The ARRL Letter
January 28, 2021
* QSO Today Expo to Include Speaker Track on Amateur Radio Satellites
* Ham Radio's SuitSat Returns in Short Horror Film
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* President Biden Taps Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC
Chair
* CHESS CubeSat Constellation to Carry FUNcube Transponders
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* YOTA Month a Success in the Americas and Around the World
* Announcements
* Amateur Radio in the News
* Getting It Right
* In Brief...
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
QSO Today Expo to Include Speaker Track on Amateur Radio Satellites
The QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on March 13 - 14 will devote a speaker
track to AMSAT and the world of amateur radio satellites.
The expo is in "full planning mode" and promises "many exciting new
things" for the upcoming event, which will include a world-class lineup
of more than 60 speakers and workshops for beginners to experts.
Presenters at nine AMSAT sessions will discuss the broad spectrum of
ham radio satellites, including:
* Introduction to Amateur Radio Satellites (Douglas Quagliana,
KA2UPW)
* Getting on the Air with Satellites (Clint Bradford, K6LCS)
* How to Enjoy Amateur Radio Contacts with the International Space
Station (Frank Bauer, KA3HDO)
* Implementation of LDPC Encoder on FPGA (Anshul Makkar)
* Debris Mitigation in Earth's Orbit (Anshul Makkar)
* Digital Multiplexing Transponder from the Open Research Institute
(Michelle Thompson, W5NYV)
* Solving the ITAR and EAR Problem for the Amateur Radio Satellite
Service (Michelle Thompson, W5NYV)
* Remote Labs for P4XT Engineering Development (Paul Williamson,
KB5MU)
Thompson, an AMSAT Board Member, said working satellites is one of the
most rewarding privileges of holding an amateur radio license.
"There has never been a better time to be involved in amateur radio
satellites, since some long-standing regulatory burdens have been
lifted and advanced technology has never been more affordable and
accessible," Thompson remarked. "We have opportunities now that were
not available as of even a few years ago. AMSAT is fortunate to
contribute to the expo by showcasing the truly amazing work going on
around the world in the amateur satellite scene. And the Expo is an
ideal partner to show it off to the wider ham audience."
AMSAT will have a booth at the expo, where attendees can talk to
experts, enthusiasts, operators, and technicians and obtain contact and
membership information for the 30 AMSAT societies around the world.
Early-bird tickets are $10 (to help cover the cost of this event) and
$12.50 "at the door." That includes entry for the live, 2-day event as
well as access during the 30-day on-demand period following the event.
Register on the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo website.
ARRL is a QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo partner.
Ham Radio's SuitSat Returns in Short Horror Film
SuitSat makes an appearance in a new video short sci-fi thriller,
called Decommissioned. "Inspired by true events," the video short
resurrects the 2006 spacesuit/satellite that transmitted messages on 2
meters as it circled Earth. The original SuitSat-1 project, conceived
by an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team,
repurposed a decommissioned Russian Orlan spacesuit to function as a
free-floating amateur radio transmit-only satellite.
"ARISS designed and built an antenna and radio gear that got approved
for installation into the suit, and cosmonaut Valeri Tokarev and
Commander Bill McArthur, KC5ACR, put SuitSat-1 into orbit at the start
of a spacewalk," ARISS-US Delegate for ARRL Rosalie White, K1STO,
recounted. SuitSat-1 transmitted a voice message, "This is SuitSat-1
RS0RS!" in several languages, plus telemetry and a slow-scan TV image
on an 8-minute cycle as it orbited Earth.
In the 6-minute film, a SuitSat returns in the future to haunt
International Space Station Commander Diaz, played by Joey Vieira. Diaz
is seen taking photos from inside an observation dome on the ISS when
he spies some distant space debris and radios Houston to express
concern.
"If there was any cause for alarm, you know we'd see it too," Houston
assures him.
As the object closes in, an increasingly anxious Diaz recognizes the
"debris" as SuitSat. "This is SuitSat," comes a voice on the ham radio.
"Houston, you're not gonna believe this. We're picking up transmissions
on the ham radio that sound identical to the SuitSat experiment," he
tells a skeptical mission control. "It's SuitSat! I'm seeing SuitSat!"
"SuitSat re-entered the atmosphere and burned up years ago," mission
control responds. "It's impossible."
Decommissioned was produced by Perception Pictures and directed by
Australian filmmaker Josh Tanner. He told Gizmodo that he
The real SuitSat in 2006.
[NASA, photo]
produced the video "using the Unreal Engine technology that The
Mandalorian used, albeit old-school rear projection, as opposed to the
fancy LED wall tech they used."
A short video shows how Decommissioned was made.
SuitSat-1 -- called Radioskaf or Radio Sputnik in Russian -- was so
successful that another unneeded Orlan spacesuit was subsequently
refitted as SuitSat-2.
As an interesting sidebar with respect to the real SuitSat, White
explained, "After the ARISS engineers calculated SuitSat-1's orbit and
spin characteristics, they knew the legs and arms would have to be
filled with something, so they asked the crew to stuff dirty laundry
inside."
The original SuitSats were deorbited to burn up in Earth's atmosphere
after their useful lives ended.
ARRL is a partner in the ARISS program, which has kept amateur radio on
the air from the International Space Station for 20 years. A hallmark
of the ARISS program is the scheduled ham radio contacts between ISS
crew members and earthbound schools and student groups.
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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 26) discusses synchronous
AM reception and includes an interview with Dave Tipping, NZ1J, about a
novel approach to boost foxhunt participation.
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.
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President Biden Taps Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as Acting FCC
Chair
This week, President Joseph Biden designated FCC Commissioner Jessica
Rosenworcel as acting chair of the FCC. She succeeds, at least
temporarily, former FCC chair Ajit Pai, who resigned effective on
January 20.
"I am honored to be designated as the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal
Communications Commission by President Biden," Rosenworcel said in a
statement. "I thank the President for the opportunity to lead an agency
with such a vital mission and talented staff. It is a privilege to
serve the American people and work on their behalf to expand the reach
of communications opportunity in the digital age."
Prior to joining the FCC, she served as Senior Communications Counsel
for the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation. Before entering public service, she practiced
communications law in Washington, DC.
The newest FCC commissioner, Nathan Simington, a Republican appointee,
said Rosenworcel "brings deep knowledge and experience and highly
informed judgment to her new position." He expressed appreciation that
the Biden ministration acted promptly to establish FCC leadership by
"selecting such a distinguished public servant for this vital role."
Fellow Democrat Geoffrey Starks said Rosenworcel "has been a passionate
advocate for bringing the benefits of broadband to all Americans --
particularly our children." He said her designation as acting chair
"comes at a critical juncture for the Commission, as COVID-19 has made
bold action to end internet inequality more vital than ever."
The Commission's other Democratic appointee, Brendan Carr, called
Rosenworcel "a talented and dedicated public servant, as evidenced by
her 8 years of distinguished service on the FCC."
Rosenworcel has also been appointed as Defense Commissioner. Among
other duties and responsibilities, the Defense Commissioner represents
the FCC in interagency matters pertaining to public safety, homeland
security, national security, emergency preparedness, disaster
management, and defense and related matters, including those pertaining
to continuity of essential FCC functions under emergency conditions.
CHESS CubeSat Constellation to Carry FUNcube Transponders
In 2020, a project between AMSAT-UK, AMSAT-NL, and Swiss universities
got under way with the aim of equipping two Swiss satellites with
linear amateur radio transponders. Linear transponders permit several
CW or SSB contacts to take place simultaneously within a prescribed
passband. The satellites also include features for classroom
demonstrations and experiments.
The CHESS (Constellation of High Energy Swiss Satellites) project
includes two satellites, which will be built simultaneously and later
launched as a constellation.
"The main science objective is to improve the understanding of the
upper atmosphere by in-situ measurements...taking advantage of a
constellation of identical nanosatellites to study the composition of
the terrestrial atmosphere and its density," the CHESS website
explains. The first satellite will have a nearly circular orbit at an
altitude of 400 kilometers. The second will have an elliptical orbit
with an altitude of 350 * 1,000 kilometers.
The amateur radio payload is a joint project of AMSAT-UK and AMSAT-NL.
A successful review of system requirements was completed in December.
Launch will not take place until the fourth quarter of 2022. The
satellites themselves are a project of the École polytechnique fédérale
de Lausanne (EPFL), with support from several other schools. -- Thanks
to AMSAT News Service via AMSAT-UK
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ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network (a members-only benefit) to register,
check on upcoming webinars, and view previously recorded sessions. The
schedule is subject to change.
Easy Helical Copper Tape and PVC 2-Meter Vertical Antenna: John
Portune, W6NBC
Learn how to quickly build a tiny, 18-inch continuously loaded
lightweight portable or base station 2-meter omnidirectional vertical
with performance and efficiency comparable to a 5-foot J-pole. All you
need is some 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 is 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 @ 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, 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)
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW Tour: Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, W1AW Station
Manager
Maxim Memorial Station W1AW, located in Newington, Connecticut, was
established to honor the memory of ARRL's co-founder and first
president, Hiram Percy Maxim. Although the first radio station of the
ARRL was actually located in Hartford, Connecticut and active as W1MK,
W1AW in Newington is known worldwide and considered the radio station
most associated with Hiram Percy Maxim. Formally established in 1938 -
nearly 2 years after the death of Hiram Percy Maxim - W1AW has
consistently been on the air, save for the time when the station was
ordered off the air by the FCC due to World War II. This guided tour
will provide an inside look at W1AW and will be led by Station Manager
Joe Carcia, NJ1Q.
Thursday February 18, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EST (2030 UTC)
Talking to Astronauts: An Elementary School's Exciting ARISS
Experience: Diane Warner, KE8HLD
This is a story about Tallmadge Elementary School's participation in a
once-in-a-lifetime ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station) school contact. You'll learn about their amazing journey
leading up to the amateur radio contact with an astronaut on the
International Space Station. The excitement of the entire experience
was shared not just by the students, but included faculty, parents, the
community, and local amateur radio operators. You will also learn how
to begin the process of submitting your own ARISS contact proposal.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 @ 1 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Visit the ARRL Learning Network for more information.
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YOTA Month a Success in the Americas and Around the World
December YOTA Month 2020 was a great success in the Americas.
Youth-operated amateur radio stations, operating under the Youth on the
Air (YOTA) banner in the Western Hemisphere, contributed more than
14,600 contacts to the annual worldwide event, which celebrates youth
in amateur radio. Two dozen operators under the age of 26 used special
event call signs to promote youth in amateur radio in the Americas.
During December YOTA Month in the US, four 1 * 1 special event call
signs -- K8Y, K8O, K8T, and K8A -- were on the air, rotating among
participating operators. This marks an 11.3% increase in contacts from
the 2019 total of nearly 12,500. Some operators used the 1 * 1 call
signs during various operating events.
"My favorite part of YOTA Month was running five radios at once," said
Michael Lippert, W3MLJ, a Pennsylvania teenager. "They were all on
digital modes. Running the big FT8 pileups was very fun, and to see the
rate of the contacts being logged was really cool." Fifth-grader Calin
Rismiller, K8MTJ, commented, "In general, I liked making a bunch of
QSOs in a short period of time. In particular, I had a really nice
conversation with Erich, KC9CUK, on 40 meters. I also got a kick out of
working ZR1ADI in South Africa, on 20-meter FT8."
"Using lessons from YOTA Month 2019 made organizing more streamlined
and flexible for our operators this year," said Bryant Rascoll, KG5HVO,
who coordinated the efforts of the 24 operators and their logs. As part
of his responsibilities, he also managed Logbook of The World (LoTW)
accounts for US stations, the QRZ.com profiles for all the call signs,
maintained an operator schedule, worked with YOTA Month Manager Tomi
Varro, HA8RT, and reported to the YOTA camp committee in the Americas.
December YOTA Month served as a prelude for the first-ever youth ham
camp hosted in the Western Hemisphere. The event is tentatively
scheduled for July 11 - 16, 2021.
Globally, more than 137,000 YOTA Month contacts were logged under the
46 call signs that hams younger than 26 put on the air. That surpassed
last year's record number of 129,029. The US placed second, behind
Croatia, in the total number of contacts made during the event. More
than 2,100 operators of all ages received awards based on the number of
YOTA contacts made.
Unclaimed awards can be downloaded. ditional statistics are also
available. All YOTA Month QSL cards should be requested via OQRS on the
Club Log website (registration required). More information about YOTA
in the Americas can be found on the Youth on the Air website.
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Announcements
* The RadFXSat-2 Fox 1-E satellite beacon on 435.750 MHz has not been
heard, and AMSAT asks the worldwide amateur satellite community to
listen for the BPSK telemetry. Visit AMSAT for more information.
RadFXSat-2 was launched on January 17.
* Randy Payne, K4EZM, of Sebring, Florida, has been named the 2020
White Award recipient. Established in 2016 in honor of retired,
long-time ARRL Headquarters staffer and current Florida resident
Ellen White, W1YL, the White Award is given to the radio amateur
who has made the greatest contribution to amateur radio in the ARRL
West Central Florida Section.
* During the CQ World Wide WPX RTTY Contest, members of the Contest
Group Du Quebec will be operating XM2X as a
"multi-multi-distributed station." QSL via LoTW.
* Japanese Antarctica Research Expedition (JARL) station 8J1RL will
be active from February 2021 to January 2022 with Takumi, JG3PLH,
at the helm. 8J1RL is located at the Japanese Syowa Station on East
Ongul Island in eastern Antarctica. Activity will be on SSB, CW,
and FT8, 7 - 28 MHz.
Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news. Share
any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
Reaching for the Stars: RSU 21 Students Contact Astronaut in Space
Portsmouth Herald (New Hampshire), January 22, 2021
In Quiet, Remote U.P., Ham Radio Helps Michiganders Connect From
Confines of Home
Detroit Free Press (Michigan), January 21, 2021
Ham on Hog 3: Icom IC-705 Transceiver Meets Harley-Davidson
Ultimate Motorcycling, January 12, 2021
Balloon Launched by Pella Students Makes 3rd Trip Around the Globe
KNIA-KRLS Radio (Iowa), December 28, 2020
Passion and Purpose featuring Toby Papas, KL0SS, President of the
Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club
Williamsburg's Next Door Neighbors (Virginia), February 2021
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Getting It Right
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