ARRL Audio News December 8, 2023
ARRL Audio News December 8, 2023
Bandwidth Limits Replace Symbol Rates on the HF Bands, Other Bands Open for Comment
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published new rules adopted last month that replace the symbol rate restrictions on the HF bands with a bandwidth limit of 2.8 kHz. The new rules go into effect January 8, 2024. The bands and band segments affected by the rules change are those authorized for data transmission between 160 and 10 meters, exclusive of 60 meters (where no change was made)...
IARU and ARRL Attending WRC-23 in Dubai, UAE
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) began November 20 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will continue through December 15, 2023. During WRC-23, the ITU's 193 sovereign Member States, each with one equal vote, will address items on a formal agenda in an effort to reach consensus on revisions to the ITU Radio Regulations, the interna...
ARRL Teachers Institute Grad Prepares Students for Ham Radio Contact with Astronaut
ARRL celebrates the success of an ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology graduate. The skills learned in the Teachers Institute (TI) have led to a school having an amazing opportunity using amateur radio. On Monday, December 11, 2023, students at Harbor Creek Senior High School in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, will host an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact. A...
Hamcommunity Links
Internet and Radio/Directories
The Ham Community WebLinks Directory is a curated collection of amateur radio link. It is designed for members to share exceptionally useful websites. Contributions follow guidelines, moderated by community moderators.
New Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released Effective July 1, 2024
The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) has released the 2024 - 2028 Extra-Class FCC Element 4 Question Pool and Syllabus to the public. The new Extra-Class Question Pool is effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028. The 2024 - 2028 pool is available as a Microsoft Word document and as a PDF. The 10 graphics required for the new ...
VOTA Red Badges On The Air Event December 17
2023 has been a fun operating year for ARRL’s Year of the Volunteers with the Volunteers On the Air (VOTA) event. To help members boost their VOTA point totals, ARRL is hosting a Red Badges on the Air activity on December 17, 2023, from 1500 - 2100 UTC. The objective of the event is to provide an opportunity for VOTA participants to work more ARRL officers and elected officials, such as Directo...
Smart SO2R Antenna Switcher: A DIY Solution
Technical Reference/Arduino
In pursuit of enhanced station efficiency, the author describes crafting an Arduino-based smart antenna switcher for an SO2R setup. Faced with manual antenna switching challenges during contests, the project utilizes a Logos Electromechanical 4x4 Driver Shield and a Power Screw shield for seamless functionality. Despite its raw appearance, the automatic switcher proves indispensable in contest scenarios, prompting considerations for future improvements and standardization of station control protocols.
NCVEC Question Pool Committee Removes Two General-Class License Questions
The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) has removed two General-class license questions. Pursuant to the November 13, 2023, FCC rule change to remove symbol rate restrictions on amateur radio digital emissions (http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-hails-fcc-action-to-remove-symbol-rate-restrictions), the QPC of the NCVEC has deleted two question...
ARDC and ARRL Announce $2.1 Million for the Next Generation of Amateur Radio
Pititico CW Transceiver
Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers
Pititico CW QRPP transceiver designed by PY2OHH. One of the smallest and simplest transceivers designed around a 2N2222 transistor.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2346
Introduction to HF - Aerials, Low-Viz Rain Gutter Antenna Mount, A 2 meter band-pass cavity using surplus Heliax, Eggbeater Mobile Antenna, Ham Imports - Your guide to Chinese ham radios, SWLog, Fully automatic antenna switch project, Quisk,
KEYERduino low-cost Arduino project
Technical Reference/Arduino/Morse Code
A low-cost Arduino project expanding on the button tutorial, where three inputs act as "buttons" generating Morse code on a WOTDUINO. This keyer, costing around £4, offers learning potential and hints at more complex ham radio applications.
International Radio Club of America
Shortwave Radio/Clubs
Established in 1964, IRCA is a dedicated club focused on the pastime of tuning into distant stations on the AM broadcast band (510-1720 kHz). The club's official publication, DX Monitor, is released 35 times annually. It is published weekly from October to March, twice in September and April, and monthly from May to August. DX Monitor includes members' loggings, articles covering radio stations, receiver reviews, technical pieces, DX tips, and other content of relevance to Broadcast Band DX enthusiasts. Additionally, IRCA is affiliated with ANARC.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2345
NinoTNC, FT8 - The Basics Explained, Fractal Antennas Master Course, Morse Code Practice Oscillator, DIY 850 MHz Yagi Antenna, Kydera,
Florida Hams Make Contact 100 Miles Apart via 10-Meter Repeater… in Switzerland.
When 10 meters is open, amazing things can happen. Lu Romero, W4LT, knows that well. He said, “When 10 is open, I often venture up into the top of the band to see if there is any FM activity. I’ve always liked to use 10 FM, especially when conditions are marginal to observe the Faraday phase distortion on signals. Before FT8, 10 FM was always a good way to discover where the band was propagatin...
KG7HQ Blog
Supporting Amateur Radio and other Communications interests
Kenwood TH-F6A Cable
Radio Equipment/VHF-UHF Handhelds/Kenwood TH-F6A
Build a cable to connect your PC to the Kenwood TH-F6A radio
ARRL Advocacy Win: FCC Approves Request for Pearl Harbor Day Crossband Operations
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® sought a waiver on behalf of the activators, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted it. The waiver allows amateur radio operators to participate in a special event commemorating the 82nd annual National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Association (BIARA), with authority from the US Navy and Sou...
Arduino QRP Transceiver: DIY Success on HF Bands
Technical Reference/Arduino
This article introduces an Arduino-based QRP CW Transceiver designed for lower HF bands. The journey begins with the Wotduino, evolving from a keyer to a multi-mode beacon. The development includes a QRP transmitter and culminates in a receiver inspired by Roy Lewallen design. The transceiver, controlled through a control bus features a signal path, modulation, filtering, and adjustable frequency settings. Despite initial testing intentions, successful QSOs on 80 and 40 meters showcase its functional capabilities.
ARRL Audio News December 1, 2023
ARRL Audio News December 1, 2023
ARRL RF Safety Committee Develops New Guidelines to Communicate RF Safety
Radio amateurs now have a new tool from ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® to help answer questions about their stations. Neighbors of amateur radio operators are sometimes concerned about transmissions and radio frequency exposure from amateur stations. The ARRL RF Safety Committee, with their international counterparts at the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), the Irish Rad...
WX1AW Active for 2023 SKYWARN™ Recognition Day
As part of the celebrations for SKYWARN™ Recognition Day (SRD) on December 2, 2023, hams will be on the air as WX1AW from the ARRL® Radio Laboratory station, W1HQ. ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, and other amateurs plan to be on the air for several hours Saturday morning and midday. The event honors all SKYWARN storm spotters and amateur radio operators for their co...
RF-Quiet Solar PV for Ham Radio
Technical Reference/Radio Frequency Interference
This article discusses the potential for solar power systems to coexist harmoniously with amateur radio, challenging the notion that they are inherently incompatible. Drawing from personal experience, the author emphasizes the importance of selecting RF-quiet components, focusing on series-string Sunny Boy grid-tie inverters. The article also highlights considerations for system design and limitations based on roof orientation, shading, and array size. Overall, it presents a valuable perspective on creating a radio-friendly solar PV setup.
A Compact and Stealthy Field Portable Antenna
Antennas/Portable
In the quest for an ideal field portable antenna, the author recounts experiments involving various wire configurations. While a previous candidate, a 41ft random wire, proved effective but lacked stealth, the search led to a surprising rediscovery of a design previously rejected—the Rybakov Antenna. With a focus on simplicity, rapid deployment, and multiband capability, the author explores the versatility of a 26ft Rybakov, avoiding the halfwave trap. The article delves into the antenna's performance and its potential as a discreet, resonant solution for field operations, addressing the challenges encountered during a POTA activation. Additionally, the Unun/Balun design used in conjunction with the Rybakov Antenna is discussed, providing insights into achieving a balanced system.
W1SMA SCMARG
South Coast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Group
IC705 GoBox: A Portable Windows-Based Solution for All-Digital Modes
Technical Reference/Ham Radio Go Kits
This project details the creation of a portable GoBox housing an IC705, Windows 11 PC, and Bluetooth microphone. The robust setup, enclosed in a weatherproof Hofbauer Explorer Case, ensures stability and functionality for QRP and emergency radio activities. The aluminum-mounted devices minimize RF interference, and a built-in LifePO4 battery powers the 10.1 TFT touch LED monitor, providing approximately 12 hours of use in receive mode. With a focus on grab-and-go versatility, this GoBox stands as an efficient solution for outdoor ham radio operations.
Understanding Impacts of 75-ohm Devices in 50-ohm Systems
Technical Reference/Coax Cables and Connectors
This article explores the implications of using 75-ohm devices, common in TV setups, within 50-ohm systems. While mismatched cables and connectors may lead to minimal consequences in receive-only setups, potential losses and reduced isolation in splitters and taps are examined. The article concludes that, for general applications, inexpensive TV-type components can offer reasonable performance with some trade-offs
Enhancing Frontend Performance with Optimized Band Pass Filters
Technical Reference/Filters
This article explores the nuanced design challenges of Band Pass Filters (BPF) in radio receivers, balancing low insertion loss, high stop band rejection, and narrow bandwidth. The focus is on the "Series-Trap, Shunt-C" topology, resonator count impact, and meticulous layout design for superior stop band performance across various frequency bands
4W8X Log Online
DX Resources/Logs
4W8X DXpedition - November 2023 Timor Leste
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2344
Build a W3DZZ Antenna, Field Strength Meter, 6 Meter Beacons - Worldwide, aLog365, E51D North Cook Islands, E51D Log Online, Yaesu FT-818 Review, WRTC 2026 UK,
HW44A Log Online
DX Resources/Logs
Online Log and OQRS for H44WA DX Pedition to Solomon Islands 2023
Enhancing Icom IC-7300 RX Antenna
Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers/Icom IC-7300
Despite the model limitations, such as a single TXRX antenna connector, the author shares a reversible modification involving a coax relay for enhanced functionality, demonstrating the transceiver's adaptability and customization potential.
ARRL Audio News November 22, 2023
ARRL Audio News November 22, 2023
2023 Fall Section Manager Election Results
Two balloted Section Manager elections were conducted this fall. Ballots were counted on Tuesday, November 21, at ARRL Headquarters. All two-year terms of office will begin on January 1, 2024. For Section Manager of the ARRL Alaska Section:
- David Stevens, KL7EB (incumbent), received 105 votes
- Jeffrey Wolf, N8EX, received 72 votes
David Stevens, KL7EB, of Anchorage, Alaska, has been declared re-el...
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