We are pleased to announce the 2023 Blossomland Amateur Radio Association Trunk Swap is a go!

09 June 2023

• QSO Today with Chris Cancilla W4CEC
• POTA, Support your Parks Plaque Event 2023
• POTA Family: Kerri KB3WAV + Ray KC3RW
• Ukraine National team names star player & radio amateur - contester new head coach
• Hamvention Sets New Record
• Ham And Quackers - What's The Point? - Getting Involved In A Club
• Amateur Radio Newsline headlines for Ham Nation. June 7, 2023.
• Cuba DXpedition and POTA Activation with KB2FMH
• Hamfest India 2023 – Dates, Venue, Tickets
• AmateurLogic's Hamvention Adventure
• Govt to take back VK ham admin functions
• A Story of Ham Radio Camaraderie: Fran Kelly KC1NDQ
• Fleet Week NYC Returns
• QSO Today with Alan Johnston, KU2Y
• BBC article on Arthur Moore, the Welsh ham who received Titanic's messages.
• Amateur Radio Newsline headlines for Ham Nation. May 24, 2023.
• Kenwood Announced TH-D75A At Hamvention 2023
• AuxComm USA Net now taking online check-ins
• SDR HamRadioDx v1.0
• A new Kenwood Tri-Bander on the way - the TH-D75A!
• Dayton Hamvention® 2023 in 3 days
• “A Visit to the Sun and the Ionosphere-- A Ham Primer to The October 14th Annular Solar Eclipse”
• POTA Plaque Event + ARRL Field Day with W9AV
• 60 for 60 on HamRadioNow
• Icom ID-50A - A new entry level D-STAR HT on the way!

Amateur Radio Daily

09 June 2023

• AMSAT at Hamvention 2023

  The Dayton Hamvention is coming May 19th-21st! AMSAT's presence includes several events throughout the weekend and in with eight adjoining booths in Building 1. Highlighting the exhibit will be:

  • SatPC32 software demonstrations
  • The AMSAT CubeSat Simulator
  • The AMSAT Youth Initiative / KidzSat
  • AMSAT Engineering staff question and answer table
  • OSCAR ground station for live satellite operations
  • Annual Membership sign-up and renewals
  • AMSAT President's Club recognition
  • AMSAT Board of Directors and Senior Officers Meet and Greet
  • AMSAT Store offering AMSAT trinkets, books and Arrow Antennas
  • And much more!

  The interaction with AMSAT members, satellite operators, designers, and builders makes the whole experience a lot of fun. Meet or renew acquaintances, exchange operating tips, and find out what antennas, software and equipment other AMSAT members use. We currently expect many of AMSAT's senior officers and board members to be there too.

  More info at AMSAT.

  Source: AMSAT

• Chasing Low-Power FM Stations

  Jock Elliott, KB2GOM, gives a great overview of what low-power FM is, and how you can "chase" these 100 Watt stations.

  Source: SWLing Post

• SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13, 2023

  Dear radio amateurs! We invite you to participate in the SSTV award program with the ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite!

  Schedule:

  • Start of SSTV transmission: 07 May 2023 00:00 UTC
  • End of SSTV transmission: May 13, 2023 00:00 UTC
  • Frequency of MCA "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY"

  437.850 MHz GMSK 2k4 USP FEC, GMSK 4k8 USP FEC, GMSK 9k6 USP FEC, SSTV

  Telemetry of the MSC "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" https://r4uab.ru/satdb/orbicraft-zorkiy/

  Conditions: within 6 days, the satellite will broadcast 6 (six) different images in Robot 72 mode. To receive a diploma, at least 3 (three) of any images must be received and decoded. Each image must be received at least 70% and have an acceptable quality, the logo and call sign of the satellite must be distinguishable.

  More info at AMSAT.

  Source: AMSAT

• Artemis 2 Astronauts Flying to the Moon Could Phone Home with Ham Radio

  Most of the astronauts aboard the Artemis 2 mission, which will send a quartet of people around the moon in late 2024, are certified ham radio (amateur radio) operators. There's high hopes in the community that the astronauts may call home from deep space, the president of Radio Amateurs of Canada told Space.com.

  Source: ICQ Podcast News

• Loss of AM in Cars - 1,300 AM Stations Could Be Left in the Dark

  The National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association (NASBA) is reporting insights it discovered after polling AM stations about the removal of over-the-air AM in new cars.

  The most telling survey result, according to NASBA, is that 8 in 10 of the radio stations responding listed their level of concern as 10 out of 10 when it comes to AM being eliminated in the car.

  Eight automakers have decided to drop AM radio from some of their models, mostly EVs, and have cited interference with AM radio reception caused by electric motors as the reason.

  Source: RadioWorld

• Enhanced SKYWARN System Embraces GMRS

  Gary, AK4ZX, Director of the Chattanooga Amateur Radio Club emailed me this morning and described an exciting endevour in which their club has created an enhanced SKYWARN network by incorporating both Ham and GMRS repeater systems. Even more intriguing is the club's embrace of GMRS users as an effort to expand the Ham Radio hobby. From Gary's email:

  Today, we begin a roll-out of an enhanced radio network to support Skywarn here in the Chattanooga area. The Chattanooga Amateur Radio Club (CARC) and the North Georgia GMRS (NGGMRS) Network have created a partnership to support a range of initiatives, including wider radio coverage areas (see map below), improvement of overall weather awareness, and to create new avenues for technological advancement. The CARC and NGGMRS have long recognized that Amateur & GMRS Radio are kindred spirits and natural partners for those that love radio. About 45 percent of NGGMRS members are also ham radio operators, which makes the 'connection' between ham radio and GMRS an obvious fit and is a near perfect path for GMRS users that so desire, to become hams. With that recognition, CARC and NGGMRS have established a strong partnership of mutual support to implement and strengthen non-commercial, non-government communications in service to its members and as a public service to the community at large...the greater level of support for Skywarn demonstrates that partnership.

  After months of work, the installation of seven new GMRS repeater sites which, combined with CARC ham radio repeaters, provide a wider and near seamless radio coverage for a large portion of the southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, and northeast Alabama, is complete. The unique licensing nature of GMRS creates opportunities for those that need radio communications options but do not desire to become a ham, as is the case in many ham radio families. The almost 900 members & individuals represented by NGGMRS, along with the population of ham radio operators in the area, provides a large base of "eyes & ears" for Skywarn purposes. Local Skywarn Controllers are fully onboard with the addition of GMRS to the stream of weather data provided by GMRS and Ham Radio operators and are now equipped with GMRS radios and are GMRS licensed too. Skywarn orientation sessions are also available.

  We are hopeful that we will see an overall improvement in the average number of Skywarn participants available on a day-in-day out basis, more quantitative & quality severe weather reporting, and a heighten sense of weather awareness. To quote one of the founding principles of the NGGMRS organization, 'If this network will one day, save one life, in a time of need, then it’s all worth the time, money, and sacrifice.' The CARC agrees with that philosophy.

  Source: Chattanooga Amateur Radio Club

• Global Radio Guide for Summer 2023

  "Larry Van Horn (N5FPW) helps break down exactly what the increased solar activity means for radio listeners on the high frequency (HF) shortwave bands. Think there are no shortwave broadcasters left to hear? Think that military and other utility communications have dried up on HF? Larry points you to the right spots on the band that prove otherwise.

  As one of the only remaining publications available with international broadcast frequencies and schedules, the Global Radio Guide puts everything a radio enthusiast needs."

  Source: SWLing Post

• Bill to Replace Symbol Rate Limit with Bandwidth Limit Reintroduced to US Congress

  "Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced The Amateur Radio Communications Improvement Act (H.R. 3241) on May 11, 2023, to require that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminate the obsolete HF digital symbol rate limit with a 2.8 kHz bandwidth limit."

  Source: ARRL.org

• 2023 AMSAT Field Day Rules

  The AMSAT Field Day 2023 event is open to all Amateur Radio operators. Amateurs are to use the exchange as specified in ARRL rules for Field Day. The AMSAT competition is to encourage the use of all amateur satellites, both analog and digital. Note that no points will be credited for any contacts beyond the ONE allowed via each single-channel FM satellite. Operators are encouraged not to make any extra contacts via theses satellites (Ex: SO-50). CW contacts and digital contacts are worth three points as outlined below.

  Source: AMSAT

• Juice’s RIME antenna finally deploys

  More than three weeks after efforts began to deploy Juice's ice-penetrating Radar for Icy Moons Exploration (RIME) antenna, the 16-metre-long boom has finally escaped its mounting bracket.

  On 12 May RIME was finally jolted into life when the flight control team fired a mechanical device called a 'non-explosive actuator' (NEA).

  Source: The European Space Agency

• 102 Representatives Ask Carmakers to Keep AM Radio

  "More than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives now are pressuring carmakers to keep AM radio reception in cars.

  These members, from both political parties, signed a letter led by Reps. Bob Latta and Greg Pence asking the car companies to retain AM radio.

  They also asked the 10 companies to 'provide the details and the value of all federal loan, grant and tax incentives your company has received in the last 15 years' and whether those subsidies could help the companies offset the cost to mitigate interference. And they asked whether the car companies plan to charge customers for 'subscription-like access to free AM/FM radio in any vehicles.'"

  Source: Radio World

• Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society Eyes Wildfire Response

  "Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation were evacuated yesterday evening. As of 15 May at 4:00 PM, 15 buildings have been damaged by wildfire at the Kátł'odeeche First Nation. No buildings are known to have been damaged in Hay River. Evacuations for both communities are in effect.

  Fires remain out of control.

  Members are asked to monitor the VE8YK repeater in case evacuee amateur radio operators attempt to make contact. Members are also requested to check their equipment. The Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society is civil defence oriented as part of its mandate."

  Source: Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society

• May 19th A Visit to the Sun and the Ionosphere

  This year and next will feature a solar eclipse in North America – a rare series of events not repeated in our lifetimes. Study of the Sun and the Earth will be the focus of much science that ham radio will participate, with the ionosphere of primary interest. Our collaboration with HAMSCI for the annual eclipse in October 2023 is a good example.

  Our May Kawfee Tawk is a basic introduction to the sun and its effect, and how the ionosphere works. We hear a lot of terms used in our hobby, such as sunspots, CME, K index, solar flux, etc., but what do they mean, and how can we understand them?

  This video program via Zoom will be held on Friday, May 19th, 2023 beginning at 7:30 PM EDT.

  Source: Fair Lawn Amateur Radio Club [PDF]

• Celebrate 100 years of Czech Radio by telling us where you listen to us

  "To mark Czech Radio's centenary, Radio Prague International is preparing a special show for you on Thursday 18 May. Listen to it and write to let us know where you heard it to receive a special Czech Radio QSL card made especially for the anniversary.

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

  In return, we'll send you a special QSL card issued to mark the centenary, which comes from a 1933 radio exhibition and shows where the first international radio transmissions from Czechoslovakia were received."

  Source: Radio Prague International

• Contest University Livestream from Dayton

  Contest University happening at the Hope Hotel in Dayton, Ohio will begin livestreaming at 8:00am EDT on Thursday 5/18/2023.

  YouTube livestream and presentation schedule.

  Source: Contest University

• Special Event Station 4U100QO on QO-100

  DX-Adventure is proud to announce a partnership with the United Nations Amateur Radio Contest DX Club (ARCDXC). On May 18, 19, and 20 they will make the very first QO-100 connections from the United Nations – Vienna International Center.

  During this activation, we will also be active on HF with the call sign 4U1A.

  Source: AMSAT-UK

• New Kenwood TH-D75A Appears at Hamvention

  Its offical the new #Kenwood TH-D75A at @hamvention #Hamvention2023 #Kenwood pic.twitter.com/16B3UGHVDd

  — Frank (@KG5AHJ) May 19, 2023

  Source: Twitter

• Tevel Satellites Added to ARRL Logbook of the World

  The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has recently added the Tevel satellites, numbers one through eight, to the list of acceptable satellites in its widely used Logbook of the World (LoTW) online system. Those who have made contacts using these satellites may now upload those QSOs to LoTW for possible confirmation, if the other station has done likewise.

  More information about the Tevel Satellites is available here from AMSAT-UK.

  Source: AMSAT

• Belgium to get 40 MHz allocation

  The UBA proposes to grant the radio amateur service access to the frequency range 40.660 – 40.690 MHz under the following conditions:

  • On a secondary basis
  • For holders of a class A operating certificate (HAREC licence)
  • A power limit of 5 W ERP
  • A bandwidth limit of 3 kHz
  • On individual basis, after prior approval from BIPT
  • It is mandatory to keep a logbook in which all transmissions are noted

  This is an important development as Belgium now joins Ireland (EI), Slovenia (S5) and South Africa (ZS) with official amateur radio allocations on the 40 MHz band.

  Source: EI7GL

• ARRL Hamvention 2023 Roundup

  The ARRL has compiled a summary of events for each day of Hamvention, 2023. The roundups feature updates on FreeDV, HamSCI, ARES partnerships, Logbook of The World, Volunteers on the Air, and more.

  Summary for Friday, May 19th

  Summary for Saturday, May 20th

  Summary for SUnday, May 21st

  Source: ARRL

• Amateur Radio Daily on HamClock

  If you're a HamClock user and utilizing the RSS feature, you'll soon notice news items being populated from this very website! Amateur Radio Daily is pleased to be added as an additional news source on HamClock.

  HamClock is a "kiosk-style" application designed by WBØOEW that "provides real time space weather, radio propagation models, operating events and other information particularly useful to the radio amateur." HamClock comes with a very robust set of features and ham radio related data widgets that are all customizable.

  Thanks to WBØOEW for the add.

  Head over to the official HamClock website to learn more.

  Source: HamClock

• CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest This Weekend

  The WPX CW Contest takes place May 27 and 28 and is based on an award offered by CQ Magazine for working all prefixes.

  CQ WPX CW Contest Dates

  • May 27 - 28, 2023
  • Starts: 0000 UTC Saturday
  • Ends: 2359 UTC Sunday

  Source: CQ

• Indy 500 Special Event Station In Progress

  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Amateur Radio Club is operating a special event station, W9IMS, to celebrate the Indianapolis 500.

  The special event is running May 22 through May 28, 2023.

  W9IMS will operate SSB on or near: 3.840, 7.245, 14.245, 18.140, 21.350, 28.340, 50.140 and 146.52 simplex FM.

  Certificates will be available! See their QRZ page for more details.

  Source: QRZ

• Fleet Week Special Event Station In Progress

  Fleet Week special event station W2F will be on the air May 24th through May 30th 2023.

  Radio Operators from in and around NY and NJ will be operating throughout the week from various locations to celebrate the annual visit of ships to NY Harbor.

  QSL cards will be available!

  Source: QRZ

• Northern California DX Foundation to Offer Grants to Mitigate QRM

  The Northern California DX Foundation is preparing to offer $100,000 in grants to help mitigate deliberate interference in amateur radio activities.

  NCDXF will entertain grant proposals from individuals and/or groups that specifically outline their approach to identify bad actors. A group of directors led by Craig Thompson (K9CT) and Don Greenbaum (N1DG) will weigh the probability of success of these proposals as well as monitor the progress of the grantees.

  Funding is available for [research and development] as well as implementation of the technology. It is hoped that manufacturers will also assist us with equipment and resources.

  Source: Northern California DX Foundation