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.

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

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--- SendMsg/2

--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)

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)

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 [email protected].

The Medical Net, a special COVID-19 net, is running Wednesdays, 0130
UTC, on 7.222 MHz. The net deals with correct data on COVID-19
epidemiology care, care issues, and more. Net control will be Dr. Harry
Przekop, WB9EDP, a past president of the Medical Amateur Radio Council
Organization (MARCO) and now a director at large. Przekop is a
specialist in infectious diseases and biomedical physics and is
board-certified as an expert in HIV care. Participants do not need to
be physicians or medical providers to check in, ask questions, and
otherwise take part, but no diagnoses can be rendered. The regular
MARCO Grand Rounds Net is held on Sundays, 1500 UTC, on 14.342 MHz.

Contest University (CTU) 2020 will be online and free. Tim Duffy, K3LR,
has announced that CTU USA 2020 will be held online via Zoom on
Thursday, May 14, starting at 1245 UTC. CTU 2020 is free. The CTU
course outline has been posted online. Connection details to the CTU
Zoom bridge will be posted on the Contest University site 1 week prior
to CTU. Sessions will be recorded for viewing any time after May 14.
Slide decks will be posted on the CTU website as well. At the end of
CTU 2020, Dave Siddall, K3ZJ, will present the 2020 CQ Contest Hall of
Fame awards.

A Welsh radio amateur copied the Titanic distress call, but authorities
did not believe him. April 15 marked the 108th anniversary of the
Titanic disaster. As the passenger vessel was going down, frantic
shipboard radio operators transmitted repeated distress calls. Arthur
"Artie" Moore, MNX, near Pontllanfraith, Wales, heard one of the calls
for help: "CQD CQD SOS de MGY Position 41.44N 50.24W. Require immediate
assistance. Come at once. We have struck an iceberg. Sinking." At that
time, operators used "CQD" (come quickly, distress) and "SOS"
interchangeably. MGY was the RMS Titanic's call sign. The then
26-year-old Moore picked up the distress calls from the stricken ship
thousands of miles away, and, as recounted in The South Wales Argus
newspaper, he raced to inform police about what he'd heard, but the
authorities would not believe him. It wasn't until a day or two later
that the grim news reached the shores of Great Britain. More than 1,500
people died in the tragedy, including some prominent individuals, on
the voyage from England to the US on the Titanic's maiden voyage.

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

Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* May 9 - MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020 (Virtual Event)
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee

Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

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

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

.

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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
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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
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)

The ARRL Letter
April 30, 2020

* Emergency Ventilator Designed and Constructed by Hams Going to FDA
* ARISS Experiments with School Contacts Using "Multipoint
Telebridge" Approach
* Resolving Sunspot Number Confusion
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Radio Amateur Finds Another "Zombie Satellite"
* Frequency Measuring Test Results Posted
* Hams in India Provide Communication Assistance during COVID-19
Pandemic
* Garmin Seeks FCC Ruling or Waiver to Obtain Certification for Part
95/Part 25 Device
* RSGB Aims to Promote Health and Well-Being within the Amateur Radio
Community
* Announcements
* Getting It Right
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

COVID-19 Impact & News

Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.

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

Emergency Ventilator Designed and Constructed by Hams Going to FDA

Radio amateurs have succeeded in providing a complete, working
ventilator system to University of Florida researchers who are in the
process of applying to the Food and Drug ministration for an
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). A successful submission would blaze
the way for volunteers and manufacturers around the world to create
low-cost, highly functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or
anesthesia-care ventilators that offer many of the features of modern

Airway components of the emergency
ventilator. [Photo courtesy of
Gordon Gibby, KX4Z]

ventilators at a fraction of the typical cost. Dr. Gordon Gibby, KX4Z,
who is associated with the project, said efforts to further improve the
device are ongoing.

"We made a stunning improvement in accuracy of the system and measuring
volumes last night at about 1 AM," he told ARRL. "Accuracy of that
particular alarm measurement went from about 300%, down to about 10%.
The FDA submission is being readied, but we keep making engineering
improvements."

Gibby credited some of the primary volunteers. "Bob Benedict, KD8CGH,
has provided incredible volunteer testing, now exceeding 1.6 million
cycles on one crucial valve and 300,000 on another. Jack Purdum, W8TEE,
is the main 'code-cleaner' for one of multiple teams building software,
following the initial lead of Marcelo Varanda, VA3MVV. Ashhar Farhan,
VU2ESE, not only created the ventilator controller schematic but the
printed circuit board layout that will be part of an expected
University of Florida submission." Farhan was among the founding code
writers of what we now know as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Other hams worked on mechanical designs for flow measurements and
retooled potential manufacturing capabilities otherwise used to produce
transceivers. In another example of ham radio ingenuity, Marc
Winzenried, WA9ZCO, modified a readily available lawn sprinkler to
serve as a durable expiratory valve. This development enabled the
ventilator to go more than 1 million breaths before significant valve
issues developed, and the part can be replaced for less than $15.

The ventilator controller circuit
board, designed by Michael
Stapleton, WD4LHT. [Courtesy of
Gordon Gibby, KX4Z]

The completed prototype in Florida was built using typical tools by a
radio amateur, and assembled boards provided by LifeMech, a
manufacturer working with the project. Farhan crafted an extendable
menu structure for the Arduino Nano-based controller, and gas-flow
measurements are made every few milliseconds by an I2C-based
differential pressure transducer that can measure down to tiny PSI
fractions, allowing the design to accurately track patient-induced
variations in the volume of delivered gasses.

"Using Wenzenried's expiratory valve, electronic on-off control at the
rate of 30 Hz allows modulation of the valve to set the continuous
airway pressure used to keep the patient's lung alveoli open against
virus-induced water-logging of the connective tissue," Gibby explained.

"Perhaps the most surprising development was the addition of the
ability to sense patient effort to take a breath and immediately switch
to assisting the patient with that breath, known as 'assist-control'
ventilation," Gibby said. "This is expected to allow far lighter
sedation of patients -- potentially even no sedation." Read more.
ARISS Experiments with School Contacts Using "Multipoint Telebridge"
Approach

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is hoping to
adopt a concept it's calling the "multipoint telebridge contact via
amateur radio" that will allow stay-at-home students to take part in
amateur radio contacts with members of the space station crew. Its
initial success on an April 30 contact with youngsters in Northern
Virginia should provide some impetus for the initiative.

ARISS has used telebridge stations in the past to enable contacts at
times when the ISS orbit does not pass overhead to permit a direct
radio contact with the school or other location. In a conventional
ARISS telebridge contact, an amateur station ground station in a
favorable location for an ISS pass on the scheduled day makes the
contact and handles two-way audio between the station and the contact
site. ARISS said its new multipoint telebridge approach permits
simultaneous reception by families, school faculty, and the public.

"During the last several weeks, efforts to contain the spread of the
COVID-19 virus have resulted in massive school closures worldwide,"
ARISS said this week in a news release. "In addition, the stay-at-home
policies invoked by authorities initially shut down opportunities for
ARISS school contacts for the near future."

The April 30 event involved 5-to-10-year old pupils. Fred Kemmerer,
AB1OC, in Hollis, New Hampshire, who served as the telebridge ground
station, linked with a ISS crew member via radio. Homebound students
and their teacher were able to take part individually via the
telebridge network. Under the teacher's direction, each at-home student
was to take a turn to ask the astronaut one question on a prepared
list, although unrelated technical issues aboard the ISS curtailed the
contact.

"This approach is a huge pivot for ARISS, but we feel it is a great
strategic move," said ARISS-International Chair Frank Bauer, KA3HDO.
"In these times of isolation due to the virus, these ARISS connections
provide a fantastic psychological boost to students, families,
educators, and the public. And they continue our longstanding efforts
to inspire, engage, and educate students in STEAM [science, technology,
engineering, the arts, and mathematics] subjects and encourage them to
pursue STEAM careers." -- Thanks to ARISS

Resolving Sunspot Number Confusion

Recently, well-known contester and DXer Frank Donovan, W3LPL, reviewed
NOAA's official updated solar cycle prediction. Noted propagation
authority Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, followed up.

In his discussion, Donovan commented that the International Sunspot
Number is typically about one-third lower than the Space Weather
Prediction Center (SWPC) sunspot number. There's a good reason for this
discrepancy, and it should be resolved in the near future. Let's look
at how we got into this confusing situation, and what the solution is.

The Space Weather Prediction Center.

We have sunspot records back to Solar Cycle 1 (and even earlier). The
official sunspot number originally came out of Zurich, but now
originates from the Royal Observatory of Belgium. In 1848, Rudolf Wolf
devised the equation for the sunspot number. It involves the number of
sunspot groups, the total number of individual spots in all the groups,
and a variable scale factor. We were happy with this until 2011, when
the first of four workshops were held to review the sunspot data due to
concerns that the scale factor may have been skewing the data. The
result of the four workshops was an entirely new sunspot record.

The biggest difference is the scale factor of 0.6 that had been used
and is no longer considered valid, based on corroborating data. This
change raised the revised (Version 2.0) data over the former (Version
1.0) data by 1/0.6. The Royal Observatory of Belgium started reporting
Version 2.0 sunspot numbers on July 1, 2015. Keep in mind that the V2.0
record all the way back to Cycle 1 changed, too). Now, if we go to the
Table of Recent Solar Indices (Preliminary) of Observed Monthly Mean
Values' in the data tab, we'll see the following SWPC predictions.
Columns 1 and 2 are the year and month. Columns 3, 4, and 5 are the
monthly mean sunspot numbers per Space Weather Operations (with the
SWPC), per the Royal Observatory of Belgium (RI is also known as the
International Sunspot Number), and the ratio between the two. Columns 6
and 7 are the smoothed sunspot numbers per SWO and per the Royal
Observatory of Belgium (RI). Note that the [IMG]smoothed sunspot
numbers are 6 months behind the monthly mean sunspot numbers. That's
because of how the smoothed sunspot number is determined.

So, the discrepancy that W3LPL talked about is between the SWO values
and the RI values; the SWO group never applied the 0.6 scale factor to
its sunspot count, and thus the SWO values are essentially the Royal
Observatory of Belgium Version 2.0 data. The RI values reported by SWO
are the Royal Observatory of Belgium Version 1.0 data. In the graph,
the V1.0 data is in blue and the V2.0 data is in orange. The SWO data
(in gray) indeed follows the V2.0 data, and the RI data, in yellow,
follows the V1.0 data.

To resolve this discrepancy going forward, SWO plans to change RI to
V2.0 data at solar minimum, when the V1.0 data should be equal, or
extremely close, to the V2.0 data. So, the SWO data, for all intents
and purposes, will be equal to the RI data. That should resolve the
confusion with sunspot numbers, except for the fact that our old
sunspot numbers, to which our propagation predictions were correlated,
now are deemed incorrect. -- Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA
ARRL Podcasts Schedule

The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 4) focuses how to
create a family emergency communications plan and includes an interview
with Dino Papas, KL0S, about attaching coaxial connectors with crimping
tools.

The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 6) includes an
interview with ARRL Assistant Laboratory Manager Bob Allison, WB1GCM,
about key clicks and a discussion with NCJ editor Scott Wright, K0MD,
about artificial intelligence software and amateur radio.

The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.

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


The K7RA Solar Update

Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Several sunspots put in appearances
this week. Sunspot numbers on April 25 - 29 were 11, 14, 12, 0, and 24,
for a weekly average of 8.7. Average daily solar flux barely moved --
from 69 to 69.2.

Geomagnetic activity remains quiet, with average daily planetary A
index declining from 7.3 to 5.6.

Predicted solar flux is 70 on April 30 - May 6; 69 on May 7 - 16; 70 on
May 17 - 31; 69 on June 1 - 12, and 70 on June 13.

Predicted planetary A index is 8 on April 30 - May 2; 5 on May 3 - 17;
10 and 8 on May 18 - 19; 5 on May 20 - 23; 8 on May 24 - 27; 5 on May
28 - 31; 12 on June 1, and 5 on June 2 - 13.

Sunspot numbers for April 23 - 29 were 0, 0, 11, 14, 12, 0, and 24, for
a mean of 8.7. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.7, 69.7, 68.9, 69.2, 69,
69, and 69.9, for a mean of 69.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 4,
8, 5, 6, 7, 6, and 3, with a mean of 5.6. Middle latitude A index was
4, 6, 5, 5, 6, 6, and 4, with a mean of 5.1.

A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.

A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.

Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* May 1 -- AGCW QRP/QRP Party (CW)
* May 2 -- RCC Cup (CW, phone)
* May 2 -- Microwave Spring Sprint (CW, phone)
* May 2 -- FISTS Spring Slow Speed Sprint (CW)
* May 2 - 3 -- 7th Call Area QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- Indiana QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- Delaware QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- New England QSO Party (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- Araucaria World Wide VHF Contest (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- 10-10 International Spring Contest (CW)
* May 2 - 3 -- SBMS 2.3 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone)
* May 2 - 3 -- ARI International DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)
* May 4 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
* May 4 - 5 -- MIE 33 Contest (CW, phone)
* May 5 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
* May 7 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone)
* May 7 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)

See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.

Radio Amateur Finds Another "Zombie Satellite"

British Columbia radio amateur Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, has found another
"zombie satellite," as he calls them. This time, he tracked and
identified radio signals from the experimental UHF military
communication satellite LES-5. Tilley says he found the satellite in
what he called a geostationary "graveyard" orbit after noting a
modulated carrier on 236.7487 MHz.

"Most zombie satellites are satellites that are no longer under human
control, or have failed to some degree," Tilley told National Public
Radio (NPR) earlier this month. It's not clear whether LES-5 is still
capable of receiving commands.

LES-5 was built by MIT's Lincoln Laboratory and launched in 1967 as
part of the military's Tactical Satellite Communication Program. It was
supposed to shut down in 1972, but it continues to operate as long as
its solar panels are facing the sun.

What intrigued Tilley about LES-5 was that it might be the oldest
functioning geostationary satellite in space. After British Columbia
went on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tilley found himself
with a lot of free time for such a search. He located LES-5 on March
24.

LES-5 under construction.

From his home in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Tilley, an amateur
astronomer, routinely scans the skies for radio signals from classified
objects orbiting Earth. Since he started, he's located dozens of secret
or unlisted satellites.

In 2018, while hunting for an undisclosed US government spacecraft lost
in a launch mishap, he spotted the signature of IMAGE (Imager for
Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration), a NASA spacecraft believed
to have died in December 2005. The discovery delighted space
scientists. NASA and another ham in the UK confirmed his finding.
Launched in 2000 on a mission to monitor space weather, IMAGE mapped
plasma patterns around Earth.
Frequency Measuring Test Results Posted

The results of the spring 2020 Frequency Measuring Test (FMT),
conducted on April 24, have been posted. Coming in at the top of the
list for stations entering readings of both the 40-meter and 80-meter
frequencies was Steve Cerwin, WA5FRF. His average error rate was
0.004902 parts per million (ppm). The Top 10 looked like this, with
average error rates in ppm. Bill De Carle, VE2IQ, has posted a ranked
list of participants who submitted readings for both frequencies.

+-----------------------------------------------------+
|1. |WA5FRF |0.004902 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|2. |WA2IKL |0.005584 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|3. |N7WS |0.005636 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|4. |N9CIF |0.006999 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|5. |NJ0U |0.007051 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|6. |N8OBJ |0.007655 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|7. |AD5MT |0.008415 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|8. |KB3UMD |0.008415 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|9. |WB6RJH |0.008492 |
|------------+-------------------+--------------------|
|10 |AB4RS |0.009174 |
+-----------------------------------------------------+

Today's FMTs are conducted completely online, with no manual
log-checking or intervention. Connie Marshall, K5CM, provides Bruce
Horn, WA7BNM, with the precise actual frequencies, participating
individuals submit their measurements, and machines handle the rest.
Ninety-eight radio amateurs took part in the April 2020 FMT. The next
FMT will take place in November.

Taking part in the FMT does not require special laboratory equipment.
Modern HF transceivers can measure frequency quite accurately, and
SDR-based receivers and available software can enable precise frequency
measurements. Today's FMT leaders are able to accurately measure beyond
the number of decimal places (out to five) that a typical transceiver
will display, however.

Some information on how to measure the frequency of a carrier is
available on Marshall's website, as well as in past articles in QST.
Visit the FMT-Nuts discussion group on groups.io. Read more.

Hams in India Provide Communication Assistance during COVID-19 Pandemic

According to a report in The New Indian Express, amateur radio
operators in Kerala have joined the fight against COVID-19. The
newspaper said the district administration has enlisted radio amateurs
to improve important communication between departments and offices.
Over 20 hams, organized into teams, are involved. Radio Amateur Society
of Ananthapuri President Dr. Zakheer Hussain, VU3OOH, said using ham
radio during the time of crisis would help coordinate crucial
communication.

"We have assigned our teams at the district medical office and taluk
[administrative subdivision] offices," Hussain told the paper. "We have
a team at the district administration, which is the center of all
action." He said help lines now in operation receive many calls,
including distress calls. "If anyone is in need of emergency medical
care, we immediately inform the respective taluk office and the
ambulance desk, so that help reaches in time," he said.

The Times of India reports that a radio amateur in West Bengal drove 98
kilometers (61 miles) to deliver medicine to an elderly resident of
Rahara. "We have been providing assistance to people ever since the
lockdown was announced," said Raju Biswas, VU2JFA, the secretary of the
West Bengal Radio Club.

The Telegraph newspaper in India reported an anecdote regarding a
homeless woman who showed up when Swaraj Ghosh, VU3URP, was
distributing food for people on the streets. He contacted Biswas, who,
in turn, got in touch with radio amateurs in the woman's hometown. They
were able to contact her father, who had been looking for her.
Garmin Seeks FCC Ruling or Waiver to Obtain Certification for Part
95/Part 25 Device

The FCC is seeking public comment on an April 24 request by Garmin
International for a declaratory ruling or a rules waiver to obtain
equipment certification for a handheld unit that combines a low-power,
terrestrial Part 95 Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) transmitter and a
Part 25 emergency satellite communication module in the same device.
Section 95.2761(c) precludes combining MURS transmitting capabilities
in equipment that is also capable of transmitting in another service,
with the exception of Part 15 unlicensed services.

Garmin's proposed product is a handheld unit that will include two
transmitters: a low-power MURS transmitter for short-range terrestrial
communication, and a previously certified Part 25 module that will
allow emergency communication via the Iridium satellite system under a
blanket license held by Iridium. End users would have to subscribe to
the Iridium service.

Garmin argues that the purpose of the original equipment authorization
restriction was "to prevent consumer confusion with other terrestrial
services that either had different licensing regimes or were for
different types of communications" and that it is inappropriate in this
case. Garmin asserts that a waiver would serve the public interest
because "the certified Part 25 module in the MURS unit would allow
emergency communications to the outside world at the push of a button."
The FCC seeks comment on the waiver request.

Comments are due by May 28, with reply comments due by June 13.
Interested parties may file short comments via the FCC's Electronic
Comment Filing Service (Express). Visit the FCC's "How to Comment on
FCC Proceedings" page for information on filing extended comments.
RSGB Aims to Promote Health and Well-Being within the Amateur Radio
Community

The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has launched a major campaign
-- "Get on the air to care" (GOTA2C) -- in association with the UK
National Health Service (NHS) to help promote health and well-being
within the amateur radio community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Now, more than ever, we need to optimize all modes of communication to
help reduce loneliness and isolation within communities," said Paul
Devlin, of the NHS England Emergency Care Improvement Support Team.
"Amateur radio provides a wonderful, unprecedented opportunity to help
make this a reality." The RSGB is urging radio amateurs in the UK and
around the globe to get on the air to chat and "support each other
across the airwaves."

Radio amateurs can "get on the air to care" with a simple handheld
transceiver.

RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB, said, "We want this campaign
to inspire even more to get involved and also to use #GOTA2C when they
share photos, videos, and news of what they're doing on social media."

Devlin said that GB1NHS, the UK's National Health Service ham station,
gives the NHS "the ability to reach communities anywhere in the world,
regardless of geographic location or connection to domestic power
supplies, land lines, cell phone, or internet services. It will be on
the air as part of this campaign, so listen out for it!"

ARRL has been promoting its "Stay Safe and Stay on The Air" initiative
in some of its media outlets, using the hashtag #StayOnTheAir, as a way
to counter online fatigue and social isolation. Read more. -- Thanks to
Heather Parsons, RSGB Communications Manager
Announcements
* The 2020 Central States VHF Society (CSVHFS) conference, set for
July, has been put off until next year -- July 30 - 31, 2021. The
conference hotel is not yet ready to accept 2021 reservations.
* Contest University (CTU), a staple of Dayton Hamvention week, will
take place online this year through the Zoom video platform, and
all sessions will be free. Visit the CTU website to register. Live
CTU sessions via Zoom will get under way on Thursday, May 14, 1245
UTC, and will be recorded and archived. -- Thanks to CTU Chair Tim
Duffy, K3LR
* The ARRL New England Division Convention, hosted by the Northeast
HamXposition at its new location in Marlborough, Massachusetts, has
been postponed until November 6 - 8 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show had been scheduled for July.
* Icom has announced that delivery of its new IC-705 HF - 430 MHz
all-mode 10 W transceiver, scheduled for release last month, has
been pushed back to later this year because the coronavirus
pandemic has delayed the delivery of some components.
* The Vienna International Center in Austria has authorized the call
sign 4U2STAYHOME for use by the UN Amateur Radio Contest DX Club,
4U1A, to promote amateur radio goodwill and over-the-air social
networking. QSL cards go to UA3DX. Contacts with 4U2STAYHOME count
for both CMA and SHA awards. -- Thanks to The Daily DX

Getting It Right

The news brief "Welsh Radio Amateur Heard Titanic Distress Call, But
Authorities Did Not Believe Him" in the April 23 edition of The ARRL
Letter repeated a myth regarding the now-obsolete CQD distress signal.
It was not an acronym for "come quickly, distress."
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* May 9 -- MicroHAMS Digital Conference 2020 (Virtual Event)
* June 12 - 13 -- Ham-Com, Plano, Texas
* June 20 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee

Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

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

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

.

.
* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
most popular and informative journal, and On the Air, a new
bimonthly magazine for beginner hams. ARRL members can choose which
magazine to receive in print, and can view the digital editions of
both magazines online.
* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
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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
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)

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 Fern�ndez, 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.

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* Join or Renew Today! ARRL membership includes QST, amateur radio's
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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

Subscribe to...
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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--- SendMsg/2

--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost BBS * Limestone, TN, USA (1:18/200)

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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* 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
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)

The ARRL Letter
June 17, 2020

* More Amateur Radio Exam Sessions Engineering In-Person, Remote
Solutions
* Visalia DX Convention to be Refashioned as Two Virtual Events in
2021
* Field Day 2020: Balancing Tradition and Safety in the COVID-19 Era
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Support ARRL as You Shop AmazonSmile for Father's Day
* Youth on the Air in the Americas Announces At-Home Bonus Summer
Activities
* Kids Day in the Age of COVID-19
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Announcements
* Tennessee Court of Appeals Affirms Contempt Ruling Against Radio
Amateur
* Amateur Radio Discussed at CEPT Meeting
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

COVID-19 Impact & News

Find the latest news and information on the impact of the coronavirus
pandemic to ARRL members and our global amateur radio community.

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

More Amateur Radio Exam Sessions Engineering In-Person, Remote
Solutions

As some states further relax restrictions imposed to minimize the
spread of the COVID-19 virus, additional teams of ARRL Volunteer
Examiner Coordinator (VEC) volunteer examiners (VEs) have conducted
successful sessions. On June 13 at the Clark Township Municipal
Building, the Electronic Technology Society of New Jersey (ETSNJ) held
its first exam session since February, with help from several other
clubs. With COVID-19 precautions in place, the June session was held
outdoors.

"We had to have two sessions, because we had 20 candidates on our
waiting list," said Larry Makoski, W2LJ, a member of the Piscataway
Amateur Radio Club. Drew Moore, W2OU, was the ARRL VEC liaison. "We had
the candidates line up their vehicles on one side of the parking lot.
Directly across from them were the vehicles of the VEs. They were given
the option of taking the exam inside their vehicle, or if they wanted,
they could bring a chair and clipboard and take the exam in front of
their vehicle. Each vehicle was checked for compliance as we collected
exam fees and checked photo IDs."

Makoski said social distancing was maintained, and face coverings and
gloves or hand sanitizer were the order of the day. "We communicated
with the candidates via a low-power FM transmitter tuned to 88.7 MHz or
thereabouts, and they could hear us on their FM broadcast receivers
inside their vehicles," he explained.

All went smoothly, and the weather cooperated. "Everyone who came
walked away -- or should I say, drove away -- with either a new
Technician-class license or an upgrade," Makoski said. A vacant seat
was left for VE Bobby Cure, W2REC (SK), who had succumbed to COVID-19.
"We tried to honor his memory by making him present in spirit," Makoski
said.

VE teams from the Tri-County Radio Club, the Raritan Valley Radio Club,
the South Plainfield Amateur Radio Club, the New Providence Amateur
Radio Club, and the Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club pitched in to help.

On the same Saturday in Florida, Doug Wiles, WF4B, reports that the St.
Augustine Amateur Radio Society (SAARS) VE team held its first exam
session in 6 months. The session took place in an outdoor pavilion, and
test areas were disinfected prior to the candidates' arrival. Face
masks were distributed and social distancing was practiced during the
session, Wiles said. All three candidates passed.

On June 14 in Georgetown, Kentucky, VE Ron Malinowski, WX4GPS, with the
Scott County Amateur Radio Club said 14 candidates passed their tests
during an indoor session held there. "We took temperatures at the door,
gave masks to anyone who came without, and we wiped down all seating
areas after the attendee left," he said.

ARRL VE Team Liaison Janet Crenshaw, WB9ZPH, in Garland, Texas, told
ARRL that a trucker signed up for a recent remote exam session.

"He had a Wi-Fi hotspot in the cab of his truck, so he found a parking
space, pulled out his iPad and iPhone, and we had our Zoom test right
there," she told ARRL VEC. "The world certainly has changed, and I've
been encouraging people to realize that the world of ham radio has to
change with it."
Visalia DX Convention to be Refashioned as Two Virtual Events in 2021

There will be a Virtual Visalia in 2021. Organizers announced this week
that the newly renamed International DX and Contesting Convention
(IDXCC) in Visalia, California, will span two weekends next April. Each
will be a "unique 3-day event" without duplication. Registration will
begin early next year. The former International DX Convention was
canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visalia sponsors said
the event's new name better reflects what the convention had become
over the years -- a gathering of avid DXers and contesters from around
the US and the world. Sponsors said the challenge for planning next
year's event was whether to prepare for an in-person convention or a
virtual gathering.

"Everyone wants to hold out hope for a face-to-face meeting next year,
but we have to ask, 'What will our new normal lifestyle be like next
April, and can we guarantee a COVID-free environment for our
attendees?'" an announcement on the IDXCC website explained. "After
consultation with a few medical experts, epidemiologists, and longtime
attendees of IDXCC, we have concluded that for 2021, the right choice
-- and the safest choice -- is to have a virtual convention instead of
an in-person meeting."

Visalia Part 1 will take place on April 16 - 18, 2021, and Part 2 on
April 23 - 25. The program will include forums, technical talks,
DXpedition reports, and award presentations.

Visalia 2021 co-chairs John Miller, K6MM, and Rich Seifert, KE1B,
invite questions and suggestions via email. Read more.

Field Day 2020: Balancing Tradition and Safety in the COVID-19 Era

The fourth full weekend of the month (June 27 - 28) promises to be
different for many amateurs, as the annual ARRL Field Day operating
event will be held under unique circumstances. Somehow, the traditions
of the weekend must be balanced against the exigencies of the current
need to operate safely, in an appropriate social-distancing
environment. Most groups have had to adjust their plans to ensure that
the physical health of their members is protected.

But that's one of the great things about amateur radio in general and
Field Day in particular. There is no one single way to approach the
event, and no single goal that defines the success of the weekend. Fun
still awaits the tens of thousands of participants. "Business as
usual!" for many this year becomes, "How do we address these unique
challenges?"

An important fact to recognize is the disappointment many will feel at
not being able to congregate at their tried-and-true operating location
to do their "usual" thing. Groups in some states face fewer
restrictions than others -- and that's okay, as Field Day isn't a
competition. Most groups will not be able to host the traditional
social aspects of the weekend. The covered-dish extravaganza that
accompanies a club Field Day may be canceled this year. The interaction
of sharing amateur radio with the general public as they wander over to
your setup may be non-existent for many groups. The opportunity to test
your club's interface with your various served agencies may have to be
put off for another time. Your annual teaching session with local youth
groups -- scouts, school clubs, CAP cadets -- may have to be revisited
down the road, after the situation stabilizes.

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

Remember: If you operate as a Class D station (home station on
commercial power), you may work all other stations, including other
Class D stations, for contact credit. All Field Day 2020 entries
wishing to have their individual scores credited to their club to be
aggregated for a "club score" should add the club name to their summary
sheet. Use the Field Day Web Submission Form to turn in your log.

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

Yes, things are going to look and feel different in 2020. But when it
comes to the basic activity of Field Day, the event doesn't have to
sound different. CW signals will still "light up" the ether. Stations
calling "CQ Field Day" on phone will still fill the bands. The unique
"warbles" of tried and true -- as well as new and exciting -- digital
modes will still beckon the experienced operator and the curious
newcomer, inviting them to reach out and make contact in this unique
year of social distancing.

Over the past few weeks, several articles have been posted to the ARRL
website with some suggestions on how groups and individuals may vary
their participation in Field Day 2020 from previous years. The theme
running through them is one that's familiar to amateurs --
adaptability.

Read more on the ARRL Field Day web page. -- Thanks to Dan Henderson,
N1ND
ARRL Podcasts Schedule

The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 6) details
everything you need to know about ARRL Field Day, thanks to an
interview with ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE. Learn
how to create a simple station setup as a less-experienced operator.
The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine,
ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.

The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 10) will
discuss sporadic-E propagation, antenna modeling, a new approach to
spray-on antennas, and an unusual form of computer espionage.

The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.

Support ARRL as You Shop AmazonSmile for Father's Day

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21. If you're looking for the perfect
gift, we invite you to shop at AmazonSmile and choose American Radio
Relay League Inc. (ARRL) as your charity of choice. With every purchase
you make at AmazonSmile, Amazon will make a contribution that will help
to extend ARRL's reach in public service, advocacy, education,
technology, and membership. So far in 2020, ARRL has received $2,030,
for a total of $40,613. The ARRL Foundation has received $316 this
year.

Amazon has the perfect gifts including electronics, apparel, ham radio
gear, and more. Get something extra special for Dad this year, while
supporting his favorite hobby. Bookmark the ARRL link and support
amateur radio and ARRL every time you shop online. AmazonSmile
customers can now support ARRL in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and
Android mobile phones.

Follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating
donations:
* Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device.
* Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app
* Tap Settings, choose AmazonSmile, and follow the onscreen prompts
to complete the process.

Click here for instructions on updating your Amazon Shopping app.
Youth on the Air in the Americas Announces At-Home Bonus Summer
Activities

Youth on the Air in the Americas is planning additional home-based
activities for this summer, due to the postponement of its inaugural
summer camp at the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in
West Chester Township, Ohio. Virtual YOTA Day will take place on
Wednesday, June 24. Activities will include a series of youth-led
forums and some competitions that can be done from home -- even without
a radio. Virtual YOTA Day begins at 1800 UTC on June 24 and continues
until 2400 UTC.

Those who had been selected to attend YOTA camp 2020 will be able to
meet on Zoom for a day of learning and fun, plus a chance to win
prizes, but anyone interested will be able to get in on Virtual YOTA
Day via the official Youth on the Air YouTube channel and play along at
home. Some activities will include learning how to track down the
location of a transmitter without leaving your chair, sharpening
contesting skills, and more.

During the week of June 21 - 26, when the camp was to take place,
special event station W8Y will be on the air on all bands and modes.
Those selected to attend YOTA Camp 2020 will take turns operating as
W8Y throughout the week from the station of their own choosing. Campers
should contact Marty Sullaway, NN1C, to be added to the schedule.

Youth on the Air will operate Field Day using a remote station in
southwestern Ohio. Logging will be done by remote desktop. Campers can
sign up at YouthOnTheAir.org for a time slot on the remote station
provided by Jay Slough, K4ZLE. Contact Chris Brault, KD8YVJ, with
questions.

Youth on the Air will be a club choice for Field Day score submissions.
Participating operators age 25 or younger choosing to operate Field Day
from a home station can contribute their scores to an aggregate club
score for this year only. Enter "Youth on the Air" as the club name on
the Field Day entry.

More information about YOTA in the Americas can be found at
YouthOnTheAir.org and on YOTAregion2 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
and YouTube.

Kids Day in the Age of COVID-19

Under normal circumstances, Kids Day on Saturday, June 20, would offer
an opportunity for individual radio amateurs or clubs to introduce the
next generation to amateur radio. This year, however, Kids Day is
likely to look a bit different, due to precautions -- both advised and
in place -- during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARRL recommends that mentors
and young operators adhere to prescribed COVID-19 guidelines in these
difficult times.

"We encourage you to take the advice of your local and regional health
officials as to whether it's wise to gather in groups and what
precautions are necessary," ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque,
N1SFE, allowed. "If inviting individual youngsters or groups into your
shack is not advisable, look instead into other ways of mentoring
youngsters."

One possibility, Bourque said, is mentoring over social media, via
Zoom, or using other non-contact means. "This year might not be the
time to invite youngsters into your shack, but that doesn't mean that
you cannot encourage the next generation of amateur radio operators,"
he said. "Of course, if you have kids at home you've been trying to
interest in ham radio, Kids Day offers the perfect framework, and
COVID-19 precautions would not be necessary."

Kids Day gets under way on Saturday, June 20 at 1800 UTC and concludes
at 2359 UTC. Sponsored by the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club, the
suggested exchange is first name, age, location, and favorite color.
Beyond that, contacts can be as long or as short as each participant
prefers.

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

Look for activity on these frequencies: 10 meters: 28.350 - 28.400 MHz;
12 meters: 24.960 - 24.980 MHz; 15 meters: 21.360 - 21.400 MHz; 17
meters: 18.140 - 18.145 MHz; 20 meters: 14.270 - 14.300 MHz; 40 meters:
7.270 - 7.290 MHz, and 80 meters: 3.740 - 3.940 MHz. Repeater contacts
are okay with permission of the repeater owner.

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

As with any on-the-air activity that includes unlicensed individuals,
control operators must observe third-party traffic restrictions when
making DX contacts. ditional details are on the ARRL website.
The K7RA Solar Update

Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We just experienced a nearly 2-week
period of daily sunspots! It's been quite some time since we've
witnessed a continuous string of activity like this. January 24 -
February 1 were 9 consecutive days with sunspot activity, but you'd
have to go back to May 3 -18 of last year to find a longer period. This
is a possible indication that we've moved past the sunspot minimum.

Average daily sunspot number for the June 11 - 17 reporting week was
7.9, down from 14 over the previous 7 days. Average solar flux slipped
from 71.3 to 70.

The planetary A index went from 5.1 to 3.9, and middle latitude numbers
dipped from 6.1 to 4.9. The predicted planetary A index is 4 from June
18 - August 1. This is unusual, since predicted A index values have
never been lower than 5.

Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 70 on June 18-25, abruptly
jumping to 77 from June 26 - August 1, also unusual.

Sunspot numbers for June 11 - 17 were 11, 11, 11, 11, 11, 0, and 0, for
a mean of 7.9. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.5, 70.5, 69.4, 70.2,
70.4, 69.3, and 68.8, for a mean of 70. Estimated planetary A indices
were 4, 4, 3, 2, 4, 5, and 5, for a mean of 3.9. Middle latitude A
index was 4, 6, 4, 3, 5, 7, and 5, for a mean of 4.9.

A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.

A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.

Share your reports and observations.

Just Ahead in Radiosport
* June 20 -- Kids Day (Phone)
* June 20 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* June 20 -- Battle of Carabobo International Contest (Phone)
* June 20 - 21 -- All Asian DX Contest, CW
* June 20 - 21 -- Ukrainian DX Classic RTTY Contest
* June 20 - 21 -- IARU Region 1 50/70 MHz Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* June 20 - 21 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* June 20 - 21 -- West Virginia QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* June 21 -- WAB 50 MHz Phone
* June 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* June 24 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* June 25 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB

See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.

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

Announcements
* International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW) 2020 will take
place over the August 22 - 23 weekend, a week later than usual to
avoid conflicting with special events that may be on the air to
commemorate the 75th anniversary of the cessation of World War II
hostilities in the Pacific.
* Astronauts Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, and Robert Behnken, KE5GGX, will
conduct spacewalks on June 27 and July 1 outside the International
Space Station. The activities will begin the process of replacing
batteries for one of the power channels on the orbiting laboratory.

* A June 13 SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle launch placed another 58 Starlink
satellites into orbit, bringing the total of the internet service
satellites to 540. SpaceX has applied to the FCC to put upward of
30,000 Starlink spacecraft into orbit. "Starlink is designed to
deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has
been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable," SpaceX
said. "Private beta testing is expected to begin later this summer,
followed by public beta testing, starting with higher latitudes."
* In a video, "The Last Active Morse Code Station in the US," Shannon
Morse, KM6FPP, of Richmond, California, visits coast station KPH,
which provided ship-to-shore communication using Morse code.
Maritime Radio Historical Society (MRHS) volunteers have preserved
and maintain the station and keep it on the air (along with the
associated amateur station K6KPH). The COVID-19 pandemic has put
KPH off the air "for the duration."

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

Tennessee Court of Appeals Affirms Contempt Ruling Against Radio
Amateur

A Tennessee Court of Appeals has affirmed a radio amateur's liability
for a 30-day jail sentence for violating a court directive to refrain
from contacting another radio amateur who had filed a temporary order
of protection. The appeals court's June 11 determination upheld a lower
trial court ruling that found Michael J. Mgrdichian, ex-N2FUV, of
Kodak, in criminal contempt for violating the order by contacting Jamie
Faucon, N3FA (ex-AA3JF) of Knoxville via ham radio on three separate
occasions. Mgrdichian appealed, primarily asserting that the lower
court lacked jurisdiction over the case, because amateur radio is
regulated by the FCC, a federal agency.

Faucon claimed that Mgrdichian had "stalked, threatened, and harassed"
her on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2019, claiming that the
threats were made via ham radio after Faucon had asked Mgrdichian to
cease his actions. Faucon claimed that problems between her and
Mgrdichian began after she complained to the FCC, alleging that
Mgrdichian was using racially abusive language on the air. That matter
was not at issue in the appeals court ruling.

The trial court had issued a temporary protection order for Mgrduchian
to cease contacting Faucon, "either directly or indirectly, by phone,
email, messages, mail, or any other type of communication or contact."

Mgrdichian attempted to have the lower court case dismissed by arguing
that state courts do not have jurisdiction over any communication
involving amateur radio. The trial court maintained, however, that it
did have jurisdiction based on an alleged violation of the temporary
protection order.

"The [temporary restraining] order did not prohibit [Mgrdichian] from
using amateur radio; it did not attempt to establish a permitted level
of interference; and it did not originate from, or result in, a
nuisance claim," the appeals court reasoned in its ruling. "Instead,
the subject matter of this case primarily rests on [Mgrdichian]
violating the [temporary restraining] order by contacting [Faucon] on
amateur radio. A party's radio usage -- whether it be commercial or
amateur -- does not automatically preempt the case from being heard by
a state court."

The appeals court determined that the trial court had jurisdiction to
find Mgrdichian in criminal contempt of court when he violated the
temporary restraining order by contacting Faucon via amateur radio.

The appeals court upheld findings that Mgrdichian was in contempt of
the trial court's order on three occasions, each calling for 10 days in
jail and a fine.
Amateur Radio Discussed at CEPT Meeting

International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region1 reports the 96th
virtual meeting of the European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications ministrations (CEPT) Frequency Management Working
Group (FMWG) June 8 - 12 dealt with several amateur radio matters.

According to IARU Region 1, the European Common Allocation Table (ECA)
was reviewed, resulting in a revised version for consultation with
stakeholders. IARU was able to amend the 241 - 250 GHz band entry to
correct some errors. The state of the 50 - 52 MHz band in CEPT
countries was also updated to take WRC-19 decisions into account. Last
year, Ukraine requested that it be included in CEPT ECC Recommendation
T/R 61-02, the recommendation that defines the Harmonized Amateur Radio
Examination Certificate (HAREC), and this was agreed.

Romania had contacted the FMWG chairman concerning the possibility of
introducing electronic amateur radio licensing. This idea been passed
to CEPT's Radio Amateur Forum Group for further discussion and possible
action.

The meeting also discussed developing a regulatory framework for
wireless power transfer (WPT) going forward, and attendees agreed that
the CEPT Spectrum Engineering Working Group should continue to study
the full range of WPT applications and emissions and that no regulatory
steps would be taken until that work is complete. Meeting documents are
available.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* July 16 - 19 -- Montana State Convention, Essex, Montana
* July 24 - 25 -- Oklahoma State Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Find conventions and hamfests in your area

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

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

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

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 [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

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.

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--- SendMsg/2

--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

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 BlA�fjAP:ll at an altitude of 690
meters (about 2,298 feet)."
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* October 3 -- Kentucky State Convention, Bowling Green, Kentucky

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

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

.

.
* 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 [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

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 Mayag�ez, 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 -- Federaci�n de Radio Aficionados de Puerto Rico. He was the
founder and first president and secretary of the Puerto Rico Amateur
Radio League (PRARL) -- an ARRL Special Service Club. Read more.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* August 21 - 23 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West
Virginia (now a free, Zoom-based online event)
* October 3 -- Kentucky State Convention, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

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

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

.

.
* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.

* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* 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
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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 (H�marik), a
project of Tallinn (Estonia) University of Technology, will transmit
1,2k and 9,6k AFSK and CW on 435.450 MHz (primary) and 62.5 kbs and 20
Mbs OQPSK on 10,465 MHz (secondary).

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

Announcements
* A ham radio special event during November will celebrate the 100th
anniversary of Pittsburgh's KDKA as the first commercial radio
broadcast station. Using both temporary call sign 8ZZ and KDKA
(because the KDKA license had not arrived in time), the station
broadcast the 1920 presidential election results. Many Pittsburgh
area amateur radio clubs will participate. Look for special event
call signs K3K, K3D, W8XK, and K3A (check QRZ.com for QSL
information).
* September 1 marked the 161st anniversary of the so-called
"Carrington Event," when a massive coronal mass ejection from the
sun disrupted telegraph systems and generated auroral displays into
tropical latitudes. It's said that the light generated during that
1859 event was nearly as bright as daylight. According to Frank
Donovan, W3LPL, the Carrington Event took place less than 4 years
after solar minimum and 1 year before solar maximum.
* Over the next 6 years, GB5ST will celebrate 54 years of the Star
Trek TV show, spinoffs, and movies. This event will take place
until the series' 60th anniversary in 2026. QSL direct or via the
RSGB bureau.
* The YASME Foundation Board of Directors has awarded a grant to
DokuFunk of Austria, a research and documentation center for the
history of radio communications and electronic media. The funds
will support DokuFunk's hosting of the Lloyd and Iris Colvin
DXpedition materials and develop a presentation from photos, video,
and audio. YASME also will fund the HZ1AB QSL collection transfer
and provide support for amateur exams by the Seychelles Amateur
Radio Association (SARA).
* NASA's Johnson Space Center has produced a video of an Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact between a
Canadian student group and astronaut Chris Cassidy, KF5KDR, last
May.

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

2016 ARRL International Humanitarian Award Co-Recipient Richard
Darling, AH7G, SK

The co-recipient of the 2016 ARRL International Humanitarian Award
Richard Darling, AH7G, of Keaau, Hawaii, died on August 19. An ARRL
Life Member, he was 86 and had been a radio amateur for 67 years.

Richard and his wife Barbara, NH7FY, shared the 2016 ARRL International
Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award was

conferred on the couple for having provided support in the form of
money and materials that included books, food, clothing, sanitary
supplies, and equipment such as hardware, antennas, and solar panels
sent to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The couple also
regularly purchased, packed, and mailed "care packages" to Yap,
containing food, clothing, medical supplies, diapers, and other items
not otherwise easily available to FSM islanders.

Richard Darling attended Newark College of Engineering in New Jersey
and Capital Radio Engineering Institute, and then joined IBM as an
electronics technician. During a duty tour in the US Army, he was in
the Nike missile program and spent a lot of time on the air from Fort
Bliss, Texas. He later worked for Lockheed.

Over the years, Richard and Barbara provided weather warnings prior to
several typhoons, most recently Maysak and No'ul, keeping
communications going in the aftermath of storms. -- Thanks to Assistant
Hawaii Section Manager Bob Schneider, AH6J
In Brief...

The 2020 ARRL/TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC) on September
11 - 12 will be streamed live on YouTube. No registration is needed;
the URL will be announced via the TAPR website. The preliminary
schedule has been posted. The 39th Annual ARRL/TAPR DCC will employ the
Zoom video communications and YouTube video-sharing platforms.
Registered DCC attendees participating via Zoom will be able to
interact with presenters and other attendees via a chatroom, as well as
raise "a virtual hand" to ask questions, TAPR said. Non-registered DCC
attendees may watch the livestream on YouTube, but won't be able to ask
questions or chat. DCC registration is free for TAPR members and $30
for non-members, who will receive a 100% discount at checkout.
Non-members who would like to join TAPR and receive the free DCC pass
can simply add TAPR membership and DCC registration to their shopping
carts. After checkout, they will receive the free DCC pass when their
membership is processed.

Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet
(JOTI) will be held this year on October 16, 17, and 18. Register
online as an individual or as a group. Jamboree on the Air is the
largest Scouting event in the world. In a typical year, more than 1
million Scouts participate in JOTA, with over 11,000 stations operated
by 20,000+ young radio amateurs from 150+ countries around the world.
JOTA details are available on the K2BSA website. The website menu will
direct users to additional supporting information. K2BSA's Jim Wilson,
K5ND, says many locations are already offering virtual radio merit
badge classes "and no doubt will be using similar approaches for
Jamboree on the Air."

4U1UN has been active and ready to make contacts on 60 meters (5357
kHz). Some 400 contacts in about 30 DXCC entities were made on FT8 on 5
MHz earlier this week. Pending unforeseen events, such as equipment
failure or difficulties accessing the station, activity on 60 meters
will continue, said rian Ciuperca, KO8SCA. 4U1UN is running about 35
W on 60 meters on FT8. 4U1UN may also operate CW on 5373 kHz. Activity
could start around 2300 UTC. QSL via HB9BOU. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* November 14 - 15 -- Central Division Convention, Fort Wayne,
Indiana
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida

Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

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

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

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* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

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Copyright (c) 2020 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and
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--- SendMsg/2

--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Outpost [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

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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* 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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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
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 [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

The ARRL Letter
September 17, 2020

* Storms Generate Busy Times for ARES and the Hurricane Watch Net
* ARRL to Seek Changes in FCC Draft Decision on Amateur 9-Centimeter
Band
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Analysis Determines We Are in Solar Cycle 25
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* International Telecommunication Union Releases 2020 ITU Radio
Regulations
* Announcements
* Ham Radio Exams are Not Going Away in Brazil After All
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Storms Generate Busy Times for ARES and the Hurricane Watch Net

The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated on Sunday, September 13, on
both 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz as Hurricane Paulette was predicted to
make landfall on Bermuda the next day as a Category 2 storm. That tour
melded into an extended activation in anticipation of Hurricane Sally,
which came ashore on the Gulf coast in Alabama on September 16. The
slow-moving storm, which diminished to a tropical storm not long after
landing, at mid-week was causing "catastrophic and life-threatening
flooding" over portions of the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.

The HWN stood down at mid-week after 71 hours of continuous operation.
HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said it seem long activations such as
these are happening all too often. "I suppose Mother Nature hasn't been
getting the attention she desires," Graves quipped.

Northern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Karl Martin, K4HBN,
reported on September 17 that Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
teams in his Section were standing down. "We had a total of 4 counties
affected by Sally," he said. "The hardest hit was Escambia county,
located at the Alabama/Florida border. The Atlantic is still very busy,
but I hope the rest of the season is quiet."

ARES teams went on alert in other Sections in the region.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on Tuesday
that two 60-meter channels had been made available for interoperability
between US government stations and US amateur radio stations involved
in emergency communications related to the wildland firefighting
response in California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as to Hurricane
Sally. The interoperability

channels will remain active until the need for them no longer exists:
* Channel 1 -- primary voice traffic 5332 kHz channel center, 5330.5
kHz USB voice
* Channel 2 -- digital traffic 5348 kHz channel center, 5346.5 kHz
USB with 1.5 kHz offset to center of digital waveform

Frequencies may be modified or added to by FEMA Region 10 for their
area or operations due to existing 5 MHz/60-meter interoperability
plans for their region.

Amateur radio is secondary on the 5 MHz band and must yield to
operational traffic related to wildland firefighting and hurricane
response. Although the intended use for these channels is
interoperability between federal government stations and licensed US
amateur radio stations, federal government stations are primary users
and amateurs are secondary users.

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

The FCC has granted ARRL's request for a temporary waiver to permit
amateur data transmissions at a higher symbol rate than currently
permitted by section 97.307(f) of the FCC amateur service rules. The
FCC acted to facilitate hurricane and wildfire relief communications
within the US and its territories.

ARRL sought the waiver for amateur radio licensees directly involved
with hurricane and wildfire relief via HF using PACTOR 4 modems for
communication within the US and its territories, relative to several
impending hurricane situations and wildfires in the western US. ARRL's
petition noted that Section 97.307(f) of the amateur rules prevents the
use of PACTOR 4, a data protocol that permits relatively high-speed
data transmission. ARRL also noted that past FCC temporary waivers have
allowed this protocol during similar events. The waiver is limited to
60 days.

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

The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is following FEMA's lead on
the interoperability channel designations for the wildfire and
hurricane response. Army MARS Program Manager Paul English, WD8DBY,
says he has alerted all MARS members of the FEMA channel designations
and MARS members are prepared to support response efforts as needed.

WX4NHC at the NHC also activated on Sunday in advance of Paulette,
monitoring and gathering reports from the HWN on 14.325

and 7.268 MHz and via the VoIP-WX Net on EchoLink WXtalk 7203
Conference and IRLP 9219.

The Caribbean Basin has more in store during this hurricane season. "We
are now keeping a close eye on Hurricane Teddy," Graves said, noting
that Bermuda could be affected by another hurricane by late Sunday
night or early Monday morning. "Also, we are keeping a close eye on a
system that seems to be getting better organized in the southwestern
Gulf of Mexico."

The next named storm will be Wilfred, and after that storms will be
designated using the Greek alphabet, starting with Alpha. "If we reach
Alpha, it will be the second time in history to use that name," Graves
pointed out. "The first was in 2005."
ARRL to Seek Changes in FCC Draft Decision on Amateur 9-Centimeter Band

ARRL efforts are under way to preserve amateur radio access to the 3.3
- 3.5 GHz (9-centimeter) band. In an 80+ page draft Report and Order
and Further Notice of Proposed Rulelmaking (R&O) in WT Docket 19-348,
the FCC announced its intention to delete the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz amateur
secondary allocation, subject to a phased withdrawal tied to its
licensing of new primary users. According to the FCC, the 3.450 - 3.550
GHz spectrum will be put up for auction as early as December 2021.
Incumbent users will be permitted to continue operating in the band
until licensing to commercial interests -- presumably 5G -- begins.
That's estimated to be about 3 months after the spectrum auction
concludes, or around mid-2022. No alternative spectrum was proposed to
replace the 9-centimeter spectrum for amateur radio operations. In an
associated Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC said it seeks
comment "on whether it is in the public interest to sunset amateur use
in the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band in two separate phases," -- first above 3.4
GHz, and later below 3.4 GHz.

"We find that removing the existing secondary non-federal allocations
from the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band and clearing these non-federal operations
from the band is in the public interest, and therefore, we adopt this
proposal," the draft R&O says. "Because the [Department of Defense and
the National Telecommunications and Information Agency] agree that
commercial users operating pursuant to flexible use licenses can be
accommodated in the 3.45 - 3.55 GHz band at full power, and given
continued interest in the 3.3 - 3.45 GHz band for future sharing for
flexible-use licenses, we find that retaining the secondary non-federal
allocations across this spectrum would hinder the Commission's ability
to offer flexible-use licensing in the future and would undermine the
intensive and efficient use of valuable mid-band spectrum."

"Further, to prevent adjacent-channel issues and to preserve the
possibility of additional clearing for flexible use licensing below
3.45 GHz, we find that sunsetting the secondary amateur allocation from
the entire 3.3 -- 3.5 GHz portion of the band is in the public
interest," the FCC said.

Last February, ARRL filed comments opposing the FCC's proposal to
delete the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz secondary amateur allocation, pointing to
amateur radio's long history of successful coexistence with primary
users of the band.

The absolute deadline to submit additional comments on the draft R&O
and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking via the Electronic Comment
Filing System (ECFS) or to contact FCC staff on this issue is
Wednesday, September 23 -- 7 days before the full Commission's
consideration of the draft for final adoption -- in order to comply
with FCC "Sunshine Rules."

In August, the White House and the Department of Defense announced
plans to allow for commercial 5G systems to operate in the 3.45 - 3.55
GHz band throughout almost all of the contiguous US. The plan would
leave radio amateurs to "individually determine appropriate alternate
spectrum from existing available spectrum allocations."

The 3.45 - 3.55 GHz segment would be teed up for a spectrum auction
that's expected to commence by the end of 2021. This would mean
amateurs would have to cease all operations at 3.45 GHz and above by
the middle of 2022 at the earliest, based on an FCC estimate.

The 3.3 - 3.45 GHz segment is not immediately available for
reallocation and auction, because more work is needed to accommodate
the Department of Defense. Under the rules as proposed, amateur
operations will be permitted to continue in this spectrum until
sometime in the future, when FCC rulemakings establish new rules and
conduct a spectrum auction and commercial licensing.

ARRL Podcasts Schedule

The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 9) features a
discussion on how to tune HF signals and use transceiver tools to
enhance reception. The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On
the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham
radio operators.

The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 16) features a
chat about the 222 MHz band, with QST's "The World Above 50 MHz"
columnist Jon Jones, N0JK. Also, Steve Ford, WB8IMY, offers some tips
on shopping for coaxial cable.

The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
Analysis Determines We Are in Solar Cycle 25

It's now official. The solar minimum between Solar Cycles 24 and 25 --
the period when the sun is least active -- occurred in December 2019,
when the 13-month smoothed sunspot number fell to 1.8. This is
according to the Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, co-chaired by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric ministration (NOAA) and the National
Aeronautics and Space ministration (NASA). We are now in Solar Cycle
25, with peak sunspot activity expected in 2025, the panel said. The
panel expressed high confidence that Solar Cycle 25 will break the
trend of weakening solar activity seen over the past four cycles.

[IMG]"We predict the decline in solar cycle amplitude, seen from Cycles
21 through 24, has come to an end," said Lisa Upton, panel co-chair and
solar physicist with Space Systems Research Corporation. "There is no
indication we are approaching a Maunder-type minimum in solar
activity."

At 11 years, Solar Cycle 24 was of average length and had the
fourth-smallest intensity since regular record-keeping began in 1755,
with what is considered Solar Cycle 1. It was also the weakest cycle in
a century. At solar maximum in April 2014, sunspots peaked at 114 for
the cycle, well below the 179 average.

Solar Cycle 24's progression was unusual. The sun's northern hemisphere
led the sunspot cycle, peaking more than 2 years ahead of the southern
hemisphere sunspot peak. This resulted in fewer sunspots at solar
maximum than if the two hemispheres were in phase.

For the past 8 months, activity on the sun has steadily increased,
indicating that we have transitioned to Solar Cycle 25, forecast to be
a fairly weak cycle -- about the same as Solar Cycle 24. Solar Cycle 25
is expected to peak in July 2025, with a predicted 115 sunspots.

"How quickly solar activity rises is an indicator on how strong the
solar cycle will be," said Doug Biesecker, the NOAA-NASA panel co-chair
and a solar physicist at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
"Although we've seen a steady increase in sunspot activity this year,
it is slow."

"While we are not predicting a particularly active Solar Cycle 25,
violent eruptions from the sun can occur at any time," Biesecker added.

An artist's rendering of the Space
Weather Follow-On L-1 observatory.

Before Solar Cycle 25 peaks in 2024, NOAA is slated to launch a new
spacecraft dedicated to operational space weather forecasting. The
Space Weather Follow-On L-1 observatory (SWFO-L1) will be equipped with
instruments that sample the solar wind, provide imagery of coronal mass
ejections, and monitor other extreme activity from the sun in finer
detail than before. NOAA's next Geostationary Operational Environmental
Satellite (GOES-U) is also scheduled to launch in 2024. GOES-U will
carry three solar monitoring instruments, including the first compact
coronagraph, which will help detect coronal mass ejections. Enhanced
observations of the sun from these satellites will help improve space
weather forecasting.

The K7RA Solar Update

Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: As detailed elsewhere in this edition
of The ARRL Letter (see Analysis Determines We Are in Solar Cycle 25),
this week's big news was that scientists have pinned down the Solar
Cycle 24 minimum to December 2019 -- and the start of Solar Cycle 25.

The reason behind the delay in announcing this is the nature of moving
averages, which, in this case, is a smoothed sunspot number derived
from arithmetical averaging of sunspot numbers over 1 year -- i.e.,
half the numbers before December, and half after December -- to derive
a mid-point average.

Recent news stories, such as this article from SpaceRef, give
predictions for the next cycle.

Over the September 10 - 16 reporting week, the average daily solar flux
was 69.2 -- no significant difference from the previous week. Average
daily planetary A index was 5.3, up from 4.4 the previous week. Average
daily mid-latitude A index went from 4.9 to 5.4.

Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days (September 17 - October 31)
remains 70, the same as reported in recent bulletins.

Predicted planetary A index is 5 on September 17 - 22; 8, 10, 15, 10,
25, 15, and 10 on September 23 - 29; 5 on September 30 - October 14; 8
on October 15 - 16; 5 on October 17 - 19; then, as earlier, 8, 10, 15,
10, 25, 15, and 10 on October 20 - 26,and back to 5 on October 27 - 31.

Sunspot numbers for September 10 - 16 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0, for
a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 69.3, 68.7, 69.3, 69.8, 68.9,
68.8, and 69.5, with a mean of 69.2. Estimated planetary A indices were
2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 7, and 3, with a mean of 5.3. Middle latitude A index
was 2, 2, 6, 7, 10, 8, and 3 with a mean of 5.4.

A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.

A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.

Share your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* September 19 -- QRP Afield (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 -- Wisconsin Parks on the Air (Phone)
* September 19 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* September 19 -- VHF FOC QSO Party (CW)
* September 19 - 20 -- Collegiate QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest (CW, phone,
digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- SARL VHF/UHF Digital Contest
* September 19 - 20 -- Scandinavian Activity Contest (CW)
* September 19 - 20 -- All Africa International DX Contest (CW,
phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- Iowa QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- New Jersey QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- New Hampshire QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* September 19 - 20 -- Washington State Salmon Run (CW, phone,
digital)
* September 20 -- North American Sprint, RTTY
* September 20 -- BARTG Sprint 75 (Digital)
* September 20 - 21 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* September 21 -- 144 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
* September 23 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)
* September 24 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, Data

See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on amateur radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.

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


International Telecommunication Union Releases 2020 ITU Radio
Regulations

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has published the 2020
ITU Radio Regulations -- the international treaty governing the global
use of RF spectrum and satellite orbits. The publication contains the
complete texts of the Radio Regulations adopted during World
Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), held last year in Sharm El
Sheikh, Egypt. Available in all six of ITU's official languages, the
2020 ITU Radio Regulations are in effect for all signatory parties on
January 1, 2021. Electronic versions are free, and the "traditional
four-volume boxed set," as well as a multilingual DVD, will be
available for purchase in the coming weeks, the ITU said.

"The publication of the Radio Regulations is the culmination of the
hard work and intense deliberations that took place during WRC-19,"
said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "Efficient and economical use
of the naturally limited radio-frequency spectrum is key to ensuring we
bring the benefits of connectivity and digital transformation to people
everywhere. The ITU Radio Regulations are a vital vehicle for this
endeavor."

The ITU said that, when it comes to allocating radio frequencies,
including sharing and harmonizing their use for different purposes, the
Radio Regulations are the ultimate tool. "They ensure the use of the RF
spectrum is rational, equitable, efficient, and economical, all while
aiming to prevent harmful interference between different radio
services," the ITU said.

The Radio Regulations govern 40 radiocommunication services, and are
designed to protect existing radio services while enabling the
introduction of new and enhanced services.
Announcements
* CQ World Wide Contest Director John Dorr, K1AR, has announced some
rule changes effective with this fall's contests. Multi-Single,
Multi-Two, and Multi-Multi will be the standard entry category
names; amplifiers will be included in the 500-meter diameter circle
of the station location, and logs must be uploaded online.
* The Fox Mike Hotel Portable Operations Challenge on October 3 - 4
permits operation as a portable station from backyard, garden, or
patio, using portable equipment.
* The FCC has announced that the Anchorage Amateur Radio Club VEC has
joined the list of authorized Club Station Call Sign ministrators
(CSCSAs).
* Radio Amateurs of Canada has announced that it will hold its Annual
General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, September 20. It will be a virtual
event.
* The Collegiate QSO Party this weekend provides bonus points for
alumni working their alma maters, or an alumnus/alumna working
other alumni. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, rules have been
relaxed to allow a campus radio station to be operated remotely by
college club members, some entry classes have been changed, and
scoring has been modified.
* [IMG]Weatheradio Canada has announced that it's considering
shutting down 48 of its 230 VHF weather information transmitters
across the country -- about 20% of the network. The Canadian
government says most of the sites are in urban areas with ample
access to other sources of weather information. -- Thanks to The
SWLing Post


Ham Radio Exams are Not Going Away in Brazil After All

Amateur radio examinations are not being eliminated in Brazil. A notice
that the country's telecommunications regulator ANATEL released
recently was intended to prompt discussion and elicit comment on the
idea, but it prompted confusion too. On September 10, ANATEL responded
to a letter from Brazil's national amateur radio society, LABRE, that
expressed concern regarding the proposal to scrap amateur radio exams.
ANATEL told LABRE that no such change is in the works, although the
regulator did say that some rules and regulations will be revised and
modernized in due course.

"With respect to the merit presented in the correspondence, this will
be analyzed and considered by the technical team of this agency [i.e.,
ANATEL] in the finalization of the regulatory impact analysis report
and the respective regulatory proposal, if any," ANATEL told LABRE.

Henrique Gravina, PU3IKE, contacted ARRL to offer his take on the
confusion. He said many people have complained to ANATEL over the years
about amateur exams. When ANATEL considers that a particular issue
raised represents a problem area, it selects a complaint to use as a
starting point for discussion. This is akin to a Petition for
Rulemaking (PRM) that the FCC might "put on notice" to invite comment
after a suggested change in the rules.

"Portuguese is a difficult language, even for natives, and it gets
worse when we speak and write in legal terms and in bureaucratic
processes that are very complicated," Gravina allowed. "Hams who are
not law students or lawyers read the [proposal] and did not understand
what was happening."

LABRE has said it was satisfied with ANATEL's response and will
continue to collaborate with the agency to help modernize the
regulatory framework that governs amateur radio in Brazil. ANATEL said
it's considering extending the deadline for public comment on the group
of proposals that included the suggestion to eliminate ham radio exams.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some changes have already come about in
the form of online exams for two license classes -- A and C. Brazil
retains a 5 WPM Morse code requirement for the class B license, and
that has not been made available online. Applicants must have 1 year of
experience as a class B licensee to sit for the class A exam. The Morse
code exam can only be taken at an ANATEL agency office, available in
most Brazilian states. -- Thanks to Henrique Gravina, PU3IKE

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

In Brief...

The ARRL Board of Directors has named James W. Brown, K9YC, as the
recipient of the 2019 ARRL Technical Service Award. The Board cited
Brown's frequent contributions to -- and presentations at -- amateur
radio forums at conventions including Dayton Hamvention^(R), Pacificon,
and the International DX and Contesting Convention in Visalia,
California. Brown, of Santa Cruz, California, has also collaborated
with the ARRL Lab, contributed to various ARRL publications, including
The ARRL Handbook, The ARRL Antenna Book, and others, and shared his
technical and educational expertise in the fields of audio engineering,
RFI, and other aspects of electronics and engineering. He shares his
knowledge and expertise with the amateur radio community via his
informational website. The Board said, "Brown continues to provide his
expertise as a means of 'giving back' to the amateur community, in the
spirit of the amateurs that worked with him when he was first licensed
at the age of 13."

Former Federal Emergency Management ministration (FEMA) ministrator
Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, recently encouraged the use of mesh networking.
He said mesh networking can empower volunteers during natural
disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires. Fugate was the keynote
speaker for the International Wireless Communications Expo's (IWCE)
virtual event. "By building these types of networks, you can put people
back into communication and put people to work where they're needed,"
he said. He encouraged public safety agencies to work with local
amateur radio groups and commercial providers to create solutions that
can build these mesh networks when the main network goes down. --
Thanks to The ARES Letter

Past New England Division Director Bill Burden, WB1BRE, of Strafford,
Vermont, died on July 29. An ARRL Life Member, he was 84. Burden served
as ARRL New England Division Director from 1992 to 1996. Prior to that,
he was New England Division Vice Director (1991 - 1992) and New
Hampshire Section Manager (1985 - 1991). He served as the emergency
management director for the Town of Strafford. A graduate of Lowell
Tech with a degree in electrical engineering, Burden worked for
Lockheed-Sanders, retiring in 1991.

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

Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* November 14 - 15 -- Central Division Convention, Fort Wayne,
Indiana
* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida

Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

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

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

.

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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.

* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
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bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects,
columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and
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Free of charge to ARRL members...
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* 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 [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

The ARRL Letter
October 1, 2020

* Get Ready for the 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction!
* Pandemic-Delayed ARRL 2019 Annual Report Released
* Former Dayton Hamvention Venue Hara Arena is Being Demolished
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* HF Station Grounding and Arduino Microcontroller Projects are Next
ARRL Webinar Topics
* Special Pricing on ARRL 5-Band WAS and Triple Play WAS Award Plaque
Applications
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* WSJT-X Beta Release Introduces Digital Protocols Designed for LF
and MF Bands
* Announcements
* Chinese Amateur Radio Satellite Launches Delayed
* Sterling Mann, N0SSC, Named IARU Region 2 Liaison for Youth
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Get Ready for the 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction!

The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction will open for an "early bird"
preview and registration on Thursday, October 8, and will open for
bidding at 10 AM EDT (1400 UTC) on Thursday, October 15. The auction is
sponsored by GigaParts. The 2020 ARRL Online Auction includes a large
assortment of ARRL Product Review items, including an SPE Expert
1.5K-FA HF amplifier, ACOM 120S 160 - 6- meter linear amplifier, Yaesu
FTDX101D HF + 6-meter transceiver, and an Icom IC-9700 VHF/UHF
multi-mode transceiver.

The ARRL Online Auction also features a wide assortment of vintage
books, including The ARRL Handbook, Radio for Everybody, and CQ Ghost
Ship.

This year, bidders will find a large variety of equipment, vintage
books, novelty items, ARRL bundle packs, and a number of special items
donated by the cast and crew of Fox Television's Last Man Standing,
starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT.

In order to place a bid, you must register on the ARRL Online Auction
website. You may browse the website and scope out those "must-have"
items without being a registered bidder, and you can register at any
time during the auction. If you are interested in some great bargains
-- and some great fun -- check out the 2020 ARRL Online Auction, which
concludes on October 25 at 10 PM EDT (0200 UTC on October 26 in North
America). Registration begins on October 8 at 10 AM EDT (1400 UTC)
during the auction preview.

Proceeds from the Online Auction benefit ARRL education programs,
including activities to license new hams, strengthen Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) training, offer continuing technical and
operating education, and create instructional materials.
Pandemic-Delayed ARRL 2019 Annual Report Released

The 2019 ARRL Annual Report is now available in print and online. The
publication's release was delayed as a consequence of the coronavirus
pandemic. Print copies for members who are interested will be available
soon. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, called 2019 "an exciting year
for ARRL," with several new initiatives moving through planning and
development for rollout in 2020.

"Two of them -- On the Air magazine and the ARRL Online Learning Center
-- signify steps taken toward the 'new generation of hams' that I've
been talking about in the past few Annual Reports," President Roderick
said. "They've been asking ARRL for help finding their way in amateur
radio for so long, wanting to know everything from how to serve their
communities, how to integrate the ham radio hobby and service with all
the demands that modern life makes upon them, and even simply how to
determine which parts of ham radio interest them."

President Roderick also cited the development in 2019 of the ARRL
Online Learning Center -- an array of online courses that will at first
serve new hams and later expand to courses and materials for hams at
all skill levels. The Online Learning Center is expected to launch in
early 2021.

"2019 was more than busy for ARRL -- it was productive and
constructive," President Roderick concluded. "We're growing and

ARRL President Rick
Roderick, K5UR.

changing, and we do it all for you, the members, with an eye on our
mission: to advance the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio."

ARRL membership was essentially flat from 2018 at 156,755 -- likely a
result of the membership dues increase in 2019, but still slightly
above projections.

The ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program was developed in 2019, replacing the
Official Observers program. The new VM Program is a formal agreement
between the FCC and ARRL in which trained volunteers will monitor the
bands and collect evidence that may be used both to correct misconduct
and to recognize exemplary on-the-air operation.

The Report summarizes a raft of responses to emergencies and disasters
by Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) volunteers. ARES
membership grew by 3,130 in 2019, and a new ARES Comprehensive Plan was
introduced.

Financially, ARRL had a particularly good year in 2019, producing a
$596,000 gain from operations, along with strong investment markets
resulting in an overall net asset gain of $3.75 million. Read more.

Former Dayton Hamvention Venue Hara Arena is Being Demolished

Hara Arena, the former venue for Dayton Hamvention^(R) and myriad
sports, entertainment, and other presentations over the years, will
soon be history. In the wake of a failed attempt to revitalize the
tornado-damaged complex, officials in the city of Trotwood, Ohio --
where Hara Arena is located -- announced plans last week to raze the
complex and rezone the property from commercial recreation to light
industrial.

"The complex suffered extensive damage during the 2019 Memorial Day
tornado outbreak," a city news release recalled on September 25, taking
note of hopes to salvage the complex. "However, redeveloping the
property would be a challenge due to the extent of the damage, so the
decision was made...to demolish the legendary venue."

The city said the zoning change will allow manufacturing, distribution
centers, and call centers to establish their businesses in the area.

"We are excited for what the future holds for this property," Trotwood
Mayor Mary McDonald said.

"This is going to create some momentum for redevelopment," City Manager
Quincy Pope told the Dayton Daily News.

According to the Dayton Daily News, the property's owners have said the
iconic marquee spelling out "Hara Arena" atop the main arena will be
preserved and auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to charity.

The Hara complex and the surrounding real estate occupy some 128 acres.

Co-owner Corey Heitz told the Dayton Daily News that it will take up to
6 months to tear down the buildings completely, and he hopes to have
"something" there in the next 12 months.

Hara Arena had served as the venue for Dayton Hamvention from 1964
until 2016. Hamvention announced in July 2016 that Hara Arena would be
closing but that Hamvention would continue. The show is now held at the
Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center.

Over its six-decade history, Hara Arena hosted concerts by performers
that included the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead; it was also
where hockey legend Wayne Gretzky played his first professional hockey
game.

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

ARRL Podcasts Schedule

The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 9) features a
discussion on how to tune HF signals and use transceiver tools to
enhance reception. The On the Air podcast is a monthly companion to On
the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine for beginner-to-intermediate ham
radio operators.

The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 17) features a
discussion of how RSID is used to identify HF digital modes, and a chat
with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about mysterious long-delayed echoes (LDEs).

The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android), as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.

HF Station Grounding and Arduino Microcontroller Projects are Next ARRL
Webinar Topics

Two well-known ham radio authors and speakers will share their
expertise with members in October during ARRL Learning Network
webinars. ARRL Contributing Editor Ward Silver, N0AX, will present
"Grounding & Bonding for Home HF Stations" on Tuesday, October 6, at 10
AM PDT/1 PM EDT/0500 UTC. Popular ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP, will
present "Welcome to the World of Arduino" on Thursday, October 15, at 5
PM PDT/8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, October 16). Members must log in
to the ARRL website to register for each webinar.

Silver authored the ARRL book Grounding and Bonding for the Radio
Amateur in 2017 as a practical guide to building a station that
incorporates effective grounding and bonding techniques for electrical
safety, lightning protection, and RF management. Radio amateurs often
cite the title for demystifying an often misunderstood or intimidating
topic.

During his webinar, Silver will define grounding and bonding, cover the
benefits and requirements, and share useful references and guides for
hams to apply these techniques in their home HF stations.

In his presentation, Popiel -- the author of several ARRL books,
including Arduino for Ham Radio, More Arduino Projects for Ham Radio,
and High Speed Multimedia for Amateur Radio -- will cover the
open-source, electronic-prototyping Arduino platform, which is widely
popular among electronics hobbyists and radio amateurs. The webinar
will include examples of how to put Arduinos to use in building ham
radio projects and practical station gear.

Live question-and-answer periods will follow each 30-minute
presentation.

All webinars are recorded, so members and radio clubs can view previous
presentations. Join ARRL to take advantage of this new member benefit.
Read more.
Special Pricing on ARRL 5-Band WAS and Triple Play WAS Award Plaque
Applications

Beginning October 1, ARRL will offer a 10% discount on all applications
for 5-Band Worked All States (5B WAS) wall plaques and Triple Play
(TPA) wall plaques. The discount will be deducted from the total charge
(i.e., application fee, plaque fee, and shipping).

This special is good for first-time applicants, as well as for those
who have been awarded TPA or 5B WAS and want to display their
achievement with an attractive, colorful wall plaque.

Submit contacts via Logbook of The World (LoTW) and indicate in the
comments section of the payment page that you want the wall plaque.
Discounts will be applied during processing.

Apply online with the order forms available to order plaques for the
Triple Play or 5Band WAS. This offer is good until the close of
business at ARRL Headquarters on December 31, 2020, so if you need some
contacts to complete your 5-Band WAS or Triple Play awards, the
November Sweepstakes or ARRL 160- or 10-Meter contests are good
opportunities to fill those empty slots on your scorecard.

Uploading your contacts to LoTW provides quick contact confirmation and
makes it easy to apply for these awards.

The K7RA Solar Update

Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar wind disturbed HF conditions
over the September 24 - 30 reporting week.

Average daily planetary A index rose from 5.1 to 22, while average
middle latitude A index went from 5 to 15.6. Average daily sunspot
number declined from 1.9 to 1.6; a weak sunspot appeared on only 2
days, September 23 and 25, with sunspot numbers of 13 and 11,
respectively. Average daily solar flux was on the increase, edging up
from 71.1 to 73.4.

Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 74 on October 1 - 3; 72 on
October 4; 70 on October 5 - 18; 72 on October 19 - 31, and 70 on
November 1 - 14.

Predicted planetary A index is 15 and 10 on October 1 - 3; 5 on October
3 - 10; 10 on October 11; 5 on October 12 - 19; 10, 18, and 20 on
October 20 - 22; 24, 16, 38, and 38 on October 23 - 26; 26, 15, and 10
on October 27 - 29; 5 on October 30 - November 6; 10 on November 7, and
5 on November 8 - 14.

W6MVT in southern California was pleasantly surprised on September 28
after erecting a new vertical. His first catch was E51JD in the
Southern Cook Islands at 0022 UTC. This was his first SSB DX on 15
meters in many years, although the opening vanished as quickly as it
came.

Sunspot numbers for September 24 - 30 were 0, 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0,
with a mean of 1.6. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 73.6, 73.4, 72.6,
74.1, 73.9, 72.8, and 73.3, with a mean of 73.4. Estimated planetary A
indices were 19, 20, 27, 24, 33, 16, and 15, with a mean of 22. Middle
latitude A index was 11, 17, 18, 16, 21, 14, and 12, with a mean of
15.6.

A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.

A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.

Share your reports and observations.

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

Just Ahead in Radiosport
* October 3 -- German Telegraphy Contest (CW)
* October 3 -- FISTS Fall Slow Speed Sprint
* October 3 - 4 -- TRC DX Contest (CW, phone)
* October 3 - 4 -- RTTYOps WW RTTY
* October 3 - 4 -- Russian WW Digital Contest
* October 3 - 4 -- All YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest (CW, phone)
* October 3 - 4 -- International HELL-Contest
* October 3 - 4 -- California QSO Party (CW, phone)
* October 3 - 4 -- SKCC QSO Party (CW)
* October 4 -- RSGB DX Contest (CW, phone)
* October 4 -- UBA ON Contest, SSB
* October 4 -- Peanut Power QRP Sprint (CW, phone)
* October 5 -- RSGB 80-Meter Autumn Series, CW
* October 6 -- ARS Spartan Sprint CW
* October 7 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
* October 7 -- 432 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone)
* October 7 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)


WSJT-X Beta Release Introduces Digital Protocols Designed for LF and MF
Bands

The latest beta release of the WSJT-X digital software suite includes
digital protocols particularly designed for communication on LF and MF
bands, such as 2200 meters and 630 meters, and its developers say that
during its first few months of testing, contacts have spanned
intercontinental paths "many times" on those bands. New protocols FST4
and FST4W are included in WSJT-X version 2.3.0-rc1 (release candidate
1). FST4 is for two-way contacts, while FST4W is for "quasi-beacon"
style WSPR-type transmissions. Both modes offer a range of options for
T/R-sequence lengths and threshold decoding sensitivities extending
well into the -40 dB range, developers said.

"On these bands, their fundamental sensitivities are better than other
WSJT-X modes with the same sequence lengths," the WSJT-X development
team. "FST4 and FST4W do not require the strict, independent
time-synchronization and phase-locking of modes like EbNaut," a
protocol for VLF and LF communication.

The WSJT-X development team said operators familiar with the software
suite will find using FST4 and FST4W straightforward.

The new modes use 4-GFSK modulation and share common software for
encoding and decoding messages. FST4 offers T/R sequence lengths of 15,
30, 60, 120, 300, 900, and 1,800 seconds, while FST4W omits the lengths
shorter than 120 seconds.

Message payloads contain either 77 bits -- as in FT4, FT8, and MSK144
-- or 50 bits for the WSPR-like messages of FST4W.

WSJT-X version 2.3 offers 12 different protocols: FST4, FT4, FT8, JT4,
JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, WSPR, FST4W, and Echo.

The WSJT-X 2.3 User Guide and the Release Notes include additional
information. Read more.

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

Announcements
* Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and Jamboree on the Internet
take place October 16 - 18. Groups or individuals can register on
the World JOTA-JOTI site. ditional information about JOTA 2020 is
on the K2BSA website. The K2BSA site offers COVID-19 guidance
during radio scouting activities
* ARRL Life Member Mark Persons, W0MH, of Brainerd, Minnesota, has
been recognized with the 10th Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE)
Lifetime Achievement Award. He was SBE Engineer of the Year for
2018. -- Thanks to Rob Atkinson, K5UJ
* The California QSO Party (CQP) has announced some changes for 2020.
All multioperator stations (multi-single and multi-multi) must
register before the contest. Logs from multioperator stations not
registered in advance will be considered as check logs. The 55th
running of the CQP takes place October 3 - 4.
* Want to know what hams live in your neighborhood? Check out Amateur
Radio License Map. You may have hams nearby you never knew about.
* The United Nations Amateur Radio Contest DX Club at the Vienna
International Center in Austria will operate as 4U75A, in
celebration of the UN's 75th anniversary. The UN Headquarters
Amateur Radio Club (UNARC) will use 4U75UN, although no set
schedule is in place.

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

Chinese Amateur Radio Satellite Launches Delayed

CAMSAT says the CAS-7A launch has been postponed until next May, and
CAS-5A until next June.

"Because of COVID-19, many things have been delayed," CAMSAT's Alan
Kung, BA1DU, told ARRL. He said an announcement would be made next
spring.

CAMSAT had said that CAS-7A would launch in mid-September; the launch
has been postponed multiple times since first announced. CAS-5A was
predicted to launch in October. Both satellites will carry two
transponders that include HF, in a configuration similar to that of the
Russian RS satellites decades ago.

CAS-7A will be placed into a sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination
of 98� at 500 kilometers above Earth. The transponders will have a
bandwidth of 30 kHz. The HF/HF linear transponder will uplink on 15
meters and downlink on 10 meters. A CW beacon will transmit on 10
meters. The HF/UHF transponder CW beacon transponder will transmit on
70 centimeters.

The CAS-5A nanosatellite, with a 6U form factor, carries two HF
transponders and two VHF/UHF transponders. While in orbit, it will
deploy the tiny CAS-5B femtosatellite, weighing just half a

kilogram.

The array of CAS-5A linear transponders will include HF/HF, HF/UHF, and
VHF/UHF with 30 kHz passbands (except 15 kHz for the HF/UHF
transponder).

CAS-5A will include CW telemetry beacons on HF and UHF. The HF CW
beacon will be on 10 meters, and a UHF telemetry beacon will be on 70
centimeters. Other beacons include the HF/HF transponder beacon on 10
meters, and the HF/UHF and VHF/UHF transponder beacons on 70
centimeters. Telemetry will be transmitted on 70 centimeters. Read
more.
Sterling Mann, N0SSC, Named IARU Region 2 Liaison for Youth

Sterling Mann, N0SSC, has been named as the International Amateur Radio
Union (IARU) Region 2 Liaison for Youth, the IARU Region 2 Executive
Committee (EC) has announced. With the support of IARU Region 2, the
Liaison for Youth will reach out to young hams throughout the Americas
and their member-societies to develop and promote interest in amateur
radio on the part of young hams through self-sustaining groups and
activities.

"Our first set of tasks primarily revolves around collecting
information to identify strong leaders and points of contact throughout
IARU Region 2 member-societies," Mann told ARRL. "Ideally, these
leaders are young hams who are willing to help drive the initiative
forward by performing various roles." One of those, he said, is to come
up with and put into action methods to "get ham radio into the public
view in a positive and engaging way." The initiative will also
coordinate and collaborate with other communities with similar goals.
On-the air activities, online meetups, workshops, competitions and
mini-contests, brainstorming sessions, and speaking invitations are all
envisioned as future events.

"Amateur radio is often viewed as a passion of an earlier generation.
Features that attracted many current hams, such as providing a
real-time social network, have been supplanted by advances in
technology virtually available to anyone anywhere," the EC said.
"Wireless communication is an important aspect of modern life, with
amateurs having the opportunity to experience it in a unique and
personal way. Developing and promoting this experience is key
to...ensuring the future of amateur radio."

The Liaison for Youth implements a "Young Ham Action Plan" to connect
with, engage, inspire, and mentor young hams throughout the Americas.
Mann's role is to be a point of contact for building links to and among
the many groups already developing organically via internet discussion
platforms, on-the-air nets, and virtual clusters of interest -- even
before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The liaison will help to set up, develop, and grow self-sufficient
communities of young hams connected through common cultural, lingual,
and geographic backgrounds, assisted by IARU Region 2 and its
member-societies. This initiative builds on the successful examples of
other youth groups, such as Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) in IARU Region
1, Youth on the Air -- a youth ham radio camp in the Americas, the
Young Amateurs Radio Club -- a large online community of young hams,
and several others. Contact Mann via email or Twitter (@r2youth). Read
more.

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

In Brief...

[IMG]Applications for the 2021 ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program will
be accepted between October 1 and December 31, 2020. All applicants
must be FCC-licensed radio amateurs, and many scholarships have other
specific requirements, such as intended area of study, residence within
a particular ARRL Division, Section, or state, and license class.
Applicants should review the scholarship descriptions and check off the
ones for which they are eligible. If you complete an online
application, you must also email a PDF of academic transcripts from
your most recently completed school year by January 11, 2021. Some
scholarships require additional documents to be submitted (e.g., letter
of recommendation from an officer of an ARRL-affiliated club).
Applications not accompanied by transcripts and additional documents,
where applicable, will not be considered. The ARRL Foundation
Scholarship Committee will review all applicants for eligibility and
award decisions. Scholarship recipients will be notified in May 2021
via USPS mail and email. For more information, visit the ARRL
Foundation Scholarship Program page.

Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX, has been appointed ARRL South Texas Section
Manager. He succeeds Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, of Cedar Park, who has
stepped down as Section Manager to become ARRL Director of Emergency
Management. Wolfe, of Rockdale, Texas, will complete the remainder of
Gilbert's term. Wolfe's appointment as Section Manager begins on
October 1 and extends until September 30, 2021. ARRL Radiosport and
Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the appointment after
consulting with ARRL West Gulf Division Director John Robert Stratton,
N5AUS, and receiving recommendations from Gilbert, West Gulf Division
Vice Director Lee Cooper, W5LHC, and others in the South Texas Section.
Stuart Wolfe currently serves as South Texas ARRL Affiliated Club
Coordinator and Emergency Coordinator. He is the founding member and
President of the Milam Amateur Radio Club. He is also active as a
Volunteer Examiner and teacher of amateur radio licensing classes.

ARRL Member Chuck Butzin, K0BBQ, used ham radio on September 26 to
assist a motorist in need. Butzin came upon a vehicle that went off the
roadway. Fortunately, no one was injured, but a tow truck was needed to
get the vehicle back on the highway. Butzin was beyond cell phone
coverage, so he used the Terry Peak repeater to make a priority call on
the SDLINK repeater system for assistance. On the other end of the
state, Matt Holden, K0BBC, heard the call and relayed location details
via 911. Dispatcher Denny Warrick, W0DGW, used the GPS coordinates that
Butzin provided to pin down the incident location and call in the
closest law enforcement agency. The Pennington County Sheriff sent a
patrol car and summoned a tow truck. Pennington County ARES Emergency
Coordinator Bob Ewing, W0RE, monitored the repeater until law
enforcement arrived, and K0BBQ cleared the scene. SDLINK is a series of
12 repeaters that connect South Dakota radio amateurs along Interstates
29 and 90. Holden advises radio amateurs to keep an ear on your local
repeaters. "They may be quiet, but you never know when a call for
assistance from a fellow amateur radio operator might be heard." --
Thanks to Matt Holden, K0BBC

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

Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions

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

Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.

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

* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida

Find conventions and hamfests in your area.

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

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

.

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* Join or Renew Today! Eligible US-based members can elect to receive
QST or On the Air magazine in print when they join ARRL or when
they renew their membership. All members can access digital
editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.

* Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.

Subscribe to...
* NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features
articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA
Sprint, and QSO parties.
* 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 [email protected]:10123 (1:18/200)

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.

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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.

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* 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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