Southgate Amateur Radio News

Amateur Radio Daily

15 July 2025

• MMDVM Project Drops Support for M17 Mode

  MMDVM, a popular software and hardware project that powers many amateur radio hotspots, has announced the intention to drop the M17 digital voice and data protocol as a supported mode. First communicated to the OpenDV Groups.io list on July 12th, the project's maintainer cited a number of grievances and rumours behind the decision.

  Inclusion of M17 among the supported modes of the MMDVM project has been a major benefit to the current rate of adoption of M17. The first commercial radios supporting M17 shipped in the second half of 2024.

  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.

  MMDVM is an open source project that enables amateur radio hotspots to support multiple digital voice modes including D-STAR, DMR, YSF, P25, NXDN, and POCSAG.

  Source: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• S50CLX Telnet DXCluster focuses on POTA, BOTA, SOTA, WWFF

  The following is a message from Danilo (S50U):

  POTA, SOTA, WWFF, BOTA enthusiasts!

  POTA (Parks On The Air), SOTA (Summits On The Air), WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna), WWBOTA (World Wide Bunkers on The Air) are internationally renowned programmes. They encourage licensed radio amateurs to operate outdoors within nature parks, mountain peaks or protected areas. Operators making contacts from bunkers, parks, from summits or from protected flora and fauna areas are called activators and operators who are contacted are called hunters.

  On the S50CLX telnet DXCluster I implemented the collection of spots from BOTA, POTA, SOTA, WWFF that are not part of the classical telnet DXCluster network (botacluster, potaapp, sotawatch, wwffwatch). Such spots are tagged with [-POTA-] [-SOTA-] [-WWFF-] [-BOTA] respectively. In the comment field a spot tagged as such carries:

  POTA:

  • International POTA reference number, example: SI-0831
  • Mode of operation, example: FM
  • POTA reference name, example: Preval Vrh Ravni

  SOTA:

  • International SOTA peak reference number; example: S5/CP-002
  • Mode of operation; example: SSB
  • SOTA summit name, altitude, points; example: Porezen, 1630m, 8 points

  WWFF:

  • International WWFF reference number; example: S5FF-0262
  • Mode of operation; example: FT8
  • WWFF reference name, example:: Cerkno – Soteska Potoka Zapoška

  BOTA:

  • International BOTA reference number, example:: B/S5-0513
  • Mode of operation, example: CW
  • BOTA bunker name, example: Gorje Utrdba 1 – utrdba,bunker Filtering

  With the right settings, the exact DX spots you want can be received and this is achieved using the filters below. To change an existing filter, simply overwrite it with a new command. Each command (BOLD formatted text) must be entered on a new line. Confirm the entry by pressing ENTER.

  • for receiving only POTA spots, command: ACC/SPOTS INFO -POTA-
  • for receiving only SOTA spots, command: ACC/SPOTS INFO -SOTA-
  • for receiving only WWFF spots, command: ACC/SPOTS INFO -WWFF-
  • for receiving only BOTA spots, command: ACC/SPOTS INFO -BOTA-
  • for receiving POTA and SOTA spots execute the command: ACC/SPOTS INFO -POTA- OR INFO -SOTA-
  • for receiving only POTA, SOTA, WWFF and BOTA spots execute the command. ACC/SPOTS INFO -POTA- OR INFO -SOTA- OR INFO -WWFF- OR INFO -BOTA-

  The CLEAR/SPOTS ALL command removes all set filters and the S50CLX passes us all DXCluster and optionally RBN (SET/SKIMMER <mode>) spots.

  In cases where you do not want to receive POTA, SOTA, WWFF, BOTA spots e.g. in a contests, use the command as the first filter before all others. REJ/SPOTS 1 INFO -POTA- OR INFO -SOTA- OR INFO -WWFF- OR INFO -BOTA-

  In addition, you can search the database of spots with the text contained in the comment field. For example to check DX spots for a recent activation from a POTA park with reference number SI-0772 execute the command SH/DX INFO SI-0772

  S50CLX DXSpider DXCluster

  Spots forwarding is based on the DXSpider DXCluster software validation and normalisation algorithm, rejecting duplicates and ensuring quality spots. All this in the face of increasingly frequent malicious attacks on the global amateur DXCluster network. Some spots are duplicated (same callsign and frequency) with POTA spots where the maximum frequency of spots sent. In these cases the user is forwarded the first one that arrives in the system regardless of tagging. The age of the S50CLX dxcluster duplicated, double spots is 300 seconds.

  The S50CLX DXCluster can be reached via telnet at s50clx.infrax.si port 41112

  Suitable for your HamClock, your daily Logger, your telnet client program...etc. In case of problems email me which spots you want to receive and I'll set them up for you. The email address is correct at qrz.com.

  My small contribution to the promotion of outdoor activities in hamradio. Spread the news, thanks. 🙂

  73 Danilo S50U sysop S50CLX DXCluster

  Source: S50CLX DXCluster

• Hamshack Hotline to End Service

  Hamshack Hotline has announced its decision to end voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service effective August 29th, 2025. Established in 2018, the VoIP provider has enabled thousands of hams to connect across the globe. The workload required to maintain the service was cited as a reason for shutting down.

  ...with success came scale—and with scale, came increasing demands. As the network grew, so did the workload on our small team. Balancing this effort with our responsibilities to family, careers, and life outside the shack has become increasingly challenging. We’ve always taken great pride in the reliability and service standards of Hamshack Hotline, and we recognize that we can no longer maintain those standards at the level our users deserve.

  Read the full announcement on the Hamshack Hotline website.

  Source: Hamshack Hotline

• DXLook HF Propagation Map

  The following is a message from AK6FP and DXLook:

  DXLook – Where Your Signal Is Heard

  We’ve all been there.

  You call CQ on 15 meters, the radio’s alive, conditions seem okay… but you’re not getting answers. So, you do what most of us do — check propagation. Maybe you fire up PSK Reporter, or flip to WSPRnet, or check the DX Cluster. But you end up hopping between tabs, trying to piece together the story of what’s actually going on out there.

  That’s exactly what led me to build this tool.

  At its core, DXLook is a real-time HF propagation map for amateur radio operators. But unlike other tools that show you where someone else’s signal was heard, DXLook helps you answer “Where is my signal being received right now?”

  Reception-Focused, Not Just Propagation

  Propagation maps are great — but most of them are based on predicted or averaged conditions. DXLook flips the perspective and focuses on actual reception data, in real time. It visualizes who’s hearing your signal, what band they heard it on, and how strong it was. Think of it as your personal propagation mirror.

  So instead of asking “Is 20m open?” you can now ask “Who’s actually hearing me on 20m — right now?”

  All the Data, One Map

  This is where DXLook stands out.

  Instead of depending on a single source like WSPRnet or PSK Reporter, it brings all the major reception sources together:

  • WSPRnet: beacon-level SNR across the globe
  • Reverse Beacon Network: CW/FT8 spots with detailed timing
  • PSK Reporter: digital mode activity
  • DX Clusters: voice spots and DX alerts
  • POTA: Parks on the Air activator activity
  • Plus solar data overlays: MUF, SFI, A/K index, and day/night terminator

  You can filter by mode, band, view from your local Maidenhead grid to see what’s being heard in your region.

  Who It’s For

  Whether you’re a new Technician trying to understand how far your signal travels, or a seasoned DXer trying to squeeze the most out of the grey line, DXLook helps you see the invisible. It’s also pretty handy during contests, POTA activations, or just for those “Is anyone out there?” moments.

  No Login. No Tracking. Just Radio.

  DXLook runs in your browser, no sign-up needed, no nonsense. It’s open to everyone — just visit dxlook.com and you’re in. You’ll see an interactive map updating live as new reception reports come in.

  It’s not meant to replace other tools, but to unify them — and give you a clearer picture of what’s happening on the bands, right now.

  So next time you spin the dial and wonder if you’re being heard… fire up DXLook.

  See you on the air.
  73,
  Rodrigo – AK6FP

  Source: DXLook

• Amateur Radio Newsline Announces Young Ham of the Year 2025

  Amateur Radio Newsline has announced the recipient of the 2025 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year as Katie Campbell (KE8LQR). KE8LQR has been selected for her involvement in supporting young hams. She has helped plan YOTA camps, mentor YOTA attendees, led CW operations during the K3LR IOTA Dave Kalter Memorial Youth DX Adventure, presented at numerous events including Hamvention, is an avid HF operator, and more.

  Katie will officially be presented with the Young Ham of the Year award on Ham Nation on July 30th.

  Source: Amateur Radio Newsline

• Ham Radio Publication Round-up

  SWR
  The Caribbean Amateur Radio Group has published their second issue of SWR which features DIY, Hamvention 2025, demystifying ALC, and ham radio ABCs. Viewers can sign-up for the free newsletter.

  Amateur Television Journal
  The July issue (PDF) features application notes, a call for submissions, Field Day ops, and new product announcements.

  The Communicator
  The July/August edition of The Communicator celebrates 50 years of the Surrey Amateur Radio Club. An astounding 130 pages of content includes calls for more data repeaters, a look inside rubber duck antennas, DLARC, 6 meter beacons, pico balloons, special events, and more.

  The Logger's Bark
  The July issue of The Logger's Bark (PDF) also weighs in at 130 pages including articles featuring the AB577 "Rocket Launcher" portable radio tower, Sea-Pac 2025 wrap-up, the open source TR1-EP DIY SDR, Putikeeg Model 20 Straight Key review, and more.

  Zero Retries
  Issue 0209 includes VARA FM - 12.5 kHz Bandwidth Versus 25 kHz Bandwidth, Jim Boddie NG2J - Silent Keyboard, ADRCS (IP400) Press Release, Radio Module 2 and DreamHAT+ - Unusual Radio Modules, HydraSDR RFOne.

  The Random Wire
  Issue 138 highlights Zero Retries Digital Conference registration, new Tecsun receiver, AllScan UCI90 interface, and trying the reRouter as an AllStar node.

  ARDC
  The May/June newsletter from ARDC features the 44Net Portal released as open source, grantee updates, and what ARDC has been up to.

  The Canadian Amateur (Membership required)

  QST (Membership required)
  Topics include Second Century: IARU Restructuring (PDF). A free article, HamSCI: The Future of Ham Radio is Here, is available for download (PDF).

  Source: Amateur Radio Daily

• POTA Activator Dies in Accidental Electrocution

  Tripp Owens (N4NTO) is believed to have been electrocuted while working with an antenna mast during a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation in North Carolina. N4NTO was an avid participant with POTA activating over 660 parks.

  Hams on social media posted condolences.

  [N4NTO] was a great CW op, and I had many POTA QSOs with him. His death is a reminder that even if you have over 600 activations under your belt, you always need to be alert for power lines when putting up and taking down portable antennas. — VA2NW

  QRPer called for a renewed look at safety in the field:

  Let’s honor Tripp by taking antenna safety seriously and helping others do the same. Share reminders. Watch out for one another. Stay mindful in the field.

  Source: WTVD

• Roger Smallwood (N8EKG) of R&L Electronics SK

  The Dayton Amateur Radio Association reports that Roger Smallwood (N8EKG) is a silent key.

  Roger D. Smallwood, age 55 of Hamilton, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Roger was born in Hamilton, Ohio on October 31, 1969, to Larry Smallwood and Rita (Weidle) Smallwood. He was the President of Operations at R&L Electronics for over 40 years. Roger enjoyed HAM radio, conversations with people around the world, travelling, gambling and socializing with friends across the country on a regular basis.

  Source: DARA

• ISS SSTV Event with AX-4 Crew July 14

  ARISS has relayed plans for an SSTV event to be conducted by the AX-4 crew that recently arrived on the ISS.

  An ARISS SSTV event will begin no earlier than July 14 with the expectation that the event will run through the weekend into the beginning of the following week. This is all subject to AX-4 schedule and other operational considerations. The subject will be the 50th anniversary of the ASTP and the 40th anniversary of STS-51F. STS-51F was the second SAREX flight and had the first use of SSTV in human spaceflight.

  Source: ARISS

• 100th Anniversary of JARL and Amateur Radio in Japan

  The following is a message from the Japan Amateur Radio League, Inc. (JARL):

  100th Anniversary special site https://100th.jarl.org/en/

  Toward the 100th Anniversary of JARL and the 100th Anniversary of Amateur Radio in Japan

  “The 100th Anniversary of Amateur Radio in Japan” commemorative logo and message established.

  On June 12th, 1926, “Japan Amateur Radio League” was established by 37 members and they sent out the message notifying the establishment to the amateurs worldwide as given below.

  “We have the honor of informing that we amateurs in Japan have organized today the Japanese Amateur Radio League. Please QST to all stations.”

  In September next year, 1927, the shortwave radio telegraph and telephone experimental station “JXAX” was licensed. This is considered the first amateur radio station in Japan.

  Therefore, it will be the 100th Anniversary of JARL in June 2026 and the 100th Anniversary of amateur radio in Japan in September 2027. JARL have decided to celebrate two anniversaries for whole bridging period of 16 months. JARL is not intend to celebrate alone, but invite the radio equipment manufacturers, relevant organizations and radio amateurs nationwide to join the celebration of these important events.

  However, the goal is not just to look back and celebrate, but to make this a new starting point towards the future of irreplaceable culture called “Amateur Radio”.

  Various commemorative events are planned during the celebration period and the logo of “100th Anniversary of Amateur Radio in Japan” is established in addition to already announced “100th Anniversary of JARL” logo.

  “Because ‘normal’ is just boring.” This sentence expresses our sincere wish to share the charm of amateur radio which has fascinated us, with new radio amateurs coming into the world of amateur radio.

  In the past up to now, many fore runners developed amateur radio without bound by common sense and with inquisitive mind and ingenuity. From now towards the future, we will also doubt the common sense and challenge with free inspiration.

  We will continue to cherish these “Amateur Radio spirits”

  100th Anniversary commemorative events

  1. Establishment of commemorative logo and message
  2. Establishment of commemorative website
  3. Commemorative ceremony
  4. Issue of commemorative booklet
  5. Operation of commemorative stations
  6. Issue of commemorative awards
  7. Commemorative QSO party

  Source: JARL

• Voile des Légendes Dunkerque 2025 Special Event

  The following is a message from the Radio Club de l’Agglomération Dunkerquoise:

  The Radio Club de l’Agglomération Dunkerquoise - F8KGS - is proud to announce the activation of a special event amateur radio station: TM5VDL, on the occasion of the “Voile des Légendes Dunkerque 2025” maritime festival.

  Held every few years in the historic port city of Dunkerque, northern France, Les Voiles de Légende is a celebrated gathering of classic and legendary sailing ships from across Europe. The city comes alive with nautical pride, music, maritime culture—and in 2025, with radio waves!

  This special callsign TM5VDL will be active from July 5th to 19th, operated by members of F8KGS Radio Club. Operators will be mainly active on HF, sharing the spirit of this majestic event with amateurs worldwide.

  A special QSL card will be sent via bureau.

  Join us on the air and help us celebrate the union of maritime heritage and amateur radio!

  Source: Radio Club de l’Agglomération Dunkerquoise

• IP400 Network Project Secures Development Services

  The following is a press release from ADRCS:

  The Alberta Digital Radio Communications Society (ADRCS) is pleased to announce a contractual agreement with Praebius Communications Inc. of Calgary to provide professional services to carry out the development of the next phase of the IP400 project, and to provide fulfillment services for hardware modules developed by the Society, in conjunction with ZUM Radio of San Diego.

  “This contract provides the full spectrum of services required to assure that we will be able to provide for the amateur community in general and stay within bounds of our operational parameters as a non-profit society”, said Garvin Cole VE6GFC, President of ADRCS.

  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.

  About Praebius Communications Inc
  Praebius Communications Inc. is a privately owned Canadian company specializing in developing Intellectual property and providing design and manufacturing services in the data communications and IOT spaces.

  Source: ADRCS

• Registration Open for Zero Retries Digital Conference

  Registration is now open for the Zero Retries Digital Conference (ZRDC) scheduled for September 13th, 2025 in Everett, Washington, US.

  Registration offers in-person access and virtual attendance options to attend the inaugural Zero Retries Digital Conference 2025. Ticket price descriptions state what is included with each level of participation. Such as, in-person attendance includes access to the conference along with conference proceedings, welcome refreshments, refreshments throughout the day, buffet lunch and a chance to win raffle prizes.

  ZRDC is planning to host presentations focused on IP400, M17, MMDVM, AREDN, and more. The conference immediately follows the GNU Radio Conference which takes place at the same venue, September 8-12.

  ZRDC call for papers and sponsorships are also open.

  Source: Zero Retries Digital Conference

• Russia to Conduct EME Contest

  The Union of Radio Amateurs of Russia will hold a second round of its EME contest July 26-27 on 1296 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 10 GHz. An earlier round was held June 28-29.

  The full set of rules is available (PDF). A dedicated website for the contest is also online.

  Source: Union of Radio Amateurs of Russia

• Middle Tennessee HamQuest is July 19th

  The Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee HamQuest takes place July 19th at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Tennessee. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of this event.

  We’ve come a long way from being in an 8,000 sq. foot open air pavilion to an over 20,000 sq. foot state of the art exhibit hall! Once again, we continue our Quest to be the best! Join our 10-year celebration as we continue to grow our Hamfest and Electronics Expo.

  The event includes VE testing, tailgating, commercial vendors, presentations, and more.

  Source: HamQuest

• Satellite Communications Company AST SpaceMobile Seeks Use of 70 cm Amateur Band

  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US has received a request from AST SpaceMobile to modify an existing license that would allow it to transmit within the amateur radio 70 cm band. Specifically, the company seeks the use of the 430-440 MHz spectrum to perform telemetry, tracking, and telecommand between ground stations and a constellation of 243 satellites in low-earth, non-geostationary orbit.

  Based on activity within the AMSAT-DL forums, it's been suggested that AST SpaceMobile has interfered with the 70 cm amateur bands in the past. Communications Daily reported in 2023 that Germany required AST SpaceMobile to shut off operations when in radio range of the country. The government cited non-compliance with ITU regulations.

  AST SpaceMobile is building a satellite constellation based cellular network that can utilize existing smart phones. The company is based in Midland, Texas, US and is publicly traded.

  Hat tip to Zero Retries for relaying the FCC document.

  Source: FCC

• Amateur Radio Newsline Recounts its Early History

  The most recent edition of Amateur Radio Newsline (ARN) recounts its early history with a nod to its cofounder, Bill Pasternak (WA6ITF/SK). On the 10th anniversary of Pasternark's passing, original team member Jim Davis (W2JKD) recalled the early days of ARN and the incredible effort required to deliver an edition of the news utilizing 1970s technology.

  Bill would gather the news, write a script, and call me on the phone (remember when long-distance was expensive?). He’d read the script aloud, and I’d type it as he spoke. Once finished, I’d head to a production studio to record and edit the script. Then I’d drive to the post office to air mail a 7-inch reel of tape to Los Angeles. Bill would splice in the actualities and transfer the final version to a 20-minute cartridge tape. That tape machine was set to auto-answer the phone line at Bill Ornstein’s home, distributing the news to the ham community.

  Originally devised by hams that also happened to be professional broadcasters, ARN carries on a rich tradition of professionalism that has served the amateur radio community for more than 50 years.

  Source: Amateur Radio Newsline

• AMSAT-UK to Test Super Black Paint on CubeSat

  AMSAT-UK will partner with Surrey NanoSystems and a number of universities including University of Surrey to test a special black paint on an upcoming CubeSat deployment. When applied to a surface, the super black paint, Vantablack, is designed to absorb 98% of light. The goal of the partnership is to demonstrate potential solutions to reducing light pollution as it relates to astronomy.

  This high level of light absorption makes the coated surfaces appear extremely dark, helping to minimise the unwanted brightness from satellites that can disrupt the work of stargazers.

  The Jovian-1 CubeSat mission containing this experiment is scheduled to launch in 2026. More information will be available at the AMSAT-UK Colloquium taking place in October.

  Source: AMSAT

• Logbook of The World Moves to the Cloud

  ARRL announced this week that Logbook of The World (LoTW) will receive much needed technical upgrades including a move to a cloud computing platform. In addition to upgrades to the operating system and database that the service relies on, the entire product will move to the cloud. LoTW currently resides on physical hardware at ARRL HQ. A move to a proper datacenter will provide protections from both physical and network based security risks.

  As a part of the ongoing modernization of the ARRL systems infrastructure, LoTW will be receiving major upgrades to the operating system it is running on, the relational database system it uses to store and access logbook and awards data, and server hosting, where it will be fully migrated to the cloud.

  The cloud migration will require LoTW to be offline June 27th through July 2nd.

  Source: ARRL

• ARRL is Hiring

  ARRL is currently seeking to fill four roles at its headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. The four roles include:

  • Membership Manager
  • Advertising Sales Manager
  • Production Coordinator
  • Senior RFI Lab Engineer

  Among the qualifications for each position is a desire for experienced radio amateurs, individuals who will thrive in a collaborative results-driven environment, and a commitment to advancing ARRL’s mission.

  Visit the ARRL website for more details.

  Source: ARRL