Southgate Amateur Radio News

Amateur Radio Daily

26 April 2024

An aggregate of Ham Radio related news.

• MFJ to Cease Production of all Brands

  MFJ Enterprises announced the closing of its production facilities in Mississippi starting next month. After 52 years of operation, MFJ will halt all production on May 17th including Ameritron, Hygain, Cushcraft, Mirage, and Vectronics.

  Existing stock will continue to be sold past May 17th. Repair services will be offered for the forseeable future.

  Finally, a special thanks to all of our customers and our dealers who have made MFJ a worldwide name and a profitable business for so many years. You all are so much appreciated.

  MFJ was founded by Martin F. Jue (K5FLU) in 1972.

  Source: MFJ Enterprises

• ROC-HAM Celebrates International Marconi Day

  By John (W2JLD)

  ROC-HAM Radio Network celebrates International Marconi Day April 27th 2024

  • International Marconi Day 2024 – April 27th – 10AM EST/14.00 UTC
  • ROC-HAM EchoLink Conference Server Node 531091
  • AllStar node numbers 2585, 47918, 47620, 53130 and 53131
  • DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585
  • Extended Freedom SIP Portal 2585

  Stop by and check in to the net, celebrate the achievements of Guglielmo Marconi, and pick up a special event qsl card.

  Guglielmo Marconi's 150th birthday (and Samuel Morse’s 233rd!)

  The ROC-HAM Radio Network has secured the special event callsign W1M

  Learn more on the ROC-HAM Radio Network Website.

  Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

• Special Event Station GB6WW Celebrates End of World War II

  By George (MM0DFV)

  The special event amateur radio station GB6WW will be working from Glasgow, Scotland from 1st to 28th May, 2024 as a poignant tribute to commemorate the end of World War II. This event is not just about celebrating victory but also remembering the sacrifices made and the lessons learned from one of the darkest periods in human history. Amateur radio has a long-standing tradition of bringing people together from across the globe, and GB6WW embodies this spirit by connecting individuals through the airwaves to reflect on peace and freedom. The event encourages participants to learn about the technological advancements of the time, the role of communication in the war effort, and the importance of radio as a tool for both information and morale. By tuning into GB6WW, participants and listeners can explore the past, honor the memory of those who served and suffered, and celebrate the peace and freedom that their sacrifices secured. This event is a reminder of the power of communication to bridge time, space, and differences, fostering a global community united in remembrance and hope.

  GB6WW Award

  The GB6WW Award celebrates the achievement of amateur radio operators who have successfully made contact with the GB6WW station on three different bands, irrespective of the mode. This award is a testament to the skill and dedication of amateur radio enthusiasts participating in this significant event commemorating the end of World War II. Below are the rules and guidelines for obtaining this prestigious award:

  Eligibility
  To qualify for the Special GB6WW Award, an operator must establish contact (QSO) with the GB6WW station on at least three different amateur radio bands. The mode of contact does not affect eligibility.

  Award Format
  The award is provided as a high-quality PDF file, which recipients can download and print at their convenience. This format allows for a personal and immediate way to receive and display the award.

  Application Process

  If you have made QSOs with GB6WW on three or more bands, you are eligible to apply for the award. To apply, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the details of your contacts. Please include your call sign, the dates of the QSOs, and the bands on which they occurred.

  There is no application fee. The GB6WW Award is completely free, underscoring the spirit of amateur radio and the commemorative nature of the event.

  Verification
  All applications will undergo a verification process to confirm the QSOs with GB6WW. This process ensures the integrity and value of the award.

  Award Issuance
  Once your QSOs have been verified, the PDF award file will be emailed to you. You can then print the award for display.

  Privacy Notice
  Personal information provided during the application process will be used solely for the purpose of verifying QSOs and issuing the award.

  The GB6WW Award is not only a recognition of your amateur radio achievements but also a symbol of your participation in this important commemorative event. We look forward to celebrating your success and contribution to the amateur radio community.

  QSL via MM0DFV

  Event sponsor: https://unicomradio.com

  Source: GB6WW

• Prep Comms Podcast Debuts May 1st

  From Ham Radio Network:

  We are excited to share some big news with you today! Cale(b) Nelson, K4CDN, the founder and host of the HamRadio 360 show, is launching a brand-new podcasting network known as the Ham Radio Network (HRN). This new platform kicks off with the release of the flagship show, Prep Comms Podcast, which is set to launch on May 1st, 2024.

  The Birth of Ham Radio Network

  Caleb Nelson, a well-known figure in the ham radio community, was a pioneer in promoting the amateur radio community via audio podcasting. His passion for empowering listeners in all things Ham Radio has led to the creation of the Ham Radio Network, a new platform dedicated to delivering valuable insights and discussions centered on and around communication education and strategies.

  Introducing Prep Comms Podcast

  The flagship show of Ham Radio Network, Prep Comms Podcast, will be a beacon for those seeking reliable and effective communication solutions to compliment or even replace everyday grid based connectivity. With Caleb Nelson at the helm, listeners can expect in-depth conversations, expert interviews, and practical tips on building resilient communication systems. Join Us on May 1st, 2024

  Mark your calendars! The official launch of Prep Comms Podcast and Ham Radio Network is on May 1st, 2024. Don't miss out on being part of this groundbreaking initiative that aims to make a difference in how we approach preparedness and communication challenges.

  Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive content from Ham Radio Network!

  73 Y'all,

  Cale(b) Nelson
  K4CDN
  Founder & Host

  Source: Ham Radio Network

• Handiham QSO Party to Promote Handiham Program

  The Handiham Program will celebrate 57 years with a special event QSO party April 26 - April 28. Run by the Handiham Radio club, the objective of the event is to work as many stations as possible while promoting the Handiham Program. Commemorative QSL cards will be available.

  The Courage Kenny Handiham Program provides tools for people with disabilities to learn Amateur Radio and technology skills, and to earn their Amateur Radio licenses.

  Source: Courage Kenny Handiham Program

• Hams in India to Relay Election Results

  Amateur radio operators in the Pune district of India will relay polling information in upcoming elections. The existing cellular network, runners, and satellite phones are unavailable to the remote area. Hams from the Maharashtra region have helped with disaster related operations in the past, but this will be the first time the group has helped with elections.

  Source: The Times of India

• M17 Project Remote Radio Unit Technical Walk-Through

  The M17 Project recently posted a walk-through of their open source transceiver project, Remote Radio Unit.

  Highlights include

  • RF isolators
  • Full duplex operation
  • Common Amateur Radio Interface (CARI) control facilitates digital commands and telemetry

  Source: M17 Project

• 2024 WIA National Convention and AGM

  The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) has released the schedule and speakers for the 2024 WIA National Convention and AGM. The three day event takes place from May 3rd through May 5th and includes a hamfest, guest speakers, and the WIA Gala Dinner. The event also anticipates contact to be made with the International Space Station on the evening of May 4th.

  While the convention doesn't appear to have a dedicated website, information may be found across various sites, including:

  • Conference schedule via WIA
  • Conference speaker list via WIA
  • Conference overview via Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club (BARC)
  • Conference registration

  The event may also be known as Bundaberg Expo, Bundaberg Conference, Bundaberg Amateur Convention, Bundaberg Amateur Radio Convention, and WIA AGM.

  Keep an eye on the WIA and BARC sites for additional details.

  Source: The Wireless Institute of Australia

• QRP To The Field (QRPTTF) Event this Saturday

  QRP To The Field (QRPTTF) asks hams to have fun operating low power at home, in the backyard, or out in the field. The scoring event takes place April 20th 0800-1800 your local time. All skill levels are invited to run CW or SSB.

  View more information and scoring rules for QRPTTF.

  Source: QRPTTF

• Eastern VHF/UHF Microwave Conference 2024

  The 47th Eastern VHF/UHF Microwave Conference will take place April 19-21. The event features two hands-on workshops focused on the nanoVNA and TinySA. Saturday features a number of speakers with the conference wrapping up on Sunday with a swapmeet.

  ARRL CEO David Minster (NA2AA) will be the Banquet Speaker Saturday night.

  Source: North East Weak Signal Group

• World Amateur Radio Day 2024

  World Amateur Radio Day, held on April 18 each year, is celebrated worldwide by radio amateurs and their national associations which are organized as member-societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It was on this day in 1925 that the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.

  The theme for 2024 is "A Century of Connections: Celebrating 100 years of Amateur Radio Innovation, Community, and Advocacy"

  Learn more about World Amateur Radio Day from ARRL.

  Learn more about World Amateur Radio Day from IARU.

  Source: ARRL

• AO-109 to Reenter Atmosphere in Coming Weeks

  AMSAT's AO-109 (Fox-1E) CubeSat is scheduled to reenter Earth's atmosphere in the weeks ahead. The fifth generation Fox 1U CubeSat recently set a record for longest CPU uptime. Most Fox type satellites trigger system resets every few days or weeks while AO-109 has managed to operate continuously for over 18 million seconds or roughly 7 months since September 2023.

  AO-109 features a 30KHz linear transponder for amateur radio use. See more information on AO-109's amateur radio capabilities.

  Source: AMSAT

• ROC-HAM Radio Network Celebrates World Amateur Radio Day as W2W

  By John (W2JLD)

  • World Amateur Radio Day 2024 – April 18th – 10:00AM EST / 14:00 UTC
  • EchoLink ROC-HAM Conference Server Node 531091
  • AllStar node numbers 2585, 47918, 47620, 53130 and 53131
  • DMR TGIF Talk Group 2585
  • Extended Freedom SIP Portal 2585

  From 16th April until 20th April, 2024

  If you hear (W2JLD) on 10 meters (28.405), 20 meters (14.313) or 40 meters (7.185) please check in with me and get yourself a special event QSL card.

  Update: With a few days to go till World Amateur Radio Day 2024, we will be looking for volunteers to cover time slots. We will start at 10AM EST and go till 10PM. If you are interested in doing a 1 hour time slot or a 2 hour time slot, please by all means contact W2JLD or GW8SZL via email and leave your info and what time you’d would like to do and for how long. We could never do this special event if not for the volunteers whom take time out of their day to do this event.

  In 2024 we are proud to announce that we have secured our original W2W Special event call sign, so make sure you stop by in 2024 and us celebrate World Amateur Radio Day.

  World Amateur Radio Day 2024

  This year IARU is very pleased to announce the theme of: "A Century of Connections: Celebrating 100 years of Amateur Radio Innovation, Community, and Advocacy."

  IARU celebrates its centenary in 2025. Since its founding in Paris, France, IARU has worked tirelessly to promote innovation in amateur radio and to encourage the growth of the service in communities throughout the world. IARU has represented the Amateur Services at international and regional regulatory bodies by relying on our volunteers who come from many countries and communities.

  Read more about World Amateur Radio Day 2024 from the IARU.

  While 2024 will mark our 9th anniversary of this event, it also shows how much we as a group of like minded individuals who have made this hobby what it is today.

  In 2015, I came up with an idea to recognize World Amateur Radio Day that no one else came up with while I was a net controller on another EchoLink conference and after leaving that conference it was moved to another EchoLink conference where it was welcomed with open arms and since 2015 the event has grown 10 fold. Now I have my own EchoLink conference, the ROC-HAM. The special event now has a permanent home, where I will continue doing what I started in 2015.

  World Amateur Radio Day

  Every April 18, radio amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. It was on this day in 1925 that the International Amateur Radio Union was formed in Paris. April 18th 2024 marks the 99th anniversary of the formation of the IARU in Paris.

  Amateur Radio experimenters were the first to discover that the short wave spectrum — far from being a wasteland — could support worldwide propagation. In the rush to use these shorter wavelengths, Amateur Radio was "in grave danger of being pushed aside," the IARU’s history has noted. Amateur Radio pioneers met in Paris in 1925 and created the IARU to support Amateur Radio worldwide.

  Read more about World Amateur Radio Day from the IARU.

  For the History of the IARU please visit: https://w2pa.net/HRH/april-in-paris/

  IARU, a federation of the national amateur radio societies of over 150 countries worldwide, is the global advocate for amateur radio through its Sector Membership in the International Telecommunication Union, an agency of the U.N., and other activities.

  No matter where World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated, be part of something that’s bigger than all of us.

  This special event is put on to bring people together, celebrate, and explore the world of amateur radio. Have great fellowships, makes friends, learn new things, whether your special event is a large one or a small one its all about celebrating amateur radio. So make sure you stop by to one of the largest special events on VOIP/EchoLink on the ROC-HAM EchoLink conference node 531091 and on AllStar nodes 2585, 47918, 47620, 53130, 53131.

  Let's make this special event huge, support "World Amateur Radio Day," and see if we can break the record. You have 12 hours to do so.

  Last year we brought together over 500 ham radio operators, many of them from all over the world connecting via different modes, many from different cultures.

  For more information, check out the ROC-HAM website.

  Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

• HamSCI Solar Eclipse QSO Party

  Today, HamSCI kicks off two events as part of the HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science. Hams are encouraged to transmit, receive, and record signals over HF which will then be used by researchers to study the effects of the ionosphere during the eclipse.

  Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP)

  The SEQP is a typical ham radio contest for those who wish to makes tens, hundreds or even thousands of CW, SSB and digital mode QSOs on 160-6 meters during the 2023 and 2024 American solar eclipses. Each QSO will become one of millions of data points which will help researchers answer science questions about ionospheric variability.

  View SEQP FAQs and rules.

  Gladstone Signal Spotting Challenge (GSSC)

  The GSSC is a unique event for those who enjoy operating beacons (CW and digital), and the 'propagation study modes' of WSPR and FST4W, both transmit and receive. Signals generated and received during the GSSC will help researchers answer science questions about ionospheric variability.

  GSSC FAQs and rules.

  Source: HamSCI

• ROC-HAM Solar Eclipse QSO Party

  By John (W2JLD) & Nate (N2FIX)

  Roc-Ham Radio Network on course for an event that will be "out of this world"

  Yes the solar eclipse!

  With just over 5 days to go for an event that will take our breathe away.

  We will be on YouTube Live April 8th 2024 for the Solar Eclipse operating W2E special event call here in Rochester, NY. We are directly in the path and will see total totality. A big thanks goes out to Nate/N2FIX and his fellow hams in Genesee county for helping us with this event and providing the YouTube Live feed.

  Work us during the Solar Eclipse QSO Party

  What is a Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP), and why is it being held?
  The Solar Eclipse QSO Party is an opportunity for amateur radio operators (hams) to operate during the October, 2023 and April, 2024 eclipses, before, during and after they pass over North America. Using various modes (CW, voice, and digital), two-way transmissions (QSOs) made during the SEQP will contribute to scientific studies focusing on the ionosphere’s reaction to the eclipse. The studies should lead to a better understanding of the interactions between the Sun, the ionosphere, and radio wave propagation. That research should benefit hams, professional broadcasters, satellite operators, and many other users of radio spectrum.

  When will the SEQP occur?
  April 8, 2024; 1400-2400 UTC; is the official 2024 SEQP event period.

  The SEQPs both start a few hours before the eclipses begins their transit across the US mainland, so baseline data can be gathered. (It is important to know how well the ionosphere is reflecting and refracting high frequency (HF) signals prior to the eclipses.)

  They continue through the entire eclipse period, in order to study how HF propagation is affected by the eclipse (past experience suggests that ionospheric changes will be visible in the data).

  They conclude a few hours after the eclipses transit beyond the US mainland, in order to observe and study the after effects of the eclipse (such as ionospheric recovery, if any).

  You do not have to operate the full SEQP hour period, though that would be most welcome. If you only have an hour or two, try to schedule your operating when the eclipse path is nearest to your QTH.

  That will raise the odds that your signals will be affected by the eclipse. Eclipse paths can be seen at https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/.

  For more info on this event go to https://www.roc-ham.net/solar-eclipse-2024/

  Special event qsl cards will be available.

  All eyes will be on the skies!

  Source: ROC-HAM Radio Network

• Ohio NVIS Day 2024

  Ohio NVIS Day takes place April 27th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern.

  The purpose of NVIS day is to construct and try various antenna ideas, all working as NVIS (Near Vertical Incident Skywave) antennas. These antennas are low to the ground and provide coverage generally within a 400 mile radius- extremely important for regional HF communications in an emergency.

  Additional details can be viewed via PDF on the Ohio Section ARES website.

  Source: Ohio Section ARES

• Amateur Radio Operating Class Begins April 4th via Zoom

  A free, weekly, 3-hour Amateur Radio Operating Class on Zoom will begin on Thursday April 4 and run through June 20 at 6:30 PM Eastern time. The presenters will be various experienced folks in the various subjects.

  A detailed syllabus will be published before the classes begin. Attend them all, or any that you like, but you must register for the classes. To receive registration information, contact Rol Anders, K3RA, at rolandanderscomcastnet.

  Subjects will include:

  • All About Operating–A general Introduction
  • Amateur Radio Organizations—Local to International
  • Ham Radio Awards
  • DXing-History and Tips from the Experts
  • QSLing-How to get that needed card for DXCC or WAS
  • VHF/UHF Weak Signal Work and Roving
  • Image Operating—Slow Scan and Fast Scan TV
  • Remote Station control over internet
  • Learning CW in the no-code era
  • Digital Modes—From RTTY to FT8 and beyond
  • Contesting—How to get started, tips for the beginner and intermediated contester
  • Logging Software—What’s available, how to use
  • Propagation—HF and 6 Meter Propagation during the next three years near solar maximum
  • Amateur Satellites—How to get started
  • Portable (backpacking) operation—Tips from an expert
  • Setting Up a Modern (or not so modern) HF Station
  • Lightning Protection and Grounding
  • Traffic Handling
  • Public Service, Emergency Communications

  Source: K3NEM

• AMSAT-DL Publishes Geostationary Satellite Proposal

  In response to the IARU and ESA request for feedback from the amateur radio community regarding a geostationary satellite, AMSAT-DL has published an extensive proposal for a Geostationary Microwave Amateur Radio Payload (PDF).

  The 31 slide proposal explores positioning that would include eastern European countries and large portions of eastern North America with the western limit including Ontario and points east.

  Additional considerations include hosted vs. non-hosted payloads, a Micro GEO platform, and upcoming European based launch systems as a delivery method to orbit.

  The proposal goes into great detail on feasible frequency bands, transponders, and even draft frequency plans.

  Source: AMSAT-DL

• Pirate Hunt DX Contest this Weekend

  The Finnish DX club Sisä-Suomen Radioaktiiviset is organizing a DX contest encouraging participants to log pirate radio stations between March 29th and April 1st.

  A certificate will be available. Pirate chasers can submit logs on the club's forum, Facebook, or email.

  Arguing about rules will result in immediate disqualification.

  Source: Sisä-Suomen Radioaktiiviset

• HamTV Returns to International Space Station

  SpaceX CRS-30 recently returned the HamTV system back to the International Space Station after the system was sent back to earth for repairs in 2019. The Digital Amateur Television (DATV) equipment powering HamTV is typically used in conjunction with school contacts to send video and audio of the contact events to viewers on earth.

  HamTV was originally operational in 2013 but failed 6 years later in 2019. With the equipment back on board the ISS, AMSAT expects the equipment to be operating in the coming weeks.

  The British Amateur Television Club (BATV) has extensive documentation related to HamTV, including how to receive the DVB-S protocol transmitting from the ISS.

  Source: AMSAT