QRZ Forums - Amateur Radio News
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100 Watts and a Wire with Christian Cudnik, KSTH Officially Launches!
Posted: 30 Jun 2015 03:52 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...Cudnik-KSTH​
-Officially-Launches!&goto=newpost
Fans of 'Ham Nation' may recognize Christian, KØSTH from his work as the
host of the "New Ham" segment.
'100 Watts and a Wire' is a program celebrating amateur radio through the
eyes of a 'new' ham. The show will feature topical conversation and
interviews, news and an entertaining look at the adventures of a ham trying
to figure it all out. We'll explore the interesting layers of this diverse
hobby and service. '100 Watts and a Wire' is perfect for those who are new
to ham radio, their ElmerÂ’s, the seasoned radio operator and the
technically curious crowd. You don't have to spend a fortune to get on the
air and have fun!
Join Emmy winner Christian Cudnik for an inside a look at the world of
amateur radio.
In this episode, we officially launch 100 Watts and a Wire! Join us for a
review of Field Day 2015, we explore the growth of the 100 Watts and Wire
Facebook group, and make a Special Announcement!
http://100wattsandawire.com/100-watt...real-episode-1
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Wicker, Blumenthal co-sponsor S.1685, Senate version of Amateur Radio
Parity Act
Posted: 30 Jun 2015 10:45 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...t&goto=newpost
Due to the lobbying efforts of the ARRL and licensed amateurs in
Mississippi, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) has co-sponsored a Senate version
of H.R. 1301 with Richard Blumenthal, (D-CT) called the Amateur Radio
Parity Act of 2015. It is S.1685 and located here. This bipartisan effort
greatly increases the chances that this legislation will become law in the
near future. See the ARRL announcement here and Senator Wicker's press
release here. Stay tuned as these two bills are heard in their respective
Committees. Good work, ARRL!
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The Ham Radio Deluxe Team is Growing Again!
Posted: 29 Jun 2015 03:23 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...!&goto=newpost
Press Release
Ham Radio Deluxe News: The HRD Team is Growing Again!
Tampa, FL; Dallas, TX; St. Paul, MN — June 29, 2015
HRD Software, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of John Henry, KI4JPL
to the HRD Development Staff and Robin Moseley, G1MHU to the Support
Staff. Rick Ruhl, W4PC said, “As our product continues to reach more ham
shacks, the need to increase our staff in both development and support
became apparent. I'm thrilled to bring their expertise into the HRD family.”
John, KI4JPL has been a software developer since 1987, working for various
companies and most recently working with TEN-TEC developing rig firmware
and pc applications, as well as major parts of several other products. "I'm
looking forward to what I can do with HRD and help out with adding new
features and supporting the growth of another market leader," said John.
Robin, G1MHU joins the team from the UK where he has been doing software
support; training and hardware support for the past 17 years, and has most
recently worked for a speech recognition dictation company. Robin said, "I
have been using HRD since 2006, when I bought my first rig that could be
computer controlled. I am QRV 80m through to 70cm at the moment, currently
experimenting with 2m EME. I'm quite excited to assist our users to make
the most of this wonderful software."
With these additions to the team, HRD also sadly says goodbye to Jason
Boyer, N6EY. Jason has moved in to the education field and secured a
position as a science teacher where he is excited to bring science and
technology in to a high school, and hopefully ham radio as well. "Jason
was an amazing member of our QA and Support team and will be missed, but we
know he will be making a difference in the lives of young people in his
classrooms and we couldn't be prouder," said Rick, W4PC on behalf of the
entire team.
One final change to note regarding phone support hours that take effect
immediately. Phones will now be open for support at 5:00AM EST and stay
open until 7 PM EST Monday through Thursday and until 6:00PM EST on Friday.
As always, Ham Radio Deluxe is free to try before you buy for 30 days.
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
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Solar Storms Continue, as Power Grid Braces Itself
Posted: 28 Jun 2015 01:08 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...f&goto=newpost
A third solar storm flared up Thursday, and power-grid operators are again
bracing themselves for a potentially damaging geomagnetic storm, according
to NOAA.The moderate storm conditions are expected to arrive on Earth
Saturday and continue until Sunday, said the agencyÂ’s Space Weather
Prediction Center.
ItÂ’s the third flare from the sun that has power companies and grid
operators bracing for the potentially disrupting space energy.
The first hit on Monday, and the second on Wednesday. Those storms were
graded “severe,” but ultimately proved to have minimal effects on the
interconnectivity of the electric system.
Worst-case scenarios have been feared with such solar activity, since a
geomagnetic storm knocked out power for million along the U.S. – Canadian
border in March 1989, through surges lasting just over 90 seconds.
Such interstellar power threats are not new. Telegraph networks were
knocked out by similar surges in 1859 and 1921, according to historical
accounts.
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ICQPODCAST in Friedrichshafen 2015
Posted: 28 Jun 2015 12:28 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...5&goto=newpost
Series Eight Episode Fourteen - Friedrichshafen Review (28 June 2015)
In this episode of the ICQ Amateur / Ham radio Podcast, we start our review
of the Ham Radio Friedrichshafen event.
Interviews with
Paul Bigwood (G3WYW) from Yaesu discussing System Fusion -
https://www.yaesu.com/Michael Zwingl (OE3MZC) from OEVSV discussing the
groups proposal for a more modern radio operating system -
http://www.oevsv.atGraham Summerfield from BHI -
http://www.bhi-ltd.comWorld Radio Team Championship 2018 Announcement -
http://www.wrtc2018.de/Gerald (K5SDR) from Flex makes a product development
announcement - http://www.flexradio.com
The ICQPODCAST can be downloaded from http://www.icqpodcast.com
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Ham College episode 6
Posted: 26 Jun 2015 10:04 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...6&goto=newpost
Ham College episode 6
June 30, 2015
Ham College episode 6 is now available for download.
Ham College, the new show for those new to the hobby and those wishing to
get into Amateur Radio.
In episode 6 we talk about and demonstrate diodes. More questions and
answers from the Technical class question pool.
1:01:48
Download
or
YouTube
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field day on QSO Radio and w5kub.com
Posted: 26 Jun 2015 03:18 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...m&goto=newpost
Have you every wanted to be on a powerful 100 KW shortwave station?We will
be doing a live video webcast from the studios of QSO Radio Show. The
program is" Field Day Live" The show will be on both the w5kub.com video
website and broadcast on WTWW on 9930 KHz. See host Ted Randall and other
special guests. Please call in to the broadcast at 615 813 0173 (or text)
and get on the shortwave station. Let the world hear how your field day
operation is going. See Ted in action in his studio. The show should start
around 2:00 PM CT (1900 UTC)
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The ARRL Letter, June 25, 2015
Posted: 25 Jun 2015 12:42 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...5&goto=newpost
The ARRL Letter
June 26, 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.]
League Continues Efforts to Secure Senate Sponsorship for Amateur Radio
Parity Act of 2015States, Counties, Communities Recognize the Value of
Amateur RadioNew World Distance Records Set on 2.3 and 3.4 GHz Ham
BandsOJ0B on Market Reef Logs Hundreds of 2 Meter Moonbounce, Meteor
Scatter ContactsARRL 2015 Hurricane Season Webinar Set for July 20ARRL
Offering 20 Percent Off on Select Antenna PublicationsOhio ARES "NVIS
Antenna Day" Concludes: The Truth is Up ThereEO-80 (QB50p2) FM Transponder
Testing is SuccessfulAMSAT-NA Announces 2015 Board of Directors
CandidatesARRL NTS Confers Special Service AwardsIn Brief...The K7RA Solar
UpdateJust Ahead in RadiosportUpcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division
Conventions and Events
League Continues Efforts to Secure Senate Sponsorship for Amateur Radio
Parity Act of 2015
ARRL representatives are continuing efforts on Capitol Hill to secure
sponsorship for a Senate companion bill to the Amateur Radio Parity Act of
2015 -- H.R. 1301. ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND,
is optimistic that Amateur Radio Parity Act legislation will be active in
both the US House and Senate this summer. The proposed legislation, which
has bipartisan support, would direct the FCC to extend its rules relating
to reasonable accommodation of Amateur Service communications to private
land-use restrictions.
"Progress has been made on a US Senate version of the bill," Henderson said
this week. "We've had some very positive feedback on the Senate side, and
we believe a companion bill will be submitted there soon."
Henderson stressed that when a companion US Senate bill is "dropped" --
submitted, in congressional parlance -- it will have a completely different
number than the current House bill, H.R. 1301. Once that happens, ARRL
members will be urged to contact their two US senators to encourage them to
cosponsor the Senate bill. Until then, he stressed, League members should
refrain from contacting any US Senators, because the only active bill is
the one in the US House -- H.R. 1301.
"You can't ask US Senators to cosponsor a bill in the US House," Henderson
said, "and you can't ask US House members to cosponsor a bill in the US
Senate."
Henderson has been sorting through letters from ARRL members for
hand-delivery to Capitol Hill. He advised that letter writers must include
their name and address on their correspondence, because members of Congress
are interested in voters. He said letters that are not signed, that don't
include the constituent's address, or that are directed to the wrong Member
of Congress cannot be used.
Henderson has spent a lot of his time recently meeting with congressional
staffers and occasional US House members, in an effort to gain additional
cosponsors for the bill. As of June 25, there were 79 cosponsors of H.R.
1301, and Henderson said he anticipates a few more House members will sign
onto the bill soon.
The latest cosponsors of H.R. 1301 are Rep David Rouzer (NC) and Rep Janice
Hahn (CA).
"The bill is being well received," Henderson said, "and we anticipate a
mark-up session in the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology,
and the Internet after the August recess, and following that, hearings will
be scheduled." US Rep Greg Walden, W7EQI, chairs the subcommittee that will
consider the bill.
Henderson said the Congress's upcoming August recess would be a good time
to meet with lawmakers while they are in their home states and districts.
He suggested contacting a House member's local constituent office to
arrange a visit. "It is not too early," he added. "Perhaps you could
convince the member of Congress to visit your club meeting." He also
recommended that those interested in following the trajectory of H.R. 1301
should sign up to receive the ARRL's free Legislative Update Newsletter.
ARRL members are encouraged to contact their member of Congress by writing
personalized, signed letters on paper, based on the sample letter available
on the ARRL HR 1301 web page. Letters should include the constituent's
address. Send letters to ARRL Headquarters for hand delivery to the
appropriate House members to: ARRL, ATTN HR 1301 Grassroots Campaign, 225
Main St, Newington CT 06111.
States, Counties, Communities Recognize the Value of Amateur Radio
Several US states, counties, and communities have taken the opportunity to
formally recognize the value of Amateur Radio and the occasion of ARRL
Field Day.
Connecticut Gov Dannel Malloy has proclaimed June 22-28 as Amateur Radio
Week. His proclamation noted that the ARRL is headquartered in Connecticut
and has been "promoting and advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of
Amateur Radio" for more than 100 years. Gov Malloy cited Amateur Radio's
public service contributions as well as its role in providing "a bridge
between peoples, societies, and countries."
Florida Gov Rick Scott has proclaimed June 21-27 as Amateur Radio Week in
his state. Scott cited Amateur Radio as a "critical communication link in
the event of a disaster," noting the services that Amateur Radio Emergency
Service volunteers provide in Florida's three ARRL sections. Gov Scott also
expressed appreciation for SKYWARN volunteers, many of them radio amateurs,
who serve as weather spotters to assist the National Weather Service.
Indiana Gov Mike Pence has declared June 22-28 as Amateur Radio Week in his
state. Indiana Section Public Information Coordinator Joe March, KJ9M, said
Field Day-oriented public service announcements are airing on radio
stations throughout the Hoosier State. Efforts have been under way in
Indiana to disseminate media releases on Field Day.
Iowa Gov Terry Branstad has proclaimed June 22-28 as Amateur Radio Field
Week. He cited Amateur Radio's contributions in times of emergency and
natural disaster, and its role in moving forward radio communication and
the science of electronics. His proclamation also noted the role of many
radio amateurs as volunteer weather spotters. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the
home of Rockwell Collins Radio Company, where employees will take part in
a "Take Your Radio to Work Day" on June 26, with tours of the company's two
Amateur Radio club stations, N0CXX and W0CXX.
Kansas Gov Sam Brownback has recognized June 27-28 as Kansas Amateur Radio
Field Day and encouraged all with an interest in Amateur Radio to visit a
Field Day site. The governor's proclamation cited the role of Field Day in
emergency preparedness.
New Hampshire Gov Maggie Hassan proclaimed June as Amateur Radio Month. She
cited Amateur Radio's role in serving as "a bridge between peoples,
societies, and countries by creating friendships and the sharing of ideas"
as well as its value in public service during emergencies and public
events. She encouraged New Hampshire citizens to recognize Field Day
weekend as a "demonstration of the radio amateur's skills and readiness to
provide self-supporting communications without further infrastructure
required."
Oklahoma Gov Mary Fallin has proclaimed the week of June 21 as Amateur
Radio Week and urged all Oklahomans "to pay tribute to the Amateur Radio
operators of our state." Fallin's proclamation cites ham
radio's "significant role in the development of worldwide radio
communication as well as its public service contribution. It notes that
Field Day "promotes the honing of radio amateurs' emergency preparedness
skills." Speaking with ARRL Oklahoma Section Manager Lloyd Colston, KC5FM,
Gov Fallin cited recent severe weather that Oklahoma has experienced in
recent months, including tornadoes and flooding.
Washington Gov Jay Inslee has proclaimed the week of June 21 as Amateur
Radio Week. He cited Amateur Radio's contributions to the public in times
of emergencies and disasters. "Amateur Radio operators deserve our
recognition and a salute for hundreds of jobs well done," the proclamation
said.
Wisconsin Gov Scott Walker has proclaimed June 27-28 as Amateur Radio Week.
Gov Walker recognized Amateur Radio's public service role and Field Day
as "a 24-hour emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration" of skill
and readiness to provide "self-supporting communication."
The Butts County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners has declared June 22-28
as Amateur Radio Week in the county.
Crossville, Tennessee, Mayor James Mayberry has proclaimed the week of June
22-28 as Ham Radio Week, in advance of Field Day.
In Idaho, the Kamiah City Council has proclaimed the week of June 22-28 as
Amateur Radio Week. The Council also waived the fee for use of the city
park for the Three Rivers Amateur Radio Club's Field Day operation. Local
broadcasters are airing Amateur Radio promotional announcements.
New World Distance Records Set on 2.3 and 3.4 GHz Ham Bands
Two California radio amateurs -- one of them in Hawaii -- have set new
world distance records on the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz microwave amateur bands.
Wayne Overbeck, N6NB, operating from a radio-equipped rental car on the Big
Island of Hawaii, worked Gregory Campbell, W6IT, operating from Overbeck's
own fixed station near Orange, California, on both bands -- a distance of
more than 4024 km (2495 miles). The contacts blew away records that had
stood for more than 20 years, and more than doubled the previous distance
records for a two-way voice (SSB) contact at those frequencies, Overbeck
said, adding that most previous microwave distance records have been set
using CW.
"Ours was the first-ever SSB contact between Hawaii and the mainland on
2304," Overbeck noted. He said Chip Angle, N6CA, and KH6HME (SK) made the
first transpacific SSB contact on 3.4 GHz in the 1990s.
The record-setting contacts occurred on June 19 (June 18 in Hawaii) on 2.3
GHz at 0257 UTC and at on 3.4 GHz at 0300 UTC. W6IT was in grid square
DM13cs, while N6NB/KH6 was in BK29hq. According to the database of distance
records maintained by Al Ward, W5LUA, the old records were 3982 km, set on
by N6CA and KH6ME on July 14, 1994, on 2.3 GHz (CW) and on July 28, 1991,
on 3.4 GHz (SSB).
Overbeck flew to Hawaii carrying gear for all bands from 144 MHz through 10
GHz "in two large suitcases, plus a roll-aboard and a backpack" -- weighing
about 150 pounds in all. In Hawaii, he rented a small SUV and built a
rover-style station that included a rotating roof platform, constructed
using parts obtained from a home improvement store.
Overbeck said that when a tropospheric duct formed that could convey
signals thousands of miles across the Pacific, he drove around the slopes
of Mauna Loa -- 13,000 feet up --and selected several promising sites for
long-haul DX, "not necessarily the highest possible sites," he added. "By
Thursday, June 18, the duct seemed to be peaking," he said.
W6IT activated N6NB's fixed station and quickly worked N6NB/KH6 on six
bands, including 2304 and 3456 MHz for world records. Overbeck said he also
heard W6IT on 902 MHz and 5.7 GHz, but local, non-amateur interference in
California -- likely from Part 15 Wi-Fi devices -- prevented W6IT from
hearing N6NB/KH6 on those bands.
A video of the record-setting 2304 GHz contact between N6NB/KH6 and W6IT
(recorded from the Hawaii end of the circuit) is online.
OJ0B on Market Reef Logs Hundreds of 2 Meter Moonbounce, Meteor Scatter
Contacts
The recent Market Reef OJ0B expedition resulted in 462 contacts via 2 meter
Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) and meteor scatter activity with stations on all
continents. The activity this month was a somewhat belated 50th anniversary
celebration of the historic first 2 meter EME contact in 1964. More than 50
hams from the US and Canada were among those that worked OJ0B on 2 meter
EME. The OJ0B activity shut down on June 15 after making more than 8200
contacts on all bands and modes.
Project leaders dedicated the activity to VHF pioneer Lenna Suominen, OH1NL
(SK), who had experimented with EME in the 1960s and made the first-ever 2
meter EME contact, as well as the first transatlantic (Europe-US) on any
band above 50 MHz, with Bill Conkel, W6DNG, in 1964. OJ0B used JT65B mode,
developed by Joe Taylor, K1JT. Former ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN,
was one of the lucky US stations to work OJ0B, and Harrison served as one
of the pilots for the activity.
All contacts have been uploaded to ClubLog and OQRS.
Suominen, an early VHF pioneer, was deeply involved in the science of VHF
communication and strongly believed that 2 meter EME contacts -- dismissed
by experts as being out of reach for radio amateurs -- were indeed
possible. His 2 meter EME contact with W6DNG in California proved the
skeptics wrong, scoring more than one VHF "first."
Market Reef (JP90nh) is located between Finland and Sweden. The Finnish
Lighthouse Society has been restoring the Market Reef Lighthouse there,
which is now fully automated. Dedicated quarters on the reef are available
for Amateur Radio operation, with power from generators and solar arrays.
-- Thanks to Martti Laine, OH2BH, and Jarmo Jaakola, OH2BN
ARRL 2015 Hurricane Season Webinar Set for July 20
The ARRL will host a 2015 Hurricane Season webinar Monday, July 20, getting
under way at 8 PM EDT (July 21, 0000 UTC). The approximately 90-minute
session will address the role of Amateur Radio during the 2015 Hurricane
Season.
Anyone interested in hurricane preparedness and response is invited to
attend this online presentation. Topics will include a meteorological
overview of the upcoming season; Amateur Radio station WX4NHC at the
National Hurricane Center: Who We Are and What We Do; ARRL Media and Public
Relations; the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN); the VoIP Hurricane Net, and ARRL
coordination and interface.
The program will include presentations by representatives of the National
Hurricane Center and WX4NHC, the VoIP Hurricane Net, the HWN, the Canadian
Hurricane Centre, and the ARRL. Webinar registration is open to all, but
should be of particular interest to radio amateurs in hurricane-prone
areas. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session.
Register online. -- Thanks to Mike Corey, KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness
Manager
ARRL Offering 20 Percent Off on Select Antenna Publications
Summertime is antenna time! To celebrate, ARRL is rolling back prices on
some of the hottest antenna publications in Amateur Radio. Save 20 percent
on select ARRL antenna-themed publications when you order online through
July 31, 2015. No coupon code is necessary to receive the savings, and
discounted titles may be combined with one coupon code offer.
For a complete list of discounted publications, visit ARRL's "Antenna Books
Price Rollback" page online.
ARRL publications are available from the ARRL Store or from your ARRL
Publication Dealer, or call 860-594-0355 (toll-free in the US,
888-277-5289) to order. E-mail ARRL Publication Sales for more information.
Ohio ARES "NVIS Antenna Day" Concludes: The Truth is Up There
Ohio ARES NVIS Antenna Day on April 25 attracted participation from some
100 Buckeye State stations in an effort to determine which configurations
of near-vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) antenna offer the best results.
ARRL Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL, said that
while the results of the unscientific test were inconclusive, some
configurations did seem superior to others.
"The goal was simple: Try different antennas, see which worked," Broadway
explained. "Each station was responsible for providing accurate signal
reports, so performance could be evaluated. Results would be tallied and
digested in hopes of creating a short list of winners that ARES teams could
keep in their toolboxes."
Most operation was Field Day-style on 40 meters. "This was not a contest,"
Broadway pointed out, "so, groups gathered not only to test antennas, but
to cook out and enjoy each other's company." He said one group had so much
fun making contacts with their first dipole that they abandoned any further
antenna work and just had fun.
Groups most frequently deployed simple dipoles. End-fed and longwires were
popular too, as well as a handful of loops. A half-dozen antennas were
based on the military AS-2259 design -- crossed inverted Vs with about 10
feet of elevation in the middle. Other designs included antennas erected
above ponds, inverted Ls, and even a Moxon aimed straight up.
"For our operation, there just wasn't that much difference between the more
specialized NVIS designs and any good antenna," Broadway concluded. The
longwire was among those at the bottom of the list, with signal reports
uniformly 2 or 3 S-units below other choices, according to Broadway. "But
contacts were made, and communication took place," he added. "It's a very
portable antenna, too."
Determining the "best" antenna turned out to be harder. Dipoles -- flattops
or inverted Vs -- installed at lower heights in keeping with NVIS concepts,
provided reasonable reports, but erecting them at a low height didn't seem
to make much difference. If any antenna topped the list, it was those
fashioned after the AS-2259 configuration.
"These all performed very satisfactorily for their owners, and were
uniformly given good signal reports," Broadway said. "They weren't 40 dB
above the competition, but they were solid."
While the NVIS antenna experiment had inconclusive results, "we did prove
that our hobby can be a lot of fun, even for the old heads, when we get
back to some basics -- experimenting, equipment and team building, and
trying our stuff out," Broadway said. Concluded Jefferson County
participant Gregory Day, N8GD, "After 34 years, ham radio is still fun!"
Ohio ARES is planning an even bigger NVIS event next April, and will extend
an invitation to neighboring ARRL sections to join in.
EO-80 (QB50p2) FM Transponder Testing is Successful
AMSAT-Francophone has reported successful testing of the FM transponder on
EO-80 (QB50p2). Two 2U CubeSats, QB50p1 and QB50p2, launched in June of
2014 into a polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 420 miles. QB50p2
is equipped with a secondary FM transponder payload developed by AMSAT-F.
On June 16, the primary ground control station in the Netherlands activated
the transponder on QB50p2 for one orbit. AMSAT-F reports that CW telemetry
was received at the École Polytechnique near Paris, and the FM transponder,
with an output of 1.5 W, was activated, with strong signals heard on Earth.
Although the transponder was turned off at the end of that single orbit, it
is anticipated that it will be activated permanently within a few weeks,
possibly at the 500 mW or 1 W level.
EO-80 frequencies: 145.880 MHz, 1200 bps BPSK or CW telemetry; FM
transponder, 435.080 MHz (210.7 Hz tone) uplink; 145.840 MHz downlink (also
9600 bps FSK data).
QB50p1 (EO-79), also known as FUNcube-3, is equipped with a linear
transponder for SSB and CW. Initial testing was successfully completed in
April, and its transponder should also be enabled full-time in a few weeks.
-- Thanks to AMSAT News Service via Gerard Auvray, F6FAO, and AMSAT-UK
AMSAT-NA Announces 2015 Board of Directors Candidates
AMSAT-NA has announced the slate of candidates for the 2015 Board of
Directors election. The candidates are Barry Baines, WD4ASW; Jerry Buxton,
N0JY; Steve Coy, K8UD; Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA; Mark Hammond, N8MH; EMike
McCardel, KC8YLD; Bob McGwier, N4HY, and Bruce Paige, KK5DO.
This year AMSAT-NA members will elect four voting members of the Board of
Directors. These seats will go to the four candidates who receive the
highest number of votes received. Two alternates will be chosen, based on
the next highest number of votes received.
Ballots will be mailed to the AMSAT-NA members by July 15, 2015. Completed
ballots must be received at the AMSAT office by September 15, 2015, in
order to be counted.
Ballots sent to AMSAT members living outside North America will go by air
mail. If you have not received your ballot package within a reasonable
period, contact AMSAT.
AMSAT urges members to review the candidate statements that will accompany
the ballot and to vote. Members may choose up to four candidates. -- Thanks
to AMSAT News Service
ARRL NTS Confers Special Service Awards
The National Traffic System (NTS) conferred its prestigious Special Service
Award upon two radio amateurs at the 2015 Dayton Hamvention® in May. The
Special Service Award recognizes volunteers for outstanding, selfless, and
lengthy service to the National Traffic System. The Pacific, Central, and
Eastern Area NTS committees determine award recipients. Award winners
receive the Special Service Award Plaque. Jim Wades, WB8SIW, the editor of
QNI -- An NTS Newsletter, announced the award winners at Dayton. Honored
were:
Kenneth W. Jacobs, KD6PGI, Hood River, Oregon, for technical supervision
and migration support of the NTS Digital Network BPQ32 Modernization
Project. The BPQ32 migration provides the NTS with a modern, multimode,
packet-switching environment capable of seamless integration with all AX.25
and IP-based networks. According to the announcement, Jacobs "donated
countless hours consulting to NTS on BPQ32 migration strategy, environment
installation, operator support, and implementation of custom NTS
functionality in collaboration with developer John Wiseman, G8BPQ."
Joseph F. Tracey, KB3LNM, Finksburg, Maryland, for his development and
rollout of the NTSD Parser application, intended for use by ARES and other
radio operators originating messages to format ARRL Radiograms for
submission into the NTS Digital network via Winlink 2000. The software will
generate appropriate message headers and footers, based on address
information in each message, and place the messages in output files, sorted
by precedence. An NTS Winlink Target Station receives the messages and
delivers them via RF paths, typically within 1 hour.
Founded in 1949 by ARRL Communications Manager George Hart, W1NJM (SK), the
National Traffic System, more than 2000 traffic handlers strong, operates
more than 100 organized nets.
In Brief...
Work at ARRL Headquarters! ARRL has an opening for a receptionist at League
Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. The individual in this position is
responsible for handling incoming telephone calls and messages; greeting
and attending to visitors, members, and customers; overseeing the operation
and presentation of the lobby greeting area; data entry, and handling other
clerical duties as needed. Applicants should have a high school diploma or
GED, and be proficient in Microsoft Office for Windows software, especially
Word and Outlook. An experienced radio amateur is preferred, and foreign
language proficiency is a plus. The complete Job Description and
application information are on the ARRL website.
Amateur Radio Added to Maritime Incident Response Team: The Tri-State
Maritime Safety Association (TMSA) serving New Jersey, Delaware, and
Pennsylvania, has added Amateur Radio to its Marine Incident Response Team
(MIRT). TMSA is teaming up with Audubon-Barrington (NJ) OEM Radio Club for
Amateur Radio support. The radio amateurs will use the TMSA MIRT bus, which
features five dispatch consoles, incident command area, and meeting area.
Amateur Radio operators not only will operate and maintain the vehicle for
MIRT but will have the chance to use it at Field Day and other public
events. It will make its Field Day debut at the club's Field Day site at
the Woodland School in Barrington, New Jersey. -- Thanks to Rick Tighe,
N2PHI, Camden County ARES PIO, via QRZ.com
Amateur Radio Volunteers to Support Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta: Amateur
Radio Volunteers will again support communication during the Peachtree Road
Race, an Atlanta 4th of July tradition for 46 years. More than 50 hams from
throughout the Atlanta area will provide radio communication before and
during the race to aid with organization and logistics. They will be
stationed at the start and finish areas and along the race route, providing
the primary communication network for race organizers and officials and
supplementing the public safety networks. The Atlanta Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) unit will provide a command post net control
station.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, in Seattle, reports: This was a very active week for solar
flares and aurora. On Monday and Tuesday, the planetary A index was 55 and
76, indicating a geomagnetic storm.
It turns out that the magnetometer at Fredericksburg, Virginia, was knocked
out on 5 of the 7 days, so the mid-latitude A index we are reporting for
June 18-21 and June 24 are approximations -- or actually wild guesses --
based on magnetometers that were working.
Average daily sunspot numbers dropped from 99.9 during the week of June
11-17 to 71.6 a week later. Average daily solar flux decline from 135.9 to
130.8. Average daily planetary A index rose from 12.1 to 24.4.
As Field Day looms, the current outlook from NOAA/USAF has solar flux at
100 on June 25-27; 105 on June 28-July 1; 115 on July 2, 125 on July 3-4;
120 on July 5-6; 125 on July 7-10, and 130 on July 11-20.
Predicted planetary A index is 25 and 8 on June 25-26, 5 on June 27 through
July 4, then 25, 15 and 12 on July 5-7, then 10, 5 and 8 on July 8-10, 18,
12 and 8 on July 11-13, 5 on July 14-17, 8 on July 18-19, and 5 on July
20-31.
In Friday's bulletin look for reports from readers and an updated forecast.
Send me your reports and observations.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
Jun 26 -- NCCC RTTY Sprint
June 26 -- NCCC Sprint
June 27-28 -- ARRL Field Day
June 27-28 -- His Majesty the King of Spain Contest (SSB)
June 27-28 -- Ukrainian DX DIGI Contest
Jun 28 -- 10-10 Int'l Spirit of 76 QSO Party (CW, SSB, digital)
July 1 -- Canada Day Contest (CW)
July 1-2 -- CWops Mini-CWT Test
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information.
Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions and Events
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
August 7-8 -- South Texas Section Convention, Austin, Texas
August 7-9 -- New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico
August 7-9 -- Pacific Northwest DX Convention, Everett, Washington
August 15-16 -- Alabama State Convention, Huntsville, Alabama
August 16 -- Kansas State Convention, Salina, Kansas
August 21-23 -- New England Division Convention, Boxborough, Massachusetts
August 22 -- West Virginia State Convention, Weston, West Virginia
August 30 -- Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, New Kensington,
Pennsylvania
September 5-6 -- Roanoke Division Convention, Shelby, North Carolina
September 11-12 -- W9DXCC, Schaumburg, Illinois
September 11-13 -- Southwestern Division Convention, Torrance, California
September 12 -- Virginia Section Convention, Virginia Beach, Virginia
September 26 -- Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley, Washington
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
The ARRL Letter appreciates the support of these advertisers:
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Copyright © 2014 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved
///////////////////////////////////////////
QSO Today Podcast - Episode 46 - Tony Parks - KB9YIG - SoftRock SDR creator
Posted: 24 Jun 2015 10:40 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...r&goto=newpost
After a career in electronics engineering, Tony Parks, KB9YIG, returned to
ham radio, after thirty years, to find it very different than when he first
started in the 1950s. Upon returning in 2000, Tony discovered software
defined radio or SDR, where he saw an opportunity to build starter kits for
HF SDR receivers that became the Softrock SDR kits. Tony joins Eric, 4Z1UG
to discuss SDR and Softrock.
Show Notes: http://www.qsotoday.com/podcasts/kb9yig
Podcast Link: http://goo.gl/Oe5ARI
iTunes Store: http://goo.gl/CvLNmV
Stitcher: http://goo.gl/uhf1XZ
///////////////////////////////////////////
Video footage with Drones Quadcopters
Posted: 24 Jun 2015 04:45 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...s&goto=newpost
These videos are awesome. New way to film your antenna farm using drones.
W2RE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLDoQDiQ6VQ
K3LR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA_NG-bVQuc
K4VV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5hz_xRCz4w
Does anyone else have any cool footage of ham antenna farms with drones. I
would like to see them
Bobby KC2UPN
///////////////////////////////////////////
Call in for Field Day LIVE on International Shortwave!!
Posted: 22 Jun 2015 09:31 PM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...!&goto=newpost
Call in for Field Day LIVE on International Shortwave!
Saturday, June 27, 2015 on WTWW on 9930
Starting at 2 PM Central Daylight Time (7pm UTC) till ??
Call in at:
615-813-0173
Promote The Ham Radio Hobby To The Entire World On A Powerful International
Shortwave Radio Station - WTWW BY Calling In From Your Field Location and
Tell The World about it. Put the members of your Field Day group on the air
by passing the phone around. Include special guests and your local city
officials. Let's catch the excitement from the young kids and teens that
are visiting your Field Day site. Lets talk to prospective Hams that have
gotten excited by watching your field day activities.
If you can't get through on the first try to this number - you can leave a
message and / or text to this number & we WILL call you during the live
show. You are welcome to leave a message by calling or texting ahead of
time as well!
Let's give the world a shout from Field Day 2015!
73!!
///////////////////////////////////////////
FUNcube-1 / AO-73 Glitch and Commanded Reboot
Posted: 22 Jun 2015 01:24 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...t&goto=newpost
FUNcube-1 / AO-73 Glitch and Commanded Reboot
On Sunday, June 21, there was an
anomaly on FUNcube-1 that required the reboot of the satellite's MCU
(Microcontroller)
After a bus freeze, the databus watchdog did kick in
as expected and rebooted the satellite. However, we did need to command
the satellite back on to automatic mode.
When we did so on the 20:00 UTC pass, it came back up
in the correct mode.
We envisage to switch back to autonomous mode either
tonight or tomorrow morning local time.
FUNcube is still happy and healthy. This is the 4th
reboot since launch, of which one was intentional. Thanks for your reports
and concerns.
On behalf of the whole team best 73s,
Wouter Weggelaar PA3WEG
FUNcube team
FUNcube-1 (AO-73) Telemetry:
• Dashboard App http://funcube.org.uk/working-docume...try-dashboard/
• Data Warehouse Archive http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk/
• Whole orbit data http://warehouse.funcube.org.uk/wod.html?satelliteId=2
• AMSAT-UK http://amsat-uk.org/
Follow Southgate News on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
///////////////////////////////////////////
Space Weather Warning
Posted: 21 Jun 2015 10:29 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...g&goto=newpost
Three CME's will impact Earth starting at 0000 UTC 6-22-15. The major CME
from last evening will reach Earth at 1400 UTC 6-22-15. This is a major
storm. All three are forecast to last well over 40 hours total. More
information from the SWPC should be posted on this Father's Day Holiday.
SWPC: http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
SWPC WSA-ENLIL Timeline:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/ws...ind-prediction
///////////////////////////////////////////
Latest episode of on line Ham Show TX Factor visits BBC HQ in London
Posted: 20 Jun 2015 01:31 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...n&goto=newpost
TX Factor the UK online TV Show dedicated to Amateur Radio meets two hams
who work at Broadcasting House in London in the latest episode which also
features a visit to the shack of the editor of Practical Wireless, Don
Field G3XTT and a look behind the scenes at Icom UK.
View the latest show for free and catch up with all the previous shows at
www.txfactor.co.uk
You can also hear or weekly audio podcast of tge GB2RS News from the RSGB
///////////////////////////////////////////
Log4OM added features in the latest release
Posted: 19 Jun 2015 11:29 AM PDT
https://forums.qrz.com/showthread.ph...e&goto=newpost
Log4OM provides more new features in it's latest release
As part of the continuous development of Log4om the latest release, version
1.22, contains a number of new features among which are:
The ability to attach scanned images of paper QSL's, audio/video files
(Recordings), text and other files to a QSO from QSO Edit window.
e.g.The user can now record a QSO using a Windows audio/video recorder and
save the resulting .wav, MP3 or video file to the QSO for future playback.
It is also possible to save a text file of a data exchanged, photos of the
users station, received SSTV images and received files to a QSO
To compliment this feature it is now possible to automatically download
received eQSL card images when updating the eQSL received status which
then automatically adds the received QSL image to the QSO record for future
display.
Future enhancement of this feature will include automatic download
of images from internet call lookup web sites like QRZ.com. In the case of
QRZ.com this will complement our existing real time automatic QSO upload to
a users QRZ on line logbook.
In addition to our automatic real time QSO upload to QRZ users logbooks
Log4OM also provides real time upload of QSO's to Clublog, HRDLog, LOTW,
eQSL & HamQTH, it is to be hoped that eventually these on line sites will
also provide graphic file download facilities for us and other developers.
Version 1.22 includes many other new features including support for roll
label printers like the Brother QL570 and QL700.
The program can be downloaded free from our web site:
http://www.log4om.com/
Log4OM is free to all radio amateurs and the Log4OM team provide free
backup and support via our forum, email, Skype and where required telephone
and Teamviewer.
The Log4OM forum is at
http://forum.log4om.com/
Terry G4POP
Log4OM Development Team