• The ARRL Letter for September 7, 2023

    From ARRL Web site@21:1/5 to All on Thu Sep 7 17:54:16 2023
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    ********************************************
    The ARRL Letter

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

    September 7, 2023

    John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, Editor <news@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

    - USA Radio Orienteering Team Brings Home Silver and Bronze Medals
    - North Carolina School Contacts the International Space Station
    - September is National Preparedness Month
    - Dave Coons, WT8W, Former ARRL Great Lakes Division Director, SK
    - Amateur Radio in the News
    - ARRL Podcasts
    - Announcements
    - In Brief...
    - The K7RA Solar Update
    - Just Ahead in Radiosport
    - Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

    USA RADIO ORIENTEERING TEAM BRINGS HOME SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS

    At the 21st International Amateur Radio Union World Amateur Radio
    Direction Finding (ARDF) Championship in Liberec, Czech Republic, held
    August 27 through September 2, 2023, USA competitors won a silver medal
    for an individual competition, as well as two bronze team medals.

    ARDF, also known as radio orienteering, is a multi-skill sport that
    involves running and navigation using only a map and compass.

    Nadia Scharlau, KO4ADV, competing in the 144 MHz (2-meter band) classic competition. [Photo courtesy of Ondrej Pec]

    Competitors use a 2-meter (144 MHz) or 80-meter (3.5 MHz) radio
    receiver to locate multiple transmitters hidden in a forest. The sport
    directly applies to important activities such as search and rescue,
    wildlife tracking, airborne and seaborne navigation, and
    communications. The competition at the championship in Liberec involved mountainous terrain, intricate navigation challenges, periods of rain,
    and elite racing.

    The USA fielded its largest team ever, including 21 athletes, with
    seven competing in a world championship for the first time. The (IARU)
    and Czech Radio Club hosted the event in the mountainous region of
    North Bohemia, with 28 countries and nearly 400 racers attending.

    Ruth Bromer, WB4QZG, won a silver medal in the W65 category during the
    3.5 MHz "foxoring" event that combines orienteering and transmitter
    (fox) hunting. Nadia Scharlau, KO4ADV, and Natalia Leoni earned a
    bronze team medal in the W55 category 144 MHz classic competition.
    Several USA athletes also finished within the top 10 results in nearly
    all the classes, including two fourth - place finishes by Scharlau.

    Scharlau was thrilled with the results. "All our newcomers performed
    beyond our expectations. The courses were extremely hard. We all got
    along and supported one another. Most importantly, almost everyone
    expressed their determination to improve and come back to compete
    again," said Scharlau.

    ARRL's ARDF Committee Chair Charles Scharlau, NZ0I, who also raced,
    echoed the positive take on the USA team, stating, "They successfully
    navigated well-designed courses on rugged terrain against a field of
    skilled and experienced competitors. The Czech Republic is an ideal
    place to hold the world championships. They have great maps, excellent
    venues, and they know how to put on a world-class event," he said.

    The USA Radio Orienteering Championship will be held in Michigan on
    October 7 - 13, 2024. Team USA will select its team members for the
    2025 USA Championship, and that team will travel to Lithuania in 2025
    to compete in the 22nd World ARDF Championship.

    A complete list of the 2023 results can be found at https://vysledky.ardf2023.cz/. <https://vysledky.ardf2023.cz/>

    Thanks to ARRL ARDF Committee and Event Director Joseph Burkhead,
    KE8MKR, for the information contained in this story.

    NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL CONTACTS THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

    On August 28, 2023, students at Bowman Middle School in Bakersville,
    North Carolina, talked to NASA Astronaut Stephen Bowen, KI5BKB, who as
    on board the International Space Station (ISS).

    For months, 22 students had been preparing for a 10-minute window to
    ask Bowen about his time and experiences on the ISS. They were able to
    ask 13 questions, like, "What is it like to be in space?" and, "Is the
    crew doing any research on diseases that affect humans?"

    Section Manager of the ARRL North Carolina Section Marv Hoffman, WA4NC, presented the Supporting, Upgrading, Growing Amateur Radio (SUGAR)
    Award to the school and its science, technology,

    Students at Bowman Middle School in Bakersville, North Carolina, who participated in contacting the ISS on August 28, 2023, with STEM
    teacher Dan Hopson, back row, right. Photo courtesy of Tammy Hopson and
    used with parental permission.

    engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher, Dan Hopson, for
    arranging the ISS contact.

    Hopson said, "The waiting and static, are suspenseful but when you hear
    the man's voice or that person's voice come over the air, the kids know
    this is really happening."

    Bowen, returned to Earth with SpaceX Crew-6 on September 5.

    US Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) also attended the event. She
    called the experience "a stellar opportunity." In a recent letter to
    her constituents in North Carolina, Foxx wrote, "On Monday, I traveled
    to Bakersville in Mitchell County to meet with students, staff, and administrators of Bowman Middle School - as well as to view the
    school's International Space Station (ISS) contact project. As part of
    the project, students were able to ask questions in real time via ham
    radio to Steve Bowen, a NASA Astronaut who successfully traveled to the
    ISS on March 3 of this year. This impressive event was one that these
    students will surely remember as they continue their educational
    journeys. Congratulations to all who made this event, and learning
    opportunity, such a success."

    ARISS is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies
    and the space agencies that support the ISS. In the US, participating organizations include NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, the ISS National Laboratory -- Space Station Explorers, ARRL <http://www.arrl.org/ariss>, and AMSAT.

    SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

    September 2023 has been proclaimed National Preparedness Month to raise awareness of the importance of being prepared for sudden disasters and emergencies.

    President Biden's proclamation issued on August 31, 2023, stressed
    the need to work together to help prepare for and recover from
    disasters.

    The proclamation stated, "In America, we pride ourselves on emerging
    from every crisis stronger than when we entered it. That is because our
    people are resilient -- and when we invest in preparing them for
    disasters seen and unforeseen, we can meet every challenge together."

    Read President Biden's full proclamation for National Preparedness
    Month here. <https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-national-preparedness-month-2023#:~:text=NOW%2C%20THEREFORE%2C%20I%2C%20JOSEPH%20R.%20BIDEN%20JR.%2C%20President,hereby%20proclaim%20September%202023%20as%20National%20Preparedness%20Month.>


    ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, said
    National Preparedness Month is a good time for hams to make sure they
    are ready for emergencies. Johnston offered the following advice:
    "During the month of September, we encourage hams to check their
    preparedness and ensure they are ready for any type of event. Check
    your go-kit, charge your batteries, and ensure everything is working
    properly and ready to go if the need arises. The need could be right at
    home, and your backup gear or go-kit may be all you have to get on the
    air."

    Johnston also advised hams to check more than radio gear, stating,
    "Make sure you have enough food and water to get by for a period of
    time. Have your medications listed, and pack that list in your go-kit
    or somewhere you will have it available. Prepare for anything. It is
    important to make sure your family is safe before you begin any
    possible activation."

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that their
    2023 Ready Campaign's theme, "Take Control in 1, 2, 3," focuses on
    preparing older adults in communities that are disproportionally
    impacted by all-hazard events.

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated, "With the Atlantic hurricane
    season now underway, it is imperative that we advocate for the
    well-being of our nation's older adults and champion them as valued,
    honored, and respected members of our communities."

    Emergency managers, and all those who work with and support older adult communities, now have access to new FEMA web pages in English (Ready.gov/older-adults) <https://www.ready.gov/older-adults>and
    Spanish (Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores <https://www.ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores>). For information on helping
    people with disabilities prepare for disaster events, visit Ready.gov/disability (English) <https://www.ready.gov/disability>or Ready.gov/es/discapacidad
    <https://www.ready.gov/es/discapacidad>(Spanish).

    DAVE COONS, WT8W, FORMER ARRL GREAT LAKES DIVISION DIRECTOR, SK

    David "Dave" Lee Coons, WT8W, former Director of the ARRL Great Lakes
    Division, passed away on September 2, 2023, at the age of 92. Coons
    joined ARRL in 1963 and was a member of the ARRL Diamond Club.

    According to the obituary <https://www.daytondailynews.com/obituaries/coons-david/54EXWGN375AUPORFWXRDUWVBKM/>

    published in the Dayton Daily News, Coons was a disabled veteran of the
    United States Navy, having served during the Korean War. He retired
    from his role as postmaster of the Miamisburg, Ohio, post office after
    37 years with the United States Postal Service.

    Coons served in numerous volunteer roles within the amateur radio
    community, including Vice Director of the ARRL Great Lakes Division
    from 1996 - 1998 and Director from 1998 - 2000. He was a Volunteer
    Examiner through the ARRL VEC.

    Coons was active in leadership of the Dayton Amateur Radio Association,
    where he served as President, Vice President, and Secretary at
    different times. He served as Chairman of the Dayton Hamvention® Flea
    Market Committee and on the Communications Committee. He was also
    active in the Clark County Amateur Radio Association, who honored him
    with the Frank J. Kirkpatrick Memorial Award in 1993 for services that
    went above and beyond.

    Federal Aviation Administration records show Coons was an Instrument
    Rated private pilot. According to his obituary, Coons was involved with maintenance at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport.

    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>.

    "Ham radio and the world of amateur radio operators <https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/ham-radio-and-the-world-of-amateur-radio-operators/>"

    / Canadian Geographic (Canada) August 30, 2023 -- Society of
    Newfoundland Radio Amateurs.

    "Neighborhood Radio Watch seen as way to strengthen emergency
    communications <http://www.buffalobulletin.com/news/article_70184b96-4c0e-11ee-8020-eb314dd48dc6.html>"

    / Buffalo Bulletin (Wyoming) September 5, 2023 -- The Buffalo Amateur
    Radio Klub (BARK) is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

    "Amateur radio hobbyists share historic Texas lighthouse restoration
    story with world <https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/local-radio-activation-sabine-pass-lighthouse-18350883.php>"

    / Beaumont Enterprise (Texas) September 6, 2023 -- Sabine Pass
    Lighthouse restoration.

    "Tehachapi radio club looking for new members <https://www.therip.com/features/2023/09/06/tehachapi-radio-club-looking-for-new-members/>"

    / The Renegade Rip (California) September 6, 2023 --The Tehachapi
    Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

    "Get your start in the world of amateur radio <https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/opinion/guest-commentary/2023/09/get-your-start-in-the-world-of-amateur-radio/>"

    / Adirondack Daily Enterprise (New York) September 7, 2023 -- Champlain
    Valley Amateur Radio Club.

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

    ARRL PODCASTS

    On the Air
    Sponsored by Icom <http://www.icomamerica.com/en/>

    The cover story of On the Air's September/October 2023 issue,
    "Foxhunting Basics," doesn't have anything to do with chasing down a
    woodland creature. Foxhunting is a radio direction-finding activity
    that you can enjoy with a radio club or group, or even with just one
    other friend -- and they don't even have to be a ham! Rob Zielfelder,
    N1NUG, explains how to get started with a couple of handheld radios and
    a directional antenna that you can make from inexpensive hardware store materials. One player hides somewhere with a radio, and sends
    intermittent transmissions, while the other player tracks them with the
    help of the radio's signal meter and a map. Listen to this month's
    episode for more information on how to join the fun.

    ARRL Audio News
    Listen to ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news>,
    available every Friday. ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top
    news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with
    interviews and other features.

    The On the Air podcast is available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher
    (Android). The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are also on
    blubrry -- On the Air <https://blubrry.com/arrlontheair/> | ARRL Audio
    News <https://blubrry.com/arrlaudionews/>.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    The Collins Amateur Radio Club station <https://www.qrz.com/db/w0cxx#club%20station%20pictures>, W0CXX, in
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is planning three special events to celebrate the
    90th anniversary of Collins Radio. Arthur A. Collins <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_A._Collins> (1909-1987) founded
    Collins Radio Company in 1933 and produced shortwave equipment before
    supplying equipment for the commercial broadcast industry. The company
    also built radios for amateur use, including the KW-1, KWS-1, KWM-1,
    KWM-2/2A, and KWM-380, as well as the classic S line consisting of the
    75S-3A, 32S-3, 51S-1, 30S-1, and 30L-1. After several mergers and
    acquisitions, the company began producing avionics for the aviation and aerospace industries and is now Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of
    Raytheon Technologies. On September 9, 2023, W0CXX will host a special
    event station celebrating Arthur Collins' birthday, from 14:00 UTC to
    20:00 UTC. On October 14, 2023, a special event station will be in
    operation from 14:00 UTC to 20:00 UTC to celebrate the 90th anniversary
    of Collins Radio. On November 18, 2023, a third special event station
    will operate from 15:00 UTC to 21:00 UTC to celebrate the 40th
    anniversary of the club's charter. More information is available on the
    club's website <https://www.w0cxx.us/> .

    IN BRIEF...

    The Deep Space Exploration Society <https://dses.science/> will hold
    its annual open house on September 16, 2023, at the Plishner Radio
    Telescope Site near Haswell, Colorado. Visitors will be able to hear
    their voices bounce off the moon using a 60-foot dish antenna operating
    on the 1296 MHz band. There will be tours of the new building, the communications trailer, and the HF/6-meter remote station in the
    underground bunker. There will also be a science, technology,
    engineering, mathematics (STEM) and amateur radio event with several
    optical telescopes on site for viewing the skies during the day and
    night. More information is available at http://dses.science/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/DSES-Open-House-2023-Flier-Final1.pdf.


    THE K7RA SOLAR UPDATE

    Tad Cook, K7RA, of Seattle, Washington, reports for this week's ARRL Propagation Bulletin, ARLP036:

    Seven new sunspots emerged this week: one on September 2, two on
    September 3, two more on September 4, one on September 5, and one on
    September 6.

    The average daily sunspot number was up from 78.7 to 95.4, while the
    average daily solar flux decreased from 140.9 to 137.6.

    Solar disk image taken September 7, 2023. [Photo courtesy of NASA
    SDO/HMI]

    Geomagnetic activity was higher. On September 2, the planetary A
    index was 38 when Earth moved through a high-speed solar wind. In
    Alaska, the college A index at Fairbanks was 59.

    The average daily planetary A index increased from 7 to 15.4, and the
    average middle latitude A index rose from 8.9 to 16.3.

    Predicted solar flux is 150, 155, 155, and 150 on September 7 - 10; 140
    on September 11 - 13; 145, 150, 150, and 155 on September 14 - 17; 150,
    155, and 150 on September 18 - 20; 145 on September 21 - 22; 150 on
    September 23 - 24; 145 on September 25; 140 on September 26 - 27; 135
    on September 28 - 30; 130, 135, 130, and 135 on October 1 - 4, and 140
    on October 5 - 6.

    Predicted planetary A index is 12, 10, 5, and 5 on September 7 - 10; 8
    on September 11 - 13; 10, 8, 12, 8, and 8 on September 14 - 18; 5 on
    September 19 - 22; 12 on September 23; 5 on September 24 - 27; 8, 12,
    5, and 12 on September 28 through October 1; 12, 10, 12, and 10 on
    October 2 - 5, and 5 on October 6 - 10.

    I observed some interesting 12-meter propagation via PSK Reporter while
    using FT8 at 1745 UTC on September 4. My signal was received only over
    a narrow, 300-mile band hugging the east coast from Maine to Florida.
    The signals were between 2,200 - 2,500 miles away, and nowhere else.

    Three hours later, at 2045 UTC, the reception reports along the coast
    expanded to 600 miles, and then 2,000 - 2,600 miles.

    Later, at 2300 UTC, there was the same pattern, but it was a 200-mile
    band spanning 2,300 - 2,500 miles wide.

    The next day, at 1700 UTC, there was an arc from Virginia to south
    Texas stretching 1,700 - 2,300 miles wide. At 1715 UTC, it drifted to a coverage of 1,750 - 2,600 miles.

    Before FT8 and PSK Reporter, there was no practical way to observe
    propagation.

    Sunspot numbers for August 31 through September 6, 2023, were 77, 83,
    77, 79, 100, 121, and 131, with a mean of 95.4. The 10.7-centimeter
    flux was 139.9, 135.8, 131.2, 130.5, 136, 142.9, and 147.1, with a mean
    of 137.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 6, 12, 38, 25, 8, 11, and
    8, with a mean of 15.4. Middle latitude A index was 8, 15, 25, 28, 14,
    14, and 10, with a mean of 16.3.

    Send your tips, questions, or comments to k7ra@arrl.net.

    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.

    A weekly, full report is posted on ARRL News
    <http://www.arrl.org/news>.

    JUST AHEAD IN RADIOSPORT

    Yearlong -- ARRL Volunteers On the Air <https://vota.arrl.org/> (VOTA).
    See the State Activations Schedule for weekly W1AW Portable Operations <https://vota.arrl.org/w1awPortable.php>, including:

    - September 6 - 12 -- Oregon W1AW/7
    - September 6 - 12 -- Maine W1AW/1

    - September 16 - 22 -- Vermont W1AW/1

    - September 16 - 22 -- Oklahoma W1AW/5

    UPCOMING CONTESTS:

    - September 9 -- VHF FOC QSO Party (CW)
    - September 9 - 10 -- ARRL EME Contest (CW, phone, digital)

    - September 9 - 10 -- WAE DX Contest, SSB (phone)

    - September 9 -- Ohio State Parks on the Air (phone)

    - September 9 - 10 -- Alabama QSO Party (CW, phone)

    - September 9 -- ARRL September VHF Contest (CW, phone, digital)

    - September 10 -- North American Sprint, CW (CW)

    - September 11 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)

    - September 13 -- RSGB 80m Autumn Series, CW (CW)

    - September 14 -- BCC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

    Visit the ARRL Contest Calendar <http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar>
    for more events and information.

    UPCOMING SECTION, STATE, AND DIVISION CONVENTIONS

    - September 10 | ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention and
    Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-southern-new-jersey-section-convention-and-hamfest-1>,

    Mullica Hill, New Jersey

    - September 22 - 23 | HRO Superfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/hro-superfest-arrl-wisconsin-state-convention>, hosting the ARRL Wisconsin State Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    - September 23 | Red River Radio Amateur's 2023 Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/red-river-radio-amateur-s-2023-hamfest-arrl-dakota-division-convention>,

    sponsoring the ARRL Dakota Division Convention, West Fargo, North
    Dakota

    - September 23 | Spokane HAMFEST <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/spokane-hamfest-arrl-washington-state-convention-1>,

    sponsoring the ARRL Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley,
    Washington

    - October 6 - 7 | Slidell EOC Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/slidell-eoc-hamfest-arrl-louisiana-state-convention-1>,

    sponsoring the ARRL Louisiana State Convention, Slidell, Louisiana

    - October 7 | Wichita Area and Kansas State Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/wichita-area-and-kansas-state-hamfest-arrl-kansas-state-convention>,

    sponsoring the ARRL Kansas State Convention, Wichita, Kansas

    - October 7 | 71st Rock Hill Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/71st-rock-hill-hamfest-arrl-south-carolina-section-convention>,

    sponsoring the ARRL South Carolina Section Convention, Rock Hill, South Carolina

    - October 8 | Nutmeg Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/nutmeg-hamfest-arrl-connecticut-state-convention-1>,

    hosting the ARRL Connecticut State Convention, North Haven, Connecticut

    - October 13 - 14 | Melbourne Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/melbourne-hamfest-arrl-florida-state-convention-1>,

    hosting the ARRL Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida

    - October 14 | ARRL Minnesota State Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-minnesota-state-convention>,
    Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

    - October 20 - 22 | Pacificon <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/pacificon-arrl-pacific-division-convention-1>, hosting the ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California

    - November 4 - 5 | Stone Mountain Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/stone-mountain-hamfest-arrl-georgia-state-convention-1>,

    hosting the ARRL Georgia State Convention, Lawrenceville, Georgia

    - November 4 | Wisconsin ARES/RACES Conference 2023 <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/wisconsin-ares-races-conference-2023-arrl-wisconsin-section-convention>,

    hosting the ARRL Wisconsin Section Convention, Wisconsin Rapids,
    Wisconsin

    - November 18 - 19 | Fort Wayne Hamfest and Computer Expo <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/wisconsin-ares-races-conference-2023-arrl-wisconsin-section-convention>,

    hosting the ARRL Central Division Convention, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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

    HAVE NEWS FOR ARRL?

    Submissions for the ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to
    news@arrl.org. -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor
    <news@arrl.org>

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