The ARRL Letter
July 9, 2020
* IARU HF World Championship is Major Mid-Year Event for Everyone
* Maritime Mobile Service Network Comes to the Aid of Vessel in
Distress
* Newer Solar Cycle 25 Forecast Runs Counter to Consensus
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Announces Full Lineup of Speakers
* Announcements July 9
* ARRL Seeks Awards and Programs Assistant
* Washington Club Conducts Outdoor Amateur Exam Session
* Annual KPH "Night of Nights" Canceled
* In Brief...
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
IARU HF World Championship is Major Mid-Year Event for Everyone
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) HF World Championship over
the July 11 - 12 weekend offers an opportunity for operators to put
their stations to the test ahead of the fall-winter contest season.
Casual contesters are welcome. This everybody-works-everybody event
kicks off at 1200 UTC on Saturday, July 11, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and
10 meters and continues for the next 24 hours. Despite rather dismal HF
conditions recently, the competition is expected to keep the bands
hopping on both phone and CW; participants may operate either or both
modes. Highlighting the activity will be the IARU headquarters (HQ)
stations and officials on the air from around the world, although, as
the IARU notes, HQ stations may not be active at typical levels.
Carol Milazzo, KP4MD, competed with
her low-power portable setup in the
2019 IARU HF World Championship.
Participating stations send a signal report and ITU zone (or IARU
member-society abbreviation). The IARU HF Championship web page
includes ITU zone borders for the US and Canada.
"It is essential that the global COVID-19 pandemic be taken into
account, including by IARU member-society HQ station teams," the IARU
said in announcing this year's event. The IARU stressed that
multioperator and IARU member-society HQ stations "must adhere strictly
to the regulations and social distancing guidelines in effect issued by
the responsible health authorities and the World Health Organization,
even if observing the guidelines is not legally required in their
locations." This requirement also applies to single-operator stations
and especially to stations hosting guest operators.
The objective of the IARU HF World Championship is "to support amateur
self-training in radiocommunications including improving amateur
operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and
intercommunicating with other amateurs around the world, especially
IARU member-society headquarters stations." Special rules governing
IARU member-society HQ stations permit using multiple sites, if
national regulations permit.
The Vakarel broadcast
transmitter tower and two
smaller antennas. HQ station
LZ0AA will use this for an
80-meter antenna.
The HQ list includes ARRL. Members of the Tennessee Contest Group (TCG)
will operate as ARRL HQ station W1AW/4, while IARU HQ Station NU1AW
will be operated remotely by a team of operators using WW2DX facilities
on the coast of Maine.
In addition to HQ stations, members of the IARU ministrative Council
(AC) and the three IARU regional executive committees will send AC, R1,
R2, and R3, as appropriate. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, will be
active for a limited period, giving out the AC multiplier. IARU
HQ/official stations and ITU zones are multipliers, which count per
band but not per mode, but contacts count per mode per band. Contacts
with IARU member-society HQ stations and officials do not count as zone
multipliers.
Listen for this one: In Bulgaria, the Vakarel broadcast transmitter has
been off the air since 2015. The antenna, erected in 1937, is 215
meters (705 feet). During the IARU contest, the Bulgarian Federation of
Radio Amateurs (BFRA) HQ station will use the antenna on 80 meters as
LZ0AA. After the contest, the antenna will be taken down. -- Thanks to
The Daily DX for some information
Maritime Mobile Service Network Comes to the Aid of Vessel in Distress
The Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) on 14.300 MHz came to the
assistance of a sailing vessel in distress on June 25. MMSN control
operator Steven Carpenter, K9UA, took a call on 20 meters from Ian
Cummings, KB4SG, the skipper of the Mystic Lady, then some 40 miles
east of Florida. Cummings reported that his engine had failed as he was
attempting to return to his home port of Stuart, Florida. He not only
had insufficient wind, but a strong current was carrying the vessel out
to sea.
Cummings had been unable to reach any station via his VHF marine radio,
because he was too far from the coast. Assisting in the call was Robert
Wynhoff, K5HUT, also an MMSN net control operator. Cummings said his
vessel, with one passenger on board, was drifting northwest toward the
South Carolina coast.
"A major concern was that the vessel was heading directly towards a lee
shore," the MMSN reported. "Lee shores are shallow, dangerous areas
which are a hazard to watercraft. Vessels could be pushed into the
shallow area by the wind, possibly running aground and breaking up."
Carpenter contacted Cummings' family, who had already called the Sea
Tow marine towing service. Sea Tow advised Carpenter to tell the
captain to head closer to shore by sailing west, if possible. Carpenter
told Cummings that if he was unable to get nearer to shore, he would
notify the US Coast Guard, which was already monitoring the situation.
As the MMSN reported, "The Mystic Lady was able to make some headway,
but it was very slow. Members of the MMSN made additional calls via
landline to the captain's family as to the ongoing status of those on
board. The family was concerned but relieved that communication was
established and that all were well."
Several hours later, the captain advised that the wind had picked up,
allowing him to head close enough to shore for Sea Tow to reach the
vessel and take it back to port.
The Pacific Seafarers' Net, which monitors 14.300 MHz from the West
Coast after the MMSN secures at 0200 UTC, kept in touch with the Mystic
Lady into the night while it was under tow.
The tired, grateful captain later messaged the net, "A million thanks
to everyone last night who helped rescue us on 14.300. Everyone chipped
in as we drifted north in the Gulf Stream 60 miles headed to a lee
shore. The MMSN net control and several others stayed with us for
hours, phoned people, and were immensely helpful. The situation on
board was dangerous. We are now safely under tow home. You folks are
amazing!"
In operation since 1968, the MMSN monitors 14.300 MHz 70 hours a week
to assist vessels and others in need of assistance. -- Thanks to MMSN
Net Manager Jeff Savasta, KB4JKL
Newer Solar Cycle 25 Forecast Runs Counter to Consensus
Scientists associated with the National Center for Atmospheric
Research, the University of Maryland, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center,
and other institutions are offering a "bold prediction" on how Solar
Cycle 25 will play out. In a paper, "Overlapping Magnetic Activity
Cycles and the Sunspot Number: Forecasting Sunspot Cycle 25 Amplitude,"
they assert that the next sunspot cycle will be of major proportions.
The forecast stands in stark contrast to the consensus of forecasters
who predict that the magnitude of the nascent Cycle 25 may not be much
different from the current unremarkable solar cycle, which appears to
have reach its low point.
"From the dawn of modern observational astronomy, sunspots have
presented a challenge to understanding -- their quasi-periodic
variation in number, first noted 160 years ago, stimulates
community-wide interest to this day," the abstract points out. "A large
number of techniques are able to explain the temporal landmarks,
(geometric) shape, and amplitude of sunspot 'cycles,' however,
forecasting these features accurately in advance remains elusive."
Monthly sunspot numbers since
1749. The data values are
represented by dots, and the
12-month running average values
are illustrated as a red shaded
area. Vertical blue dashed lines
signify the magnetic activity
cycle termination times that
trigger the rapid growth of
sunspot activity.
The paper notes that recent studies have illustrated a relationship
between the sun's 22-year Hale magnetic cycle and the production of
sunspot cycle landmarks and patterns, but not the amplitude of the
cycle.
"Using discrete Hilbert transforms on 270 years of monthly sunspot
numbers to robustly identify the so-called 'termination' events --
landmarks marking the start and end of sunspot and magnetic activity
cycles -- we extract a relationship between the temporal spacing of
terminators and the magnitude of sunspot cycles," the abstract
explains. "Given this relationship and our prediction of a terminator
event in 2020, we deduce that Sunspot Cycle 25 will have a magnitude
that rivals the top few since records began. This outcome would be in
stark contrast to the community consensus estimate of Sunspot Cycle 25
magnitude."
NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory
captured this image of a sunspot,
with a core larger than Earth.
According to the paper, low-amplitude solar cycles appear to correspond
with widely separated terminators, while larger-amplitude cycles
correspond to more narrowly separated terminators.
"[O]ur best estimate for the [sunspot number] amplitude of Solar Cycle
25 is 233 spots, with a 68% confidence that the amplitude will fall
between 204 and 254 spots," the paper posits. "We predict with 95%
confidence that the Cycle 25 amplitude will fall between 153 and 305
spots."
The researchers concede that their forecast is outside of the
scientific consensus, based on different paradigms. "Over the coming
months, as [Solar Cycle] 25 matures, it will become evident which of
these paradigms is most relevant," the paper says. "Very early
indications of the spot pattern are appearing at higher-than-average
latitudes (â*¼40A°). Historically, high-latitude spot emergence has
been associated with the development of large amplitude sunspot cycles
-- only time will tell."
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 7) features tips
for soldering a PL-259 connector onto the end of a coaxial cable, and
information on beginner courses for hams who want to serve their
communities during disasters and other incidents. The On the Air
podcast is a monthly companion to On the Air magazine, ARRL's magazine
for beginner-to-intermediate ham radio operators.
The latest episode of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 11), available
on Thursday, July 2, will cover Shortwave Radiogram, web-based remote
receivers, and PSKreporter.
The On the Air and Eclectic Tech podcasts are sponsored by Icom. Both
podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well
as on Blubrry -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: We saw a new sunspot on July 4, but
it was from the declining Solar Cycle 24 and lasted only through the
next day. Sunspot numbers were 12 and 11, for an average daily sunspot
number of 3.3 for the week. Prior to July 4, no sunspots had been
observed since June 15.
The average daily solar flux was 68.5; the previous week, it was 68.6.
The average daily planetary A index inched up from 4.7 to 5.1, and the
average daily middle latitude A index shifted from 4.7 to 6.4.
The 45-day outlook for solar flux does not look promising, with no
values predicted at 70 or above. Predicted solar flux is 68 on July 9 -
24; 69 on July 25 - August 8; 68 on August 9 - 20, and 69 on August 21
- 22.
Predicted planetary A index is 8 on July 9; 5 on July 10 - 12; 8 on
July 13; 5 on July 14 - 26; 8 on July 27 - 28; 5 on July 29 - 30; 12,
10, 8, and 8 on July 31 - August 3, and 5 on August 4 - 22.
Sunspot numbers for July 2 - 8 were 0, 0, 12, 11, 0, 0, and 0, with a
mean of 3.3. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 68, 69.3, 69.5, 69.4, 68.5,
67.7, and 67.2, with a mean of 68.5. Estimated planetary A indices were
4, 4, 7, 10, 5, 4, and 2, with a mean of 5.1. Middle latitude A index
was 5, 5, 9, 13, 6, 5, and 2, with a mean of 6.4.
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.
Just Ahead in Radiosport
* July 11 -- FISTS Summer Unlimited Sprint (CW)
* July 11 - 12 -- IARU HF World Championship (CW, phone)
* July 11 - 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
* July 12 -- QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint (CW)
* July 13 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
* July 15 -- RSGB 80-Meter Club Championship, SSB
* July 16 -- NAQCC CW 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.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Announces Full Lineup of Speakers
The first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, which takes place the weekend of
August 8 - 9, has confirmed what it's calling "a packed lineup of over
70 great speakers" for the ARRL-sanctioned event. Attendance is free
and registration is open.
Presentations will cover a range of topics, with two tracks focused on
providing hands-on, practical advice for those just getting started in
amateur radio. Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, will demonstrate basic soldering
techniques for repairing equipment and building projects. Marcel
Stieber, AI6MS, will offer an overview of common battery types,
discussing the pros and cons of each -- including battery chemistry,
common uses and misuses, and everyday application tips.
For experienced operators, topics will cover new techniques, equipment
upgrading, 3D printing, and more. Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, will attempt to
answer the question, "Is 3 dB Worth a Divorce?" and cover a wide range
of antenna topics. Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, will explain how to build a QRP
radio. In his presentation, "The Slot Antenna -- Undiscovered Country
for Most Hams," John Portune, W6NBC, will demonstrate how a satellite
TV dish can be "slotted" to make an effective outdoor 2-meter or UHF
antenna for use in antenna-restricted neighborhoods.
Prominent youth educator Carole Perry, WB2MGP, will moderate a lineup
featuring amateur radio's future leaders. Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, will
speak on "Getting Girls Involved in STEM, Specifically Amateur Radio!",
while hot-air ballooning will be the focus of a talk by Jack McElroy,
KM4ZIA, "Highly Flying Kids with HAB."
QSO Today's Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, says that one challenge to any ham radio
convention, whether in person or virtual, is keeping the content of
presentations from becoming overly complicated and overwhelming. "For
our inaugural virtual Expo, we've made sure that there are great
speakers for both beginners and experienced hams," Guth said. "We've
asked all of our speakers to be laser focused on their topics while
providing hands-on, practical advice." Each presentation will wrap up
with a live question-and-answer session.
For more information or to register, visit the QSO Today Virtual Ham
Expo website. Attendance is free, and there are early bird prize
incentives for registering by July 24.
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Announcements July 9
* NEAR-Fest in Deerfield, New Hampshire, has been canceled for 2020
due to the coronavirus pandemic. The popular regional hamfest and
swap meet plans to return April 30 - May 1 and October 12- 13,
2021.
* Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) is offering to host websites for its
affiliated clubs on the RAC server at little or no cost, depending
on how the club's domain is set up.
* The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) reports "record numbers"
of ham radio exam candidates, with more than 800 candidates
successfully completing the online Foundation on June 26, and more
than 650 booked for future dates.
* On June 27, a new KiwiSDR web software-defined radio became
operational in Iceland. The new receiver is located in BlA¡fjAP:ll
at an altitude of 690 meters (about 2,298 feet). It uses a
horizontal dipole for 80 and 40 meters and covers from 10 kHz to 30
MHz, AM, FM, SSB, and CW. Up to eight users can be logged on at the
same time. -- Thanks to Icelandic Radio Amateurs
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ARRL Seeks Awards and Programs Assistant
ARRL has invited applications for the position of Awards and Programs
Assistant at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. This is a
full-time, non-exempt opening in the Radiosport and Field Services
Department. The pay range is from $16.08 to 19.30 per hour.
The Awards and Programs Assistant assists with all Radiosport and Field
Services Department activities, with an initial priority on Logbook of
The World (LoTW) support. Other duties may involve supporting DXCC and
other awards programs, W1AW operations, and contest program and field
service support. This individual also may be assigned special projects
and would represent ARRL in public forums worldwide.
The successful candidate should have a well-rounded knowledge of
amateur radio, an Amateur Extra-class license, and 2 years of operating
experience; the ability to quickly understand and explain software
functionality, and proficiency in keyboarding and data entry. This
individual should have attained DXCC, regularly submit contest logs to
sponsors, use LoTW, and be able to resolve issues efficiently.
A bachelor's degree is preferred. The ideal candidate will have
excellent interpersonal, telephone, and listening skills and be
proficient in public presentations. Some overnight travel may be
required.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume via mail, email, or fax to
ARRL, c/o Monique Levesque, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (fax
860-594 -0298). For complete position information, visit ARRL
Employment Opportunities and scroll down to "Awards and Programs
Assistant."
ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.
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Washington Club Conducts Outdoor Amateur Exam Session
Parking lots may be replacing community centers, schools, and
clubhouses as convenient locations to conduct amateur radio examination
sessions. On June 20, the Mike and Key Amateur Radio Club in Washington
took over a Boeing parking lot to administer tests under the ARRL
Volunteer Examination Coordinator (ARRL VEC). Volunteer Examiner Scott
Robinson, AG7T, said his team had been unable to administer exam
sessions since early March.
"Based upon King County and Washington State COVID guidance, we thought
we could give an outdoor session using one of Boeing's parking lots in
Renton," Robinson told ARRL. "That required a lot of work to organize."
Volunteer examiners at the June 20
session included K7PIA, AG7T, KL7WM,
KD7IQL, KF7RWA, W7GIL, and K7CMW.
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