QRZ Forums - Amateur Radio News
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CQ announces 2015 Hall of Fame inductees
Posted: 15 May 2015 04:05 AM PDT
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CQ announces 2015 Hall of Fame inductees
CQ magazine today announced its 2015 Hall of Fame
inductees, adding two members each to the CQ DX and Contest Halls of Fame,
as well as nine new members of the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame.
The CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame honors those
individuals, whether licensed hams or not, who have made significant
contributions to amateur radio; and those amateurs who have made
significant contributions either to amateur radio, to their professional
careers or to some other aspect of life on our planet.
The 2015 inductees (listed alphabetically) are:
Tim Allen, KK6OTD - Actor and star of the ABC
comedy, "Last Man Standing," on which his character is also a ham, Mike
Baxter, KA0XTT.
Charles Apgar, ex-2MN (SK) - uncovered German spy
transmissions from Telefunken shore station WSL in New York during WWI.
Dan Benishek, KB8TOW - Member of Congress from Michigan.
Medical doctor and advocate for veterans.
Olof Lundberg, G0CKV - Leader of the communications
satellite industry for a quarter-century. Founding Director General of
Inmarsat; founder, CEO and Chairman of ICO Global Communications and CEO
of Globalstar, Inc.
Bre Pettis, W2BRE - 3D printing pioneer and founder of
MakerBot.
Alvino Rey, W6UK (SK) - A leading musician of the swing
era, Rey is considered the father of the electric guitar and inventor of
the talk box, pickups and other electronic musical devices. He combined
his love for music with his love of radio to transform the music world.
Bob Twiggs, KE6QMD - Co-inventor of the cubesat design
standard.
Greg Walden, W7EQI - Member of Congress from Oregon.
Chairman of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee.
Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, YD2JKW - President of Indonesia.
CQ DX and Contest and DX Halls of Fame
The CQ DX and Contest Halls of Fame honor those
amateurs who not only excel in personal performance in these major areas
of amateur radio but who also "give back" to the hobby in outstanding ways.
The 2015 inductees to the CQ DX Hall of Fame are:
Yasuo "Zorro" Miyazawa, JH1AJT - is a DXer,
DXpeditioner, educator and philanthropist. Zorro is the founder and CEO of
the Seisa Group, which runs schools in several countries; and founder/CEO
of the Foundation for Global Children, which provides medical and
educational support for children in Japan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia and
Bangladesh. Zorro has also helped promote or re-introduce amateur radio to
many of these places, and has donated money and/or equipment to help
amateurs in rare locations get or stay on the air.
Michael Wells, G7VJR - is founder of Club Log, an
online DXpedition log-hosting tool that has changed the face of DXpedition
operating by, among other things, allowing operators to upload their logs
while still on the air and permit hams around the world to know if they
are "in the log" on a given band or mode. Michael is a DXpeditioner
himself, having been part of a half-dozen major operations and having
operated from 25 different DX entities over the past 10 years.
The 2015 inductees to the CQ Contest Hall of Fame are:
Doug Grant, K1DG - is not only a world-class contester,
but has not hesitated to share his knowledge and skills with others. He
has built or helped to build several championship contest stations, is a
founding member of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club, a founding director of
the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, is a regular instructor at
Contest University and has run the Contest Forum at the Dayton Hamvention®
for the past 20 years. In addition, Doug has competed in five World
Radiosport Team Championships (WRTCs), and has medaled three times.
Ward Silver, N0AX - has been a contester for over four
decades and has operated from some of the world's top contest stations,
spanning four continents. A founder of the World Radiosport Team
Championship (WRTC) competitions in 1990, Ward is currently Secretary of
the WRTC Sanctioning Committee. He is also president of the YASME
Foundation, which supports DXpeditions and contest operations around the
world, QST contesting editor and author of Ham Radio for Dummies and
Circuitbuilding Do-It-Yourself for Dummies.
Formal inductions to the CQ Contest and DX Halls of
Fame are scheduled for the Dayton Hamvention.® More detailed descriptions
of inductees will appear in the official announcement in the July 2015
issue of CQ magazine.
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The ARRL Letter, May 14, 2015
Posted: 14 May 2015 12:38 PM PDT
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The ARRL Letter
May 14, 2015
Rick Lindquist, WW1ME, Editor
[Note: Clicking on the story links below will take you to the news article
as it appears in The ARRL Letter on the ARRL website.]
Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015: 55 Cosponsors -- and ClimbingARRL Will
Mark 100 Years of QST at Hamvention®Oklahoma Amateur Radio Volunteers Rally
as Severe Weather StrikesAmateur Radio Nets Are Crucial Link in Maritime
RescuesNew ARRL General Class License Manual Available as Softcover, Spiral
Bound, or E-BookUS Navy-Marine Corps MARS Program to EndNew Nepal
Earthquake Keeps Amateur Radio Relief Effort GoingColorado ARES Volunteers
Support Grueling RaceBrian Moran, N9ADG, Named as New Editor of The ARRL
Contest Update US Naval Academy CubeSat Launch to Include Next APRS
SatelliteIn Brief...The K7RA Solar UpdateJust Ahead in RadiosportUpcoming
ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events
Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015: 55 Cosponsors -- and Climbing
The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 -- also known as H.R.1301 -- has
attracted 55 cosponsors as of May 14. The bill, introduced earlier this
year in the US House by Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), would direct the FCC to
extend its rules relating to reasonable accommodation of Amateur Service
communications to private land-use restrictions. This weekendÂ’s Dayton
Hamvention will offer an opportunity for ARRL to meet with individual radio
amateurs and encourage them to seek their House memberÂ’s support. ARRL
Regulatory Information and Legislative Action Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND,
said those stopping by his booth at ARRL EXPO, can -- in about a minute --
have a letter, addressed to their representative and personalized with
their contact information, printed and ready to sign.
“The ARRL will collect these signed letters and have them hand-delivered to
the various Congressional offices by our DC legislative action team,”
Henderson explained. “This easy-to-use process has succeeded at several
major hamfests already this year and helped generate several hundred
letters.”
Henderson said that the typically high number of attendees at Dayton
Hamvention presents an excellent opportunity for Amateur Radio operators to
get involved in the H.R. 1301 grassroots legislative effort.
The latest lawmakers to sign aboard H.R. 1301 include Representatives Pete
Olson of Texas, Ed Perlmutter of Colorado, John Shimkus of Illinois, Dr
Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, and Roger Williams of Texas.
Henderson said the League is also working on securing an original sponsor
and co-sponsor for a companion Amateur Radio Parity Act bill in the US
Senate. He encouraged all who may not be attending Hamvention to visit the
ARRLÂ’s H.R. 1301 page, where they can download a letter that can be
personalized for your member of Congress.
“Once you have printed and signed the letter, send it to ARRL Grassroots
Letter program, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111,” Henderson said. “Once
received, these will be sorted and sent to the ARRL DC team for hand
delivery on Capitol Hill.”
“We have gotten off to a good start on H.R. 1301, but we have a long way to
go,” Henderson said. “We need every ARRL member to get involved with this
important fight.”
ARRL Will Mark 100 Years of QST at Hamvention®
The ARRL will join 20,000 or more of its closest friends this week, as the
Amateur Radio world turns its attention to Dayton Hamvention® 2015, Friday
through Sunday, May 15-17. Hamvention is the worldÂ’s largest Amateur Radio
gathering. As it has for the past several years, ARRL will showcase its
products and activities at the ARRL EXPO in the Hara Arena Ballarena. This
year, the League will celebrate the centenary of its membership journal,
QST.
“To help celebrate 100 years of QST, ARRL will introduce a commemorative
reissue of the first QST -- the December 1915 issue -- during Dayton
Hamvention®,” said ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. “The
special reprint is free when you join, renew, or extend your ARRL
membership at ARRL EXPO.” Inderbitzen said ARRL Life Members may obtain a
free copy just by stopping in at the ARRL EXPO store. Those unable to
attend Hamvention may obtain copies directly from ARRL for $9.95 each.
The League will conduct several forums during Hamvention weekend. On
Friday, 2:30 until 3:45 PM in Room 2, the League will present “Ham Radio
and the Law: Getting Antennas Up and Keeping Them Up,” moderated by ARRL
Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. Discussion will focus
on legal issues of interest to hams, including how to avoid or work around
restrictive covenants, presenting your case for a tower permit, and the
latest court rulings on PRB-1 and towers. Henderson will also provide an
update on The Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2015 -- H.R.1301.
The LeagueÂ’s membership forum will take place on Saturday, 9:15-11 AM, in
Room 5. ARRL Great Lakes Division Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, will
moderate.
The “doctor” will make a house call this year for the “The Doctor is In”
forum on Saturday, noon until 1 PM, in Room 3. Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will
field questions from visitors. Hallas edits the popular “The Doctor is In”
question-and-answer column in QST.
NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, will be the guest of honor at a
meet-and-greet opportunity on Saturday, 1:45 until 3 PM, in Room 5. Fincke
was part of the International Space Station expedition 9 and 18 crews and,
through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
program, he was among the more active radio amateurs to serve on the
station. In June 2004, he delighted many radio amateurs by taking part in
ARRL Field Day from the ISS.
Icom America will live stream the Youth Forum at Hamvention, May 16, 9:15
until 12:15 PM EDT, which Fincke will attend. Carole Perry, WB2MGP, will
moderate. Read more.
Oklahoma Amateur Radio Volunteers Rally as Severe Weather Strikes
As storms swept into Central Oklahoma on May 6, radio amateurs -- in their
role as SKYWARN storm spotters -- became active, confirming observations
and reporting the effects of the damaging weather. Oklahoma Section
Emergency Coordinator Mark Conklin, N7XYO, reports that the Grady County
bedroom community of Bridge Creek -- some 30 miles south-southwest of
Oklahoma City -- took a direct hit, and ham radio volunteers have been on
the job ever since, providing needed communication. Tornado victims have
only been able to assess property damage in the past few days, and
residents are now working to clean up. The storm destroyed many homes, and
a volunteer center has been set up at the local elementary school.
In addition to causing structural damage, the dangerous storms also took
out portions of the power grid. The Bridge Creek Volunteer Fire Department
was among those losing power, and a back-up generator failed. Matt Garcia,
N5PTV, arrived with a generator and got the departmentÂ’s repeater and base
station gear up and running again, so that firefighters were able to
respond to calls, Conklin said.
Mike Rockey, KE5EQC, vice president of the Aeronautical Center Amateur
Radio Club, alerted Conklin that the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster
Relief had requested Amateur Radio assistance to help support the Bridge
Creek communications effort. Conklin sent word out to all
ARES-OK-registered radio operators to help fill this communications need.
“Amateur Radio operators are volunteering in Bridge Creek to assist with
communications efforts,” an Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management May
13 update noted. “Operators have worked to support communication between
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster ReliefÂ’s chain saw and debris teams. The
communication support is especially useful since cell service in the area
has often been unreliable due to the storms. The Amateur Radio volunteers
are expected to continue to assist through the weekend.” Read more. --
Thanks to Mark Conklin, N7XYO, Oklahoma Section Emergency Coordinator
Amateur Radio Nets Are Crucial Link in Maritime Rescues
Amateur Radio played a crucial role in two recent at-sea rescues. On April
8, sailors Randy (VA3ORT) and Dawn (VA3PBT) Ortiz of Ontario, Canada, ran
into heavy seas that led them to abandon their 42-foot sailing yacht
Nirvana Now in a remote portion of the South Pacific while en route to the
Marquesas. The Ortizes were able to summon help via the Pacific SeafarerÂ’s
Net on 14.300 MHz, and the North Carolina-based Continuum, skippered by Bob
Jankowski, KJ4ZFP, and his wife Mona, were able to come to their rescue,
some 1200 miles from the nearest landfall. The Ortizes were last reported
to be safe in Tahiti. Pacific SeafarerÂ’s Net member Fred Moore, W3ZU, in
Florida, was able to coordinate the request for help.
“I would like to impress upon all that it was the communications allowed us
through the SSB radio giving us access to the land-based ham networks and
other boats that saved our lives,” Randy Ortiz told Latitude 38. “I think
it is still prudent for all persons voyaging offshore to be skilled in the
use of the SSB radio.”
On April 16, members of the Maritime Mobile Service Network (MMSN) assisted
with a mayday call on 14.300 MHz, which NCS William Sturridge, KI4MMZ,
handled. Skipper Andrew Fleming, KC4VOA, on board the sailing yacht
Seaquel, reported his vessel taking on water due to a mechanical failure
some 95 miles northwest of Puerto Rico, and headed to Florida. Fleming
reported that he had been unable to raise the US Coast Guard or other
agencies on the radio. Sturridge notified the Coast Guard and also
contacted Moore to assist in handling the crisis.
“They had a short window of opportunity in which to communicate,” Assistant
MMSN Net Manager Jeff Savasta, KB4JKL, reported. “It was only approximately
5 minutes before contact was lost with the vessel, and any other
information that they obtained was via an in-house database program which
the MMSN utilizes for its contacts. KC4VOA has checked in to the MMSN many
times prior, so there was a vast amount of information on the vessel.”
The US Coast Guard was dispatched, the vessel was located, and a Coast
Guard Paramedic was lowered via helicopter to treat a head injury that
Fleming had sustained. Fleming and his wife Sally, KA3RUJ, later expressed
their gratitude to Sturridge.
“I had worried lately that ham radio might be overtaken by technology, but
you proved that it still has a significant place,” Andrew Fleming said.
Read more. -- Thanks to John Procter, W1HFG, and Bobby Graves, KB5HAV
New ARRL General Class License Manual Available as Softcover, Spiral Bound,
or E-Book
The new ARRL General Class License Manual (8th edition) is now available in
softcover, spiral-bound, and e-book versions. The optional academic-style
spiral-bound edition (ARRL Item No 1904, retail $32.95) lies flat, making
it more convenient for both students and instructors. It includes
everything you need to prepare for the 35-question General class Amateur
Radio license exam, so you wonÂ’t have any surprises on test day.
The exam questions and answer key are built from the latest General class
question pool, which goes into effect on July 1, 2015. You can use the
General Class License Manual in conjunction with ARRLÂ’s online Exam Review
for Ham Radio. It includes detailed explanations for all test questions as
well as FCC Amateur Service (Part 97) rules.
The ARRL General Class License Manual is also available in traditional
softcover format (ARRL Item No 8119, retail $29.95). Both spiral-bound and
softcover editions are available from the ARRL Store or from your ARRL
Publications Dealer, or call 860-594-0355 or toll-free in the US
888-277-5289 to order.
In addition to the hard-copy manuals, ARRL has just released a digital
edition of The ARRL General Class License Manual in Kindle format from
Amazon.
As the leading publisher of Amateur Radio licensing and training materials,
ARRL is expanding beyond traditional printed books to meet the increasing
demand from readers who prefer digital publications. The ARRL also offers
Kindle editions of The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual and its
question-and-answer study guides, ARRLÂ’s Tech Q&A, ARRLÂ’s General Q&A, and
ARRLÂ’s Extra Q&A.
US Navy-Marine Corps MARS Program to End
The US Department of Defense is phasing out the US Navy-Marine Corps
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) program. Its operational mission
will transition to the other MARS service branches by the end of September.
MARS volunteers are Amateur Radio operators who provide auxiliary or
emergency communications to local, national, and international emergency
and safety organizations, as an adjunct to normal communications.
“The intent of the transition is to best align the program to support
national mission requirements,” the announcement said. Chris Jensen of
Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS
LANT) told ARRL that the Navy no longer has any service-specific
requirements for Navy-Marine Corps MARS and is working within DoD to
transition the program into Army and Air Force MARS by September 30.
The announcement encouraged current Navy-Marine Corps MARS members and
clubs to submit applications to the US Army MARS or US Air Force MARS
programs as soon as possible.
“The US Navy greatly appreciates the thousands of MARS volunteers, past and
present, who have been integral to the success of MARS,” the announcement
concluded.
An individual very familiar with the MARS program said the change was not
unexpected and came to a head as the US Strategic Command embraced Army
MARS as the lead branch for contingency communication and Air Force MARS
began partnering with the US Army program on the operations side.
“The Army and Air Force MARS branches have an obvious role in providing
contingency communications for the 50 states,” said the individual, who
preferred not to be identified by name. “Members are everywhere ‘on the
ground,Â’ and experience in Afghanistan and Iraq has proven the tactical
usefulness of HF on land. There was no similar role for the landlocked
membership of Navy-Marine Corps MARS.”
He said the MARS program can use all the volunteers it can attract. Read
more.
New Nepal Earthquake Keeps Amateur Radio Relief Effort Going
Amateur Radio relief activity in Nepal had begun to wind down before a
magnitude 7.3 earthquake shook parts of the Himalayan nation on May 12,
collapsing buildings and killing dozens in a region thatÂ’s still trying to
recover from the much stronger earthquake on April 25. The latest quake
revived the ham radio effort. Centered some 50 miles east-northeast of the
Nepalese capital of Kathmandu and near the border with Tibet, the temblor
was felt in India and Bangladesh. The US Geological Survey considers the
May 12 tremor as an aftershock of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on April 25.
“Immediately after the first tremor, I turned on my station and gave a call
on 14.210 MHz,” said Amateur Radio Society of India (ARSI) National
Disaster Communication Coordinator Jayu Bhide, VU2JAU. He subsequently made
contact with Satish Kharel, 9N1AA, who reported that power as well as
Internet and cell phone service were out, although text messaging was still
possible. 9N1AA was operating from battery power at the time, but later got
his power back. Other parts of Kathmandu are still without electricity,
however.
Bhide said he learned that some multi-story structures that had suffered
cracks in the initial earthquake collapsed, killing several people.He said
on May 14 that people were returning home from temporary shelters. He
continues to receive missing person inquiries from abroad. About 300 people
are still missing in Langtang Valley.
Bhide said he would continue monitoring 14.210 MHz.
The Computer Association of Nepal-USA (CAN-USA) project “Radio Mala”
reported that equipment it deployed in 2013 continues to function in the
aftermath of the latest tremor. Radio Mala team member Rick Santina, W6IFA,
said that Sanjeeb Panday, 9N1SP, had e-mailed the CAN-USA team that the HF
station was still working. Panday has installed the antenna for the second
CAN-USA UHF/VHF repeater, but the installation was not able to be completed
before this weekÂ’s aftershock.
“We are still deploying ham radio equipment to Nepal in response to this
humanitarian crisis,” said CAN-USA Disaster Preparedness Committee Chairman
Suresh Ojha, W6KTM.
Colorado ARES Volunteers Support Grueling Race
Pikes Peak Amateur Radio Emergency Service (PP ARES) volunteers provided
communication support on May 2 for the 2015 Falcon 50 Ultra-Marathon.
Competitors in the “military-heavy” 50-mile event carry 35-pound rucksacks
while wearing boots and uniforms, said Pikes Peak ARES PIO John Bloodgood,
KD0SFY. He said 170 runners tested their mettle on the rugged terrain and
high altitude of the marathon course at the United States Air Force Academy
in Colorado Springs.
“They were not alone,” he said. “Supporting them was a volunteer team of
Amateur Radio operators from the Pikes Peak District Amateur Radio
Emergency Service. Twenty-two operators, one of whom was also a participant
in the marathon, set up six stations around the course to track and report
runner progress, coordinate supplies and transportation, and report any
emergencies on the course.”
Bloodgood said this meant having everything up and running before the race
start time of 6 AM and operating through the 8 PM finish line cut-off time.
“Using radios in areas where cell phones often have spotty reception and
the same techniques that make ham radio a huge asset in disasters, the ARES
operators passed runner progress messages, tracking each bib number as it
passed through an aid station,” he explained. The ARES volunteers used
Fldigi in MT63 2000L mode, with Flmsg sending Incident Command System Form
213 messages over UHF FM radios. “This digital system is exactly the same
as hams might use to support incident commands during disasters and
emergencies,” Bloodgood said.
Messages were automatically compiled into the Bib Track software developed
by Al Glock, KC0PRM, that was originally designed to track patients during
a mass casualty event. “This software can even predict when a runner should
arrive at the next aid station,” Bloodgood added. More than 1070 runner
position reports were passed. The hams also used voice modes and APRS.
Bloodgood said the Falcon 50 gives Pikes Peak ARES members a valuable
opportunity to hone their skills in preparation for emergencies and
disasters. Pikes Peak ARES has supported the event every year from its
start 4 years ago. Read more. -- Thanks to Pikes Peak ARES PIO John
Bloodgood, KD0SFY
Brian Moran, N9ADG, Named as New Editor of The ARRL Contest Update
Brian Moran, N9ADG, will take over as editor of The ARRL Contest Update,
starting with the May 20 issue. Current editor Ward Silver, N0AX, is
stepping away after 13 years as the radiosport newsletterÂ’s editor in order
to concentrate on other ARRL projects. Moran, who lives in Kirkland,
Washington, has been in Amateur Radio for more than 35 years.
“My vision for the Contest Update is to continue to provide the timely
event-specific information and other technical or operating information
relevant to the interests of traditional contesters,” he said, “and explore
ways to continue informing and broadening the readership, considering the
evolving nature of the hobby.”
Moran got his ham ticket in the late 1970s, while in high school. His
interest in electronics and radio led him to pursue a degree in computer
science, and then a career in software development -- “while ham radio was
on pause,” he said. Moran became consistently active again in 1999, after
he joined the Western Washington DX Club. In addition to DXing and
contesting, he enjoys restoring and building equipment.
Other radio amateurs in his household include his wife Caroline, KA7MOM,
and children Emma, KE7MAM, and Sam, KE7MAN.
An e-newsletter, The ARRL Contest Update publishes every other Wednesday,
26 times a year. Read more.
US Naval Academy CubeSat Launch to Include Next APRS Satellite
Sometime on or about May 20, the next US Naval Academy satellites and Brno
University PSK31 transponders head into space from Cape Canaveral on an
Atlas 5 launcher and into an approximately 50° orbit. The launch will
include the Psat APRS satellite -- a pair of identical 1.5 U cubesats (A
and B) -- as well as the BRICsat and USS Langley (Unix Space Server
Langley) nanosatellites.
“Psat is a Naval Academy student satellite project named in honor of one of
our graduates, Bradford Parkinson, of GPS fame, which contains an APRS
transponder for relaying remote telemetry, sensor, and user data from
remote users and Amateur Radio environmental experiments or other data
sources back to Amateur Radio experimenters via a global network of
Internet-linked ground stations,” explained APRS developer Bob Bruninga,
WB4APR. In addition to the data transponder, a secondary Brno University
transponder will support multi-user PSK31 text messaging. The APRS downlink
will be 145.825 MHz (1200 baud AX.25 APRS).
“We welcome radio amateurs worldwide to tune into the downlinks and either
IGate packets into the global APRS-IS system or to e-mail me,” Bruninga
said. “After launch, the next several orbits will be over USA and Europe.”
Bruninga said Psat, including the PSK31 transponder, would not be available
for use until all on-orbit checks are complete, a process he said could
take “many, many days.” He also requested reports on any PSK31 (FM) heard
on 435.350 MHz (the PSK31 uplink is 28.120 MHz).
The PSK31 multi-user FDMA transponder experiment on Psat, BRICsat, and USS
Langley is similar to the one on RAFT and PCSAT2.
BRICsat will carry a PSK31 transponder with a 28.120 MHz uplink (2.5 kHz
bandwidth) and a UHF FM downlink on 435.350 MHz. GunterÂ’s Space Page
describes USS Langley as “a proof-of-concept mission for providing global
Internet access via a nanosatellite constellation.”
Bruninga said satellite experiments such as Psat “serve our educational and
outreach goals for student projects encouraging young people to be
interested in science, technology, engineering, and math.” He said he hopes
other schools will build either additional 145.825 MHz relay satellites or
experimental sensors. “We hope that Psat will be the ‘egg’ in this
chicken-egg conundrum,” he added. Read more.
In Brief...
Ham Radio to the Rescue: Jeff Allbright, N5JEF, on May 3 reported a vehicle
fire in an RV towing an SUV. He was able to alert emergency services. “The
location was eastbound I-80 in Auburn, California,” Allbright said. “The
people from the RV had tried and failed to reach 911 on their cell phone. I
also tried, and, although cell phone service was working, I too got an
‘unable to connect’ message.” Allbright was able to contact Jim Griffith,
KI6AZH, on the W6EK 2 meter repeater and confirm that he was calling
emergency services. Firefighters responded, but Albright said he believes
both vehicles were destroyed. -- Thanks to ARRL Sacramento Valley SM Ron
Murdock, W6KJ
4U1ITU to Mark ITUÂ’s 150th Anniversary: Members of the International
Amateur Radio Club 4U1ITU in Geneva will celebrate the 150th anniversary of
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on May 17 by using the
special call sign 4U150ITU. Operation will be from 0800 to 1600 UTC. ITU
Secretary General Houlin Zhao will sign all QSL cards. QSL via 4U1ITU. On
May 17, 1865, the first International Telegraph Convention was signed, and
the ITU was created. -- Thanks to The Daily DX
Past New Mexico SM Bill Weatherford, KM5FT, SK: Former ARRL New Mexico
Section Manager William O. “Bill” Weatherford, KM5FT, of Albuquerque, died
April 5. He was 78. Weatherford, a retired US Foreign Service
communications officer, was New Mexico SM from 2003 until 2007 and was an
Assistant SM from 2001 until 2003. Weatherford spent 35 years with the US
Department of State, serving in 10 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle
East, Africa, and South America. First licensed as a Novice in the early
1950s, Weatherford returned to ham radio in 1965 and operated from several
of his overseas postings. He retired in 1995. Weatherford was a US Air
Force Veteran. Survivors include his wife, Judith. The family has invited
memorial donations to Roadrunner Food Bank or Heifer International.
ARRL 2014 Phone Sweepstakes Results Posted: The complete results of the
ARRL November Sweepstakes phone event for 2014 have been published,
including the expanded line scores and all log checking reports (LCRs).
Steve London, N2IC, prepared the contest summary. Results of the ARRL 160
Meter and ARRL 10 Meter contests are expected soon.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: This week our quiet sun came to life, and
now the visible solar disc is crowded with sunspots. On May 11, the daily
sunspot number rose to 188, the highest number since January 30, when it
was 193. We have to go back to November 17, 2013, to find a higher sunspot
number. It was 282 on that day, which was way over on the other side of the
Cycle 24 peak, which happened in early 2014.
The average daily sunspot number increased 86 points from the previous week
to 146.9 for the May 7-13 period, and the average daily solar flux rose
from 115.4 to 156.3.
On May 12, the Australian Space Forecast Centre warned of “increased
geomagnetic activity” on May 13, due to a high-speed coronal hole wind
stream. The prediction was correct, and the planetary A index for May 13
was 45, while the college A index reached 63.
The predicted planetary A index is 25, 12, and 8 for May 14-16, then 5, 15,
and 12 on May 17-19, then 5 on May 20-28, 8 on May 29-30, 5 on May 31, then
8, 15, and 10 on June 1-3, 5 on June 4-6, 12 on June 7, 25 on June 8-9, and
12 and 8 on June 10-11.
Predicted solar flux is 155 on May 14, 150 on May 15-16, then 145, 135, and
125 on May 17-19, 120 on May 20-21, 115 on May 22-23, 110 on May 24-27, 115
on May 28, and 120 on May 29-31.
In FridayÂ’s bulletin look for reports from readers and an updated forecast.
Send me your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
May 16 -- Portuguese Navy Day (Digital)
May 16 -- Feld-Hell Hamvention Sprint
May 16-17 -- Worldwide EME Contest
May 16-17 -- His Majesty King of Spain Contest (CW)
May 17 -- Worked All Britain -- 7 MHz Phone
May 18 -- Run For the Bacon (CW)
May 21 -- NAQCC Monthly QRP Sprint (CW)
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events
May 15-17 -- Dayton Hamvention®, Dayton, Ohio
June 5-7 -- Northwestern Division Convention (SeaPac), Seaside, Oregon
June 6 -- Georgia State Convention, Marietta, Georgia
June 12-13 -- West Gulf Division Convention (Ham-Com), Irving, Texas
June 13 -- Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
July 4 -- Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
July 10-11 -- Northern Florida Section Convention, Milton, Florida
July 13-16 -- Mobile Amateur Radio Awards Club Convention, The Villages,
Florida
July 17-19 -- Montana State Convention, East Glacier, Montana
July 23-26 -- Central States VHF Society Conference, Westminster, Colorado
July 24-25 -- Oklahoma Section Convention, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
July 31-August 2 -- Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Bryce Canyon, Utah
August 1 -- Great Lakes Division Convention, Columbus, Ohio
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
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///////////////////////////////////////////
Broadcasting Live from Hamvention on International Shortwave Station WTWW
9.930 KHz
Posted: 13 May 2015 10:38 PM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...z&goto=newpost
Broadcasting Live from Hamvention on International Shortwave Station WTWW
9.930 KHz
We will be broadcasting live from the Dayton Hamvention on WTWW 9.930 KHz
Friday 10AM - 3PM EDT
Saturday 10AM - 2PM EDT
Sunday 10AM - 12PM EDT
Any changes to this schedule will be posted on http://qsoradioshow.com
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Hams in Space to Appear at the Dayton National Hamvention!
Posted: 13 May 2015 10:44 AM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...!&goto=newpost
Eddy.jpg Hams in Space to Appear at the Dayton National Hamvention!
If youÂ’re from the Kansas City Metro Region, youÂ’ve likely seen the Hams in
Space Presentation by KDØHKD Randy Schulze, KYØF Eddy Paul, and ACØDX
Jeremy Widner at your local radio club meeting or at one of the many fine
hamfests in the region. TheyÂ’ve appeared in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska,
Iowa, and Arkansas showing hams how easy and fun it is to get on the air
with Amateur Radio Satellites, many times with equipment they may already
own. The message Hams in Space has been giving is, “Keep it simple, and
have fun!”
The team is very excited and proud to announce that Hams in Space will be
providing their entertaining and informative presentation at the National
Hamvention at Dayton, Ohio! They will be in Forum Room Three, at 12:15 PM,
Friday, May 15th.
For more information on the many forums at the Dayton Hamvention, go to the
web at:
http://www.hamvention.org
For more information about the Hams in Space presentation, go to the web at:
http://hamsinspace.com
So while youÂ’re in Dayton for the Big Show, why not stop in and see the
side show by Hams in Space!
Attached Images
Eddy.jpg
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HRD Software goes to the 2015 Dayton Hamvention
Posted: 13 May 2015 10:27 AM PDT
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php...n&goto=newpost
Press Release
Ham Radio Deluxe News: HRD Software goes to the 2015 Dayton Hamvention®
HRD Software, LLC
Tampa, FL; Dallas, TX; St. Paul, MN — May 13, 2015
HRD Software, LLC is on the road and heading to Dayton Hamvention®! Making
the annual pilgrimage to Hara Arena are HRD owners Rick Ruhl (W4PC) and
Randy Gawtry (K0CBH), along with HRD Support Staff Lead Tim (KB3NPH) and
the HRD Sales Team. HRD Software is once again located in Audio Alley, in
booths 108, 109, and 100, right next to Timewave and directly across from
Heil Sound.
Those who wish to purchase HRD at Hamvention® can do so at substantial
savings, receiving $10.00 off the new purchase price. As a reward to our
loyal HRD users, we are extending this $10.00 savings to renewals as well!
Our exciting savings offer also extends to our online customers as well.
Use coupon code dayton when checking out to save $10.00 on either a full or
renewal purchase of Ham Radio Deluxe.
As always, HRD is available to “try before you buy,” with a complementary
30-day trial that includes live technical support. Now is the best time
ever to try out HRD or renew your support package!
Purchase and download Ham Radio Deluxe 6.2 at
http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com.
HRD Paid support: http://tickets.hrdsoftwarellc.com
HRD Peer Support Forum: http://forums.hrdsoftwarellc.com
HRD YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/hrdsoftware