Southgate Amateur Radio News

Amateur Radio Daily

18 January 2026

• DXLook Introduces VOACAP View Professional HF Propagation Predictions

  Editor's note: For additional insight into how this tool was produced as well as some history behind VOACAP, this in-depth write-up is worth a read.

  The following is a press release from DXLook:

  DXLook Introduces VOACAP View — Making Professional HF Propagation Predictions Easy for Everyone

  DXLook has released a new VOACAP View that makes professional-grade HF propagation predictions accessible to amateur radio operators for the first time, without requiring technical expertise or specialized software.

  VOACAP (Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program) is the gold standard for HF propagation prediction, originally developed by the U.S. government for international broadcasting. It uses sophisticated ionospheric modeling to predict which frequencies will work between any two points on Earth, based on solar activity, time of day, and seasonal variations. Until now, using VOACAP required command-line tools and configuration files that put it out of reach for most hams.

  What makes DXLook's approach unique is how the VOACAP data is presented: using the same visual language as DXLook's Reports view. If you already understand how Reports work, you'll understand VOACAP immediately — same colored arcs showing propagation paths, same band indicators, same signal quality visualization. Zero learning curve.

  This release marks a significant evolution for DXLook as a platform. Until now, DXLook has focused on displaying real, observed propagation data from sources like PSK Reporter, RBN, and WSPRnet. With the new VOACAP View, DXLook adds the capability to display predictions alongside that real data — giving operators both what's happening now and what's expected to happen.

  The VOACAP View is driven by real-time solar data, automatically adjusting predictions based on current smoothed sunspot numbers (SSN). Predictions update hourly and cover all HF amateur bands from 80m to 10m.

  The VOACAP View is now live and available to all users at https://dxlook.com.

  About DXLook
  DXLook is a real-time HF and VHF propagation visualization platform built by amateur radio operators for the amateur radio community. It combines live reception reports, space weather data, physics-based modeling, and professional-grade VOACAP predictions to help operators understand both current band conditions and expected propagation behavior worldwide.

  Source: DXLook

• CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations

  The CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 2026 class of inductees. 3 nomination will be inducted in 2026.

  The CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame was established in January, 2001, to recognize those individuals, whether licensed radio amateurs or not, who significantly affected the course of amateur radio; and radio amateurs who, in the course of their professional lives, had a significant impact on their professions or on world affairs.

  Nominations may be sent to Tom Roscoe (K8CX) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See nomination guidelines.

  Source: hamgallery.com

• YL POTA Party

  On Saturday, March 7, women interested in amateur radio and portable operating are invited to spend the day together at Owens Lodge, Pineway Ponds Park along the Erie Canal in Spencerport, NY for a relaxed YL POTA Party.

  Parks On The Air (POTA) is an amateur radio activity that encourages operators to set up portable stations in parks and make contacts from the field. The YL POTA Party is an exciting way for women of all ages to experience portable operating, learn by doing, and enjoy time on the air together. You do not need to be licensed to participate.

  Starting at 9:00 AM, the day kicks off with setting up portable stations and getting on the air, with plenty of time to operate, chat, and enjoy food throughout the day (we just need to be out by 9 PM). Bring your own portable equipment or operate from ours.

  Similar YL POTA parties are held each year around International Women’s Day, with gatherings planned worldwide to celebrate women’s contributions to radio and their involvement in the hobby.

  Please RSVP to Angela N3ARB and Matt K2EAG by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  You can also visit us at upstatenypota.com.

  This is an unofficial event and is not sponsored by Parks On The Air.

  Source: K2EAG

• APRS Day Out at HamCation

  APRS Day Out 2026 will take place during HamCation. Sponsored by the Daytona Beach Amateur Radio Association, a dedicated digipeater will be on the air covering the HamCation fairgrounds.

  Hams should tune their APRS enabled devices to 147.585 and use a path of TEMP1-1

  APRS Day Out is the brain child of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR/sk. In his words "The purpose of the APRS Day out is to test our skills at forming ad-hoc networks in ham radio for use at events and disasters.

  Operators are encouraged to send messages and bulletins to spread information and connect with one another. More information is available here.

  Source: KM4ACK

• Australian Ham Clubs Build Enterprise-Grade Yaesu IMRS Repeater System

  Australian amateur radio operators have partnered with commercial networking experts, KernWi-Fi to build an "enterprise-grade" network of linked repeaters. The network of repeaters utilizes Yaesu's Multi‑site Repeater System (IMRS) technology to route repeater traffic over a secure internet link.

  Our goal was straightforward: deliver IMRS over an IP fabric that behaves like a carrier network—predictable routing, strong isolation, and security you can audit. If we treat community infrastructure with enterprise discipline, reliability follows. —Phil Kern (VK5PK)

  Members of the Darwin Amateur Radio Club and the South Pacific Contest Club were involved in this project. Details of the build are available on the KernWi-Fi website. A network diagram is also available (PDF).

  Source: KernWi-Fi

• 52 Week Ham Challenge Returns for 2026

  The 52 Week Ham Challenge is back for 2026.

  This year's challenge consists of weekly exercises ranging from making a QSO on Echolink to eliminating a source of interference.

  This is meant to inspire you to extend your horizon in amateur radio by weekly challenges through the year that touch all aspects of ham radio (and related fields). A lot of the challenges may be trivial for some participants (because it is what they do all the time), but very challenging to others. Participants of the challenge are encouraged to help each other in any way possible.

  Participants are encouraged to post progress through social media using the #hamchallenge hashtag. An IRC channel is also available.

  The 53 Week Ham Challenge is created by Fabian Kurz (DJ5CW).

  Source: 52 Week Ham Challenge

• Raleigh Hamfest Seeks Presenters

  RARSfest, the Raleigh, North Carolina area hamfest is seeking speakers for their April 2026 event.

  All ham radio related topics are encouraged with the opportunity to speak in-person during 50 or 80 minute time slots. Proposals should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 5:00 PM EST on Monday, February 16th, 2026.

  The hamfest takes place on April 4th, 2026. RARSfest is sponsored by the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society.

  Source: RARSfest

• HamSCI Speaker Series Explores WSPR Spectral Width

  HamSCI's first Speaker Series of 2026 will be presented by Dr. Barry Johnson (W4WB) and focus on WSPR spectral width.

  [W4WB] will be speaking on a paper he co-authored along with Gene Marcus, W3PM titled “A Modest Study of WSPR-2 Spectral Width”. The topic arose from a question posed originally by HamSCI scientist Gwyn Griffith G3ZIL which was, “What is the minimum obtainable spectral width of WSPR-2 signals?” To answer this seemingly simple question was anything but simple as will become evident in the discussion comprising this presentation.

  The presentation will take place on January 8th at 21:00 UTC over Zoom. Those interested in joining can do so from this Zoom link. Meeting ID and password are available here.

  Source: HamSCI

• QRZ Announces USA 250 Award

  QRZ.com has announced the USA 250 Award to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Participants are encouraged to make 250 confirmed QSOs with US based amateurs throughout 2026. The award is open to all ham radio operators across the globe.

  Additional details are available on the QRZ forums.

  Source: QRZ

• DXLook Adds Map Layers and Weather Radar Overlays

  The following is a message from DXLook.com:

  DXLook has introduced a new map layer system that allows additional data to be displayed directly on top of its propagation maps.

  The first available layers include North America Rain Radar and North America Snow Radar, providing real-time weather context alongside HF propagation data. Layers can be enabled or disabled individually to avoid clutter and preserve map readability.

  The new layer framework is designed to be extensible, and additional layers are planned. The DXLook team invites users to suggest new layer ideas and reliable public data sources that may benefit the amateur radio community.

  This update also brings back user-requested controls:

  • Hide / Show Arcs, to toggle propagation paths
  • Hide / Show Labels, to control callsign and time labels

  Several UI and cosmetic improvements were also made to the main menu, improving usability on both desktop and mobile devices.

  DXLook is available at https://www.dxlook.com

  73, Rodrigo – AK6FP

  Source: DXLook

• Space-π to transmit SSTV images via UMKA-1 (RS40S) CubeSat

  AMSAT-Francophone has posted information about an SSTV event sponsored by Space-π. The event will transmit SSTV images from the UMKA-1 (RS40S) CubeSat and run December 28th through the later portion of January. Transmitted images will include children's drawings with additional imagery to follow early in January.

  Those looking to receive images can point their antennas at the UMKA-1 (RS40S) CubeSat and tune their receivers to 437.625 MHz. SSTV images are expected to be transmitted in the Robot 36 format.

  Source: AMSAT-Francophone

• DXLook Introduces Real-Time D-RAP Visualization for HF Absorption Events

  The following is a press release from DXLook:

  DXLook has released a new D-RAP (D-Region Absorption Prediction) view that helps amateur radio operators understand and visualize HF absorption caused by solar X-ray flares in real time.

  D-region absorption is a major cause of sudden daytime HF blackouts, particularly on lower-frequency bands. DXLook’s new D-RAP view presents existing D-region absorption data in a band-aware, geographic format, allowing operators to visually assess where and on which HF bands absorption may be occurring at a given moment.

  The D-RAP view is primarily driven by official data from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, using the global “frequency for 1 dB absorption” product based on GOES satellite X-ray measurements. This dataset identifies, for each region of the Earth, the highest HF frequency expected to experience significant D-layer absorption at the current time.

  When NOAA data is unavailable or becomes outdated, DXLook automatically switches to a physics-based fallback model derived from real-time solar position calculations. The system clearly indicates when calculated data is being used instead of measured NOAA data, ensuring transparency for users.

  Absorption regions are displayed as smooth, color-coded zones aligned with amateur HF bands, allowing operators to quickly assess which frequencies may be degraded. The D-RAP view integrates with DXLook’s existing MUF, spot, and propagation tools, helping users understand the full operating window between D-layer absorption at lower frequencies and ionospheric refraction limits at higher ones.

  The new D-RAP view is especially useful for contest operators, DXers, and emergency communications groups assessing HF reliability during solar events, as well as for operators trying to understand sudden short-wave fadeouts during daylight hours.

  The D-RAP view is now live and available to all users at https://dxlook.com.

  About DXLook
  DXLook is a real-time HF and VHF propagation visualization platform built by amateur radio operators for the amateur radio community. It combines live reception reports, space weather data, and physics-based modeling to help operators better understand band conditions and propagation behavior worldwide.

  Source: DXLook

• ARDC Launches 44Net Connect

  ARDC has launched 4Net Connect, a new portal designed to make it easier for ham radio operators to gain access to and experiment with subnets of the 44.0.0.0/8 IP address space. Through the portal, hams can apply for VPN access to 44Net which comes with a dedicated 44Net IP address. Tunnel services are provided through WireGuard with options to add IP networks and autonomous system numbers. Proof of ham radio license is required.

  Hams can get started at https://connect.44net.cloud/. An overview of 44Net is available on the 44Net Wiki.

  Source: ARDC

• FCC Expands US Hams Access to 60 Meter Band

  General Class and above license holders in the United States will soon have access to an expanded portion of the 60 Meter band.

  Specifically, the Commission allocated 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz (60 meters) to the amateur service on a secondary basis with a permitted power of 9.15 watts ERP. The Commission also authorized amateurs to continue using four existing channels outside of the 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz band centered on 5332, 5348, 5373, and 5405 kHz on a secondary basis with a permitted power of 100 watts ERP.

  This new allocation is in line with the regulations adopted during the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference.

  Source: ARRL

• First HamTV Transmission from ISS Since 2018

  The first HamTV transmission from the International Space Station (ISS) since 2018 occurred on October 18, 2025. As part of an ISS contact with the 1st Radford Semele Scout Group in the United Kingdom, HamTV was utilized in addition to FM voice over onboard amateur radio equipment.

  ARISS has uploaded a compilation of video feeds received from ground stations in Europe.

  The HamTV setup on ISS has been out of commission for repairs since 2018 but was just recently brought back online in July.

  Source: ARISS

• SAQ Grimeton to Transmit CW Message Christmas Eve

  On December 1st 1924, the 200kW Alexanderson alternator with the call sign "SAQ" was put into commercial operation with telegram traffic from Sweden to the United States. 101 years later, the transmitter is the only remaining electro-mechanical transmitter from this era and is still in running condition. On Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday December 24th 2025, the transmitter is scheduled* to spread the traditional Christmas message to the whole World, on 17.2 kHz CW.

  Transmission Schedule

  • 08:20 CET (07:20 UTC): Live stream on YouTube begins.
  • 08:30 CET (07:30 UTC): Startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ.
  • 09:00 CET (08:00 UTC): Transmission of a Christmas message from SAQ.
  • 08:00 CET (07:00 UTC): The transmitter hall at World Heritage Grimeton is opened for visitors.

  E-QSL reports may be submitted online.

  Source: SAQ Grimeton

• HamSCI Meteor Scatter QSO Party

  HamSCI will host the second half of its 2025 meteor scatter QSO party December 12-13. The December event will take advantage of the Geminid meteor shower and allow amateur radio operators to conduct QSOs via MSK144 mode. HamSCI expects hundreds of participants on the 6 meter and 10 meter bands.

  In addition to QSOs, HamSCI is requesting audio recordings of decoded pings. This is possible through the WSJT-X software suite.

  Source: HamSCI

• Highlights of ARRL Executive Committee Meeting

  The following are summaries and excerpts from the minutes of the November 2025 ARRL Executive Committee Meeting. The purpose of this post is to highlight in-progress items that ARRL might not normally promote through marketing channels, but hams might be interested in learning more about. Readers are encouraged to view the entire document for additional context.

  Pass the Bill
  Pass the Bill has generated significantly more activity compared to previous efforts to pass HOA/antenna related legislation. https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ has seen over 44,000 sign-ups with the strongest support coming from Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, Missouri, and Michigan. [Page 1,9,10]

  Membership

  • Membership was at 130,240 for October. [Page 1]
  • ARRL has targeted 50,000 lapsed members with 1,500 people engaging. [Page 2]
  • It's believed the ARRL Sweepstakes has generated a 60% increase in Diamond Club membership. [Page 2]
  • The Collegiate Amateur Radio Program now features 40 participating universities, a record high participation rate. [Page 2]

  Products & Outreach

  • ARRL has had success selling their end-fed half wave antenna and plan to offer additional antenna products. "Success" was not defined. [Page 3]
  • ARRL may create a coding competition which is expected to kick off in early 2026. It's expected that participants must be less than 22 years of age. [Page 2,4]
  • Due to continued decrease in participation in the ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, the contest may be shortened to accommodate younger operators who typically only operate for 6-8 hours within the current 24-48 hour contest period. [Pages 8,9]

  IARU Restructuring
  It appears the IARU restructuring plan that made headlines earlier this year may not materialize as originally proposed.

  ...after getting feedback from the regions, the Administrative Council announced that under a revised restructuring plan, the regional organizations would not be eliminated.

  The previous proposal would have eliminated ARRL's power to nominate the IARU President and Vice President, leaving the task to the individual member societies.

  ARRL is expected to retain nomination authority, but consult with a new nomination committee made up of regional society members.

  As the International Secretariat, ARRL provides support to the International Amateur Radio Union through financial contributions and covering travel and administrative expenses within the six-figure range. With this financial support, ARRL retains the authority to select the president and vice president of the IARU. [Page 12,13]

  Additional Topics
  Additional items in the minutes include:

  • Establish permanent program for ARES
  • Directors Workbook
  • Three-year Strategy Communication to Members
  • Develop and implement 10 Band DXCC Award
  • Apply digital contest frequencies for Field Day
  • Create lifestyle book on high-performance clubs
  • FCC Counsel's update
  • Recognition of new Life Members

  Source: ARRL

• ARISS SSTV Event is Active via RS-38S Satellite

  ARISS has announced an SSTV event that will be active through December 13th. Rather than transmitting images via the International Space Station, this event's SSTV images will transmit from the RS-38S satellite, also known as VIZARD-meteo.

  Images will utilize the Robot 36 SSTV mode and transmit on 437.825 MHz. The series will contain 12 different images and run from December 4th through December 13th.

  Certificates will be available from the ARISS website.

  RS-38S is a 3U CubeSat created in part by students in Russia and was launched in 2023.

  Source: ARISS

• Winners of the 2026 HamCation Awards Announced

  The following is a press release from HamCation:

  For 2026, there are three award categories: the Gordon West Ham Ambassador of the Year, the Carole Perry Educator of the Year, and a new category, the Amateur Radio Hero of the Year. The quality of candidates nominated for these awards was outstanding, and the Hamcation team is very excited to announce the winners.

  The 2026 Gordon West Ham Ambassador of the Year Award goes to Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT, located in Lenexa, KS. The award recognizes his focused, long-term support and promotion of the Collegiate Amateur Radio Program (CARP).

  The 2026 Carole Perry Educator of the Year Award goes to Dr. Nathaniel Frissel, W2NAF, located in Spring Brook, PA. The award recognizes his outstanding work with the HamSCI education program he created, grew, and continues to expand.

  The Amateur Radio Hero Award goes to Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA, located in West Bengal, India. The award recognizes his outstanding support of local and national emergency operations and law enforcement during life-threatening events where lives were saved by his actions.

  Each of these nominees has demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting Amateur Radio by using radio to share knowledge, educate, and provide vital communications. The HamCation team congratulates each of them for their award and the contribution they have personally made to Amateur Radio.

  Links to each award category with details of their criteria can be found at https://www.hamcation.com/award. HamCation 2026 will be held on February 13th, 14th & 15th, 2026.

  Source: HamCation