The ARRL Letter for July 31, 2025 undefined

 

 

 

The ARRL Letter

 

, Editor | July 31, 2025

 

In this Issue:

 

Ham Radio Responds During Tsunami Threat

Amateur radio operators, including volunteers serving in the ARRL® ® (ARES®) were active in monitoring the potential impacts of tsunami waves following an earthquake off the Russian coast on July 29, 2025. The quake registered 8.8 on the Richter scale, and prompted tsunami concerns and warnings around the Pacific rim.

 

ARRL Pacific Section Manager Alan Maenchen, AD6E, lives in Wailuku, Hawaii. He was monitoring ham radio communications across the state. “There was some minor flooding in a few areas. It could have been worse. Some of the early waves were measured at 4.5 feet. Waves continue this morning but at a much lower level and difficult to notice by the naked eye,” he reported.

 

The well-networked ham radio operators in Hawaii quickly sprang into action following the alerts. Informal VHF nets were held on amateur radio repeaters. “Rick (Ward), WH6FC, held an informational statewide HF net on 7090 kHz LSB for many hours and there were about 57 check-ins,” said Maenchen.

 

On the US mainland, radio amateurs were also on alert. “The Oregon coast teams appear to have been in informal monitoring mode so that they are readily available for activation if needed,” said Bonnie Altus, AB7ZQ, who serves as the Section Emergency Coordinator of the ARRL Oregon Section.

 

The California Rescue Net on 40 meters was activated. According to Bob Turner, W6RHK, Section Manager of the ARRL Orange Section, “The net received some preparation reports from the San Francisco Bay area and Santa Cruz along with some maritime mobile stations with routine traffic. Orange County RACES checked into the net to inquire about tsunami traffic.”

 

Ham radio operators are trained for situations like this. In March, operators in the ARRL Los Angeles Section , simulating their response following large earthquakes with magnitudes 6 through 9 that appeared over several hours – much like this real world instance. Across the Caribbean, ARRL volunteers took part in the the same month.

 

As mainstream media was covering the earthquake and potential tsunami, Nexstar Media, the largest ownership group of television stations in the United States, published an article across its stations’ websites with . Number 6 on the list was to “Bring a portable radio or ham radio, also known as an amateur radio. Do not count on phones or the internet to work. Stay tuned until the threat is over.”

 

The tsunami impact to North America was minimal at worst, and alerts were canceled by midday on July 30. Photographs from Russia show widespread devastation from the earthquake.

 

The 40-meter amateur radio band is a popular choice for regional emergency communications nets due to the ability to use near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) propagation, in which the radio waves go nearly straight up and are reflected over a limited area by the ionosphere. Many hams involved in emergency communications use NVIS antennas in their home setups.

 

Dr. Duino

 

Introducing Radio Alpha, the ARRL Museum and Research Library

There’s a new resource from ARRL documenting the history of ham radio. Radio Alpha is the ARRL® Museum and Research Library. It is available for viewing at . Radio Alpha is envisioned as a Wikipedia-like project, administered by a trusted group of volunteers.

 

It aims to serve as a definitive repository of information, offering detailed descriptions and contextual data on pivotal figures, influential organizations, pioneering companies, transformative inventions, and iconic equipment that have shaped the amateur radio landscape. Radio Alpha addresses the critical need for a centralized, reliable, and easily navigable archive of amateur radio's past.

 

Recognizing the fragmented nature of existing historical data, this database will consolidate diverse information sources into a single, cohesive platform. Users will find meticulously researched entries, cross-referenced to provide a holistic understanding of the connections and evolutions within the hobby. A core principle of Radio Alpha is universal accessibility. Therefore, the database will be entirely free to access, ensuring that researchers, historians, enthusiasts, and the public can explore its contents without barriers.

 

Noted author, industrial archeologist, and historian Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE, is the principal architect who crafted the collection. Penson has published several books about the history of Heathkit and the Titan II missile. For him, it’s a labor of love and necessity. “Somebody has to do this,” said Penson. “Lots of people are doing it independently on their own – here’s a website about the equipment I own, and here’s some documents I scanned – there’s a lot of that.” The lack of a central location to compile those collections is the root of Radio Alpha. Penson hopes the research library will preserve the data long after individual contributors have passed away.

 

The platform is committed to being free of advertising, spam, and clickbait, prioritizing the integrity of its historical content and providing an uncluttered user experience. “This database will be a living resource, regularly updated and expanded through ongoing research and community contributions, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of amateur radio's profound impact on communication, technology, and society,” wrote Penson.

 

Radio Alpha seeks contributors and volunteers to help develop the content. Hams who have a passion for the history of radio, experience in writing, or extensive knowledge about a particular brand or mode of amateur radio are encouraged to volunteer. The museum also seeks materials that may help grow the collection. Those interested may reach out to Penson at .

 

Penson hopes the data will be preserved forever. “ARRL has an organizational structure that allows it to take a long view on stuff like this. It is best equipped to handle a project like Radio Alpha.”

 

Radio Alpha, the ARRL Museum and Research Library, may be enjoyed at or .

 

 

ARRL Field Day 2025 Saw Growth in Participants and Entries

The numbers are in and showing growth. showed an increase in both participants and entries, compared to 2024. According to ARRL Contest Program Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, 4,369 entries detailed 31,785 people taking part in in the event. That’s up from last year.

 

Members of Rockford Amateur Radio Association (RaRa) operating during 2025 ARRL Field Day

 

“There’s a growing interest in ham radio, especially after last year’s hurricane season and other high-profile situations in which radio has been essential,” noted Bourque. “ARRL Field Day serves as a great chance to get engaged with your local amateur radio community.”

 

The uptick in numbers may not be complete, as there’s still an opportunity for a few more entries to be added. “Occasionally, a club will need to update their entry. We work with them to make sure it is correct,” said Bourque.

 

Field Day participants should check that all the required supporting documentation related to their entries has been received by checking the Entries Received web page at . If the status of your entry is listed as Pending Documents, one or more of the required documents still needs to be submitted to complete your entry. Entrants may use the link provided in the confirmation email they received to upload additional documents or to modify their entries. Currently, 223 entries are listed as being incomplete. Updates to existing entries will be accepted until August 29, 2025. If you’re having difficulty completing your Field Day entry or have any questions, contact .

 

On the public outreach front, final measurement numbers of the media coverage earned by amateur radio public information volunteers have been tallied. ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX, reports that the total ad value equivalence (AVE) of 2025 ARRL Field Day is $37.9 million. “We had a tremendous response from clubs and ARRL public information volunteers this year on the heels of Ham Radio Open House into ARRL Field Day,” she said. “The ARRL Public Relations Committee prepared resources to help the volunteers succeed, but they really took it to the next level in communities across the country.”

 

AVE measures the amount of money that would have to be spent to buy ads in media and social media to replace the news coverage volunteers secured with press outreach. The $37.9M figure measures only mentions of ARRL Field Day from January 1 – July 31 of each year. In 2024, the figure was $20M, and $18M in 2023. Harrop hopes to see further strengthening of public information volunteers leading into 2026, which ARRL has designated as the Year of the Club. Hams seeking to serve as an may express interest to their ARRL Section Manager.

 

The overall growth is encouraging to ARRL. “I’m very pleased with the amount of active ARRL Field Day participants this year. It’s nice to see more and more people participating!” said Bourque.

 

ARRL Events App available for Huntsville Hamfest

The 2025 ARRL Alabama State Convention at the Huntsville Hamfest is August 16 – 17 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. There’s a full slate of activities happening around the event, and you can navigate them easier through the ARRL Events app.

 

The app includes the event’s full program, so you can browse and schedule forums, preview the extensive list of exhibitors, and find affiliated events.

 

Those going are also encouraged to tap on the MyProfile icon in the app to add their name and call sign, email address, and any additional information they would like to share with other guests. The MyBadge icon displays a QR code of your event badge that can be scanned by another attendee or exhibitor using the Scan Badge icon – instantly connecting shared contact information with other hams at the event.

 

The app is available for and smart devices. You may also access the , which is optimized for nearly any browser or other type of mobile device.

 

Download the app here: (or use the ).

 

Tickets and information for the Huntsville Hamfest are available at .

 

 

Amateur Radio in the News

“” / Osprey Observer (Florida) July 25, 2025 -- The Brandon Amateur Radio Society.

 

ARRL Live Events and Podcasts

 

On the Air LIVE

Registration is open now!

 

The next On the Air Live on August 26th, 2025, is all about September National Preparedness Month. Join Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, ARRL Education and Learning Education Specialist, as he covers how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other organizations encourage everyone to be prepared for emergencies and disasters of all sizes, and things you can do to become prepared.

 

Up Next:

 

📅 Date: August 26, 2025

🕗 Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific

👉

 

The ARRL Education and Learning Department would like to apologize for the limitation of the registration system for May’s edition of On The Air Live. It hit a limit at 500 registrants. We’ve upgraded the system to allow for this rapid success and growth in participation. The recording of the May session is available in the .

 

On the Air

Sponsored by Icom

 

Your Ham Radio Everyday Carry

Everybody's talking about everyday carry, or EDC, the trendy name for the collection of necessities you tote around with you every day, whether it's in a pocket or a bag. ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, joins the podcast to talk about easy ways to make radio part of your everyday carry.

 

ARRL Audio News

Listen to , 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 ARRL Audio News is now broadcast on FM low power radio stations KQRZ-LP 100.7 and 96.7 MHz FM in Spokane, Washington every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:00 AM PDT.

 

The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are available on blubrry, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts.

|

 
Schulman Auction Amateur Radio Equipment SpecialistsRig Expert Take on the Air

 
Rigol RF Test GearRadioddity Xiegu X6200 Multi-mode HF RadioFlex Radio FT8

 

 

In Brief...

The 100th anniversary of the wreck of the USS Shenandoah airship will be observed on August 31, 2025, in Ava, Ohio, where the ship crashed. The will operate special event station W8VP from 0400 - 0800Z on 7.230 MHz. A special event certificate will be available. The USS Shenandoah was the first of four United States Navy rigid airships. It was constructed during 1922 – 1923 at Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey, and first flew in September 1923. It developed the U.S. Navy's experience with rigid airships and made the first crossing of North America by airship. On the ship’s 57th flight, in September 1925, Shenandoah was destroyed in a squall line of storms over southeastern Ohio. There will be a memorial service at the airship’s crash site historic marker on September 3, 2025.

 

The has awarded a supporting grant to cover the cost of amateur radio license exams for youth in Malawi, Africa. Nine people have participated in exams this past week, five for new licenses, and four for upgrades. The Yasme Foundation board is also acknowledging the ongoing work of amateur radio operator Don Jones, K6ZO, for promoting amateur radio in Malawi. Under his leadership, the initiated the Malawi Project, which has helped license several new amateur radio operators in Malawi, the Comoros, and Uganda. The project now has a permanent home, the , established to honor former club president Jeffrey Dahn, KB3ZUK, SK. The Dahn foundation’s website provides additional information about its programs, projects, and how to send donations. Jones is in his second year living in Malawi, 8 months out of the year, helping young people get their amateur licenses. “It’s fun,” said Jones. “There is no licensing program here, but with the help of Yasme and DX Engineering, we can give these kids opportunities they would never have. This project is successful due to overwhelming support from the amateur radio community around the world.” Jones added that there are now 11 youths who have licenses, including a 12-year-old girl who just passed her test. He hopes that 19 - 20 high school students will soon be licensed and an amateur station added at their school. Plans are underway to bring some of the new hams to the 2026 Hamvention®. Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest. It is considered to be one of least developed countries in the world with a population of over 22 million, approximately 85% of whom live in rural areas.

 

Dr. Ulrich L. Rohde, N1UL, has been awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit. Rohde is an Honorary Member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences. Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder said the award is considered a sign of grateful recognition for outstanding scientific achievements and services to the Free State of Bavaria and the Bavarian people. Bavaria is a constituent part of the Federal Republic of Germany. “Through his life's work, Ulrich L. Rohde serves as an outstanding scientific ambassador for Bavaria around the world. He has rendered exceptional services to the Free State of Bavaria and its reputation as a center of science through his scientific and social contributions,” said Söder. “I accept the award with gratitude and respect,” said Rohde. “I am very pleased about the recognition of my life's work that this award represents.” Rohde is an ARRL member and helped author the ARRL Handbook.

 

 

Announcements

The 28th International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW) will take place August 16 (0001 UTC) to August 17 (2400 UTC), 2025. Started in 1993 by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group in Scotland as the Northern Lighthouse Activity Weekend, ILLW now coincides with many countries' honoring of lighthouses each August. The event is not a contest and participation is free. Each station's operators decide on which bands and modes they will operate, there are no restrictions on antennas or power, and each station must be operated in compliance with the operator’s license. Amateur radio operators are encouraged to enjoy the event and make as many contacts as possible. In the United States, Fire Island Lighthouse, W2GSB, Babylon, New York, and the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, K8L, Eagle Harbor, Michigan, will be operating special event stations. Complete information, including registration, guidelines, and a current list of participants can found at .

 

Open Positions at ARRL

Come join the headquarters staff of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®! We are currently seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:

 

Membership Manager

Advertising Sales Manager

Administrative Coordinator

Technical Editor

W1AW Operator

Assistant Editor

 

Full details may be found on the ARRL HR web page at .

 

ARRL is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

The ARRL Solar Report

This image was taken on July 31, 2025. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI]

The ARRL Solar Report July 31, 2025

 

Solar activity continues to be at low levels. Region 4153 remained the largest group on the visible disk and produced a C1.5 flare on July 28 but no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed in available coronagraph imagery.

 

Region 4155, which had shown signs of development in previous periods, underwent decay in its trailing spots, losing rudimentary penumbra while producing C-class flares to include a C4.7 on July 30. Region 4161 produced a few C-class flares as it experienced decay in its trailing spots as well. Region 4165 continued to rotate into view on the eastern limb revealing a trailing spot, and Region 4166 rapidly emerged and was numbered. A new single spot was noted just south of AR 4161, but remains unnumbered at this time.

 

A narrow CME originating from an eruption in the vicinity of AR 4157 was observed in GOES-imagery on July 30. Modeling efforts suggest that the bulk of the material is likely ahead of Earth’s orbit, but may give glancing influences on August 2.

 

The solar wind parameters reflected negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS) influences. Enhanced solar wind parameters are expected to continue through July 31 as CH HSS effects persist before beginning to wane on August 1. An additional disturbance cannot be ruled out for August 2 due to the aforementioned July 30 CME event originating from the vicinity of AR 4157.

 

The 10.7-centimeter flux: July 31, August 1, 135; August 2, 140; August 3, 150; August 4, 155; August 5 – 7, 155; August 8, 160.

 

Predicted sunspot numbers: July 31, 135; August 1, 136; August 2, 137; August 3, 138; August 4, 135; August 5, 140; August 6, 139; August 7, 142; August 8, 141.

 

For more information concerning radio propagation, the ARRL Technical Information Service, read , and the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.

 

For customizable propagation charts, visit the .

 

Just Ahead in Radiosport

  • August 1 -- NCCC Sprint (CW)
  • August 2 - 3 -- Ten-Ten International Summer Contest, SSB (phone)
  • August 2 - 3 -- (CW)
  • August 2 - 3 -- (CW, phone, digital)
  • August 3 -- SARL HF Phone Contest (phone)
  • August 4 -- K1USN Slow Speed Test (CW)
  • August 5 -- ZL Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
  • August 7 -- NRAU 10m Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
  • August 9 - 10 -- WAE DX Contest – CW (CW)
  • August 9 - 10 -- Maryland-DC QSO Party (CW, phone)
  • August 9 -- 50 MHz Fall Sprint (CW, phone, digital)
  • August 10 -- SARL HF Digital Contest (digital)
  • August 13 -- NAQCC CW Sprint (CW)

Remember to visit the for more events and information.

 

Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions

Remember to search the Database to find events in your area.

 

Have News for ARRL?

Submissions for The ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to . -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ,

 

ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information

 

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 : QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.

 

Listen to , available every Friday.

 

The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the 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.

 

. Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprints, and QSO parties.

 

. 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...

 

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 ! Follow us on , , and .

 

The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 51 times each year. ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their profile at .

 

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.

 

ARRL Logo

ARRL

225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400

· 860-594-0200
ARRL Facebook
ARRL Instagram
ARRL X
ARRL YouTube
ARRL LinkedIn
ARRL Shop
ARRL Email

© 2025 - ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®

from this list.