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

Amateur Radio Daily

18 September 2025

• 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:

  • Grants Advisory Committee (GAC): Reviews grant applications
  • Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): Works on 44Net-related projects and policies
  • Grants Evaluation Team (GET): Evaluates and analyzes grant reports
  • Conduct Review Committee (CRC): Helps to evaluate Code of Conduct incident reports
  • Grants Communications Team (GCT): Shares results of funded grants with the public
  • 44Net Portal Ticket Handlers: Helps to verify call signs and related information for 44Net address space requests

  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!

  • East Greenbush ARA (USS Slater)
  • Eastern Fulton Montgomery Amateur Radio Club
  • Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Association
  • Fulton Amateur Radio Club
  • Genesee Radio Amateurs
  • Lancaster Amateur Radio Club
  • Lockport Amateur Radio Association
  • Orleans County Amateur Radio Club
  • Radio Amateurs of Greater Syracuse
  • Radio Association of WNY (USS Little Rock)
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ARC
  • Rochester Amateur Radio Association
  • Saratoga County ARA
  • Skenoh Island Amateur Radio Club
  • Tompkins County Amateur Radio Association
  • Tryon Amateur Radio Club
  • Utica Amateur Radio Club
  • Warren County Radio Club

  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

• Ham Radio Fall Newsletter Round-up

  The September/October 2025 issue of The Communicator includes:

  • Field Day and Cross-Border Microwave Activity
  • Propagation Profile: Exploring the Gray Line in Radio Propagation
  • An AM Radio Transmitter Suitable for in-home broadcast
  • After 14 attempts our first circumnavigation of a pico balloon!
  • And more!

  Ria’s Ham Shack focuses on getting ready for winter, radio wise.

  Experimental Radio News 13 reports on blockchain satellites, cargo by drone, concealed weapons imaging at THz frequencies – and sailing in space.

  Zero Retries 0217: ZRDC 2025 Update, KK7NQN Transcriber Service Node, Build It And They Will Come Doesn’t Work, Icom ID-5200, DB0UV - Unique VHF / UHF Xponder, LiNK500, Beamforming, RadioSport SDR App

  The Amateur Television Journal August edition (PDF):

  • Ham TV once again being active from the International Space Station
  • 900 MHz is a Junk Band!

  The Logger's Bark (PDF) features:

  • Revisiting: Duga-1 The Russian Woodpecker
  • Quartz Crystals: Determining Frequency for Over 100 Years
  • Second Annual Sasquatch Awareness SES in October

  The Random Wire 146: A mini hotspot for M17, DTMF commands for your ASL 3 node, more about RPi4 and K-1 speaker-mic interface

  Apple Ham Radio Weekly: What’s new in software, loop back to a well-known Apple developer, get DStar on your Apple devices, go bush wth POTA and take a look at an unusual Apple Watch edition for Ham Radio.

  Source: Amateur Radio Daily

• ROC-HAM Radio Network Celebrates 200th Anniversary of Erie Canal

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

  ROC-HAM Radio Network celebrates 200th anniversary of the ERIE CANAL with a special event callsign W2R, from SEPTEMBER 1ST - SEPTEMBER 29TH. W2JLD will be on the air celebrating the 200th anniversary of the ERIE CANAL.

  The Erie Canal is a historic waterway in New York State, connecting the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River to the Great Lakes at Lake Erie. Completed in 1825, it was North America's first navigable waterway linking the two systems and the greatest public works project of its time. The canal was an immense commercial success, dramatically reducing transportation costs and fostering the growth of cities like Buffalo and Rochester, and playing a vital role in New York's rise as the "Empire State". Today, the original canal is part of the New York State Barge Canal and is primarily used for recreational boating and as part of the multiuse Empire State Trail.

  Key Facts & History

  • Construction:
    Built between 1817 and 1825, the original canal was 363 miles long, stretching from Albany to Buffalo.

  • Engineering Feat:
    It was a massive undertaking, featuring locks that raised boats significant heights.

  • Commercial Impact:
    The canal was an instant commercial and financial success, with tolls completely repaying the construction loan within nine years. It significantly lowered the cost of moving goods and people, creating new markets and routes for settlers.

  • Economic Growth:
    The Erie Canal helped make New York City the nation's premier seaport and spurred the development of towns along its route.

  • Modernization:
    In the early 20th century, the canal was overhauled to create the New York State Barge Canal, allowing larger steamships to pass through.

  Today

  • Recreation:
    The New York State Canal System, including the Erie Canal, is now a major route for recreational boating.

  • Tourism:
    Numerous museums, canal sites, and historical remnants along the route showcase the canal's legacy and engineering.

  • Empire State Trail:
    Many portions of the former canal towpath have been converted into a multi-use trail for walking and cycling, forming part of the Empire State Trail.

  W2JLD will be transmitting at various sites throughout downtown Rochester,NY.

  Cobbs Hill Park was part of the western waterways system that allowed boats to turn around in a large body of water. The Erie Canal ran thru part of his neighborhood, known as lock #66, there is a large portion of it which is visible from the expressway here in Rochester,NY.

  Help John celebrate the 200 anniversary of the ERIE CANAL and work him.

  There will be a special event QSL CARD available upon request. This is a HF only event, look for him on 20 meters, 40 meters. He will list what frequency he will be on, on the ROC-HAM.NET website.

  Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

• European Ham Radio Retailer Halts US Shipments

  The following is a press release from Passion Radio:

  European Ham Radio Retailer Passion Radio Suspends US Shipments Following 15% Tariff Increase

  To our US Amateur Radio Clients and Community

  Because of the recent 15% tariff increase on products imported from the European Union, the suspension of several carrier services to the US, and the growing complexity of the US import system, our online shop Passion-Radio.com must suspend all shipments to the United States until further notice.

  In particular, La Poste, the French national postal operator, suspended parcel shipments to the United States as of August 25, 2025 (1), removing one of the main EU–US postal channels. At the same time, UPS announced that starting September 8, 2025, an additional international processing fee will apply to all import shipments, regardless of origin.

  There has also been some misunderstanding regarding customs procedures. When parcels arrive in the United States, the buyer must settle not only the 15% customs duty, but also the service fee charged by the carrier for filing customs declarations and advancing duties to US Customs. These charges are billed locally at delivery and remain outside the seller’s control. Import duties and tariffs are always the responsibility of the buyer, not the seller.

  "Unfortunately, with constant changes in tariffs, rates, and carrier processes, we cannot guarantee fair, efficient, and transparent shipping conditions," said David, F1JXQ, Director of Passion Radio. "Our goal is to resume shipments to the US as soon as a reliable and cost-effective solution is available for everyone."

  Meanwhile, our collaboration with five US-based suppliers continues without disruption, as the European Union has not imposed any retaliatory tariffs or reciprocal 15% import duties on products arriving from the United States.

  Updates will be communicated through our shop: https://www.passion-radio.com/store/hamradio-us-tariff-43 and our social channels.

  To all our US friends on the bands: we thank you for your understanding and support, and we look forward to resuming deliveries as soon as possible.

  Passion Radio Shop

  Practical tariffs impact on an item €50
  Before tariffs (without 15%, rate €1 = $1.12 April 2025 rate)

  Conversion: €50 × 1.12= $56.00*
  Total payable ≈ $56.00

  After tariffs (with 15%, rate €1 = $1.16 August 2025 rate)

  Conversion: €50 × 1.16 = $58.00*
  Customs duty 15%: $58.00 × 0.15 = $8.70
  Carrier fees (on average, import processing): $15.00

  Total payable ≈ 58.00 + 8.70 + 15.00 = $81.70

  Total surcharge ≈ +$25.70 (~+45.89% increase compared to $56.00, before tariff tax)

  *Not calculated, fees that may apply when converting Euro € <> US $.

  FAQ

  • Q1: Who pays import duties and tariffs when ordering from Europe?
    By law, the US buyer must pay all customs duties, tariffs, and fees when importing goods from Europe.
    These charges are not paid by the seller.

  • Q2: Why do carriers charge extra fees?
    Carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL must submit customs declarations and advance duties to US Customs.
    For this, they bill a brokerage or processing fee directly to the buyer.

  Sources :

  (1) https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2025/08/22/la-poste-suspend-l-envoi-de-colis-vers-les-etats-unis_6633516_3234.html

  About Passion Radio

  Passion Radio (https://www.passion-radio.com/) is a French-based retailer specializing in amateur radio, SDR, and RF communication equipment for enthusiasts and professionals. Established in 2014, the company has grown to become the ham radio leader shop in France, providing one-stop-shop RF solution, with over 2100+ references, from 55+ brands.

  Source: Passion Radio

• Special Event Station LZ80TUS Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Technical University of Sofia

  The Technical University of Sofia Amateur Radio Club (LZ1KDP) is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Technical University of Sofia with special event station LZ80TUS. On the air from August 1 through December 24th, LZ80TUS recognizes the largest research and educational institution in the field of engineering and technological sciences in Bulgaria.

  More information about the special event is available on QRZ.

  Source: LZ1KDP

• DXLook Adds QSO View and Multi-Language Support

  The following is a message from DXLook:

  DXLook has introduced a new QSO View that lets radio amateurs upload their own ADIF (.adi) log files and see their QSOs displayed on the map. Each contact is shown with a great-circle arc from your station to the destination, and markers include details such as callsign, grid, band, mode, date, and time. Filters for band and mode are available, and users can toggle arcs and time labels on or off. QSO View runs fully in the browser, so uploaded log files never leave your computer.

  In addition, DXLook’s Help and Tour sections are now available in multiple languages (English, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese), making it easier for operators worldwide to get started.

  These updates join DXLook’s existing tools — Summary, Cluster, MUF, Reports, and POTA — giving operators more ways to explore propagation and their own activity in one place.

  Try it now at https://dxlook.com

  Source: DXLook

• Route 66 On The Air 2025

  The 2025 Route 66 On The Air special event will be active September 6-14. This year, 24 clubs located across the route will be operating special 1x1 callsigns. QSL cards and certificates will be available.

  This year marks the 26th year of this great radio event. Originally started by the Northern Arizona DX Association, it was a way to allow amateur radio operators a fun way to “Relive the Ride.” They also can relive their own memories of Route 66, and get to celebrate the highway’s rich history in making the U.S. what it is today.

  Source: Route 66 On The Air

• M17 Conference 2025

  The M17 Foundation will host the M17 Conference September 6-7 in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland.

  Presentation topics will include:

  • M17 protocol and ecosystem
  • Open-source hardware/software development and sustainability
  • Reverse engineering and hacking
  • GNU Radio
  • Digital RF protocols for amateur radio
  • Amateur satellite communications
  • Amateur radio infrastructure
  • Signal intelligence

  Attendance is free and registration for attendees is not required. Registration is still open for those wishing to speak or have a booth.

  The M17 Project is an open source digital voice and data protocol that is positioned as an alternative to digital modes that require use of proprietary encoders.

  Source: M17 Foundation

• Radio Club of America Technical Symposium Registration is Open

  Radio Club of America (RCA) has announced registration is now open for its 2025 Techincal Symposium and 116th Awards Banquet. The symposium will include a number of presentations which will later be made available on YouTube. The event takes place in Washington, D.C. on November 22.

  Ahead of the event, attendees can register for tours of DC area memorials as well as the Goddard Space Center and NSA Cryptologic Museum.

  More information is available on the RCA website. A direct link to the registration page can be accessed here.

  Source: Radio Club of America

• AllStarLink Board Seeks Donations

  The AllStarLink board of directors is seeking additional donations to help maintain the AllStarLink system. In an email sent to AllStarLink users, the board noted a 400% increase in connected nodes over the past 4 years and called out operational expenses currently running at a deficit. A $12 per year per node donation was suggested.

  A call for volunteers was also communicated. AllStarLink is looking for software developers with experience in JavaScript, PHP, and Laravel.

  If you find value in the AllStarLink service, we are asking for a voluntary donation of $12/yr per node to help us maintain and improve the AllStarLink eco-system. For those wishing to support our ongoing efforts please see our 501(c)3 donations page at AllStarLink | Donate

  Source: AllStarLink

• IP400 Network Project Sells Out Second Product Run

  ADRCS has announced that the second run of IP400 Mini-Nodes units have sold out and are now shipping. In addition, to satisfy the requirements of the recently approved ADRC grant, ADRCS has been certified by NGO Source.

  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: ADRCS

• Club Week is Coming This Fall

  This fall, the National Amateur Radio Alliance (NARA) will sponsor Club Week, a special event for clubs to make contact with one another on the air.

  Unlike a contest, Club Week does not involve earning points or submitting logs to NARA. Instead, it’s a relaxed and engaging event where clubs can operate from a club shack, a member's home, a park, or any public location. Clubs are encouraged to organize additional activities to make the most of this opportunity. Participants should be prepared to send and respond to QSL cards, which provides additional opportunities to engage and teach new hams.

  Club Week will span 9 days. While a final date hasn't yet been finalized, clubs can register early for the event on the NARA website.

  Source: NARA

• Hunstville Hamfest

  Hunstville Hamfest takes place this weekend, August 16th and 17th. 2025 sees the return of the indoor flea market with many of the biggest manufacturers and organizations in the world of ham radio also scheduled to be on display.

  • List of dealers and manufacturers.
  • N4HSV is the talk-in repeater at 146.94 MHz (100Hz PL).
  • The full program is available here (PDF).

  Source: Hunstville Hamfest

• Churches and Chapels on the Air 2025

  Churches & Chapels On The Air encourages ham radio operators to active local churches on September 13, 2025. The event originated in 2006 in the United Kingdom as a way to bring awareness to a local fundraising event. In 2024, 54 stations were on the air across the globe.

  More information can be found on the WACRAL website. K4FMH has published information about activations taking place in the US for 2025.

  Source: WACRAL

• Bochum Space Days 2025

  AMSAT-Deutschland will host the Bochum Space Days event September 19-21. The event takes place at the Bochum Observatory with a focus on the future of amateur radio satellites and related space projects. The two day event will offer lectures, presentations, and a tour of the Education Center for Space and Environmental Research.

  A full schedule will be posted in the coming weeks.

  Source: AMSAT-DL

18 September 2025

• Let's Make a DEAL! Hosted by GigaParts and HamRadio2.0
• How K1AR Helped Shape Modern Ham Radio Contesting
• Young and Gifted: From the Cockpit to the Contest Pileup
• How Top Ops Train for CQ World Wide: Contest Crew
• DXLook Introduces VHF Propagation Map
• Antenna Savant K2TR on Building Stations That Win
• QRZ's Newest Feature- RTQM
• Power Genius, Contests, and Helicopters: 4O3A’s Ham Radio Life
• Lifelines in the Storm: How Pakistan’s Amateur Radio Society Powered Flood Relief
• The September Edition of SWR is Here!
• The Communicator Journal: September - October 2025
• September Issue: The Logger's Bark Magazine
• Inside HamSCI’s Field Exercise at K3LR: Dr. Frissell W2NAF
• Hurricane Katrina – 20 Years Later, Remembering Carl (KB5WMY, SK)
• Bringing Ham Radio to Malawi: Don Jones 7Q6M
• 30 Days of Ham Radio Project
• Contest Crew Returns: SO2R Secrets and CQWW Plans
• Icom to release updated IC-7300 MK2 & Updated ID-5200!
• DXLook adds QSO View and multi-language support
• How Flyover Country Made a Contesting Giant: Pat Barkey N9RV
• Crypto Transmission on Saturday August 30, 2025 @ 2000 GMT
• Route 66 on the Air Special Event commemorating the history of the "Mother Road"
• Introducing Historic Sites on the Air: Stuart VE9CF
• Collins Legacy Association celebrates 100th anniversary
• The Operator Behind Ham Radio’s Coolest Gear: Bart SQ1K
• The Best and Worst Radios for Field Day? W3LPL and K3RA
• Youth on the Air Americas is Working: Neil Rapp WB9VPG
• Celebrate International Dog Day with us
• Representing the Best of Ham Radio: Doug Grant K1DG
• Inspiring the Next Generation of Technologists at UITS- ARSB
• AST SpaceMobile - Hands or our Bands! Petition
• RigPi 4 Released, free download
• HamSCI Meteor Scatter QSO Party Is This Coming Weekend!!
• 6-land HOA Rights Crumbling? [The official new California HOA law thread]
• Seminar on the Role of Amateur Radio During Disasters-ARSB
• Inside the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation: Tim Duffy K3LR
• August Issue: The Logger's Bark Magazine
• Less Than Two Weeks Until The HamSCI Meteor Scatter QSO Party!!
• KM7W Style: A Different Kind of Field Day
• PJ6Y Saba: W6IZT’s Youth-Led DXpedition Plan