The ARRL Letter
January 14, 2021
* Dayton Hamvention Cancels 2021 Show
* FCC Invites Comments on Expanding the Number of Volunteer Examiner
Coordinators
* WSJT-X 2.4.0 to Introduce New Digital Protocol Q65
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* ARRL Seeks Nominations for Seven Awards
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* ARRL Life Member Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, is 2021 Carole Perry Educator
of the Year
* Seven US Schools Move Forward in ARISS Selection Process
* The K7RA Solar Update
* In Brief...
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Dayton Hamvention Cancels 2021 Show
Dayton Hamvention^(R) has been canceled for the second year.
"Unfortunately, several setbacks in the recovery from the COVID-19
pandemic make necessary the difficult decision to cancel Hamvention
2021," a January 11 announcement from the Hamvention Executive
Committee said. Sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association
(DARA), Hamvention was set to take place May 21 - 23 in Xenia, Ohio.
"Hundreds of volunteers have been working to do everything necessary to
bring this Hamvention to the many amateur radio enthusiasts and vendors
who support the Dayton Hamvention," the committee continued. "Vaccine
distribution both in the United States and around the world is lagging
behind what was planned. In addition, the emergence of a more
communicable form of the COVID-19 virus increases the potential for
further public health problems in the next few months. We make this
difficult decision for the safety of our guests and vendors." Tickets
deferred last year will be deferred again until 2022.
The Hamvention Committee hinted at a QSO party for Hamvention weekend.
In November, Hamvention had announced that "The Gathering" would be the
theme for the 2021 show.
Hamvention is the largest annual amateur radio gathering in the US, and
was the host of the ARRL National Convention for its last event, held
in 2019. The ARRL Hamfest and Convention Calendar includes a searchable
database that includes other canceled in-person events.
FCC Invites Comments on Expanding the Number of Volunteer Examiner
Coordinators
In a January 5 Public Notice, the FCC requested comments on whether the
current 14 Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) are sufficient to
facilitate the efforts of their accredited Volunteer Examiners (VEs) in
administering amateur radio examinations, or whether it should
authorize up to five additional VECs. Comments are due by February 5,
and reply comments are due by February 19. After Congress authorized it
to do so, the FCC adopted rules in 1983 to allow volunteers to prepare
and administer amateur radio examinations, and it established the
system of VECs and VEs. The ARRL VEC is the largest of the 14 VECs in
the US.
"VECs introduced consistency into the volunteer examiner program by
centralizing accreditation of volunteer examiners, coordinating the
dates and times for scheduling examinations, and managing the various
administrative tasks arising from examinations," the FCC said.
Authorized VECs may operate in any of the 13 VEC regions, but must
service at least one region. The FCC pointed out that some VECs now
offer remote examinations.
"The Commission has long maintained 14 VECs and now seeks to consider
whether they continue to serve the evolving needs of the amateur
community, or whether there are unmet needs that warrant considering
expanding the number of VECs," the FCC said.
The FCC Public Notice provided questions for framing comments:
* Are the existing 14 VECs sufficient to coordinate the efforts of
Volunteer Examiners in preparing and administering examinations for
amateur radio operator licenses, or are additional VECs needed?
* What needs are currently being met, and which needs, if any, are
not?
* If the FCC were to allow additional VECs, how many more would be
needed to satisfy existing Amateur Radio Service license
examination needs? (The FCC indicated that it would likely cap the
number of additional VECs at five.)
* Given that VECs use a collaborative process to create examination
question pools and volunteer examination administration protocols,
would additional VECs enhance or hinder this process?
* How would increasing the number of VECs address the unmet needs, if
any, of the amateur radio community, and what obstacles or
complications could result from increasing the number of VECs?
Interested parties may file short comments on WT Docket No. 21-2 via
the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing Service (Express). Visit the FCC's
"How to Comment on FCC Proceedings" page for information on filing
extended comments.
WSJT-X 2.4.0 to Introduce New Digital Protocol Q65
WSJT-X version 2.4.0 will introduce a new digital protocol called Q65,
which, according to the Quick Start Guide, is designed for "minimal
two-way QSOs over especially difficult propagation paths." The Guide
said, "On paths with Doppler spread more than a few hertz, the
weak-signal performance of Q65 is the best among all WSJT-X modes. Q65
is particularly effective for tropospheric scatter, ionospheric
scatter, and EME on VHF and higher bands, as well as other types of
fast-fading signals."
The new protocol uses 65-tone frequency-shift keying and builds on the
demonstrated weak-signal strengths of QRA64, introduced in 2016. User
messages and sequencing are identical to those in FT4, FT8, FST4, and
MSK144. Q65 employs a "unique tone" to sync time and frequency. "As
with JT65, this 'sync tone' is readily visible on the waterfall
spectral display," the Guide said.
"Unlike JT65, synchronization and decoding are effective even when
meteor pings or other short signal enhancements are present.
Transmit/receive sequence lengths of 15, 30, 60, 120, and 300 seconds
are available. According to the Guide, "Q65 will enable stations with a
modest Yagi and 100 W or more and to work one another on 6 meters at
distances up to ~1,600 kilometers at most times, in dead-band
conditions."
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ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On The Air podcast (Episode 13) features a
discussion with Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, about his success in boosting
activity at the University of Arizona amateur radio club.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 25) will discuss extreme
magnetic fields and also feature a chat with Bob Allison, WB1GCM, on
the topic of hunting down and resolving interference.
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.
ARRL Seeks Nominations for Seven Awards
ARRL invites nominations for awards that recognize excellence in
amateur radio educational, technological, and public relations
pursuits. Nominations are also open for the Hiram Percy Maxim Award,
ARRL's premier award to honor a young licensee.
The Hiram Percy Maxim Award
The Hiram Percy Maxim Award is the premier honor for a radio amateur
and ARRL member younger than 21 whose accomplishments and contributions
are of the most exemplary nature within the framework of amateur radio
activities. Nominations must be made through your ARRL Section Manager,
who will forward nominations to ARRL Headquarters by March 31, 2021.
Nomination forms and supporting information should document as
thoroughly as possible the nominee's amateur radio achievements and
contributions during the previous calendar year.
The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award
This award honors an ARRL volunteer amateur radio instructor or
professional classroom teacher who uses creative instructional
approaches and reflects the highest values of the amateur radio
community. The award highlights quality of -- and commitment to --
licensing instruction. Nominations are due by March 15, 2021.
Technical Awards
The ARRL Microwave Development Award pays tribute to a radio amateur or
group of radio amateurs who contribute to the development of the
amateur radio microwave bands. The nomination deadline is March 31,
2021.
The ARRL Technical Service Award recognizes a radio amateur or group of
radio amateurs who provide amateur radio technical assistance or
training to others. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2021.
The ARRL Technical Innovation Award commends a radio amateur or group
of radio amateurs who develop and apply new technical ideas or
techniques in amateur radio. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2021.
The Knight Distinguished Service Award
The Knight Distinguished Service Award honors exceptional contributions
by an ARRL Section Manager to the health and vitality of ARRL. The
nomination deadline is April 30, 2021. It was named for Joe T. Knight,
W5PDY (SK), who was commended for his exemplary service not only as
ARRL New Mexico Section Manager for more than a quarter-century, but
for his willingness to share his knowledge and leadership skills.
The Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award
The ARRL Public Relations Committee invites nominations for the Philip
J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award. This award recognizes and
honors the efforts of an ARRL member-volunteer who demonstrates success
in amateur radio public relations and creates greater awareness and
understanding for amateur radio through efforts focused on the media
and general public. The nomination deadline is May 14, 2021.
The ARRL Board of Directors makes the final determination of award
recipients. Winners typically are announced following the Board's July
meeting. More information about these awards is on the ARRL website, or
contact Steve Ewald, WV1X, at ARRL Headquarters (telephone
860-594-0265).
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International Amateur Radio Union Preparing for WRC-23
Preparations are under way by the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU) to represent the interests of the amateur and amateur-satellite
services at World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23). The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) sponsors WRCs, typically
every 4 years, to consider revisions to the international Radio
Regulations that define frequency allocations for various radio
services.
"As an incumbent radio service with allocations at intervals throughout
the radio spectrum, the amateur service faces challenges at every WRC,"
IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, said. "Successfully defending our
existing access to the spectrum is a significant accomplishment at any
WRC, but sometimes it is possible also to improve our existing
allocations. WRC-19 resulted in major improvements in 50 MHz
allocations in Region 1. Without any doubt, this could not have
happened without the concerted efforts of dozens of IARU volunteers
over the course of several years."
The next WRC is expected to be held in 2023. Under the direction of
IARU Vice President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, 20 IARU volunteers have been
participating in virtual meetings of ITU working parties and
preparatory committees of regional telecommunications organizations
(RTOs) as they address WRC-23 agenda items of particular concern to
amateur radio. Potentially affected bands are 50 - 54 MHz (a new
service has been proposed in an adjacent band); 1240 - 1300 MHz; 3300 -
3400 MHz; 10.0 - 10.5 GHz, and 241 - 250 GHz. In addition, studies are
being conducted to identify protection requirements for space weather
sensors that operate in frequency bands from 13 kHz to at least 15 GHz.
The participation of IARU member-societies in preparations at the
national level is an important contribution to amateur radio's eventual
success at a WRC, Sumner said.
The IARU ministrative Council has chosen "Amateur Radio: Home but
Never Alone" as the theme for World Amateur Radio Day on Sunday, April
18, 2021. With the pandemic driving adoption of physical isolation to
reduce the spread of the virus, the worldwide amateur radio community
has responded positively to overcome the resulting social isolation.
On-air activity was at an unprecedented level throughout the remainder
of 2020, with record-breaking numbers of entries in the major contests,
Sumner said. "This theme offers the opportunity for our
member-societies to tailor meaningful messages to the general public
about the values of the global amateur radio community."
ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded sessions.
The schedule is subject to change.
Emergency Communications: Why Train? -- North Texas Section Emergency
Coordinator Greg Evans, K5GTX
Utilizing amateur radio operators in an emergency communication
situation is a key function that can save lives. We must be able to
respond to the needs of our served agencies quickly and responsibly.
Topics covered include the Incident Command System and its relevance;
building on consistent training; interoperability with multiple
communication providers; interoperability with VOAD and partners, and
Mission One: get the information delivered.
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 12:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Easy Helical Copper Tape and PVC 2-Meter Vertical Antenna -- John
Portune, W6NBC
Here's how to quickly build a tiny, 18-inch, continuously loaded
lightweight portable or base station 2-meter omnidirectional vertical
antenna with performance and efficiency comparable to a 5-foot J-pole.
The antenna is built from hardware store copper tape and PVC pipe, and
the cost is roughly $10. It's an easy afternoon's homebrew project,
ideal for the new ham but equal to the experienced ham's needs. It's
great for events like bike-a-thons. It also makes an excellent ham
radio club hands-on building project, and the design is adaptable to
other bands.
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Interesting Stories about Ham Radio & Weather Spotting -- Rob Macedo,
KD1CY
One of the most critical ways amateur radio supports agencies such as
the National Weather Service (NWS), National Hurricane Center (NHC),
and emergency management is through weather spotting via the NWS
SKYWARN program. This presentation reviews some interesting stories
about how amateurs involved in SKYWARN have saved lives and property
and why this is an important amateur radio activity.
Thursday February 11, 2021 @ 8 pm EST (0100 UTC on Friday, February 12)
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Announcements
* The Reverse Beacon Network has announced some enhancements. Pete
Smith, N4ZR, said, "Thanks to Mark Glenn, K7MJG, the RBN beta
site's world map now displays currently and recently active RBN
nodes, along with spots. Red dots denote nodes that have made at
least one spot in the last 30 minutes."
* The Fédération des clubs radioamateurs du Québec (RAQI) is marking
the 70th anniversary of RAQI in 2021 with Quebec Parks On The Air
(QcPOTA). The event will take place from April 1 to December 31,
2021.
* The ebook, Capture the MAGIC of Six Meters, by Jim Wilson, K5ND, is
available for free download. It covers propagation, equipment,
software, antennas, awards, and contesting, as well as assistance
in finding the magic, Wilson says.
* Tom Roscoe, K8CX, has 149 "rare DX MP3 sound clips" on his
Hamgallery.com site. Some of the nearly 3,000 classic clips go back
to the 1960s.
* CQ has announced that Steve Molo, KI4KWR, of Madison, Alabama, is
the magazine's Awards Editor.
* The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has announced that it will target
property owners and managers who "knowingly tolerate pirate
broadcasting on their properties." The FCC said it would be
exercising its new authority under the recently enacted PIRATE Act.
ARRL Life Member Neil Rapp, WB9VPG, is 2021 Carole Perry Educator of
the Year
Orlando HamCation^(R) has announced that ARRL Life Member Neil Rapp,
WB9VPG, of Bloomington, Indiana, is the 2021 recipient of the Carole
Perry Educator of the Year Award. The award recognizes an outstanding
individual contribution in educating and advancing youth in amateur
radio. It was first awarded in 2018 to its namesake, Carole Perry,
WB2MGP, in honor of her work as an educator teaching students about ham
radio. Rapp was ARRL 2004 Professional Educator of the Year. He's an
Assistant Central Division Director and an ARRL VEC certified examiner.
An educational professional for more than 28 years, Rapp currently
teaches chemistry at Bloomington High School South. He's also the
school's amateur radio club sponsor and has introduced 3,600 students
and parents to amateur radio through his involvement in the
organization. Among his educational achievements, he was able to send
an experiment involving protein crystallization to the International
Space Station (ISS). He also mentored 2013 Amateur Radio Newsline Young
Ham of the Year and ARRL William R. Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship
recipient Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS.
Rapp got his license when he was 5 years old, and, at the time, was
touted as the world's youngest ham. Now 50, he's the host and founder
of the amateur radio podcast Ham Talk Live! He's also a member of AMSAT
and was the youngest person to both join and be eligible for membership
in the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA). He is the editor of
the "Next-Gen Contesters" column for NCJ.
Seven US Schools Move Forward in ARISS Selection Process
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has announced
that seven schools or host organizations selected for the July -
December 2021 contact window have moved forward in the processes of
planning to host a scheduled amateur radio contact with a space station
crew member. ARISS' primary goal is to engage young people in science,
technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) activities and raise
their awareness of space communications, radio communication, space
exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities.
The schools/organizations are:
* Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University in
Nashville, Tennessee
* Tarwater Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona
* Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse, New York
* SpaceKids Global and Girl Scouts of Citrus in Winter Park, Florida
* Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol in St. Charles, Illinois
* Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC
* Savannah River Academy in Grovetown, Georgia
ARISS is now working with hosts to complete acceptable equipment plans
that demonstrate their ability to carry out a ham radio contact. Once
their equipment plan is approved by the ARISS Technical Mentors, the
final list of host schools/organizations will be scheduled as their
availability and flexibility match up with contact opportunities
offered by NASA.
This year, ARISS celebrates 20 years of continuous amateur radio
operations on the ISS.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Solar Cycle 25 seemed well under way,
but no new sunspots emerged since December 23. The last time any
sunspot was visible was January 2.
Average daily solar flux declined from 78.6 to 73.8. Geomagnetic A
index remained quiet. Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 73,
73, and 74 on January 14 - 16; 75 on January 17 - 19; 73 and 75 on
January 20 - 21; 78 on January 22 - 27; 77 on January 28 - 31; 75 on
February 1 - 6, and 74 on February 7 - 12. Solar flux is expected to
p
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