowable hours.

    The competition can be fierce, and the pileups can be huge. In 2020,
    ARRL received 1,445 logs for the CW event and 2,046 for the phone
    event.

    Some Sections are harder to contact than others. Northern Territories
    (NT) is always a challenge, but there's a slim chance that snagging NT
    could be easier this year.

    Gerry Hull, W1VE (also VE1RM), is hoping to operate as VY1AAA for both
    weekends, using "J" Allen's, VY1JA, Yukon Territory station remotely
    from the US. Now in his mid-70s, Allen essentially retired from ham
    radio a few years ago due to health issues, but he's bounced back this
    year with renewed enthusiasm and working to get a station and antennas
    ready for Hull to operate. At this point, he's sorting through a
    backyard scrap pile that includes tower sections he had up in the past.
    He wants to get 80 - 100 feet assembled and clamped to a sturdy utility
    pole. Hull says Allen is committed to the task.

    The VY1JA tower boneyard. [Photo
    courtesy of J Allen, VY1JA]

    "VY1JA is now in re-construction," Allen says on his QRZ.com profile.
    "There is only a small chance that it will be done and on the air for
    SS CW this year. If so, signals may be weaker than in the past, with
    only a 100 W Omni VII and wire antennas. Plans for building an amp
    failed, and antenna work has taken far longer than expected."

    Hull said if Allen does manage to erect the antenna support tower,
    VY1AAA will have inverted V antennas for 20 and 40 meters, which Hull
    considers "the money bands from Yukon on CW."

    "So, hoping for good weather and good health for J, and then we might
    have VY1AAA on for the masses for SS CW," he said. Hull said if the CW
    weekend is successful, he'll consider also operating in the phone
    event.

    Other difficult Sections to contact include Delaware, Puerto Rico, the
    US Virgin Islands, Pacific, and North Dakota. (Alaska, Hawaii and other
    US territories in the ARRL Pacific Section, Puerto Rico, and the US
    Virgin Islands count as W/VE stations, not as DX, for the SS.)

    Contesters, especially the less experienced, often want to know how to
    handle duplicate contacts (dupes). It's almost a given that this will
    happen in SS. While some operators still set up a "hot key" to send
    "WKD B4" on CW when encountering a dupe, current best practice is to
    work the apparent dupe, log it, and move on. While dupes don't earn any
    points, they also don't mean you'll incur a NIL (not-in-log) penalty if
    the apparent dupe did not log the initial contact for one reason or
    another.

    The SS exchange is patterned on traffic-handling terminology. For both
    the CW and phone events, stations exchange a sequential serial number
    (no leading zeros are required), an operating category (precedence),
    call sign, the last two digits of the year first licensed (check), and
    ARRL/RAC Section.

    Most areas of the US change from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time
    at 2 AM local time on November 7, by moving clocks back 1 hour. UTC is
    not affected.

    Logs are due within 7 days after the event is over. Certificates will
    be awarded in the top operator CW and Phone scores in each category in
    each ARRL/RAC Section and Division, and plaques will be awarded to the
    Overall and Division winners. Icom America is the principal awards
    sponsor.

    An operating guide that relates some of the history and evolution of
    these North American contests is available under "Operating Guidelines"
    on the ARRL November Sweepstakes page.
    ARDC Grants to Fund Amateur Radio Project Expansions

    Two recent Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) grants will
    benefit the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club (SBARC), K6TZ, and Oregon
    HamWAN.

    A $35,550 grant will enable SBARC to construct an amateur radio station
    at the new Chrisman California Islands Center (CCIC) in downtown
    Carpinteria, California, at the invitation of the Santa Cruz Island
    Foundation (SCIF). According to Levi Maaia, K6LCM, who is the K6TZ club
    call sign trustee, the station is scheduled to open in 2022. SBARC
    promotes education and training programs for anyone interested in ham
    radio. It also encourages and sponsors experiments in electronics and
    promotes the highest standards of practice and ethics in the conduct of
    communications.

    The station will be prominently located near the CCIC main entrance. An
    interactive display will provide an overview of amateur radio
    communications and the role that amateur radio has played in the
    history of the islands.

    When the station is not staffed, visitors can interact with it using a
    custom touchscreen that controls an interactive presentation on amateur
    radio and wireless technologies and their importance to mariners,
    aviators, scientists, and explorers who visit the rugged islands off
    the California coast. Webcams connected to the station via SBARC's
    microwave data network will offer visitors a view of the island's
    terrain in real time.

    An ARRL-Affiliated club, SBARC already maintains open repeaters, data
    systems, and a club station in Santa Barbara County under the K6TZ call
    sign.

    Oregon HamWAN has received an ARDC grant of $88,000 to expand its
    digital communications network. The project aims to enhance amateur
    radio digital and emergency communications capabilities between
    Portland and Salem, Oregon.

    The nonprofit plans to expand its digital communications network by
    deploying 12 network backbone distribution sites between the two
    cities. Eventually, the sites will connect to the Puget Sound Data
    Ring, which currently extends from Seattle to Vancouver, Washington.
    The network would allow emergency management personnel to communicate
    in the event of a disaster, such as a major earthquake, that disrupts
    telecommunications systems. In such cases, amateur radio operators will
    be able to quickly set up network nodes where they are needed to
    provide emergency communication via the Oregon HamWAN digital network.
    "This will be a game changer for emergency communications in the
    Portland area," said Herb Weiner, AA7HW, the Oregon HamWAN Project
    Leader.

    "Deciding to fund [the] Oregon HamWAN project was an easy decision,"
    said ARDC Grants visory Committee Chair John Hays, K7VE. "It is a
    well-organized and well-staffed project that uses multiple amateur
    radio technologies, such as the 44Net IP address space, 5 GHz radios,
    and proven software methodologies. It will provide a strong backbone
    network in Oregon and help preserve our microwave bands."

    ARDC is a California-based private foundation that supports innovative
    amateur radio projects. The foundation makes grants for projects and
    organizations that follow amateur radio's practice and tradition of
    technical experimentation in both amateur radio and digital
    communication science.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 22) will feature
    a discussion with Chris Plumblee, W4WF, about contesting and what this
    activity has to offer new amateurs.

    The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 45) will
    feature a discussion about the current status of amateur television
    with Jim Andrews, KH6HTV, as well as a brief description of an unusual
    "sound dampening screw."

    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.
    Hams Support Chicago Marathon

    A team of 135 radio amateurs from four states supported medical teams
    volunteering for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 10.
    The Chicago Marathon is the third largest marathon in the world. This
    marked the 13th year that amateur radio volunteers have partnered with
    the marathon medical team to help coordinate responses, arrange for
    deployment of medical supplies, and provide situational awareness for
    the organizers.

    The largely flat marathon course has 20 aid stations on its 26.2-mile
    course, each with a medical tent. Hams are deployed at each medical
    tent to support communication for the medical teams.

    There are two main communication nets: a medical net and a logistics
    net, and nine repeaters support these nets. Most of the repeaters
    belong to local clubs, but five temporary repeaters are also deployed.

    In addition to passing urgent medical and health-and-welfare traffic,
    ham radio volunteers also provide situational awareness for race
    organizers, such as updating the number of individuals under care at
    each medical tent. Hams at each medical tent are also responsible for
    changing the event alert flag, which informs runners of course
    conditions so they can adjust their pace. This year, the flags were
    changed to red because of the humidity and an increased potential for
    serious heat-related injuries.

    Most communication is done via FM repeaters. If a runner develops a
    problem, spotters alert a rapid-response medical team, each with a ham
    volunteer to handle communication. In serious situations, hams can call
    into the Forward Command post to dispatch medical assistance. Ten ham
    volunteers in Forward Command serve as net controls, traffic handlers,
    logging specialists, and expediters.

    Ham radio volunteers at the Chicago
    Marathon Med Team #4 Tent [Photo
    courtesy of Rob Orr, K9RST]

    The event provides plenty of personal challenges. Many ham volunteers
    report to their duty stations very early in the morning to conduct roll
    calls at 6 AM, and many remain on course until the event ends at around
    4 PM. The hams and the medical teams must adjust to the weather as
    well. Hams also serve the aid stations where race volunteers dispense
    water and Gatorade. In the event of an emergency, hams shadow the aid
    station captain to facilitate communication with Forward Command.

    Even in an era of ubiquitous cell phones, ham radio remains able to
    provide an independent resource that can back up all other
    communication.

    Read an expanded version in this week's edition of The ARES Letter. --
    Thanks to Rob Orr, K9RST, via The ARES Letter

    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.

    More webinars are coming soon. Check the website for updated
    information.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
    Golden Globe Sailing Race Entrants Banned from Using Amateur Radio

    The use of amateur radio by participants in the 2022 - 23 Golden Globe
    Race (GGR) -- an around-the-world sailing competition -- has been
    banned. Race organizers put the restriction in place because of
    unlicensed use of amateur radio equipment in the 2018 - 19 event,
    Yachting Monthly reported. In the 2018 - 19 race, Estonian skipper Uku
    Randmaa, ES1UKU, was penalized after seeking weather routing (the best
    route according to wind and weather conditions) via ham radio. While he
    escaped disqualification, he did receive a 72-hour penalty. Randmaa
    received weather routing information from Bob McLeod, VP8LP, who
    advised Randmaa, "The more north you go, the quicker you get out of the
    wind hole.

    The race rules say, "Entrants are free to speak to media, family,
    friends, and sponsors by radio at any time during the event, but must
    not be given any form of weather routing." But in the next sentence,
    the rules allow competitors to "communicate freely (by radio or by
    hailing) with other competitors, or other mariners on vessels at sea,
    requesting or giving any verbal information/advice whatsoever, even if
    this is considered weather routing."

    The GGR rules that were spelled out in the Notice of Race require at
    least a 125 W marine MF/HF radio transceiver with a frequency range of
    at least 1.6 to 29.9 MHz, "fitted in a 100% watertight enclosure (able
    to be sealed in any storm) with permanently installed antenna and
    [ground] and an emergency antenna when the regular antenna depends upon
    the permanent Backstay."

    The rules make clear that, "Any proven breach of International radio
    telecommunication regulations, such as transmitting on illegal maritime
    frequencies, may result in a time penalty. Ham Radio transmissions are
    specifically banned."

    According to Yachting Monthly, the change has caused concern within the
    race community, "with some of the 2018 entrants highlighting
    difficulties in picking up Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
    (GMDSS) frequencies in the Southern Ocean due to the shrinking of the
    broadcasting network as more mariners rely on satellite communication."

    The approximately 30,000-mile GGR
    solo circumnavigation starts and
    ends in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France.
    It has four rendezvous "gates" along
    the way. [Maxine Heath image]

    "This is a retro race with skippers restricted to using a sextant [a
    navigation instrument used to measure altitudes of celestial bodies],
    paper charts, and wind-up chronometers, just as Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
    used in the first Sunday Times Golden Globe Race 50 years ago," Race
    Chairman Don McIntyre has explained.

    In the 2018 race, some GGR skippers who operated on ham radio
    frequencies using bogus call signs were asked to stop operating.

    GGR monitors all severe weather with winds over 40 knots and, if
    appropriate, provides both forecasting and routing information to
    assist entrants in sailing safely.

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Mary Hare pupils make contact with International Space Station in
    world first for deaf children with Newbury Amateur Radio Society /
    Newbury Weekly News, UK, October 13, 2021
    * Dialed In: Owensboro Amateur Radio Club going strong /
    Messenger-Inquirer, Kentucky, October 11, 2021
    * Hundreds take part in Burlingame's Drill. Residents joined by
    police, fire and Ham radio operators / Patch, California, October
    10, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * ARRL's YouTube channel, ARRLHQ, has launched a series of amateur
    radio Technician-class license courses. This series of videos
    features Dave Casler, KE0OG, QST's "Ask Dave" columnist, who leads
    viewers through The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. These videos
    supplement the manual and provide an overview of the sections
    students will study, along with a few videos on how things work.
    Share this excellent resource with those who are preparing to take
    the Technician exam, and visit the ARRLHQ YouTube channel for more
    great amateur radio videos.
    * Radio Club Argentina celebrates its 100th anniversary on October
    21. Special event station L21RCA has been active throughout the
    year.
    * The WRTC 2022 organizing committee has announced final
    qualification standings for team leaders and teammates. The
    organizers note that WRTC 2022 has been postponed until July 2023.
    * The International DX Association (INDEXA) has a new mailing
    address. It is 2309 Lincoln Ave., Saint Albans, WV 25177.
    * A free General-class licensing course via Zoom will begin on
    Thursday, October 28 and continue through Thursday, January 13 --
    nine sessions in all, plus 3 weeks off for the holidays in November
    and December. Rol Anders, K3RA, will be the instructor. Sessions
    will start at 6:30 PM ET (2230 UTC on October 28; 2330 UTC
    thereafter) and run for 3 hours. Classes are sponsored by the
    National Electronics Museum. To sign up, email Anders.
    * Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, reports that the NO-104 satellite has been
    enabled for APRS-to-voice (A2V) mode. Information on how to use
    this and other features of this satellite is on the PSAT2 website.
    "PSAT2 voltage telemetry has failed, so we will turn the PSAT2 user
    modes on as long as they work," Bruninga said.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------


    In Brief...

    The November issue of QST includes the article, "The Beverage Antenna,
    100 Years Later," by Ward Silver, N0AX, and Frank Donovan, W3LPL. The
    famous receiving antenna, designed and patented in 1921 by Harold
    Beverage, 2BML, remains popular for the low bands as increasing sunspot
    activity in Solar Cycle 25 leads to weaker signals on 160 and 80
    meters. The article explains the Beverage antenna's noise-rejection
    abilities, as well as how to build a basic Beverage antenna system. The
    November issue also includes a special contesting insert, "Contest
    Season 2021 - 2022," which is full of resources and hints to help you
    have your best radiosport season yet.

    The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors has announced a grant to the
    Seychelles Amateur Radio Association (SARA). The funds will go toward
    establishing a facility for its recently formed (2018) amateur radio
    club. The Yasme Foundation also announced that Steve Babcock, VE6WZ, of
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the latest recipient of its Excellence
    Award. This honor is presented to individuals and groups who, through
    their own service, creativity, effort, and dedication, have made a
    significant contribution to amateur radio. The Yasme Foundation cited
    Babcock's contributions to the art of low-band antennas and remote
    operating. Babcock has made countless hours of instructional videos,
    which are available to the amateur community for free via his QRZ.com
    profile. The Yasme Excellence Award is given in the form of a cash
    grant and an individually engraved crystal globe.

    The 2021 AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium will take place as a
    Zoom webinar on October 24. It will run from 0945 until 1500 UTC.
    AMSAT-UK membership is not required, but participants are asked to
    register before October 24. The 2021 colloquium will also be
    livestreamed via YouTube. Each presentation will be followed by a
    5-minute Q&A session, and Zoom participants will be able to pose
    questions to the speakers. The AMSAT-UK Annual General Meeting will
    follow the colloquium and, after a short break, there will be an
    informal evening discussion session on "all things satellite."

    The new Youth category for the CQ World Wide DX Contest (CQ WW, phone)
    will debut October 30 - 31. The category covers contesters age 25 years
    old or younger and applies not only to the phone event but the CW
    weekend, November 27 - 28. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU)
    Region 2 (the Americas) is one of several organizations sponsoring
    plaques for the top young scorers. In Region 2, plaques will be awarded
    to the top Youth score in each CQ WW event in North America and South
    America -- four in all. Youth plaques are sponsored by other entities
    for participants from all continents in both events. Unlicensed
    listeners can log all the stations they hear and compare with other
    shortwave listener (SWL) logs. Certificates are available for everyone
    submitting a contest log.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar activity declined last week,
    and October 17 saw no sunspots at all. Most days this week had the
    minimum non-zero sunspot number, which is 11, indicating a single
    sunspot group containing a single sunspot.

    The average daily sunspot number declined from 23.7 to 11.3, and
    average daily solar flux dropped by 7 points from 85.6 to 78.6.

    Geomagnetic indicators were quiet, with average planetary A index
    declining from 12.4 to 8.4, and average middle latitude A index from
    10.1 to 5.4.

    Despite the lower activity, I did notice some 10- and 12-meter openings
    here at my location in Seattle.

    Predicted solar flux appears lower too, with values at 76 on October 21
    - 22; 80 on October 23 - 25; 82 on October 26 - 28; 88 on October 29 -
    30; 85 on October 31 - November 11; 80 on November 12 - 20; 85, 90, 95,
    and 90 on November 21 - 24; 88 on November 25 - 26, and 85 through the
    end of November.

    Predicted planetary A index is 10 and 8 on October 21 - 22; 5 on
    October 23 - November 1; 8 on November 2; 5 on November 3 - 5; 12, 10,
    and 8 on November 6 - 8; 5 on November 9 - 13; 12 on November 14 - 15;
    8 on November 16 - 18; 5 on November 19 - 20; 10 on November 21, and 5
    on November 22 - 28.

    Sunspot numbers for October 14 - 20 were 24, 11, 11, 0, 11, 11, and 11,
    with a mean of 11.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 83.4, 84, 77.6, 77.4,
    75.9, 76, and 75.9, with a mean of 78.6. Estimated planetary A indices
    were 7, 6, 6, 10, 10, 14, and 6, with a mean of 8.4. Middle latitude A
    index was 6, 4, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 5, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 23 - 24 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * October 23 - 24 -- UK/EI DX Contest, SSB
    * October 23 - 24 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
    * October 24 -- North American SSB Sprint
    * October 24 - 26 -- UHF Telephone Pioneers QSO Party (CW, phone,
    digital)
    * October 24 - 27 -- Classic Exchange, CW
    * October 27 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
    * October 27 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW)
    * October 28 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, SSB

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    Some conventions and hamfests may have been canceled or postponed due
    to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
    the ARRL website.
    * November 6 - 7 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention (Stone Mountain
    Hamfest), Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 13 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin
    ARES/RACES Conference) -- Online
    * November 13 - 14 -- ARRL Central Division Convention (Fort Wayne
    Hamfest & Computer Expo), Fort Wayne, Indiana

    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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
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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) 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 Fri Oct 29 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    October 28, 2021

    * ARRL Concurs with Two FCC WRC-23 visory Committee Draft Positions
    * President Names Rosenworcel FCC Chair, Announces Planned
    Nominations to FCC, NTIA
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program to Accept Applications Starting
    on November 1
    * US and Region 2 Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships
    Results are In
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Confirms November 2022 Activation
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * Indian Radio Amateurs Help to Coordinate Disaster Relief in the
    Wake of Flooding
    * Well-Known Amateur Radio Contester and DXer Will Roberts, AA4NC, SK
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Getting It Right!
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Concurs with Two FCC WRC-23 visory Committee Draft Positions

    ARRL has said it agrees with the draft positions of the FCC's World
    Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) visory Committee (WAC) on WRC-23
    agenda items 1.13 and 9.1 (Topic A). ARRL is represented on the WAC and
    participating in its work. The FCC International Bureau issued a call
    for comments earlier this year.

    With respect to agenda item 1.12, ARRL recommends that the US support
    "studies and possible consideration of a new allocation to the Earth
    Exploration-Satellite Service (Active) on a secondary basis within the
    frequency range of 40 - 50 MHz" for spaceborne radar sounders.

    "Our support for the draft recommendation is conditioned on explicitly
    including in the recommendation the need to provide protection and not
    impose constraints on incumbent services in adjacent frequency bands,"
    ARRL said. "Our expectation is that such studies will identify the
    capability and adequate means to protect the weak-signal operations of
    the Amateur Radio Service on the adjacent 50 - 54 MHz band without
    imposing any restraint on those operations, if the need to use this
    spectrum for spaceborne radar sounders is confirmed."

    In its remarks, ARRL noted Draft Preliminary Views on WRC-23,
    WAC-23/034 (13.09.2021) appended to the FCC's Request for Comment that
    use of 50 - 54 MHz by radio amateurs was recently studied and
    documented in ITU-Radiocommunication Report M.2478-0, "Spectrum needs
    for the amateur service in the frequency band 50 - 54 MHz in Region 1
    and sharing with mobile, fixed, radiolocation, and broadcasting
    services."

    ARRL also expressed its support for the WAC's draft recommendation on
    Agenda Item 9.1, Topic A, Space Weather Sensors. The agenda item calls
    on the Conference to consider and approve the Report of the Director of
    the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau reviewing the results of studies
    relating to space weather sensors "with a view to describing
    appropriate recognition and protection ... without placing additional
    constraints on incumbent services."

    The WAC draft recommendation is that the view of the US be "that
    changes to the Radio Regulations are outside the scope of Agenda Item
    9.1" and that the US express its support for "conducting the studies
    called for in Resolution 657 (Rev. WRC-19)."

    "Completion and consideration of these studies are essential to
    achieving the desired objective of not placing any additional
    constraints on incumbent services," ARRL said.

    ARRL represents the interests of radio amateurs through its
    participation on World Radiocommunications Conference and FCC advisory
    committees.

    Read an expanded version.
    President Names Rosenworcel FCC Chair, Announces Planned Nominations to
    FCC, NTIA

    President Joe Biden this week designated FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica
    Rosenworcel as Chair and announced that he intends to re-nominate her
    and nominate another to fill the open seats on the Commission.
    Rosenworcel, a Democrat, is the first woman to head the Commission. She
    has served on the FCC since 2012.

    FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel.

    Prior to joining the FCC, Chairwoman Rosenworcel served as Senior
    Communications Counsel for the US Senate Committee on Commerce,
    Science, and Transportation. Before entering public service, she
    practiced communications law. She is a graduate of New York University
    School of Law.

    The President also announced that he plans to appoint Democrat Gigi
    Sohn to fill the other Democratic slot on the Commission. Sohn is a
    Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law
    and Policy and a Benton Senior Fellow and Public vocate. She served
    from 2013 until 2016 as counsel to former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.
    Sohn earned her law degree at the University of Pennsylvania Law
    School.

    Biden also announced his intention to nominate Alan Davidson as
    Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National
    Telecommunications and Information ministration (NTIA) within the US
    Department of Commerce. Read an expanded version.
    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 22) features a
    discussion with Chris Plumblee, W4WF, about contesting and what this
    activity has to offer new amateurs.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 45) features a discussion
    about the current status of amateur television with Jim Andrews,
    KH6HTV, as well as a brief description of an unusual "sound dampening
    screw."

    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 Foundation Scholarship Program to Accept Applications Starting on
    November 1

    The ARRL Foundation will start accepting applications for its 2022
    scholarship program on November 1. The submission deadline is December
    31. More than 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000 will be
    awarded in 2022. The 2022 scholarship year totals an eligible amount of
    over $800,000 to be awarded.

    All applicants must be FCC-licensed radio amateurs (active non-US
    radio amateurs are eligible for scholarships sponsored by ARDC), and
    many scholarships have specific requirements, such as intended area of
    study, or residence within a particular ARRL Division, Section, or
    [IMG]state, and license class. Some scholarships also require
    additional documentation, such as letters of recommendation.

    The ARRL Foundation will be utilizing a new Scholarship Management
    Platform for the 2022 ARRL Foundation Scholarships. Applicants no
    longer choose specific scholarships but will be matched with all
    scholarships for which they qualify. Transcripts and any additional
    required documents must be submitted with the application, not emailed
    separately as was done in the past. Applications without accompanying
    transcripts and applicable required documentation will not be
    considered.

    The ARRL Foundation Scholarship Committee will review all applicants,
    and scholarship recipients will be notified in May 2022 via USPS mail
    and email. For more information, visit the ARRL Foundation Scholarship
    Program.
    US and Region 2 Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships Results
    are In

    The results are in for the 20th US ARDF Championships and 11th IARU
    Region 2 Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF). Four days of
    competitions were held October 14 - 17 in North Carolina. The results
    will help determine the makeup of the US ARDF team at the 20th ARDF
    World Championships, set for summer 2022 in Serbia. The US
    Championships and the World Championships were rescheduled from 2020
    after they had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors
    from outside the US were unable to attend this year's competition due
    to continued travel restrictions.

    Competitors ranged in age from 14 to 74. Competitive events were held
    in the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness Area just south of Asheboro, North
    Carolina. Events began on October 14 with sprint events, a fast-paced
    competition in which two sets of five transmitters operating on two
    different 80-meter frequencies transmit nonconsecutive 12-second bursts
    every minute. Two elite competitors completed the sprint course in just
    over 15 minutes, a world-class time.

    alia Schafrath-Craig
    (W19) finishes her golden
    performance in 2-meter
    classic ARDF. [Imre
    Polik, KX4SO, photo]

    Two classic events were held on October 15. The longer courses for the
    younger adult categories took place on 2 meters, and the shorter
    courses for the older adult and youth categories took place on 80
    meters.

    Foxoring, a combination of radio direction finding and classic
    orienteering on 80 meters, followed the next day. "Foxoring tests the
    map-and-compass navigation skills of the participants," ARRL ARDF
    Co-coordinator Gerald Boyd, WB8WFK, explained. Competitors try to hear
    the weak signals of very-low-power transmitters until they arrive very
    close to the marked locations and make a quick sprint to find its exact
    location."

    Classic ARDF competitors. [Imre
    Polik, KX4SO, photo]

    Competitions concluded on October 17 with a different map and two more
    classic events, this time with the bands swapped for those on the
    longer and shorter courses.

    "Two standout youth competitors turned in impressive times on adult
    courses in the womens' W19 category," Boyd said. Youths included alia
    Schafrath-Craig (14 years old) of North Carolina who picked up classic
    and foxoring golds, and Elizabeth (Lisa) Afonkin (15 years old) of
    Massachusetts who won the sprint gold.

    For more information on amateur radio direction finding, visit the ARRL
    ARDF website. 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.

    More webinars are coming soon!

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    ARRL members interested in presenting a webinar can complete the
    online Speakers Form.

    3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Confirms November 2022 Activation

    The 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition team says that with its first deposit
    on its contract to have the SS Marama provide transportation to Bouvet,
    it has confirmed its plans to activate the second most-wanted DXCC
    entity in November 2022.

    "It is a huge task and undertaking to go to Bouvet, and we still
    critically need additional upfront support to close the budget," said
    the amateur radio DXpeditions team of co-leaders Ken Opskar, LA7GIA;
    Rune O/ye, LA7THA, and Erwann Merrien, LB1QI. The DXpedition announced
    that two more operators will join the adventure, taking the number to
    13.

    Dave Jorgensen, WD5COV, is an avid DXer and experienced DXpeditioner.
    He is vice president of the Intrepid-DX Group, which had hoped to mount
    a DXpedition to Bouvet before its plans broke down.

    The second new team member, identified as Peter, is described as "an
    experienced captain and expedition leader." He will oversee the Zodiac
    landings and serve as a digital mode (FT#) operator.

    "Our preparation for Bouvet includes planning, constructing, and
    testing a system for landing Zodiacs safely, [and] this will be tested
    in rough sea in Norway before and after Christmas," the 3Y0J team said
    in its news release.

    Bouvet Island. [Courtesy of the
    Norwegian Polar Institute]

    "We plan for safely landing the Zodiacs in different manners also with
    some swell, unmanned, and with less risk for operators. And we prepare
    for the event that Zodiacs are capsizing, and we still can retrieve the
    equipment. We have done the first prelim sea trials of the Zodiac
    equipment in Norway and will continue sea trials to further mature the
    concept."

    According to the announcement, the team plans to use a gasoline-engine
    powered winch to lift equipment up a cliff to the operating site. This
    will also be tested in Norway. "We plan to access the 25-foot cliff
    with professionals means and, if needed, prepare for climbing and
    bolting a short route to gain access."

    Follow the DXpedition team's plans from its website and the 3Y0J
    Facebook page. 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.
    * Medford students take part in Great American Shake Out; learn to
    use Emergency Radio / KTVL News 10 (Oregon), October 21, 2021

    * Mary Hare pupils make contact with International Space Station in
    world first for deaf children with Newbury Amateur Radio Society /
    Newbury Weekly News, UK, October 13, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements
    * The San Francisco Radio Club has announced it will be running its
    second club OTA Trifecta event this year on Angel Island in San
    Francisco Bay on November 6. Special event station W6P will be on
    the air. The OTA-Trifecta is single event that combines
    simultaneous Parks on the Air (POTA), US Islands on the Air (US
    Islands OTA), and Summits of the Air (SOTA) activations. Separate
    stations will be on the air 1830 - 2130 UTC to represent the three
    activities. All stations will be battery operated.
    * Finnish radio operators OH2BH, OH2TA, OH5BM, and OH5LLR will join
    the Amateur Radio Society of Kosovo (SHRAK) team at Z60A for the CQ
    World Wide SSB Contest. They will activate two stations on all
    bands.
    * Arunava Dey, VU3XRY, has reported what he is calling the first-ever
    Parks on the Air (POTA) activation from India. He and Abhrajit Das,
    VU3YDA, operated from Kanchanjungha National Park (VU-0081), he
    said.
    * [IMG]ARRL Audio News^(c) is available free each Friday, providing a
    look at the week's ham radio news happenings. Contact ARRL Audio
    News with questions and comments. The webcast is available on the
    ARRL website as well as on Blubrry and may be transmitted freely
    via repeater at no cost.


    Indian Radio Amateurs Help to Coordinate Disaster Relief in the Wake of
    Flooding

    The administration of the Thrissur District in Kerala, India, sought
    the service of radio amateurs to support communications during disaster
    relief operations in the wake of incessant rain and resultant flooding
    that disrupted lives across central Kerala, The Economic Times has
    reported. The hams have set up stations in the district to overcome the
    possibility that conventional telecommunications may fail.

    "Communication turns out to be a major challenge when natural
    calamities strike," Sarachandran C. S., VU2SCV, told the Press Trust of
    India news agency. "During heavy floods, there are chances that the
    power supply will be down for days, which will affect the communication
    systems, including the mobile phones." Sarachandran, a former merchant
    navy officer, was one of 10 operators volunteering to help the Thrissur
    administration to handle emergency communication.

    CNN reports that at least 27 people were killed after heavy rain
    triggered floods and landslides in southern India. According to their
    report, torrential rain in mid-October caused rivers to swell and
    flooded roads, leaving vehicles submerged in muddy water. Some houses
    were "reduced to rubble," CNN said.

    Ham radio volunteers have been recruited to assist during previous
    natural disasters in India, including an August 2018 flood that ravaged
    Kerala state. Sarachandran recounted that during the August 2018 event,
    as the state flooded and power outages affected communication, the
    district administration sought the assistance of radio amateurs.
    Well-Known Amateur Radio Contester and DXer Will Roberts, AA4NC, SK

    An experienced and successful member of the amateur radio contesting
    and DX community lost his life on October 21 as the result of a small
    plane crash. ARRL Life Member William "Will" Roberts, AA4NC, of Apex,
    North Carolina, was piloting the plane, which went down not long after
    take-off in a wooded area of Onslow County, North Carolina, near the
    Holly Ridge/Topsail Island Airport, killing Roberts and another
    passenger, identified as Willie Hobbs, Jr. Two children were
    hospitalized with injuries. Roberts, 61, was the owner of the Mooney
    M20J aircraft and held a commercial pilot's license.

    A licensed radio amateur since 1976, Roberts became interested early on
    in contesting and DXing and enjoyed being "on the DX end of the
    pileup," as he said in his QRZ.com profile. Over the years, Roberts
    operated from many locations, including some in South and Central
    America and others in more exotic locales. He was a regular at the
    Dayton Hamvention^(R). He is on the DXCC Honor Roll, had achieved
    nine-band DXCC on HF, and VUCC on 6 meters. He also enjoyed RTTY. AA4NC
    took part regularly in events like the ARRL 160-Meter Contest and ARRL
    November Sweepstakes. He participated in the first World Radiosport
    Team Championship (WRTC) event in 1990 in Seattle and served as a judge
    at WRTC 2018 in Germany.

    A member of the Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC), Roberts was the
    trustee of W4MR, used occasionally in contests from his home contest
    station.

    Roberts was also a guitarist and vocalist who played solo acoustic
    shows in the coastal Carolinas and belonged to the Flying Musicians
    Association (FMA).

    A graduate of North Carolina State University, Roberts was an
    electrical engineer, specializing in telecommunications.

    Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are
    looking into the cause of the crash.
    In Brief...

    [IMG]Watch those Band Edges! With the CQ World Wide SSB Contest this
    weekend, it's an appropriate time to remind phone contesters to pay
    attention to band edges. If you're operating near the upper or lower
    band margins (or near the limits of your operating privileges), be
    aware that your signal's bandwidth may extend beyond the frequency
    displayed on your radio. For example, if your radio reads 7.125 MHz on
    lower sideband phone, your signal will extend outside of the US phone
    band (and into the CW portion of the band). In the quick pace and
    excitement of a contest, it's easy to lose track of upper and lower
    band edges, as well as of your license privileges. It's always best to
    review the amateur allocations before a contest and to keep a copy at
    hand. If using spotting assistance, be aware that operators in other
    countries often have frequency allocations that differ from those in
    the US, and they may spot stations on frequencies that are off limits
    for US amateurs. Always check that the frequencies of the spots you
    click on are within your privileges. ARRL offers a handy, printable US
    Amateur Radio Bands chart for quick reference. For additional HF
    contesting tips, ARRL members can enjoy the special insert in the
    November issue of QST magazine for the 2021-2022 Contest Season,
    sponsored by Ham Radio Outlet.

    [IMG]The WSJT-X development team has announced the general availability
    release of WSJT-X version 2.5.1. This release mainly contains
    improvements and repairs defects related to Q65 and JT65 when used with
    nonstandard and compound call signs. Those planning to use Q65 or JT65
    to make weak-signal contacts involving a nonstandard call sign should
    upgrade to this version. Also included is a new feature for microwave
    aircraft scatter, as well as repairs for bugs detected since the
    general availability release of version 2.5.0. A complete listing of
    changes is available in the Release Notes. Links to WSJT-X 2.5.1
    installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Mac are available.

    [IMG]The Russian-Ukrainian "radio war" on and around 7055 kHz continues
    to be a major source of frustration. That was the word from the
    International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS).
    IARUMS Region 1 Coordinator Peter Jost, HB9CET, reports in the IARUMS
    September newsletter that the on-the-air conflict "has been bothering
    us to an unbearable extent for a very long time and is still
    continuing." Earlier this year, IARUMS reported that the
    Russian-Ukrainian radio war had escalated. "In June, they used more
    frequencies than before, affecting our bands very hard." Jost
    recounted. "It is a great annoyance and a big shame." Jost has pointed
    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." The
    long-standing conflict has also affected 7050 and 7060 kHz.

    [IMG]The federal government is accepting applications until November 10
    for a telecommunications specialist. The position is at the FCC's
    high-frequency direction finding (HFDF) facility in Columbia, Maryland.
    This is a full-time position, and no travel is required. The individual
    hired would perform watch duty and serve as a technical authority for
    communication systems users in resolving radio interference complaints
    and problems, among other responsibilities. This position requires US
    citizenship, a security clearance, and education transcripts. Anyone
    hired to fill this position would be required to be vaccinated against
    COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination. A resum is
    considered an integral part of the process to determine if an applicant
    meets the basic qualifications for the position and if the applicant is
    among the best qualified. To learn more and to apply, visit the USAJobs
    website.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity was up this week,
    with the average daily sunspot number increasing by nearly five-fold
    from 11.3 to 54.9. Average daily solar flux rose from 78.6 to 95.7. The
    sunspot number peaked on Tuesday at 95, and daily solar flux peaked on
    Wednesday at 110.9.

    Geomagnetic indicators were quiet. Daily average of planetary A index
    went from 8.4 to 4.4, and average daily middle latitude A index
    declined from 5.4 to 3.6.

    Predicted solar flux looks quite promising at 111 and 112 on October 28
    - 29; 110 on October 30 - 31; 108 on November 1 - 3; 90 and 88 on
    November 4 - 5; 86 on November 6 - 7; 85 on November 8 - 9; 83 on
    November 10; 82 on November 11 - 15; 85 on November 16 - 20; 94 on
    November 21; 95 on November 22 - 23; 96 on November 24; 95 on November
    25 - 29, and 92, 90, 88, and 86 on November 30 - December 3.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 and 8 on October 28 - 29; 10 on
    October 30 - 31; 5 on November 1 - 5; 12, 10, and 8 on November 6 - 8;
    5 on November 9 - 14; 10 and 8 on November 15 - 16; 5 on November 17 -
    22; 8 on November 23 - 24; 10 on November 25 - 26; 5 on November 27 -
    28; 8 on November 29, and 5 on November 30 - December 2.

    This weekend is the CQ World Wide SSB DX Contest. The CW weekend is
    November 27 - 28. ARRL November CW Sweepstakes is next weekend,
    November 6 - 8.

    Sunspot numbers for October 21 through 27 were 11, 28, 32, 46, 81, 95,
    and 91, with a mean of 54.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 81.9, 86.9,
    86.8, 93.2, 100.6, 109.3, and 110.9, with a mean of 95.7. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 7, 4, 3, 4, 5, 5, and 3, with a mean of 4.4.
    Middle latitude A index was 9, 3, 2, 2, 4, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
    propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.

    Share your reports and observations.
    Getting It Right!

    A news brief in The ARRL Letter for October 14, 2021, regarding
    operations from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), should have mentioned
    that operations by Romeo Vega, 3W3RR (aka Romeo Stepanenko), are
    invalid for DXCC credit. The ARRL Awards Committee voted in 1996 to
    disqualify him from participation in the DXCC program.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * October 30 - 31 -- CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB)
    * November 1 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM max)
    * November 1 -- Silent Key Memorial Contest (CW)
    * November 1 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series (digital)
    * November 2 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest
    * November 2 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * November 2 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * November 3 -- Phone Weekly Test - Fray
    * November 3 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW, two events)
    * November 3 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * November 3 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (phone)
    * November 4 - 5 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW, 13 WPM max)
    * November 4 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW, two events)
    * November 4 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * November 4 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 4 -- EACW Meeting (CW)
    * November 4 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)
    * November 6 - 8 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * November 6 - 7 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention (Stone Mountain
    Hamfest), Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 13 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin
    ARES/RACES Conference) -- Online
    * November 13 - 14 -- ARRL Central Division Convention (Fort Wayne
    Hamfest & Computer Expo), Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 10 - 11 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
    (Tampa Bay Hamfest), Plant City, Florida

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events 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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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
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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
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    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 Fri Nov 5 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    November 4, 2021

    * ARISS Receives Generous ARDC Grant for ARISS STEREO Education
    Project
    * Amateur Radio Emergency Service and SKYWARN Respond to Major
    Nor'easter
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * The 2022 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is Now Available
    * ARRL November Sweepstakes VY1AAA Operation is On for this Year
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Effort Continues in IARU Region 1 to dress Coexistence of Ham
    Radio and Navigation Satellites
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * Crozet Islands DXpedition on the Far Horizon
    * Job Openings at ARRL Headquarters
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARISS Receives Generous ARDC Grant for ARISS STEREO Education Project

    Best known for arranging amateur radio contacts between students and
    astronauts, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
    has announced that it's received a generous grant to fund its "Student
    and Teacher Education via Radio Experimentation and Operations"
    (STEREO) project. The 5-year Amateur Radio Digital Communications
    (ARDC) grant totaling nearly $1.3 million will fund three distinct
    initiatives that will enable ARISS to sustain and improve science,
    technology, electronics, arts, and technology (STEAM) educational
    outcomes.

    For Part 1 of the project, ARISS is developing a wireless electronics
    technology kit called "SPARKI," or "Space Pioneers Amateur Radio Kit
    Initiative," for use with middle and high school students. This ARDC
    grant will take SPARKI from prototype to operational phase. ARISS would
    then deploy these kits among a selected set of formal and informal
    education organizations that are planning future ARISS radio contacts.

    In Part 2 -- "Educate the Educator," ARISS will conduct educator
    workshops for a selected set of educators to help them seamlessly
    employ SPARKI in their education environment and allow ARISS to receive
    their feedback and ideas. To be successful, ARISS must create awareness
    of amateur radio, ARISS, and SPARKI among prospective formal and
    informal educators.

    ARISS-USA Executive
    Director Frank Bauer,
    KA3HDO.

    For Part 3, over its 5-year lifetime, the grant will also support some
    of the many costs involved with ARISS contact operations between
    students and astronauts aboard the ISS.

    ARISS-USA Executive Director Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, said ARISS is
    extremely excited about the new 5-year initiative. "It will be a STEAM
    education game-changer and represents a key element of our ARISS 2.0
    vision," Bauer said. "Most importantly, it brings wireless technologies
    and amateur radio into our ARISS formal and informal classrooms. We
    thank ARDC for their interest and support and look forward to working
    with them on this incredible initiative."

    ARDC's mission is to support, promote, and enhance digital
    communication and broader communication science and technology, to
    promote amateur radio, scientific research, experimentation, education,
    development, open access, and innovation in information and
    communication technology. ARDC grants target projects and organizations
    that follow amateur radio's practice and tradition of technical
    experimentation that has led to broad advances for the

    A young student asks her question
    of an astronaut on board the ISS.
    [Photo courtesy of ARISS]

    benefit of the public. These include mobile phone and wireless internet
    technology. ARDC envisions a world where technology is available
    through open-source hardware and software, and where anyone has the
    ability to innovate upon it.

    In the last 2 decades, more than 1,400 ARISS ham radio contacts have
    connected more than a million students using amateur radio with
    millions of others watching, listening, and learning. ARISS is
    constantly pursuing opportunities to enhance and sustain its
    educational capabilities and outcomes.
    Amateur Radio Emergency Service and SKYWARN Respond to Major Nor'easter

    A major nor'easter struck eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island last
    week, with ferocious winds stronger than those that Tropical Storm
    Henri brought to the region in August.

    Starting on the evening of October 26, eastern Massachusetts amateur
    radio operators on the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^A(R)) and
    National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN^* storm spotter teams joined
    forces to help emergency services provide a focused and effective
    response as the powerful nor'easter caused widespread damage. Tree and
    wire damage, trees falling on homes and cars, and a few cases of direct
    structural damage to weakened structures were reported.

    "We have handled several hundred reports of damage, and photos of
    damage are streaming in from ARES and SKYWARN operators to support
    damage assessment efforts and to keep the NWS in Norton apprised of the
    severe weather conditions affecting the region," said Rob Macedo,
    KD1CY, Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator and
    ARES-SKYWARN Coordinator for NWS Boston/Norton.

    The recent nor'easter generated
    winds capable of downing large
    trees. [Mike Leger, N1YLQ, photo]

    ARES-SKYWARN operators relayed reports of hurricane-force wind gusts
    reaching 94 MPH in Edgartown, Massachusetts, at Chappy Ferry Point; 84
    MPH in Dennis, Massachusetts; 79 MPH in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and 78
    MPH in Rockport, Massachusetts. Amateur operators with WX1BOX, the
    amateur radio station at NWS Boston/Norton; Cape Cod ARES and SKYWARN,
    and South Coast SKYWARN completed overnight operations, when the peak
    winds occurred.

    "The dedication of our volunteers to provide this critical information
    in a major storm like this one to the NWS, media, and emergency
    managers during such a grueling stretch is very critical to inform
    people what is happening during such a significant storm when they wake
    up in the morning, so they will hopefully make safe decisions to avoid
    being out in a significant severe wind situation," Macedo said.

    Cape Cod ARES was activated by the Barnstable County Regional Emergency
    Planning Committee (BCREPC) to staff the Multi-Agency Coordination
    Center (MACC) at the Barnstable County Emergency Operations Center
    (EOC). Cape Cod ARES MACC support concluded on October 29 after a
    round-the-clock effort.

    According to the Cape Cod and Islands ARES District Emergency
    Coordinator Frank O'Laughlin, WQ1O, "Damage assessments in the region
    will give us a better sense of how long it will take to restore power
    and in some cases communication service to the Cape [Cod] and Islands
    area, and that will determine how long Cape Cod ARES will be needed,
    and if additional support from Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be
    needed."

    Macedo called the nor'easter "one of our more extraordinary weather
    systems within the last few years, and the most severe of several other
    major SKYWARN/ARES activations in this past year." SKYWARN damage
    reports and meteorological data are shared with state emergency
    management, NGOs, and the media. Meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz of
    Boston 25 News said, "Thanks for all the effort! Great work as always!"

    As many as 500,000 customers lost power in the ARRL Eastern
    Massachusetts Section, with hardest-hit areas in southeastern
    Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, and the Cape Ann area north of
    Boston, where near hurricane-force wind gusts pummeled the region for
    several hours. Maximum winds were up to 65 MPH. Rhode Island reported
    nearly 93,000 customers without power at the peak. These outages were
    an order of magnitude greater than during Tropical Storm Henri in Rhode
    Island, and about five orders of magnitude more severe than Henri in
    Massachusetts.

    Storm conditions wound down toward the evening of October 27, allowing
    the process of more widespread power restoration to begin. All
    operations secured and power was restored to most locations on October
    30 and to all locations on October 31. -- Thanks to Rob Macedo, KD1CY.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 22) features a
    discussion with Chris Plumblee, W4WF, about contesting and what this
    activity has to offer new amateurs.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 46) features a discussion
    about Beverage antennas with Ward Silver, N0AX.

    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 2022 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is Now Available

    The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2022 is a must-have for
    every radio amateur's bookshelf. Whether you're an experienced ham or
    new to the hobby, you'll find information you can use to advance your
    amateur radio knowledge and skills. This current, comprehensive, and
    complete reference is available in three formats -- traditional
    softcover, a six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included),
    and digital eBook.

    The 2022 edition features new projects and tools, including 3D printing
    techniques for ham radio construction, battery selection for portable
    operation, analog-to-digital converter overload, solid-state amplifier
    linearity, an update on Solar Cycle 25, and more.

    The Handbook six-volume book set, ARRL Item No. 1519, ISBN
    978-1-62595-151-9, is $59.95 retail. The Handbook softcover book, ARRL
    Item No. 1502, ISBN 978-1-62595-150-2, is $49.95 retail.

    More new books have also just been stocked in the ARRL Store, including
    the second edition of Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur by
    Ward Silver, N0AX. This new edition shows you how to make sure your
    station follows current standards for lightning protection and RF
    grounding. It details effective grounding and bonding techniques for
    the home, portable or mobile station, as well as for towers and
    antennas.

    Also just out: More Arduino for Ham Radio by popular author and
    experimenter Glen Popiel, KW5GP, introduces many of the new Arduino
    boards and add-on modules, followed by an overview of the software,
    tools, and techniques needed to bring projects to life. Practical
    projects showcase a wide variety of applications and include how the
    software sketches work.

    Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur, ARRL Item No. 1496, ISBN
    978-1-62595-149-6, is $25.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $22.95.

    More Arduino for Ham Radio, ARRL Item No. 1472, ISBN 978-1-62595-147-2,
    is $39.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $34.95.

    Order from the ARRL Store, from your ARRL Dealer, or call (860)
    594-0355 or toll-free in the US (888) 277-5289.

    ARRL November Sweepstakes VY1AAA Operation is On for this Year

    Gerry Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, reports that he is still hoping to be able to
    operate remotely as VY1AAA from the Northern Territories (NT), a rare
    multiplier in the ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) event. Hull said that
    a family health emergency had kept J. "Jay" Allen, VY1JA, from working
    on getting his station up and running again, but the situation has
    brightened somewhat, and he is back at it. Hull has operated Allen's
    station in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, remotely from the US to make
    the multiplier available.

    Allen had dismantled his station and antennas last year, but recently
    decided to make the station usable again. He reported that work is
    being done to repair a vertical antenna and expand its radial set to
    include 20 and 80 meters. Allen told Hull that he would go over the
    station computer setup to make sure that AnyDesk can operate the
    station remotely from the VY1JA computer. Allen is also working on
    primary and secondary wire antennas for the two SS events. Hull told
    Allen that as far as he was concerned, 80 meters is a lower priority
    for SS and that 40 and 20 are the "meat and potatoes" bands.
    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.

    Getting Started with AllStar / Presented by Jason Johnston, KC5HWB, of
    Ham Radio 2.0, Thursday, November 11, 2021 @ 1830 UTC

    AllStar is an internet-based connection network for linking repeaters
    and nodes. It can be used by home operators or with large-area
    repeaters. This presentation will cover the basics of AllStar, how to
    get started with it, and how you can begin using it.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Effort Continues in IARU Region 1 to dress Coexistence of Ham Radio
    and Navigation Satellites

    The issue of coexistence between amateur radio and satellite navigation
    systems on 23 centimeters continues as a discussion topic in advance of
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). The issue primarily
    involves interference potential to one satellite frequency in the
    European Union's Galileo GPS system.

    Agenda item 9.1b at WRC-23 calls for "Review of the Amateur Service and
    the Amateur-Satellite Service allocations in the frequency band 1.240 -
    1.300 MHz to determine if additional measures are required to ensure
    protection of the radionavigation-satellite (space-to-Earth) service
    operating in the same band in accordance with Resolution 774
    (WRCAA*A*19)."

    In late October, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was
    involved in preparatory work for WRC-23 agenda item 9.1b. These
    discussions are occurring in ITU-R Working Party 4C (WP4C).

    "The working party is considering simulations provided by two
    administrations [countries] to estimate the interfered area that might
    exist around a 23-centimeter band amateur service transmitter," IARU
    said in a news release. "A number of amateur station configurations are
    under consideration...based on characteristics developed and
    contributed by the IARU. Both narrowband and wideband emissions are
    considered."

    Various representative station and antenna configurations are being
    modeled.

    IARU representatives contributed to a discussion to ensure that the
    station parameters are more representative than those proposed in the
    original contribution papers. The studies were revised based on these
    negotiations during the meeting and are reflected in the draft working
    document. The interim results show interference distances of up to
    several kilometers, depending on antenna and power level. This work
    will continue into the next WP4C meeting.

    Other measurement campaigns are investigating the effect of offsetting
    the transmission frequency of various amateur signals with respect to
    the center frequency of the RNSS satellite navigation signal and the
    impact of the RNSS receiver bandwidth.

    The IARU is working to ensure the Amateur Services are realistically
    represented in the studies as they move forward. A summary report from
    the WP4C meeting is available on the IARU website. -- Thanks to the
    IARU

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 6th Graders Talk to Students in England via Ham Radio /
    Estes Park Trail Gazette (Colorado), November 2, 2021

    * Medford students take part in Great American Shake Out; learn to
    use Emergency Radio / KTVL News 10 (Oregon), October 21, 2021
    * Mary Hare pupils make contact with International Space Station in
    world first for deaf children with Newbury Amateur Radio Society /
    Newbury Weekly News, UK, October 13, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    Announcements
    * The RSGB reports the /2ZE suffix has been authorized to mark 100
    years since wireless pioneers on both sides of the Atlantic,
    including Paul Godley, 2ZE, from the US, succeeded in copying a
    signal transmitted across the Atlantic and received in Scotland --
    the "first successful reception of a personal message across the
    Atlantic by amateur radio" -- on December 12, 1921. ARRL dispatched
    Godley as part of the "Second Transatlantic Tests."
    * VX3INSULIN will be on the air from Kingston, Ontario, during
    December to mark 100 years since a team at the University of
    Toronto discovered insulin in 1921. Operation will be mostly on FT8
    and FT4. QSL to VE3NOO.
    * An overview, "The Enigma of Japanese Call Sign System," by JG1VGX
    and revised by Ryota "Roy" Motobayashi, JJ1WTL, is available. For
    example, sequential call signs are based on the station address
    (the transmitter location) only, not mailing address or license
    class. Japan does not issue vanity call signs. Special event call
    signs are available to organizations but not to individuals, and
    the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications issues such
    call signs. The same goes for special prefix call signs. Read the
    disclaimer at the end of the website.
    * The London BBC Radio Group has been granted a year-long special
    event call sign, GB100BBC, to commemorate the centenary of the BBC
    in 2022. Operations will be carried out by individual members or
    groups from home stations or BBC premises.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Crozet Islands DXpedition on the Far Horizon

    A radio amateur in France is planning a DXpedition to the Crozet
    Islands (FT5/W) for mid-December 2022 to mid-March 2023 with the call
    sign FT5WQ. Thierry Mazel, F6CUK, spent months getting permission to
    operate from the third most-wanted DXCC entity. TAAF, the agency that
    administers the French remote islands, is allowing a one-person
    operation. The Crozet Islands archipelago is divided into east and
    west. They once were the destination of seal hunters from the US and
    elsewhere. The last ham radio activity from Crozet was in 2009 by
    Florentin Bard, F4DYW, also as FT5WQ. The solo DXpedition is
    anticipated to cost as much as $58,000.

    The Twitter account is @Crozet2022, and a website is expected to be
    online soon. When it's up and running, it will include details of how
    donated funds will be used, and Thierry pledges that all contributions
    will be refunded if the operation does not take place.

    Crozet Islands, a subantarctic archipelago of small islands in the
    southern Indian Ocean, form one of the five administrative districts of
    the French Southern and Antarctic Territories. It consists of several
    small uninhabited islands of volcanic origin. The islands cover an area
    of some 195 square miles. The islands are now a national conservation
    area. Radio amateurs are not the only ones hoping to visit.

    According to a description Thierry posted on the website of the IARU
    member society REF, "[T]he climate is particularly difficult, the
    islands of Crozet are strongly committed to the protection of nature
    (fauna and flora), and the prefect's offices are faced with a
    significant solicitation of visitor requests."

    "Many obstacles had to be overcome," Thierry said.

    While people are scarce, the islands boast a broad array of wildlife,
    including penguins, elephant seals, and giant albatross. In common with
    other subantarctic islands, the inadvertent or intentional introduction
    of alien species has proved a problem. Rats and mice arrived
    accidentally, cats were brought in to control them, and rabbits were
    introduced as food.

    Mazel will release further details as they are available. -- Some
    information from Discover France
    Job Openings at ARRL Headquarters

    ARRL is hiring for the following positions at its Headquarters in
    Newington, Connecticut. Qualified candidates are invited to email their
    cover letter and resume to ARRL Human Resources. Visit the ARRL
    Employment Opportunities page for more information.
    * Lab Engineer EMC/RFI Specialist
    * ministrative Assistant
    * Director of Information Technology
    * Marketing Communications Associate
    * Public Relations & Outreach Manager
    * Social Media Strategist

    To apply to any of these positions, submit your resume and cover letter
    by mail, email, or fax to ARRL Human Resources, 225 Main St.,
    Newington, CT 06111. Fax: 860-594-0298. ARRL is an equal opportunity
    employer.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot numbers and the solar flux
    index were both declining by the end of our October 28 - November 3
    reporting week, but weekly averages for both numbers were higher than
    reported last week. The average daily sunspot number increased from
    54.9 to 67.6, while average daily solar flux jumped from 95.7 to 102.

    Coronal mass ejection (CME) activity through the week drove geomagnetic
    numbers much higher. Average daily planetary A indexincreased from 4.4
    to 12, and average daily middle latitude A index went from 3.6 to 9.

    Spaceweather.com reported that a CME struck Earth at 2000 UTC on
    November 3, and that this would spark a strong geomagnetic storm.

    I received several reports this week that "10 meters is back!"

    According to a prediction issued by NOAA at 2127 UTC on November 3,
    predicted solar flux is 90 on November 4 - 5; 85 on November 6 - 7; 80
    on November 8 - 11; 88 on November 12 - 14; 89 on November 15; 92 on
    November 16 - 19; 93 on November 20; 95 on November 21 - 27, then
    jumping to 103, 102, 100 and 98 on November 28 -December 1; 96 on
    December 2 - 4; 92 and 90 on December 5 - 6, and 88 on December 7 - 11.

    Predicted planetary A index is 35, 22, 15, 10, and 8 on November 4 - 8;
    5 on November 9 - 14; 10 and 8 on November 15 - 16; 5 on November 17 -
    29; 8 on November 30 - December 1; 5 on December 2; 12, 10, and 8 on
    December 3 - 5, and 5 on December 6 - 11.

    Sunspot numbers for October 28 - November 3 were 96, 82, 76, 83, 53,
    42, and 41, with a mean of 67.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 111.7,
    108.4, 107.2, 102.7, 97.7, 97, and 89, with a mean of 102. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 3, 3, 10, 20, 10, 17, and 21, with a mean of
    12. Middle latitude A index was 3, 2, 8, 16, 8, 12, and 14, with a mean
    of 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 5 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
    * November 5 -- NCCC Sprint (CW)
    * November 5 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM maximum)
    * November 6 -- IPARC Contest, CW
    * November 6 - 7 -- Ukrainian DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * November 6 -- Two-Meter Classic Sprint (CW, phone)
    * November 6 - 8 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (CW)
    * November 7 -- IPARC Contest, SSB
    * November 7 -- EANET Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 7 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
    * November 10 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * November 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, SSB

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * November 6 - 7 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention (Stone Mountain
    Hamfest), Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 13 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin
    ARES/RACES Conference) -- Online
    * November 13 - 14 -- ARRL Central Division Convention (Fort Wayne
    Hamfest and Computer Expo), Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 10 - 11 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
    (Tampa Bay Hamfest), Plant City, Florida

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events 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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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 Fri Nov 12 09:05:02 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    November 4, 2021

    * ARISS Receives Generous ARDC Grant for ARISS STEREO Education
    Project
    * Amateur Radio Emergency Service and SKYWARN Respond to Major
    Nor'easter
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * The 2022 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is Now Available
    * ARRL November Sweepstakes VY1AAA Operation is On for this Year
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Effort Continues in IARU Region 1 to dress Coexistence of Ham
    Radio and Navigation Satellites
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * Crozet Islands DXpedition on the Far Horizon
    * Job Openings at ARRL Headquarters
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARISS Receives Generous ARDC Grant for ARISS STEREO Education Project

    Best known for arranging amateur radio contacts between students and
    astronauts, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
    has announced that it's received a generous grant to fund its "Student
    and Teacher Education via Radio Experimentation and Operations"
    (STEREO) project. The 5-year Amateur Radio Digital Communications
    (ARDC) grant totaling nearly $1.3 million will fund three distinct
    initiatives that will enable ARISS to sustain and improve science,
    technology, electronics, arts, and technology (STEAM) educational
    outcomes.

    For Part 1 of the project, ARISS is developing a wireless electronics
    technology kit called "SPARKI," or "Space Pioneers Amateur Radio Kit
    Initiative," for use with middle and high school students. This ARDC
    grant will take SPARKI from prototype to operational phase. ARISS would
    then deploy these kits among a selected set of formal and informal
    education organizations that are planning future ARISS radio contacts.

    In Part 2 -- "Educate the Educator," ARISS will conduct educator
    workshops for a selected set of educators to help them seamlessly
    employ SPARKI in their education environment and allow ARISS to receive
    their feedback and ideas. To be successful, ARISS must create awareness
    of amateur radio, ARISS, and SPARKI among prospective formal and
    informal educators.

    ARISS-USA Executive
    Director Frank Bauer,
    KA3HDO.

    For Part 3, over its 5-year lifetime, the grant will also support some
    of the many costs involved with ARISS contact operations between
    students and astronauts aboard the ISS.

    ARISS-USA Executive Director Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, said ARISS is
    extremely excited about the new 5-year initiative. "It will be a STEAM
    education game-changer and represents a key element of our ARISS 2.0
    vision," Bauer said. "Most importantly, it brings wireless technologies
    and amateur radio into our ARISS formal and informal classrooms. We
    thank ARDC for their interest and support and look forward to working
    with them on this incredible initiative."

    ARDC's mission is to support, promote, and enhance digital
    communication and broader communication science and technology, to
    promote amateur radio, scientific research, experimentation, education,
    development, open access, and innovation in information and
    communication technology. ARDC grants target projects and organizations
    that follow amateur radio's practice and tradition of technical
    experimentation that has led to broad advances for the

    A young student asks her question
    of an astronaut on board the ISS.
    [Photo courtesy of ARISS]

    benefit of the public. These include mobile phone and wireless internet
    technology. ARDC envisions a world where technology is available
    through open-source hardware and software, and where anyone has the
    ability to innovate upon it.

    In the last 2 decades, more than 1,400 ARISS ham radio contacts have
    connected more than a million students using amateur radio with
    millions of others watching, listening, and learning. ARISS is
    constantly pursuing opportunities to enhance and sustain its
    educational capabilities and outcomes.
    Amateur Radio Emergency Service and SKYWARN Respond to Major Nor'easter

    A major nor'easter struck eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island last
    week, with ferocious winds stronger than those that Tropical Storm
    Henri brought to the region in August.

    Starting on the evening of October 26, eastern Massachusetts amateur
    radio operators on the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^A(R)) and
    National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN^* storm spotter teams joined
    forces to help emergency services provide a focused and effective
    response as the powerful nor'easter caused widespread damage. Tree and
    wire damage, trees falling on homes and cars, and a few cases of direct
    structural damage to weakened structures were reported.

    "We have handled several hundred reports of damage, and photos of
    damage are streaming in from ARES and SKYWARN operators to support
    damage assessment efforts and to keep the NWS in Norton apprised of the
    severe weather conditions affecting the region," said Rob Macedo,
    KD1CY, Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator and
    ARES-SKYWARN Coordinator for NWS Boston/Norton.

    The recent nor'easter generated
    winds capable of downing large
    trees. [Mike Leger, N1YLQ, photo]

    ARES-SKYWARN operators relayed reports of hurricane-force wind gusts
    reaching 94 MPH in Edgartown, Massachusetts, at Chappy Ferry Point; 84
    MPH in Dennis, Massachusetts; 79 MPH in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and 78
    MPH in Rockport, Massachusetts. Amateur operators with WX1BOX, the
    amateur radio station at NWS Boston/Norton; Cape Cod ARES and SKYWARN,
    and South Coast SKYWARN completed overnight operations, when the peak
    winds occurred.

    "The dedication of our volunteers to provide this critical information
    in a major storm like this one to the NWS, media, and emergency
    managers during such a grueling stretch is very critical to inform
    people what is happening during such a significant storm when they wake
    up in the morning, so they will hopefully make safe decisions to avoid
    being out in a significant severe wind situation," Macedo said.

    Cape Cod ARES was activated by the Barnstable County Regional Emergency
    Planning Committee (BCREPC) to staff the Multi-Agency Coordination
    Center (MACC) at the Barnstable County Emergency Operations Center
    (EOC). Cape Cod ARES MACC support concluded on October 29 after a
    round-the-clock effort.

    According to the Cape Cod and Islands ARES District Emergency
    Coordinator Frank O'Laughlin, WQ1O, "Damage assessments in the region
    will give us a better sense of how long it will take to restore power
    and in some cases communication service to the Cape [Cod] and Islands
    area, and that will determine how long Cape Cod ARES will be needed,
    and if additional support from Eastern Massachusetts ARES will be
    needed."

    Macedo called the nor'easter "one of our more extraordinary weather
    systems within the last few years, and the most severe of several other
    major SKYWARN/ARES activations in this past year." SKYWARN damage
    reports and meteorological data are shared with state emergency
    management, NGOs, and the media. Meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz of
    Boston 25 News said, "Thanks for all the effort! Great work as always!"

    As many as 500,000 customers lost power in the ARRL Eastern
    Massachusetts Section, with hardest-hit areas in southeastern
    Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, and the Cape Ann area north of
    Boston, where near hurricane-force wind gusts pummeled the region for
    several hours. Maximum winds were up to 65 MPH. Rhode Island reported
    nearly 93,000 customers without power at the peak. These outages were
    an order of magnitude greater than during Tropical Storm Henri in Rhode
    Island, and about five orders of magnitude more severe than Henri in
    Massachusetts.

    Storm conditions wound down toward the evening of October 27, allowing
    the process of more widespread power restoration to begin. All
    operations secured and power was restored to most locations on October
    30 and to all locations on October 31. -- Thanks to Rob Macedo, KD1CY.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 22) features a
    discussion with Chris Plumblee, W4WF, about contesting and what this
    activity has to offer new amateurs.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 46) features a discussion
    about Beverage antennas with Ward Silver, N0AX.

    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 2022 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is Now Available

    The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2022 is a must-have for
    every radio amateur's bookshelf. Whether you're an experienced ham or
    new to the hobby, you'll find information you can use to advance your
    amateur radio knowledge and skills. This current, comprehensive, and
    complete reference is available in three formats -- traditional
    softcover, a six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included),
    and digital eBook.

    The 2022 edition features new projects and tools, including 3D printing
    techniques for ham radio construction, battery selection for portable
    operation, analog-to-digital converter overload, solid-state amplifier
    linearity, an update on Solar Cycle 25, and more.

    The Handbook six-volume book set, ARRL Item No. 1519, ISBN
    978-1-62595-151-9, is $59.95 retail. The Handbook softcover book, ARRL
    Item No. 1502, ISBN 978-1-62595-150-2, is $49.95 retail.

    More new books have also just been stocked in the ARRL Store, including
    the second edition of Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur by
    Ward Silver, N0AX. This new edition shows you how to make sure your
    station follows current standards for lightning protection and RF
    grounding. It details effective grounding and bonding techniques for
    the home, portable or mobile station, as well as for towers and
    antennas.

    Also just out: More Arduino for Ham Radio by popular author and
    experimenter Glen Popiel, KW5GP, introduces many of the new Arduino
    boards and add-on modules, followed by an overview of the software,
    tools, and techniques needed to bring projects to life. Practical
    projects showcase a wide variety of applications and include how the
    software sketches work.

    Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur, ARRL Item No. 1496, ISBN
    978-1-62595-149-6, is $25.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $22.95.

    More Arduino for Ham Radio, ARRL Item No. 1472, ISBN 978-1-62595-147-2,
    is $39.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $34.95.

    Order from the ARRL Store, from your ARRL Dealer, or call (860)
    594-0355 or toll-free in the US (888) 277-5289.

    ARRL November Sweepstakes VY1AAA Operation is On for this Year

    Gerry Hull, W1VE/VE1RM, reports that he is still hoping to be able to
    operate remotely as VY1AAA from the Northern Territories (NT), a rare
    multiplier in the ARRL November Sweepstakes (SS) event. Hull said that
    a family health emergency had kept J. "Jay" Allen, VY1JA, from working
    on getting his station up and running again, but the situation has
    brightened somewhat, and he is back at it. Hull has operated Allen's
    station in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, remotely from the US to make
    the multiplier available.

    Allen had dismantled his station and antennas last year, but recently
    decided to make the station usable again. He reported that work is
    being done to repair a vertical antenna and expand its radial set to
    include 20 and 80 meters. Allen told Hull that he would go over the
    station computer setup to make sure that AnyDesk can operate the
    station remotely from the VY1JA computer. Allen is also working on
    primary and secondary wire antennas for the two SS events. Hull told
    Allen that as far as he was concerned, 80 meters is a lower priority
    for SS and that 40 and 20 are the "meat and potatoes" bands.
    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.

    Getting Started with AllStar / Presented by Jason Johnston, KC5HWB, of
    Ham Radio 2.0, Thursday, November 11, 2021 @ 1830 UTC

    AllStar is an internet-based connection network for linking repeaters
    and nodes. It can be used by home operators or with large-area
    repeaters. This presentation will cover the basics of AllStar, how to
    get started with it, and how you can begin using it.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Effort Continues in IARU Region 1 to dress Coexistence of Ham Radio
    and Navigation Satellites

    The issue of coexistence between amateur radio and satellite navigation
    systems on 23 centimeters continues as a discussion topic in advance of
    World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). The issue primarily
    involves interference potential to one satellite frequency in the
    European Union's Galileo GPS system.

    Agenda item 9.1b at WRC-23 calls for "Review of the Amateur Service and
    the Amateur-Satellite Service allocations in the frequency band 1.240 -
    1.300 MHz to determine if additional measures are required to ensure
    protection of the radionavigation-satellite (space-to-Earth) service
    operating in the same band in accordance with Resolution 774
    (WRCAA*A*19)."

    In late October, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was
    involved in preparatory work for WRC-23 agenda item 9.1b. These
    discussions are occurring in ITU-R Working Party 4C (WP4C).

    "The working party is considering simulations provided by two
    administrations [countries] to estimate the interfered area that might
    exist around a 23-centimeter band amateur service transmitter," IARU
    said in a news release. "A number of amateur station configurations are
    under consideration...based on characteristics developed and
    contributed by the IARU. Both narrowband and wideband emissions are
    considered."

    Various representative station and antenna configurations are being
    modeled.

    IARU representatives contributed to a discussion to ensure that the
    station parameters are more representative than those proposed in the
    original contribution papers. The studies were revised based on these
    negotiations during the meeting and are reflected in the draft working
    document. The interim results show interference distances of up to
    several kilometers, depending on antenna and power level. This work
    will continue into the next WP4C meeting.

    Other measurement campaigns are investigating the effect of offsetting
    the transmission frequency of various amateur signals with respect to
    the center frequency of the RNSS satellite navigation signal and the
    impact of the RNSS receiver bandwidth.

    The IARU is working to ensure the Amateur Services are realistically
    represented in the studies as they move forward. A summary report from
    the WP4C meeting is available on the IARU website. -- Thanks to the
    IARU

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 6th Graders Talk to Students in England via Ham Radio /
    Estes Park Trail Gazette (Colorado), November 2, 2021

    * Medford students take part in Great American Shake Out; learn to
    use Emergency Radio / KTVL News 10 (Oregon), October 21, 2021
    * Mary Hare pupils make contact with International Space Station in
    world first for deaf children with Newbury Amateur Radio Society /
    Newbury Weekly News, UK, October 13, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    Announcements
    * The RSGB reports the /2ZE suffix has been authorized to mark 100
    years since wireless pioneers on both sides of the Atlantic,
    including Paul Godley, 2ZE, from the US, succeeded in copying a
    signal transmitted across the Atlantic and received in Scotland --
    the "first successful reception of a personal message across the
    Atlantic by amateur radio" -- on December 12, 1921. ARRL dispatched
    Godley as part of the "Second Transatlantic Tests."
    * VX3INSULIN will be on the air from Kingston, Ontario, during
    December to mark 100 years since a team at the University of
    Toronto discovered insulin in 1921. Operation will be mostly on FT8
    and FT4. QSL to VE3NOO.
    * An overview, "The Enigma of Japanese Call Sign System," by JG1VGX
    and revised by Ryota "Roy" Motobayashi, JJ1WTL, is available. For
    example, sequential call signs are based on the station address
    (the transmitter location) only, not mailing address or license
    class. Japan does not issue vanity call signs. Special event call
    signs are available to organizations but not to individuals, and
    the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications issues such
    call signs. The same goes for special prefix call signs. Read the
    disclaimer at the end of the website.
    * The London BBC Radio Group has been granted a year-long special
    event call sign, GB100BBC, to commemorate the centenary of the BBC
    in 2022. Operations will be carried out by individual members or
    groups from home stations or BBC premises.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Crozet Islands DXpedition on the Far Horizon

    A radio amateur in France is planning a DXpedition to the Crozet
    Islands (FT5/W) for mid-December 2022 to mid-March 2023. To correct
    earlier accounts, the DXpedition has not announced its call sign, which
    will not be made public in advance. Thierry Mazel, F6CUK, spent months
    getting permission to operate from the third most-wanted DXCC entity.
    TAAF, the agency that administers the French remote islands, is
    allowing a one-person operation. The Crozet Islands archipelago is
    divided into east and west. They once were the destination of seal
    hunters from the US and elsewhere. The last ham radio activity from
    Crozet was in

    2009 by Florentin Bard, F4DYW, also as FT5WQ. The solo DXpedition is
    anticipated to cost as much as $58,000.

    The Twitter account is @Crozet2022, and a website is expected to be
    online soon. When it's up and running, it will include details of how
    donated funds will be used, and Thierry pledges that all contributions
    will be refunded if the operation does not take place.

    Crozet Islands, a subantarctic archipelago of small islands in the
    southern Indian Ocean, form one of the five administrative districts of
    the French Southern and Antarctic Territories. It consists of several
    small uninhabited islands of volcanic origin. The islands cover an area
    of some 195 square miles. The islands are now a national conservation
    area. Radio amateurs are not the only ones hoping to visit.

    According to a description Thierry posted on the website of the IARU
    member society REF, "[T]he climate is particularly difficult, the
    islands of Crozet are strongly committed to the protection of nature
    (fauna and flora), and the prefect's offices are faced with a
    significant solicitation of visitor requests."

    "Many obstacles had to be overcome," Thierry said.

    While people are scarce, the islands boast a broad array of wildlife,
    including penguins, elephant seals, and giant albatross. In common with
    other subantarctic islands, the inadvertent or intentional introduction
    of alien species has proved a problem. Rats and mice arrived
    accidentally, cats were brought in to control them, and rabbits were
    introduced as food.

    Mazel will release further details as they are available. -- Some
    information from Discover France
    Job Openings at ARRL Headquarters

    ARRL is hiring for the following positions at its Headquarters in
    Newington, Connecticut. Qualified candidates are invited to email their
    cover letter and resume to ARRL Human Resources. Visit the ARRL
    Employment Opportunities page for more information.
    * Lab Engineer EMC/RFI Specialist
    * ministrative Assistant
    * Director of Information Technology
    * Marketing Communications Associate
    * Public Relations & Outreach Manager
    * Social Media Strategist

    To apply to any of these positions, submit your resume and cover letter
    by mail, email, or fax to ARRL Human Resources, 225 Main St.,
    Newington, CT 06111. Fax: 860-594-0298. ARRL is an equal opportunity
    employer.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot numbers and the solar flux
    index were both declining by the end of our October 28 - November 3
    reporting week, but weekly averages for both numbers were higher than
    reported last week. The average daily sunspot number increased from
    54.9 to 67.6, while average daily solar flux jumped from 95.7 to 102.

    Coronal mass ejection (CME) activity through the week drove geomagnetic
    numbers much higher. Average daily planetary A indexincreased from 4.4
    to 12, and average daily middle latitude A index went from 3.6 to 9.

    Spaceweather.com reported that a CME struck Earth at 2000 UTC on
    November 3, and that this would spark a strong geomagnetic storm.

    I received several reports this week that "10 meters is back!"

    According to a prediction issued by NOAA at 2127 UTC on November 3,
    predicted solar flux is 90 on November 4 - 5; 85 on November 6 - 7; 80
    on November 8 - 11; 88 on November 12 - 14; 89 on November 15; 92 on
    November 16 - 19; 93 on November 20; 95 on November 21 - 27, then
    jumping to 103, 102, 100 and 98 on November 28 -December 1; 96 on
    December 2 - 4; 92 and 90 on December 5 - 6, and 88 on December 7 - 11.

    Predicted planetary A index is 35, 22, 15, 10, and 8 on November 4 - 8;
    5 on November 9 - 14; 10 and 8 on November 15 - 16; 5 on November 17 -
    29; 8 on November 30 - December 1; 5 on December 2; 12, 10, and 8 on
    December 3 - 5, and 5 on December 6 - 11.

    Sunspot numbers for October 28 - November 3 were 96, 82, 76, 83, 53,
    42, and 41, with a mean of 67.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 111.7,
    108.4, 107.2, 102.7, 97.7, 97, and 89, with a mean of 102. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 3, 3, 10, 20, 10, 17, and 21, with a mean of
    12. Middle latitude A index was 3, 2, 8, 16, 8, 12, and 14, with a mean
    of 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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 5 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
    * November 5 -- NCCC Sprint (CW)
    * November 5 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM maximum)
    * November 6 -- IPARC Contest, CW
    * November 6 - 7 -- Ukrainian DX Contest (CW, phone)
    * November 6 -- Two-Meter Classic Sprint (CW, phone)
    * November 6 - 8 -- ARRL November Sweepstakes (CW)
    * November 7 -- IPARC Contest, SSB
    * November 7 -- EANET Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
    * November 7 -- High Speed Club CW Contest
    * November 10 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * November 10 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, SSB

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * November 6 - 7 -- ARRL Georgia State Convention (Stone Mountain
    Hamfest), Lawrenceville, Georgia
    * November 13 -- ARRL Wisconsin State Convention (Wisconsin
    ARES/RACES Conference) -- Online
    * November 13 - 14 -- ARRL Central Division Convention (Fort Wayne
    Hamfest and Computer Expo), Fort Wayne, Indiana
    * December 10 - 11 -- ARRL West Central Florida Section Convention
    (Tampa Bay Hamfest), Plant City, Florida

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events 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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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 Fri Nov 19 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    November 18, 2021

    * Registration Opens for the 2022 ARRL National Convention in Orlando
    * Russia's Destruction of an Orbiting Satellite Raises Space Debris
    Concerns
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Ham Radio Volunteers Support Communication for Tour de Lincoln
    Bicycle Event
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * AREx Says Artemis 2 Proposal Process was Instructive
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Headquarters will be closed on Thursday, November 25, and Friday,
    November 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The ARRL Letter will not be
    published on Thursday, November 25, and ARRL Audio News will not be
    produced on Friday, November 26. There will be no W1AW bulletin and
    code practice transmissions on either day. ARRL Headquarters will
    reopen on Monday, November 29 at 8 AM EST. ARRL wishes you a safe and
    enjoyable holiday.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Registration Opens for the 2022 ARRL National Convention in Orlando

    ARRL and the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC) will host the 2022 ARRL
    National Convention and Orlando HamCation^(R) on February 10 - 13,
    2022, in Orlando, Florida. The convention theme, "reDiscover Radio,"
    highlights radio amateurs' commitment to developing knowledge and
    skills in radio technology and radio communication. Convention
    co-organizer and ARRL Director of Public Relations and

    Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, promises the ARRL National Convention
    at Orlando HamCation will be one of the best in-person conventions that
    ARRL has ever assembled.

    "There will be expert presenters, community-building opportunities, and
    plenty of social time to celebrate being together with our friends from
    across the ham radio community," Inderbitzen said. "And who doesn't
    love Florida in February?"

    The convention will kick off on Thursday, February 10, with a series of
    morning and afternoon Training Tracks and a National Convention
    Luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld.
    Registration is now open for Thursday's program, and an early-bird
    registration rate of $75 is in effect through December 15.

    The National Convention Training Tracks are workshops providing an
    in-depth learning experience in one of the four track topics. Attendees
    will select a Training Track when completing their online National
    Convention registration.
    * Training Track #1: Contest University. This marks the first time
    that Contest University^(c) (CTU) is coming to Orlando. Registrants
    will learn from some of the top amateur radio contesters in the
    world. CTU will appeal to new and veteran contesters alike who are
    looking to hone their skills. Presenters cover general contest
    operations, contesting skills, and many resources and tools to get
    more out of contesting. The Track Leaders are Tim Duffy, K3LR, and
    Teri Grizer, K8MNJ. Presenters include ARRL US Virgin Islands
    Section Manager Fred Kleber, K9VV/NP2X; Chris Blake, NX4N; Luis
    Romero, W4LT; Claudio Veroli, I4VEQ, and Max Fountain, KJ4EUT, who
    will offer a youth perspective on contesting.
    * Training Track #2: Emergency Communications Academy. Guest speakers
    from amateur radio emergency communications training will present
    an overview of amateur radio responses during disasters, message
    traffic handling, Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)),
    Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM), Winlink, emergency antennas,
    and emergency power. Participants will learn the skills and roles
    needed to be an effective volunteer. The Track Leader is Rick Palm,
    K1CE. Presenters include Gordon Gibby, KX4Z; Mike Walters, W8ZY;
    Curt Bartholomew, N3GQ; Matthew Curtin, KD8TTE; Helen Straughn,
    WC4FSU; Leland Gallup, AA3YB; Earl McDow, K4ZSW, and others.
    * Training Track #3: Hands-On Handbook. Generations of radio
    amateurs have turned to The ARRL Handbook to be inspired to be
    radio-active in new ways! This series of presentations will take a
    deeper dive into a handful of topics covered in the Handbook,
    encouraging you to explore a variety of amateur radio activities.
    Topics (subject to change) include portable operating, remote
    station control, amateur satellite communications, and HF digital
    modes..
    * Training Track #4: Technology Academy. Track Leader Kristen
    McIntyre, K6WX, will be joined by technical experts in the amateur
    radio community, including ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI. Topics
    (subject to change) include antennas, radios, standing wave ratio
    (SWR), grounds, and "hints and hacks" to keep our stations humming
    along at maximum efficiency.

    Registration includes the National Convention Luncheon, featuring a
    keynote address by ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the celebration continues at HamCation on Friday, Saturday,
    and Sunday (February 11 - 13) at Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo
    Park in Orlando -- an 87-acre lakefront fairground. Tickets for
    HamCation are sold separately and are now available for purchase.

    OARC President John Knott, N4JTK, notes that the 2022 convention marks
    the 75th anniversary of HamCation, one of the largest annual gatherings
    of radio amateurs in the US. "We want our diamond anniversary show to
    be an exciting, five-star event," said Knott. "We look forward to
    seeing you in Orlando in February."

    For further details, visit the 2022 ARRL National Convention website at

    --- 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 Fri Nov 26 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    November 18, 2021

    * Registration Opens for the 2022 ARRL National Convention in Orlando
    * Russia's Destruction of an Orbiting Satellite Raises Space Debris
    Concerns
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Ham Radio Volunteers Support Communication for Tour de Lincoln
    Bicycle Event
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Announcements
    * AREx Says Artemis 2 Proposal Process was Instructive
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Headquarters will be closed on Thursday, November 25, and Friday,
    November 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The ARRL Letter will not be
    published on Thursday, November 25, and ARRL Audio News will not be
    produced on Friday, November 26. There will be no W1AW bulletin and
    code practice transmissions on either day. ARRL Headquarters will
    reopen on Monday, November 29 at 8 AM EST. ARRL wishes you a safe and
    enjoyable holiday.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Registration Opens for the 2022 ARRL National Convention in Orlando

    ARRL and the Orlando Amateur Radio Club (OARC) will host the 2022 ARRL
    National Convention and Orlando HamCation^(R) on February 10 - 13,
    2022, in Orlando, Florida. The convention theme, "reDiscover Radio,"
    highlights radio amateurs' commitment to developing knowledge and
    skills in radio technology and radio communication. Convention
    co-organizer and ARRL Director of Public Relations and

    Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, promises the ARRL National Convention
    at Orlando HamCation will be one of the best in-person conventions that
    ARRL has ever assembled.

    "There will be expert presenters, community-building opportunities, and
    plenty of social time to celebrate being together with our friends from
    across the ham radio community," Inderbitzen said. "And who doesn't
    love Florida in February?"

    The convention will kick off on Thursday, February 10, with a series of
    morning and afternoon Training Tracks and a National Convention
    Luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld.
    Registration is now open for Thursday's program, and an early-bird
    registration rate of $75 is in effect through December 15.

    The National Convention Training Tracks are workshops providing an
    in-depth learning experience in one of the four track topics. Attendees
    will select a Training Track when completing their online National
    Convention registration.
    * Training Track #1: Contest University. This marks the first time
    that Contest University^(c) (CTU) is coming to Orlando. Registrants
    will learn from some of the top amateur radio contesters in the
    world. CTU will appeal to new and veteran contesters alike who are
    looking to hone their skills. Presenters cover general contest
    operations, contesting skills, and many resources and tools to get
    more out of contesting. The Track Leaders are Tim Duffy, K3LR, and
    Teri Grizer, K8MNJ. Presenters include ARRL US Virgin Islands
    Section Manager Fred Kleber, K9VV/NP2X; Chris Blake, NX4N; Luis
    Romero, W4LT; Claudio Veroli, I4VEQ, and Max Fountain, KJ4EUT, who
    will offer a youth perspective on contesting.
    * Training Track #2: Emergency Communications Academy. Guest speakers
    from amateur radio emergency communications training will present
    an overview of amateur radio responses during disasters, message
    traffic handling, Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)),
    Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM), Winlink, emergency antennas,
    and emergency power. Participants will learn the skills and roles
    needed to be an effective volunteer. The Track Leader is Rick Palm,
    K1CE. Presenters include Gordon Gibby, KX4Z; Mike Walters, W8ZY;
    Curt Bartholomew, N3GQ; Matthew Curtin, KD8TTE; Helen Straughn,
    WC4FSU; Leland Gallup, AA3YB; Earl McDow, K4ZSW, and others.
    * Training Track #3: Hands-On Handbook. Generations of radio
    amateurs have turned to The ARRL Handbook to be inspired to be
    radio-active in new ways! This series of presentations will take a
    deeper dive into a handful of topics covered in the Handbook,
    encouraging you to explore a variety of amateur radio activities.
    Topics (subject to change) include portable operating, remote
    station control, amateur satellite communications, and HF digital
    modes..
    * Training Track #4: Technology Academy. Track Leader Kristen
    McIntyre, K6WX, will be joined by technical experts in the amateur
    radio community, including ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI. Topics
    (subject to change) include antennas, radios, standing wave ratio
    (SWR), grounds, and "hints and hacks" to keep our stations humming
    along at maximum efficiency.

    Registration includes the National Convention Luncheon, featuring a
    keynote address by ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rest of the celebration continues at HamCation on Friday, Saturday,
    and Sunday (February 11 - 13) at Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo
    Park in Orlando -- an 87-acre lakefront fairground. Tickets for
    HamCation are sold separately and are now available for purchase.

    OARC President John Knott, N4JTK, notes that the 2022 convention marks
    the 75th anniversary of HamCation, one of the largest annual gatherings
    of radio amateurs in the US. "We want our diamond anniversary show to
    be an exciting, five-star event," said Knott. "We look forward to
    seeing you in Orlando in February."

    For further details, visit the 2022 ARRL National Convention website at
    --- 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 Fri Dec 3 09:05:02 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    December 2, 2021

    * Two 160-Meter Events in December Give Nod to 1921 Transatlantic
    Tests
    * Dayton Hamvention Expects to be Live Event in 2022
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Fall ARRL Section Manager Election Results
    * YOTA Month Continues to Expand into the Americas
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * IARU Reports Another Over-the-Horizon Radar System is Under
    Construction in India
    * ARDC Grants Will Expand Emergency Capabilities in Haiti and the US
    Virgin Islands
    * Announcements
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * ARRL Author, QST Technical Editor Joel Hallas, W1ZR, SK
    * Past ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Director Claude Maer, W0IC, SK
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Two 160-Meter Events in December Give Nod to 1921 Transatlantic Tests

    In December, there will be two opportunities for 160-meter operators to
    fill the airwaves with activity and to test skills and stations on that
    band. The events take place a century after the transatlantic tests of
    the 1920s, which ushered in the dawn of international amateur radio
    communication.

    This famous cover of the
    January 1922 issue of QST
    trumpets the success of the
    Second Transatlantic Test and
    lists the stations that Paul
    Godley, 2ZE, copied (or
    received) in Scotland.

    The annual ARRL 160-Meter Contest begins at 2200 UTC on Friday,
    December 3, and ends at 1559 UTC on Sunday, December 5. This 42-hour
    CW-only contest is most similar to the original transatlantic tests.
    This contest typically attracts a good crowd and presents a challenge
    to operator skill and station performance.

    The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) is planning to activate
    special call signs to commemorate the centenary of the tests. Stations
    from the UK and Crown Dependencies will use up to seven different call
    signs, each having a "6XX" suffix: G6XX, England; GD6XX, Isle of Man;
    GI6XX, Northern Ireland; GJ6XX, Jersey; GM6XX, Scotland; GU6XX,
    Guernsey, and GW6XX, Wales. In addition, listen for UK stations
    appending the suffix "/2ZE" to the station's call sign. Use of this
    commemorative suffix has been authorized for use December 1 - 26 by
    Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator.

    On December 12 -- and not to be confused with the ARRL 160-Meter
    Contest -- ARRL and the RSGB will jointly sponsoring the 160-Meter
    Transatlantic Centenary QSO Party. This 6-hour event will run from 0200
    to 0800 UTC. The event coincides with the 100th anniversary of the
    successful Second Transatlantic Tests. Participating stations will
    operate only on CW, trying to contact the two official call sign
    activations, W1AW and GB2ZE. The stations may listen for callers 1 kHz
    above their transmitting frequency, to shift the pileup from their
    transmit frequency. They may also periodically ask for DX callers only.
    The exchange is call sign and signal report.

    The cover of the December
    2021 issue of QST
    commemorates the centenary
    of the Transatlantic
    Tests, which contributed
    to the rise of
    international amateur
    radio communications in
    the 1920s.

    During the QSO Party, ARRL will activate W1AW from Newington,
    Connecticut. RSGB will activate GB2ZE with help from a team of
    stations, including members of the GMDX Group of Scotland sharing the
    operating duties. GB2ZE commemorates the call sign of Paul Godley, 2ZE,
    who was sent by ARRL to the UK to lead the second Transatlantic Test in
    December 1921.

    W1AW will be active for all 6 hours. Stations operating as GB2ZE will
    follow this schedule:
    * 0200 UTC, from the commemorative station at Ardrossan, Scotland
    * 0300 UTC, from GM3YTS
    * 0400 UTC, from GM0GAV
    * 0500 UTC, from MM0ZBH
    * 0600 UTC, from MM0GPZ
    * 0700 UTC, from GM4ZUK until 0800 UTC, or until the band closes at
    sunrise.

    The GMDX Group will award a quaich -- a traditional Scottish drinking
    cup representing friendship -- to the first stations in North America
    and the UK to complete contacts with both W1AW and GB2ZE during the QSO
    Party. A commemorative certificate will be available for download.
    Participants will not have to submit logs. The official logs from W1AW
    and GB2ZE will be used to determine the winners and for certificates.
    --- 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 Fri Dec 10 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    December 9, 2021



    * Senator Blumenthal Supports Amateur Radio at Senate Confirmation
    Hearing
    * Senate Confirms FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for a New Term
    * ARRL Executive Committee Meets
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * ARDC Grant Will Expand RMHAM's 5 GHz Microwave Network in the
    Rockies
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * November 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Replica Transmitter will be On the Air to Mark Transatlantic Test
    Success
    * Announcements
    * ARRL Seeks News Editor
    * World's Smallest Moon Lander from Japan will Put Ham Radio
    Transmitter on the Moon
    * WSJT-X Development Group Partner Bill Somerville, G4WJS, SK
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Senator Blumenthal Supports Amateur Radio at Senate Confirmation
    Hearing

    Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) received an affirmative reply from FCC
    Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel when he asked her to commit to providing
    his office "an update on the steps that the FCC is taking to support
    amateur radio operators." The Senator posed the written

    US Senator Richard
    Blumenthal

    question as part of Rosenworcel's renomination hearing conducted by the
    Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

    Blumenthal noted specifically that "Radio amateurs voluntarily provide
    an array of public services, especially emergency and disaster-related
    support communications when infrastructure has been destroyed by a
    hurricane or similar disaster. Their contributions in this area are
    regularly recognized by local and state authorities."

    "ARRL is grateful to Senator Blumenthal for his support and recognition
    of radio amateurs," said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. Blumenthal
    has previously co-sponsored legislation supporting amateur radio, and
    his staff was recently briefed by ARRL on pending amateur radio matters
    at the FCC. Roderick added, "We need the partnership of the FCC and
    Congress to ensure our rules and spectrum continue to support the march
    of technological innovation in our vibrant Amateur Radio Service."

    Multiple proceedings to update or change the FCC's Amateur Radio
    Service Part 97 rules to account for changes in technology and
    operating practices have been languishing at the FCC, some going back
    five or more years. ARRL is hopeful that these will be addressed soon.
    Senate Confirms FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for a New Term

    On December 7, the US Senate confirmed FCC Chairwoman Jessica
    Rosenworcel for a new term on the Commission with a vote of 68 - 31.
    President Joe Biden appointed Rosenworcel as Chair of the FCC in late
    October. For now, the FCC will continue with two Democrats and two
    Republicans led by Chairwoman Rosenworcel.

    The chairwoman said in a statement after the Senate confirmed her
    nomination, "People across the country count on the FCC to support the
    connections they need for work, learning, healthcare, and access to the
    information we require to make decisions about our lives, our
    communities, and our country. I look forward to working with the
    ministration, my colleagues on the Commission and FCC staff, members
    of Congress, and the public to make the promise of modern
    communications a reality for everyone, everywhere."

    The nomination of a fifth commissioner remains pending before the
    Senate. Last week, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
    Committee conducted a hearing on President Biden's nominee, Gigi Sohn,
    for the remaining Democratic seat. Committee and full Senate votes on
    her nomination have not yet been scheduled. -- Thanks to ARRL Public
    Relations and Innovation Projects Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R
    ARRL Executive Committee Meets

    The ARRL Executive Committee met on October 25 in virtual session, with
    President Rick Roderick, K5UR, presiding.

    In his report, CEO David Minster, NA2AA, noted that the revised ARRL
    Articles of Incorporation approved during the July 2021 Board meeting
    had been filed with the State of Connecticut. He also discussed the
    delayed timing of the delivery of the December issue of QST. He advised
    that Members should expect to receive their December issue about a week
    late. Minster also said ARRL is expecting an increase in the price it
    pays for paper, effective in February 2022. He said it's not yet clear
    whether the impact of the increase in paper costs would be short- or
    long-term.

    CEO Minster reported he had met with ARRL Field Services Manager Mike
    Walters, W8ZY, on October 22 at Bradley International Airport near
    Hartford, Connecticut, to observe ARRL participation in an emergency
    management exercise that concluded on October 23. Walters, on behalf of
    ARRL, participated in all 3 days of the exercise.

    ARRL FCC Counsel David Siddall, K3ZJ, discussed recent efforts at the
    FCC and on Capitol Hill advocating FCC action on long-pending
    proceedings that address Amateur Radio concerns. Siddall also addressed
    new legislation pending before Congress that would set deadlines for
    the allocation of additional spectrum below 3.45 GHz to commercial 5G
    providers. He described ARRL's efforts to obtain support for allowing
    continued sharing below 3.45 GHz on a non-interference basis.

    FCC Counsel Siddall noted an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (PS
    Docket 21-346) looking into ways of improving communications resiliency
    and recovery during hurricanes and other disasters. He said ARRL had
    submitted reports to FCC staff during and immediately following
    Hurricane Ida.

    Siddall further noted the progress of the ARRL RF Safety Committee in
    addressing and clarifying issues concerning amateur compliance with FCC
    RF exposure rules and appropriate updates to the related FCC bulletin.
    He concluded that the work of the Committee, under the leadership of
    Greg Lapin, N9GL, will benefit every amateur in the future to more
    readily assess RF exposure compliance and to make any adjustments
    needed.

    West Gulf Division Director, EC member, and Chairman of the Legislative
    vocacy Committee, John Robert Stratton, N5AUS, updated the EC on the
    status of a resolution introduced in Congress by US Representative
    Debbie Lesko of Arizona to declare April 18, 2022 as National Amateur
    Radio Operators Day.

    Director Stratton also advised the EC that the Legal Structure Review
    Committee was reviewing the Articles of Association, By-Laws, and
    Standing Orders with an eye toward recommending any needed changes at
    the January 2022 Board meeting.

    The Executive Committee meets again on December 13.

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 24) features tips
    about how to improve the effective range of your handheld transceiver.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 48) of the Eclectic Tech
    podcast features a conversation about the technical aspects of the 1921
    Transatlantic Tests with Clark Burgard, N1BCG. We also chat about
    on-air activities surrounding the upcoming anniversary.

    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.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARDC Grant Will Expand RMHAM's 5 GHz Microwave Network in the Rockies

    A grant of $374,233 from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) to
    Rocky Mountain Ham Radio (RMHAM) will go toward expanding a multistate
    5 GHz microwave network and help to outfit communications trailers.

    The microwave network enables partnering amateur radio clubs and groups
    to access, enable, or expand their repeater and other FCC Part
    97-appropriate applications. The network provides 50 - 100+ Mbps of
    bandwidth and is managed and monitored by a dedicated network
    operations team.

    In Colorado, RMHAM will be able to grow its microwave network by 23 new
    microwave sites and 20 new point-to-point spans to expand IP
    connectivity and future repeater coverage across the western slope of
    Colorado and along the I-70 and I-76 corridors in eastern Colorado.

    In New Mexico, RMHAM will grow its microwave network by 16 sites and 15
    new point-to-point spans to expand IP connectivity and

    future repeater coverage south from Albuquerque to El Paso, Texas;
    along US Route 550 to Durango, Colorado, and across the Rio Grande
    Valley to Alamogordo, New Mexico. The club will also expand RMHAM
    digital repeater coverage (DMR or D-STAR, depending on coverage gaps)
    across New Mexico through the addition of seven repeaters co-located at
    their proposed new microwave sites.

    As a result of the grant, RMHAM will also be able to upgrade its
    Colorado communications trailer, which offers both RF and IP
    connectivity, and to outfit a new trailer for service in New Mexico.
    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.

    Have an interesting topic you want to share? The ARRL Learning Network
    is a series of online webinars presented by member-volunteers for
    members. Presentations should be short -- 30 minutes plus an additional
    15-minutes for Q&A.

    Submission topics should be of interest to a broad audience of hams,
    particularly those either new to amateur radio or experienced hams
    looking to learn about a new way to get involved!

    Selected presenters will be contacted and invited to schedule their
    webinar from a list of upcoming available date/time slots. An ARRL
    staff member will help coordinate the details with you, so you'll be
    ready for your presentation day. For more information, email ARRL
    Education and Learning.

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    November 2021 Volunteer Monitor Program Report

    This is the November 2021 report of Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program
    activity. The VM program is a joint initiative between ARRL and the FCC
    to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service.
    * Operators in Ardmore, Tennessee; Lithonia, Georgia; Coconut Creek
    and Miramar, Florida, and East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, were
    issued visory Notices regarding excessive bandwidth, contrary to
    FCC rules. The operators were transmitting on SSB with bandwidths
    of 8 to 9 kHz.
    * visory Notices were issued to operators in Northridge (Los
    Angeles) and Hemet, California, for interference to repeaters. Both
    operators had been requested by the repeater trustees to cease
    using the repeaters. The visory Notice issued to the Northridge
    operator cited broadcasting and failure to identify, and it
    informed them that the FCC was requested not to grant their
    upcoming renewal application unless the case was resolved.
    * An visory Notice was issued to an operator in Powell, Wyoming,
    for transmitting overdriven FT8 signals that resulted in spurious
    emissions. The operator has since corrected the problem.
    * General-class operators in Bartonville, Illinois, and St. Clair,
    Michigan, were issued visory Notices for operation in the Amateur
    Extra-class portion of 40 meters. A Technician-class licensee in
    Windber, Pennsylvania, was issued an visory Notice for operating
    in the General-class portion of 75 meters.
    * One case was referred to the FCC for enforcement action and review
    of a license renewal application. The FCC referred two cases to the
    VM Program.

    Totals for VM monitoring during October were 2,939 hours on HF
    frequencies, and 3,282 hours on VHF frequencies and above, for a total
    of 6,221 hours. That is the highest number of hours monitoring since
    the inception of the VM Program. -- Thanks to Volunteer Monitor Program
    ministrator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * "Making Contact with the Past: Operating Radios on USS North
    Carolina" SpectrumNews1, North Carolina (December 7, 2021)

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Replica Transmitter will be On the Air to Mark Transatlantic Test
    Success

    A replica 1BCG transmitter will operate as W2AN/1BCG on 1.820 MHz on
    CW, from The Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut.

    The 1BCG replica transmitter with
    room for additional 204-A tubes for
    more power.

    "We're using type 204-A tubes," said Mark Erdle, AE2EA, of the Antique
    Wireless Association. "The original transmitter used type 204 tubes.
    The primary difference is that the 204-A tubes had a thoriated filament
    that reduced the filament current. Transmissions from W2AN/1BCG will be
    one way, just like the original transatlantic tests in 1921. An SWL
    certificate is available by emailing a copy of the transmitted message.

    Transmissions start on December 11 at 2300 UTC continuing every 15
    minutes until December 12 at 0400 UTC.

    In a separate event on December 12 at 0252 UTC, The Radio Club of
    America's W2RCA will make a one-way transmission on 1825 kHz at 12 WPM
    CW, from Connecticut. RCA members constructed the original transmitter
    and "shack" used in Connecticut for the successful transatlantic
    transmissions. In addition to the original 1921 message, a new message
    will be transmitted that looks ahead to the next 100 years. Those who
    copy the message qualify for a certificate. -- Thanks to Mark Erdle,
    AE2EA, Antique Wireless Association, and to the Radio Club of America

    ARRL and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) have assembled a
    list of stations and groups that are organizing events and activities
    to celebrate 100 years of amateur radio transatlantic communication.
    --- SendMsg/2

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Dec 17 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    December 16, 2021

    * SKYWARN Spotters and Nets Track Deadly Storms
    * ARRL and RSGB Announce Winners of Transatlantic Centenary Cups
    * New Directors in Two ARRL Divisions will Take Their Seats in
    January
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Past ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, SK
    * ARRL Rookie Roundup CW Event is December 19
    * Ham Radio University Going Virtual Again
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post Becomes
    Vacant
    * Sweden's SAQ VLF Alexanderson Alternator Station Schedules
    Christmas Eve Transmission
    * Observations of Over-the-Horizon Radar Interference in Ham Bands
    Top All Others
    * Announcements
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Spain, Norway Seek Ways to Attract a Younger Generation of Hams
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    .

    .

    [IMG]

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ARRL National Convention & Orlando HamCation^(R) is February 10 -

    --- SendMsg/2

    --- Squish/386 v1.11
    * Origin: Outpost BBS * bbs.outpostbbs.net:10123 (1:18/200)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to Sean Dennis on Mon Dec 20 17:59:10 2021
    Sean Dennis wrote to All <=-

    The ARRL Letter

    I don't know what happened here...

    -- Sean

    ... When prosperity comes, do not use all of it. - Confucius
    ___ MultiMail/FreeBSD v0.52
    --- Maximus/2 3.01
    * Origin: Outpost BBS (1:18/200)
  • From Daryl Stout@1:2320/33 to Sean Dennis on Tue Dec 21 18:04:00 2021
    Sean,

    I don't know what happened here...

    Looks like someone spilled invisible ink on it (hi hi).

    I got their Club Letter yesterday in my email box.

    Daryl, WX4QZ

    ... Some people have more problems than an arithmetic book.
    === MultiMail/Win v0.52
    --- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)
  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Dec 24 09:05:22 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    December 16, 2021

    * SKYWARN Spotters and Nets Track Deadly Storms
    * ARRL and RSGB Announce Winners of Transatlantic Centenary Cups
    * New Directors in Two ARRL Divisions will Take Their Seats in
    January
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Past ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, SK
    * ARRL Rookie Roundup CW Event is December 19
    * Ham Radio University Going Virtual Again
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post Becomes
    Vacant
    * Sweden's SAQ VLF Alexanderson Alternator Station Schedules
    Christmas Eve Transmission
    * Observations of Over-the-Horizon Radar Interference in Ham Bands
    Top All Others
    * Announcements
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Spain, Norway Seek Ways to Attract a Younger Generation of Hams
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    .

    .

    [IMG]

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ARRL National Convention & Orlando HamCation^(R) is February 10 -
    --- 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 Fri Dec 31 09:05:20 2021
    The ARRL Letter
    December 30, 2021

    * IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Issues Upbeat Seasonal Message
    * Hurricane Watch Net Recorded 300 On-Air Hours in 2021
    * New Low-Power Limit for ARRL HF Contests Goes into Effect on
    January 1, 2022
    * ARRL to Oppose Forest Service ministrative Fees for Amateur Radio
    Facilities
    * HamSCI Invites Abstracts for its 2022 Workshop
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Intrepid-DX Group Announces Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest Winners
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Updates its Progress
    * Announcements
    * Georgia Club Donates License Manuals to Local Schools
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Headquarters will be closed on Friday, December 31, and there will
    be no W1AW bulletin or CW practice transmissions on that day. ARRL
    Headquarters will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022, at 8 AM EST (1300
    UTC). We extend our best wishes for the New Year!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    IARU Region 2 Executive Committee Issues Upbeat Seasonal Message

    International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 Secretary George
    Gorsline, VE3YV, has issued a year-end message on behalf of the
    Executive Committee.

    "A bright spot in an otherwise challenging year is that our shared
    passion of amateur radio is growing stronger," Gorsline wrote. "The
    increase in on-the-air activity has been noticeable, especially on the
    HF bands. Driven by reawakening solar activity and the rapid adoption
    of digital modes, such as FT8, the bands are active -- not just during
    evenings and weekends, but also during normal working hours, where more
    than a few of us have been known to be in video conference calls while
    making QSOs.

    George Gorsline,
    VE3YV [RAC
    photo]

    Growth in activity and participation has not been limited to the HF
    bands. Use of VHF and UHF has also increased, not just for local nets,
    but especially interest in satellite operations."

    Gorsline said that the use of "virtual learning" has allowed many IARU
    member-societies and affiliated clubs to conduct licensing classes and
    exams. "Attracting new and younger amateurs is our future," said
    Gorsline. "For 2022, the challenge to all of us is to not only enjoy
    our hobby, but to also share it with someone new."

    Gorsline challenged members of the amateur community to "introduce
    someone to the many possibilities of amateur radio."
    Hurricane Watch Net Recorded 300 On-Air Hours in 2021

    Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, says 2021 was
    the third most-active hurricane season on record in terms of named
    storms, and was the sixth consecutive above-normal season.

    "We've completed another hurricane season. The Atlantic basin was
    extremely busy again for 2021," Graves told HWN members. "For the year,
    we had 21 named storms, seven of which became hurricanes, and four of
    those became major hurricanes -- Category 3 or stronger." Graves noted
    that 2021 marked the first year on record that two consecutive
    hurricane seasons exhausted the list of 21 storm names.

    Tropical systems that made landfall caused estimated total damage of
    $70 billion, as of the end of November, making 2021 the fourth most
    costly hurricane season on record, behind 2012, 2005, and 2017.

    Graves recounted that several tropical systems made an impact on land
    this year. "In August, Tropical Storm Fred caused devastating flooding
    across parts of the Greater Antilles and the southeastern United
    States," he said. "Hurricane Grace made two landfalls in Mexico --
    first as a Category 1 hurricane just south of Tulum on the southeast
    Yucatn [Peninsula], and second as a Category 3 major hurricane in the
    Mexican state of Veracruz."

    "Hurricane Ida was a deadly and destructive hurricane that made
    landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane -- the most intense and

    HWN Manager Bobby
    Graves, KB5HAV.

    destructive hurricane to affect the state since Hurricane Katrina,"
    Graves continued. He noted that Ida also caused catastrophic flooding
    across the US northeast.

    "Hurricane Larry peaked as a powerful Category 3 hurricane over the
    open Atlantic [Ocean] before making landfall in the Canadian province
    of Newfoundland and Labrador as a Category 1 hurricane. Later,
    Hurricane Nicholas moved erratically both on and offshore [on] the
    coasts of Texas and Louisiana," he said.

    In 2021, the HWN activated for five hurricanes -- Elsa, Grace, Henri,
    Ida, and Larry. Graves said the HWN racked up nearly 300 hours on the
    air, with 140 of those spent on Hurricane Ida alone. Read an expanded
    version.
    New Low-Power Limit for ARRL HF Contests Goes into Effect on January 1,
    2022

    ARRL has set a new standard for what counts as low power for
    ARRL-sponsored HF contests. The new limit is 100 W, which is down from
    the 150 W limit that has been permitted in some events, including the
    ARRL November Sweepstakes.

    With the exception of ARRL Field Day, this change goes into effect on
    January 1, 2022, for all ARRL-sponsored HF contests, as well as the
    IARU HF World Championship.

    This change has been implemented to standardize low-power categories
    within the contesting community. However, on a more practical level,
    the typical modern HF transceiver has a maximum power output of 100 W.

    For more information, contact the ARRL Contests program. -- Thanks to
    The ARRL Contest Update

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 24) features some
    tips about how to improve the effective range of your handheld
    transceiver.

    The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 50) -- the
    final edition for 2021 -- features a discussion with Nelson
    Sollenberger, KA2C, about the filter he designed that allows two nearby
    stations to operate on the same band during Field Day and contests.
    Also featured is a brief explanation of the so-called POST beeps that
    many computers make, and what they mean.

    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 to Oppose Forest Service ministrative Fees for Amateur Radio
    Facilities

    The US Forest Service is proposing to implement a statutorily required
    annual fee for new and existing communications use authorizations to
    cover the costs of administering its authorization program. ARRL plans
    to vigorously oppose the imposition of the proposed fees on amateur
    radio.

    The Forest Service proposal results from requirements set forth in the
    Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka "the Farm Bill").
    Specifically, section 8705(c)(3)(b) of the Farm Bill directs the Forest
    Service to issue regulations that require fees for issuing
    communications use authorizations based on the cost to the Agency for
    maintenance or other activities to be performed by the Agency "as a
    result of the location or modification of a communications facility."

    The Forest Service is responsible for managing Federal lands and
    authorizes the use and occupancy of National Forest System (NFS) lands
    for communications facilities that provide communications services for
    adjacent rural and urban communities. The Agency said in its proposal
    that it administers more than 3,700 special use authorizations on NFS
    lands for infrastructure that supports more than 10,000 wireless
    communications uses at 1,367 communications sites.

    According to the Forest Service Notice published in the December 22,
    2021 issue of the Federal Register, revenues from the proposed fee,
    "would provide the funds necessary to support a more modernized,
    efficient, and enhanced communications use program," and will "cover
    the costs of administering the Agency's communications use program."
    Costs, as laid out in section 8705(f)(4) of the Farm Bill, may include
    expenditures for such things as "on-site reviews of communications
    sites, developing communications site management plans, hiring and
    training personnel for the communications use program, conducting
    internal and external outreach for and national oversight of the
    communications use program, and obtaining or improving access to
    communications sites on NFS lands."

    ARRL encourages amateur radio licensees to file comments opposing the
    imposition of the proposed administrative fee on amateur radio users.
    Comments must be received in writing by no later than February 22,
    2022. Comments may be submitted online at the Federal Rulemaking Portal
    or via USPS mail to Director, Lands & Realty Management Staff, 201 14th
    Street SW, Washington, DC 20250-1124, and must include the identifier
    "RIN 0596-AD44."
    HamSCI Invites Abstracts for its 2022 Workshop

    HamSCI is soliciting abstracts for the 2022 HamSCI Workshop. The
    submission deadline is February 1, 2022. The workshop will be a hybrid
    (in-person and virtual) event from March 18 - 19, 2022, at the US Space
    and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

    "The primary objective of the HamSCI workshop is to bring together the
    amateur radio community and professional scientists," said HamSCI Lead
    Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, an assistant professor within the Department
    of Physics and Electrical Engineering at The University of Scranton.
    "This year's theme is 'The Weather Connection,' with invited speakers
    Tamitha Skov, WX6SWW, and Jim Bacon, G3YLA."

    Skov and Bacon will present tutorials on the impacts of space and
    terrestrial weather on the ionosphere. Chen-Pang Yeang, an associate
    professor and director for the Special Project on Scientific
    Instruments at the University of Toronto, will deliver the keynote
    address, "Ham Radio and the Discovery of the Ionosphere."

    Frissell said that abstracts related to development of the Personal
    Space Weather Station, ionospheric science, atmospheric science, radio
    science, space weather, radio astronomy, and any science topic that can
    be appropriately related to amateur radio are invited. "We especially
    encourage submissions related to this year's meeting theme of The
    Weather Connection, but will also accept abstracts outside of this
    theme that are of interest to both the amateur radio and professional
    science communities."

    To submit an abstract, complete the form on the HamSCI Workshop page.
    Workshop registration will open by mid-January. 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.

    Have an interesting topic you want to share? The ARRL Learning Network
    is a series of online webinars presented by member-volunteers for
    members. Presentations should be short -- 30 minutes plus an additional
    15 minutes for Q&A.

    For more information, email ARRL Education and Learning.

    More webinars are coming soon!

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    Intrepid-DX Group Announces Youth "Dream Rig" Essay Contest Winners

    On December 1, Intrepid-DX Group President Paul Ewing, N6PSE, announced
    the prize recipients of the second annual Youth "Dream Rig" Essay
    Contest. Ewing said all essays received "were all unique in thought and
    very well articulated." Extra points were given for correct grammar,
    punctuation, and spelling, he said.

    "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," he said.

    The first-place winner and recipient of an Icom IC-7300 transceiver is
    Silas Davis, W3SED. Second-place winner Olivia Lee, KD2UYX, and
    third-place winner Isaac Schmidt, K6IAS, will each receive Yaesu FT-65R
    radios. "Having read your many 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
    concluded.

    He thanked Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) for supporting
    this year's prizes.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * Hoschar now a ham ... / Forks Forum, Forks, Washington (December
    15, 2021)
    * "How Amateur Radio Fanatics Launched the World's First Private
    Communication Satellite" / Inverse (December 12, 2021)

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Updates its Progress

    Two new team members of the upcoming 3Y0J Bouvet DXpedition team have
    come aboard to replace, in part, three operators who are unable to make
    the trip -- Sandro Nitoi, VE7NY; Laci Radcz, HA0NAR, and Dimtry
    Zhikharev, RA9USU. Joining the 3Y0J crew will be Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC,
    and Otis Vicens, NP4G. A third replacement has not yet been named.

    "Their experience will be a great addition to the team," the DXpedition
    team said in a media release announcing the personnel changes and
    updating the DXpedition's planning process.

    Ken Opskar, LA7GIA; Rune O/ye, LA7THA, and Erwann Merrien, LB1QI, are
    sharing leadership duties for the 2023 DXpedition.

    The 3Y0J team has also been busy selecting the gear that they will need
    once they reach the subantarctic island. Arctic Lavvo of Norway will
    supply the team with its Venor Gamme tent. The tent, which stood up to
    winds of 40 meters per second (nearly 90 MPH) when it was tested in
    extreme conditions on Svalbard, will be improved further by adding
    extra guying levels and by strengthening the aluminum frame, the 3Y0J
    DXpedition team explained.

    Silcom of South Africa will supply custom masts for the Yagi antennas
    that are rated for the Bouvet environment. The aluminum mast will be
    used for the tribanders, while the smaller, galvanized steel mast will
    support dual-band Yagis.

    "We're taking preparation to the next level by procuring a [Zodiac
    Milpro inflatable boat]," the team continued. "The strategic decision
    to buy the [boat] will enable us to train [for] the critical beach
    landing in Norway.

    The DXpedition team said it's still $160,000 short of its funding goal.

    Follow the team's plans via its website or the 3Y0J Facebook page. View
    Bouvet Island from above in a short YouTube video. Read an expanded
    version.

    Announcements
    * [IMG]ARRL's Commemorative 1915 QST download on Christmas Day
    encountered a delivery issue. ARRL members can now access the
    document. Send questions or comments via email. QST marked its
    centenary in 2015, and the first edition was published in December
    1915.
    * Finland's IARU member-society SRAL has presented Iceland's
    member-society IRA with an engraved KBX-380 Morse paddle to
    commemorate the 75th anniversary of the IRA's founding.
    * NASA has announced its intent to purchase three more commercial
    crew missions from SpaceX -- in a sole-source award -- as a hedge
    against further delays in the certification of Boeing's CST-100
    Starliner. Those missions will be in addition to the six
    post-certification missions SpaceX in 2014. "It's critical we begin
    to secure additional flights to the space station now so we are
    ready as these missions are needed to maintain a US presence on the
    station," said Kathy Lueders, Associate ministrator of NASA's
    Space Operations Mission Directorate.
    * ARRL has been migrating to new rule sets that exist as a single
    document. As the rule sets are replaced, the older "General Rules,"
    "Rules for Contests below 30 MHz," and "Rules for Contests above 30
    MHz" documents will sunset. Complete rules are available as a PDF
    on individual contest pages. -- Thanks to ARRL Contest Program
    Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE
    * New Year's Day is also Kids Day. Introduce your child, or a
    relative's or friend's child, to amateur radio. If you hear kids on
    the air, have a friendly contact with them. Kids Day is designed to
    give young people on-the-air experience and hopefully foster their
    interest in getting a license of their own. It is also intended to
    give older hams a chance to share their stations and love for
    amateur radio with youngsters.
    * The US Department of Defense has issued an updated Military
    Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) instruction, DODI 4650.02, replacing
    MARS DODI 4650.02 issued in 2009. The document establishes policy,
    assigns responsibilities, and provides procedures for MARS. It
    further establishes MARS organization, membership, and functions.
    -- Thanks to Gary Sessums, KC5QCN

    Georgia Club Donates License Manuals to Local Schools

    The Dalton Amateur Radio Club (DARC) in Dalton, Georgia, recently
    donated copies of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual to several schools
    in its service area. The materials will be available in the schools'
    media centers.

    On December 1, DARC President Jack Thompson, N5UOV, met with media
    specialists Sarah Hicks of North Murray High School and Ryan Long of
    Murray County High School to present both schools with copies of the
    ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, which covers everything needed to obtain
    a Technician-class license including the full question pool for the
    exam.

    Jack Thompson, N5UOV, and Sarah
    Hicks at North Murray High School.

    During a second presentation on December 3, Thompson and David Stanley,
    WI4L, met with Whitfield County Schools Media Specialist Ge-Anne
    Bolhuis, and Communications Specialist Kristina Horsley, to present 10
    copies of the license manual, which will be placed in each middle
    school and high school in the county.

    The visits offered Thompson and Stanley a chance to answer questions
    about amateur radio. Thompson explained to Hicks that not only was ham
    radio an interesting hobby, it involves public service activities and
    could inspire students to become involved in emergency management or
    search-and-rescue activities.

    Bolhuis also asked about the uses of amateur radio. Stanley explained
    that ham radio is often the last line of communication in an emergency
    when all other means fail. Thompson explained how his activity as a
    radio amateur led to his 25+ years of volunteering as a reservist in
    emergency management and as a member of the search-and-rescue team of
    the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department in Mississippi.

    Representatives from all of the schools received information about the
    ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program. The Dalton Amateur Radio Club
    expressed its appreciation to Tom Smith, KI4IG, for making the initial
    contacts with the schools and to ARRL for providing the manuals at no
    cost.
    In Brief...

    David Benoist, AG4ZR, has been appointed as ARRL Georgia Section
    Manager. In consultation with ARRL Southeastern Division Director
    Mickey Baker, N4MB, ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY,
    appointed Benoist, of Senoia, to fill the vacant post starting
    immediately. Benoist had previously served as Georgia Section Manager
    (SM) from 2016 to 2021. Benoist was the ARRL Georgia Section Emergency
    Coordinator from March 2014 to 2016. The former Georgia ARRL SM, Jim
    Millsap, K9APD, resigned for personal reasons, effective December 14,
    after serving since October 1.

    A new release of WSJT-X is available. The WSJT-X development group --
    Joe Taylor, K1JT; Steve Franke, K9AN; and new member Nico Palermo,
    IV3NWV -- have announced the release of WSJT-X 2.5.3. This new release
    includes a feature of special interest to users participating in the
    ARRL January VHF Contest (January 15 - 17). This new feature is an
    enhanced macro facility for text messages that is aimed at making it
    easier to ask another station to move to another band. This feature is
    described briefly in the updated WSJT-X User Guide. Installation
    packages for WSJT-X 2.5.3 are available on the WSJT-X website.

    Special WRTC 2022 call signs will be active starting in January. The
    World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) 2022 Organizing Committee has
    announced that more than 100 Italian radio amateurs will be activating
    special WRTC call signs, one for each Italian call district, starting
    on January 1, 2022, and concluding on July 10, 2022. A first-time-ever
    award will be available promoting WRTC 2022, which has been postponed
    until 2023. Look for these call signs to be active during some
    contests, concluding with the 2022 IARU HF World Championship. Each
    participant's contact totals and award-hunter scores will be displayed
    on a real-time leaderboard. Participants can download the award in
    digital format. -- Thanks to The ARRL Contest Update

    Former ARRL Tennessee Section Manager Keith Miller Sr., N9DGK, of
    Rockvale, Tennessee, died of COVID on December 22. An ARRL Life Member,
    he was 75. Miller served four terms as ARRL Tennessee Section Manager
    from 2012 until December 2019, when he decided not to run for another
    term. He was licensed in 1981 and was very active in the Amateur Radio
    Emergency Service (ARES) and emergency communication. Miller served as
    ARRL Emergency Coordinator from 2006 to 2013. Miller served as a member
    and officer of the Stones River Amateur Radio Club.

    Former ARRL Virgin Islands Section Manager Ron Hall, KP2N, of St.
    Augustine, Florida, has died. An ARRL Life Member, he was 85. Hall
    served as Section Manager from 1988 until 1996. He later served as an
    Assistant Section Manager in 2002 before relocating to Florida.
    Licensed in the 1950s, he once worked for Heathkit. He was a member of
    the St. Petersburg Amateur Radio Club.

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity persisted over the
    reporting week, although numbers were a bit lower. Average daily
    sunspot number declined from 124.4 to 110.1. Average daily solar flux
    slipped just slightly from 125 to 124. Average daily planetary A index
    went from 9.1 to 6.4, and average middle latitude numbers changed from
    6.4 to 4.4.

    New sunspot groups appeared on December 25, 26, and 28.

    Predicted solar flux over the next month is expected to peak at 130 on
    January 18 - 19, and the numbers are 110, 108, and 105 on December 30 -
    January 1; 104 on January 2 - 3; 100 on January 4; 98 on January 5 - 6;
    then 92, 100, 105, and 110 on January 7 - 10; 115 on January 11 - 13;
    118 on January 14 - 15; 122 and 128 on January 16 - 17; 130 on January
    18 - 19; 128, 125, and 120 on January 20 - 22; 125 on January 23 - 24;
    122 on January 25; 120 on January 26 - 27; 115, 110, 100, and 95 on
    January 28 - 31; 90 on February 1 - 2, and 92 and 100 on February 3 -
    4.

    Predicted planetary A index is 10 and 8 on December 30 - 31, then 6,
    12, and 8 on January 1 - 3; 5 on January 4 - 10; 10 on January 11 - 12;
    5 on January 13 - 14; 8 and 12 on January 15 - 16; 8 on January 17 -
    18; 5 on January 19 - 22; 8, 10, 8, and 8 on January 23 - 26, and 5 on
    January 27 - February 6.

    Sunspot numbers for December 23 - 29 were 143, 145, 117, 95, 85, 107,
    and 79, with a mean of 110.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 129.8,
    126.2, 130.7, 125.4, 123.9, 120.5, and 111.4, with a mean of 124.
    Estimated planetary A indices were 4, 5, 7, 3, 10, 9, and 7, with a
    mean of 6.4. Middle latitude A index was 2, 3, 5, 2, 8, 6, and 5, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

    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
    * December 31 -- Bogor Old and New Contest (Phone)
    * January 1 -- Straight Key Night
    * January 1 -- ARRL Kids Day (Phone)
    * January 1 -- AGB New Year Snowball Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * January 1 -- SARTG New Year RTTY Contest
    * January 1 -- AGCW Happy New Year Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- AGCW VHF/UHF Contest (CW)
    * January 1 -- QRP ARCI New Years Sprint (CW)
    * * January 1 - 2 -- WW PMC Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 1 - 2 -- Original QRP Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 3 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, maximum 20 WPM)
    * January 4 -- Worldwide Sideband Contest
    * January 4 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
    * January 5 -- RTTYops Weeksprint
    * January 5 -- QRP Fox Hunt (CW)
    * January 5 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW)
    * January 5 -- FT8 Activity Contest
    * January 5 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test (CW)
    * January 5 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * January 6 - 7 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * January 8 -- ARRL New York City-Long Island Section Convention
    (Ham Radio University), Online
    * January 14 -15 -- ARRL North Texas Section Convention (Cowtown
    Hamfest), Forest Hill, Texas
    * January 22 -- ARRL Midwest Division Convention (Winterfest),
    Collinsville, Illinois
    * January 28 - 29 -- ARRL Delta Division Convention (Capital
    City Hamfest 2022), Jackson, Mississippi.
    * February 10 - 13 -- 2022 ARRL National Convention at
    Orlando HamCation^(R), Orlando, Florida
    * February 18 - 19 -- ARRL Southwestern Division Convention
    (Yuma Hamfest), Yuma, Arizona
    * February 26 -- ARRL Vermont State Convention (HAM-CON), Colchester,
    Vermont

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events
    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    Subscribe to...
    * NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
    articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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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
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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) 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 Fri Jan 7 09:05:22 2022
    The ARRL Letter
    January 6, 2022

    * ARRL Surveying Field Day Participants
    * ARRL Foundation Grants First-Year Funding for ARISS *STAR* Keith
    Pugh Initiative
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * ARRL Welcomes New Director of Emergency Management
    * Youth on the Air Camp to Return in June
    * CAMSAT XW-3 (CAS-9) is Designated Hope-OSCAR-113 (HO-113)
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * The Volunteer Monitor Program Report for December 2021
    * Announcements
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARRL Surveying Field Day Participants

    The ARRL Programs and Services Committee is seeking input from stations
    and groups that participated in ARRL Field Day 2020 and 2021 and has
    posted a survey. The committee said the survey results may help shape
    the development of Field Day rules for 2022 and beyond. The survey has
    already been sent via email to some 13,000 Field Day participants, more
    than 2,400 Affiliated Clubs, and to the CQ-Contest and VHF-Contesting
    Reflectors.

    "Specifically, as we look toward 2022 Field Day, health and
    social-distancing concerns may continue in June 2022 during the ongoing
    world pandemic," said ARRL Radiosport Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ. "For
    2023 and beyond, the assumption is made that the pandemic will be over,
    and COVID-related restrictions will be relaxed."

    Jahnke said the Programs and Services Committee invites participants'
    insights, in advance of its January meeting, regarding what they
    consider appropriate for operating ARRL Field Day 2022 during the
    ongoing pandemic. The committee hopes to learn if participants prefer
    to continue Field Day under the pandemic accommodations afforded in
    2020 and 2021, which included limiting home stations to the Low Power
    multiplier (150 W PEP), and whether stations in some classes or all
    other classes should be limited to 150 W PEP as well. Field Day
    stations operating at high power became the topic of some discussion in
    the wake of Field Day 2021, when some stations were reported to be
    running the legal limit on FT8 on crowded bands.

    The committee is also interested in views on the 150 W versus 100 W
    change in the Field Day Low Power category definition, which is being
    implemented across all contest platforms.

    During 2020 and 2021, ARRL permitted a couple of basic accommodations
    in the Field Day rules during the COVID outbreak.

    Participants who could not or did not want to be in a group were
    allowed to operate from their home stations and contribute their
    individual scores to their club's Field Day aggregate score. Members'
    scores were combined to achieve an overall final club score, which then
    appeared in the ARRL Field Day results summary in QST and on the ARRL
    website.

    In addition, Class D (Home, commercial power) stations were allowed to
    contact other Class D stations for point credit.

    In 2021, Class D and Class E (Home, emergency power) stations were
    limited to a maximum transmitter output power of 150 W PEP (Low Power).
    The idea here was to minimize the advantage of well-established home
    stations with superior antenna systems and running up to the legal
    1,500 W PEP limit.

    Field Day participants may use this survey link or copy this URL into a
    web browser:
    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022--ARRL-FIELD-DAY-SURVEY.

    The survey will close on January 17, 2022. Direct any questions to the
    ARRL Contest Department.
    ARRL Foundation Grants First-Year Funding for ARISS *STAR* Keith Pugh
    Initiative

    A $47,533 ARRL Foundation grant will fund the initial phase of the
    Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS**USA) *STAR*
    Keith Pugh Memoriam Project. *STAR*, which stands for Space
    Telerobotics using Amateur Radio, honors the memory of Keith Pugh,
    W5IU, a highly respected member of the ARISS team who died in 2019.
    ARISS arranges live question-and-answer sessions via ham radio between
    International Space Station (ISS) crew members and students. A
    long-time and enthusiastic supporter of ARISS, Pugh was a star ARISS
    technical mentor, assisting schools with ARISS contacts, encouraging
    interest in ARISS among educators, and visiting schools to teach
    students about wireless radio technology. One goal of ARISS is to
    engage students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and
    mathematics (STEAM) subjects.

    The ARISS *STAR* Project is a new educational initiative that will
    enable US junior and senior high school groups to remotely control
    robots via ham radio through digital APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting
    System) commands. Year 1 will focus on systems development and initial
    validation of ARISS *STAR*, and year 2 will focus on evaluation and
    final validation.

    Systems development and evaluation will be led by university staff and
    students who will undertake hands-on wireless and telerobotics lesson
    development, learn about amateur radio, and support *STAR* engineering
    hardware and software development.

    Next, youth teams will be selected to experiment and critique *STAR*
    telerobotics scenarios in closed courses. In the process, ARISS will
    encourage students to prepare for and earn an FCC amateur radio
    license, enabling them to use ham radio to learn and practice concepts
    in radio technology and radio communication.

    ARISS-USA Executive Director Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, praised the ARRL
    Foundation for its generosity. "ARISS team member Keith Pugh, W5IU,
    poured his energy into inspiring, engaging, and educating youth in
    space and in amateur radio endeavors," Bauer said. "What better way to
    honor Keith than through the ARISS *STAR* initiative. We thank the ARRL
    Foundation for its vision to move this initiative forward. Maybe
    someday one of our ARISS *STAR* students will use their telerobotics
    skills to control scientific rovers on the moon or Mars!"

    Over the past 2 decades, more than 1,400 ARISS contacts have connected
    more than 1 million youth with the ISS using amateur radio, with
    millions more watching and learning.

    The overarching goals for *STAR* are to improve and sustain ARISS STEAM
    educational outcomes. Robotics is gaining popularity among youth and
    adults alike, and telerobotics adds a wireless accent to robotic
    control. This will expand ARISS's educational dimension to attract the
    attention of more groups, students, and educators -- outreach that
    promises to attract new audiences.

    The ARRL Foundation was established in 1973, to advance the art,
    science, and social benefits of the Amateur Radio Service by awarding
    financial grants and scholarships to individuals and organizations that
    support their charitable, educational, and scientific efforts.

    ARISS is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies
    and space agencies that support the ISS. US sponsors include ARRL, the
    Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation (AMSAT), the ISS National
    Lab**Space Station Explorers, and NASA's Space Communications and
    Navigation program (SCaN). The primary goal of ARISS is to promote
    exploration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and
    mathematics topics. For more information, visit www.ariss-usa.org and
    www.ariss.org.


    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 24) features tips
    on how to improve the effective range of your handheld transceiver.

    The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 50) of the Eclectic Tech
    podcast -- the final edition for 2021 -- features a discussion with
    Nelson Sollenberger, KA2C, about the filter he designed that allows two
    nearby stations to operate on the same band during ARRL Field Day and
    contests. The episode also offers a brief explanation of the so-called
    POST beeps that many computers make, and what they mean.

    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 Welcomes New Director of Emergency Management

    ARRL has announced the hiring of Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, into the role
    of Director of Emergency Management. Johnston is from Ozone, Arkansas,
    and comes to ARRL with 16 years of experience as the Director of
    Johnson County (Arkansas) Department of Emergency Management. He holds
    an Extra-class amateur radio license and is an ARES^(R) Emergency
    Coordinator, Volunteer Examiner, and ARRL-registered Instructor.
    Johnston is also certified in FEMA NIMS and is a Cybersecurity and
    Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) AUXCOMM Communications Unit
    Leader. He holds a bachelor's degree in emergency administration and
    management from Arkansas Tech University.

    "I am happy to welcome Josh to the ARRL staff and to add his talent and
    knowledge to our team," said ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA. "His
    contribution will help ARRL continue to support our dedicated
    volunteers of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R), improve
    opportunities for training, and advance our relationships throughout
    the EmComm community."

    With extensive experience in inter-agency cooperation and planning,
    Johnston is well versed in the different aspects of emergency
    management and leading both professional and volunteer operators. He
    has experience in communications planning and execution in the field
    and at the local and state level. As an Arkansas Master Certified
    Emergency Manager and past Board Member of Arkansas Emergency
    Management Association, where he served as president for 2 years,
    Johnston has experience working with government and agency
    representatives as well as boots on the ground in the field.

    Johnston will be based at ARRL's headquarters in Newington,
    Connecticut, working with staff and member-volunteers, and coordinating
    with the ARRL Board's new Emergency Communications and Field Services
    Committee (EC-FSC).

    Youth on the Air Camp to Return in June

    After a successful pilot camp program in 2021, the next Youth on the
    Air for the Americas camp has been set for June 12 - 17, 2022. The camp
    will return to the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in
    West Chester Township, Ohio.

    The application period will open online February 11. Eligible
    participants are amateur radio operators between ages 15 and 25. A
    total of 30 campers will be accepted. Some of the 30 spots will be
    reserved for campers who reside outside of the US but do reside in the
    Americas. Priority will be given to first-time attendees. Returning
    attendees will serve as camp leaders.

    "We know that changes in the COVID-19 pandemic status between now and
    June will have an impact on hosting the camp," said Youth on the Air
    camp Director Neil Rapp, WB9VPG. "Should we not be able to host the
    camp or need to reschedule, we will let everyone know with as much
    notice as possible.

    Beginning in 2022, the camp will alternate as much as possible each
    year between June and July. Rapp says the camp planning working group
    acknowledges that avoiding all scheduling conflicts is not possible,
    but hopes that alternating months will provide some diversity with
    school schedules, extracurricular activities, and major ham radio
    events.

    Beginning in 2023, the location of the camp will rotate to various
    locations within the Americas. A system will be announced in which IARU
    member-societies and clubs will bid to serve as host of the region-wide
    camp.

    For details about the camp and/or to sign up for updates by email,
    visit the YouthOnTheAir camp website. Contact Rapp for more
    information.
    CAMSAT XW-3 (CAS-9) is Designated Hope-OSCAR-113 (HO-113)

    At the request of the Chinese Amateur Satellite Group (CAMSAT), AMSAT
    Vice President of Operations Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, has announced the
    designation of the new Chinese XW-3 (CAS-9) satellite as Hope-OSCAR-113
    (HO-113). Developed by CAMSAT, in cooperation with the Chinese
    government's aerospace and education departments, XW-3 was launched on
    December 26 at 0311 UTC on a CZ-4C Y39 vehicle from China's Taiyuan
    Satellite Launch Center. CAMSAT completed the design and manufacture of
    the amateur radio payload and manages the satellite's in-orbit
    operation. Alan Kung, BA1DU, of CAMSAT announced the successful launch,
    and reports of telemetry and contacts soon followed. XW-3 has a linear
    transponder and a camera that can take photos of Earth.

    The CW beacon frequency is 435.575 MHz at 22 WPM. GMSK telemetry is at
    435.725 MHz. The amateur radio inverting V/U 100 mW linear transponder
    uplink is 145.870 MHz, and the downlink is 435.180 MHz. The transponder
    passband is 30 kHz.

    Kung said, "A space camera carried on the satellite has undergone
    preliminary engineering tests, and the download function of compressed
    photos will be opened to amateur radio enthusiasts in the future."

    On January 3, CAMSAT announced the release of the XW-3 (CAS-9) Amateur
    Radio Satellite User's Manual, version 1.1 2022-1-3. The latest version
    adds information on the satellite's test mode telemetry data format.
    The satellite's test mode is used for in-orbit engineering monitoring,
    diagnosis, and maintenance and is only used when the satellite passes
    over China. -- Thanks to AMSAT News Service and Alan Kung, BA1DU

    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.

    More webinars are coming soon!

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    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.
    * Pandemic Project: Trailer renovation allows for extended emergency
    radio assistance The Spokesman-Review (Washington) December 30,
    2021
    * Amateur Radio Club bands together during pandemic
    OrilliaMatters.com (Ontario) December 26, 2021

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    The Volunteer Monitor Program Report for December 2021

    The Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program is a joint initiative between ARRL
    and the FCC to enhance compliance in the Amateur Radio Service. This is
    the December 2021 activity report of the VM Program.
    * Operators in Center Hill and Coconut Creek, Florida, were issued
    notices for excessive signal bandwidth on 40 and 75 meters, in
    violation of Section 97.307(a) of FCC rules. General-class
    operators in Hudson, Florida; Winterville, Georgia; Provo, Utah,
    and Bloomfield Hills, Jackson, and Howell, Michigan, received
    notices for out-of-band SSB operation on frequencies not permitted
    by their General-class licenses, in violation of Section 97.301 of
    FCC rules.
    * Technician-class operators in Baltimore, Maryland; Divernon,
    Illinois; Moore, Oklahoma; Bradenton, Florida, and Roseville and
    Rancho Cordova, California, received notices for FT8 operation on
    unauthorized 20- and 40-meter frequencies, in violation of Section
    97.301 of FCC rules.
    * Commendations for exemplary amateur radio operation were issued to
    licensees in these cities: Dahlonega, Georgia (for managing medical
    and technical issues during the Six Gap Century bicycle race in
    October); Riverside, California (for operation during the October
    Earthquake Situational Emergency Test); Swansea, South Carolina
    (for operation on the SC HF ARES Net); Springfield, Indiana (for
    assistance to new operators in message handling); Mims, Florida
    (for exceptional efforts in correcting wideband issues), and
    Raymond, Mississippi (for exemplary operation during ARRL Field
    Day, statewide HF and VHF nets, and assistance to new operators).

    The totals for VM monitoring in November were 1,901 hours on HF
    frequencies and 2,784 hours on VHF frequencies and above, for a total
    of 4,685 hours.

    There was one referral from the FCC for enforcement assistance. --
    Thanks to VM Program ministrator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Announcements

    [IMG]Tom Roscoe, K8CX, has updated his treasury of sound clips with 314
    new ones from 2021, including DX sound clips. Tom now has a grand total
    of 3,211 sound clips dating from the 1960s to the present. He's always
    looking for good on-air recordings.

    N3FJP Amateur Contact Log 7.0.3 and all N3FJP software now includes an
    easily selectable, fully customizable "Dark Theme" option. "Being able
    to quickly transition to Dark Theme during night time operating sure
    helps give our eyes a rest, reduces fatigue, and helps keep us in the
    chair longer," says developer Scott Davis, N3FJP. Colors may be
    modified as well.

    The agenda for the ARRL Board of Directors Annual Meeting, January 21 -
    22, 2022 has been posted.

    The Danish DX Group celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022. For that
    occasion, special event station OZ50DDXG will be on the air, and radio
    amateurs can apply for an anniversary award by working the station.
    More information is in the OZ50DDXG QRZ.com profile.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    In Brief...

    A new Technician Question Pool will become effective on July 1. The
    National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question
    Pool Committee (QPC) has released the 2022 - 2026 Technician Class FCC
    Element 2 NCVEC Question Pool Syllabus & Question Pool into the public
    domain. It's available as a Word document or PDF. The three graphics
    required for the new Technician question pool are available within the
    documents, or separately as PDF or JPG files. The new pool incorporates
    some significant changes compared to the 2018 - 2022 pool. Its 257
    questions were modified slightly to improve wording or to replace
    distractors; 51 new questions were generated, and 62 questions were
    eliminated. This resulted in a reduction of 11 questions, bringing the
    total number of questions in the pool from 423 to 412. The difficulty
    level of the questions is now more balanced, and the techniques and
    practices addressed have been updated. The new 2022 - 2026 question
    pool is effective July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2026, and must be used for
    Technician-class license exams administered on or after July 1, 2022.
    -- Thanks to NCVEC Question Pool Committee

    The WSJT development group has released a "bug-fix" update of WSJT-X --
    version 2.5.4. The primary fix repairs a defect that caused occasional
    crashes when contacting stations with non-standard call signs. It also
    allows MAP65's "best-fit Delta Phi (Dphi)" solution to be displayed to
    the user. The WSJT development group has welcomed new members Chet
    Fennell, KG4IYS, and Dr. Uwe Risse, DG2YCB. "Each brings important
    skills and experience[s] to the project, after the loss of Bill
    Somerville, G4WJS," said Joe Taylor, K1JT, on behalf of the group. "The
    newly constituted group has been working to redefine standard operating
    procedures for new releases." Installation packages for WSJT-X are
    available for Windows and Linux. An installation package for macOS will
    be added soon.

    Radio Amateurs of Canada has a new President. The Radio Amateurs of
    Canada (RAC) Board has elected Phil A. McBride, VA3QR/VA3KPJ, as the
    new RAC President, effective January 1. He succeeds Glenn MacDonell,
    VE3XRA, who served the maximum three consecutive 2-year terms as
    President. McBride is the former RAC Ontario South Director. Former
    Ontario North and East Director Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, is the new Vice
    President, and former Member Services Officer and previous Atlantic
    Director Dave Goodwin, VE3KG, is the new Regulatory Affairs Officer.
    They succeed Doug Mercer, VO1DM, and Richard Ferch, VE3KI, who served
    as Vice President and Regulatory Affairs Officer, respectively.

    A Barbados ham is among the world's oldest, if not the oldest. Winston
    A. "Woody" Richardson, 8P6CC (ex-VP6WR), has turned 107 years old,
    placing him among the world's oldest radio amateurs. Jim Neiger, N6TJ,
    told The Daily DX that Richardson hosted his 1980 - 82 operations (as
    8P6J) from his home during the CQ World Wide DX Contest (CW). The Woody
    Richardson Communications Room at the Amateur Radio Society of Barbados
    is named for him. Richardson visited the Amateur Radio of Barbados
    headquarters in 2020.

    Comments are invited on a new Pacific Remote Islands Marine National
    Monument Management Plan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
    ministration (NOAA) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have
    invited comments regarding a new Monument Management Plan for the
    Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (KH1, KH3, KH5, and
    KH9). The monument encompasses approximately 495,200 square miles in
    the central Pacific Ocean. It includes seven islands and atolls: Baker,
    Howland, and Jarvis islands; Johnston, Wake, and Palmyra atolls, as
    well as the Kingman Reef. Don Greenbaum, N1DG, serves as the appointed
    Citizen-at-Large Representative for the NOAA/USFWS Community Group,
    providing input on drafting the new management plan. This notice is the
    culmination of 2 years of drafting that plan, with input from NOAA,
    USFWS, and the Community Group participants.
    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity was quite a bit
    lower this week, but new sunspot groups emerged on December 31, January
    1, January 4, and January 5. Average daily sunspot number dropped from
    110.1 to 36.4, while average daily solar flux went from 124 to 91.4.

    Geomagnetic activity was still fairly quiet, even with a number of
    flares and CMEs, with average daily planetary A index changing from 6.4
    to 7.7, and average middle latitude A index from 4.4 to 6.

    Predicted solar flux over the next month shows 10.7-centimeter flux
    values peaking at 120 on January 16 - 24 and again at 120 in mid -
    February. The daily predicted values are 84 and 88 on January 6 - 7; 92
    on January 8 - 12; 115 on January 13 - 15; 120 on January 16 - 24; 110
    on January 25; 100 on January 26 - 27; 95 and 90 on January 28 - 29; 88
    on January 30 - 31; 85 on February 1 - 5; 90, 95, and 100 on February 6
    - 8, and 115 on February 9 - 11.

    Predicted planetary A index is 5 on January 6 - 8; 12, 14, and 8 on
    January 9 - 11; 5 on January 12 - 14; 8 and 12 on January 15 - 16; back
    to 8 on January 17 - 18; 5 on January 19 - 22; 10 on January 23; 8 on
    January 24 - 26; 5 and 10 on January 27 - 28; 8 on January 29 - 30; 5
    on January 31 - February 6; 10 on February 7 - 8, and 5 on February 9 -
    10.

    Sunspot numbers for December 30 - January 5 were 77, 53, 52, 25, 12,
    12, and 24, with a mean of 36.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 102.4,
    101.5, 93.9, 89, 84, 85.5, and 83.7, with a mean of 91.4. Estimated
    planetary A indices were 8, 4, 11, 10, 12, 6, and 3, with a mean of
    7.7. Middle latitude A index was 7, 2, 9, 7, 9, 5, and 3, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA

    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 7 -- QRP Fox Hunt (CW)
    * January 7 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, 20 WPM maximum)
    * January 8 -- PODXS 070 Club PSKFest
    * January 8 -- YB DX Contest (Phone)
    * January 8 -- Old New Year Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 8 -- RSGB AFS Contest (CW)
    * January 8 - 9 -- ARRL RTTY Roundup
    * January 8 - 9 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
    * January 8 - 9 -- EUCW 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * January 9 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB
    * January 9 -- DARC 10-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
    * January 9 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest (CW)
    * January 10 -- 4 States QRP Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
    * January 12 -- 432 VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * January 8 -- ARRL New York City-Long Island Section Convention
    (Ham Radio University), Online
    * January 14 -15 -- ARRL North Texas Section Convention (Cowtown
    Hamfest), Forest Hill, Texas
    * January 22 -- ARRL Midwest Division Convention (Winterfest),
    Collinsville, Illinois
    * January 28 - 29 -- ARRL Delta Division Convention (Capital
    City Hamfest 2022), Jackson, Mississippi.
    * February 10 - 13 -- 2022 ARRL National Convention at
    Orlando HamCation^(R), Orlando, Florida
    * February 18 - 19 -- ARRL Southwestern Division Convention
    (Yuma Hamfest), Yuma, Arizona
    * February 26 -- ARRL Vermont State Convention (HAM-CON), Colchester,
    Vermont
    * March 19 -- ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention (47^th Annual
    Martin County Hamfest), Stuart, Florida
    * March 19 -- ARRL West Texas Section Convention (66^th Annual St.
    Patrick's Day Hamfest), Midland, Texas
    * March 19 -- ARRL West Virginia Section Convention (Charleston Area
    Hamfest), Charleston, West Virginia
    * March 27 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention (Winterfest),
    Annandale, Virginia

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events
    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    Subscribe to...
    * NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
    articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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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) 2022 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.


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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Jan 14 09:05:20 2022
    The ARRL Letter
    January 13, 2022

    * ARRL Foundation to Create Club Grants Program
    * ARISS Highlighted among NASA's Best Space Station Science Pictures
    of 2021
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Growing Number of Operators Completing WAS on 222 MHz
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Dick Fyjlstra, PA0DFN, is 2022 Carole Perry Educator of the Year
    * Eight US Schools and Organizations Could Host Ham Radio Contacts
    with Space Station Crew
    * Announcements
    * China is Expanding its South China Sea Antenna Farms
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    [IMG]

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ARRL National Convention & Orlando HamCation^(R) is February 10 -

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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Jan 21 09:05:22 2022
    The ARRL Letter
    January 20, 2022

    * ARES Activates as Wind-Driven Year-End Fire Destroys 1,000 Colorado
    Homes
    * Extended ARRL Team Will Support February's ARRL National Convention
    in Orlando
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * National Science Foundation Awards Nearly $50,000 for HamSCI
    Workshop
    * Announcements
    * FCC Seeks Attorney-visor for its Mobility Division
    * Launch of a Wooden Satellite Still Pending
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Two Radio Amateurs Appointed to the FCC Technological visory
    Council (TAC)
    * Getting It Right!
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    ARES Activates as Wind-Driven Year-End Fire Destroys 1,000 Colorado
    Homes

    Members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) in
    Colorado, volunteering for the Boulder County (Colorado) Amateur Radio
    Emergency Services (BCARES), turned out on December 30, 2021 as the
    devastating Marshall Fire roared through Superior and (portions of)
    Louisville, Colorado. Intense winds whipped a grass fire south of
    Boulder near Marshall into a massive firestorm that became too large
    and fierce for firefighters to battle.

    "The only battle was evacuation, as the towns of Louisville and
    Superior and [the] northern suburbs of Denver lay in the fire's
    wind-driven path," said Amateur TV (ATV) enthusiast and equipment
    dealer Jim Andrews, KH6HTV, of Boulder. Andrews said the only thing
    limiting the fire's spread was the fact that the winds diminished by
    that evening.

    "By that time, hundreds of homes had burned down," Andrews said, whose
    own house was among them. "This was not a typical forest fire, but an
    urban firestorm." Thousands of people were evacuated.

    BCARES Board of Directors Chairman and Region 1, District 3 Emergency
    Coordinator Allen Bishop, K0ARK, said that a request from the Boulder
    Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate the emergency
    operations center (EOC) is what initiated the ARES activation. "At that
    time, staffing was initiated with the activation of the BCARES Radio
    Network, with three BCARES members assigned to the EOC," Bishop said.
    The BCARES Net was promptly activated.

    ARES volunteers supported communication at evacuation sites and
    established emergency communication as commercial power failures and
    preventive shutdowns by utilities caused a loss of commercial
    communication. "Within about 8 hours," Bishop said, "battery back-up
    systems for cell phones and landlines failed, and 911 services went
    down."

    "To facilitate a restoration of these emergency services, BCARES
    activated the Mountain Emergency Radio Network (MERN)," Bishop said.
    Established in 2010, MERN consists of repeaters installed at fire
    stations in Gold Hill and Allenspark, at community centers in Nederland
    and Raymond, and the privately owned Airlink Repeater. "These repeaters
    provided the emergency communication links that facilitated the
    restoration of 911 communications back to the dispatch center for the
    duration of the power outages," Bishop explained. The Allenspark
    Neighbors Emergency Network (ANEN) and Airlink (Alternate Access Radio
    Network) participated.

    Jim Andrews, KH6HTV, shared this
    photo of what remained of his home.
    [Jim Andrews, KH6HTV, photo]

    According to Bishop, as the Marshall Fire expanded, evacuation center
    support was requested at three locations to provide on-site situation
    reports using Winlink. Bishop said BCARES members and mutual-aid ARES
    operators from neighboring Districts established local communication
    with the BCARES EOC radio position from designated field locations.
    BCARES was activated for 2 days. One person died as a result of the
    fire.

    As Andrews reported, Boulder County announced on New Year's Day that
    nearly 1,000 homes were lost. In addition to his own home, the fire
    destroyed his daughter's home next door, as well as the homes of all
    his close neighbors. "We had no official warning of the coming
    firestorm," Andrews said. "My only warning was from our daughter who
    saw it happening." Andrews added, "KH6HTV VIDEO, as a supplier of ATV
    gear, will be out of operation for a very long time to come." Andrews
    edits the monthly Boulder Amateur Television Club TV Repeater's
    REPEATER newsletter.
    Extended ARRL Team Will Support February's ARRL National Convention in
    Orlando

    An extended ARRL team of member-volunteers, program representatives,
    and presenters will advance the convention theme inviting attendees to
    "reDiscover Radio" at Orlando HamCation, host of the 2022 ARRL National
    Convention February 10 - 13. A wide-ranging roster of workshops,
    exhibits, and activities will educate and entertain radio amateurs
    committed to developing knowledge and skills in radio technology and
    radio communication.

    The convention will be held in two parts. On Thursday, February 10, an
    all-day ARRL National Convention Program will be held at the DoubleTree
    by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld. vance registration is required
    and includes a series of day-long ARRL Training Tracks and a National
    Convention luncheon with a keynote address by ARRL CEO David Minster,
    NA2AA. The Training Tracks comprise four workshops led by experienced
    presenters: Contest University (CTU), Emergency Communications Academy,
    Hands-On Handbook, and Technology Academy. Registration can be
    completed online.

    DX Engineering is the Official Sponsor of the 2022 ARRL National
    Convention Program.

    On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 11 - 13, HamCation will take
    place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park in Orlando -- an
    87-acre lakefront fairgrounds. The convention marks the 75th
    anniversary of HamCation -- one of the largest annual gatherings of
    radio amateurs in the US. HamCation tickets can be purchased online
    until January 31 and at the gate during the event.

    The centerpiece of ARRL's participation will be a large exhibit area in
    the East and West Hall. Nearly a dozen ARRL program areas will be
    represented, including Radiosport and DXCC Card Checking, Radio Clubs,
    the Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R), Development, and the ARRL
    Foundation.

    A suite of exhibits organized by the ARRL Education and Learning
    Department will include an introduction to the new ARRL Learning
    Center. ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, will
    introduce this new member benefit that includes online courses, videos,
    and other amateur radio instruction and training. At another booth,
    ARRL Education and Technology Program Instructor Tommy Gober, N5DUX,
    will cover the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology.

    Josh Nass, KI6NAZ, of the popular
    "Ham Radio Crash Course" is one of
    the YouTube content creators who
    will present at the Convention.

    ARRL has invited several ham radio content creators from popular
    YouTube channels to meet and interact with attendees in the exhibit
    area. Josh Nass, KI6NAZ, of the popular "Ham Radio Crash Course"
    YouTube channel, will moderate. He is the 2020 winner of the ARRL Bill
    Leonard Award for outstanding published media that advances amateur
    radio. Visitors will have a chance to meet ARRL authors and editors.

    ARRL Laboratory engineers and volunteers will offer free testing of
    visitors' handheld radios. This service will determine the spectral
    purity of the output signal from the radios.

    Members and other attendees can meet ARRL elected officials and Field
    Organization volunteers at the Southeastern Division booth to catch up
    on events and to explore opportunities to get involved through their
    ARRL Sections and radio clubs.

    The exhibit area will also include the ARRL store and membership area,
    where visitors may join, renew, or extend ARRL and Diamond Club
    memberships and purchase publications, apparel, and 2022 Field Day
    products. New ARRL Membership Manager Matt Caruso will be eager to meet
    and greet members.

    ARRL will sponsor three forums at HamCation:
    * An ARRL Emergency Communications Panel will be held at 3:15 PM
    Eastern on Friday. The panel will be moderated by ARRL Director of
    Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, and will include
    panelists from the ARRL Southeastern Division Field Organization.
    * On Saturday at 2 PM Eastern, ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio visors
    Andy Milluzzi, KK4LWR, and Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT, will lead a
    Collegiate Amateur Radio Forum. The ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio
    Initiative is a regular networking source among active campus radio
    clubs and their student members.
    * An ARRL Membership Forum will be held on Saturday at 3:15 PM,
    moderated by Southeastern Division Director Mickey Baker, N4MB.
    This forum offers an opportunity to hear from ARRL representatives
    on key areas of member interest and amateur radio advocacy and to
    learn how ARRL supports dozens of ways to get involved and active
    on the air. Panelists will include President Rick Roderick, K5UR,
    and CEO David Minster, NA2AA.

    The exhibit area will also include the ARRL store and membership area,
    where visitors may join, renew, or extend ARRL and Diamond Club
    memberships and purchase publications, apparel, and 2022 Field Day
    products.

    The Orlando Amateur Radio Club sponsors Orlando HamCation. Further

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  • From Sean Dennis@1:18/200 to All on Fri Jan 28 09:05:22 2022
    The ARRL Letter
    January 27, 2022

    * Amateur Radio Digital Communications Grants Continue
    * ARRL Podcasts Schedule
    * Weak Signals Heard from Spanish Satellites EASAT-2 and HADES
    * Puerto Rico Section and Red Cross Puerto Rico Chapter Sign New MOU
    * Announcements
    * Amateur Radio in the News
    * Next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo set for Mid-March
    * ARRL Learning Network Webinars
    * QRP Operator Logs One Contact per Day for Nearly 30 Years
    * Getting It Right!
    * In Brief...
    * The K7RA Solar Update
    * Just Ahead in Radiosport
    * Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    Amateur Radio Digital Communications Grants Continue

    Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has continued its largesse,
    funding a variety of projects through individual grants. Among the
    latest is a nearly $900,000 award that will permit the Internet Archive
    to build the Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications
    (DLARC), "an online, open-access resource that preserves the vital
    resources -- past, present, and future -- that document the history of
    amateur radio and communications," as the project proposal explained.
    Internet Archive is a nonprofit library of millions of free books,
    movies, pieces of software, pieces of music, websites, and more.

    "The DLARC will be both an education program building a unique and
    unparalleled collection of primary and secondary resources, but also an
    innovative technical project that will build a digital library that
    combines both digitized print materials and [original] digital
    content," Internet Archive said in its proposal.

    It will incorporate three distinct areas: a large-scale scanning
    program to digitize relevant print materials from institutions and
    individuals; a large-scale digital archiving initiative that seeks to
    curate, archive, and provide specialized access to such media as
    digital photos and audio-video presentations, as well as websites and
    web-published material, and a personal archiving campaign to ensure the
    preservation and future access of notable individuals and stakeholders
    involved in the founding and activities of ARDC and the broader
    community.

    The ARDC grant program stems from the proceeds of the July 2019 sale of
    some 4 million unused consecutive AMPRNet internet addresses. Using
    those funds, ARDC established a program of grants and scholarships in
    support of communications and networking research, with a strong
    emphasis on amateur radio.

    The Fauquier 4-H Ham Radio Club
    learning beginning circuitry skills
    by building code practice
    oscillators. [Dalyah Ronzio, photo]

    Another ARDC grant for nearly $34,000 will permit the Fauquier 4-H Ham
    Radio Club in Virginia to purchase and equip a 4-H Youth Station and
    Outreach Trailer for the club's youth to use at regular meetings,
    public demonstrations, and special events.

    "A big thanks to Amateur Radio Digital Communications for awarding our
    new Ham Radio Club a grant to build a ham radio trailer," the club
    posted on its Facebook page. "Building out the trailer and using the
    modern amateur radio equipment will be a fun STEAM [science,
    technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics] project for our club
    members. Once it is all built out, you can plan to see the trailer out
    at some local events -- hopefully the Fauquier County Fair and the
    Manassas HamFest in mid-June."

    The Fauquier 4-H Ham Radio Club offers local youth ages 9 to 18
    opportunities to explore STEAM through amateur radio communications and
    electronics projects. "An amateur radio license is not required to
    join, but the club strives to inspire and help members who are
    interested in getting their license achieve that goal," the proposal
    said.

    A $318,000 grant to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), will fund 30
    SWE global scholarships and "contribute to programs that will help
    women in engineering excel professionally and showcase their
    achievements." According to SWE, these programs include the High School
    Leadership Academy, a virtual, year-round program aimed at building
    self-confidence and resilience among high school students who are
    interested in pursuing engineering and technology degrees; the
    Community College Women of Color Pathways Research, a new year-long
    program to encourage undergraduate women studying at Historically Black
    Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions
    (HSIs) to pursue STEM graduate degrees, and its Collegiate Leadership
    Institute, a program designed to equip collegiate SWE members with the
    skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities that will enable them to
    become leaders in engineering and technology.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    ARRL Podcasts Schedule

    The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 25) features a
    conversation with Michael Fluegemann, KE8AQW, about how to get started
    with CW.

    The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 52) features a
    chat with Sal DeFrancesco, K1RGO, about his 630-meter receiving loop
    antenna design that appears in the February issue of QST. Also, there
    is a brief discussion of the new YubiKey Bio password protection device

    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.

    Weak Signals Heard from Spanish Satellites EASAT-2 and HADES

    AMSAT-EA (Spain) has said it appears that EASAT-2 and HADES are
    transmitting, and that weak signals have been heard, but apparently the
    satellites' antennas have not deployed.

    "We confirm the reception of both EASAT-2 and HADES, as well as the
    decoding of telemetry and the FM recorded voice beacon with the call
    sign AM5SAT of the first one. EASAT-2 appears to be working well,
    except for the deployment of the antennas -- something that apparently
    has not yet occurred and causes weak signals," said AMSAT-EA Mission
    Manager Felix Paez, EA4GQS. "However, the AMSAT-EA team confirms that,
    based on the reception of FSK, CW, the FM voice beacon, and the
    telemetry data that has been decoded, it can be said that the satellite
    is working perfectly. In the event of low battery or system
    malfunction, the onboard computer would not transmit CW messages or the
    voice beacon call sign, as it would be in [safe mode] with only fast
    and slow telemetry transmissions."

    At the request of AMSAT-EA, EASAT-2 has been designated as Spain-OSCAR
    114 (SO-114) and HADES as Spain-OSCAR 115 (SO-115).

    "These signals that confirm the operation of both satellites were
    received by Daniel Estvez, EA4GPZ, at 1807 UTC on Saturday, January
    15, using two antennas from the Allen Telescope Array." Doppler
    observations from the co-launched Delfi-PQ satellite and the amateur
    radio community have been used to identify the satellites' orbits or
    TLEs.

    AMSAT-EA reports that Estvez performed a preliminary analysis using
    just one polarization of one of the Allen Telescope Array satellite
    dishes. EASAT-2 was detected with a relatively strong signal, close to
    the Delfi-PQ signal, obtaining voice FM beacon transmissions and FSK,
    FSK-CW at 50 baud, AMSAT-EA said.

    "The CW beacon clearly shows the message VVV AM5SAT SOL Y PLAYA, which
    is one of several that both satellites emit, although the call sign
    AM5SAT confirms that it is EASAT-2," AMSAT-EA said. "In the recording
    made by EA4GPZ, there is also a faint trace confirmed to be from HADES
    and stronger packets probably from the IRIS-A satellite."

    EASAT-2 and HADES were among other
    satellites carried into space on a
    SpaceX launcher. [Photo courtesy of
    SpaceX]

    AMSAT-EA reports that signals from HADES are weaker than those of
    EASAT-2, "most likely because the onboard computer has not yet managed
    to deploy the antennas either, although it will continue trying
    regularly," AMSAT-EA said. "The reason the signals are suspected to be
    weaker at HADES is that the antennas are more tightly folded than those
    of EASAT-2. In any case, this is great news, since the transmission
    pattern confirms the proper functioning of the satellite. In the
    observations, you can see the FSK tones with a deviation of about 5 kHz
    interspersed with the FM carrier corresponding to the voice beacon of
    the satellite, which has call sign AM6SAT. The AMSAT-EA team is working
    to try to decode the telemetry signals and obtain more detailed
    information on the state of the satellite."

    AMSAT is asking amateurs with "very high-gain antennas" to try to
    receive them -- especially HADES. "If we could decode telemetry, it
    would be very helpful for us." AMSAT-EA said. "Until antennas are
    deployed, it will be very difficult to use their repeaters or to
    receive any SSTV camera images from HADES, but we hope that this will
    happen sooner or later, at least because, even if the computer doesn't
    succeed applying heat to the resistor where the thread [retaining the
    antennas] is attached, with time, the thread should break due to the
    space environment conditions."
    Puerto Rico Section and Red Cross Puerto Rico Chapter Sign New MOU

    The ARRL Puerto Rico Section and the American Red Cross Puerto Rico
    Chapter signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on January 13.
    The MOU calls on the ARRL Puerto Rico Section to offer any assistance
    and emergency communication support to the American Red Cross, should
    their communications systems fail or become disrupted. American Red
    Cross Regional Executive Lee Vanessa Feliciano; Puerto Rico Section
    Manager Rene Fonseca, NP3O, and Section Emergency Coordinator William
    Planas-Montes, NP3WP, signed for their respective organizations.

    (L - R) William Planas-Montes,
    NP3WP, Puerto Rico Section Emergency
    Coordinator; Lee Vanessa Feliciano,
    Red Cross Regional Executive, and
    Rene Fonseca, NP3O, Puerto Rico
    Section Manager. [Photo courtesy of
    Angel Santana, WP3GW]

    Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 prompted renewal of the MOU.
    Following Hurricane Maria, the American Red Cross asked ARRL to provide
    amateur radio volunteers to assist on site for about 6 weeks.

    Among other provisions, the MOU calls on both organizations to
    encourage their units to engage in discussions with their field units
    to develop plans for local response or disaster relief operations. It
    also calls on each party to participate in community preparedness, as
    well as in ARRL Field Day, the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET), and
    other emergency exercises.

    Also present for the signing, were Logistics Specialist Nory Bonilla
    and Regional Disaster Officer Joseph Guzmn from the Puerto Rico Red
    Cross. Puerto Rico Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator James Perez,
    KP4WA, and Section Traffic Manager Emmanuel Cruz, NP4D, represented
    ARRL. Perez arranged the signing ceremony.

    The MOU is for a 3-year term and is renewable. An initial MOU was
    signed in 2017, and a second one was signed in 2019. Since then, the
    amateur radio population has grown to more than 4,900, indicating an
    interest in maintaining communication in emergencies and disasters. --
    Thanks to Angel Santana, WP3GW

    Announcements
    * Winter Field Day (WFDA) takes place over the January 29 - 30
    weekend. It runs for 24 hours, from Saturday at 1900 UTC to Sunday
    at 1900 UTC. The goal of the Winter Field Day association is to
    enhance operating skills and prepare participants for all
    environmental conditions found in the US and Canada.The RSGB
    reports that Ofcom-licensed radio amateurs may celebrate Queen
    Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee by adding the letter Q before the
    numeral in their call signs. For example G4WQG in England could
    identify as GQ4WQG throughout June. Stations throughout the UK can
    apply to Ofcom for a Notice of Variation.
    * The Boston Marathon is seeking amateur radio volunteers for its
    Patriots Day event in April. New volunteers can sign up online. The
    site includes a step-by-step guide on how to select amateur radio
    volunteer positions during the registration process. Email with
    questions. -- The Boston Marathon Communications Committee
    * Nominations for the 2022 Amateur Radio Software Award are being
    accepted until February 14, 2022. The Amateur Radio Software Award
    is an annual international award to recognize software projects
    that enhance amateur radio. The award aims to promote innovative,
    free, and open amateur radio software development. A nomination
    form is on the Award website.
    * The non-competitive St. Patrick's Award on-the-air event will take
    place March 16 -18. The St Patrick's Award encourages radio
    amateurs worldwide to join the celebration by "going green for St
    Patrick's day." Email for additional information. -- Thanks to
    Bobby Wadey, MI0RYL

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio in the News

    ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
    member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
    * "Radio to the rescue" / Georgetown Gazette (California), January
    20, 2022
    * "Tecumseh School Project Catches NASA's Attention" / Countywide &
    Sun (Oklahoma), January 20, 2022
    * "Networks of service" / The American Legion, January 20, 2022
    * "How the huge volcanic eruption in Tonga was picked up by amateur
    radio enthusiasts in Harborough -- over 10,000 miles away" /
    Harborough Mail (United Kingdom), January 18, 2022
    * "Inspiring Students through Volunteer Work" / Dakota State
    University (South Dakota), January 17, 2022

    Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.

    Next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo set for Mid-March

    What's become a regular March event, the next QSO Today Virtual Ham
    Expo will be held live from March 12-13, and then on demand for 30 days
    afterward. More than 60 speakers will deliver presentations on their
    subject areas. "There's content for everyone whether a newly licensed
    ham looking for next steps to using that license or a 30+ year
    experienced ham looking for new projects," the QSO Today Virtual Ham
    Expo organizers promise.

    Presentations will include "Core HF Communication Concepts:
    Fundamentals of Shortwave Propagation;" "Deep Dive of an FPGA DVB-S2
    Implementation;" "Fun With the NanoVNA," and "Helically Wound Vertical
    for 160 Meters. The complete list of presentations is available from
    the Virtual Ham Expo home page.

    Virtual visitors may watch as many presentations as they want and
    return any time within 30 days to view speakers and presentations they
    may have miss as well as explore exhibitor offerings.

    This Virtual Ham Expo will debut new technology that, organizers say,
    will "further improve the live video interaction experience with
    exhibitors and fellow operators." ARRL The national association for
    Amateur Radio^(R), is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Partner. Early bird
    tickets go on sale on February 1. Tickets are $10 through March 6.
    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.

    More webinars are coming soon!

    ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
    previously recorded Learning Network webinars. ARRL-affiliated radio
    clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club meetings,
    mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio topics.

    The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

    QRP Operator Logs One Contact per Day for Nearly 30 Years

    From August 5, 1994, through December 20, 2021 -- a span of nearly
    10,000 days -- ARRL member John Shannon, K3WWP, of Kittanning,
    Pennsylvania, made at least one CW contact while running 5 W or less to
    simple wire antennas. That includes one that's in his attic.

    Over the course of said 10,000 days, Shannon made 72,190 contacts with
    20,098 unique stations. For at least 2,099 of his contacts, his signal
    traveled 1,000 or more miles per W, while another 24,098 were DX
    (non-W/VE) contacts made in 224 DXCC entities. He contacted all 50
    states "many times over" -- he made 3,819 contacts with stations in
    Pennsylvania and 63 contacts with stations in Wyoming.

    Shannon reports that the DX country he contacted most often was
    Germany, with 1,934 contacts. By continent, his contact totals ranged
    from 52,639 with stations in North America to 325 with stations in
    Oceania, plus 18 with stations in Antarctica. The number of contacts he
    made on each band used includes 19,279 on 40 meters; 15,459 on 20
    meters; 28 on 60 meters, and 39 on 6 meters.

    Within his first UTC hour of operation each day, Shannon logged nearly
    73% of his daily contacts.

    He also experienced a DX streak from March 1, 2013 through August 1,
    2018, which was a total of 1,980 days. During this time, he contacted
    at least one DX station per day.

    Shannon said that the greatest satisfaction he's derived from his
    operating streak is that other hams express that he inspired their
    interest in, and enjoyment of, CW and/or QRP operating. Shannon said
    that his greatest satisfaction derived from his lengthy operating
    streak was having other hams express that he inspired their interest in
    operating CW and/or QRP, and that they really enjoyed it.

    In the early 2000s, he wrote for the "QRP with John Shannon, K3WWP"
    column in The Key Note, the FISTS CW Club's newsletter. ditionally,
    his article, "The Streak: 23 Years of Daily Contacts," was published in
    the August 2017 issue of QST.

    Shannon said his streak is not over. He intends to continue making
    daily contacts for 11,000 or 12,000 days. View his website for more
    information.
    Getting It Right!

    Regarding the story "Two Radio Amateurs Appointed to the FCC
    Technological visory Council (TAC)" in the January 20 edition of The
    ARRL Letter: Andy Clegg, W4JE, was also appointed to the TAC to
    represent the Wireless Innovation Forum. Dale Hatfield, ex-W0IFO, was
    another TAC appointee.
    In Brief...

    A February webinar will discuss amateur radio and AUXCOM support to the
    US Department of Defense. On Thursday, February 18, at 0100 (the
    evening of February 17 in North American time zones), the US Army
    Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) will host a Zoom call to
    discuss amateur radio and AUXCOM support to the US Department of
    Defense. During this presentation, the NETCOM representative will
    discuss the authorities for these operations; upcoming DOD exercise
    opportunities for 2022 where outreach to the amateur radio/AUXCOM
    community will be a primary training objective; use of the five
    60-meter channels, and the concept for the types of amateur/AUXCOM
    outreach. There will be an opportunity for Q&A throughout the
    presentation. Use this Zoom link to attend. This is meeting ID 837 8115
    4615, and the pass code is 670665. Dial in by location: (346) 248-7799
    (Houston); (669) 900-6833 (San Jose); (253) 215-8782 (Tacoma); (929)
    205-6099 (New York); (301) 715-8592 (Washington DC), and (312) 626-6799
    (Chicago). One tap mobile: +13462487799,,83781154615#,,,,*670665# US
    (Houston); +16699006833,,83781154615#,,,,*670665# US (San Jose)

    The Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) team of Centralia,
    Washington, activated following an early morning bombing on December
    19. Authorities say two men planted the bomb, which blew up the ATM at
    a local bank. The Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad and the FBI
    responded to assist the Centralia Police Department (CPD) in the
    investigation. The Centralia ARES team staged its communications van
    next to the scene. The 13 ARES team members who responded to a call for
    assistance were paired with CPD detectives to assist in the evidence
    search at the crime scene. ARES team members had been trained to
    perform evidence searches for the police department and were able to
    put those skills to work. Teams of three to five ARES members, led by a
    detective, gloved up and slowly searched an estimated 10,000 square
    feet around the bank, along nearby railroad tracks, and an adjoining
    field, retrieving as many potential pieces of evidence as they could
    find. The ARES team was released after about 1 hour. -- Thanks to Bob
    Willey, KD7OWN, Centralia, Washington, ARES Emergency Coordinator

    After an August storm damaged the satellite antenna that DP0GVN in
    Antarctica had been using for QO-100, AMSAT-DL has provided a new one.
    The new QO-100 SatCom ground station antenna arrived intact in
    Antarctica at Neumayer Station III in December, ensuring future
    operations by the 2022/2023 overwintering crew. "AMSAT-DL provided the
    appropriate radio equipment for DP0GVN at Neumayer Station III,
    covering all costs for setup and provision of the required radio
    equipment and antenna," said AMSAT-DL President Peter Guelzow, DB2OS.
    "While amateur radio operations mostly take place during free time,
    contacts with schools have also been arranged on a regular basis.
    Similar to ARISS [Amateur Radio on the International Space Station],
    such contacts in Antarctica are also something very special for the
    students. This will certainly also arouse interest in scientific or
    technical professions and, last but not least, in amateur radio."
    DP0GVN is a permanent ham radio club station, which offers operation
    for residents as their responsibilities. Much of the activity is on the
    QO-100 satellite. The primary operator is Felix Riess, DP1POL/DL5XL,
    who will be in Antarctica until mid-February. His HF activities are
    largely on 30 or 20-meter CW and sometimes FT8. -- Thanks to AMSAT News
    Service and to The Daily DX

    The CW-only Maritime Radio Day 2022 is set for 1200 UTC on April 14
    until 2200 UTC on April 15. Bands will include 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 15,
    and 10 meters. Certificate and QSL. This will mark the 11th anniversary
    of the event, held to commemorate the many years of CW wireless service
    for seafarers. Former US Merchant Marine wireless operators, fisheries,
    and coastal stations may register and participate. Radio amateurs and
    shortwave listeners are welcome. Former maritime radio officers should
    register in advance by April 1. Operating frequencies will focus on
    1824 kHz; 3520 kHz; 7020 kHz; 10,118 kHz; 14,052 kHz; 21,052 kHz, and
    28,052 kHz. The primary working frequency is 14,052 kHz. There is no
    power limit.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    The K7RA Solar Update

    Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: A new sunspot group appeared on
    January 20, another on January 24, two more on January 25, and one more
    on January 26. But, overall solar activity declined from the previous
    week, January 13 - 19. Average daily sunspot number declined from 94.4
    to 39.6, and average daily solar flux went from 112 to 97.6.

    Predicted solar flux is 105 on January 27 - February 4; 108 on February
    5 - 6; 110 on February 7 - 8; 108 on February 9 - 10; 106, 105, 103,
    101, 100, and 95 February 11 - 16; 92 on February 17 - 18; 90 on
    February 19 - 21; 88, 87, 92, and 94 on February 22 - 25; 96 on
    February 26 - 28; 98 and 100 on March 1 - 2, and 105 on March 3 - 4.

    Predicted planetary A index is 8, 5, 12, and 10 on January 27 - 30; 5
    on January 31 - February 3; 15 and 10 on February 4 - 5; 5 on February
    6 - 9; then 12, 15, and 12 on February 10 - 12; 5 on February 13 - 19;
    6 on February 20 - 23; 5, 12, and 10 on February 24 - 26; 5 on February
    27 - March 2, and 15 and 10 on March 3 - 4.

    Look for reports on 6-meter openings in Friday's bulletin.

    Sunspot numbers for January 20 - 26 were 60, 23, 22, 22, 26, 53, and
    71, with a mean of 39.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 99.3, 97.3, 95.2,
    93.5, 95.2, 100.9, and 101.8, with a mean of 97.6. Estimated planetary
    A indices were 5, 8, 10, 8, 4, 13, and 10, with a mean of 8.3. Middle
    latitude A index was 5, 5, 7, 7, 3, 10, and 8, 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 the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA

    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 28 - 30 -- CQ 160-Meter Contest (CW)
    * January 29 - 30 -- REF Contest (CW)
    * January 29 - 30 -- UBA DX Contest (Phone)
    * January 29 - 30 -- Winter Field Day (CW, phone, digital)
    * February 2 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
    * February 2 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
    * February 3 - 4 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW Maximum 13
    WPM)
    * February 3 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
    * February 3 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions
    * January 28 - 29 -- ARRL Delta Division Convention (Capital
    City Hamfest 2022), Jackson, Mississippi.
    * February 10 - 13 -- 2022 ARRL National Convention at
    Orlando HamCation^(R), Orlando, Florida
    * February 18 - 19 -- ARRL Southwestern Division Convention
    (Yuma Hamfest), Yuma, Arizona
    * March 12 - 13 -- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. (ARRL is a QSO Today
    partner)
    * February 26 -- ARRL Vermont State Convention (HAM-CON), Colchester,
    Vermont
    * March 19 -- ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention (47^th Annual
    Martin County Hamfest), Stuart, Florida
    * March 19 -- ARRL West Texas Section Convention (66^th Annual St.
    Patrick's Day Hamfest), Midland, Texas
    * March 19 -- ARRL West Virginia Section Convention (Charleston Area
    Hamfest), Charleston, West Virginia
    * March 27 -- ARRL Virginia Section Convention (Winterfest),
    Annandale, Virginia

    Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database to find events
    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.
    * The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly
    to the Blind-hams Groups.io email group. The group is dedicated to
    discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus
    related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.

    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) 2022 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 Fri Feb 4 09:05:24 2022
    The ARRL Letter
    February 3, 2022

    [IMG] The ARRL National Convention and Orlando

    HamCation^(R) is February 10 - 13, 2022.

    Registration ends on February 4. Visit


    --- 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 Fri Feb 4 11:29:37 2022
    Hello Sean,

    Friday February 04 2022 09:05, I wrote to All:

    The ARRL Letter

    I still have not figured out why this is happening but I am working on it!

    -- Sean

    ... I'm in a phone booth at the corner of Walk and Don't Walk.
    --- GoldED/2 3.0.1
    * Origin: Outpost BBS Sysop Console (1:18/200)