Subj : The Weekly ARRL Letter
To : All
From : Sean Dennis
Date : Fri Oct 16 2020 09:05 am
The ARRL Letter
October 15, 2020
* ARRL Comments in Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding
* IARU ministrative Council dresses Wide-Ranging Agenda in
Virtual Meeting
* ARRL Podcasts Schedule
* The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction is Open!
* 2021 Edition of The ARRL Handbook and New Microcontroller Projects
Book Available
* ARRL Learning Network Webinars
* The K7RA Solar Update
* Just Ahead in Radiosport
* While FCC Plans to Delete 3.5 GHz Band, Canadian Privileges Will
Remain
* Announcements October 15
* Recording Industry Pioneer Jac Holzman, ex-K2VEH, Marks a Milestone
* In Brief....
* Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
ARRL Comments in Orbital Debris Mitigation Proceeding
In comments to the FCC, ARRL targeted two specific areas of concern
regarding a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in IB Docket
18-313 -- mitigation of orbital debris in the new space age. In an
earlier phase of the proceeding, ARRL filed comments and met with FCC
staff to discuss the proposed rules. In comments filed on October 9,
ARRL focused on the areas of indemnification and
maneuverability/propulsion. Indemnification places the liability for
any possible damage from a satellite on an individual or entity. ARRL
reiterated its assertion that, as a practical matter, an
indemnification requirement "would seriously impair the ability of
amateur and university experimenters to launch and operate satellites
under US auspices" due to the potential liability and high insurance
cost.
ARRL's comments cited a letter from University Small Satellite
Researchers, submitted on behalf of 24 named professors last April,
contending that the requirement "would effectively preclude a large
proportion of academic SmallSat missions because public universities
typically cannot legally enter into indemnification arrangements."
ARRL argued that if the FCC does adopt an indemnification requirement,
it should allow either the owner or the licensee of an amateur space
station to provide indemnification. In the Amateur Satellite Service, a
licensee can only be an individual. An individual licensee is unlikely
to accept liability for a satellite, but a satellite owner might. In
its own comments, AMSAT similarly asked for language that would allow
satellite owners as well as licensees to indemnify the US for the
operation of an amateur radio satellite.
The FCC proposal also would require that all space stations deployed in
low-Earth orbits higher than 400 kilometers (about 250 miles) be able
to maneuver with the use of some sort of onboard propulsion system.
ARRL urged adoption of an exception for "a limited number of amateur
and similar experimental satellites" that are below a specified size
and mass and either standalone spacecraft or in a constellation of no
more than four or five individual satellites.
"This would accommodate the types of small satellites most often used
for experimental purposes by radio amateurs," ARRL told the FCC. "Such
satellites are small in number [and] have limited to no capacity to
implement maneuverability using current technology due to their small
size," yet provide valuable platforms for experimentation and student
experience.
Alternatively, ARRL asked the FCC to consider increasing the
400-kilometer low-Earth orbit limit, because satellites placed into
orbit from the ISS and from ISS service vehicles "often are in higher
orbits but share the same characteristics as those that orbit below 400
kilometers." Doing so would help to preserve the educational and
experimental benefit of such satellites, ARRL said, provided "such
vehicles are shown to pose no risk to the International Space Station
and will return to Earth within the specified time limit."
In concluding its remarks, ARRL asked for "reasonable accommodation,"
given the public benefit of the Amateur Satellite Service, rather than
lumping small experimenters and researchers with large corporate
entities. Read more.
IARU ministrative Council dresses Wide-Ranging Agenda in Virtual
Meeting
The International Amateur Radio Union ministrative Council (AC) met
in a virtual session on October 8 - 10. Consisting of the three IARU
international officers and two representatives from each of the three
IARU regional organizations, the council is responsible for IARU policy
and management. The meeting, which had been set to take place in Novi
Sad, Serbia, was conducted via the internet because of coronavirus
pandemic travel restrictions.
Recently appointed EMC Coordinator Martin Sach, G8KDF, reported on work
being done to address the need for reasonable standards to limit the
proliferating threat of radio spectrum pollution from digital devices
and wireless power transmission.
IARU Beacon Project Coordinator Peter Jennings, AB6WM/VE3SUN, reported
on the status of the NCDXF/IARU beacon network, explaining recent and
planned upgrades, as well as the network's many applications.
In his report, Satellite visor Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T,
described the work of the Satellite Frequency Coordination Panel. He
reported that steps are being taken to address the growing number of
non-amateur satellites that use amateur satellite spectrum.
Special visor for Emergency Communications Rod Stafford, W6ROD,
explained his work representing the IARU in the ITU Development Sector
(ITU-D), particularly with regard to disaster communications, and
preparations for the World Telecommunication Development Conference
next month. He highlighted an opportunity to promote amateur radio in
ITU-D as a training platform for youth.
Preparations are already under way for World Radiocommunication
Conference 2023 (WRC-23) of the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU), currently expected to be held in 2023. A team of some 20 IARU
volunteers from all continents is engaged in the preparatory processes
of the ITU and the regional telecommunications organizations. The AC
reviewed a draft of IARU's positions on WRC-23 agenda items of concern.
A committee was formed in 2019 to address growing pressure on amateur
spectrum, particularly secondary allocations, at 144 MHz and above. The
panel reported on its work to date in defining present and future
spectrum requirements. ditional information will be sought from the
amateur community on how this spectrum is being utilized.
Taking note of the many ways that the global amateur radio community
has responded positively to challenges posed by the pandemic, the AC
agreed to develop a related theme for World Amateur Radio Day next
April 18.
The council expressed the hope that an in-person meeting can be held in
October 2021. Read more.
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ARRL Podcasts Schedule
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 10) includes an
interview with ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager Kris Bickell, K1BIC,
about ARRL's new "Learning Network" webinars.
The latest edition of the Eclectic Tech podcast (Episode 18) features
discussions of a revolutionary new RF-shielding material; storing
software in the Arctic, and Al Rabassa, NW2M, on the importance of fan
cooling.
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.
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The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction is Open!
The 15th Annual ARRL Online Auction is open for registration and
bidding. The 2020 ARRL Online Auction includes a large assortment of
QST "Product Review" items, including an SPE Expert 1.5K-FA HF
amplifier, an ACOM 120S 160 - 6 meter linear amplifier, a Yaesu
FTDX101D HF + 6-meter transceiver, an Icom IC-9700 multimode VHF/UHF
transceiver, and a RigExpert Stick 230 antenna and cable. Some vintage
gear is also up for bid.
The ARRL Online Auction also features a wide assortment of vintage
books, including past editions of The ARRL Handbook, Radios for
Everybody, CQ Ghost Ship, and the 1909 "Electricity" volume -- in
souvenir condition -- from the How Does It Work Series.
The Auction is sponsored by GigaParts.
Bidders will also find a large variety of novelty items, ARRL Lab
"Mystery Junque Boxes," ARRL-branded gear and clothing, and items
donated by the cast and crew of Fox Television's Last Man Standing,
starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT.
You must be registered to place a bid, but you may browse the website
and scope out those "must-have items" without registering, and you may
register at any time during the auction.
If you're on the lookout for some great bargains -- and some great fun
-- check out the 2020 ARRL Online Auction. The auction concludes at 10
PM EDT on October 22.
Auction proceeds benefit ARRL education programs, including activities
to license prospective radio amateurs, strengthen Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES^(R)) training, offer continuing technical and
operating education, and create instructional materials.
Visit the ARRL Online auction website for more information.
2021 Edition of The ARRL Handbook and New Microcontroller Projects Book
Available
It's here! The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications for 2021 -- your
complete guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and innovation --
is now available. The Handbook is written by radio amateurs for
everyone who has a desire to advance the pursuit of wireless
technology. It's available in three formats: Traditional softcover, a
six-volume, shrink-wrapped book set (box not included), and eBook
digital editions.
The 2021 Handbook features new projects and tools, including an
FET-controlled power switch, transmitting tube tester, 432 MHz utility
Yagi, off-center-fed dipoles, a loop for 30 and 40 meters, RF sniffer
construction, RFI loop antenna, and more. This invaluable resource
offers new material on the behavior of RF chokes; circuits for
PIN-diode RF switching; adding SDR panadapters to older radios; digital
modes FT4, FT8, and MSK144; care and feeding of power grid tubes; new
feed line chokes for receive and transmit; ac power connector types and
wiring, and more.
The Handbook Six-Volume Book Set, ARRL Item No. 1403, ISBN
978-1-62595-140-3, is $59.95 retail. The Handbook Softcover Book, ARRL
Item No. 1397, ISBN 978-1-62595-139-7, is $49.95 retail. Order from the
ARRL Store, from your ARRL Dealer, or call (860) 594-0355 or, toll-free
in the US, (888) 277-5289.
A new bookshelf resource, Microcontroller Projects for Amateur Radio by
Jack Purdum, W8TEE, and Albert Peter, AC8GY, has all the information
you need to build fascinating projects using the Arduino, STM32 ("Blue
Pill"), ESP32, and Teensy 4.0 microcontrollers.
Some practical, hands-on projects featured include a Morse code tutor,
CW messenger, mini dummy load, and "double-double" magnetic loop
antenna.
Microcontroller Projects for Amateur Radio is available from the ARRL
Store or your ARRL Dealer. (ARRL Item no. 1284, ISBN:
978-1-62595-128-4, $39.95 retail, special ARRL Member Price $34.95).
Call 860-594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289.
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ARRL Learning Network Webinars
Visit the ARRL Learning Network website to register for upcoming
sessions and to view previously recorded session. The schedule is
subject to change.
Welcome to the World of Arduino: ARRL Author Glen Popiel, KW5GP
Thursday, October 15, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday,
October 16)
Your First SOTA Activation: Brian Betz, W7JET
This presentation of Summits on the Air (SOTA) will focus on selecting
a summit, planning the activation, organizing the gear, figuring out a
log, getting on the summit, operating and closing it out. It will be a
fun informative session.
Thursday, October 22, 2020, 12:30 PM PDT / 3:30 PM EDT (1930 UTC)
How to Get Started in Amateur Radio Contesting: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT
Why do hams contests? How would I benefit from contesting? What do I
need to get started in Contesting? What are good contests for
beginners? Where can I learn more? This session will answer all of
these questions and more.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT (0900 UTC)
Learn and Have Fun with Morse Code: Howard Bernstein, WB2UZE, and Jim
Crites, W6JIM
Morse code or "CW" is a popular ham radio operating mode. Learning CW
does not have to be an arduous or lonely experience. Learn, practice,
and enjoy CW with the methods used by the Long Island CW Club.
Thursday, December 17, 2020, 5 PM PDT / 8 PM EDT (0000 UTC on Friday,
December 18)
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: Sunspots returned on October 9 - 12,
with sunspot numbers of 24, 26, 15, and 15. Prior to October 9, no
sunspots appeared for 2 weeks. No sunspots appeared on October 13, but
late Wednesday, Spaceweather.com reported a new emerging Solar Cycle 25
spot on the sun's southeastern limb and a daily sunspot number of 12.
The NOAA Space Environment Center did not report this.
Average daily sunspot number increased from 0 to 13.1, while average
daily solar flux went from 71.8 to 73.1.
Geomagnetic indicators were lower, with planetary A index dropping from
7.1 to 2.7 and middle latitude A index from 6 to 1.9.
Predicted solar flux for the next 45 days is 75 on October 15; 73 on
October 16 - 17; 72 on October 18 - 31; 70 on November 1 - 7; 73 on
November 8 - 10; 72, 71, and 71 on November 11 - 13; 70 on November 14
- 23; 72 on November 24 - 27, and 73 on November 28.
Predicted planetary A index is 5 on October 15 - 19; 10, 18, 20, and 24
on October 20 - 23; 16, 38, and 38 on October 24 - 26; 26, 15, and 10
on October 27 - 29; 5 on October 30 - November 6; 10 on November 7; 5
on November 8 -15; 10, 15, and 18 on November 16 - 18; 20 on November
19 - 20; 24, 14, and 10 on November 21 - 23; 8 on November 24 - 25, and
5 on November 26 - 28.
Sunspot numbers for October 8 - 14 were 0, 24, 26, 15, 15, 0, and 12,
with a mean of 13.1. The 10.7-centimeter flux was 71.6, 73.1, 73.6,
72.9, 73.8, 72.3, and 74.5, with a mean of 73.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 3, 2, 2, 3, 4, 3, and 2, with a mean of 2.7. Middle
latitude A index was 2, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, and 0, with a mean of 1.9.
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.
A propagation bulletin archive is available. For customizable
propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share your reports and observations.
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Just Ahead in Radiosport
* October 17 -- Feld Hell Sprint
* October 17 -- Argentina National 7 MHz Contest (Phone)
* October 17 - 18 -- Araucaria World Wide VHF Contest (CW, phone)
* October 17 - 18 -- JARTS WW RTTY Contest
* October 17 - 18 -- 10-10 International Fall Contest, CW
* October 17 - 18 -- New York QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* October 17 - 18 -- Worked All Germany Contest (CW, phone)
* October 17 - 18 -- Stew Perry Topband Challenge (CW)
* October 18 -- Asia-Pacific Fall Sprint, CW
* October 18 -- RSGB RoLo CW
* October 18 - 19 -- Illinois QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
* October 18 - 19 -- Run for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
* October 18 - 21 Classic Exchange, Phone
* October 19 -- RSGB FT4 Contest Series
* October 19 - 20 -- Telephone Pioneers QSO Party (CW, phone,
digital)
* October 19 - 23 -- ARRL School Club Roundup (CW, phone)
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While FCC Plans to Delete 3.5 GHz Band, Canadian Privileges Will Remain
Although the FCC has announced plans to delete the secondary amateur
radio 3.3 - 3.5 GHz allocation, that amateur allocation will remain in
place right across the northern US border. Radio Amateurs of Canada
(RAC) said this week that the FCC action has raised concerns among
Canadian amateurs.
"This FCC action does not directly affect Canadian amateurs, who
continue to have a secondary allocation on this band," RAC stressed.
As RAC explained in a bulletin, Canadian regulator ISED published
Gazette Notice SLPB-001-19: Decision on Revisions to the 3500 MHz Band
to Accommodate Flexible Use and Preliminary Decisions on Changes to the
3800 MHz Band.
"In that document, ISED announced changes to the primary allocations to
the Radiolocation, Fixed, and Mobile services at 3450 - 3500 MHz,
removing Radiolocation, maintaining the Fixed services (used primarily
for rural internet), and adding Mobile to 3450 - 3475 MHz, in line with
its policy objective to 'foster innovation, investment, and the
evolution of wireless networks by enabling the development and adoption
of 5G technologies.'" RAC said this was the latest step in realigning
allocations in the band that began with changes announced in December
2014. "At that time, as in the June 2019 announcement, the secondary
allocation to amateur radio was not changed," RAC noted.
"As the 5G rollout advances, maintaining compliance with the 'no
interference, no protection' requirement for secondary services is
likely to impose increasingly severe restrictions on the ability of
amateurs to use this band, even as the secondary allocation to the
Amateur Service remains in place [in Canada]," RAC pointed out.
World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) will include an
agenda item to consider worldwide allocations to mobile internet
services in several bands, among them 3.3 - 3.4 GHz and 10.0 - 10.5
GHz. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has announced its
intention to vigorously defend amateur interests in both bands at
WRC-23, "and RAC representatives in Canadian working groups preparing
the Canadian positions for WRC agenda items will be doing likewise,"
RAC said. -- Thanks to Radio Amateurs of Canada
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Announcements October 15
* The FCC has announced that Axel Rodriguez is the new Enforcement
Bureau Field Director, "leading the Bureau's field office staff in
its work combatting harmful interference to authorized uses of the
airwaves, supporting restoration of communications after disasters,
and investigating rule violations and other illegal activities,"
the FCC said, calling its field agents "the eyes and ears of the
Commission."
* Frank Donovan, W3LPL, recently presented The History of
Trans-Atlantic Radio Communications for the Redwood Empire DX
Association. The video is posted on the club's YouTube channel.
* To celebrate the Abraham Accords treaty of peace, diplomatic
relations, and normalization between the United Arab Emirates and
Israel, special event stations 4X0AAP and 4Z0AAP will be activated
by members of the Israel Amateur Radio Club, while members of the
Emirates Amateur Radio Society will operate A60AAP, October 16,
2020 - January 11, 2021.
* SU8J will be on the air October 16 - 18 as part of Scouting's
Jamboree on the Air from the Wadi Degla Protectorate in the
northern part of Egypt's Eastern Desert. Modes will include SSB,
FT4, and FT8 (F/H).
* Special event PA5150EVH is a tribute to rock guitarist Eddie van
Halen, who died on October 6. Van Halen was born in Amsterdam in
1955 and lived in Nijmegen for several years as a child before his
family moved to the US. PA5150EVH will be on the air at least until
the end of January 2021.
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Recording Industry Pioneer Jac Holzman, ex-K2VEH, Marks a Milestone
A recent online Rolling Stone magazine article chronicled the career of
Jac Holzman, ex-K2VEH, a recording industry and technology pioneer.
Seventy years ago, Holzman co-founded Elektra Records, a label best
known for folk and blues fare, and he signed such diverse acts as The
Doors and Judy Collins.
"He helped launch both the CD format and home video, and sat on the
board of Atari, which revolutionized home entertainment in 1977 with
the Atari 2600 game console. He also set up the pilot program that
became MTV, and held executive roles at Pioneer Electronics and
Panavision," Rolling Stone's Tim Ingham wrote. Holzman was also behind
the Authentic Sound Effects albums that became popular with radio and
TV producers and helped pull Elektra out of debt.
Holzman, now 89, retired relatively young, moving to Hawaii and
building himself a home there. But it wasn't long before he was back at
Warner, which bought Elektra, as its chief technologist. Holzman never
credits amateur radio directly for contributing to his success on the
technology side, but he did create and publish The Elektra Code Course
in 1956 (currently unavailable on Amazon, but listed nonetheless).
Curiously, the Rolling Stone editors captioned the photo accompanying
the article of a young Jac Holzman to say that he was in his "home
studio." To the better-trained eye, though, Holzman is sitting,
headphones on and right hand on a key, in front of a desk laden with
now-vintage ham gear. Spotting the article, ARRL Contest Update Editor
Brian Moran, N9ADG, emailed to ask, "Tell me this guy is not a ham."
The image does capture a professional tape machine, however, so it's
possible that Holzman's ham shack and home studio were one and the
same. A WRL-print QSL card -- visible in the background and a bit hard
to see -- displays Holzman's call sign, K2VEH. It's not known how long
Holzman was a radio amateur, but judging from the stack of equipment in
front of him in the photo, he must have fired up that Globe Scout once
in a while, when not building the Elektra label.
The article, "Five Crucial Lessons from Jac Holzman, Who Founded
Elektra Records and Signed The Doors," appears in the October 12 online
edition of the magazine.
In Brief....
New Section Managers have been appointed in Northern New Jersey and in
Delaware. Bob Buus, W2OD, has been named as Northern New Jersey Section
Manager to succeed Steve Ostrove, K2SO (SK), who stepped down on
September 22 due to failing health. Buus will serve out the current
term of office, which concludes on June 30, 2021. Mark Stillman,
KA3JUJ, was appointed as ARRL Delaware Section Manager. He succeeds
Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH, who moved out of the Delaware Section after
serving since 2014.
This weekend is JOTA weekend! Scouting's Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and
concurrent Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) will be held Friday, October
16, through Sunday, October 18. A new US JOTA-JOTI website has details.
Participants can register as individuals or as a group on the World
JOTA-JOTI website. The page includes a directory of all who have
already registered. "We would love to receive pictures and videos of
you and your Scouts participating in the events this coming weekend,"
said JOTA Coordinator Jim Wilson, K5ND. Photos may be posted on the
International BSA Facebook page. Participants are asked to complete the
feedback form after JOTA. Best practices and information on preparing
an event report are on the K2BSA web page.
SAQ has scheduled a UN Day transmission. VLF Alexanderson alternator
station SAQ at the Grimeton World Heritage Site in Sweden will transmit
a CW message to commemorate United Nations Day on October 24, on 17.2
kHz at 1500 UTC. The event and a following concert will be available
via the SAQ YouTube Channel. Reception reports are welcome via the SAQ
online form. Amateur radio station SK6SAQ will be active on 7.035 and
14.035 MHz CW and on 3.755 MHz SSB. Reports are welcome via email or
the QSL Bureau.
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Upcoming ARRL Section, State, and Division Conventions
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Note: Many conventions and hamfests have been canceled or postponed due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Check the calendar of canceled events on
the ARRL website.
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* November 21 -- Alabama State Convention, Montgomery, Alabama
* December 11 - 12 -- Florida State Convention, Plant City, Florida
Find conventions and hamfests in your area.
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
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* Origin: Outpost
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