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By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President
November 2021 Hi Everyone, Last October’s Club Program Was: “The Raspberry Pi Mini Computer + Ham Radio, + Much More” presented by LCARC Club VP George Suprenant N9GWS. Thank you George! This November’s Club Meeting will be: Producing Amateur Radio Newsline Presented by Paul Braun WD9GCO. The physical Club meeting and ZOOM link will start at 7:30pm Friday November 12th. Look for the ZOOM link on www.W9LJ.org (lower first webpage) or on Facebook. Club members will have the link sent to their email as well as a meeting reminder. The physical meeting is at the EMA office 2900 W. 93rd, Crown Point IN. BTW, Paul is the President of the Porter County Amateur Radio Club www.PC-ARC.net MORE CLUB NEWS It’s Club Board 2022 Election Time. It’s absolutely fine to nominate yourself to serve in 2022. The Club needs you and it’s actually easy and fun. Here is the 2022 slate running… so far; Tim McGillen N9CA George Suprenant N9GWS Russ McComb KB9HO Jim Harney KF9EX Mark Skowronski K9MQ John Litton KI4CHF Kenny Brown KE9TC Paul Pietrie KD9NPC LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program If you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club (found on www.W9LJ.org) and physically attend at least one live Club meeting. LCARC Information NET EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes FOX HUNT ANTENNA Club building project using tape measures and PVC pipe coming up soon. HR Items For Sale: coming to www.W9LJ.org in the next few weeks. UPCOMING HAMFESTS 11/13/2021 - 11/14/2021 Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo, ARRL Central Division Convention Location: Fort Wayne, IN Type: ARRL Convention Sponsor: Allen County Amateur Radio Technical Society Website: http://www.fortwaynehamfest.com 11/27/2021 - Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association Hamfest Location: Brazil, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: None Learn More *BTW, no Illinois hamfests are currently posted on ARRL.org until 2022! OTHER IMPORTANT HR ITEMS Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net EVERY Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CDT. ARES membership not required to check in. N9IAA repeater 146.685 pl 173.8. Joe/W1SPY offers free training and practice in the latest digital EMCOMM modes. Joe has also created a great new website that he constantly updates. www.ARESd1.com Local VE Exams:11/06/2021 | Valparaiso IN 46383-4820Sponsor: Porter County ARC Location: Valparaiso Public Library Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) 11/11/2021 | Valparaiso IN 46383-4820 Sponsor: Porter County ARC Location: Valparaiso Public Library Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed) Learn More NOVEMBER 2021 CONTESTS November 6th – 8th ARRL CW Sweepstakes (info @ www.ARRL.org) November 20th – 22nd ARRL SSB Sweepstakes (info @ www.ARRL.org) November 27 – 28th CQWW DX CW Contest (info @ www.CQWW.com) January 1 – 8th 2022 Crystal Radio DX Contest It is hoped that the upcoming 'Crystal Radio DX Contest' will generate interest in the design, construction and operation of crystal radios while giving entrants the opportunity to discuss and compare the design and operating capabilities of their radios. Using unpowered ‘passive’ receivers to detect stations hundreds of miles away is both an exciting and enjoyable pastime. Info: www.facebook.com/groups/crystalradiodxcontestgroup/ Building plans: www.analogdial.com click on Alfred P. Morgan-- Crystal Radio Set MORE HR NEWS The ARRL Foundation will start accepting applications for its 2022 scholarship program on November 1. The submission deadline is December 31. More than 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000 will be awarded in 2022. The 2022 scholarship year totals an eligible amount of over $800,000 to be awarded. All applicants must be FCC-licensed radio amateurs (active non-US radio amateurs are eligible for scholarships sponsored by ARDC), and many scholarships have specific requirements, such as intended area of study, or residence within a particular ARRL Division, Section, or state, and license class. Some scholarships also require additional documentation, such as letters of recommendation. 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Confirms November 2022 Activation The 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition team says that with its first deposit on its contract to have the SS Marama provide transportation to Bouvet, it has confirmed its plans to activate the second most-wanted DXCC entity in November 2022. The WSJT-X development team has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X version 2.5.1. This release mainly contains improvements and repairs defects related to Q65 and JT65 when used with nonstandard and compound call signs. Those planning to use Q65 or JT65 to make weak-signal contacts involving a nonstandard call sign should upgrade to this version. Also included is a new feature for microwave aircraft scatter, as well as repairs for bugs detected since the general availability release of version 2.5.0. A complete listing of changes is available in the Release Notes. Links to WSJT-X 2.5.1 installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Mac are available. PROPAGATION PREDICTIONS The K7RA Solar Update Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspot activity was up with the average daily sunspot number increasing by nearly five-fold from 11.3 to 54.9. Average daily solar flux rose from 78.6 to 95.7. Solar Flux (which creates skip DX on HF bands and 6 meters) rose to 110 at the end of October. The new daily prediction levels for November are from 88 to 96. *FYI: Two years ago, our Solar Flux stood at just 68. Solar Cycle 24 (a weak Solar Cycle) peaked at 145 in 2014 For daily flux and propagation go to: www.dxmaps.com The live Solar Flux and MUF is in the upper right of screen. Q: Question: The Hallicrafters HT-4 had a carrier output of 325 watts phone and 450 CW and sold for $795.00 in 1940. What was the shipping weight? A) 112lb, B) 234lbs, C) 364lbs, D) 436lbs A: C) 364lbs !! Adjusting for inflation, that 1940s transmitter would cost you… $15,900. No way Amazon Prime or UPS would deliver this to your door step. 73, Tim/N9CA (Hope to see you Friday November 12th @ 7:30pm) SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President October 2021 Hi Everyone, Last month’s Club Program: “Solar Effects On Earth’s Power Grid” was by Charlie Sutana AJ9N via ZOOM from Florida. Charlie, thank you for an insightful “what-if” program. You gave us all a lot to think about. The Covid pandemic just might look like small potatoes. Here is a link to the recorded program: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ji55rwreqjkbzsykxdbqe/LCARS_2021-09-10_Meeting_Geomagnetic_Disturbance_Impact_as_of_2021-08-24_2200_UTC.pptx?dl=0&rlkey=bde0pg3huavyowrmcutk1ovxk October’s Club Program: “The Raspberry Pi Mini Computer + Ham Radio, + Much More” presented by LCARC Club VP George Suprenant N9GWS. Kits available at; adafruit.com dfrobot.com, Chicago electronics and vendors on Amazon.com. A case and fan are needed it you plan to run a full SDR or FT8 with the thing. BridgeCom makes an HT to WiFi hotspot using a Raspberry PI (with no fan!). Popular links are below. Click on OR copy and paste address into your browser. https://all3dp.com/2/amateur-pi-raspberry-pi-ham-radio-internet-radio/ http://www.hamblog.co.uk/top-10-amateur-radio-uses-for-raspberry-pi/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dN4hos5_6M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzkDxKkjRXQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrN55ZwZikQ http://www.g0hwc.com/raspberry-pi-ham-radio.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zNWX85wa8Y https://www.rtl-sdr.com/building-a-ham-tranceiver-with-an-rtl-sdr-raspberry-pi-and-rpitx/ October’s Club Meeting: The physical Club meeting and ZOOM link will start at 7:30pm Friday Octuober 8th. Look for the ZOOM link on W9LJ.org. Club members will also have had this link sent to their email as well as a meeting reminder. The physical meeting is at the EMA office 2900 W. 93rd, Crown Point IN. MORE CLUB NEWS LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program If you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club (found on www.W9LJ.org) and physically attend at least one live Club meeting. LCARC Information NET EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes UPCOMING HAMFEST NEWSAt ARRL.org, there are three Indiana Hamfests in October. All three are waaay waaay down in southern Indiana. For me, plan B is to wait until November. 11/13/2021 - 11/14/2021 Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo, ARRL Central Division Convention Location: Fort Wayne, IN Type: ARRL Convention Sponsor: Allen County Amateur Radio Technical Society Website: http://www.fortwaynehamfest.com 11/27/2021 - Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association Hamfest Location: Brazil, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: None Learn More *BTW, no Illinois hamfests are currently posted on ARRL.org until 2022! OTHER IMPORTANT HR ITEMS Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net EVERY Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CDT. ARES membership not required to check in. N9IAA repeater 146.685 pl 173.8. Joe/W1SPY offers free training and practice in the latest digital EMCOMM modes. Joe has also created a great new website that he constantly updates. www.ARESd1.com OCTOBER CONTESTS FT8 North American Stations are to transmit on the “ODD” ½ minute intervals. SO… looking at the main page of WSJT, in the middle middle of the page, just below the software menu click setting box that says DECODE, is a another click check box that says “Tx even 1st”. Make sure this box is not “clicked toggled” to “on”. SOTA & POTA (not SODA) Summits On The Air. Worth a few moments to read the interesting link below to understand what HR equipment they are using, the adversities, and the joy of it all. So, copy and paste the link below into your browser. I think you will be glad you did. https://www.k0nr.com/wordpress/2021/09/sota-pota-yellowstone-grand-teton/ Locally, we do have 3 sand dune “mountains” at the Indiana Dunes State Park and of course Mount Baldy near Michigan City. Hmmm? The 2021 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is Just Ahead The weekend of October 2 – 3 2021 is designated for holding the annual ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET), although local and Section-level exercises may take place throughout the fall. The SET is ARRL’s primary national emergency exercise and is designed to assess the skills and preparedness of Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) volunteers, as well as those affiliated with other organizations involved in emergency and disaster response. The SET encourages maximum participation by all radio amateurs, partner organizations, and national, state, and local officials who typically engage in emergency or disaster response. In addition to ARES volunteers, those active in the National Traffic System (NTSÔ), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN®, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and a variety of other allied groups and public service-oriented radio amateurs are needed to fulfill important roles in this nationwide exercise. The SET offers volunteers an opportunity to test equipment, modes, and skills under simulated emergency conditions and scenarios. Individuals can use the time to update a “go-kit” for use during deployments and to ensure their home station’s operational capability in an emergency or disaster. To get involved, contact your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net Manager JOTA - Scouting Jamboree On The Air The weekend of October 15-17 2021. Millions of scouts (boys and girls) participate around the world with amateur radio each JOTA. * This not a contest but an event. Please ANSWER when you hear them call “CQ” . Visit ARRL.org for info, or click the link below. https://www.scouting.org/international/jota-joti/ SCHOOL CLUB ROUNDUP October 18-22 2021 This 5-day event runs Monday through Friday from 1300 UTC Monday through 2359 UTC Friday. A station may operate no more than 6 hours in a 24-hour period, and a maximum of 24 hours of the 107 hour event. These are school Clubs looking for contacts to score points for certificates. They will be clustered about the frequencies below. Why not answer them and give them some points? They are our future! More details at ARRL.org Phone (MHz): 1.855-1.865; 3.850-3.880; 7.225-7.255; 14.250-14.280; 21.300-21.330; 28.440-28.460 CW (MHz): 1.800-1.810; 3.530-3.540; 7.030-7.040; 14.030-14,.040; 21.130-21.140; 28.130-28.140 CQWW DX SSB CONTEST October 30th and 31st . “CQWW is the largest Amateur Radio competition in the world.” Over 35,000 participants take to the airwaves on the last weekend of October (SSB) and November (CW) with the goal of making as many contacts with as many different DXCC entities and CQ Zones as possible. Visit www.CQWW.com for more info. EVEN MORE HR NEWS · Lance Collister, W7GJ, will undertake a 6-meter DX-pedition to the Austral and Marquesas Islands. He'll spend October 15 - 24 as FO/W7GJ on the Australs, and October 28 - November 7 as TX7MB on the Marquesas. He is planning to use the Q65-60A for all 6-meter moonbounce activity and FT8 for terrestrial contacts. · The Arizona Association for Summits on the Air (SOTA) will host the 4th annual 10-Point s2s Madness event on Saturday, October 2, 1400 - 2359 UTC. In this event, multiple hams simultaneously operate mountaintop portable on 10-point summits. Hams can participate as activators or chasers; add your information to the Alerts section on the SOTA website if you plan to activate. The same website will display the spots on the day of the event, if you are a chaser. In the past, 25 - 30 activators are on a 10-point summit at the same time. For more information, contact Pete Scola, WA7JTM, or search social media for the hashtag #TenPointMadness. The K7RA Solar Update Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Predicted Solar flux; October 5; 82 on October 6; 80 on October 7 - 8; 78 on October 9 - 11; 75 on October 12 - 20; 80 on October 21 - 22; 82 on October 23 - 25; 84 and 82 on October 26 - 27, and 84 on October 28 - November 1. The northern autumnal equinox occurred at 1920 UTC on September 22, which means Earth is bathed in approximately equal amounts of solar radiation over the Northern and Southern hemispheres, always a good sign for HF propagation. Propagation Also, check out the Propagation Page link of Indiana Section Manager and Club friend Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA. For What It’s Worth – A Survey Here is your Chance! Please for the direction(s) you want the Club to do more of: Email your thoughts via W9LJ.org · Contesting · ARES · More NETS · DMR · Local Volunteering · Building sessions · Computers · Advanced Ham Radio License Classes · Off-The-Grid outings · More on Propagation · A Bowling Team · Breakfast get together · Dinner night · Or some-thin else Q: In what year was SSB beginning to be heard on the ham bands? 1955, 1960, 1948, or 1962 73, Tim/N9CA (Hope to see you Tuesday October 8th @ 7:30pm) A: 1948 SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President September 2021 Hi Everyone, Last months Club Program: “6 meter Propagation” simulcast to us via ZOOM and presented by Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA. Thank you again Carl for the generous sharing of your time with us. The presentation on “The Magic Band” demonstrated why so many find it fascinating. September Program: “Solar Effects On Earth’s Power Grid” by Charlie Sutana AJ9N via ZOOM from Florida. The physical Club meeting and ZOOM link will start at 7:30pm Friday September 10th. Look for the ZOOM link on W9LJ.org. Club members will also have had this link sent to their email as well as a meeting reminder. Physical meeting at the EMA office 2900 W. 93rd, Crown Point IN. MORE CLUB NEWS LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program If you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club (found on www.W9LJ.org) and physically attend at least one live Club meeting. LCARC Information NET EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes Indiana Parks On The Air (INPOTA) is Saturday September 11th. We will be getting a group together to meet and operate off-the-grid at the Indiana Dunes State Park (weather permitting). Set-up 8-10am. On the air operating 10-5pm. Contact Tim N9CA via W9LJ.org for details for a day near the Saturday European Market, shops, and pub restaurants of Chesterton. The IDSP has one of the 10 best rated beaches… in the entire world! October Club Program: “The Raspberry Pi mini-computer”. Live hands-on building and programing for Ham Radio use. Kits available in stock at; adafruit.com dfrobot.com and vendors on Amazon.com. A case and fan are needed it you plan to run a full SDR or FT8 with the thing. BridgeCom makes an HT to WiFi hotspot using a Raspberry PI (with no fan!). UPCOMING HAMFEST NEWS 09/11/2021 - MARC Tailgate Hamfest Location: Franklin, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Midstate Amateur Radio Club Website: http://www.midstatehams.org (down I-65, South of Indy near Columbus and Nashville Indiana) 09/11/2021 - Tippecanoe County Hamfest Location: Lafayette, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Tippecanoe Amateur Radio Association 09/10/2021 - 09/11/2021 W9DXCC Convention, ARRL Illinois Section Convention Location: Naperville, IL Type: ARRL Convention Sponsor: Northern Illinois DX Association (NIDXA) Website: http://w9dxcc.com 09/18/2021 - 09/19/2021 PAARC Superfest 2021 Location: Pekin, IL Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club Website: http://www.w9uvi.org 09/26/2021 - Radio Expo Location: Belvidere , IL Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Chicago FM Club Website: http://chicagofmclub.org OTHER IMPORTANT HR ITEMS Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net EVERY Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CDT. ARES membership not required to check in. N9IAA repeater 146.685 pl 173.8. Joe/W1SPY offers free training and practice in the latest digital EMCOMM modes. Joe has also created a great new website that he constantly updates. www.ARESd1.com SEPTEMBER CONTESTS FT8 North American Stations are to transmit on the “ODD” ½ minute intervals. SO… looking at the main page of WSJT, in the middle middle of the page, just below the software menu click setting box that says DECODE, is a another click check box that says “Tx even 1st”. Make sure this box is not “clicked toggled” to “on”. Hunting For NDBs In CLE 271 https://ns6t.net/azimuth/azimuth.html It's CLE time! 'CLE's are 'Co-ordinated Listening Events, and NDB DXers around the world focus their listening time on one small slice of the NDB spectrum. Click on headline to be directed to an article that tells you everything. SOTA W0C 10-10-10 Challenge Report In the ilk of POTA and INPOTA, there is SOTA. Worth a few moments to read the interesting link.. For activators, the objective was to activate 10 summits higher than 10k feet in 10 days. … Continue reading SOTA W0C 10-10-10 Challenge Report → Locally, we do have 3 sand dune “mountains” at the Indiana Dunes State Park and of course Mount Baldy near Michigan City. Hmmm? · September 1 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest · September 1 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone) · September 1 - 3 -- G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest (CW) · September 2 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital) · September 2 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW) · September 11-13th ARRL VHF Contest Details at: ARRL.org · September 18-19th ARRL 10 GHZ and Up Contest Details at: ARRL.org · September 25-26 CQWW RTTY Contest. Details at: cqwwrtty.com The K7RA Solar Update Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sun watchers saw no days without sunspots this week. Average daily sunspot numbers rose from 17.7 last week to 21.7 over the August 19 - 25 reporting week. Average daily solar flux increased from 73.8 to 78.5. We are less than 1 month away from the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, September 22. That's when both hemispheres will be bathed in equal measures of solar radiation -- always good for HF propagation. For What It’s Worth – A Survey Here is your Chance! Vote for the direction(s) you want the Club to do more of: Please Email your thoughts via W9LJ.org · Contesting · ARES · More NETS · DMR · Local Volunteering · Building sessions · Computers · Advanced Ham Radio License Classes · Off-The-Grid outings · More on Propagation · A Bowling Team · Breakfast get together · Dinner night · More frequent Club meetings Or, some-thin else Q: Other than the initial use of the call sign of a station you are communicating with (so they know you are calling them) is it necessary to ID using their call every 10 minutes? 73, Tim/N9CA A: NO. You must announce your ID every ten minutes and also when you signing off at the end of the QSO SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President August 2021 Hi Everyone, Last months Club Program: “Electric Utility Communications” was simulcast via ZOOM and at the EMA Office in Crown Point. It was presented to us – from Florida - by Charlie Sulfana AJ9N. A BIG THANK YOU to you Charlie for being such a friend of the Club all these years. August Club Program: “6 meter Propagation” simulcast to us via ZOOM and presented by Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA. The physical Club meeting and ZOOM link will start at 7:30pm Friday August 13th. Look for the ZOOM link on W9LJ.org. Club members will also have had this link sent to their email as well as a meeting reminder. Physical meeting at the EMA office 2900 W. 93rd, Crown Point MORE CLUB NEWS LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program If you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club (found on www.W9LJ.org) and physically attend at least one live Club meeting. LCARC Information NET EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes Indiana Parks On The Air (INPOTA) is Saturday September 11th. We will be getting a group together to meet and operate off-the-grid at the Indiana Dunes State Park (weather pemitting). We anticipate operating beach-side for a change, getting food from the new concession stands, and access to modern wash-rooms with changing rooms should you go for a swim. We are pushing for more public exposure to Amateur Radio. Contact Tim N9CA via W9LJ.org for details for a day at one of the best rated beaches in the world. VE Session: LCARC VE Session Saturday August 28th at 9:00am at the EMA office inside the Lake County Government Complex Building, 2900 W. 93rd Crown Point IN 46307. Walk-ins are OK. Photo ID, FCC FRC number, your email address, $15 check or cash, photocopy current amateur radio license you hold (if any), face mask, pens and pencils. Visit www.w9lj.org or www.ARRL.org UPCOMING HAMFEST NEWS 08/07/2021 - West Central Illinois Hamfest Location: Carlinville, IL Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Macoupin Cnty ARC, Montgomery Cnty ARC, Okaw Valley ARC & Sangamon Valley Radio Club Website: http://K9MCE.com 08/07/2021 - Elkhart East Hamfest Location: Elkhart, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Northern Indiana K9DEW Repeaters Website: http://elkharteasthamfest.com 08/28/2021 - North Central Indiana Hamfest Location: Peru, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Cass County, Grant County, Kokomo, and Miami County Amateur Radio Clubs Website: http://www.nci-hamfest.net 08/28/2021 - SMCFest, ARRL Operating Specialty Convention Location: Naperville, IL Type: ARRL Convention Sponsor: Society of Midwest Contesters Website: https://www.w9smc.com/smc-fest/ QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo ARRL on-line seminar program is live from August 14-15, 2021 and then on-demand for 30 days for only $10. 93 speakers and 93 topics. It’s a great experience for those that want to improve their amateur radio knowledge and get exposed to new ideas, cutting edge ham radio technology, and practical techniques. Information can be found at at: https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com. FCC Investigating Alleged Jamming on 40 MetersReports suggest that jamming stations have been deployed on the lower portion of 40 meters. The jamming appears to be coming from Cuba. The signals, spaced at regular intervals, exhibit a squishy, popping noise. 10 Meters is open regularly (especially FT8). Because 10 is “open”, drift-net radio buoys and other fishing gear are again being heard on 10 meters, illegally serving to mark fishing nets at sea, These typically operate in the 28.000 - 28.450 MHz segment. Transmissions are short but frequent throughout the day. These often identify in CW, transmitting from 1-3 letters. GPS buoys transmit short bursts in FSK (F1B) with their positions scrambled so that the illegal fish poachers can’t be poached! Skipping Around on 10, 6, and 2 Meters Sporadic E peaks around the summer solstice, on or around June 21, with a minor peak around the winter solstice, on or around December 21. Each summer season has unique characteristics that are not predictable, but make these bands so fascinating to follow. No special antennas, no special power output. 600 to 1,400 miles are typical (sometimes more with a double hop). 6 meters is the most likely, but pick your favorite. Try monitoring and decoding signals on those FT8 frequencies. AUGUST CONTESTS August 2 going forward -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW, maximum 20 WPM) This Club operates their SST, with a military theme, on 160m, 80m, 40m and 20m in the afternoon each weekend Visit K1USN.com for more details. 4th Anniversary of FT8. Many stations will take to the airwaves August 2nd to August 15th to celebrate the 4th anniversary of FT8. All stations will use call signs with "FTDMC" or "FTDM" in the suffix. The activity also celebrates the 2nd anniversary of the FT8 Digital Mode Club. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW and eQSL. QSL cards will be available. Their website, is extremely cool. Worth a look alone. Explore by opening the various menus on the left. Working just 8 FTDM stations (there are 45 FTDM stations) on FT8 earns you a cool award. The more FTDM stations you work, the more cool the awards! Visit: https://ft8dmc.eu/ * directions if you wish to participate: First, open your WSJT FT8 program. Make sure MODE is set to FT8 and that you have updated the synch on your computer’s clock. Now, in the upper right menu go to File, then to SETTINGS then go to ADVANCED. At the bottom of the ADVANCE page you will see a click box that says “special operating activity”. Click on this click box tab to open it and then enter FTDMC in the Field Day Exchange Box. This will add FTDMC to your call. Remember….. by a rather new convention now, North American Stations are to transmit on the “ODD” ½ minute intervals. SO… looking at the main page of WSJT, in the middle middle of the page, just below the software menu click setting box that says DECODE, is a another click check box that says “Tx even 1st”. Make sure this box is not “clicked toggled” to on NORTH AMERICAN QSO PARTY CW August 7th - 8th. Visit ARRL.org for details SSB August 21st -22nd For What It’s Worth Sunday, August 1st I attended the Hamfester Club’s Hamfest in Peotone. What a great day. 70 degree breezes from the North. Blue Sky with filtering high clouds. In my humble estimate, the crowd of sellers and buyers was about 75% of the pre-Covid crowd of 2019. Lots of great items. I am very encouraged and glad I went. I even bumped into quite a few hams I knew. I’m looking forward to attending more of these summer Hamfests that I used to just take for granted. Q: Before SOS,what was the distress call; CQD, QSD, QRH,or MDY? 73, Tim/N9CA A: CQD SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President July 2021 Hi Everyone, I hope “Mother Nature” acting up on Saturday of Field Day didn’t cause anyone harm. The tornado sirens, lightening, cloud bursts, and high winds on Saturday certainly were unpredictable additions to our local operators. NOAA tracked and officially declared that a tornado traveled through Dyer to Schererville on Saturday.. Last Month’s Programs were: “Restoration of a Heathkit HW-16”. The popular and collectable HW-16 was in production from 1967-1976. The other program was “Using FT8 on Field Day”. Both were presented at a live meeting at the Crown Point EMA Office and on ZOOM by Tim McGillen N9CA. July Club Program: “Electric Utility Communications” to be simulcast both via ZOOM and at the EMA Office in Crown Point. Presented to us – from Florida - by Charlie Sulfana AJ9N. The Club meeting and ZOOM link will start at 7:30pm Friday July 9th. Look for the ZOOM link on www.W9LJ.org. Club members will also have this link sent to their email as well as a meeting reminder. Skipping Around on 10, 6, and 2 Meters Sporadic E peaks around the summer solstice, on or around June 21, with a minor peak around the winter solstice, on or around December 21. Each summer season has unique characteristics that are not predictable, but make these bands so fascinating to follow. No special antennas, no special power output. 600 to 1,400 miles are typical (sometimes more with a double hop). 6 meters is the most likely, but pick your favorite. Try monitoring and decoding signals on those FT8 frequencies. Upcoming Nearby July Hamfests 07/09/2021 - 07/10/2021 Indianapolis Hamfest, ARRL Indiana State ConventionLocation: Indianapolis, IN Type: ARRL Convention Sponsor: Indianapolis Amateur Radio Assoc., Inc. Website: http://indyhamfest. 07/10/2021 - Auburn (Indiana) Hamfest Location: Auburn, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Northeastern Indiana Amateur Radio Association Website: http://w9ou.org 07/18/2021 - KARS-Fest Location: Peotone, IL Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: the Kankakee Area Radio Society Website: http://w9az.com July Contests IARU World Championship - International Amateur Radio Union The objective of the IARU HF World Championship is “to support amateur self-training in radio communications including improving amateur operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and intercommunicating with other amateurs around the world, especially IARU member society headquarters stations, using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10-meter bands.” Saturday July 10th at 12:00 UTZ (7:00am CDT) > Sunday Jul 11th at 1159 UTZ (6:59am CDT) Visit www.ARRL.org CQWW VHF Contest The contest promotes VHF activity on the 6 and 2 meter bands with participation from around the world. Saturday July 18th 1800 UTZ (1:00pm CDT) > Sunday 2100 UTZ ( 3:59pm CDT). Visit www.cqww-vhf.com North American QSO Party (RTTY) The North American QSO Parties are favorites of beginners and seasoned operators alike. The NAQPs are low-power only (no amplifiers allowed) which makes for a lot more breathing room on the bands. July is RTTY only. May operate 10 out of the 12 hours of the contest. Off-times must be at least 30 minutes in length. 1800 UTC Saturday July 17 (1:00pm CDT) to 05:59 UTC Sunday July 18 Visit www.ncjweb.com Other Club News Physical Club meetings: We’re resumed in-person physical Club meetings at the EMA Building 7:30pm. Masks will be required, windows will be open, and social distancing practiced. For now, we will offer a simulcast ZOOM option with a log-in link posted on the Club website. There will be a 50/50 raffle held. $1 per ticket, 6 tickets for $5.00 www.W9LJ.org LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program The Club officially presented programed VHF/UHF HTs to two recently licensed Hams and new members of the LCARC; Chad Marine KD9STK and Tara Howell KD9STJ. Congratulations! If you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021, you too may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club (found on www.W9LJ.org) and physically attend at least one live Club meeting. LCARC Information NET EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes VE Session: We anticipate a VE Session in late August at the EMA office. Lake County Government Complex Building, 2900 W. 93rd Crown Point IN 46307. Details to follow. Visit www.w9lj.org or www.ARRL.org Have a safe terrific 4th of July everyone! 73, Tim/N9CA SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President June 2021 Hi Everyone, Hard to believe 2021 is half over already! Hope you all had a great Memorial Day. *Remember… click on the blue links to go-to the various websites imbeded. The Club held a live VE Session on May 15th. All candidates received a new license or upgrade. Our thanks to the VE team: Doug Kiser/KD4CXG, Michael Masleid/AB9GV, Russ McComb/KB9HO, and George Pazak/KD9FCI. I was very proud for our Club. Last month’s ZOOM Club Program Was “Using the Raspberry PI Micro-Computer with Ham Radio” presented by George Suprenant/N9GWS. A truly great presentation. Thank you George. June’s Club Program will be a double header. “Restoration of a Heathkit HW-16”. The popular and collectable HW-16 was in production from 1967-1976. The other program will be “Using FT8 on Field Day”. HAMFESTS ARE BACK ! 06/06/2021 Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest Location: Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds 503 First Ave. Mendota, IL 61342 Website: http://www.w9mks.org 07/09/2021 - 07/10/2021 Indianapolis Hamfest, ARRL Indiana State ConventionLocation: Indianapolis, IN Type: ARRL Convention Sponsor: Indianapolis Amateur Radio Assoc., Inc.Website: http://indyhamfest. 07/10/2021 - Auburn (Indiana) HamfestLocation: Auburn, IN Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: Northeastern Indiana Amateur Radio Association Website: http://w9ou.org 07/18/2021 - KARS-Fest Location: Peotone, IL Type: ARRL Hamfest Sponsor: the Kankakee Area Radio Society Website: http://w9az.com JUNE CONTESTS ARRL VHF CONTEST Begins Saturday June 12th at 2:00pm CDT. Ends June 13th 9:59pm CDT on Sunday. Contest Objective: For amateurs in the US and Canada (and their possessions) to work as many amateur stations in as many different Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. All legal modes are permitted (while CW and SSB/Phone are most common, MSK144, FT8 and FM-Only are gaining popularity - other popular modes include PSK31, FSK441 and JT65). For contest information contact: contests@arrl.org or (860) 594-0232 6 Meter SMIRK CONTEST Begins Saturday, June 19th 7:00pm CDT Ends Sunday, on June 20th 9:59 CDT If you have been around 6 meters for any length of time, you have most likely heard about the SMIRK Contest. It's loads of fun! You can meet SMIRK members or become a SMIRK member during this contest, just call "CQ SMIRK", Six Meter International Radio Klub visit: www.smirk.org/contest ARRL Field Day is June 26-27 (*click on any blue link below) Rules & Resources | Facebook Group | Field Day T-shirts & Gear | Join ARRL Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio. Get ready for 2021 ARRL Field Day (YouTube video), created by J. Mitch Hopper, K9ZXO, QSL Manager -- Sangamon Valley Radio Club. See also a version with Spanish-language subtitles. ARRL to Extend Field Day Rule Waivers from 2020, Add Class D and E Power Limit NOVEL SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY I was flabbergasted when I heard plans to build Sat-Cubes out of plywood with the moto “Going Where No Wood Has Gone Before”. Now, the next level is to build satellites using lab grown mycelium… a.k.a mushroom skins. With a proposed 30,000 new satellites that are currently being launched at the rate of 80+ per day for internet communications. These potential new 30,000 satellites will have to be repositioned 8x per day to avoid collisions. The thought of building mushroom skinned satellites is to help reduce the danger of space debris. Although, in my mind, anything flying at you at 12,000 mph is just plain dangerous! Per NASA there are now over 500,000 pieces of space debris the size of a marble and larger. As of June 23, 2019, NORAD’s tracking catalog listed 44,336 tracked objects including 8,558 satellites launched into orbit since 1957. My “Safe Travel Wishes” go out for Santa when he delivers presents across the globe! Club News Physical Club meetings: We’re anticipating the resumption of in-person physical Club meetings at the EMA Building 7:00pm on June 11th. Masks will be required, windows will be open, and social distancing practiced. We also will try to offer a simulcast ZOOM option with a log-in link posted on the Club website www.W9LJ.org 2021 Club Dues are still only $20. Help support your local HR Club. LCARC, PO Box 90, Crown Point IN 46308. Licensed amateurs, who have never been a member of LCARC, can join with 2021 membership dues waived. Applications at www.W9LJ.org or email thru Club’s website. Club Repeaters Late April some of you have noticed the time clock on our repeaters has gotten out of synch. The issue was resolved thanks to Pat/N9FXT and Andy/W9FXT. The Red Cross is remodeling the area where the repeaters are located and had “cut the power”. LCARC Information NET June 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23th, 30th EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes. June 8th Club Board Meeting via ZOOM at 7:00pm. A ZOOM link will be emailed to all current Club members. June 11th 7:00pm Club Meeting at EMA office 2900 W. 93rd. Ave Crown Point IN 46307 OTHER IMPORTANT HR ITEMS Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net EVERY Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CDT. ARES membership not required to check in. N9IAA repeater 146.685 pl 173.8. Joe/W1SPY offers free training and practice in the latest digital EMCOMM modes. Joe has also created a great new website that he constantly updates. www.ARESd1.com 73, Enjoy the summer hope to see you soon. Tim/N9CA SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President May 2021 Hi Everyone, Hope everyone is well as these days are getting warmer, brighter, and longer. If you are into HF DX, thanks to spring-time TEP (Trans Equatorial Propagation) 17m, 15m, 10m, and even 6m has opened up on various recent days especially with the FT8 digital mode. The solar flux is low still so get your chance at TEP openings before summer. Look for Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Club Repeaters Late April some of you have noticed the time clock on our repeaters has gotten out of synch. It is being resolved. Last month’s program Thank you Carl Leutselschwab K9LA ARRL Central Division Vice Director who presented “Solar Cycle 25 and ARRL Update” www.K9LA.us HAMFESTS ARE BACK ! DEKALB HAMFEST 05/02/2021 Start Date: 05/02/2021 End Date: 05/02/2021 Location: Sandwich Fairgrounds 1401 Suydam Road Sandwich, IL 60548 Website: http://www.karc-club.orgStarved Rock Radio Club Hamfest06/06/2021 Start Date: 06/06/2021 End Date: 06/06/2021 Location: Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds 503 First Ave. Mendota, IL 61342 Website: http://www.w9mks.org The May 20th 2021 HAMVENTION will be virtual with free on-line presentations. www.hamvention.org Club News May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th Wednesdays at 8:00pm LCARC “Information Net”. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 linked Club repeaters. Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes May 11th Club Board Meeting via ZOOM at 7:00pm. A ZOOM link has been emailed to all current Club members May 14th 7:00pm Club Meeting Program: “How to use A Raspberry Pi Micro Computer With Ham Radio” Presented by George Suprenant N9GWS. Look for the ZOOM link to join this meeting posted on www.W9LJ.org and on our FaceBook page. May 15th VE License Session: A session is scheduled for Saturday May 15nd at 9:00am at the Lake County Government Complex Building 2900 W. 93rd Ave Crown Point Indiana 46307. The 7 story building is on the North side of 93rd across from the Government Center. Limited to 12, all license levels. Proper masks (not bandanas), social distancing, surfaces disinfected, temperatures taken, windows will be open. Contact Tim/N9CA at 219-769-0673 and leave a message. The fees $15 check or cash. Bring your photo ID, a copy of your current license if upgrading, two #2 lead pencils, an ink pen, your FCC FRN. Obtain FRN or look it up via “ULS” at www.FCC.gov June Physical Club meetings: We’re anticipating the resumption of physical Club meetings rather than via ZOOM at the EMA Building 7:00pm on June 11th. *Covid may delay this New HR licensees may be eligible for a 2 band fully programmed HT starting June 2021. You must be a dues paying member of LCARC, and provide proof you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021. This limited time program is to help new Hams get on the air… where we belong! Renewing and new 2021 Club members: Thank you for your continued support! We are all looking forward to seeing friends and meeting our new ones… in person very soon. 2021 Club Dues are still only $20. Help support your local HR Club. LCARC, PO Box 90, Crown Point IN 46308. Licensed amateurs, who have never been a member of LCARC, can join with 2021 membership dues waived. Applications at www.W9LJ.org or email thru Club’s website. OTHER HR NEWS Real Time Propagation Maps: www.DXmap.com www.WSPR.org www.APRS.fi Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net every Tuesday evening at 1900L - 2000L (7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST). Visit www.ARESd1.com Updated Radio Frequency Exposure Rules Become Effective on May 3 2021 The FCC has announced rule changes governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021. The new rules do not change existing RF exposure (RFE) limits but do require that stations in all services, including amateur radio, be evaluated against existing limits, unless they are exempted. For stations already in place, that evaluation must be completed by May 3, 2023. After May 3 of this year, any new station, or any existing station modified in a way that’s likely to change its RFE profile — such as different antenna or placement or greater power — will need to conduct an evaluation by the date of activation or change. Visit www.ARRL.org FCC PENDING HR ACTION – Possibly Q3 2021 • RM-11708 “Greater Flexibility in Digital Communications” • Increases allowed symbol rate in digital communications to 2.8 kHz bandwidth, rather than specifying a maximum 300 baud data rate • Authorizes faster PACTOR 4 for ARES EmComm HF Winlink messaging use • Some want this modified to include a ban on ACDS that does not incorporate “busy” detector technology • RM-11759 “Realignment of the 80 meter amateur band” • Modifies the 80-meter RTTY/Data sub-band so that it extends from 3500 kHz to 3650 kHz (adds 50 kHz) • RM-11828 “Technician Class Enhancement” • Expand amateur Technician Class privileges to include phone privileges at 3.900 to 4.000 MHz, 7.225 to 7.300 MHz, and 21.350 to 21.450 MHz FCC HR ACTION TAKEN IN 2021 • 3.3-3.5 GHz (9 cm) Band • FCC called for auctioning off 3.4-3.5 GHz for 5G network expansion • Called for sunsetting of ALL amateur activity on the entire band by 2022 • The ARRL bitterly opposed this proposed action • In March 2021 the FCC adopted final rules for 3.45-3.55 GHz: • Amateurs can keep secondary allocation from 3.3 to 3.45 GHz indefinitely until further FCC action • Amateurs will need to cease operations in 3.45-3.5 GHz sometime in early 2022 to allow for new users • 5.850-5.925 GHz (5 cm) Band • Unlike 3.3 GHz, there was no plan to sunset amateur activity, we would remain secondary • But, would allocate the bottom 45 MHz for unlicensed Wi-Fi routers, etc., and the upper 20 MHz for Ford’s autonomous vehicle program • In Nov 2020 the FCC confirmed we would remain a secondary allocation, but would have to learn to live with new users on the band THE AMERICAN RED CROSS + ARRL + ARES The ARRL and the American Red Cross (ARC) have renewed their long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for another 5 years. The MOU spells out how ARRL and the American Red CTross will work cooperatively during a disaster response. The INQP (Indiana QSO Party) – The first Saturday in May (May 1-2 UTC) This year, the rules are back to "normal" for multi-single and multi-multi stations considering progress with the vaccination program. Remember, ops using their individual stations (e.g., home, portable, etc.) plus multi op stations may submit logs indicating club affiliation to count toward club competition. . Keep an eye on the rules page here. Here are 25 counties which might be considered rare ones: Spencer, Pike, Jefferson, Crawford, Martin, Union, Floyd, Shelby, Newton, Owen, Clay, Scott, Orange, Gibson, Jay, Knox, Kosciusko, Jackson, Marshall, Decatur, Rush, Posey, Cass, Dearborn, and Jasper. Have fun! See the INQP website for more info. Mark your calendars! See you on ZOOM 73, Tim/N9CA SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President April 2021 Past March Program: “Slow Scan Amateur TV & How To Use Free MMSSTV Software”. Download free MMSSTV software at: www.HamSoft.ca. On the HamSoft web-site, choose “download on the MMSSTV – YONIQ page” The next page that comes up explains that there is a new updated version of the MMSSTV called MMSSTV-YONIQ. It can be downloaded with improvements over the original MMSSTV. Read the page scrolling down. About mid-page is the option to download either the newer MMSSTV-YONIQ or the original MMSSTV. Frankly, I suggest the original MMSSTV. The YONIQ version is almost the same, is initially in Spanish, and is optimized for a Ten-Tec Omni transceiver. Most hams are using “MMSSTV113a” the original. It works very well. Watching two YouTube how-to videos plus this software will get you in on this fun interesting mode very quickly. You can even download ISS images. www.YouTube.com and search; “MMSSTV, Working With Pictures and Templates Basics” (12 minutes) ”Getting Started Making SSTV Contacts With Ham Radio” (14 minutes) Upcoming April 9th Club Program Carl Luetzelschwab/K9LA “Radio Propagation & Solar Cycle 25”. Carl will join us via ZOOM. For Carl’s remarkable lifelong HR bio visit: www.K9LA.us April Club General Meeting will be via ZOOM: Friday April 9th at 7:00pm. A Zoom link will be emailed to all Club members and posted on www.W9LJ.org as well as FaceBook. April Club Board meeting will be via ZOOM: Tuesday April 6th at 7:00pm. A ZOOM link will be emailed to all Club members. Club News Physical Club meetings: We’re anticipating the resumption of physical Club meetings rather than via ZOOM at the EMA Building 7:00pm on June 11th. *Covid growth rate may delay this. New HR licensees may be eligible for a 2 band fully programmed HT starting June 2021. You must belong to the LCARC, and provide proof you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021. This limited time program is to help new Hams get on the air. VE License Session: A session is scheduled for Saturday May 22nd at 9:00am at the Lake County Government Complex Building 2900 W. 93rd Ave Crown Point Indiana 46307. The 7 story building is on the North side of 93rd across from the Government Center. Limited to 12, all license levels, proper masks (not bandanas), social distancing, disinfected surfaces, temperatures will be taken. Contact Tim/N9CA at 219-769-0673 and leave a message. The fees will still be just be $15 check or cash. Wednesday Information Net: 8:00PM. Fun–fast-informal-radio-news learning questions. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8. You do not have to be a Club member to check in. Renewing and new 2021 Club members: Thank you for your continued support! We are all looking forward to seeing friends and meeting our new ones… in person very soon. 2021 Club Dues are still only $20. Help support your local HR Club. LCARC, PO Box 90, Crown Point IN 46308. Licensed amateurs, who have never been a member of LCARC, can join with 2021 membership dues waived. Applications at www.W9LJ.org or email thru Club’s website. Real Time Propagation website: www.DXmap.com all modes & bands. Better than WSPR.org? Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net every Tuesday evening at 1900L - 2000L (7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST). Membership not required to check in. N9IAA repeater 146.685 pl 173.8. Joe/W1SPY has assured me that he is streamlining District One ARES and ARES training to make it easier for volunteers to join in. Joe has also created a great new website. www.ARESd1.com FCC Not Yet Collecting $35 Application Fee. The majority of the FCC's revised Part 97 rules (adopted in December 2020) establishing new application fees become effective on April 19, but the new amateur radio application fees will not become effective on April 19. It is expected that such fees will not become effective before summer 2021. The FCC has stated that amateurs will have advance warning of the actual effective date, because it will publish such date in the Federal Register. FCC Agrees with ARRL - Allows Partial Reprieve on 3.5 GHz Pending future FCC action, amateur radio secondary use of the 3.3 - 3.45 GHz band segment may continue indefinitely. Thank you again ARRL ! ARRL Podcasts On the Air podcast (Episode 15) features a conversation with HR propagation expert Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, about what to expect in the new solar cycle. Eclectic Tech (Episode 29) is a chat with Kristina Collins, KD8OXT, about how amateurs have participated in ionospheric research during recent solar eclipses. Eclectic Tech (episode 30) features a conversation with Clark Burgard, N1BCG, about the current state of AM in amateur radio. 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. web links > -- On the Air | Eclectic Tech. ARRL Learning Network The Art and Science of Operating Ultra-Portable -- Mike Molina, KN6EZE / Tuesday, April 6, 2021 @ 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday, April 7) HF Noise Mitigation -- ARRL Northwestern Division Director Mike Ritz, W7VO / Thursday April 22, 2021 @ 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC) web link > ARRL Learning Network HR NEWS ARISS Ham Station in Columbus Module Is once again operational Ham Radio Satellite Returns from the Dead After 7 years of silence, the Delfi-n3Xt satellite is again transmitting a signal. The 3U Delfi-n3Xt nanosat, launched by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), has not been heard since 2014, and its sponsors were surprised to learn that it was transmitting again. Delfi-n3Xt carries a linear amateur radio transponder (2 meters and 70cm). The K7RA Solar Update: Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: The average daily sunspot number rose just a little this week, from 18.4 to 19, and average daily solar flux edged up to 78.6. Solar activity remains low. The Spring Equinox can increase mid-day HF propagation from the US to; South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and even Australia. This is called Trans-Equitorial-Propogation or “TEP”. (15m and 10m have been open on and off to South America) Mysterious groups of dashes -- sometimes five, sometimes 16, sometimes continuous -- are being transmitted over long periods daily at or around 7075 kHz, a segment of 40 meters typically occupied by FT8 operators. So far, no one's been able to pinpoint the source of the transmissions. 40m Spy "Numbers Station" continues to be heard Wednesdays on 7062 kHz and 14280 kHz. The voice is female, speaking Russian. The signal is believed to belong to the Ukraine Security Service. RADIO SPORTS ARRL Rookie Round-up Sunday April 18th SSB six hours 18:00 –23:59 UTC (1:00pm – 6:59pm CST) Mission: To encourage newly-licensed operators (General Class or Amateur Extra licensed since April 2017 “Rookies”) in North America (including territories and possessions) to operate on the HF bands and experience competitive Amateur Radio operating. Experienced operators (“Non-Rookies”) are strongly encouraged to participate and help new operators – either on the air or in person. Objective: Rookies exchange information with as many other stations as possible on the 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter HF bands. Visit www.ARRL.org · March 27 -- VHF FOC QSO Party (CW) · March 27 - 28 -- CQ World Wide WPX Contest, SSB · March 31 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (CW) · Sunday April 18th is World Amateur Radio Day! The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has so proclaimed this day – all day. This year’s theme is: “Amateur Radio - Home but Never Alone.” The INQP (Indiana QSO Party) is coming up soon--first Saturday in May (May 1-2 UTC) This year, the rules are back to "normal" for multi-single and multi-multi stations considering potential progress with the vaccination program. However, if the situation changes for the worse, the 2021 rules will be adjusted accordingly. Keep an eye on the rules page here. Remember, ops using their individual stations (e.g., home, portable, etc.) plus multi op stations may submit logs indicating club affiliation to count toward club competition. It would be great if there were more resident ops or ops from adjacent counties putting rare ones on the air in 2021. Please bring this opportunity up to your club members. Folks who operate in rare counties should have interesting pile ups. Here are 25 counties which might be considered rare ones: Spencer, Pike, Jefferson, Crawford, Martin, Union, Floyd, Shelby, Newton, Owen, Clay, Scott, Orange, Gibson, Jay, Knox, Kosciusko, Jackson, Marshall, Decatur, Rush, Posey, Cass, Dearborn, and Jasper. Have fun! See the INQP website Indiana QSO Party for more info. Mark your calendars! See you on ZOOM 73, Tim/N9CA FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President March 2021 Congratulations & thank you to George Suprenant/N9GWS our new 2021 Club Vice President. Past Program. Thank you to February Club Meeting program co-presenters: Joe Cirone/W1SPY ARRL ARES EC for District one, Jim Mohring/KB9WWM Indiana Section ARES Emergency Coordinator, and Jimmy Merry/KC9RPX ARRL Indiana Section Manager. Their topic was: Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), EmComms, and SkyWarn in NW Indiana District 1. Joe/W1SPY has assured me that he is streamlining District One ARES and ARES training to make it easier for volunteers to join in. Joe has also created a great new website. www.ARESd1.com March Club Board meeting will be via ZOOM: Tuesday March 9th at 7:00pm. A ZOOM link will be sent to all Club members. March General Meeting wil be via ZOOM: Friday March 12th at 7:00pm. A Zoom link will be sent to all Club members and posted on www.W9LJ.org. March General Meeting Program: Slow Scan Amateur TV How to use free "MMSSTV" software app and download. As seen on Youtube. 2021 Club Dues are still only $20. Help support your local HR Club. LCARC, PO Box 90, Crown Point IN 46308. Licensed amateurs, who have never been a member of LCARC, can join with 2021 membership dues waived. Applications at www.W9LJ.org or email thru Club’s website. LCARC Information Net a fun informal net. Wednesdays at 8:00pm on either the Club’s VHF (147.000) or UHF (442.075) repeaters pl 131.8. A great way to stay in touch with local hams. If you haven’t logged in, you are missing out. Non-member logins are welcome ARRL Podcasts Schedule The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 14) takes a deeper dive into the subject of HF antenna tuners, including some shopping tips. The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 27) features a discussion of virtual audio cables, plus a chat with Clint Turner, KA7OEI, about extremely slow CW, otherwise known as QRSS. 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. QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo REGISTER NOW (control enter) · Coming to your desktop, laptop, and tablet: Starts March 12th, 1800 PST for 48 Hours and "on-demand" download until April 12, 2021 Tickets just: $10.00 SPEAKERS PRIZES BUILD-A-THONS EXHIBITORS STORE LOUNGE INTERESTING HR NEWS VE7TIL, of Roberts Creek, British Columbia, has snagged another signal from deep space. His latest conquest has been to copy the signal from China's Tianwen-1 (pronounced "tee-EN-ven") probe, which went into orbit around Mars on February 10. Tilley told Spaceweather.com that the probe's X-band signal was "loud and audible." "It was a treasure hunt," Tilley told Spaceweather.com. He explained that while the spacecraft did post its frequency with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), it was too vague for precise tuning (X band is between 8 GHz and 12 GHz). Launched last July, Tianwen-1 represents China's first Mars mission. It consists of an orbiter and a rover, which will land on the Martian surface in May or June 2021 Tilley has also picked up signals from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the United Arab Emirates Hope probe, both orbiting Mars some 124 million miles away. He uses a homemade 60-centimeter dish and relies on software-defined radios (SDRs) to accomplish the task. Read an expanded version. Solar Cycle 25: NOAA predicts it will peak in 2025 (+/- 8 months) with a peak flux level of 115 similar to Solar Cycle 24. Current Solar Flux has dropped to 72 from 80 just a few months ago. For reference, the Solar Flux low point was 68 in early 2020. Predicted planetary A index remains at 5. Check out K9LA’s solar predictions on the web. A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit the ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...," and check out K9LA's Propagation Page. Weekly HR Webinar: “Amateur Radio Roundtable” with guests from around the world. Join at www.W5KUB.com Every Tuesday night 8:00pm CST. Simulcast: WBCQ shortwave at 5130 kHz. UPCOMING RADIO SPORTS CQWW 160 meter SSB Contest February 26 thru 28th. Visit: www.CQ160.com FYI: 160 meters is typically a night time band for DX. “Grey-line propagation” is very useful. With Grey-line propagation, one can make contacts North and South +/- of an hour of the setting or rising SUN. Typically, from the US, signals East toward Europe peak about mid-night and then reception swings South then finally West to the Pacific about dawn. NORTH AMERICAN QSO PARTY – RTTY. 1200 CST Feb 27 to 1159 CST Feb 28 www.ncjweb.com FYI: The North American QSO Parties are favorites of beginners and seasoned operators alike. The NAQPs are low-power only (no amplifiers allowed) which makes for a lot more breathing room on the bands. The 12 hour format allows participants to do some great contesting, yet still have time for other activities during the weekend. ARRL INTERNATIONAL DX CONTEST – SSB Begins 6:00pm CST Friday March 13 and runs through 0559 CST Sunday. www.ARRL.org NORTH AMERICAN RTTY SPRINT The March 13 RTTY Sprint will begin 1 hour earlier, at 2300 UTC instead of 0000 UTC. It will end at 0259 UTC. An earlier start time will give participants in the north and east a larger window for 20-meter activity. www.ncjweb.com or www.ARRL.org CQWW WPX SSB Contest SSB: March 27-28, 2021 Starts: 0600 CST Friday Ends: 0559 CST Sunday Visit: www.cqwpx.com Mark your calendars. See you on ZOOM! 73, Tim/N9CA By Tim McGillen/N9CA 2021 LCARC President
February 2021 Thank you Robert Clark/WA0WAS for presenting the January 8th Zoom Club program. The topic was how Verizon and other telecoms restore service after a natural disaster. The planning along with talent of the response teams that go about this work is incredible. Thank you again Robert. February Club Program: February 12th at 7:00pm topic “The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), EmComms, and SkyWarn in NW Indiana District One’. The Presenters will be Joe Cirone/W1SPY the ARRL ARES EC for District one, Jim Mohring/KB9WWM the Indiana Section ARES Emergency Coordinator, and Jimmy Merry/KC9RPX our ARRL Indiana Section Manager. A ZOOM link will be sent to all Club members. The ZOOM Link is also posted on www.W9LJ.org Joe/W1SPY has assured me that he is streamlining District One ARES and ARES training to make it easier for volunteers to join in. Joe has also created a great new website. www.ARESd1.com February Club Board meeting will be via ZOOM on Tuesday February 9th at 7:00 a ZOOM link will be sent to all Club members. 2021 Club Dues are still only $20. Help support your local HR Club. LCARC, PO Box 90, Crown Point IN 46308. Licensed amateurs, who have never been a member of LCARC, can join with 2021 membership dues waived. Applications at www.W9LJ.org or email thru Club’s website. LCARC Information Net a fun informal net. Wednesdays at 8:00pm on either the Club’s VHF (147.000) or UHF (442.075) repeaters pl 131.8. A great way to stay in touch with local hams. If you haven’t logged in, you are missing out. Non-member logins are welcome ARRL Podcasts Schedule The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 13) features a discussion with Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, about his success in boosting activity at the University of Arizona amateur radio club. The latest edition of Eclectic Tech (Episode 26) discusses synchronous AM reception and includes an interview with Dave Tipping, NZ1J, about a novel approach to boost foxhunt participation. 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 Tec HR NEWS Balloon Launched by Pella Students Makes 3rd Trip Around the Globe KNIA-KRLS Radio (Iowa), December 28, 2020 www.kniakrls.com Predicted solar flux for the next 30 days is 76. Predicted planetary A index is 5. Check out K9LA’s solar predictions on the web. UPCOMING RADIO SPORTS Winter Field Day is January 30 - 31, sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association (WFDA), "a dedicated group of amateur radio operators who believe that emergency communications in a winter environment is just as important as the preparations and practice that is done each summer, but with some additional unique operational concerns." CW and SSB only. INFO www.winterfieldday.com The CQWW 160 meter CW contest Jan 29th Friday through Sunday the 31st. Visit www.CQ160.com for details. FYI: This time of year, the 160m band has relatively low amounts of atmospheric noise. The band plan is CW from 1800 – 1830 KHz. The so-called DX window is 1825 – 1830. Typically, DX stations work split frequency. For instance, they may transmit CW between 1825 – 1830 kHz, but listen for stations calling them on another frequency that they announce with their “CQ”. After sending their CQ and call sign they might add “5u” or “10d” after their call sign meaning they are listening up 5 KHz or down 10 kHz for you to call to them. North American CW Sprint February 14th (Valentine’s Day) Lasting only four hours and using only the 80, 40 and 20-meter bands, these contests demand that participants be on their toes at all times. The Sprints’ unique QSY requirements eliminate the usual approach in many contests of dominant stations sitting on one frequency and running others. 2300UTC – 0259UTC visit www.ncjweb.com or www.ARRL.org School Club Roundup Feb 8th to 12th . 5 days! visit www.ARRL.org Orlando HamCation radio contest AND online webinar event February 13 - 14 will take the place of what would have been the HamCation 2021 in-person show. The online event will include youth, technology, contesting, and vendor webinar tracks. ARRL will also present two webinars on Saturday, February 13. Live, online prize drawings are also scheduled during the HamCation Special Edition online event. Visit www.ARRL.org or www.hamcation.com CQWW WPX RTTY contest Feb 13-14 0000GMT – 2359GMT visit www.cqwpxrtty.com ARRL International CW DX Contest Feb 20th – 21st visit www.ARRL.org CQWW 160 Meter SSB Contest Feb 26th – 27th visit www.CQ160.com FYI: 160 meters is typically a night time band for DX. “Grey-line propagation” is very useful. With Grey-line propagation, one can make contacts North and South +/- of an hour of the setting or rising SUN. Typically, from the US, signals East toward Europe peak about mid-night and then reception swings South then finally West to the Pacific about dawn. North American QSO RTTY Party February 27-28. Visit www.ncjweb.com FYI: The North American QSO Parties are favorites of beginners and seasoned operators alike. The NAQPs are low-power only (no amplifiers allowed) which makes for a lot more breathing room on the bands. The 12 hour format allows participants to do some great contesting, yet still have time for other activities during the weekend. February is busy month to be sure. Don’t forget about Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Mark your calendars! See you on ZOOM. 73, Tim/N9CA |
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