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

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

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

August 11, 2022

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

- Upcoming Ham Radio Conventions Emphasize Learning and Youth
- MFJ to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
- Amateur Radio in the News
- ARRL Podcasts Schedule
- Announcements
- In Brief...
- The K7RA Solar Update
- Just Ahead in Radiosport
- Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

UPCOMING HAM RADIO CONVENTIONS EMPHASIZE LEARNING AND YOUTH

Two major ham radio events in August will host Division Conventions for
ARRL <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests> The National Association for
Amateur Radio®. On August 20 - 21, the Huntsville Hamfest <https://hamfest.org/> will be the host of the ARRL Southeastern
Division Convention at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. On
August 26 - 28, the Northeast HamXposition <https://hamxposition.org/>
will host the combined ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions
at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

"Both conventions include an exceptional amount of programming to
encourage and instruct radio amateurs across a variety of interests,"
said ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA.
Goodgame, who used his recent experience as a school teacher to help
high school students earn their ham radio licenses, will participate in
both events. He will lead forums to share ways for engaging youth and
offer tools and tips for approaching schools about including amateur
radio in their programs and curriculum.

The Huntsville Hamfest will also include a Youth Lounge where young
and prospective hams can participate in hands-on activities and
demonstrations, including kit building, fox hunting (find the hidden transmitter), and opportunities to get on the air.

Other forums at the conventions will cover topics geared toward
inspiring attendees to get more active and involved in amateur radio.
Forums at the Huntsville Hamfest include "Arduino: The Next
Generation," with ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP; "Grounding and
Bonding," with ARRL editor and author Ward Silver, N0AX; "Fox Hunting
101," with co-presenters Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, and Mary Catherine
Domaleski, KI4HHI, and "Kit Building Techniques for Success," presented
by ARRL Handbook contributor Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB. Eisenberg is also
the speaker for the Saturday Grand Banquet at the Northeast
HamXposition.

A similar lineup of forums has been organized for the Northeast HamXposition, including "How to Solve Radio Frequency Interference,"
"Linux in Your Ham Shack," and "Playing Radio 'Outside'."

ARRL will have exhibits at both conventions, where attendees can
connect with membership program representatives and elected volunteers
from the Board of Directors and Field Organization. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and CEO David Minster, NA2AA, will attend the
Huntsville Hamfest. Minster will give the opening Keynote Address on
Saturday morning at the Northeast HamXposition.

The convention exhibit halls will also include the participation of manufacturers and equipment resellers -- an opportunity for attendees
to browse and shop in person for the latest in amateur radio equipment
and accessories. Among the confirmed exhibitors for the Huntsville
Hamfest are ABR Industries, BridgeCom Systems, Diamond® Antenna, DX Engineering, Elecraft, FlexRadio Systems, GigaParts, Ham Radio Outlet,
Icom America, MFJ Enterprises, N3ZN Keys, RT Systems, SteppIR
Communication Systems, and Yaesu USA. Exhibits at Northeast
HamXposition will include, among others, Elecraft, Ham Radio Outlet,
Momobeam, and Quicksilver Radio Products. Both conventions include a
flea market.

Audrey McElroy, KM4BUN, an 18-year-old student who recently started
her studies at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), will be presented with the 2022 Bill Pasternak WA6ITF Memorial Amateur Radio
Newsline Young Ham of the Year award at the Huntsville Hamfest. In
July, the ARRL Foundation awarded McElroy a $25,000 scholarship,
sponsored by Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC).

Proceeds from the Northeast HamXposition go to the FEMARA Scholarship
fund, which helps students attend a college or trade school of their
choice. Scholarships are administered by the ARRL Foundation
Scholarship Program <http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-program>.

Visit the official convention websites for advance tickets and a
complete listing of activities:

- Huntsville Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/huntsville-hamfest-arrl-southeastern-division-convention-1>,

hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention; Huntsville, Alabama
| August 20 - 21, 2022

- Northeast HamXposition <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/northeast-hamxposition-arrl-new-england-and-hudson-division-convention>,

hosting the ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions;
Marlborough, Massachusetts | August 26 - 28, 2022

A list of all ARRL-sanctioned hamfests and conventions is published at www.arrl.org/hamfests <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests> and includes these upcoming events:

- QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo <https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/> (online
event) | September 17 - 18, 2022. ARRL is a QSO Today partner.

- HRO Superfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/hro-superfest-arrl-central-division-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Central Division Convention; Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
September 23 - 24, 2022

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

hosting the ARRL Dakota Division Convention; West Fargo, North Dakota | September 24, 2022

- ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-rocky-mountain-division-convention>, Cheyenne, Wyoming | October 7 - 9, 2022

- Pacificon <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/pacificon-arrl-pacifc-division-convention> hosting the ARRL Pacific Division Convention; San Ramon, California |
October 14 - 16, 2022

MFJ TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

MFJ Enterprises <https://mfjenterprises.com/>, an amateur radio
electronics manufacturer and retailer, will celebrate 50 years in
business this October. Martin Jue, K5FLU, founded the company in 1972
after building a CW filter kit that sold for less than $10. Since 1990
the company has made five acquisitions, including Hy-Gain and Cushcraft antennas.

MFJ Customer Services and Public Relations Manager Richard Stubbs says
the company continues to grow with the popularity of amateur radio and currently manufactures over 2,000 products. "I've been with the company
for 28 years and the numbers are good," said Stubbs. "Amateur radio
continues to grow worldwide."

Quite a few of MFJ's employees have worked there for years, such as MFJ
Product Representative <>Phyllis Randle, who will be retiring in
September after 45 years with the company. She started working there
when she was a teenager in 1977, and she is now the Product
Representative for all MFJ dealers.

Jue graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's
degree in electrical engineering, and he earned a master's degree in
electrical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia
Tech). He served as a professor of electrical engineering at
Mississippi State University from 1972 until 1979, but abandoned his
doctorate in 1977 because of MFJ's growth.

Currently, because of COVID-19 concerns, the company does not have any
plans for a special event to celebrate the anniversary, although Stubbs
said that may change in the months ahead.

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>.

"Local radio club prepares for Ham Fest <https://www.brandonsun.com/local/2022/07/25/local-radio-club-prepares-for-ham-fest>"

/ The Brandon Sun (Canada), July 25, 2022. -- Thanks to the Brandon
Amateur Radio Club.

"Tripura To Set-Up Nearly 9 Ham Radio-Stations; Enabling Locals To
Communicate During Emergencies <https://www.northeasttoday.in/2022/08/05/tripura-to-set-up-nearly-9-ham-radio-stations-enabling-locals-to-communicate-during-emergencies/>"

/ Northeast Today (India), August 5, 2022.

"Harrison County Amateur Radio Emergency Service participates in
simulated disaster drills <https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/harrison-county-amateur-radio-emergency-services-participates-in-simulated-disaster-drills/ar-AA10ohP5>"

/ WLOX (Mississippi), August 6, 2022.

"Hamfest celebrates amateur radio operators <https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/hamfest-celebrates-amateur-radio-operators/article_06ea623a-1165-56b4-ba14-8392673b5f49.html>"

/ The Herald-Dispatch (West Virginia), August 8, 2022. -- Tri-State
Amateur Radio Association, W8VA, is an ARRL Affiliated Cub.

"Broadstairs eight-year-old to feature on NASA website after radio chat
with ISS astronaut <https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2022/08/10/broadstairs-eight-year-old-to-feature-on-nasa-website-after-radio-chat-with-iss-astronaut/>"

/ The Isle of Thanet News (United Kingdom), August 10, 2022. -- Thanks
to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), and the Hilderstone Radio Society, G0HRS.

"Students at Kopernik Speak to Astronaut Aboard ISS <https://www.wicz.com/story/47070053/students-at-kopernik-speak-to-astronaut-aboard-iss>"

/ FOX 40 WICZ TV (New York), August 10, 2022. -- Thanks to Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), the Kopernik
Observatory & Science Center, and the Binghamton Amateur Radio
Association, an ARRL Affiliated Club.

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

ARRL PODCASTS SCHEDULE

The latest episode of the ARRL On the Air
<https://blubrry.com/arrlontheair/> podcast (Episode 32) addresses the
topic of scanning, with specific discussions about memory scanning,
CTCSS tone scanning, priority watch, and more.

The latest edition of the ARRL Eclectic Tech <https://blubrry.com/eclectictech/> podcast (Episode 66) features Steve
Ford, WB8IMY, discussing VARAC, a new conversational HF digital mode
that is gaining popularity, an innovative antenna design that will be
traveling on a NASA mission to Europa, and new research exploring the possibility of beaming electric power down to Earth from orbit.

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/>.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Hancock Auxcomm Team in Chester, West Virginia, is again hosting
the annual Teapot Day Special Event Station <https://www.wv8hat.org/TPD.html>using the call signs W1T, K2T, W3T,
W4T, W5T, W6T, W7T, W8T, W9T, W0T, and WV8HAT. The event is currently
in operation through August 14, and it celebrates the world's largest
teapot. Before finding its home in Chester, which was once known as the
pottery capital of the world, the giant teapot started out as a root
beer stand, and then became a clubhouse for a miniature golf course in
Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was moved to Chester in 1938 and served as a
roadside attraction for a local pottery company. The Teapot Day Special
Event Station has been held for 6 years. Operators will be eligible for
a certificate by contacting one or all stations. The event also
includes endorsements for the bonus stations and a clean sweep. More information is available at the Hancock Auxcomm Team website <https://www.wv8hat.org/TPD.html>. Use the ARRL Special Event Stations <https://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations> listing to find other
on-air events.

This year's 10th Youngsters on the Air Summer Camp is taking place in
Karlovac, Croatia, August 6 - 13, 2022. Attending from the Americas is
Mily Erazo, YS1YXI, from El Salvador, along with her father, Juan
Erazo, YS1JFE, who is participating as a team leader. Participants are publishing a daily blog from the camp: www.ham-yota.com/yota2022 <https://www.ham-yota.com/yota2022/>.

IN BRIEF...

Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has awarded two separate
grants to help educate students about amateur radio. The first is a
grant for the Hampton University School of Engineering and Technology.
Hampton will introduce its students in the fields of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to amateur radio and
engage them through activities that provide unique hands-on, experience-building opportunities. Additionally, the grant will fund
hour-long educational programs highlighting scholars studying STEM
topics that will be aired on the university's FM radio station, WHOV.
Hampton University seeks to ensure that African Americans have access
to educational opportunities in engineering and technology and, informs
the community of significant contributions made to the profession by
African Americans and all ethnic minorities. The second grant <> was
awarded to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) program,
"Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum (and Why Ham Radio Matters
<>)". This grant will be used to focus on broadening the excitement of
amateur radio among BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students. NRAO Director Tony
Beasley noted, "Amateur radio continues to be incredibly important to
the nation and global communications, and NRAO is excited to be working
with ARDC to bring a new generation and diverse communities to the
field." ARDC <https://www.ampr.org/> is a California-based foundation
with roots in amateur radio and the technology of internet
communication.

THE K7RA SOLAR UPDATE

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

Solar activity did a rebound this week to more active levels.

The average daily sunspot number increased from 36.6 to 65.4, and the
average daily 10.7-centimeter solar flux rose from 95.7 to 111.9.

Solar wind caused geomagnetic numbers to rise, with the average
planetary A index going from 7.7 to 14.4, and middle latitude numbers
from 8.6 to 12.1.

An improved outlook shows solar flux peaking at 116 on September 2 - 4.

A look at ARRL Propagation Bulletin ARLP032 from 2021 gives a
perspective on solar cycle progress. A year ago, the average sunspot
number was 6, and the average solar flux was just 74.8. Quite a
difference from 65.4 and 111.9 during the past week.

Predicted flux values are 105 on August 11 - 13; 108 on August 14; 110
on August 15 - 18; 104 on August 19 - 21; 98, 100, 102, 100, 102, and
100 on August 22 - 27; 102 on August 28 - 30; 108 and 114 on August 31
and September 1; 116 on September 2 - 4; 112 on September 5 - 7; 110 on September 8 - 9, and 108 on September 10 - 12.

Predicted planetary A index is 12 on August 11; 8 on August 12 - 13; 5
on August 14 - 17; 8 and 15 on August 18 - 19; 8 on August 20 - 21; 5
on August 22 - 26; 12 on August 27; 8 on August 28 - 30; 5 on August 31
through September 2; 14, 18, 14, 10, and 8 on September 3 - 7, and 5 on September 8 - 12.

Always appreciate The Sun Now from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory: https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov <https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/>.

Another cycle prediction method can be found at: https://phys.org/news/2022-08-newly-solar-clock-precisely-events.html.

Sunspot numbers for August 4 through 10, 2022, were 52, 69, 69, 87, 63,
58, and 60, with a mean of 65.4. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 108.8,
112.2, 116.3, 116.1, 113, 109.4, and 107.6, with a mean of 111.9.
Estimated planetary A indices were 6, 6, 4, 24, 31, 19, and 11, with a
mean of 14.4. Middle latitude A index was 7, 7, 5, 20, 21, 15, and 10,
with a mean of 12.1.

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

- August 12 -- QRP Fox Hunt (CW)

- August 12 - 14 -- MMMonVHF/DUBUS 144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint Contest
(CW, phone, digital)

- August 13 - 14 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)

- August 13 -- Kentucky State Parks on the Air (CW, phone, digital)

- August 13 - 14 -- Maryland-DC QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

- August 13 - 14 -- 50-MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)

- August 15 -- Four States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)

- August 16 -- Worldwide Sideband Activity Contest (phone)

- August 17 -- Phone Weekly Test (phone)

- August 17 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest (FT8)

- August 18 - 19 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)

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

UPCOMING SECTION, STATE, AND DIVISION CONVENTIONS

- August 13 | Tidewater Hamfest and Swap Meet <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/tidewater-hamfest-and-swap-meet-arrl-virginia-state-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Virginia State Convention, Portsmouth, Virginia

- August 20 - 21 | Huntsville Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/huntsville-hamfest-arrl-southeastern-division-convention-1>,

hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention, Huntsville, Alabama

- August 26 - 28 | Northeast HamXposition <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/northeast-hamxposition-arrl-new-england-and-hudson-division-convention>,

hosting the ARRL New England and Hudson Division Conventions,
Marlborough, Massachusetts

- September 2 - 4 | Shelby Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/shelby-hamfest-arrl-north-carolina-section-convention-1>,

hosting the ARRL North Carolina Section Convention, Shelby, North
Carolina

- September 11 | ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-southern-new-jersey-section-convention-1>, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

- September 17 - 18 | QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo <https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/> (online event). ARRL is a QSO Today
partner.

- September 23 - 24 | HRO Superfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/hro-superfest-arrl-central-division-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Central Division Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

- September 24 | Red River Radio Amateur Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/red-river-radio-amateur-hamfest-arrl-dakota-division-convention>,

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

- September 24 | Spokane Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/spokane-hamfest-arrl-washington-state-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Washington State Convention, Spokane Valley,
Washington

- October 1 | Wichita Area Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/wichita-area-hamfest-arrl-kansas-state-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Kansas State Convention, Wichita, Kansas

- October 1 | Rock Hill Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/70th-annual-rock-hill-hamfest-arrl-south-carolina-section-convention>,

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

- October 7- 8 | Melbourne Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/melbourne-hamfest-arrl-florida-state-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Florida State Convention, Melbourne, Florida

- October 7- 8 | Slidell EOC Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/slidell-eoc-hamfest-arrl-louisiana-state-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Louisiana State Convention, Slidell, Louisiana

- October 7- 9 | ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/arrl-rocky-mountain-division-convention>, Cheyenne, Wyoming

- October 9 | Nutmeg Hamfest <http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/nutmeg-hamfest-arrl-connecticut-state-convention>,

hosting the ARRL Connecticut State Convention, North Haven, Connecticut

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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