The ARRL Letter
March 25, 2021
* FCC Not Yet Collecting $35 Application Fee
* FCC Agrees with ARRL and Allows Partial Reprieve on 3.5 GHz
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The New ARRL Repeater Directory is Now Shipping
* Cooperative Effort Under Way to Resolve Potential 70-Centimeter
Interference Issue
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* NCVEC Question Pool Committee Seeks Input for Updated Technician
Question Pool
* "Radio in a Box" Concept Could Ease DXpedition Access
* In Brief...
* Getting It Right!
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
FCC Not Yet Collecting $35 Application Fee
The majority of the FCC's revised Part 97 rules (adopted in December
2020) establishing new application fees become effective on April 19,
but the new amateur radio application fees will not become effective on
April 19. The FCC announced on March 19 that the amateur radio
application fees, including those associated with Form 605 filings,
would not become effective until the "requisite notice has been
provided to Congress, the FCC's information technology systems and
internal procedures have been updated, and the Commission publishes
notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such
rules."
The $35 fee, when it becomes effective, would apply to new,
modification (upgrade and sequential call sign change), renewal, and
vanity call sign applications, as well as applications for a special
temporary authority (STA) or a rule waiver. All fees will be per
application. ministrative updates, such as a change of mailing, email
address, or name, are exempt.
It is expected that such fees will not become effective before summer
2021. The FCC has stated that amateurs will have advance warning of the
actual effective date, because it will publish such date in the Federal
Register.
ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM,
said VECs and Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams will not have to collect
the $35 fee at exam sessions. Once the FCC application fee takes
effect, new and upgrade applicants will pay the $15 exam session fee to
the VE team as usual, and pay the $35 application fee directly to the
FCC via the Fee Filer System or License Manager System. Somma said this
information was provided in a VE Newsletter distributed this past week.
"Further news and instructions will follow when we have them," she
said.
FCC Agrees with ARRL and Allows Partial Reprieve on 3.5 GHz
Pending future FCC action, amateur radio secondary use of the 3.3 -
3.45 GHz band segment may continue indefinitely. The FCC, as part of a
lengthy Second Report and Order (R&O) for commercial licensing of 3.45
- 3.55 GHz adopted on March 17, agreed with ARRL that continued access
by amateur radio to 3.3 - 3.45 GHz should be allowed until
consideration of the 3.1 - 3.45 GHz spectrum in a later proceeding. The
FCC action in WT Docket 19-348 represents a partial -- and temporary --
reprieve from the FCC's December 2019 proposal to remove amateur radio
from the entire band, and it makes available an additional 50 MHz than
an FCC proposal last fall to allow amateur temporary use of 3.3 - 3.4
GHz.
Amateur secondary operation in the 3.45 - 3.50 GHz band must cease 90
days after public notice that the spectrum auction has closed and
licensing has begun. That is expected to happen early in 2022. The FCC
announced the opening of 3.45 - 3.55 GHz for auction to commercial 5G
interests on March 17.
The FCC stated that "While we adopt our proposal to bifurcate the band,
we adjust our proposal and set 3450 MHz as the frequency at which the
band will be split." It agreed "with the ARRL's assessment that the
guard band is not necessary from a technical standpoint. We also
recognize that the nature of amateur equipment realities makes the 50
MHz at 3400 - 3450 MHz particularly valuable to amateur operators
because it means existing equipment can continue to operate in the band
for the time being."
This allows "amateur operations to continue in the lower portion of the
band while the [FCC and federal government users] continue to analyze
whether that spectrum can be reallocated for flexible use," the FCC
said. The FCC had proposed splitting the band at 3.4 GHz, permitting
amateur use in 100 MHz of spectrum "while also providing a buffer to
protect flexible-use operations at the lower edge of the 3.45 GHz
band."
"We therefore allow secondary amateur operations to continue in the 3.4
- 3.45 GHz portion of the band," the FCC said. "We emphasize, however,
that amateur licensees remain secondary users, and those that operate
on frequencies close to the 3450 MHz band edge must do so with
particular caution to avoid causing harmful interference to
flexible-use licensees in the 3.45 GHz Service, which hold primary
status. In light of these considerations, while amateur operations
between 3450 MHz and 3500 MHz must cease within 90 days of the public
notice announcing the close of the auction for the 3.45 GHz Service, as
specified in the Report and Order; amateur operations may continue
between 3300 MHz and 3450 MHz while the Commission, NTIA, and the DoD
continue to analyze whether that spectrum can be reallocated for
commercial wireless use."
"There is no expectation that such operations will be accommodated in
future planning for commercial wireless operations in this spectrum, or
that amateur operators will receive more than a short period of notice
before their operations must cease," the FCC said.
ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 15) features a
conversation with propagation expert Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, about
what to expect in the new solar cycle.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (episode 30) features a
conversation with Clark Burgard, N1BCG, about the current state of AM
in amateur radio.
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 New ARRL Repeater Directory is Now Shipping
The 2021 ARRL Repeater Directory^(R) is now shipping. It includes
"crowdsourced" listings contributed by users, repeater owners, and
volunteer frequency coordinators. This means more listings that are
updated more often. With 24,000 listings, it's the most complete
printed directory of on-the-air repeaters, covering repeater systems
throughout the US and Canada.
Repeater systems are listed by state/province, city, and operating
mode. Digital repeater systems such as System Fusion, D-STAR, DMR,
NXDN, and P25 are included. Pages of supplemental information include
VHF/UHF and microwave band plans, and repeater operating practices. It
features a convenient lie-flat spiral binding.
For decades, The ARRL Repeater Directory has been an invaluable source
for locating repeater frequencies while traveling. New hams often use
the Repeater Directory to find local activity after purchasing a new
handheld radio. And public service volunteers keep a copy nearby or in
their emergency go-kit.
The 2021 ARRL Repeater Directory is available from the ARRL Store or an
ARRL publication dealer. Order ARRL Item No. 1434, ISBN:
978-1-62595-143-4, $19.95 retail. For additional questions or ordering,
call (860) 594-0355, or, toll free in the US, (888) 277-5289.
Repeater listings appearing in The ARRL Repeater Directory are provided
by RFinder Inc. If a repeater has been omitted or a listing is
inaccurate, contact RFinder directly.
Cooperative Effort Under Way to Resolve Potential 70-Centimeter
Interference Issue
ARRL, the FCC, and the US Department of Defense are cooperating in an
effort to eliminate the possibility of amateur radio interference on 70
centimeters to a future missile control system at White Sands Missile
Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. The Defense Department's Regional Spectrum
Coordinator contacted the FCC in March, seeking information on whom to
contact regarding amateur transmissions operational on 70-centimeter
frequencies slotted for use on the new control system. The FCC, in
turn, asked ARRL to oversee the coordination efforts. It is to be noted
that the Amateur Radio Service is a secondary service on the band.
Investigation revealed that the potential problem was not with
individual operators or repeaters, but with RF control links at 420 -
430 MHz used to establish a linked repeater system within New Mexico.
"Based on the investigation, and with the support of the FCC, the
owners of the RF control links being used in the 420 - 430 MHz portion
of the amateur allocation within a certain proximity to WSMR are being
asked to re-coordinate the link frequency to a new one above 430 MHz,"
explained ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND.
ARRL enlisted the assistance of the state's designated repeater
frequency coordinator for information on specific links in that part of
the band. New Mexico Repeater Frequency Coordinator Bill Kauffman,
W5YEJ, agreed to work with the control link operators to find new
frequencies that will meet the needs of the link operators.
"Time is a factor in this request," Henderson said. "The new WSMR
systems are in advanced testing and will become fully operational by
early summer 2021." The negotiated deadline for the affected control
links to change frequencies is set for May 31, 2021.
"It appears a total of 32 control links will have to be addressed,"
Henderson said. ARRL has mailed letters to each of the RF control link
operators, based on the record keeping of the frequency coordinator, to
advise them of the DoD's request. "Any links with the potential to
affect the identified control systems at WSMR still in operation after
May 31, 2021 will be subject to action by the FCC."
Henderson said the changes should have no direct impact on the use of
any local repeater, but until all the affected RF control links are
transitioned to new frequencies, certain links may be temporarily
inoperative. Links unable to be relocated by May 31 will have to be
shut down until the situation can be resolved. ARRL will maintain
contact with the FCC to advise it of the status of the coordination
efforts.
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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 Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE
/ Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, April 7)
Ultra-portable operation is quickly growing in popularity. Whether for
SOTA, POTA, backcountry survival, or just spending time in nature,
learning how to operate ultra-portable is a fun and rewarding
experience. In this presentation, Mike, KN6EZE, covers the basics for
new and experienced ham radio operators.
Finding and Fixing RFI -- Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF, RFI Engineer, ARRL
Laboratory / Tuesday, April 20, 2021 @ 1 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
RFI (radio frequency interference) -- from natural and manmade sources
-- has been a problem for hams and shortwave listeners since the radio
hobby began. Things have changed in the last 20 years with the advent
of widespread solar power, LED lighting, grow lights, and computers.
Learn all about finding and fixing RFI in today's world.
HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz,
W7VO / Thursday April 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
An educational seminar to help new and experienced amateurs who are on
HF and finding themselves plagued with noise. We'll learn what "noise"
is, talk about the various noise sources, and discuss how to mitigate
those noises using a variety of techniques.
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
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Announcements
* The Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL) is celebrating its 100th
anniversary. Special event stations will be on the air, and award
certificates are available for working 100 Finnish stations (50
OH-prefix and 50 OF-prefix) and 10 special event Finnish stations.
Submit log extracts via email in January 2022.
* The FCC has announced that it will start collecting firsthand
accounts on broadband availability and service quality directly
from consumers, as part of its Broadband Data Collection program. A
new web page explains the program and provides direct links to
consumer resources, including a new "share your broadband
experience" option. -- FCC News Release
* A week-long KA6LMS "Last Man Standing" radio special event started
Wednesday, March 24 and runs through 2359 UTC on March 30 -- the TV
show's final day of shooting. The Great South Bay Amateur Radio
Club website has details for certificates and QSL information.
* The Ogden Amateur Radio Club (OARC) in Utah is celebrating its
100th anniversary as an organized club. In May of 1921, Dr. W.G.
Garner, W7EW, and five others gathered to establish the club, and
Garner was elected president. OARC now uses the last call sign he
held, W7SU, as a memorial club station call sign. OARC has been an
ARRL-sanctioned club since 1937.
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NCVEC Question Pool Committee Seeks Input for Updated Technician
Question Pool
The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC)
Question Pool Committee (QPC) is requesting input from the
amateur radio community on new or modified questions for the 2022 -
2026 FCC Element 2 (Technician pool), which goes into effect on July 1,
2022. This may include suggestions for new questions, changes to
current examination topic areas, or changes to existing questions in
the current Technician question pool.
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The QPC said it's seeking input that focuses on:
* Topics and subjects that enhance public interest and understanding
and use of amateur radio, or focus on STEM hands-on learning and
education.
* Questions on new technology, digital modes, station setup and
operation, antennas, and emergency and non-emergency operation.
To submit suggested questions for QPC review, the committee asks that
questions have no more than two 70-character lines, including spaces.
Distractors should be no more two 70-character lines long, and shorter
if possible. Each multiple choice question must be accompanied by four
possible distractors and only one correct answer. The answer choices
may be in any order, but the correct answer must be indicated by the
letters A, B, C, or D at the beginning of the question. Those
submitting suggestions should provide the resource information that
supports the correct answer or the FCC Part 97 rule.
The QPC will accept question comments, revisions, and submissions from
the amateur radio community via email through June 30, 2021. This email
address is a bulk forwarding mailbox, so no acknowledgement will be
sent by return email. The NCVEC QPC will take all comments into
consideration as it updates the Technician question pool for 2022 -
2026.
"Radio in a Box" Concept Could Ease DXpedition Access
Leaving a small footprint on sensitive natural areas can be a challenge
for DXpeditions. George Wallner, AA7JV, who will be operating as C6AGU
from Deep Water Cay in the Bahamas until March 30, including during the
CQ World Wide WPX SSB weekend, will be testing a DXpedition setup that
may be more amenable to the concerns of environmental protection
agencies that oppose camping on protected land.
Radio gear in a weatherproof box is
installed on land, along with
antennas.
In some places, landing permits (rather than the cost of a DXpedition)
are the biggest obstacle. Often, overnight stays are not allowed,
especially hindering 160-meter operation.
The approach is "Radio in a Box" (RIB) -- a complete station in a
weatherproof Pelican case containing a FLEX-6700 transceiver and an
amplifier, along with cooling and control systems. The box, antennas,
and generators would be on land and operated remotely from a nearby
vessel. The RIB is seen as addressing that issue, and Wallner believes
this lower-profile approach will become the standard for future
DXpeditions to sensitive areas. The Northern California DX Foundation
and FlexRadio have provided financial support. C6AGU operators this
month will include W6IZT,
Operators contest from the vessel's
flybridge.
W8HC, KN4EEI, and AA7JV. Emailed signal reports are invited.
This team has been testing the RIB concept for a year now. The November
2020 operation involved operation from a small, privately owned island
in the Bahamas, with the gear on shore and the operators on board,
running stations during the CQ World Wide DX Contest from the comfort
of the vessel's flybridge. This particular operation deployed four
individual RIBs, connected to a common network. The ship-to-shore link
was carried out on 900 MHz with a Ubiquiti data bridge. The test was
considered very successful.
Hal Turley, W8HC, has produced a PowerPoint of the November 2020 test
operation. He presented it at the February 6 virtual meeting of the
West Virginia DX Association (WVDXA), telling his audience that
operation with six RIBs on shore is considered possible. The passcode
is ZycM!+s1.
In Brief...
World Amateur Radio Day (WARD) 2021 is Sunday, April 18. On that day in
1925, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was formed in Paris.
Today, the IARU is a worldwide federation of national amateur radio
organizations. The IARU has chosen "Amateur Radio: Home but Never
Alone" as its WARD 2021 theme, acknowledging the many ways throughout
the COVID-19 pandemic that amateur radio has remained a welcome respite
for its variety of activities and opportunities -- even helping
overcome online fatigue and social isolation. ARRL has information to
help all radio amateurs start planning for World Amateur Radio Day.
The 2021 Comm Academy April 10 - 11 is 2 days of training, talks, and
information on emergency communications and amateur radio. This year's
theme is Disasters Here, There, and Everywhere -- Are We Ready?
Registration is free and required to gain access to the complete
schedule and academy materials. The academy is entirely virtual and
hosted online. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Comm Academy is
attended and supported by organizations including the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES^(R)); Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
(RACES); Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS); EOC Support Teams;
Civil Air Patrol; Coast Guard Auxiliary; REACT, and CERT, among others.
Anyone interested in emergency and amateur radio communications are
welcome to network and share experiences. The event focuses on
education for communications leaders, volunteers, and professionals.
A video demonstrates 60-meter interoperability between amateur and
non-amateur stations. The Ohio Section National Traffic System (NTS)
Buckeye Net had check-ins from two non-amateur stations during the
Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) COMEX-21 exercise on February
27. During the call-up, Steve Judd, WB8YLO, Department of Defense MARS,
and Department of Homeland Security SHARES stations checked in on SSB
and exchanged traffic using digital modes, supported by amateur
operators. The net session offers a clear demonstration of
interoperability between amateur and non-amateur stations on 60 meters
and would make an interesting club program (the video runs just over 28
minutes). Ohio Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator Matthew Curtin,
KD8TTE, said the Buckeye Net typically operates on 60 meters during
Cycle Two, because that provides the best quality circuit for stations
in Ohio. -- Thanks to Ohio ASEC C. Matthew Curtin, KD8TTE
Years ago, a mysterious signal dubbed "the ditter" showed up on 20
meters. The transmissions turned out to be unintentional. Now, the IARU
Region 1 Monitoring System February newsletter reports that mysterious
groups of dashes -- sometimes five, sometimes 16, sometimes continuous
-- are being transmitted over long periods daily at or around 7075 kHz,
a
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