Text 15815, 406 rader
Skriven 2021-09-03 09:05:20 av Sean Dennis (1:18/200.0)
Ärende: The Weekly ARRL Letter
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The ARRL Letter
September 2, 2021
* Hurricane Watch Net, VoIP Hurricane Net Reports Valuable to
Forecasters During Ida
* FEMA Announces HF Interoperability Activity on 60-Meter Channels 1
and 2
* FCC Grants 60-Day Waiver of Part 97 Data Rate Rules for Hurricane
Relief Traffic
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* Katherine Forson, KT5KMF, Receives the 2021 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim
Memorial Award
* ARRL Board Establishes Program to Cover Initial FCC License Fee for
Young Applicants
* Three-Way Races for Director Set in New England and Roanoke
Divisions
* Amateur Radio in the News
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* Announcements
* In Brief...
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
Hurricane Watch Net, VoIP Hurricane Net Reports Valuable to Forecasters
During Ida
The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) and the VoIP Hurricane Net (VoIP WX) were
busy gathering ground-truth weather observations from
radio amateurs as Hurricane Ida slammed into the Louisiana Gulf Coast
on August 29 as a powerful Category 4 storm. ARRL Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) teams in Mississippi activated. Ida
wrought extensive damage, especially in Louisiana and Mississippi, and
left some 1 million customers in New Orleans and elsewhere without
power -- and some communities without water. Downgraded to a tropical
depression, Ida continued its path up the eastern seaboard, causing
further flash flooding and damage and even spawning a few tornadoes in
the mid-Atlantic states. The storm shut down New York City's subways as
well as rail and air traffic in New Jersey before moving into New
England. At least 10 people died in the region as a result of the
storm.
For the HWN, it was all hands on deck on Sunday, August 29, as the net
resumed operation on both 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz. "We had
a great number of reporting stations throughout the day and well into
the evening," HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, said. "Unfortunately,
there were times in which propagation completely disappeared."
All told, the HWN was activated for 26 hours over the weekend, fielding
reports ranging from mild winds to very high winds and torrential
rainfall.
The VoIP Hurricane Net activation for Hurricane Ida wrapped up on
Monday, August 30 after handling dozens of reports from stations in the
affected area of Hurricane Ida that were sent to WX4NHC, the National
Hurricane Center Amateur Radio Station.
VoIP Hurricane Net Manager Rob Macedo, KD1CY, said radio amateurs on
the N5OZG repeater system "provided constant ground truth from areas in
and around New Orleans," with N5OZG relaying numerous reports of damage
to trees, power poles, and structures, as well as flooding. "Many other
amateurs on the N5OZG repeater system provided ground truth into the
VoIP Hurricane Net despite dealing with direct and significant impacts
to their communities and property," Macedo said. "All of these reports
were also sent to WX4NHC, the amateur radio station at the National
Hurricane Center, as well." Net control stations across the US also
assisted with reporting and monitoring.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service^(R) (ARES^(R)) in Mississippi
activated on August 29 with several nets. Southeast Mississippi
District Emergency Coordinator Justin Gleason, KF7DLW, was contacted by
WDAM-TV in Moselle, Mississippi, to set up a station that would be
available to help keep WDAM personnel updated on Ida's progress through
HWN and VoIP traffic, state traffic, and digital nets in the event of a
power or internet outage at WDAM.
On Sunday, August 29, VHF ARES nets were activated around the state for
the purpose of passing weather reports, health-and-welfare traffic, and
damage reports as needed.
Both the Mississippi ARES Emergency Net and the Mississippi Winlink Net
activated on August 29. The Winlink Net operated until 1800 on August
30, passing 80 messages, which were copied to KM5EMA, the Winlink
station at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
"While Mississippi avoided major catastrophe, the ARES teams were well
equipped and prepared to provide the communication support that we
count on them for," Mississippi Public Information Coordinator Caleb
Rich, K5RFL, said. Read an expanded version.
FEMA Announces HF Interoperability Activity on 60-Meter Channels 1 and
2
Channels 1 and 2 on 60 meters will be available starting on August 30
for interoperability between US government and US amateur radio
stations involved in Hurricane Ida emergency communications. This
situation will remain in place until the storm has passed and the need
for these channels no longer exists, or on September 6, whichever comes
first.
These frequencies will be used: Channel 1 Primary voice traffic 5332
kHz channel center, 5330.5 kHz USB voice; and Channel 2 digital traffic
5348 kHz channel center, 5346.5 kHz USB with 1.5 kHz offset to center
of digital waveform.
Stations on 60 meters are asked to yield to operational traffic related
to Hurricane Ida. The federal government is primary on 60 meters, and
amateur radio is secondary, on a non-interference basis.
FCC Grants 60-Day Waiver of Part 97 Data Rate Rules for Hurricane
Relief Traffic
In an August 30 Order, the FCC granted a temporary waiver sought by
ARRL to facilitate relief communications related to Hurricane Ida. The
waiver also applies to relief communications directly related to any
future hurricane within the next 60 days. The waiver permits radio
amateurs handling hurricane relief communications on HF to use any
protocol that would comply with the FCC's rules but for the symbol rate
limits.
In its request, ARRL said that Section 97.307(f) of the FCC's Amateur
Service rules prevents the use on HF of certain protocols capable of
higher data rate emissions that many amateur stations are capable of
using while active in emergency communications preparedness. ARRL
asserted that higher data rates can be critical to timely transmission
of relief communications, such as lists of needed and distributed
supplies. ARRL noted that radio amateurs are working with federal,
state, and local emergency management officials to assist in the
communications efforts.
On August 28, the FCC orally granted ARRL's request to immediately
facilitate relief communications related to Hurricane Ida. The FCC has
granted temporary waivers in the past to allow faster protocols to be
used for disaster relief communications, including Hurricane Laura,
Hurricane Maria, typhoon relief communications in Hawaii, and Hurricane
Dorian.
The Commission noted that the waivers are necessary because Section
97.307(f) limits the symbol rate at which the carrier waveform
amplitude, frequency, and/or phase is varied to transmit information
for HF amateur radioteletype (RTTY)/data transmissions to 300 baud for
frequencies below 28 MHz (except on 60 meters), and 1,200 baud on 10
meters: "The digital code used to encode the signal being transmitted
must be one of the codes specified in section 97.309(a) of the FCC's
rules, but an amateur station transmitting a RTTY or data emission
using one of the specified digital codes may use any technique whose
technical characteristics have been publicly documented, such as
CLOVER, G-TOR, or PACTOR."
"We conclude that granting the requested waiver is in the public
interest," the FCC said. "Hurricane Ida has caused significant damage,
including disruption to electricity and communications services. Thus,
to accommodate amateur radio operators assisting in the recovery
efforts, we grant ARRL's waiver request for the period of 60 days from
the date of this Order. The waiver is limited to amateur radio
operators in the US and its territories using publicly documented data
protocols that are compatible with FCC rules, with the exception of the
data rate limit waived here, for those directly involved with HF
hurricane relief communications."
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ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 20) features a
discussion with Oliver Dully, K6OLI, who describes how amateurs use the
Winlink network for various public service applications. He also
discusses the equipment and software necessary to access Winlink.
The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 41) features a
conversation with Lin Holcomb, NI4Y, about experiments he is conducting
on 8 meters with his recently issued FCC Part 5 Experimental license,
WL2XUP, from Georgia.
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.
Katherine Forson, KT5KMF, Receives the 2021 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim
Memorial Award
Increasing the interest and participation in amateur radio of those
younger than 21 remains a primary effort of ARRL. Underscoring that
focus is ARRL's annual bestowing of its premier award, the Hiram Percy
Maxim Memorial Award, on a young member whose contributions to both
amateur radio and her local community embody the ideals of the Amateur
Radio Service.
The recipient of the 2021 Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award is Katherine
M. Forson, KT5KMF, of Plano, Texas. A Technician in 2013 at the age of
9, a General in 2017, and an Amateur Extra in 2018, Katherine's
enthusiasm resulted in her appointment as the North Texas Section Youth
Coordinator in 2019.
She is an active member of the Plano Amateur Radio Klub and Collin
County RACES, and a trained National Weather Service SKYWARN Storm
Spotter; she has been profiled as a QST "Member Spotlight,"
participates as an amateur radio operator in public service events,
such as the Plano Balloon Festival, and is currently working with
several other female members of the ARRL North Texas Section to help
build a female-friendly area of the ARRL NTX Section website.
When not on the radio, Katherine is active in her school and community.
A senior at Plano West Senior High School, she carries a 4.46
grade-point average and is a member of the National Honor Society, the
Spanish Honor Society, and her high school band. She won second place
in the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and placed second
in the physics and astronomy category at the Texas State Science and
Engineering Fair. She serves as a children's lector at her church, and
is a Dallas Meals on Wheels volunteer.
The Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award consists of a $1,500 cash award
and an engraved plaque. West Gulf Division Director John Robert
Stratton, N5AUS, and North Texas Section Manager Steven Smith, KG5VK,
will present Katherine with her award at the September 20, 2021 meeting
of the Plano Amateur Radio Klub.
ARRL Board Establishes Program to Cover Initial FCC License Fee for
Young Applicants
The ARRL Board of Directors has formally endorsed a proposed program
calling on ARRL to cover the $35 application fee for license candidates
younger than 18 years old. The FCC is not expected to implement the $35
application fee schedule until sometime in 2022. The Board approved the
"Youth Licensing Grant Program" at its July meeting in Windsor,
Connecticut. The program concept, first raised at the Board's annual
meeting in January, was reviewed by an ad-hoc committee, which expanded
the scope of the original motion by ARRL Southeastern Division Director
Mickey Baker, N4MB.
Goals of the program include expanding the reservoir of trained
operators, technicians, and electronics experts within the amateur
radio community, and removing a financial obstacle to young people who
wish to acquire an amateur radio license, as a means of encouraging
potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Under the program, ARRL would cover a one-time $35 application fee for
each qualified candidate who passes one or more amateur radio exams
taken on the same day at a single examination session. Tests would have
to be administered by a Volunteer Examiner (VE) team working under the
auspices of the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). Qualified
candidates would also pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL
VEC.
The new program would also "enhance ARRL's position as the leader in
volunteer testing," the Board motion said. "The Board believes that the
recruitment and training of young amateur radio operators is a
necessary mission of ARRL, and that subsidization of the $35 fee will
reduce the number of new amateurs that otherwise would be lost from
these groups," the Board said.
The Board said ARRL Headquarters staff would determine the method of
qualifying applicants and instruct VE teams, giving the teams
flexibility to determine that a candidate is eligible for reimbursement
in the absence of documented proof. The Board envisioned that the VEC
would pay the FCC directly. The new program would initially serve up to
1,000 new license applicants younger than 18 years old.
The motion gave ARRL staff "complete latitude" to determine how payment
is delivered to the FCC or to reimburse eligible applicants. This
program length is indefinite; it may be renewed or terminated by the
ministration and Finance Committee or by the Board of Directors. The
motion carried with applause from Board members.
Three-Way Races for Director Set in New England and Roanoke Divisions
ARRL members in the New England and Roanoke Divisions will choose among
three candidates running for Director in each Division. The candidates
include two incumbents. Those are the only contested races in this
year's election cycle for Director and Vice Director.
In the New England Division, the candidates for Director are the
incumbent, Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; Tom
Frenaye, K1KI, of West Suffield, Connecticut, and Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC,
of Hollis, New Hampshire.
New England Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI, of Watertown,
Massachusetts, was uncontested and has been declared elected.
In the Roanoke Division, the candidates for Director are the incumbent,
George "Bud" Hippisley, W2RU, of Penhook, Virginia, and challengers Dr.
James Boehner, N2ZZ, of Aiken, South Carolina, and Marvin Hoffman,
WA4NC, of Boone, North Carolina.
No one challenged Roanoke Division Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, of
Wilmington, North Carolina, and he has been declared elected for a new
term.
Incumbent Directors and Vice Directors in the ARRL Central, Hudson, and
Northwestern Divisions also had no challengers and have been declared
elected. In the Central Division, Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, of Fort
Wayne, Indiana, and Vice Director Brent Walls, N9BA, of Greenfield,
Indiana, will continue in their respective posts.
In the Hudson Division, Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ, of Sussex, New
Jersey, and Vice Director Bill Hudzik, W2UDT, of Gillette, New Jersey,
are unchallenged in this election cycle and have been declared elected.
In the Northwestern Division, Director Mike Ritz, W7VO, of Scappoose,
Oregon, and Vice Director Mark Tharp, KB7HDX, of Yakima, Washington,
also faced no challengers in their re-election bids.
Full ARRL members of the New England and Roanoke Divisions who are in
good standing as of September 10, 2021, will be mailed a ballot no
later than October 1, 2021. Completed ballots must be received at the
designated P.O. Box in the envelope provided by noon Eastern Time
Friday, November 19, 2021.
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Amateur Radio in the News
ARRL Public Information Officers, Coordinators, and many other
member-volunteers help keep amateur radio and ARRL in the news.
* Amateur ham radio operators help LAFD keep residents safe during
emergencies / Spectrum News 1 (California) September 2, 2021
* West Monroe ham radio operator provides assistance for those
affected by Hurricane Ida / KTVE 10 KARD (Louisiana) August 31,
2021
* Ham radio operators make a difference in disaster, ready if called
for Ida / NewsChannel 8 KTUL (Oklahoma), August 31, 2021
* Highland Lakes Amateur Radio Club hams it up for conversations,
competitions, community / DailyTrib.com (Texas) August 30, 2021
* Ham radios lead to a crazy coincidence and a unique Little League
World Series friendship / NorthCentralPA.com (Pennsylvania) August
26, 2021
Share any amateur radio media hits you spot with us.
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.
ARRL members may register for upcoming presentations and view
previously recorded 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.
Introduction to DMR and Digital Voice by Tim Deagan, KJ8U / Thursday,
September 9, 2021 @ 3:30 pm EDT (1930 UTC)
An introductory overview of digital voice (DV) technologies for ham
radio, focusing on DMR with notes on System Fusion, D-STAR, etc. The
session includes a description of DV architecture and components, as
well as the interesting opportunities and challenges it presents
amateur radio operators.
Working the Pileup, presented by Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO / Tuesday,
October 5, 2021 @ 1:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
Ron Delpiere-Smith, KD9IPO, Vice President of the Chicago Suburban
Radio Association and an ARRL Assistant Section Manager in Illinois,
will offer an enlightening discussion on working a pileup from both
sides of the contact. Whether your interest lies in ARRL Field Day,
contesting, special events, or rare DX, this is a must-see
presentation. Ron will discuss search-and-pounce and running
techniques, when to use them, and some tips on working them to your
advantage.
The ARRL Learning Network schedule is subject to change.
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Announcements
* The Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club's 22nd Route 66 on the Air
special event September 11 - 19 will deploy 22 stations, including
two rovers, with call signs W6A through W6V, from cities along the
highway. W6V will be a new station this year, located in Kingman,
so there will be two stations in Kingman. Route 66 is famous in
American history as the major road from the east to the west coast
and is connected with American car culture.
* Randy Gawtry, K0CBH, has departed HRD Software, leaving Michael
Carper, WA9PIE, as the sole owner, effective on July 31. Gawtry is
seeking to focus on new commercial interests with his company,
Timewave. HRD Software publishes the Ham Radio Deluxe suite of
amateur radio software.
* A SpaceX Dragon/Falcon 9 Resupply Service mission headed for the
International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, August 29, carrying
several CubeSats, including the first satellite from Puerto Rico,
PR-CuNaR2 (CubeSat NanoRocks2), developed by Inter American
University in Bayam¢n, where Amilcar Rinc¢n-Charris, WP4POG, heads
up the project. The satellite will be stowed on board the ISS for
future deployment into orbit. -- Thanks to Angel Santana, WP3GW
* Special event call sign SX021IEEE will be on the air from the 26th
IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications (ISCC) 2021, in
Athens, Greece, September 5 - 8. The station will be on the air
September 1 - 15.
* The permanent amateur radio special event station GB2RAF at the RAF
Air Defence Radar Museum in Norfolk, England, has shut down, but
the museum remains open. The station cited new RF exposure
regulations, a lack of operators, lack of public interest, and high
noise levels. The station had been on the air for 20 years.
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In Brief...
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio^(R) has the following
employment opportunities at ARRL Headquarters in Newington,
Connecticut. Qualified candidates are invited to email a cover letter
and resume to ARRL Human Resources. Visit the ARRL Employment
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