ARISS has released a new video promoting amateur radio on the International Space Station (ISS). Produced by NASA, the video features astronaut Nichole Ayers (KJ5GWI) aboard the ISS explaining how amateur radio plays a part in school contacts with astronauts on the ISS. Ayers explains many of the procedures and technical challenges that amateur radio operators must address during a school contact.
[I]t's a true privilege for me to be able to inspire the new generation of scientists and engineers through amateur radio. —Astronaut Nichole Ayers (KJ5GWI)
ARISS is asking for donations as part of its Giving Tuesday campaign. Those interested in donating to ARISS can do so here.
Source: ARISS
The Cornell Alpha CubeSat mission is seeking assistance in receiving telemetry from its light sail ChipSats which will be transmitting telemetry via LoRa transceivers. The light sail is expected to be active for a 48 hour period before reentering earth's atmosphere. Currently, the CubeSat containing the light sail is expected to deploy from the International Space Station on December 2nd at 3:20 AM Eastern Time. The light sail is expected to deploy from the CubeSat a few days later.
Alpha is a 1U CubeSat developed by students of the Space Systems Design Studio at Cornell University. Among several technology demonstrations onboard, the primary mission objective is to deploy a retroreflective laser sail into low Earth orbit. The light sail fully separates from the CubeSat and becomes its own free-flying spacecraft thanks to gram-scale flight computers, “ChipSats,” mounted to the sail.
The ChipSats will transmit telemetry on 437.4 MHz. Additional details on receiving LoRa signals from the light sail are available here.
Source: Cornell University
Amateur Radio Daily has compiled a futureGEO resources page to further promote the geostationary satellite project. The centralized resource is designed to make it easy for interested hams to learn more about the project. Currently, the resource page provides links to presentations, proposals, articles, and other relevant content. Additional information will be linked as it becomes available.
futureGEO is a proposed geostationary amateur radio satellite that is projected to provide coverage across significant portions of Europe and North America. The project is being spearheaded by the European Space Agency and AMSAT Germany. The initial proposals mimic payloads similar to that of QO-100 but may include additional technology such as SDR and laser based communication experiments.
Source: Amateur Radio Daily
Special event station AU2JCB will be paying homage to the Indian scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose November 28 through December 15 2025.
Considered the "Father of Wireless Communication," Bose was a pioneer in microwave optics, and demonstrated wireless communication as early as 1895.
The special event will operate on the following modes and frequencies (kHz):
Source: AU2JCB
The following is a message from special event K2K organizer Caryn Eve Murray (KD2GUT):
Special event station K2K will be on the air marking a very old European Alpine region holiday tradition that has gained popularity in recent years in the US: Krampusnacht!
Krampusnacht heralds the arrival in many communities of The Krampus, a horned, goat-like figure who rattles chains and menaces those who have been naughty - a dramatic reminder to children to be on their best behavior, especially at Christmas. (Maybe even some hams could clean up their operating behavior too!) The Krampus typically shows up in town in parades or via home visits (where he expects to be fed) and his arrival directly precedes St. Nicholas Day which, this year, is Saturday Dec. 6.
Look for one of the many Krampus calling stations on HF using CW and SSB, or on DMR/YSF/DSTAR - (see our QRZ.com listing) from Dec. 4th at 0000 UTC through to Dec. 5th at 2359 UTC. Each station has its own unique Krampus name, since The Krampus is called many things, depending upon regional custom.
Share your holiday stories and, in due time, you will be rewarded with a beautiful downloadable certificate created by hand just for this event. See our page on QRZ.com for a list of operators and other details.
GRUSS VOM KRAMPUS!
Editor's Note:
Amateur Radio News and Notes curator N2EC interviewed Caryn Eve Murray about the Krampusnacht event. You can read or listen to that interview here.
Source: K2K
Ham Radio Crash Course will host a telethon on YouTube to benefit the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology. The telethon will run on November 29th starting at 3:00 PM Eastern Time and can be viewed here.
Join Nass and several other amateur radio contributors for a fun and entertaining livestream. They’ll cover a variety of amateur radio topics and technology. ARRL Director of Education and Learning Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, will discuss the impact of the Teachers Institute on the educators who have attended the professional development sessions, and how they carry the experience back to their schools to inspire students every day.
The ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology helps classroom teachers elevate STEM programming for students.
Last year's telethon raised $41,000.
Source: ARRL
Special event station 4X19RAV will operate from Israel December 7th through December 12th to celebrate Yud Tet Kislev.
Yud Tet Kislev (the 19th of Kislev) is celebrated as the “New Year” of Chassidic teachings. On this day in 1798 (19 Kislev 5559), the founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe), was released from imprisonment in Czarist Russia. His arrest was an attempt to suppress the spreading of Chassidic philosophy; his miraculous liberation is seen as a victory for Jewish spiritual freedom and the dissemination of Torah and Chassidut.
Source: 4X19RAV
EvoHam.com recently launched as a resource for amateur radio operators interested in digital voice modes. The new site focuses on DMR, D-STAR, Yaesu Fusion, P25, NXDN, M17, and FreeDV with how-to guides, reviews, and tutorials.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring your first DMR handheld or an experienced operator experimenting with M17 or FreeDV, EvoHam brings everything together in one place – guides, reviews, tutorials, tools, resources, and news.
Example articles include M17 for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Hams and FreeDV for Beginners: Get Started with Digital Voice on HF.
Source: EvoHam.com
On November 22nd, the Radio Club of America (RCA) celebrated it's 2025 award recipients at its awards banquet in Washington, DC. The following is a press release from RCA announcing the award and fellowship recipients.
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.
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:
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
Santa Net on 3.916 MHz returns for its 20th consecutive year. Part of The 3916 Nets, Santa Net will kick-off on November 28th and run through December 23rd. The net will be active Thursday through Saturday night until December 18th at which point the net will run nightly.
Pete Thomson (KE5GGY), of The 3916 Nets, commented on The Santa Net. He said, "We’re excited to be back on the air for another year of spreading holiday cheer on the ham bands.”
Pre-net check-ins can be made online at https://www.cqsanta.com/.
Source: The 3916 Nets
AMSAT reports that AO-73, also known as FUNcube-1, has reached its 12th birthday.
On November 21, 2013 FUNcube-1 (AO-73) was launched from the Yasny launch base located in the Orenburg Region, Russia on a Dnepr Launch Vehicle into a 600 km, 97.8º inclination sun-synchronous orbit.
The satellite is a 1U cubesat featuring an SDR receiver, transponder, and telemetry system all of which continue to function for amateur operators today.
Hams can interact with AO-73 on the following frequencies:
Source: AMSAT
By Cale Mooth K4HCK
You might not know it, but plans are currently in progress to launch a geostationary amateur radio satellite that would provide multi-mode communications coverage to Europe and most of North America. Led by ESA and AMSAT-DL, the project is currently called futureGEO and would be the pinnacle of achievement for the amateur radio hobby.
futureGEO is likely to be very similar to the QO-100 satellite that covers Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and a large portion of Asia. The major difference of course would be the inclusion of North America within FutureGEO's footprint, opening up geostationary satellite ops to one of the largest ham radio populations in the world.
What makes futureGEO so compelling is the showcase of modern radio and software technology, as well as the relatively low barrier to entry to satellite communication. Like QO-100, futureGEO may feature analog and digital transponders as well as a fully integrated software defined radio stack. What that opens up is every existing ham radio mode, analog and digital, utilized through an easily accessible stationary satellite.
Beyond typical ham radio activities, QO-100 supports high-definition video nets through the use of amateur digital television. Wideband digital transponders open up the possibility of great experimentation from hams with a strong technical and especially software focused background. Imagine receiving amateur radio television with similar ease to that of DirecTV or Starlink.
Access to this technology is achievable. Everything required to access futureGEO from your own backyard can be possible for about the same cost as an entry level HF rig. Cheaper for those willing to build their own components. Very obtainable by the vast majority of hams. This is a technical achievement that would be out of reach for most hams just a couple decades ago due to cost.
Read just about any mainstream news article about amateur radio and it's inevitably framed as an old technology that's kept alive by a dedicated few. Maybe satellite based video conferencing or high-speed data transfers without the use of the internet begins to change that old narrative.
futureGEO also opens up entirely new educational outreach opportunities. Think ARISS but focused on satellite communications instead of the ISS.
Based on current progress and the pace at which QO-100 was implemented, we could see futureGEO become reality within the next 4-5 years.
Why are most of the major ham radio organizations in North America absent from the conversation? Based on a presentation from ESA in 2023, the futureGEO concept was sparked by the IARU and supported by ESA, AMSAT-UK, and AMSAT-DL. For a proposed footprint that could cover most of North America, North American entities have largely been quiet. The exception being the formation of AMSAT-CA (Canada). (But even their website features only two sentences related to futureGEO and has yet to make public the referenced paper.)
AMSAT-NA has relayed updates from AMSAT-DL and contributed to a proposal in 2023, but very little promotion has been published to their website. Earlier this year I asked about futureGEO updates at the AMSAT booth at both Hamvention and Huntsville but they weren't able to relay even basic talking points. IARU is credited with starting the conversation, but there's no mention of the project on their website.
Personally, I find this the most exciting active development in ham radio. To show my support I've become a member of AMSAT-UK and will continue to promote this project through both Amateur Radio Daily and Amateur Radio Weekly. If this project interests you, I'd highly encourage you to find a way to help promote it. Present about it at an upcoming club meeting. Mention it on the air on the local repeater. Post to your favorite Facebook Group. It's up to us.
futureGEO Resources
Source: Amateur Radio Daily
The following is a press release from the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program:
The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) will be conducting a research campaign November 17-22 UTC, with operating times specified in the table below. Operating frequencies will vary, but all HAARP transmissions will be between 2.75 MHz and 10 MHz. Actual transmit days and times are highly variable based on real-time ionospheric and/or geomagnetic conditions. All information is subject to change.
This campaign is being conducted in support of research proposals from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Aerospace Corporation, the University of Colorado-Denver, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Florida, Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the University of Texas-San Antonio. This research is supported by the Subauroral Geophysical Observatory award (#2054361) from the National Science Foundation. Scientific goals of these experiments include studies on the effects of ionospheric conditions on high-frequency radio wave propagation and generation and propagation of extremely low frequency/very low frequency (ELF/VLF) waves. This campaign will also introduce a Rayleigh LIDAR system as a new diagnostic tool for measuring temperature and density at an altitude of 11-85 km. More information on the LIDAR is available here: https://www.gi.alaska.edu/news/new-lidar-advances-atmospheric-science-uaf-research-site
The table below contains some of the frequencies that are expected to be used for these experiments. Note that these are subject to change based on real-time conditions in the ionosphere. The included transmission notice supplement contains information on the frequencies HAARP is authorized to transmit. HAARP transmissions will only occur on our authorized frequencies. There are no specific data collection requests from funded investigators, but reception reports are appreciated and may be submitted to our online form at https://haarp.gi.alaska.edu/form/reception-reports.
November 17
November 18
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
Additional Resources for Reading Ionograms
Understanding HF Propagation and Reading Ionograms from Bootstrap Workbench: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTFKNCo3Cl8
Reading Your Ionogram-Keeping It Simple from John (VE6EY): https://play.fallows.ca/wp/radio/shortwave-radio/reading-your-ionogram-keeping-it-simple/
Source: HAARP
The following is a message from DXLook.com.
DXLook has introduced a brand-new feature called Realtime View, giving amateur radio operators the ability to watch HF propagation unfold live — second by second — anywhere in the world.
If you’ve ever wanted to see where signals are being heard right now, or track a band opening as it happens, this new view makes it possible. Realtime View connects to live reports from PSK Reporter and instantly displays digital mode activity — including FT8, FT4, and more — as colorful arcs showing real signal paths across the globe.
🌎 What You’ll See
Realtime View focuses exclusively on digital modes, so you’ll see real data from live transmissions — no models or predictions. It’s perfect for testing antennas, chasing DX, or simply exploring what’s happening on the bands right now.
🚀 Try It Now
Visit dxlook.com, select Realtime from the view menu, and click Go — you’ll see HF propagation come alive within seconds.
Source: DXLook
The Communicator (PDF)
The Logger's Bark (PDF)
SWR Magazine (PDF)
Amateur Television Journal (PDF)
Ham Radio Ireland (PDF)
Source: Amateur Radio Daily
The following is a message from the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC):
The five SES DL2025B, C, E, S and W of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 will start their five-week activity for the “Final Award 2025C” on November 15, 2025. Twelve awards will be presented in four categories: CW, Telephone, Digital, and Mixed, each with three levels from Bronze to Gold. Participation is free and possible online. Shortwave listeners are also welcome to participate. A daily updated ranking list is available on the website. The rules and all information can be found on the respective SES-QRZ.com pages or on the event website https://2025c.de.
Source: DARC
The following is a press release from Intrepid-DX Group:
The Intrepid-DX Group is a California based 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization. Our charter is to promote amateur radio in developing nations. We have conducted amateur radio exhibitions and youth outreach in Iraq, South Sudan, Rotuma, Iran, Ethiopia, Eritrea and North Korea. Six years ago, we began our annual youth “Dream Rig” Essay contest as a further means to reach young people and interest them in our hobby of amateur radio.
This year, we are revising our traditional essay contest and calling it “Amateur Radio for the Greater Good” We greatly appreciate the support and sponsorship of ICOM America and DX Engineering for making this year’s project possible.
We will be seeking written proposals from young amateurs age 25 or younger, describing how they would establish a Club, Contest, Community or Emergency Communication station to be in a school, church, fire station, community center, hospital or other public building. This station must be in the USA and only US licensed amateurs may submit proposals. This year, rather than our past essays, we are seeking well thought-out and clearly communicated project proposals for a public access amateur radio station.
We will award one complete station: HF rig, VHF/UHF rig, power supply, coax and antennas to be used by the awardee to establish a station in a public space to be used for amateur radio training, mentoring, club use, contesting and emergency communications. In addition, the awardee will be provided with an additional HF radio for their own use and ownership.
The equipment provided will include:
Project Proposals may be submitted between November 10th and December 10th, 2025.
We will announce the awardee of the complete station on December 15th, 2025.
This is a departure from our conventional essay contest. We are looking for proposals that would place the station in a secure and common area where it could be enjoyed by other licensed amateurs.
Once the winning proposal is selected, the proposal author will have sixty days to secure written permission from the owner or guardian of the facility. The written permission must indicate approval for the station and antenna to be installed. The proposal author may be the trustee of the station.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Submissions may be submitted via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via US Mail to
The Intrepid-DX Group
3052 Wetmore Dr
San Jose, CA 95148
USA
Thank you,
Paul S. Ewing N6PSE
President, The Intrepid-DX Group
Source: Intrepid-DX Group
The following is a message from ROC-HAM Radio Network:
ROC-HAM Radio Network celebrates Hedy Lamarr Day 2025 with a special event station N9H
For the 10th straight year in a row the ROC-HAM Radio Network is proud to put on this special event station to celebrate her 111th Birthday.
Check out QRZ page N9H for more info.
This special event net will take place on November 9th at 9am est, (14:00 UTC)
As we celebrate her technological advancements in Ham Radio and of course her silver screen roles in many movies she did throughout her career.
Join us and have fun and check in:
Come join us and help celebrate 10 years of this event, and of course wish Hedy Lamarr a Happy Birthday!
The net which will run for 4 hours or longer depending on the number of stations checking in.
We will be doing an HF side for this net. If you have access to HF you can join me on 20M OR 40M to celebrate Hedy Lamarr Day. Stop by and check in and get a QSL Card. We will be using Netlogger for this event so look for Hedy Lamarr Day 2025
We will have 25 amazing facts that you probably never knew about Hedy Lamarr.
See you there.
Speaking of checking in, a SPECIAL event QSL Card will be available upon request. Just tell the net controller and they will put you down for one and of course to obtain your special event QSL Card.
Send a S.A.S.E. (self addressed stamped envelope) to W2JLD, my address is good on QRZ.
If you do not want to do the S.A.S.E envelope, you can also send a donation of 5.00 USD to cover postage and handling cost at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (PayPal Account).
When using the PayPal option, please put your callsign and name and time of qso or I will not know who it is from.
If you check in with all the net controllers, please make sure you supply the right amount of postage.
Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network
The following is a message from DXLook creator AK6FP:
DXLook.com, the live HF propagation map has released a new Statistics Dashboard — giving amateur radio operators an easy way to see what’s happening on the bands in real time.
The dashboard gathers live data from WSPRnet, PSK Reporter, and the Reverse Beacon Network to show activity by callsign, country, band, and mode. Operators can quickly check:
The page updates automatically every hour.
Each callsign in the dashboard links directly to DXLook’s real-time map, letting operators explore propagation paths and activity with a single click.
The Statistics Dashboard is free to use and available now at https://dxlook.com/statistics
Source: DXLook
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) was the first educational payload on the International Space Station (ISS). As a result, ARISS is celebrating 25 years of the ISS with an SSTV event to take place November 12th through the 20th. The series will also celebrate Scouting.
Series 30 will consist of 12 different images transmitted every 2 minutes on 145.800 MHz. Follow ARISS on social media for additional details and updates.
Source: ARISS