XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated, rec.radio.amateur.policy, rec.radio.info

********************************************
The ARRL Letter

Published by the American Radio Relay League ********************************************

December 16, 2021

Editor: Rick Lindquist, WW1ME <ww1me@arrl.org>

ARRL Home Page <http://www.arrl.org/>ARRL Letter Archive <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/>Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> IN THIS ISSUE

- SKYWARN Spotters and Nets Track Deadly Storms
- ARRL and RSGB Announce Winners of Transatlantic Centenary Cups
- New Directors in Two ARRL Divisions will Take Their Seats in January
- ARRL Podcasts Schedule
- Past ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, SK
- ARRL Rookie Roundup CW Event is December 19
- Ham Radio University Going Virtual Again
- ARRL Learning Network Webinars
- Interim SM Appointment Made in Virginia; Georgia SM Post Becomes
Vacant
- Sweden's SAQ VLF Alexanderson Alternator Station Schedules Christmas
Eve Transmission
- Observations of Over-the-Horizon Radar Interference in Ham Bands Top
All Others
- Announcements
- Amateur Radio in the News
- Spain, Norway Seek Ways to Attract a Younger Generation of Hams
- In Brief...
- The K7RA Solar Update
- Just Ahead in Radiosport
- Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

.

.

<http://www.arrl.org/expo>

The ARRL National Convention & Orlando HamCation® is February 10 - 13,
2022. Register at www.arrl.org/expo <http://www.arrl.org/expo>.

The ARRL Letter will not publish on December 23, and ARRL Audio News
will be on hiatus on December 24. ARRL Headquarters will be closed on
December 24, and there will be no W1AW bulletin or CW practice
transmissions on that day. ARRL Headquarters will reopen on Monday,
December 27, at 8 AM EST (1300 UTC). We wish all a joyous Christmas
holiday.

SKYWARN SPOTTERS AND NETS TRACK DEADLY STORMS

Amateur Radio activity related to the deadly spate of tornados on
December 10 in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri,
and Illinois was largely associated with the National Weather Service
(NWS) SKYWARN program. Weather spotters, most of whom are radio
amateurs, followed the progress of the storms, sharing that information
with NWS offices and related partners.

SKYWARN groups across Arkansas followed the progress of the parent
storm from the formation just northeast of Little Rock until it crossed
the Mississippi River. According to Gary Gibbs, KE5HKW, SKYWARN
Coordinator for Craighead County, Arkansas, Emergency Management,
volunteers were very active in the Jonesboro area. This area includes
Monette Arkansas, where the Monette Manor -- a long term care facility
-- was destroyed. -- Thanks to J.M. Rowe N5XFW, ARRL Arkansas Section
Emergency Coordinator

Similarly, SKYWARN teams out of NWS Memphis were all over this and
there was a whole lot of traffic that crossed multiple states. Memphis
NWS uses a linked amateur radio digital network (DMR talkgroup) for
their consolidated storm-spotting efforts and it appeared to work very
well, considering the extreme situation. -- Thanks to Robert Hayes,
KC5IMN, ARRL Mississippi Section Emergency Coordinator

The Red Cross is reported to have set up portable cell phone towers in
areas that don't have service because of damage to the
telecommunications infrastructure.

ARRL AND RSGB ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF TRANSATLANTIC CENTENARY CUPS

ARRL and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB <https://rsgb.org/>)
have announced winners of the 160-Meter Transatlantic Centenary QSO
Party <http://www.arrl.org/transatlantic>. The December 12 on-air event commemorated the 100th anniversary of

the successful Second Transatlantic Tests that contributed to the
dawn of international amateur radio communication. Participating
stations operating on CW attempted to contact the two official call
signs: W1AW at the Hiram P. Maxim Memorial Station and GB2ZE, activated
by a team of stations in Scotland. GB2ZE commemorates the call sign of
Paul Godley, 2ZE, who was on the receiving end of the 1921 tests sent
by ARRL to Scotland.

The GMDX Group <https://www.gmdx.org.uk/> of Scotland announced that it
would award a quaich -- a traditional Scottish drinking cup
representing friendship -- to the first stations in North America and
the UK, including the Crown Dependencies, to complete contacts with
both W1AW and GB2ZE during the QSO Party.

The cup winners are Rick Niswander, K7GM, and Bob Barden, MD0CCE.

Logs from those taking part in the 6-hour event included 496 contacts,
261 from W1AW. Each participant that was recorded in the official W1AW
and/or GB2ZE logs is eligible for a commemorative certificate <https://contests.arrl.org/transatlantic2021.php> designed by ARRL and
RSGB. Participants do not have to submit their logs.

During the event, W1AW enjoyed a visit from Bruce Godley
Littlefield, Paul Godley's grandson. Littlefield presented ARRL CEO
David Minster, NA2AA, with a full-size., gallery-quality copy of the
resolution awarded to his grandfather by ARRL, dated February 17, 1922.

"The large certificate was given to Godley for his historic achievement
of engineering and operating the receiving system that was installed in Ardrossan, Scotland, where the first amateur signals were successfully
heard from North America," explained ARRL Director of Operations Bob
Naumann, W5OV. "On the journey to Scotland, Godley was coincidentally
on the same ship with a brilliant young engineer named Harold Beverage. Beverage and Godley spoke during the journey, and Godley incorporated
the Beverage antenna in his receiving system to great success. The
chance meeting is but one piece of this wonderful story and historic achievement." Read an expanded version <http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-and-rsgb-announce-winners-of-transatlantic-centenary-cups>.

NEW DIRECTORS IN TWO ARRL DIVISIONS WILL TAKE THEIR SEATS IN

JANUARY

New Directors in the ARRL New England and Roanoke Divisions elected in
November will begin 3-year terms on January 1 and take their seats at
the Board of Directors' January meeting a few weeks later.

In the New England Division, Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, of Hollis, New
Hampshire, was the top vote-getter in a three-way race. He received
1,147 votes to defeat incumbent Director Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, with
1,054 votes, and past Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, who received 1,026
votes. Kemmerer has not previously held an ARRL leadership position.

New England Division Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, was not opposed
for re-election.

In the Roanoke Division, the winner of a three-way race was past
Director Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, of Aiken, South Carolina, with 1,612 votes.
He outpolled incumbent Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU, who picked up 809
votes, and a second challenger, Marvin Hoffman, WA4NC, who received
1,294 votes. Boehner was elected as ARRL Roanoke Division Vice Director
in 2009, and he succeeded former ARRL Roanoke Division Director Dennis
Bodson, W4PWF (SK), after he stepped down in 2015.

No one challenged Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP,
and he was elected for a new term.

Incumbent Directors and Vice Directors in three other ARRL Divisions
ran unopposed in the 2021 election cycle and were elected to new terms
starting on January 1.

- In the Central Division: Director Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, and Vice
Director Brent Walls, N9BA.

- In the Hudson Division: Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, and Vice Director
Bill Hudzik, W2UDT.

- In the Northwestern Division: Director Mike Ritz, W7VO, and Vice
Director Mark Tharp, KB7HDX.

ARRL PODCASTS SCHEDULE

The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 24) features some
tips about how to improve the effective range of your handheld
transceiver.

The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 49) features a
chat with Ward Silver, N0AX, about the new edition of his book,
Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur, and the general importance
of station grounding.

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 <https://blubrry.com/arrlontheair/> |
Eclectic Tech <https://blubrry.com/eclectictech/>.

PAST ARRL CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER MARY HOBART, K1MMH, SK

Retired ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, died <https://www.chadwickmckinney.com/obituaries/Mary-Hobart/#!/Obituary>
on December 12. An ARRL member, she was 78.

From the time she arrived at ARRL Headquarters, Mary served

enthusiastically as ARRL's Chief Development Officer, developing
relationships that helped to grow the ARRL Endowment. One individual
she invited into the ARRL fold of regular supporters was Joe Walsh,
WB6ACU, of the Eagles.

Born in Washington, DC, she attended the National Cathedral School and Northwestern University in Chicago. After school, she moved to
Philadelphia to raise her two sons as a single mother while working in non-profit development -- notably at the Philadelphia Zoo, WHYY, and
NJN. She earned an MBA at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

She relocated to New England to work in development at Connecticut
Public Television (CPTV) and then at ARRL.

During her 13 years at ARRL Headquarters, she was behind the creation
of The Diamond Club, The Diamond Terrace, The Maxim Society, and the
Second Century Campaign
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-second-century-campaign>, among other
initiatives. She served as secretary of the ARRL Foundation, and
promoter of the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund.

"During Hurricane Katrina, she virtually single-handedly created the
Ham Aid Program that provides new gear to amateurs who have lost their equipment in disasters," then-ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold
Kramer, WJ1B, said in the August 2014 issue of QST. "Because of her
efforts and those of her staff, she has raised millions of dollars for
ARRL and, ultimately, for the benefit of Amateur Radio."

She also was one of the founders of the successful Teachers Institute
for Wireless Technology <http://www.arrl.org/teachers-institute-on-wireless-technology>. Funded
by voluntary contributions, the annual summer workshops help to better
acquaint classroom teachers and educators with wireless technology and
the science behind it.

She retired from ARRL in 2014, moving back to the Philadelphia area to
be closer to family. Read an expanded version <http://www.arrl.org/news/past-arrl-chief-development-officer-mary-hobart-k1mmh-sk>.

ARRL ROOKIE ROUNDUP CW EVENT IS DECEMBER 19

If you're new to CW operating, the ARRL Rookie Roundup (CW) <http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>, December 19, 1800 - 2359 UTC, is
a chance to enhance your CW skills. The objective of the event is to
encourage recent licensees to experience competitive amateur radio
operating on HF.

A Rookie is anyone who was first licensed in the current calendar year
or in the previous 3 calendar years (2021, 2020, 2019, or 2018),
regardless of license class. If you were licensed earlier, you can
still qualify as a Rookie if you haven't made any contest contacts on
CW before this Rookie Roundup.

Rookies will attempt to make as many contacts as possible during the
6-hour event. Rookies work everyone, and non-Rookies work only Rookies. Stations exchange call signs, first names, a two-digit year, and
state/province (or DX, if appropriate). In the exchange, Rookies should
send the last two digits of the year of your first contact. If you've
never made any contest contacts using CW, or if you're a non-Rookie,
send the last two digits of the current year in your exchange. --
Thanks to ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE

HAM RADIO UNIVERSITY GOING VIRTUAL AGAIN

With COVID-19 uncertainties precluding an in-person gathering for a
second year, the 23rd annual Ham Radio University (HRU <http://www.hamradiouniversity.org/>) educational conference will be
held as a virtual event again this year, on Saturday, January 8, 1300 -
2000 UTC, as an online GoToWebinar videoconference.

Advance registration is required and begins on December 20.

HRU 2022 will be adding five forums this year, for a total of 19
presentations by experts in a broad range of amateur radio activities, including Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. Other topics are:

- Basics of HF Operating

- Ham Radio Contesting and DXing

- Communicating through Amateur Radio Earth Satellites

- Software-Defined Radios

- HF and VHF Digital Communications

- Parks on the Air

- SKYWARN

- Cables and Connectors

- Using Raspberry Pi Computers in Amateur Radio.

Online attendees will be able to ask questions of the presenters.
Founded by Phil Lewis, N2MUN (SK), HRU also serves as the online
convention of the ARRL NYC-Long Island Section.

As in past years, participation in HRU 2022 is free; an optional
donation of $5 is suggested. Additional information is online,
including the schedule of forums and advance registration starting
December 20.

ARRL LEARNING NETWORK WEBINARS

Visit the ARRL Learning Network
<http://www.arrl.org/arrl-learning-network> (a members-only benefit) to register, check on upcoming webinars, and to view previously recorded
sessions.

Have an interesting topic you want to share? The ARRL Learning Network <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-learning-network> is a series of online
webinars presented by member-volunteers for members. Presentations
should be short -- 30 minutes plus an additional 15-minutes for Q&A.

For more information, email ARRL Education and Learning <ead@arrl.org?subject=ARRL%20Learning%20Network%20inquiry>.

More webinars are coming soon!

ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
previously recorded Learning Network <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-learning-network> webinars. ARRL-affiliated
radio clubs may also use the recordings as presentations for club
meetings, mentoring new and current hams, and discussing amateur radio
topics.

The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.

INTERIM SM APPOINTMENT MADE IN VIRGINIA; GEORGIA SM POST BECOMES

VACANT

The vacancy created by the recent death of ARRL Virginia Section
Manager (SM) Joseph Palsa, K3WRY (SK), will be filled in the Virginia
SM election scheduled to occur in January and February 2022. The winner
of the SM election will assume office on April 1, 2022. Former Virginia
SM Carl Clements, W4CAC, has been appointed by ARRL Field Services
Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY to temporarily fill the position. Clements previously served as Virginia's SM from 2005 to 2006 and 2008 to 2015. Clements' appointment is effective December 15, 2021.

Georgia ARRL SM Jim Millsap, K9APD, has resigned for personal reasons, effective December 14. He has served since October 1. The position
stands vacant as the search for a replacement continues.

SWEDEN'S SAQ VLF ALEXANDERSON ALTERNATOR STATION SCHEDULES

CHRISTMAS EVE TRANSMISSION

On December 24, SAQ in Grimeton, Sweden, is scheduled to transmit <https://alexander.n.se/en/saq-scheduled-for-a-transmission-on-christmas-eve-december-24th/>

a Christmas message to the world, using the 97-year-old 200 kW
Alexanderson alternator on 17.2 kHz CW. At 0730 UTC, a livestream will
begin on YouTube
<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-83S-l9JKD1iuhsXx3XQ3g>.

- Start-up and tuning of the Alexanderson alternator will begin at 0800
UTC.

- Transmissions will begin at 0800 UTC.

- Some test transmissions will take place on December 23 between 1200
UTC and 1600 UTC.

- SAQ will be on the air for shorter periods during this interval, when technicians will be carrying out some tests and measurements.

Comments <info@alexander.n.se> and reports are welcome.

Amateur radio station SK6SAQ will be active on 3.535 MHz, 7.035 MHz,
and 14.035 MHz CW, and on 3.755 MHz and 7.140 MHz SSB. Two stations
will be on the air most of the time.

OBSERVATIONS OF OVER-THE-HORIZON RADAR INTERFERENCE IN HAM BANDS

TOP ALL OTHERS

The volume of reports of over-the-horizon (OTH) radar interference from observers working with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU <http://www.iaru.org/>) Region 1 Monitoring System (IARUMS) dwarfs that
of all other interference sources, the November IARUMS newsletter <https://www.iaru-r1.org/2021/iarums-region-1-newsletter-november-2021/> reports. Nearly 800 OTH radars were observed during November alone, and
the total number of reports for the year is more than 4,500 -- although
that number likely includes multiple reports of the same OTH radar
systems.

While the intruder watcher is focused on IARU Region 1, much of the
major interference it recounts can affect the amateur bands in the
world's other two IARU regions. IARUMS has tracked most OTH radar
signals to sites in Russia and China, but a recent report <http://www.arrl.org/news/iaru-reports-another-over-the-horizon-radar-system-is-under-construction-in-india>

indicated that India has an OTH radar system in the works. IARUMS is
calling the system "of concern," although it's not known what
frequencies it may use.

During November 17 - 21, IARUMS reported a "strange, somewhat
washed-out signal" on the order of 7 kHz wide, that "drifted slowly
back and forth" in 40 meters and below. Read an expanded version <http://www.arrl.org/news/observations-of-over-the-horizon-radar-interference-in-ham-bands-top-all-others>.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

- On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, break out your straight key or
bug to join in the fun of ARRL Straight Key Night (SKN <http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night>). Straight Key Night is held
every January 1, 0000 - 2359 UTC. Technician licensees have CW
privileges on parts of 80, 40, and 15 meters.

- According to a tweet <https://twitter.com/Icom_Inc_Japan/status/1469170500480159753> from
Icom Japan, the company is developing amateur radio equipment for the
2.4 and 5 GHz bands, under the theme of "Icom SHF Project-Challenge."

- The United Nations Amateur Radio Club 4U1A has announced that the
planned Santa Claus HF activity using 4U1XMAS has been canceled due to
the pandemic. Follow <https://twitter.com/arcdxc> 4U1A on Twitter.

- Two YOTA special event call signs have been obtained in Canada for
YOTA Month, by Harrie Jones, VE3HYS, on behalf of participating young
amateurs. Listen for VE3YOTA
<http://events.ham-yota.com/participants/ve3yota> and VA7YOTY <http://events.ham-yota.com/participants/ve3yota> and other YOTA-suffix stations. -- Thanks to RAC

AMATEUR RADIO IN THE NEWS

ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news <http://www.arrl.org/media-hits>.

- How Amateur Radio Fanatics Launched the World's First Private
Communication Satellite <https://www.inverse.com/science/60-oscar-1-presaged-the-cubesat-era> / Inverse, New York (December 12, 2021).

- 10 minutes of OMG: Savannah River Academy students chat with
astronaut in space via radio <https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/education/2021/12/11/savannah-river-academy-students-speak-astronaut-space-station/6415832001/?fbclid=IwAR1Z8IaI4XoWLV8djNFTpdhs3F-_fUxNQMnXLZ0LWxhOxyhXM8rORyPiFYw>

/The Augusta Chronicle, Georgia (December 11, 2021).

- Local students talk to International Space Station astronaut <https://www.wrdw.com/2021/12/11/local-students-talk-international-space-station-astronaut-its-just-once-lifetime-opportunity/?fbclid=IwAR25EnDXqPtDGoLTxxS6oivaH4z9xkmji0Y_y3u2blbOkjvMJn4U_t0lYo8>

/ WRDW/WAGT TV, Georgia (December 10, 2021).

Share <newsmedia@arrl.org> any amateur radio media hits you spot with
us.

SPAIN, NORWAY SEEK WAYS TO ATTRACT A YOUNGER GENERATION OF HAMS

Spain's national amateur radio society, Union of Spanish Radio Amateurs
(URE <https://www.ure.es/>), is attempting to entice youth and
youngsters to become interested in amateur radio. URE is offering free membership in the organization and a free amateur radio license manual.
The organization has framed amateur radio as "the technological and experimental hobby that will hook you forever."

URE's pitch to the next generation of radio amateurs is that ham radio
opens "a universe of technology and operational challenges" that
includes advanced digital modes, satellite and microwave communication, contesting, and experimentation, as well as "great opportunities to
learn and make friends."

Prospective young radio amateurs must be between 14 and 18 years old to
qualify for a free URE membership and a license manual to prepare for
the exam and obtain an operator license. URE says the manual explains
the basics of electricity, electronics, and telecommunications, as well
as the regulatory structure.

Those aged under 25 can qualify for a half-price membership once
they've obtained their radio amateur license and become full URE
members.

Meanwhile, Norway is looking to introduce a new 10 W entry-level
license that will enable 12- and 13-year-olds to get started building
simple transmitters and receivers. The Research Council of Norway has
granted 1 million kroner (approximately $114,600) to support the Radio Communications Technology for Young People project, aimed at recruiting
young radio amateurs.

Norway's national amateur radio organization, NRRL, said the program
wants to leverage young peoples' "digital competence and understanding
of digital technology." NRRL and the Norwegian Defence Research
Establishment (FFI) are partnering in the project, headed by Torbjørn
Skauli, LA4ZCA. The project aims to increase interest in technology and
science in schools. The idea is to introduce amateur radio as a high
school elective, as well as develop an entry-level certificate allowing
12- and 13-year-olds to get started with amateur radio.

The Norwegian Communications Authority (NKOM) has already laid out the requirements and conditions of the entry-level license. Skauli, a
professor at FFI, has previous experience with computer coding
workshops in schools. The proposal for an entry-level certificate has
received broad support in education and public administration in
Norway, according to the SSA (Sweden's national amateur radio
organization), which says it's looking forward to cooperating with NRRL
in this area.

IN BRIEF...

Experimental station WI2XLQ will be on the air on 486 kHz AM for the
Reginald Fessenden commemorative transmission. Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, is
the licensee. He will transmit for 24 hours starting at 2000 UTC on
December 24, with a repeat transmission starting at 2000 UTC on
December 31. Justin will use a homebrew 1921-era MOPA exciter with
Heising modulation, followed by a modern 500 W linear amplifier. The transmission will be the same as in past years -- two violin pieces
that Fessenden claims to have played as one of the very first voice transmissions from his Brant Rock, Massachusetts, radio lab site.
"While doubt remains that such a transmission ever took place,
Fessenden did perform some crude voice transmissions over a few miles
distance in early December near Washington, DC, as a demonstration for
the US Navy," Justin said. "So, perhaps some credit is due to Fessenden
for his efforts to transmit the human voice in an era of spark
transmissions."

The EI7GL blog reports <https://ei7gl.blogspot.com/2021/12/end-of-road-for-world-radio-tv-handbook.html>

that publication of the World Radio TV Handbook (WRTH) will cease with
the current 76th edition. For many years, the WRTH provided information
about shortwave broadcast times and frequencies, but the number of
listeners has dwindled as broadcasting has shifted to the internet. In addition, information on international broadcasting schedules and
frequencies is also available on the internet. In a statement, the
publishers said, "Having produced this book for the past 24 years, we
are very sorry to announce that WRTH 2022 will be the final edition of
World Radio TV Handbook produced and published by WRTH Publications. We
realize that this news will be disappointing for many people. We wish
to thank you all for your loyal support over the years. Good DX and
Happy Listening."

OF9X, OF2YOTA, and OI3AX are now on the air from the "Land of Santa
Claus." Completing its centennial year, the Finnish Amateur Radio
League (SRAL) will once again launch Santa (OF9X) and his elves
(OF2YOTA) to greet the world on HF, CW, SSB, and FT8. These stations
will greet operators with "59(9) SRAL." Working stations should reply
with "59(9) MX" -- Merry Christmas. The OF9X operation is organized by
the Radio Club of Pusula, OH9W, and supported by Radio Arcala, OH8X,
while OF2YOTA is organized by the SRAL Youngsters on the Air team and
supported by Radio Team Mustila, OH5Z. Contacts with OF9X, OF2YOTA, and
OI3AX will count toward the SRAL Jubilee Award. QSL OF9X via OH2BH;
OF2YOTA via OH5CZ, and OI3AX via OH2LGW. Additional award information
is on the OF9X QRZ.com profile <http://www.qrz.com/lookup/of9x>.

THE K7RA SOLAR UPDATE

Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots disappeared over 4 days,
December 8 - 11. Average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux hardly
changed, with sunspots at 24.4 during the December 9 - 15 reporting
week, as compared to 24.6 the previous week. Average daily solar flux
shifted from 82.6 to 82.9, rising to 102.5 by Wednesday.

Geomagnetic activity was quiet. Average daily planetary A index changed
from 7.6 to 5, and average daily middle latitude A index from 5.3 to
3.9.

One new sunspot group emerged on December 12, two the following day,
and two more on December 15.

Predicted solar flux over the next month looks good for this week, at
102 on December 16 - 18; 100 on December 19 - 21; 98 on December 22 -
23; 82 on December 24 - 27; 80 on December 28; 78 on December 29 -
through January 3; then 80 on January 4 - 10; 82 on January 11, and 84
on January 12 - 17. Flux values drop below 80 after January 24.

Predicted planetary A index is 8 on December 16 - 17; 5 on December 18
- 19; 8, 16, 12, and 8 on December 20 - 23; 5 on December 24 - 26; then
15, 18, and 12 on December 27 - 29; 8 on December 30 - January 1; 5 on
January 2 - 8; 8 and 5 on January 9 - 10; 12, 10, 10, and 8 on January
11 - 14, and 5 on January 15 - 22.

Sunspot numbers for December 9 - 15 were 0, 0, 0, 12, 40, 40, and 79,
with a mean of 24.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 76.7, 75.7, 76.2,
79.9, 80.6, 88.9, and 102.5, with a mean of 82.9. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 4, 5, 3, 6, 5, and 9, with a mean of 5. Middle latitude
A index was 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, 4, and 8, with a mean of 3.9.

A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL
website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit <http://arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals> the ARRL Technical
Information Service, read
<http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere> "What the Numbers
Mean...," and check out <http://k9la.us/> the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

A propagation bulletin archive <http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation> is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio <https://www.voacap.com/hf/> website.

Share <k7ra@arrl.net> your reports and observations.

JUST AHEAD IN RADIOSPORT

- December 16 - 17 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW, maximum 13
WPM)

- December 17 -- AGB-Party Contest (CW, phone, digital)

- December 17 -- Russian 160-Meter Contest (CW, phone)

- December 18 -- Feld Hell Sprint

- December 18 -- OK DX RTTY Contest

- December 18 -- RAC Winter Contest (CW, phone)

- December 18 - 19 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)

- December 18 - 19 -- Padang DX Contest (Phone)

- December 18 - 19 -- Croatian CW Contest

- December 18 - 19 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)

- December 19 -- ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW
<http://www.arrl.org/rookie-roundup>

- December 19 - 20 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)

- December 22 -- SKCC Sprint (CW)

- December 22 -- NAQCC CW Sprint

- December 25 - 26 -- Gedebage CW Contest

- December 26 -- RAEM Contest (CW)

- December 26 -- DARC Christmas Contest (CW, phone)

- December 30 -- YOTA Contest (CW, phone)

- January 1 (UTC) -- Straight Key Night <http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night>

UPCOMING SECTION, STATE, AND DIVISION CONVENTIONS

- January 22, 2022 ARRL Midwest Division Convention <http://winterfest.slsrc.org/> (Winterfest), Collinsville, Illinois

- January 28 - 29, 2022 -- ARRL Delta Division Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/jackson-ms-capital-city-hamfest-2022-arrl-delta-division-convention>

(Capital City Hamfest 2022), Jackson, Mississippi.

- February 10 - 13, 2022 -- 2022 ARRL National Convention <http://www.arrl.org/expo> at Orlando HamCation®, Orlando, Florida

- February 18 - 19, 2022 ARRL Southwestern Division Convention <http://www.yumahamfest.org/> (Yuma Hamfest), Yuma, Arizona

- February 26, 2022 ARRL Vermont State Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/ham-con-arrl-vermont-state-convention-1> (HAM-CON), Colchester, Vermont

Search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database
<http://www.arrl.org/hamfests> to find events in your area.

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