|
|
ARRL Teachers Institute: Coming to a Town Near You |
|
The ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology
is going mobile in 2025. In addition to the cohorts hosted at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut, there will be several sessions around the United States this year. The first, hosted by ARRL model school Staten Island Technical High School in New York City, will be held January 21-24.
|
|
|
|
TI members ready to participate in a fox hunt at ARRL Headquarters | | | |
|
The format is being refined this year from five days to four.
That change, along with taking the show on the road, is expected to make it easier for educators to attend, according to ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA. “Especially for educators juggling a busy family life, a four-day program near them might be an easier option than a five-day trip to New England.” Plans are also being finalized for a session in Kilgore, Texas, in July; and another in the southeastern US.
The programming and support continue to evolve.
“We really want to support these TI graduates after they leave, so we have rolled out a Discord server so they can stay in touch with their peers who are also implementing the material they learned here,” said Goodgame.
Providing community support and engagement has proven key to the ongoing success from the program. Staten Island Tech High’s program is led by Everton Henriques, KD2ZZT, a two-time ARRL TI attendee.
Henriques has helped many of his students not only get licensed but also be genuinely engaged in amateur radio.
Henriques will help ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, teach the program.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Staten Island Technical High School Students talk about the program, January 2025 QST Digital Edition
|
|
|
|
SITHS Engineering Teacher Everton Henriques, KD2ZZT (on the right), assists Olivia Wojtczak (on the left) and Ashley Li (in the middle) with buidling a directional antenna | | | |
|
By developing the network of educators who have benefited from the program and by offering the regional opportunities, Goodgame hopes to receive more applications to attend. TI is free for educators, thanks to funding from donors through the ARRL Education and Technology Fund. There is a $100 application fee if the educator is accepted.
Goodgame sees a long-term benefit to wrapping genuine fun into this radio-centric curriculum. “Inspiration drives innovation so if we don’t inspire young people to innovate and expose them to RF, they’re not going to innovate in those fields,” he said. “Somebody will, it’s just not going to be our kids.”
To learn more about the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology, and to apply to attend, head to www.arrl.org/ti.
|
|
ARRL Launches Dream Station Sweepstakes |
|
ARRL has introduced a sweepstakes, offering members the chance to win an Icom Dream Station including a limited-edition IC-7760 HF/50 MHz transceiver, IC-PW2 amplifier, and microphone, generously donated by Icom America.
|
|
The ARRL Sweepstakes will run from January 3 to December 31, 2025. It is the centerpiece of a year-long campaign to encourage new membership, and a fun way for current members to extend their support for ARRL.
Go to the ARRL Sweepstakes Now >
www.arrl.org/DreamStation
|
|
The lucky winner will receive one grand prize that includes a dream station comprised of the latest amateur radio equipment from Icom:
-
IC-7760 HF/50 MHz 200 W Transceiver – Icom 60th Anniversary Signature Edition
-
IC-PW2 1 kW Linear Amplifier
-
SM-50 Advanced Desktop Microphone
The winner will also receive a limited-edition Seiko watch celebrating Icom’s 60th Anniversary.
|
|
Participation in the sweepstakes is open to ARRL Full members in the US (see Official Rules). Members will automatically earn sweepstakes entries when they:
-
Join or Renew Membership – earn 1 entry
-
Set up Auto-Renewal – earn 2 entries
-
Donate to the ARRL Diamond Club – earn 1 entry for every $50 donated
Members can earn up to six (6) entries during the year-long campaign.
For more information about the ARRL Sweepstakes, and Official Rules, visit the ARRL website at www.arrl.org/DreamStation.
|
|
FCC Upholds Record $34,000 Forfeiture Against Amateur Licensee |
|
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assessed a record $34,000 forfeiture
against an amateur radio licensee for “willfully and repeatedly operating a radio station without authorization and interfering with the radio communications of the United States Forest Service … while the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands were attempting to direct the operations of fire suppression aircraft working a 1,000-acre wildfire on national forest land outside of Elk River, Idaho.”
|
|
As ARRL News first reported in 2022, the FCC proposed the fine against Jason Frawley of Lewiston, Idaho, for allegedly interfering with radio operations of the U.S. Forest Service during firefighting activities for the Johnson Creek Fire near Elk River in July 2021. The FCC stated in the Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) that Frawley holds an Extra-class Amateur Radio Service license, WA7CQ, and is the owner/operator of Leader Communications LLC, licensee of eight microwave licenses and one business license.
In response, Frawley acknowledged that he operated on a frequency reserved for government use and for which he lacked authorization but argues that he did not cause interference to the government’s fire suppression activities that were being coordinated on the channel and acted with “good faith and non-malicious intent to help.” Frawley requested a reduction or cancellation of the proposed forfeiture based on the number and duration of the unauthorized transmissions, his history of compliance and corrective measures, and his inability to pay the proposed forfeiture.
In the Forfeiture Order released on January 3, 2025, the FCC rejected Frawley’s request and assessed the full proposed forfeiture of $34,000. Read more about the story in previous coverage from ARRL News.
|
|
|
|
Hurricane Watch Net Remembers Long Time Volunteer Terry Redding, W6LMJ, Silent Key |
|
By HWN Net Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV |
|
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Terrence “Terry” Redding, Sr., Ph.D., W6LMJ, SK. He passed away January 4, 2025. His daughter said he passed holding the hand of his bride as they listened to their favorite song.
Terry was one of the longest-serving active members of HWN...40 years. He also served as a board member of Hurricane Watch Net, Inc. for 9 years.
|
|
|
|
Terry Redding, W6LMJ, SK, operates from his home station. | | | |
|
Terry joined the Hurricane Watch Net
in 1984 while stationed in Panama, using the call sign HP1XTR. His first storm to participate in was Hurricane Diana, which made landfall just north of the North Carolina/South Carolina border.
In 1987, he returned to the US, living in Lawton, OK, and held the call sign of WB5LMJ. In 1995, he relocated to West Palm Beach, FL, and was active using the call sign W6LMJ. While living in West Palm Beach, Terry and his family, unfortunately, experienced numerous tropical storms and hurricanes.
However, during those hurricanes, he found himself in the position of being a reporting station.
In late 2016, I had the honor of making Terry an “Honorary Member” of the Hurricane Watch Net for his 32 years of dedicated service.
But this honor did not slow Terry down.
He would find a way to make himself available to assist in whatever capacity needed every year, as he had always done.
Terry’s on-air help, and more importantly, his friendship, will be greatly missed.
Terry leaves behind Barbara, W5HKY, his wife of almost 55 years; and his children Terry Redding, Jr., KB5EHV, (Kelly); Sandra King (Harvey); Cynthia Smith, KB5FIQ, (Joseph); Mary Elizabeth Fabian-Redding, KC5UFZ; Sarah Lynn Redding, KC5YYT; and Michael, N4WTW, & Kirsten, KD4GUN, Glowaski; along with 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Editor’s note: Redding was an ARRL Life Member, Teacher, Instructor, and Volunteer Examiner.
Read more of HWN’s tribute to Terry Redding on ARRL News.
|
|
Amateur Radio in the News |
|
“Amateur Radio Club makes library donation” / Jackson Progress – Argus (Georgia) December 31, 2024 -- The Amateur Radio Club of Butts County is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
“Binghamton Amateur Radio Association Hosts Kids Day at Vestal Fire” / WICZ (New York) January 4, 2025 -- The Binghamton Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
“Ham Radio University Educational Conference held at LIU Post” / News12 (New York) January 4, 2025 -- Long Island University.
The Ham Radio University Amateur Radio Club and The Great South Bay ARC are ARRL Affiliated Clubs.
|
|
On the Air
Sponsored by Icom
Slow-Scan TV: Sending Pictures by Radio
In preparation for the first On the Air Live interactive livestream launching on January 28, we take a look at the topic: slow-scan TV (SSTV), a ham radio mode that allows you to use RF to send static images. Steve Ford, WB8IMY, author of “SSTV: When a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words” in the January/February 2025 issue of On the Air, joins the podcast to share the basics of this mode. Visit learn.arrl.org
to register for the January 28 livestream!
|
|
ARRL Audio News
Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews and other features.
The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are available on blubrry, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts.
On the Air
| ARRL Audio News
|
|
The times for 2025 Winter Field Day (WFD)
have been updated. This year’s WFD is scheduled to run from 1600 UTC (11 AM EST) Saturday, January 25 through 21:59 UTC (4:59 PM EST) Sunday, January 26. Stations may begin setting up at 1600 UTC (11 AM EST) on Friday, January 24. However, cumulative set-up time shall not exceed 12 hours. You can review all of the changes at Rules - WFDA. Also, remember to mark your calendar for 2025 ARRL Field Day on June 28 - 29. For additional information, visit Field Day (arrl.org).
|
|
The 129th Boston Marathon will take place Monday April 21, 2025, and registration is now open for volunteer amateur radio operators. Volunteers are needed to support operations throughout the 26.2-mile course, along with amateur support in the start and finish areas, and along the transportation bus network. To register as an amateur radio operator, you must first have, or create, an account for the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) Athletes' Village. Volunteer registration closes February 7 at 5 PM EST. For additional information, contact Marty Sullaway, NN1C, BAA Communications Committee.
|
|
Changes in the ARRL Kentucky Section
Alan Morgan, KY1O, is the new Section Manager of the ARRL Kentucky Section. Morgan was appointed to the position effective January 1, 2025, following the resignation of Charlie O’Neal, KE4AIE. Morgan had already been elected to the position for the term beginning April 1, 2025, so will continue in the role for the next term.
Morgan is an ARRL life member and previously served as Section Manager from April 2015 to April 2017. First licensed in 1978, He is active in emergency communications and also enjoys making long-distance contacts on 10 meters, 2 meters, and 70 centimeters.
|
|
The ARRL Foundation has extended the application deadline for its Scholarship Program to Monday, January 13, 11:59 PM EST. Information, including the link to apply, can be found on our website www.arrl.org/scholarship-program. All applicants must be active, licensed amateur radio operators. More than 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000 will be awarded to deserving students. Click HERE
to read a previous ARRL News story about the scholarships.
|
|
|
This image was taken on January 9, 2025. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI] | | |
ARRL Propagation Bulletin 2, for Friday, January 10, 2025.
Solar activity was a bit weaker over the past week. The average daily sunspot number was 159.1.
Predicted solar flux for the near term is 170 on January 9 - 10; 165 on January 11 - 12; 160 on January 13 - 15; 180, 190, 200, 210 and 220 on January 16 - 20, then 230 on January 21 - 25.
Predicted planetary A index is 8, 5, 5, 8, 8, 5, 5 and 12 on January 9 - 16; 10 on January 17 - 20 and 5 on January 21 - 30.
Sunspot numbers for January 2 through 8, 2025, were 173, 190, 193, 178, 154, 113, and 113, with a mean of 159.1. The 10.7 -centimeter flux was 212.4, 199.9, 209.3, 168.6, 171.9, 167.7, and 160.2, with a mean of 184.3. The planetary A index was 22, 9, 32, 20, 12, 15 and 8 with an average of 16.9. The middle latitude A index was 14, 7, 21, 12, 13, 8, and 6, with a mean of 11.6.
Send your tips, questions, or comments to k7ra@arrl.net.
A comprehensive K7RA Solar Update is posted Fridays on the ARRL website. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit
the ARRL Technical Information Service, read "What the Numbers Mean...," and check out
the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.
A propagation bulletin archive
is available. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
Share
your reports and observations.
A weekly, full report is posted on ARRL News.
|
-
January 11 -- YB DX Contest (phone)
-
January 11 - 12 -- UBA PSK63 Prefix Contest (digital)
-
January 11 - 12 -- SKCC Weekend Sprintathon (CW)
-
January 11 - 12 -- North American QSO Party
(CW)
-
January 12 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB (phone)
-
January 12 -- DARC 10m Contest (CW, phone)
-
January 12 -- NRAU-Baltic Contest (CW)
-
January 12 -- RSGB AFS Contest, Data (digital)
-
January 13 -- 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint (CW, phone)
-
January 14 -- DARC RTTY Sprint (digital)
-
January 15 - 19 -- AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest (CW)
-
January 16 - 17 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW)
-
January 16 -- NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)
-
January 16 -- NTC QSO Party (CW)
Visit the ARRL Contest Calendar
for more events and information.
|
|
Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions |
-
January 10 - 11 | 2025 Southwest Florida Regional Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Southern Florida Section Convention, Fort Myers, Florida
-
January 17 - 18 | Cowtown Hamfest 25, hosting the ARRL North Texas Section Convention, Forest Hill, Texas
-
January 31 - February 1 | Jackson MS Capital City Hamfest 2025, hosting the ARRL Mississippi Section Convention, Jackson, Mississippi
-
February 7 - 9 | Orlando HamCation, hosting the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, Florida
-
February 8 | Hendricks County Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Indiana Section Convention, Danville, Indiana
-
February 14 -15 | Yuma Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Southwestern Division Convention, Yuma, Arizona
-
February 22 | HAM-CON, hosting the ARRL Vermont State Convention, Colchester, Vermont
-
February 28 - March 1 | BirmingHamfest, hosting the ARRL Alabama Section Convention, Trussville, Alabama
-
March 7 - 8 | Greater Houston HamFest, hosting the ARRL Texas State Convention, Rosenberg, Texas
-
March 15 | 69th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Hamfest, hosting the ARRL West Texas Section Convention, Midland, Texas
Remember to search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database
to find events in your area.
|
|
ARRL recently released a Special Issue of On the Air magazine curated exclusively for new hams, to help them get excited about all they can do with their Technician-class license. If you know a newly licensed ham, encourage them to join ARRL and use offer code DKY1 so that they can receive the Special Issue full of practical information that will help them get active on the air.
Visit www.arrl.org/membership to join!
|
|
Have News for ARRL?
Submissions for The ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to news@arrl.org. -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor
|
|
ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information
Join ARRL or renew today!
No other organization works harder to promote and protect amateur radio. Membership supports benefits, services, programs, and advocacy to help you get (and stay) active and on the air. Membership includes access to digital editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the Blind-hams Groups.io
email group. The group is dedicated to discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.
NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprint, and QSO parties.
QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.
Free of charge to ARRL members...
Subscribe
to the ARES Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications news), the ARRL Contest Update (biweekly contest newsletter), Division and Section news alerts, and much more!
Find ARRL on Facebook! Follow us on Threads, X, and Instagram.
| |
|
The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 51 times each year. ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their profile at www.arrl.org/opt-in-out.
Copyright © 2025 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.
|
|
| |
| | | |
