BARA / MCRN Trunk Swap

Category: Site Pages
Published: Friday, 05 August 2022
Written by Frank Lemanski

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Blossomland Amateur Radio Association and Midwest Classic Radio Net KI8BQ Memorial Trunk Swap is a go!

Where: Five Pines Ministries, 6597 Smith Rd, Berrien Center, MI 49102

Five Pines Logo

When: Saturday, July 26th; Set-up at 8:00AM and sales from 9:00AM to 1:00PM

Cost: None, though donations are greatly appreciated!

Sell from your trunk, truck, or bring a table! Canopies are welcome.

Talk in on the 146.820MHz W8MAI repeater (neg. offset, 88.5 PL)

Please see below for a map of the Five Pines ground for the areas that we will be using. The South Vendor area (basketball court) is for vendors selling from a table and should not be used for parking.

A big thank you to the MCRN for partnering with BARA to make this event happen!

https://mcrn3885.com/

ARRL News

Category: Site Pages
Published: Thursday, 12 March 2020
Written by Super User

01 November 2025

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.
  • The ARRL Solar Update

    Solar activity has decreased to very low levels. Region 4266
    exhibited signs of slight development as it gained asymmetric
    penumbra surrounding its trailing spots. Meanwhile, Region 4267
    underwent decay, losing several leading spots. Additional activity
    included a coronal mass ejection (CME) off the NE limb on October
    29.
     
    An associated Type II radio sweep was reported with the CME; however
    SUVI 195 i...

  • 2026 ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program is Now Accepting Applications

    The ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program has opened the application window for 2026 scholarships. Applications will be accepted through December 30, 2025, at 12 PM EST. Students are encouraged to apply for more than 170 scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. All applicants must be active, FCC-licensed amateur radio operators. 

    The scholarships were established by generous donors and are manag...

  • New Book Release: Small Antennas for Small Spaces 3rd Edition
  • The October 2025 West Coast Qualifying Run has been rescheduled

    The October 2025 West Coast Qualifying Run originally scheduled for Saturday,
    October 25 at 2 PM PDT (October 25 at 2100z) had to be rescheduled.

    The new date and time are Wednesday, October 29 at 9 PM PDT (October 30 at 0400z).

    West Coast Station K6XX will transmit the official ARRL Qualifying Run on
    3581.5, 7047.5, and 14047.5 kHz.  The speeds will run from 10 to 35 WPM.

  • Hurricane Melissa Update

    Updated Friday, October 31, 2025 @ 8 AM EDT

    Hurricane Melissa passed to the northwest of Bermuda on Thursday night and is forecasted to pass south of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland as a post-tropical cyclone on Friday night. Water levels should continue to subside this morning for Bermuda. Swells generated by Melissa will continue to affect portions of Hispaniola, Cuba, the Bahamas, the Tu...

  • Important Notice: Keep Clear of Emergency Frequencies During the Contest Weekend

    Tropical Storm Melissa is nearly stationary in Caribbean on Friday, October, 24, 2025. Forecasters warn it could quickly intensify, impacting Jamaica as a hurricane and causing catastrophic flooding and landslides Haiti and the Dominican Republic. 

    The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) a group of licensed Amateur Radio Operators trained and organized to provide essential communications support to the Na...

  • The ARRL Solar Update

    Solar activity reached moderate levels this past week, but has now
    returned to, and remains at, lower levels. Region 4248 produced an
    M1.1 flare on October 20, which was the largest event of the period.
    Region 4261 was numbered this period as it rotated into better
    viewing conditions.

    Region 4262 was numbered this period as well, splitting it from
    Region 4257. Additionally, new spots were noted near...

  • The ARRL Solar Update

    Region AR4246 underwent significant evolution, growing in overall
    size while gaining multiple new spots. Subsequently, AR4246 was the
    main provider of activity which included an M1.2 flare on October
    13. Several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) with potential
    Earth-directed components are in the mix at this time.

    Additional modeling efforts are underway to perhaps confirm those
    suspicions. The largest f...

  • FCC Announces Intent to Delete Minor Part 97 Provisions

    As part of a much larger overhaul focused on deleting almost 400 obsolete wireless regulations, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans to delete or modify four minor provisions of Part 97. 

    ARRL’s Washington Counsel has reviewed the proposal and agrees that the deletions are to obsolete rules and will have no impact on today’s modern Amateur Radio Service. One of the del...

  • ARRL Year of the Club Website Contest — Call for Submissions!
  • Amateur Radio Runs with the Chicago Marathon

    Amateur radio operators serve their communities across the United States in many ways, before and When All Else Fails®. Using their skills as communicators, their personal equipment, and the Amateur Radio Service, the “hams” provide a needed boost to public safety radio systems.

    The 47th Bank of America Chicago Marathon, held on October 12, 2025, featured 55,000 runners from around the world. An...

  • ARRL Online Auction Closes October 16
  • Ed Hare, W1RFI, Long time ARRL Lab Engineer, Passes Away

    Updated October 31, 2025, to include service information (at the bottom).

    Edward F. “Ed” Hare, Jr., W1RFI, who spent decades as an employee of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®, has become a Silent Key. He died on October 10, 2025, at the age of 75 after an illness.

    Hare first earned his Amateur Radio Service license as a teenager as WN1CYF (later WA1CYF and KA1CV) and was active i...

  • The ARRL Solar Update

    Solar activity has been at moderate levels for the past 24 hours. Solar
    activity is expected to be low with a chance for M class flares. Solar wind
    speed reached a peak of 1124 km/s.

    Solar activity reached moderate levels following an M2.0 flare (R1-Minor) at
    from a region just around the Northwestern limb. Only low-level C-class
    activity was observed from the remaining spotted regions on the visibl...

  • Zoe Rodriguez Named 2025 Craigie Memorial Educator

Southgate Amateur Radio News

Category: Site Pages
Published: Thursday, 12 March 2020
Written by Super User

Amateur Radio Daily

01 November 2025

An aggregate of Ham Radio related news.
  • ROC-HAM Radio Network Concludes 200th Anniversary of Erie Canal Special Event

    The following is a message from ROC-HAM Radio Network:

    ROC-HAM Radio network concludes the 200th anniversary of the ERIE CANAL special event station W2R

    We recorded 2600 contacts, 29 activation's of US-6532 Erie Canalway Corridor National Heritage Area.

    We gave away a certificate for the 1st 1000th contact - W8BDS and a certificate for the 2nd 2000th contact - W2VDZ. Thank you for your support.

    The special event station ran from Sept 1st - Oct 26, which incidentally is the official finish date of the ERIE CANAL.

    While W2JLD endured the in climate weather in Rochester, NY, he did manage to achieve a record for the most contacts in one single day, he clocked in more than 100 hours of radio time.

    It was a great pleasure to promote that special event and to inform people of the historic relevance of that Canal system and the importance of it in the date of time.

    It shaped communities and the way we transported goods and services, people struggled during its building. Lives were shaped by its construction. It was a huge endeavor of its kind, and thanks to the vision of the then governor Clinton, he took a risk and knew it would be a huge benefit to the towns and cities along the way.

    Here in upstate New York we cherish the history and significance of it.

    Again Thank you to all that supported this special event and be sure to check out the qrz page:W2R and grab a qsl card to boldly display it in your ham shack.

    On behalf of the ROC-HAM Radio network THANK YOU

    Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

  • Funding Opportunities with ARDC

    ARDC currently has funding opportunities open for projects, with the next application deadline on February 1, 2026.

    ARDC is especially interested in projects that align with these three areas:

    • Research & Development (R&D): open hardware and software systems that enable learning and experimentation (e.g. SDRs, open codec technologies, new modulation techniques).
    • Space-Based Communications: projects that create or expand access to satellite communications for amateur radio (AR) and digital communications (DC), engaging communities in wireless experimentation (e.g. GEO or HEO programs, repurposed commercial satellites, space-based tools for learning).
    • Open Source Education: scalable, open educational materials and hands-on projects that make AR and DC more accessible, especially for new learners and clubs (e.g. curricula, videos).

    While ARDC welcomes proposals across the full range of AR and DC, projects that align with these areas remain a priority in ARDC's grantmaking decisions.

    Source: ARDC

  • Amateur Radio Daily Adds Live Solar and HF Band Conditions Powered by DXLook

    For readers of Amateur Radio Daily that regularly visit through a web browser, you'll notice an improved version of the solar conditions displayed in the header. In addition, readers will see a new section in the sidebar that communicates current HF band conditions.

    These improvements are made possible thanks to a collaboration with DXLook, the live propagation platform created by Rodrigo Vazquez (AK6FP).

    The new data feed displays continuously updated Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot Number, and A- and K-indices, along with current band-by-band propagation assessments. Together, these indicators give operators an at-a-glance view of the day’s radio conditions before they get on the air.

    DXLook is a community project built to share live propagation data freely with all amateurs. Partnering with Amateur Radio Daily brings that information to an even wider audience of active operators. —Rodrigo Vazquez (AK6FP)

    The update reflects the collaborative spirit of amateur radio—combining independent efforts to make space-weather awareness and HF propagation insights more accessible to everyone in the hobby.

    Source: Amateur Radio Daily

  • Associação de Radioamadores dos Açores Celebrates 50 Years

    As part of their 50th anniversary celebration, Associação de Radioamadores dos Açores (ARA), has announced their participation in the upcoming CQ World Wide DX Contest under call sign CU2ARA.

    From ARA:

    CQ World Wide DX Contest

    Associação de Radioamadores dos Açores Connecting the Azores to the World for Half a Century

    (September 16, 1976 – September 16, 2026)

    Celebrating 50 years of our association, the CU2ARA Call Sign will be active throughout the year.

    We announce our participation in the CQ World Wide DX Contest:

    • SSB: October 25 and 26
    • CW: November 29 and 30

    We will be on the air from our HQ station, in Ponta Delgada.

    73!

    Source: Amateur Radio Daily

  • Richardson Wireless Klub High-Altitude Balloon Launch

    The following is an email from the Richardson Wireless Klub mailing list:"

    Once again, the Richardson Area Balloonatics / Richardson Wireless Klub will be launching a high-altitude weather balloon on Saturday, October 18th (weather and upper atmospheric conditions permitting). This is our last major launch of the season; as the winds aloft will soon start moving the balloons quicker than we can drive under them. The launch will be just north of the DFW metroplex. Near apogee we expect coverage to include most of Texas and Oklahoma and some of Arkansas and Louisiana. The flight is expected to last around 2.5 hours total. Ascent will be from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. We expect the balloon to be back on the ground before noon. Stations beyond line-of-sight are encouraged to make contact with the onboard 20m FT-8 payload; look for the "K5RWK" callsign on the waterfall.

    Launch Site

    The launch site is tentatively planned to be at an RC Airfield in Denton near the North Lakes Dog park at 808 W Windsor Dr, Denton, TX 76207 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8giL1CWATM7brzsk6. This may change if winds shift.

    Flight path predictions (automatically updated every 6 hours): sondehub.org

    Special QSL Card

    Earn a special event QSL card by receiving images or tracking data directly from the balloon or by making contacts through the onboard repeater. Visit https://k5rwk.org/balloons to request your QSL card. Aim for the coveted Worked All Payloads ("WAP") award. If you requested a QSL card for prior launches, they are in the queue and will be sent out shortly.

    Flight goals:

    • Test improved launch methods -- new scale, new balloon neck mechanism
    • Finally capture some 360° camera footage from launch to burst -- had battery issues on our 8/23 launch, WILL WE GET IT THIS TIME?!
    • Measure balloon pressure delta with fancy Honeywell sensor
    • Demonstrate 20m FT-8 payload, hopefully with stations local and afar
    • Demonstrate Pi Pico W bluetooth interpayload communication
    • Collect data from inertial sensors in neck of balloon to determine balloon burst status (for use in future cutdown payload)

    Ways to participate from afar:

    • Make contacts through the crossband repeater - 147.435MHz PL 67.0 uplink, 446.0 (no PL) downlink
    • Watch as images arrive via Wenet at https://ssdv.habhub.org/KE5GDB
    • Track the payloads at https://amateur.sondehub.org/ (look for K5RWK, K5UTD, and KE5GDB-Wenet)
    • Receive SSTV pictures in real-time - 432.5 MHz / Robot 36
    • Decode our tracking payloads - "Horus Binary v2" on 432.7 and 432.9 MHz (decode using upper sideband and Horus GUI or https://horus.sondehub.org)

    Participate in person:

    • Launch site (tentative) https://maps.app.goo.gl/8giL1CWATM7brzsk6
    • Launch prep begins at 8:00AM with a target launch time of 9:00AM
    • Launch and chase coordination is on 146.54MHz and the onboard crossband repeater -- bring an HT to listen in to the fun!
    • If chasing, please carpool - We've had congestion issues before.
    • Chase crew should bring boots, long pants, plenty of bug spray, and lots of water! Be prepared for a bit of a hike and high temperatures!

    I'll be sending more details regularly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The final update will go out on Friday October 17th to this group.

    We love to see your setup pics and hear your stories! Please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    73 de KE5GDB

    Source: Richardson Wireless Klub

  • DXLook Introduces Personalized Band Conditions

    The following is a press release from DXLook:

    DXLook Introduces Personalized Band Conditions

    DXLook, the real-time HF propagation and reception platform used by amateur radio operators worldwide, has introduced a new feature: Personalized Band Conditions.

    This update enhances how operators understand HF propagation by tailoring band condition estimates to each user’s specific grid location. Rather than relying solely on global indices such as SFI, A-index, or K-index, DXLook now provides location-aware predictions that consider geographic position, local time, and atmospheric factors.

    “Global space weather numbers are valuable,” said Rodrigo Vazquez, creator of DXLook. “But what matters most to operators is what’s happening right now at their own QTH. Personalized Band Conditions bridge that gap.”

    The new system recognizes that propagation can differ greatly between regions — for example, auroral absorption at high latitudes, heavy static noise in tropical zones, or nighttime D-layer changes at mid-latitudes. By factoring in these local influences, DXLook offers more relevant, real-world guidance for operators planning contacts.

    The feature is now available on dxlook.com and integrates seamlessly with the existing band condition widget.

    For more information, visit https://dxlook.com.

    Source: DXLook

  • SAQ Grimeton to Air United Nations Day Message

    The following is from an email received from SAQ Grimeton Radio Station:

    UN-Day 2025 transmission
    On October 24th 2025, [SAQ is scheduled to air a message](e Alexander association sourceurl: https://alexander.n.se/saq-scheduled-to-air-on-un-day-oct-24th-2025/) to the World, promoting Peace, Unity, and Global Partnerships.

    The unique Alexanderson alternator is scheduled for one transmission over the antenna on VLF 17.2 kHz CW.

    The Grimeton Radio Station welcomes all visitors to attend the transmission. To attend one of the transmissions in the transmitter hall, a ticket will be required. Please see grimeton.org for complete visitor's information.

    SAQ transmission schedule

    • 15:20 CEST (13:20 UTC) Live YouTube broadcast begins.
    • 15:30 CEST (13:30 UTC) Start-up of the Alternator.
    • 16:00 CEST (14:00 UTC) Transmission of a message

    In 1924 the construction of Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden was completed and the two transmitters, invented by Ernst F.W. Alexanderson was put into commercial operation. The radio station call sign was SAQ.

    SAQ is the only remaining pre-electronic radio transmitter that has been preserved and is still functional, event though only one of the original two transmitters remain.

    Test Transmissions
    There may be some test transmissions, preliminary on October 23rd between 13:00 - 16:00 CEST. During the tests, SAQ will be on air shorter periods of time, when we will be carrying out some tests and measurements. Your comments are welcome to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    Amateur Radio Station SK6SAQ
    The Amateur Radio Station with the call “SK6SAQ” will be QRV during the day on the following frequencies: – 3 517.2 kHz CW – 7 017.2 kHz CW – 14 017.2 KHz CW – 3 755 kHz SSB – 7 140 kHz SSB

    Source: The Alexander association

  • POTA Support Your Parks Weekend

    The fall edition of Support Your Parks Weekend takes place October 18th and 19th. This is an official Parks on the Air (POTA) event that encourages operators to make their way to a park and enjoy the day.

    Support Your Parks Weekend takes place 4 times per year, winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

    Getting started with POTA can happen via one of two paths — as an “activator” who heads out into the parks or as a “hunter” who is trying to contact someone in a park. The easiest way to participate in POTA is as a hunter.

    Source: Parks on the Air

  • Radio Club of America Announces 2025 Award Recipients

    The following is a press release from the Radio Club of America:

    The Radio Club of America (RCA) proudly announces its 2025 annual award recipients and its incoming class of 2025 Fellows. Since 1935, RCA has recognized through its awards program major contributors to wireless communications. This year, fourteen awards are being bestowed, and eight RCA members are being elevated to Fellow status.

    The 2025 Awards and Fellows ceremonies will be held at the RCA Awards Banquet in Washington DC at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on November 22, 2025. For details, please see RCA’s website.

    RCA’s Awards Program
    Award recipients are announced each year. Nominations are accepted from anyone in the wireless industry. Two broad categories of awards include: (i) public awards for anyone involved in wireless, and (ii) member awards that are restricted to RCA members. RCA elevates members to Fellow status at the same event by invitation based on the individual’s contributions to RCA and to the art and sciences of wireless or broadcast communications.

    Past award recipients include dozens of legends who created the wireless industry, including Edwin Armstrong, Martin Cooper, Jay Kitchen, Fred Link, Ted Rappaport, Henry Richter, Ulrich Rohde, and Joseph Taylor.

    2025 Award Recipients

    RCA’s 2025 award recipients join a proud tradition of wireless legends. Each practitioner has dedicated significant time and talent toward the advancement or preservation of skills that advance the wireless industry. The 2024 awards are listed in award name alphabetic order.

    Dr. Robert Wilson, Armstrong Medal
    RCA’s first award was presented to Major Edward H. Armstrong for his invention of circuits that made AM and FM radio possible and for Major Armstrong’s lifetime of championing work that established the foundation for modern radio technology. The award, now known as the Armstrong Medal, is only bestowed when an individual has demonstrated excellence and made lasting contributions to the arts and sciences of radio.

    Victor Lawrence, Lifetime Achievement Award
    Established in 2015, RCA’s Board of Directors recognizes very significant achievements, and a major body of work accomplished over a lifetime, that has advanced the art and science of wireless technology.

    Kinuko Masaki, Vivian Carr Award
    Vivian A. Carr was a senior executive at Bell Labs and is a Senior Lifetime Member of IEEE. She was the first female member of the Radio Club of America and president of the organization from 2011-2012. The Vivian A. Carr Award, established in 2014, recognizes outstanding women for their achievements in the wireless industry.

    Julio Ripoll Architect, Barry Goldwater Amateur Radio Award
    Established in 1994, the Barry Goldwater Amateur Radio Award is given in recognition of unique contributions to the field of amateur radio.

    Dr. Kristina Collins KD8OXT, Carole Perry Young Professional Award
    Established in 2023, the Carole Perry Young Professional Award was established to honor a Young Professional who was part of the RCA Youth Activities Program in their formative years and who has gone on to a career in wireless science.

    Donald Cox, Dr. Arno Penzias Award for Contributions to Basic Research in the Radio Sciences
    Established in 2023, this award recognizes significant contributions to basic research involving RF and related subjects to inspire future generations of scientific professionals.

    Peter Wasily Wolniansky, Dr. Ulrich Rohde Award for Innovation in Applied Radio Science and Engineering
    Established in 2023, this award recognizes significant contributions to innovation in applied radio science and engineering in the wireless industry to inspire future generations of wireless professionals.

    Timothy Duffy, Edgar F. Johnson Pioneer Citation
    Established in 1975, this award recognizes long-time RCA members who have either made noteworthy contributions to the success of RCA or to the radio industry.

    David Bart, Jay Kitchen Leadership Award
    Established in 2019, this award recognizes an individual whose leadership embodies energetic advocacy, cooperation, avid interest and respect for all, and humor, and who has achieved a high level of success leading a wireless association, government agency, or commercial enterprise.

    Margaret Lyons, RCA President’s Award
    In 1974, the Board of Directors directed the president to select an individual who has, in the opinion of the President, demonstrated unselfish dedication to the work of the Radio Club of America.

    Chester “Barney” Scholl, RCA Special Services Award
    The Special Services Award was established in 1975 to recognize those RCA members who have performed significant work to advance the goals and objectives of the Radio Club of America.

    Roy Lamberton, USN Captain George P McGinnis Memorial Award
    This award recognizes service and dedication to the advancement and preservation of U.S. Naval Cryptology, as nominated by the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA).

    Larry Weber, Excellence in Sales and Marketing Award
    This Award is to recognize an individual who exhibits the “Esprit de Corps” of sales, marketing and promoting in the Wireless Industry. The ideal candidate should have been in the wireless industry for a minimum of 10 years. The nominee should not be judged on sales volume, but on their dedication to the wireless industry. They should demonstrate a professional and ethical approach to their business relationships. They should display integrity when representing the wireless industry and they should work for the betterment of the Radio Club of America.

    Robert Orban, Jack Poppele Award
    Jack Poppele launched radio broadcasting in New Jersey. He was a director of the Voice of America. He developed the first directional radio signal and the first portable radio and made stereo available on AM radio. In recognition of his long and varied career, this award, first given in 1989, recognizes individuals who have made important and long-term contributions to the field of radio broadcasting.

    2025 RCA Fellows
    Elevation to Fellow is made by invitation only to RCA members who are in good standing for at least five years, in recognition of their contributions to the art and science of radio communications, broadcast, or to RCA are deemed outstanding by RCA’s Board of Directors. The following RCA members are elevated to Fellow status in 2025:

    • Brian Daly
    • Nathaniel Frissell
    • Roman Kaluta
    • Felicia Kreuzer
    • Stephen Martini
    • Edward Ryan Monte Simpson Angel Vazquez

    Further Information

    A complete listing of RCA Awards and previous recipients can be found at this link.

    Founded in 1909, the Radio Club of America is the oldest, most prestigious group of wireless communications professionals in the world. Members are dedicated to the wireless arts and sciences for the betterment of society. The Radio Club of America is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.radioclubofamerica.org.

    Source: Radio Club of America

  • GB2WSW Special Event Station Celebrates World Space Week

    GB2WSW will be on the air October 4th through 10th celebrating World Space Week. The special event station will also feature an in-person event for local school children in Guildford, Surrey demonstrating reception of SSTV images from the International Space Station. An Eventbrite page is available for those that wish to register for the in-person event.

    On the air, GB2WSW will be active on 40m SSB and 20m FT8 from 1000 to 1600 UTC each day.

    The event will be streamed live on Twitch: twitch.tv/hamtechvibes

    Source: World Space Week

  • ISS SSTV Event Celebrates World Space Week

    ARISS has announced an slow scan television (SSTV) event to coincide with World Space Week October 3-6. The International Space Station (ISS) will transmit 6 unique images via SSTV.

    The usual frequency of 145.800 MHz will be in use transmitting SSTV images in PD120 mode. The current schedule is tentative:

    October 3-4

    • Start Friday October 3 at 14:00 UTC
    • End Saturday October 4 at 10:00 UTC

    October 4-6

    • Start Saturday October 4 at 11:00 UTC
    • End Monday October 6 TBD

    Source: ARISS

  • MORE Project Seeks to License Youth Interested in Amateur Radio

    The MORE Project is providing free access to US amateur radio courses and licensing for youth aged 12-17. The project aims to license 500 hams by June 2026.

    The Make Operating Radio Easier (MORE) Project is an initiative to reduce both gender and age imbalances in Amateur (Ham) Radio, through education and hands-on activities.

    Training courses are administered during 2.5 hour sessions, once per week over 6 weeks. Participants completing the course and receiving their ham radio license will also receive a free handled transceiver.

    Those interested in signing up can review the MORE Project page for instructions on how to get started.

    Source: MORE Project

  • ARRL Grassroots Campaign to Codify US Hams Antenna Rights

    ARRL has launched a campaign to promote the passage of US legislation that would prevent antenna restrictions often imposed by homeowners' associations.

    The bipartisan bills -- H.R.1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate -- are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners’ association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.

    ARRL is asking all US based hams to take part in a letter writing campaign to their congressional representatives in both the House and Senate. Tools are available to assist with the campaign which includes pre-written letters.

    More information is available on the ARRL website.

    Source: ARRL

  • IP400 Project Publishes Roadmap

    During a presentation by Garvin (VE6GFC) at Zero Retries Digital Conference, ADRCS communicated a project plan for the IP400 Project.

    Highlights of upcoming phases include:

    • Increasing data speeds from 600Kb/s to 2.5Mb/s
    • Remote hardware operation
    • New form factor for Mini Node II

    A design for Next Generation Node Hardware II describes an all-in-one transceiver unit made up of node hardware, a power amplifier, and 9dB gain antenna.

    More details are available from the presentation slide deck on the IP400 GitHub space.

    About the Alberta Digital Radio Communications Society
    Alberta Digital Radio Communications Society (ADRCS) was formed in 2022 to promote the use and develop new technologies using digital communication in Amateur Radio. It is the sponsor of the AREDN network in Western Canada, and the IP400 Project.

    The IP400 Project aims to deliver a data communications system capable of 100 kbps minimum data speeds. Initial hardware in the form of Raspberry Pi Zero HAT transceivers were demoed at Hamvention. To learn more about the project, join the Groups.io list, or visit the project home page. Source code is available on GitHub.

    Source: IP400 Project

  • ARDC Seeks Volunteers for 2026 Committees

    ARDC is seeking volunteers to serve on committees for 2026.

    All of these positions bring critical community input into our programs, ensuring that our work is continually in service to our community.

    2026 committees include:

    Most volunteers serve a 1 year term from January through December. Committee time commitments range from 2-5 hours per week.

    The application window to apply for an ARDC committee is open between September 16th and December 31st. Those interested in applying may do so through a simple form.

    See the ARDC website for more details.

    Source: ARDC

  • DXLook Launches VHF Propagation Map

    The following is a press release from DXLook:

    September 2025 — DXLook is proud to announce the launch of vhf.dxlook.com, a brand-new platform dedicated to real-time visualization of VHF propagation activity.

    The VHF map provides radio amateurs with an easy way to see where signals are being heard, using live APRS-IS data to display paths, hops, and coverage contours. Stations appear dynamically on the map, and their reception footprints are grouped into distance-based lobes, helping operators identify openings and better understand local propagation.

    Key features include:

    • Real-time APRS reception data from thousands of reporting stations worldwide.
    • Dynamic lobes/contours showing actual reception range in distance bins (50 km, 150 km, 250 km, 500 km, 750 km).
    • Interactive map controls to explore coverage by time.
    • Fast, lightweight interface designed for both desktop and mobile users.

    DXLook’s new VHF view is especially useful for operators interested in FM repeaters, APRS, contesting, and portable operations, providing a clear picture of when and where propagation extends beyond the usual line of sight.

    With the addition of VHF, DXLook now offers radio amateurs a complementary pair of tools:

    • vhf.dxlook.com for real-time local and regional propagation, and
    • dxlook.com for global HF propagation, including WSPR, PSK Reporter, DX Cluster, RBN, and POTA data.

    Together, they give operators a unified, real-time picture of the amateur bands — from short-range hops to worldwide contacts.

    Source: DXLook

  • FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Limited Use of Amateur Radio Band

    IARU reports the FCC has granted AST SpaceMobile limited use of the 430–440 MHz amateur radio band. The license grants use of amateur radio spectrum for emergency purposes only.

    On August 29th, 2025, the FCC Space Bureau did grant a license to AST & Science LLC (operating as AST Space Mobile) for using the 430 — 440 MHz amateur radio allocation for TT&C operations for 20 additional satellites.

    IARU relays that the volume of comments filed by amateur radio organizations and operators contributed to the limited grant by the FCC Space Bureau. IARU continues to maintain that AST SpaceMobile has failed to show a legitimate need to utilize amateur radio spectrum.

    Source: IARU

  • Fire Prevention Week Special Event

    The following is a message from VE3KGK:

    October 5th through October 11th, a special annual event will take place promoting fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, with the theme being Lithium-ion battery fire safety where we mention a safety tip with the contacts.

    The following stations usually participate: KF2IRE, N1F through N9F, and VA3FIRE from Ontario and a printable certificate is available from hamfire.com where the event information is.

    The lead station is N4F in Gainesville FL. VA3FIRE is a wildcard station that can help with earning that certificate. The various stations spot themselves on DX Summit and as it is not a contest stations can be found on most HF bands working SSB and some FT-8.

    Source: VE3KGK

  • 18 Clubs to Activate Erie Canal for Parks On the Air

    18 amateur radio clubs will activate the Erie Canal for Parks on the Air September 16-25 to celebrate the canal's 200th anniversary.

    The following is a message from K2EAG:

    After 6 months of planning, our state-wide activation of the Erie Canal for its 200th Anniversary is here!

    This event is a great opportunity to experience and share about the canal that transformed America, as clubs and individuals across New York State join together over the airwaves to activate the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

    We're excited to share the 18 clubs that will be activating the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for this huge celebration--just like how each town celebrated upon the completion of the Erie Canal and their excitement of Governor DeWitt Clinton's inaugural voyage as he crossed New York State!

    These clubs, and many more individuals, are planning Parks On The Air (POTA) activations within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (US-6532) from Sept 16-25. For those activating along the canal (which is encouraged), they might also be activating the Empire State Trail (US-8098), which is a common two-fer with the corridor. The Heritage Corridor is a large area that also includes Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and even north of Albany, so regardless of location in the state, there are a lot of eligible locations and possible n-fers (activating from multiple POTA entities at once).

    As most of the clubs will be activating on Saturday and Sunday, we are also seeking individual activators to join us over the remaining days. We hope to fill the pota.app spotting page with US-6532 Erie Canalway over the 10 days, so be sure to spot with US-6532 as the primary park number, when operating from multiple POTA entities.

    This is not a contest, it's an operating event. All bands and modes are allowed. Take your time and be ready to share about the canal over the air. The canal has an important history for New York State and the country. Clubs and individuals are encouraged to make this their own event, operate with your own style, and consider if you'll also create a commemorative QSL for your contacts. We do however ask that you promptly upload your logs to POTA, clubs should ensure that both station callsign (club call) and operator (individual) both get logged, so both the club and individual can get credit with Parks On The Air.

    Please share your activations to social media, we recommend including the following tags in your posts: #ErieCanal200 #ErieCanalway #parksontheair, please also send your experiences and results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. we can't wait to hear all the stories, see the location and learn how things went!

    If you or your club has any questions at all about participating in the event or how to get started with POTA, please don't hesitate to reply back and I'll help any way I can.

    73,

    Matt K2EAG, Angela N3ARB and Mike N2MAK

    Note: This event is not sponsored by Parks on The Air or the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

    More info: https://qrz.com/db/w2c

    Source: K2EAG

  • Radio Club of America Seeks Board Nominations

    Radio Club of America is seeking nominations for its board of directors.

    The Radio Club of America thrives because of the dedication, expertise, and vision of its members. Serving on the Board of Directors offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the leadership and future direction of our organization. Board members play a vital role in shaping strategy, strengthening programs, supporting our membership, and ensuring that RCA continues to uphold its mission of advancing the art and science of wireless communication.

    Nominations are open until September 30, 2025. A nomination form is available here.

    Source: Radio Club of America

QRZ Amateur Radio News

Category: Site Pages
Published: Thursday, 12 March 2020
Written by Super User

01 November 2025

Newsworthy articles about Amateur Radio.

BARA Ham of the Year Recipients

Category: Site Pages
Published: Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Written by Tim Richards
Year Name Call Sign
2008 Annie Kaeding W8ALK
2009 Bill Wheeler W8JBA
2010 Gary Wallis KB8VIM
2011 Chuck Davis KC8YTA
2012 Matt Adrian KD8ZB
2013 Randy Kaeding K8TMK
2014 Ron Ackerman N8KBG
2015 Tim Richards KD8NOH
2016 Dan Utroske KF8Z
2017 Ken Jewell N8OL
2018 Bob Mann W8LHP
2019 Matt Severin N8MS
2020 Ron Warczynski K9RON
2021 Frank Lemanski AD8BU
2022 Ira Bilancio NX8I
2023 Pete Videnovich KD8UDO
2024 Earl Morse N8SS