The ARRL Letter
August 1, 2019
* Free Hiram Percy Maxim 150th Birthday Event Logging Software Now
Available
* One Dead, One Injured in New Hampshire Ham Radio Tower Mishap
* DXpedition Team Donates Part of QSL Fees to Galapagos Conservancy
* The Doctor Will See You Now!
* ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Completes Critical Flight
Certification Tests
* Dhruv Rebba, KC9ZJX, is 2019 Newsline Young Ham of the Year
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* AMSAT President Asks Members to Help Keep Amateur Radio in Space
* IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Seeks Student
CubeSat RF Hardware Proposals
* Cass Award Winners Announced
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Free Hiram Percy Maxim 150th Birthday Event Logging Software Now
Available
Scott Davis, N3FJP, perhaps best known for the ARRL Field Day
software that bears his call sign, has developed a free logging
program for ARRL's Happy 150! Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday Celebration
on-the-air event that gets under way on August 31 and runs for 9
days. Davis calls his software Hiram Percy Maxim Contest Log 1.0.
Maxim, 1AW, who cofounded ARRL, was born on September 2, 1869.
"I've never created a program for a non-recurring event before,
because the coding time required is too large," Davis said in a post
to the N3FJP software user group. "I've made this exception because
this is a really nice, simple rule set with the very popular field
day-style exchange that has the added bonus in schedule flexibility
of running for 9 days. The Hiram Percy Maxim celebration sure looks
like a well-designed event that will be a lot of fun for us all."
The Happy 150! event will begin at 0000 UTC on August 31 and continue
until 2359 UTC on September 8. It is open to all radio amateurs. The
goal is straightforward: Contact as many participating stations as
possible. W1AW and all ARRL members will append "/150" to their call
signs during this event (DX operators who are ARRL members may
operate as <call sign>/150, if permitted by their country of
license.) Participating stations will exchange a signal report and
ARRL/RAC Section. DX stations will send a signal report and "DX." All
Amateur Radio bands except 60, 30, 17, and 12 meters are available.
Permitted modes are CW, any voice mode, and digital.
Davis said Hiram Percy Maxim Contest Log 1.0 is full featured and
"very easy and intuitive to use."
"If the Hiram Percy Maxim celebration is received as strongly as it
appears, my hope is that ARRL will decide to make this an annual
event," Davis allowed. "After all, birthdays come once a year, and we
now have the infrastructure to continue."
One Dead, One Injured in New Hampshire Ham Radio Tower Mishap
A tower dismantling turned tragic on Saturday, July 27, in Deerfield,
New Hampshire, when two radio amateurs working some 40 feet up on the
tower were carried to the ground when the structure collapsed. Joseph
Areyzaga, K1JGA, 52, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, did not survive
injuries sustained in the fall, while the tower's owner, Michael
Rancourt, K1EEE, 65, was seriously injured and remains
Joseph Areyzaga, K1JGA.
hospitalized. Rancourt was taking down the tower in preparation for
selling his house, and the pair had nearly completed their work. They
were tied into the tower and went down with it as it collapsed.
The tower, a tilt-over model said to be 40 to 50 feet, had been
bolted to prevent it from tilting as it was being dismantled.
A law enforcement source said a number of people were at the site for
a social gathering as the tower was being taken down, and they
witnessed the tragedy.
No official determination has been made regarding the cause of the
structural failure, but a radio amateur who visited the scene
afterward observed that two of the tower's three legs were clearly
compromised and split cleanly and the third leg bent, just above the
fully intact tilt base.
The New Hampshire Amateur Radio tower-related fatality is the second
such deadly incident in a little more than 6 weeks. In mid-June, a
Pennsylvania radio amateur died when the tower he was installing
collapsed as he was attempting to attach a guy line to the
structure's bottom section.
DXpedition Team Donates Part of QSL Fees to Galapagos Conservancy
From February 28 until March 6, the HD8M Amateur Radio team operated
from the side of Cerro Crocker, a volcano high above the city of
Bellavista on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. The HD8M team
consisted of Jim Millner, WB2REM, a retired psychologist, and Bill
Mims, W2WCM, a retired airline pilot. The purpose of the operation
was to bring attention to the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos
Islands through their Amateur Radio activity. As a part of the
confirmation process, the team exchanged QSL cards from which a
dollar or more would be donated to Galapagos Conservancy.
Bill Mims, W2WCM (left), and Jim
Millner, WB2REM, at HD8M. [Photo
courtesy of Jim Millner, WB2REM]
"We used ClubLog's Online QSL Request System (OQRS), bureau requests
associated with ClubLog, and SASEs for QSLing," Millner explained.
"When stations used OQRS and requested a direct QSL Card, they were
charged a $4 fee. We mentioned in the OQRS system that of every $4
received, were going to donate $1 to the Galapagos Conservancy. As it
turned out, however, we donated all extra money to the Conservancy."
At the time, the HD8M team was the only Amateur Radio operation in
the Galapagos Islands, making it a rare entity, so they found
themselves in high demand. In just 6 days of operation, they
contacted more than 8,000 stations in 140 DXCC entities as well as in
all 50 US states.
Millner and Mims operated two stations equipped with Icom IC-7300s
and band-pass filters, operating on SSB, CW, and FT8, and using all
wire antennas. HD8M took part in the ARRL International DX Phone and,
despite poor conditions on the equator, they were able to make more
than 600 contacts. "FT8 was a particularly a good mode despite the
conditions," Millner said, noting that the location at 1,500 feet
elevation on the side of a volcano gave the pair "an amazing view" of
the ocean and outlying islands. "The wildlife was abundant with many
colorful birds and land iguanas, as well as huge Galapagos tortoises
that roamed around the 10-acre property.
In addition, they added a fundraising component to their outreach and
on their website, where donations were made directly to Galapagos
Conservancy. As a result of HD8M's unique approach to fundraising,
they were able to donate $2,285 to the Galapagos Conservancy in
April. In September 2017, the HD8M team operated from Isabela Island,
and amassed $1,200 in donations to the Conservancy. -- This is an
expanded version of a story that appeared in Galapagos News
spring/summer 2019 issue and appears by permission.
The Doctor Will See You Now!
"Noise Blankers and Noise Reduction" is the topic of the new (August
1) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen...and learn!
Sponsored by DX Engineering, ARRL The Doctor is In is an informative
discussion of all things technical. Listen on your computer, tablet,
or smartphone -- whenever and wherever you like!
Every 2 weeks, your host, QST Editor-in-Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, and
the Doctor himself, Joel Hallas, W1ZR, will discuss a broad range of
technical topics. You can also email your questions to
doctor@arrl.org, and the Doctor may answer them in a future podcast.
Enjoy ARRL The Doctor is In on Apple iTunes, or by using your iPhone
or iPad podcast app (just search for ARRL The Doctor is In). You can
also listen online at Blubrry, or at Stitcher (free registration
required, or browse the site as a guest) and through the free
Stitcher app for iOS, Kindle, or Android devices. If you've never
listened to a podcast before, download our beginner's guide.
ARISS Next-Generation Radio System Completes Critical Flight
Certification Tests
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
next-generation Interoperable Radio System (IORS) successfully
completed a battery of stress tests, required as part of the final
certification of the hardware for launch to and operation on the
International Space Station (ISS). The IORS consists of a JVC Kenwood
D710GA transceiver and the AMSAT-developed Multi-Voltage Power Supply
(MVPS). In early July, the equipment successfully completed a series
of electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
tests to ensure that the ARISS hardware will not interfere with ISS
systems or other payloads.
The IORS also successfully passed power quality and acoustics
testing, which verified that the ARISS IORS will not introduce
harmful signals back into the ISS power system and is quiet enough to
meet ISS acoustic requirements. ARISS Hardware Team members Lou
McFadin, W5DID, and Kerry Banke, N6IZW, were at NASA's Johnson Space
Center to support the 2-week battery of tests in concert with the
NASA test and certification team.
The ARISS MVPS, which is part
of the ARISS Interoperable
Radio System.
"Since the IORS is being qualified to operate on 120 V dc, 28 V dc,
and Russian 28 V dc, as well as transmit on VHF or UHF, a lot of test
combinations were required to cover all cases," Banke said. "Each
input voltage type was also tested at low, medium, and high line
voltage. Moreover, additional permutations were required to test the
IORS under no load, medium load, and full load at each voltage level.
So it should not be surprising why the tests took 2 weeks to
complete."
Successful completion of these tests represents a key milestone in
preparing the IORS for launch. ARISS says it now can begin final
assembly of the flight units and prepare for their safety
certification before launch. ARISS is working toward launch-ready
status by year's end.
Dhruv Rebba, KC9ZJX, is 2019 Newsline Young Ham of the Year
Fifteen-year-old ARRL member Dhruv Rebba, KC9ZJX, of Normal,
Illinois, has been selected as the 2019 Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF,
Memorial Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year (YHOTY). His
parents are Hari Rebba, VU2SPZ, and Shailaja Panyam. A rising
sophomore at the Normal Community High School, Dhruv is a member of
the Central Illinois Radio Club. He has been licensed since 2013,
after a visit to Dayton Hamvention^(R) with his dad sparked his
interest in Amateur Radio.
Dhruv Rebba, KC9ZJX, operates PJ2Y
from Curacao Island during the 2018
Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure.
[Photo courtesy of KC9ZJX]
After getting his license, Dhruv became involved in ARRL Field Day
and public service events with the Central Illinois Radio Club,
including the We Care Twin Cities Half Marathon and the Hop on for
Hope Bike Ride/Walk. Dhruv says he found a way to combine his
interest in space and engineering with his new hobby, joining AMSAT
and pursuing his dream of a school contact with an astronaut aboard
the International Space Station.
In October 2017, he served as lead control operator for an Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact with
students at his school, Chiddix Junior High, who spoke to astronaut
Joe Acaba, KE5DAR. On July 27 of this year, Dhruv helped to
facilitate another ARISS contact with Scouts attending the World
Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
ARISS presentations at Dayton and Huntsville, Dhruv's selection as an
ARISS mentor, and networking with those putting together the ARISS
contact for the World Scout Jamboree led to his involvement in the
July 27 contact.
In 2018, Dhruv was selected to take part in the Dave Kalter Memorial
Youth DX Adventure. He traveled to Curacao last summer, where the
PJ2Y team logged a record 6,262 contacts with 135 entities. His
favorite mode is SSB.
Dhruv has earned many accolades for his Amateur Radio pursuits,
including the Young Ham Lends a Hand Award at the 2019 Dayton
Hamvention Youth Forum; a Presidential Award from AMSAT, and the
Radio Club of America Young Achiever Award. He also has traveled to
India to promote Amateur Radio awareness.
The Young Ham of the Year was established in 1986 by Amateur Radio
Newsline cofounder Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF (SK), in 1986. Dhruv will
receive the 2019 YHOTY award during the Huntsville Hamfest on August
17. Read more. -- Thanks to Amateur Radio Newsline
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: No sunspots were observed over the
past week, and solar flux remains flat, with average daily values
declining from 67.3 to 67. The average daily planetary A index edged
down slightly, from 5.3 to 5, and the middle latitude A index dipped
from 6.3 to 5.9. Predicted solar flux for the August 1 - September 14
is 67 -- every day.
Predicted planetary A index is10, 8, 5, and 5 on August 1 - 4; 8, 16,
12, and 8 on August 5 - 8; 5 on August 9 - 16; 8 on August 17 - 18; 5
on August 19 - 26; 8, 16, 8, 5, 8, 22, and 16 on August 27 -
September 2; 5 on September 3 - 12, and 8 on September 13 - 14.
George, N2CG, in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, wrote to report that on
July 28, 6 meters opened to northern Europe -- mainly Finland -- with
very good FT8 signals for more than an hour. "This was my very first
time working Finland on 6 meters, and shortly after my QSO with
OH3SR, he verified our QSO on LoTW!" he wrote.
Sunspot numbers for July 25 - 31, 2019 were 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, and 0,
with a mean of 0. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68.2, 67.6, 66.7,
67.1, 66.1, 66.2, and 66.9, with a mean of 67. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 8, and 8 with a mean of 5. Middle
latitude A index was 3, 4, 4, 7, 5, 8, and 10, with a mean of 5.9.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the
ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...,"
and check out K9LA's Propagation Page.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. Monthly charts offer
propagation projections between the US and a dozen DX locations.
Share your reports and observations.
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Just Ahead in Radiosport
* August 3 - 4 -- 10-10 International Summer Contest, SSB
* August 3 -- European HF Championship (CW, phone)
* August 3 -- WAB 144 MHz Low Power Phone
* August 3 - 4 -- North American QSO Party, CW
* August 3 - 4 --ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest
* August 4 -- SARL HF Phone Contest
* August 4 - 6 -- G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest
* August 6 -- ARS Spartan Sprint (CW)
See the ARRL Contest Calendar for more information. For in-depth
reporting on Amateur Radio contesting, subscribe to The ARRL Contest
Update via your ARRL member profile email preferences.
AMSAT President Asks Members to Help Keep Amateur Radio in Space
"It takes considerable volunteer effort and real dollars to keep
Amateur Radio in Spac," AMSAT President Joe Spier, K6WAO, has
reminded the organization's members in a message that included an
invitation to the organization's 50th anniversary Space Symposium and
Annual Meeting in October. In addition, Spier put out a call for
"important assistance" in the areas of User Services and Engineering
(prospective volunteers may contact Spier via email).
"AMSAT has several fundraising needs," Spier said, noting that
contributions to AMSAT are tax deductible to the extent permitted by
IRS rules. "The daily operation of AMSAT is accomplished by donations
to the General Fund. The other main department needs are the fund for
GOLF 3U CubeSats design/construction and Amateur Radio on the
International Space Station (ARISS)."
AMSAT-NA President Joe
Spier, K6WAO.
Spier pointed to the 2018 successes of AO-92 (Fox-1D) and the launch
of AO-95 (Fox-1Cliff). "AMSAT partnered with Spaceflight Inc. by
contracting and paying for these launches," Spier noted. "Fundraising
for Fox-series satellites has not yet recouped this expenditure, so
donations are still being accepted." AMSAT expects to launch of
RadFxSat-2 (Fox-1E), in partnership with Vanderbilt University, by
the end of summer. AMSAT is also partnering with several universities
to fly the same linear transponder on their CubeSats.
AMSAT has been selected for two CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI)
opportunities for GOLF-TEE and GOLF-1. "GOLF's 3U spaceframe is being
designed with versatility to add mission-specific radios, power
supplies, and experiments," Spier noted. "A series of GOLF CubeSats
will provide better coverage, and a greater footprint will allow more
coverage by fewer satellites."
One-time or recurring donations to AMSAT and ARISS are welcome. Read
more.
IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Seeks Student CubeSat RF
Hardware Proposals
The IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) has
announced the MTT-Sat Challenge for groups of students developing RF
hardware for CubeSat applications. The MTT-Sat Challenge is a
worldwide competition for teams of undergraduate and graduate
students to design and build RF hardware for small satellites. The
most promising designs will undergo space environmental qualification
testing and could be incorporated into an actual CubeSat.
"The main goal of the MTT-Sat Challenge is to advance space RF and
microwave education, inspire students to pursue science and
engineering education and careers, and prepare tomorrow's leaders
with the interdisciplinary teamwork skills, which are necessary for
success," the society said in announcing the competition. The MTT-Sat
Challenge is intended to run over 4 academic years (starting in June
2019) and is divided into several phases spanning overall technology
readiness levels. Proposals may be submitted for every phase.
At this time, the IEEE MTT-Sat Challenge is calling for ideas that
could come from among the following fields: Transceivers based on
commercial of the shelf (COTS) components; antenna systems and arrays
for CubeSats; ground terminals for low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites;
radiation-hardened electronics based on COTS components;
inter-satellite communication; electromagnetic sensors for CubeSats,
and novel RF technologies for space applications.
Detailed information is available on the MTT-Sat Challenge. The
submission deadline is October 2, 2019, 0900 UTC (October 1, 11 PM
HST). Those planning to submit proposals should send a brief letter
of interest by August 31.
Cass Award Winners Announced
Janusz Wegryzn, SP9FIH,
receives the
Single-Operator Cass
Award plaque from his
sister, Elzbieta.
Janusz Wegrzyn, SP9FIH, has been named the winner of the 2018
Single-Operator Cass Award for the second year in a row. While active
from Sint Eustatius Island as PJ5/SP9FIH in March 2018, Wegryzn
contacted 8,257 unique stations during the 14 days of his one-person
DXpedition.
The 3C0W Annobon Island DXpedition team was the recipient of the
first Unlimited Cass Award for its effort in
Vilnis Vosekalns, YL2KF
(left), presents the
Unlimited Cass Award
plaque to YL2KL, YL2GM,
and YL1ZF during the
Latvian Amateur Radio
League's summer
gathering.
logging as many DXers as possible. During March 2018, Girts Budis,
YL2KL; Yuris Petersons, YL2GM, and Kaspars Uztics, YL1ZF, contacted
18,812 unique call signs on the DXpedition.
Sponsored by
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