Nets Ramp Up for Idalia

Projected path for tropical cyclone Idalia as of
2100 UTC August 28. (National Hurricane
Center map)

As the first tropical system expected to make landfall in the eastern United States this year gains strength in the western Caribbean and has its sights set on Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, several ham radio emergency nets are preparing to activate.

The Hurricane Watch Net announced plans to activate as of 1200 UTC on Tuesday, August 29 on 14.325 MHz, shifting to 7.268 MHz at 2300 UTC. The net will remain active as long as the storm is a threat to land. The National Hurricane Center currently expects Idalia to cross the Florida peninsula and impact the Atlantic coastlines of Georgia and the Carolinas before heading out to sea. More detail on HWN operations may be found at www.hwn.org.

In addition to the Hurricane Watch Net, the VOipWX Net and Auxcomm USA will be listening for reports to be relayed to WX4NHC, the amateur station at the National Hurricane Center. Activity will be centered on the Echolink WXTalk conference server 7203 and Internet Relay Protocol 9219. Other internet-linked nets will be active as well. For more information, visit www.voipwx.net and/or www.auxcommusa.org. 

ARRL Raises Dues, Makes Print Magazines Added-Cost Options

The ARRL Board of Directors approved a 20% dues increase and a major shift in member benefits at its July meeting. Starting next year, standard one-year dues will increase from $49 to $59, and will continue to include access to the digital editions of all four ARRL publications, QST, On the Air, QEX and the National Contest Journal (NCJ). However, print editions of the magazines – including QST – will become added-cost options at $25 per publication per year, bringing the cost of a traditional one-year ARRL membership with print QST to $84. According to a letter to members from ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, it is the League's first dues increase in 22 years. 

In addition, new life memberships were put on hold while the staff determines how to make the program self-sustaining once again. This move also eliminates the time-honored tradition among ARRL members of jumping in to life memberships just before a dues increase.

A video on accessing the League's digital publications – "How to View ARRL Magazines Digitally" – is on the ARRL YouTube channel at <https://tinyurl.com/bd4nvyrr>.

ARRL Files in Opposition to Commercial HF Petition

The ARRL has filed comments with the FCC in opposition to a petition by the "Shortwave Modernization Coalition" to permit high-powered digital transmissions on a variety of HF bands, including some immediately adjacent to popular amateur bands. 

Calling the petition "seriously flawed," the ARRL urged the FCC to turn it down, based on a technical analysis conducted by the ARRL lab over a period of several months to determine the likelihood of interference to amateur communications from high-powered digital signals just outside the ham bands. 

"This petition seeks to put 50-kHz wide, 20,000-watt signals immediately next to seven different amateur bands with weaker protections against interference than required in other services," said the League in its comments, adding that, harmful interference "is not just likely, but certain, if the rules proposed by SMC are adopted as proposed. It is noteworthy that SMC's proposed rules would provide less protection than the much-lower power amateur radio transmitters are required to provide Part 90 receivers."

Several hundred amateurs filed comments in opposition before the comment period closed, according to ARRL. The FCC will now consider all of the comments received and make a decision at some point in the future. The "Wall Street Journal" reported on the proposal and the ham radio opposition in early August. The article is available online at <https://tinyurl.com/5csps9zm>.

From Beanie Babies to Earth Orbit: 20 Years of CubeSats

A typical CubeSat measures 10 centimeters
on each side and weighs 1 kilogram or 
less. (CQ Newsroom archive photo)

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the CubeSat, a small, standardized satellite spaceframe that opened up space launches to countries around the world and revolutionized the satellite industry. And of course, there was a ham at the helm. 

Back at the turn of the century, Professor Bob Twiggs, KE6QMD, then of Stanford University (now at Morehead State University in Kentucky) and Professor Jordi Puig-Suari of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo were looking for a way to provide university students with hands-on experience in designing and building satellites. 

The result was the CubeSat, described by the AMSAT News Service as "a tiny satellite with the dimensions of a square tissue box," which broke through the previous satellite barriers of extremely high cost and lengthy development times. They developed a standardized cube, measuring 10 centimeters on each side and weighing only 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), into which student-designed experiments could be mounted and then launched into space as "hitchhikers" on rockets with other primary payloads. According to a 2012 article in the Journal of Small Satellites, Twiggs said the basic design of the CubeSat was based on the 4-inch cube packaging for Beanie Babies, which were extremely popular toys at the time.

The first CubeSat was launched in 2003. According to ANS, the CubeSat's design was released as an open standard and "opened the doors to space" not only for university space science programs, but also "for many countries that launched their first-ever satellites, including Colombia, Switzerland, Hungary, Vietnam," and others. Many amateur radio satellites launched over the past two decades have also been CubeSats.

Fair Radio Sales Closing as Owner Retires

An institution in the surplus electronics marketplace is closing its doors. Lima, Ohio-based Fair Radio Sales (www.fairradio.com) announced its upcoming closure on its website in early August. Owner Phil Sellati said it was time to retire after more than 50 years in the surplus electronics business. Fair Radio has been open even longer, dating back to 1947. Sellati did not provide a closing date but said it would be "several months" and encouraged those interested in surplus gear and accessories to "buy an item, a pallet or a truckload." (Tnx NL7XM)

Hurricane Watch Net Recruiting Bilingual Net Controllers

The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) is looking for hams who are fluent in both Spanish and English and/or in French Creole and English, to train to become net control operators on the severe weather network.

The ARRL reports that is particularly interested in recruiting potential net control stations from the central and western regions of the United States, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean.

The HWN activates whenever a named storm in the Atlantic or Caribbean is within 300 miles of a populated land area, or at the request of the National Hurricane Center. The net collects reports of actual conditions in storm-affected areas – known by meteorologists as "ground truth" – and relays those reports to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center via the center's ham station, WX4NHC. It also disseminates the latest storm updates from the NHC.

Net control operators can expect to work shifts of several hours at a time, directing the flow of information. Net Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, says candidates will receive training and work with a mentor during a probationary period. For more information, visit <https://tinyurl.com/wtjssc6x>.

Three Hams to Fly to Space Station as Members of SpaceX Crew 8

The four members of SpaceX Crew 8 include
three licensed hams. (NASA photo by Bill Stafford)

NASA announced the roster for the SpaceX Crew 8 mission to the International Space Station in early August, and the AMSAT News Service reports that three of the four crew members are radio amateurs. 

The three hams on the crew include mission commander Matthew Dominick, KC0TOR, making his first flight to space; pilot Michael Barratt, KD5MIJ, making his third trip to the space station; and mission specialist Jeanette Epps, KF5QNU, another first-timer. The fourth crew member named is Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, also a mission specialist. The crew is expected to launch to the space station early next year for what is described as "a long-duration stay."

 

FCC Hiring Field Agents

If you're an electrical engineer with experience in RF engineering and looking for a job, the FCC may be looking for you! The ARRL Letter reports that the Commission is hiring agents to work in field offices in New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Candidates must be able to operate all technical equipment typically used in the field. Agents will issue violation notices as required and will maintain contact with and assist other law enforcement agencies regarding RF issues.

Applications are being accepted through August 24. The complete job postings are online at <https://www.usajobs.gov/job/736540500> (New York, Boston and Chicago), and at <https://www.usajobs.gov/job/736547300> (Los Angeles and San Francisco). 

 

 

 

Europeans Dominate WRTC Competition

A long-standing knowledge of HF propagation from Europe seems to have been a major advantage in the delayed-until-2023 2022 World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC), held in Italy in early July in conjunction with the IARU HF Championship contest. According to the wrtc2022.it website, virtually all of the top scorers were Europeans. No US team finished higher than 10th place.

The first-place finisher was I44W, operated by UW7LL and VE3DZ (the only non-European in a top spot). Second place went to I43C, captained by DJ5MW and DL1IAO; and the third place winner was I49D, operated by 9A7DX and 9A3LG. Other top slots included: Phone - I43L (YU5EEA/9A3SMS), CW - I47M (F8DBF/F1AKK), Mults - I44W (UW7LL/VE3DZ), Youth - I43O (YL3JA/UR5YKO), and Accuracy - I43C (DJ5MW/DL1IAO). 

FCC Considering Proposal for New Commercial Use of HF Bands

As traditional users of the shortwave spectrum move their operations to satellites and the internet, a group of businesses in the financial sector is seeking to use HF for high-speed, high-power data transmissions. The ARRL reports that the "Shortwave Modernization Coalition" has petitioned the FCC for use of multiple frequencies between 2 and 25 MHz with power authorizations up to 20 kilowatts. 

While Newsline reports that the FCC says that the proposed uses would not impact spectrum used exclusively by amateur radio, maritime or aeronautical services, the ARRL points out that some requested frequencies are immediately adjacent to amateur bands, which could be affected by high-power digital signals. Comments are due by July 31, with reply comments open until August 15. The full petition may be found at <https://tinyurl.com/dh5dbctb>.

Bill to Pre-Empt HOA Antenna Restrictions Reintroduced in Congress

  

A Republican Congressman from Ohio and a Democrat from Connecticut have jointly introduced a bill to force homeowners' associations (HOAs) to allow amateur radio antennas in the developments that they control. HR 4006 would remove private land use restrictions that prevent amateur radio operators from installing and using "reasonable antennas" on property that they own or control. 

This month's "Learning Curve" column is devoted to the bill and recommendations for encouraging your congressional representative to support it. The full text of the bill may be found at <https://tinyurl.com/vtvputst>.

Kees Van Oosbree, W0AAE, Named 2023 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year

2023 Newsline Young Ham of the Year
Kees Van Oosbree, W0AAE
(Photo courtesy AR Newsline)

Nineteen-year-old Kees Van Oosbree, W0AAE, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, has been selected as the 2023 Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year. Kees was honored for his leadership in helping other young amateurs through Youth on the Air (YOTA)-Americas program and the Remote Ham Radio Youth Network. 

A visit to a museum with an amateur radio station at age 12 sparked his interest in becoming a ham, Van Oosbree told Newsline. Studying on his own, he quickly earned his Technician and General Class licenses, then joined the Minnesota Wireless Association and developed his interest in contesting. 

“HF was my life,” Kees said. “Contesting is pretty much my main thing in amateur radio although I do branch out and do other things.”

Among those "other things" is YOTA-Americas, in which he has taken on a variety of leadership roles including the training of youth operators, serving as QSL manager for W8Y contacts made with YOTA campers and sharing his interest in remote operating. 

A 2023 graduate, and class valedictorian, of Heritage Christian Academy in his hometown, Kees will be attending Iowa State University this fall, where he plans to study aerospace engineering. 

The YHOTY award will be presented to Kees during a ceremony at the Huntsville Hamfest in Alabama on August 19. Amateur Radio Newsline, CQ magazine, and Yaesu USA are primary sponsors of the award, along with Heil Sound, Ltd. and Radiowavz Antenna Company. 

Young Hams in the Spotlight at Hamvention

The young hams who made presentations at the
2023 Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum. From left:
Lyle Strachan, KE0ZNV; Javan Miller, W8UA;
Collin Holdsworth, K0NNK; Forum Moderator Carole
Perry, WB2MGP; Landon Baumgartner, KE8TJU;
 Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, and Grace Papay,
KE8RJU. (Photo courtesy WB2MGP)

Once again, the Dayton Hamvention® Youth Forum highlighted the accomplishments of young radio amateurs. This year, there were six presenters describing their involvement in various ham radio activities and events. 

The forum coordinator, as always, was Carole Perry, WB2MGP, who also presented the 11^th annual "Young Ham Lends a Hand" award to 16-year-old Bernadette Wagner, KE8LWO, and Kees VanOosbree, W0AAE, age 19, who was independently selected as the 2023 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year (see above story). The award recognizes young hams who have "given back" in some way to their community, school, neighbors handicapped individuals, seniors, or to military personnel in need of assistance. 

According to Carole, Bernadette’s dedication to recruiting other young people into ham radio, her involvement her local ham radio club, volunteering with the scouting community, her commitment to community service through her church, and her selflessness in helping her younger siblings are all examples of her outstanding character and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Kees, said Perry, is currently the QSL manager for YOTA Americas.  He also handles public relations, scheduling young operators, managing logs, and recruiting operators. In addition, he is active in a Remote Ham Radio for Youth initiative where he assists all those who need help.

The Young Ham Lends a Hand program is supported by the Radio Club of America, Quarter Century Wireless Association, and Evan Rolek, K9SQG. Each winner receives $100.

Attendance Up at Europe's Biggest Hamfest

The annual "HAM RADIO" show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, drew a crowd of over 11,000 attendees this year, up 10% from 2022, according to Newsline. 

The show, Europe's largest, had close to 400 exhibitors, according to the ARRL Letter, including 149 commercial exhibitors and international associations (including ARRL), as well as 243 flea market vendors, an increase of 15% from last year. The show's theme this year was "We're all about STEM!" (science, technology, engineering and math), and included many youth-focused activities.

JY1's Ham Station Donated to RSGB

JY1 QSL card
(Courtesy K8CX Ham Gallery)

Jordan's Queen Noor has donated the ham station equipment of her late husband, King Hussein, JY1, to the Radio Society of Great Britain. The king was very active on the ham bands and always introduced himself simply as "Hussein" to ham contacts. 

The ARRL Letter reports that RSGB is preparing a permanent exhibition of the JY1 station at its National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park.

Milestones: W5NYV Honored as a Woman of Influence in Engineering

Michelle Thompson, W5NYV
(Open Research Institute photo)

Open Research Institute (ORI) co-founder and CEO Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, is among this year's "Women of Influence in Engineering," a list assembled each year by the San Diego Business Journal. 

The ARRL Letter reports that Thompson, a third-generation ham, has been licensed for more than 25 years. Through amateur radio, she told the Letter, " I was drawn to the vocation of helping people navigate difficult rules and regulations that impeded their learning and success."

Thompson is heavily involved in amateur satellite service regulatory reform and is a member of the FCC's Technological Advisory Council. She is also chair of the San Diego section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and founder of the institute's Information Theory Society.

Milestones: Bouvet Puts NF7E at the Top of the Honor Roll … and in the Newspaper

When Bob Wertz, NF7E, of Flagstaff, Arizona, received his confirmation for working the 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet earlier this year, it was his 340^th confirmed DX entity, putting him at the Top of the Honor Roll for DXCC, and that put him in the local nbewspaper! The Flagstaff Business News ran an excellent article on Bob, DXing and ham radio in general. He was hoping that the article would draw prospective hams to the Flagstaff Hamfest (also mentioned in the article) on July 15.

It's good to keep in mind that local newspapers and internet news outlets are always interested in stories about accomplishments by area residents and can often be good ways to promote amateur radio. The article can be found at <https://issuu.com/flagbiznews/docs/fbn0723hr> on page 14.

ARDC Grant Provides New Antennas and Satellite Capability for Museum Ham Station

A grant from ARDC, the Amateur Radio Digital Communications foundation, has allowed the radio club of the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut in Windsor to upgrade its antennas and add satellite capability to its demonstration station, W1VCM. 

According to the ARRL Letter, the new equipment includes a high-gain antenna system with computer-controlled tracking and a satellite-capable transceiver. While the museum focuses on vintage radio gear, officials feel a modern ham station complements the collections and helps to reinforce the history that has led to our current communications capabiliites.

A New "OTA" – Scout Camps On The Air

There's a new "OTA" program joining islands, summits, parks, and lighthouses on the air … Scout Camps On The Air, or SCOTA. 

According to Newsline, the goal is to promote amateur radio operations from scout camps, non-camp Scout-operated stations and everyone else who works them. 

The program is the brainchild of Matt Murphy, KR8E. It isa still in the formative stages. Interested hams are invited to follow progress or contribute to it by following the group on Twitter  <@SCOTA_k2bsa> or on Instagram at <scota_k2bsa>. 

YOTA Camp On the Air July 16-21

The Youth on the Air Americas summer camp station will be on the air from July 16-21 and will be looking to contact you! This year's YOTA camp is being held on the campus of Carlton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Special event station VE3YOTA will be active from there, from the Diefenbunker Cold War Museum in nearby Carp, and from a two-for-one Parks On the Air (POTA) location. A contact with the International Space Station is also scheduled.

According to a YOTA Americas news release, activation of the VE3YOTA callsign will begin on Sunday, July 16 and conclude at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 21. Youth will operate the station as they finish projects, between sessions, and during free time. Opening and closing ceremonies and the ISS contact will be streamed live on YouTube. For more information, visit <YouthOnTheAir.org>.