Amateur Radio Daily

14 May 2024

• AMSAT Engineers Ready for Hamvention

  The engineering table at the AMSAT booth at Hamvention will be staffed with a number of engineers actively working on various AMSAT projects. A full-scale model of the GOLF-TEE (Technology Exploration Environment) satellite will highlight the payload space of a 10cm x 10cm x 30cm spaceframe as well as the accompanying solar panel arrays.

  Engineers from Fox-Plus and Advanced Satellite Communication and Exploration of New Technology (ASCENT) projects will be available for additional questions. SSTV and packet repeater payloads for CubeSats are current ASCENT projects.

  Source: AMSAT

• First Contact Made Through QO-100 from North America

  The first contact through the QO-100 geostationary satellite made from North America took place on May 11th from Newfoundland, Canada. VO1/M0XUU (VU3HPF) made a trans-atlantic FT8 contact with G0MRF in London. The contact is significant considering the QO-100 footprint falls beyond Newfoundland at -0.9° below the horizon.

  Source: AMSAT UK

• G5 Geomagnetic Storm Persists

  The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center once again observed extreme G5 level geomagnetic storm conditions on May 11th at 1128 UTC. Reports of GPS and HF communication disruption continue. Overnight, aurora was visible across much of the United States and Europe. Conditions may not subside until Sunday with potential for aurora to be visible again tonight at lower latitudes.

  On the NOAA Geomagnetic Storm scale which spans G1 through G5, G5 is considered the most extreme:

  Power systems: Widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems can occur, some grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage.
  Spacecraft operations: May experience extensive surface charging, problems with orientation, uplink/downlink and tracking satellites.
  Other systems: Pipeline currents can reach hundreds of amps, HF (high frequency) radio propagation may be impossible in many areas for one to two days, satellite navigation may be degraded for days, low-frequency radio navigation can be out for hours, and aurora has been seen as low as Florida and southern Texas (typically 40° geomagnetic lat.).

  Source: NOAA

• POTA Event Heats up the Ice Age Trail May 11th

  Heat up the Ice Age Trail takes place this Saturday May 11th. The POTA event created by KD9NJJ encourages operators to activate parks that cross the 1,200 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin.

  • An explainer video is available on YouTube
  • View a map of participants
  • Activators can sign up using this form

  Source: KD9NJJ

• HamSCI to Present Initial Eclipse Findings at Hamvention

  Initial results of the HamSCI 2023-2024 Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science will be presented May 19th by Nathaniel Frissell (W2NAF) during Hamvention at the Antenna Forum.

  In addition, HamSCI will provide numerous forum and booth talks at Hamvention. Topics include:

  • Bringing the Amateur Radio and Professional Scientific Communities Together
  • HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station
  • Exploring the EMS/Ham Radio Project
  • ARISS Engineering
  • Youth Social Hour

  HamSCI will be at booth 5008 at Hamvention. See the HamSCI website for more talks and presentations and their schedules.

  Source: HamSCI

• HAARP Transmitting Ionospheric Experiments May 8-10

  The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) will conduct experiments within the 2.8 to 10 MHz frequency range May 8 through 10. Originating from Alaska, the transmissions are part of a research effort from the University of Alaska Fairbanks to detect orbiting space debris. Modulation may be AM, FM, LFM or a complex waveform or a time sequence of different modulations. QSL cards are available by request via

  HAARP
  P.O. Box 271
  Gakona, Alaska 99586 USA

  Source: EI7GL

• Club Pico Balloon Celebrates a Year in Orbit

  A pico balloon launched by the Hualapai Amateur Radio Club will mark 1 year in orbit on May 19th. The balloon contains a 20 meter WSPR beacon from QRP Labs. Overcoming a damaged dipole antenna, telemetry from the balloon was recently received by two stations in Australia.

  [The balloon] is now starting another trip across the Pacific Ocean heading due east toward South America, so we probably will not hear from it for a while. The balloon is a hydrogen filled 32" Yokohama brand clear sphere which are purchased from Japan.

  Source: Hualapai Amateur Radio Club

• Young Ham of the Year Award Seeking Nominations

  Amateur Radio Newsline's Young Ham of the Year Award is accepting nominations for the 2024 recipient. The ideal candidate will have served the amateur radio community in an outstanding way. The nomination form is available here (.doc) and should be submitted no later than May 31, 2024.

  "Amateur Radio Newsline™, along with Yaesu USA, CQ Publishing, Heil Sound Ltd. And RadioWavz is a co-sponsor of the Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award program. The award was created in 1986 by ARNewsline™ founder Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF."

  Source: Amateur Radio Newsline

• Longtime CQ Magazine Publisher Dick Ross Silent Key

  Dick Ross (K2MGA) recently passed away at age 84. After editing the iconic CQ Magazine in the 1960s, Mr. Ross eventually took over publishing in 1979.

  As President of CQ Communications, Inc., Dick was also publisher of multiple magazine titles, including Popular Communications, CQ VHF, CQ Contest, WorldRadio Online, Communications Quarterly, CB Radio, Electronic Servicing and Technology, Modern Electronics, MicroComputer Journal, and Music and Computer Educator. In addition, Dick oversaw the production and publication of CQ books and calendars, the CQ Video Library and more.

  Source: CQ Newsroom

• CONF' QRP is May 18th in France

  CONF' QRP takes place May 18th at ISTIC on the University of Rennes campus in Rennes, France. The event highlights home-brew equipment and operating at low power through lectures and demonstrations.

  Call for papers is still open. Registration is free.

  Source: Association des Radioamateurs d'Ille-et-Vilaine

• National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting Extended Hours During Hamvention

  Press release from the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting:

  The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting in conjunction with the West Chester Amateur Radio Association announce expanded hours for the museum during the 2024 Hamvention. We will be open for the following; Thursday May 16th from 1:00 to 9:00PM, Friday May 17th from 1:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday May 18th from 12:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday May 19st from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. Admission is $10.00 at the door. Our Amateur Radio station WC8VOA will be on the air to operate. The museum is a short drive from Hamvention down either Interstate 75 or Route 42 from Xenia. GPS use Crosley Blvd.

  New exhibits include a dedicated room for vintage Amateur Radio and shortwave equipment. See the first transmitter for the VOA from 1942. Newly renovated radio shack with state of the art equipment from Yaesu, Icom and Elecraft. New antennas from Mosley. Docents and ARS operators will be available to enhance your visit to the museum.

  For further information you can visit us at voamuseum.org or wc8voa.org on the web. You can also find us on Facebook at National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting. Our regular hours are Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 until 4:00 PM. We are located at 8070 Tylersville Road, West Chester, Ohio 45069. Phone at 513-777-0027.

  Source: National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting

• D-STAR InfoCon at Hamvention

  D-STAR InfoCon is back at Dayton Hamvention for 2024 providing an introduction to D-STAR for new users and more advanced topics for more experienced D-STAR users.

  D-STAR InfoCon consists of three events:

  D-STAR Meet and Greet
  Marion's Piazza
  Thursday May 16 6:00 PM

  D-STAR InfoCon
  Drury Inn Ballroom
  Friday, May 17, 8:00-11:00 AM

  Friday Evening Gathering
  Drury Inn Ballroom
  Friday, May 17, 6:30-8:30 PM

  See D-STAR Info for D-STAR repeater information in the Dayton area.

  Source: D-STAR Info

• 2024 ARRL National Convention at Dayton Hamvention

  The 2024 ARRL National Convention takes place at Hamvention and consists of a number of events, booths, and forums:

  • 2024 ARRL Youth Rally at Hamvention Register here
  • ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program RSVP here

  ARRL Booths:

  • ARES® – The ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service®
  • ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program
  • ARRL Development and ARRL Foundation.
  • ARRL Education and Learning
  • ARRL Field Volunteers
  • ARRL Great Lakes Division
  • ARRL Laboratory
  • ARRL Meet and Greet area
  • ARRL Meetup! YouTubers, Authors, and Editors
  • ARRL Membership & Store
  • ARRL Radiosport and DXCC

  ARRL-sponsored Forums:

  • ARES, SAFECOM, and Building Relationships
  • Instructor Academy with Gordon West
  • Youth Outreach Through Amateur Radio STEM Education
  • Enhancing Transmitter Performance: The ARRL Clean Signal Initiative
  • How to Control Your Ham Shack with A Node-RED Dashboard
  • Ground is a Myth!
  • Gaming the Amateur Radio Modes
  • Five Steps to a Successful POTA Activation
  • Good Operators and Interference
  • ARRL Membership Forum
  • Tips for Successful Radio Clubs
  • ARRL Contest Program Update
  • Beyond Repeaters: See How Far Your Tech License Will Take You

  Download the ARRL Events App for details. iOS | Android | Web

  Source: ARRL

• MFJ to Cease Production of all Brands

  MFJ Enterprises announced the closing of its production facilities in Mississippi starting next month. After 52 years of operation, MFJ will halt all production on May 17th including Ameritron, Hygain, Cushcraft, Mirage, and Vectronics.

  Existing stock will continue to be sold past May 17th. Repair services will be offered for the forseeable future.

  Finally, a special thanks to all of our customers and our dealers who have made MFJ a worldwide name and a profitable business for so many years. You all are so much appreciated.

  MFJ was founded by Martin F. Jue (K5FLU) in 1972.

  Source: MFJ Enterprises

• ROC-HAM Celebrates International Marconi Day

  By John (W2JLD)

  ROC-HAM Radio Network celebrates International Marconi Day April 27th 2024

  • International Marconi Day 2024 – April 27th – 10AM EST/14.00 UTC
  • ROC-HAM EchoLink Conference Server Node 531091
  • AllStar node numbers 2585, 47918, 47620, 53130 and 53131
  • DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585
  • Extended Freedom SIP Portal 2585

  Stop by and check in to the net, celebrate the achievements of Guglielmo Marconi, and pick up a special event qsl card.

  Guglielmo Marconi's 150th birthday (and Samuel Morse’s 233rd!)

  The ROC-HAM Radio Network has secured the special event callsign W1M

  Learn more on the ROC-HAM Radio Network Website.

  Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

• Special Event Station GB6WW Celebrates End of World War II

  By George (MM0DFV)

  The special event amateur radio station GB6WW will be working from Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 28th May, 2024 as a poignant tribute to commemorate the end of World War II. This event is not just about celebrating victory but also remembering the sacrifices made and the lessons learned from one of the darkest periods in human history. Amateur radio has a long-standing tradition of bringing people together from across the globe, and GB6WW embodies this spirit by connecting individuals through the airwaves to reflect on peace and freedom. The event encourages participants to learn about the technological advancements of the time, the role of communication in the war effort, and the importance of radio as a tool for both information and morale. By tuning into GB6WW, participants and listeners can explore the past, honor the memory of those who served and suffered, and celebrate the peace and freedom that their sacrifices secured. This event is a reminder of the power of communication to bridge time, space, and differences, fostering a global community united in remembrance and hope.

  GB6WW Award

  The GB6WW Award celebrates the achievement of amateur radio operators who have successfully made contact with the GB6WW station on three different bands, irrespective of the mode. This award is a testament to the skill and dedication of amateur radio enthusiasts participating in this significant event commemorating the end of World War II. Below are the rules and guidelines for obtaining this prestigious award:

  Eligibility
  To qualify for the Special GB6WW Award, an operator must establish contact (QSO) with the GB6WW station on at least three different amateur radio bands. The mode of contact does not affect eligibility.

  Award Format
  The award is provided as a high-quality PDF file, which recipients can download and print at their convenience. This format allows for a personal and immediate way to receive and display the award.

  Application Process

  If you have made QSOs with GB6WW on three or more bands, you are eligible to apply for the award. To apply, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the details of your contacts. Please include your call sign, the dates of the QSOs, and the bands on which they occurred.

  There is no application fee. The GB6WW Award is completely free, underscoring the spirit of amateur radio and the commemorative nature of the event.

  Verification
  All applications will undergo a verification process to confirm the QSOs with GB6WW. This process ensures the integrity and value of the award.

  Award Issuance
  Once your QSOs have been verified, the PDF award file will be emailed to you. You can then print the award for display.

  Privacy Notice
  Personal information provided during the application process will be used solely for the purpose of verifying QSOs and issuing the award.

  The GB6WW Award is not only a recognition of your amateur radio achievements but also a symbol of your participation in this important commemorative event. We look forward to celebrating your success and contribution to the amateur radio community.

  QSL via MM0DFV

  Event sponsor: https://unicomradio.com

  Source: GB6WW

• Prep Comms Podcast Debuts May 1st

  From Ham Radio Network:

  We are excited to share some big news with you today! Cale(b) Nelson, K4CDN, the founder and host of the HamRadio 360 show, is launching a brand-new podcasting network known as the Ham Radio Network (HRN). This new platform kicks off with the release of the flagship show, Prep Comms Podcast, which is set to launch on May 1st, 2024.

  The Birth of Ham Radio Network

  Caleb Nelson, a well-known figure in the ham radio community, was a pioneer in promoting the amateur radio community via audio podcasting. His passion for empowering listeners in all things Ham Radio has led to the creation of the Ham Radio Network, a new platform dedicated to delivering valuable insights and discussions centered on and around communication education and strategies.

  Introducing Prep Comms Podcast

  The flagship show of Ham Radio Network, Prep Comms Podcast, will be a beacon for those seeking reliable and effective communication solutions to compliment or even replace everyday grid based connectivity. With Caleb Nelson at the helm, listeners can expect in-depth conversations, expert interviews, and practical tips on building resilient communication systems. Join Us on May 1st, 2024

  Mark your calendars! The official launch of Prep Comms Podcast and Ham Radio Network is on May 1st, 2024. Don't miss out on being part of this groundbreaking initiative that aims to make a difference in how we approach preparedness and communication challenges.

  Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive content from Ham Radio Network!

  73 Y'all,

  Cale(b) Nelson
  K4CDN
  Founder & Host

  Source: Ham Radio Network

• Handiham QSO Party to Promote Handiham Program

  The Handiham Program will celebrate 57 years with a special event QSO party April 26 - April 28. Run by the Handiham Radio club, the objective of the event is to work as many stations as possible while promoting the Handiham Program. Commemorative QSL cards will be available.

  The Courage Kenny Handiham Program provides tools for people with disabilities to learn Amateur Radio and technology skills, and to earn their Amateur Radio licenses.

  Source: Courage Kenny Handiham Program

• Hams in India to Relay Election Results

  Amateur radio operators in the Pune district of India will relay polling information in upcoming elections. The existing cellular network, runners, and satellite phones are unavailable to the remote area. Hams from the Maharashtra region have helped with disaster related operations in the past, but this will be the first time the group has helped with elections.

  Source: The Times of India

• M17 Project Remote Radio Unit Technical Walk-Through

  The M17 Project recently posted a walk-through of their open source transceiver project, Remote Radio Unit.

  Highlights include

  • RF isolators
  • Full duplex operation
  • Common Amateur Radio Interface (CARI) control facilitates digital commands and telemetry

  Source: M17 Project

14 May 2024

• Counting Contesters & Ranking Loggers: Tim N3QE
• First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch since 2005
• Uncomplicated Contesting: Nate N4YDU
• Hamword – The Second Year
• Visiting Visalia with Bob N6TV
• 10 Habits of Winning Contesters: The Contest Crew
• May Issue: The Logger's Bark Magazine
• Ham Radio Dream Life in Vietnam: KU1CW aka 3W9A
• MFJ closing down manufacturing facilities effective May 17th 2024
• Moore Expo 2024, Show Floor and Tank Radio Adventures
• State QSO Parties: The Contest Crew Tells You How and Why
• Youth on the Air Accepting Eclipse Glasses Donations for Youth and Hams in Argentina
• From Grandfather to Grandson: W9KKN Revives a Ham Radio Legacy
• IDXC 2024 - DX Forum Video Posted
• World Amateur Radio Day: IARU celebrates a century of connections
• Gwyn Griffiths G3ZIL Honored by The Radio Society of Great Britain For Work on Ionospheric Research
• J68HZ St. Lucia is DXpedition (and Contest) Ready
• World Amateur Radio Day 2024
• In Defense of Contests: The Contest Crew Responds
• CQ WPX SSB Wrap-up with the Contest Crew + Tim N6WIN
• Do Contests Need to Change? Kyle Krieg AA0Z Makes His Case
• April Issue: The Logger's Bark Magazine
• Elecraft Co-Founder Eric Swartz WA6HHQ
• CR6K: CT1ILT takes his Family Station to New Heights
• GigaParts Technology Superstore Grand Opening 3/23/24