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

FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2021 LCARC President
January 2021

Happy New Year Every Body

New Club Website! Delete any old Club browser website history. Navigate to the new site www.W9LJ.org and memorize the new one. IMHO, I think it not only looks fantastic, but has better drop downs. Constructive suggestions are welcome.
January 8th LCARC physical meeting has been cancelled due to the resurgence of Covid-19 concerns. There will be a virtual Club ZOOM meeting instead. Watch your email for a ZOOM invitation in your email. The ZOOM meeting begins at 7:00pm.
How-to ZOOM: at about 6:50pm, click on the ZOOM link sent to your email or copy that link and paste it into your web browser search line, then click “enter” on your keyboard. If you do not have ZOOM already, you will be asked “Download ZOOM Yes or NO”. Choose “YES” to proceed. On the next ZOOM screen choose “join with video, audio, or both” then click  "join meeting"  In the meeting, there are your very own ZOOM control icons, mouse over and click to turn your own video or audio on and off. Finally, on the right side of your computer screen is an area you can mouse over to and type/send text message questions.
Please, mute your microphone until you have a question. Background noise is distracting.

2021 Club Dues are well… due. Just $20.  Send to: 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. Go to W9LJ.org for an application or email the Club’s website.

LCARC January Board Meeting: Tuesday January 5th at 7:00pm. Watch your email for a ZOOM e-vite.

LCARC Information Net An informal net. Wednesdays at 8:00pm Club VHF (147.000) and UHF (442.075) repeaters pl 131.8. A great way to stay in touch with Club members. If you haven’t logged in, why not? Non-member logins welcomed.

LCARC Simplex Net on 146.520 immediately after the LCARC Information Net. (alternate is 146.540 if 146.520 is busy).

HR NEWS

Solar Flux: In spite of lower sunspot numbers, the average daily solar flux increased slightly from 82.1 to 82.8. (Solar Flux minimum was… 68 one year ago)

Predicted solar flux: 82 - January 1 to 6th , 84 - January 7 to 12,  84 - January 13 to 20, and 86 - January 21 to 23rd.  15m & 10m are often open midday. While there are beacons transmitting on 10m (28.200 – 28.300 MHz) I listen for FT8 at 28.074

NOAA Solar Cycle 25: predicting a slow start, but anticipates a peak solar flux maximum of 95 – 130. Solar Flux will be higher than the past three 11 year cycles.
International Space Station; ARISS slow scan TV -- frequency to watch will be 145.800 MHz, using SSTV PD-120 mode. A helpful addition to the ARISS website is a "Current Status of ISS Stations," which reports the present or coming operating mode of ARISS radios in the Columbus and Service modules. Click on "General Contacts" and then "Current Status of ISS Stations" on the drop-down menu of the ARISS website to access the reports.
Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) is taking advantage of a grant from the Yasme Foundation, in cooperation with Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), to add 15 more nodes. RBN is a global system of software-defined radio receivers that monitor amateur radio bands and report CW, RTTY, and FT4/FT8 signals to a central, searchable database.

Hmmm?:  Phil Karn/KA9Q President of Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) has publically confirmed they received $108 million from Amazon for 4 million amateur radio TCP/IP addresses ($27 per IPc4 address). Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a non-profit California corporation.

ARRL Volunteer Monitor (VM) Program volunteers spent more than 6,100 hours poring over the amateur bands in the  3rd quarter 2020. The VM Program issued 15 Good Operator Letters. "Volunteers are in the chair monitoring, recognizing exemplary operators and admonishing those who need to pay closer attention to their operating practices”. The VM Program referred two cases to the FCC while accepting two cases from the FCC for investigation. 
 Contest University to Host ZOOM Propagation Summit Radio propagation experts will share their knowledge during a Propagation Summit, sponsored by Contest University (CTU) On January 23, 2021. The presentation schedule includes: "Update on the Personal Space Weather Station Project and HamSCI Activities for 2021" with Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, at 11 AM EST (1600 UTC); "Solar Cycle 25 Predictions and Progress" with Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, at noon (1700 UTC); "Maximizing Performance of HF Antennas with Irregular Terrain" with Jim Breakall, WA3FET, at 1 PM EST (1800 UTC), and "HF Ionospheric Propagation" with Frank Donovan, W3LPL, at 2 PM EST (1900 UTC). Registration is free. An Icom IC-705 will be raffled off as a door prize. The winner must be present on Zoom to win.
RADIO SPORTS:

Straight Key Night January 1st  This 24-hour event is not a contest; rather it is a day dedicated to celebrating our CW heritage. Participants are encouraged to get on the air and simply make enjoyable, conversational CW QSOs. The use of straight keys or bugs to send CW is preferred. Visit ARRL.orgKids Day January 2nd  Twice a year, ARRL offers an event designed to promote Amateur Radio to our youth. Share the excitement with your kids or grandkids!  Visit ARRL.org for; the exchange, frequencies, reporting, and certificate.
The ARRL RTTY Roundup January 2nd – 3rd. If you're new to RTTY or digital modes, in the RTTY Roundup, operators worldwide contact and exchange QSO information with other amateurs using Baudot RTTY, PSK, FT8/FT4, ASCII, AMTOR, and Packet. Automated operation is not permitted; each claimed contact must include contemporaneous direct initiation by the operator on both sides of the contact. Visit ARRL.org
VHF Contest January 16-18th: All US, Canadian Stations, and possessions. All legal modes are permitted. CW, SSB, MSK144, FT8 and FM-Only are gaining popularity - other popular modes include PSK31, FSK441 and JT65.  Visit ARRL.org
73 everybody!   See you on ZOOM. Tim/N9CA